The Fora: A Higher Education Community

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Cheerful on March 30, 2020, 11:17:38 AM

Title: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Cheerful on March 30, 2020, 11:17:38 AM
Shout out to smallcleanrat for the idea here.  Gather round The Fora water cooler and share some daily chit chat.

Is Monday's water cooler filled with sparkling seltzer water (flavored or not), water with lemon slices, or just plain filtered water?

Today's tidbits from me: A day without any Zoom meetings, woo hoo!  After extensive research and effort, managed to place my first online grocery order for pick up later this week.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Puget on March 30, 2020, 11:22:52 AM
Thanks for starting the thread Cheerful, and thanks for the fancy beverage choices-- an we have sparkling WITH lemon slices? (Don't mean to be greedy, but since this is virtual magic water and all. . .)

Alas, my day is not free from Zoom meetings (just got off one). I spend way too much of my life on Zoom these days.  On the plus side it actually is pretty nice to interact with people on Zoom since we can't in person right now.

I'm going to eat a late lunch now. I'm excited that I have leftover home-made eggplant parm pizza I can heat up.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on March 30, 2020, 11:41:54 AM
Pass the cucumber-infused water this way.  I am missing the daily little chats while waiting for the break room microwave.  Today, lunch is hot dog salad with extra celery.

I have today's only WebEx meeting just after lunch.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: clean on March 30, 2020, 12:08:36 PM
My first post CV19 online exam starts in 90 minutes.

I went to the grocery store today.  Many papers still on the 'restricted' items, but supplies seem to be coming back.

I went to pick up some pre-made salads. They do not have the 'grab n go' ones, but they do have some smaller ones, so I did pick up 3. That should get me through the next 2 days.

I can report that the store parking lot was probably busier than a normal Monday about noon, but the store was not crowded. The meat section was well stocked. There were notes on the milk cooler doors that said 'limit 1' with the 1 scratched out and a '2' above it.  The store looked pretty well stocked, though I only went through a few rows of goods.  From what I could tell the only item that was still 'low' would be eggs.  They had some, but the usual quantity was not there and the 'limit 1' sign was unchanged. 

So it looks like the grocery stores (at least in my area) are mostly back to their normal stocking levels.  Once people see that the shelves are mostly stocked, that they may calm down and only buy a more normal supply. 

The most important point of this post to the Water Cooler Chat thread is that given that the grocery store seems to be sufficiently stocked, there is little incentive to dig the cucumber slices out of the water or take the hot dog salad (extra celery) home just in case it is needed for a midnight snack!!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 30, 2020, 12:17:26 PM
I chatted with a few of my Physics students via an app today. One of them works in a hospital and has said that they have been really hit hard. Trying times.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on March 30, 2020, 12:36:02 PM
I went out to get the mail and saw what looked like a VNA/EMT- type person--carrying a mask and MD-like black bag, with a stethoscope on their neck--go up the steps of the house next door. I hope they're OK.

In lighter news, the same cardinal woke me up this AM, but I went back to sleep.

Hey, smallcleanrat, how was your weekend?

M.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on March 30, 2020, 03:29:27 PM
Quote from: clean on March 30, 2020, 12:08:36 PM
The most important point of this post to the Water Cooler Chat thread is that given that the grocery store seems to be sufficiently stocked, there is little incentive to dig the cucumber slices out of the water or take the hot dog salad (extra celery) home just in case it is needed for a midnight snack!!

Mr. Mer went to the store today, too.  I now have an on-sale ($0.50!) grab-and-go salad for tomorrow's lunch along with extra cucumbers.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on March 30, 2020, 03:38:54 PM
Just struck me: the whole forum is (sometimes rather extended) water-cooler chit-chat....!

;--}

M.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: spork on March 30, 2020, 06:11:02 PM
I baked a pie today. Tomorrow I will bake bread.

The wifey and I have been spending evenings watching episodes of Schitt's Creek, which we are finding to be amazingly funny.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: hmaria1609 on March 30, 2020, 06:28:52 PM
How 'bout berries and mint in the watercooler?

I went to get a few things at Costco this afternoon. There was toilet paper in stock, limit 1 per member.  Organic eggs were back in stock. Still no paper towels. Not an entirely bad shopping trip!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on March 30, 2020, 07:09:42 PM
I will take you up on berries!

We have paper towels stocked, but the good tissue is still on back order.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mahagonny on March 30, 2020, 07:59:31 PM
soil for toxic plants
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on March 30, 2020, 08:33:59 PM
Ignore^
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on March 30, 2020, 08:42:33 PM
How about some berry scones? Yum!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on March 30, 2020, 08:47:06 PM
Quote from: mahagonny on March 30, 2020, 07:59:31 PM
soil for toxic plants

We're in the market for an aloe vera plant.  I'll take that soil, thank you.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: namazu on March 30, 2020, 09:08:30 PM
Quote from: spork on March 30, 2020, 06:11:02 PM
The wifey and I have been spending evenings watching episodes of Schitt's Creek, which we are finding to be amazingly funny.
We've also had this queued up and have been meaning to watch it, but haven't gotten to it yet.  Glad you're enjoying it!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: apl68 on March 31, 2020, 12:14:00 PM
Checked through a large book donation that has spent some days in quarantine after it arrived on our doorstep in three huge boxes.  The bulk of it consisted of nearly 150 volumes of Reader's Digest Condensed Books.  Which we have absolutely no use for.  Before the epidemic shutdown a patron had asked about trying to get some Condensed Books.  I saved her some of the more presentable ones. 
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: lillipat on March 31, 2020, 01:18:44 PM
Some water-cooler conversation sounds good on a grey gloomy afternoon here.  I got so involved with a messy situation involving a couple of faculty members that I missed our afternoon WebEx with the VP of HR - oh rats!  Say, is the berry-infused water holding up?  Sounds delightful about now.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on March 31, 2020, 01:19:14 PM
Do you have a book sale? (Under normal circumstances, that is...)

They might sell.

Oh, yeah, and some strawberry-mint water for me, for sure!

M.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Anselm on March 31, 2020, 01:42:43 PM
Hey guys!  How about them Cubs?  At least they are not losing now.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: hmaria1609 on March 31, 2020, 01:48:25 PM
Glad folks like my flavored water suggestions! One summer the local organic grocery store offered a large beverage dispenser of flavored water and self-service cups for customers to enjoy while shopping. There was a core inside in the dispenser for adding fruits and the like. I was thinking of that as I posted.

Quote from: apl68 on March 31, 2020, 12:14:00 PM
Checked through a large book donation that has spent some days in quarantine after it arrived on our doorstep in three huge boxes.  The bulk of it consisted of nearly 150 volumes of Reader's Digest Condensed Books.  Which we have absolutely no use for.  Before the epidemic shutdown a patron had asked about trying to get some Condensed Books.  I saved her some of the more presentable ones.
The Friends group at my library got those as a donation too but recycled the lot of 'em.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: apl68 on March 31, 2020, 01:55:40 PM
You can't hardly sell those old Condensed Books anymore.  Books By the Foot, which sells books in bulk to people who need help filling up their shelves (Incredibly enough, there seem to be such people), lists old Condensed Books at $29.99 per foot--for good-quality ones.  It seems to be their least expensive category.  If that patron does indeed want them, we're prepared to offer a far better price than that.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: secundem_artem on March 31, 2020, 02:03:35 PM
Quote from: hmaria1609 on March 31, 2020, 01:48:25 PM
Glad folks like my flavored water suggestions!

Can you flavor my water with an ounce and a half of The Famous Grouse?

I managed to score a large bottle of hand sanitizer in the local hardware store, so I'm calling this a good day.

Had my first email from a student that "The technology doesn't work, what should I do??"

I started with that old standby - Did you try turning it off and then back on again?  Danged if that did not work.  So far the online stuff has been time consuming but fairly painless. 

So how's by you?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on March 31, 2020, 02:12:54 PM
Quote from: apl68 on March 31, 2020, 01:55:40 PM
You can't hardly sell those old Condensed Books anymore.  Books By the Foot, which sells books in bulk to people who need help filling up their shelves (Incredibly enough, there seem to be such people), lists old Condensed Books at $29.99 per foot--for good-quality ones.  It seems to be their least expensive category.  If that patron does indeed want them, we're prepared to offer a far better price than that.

I'm amused at the idea of needing to buy books for decoration to fill empty shelves.  I've never had that problem; if anything, I'm trying to figure out where to put more shelves.

I do have one fabulous birthday memory of about 20 years ago now when we visited a Goodwill that sold books by weight.  Mr. Mer held my feet as I dug through the big bins to get the books I wanted.  Apparently, that wasn't a common sight and people made comments.  Let them comment!  I got a great deal when we were broke during grad school.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: arcturus on March 31, 2020, 03:48:21 PM
As I sip on my berries and mint infused water - thanks hmaria1609! - I can't help but think about the census taking place tomorrow in my nearly empty college town.  The long term consequences of sending our students home will go beyond the immediate economic and cultural downturn, as our progressive blue dot will now be an even smaller pool in the big red ocean.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: hmaria1609 on March 31, 2020, 06:04:36 PM
Other fruits for stocking the water cooler: Watermelon, pineapple, apple, lemon, and lime
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 01, 2020, 08:01:34 AM
Cheerful, thanks so much for starting this thread.

Hmm...what can I contribute?

Is anyone else having a hard time figuring out a good exercise routine? Staying home all the time means I'm not getting in as much walking as I usually do. Also, both legs are injured so certain exercises like squats or pretty much anything that requires bending the legs are not feasible at moment. I can't do much walking anyway because the pain sets in and the muscles seize up after only 5-10 minutes.

I'm doing PT exercises at home to regain some mobility, but that can takes weeks to months to be significantly effective.

What are some good aerobic/strength exercises that don't involve much leg action?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Puget on April 01, 2020, 08:40:04 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 01, 2020, 08:01:34 AM
Cheerful, thanks so much for starting this thread.

Hmm...what can I contribute?

Is anyone else having a hard time figuring out a good exercise routine? Staying home all the time means I'm not getting in as much walking as I usually do. Also, both legs are injured so certain exercises like squats or pretty much anything that requires bending the legs are not feasible at moment. I can't do much walking anyway because the pain sets in and the muscles seize up after only 5-10 minutes.

I'm doing PT exercises at home to regain some mobility, but that can takes weeks to months to be significantly effective.

What are some good aerobic/strength exercises that don't involve much leg action?

Good to see you at the cooler!

I like to do arm exercises with a cheap set of resistance bands (just looked and it looks like you can still get them cheap and quickly on Amazon). They usually come with a sheet of exercise to try, and I'm sure there are many videos online too. They come in different resistance strengths so you can start easy and work your way up.

I've heard there are also lots of places offering free yoga and other sorts of home exercise classes online right now, though I haven't tried those.

(I'm assuming there is also a tea and coffee station set up here by the water cooler, and am going over to make a cup of tea now).

Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mahagonny on April 01, 2020, 08:43:18 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 01, 2020, 08:01:34 AM
Cheerful, thanks so much for starting this thread.


Oh, cheerful is a good sort. I take back everything I thought about this thread. I thought it was going to be like another 'post your one-offs' backbiting hangout.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mythbuster on April 01, 2020, 09:38:28 AM
My mother is doing seated yoga though with a you tube video. Maybe you could try that?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: marshwiggle on April 01, 2020, 09:48:09 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on March 31, 2020, 02:12:54 PM
Quote from: apl68 on March 31, 2020, 01:55:40 PM
You can't hardly sell those old Condensed Books anymore.  Books By the Foot, which sells books in bulk to people who need help filling up their shelves (Incredibly enough, there seem to be such people), lists old Condensed Books at $29.99 per foot--for good-quality ones.  It seems to be their least expensive category.  If that patron does indeed want them, we're prepared to offer a far better price than that.

I'm amused at the idea of needing to buy books for decoration to fill empty shelves.  I've never had that problem; if anything, I'm trying to figure out where to put more shelves.

When my daughter was in middle school, she went to visit a friend from her class. The thing that amazed her about their house was that there were NO books! (On vacation, she was always pleased when we drove through a small town and she observed the library. That meant it was civilized enough that people could live there.)
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Larimar on April 01, 2020, 10:00:19 AM
Ah, yes. A library is a good benchmark for civilization!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 01, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on March 31, 2020, 02:12:54 PM
I'm amused at the idea of needing to buy books for decoration to fill empty shelves.  I've never had that problem; if anything, I'm trying to figure out where to put more shelves.

Agreed.  I am of the opinion that one cannot have too many books, but one may have too few bookshelves. 

We try to give away books to the used book store that we are never going to read again to save some space in our small house. Hubby is better at this than I, as I am a consistent re-reader of my favorites or even just sections of books I particularly like.  We tend to bring a box of books we have read to the used book store and come home with 2 boxes of books from the used bookstore.  Thus, the need for more shelves.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Morden on April 01, 2020, 10:25:13 AM
Our city has a lot of "little free libraries" on people's lawns, so a lot of our novels wind up there. The trick is not to bring home more than you put in.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: apl68 on April 01, 2020, 10:28:29 AM
Quote from: Puget on April 01, 2020, 08:40:04 AM
Quote from: smallcleanrat on April 01, 2020, 08:01:34 AM
Cheerful, thanks so much for starting this thread.

Hmm...what can I contribute?

Is anyone else having a hard time figuring out a good exercise routine? Staying home all the time means I'm not getting in as much walking as I usually do. Also, both legs are injured so certain exercises like squats or pretty much anything that requires bending the legs are not feasible at moment. I can't do much walking anyway because the pain sets in and the muscles seize up after only 5-10 minutes.

I'm doing PT exercises at home to regain some mobility, but that can takes weeks to months to be significantly effective.

What are some good aerobic/strength exercises that don't involve much leg action?


I like to do arm exercises with a cheap set of resistance bands (just looked and it looks like you can still get them cheap and quickly on Amazon). They usually come with a sheet of exercise to try, and I'm sure there are many videos online too. They come in different resistance strengths so you can start easy and work your way up.


Resistance band exercises have been a big help to me over the past year and a half as I try to recondition my damaged shoulders.  A combination of stretching exercises, resistance bands, and hand weights has helped me to regain strength and function.  It does take time to feel the improvement.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: hmaria1609 on April 01, 2020, 12:04:58 PM
From a sandwich board sign I saw last year:
QuoteI have so many books at home I haven't read yet. Oh look! A bookstore.
The sign was outside the front door of an independent bookstore in Burfurd, UK.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 01, 2020, 12:11:10 PM
It looks like there's a real uptick in the number of spammy registrations here. I wonder why?

On the exercise front, as an amateur bodybuilder, I'm feeling the absence of the gym. I'm just relying on resistance bands at the moment.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on April 01, 2020, 12:27:02 PM
I'm rehabbing my broken-nearly-recovered foot with simple modern and ballet exercises. (No turn-out, everything in parallel, and I'm not pushing the extensors or flexors yet until they're ready--just little movements, gradually increasing their range.)

I've started with the things I'd give my 5-year-olds, working up from there. I figure it'll take a few weeks to loosen up all the little muscle sheathes that got stuck together while my foot was in a cast, and I'm just doing one-footed balance stuff for now, until the healing foot is really ready to take my full weight (uhG! There's another challenge--let's lose some of that weight, while I'm at it!!)

But I'm putting the injured foot (never call it a "bad" foot, it will feel embarrassed) down on the ground more, carefully, and shifting weight on and off of it at times, to get it used to the idea that one of these days, the free ride is over...

Time to start prepping my music lessons for this afternoon, later, guys!

M.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on April 01, 2020, 02:57:42 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 01, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
...as I am a consistent re-reader of my favorites or even just sections of books I particularly like.  We tend to bring a box of books we have read to the used book store and come home with 2 boxes of books from the used bookstore.  Thus, the need for more shelves.

Yep, that's how it goes here as well.  The only thing I've found that slows the acquisition is to schedule pickups for donations.  We have a local enough charity that brings the big truck and will pick up boxes of books, clothes, etc. so we don't have to be tempted as we donate.

However, I have two bookcases of new-to-me books just waiting for an opportunity like all the libraries and bookstores being closed.  I'm not overindulgent;  I'm just preparing to be a good social distancer.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: secundem_artem on April 02, 2020, 07:13:21 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 01, 2020, 02:57:42 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 01, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
...as I am a consistent re-reader of my favorites or even just sections of books I particularly like.  We tend to bring a box of books we have read to the used book store and come home with 2 boxes of books from the used bookstore.  Thus, the need for more shelves.

Yep, that's how it goes here as well.  The only thing I've found that slows the acquisition is to schedule pickups for donations.  We have a local enough charity that brings the big truck and will pick up boxes of books, clothes, etc. so we don't have to be tempted as we donate.

However, I have two bookcases of new-to-me books just waiting for an opportunity like all the libraries and bookstores being closed.  I'm not overindulgent;  I'm just preparing to be a good social distancer.

Ummmm.... iPad anyone?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Morden on April 02, 2020, 08:56:54 AM
I have a kindle--which is great for travel. But I prefer paper.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on April 02, 2020, 09:24:36 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on April 02, 2020, 07:13:21 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 01, 2020, 02:57:42 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 01, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
...as I am a consistent re-reader of my favorites or even just sections of books I particularly like.  We tend to bring a box of books we have read to the used book store and come home with 2 boxes of books from the used bookstore.  Thus, the need for more shelves.

Yep, that's how it goes here as well.  The only thing I've found that slows the acquisition is to schedule pickups for donations.  We have a local enough charity that brings the big truck and will pick up boxes of books, clothes, etc. so we don't have to be tempted as we donate.

However, I have two bookcases of new-to-me books just waiting for an opportunity like all the libraries and bookstores being closed.  I'm not overindulgent;  I'm just preparing to be a good social distancer.

Ummmm.... iPad anyone?

New electronic books are often far more expensive than used physical books.  Our Friends of the Public Library will put books out for free after the shop gets too many donations and certain books haven't sold in a timely manner.  Many used bookstores used to have sales on damaged books or books that have sat on the shelves for too long. 

One does not necessarily own an electronic copy, as many people have found out from other media, unlike a physical copy that is clearly mine.  I can also lend and borrow physical copies without any company being involved.

Many of the books I found in a second-hand store are not available electronically.  Some of them have been books for which I've looked and some were fortuitous finds that I was happy to get for $10 knowing they sold new for several hundred dollars.

Electronic books that need a subscription somewhere are of no use to me when the internet goes out and electricity goes out long enough that recharging should be a thing.  We had an internet outage of several hours just this week and I often end up in places where the electricity is even wonkier, let alone internet access for any sort of license check or stored-in-the-cloud library.

I keep hoping that electronic books would help my storage concerns, but even with my new tablet for Christmas, I am not divesting my literal tons of physical books in favor of new electronic formats.  We did that for our VHS to DVD collection and that was plenty expensive.  I would be short on books if I could only use electronic versions.


Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: OneMoreYear on April 02, 2020, 09:29:29 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on April 02, 2020, 07:13:21 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 01, 2020, 02:57:42 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 01, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
...as I am a consistent re-reader of my favorites or even just sections of books I particularly like.  We tend to bring a box of books we have read to the used book store and come home with 2 boxes of books from the used bookstore.  Thus, the need for more shelves.

Yep, that's how it goes here as well.  The only thing I've found that slows the acquisition is to schedule pickups for donations.  We have a local enough charity that brings the big truck and will pick up boxes of books, clothes, etc. so we don't have to be tempted as we donate.

However, I have two bookcases of new-to-me books just waiting for an opportunity like all the libraries and bookstores being closed.  I'm not overindulgent;  I'm just preparing to be a good social distancer.

Ummmm.... iPad anyone?

I know, I know . . . I'm a dinosaur. I don't own an IPad. I was gifted a Kindle at one point, but apparently one of my cats is also a Luddite and decided to knock it off the nightstand and push it down the basement steps.  Alas.   Since I am spending my entire work day on the computer these days, when I have time for reading for pleasure, I want to hold a book.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: apl68 on April 02, 2020, 10:51:01 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 02, 2020, 09:24:36 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on April 02, 2020, 07:13:21 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 01, 2020, 02:57:42 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on April 01, 2020, 10:22:24 AM
...as I am a consistent re-reader of my favorites or even just sections of books I particularly like.  We tend to bring a box of books we have read to the used book store and come home with 2 boxes of books from the used bookstore.  Thus, the need for more shelves.

Yep, that's how it goes here as well.  The only thing I've found that slows the acquisition is to schedule pickups for donations.  We have a local enough charity that brings the big truck and will pick up boxes of books, clothes, etc. so we don't have to be tempted as we donate.

However, I have two bookcases of new-to-me books just waiting for an opportunity like all the libraries and bookstores being closed.  I'm not overindulgent;  I'm just preparing to be a good social distancer.

Ummmm.... iPad anyone?

New electronic books are often far more expensive than used physical books.  Our Friends of the Public Library will put books out for free after the shop gets too many donations and certain books haven't sold in a timely manner.  Many used bookstores used to have sales on damaged books or books that have sat on the shelves for too long. 

One does not necessarily own an electronic copy, as many people have found out from other media, unlike a physical copy that is clearly mine.  I can also lend and borrow physical copies without any company being involved.

Many of the books I found in a second-hand store are not available electronically.  Some of them have been books for which I've looked and some were fortuitous finds that I was happy to get for $10 knowing they sold new for several hundred dollars.

Electronic books that need a subscription somewhere are of no use to me when the internet goes out and electricity goes out long enough that recharging should be a thing.  We had an internet outage of several hours just this week and I often end up in places where the electricity is even wonkier, let alone internet access for any sort of license check or stored-in-the-cloud library.

I keep hoping that electronic books would help my storage concerns, but even with my new tablet for Christmas, I am not divesting my literal tons of physical books in favor of new electronic formats.  We did that for our VHS to DVD collection and that was plenty expensive.  I would be short on books if I could only use electronic versions.

Several good points above.  Especially the part about not necessarily "owning" an electronic copy.  Public libraries have been slammed hard by this as we attempt to build circulating digital collections for our patrons.  We often have to pay several times as much for our e-titles as we do for the same thing in physical format.  Many of them come to us "metered"--after a certain number of checkouts, or a certain amount of time, we have to re-purchase it.  Plus we have to pay thousands of dollars a year to participate in the e-book system before we've purchased a single title.  If it weren't for statewide e-book consortia, small libraries like ours wouldn't be able to offer good e-book collections.  As it is the consortium has to monitor expenses very carefully.

I wonder what effect the pandemic is going to have on our consortium.  With libraries now closed to the public, all we can offer our patrons is e-books.  It's great that we can offer those, for patrons who have the necessary devices and internet access.  But our metered titles are probably going to be turning over faster than ever!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: clean on April 02, 2020, 11:02:10 AM
Hey!  HOW come NO ONE has commented on my 5 pound weight loss?

Given the 'social distancing rules' it seems that my primary calorie source (probably french fries) have been hampered because I was a Dine In person and I loath the drive through! Even when I ordered 'to go' I went inside to make the order.   Even some of the order ahead deals on the aps require you pick up through the drive in and I refuse to wait in the drive through line..like a savage!.. so I am not doing too much with respect to 'fast food'.

In addition, I have been eating primarily pre-prepared salads. I go to the grocery store every 3rd day and pick up a few more day's supply. There is a variety so I have not been getting the same thing so I m not (yet) bored of salads.

IF I could work into my schedule some exercise, and I know that i should!, I would probably lose even more!  However, I have discovered that my clock has rotated. Even IF I go to bed at a reasonable time, I am nto able to sleep.  I find that I might fall asleep right away be be awake in an hour, and for several more hours, only to go back to sleep between 330 and 4. Then I sleep until 1030 -1130am.

Anyone else losing weight on the 'stay safe, stay home' diet or found their sleep patterns rotated?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: sprout on April 02, 2020, 11:31:52 AM
Quote from: clean on April 02, 2020, 11:02:10 AM
Hey!  HOW come NO ONE has commented on my 5 pound weight loss?

Given the 'social distancing rules' it seems that my primary calorie source (probably french fries) have been hampered because I was a Dine In person and I loath the drive through! Even when I ordered 'to go' I went inside to make the order.   Even some of the order ahead deals on the aps require you pick up through the drive in and I refuse to wait in the drive through line..like a savage!.. so I am not doing too much with respect to 'fast food'.

In addition, I have been eating primarily pre-prepared salads. I go to the grocery store every 3rd day and pick up a few more day's supply. There is a variety so I have not been getting the same thing so I m not (yet) bored of salads.

IF I could work into my schedule some exercise, and I know that i should!, I would probably lose even more!  However, I have discovered that my clock has rotated. Even IF I go to bed at a reasonable time, I am nto able to sleep.  I find that I might fall asleep right away be be awake in an hour, and for several more hours, only to go back to sleep between 330 and 4. Then I sleep until 1030 -1130am.

Anyone else losing weight on the 'stay safe, stay home' diet or found their sleep patterns rotated?

I'm devolving back to my 'awake until 2, sleep until 10' pattern that I get into when I don't have a need to set an alarm.
As for weight loss - I wish!  I'd lost about 30 pounds before going into quarantine and I'm a little afraid I'll have it all back by the time we come out!  Boredom or procrastination-eating is a big issue for me.  The snacks I have around at home may be healthier than the vending machines at work, but they're so much more available.  Anyone else fighting the"'quarantine fifteen"?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: ciao_yall on April 02, 2020, 11:50:29 AM
By not going out to eat I seem to have lost a few pounds. Have also been taking long walks every day.

Even all the extra wine I am drinking doesn't seem to be making much difference.

I'm doing WW which helps me stay on track.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 02, 2020, 11:54:17 AM
Quote from: sprout on April 02, 2020, 11:31:52 AM
Quote from: clean on April 02, 2020, 11:02:10 AM
Hey!  HOW come NO ONE has commented on my 5 pound weight loss?

Given the 'social distancing rules' it seems that my primary calorie source (probably french fries) have been hampered because I was a Dine In person and I loath the drive through! Even when I ordered 'to go' I went inside to make the order.   Even some of the order ahead deals on the aps require you pick up through the drive in and I refuse to wait in the drive through line..like a savage!.. so I am not doing too much with respect to 'fast food'.

In addition, I have been eating primarily pre-prepared salads. I go to the grocery store every 3rd day and pick up a few more day's supply. There is a variety so I have not been getting the same thing so I m not (yet) bored of salads.

IF I could work into my schedule some exercise, and I know that i should!, I would probably lose even more!  However, I have discovered that my clock has rotated. Even IF I go to bed at a reasonable time, I am nto able to sleep.  I find that I might fall asleep right away be be awake in an hour, and for several more hours, only to go back to sleep between 330 and 4. Then I sleep until 1030 -1130am.

Anyone else losing weight on the 'stay safe, stay home' diet or found their sleep patterns rotated?

I'm devolving back to my 'awake until 2, sleep until 10' pattern that I get into when I don't have a need to set an alarm.
As for weight loss - I wish!  I'd lost about 30 pounds before going into quarantine and I'm a little afraid I'll have it all back by the time we come out!  Boredom or procrastination-eating is a big issue for me.  The snacks I have around at home may be healthier than the vending machines at work, but they're so much more available.  Anyone else fighting the"'quarantine fifteen"?

With the stay-at-home policy and hurt legs I've definitely gotten a bit squishier. Trying to get back on a routine which includes meal planning instead of eating whenever I feel like it, and exercising regularly.

I worry about the effect this stay-at-home situation will have on SO. He is already obese and food is a major source of comfort for him when he is bored or stressed. He had recently started making minuscule cut-backs to his sugar consumption as an early baby step to eating healthier, but it seems he's now decided, "Well, there's a pandemic, I'm stressed out, so I'll eat what I want."
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: apl68 on April 02, 2020, 12:04:14 PM
Still working 9-5 weekdays, and still walking for over an hour each morning before getting ready for work, so my daily routine is holding.  Before things started shutting down around here I was sleeping in later (until well after six) than before, and had therefore had to change up my walking routes.  That was due to medication I've been taking that makes me sleepier.

With the recent sunny weather after months of rain, I've been adjusting to something more like my previous schedule.

I'm also still slowly completing my recovery from last year's dog attack/accident.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Cheerful on April 02, 2020, 02:12:57 PM
Quote from: Cheerful on March 30, 2020, 11:17:38 AM
After extensive research and effort, managed to place my first online grocery order for pick up later this week.

I received an email this morning with the grocery charge on my credit card.  Called and store said my order was ready for pick up.  Yay!  They said "call when you get here and we'll bring your groceries to the car."  I did and they said, "we'll be right out!"  Five minutes later, clerk comes out and says "sorry, someone else mistakenly received your groceries."  "I understand," I said.  She said they'll call when the replacement order is ready.  That was six hours ago.  Will start over in morning with a request for a refund.
It's a jungle out there, folks.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Cheerful on April 03, 2020, 06:43:27 AM
I have my groceries.  Grateful.  They could not accept the tip I had ready.  Feel bad about that.

Happy Friday and Best Wishes to Everyone on The Fora.


Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on April 03, 2020, 07:14:54 AM
Clean, do you ever put your French fries on your salads?  I was introduced to that in Pittsburgh and now salads seem plain without the fries.


We bought an air frier over Christmas and our store is fully stocked on frozen fries.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: apl68 on April 03, 2020, 07:42:18 AM
I make "oven fries" by slicing unpeeled potatoes into sections, tossing in a little oil and paprika, and baking in a covered dish until done.  They're very good, much less greasy than normal fries, and don't require any peeling, which I've always been too lazy to do. 

Never thought of putting them on a salad, though.  I've always been content with dressing and maybe a little shredded cheese or a sprinkling of sunflower kernels.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: secundem_artem on April 03, 2020, 09:34:31 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 03, 2020, 07:14:54 AM
Clean, do you ever put your French fries on your salads?  I was introduced to that in Pittsburgh and now salads seem plain without the fries.


We bought an air frier over Christmas and our store is fully stocked on frozen fries.

It's even better if you leave off the salad.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on April 03, 2020, 09:50:25 AM
Quote from: secundem_artem on April 03, 2020, 09:34:31 AM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 03, 2020, 07:14:54 AM
Clean, do you ever put your French fries on your salads?  I was introduced to that in Pittsburgh and now salads seem plain without the fries.


We bought an air frier over Christmas and our store is fully stocked on frozen fries.

It's even better if you leave off the salad.

I have reached the age that I physically need extra vegetables, but still can't face them as just bare servings sitting on the plate taunting me with their much-less-desirable-than-meat-and-potatoness.  However, an expanded cobb/chef salad with fries, meat, and cheese enough to get something other than vegetables in every bite is something I can face.

I don't need any dressing if I have enough good stuff on the salad itself.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Antiphon1 on April 03, 2020, 07:00:39 PM
Quote from: polly_mer on April 03, 2020, 07:14:54 AM
Clean, do you ever put your French fries on your salads?  I was introduced to that in Pittsburgh and now salads seem plain without the fries.


We bought an air frier over Christmas and our store is fully stocked on frozen fries.

Try onion rings ala Sonic salads of yore.  It's pretty dang good.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: clean on April 06, 2020, 02:35:05 AM
went to bed at a reasonable time.  Woke up about an hour later.  Tried to go back to sleep.  Then I gave up and have been up about 2 hours reading interent news sites.  Its 433 now, and Im not feeling sleepy but Im going to try to sleep some more.  Not a good way to start a Monday!  I have 2 classes to deal with this afternoon through WebEx.  (Hopefully I remember to press "record" THIS time!!)
I plan to get out on Tuesday some time and walk a bit.  i need to start getting out of the house in a constructive way to improve my health and outlook!  I need some walking endorphins! 
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on April 06, 2020, 07:08:31 AM
Start a birding lifelist on your walks?

(See the Audubon Society's guidelines).

M.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 10, 2020, 06:36:41 PM
Since there seem to be many birders on the fora, was wondering if anyone was familiar with the one-act opera A Waterbird Talk by Dominick Argento? Parts of the libretto were adapted from Audubon's writings. There's also some drama mixed in, but I've always loved this work for the way the music enhances the descriptions of the birds.

I've got a composer friend taking commissions for songs (pandemic seriously limiting his ability to work as a performer at moment), and I've been thinking of asking him to put a few other pieces of scientific prose to music. Needs to be old enough to be in the public domain. I was thinking excerpts from Origin of Species or maybe William James's Principles of Psychology.

Any ideas?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on April 10, 2020, 10:17:53 PM
Ooooh, I like that idea.

Someone like Issak Walton, maybe, or....who was that naturalist who wrote such beautiful prose... Aldo someone?

Thoreau's ok sometimes, but he make a 15-min. walk into town sound like a dangerous trek to the Pole.

How would the piece be structured?

M.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Puget on April 11, 2020, 07:19:29 AM
What a nice idea--
Mamselle I suspect you are are thinking about Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac. Not sure if that is in the public domain yet.

On the psychology front, Piaget illustrated his work with  a lot of verbatim transcriptions of dialogs with children which are quite charming and might make for good duets. Here's one I use in class, illustrating the slow development of children's understanding of what is alive:

Piaget (1929), interview with 7 year old:

Is a cat alive?
Yes
A table?
No
Why not?
It can't move
Is water alive?
Yes, it moves.
Is the moon alive?
Yes, sometimes it hides behind the mountains.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: hmaria1609 on April 11, 2020, 07:01:58 PM
Seafood lovers in DC were happy campers today--the historic Fish Market reopened for business:
https://wtop.com/coronavirus/2020/04/wharfs-municipal-fish-market-reopens-saturday-to-calm-crowds/ (https://wtop.com/coronavirus/2020/04/wharfs-municipal-fish-market-reopens-saturday-to-calm-crowds/)
The nearby Wharf has boomed with new businesses and restaurants in the past few years.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mythbuster on April 11, 2020, 07:19:26 PM
Along similar lines, we have asked/ commissioned my Aunt to paint a painting for our bedroom. She's a wonderful painter who sells her work occasionally at local art shows. Last year, she took a week long workshop on painting plen aire. She was thrilled with something to do during quarantine. It's been fun emailing ideas for the subject etc. So I encourage all of you to also engage your local artist friends. I bet they would love the work. I'm really looking forward to my Aunt Sherri original.
   My artistic ability only goes as far as layout for photo albums. Which I may get to once I have this semester squared away.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: smallcleanrat on April 20, 2020, 10:11:10 AM
SO: So, I noticed you were petting the blanket and smiling in your sleep. Wanna tell me what that was about?
Me: I dreamed we adopted a dozen dogs and cats. There were cute critters in every room.
SO: Of course. I should have known. Just remember in real life we agreed to one of each. Two at most. You want a dozen? Keep dreaming. You can have as many hypothetical pets as you like.

Reminiscent of a conversation I had with someone who had decided with his wife and young daughter that the family would adopt a kitten. "I agreed to one kitten, knowing it will probably end up being two. But if I agreed to two, then we would end up with three or four..."
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Anselm on April 20, 2020, 11:15:54 AM
Stop all activities now.   Whatever you are doing, put it on hold.  Go check the price of oil.  MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, whatever.

If I told you then you would not believe me.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: dismalist on April 20, 2020, 11:37:54 AM
Quote from: Anselm on April 20, 2020, 11:15:54 AM
Stop all activities now.   Whatever you are doing, put it on hold.  Go check the price of oil.  MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, whatever.

If I told you then you would not believe me.

Ooooh, it's free! I'm gonna buy a swimming pool and fill it with crude to speculate! :-)
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 20, 2020, 08:26:20 PM
Quote from: dismalist on April 20, 2020, 11:37:54 AM
Quote from: Anselm on April 20, 2020, 11:15:54 AM
Stop all activities now.   Whatever you are doing, put it on hold.  Go check the price of oil.  MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, whatever.

If I told you then you would not believe me.

Ooooh, it's free! I'm gonna buy a swimming pool and fill it with crude to speculate! :-)

Better than free. They were paying people $37 to take it at one point!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: dismalist on April 20, 2020, 08:53:01 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on April 20, 2020, 08:26:20 PM
Quote from: dismalist on April 20, 2020, 11:37:54 AM
Quote from: Anselm on April 20, 2020, 11:15:54 AM
Stop all activities now.   Whatever you are doing, put it on hold.  Go check the price of oil.  MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, whatever.

If I told you then you would not believe me.

Ooooh, it's free! I'm gonna buy a swimming pool and fill it with crude to speculate! :-)

Better than free. They were paying people $37 to take it at one point!

Now that is unsustainable! :-)
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Cheerful on April 26, 2020, 11:42:30 AM
Bought and baked a frozen fruit pie, Mrs. Smith's Very Berry.  I don't think I've ever bought a frozen fruit pie.  I don't recommend it unless you like plentiful crust (this one's pretty good) and fruity liquid.  I can't find many berries!

Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 27, 2020, 11:15:44 AM
All my marks are in, now. Oof!

Now I just have to drop in to that grad class this afternoon...
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: spork on April 28, 2020, 01:12:40 PM
There is a fat rabbit sitting on the ground in my backyard right below the window of my home office. These things have been chomping on my plants for weeks now. If I had a gun I'd be cooking up some rabbit stew.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: spork on April 28, 2020, 01:15:22 PM
I just threw a rock at it and hit it in the butt. It didn't even move.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: spork on April 28, 2020, 02:36:50 PM
I went outside and chased the rabbit out of the yard. Now it's back. Not eating, just staring at me through the window, like it's possessed by a demon.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 28, 2020, 02:48:07 PM
Quote from: spork on April 28, 2020, 02:36:50 PM
I went outside and chased the rabbit out of the yard. Now it's back. Not eating, just staring at me through the window, like it's possessed by a demon.

Maybe it is...
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Parasaurolophus on April 28, 2020, 02:48:27 PM
Kwell. I'm off to plant seeds.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 28, 2020, 02:50:18 PM
I'm lamenting my 'too shady' yard. I want a dang vegetable garden! Maybe I can sneak on campus and see how our garden is doing.

Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Thursday's_Child on April 29, 2020, 06:13:03 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 28, 2020, 02:50:18 PM
I'm lamenting my 'too shady' yard. I want a dang vegetable garden! Maybe I can sneak on campus and see how our garden is doing.

How shady is too shady?  It's true that most flowers and fruits need 6+ hours of full sun to produce, but if you have bright dapple shade or morning sun there are a lot of greens you could try.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: RatGuy on April 29, 2020, 07:01:50 AM
Out for a walk this morning, and a neighbor passed along the gossip that the 55yo widow next door to me had taken up with a 25yo man. Apparently it's the hot topic among the Silver Sneakers crowd.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 29, 2020, 02:10:51 PM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 29, 2020, 06:13:03 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 28, 2020, 02:50:18 PM
I'm lamenting my 'too shady' yard. I want a dang vegetable garden! Maybe I can sneak on campus and see how our garden is doing.

How shady is too shady?  It's true that most flowers and fruits need 6+ hours of full sun to produce, but if you have bright dapple shade or morning sun there are a lot of greens you could try.

We have a good bit of shade in the backyard and I'm sure our neighbors would protest if I turned the front yard into a veg. garden. That being said, there are a few select regions in the back yard that get sun for about 6-7 hrs a day. Unfortunately, they need to be cleared out- it's very 'wild' back there.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 29, 2020, 02:11:42 PM
Quote from: RatGuy on April 29, 2020, 07:01:50 AM
Out for a walk this morning, and a neighbor passed along the gossip that the 55yo widow next door to me had taken up with a 25yo man. Apparently it's the hot topic among the Silver Sneakers crowd.

Do tell... ;)
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: ergative on April 30, 2020, 01:30:06 AM
I made a sourdough! It wasn't from my own starter, but I did get the starter from a colleague, so true community transfer, rather than selling out to the man and buying it. It rose and everything. Also the handle of my Dutch oven exploded from the oven heat (it wasn't supposed to do that, I think: it was a proper Le Creuset enameled cast-iron pot), so you win some you lose some.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: bacardiandlime on April 30, 2020, 02:58:22 AM
I've been asked for reading recommendations. I think during the shutdown all I've read are these fora and Reddit.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: polly_mer on April 30, 2020, 05:02:00 AM
Quote from: bacardiandlime on April 30, 2020, 02:58:22 AM
I've been asked for reading recommendations. I think during the shutdown all I've read are these fora and Reddit.

Years ago, my husband picked up a box set of the novels on which Game of Thrones was based.  I've been working my way through them and they're pretty good.

No idea about how they compare to the show.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Puget on April 30, 2020, 06:32:47 AM
Quote from: ergative on April 30, 2020, 01:30:06 AM
I made a sourdough! It wasn't from my own starter, but I did get the starter from a colleague, so true community transfer, rather than selling out to the man and buying it. It rose and everything. Also the handle of my Dutch oven exploded from the oven heat (it wasn't supposed to do that, I think: it was a proper Le Creuset enameled cast-iron pot), so you win some you lose some.

Congratulations! I've been making my own bread every week for years in my trusty bread machine, usually sourdough (though I also add some regular yeast). Regular grocery bread, even the whole grain kind, seems pretty terrible after you get used to always having home made.

Flour has been in somewhat scarce supply, but I scored 5 lbs each whole wheat and white bread flower on my grocery run this week.

That reminds me, I promised starter to a friend for socially distanced pick up next weekend, so I need to start feeding mine up to double it.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Thursday's_Child on April 30, 2020, 06:40:52 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 29, 2020, 02:10:51 PM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 29, 2020, 06:13:03 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 28, 2020, 02:50:18 PM
I'm lamenting my 'too shady' yard. I want a dang vegetable garden! Maybe I can sneak on campus and see how our garden is doing.

How shady is too shady?  It's true that most flowers and fruits need 6+ hours of full sun to produce, but if you have bright dapple shade or morning sun there are a lot of greens you could try.

We have a good bit of shade in the backyard and I'm sure our neighbors would protest if I turned the front yard into a veg. garden. That being said, there are a few select regions in the back yard that get sun for about 6-7 hrs a day. Unfortunately, they need to be cleared out- it's very 'wild' back there.

Maybe they wouldn't mind if it was just a little part of the front yard?  Yes, I know I'm dreaming...  The potential issue with using one of your sunny clearings is tree roots.  Cutting them isn't good (to phrase it mildly) for the trees and, in some species, they can go 50+ feet past the longest branches.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 30, 2020, 07:16:23 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 30, 2020, 06:40:52 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 29, 2020, 02:10:51 PM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 29, 2020, 06:13:03 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 28, 2020, 02:50:18 PM
I'm lamenting my 'too shady' yard. I want a dang vegetable garden! Maybe I can sneak on campus and see how our garden is doing.

How shady is too shady?  It's true that most flowers and fruits need 6+ hours of full sun to produce, but if you have bright dapple shade or morning sun there are a lot of greens you could try.

We have a good bit of shade in the backyard and I'm sure our neighbors would protest if I turned the front yard into a veg. garden. That being said, there are a few select regions in the back yard that get sun for about 6-7 hrs a day. Unfortunately, they need to be cleared out- it's very 'wild' back there.

Maybe they wouldn't mind if it was just a little part of the front yard?  Yes, I know I'm dreaming...  The potential issue with using one of your sunny clearings is tree roots.  Cutting them isn't good (to phrase it mildly) for the trees and, in some species, they can go 50+ feet past the longest branches.

Our soil texture, porosity, etc. isn't the best- too much red clay. I'd go with raised beds. Maybe hugelkultur.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Thursday's_Child on April 30, 2020, 07:54:46 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 30, 2020, 07:16:23 AM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 30, 2020, 06:40:52 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 29, 2020, 02:10:51 PM
Quote from: Thursday's_Child on April 29, 2020, 06:13:03 AM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on April 28, 2020, 02:50:18 PM
I'm lamenting my 'too shady' yard. I want a dang vegetable garden! Maybe I can sneak on campus and see how our garden is doing.

How shady is too shady?  It's true that most flowers and fruits need 6+ hours of full sun to produce, but if you have bright dapple shade or morning sun there are a lot of greens you could try.

We have a good bit of shade in the backyard and I'm sure our neighbors would protest if I turned the front yard into a veg. garden. That being said, there are a few select regions in the back yard that get sun for about 6-7 hrs a day. Unfortunately, they need to be cleared out- it's very 'wild' back there.

Maybe they wouldn't mind if it was just a little part of the front yard?  Yes, I know I'm dreaming...  The potential issue with using one of your sunny clearings is tree roots.  Cutting them isn't good (to phrase it mildly) for the trees and, in some species, they can go 50+ feet past the longest branches.

Our soil texture, porosity, etc. isn't the best- too much red clay. I'd go with raised beds. Maybe hugelkultur.

I had to google that - it's an interesting option, and one that would give you a use for all the twigs & prunings that accompany trees!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: hmaria1609 on April 30, 2020, 02:02:05 PM
Yesterday my parents and I went to look at bath faucets at Lowe's and Home Depot.  Unlike Lowe's, Home Depot was limiting how many customers entered the store.

Lemon flavored white chocolate covered almonds were on sale at Costco.  :)
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Cheerful on May 01, 2020, 10:02:36 AM
In honor of Friday and First Day of May, we obtained a larger room for the water cooler.  We have fancy coffee drinks and teas and a make-your-own sundae bar today.  Funds for these things grew outside on a tree.


Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: ergative on May 01, 2020, 01:12:20 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 30, 2020, 06:32:47 AM
Quote from: ergative on April 30, 2020, 01:30:06 AM
I made a sourdough! It wasn't from my own starter, but I did get the starter from a colleague, so true community transfer, rather than selling out to the man and buying it. It rose and everything. Also the handle of my Dutch oven exploded from the oven heat (it wasn't supposed to do that, I think: it was a proper Le Creuset enameled cast-iron pot), so you win some you lose some.

Congratulations! I've been making my own bread every week for years in my trusty bread machine, usually sourdough (though I also add some regular yeast). Regular grocery bread, even the whole grain kind, seems pretty terrible after you get used to always having home made.

Flour has been in somewhat scarce supply, but I scored 5 lbs each whole wheat and white bread flower on my grocery run this week.

That reminds me, I promised starter to a friend for socially distanced pick up next weekend, so I need to start feeding mine up to double it.

Foolish question, but doesn't it get a chance to double every time you feed it? Instead of discarding whatever amount, you simply feed that too? Or are you referring to the arcane process by which fridge-preserved starter must be restrengthened by regular feedings?

I used some of my discard to make a sourdough carrot cake today. It honestly tastes like exactly the same thing as regular carrot cake. I mean, it's great---I love carrot cake with cream cheese frosting---but I expected a bit more tanginess.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Puget on May 01, 2020, 02:22:57 PM
Quote from: ergative on May 01, 2020, 01:12:20 PM
Quote from: Puget on April 30, 2020, 06:32:47 AM
Quote from: ergative on April 30, 2020, 01:30:06 AM
I made a sourdough! It wasn't from my own starter, but I did get the starter from a colleague, so true community transfer, rather than selling out to the man and buying it. It rose and everything. Also the handle of my Dutch oven exploded from the oven heat (it wasn't supposed to do that, I think: it was a proper Le Creuset enameled cast-iron pot), so you win some you lose some.

Congratulations! I've been making my own bread every week for years in my trusty bread machine, usually sourdough (though I also add some regular yeast). Regular grocery bread, even the whole grain kind, seems pretty terrible after you get used to always having home made.

Flour has been in somewhat scarce supply, but I scored 5 lbs each whole wheat and white bread flower on my grocery run this week.

That reminds me, I promised starter to a friend for socially distanced pick up next weekend, so I need to start feeding mine up to double it.

Foolish question, but doesn't it get a chance to double every time you feed it? Instead of discarding whatever amount, you simply feed that too? Or are you referring to the arcane process by which fridge-preserved starter must be restrengthened by regular feedings?

I used some of my discard to make a sourdough carrot cake today. It honestly tastes like exactly the same thing as regular carrot cake. I mean, it's great---I love carrot cake with cream cheese frosting---but I expected a bit more tanginess.

Not foolish-- an arcane process indeed!

Yes, my starter lives in the fridge, and every week I take it out and let it warm up, and then use about half of it  to bake a loaf of bread. Then, you take a cup of what remains, feed it with one cup flour and one cup water, let it do its thing overnight, and put it back in the fridge (where it continues to ferment but very slowly) until I next want to bake.

So, generally I always have about the right amount of starter to bake a loaf and feed for the next loaf, but not a lot extra (you could have, I just don't want to keep a giant jar in my fridge). Its like a cell dividing in two-- one is the stem cell (continue to feed and divide), one gets committed to being bread (just came up with that metaphor-- rather pleased!). To have enough to give my friend, I essentially need to do an extra feeding cycle without baking-- easy enough to do.

And now I want carrot cake damn you!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: arcturus on May 01, 2020, 02:27:35 PM
Puget - the carrot cake is right behind you. It is part of the spread provided by Cheerful on this first day of May. Thank you, Cheerful! I'd say more, but the ice cream in my sundae is starting to melt.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 04, 2020, 11:33:17 AM
I just encountered someone who genuinely believes that Biden's serial groping and sniffing of women and children is Russian propaganda.

As in, produced by Russian media labs and inserted into news archives by Russian hackers.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Cheerful on May 04, 2020, 11:44:03 AM
Quote from: arcturus on May 01, 2020, 02:27:35 PM
Puget - the carrot cake is right behind you. It is part of the spread provided by Cheerful on this first day of May. Thank you, Cheerful! I'd say more, but the ice cream in my sundae is starting to melt.

Glad you enjoyed the Friday sundae, arcturus!  Please select this Friday's treats and we'll get the best variety from the best providers, money is no barrier.  We deserve it!  : - >
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: arcturus on May 04, 2020, 02:55:02 PM
I'd love to see a spread of fresh fruits and berries for Friday's water cooler.  Perhaps some vanilla ice cream, too, to form the base...
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: hmaria1609 on May 04, 2020, 06:17:08 PM
Quote from: arcturus on May 04, 2020, 02:55:02 PM
I'd love to see a spread of fresh fruits and berries for Friday's water cooler.  Perhaps some vanilla ice cream, too, to form the base...
Good time as any to refill the virtual beverage dispenser!
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 07, 2020, 05:34:02 PM
A question!

What is the word for the study of cursive in historical primary sources? You know, the kind of thing that the Warburg Institute has its grad students take a class in so that they can read said primary sources...


I was trying to tell a friend to ask someone who specializes in that for help with a research project, but I can't for the life of me remember the right word.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: OneMoreYear on May 07, 2020, 05:45:06 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on May 07, 2020, 05:34:02 PM
A question!

What is the word for the study of cursive in historical primary sources? You know, the kind of thing that the Warburg Institute has its grad students take a class in so that they can read said primary sources...


I was trying to tell a friend to ask someone who specializes in that for help with a research project, but I can't for the life of me remember the right word.

Palaeography?
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Parasaurolophus on May 07, 2020, 06:18:52 PM
Quote from: OneMoreYear on May 07, 2020, 05:45:06 PM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on May 07, 2020, 05:34:02 PM
A question!

What is the word for the study of cursive in historical primary sources? You know, the kind of thing that the Warburg Institute has its grad students take a class in so that they can read said primary sources...


I was trying to tell a friend to ask someone who specializes in that for help with a research project, but I can't for the life of me remember the right word.

Palaeography?

OMG thank you! That's the one! It was driving me nuts, and there's no way I would have remembered/found it on my own.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on May 18, 2020, 10:07:41 AM
These guys have a conference on paleography and related issues each year that's very good:

   https://epigraphy.osu.edu/texts-and-contexts-conference

They're especially interested in Beneventan script and a few other specific things.

Also--if you need someone to read or help with transcription of Western manuscripts, PM me.

I can recommend a few reliable folks depending on the century, locale, etc., the originals come from.

There are other resources for Eastern and other non-Western materials, as well.

Oh--and I came her to say, I discovered a video (Streisand/Gibb, "Guilty") and a silly-sweet character (Baby Yoda) to fixate on over the weekend as I recovered from a stressful couple of days at the end of the week.

I make no apologies for the declasse' level of my fixations. I was exhausted after the student I mentor for his middle-school homework waited until the very last possible, ultimate minute to do his work, despite 8 prompts of various kinds (all bcc'd to his mom, who will back me up)--and tried to make it my fault.

I'd reached blither-brain mode by Friday evening, and it's taken all weekend to get back to something like a productive state.

At least I'm starting to get there, now. <<wry, wan smile...>>

How was your weekend?

M.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: Cheerful on May 18, 2020, 03:04:11 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 18, 2020, 10:07:41 AM
Oh--and I came her to say, I discovered a video (Streisand/Gibb, "Guilty") and a silly-sweet character (Baby Yoda) to fixate on over the weekend as I recovered from a stressful couple of days at the end of the week.

Barbra Streisand and Barry Gibb, two of the all-time greatest.
Title: Re: Water Cooler Chit Chat
Post by: mamselle on May 18, 2020, 03:22:09 PM
Yes, I had to go back and find all their other collaborations, and then watch a couple of interviews of him, and a bunch of other Aussies, and then...

But yes, this was what I found most healing...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1AIm9Tg2CE

M.