Sustainability
Thu, Sep. 11th, 2025 23:01![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithDesigning for Decay
The products of growth-driven design are easy to recognize. They gleam. They dominate. They shout, “I will last forever.” From reinforced skyscrapers to single-use electronics, the ideology is the same: resist entropy at all costs.
( Read more... )
The products of growth-driven design are easy to recognize. They gleam. They dominate. They shout, “I will last forever.” From reinforced skyscrapers to single-use electronics, the ideology is the same: resist entropy at all costs.
( Read more... )
Poem: "But an Empty Shell"
Thu, Sep. 11th, 2025 16:25ysabetwordsmithThis poem came out of the July 1, 2025 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from dialecticdreamer. It also fills the "Independent Woman" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by Anthony Barrette. It belongs to the Kraken thread of the Polychrome Heroics series and is the prequel to "Beautiful, Damn Hard, Increasingly Useful."
( Read more... )
dialecticdreamer. It also fills the "Independent Woman" square in my 7-1-25 card for the Western Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by Anthony Barrette. It belongs to the Kraken thread of the Polychrome Heroics series and is the prequel to "Beautiful, Damn Hard, Increasingly Useful."( Read more... )
We Are Not Responsible by Harryette Mullen
Wed, Sep. 10th, 2025 17:58conulyWe are not responsible for your lost or stolen relatives.
We cannot guarantee your safety if you disobey our instructions.
We do not endorse the causes or claims of people begging for handouts.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
Your ticket does not guarantee that we will honor your reservations.
In order to facilitate our procedures, please limit your carrying on.
Before taking off, please extinguish all smoldering resentments.
If you cannot understand English, you will be moved out of the way.
In the event of a loss, you’d better look out for yourself.
Your insurance was cancelled because we can no longer handle
your frightful claims. Our handlers lost your luggage and we
are unable to find the key to your legal case.
You were detained for interrogation because you fit the profile.
You are not presumed to be innocent if the police
have reason to suspect you are carrying a concealed wallet.
It’s not our fault you were born wearing a gang color.
It is not our obligation to inform you of your rights.
Step aside, please, while our officer inspects your bad attitude.
You have no rights we are bound to respect.
Please remain calm, or we can’t be held responsible
for what happens to you.
***********
Link
We cannot guarantee your safety if you disobey our instructions.
We do not endorse the causes or claims of people begging for handouts.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
Your ticket does not guarantee that we will honor your reservations.
In order to facilitate our procedures, please limit your carrying on.
Before taking off, please extinguish all smoldering resentments.
If you cannot understand English, you will be moved out of the way.
In the event of a loss, you’d better look out for yourself.
Your insurance was cancelled because we can no longer handle
your frightful claims. Our handlers lost your luggage and we
are unable to find the key to your legal case.
You were detained for interrogation because you fit the profile.
You are not presumed to be innocent if the police
have reason to suspect you are carrying a concealed wallet.
It’s not our fault you were born wearing a gang color.
It is not our obligation to inform you of your rights.
Step aside, please, while our officer inspects your bad attitude.
You have no rights we are bound to respect.
Please remain calm, or we can’t be held responsible
for what happens to you.
Link
Today's Cooking
Thu, Sep. 11th, 2025 17:09ysabetwordsmithToday I'm making Edwards family meatloaf. :D This should go well with what's left of the tomato-basil bread, which is about half gone now.
Let his own words be his epitaph
Tue, Sep. 9th, 2025 17:25conuly“I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”
Not many of us get to die for our beliefs.
Not many of us get to die for our beliefs.
Birdfeeding
Thu, Sep. 11th, 2025 16:00ysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy and warm.
I haven't fed the birds yet.
There were lots of sparrows and house finches at the red birdbath though. The honeybees drained the small metal one again.
We walked around the yard listing things that need to be cleaned up or cleared out, since a tree service left us a flyer. :D At minimum we want to get the two downed tree-sized branches removed. Hopefully we can get the parking lot cleared of brush and a path re-established to the east edge of the yard. Maybe something else. They're willing to break down the quotes for sub-projects so we can figure out what will fit into our budget.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I fed the birds.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I watered the irises, patio plants, and old picnic table garden.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I watered the new picnic table garden, septic garden, telephone pole garden, and savanna seedlings.
I picked 2 red cherry tomatoes.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I sowed 2 pots with crabapples.
I did some work around the yard.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I haven't fed the birds yet.
There were lots of sparrows and house finches at the red birdbath though. The honeybees drained the small metal one again.
We walked around the yard listing things that need to be cleaned up or cleared out, since a tree service left us a flyer. :D At minimum we want to get the two downed tree-sized branches removed. Hopefully we can get the parking lot cleared of brush and a path re-established to the east edge of the yard. Maybe something else. They're willing to break down the quotes for sub-projects so we can figure out what will fit into our budget.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I fed the birds.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I watered the irises, patio plants, and old picnic table garden.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I watered the new picnic table garden, septic garden, telephone pole garden, and savanna seedlings.
I picked 2 red cherry tomatoes.
EDIT 9/11/25 -- I sowed 2 pots with crabapples.
I did some work around the yard.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Braille Reader
Thu, Sep. 11th, 2025 04:35ysabetwordsmithTiny explosion-powered braille screen could boost literacy for blind students
Scientists have created a new, durable, multi-line braille display device, which is water and dirt-resistant.
Interestingly, it can simultaneously display multiple lines of braille and even complex graphics like emojis.
Scientists have created a new, durable, multi-line braille display device, which is water and dirt-resistant.
Interestingly, it can simultaneously display multiple lines of braille and even complex graphics like emojis.
Hobbies: Knitting
Thu, Sep. 11th, 2025 00:02ysabetwordsmithFolks have mentioned an interest in questions and conversations that make them think. So I've decided to offer more of those. This batch features hobbies.
Knitting is a fibercraft hobby of making things from yarn with a pair of pointy sticks, mostly clothes but also toys and other stuff. If you feel frustrated by planned obsolescence, artificial intelligence, and other current issues then consider knitting as a form of protest. Nothing says "Fuck off, fast fashion!" like knitting a 100% natural-fiber garment that will last for years and years.
On Dreamwidth, consider communities like![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crafty, everykindofcraft, dwsockclub, get_knitted, justcreate, and knittingpix.
( Read more... )
Knitting is a fibercraft hobby of making things from yarn with a pair of pointy sticks, mostly clothes but also toys and other stuff. If you feel frustrated by planned obsolescence, artificial intelligence, and other current issues then consider knitting as a form of protest. Nothing says "Fuck off, fast fashion!" like knitting a 100% natural-fiber garment that will last for years and years.
On Dreamwidth, consider communities like
crafty, everykindofcraft, dwsockclub, get_knitted, justcreate, and knittingpix. ( Read more... )
You're right, Brain, we DO need a little treat
Wed, Sep. 10th, 2025 17:09cupcake_gothA week or two ago a dear friend sent me a care package of Trader Joe's marshmallows, which are entirely corn free! No corn syrup! No cornstarch laden powdered sugar!
This afternoon, feeling incredibly groggy, I decided I needed a cup of my fancy cocoa (with half a scoop of protein powder), and instead of using sugar or honey, I would use a few of the marshmallows for sweetness.
YES. This was a good idea. This helped stave off a mild panic attack because of my stupid brain deciding it wants to freak out over everything ever said to it. Cocoa and marshmallows made my brain be quiet. I need to remember this. Not the cocoa with protein powder, I've been doing that for a bit, but that 1) adding marshmallows is GOOOOOOD, and 2) maybe have this treat a bit more often because maybe it helps with the fucking anxiety.
So yeah. That's where I'm at right now.
This afternoon, feeling incredibly groggy, I decided I needed a cup of my fancy cocoa (with half a scoop of protein powder), and instead of using sugar or honey, I would use a few of the marshmallows for sweetness.
YES. This was a good idea. This helped stave off a mild panic attack because of my stupid brain deciding it wants to freak out over everything ever said to it. Cocoa and marshmallows made my brain be quiet. I need to remember this. Not the cocoa with protein powder, I've been doing that for a bit, but that 1) adding marshmallows is GOOOOOOD, and 2) maybe have this treat a bit more often because maybe it helps with the fucking anxiety.
So yeah. That's where I'm at right now.
Music
Wed, Sep. 10th, 2025 18:17ysabetwordsmithThis flash mob put on a complex performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody."
It reminds me very much of the "musical dimension" -- the world in which people naturally, spontaneously form into teams for song and dance routines. People here are just using prosthetic technology to substitute for whatever energy phenomenon allows that in Musical Land. :D
It reminds me very much of the "musical dimension" -- the world in which people naturally, spontaneously form into teams for song and dance routines. People here are just using prosthetic technology to substitute for whatever energy phenomenon allows that in Musical Land. :D
Birdfeeding
Wed, Sep. 10th, 2025 14:30ysabetwordsmithToday is partly cloudy and hot.
I fed the birds. Lots of sparrows and house finches today.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/10/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
I've seen a male cardinal.
I picked several groundcherries.
EDIT 9/10/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/10/25 -- I watered the new picnic table, telephone pole garden, and some of the savanna seedlings.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. Lots of sparrows and house finches today.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 9/10/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
I've seen a male cardinal.
I picked several groundcherries.
EDIT 9/10/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 9/10/25 -- I watered the new picnic table, telephone pole garden, and some of the savanna seedlings.
Cicadas and crickets are singing.
As it is now dark, I am done for the night.
Finally got a call back from the repairfolk
Mon, Sep. 8th, 2025 11:53conulyAnd they now expect the part in tomorrow, at which point we should be able to make an appointment to repair.
As I reiterated - but briefly, because the person making the call was not responsible for this situation - a delay in shipping is one thing, but lack of communication is something very different.
As I reiterated - but briefly, because the person making the call was not responsible for this situation - a delay in shipping is one thing, but lack of communication is something very different.
Cuddle Party
Wed, Sep. 10th, 2025 00:04ysabetwordsmithEveryone needs contact comfort sometimes. Not everyone has ample opportunities for this in facetime. So here is a chance for a cuddle party in cyberspace. Virtual cuddling can help people feel better.
We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. A nest full of colorful egg pillows sits in one corner. There is a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!
We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. A nest full of colorful egg pillows sits in one corner. There is a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!
Today's Cooking
Tue, Sep. 9th, 2025 22:46ysabetwordsmithTonight I'm making the Tomato Basil Bread on page 15 of Hello! 365 Tomato Recipes. It uses dried basil flakes and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, rather than fresh, so it can be made any time of the year. We are planning this as an accompaniment to a meatloaf later this week.
EDIT 9/9/25 -- The result is ... interesting. Way sweeter than we expected. It will probably work as an accompaniment to meatloaf, but I'm not sure it'll work as sandwich bread.
EDIT 9/9/25 -- The result is ... interesting. Way sweeter than we expected. It will probably work as an accompaniment to meatloaf, but I'm not sure it'll work as sandwich bread.