Look what I just found

I still have this blog. Forgot about until wandering through my google account. I may just have to start this back up!

Issues to consider

Is the site:

· E-commerce/sales

· Informational/Promotion

· Blog

Does the site consist of:

· Web pages and page elements (tables, columns, page layout, etc)

· Input Forms

· Images, Animation, Video/audio streaming/downloads

· Imbedded links, widgets or games

What problems do disabled Internet users face?

http://www.mickwood.com/articles/barriers.shtml

1. visual
2. aural
3. physical (motor)
4. cognitive

Range of disabilities that present problems to using the web

http://www.accessifyforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=566

· Visually impaired

· Colour blind

· Dyslexic

· Unable to use a normal mouse

Review of Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools

WAVE
http://wave.webaim.org/
Check individual web pages by entering a URL or uploading a file. The page is re-created on their site with reminders of areas to check or hints on what is lacking for accessibility standards. Mouseovers of 'alert icons' provide more details on the potential problems. A great way to estimate a new design




Bobby Accessibility Checker
CAST no longer supports the Bobby accessiblity testing software. Bobby was sold to Watchfire in 2004 which, in turn, was acquired by IBM in 2007.Although Bobby is no longer available as a free service or standalone product, it is one of the tests included within the IBM Rational Policy Tester Accessibility Edition software, the comprehensive enterprise application for testing websites.

W3C List of Web Evaluation Tools
http://www.w3.org/WAI/ER/tools/complete
Covers all sorts of very specific tools (web page reviews in step by step and review formats, pdf, color usage/contrast, flash) available for purchase or online.

Review of Discussion Forums

There are many web sites and blogs discussing web design and disability usability

w3C WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative) Interest Group
http://lists.w3.org/Archives/Public/w3c-wai-ig/
You can subscribe to this mailing list, but its best to start with checking the web archives. Run 25 to 100+ messages a month, covering international news, conferences, latest tools, latest projects, requests for paper reviews, or specific design questions (recent included: complex data tables, the role of the H1 tag, pdfs and color contrast).

U ACCESS-L
http://trace.wisc.edu:8080/mailarchive/uaccess-l/
This mailing list covers accessibility in information technology. Recent posts showed accessibility in new technology (eyes-free access to android phones) and news such as recent FCC/FEMA standards for accessible mobile emergency alert standards, recent print stories on web accessibility.

Accessify Forum
http://www.accessifyforum.com/
This site is dedicated solely to accessibility and the web. It has several forums included one for beginners, another for site critiques, news and resources, legal issues/web standards, and site building and testing. There are also 5 general discuss forums, and two project specific forums. You can read through posts, but you must register in order to reply and take part in discussions.

That is it for today. A few resources for you to reach out and connect with people on specific questions or just keep up on the latest changes and news.

Haiti Earthquake

Massive devastation in places that can least afford it. Not that catastrophic events are any better when countries can afford it, but it just seems that people who already have so little and must struggle to make ends meet regarding the basics in life are clearly ill equipped to absorb such a major tragedy.

Maybe it is just the understanding that it is unlikely that stringent building standards, lavish emergency services, and trained and equipped support services would be readily available anywhere in the world. When potentially millions of people are without homes, medical services and organized aid to distribute food and water, provide shelter and aid in rebuilding... what happens. Are people who presumably lived with basic food, water and shelter any better off in such circumstances than say in the US where we rely on vast networks for our electric and gas power/heat, grocery networks and expert craftsman who can repair and rebuild our homes?

Just so sad to see such utter devastation and wonder once again what we can do so far away from it all.

Review Blog: Joe Dolson 'Accessible Web Design Blog

Web Site: http://www.joedolson.com/
Blog: http://www.joedolson.com/articles/
Joe Dolson runs works as an accessible web designer and consultant and regularly blogs about the topic as well as writes articles for publication.

Joe's blog does a great job of an introduction to the field and what accessibility can do for your web site (like how accessibility can make your site more usable for all visitors), as well as accessibility-related articles at various levels (beginner DIY to advanced practitioners) which are published on his site and elsewhere on the web.

I particularly like the site for the information he provides on the basic benefits that can come from properly marking up a site for accessibility... and how that in turn can help with site marketing (web semantics article, blockquotes tag info), or can require a balance between accessibility and web site ranking (alt tag best practices). He also is well-versed in other areas of web development (articles on shorturl sites) and on the tools of his own specialty (sources of US disability statistics).

This site, while not extremely heavy on accessibility content, contains a breadth of information for the beginner and advanced user and covers many topics of interest to the average web designer. In short, he seems a web designer first with a deep knowledge of accesibility that he can bring to his work. This seems like something that most people looking for a web designer should appreciate.

Section508.gov Overview

Content
The web site seems to primarily be an overview of "what is section 508" which covers the federal standard for web accessibility. There are several useful resources under "Accessibility Forum" and "FAQ" but these actually leave the Section 508 site and go to different sites. At first glance, this appears to be an informative site for people to understand what Section 508 is, but does not provide a lot of guidance on how to meet the section 508 standard.

There are some interesting pages such as the AT (Assistive Technology) Showcase that shows pictures and description of many of the devices used by various disabled users. Seeing braille printers, ergonomic keyboards, or a TTY machine can be the first look for many web designers, although details and video of these items in action aren't available.

Design
The site's design is a good example of a simple and highly accessible web site, although it is very spare and won't win any awards for visual appearance. It is simple and straight to the point. All links are simple text links, the logo is the only image. A 'site controls' box appears at the top right of each page, allowing changes to the font and text size.

Future?
The site has information on training and upcoming events, however the last event listed is January 2009. Hopefully the 'novelty' of Section 508 isn't falling off and making this site obselete. If anything, a greater push is necessary to ensure that web sites continue to be developed with universal accessibility in mind.

Section 508 and Accessible Web Design

I recently saw a post by a Wendy, apparently she lives right here in ballard. She just wrote a book on Universal Design which heavily stresses web accessibility. See O'Reilly site: Universal Design for Web Applications

It got me thinking about web design and my previous career. I know the aspect of web design I enjoyed the most wasn't the actual design, it was the learning about all the different aspects that go with it: browser differences, screen sizes, accessibility, etc and the challenge of finding a design that would accommodate as many factors as possible. I liked the accessbility design in part because it was an under-addressed issue but also because it seemed to go hand in hand with simplicity... and I use that term loosely as there is little simplicity in a large, complex educational organization like where I worked.

Its got me thinking about stretching that part of my brain again.

Top 100 Speeches MP3 download

I like to visit this site to supplement podcast and music downloads for 'easy listening'.
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speechesall.html

This site lists its top 100 speeches and whenever available (for the majority, but not all of them) includes mp3 or flash video links and in all cases links to the transcript of the conversation. It is fascinating to listen to historical speeches by past presidents from FDR to JFK to Reagan giving historic speeches, social and political figures such as Malcolm X, Douglas McAurthur and Hillary Clinton speaking on important topics of the times and more.

The list was compiled by two university professors and were ranked by "leading scholars of American public address were asked to recommend speeches on the basis of social and political impact, and rhetorical artistry." Go ahead and listen to MLK's "I have a dream" speech, FDR's Pearl Harbor address, JFK's Cuban missle crisis address and more.

Enjoy!

Pushing Daisies' Kristin wins

I don't always watch the awards shows, and only caught some of last nights telecast, but was so happy to hear the news that Kristin Chenoweth won for her part on Pushing Daisies. That was a sweet show, very unique and I liked it. I was so glad to see her win.

The best link I have found so far focuses on her needing medical attention after winning (for the onset of a migraine), but this page has some nice pictures (left) and a short video (right).

See: the Access Hollywood story and a picture site that shows what a daring dress she wore.

Two wildly different tangents

Here are a few wild tangents for you to follow on Sept 19:

Anniversary at Daisy Cottage
A blog that is always nice to visit, especially thanks to the gracious author as well as her beautiful home. This entry sums it up as she expresses her thanks on her blog anniversary. Makes you all warm and fuzzy inside.
-- Daisy Cottage; Sept 19 entry

Annual Talk Like a Pirate Day
I have heard about this for several years now. I still don't get it, but its all just harmless fun, right?
I'm not sure how long these links will work, but we'll give it a try:
-- Bing's info on Talk Like A Pirate Day
-- Google homepage, Pirate Edition

Overwhelmed by minutiae

I increasingly find that the minutiae of daily life becomes more trying. Is it hypersensitivity to minor irritations? I don't think so. They seem to be everywhere and in such great detail.

While over the decades items like washer/dryers, dishwashers, tv/cable, computers and electronics have given us more free time and more ways to spend that free time, almost all of these devices are getting more and more complicate to purchase, setup and use... not to mention costly especially if you make a mistake (home support, device contracts and cancellation fees, etc). As if they are built in to force delayed choices and stick with those choices.

I remember you used to be able to get basic cable for $20... now that will barely buy you local channels... and the next leap up will cost you almost $70 more, then add special language or movie packages and its even more. On top of that there are now gaming or HDTV choices all of which are dependent on the movie system or television set you already own. The same goes for internet, cell phone and plans, etc.

I find it most infuriating. Mostly because as soon as you buy something it is outmoded. Buy a laptop... a better battery technology, touch screen or superfast processor comes out. The only other option is to be independently wealthy.

There is little use in complaining. These devices have allowed unprecendented access to information, even on the go. This seemed to be key to the uprising against the Iranian govt that they could exercise little control over (as blogs and twitter were outside Iranian jurisdiction).

But the speed of change and the sheer mountain of minutiae does make it awfully hard to 'catch up' when you've taken a time out with children, family illness, sabatical or whatever. Here's to finding the way back in.

Using Time Wisely

There are so many articles about how to organize your day, your time, items that help with your schedule, but I haven't found any that really help you organize your day... when you have children. The difference is that children have a knack of needing attention, someone to play with, an owie bandaged, a snack or meal, etc just at the time you need to put your effort into something. It can be infuriating.

With much planning you can give them a task like coloring or worksheets while you try to dive into your task, but mostly that last minutes not hours. How do these people with 2, 3 or more kids seem to run home businesses without a staff of maids, nannies and business support staff. How do they find the time to do intricate sewing/ painting/ prep or planning when their blog shows them spending hours on task with the children each day, yet producing hours of work? Perhaps they have given up sleeping, but I am beginning to suspect that more likely they are drugging their children into naps so they can go about their own business unhindered. ;-) Either that or they are conveniently leaving out the scores of slaves they have doing their grocery shopping, cleaning, child care, business calls/emails, post office trips, etc.

But really, I thought preschool would give me more time, but it gave me far less with all the work the co-op demanded and the cost of drop-off seems so high. And the alternative is to... have your child stay home day in and out and drive you insane? I'm missing out on the big secret. Seek and ye shall find... relief? Cheap affordable child care? The positive motivation you needed?

DIY links

Here are a few DIY links to keep you busy:

Wardrobe Refashion:
I've been very tempted to do this. I wear a lot of cardigans but few of my sweaters. And this tutorial makes it look so simple!
--Remake Sweater to Cardigan

Holiday Gift Idea:
I made this once. It was a lot of fun, although it was time consuming. Just be sure to use strong wires especially for the trunk. My tree was a bit slouchy with the weight of all those beads.
--Beaded Christmas Tree
Nonpermanent Kitchen Makeover:
With my fickle nature, temporary but interesting makeovers are a big hit. Although not mentioned, I like that the inserts are put clear plexiglass outward to make cleaning that much easier. Plus I bet you can re-use the same plexiglass when you decide to change the design.
--'Stained Glass' cabinet inserts
Science in the Kitchen:
Turn meal making into a science lesson.
-- The science of cooking

Heat Wave!

Today was the first day of a new heat wave. 80 degrees by noon, 90 by 4pm... and the best part (sarcasm) is that it will last all week! I thought it would be getting better by Wednesday, but turns out that it is supposed to be getting even hotter by Thursday.

Our house has already reached the 'too hot for a tank top at 10pm' level of heat. My only hope is that the weatherpeoples are as accurate with the heat as they are predicting rain or snow.

Wish me luck.

Science Day - Eclipses and the Sun

With all the news today about the total eclipse in India -- apparently the longest total eclipse of this century (Can't beleive I missed it!)-- I thought I would try to clarify some lingering questions about eclipses.... which of course led to more and more questions about space, the sun, solar radiation, etc.

Solar vs Lunar Eclipse
First, I heard the news announcer emphasize that this was a 'solar eclipse'. Since I know an eclipse involves the shadow falling on the earth when the moon comes between us (assuming you are on this earth with me) and the sun... what is the distinction between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse.
Simply enough: a lunar eclipse refers to an eclipse or a shadow falling across of the moon, while a solar eclipse involves an eclipse where the sun's light is blocked out. (Quote: A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Moon and the Sun, and the Earth's shadow obscures the moon or a portion of it. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking all or a portion of the Sun. )

Apparently lunar eclipses are only eclipses when there is a full moon and the shadow of the earth falls across the moon. (Because otherwise everything that wouldn't be a full moon or new moon would be an eclipse, wouldn't it?) This would happen monthly, except that the moon's orbit is slightly different than the earth's orbit around the sun (off by 5 degrees).

Another interesting note: when there is a total solar eclipse, you can see the sun's corona, or a white ring which appears to glow around the perimiter of the moon. I had heard that before, and assumed it was a phenomena as part of the outer edge of the sun peeked around or as light bled around the moon. But what I didn't know was that the 'corona' is an actual outer layer of the sun, and it is considered a 'scientific mystery.' Why? Because apparently the corona burns hotter, 200-300 TIMES hotter than on the surface of the sun! And scientists don't know why.

I even found one article that said that "the "earth in effect floats in the corona." Really? Does that have to do with the sun spots causing solar flares and damaging equipment? Does that have to do with the aurora borealis (I know those are 'solar winds' but is it related?) Does this mean the earth is actually enveloped in some 'sun-haze' or is it just we are within the range of the sun effects (like the sun is an ocean and the earth is on a sort of shore). Does this make sense?

Anyway, food for thought. I won't go new age-y and mention the article I found on corona's that migrane sufferers can sometimes see around living things....


References: http://www.moonconnection.com/lunar_vs_solar.phtml
-- http://news.softpedia.com/news/The-Mystery-of-Sun-039-s-Corona-Deepens-Even-Further-80417.shtml
-- http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/1999/aug/11/eclipse.uknews4
-- http://www.migraine-aura.org/content/e27891/e27265/e26585/e48971/e49016/index_en.html

And a year later...

I can't believe how most of my posts were crafts and sewing projects. That was over a year's worth of info and doesn't really show much about how I actually spent my time.

I'm considering changing the blog to cover more everyday things... researching the foods we eat, origins of meals, etc. I don't know how that long will last as I don't have a huge repetoire of meals that I prepare, so I'll have to cover other topics as well, but I guess I should worry about regular posting before that even becomes an issue.

Hope to see you again soon, blog (because there are no other viewers at this time).

-D

UFO, The making of...

Since my big hang-up on finishing the quilt was the binding, I thought I would tell how I managed to get through it. Originally, I had planned to follow some instructions I had that had extra inches of the quilt backing folding around and binding the quilt edge. I had left several inches of backing and a bit less padding to allow for this, but the test with the potholder looked poor. Part of the problem was how thin the backing was... a simple muslin. So I ended up buying some 3/4" double fold binding. As mentioned, I read a few tutorials and tried it on a potholder and was pleased with the result, but I was concerned about the joining: I had to join two packages of binding tape as well as find out how to finish the end of the binding when they overlap.

There were plenty of tutorials about joining the binding. It was far simpler than I expected. So much so, that I am going to try to actually make binding for my next quilting project.

Once pinned, as shown in the picture, I machine stitched just inside the fold until I had only 12 inches left on one side. Then I had to address joining the binding. The joining of the binding on the quilt-- once the binding has gone all the way around and starts to overlap -- was a bit more complicated. I found several tutorials and write-ups on how to deal with it, but I couldn't quite understand them. I knew I could try to do it in action, but if I got so far as sewing on the binding and then screwing up the joining to the point I had to rip it all of again, I would risk throwing the whole thing out. Instead I found a video tutorial that was extremely helpful.

Quilt Binding: Joining Ends II . The video helped make the steps very clear, but her descriptions were most helpful. The only confusing part for me was shen she was marking the join point with a pin and mentioned something about the seam allowance. I thought she was suggested you needed to add a seam allowance for the join, but then decided I must have misunderstood as that doesn't make any sense. She did give other helpful hints, especially about not having to worry about the angle as the stitching would work out regardless of the angle of the two ends. That was extremely helpful, and as I was doing it, I actually came to understand why.

Final finishing, where the binding was joined to the back of the quilt, I did by hand. I had a used Threads magazine that details various hand stitches, so I followed instructions for the suggested stitches. It came out looking fantastic, and I felt cool having done some part of it by hand.

Final review: Quilting isn't so bad, especially as the painful memory of putting the peices together is well in the past. Funny that the binding was what took so long to finish the project, because it ended up being rather fun. I'll do another one for Catriona's bed so I can also try to make my own binding. After that, I'm guessing there may just be a t-shirt or memory quilt and that should do it for me.