builtonnerves

Photo

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:38:28 -0500

CeeVee - quick & painless résumé management

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:12:35 -0500

CeeVee - quick & painless résumé management

"Materials Needed line * 2 pieces of 8” by 45” wide fabric (or 16” of fabric..."

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:05:40 -0500

“

Materials Needed
line

* 2 pieces of 8” by 45” wide fabric (or 16” of fabric that is less then 40” wide - This fabric needs to be tightly woven. Preshrinking cottons and cotton blends will usually shrink the fibers and increase the fabric density.
* Thread
* Play sand or kitty litter to fill the snake
* Optional decorative materials
o A scrap of red felt for a tongue
o 2 buttons or wiggly eyes

Directions
line

* Cut your fabrics to measure 8” by 41”
* Stack the two fabrics. You will work both layers of fabric as one. If you are new to sewing, it will be easier if you baste both pieces together ¼” from the raw edges.
* Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, to form a 4” by 41” tube.
* Optional - If you will be adding a tongue. Place a piece of fabric cut to the diagram shape (2½” by ½”) into an end seam, so that the forked end of the tongue is inside the snake and the square end is in the seam allowance.
tongue

You may also want to round off the ends of your snake as shown in the diagram.
ends
* Using a very short machine stitch, sew 1/2” seams on two of the raw edges, leaving one 4” end open.
* Repeat your stitching using 1/4” seams. This helps prevent leakage of the stuffing materials.
* Turn snake right sides out. Use a yard stick to push all corners out and smooth
* Pour kitty litter or play sand into snake, leaving 1” from your unsewn end empty.
* Turn in 1/2” of raw edges on end. Top stitch this seam closed or slip stitch using very small stitches and repeating to prevent any leakage.

”

- Sewing Draft Stopper Snakes

"So there’s nothing wrong with interpreting Buddhism from a particular cultural standpoint. But to..."

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:35:29 -0500

“

So there’s nothing wrong with interpreting Buddhism from a particular cultural standpoint. But to assume that your interpretation, because it’s not bogged down by (Asian) cultural baggage, is somehow better than what’s come before is the height of arrogance (and, frankly, insulting).

All Buddhists are modern Buddhists if for no other reason than the fact that we all live in the modern world and, therefore, need to deal with a similar set of modern crises. (Do you really think Asian Buddhists are all still living in Ming Dynasty China?)

All Buddhists are in the process of reinterpreting their traditions, making deliberate and creative changes to the doctrines and practices in order to help them make sense of these troubled times.

The problem is when you make the claim that your Buddhism is more “authentic” than someone else’s Buddhism (because, ahem, that’s the very definition of fundamentalism), and then take that added step of claiming that your Buddhism is more “authentic” precisely because it is not the Buddhism of some “other” Buddhist.

When you make that claim, you are not only defining yourself, you are defining the “other” and, like I said at the start, no one likes that. So knock it off.

”

- definitions : the buddha is my dj

where infrastructure investments should go for preparing for natural disasters

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:51:19 -0500

Ideas on where the money should go:

For reconstruction, high-end materials that can absorb seismic shocks were used to reduce the risk of sudden collapse…

The hospital now has backup power and water systems and special designs and devices to ensure that critical medical facilities remain functional after a major earthquake, Hsieh said, adding that the hospital has prioritized disaster emergency training with its medical and paramedical staff because a community-based hospital must be able to offer first-aid treatment after major disasters.

A communication network with other healthcare providers in the area has also been developed so that a strong support system is in place in the event of a disaster, Hsieh said.

Ideas from:

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2009/09/21/2003454086

Apartment Therapy Re-Nest | How To: Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer EcoSalon

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:55:29 -0500

Apartment Therapy Re-Nest | How To: Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer EcoSalon:

¼ cup of pure aloe vera gel ¼ cup of grain alcohol 5 drops of tea tree essential oil. 5 drops of your favorite fragrance oil (optional) Mix all ingredients together and transfer to a small, portable container. Via EcoSalon Image via TLC

photo 1, i like the red artwork, I feel like it should be easy...

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:11:52 -0500

photo 1, i like the red artwork, I feel like it should be easy to replicate using paint and glue/nails, and wood.

photo 2, like the skylight in the bed room

photo 3, i like the bold use of black and use of subtle pop art desgin

Reasons to invest in reducing poverty in the most poverty striken areas in the world

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:59:55 -0500

1. Public health matters to all countries

AIDS, H1N1, avian flu, and SARS have made it clear that diseases can travel anywhere. Viruses are uneffected by borderlines and can easily permeate through different populations at a rapid pace.

Increasing the basic health standards of all countries increases wellbeing for all people.

2. More economic prosperity

International trade is not a zero sum formula. By improving economies around the world, more markets are being opened and income levels rise along with it.

3. More competition, more innovations

More markets mean more competition and more incentives for creating innovative products, services and ideas. Markets once considered too small may be feasible.

4. Stable economies promote peace

If countries are stable and entrenched in the global market, there are more incentives for peace. With more stakes on the table, countries may act more predictable and with more rationality.

5. A surprising amount of money is already used for military matters, natural disaster relief, and catastrophes, but not for poverty reducing measures.

Relief from poverty involves better access to education, health care, and commerce. If countries can concentrate on improving internal infrastructure, natural disasters would not create as much damage.

If countries are more interested in peace and prosperity, less money can be spent on military matters.

Top 10 DIY Projects for an Extra Day Off - Weekend project - Lifehacker

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:39:20 -0500

Top 10 DIY Projects for an Extra Day Off - Weekend project - Lifehacker:

let you play tennis against the in-laws. You can surf the web with the recently-made-free Opera browser, and once that’s installed, a free Orb software package lets you use your Wii as a media center. These days, opening your Wii to the Homebrew channel doesn’t even require the purchase of an (admittedly great) Twilight Princess game and extensive hacking, and once that’s done, you can back up and load games from a hard drive, play old-school games in an emulator, and much more.

on why protesting hollywood doesnt work, angry asian man

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:50:55 -0500

on why protesting hollywood doesnt work, angry asian man:

“Basically, protests are one thing, and they do make a point on the rare occasion that the right people are listening. But contrary to popular belief, Hollywood isn’t out to discriminate… nor is it out to make sure everyone is treated fairly. Hollywood is out to make a shitload of money. The end.

….

As Phil points out, we’re more than willing to speak out when we see something that offends us… but until our community is willing to put down our money to support the work of Asian American filmmakers, nothing will change…”

"Remember, this was during the time that there was fierce anti-Japanese sentiment in the U.S., when..."

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:22:00 -0500

“

Remember, this was during the time that there was fierce anti-Japanese sentiment in the U.S., when Japan was scapegoated for the fall of the US auto industry and the disenfranchisement of the (white) working class.

Of course, the truth was that American auto industries were building plants in third world countries and exploiting brown people and putting Americans of all colors out of work, but of course ‘Blame the Japanese’ is a much more convenient and palatable lie.

This led to a vast array of products to be labeled and branded Made in America. For non-Asians, wearing or owning things proclaiming Made in the USA was a source of pride – for us Asians, it was basically a sign that said “please don’t beat me up.”

”

- Bao’s blog

"“The America portrayed in the media and popular culture does not reflect all of its citizens...."

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:45:10 -0500

“

“The America portrayed in the media and popular culture does not reflect all of its citizens. What I want to show is not only what is ignored, but also what is in plain sight and remains invisible.

“My dream was built on my father’s dream, a poor immigrant who fled Communist China. To him America was a shining mountain of gold. My father could never have become an artist. He didn’t even want my oldest brothers to go to college. He needed them to work in the family restaurant to fulfill his American Dream. But my brothers had their own dreams. And despite my father’s wishes they went to college and found success outside of the family restaurant.

“But their dreams came at a cost. They worked seven days a week. During high school they never attended a football game, a dance, a movie. They had no life outside of the restaurant.

“By the time I came along the restaurant was successful and my father’s needs had changed. I didn’t have to work as hard. I participated in sports. I was president of the student council. I dated. It is no coincidence that as the youngest child, and the only non-immigrant in my family, that I was afforded the luxury to become a self-indulgent artist and travel the world.

“But my dream also came at a cost. I have lost some of the values of my hard-working immigrant father. I do not even speak Chinese. What I know of my ancestral culture has been learned second hand or from books. I have never been to China. I am an American. America is my culture.

“So the American Dream shifts with every generation. I believe now that there is a sense of entitlement—that we are owed the American Dream.

”

- Wing’s Bulgarian Adventure | StarTribune.com

Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | Recipe: Blueberry-Oat Quick Bread

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:46:00 -0500

Apartment Therapy The Kitchn | Recipe: Blueberry-Oat Quick Bread

diy garden hacks

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 08:44:00 -0500

diy garden hacks

Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: erik’s recycled wine bottle torch

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 08:34:33 -0500

Design*Sponge » Blog Archive » diy project: erik’s recycled wine bottle torch

35 green tips

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:32:18 -0500

The September issue of Body+Soul has a special “Going Greener Guidebook” in the back of the issue, and we got some great tips from them on ways to green your home:

Outside:

1. Use a push mower: emits zero emissions, makes less noise, and helps you get a workout, too!
2. Apply weather-stripping: seal all your doors and windows, and it could reduce your energy bill by 10%.
3. Leave Your Yard Clippings: did you know that bagged yard clippings account for 20% of landfill space? Crazy! Leave ‘em behind to nourish the soil and help keep moisture from evaporating.
4. Mimimize idling: don’t idle your car! Warm it up by driving it.

Kitchen:

5. Choose the right pan: using a 6 inch pan on an 8 inch burner can waste more than 40% of the burner’s heat, so choose wisely.
6. True linoleum is cool: When you think of linoleum, you’re probably thinking of its vinyl imitation. True linoleum is made of plant-based materials like linseed oil, pine resin, and powered cork, and it’s been around since the 1800’s. Marmoleum is a good example.
7. Heat water with less energy. turn down the thermostat on your water heater by 5 degrees; then install an AirTap device from AirGenerate, which draws heat from the ambient air into your water. You could reduce your water bill by almost 50%.
8. Use a Convection oven: it circulates air continuously, so it uses 20% less energy than a conventional oven.
9. Clean out the fridge: clean your fridge coils at least twice a year and replace door gaskets to keep cold air from escaping.
10. Use Glass Containers: they’re sturdy, reusable, and pretty — and won’t leach chemicals into your food.
11. Compost: Put your coffee grounds and vegetable scraps to good use by feeding your garden and house plants.
12. Switch to reusable towels: microfiber towels are great, and can be washed and reused over and over again.
13. Turn your Dishwasher on at night: this will avoid peak energy rates. Even better? Turn off the drying cycle as well and let your dishes air dry.
14. Get some green cleaners: try to use non-toxic products without ammonia, chlorine, or bleach.

Living Room:

15. Opt for LCD: LCDs use a mere 77 kilowatt hours per year compared with Plasma’s 441 kwh, thus saving 624 pounds of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
16. Set the thermostat: with every degree you lower your AC, cooling costs increase by about 7%. Ideally, your thermostat should be set for 68 degrees in the winter when you’re at home.
17. Use drapes: use free heat by letting the sunshine in, or keep your house cool (and the AC off) by closing the shades.
18. Get your ducts all in a row: if you have a heating and cooling duct system, have it cleaned and sprayed with a sealant to prevent leaks. Untreated duct systems often waste 25-40% of the energy emitted through your furnace or AC.
19. Use a ceiling fan: opt for counter-clockwise rotation to make your home feel at least 4 degrees cooler, but turn off the fan when you’re not in the room.
20. Use sustainable wood: if you need new flooring, make sure it’s FSC-certified which ensures that the wood was sourced in an ecologically and socially responsible way.
21. Build a better fire: start your wood fires with dry kindling to maximize efficiency. Never burn chemically or pressured treated wood. When you’re not using your fireplace, make sure to close the flue.

Bathroom:

22. Fix leaks: stop the water torture and save on your water bill all at once!
23. Avoid PVC like the plague: …since it kind of is. Just say “no” to hormone-disrupting phthalates in your morning air.
24. Go low-flow: unsure if you already have a low-flow showerhead? Try this tip: put a one-gallon bucket underneath your shower. If it fills in 24 seconds or less, you do NOT have a low-flow showerhead and should think about upgrading.
25. Keep air fresh: this does not mean with artificially-and-chemically-enhanced air fresheners. Make your own air spray using 30-40 drops of as many as 3 different oils - lemon and lavender, for example - with one cup of water.
26. Install a Dual-Flush: dual-flush models use 0.8 gallons for fluids and 1.25 for solid wastes compared to 3.5 to 7.0 gallons respectively for conventional toilets. Read more about it at www.dualflushtoilet.net.
27. Dry off with organic or bamboo towels: conventionally grown cotton is responsible for about 25% of the world’s pesticide and insecticide use, as well as petroleum-derived dyes.
28. Change your lightbulbs: replace at least 5 high-use bulbs (like the ones in your bathroom) with CFLs or LEDs. They might cost more to purchase, but they’ll last 10 times as long.

Bedroom:

29. Be conscious of carpet: choose fibers such as coir, jute, and sisal which are biodegradable, nontoxic, and renewable. Also look for products with a Green Label Plus certification from the Carpet and Rug Institute to ensure low emissions.
30. Install better windows: look for Energy-Star-qualified windows with insulating glazes and gas fills.
31. Rethink your bed: thank goodness we don’t know exactly what we’re sleeping on, because the long list of chemicals, fire retardants, pesticides, dyes and bleaches would probably ensure we never sleep again. Look for mattresses made out of organic cotton, pure wool, and natural rubber.
32. Unplug your electronics: cell phone chargers and computer cords all continue to emit energy even when they’re not turned on. Plug everything into a power strip and turn it off when they’re not in use.
33. Use eco paints: we all know how conventional paints smell, and that it can’t be good for us. So look for no or low VOC paints to give you peace of mind.
34. Green your sheets: The same issues around towel production apply to sheets. Look for organic cotton or bamboo.
35. Wash in cold: about 90% of the energy used for a load of laundry goes to heating the water. Running a load though a cold wash will get your clothes just as clean.

Make sure to check out the September issue of Body+Soul for more green living tips, available on newsstands now.

outside set

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:53:50 -0500

outside set

Photo

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:52:35 -0500

before after I like the rug and use of the table to fill in the...

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:49:46 -0500

before after

I like the rug and use of the table to fill in the empty space

We Have Feelings Too or The Cost OF Being A POC in Race Discussions

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:53:33 -0500

August 3rd, 2009

….

One of the things people tend to say to me (especially after they’ve tried to hammer sense into someone’s head for hours only to discover that bigotry can be a security blanket to some people) is that they don’t know how I keep my calm in these conversations. And I tend to wave it off, because really I don’t see a point in talking about the emotional impact of participating in these discussions. No, that’s a lie. I do talk about it. In safe spaces, behind closed doors with people I know I can trust. Because that’s the only place it’s (generally) acceptable to show weakness as an anti-racist POC. Otherwise the slurs and the misconceptions and the appropriation and the fucking fail will make you cry in front of people who have already made it clear that your feelings don’t matter to them.

Because if they cared about the feelings of POC they wouldn’t use racial slurs, they wouldn’t insist that we have no right to dictate the treatment of our cultural icons, they wouldn’t say that we were too angry (By the way, who stays calm and patient when someone is shitting on their shoe?) to discuss things “rationally”, they wouldn’t insist that being called out on their bigoted statements is more painful than being the target of bigotry. Basically they’d treat us the way they want to be treated and stop expecting POC to meekly accept being spit on, their culture, music, and religion picked apart for a moment’s entertainment, their families dehumanized and disrespected, their history and their literature discounted and ignored…all without ever once expressing their anger or their hurt. Because that’s the wrong tone. And of course when POC say “Turnabout is fair play, if I can’t talk about my emotions then yours don’t count either” suddenly we’re so cruel or we’re attacking or we’re still not using the right tone if we want to end racism. Because clearly if we’re calm enough and nice enough in the face of offensive behavior then everything will get better right? After all that’s usually what’s implied someone trots out MLK Jr. as an example of how POC should behave in the face of racism. I heartily suggest the next person to feel that urge spend some quality time reading Letter From a Birmingham Jail and recognize that nonviolent protests didn’t include smiling sweetly and eating shit.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Now this might shock and/or offend some people, but I have to say that today is not a day when I give a fuck. Because when POC have teaching moments? It costs us. Sometimes a little. Sometimes a lot. It’s a sacrifice that we choose to make in an effort to improve things. It’s a moment (or more) out of our lives that we knowingly open ourselves up to things that any sane person would want to avoid under normal circumstances. Because there is no other option. Oh, we could leave the people saying awful things to wallow in ignorance. But in the long run isolationism is not actually a helpful position. Especially since we are living in a global society, and there really is nowhere to withdraw to for the long haul. So, we wade in when we can, and we try to make sure that if even if the person saying offensive things doesn’t get it; other people reading will have access to the right information. And sometimes when the fail is too big and the pain is too acute? We get sarcastic and snark the stupid. Because you have to do something to ease the trauma when you’re 100 comments in and people are still insisting that the 65 links to respectable websites, 23 bits of anecdata, and the entire weight of history are all wrong and it’s the fault of POC that racism isn’t gone because they insist on being people of color instead of “normal” white people. It’s hard enough to stand strong in the face of willful stupidity, don’t expect us to be nice about it too. Gallows humor is often the best coping mechanism available. For the record, anger is a perfectly valid emotion but don’t get confused…we have others too…you just don’t get to see them.

http://theangryblackwoman.com/2009/08/03/we-have-feelings-too-or-the-cost-of-being-a-poc-in-race-discussions/