Author Archives: jkmcintyre

How Soap Works

Posted on April 17, 2008 by jkmcintyre

The reason we need soap is that we wash our clothes, dishes, and bodies with water. Most ‘dirt’ is greasy from oils coming off our skin and food. Even if you’ve never studied chemistry you will have heard that oil … Continue reading →

Posted in education, Scientific, soap | 5 Comments

Soap-du-jour

Posted on April 7, 2008 by jkmcintyre

With Scott away at his crag course in Leavenworth, I wondered what to do with my weekend? Early Saturday morning, I drank tea and read from the anthology of Nature Writings. I watched the birds play and hunt in the … Continue reading →

Posted in DIY, homemade soap, Scientific, soap | 2 Comments

Turning the earth into functional art

Posted on March 14, 2008 by jkmcintyre

I love to make things with my hands – drawing, carving, knitting, apple pie. ing. I love ceramics ’cause they’re earthy, functional, traditional, and sustainable. Plus – it’s something you can make yourself from clay – I mean, how cool … Continue reading →

Posted in ceramics, DIY | 3 Comments

To stop your head from catching on fire

Posted on January 12, 2008 by jkmcintyre

Flame retardants. They’ve been in the news a bit lately, so you’ve probably heard of them. But maybe you haven’t. After all, there are so many chemicals in the news these days. Flame retardants (FR) have been used for several … Continue reading →

Posted in Rants, Scientific | 5 Comments