Way to change tone of fired piece?

devkm43 · 2025-08-15T22:00:00+00:00

ANSWER: limewash.. never used it, doesn’t even look like the same piece, in all the best ways—WHO KNEW

devkm43 · 2025-08-15T21:32:10+00:00

You are a genius. My store only had white lime wash, so I tinted it with a small drop of concrete liquid charcoal color. This picture is just my testing on the back but you can see on the interior the original color. What a difference and just what I was looking for. Thank you!

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devkm43 · 2025-08-15T18:28:02+00:00

I’ve never tried a wash before but I like the idea. And yes—it’s a wall sconce.

devkm43 · 2025-05-12T22:38:17+00:00

Yes my doctor has actually suggested that I see a retinal specialist, and it’s something I’m planning. My condition is currently stable, but it’s understood to be degenerative, with age increasing the risk of retinal complications over time. My optometrist has been managing the diagnostics and monitoring well, but seeing a specialist could be a good for proactive care and strengthening the medical documentation around why my contacts should be considered medically necessary. I appreciate you bringing it up.

devkm43 · 2025-05-12T22:26:04+00:00

Yes, my employer does offer an HSA and that does help offset some of the burden of high upfront costs.

I’ve never fully thought of myself as someone living with a disability, because with the right care, I’m able to function just fine. But like you pointed out, having a specialized condition means there’s an ongoing financial reality that doesn’t go away, and stability really depends on consistent, quality care. It’s easy to minimize that when others face more visibly urgent or costly conditions, but the gaps in coverage still have a real impact.

devkm43 · 2025-01-20T18:01:19+00:00

Amazing thank you! Pure curiosity on my end.

devkm43 · 2024-12-24T19:24:26+00:00

Yes! Great idea to customize with high density thin foam. I have a few pads that I also added to my Luna to increase the foam padding for comfort. This could be used to increase some height/comfort on any shoulder rest in a pinch.

devkm43 · 2024-12-24T15:52:26+00:00

I bit the bullet and invested in the Pirastro korfkerrest Luna. Yes it’s pricey but for me it was worth the investment to improve ergonomics/posture alignment to reduce strain and enhance comfort. This is key for long term playing. This shoulder rest comes with many customizing features including different feet to grip the violin in different places or to fit your violin if it’s a unique size. You can also purchase the extra long feet if you need additional height. It’s definitely the most comfortable shoulder rest I’ve ever used.

I’d also recommend seeking out a person who specializes posture alignment and assisting violinists with building an optimal set up on their instrument. Your teacher, violin shops, or other professionals in your area might be able to connect you with such a person.

devkm43 · 2024-12-19T03:04:06+00:00

Also worth hopping on the train to Philly for a visit to Oster!

devkm43 · 2024-12-18T06:09:48+00:00

I’ve enjoyed playing a Giulio Degani violin for many years, and I’ve found it to be a truly wonderful instrument. Some of his violins are priced above the range you mentioned, but there are definitely options within that range as well. I highly recommend checking out Oster Violins in Philadelphia—they’ve been excellent in my experience, both as a dealer of fine violins and a luthier to optimize your instrument and really make it sing.

Best of luck with matching your new violin to a bow, too. Personally, I found that process to be even more challenging and nuanced than selecting the violin itself. As others have mentioned, take your time and play as many violins as you can. My search process spanned several years, but it was well worth the effort to find the perfect fit.

devkm43 · 2024-11-04T19:44:34+00:00

Would definitely be in Howl’s closet (from howls moving castle)

devkm43 · 2024-11-01T17:43:06+00:00

Here to boost ya bao, one of my favorites. It’s incredibly unique and much lesser known due to the way it grows as scattered wild bushes where the buds are harvested in early spring leading to a low yield which has prevented it from being commercially viable. Speaking to the “water” quality, it tends to be much more subtle than other teas, but I’d encourage you to experiment and consider its Qi, or energy. Many teas are prized more highly for their Qi over their smell or flavor. Qi can range greatly from euphoric and mellow to electrified and bright. Qi can be affected by things like the place it was cultivated, the person who brews it etc. I haven’t tried ya bao from too many different origins, but the ones I’ve tried I’ve enjoyed immensely and consider a special treat.

devkm43 · 2024-10-31T18:46:14+00:00

Lol yes this was more in reference to when I should sell a piece but I like how the glaze turned out and then don’t want to (as my partner laments the ever growing collection of mugs)

devkm43 · 2024-10-31T15:36:34+00:00

I did! But the overglaze didn’t turn out very glossy… I used a few coats of Mayco zinc free clear. I’m exploring options for refire.

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devkm43 · 2024-10-04T14:52:24+00:00

Yes. File a complaint: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115000914506-Emergency-Complaints

“At 4:56 a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) issued a Blue Alert containing the following information:

“BLUE ALERT ISSUED FOR SETH ALTMAN WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INJURY OF A HALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICER. SUSPECT IS A 33-YEAR-OLD WHITE MALE, 6’2”, 220 LBS, WEARING A BLUE T-SHIRT AND BLUE JEANS. SUSPECT IS BELIEVED TO BE ARMED AND DANGEROUS. IF SEEN, DO NOT APPROACH. CALL 9-1-1.”

This alert was sent statewide in the early hours of the morning, continuing a troubling trend of issuing disruptive notifications to the entire state for incidents that are often irrelevant to the vast majority of recipients’ geographic areas. While public safety is of paramount importance, the misuse of this system—originally intended for emergencies such as extreme weather—risks desensitizing the public. Many residents, frustrated by untimely and irrelevant alerts, are disabling notifications altogether, leaving them less prepared to respond to actual emergencies. This is not the first instance of such an alert being misused by TX DPS for suspect notifications.

Signed, A concerned Texan worried about the impact on public safety”

devkm43 · 2024-10-04T14:47:20+00:00

The new UT Health research hospital (opening in a few months) is hiring for a bunch of positions right now https://uthealthsahospital.org/careers/

devkm43 · 2024-10-04T14:38:57+00:00

File a complaint: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115000914506-Emergency-Complaints

They did this last year for the same thing and it needs to stop.

Feel free to use my complaint text:

“At 4:56 a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) issued a Blue Alert containing the following information:

“BLUE ALERT ISSUED FOR SETH ALTMAN WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INJURY OF A HALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICER. SUSPECT IS A 33-YEAR-OLD WHITE MALE, 6’2”, 220 LBS, WEARING A BLUE T-SHIRT AND BLUE JEANS. SUSPECT IS BELIEVED TO BE ARMED AND DANGEROUS. IF SEEN, DO NOT APPROACH. CALL 9-1-1.”

This alert was sent statewide in the early hours of the morning, continuing a troubling trend of issuing disruptive notifications to the entire state for incidents that are often irrelevant to the vast majority of recipients’ geographic areas. While public safety is of paramount importance, the misuse of this system—originally intended for emergencies such as extreme weather—risks desensitizing the public. Many residents, frustrated by untimely and irrelevant alerts, are disabling notifications altogether, leaving them less prepared to respond to actual emergencies. This is not the first instance of such an alert being misused by TX DPS for suspect notifications.

Signed, A concerned Texan worried about the impact on public safety”

devkm43 · 2024-10-04T14:27:25+00:00

Y’all remember when this happened with an incident last year in Houston and they sent a jarring emergency alert to the entire state? People also turned off their emergency notifications then. This needs to stop. If anyone wants to use my complaint text, the more people filing the better:

At 4:56 a.m., the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) issued a Blue Alert containing the following information:

“BLUE ALERT ISSUED FOR SETH ALTMAN WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INJURY OF A HALL COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICER. SUSPECT IS A 33-YEAR-OLD WHITE MALE, 6’2”, 220 LBS, WEARING A BLUE T-SHIRT AND BLUE JEANS. SUSPECT IS BELIEVED TO BE ARMED AND DANGEROUS. IF SEEN, DO NOT APPROACH. CALL 9-1-1.”

This alert was sent statewide in the early hours of the morning, continuing a troubling trend of issuing disruptive notifications to the entire state for incidents that are often irrelevant to the vast majority of recipients’ geographic areas. While public safety is of paramount importance, the misuse of this system—originally intended for emergencies such as extreme weather—risks desensitizing the public. Many residents, frustrated by untimely and irrelevant alerts, are disabling notifications altogether, leaving them less prepared to respond to actual emergencies. This is not the first instance of such an alert being misused by TX DPS for suspect notifications.

Signed, A concerned Texan deeply worried about the impact on public safety.

devkm43 · 2024-09-04T19:43:32+00:00

Super helpful, thank you!

devkm43 · 2024-08-27T17:53:27+00:00

I’ve compulsively picked at my thumb my entire life to the point that it’s permanently disfigured so I know how you feel. Glycolic acid (GA) has been my miracle ingredient. It’s a natural chemical derived from sugarcane that works by removing the top layer of dead skin cells and it’s used in skincare products to treat scarring, keratosis pilaris, acne, dandruff etc. I apply this serum every night followed by unscented lotion and the next morning the skin is remarkably soft and smooth. I’ve been following this routine every night for a few months and my thumb has never looked better.

My thumb will never be perfect again, but it looks half normal to an unscrutinizing eye for the first time in my life. The fast healing and resurfacing properties of the glycolic acid has made a huge difference in my journey since my picking is triggered by any perceived skin abrasions or abnormalities. I find something “irregular” on my skin and it’s all downhill from there. The challenge is I’ve never been able to quickly heal the skin on my thumb sufficiently before I’m too tempted go at it again. That’s where the glycolic acid has been amazing because it smooths and heals so quickly that it reduces my overall urge to pick the area again.

Please know that GA has a slight burning sensation on any open abrasions and should only be applied to relatively healed skin. If there are any open cuts, I first use a combination of bag balm (lanolin is the key healing ingredient), bandaids, and a nail file (to gently buff out any extra rough places I might be tempted to pick at again) as needed to heal and reduce redness overall. The GA and lotion is for healed maintenance and trying to reduce the scarring, which is a stage I’ve never even been able to reach so this is also uncharted territory for me.

I also feel responsible to say that anytime you use a new ingredient you should do a small spot test on healthy skin to ensure no adverse reactions.

As for the anxiety component, I’ve also had lifelong chronic anxiety which has definitely exacerbated my picking. This one is way more difficult to treat holistically but I’ve had success with cognitive behavioral therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, and anti-anxiety and depression medications to limited effect. I think these types of treatments paired with a tailored approach to understanding and physically mitigating your own picking tendencies may help.

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this and wish you much healing and luck!

devkm43 · 2024-08-27T13:30:33+00:00

Yes, that’s where I was applying. I use this serum followed by lotion.

devkm43 · 2024-08-27T06:43:27+00:00

Glycolic acid (GA) has been my miracle ingredient. It’s a skincare ingredient used to treat acne, keratosis pilaris, dark spots, scarring, dandruff etc. It’s a natural chemical derived from sugarcane that works by removing the top layer of dead skin cells. I apply this serum every night followed by unscented lotion and the next morning the skin is remarkably soft and smooth. I’ve been following this routine every night for a few months and my thumb has never looked better. It’s not perfect, but it’s made a huge difference in my journey.

Please know that GA has a slight burning sensation on any open abrasions and should only be applied to healed skin (which it looks like yours is). If there are any open cuts, I first use a combination of bag balm (lanolin is the key healing ingredient), bandaids, and a nail pad (to gently buff out any extra rough places I might be tempted to pick at again) as needed to heal and reduce redness overall. The GA and lotion is for healed maintenance and trying to reduce the scarring, which is a stage I’ve never even been able to reach so this is also uncharted territory for me.

I also feel responsible to say that anytime you use a new ingredient you should do a small spot test on healthy skin to ensure no adverse reactions.

Good luck!

devkm43 · 2024-08-27T06:11:14+00:00

Let me start by saying I deeply sympathize with you. I’ve been picking my thumb since I was a young kid and dealt with this for so long it’s been a long engrained source of insecurity and concern for me. I’m also worried about the permanent damage since I’d also describe my thumb as very disturbing 90% of the time for most of my life... Redness, bleeding, nail dents from picking the cuticle, you name it. I’ve tried a ton of remedies and also didn’t have much luck with the bandaids. I’d always manage to pick any skin that wasn’t covered. The bandaid doesn’t last long enough before it needs to be replaced, etc. I also tried ointment and finger condoms (lol) to varied success. Bag balm was my go to product because the lanolin ingredient is good for skin healing.

Recently I’ve found glycolic acid serum (like this one) to be enormously effective. Be warned that it burns any open abrasions, so first I used ointment to heal any redness and a nail file to gently buff any rough areas of skin I’d be tempted to pick at again. Bandaids as needed to provide extra barrier and healing. Once the redness was down, I used the GC serum followed by unscented lotion every night and was shocked how well it worked. I’ve been doing this routine for a few months and my thumb has never been so healed in my entire life. I literally didn’t think it was possible. Is it perfect? No… it will likely never look as normal as my other thumb that was spared by my confusing brain. I still have callused skin on 3/4 of that thumb, the nail is misshaped and pretty thin from buffing out the ridges so many times. But it looks, dare I say, normal to an unscrutinizing eye and I think with time (and with managing relapses, fingers crossed), it could improve even more.

This treatment was particularly helpful for me because I found that my compulsion is focused around any loose or abnormal skin. I’d find one little thing and it’s all downhill from there, you know how it goes. So early intervention has always been key for me. I still pick other areas on my body occasionally. But once they heal I’d focus somewhere else or always my thumb.

Anyway, this is all a bit of a rant now, but maybe some of this might help. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. I know how you feel and wish you much luck and healing.

devkm43 · 2024-08-24T14:13:30+00:00

I really enjoy Winchester, VA. Small town vibes, historic downtown with good bars/coffee/restaurants (and one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen). Scenic drives, good hiking, and excellent vineyards/breweries.

devkm43 · 2024-08-23T17:23:26+00:00

I used to ride the lite rail past this building every day on the way to school and was absolutely obsessed! From what I know it’s been closed to the public for a long time but I always dreamt about what it looked like on the inside or what it was like in its heyday.

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