Link of the week

As some of you know, I work for a service that provides alternate format library materials to BC college students who have print impairments. Some students, especially those with learning disabilities, like to have the text on their computer screen read aloud while they follow along with the book. The problem is the screen reader software most students use, JAWS for Windows, is expensive and not everyone can afford it. If this is the case we usually recommend two free screen readers that students can download. One of these products is ReadPlease.

ReadPlease is an easy to use product that will read what is showing on your screen. It's not perfect but it's much better than the reader that comes with Windows. It uses a synthesized voice which can be difficult to understand but again, greatly increases the ease of learning for students. It's products like this one that only make my job easier.

Your Cover's Blown

The Belle & Sebastian show was Friday night and it was amazing. I loved every single minute of it and would have sat there all night, despite feeling like complete ass, if they had been willing to play their entire catalogue. I dragged A. along and we got in line at around 7:15pm because I wanted to get a seat since I didn't think I'd be able to stand all night without passing out. I expected there to a long line up but we were amazingly close to the front. Once inside I stopped at the merch. table and picked up a wicked tote bag. Would have liked a t-shirt too but they only came in smaller sizes. I can't even do the show justice so why not read a recap by Hanson who is much better with words than I am.

I'm feeling a lot better today but my voice is being slow to return to normal. Damn colds - this one was nasty.

Sweet Kensington living

My baby sister has moved into her own apartment in Kensington and I'm jealous - look at how cute it is!

Blurgh

I've been lazy I know but I don't have a heck of a lot to say. A. and I just got back from a week in Kingston which was fun. I've posted pictures from our day spent in Ottawa on Flickr. We got back late Friday afternoon and then spent the evening at Celeste's for her birthday party.

In lieu of actual content I give you my sweet ass new toaster. I heart it.

Books 8 & 9

I'm ashamed to admit it but I had never read Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery until a week ago. I have owned the book since I was about 8 and I adored the mini-series when it first aired but just hadn't got around to reading the book. I'm glad I finally did. It brought back all those great memories of childhood and made me remember what a fantastic story it is. This is definitely a book I'll be keeping for my children to read.

Along with children's lit I'm a big reader of historical fiction and I've always found Philippa Gregory's books very enjoyable. The Virgin's Lover was no expection. It follows the stories of Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Robert Dudley, her Master of Horse, as Elizabeth begins her reign and the two fall in love. It was a nice light read.

*****

For the past few weeks there has been a Pepto Bismol pink Hummer in the parking lot at the college and one of these days I'm going to take a picture. The thing is hideous.