upndown's Profile

I'd love to know how to use my super cheap-o point-and-shoot - no lenses, no nothin'. I know you couldn't go through and give step-by-step instructions on how to take nice pictures on every possible type of camera, but info on the photographic elements to consider that aren't controlled by the camera would be great. I mean, setting up natural shots, getting good angles, how to "click" on the right moment, etc., etc. A breakdown of things like white balance, focus, etc., in a way that's universal to all cameras - especially the basic cheap little thing I have. :-)

Excellent column idea!

Also, don't post in all italics. Oops!

Babyfishmouth - No one sounded like they were complaining - hearing how others handle near-universal issues of cohabitating couples can give perspective and ideas on how to resolve problems. You keep an immaculate house easily because you have no one dropping dirty socks, shoes, newspapers, etc. everywhere. Regardless of whether or not I take my shoes off at the door, put my dishes in the dishwasher, throw my clothes in the hamper, sweep the floor every day, cook healthy meals, if the other people in my apartment don't do the same, there's a ton to clean up every single day. Sure, I love my son and husband, and I work my a** off to go to school full time, work part time, cook, grocery shop, etc., but I whine a bit when I get overwhelmed. This post gave some people a place to vent productively. Do you ever complain about your job, about the weather where you live, about your landlord? Unless you're a weirdo, you have at least once or twice. I'll throw it back at you: obviously you're getting something out of it or you wouldn't be doing it. Same thing here.

I lived in Ireland with my husband (pre-marriage) for a few months. Though we're in the process of splitting up, I'll never give up my electric kettle. I don't know how I lived without it; my friends think it's funny, but they're silly for not trying it. Best kitchen thing ever.

I'm torn on the refrigerator thing. The three of us don't really need the giant one we have in our rental, but I like to keep leftovers/water/etc. in there. I don't think I'd be able to fit everything into a smaller one, and since there aren't any real grocery stores close by, I don't have the time or energy (not to mention the gas for the dang car - which is really unnecessary in most of Ireland also) to shop every day. It's a lifestyle I miss, though.

We dry our clothes on a rack inside. This is really because we don't have a dryer, but I'm in no hurry to get one.

I've noticed that since my husband moved here, he's much less conscientious about turning things off and un-plugging the toaster, computer, etc. He was sort of crazy about unplugging and switching off the outlets back in Dublin. Sigh.

As for the less stuff point - same in Ireland. Our friends would wear the same gorgeous, expensive dress or outfit to various holiday events. Of course, we'd all seen it a couple of times, but they looked fabulous and didn't waste their money on trendy, cheap crap. It's a habit I'm trying to get myself into; it's not easy for someone who's always been "thrifty."

Good post!

In response to modestalmond and others: The "organic" produce you see in stores needs to be certified as such by the USDA. It's a rigorous process that takes some time and effort. However, "organic" does not mean that pesticides and fertilizers weren't used; it means that those that were used are "organic" also. Also, "organic" doesn't have anything to do with the types of plants that were grown. Hybrids, cultivars and varieties exist today that have resistance to pesticides and diseases, and many are selected because they produce uniform, long-lasting fruit. These plants may not have existed when our grandparents' organic gardens were producing "ugly" fruits and vegetables. The newer varieties aren't freaks of nature, though - crossing DNA in the plant world happens naturally; we humans have just figured out ways to do it more efficiently and are able to pick out the features we find to be useful or appealing. (I am not talking about genetic manipulation, like Monsanto does - I'm talking about basic cross-pollination.)

Regarding apples, ALL apples sold, organic or not, are grafted. Apple seeds always produce a new type of apple, so it's just not commercially viable to spend the time, money and space hoping that the seeds you've planted yield quality fruit. Grafting doesn't involve anything that doesn't happen (rarely and slowly, true) in the natural world - they simply take a piece of the wanted fruit tree and attach it to root stock. The root stock helps keep trees shorter for easier harvest, and it can be selected for other hardiness factors. The tops produce the wanted fruit. Franken-trees, sure, but completely natural, safe and un-GM.

Um ... yay horticulture classes. :-)

Same as pleiovn - I didn't have a word for those structures I love so much. I also didn't realize that the style was brought to the Americas from Spain - I fell in love with that open patio-courtyard style in Marrakech, and then again in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Now, how to adapt that to Wisconsin?

Thank you! I've been cleaning almost everything with vinegar and/or baking soda for years now, but I couldn't figure out a replacement for dish soap. I suppose I could have researched a bit more, but I always get caught up in endless, meandering 'net searches.

I bought sage from a "bonafide" Native American this summer at a pow-wow on the reservation near where I grew up (my high school was on the res and the community was quite blended, so I have always felt a strong connection - I didn't go as a "tourist," which seems to be important to many of my tribal friends). I would never pretend to know how to perform the traditional, sacred ritual, but I have burned my sage a few times since I brought it home. I sit and smell the smoke, waving it toward my face and around the room. I walk around with it and think about ridding myself of negative feelings. I guess it's my own ritual, using the medicine woman's sage.

There's something about the smell, the movement around my space and the thoughts that go through my head that make me feel refreshed and renewed. I don't pretend to talk to spirits or ask any higher being for help - I take in the smoke and let it soak up musty smells. That, along with a good housecleaning, can really set the stage for a fresh start.

Every time traditional practices or items are discussed, there seems to be a big divide over whether it's OK for those outside of the culture to perform or own them. The Native American commenter above gave some good insight on the topic, and I appreciate that it wasn't all "Don't do it, Whitey!" My personal view (which doesn't mean much, of course) is that one shouldn't pretend to understand practices of which they know little. Still, I think the tools can be adapted to your own cleansing ritual. If you use sage, a stick of sandalwood incense or a really good bleach-down of your whole home (though I'd not use bleach), I think performing your own ritual can be a really good way to move on.

FWIW, when I decided to drop out of journalism school more than a decade ago, I went to Lake Michigan and ceremoniously threw my AP Style Guide into the waves. That felt wonderful.

I am the queen of l-d relationships. Sounds like fun, but I don't know that any man I've ever been with would be down.

OH, yes. This might be my plant shelf solution. I need something lightweight and clear to hold all the plants I'm bringing home from my propagation class. Anyone know where I can find more information about acrylic work? I'm going to be a happy happy girl if that Weld-On stuff and a few plastic pieces can become a sturdy 4'-5' plant "case" - I'd probably do 3-4 shelves. Any thoughts? Think it'd hold?