Throw out 50 Things (part 1)

This is Part 1.
Click here for Part 2.
Click here for Part 3.
Click here for Part 4.



In an effort to declutter my home, I am joining Monica in her pledge to throw out 50 things before 1 January 2009. I had gotten rid of some stuff before, during, and shortly after moving to my new home last year. There is still A LOT of stuff I need to sort through. After over a year in the new house, our living room is still a very large expensive storage area full of things we probably don't need anymore. Boxes everywhere!

I'm following Monica's example of reporting, which should also help me keep count. :-)

First we're starting with the stack of books sitting by the dining room window. They've been sitting in the "to toss" pile for over a year now. I think it's time they actually left the house.


1 & 2. Two copies of Computer Graphics by F.S. Hill Jr. I was originally going to show you the photo of just one book, then thought you guys wouldn't believe that I actually had TWO copies of it. This was our textbook for a Computer Graphics class and I am pretty sure one copy was mine and the other copy was DH's. Neither of us actually read the book while we were taking the class.


3. Computer Algorithms: Introduction to Design and Analysis by Sara Baase. Another computer class textbook. I never read this book. It's interesting to note that some things do not change, there is a newer version of the book and I had to laugh when looking at the overall rating on Amazon.

I think I took Algorithms twice in college (did I flunk it the first time?) and we had a much better book the second time around. We used this Introduction to Algorithms book, which I actually did use and find useful. I thought I kept this book, unfortunately I don't see it on my bookshelf. It's definitely one I wouldn't mind keeping, just because. It's not like I actually need the book or would open it. Just because, like my old Compilers book which is better known as the "Dragon" book. This is my old copy. I see there is a newer 2nd edition available now. Strange, I don't see my Dragon book on the shelf either. Did DH go on a rampage and throw out old textbooks?


4. Intermediate Problem Solving and Data Structures: Walls and Mirrors by Paul Helman and Robert Veroff. Another textbook. I have absolutely no recollecion of ever using this book. By now you are probably thinking I was not a very good student...


5. Programming in C by Stephen G. Kochan. Ah, fond memories of learning the C programming language. Mine is a revised edition. The current flavor is a 3rd edition. Ah well, it's time to let this book go.

I still have K&R on the shelf. You know, The C Programming Language by Kernighan and Ritchie? Surely you must know this book! We actually have TWO copies of K&R on the shelf, and yes, I can see them on the shelf. I'm not too worried, I know this is not a book DH would throw out. Yes, we agree on some things, sometimes. :-)


6. Internetworking: A Guide to Network Communications LAN to LAN; LAN to WAN by Mark A Miller. Another outdated computer book.


7. Systematic Software Development using VDM by Cliff B. Jones. This is one big UGH. Never opened the book to use during the class. Useless book.


8. C++ by Bjarne Stroustrup. This is one of those classics so I'm not entirely sure why it is in the "toss" pile. I have an older copy, this is the latest version. What do you think? Is this book worth keeping?


9. Programming in Prolog by W.F. Clocksin and C.S. Mellish. Definitely going out the door. They have an updated version that appears to be highly rated. Still not keeping my copy.


10. Programming Pearls by Jon Bentley. It's not a bad book, although I don't think I need to keep it. They've got an updated version.


Woo hoo!!! That's 20% progress. :-D

I bet you're thinking all these books are boring and good riddance!

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