text:
December, 2009

Bedroom inspiration

December 29th, 2009

We currently have a fairly large bedroom set, which isn’t exactly working out in our new space (it’s for sale incidentally…posted on Craigslist). Now we are inspired by the simplicity of a single mattress on legs–no headboard, no matching side tables, no problem. We actually did this for the cottage, using IKEA box springs with legs and a foam topper. We’d like something similar but want to invest more in quality, as it will be used nightly for a very long time!

We recently read in Style at Home about how beds are the leaders of off gassing in the home so we are definitely searching for alternatives. So far our experience has been Sealy/Serta brands, but I highly doubt they are the most eco friendly. Mattresses are not fun purchases but they certainly are important!

We’ve started our search with Hastens as we had a solid week experience at our Stockholm hotel back in June. However, after reading countless reviews (on Apartment Therapy) about issues with horse hair and what not we wanted to find something a bit more safe.

We found out about another Swedish company called Carpe Diem which was started by a chiropractor who felt he could make some improvements to his Hastens bed. I still have no clue what the prices are like but we really liked the simplicity of this model. Hopefully the showroom here has one on the floor we can try out.

If all else fails, I would be happy with a well made Japanese futon like this mat designed by Matali Crasset called “When Jim went to Paris”. I don’t know if there is a place in Toronto to get a well made futon…

Any mattress recommendations???

On to the fun stuff! The actual design…

Picture 5

We really love the idea of these baby rocket stools by Eero Aarnio being used as bedside tables.

baby rocket stool

The pill carafe by Charlotte Hargreave would be the perfect companion.

We were really inspired by this beautiful wardrobe, but we need a temporary solution for now…

Maybe a pair of these snow cabinets?

Picture 6

And black and white loop stand wardrobes for our clothes.

via Remodelista

A black blind for the weird awkward window in our room? Better than the dusty mini-blinds currently holding court.

Still thinking….

Filed under: General | 7 comments

Gah! Where did all the sexy coffee makers go?

December 28th, 2009

What in the world is going on with small appliances? We need a coffee maker for the store, and one for home too and it turns out our two favourite coffee makers–both unavailable in Canada–seem to be extinct in America too.

jasper morrison

Jasper Morrison for Rowenta. We bought this one for the cottage, and desperately wanted to sell it at mjölk, but Rowenta Canada and US refused to accommodate us. Now even the MOMA no longer carries it, which tells me it’s on its way out. What a shame. Beautiful to look at, simple and clean, and easy to use–it even has a scoop and a place to put filters in the top.

BRAUN Then – we were reminded of BRAUN’s awesomeness while watching Objectified the other night.

Braun now

What the what the? BRAUN Now. How does a company go from the slick white coffee maker above to this thing? I don’t need an aerodynamic EVERYTHING.

Remember your dad’s electric shaver? Simple, elegant, easy on the eyes.

BRAUN 1970s electric shaver

BRAUN 2009 electric shaver

I went looking for a shaver for John, and the simplest I could find was the one above. The designs today give me a headache. Flashy and silly, and often er, perverted (remember that crazy commercial where the cream comes out of the top? Geeze louise, give me a break). As a side note, we sold out of those Hantverk concrete shavings kits before Christmas. Could this mean a resurgence in analog?

Anyway, I digressed with the shaving, but are we alone in wondering what happened to well-designed small appliances? Is there not a market for it in North America? Are we all really THAT into stainless steel mixed with random colour, aerodynamics and mega-sizing? Sigh.

If anyone sees the above coffee makers for sale somewhere (besides ebay), please do let us know!!!

Any suggestions for worthy replacements?

Some parting notes (via Objectified):

Good design is innovative.
Good design makes a product useful.
Good design is aesthetic.
Good design makes a product understandable.
Good design is unobtrusive.
Good design is honest.
Good design is long-lasting.
Good design is thorough down to the last detail.
Good design is environmentally friendly.
Good design is as little design as possible.

Copyright Dieter Rams, amended March 2003 and October 2009.

Filed under: General | 15 comments

Merry Christmas!

December 24th, 2009

Ok, weird to do this back to back but my good friend Sarah from local/indie clothing and accessory shop The Rage called last night and told us we were a part of the NOW Toronto’s Best of 2009 guide, which completely blew our minds!

Krazy for Kitka, a website that photo-fetishizes creative-type homes around the world, became the star of the style blogosphere, but our must-click of 2009 was Juli Daoust and John Baker document their DIY home projects, Scandinavian furniture finds and, most recently, the opening of their Junction shop, Mjölk.

Merry Christmas to us! AND Merry Christmas/Happy Hannukah to all of you!

(the ubiquitous Santa photo, circa 1981)

Filed under: General | 1 comment

The Homies!

December 23rd, 2009

The Homies

Oh lookie! It’s Apartment Therapy‘s awarding of the best shelter blogs around. We had no idea we were nominated, until someone emailed us and told us! Can I just say, that it IS an honor just to be mentioned? And already there are some lovely comments about us–thanks so much! It means the world to us!

This year you can nominate as many blogs as you like, so click away! There’s so much to choose from!

Click here if you want to vote for us (shameless plug).

Click here if you want to check out all the nominees.

Filed under: General | 1 comment

Last minute gift ideas!

December 22nd, 2009

Ok, you are probably sick of gift guides on the interweb by now, but last minute gift shopping can be intense and frustrating so we just want to make your lives a touch simpler.

Warm Set

Just arrived! Tea/Coffee Set from Finland $175 for gift set, also available separately

Anything Design Scissors, $39 each

ULLA bears

Just arrived! Hand-printed ULLA bears, $45

Plus Muuto

Plus Pepper/Salt Mill by Norway Says, $89

Cake Tray

Cake Tray for the sweet tooth on your list, $148

oji shot glass2

Oji Masanori Wooden Shot Glass, $40

Colourful Tea Towels from Sweden, $24

Norwegian Wood

Norwegian Wood, by Elizabeth Tostrup, $58.50

Wooden yo-yo, $12

Stocking Stuffer! Småkompisar (Small Friends), $5.50 each

Made by Japanese Grandmothers for centuries, these feel-good bean bags are filled with linseed, and are safe for baby to hold onto, but also act as a nice companion for any age due to their pleasant weight, which feels much like holding hands does. For more active types, they are great for juggling, game-playing, stabilizing shaky hands and easing stress.

2959 Dundas Street West

Holiday Hours:

Tues-Wed 10-6
Thurs 10-5

If you can’t make it during these hours, give us a call – we can easily accommodate you at a later or earlier time!
416-551-9853 or email info[at]mjolk[dot]ca

Filed under: Mjölk | 1 comment

Sometimes you just have to ask…

December 22nd, 2009

Busy days here in the shop, so I am going to pass it over to Daniel Springer with a late summer find (and winter project)!

In the summer I was walking near the corner of Coxwell and Upper Gerrard when I spotted these bowling alley sectionals on someone’s front porch. I saw what the were and thought they were pretty cool and walked away thinking they were just neat… about 2 blocks away I stopped and went back and asked if they were for sale. The woman who answered said they had just moved in and those were in the basement and I could have them if I wanted… what luck. With a  little help from my girlfriend we carried them back to my house one section at a time.

A little cleaning and some planned hardware restoration this winter they should be the showpiece of the back yard.

If you have any Toronto stories to share, or renovations to reveal, we would love to see them!

Just send them to info{at}kitkadesigntoronto{.com}.

Filed under: General | no comments


Content-Type: application/http; msgtype=response

WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: application/xhtml+xml

WARC-Truncated: length

WARC-Type: response

text:
September, 2012

George Nakashima Studio – Part 2

September 27th, 2012

Onto Part 2 of our 3 part series on the Nakashima Studio. Today we visit the Reception house, the refinishing shop, and the lumber storage building.

The Reception house.

A vintage indigo dyed tapestry separates the showroom from the office area.

There’s a real sense of working in nature throughout the workshops.

The finishing building where coats of tung oil are hand applied to each piece.

Nakashima wall hanger.

Wind chime.

The beautiful guest house, which we will be featuring in the 3rd volume of Mjolk. The ottomans have the original antique indigo cushions used for the Rockefeller’s Japanese home.

The traditional tea room complete with a cantilever to the garden to closer connect with nature.

The bathroom was tiled by Mira and her brother Kevin.

Hinoki and copper bath buckets.

The lumber storage building.

This is one of the most valuable collections of wood in the world, many lengths of old growth trees in the Nakashima collection do not even exist anymore.

The famous bow-tie inlay.

A specifically beautiful piece of 7′ American walnut destined to become a Conoid bench, you can see the curved line which will eventually be where the slated back will be constructed.

Filed under: General,Travel | 6 comments

George Nakashima studio – Part 1

September 25th, 2012

The other week we made a pilgrimage to George Nakashima’s studio in New Hope Pennsylvania. This is a trip I’ve been wanting to make ever since seeing George Nakashima’s work in person at Gallery Toukyo when we were in Japan last summer. (and subsequently seeing more in New York later in the year).

It sounds strange that the first piece I saw by this American born Japanese architect/craftsman was in Japan, but maybe the setting was the perfect place to experience Nakashima’s work. A gallery specializing in hand crafted / Mingei work being meticulously displayed on original Nakashima pieces from an exhibition in the 1980s. The owner had purchased the entire collection, a large investment at the time that has turned into a priceless collection.

I remember specifically the long 7′ bench sitting in the window with Windsor style spoke-back being held together by a Torri like arch, running along only around 5′ of the length thus leaving a substantial 2′ cantilever for displaying pottery. I think it’s been embedded in my mind in the same way Nakashima’s signature is embedded in the display pieces at Gallery Toukyo.

IMG_4110 IMG_4126
IMG_4133 IMG_4134
IMG_4135 IMG_4141

It’s not a road trip until you’re stopped by the State Police for speeding! Oops! But really, our car only has Km on the speedometer.

Onto the epic road trip… We wanted to visit the Nakashima workshop before the arrival of Elodie, but just couldn’t find the time. This would be our first road trip with the baby, and also for us as a couple. I don’t know how we managed to not ever take a road trip, but we discovered we haven’t traveled much in our own country or through the US, and if we did travel it was by plane or train.

It took around 12 hours to drive to New Hope from Toronto after you include a stop for lunch and stops for changing diapers and the inevitable search for a Starbucks pick me up. We were originally considering making the trip all in one day, but I’m so happy that we decided to stay over the first night so we were refreshed for our studio visit the next day.

Of course we took a staggering amount of photographs, we’re saving the best for the 3rd volume of Mjölk, so in the meantime I hope you enjoy the first part of this blog post: a tour of the Conoid studio.

A cast iron knocker from Japan, on a wide plank walnut door.

Antique Japanese indigo mats on a Nakashima R bench.

The top of a Minguren end table.

“Please remove shoes”

Conoid rocking chair, and a slatted cabinet.

The Conoid showroom.

There are beautiful ceramic and iron pieces neatly displayed on cabinets and coffee tables around the studio.

A Japanese fish hanging.

A collection of Burls for Lamp bases.

The iconic butterfly joint.

Sitting outside of the studio was this amazing sculpture by Harry Bertoia, who was a good friend of George Nakashima.

The work shop flooded with natural light on looking the lush property.

The concrete pillars holding up the shell ceiling of the Conoid Studio.

I hope you enjoyed part 1! We have plenty more photos to share with you.

Filed under: Travel | no comments

Elodie, a progress report

September 14th, 2012

It’s a rainy day in Toronto so I thought I’d cheer you up with an Elodie update. I can’t believe these photos are from a month ago but whatever…she’s now almost 6 months old! It’s been so wonderful, yet challenging with the business. We really are just a mom and pop shop so we thank you all for your patience with us as we learn to balance this new and very demanding addition to our life!

These two are friends, really! Except that Isha doesn’t understand that she should stay very clear of Elodie’s very active feet.

Elodie is generally a pretty serious, taking it all in baby but when she smiles it’s pretty awesome. Elodie loves kicking in her bouncy chair, being read to (favourite book seems to be Goodnight Moon), staring at her hands in a very intense and fascinated manner, putting her foot in her mouth, chatting when the mood strikes her, licking apples, pretending to fly, staring at leaves dancing in the wind, sound effects, peek-a-boo (duh).

We also want to thank you for your lovely comments lately, especially regarding the guest cottage reno and the post about Elodie’s special gift! It’s always so nice to hear from you and we wish we could have a better system to approve the comments quicker and also answer them clearly so that you are aware that we are responding to your questions (we think you have to check back and that would be annoying as we don’t respond right away). If anyone knows of any plugins for WordPress that would help smooth this process over, let us know! In the meantime, know that we do read your comments and appreciate them very much (I even read through the infinite amount of spam we get to make sure comments don’t fall through the cracks).

Finally, we just returned home from a quick road trip to New Hope, PA to visit the George Nakashima studio. As soon as we can get the photos uploaded we’ll share a snippet on the blog.

Filed under: General | 10 comments

Mjolk guest cottage!

September 3rd, 2012

This is officially the last weekend of the summer, and we’re currently sitting on our deck after a large pancake breakfast sipping on some coffee. I’ve been asked a bunch of times how the cottage renovation has been, and when we were going to be posting some more photos.

We’ve been holding off sharing it because we let Remodelista have the exclusive to the story. Since there will inevitably be some readers who don’t follow Remodelista, or simply missed the article we wanted to do our own post about it as a nice farewell to the summer.

Of course, I have the feeling we are in store for some beautiful weather in September, we can already feel the cool breeze coming off of Georgian Bay.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but the whole inspiration for this cottage was the “Finnish summer home”. There is a large Finnish and Estonian community in Ontario, in fact we have the highest amount of Finns outside of Finland. We liked the idea of bringing back the cottage to it’s original state with natural pine floors, and simple practical furniture. We wanted the pieces we chose to furnish the cottage with to feel as if they had always been there.

Now taking a second to study this photo, you can begin to appreciate what adding a layer of plaster did for the white fireplace. When it was simply painted stone it just didn’t look right. We also added an iron hook and a Japanese palm broom and dustpan to break up all of the white.

The Swedish sconces look just like tree branches.

A pair of Aalto shelves with some Japanese iron sculptures, an old laminated wood architecture model, a milk bottle terrarium, a birch bark box to hold matches, and a brass Wirkkala-esque candle holder.

For the dining room, we settled on a table, bench, and chair set by Ilmari Tapiovaara.

We even picked up a stool for additional seating, or to be used next to the fireplace to stoke the fire.

I think it pairs really well next to the vintage Aalto bar cabinet.

Stacked rocks.

The stool in the foreground is an early 1930s/40s Aalto stool we found at Machine Age Modern in Leslieville. The sofa is a blue Hiroshima sofa by Naoto Fukasawa with beech wood legs.

The sofa choice was inspired by Aalto’s blue sofa we saw in his home in Helsinki.

Aalto also used these Zebra pillows on that blue sofa in his home, so we order a couple for ourselves directly from Artek.

All of the bedding is colourful striped sheets and pillowcases from Marimekko. In all of the bedrooms we have small Aalto luggage benches.

The second guest bedroom with wood blinds from Bamboo Bazaar.

Both of the wall lights are paper and wood lights by Miguel Mila. We’ve started to carry his lighting in our shop, I just haven’t had the time to update our website yet!

The final bedroom actually fits 2 twin beds, both with lime green striped bedding.

An Aalto bench as coffee table, and the beehive pendant light.

Finally the best room in the house. Furnished with two beautiful Alvar Aalto daybeds upholstered in Aalto’s Sienna pattern.

I can’t believe the summer is almost over, but we’re really looking forward to the fall. We’re getting a bit anxious to travel, so hopefully we can line up a trip or two before the end of the year.

Filed under: Cottage Reno,Mjölk | 29 comments

warcinfo:
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-166-65-126.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2017-26
operator: Common Crawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for June 2017
publisher: Common Crawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf


WARC-Identified-Payload-Type: text/html

text:
Penn Environment Intern

Position Details

Organization: PennEnvironment

If you care about the environment and want to make a difference, apply to be a PennEnvironment intern today.

What do interns with PennEnvironment do?  You’ll help us educate and engage citizens on the most critical environmental issues of our time. You’ll help us get our issues into the media, build coalitions, organize events, and lobby decision-makers. Ultimately, you’ll help us build the kind of public support it takes to win our campaigns.

Our Campaigns

·        We’re doing our part to stop global warming: We took a big step forward when President Obama directed his Environmental Protection Agency to develop standards that would cut carbon pollution from power plants, the nation’s largest contributors to global warming pollution. This historic step won’t be enough to fully solve the problem, but it’s an important start. Unfortunately, one of the most powerful special interests in the world -- the fossil fuel industry -- is standing in the way, at every step. That’s where we come in. We’re working to rally millions of American citizens, along with local elected officials and other powerful voices to back the President’s plan and get it over the finish line.

·        We’re making sure we don’t frack our future: Dirty and dangerous fracking is risking our families’ health, contaminating our water, and turning our treasured landscapes into industrial zones. We know that this especially destructive method of drilling for gas pollutes our air and contributes significantly to global warming. We’re working to offset the outsized influence of the oil and gas industry and keep our public health, environment, and communities protected from fracking’s dangerous impacts. This fall we are launching our new Protect Our Children campaign to defend children -- an especially vulnerable population -- from the worst effects of fracking.

·        We’re working to protect our rivers, lakes and streams:  To protect our waterways from pollution and destruction, we need to crack down on factory farm pollution, sewage, and other threats. And we know it won’t be easy because of big opposition from developers, giant agribusiness, and other polluters. We’re working to harness the huge grassroots support for clean water and turn it into the political power we need to have a lasting direct impact on our waterways.

Application Requirements

Becoming a PennEnvironment intern

If you agree that it’s time to solve these big environmental problems, the best thing you can do to get involved is to apply to be a PennEnvironment intern today

We’re looking for students who care deeply about the environment and are ready to make a difference now.

As an intern:

  • You’ll learn how to analyze environmental problems, push for smart solutions, and build the public support it takes to win.
  • You’ll work side-by-side with one of our advocates to learn the ropes.
  • You'll attend briefings and trainings to learn even more about environmental issues and gain organizing skills.

And if you’re thinking you might want to make a career out of campaigning to solve big environmental problems like global warming, interning with PennEnvironment is one of the best ways to get started. Not only will you get the training and experience you need, we hire our most talented and committed interns to join our team when they graduate. Our entry-level Campaign Organizer position is a two-year crash course in environmental activism, organizing, advocacy and the type of institution building that can sustain long-term battles.

We’re hiring interns in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for Spring 2016 and Summer 2016.


text:
'Conflict' Doesn't Have To Be A Bad Word

There are plenty of unpleasant synonyms for the word 'conflict'.  Words like -  "argument"; “confrontation"; “clash”; “disruption”; “struggle”; “combat”; “fray”.  None of them really paint the picture of a good day.  But, consider this.

One of the most overlooked opportunities for positive change, is conflict.  Conflict can be leveraged so that it becomes a platform to strengthen relationships instead of erode them.

Conflict has the potential to facilitate much needed change and fundamental growth.  The very presence of conflict let’s us know that something is not as it should be.  More importantly, it let’s us know where changes need to be made.  Changes that are probably long overdue.

Because of the immediate impact that conflict can bring to our day-to-day harmony and comfort zones, we have a tendency to focus our communication efforts towards putting out the fire, and less on preventing one from happening again.

Extinguishing the fire is obviously critical, but resolving a problem won't keep another from occurring.

Most of us don’t pay attention to underlying issues or problems until they make their way to the surface; until we’re forced to address them.

When does conflict become a positive occurrence?

When Risk Impacts Our Confidence

Have you ever experienced that long, regret-filled walk back to your desk after a meeting; the one where you kick yourself repeatedly because of all the things you didn't say during the meeting.

You beat yourself up for the rest of the day; on your way home from work; while you're eating dinner. Giving yourself one last mental beat down while you brush your teeth before bed.

You replay the moment a hundred times in your mind. Each time creating a different, more courageous version of yourself, than the one that actually showed up at the meeting. A version where you're saying all of the things you could have potentially said then, but didn't.

If any of the above struck a nerve, don't worry. These moments are supposed to happen, because we're human.

On the other hand, you might want to consider panicking if you see similarities between yourself and Milton Waddams; the guy from the movie "Office Space" with the Coke bottle glasses, who let Lumberg take his red stapler.

As for me..I tend to base my communication decisions; the opinions that I will or won't share, on SWOT analysis.  The more risk I perceive once I've assessed the moment, the less likely I am to share what I'm really thinking.

Do You Have Brand Capital?

When you’re standing in the pain reliever aisle of your local drugstore looking for something to get rid of the pounding headache you’ve had since before lunch, do you reach for the name brand stuff or the generic, significantly cheaper version of the name brand stuff?

Generic drugs are required by the FDA to have the same effectiveness (dosage, active ingredients, strength, etc.) as their brand-name counterpart.   In other words, whether you purchase Tylenol or the CVS brand of acetaminophen, you should feel the same type of relief of your symptoms from either medicine.

Why would anyone make the conscious decision to spend more of their hard-earned money to buy something they could have for much less, when they don’t have to?

It's because our experiences with the brand and what we believe to be true about it, is what we consider above all else.

Some Four Letter Words Belong At Work

If you’re at all like me, there have been times when you’ve been at work...sitting at your desk...staring at your computer screen...and wondering what exactly it was that you were supposed to be doing.  What’s even better is the fact that just minutes before, you were sitting in an hour-long meeting that was scheduled specifically to outline how to do exactly what it is that you still don’t know how to do.

It’s perfectly okay not to understand something after it was initially explained to you.  It doesn’t make you less capable, promotable, or competent than your peers and co-workers.  It makes you human. There’s no error in that.  I do think however, that we error when we don’t ask for HELP.  As unoriginal and intuitive as the idea seems, many of us are terrified at the very thought.  Some of us would probably choose public speaking over telling our peers or manager that we don't know what we're doing.

Not asking for help or further explanation is not communicating at a time when it’s critical to do so...and more importantly, not communicating proactively.

There’s a stigma when it comes to asking for help within the context of the work place.  We're afraid of being looked down upon by our boss or co-workers, and would rather save face than admit that we don’t understand something.  Why?  We're afraid of losing credibility.  We're afraid of losing our sense of autonomy.  Some of us worry that asking for help will negatively impact the perception our managers and peers have of us, simply because we may need a few extra minutes of their time.

Everyone Deserves A Chance, Even Your Boss

Have you ever left a company, transferred, or just flat out quit a job because of a not-so-great relationship with your manager? Do you call your best friend, significant other, or anybody willing to listen to you vent about your boss day after day; the moment you get off of work?  Do you find yourself re-routing the walk to your desk the moment you spot your boss; hoping to miss out on an interaction with them?

It's been said that employees don't leave companies, they leave managers.  So...if any of my questions struck a chord or two, it's alright.  You're not alone.  But, I want to ask you just one more question.

Have you ever had at least one honest conversation with your boss to discuss how you feel?  I realize it's a pretty radical idea, and such an action could have catastrophic results.  But, just stay with me for a few more paragraphs.

Everyone vents or complains to co-workers, family members, and friends about their bosses.   Nothing wrong with that.  Getting things off of your chest is always better than allowing them to sit and fester. Not to mention seeking feedback from a third-party; someone that can be provide objective input, is a great way to ensure that you’re evaluating the situation from all angles...not just your own.


text:
The greatest asset our firm has to offer to our clients is the strength of our human capital. Because of the firm’s strong dedication to its employees, values, diversity and inclusion initiatives and commitment to the community, we continue to be recognized as a “Best Place to Work.” At Kilpatrick Townsend, we are one team where each person plays an integral role in serving the needs of our clients.

We provide opportunities for growth through professional development, competitive benefits, competitive salary, increased challenges and recognition of successes for our employees. This in turn provides greater value for our clients. The firm is committed to equal employment opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, sex or gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Website Accessibility and Online Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Join Us

Match your experience to our needs

Contact Us

  • Ramona P. Moody
    Suite 2800
    1100 Peachtree Street
    Atlanta, GA, 30309
    t +1 404.815.6504
    f +1 404.541.4614
Building Green Solutions

Building Green Solutions

LEED Gold-certified offices in Atlanta and Raleigh.


text:
Michael Hamilton

Michael Hamilton

Software Testing Consultant, Author, Entrepreneur

Michael is a respected software testing consultant, published author and entrepreneur. Put simply, he ensures that software selection, development, upgrading and maintenance all go smoothly……he is the closest you will get to an insurance policy for on time and on budget software delivery!

With a combination of business and IT skills which give Michael a unique view of business, he has witnessed the dramatic transformation of the IT industry over the past 14 years having worked with local and international software vendors for clients such as Telstra, Optus (Telecommunications) and National Australia Bank (Bank/Financial Services).

Michael believes in“Bringing together ambitious business and quality technology to achieve outstanding results!”

His expertise as a software testing consultant has helped deliver key strategic business initiatives in the areas of product innovation, federal government compliance and business transformation to name a few. While at Optus, his specific involvement with the iPhone 1 launch helped successfully integrate the billing, sales and network platforms in one third of the usual time, helping the business meet unprecedented demand for the product.

Michael is passionate about the critical role that software testing plays in the risk mitigation of software delivery to deliver customer satisfaction, loyalty and profit through innovation. He is driven to work with businesses who are using software to succeed in the competitive global market.

‘As technology and the customer experience become more important, the value of software testing which ensures quality software and happy customers will only increase.’

Michael resides in Sydney, Australia and his second favourite passion behind software testing is his beloved Lindfield Rugby Club. His recent introduction to golf has setup a new passion post his rugby playing days…

Judging & Awards Ceremony

Coder Factory Academy

Team pitches (5-10min per team and Q&As): Attendees present their projects to a panel of judges. The judges select the 3 best projects. Distribution of the prizes. Networking and celebration.

Sun 23/10/2016, 4:00 PM

Introduction & Networking

Coder Factory Academy

Welcome and Introduction speech of why Polyglot Group & Coder Factory teamed up for this edition and the impact that the teams can have on the industry. Presentation of Sponsors’s businesses and challenges to give an overview of current HR issues to the participants Start composing teams: quick pitching session for participants who already have an […]

Fri 21/10/2016, 6:00 PM


text:
Folding Knife Locks

Folding knife locks are one of the great inventions in the cutlery industry.  They make the knife stable in use, stronger and, of course, safer.  Many fingers have been cut with slip joint blades closing in use.  Locks are a feature in the very great majority of folders.  I discuss the four most popular types of locks in the table below:

The locking liner or liner lock was invented by knifemaker Michael Walker. A part of the liner is cut out on two sides and heat treated to act as a spring.  When the blade is opened, the springy lock snaps to contact the back of the blade tang to immobilize the blade.  The strength of the lock depends on the thickness of the liner.  You can see the lock engaged in the image at left from the bottom of the knife.  To close the blade, simply push the lock away from the tang to free the blade.  Some liner locks have a button attached to them that protrude through a hole in the handle.  These are usually called button locks.

The frame lock was pioneered by high end knife maker Chris Reeve.  He calls it the integral lock because the spring is part of the frame.  The frame lock works just like the liner lock above except that it is part of the frame and is thicker and stronger.  Most frame locks are made from titanium frames because titanium locks have proven to last a long time.  While there are frame locks on some inexpensive steel framed knives, they tend to wear faster than titanium frame locks.  Titanium locks like the one you see pictured here should last a lifetime.

Perhaps the oldest type of folder lock is the back lock.  You can see back of the spring showing on the back of the handle.  In this design there is a spring on the top back of the knife that engages a stud on the spring with a notch cut in the blade tang as the blade is opened.  To release it, the user simply presses on the spring.  The back lock is very reliable and strong and that is what makes it so popular

Benchmade pioneered what it calls the Axis lock and I call the rolling lock.  The spring loaded mechanism places a pin that rolls into position on top of the blade tang providing a secure lock.  The lock is disengaged by pulling back on the protruding studs.  You can see one of the studs in the SOG ARC lock you see pictured here.  This type of lock has found favor with many knife manufacturers.

There are certainly other types of knife locks.  There are twist locks, puzzle locks, track locks and a host of others.  The prospective knife buyer will encounter these four almost all the time and should find good performance from any of them.


text:
Sunday, March 29, 2009

This week i went into Gap and bought a Mint green spring trench coat with 3/4 length sleeves. I love it but i need new hand warmers as my red Endpaper mitts don't match this coat at all, nor are they long enough. So here is this perfect excuse for me to go buy yarn! I went into Fresh Purls in Providence and picked up two skeins of Koigu KPPPM yarn in P539, a green and white colorway. it has some khaki and off white, green, mint green, bright grass green and so forth. i worked out the math (i think) and i cast on yesterday to start my new elbow length hand warmers. the color is very pretty and goes very well with my new coat. I guess this is my "tax return" project. I love koigu but i've never been able to pay 26.00 for enough yarn to make one not-slightly-long-enough pair of socks. it would really take 3 pairs but really, I just can't see spending 13.00 per skein x three skeins for only one pair of socks.
So now, I'm off to knit my mitts and watch "The Princess Bride" which I am also reading, and somewhere in the day there will be a nap.

No comments:


text:
Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The Travails of Travel Knitting

My initial objective was to finish the yoke of the Wild Apple and get started on the sweater body on the trip to Madrona. I had hours of uninterrupted knitting time on the way out and back, and bits of time during the trip. So I wound up a couple of extra balls of the main color and set out. The yoke attracted a lot of attention on the plane and in the airport. People were fascinated by the colors.

Now, I knit everywhere. I rarely encounter comments on my knitting. Maybe I am so absorbed in it that people don't comment. Sometimes I get into long conversations with folks but mostly I don't get comments. This yoke generated comments. People walked over to ask what it was and to see pictures of the finished product. Sadly, I had none. I got as far as round 56 or so - the last round that used color #60. I ran out of it with 6 repeats to go to the end of the round. There was no way out except to put it away. I knew I could get more yarn from Solveig but not while I was travelling. I emailed her, she replied she would send it but my knitting plans were all awry.

Fortunately, I was at Madrona. It has a market! And I had taken a number of fine gauge needles with me for the Wild Apple. So I bought the Shibui sock yarn which I had meant to try anyway. I figured that I could always use some more socks and it was good to have a project in my back pocket even though I had brought an emergency knitting project. Which knitter doesn't? And I moved on to the emergency project I had brought with me - a double-knitted headband.Two years ago at Meg Swansen's Retreat 2.75, M'lou Baber had done a workshop on double knitting and given us the pattern for this headband. M'lou is the most amazing double knitting wizard. Schoolhouse Press is publishing a book of her designs which you can see at the link above if you scroll down. I started it in Berroco Ultra Alpaca (yummy!) but had not gone too far into the design. On a whim, I packed it for Madrona thinking I could finish it there if something happened to the Wild Apple.

As you can see, I finished it on the trip. I can vouch for the durability of this yarn. That cast on edge was ripped out and re-used at least 6-8 times and was looking bedraggled when I cast on. But it is fine in the finished headband. The first couple of rips was due to not figuring out what pattern I was actually knitting from two years ago and making the headband too big. Then my tails were too long or too short. I am a perfectionist when it comes to the length of the tail and I cast on anything at least 3 times. The side I plan to use is above.Here's the other side. The snowflake doesn't look as nice done in red on black. But the entire thing feels very lovely. Of course, since I returned, I haven't had a chance to wear it.By Sunday, as I was travelling to the Bay Area from Madrona, I was done with the headband. I cast on for the sock on the flight to San Jose. Here's the sock as it was when I returned. But I could have finished the heel. I am only half way up it. What stopped me? This little thing down below. My needle snapped. Now Knitpicks sends an extra needle with their double pointed sets. But it was not in my carry-on bag. So I had to wait till I got home and dug the extra needle out to continue.
Since I got home, I haven't knit much. I got the yarn from Solveig and am working on the Wild Apple. I am in the middle of round 61. 10-ish rounds to go. There are 71 in the chart. But with 400 sts on the needles, each round takes some time.

Lorraine said...

If you call KnitPicks, they may send you a replacement needle. I have the whole set of Harmony socks needles and had 2 defective needles. They sent a set of 6 in each size.

Jaya said...

Hi Lorraine! Nice to 'see' you!

I did call Knitpicks but they won't replace the broken needle till I break another. They said that since they ship 6, they won't ship a replacement till I'm down to 4.

vanessa said...

wild apple is gorgeous!


text:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Skill + 1 UP: 2KCBWDAY2

Day 2 of Knitting and Crochet Blog Week and I'm looking back over the last year and what I've learnt in that time.  I don't know where to start!

A year ago I was the same beginner knitter I'd been for a couple of years.  Knit stitches came with ease, purling entailed a little more effort, and I could knit into the front and back of the stitch to increase and knit two together or slip slip knit to decrease.   The greatest part of my skill lay in an even tension.

Last year, suddenly, the yarn addiction really took hold and with it the confidence and desire to learn new techniques.  I decided to knit a few chokers and used them to learn beading and simple lace based on yarn over increases.  Next up was to try some simple pattern writing of my own; I wanted some wristwarmers to match a hat so adapted the pattern accordingly, then I knit another hat making it up as I went along and was pleased with the result.  Fortunately my family all appreciate homemade gifts, as this glut of experimentation created the bulk of my Christmas presents.

If I had to single out one thing that is the best thing I've learnt in the last year then it's this... the longtail cast on.  I love it.  I find it easier and more even than a basic cast on and it's much quicker to do.  Also it gave me the building blocks to grasp my first provisional cast on technique,  and I think if I'd tackled that only knowing the basic cast on I would have been a little perplexed.  Longtail cast on you are my hero skill of 2010.

1 comment:

  1. Sometimes it's the simple things, huh? I love long-tail CO too. Also, I love how you can look back on your progress and see how skills build on one another. I couldn't grasp Magic Loop until I'd learned knitting on two circulars. Cheers to learning new techniques!


text:
Neato things on Etsy

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sleeve fish?

One down, one to go!  Does a set-in sleeve remind anyone of fish?

Sleeve Front

Sleeve Back

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Free association time:

1. Knit chicken

2. Cooked chicken

3. Chinese chicken!

4. See the squid? Knit the squid? Nice squid!


text:
Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Beginning to Understand

InkleLoomDraftExperimentsSince I jumped into it without understanding much, I decided that I needed a book to help me with my inkle weaving. Inkle Weaving by Helene Bress seemed to be the oft-most recommended books, so that is the one I chose. While I have been having a lot of difficulty with concentration lately, I kept flipping through my new book, looking at pictures, trying to read some, and finally I began to understand a little. Next, I got out a sheet of paper and began playing with my colored pencils and a day or so later, I hoped I had properly planned InkleLoomWarpeda draft for the loom.

I love how the inkle loom looks when I have warped it. It seems very complicated and impressive to me (yes, I know I can be easily impressed at times). All of the color and order and lines speak to me, and I spend a little bit of time just looking at the dressed loom.

InklingInProgressWithShuttleOf course, it would be pretty pointless if I did not take it any further, so I got to the weaving and love how quickly my progress shows. However, the most thrilling was to see that I had been correct in my understanding of creating the draft, and that the pattern was working out the way I thought it would.
blog comments powered by Disqus


text:
Our Shed

A fabulous re-purposed tin shed overlooking the beautiful Orchard and Kitchen Gardens of Knockraich Farm. Full of natural character and charm, our venue offers a unique event space where the only limitation is your imagination.

Available for private hire April to October.

cafe: 01360 860132
office: 01360 860202

Knockraich Farm, Fintry, Stirlingshire, G63 0LN


text:
Results 1 - 5 of 5
Project Persons Year Tags
BMW Augmented Reality (BMW) 2009 head-mounted display, fake, concept, fake, concept, animation, single-user, 360 large field of view, linear interactive narrative, car specific, concept video, car, research
Research in the field of augmented reality is paving the way for a number of new applications in BMW Service. BMW Augmented Reality techniques provide ideal support in maintenance work on complex technical innovations in the vehicle. Using special data goggles and wireless access to a powerful computer, BMW mechanics have all the information at their disposal, precisely where they need it: in the workshop, at the vehicle.
Exercise in Immersion 4 Marnix de Nijs (V2_) 2007 head-mounted display, sensors, microphone, video, sound, video, generative abstract animation, sound, single-user, 360 choice of perspective, large field of view, reactive to head position, game with unknown goal, unconscious choices about narrative, indoors, anywhere, long setup, game, art-game, Deaf 07, crash suit
The headset is equipped with a sensor system that can couple the exact position of the user in reality with previously designed imagery. On the display built into the headset, a combination between the real world and the virtual-constructed world becomes visible.The virtual world corresponds with the existing environment through a number of clearly marked reference points, such as walls, pillars and doors. Without movement, the player remains in reality and there is no possibility to take part in the game. Movement and game progression results in the manipulation of the existing space that in the long run will transform into a virtual environment. In the most extreme case, the representation of the existing space will be completely replaced with a new and unknown world.
The Haunted Book Camille Scherrer (EPFL CVLab) 2009 desktop, graphic image recognition, graphic images, animation, multi/single user, small field of view, reactive to object position, linear narrative, user can turn the page and start animation, in front of any computer with webcam, poetry, book, student work, markerless
Diploma project by an ECAL Media & Interaction Design student with the EPFL CVLab. An artwork that relies on recent Computer Vision and Augmented Reality techniques to animate the illustrations of a poetry book. Because we don't need markers, we can achieve seamless integration of real and virtual elements to create the desired atmosphere. The visualization is done on a computer screen to avoid cumbersome Head-Mounted Displays. The camera is hidden into a desk lamp for easing even more the spectator immersion.
TINMITH Wayne Piekarski (University of South Australia) 2006 head-mounted display, gloves, Markers, pinch gloves, videofeed, generative stills, single-user, 360 large field of view, generative non-liear narrative, could be programmed anywhere, Metro, geometry, outdoor
We have written a number of applications which use Tinmith technology in order to perform outdoor augmented reality tasks. The Tinmith-Metro application is our main application, demonstrating the capture and creation of 3D geometry outdoors in real time, leveraging the user's physical presence in the world. Tinmith-Metro is also capable of easily rendering existing 3D models such as VRML, 3DS, and DXF for visualisation purposes. The true power of our software is experienced when using the 3D modelling capability to make changes in the environment, which is the most advanced of its kind available.
U-Raging Standstill CREW 2007 head-mounted display and headphones, camera, performers, pre recorded and live videofeed and sound, videofeed and sound, single-user, 360 large field of view, linear narrative chosen by the performers, could be set up anywhere, long setup, theatre, choreography, video, performance
The visitor of'U'becomes the protagonist in his own story. A story where he partly loses himself and eventually finds himself almost physically.


text:
Monthly Archives: June 2013

Know Your City portland tours this week! Nob hill tonight!

Know Your City Portland tours are up and running full speed this week. Plans with someone special this weekend? Hosting visitors from out of town and looking for something to do that will impress? Show off  how well you know your city with a KYC walking tour. We have tours for all tastes this week: […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

congratulations to comics for change! recipients + view some amazing art samples

The results are in! Know Your City is pleased to announce our selection of Artists and Writers for our new comics series, Comics for Change! Illustrated Stories From Oregon’s Front Lines. Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. It was inspiring to learn about the deep commitment Oregonians have in their communities. We were […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Know Your City Memberships: Tour Tickets and Discounts galore!

With summer here and our many, many tours coming up, now is a great time to consider investing in a Know Your City membership. As a member you enjoy numerous benefits: you are part of an effort to support civic engagement, public discourse, and social activism – plus we have have some terrific member incentives […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment


text:
Contact Us

Miranda Lambert: Dueting With Carrie Underwood Is ‘Very, Very Intimidating’

Miranda Lambert‘s forthcoming ‘Platinum’ album promises to be full of humor, nostalgia and femininity, but it also includes fellow country star Carrie Underwood. Lambert admits that the exciting collaboration was nerve-racking, to say the least.

“Singing with Carrie Underwood is very, very intimidating — I mean, I’ll be honest,” the Lindale native dishes to Yahoo. “She is an amazing vocalist. I’m a big fan of hers, and asking her to do this was nerve-racking.”

Lambert dishes that worked up the courage to ask the ‘Blown Away’ hitmaker to share song space via an email.

“I sent her an email … a long, blabbing email about if she wanted to sing on the record, it could be cool, but maybe she didn’t want to, and if she liked the song, but she didn’t have to like the song … when I sent it, I thought, ‘This sounds ridiculous,'” Lambert shares.

The sassy songstress’ forthright attitude paid off — the two Southern gals hit the studio together, much to the delight of fans. “We’re really rocking in country music and we’re coming together as a force … I’m ready to rock and singing with Carrie really pushes me,” she says.

The Lambert/Underwood collaboration, called ‘Something Bad,’ comes at the right time, bringing girl power to the stage with force.

“It’s been too long since two girls in our genre have come together like that,” Lambert concludes, “especially on a song that’s kind of in your face.”

Next: Top 10 Miranda Lambert Songs

Best of 101.5 KNUE

Recommended for You

Best of the Web

Leave a Comment

It appears that you already have an account created within our VIP network of sites on . To keep your personal information safe, we need to verify that it's really you. To activate your account, please confirm your password. When you have confirmed your password, you will be able to log in through Facebook on both sites.

Forgot your password?

*Please note that your prizes and activities will not be shared between programs within our VIP network.

It appears that you already have an account on this site associated with . To connect your existing account just click on the account activation button below. You will maintain your existing VIP profile. After you do this, you will be able to always log in to using your original account information.

*Please note that your prizes and activities will not be shared between programs within our VIP network.

Please fill out the information below to help us provide you a better experience.

(Forgot your password?)

Not a member? Sign up here

Sign up for KNUE Country Club quickly by connecting your Facebook account. It's just as secure and no password to remember!

Sign up to have exclusive KNUE Country Club contests, events, coupons, presales, and much more delivered to you for FREE.


text:
Thursday, July 30, 2015

January, February, March Hondo Tx

We arrived at Lone Star Corral January 18th.  Our friends, Lynn and Joyce Marlatt were already there waiting for us, and they were almost our back door neighbors!  We immediately started showing them the area, and joining the wonderful Escapee friends at LSC.  Some of the things we did:

  • The Alamo
  • LBJ ranch tour
  • Outlet Mall in San Marcos
  • Visiting gate guard friends and fellow LSCer’s Gene and Linda Moreau
  • San Antonio river walk
  • Bill and Rosa’s for country fried steak
  • Pulled pork dinner at LSC
  • Mad Dogs Pub in San Antonio
  • Coopers BBQ in New Braunfels
  • Lunch bunch tea room in Uvalde (fantastic jalapeno soup)
  • Trade days in Boerne
  • The Brazilian Grill in North San Antonio (highlight of the trip)
  • 5 Days in Rockport where we walked on the beach and pier, had breakfast on the bay, went to the boiling pot for a dinner, and since we were parked right on the bay had wonderful views every day!
  • Welcome Winter Texans lunch in Uvalde
  • Sabinal bean supper
  • Valentines dinner at LSC
  • German dinner in Fredericksburg
  • Breakfast and shopping at the Old Spanish Trail in Bandera
  • Omelets in a bag (Peggy’s kitchen)
  • Many days of ‘just driving around’
  • Car show at Womack Chevrolet in Castroville
  • Mercado in San Antonio (Mexican shopping plaza)

Before Lynn and Joyce left, our friends Len and Phyllis East came to LSC for a month, and they joined in on some of the fun stuff too!  Also we had visitors Joe and Sandy Fryberger from Longmont, CO came and stayed 2 nights.  We sure wish we would have had more time with them all!

On March 16th we left LSC for a gate at Northcut Ranch, with Riata Oilfield Security Services.  We were hoping to get a gate and just kind of fell into this one, and we love it.  It is now May 4th, and we are planning to stay here until at least next spring (if the job holds out).  It will be a long hot summer in south TX, but the kitty is crying the blues, and we have to make some money.  We really enjoy the Cotulla area, even though it is in the desert pretty much.  We’ve got some great wildlife here at the gate – cows, deer, turkey, eagles, rabbits, road runners, rattle snakes, coyotes, cardinals, and many birds we don’t know, but they’re fun to watch.  We’ve gotten to know quite a few of our ‘workers’ and so far I’ve made them brownies and no bake cookies.

No comments:

Post a Comment


text:
Eyes In The Back Of Their Heads

Your reactions ...

  1. Tommy Blaze

    Have scientists figured out how mom’s can see in 360?

  2. Ray Amrine
    Ray Amrine

    Moms just remember what they and their brothers used to do.

    • Tommy Blaze
      Tommy Blaze

      Yeah, Ray, you’re probably right.

  3. Eva D.
    Eva D.

    Just getting to know Spencer. Love his relationship and conversations with God… they are so down to earth and typical how kids really relate to Him. About 20 yrs ago I was babysitting my godson who was maybe 5 at the time. He had done something to get in trouble so I told him to go up to his room talk to God about what happened and come back when he finished. He shows back up in a few and I said ‘so did you talk to God?’ He said yes’ ‘well, what did He say… ” I said God?… and he said : “WHAT IS IT MICHAEL?!” (offense forgotten… LOL!)

Comment ¬

Or comment through Facebook ...


text:
Gold Member Since 2009
Audited Supplier

Ningbo Komaes Solar Technology Co., Ltd.

Solar Panel, Solar Module, PV Panel manufacturer / supplier in China, offering 0.5W LED Solar Reading Light with 5V 0.4W Solar Panel, 1W LED Super Bright Light Special Function Solar Lantern with 6V 1.7W Solar Panel, 0.5W LED Solar Reading Light with 5V 0.4W Integrated Solar Panel and so on.

(/ )

Supplier Homepage Company Show Office R & D department

R & D department [Apr 23,2011]
R & D department

As the solar applications are used more and more, the demands on solar power continue to grow rapidly all over the world. We target to lower the cost of solar-provided energy to drive widespread adoption of solar energy applications and our products. Hope that both us (your fine companies and our company) can carry out full sincere cooperation, expand more bigger markets in the field of solar.


text:
Sunday, October 07, 2007

The real last weekend (party at my place)

There was lots of dancing

sleeping and drinking
Dillon just being sleepy
A few moments of drunken behaviour from Mick

Some dodgy 4 string guitar playing.

Stealing jackets????

making candles

playing on the balcony

Til we were told we were too noisy and had to go back inside.

Phil, Dillon, Cheryl, David, Chris, Kara, Mick (hidden) and Martyn at my place.

Jack and Steve chillin on the balcony
Cheryl and Sunny
Eating meat from a stick
or just playing with it

From dusk til dawn

Me, Mick, Jack, Cheryl and Martyn

1 comment:

Devil Mood said...

My God, that coffee table couldn't fit in a single extra bottle!
It is Korea but it could be anywhere else in the world, apart from the 'bunnies', course.


text:
Fatal Four – Part 1 – Fall Prevention

April 13th is National Scrabble Day, and the birthday of the original inventor of the game, Alfred Mosher Butts. This month, Korte & Luitjohan began an in-depth look at the top four construction hazards, the “Fatal Four”.  First we will look at the number one cause of death in construction – Falls. According to the […]

Work Begins Richland College Student Success Center

Project Update – St Clair County Event Center

Korte & Luitjohan Adds Scott Muentnich to Staff

Korte & Luitjohan Contractors (K&L), is pleased to announce that Scott Muentnich has joined the K&L team as Director of Client Relations. Scott comes to K&L with over 20 years of construction and development experience overseeing a variety of projects both as a project manager and manager of multi-state commercial/industrial business development. Scott has the […]

Korte & Luitjohan Receives Safety Award

Project From the Past

Project with Heart

Roxana Tilt-Up

Gateway Urgent Care Opens at 11-South


text:
Sunday, February 21, 2010

Ready to Go!

After many months, I think that I've FINALLY got things ready for this little lady to make her debut. The nursery is done, and I've got my bag mostly packed for the hospital. I know that I've packed more than I need, but that's mostly because I'm taking Ella's diaper bag with clothes in it, so that she can wear her own clothes at the hospital instead of the ugly things that the hospital puts onto new babies. Here's what we've got...

Here's our family suitcase to go to the hospital, complete with James's CPAP machine bag and the baby's diaper bag.

...and yes, Dad, I made a list of all the things I need to take, just so that I can check it right before I leave!

I finally found a little table to go beside our rocking chair in the nursery, and we've got James's favorite little kid book, Goodnight Moon, sitting there ready to go. (He's already read it to Ella several times.)

Lots of fun toys that we got as gifts!

Megan Washington painted the baby's initials onto these beautiful canvases - Elizabeth Anne Sagar!

The crib is all set, and we've mounted the baby monitor onto the wall in the corner so that we can check on her without opening the door.

I think Max is trying to figure out why we got a new fancy wooden cage and put it into the pretty room upstairs. Are we getting a new dog? Or maybe his crate is getting an upgrade? Boy is he in for a surprise!

Diaper changing station

pretty new curtains for the window

finally finished!

Friday, February 19, 2010

The Philosopher

Sometimes I wonder what goes through Max's head. Most mornings, he just wants to go outside, patrol the yard, and come back in to hang out on the couch. But every once in awhile, he rings the bell to go outside and just sits on the deck. He'll let the wind blow through his ear fluff, raise his nose to sniff whatever is in the air, and just ponder life. Sometimes he sits for a long time doing this, and I like to just watch him through the window. He seems especially philosophic during the spring time - maybe he's trying to ascertain whether spring is coming, even though there is still snow sitting on the ground. It's his special thinking time, and I love to watch him.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

February Snow!

While the east coast is getting hammered with feet of snow, we've only had a few inches so far in St. Louis. If we were just a few hours north, I think we'd be in trouble, so I'm VERY thankful to be far enough south that it's not too bad. Max is, of course, having a blast playing in the powder in the back yard. He's loved the snow ever since he was a little puppy, but his paws get really cold after just a few minutes, and then he wants to come in and warm up. I've been trying to convince him that it's not really much fun to play in the snow, so that he doesn't keep trying to go out into it every half hour, making me wipe his paws every time he comes in!

Here are a few pictures:

Max checks out the fresh powder from the deck.

I'm thinking that this rosemary plant probably won't make it! I should have brought it inside back in early November.

He's looking for a kong wubba toy that got buried - eventually he found it, but he got a cold, wet nose in the process!

Checking the backyard for squirrels and birds before coming back inside.

A view of Tower Grove Park across the street...and the path that I shoveled yesterday to the car. Unfortunately, more snow blew into the path, so it's not clear anymore!


text:
Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Time Blocks for Delivery

So this morning I am working from home only because we decided to get a new bed. Well of course what that means for everyone that doesn't have a semi moving truck it means that we needed to schedule a Delivery for the furniture. This is my favorite time. Just waiting at home not knowing when they will show up. Oh don't worry though. Yesterday I received an upbeat call from a gentleman from the distribution center.

"Ernie, How are you today? I am just calling to give you the delivery window for your new bed"

Great i replied when do i need to be home?

"They will be there exactly between 8:30 am -- 12:30 am"

What I found pecular was the word EXACTLY. Doesn't this word give definition to a more exact time? What does exactly mean if retail starts using it in delivery.

So I am thinking that this terminology can be a benifit for all people.

Think of this,
If you don't want to display your age to someone just say "I'm exactly the age of 25-60"

or when its tax time and they need your salary say "I make exactly $10000-$150000" That way the goverment has to figure it out. wouldn't that be nice for a change.

So next time when delivery comes calling and they give you the EXACT time of when they are going to be there just know that this probably means that they will show up exactly between January 1 - and December 31.

Gotta love Exact delivery windows.

No comments: