Ivory tower

I read Professor Taylor’s op-ed about postgraduate education (particularly PhD programs) on Monday, and I’ve been letting my response ferment for a couple days.  I’m still torn.  It’s the classic paralysis by analysis that grad school prepares students for.
As some of you know, my PhD is from a top-20 program and I have a tenure-track [...]

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Ohio Desk Co, Part II

Christopher (of Shaker Heights Restoration) knows his Cleveland landmarks – check it out:

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Ohio Desk Co

Ta-da – we found it.  I knew if we waited long enough, the fancy fairies of fate would fulfill my fantasy of finding a desk.
Well, not fantasy desk, because it isn’t made by Stickley or out of quartersawn oak.  On the other hand, it was $30, including delivery from two towns away.

A metal tag inside [...]

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Revive your beach house

I think I speak for most Americans when I say that, in this economy, my beach house is looking a little dingy.  I can’t believe I’m admitting this, but it’s almost not worth flying my Cessna there anymore.
Once again, Coastal Living comes to the rescue.

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Quilted softness

Let’s have some democracy: Missy should make a dozen quilts for our house, yes?  She has the skills – of that I have no doubt – the hurdle is time.
Democracy, Part B:  Why doesn’t this bed have a headboard?  It should, right?  I envy their bench,  and I’m willing to arrange an exchange of hostages.

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Beach cottage

Some houses are so at-ease with themselves.  How do you get there?  Just crazy paint and chipped antiques?

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Twelve dollars

This is exactly how Craigslist is supposed to work.
“Yes, the chair is here!  We will be home by 12:30 Sunday afternoon…you are welcome to come then to pick it up!!  I love this chair!!  You will too!!
We live at [secret address].
Our phone number is [classified]
Happy Spring!!
Smiles,
Naomi”

Naomi’s address?  A block and a half from our [...]

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Swing Swang Swung II

The porch swing is progressing.
Do you know anything about finishes for cedar?  Travis recommended against spar urethane.  Maybe cedar oil?  I’m happy to re-apply occasionally, I just don’t want it to turn silvery-gray.

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Anonymous

After a too-long break from painting, I put the first coat of medium gray on the upstairs hallway Monday night.   It’s Behr’s Anonymous, which is one tick up the paint-sample-card from Dark Granite (the stairwell color).  Beeeee-yoo-tiful, I say.
(Although, Behr is a Home Depot brand, and in retrospect, this is one of those cases where [...]

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3/50 Project

The 3/50 Project – our family’s on board, clearly.  But I have two questions:
(1) Would you consider it in poor taste for an independent store to e-mail you the information or post a flyer like this in their window?  On one hand, it does smack of desperation.  But on the other, isn’t all [...]

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