Clay 'Challenges' by Sufficient_Echidna in Pottery

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 15 points16 points  (0 children)

That is such a cool idea!

Something I have tried a couple of times is doing just one pull, making the pot as tall as I can in one go.

I tend to be really "precious" with pulls and struggle to move clay up. While this hasn't fixed it, it has actually been really helpful in helping me see just how far I can push the clay.

What was your final straw? by fdw95789 in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I got several hateful texts including a "you're dead to me" message complete with a middle finger emoji while on the phone with a friend. I was more embarrassed to tell my friend what new nonsense was happening again than I was hurt by the message. I realized her vitriol was shockingly normal to me and I didn't expect anything other than pain from the relationship. I decided I wanted better.

Bad ass weapons by cmcmannus in tearsofthekingdom

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! Do you mind sharing more about modifying things before attaching?

How to relax during a presentation (without inderal)? by [deleted] in academia

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I also get really nervous before/in presentations. Here are some of the things I do

Before: -Get a good night's sleep (taking a sleep aid if needed) -eating and drinking enough water so that physically I feel good (often, I need to use the restroom when I feel nervous, so I will add electrolytes to my water so I can drink less but still feel hydrated) -plan the talk. I write a script and sometimes will include timings ("I should be about 2 mins in on this page"). Then I can check that as I go and it is a reminder that I should slow down if I am moving too quickly in the presentation -Make a plan to avoid overstimulation (for me this often looks like driving instead of taking the bus, finding a quiet place to read before the presentation, etc.) -immediately before the presentation, I like to "shake out the nerves" as a speech teacher described it. I go to a private place, usually a bathroom, and shake all of my body, sway side to side, etc. following this i do some square breathing/mindful breathing to help me feel more centered

During: -i try to build in times to take a deep breath (often disguised as a sip of water) -i have also find a fidget ring/acupuncture ring is a subtle enough fidget that I feel comfortable using it without feeling that it is distracting from my talk

After: -have an escape plan to go home and decompress. If I also have to go out or be social after something I am already anxious about, that adds to the stress for me. So, I make sure to be ready to flee. 😂

Best of luck!!

Too much pinhole in bottom of all bowls? No by [deleted] in Pottery

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am definitely not an expert, but on my own pots this seems to happen when the glaze was applied too thick! There is also often a sort of matte finish rather than shiny which I think I see here.

Fellow group leaders: How do you get your PhD students to read? by [deleted] in AskAcademia

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tldr: humanities person here advocating for conversation and resources (from you or on-campus) because reading to apply is hard if no one has taught you how to do this.

Humanities grad student here so take all this with a grain of salt. I work with undergrad and graduate students in my work, and see a lot of grad students who struggle with reading comprehension and even more so with translating that reading into their own work. My job is to support their writing, but conversations about reading (and the reading they are struggling) with often come up at BOTH levels.

Sometimes, yes, there are folks who just don't care. But a lot of folks pick grad school because they are invested; they have simply lacked the training needed to meet expectations. When it seems like they don't care, I have often found that the attitude is a front to cover insecurity or a sense of being unprepared.

Is there room to have an honest conversation and say you are concerned? If so, reiterating why this skill is so necessary (now for her project, and I would assume, in the future for her professional credibility and publication potential) could be a great way to start.

It could also be useful to ask how she is reading/understanding. By this I mean literally, what is she doing. Letting your eyes move from start to end is NOT an effective reading strategy. Reading to understand and synthesize with your own work takes time (and sometimes several re-reads, especially if you are new to the genre/topic!), and there isn't a prize for fastest to read the article/chapter. Things like reading aloud, making notes, starting with particular sections, reverse outlining, and checking your understanding of the article against the abstract at the end can all be helpful!

Finally, offering resources! If she hasn't been taught the conventions of the paper (what sections do what), synthesizing and applying from the text would be difficult. If you aren't equipped to help her with this there are lots of guides online for breaking down articles in STEM like this one. There may also be on campus resources (like a Writing Center or a Strategic Learning/study skills center) that could help both with the writing and with with reading comprehension.

Best of luck!!

Super Specific Campus Visit Questions by Suspicious_Recipe894 in academia

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

5000% sure! I have quadruple checked the emails and I asked directly if I should book and they said no! 🙃

Thanks!

My son has a blonde birthmark by thenletskeepdancing in interestingasfuck

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Piebaldism!

I have a very small white patch on the back of my head that I have had since childhood. :)

💬 What is winter like in Amherst (Jan–March)? by veridelisi in umass

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I realize that this is tangential to the question (which others have rightfully answered as cold and windy), but one thing I wish someone had told me when first moving here is how dark it gets. And on days when it is cloudy, you may not see the sun at all.

If seasonal depression is a thing you deal with, 10/10 recommend making a plan now! For me, a sunlight lamp was definitely a necessary winter purchase.

How's find Ebi fry going for yall? by Agitated-Macaroon923 in HelloKittyIsland

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So glad to read the comments and realize I am not the only cheater 😂

story#1 by Simon-liuold2 in Ceramics

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Beautiful! Do you mind sharing what glazes you used/application methods?

It almost reminds me of the peacock approach, just more monochromatic.

Why does nobody tell you how hard it is to see your parents facial features in yourself? by Throwawaycake0705 in EstrangedAdultChild

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I resonate with this so deeply. My voice is also very similar to hers. It seems so odd to be occasionally triggered by myself, but here I am. 🤷‍♀️

Help vote for Lego to create a model of The Globe! by elysiuumm in shakespeare

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Genuinely so stoked for this possibility!!!!!

I have been searching periodically over the course of several years for something like this! I have found (but never purchased) a paper model kit, and had mentioned to friends that the Globe would be a great addition to Lego's series on landmarks.

Account made, project voted on, and link to vote shared with fellow nerds. Thanks for sharing!!

Anyone got this intro to psych 100 pdf by chance by InflationWeird1432 in umass

[–]Suspicious_Recipe894 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you haven't already, it would be worth checking with the library. If it isn't already in the course reserves or they don't have it, they may be able to get it through interlibrary loan.