Category Archives: survey says

November 27, 2011 · 7:10 pm

#NaBloPoMo – Il Canto (Music survey thingy)

This morning I reached out to Twitter needing help with what to write today. After some discussion, Steve came to the rescue with a music post idea that morphed into one of those survey deals you answer with the songs on shuffle in your music playlist. Steve, being the wonderfully amazing man he is, went and found such surveys over at The Vomit Comet. Let me tell you about Steve. If you need a Canadian man who will always be a fantastic friend, That’s Steve. Having a bad day and need a pick me up? That’s Steve. Have you ever wondered if a man speaks to the beer bottles in his fridge, giving them a pep talk? That’s Steve. Do you enjoy listening to a sudden outburst on subjects such as the word “tweeps”? That’s Steve. I could go on and on about this incredible man, but we’ve got a music survey to get to.

Carin found Steve’s music survey and since he originally said I should write a post about how wonderful he is, I’m modeling mine on his. You probably know the drill. Shuffle your music playlist and answer each question with the song that plays. Hit next but never, ever skip. I’m switching it up a bit and including the artist, since I never know the artists on these things when people do them. I’m also going to add some more current events/pop culture type questions to make it a little longer, because I can. I think I’ll also throw in little comments after iTunes answers the questions for me, if they’re funny. I wrote all the questions down before going to Gamma’s. Man I can’t wait to turn on the iTunes later!

Ok, home and finally done coming up with the last bit of questions. Gonna turn on my “just music” playlist so we don’t get audio books and described movies. Here we go! iTunes, please make this good…

Here are the original questions.

1. If someone says, “you’re hot”, you say?

Concrete Angel (Martina McBride)

*My muscles are hard as concrete?

2. How would you describe your life?

One Blue Sky (Sugarland)

*I love this! So positive!

3. What is your life long goal?

Nessun Dorma (Paul Potts)

*I had to look this up. Apparently it means, “nobody shall sleep”. This means my goal is to never be boring.

4. What do your friends think of you?

Get Out of This Town (Carrie Underwood)

*I’ll just be in the corner crying.

5. What do your parents think of you?

The Past is the Past (Tantric)

*Wow. A little misty here, I must admit. That’s perfect.

6. What do you often think about?

The Unforgiven (Metallica)

*Uh oh, does that mean I’m holding a grudge? Hmmm.

7. What do you think of the person who likes you?

The Valkyrie: Ride of the Valkyries (St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra & Stanislav Gorkovenko)

*Hahahahaha! This cracked me up when it started playing. Interesting.

8. What does your best friend always say to you?

Waste (Seether)

*She does? Alrighty then.

9. What do you want to be when you grow up?

Freak on a Leash (Korn)

*Kinky!

10. What is your favorite saying?

Plush (Stone Temple Pilots)

*I might just have to incorporate this…

11. What will you dance to at your wedding?

Million Faces (Paolo Nutini)

*It’s actually a decent first dance tempo for a wedding that will never happen.

12. What will be played at your funeral?

Bark at the Moon (Ozzy Osbourne)

*This is fitting since I’m a Freak on a Leash.

13. What is your biggest fear?

Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46: IV. In the Hall of the Mountain Kin (Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra & Jansug Kakhidze)

*Wow ok so I looked it up. Peer Gynt was a play and one of the descriptions was: “has also been described as the story of a life based on procrastination and avoidance.” I’d say that’s a pretty relevant fear. iTunes knows me well.

14. What is your biggest secret?

Castle On a Cloud (Les Misérables Original London Cast)

*It’s my happy place.

15. What do you think of your house?

Black Sabbath (Ozzy Osbourne)

*I got nothing. iTunes missed this one I think.

16. What will you name this post?

Il Canto (Paul Potts)

*I think I’ll change the title of the post. That won’t hook anyone.

That concludes the original survey. Hmm, what should I add? Ok some of these sound like Magic 8-ball questions.

17. Do you prefer Apple over Microsoft?

Sugarland (Sugarland)

*That’s pretty perfect because Apple is more of a happy kind of Sugarlandish type company to me than Microsoft.

18. Is Twitter better than Facebook?

Jupiter (Jewel)

*Yeah I think Jupiter is a cool planet.

19. Is he/she just not that into you?

Intro/Escape (Journey)

*Hmmm. I don’t know how to take that.

20. What do you think about ‘Twilight’?

Lithium (Nirvana)

*Yeah I think I might need that if I read/watched ‘Twilight’. Maybe that explains the sparkles…

21. Was Casey Anthony guilty?

Fall Down or Fly (Lindi Ortega)

*Uh huh, she flew into hiding.

22. How do you feel about politics?

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 16 in A Minor: Allegro Molto Moderato (Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Marian Lapsansky & Bystrik Rezucha)

*I think the minor chords say it all.

23. How do you react when someone refers to your sports team incorrectly?

Overture to Egmont, Op. 84 (London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) & Alberto Lizzio)

*iTunes would pick now to throw out all the classical pieces, wouldn’t it?

24. How do you feel about Four Square?

The Point of No Return (Phantom of the Opera)

*Hahahaha that’s kinda funny.

25. Will that big problem ever get resolved?

Wishing (Tantric)

*And Tantric makes me misty again. Really? Just wishing? Ugh.

26. What will play when you cash in your freebie card? (It’s laminated!)

Sex Type Thing (Stone Temple Pilots)

*Hahahahaha!!! And notice the band before this question was Tantric? Hey, a girl can dream.

27. What do your Twitter friends think of you?

Hey Now (Tantric)

*Hey now what? Am I boring? And hmm, the freebie card question is sandwiched between two Tantric songs…

28. How do you feel about the holidays?

Un Giorno Per Moi (A Time For Us) (Paul Potts)

*Nice. This track translated for me. Pretty fitting. It should be a time for us, not commercialism.

29. Will the Cubs ever win a World Series?

Nova Heart (Spoons)

*Hahaha! A nova is a star that gets really bright and then fades again. So maybe Cubs fans’ hearts will always swell without that happy ending? Hope iTunes is wrong. I’m glad a Spoons song came on since Steve and Carin got me that album.

30. What are your thoughts on Justin Bieber?

*Heart Failure (Sixx: A.M.)

*Hahahahahah!!!! Trust me, not the swoony kind of heart failure.

Well that was fun, and hard work. Why’d iTunes have to play all those classical songs? Hope you enjoyed it.

PS – iChat shows my iTunes tracks, so Erik is my proof that I didn’t skip. )

4 Comments

Filed under apple Inc, fellowship, Gamma, iTunes, misty eyes, music, NaBloPoMo 2011, plugs, silly girl, survey says, twitter me this

December 1, 2010 · 9:34 am

WebAim’s third screen reader survey

Please take a few moments to take the WebAIM screen reader survey.

I’ve taken these surveys since I started using a screen reader. It’s a really invaluable tool for web developers, and it’s also really fun to see the results when they come out. I can’t wait to see the percentage of Voiceover users this year!

The survey only took me about five minutes. No personal information is shared. The survey is all radio buttons, check boxes and drop down menus, with one spot to write comments. It’s simple to do, so please go take it.

Whether you use a screen reader often or not, your opinion matters. If you use screen magnification, your opinion matters. If you have a reader on your phone, your opinion matters.

The WebAIM folks are my heros, so please take a moment and take the survey.

It will be available until January. I’ll post the link to the results when they compile them. I can’t remember how soon the results come out, but it’s really interesting to see how closely your opinions match your peers.

So, go take it and have fun!

2 Comments

Filed under accessibility, advocacy, assistive technologies, gratitude, plugs, proud geek, screen reader, survey says, Voiceover

November 26, 2010 · 1:11 pm

Conceptualizing a redesigned guide dog harness

Through the ether, a university student has found my blog and has asked for help with her school project. I think it’s an awesome idea for a project, and volunteered to help pass the word and help her gather information. Here’s what she wrote when I asked her why she was asking the questions she asked, I will post after her description:

“The reason why I need the feedback from the users is that I am a Industrial Design Student at U of I and I am working on an International Housewares Student Design Competition. I picked Pets category at first and found out that most of the pet products are overpriced and unnecessary after volunteered to help at a pet show in Taiwan . Then I saw the flyer of a Guide Dog Organization and I realized how meaningful guide dogs are yet not many people have noticed it. So after some research, I decided to redesign the Guide Dog harness. Users feedback are one of the most important part in a design process. I need to know how the users feel and think to be able to put myself into their shoe. Beth has been helping me a lot through this process. However, I need more of a variety of users experience that is why I made this survey.”

Isn’t that cool???
The Beth referred to is Beth fink who had contacted me before about Eva’s project, and gave Eva the link to a post I wrote about a day Jayden and I had.

If I’m not being very coherant, my apologies. I’ve been fighting a migraine since yesterday.

Anyway, Eva needs our help gathering information for her project, due at the end of the year. She’s sent me some of her concepts, which I have to say are pretty darned cool.

Here’s her survey, copied from her comment

“1. How long have you been having a Guide Dog? How many harnesses have you used before?

2. Do you have an offset handle or straight one? Do you like it the way it is? Why?

3. Do you clean the harness? Why or why not?

4. Would you like to have different material and/or shape for the handle part for more comfort? Would you prefer to hold the handle vertically?

5. How do you buckle up the harness? Where do you hold the leash when buckle up the harness? Do you use both hand to buckle up?

6. Do you have a trekker GPA navigation system? If not, why? If yes, how do you like it?

7. Lastly, do you have any problem with the harness you are using? (left arm does not feel comfortable after holding the harness after a while? Hand gets sweaty from holding the handle? Dog developed lumps from wearing the harness?….etc)

Thank you so much for taking time doing this survey.
Much appreciate your help.”

If you are so inclined to answer her questions, you can leave your answers in a comment here, or email her at: eva617 at gmail dot com

She gave me her email with permission and I’ve spaced it out here so she doesn’t get spam bombed. Please feel free to link to this post if you think others might want to participate on this project. Ok, here are my answers:

1. How long have you been having a Guide Dog? How many harnesses have you used before?

I’ve had my first guide dog for about nine months and have used one harness.

2. Do you have an offset handle or straight one? Do you like it the way it is? Why?

I have an offset handle. When I first began training with Jayden, I used a straight handle and didn’t know the difference. Then one day the school asked if I’d like to try the offset and I did and it was instantly much more comfortable. My arm seems to be in a more natural position, with my palm angling more towards my body. With the straight handle, my palm faced straight out behind me. This position was quite unnatural and caused pain. The offset is just much more comfortable for me, and also helps me walk closer to Jayden without stepping on him, since I can hold my arm closer to my body.

3. Do you clean the harness? Why or why not?

*Sheepish grin* I have not cleaned the harness yet. I think it’s mainly because I haven’t felt that it’s dirty. Since I do everything by touch, I can usually feel when something is grimy and I can’t stand it, so I clean. But the harness just hasn’t felt icky, so I haven’t cleaned it.

4. Would you like to have different material and/or shape for the handle part for more comfort? Would you prefer to hold the handle vertically?

Vertically, I’ve never thought about that. I’m not really sure how that would work, but it might be fun to try it. I think having some variety in how you could position the handle might come in handy, since we all naturally change positions. It might help to be able to move the wrist or the arm during long periods of work. I haven’t really thought about the material and using a different kind.

5. How do you buckle up the harness? Where do you hold the leash when buckle up the harness? Do you use both hand to buckle up?

If we are inside, and I don’t need to control Jayden, I put on the harness before his leash is attached. If we’re out and I take the harness on or off, I was trained to step on his leash to control his movement and keep him from walking off. I use both hands, since I use my hands to see and guide the pieces together. I don’t think it would be possible to buckle it with one hand. Maybe, but I need both hands to do just about anything, since one hand acts as “eyes” and guides the other hand.

6. Do you have a trekker GPA navigation system? If not, why? If yes, how do you like it?

Nope, too expensive. I just use a good old fashioned braille compass.

7. Lastly, do you have any problem with the harness you are using? (left arm does not feel comfortable after holding the harness after a while? Hand gets sweaty from holding the handle? Dog developed lumps from wearing the harness?….etc)

I haven’t noticed any problems with Jayden developing any problems. One of my biggest complaints is adjusting the belly strap. There’s a buckle along with the quick release clip. The buckle is for adjusting the looseness or tightness around Jay’s belly. It’s rather difficult to do, but I’ve only had to do it wonce and really the dog’s weight shouldn’t fluctuate much, so it’s not a gigantic deal. Jayden just filled out a bit after we got home.

My palm does get a little sweaty, and my arm gets sore, but that all depends on what kind of day it is. If Jayden is working beautifully in a place I’m familiar with, there’s no discomfort. If Jayden is working a little off, or we’re in a place I’m a little uncomfortable, there’s more pain because I’m tense.

I used to drive, so I can make the steering wheel analogy. You know when you’re in terrible traffic, you’re on high alert and you grip your steering wheel a little tighter maybe. You might “white knuckle it” when driving is stressful. I find I do that with jayden sometimes too. I have to remember to shake out my arm a bit here and there. Other than that, I don’t have any complaints, because frankly, I don’t know any different. 🙂

***

I’ll paste the survey without my comments at the bottom of this post, so it’ll be a little easier to answer. Plese take the time to answer if you can. It’s nice to think that someone out there is thinking about us, and I can’t wait to see what grade she gets! 😉

Again, you can answer in the comments here, she’ll be checking, or email Eva at the address provided above. Please feel free to link to this post on your blog as well.

Here’s the empty survey:

1. How long have you been having a Guide Dog? How many harnesses have you used before?

2. Do you have an offset handle or straight one? Do you like it the way it is? Why?

3. Do you clean the harness? Why or why not?

4. Would you like to have different material and/or shape for the handle part for more comfort? Would you prefer to hold the handle vertically?

5. How do you buckle up the harness? Where do you hold the leash when buckle up the harness? Do you use both hand to buckle up?

6. Do you have a trekker GPA navigation system? If not, why? If yes, how do you like it?

7. Lastly, do you have any problem with the harness you are using? (left arm does not feel comfortable after holding the harness after a while? Hand gets sweaty from holding the handle? Dog developed lumps from wearing the harness?….etc)

Yes, I posted the survey three times. Blame the migraine lol!

11 Comments

Filed under cool blinky stuff, gratitude, guide dogs, Jayden, NaBloPoMo 2010, plugs, survey says

October 19, 2010 · 12:30 pm

Help create a survey about guide dog programs

Dave just e-mailed this to me. Deadline is Halloween. It’s fast and simple. You must enter five suggestions but I could only think of four so I just wrote “can’t think of a fifth” in the last spot haha. My suggestions were things relating to my MS like bathtubs and beds and things. Those were things I just didn’t think about asking before going to GDB. It tells you what they are already including in the survey and you can add things you’d like to know about guide dog programs before making your decision.

***

            The National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU), a strong and proud division of the National Federation of the Blind, is creating a survey of guide dog training programs to help better inform consumers while they are choosing a guide dog training program. In order to gather the type of information that will lead to a sound, informed decision, we would like to know what you feel is important in a training program and what additional information, if any, would assist you in selecting the program best suited to your needs.   . (See also the list of policy areas to be included on the web page.) You are invited to offer your comments and suggestions.

Click here for the survey

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Filed under survey says

February 13, 2010 · 6:54 pm

The ultimate boredom time killer

Hi, my name is: Ro
Never in my life have I been: swimming with sharks
The one person who can drive me nuts is: Haha, like there’s just one person. Everyone has that capability, and just about everyone has driven me nuts at some point in time.
High school was: The beginning of my bottom so even though it was aweful, I’m grateful for it
When I’m nervous I: find whatever I can to blog about
The last time I cried was: all day yesterday. It’s threatened today, but still dry so far
If I were to get married right now my maid of honor/best man would be: Whoever wants to be the witness at the court house. I tried to think of how not to single anyone out for this question, and that was my best answer, since if I get married, which I’m not holding my breath for, it’ll probably be at the courthouse anyway.
My hair is: Um, my hair is hair. Is this thing asking for a description? It’s long and straight and black.
When I was 10: I didn’t have a care in the world. I could play Barbies for hours. Boys were gross. Politics were for grown-ups, school was awesome and I was going to be a doctor. Ah, to be 10 again.
Last Christmas: Was weird. I really missed WV and B’s family and I felt bad about that because shouldn’t I be glad to be in AZ with my family? I think it was hard because it was my first Christmas here at home blind. WV was my first blind Christmas, but it was all new and fun and I didn’t know what I wasn’t seeing.
I should be: Hmmm. I should be doing exactly what I’m doing.
When I look down I see: I guess I need to use my imagination here. If I were to look down, I would see the left arm of my blue couch, with my left arm resting on it and my left hand on the computer. I would see my chest and then the blue sofa cushion. My legs are kind of out to the side and my right arm is resting on my hip/belly area. I would see the white keyboard of my computer on my laptop cart.
The happiest recent event was: Getting my acceptence email from GDB and then finding out that B’s mom’s tumors are virtually non-existent yayaya!
If I were a character on That 70’s Show I would be: Hmmm. a combination of Donna and the mom. I think the mom is hella cool.
By this time next year: I will hopefully be celebrating having Insert for a year. Everything else is a mystery.
My current gripe is: Hmmm. I really don’t know. I’m thinking. Yeah, I’m pretty content right now. Maybe my foot is falling asleep, but other than that, I don’t have a gripe.
I have a hard time understanding: Why B likes death metal. It’s just screaming with some noise in the background. There was a “song” on the other night that just made me laugh. It sounded like a monster in a kid’s movie.
There’s this girl I know that: Did this survey on FB, where I took it from
You know I like you when: I pull your hair and chase you around the playground
If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be: Probably the first person to read the blog
Take my advice: Don’t ever throw an electronic device at a solid wood dresser
Something that I really want to buy is: Ack, I can’t name just one. Victor, an iPhone, Snow Leopard, new speakers and dog stuff
If you visited the place I was born: You’d either be sick, or visiting a person who’s sick, or a medical professional, a volunteer, having a baby, visiting a baby, having tests, be a food worker, cleaning crew, security, or else just like chilling in hospitals
I plan to visit: GDB on Monday and Chupa in Colorado this summer
If you spend the night at my house: coffee in the morning is guaranteed, if you like it black
I’d stop my wedding if: it was raining because that would be ironic.
The world could do without: The Perfect Pancake Maker
I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: put alcohol in my body
Most recent thing I bought myself: whatever I got at Walgreens last, I know it included candy that one of my favorite clerks talked me into buying.
Most recent thing someone else bought me: Little Cesar’s pizza
My favorite blond is: Is it weird that I can’t think of any blonds?
My favorite redhead is: Is it weird that I can’t think of any redheads?
My favorite brunette is: Is it weird that I can’t think of any brunette’s?
My middle name is: If I tell you I’d have to kill you. Come on. I go by Ro. Think I’m typing my middle name?
This morning I: Listened to my favorite Canadians talk for 73 minutes
The animals I would like to see flying are: Since I can’t see, I really don’t care
Once at a bar: Oh man. I don’t think there’s anything I ever did just once at a bar.
Last night I was: Emotionally spent
There’s this guy I know who: really hates the song ‘Ironic’
I don’t know: how to do calculous
A better name for me would be: I like Ro
Tomorrow I am: spending my last day at home doing laundry and finishing packing and probably crying 😉
Tonight I am: Killing time until it’s time to sleep
My birthday is: at the end of the year
What I really wanted for Valentine’s Day was: Well, it’s tomorrow so I don’t know what I’m getting, though we’re both kinda preoccupied with this little trip coming up so we’re not really doing anything
I can sing: Yes I can
I like a guy named: Am I in high school?
My best friend is: Whoever I’m talking to at the moment. I love them all.

9 Comments

Filed under survey says

January 24, 2010 · 6:25 pm

Song title fun

Ok, Carin posted something like this on her blog and when I told her I did it on FB she said she’d never see it. So I went and grabbed it. I deleted the artist though, since I had to guess hers. So, here it is, copied from the note someone else posted that I filled in you know all that copy and paste blah blah that FB does.

***

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. You can’t use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It’s a lot harder than you think!

Artist: You’ll have to guess

Are you a male or female?All American Girl

Describe yourself: I Just Can’t Live a Lie

How do you feel: Flat on the Floor

Describe where you currently live: That’s Where It Is

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Inside Your Heaven

Your favorite form of transportation Jesus, Take the Wheel

Your best friend is: We’re Young and Beautiful

What’s the weather like: Twisted

Favorite time of day: Crazy Dreams

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: Lessons Learned

What is life to you: Don’t Forget to Remember Me

Your fear: Wasted

What is the best advice you have to give: So Small

Thought for the Day: The Night Before Life Goes On

How I would like to die: Starts with Goodbye

My soul’s present condition: I Ain’t in Chakota Anymore

The first thing you think of when you wake up: I Know You Won’t

Your favorite color is: Wheel of the World

If you could change your name, what would it be: Last Name

Your favorite food is: You Won’t Find This

The faults you can bear: I Told You So

How would you describe your love life: Some Hearts

My motto: The More Boys I Meet

***

I remember it was pretty hard. I only had 2 albums to choose from so it was dicey haha. Plus it was one of my first attempts at all the copy and pasting with Alex.

9 Comments

Filed under Alex, music, survey says