Comments ethuiel has made

  • stock tubs

    While I admit there can be issues with stock tubs being deep, I have to throw out a vote for them as a child who grew up swimming in them. Ours was an old tub put to new purposes, and had a big hole in the bottom that we plugged with beeswax. Worked like a charm. Also, when younger kiddies were present, we just didn't fill the tub up all the way. Only needed about a foot of water in the tub, and a watchful parent to keep young ones from bumping their head on the metal walls. Lots of good memories there!
    On Umbra on kiddie pools posted 1 year, 5 months ago 11 Responses

  • RE: Who needs "paper" to start a fire

    I think that was a bit harsh. I do understand that it is better to use wood splinters or other non-paper methods, but I have had a well tended "decent" fireplace all my life (my dad taught me to light it when I was seven, and at this point I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it). I have tried the method you suggest, and frankly, that is something I know I'm bad at - and it leads to much frustration on a cold, wintry morning. Birch is not native to my area, so that is not an option. While I think I could probably start a fire without paper to save my life, frankly, using a little bit of written on drawing paper to begin with is an OK compromise in my book.

    Also, people only know what they've been taught, and we can't practice what we don't know. If we have not been taught your method, then we won't know how to use it. We subscribe to Grist because our heart is in the right place, but we know we don't necessarily know everything about how to put our beliefs to action. I don't think it's a mass delusion or dementia. If you would like to teach us step by step how to start a fire without wood that might be a really helpful thing to do, especially if you give tips on how to keep those little splinters lit for long enough to catch other wood. It would be especially helpful if you were also a little more patient with those of us who know less than you do as you do teach us.

    Thank you.On Umbra on burning paper posted 1 year, 8 months ago 8 Responses

  • RE: A $230 drying rack??!!

    If you had read the entire question as well as the article, you would have noticed that the student is looking for something for which her SCHOOL will pay. In that case, 82 feet of drying space for $230 when the school installs, pays, and monitors is not such a bad idea at all. Please don't jump on Umbra's case for a crime she hasn't committed! On Umbra on communal clothes drying posted 1 year, 9 months ago 12 Responses

  • Biology - Oregon State University

    When I saw the other Oregon Stater, I had to post too. I am also in Corvallis, and it is definitely a great place to live. As for majors, I am going the Biology route, with a Marine Biology option and a Chemistry minor. We actually have some of the best ecologists in the world, including Jane Lubchenco, who is basically a rock star among people who follow marine sciences.

    As for my ultimate field: I'm currently planning on going into research, but I'm also really interested in helping companies "green-up", and in work protecting endangered species. While I don't entirely know what I'll ultimately do, I'm with everyone else: Find a field you're really interested in, go with it, and see what happens! You can always find ways to be bring green into your life and work, no matter the field.On Umbra on choosing a college posted 1 year, 10 months ago 21 Responses