Michelle's muses from Mnemosyne is moving from Blogger to Word Press, http://michelle1130.wordpress.com. The past posts and upcoming posts are available at http://michelle1130.wordpress.com.
Switching to WordPress allows better integration of the blog into Linked in. I like the stylistic options at WordPress. I think it is easier to comment on posts through Word Press. Also, the program provides more information about what types of information readers are viewing.
Please join me over at http://michelle1130.wordpress.com
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Locating all the book stores fast - 2 directories
I went to the NorthWest Association of Book Publishers talk this morning about marketing self-published books. The speaker, Linda Kuhlmann provided a wealth of information, including the suggestion to locate every bookstore that can be found. This is where I piped up about using a directory of bookstores to speed up the research. Using a directory is like using a file cabinet to locate tax information. It is easier and quicker to find the tax information in one place rather than locating particular pieces spread across the rooms in your house. I will list 2 book store directories here that will save time and energy.
The first directory is Bookwire - Bookseller Resources, on http://www.bookwire.com/booksellers.html. The directory includes thousands of links to book sites organized by subject area. Choosing a subject area, e.g. "Mystery", displays a page listing stores and a sentence about their business. In the case of Mystery there are over 50 stores. A quick scan through the list will provide ideas on which bookstores will be the most useful to visit first. The directory is maintained by Bowker, the company that provides a pulse to the book business. I first discovered Bookwire as an editorial intern, in 1995, for Charlesbridge Publishing. I have been a fan of the site and its directories ever since.
The second directory is ABA: ABA Bookstore Member Directory located at http://www.bookweb.org/aba/members/search.do. This is a directory of independent bookstores in North Ameirca (e.g. U.S. and Canada) that belong to the American Book Association. In general, independent bookstores that want to stay in business belong to the American Book Association to make use of critical resources. The ABA directory can be searched either by location and/or by subject area. A description can be entered to focus a search in a particular area. The search can also be limited to only those bookstores with a website. The search page results display the name of the bookstore, address, phone number, and a description. Selecting a bookstore may open its website. Keep in mind that the information in this directory is provided by each bookstore. As such, sometimes the information is incomplete or less intuitive to find. I suggest trying at least 2 different kinds of searches (e.g. choose only Oregon and all specialities, see what you find, clear the search form, choose Mystery and all states/provinces). The ABA directory provides a wealth of bookstore information that amazes me. For example, Oregon has over 50 independent bookstores.
I am very thankful for the bookstore directories provided by BookWire and the ABA. As an avid bibliophile, these resources make it easy to add to my collection.
The first directory is Bookwire - Bookseller Resources, on http://www.bookwire.com/booksellers.html. The directory includes thousands of links to book sites organized by subject area. Choosing a subject area, e.g. "Mystery", displays a page listing stores and a sentence about their business. In the case of Mystery there are over 50 stores. A quick scan through the list will provide ideas on which bookstores will be the most useful to visit first. The directory is maintained by Bowker, the company that provides a pulse to the book business. I first discovered Bookwire as an editorial intern, in 1995, for Charlesbridge Publishing. I have been a fan of the site and its directories ever since.
The second directory is ABA: ABA Bookstore Member Directory located at http://www.bookweb.org/aba/members/search.do. This is a directory of independent bookstores in North Ameirca (e.g. U.S. and Canada) that belong to the American Book Association. In general, independent bookstores that want to stay in business belong to the American Book Association to make use of critical resources. The ABA directory can be searched either by location and/or by subject area. A description can be entered to focus a search in a particular area. The search can also be limited to only those bookstores with a website. The search page results display the name of the bookstore, address, phone number, and a description. Selecting a bookstore may open its website. Keep in mind that the information in this directory is provided by each bookstore. As such, sometimes the information is incomplete or less intuitive to find. I suggest trying at least 2 different kinds of searches (e.g. choose only Oregon and all specialities, see what you find, clear the search form, choose Mystery and all states/provinces). The ABA directory provides a wealth of bookstore information that amazes me. For example, Oregon has over 50 independent bookstores.
I am very thankful for the bookstore directories provided by BookWire and the ABA. As an avid bibliophile, these resources make it easy to add to my collection.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Cats: Information and Entertainment
Olive the Cat
In 2003, my husband's coworker found a stray tabby around her house (see picture). She already had 5 or 6 cats and could not adopt it. So, she took the cat to the vet, where it was treated for fleas and helped the cat to grow accustomed to a home. My husband and I decided to adopt the cat. The day came and the coworker let the cat out of the carrier. We had to come up with a name. I thought of the name Olive (because the cat is a her and the fur looks olive like). Olive became a part of the family.
As I am learning about Olive and the essence which is cat, I am referring to some great Internet sites. One of the premier sites is the Cat Fancier's Association (CFA) http://www.cfa.org/index.html The CFA os a non-profit that looks out for the best interests of all cats. It is also the top authority on breeds and pedigree. The CFA sponsors the cat shows (the top cat appears in October of each year). The CFA website is very useful in selecting a cat and understanding the behaviors of different kinds of cats (For example, I found a wealth of information on Olive's breed, the American Shorthair). There is a section for kids to learn about cats and health information for various conditions (Olive has asthma). The CFA provides some fun cat facts and a link to various entertaining articles, from the Fanc - E - Mews magazine.
Glenda Moore has created a fun site about cats called CatStuff: Cat Information, Graphic and More http://www.xmission.com/~emailbox/catstuff.htm. The site has been around since 1995 and has some cute stories, photos, information and trivia. If you are looking for a desktop image or some tips and tricks, this is a good site to view. It makes for entertaining browsing and reading.
Olive, our American short hair has been with us for over 5 years. She has traveled from Maynard, MA to Portland Oregon via car. She is very talkative, (every afternoon she comes into the office to chat). We can find her in the house because she will answer to her name. We live with a very verbal, sweet cat. Olive has left the office as I type, but she will be back meowing a new story.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Jumping into the unknown and extreme programming
On Wednesday evening, I dove into extreme or XP programming at the XPDX seminar, Acceptance Test Driven Development http://calagator.org/events/1250456634. In my career as a software tester I had heard about different kinds of programming modes, e.g. Agile Development. I had tested software from the user's perspective, by executing automated scripts, and running test cases at different points of the software development life cycle. However, I did not know about XP and was sometimes lost in a sea of jargon.
So, I asked the person conducting the seminar, Elisabeth Hendrickson, about some resources to find out more about extreme programming. She recommended extreme programming explained: EMBRACE CHANGE, by Kent Beck, http://www.powells.com/biblio/2-0201616416-2 As the reviews on Powell's website reveal, this book is considered a basic primer and authority to the what, how and why of extreme programming. It can be dry at points.
So, I looked online for a short description of extreme programming and a different perspective. I found Extreme Programming: a gentle introduction by Don Wells http://www.extremeprogramming.org/index.html. This distilled 20 pages into one page, easy to follow. I learned, from the site that Extreme (XP) programming is a methodology that measures success by delivering what the customer needs. The philosophy is a response to frustrations with big, onerous software. The XP slant advocates for the customer by underscoring flexibility, communication, feedback, and simplicity. In addition there is a list of helpful resources http://www.extremeprogramming.org/more.html as users have additional questions.
Speaking of additional information on XP, Ron Jeffries has put together a nice site describing XP rules and practices. The site is called XProgramming.com - an agile software development resource, http://www.xprogramming.com/index.htm. Jeffries unites the XP community in his site by posting various articles, listing helpful software tools, and facilitating discussions among the XP experts in the field.
So there is information on another development philosophy, extreme (XP) programming. So what?
Well, this methodology is prevalent in developing software. Understanding this as customers, helps to communicate desired software changes and needs to developers, project managers and testers. Software is integral to daily life, whether it impacts cell phones, locating information on the internet or writing a simple letter. Our effectiveness is, in a way, defined by the software we use. It makes sense to understand extreme programming to better communicate the applications we need tomorrow.
So, I asked the person conducting the seminar, Elisabeth Hendrickson, about some resources to find out more about extreme programming. She recommended extreme programming explained: EMBRACE CHANGE, by Kent Beck, http://www.powells.com/biblio/2-0201616416-2 As the reviews on Powell's website reveal, this book is considered a basic primer and authority to the what, how and why of extreme programming. It can be dry at points.
So, I looked online for a short description of extreme programming and a different perspective. I found Extreme Programming: a gentle introduction by Don Wells http://www.extremeprogramming.org/index.html. This distilled 20 pages into one page, easy to follow. I learned, from the site that Extreme (XP) programming is a methodology that measures success by delivering what the customer needs. The philosophy is a response to frustrations with big, onerous software. The XP slant advocates for the customer by underscoring flexibility, communication, feedback, and simplicity. In addition there is a list of helpful resources http://www.extremeprogramming.org/more.html as users have additional questions.
Speaking of additional information on XP, Ron Jeffries has put together a nice site describing XP rules and practices. The site is called XProgramming.com - an agile software development resource, http://www.xprogramming.com/index.htm. Jeffries unites the XP community in his site by posting various articles, listing helpful software tools, and facilitating discussions among the XP experts in the field.
So there is information on another development philosophy, extreme (XP) programming. So what?
Well, this methodology is prevalent in developing software. Understanding this as customers, helps to communicate desired software changes and needs to developers, project managers and testers. Software is integral to daily life, whether it impacts cell phones, locating information on the internet or writing a simple letter. Our effectiveness is, in a way, defined by the software we use. It makes sense to understand extreme programming to better communicate the applications we need tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Ethics and Legal Responsibilties in Blogging
Last night, the Oregon Special Libraries Association met over chocolate to discuss ethics. Several themes emerged from the discussion, including legal issues, confidentiality, and industry based expectations. We ran through some ethical scenarios and talked about what should be upheld by the Special Library's Association (SLA).
My mind has been churning about this discussion, especially about how it pertains to blogging. I think blogging can seem very private and non-transparent in that opinions are transported over bits, instead of through face to face interaction. As many blogs tend to be public, I believe it is important to be aware of the ethical and legal implications in blogging.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation has put together a resource describing legal/ethical blogging issues, Legal Liability Issues at http://www.eff.org/issues/bloggers/legal. As an information source, EFF, a non-profit organization, has significant credibility. The EFF was designed to preserve freedom of speech and to advocate for consumer rights. The EFF website describes the legal ramifications of blogging in an accessible FAQ format. Complicated legalese is stated in plain English. It also clarifies implications when moderating the comments
on a blog.
Another way to look at blogging ethics, is through the journalist eyes. After all,a blog provides information in the public view. Journalists are major players in informing the public on various issues, regardless of medium. To make sure a blog is fair, thorough and honest, it is well worth visiting the Society of Professional Journalists at, http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp. This code is translated into a blogging code of ethics by the Cyberjournalist.net at http://www.cyberjournalist.net/news/000215.php.
After visiting the EFF and Society of Professional Journalists sites, I have a new appreciation about blogger responsibilities and the ethical implications in providing information. I can see that this information will continue to be beneficial as I develop my career as an information professional.
My mind has been churning about this discussion, especially about how it pertains to blogging. I think blogging can seem very private and non-transparent in that opinions are transported over bits, instead of through face to face interaction. As many blogs tend to be public, I believe it is important to be aware of the ethical and legal implications in blogging.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation has put together a resource describing legal/ethical blogging issues, Legal Liability Issues at http://www.eff.org/issues/bloggers/legal. As an information source, EFF, a non-profit organization, has significant credibility. The EFF was designed to preserve freedom of speech and to advocate for consumer rights. The EFF website describes the legal ramifications of blogging in an accessible FAQ format. Complicated legalese is stated in plain English. It also clarifies implications when moderating the comments
on a blog.
Another way to look at blogging ethics, is through the journalist eyes. After all,a blog provides information in the public view. Journalists are major players in informing the public on various issues, regardless of medium. To make sure a blog is fair, thorough and honest, it is well worth visiting the Society of Professional Journalists at, http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp. This code is translated into a blogging code of ethics by the Cyberjournalist.net at http://www.cyberjournalist.net/news/000215.php.
After visiting the EFF and Society of Professional Journalists sites, I have a new appreciation about blogger responsibilities and the ethical implications in providing information. I can see that this information will continue to be beneficial as I develop my career as an information professional.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Wine, Food and the Sommelier
For Valentine's day, Scott treated me to a fancy dinner at the Heathman, http://www.heathmanrestaurantandbar.com/ We had never been to the restaurant and it seemed interesting. During the course of dinner, we were searching for a reasonable wine to pair with Scott's rabbit and my truffle risotto. The wine menu was 20 pages long with over 450 choices. Watching us ruminate about the wine choices, a young man in a dark coat with a silver pin came over to offer us some assistance. This was not the same face as our waitress. I was intrigued. I learned that the man was a Master Sommelier, a person that makes recommendations about great wines to go with food and serves the wine.
I became further intrigued about wine and the Sommelier. How does one become a Somellier? I went to the Court of Master Sommeliers to find more information, http://www.mastersommeliers.org/faq Apparently there are 4 levels of courses and several exams to pass. The higher the level of classes the more rigorous the courses. One course costs between $295 and and $895. To complete all 4 levels, plan on spending over $2000.
I decided that a career as a sommelier did not hold in my future (Besides I really like researching information resources and doing software testing). But, I also like wine and food, and would like to know more about good pairings. Where would be 2 good Internet sites to visit for more information?
One great site is the WineLoversPage.com http://www.wineloverspage.com/ This site was put together by Robin Garr, a wine expert and journalist. He designed the site to make wine accessible. His mantra is "Straight talk in plain English about fine wine." The site delivers just that. There is information on how to taste wine, wine choices, and reasonably priced wines. There is a wine forum and wine chat for fellow wine lovers to interact and share tips. This site contains a wealth of information about wine possibilities and will sate curiosities about wine.
Another excellent Internet site about wine is created and maintained by the Professional Friends of Wine at http://www.winepros.org/index.htm The Professional Friends of Wine are comprised of grape growers, wine sellers, and restaurant business people. This group, uses the web site to "..spread wine knowledge and enthusiasm.." The site informs readers on wine basics, upcoming events, wine bottle labels, wine-food pairings, and wine recommendations. The website authors participate in wine tastings, gaining first hand knowledge of the wines they review. The content is straight forward and reliable.
Although we did not know about the WineLoversPage.com http://www.wineloverspage.com/ or the Professional Friends of Wine at http://www.winepros.org/index.htm sites, we chose a great wine, with the Sommelier's help. We drank a light bodied Pinot Noir from the Evesham Wood Vineyard. Our dinners of rabbit and truffle risotto became even more robust from this choice. Also, I have a new appreciation of wine and much to learn about it.
I became further intrigued about wine and the Sommelier. How does one become a Somellier? I went to the Court of Master Sommeliers to find more information, http://www.mastersommeliers.org/faq Apparently there are 4 levels of courses and several exams to pass. The higher the level of classes the more rigorous the courses. One course costs between $295 and and $895. To complete all 4 levels, plan on spending over $2000.
I decided that a career as a sommelier did not hold in my future (Besides I really like researching information resources and doing software testing). But, I also like wine and food, and would like to know more about good pairings. Where would be 2 good Internet sites to visit for more information?
One great site is the WineLoversPage.com http://www.wineloverspage.com/ This site was put together by Robin Garr, a wine expert and journalist. He designed the site to make wine accessible. His mantra is "Straight talk in plain English about fine wine." The site delivers just that. There is information on how to taste wine, wine choices, and reasonably priced wines. There is a wine forum and wine chat for fellow wine lovers to interact and share tips. This site contains a wealth of information about wine possibilities and will sate curiosities about wine.
Another excellent Internet site about wine is created and maintained by the Professional Friends of Wine at http://www.winepros.org/index.htm The Professional Friends of Wine are comprised of grape growers, wine sellers, and restaurant business people. This group, uses the web site to "..spread wine knowledge and enthusiasm.." The site informs readers on wine basics, upcoming events, wine bottle labels, wine-food pairings, and wine recommendations. The website authors participate in wine tastings, gaining first hand knowledge of the wines they review. The content is straight forward and reliable.
Although we did not know about the WineLoversPage.com http://www.wineloverspage.com/ or the Professional Friends of Wine at http://www.winepros.org/index.htm sites, we chose a great wine, with the Sommelier's help. We drank a light bodied Pinot Noir from the Evesham Wood Vineyard. Our dinners of rabbit and truffle risotto became even more robust from this choice. Also, I have a new appreciation of wine and much to learn about it.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Seminar on Inspecting Specifications before Testing Software
This evening, Erik Simmons, spoke about catching the majority of defects by inspecting the specifications before the final version is written. The idea is to have the specification author write about 60-120 words at a significant time period before the specification is due. At this point the author may feel a little guarded about what is written since it is not complete. But, by inspecting these pages,a team of testers can get a sense of the "defect density" per page in the spec. Basically, inspection reveal positive and negative trend( e.g. missing language, unbounded quantifiers, etc..). The negative trends are specification defects. The testing team gives feedback to the author. Then the author knows what to change, as needed, when writing the final spec. The result is a better quality spec which translates into potentially less system defects. Erik explained how this can be used during Agile software development. It was a very interesting talk and I could see how this can be beneficial before beginning manual and automatic testing. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in different kinds of testing scenarios and in different company cultures.
The approach to inspecting specifications is based on Gilb and Graham's Software Inspection
. Here is a review to the book, http://www.exampler.com/testing-com/writings/reviews/gilb-inspection.html. For books describing alternative approaches towards inspection and/or software testing try the Reviews of Software Product Development Books, Articles and Web Pages . The listing appears here, with some feedback: http://www.exampler.com/testing-com/writings/reviews/kaner-tcs.html
For additional events, like the one above, geared towards the Portland Oregon community, try Caligator http://calagator.org/. This is a great tool to see what technical seminars, pertaining to software development and testing, are planned in the next couple of months.
The approach to inspecting specifications is based on Gilb and Graham's Software Inspection
. Here is a review to the book, http://www.exampler.com/testing-com/writings/reviews/gilb-inspection.html. For books describing alternative approaches towards inspection and/or software testing try the Reviews of Software Product Development Books, Articles and Web Pages . The listing appears here, with some feedback: http://www.exampler.com/testing-com/writings/reviews/kaner-tcs.html
For additional events, like the one above, geared towards the Portland Oregon community, try Caligator http://calagator.org/. This is a great tool to see what technical seminars, pertaining to software development and testing, are planned in the next couple of months.
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