Blogs about self-improvement from Pew Pew Laser Blog

The Policy of the Photographer's Spouse.

I have a new policy that I recommend to all spouses, and special friends, of photographers.

If the photographer brings the camera's tripod to any activity, then you bring your book, or DS, or knitting. In this way, you can remain entertained while photography is happening. Also, you are less likely to be pressed into duty as a voice activated light stand.

Glass Sculpture.

By demand, here is another glass piece that I made during the last of my beginner's glassblowing classes. It's a free-form sculpture roughly 9 inches high. It's got a bit of a bulbous oval at the bottom, and as I flared the top edges, they took on a tail-fin appearance. It was fun to make; an exercise in working the materials into a shape that I liked. Next time I might go for a more definite fish shape.

Grammar Snob Strikes Again.

Just so every one knows, there's a huge difference between "jury rigged" (an usually clever hack) and "jerry built" (a fugly kludge); and it really isn't "jerry rigged". (I find the Urban Dictionary far too accepting of new / confused english.) You can see some examples of both at There, I Fixed It.

On the same note, "pore over", not "pour over". I've been using this incorrectly for years.

There are many more useful tidbits along the same lines at Paul Brians' Common Errors in English site. Perhaps there's something wrong with me, but I find this engrossing reading.

My Globby Glass.

This is my globby glass. I made it during my second glassblowing class. It's a drinking vessel; that's right folks, it will contain liquid! It may be blobby and misshapen, but I love it, because I made it. Many thanks to the husband for taking the photo.

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Fabulous Machine.

I discovered the most wonderful machine at the gym - the Stretch Trainer! One of my problems stretching effectively is that I find it difficult to get my body in the right position without falling over. The Stretch Trainer's pivoting seat takes care of that, and is almost fun.

I've also noticed a new tool at the gym. There's a dude who has repeatedly neglected wiping down the weight equipment after he uses it. Ewww. What's the standard for social consideration here?

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