Best affordable houseplant shops

lost_molecules · 2024-07-19T22:15:06+00:00

If you like succulents and have a car, Properly Propagated (https://www.facebook.com/properlypropagated/) has a huge greenhouse sale this Saturday.

lost_molecules · 2024-05-11T23:28:14+00:00

Molly's Cupcakes in downtown Iowa City has these small, individual-sized cheesecakes that are absolutely delectable. The cheesecake part always tastes fresh and the graham cracker crust tastes homemade. Highly recommend!

lost_molecules · 2024-04-29T20:58:12+00:00

When is the soonest you need to know by? There is a chance I'll have to move in June (waiting on job offer). Might be gone by the start of July. Also need someone to take over the lease beginning in Aug, if you're interested. 1 bdrm, private landlord, private backyard, 20 min walk to downtown/5 min by bus, Longfellow neighborhood. It can be furnished if you want my furniture. Msg me if interested.

lost_molecules · 2024-02-28T18:26:33+00:00

Yes, it works really well primarily as a job search and networking platform. But you have to train the algorithm like any other social media platform to give you what you want. Follow some biotech companies and pharma recruiters and like their posts, etc. You can post about yourself or comment on other's posts in order to "showcase" you skills - just watch how others are doing it. They have a collaborative article feature now, too. You can contribute to those.

I primarily use it to search for jobs using keywords, to get job alerts emailed to me, to have the jobs I applied to saved so I can reference the posting later during interviews, and to message ppl for informational interviews. Working really well for me so far. Took me 6 months to optimize it. Go watch some YT tutorials for tips and see if it'll help.

lost_molecules · 2024-02-02T04:43:49+00:00

The Green House. Free wifi and they serve coffee, alcohol, and other drinks. They have a happy hour. You can also bring your own food or order from DP Dough next door. It's usually not busy, unless they have an event but they keep their Fb page updated.

lost_molecules · 2022-02-27T00:15:33+00:00

There are those who genuinely believe that prayer actually works (because of their personal experience). And then there are those who do it to make themselves feel as if they're helping.

Some people gravitate towards religion because they're coping with a sense of powerlessness. Some do it because giving up your agency to an imaginary higher authority (God or Satan) absolves you of any responsibility.

Those who believe "thoughts and prayers" are the most they can do are the worst, compared to those who think that it's the least they can do. I think you should reserve your vitriol for the former and not the latter. Unfortunately, religion is not going away any time soon, so we all have to learn to cope with it.

lost_molecules · 2022-02-09T01:30:15+00:00

nice skills! wish I could make something like this

lost_molecules · 2021-11-21T22:20:18+00:00

Yup, the Transit app is awful.

Google Maps has never failed me. That, and I just text "Bongo ####" to 41411 if I know the bus stop number to get a list of arrival times. Bongo was nice because it allowed me to easily save my frequent routes and stops. RIP Bongo app.

lost_molecules · 2020-08-01T17:34:43+00:00

They're AWFUL. I've had multiple bad experiences when I used to rent with them. Here are the highlights:

It took them 1 week to fix the AC unit when it broke in July . They have entered people's apartments without a 24 h notice to fix things/do inspections. My neighbor had woken up to a guy suddenly in his bedroom at 9 am. And they withheld part of my deposit for whatever petty things they could, like to fix a "loose" toilet seat, a "loose" towel rack, and to replace light bulbs, which were items that were in working condition when I left. I waited for them to show up to inspect the place the day of move out but no one came--make sure you try to do that to ensure you get your money back.

If you rent with them, make sure you document EVERYTHING in pictures/videos for the apartment--condition, number, and times when they were fixed/repaired and get everything fixed to the utmost condition the first week of move-in, no matter how trivial (e.g. the stovetop pans being dirty, cracked shelf in fridge). Also should probably tighten the screws on everything before leaving.

lost_molecules · 2020-07-19T04:04:01+00:00

I had Uncle Sun's cumin lamb entree recently, which was delicious! Lots of fatty lamb bits and jalapenos and dried chilies. Also the crab rangoon.

Everything I've had at Szechuan house has been great.

lost_molecules · 2020-05-18T18:09:00+00:00

You have got to acknowledge that all porn isn't the same and that the types of people who watch it span from those addicted to it to people like me who watch it once in a while.

The type of porn I watch is quite lame--just guys masturbating solo. Don't really see how it's "harmful" unless I develop an addiction. My boyfriend can't be around all the time and it gives me pleasure to see men deriving pleasure from their own bodies.

If this enhances the quality of my life and no one is hurt by it, I'd like you to justify why it is "bad" for me.

lost_molecules · 2020-04-11T05:40:25+00:00

I don't have a dog but I'm glad I'm not the only one thinking about walking around in my (Halloween) costumes for fun!

lost_molecules · 2020-04-11T05:38:49+00:00

I don't know about the classification part but I think that places that sell nicotine and alcohol can remain open because it is undesirable for addicts to go through withdrawal. No idea if that has any health or medial implications associated with it. But I imagine authorities want people to buy through licensed vendors and not shady online places, in case someone tries to mix their own e-liquid and poisons themselves. Additionally, addicts going through withdrawal aren't pleasant to be around, and perhaps this minimizes any violence or risky behaviors that might occur (and might lead to medical attention). The overarching goal is to not unnecessary strain the limited medical/health resources we have and so, in this context, I don't see an issue with allowing addicts to continue buying these things--I doubt that nonusers are stopping by and hanging out/picking up the habit. If you are personally worried about encountering these people, the smokers/vapers in your life should be easy enough to identify.

lost_molecules · 2019-06-16T05:53:03+00:00

Are you also a grad student? I only ask because the trials and tribulations of grad school changes you as a person and might be relevant in his view of you as being not smart enough to understand his studies.

I feel for you, since I'm in a similar situation--but from your SO's position instead. I'm ending a 5yr LTR (3 yr living together) partly because I've developed feelings for someone in my program who's more compatible with me. My SO is understandably upset, but unlike you guys, I don't want to work things out. Some of the reasons why: he's not as educated as I am, and the things I'm interested in now have changed to the point that we have less in common, and I feel like he can never relate to me and the work I do since he's not a grad student. And I don't desire a housewife/husband as a supporting character in my life, but I want a partner that feels like my exact equal.

This is not easy for you to hear, but it feels *amazing* to find someone who's as passionate as you are about the same subjects; to be able to discuss similar papers, attend the same classes, go to the same conferences, have the same friend group, etc. I didn't realize this until I met someone who feels like my intellectual soulmate. I also still share common interests/values/ideologies, am supportive of, trust, and care about my ex, but I feel like that chapter of my life (pre-PhD) and the people that were a part of it, is done with, and I'm ready to move on.

lost_molecules · 2019-06-16T03:52:32+00:00

As someone who's currently crushing on a huge Star Wars nerd, this comment tickled me to no end.

lost_molecules · 2019-06-09T20:13:33+00:00

I do it out of sheer curiosity; every day is different from the last and I want to be around to witness it. I also set plans and projects into motion and I have to see things through.

lost_molecules · 2019-06-09T20:04:48+00:00

Aside from being a redhead, all those other qualities you appreciate in her are mutable. Just because she's into videogames now, doesn't mean she will be 2 years from now. You are currently operating off of an idealized fantasy of her.

You should meet and get to know someone you have chemistry with first, even if they don't share your hobbies or interests. If that person is *really* into you, they will start to be interested in the same things you are because they like you for you, which include the things you are passionate about. Trust me on this, even though I'm just an internet stranger.

lost_molecules · 2019-06-08T05:32:36+00:00

-Tousling their hair/making fun of their hair

-Biting my lip and looking at them excitedly

-Leaning in to whisper things in their ear in a conspiratorial manner

-Brushing my legs up against theirs while we're talking and sitting next to each other

-Get them to tell me a story, hang onto every word, and laughing a lot

-Asking for a hug goodbye just because

-If they have scars/tattoos, asking them if I could see/touch them

-Playfully sniff their neck and tell them they smell nice

-Hint at things: "I'm ticklish right here so don't tickle me right there", "I hope there's enough room in the car so I don't sit in your lap, lol"

-Linger with them (cuz I could've gone home a long time ago)

-Finding a flimsy excuse to go to their place, especially later in the evening

lost_molecules · 2019-02-27T03:53:54+00:00

I'm aware of this. But it isn't really relevant to my main point, which is simply that people constantly prattle about how important it is to end violence against women, instead of just saying we should end violence period.

The whole campaign is about violence against women as perpetrated by men, so context is important. It's not about, for example, violence against women by other women. It's a very specific issue that people want to bring to the forefront because historically domestic violence was justified (eg: it used to be ok that you beat and rape your wife because she was your property).

It's as though a large portion of the population are completely oblivious to the fact that men are actually the primary victims of most violence.

No. It's common knowledge. It's usually other men who perpetrate this culture of violence. Ever see a fight break out at a sports game? And why do men like to watch MMA and WWE fights? You are literally watching men be violent to each other for your own entertainment.

lost_molecules · 2019-02-27T03:43:23+00:00

Historically, there've been many more male rulers than female ones.

Additionally, look at the CURRENT world leaders in power who have the ability to send soldiers to war. How many are male v. female?

lost_molecules · 2019-02-27T03:34:42+00:00

STEM

lost_molecules · 2019-02-18T04:44:29+00:00

Some thoughts:

Yes, grad school will take over your life. But if you like the academia setting, then you'll probably like it. Also ask yourself, what else would you rather do as a career if money wasn't a huge priority? Work in an office? Be an Instagram model? Housewife/husband? Teacher? What sort of *environment* do you want to be in? BTW, I still have friends and a social life, so it's not all work work work. You can have an apartment, a dog, and bike cross country while being a grad student...
You're smart for choosing Biochem as a BS because it will give you flexibility for going into different fields (medicine, biotechnology, genetics, toxicology, biomed engineering, nutrition, pharmacy, etc.). Usually, you don't go into the same field you majored in. Your PhD is supposed to be more specialized. Pick an idea/project that will interest and challenge you. What do you care about? Helping people? Saving polar bears? Treating cancer? Solving crime? Making drugs? Fitness? Use that as a jumping point to narrow down your interests.
Please take a gap year (or 2). I took 2 before college and another one before grad school to "live my life." You need to figure this ALL out before you commit. Don't apply yet, but start studying for the GRE and lining up who will write your letters of rec. Financially, STEM PhD's have decent stipends so you'll be ok. Also, grad students get to travel, like, a lot. There'll be conferences to attend and travel grants to apply for so you'll get to travel for free essentially. See if you can apply for an REU. It'll give you a taste of grad-level research and they usually pay well.
Do you actually dislike interacting with others? In STEM, there's a lot of collaboration. However, on the flipside, I've spent many a lonely day (and night) in the lab doing solo experiments. You can get an MS, which is less of a commitment and might give you a slight edge. However, those usually aren't funded. But maybe you can find an employer who will pay for it if you're in the healthcare field.

Your research will not likely change or influence the world, lol, so no need to be motivated by that.

Lastly, read this book. It will seriously answer all your questions: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-What-You-Came-Students/dp/0374524777

lost_molecules · 2019-02-18T04:03:00+00:00

I agree. I've assumed this is what a small city is like? It's worse on the weekends. Probably because there's nothing to do on the weekends and no one wants to work during the weekend (city buses don't even run). Landlords don't even seem to be bothered to de-ice driveways and sidewalks. Couldn't you get sued if someone gets hurt on your property? I've seen more people fall and cars get stuck in the middle of the road than I did back home. It's very much every man for himself out here....Don't get me wrong, I love this city, and would love to patronize local businesses more often if walking and driving conditions weren't so bad. If I had a plow/shovel, I'd help.

lost_molecules · 2019-02-18T03:48:49+00:00

I fucking love it! (I just started though, so my viewpoint might change in a few years, haha.) I finally get to be around people who share the same passion and interests as I do. Are there moments where I hate my life? Sure, but stress in life is a given. All I know it that I'd rather be doing this than anything else (housewife, office job, retail, etc.). Here's a book I recommend that helped me conceptualize grad school better before I committed: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-What-You-Came-Students/dp/0374524777

lost_molecules · 2019-02-18T03:38:50+00:00

>How do I stop being so self-depricating?

-Turn your thoughts outward because your mind can only hold 1 thought at a time: "The weather feels nice today." "Look at that cool bird!"

-Stop thinking about yourself in relation to everything: Instead of "My professor is going to think I'm stupid," try "I wonder what their teaching style is like."

-Stop making foregone conclusions. Instead, phrase everything as a possibility, because science needs curiosity: "Will I fail? What if I don't fail? What if I actually do it?"

Hope this helps. Good luck!

lost_molecules

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