Why isn’t there a website that turns your laptop/monitor into a mirror? When I’m sitting in front of my computer (far too often; probably a contributing factor to the disc problems I’ve developed in my neck) and realize there’s something on my face that is not face-related and need a mirror *NOW* and don’t want to get up, wake up the dog by tripping over her and walk to the bathroom, it would be so handy. And that’s got to be a common occurrence, right?

Books:
Hidden by Jason Jaskunas. I keep calling this book “Deception” when I describe it, which must say something about my perception of the contents of this novel. When I finished this story I wanted to rush out to the library and find everything else Mr. Jaskunas has written. Imagine my irritation when I discovered this is his debut novel. Hurry up, Mr. Jaskunas, or you’ll lose the wave of demand for your work.

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett. I feel like giving this book to all of my employees who whine about the rigors of starting with a mess and having to straighten it out. Think about having to restart a defunct postal system when you have nothing but your skills in running con games and a massive load of dead letters. Oh, and a few golems to help with the heavy lifting. Arrayed against you are the various forces of evil, including a banshee, a greedy corporate bastard, and far too many pigeons.

Massive Change by Bruce Mau. One of my co-workers gave out this book as a holiday gift and although I have only read a few sections, it’s one of the most interesting books I’ve read in many years. The theory that design is the basis for creating massive societal change has been espoused by many, but this book brings together a number of disciplines and discusses the types of design that may lead to greater sustainability and a better standard of global living. While the discussions are still primarily in stovepipes, there is a strong attempt to weave them together. I do not agree with all of the proposals (I do not believe, for example, that the Segway will revolutionize urban transport and give more credence the concepts of new urbanism and small house design in being able to change the way people think about housing density), but am intrigued by the text, the photos and the lines in the sand this book draws.