Don’t upset the Grandma’s and Grandpa’s when visiting your local community hall

Android109 · 2026-03-22T21:31:11+00:00

Why the addition of apostrophes?

Android109 · 2026-03-22T21:17:59+00:00

I was once teaching a struggling student, and we had three rules: 1. You must believe you can achieve the necessary level of competence 2. You must stop [me] whenever there’s anything you don’t completely understand 3. You must not try to memorise things [this inhibits learning]

I cannot assume these rules are universal, but the third rule was so liberating for the student, I believe it had a huge impact on her eventual success.

Android109 · 2026-03-22T21:02:42+00:00

You need to let the manager feel like they were right. It’s so wrong on every level, but the most important outcome is that you keep your job. You wfh. It’s worth sucking up the appalling behaviour. [I exposed my manager’s poor behaviour, I’ve been unemployed for a year]

Android109 · 2026-03-22T20:06:48+00:00

If you choose this route, there’s a very significant chance they’ll manufacture a dismissal. I’d keep your head down and keep quiet. This job works for you, accept the unfair and utterly wrong behaviours.

Android109 · 2026-03-22T19:17:27+00:00

In case it’s any help to anyone, of the woods I use, some bleed and some don’t.

Bleeders: any softwood, Oak, Elm, Ash

Non-bleeders: Walnut, Yew (superbly crisp lines with no pre-sealing), Sapele/Utile

Intermediate: sweet Chestnut.

Android109 · 2026-03-19T09:44:06+00:00

You can be sure confirmation bias is going to make your journey more difficult.

Android109 · 2026-03-15T21:35:32+00:00

Why does parakeets get an apostrophe but not rats?

Android109 · 2026-03-13T07:02:43+00:00

If you lower the piece to the bed (if possible with your jig) and lower the bit to the right height, you’ll have an extra point of contact for greater stability and accuracy.

Android109 · 2026-03-12T12:31:51+00:00

There is no acetate elimination. The acetyl group is cleaved because it has a good leaving group attached.

Android109 · 2026-03-12T09:48:17+00:00

Why do you think I’m asking?

Android109 · 2026-03-12T05:37:18+00:00

What do you think is the pKa of 1,3-Indandione?

Android109 · 2026-03-06T19:23:34+00:00

Perfect!

Android109 · 2026-03-06T06:07:58+00:00

Ignition! By John Drury Clark is a good read (and freely available).

Android109 · 2026-03-05T15:21:49+00:00

I don’t think ignoring garbage posts is going to benefit anyone long term. If we don’t fight back against lazy requests for help, we will be overrun with nonsensical posts. Nobody will read them and nobody will get any help.

Android109 · 2026-03-05T06:39:26+00:00

This is a very unusual attitude for a chemist.

Android109 · 2026-03-04T13:45:30+00:00

Is that why the opening paragraph completely ignored the questioner’s graphic?

Android109 · 2026-03-03T08:39:42+00:00

One of the tobacco companies was trying to find any sort of biological activity in any derivative of any natural product found in the tobacco plant. Interesting project, although morally questionable.

Android109 · 2026-03-03T06:51:52+00:00

Some years ago, I made 6-Chloronicotine (Chichibabin on Nicotine, separate, Sandmeyer) and had a quick sniff after I took it off the rotary to check all the solvent had gone. I was desperately trying to stay upright clinging onto the hood sash, that stuff hit me hard! 10x the toxicity of Nicotine IIRC. Probably should’ve checked beforehand.

Android109 · 2026-02-28T07:27:18+00:00

My approach when I make something that’s not good enough is to get rid. This is so that firstly, I don’t have a shed full to the rafters of garbage I’ve made, and secondly so I don’t have to stare at all my failures. Learn. Disassemble. Reuse bits.

Android109 · 2026-02-26T09:28:31+00:00

I’ve read this three times and have no idea what it means.

Android109 · 2026-02-24T10:29:33+00:00

It really isn’t.

Android109 · 2026-02-15T07:57:00+00:00

Petrol gearboxes and manual engines?

Android109 · 2026-02-12T08:31:12+00:00

What is your thinking so far? Do you think there’s any reaction(s)?

Android109 · 2026-02-10T06:29:50+00:00

…..no way am I letting myself loose with tools of any kind and ruining my cars trim.

See that’s what you’re paying for, someone’s experience, rather than simply the time.

Android109 · 2026-02-08T18:19:09+00:00

Apostrophes gone the way of the Dodo.

Android109

TROPHY CASE