The Wondrous 1-2-3 Block

...world of machinists. One such tool is the 1-2-3 block that I’ve found many uses for in woodworking. These blocks of metal, sold in pairs, are named after their dimensions, one inch by two inches by three inches (they also come in larger sizes such as 2-4-6). Mine have both threaded and un-threaded holes allowing you to attach and pass through bolts. You can bolt them together square or at an angle. They have a million applications: To see if a too...

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Fifty Shades of Gray Water

...r and/or graywater. I’d also like to see what the OED says about the first uses of the word. Merriam Webster suggests “gray water” not “grey water” or “greywater.” Wikipedia goes with “greywater” as well as listing off all the variations. Wikipedia also suggests a word so unappealing that it’s almost appealing, “sullage.” Sullage, according to Merriam Webster, is “probably from Anglo-French *sollage, *suillage, from suiller, soiller to soil.” Whil...

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Shed Factoids and Resources

...e-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, the height does not exceed 12 feet, and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches, are exempt from building permits. However, any electrical, plumbing or mechanical equipment installed in these structures do require separate permits. In addition, all structures regardless of si...

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Saturday Tweets: Dogs, Land Use, Kale and Rocket Cats

...Efk — Joe Parris (@KTVBJoe) August 3, 2018 Fascinating look at how America uses its land https://t.co/H1eP86WWXq — Root Simple (@rootsimple) August 2, 2018 This project proves that a better world is possible: https://t.co/lmj0mFzqd1 — Root Simple (@rootsimple) August 1, 2018 Holy Kale, what is going on? https://t.co/8FYmqzkSMh — Eric Rochow (@GardenForkTV) July 30, 2018 My co-editor @Jenny_L_Davis has a write up of the three of the most important...

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Cold brewed tisanes, teas and coffee: Your summertime best friends

...d plants. He talks about this in his book, The New Wildcrafted Cuisine. He uses whatever is in season at the time, an eclectic mix that may include wild mints, elderflowers, conifers like white fir and pine, herbs like black sage and berries of all sorts. Sometimes he adds less-wild ingredients, like lemons or honey. He leaves all these things swirling around in the jug at table, so that the sight of the infusion is almost as arresting as the tast...

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