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Wednesday, December 03, 2008

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 It's interesting to note that some things do not change, there is a newer version of the book and I had to laugh when looking at the overall rating on Amazon.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!

Copyright © Smariek Knits 2005-2008. All full copyright rights are reserved by Smariek Knits.
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9 stitch(es):

CatBookMom said...

Those books are all in a language that is very foreign to me. In college in the Dark Ages, I spoke 'debit' and 'credit'; computers were housed in very, very big rooms with raised floors. DH and I have a couple of books on Windows, MS Office apps, and one or two on Blogging - I don't think any of them have been opened in years. I like the 'Throw Out 50 Things' idea. Thanks!

My word is 'beinge' - I think this must mean a binge with beige??

Debbie said...

I hope you are either donating or recycling these books?

Ariel said...

50 things....... WOW!!! I'm not sure I could do it. GOOD LUCK!!!

pdxknitterati/MicheleLB said...

I think I could get rid of 50 things, if I can count each book individually! Our basement is a treasure trove of stuff we don't use. That's what happens when you live in the same place for 14 years...

Stephanie said...

These books are certainly good reading for a person like me, if I had sleep problems. Even though the subject in itself must be very interesting, I can't concentrate on these. Have tried, have failed ;o). Good luck for the 50 things!

junior_goddess said...

I think maybe I can try for 10 this month.

Georgi said...

Go YOU! Excellent start, I should have counted each book separately instead of just saying 10 books. And I have to say, the books to sound really boring, but everyone to their own :-)

The Wool Gatherer said...

I've already been cleaning and sorting this week, so I'm well on my way. I bet I could go for 100!

TracyKM said...

My husband and I have textbooks too. Mine are a little more timeless (music history and theory and geography don't change much), but his are engineering. Of course, even though he hasn't looked at them in 15 years, he still NEEDS them.