January 2012 Archives
January 31
visa photographs in Cambridge MA
urgent: where in Cambridge MA can I get inexpensive instant passport-sized photos according to Canadian visa specifications? [more inside]
How to promote a personal training business
I'm going to help a friend promote his personal training business. 1) What's the cheapest and easiest website option, 2) Promo postcards, are they a good idea? Where should we get them? 3) What else? [more inside]
Supernatural themed board games
Looking for favorite board games with a supernatural or otherwise dark theme. [more inside]
Help hide these vents!
Ugly furnace installation. Any suggestions? [more inside]
How do I fit workouts into a stressful schedule?
How do I find time and motivation to stick to a workout plan, given a moderately stressful schedule, quite a bit of work, and not a huge amount of relaxation time (which working out would cut into)? [more inside]
Dragons in my bookstore?
Taking a look for a book about a dragon who likes books. [more inside]
Looking for a winery with an outdoor restaurant and an attached hotel
Valentine's Day filter:
My girlfriend has a relatively specific request for Valentine's Day: "an outdoor restaurant at a vineyard... that has an attached hotel." A somewhat cheaper version of this would be the idea. Ideally, it'd be $300/night or less and somewhere within ~2 hours drive of Palo Alto, California.
Any ideas?
How to I begin to understand what is going on in the world?
How to I begin to understand what is going on in the world? [more inside]
How to Find this Vague Half-Remembered Article?
Long shot article search: blog post or article about Anderson Cooper's sexuality. [more inside]
I am confused and alone.
Psychological/Romantic Filter:
I don't know what else to do anymore.
More inside.
Not asking for advice on taking rejection. [more inside]
What do I owe Her Majesty the Queen?
Help an American citizen with British income tax on book royalties. [more inside]
Nikon vs Cannon DSLR Kits
Buying a Nikon or Cannon DSLR, package details inside please help me I have been flip flopping over the two [more inside]
The Emotional Bondage of Stuff, or, Why am I having so much trouble getting rid of things I don't really like, never wanted in the first place, and actively want to discard?
Need to drastically downsize. Am actively eager to drastically downsize. Totally aware of the emotional and psychological implications and pitfalls of downsizing. So why is it still so hard? Scratch that. How do I make it less hard? [more inside]
Dress me up in Chicago!
Need to buy a fancy evening dress. Don't want to buy a basic LBD, and want mini or knee length - not full length. Prefer a little funkier perhaps. Any suggestions where? The boutiques I frequent don't do a lot of fancy dresses, so I'm lost. Of course there are the dept stores but would love to avoid if possible.
Via Spiga pumps worth the $$?
I'd like to buy this Jessica pump by Via Spiga. However, I'm balking at the $198 price tag because that's more than I've ever spent on footwear. Is it a good value to buy expensive shoes? [more inside]
This Portlander wants his Sobe more than coffee
I have been craving Sobe Adrenaline Rush. This energy drink may or may not exist anymore, however, my coworker found me a can in southern Oregon a few months ago. Where can I find my favorite nectar of an energy drink. [more inside]
How can I motivate myself to work?
How can I motivate myself to work? What did you do to help kick yourself in the posterior and get going? Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Where to buy a Luxo Jr?
I want to own the lamp Luxo Jr. was based on, where can I find it? [more inside]
how to quickly stop myself from failing, when I have long associated failure with rewards
Do you have any thoughts on how to quickly stop myself from failing, when I have long associated failure with a 'negative payoff' i.e. there have been rewards for failure in the past. [more inside]
Which FLSA exemption do I choose?
Calling all labor lawyers, even though YANML: if you can classify an employee under two overtime-exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which one controls?
For instance, my organization has employees that satisfy one or more categories:
1. Highly Compensated Employees
2. Computer professionals
3. Professional exemption
If I classify them as Computer Professionals, they also have to meet the California Labor Code Section 515.5. If they do not qualify under 515.5, specifically the salary requirement and/or high-level engineer requirement, is it possible to just classify them as exempt under the Professional Exemption standard, which is only two times the current minimum wage in California?
Thanks.
How can nerve damage atrophy muscles?
Does anyone have any background on how nerve damage (or nerve something) can atrophy muscles? [more inside]
I never thought I'd be complaining because I couldn't hear the commercials, but here I am.
Why does my television's sound intermittently cut out? [more inside]
What songs should I learn on the mandolin?
Looking for suggestions for songs to learn to play on the mandolin... [more inside]
Can you translate a Yiddish inscription?
Minor accident, major headache
I was hit by a car 2 weeks ago. It was minor enough that I didn't even file a police report, just got the insurance information. But I'm wondering about collecting the small expenses it's incurred from the insurance company. [more inside]
VIP and pool bar manchester
Manchester UK, VIP bar with pool table? [more inside]
Non-Pausal Line Endings
In printed vocalized Arabic poetry, if pausal forms are used at the end of some lines but not others, is a meaningful distinction being made? [more inside]
I need help completing a UK style job application form.
So this (US union staffer returning to London and looking for a job) was me. Since then I've found a job opening that's absolutely perfect... but I need to fill out a UK style application form, and having spent my whole career in the US, I need some advice. [more inside]
How do I get past the Boston 140k salary barrier in software?
How do I get past the Boston 140k salary barrier in software? [more inside]
Vegetarian or Movementarian?
Looking for info on Loving Hut vegetarian restaurants. AKA, "Did my friend join a cult?" [more inside]
Excel SUMIF function - what condition am I looking for?
ExcelFilter: how do I get SUMIF to work so that if a cell in the reference range is blank, the corresponding cell in the sum range is picked up in the sum? [more inside]
no, I'll come to you!
How can I convince employers to consider me equally favorably even though I'm not a local candidate? [more inside]
Best way to present suggested improvements on a site?
I need to make recommendations for improvements to a website. What's the best way to construct the report? [more inside]
can i use this design
can i use this design? [more inside]
Help me find this amazing Korean TV show!
A while ago, someone posted a description of this show in a MeFi thread. According to the poster, this was a Korean show "all about people who did mundane things very, very well". Can anyone tell me the name of this show and tell me how to find it?
dealing with family history of substance abuse in my health records
I don't want my parent's death due to substance abuse to appear on the family history section of my health records any more. How do I deal with this and what are the repercussions? [more inside]
Do I look fidgety to you?
Is Tenex (Guanfacine) a reasonable first choice of meds for adult ADHD, primarily inattentive? [more inside]
Apple TV-like device to stream internet?
What like apple TV but without the limitations? I want to stream the internet from my ipad / laptop without having to use the cord. [more inside]
online shopping cart for downloads
What is the best way to set up a shopping cart for downloaded software products from my site? [more inside]
Faux Lawyer on the Loose
Any tips on filing (and winning) a case in small claims court in Vancouver? [more inside]
dns settings questions
I have a profile hosted by a social media site that I would like to customize with a personal domain. The directions involve me changing my domain's A record to a certain IP, but my IT guy says that doing so will screw up the other domains that are hosted in my family's all-inclusive account. Why? [more inside]
Working for someone you know
Should I take a job offer from a close family friend? [more inside]
What should I do with my old Tivo Series 2?
What should I do with my old SD Tivo Series 2 box now that I've gone to HD DirecTV? I miss pyTivoX! [more inside]
Am I crazy for feeling this way?
Are we incompatible and am I overreacting? [more inside]
babymoon hiking trip!
Where should we go on our babymoon? [more inside]
Who can I talk to?
Lawyer in a career rut. I need to get some advice, but from who? [more inside]
I'm looking for recommendations for a post-wedding celebration lunch spot near Civic Center in SF.
Can you recommend a great place for lunch after a courthouse wedding in San Francisco? [more inside]
A Real Leader Faces the Music, Even When She Doesn't Like the Tune
I'm taking a graduate-level course called Leadership in Education. We are required to work in small groups of four throughout the semester to discuss the material and do group projects. I'm really excited about the class, but the other members of my group seem apathetic at best, which makes group discussion and collaboration quite difficult. Given that this is a leadership class, how should I handle this situation? [more inside]
What's the best way to prepare for the CISSP?
What is the best way to prepare for the CISSP exam? [more inside]
Legality of building a software application to access and write to a database which is created and distributed by a third party?
Let me explain. Let's says company A sells to company B a system that includes an Microsoft Access database in order to run.
Is it legal for company C to make a system that connects and writes to to company A's database without asking for company A's permission?
I assume that since it's just a regular Access database, that anyone can read, it shouldn't be a problem right?
Help me help my feet!
Do I need these custom orthotics, store-bought ones, or a new podiatrist? [more inside]
Title insurance - sensible closing cost or scam?
Should I purchase owner's title insurance for my new home? [more inside]
Oh, there’s something missing here…
How do I deposit a check that has only my first and middle names? [more inside]
Looking for a wedding band near Providence, RI.
Recommendations for a wedding band (music, not a ring) in the Providence, RI area? [more inside]
What's the best way to secure an apartment in downtown Seattle, while I'm still in NYC?
I just got an offer from a company in Seattle (my top choice!) and am to start work on Feb. 27. I currently live in NYC. I've already got my plane ticket, and I leave on the 24th. What's the best way to secure an apartment in downtown Seattle, while I'm still in NYC? [more inside]
Where can I purchase narrow tape with custom printing on it?
I've got a lot of stuff. People like to borrow my stuff. And they sometimes forget whose stuff it is and I never get it back!
I had an idea to custom print my name, email, and phone number on narrow tape (perhaps vinyl based, similar to electrician's tape). Then, I can affix this tape to things that I loan out so that they're easily tracked back to me.
I tried looking around at various shops online, but the options are overwhelming, and they seem to be geared toward packing tape and business applications. All I need is one or two narrow rolls, not an entire box of the stuff! Has anyone done anything like this that can share some of your expertise with me?
Would a church be interested in buying the .com & .net versions of their .org domain?
I am looking for advice about selling a domain name to a large church organization. [more inside]
My GF cheated on me. How do I get to a point of clarity so I can make a decision?
Girlfriend of 3 years got blackout drunk slept with a random acquaintance while on a business trip. I need tips, methods and advice to find clarity so I can make a good decision, rather than one of impulse.
I'll do my best to keep this brief, but, well, these things have details: [more inside]
Link us together so we don't have to
Is there a script or service to automatically cross-link posts by different bloggers across different platforms besides Blog Carnival? [more inside]
Should I post Cease and Desists to my website?
When my website gets legal threats, should I post them on the site? [more inside]
What was this weird sitcom that I saw part of while at the gym?
I saw a brief snippet of a sitcom while at the gym. It involved some very tame sexy playtime that surprised me. Can you help me identify what show it was? [more inside]
Pretzelicious, please
Does anyone have a soft pretzel recipe they swear by? I made Alton Brown's recipe, linked to in this older question, for last year's Super Bowl, and mine came out awfully bland -- bread with salt on top.
Can a chin strap reduce chin growth?
Chin strap to reduce chin growth — Is this a real thing? [more inside]
What do i need to travel to Canada as a US permanent resident?
Visiting Toronto from the US as a green card holder, anything I need to know? [more inside]
Cashing a check in Ukraine
Need to cash a security deposit check, but the person whose name is on the check is in Ukraine. [more inside]
Should I reveal my pregnancy in job interviews?
I am pregnant and looking for a new job. What's the right thing to do in job interviews? [more inside]
Suggestion for information designers to train?
Any recommendations for information designers or visualizers to do trainings for the large research company for which I work? [more inside]
Maintenance schedule for my hair trimmer pls?
How do you maintain your Oster 76, or any other high end hair clippers? How do you maintain the blades? [more inside]
Looking for free vintage film score music.
Looking for some help in locating music. Friends of mine have created a short film for a contest and are looking for some royalty-free film music to complement the piece. Does anyone know of an extensive library of downloadable royalty-free soundtrack work from perhaps the 40s, 50s and 60s? We only have ten short days to complete the film, that is why we are seeking pre-recorded existing music. A lot of those music sites charge absurd rates for royalty-free tracks. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
Speaking Russian in Asia
Why are there so many Taiwanese, Japanese, and S. Koreans learning Russian as a foreign language? My American-bred stereotype is that Asians tend to study topics which are industrial and "useful": engineering, English. So is there something I'm missing here if it's for personal pleasure? Or if it is just for business, what are the specific industries, commodities, and companies that make Russian applicable in that region of Asia? [more inside]
Where can I find long essays?
I'm looking for substantive essays focused on US politics and society, preferably published in periodical form. [more inside]
Discrete mathematics for idiots?
Now that I'm back at college, I'm having serious trouble with an elementary course in Discrete Mathematics (for computer scientists). How can I complete this course? [more inside]
what to do in Seattle and Portland?
Things to do and Places to eat in Seattle, Portland and in between?
More info inside. [more inside]
Fiction with food?
I'm looking for more fiction that features detailed or frequent mentions of food. For example Iris Murdoch's The Sea, the Sea with its talk of "fresh hot buttered toast, with or without the addition of bloater paste". Bonus points if they're set in the UK, but I'd love any suggestions!
I need to write to make money, and I need money to fix my computer so I can write...
Broken laptop hinge in NYC. Where can I get this repaired without paying one hundred million dollars? [more inside]
Can you help us think of anything we can do to prepare our grand-daughter for her trip to France as a foreign exchange student?
My 11 year old grand-daughter will be traveling to France for a foreign exchange program. She will be gone for three weeks. She comes from a small rural community in the Midwest so I think she is in for quite a culture shock. As the time is approaching I'm becoming nervous because it's so far away and she can't just hop on a plane if she gets homesick. The girl she is staying with will be here in April for three weeks living with my grand-daughter. Can you think of anything that she will need to know or what we can do to prepare her for this trip?
Öffentliches durchsuchbares Wörterbuch, bitte.
Where can I find a German dictionary which I can use to run simple linguistic experiments? [more inside]
Daily (historical)mutual fund prices
Where can I find daily (historical) mutual fund prices?
Thesis Structuring - Help!
Will I get this done, even if it ends in madness? [more inside]
Pregnant and need to eat more.
I'm pregnant and having problems eating enough. Please advise. [more inside]
You're grounded!
I need clips showing someone getting put in time-out or grounded in English-language cartoons or TV shows, but I'm coming up empty-handed. [more inside]
Help me stop hoovering up the treats tray
I'm taking medication that makes me hungry all the time. Added to this, I work somewhere that often has sweets around and I have not very much willpower at all. How can I deal with the hunger in a way that doesn't lead to a sugar high? [more inside]
Genius Mixes Equivalent with iTunes Match
Itunes match removed genius mixes - Suggestions for music discovery/playlist creation apps that work with my music. [more inside]
What is this short SF story?
Help me name this SF short story. [more inside]
Wanted: A Guide to the World of the Self-Confident
Tell me what it's like to be you, a person without anxiety or low self-esteem. [more inside]
Living the good life in 2029
[Brainy accountant-type filter] 37yo expat Canadian has a public service pension plan and too many options! [more inside]
Can I shoot photos Medium Rare instead of RAW?
I want to develop a RAW image processing workflow. I'm currently stuck evaluating RawTherapee vs Lightbox and basically just twiddling the values. I'm sure there must be a better way ... right? [more inside]
Babies or no babies?
Is kids vs. no kids always a dealbreaker? [more inside]
[do-you-recognise-this-book-filter] Books about a butterfly girl and cartographers.
Trying to recall the names of two books I read about 15 years ago. Books from the public library about a butterfly girl and cartographers. [more inside]
I'm sorry Dacoit, I'm afraid I can't do that ...
Please hope me! Far from home and locked out of my Mac due to international language keyboard issue. [more inside]
January 30
Maharashtra bound
Have you travelled in Maharashtra, India? What's it like? I'm thinking of spending a couple weeks there -- beaches, caves, temples, hiking, Mumbai -- a bit of everything. But it doesn't seem to be regarded as a particular highlight of India. Good idea or no?
kicked out of india!
I'm in Mumbai. I just found out my visa situation in India is not ok. I need to speak to an expert about this. Who should I call or where should I go? [more inside]
"Is it Sybil?" I dunno, is it?
"Is it Sybil?" Help me understand this dated reference in a Rita Rudner joke from the early 90's. [more inside]
Is high school really that big of a deal?
Am I really missing out on the traditional high school experience? [more inside]
Ahoy, bull manure on the Verizon!
What can I do to bend Verizon to my will? Or is it time to head out in search of greener pastures? [more inside]
научная фантастика
Looking for recommendations for (translated to English) non-English Science Fiction/Fantasy/Odd fiction. [more inside]
Help me identify this movie.
What is the name of this movie? - man brings young boy off the streets to live with him and his girlfriend after boy is separated from his mother. Boy turns out to be incredibly talented artistically. I think the man has to give the boy up because he never went through proper channels and basically just kidnapped him, but I can't remember the details. I think it's a recent movie and it's driving me nuts that I can't remember more...
Help me get rid of my back acne
I had perfect skin until I learned I had a clotting disorder and had to stop using Nuvoring. Now in addition to regular outbreaks on my face, my back is constantly greasy and covered with acne. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
My background is Irish, so I'm out of luck
A different "identify this song" question -- this one is about lyrics. Complication: they're in Scottish Gaelic. [more inside]
Do public status updates work for an engineering team?
Apparently many successful software companies have processes where engineers write daily status updates that are publicly visible. Google has a system called 'Snippets' and Facebook has 'Colbert'. Any insiders want to share their experience with such reporting tools? Does anyone know of any resources that describe the pros and cons, nut and bolts of these processes? [more inside]
How to stop getting schooled by school?
How can I stop being so freaking miserable in school? I hate school so much, and I have no idea how to stop being so depressed about it all the time. [more inside]
examples of people who have asked for monetary help online who were lying?
Can anyone point me to write-ups of people asking online for donations for "my medical bills" or "a sick friend" which turned out to be lies? [more inside]
Looking for an Epson printer reset solution.
My 6 year old Epson C87 printer works fine. However Epson thinks I need to get a a new one. Anyone aware of a reset hack/trick for mac OS? [more inside]
Can I live on fruit smoothies?
I've begun a sort of juice fast / cleanse... How long can I subside on this? [more inside]
What's the best solution for online giving to a church?
What's a good service/setup for a church or non-profit to accept online donations? [more inside]
How do I get this to stop?
I'd like advice on how to deal with a covert aggressive colleague. Grab a beer; this is a long post. [more inside]
This 'Being a Lawyer' Thing
Are you counsel at a legal aid office? Or maybe you're an assistant district attorney? Practicing lawyers in general, but especially those outside of biglaw practice, I'd like for you to tell me about your career, or your day-to-day, etc. [more inside]
SEVEN FOR AWHILE... SEVEN FOREVER
Numbers for iOS: how to recalculate a spreadsheet on command? Like, if a cell contains a RAND or a RANDRANGE function, how to get it to produce a different random number besides reentering the formula? As near as I can tell it just sits there with the same value forever, no matter what else I do.
Is Indoor Tanning Lotion Necessary?
I go to a tanning salon in the winter a couple of times a week mostly to keep my Seasonal Affective Disorder controlled. I've noticed the parts of me that I can't reach to apply lotion (my back) tan just as much and at the same rate as the rest of me where I do apply lotion. I can't help but wonder if I'm wasting my money on the indoor tanning lotion because it sure isn't cheap!
What's the name of this novel?
Looking for a late 90's fantasy novel: borderlands, wild magic, female soldier, AWESOME. [more inside]
Best Home Water Filter System?
What is the best, easiest and most effective home water filtering system that doesn't slow waterflow down to a crawl? [more inside]
What's been happening with the Patriots for the last three or four years?
My father and I have had a rocky relationship, but this year he asked me to come watch the Superbowl with him and I said I would. I'm just realizing now that I have no idea what has been going on with the Patriots since, oh, Teddy Bruschi retired. I don't know who's in the backfield, what kind of secondary we have, whether we're running the old five-and-out pass plays or if our running game has developed. Can you guys fill me in on what I need to know in order to be able to talk with my dad during the game? Thanks.
An elderly relative's pirates' horde of treasure
92.5% Sterling Silver scrap value, and where to sell it to a precious metals dealer in the Seattle area: Any advice? [more inside]
Is this a good Home Schooling Company?
I am trying to learn about Alpha Omega Academy generally, and specifically their Ignitia Learning program that is taken online. I'd love to hear from anyone who has any experience with this program, working with them, good or bad. [more inside]
That's a Long Swim for a Beta Fish
Beta Fish Question. My daughter just got a new Beta fish. The first in over a year since Swaba #3 died. My wife took the latest fish and put it a glass vase that is about 8 inches square and 2 feet high.
He mostly sits on the bottom as beta fish seem to do. I told my wife that 2 feet is a long way to swim to eat and that he might require a gulp of air every once in a while.
Does anyone here think that 2 feet is too far to swim for a beta and that his days are numbered, more so than usual, in his tower of glass.
What's the deal with syncing contacts between Address Book, iCloud and Gmail???
In short: how do I sync all my contacts between Mac OS X Address Book, iOS, iCloud.com, and Gmail.com? Not as short: In olden days, I used the Address Book app on my Mac to store all my contacts. Everything in there would sync to MobileMe (and by extension, iPhone, iPad and me.com) and Google (for Gmail). After iCloud was released in October, turning on contact syncing between Address Book and iCloud resulted in a message that said if iCloud contact syncing is turned on Google syncing must be turned off. Googling tells me that lots of people are having this problem, but I'm not finding a solution within all the noise. What am I missing? Any settings to change? Any software? Thanks in advance.
How can I purchase a Vodafone UK top up outside of the UK?
Are there any legitimate websites that will allow me to purchase a vodafone UK top-up voucher online using either paypal or a non-UK based credit card?
Gifts For Awesome Guy
Last minute gift shopping for a guy who's birthday is this Wednesday. He's a man with many interests such as history, judo, planes, boxing, writing, the military and weapons. He aspires to be a pilot in the army someday and to publish a book. [more inside]
Where to eat on I5?
We're driving down to LA from the East Bay Area later via I5 next month, and we'd love to get your recommendations on a place to eat on the way. [more inside]
What to do in Rome when its really cold?
I'm doing a last minute long weekend for my wife's birthday in Rome in a couple of days. I've got some good feedback on dining ideas, but I'd love any suggestions for other tourist stuff to do in the dead of winter. We've done most of the big sights, but special exhibits at the galleries or off the beaten trail suggestions very welcome.
How can I force Relative Cell References into a Conditional Formatting Forumual in Excel
In Excel I have 2 columns with dates in them. D1:D20 Start Date G1:G20 End Date. I want to highlight the cell in the range G1:G20 if the date is more than 14 days form the date in D1:D20. Obvious answer is conditional formatting, but I can't seem to create a formula with relative cell references. [more inside]
Technical presentation tips please!
I'm giving a technical presentation at an industry conference in two months, with an audience (guessing 50-100 people) including people I'd really like to impress. I am extroverted but terrible at public speaking. How do I prepare and build confidence for the presentation in the next two months? [more inside]
Here comes the bride, introduced by an acoustic guitar...
Songs for wedding processional and recessional. [more inside]
Do they want me or not?
What's going on with this would-be roommate situation? Are there social cues I'm totally misreading here? [more inside]
Need to stick around longer!
Are there silicone nose pads that don't fall off plastic frames every two weeks? [more inside]
Predatory animals in Slovenia/Hungary/Croatia etc.
When walking in the woods in the region of Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and/or northern Italy, what type of predatory animals would one be most likely to encounter, and how does the likelihood of encountering them compare to the likelihood of encountering predators in the mountain West of the US? For instance, in western Montana/Idaho, I frequently see coyotes, I often hear Great Horned Owls and sometimes see them, and I know mountain lions and wolves are out there but it's very rare to actually encounter one. (I'm not asking about danger to humans, it's just a more general question about common types of predatory animals.)
Help us get mom into a long term care facility
What words can we say to convince my dad that he needs to place my mom in a long term care facility? [more inside]
Mail merge decimal woes
Mail merge woes - how can I get these decimals to display properly? [more inside]
I have every day open to get what I want done, and I'm getting nothing done. Advice?
My daily schedule is wide open, and I'm not getting anything done. How should I schedule my time? [more inside]
How to get to SFO on time?
How can I get to SFO on time (possibly) using public transit? [more inside]
Where Can I find This
Where can I find THIS jewelry hanger? I've Binged, Googled and Yahoo'd enough for a century.
Why do the backs of my legs tingle when I'm afraid?
Why do the backs of my legs tingle when I'm scared? [more inside]
Small mortgage balance refinance?
I need help identifying a lender for a mortgage refinance on a small balance. [more inside]
I got tricked by a rental scam in LA. What are my legal options?
Okay, so it finally happened. I got hit by a rental scam in LA. Now what? More inside. [more inside]
Morocco in march
I'm heading to Morocco for 4 days in mid march. I'm on a bit of a budget. Are there any things I MUST do or experience?
I'm pretty sure the Bluth family is a terrible role model here
I'm inheriting $100,000. My parents are inheriting a lot more (around $1mil, but we're not sure the exact amount). Please give us advice. We're in the US (New Mexico). [more inside]
Can you identify our new pet?
Roth as Emergency Fund?
What is the viability of using Roth as an Emergency Fund? [more inside]
What is the easiest way to download all of my voicemails from an iPhone 4S?
What is the easiest way to download all of my voicemails from an iPhone 4S? I have a mac. The goal is to get the files themselves in a format that can be played back easily. Thanks!
The Mystery of the Three Degrees
If I have three similar masters degrees, how do I list them all? Clever or funny ideas appreciated. [more inside]
Job wanted in ATL
Help me help my dad find a job in ATL. [more inside]
Call, text? How do you let someone down after a couple of great dates?
Went on a couple of really good dates with a girl from an online dating site, resulted in some minor making out. Now I have to end it for reasons outside of those dates. Should I call her to tell her? Text? In person? Details inside... [more inside]
How realistic is drowning when shown on TV?
How accurate, from a medical perspective, is the typical TV/Movie representation of someone nearly drowning? I refer to the "Receive mouth to mouth resuscitation whilst unconscious, cough up a little water and regain consciousness then everything's fine again." depiction of drowning.
What's the best iPad stylus for my mother?
My 92-year-old mother, who had never before used a computer, bought an iPad a few weeks ago (you go, Mom!). She’s having a bit of trouble tapping small input areas with her fingers, though. [more inside]
Which MetroNorth station to park at for the weekend?
We're traveling by car from central New York (just west of Albany) to New York City this weekend. For timing reasons, we'd like to drive from our home to somewhere far downstate. Then to avoid driving and parking in NYC, we'd like to pick up a Metro North train and take it into the city. Which stations are the safest places to leave our car for a weekend? [more inside]
Lemon Squares: CSI
I just tried this recipe with my new KitchenAid mixer...and it came out terrible. Can you help me figure out why? [more inside]
Risk Management Credentials: so many from which to choose!
Risk Management Credentials: FRM, PRM, CRMP, or, is there an app for that? Is anyone familiar with this alphabet soup of credentials and / or of an opinion as to their practical utility or value in getting (or keeping) employment in the risk management universe? [more inside]
Are These Warhol-signed Items Valuable?
I have a few items which were signed by Andy Warhol in the early 80s and I don't know if they're worth having professionally appraised. Such an appraisal would cost some $$ and it wouldn't be worth it for items of negligible value. So I need your best amateur Antiques Roadshow advice on if any or all of these things have a value sufficient to warrant a professional appraisal. Here's the list: [more inside]
How long do domestic cats live?
What is the state of knowledge for the lifespans of domestic cats? [more inside]
Where do all the short guys shop for pants online?
Are you a guy who wears a 30-inch inseam in jeans, etc.? Share all your fashion secrets with me - specifically about clothes for the bottom half of your body. [more inside]
GF VS TSA
Going on a trip, yay! Girlfriend is INCREDIBLY leery of TSA/naked scanners.... help? [more inside]
Powering through without the power nap
How to rest (in the afternoon, after work) without napping? [more inside]
Chefs of MeFi - Why are our fish dishes coming out dry?
Chefs of MeFi - Why are our fish dishes coming out dry? [more inside]
When to trade in my car for a new one?
Help me determine the optimal time to trade in my car for a new one. [more inside]
Suggestions for wedding band shopping in San Diego
I'm getting married in San Diego in the middle of February. I will have a short span of time to acquire a wedding band in a city I know nothing about. Do you have an suggestions where I might find a non-jeweled, yellow-gold, vintage, possibly deco-period, wedding band?
Are fictional concepts fair game?
If I make a software implementation of a fictional religion described in a book published in the '70s, can I be subject to valid intellectual property lawsuits? YANML - understood. [more inside]
What are they doing over there all day?
What do Facebook employees do? [more inside]
Should I try to hash this out with my boss, even though I'm leaving?
I have plans to resign from a toxic work situation very soon; is it worth addressing the shitty cattiness or should I just grin and bear it till I leave? Am I just overreacting? [more inside]
under 25 health insurance options
I am under 25 and have no health insurance. My mom was recently laid off so she has no insurance either. What are my options? [more inside]
How to see my own Spotify posts on Facebook?
How can I see the updates that apps post to my Facebook wall? In particular, I want to see my own Spotify posts. My Google-fu is only telling me how to disable the posts altogether.
Where can I purchase mathematical examples and models in the Eames/Mathematica style?
Where can I purchase physical mathematical examples and models in the Eames/Mathematica style? [more inside]
What to do in Aarau?
Tell me everything about Aarau and Unterentfelden, Switzerland! [more inside]
I want to eat you, not smell you
Do you cook a lot? Yet your house smells clean? Tell me how you do it! [more inside]
What does "Jg." stand for?
I am translating a German bibliography entry to English. The entry has "21. Jg." after the periodical title. What does "Jg." mean?
It Goes in the Ground
I am looking for a specific ARG from a few years ago. [more inside]
Help me find a Ralph Lauren jumper
Help me find a place to buy a Ralph Lauren jumper from approximately last season? [more inside]
Mirena and Fertility Awareness
This may be naive: is there any way to have my fertility tested while I have a Mirena inserted? [more inside]
Keep Your Eye On The Ball
What are the best squash/racquetball goggles/glasses on the market? [more inside]
Owning Property for Dummies?
My aging parents want to put their 160 acres (where we all live) in my name. I know nothing about owning property. I am in Oklahoma. What can I expect to have to pay? Are there any other ways this will affect me? YANMEstateL.
What's like Clapham but cheaper?
Where should we buy in London?
Short version: We're currently renting in Clapham (which we both really like). I work by Shepherd's Bush, he works by Tower Bridge. Minimum 2 bedroom with a budget of let's say £350k.
Long version inside. [more inside]
How should I select a real estate agent in Toronto?
I need to hire an agent to buy a house. I know a couple of agents through my friends but I don’t’ want to rush and hire a person just because someone has referred them to me. [more inside]
Greek Bonds
Greek Bonds: 30.03.12 They have a nominal value of 1000 euros but trade at 39 euros? How does buying bonds work, and why cant I buy just one for 39 euros? [more inside]
Let's get to the point
Looking for a high-quality, wall-mounted, manual pencil sharpener. Any recommendations?
Downton Abbey fix without Downton Abbey?
I'm absolutely hooked on Downton Abbey. What other British period series/movies should I watch? [more inside]
Pimp my roof, garden of eden edition
Help me turn my new roof terrace into a luxuriant, highly productive garden! [more inside]
I can name that software in 5 bytes
Which Facebook business software was I looking at? [more inside]
Farmers' Marketing
I'm looking for a primer on the business-side of the small-scale produce production. [more inside]
Will Lonesome George ever find a mate?
What are some publicly available prizes or rewards for solving really obscure / awesome problems? [more inside]
I don't know how to play this game
Do you have tips or resources that would help an overly earnest "nice guy" type navigate political maneuverings at work? [more inside]
What to look for in choosing LTC for a parent?
What should I look for in choosing long term care and/or hospice facilities for my mom? Subquestion--anyone know of good ones on the SW Burbs of Chicago? [more inside]
WTF deoxy.org?
Does anybody know what has happened to deoxy.org? Their website seems to have completely fubar'd since the last time I was there.
Bringing awesome back.
What are some everyday ways I can awesome-ize my life? [more inside]
Why is the wireless part of my wireless router so slow?
Do I need to buy a new router? (boring details of really slow wireless performance below the fold) [more inside]
Schengen, Schengen
Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Schengen - does time in those three countries count against the 90/180 days? [more inside]
Video editing software for mashups.
I made some mashups. Now I want to mashup the music videos too. What video editing software should I use? [more inside]
Brooklyn tips
Brooklyn! I'm going to be in you for three days. Where should I go? [more inside]
How do I commission a logo?
How do I hire a graphics person to make a small logo? [more inside]
How do I protect my monitors from my cats?
Over the weekend, one of my cats managed to destroy two TFT monitors. How do I protect the replacements from a similar fate? [more inside]
Great CD Audiobooks of the Western World
My question is very simple. I want to "read" the Brittinanica Great Books of the Western World on CD audio while I'm doing housework. [more inside]
Tell me how to stop making this JavaScript mistake.
I keep making the same JavaScript mistake, writing = when the rules call for ==. It's because both signs mean "equal," but in different contexts. Any tips for reprogramming myself so I get it right every time?
How can I check over the network whether a Word file is open?
I need a cheap or free, simple solution for two people using Microsoft Word on a local network to see if the other person has a file open. [more inside]
Help us maximize the awesomeness of our week in Savannah
Help us have an awesome (and vegetarian friendly) vacation in Savannah! [more inside]
I seem to have Online Reverse Midas Touch Syndrome. Anyone know of a cure?
I seem to have Online Reverse Midas Touch Syndrome. Anyone know of a cure? [more inside]
Whats up with my vision?
Whats up with my vision? I sporadically have a condition I have trouble describing. [more inside]
January 29
I Will Always Sing This Duet?
Song-finder filter. For a friend, though there isn't a lot to go on. From the 40's or 50's, popular karaoke song especially among old people apparently?. Male and female duet. [more inside]
Could Yelp be made useful?
My experience using Yelp is that it increasingly sucks. Highly reviewed places can range from decent to abysmal and there is no telling. But one can find some reviewers who seem consistently accurate, and while yelp allows you to follow these folks, it would be much easier if you could FILTER with these folks , but Yelp seems not to want that to happen, for obvious commercial reasons.
Could someone develop some way to do that on top of the web site?
And if Yelp is unusable for quality reviews, besides CH where else do folks recommend?
THanks!
Google search result: Can this damage be undone?
I have been very careful not to have my full name or my child's name associated with our address on any searchable documents due to privacy/custody concerns. My full name is now showing up on a document attached to my child's school's website. Please help me figure out how to best fix this. [more inside]
I know it's a camera angle, but how do I MEASURE it?
How do I measure the angle I hold my camera at to take a picture, so I can take other photos to composite together and have it not look terrible? [more inside]
Looking for a primer on cheese.
Looking for a primer on cheese. [more inside]
Please identify this hand puppet.
I saw this gif of this spooky puppet thing on tumblr with no identifying information, and I'm dying to know more. Anyone know what this is or where it's from?
anti-depression tablets for chronic pain?
It's been about six months since I last brought up depression and taking tablets with my therapist. I think I'm going to bring it up again in my next session later this week. For those dealing with chronic health and pain issues, did you find anti-depressants helped you manage and maintain a semblance of normal function? [more inside]
Brazil for Awesome People
After finding ourselves in the unexpected position of having a two-week trip but no idea where to go on it, my boyfriend and I have decided to go to Brazil! Which is a gigantic country, so your help, opinions, and itineraries are much desired. [more inside]
Google privacy policy in computer-speak; please help!
Is the new Google privacy policy reasonable or should I take further steps to protect my information? [more inside]
Disabling DS Lite Wifi?
Is there a way to disable the wifi on a Nintendo DS Lite semi-permanently? [more inside]
She doesn't like my preferred birth control "policy". How to compromise?
BirthControlFilter: New couple discussing our options to have better sex while avoiding babies. We're having trouble compromising and could use some advice. [more inside]
how much rent should my better half pay in my house?
Girlfriend potentially moving in to my house in about half a year. I own my own house (though am paying a mortgage). What should she cover when she moves in? [more inside]
Can you recommend a good relationship counselor in the Bay Area?
Can you recommend a good relationship counselor in the Bay Area? [more inside]
Can I ask for a rent reduction?
I want a reduction in rent, but landlord hasn't renewed the lease yet. I have rented an apartment located in Virginia for the past year; the location is wonderful and the unit is spacious, but the management company is less than ideal. I'm willing to put up with that if I can get a reduction in my rent. Do I have a chance? What do I say? [more inside]
Would like to be introduced to Mr. Sherlock Holmes
What Sherlock Holmes books should I read, and in what order should I read them? [more inside]
How much to charge for long-term cat-sitting for a good friends?
How much to charge for long-term cat-sitting for a good friends? [more inside]
What's your secret ingredient for a unique cup of coffee?
Coffee: Add a little cream, a little sugar... And? Or? Surely there are other options. What else do you add to mix it up a bit? What's your secret ingredient for a unique cup of coffee?
Where can I stay informed on new killer apps?
Frequently I notice that iPhone/iPad apps initially go on sale initially at a reduced price. Moog's Animoog app, for example, debuted for a limited time at $0.99 and now costs $30. Obviously this is a strategy to get buzz and positive reviews. However, I'm bummed for missing this deal. Are there any websites that give the reader a heads up on killer apps that have just come out and which are being offered for practically nothing?
At a loss for a job!
Need a Job Filter: Need help with recommendations for some jobs I can look into soon, with the degree(s) I have, and the work experience I have. Some fun and snowflakey details await you! [more inside]
Random searches for misdirection
Please help me find .... it was a program or maybe a FireFox add-in that constantly submitted random search-engine searches - the idea being to prevent google/bing/whoever from building any kind of meaningful profile of the user.
Thanks
Help me decode Unicode
What languages use a U with a ring on it (U+016E), and how is it pronounced? What is an "incomplete infinity" (U+29DC), and why does it need a symbol? Who uses a times sign in two circles (U+2A37), and for what? And why is a small capital psi (U+1D2A) in the Phonetic Extensions block? How do I find the answer to things like this? [more inside]
Where can I find pants for a tall, thin, long-rise needing boyfriend?
My boyfriend is long and thin, and I can't find pants to fit him. [more inside]
Decode what looks like a quadruple negative please.
Could someone explain the sentence from a Guardian article on yesterday's Liverpool v United cup tie:
No Liverpool devotee left the ground wondering what the point was of buying Jordan Henderson or, through gritted teeth, having to steel himself not to admit his dissatisfaction with Carroll in the presence of people who are not fans of the club.
I need the skills.
How should I train a new pilot in EVE online so that I can have a head start when I start playing in June? [more inside]
Unexpected Toddler Poop Accidents
My basically potty trained three-and-a-half year old has started having poop accidents. Any ideas why this might be happening (and how we might stop it)? [more inside]
Baby Won't Sleep During the Day. Help!
3 month old baby sleeps well during the night, but not during the day, which is stressing out his parents big time. As his dad, I'm here to ask for help to solve the problem. Specific details inside. [more inside]
Why do movie stars do convetions?
Sci-Fi Convention Filters: Why do movie stars do autograph and photo-op sessions? [more inside]
1970s Children's BookFilter
I am trying to find a piece of my childhood for my soon-to-be-born Little One. [more inside]
Dirtstache optical illusion!
When I shave my face, it always leaves behind the appearance of a dirtstache. How do I stop this? [more inside]
Clean My Injector, Baby
Do those bottles of fuel injector cleaner fuel additive actually do anything? [more inside]
Resistors in a circuit--does it matter much?
Noob electronics question: Can I replace a 3Mohm 1/2 W resistor on a guitar pedal circuit with a 3.3Mohm resistor? [more inside]
How do I get rid of this icon in my OS 10.6.8 menu bar?
What is this icon that has mysteriously appeared in my Mac OS 10.6.8 menu bar, and how do I get rid of it? [more inside]
Cookies and scotch = best day ever
What cookies go well with scotch? [more inside]
l'assistance!
Stylists and hair-owners of AskMe, please recommend your best performing and best scented pomade. [more inside]
Tax spreadsheet with formulas?
Are US tax forms available as formula-based, linked Excel spreadsheets or Google Doc templates or something similar? [more inside]
What percentage of incoming freshman at elite colleges have taken AP courses?
helpateacherfilter: I'm an inner city teacher currently trying to invest my kids on the importance of taking Advanced Placement classes when they are in high school. I'm in need of data. I need the data that shows what percentage of incoming freshman at Ivy League or other "elite" schools have taken AP courses. [more inside]
Being inside your home or outside "in the world" - is it normal to make this split in life?
Being inside your home or outside "in the world" - is it normal to make this split in life? [more inside]
Logging Footage the fastest way
What's the fastest way of creating a text-based representation of a relatively complicated folder structure (directory tree) on a mac? I found this link, but have no idea how something like that works or would be implemented. [more inside]
When I was a kid the advice would have been "shrug it off"
Basic dog first-aid (not an emergency) filter: what is the best approach to cleaning up/treating a minor cut from a rock? [more inside]
I got the dishwasher blues
Dishwasher residue buildup. It isn't mineral buildup. What now? [more inside]
Looking to move out of IT...help me find the way!
Tell Me About Your Lateral Move out of IT...
Mid-40's IT guy, realizes these 'golden handcuffs' are chaffing a bit, looking for career change into something else. [more inside]
Spreadsheet vs. Database?
I've been using a spreadsheet (actually, three or four different spreadsheets....) to keep track of names, contact info, and task completion for a large number of people. Would switching to a database ultimately be easier and less stressful? And if so, what would be the best software for a database newbie to use? Or is there some other perfect solution out there? [more inside]
What to message friend after first date?
Went on a first date with a friend of a friend yesterday. She's pretty cool and the conversation flowed easily, but I wasn't feeling anything special. I want to message her on facebook any say something along the lines of "I had fun but I don't think we should continue" but need help composing the message. [more inside]
Help me give a horse a name in Arabic, please?
Naming suggestions for a foal in Arabic? [more inside]
Credit card fraud: How does it work?
How is it that my credit cards get used by people in distant states? [more inside]
Help me make an idea into a book
I have a great idea for an instructional book, but I know nothing about what to do next... [more inside]
Suddenly Spotting
What is afflicting my ornamental trees? [more inside]
Where can I go to see coins being made?
Some guy told me that the Philadelphia Mint is undergoing renovations and repairs, and thus not doing any tours for the public. But that the Denver mint is open, and doing tours for the public. Can anyone confirm that the Denver Mint is open for tours, and the Philadelphia Mint is not? [more inside]
How to unrar lots of rars.
So, I have a whole folder of .rar files. I would like to de-archive all of them, but can't seem to find a way besides clicking them one at a time. I am running Ubuntu, and the only program I've tried so far is the default archive utility program. I haven't been able to find a solution by googling, but maybe my keywords are off. Help me save hours of repetitive clicking!
Frameless LP jacket wall hanging?
I want to hang some LP covers on a wall, and remember years ago seeing a cheap little kit that was something like four pieces of clear plastic for the corners, connected by an elastic string X-shape in the back that could hang on a nail. The result was a neat frameless effect that I liked, but I can't find it again. Does anyone know what that kit was and where I can buy it? [more inside]
How do people manage to work with a bad cold?
How do people who have 'mission critical' jobs cope when they have a bad cold? [more inside]
In search of synchronized treadmill workout videos.
In search of synchronized treadmill workout videos. [more inside]
Herding cats a short distance
Please help me move two outside cats a distance of half a block. [more inside]
Is there any (legal) way for me to see this movie?
I have long been wanting to see one particular movie (Saving Sarah Cain, if that matters). The problem? Only the NTSC/region 1 version seems to be available for purchase anywhere, and Amazon/lovefilm and similar on-demand streaming sites will not let me watch the movie from my country. Am I really out of luck? [more inside]
Cheap Thrills!
Help me get my kicks! Where can I find free slides, free-standing roller coasters, and other amusements? [more inside]
Sudden bottle feeding strike, doo dah, doo dah
Suddenly my ten week old baby is refusing bottles of breastmilk. Just in time for daycare. Help! [more inside]
Mobile me
Drupal mobile site: what's the easiest solution? [more inside]
Running into peope when you have social anxiety
How do I (someone with social anxiety) overcome my fear of running into certain people after a relationship ends badly? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
A to B and C and D
Yahoo-Pipes-filter, or there's-gotta-be-a-way filter: help me figure out a way to automatically post new posts to Facebook and Twitter. A couple difficulties inside... [more inside]
At least I Won't Develop an Addiction...
Vicodin for post-surgery pain = itchy hives. Percocet for same pain = itching and no pain relief. Another surgery in the near future... What are my options for pain mitigation? [more inside]
How to get to Dingle, Ireland
Best way to get to Dingle, Ireland from Canada? [more inside]
How to find the Melbourne (Australia) hardcore punk scene again?
How to find the Melbourne (Australia) hardcore punk scene again? [more inside]
Over the dystopia already
Where are all the books about the future that are NOT dystopian? I'm not looking for utopian books, but just something that's not so depressing. [more inside]
Advice needed on running a crit group for artists.
Advice needed on running a crit group for artists. I’ve been asked to set up and run a crit group for artists at my local printmaking workshop. Although I teach, I’ve never run a group like this before so I’m a little unsure of how to go about it. [more inside]
Has my vintage Ese-Jane dress form been reassembled incorrectly?
Has my vintage Ese-Jane dress form been reassembled incorrectly? [more inside]
How can I go back to scbool?
What are my options for resuming my undergraduate education? Somewhat longwinded special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Qu'est que c'est "the economist" en francais?
Does anyone have suggestions for French magazines I could read on my ipad? I have been trying to start reading a few to keep up my language skills, but all of the ones I've tried so far (nouvel obs, Le Point, Le Monde Diplomatique) have catastrophically bad ipad apps. Does anyone have recommendations for french language ipad publications that actually have decent reading experiences?
Super Inflation
Why did inflation increase so dramatically in most Western economies in 1975? Why did inflation remain at 10-15% levels around the world through the recessions of the late 1970s and only return to "normal" 3-5% levels in the 1983 recession?
January 28
No period (at least yet...) on the mini-pill?
No period (at least yet) on a progestin-only birth control pill; do I really have to go in to the doctor? [more inside]
Help me decipher this old handwriting.
Help me decipher some old handwriting. [more inside]
How do I relearn how to focus? How do I relearn how to learn?
How do I get back into the swing of programming and coding regularly when I can't concentrate and can't find the motivation? Long, continuing illness has made me out of practice and lacking in energy and concentration. [more inside]
Help me be less ugly
I'm 25. I recently noticed that I'm starting to get ugly little red veins on my nose.... [more inside]
Too old to start a family?
Hello Everyone!
I am 28 and my husband is 25. We have been considering the prospect of starting a family in the next 2-3 years. I am apprehensive because I am concerned that I may too old to do this (I would be about 30 when we started -- we are considering having 3 children, so I would be mid to later 30's when we are done.)
I am worried that I may be too old to safely have children (I am concerned about pregnancy difficulties and complications). [more inside]
iMac trackpad and keyboard aren't working
I just got an iMac, but the wireless trackpad and keyboard aren't working. [more inside]
What is causing my pelvic pain?
I'm having pelvic pain. You are not my doctor. I have an appointment next week, but would like to go prepared. Can you help? [more inside]
Psychologist Conflict of Interest?
Is continuing to see a psychologist that was initially hired by my employer to assess my fitness for work an ethical issue if I am no longer employed with that organization? [more inside]
Is there a way to tell who is reading my LiveJournal page?
Is there a way to tell who is reading my LiveJournal page, either by LJ account name or IP? Does it make a difference if they have friended me (but not vice versa) or whether I have a pay account? I know about the "My Guests" tab, but if I'm understanding things correctly that only tells me about people who are logged in and have opted to be "visible".
How best to pan cook almonss?
I'm pan cooking Whole Foods bulk raw almonds, amd I'm trying to get them crunchy rather than chewy or mealy. I'm sauteeing them over med-high heat in a 10" skillet with a little olive oil and salt. Should I toast them low and long or hot and quick?
Why, Chandler, your penis is protruding!-LAUGHTRACKLAUGHTRACKLAUGHTRACKLAUGHTRACK
Can you direct me to genuinely funny comedic soft-core or hard-core pornographies? Along the lines of naked sitcoms? [more inside]
How to quickly add a watermark....
Looking for the easiest, quickest, and least processor-power hungry way to add watermarks to video.... [more inside]
A web-based publishing system for a school?
I like the idea of a content management system for an elementary school, so students can write and publish in a clean system with a back-end database. Help me understand the dimensions of the idea. [more inside]
Are the books outside the bookstore too cheap to be worth selling?
Are chain bookstores hoping that somebody will take the books they leave in their entryways? [more inside]
Fireworks in my head!
Music nerds!
I'm looking for recommendations for songs that have synesthetic effects- music that makes you see colors, feel cold, et cetera when you listen to it. Suggestions? [more inside]
How has the internet changed the newsroom?
How has the internet changed the newsroom? [more inside]
Help a Nervous Neighbor Get Over the Hill
Topographical info for highways near me generally, and specifically how much grade on California Highway 1 from San Luis Obispo to Morro Bay? [more inside]
Tell me where to eat raw fish
My favorite sushi place in Seattle is Mashiko. I'm living in San Francisco. What's my favorite sushi place in San Francisco? [more inside]
Movin' on Up
Mr. Cupcakes and I are moving from Seattle to Lummi Island at the end of February, and we need to hire movers. Looking for recommendations and ballpark prices for full service movers (packing, loading, transport, and unloading included). [more inside]
Candy war in my brain.
Another lost children's book question. Candy armies converging from all parts of the (world? map?) to fight each other, I think. [more inside]
Cursor in Photoshop Elements 8 driving me nuts. Help?!
Why is my cursor spinning (i.e. "thinking") so frequently in Photoshop Elements 8 (PSE 8)? [more inside]
Are we wrong for each other or too scared to try?
My partner and I feel comfortable and safe in our relationship, and we feel love for one another. But we are sexually unfulfilled, and to a smaller extent emotionally and/or intellectually troubled. How do we know whether to break up or to work at it? [more inside]
How do I make websites less social?
Are there any Firefox/Chrome plugins that remove facebook/G+/Twitter/etc from other websites? [more inside]
Good Mexican food in Redwood City
My husband will be in Redwood City (attending this event) for work over the next fortnight and wants to take his team to a good Mexican restaurant there. Any recommendations? Walking distance would be good but not crucial.
Give me a difficult challenge
Help me come up with a list insanely difficult, completely stupid things to accomplish. [more inside]
Cross country trepidation
What should I know about Corvallis Oregon before accepting an offer to work there? [more inside]
Hahaha... Claire.
Please spoil Final Fantasy XIII for me in advance of the sequel! [more inside]
Friend's Boyfriend Might be a very Sketchy Dude
I heard rumors of some serious allegations of embezzlement about a good friend’s boyfriend. I don’t know what I should do with this information. I need some advice. [more inside]
help us find sources for item prices from 1998!
My wife is asking her students to chart comparisons between prices of objects/items from the year they were born compared to prices today. Her kids are having a difficult time finding those prices from 1998 (the year most of them were born). I've struck out as well. Do you have any online sources for catalogues, price lists, etc from '98?
What loop pedal or loop pedal + other pedals can allow me to control loops like I want?
What type of loop pedal can do what I want? [more inside]
Inside: Leak. Outside: Water (ice) coming from under eaves. What to do?
HOME REPAIR: My over-the-range microwave had water in it! I uninstalled it and found a slow drip coming from the vent duct. Then I went outside and saw a bunch of ice coming out from under the eaves. I don't know much about home construction or repair. What should I do? [more inside]
How can I get my printer to work wirelessly with Mac OS X 10.7.2 Lion?
I've downloaded the correct driver (version 8.61) off epson.com to get my new Epson NX430 printer to work with Mac OS X 10.7.2 Lion on my 2011 Macbook Pro, but the printer still only works when the USB cable is connected. It won't work using WiFi, even though my Internet connection seems to be fine. [more inside]
Get me out of Google's grip! Paid mail/cal alternatives?
Help me switch from Google services (Mail/Cal...) to a paid alternatives. [more inside]
Interesting framing suggestions for an old photo?
I recently bought an old black and white photo of Albert Einstein delivering a lecture in Berlin. Its 17cm x 12cm (about 7"x5"). I want to have it near my desk. What are my options for framing it or preserving without damaging ir in any way? Open to very creative suggestions. [more inside]
Help Selecting Camera
Need to understand what kind of camera I should get based on the criteria of this beginner's class. (You need to scroll down to the second class, "Introduction to Digital Photography.") [more inside]
Creepy crawlies
Any bug experts in the house? [more inside]
Should I have sex with a guy I'm not attracted to?
I'm single and I've been saying for ages I want to have more sex. I'm getting sick of finding I'm in the mood and not being able to (really) enjoy it. A new guy I met recently has fallen madly for me, and would clearly get physical if I showed any interest in him. Truth is I don't find him physically attractive at all, and I don't think there is any chemistry for me, but he seems trustworthy and an ok person. Assuming he would be ok with sex w/o a relationship, am I crazy to shag him just because I want the sex? Have any of you girls ever done this - what was it like? Worth it?
Yet another cat food question - fat cats with urinary tract issues
I took Damon to the vet yesterday and he's about 5 lbs over weight. Squeaky is similarly overweight. Damon has had crystals in his urinary tract (several years ago), so I'm looking for a diet food that will minimize crystal formation. [more inside]
How do I construct a url to search Amazon's kindle store?
How do I construct a URL so that it will search Amazon's Kindle store with any text I append to the end of it? I can create one to search all of Amazon (by simply taking the URL I get as the result of an ordinary search and adding words to the end), but I can't find a way of specifying in the URL that it should only search the Kindle store.
I probably won't sleep, but I'm determined to enjoy myself anyway.
I'm going in for a sleep study this week (both the "overnight" and the "daytime napping" parts) and I have a few practical questions. [more inside]
And the winner is...me
Looking for a good resource that could tell me the best way to watch the 2012 Oscar-nominated movies (i.e. only in theaters, dvd available)? [more inside]
Inconvenienced by landlord - is it ridiculous to ask for some money off the rent?
Inconvenienced by landlord - is it ridiculous to ask for some money off the rent? [more inside]
Which book is my daughter remembering?
Can anyone help my 8 year old daughter remember a particular children's book that made an impression on her?
I don't have much to go on, but the story seems to revolve around a boy (and possibly a dog) who live in a village(?) at a time when bombing is happening (suggesting WWII?). The boy spends a lot of time watching trains (skipping school to do so) and dreams of going to his grandmother's house until he eventually runs away on one after some problems at home (possibly involving the police).
While on the train he meets a family *on the top*(?) of the train and befriends a girl who is like a servant/slave to the family.
She thinks she read it in the last year or so and I guess it would be appropriate for her age.
Any ideas what the book might be?
Thanks in advance!
(note that I suspect the book is by a British author)
Need Short Story to Write About
Need recommendations for a good literary short story (or two) on which to write a 1200-1500ish word paper. [more inside]
Can anybody recommend a virtual / cloud print service?
Can anybody recommend a virtual / cloud print service? [more inside]
Wallets for storing 6x4 photos
Photograph print storage and archiving. I have several document boxes full of randomly sized and often somewhat tatty photo wallets, usually containing either 24 or 36 6x4 photos, and neg strips. I'm looking for a storage system to migrate these too. Basically, I'd like to take the photos out the old wallets, put them in the new standard card/plastic wallets, and then add/write some index terms on the top spine and cover. Thank you! [more inside]
what kind of aunt am I?
My nephew is 5 weeks old, and I still didn't go and see him. How bad, abnormal am I? [more inside]
update on tailored shirts for men online
I'd like to find a place to buy men's tailored shirts online, hopefully at prices between $20 - $50. I'd also like to know, once I get a nice shirt, what is the best way to keep it from getting a yellow ring on the collar? [more inside]
You have a nice face
Why am I such an easy mark? [more inside]
Sgt Pepper cover of Q Magazine - did this happen?
The Easiest Calendar App to use (aka a Calendar for a Calendar-hater)
What's the most user-friendly Android calendar app? The prettiest layout wins. [more inside]
Where can I get custom sets of guitar strings manufactured?
Where can I get custom sets of guitar strings manufactured? [more inside]
How would a penguin wish a human happy birthday?
I'm in need of penguin themed birthday wishes! [more inside]
Blue and green
Has anyone else been having imessage vs. text message problems lately? [more inside]
Hunting for Location, Location, Location
I love reading The Hunt column in the NY Times. Love watching "Location, Location, Location" (which I only get to see on cable when I'm at a hotel I travel to for work). Loved House Hunters when I saw it while overseas. I even like reading Ask Metafilter questions about where people should rent or buy when I have never even been to that city. What else would I like? [more inside]
Where to get cheap and fresh fruits and veggies in Alexandria, VA?
Grocery shopping in Alexandria, VA without a car and on a $200/month budget? [more inside]
January 27
How to contact big name talent?
Any tips for securing big name (sort of) talent for an indie pilot? [more inside]
Is this from a movie?
Is there a movie in which a large amount of colorful gumballs is dumped over a bridge into a convertible passing under the bridge? I'm not sure if this is from a movie I've seen, or if I simply dreamed it. [more inside]
Help me pick an ethically-manufactured laptop.
Help me pick an ethically-manufactured laptop. [more inside]
Make mine Makgeolli
When I visited my brother in Korea, I fell in love with Maekgeolli. I liked the crisper, almost tart stuff, with more carbonation. Now I'm trying to buy it in Korean markets here in LA, and while they've got a lot of it, I can't seem to navigate the varieties. [more inside]
Grieving for the living?
My sister cut herself off from me over a year ago, and I'm still hurting. Any advice over getting over this at last? [more inside]
Any engineers out there?
I want to rig up a way to cover and uncover my fire alarm with ease. I cannot cook in my apartment, at all, without it going off, and I am too short to climb up and cover it every time. Any engineers out there? I'm thinking a wall aligned contraption like what would be on a very high window...does that make sense? Parts? How-to?
Dinner on a budget in Temecula, CA?
Where would a couple of quasi-broke thirtysomething bohemians have dinner in Temecula, CA on a Sunday night? [more inside]
Emotions Anonymous - Useful or Creepy?
Is Emotions Anonymous really as culty as it seems to be? [more inside]
Not sure if it's trust or communication that's the problem here.
If my boyfriend says he's coming home late by txt, and I want to know more basic information, like who he's hanging out with, maybe also where, how can I communicate my need to know (for my own peace of mind) without coming off as insecure or controlling? [more inside]
What's a practice dinner and how much should it cost?
What the heck's a practice dinner and was I really supposed to pay for it? [more inside]
I don't want to flash people!
Can you recommend me some stylish women's "button-down" shirts online? [more inside]
Why will China win the 21st century?
Suppose you had to defend the thesis that the 21st Century is going to be the Chinese Century, in the way that the 20th Century is often referred to as the American Century. What arguments would you muster to support that claim? [more inside]
Samsung Allshare Problems
Cannot connect Samsung television to shared laptop (allshare problem) [more inside]
What is a decent bonus for social media sales?
I just got a job working as the head of social media marketing for a startup company--exciting! There's only one problem: my new boss wants to incentivize the position through bonuses. I have no idea what to pitch in return. [more inside]
What's with the prevalence of filmed-off-TV YouTube videos?
Why is it that, when content providers go on DMCA takedown-sprees on YouTube, versions of the content that were visibly filmed off of a TV or other monitor often remain? Is this some kind of loophole, or do content providers choose not to go after low quality copies of copyrighted content?
Let the planning continue!!
I asked this question a week ago and thanks to the wonderful answers I'm taking my girlfriend to Iceland for her birthday from February 10-15! We're both excited, but I'd love some more suggestions as to how best to fill our time in Iceland... [more inside]
Attempt no landings.
Reading about Gingrich's plan to mine the moon, I starting wondering: could the orbital stability of the moon be changed if enough mass was transferred to the Earth? [more inside]
How can I convince my boss to consider a different way of tracking jobs?
How can I convince my boss to consider a different way of tracking jobs? [more inside]
Is this a sensible running routine, considering my background?
Hey mefite runners and athletes! Am I running too fast too soon? Over the past 3 weeks, I have run 3 miles, 3 times a week, with somewhat alarming gains in speed. I know from the testimony of others that my enthusiasm could lead to injury and over training. The thing is, I have kept the distance to a strict 5k, and have only run 3 times a week. How do I stand? [more inside]
Stream PC -> Tivo
How can I stream video from a PC to a Tivo cable box? [more inside]
Give me some more
Music Heaven - Old man seeks new music from a generation behind me from persons ca. 20 to 29. Recommendations, youtube links, personal favs - greatly appreciated. [more inside]
"It seems to me I am trying to tell you a dream."
Looking for novels with first-person narrators, in the style of Conrad's Heart of Darkness (specifically Marlow), E.L. Doctorow's Homer & Langley, Sandor Marai's Embers, etc. [more inside]
Open all pinned items on Windows 7 jump lists?
Is there any way to open all of the pinned items on a program's jump list in Windows 7? [more inside]
My house is growing cold, please hope me!
Seattle: *urgent* need for a plumbing/heating maintenance today or this weekend for the in-floor heating of my townhome. Haven't had heat since apparently Wednesday night, and the company that installed it is non-responsive to my repeated calls. [more inside]
Why does Mac Pro get half the wifi speed of MacBook Air?
Why does my Mac Pro (desktop) get half the the wireless Internet speed of my MacBook Air, on the same network? [more inside]
What to do [next] Friday night in Charlotte, NC?
How do I paint Charlotte, NC, red next Friday night? [more inside]
Make me Handy!
I'd like to get better at fixing things and diagnosing problems--particularly electronics and household stuff. Where should I start? [more inside]
Surprisingly filling.
Where did I read/hear about this in the last few months: Charles de Gaulle's last meal, which included a tiny bird eaten whole. [more inside]
My boss wants it to be 5 years from now
Boss wants me to access his outlook to add dates to calender from another computer. Is this possible without buying anything or knowing how to program anything?
If we have to buy something, what is the cheapest, best program to buy?
Can He use his computer while I am using the program? [more inside]
No Smoking
HR Filter: Can you ask in an interview if the person is a smoker? [more inside]
Two wire systems diverged in a campus, what should the less traveled one do?
University campus switching to VOIP. The landlines are perfectly good. What else can they be used for? [more inside]
Used Xbox 360 games...which can I buy used without also needing to buy a new reg code?
I'm thinking about buying a few used Xbox 360 games online. Does anyone know of a definitive resource that can tell me which games/publishers are likely to require me to buy an additional registration code in order to access full online functionality? [more inside]
Primary care doctor and hospital/clinic recommendations in NYC, Manhattan, preferably below 34th.
Primary care doctor and hospital/clinic recommendations in NYC, Manhattan, preferably below 34th.
I am helping someone choose a new primary care doctor. We are leaning towards a practitioner who is affiliated with a good sized
clinic or practice for one stop shopping convenience. [more inside]
Resources for learning Matlab?
I'm starting a new job soon where I will be using Matlab a whole lot. I've used Matlab (and Octave) before and know the basics, but I want to become an expert. What book should I buy, or what other resources should I look into? [more inside]
How do I find contact information for airline station managers?
How do I find contact information - names, phones, faxes, emails - for airline personnel at specific airports? [more inside]
Well, just take a right where they're gonna build that new shopping mall…
I still feel like a stranger around DC. Where in or around the city (especially in the northeast Maryland suburbs) can I find an independently-owned, Metro-accessible food and coffee place where I can relax, work, read, and study in relative peace and comfort? [more inside]
Chanson française
I need help identifying a song I heard this afternoon. Difficulty: in French, and no Google luck. [more inside]
Maps for a political race?
I'm helping someone with their local political campaign and I've been given a voter list with about 2500 records - I'm estimating that it probably has around 1500 unique addresses. I've been asked to map them and produce street by street maps, identifying the address and which side of the street it's on to make it easier to go door to door. Some questions: [more inside]
Everyone loves Target-- even princes
Can you help me identify what foreign dignitary, or royal family member with loads of secret service detail, I saw at Target today? [more inside]
Are there any good public locations for tabletop gaming in Manhattan?
Are there any good public locations for tabletop gaming in Manhattan? [more inside]
help me ID this database!
what is this skill set- career matching database? It's one where you select your most prominent skills, and it tells you some matching careers, and also gives you some descriptions of exactly what they do. There are six areas of skills that you have to input. [more inside]
Desciphering Shoe Description
I recently read an Ebay description for a pair of shoes in which the soles were described as "in new condition with the black refinished paint on the bottom soles." Does anyone know what this means and/or the consequences of having refinished paint on the soles?
Why haven't my references been called!?
Have you ever been hired for a job where your new employer didn't call your references (for whatever reason)? [more inside]
I do so love the whisky.
I drink a lot of whisky and I have some favorite bottles. Can you recommend others to try? [more inside]
An app to order random crap?
A couple of years ago, I read about a guy who wrote a script that would randomly order items that cost $1, so he'd get a bunch of cheap, unexpected stuff from all over. I think it was for ebay auctions, but maybe it was amazon. Does anyone remember this or know where his page was? And if you don't, does anyone know of something similar to that (automatically ordering random cheap stuff)?
How much could go wrong by letting some random guy try to unlock my AT&T iphone for use with Tmobile?
Could I potentially ruin my Iphone (which I love) if I take it to some guy suggested by T-Mobile to get it unlocked because AT&T won't give me the unlock code. [more inside]
Yet anothing freezing Macbook Pro
A couple of weeks ago my Macbook pro started crashing, and I can't use it without it freezing every fifteen minutes. Any suggestions before I go to the Apple Store? [more inside]
How to distress an old hutch
How would you attractively distress this buffet hutch? [more inside]
Breast of both worlds?
Breastfeeding woes: is there any way to battle nipple confusion without cutting out artificial nipples completely? [more inside]
Help me be faster in the kitchen!
I would very much like to be faster in the kitchen, and I'm willing to throw money at the problem. What are your favorite must-have kitchen gadgets and tools that make your life easier? [more inside]
Where should I go in Alaska?
Yet another travel question. I am hoping to go to Alaska with my sisters either in July or August. I know there are lots of Alaska questions already about specific cities/towns but… I don't even know which part of Alaska to go to! [more inside]
Help my parents find a hotel in London
Help me find a hotel in London for my parents' vacation. [more inside]
Religious education requirements in Morocco?
Is any kind of religious education standard or required for Moroccan students between 8 and 12 years old? [more inside]
A rewarding job? Is that a thing?
Can you help me find a more interesting, fulfilling job in the tech industry? [more inside]
How can I make a life and a career out of helping animals, and how can, if at all, my degree be a part of it?
How can I help animals? [more inside]
How much is the average car/bus parked?
How much is the average car/bus parked? [more inside]
Where does your work stuff land when you come in the door?
I need another place to store work stuff at home. [more inside]
One guy, one video, four part harmony?
I can sing, and I have a MacBook Pro. What's the easiest and/or cheapest way for me to make a video where I am singing all four parts of an a cappella song? Kind of like this (in terms of style, not content).
El Norte
Illegal immigrant filter: I'm researching another short story. Civilian militias patrol US borders looking for illegals in the Southwest, but I don't understand the legal underpinnings. [more inside]
I'm in a lot of pain and want to know why.
About two years ago I started having various health issues, and since then, it's all gone downhill. It's also become clear that I need to switch doctors, so I'm asking you, Metafilter, to help me prepare for the new doctor. What's wrong with me? You are obviously not my doctor! [more inside]
How to add FX to videos on iOS?
What are iOS apps like Snapseed and Filterstorm, but for video — to add basic effects and color correct videos shot with iPad, iPhone? VideoFX Live doesn't do the job because it only allows shooting new videos, not edit existing.
Are there long distance therapists?
Is there such a thing as a long distance or online therapist (or whatever it is I need)? [more inside]
Where can my dog and I go and have coffee?
How do I find dog friendly businesses in Northern New Jersey? [more inside]
Can you help with this Canadian GST/HST dilemma?
Canadian tax question: I quoted a client for a job, and neglected to specify whether GST/HST is included. They think the price should be understood as including GST/HST. I think it should be understood as excluding GST/HST. Is there some external standard to resolve this? [more inside]
Resources on Liberal Islam?
I need help finding resources on moderate or liberal Islam. This is for a new fiction project and I want to be sure to be as respectful as possible. [more inside]
I don't know how to react to compliments. So how do you do it?
I don't know how to react to compliments. So how do you do it? [more inside]
Sweet Stelarc on a bike
How easily can I be fitted with a pet ID tag in the UK? [more inside]
Like Aliens, but out of my head
Some sort of weird twitch on my scalp. Armchair diagnosis plz [more inside]
free cancer screening
Where can I find free breast cancer screening in NJ? [more inside]
Where can I find more piano music like Sunset Rubdown?
I love the piano arrangements and noise in Sunset Rubdown's music (e.g. 52s into Swimming, 1m33s into Trumpet Trumpet Toot Toot, and again 2m42s into Trumpet Trumpet Toot Toot). What other piano music should I be listening to? [more inside]
Educational discounts for creative software if you're not in school
Is there some legitimate way to get discounts for software like Ableton Live or Photoshop? I was thinking I could take some online courses and get an educational discount this way. Any suggestions for such courses? Or other suggestions?
Businesses to start instead of spending the 200k on a grad education?
Businesses to start instead of paying for grad school? [more inside]
Teach me, Obiwan.
I have a new boss. He is awesome. Now what? [more inside]
Need good acupunturist in Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan
Hi, Does anyone have current name and/or contact information for a good acupuncturist (with good bedside manner, and great knowledge of herbal medicine) in Brooklyn (Williamsburg area), or Lower Manhattan (adjacent to Brooklyn). There is a previous thread that mentions a few contact points, but it's 3-4 years old. Thanks, in advance!
January 26
What if I don't feel intensity in my relationship?
Is it bad if I don't feel an intense/passionate kind of love in my relationship? [more inside]
I'm going to raise and sell snakes
This quote is driving me batty, where is it from? "Is this about the snake farm? Because I can explain! I'm going to raise and sell snakes." [more inside]
Home Monitoring Via WebCam (Short Term)
Is there an economical way to set up a few webcams so I can remotely monitor my house (for disasters) while on vacation? [more inside]
Can you walk on top of the Citadel in Quebec City?
Is it possible to walk on top of the Citadel or Ramparts in Quebec City in winter? [more inside]
Help me pick a wi-fi mobile device
What mobile wi-fi device can I get for $300 or less that will rock? [more inside]
No, really, there is no disk.
I have a new Macbook running Lion- 15", 2.2 Ghz i7, with 16 GB of RAM and a 240 GB SSD. It's fancy, and crazy-fast. Except for the constant crashes. Any idea as to why it might be thinking I am improperly ejecting disks when there is no disk attached? [more inside]
Internet security and privacy blogs
What are some good internet security forums / blogs to follow? [more inside]
Cake-decorating filter: Help me make a queso fundido cake!
Cake-decorating filter: Help me make a queso fundido & chips cake! [more inside]
Hope my Mac...it's on life support.
My MacBook Pro is crap but I need it to work long enough to save up for a replacement (at least six months, probably) Are there cheap ways to fix these really annoying problems? [more inside]
What's the best way to think about mathematics?
What's the best way to think about mathematics? What's the best advice you have ever received about learning math and approaching math problems? [more inside]
Sibling career choices and ethics
Ideas for how to handle it when a sibling you are very close to is heading into a line of work that symbolizes everything you are against in this world? [more inside]
i have questions! queries! pooooosers!
dear mom: what was it like to be you? [more inside]
green green grass
Theater venue: A director friend of mind is looking for a venue to produce Woyzeck in in NYC. They're a small company so can only afford something in the $1500/wk range for something like a 2 week run. Any suggestions on good venues to rent from? [more inside]
They drank this with a reed, out of the vessel that held the beer, upon which they saw the barley swim.
What kind of barley can be grown in a garden for use in a home brewed beer? [more inside]
Meditech Training
Im currently in IT at a Healthcare facility. I want to make the transition to the application side, specifically Meditech analyst. I cant get cross-trained at my current hospital so my question is where can i get trained to be a meditech admin? I cant seem to find anything online for at all for computer based or web based training.
Wacky display on Mac. Halp?
When I log into my MacBook Pro, the graphics contrast suddenly increases — by a whole lot. What the heck is going on? [more inside]
Hidden gems at the market
I discovered Crystal deodorant a few months ago. I had tried literally every other unscented deodorant on the market and could not find one that held up all day. It turns out that the damned rock you rub on your pits is the greatest deodorant ever, and it had been on the shelf the whole time.
What other miracle products are sitting on the shelves at the market, unnoticed as I pass them by in favor of products that are more well known or have bigger advertising budgets?
What one single piano piece should I learn?
What one single piano piece should I learn? [more inside]
What?
I heard somebody today use the phrase "American Camilla". What are they talking about?
How do I get LAUNCHD to output random filenames?
Hi all,
I'm trying to create a time lapse of a lego build using 'imagesnap' and 'LAUNCHD' on the mac, but I can't get my script to output a timestamped image or random filenames. It just spits out files named "$RANDOM.jpg" and replaces itself every time. It worked in CRON, but I need the interval control I can get in launchd. Help, please? [more inside]
Halifax is getting annoyed with the way you pronounced banal
Tell me what you love to do in Halifax! [more inside]
Dress socks with toes?
What are some quality, stylish, non-garish toe socks? [more inside]
Which Linksys N router?
I am looking for the right router. Difficulty: two-story house, MacBook plus PC, with WP2 desired. Suggestions? [more inside]
UFOs in NJ? Fireballs in the sky? What's going on?
UFOs in New Jersey? Fireballs in the sky? WTF did we just see? [more inside]
Desks to match the walls
I am trying to find photos of rooms where the furniture (desks, armoires...) is painted the same shade as the wall. [more inside]
A make-up person who'll make someone who doesn't wear make-up look like she's not wearing makeup, while actually wearing make-up
Recommendations for affordable make-up artists in the Los Angeles/Malibu area? [more inside]
Show America the Beautiful to a Brazilian host family!
I'd like to send a coffee-table photography book of the U.S. with my son as a gift to his student-exchange host family. My Amazon-fu is failing me! [more inside]
For Football Foodies
Help me win my office's Super Bowl snack contest. [more inside]
My general knowledge will bless your name
Help me find web ressources, preferably in the form of podcasts, on sub-categories or specifics in psychology / personnal development. I am curious about NLP, transactional analysis, the systemic approach, psychodynamic theories, self-hypnosis, and the like. I'd like to keep it as practical as possible, although I wouldn't mind it if more "esoteric" approaches were included, such as jungian theories. [more inside]
Buon giorno signor! Do you speak English?
Palermo, here I come! Where do I go, other than the beach? [more inside]
I may have missed the boat, what's up with credit card interest policies?
Are there any credit cards out there that still charge interest on the outstanding balance rather than the total balance? [more inside]
Yet Another Hardboiled Egg Question
Unintentionally left a pot of hardboiled eggs in ice water for six hours. Toss out, or save? [more inside]
Colombian Coast Suggestions
Awesome fun things to do along the Carribean Coast in Colombia (other than Cuidad Perdida hike)? [more inside]
Should I file a claim with my auto insurance?
Should I file a claim with my auto insurance? [more inside]
Computers within computers
Why is virtualization important in the context of cloud computing? [more inside]
What word processor handles foreign languages well?
Is there a word processing program that can spell-check multiple languages in one document? [more inside]
All I want is to save a couple dollars on postage
Can I put a penny stamp on my already-printed metered letters? [more inside]
Coming-out tips for an older gentleman
I have been asked by an older gentleman to help him come out of the closet in San Francisco, and was wondering what resources might be available. [more inside]
What's up with this?
Why is TED so great and why would I want to go? [more inside]
Four months abroad sounds awesome - but how?
Hi, I'm a freshman in college, and I'm trying to figure out how to spend my summer abroad. [more inside]
Flowers online, direct from the farm
Flowers online: Looking for recommendations for websites which overnight flowers direct from the farm (rather than florist shops which happen to sell online). Not looking for anything major for an event—just a place that will ship a bouquet for Valentine's Day, birthdays, etc. Thanks!
Traveling for work 101
Looking for some tips on traveling for work. [more inside]
Ethical test-cases in literary form?
Recommend good short stories for starting moral or ethical debates! [more inside]
Hepatic Encelphalopathy - even harder to deal with than to spell
Tips on communicating with a partner who has medical issues that cause confusion but not quite dementia (and perhaps spotting it earlier) [more inside]
Can I deduct travel time as an independent contractor?
Can I deduct mileage expenses when working as a part-time independent contractor? [more inside]
iphone photography
Blog photography advice needed! [more inside]
How to develop old Kodachrome slide film?
I found an old roll of Kodachrome slide film - is it possible to get it developed? [more inside]
Help me find the perfect kettle!
I need a new kettle. Be forewarned, my wife and I are over-thinking this like five plates of beans... [more inside]
Handing down my iPhone
What is the best way to manage getting a new iPhone and effectively turning the old one into an iPod Touch? [more inside]
Non-disposable menstruating with an IUD/IUS
Is it possible to use a menstrual cup with an IUD/IUS? alternatively, what are my options for re-usable pads and how does one handle dirty pads at work, etc? [more inside]
Help me make my GREAT ESCAPE from Denver!
Looking for a great place to ring in my 30th birthday--without spending days flying back and forth from Denver. In mid-March. Got some great ideas for me? [more inside]
You Gon' Get Some
Upbeat music sung by women about strong, unapologetic, aggressive sexy themes? Examples are "Get Some" by Lykke Li, "Destroy Everything You Touch," by Ladytron, and "I Will Make You Cry" by Nelly Furtado.
Will I end up with aluminum-tasting lasagna?
Should I freeze homemade lasagna in disposable tinfoil pans? If not, what else can I use? [more inside]
Questions on starting an email newsletter for my clients.
I'm a freelancer, starting an email newsletter for my clients for the first time. I have some questions about email newsletters. [more inside]
Desperately seeking brilliant sports doctor in New York
Can you recommend a good sports doctor in NYC? (Need treatment for a rock climbing shoulder injury.) [more inside]
Limited sound card?
How do I make my computer stop using the built-in microphone when recording sound? Is my sound card so poor that it can't record from anything but the built-in mike? [more inside]
Addressing the elephant in the room
Has anyone written an honest letter to an abusive parent and actually sent it? [more inside]
How to get from Missoula, MT to Seaside, OR
I need to get two people and two bicycles from Missoula, MT to Seaside, OR quickly, cheaply, and without disassembling the bicycles. What are my options? [more inside]
Negotiating a salary for my old job
How do I negotiate salary for a previous position I quit? [more inside]
What do I charge my new clients?
How much do I charge for Server and Desktop Support? [more inside]
Valentine's ideas when traveling
I'm looking for Valentine's Days ideas for my girlfriend of 7 years. The complication is that we are traveling this year, leaving Feb 1. [more inside]
One town forward, two towns back
My colleagues in New Jersey often refer to places as "the next town over" or "two towns down from me." I get the general idea, but as life-long Southern Californian, I feel like I'm not getting the full, nuanced meaning. [more inside]
Food oil prices as raw materials
Where can I find a simple like-for-like publicly available price comparison between palm, sunflower, corn and olive oils as raw materials? [more inside]
Not Petty to Me.
Am I over analyzing or should my SO have handled this differently? [more inside]
"A pox o' your throat, you bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog!"
Dermatology Filter: what the eff is this rash/acne on my chest that won't go away!? What can I do? I can't afford to see someone unless important... is this important? [more inside]
Song request: It's nice to be liked but it's better by far to get paid
I'm looking for songs by female singers which include the trope of prioritizing money over love. I'm going fairly broad with this -- so I have "Material Girl", "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend", and "Shitloads of Money," but also "Maid on the Shore." I'm also willing to go a bit outside those lines -- for instance, "Ka-Ching" (Shania Twain) and "More Money Tonight" (Violent Femmes). The presence of money or other LIQUID assets is the major criterion.
What are examples of popular music which contain explicit references to prioritizing money over love?
Thanks!
How do I match a Canadian zip code to a census/subcensus name?
Is there any way to match a Canadian Zip code to the census/sub-census that it belongs ? [more inside]
Had enough!
How I effectively complain to my university administration/international program about a totally incompetent study abroad adviser? [more inside]
Cabin rentals as part of resorts
The other night we were watching a show on the Cooking channel that highlighted a restaurant in Maine that is part of a cottage resort. It piqued our interest in similar resorts, but I'm having a hard time tracking down similar ones, especially outside of the North East. Can you help? Details inside as to what I've found, and what I'm not looking for. [more inside]
Search Automation
Librarianfilter: (How) Can I automate comparing the Fiction Core Collection with our catalog? [more inside]
24 drawings per second x 60 seconds per minute = one huge mess!
What's a good system for keeping lots of papers visible, without spreading them all over the desk, and without pushpins? [more inside]
How to create online layout exercise for journalism students
What's a good online layout exercise for journalism students? Seeking tools and ideas. [more inside]
Ref.Cat? s.e.? Stats help needed!
Would you be kind to someone who is culturally proficient, but statistically deficient? Specifically, what is going on in the tables at the end of this paper? [more inside]
What is this pungent, purple flower that has petals like tiny orchards?
It's growing wild. Smells very unique - hard to put down exactly but some far away notes of maybe oregano/nasturtium - but that's just a guess. The whole plant/flower is soft. It grows among the thistles, tall grasses and other assortments including nettles and cleavers. The flower itself is a pink/purple with white streaks. Photos Here
php/mysql escaping backslashes
Php question:
mysql_real_escape_string is turning '\6' (and I assume any other \(number combination) into a single character '' where it's in my code, but not when the same string is passed through $_POST. Is this a behaviour of magic_quotes (currently on) or something else - and without the ability to change global php settings, what can I do about it? [more inside]
Canadian Indian demographics
The US census provides numbers for Native Americans by ethnic group. I want the same ethnic tabulations for Canadian Indians, be it through census data or another reliable source. [more inside]
A story before its time. Its time is now.
Seeking a 1950s sf short story, probably by a notable author, that presaged a panopticon-esque surveillance society. My google-fu pride is injured that I can't find a trace of it. [more inside]
Acting As A Bodyguard. Need tips.
I am playing a bodyguard in a Lady Gaga-like music video. How should I prepare for the role? [more inside]
Is there anything I can do about my noisy neighbor?
Is there anything I can do about my noisy neighbor? [more inside]
Ik spreek geen Nederlands
Best/smoothest way of learning Dutch (hopefully online)? [more inside]
January 25
Help me find a chess set for my brother's 40th birthday
My brother surprise birthday party is in a few weeks. He's an avid chess player. What is the dream chess set for the chess lover ?
Strategic planning for anxiety sufferers.
Do you over think things? How do you channel this power for good while avoiding research-driven procrastination and anxiety? [more inside]
How do I make a career out of test-driving high-performance cars for, say, BMW's M Division and so forth?
How do I break into a career of test driving vehicles for the performance divisions of luxury automakers (BMW's M division, Mercedes' AMG division, Porsche, etc)? [more inside]
How to remove urine from carpet to pass black-light inspection?
Need advice for getting urine (and other?) out of carpet for blacklight inspection by landlord!! [more inside]
How can I fix inking mistakes in comics?
How can I fix inking mistakes in comics? White out? White paint? New paper? Start over? [more inside]
New high-end amplifier produces decidedly low-end hum.
Humming sound through newly acquired amplifier when TV tuner is plugged in (even when tuner input is not active, even when amplifier is in standby mode). How to solve? [more inside]
Hair Doom doom DOOm doom doom?
Has anyone used Splat Washables Hair Dye? It says it washes out with shampoo. Does it? [more inside]
Help me be okay with non-commitment.
I've been dating a guy for a few months who is really awesome -- but not ready for a relationship. How do I deal with this? [more inside]
Movies involving sad dads?
I'm looking for movies in which the main character is a divorced father. [more inside]
How to move episodes from DVD to ipod?
How can I put an episode of a TV show onto my ipod? The issue is, I own the season on disc and don't want to purchase or rent the show from itunes. [more inside]
Rent from friends or not?
Rent from friends/colleagues or not? [more inside]
Getting a Macbook Air in a couple weeks and need advice on moving to the smaller hard drive, specifically relating to iTunes and iOS devices.
Getting a Macbook Air in a couple weeks and need advice on moving to the smaller hard drive, specifically relating to iTunes and iOS devices. [more inside]
Does not having a local address mean I'm not a viable job candidate?
I recently moved from LA to DC two years ago. It is not working out, and I want to move back home. I started sending my resume to several different companies in CA about 3 weeks ago, using my DC address - unfortunately, I have yet to hear from anyone. Should I re-send my resume, using my parents' local address, or will this further irritate HR managers? [more inside]
Lost childrens books section
Looking for a childrens book where objects and things are drawn small and precise. Almost like Goldbug or Waldo. From the 80s. Possible features: Things are categorized, there's drawing instruction, it's for boys, in a series.
Will contest in Normam, OK
My friend wants to contest his mother's will. Recommendations to a good estate/wills/probate lawyer in the Norman, OK area? [more inside]
No room in the inn for Jesus... and Lord Vader... and Batman...
Help me find a hotel during Dragon*Con in Atlanta!!! [more inside]
We're accepting the meh lawyer salary - but what else to negotiate?
My significant other got a full-time job offer from the small law firm they've been working at part time. Yay! But the salary offer is just meh. What other perks should we be asking for? [more inside]
I am filing taxes for the first time in 5 years. What can I do to avoid mega-penalties?
I am filing taxes for the first time in 5 years. What can I do to avoid mega-penalties? [more inside]
Help me grow up not out
Garden filter: Favorite fruits and veggies to grow in zone 5 (Denver) and best vertical trellising options you've come across. [more inside]
Printing, Framing and delivery a picture frame in Chicago
Frame Robert Fulgham's text as a gift to a soon-to-be-married couple. In Chicago. [more inside]
PDF display problems
PDFs created in Word opening strangely on recipient's computer. Help? [more inside]
Sharing is caring?
Is there any risk involved in giving my university student ID and password to an acquaintance? [more inside]
To the boroughs...tipsy-like.
Five boroughs, five drinks. [more inside]
Am I being stiffed by the family business?
I need to know if I'm being underpaid. I work for family and I think this actually gets me worse treatment than if I were a stranger. I am a skilled nutritionist with a background in biology. I write nutritional programs for people in the context of a retail nutrition store. I am good at what I do and get results. I am well liked by the customers. I also design much of the advertising for the store, for example small interior signs and large exterior signs. I use Photoshop and I have a background in design and art. Not to toot my own horn, but I am good enough that I've been offered outside work. I also write and do the layout for a monthly scientific newsletter. It takes me about 12 hours to produce. I can write well. (I got A's in college English at a good university). I've been working there for 5 years and I get paid around $29,000. I am beginning to write all of the web content for the website as well. It requires in depth knowledge of science. Thank you in advance. [more inside]
Honky-Tonk workout?
What's your favorite honky-tonk song? Also...what's the key, if you know it? I want to make a "honky-tonk workout" similar to Steve Kaufman's bluegrass workout. [more inside]
Which boxes are perfect for storing receipts?
I am looking for the perfect boxes to store receipts. I really like these, but I am not in the market to order 1000 pieces and I cannot find an office supply company that sells something similar. [more inside]
Should my girlfriend and I have her 15 year old sister live with us and we take care of her?
Should my girlfriend (26) of 2 years and I(26) become legal Guardians of her sister (15)? I intend on marrying her but I am not sure if I want to get this involved or intertwined into her family life, maybe not yet.
We are in Southern California, if that matters.. just to give you a setting.. [more inside]
Can you find a way to do dictation from a distance, using a microphone headpiece and your laptop?
Is there a way to set up some sort of dictation system in which you can talk into a microphone while out walking around and have the words transmitted back to your computer? [more inside]
water cooler problems - no-spill design causing spills
I cut ties with water delivery and bought a water cooler. Now how do I refill the jugs without spilling water everywhere? [more inside]
Where in the US can I buy a dildo that looks like corn on the cob?
I'm trying to locate a US seller who carries a particular adult toy that is available in the UK at Ann Summers. Details maybe NSFW [more inside]
Free NYC Public WiFi In My Lifetime, Please
Who are the people or groups that are most effectively lobbying for free public wifi in New York City? [more inside]
Is there a GPS that can plan the best route for multiple waypoints & accept driver input at each waypoint?
I'm looking for a gps that will allow me to upload a series of waypoints, define the best route based on those waypoints, and then await my input when each is visited. Does this exist? (details inside) [more inside]
Foxit foxed by PDF bookmarks
When I export an InDesign document as a PDF, the bookmarks automatically generated by Indesign from a table of contents are consistently going to a page 2 pages after their target when clicked in Foxit PDF reader. I am going nuts. Help? [more inside]
No VO. Why?
What reasons are there for a video not play the Voice over part on some Macs and some PCs? [more inside]
Newly inducted into the Asthmatics Club
I was just diagnosed with asthma. Doctor developed a treatment plan (to start off, prednisone, Qvar and Atrovent inhalers, and narcotic cough syrup so that I can start sleeping again), so I hope that the symptoms -- the violent, persistent cough, mainly -- will soon abate. But, going forward, what do I need to know about having and living with asthma? [more inside]
Owl cooking school picture book
Do you know a children's book about an owl teaching a class of animals, including a mouse, to cook? [more inside]
How to remain fair through divorce
My husband and I are getting a divorce after nearly 15 years of harmonious life together. There’s no animosity, we simply grew apart, and then fell in love each with someone else. There was no infidelity, we talked about it and at my husband’s initiative decided to move on rather than repair things.
My question is how to be fair in dividing marital assets and deciding on how much to allocate for child support. [more inside]
In Search Of The Perfect Headset
What are the best in-ear, iPhone4s comparable, headphones with a cloth/braided cord cover? [more inside]
(history filter)
Why were Federal troops sent to the Texas-Mexican border in the summer of 1865?) [more inside]
Free PACs for Everyone
Is there any cost involved with starting a Political Action Committee? [more inside]
Help a librarian with Native American genealogy question!
I'm a reference librarian trying to help a patron find some information. The father of her children claimed to be Native American, but she is no longer in contact with him. She does have his first and last name and social security number, but no other information. She would like to find out whether he was telling the truth and what tribe he was part of, and share that information with her kids. I've told her that her best bet is to check the tribal rolls in the area that he lived, but she hasn't had any luck there. Any other suggestions?
What should I use for an email signature?
What should I use for an email signature? I'm a freelancer with a contract doing a research project for a media company. (It's for a community resource that will be publicly, freely available.) Part of that research is approaching various people and groups for information and opinions, and I don't know what to call myself that seems... credible. [more inside]
Single girl needs a roof in OKC
Please help my daughter find summer housing in OKC! [more inside]
Organizing software
I need a good software tool to organize all my trips to conventions. [more inside]
Is there an easy way to present multiple clips from YouTube videos?
I am an instructor and sometimes would like to play segment 1:15-2:25 from one YouTube video, followed by another segment from the same or another video, etc. Is there a site, tool, or incantation that lets me easily set this up so I'm not jumping around and switching tabs and clicking links during class time? I know how to create a URL that jumps right to the starting point of a clip but want to go a step or two beyond that. I didn't create/upload the videos, so I can't use YouTube's Video Editor.
1988 Toyota 4Runner Intermittent Radiator Problem
I need guidance from car-fixin' types before I take my truck to a mechanic, in order to prevent falling into a money pit of unnecessary repairs. I also need to know if this is a critical immediate fix or if I have time to collect a few paychecks before addressing it. [more inside]
How can I provide reasonably-priced health care insurance to one employee?
How can I -- as an employer -- provide reasonably-priced health care insurance to one employee? Doesn't the issue invite age or gender discrimination? [more inside]
Carpet installation in Seattle?
Carpet installation in Seattle? Experiences with Empire or other? [more inside]
Please help me understand State and Fed taxes for a stay-at-home nanny
It looks like we should file taxes on/for our in-home nanny, but we're not sure where to start learning about all we need to know. We're in California, and our nanny started in January, 2012. More details inside. [more inside]
What box should I buy?
Roku vs. Apple TV vs. ? [more inside]
Do you have any advice or testimonials for someone new to wet shaving?
Do you have any advice or testimonials for someone new to wet shaving? [more inside]
Help finding specific large dachshund photo?
Help me find a very specific picture from a modern decorating magazine! [more inside]
Design Patterns / Jazz Standards
Hello MeFi. I'm curious as to the correlation between software development Design Patterns for and Jazz Standards.
Usual loot from Google: Some dude who thought of it first (and used it as a nice allegoric explanation in Programmers Stackexchange and a somewhat geeky ironic coding-related mention ("Jazz supports interaction through event listeners").
These are all nice examples of the basic similarity between the two, I'm looking for more, though.
Are you aware of any materials that somehow approach this idea?
Your Mom . . .
What's your favorite jokey way to give someone a verbal shake of your fist? [more inside]
Need insurance - losing hearing aids is costly!
insurance for hearing aids?
Anyone have an insurance option they can recommend for hearing aids?
My homeowners policy is one option. The audiologist recommended ESCO. Are there others I should consider?
Help me figure out who this goddess/mythological person is.
Egyptian queen? Goddess? Birth/rebirth? Help me figure out the story behind this reference!
I'm going through a hard time and someone, in a moment of wanting to help, made a comparison to "an Egyptian queen, who went underground and her body hung from hooks, and all of her skin was torn away, and after everything was gone she flew back up to the surface." [more inside]
free graphic software
Free Graphic Software [more inside]
How do I show you that I love you?
What would the modern America Sickle and Hammer look like? [more inside]
where can I find fun chic comfortbable chair?
Help me furnish my living room with child-friendly, chic, stow-away-able chairs [more inside]
Teddy bear surgery
Emergency stuffed animal surgery required -- halp! [more inside]
Escaping the Ivory Tower
I have a PhD in English. Enough said. No? Okay. How can I ease a transition out of academia and into the private sector, while still doing the part-time teaching thing? [more inside]
Help me find an awesome journalism or science writing course online
{online education filter} I receive tuition reimbursement through my office for up to $5000 a year. The rub is that it has to be used at an institution that is accredited (although they do not define what body has accredited the school), must offer four year degrees, and must be related to my current job duties. Where can I take an awesome online course? [more inside]
Name change - from abroad
How can I change my name while living abroad? [more inside]
Will discuss gender performativity for food.
What kind of jobs should I be looking for that are women's/gender studies related? I like working on issues more than with people. [more inside]
What is the etymology of the word 'prepend'?
As I understand it, 'prepend' is common computer jargon to mean the opposite of append.
In a little debate with some of my computer science colleagues, they claim that it is an actual English word with that meaning, while I contend that it's computer jargon that was invented out of convenience and that 'prepend' is actually an archaic word that means something similar to pondering. [more inside]
How can I become a corporate drone?
How do I get a job as a corporate drone? [more inside]
How to stop eyes from hurting?
My eyes hurt! Anti-glare screen recommendations requested. [more inside]
Name that book.
I want to track down the AP US History textbook I had in the 2001-2002 school year because I want to re-read it. How do I figure out what it was?
Auto insurance in Minnesota?
Cost guesstimate of minimum legal insurance to drive in Minnesota, and will it be a hassle considering the situation? [more inside]
Help me break my lease without being financially punished
I have lived in an absolute shit apartment in Ohio for almost 3 years and it's time to get out. This will require me to break my lease. How much notice (absolute minimum) am I required to give a landlord before moving out? How do I avoid being financially punished for the lease-breaking (as in, not paying for the remaining months on my lease and I also want my damn security deposit back).
Lots of details inside for those interested. [more inside]
Panama City for two vacationing New York artists?
Four days Panama City, Panama! Please, Panamanians and recent visitors, tell these New Yorkers on vacation where to eat and shop and hang out? (And, of course, should we take a day and transit the Canal?) [more inside]
Holy jumping notes, Batman
When I am working with notes (footnotes and endnotes) in Word for Mac 2011, there is some glitch that sometimes causes all the notes to disappear, or for my cursor to jump pages (up or down). [more inside]
What LEDs and batteries to buy, and where?
I'm doing a craft project and would like to install two red LEDs that are powered by a battery pack with an on/off switch. I would love your opinion-advice on what to buy and where to buy it. [more inside]
Avoiding anaphylaxis in Thailand
We will be spending 2 weeks in Thailand (Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok). My wife has anaphylaxis to peaches which has been recently discovered. In my research, it seems that peaches aren't prevalent in Thailand at all, but to be safe, I'm looking for some help translating key phrases into Thai and general advice. [more inside]
Slowpoke Furnace?
Is my natural gas furnace acting normal or do I need to call out the repair guys? [more inside]
Where should we go for a week long kayaking trip this summer?
Where should my dad and I, both beginner kayakers, go for an extended kayaking vacation? [more inside]
Internet activity videos - DO try this at home!
Remember the Diet Coke and Mentos video? I'm looking for similar examples of internet memes that members of the public could, in theory, learn to replicate at home. Stuff like cup stacking; make-up tutorials; Double Dream Hands; or opening a beer with your arm. It mustn't be anything that requires special powers (eg double-jointedness) or special props - just household objects. Suggestions?
Twenty-Four Non-Italian Songs and Non-Arias
What do non-classically trained singers do for vocal warm-ups and conditioning? Looking for information on how untrained pop, rock, and jazz singers practice and keep their voices in good shape. [more inside]
Internet Connection for Mac Pro
What's the best way to get an internet connection on my first generation Mac Pro? [more inside]
Summer 2012 travel suggestions in Northern Europe?
Suggestions for must-attend events, festivals or activities in Northern Europe this summer, to add to my summer "dream" vacation itinerary? [more inside]
Career advice for someone who missed out on life by being too shy?
Career advice for 29 year old, formerly very shy and still kind of quiet, smart but not exceedingly so, interested in writing, languages and the humanities. [more inside]
Help me overcome debilitating anxiety about the health and well-being of people I love
For over a decade I have been worrying on a daily basis about the health and well-being of people I love, to a debilitating degree. Can you suggest any tactics to address it? [more inside]
Is Equinox Academy a good idea?
Is the Equinox Academy training program a good idea? [more inside]
When did these pens come from?
Cleaning out the supply cabinet at work and I come across a box of dried up old pens. They look sufficiently old enough to be interesting. When might these pens have been made? Are they gel or standard ink? [more inside]
How can I support my wife so she is able to care for our child while I'm at work?
Women, what are some things you did after birth that helped you to become more self-sufficient in taking care of your child (i.e. not needing to have the father around all the time)? What are some things the father did to support you in this process? [more inside]
Average length of MLB game over time?
Are MLB games getting longer? [more inside]
Thumbnails for my wall
How do I overcome procrastination when it comes to difficult subjects?
Help me deal with this particular procrastination/brain paralysis problem around doing difficult schoolwork. [more inside]
Real estate for the post-Lehman market.
What are the best markets in the US for securing rental income from real estate? [more inside]
When is it ok to contact a hiring dept?
Employment/work filter: How do I not come off as being desperate or a pest when applying for a new job? More inside. [more inside]
How much labor in Cloisonné vase?
How many hours of labor do you estimate it takes to produce a high-quality Chinese cloisonne vase, 12 inches tall? A couple of these vases are owned by the school that I teach at, and I would love to be able to tell my students a ballpark figure of how much effort goes into producing these luxury goods--from making the metal base, to adding wire lines, to filling it with enamel, to firing, to final polishing. Our vases are polished to a high gloss, and they have an intricate geometric pattern in the background. There is no area in the background with a gap of more than 2 mm. The foreground consists of well-rendered flowers and foliage. Any thoughts about such objects would be most appreciated.
Please help me bling myself up in gold
I would like to buy two gold chains, one 20" to wear with a gold locket, and one 10" to wear with a gold swan charm as an ankle bracelet. I could also buy one 30" chain and have it cut in two. I'd like real 14k gold, not plate. I've been looking online, and some of the gold jewelry dealers strike me as sketchy. Has anyone bought gold jewelry successfully online for a reasonable price, and where did you do so?
Please make me happy by transcribing this piece of spoken Chinese!
Can someone identify the words spoken at the beginning of Ground Zero's “Revolutionary Pekinese Opera” (“Opening ~ Flying Across The J.P.Yen”)? You can here the phrase spoken on youtube here. I'm reasonably sure the voice is speaking Chinese.
Low stink anti-perspirant in Australia?
Know of an anti-perspirant widely available in Australia that has a subtle or no perfume? [more inside]
Photo studio rental in NYC?
Looking for an inexpensive studio rental in NYC [more inside]
How can I not get so agitated by my ill parent's moaning?
How can I not get so agitated by my ill parent's moaning? I live with my parents and take care of my dad while my mom works during the day. He has had medical problems that have left him temporarily unable to move around much, and now he has a yeast infection on his butt that is making just sitting painful at times. I can hear him sometimes moaning in pain in the other room. I can't just put on headphones, because I have to be able to hear when he calls me for help. It's having almost a physical effect on me. I get disgusted and aggravated when I hear this, and the stress is keeping me from getting much done. Is there any way I can manage this?
HTC Sensation question about links in emails/texts?
Tell me how to efficiently get links from emails/text out of an HTC Sensation to work w/minimal effort? [more inside]
Want good golf games
What are the best online/freeware golf games? Either mini-golf or the full game is fine, and easily controllable with just the keyboard and mouse. [more inside]
Easiest way to extract e-mail from the body of thousands of e-mail addresses?
Long story short, I lost my contacts from an old e-mail but I have their e-mail/details in the body of invoices that I forwarded to my current address. I've been copying thousands of e-mail out out by hand, but am realizing I'll have carpal tunnel before it's done. Is there a way to do this short of hiring someone to write a script?
Tried forwarding e-mail to Thunderbird, but the extension that looked like it might do this doesn't search the body of e-mail https://addons.mozilla.org/en-us/thunderbird/addon/email-address-crawler/
Also, looking into autohotkey, but am under time constraints. Grateful for any pointers here!
January 24
Apparently I wasn't at my own wedding
[facebook idiot filter] I can't tag myself in my own photos?! Help!! [more inside]
Ultra-Casual Party Games?
Super casual party games just for those will actually participate?... [more inside]
The 'thank you note': child's edition
At what age (if any) should a child/young adult be expected to address the envelope of a thank you note sent through the mail? [more inside]
Learning to dress like a lady
Advice to help my lady friend learn to dress more like a woman? [more inside]
Trial by fire?
I panic at work when the stress is on. Can you help me handle the fire more gracefully? [more inside]
Looking for a bakery that sells state-shaped cakes in NYC
Best friend is moving back home to Portland after many years of living in NYC. I'd love to present her with an Oregon-shaped (and delicious) cake at her going away party. Where could I get this in the NYC area? Any borough will do.
Thanks!
Speak now, or...
A child, is 3 1/2 years old, and has never spoken a word. Parents (very, very born again Christians) finally decide, maybe they should take him to a doctor to get checked out or something.
This is my grandson.
MeFites, potential jury pool, what is going on with this beautiful young boy?
And how do I quell the urge to knock my daughter and son-in-law's heads together like Larry and Shemp?
Go look up pissed-off in the dictionary, I'll wave back. [more inside]
I need a doctor who can help me with my problem, but what exactly IS my problem?
Is it possible that my social and school issues are related to undiagnosed ASD traits? If so, how do I go about finding the right doctor/ psychiatrist/ psychologist to help me sort it all out? [more inside]
Debate past graduation
Are there ways to continue to do college-style competitive debate after college? [more inside]
You have 28 days and $15k. Go!
You have 28 days (in one chunk of time) and $15,000 in cash. You can go anywhere in the world, as long as it's not in the United States (for more than 24 hours while in transit) or a US territory. [more inside]
Is self-hypnosis a valid therapeutic technique?
My potential new therapist uses self-hypnosis as one of her go to techniques. Am I dismissing this idea too quickly? [more inside]
How to create a user generated website?
How do you create a user generated website such as metafilter? [more inside]
Lightweight project managment
I manage a team of developers. Usually the teams are quite small (1-2 people) and a lot of the projects are 1-2 weeks in duration.
most of the tools I have found to manage projects seem to be intended for larger teams and longer projects. I am looking for tools that will help me manage my team better.
A bàs avec la diatonie
I'm interested in good musical works that not only don't use traditional western scales, but also don't use "melodic" scales at all, whether by modding instruments a la John Cage, using computers to generate partial tones, or using objects that don't create what we'd typically call "tones." I realize this could run the gamut of musical styles, so I'd prefer to stick to pieces that are known for their experimentation with sound.
Mozzarella questions
It's another edition of AskMe: Can I eat it? [more inside]
SCAM WOW!
Where can I get a ShamWow by this weekend? [more inside]
My In-laws are sinking and pulling my family under.
My in-laws are broke, bankrupt, and have massive car payments. How can we help dig them out of this smoking crater without falling in? [more inside]
DIY gone maybe a bit overboard?
I have two wing chairs, unfortunately expensive taste in upholstery, and a desire for a long-term project. Can this work? [more inside]
Tell me about Ambergris Caye, including lodging ideas.
Thinking of going to Ambergris Caye in mid-March. We were last there in 1998... how has it changed, for better or worse? And ideas of places to stay, preferably in or very close to San Pedro, with a kitchen? [more inside]
Being realistic about paternal relationship
How do I become comfortable with how my father chooses to be involved in my life (minimally, not of his own initiative) as an adult? What are the limits between healthy and compassionate effort on my part and a realistic acknowledgment of both of our limitations? [more inside]
Google Reader: "You don't have permission to view this feed." Why not?
Google Reader seems to be permanently displaying an error message when I first try to access my feeds. To recap the specifics of my problem, here's what caused it to come up in the first place, and what I've done to try and solve it.
1) Imported all of my feeds from another Reader account.
2) Attempted to access my new Reader account, which always results in the "You don't have permission to view this feed." error message. I can then click on "All Items" and access my feeds, but this extra step is really annoying (it's the internet, don't make me click twice ;).
3) Checked to see if the address is "https" and not "http". Yes, it's "https"
4) Tried deleting all of my feeds, starred items, etc, and then subscribing to a brand new one. The problem remains.
Anyone know what might be causing this? Can I just delete this Reader account (w/o deleting my Gmail, GPlus, etc.) and start again?
Also, yes, I asked this question on Google's forums months ago and haven't received any useful advice there. Probably because Google doesn't really care about its users. Oh, and this is on all browsers and all different computers.
Where's that file again?
Are there best practices for cataloging/storing files on a shared drive within an office environment? [more inside]
I've already met my (pretty high) deductible for 2012. What health related things should I consider doing for the rest of the year?
I've already met my (pretty high) deductible for 2012. What health related things should I consider doing for the rest of the year? [more inside]
help: ideas to retrieve info
s-o-s! External HD got a power surge and friend the inside. this is an old HD but I have had it forever and it has alot of old photoshop and design files of art I used to do and photo of my home prior to gutting. I ned the info! [more inside]
Is there an intro accounting class that will come teach/train at our place of business in Marietta, GA?
Is there an intro accounting class that will come teach/train at our place of business in Marietta, GA? [more inside]
How quickly should I be looking to advance from entry level?
How long is too long to stay in my first job out of school if I'm hoping to advance? [more inside]
All the Olympics hassle with none of the pesky events.
We want to go to London in March...plus somewhere else? And some more specific questions. [more inside]
What can I read to improve my knowledge of history and world events so that I can better enjoy the classics of the Western cannon?
I am trying to read more 'classics' this year and find I am continually running to Wikipedia for background on things the authors assume I should know. What books can I read to round out my general education somewhat and fill in some of these gaps? [more inside]
RPG Design Books?
There are a lot of books about video game design theory and philosophy. Are there any similar books about tabletop RPGs?
What are some good software solutions to help organize a small personal library?
I am looking for a software solution to help organize a small personal library. [more inside]
A River in Egypt
My girlfriend moved to Northern Virginia (from DC) to attend grad school at George Mason University. She paid out-of-state rates her first two semesters, then after she had lived in the Commonwealth for a year, applied for in-state status - and was denied, because the school judged that she moved to VA specifically for in-state tuition benefits. What now? [more inside]
New prescription on short notice?
So I just relocated to a new city, but need a prescription refill before I see my new primary care physician - what are my options? [more inside]
Recommend a quiet NorCal family ski destination
Looking for recommendations for a quiet family ski area in Northern California. Special snow...er, details in side. [more inside]
Rock 'n' Roll Could Never Hip Hop Like This
Hip-hop love songs wherein the object of affection is hip-hop itself. Help me meta my mixtape! Examples inside. [more inside]
How else could one represent Tony the tiger?
Just gave a Powerpoint presentation (for free) at a non-profit organization and liberally sampled from Google Images to fill out the slides. Afterwards, several of the attendees heaped glowing praise about the talk upon me, with a subset of them almost literally begging me to sell them the talk so they could give the talk to groups of folks they deal with. I don't want to give them my hard work for free. What must I now do to monetize this opportunity legally without getting into trouble having glommed numerous copyrighted images?
For what it's worth, the talk had a nutritional bent and had images of commercial stock images of food item such as Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Crisco, etc... Does this fall under Fair Use?
How horrible is it to be a 30-year-old virgin?
How horrible is it to be a 30-year-old virgin? [more inside]
Advertising with Apartments.com CTR discrepancy...scam?
I took out an advertising package with Apartments.com. This is no cheap proposition, at $2,000 for 500,000 impressions. I wasn't expecting much out of this, but was hoping for at least the 0.05% the apartments.com rep claimed was their average, considering that our company is in the moving industry and has some impressive accolades under our belt all mentioned in our ad.
50,000 impressions in and my apartments.com contact claims there've been 18 clicks (0.03% CTR). However I only see 6 originating from apartments.com, 2 of which were just me testing out the ad. [more inside]
Daniel Webster Biography
What's the best, most readable biography of Daniel Webster? [more inside]
Date format translation
What is this date format and how do I tell what day/month/year it is? 1316649600000 [more inside]
Funnel maintenance
How should I go about cleaning a funnel used for car fluids? [more inside]
Best practices for college exam design?
How many questions should a one-hour quiz contain? [more inside]
Should I stay or should I go?
Should I leave the National Guard after 18 years, or should I finish up the last two so that I can retire at 20? [more inside]
Who the Hell is Captain John, D'Unger?
Where can I find me a copy of the 1876 Johnson's New Universal Cyclopaedia? If you're a librarian, please hope me! [more inside]
Help me get over being excluded from my father's funeral.
My father passed away recently. We were estranged and I feel really strange about how his family handled his passing. I'm looking for advice about contacting them, or just leaving things be. Help! [more inside]
Can anyone identify these two music videos aired on MTVU involving spaceships/astronauts?
Can anyone identify these two music videos aired on MTVU involving spaceships/astronauts? [more inside]
Cutting My Hours Without Losing My Job
I work in an environment that sometimes allows employees to downshift to part-time status. How to ask? Details inside. [more inside]
Help me eat my garden.
Looking for websites or book recommendations for a gardening new to North American Zone 5 gardening. [more inside]
PRI at 50 Lightyears Out
Suppose an astronomer was sitting on a mirror of Earth less than 50 light years away and it was about 50 years in the future. On this mirror earth technology is similar to Earth's modern technology. What is the likelihood that their astronomers would have discovered Sol given its size and distance. How difficult would it be for a project the scale of the SETI array to listen to a 10K watt analog Earth radio station? Other details welcome. [more inside]
How do I get my traction control fixed?
How do I convince the dealer to fix my car? Lonnnng explanation inside [more inside]
Never give up!
Help me find a children's picture book from the 40's-60's involving a princess who raises a baby dragon. [more inside]
money to go abroad
Are there programs that fund recent graduates to study/word abroad? I know of Fullbright and Peace Corps, but what else? [more inside]
Help me think of tattoos
Help me find inspiration for my tattoos [more inside]
I know there is a reason for this...
What is the catch here. Business creating a seperate LLC for company cars. [more inside]
To Delete or Not Delete
Do you delete an ex's siblings on social networks? [more inside]
Help Me Move Into a NAS
My computer died last night after a power outage/surge, despite the "surge protector". Rather than rebuild a computer that just sits in the basement, I'm going to go with a NAS. Hope me make the transition to a NAS, I have some questions! [more inside]
Where can I go backpacking out west without a car?
Where can I go backcountry camping out west without a car? [more inside]
Examples of positive change in public behavior after seeing it on Film or TV?
Examples of public health manipulation? [more inside]
DJ or Dominion?
Wedding DJ recommendations in L.A.? Alternatively, do we really need dancing at an evening wedding? [more inside]
Red & black quinoa in Toronto
Where can I find red or black quinoa in Toronto? [more inside]
Being a parent is hard.
Daycare woes: How do I balance the good with the bad? How can I figure out if it's time to leave and try another school? [more inside]
Should we bring a lawyer to my wife's visa interview?
Should we bring a lawyer along to my wife's green card interview, or not? I am tempted to say yes, since it wouldn't cost me anything extra, but I heard from an acquaintance who brought a lawyer to her green card interview that the interviewer did not like this (thought she had something to hide) and was hostile towards her. [more inside]
Burnt to a crisp!
Juggling burnout at work with searching for a new career: any suggestions? [more inside]
Will OS X Lion kill my old MacBook?
Will OS X Lion kill my old MacBook (10.6.8, 2GB RAM, 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo)? It seems like upgrading is serious risk. [more inside]
France Fast! What do I need to know?
Whirlwind trip to France: Your tips needed (Fleurance, Aix, Paris). My wife & I going to Fleurance on business in the beginning of March and while the business portion should take a couple of days, we'll have at least a week in France. We'd like to see Aix (I was an exchange student there 20 years ago), and at least see Paris because we may never get another chance. [more inside]
How should I report misuse of the Great Seal?
I received some junk mail designed to look like a tax form, and featuring the Great Seal of the United States, which is a crime. How should I report this, to best ensure the guilty are punished?
Looking for cool, non-film ways to print photographs.
Looking for alternative, tangible photo-print media. Suggestions? [more inside]
Help me find this parody of "body language" instructional videos
Looking for a viral youtube video that was a parody of "body language" instructional videos. I think it was made by some comedy troupe a few years back. There's a part where they "decode" what people are saying with their body language, e.g. someone waves at someone else and the narrator says, "I am unarmed." And I think there's a part where they show lines coming from someone's crotch and they say, "My penis is powerful!" I think it was pretty popular and had a couple million views, but I cannot for the life of me find it.
This time, it's not All Summer in a Day
A familiar story: I read a young adult novel when I was a kid. I can't remember the title or most of the plot, but I remember enough details that it drives me CRAZY. [more inside]
Cerebral sci-fi films
Any suggestions for cerebral sci-fi films? [more inside]
More funny, charming, intelligent things to watch?
Please recommend funny, charming, gentle movies and TV shows. [more inside]
Broke toe as a child, is it too late to do anything about it?
Can I do anything about a broken toe (and it's side effects), when the toe in question was broken when I was about 3 or 4 years-old? [more inside]
How you gonna keep us down on the farm once we've experienced quirky Paree?
Recommendations for unusual travel experiences (not just places) in or near Paris? [more inside]
two people who are very physical with me, only one of whom I like
I have two classmates who casually touch me a lot. We're all women. I dislike one of them, but not the other. Is there any way to dissaude the one I don't like from touching me while allowing the one I do like to keep patting me on the shoulder, etc, without coming across as a giant asshole? [more inside]
Fresh as a mountain stream?
How do I best deal with this wet, smelly problem? [more inside]
My sister-in-law is in constant pain from Dercum's disease
Does anyone know of a cure and/or effective treatment for Dercum's disease? [more inside]
Should I Charge For Minor Travel?
Free-lancers: when do you charge for travel time? [more inside]
Oh god. Another RRSP post.
Canadian RRSP filter: Does the Home Buyers Plan actually make sense? Can you crunch the numbers on my behalf? [more inside]
Rear Projection advice
Rear projection gurus, advise me. [more inside]
Caffeine please...
Help me perfect my aeropress coffee! [more inside]
Why is the tip of my nose twitching and what is a remedy?
Why is the tip of my nose twitching and what is a remedy? [more inside]
Press F to pick up your favourite weapon
In almost every military video game that I've played, you are allowed to exchange your current weapon for a dead enemy's. Is it legal to do this in real life? More questions inside. [more inside]
Copying Skype
I have Skype on my computer, want to have the program on an external hard drive, too. Is it as simple as finding the (24 MB) file on my computer, creating a folder on the external drive and copying the file into the new folder?! Big thanks for your help.
Can you help my girlfriend survive Silent Hill?
How can I make this custom T-shirt? [more inside]
I'm having trouble pooping!
Pooping has become increasingly difficult and I think something inside my colon is blocking my ability to defecate. Thoughts? (Kinda gross, but not really.) [more inside]
I'm about to become homeless in Los Angeles. Please help me.
I'm 24, female, college-educated, and I'm about to become homeless in Los Angeles. Please hope me. Anonymous because I'm so humiliated. [more inside]
Please help me choose a projection screen.
I need to buy a projector screen, and I need some advice. Specifics are inside. [more inside]
Property issue with my ex-fiancee
Property issue with my ex-fiancee [more inside]
Custom Database Question
Idiots need help creating a basic database. [more inside]
Read to me
Asking for a friend -- haven't found a recent post that quite addresses this:
Is it possible to download audiobooks (mp3) from a public library using Overdrive onto an iPod touch? Or will the iPod touch only accept audiobooks from iTunes or Audible? [more inside]
Relocating from Upstate NY to the Silicon Valley/San Francisco. How do I get myself and my belongings there?
Relocating from Upstate NY to the Silicon Valley/San Francisco. How do I get myself and my belongings there? [more inside]
Collection of questions concerning creatively capturing cars with a camera?
I am a novice photographer who would like to improve my skills at photographing vintage cars primarily outdoors in natural light. I am looking to replace my old Nikon D50 and 18-55mm lens with a Nikon D3300. What would be the must-have lenses, filters and accessories for my task? Also best camera settings? Also interested in tricks for getting compelling images. Close up? High angle? Low angle? Just experiment? [more inside]
Tired of being the frumpy gal at the club.
I'm a fashionable young lady with knee instability and size 9 feet. I have never owned a pair of heels in my life, but I want a pair I can wear to the club. [more inside]
What do these frightening pictures represent on this mural at the Denver airport?
What do these frightening pictures represent on this mural at the Denver airport?
occupy comfort
Where are there current, thriving Occupy encampments? [more inside]
Need a static IP from my motorola ngv510 to run Smoke on Mac
I need to setup a internal static IP for my computer at home where I'm running Autodesk Smoke on Mac. We currently have terrible wireless by AT&T running from a motorola ngv510 DSL modem/router. Please help? I tried "just figuring it out" and managed to kill the house's internet for over an hour tonight. Anyone have any experience with this?
January 23
SF story about a super-intelligent dog?
Please help me identify this science-fiction short story about a super-intelligent dog. [more inside]
Trophy hunting for lolz?
Just weird stuff paying guests do or is this the new 'planking'? [more inside]
Need help fixing my gutters
Seattle's snowpocalypse killed my gutters! [more inside]
Where is this bass???
How can I find a Pink Mark Hoppus Signature Fender Bass? [more inside]
This is called friendship. It's not a race.
Is it going to be worth it to confront this friend/classmate about her competitive nature and its impact on our friendship, or should I just give up? [more inside]
Learning Sciences: Introductory Books
Does this strike a chord?
Can you identify the song which uses this rather unusual and distinctive chord progression? [more inside]
Limiting a kid's internet access: like getting involved in a land war in Asia?
How to cleverly limit internet usage, with preference for limiting time rather than content, with certain desirable features? More below the fold... [more inside]
Good Korean BBQ / Chinese hot-pot near downtown SF?
Help me find one of those Korean barbecue places where they let you cook your own food! (Downtown San Francisco) [more inside]
Erector Set-like metal bars?!
What do you call the metal bars that have two flat parts with a 90 degree angle with screw holes on both sides? I'm thinking of getting some and cutting them to the lengths I need but I have no idea what they're called, any other information on Erector Set like prefabricated elements would also be appreciated. [more inside]
Anarchism in North America
Book suggestions: Anarchism among Native Americans [more inside]
Transit mode bingo in Southeast Asia
We're going to SE Asia in April, and I'm trying to discern the cheapest/simplest/fastest route from Siem Reap, Cambodia, to Hanoi, Vietnam. I've looked into bus, flights that originate from Siem Reap or any other local hub. Your advice? Thanks in advance! [more inside]
how is shoes work
Should I keep these shoes? [more inside]
Community for humanities-major-turned-engineers?
Is there an online community or forum for engineers (or engineering grad students) who majored in humanities in college? [more inside]
Fair way to share vehicle expenses with SO
What is a reasonable and fair way to divide up car costs when you are sharing your vehicle with your SO? [more inside]
32 bits or 64 bits: that is the question
I want to install Ubuntu on my Mac Book Pro. Do I download the 32-bit or 64-bit version? [more inside]
Am I just lazy?
Luxury or necessity? For a person with fibromyalgia how do you feel about a cleaning lady. [more inside]
butchering wilbur
How do small farmers not become sentimental about killing the animals they've raised and nurtured, even though they've done it expressly for that purpose?
Another search for a lost childhood movie
I am trying to find a movie that I saw as a child. [more inside]
Eavesdropping on what my text editor is up to
Is there a way to write a script that makes something happen outside of MS Word as a result of an event that occurs within Word? [more inside]
Argh help me deflect questions about my health at work
I used my health as an excuse for something being late. This was a mistake. The door has opened to a question about the status of my health from someone who is my superior, but *not* my manager. How can I deflect their question? [more inside]
Catscratch Cartoon DVD Search
It may sound silly but I am desperately looking for DVD's of a kids show called Catscratch.
I emailed the network and haven't heard back. I can't find them for purchase, and they aren't available for downloading.
Any thoughts or ideas?
Help me with a cracked HTC Thunderbolt screen
I done did it, I cracked my HTC Thunderbolt's screen. Help me understand my options. Lots of questions interspersed in the details; any answers appreciated. [more inside]
Upgrading my shower head and shower curtain rod
My shower (in a rental apartment) needs help in two ways. 1) I need to find a way to get the curtain farther out, with the complicating factor that the curtain is on an L-shaped rod (similar to this one). 2) My shower head puts out a piddly amount of water. I need one that will actually use the full water pressure available, and which is on a hose. Mefites, what do you recommend? [more inside]
Help me short-term with my dad.
My relationship with my dad is crap. I can't articulate why. I'm already in therapy, but my therapist is on vacation and I won't see her again for another few weeks. Help me out, if you can, in the meantime. [more inside]
paging bill nye
This weekend I have to present a very brief (2-3 minute) lesson, aimed at fifth graders, on a science/engineering concept of my choosing. What should I choose? [more inside]
You and your wife have teeth alive, now haven't you?
Refreshing an old question: dentists in Los Angeles (specifically West L.A./Santa Monica). [more inside]
Help me organise my organiser
How to delete Delicious tags that are mistakes? [more inside]
Lost my clothes in translation
Cheap clothing in Sydney? [more inside]
ORAL SEX: Why can't I cum?
Why can't I cum? [more inside]
How to ensure we are purchasing from local farmers.
After watching Food Inc. how can my girlfriend and I ensure we are purchasing the right stuff? [more inside]
Women and the Arab Spring
I'm looking for any resources on the role women are playing in the Arab Spring. Articles, websites, essays, videos, art, statistics etc. are all greatly appreciated. Both Arabic and English would work. Thank you!
Tell Me About This Poem At My Subway Stop!
Can someone tell me the author and history of this poem engraved into the bricks on the floor by the inbound train at the Davis Square T stop in Somerville MA? [more inside]
Gossip girl
Asking for the wife: she wants to break up with a friend, she is not sure how she should do it. [more inside]
Medical bill debt, death and probate
News and debt filter: Can somebody tell me why it was necessary to have a fundraiser to pay US medical bills for a deceased person? In the USA, if you die with debts greater than the total sum of your assets, your estate is generally liquidated in probate, right? Medical debt collectors can't go after your family for debts they didn't incur... [more inside]
What's good like Basecamp with clients?
What other cool SaaS PM tools do a good job involving external clients without showing them too much or confusing them? I can only think of Basecamp. [more inside]
Vacation in Mannheim
Ideas for a trip to Mannheim, Germany. [more inside]
We Salute You, Our Half Inflated Dark Lord.
Where can I learn more about the 1970s New York City occult scene? [more inside]
Does TVP come in different colours?
Why is my TVP dark? [more inside]
Help me stop being a MIDIot
A friend gave me his MIDI keyboard and no instruction on what to do with it... Where do I go from here? [more inside]
So . . . you like . . . stuff?
How can I communicate with S.O.'s mother? [more inside]
Veggie Minced Lamb?
[vegetarian-filter] What are some good fake-meat crumbles that don't taste like beef? [more inside]
work related discrimination
What can be done about discrimination at work and if you feel bullied? [more inside]
incorporating a multinational non-profit
Advice on creating a multi-national non-profit organization? [more inside]
Is an Internal or an External Drive Best For iTunes Playback?
Is there any reason why I shouldn't transfer my 200+ GB iTunes library from an external drive to the internal drive of my new MacBook Pro? [more inside]
Was the roofer required to install vent screens?
Was the roofer required to install vent screens? [more inside]
Software to create a directory of people (employees)?
Is there software that will create a simple directory of employees with name, pic, and a few pieces of profile info (team name, role, etc.). [more inside]
Feet, don't fail me now.
Had a weird fall several months ago, and I haven't really trusted my legs since. Any exercises/things I could be doing to improve this? [more inside]
How do I make an interactive ebook out of the 320 high resolution images I have.
I have several large sets of high resolution PNG images that I would like to be able to easily view on a computer as an ebook. I would like to be able to flick through the pages with ease, zoom in/out and jump to a page number. It needs to work cross platform (OSX, Windows) and ideally just link to the png files rather than embedding them into a big file. It needs to be easy to use and hard to break! I am sure that there must be something out there that can help, but I have drawn a blank. Oh - and free/cheap is a bonus.
Investing Alternative to CDs
What alternatives to CDs are there for short-to-medium term investing? [more inside]
Marmite. Chocolate. The United States.
Where in the US can I buy the Very Peculiar Marmite Chocolate Bar? [more inside]
Buying a home with 5 adults
Buying a home with 4 other adults: advice and resources needed! Buying in the Washington DC/MD area. [more inside]
How to prevent rug damage by XBOX Dance Central 2 players?
I have a fantastic wool rug that sits in my living room. What's the best way to protect it from enthusiastic dancers who play Dance Central 2 on my XBOX Kinect? It's starting to bald, and I need to extend its life! [more inside]
Afterschool care in Portland, OR
(single dad filter) How do I go about finding afterschool care for my daughter? She's 9, but doesn't do well in afterschool programs, and I'd like to find someone trustworthy to collect her from school and hang with her until I get home at 5 each day. I'm in Multnomah Village, Portland.
How can I stop fonts from enabling?
MacBook Pro late 2011. OSX 10.7.2. Why is FontBook enabling various fonts without me doing it? And how can I prevent this? [more inside]
Sci-Fi anthology recommendations for an 8yr old.
Sci-Fi anthology recommendations for an 8yr old. [more inside]
Understanding romantic love
Please help me understand the gray area in between being totally into someone you're exclusively dating and being in love with him/her? These things are virtually synonymous for me, but I love easily. [more inside]
What (amazing) duo did I see in East Austin, TX on Dec. 6th?
What (amazing) duo did I see in East Austin, TX on Dec. 6th in the evening? [more inside]
Free raytracer for optical engineering.
Do any open source raytracers support an output of luminance incident on a surface? I want to determine the distribution of light on a surface in a scene based on the sun position. There are commercial packages that support this, but with the popularity of open source raytracing packages, is there one that can do what I need? [more inside]
Seeking Washington DC bars and restaurants that are great for groups
Can you list some bars and restaurants in DC that would be good for a group of 10-12, all 21+? I'm open to making reservations, but a) bars probably don't take them and b) it would also be nice to be able to descend on a location or two in a more impromptu fashion as the weekend develops. Neighborhoods and other relevant details within. [more inside]
Mold? Mildew? Fungus? Pod Person?
Name That Infestation-Filter! What's growing on my in-laws' wall? [more inside]
Honeymooners need fantastic costumes!
Can you think of some great costumes for a honeymooning bar-hopping couple in New Orleans over Halloween? [more inside]
How to buy a ton of glass?
How can I buy a ton of glass? [more inside]
you die alone and confused, unable to ever locate that anthology you were thinking about
I thought I heard about an anthology that was endings to nonexistant Choose Your Own Adventure books. Or similar adventure gamebooks. I vaguely recall hearing about this through one of the fiction podcast places, so it might be a podiobook, not a dead-tree book. Anyone know what I'm talking about? [more inside]
I want to earn money by joining affiliate programs on reputable sites. How should I go about this?
I want to earn money by joining affiliate programs on reputable sites. How should I go about this? [more inside]
Be my Tim Gunn?
I'm clueless when it comes to fancy fashion. How should I accessorize my wedding dress? [more inside]
Help me make a fancy-pants map.
Looking for insider tips on how best to go about making this map almost exactly (with different data). [more inside]
Do I need a residential parking permit to park in front of my own driveway in San Francisco?
In San Francisco, will DPT ticket me if I park on the street in front of my own driveway without a residential parking permit? [more inside]
Life insurance loan is underwater? Is there anything I can with the tax hit?
Many moons ago, my parents took out a loan against a whole life insurance policy on me. Now the policy is underwater and the insurance comapny wants to terminate it and I'm taking a tax hit. Can I avoid this? [more inside]
Fiction Novel with the most screen / theatre adaptations made from it?
Excluding the Bible (which depending on your point of view is not a fictional tome) what book has (to date) had the most screen / theatre adaptations made from it? [more inside]
Surprised With Being Let Go, Networking/Job Search 101 plz?
I was let go from my job last week - it was kind of a surprise, but I'm bouncing back and I was looking to leave the company anyway, so I'm not too broken up about that. I am not thrilled about the prospect of job hunting while unemployed (would have preferred to have landed a new job first) and am trying to get a handle on my next steps. I have some Networking 101-type questions that I need help with, as well as some questions about how best to frame what happened at the last job to recruiters/prospective new leads/interviewers, and how to best avoid ever being in this same situation ever again. [more inside]
What can I do to keep my mind off of the pain after my lasek surgery?
What can I do to keep my mind off of the pain after my lasek surgery? [more inside]
Green Line, Green Fairy?
I'm looking for a small-ish bottle of good absinthe, in DC, somewhere metro-accessible. By Friday. Oh, and I don't want to spend more than $30 or $40. Please hope me? (I don't care for it myself, this will be a gift.)
How can I performance tasks more quickly?
I work in the fast food industry. How do I become faster at my job? Are there things I can do off the job to increase my speed on the job? [more inside]
help choosing personalized children's music
Looking for advice on personalized children's music (featuring the child's name). [more inside]
Getting a Driver's License
Adult (26) getting a driver's license for the first time. How should I do it? [more inside]
Is a tablet computer a good tool to use for marine navigation?
Is a tablet computer a good tool to use for marine navigation? (A question related to the accuracy of a tablet computer GPS sensor when there is no WiFi or carrier based signal available) [more inside]
Help me learn more about these innovative works
Tell me more about Xul Solar's invented game and language, please? [more inside]
Phone conversation with a stroke patient?
Any tips for talking on the phone to someone with cognitive damage? [more inside]
Snap, Crackle, Pop, Ouch.
Why do my headphones give my ears little electric shocks in the winter, and how can I avoid it? [more inside]
Density = f(Particle Size Distribution)
Sphere packing problem: for a distribution of sphere sizes? [more inside]
Kitty Potty Training?
How to make a litter box smell more like a garden? [more inside]
Unplanned Pregnancy
I'm pregnant. Now what? [more inside]
Should I work at a startup?
Is it worth it for me, a software developer with over 15 years' experience to work at a startup in order to update my skill set? [more inside]
help me quell my ladyguts
I have interstitial cystitis and my doctor thinks I might have endometriosis. Should I have a laparoscopy? [more inside]
Agilix
Agilix and Agilix Backpack or GoCourse - anyone here have the pleasure/misfortunate/whathaveyou to have worked with the company's learning management systems on a professional or student basis? [more inside]
Fun Cabin Fever ideas for your/ our community?
We'd like to hold a Cabin Fever party at our public library next month and are looking for a few creative ideas. We're in New Hampshire & a break during the long winter spell is always welcomed. [more inside]
How to choose a therapist? Know one in the Loop, Chicago?
Can you recommend a great cognitive behavior therapist in the Loop, Chicago? Extra brownie points for one in North Loop.
PS. On second thought, any tips on how to choose a therapist in the first place? What should I be looking for in a therapist? I want to minimize therapist hopping.
Programming Languages for not-quite Luddites?
What online resources do you suggest where I can learn about various programming languages as opposed to learning how to code? Any sources that discuss the pros and cons of each or why it would be better to do X in Ruby rather than Python? [more inside]
I want to record my voice.
I want to record myself singing. What hardware do I need? [more inside]
Getting out of the Friend Zone and Fixing a Relationship
I'm trying to figure out how to get over a relationship, but don't want to rule out the potential possibilities of re-establishing a relationship with this person in the future. Any advice? [more inside]
Search for flights, excluding codeshare options
Is there a website like Kayak, but with the option to filter by the airline that operates the flight (i.e. to exclude codeshares)? Or is it possible to do this on Kayak? I have some United credit to spend, and it's proving non-trivial because I can't spend it on flights operated by Continental et al.
Area manager territories and regions
We have five area managers who look after a number of sites each (about 10) spread throughout the UK.
How can I visually represent this on a map that shows the illogical (or logical) spread of their site distribution (from a distance perspective)
Sub comment: I'd also like to be able to esimate the distances travelled if they visit each site x days per year and show the most efficient site per manager. Suggestions for this would be great too.
I don't want to get in trouble!
Workplace filter: I feel uncomfortable doing something.. give me a clue as to what to do? Details inside [more inside]
Looking for some background on New Orleans, Louisiana
Looking for some books on New Orleans. [more inside]
My lovely little lump
I have self-diagnosed the lump on the inside of my left wrist as a ganglion cyst. My GP's on a vacation for two weeks. This isn't urgent, is it? I can wait till he gets back, right guys? [more inside]
A walking fashion "Don't"
Hopeless Fashion Filter, Man-Edition: What the heck should I wear to this wedding? Uggh. [more inside]
How to tell my parents, about my preferences about marriage, without hurting them?
How do I handle my parents, with regards to my marriage? (also, is there any hope for me?) [more inside]
[Anger related issue filter] Do I need a tougher outer shell, or should I be bothered by this?
Difficulty with communicating anger and/or frustration toward friends--need a few techniques to move forward. [more inside]
Do people run like clockwork? (In large open spaces)
Is it true that people flow through convention halls, shopping malls and similar areas in a clockwise direction, more often than not? [more inside]
Please help me deal with a flaky business co-founder.
Please help me deal with a flaky business co-founder. Details inside. [more inside]
Sci-fi-horror movies
Science fiction/horror movie marathon time! [more inside]
January 22
Does Ben Sherman make quality shoes?
I'm thinking about buying a pair of Ben Sherman Manchester boots on super sale from JackThreads, but I'm concerned they'll just be another pair of cheap Chinese-made shoes and a waste of a hundred bucks. Anybody have experience with recently made Ben Sherman shoes in general or this model specifically? Alternatively, if you have good experiences with black, mid-calf (10-12 eyelet) boots, I'd like to hear those, too.
Low-carb recipes for the crockpot?
What are your favorite low-carb recipes for the crock pot / slow cooker? [more inside]
Eye mojo, domo!
pediatric ophthalmology; child had surgery for Infantile Esotropia, now the glasses thing.. and general questions on things around eyes [more inside]
Can MMA fighters be using steroids and never get caught?
MMAfilter: The recent news that Cris Cyborg has been using steroids has caused her whole career to be called into question. But that made me question - how often are MMA fighters tested for steroids? [more inside]
A little help
I'm at the edge. How do I pull back? Do I pull back? Snowflake details follow. [more inside]
Recently switched from digital drumset to acoustic. How do we keep them from being picked up by the vocal mics?
We played for years with V-Drums and just recently switched to acoustic drums. We've found that the cymbals get picked up by the vocal mics and distort or drown out the rest of the mix. How do we prevent that? [more inside]
Remember an early 2000s blog called Greybox or Greysquare?
Helping help a friend find an old blog. Here are the details she remembers: A guy. Blogging around 2000 - 2001. Posts were often confessional, inimate accounts of his torturous relationship with his girlfriend, who had some sort of eating disorder. He lived in San Francisco much of this time, but eventually moved to (possibly) NYC. The blog may have been called the Grey Square or the Grey Box. Not much to go on, but maybe it will ring a bell with someone?
ALL THE...oh nevermind. Bacon.
What's the best way to store my fats? [more inside]
right or left?
when interlacing your hands, which of your thumbs do you put in front? what about your feet when sitting cross-legged? are you a righty or a lefty? [more inside]
Living with yourself after doing a horrible and selfish thing
I need help in moving on with my life after telling a lie. Many lies. That hurt someone very badly. [more inside]
It is just one of your holiday games.
I have a newish cat. He seems to be pretty permanent, so now he needs a name. At the shelter his name was Perry, or maybe Terry. I don't like either name. Photos and details inside. [more inside]
What to do about trolling?
I'm being trolled. I think that it is going too far. What can I do? [more inside]
Help me find this USB cable image macro
I'm trying to find an image macro I saw about having trouble plugging in USB cables. [more inside]
Cost of an attorney to be an independent contractor
Calling all attorneys and law firms: how much does contract legal work cost? [more inside]
Book for a male tween?
Looking for a non-icky sex ed book for a 12-year old boy. [more inside]
Free nicotine patch with purchase of cigarettes: Plausible?
What legal barriers would there be to requiring that every pack of cigarettes come with a nicotine patch? Would this even be good policy? [more inside]
What kind of speakers do I need for my wedding?
Help me find the best speaker solution for my upcoming wedding? [more inside]
The Instantwatcher is a lie?!?!?
What is the deal with Instantwatcher.com not showing all available titles? [more inside]
Easy love song for guitar
Need a love song that's easy to sing and play on the guitar. [more inside]
I want my child to grow up open minded, not like you Mom.
More crazy mom drama. How do I tell her tactfully and with the least waves possible that I don't want her to take my eleven year old daughter to a Political Rally on the other side of the country? [more inside]
winter carnival - best ever - chilly snowy good times
How do I have the best St. Paul MN Winter Carnival Weekend possible? [more inside]
Ready for the same old questions, not sure about new questions.
I just landed a phone interview for potentially my first managerial job after five years of being a systems analyst. What questions do I need to be ready for in the phone interview and the face-to-face interview? [more inside]
Extracting iPhoto from iPad?
How to extract iPhoto data from iPad? [more inside]
Fry me a river
Electronics emergency! I have to install a panel tomorrow that I wired up with the AN6884 IC, it was working fine, but then I stupidly and hastily used an AC adapter without testing the polarity.... [more inside]
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dumpster
In the last year on our road into town in rural Vermont, we have seen the personal effects of 3 people who have recently died packed into dumpsters at the side of the road. In one case the family had a tag sale and sold all the valuable stuff (her crystal collection) and tossed the rest in the dumpster. For some reason this creeps me out big time and I don't want it to happen to me. Are there best practices for disposing of the personal effects of family members?How did your family dispose of the stuff of the deceased that you didn't want? Yes.... I know about a will and have one.
What other nerdy games would I like?
I really, really liked the flash game 3 Slices, recently posted on the blue. I also loved Lemmings. What other flash or internet-based games would I like that I can play on my (old) laptop? [more inside]
Hive mind, take me away!
Please recommend a healthy but not hardcore spa vacation for a stressed-out fat girl. [more inside]
Help me remember a song
I'm trying to remember a song. Part of the chorus is "shiiiine on! Shiiiine on!" and has a very area-rock sound (similar to Autograph). Any ideas?
Should I let my boyfriend sleep with other women?
Is it a poor idea to let your partner have sex with other people, knowing that you will be hurt by it? Will it be more likely to help or hurt our relationship if he indulges in his fantasies with other women – and is this a reasonable compromise for someone to make? [more inside]
Synonym for satisfying?
Is there a single word for finding pleasure in well done formulaic stories not because they are doing something new or even being particularly clever, but because they hit the notes well, manage the tropes, and deliver what they promise? [more inside]
Ex-smoker + wine = oh dear!
I quit smoking, but can't fight the occasional urge to buy a pack after drinking. Help! [more inside]
What to do with a (slightly) scratched screen?
What do you do about very small scratches in a glass cellphone screen other than replacing the screen? [more inside]
How do I choose a tumble dryer?
[UK filter] Tumble dryer purchasing advice sought! [more inside]
Best portable heated blanket?
What is my best option for buying or rigging a portable heated blanket or other heating source? [more inside]
I can't convince my anxiety-afflicted mom to get therapy, but she'll read a book. What book should it be?
I've been trying to convince my anxiety-afflicted Mom to get therapy for ages. She finally said that if I were to buy her a book, she would promise to read it, and perhaps that would lead to finally giving therapy a shot. She's pushing 70 and has to deal with a new addition to the family who is aggressive and toxic, so I think its urgent for her to get a better handle on her mental state. [more inside]
Help Installing Nest Thermostat on Millivolt System Using 24v Transformer
I just purchased a new Nest thermostat. My old thermostat gets power from an ancient millivolt system (thermopile on top of pilot light generates 0.7VDC). This is incompatible with the Nest, since the Nest requires standard 24VAC. Nest support told me they've heard some customers have had success using 24v step-down transformer. After lots of research, I think the wiring is supposed to go something like this:
W from furnace (common, -0.7VDC ?) --> W on T-Stat
24 VAC power from transformer (+/- ?) --> C on T-Stat
R from furnace (+0.7VDC ?) --> RH on T-Stat
24VAC power from transformer (+/- ?) --> RH on T-Stat
As you can see, I'm still a bit fuzzy on the details. Questions are below the fold! [more inside]
Help me clean and protect these wood floors
Looking for advice on cleaning and protecting an old wood floor. The wood is heart pine, I don't know what the finish is, and there are gaps between the boards. Pictures inside. [more inside]
Pushing on the "Pull" door.
Ugh. The "list view" in Finder (Macbook OS X Lion 10.7.2) is no longer showing the collapsible triangle to the left. It only shows a triangle to the right, which isn't collapsible/expandable. What gives? [more inside]
I'd like my podcasts dry and witty, with a touch of the absurd..
Are there awesome British podcasts out there I don't know about? [more inside]
Did this cartoon exist?
When I was a kid, I remember watching a cartoon that I only remember a few details about. Any ideas? [more inside]
Can frozen river horses exist?
A recent Spanish film, Silence in the Snow, begins with a striking images of horses' heads sticking out of a frozen river. Apparently a herd has run into the river and the water has frozen instantaneously around them, freezing them into it. It is a beautiful image, not dissimilar from one in Guy Maddin's My Winnipeg, and it is just a movie and all, but I've been wondering: could it really happen?
Paranoia Industroia
How do I get rid of/destroy/throw out old network backup tapes that have personal information and customer information on them? [more inside]
How to get someone to understand that the people asking her for money are not her friends?
In each mail delivery to her home, my mother-in-law gets about a dozen urgent requests for help with protecting our borders or our seaports or the Constitution or the rights of seniors or for money to aid Native American children or children with serious ailments or disabilities. A few years ago, her daughters discovered that she was sending out a few small checks every day, amounting to about $500 a month. Which is not the problem. The problem is that she gives full credence to these solicitations, feels obliged to study them carefully, and worries about the local or national calamities or potential calamities that they describe. And she cannot be dissuaded from the idea that the solicitations are directed to her personally because her name is prefixed or inserted throughout the text.
I'm sure that many MeFites have encountered this problem with a naive, older relative. Any suggestions, other than trying to stop mail from people she believes to be her friends?
iPhone Music Sorting/Grouping is broken
Since enabling iTunes in the Cloud, my music is sorted/grouped incorrectly on my iPhone. Albums starting with "S" will appear under "T", for instance. See this image for an example. [more inside]
Out of copyright post-apocalyptic stories
Dear Metafilter: can you suggest any short stories that fit a general theme of post-apocalyptic stories, but which are out of copyright/public domain? [more inside]
What is electricity made of?
In a bid to prolong bed-time, my four-year-old just asked me, "What is electricity made of?' I told her to close her eyes and go to sleep, which has bought me 9-10 hours till she wakes me up and asks me the same question again. What's the most accurate answer I can give her that she will understand and not be bored by?
sort of like burning your mouth with pizza, only you don't get any pizza
What exactly has happened when you "scratch your throat" by taking a pill or capsule with too little water? [more inside]
Uncertainty about wanting kids - dealbreaker?
Fears about the future interfering with the now? Or: how hard I should try to convince him to give us another shot. [more inside]
Booze before noon
Before noon booze. Tomato juice gives me heartburn and I don't really want to open a bottle of champagne for two drinks. So, what are the alternative brunch cocktails. NO VODKA DRINKS. Preference for drinks which are not simply an ounce of alcohol added to a glass of juice/cup of hot coffee or chocolate. [more inside]
Which of these topic ideas would be best for a presentation at work?
I have to do a 5-minute presentation to my colleagues at an upcoming work retreat, no visuals allowed. We can talk about anything we want. I have several ideas but can't settle on one. [more inside]
White Coats Freak me Out.
Anyone have tips to control white coat syndrome? [more inside]
Help me live with Hepatitis C.
How can I live a positive life in light of the HepC? How and when do I tell a potential lover about the HepC? [more inside]
How to use Markdown and Pages on OSX without losing document structures?
Markdown and (Apple) Pages. I'm trying to work out a sensible workflow that will allow me to export Markdown text into an existing Pages document, without this process eliminating the structure of the text. [more inside]
Pessimism, optimism, realism and ...
I need a word. Imagine two axes "risk" and "optimism" and two states "high" and "low", thus four states.
lo optimism lo risk = pessimism,
hi optimism lo risk = optimism,
lo optimism hi risk = realism,
hi optimism hi risk = ??? [more inside]
how best to explain a felony conviction on a rental application.
how best to explain felony convictions on a rental application? [more inside]
How should I shop for a mortgage?
How should I go about shopping for a mortgage? [more inside]
What items should I not forget to bring for a 15-hour flight? Also, as a non-gamer, are there iPad games you'd recommend to make the flight go faster?
What items should I not forget to bring for a 15-hour flight? Also, as a non-gamer, are there iPad games you'd recommend to make the flight go faster? [more inside]
Transferring Files From Ipod Touch
Can I transfer music files from an Ipod Touch over to a Sandisk MP3 Player? Thanks in advance.
Name for new female puppy?
How Can I Blow My Sister's Mind in the Big Apple?
My sister has never been to NYC before and I'm taking her for three days to celebrate her 32nd birthday -- help me find the best of quirky NYC. [more inside]
Spirit of Place: books about Lisbon, Portugal or New York City
My parents will be traveling to Lisbon, Portugal in the coming months and would like suggestions for books to read before their trip. We were talking about this and were trying to come up for the equivalent set of books for someone visiting New York as well. What should they read? [more inside]
How to set up video chat on iPad with Hotmail
How do I set up my iPad for video chatting with Hotmail? I just recently reconnected with some former deaf students of mine, after about 25 years (thank you, Facebook). We have been communicating by email but written language is not optimal. One of my former students has asked that I video chat with him via Hotmail. I have created Hotmail account, now what? I'd like to be able to do this directly through my iPad, as well as by connecting my iPad to a PC and using it as a webcam. Also any tips for placement of the iPad for use while signing would be appreciated.
In Google, does anyone know why search terms disappear when you click on the "news" and "shopping" link?
In Google, does anyone know why search terms disappear when you click on the "news" and "shopping" link on the grey bar but not "images", "videos" or "maps"? [more inside]
Attacks on Chinese people in Africa
Can anyone help find this article I'm thinking of? [more inside]
The ever-so-slightly-split-level living room
My living room is on two ever-so-slightly different levels; is this going to cause problems when it comes to laying a carpet? [more inside]
Where can I get Valrhona Celaya Hot chocolate?
Anyone know where I can buy Valrhona Celaya Hot chocolate? [more inside]
How to pronounce court cases?
In court cases in the US, how are case names actually pronounced? [more inside]
Keep my iPod display from lighting when I'm not using it.
How can I keep my iPod display from lighting up with notifications? [more inside]
"Post-BA" programs
Question about "post-BA" programs [more inside]
January 21
Mysterious sign in the backgroumd of a movie...
What is this sign from the background of a scene in the movie Moneyball? [more inside]
But really, how *do* you make friends in a new city?
No, but really, how do you make friends after college? [more inside]
Who's yo' daddy, William X. O'Brien?
Does anyone know anything about the Irish trade unionist and politician William X. O'Brien (23 January 1981 - 31 October 1968)? I read that he was born in Clonakilty and, descending from the O'Brien family in that area, I'm curious if he's a relative. I would think it'd be easy to get a little family information on him given his relative prominence, but I haven't turn up much.
Is there a software that can capture real time video feed from another computers screen on your home network?
Is there software that can capture real time video feed from another computers screen on your home network? [more inside]
I would be happy to stand trial...some other time.
What can I do to minimize my chances of being picked for jury duty? [more inside]
Did freeze damage new, uninstalled water softener?
Is it bad that my uninstalled (new) water softener was exposed to freezing temperatures? [more inside]
Trying to find the best light sling backpack ever
Please help me find another incarnation of the best school orientation giveaway ever, my perfect one shoulder, cross body bag. [more inside]
What do I want? What do I need? Why do I want it? What's in it for me?
Some general and specific questions about bringing your budget classification terms in line with published guidelines. In your personal budget, how do you classify fees like overdrafts, ATM fees, ATM refunds etc? What about taxes paid and refunds received? How do you determine wants and needs? [more inside]
I would also like an image of a flappy-armed upright turtle, if such a thing were available
I saw a "how I think I look when I'm running/how I actually look" image within the last year, and I'd like to find it again. [more inside]
suck it.
which vacuum cleaner should i get? [more inside]
left hearing tuner
Are there any good acoustic guitar tuners for dyslexic people? [more inside]
What advice do you have for buyer?
I've recently become a buyer for an online shop specializing in electronics & home goods. What advice do you have for me? [more inside]
Frequency approximation for series of events
So I want to calculate rate of events as a function of time... [more inside]
How to Handle a Restaurant Bill SNAFU
A few weeks ago I had a frustrating interaction with a waiter regarding a gift card. I am still bothered by what happened and would like some advice about it. [more inside]
Help me flirt with my uber hot sweetie?
flirting tips/ideas? i'm really good at sweet, romantic, thoughtful, etc. not the best at sexy. [more inside]
What's the best iPhone app for calorie counting?
What's the best iPhone app for calorie counting? [more inside]
Can you identify this black & red insect?
What was this (now slightly squashed) black and red bug? Back. Underside. It appeared mysteriously today in our apartment, in NJ. It was almost 0.5 inch long.
Local needs advice on where to eat in Princeton, NJ
IShouldKnowThisFilter: What are some restaurants with nice atmosphere and good food to go to in the Princeton/Trenton, NJ area for Valentines? [more inside]
Ruby on Rails Resources?
I'm working on learning Ruby on Rails right now, and I'm starting to feel like I'm in way over my head. For those who have been there, what resources helped you find your footing? [more inside]
Help me phone screen interview candidates more effectively?
Help me do a better job of phone screening candidates for largely-technical/programming positions. [more inside]
What can cause knee stiffness and pain in less than a week without any distinct injury? And when is this an emergency?
What can cause knee stiffness and pain in less than a week without any distinct injury? And when is this an emergency? [more inside]
What happens when human urine ferments?
What happens when urine ferments? I am interested in the chemical formulas, health effects, and agricultural fertilizer applications. More specifically: one gallon of human urine stored for 7 days in a plastic milk jug at room temperature.
Helping a Neighbor's Pet
How far can we go to help a neighbor's animal? [more inside]
Help with bombarie gift idea
Help me hive mind!! - Wedding bombarie gifts [more inside]
employee expense reporting
looking for employee expense reporting solutions for a multi-national medium sized business [more inside]
The recipe for a liquid sunset
The Darjeeling Sunset: please help us figure out this drink [more inside]
Inexpensive, quickly made hors d'oeuvres?
We're having a small party. I could use ideas for inexpensive - but nice - hors d'oeuvres/snacks for up to 15 people that take minimal prep time, for a total of 15-30 minutes on my feet per day.
How to (painlessly) find a vacation rental in Southwest Florida?
I'm looking to rent a 4 bedroom house within striking distance of Sanibel Island, Florida in the last week of February 2012. Does the hive-mind have any recommendations for web sites or other resources that will make this task easier than it's been so far? [more inside]
Leather care for my favorite leather boots
What is the best way to care for my favorite leather boots? [more inside]
Good Chicken!
We got a new puppy! Housebreaking questions inside. [more inside]
Help me become a web developer, fellow web developers!
In what order should I learn technologies for web development? There're so many! [more inside]
Performing in Deutschland?
I'm an American, planning to visit Germany for the first time in a few months; I'll be there for about a week, mostly in Berlin. I'm a musician (I do electronic pop -- I had a track on MeFiComp!), and I know my music has at least a handful of fans in Germany. So I'm thinking about trying to book myself a gig. I'm fairly confident that I can find a place to play, and transport my gear over there. What I haven't been able to figure out from my internet research is the legal side of things. Do I need to get a special visa if I'm going to do a paid performance? What about an unpaid performance? Will customs give me a hard time if I show up with music gear and no paperwork to explain what I plan to do with it? If so, how would I go about getting the necessary permit(s)?
Vania King tennis fashion
What brand of clothing is Vania King wearing in this picture from the Australian Open earlier this week? [more inside]
Cities of longitude and latitude
What major cities have grids laid out on the North/South axis? Are there advantages or reasons for this? [more inside]
Is an ageing population the cause of lower crime?
Is there any research exploring a potential link between an ageing population and falling crime rates? [more inside]
Need a kick in the ass for work direction.
I am wanting to get a job in Indianapolis where I am from. My wife and I have lived in my current city for 4 years and have not managed to make any close friends and am not finding much to do here. I am average at my job IMO where others could do much better and have more passion (librarian) (i.e. I don't deserve this job...but that is another story...). Question: trying to figure out what I might be better at and leave library service altogether to more qualified people and find some unrelated job that I can at least make 35 K to start paying off student loan. Is this asking for too much in today's job climate? I am 41 with the M.L.S. if that helps clarify and have solid work performance and have no qualms about ever being a librarian or anything like it again.
Help out a matcha n00b?
I've recently grown to love the Japanese green tea sold at Costco. I especially like the matcha powder in each bag that I can sprinkle on my cup of tea. I'd like to try out a Japanese matcha powder, but there are so many choices and price ranges. [more inside]
Dead MacBook = Minecraft server? Robot brain?
What fun things could I do with my old 15" MacBook Pro whose graphics chip just kicked the bucket? [more inside]
Occupation: Writing love letters to the universe.
Of shoe shiners and assertiveness
Some random shoe shiner shined one of my boots while I was waiting in the subway, hoping to get some money. I honestly had no cash on me at the time. He left off without much fuss thankfully, but I'm worried about the products he used may ruin my boot, and how to deal with such ones in the future. [more inside]
What's the red stuff in this alluvial fan satellite image?
What is the red stuff in this satellite image? [more inside]
Looking to unPaq files
I am looking for information about decompressing "MediaPaq" archives, with .paq extensions. I am finding the Internet surprisingly silent. [more inside]
Where to go with toddler for fun?
What family outing can we do that will be fun for our two year old toddler? trick- we only have a few hours. location is the philadelphia suburbs. [more inside]
Easy on bandwidth computer games
Suggestions requested for computer games that will keep me engaged. Infrastructural limitations and preferences in more detail after the jump. [more inside]
Where is a butcher when you need one?
How do YOU trim short ribs? [more inside]
Hacker protection tips for ordinary people...
Email Security: As the News International scandal unravels more cases of 'email hacking' are coming to light so I wanted to know the view of the hive on how easy it might be to hack into someone's email and tips on how to avoid being hacked. [more inside]
Some people are just hard to buy for
What should I get my 81-year-old father for his birthday? (special snowflake details inside) [more inside]
catching up with an ex, disappointing results
I recently reestablished contact with an ex-girlfriend that I haven't spoken to for many years. a few polite emails went back and forth, but i was hoping for so much more... [more inside]
Plastic Model Paints?
This black acrylic paint sucks for the plastic model I am building. What model paints should I be using?
Help my friends and I find an outdoorsy place to spend a weekend that is logistically feasible (we're traveling from Atlanta, LA, and Pennsylvania).
Help my friends and I find an outdoorsy place to spend a weekend that is logistically feasible (we're traveling from Atlanta, LA, and Pennsylvania). [more inside]
Nail Polish?
What's the best non-nail-stamping nail polish to use for stamping nails? [more inside]
Getting two separate address books to play nice on an iPhone
Much confusion trying to integrate my personal cell phone (a google voice # + gmail + google contacts + calendar all on one google account) into my work iphone (email + calendar + contacts all on one google apps account, synced using exchange) -- particularly around a question of syncing two SEPARATE sets of contacts into one iPhone address book. [more inside]
Hats in Chicago
Long shot: Is there anywhere in Chicago or its transit-accessible suburbs where I can buy, in person, a decent-quality Russian ushanka (ear-flap hat)? [more inside]
stampede psychology
Is there any good research into how people behave in a stampede? You know, the classic fire in a theatre sort of stampede. I'm looking for academic articles, books, slate.com speculations, anything. Thanks!
Someone used my Gmail address for receipts on iTunes. How do I tell him about his mistake?
Someone used my Gmail address for receipts on iTunes. How do I tell him about his mistake? I am in the UK, he is Rhode Island, USA. [more inside]
the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
How do I explain a university medical withdrawal to a prospective employer without damaging my chances of being hired? [more inside]
Can I use my iPod touch to display the BBC iPlayer app on my TV?
Can I use my iPod touch to display the BBC iPlayer app on my TV? [more inside]
When am I on TV tonight?
When is my short on TV tonight?! I can't work out what time REEL 13 airs its Indie Short competition winners? We have this week's slot, but the REEL 13 website schedule is unclear, as is the Thirteen.org schedule. Will the short be on at 9 p.m., before the classic, at 11 p.m., between the classic and the indie, or at 12:45 a.m. on Sunday morning? The schedule seems to be broken on their website, but it does seem slotted in there, just. Perhaps it's a browser problem I have? We REALLY want to film it screening on air tonight, but aren't in New York, so need to ask someone to do it for us, and want to make sure we get the timing right! Thanks!
I want to rebuy my old laptop--but new. Suggestions?
I bought a Dell Inspiron 1420 in 2007. It is too slow now and has too little memory. And I fear it will start to have hardware issues soon. I want to replace it, but I want the same features I had before, in particular the really solid feel (this thing is all metal, I haven't seen anything like it in stores) that seems to have been abandoned today in favor of lightness. [more inside]
The best massage in Hong Kong please
I'd like to buy my awesome aunt in Hong Kong a voucher for a (western style) massage - does anyone know a great venue? She lives in Discovery Bay, in case that helps. Thanks.
Reuse or recycle?
What is the proper way to "recycle" the blue plastic pallets that Diet Mountain Dew bottles are sold on? [more inside]
Can you help me choose a Keurig coffee machine?
Can you help me choose a Keurig coffee machine? [more inside]
Where to donate books in Sri Lanka?
Where can I donate second-hand English-language adult fiction books in Sri Lanka? [more inside]
January 20
Oh Please, more fees?
California Used Car DMV Fees: dealer was supposed to pay dmv fees on my new (used)car but they lowballed the estimated fees on my receipt...now I get a letter from them asking for the difference. Is this legal? [more inside]
Is this guy a predator on the prowl, or am I over-reacting to Naked Yoga Guy at the playground?
Is this guy a predator on the prowl, or am I over-reacting to Naked Yoga Guy at the playground? [more inside]
CRM software with a specific feature
Looking for free or low-cost CRM with a specific scheduling feature. [more inside]
High fat food for cats?
What can we feed our cat to help him gain weight? [more inside]
How should I handle this rent increase?
My NYC landlord offered a lease renewal on my rent-stabilized apartment, but with a rent adjustment that appears to be too high. It's a bit more complicated than that, though. [more inside]
How to transition from classical to jazz bass?
I am a classically trained bassist that wants to learn jazz and get over my fear of improvisation. How can I practice in my spare time to further this goal? [more inside]
This feels like a weird role reversal
A guy I've been on a few dates with told me he is a virgin. Questions ensue. [more inside]
Money for help paying suicide-watch hospitalization bill?
Money for help paying suicide-watch hospitalization bill? [more inside]
Can I uninstall iTunes and Safari
How can I uninstall iTunes and Safari, and would doing so break anything else? [more inside]
How should I use my iPad at university?
How can I best use my iPad at university (and avoid buying a new laptop)? [more inside]
WWTTD (What Would This Therapist Do?)
Anglican Christian filter: I am interested in working for an Anglican non-profit organization as an intern-therapist. I am a non-practicing Christian, but have a strong spiritual belief (think: Eckhart Tolle/Eastern philosophy) and was formally trained in transpersonal psychotherapy, which by definition is rooted in spirituality and encourages one to "transcend beyond oneself." I am not inherently opposed to religion, but do not follow strict Catholic practices. Should I reconsider being interested in this position? I need more subjective info on Anglican beliefs, and Wikipedia isn't really helping in this area. [more inside]
Enough of TAL, I want something else
I've gone off This American Life. What podcasts should I listen to? [more inside]
How can I not drink heavily and keep a social life?
How can I not drink heavily and keep a social life? [more inside]
Taking my funny face to Paris
So I'll be in Paris for six days in the beginning of February. I have my cheap not-quite-a-room all set up (thanks, airbnb!) and some mild conversational skills all primed and...basically no other plans, other than vast quantities of pastries. So what do you, o wonderful Mefites, suggest? In search of: museums, especially odd ones and/or Romans, fancy paper... [more inside]
Remaining True to Oneself
What does it mean to remain "true to yourself?" [more inside]
Can I have One Media Playlist to Rule Them All?
I recently bought a new TV, replacing one from the early 90s. And I went a bit crazy plugging in ALL the things. The trouble is... there's still nothing on! Is there some kind of master TV / movie / media guide I can use to tell me what device or service(s) offer what I want to watch? [more inside]
Where to meet at Cancun Airport
Meeting my daughter at airport in Cancun. She arrives via US Airways at 3:00 PM. I arrive about 4:30 via United. Where is a comfortable place for her to wait for me? Neither of our phones will be working. Is "The Meeting Place" still there? I have found only old references to it. Please suggest an alternative if it is not still there, or if you have a better idea. Thanks
Funny plugs, funny sockets
Where in SF do I buy
(1) a euro-to-US wall plug adapter (US pins, euro holes)
(2) a USB cable with a "Korean 20-pin" connector on one end (like the pics in this thread)
?? [more inside]
television | rules the nation
Setting up a media PC for my television. Already have all the hardware set up, just wondering what kind of software people are using to have a "reasonable television-like experience" with mouse only or wireless xbox360 controller (currently looking in to getting one of these) [more inside]
Help me get out of this terrible living situation
How legitimate is this lease? (California) [more inside]
Doc recommendations in San Diego
Hello So Cal! I need doctor recommendations in the San Diego area. [more inside]
What's a good way to share passwords with a team?
What's a good way to share passwords among members of a team? [more inside]
Charging A-head: How Much for Language Training Workshops?
Calling all Consultants, Workshop Facilitators, ESL/EFL Teachers, Writing Teachers, Business Writing Teachers, Group Trainers, etc.: I've suddenly happened upon a potential trio of jobs that call for someone to create original curricula, teach English/Business English/ESL, and tailor a "program" for a specific adult audience's needs, usually on a compressed, intensive time-frame. This has *potentially* opened up a long-desired way of branching into other versions of my long-time metiers. But I have questions, many questions, chief of which is how much? [more inside]
But you're hurting me!
How (specifically) do people in successful relationships let an intimate partner know when he is being insensitive and hurtful? [more inside]
Looking for recipe software for OS Lion/Windows 7
Looking for the best recipe management software that will run on either Mac OS Lion or Windows 7 (I have Parallels and Windows 7 installed on my Mac). [more inside]
Show Me The Giants
Research help: Hope me understand the world of the SF Giants baseball fan. [more inside]
Remote access a Snow Leopard Server
My boss wants me to set up remote access to our OSX (Snow Leopard) server. What is the best way to do this? [more inside]
stylist with "curly scissors" in Southern New Jersey
Help me find a replacement hair stylist with "curly scissors" in Southern New Jersey. [more inside]
Truck bells?
There's no way Zara and H&M have wiped out the entire shopping industry
Where do all the "normal" people shop in Moscow? The only places that I've found are glitzy marble malls with Western brands and inflated prices... looking for not just clothing, but (open) markets to wander around selling random day to day items, crafts, etc. Also, not necessarily with a purpose to shop but to also just immerse with local day to day living. I've been scouring the internet to find markets where local people shop, but it seems like there was a huge crackdown last year by the government and now everything's been closed. [more inside]
How do I disable the media buttons on my Dell Studio XPS 1645
How do I disable the media buttons on my Dell Studio XPS 1645 notebook? [more inside]
Help me with my networking skills--I need to get over my reluctance to ask people for help in my job hunt.
Help me with my networking skills--I need to get over my reluctance to ask people for help in my job hunt. [more inside]
Blank Faced
(OS X Lion) Why won't my 'ye olde' webcam work with FaceTime? [more inside]
Which luggage, 26 to 30", has the optimum specifications, starting with being lightweight, stable wheels and handles, up to $200 max, and is durable?
Which luggage, 26 to 30", has the optimum specifications, starting with being lightweight, stable wheels and handles, up to $200 max, and is durable? [more inside]
Babysitting 5 year olds.. what to do?
Tips for babysitting two 5 year old boys? [more inside]
Are quartz heaters just hype eaters?
Do these newfangled quartz infared "Amish" space heaters actually do anything new and better? Or is it all just hype? [more inside]
How can Consumer reports keep companies from quoting their ratings?
How can Consumer reports keep companies from quoting their ratings? [more inside]
Is running + yoga + swimming enough?
I want to lose weight and improve my running speed. Is running + yoga + swimming enough? [more inside]
On-the-job skills that translate to freelance career
Next up in my continuing series of "what career" questions...As I face transitioning from my independent, location-free, freelance career into a "real" job, one of the things that keeps me from curling up in a ball and crying as often as I might is the thought that maybe I can learn some new, in-demand, valuable things in whatever I do and someday return to freelancing/contracting/owning my own business with more to offer and better prospects of making a living. Does anyone have some thoughts or resources to suggest for choosing a career that might give me skills or knowledge that would be in-demand and saleable in the self-employed world? [more inside]
Not as good as you think
Lots of people, even high school guidance counselors, think certain educational paths offer great, solid job prospects, but they actually don't at all. The general public is mostly unaware of that. What are these educational paths and jobs? [more inside]
. Little Granny
My grandmother is dying. She is on life support and will be taken off on Monday night. Should I take my 13 yo in to see her? [more inside]
How do we bulk shop, and where?
Bulk shopping: Amazon or Costco and other questions too... [more inside]
Memphis, Where the Old Time Jam at?
Yes, I'm burning my question on this: Hi Memphis, TN, is there any old-time music jams happening Friday through Tuesday nights? Preferably Sunday/Monday nights? [more inside]
I have a .es domain with Godaddy that I'd like to transfer to Dreamhost, which now supports .es domains. If you have done this, can you tell me how you did it?
I have a .es domain with Godaddy that I'd like to transfer to Dreamhost, which now supports .es domains. If you have done this, can you tell me how you did it? [more inside]
Pimp my ELISA plate
Calling all protein scientists! When coating an ELISA plate with a target protein, how does the coating buffer pH specifically effect the coating efficiency? [more inside]
Google Voice 301: Complicated office voice mail transfers
Can I use Google Voice as follows: right now, person calls in to main office number and gets a recording (for X press 1, for Y press 2, for A press 3, and for B press 4) and upon choosing an extension that phone rings and if not answered goes into that extension's VM box. Can I forward this somehow so that each extension rings to a different Voice number? [more inside]
How do I deal with abuse my girlfriend is going through?
Girl I am dating just admitted to me that her family was abusive and her older brother is still abusive towards her. [more inside]
Did they forget to do the laundry?
Missed the game itself, but noticed that in yesterdays outing the Lakers were wearing their home gold and the Heat were wearing black with the game in Miami. Why?
When did library stacks open?
My university has a relatively large number of libraries. The oldest ones were obviously designed to have closed stacks. In other words, a patron would submit a request for a particular book to the staff who would, in turn, retrieve it from the stacks and deliver it to the patron. The newest library with that design opened circa the 1930s. Then, at some point, library architecture philosophy changed and campus libraries built in the 1970s and later were obviously designed to have open stacks. The older libraries have been converted to open use.
Library science and architecture types, I ask you: When did this change, which appears on my experience to be a nearly universal characteristic of library design, occur? And why?
Spotlight on my ignorance!
Can you explain to me how the lighting works for your average touring rock club show? Two specific examples for you to consider inside. [more inside]
Two career paths diverged in a company, and I -
I’m seeking new opportunities at my company, and two very different departments have expressed interest. Neither department knows I’m talking to the other. Need some advice on navigating this… [more inside]
Sump pump recommendation needed
Need a recommendation for a sump pump - preferably one with a battery backup. [more inside]
Will fit statistical models for food (and additional money for rent and whatnot)
I've been focusing on getting a tenure-track academic position for a long time, but I feel like it's foolish not to be looking elsewhere for work, too. What jobs might I be a (reasonably) good applicant for? (relevant personal details below the fold) [more inside]
Banjos and beards and rivers, oh my!
I'd like to attend Wakarusa with a press pass. Hope me not look a fool when applying, will you? [more inside]
Health insurance for vagabonds?
Health insurance for vagabonds? (How can I purchase health insurance when I'm in between fixed addresses/states?) [more inside]
Whatever happened to bulletin boards?
What is the most effective way to create an email list (for use by diverse senders with different email domains) and an easily accessed blog for postings by multiple users? [more inside]
Who is Weinberg?
Book-filter: Used to have a list of quotes by someone named "Weinberg". Predates Gerald Weinberg but many of he quotes were computer-related and from the '60s! Who is Weinberg? [more inside]
Teaching challenges for computer classes
I've been asked to teach some basic computer skills classes to people who are unfamiliar with computers. I have the content laid out relatively clearly, but I don't know how best to do whole group instruction in this context. In particular, I am looking for advice on how to avoid having students do something unexpected (like accidentally clicking the mouse and deactivating a selection) that would require me to walk over to the individual student's computer and troubleshoot with him or her while the rest of the class is waiting. [more inside]
Tenses without English equivalents?
Tenses without English equivalents? [more inside]
proxy authorization with oauth
When implementing OAuth2, is it possible to pass authorization to a second client, similar to proxy authentication in CAS? [more inside]
How best to run for my life.
I am participating in Run for Your Lives (previously) in Atlanta in March. Can anyone who has participated in one of these events tell me what to expect? [more inside]
Talk to me about project management training in Boston.
Does anyone have experience with UMass's Practical Project Management course? Did you take it online or F2F, and how successful was it in teaching you PM skills? Do you have any other suggestions for obtaining PM skills in the greater Boston area? [more inside]
Storytelling for fun and profit
Freelance Audio book narration: has anybody here had success doing it? Looking for tips, experiences, and best practices. [more inside]
Image Merge With Layout Control
I'm trying to determine if there is an easier way than using Excel/Word to do a layout image merge from a database. Windows 7 standard Office Suite or freeware preferred. [more inside]
Smarter than dumb, but dumber than smart
Is there a feature phone with a good email interface? [more inside]
Cheap glasses in Chicago?
Cheap eyeglasses in person in Chicago? [more inside]
Protector of the Pleasure Principle
Some questions about how to recreate a funky Parliament sound with either modern day instruments or .vsts or something. [more inside]
Less Unethical Earphones
Where can I find earphones not made in China? Recommendations please. [more inside]
So I ordered it, paid for it, it's been shipped, but now I realize that it's not exactly what I wanted. What next?
I just bought a 32 GB Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, despite the fact that I was trying to buy a 32 GB Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 with 3G. What now? Return it and get what I wanted, or root my phone, save some cash, and move on? [more inside]
So no one told you life was gonna be this way...
Please recommend mindlessly relaxing American sitcoms to me along the lines of How I Met Your Mother, Community, New Girl, Happy Endings etc. I'm currently under massive amounts of stress and these are the only things that help me relax. [more inside]
Name that plant
Why Bambi should've used birth control: a dimly remembered cautionary tale.
I can recall a text-book case of introducing a species (deer) into a new environment, where a lack of natural predators caused a population boom, followed by local extinction. I remember most of the details but I can't find the actual cite. Please help! [more inside]
January 19
Persnickety Travel Planning
Birthday trip + picky girlfriend = need for all the advice metafilter can offer! I plan to take my girlfriend on vacation for her birthday, but am having trouble finding the perfect place that meets her characteristics for the perfect vacation. Persnickety details below... [more inside]
Where can my wife read heartwarming news stories on a regular basis?
Every other night or so, my wife pokes around the internet for heartwarming news stories. But she doesn't have any reliable source for this process (she's taken to reading the Daily Mail (!) in hopes of finding her glurge fix; but of course the stories are as likely to rend her heart as warm it). She needs a reliable place on the internet to go for her heartwarmth. Please hope her! [more inside]
How to get this train(ing) on(the)line?
A friend of mine has a training program that is normally delivered to groups in person. They would now like to make the program available to individuals as an online self-study program. What's the best way to do this? [more inside]
Help me make sense of the facebook
I'm in charge of inviting people to Facebook events for a small nonprofit. We've started tracking the number of people that say they are going and maybe going on Facebook vs. the number of people who actually show up to the event. It looks like of the people that say they are going or maybe going to an event about 50% actually show up.
Is this a normal show up rate? Has anyone done statistical study on this kind of data? [more inside]
Unlocked ATA boxes driving me crazy
Internet Telephony using unlocked ATA boxes ---- it's 2012 , is this even doable yet? [more inside]
Office politics for dummies
How do I position myself for an internal job change when no job has been posted? [more inside]
Regrets, I've had a few...
Does anyone remember a blog post (possibly on a personal finance blog) about what people of a certain age wish they had known at a previous age? [more inside]
Anyone remember short interstital cartoons from the early 80's?
I remember watching a short cartoon (which was probably an interstitial cartoon between shows). I want to say it appeared on the Showtime network.
It had a red 'squiggle'.. basically an upside down 'V' as legs as the protagonist.
I believe part of it was in a castle.
It's been ~30 years since I've seen this (and I was a little tyke at the time) but I remember enjoying it greatly.
I don't remember the plot, but I get the general impression that it was not of US origin... And if I had to guess, I'd say European/French was probably it's provenance. (Although I can't say for certain whether that's just me misremembering bits of it)
Second Mortgage or HELOC?
For a short-term (3-5 years), which is better: a HELOC or a second mortgage? [more inside]
chop off the hand to save the arm?
Relationship advice: Boyfriend will be relocated soon. Should I break it off before I become too attached? [more inside]
I build all the things!
Cool Science Construction Projects! After I've built my Dobsonian telescope, machined my Gingery workshop, and constructed my Farnsworth fusion reactor, what do I do next? [more inside]
Is it really possible to change careers later in life?
Is it really possible to change careers later in life? Can some older and wiser folks give me some perspective and much needed reassurance? [more inside]
Help with Cloud Storage Solution
I would like to be able to access files on my mapped network drive remotely on my ipad. In particular, I would like to access entire folders of files that change somewhat on a weekly basis in places where I may not be able to get internet access or do not want to wait for a download. There does not seem to be a product that offers these features. Suggestions? [more inside]
Path to Adulthood
What are important things that every adult should have? What are important things that adults should be able to do? In other words: what should I do, what do I need to have, and what life skills should I learn in order to become more of an adult? [more inside]
Should I go see KRS-One?
KRS-One is touring. I've never heard his stuff, but I'm aware of his reputation. In 2012, is he still worth checking out live? Or is he a hollow shell of his former self, and I should stick to his studio releases from yesteryear?
This week, on Tiny House!
The world's tiniest 2-bedroom with three people and a dog. I shouldn't, right? [more inside]
How to create an album on a Facebook fan page?
I just created a fan page for my photography. Naturally I'd like to add some photos but I can't seem to figure out how. If I click on photos, there's an album for the profile picture, but I can only change that photo; not add to it. There's no option to create a new album. Am I missing something? [more inside]
Suitable monologue for witty art student character?
Auditioning for an indie film! I'm a total newbie who had the silly idea of giving it a shot. There's no specific request for a monologue, but since it's my first time auditioning, I thought I better prepare something or have something to practice with, at least. Please help me find a suitable monologue for the character I'm auditioning for. [more inside]
What bag is the best one for me?
What is the most ergonomic way to carry around a bunch of stuff for work? I'd like to avoid using a wheeled cart if possible! [more inside]
Graduate School or Possible Promotion?
Graduate school versus possible promotion? [more inside]
Black with Brown
Everyone says don't wear brown shoes with black pants, but could it ever work? [more inside]
How does reporting to child welfare authorities work in Ontario?
Question about reporting a family to child protection services in Ontario. [more inside]
comedy radio show reccs
Just discovered Sarah Haskins' 'Target Women' and I love it. The comedic style reminds me of Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. Are there any radio shows that have similar humor to her videos/TDS? [more inside]
Who was that 1980s stand-up comic?
Who was that 1980s stand-up comic? [more inside]
Testing and Adjusting Water for Bread Baking
A would-be bread baker in northern Westchester county complains about lousy results, and says he suspects the local water.
So: he's wondering how to test (and, if necessary, adjust) PH and mineral content. Any suggestions of ways to get started without paying big bucks to labs? [more inside]
Is the a third option?
How can I reconcile a vote for Obama given his human rights mis-steps? [more inside]
don't wanna be that creepy guy...
Stumbled across a potential relationship on the interwebz but due to snowflake details it might be a bit creepy. [more inside]
Needed: Video editing program that will allow me to do simple moving pan / zoom.
Needed: Video editing program that will allow me to do simple moving pan / zoom. [more inside]
What kind of dog am I?
Dog detectives, use your discerning eye to help us identify our mystery mutt's breed. [more inside]
Can you recommend a protective cream that's good for my skin type?
It's been colder than usual here lately (below freezing) and my face is quite red, probably from exposure. I'd like to find a cream I can put on before I go out to protect my face. I have very pale, somewhat sensitive skin that breaks out easily, and is not normally dry. I usually wash my face with Dr. Bronner's once a day and I don't wear makeup. Can you recommend a protective cream that's good for my skin type?
Freight Transport and Logistics Lectures
Recommendations for interesting/inspiring lectures on the topic of freight transport, and logistics? [more inside]
Jobs!
Name this Bill Plympton cartoon! [more inside]
Bringing a baby to a wake?
Is it appropriate to bring my 3-month old to a wake? [more inside]
Animated clip of Plato's Cave?
Trying to find a recent film that featured a few-minute-long animated version of Plato's Allegory of the Cave. [more inside]
Looking for a large (48-64 oz) stainless mug/cup, pref double-wall
Looking for a large (48-64 oz) stainless steel mug/cup, preferably double-walled. I'd like something that's stainless on the inside, not plastic. Most stainless cups/mugs are about 16 oz or so (way too small), and many are stainless outside but plastic inside. Thanks for suggestions.
Need to find software to make amazing art
I need to find some "visual DJ software" - complicated, tho, see below [more inside]
Open phone cover for a Galaxy s2 Herculese T989
My ebay-jitsu is failing me. I am looking for 2 separate covers for a Samsung Galaxy S2 (Hercules T989). Can you find this one and this one on ebay or Amazon? These are covers with the bottom part open.
Quit my job and join Americorps?
I'm thinking of quitting my job to join Americorps, a program where you volunteer for a non-profit for a year and get paid a small living stipend. Am I completely out of my mind? Here's my background. I graduated from a small liberal arts college with a degree in a social science about 6 years ago and took an office job just to be able to pay my student loans and get health insurance. [more inside]
Please help me identify a vintage perfume.
Please help me identify a vintage perfume. [more inside]
How do I find a landline on short notice?
Where might I go to gain the use of a landline for an hour or so during normal business hours? [more inside]
Help me make the best, most interesting, hummus ever!
Give me your best hummus recipes and flavorings ever, for my hummus challenge! [more inside]
No previously riced out cars please. I'm not going to buy your lowered Honda with "after market" exhaust
Best cheap used car to buy in Southern California for under 3500? [more inside]
Please help me remember a cartoon
This has been bugging me forever. Please help me remember an eighties era cartoon. [more inside]
Self-hosted Tumblr?
Is there a CMS that works much like Tumblr that I can install on my own server space? [more inside]
Name That Eunuch
Seeking a name for a comedy castrato character in a Hogarthian project. [more inside]
Accessories with this dress?
Turn your head and cough, maggot!
Attention all military personnel! I'm enlisting in the Marine Corps and will likely be sent to the local MEPS in the next month or so. What should I expect? [more inside]
Keeping it on the d/l..for the time being
I'm super private about my dating life. I'm also about to throw out my one dating rule about not dating within the circle (of friends). I rather keep things to ourselves for awhile and not announce to everyone we're seeing each other. How do I have this conversation with my date? [more inside]
Why can't we just all get along?
How do I navigate this potentially dramatic work/friends situation? Snowflakes and a long backstory ahead. [more inside]
another career help question
I really, really dislike my job. I love analyzing, planning, following through every detail, figuring out a puzzle, and making the best possible recommendations. I've been told that I am amazing as an advisor to help others improve, whether it's their businesses (products, services, existing processes), their future (career advice, resume/interview help, personal crisis, financial planning/problems), or themselves (personal issues, conflicts with other, relationships, outlook on life).
What industries, career paths, or companies can I go into that is a better fit for me? [more inside]
Low and slow is not just for sex
Need to buy a slowcooker crockpot. What brands and models? [more inside]
Short but awesome kids' shows
What are the best kids' shows for ages 6-12? [more inside]
don't say craigslist
i am looking for an apartment and don't want to use craigslist. can you recommend anything but craigslist? [more inside]
Help me connect my speakers!
I just bought two Yamaha MSP3 speakers......no cables were provided! Help me connect them. [more inside]
I am boring, make my hair interesting.
Help me get a hipster/punk/androgynous/whateveryouwanttocallit hair cut in New York, please! [more inside]
Enrich my life!
what "life adventures" are easier to achieve than people would think? What are the practical steps one must follow to experience "awesome stuff"? [more inside]
What can I cook with this sherry?
Does anyone have good recipes for using up a partial bottle of sherry? [more inside]
midi synth
Can I use something besides the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth to play midi files in Windows? [more inside]
Tax Me
Where can I find taxonomies of the everything? [more inside]
Snowblower, go die.
It's supposed to snow tonight, last time it snowed in the middle of the night I got woken up at 5:30AM by a large industrial snowblower from the luxury condos across the street. [more inside]
DC area scanner for slides?
Where in the DC-VA area could we scan a large quantity of slides? [more inside]
You know what a panda has for lunch? They have bamboo. Pretty, pretty panda.
Help my unlucky bamboo: weird yellow leaf on an otherwise healthy plant [more inside]
Partying Like It's 1995
What are the best sports bars and other places to watch the Giants vs. 49ers game in the city? I've recently moved back to California and into San Francisco after eight years living in the Midwest & East Coast, and want to watch the game with other fans. [more inside]
What are the iconic maps/cartography to come from the RPG/fantasy/MMO genre?
RPG/Fantasy/MMO maps and cartography: There's quite a bit out there, but who is making/has made the best, most beautiful, or most significant fantasy maps? And which maps are iconic within the genre? [more qualifications inside] [more inside]
How does anyone afford dental work?
I need $10,000-$15,000 of dental procedures and I don't have that kind of money. [more inside]
Where did this TV/movie trope originate: the one where someone can no longer play a musical instrument because of a painful past incident....
Where did this TV/movie trope originate: the one where someone can no longer play a musical instrument because of a painful past incident.... [more inside]
Which is the least bad for muscle growth: to drink alcohol before or after exercise?
Which is the least bad for muscle growth: to drink alcohol before or after exercise? [more inside]
"Need to scan them documents!"
Hivemind: Do you know any respectable/trust-worthy company in North America specialized in document digitizing? Details inside. [more inside]
Calling the US from Europe with Google: free for everyone?
If I use Google Voice from Europe to call someone in the US, does the other person get charged for a long-distance call? Or does the number appear as a US number?
What's your view of Los Angeles?
Where, exactly, on Mulholland Drive is the best place to take one of those iconic nighttime shots of Los Angeles and the valley all lit up? [more inside]
Which way to Santa Fe?
DrivingFilter - I will be going on a short road trip from Salt Lake City to Santa Fe via Moab. Which highways road will be the safest and most scenic. [more inside]
Free and easy (not unlike myself ...)
Which free video editor will let me create a music video most easily? [more inside]
What awesome restaurant should we not miss in LA?
LA Filter: A friend is coming in to town to visit and we are planning on going to The Getty on a Saturday afternoon. It will be near my birthday and her first trip to LA... Where should we go for dinner?
Please tell me I haven't deleted it.
I'm setting up new identities on a MacBook for work, and I accidentally put Microsoft Word in the trash. I pulled it back out and into the Office file, but now it's not working. My colleagues need this computer to travel this afternoon! Hope me? [more inside]
How do I get hot chocolate out of snow boots?
I dropped hot chocolate down my winter boots. How can I clean them? [more inside]
Is it possible to resolve a connection issue between our chat server and mobile devices?
We're having issues between our online chat service and clients using mobile devices. I would like some advice/opinions from some tech savvy folks on if there is a possible solution. [more inside]
Or Maybe My Family Is Just Very Strange?
Is 'geewopperjod' a made-up word? [more inside]
Help me find a trade
What sort of training program is free and will have me gainfully employed by this summer? [more inside]
Polling Mefi for a Facebook Poll App
What is the best way for a local business to post a promotional poll/survey on their Facebook profile page? [more inside]
Looking for low-cost printing
I'm looking for low-cost options for short-run printing. [more inside]
Grease is the word
So I've landed myself in a bit of a predicament. Last year my wife had to undergo chemotherapy and was worried about the loss of her hair, so we went out and bought her a wig. I jokingly said that if she didn't need to use it I wear it to a fancy dress party. Thankfully, she didn't need to use it but that has left me having to follow through with the promise.
We've now been invited to a fancy dress party and my wife has decided we're going to go as Danny & Sandy from Grease, but with her being Danny and me being Sandy.
Looking for ideas of how I get a Sandy 'like' outfit.
Wildfirefighter?
How do you go about getting a job fighting wildfires and what does it entail? [more inside]
How to get Blogger links to work?
How to get Blogger/Blogspot links to work? [more inside]
Why instinctually cover my ears instead of turn away?
I've noticed something curious about how I react to unexpected stressful or scary situations . . . my instinctual reaction is always to cover my ears. This is even if something isn't loud and is going to be more visually distressing, like once when I saw a baby launched out of a car seat that was placed precariously in the front section of a grocery store cart. Why do you think I do this? I also find it comforting to fall asleep to a white noise machine, cancel out noises while on an airplane, etc. etc. so I wonder if this is related. No childhood traumas or anything like that, in case relevant.
What's the dry weight of my skeleton?
Help me calculate: if my dead body were placed in an ossuary, how much would my skeleton weigh when pretty much fully dessicated? [more inside]
Spending My Time Wisely
I have decided to take a year off from school in order to improve my health (in all aspects). The problem is that I have realized that I have already wasted so much time despite the fact that this new year has just begun. So, my question is: what are some activities that I can do in order to make use of my time despite certain factors? Note: snowflake details inside. [more inside]
PhD For Management Experience
How Can I Spin My PhD As Management Experience? [more inside]
what was the name of is short, experimental animation?
What was this short sex film? [more inside]
Rare, interesting, awesome dance tracks needed!
Accidental DJ is on deck - I need alternative/underground/indie/queer dance hits of the last decade, any genre. Help me minimize looking a fool! [more inside]
Should I say something? What?
I don't like how my ex talks to me and I want to say something. Weird/crazy/what should I say? [more inside]
How to deal with a family member who doesn't accept gifts gracefully?
How to deal with a family member who doesn't accept gifts gracefully? [more inside]
LibreOffice Impress question
Super n00b question for LibreOffice Impress. [more inside]
Eliminating my dream job based on vision concerns?
I'm worried about pursuing my dream job as a graphic novelist because of worsening vision. Can any severely nearsighted artists or others in vision-intensive careers speak to this? [more inside]
Help me reverse-engineer some bitstrings
Hackers of MeFi, assemble! I have an undocumented serial protocol I want to reverse engineer - help me turn some mysterious bit strings into meaningful data. [more inside]
Help me find more information about Orange Bowl Pizza before things get scary...
My mom hasen't been able to stop thinking about some place called Orange Bowl Pizza since she graduated high school in the 70's. Anyone have any information about them? [more inside]
What to show on ambient office displays?
There are several large displays scattered around my office, each mounted near the ceiling with an attached computer. The idea is for people to put up cool stuff that will be visible to the whole office. Any suggestions? [more inside]
January 18
No more film?
Okay, so Kodak is bankrupt. What does this mean for my beloved Portra and HC-110? [more inside]
well these subtitles don't do a damn thing!
I kindly seek free online video content in Spanish with Spanish subtitles. [more inside]
What is some music similar to the Bastion soundtrack?
I've been filling some of my idle time by playing Bastion (previously), and have fallen in love with the soundtrack. I'm pretty sure I remember some thematically similar stuff in Firefly, as well, for what that's worth. The Bastion team have categorized it as "acoustic frontier trip-hop," but since that's a genre that they pretty much just made up, I was hoping that my fellow AskMe folks could point me at other similar music. Special snowflake details after the break. [more inside]
An Online Writer's Community
Can you recommend a good online literary short fiction writers' community? [more inside]
What song has the lyrics "Seek your way and go"?
Another "What's that car commercial song?" question...
We've been seeing a VW Passat car commercial lately (Seattle, Wa) and according to Closed Captioning, one of the lines in the mellow background song is "Seek your way and go"... [more inside]
Need B&B in VA for BF BDAY HALP
Help me find a place within 4-5 hours driving distance from DC that I could book a swank-esque hotel/non elderly B&B room* and sweep my boyfriend off his feet for a combined Valentines/birthday funtimesfantastic weekend. *(under $400 for 2 nights) [more inside]
USB heating component supplier?
Buying USB warming components online ? [more inside]
How do I ask for more money
How, when, and with whom do I negotiate my salary if I get a job offer? [more inside]
Free trip to Seattle for on-site interview: what's there to do in downtown Seattle?
Free trip to Seattle for on-site interview: what's there to do in downtown Seattle? [more inside]
Bribing myself to not skip class with turntables!
This semester I decided that I didn't want to skip class and that I would reward myself if I went to every lecture. Well, yesterday I had the idea of getting a turntable. I know right? Sounds sweet. [more inside]
A punny card design, please?
Attention pun lovers! Plant related v-day punchline needed! [more inside]
Which is the best e-mail campaign service?
Which is better: MailChimp, Constant Contact, or [some other option]? [more inside]
iPad Disappears from Find my iPhone app
Recovering a lost iPad. This afternoon I suffered the grave misfortune of leaving my relatively new iPad 2 in a seatback pocket on an airplane. When I realized what I had done upon arriving in my hotel room, I immediately called the airline and submitted a report. I also attempted to locate the iPad using the Find My iPhone app. Although the app quickly located my other devices, it could not locate the iPad, presumably because the plane was winging its way to another destination. I ordered a remote lock and a message to be sent to the device as soon as it connects, and I went about changing the passwords for services I had used from the device. I have periodically checked the device over the last few hours to see if it shows up, but a few minutes ago, the iPad disappeared entirely from the list of my devices in the app. What would cause it to disappear? I assume this means I am screwed?
Help me have a socially and physically active time in Singapore
Working in Singapore for 3 weeks in February. Staying at the Regent hotel near Orchard Road. Where to go to find a coffee shop to relax and read a book? Where to eat a casual dinner without feeling awkward about being alone? Where to find a yoga class? A rock climbing gym? Where to have a cocktail? Also, a hostel or cheap but not sketchy hotel/bed and breakfast recommendation for one night? [more inside]
I used to know what teamwork was, but then I took an application to a recruiter...
So what exactly is this mystical power of 'Teamwork'? [more inside]
Is my ham going to be too salty to eat?
I'm brining some pork for ham, but I'm beginning to have some doubts about how long I should be brining them. Should I let them sit for the full time, or should I take them out now, if it's not already too late? [more inside]
SOPA rationale
Why do non-media companies support SOPA? [more inside]
Decent job or dream job
Should I take a decent job that's a sure thing, or hold out for the dream job? [more inside]
benefits of melatonin?
What are the supposed benefits of taking melatonin? Do you take it? How much? Does it work for you? I'm looking for accounts of your experience and recommendations for taking/not taking it. Thanks.
How to sketch in the snow..?
I'm going to be sketching all day in Toronto tomorrow-- and it looks like it's going to be snowing the whole time. How can I keep my papers and notebooks in relatively good condition? [more inside]
My dog just bit my mom :(
My dog has now bit my mom and my grandfather. I'm overwhelmed and I don't know what to do. [more inside]
What is the inverse of schadenfreude?
What is the word (not necessarily in English) for feeling acute embarrassment for another person? And in a particular kind of situation... [more inside]
Where does this myth/rumor/fact come from?
Are stylists telling the truth when they say that professional haircolor after drugstore haircolor will literally destroy your hair? [more inside]
Sad parents relief
What worked for you when you wanted to keep your control in sad situations? [more inside]
Looking for a legal/technical term, I think...
Brain block: what's the term (if any) for creating a problem, then selling someone the solution to that problem? I swear there's a name for this kind of fraud/scheme but it just won't come to me. [more inside]
Syncing calendars and contacts for the married.
Help my wife and I wrangle our address book full of contacts, phone numbers, and calendars across our two iPhones, two individual Gmails, and a few shared GMail email addresses with Google calendar's each. Plus, we use a shared OSX account. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Please help me figure out where and how to promote my graphic "art" now that I have a portfolio site.
Please help me figure out where and how to promote my graphic "art" now that I have a portfolio site. [more inside]
Does a AA battery dressed as a C battery work the same as a real C battery?
How do rechargeable AA batteries in C-battery sized spacers (like these) compare to standard C batteries? [more inside]
Best way to set up RSS for a party-paywalled radio show?
I have a question about how best to use RSS feeds for a subscribers-only, paywalled podcast. [more inside]
Looking For Performance Space in Los Angeles
Looking for 150-250 seat venue in Los Angeles [more inside]
What was this song called?
Name this 80s pop-country song! [more inside]
Word 2004 to Word 2011
Switching from Word for Mac 2004 to Word for Mac 2011. Formatting and compatibility issues. Really truly clueless. Help? [more inside]
need a primer on forward funding
Can someone give me a quick primer on the MBTA debt crisis? [more inside]
To be filed with FEDERAL return
I'm filing my US federal and state tax returns by mail this year. I realized after stamping and sealing one of the envelopes that I mixed up the W-2s, so that the Federal copy (Copy B) is on the state return and vice-versa. Are the names just a formality, or do the Feds really, really need Copy B?
How do I print a Quicktime movie?
Here's one for the hive mind: I need to print out all of the frames of a Quicktime movie file (on a Mac), each one on a separate piece of paper. I'm not remembering an obvious way to do this, and my Google-fu is coming up empty. Any ideas?
How do I read signals from someone who doesn't seem to have any?
I'm involved in a new relationship with a guy that I like. He's what I would describe as very self-contained. Quiet, comes off as pretty shy, and requires a bit of effort to get to know. Things have recently started to get physical, but I'm finding myself frustrated because I have no idea how to read this guy's signals and moving things forward is up to me. What does complete silence mean? [more inside]
Lowell to Springfield, MA, traffic?
Massachusetts Travel and Traffic: From Lowell to Springfield in the afternoon/evening. When and where could I potentially hit traffic? [more inside]
How do I stop sipping?
When I get nervous in social situations, I feel the need to have something to sip on. If it's an alcoholic beverage, I can get over-inebriated. If it's non-alcoholic, I have to make constant trips to the bathroom. I need to break this habit or make it manageable. [more inside]
Uploading to YouTube before I grow old and die
iMovie HD. I am having to upload a lot of 4-5 minute videos to YouTube for a project I'm doing. I need the finished product to be in good resolution once uploaded. If I export them to "full quality," they take almost 6 hours to upload and sometimes fail to process at the end, which is maddening. If I export them to "CD-ROM" quality, they upload a lot faster but the resolution is too poor. Is there a sweet spot in the "Expert Settings" I could use so that they upload in just a couple of hours and still look reasonably clear? Obviously I know next to nothing, so please speak slowly.
Easy-to-grow, attractive seedlings for wedding favors
I'm getting married in early September. Huzzah! My fiancé and I were originally planning on skipping favors, but we're now considering doing a combined favor/place card—seedlings, based heavily on this. To keep the cost down, we'd like to grow the plants from seeds ourselves, but we're not sure what plants would be best for this kind of project, and we obviously need to limit the chances for failure here. Help us get it right. [more inside]
Creating my own crime map
I want to create a "crime map" of a city over time. I know the dates of the crimes, and I know the physical address. I'd like for the crime map to be something that I could show a crowd in a presentation such that the audience members could witness for themselves how a particular part of the city changed as time went on. I was thinking of Gapminder as the ideal, but spatially and dynamic instead of simply numbers. I suppose it'd be possible to get something up and going with GIS, but I was wanting to do it in a way that was idiot-proof as this is only valuable to me if I can do it easily without a ton of time learning some new program.
I would like to change my answer please.
Work Filter: Please help me diplomatically word an email recinding a job offer that I accepted. [more inside]
Book ideas for my young nieces and nephews.
What are the best books for young kids? I have two nephews and a niece (two 1 year olds and a 5 1/2 year old), and I've resolved to get them books for their birthdays and other gifting holidays. I realize that makes me the lame aunt, but I think it's important to surround them with as many books as they can get their hands on! [more inside]
How to go from art to sciences?
How do I go about changing my life/major/degree in a foreign country? (Bonus: I'm not fluent in the language spoken in this country) [more inside]
Help counting products to ship?
Where can I find something to help me count products I'm shipping? [more inside]
Excel woes - automatic sums including dates?
In Excel, is there an easy way to make the sum of a column automatically ignore cells that contain date information? Also, is there a way to freeze both the top row and first column so they are always visible? [more inside]
Basic Javascript Syntax Question
Can you (of all people) help me figure out a javascript syntax issue I'm having? [more inside]
How can I get Chapters to hire me?
What's the most effective way to apply for jobs at larger chain stores that have online application services? [more inside]
I don't want to play.
Why would someone use my email address for this? [more inside]
New Job/Quitting Etiquette. Also, I'm Kinda Crazy.
I've been working a shitty shitastic part-time job (somewhat in my field) for the past four months, and today I've received a job offer for an awesome full-time position in entertainment! I'm super excited. Here's the thing: I'm bipolar/ADHD, and I'm not sure how to handle the new job or the job-quitting. [more inside]
What's the current best bargain aggregation site on the net?
What's the current best bargain aggregation site on the net, especially for geeky/gadgety stuff? I used to be a big fan of Ben's Bargains, but that seems to have gone downhill, and, while Woot and Groupon and such are fun, they don't include deals from other places. Where should I go for serious shopping (and impulse buys)?
Look Mom, Big Ben... Parliament...
Help me plan my mom's first trip to the UK/Ireland. [more inside]
Non-streaming Chinese TV online?
Where can I watch non-streaming Chinese TV online? [more inside]
What are the best ways you've found to make yourself fall asleep?
I am looking for useful tips or tricks to get myself to fall asleep. I figured going to the hive mind would be best for this. [more inside]
That time of the semester...
It's time to register for classes again. It is a pain trying to fill in all the time gaps in between classes, or to get them close enough together so I don't waste hours waiting for the next class to start. Is there a calculator out there where you could give them a list of possible classes in each subject so it could formulate the best schedule for me? [more inside]
Online games for two players
What's online or email-based games can I play with a 10 year old who I don't see in person? [more inside]
Blech wine additives
When making homemade wine and specifically kits, the clearing of the wine often uses Kieselol followed by Chitosan. One of these adds a flavour to the wine that I absolutely find revolting. What could I use instead? [more inside]
I am the worst daughter
I've achieved having an emotionally calm and pleasant daily life for myself, but I'm worried that once my mother passes, I'll forget the reality of our dynamic and feel like a horrible and evil daughter. [more inside]
Debt-free's the way to be
I'm trying to get serious about paying down my student loans and car loans, but I'm not quite sure where to start. [more inside]
What do reporters mean when they say that someone "declined to speak on the record?"
Help me understand a bit of journalese. When reporters say in an article that someone "declined to speak on the record" (which is a phrase that crops up very often) is the journalist indicating that the person in question was interviewed off the record and that the journalist used these off-the-record statements to write the article?
pregnancy and gross anatomy
I need to dissect some cadavers in the next few months as a pre-requisite for school, but I may be pregnant. What are my options? [more inside]
Spit, swallow, or...
Swallowing almost made me vomit. Why, and how can I not? [NSFW] [more inside]
What is this plant of fungus?
An "American" Doctor in London?
Looking for an American-style (doesn't have to be actually American!) private family doctor in London. Any suggestions for where/how to look? [more inside]
Need moar food
What can I keep on hand to snack on, that will fill me up? And concurrently, what foods should I be eating that are most filling? [more inside]
Hiking the Grand Canyon via the North Kaibab Trail
Questions about hiking the Grand Canyon -specifically the North Kaibab Trail. Can we hike the 14 miles up in one day? [more inside]
How am I supposed to repay a scholarship based on financial need?
How do I solve this? My kid can't go on a school trip that I never paid for; now they're saying I owe the school $3,000.
One of my kids is a senior in high school and is active in a select chorus. The chorus director arranged a $3,000 trip to Europe for April break. I wasn't too excited about this trip and initially said no. Because my kids qualify for free lunch, the school said they would arrange a scholarship for her to attend, and based on peer pressure, I reluctantly agreed. [more inside]
Travelling to the UK ... bring the iPhone or leave it at home?
I'll be traveling in Scotland and England for a couple of weeks in February, mostly by bus. I'm an inveterate iPhone user, always tweeting, checking-in, posting photos and so on ... but I know that route will lead to financial madness. So what's best to do? I know I can jailbreak, unlock my iPhone, perhaps use another SIM card while traveling, but is the effort worth doing? Is it better to leave the iPhone at home in the US and grab a pay-go smartphone upon arrival in Edinburgh (and if so, how best)? Or do I bring the iPhone and use it via wifi only, hoping I don't slip and fall into a welcoming bit of 3G along the way?
Was this a legal move?
In the Wizards-Rockets game on Monday JaVale McGee did a dunk-contest-style dunk in the game. He bounced the ball off the backboard grabbed it and slam dunked it.
Is this not traveling? [more inside]
I can't even read enough Chinese to tell if it's Chinese or not.
What does this Japanese (or Chinese?) writing at the top of my dinner bill say?
Feeling like a perpetual schadenfreude victim.
Annoyed by annoying coworker...and it's eating me. Help. [more inside]
Resources for single mothers in Seattle area?
What resources are available to a pregnant woman with a 1 year old and an autistic 3 year old in the Seattle (eastside) area? [more inside]
Business trips when you have a toddler at home
How do you make business travel as painless as possible when you have a toddler at home? [more inside]
Vegetarian Restaurants in Downtown Dallas, TX
I'm headed to Dallas, TX, this weekend. I'm vegetarian. Where should I eat? I will be in the downtown area with no car. [more inside]
Explain to me why I'm right (or wrong)
Nutrition Filter: A&W Teen burger vs. Subway Club. Similar-ish nutritional information but the Subway Club is a better choice in terms of health.... right? [more inside]
You are sueing me for what? And who are you to begin with?!
[Germany] I got a letter from court that a Pay TV provider sues me for not paying for their services; a 6 months bill worth over 400 €. Problem: I've never had anything to do with this - or any other - Pay TV provider in my entire life. [more inside]
Need recommendations a custom (?) online video/image portal
I work for an advertising company that sells very high profile ad locations. One of the ways we demonstrate value to our advertisers is collecting and showing them examples of their ads appearing incidentally in TV, film, newspapers, etc. I would like to create an online portal for displaying a rolling chronological archive of these video clips and still images. [more inside]
Online examples of excellent company presentations?
Please show me examples of fantastic corporate presenters and presentations that can be watched online. [more inside]
Chicago buildings for running stairs?
What are the best / tallest buildings in downtown Chicago to sneak into and run stairs? [more inside]
sperm:widgets
A few years ago I attended a talk on women's wellness in which the speaker referred to the idea that in our male-dominated society, work quality/style is considered superior when the work is cranked out regularly (in the way that men produce sperm all day long), whereas a feminine perspective would be more cyclical (as in the menstrual cycle), with production of work involving periods of contemplation/incubation and rest and less volume of production. Does anyone know the origin or source for this concept? I don't think it was the speaker's original idea. [more inside]
How do I move this database online?
What's the easiest, most secure way to move this SQL database and its browser-based front end online? [more inside]
impossible math problem
Hauptbahnhof or flughafen?
I'll be spending a Saturday night in Stuttgart, Germany in February. Can you please help me decide where to stay? [more inside]
Help me identify the clichéd sound effect used to label locations in certain films and tv shows.
Is there a real world referent for that bleeping typing noise used in some films as a text (usually a location note) appears on the screen? It's a similar thing to that chunka-chunka typing sound used in the X-Files when the location of a new scene would be announced, but it's like a very rapid, high-pitched "beedeebeedeebeedeebeep" sound played while the letters appear. [more inside]
i am a real person
I have a phoney attitude. Preventing me from connecting with friends. Help [more inside]
Can someone help me find a beta (online) version of the old game: Diablo 1.
Can someone help me find a beta (online) version of the old game: Diablo 1. [more inside]
Blog hosting for mom
Help me choose the best place to make a blog for my mom. [more inside]
Getting started with ads on my website
I'd like to earn money from my website, probably by putting ads on it, but I have no idea how to start... [more inside]
Closed Embassy
How can a Libyan travel to China, with the Chinese embassy in Libya closed? [more inside]
January 17
Lookup Table or Lookup Tables
Database lookup tables...one per relationship or a general lookup table? [more inside]
Can you translate this Chinese character?
Can someone please translate this character (or characters?) for me? It was written by a Chinese man; unfortunately that is all I know. Thank you!
How to help/contact a long distance friend with mental illness?
I have a dear old friend who lives on the other side of the country. He has a history of moderate paranoia/schizophrenia, and he was incarcerated for about a year as the result of an episode of illness. He's disconnected his phone, and I'm trying to figure out how to get in contact with him. [more inside]
Around the World Musical Odyssey...
So a year travelling from one music festival to another starting in May,2012. What not to miss? Exotic countries and HUGE festivals a plus. What would be the dream itinerary for 2012? [more inside]
I don't want to mute this conversation.
My cursor (or some sneaky internal laptop thing) clicks on things I don't want. It has a mind of its own. Help me control it! [more inside]
Fear of flying and medication - need creative solutions.
Help me overcome my fear of being on an airplane (not flying) using creative methods. Very specific details inside. [more inside]
Mefi, am I getting screwed over in this landlord/roommate situation?
Mefi, am I getting screwed over in this landlord situation? [more inside]
Bum switch? Or worse?
Did I get a bad box of light switches, or is something else amiss? [more inside]
Insider look at life as a city bus driver?
I am writing a fictional work in which there is a character who is a city bus driver. Can anyone shed some light on the details of this type of work that I wouldn't know from just being a bus passenger? What's it really like? Thanks.
Graduation ideas for my brother?
My brother graduates from high school this summer. I want to get him some fun gifts that will keep him entertained and might also help him navigate the post-HS waters. More about him inside. Gift ideas appreciated. [more inside]
Dirtbag climber wannabe, looking for somewhere to live!
I'd like to dirtbag (AKA, camping in an area for extended periods of time) somewhere this summer, preferably somewhere with nearby access to rock climbing. Where do I go, and how do I do it? [more inside]
Asbestos questions: renovating 1972 home
Some questions about asbestos:
We are buying a home outside of Birmingham, AL that was built in 1972. It appears that it hasn't been renovated inside since it was built, and we are planning on ripping up carpet, retiling the kitchen, removing wallpaper, and painting. [more inside]
The case of the vanishing emails
Emails containing a certain domain name are going missing. How can we fix this now and prevent it in the future? [more inside]
Will I pass a drug test?
Am I going to pass this damn drug test? [more inside]
What are your very favorite songs - songs you can listen to over and over again?
Need more music. What are your very favorite songs - songs you can listen to over and over again? [more inside]
PaperFilter
PaperFilter, 14 PT Paper in g/m2 ? [more inside]
Where can I get a cheap paint job for my motorcycle in San Diego?
Where in San Diego can I get a simple paint job for my motorcycle for a relatively cheap price? [more inside]
Coat Lust
Help me find this coat! [more inside]
Between a rock and a hard place?
New Job Filter: My references provided negative feedback, OR I'm possibly being nit-picked by new job's HR? WTF. Now what? [more inside]
general contracting experience
I really need to sit down with a General Contractor, or Architect, to get a better understanding of estimating, bids, and contracts. I'd pay for the time, since it really is consulting, and I respect their busy time. Have contacted SCORE here in NY, but no result from it yet. I know a few GCs working on a small, residential level; but it would be inappropriate for me to approach them cause we may be working together. Have tried to ask some questions here on Meta, but they are too specific. A book, or reference won't do it. I need real, current info.
Any ideas?
Books in lieu of couples counseling
I'm looking for book recommendations for couples, in lieu of couples therapy. [more inside]
What is this grassy crap in the spinach?
Has anyone else noticed that in loose-leaf packages of spinach from the store there's often a few leaves of a grass-like green in with them? What are they, and why do they go bad so fast? [more inside]
Which county is right for me?
In which county should I locate my New York state LLC? Does it matter? Details inside... (and let's get this out of the way: I know you are not my lawyer) [more inside]
Still hurting
Tips for coping with day-to-day life and a herniated disc? [more inside]
More camera headaches.
Is it possible to remotely access an Airport Extreme base station over the Internet to discover its IP address? [more inside]
How Do I Use a 3-terrabyte Drive in Windows?
What's the story with Windows and big disks? Specifically, Windows 7 and a 3tb drive.
I've read what Microsoft and others say about using large drives with Windows 7. I gather it works. However, I haven't found a how-to guide that actually spells out how to get the thing done.
In my case, it would not be the boot drive. I'd boot off an SSD and use the 3tb drive for storage. How can I do a clean install on that? I've tried and Windows doesn't see all of the 3tb drive. (The GPT format option is greyed out.)
Then, if I get Windows to recognize the 3tb drive, can I partition it into multiple logical drives? So, for example, the SSD would be C: and I'd split the big drive into D: and E: . Doable?
Terrarium
I'm thinking of building a terrarium to combine the excitement of cultivation and microcontroller/control systems hacking. What are some interesting organisms to grow in a terrarium that would justify elaborate control of lighting, humidity, and temperature?
I mixed business and friendship, and live to regret it.
I rented an apartment owned by a friend (big mistake). She hasn't maintained the apartment and now I'm unsure how I should handle the situation. [more inside]
Why is Uncle Sam doing this to me?
I have been doing my taxes for myself for a long time; late few years have done Turbo Tax on line. Very simple income, not much in the way of deductions, some 401k contributions thru my employer etc. I have never had to pay Federal Income Taxes albeit the refunds have fluctuationed over the years. [more inside]
What am I in for with Best Buy?
I purchased a couple of monitors recently from Best Buy to use with my Macbook Pro running Lion. I returned them to get larger monitors. The larger monitors kind of suck, and text looks horrible on them, despite all of the color calibration and terminal codes that Google has suggested. I want to return these as well and just go back to my old monitor, but I'm afraid returning this many monitors in this short amount of time will make me look like the crazy monitor returning man. Can anyone tell me what I'm likely in for? Anonymous because I am, for some reason, embarrassed by having to ask this question.
I can feel it....
I can feel my wife's IUD during intercourse. Is this normal? [more inside]
Why does Firefox 9 s*ck so much?
I "upgraded" (sic) to Firefox 9 and now cannot do the most basic things I am used to doing. [more inside]
How to move out of parents house?
How to move out of parents house when your attending college with no money or job? I don't have clear goal in what I want to do. [more inside]
Plan: first get teaching experience, then learn to be a better educator
career filter:I am thinking of switching biotech research job to a teaching job and would really appreciate any advice and input to my situation. [more inside]
Quality essays or investigative pieces about pyramid schemes?
Quality essays or investigative pieces about pyramid schemes? [more inside]
What have I done to my shoulder?
What the hell did I do to my shoulder? All the details (as many as I can type) inside. [more inside]
You're a kitty!
I really want a cat. I've been wanting a cat for about six years now. My life has certain complications that makes this decision somewhat difficult. Help me decide. [more inside]
Dubstep 10Wobble?
Tell me what I need to know about dubstep. [more inside]
Eww, mold/mildew in my shoes! Please help!
Ewww, my summer sandals (technically a water shoe) have visible mildew or mold in them! Help me fix this. Plus, now I'm paranoid about all my shoes and I physically can't smell. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Poop here not there
I've seen questions on this before, but I have specific details that might make my question unique. My dog (a miniature poodle) has a doggy door and until 3 or 4 months ago we let her have unsupervised access to the backyard. Unfortunately, she decided she didn't like getting her feet wet by going on the grass and started going on the patio. At which point I launched operation supervised poop. [more inside]
A is for Android
What are some good educational Android apps for a 5 year old? Particularly ones involving reading or number skills.
What's your favorite line from "The Simpsons"
My fiance and I are throwing a Simpsons-themed party not this not this Saturday but the next one. We're looking for 20-25 great lines/quotes from the show to use in the making of 20-25 custom T-shirts, each with a different quote on it.
My favorite line comes courtesy of Homer: "Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand"
Would love to hear others' favorites as well. Many thanks
The Childless Dating Those With Children
I'm currently seeing a man who has children, and this is my first experience with such a situation. It's new, so I've only just started asking the important questions, i.e., why did you divorce in the first place, how long have you been divorced, how is your relationship with your ex, are you both at peace with how it ended? etc. Everything seems to check out so far, but I know it would be foolish to think I won't encounter some unique problems if things get serious. [more inside]
[android app filter] Can you recommend an app that will let me bookmark places to visit later?
Is there an app that will tag bars and restaurants that haven't yet visited, but intent to? [more inside]
Seeking digital art printing vendors.
Looking for advice about high quality printing (for my digital art) and reliable companies that specializes in this type of printing. [more inside]
Tell me about being a UX monkey
I think I want to be a UX/UI designer. Tell me about the nitty-gritty of daily life and whether a grad program would be worthwhile. [more inside]
Should I stay or should I go now? (school)
Graduate with BS in biology or stay longer for CS (at state school)? [more inside]
Email confirmation for a car rental that I didn't book, how to handle.
I received an email confirming a rental car booking in another state that I haven't made; what actions should I be taking? [more inside]
We Can Program It For You Wholesale
Should I knuckle down and learn to use Magento, or is there a friendlier option that will do everything I need?
I am building an commerce site for a small business that needs to serve both the general public and their wholesale clientele. I've got some experience with several Wordpress-based ecommerce solutions, but am I going to find them limiting in the long run? [more inside]
Religious advice on divorce ... from my employer
I went to a counseling session at the employee assistance program at the midwestern U.S. state college that I work at, and the handout that I received is religious. I'm not, and it made me uncomfortable. How do I approach this? [more inside]
How to stop self-defeating and help them to help me?
How can I approach the task of analysing my own mental health professionals without defeating myself before I even get started? [more inside]
Am I a terrible MoH?
More Maid of Honor woes. How am I going to do this? What are normal expectations for a MoH? [more inside]
how do you make part-time fundraising work?
part-time fundraisers: how do you balance your time in your part-time position so you don't end up working more than you should? do you have another job? is it on fundraising? [more inside]
Elegant ways to paint a room using two accent colors?
What are some clean-looking and elegant ways to paint a room using two accent colors, but only painting the walls- not the ceiling or the trim? [more inside]
What sort of Tablet should I get?
I travel a fair amount, and present a lot of PowerPoints. For most everything I do, an Android tablet or iPad would easily fit the bill. Presenting and editing PowerPoints and using IE7/8 to do product demos (must be IE :( ) are the times I need a PC.
However, I am constantly in cramped coach class seats, and need a tablet form factor due to not being able to flip the lid up on my laptop.
What sort of clever tech might enable me to have a tablet form factor, and yet decent power full Windows capability, and a decent (6 hrs plus of continuous use) battery life?
Where can I find pro-SOPA arguments/videos?
I teach computer science and would like to educate my students on the SOPA controversy. I can find lots of resources online (including entertaining videos) against SOPA but haven't had any luck finding arguments in favor of SOPA (except for sarcastic/satirical ones). Any pointers?
What's the universal self-description?
Sometime in the last century, a psychologist came up with a personality description designed so that the vast majority of people who read it would agree that it fit them. Who was he, and what was the description? [more inside]
Has anyone heard of ezeringame.com?
My girlfriend recently got a charge from ezeringame.com. She has no memory of the charge, but it was only for $6 dollars, so its definitely in range of a quick purchase that she might not recall. [more inside]
A Virginia notary public in the UK?
I used to live in Virginia and now live in the UK. When I was in VA I was a state employee and paid into the Virginia Retirement System. I've recently been contacted by the VRS and it turns out I can get a refund on all my contributions. Yay! But - the form I have to fill in to authorise the refund is required to be acknowledged by a "VA notary public or other court official authorised to take acknowledgements".
Does anyone know if there's a Virginia notary public in the UK? Or can you get these things done remotely - which seems to go against the idea of a notary public...
Looking for resources about growing and managing an association's database
As of Monday I'll be new to the field of Association Management. Can you share with me your favorite resources and best practices (I hate that phrase but it's the best I can come up with) on how to grow and wrangle a membership database? [more inside]
I'm still their dad, but should they call me something else?
Need suggestions on how my kids should address me, their transgender father. "Dad" now seems kind of weird at times. [more inside]
New life for old iPod touch?
1st-gen iPod touch - still useful? It seems like a mixed bag. [more inside]
Giving a reward for a found item?
Giving a reward to a fellow employee for finding a lost item? [more inside]
What to read before Athens and Istanbul
What books, apart from travel guides, should I read before traveling to Athens and Istanbul? [more inside]
Step 1: Data; Step 2: ???; Step 3: Insight!
What's your methodology for turning a bunch of data into insights? [more inside]
Help me figure out how to address sexual issues
I am feeling guilty and confused about sexual issues I had with my ex. Please help give me ideas about how I should have handled this, and what I can learn from it (sorry, this is long and a bit convoluted). [more inside]
M&Ms stores: profitable?
How do M&Ms stores make a profit? [more inside]
Grad School and Full time Job
Going to Graduate School with a Full Time job [more inside]
Why are all my doctors overdiagnosing me with things I don't have?
I feel that my doctors are overdiagnosing me - psychiatrists, specialists, and even pcps. I feel like a lab rat or a trophy case for them - "here's one of my patients, she encompassed the entire diagnostic manual, ha ha!" What's going on? [more inside]
Have you used Hubspot?
Have you used Hubspot?
It seems to offer a lot, but it also seems like it might require deliberate care and feeding in order to take advantage of all the wonderful things it claims to be able to do for you. [more inside]
How to stop people hassling street kiosk workers
My friends' street kiosk: They are suffering bullying by drunkards and feral 14 year olds. Suggestions for how to deal? [more inside]
From where to buy Trip cancellation insurance?
I'm looking for a place to purchase trip cancellation insurance for my international air tickets [more inside]
Day of the Dead Lanscaping Needs Reviving. Where to start?
Day of the Dead---In desperate need for front landscaping makeover but want to DIY. Where do I start? [more inside]
Gym games for 13 year olds?
Fun PE Games for middle school kids? (Stuff you can play in a gym with 30 kids and fairly good ball/mat/whatever resources) [more inside]
Gaming while riding
PC game that runs on an Athlon X2 64 and plays with a Gamepad? (Bonus if you can suggest a good value gamepad too) [more inside]
Multilingual online magazine links
Know of any country-specific (Dutch, for example) websites out there that publish translated non-fiction articles of interest, and linked to or displaying the original content? [more inside]
Scott Adams and affirmations - worked for anyone else?
Just read how Scott Adams used affirmations, in his Dilbert book. Anyone here has experience with it? [more inside]
Help me bring the ocean into my home :)
I'm really enjoying winding down to O-Shen - Salt Water Anthem, and am hoping to find other chilled out, dreamy, evocative ocean-themed music for the times I can't be in the sea :) [more inside]
Pthalo Blue
I want really really dark blue hair. I have really really dark brown hair. Help? [more inside]
Should I visit Rio?
Brazil Filter: I'll be in Sao Paolo for a week in early February and would appreciate some hive-mind input on the trip. Details within. [more inside]
Après toi, pas de déluge
How can I limit bandwidth to Computer 1 when Computers 1 & 2 are connected to the internet? Port-forwarding, and BitTorrent. [more inside]
January 16
How to become a mechanic? With SA?
How does a person become a mechanic, ideally, and is this line of work compatible with social anxiety? [more inside]
Word for verbally/aurally illiterate?
What is (or is there?) a word for the speaking and listening equivalent of "illiterate", as it pertains to a particular language? [more inside]
What should I do with 4 days in Israel?
Suggestions for the four days after my Birthright Trip finishes? [more inside]
What are good history books covering Japanese militarism in the first half of the 20th century?
What are good history books covering Japanese militarism in the first half of the 20th century? [more inside]
Short showers (in height)
DIY bathroom remodel: I'm looking for small, and especially short, inexpensive, off-the-shelf shower options. Do you know where to find showers sorted by size? Do you know where to find oddly-sized home products? Do you have obscure and wonderful knowledge about shower stall options? [more inside]
A kindle/instapaper/readability/calibre question for you, gentle (electronic) reader
I'm having no luck transferring the *complete* web page of 197 responses to this question posed by edge.org (previously on the blue, I think) to my little friend, a Kindle Keyboard (aka Kindle 3).
I've tried using both Instapaper and Readability, but I think there's code in the webpage to disable a complete scraping. I'm also attempting to use calibre, and if anybody has a recipe that downloads a plain web page (probably using something called "web2disk") in calibre, I'm all ears.
Are ten-year-olds everywhere tormented with spelling tests?
Do spelling bees or tests exist in languages other than English? [more inside]
teriyaki
Please give me your best teriyaki sauce recipe. [more inside]
Recommendation for Primary Care Physician in San Francisco
I am looking for recommendations for a primary care physician in San Francisco. Some special considerations inside. [more inside]
2012's solution to storing images on the cloud
A non-tech savvy friend needs to store 25 - 50 GB of images on the cloud. What is a simple and cheap way to do it nowadays? [more inside]
How do I make my parents feel ok about me changing my surname [I'm a man]?
I have an "unfortunate" surname that I'm looking to change now that I'm getting married. My parents are not very happy that I'm getting rid of their name! How can I smooth things over with them? [more inside]
Big mountains, please.
Headed to Colorado Wednesday... looking for a couple suggestions... [more inside]
What's the name of this Nepalese dish?
What's the name of this Nepalese dish? [more inside]
Debate underway, video not working
How can I watch the ongoing presidential debate live on the internet? I've tried the link at FoxNews (via the FoxNews homepage), but it isn't working. [more inside]
Navigating Big Life Decisions while wearing depression-colored glasses
How do I handle a job offer that I really want but am really intimidated by while going through a period of depression and social anxiety? (Sorry in advance about the avalanche of special snowflakey details) [more inside]
Is .org a bad idea when .com is available, but expensive?
Is it a bad idea to build a website using an available .org domain, when the .com is for sale by an investor? [more inside]
Media is the message?
Can someone help me understand what people mean when they say - "Media is the message" or "Media is not the message". I don't get it at all? And online searching has not helped a great deal in gaining clarity either. Thanks.
And now for something completely different…
I did very well in my undergrad discipline, but want to pursue something entirely different. How best to make the move? [more inside]
Dumped out of the blue and heartbroken.
Dumped out of the blue, and left completely heartbroken. [more inside]
Calling All Office Furniture Geeks!
My entire body is screaming at me that it's time for a new desk chair, and it's got some pretty specific requirements. Can you recommend an awesome ergonomic task chair that meets my needs? [more inside]
Mike Nichols didn't prepare me for this...
I'm being pursued by a much younger man. How bad would it be to let him catch me? [more inside]
Save my rear!
Find me a pair a commuter jeans. "Snowflakiness:" I am a woman. [more inside]
Need Some Debatable Ideas about (Many) Religions
Revamping my course materials and need more discussion topics for an undergrad world religions class online. [more inside]
Impotence
[Penis filter][Gay sex filter] I'm 24 years old and I can't maintain an erection. This is probably a psychological problem, but possibly not entirely. [more inside]
What is this sudden asthma?
YANMD, but what should I do about my sudden onset allergies? At least I think it's allergies; otherwise my asthma just got really bad. [more inside]
It's not like that TV show... right?
Please tell me about hospitals in Seattle! [more inside]
Rocking out whilst glamming up
I want to both put on false eyelashes AND rock out. [more inside]
Brainstorm my Euro-Job
I'm a lawyer looking to move to Europe within the next three years. I know my ideal path, but I need help brainstorming alternate plans.
How can I best identify opportunities in Europe that require, or will allow me to leverage, my skills? [more inside]
Baseball autographs
Help me identify autographs on my Montreal Expos baseball probably dating from around 1994. [more inside]
peter & wolf recording with the line "lope ... waddle ... waddle ... lope"
Looking for an audio version of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Peter and the Wolf" that I heard in the 1980s where the narrator describing the wolf pursuing the duck says, breathlessly, "Lope ... waddle ... waddle ... lope ..." (describing their movements, with violins screeching in the background). I am looking for the particular recording that said it this way. It is particularly humorous and has great narration by a male voice in English. I thought it was the Peter Ustinov, but apparently not, as I bought it and it doesn't have this line (unless there is an alternative version floating around).
Migrating from Google to Apple
My wife and I are trying to move away from the Googleverse, and could use some help with a few things. [more inside]
Help me find a Roku Soundbridge replacement
My Roku Soundbridge died after many years. What's the cheapest, standalone device that will play with my Slimserver setup (aka SqueezeCenter, Logitech Media Center)? All I need is an audio out to hit my receiver, no need for built in speakers, fancy screen or anything else. I'd be interested if there were any other alternatives to Slimserver. The web interface, accessible by any device, and the fact it deals with large collections well, are reasons I currently keep it. [more inside]
Redress for a double doctor screwup?
We recently had a highly traumatic hospital experience involving a 3-year-old and two doctor errors, and we're wondering what our redress options are. [more inside]
Should I take the GMAT or the GRE?
Lots of business schools now accept GMAT and the GRE. Which one should I take? [more inside]
Mahlab Filter
Doomed to itch or do I risk it?
So, what's the deal with 1% OTC hydrocortisone, for chronic skin problems? The recommendations to use it (and the stuff) are so ubiquitous, yet the warnings so dire! And it seems to be the only thing that works at all well with my… [more inside]
Bach chorale setting
Does anyone know of a four-part harmonisation (chorale setting) of this tune (no. 1 in the list) by Bach? [more inside]
PDFs on Firefox for Mac
PDFs on Firefox for Mac: No matter what hacks I try, it seems that I cannot get the PDF Plugin for Firefox on Mac OS X to work with either Firefox 9 or Firefox 10 beta. I feel like I must be doing something wrong because evidently other folks have gotten it to work. Would be grateful if anyone could walk me through the best way to get this extension working again. [more inside]
weird feelings in my teeth!
My two bottom front teeth has been feeling a little funny since last Wednesday. They feel tight or crowded, kind of like how I felt back when I had braces on. they also kind of feel like the teeth were impacted recently, which they weren't. They don't hurt-- if I had to pinpoint, I would say the feeling came from between the two teeth. when I bite they don't hurt more. But the tight feeling is quite noticeable, and certainly not very comfortable. They've gotten a bit better in the past five days. What could cause this?
Also, I just knocked my upper front tooth on my computer screen 3 minutes ago. It hurt a little bit/ can feel the shock for about 30 seconds, and then it's back to normal. There was no bleeding and I couldn't see any fractures and it wasn't loose. Should I have a dentist look at it anyway? I am worried that it might die later.
I've been very worried about my teeth, and at this point I don't know how much to freak out about things that goes on in my mouth! [more inside]
Please help a family of four with an outdoorsy but non-camping trip to the Grand Tetons and Salt Lake City!
Our family of four (Mom, Dad, 2 boys ages 8 & 12) wants to enjoy Yellowstone Park, the Grand Tetons, and possibly shoot down to the Salt Lake City area for about a week in late July 2012. We love the outdoors, but can't bring camping gear. Will we be able to find spontaneous lodging in cheap hotels or cabins for under $100 per night - or do we need to book everything waaay in advance? [more inside]
Can I turn my red hair up to 11?
Can I dye my hair with Garnier Nutrisse Light Intense Auburn after henna? [more inside]
the bent of my genius, which is a very crooked one
Perceptions of asymmetrical faces. Does someone you know have an asymmetrical face? [more inside]
Bay area Starting Strength compatible gyms?
Bay area lifters, please recommend a gym in Mountain View or Sunnyvale with bumper weights, chalk, quality bars, proper squat racks (power rack with safety pins) and benchpress (with spotter pins). [more inside]
Can I get Google Currents on iPad 2 to update automatically when asleep?
My iPad 2 usually is usually asleep with its Smart Cover closed. Recently, after leaving it asleep for several days, I took it somewhere without network access and used Google Currents, but found all the articles were several days old. I have Settings > Sync > Update set to Automatic, but apparently that doesn't help if I don't have the device on (or maybe if I don't run Currents). Is there a way to get it to wake up every day and update Google Currents without me having to do it manually? [more inside]
Is this really what I want?
If this divorce is really what I want, why do I keep second-guessing myself? [more inside]
Lady in blue, coming through (maybe)
Would I make a good police officer? [more inside]
Software that will nag me to track my time?
Can you recommend free or very inexpensive software for Windows that will pop up at pre-determined intervals (e.g., every 20 minutes) and remind me to fill out my timesheet? [more inside]
C-section rate obscured at request of healthcare provider
How do you determine a hospital (and doctor's) c-section rates? Is there a database of this data available to the layperson? Do I just call all the local doctors? Send them a letter? Is there a state agency that would respond to this information request? Relevant states: South Carolina, North Carolina [more inside]
Who DOES he look like?
My wife and I are enjoying the show "Downton Abbey" quite a lot, but she is bothered by the fact that the actor Brendan Coyle (who portrays Mr Bates) reminds her of a Hollywood actor of a bygone era, perhaps someone from the days of black and white films. [more inside]
Winter cocktails time...
I have chocolate bitters! How should I drink them? [more inside]
Give me your flats, your heels, your wide-calfed boots. And jeans. Jeans, please.
I am a lady on a quest to never shop for clothes or shoes again. Help me! [more inside]
Need a crash course in ergonomics.
Advice and a crash course regarding ergonomics (and, to a lesser degree, posture) needed for a young web worker with a Macbook Pro and some signs of RSI. [more inside]
How do you track & use ideas from your previous sketch books, journals & diaries?
For those that keep a journal/diary/sketch book: When you start a new book, how do you continue to track and use the good ideas and projects in your old books that you'd like to pursue? [more inside]
I want to abandon gmail and give my loved one pine.
A question about webhosting and email. [more inside]
Help me find an approximation of this kitchen island light.
Help me find an approximation of this kitchen island light. [more inside]
What does the word "abstract" mean?
What does the word "abstract" mean? [more inside]
Shall we play a game?
Seeking Mac game recommendations. Back in the day, I enjoyed the hell out of Oni. The mix of hand-to-hand and gunfighting, the story, the visual style. What other games might I like? I am by no stretch of the imagination a hardcore gamer.
protect my fire baby!
What cover should I buy for my Kindle Fire? [more inside]
Who did this cover of Al Green's Rhymes?
Musical question: back in the 80s I heard a cover of Al Green's Rhymes. It was a snarkier, Gen Xy, punkish version. Very distinctive vocals, kind of raspy and whiny. I don't remember the music behind it much which makes me think it was minimalistic. I want to say the singer's name was Chris something? Who did this version? I have faith some mefite well versed in obscure music will come to my aid. Thanks!
Proxy service to view US websites (not including Hulu! Really!)
Recommendations for a free or not-free proxy service that will enable me to access US-only websites from the UK and/or France please. [more inside]
Can't jumpstart my car!
Why can't I jump start my 2004 Ford Focus? [more inside]
Finding records of city officials
Do you know of any resources that would help me find out about city officials--specifically mayors and chiefs of police--in major cities in the U.S.? [more inside]
Refinance as an IT Contractor?
How do I go about refinancing my house as an IT contractor? [more inside]
is it possible to have a party in a parking lot in San Francisco?
I'm trying to have a party with a giant bounce house, and there's a big parking lot right next to my house. From a legal standpoint, what are the steps I would need to do to make this happen? Will I get immediately shut down by the police even if I get permission from the lot owners? [more inside]
Employment Attorney NYC
I am looking for recommendations for the best employment attorney in NYC to advise and represent a female family member, who was until recently a highly placed executive with a major US corporation, in a case involving her questionable and unfair termination. She appears to have valid concerns and solid reasons for legal action, including but not limited to personal defamation, religious bias etc. She lives in Manhattan and is just beginning her search to find the best in the field. I told her I would check with you. Any advice and/or referrals would be appreciated. Thank you.
If I could give her Scissorhands, I would
One of my best and oldest friends had a rough few years, went to rehab, made a fresh start, and is about to graduate beauty school with flying colors. I'd love gift suggestions for a very hip hairstylist just starting out that tells her how insanely proud I am that she bravely learned something new, busted ass to become good at it and has created new self-confidence in a sober future. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Going to the chapel ...
How to tell the family we've eloped? Snowflake details inside! [more inside]
Help us name our charity fundraising team
Name our fundraising team! My friends and I are shaving our heads for St. Baldrick's Foundation and we want a cool team name. [more inside]
UK Banking
Two-fold UK banking question: Will HSBC charge me to close my account? What UK bank(s) would you recommend to a postgraduate student? [more inside]
Help me learn in order to make it, while I fake it.
What are the best interactive marketing resources available to learn from in a hurry? [more inside]
Where did numbers get their names?
Where did numbers get their names? I'm asking particularly of English, but I'm guessing the answer goes back pretty far linguistically.
Part-time work issues
Technically they could fire me at any time, so...(long) [more inside]
Anyone commute from Portland to Wilsonville?
Anyone commute from Portland to Wilsonville? [more inside]
Old People Playing Old Games
I'm planning an old-school 1st Edition AD&D gaming session for April. I haven't played AD&D, or tabletop gamed, for nearly 20 years. I still have all the materials required to set up and play the game with friends, but I'm worried that I'll be under-prepared for the session. Do you have any suggestions for ramping up? [more inside]
VDAY COOKIES
if you were a truthful, demanding, or bitter valentines day cookie what would you say? [more inside]
iPhone 4s international unlock questions
I just had my Verizon iPhone 4s unlocked for international use and confirmed working with two different foreign SIM cards. Three questions:
- Is this permanent? Can it ever be re-locked via software or some other method?
- Can this be used with US SIM cards, or are there restrictions?
- Is this phone now identical to an unlocked iPhone, or is it somehow different?
Help me build up a Louis Wain art collection.
Help me build up a Louis Wain art collection. [more inside]
It is what it is
When people say, "It is what it is", what do they mean? What does that mean? [more inside]
Game and Watch
I'm looking for console games that are as much fun to watch as they are to play. [more inside]
How do libraries acquire and manage ebooks?
How do public libraries select, purchase and manage ebooks? [more inside]
Where to publish essay on meaning of meaning in psychology?
What's a good venue to publish an essay on the notions of meaning and explanation in psychology (broadly defined)? I'd like to find a venue that would address both scholars in various fields as well as writers, artists, and the intelligent laymen who might be interested in these issues. [more inside]
HDTV antenna amplifier recommendation?
HDTV antenna amplifier recommendations? I live in an apartment in a downtown area and the TV reception is poor even with my antenna designed for fringe reception. My current antenna amplifier is a Winegard HD200 with forward gain of 24dB which definitely helps, but can you recommend an even more effective amplifier for O.T.A. reception in the U.S.? Sometime back there was a recommendation to hook two amplifiers in series but my experience doing that showed a decline in performance and I think the theory states that reflection of signal back toward the source can diminish any improvement, ie the gains of two amplifiers in line are not additive. If I can get the amplifier thru Amazon, that's a plus. Thanks.
Provincetown clambake for out-of-towners: public or private beach?
Clambake wedding: better at a Provincetown hotel with a private beach, or are there public beaches in easy walking distance? Can you recommend either a nearby public beach or a hotel with private beach that will allow outside catering? [more inside]
Vintage Trapper Keeper search!
Where can I find a vintage trapper keeper as a fun gift for a guy? The pickings on eBay are surprisingly slim. Any shop in your neighborhood have one? Would love some tips and contact info... [more inside]
What happens to the Costa Concordia?
The Costa Concordia; what happens next? How will the ship be removed?
Rescue efforts were suspended indefinitely on Monday after the stricken cruise liner slipped on its rocky resting place and settled farther into the water, according to the firefighters heading the operation... Mr. Foschi also said the vessel was carrying 2,300 tons of fuel but there were no signs of leakage so far.
Help me help them.. thanks...
Asking for a friend.. Marriage Counselor recommendations in the Central NJ area. From past AskMe's I see the Ackerman place, and the Psychology Today's therapist finder.. anyone have personal recommendations? Post here or Memail me. Thanks. [more inside]
Delectable desk drawer dining
What tasty, healthy, cheap food can I prepare from ingredients kept in a desk drawer? [more inside]
Long Distance Elder Care: Are my hands tied?
Long distance elderly care dilemma: Advice on moving my 85-year old aunt to assisted living from a rehab center and out of her dilapidated house in rural upstate New York. [more inside]
Hello Tokyo
How do I get the best deal on a multicity flight that goes from Whitehorse - Vancouver - Tokyo - Taipei - Hong Kong - Whitehorse? [more inside]
Shoud I use the "credit" card attached to my health spending account
Should I use the Mastercard sent from my pre-tax health spending account company? The literature says it simply draws down on my account, but I'm suspicious that there's a catch. [more inside]
What kind of doctor should I see about my sore neck and back?
What kind of doctor should I see about my neck and back pain? I'm not sure if it's a pinched nerve or muscular. [more inside]
How should I approach my girlfriend - and myself - with my evolving sexuality?
Help me figure out what's going on with my sexuality and what it means for my long-time relationship. [more inside]
What car should I buy to deal better with my new commute?
I’m a month into a wonderful new job whose only downside is the much lengthier commute. My 13-year-old Accord simply isn’t giving me the kind of mileage I need, so I’m planning on buying something new soon. And that’s where you come in. [more inside]
NVidia flash video woes
Is there a solution to end stuttering in flash video on an NVidia 460 GTX SE? [more inside]
how to find trustworthy and high quality tradesmen in England?
how to find trustworthy and high quality tradesmen in England? In Particular in or close to Cambridgeshire UK.
I've seen a few sites that purport to offer crowdsource reviews of tradesmen but they have a small number of tradesman and few if any reviews which means I can't place too much weight on them. Something like tripadvisor would be awesome as from experience I know that there are so many untrustworthy people doing these jobs.
f.lux my mouse cursor
Using f.lux with an ATI video card and the latest AMD Catalyst drivers, how can I get the mouse cursor to change colors with the rest of the screen? [more inside]
Am I too old for a Masters in Finance?
With extensive experience as a software developer in Investment Banking am I too old at 37 for it to be worth my while to take a Masters in Finance as a prelude to trying to change from technology to the business side? [more inside]
Vacation property wants damage deposit a month before and a month after...?
I am taking a short (weekend) let on a holiday property just outside of London, UK. It's a big house with lots of bedrooms that is used for weddings, hen parties and corporate team-building as well as for family holidays. In addition to 100% payment in full in advance (which I expected), the people letting the property are demanding £1l as a damage deposit one month before I arrive at the property. Their T&Cs state that they will give this back to me one month after I leave the property. [more inside]
Have you heard the one about the bribe?
Does anyone know of any clips available online in the UK of comedy shows/sketches involving bribery? [more inside]
How do I delete the music off my iPhone 4S?
Can someone please help me figure out a way of getting the photos and videos off my iPhone 4S and onto a laptop, or of deleting the music I have on it? [more inside]
Microwave appliance bulb
Just replaced the bulbs under the microwave (over the range)... and now they're taking turns burning out. [more inside]
Iphone 3G stream music to stereo?
would like to stream my itunes music content from my jailbroken 3g to my stereo via airport express. Is this possible? any Cydia apps? I dont want to route via remote through my iMac.
Thanks!
January 15
Video Blogs for Teens
My 14 year old daughter loves to watch YouTube video blogs by Ryan Higa (Nigahiga) and Charlie McDonnell. She likes their humor, the fact that they're reasonably young & talented, and probably because they're both kind of cute. I'm looking for recommendations for similar video blogs for my daughter. They don't have to feature cute boys, but they should be appropriate for a young teen and shouldn't be vulgar, violent, or idiotic (as in "Fred"). Female video bloggers are welcomed, as long as they're not teaching beauty tips.
Asus software is driving me crazy! Help me remove it/reinstall my OS.
How to reinstall Windows 7 and retain only the wanted software? More inside. [more inside]
Orthodontic fearmongering?
Is my new dentist trying to convince me to get braces unnecessarily? Lots more agonizing inside! [more inside]
Making the most of frozen salmon
I just ordered some wild Alaskan salmon online, partially in hopes of being able to prepare sushi for myself at home. But the fish feels a little spongy when I eat it raw after defrosting it. Is this because of how long it's been frozen? Is there any way to revitalize fish that has been frozen for a period of months? [more inside]
As a tutor, how do I communicate with underprivileged, urban high school students?
As a tutor, how do I communicate with underprivileged, urban high school students? [more inside]
How can a lightswitch that controls both outlets be converted to switch just one?
How can a lightswitch that controls both outlets be converted to switch just one? [more inside]
I'm in love with a musician. How on earth can I let him know?
I'm in love with a musician. How on earth can I let him know? [more inside]
Low-down science library paraprofessional blues
Does my experience as a non-librarian employee in a medical library qualify me for any other type of work beyond librarianship? [more inside]
Once more with feeling
What's this thing? (see picture)
What's the triangular piece of jewelry my great grandfather is wearing under his jacket and over his vest? [more inside]
DVD Cases (not furniture)
Seeking pros and cons of various DVD cases (box for 2 DVDS vs thick 'CD' type cases vs skinny 'jewel' cases). I have a lot of DVD's I've recorded. I want to keep in good condition, but how much difference do the cases make? I bought a couple of cases of apparently good 'boxes' from "effectuality.com" many years ago, since then some cheaper ones from Microcenter (Inland is the brand), not as easy to use but easier to buy small quantities. But I have discovered that [more inside]
Bills, bills, bills
My doctor ordered medical lab work that I did not ask for. Now what? [more inside]
Looking to have dinner outside... in.
Are there any restaurants in the Bay Area other than the Tonga Room or Rainforest Cafe that, like the Blue Bayou at Disneyland, provide an environment that makes you feel like you're outdoors while you're dining indoors?
Home designing ideas
After buying a home we are stumped on how to design it and get ideas on living rooms, bath, etc. [more inside]
Everyday life in the past
Looking for a 19th century Do-It-Yourself guide . . . [more inside]
Help a skateboarder understand skateboards
Please explain skateboards to me. Decks, bearings, trucks, bushings, wheels. Hardness, softness, size, other attributes, etc. [more inside]
Music for gongs
Recommend some recordings of (or featuring) gongs. [more inside]
Help me become well read and entertained at the same time
What is the intersection between the set of books I should read and the set of books I'd reallyenjoy reading? [more inside]
Or maybe I just need antxiety meds?
Should I be concerned about large numbers of ants in my backyard and small numbers of ants in my house? [more inside]
Having difficulty expressing my emotions – help!
Is it ever okay to snap at someone? [more inside]
Which CMS for building a social networking website?
I've been brought onboard by a startup company to fix up their social networking website, which was built for them in Joomla and is a complete glitch-filled mess, both front and back end. After upgrading to the latest Joomla version, the site has more or less broken (does not function at all at the front end). Should I attempt to patch up and rebuild this mess in Joomla, or start over with a better choice of CMS? [more inside]
I will get my revenge
What other forums besides Yelp are there to "review" and warn people about shady businesses?
"A bird in the hand" doesn't quite apply yet
Help me think clearly about a potential offer for a job I'm ambivalent about. [more inside]
How to sell a car in Colorado with an expired California registration?
I recently moved from California to Colorado, then acquired a new car. Meanwhile, my California registration on the old car expired. I want to sell the old car in Colorado, but it has no current registration and was never registered in this state. How can I take people on test drives? Just risk it? Is signing over the California title sufficient, then it's their job to get the car registered?
Headache city, any advice is much appreciated.
What newer T-mobile phone should I get?
I am on Tmobile and need a new 4G cell phone. What are the great new 4g T-Mobile phones that have come out recently or are coming out in the next week? [more inside]
tasty lamb on a spit.
How do I cook a whole lamb on a spit? [more inside]
Repeating events in GCal
Google Calendar: possible to repeat an event every 5 days? [more inside]
Well, you CAN call them, I'd just prefer you didn't.
Need quick advice on listing past supervisors and references on a job application. [more inside]
Traditional Print and Paper Visit in Japan?
I am a printmaker, but I have also been trained in bookbinding and papermaking, including some Japanese papermaking. We are going to Japan in late March/early April, and I would love to visit a printmaking/papermaking studio. [more inside]
I want a Windows program to analyse GPS tracks in detail
Is there free or cheap software for analysing GPS tracks in detail? I want to be able to take a track produced by something like My Tracks (from an android phone) and look at it on my desktop computer, where I would like to zoom in on particular sections of the route: how fast was I going here? How steep is that hill? [more inside]
Tooooo much goodness?
Where should I have 3G function? iPhone or iPad? [more inside]
Giants for the win
Giants vs. Green Bay? Is there any way to stream online? [more inside]
SEO keyword analysis
How do I perform SEO keyword analysis without using a 3rd part or agency? [more inside]
The broad Dnieper roars and moans.
This should be simple enough: where can a US resident find a good selection of books in Ukrainian? [more inside]
How do you pick a good guava fruit?
Guava. I just discovered guava at a neighborhood market. I love the pine-y taste of the skin and the not-too-sweet inside.
But tell me:
1. How do I pick a good guava? They're this kind.
2. Are there related fruit with a bitter, medicinal, pine, or juniper-like taste?
Immigrant Country
For immigrants or those who know immigration stories: why did you immigrate to the USA? (the more specific, the better) [more inside]
What Are We Really Counting?
How do you measure how many calories are contained in food? [more inside]
How do I record phone conversations on my Windows computer?
How do I record phone conversations on my Windows computer? [more inside]
Wireless USB storage?
Having left my flash drive at work more than once, I'm looking for mobile USB storage that I don't need to physically plug in. [more inside]
Search and buy shoes by size AND width - in Canada
I'm shopping for shoes and have a wide foot. Last I looked, Zappos had the best search option for filtering out shoes that would not fit me. Alas, I live in Canada and apparently Zappos Canada recently stopped business.
What are my options in Canada for a good online store that has advanced search options like Zappos? Perhaps my only route is going onto company websites - but the only companies that I know for sure have some sort of width measurement system are: Rockport, Sketchers, New Balance....
Enjoy and share
A quote from a recent NYT article about American-invented Chinese takeout boxes states, "The structure has come to represent the idea of Eastern cuisine in Western society even though this packaging is not used for food containment in Chinese culture." Is there a term for these kinds of cultural placeholders, objects which end up symbolizing another culture, while not actually having anything to do with that culture in reality? Are there other examples of this?
how to use job research to land an interview
Job Search: How do I make use of some research I've done about the company I most want to work for in order to GET an interview? [more inside]
Is that a feathered serpent in your pokeball?
Anyone know any anime adventure type series produced in Latin America or Spain? [more inside]
Going straight in curved space
Trying to identify a sci-fi short story where I only remember the ending… [more inside]
I'm okay with my Kakor Havreflarns - it's my Grönsakskaka I'm worried about.
Grönsakskaka - I love it. Or them. I don't even know if their name is plural. They're the potato and broccoli cakes from Ikea. I want to make them, but can't seem to find a recipe that will give me what I like most about them - their texture. What I do not like about them? The price. [more inside]
What does 4WD feel like
What does four-wheel drive "feel" like? How would I know that it's on and operational? [more inside]
Looking for taxi services in the Upper Valley, New Hampshire (or Vermont)?
I'm looking for the numbers for any taxi services there may be in the Lebanon, New Hampshire, Dartmouth/Hanover, NH or even Norwich, VT area of the Upper Valley. We know about and have used Big Yellow Taxi, but just wondered if there are any other options people might know about. [more inside]
Games to quanitfy the brain's ability.
What games (PC, Mac, iOS, or Android) are good at quantifying brain/thinking functions? [more inside]
Can this relationship be salvaged?
My fiancée is pushing me away and after years trying to make things work, I've lost most of my hope. [more inside]
A Sort of Wagnerian Falling Into
What is the German word for the concept of giving yourself away to something? [more inside]
I can't squat!
I can't squat. That is, I can crouch, but I can't get my heels onto the ground or keep my balance without stabilizing myself with my arms. What are specific exercises I should do to allow me to remedy this problem? [more inside]
All take and no give. What to do?
My sibling ignores me. Should I ignore her in return? [more inside]
Lawyer in which country?
For an Australian citizen thinking of moving to the United States, is it better to see an immigration lawyer in Australia, or one in the US, for consultation? This assumes that one is currently in Australia, but travels occasionally to the US. [more inside]
My Mac kills my DSL connection - why?
My Mac kills my DSL connection - why? [more inside]
Photorealism: Is it possible?
Is it possible for an average joe to practice long enough that they can paint a photorealistic picture? How long would it take? Where should I start? [more inside]
Should I stay or should I go?
Do I choose financial security over liking the country I live in, if I can't have both? [more inside]
Allshare Error Message Is Causing Weeping and Wailing and Gnashing of Teeth
Allshare Error Message filter: We have recently purchased a Samsung Smart Blu-Ray Player. The big attraction for us was that it would enable us to play shows downloaded from the Internet via the Allshare program. However, after I downloaded Allshare and tried to run it, I received the following error: "The Allshare shared server has shut down. It will restart." I would close the message, and it would come back again and again. [more inside]
Can a font really describe someone?
Having a partial tattoo-sleeve inked this month; could use some feedback on the personality of fonts/typefaces [more inside]
Interesting voicemail message
Is this voicemail message a reference to something? [more inside]
Visiting Yogi Bear in August
Is going to a national park in late August a bad idea? [more inside]
Did I commit a horrid social gaffe at a boyfriend's holiday work party?
Did I commit a horrid social gaffe at a boyfriend's holiday work party? [more inside]
Name this pastry!
What is the proper name and original recipe for this traditional family pastry? [more inside]
Is there an excellent all-day summer camp in Northern Virginia either inside or just a bit outside the Beltway?
Is there an excellent all-day summer camp in Northern Virginia either inside or just a bit outside the Beltway? [more inside]
What is the name of this font?
What is the name of this font, please?
Here is a link.
Thank you
$79 Kindle or $60 Kobo (or $99 Nook?)
Which of the cheapest e-readers should I choose, especially considering support for/access to lots of free ebooks? I'm currently eyeing most heartily the $79 Kindle and the $50-60 refurbished Kobo, but open to suggestions... [more inside]
January 14
Is my iPad 2 up to the job?
Is my ipad2 up to the job? I have to give the same hour-long presentation in three separate sessions in one day. I am planning to use Keynote on my ipad2 attached to a projector but I'm worried about battery life on the iPad. Does anybody have experience using their iPad in this way? I will of course, turn off every battery draining thing I can find. I could also switch to my iPhone 4S if I had to, I guess. Will I be okay for three presentations?
So I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want
A good source of salary data for presentation at my upcoming performance review? [more inside]
Engaged in some photography
Need suggestions for an engagement photographer, engagement photo locations & a photo booth in NYC. [more inside]
Waving swords for democracy...
Why is the political system in fantasy novels always a monarchy? [more inside]
The contemporary short story
Is a modern short story that isn't sci-fi or fantasy called contemporary fiction? What's the genre? [more inside]
+5 to saving throws against hunger.
Help me come up with D&D-themed food ideas that I can make/bake/buy for our marathon gaming session tomorrow! [more inside]
What do you do when nothing makes sense anymore?
What do you do when nothing makes sense anymore? [more inside]
Avocado Baby?
Help me track down this weird Australian folk band! They were called Avocado Baby, and had a really great song about aliens. Their record came out in the early 90s I think. Any idea where to find mp3s or vinyl would be much appreciated!
how to form a group of girlfriends at age 30?
How can I form a group of close, lifelong girlfriends when I'm almost 30? [more inside]
Chicago to Minneapolis, available hostels
Traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis to be with a loved one, staying for a week-- cheaply? [more inside]
"I hate it when the $1 dollar bills stick together." "Stickin' together is what good $1 bills do!"
I have $500 in brand new, fresh-from-the-mint, sequential $1 bills. What is the fastest way to "break them in" so they don't stick together? [more inside]
Whats the proper way to let a guy know he won't be getting any?
I'm a girl. You're a guy. We're making out, but we won't be doing anything past that tonight. How do I let you know that so you don't feel like I'm leading you on? Or do I let you know at all? [more inside]
Is it bad that I vomit whe I work out?
Is it a bad thing that I puke when I work out? [more inside]
Ron Swanson me.
I have decided that I want to start doing some basic woodworking, but I have absolutely no clue what I'm doing. Where to get started? [more inside]
Body damage - how much?
My car was hit while parked on the street. No witnesses, but I suspect a snow plow. I have no experience with body damage - what am I looking at? [more inside]
Where can I buy organic tobacco in Vancouver?
Is there a shop in Vancouver, BC that will sell me organic tobacco for cigarettes? [more inside]
How to handle accidentally being overpaid for a year?
Made an error in timesheet tracking...best way to handle it? [more inside]
Kids in the Hall referencing Dr Who?
Looking for a Dr Who episode that was referenced in a Kids in the Hall sketch. [more inside]
Cognitive Surplu$
Is time spent watching TV correlated with income? [more inside]
Cubs-ageddon: what short story did I read?
Forget ancient Mayan calendars...are the Cubs going to bring about the End of Days? It's a story I read somewhere...help me remember it! [more inside]
Electroswing in Toronto?
Does anyone know a good place in Toronto to listen to electro-swing/gypsy jazz? [more inside]
If only I were a girl, a red sash would do...
How can I add a subtle Orwellian-1984 twist to male business attire for a themed event in three hours? I'll wear at least a button-down shirt and slacks, but I can go up to a full suit if that would help. [more inside]
I DID NOT PUT IN THAT BREAK TAG. PLEASE TO MAKE IT STOP.
Wordpress is adding a secret break tag to my Google Button code, and it's driving me batty. No one on the Google forums helped with FIXING the problem, and the one suggestion I got on Facebook from a friend was bupkis. I turn to the hive mind so that I can fix this stupid problem. [more inside]
Help spruce up my bathroom!
What color should I paint my bathroom? How about the floor? Difficulty: existing wall tiles are pink and I don't know what to do with them. Budget and skills are somewhat limited. [more inside]
My Name Is Ross Halbert
Can anyone explain why, if you enter - @*[356:0] - then remove the star, and hit Enter, in a Facebook comment section, it will post the name "Ross Halbert?" [more inside]
running [cargo] tights?
I've got a marathon in March. And really like pockets. Find me running tights/capris with pockets! [more inside]
Botox for back pain
Have you had Botox injections for back/neck spasms and pain? Tell me about it. [more inside]
What are some productive ways of getting exercise that I can do fairly often?
What are some productive ways of getting exercise that I can do fairly often? I'm thinking things like shoveling snow, chopping wood, scrubbing floors, etc. Difficulty: I live in a hundred square foot basement suite. [more inside]
Not for profit structure with a for profit wing?
A friend of a friend is a painter in New York state involved in a project aimed at building parks aimed at improving communication between refugees and citizens. I have been asked how he might be able to organize an entity as a not-for-profit with a profit wing to encourage both private and public contributors. Anyone know of any standard ways of doing this? [more inside]
I need a warm up!
Help me find this beer. [more inside]
importing a small item from the USA
I want to buy a $12 item of clothing from the USA and have it delivered to the UK. Can I do this without spending $30+ on shipping? Also, are the Carhartt Leather Fencer Gloves (or something as good) available in the UK? [more inside]
Radio, Radio
Best Radio Stations Around? [more inside]
LOBSTER ROLL NOM NOM NOM
Are there any places to get a Lobster Roll in Los Angeles? [more inside]
Chronically ill over 40 and trying to conceive. Is it more than we can handle?
Help my partner and I feel less anxious about combining pregnancy with chronic illness after 40 - or should we not even bother? [more inside]
Help a liberal remodel.
I need to find a general contractor near San Jose, CA that uses only union workers and will do a smallish residential project. I can get a list of them from various union websites, but there are virtually no Yelp or Angieslist reviews for these guys. How can I find someone good? [more inside]
Please calm my job-related anxieties
In a flurry of self-doubt, excitement, apprehension regarding my career, boss. and social life. What should I do? [more inside]
Where do fashionable women in their 60s shop?
My retired 60-something mother is a bit too fond of turtlenecks and "mom jeans". I'd like to steer her toward labels and stores that will be more flattering. I'm looking for something similar to Lucky Jeans or Ann Taylor, but for older women. What do you recommend?
Colposcopy/biopsy/freakout?
Slightly freaking out over a lady-parts medical issue, and wondering if anyone has been through this. [more inside]
What to include during past salary negotiations
Do year-end bonuses and one-time bonuses count towards salary when discussing past pay with a prospective new employer? [more inside]
Europlug in Britian
I stupidly left my European CEE 7/* power strip back in the U.S. How could I buy a CEE 7/* power strip in St. Andrews or Edinburgh, Scotland? [more inside]
Can the Costa Concordia be refloated?
Recommendations/thoughts for Bluetooth audio transmitters?
Any experiences or recommendations for Bluetooth audio transmitters (3.5mm to Bluetooth)? [more inside]
Cypress trees...what to do with 'em
I have a row of cypress trees denoting one property line. There are 14 of them, about 30-40 ft. They are useless as a fence as the bottom 10 ft of each is completely denuded. Nothing grows in a 6 ft strip either side - is there some miracle plant that would enjoy this hostile environment? If I have them removed, will the soil recover? As an Englishman in Portland, Oregon, I'd dearly love a beech hedge there...
My wrists hurt again, because I got high.
I used to suffer from tendonitis, but I thought I had it licked. Now, after using marijuana, I'm not so sure. [more inside]
Vegetable Beef Soup Recipes
What is your favorite recipe for vegetable beef Soup? [more inside]
Race restrictions for apheresis?
Why would people of Hispanic descent be disallowed from donating blood products by apheresis? [more inside]
Simple data extraction program from TXT to CSV?
I have several hundred machine-generated, human-readable TXT files; one text file per serialized device tested. Each file has test values in predictable places, although in a very irregularly-shaped "table" if you could even call it that. I want a simple Windows program where I say: "Okay, program, here's the row and columns where field #1 starts and ends, ... here's the row and columns where field #n starts and ends ... Give me a CSV file with those values I need and nothing more." [more inside]
Need DOS Emulator
Need advice on a DOS emulator to run on a XP SP3 system that does not have, and never will have an internet connection.
Do I lack social skills?
I think I'm doing fine, but my friends tell me I'm not. [more inside]
Six Weeks to Investor?
Aggressive investing with $3,000? [more inside]
Buying new tires: do I need to stick with the same size?
Need new tires for my wife's 2003 3 series. Do I stick to the same tires: 225 / 45Z / R17 (expensive)? Or can I go with stores' web sites suggested 205 / 55 / 16? [more inside]
scary gaijin?
In watching Azumanga Daioh (anime) and in comments here and around the web, there seems to be a trope or expectation or whatever you would call it that Japanese people are actually afraid of foreigners.
Is that accurate? If so, why is that?
Okinawa, here I come! (maybe....)
Other than a passport, what visa/paperwork/etc. is needed to visit Okinawa? [more inside]
First time buyer. Are foreclosed homes cheaper?
Are foreclosed homes cheaper? And how would you go about buying your very first home? [more inside]
Who is the new Pope, same as the old Pope?
Who is the 21st Century Robert Anton Wilson? [more inside]
What savory fillings can I put in choux (puff) pastry?
Who's NeXT?
X is to Apple in 2012 as Apple was to Microsoft in 2000.
Y is to Google in 2012 as Google was to Yahoo in 2000.
Solve for X and Y.
Getting a US credit card as an expat
How can an American expat get a credit card that isn't from a big bank? [more inside]
Is there any decent quality anti-SOPA javascript I can add to my sites on the 18th?
Is there any quick'n'easy anti-SOPA javascript I can add to my site's HTML to protest on 18th Jan? Crucially it must contain a concise description of the dangers of SOPA, and shouldn't assume an American audience (i.e. "contact your representatives"). I'm aware of WordPress plugins but that's NOT what I'm looking for. [more inside]
Car accident and uninsured, complicated situation. What to do?
Got in a car accident two years; car rental, uninsured. Complicated situation, car rental company wants $35K from me. What to do? [more inside]
January 13
Vegetable biryani recipes
Vegetarian biryani. Do you know a superamazing recipe for it? [more inside]
Easier phone conference
Phone conference provider that I will provide me with a unique number guests can call, and not have to bother with a conference id (this is called different things by every provider). Id like to go "Here bob call 702 555 2424 for our phone conference at 2pm".
I'm afraid of people seeing me exercising-while-fat. Please help me get over myself.
I have trouble breaking through my mental block on the path to weight loss. How do I mentally adjust myself towards an exercise regime and stick to it? Special self-loathing snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Oddest thing I've ever found...
Please recommend someone in Toronto who does drywall. For real.
Oh drywaller, sweet drywaller, wherefore art thou? Please recommend someone in Toronto who can drywall two closets and a wall, including sound proofing on the wall and reconstruction work on one of the closets (old doorway closed up, new door installed). [more inside]
I'm going down to AskMeFi to get some answers
When do you say 'going down to X' and when do you say 'going up to X' in the context of geography? Do you have a system? For example do you say going up when you going North? For example we are going up to Sydney from Melbourne. Or do you use the rough height of the places? [more inside]
How safe is Borax?
Help me improve my wardrobe
Where can I get clothes and outfit ideas that are appropriate for both working in an office and attending class? [more inside]
How can easily I turn this CSV data into something more visual?
I'm looking for some free software that will help me turn the CSV export from the Android time tracking app Gleeo into some simple visualizations (multicoloured horizontal bars?) without a huge amount of work. [more inside]
"[I emphatically reject!]" as a euphemism for f***
Can anyone help me find a certain article which discussed the use of the phrase "I emphatically reject(!)" as a euphemism for the word "fuck"? [more inside]
Hard man is good to find - help me make him hard
My guy has a sex issue I need help with. [more inside]
All the better to eat you with, my dear!
I have an addiction to Wint-o-green LifeSavers. They reach perfection level for me when they are of a more "chalky" consistency, rather than hard and crunchy. Please help me achieve chalky. [more inside]
What Would Metafilter Do?
I think that a new(ish) friend of mine might be involved with a pseudo-cult. Should I express my concern or just bite my tongue? [more inside]
What's faster than a hummingbird's wings?
Question from my seven-year-old son: "Are a hummingbird's wings the fastest thing on something that breathes?" [more inside]
Arhythmic music?
Are there any songs that change tempo every bar or nearly every bar? [more inside]
I restored an old laptop; please help me keep it alive.
How can I prolong the life of this older Gateway computer with Windows Vista? [more inside]
Food + Time x 2 - Money = Dinner
Chefing for two? What recipes/menus are good for a "cooking date" night, and will keep my boyfriend and I occupied for a couple hours on a Sunday evening? Frugality level: high. Dietary restrictions: none [more inside]
Hidden Rooms and 'Dead' Spaces: help me find more pictures of this sort of thing!
I've recently become fascinated by (a) long-forgotten "hidden" rooms in houses and other buildings and (b) "dead space" in houses, e.g., large unfinished areas behind walls that are only perhaps discovered years later. Help me find more examples of this sort of thing -- preferably examples with pictures! [more inside]
we're gonna need more than meat and potatoes
What is the origin of pairing hamburgers with French fries/chips? I'm finding stories about the origin of burgers and the origin of fries but nothing about why they're usually paired together. [more inside]
Finnish abbreviations
Do you speak Finnish? Can you understand these abbreviations? [more inside]
Cheap Pashminas
I want giant pashmina scarves...lots of them. Where can I order them really, really cheaply online? [more inside]
Sending in unasked-for sample work as part of a job description: good idea?
Job-application filter: Along with my resume and cover letter, I'd like to send some (unasked-for) sample work in as part of an application for a "Director of Grants" position w/ a large family-services nonprofit. Any tips or advice on this plan? [more inside]
What book / purchase might help my can't-do stepfather change his life?
What book (or other purchase) would you recommend for my defeatist, unskilled step-father, that might help him improve his life? [more inside]
Playing a 16:9 avi from USB through DVD player--it's displaying at 4:3. Help?
How can I get a downloaded .avi that is 16:9 to display properly on a 4:3 tv (with setting options)? The tv *does* play 16:9 DVDs just fine. [more inside]
UNICEF vs. Oxfam
UNICEF vs. Oxfam? [more inside]
Help me make a deal (of the day)!
I'm fairly obsessed with "deal of the day" websites, like myhabit, hautelook, and woot. What are your other recommendations for fun "deal of the day" sites?
Could I really be allergic to the city of Bologna?
Could I really be allergic to the city of Bologna? [more inside]
No Blood From You!
Rejected for blood donation due to 7 hours in Honduras?! Can they really be that picky? [more inside]
Wedding etiquette regarding invites and rsvp
My partner was not invited to my friend's wedding yet my ex-husband and his new girlfriend are. Bride and Groom to be were both invited and attended ex and my wedding previously. I live with my partner and its a serious relationship. My ex-husbands gf is now pregnant. I find this all upsetting. How should I respond? [more inside]
Son of Hades? But isn't Jupiter, like, your bosses' boss?
What is the day-to-day experience like for a true follower of a polytheistic religion, when that religion has an inherent hierarchy? [more inside]
Verizon Smartphone Upgrade: Drioid 3 vs Samsung Stratosphere vs Droid 4
Upgrading smart phones with Verizon, January 2012 edition: moving from an original Motorola Droid and a Droid Eris, and unsure how critical 4G LTE and Super AMOLED are for phones we'll have for another 2+ years. More thoughts inside. [more inside]
FHA Streamline Refinance: Actually Possible for Underwater Loan?
Can I actually get an FHA streamline refinance? [more inside]
Asia vs Europe (The Final Countdown)
We live in the USA. My family of five, two adults and three kids (youngest 11, oldest 17), are planning a trip for this summer (July/August). We have friends who have invited us to two very different parts of the world and we're trying to decide where to go. We can either take a France/Italy trip, or go to Hong Kong (and maybe make our way up to Japan or down to Thailand if the price is right). Looking for experiences, advice, stories, from those of you who have traveled the world that will help us make the choice. [more inside]
Help me learn the ABCs of A,C,T and G!
Looking for an awesome primer on genetics! It should start somewhere around the highschool level, and continue through to some college-level material. Bonus points if it touches on some recent developments and research. Oh! And readability is key. [more inside]
Canadians, give me some credit
Is there any Canadian credit card company that will check your US credit history? [more inside]
how do i not screw up this potential writing opportunity?
How do I not screw up this potential writing opportunity? Or is it too late? [more inside]
Should I Scotchguard my Timbuk2 bags?
About to Scotchguard the hell out of a couple of new Timbuk2 bags. Any reason I shouldn't do this? [more inside]
The L-bomb is about to be dropped, roger that.
Help me say "I love you" for the first time. [more inside]
Relight my cabinets!
I've recently obtained some lovely 70s teak G-Plan cabinets (like these), which were wired, back in the day, for lights. I want to make them work again, but I don't know how or whether to start from scratch or use what's already there. [more inside]
Just ______ it
If you change a word in a trademarked advertising slogan, can it be used, or is it trademark infringement? [more inside]
Orange wall ISO design help
Help me design my VERY ORANGE WALL. [more inside]
Help finding a webhost...
Webhosting for ~$20 and not shared/has decent uptime? Cloud/VPS? What are my options and what services are competitive and have a good cost? [more inside]
How to provide trial support and logistics
Any tips or other help on managing support and logistics for a civil trial, for someone with a lack of experience and skill in this area? (details inside) [more inside]
When calculating a statistical average, is it reasonable to remove outliers?
When calculating a statistical average, is it reasonable to remove outliers? [more inside]
Rashomon-style novels?
I read An Instance of the Fingerpost, which presents four narrators remembering one event, and loved it. I also love epistolary novels (oh, Dracula) for the same reason, but most of them don't quite play with narrator unreliability enough. What other Rashomon-style novels are there? Or, barring that, other dense, complex novels with one extremely unreliable narrator?
Gold teeth and a curse for this town were all in my mouth
What words have you made up that you use regularly? [more inside]
"Soft and graceful and ladies singing."
Operafilter: Soprano-heavy, French recs for a 5 y/o [more inside]
Fun in the Louisville,KY area
Driving from NC out to the Louisville,KY area in Feb. for a day or two. Any quick and cheap things to do there or on the way,weather permitting?
Source for Chinese handscrolls?
Is there an online store that sells reproductions of famous Chinese and Japanese handscrolls? [more inside]
The story of me, me, me, you, you, you, he, he, he, she, she, she
Building on this FPP, I'd like to start writing fiction about multiple internet identities. Is anyone else wrting about this?
Dropbox-backed note apps for iPhone/iPad
Can anybody recommend a good Dropbox-backed text-based notes app for the iPhone? I'm looking for the following properties: [more inside]
OS on SSD, Users on HDD: Did I break Win7?
I have a brand new Windows 7 system with a small SSD and a large HDD for data. OS is installed on the SSD. I manually moved the ProgramData, Program Files/(x86) and Users folders to the HDD. Wondering what I might have broken in the process, and how to fix it. [more inside]
Help me stop freaking out at my bf
Help me conquer my insecurity in relationships! [more inside]
Waffled, wiggled, wavered: waffle recipes
What are your favorite waffle recipes? [more inside]
Over-the-mail journal chain. Is that a thing? What's it called?
An over-the-mail journal chain. I have been asking friends about this and they don't know what I'm talking about. Have I imagined it? [more inside]
I'm sort of the Brian Wilson of people who plonk ineptly in Garageband.
Does anyone have any awesome tips, tricks, hacks, etc. for becoming a Garageband (11) hero? If so, this is the AskMe where you would post them and garner the favorites and best answers you so crave. [more inside]
How can I get better at interviewing people for stories?
How do I not sound naive and awkward when interviewing people for freelance stories? [more inside]
Spicing my handwriting
I'd like to use different fonts, decorations and little icons when I write on my paper notebook. I'm thinking stuff like Mike Rhode's. Do any of you have any other examples of cool handwritten notes for inspiration?
Getting from San Diego to LAX Cheap
In mid April I will be in San Diego at a conference. After the conference I want to go up to LA for a few days. I am flying into San Diego but flying out from LA. So, I want to get from San Diego to LA as cheaply as possible. One way. I also want to get as close to LAX as possible to rent a car when I get up there. [more inside]
take the blue pill and be svelte or take the twinkie and stay fat
Do bariatric specialists use Wellbutrin specifically to stop the craving for foods to help weight loss? [more inside]
What is the best wash/rinse method?
What is the best method for washing dishes in a single sink? [more inside]
How to be the best digital PM evar?
How do you moderate a beautiful kick-off meeting for a website redesign project? What questions do I ask our prospective client? [more inside]
I need to explain depression to people with no working understanding of it
Help me explain depression to my well meaning (I think) but clueless friends and family. Looking for an article or a blog that I can direct them to. [more inside]
Being supportive at home and from a distance
My sweet boyfriend's dearest friend has been diagnosed with Hodgikn's Lymphoma. Last time we saw him he was complaining about a lump in this throat, and saying they didn't know what it was but not to worry, he was probably just getting over an infection. Typical blase doctors, oh yeah forgot to mention, he is five years into a ten year prison sentence for some youthful foolishness. [more inside]
Cool Workout Names?
Cool Workout Names? [more inside]
Dear accountant, let me make you look better!
What's the proper etiquette when offering to barter for my design services? [more inside]
My landlord is a deadbeat.
What do I do if my landlord doesn't stick to his portion of the lease? [more inside]
Have I ruined my TV
Have I ruined my TV? [more inside]
Carpet matching the drapes - I mean paint?
Choosing paint and carpet for my new apartment - with spilly, crawly kids - help! [more inside]
How can I download these streaming archived shows?
Years ago I watched this sci-fi interview show called Prisoners of Gravity. I couldn't find any episodes for many years, but recently I discovered they were archived on the internet! Now I want to download them so I will never be without them ever again, but the site is giving me difficulties. [more inside]
I wish you wouldn't have done that
The love of my life killed herself last July. Months later I still don't know what to do. [more inside]
I'm bored of potatoes.
Recipes for unusual Tubers: There are so many of these unusual tubers and root vegetables about that I've just never really cooked or (in some cases) even eaten; Cassava, Taro, true Yam (Dioscorea), Oxalis Tuberosa (Oka), Sunchoke (Jerusalem artichoke or "Helianthus tuberosus").
What do these things go well with and how have you cooked them or eaten them? [more inside]
Water proofing metal
I want to collect small amounts of liquid through a sheet metal funnel, but the liquid sticks to the walls, so I need to make them water repellant.
I thought about using one of those nano sprays, but don't know if they actually work and which one would be the best. Any ideas?
How can I get my Android tablet to stop popping up the soft keyboard when using a Bluetooth keyboard?
I've got a Galaxy Tab Android tablet and an Apple bluetooth keyboard. Whenever I'm using the keyboard, the onscreen soft keyboard still keeps popping up and it's sodding annoying. Is there any way to make the soft keyboard get gone and stay gone while the bluetooth keyboard is active? [more inside]
January 12
Thinking about coming out as trans at work.
I'm about to start working at old job. I'm thinking about coming out as trans during interview. Any thoughts? [more inside]
Strip where Dilbert confronts boss; looses chair
I'm looking for a Dilbert strip where Dilbert confronts his boss about the need to quantify every expense in terms of benefits for the company. He claims that it's impossible; he can't quantify the benefit of i.e. his chair. The strip ends with Dilbert losing his office chair, and he thinks something like "This didn't work out the way I planned". Ring any bells? I haven't had any luck with the Dilbert search engine.
Help me throw the cat's meow of speakeasy parties
My roommate and I are hosting a Speakeasy themed party in a few weeks. What can I do to make it kick ass? [more inside]
YANA(First Amendment Corporation)L
SOPA/Corporate Advocacy Queation: Reddit is voluntarily going to go offline for half of a day to protest SOPA. Following this, there have been calls for Google, Facebook and other opponents of the proposed law to do the same. Would it be legal for these companies to do this? [more inside]
Pack the cats?
In the late '70s the phrase "PACK THE CATS" was painted in big letters on a retaining wall on Laguna Honda Blvd in San Francisco. I've been wondering about it ever since. Can you explain it?
Help me solve a wifi mystery
Help me solve a wifi mystery. A paid wifi hotspot near where I am staying is intermittently providing me with free access to the 'net. I would like to try to understand why this is happening so that I can (hopefully) replicate it at will from my devices. [more inside]
We want to leave NYC and do just one Really Cool Thing (TM)... but what?
We want to leave NYC and do just one Really Cool Experential Thing (TM)... but what? [more inside]
Don't want my black clothes to turn orange...
Have you painted a closet a bright color? How did it turn out? [more inside]
Best free software and websites for learning languages?
What are the best free websites and software for adults to use when trying to learn foreign languages? [more inside]
seeking small trackball device that mounts to side of laptop
Help me find a tiny trackball for use with a laptop. Key requirement: hangs off side of laptop, does NOT use desk space. [more inside]
Classical piano music: theme and variations based on popular tune
[Classical piano filter] What are some other pieces like Mozart's variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star? [more inside]
How well will anti-depressants work with moderate alcohol use?
What blood alcohol content will prevent anti-depressants from working? [more inside]
How to communicate in a new relationship
New relationship - how and when do I bring up the "serious" relationship conversations? [more inside]
Landlord does not return security deposit. help needed
I live in the state of pennsylvania in montgomery county.I rented apartment from craigslist on a verbal monthly lease with $650 security deposit. After 8 months I gave the landlord moving out notice of 30 days to find a new tenant. its been almost 11 months and she has not given me $300 of the initial security deposit back.
I cleaned the house and she had no issues.
Is there any way i can get the money back. I have tried to contact the person multiple times through email and phone but no reply.
Need a store in NYC with a lot of small pocket mirrors on display
I have an idea that involves a lot of small (pocket) mirrors. So I want to go to a store that ideally has a lot of pocket mirrors of different sizes (shapes are not that important) on display, and play around with them before buying. Then after I find what I need, I'll buy a few. Problem is, I don't want to buy before browsing. Does anyone know of such store in NYC?
Tomorrow in Chicago!
Ready? Top two things my wife and I can do in Chicago tomorrow...GO! [more inside]
They blinded us with science?
We are a group of mid-20s to mid-30s life-science phd students that have started a book club. Our first book was The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and was a great fit for us. Please recommend others that you think might appeal to such a group. Thanks!
How to make lemonade from my graduate education
As a Historic Preservation graduate student, what things should I be dead set on learning to make me more employable in a bad economy? [more inside]
THRIVE and AVAIL , AVAIL and THRIVE
Has anyone tried using both the AT&T LG Thrive and the AT&T ZTE Avail, and can you recommend one over the other? [more inside]
What is the song I've heard with lyric "Dylan is my inspiration", and repeating the word "Dylan"?
What is the song I've heard with lyric "Dylan is my inspiration", and repeating the word "Dylan"? [more inside]
Where can I watch rugby in Vegas?
I'm on a business trip in Las Vegas and tomorrow at 11.55am my rugby team is playing a massive European Cup game. It's live on Fox Soccer Plus. Where could I go in Vegas to watch it? (bonus points if you can tell me somewhere I might be able to catch the replay at 6pm as well, as I'm likely to miss the start of the live game)
"It's going wonderfully! When are you getting married/having kids/retiring?"
What do I say to well-meaning but nosy people when they ask me how the job hunt in my boyfriend's city is coming along? [more inside]
Is there a way to get Twitter search results back into Google search results?
Is there a way to get Twitter search results back into Google search results? [more inside]
Tell a Congressman ...
Tomorrow morning my district's congressman is going to hold a town hall meeting and I'm going to talk to him about SOPA. How can I best convince him that SOPA is a Very Bad Idea? [more inside]
storing dried figs
Storing dried figs [more inside]
How to sell jewelry?
How can I sell a piece of gold and diamond jewelry and how much should I expect to receive? [more inside]
Study skills books based on science?
Please recommend books about study skills that are based on scientific research. Like how NurtureShock approaches parenting. [more inside]
Two unidentified words from Bill Moyers' Colbert interview
Android voice recognition (enjoy q es fitness)
I have an android 2.2 phone. I love the speech recognition through the google search widget or google maps, but I can't get it to work with several other apps like google talk, calendar or the native messaging app. Any ideas? [more inside]
Tips for a vegetarian tween
My 10 year old wishes to eliminate meat from her diet. I know in general of protein susbstitutes for meat, but not so much how to prepare them, or how much, etc. Please recommend your best sources of information, recipes, & insights into how to best help her do well in this regard. [more inside]
Help me understand how DirecTV handles installations
Could you help me understand the structure and entities involved in DirecTV installation? This information I need pertains specifically to DirecTV, not to any other company. I'd like to know about the relationships between DirecTV and the companies and people who do the installations, and how the money flows between the various people and entities. [more inside]
TMI?
I'm a recent engineering PhD applying for jobs in industry. I have both a 1 page resume and a 4 page CV. Many sites give me the option to upload multiple files to support my application, with a label for each file uploaded. What combination of files should I use; cover letter and resume, cover letter and CV, or all three.
They tried to make me go to rehab, I said "OK."
Seeking experiences of people who have rehabilitated their defaulted student loans through a collections agency. Did they try anything tricksy? If, like me, you had a FFEL loan and they sold it, how long did it take? And what happens once you're out of rehabilitation -- did your credit history/score improve, if so how long did it take, and what are the steps of moving to something like an Income Based Repayment plan or some other method of reducing your payments? Any help appreciated!
What days of the week are job interviews most commonly held on?
In the process of requesting a favorable schedule at my part-time job that allow me to interview for positions on my days off. I'm just going to assume that these interviews can last a full day, so I don't think there's a chance I could work and interview in the same day. I am seeking a position in marketing research.
If I should need to work two to three weekdays, which days should I request off? My guess is that employers are usually busy the beginning of the week, Monday and Tuesday, so maybe most interviews fall later in the week.
Thanks for your help!
What kind of tick is this?
What kind of tick is this:
http://tinypic.com/r/1oubnr/5
Help me break Excel to my will with a perfect formula
An Excelfilter question, because I cannot for the life of me figure out how to do this without getting an error or making Excel crash... [more inside]
What kind of car would a well to do family drive in the year 1968?
What car would a well-to-do family drive in the year 1968? [more inside]
Does anyone know verses from the Book of Mormon concerning evil/suffering?
Does anyone know verses from the book of Mormon concerning the problem of evil/suffering? [more inside]
There ARE reasonable arguments against same-sex marriage, right?
I have to publicly argue against same sex marriage in a week. Help me make logically sound arguments. [more inside]
Family vacation with emphasis on transportation & infrastructure
Looking for family vacation recommendations for infrastructure and transportation-o-philes. [more inside]
Thirsty work
Mathfilter. Bonus: involves football and beer [more inside]
How do I sell this valuable photograph of Bob Dylan
I own an original and fairly valuable framed photograph of bob dylan which I need to sell before the end of the month. It is signed by the photographer who recently died. Where can I find a buyer? [more inside]
I am a master. A master of webs.
Who coined the term "webmaster"?
What's with the prolonged night wakeful periods?
My 16-month old has 2.5 hour night awakenings at least 3 nights a week. This has to stop. Please tell me it can stop... [more inside]
Japanese ink drawing called "The Colt?"
Obscure art filter: seeking a Japanese (I think) pen and ink drawing of a horse titled "The Colt." [more inside]
Title of Short Story about a soldier made up of prosthetics?
I can't remember the name of a short story about a man who was made up almost entirely of artificial body parts. [more inside]
Educational training--web marketing examples?
What are some successful, small organizations (with websites) that offer training to colleges and school districts in the U.S.? Looking for marketing inspiration, nothing specific subject-wise. [more inside]
I wish the autumn flowers would resemble the author's name
Obscure Poetry Filter: Help me solve a mystery I've been considering for the last eight years. I need help to identify this poem that I got out of a random library book in college. It's definitely a Japanese or Chinese male author, and I'm pretty sure it came from the 1960's (the book was an anthology of Japanese and Chinese poetry from the 50's-70's, though the memory of the exact decades are a bit sketchy). [more inside]
Mother, do you think it's good enough for you?
Balancing function and price: What's the best (and least expensive) Mom Computer, especially if we're trying to go Mac? [more inside]
I took some courses after my BA as an independent student. How should I describe this on my resume?
I took some courses after my BA as an independent student. How should I describe this on my resume? [more inside]
Getaway
A city, a bed, a bar and a book. Can you help me get away more in 2012? [more inside]
I need my anti-baby pills for cheap, please
Interested in ordering birth control pills from Canada to the US. Is this a good idea? If so, how do you do it? [more inside]
Recommendations for Kaiser primary care doctor experienced and sympathetic to disability from fibromyalgia?
Can you recommend a Kaiser (Northern California) primary care doctor experienced with and sympathetic to disability from fibromyalgia? [more inside]
Will No-Doz cause kidney stones?
Will No-Doz or other caffeine stimulant pills cause kidney stones? [more inside]
If I ignore it, it might go away, right? Periodontist in NYC required (or maybe not???)
Can anyone recommend a good periodontist in NYC? Do I even need a periodontist? [more inside]
Wild bird or lost pet?
Help! Is this bird potentially a lost pet? [more inside]
TV Theme Song Stumper
I'm trying to find a TV show theme song via a vague recollection of the song that might not even be correct. [more inside]
XXX-XX-XXXX?????
[US Tax Filter] My daughter does not yet have a social security number. It seems unlikely she is going to get one in time for tax season. How do we file if we don't have her social security number? [more inside]
Helping a highly intellectually curious and precocious 4-year-old
How can we help a precocious, highly curious 4-year-old who gets really anxious and frustrated if he can't channel his energy towards doing something? [more inside]
Please suggest a non-religious song for auditioning in the soprano range.
Please suggest a non-religious song for auditioning in the soprano range. [more inside]
Can't live without the KitchenAid!
Is it ok to put a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer in my checked luggage on a flight from JFK to Heathrow? [more inside]
High Quality, High Isolation Cans?
I need high-quality headphones with good isolation and good sound quality, for use in a cube farm with an annoying air handler hum. Any recommendations? [more inside]
Remembering an early blog?
What was the early blog I remember from the late 90's? [more inside]
Great, cheap or free wedding registry site?
Is there a very good, full-featured wedding gift registry site (allows you to add items from any website, allows people to buy a portion of a gift, allows cash gifts, etc.) that's free? No? How about cheap? Thanks!
How do I tell my boss I don't want to carpool?
How do I tell my boss I don't want to carpool with the group for a 12+ hour round trip? [more inside]
NJ/NY Vasectomy Doc?
Early 40's male looking for recommendations for doctors who performs no-scalpel vasectomies, ideally in Northern NJ but New York City is ok too. [more inside]
What type of drugs are best for treating insomnia?
Are antidepressants as effective as sedatives/hypnotics for helping insomnia? [more inside]
How well does Rosetta Stone's speech recognition instant feedback work?
People who have used Rosetta Stone: how well does the software's speech recognition instant feedback work? [more inside]
Looking for animation technique from old Disney nature movies
Please help me find an example of a paint-in-the-opening-scene animation effect. [more inside]
How do I get to waffles from here?
After months of rambling on the wonders of waffles to my UK housemates, I was gifted the best present ever...a waffle maker! I am desperate to make this thing work. Need electrical advice. [more inside]
SSDI for mental health?
Please tell me about your experiences with SSDI obtained for mental health reasons. [more inside]
I want out.
Leaving my new job after less than a year. Or at least, really want to. How will this look to potential recruiters? [more inside]
How do I jump-start the the go back to school mojo?
How do I change from worst student ever to world-class adult learner + scientist? What habits can I put into practice that will help me succeed at school, work, and personal endeavors? [more inside]
How to bulk forward old messages from one gmail account to another?
[bulk forwarding/importing from one gmail account to a personal gmail account]: not.tech.savvy.person needing help. [more inside]
It's all about the spaces.
What other super-sparse, dance-y, guitar-y, post-y punk-y, minimalist rock band am I missing out on? For example, I love Flin Flon. Of COURSE I love Gang of Four's Entertainment. I love Antelope.
How do I deal with rollercoaster relationship feelings?
I'm high as kite when I'm with "him" and feel like a junkie desperate for a fix when I'm not. How do I better manage these extreme feelings? [more inside]
where did these nightmares come from?
My nightmares as a child possibly directly lifted from unknown horror movies? [more inside]
This isn't like War of the Roses, more akin to Fatal Attraction
Finally moving to my new house Friday! This is coinciding with a nasty breakup with a very unreasonable woman. She's unstable and deploying some very low, tacky, petty moves. We share an apartment that's going away at the end of the month and I need some best practices to help this deployment. [more inside]
Recommend me a Stage piano?
Stage pianos: My old Roland RD-100 stage piano has given up the ghost. Does anyone have recommendations for a replacement? Requirements within. [more inside]
What do you wish you knew before you committed to a relationship with a divorced person who has a child?
What do you wish you knew before you committed to a relationship with a divorced person who has a child? [more inside]
Inspire me in a foreign language.
Please recommend me some recent non-English language movies/documentaries that are uplifting/inspiring/funny/have happy endings. [more inside]
Is there any way of rolling back to an old version of a Chrome extenstion? (Tweetdeck)
I used to love the old version of Tweetdeck for Chrome but really really don't get on with the new, updated, "better" version. Is there any way of still using the old version?
Wood-fired hot tub owners, lend me your ears…
I live in Europe (specifically Luxembourg) and would like to buy a 4-person tub, but would be interested in hearing more on what it’s like to own and run one of these things. I’m thinking I’d fire it up it once or twice a week in the winter, so I can soak after mountain biking and chill with the family (we've 3 little boys). Can you tell me about water usage, wood usage, heating time, draining, lighting, cleaning, icing up and over-heating, smoke, paddles, lids and covers, seats and steps, concrete bases, summer time plunge pool usage, whether your family and friends enjoy using it, safety, getting from house to tub, any other things I need to think about. How often do you use yours and for how long do you generally soak? Are you in general pleased with it? Thanks
This previous question answers some of my own, but I'm specifically looking at simple wood fired tub usage.
Looking for bookrecommendations
Books in the vein of "Intimate Connections"? [more inside]
Help me make horrible noises!
Where does one purchase musical instruments in Birmingham, UK? [more inside]
January 11
Parody vs. Copyright?
Parody or copyright violation? [more inside]
How to handle anxiety when under pressure?
How can you handle performing under lots of pressure? Is it possible to practice this? How can I get rid of my losing attitude and think more positively? [more inside]
BRRRRRRRR Momma, why ain't the heat on yet!?
What are the advantages to a newer modern gas furnace heating system vs. a 35~ year oldish pilot-light gas system? [more inside]
What’s my takeaway for an intense online conversation that suddenly ended?
I’m recently divorced and confused about an online situation that resolved amicably. I’m not sure how to think about it; however, I want to know if I made some obvious mistake so I won’t repeat it in the future. [more inside]
Where (nearish San Francisco) can I sit under a beautiful star-filled sky in a hot tub, or similar atmosphere?
Live in San Francisco and have 12 days to spend at the end of this month (January). I want to sit in a hot tub and stare up at a beautiful sky. Where should I go? [more inside]
Tips for China?
I'm going to China for a year to teach English. Any advice? [more inside]
Dry throat, breathlessness when speaking in front of people
When I speak in front of an audiance I feel breathless and I take long pauses to catch my breath; my throat gets dry. While know it is due to mental anxity, I don't know how to fix it. I feel as if nothing is coming out of my throat, no matter how much I have practiced the speech before.
I have tried chewing lozenges and breathing before the start of every sentence or clause.
Thanks.
No 64-bit stamp
For a fairly new iMac, how do you determine whether the Intel processor is 64-bit or 32-bit?
How to add coverflow to joomla?
I am looking to design a custom Ecommerce site and from talking to people it looks like the way to go is Joomla. I have an idea what I want my site to look like and it will need to have coverflow. Is this something I will be able to include in my Joomla site? A google search was not very helpful with this for some reason. [more inside]
What options are available for relocation within a company?
What resources would I need to move to New York? I've been offered (unofficially by the boss of my boss) to change jobs within my company and move 400 miles away to the head office in NYC. The ball is in my court to figure out what I would need to make this happen, but I am at a loss as to where to begin the negotiation! [more inside]
I really really like him. But should I tell him?
I have a crush on my brother's roommate. I was going to tell him this, but... [more inside]
How can I give Final Cut Pro as a gift?
I want to give someone a copy of Final Cut Pro X as a gift. But since there's no physical package anymore, I can't figure out how to do it, and I'm feeling pretty dumb. I thought maybe an iTunes Gift Certificate, but Apple.com says "iTunes Gift Cards and Certificates can be redeemed for songs, albums, audiobooks, videos, and games on the iTunes Store. They cannot be used to buy Apple products." Help? [more inside]
Documentaries on inspiring music education
What are the most inspiring, exciting documentaries on music education? [more inside]
Happy Chinese New Year !
Chinese New Year - how/when/who when saying 'Happy New Year'.
If you are not Chinese at all (that's me) and you live somewhere that's not very Chinese (that's New Zealand) what's the polite thing to do regarding Chinese New Year with people who are ethnically Chinese ? [more inside]
My Best Friend's Pregnancy.
How can I support my friend both during and after her pregnancy when we don't live in the same country? [more inside]
don't let the water lice bite
do people actually sleep in their bathtub? [more inside]
Lost phone in Philadelphia
A friend of mine lost her blackberry phone. What can be done on our end to get it back or get copies of the irreplaceable pictures of loved ones from it? Long-winded weepy details inside. [more inside]
Sandkings in my screen
Looking for a game or screensaver-type program where little scenes or creatures or plants or -something- will change and evolve and interact with itself, without human input. [more inside]
The worst romcom ever.
How do you handle dating multiple people when there's a possibility that you'll cross paths with one person while in the company of another? [more inside]
Help me choose my bridesmaids!
I absolutely hate the idea of choosing people to stand by my side at the altar. I have friends from all different stages of life whom I care for very much (childhood, high school, college, grad school, work, etc.) and I loathe the idea of "picking" some and not others. What do I do? [more inside]
Can I salvage my broken Mac 11 airsoft guns?
Can I salvage my broken Mac 11 airsoft guns? I bought them around 2004-2005, I am not sure what brand they are, and I want to spend as little as I can but still get them working in perfect order. [more inside]
Help me think of awesome activities to teach healthy eating habits!
What do preteen girls need to know about healthy foods (and eating, and health and body image more generally) and how do I explore these ideas with a bunch of them? [more inside]
finding software jobs in europe
What is the likelihood of finding entry level software dev jobs in Europe as an American CS student? [more inside]
I'm looking for music featuring wordless vocals.
I'm looking for music featuring wordless vocals. I'm not sure if there's a technical musical term for this sort of thing, but Sambalero by Stan Getz and Baie des sables by Claude Léveillée are good examples of what I have in mind. Bonus points for particularly formless sounds ("ooooo" "bah bah bah," etc.), rather than made-up language/nonsense syllables like Prisencolinensinainciusol.
How do I survive my future marine's enlistment?
My boyfriend and I are madly in love. We want to spend the rest of our lives together. He is my best friend, my lover, my confidant, my conscience, and a continuous source of strength and love. The problem is that he is leaving for the Marines in August and I have been seriously questioning my ability to survive his enlistment term. I am absolutely terrified of what is to come. I feel as though there is no possible way I can survive being away from him for so long. How do I find the emotional strength to deal with his absence? [more inside]
How do I identify the model of my car?
I need some parts for my car, a 1984 Nissan Skyline hatchback, and the wrecker is asking if it's a S1 or S2. How do I tell? [more inside]
Need the money, don't want to be fired.
Should my company be allowed to dock me, as a salaried employee, for the 4 hours I took off today? How should I broach this subject? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Best quiet digital camera for low-light and candids?
What is the best digital camera (and possibly lenses) for street photography, candids, and low light situations? [more inside]
get some balls
Does anyone have any suggestions for a method of procuring buckyballs on the cheap? Seems as though most places have them for about the same price.
Tips to iimprove your resume
Any suggestions on how to make your resume attractive? not sure if there is a new trend for resume writing but want to get feedback from, Recruiters and Hiring Manager. With the economy and competition, it's getting so tough to even get an initial interview.
Can I put up a canopy with a case study bed?
Bedroom Design Help. Case Study bed with Canopy and LED? [more inside]
Help me make PS3 Let's Plays!
What equipment setup do I need to make PS3 Let's Plays for Youtube? [more inside]
Automatically adding Amazon affiliate codes
Is there a straightforward way to transform Amazon links to add an affiliate code? [more inside]
Facebook Advertising
I've volunteered to set up and run the Facebook page for a student social organization. I was looking for suggestions on how to best manage a Facebook presence. The page would mainly be focused in advertising events that the group will be hosting, as well as recruiting new members.
Pay me to work, please.
Where can I get a technical writing internship, preferably in the area of software documentation, in or around Memphis, TN? Level of difficulty: it must be paid. [more inside]
Are there any drawbacks to dual U.S.-Italian citizenship?
Are there any drawbacks to dual U.S.-Italian citizenship? [more inside]
If stopped by the police, what details do I have to tell them about a prior arrest?
If stopped by the police, what details do I have to tell them about a prior arrest? [more inside]
The UK Rump State
What would be the future of the British state without Scotland? [more inside]
I want the best of both worlds
I want a Mac, but I also have some software (games) that I need to run in Windows. I know I can use bootcamp to run a virtual machine with Windows on it, but will it be flawless? [more inside]
Where can I find a transcript of an Army investigation interview?
Where can I find declassified interview transcripts of US Army investigation interviews? [more inside]
Doyyy I wish I could do that herp derp derp
How do I talk to people whose work I admire without coming across as starstruck, opportunistic, tactless, or otherwise obnoxious? [more inside]
BDSM filter: How to find a "nice/sensitive" guy who's naturally dominant in bed?
I'm looking for a partner who matches me well on a personality level and who is also naturally dominant in bed. [more inside]
We talked the boss into being Snow White. Now, we need to clothe seven dwarfs.
I'm striking out on searches for seven tunics. Tent dresses doesn't seem to get me much farther. Ideas on where to find plain tunics in a variety of colors/sizes?
We're all set on the beards, hats, ears, etc.
Now that I am finally getting the hang of web desingering and CSS, is HTML 5 and CSS3 going to come along and make my knowledge irrelevant?
Now that I am finally getting the hang of web desingering and CSS, is HTML 5 and CSS3 going to come along and make my knowledge irrelevant? [more inside]
AOL Message Board Archives?
As a teenager, I participated on an AOL politics message board (one that you accessed from the AOL application, not from the web). This would've been 2000-2003, or thereabouts. Do you know if the archives for these forums exist on the web anywhere? [more inside]
Creepy creeper?
Help me understand what is and how not to be a creep/er online? (snowflake details inside) [more inside]
Child's going to need some help, but what sort?
Unnecessary Drama Filter: My Godson's mother just got scooped up by immigration. What comes next? [more inside]
Learning from different ideas on eels.
Funny Cross-Cultural / Difference Skits? How to teach people about leveraging difference. [more inside]
Music to help combat season affective disorder
Please help me create an uplifting music mix. [more inside]
Disease classification
Is there a way that the medical field classifies diseases based on how preventative they are by an individual's actions? For instance obesity related diseases are very preventable but genetic diseases are not very preventable.
Looking for web resource for Canadian court statistics.
How can I locate sources for statistics on the outcomes of Canadian criminal court cases, that include such data as type of defence counsel (ie Legal Aid, from large firm, high profile, new in field, or preferably cost of counsel), amount of time before trial, income/profession of defendant, sentence given, and sentence actually carried out?
Does such data even exist?
I'm only asking out of curiosity, not for any professional or education project.
What to do with two slightly older desktop computers...
What to do with two slightly older desktop computers... [more inside]
Does this violate our 501(c)(3) status?
I work at at a non-profit art museum on a state university campus. Though it's officially (legally, too, I guess) a museum, it feels more like a commercial art gallery.
Does it violate our non-profit status when the founder buys a large number of art from each of the shows we do? I want to know so, when I begin to write grants, and if a potential funder asks, I can answer knowing where the question is going.
Thanks.
What is a good book to read when financially struggling and out of hope?
I'm looking for an inspirational book. One that will inspire, motivate and give hope to someone who's unemployed, financially struggling, depressed and hurting. More details inside... [more inside]
NW Winos..
How to drive again after decades of avoiding it
I haven't driven a car in 15 years, and I'm about to get behind the wheel on Saturday. Help me prepare to get on the road again! [more inside]
Is it possible to safely sell an unlocked Iphone that has had the baseband upgraded to 06.15? (ie be able to delete all data off it without it being recoverable through itunes)
Is it possible to safely sell an unlocked iphone that has had the baseband upgraded to 06.15? (ie be able to delete all data off it without it being recoverable through itunes) [more inside]
What is this hypnotic dance/track?
What is the name of this dance/trance song I heard only once? [more inside]
Help me identify a clip from NPR about 15 years ago.
Help me identify a clip from NPR about 15 years ago. [more inside]
Most underappreciated session guitarists
Who are the most underappreciated session guitarists in popular music? [more inside]
Time for another name-that-song-who's-lyrics-I-don't-really-know-but-I-heard-it-this-one-place post!
I'm looking for the artist/title of a song I heard last night. It's an electronica/down tempo song. Female singer, and the lyrics contain something to the effect of "sex and diamonds" towards the end, and there is an operatic chorus that shows up during it. [more inside]
Educate me about (alternative) education!
Are there any good documentaries about homeschooling, unschooling, or the Sudbury Valley model? [more inside]
Sore foot needs a doctor recommendation.
My foot hurts from running. Can anyone recommend a good foot care person in Toronto? [more inside]
How to market a company.
Help me brainstorm and find new ways to market our company! [more inside]
How healthy/unhealthy is peanut butter and why does my taste to almonds change at night?
Can you get an allergy from peanuts? My diet has changed recently and sometimes I will end up eating 1/3 of jar in a day. I'm eating the all natural kind that doesn't contain trans fats.
Is the saturated fat any better for you because it comes from peanuts?
I'm also eating more almonds lately and I've noticed that they often have almost no taste to me in the middle of the day, but at night (especially an hour or two before bed) they have this very sweet, full taste. Do your tastebuds change through out the day?
London book recommendations
What should I read to get a feel for London? [more inside]
Locate old SF story
Long ago (maybe 30 years?) and 500 miles away, I read a short SF story in which it is illustrated that do-gooders cause all the troubles in the universe. A lesson in unintended consequences. It was humorous. How can I find this again? For added joy, I am also looking for a short SF story in which nothing can happen in the entire galaxy due to bureaucracy and red tape. My current belief system is based upon the rule of unintended consequences, and the fear that bleeding hearts like me cause more harm than good.
Can you help me find this popular train song?
So there's this song about a man who drives steel for the railroad. His work kills him at the end. The version I'm thinking of was recorded sometime from the 50s to the 70s. It may be about John Henry, but it's none of the versions that begin, "When John Henry was a little baby..." Can you help me find this song? It also might not be about John Henry. [more inside]
Bluetooth prototype
What is the easiset way to prototype a small bluetooth device. [more inside]
My God... It's Full of Soup...
I need recipes for my soup-making blender thing!!! [more inside]
Car loans for the recently bankrupt
I declared bankruptcy about 6 months ago. I have two small children. I need a new (to me) car. What are my options? [more inside]
Talk about extreme couponing... extremely EXPENSIVE!
Is there a good Facebook coupon app besides WooBox, one that's still good for pages with large audiences? [more inside]
How many Watts before a swat?
How is it that a tiny housefly has enough energy to drive me mad by flying around my house for an hour or more? How long could it keep going?
Ferries between Japan and South Korea?
I want to take a ferry from Shimonoseki, Japan to Busan, South Korea, and then later from Busan to Fukuoka—but how do I book tickets? [more inside]
Is psychoanalysis for me?
[TherapyFilter] Could you tell me about your experiences of psychoanalysis please? I am trying to decide if it would be helpful for me to begin it. [more inside]
Need to rent a house in a tight market. Seeking tips and strategy.
Need tips and strategy for getting a rental house. Our rental market is very tight (in north Seattle). Landlords can afford to be picky. At first glance, we don't look like ideal tenants.
Our situation:
We are putting our big fancy house on the market. We've been wanting to downsize for a long time. Just now, the market timing is very good. Our property is desirable and we can expect a decent price, and equity pay-out at closing.
When the house sells, we plan to rent a small house in North Seattle. Looking for a 6 month to 1 year lease.
(more detail below...) [more inside]
My Mac has become a host for infected Windows office documents. I have hundreds of Office documents with other people's Windows viruses on them. Help!
My Mac has become a host for infected Windows office documents. I have hundreds of Office documents with other people's Windows viruses on them. Help! [more inside]
small potatoes tax question
Tax Question: I'm getting paid to do art in another city. Is it more sensible to use my travel stipend or my credit card points to pay for the flight? [more inside]
Ovenless treats
What portable treat can I make for a group that doesn't require the use of an oven? [more inside]
Extra points on the back-end?
[DVD/Blu-Ray Commentary Filter]What compels the star(s)/director/producer/whomever to do commentary for a DVD/Blu-Ray release? Are they paid for that session of sitting and watching the movie while miked up? Or are they just hoping for more sales for their share of the back-end? Or is this just out of the goodness of their heart (particularly on "anniversary" releases)?
I want to eBay a Macbook, but have two snowflakey problems.
I want to eBay my partner's Macbook. We live in the Netherlands, and it doesn't have a power cord due to acts of cat. How do we get the best price? [more inside]
Please help me connect to Facebook in Indonesia
I am currently Traveling in Indonesia and cannot connect to either Facebook or twitter. I am on a mac which is returning a timeout for the server. i am connected via a cable modem through an ethernet cable. Two other computers - one a mac and one a PC are able to connect to my account via this same cable. I am able to connect to other internet sites with my mac and am also able to connect to facebook and twitter via the aformentioned guest computers. Can you help me Hive?
stepmom broke up with me
How can I emotionally begin to handle the end of my relationship with my ex-stepmother? This is the end of a very tangled family situation and I have no idea how to deal with it. I feel terrible. [more inside]
Master Moviemaking with the Mefites
Can you recommend online videos or blogs which dissect, compare, and contrast different elements of filmmaking: camerawork, lighting, directing, editing, pacing, music, dialogue, color, etc? And if you went to film school or took classes, what were some lessons/first-hand experiments that really opened your eyes to the art and subjective nature of film? [more inside]
January 10
Not So Casual Encounters
I made a mess of my FWB situation. How can I fix it? Should I even try? [more inside]
What are the primary sources for information about Sisyphus?
Internet explorer development
I've got some JavaScript I want to turn into an extension (plug-in?) so it will always run for certain webpages for Internet Explorer, but because I've been using Chrome/Firefox for years, I don't know what search terms to use. Do you know of a simple how to resource? Grease monkey like alternatives aren't an option for me.
"Gee, I'm SO glad I'm not single!"
how can I project some more confidence about being single? I'm tired of people feeling sorry for me. [more inside]
Dog Boarding, Atlanta
Best dog boarding in Atlanta area? [more inside]
Help us find this video we barely remember!
What was this (music) video with drunk people waking up? [more inside]
taxing.
argh!! nooooooo!! my amazing tax accountant has decided to retire and is leaving me without any referrals. can anyone recommend an awesome tax accountant, bonus points for specializing in working with creatives. [more inside]
Finding things to do with myself on evenings and weekends
What are some things I can do during evenings and weekends? [more inside]
Windows to the soul, or time for something new and Airy?
Should I get a MacBook Air or stick with Windows? I may be getting a new laptop for school and I want to get the best, most portable one... but I have never had a Mac. What should I get? [more inside]
Help find my mom some projects.
My elderly mother needs a project or three to do during the winter. What can you suggest? [more inside]
Is it safe to use my current medical benefits while applying for individual health insurance?
I'm in the middle of applying for individual health coverage in California and haven't been approved or rejected yet. Is it safe to use my current medical benefits, and get diagnosed, while applying for individual health insurance, or will they reject me? [more inside]
Need to share photos between two iPhoto libraries
Is there a way to share pictures among two iPhoto users, preferrably on a NAS? [more inside]
Tell me everything about Seattle.
We're moving to Seattle. Tell me everything. [more inside]
Aunt In-Law Once Removed?
What do you call your brother-in-law's mom? [more inside]
Love song to a stranger
What to get as a thank you gift for a stranger? [more inside]
Travis McGee redux?
My aged father laments that he has read all of John D. MacDonald's
Travis McGee books. What writer/character is similar? Bonus points for he-man, retro, male protagonists. And a series of books is even better than stand-alone novels. Thanks.
Help me be a good bridesmaid from afar.
Help me be a good bridesmaid--from afar, on a low budget, with close to no vacation time, for a bride who I hadn't spoken with in two years. [more inside]
What is the song in this Volkswagen commercial?
There is a Volkswagen Passat commercial I keep seeing lately with a song that sounds vaguely like a Budos Band song in the background, though I don't believe that's actually what it is.. but what is it? [more inside]
what can be done about gravel produced by the kidneys? any promising research or *working* alternative treatments?
what can be done about kidney calcification? [more inside]
Toronto must see for nerds?
Semi quirky stuff to do in Toronto Jan 26-29? Partner's & my 1st time to TO, looking for a couple of atypical things to do besides eating & drinking. I'm spending 1 day at IDS but otherwise wide open, & we're staying near the convention centre, no car. [more inside]
Major gift for a new Major!
Gift(s) for a wife and husband who are both being promoted to Major in the Army? [more inside]
I need a first aid kit shopping list
What needs to be in a good first aid kit? [more inside]
Have I ruined my boots with leather conditioner, or is this how properly-conditioned boots are supposed to feel?
Have I ruined my boots by using Lexol conditioner on them? Is this how they're supposed to look/feel? Or have I done something wrong? [more inside]
What is the black magic occurring in this Wordpress theme?
Can anyone help me make sense of the javascript/jQuery (and black magic?) behind the category list in the portfolio of this Wordpress theme? [more inside]
How do you become a Vulcan when reading email?
"I'm a Pantera's box you do not wanna open."-filter:
Looking for work advice about not reacting to my perceived stories about the intent and methods of communication of my peers. Details inside... [more inside]
Slap me upside the head with your best Ansel Adams
Are there some exercises I can do that will give me a better sense of the limits of my camera? [more inside]
Help me build a rocket stove
I plan on building a rocket stove similar to this one. I want a smokeless (or nearly smokeless) fire for toasting s'mores, etc. Does anyone have some tips, such as where to find cans that aren't coated in bpa or old paint?
In search of an inexpensive, solid performing Canon DSLR. <$200 budget
Options for a decent, inexpensive second-hand Canon DSLR? [more inside]
Why doesn't consumer audio sound better?
Why is audio quality so lacking in consumer audio goods, when it is so easy to improve upon it? [more inside]
DO NOT LEAVE VITAMINS IN YOUR POCKETS
Please, oh please, help me de-stink my favorite pair of jeans. [more inside]
Should I go back to school?
I dropped out of college during my first semester over two years ago, but now I'm thinking about starting over. [more inside]
MAN VS. SKUNK – April Fool’s Day Edition
For the last couple of years, my SO and I have an on-going theme involving skunks that colors our April Fool's Day mischief. Help me find an inflatable skunk to keep the stinkin’ hilarity going! [more inside]
When should you notify an applicant of the poor quality of a reference letter?
Academic ethics question: under what circumstances should you notify an applicant of the poor quality of a reference letter? [more inside]
Elderly isolated dad may not be coping - what should I do?
Elderly father, living alone a long way away, may not be coping. I am trying to investigate & get him help if he needs it - please tell me if I am leaving something out or overstepping the mark. [more inside]
Mother nature cannot be fooled
Besides the 2008 financial crisis, what are some well-known tragic incidents within the past 50 years of American history that could be categorized as having happened as a result of willful blindness on behalf of management or authorities, i.e. failing to heed clear warning signs or available data/statistics that prophesied the event? [more inside]
Travel tips for the tall guy?
How can I avoid getting my knees crushed in economy or paying to check a bag, even though I don't fly any one airline enough to gain elite status? [more inside]
Damaged Car Door
Got in a car accident, car is damaged on the driver side door so that I can't open it or roll down the window. I need to roll down the window to swipe a parking pass to get into a garage, so what should I do? [more inside]
Changing for a guy?
How can I prove to my friends that I'm not "changing for a new guy," or should I even bother? [more inside]
I want to update spreadsheets through my apple devices. How?
Spreadsheet sadness on iphone/ipad. How to update a spreadsheet through these devices? [more inside]
Help! I've turned out uptight!
How do I get over the idea that non-essential things in life are immoral? [more inside]
Help me track down this early Mitch Hedberg tv appearance
Trying to find a video of Mitch Hedberg on Letterman. [more inside]
What are the best short format podcasts available on itunes?
What are the best short format podcasts available on itunes? [more inside]
How Do I Promote an eBook Without an Advertising Budget?
My urban fantasy ebook on Amazon has done well enough to make me really happy, but I'd love to promote it more. Thing is, a pen name was absolutely necessary and I don't have money to do actual advertising. Options? [more inside]
Unidentified wood and iron sculpture
A friend of mine was given an unidentified sculpture and he has tasked me with finding the name of the original artist. The sculpture itself is large and extremely intricate which leads us to believe that it was made by a well-known artist. The only problem is that there are no markings anywhere. Here is a pulled-back view of the whole piece. Can you please help us identify it? [more inside]
what was the historical buzz?
Were there stimulant drinks or foods in Europe before the arrival of coffee and tea from Asia and Africa? If so, what were they, and who had access to them? [more inside]
adventures in used car buying, part 2
Interested in BMW 3-series station wagon. Torn between new ($46,000) vs used ($26,000, 2006, 90,000 km). Which is better value in the long term? I intend to drive it for 10+ years, if not into the ground. [more inside]
Theater Techs, Please Read and Comment
For Theater Tech Pros : Are these Christmas lights hanging behind a shim in a theater OK or not? [more inside]
Which speakers to buy?
For studio monitors/speakers for my son, should I buy these?
www.guitarcenter.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-BX5a-Deluxe-Active-Monitors-104837133-i1406020.gc
They represent how much money I want to spend and they seem to be getting good reviews (but who is doing the reviewing?) I don't want to spend more money than this. He would plug his guitar (or a keyboard) into his interface (the DUET) (he has a Mac laptop) and listen through these speakers. The goal is to record multitracks - he has Reason and Record.
Should we be looking at other speakers too? Is there any retail store in New York City where he can listen to lots of speakers?
Go to school or stay employed?
Quit my job and go to school, or stay in the same spot and not really get anywhere? Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
How does one buy a very cheap car?
I need a car for a daily 6-mile each way commute. There are no public transportation alternatives and carpooling is not an option. Cycling is also not much of an option. I'd like to buy the cheapest car possible ($5000 or less, preferably much less), use it for a couple of years and then sell it or just donate it to charity. [more inside]
Alternative to clipping dogs' nails?
Has anyone used grinding devices to shorten dog nails instead of clipping? What was your experience? [more inside]
What local bay area companies offer regular delivery services?
I enjoy my CSA immensely, especially the delivery aspect. What other (local) food and products can I subscribe to in the Bay Area? [more inside]
I'm too exhausted to know where to vacation.
Where should my family with 2 toddlers travel for week-long vacation in June based out of the Mid-Atlantic? [more inside]
Entertainment 720 Forever
Small business promotions filter: good source for a US or Canadian service that will (manufacture and) ship one-off promotional items as occasional customer rewards? [more inside]
Can I get my personal info back, please?
Can I request a therapist shred my information/notes, or send everything pertaining to me, to me via mail? [more inside]
Great ideas/places/activities for a surprise birthday party (for a 29-year-old guy) in Seattle?
Great ideas/places/activities for a surprise birthday party (for a 29-year-old guy) in Seattle? [more inside]
Windows directories: this is a land of confusion... let's try to make this a place worth installing in
I have questions about how to use the new directory structures we now have under Windows 7 and Vista. [more inside]
Wanted: Minions (Equal Opportunity Employer!)
Human Resources Voodoo: How does one land a supervisory position without ever having really supervised anyone? [more inside]
Microsoft Project: Stop Recalculating My Finish date
Microsoft Project Filter: Is there any way to tell Project to stop recalculating/updating a task's finish date whenever I modify the task's % Complete column? [more inside]
Do cats actually need their nails cutting?
Do (indoor) cats actually need their claws trimming? [more inside]
LondonFilter: Help me replace the duffle coat my wife made me throw away
LondonFilter: Looking for a Gloverall duffle coat stockist (dealer) in central London. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Best way to timeshift FM radio?
How can I best record over-the-air FM radio broadcasts to listen to later? [more inside]
Compact Mirror
Where can I find compact mirrors (about 2" square) in the DC area? [more inside]
Chicago this weekend - how to make the best of it?
Chicago this weekend - what's going on? what's right for me? [more inside]
Too cool for posters?
Where can I get a print/poster of an Annie Leibovitz photo? Specifically the second one on this page. I know it is in a book of collected works, but I'm looking for something a little larger to hang on a wall. It seems a little odd that it wouldn't be available somehow, but that seems to be the case. Is there something about such high caliber photographers' work that I don't know about?
The Physics of the Wall (Martin's, not Waters')
Suppose there's a 700-foot-high wall of ice sitting in an environment that resembles, for the sake of argument, Alaska. I have some questions about the physics and long-term stability of such a structure. [more inside]
Bikini shopping?
Where can I find a stylish bikini that would work for me? [more inside]
I need mind-blowing books about parenting!
I'm looking for parenting books that blew. your. mind. [more inside]
Where to rent motorcycles in Israel for an international traveler?
Looking to travel to Israel soon and interested in renting a motorcycle - anyone know of good places to rent in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem that allow for travel around the country? [more inside]
Putting A Rectangular photo on Twtter account.Banner Photo on TwiiTwitter
How To Fit a Photo In New Twitter account? [more inside]
staying away from a toxic forum
How do I stop myself from crawling back to this toxic forum where I keep getting verbally abused? [more inside]
Don't step on the helium!
Best way to paint a floor that gets a lot of traffic? [more inside]
Less Hemingway, more description!
I know, a good problem to have: How can I become a more descriptive writer? [more inside]
Is my parachute more of a lemon or a neon?
Another career question. Entry-level jobs that could lead somewhere for the word-loving creative-thinker type who isn't afraid to start on the bottom rung of the ladder (even volunteering!). [more inside]
How did you know when it was time to go from being in a Long Distance Relationship to being in a Short Distance Relationship?
I am in a relationship with the most wonderful person. However, a job has taken me 3 hours away from him, and we're at the point in which we're struggling to see how this LDR will eventually work out for us.
A flurry of snowflakiness within. [more inside]
I feel like I'm being set up to fail at work
My boss recently spoke to me about my performance and then today just dramatically increased my workload in a way that will pull me away from my primary job responsibility without a discussion. How should I approach this situation? [more inside]
I'd like to be able to write more than a couple words!
I need a cheap pen recommendation for my particular needs. [more inside]
Entomology Filter. What kind of insect left this behind?
Entomology Filter. What kind of insect left this behind?
An old laptop, not all keys work
I have an old Mac laptop from 2006, it works pretty good. The main problem is that 4 keys don't work on it, I spilled water on the keyboard and "r", "s", "f" and "4" don't work. Should I just donate the computer? Who would want it? Should I try and sell it on craigslist? Would anyone want it?
Name that Tune
Standing-height TV tray?
We have a computer hooked up to our TV and I would love to have something like a TV tray, but taller, so I could stand up behind it with the wireless mouse and keyboard and compute for short periods of time and then put it away.
Know of any tallish tv trays or folding tall card tables or even something on wheels that would allow me to do something like this? Ikea is unfortunately not really an option, and I'm looking for something pretty cheap.
How do I tell a client that I don't want to work with them
I work as a full time private tutor at a university. Occasionally I meet with a student who is rude (i.e. interrupts me constantly) or seems unwilling to put any effort into learning. In both cases, I don't feel like we're a good fit for each other. How can I politely tell them that I don't want to work with them as their tutor in the future? Possible complication: most of my students are from the same network of friends. Meaning that I will often be meeting with one or several friends of the person I want to stop meeting with.
Streetball?
Trying to remember the title of a book about...urban football with weapons? [more inside]
Which Shoes Were Made For Walking?
What shoe style is best for walking and for pairing with skirts/dresses? Specific recommendations? [more inside]
Taxes, taxes, taxes - how do they work?
I've submitted taxes a few times in the past, but the forms were filled out by a surpassingly generous and competent friend with a lot of free time. This year for the first time I have to do everything myself. Please explain the process to me as if I were the stupidest person in the world. [more inside]
Coffee, All-Nighter? Nope.
Why does caffeine seem to have the opposite effect on me? [more inside]
"It's just a big hole in the ground."
Grand Canyon in April with an eighty year old and a ten year old . Bad idea? [more inside]
The last thing you need when you´re job hunting is more mind games
According to some of the job-search literature I´ve read/what I´ve heard from friends, companies will sometimes post ads for positions that don´t exist. I´m not talking about outright scams/MLM; I´m talking about legitimate companies advertising for positions that they don´t currently have open. How common is this practice? Why would you go through all the trouble of posting for a non-existent job? Is there an easy way to spot positions that aren´t real? [more inside]
TMJ problems after a cold?
I had a flu/cold a week or so ago and now my TMJ is killing me. Could they be related? [more inside]
Who can help me with my mental issues?
Looking for someone to help me with practical aspects of my ADHD - life coach, psychiatrist, therapist? What am I looking for? [more inside]
My Sojurn In The Ahab Zone
Broke my foot on New Year's Eve and am coping with the fallout. You are not my doctor -- but my questions about mobility are non-medical and anecdotal anyway. [more inside]
How can I automatically get Harper's Weekly Review on my kindle?
How can I automatically get Harper's Weekly Review on my Kindle? [more inside]
I feel trapped in my very own Bell Jar
I have no friends, no life, and am trapped in a dysfunctional family. Help me. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Dressing while Pregnant
Dressing and sleeping while pregnant: why does my Bella Band not stay down? why does my maternity belt scrunch up uncomfortably? Should I be wearing diabetic socks? How best to arrange millions of pillows in bed? What maternity gadgets are worth the cost? [more inside]
Need a music player that won't make me tear my hair out.
Are there any music programs for Android that can also sync with my desktop that make listening to music and managing my library more of a pleasure and less of a frustrating chore? I've tried doubleTwist, Spotify, Winamp and Windows Music Player, all of which have major drawbacks and seem worse than iTunes, which also sucked, but not as bad as the Android ones do. [more inside]
Memory Palace of Doom?
Memory Palace of Doom? [more inside]
Yes, I know, I'm an idiot.
Can I negotiate my salary after my first paycheck? [more inside]
Help me repair a cwk file!
Help me repair a cwk file! It's a database that we edit using Appleworks 6. When we try to open it we get an I/O error. It's got loads of very important info in it! Help!
Best Reishi?
I'm trying to track down a book about a girl and mirrors that lead into another world
I'm trying to track down a book about a girl and mirrors that lead into another world/ It's some time since I read it so the details are a bit sketchy... The girl lives in an apartment filled with mirrors. Very early in the story, she is drawn through a mirror to a different world that includes a castle and a king that had lost his mind. Mirrors are very different in this world - they are very powerful objects that can be used to translocate etc. She becomes a powerful mirror manipulator...
January 9
Emotional abuse or paranoia or neither
Help me understand if this is emotional abuse, or if I am too sensitive and what I should do... [more inside]
While Rome burns
What tunes would the roman emperor Nero have been likely to have played on his fiddle?
Crunchy, dry edamame recipe
How do I dry roast edamame so each bean maintains its crunchiness for a few days? [more inside]
Plan my trip to San Fran
Please plan my trip to San Francisco in the next 2-6 weeks. [more inside]
Best wireless cooking thermometer?
Can anyone recommend a versatile wireless digital cooking thermometer? [more inside]
Help for someone helpless
Looking for emergency shelter for a pregnant woman first thing tomorrow morning. We're in Brooklyn. [more inside]
Worth it to pay the bills to get the skills?
Engineering master's degree: worth it in my special situation? I have an engineering BS, the MS would be in the same sort of engineering, and it would be free (sort of). I've been working in non-engineering academic research, but I want to get into industry R&D. [more inside]
Macbook Pro vs Air, which to buy?
I'm buying a Mac tomorrow, which mac should I buy? [more inside]
How can we reduce our mortgage payments if we bought the new house, *then* sold the old house?
This past year, we bought a house. A month or two later my wife sold her house. We'd really hoped we could sell the house first, obviously, but it was a bad market and we were in a rush get the home (my wife's house was in another state). So now we both have a0 large mortgage and a large chunk of cash. We're trying to figure out what to do now. [more inside]
rolex watch accuracy
Rolex watch accuracy [more inside]
Wait, have we met that character before?
My father is beginning to have difficulty following books that have multiple plot-lines or too many characters. Can you recommend some books he might enjoy? [more inside]
Hello, Kitty! What is the best way to obtain a kitten?
CAT PEOPLE: I am about to join your collective. So question #1 is: What's the best way to actually get a kitten? Pound? Pet store? Craigslist? Snare baited with catnip? Also, any other advice appreciated. [more inside]
Help cure my foot smell!
Cure my foot funk! [more inside]
Help me find a good travel agent
Help me find a super awesome travel agent (for domestic/international bookings)! [more inside]
Dual Screen pc Display Glitch
I have a dual screen pc display problem that I'm having trouble diagnosing. [more inside]
Computers for Dummies for Dummies
I need a book to help me teach my dad how to be computer literate. [more inside]
How soon is too soon to ask to work from home?
I started a new job a month ago. I like my job and I like my co-workers, but what I would really like is to work from home. When should I ask or should I ask at all? [more inside]
Help me be godless at work
I have a colleague who is a lovely person. We get on quite well and have a fairly productive professional relationship. This person is an evangelical Christian, and has broached the topic of his god and his belief to me on a few occasions.
I am always polite, telling him that I do not have religious beliefs. I have not invited the discussion, and I would have thought my attitude would have been sufficient to ensure that he left the topic alone. I returned from holidays to discover that he has bought me three ebooks for my kindle – Lee Strobel’s The Case for Christ and Case for a Creator – and some other book about god. [more inside]
How to find better version & English translation of Indian animated short film.
Where might I find a better copy and possible English translation of a certain Indian animated short film? [more inside]
How to photograph what a hug feels like
I would like to photograph what it feels like to be hugged (be the huggee). I'm looking for inspiration. Have you ever seen a photo or film shot that captures this feeling? [more inside]
Film Fundraising Fun
What grants and other financing options exist for very independent narrative films? [more inside]
JUST MAKE IT STOP ! ! ! !
How can I force Firefox to quit on a Mac? Real-time problem. [more inside]
Selling a product wholesale – How do you do it?
Know anything about selling a product wholesale? To local shops? Looking for some hivemind retail knowledge! [more inside]
The hospital where I was born is trying to screw me.
We live in California. My wife had to go to the ER in my Virginia hometown last year. She gave them her insurance info. Four months later, they sent an enormous bill for a small amount of care. [more inside]
bogus logins and passwords
Does anyone remember a list of logins and passwords, for a myriad of sites, published online for all the world to use? Its advertised purpose was to allow one to use a website without having to register for access... so you didn't have to go through all the steps, nor receive spam in your inbox later... I think it's been several years since I've even thought of this -- also, I feel it had some form of 'gator' or other reptile in its name.
Facebook just keeps getting creepier and creepier.
How does Facebook know my ex-boyfriend's name, and why is it showing me the profile of someone with the same name as a search result before any of my actual friends? [more inside]
My usual method of slapping up a Chicago flag and a Queen poster seems somehow inadequate.
Help me decorate my office! [more inside]
Dressy Dude Corduroys
I'm in the market for a quality pair of men's corduroy trousers, hopefully in a forest green-ish shade. I'm not liking the (vintage and Land's End) pairs I'm finding because they feel too much like casual pants: the waistbands are kind of flimsy, they're cut like jeans, etc. Recommend for me please a corduroy trouser around $100 or less with a strong waist. [more inside]
What can I add to my Modular Meal System™?
What can I add to my Modular Meal System™? [more inside]
Fun and free multiplayer games for a newbie?
My girlfriend wants to play games for our long distance date night. Any free, low learning curve games that Mefites recommend? [more inside]
Email being delivered as text ... but why?
For some reason, one (and only one) correspondent's emails arrive on my phone as multi-part text messages. I can't find any reason in the settings that this should happen, and starting over with a fresh new correspondence does not change this. Please hope me.
Secret places to put secret things!
I like secret compartments! My car has one. I just found a vintage handbag with a hidden umbrella compartment. What are some more things - besides the obvious hide-a-key rocks and hollow books - that have unique secret compartments? Please list/link to specific examples!
roughly 65% of my memories of growing up involve this car.
Sentimental old crouton car filter: 1985 Pontiac Parisienne, north Delaware area. Stored in garage, but hasn't run for years. I'd like to see it go to a better use than junked so that a random non-profit can make a few bucks selling it to be squished at a junk yard. [more inside]
Help me with my name change.
Help me figure out the ins and outs of changing my name (legally)? [more inside]
How do I get over wedding resentment and be civil?
What are some coping mechanisms for going to a rehearsal dinner and wedding of someone who actively dislikes me but is related to my fiance? [more inside]
So I actually CAN make money from home...
I'm looking for a fully online MA program in TESOL or a related field like Applied Linguistics, that is NOT meant for K-12 public school teaching, with the aim of professionalizing myself as an English tutor. I found the New School's program here, that would certainly cover all my bases, but I simply wouldn't be able to afford the cost. Can you help me find other options? [more inside]
Cheapest Way to Ship Boxes from LA to NYC
I lived in LA several years ago and still have a storage locker there filled with my old stuff. Most of it is in moving boxes, but there's also a table in bubble-wrap. I want to move it all to a storage locker in Brooklyn, New York.
(1) I want to do this the cheapest way possible. I don't care how long it takes to get from Point A to Point B.
(2) I checked out the UPS and Fedex Freight sites but they're *extremely* confusing.
(3) I am only going to be in LA for THREE DAYS to arrange this so I need some method that can be concluded quickly.
(4) I am leaving for LA TONIGHT!
My thanks in advance to all you MeFiers for this very-last-minute question. :)
Recording program?
Free recording/editing programs more advanced than Audacity? [more inside]
Better than PepperPlate?
Looking for a replacement pocketknife
Please recommend an assisted open pocket knife for daily carry. [more inside]
I would MUCH rather have a lady-mustache than this
I got my upper lip threaded. Now my upper lip is covered in ingrown hair bumps. Help me make them go away! [more inside]
How to handle comments like "You look down..." or "Is everything ok?
How to handle comments like "You look down..." or "Is everything ok? [more inside]
Help me have sex!
How do I navigate being young, sexually active, and having hsv1? [more inside]
Residential VoIP providers?
What is the best residential VoIP/landline provider out there? [more inside]
Appropriate gift for the favor of bringing my child home from school 5 days/week for 4 months?
What is an appropriate gift card amount to thank a friend who is bringing my son home from the school she teaches in, 5 days a week for 4 months? [more inside]
Chicago restaurant recommendations?
Chicago locals- what are your favorite low and moderately priced restaurants? We recently moved to Chicago, and we're looking for new places to try. [more inside]
Roommate Filter: How Should We handle talking with our roommates about the monthly bills?
Roommate Filter: How Should We handle talking with our roommates about the monthly bills? [more inside]
Just one more mile!
Which TV shows are exciting and absorbing enough to make the minutes fly by while doing cardio? [more inside]
I've got to make the suit scream "Ph.D., Your University"
PhillyPhashionPhilter: I want to get a suit altered to make me look as snazzy as possible for some coming graduate school interviews... does anyone have any favorite tailors in Philadelphia (preferably West Philadelphia/University City) who can do affordable men's suit alterations? Thanks, fashion-conscious MeFites! <3
Help me put the hop back in my bunny slippers
How can I best clean my beloved bunny slippers? [more inside]
Loss of libido
I'm 67, male, and have a very low libido, which comes as a surprise after having a very high one all my life until three years ago. I'd like to be more interested in sex since I still love women - any thoughts on a way to turbo-charge my lagging desire? (Viagra, of course, relies on desire to activate its useful effect)
The 5,000 Foot Bookshelf - Curated lists and collections of important texts
When I finally take the plunge on an eBook reader I want an epic collection of public domain classic and/or important and/or utilitarian books to live on it. I'm looking for a particular sort of resource for this quest. [more inside]
Pro-gay Bible Exegesis
Looking for recommendations for websites and books that explain gay theology. More specifically, pro-gay arguments explaining tough Bible passages that have respected scholarship. I'm tending to see all the usual conservative stuff instead.
Should I find a new psychotherapist?
I think it might be time to start seeing a new therapist. My current therapist disagrees. So now I'm confused. Convince me that I'm right. [more inside]
Connect the dots (or, people..)
How do you connect with people? How do you reach out to someone you're interested in getting to know better to let them know you're interested in them as a person (with or without romantic potential).
I suffer from a bit of social anxiety and shyness so I tend to feel extremely awkward in approaching opportunities for one-on-one interaction. [more inside]
Moving from the US to Switzerland for work - what should I know?
I'm looking at a potential job in Berne/Neuchatel, Switzerland, and it would involve relocating my wife and 5 year old child. Does anyone have experience with relocating from the US to Switzerland, or any thoughts on life in Switzerland that they'd could share? [more inside]
Can a broken HDMI connector be fixed?
Fixing an HDMI connector: I broke the connector on one end of an in-wall HDMI cable. Is fixing it possible? This AskMeFi thread proceeded with some of the answers I found on the internet until the poster realized they had a DVI cord.
So, I have an HDMI cable, one connector is broken, it runs 35 feet on a convoluted run through the walls and ceiling of an old house, so running new cable will not be as simple as just affixing a string to the old one and pulling it through.
Is fixing it possible?
You are what you eat--are you also HOW you eat?
Anecdata search: Do men eat differently than women do? (I'm not talking about WHAT they eat, but about HOW they eat.) [more inside]
How can I find information on the first Supreme Court Justice of Puerto Rico?
Genealogy meets history (I hope): Looking for biographical information on the first chief justice of the Puerto Rican supreme court. [more inside]
A good book about the immigration of Norwegians to the Midwest?
I'm looking for a good book about the Scandinavia to Midwest America immigrant experience (non-fiction). [more inside]
WOMPY WOMPY WOMPY WOMPY WOMPY WOMPY WOMPY
YANMD: Post-sinus infection ear stuffiness. Infuriating! [more inside]
Small in format, large in importance
Why are Supreme Court documents in the 6-1/8-by-9-1/4 inch booklet format? [more inside]
Hokey medical spas near Indiana?
My wife really likes run down tourist attractions and old fashioned "medical" spas, both of which are found in Hot Springs, Arkansas. For her birthday this month I need something closer to Indiana (within 200 miles of Indianapolis). Recommendations? [more inside]
Anticpating budgetary drift
Do I disclose my actual budget to my architect/designer for a major renovation? [more inside]
German Politics and the Euro Crisis
I've read that two-thirds of the German populace are against European bailouts as a fix for the Euro crisis. One of the political parties in the ruling coalition, the FDP, is against bailouts. But in recent state elections, they did terribly. Why is this? [more inside]
To stamp or not to stamp
US passport / stamp filter: What is the policy for stamping US passports upon arrival back in the US? I've had inconsistent experiences with this. [more inside]
My mother-in-law hates me!
Early international marriages between Japanese men and Western women in post-Meiji 1800s... where could I read about them? [more inside]
The art of the roast
I would like to cook roast beef. For starters, what's roast beef? [more inside]
The Internet is a series of tubes, right?
IT Manager Interview help! Crash course resources and interview tips wanted. [more inside]
News aggregators
Looking for site(s) that shows news based on popularity [more inside]
How to properly assess late fees?
When a client doesn't pay on time and I want to assess late fees, do I send them a NEW invoice for the original amount plus late fees, or an invoice for just the late fee itself? [more inside]
Can you resent someone without thinking they don't deserve what they have?
When someone feels resentful of another person who has something they don't, do they feel that the person who has those things is undeserving? [more inside]
Will I be stuck in the US?
Can the US prevent me from returning home? [more inside]
What are some alternative careers for people with a background in programming?
What are some alternative careers for people with a background in programming? [more inside]
What are these pointy, yellow street utility poles?
What is the purpose of these yellow, columnar, pointy-topped utility structures found frequently on the streets of St Louis: [ex. 01 [gmap] || ex. 02 [gmap] || detail]? [more inside]
If networking is a garden, I have a brown thumb
How do I cultivate my professional network when it doesn't seem to be growing at all? [more inside]
How do I stop being so "testy" while I'm dieting?
I'm trying to keep my New Year's resolution by losing some weight. I find myself very snippy to my husband and friends, which is completely out of character for me. How can I lose this weight and still be civil to the people I love without being known as "The Grouch?"
Python is a hydra. Help me tame it.
Can someone help me debug this Python error message(s)? [more inside]
London Puppy Buying: The Pitfalls
Looking to buy/acquire a puppy in (North) London. I am worried about vaccinations etc. and have some questions about ethics of the whole thing. Can I get a puppy from a shelter? Or should I feel happy about paying for one from a 'good' home through a website? [more inside]
From whence the hate?
I've seen a lot of people (mostly those involved with enterprise-level computing in some way) deride the term 'cloud computing', or just the notion of 'the cloud' in general. What's the source of this animosity, and why is it to widespread?
Magsafe for the rest of us
How can I protect the USB ports of my device? [more inside]
Is there a single Windows based media center platform that does it all?
What are the best ways to watch and record live, broadcast TV in a Windows environment without using Windows Media Center? [more inside]
Running out of $$$... line of credit?
Recently moved, unemployed, running out of money. Should I get a line of credit? (in Canada) [more inside]
Connect to access with php
How do I connect, dsn-free, to a passworded Access (.mdb) database with php (5.2.4)? Google throws up lots of methods - none seem to work.
What happens to children when a solo parent has an emergency?
What if you are alone with small children and you must call 911 for a serious injury to you (the carer)? [more inside]
Did I get a great deal on these Heywood Wakefield chairs or am I missing something?
At a yard sale at an old church this weekend, I bought 4 old school chairs for $20. I liked them because they were solid and had nice design and a great retro look. (I am a big guy and have been looking for some replacements for our sometimes wobbly kitchen table chairs.) They were quite dirty, but cleaned up nicely. Looking at the maker's mark on the bottom of the seat, they are Heywood Wakefield and look just like the chairs in this pic. I have also found a couple of other ads online in the same $300ish price range.
Did I really get a $300 set of chairs for $20, or is there more specific insider info that defines the price?
Any Heywood Wakefield experts who can tell me what to look for?
I really love the chairs and are not planning to try to sell them, but if they really are worth $300, I might go back to the church and see if they have any more.
Making an old ADP alarm system stop beeping incessantly?
Can you help me figure out how to make my new condo's alarm system stop beeping loudly every couple of minutes? [more inside]
Verizon security camera system
Is anyone using Verizon's security cameras? [more inside]
Help me find fast songs with slow videos
I'm looking for examples of music videos in which the tempo of the song is totally different to the tempo of the visual edit. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Gripping, page-turning history books
Any suggestions for gripping historical non-fiction books? [more inside]
Help an ENTP narrow down their career path choices....
In the last couple months I've come to realize that I am not alone. My personality is my problem and it is what has made this post-college thing so hard on me.
ENTPs are sort of visionaries who can be the best and innovate and succeed at anything we put our heart to but we get bored very easily if we aren't socially, creatively satisfied and doing some "analysis" or "innovation" or "problem solving". We also don't take well to being "told what to do".
(Sort of like a cross between Steve Jobs (visionary, creative, secretly self-obsessed) Calvin (from the comic), Jack Sparrow, The Joker, and Wile E. Coyote. ) [more inside]
Apple TV, music with screen off
Can I use an Apple TV for music with the screen turned off? [more inside]
January 8
Make me Smiley.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (the movie, I'm a Philistine) gave me a hankering for realistic quasi-historical espionage fiction. Please recommend the best books/movies/comics/all media from other time periods. [more inside]
Fiction with Shifting POV
I'm looking for fiction with often shifting point-of-view, something like alternating POV between two characters every paragraph or so. [more inside]
Please suggest some interesting, intelligent (non-wing-nut) conservatives to follow on twitter.
Please suggest some interesting, intelligent (non-wing-nut) conservatives to follow on twitter. [more inside]
Pick a country, any country
For my birthday, my boyfriend arranged for me to take two weeks off work to travel to the place in the world I have most wanted to visit for as long as I can remember. Hurrah! But it turns out that right now is a terrible time to go there (political upheaval, violence, etc.). Sadness. Can you help us figure out where we should go instead? [more inside]
Nixed in the 1990s
What once-popular products, brands, or even trends bit the dust in the 1990s? I'm thinking of everything from short-lived food items like Orbitz Soda to popular shows like "Mystery Science Theater 3000" to store and restaurant chains that closed down in that decade. Primarily American, or at least things that were popular in America.
Delete iPad data, yeah?
My folks are mailing their iPad to Joe's Cheap Screen Repair, and I'm urging them to delete all their data before sending it off. They're afraid deleting/factory reset means all their emails and games are lost and gone forever. Am I insane, can't they just sync to iTunes when it returns in the mail and get everything back as they left it? Apologies for this Sunday night brain fart.
Films with Writers as Protagonists
I'm looking for films that have writers as the protagonists. I find the films inspiring. My favorite thus far is The Tenants (2006), which stars Dylan McDermott and Snoop Dogg! Any ideas? Thanks in advance... [more inside]
I want to know stuff about stuff
Are there any good (as in well-written and entertaining) popular (as in written for total non-scientists) books about materials science? [more inside]
We may own a house in two years
This Christmas we were told by my Dad that he will be giving us his house when he moves out of state. It doesn't have a functioning kitchen (no sink, just a fridge and a microwave and he washes his dishes in a tub with water from the bathroom) The house has charm, and there could be plumbing problems and it's also in a dicey neighborhood. So my question is this:
What do we do with this house? Fix it up enough to live in it for the price of utilities and taxes for a few years so we can go back to school? Try to sell it without even fixing it (we'd get maybe $20,000). Fix it up and become landlords after living there for a few years? [more inside]
What is this song?
Lost in Transiliteration
Help my package not get lost in transliteration! How do I address (Roman or Cyrillic) a package to Moscow? [more inside]
Home or Away?
Team A vs. Team B. Which is the home team if listed like this? I have seen conflicting opinions. Is there a standard in the US? Is it different in other countries? Does it differ by sport?
Why does Jeremiah Johnson look distorted on AMC?
Why does AMC's version of Jeremiah Johnson look distorted at times? [more inside]
Avocado Smuggling and Other Interferon Adventures
How can I include MORE FAT in my mother's daily diet? [more inside]
East side veloway?
Is there somewhere on the east side of Austin that would be good for outside skating? [more inside]
Online stores for prizes for a geek convention? $50-75 price range.
Online stores for prizes for a geek convention? $50-75 price range. [more inside]
Better tasting food for a dog with arthritis
Our 10-year old australian cattle dog, Zoe, has arthritis. Right now she eats Hills Prescription Diet for mobility, which her vet recommended. It helps a lot, but we'd like to switch her to another food. Is there a food you would recommend? [more inside]
Any games like words with friends on fb?
Any recommendations for Good Asynchronous Facebook Games? [more inside]
Arduino Starved For Ideas
What could/should my friend and I build first with an Arduino starter kit or two? [more inside]
Better than ricotta indeed?
What can I do with Tofutti Better Than Ricotta besides lasagna or manicotti? [more inside]
Give my cell a case
I've recently gotten a smart phone. As it's the first real investment I've made in a phone, I'm already thinking of how I can avoid the pain of having it get cracked, stepped on, dropped or rolled over. [more inside]
Cheap Orlando vacation
I'm trying to find the cheapest way for seven people to go to Disney World in the middle of July. [more inside]
Sitty McAss-Hurting
Sitting at a desk all day for work: is it as agonizing as I think it would be? [more inside]
Oh, IKEA ...
I just bought the Karlstad chair from IKEA. It's slightly defective and I'm wondering how bad it would be if I overlooked this particular defect and went ahead with putting it together anyway. [more inside]
Have Pentax, will Nikon?
Given my investment in lenses, should I stay with Pentax or is now the time to switch to Nikon/Canon? [more inside]
missed a bag of groceries
I just discovered a bag on the counter. 2 packages of boneless beef short ribs, 1 package of thigh-leg chicken parts, 1 envelope of bacon. It's been 2 hours. The animals were slaughtered yesterday.
Cook now? Pitch?
Bonus points if you can point me at the website about this that I used to have bookmarked.
Expired credit card number leaked. Problem?
How much should I worry about an expired credit card number being leaked in the Stratfor Lulzxmas event? [more inside]
Medical Forum recommendtions?
any recommendations for good forums for doctors , especially places to post interesting/problematic cases and get feedback? It might be that the forum is not restricted to doctors or medical professionals, but should have a high signal to noise ratio, something sadly lacking on most consumer driven medical forums....
what is good sex for men?
What is good sex for men? Once, I was married, in an abusive relationship. I've suddenly realized it is 15 years ago, and that I still haven't moved on. I've been in relationships since, each in their way failed, and each more or less failed because of my inability to get over the trauma of the abuse. Now, I've met someone new, after an almost total abstinence of 10 years. And I need to move on.
The main issue for me, right now, is lack of confidence regarding sex. My ex-husband repeatedly told me I was no good in bed. And now I feel I have no idea what is good in bed. [more inside]
Closing lines for emails
I'm tired of closing my emails with, "Regards", "Cheers", or, "Yours sincerely". Can you give me good alternatives for all occasions, from the formal to the semi-formal to the completely casual or hilarious?
dog-stand.com Why are these puppies doing front handstands while eating?
Why do these puppies raise their hind legs off the ground while eating? [more inside]
Zapping the fat away...is it really that easy?
Zerona uses a low-level laser which "penetrates the surface and emulsifies fat tissue." Zeltiq "uses cryolipolysis—or cold therapy—to freeze fat, thereby destroying the fat cells." Are they safe? [more inside]
Grad School Last Minute Thesis Advisor Switch
Graduate school issues. Starting my thesis this upcoming semester. Just the other day, my tentative advisor suggested that I switch to another advisor. Is it weird to ask a professor to be an advisor for my thesis a week before the semester starts? And what's the best way to ask? [more inside]
How do I "sharpen" the obedience of my dog?
How do I "sharpen" the obedience of my dog? [more inside]
ISO humane dairy/eggs/poultry
Recommendations for most humane sources for eggs, dairy products, and chicken in San Francisco Bay Area? [more inside]
Please help me stop myself chewing my lower lip
Help! I can't stop biting my lower lip and it's driving me bonkers. [more inside]
This video of kittens leaves me sobbing.
Is a numb, detached state a possible component of PTSD? [more inside]
Help a teenager design a nutrition/exercise plan
Please help a teenager come up with an exercise/nutritional regimen. [more inside]
Who sells black walnuts?
Where can I get black walnuts in the SF Bay Area? [more inside]
Did I dream I saw this movie about grifters in Buenos Aires?
Help me find the name of a Latin American movie I saw in the fall of 2002. It was in Spanish and sub-titled. I think it was set in Argentina, but I don't know that it was filmed or produced there. More details inside. [more inside]
Dance When There's Nothing But A Slow Glowing Dream
How to DJ to a group of people with smartphones wearing headsets? [more inside]
How to spot a knock-off with the real brand attached?
What are examples of big-name brands who separately manufacture cheaper/shoddier lines and put their labels onto them? [more inside]
"give a talk"-style technical interview
There's a computer programming type job I'm going to apply for where the interview process includes a "give a talk to your future team" component. Has anyone done something like this? [more inside]
Ham of unknown origin
I have been given a whole ham with no label, description, or instructions. What should I do with it? [more inside]
You! Floating jelly brain! Tell everyone that Metroid is coming!
(VideoGameFilter): Painterly platformers. Canonical examples: Aquaria (PC/Mac), Muramasa: The Demon Blade (Wii). [more inside]
The Shutter Island rat scene
Is the rat scene in Shutter Island realistic? Inside has total spoilers for the film. [more inside]
Books about the history of rhythms?
Prevent dryer vent air infiltration in an apartment complex
How do I prevent dryer vent air infiltration in an apartment complex? [more inside]
Traveling organizing resources - for the visually inclined, with a pinch of mapping
[TravelFilter] What are your best tools for regrouping/organizing clips and ideas of places to visit or things to do when traveling? Are there any good visual-based sites/apps for doing so? [more inside]
What happened to Dixon Ticonderogas?
I bought a bunch of Dixon #2 pencils from Wal-Mart last time I was in the US. They were cheap and they had the legendary Dixon name...and yet they were terrible - they all break and don't sharpen well. What happened to Dixon? And what do I do now? What do we replace them with? Further, is there an authoritative website on pencils that I should be reading?
Where do I find spare foreign change?
Where can I inexpensively purchase some foreign currency for my nephew's school? [more inside]
Crash diet and intense working out at the same time. Will I kill myself?
Has anyone here done Slimfast while doing the Insanity workout? [more inside]
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: What books are the worthy successors?
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: What books are the worthy successors (or predecessors)? [more inside]
Alien pods in Central Park
How can I deal with the bass from a church next door?
How to deal with the bass from a church I share a wall with? [more inside]
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes The Robot?
Is this the right time to start crying?
My flat screen TV (LCD-LED) is not flat. Help? (Pics inside.) [more inside]
Camera Needed. Not too expensive, likes indoors.
Best camera for indoor/low light conditions about $500ish --without use of a flash preferably. Difficulty: Must be available at Best Buy or somewhere immediately available. [more inside]
Help me counterbalance 200 questionnaires!
How can I effectively (and efficiently) counterbalance the questions for 200 questionnaires? [more inside]
Fill my DVD queue with healthy-living flicks.
Documentaries similar to 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead', 'Super Size Me', etc. [more inside]
Psychotherapy: can a therapist be right about progress and the client not see it?
Psychotherapy: can a therapist be right about progress and the client not see it?
We often hear from people who are in psychotherapy and are in disagreement with their psychotherapist about whether they are making progress. When is the psychotherapist right? [more inside]
Why is my DSL connection so much worse on my Mac?
Why is my DSL connection so much worse on my Mac? [more inside]
Suddenly, all the sheets were pink.
How to do laundry when you start buying clothes at more than 5 bucks? [more inside]
Move to the Head of the Class!
Can I use the highest Class SDHC card, as long as my device accepts SDHC? [more inside]
Saying Thank You to a Wonderful Person
One of my professors from last semester has been so incredibly kind, helpful, and supportive of me despite how difficult things were academically for me last semester. I want to thank this professor, but I don't know what's appropriate because I have never given a professor a gift before. What are some sentimental gifts that can accompany a handwritten note? [more inside]
Internet Explorer Theme
I want to dress up my chrome browser to look like internet explorer 1 or alternatively, netscape! I haven't found any themes/designs myself, so im asking the hivemind! [more inside]
Help me help my colleague
My colleague uses a Windows editor for writing code and a Unix system to run it. He has practical issues with version control. Suggestions? [more inside]
Essays on comedy?
I am interested in clever analyses of contemporary comedy. Any recommendations? [more inside]
Killing me softly with its song
What is the name of the piano piece towards the end of Sherlock's A Scandal in Belgravia?
(spoilers inside, to describe the piece I'm talking about) [more inside]
Snow chains for a week?
Is it OK to leave snow chains on a car's tires for a week? [more inside]
January 7
Audio Podcast of GOP Debate?
Looking for an audio podcast (mp3) of this evening's Republican debate. I've found lots of video, but no audio.
Life and Relationshps
This is a bit of a long-winded question if not a bit of therapy while I'm typing this. It involves a break-up, not unlike many others before me. Although it involves a major introspective on my part, it is hard to come to grips with it.... [more inside]
What does this mirror do?
What is this giant reflective thing? [more inside]
In Singapore for 48 hours. What to do besides eating?
In Singapore for 48 hours. Hawker center recommendations? And what to do besides eating? [more inside]
Carcinoma VS Pulmonary Emboli/DVT
Have you dealt with basel cell carcinoma and blood thinners at the same time? Questions below. [more inside]
Bitters, bitte!
I recently picked up a bottle of Fee Brothers Orange Bitters. Mixologists of Metafilter -- what are some fabulous uses for this product?
overlooked games on the 360
What are some hidden xbox 360 games? [more inside]
Whose lion is this?
Boring Watch stuff
My Mechanical Watch is suddenly perfect, after 11 years. My wife gave me a Hamilton Khaki Chronograph at our Wedding rehearsal in December 2000. It's perfect now. [more inside]
Travel with toddlers to NYC. Looking for fun, amenities, e
Travel with kids filter: Going to NYC with young kids, wife busy with work, I need to entertain, suggest fun fun fun! Hotels. Cool toy stores. Weirdness! I heart NYC, I want my kids to heart NYC, enlighten me. [more inside]
Capping Bandwidth for angry dummies
How does DD WRT pro/paid version control bandwidth? [more inside]
Should I be mad at my roommate because she disturbed my sleep?
Do I have a right to be bothered by my roommate watching TV in our living room? [more inside]
How to increase friction in metal ball+plates joints?
Chemists, Engineers, Tinkerers, and Adhesion experts of MeFi: Is there some sticky substance I can put in these metal ball+plates joints that will do the opposite of lubricating them -- increasing the friction between the surfaces? This is for a slightly nicer (chrome) version of this lamp that I just got (new in box) at a flea market. [more inside]
This straw is too thin for this milkshake
My roommates and I would love to throw a dinner party that involves "difficult food." We're thinking of warm-ups like corn on the cob and bobbing for apples, maybe moving onto very tall sandwiches and artichokes. Maybe for dessert, a king cake with way too many kings. Any more ideas for food that's particularly difficult (and amusing) to eat?
My ears and brain are occupied, now, what about the rest of me?
What can I do to keep my hands (or the rest of me) busy while I'm listening to audiobooks? [more inside]
give it to me baby, uh huh uh huh
Sex Filter: How do you decrease the length of your refractory period? [more inside]
baby/move
When to move with a newborn? [more inside]
Someone is banging on my door ... wait no people are banging in their bed.
This weekend I woke up to, what I thought, was someone banging on my apartment door at 4AM. After getting up I realized it was my neighbors going at it. They must have moved their headboard against our shared wall. Any ideas on how to discretely ask them to move their bed, or is that out of bounds? [more inside]
Set my mailbox on fire
Heat up our Netflix queue: Recommend me some sexy R or NC-17 (does Netflix even do NC-17?) movies to watch with my husband. [more inside]
Squatters on My Internet Lawn!
WTF? I just Googled myself and someone has a site that is www.myname.com and it looks like a blog that is aggregating (or producing) articles which are similar to those that I've written and published elsewhere. [more inside]
What is the couch-to-5k edition of mediation and mental focus?
I need to bludgeon my anxiety to death in the most peaceful way possible. Many people recommend meditation. For me, attempting to meditate has been a miserable experience... a sad exercise in white-knuckled denial. Just thinking about it fills me with dread. I know this isn't the way it's supposed to go. I need something more than "sit quietly and allow your thoughts to pass by like clouds". I need the step-by-step, couch-to-5k edition of mental calmness and focus. Help me out, mefi. Give it to me straight, detailed, specific, and with absolute minimum of woo... the mental focus fitness program for someone who can't even lift a metaphorical 1lb weight. Book/media recommendations welcome too. (I'm in therapy already, btw. It's been helpful, but we're not specifically focused on my anxiety at the moment.)
Recording without reason or logic
Dabblers in ios music production, I seek your advice. I'm traveling without my laptop for the first time, hoping to use an ipad and iphone combination instead. [more inside]
Are CMPS's worth it?
Tell me your experiences with Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists! Good, bad, indifferent. What to look out for, how to properly use their services...etc. [more inside]
Bollywood music video with men dancing while sitting on the toilets in lockerroom
looking for a Bollywood music video that has men dancing while sitting in toilet stalls--the camera is moving around in a locker room or similar setting and it pans across the tops of the stalls and in each one a guy is sitting AND dancing on the toilet. i know there are a MILLION Bollywood music videos, so this may be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but perhaps someone out there may recognize this one--it certainly is a bit weirder than most of them. i saw it on a monitor in an Indian restaurant, but the waiter didn't know anything about where to find it.
Gun ownership rules for a permanent resident in California
Does a permanent resident (green card holder) living in California have the legal right to own a gun? [more inside]
Dream or Reality?
I had a plausible dream and I wonder if it is real? [more inside]
Recent Article on Era by Style in Movies?
Can someone point me to that recent article which was talking about how movies from previous decades were clearly of that stylish era but that it is hard to tell apart movies starting in the 1990's until today except for maybe computer and cell phone technology?
Where should we stop (Boston -> North Carolina)?
Please help me plan a road trip from Boston, MA to North Carolina. [more inside]
Looking for site where I can search for movie showtimes using a map interface
Please help me find a site that lets me search for movie showtimes by geography (not just by zipcode or cityname). [more inside]
beachball in january no good
New Year's edition of "my macbook pro is suddenly slow"... [more inside]
How to restrict Wordpress RSS feeds
Question about Wordpress: how to restrict its RSS feed to one post type, using Feedburner or another method? [more inside]
Why do I keep comparing myself to my long-ago ex, and how can I make it stop?
My depressed brain uses my ex as a stick to beat me with. Please help it stop. [more inside]
To API or not to API
Should my ASP .Net website have an API? [more inside]
To declaw or not to declaw...
My kitty is going to destroy my furniture! I don’t want to have her declawed…help! [more inside]
need trekking poles
Please recommend good trekking/hiking poles, specific details inside. [more inside]
Are you an online media buyer?
What does an online media buyer do? [more inside]
Relocating from NYC all by myself and scared. Anyone have any experience/advice?
Relocating from NYC all by myself and scared. Anyone have any experience/advice? [more inside]
Is Riseup.net a good secure service for lefty activists?
Security Nerds: What do you think of using Riseup.net for secure online communications for leftist movements? [more inside]
Working towards being diaper free!
I'd like to start elimination communication with my 4.5 month old son. I'm looking for resources to get started. What do you recommend? [more inside]
Looking for women's plus-size cold weather exercise pants
I am looking for women's plus-sized (size 2X) cold-weather pants for walking my dog in the morning. I walk/run her for about 45 minutes (we are slowly doing Couch to 5K together). Specifically, I'd like to have something like these thermal running tights that are light, easy to pull on in the morning straight out of bed and will wick away moisture. Regular exercise and/or running tights aren't warm enough. Typical temps I walk in are down to 20F -- I'd like to be warm, but just not cold would be sufficient. I need them in a women's size 2X, but have had no luck finding anything. [more inside]
What Undergrad Should I Pursue?
Hey fellow Meta Filter users i seek some advice and help regarding a few undergraduate degrees: Economics, International Development and Commerce. I feel these are three promising undergraduate programs but struggle in which to pursue. Any advice and information on these degrees and career paths would be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
Photo donations?
I have a slew of photographs that I no longer want and would like to donate them if any folks can use them. I have tried art schools, public libraries, CraigsList, etc. to no avail. They are mostly snapshots of scenic views that I can no longer identify. Anyone know of any collage / multimedia artists, or organizations that utilize snapshots and will accept donations? Thanks in advance.
Brand new MBP slowing to a crawl
My sister has used a brand new 13" MacBookPro (w/ Lion) for several weeks, replacing her 4-year-old 15" MBP (upgraded to Snow Leopard). She's finding that, over the course of a day, the machine seems to dramatically slow - to the point where it seems much slower than her old machine. [more inside]
Don't ask me, I'm just the intern...
J-1 visa advice! Help me get from the UK to the US for an internship without spending ALL my funding before I reach American soil… [more inside]
scented teas
I'm interested in making my own scented tea blends with dried flowers. I'm aware that commercial scented teas utilize aromas to augment the use of flowers. Do you know of a good supplier of dried jasmine, osmanthus, rose, chrysanthemum or cherry blossom?
New cat is scared and I'm at a loss. What can I do to ease her stress without making her traumatized of me?
New cat is scared and I'm at a loss. What can I do to ease her stress without making her traumatized of me? [more inside]
Help me identify this Japanese string art!
My girlfriend received two pieces of art that came from a trip to Japan in the late 1940s/early 1950s. They're basically woven pictures, made from thin, dyed string. The thing is, we can't find any information on this type of art. Can anyone help shed some light on what it is? More details inside. [more inside]
Best Dostoevsky translations?
What are the best translations into English of Dostoevsky's: 1. Brothers Karamazov, 2. Crime and Punishment, 3. Devils (or is it Demons or is it Possessed?), and 4. Idiot?
I am going to have another go at these and am really confused by all the different English versions. Thank you!
Is it okay that my pupils are still dilated 24 hours after my eye exam?
Is it okay that my pupils are still dilated 24 hours after my eye exam? [more inside]
I find you in contempt!! or not?
How seriously do UK county courts take false statements made in writing by defendants? [more inside]
I know the anwer is Googleable, but even if I find it I can't understand it.
What am I doing wrong? Wireless broadband edition. [more inside]
Find me a stylish, high quality flat cap
I am looking to buy a decent flat cap. Something well-made, with traditional quality and material but not necessarily traditional in style. [more inside]
How and where do I meet interesting/creative people?
How and where do I meet people? [more inside]
Cheddar crackers in Japan
Does anyone know where to buy Cheds or Cheez-Its in Japan? Mail order is best but anything helps. I've had precious little luck finding anything on the domestic market good enough to qualify as a replacement.
In/of conundrum
Experience in, or experience of? [more inside]
Animal, vegetable, mineral?
As I was standing up from my couch, I stepped on something tiny, hard, and sharp. I picked it up and examined it, and I have no idea what it is. Help me identify this weird little thing. [more inside]
Zoom H4N Linux
How does the Zoom H4N play with (Arch)Linux? [more inside]
I Want Roses (sung to the tune of I Want Candy)
Do I persevere with unexpected baby rose bushes growing out of sand which used to be the base of neglected turf? Rose experts, please advise me. [more inside]
Beautiful Afrikaans music albums
What are some beautiful Afrikaans-language music albums? I'm looking for modern popular music that is not too folksy or religious, in addition to more timeless songs. [more inside]
What is the best way to test the air quality in my house?
For the past three years, my wife has been sick. constant respiratory issues that have grown into asthma and whatnot. We have been dealing with it for sometime, and it dawned on us, that it started right around when we moved into our current house ( I know, we are a bit dense). [more inside]
January 6
I'm a dropout baby, so why don't you kill me?
I'm a graduate school dropout after a single semester. What is the best way to phrase this on my resume now that I am back on the job market? [more inside]
How do I get a job recording audio books?
How do I get a job as a "voice" for audio books? [more inside]
What's my best bet-broken iPad?
Should I buy a third-party warranty/insurance for my broken iPad? [more inside]
Where'd that water come from?
Can you tell me about this large reservoir just east of Mexico City, apparently called Lago Nabor Carrillo? [more inside]
ID this smokestack in Portland, Oregon
Where exactly in Portland, Oregon is this smokestack located?
Denver karaoke scene, or not scene
Is there a good (or even one for that matter) Karaoke box in Denver area? [more inside]
My hair is gay, please come out of the closet
Looking for a good alternative lifestyle haircut in Seattle. [more inside]
I miss my boyfriend. This other guys is nice. Help!
Am I emotionally cheating on my boyfriend? [more inside]
Old or new home?
Older house vs newer house. My husband and I have been thinking of buying for years, and are now narrowing down our options. Should we go with an older (50s-70s era) home or a newer (2000-2007) home? [more inside]
Tahoe winter activities
What can I do in Tahoe/Truckee/Northstar with kids (6-9 year olds) in the winter if there's no snow? [more inside]
In a Business setting, how do you measure the value obtained from intangibles such as fostering communication with junior members of the organization?
In a Business setting, how do you measure intangibles such as fostering communication with junior members of the organization? For example VP holding open door meetings every month? In the end I need a metric (A number)? The problem here is that its very hard to articulate value of such things in a metrics crazy world/companies? And I need a metric!
Where do I buy clothes?
Where do I buy clothes? [more inside]
Disk cloning basics using dd in Linux
Backing up a possibly-about-to-die hard drive and putting it on a new drive, using dd in Linux - a few questions regarding how the cloning works. [more inside]
Tripadvisor has melted my brain.
Where shall we stay and what shall we do in our two days in L.A and Hong Kong? [more inside]
To Pill or Not to Pill, that is my question
I'm a 44-year-old woman and I'm on the pill. Should I be? [more inside]
Suddenly there came a tapping, as of someone gently rapping, rapping at my...eardrum.
Why does it sometimes sound like someone is tapping on my eardrum when it's quiet? [more inside]
Art Writing, not Fart Writing.
I'd like examples of great down-to-earth art writing. [more inside]
The first act in a horror movie script
What's the best way to record audio (or video) of myself sleeping? Yes, ideally, eight hours of low-quality audio in one shot. [more inside]
Where can I find an evening Chinese class or teacher/mentor in Los Angeles?
Where can I find an evening Chinese class or teacher/mentor in Los Angeles? [more inside]
Can I make ravioli from these lasagna sheets?
I have some flat pasta sheets made for lasagna. I want to make ravioli. Possible? [more inside]
Add line numbers to PDF
How can I add line numbers to a PDF? [more inside]
Alone in the middle of a crowd
I drive into a town. How do I start meeting people right away? [more inside]
How to find a wedding venue in or near London that matches some pretty specific criteria?
How to find a wedding venue in or near London that matches some pretty specific criteria? [more inside]
Stand alone digital music player
I am looking for something a lot like this, only A) available in the US and B) Can copy/store/play in a common lossless format.
I know about the Sony Gigplayer, but even just glancing at it am unimpressed. Anything else to look at
I hurt my foot because I was drunk
How did Jimmy Buffet break his shoe and how did he cut his foot? [more inside]
Decontaminating a microfiber suede couch from the flu virus?
How to decontaminate a microfiber suede couch from the flu virus? [more inside]
Art like Delville's "School of Plato"?
I'm looking for images similar to Jean Delville's "School of Plato." [more inside]
Mmmm, tonic water my favorite.
I like the taste of tonic water, but don't like all the sugar and carbonation. What else can I try? [more inside]
What days of the year are the fewest people flying?
What days of the year have the least amount of air travel? I've searched for the answer to this question without any luck. I'd like to know so I can possible try to travel at low-volume times.
A is for (generic) Adderall
I'm another Mefite who was prescribed Adderall. I've been on it for 5 years. Lo and behold is the shortage of 2011-2012. What meds should I discuss switching to with my doc at my upcoming appointment. [more inside]
She said "just friends". We are. Now what?
What techniques can I use to quell or quieten emotional turmoil? Avalanche of special inside. [more inside]
Gift Ideas for a 9-Year-Old Girl?
What's a good gift for a 9-year-old girl? [more inside]
Why would a person want a mortgage if they didn't need it?
Assuming that you could buy a house outright, for cash, why would you get a mortgage? A conversation got me researching this recently. Many articles suggest that if the interest rate is low, a mortgage is better. Yet I can't for the life of me figure out why paying low interest is better than paying no interest. A person with a 30-year mortgage usually ends up paying about 2 times the principal. School me, financial mefites.
FYI: this is just a curiosity. I'm in no position to actually do this in reality.
Chinese calligraphy framing in Nova/DC
Chinese calligraphy framing in the Northern Virginia or DC area. [more inside]
Jump starting another car with a LeSabre
Is there a relatively painless way to jump start another car using a 2000 Buick LeSabre? [more inside]
30 Vegans Agree...."Better to be overprepared than underprepared."
How do I go about gathering statistics regarding vegan/vegetarians? [more inside]
Where can I move a nerdy afternoon party at short notice?
Emergency alternate boardgame location in Brooklyn (Park Slope area)? [more inside]
I need more time!
Before the current economic crisis what kind of annual raises could public (US state university system) employees expect? I'm trying to renegotiate my contract from a 12 month to a 10 month. [more inside]
How to bullshit a restaurant resume
Help a guy with no experience weasel his way into a restaurant hosting job [more inside]
Who doesn't like the Shaggy D.A.?
I have a four year old (turning five in March) step son who loves dinosaurs, cars, and super heroes. So basically, he's a normal four year old. Any movie suggestions for me/him that aren't Pixar? I'm thinking stuff like The Shaggy D.A. but maybe kids don't like that stuff any more?? Help! [more inside]
I'm fine with the fake diamond stone, but the junky band is just too much.
The band on my ebay-purchased $15 CZ ring is looking icky. Is it possible to find a similar ring with a better band? [more inside]
A useful bag for putting things in.
I know I'm not the first with this sort of question, but bear with me. I need some sort of messenger-bag/briefcase/laptop-case thing for school, work, travel, cycling, and general out-and-about purposes. Emphasis on durability, value, and versatility. Anybody have some good recommendations? [more inside]
Why do the shapes of lower case letters vary more than upper case?
Why is there more variation in the shapes of lower case letters than in upper case? Both a and g have distinctly different forms, but also f, q, and t show some variation. While in upper case only G and the tail on Q ever vary much. Yes, I know there are myriad different fonts out there. I have even made fonts myself. But the essential shape of the letters seems to vary more in lower case than in upper. Why is that?
Interesting events
Is there a website or something where i can find interesting/odd festivals, events, competitions ie : state fairs, log rolling competition, auctions, strong man competitions, pop culture debates? I feel like you already have to be in these circles to know about the events but i'm just intersted in doing different things. East coast or nation wide would be great.
Looking for a french thesis
What is the best way to get access to a thesis published in 1966 in L'Universite Nancy Faculte des Sciences, France? [more inside]
How did jazz become upscale?
How did jazz become upscale? [more inside]
When applying for a grant that funds your job, is it wrong to simply update last year's application that was awarded?
When applying for a grant that funds your job, is it wrong to simply update last year's application that was awarded? [more inside]
Search for apartments by age of building?
I'm looking for an apartment in Los Angeles and I have noticed that the niceness of a building has a strong correlation with its newness. (Or age, if it dates to the 20s-30s.) Redfin allows you to search for houses by year built; is it possible to do the same for apartments? None of the apartment-hunting sites I've seen (PadMapper &c) have this feature.
Which clothing manufacturers care about more than just clothes?
What are other clothing manufacturers with clearly stated ethics? I'm thinking of Patagonia as an example. Who else? [more inside]
Help me learn the name of this web thing I like!
Is there a name for this sort of website design/template? [more inside]
By Proxy
Can you help me set up a universal proxy setting on the Galaxy Nexus (Ice Cream Sandwich)? [more inside]
Pimp My Bike Commute
Is the San Francisco Embarcadero Bike Station too good to be true? I'm considering using it for my commute from BART out to the Presidio. There are 96 spaces available. Is it overcrowded? Will I be stuck when I have to park my bike there on Tuesday afternoons at 5pm? Will my beautiful Felt Z95 get carted off by evil-doers?
How do I integrate my possible future into my current need for a new car?
I am buying a new car. Is it silly to take into consideration what I hope my life is like 5+ years down the road when choosing a new car? Help me untangle my emotions about the future from what I need in a new car. [more inside]
Searching for Lady Things in LA!
Hello savvy LA lady shoppers, male or female! My sister's boyfriend is visiting LA and would like to scope out some local lady stores/boutiques (clothes, jewelry, accessories) for a gift for my sister. He doesn't have a car, is in Venice, and can get to Santa Monica. Any suggestions for good places to hit?
Help me choose a new DSLR
I'm looking into purchasing a Canon DSLR and need some advice on which package to choose [more inside]
Tracking our wellness
Program, app or software to keep track of our company's health and wellness, incentive and benefits program? [more inside]
How to get an earlier (or later) version of WMP
Can I download a version of WMP that my system wasn't supplied with? And from where? [more inside]
urinal bathroom etiquette
I work in an office with one bathroom on the floor. In the bathroom, there are 3 urinals, side-by-side, with short dividers between them. Given that when I use the bathroom, there is about a 50% chance that at least one other person will already be using a urinal as well, which urinal generally gets the least amount of use? My goal is to always use the urinal that has the least amount of use, mostly for OCD-type reasons. [more inside]
Gimme something to write on
I need a writing sample immediately. Problem: I've been editing other people's writing exclusively, and I don't have any long writing samples. [more inside]
Can I win this, and how?
Defending a parking ticket appeal in court -- is my evidence sufficient, and should I mail it in or attend court in person? [more inside]
Can I Drive It Home... With One Misaligned Headlight?
Am I legally allowed to drive my collision damaged, but drivable car in MA? [more inside]
Sometimes an oontz is just an oontz
We live in a remix culture. What does that mean for us? I'm interested in how electronic music has changed society's relationship to music, from both a musical performance and writing standpoint, and a cultural standpoint. [more inside]
Is "roommate" really the only word for this?
There are three adults in my household -- my husband, myself, and our very close male friend. We think of ourselves as a family and it feels weird and a little cold to introduce each other as "roommates." So what word should we use? [more inside]
I have $40 to blow on Amazon. Help me find something fun for myself.
I have a whopping $40 to blow at Amazon. What should I get? [more inside]
I can see what I write, but how can I download the revisions?
I love watching how people write and revise (made possible by tools like stypi and etherpad-lite). What is the easiest way to programmatically download a readily-parseable dump of the specific revisions? [more inside]
Help with the music
My little almost-4-year-old loves music and singing. I think she'd enjoy learning to play an instrument. 1) What would you instrument would you recommend? 2) What instruction method is best (most enjoyable and effective)?
Philadelphia Area short trips
Where to go for a day/overnight trip near Philadelphia with a mix of activities, museums, shopping, wine/beer, good food and cute hotels or B&Bs? [more inside]
Weird car noise
What is this sound my car is making? (Link to file below the fold) [more inside]
How to deal with the dog who growls too much
My dog is an incredibly vocal dog, in play. He growls like he crazy with humans playing tuggy or rough-housing, with other dogs he meets who he wants to play with or is playing with. It all sounds so fierce but it's not, he's just being playful (he's nearly 3). How do I deal with this on walks, when other dogs don't always figure out the playful part straight away, and other owners who basically call me a liar when I assure them he's friendly? [more inside]
Elder Computing
I have a day or so to try and straighten some problems with my 97 year old grandmother's computer. I need some advice on how to set it up to encourage stress free computing. [more inside]
How do positive and negative astigmatism differ?
Why are there two different methods (positive and negative) for recording astigmatism? [more inside]
What differentiates mid-skilled from low-skilled healthcare workers?
What is the dividing line between mid-skilled and lower skilled workers in the health care industry, besides a degree? Is there a consistent set of responsibilities, qualifications that set them apart? Any kind of consensus as to what it required?
Should I try CBT for a third time?
CBT questions: Can cognitive behavioural therapy work for me if I've tried it twice without success? Don't feelings happen before thoughts? Aren't some beliefs deeper than rational thoughts can change? What if you don't have the will to do homework? [more inside]
Aspen in February
Going to Aspen the first week of February with a friend. We're looking for a hotel that is very well located and nice, kind of in the center of things. [more inside]
Grainy dulce de leche is tasty but unsatisfying.
I am trying to make dulce de leche from scratch (not from sweetened condensed milk in a can) and it's turning out blonde and grainy. I have tried about five different recipes, and I'm dumbfounded. How to make dark, caramely, smooth dulce de leche? I would appreciate any tips or recipes or tricks you have.
How to set up a new e-commerce business so that it succeeds.
Can I make a decent living by setting up an e-commerce business? And what are the critical success factors I should look out for? [more inside]
Displaying a Cinemagraph
What is the minimum hardware needed to display a cinemagraph? [more inside]
Itzamna said I didn't have to do my homework
A colleague's girlfriend, who teaches in an 11-18 school, recently had one of her pupils stop doing work because of an (apparently) strongly-held belief that the world is coming to an end in 2012 with the finish of the Mayan calendar. I've seen a couple of anecdotal tweets about this occurring elsewhere too. I guess Rapture fever might be a more common occurrence in parts of the US, but this was in leafy west London. So, teachers of the green, is this a Thing?
How do you grow an indoor basil plant ?
I keep killing indoor basil plants despite following instructions, doing research and talking to happy owners of indoor basil plants. What am I doing wrong? [more inside]
Game on.
My employer just gave me notice. What, if anything, can I do today despite my resume not being updated? [more inside]
Removing the petrol cap door - is this a popular thing to do?
Removing the petrol cap door - is this a popular thing to do? [more inside]
Giving my educational website the best chance possible...
What qualities make a good, focused, online educational resource/community? [more inside]
I don't want to be sad anymore.
How can I battle depression and insomnia (I think they're related, actually) without meds or doctors? [more inside]
Unwarp my cardigan, please!
My cardigan came out of the wash all warped/twisted. Can I fix this or is it a goner? [more inside]
January 5
How to repair a leather couch damaged by kitty?
Wondering how to save a leather couch that my cat had a party on... [more inside]
"Can I be your bride?" Identify this indie song from the 90s ...
"Little birdy sending a message over the ocean wide / little birdy sending a message: 'Can I be your bride?'" Who sang this song? [more inside]
Treating strangers, acquaintances, and friends better than close family and significant others?
Treating strangers, acquaintances, and friends better than close family and significant others? [more inside]
How can I re-partition a hard drive connected by a USB enclosure when my system won't recognize it's connected?
How can I re-partition a 1.8" hard drive, connected to my laptop via a USB enclosure, when I can't get my computer to recognize that it's there at all? [more inside]
LIFE & LOOK magazine equiv. on the interweb?
The passing of Eve Arnold has my re-mourning the passing of most of the great photojournalism magazines of yesteryear such as LIFE and LOOK. I'm looking for site suggestions that will have to serve as my modern day replacements.
Examples: The Big Picture (Boston Globe), The Week in Pictures (MSNBC), etc.
Have any good ones that are YOUR favorites?
Asking how to ask for help
What are some demands that can be made of a city (pop 250,000) that would immediately find benefit for 13 homeless people? Extra credit: Consider half these people probably need some mental help but would be pretty likely to refuse it. [more inside]
I feel like a sad little blob
How to get over it [more inside]
Have I made a tragic subletting error?
I'm worried I've entered into a completely unreasonable subletting agreement, and don't know how to get out or to solve the situation. [more inside]
Doc Buzzard is hangin' around...
What the heck are all these birds of prey doing? [more inside]
In search of a calendar web app that requires agreement before items can be created or changed?
Do you know of a calendar web app that requires agreement before items can be created / rescheduled? [more inside]
The way things are going, they're gonna ...
Conversations with my Father-in-law have lead him to lose his faith in God. My mother-in-law is not coping well with this and blames me. What do I do? [more inside]
Mystery hardware for hanging a projector screen
My boyfriend and I just purchased a screen for our projector. Yah! Unfortunately, we are stumped as to how to hang the thing - the mount includes a screw/nail/washer combo we've never seen before. Can you help us identify what we've been given and figure out how to hang up our screen? [more inside]
How do I keep a canvas and leather bag in top-notch condition?
I'm terrible at taking care of my things. How do I keep this beautiful leather and canvas backpack in top-notch condition for the next couple of decades? [more inside]
I swear we were born into the wrong generation.
[SewingFilter] We'd rather avoid making the worst sewing machine related purchase of our lives? Help us decide if getting an older machine could be a better choice than a newer model. [more inside]
AIA Documents
AIA Documents- Looking for an basic overview of documents and forms relating to Competitive Bids, Contractors, Invitation, Response. Is there a guide in clear language laying out the typical steps taken at this early stage, and the relevant forms available?
sure, run it into the ground
Which used Volvo wagon should I buy? [more inside]
What color is my parachute?
I'm beginning to figure out what I enjoy doing (coding-type stuff), but don't have a real background in it. What career paths should I be considering? [more inside]
Broiled or Baked Fish?
The best broiled/baked fish recipes, please. [more inside]
What should I put in a small bereavement care package?
My friend's dad died. She had a really complicated and difficult relationship with him, but even so was very involved in his care over the past several years as he's been seriously ill. I want to send her something, since she lives across the country and I can't be there for her in person. She's allergic to flowers. What should I send? [more inside]
Justice of the peace in elementary school?
I just found out my 8 year old stepson has to talk to a justice of the peace about an incident that took place about a month ago. I am uncertain what his rights are in this situation. The incident was that coins rolled onto the floor. My stepson and another child ran after it. My stepson pushed the other kid so he could get to it first, and the kid bruised his eye. They were and are still friends. My stepson was suspended for three days. My question is: does he have to talk to the justice of the peace and can I or his mother be present? This is in Michigan.
How did you decide to have one parent stay home was the best situation?
How did you decide to have one parent stay home was the best situation? [more inside]
I have this whole frozen duck and I need to make cassoulet.
I've promised to make cassoulet tomorrow. I have a whole entire duck to use in said cassoulet. Most recipes call for only duck legs. Is there a way around this? [more inside]
I'm leaving. Do I complain before I go?
Should I complain about the financial treatment of my department in an organization I'm leaving? [more inside]
Crippling indecisiveness and more
Crippling Indecisiveness and its backup singers The Inner Voices of Self-Hate. [more inside]
How do I teach myself Web Design?
How do I teach myself Web Design? [more inside]
Saying "Please Bring Me Your Used Needles!" Isn't Working.
I manage a harm reduction based needle exchange program that operates both from a fixed location (Mon to Fri, always the same hours) and via delivery (you call, we bring you your drug use supplies).
Our rate of return on the used needles is abysmally low - and I need to increase it. How can I convince people to bring me their used needles? [more inside]
Chess in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows chess question. (Spoilers inside) [more inside]
Stereotypically "good" and "bad" images?
Images that people can instantly categorize as "good" or "bad"? [more inside]
Teach me how to rollerblade!
How can I teach myself how to rollerblade? [more inside]
Do amnesiacs benefit from the placebo effect?
Do amnesiacs benefit from the placebo effect?
i'm sick and unhappy about it and still have to work. can i make this any quicker?
i have a sinus infection. i feel confident in that diagnosis because i've had a lot of sinus infections in the past. is there any point to going to the MD? [more inside]
Best free online computer science training
What are the best free online courses to learn computer programming and technology? [more inside]
Art, 140 characters at a time
I want to follow some conceptual art Twitter feeds. That is, Twitter feeds that are themselves works of art. [more inside]
How do you maximize a small home for a family of four?
I'm looking for ideas/resources on maximizing a small house's space for a family of four. [more inside]
DVDs for kids in car
What's a good video series for my kids to watch on long car drives? [more inside]
What do to on a honeymoon in the Okanagan?
We are going to honeymoon in British Columbia wine country; what should we do aside from the obvious? [more inside]
Avoiding the dreaded "short trips"
How far does a car need to be driven to charge the battery? [more inside]
Help me learn how to drive in Portland, Maine!
I'm looking for a good driving school in the Portland, Maine peninsula. Would prefer stick shift, but will also be ok with automatic. Help me learn how to drive before my 28th birthday! (I put that off a little much, yes).
3 weeks in Sicily
We're going to Sicily in March, it's time to firm up our itinerary. We fly into Palermo and out of Catania. We plan on spending 3-4 days in Palermo, and then renting a car an setting out being in Catania 2 weeks later. We'd like to stay in two different areas for a week each, day trip to see the sights with a car, staying in an apartment or agriturismo if possible.
Where should we head? Interests are history, food and wine. Okay I lie, mostly food and wine. We are two adults and two twin girls who are 11. Not that interested in beaches.
Which areas/towns offer the best markets/winieries/classic ruins within an hour drive?
Simple solution
This is pretty straightforward algebra/chemistry which is why I'm embarrassed to ask my co-workers to help me so... [more inside]
Help make our school garden beautiful!
What is the best varnish/sealer to use on a mural painting with kids? [more inside]
No roaches in my cat food
Help me German cockroach-proof my cat's food and water dishes. [more inside]
Where can I find a shirt like Masuka's?
Feeling Amused: The New Google-fu Therapy
I'm looking for a book that I read parts of in the Hayward Gallery bookshop in London, about 2 1/2 years ago. It was a fantastically precise parody of a Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy workbook. [more inside]
I get the Oi Oi Oi, but not much else
[AustraliaFilter and CricketFilter] What are the Aussie cricket fans chanting in the SCG stands? [more inside]
Ideas for a year-long photo project of my local marsh?
Ideas for a year-long photo project of my local marsh? [more inside]
Property Tax deductions when there is an overpayment and refund the following calendar year
My mortgage company overpaid my property taxes and is aware of the overpayment. On my 2011 income taxes, do I deduct the actual amount due, or the amount paid? [more inside]
Ketchup...Catsup...
Your very best ketchup recipe, please. [more inside]
Best animated GIF blogs and tumblrs.
What are the best/funniest/most artful animated GIF-heavy blogs and tumblrs out there? [more inside]
Is this a weird attempt at a scam?
Are these hotel reservation requests a scam of some sort? If so, how are they supposed to work? [more inside]
Besides drinking the alcohol, what should I do in France, Belgium, and Germany?
I'm considering going to France, Belgium, and Germany in late April for 3 weeks, what should I do and see while I'm there? [more inside]
Baby it's cold outside, and in here too.
How to go about insulating an 100 year old house? [more inside]
Where can I find vintage photos that you would get at garage sales... online?
Where can I find artsy public domain snapshots from the 1960s-1970s (think the stuff you would find in bins at garage sales) that I could use on an album cover? more inside [more inside]
Best option for a day trip from Austin to San Antonio?
Best option for a day trip from Austin to San Antonio - without driving? [more inside]
When isn't it acceptable anymore?
Does being passionate about something means you can let go of things you wouldn't in other situations? [more inside]
In what fields do jobs like this exist?
Do you live in the USA? Do you work for a living? Do you make $60-80k/year? Do you average 40 hours or less of work per week? 45? What do you do? How did you get where you are? Are you happy with your work? [more inside]
Help me speed up my SSD in my MBP!
I installed an SSD into my early-2011 13" MacBook Pro. It's working great, but the benchmark tests don't come close to advertised speeds... [more inside]
Looking for the best "little" storytelling games
What are the best interactive/short/quirky/unusual "art games" that you've played? [more inside]
Computer to TV Issues
Hooking computer to TV via HDMI-to-Component converter, and I need to establish if the converter box is the unworking part of the path. [more inside]
Normal then abnormal, normal then abnormal pap smears. What to do?
How normal are cycles of normal then abnormal pap smears? [more inside]
Confused about a confrontation in therapy
In my last session, my therapist kind of forced a confrontation with me and I feel weird about it. How do I handle this? [more inside]
Mindblowing blenders without budget-blending prices
A blender for smoothies, nut butters, milkshakes and ice crushing: do we have to go up to the Vitamix/Blendtec range, or is there a lower-end blender that you'd recommend for our needs? [more inside]
Help me pick an RPG
What RPG should I run? In the past I have used homebrew-rules (simple) adapted to a specific homebrew setting and ran fairly open-ended, longview-type campaigns. But now I would like the opposite! [more inside]
An ancient lie that is no more?
Are GBs given for SSD capacities actually GiBs (2^30 bytes each) or standard "hard disk GBs" (10^9 bytes each)? [more inside]
Standard English Pronunciation of Mythological Names
Is there a set of rules one could follow to derive the standard English pronunciation of the names of characters from classical mythology? [more inside]
Even in mere melodies there is an imitation of character
"Why did I do it? If I hadn't, how could I ever have listened to music again?" Who said this, or something like it? [more inside]
How is Recorded Delivery handled in New York?
What happens to a letter sent via Royal Mail's Recorded Delivery to the U.S.? [more inside]
Make me love LA.
I've never liked LA, but I have a job opportunity there and I'm about to spend a week checking out the city. Tell me what you love about it and what I should see. More inside! [more inside]
What's a reasonable expectation for allowable uncompensated work?
How common (or uncommon) is it for an employer to ask for employees to work extra, uncompensated time? [more inside]
Suggested replacement for my home NAS?
What's the current MeFi suggested device for a home NAS? [more inside]
Should I switch careers and learn to code?
I'm considering doing a career 180 and learning how to code. Should I do this? Do I have what it takes? What is it like to program for a living? Details within... [more inside]
Absinthe fountain or soap dispenser?
I think I got ripped off. Please tell me if this antique "Absinthe Fountain" is legit. [more inside]
How do I keep overworked residents engaged and motivated?
Help me learn to be a more enthusiastic and engaging teacher. [more inside]
Bits of Wisdom on Dogs
Your favorite quotes about dogs, please. [more inside]
Boxing Boxing Boxing
I recently got into boxing. But I want to read a good book about the art of boxing. Any suggestions? [more inside]
what to see in northern europe
What should i see en route to berlin and amsterdam from zurich? [more inside]
Is there ever a happy ending for something like this?
Am I setting myself up for hurt? Should I go for this or bail now? [more inside]
Help me find the scariest games around
Help me fire the scariest games around for the iPad and the PS3. [more inside]
The Facebook menace
Please help rid me of this Android update notice. [more inside]
Not unlike Bono, he will follow
How to crate-train a clingy 2-year-old Shih Tzu? [more inside]
Backup android phone without using the screen
Can I do a full backup of my Samsung Vibrant without being able to see the screen? [more inside]
Searching for the (SVG) path to enlightenment
SVG Paths Mystery: Are there any widely-used tools or standard 'compact' dialects for representing the contents of the @d attributes of a collection of SVG paths? [more inside]
Where do they keep the jewelry blogs?
Who are all the good jewelry bloggers, and where are their blogs? [more inside]
Please help me set up my monitor.
I just purchased a Viewsonic VA2702w 27" LCD monitor, which I am connecting to a 13" 2011 Macbook Pro running Lion. I think I need a little help calibrating it. [more inside]
Beer & Sympathy
I tried making this chocolate stout cupcake yesterday, using a local ale in place of Guinness. When I added the beer to the butter, it curdled. Why did that happen and what can I do to prevent it from happening in the future? [more inside]
Noise & cats not mixing - help!
How can I keep my cats calm during very, VERY noisy construction outside our apartment. [more inside]
Citizens united against Citizens, or how I learned to love USAA
How well does USAA work for people without special status? Alternatively, does anyone have any experience with credit unions local to the Pittsburgh area? I'm looking to change my bank, but I'm kind of nervous about making the jump. [more inside]
Peed in public, got caught. How do I go about finding a lawyer?
Peed in public, got caught. How do I go about finding a lawyer? [more inside]
Late Entry Into the Workforce?
How can someone enter the workforce later in life - with absolutely no experience? [more inside]
the grungy "dun dun da dunna dun da dunna da da ... yeah" song from the 90s
Song. Early to mid 1990s. On the UK radio all the time, especially Atlantic 252. Vaguely grunge sounding, with a "dun dun da dunna dun da dunna da da" guitar riff, followed by a pause, then a quiet/bored sounding "yeah". What was it?
Are all resume formats created equal?
I've been unemployed since the end of September. Recently, I've had two separate people (one (a recruiter) whose opinion I respect, and one (a woman at unemployment) whose opinion I find suspect) tell me that they would never consider anyone who submits a functional style resume (which is what I use). Do you hire people or work in HR? What do you think? [more inside]
Breeding Personality
If personality isn't supposed to be genetic, then how are pet breeds able to be differentiated by personality? [more inside]
I want cyborg teeth. Help?
What electronic devices could I have implanted in my teeth, next month? [more inside]
Does the direct sales executive work more hours than the channel accounts manager?
Does the average direct sales executive work more hours than the average channel accounts manager? [more inside]
Has a tiger taken up residence in my tires
Has a tiger taken up residence in my tires? [more inside]
Where can I buy in bulk worthless currency?
Recently I learned that The Sims creator Will Wright stamps his name on worthless currency and uses that as his "business card". I find this very charming as he can keep his cards alongside his actual cash. I would like to do the same thing, with the cheapest currency I can find, but when I went to the currency exchange place down the road from me, the cheapest currency they had was still very expensive. Each "card" would have cost me like, 20 cents or something. Where can I buy stacks and stacks of worthless cash for rock bottom prices?
That was my bag, baby
Left fine bag in London Taxi. Crushed. [more inside]
IE for the IE-phobic.
Never thought I'd ask this question, but is there a pain-free way to install and run Internet Explorer on Snow Leopard? [more inside]
How do I get over where I've landed in life?
How can I get over resentment of others stemming from my "I'm still a degree-less waitress" mentality. [more inside]
Blogging software, one entry per line
I need suggestions for blogging software that will display one and only one line per entry [more inside]
What are good ideas for a first anniversary?
First anniversary approaching! Complete lack of ideas of how to celebrate! Heeeeeeeelp! [more inside]
How best to store a lawn mower
Leaving my lawn mower in storage for at least a year - how best to do it? [more inside]
January 4
Men's suit alteration
I don't know much about suits, but I do know that the one I own is too big. Tell me (A) very general information about tailors, such as price, how long an alteration takes, and so on, and (B) recommendations particular to Los Angeles, especially affordable ones in reasonable driving distance from West Hollywood. [more inside]
no, no, it's this way!
How can I get my old custom domain AND my basic Blogger URL to both redirect to my new custom domain? [more inside]
How to find my show on Netflix?
Netflix shows disappear? [more inside]
Please help me find a park in Berlin or Innsbruck that has a lot of hammocks.
My girlfriend remembers a park from her childhood that had a lot of hammocks strung up in tree groves. She describes the park as rather large, with a lake nearby and a playground in the park. She is not sure whether this was in Berlin or Innsbruck, and gives the year as somewhere between 1991-1996. Perhaps the hammocks are only a seasonal thing; she says she visited this park in the summer. It would be really cool if someone knows of this park or a similar park that has lots of hammocks. [more inside]
What should this sort of project cost? How long should it take an experienced programmer to implement?
Freelance filter: how many hours should it take to put together a re turn tracking extension/plugin/module for an existing online store? What would you charge as an hourly rate? What would you charge for a flat fee? [more inside]
Social Media 0.01
I'm curious about military communication methods from before radio - how armies coordinated maneuvers and formations without it. I'm also curious which preradio communications methods would most be of use to modern protesters in urban settings should they be unable to use modern wireless devices. [more inside]
Good Business Managed Hosting
I'm looking for a managed web host for a startup I'm involved with. I'm currently looking in the $100-$300 per month range plans, with webmasters.com's virtual server in the lead. Does anyone have some advice with this kind of hosting? [more inside]
Please give me some movies to watch to relieve my boredom
Help me compile a small list of movies to watch. Details inside. [more inside]
Should I ask about switching departments?
Fairly recent hire interested in transferring departments, but it's not a sure thing. Will I burn bridges by inquiring? [more inside]
I am remote control dumb and my 14 month old is not.
I have a Sony RM-VZ320 Universal Remote and I can't seem to remove favorite channels. [more inside]
What are some examples of movies, tv shows, or music videos that use the "high production value/low production value" trope like in this Coldplay video?
What are some examples of movies, tv shows, or music videos that use the "high production value/low production value" trope like in this Coldplay video? [more inside]
A Night in HKG
I have an overnight layover in Hong Kong. I've never been to either the city or the airport. What can/should I do? [more inside]
Dishwasher despair - it it the soap, the machine, or the user?
Why the heck is my brand new countertop dishwasher leaving a residue on the dishes? [more inside]
Brace for ankle impact?
What can I do for a sporadically weak ankle? [more inside]
Struggling to finish college
After a year's break from college, I'm gearing up to go back into the fray. For a number of reasons, however, this is harder than it sounds. [more inside]
OKCupid without Cupid
Is OKCupid a good way to meet platonic friends? [more inside]
KEYBOARD NERD FILTER: What are some tips for ultra-efficient text manipulation within a document (a la vi's H-J-K-L or Raskin's LEAP idea) in OS X?
What are some tips for ultra-efficient text manipulation within a document (a la vi's H-J-K-L or Raskin's LEAP idea) in OS X? [more inside]
Mac basics
Need to give mom some basic training on her new mac air – Like basic: how to use the track pad, clicking, selecting, saving docs, etc. Sites? Tutorials? Ideas?
How to deal with extreme anger from a family member who is bipolar?
I need some information about coping with a bipolar family member whose personality/behavior has changed drastically since she began getting treatment. Specifically, she has been going into hurtful rages and tirades (all verbal). I'm her closest family member, and I don't know if she's just really really angry with me about stuff or if her medication/treatment is a factor. This is very long, I'm sorry. [more inside]
Weird tax filter: Is my compensation for egg donation taxable?
Is my egg donation compensation taxable if I don't receive a 1099 form? Details inside [more inside]
Cobbling a baby monitor together with random tablets..
Does a Point to Point Video Conferencing System exist? [more inside]
Looking for great Jewish-themed novels.
Interested in reading more quality Jewish-themed fiction. Can anyone suggest some books? [more inside]
A British dark comedy about a boil on someone's neck/shoulder coming alive?
Am I crazy, or is there a (possibly British) dark comedic movie that involves a boil appearing on someone's neck and slowly coming alive? [more inside]
HTML Lessons and live editor for kids.
There is a series of HTML tutorials/lessons that are kid centric, but very well done. The site is structured with lessons and you can edit the HTML in the page (left hand side) and see it rendered on the right hand side.
I remember there being a cartoon character wearing purple related to the site. Also yellow/orange.
What site is this?
"Science is fundamentally flawed"
Do Godel's theorems refute all of science and logic? [more inside]
Online, two-person games for a long distance marriage?
Can you help me find online, two-player games that aren't chess or checkers where you can pick your partner? Googling for online games, two-player games, specific game names turns up many results but none seem to meet the requirements above (and many game sites are just super-sketchy to start with). [more inside]
Me and logistics: A love story looking for a plot
Please help me create a hobby or semi-constructive pastime out of my fascination with supply chains, logistics, and shipping. Let me explain. [more inside]
unidentified robot gun toys
Can you identify this toy? It's a miniature robot-looking thing, made of plastic, with a peg on the chest and a peg-sized hole on the back, and retractable gun barrels behind the legs. Video included inside. [more inside]
Social change summer?
What are some awesome non-profits/other social change organizations based in Chicago or the surrounding areas (northern suburbs would actually be ideal)? [more inside]
Sleeping Beauty - Sleep, Eat, Go online, Yawn…
Sleeping Beauty - Sleep, Eat, Go online, Yawn… [more inside]
ADHD diagnosis looms. What's next?
My son's school has suggested that he has ADHD. We've long suspected this as well. Now what? [more inside]
Exchanging a pair of pants
Mail order question: Better to call or to send an email? [more inside]
Awkward Ages to be an Orphan
Can you recommend poems to read for this particular existential contemplation? [more inside]
You saved my life. Here's a pen.
What should I get a friend as a thank-you present for hosting me during a difficult time in my life? [more inside]
How much house can I afford?
It is often said (by presumably reputable sources, such as FHA), that you can afford a house payment that equals 28% - 35% of your pre-tax salary. This seems like an astonishing large amount of money to me -- it's almost 2x what I pay now in rent. Even considering the tax deduction, how can this be right, in this day and age of low housing appreciation rates?
VA, unemployment, and state taxes!
Simple (I hope!) tax question: my only income in Virginia for 2011 was unemployment benefits (~$9k). I now live in CA. Will I need to file a Virginia income tax return? I believe that in VA unemployment benefits are not taxed at the state level... so I shouldn't need to file, no? Thanks!
Don't fret, it's just a little buzz
Acoustic guitar developing some new buzzing issues. Diagnose and repair. [more inside]
Service Purchase for Retirement
I work for a public library and have 18 years of service. I can retire with full benefits at 30 years. I have the option of paying the state a lump sum of $10,000 to service purchase my four years in the Marines. This means I can retire earlier. I have to think this has to be worth it. It will put a dent in my 401k but to retire at 51 rather than 55 seems like a hell of a good deal for $10,000. Thoughts?
Looking for large Android tablet
A4 or letter size Android tablet - does it exist? [more inside]
Helping students become computer literate?
Help high school students learn computers and improve their resumes-I am looking for a basic microsoft office certification that my organization could buy and administer to students. Preferably it would have the training and test included. I was searching on the microsoft website and its very confusing. Any ideas?
Does that look valve-ish to you?
Help my stupid looking eyebrows
Where can I find or approximate auburn eyebrow cosmetics? [more inside]
Where did Tommy Franks call the news media the "fourth front"?
Help me find the primary source for Tommy Franks' assertion that the press represented the "fourth front" in the Iraq war. [more inside]
Help me fix my DYMO RhinoPro 500 label maker
This tiny piece of plastic fell out of the back of my Dymo RhinoPro 5000 label-maker as I was removing an empty cartridge from it, and now the label-maker won't print labels anymore. [more inside]
Help me make a map of response rate by zipcode
What I want to do seems simple enough. But, it turns out, I may be too simple to do it! Or something. I have a dataset of survey responses. There are approximately 80K observations, which include response zipcode. What I want to do is make a map depicting which areas had the heaviest/lightest response rate. I have the following software at my disposal:
GoogleEarth (but not pro) -- this did not seem to be up to the task;
MapPoint (the very current 2004 version); and
SAS [more inside]
Drilling seems to be the root of the problem.
Was my co-worker the victim of a bad dental procedure? How should she proceed now she needs more expensive work done? [more inside]
Birth control pill without the mood swings?
Birth Control Filter: I am have been taking the pill and getting really bad mood swings. I have an appointment with my GP to discuss changing the type of pill that I take. I’m looking for advice on what to ask for. [more inside]
Sad meows.
I think that, thanks to the introduction of a new cat in his life, my 7-month-old kitten is depressed. How do I make him feel better? [more inside]
Stick it to me
I'd like to buy or make a towel rack that adheres to a wall using 3M command strips. Possible? [more inside]
Getting my Mac back on track
New Year's Resolution: Clean up my hard drive(s) by removing duplicate files, implementing a new folder hierarchy, and any other odds and ends I need you to tell me to do. Mac Pro 2009 running the latest pre-Lion OS. [more inside]
Post-college volunteer opportunities?
Post-college volunteer programs besides Americorps? [more inside]
Help me be a better giver
Love Language Filter: I want to become better at expressing affection to people in nonverbal ways, but I find it difficult. [more inside]
A woman cannot live on chili alone: what are some hearty low-carb soups and stews?
What are tasty, low-carb soups and stews that keep and re-heat well? [more inside]
I'm sweating this one out
I have mutant sweat that seemingly alters the color of every shirt I own: whites turn sweat-stain-beige and most colors get bleached. Can I do anything to prevent or treat it, or am I stuck wearing the three colors that aren't affected? [more inside]
I'm looking for visual conventions for portraying a scene as imagined, fantasized or dreamed-up rather than real.
I'm looking for visual conventions for portraying a scene (e.g. in a movie or comic) as imaginary, dreamed-up or "all in the head" of one of the characters. [more inside]
Help me replace my bondage restaints
Where can I buy a good quality set of leather bondage restraints? [more inside]
Hey, Cleaner, leave those machines alone!
Cleaner of 1+ year is using our clothes washing machine(s) without permission. She's a smoker and it makes the machines smell. Is this an expected perk? Regardless, what's an indirect way of saying "Please don't use our washing machine."? [Ridiculously detailed story inside…] [more inside]
What does it mean to be someone's legal guardian?
What questions should my partner and I ask my brother and sister-in-law before we agree to be named in their wills as the legal guardians of their young son, should anything happen to them? [more inside]
How would a Cockney pronounce "Battlestar Galactica"?
How would a Cockney pronounce "Battlestar Galactica"?
Trusted reviews of Doctor and Mechanics.. Not Angie's List
Do you have a go to place for getting trusted reviews for service related occupations like doctors, dentists and mechanics? Angie's list is paid, free is preferable
Should I listen to my doc and start an aspirin regimen to offset risks associated with PFO?
I am a 25-year-old male. During a recent routine physical, my doctor discovered a heart murmur. Subsequent echocardiograms led to a diagnosis of patent foramen ovale (PFO). I have a history of migraines with aura, so it's kind of nice to know that this may be related.
Anyway, my doctor said that I should immediately start a baby aspirin regimen to decrease my risk of a stroke. I also have a history of GI problems (IBS symptoms as a kid, occasional bleeding in the stool and other unpleasant things) and am therefore a little apprehensive about beginning the regimen.
YANMD, but what do you guys think about whether the stroke risk for a 25-year-old male outweighs the GI risks associated with aspirin?
Great Pirates, ahoy
I'm reading R. Buckminster Fuller's Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth and I have a question about it. Are there any real historical examples of the "Great Pirates" he talks about? [more inside]
Where to stay in Banff or Jasper in June
Planning a trip to the Banff/Jasper area late June-early July. Not our first, but first in 8 years or so. There was an excellent thread on MeFi in 2008 concerning accomodations, but some of the links have expired. I will be there for a milestone birthday and want to wake up somewhere amazing. Must have internet/wifi. Must be close enough to amenities that if the weather is abysmal, we'll still have nice things to do within slogging distance. Don't want to spend a milliion bucks, but are willing to shell out for somewhere which is worth the money.
What did people drink in 1968?
What hard liquor was popular to drink in 1968? [more inside]
Windows 7 Enterprise Edition and F.O.G: How to avoid manually activating each machine after deployment.
My company is upgrading a few student labs from XP to 7. We do not want to manually activate each machine after deploying our image, nor do we want to run a licensing server, as our network for the labs is very small. We are using HP machines that came with professional edition pre-installed, so we can legally deploy a new Windows image on the machines.
Anybody know how to manage licenses in a more elegant manner when deploying Windows 7?
Must-Watch 30 Rock Episodes?
After recommendations from friends, I've just recently discovered 30 Rock. I started watching from Season 1, Episode 1. Turns out I love the show. But here's the problem: I'm in a place in my life with very little time to dedicate to TV. So while I want to be caught up so I can watch the most recent episodes and talk about them with friends, there's no way I can watch all of the episodes. So, MeFi - what are the must-watch 30 Rock episodes? I've Googled around, but would love your opinions.
`ello Guvna!
3 Days in London, England in April 2012. My wife has never been before. What should we not miss?
Dealing with differing problem-solving styles.
How do my girlfriend and I deal with differing styles of communication? I'm a wait to talk it out person, and she's a talk it out now person. [more inside]
How did you plot your scientific career path?
Biologists, biochemists, and microbiologists: how did you choose your field? I'm coming to the end of my undergraduate research year, and hope to apply for doctoral study for 2013, but am finding it very hard to settle definitively on a field and a lab to target. If you were a bright young thing about to start your research career in earnest, where would you hope to end up? [more inside]
Financial confusion, help please!
Should we file taxes separately or jointly? Pay off a chunk of student loans now or pray for forgiveness? Help me identify the interaction of these questions. I'm not good with money! Details inside. [more inside]
German courses in Germany for children?
I'm hoping to visit German or Austria in the summer of 2011 and would like my two children, aged five and eight, to enrol in a language course while we're there. The Internet isn't turning up much, at least on English language searches. Any ideas/recommendations for schools/locations would be gratefully received.
Help get Stagge Llee kicked in the face, Thai style.
Kickboxing classes in Thailand? [more inside]
Twinkle, twinkle, little star. How I wonder what you are.
What makes a star "twinkle"? [more inside]
Movie Download Formats
When I purchase an on-demand movie from Blockbuster on Tivo, why do I receive only the "letterboxed" (480i) version instead of the "full-screen" 1080 HD? I understand the ratio/aspect reasoning behind letterboxing but I find it hard to watch at my viewing distance from the screen. Is there a way to change the settings to receive full-screen HD or are only "letterboxed" versions available from Blockbuster on Tivo? My search for an answer has been fruitless. I have a 46" Sharp 1080P HDTV and use RCN cable. Thanks.
MarvinSketch/ChemDraw Alternatives
Chemistry professors/authors - is there a more student friendly but web based (plug-in free) alternative to MarvinSketch out there other than ChemDraw? [more inside]
Will offering my full attention to my loved ones get them to reciprocate?
Will offering my full attention to my loved ones get them to reciprocate? [more inside]
Where do I find a great play in Boston?
I want to get my sister tickets to an small theater production in Boston. Where are the plays/acts that really say something? [more inside]
Should I tell him I know he is a liar, or is that too drama queen of me?
In July, I entered my only FWB relationship. I started catching feelings, and he decided he couldn't reciprocate. He came back into my life on New Year's Eve wanting more. HOWEVER, I have found out some things that have inspired my current run for the hills (irrelevant as it may be, the nitty-gritty is inside). How do I tell him that I know the truth? Or, should I just go cold turkey on communication? [more inside]
Twin Falls or Bust!
My girlfriend moved to Twin Falls. I want to get a job there. How do I go about doing this? Have you ever moved to a remote-ish city with scarce job prospects? How did you drum up a job? [more inside]
"I'd listen to them read the phone book"
Who are your favorite audiobook readers? My favorites so far have been Stephen Briggs (reading Discworld, Terry Pratchett) and Lenny Henry (reading Anansi Boys, Neil Gaiman). I really enjoy readers who do great, distinctive character voices. I tend to prefer the male voice, but I'm open to trying female narrators as well. Suggestions?
OS X Folder Action to Trigger Transmit When File's Modification Time Changes?
In OS X, I used Automator to create a Folder Action to synch, with Transmit, a local folder and a remote folder. It's activated when I drop a file in the local folder.
I want it to be activated when I edit and save a file that is already in the local folder. That is, I want the Folder Action to watch for changes in the modification date/time of files and trigger the synch when a file's modification date or time changes.
Doable?
How can we turn our video cameras into wireless video cameras?
How can we turn our video cameras into wireless video cameras? [more inside]
new year's resolution fail
I went for a rather long, brisk walk yesterday after an extended period of holiday-season inactivity and didn't think to stretch first (stupid, I know). Now I've got lower leg pain along the front where the leg meets the ankle, and the balls of my feet are hurting. Can anyone recommend some stretches or something else that will make the pain go away for now? [more inside]
How to pick great dinner music.
Help me find some great music to listen to during dinner. [more inside]
Accessing visual basic thesaurus
Is there a way of accessing the MS Thesaurus through independent Visual Basic applications built in Visual Basic Studio? If so, how? [more inside]
Anxiety therapy for the high roller crowd
Are there examples of 'high end' people who have successfully used anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medications? [more inside]
How to clean/disinfect an iPhone
Cleaning and disinfecting iPhones [more inside]
No more cookies (for a while...)
So, I got a KitchenAid stand mixer for Christmas this year...yay! But I'm also trying to get back to healthy habits* after overindulging over the holidays. Other than whole wheat bread (proven recipes welcome) is there anything healthy I can make with this thing? Should I spring for the pasta maker attachment to try whole wheat pasta?
*Not a diet! Not a resolution!
Do I have "soft" teeth?!
Why are my upper left molars so fragile?! I am only 27, but my last three teeth are all dead and have cracked. I had a lot of cavities as a child, despite rarely having any sweets and a moderately good dental hygiene (okay, it wasn't impeccable, but it was not as horrible as some I've seen, namely my father who never brushed with no cavities at all) but as a teenager/young adult/adult my teeth were mostly fine and my brushing habits are much better nowadays. Within the last two years I've had two molars cracked. One losing a big chunk, the other down the middle and is not salvageable. All on my left upper side. [more inside]
HP Deskjet 845C Shoots Blanks - Yikes
Printer keeps shooting out paper - not printing [more inside]
I am literally dying to find the answer to this question
People frequently use the word 'literally' when they mean 'figuratively', the exact opposite. Are there any other pairs of words (in English or other languages) where this is the case, and is there a name for this phenomenon? [more inside]
Buddhist way to honor a friend's death in Laos?
I'm in Luang Prabang, Laos right now and tomorrow is the one month anniversary of a friend's death. I would like to go to the temple and do something, but I'm not sure what the custom is. Any ideas? [more inside]
I want to give your wrongness a title.
Looking for the accepted or widely-used names of a couple of informal logical fallacies. [more inside]
January 3
how to set up kids business selling homemade crafts
a bunch of 4th graders want to raise money by selling crafts they make. I want to know more about this kind of kids business. [more inside]
Help me not lose $1400!
(How) can I avoid losing almost $1400 on a plane ticket I can't use right now? [more inside]
Killer Recommendation for a Teacher
Writing a teacher recommendation letter - holp me! Specific phrasing question inside. [more inside]
Anxiety or something worse?
Wife has shortness of breath- should we be worried? My wife is 29 and physically healthy (eats relatively well and exercises), but recently has shortness of breath on and off. It doesn't seem like a panic attack, as she has no other panic attack symptoms. However, she starts to get scared when its happening which makes it worse. It happens throughout the day on and off for a few weeks and then stops for months at a time. Could this just be stress, or something more serious?
earbud headphones - permanent hearing damage?
A few years ago I heard a popular scientist on the radio discussing the effects of listening to music via earbud headphones. He said that if someone can hear the music I'm listening to, I am doing permanent damage to my ears. Is this true?
I would appreciate reference to any peer-reviewed scientific research on this topic, if available.
Media about media?
Looking for blogs, podcasts, or other online content that cover media theory/media studies. [more inside]
Whiskey Cocktails
Need some good whiskey/bourbon recipes... [more inside]
Should I visit a FamilySearch Center for my genealogy research?
Reminded by this question, I want to know if any of my fellow genealogists or history enthusiasts have ever visited their local Mormon FamilySearch Center. [more inside]
I'm vewwy cuwwious about this.
Are there any named speech disorders equivalent to rhotacism but involving difficulty in pronouncing another specific alphabet letter? [more inside]
Not so famous, but still awesome.
Who do you admire who might not be very well known? [more inside]
Play fighting with puppy
Is it okay to play fight with your dog? [more inside]
What can I do with 50,000 rubles?
Living in the US, what can I do with 50,000 rubles? [more inside]
Meet you in Frisco / Rome / Tokyo
A TV commercial with two high-flying business consultants talking back and forth from different cities -- what was it? [more inside]
Help me find a vegetarian "Cook's Illustrated" cookbook!
Does a vegetarian “cook’s illustrated” book exist? Recipes that I can follow exactly with guaranteed results. Help my head stop spinning in deciding between Deborah Madison, Madhur Jaffrey, Moosewood, etc. Personal experience with these authors appreciated. [more inside]
How do you change a Facebook user name?
My young nephew spelled his name wrong when he opened his Facebook account. He's had it up for a month or so. Is there a way to change it or does he have to start over again? Thank you.
Cut the juice loose--give me a substitute!
Is there a substitute drink that contains nutritional benefits similar to orange juice (vitamin C, folic acid, possibly calcium) without the high sugar or artificial sweeteners? [more inside]
Should my seven-year-old son's dentist knock him out?
Just got home from a dentist appointment with my seven-year-old son. Five of his baby teeth are crowding the rest of his teeth and need to be extracted very soon. But he's extremely anxious at the dentist, and after today's ordeal, they're recommending putting him completely under using IV sedation with an on-site MD.
I had IV sedation for my wisdom teeth, and it was amazing, but I'm flat-out terrified to knock out my little boy. He's never had anesthesia of any kind. Is it worth doing? Are there any risks or caveats I should know? Would it be better to stick with oral anasthetic? Help!
Passport issue
My husband needs a passport in less than two weeks. Help. [more inside]
something rockin' in the state of Denmark?
Is Denmark (specifically Copenhagen) a terrible or awesome place to live as an expat? [more inside]
A CD is hiding in my house!
Please help me find a lost CD. [more inside]
The Great Gift Card Fiasco
Bloomingdale's seized the $700 balance on my wife's gift card, and customer service is treating us like crooks. Now what? [more inside]
help with son who has school refusal
I have a 14yrs old who does not do any homework or work at school. He also does not cooperate with me on any matter. I want to take him to the psychiatrist to find out if he has depression, anxiety disorder, or ADD but he refuses to go. He does not want to go to school either. I called the juvenile office and was told that they would not accept him unless he commits a crime. The hospital cannot admit anyone forcefully. The ambulance will not come out to my house to pick him up to take him to the psychiatric hospital unless he threatens to kill himself. The school does not want to deal with him either. I don't know what rights I have as a parent. Any advice would be appreciated.
Publishing a magazine electronically - who should I be asking?
I'm helping a Chinese magazine put out an electronic English edition. In addition to the Kindle and Apple iVenues, what are other platforms where we should be distributing this? They're hoping to achieve as wide a paid readership as possible without having to pay impossible listing fees. It's a magazine on the Chinese advertising industry. Are there any advertising industry-specific platforms I should be aware of?
Help me figure out how to do a time lapse video.
I'm facing a massive construction project I want to chronicle, start to finish, in a time lapse video. How do I go about this? [more inside]
reasonably priced homes in LA
Where in Los Angeles can I buy a house for a reasonable price in a safe neighborhood. Is Winnetka, CA safe? [more inside]
Gal Seeks Friends in Seattle
Looking for the friendliest coffee houses in Seattle. [more inside]
Looking for a book to educate me on wine.
I'd like to find a good book or books to teach me about wine that I can use in conjunction with tasting to learn more about which wines I like and which ones I don't. [more inside]
Survival Blanket or 2mil Hydroponic Mylar?
What is the reflective difference between Survival Blanket Mylar and hydroponic quality 1mil or 2mil Mylar? [more inside]
How can I create a PowerPoint presentation that looks like it's from 1994?
How should I go about preparing a historically accurate / vintage PowerPoint presentation? I would like to conform to the abilities and (potentially nightmarish) limitations of, say, PowerPoint 4.0 (1994). [more inside]
Mystery trees, grant me some knowledge
From infamous to famous amos.
I am unexpectedly attempting to turn my cookies into a small business. Professional bakers and restauranteurs - hope me? [more inside]
Is it possible to make significant cardio gains in ten minutes per day or less?
Help me understand how physical conditioning works. Isn't eight minutes a day enough? [more inside]
LastMinuteEcuador
I have a free week in Ecuador, starting and ending in Quito, with absolutely no plans yet. I have a plane ticket, and hotel reservations for the first and last nights, but that's it. So, where should I go/what should I do? I'm interested in outdoors adventures, and would love to experience some of the spectacular landscapes of the country. I'll be spending the following week kayaking in the Oriente, so part of that region is covered. [more inside]
Looking for a caterer in Western Massachusetts
Can you recommend a caterer and wedding photographer in Western Massachusetts? [more inside]
A New Year selling old stuff
I have a bunch of cool stuff I want to sell. Clothing, furniture, original art work, books, vintage items, etc. But I can't stand eBay. [more inside]
Help me get established with an extended trip to Spain por favor!
I’m planning to visit Spain for a 90 day period in the coming Spring. I was wondering if The Mefites might help me with some basic info about the region including cost of living, finding temporary living arrangements, and establishing a decent social life in the few months I will be able to stay in the country. [more inside]
taking labels off of paper
stickers on paper that need to NOT BE ON PAPER. jeez. Please help me? [more inside]
About to buy my first used pickup. I Know very little about prices and mechanics.
Hey!
So i am about to buy my very first vehicle and am pretty excited about the whole deal. My budget is no more than 5k and I am looking to get me a used small pickup truck. It seems like my best options are either a T100, Tacoma, frontier or a b2500. Are those considered reliable used pick ups? What kind of year/mileage y'all think 5k could bring? I am thinking a 2000 with about 120000 miles. Does that seems reasonable?
The truck should be very reliable and could take some abuse, I don't really care about towing much because it will be used mainly for tools.
I know VERY little about cars and mechanics and wouldn't even know the first thing to look out for when looking at a potential truck... I've been told to insist on a clean title, see that the engine and transmission are in good order, and pass it by a reliable mechanic. Anything else?
Thank you for your time!
Wake up, sleepy-head
I have bad sleep hygiene -- I either sleep too little, or more often, too much. Any strategies for combatting this? [more inside]
I need an awesome topic relating to maps/geometry!
I'm looking for an awesome video/discussion topic that relates to street maps - something appropriate for a HS geometry course. [more inside]
Beanpole needs to (sartorially) grow up
I'm 25, thin, & narrow - and I need to get some serious grown-up clothes for the first time in my life. [more inside]
...when in doubt...
I created an account, and then swiftly deleted it, at Freecreditscore dot com. Is my information safe? [more inside]
Reviewing my 8 month GAY dating experiment. What is causeing me to get these results?
Reviewing my 8 month GAY dating experiment. What is causeing me to get these results? [more inside]
Feminism 102?
What books, articles or online resources would you suggest to introduce a well-intentioned guy to feminism? [more inside]
It's a good thing she tested negative for rabies.
I asked before about my cat's bitey tendencies. A month of strict training hasn't resulted in any adjustment. Maybe it's me? [more inside]
Find me a home (with space enough) where the buffalo roam!
Bronx? West side of Manhattan? My kingdom for enough space for a table to eat on and a dresser. Where should I live? [more inside]
Computer excitement for a smart kid?
Looking for computer/internet recommendations for my 10 year old friend. What are the coolest, most interesting, and least consumerist activities, websites, and other digital/virtual things that I can introduce this kid to? What did you like to do with computers / the internet when you were that age? Bonus internet safety questions inside! [more inside]
Can I share the (marshmallow) love?
I have perfected homemade marshmallows and they are delicious! They are so delicious that I want to send some from San Francisco to a friend in England. The only trouble is that the marshmallows have a coating of white powder (confectioners' sugar and a little cornflour) to ensure they don't stick together and create one big mess. Am I asking for trouble by sending this stuff via USPS internationally? [more inside]
The wind fell. Now what?
I got a large bonus this year which will probably never be repeated. After taxes, it was 26K. I don't have any immediate needs (no medical issues, etc), and I know next to nothing about investing. Given this economy, what should I do with it? Stocks? Bonds? Saving account? IRA? [more inside]
What was this geometric creature builder website?
Several years ago, I saw a website with a fun little flash or javascript applet thingy where you could build little tensegrity structure creatures, then have oscillating movements applied to the pieces, so that the structures would seem to "walk". I don't remember what it was called! From memory, one of the simpler structures looked sort of like this. What was it? Is it still online? [more inside]
Work week insomnia :(
I have developed work week insomnia. I know YANMD, but what have you found effective for managing this. [more inside]
fun trips
“ I like doing things more than seeing things” our 11 year old granddaughter (tweener) told us when we were talking about fun trips. Any thoughts about a destination that an 11 year old girl would enjoy and her grandparents could believe she would be learning something about different parts of her country (US). She’s been to Florida and California, but not much of the Northeast (except for NYC) or the MidWest. She does like scenery but is much more into going someplace every day and having an agenda of events that are different each day - yet staying in the same ”home base” hotel. Enjoys arts and crafts, music, and museums but not sitting on the beach.
How to get rid of my Virgin America points?
What's the best way for me to sell my unwanted Virgin America Elevate frequent flier points? [more inside]
No more tights!
Where does a lady get a functional, day-to-day garter belt — either on the internet or in SF? I'm ready to be done with tights and their long-leg hating ways.
Where can I buy lightweight, beachy cotton and linen clothes in NYC or online?
Where can I buy lightweight, beachy cotton and linen clothes in NYC or online? I'm going to Thailand in February and need protection from mosquitos and the sun. [more inside]
Drug plan woes.
Can I resolve this exclusion on my drug plan? [more inside]
Why can I load random websites?
Something is rotten with my Internet settings. Chrome/Firefox/Safari won't load random sites like Facebook or Amazon and it's really frustrating. I'm on a Macbook, OS X 10.5.8. [more inside]
A robot may not harm humanity, or, by inaction, allow humanity to come to harm.
I want to buy one or more robots for use in an office, and am looking for suggestions as to which robot(s) might work best. The purpose is purely for fun. [more inside]
Broken Keurig
I have a Keurig B31. I love it, but it's already not working right after just a week of use. The problem comes when I put water into the resevoir, open up the head to put in a cup, close the head (which should then allow me to brew) but instead leads back to a cycle where it keeps asking me to add water, then open the head. When it's finally ready to brew it makes about half of what it should, and it also seems like there's water building up in the reservoir (which, according to the guide, shouldn't happen as each brew should empty whatever is in the reservoir). Is there anything I can do to reset the machine or otherwise make it work correctly? [more inside]
Great-granddad: a time traveler?
Geneaology question: is my great-grandfather a time traveler? [more inside]
Cat-focused animal assisted therapy?
Are there animal assisted therapy programs tailored to cats? [more inside]
Small Wedding Venues in Phoenix
What are some venues for a small wedding and reception in the Phoenix, Arizona area? We're talking fewer than 50 guests, and possibly fewer than 30. All inclusive packages are a bonus, as are venues in the SE Valley!
My ex-wife has started telling me things after our sons visitation with me that can't be true.
My ex-wife is making up lies to take away my visitation time with my son. Do I need to consult my lawyer right away? [more inside]
Should I stay or should I go, head injury edition
Should I Go to the Doctor Filter: Last night, a friend and I were goofing around. He went to pick me up and toss me over his shoulder, and succeeded instead in tossing me face-first into the corner of a wall at a fairly decent velocity. I know the kneejerk response to these questions is usually YES GO TO THE DOCTOR WHY ARE YOU ON METAFILTER YOU IDIOT, but details inside. [more inside]
Little people
I'm not a kid person. Never been around them, never liked them. Complicating factor: My two new best friends are a 3-year-old and an 18-month-old. Teach me how to interact with them. [more inside]
Show me your awesome neighborhoods, Chicago!
I need advice on awesome Chicago neighborhoods. [more inside]
How many layers of organization and management are there to running a mammoth operation like Disneyland for a day?
How many layers of organization and management are there to running a mammoth operation like Disneyland for a day? [more inside]
Value Over Replacement Database
Sports nerds of MeFi: where do you go for your downloadable sports statistics database needs? [more inside]
Who uses a cathedral as their parish church and why?
Why would a Catholic or Anglican choose to use a cathedral as their regular church over more geographically convenient parish churches? How would their religious and social experiences differ as a result?
The horror, the horror
Any better ideas for clearing snow from stairs from the top down?
Any better ideas for clearing snow from stairs from the top down? [more inside]
I'm looking for a great new chili powder.
I have run out of my favorite chili powder. I'm looking for suggestions of your amazing local chili powders that I could order online or by phone with a credit card. [more inside]
Can switching semi-frequently between monitor inputs cause damage to an LCD monitor?
Can switching semi-frequently between monitor inputs cause damage to an LCD monitor? [more inside]
What monitor arms can hold a 27" iMac and 24" Apple LED Display?
What monitor arms can hold a 27" iMac and 24" Apple LED Display? [more inside]
Is my baby teething?
Is my baby teething? He has been a real turd for about a week, restless, irritable, wakeful, etc. He's also drooling and chomping. But are these teeth? I mean the underlined things. [more inside]
Help me ID this band!
Can you help me identify who sings this version of the song Cinema? [more inside]
Worsening stuttering
I've had a very mild stutter since early adolescence. I'm 30 now. For most of this time, I had it under control such that I was able to go through high school, college, a few years of working, and law school without anyone ever being aware of it. It was always there to some extent, but it never posed a real problem and never weighed too heavily on my mind. The stutter has gotten significantly worse just in the past couple months though, and is beginning to affect both my quality of life and my job. [more inside]
This tastes gross.
Coffee tastes weird: confirmation bias, or something else? [more inside]
Should I ask my employer to sponsor my attendance at a professional conference?
As a junior programmer at a tech startup, how do I tactfully approach my employer about sponsoring my attendance at a professional conference? Is that a common request to make? [more inside]
What is the best graphics card for a 300W PSU?
I'm looking to beef up the graphics card on my Shuttle XPC but I'm limited to a 300W power supply, a single slot PCI-Express and a budget of under £100 (~$160). What cards would you recommend? [more inside]
Help me find the perfect bag for 2012
I desire a new bag. Something sturdy to carry my laptop* and books in. Something I can easily kart around on my bicycle (on my back, shoulder, or otherwise a flexible paneer). I'm based in London, UK. Budget floating around £100ish. Give me inspiration people! [more inside]
What happens after a cheque is cashed?
Tricky question regarding cheques [more inside]
Before I go under the knife, maybe I could go under the salt water gargles?
What did you do without removing your tonsils that helped reduce the frequency of your bouts of tonsillitis? [more inside]
What to do with a hallway out of House of Leaves?
What are some interesting things to do with a very long hallway in an otherwise not-too-large space? [more inside]
Help Me Keep Fit in My New (York) City
Looking for affordable, long-term outdoor group fitness classes in New York City. Or reasonably priced gyms with plenty of rowing machines and free weights. [more inside]
Steal This Focus
Something is stealing focus on my Windows 7 HTPC. How do I figure out what application it is so that I can get rid of it? [more inside]
Help me get in the game.
I think I have a really good idea for a web-based/social networking/"gamification" project. What do I do now? [more inside]
Is a charred steak as carcinogenic as a cigarette?
Carcinogenic compounds can be produced by high temperature cooking of meats (grilling, frying, "broiling", BBQing); how real is the cancer risk compared to other normal day to day activities.
Is it mostly fear mongering and over-protective rubbish or is this a real health issue? [more inside]
Games that make you an artist or engineer
Games that maximize your creativity and let you make unique things (e.g. Minecraft)? [more inside]
Australian wine gift ideas needed
I am going to be visiting a good friend in the US, and I want to give her some Australian wine. However, I am a wine ignoramus. Help me choose a good wine for my friend. [more inside]
Find this art: Wait 1 hour to swim after eating, as a pulp cover
Help me find this piece of art done in pulp fiction cover style: a funny dramatization of what can go wrong if one ignores the age-old warning of "Don't swim for an hour after eating!" The art depicts a swimmer about to drown, and the words across the bottom read something like, He Only Waited 52 Minutes!! This might have been blogged about on Boing Boing, but I can't seem to find it in their archives. (And yes, it is an old wives' tale, swim away!)
Mac laptop, PC desktop - how do I make this work?
Do you use a Mac laptop in combination with a PC desktop computer? Please tell me how you manage your workflow between the two. Can you recommend useful software and/or hardware to make coexistence as painless as possible? [more inside]
psychic tells police where serial killer hides bodies.
Help me identify this movie: psychic tells police where serial killer hides bodies. [more inside]
Large Sensor DSLR with great video
[DSLR Filter] What are the best options for a digital SLR or Mirrorless SLR style with the following features: APS-C or larger size sensor, ability to autofocus during video, and silent lens operation (for video)? [more inside]
January 2
cheap solo birthday traveling
looking for a solo birth vacation spot on week of the 15. I don't really travel a lot, other then business, and I'm not really sure where to start. also, if there's any options for super cheap (It really doesn't have to be exciting in the classical scene - just open to possibilities)
Documenting on a Budget When You're Also a Unique Snowflake
What makes more sense for documenting my trip to South Korea and Vietnam, an HD video camera or a digital still camera? [more inside]
Need Some Comebacks
Help me think of a few comebacks to say to people to knock them off their high horses when they try to guilt me into adopting both children and animals by making me feel inhumane, uncharitable, and selfish if I don't. [more inside]
Help me find a cordless lamp
Help me find a hallway table lamp that requires no electricity [more inside]
a better mode at home than pseudo-relaxation
For those who find "relaxing" completely un-relaxing, how do you cultivate a strong activity and project based home life? [more inside]
Film about lost gold treasure, set in New Zealand
Trying to find a movie I saw as a kid on HBO in the 1980's. I believe it was set in New Zealand and involved recovering a plane, carrying gold, that had crashed into a lake. [more inside]
Help me move from Picasa to Flickr
How can I migrate my photos from Picasa to Flickr? [more inside]
First-time cohabiter looking for advice on merging lives
First-time cohabiter with some questions on merging money/stuff/habits post-move. Advice appreciated. [more inside]
I refuse to date boring people!
JDate question: Are my expectations for quality of messages and content of profile too high after being on OKCupid? What is your experience with this? [more inside]
Experience with bat houses anyone?
I bought my 5 year a bat house from the bat conservancy for christmas. She is totally excited about putting it up. But I am starting to worry about guano, attracting bats to a residential area ( a neighborhood of .3 acre lots that backs up to a national forest) and annoying neighbors, getting buzzed by bats when I walk from the car at night. Any advice? Experience with bat houses? [more inside]
How to watch the 2012 Olympics after cutting the cable
I'm paying too much for cable TV that I don't watch, and I am fortunate to have good broadband internet (both from Comcast in the US). There are only a few events my family and I care enough about seeing immediately on TV. The Tour de France and major league baseball are both usually available via internet subscription services. But what about the 2012 Olympics? [more inside]
... makes me stronger.
I want to punish myself. I want to do something that will involve hard work and hardship, that I can't get out of, that will not involve many other people, and won't cost a lot of money. Something like a long hiking journey through remote wilderness, or a boot camp, health camp or retreat where I don't have to be with a group, just me and some jailors. Suggestions? [more inside]
Looking for titles to learn beginner world religions
I'm very interested in world religions. I have picked up a few titles but I find them extremely difficult I am hoping people here can recommend some starter titles. I am a masters degree educator. I know very little on this subject and I seem to get it twisted quickly. Please recommend titles to start reading to build upon. [more inside]
How many times can one post contain the words, "pickled red cabbage?"
What can I do with pickled red cabbage? [more inside]
Don't select what I selected, select what YOU think you should select!
Help me understand how to make a macro do what I want it to do - automatically select the relevant area instead of a previously recorded cell range. [more inside]
How do I set up Auto BCC on a single Exchange account out of three, in Outlook 2010?
I need to Auto BCC myself on all mail I send through Outlook 2010 from one (and only one) of my Exchange accounts. How can I do this? [more inside]
Where to find a Christmas hat in Vancouver in January?
Where could I find a Little Christmas hat for my six year old cousin? (Location: Vancouver) [more inside]
What's the real ongoing-cost of adding an OS X Server?
We're adding a Mac OS X Lion server to our small business soon. What's reasonable amount to budget for monthly OS X Server support compared to what we pay occasionally now for issues on our workstation-based network that we can't solve ourselves? Are we in for monthly billing shock once a true server gets added? All the details and [more inside]
What does the sign posted by the NYPD on my neighbor's apartment door mean?
What does the sign posted by the NYPD on my neighbor's door mean? [more inside]
Would it be illegal or just rude?
What are the legal/copyright/douchebag implications (if any) of registering a domain name that is already a username on a free blogging platform? Yeah, yeah, you're not a lawyer... [more inside]
Do I have HSV 2 now?
Had unprotected sex with someone who has Herpes HSV 2 and was having an outbreak on her back. Did not know it at the time. I am freaking out so badly I can not effectively google the topic and read the results. Please help me. [more inside]
Compression socks
Is there any downside to wearing compression socks all the time? Should we all be wearing them? [more inside]
liar, liar ? pants on fire ?
"Far infrared therapy" products -- bona fide or bogus? [more inside]
HGTV Canada in the US
How can I watch HGTV Canada in the US? [more inside]
Adventures in used car buying
Carfax -- how accurate are their reports? An accident for my own car isnt't showing up. [more inside]
Paper or Digital?
I"ve collected 1200+ magazines since 2005. The intention was to use them as reference when freelance writing for specific publications. [more inside]
Transition from nap to quiet time
NapFilter. I think that my kid is done napping. How can I set up 'quiet time' for him? [more inside]
Time to buy a quickie white tux (LA/SF)
I need a white tuxedo, cheap (low-quality is fine), and fast. In LA or SF (needs to be faster if in SF). Ideally get it bought and altered within a week. Does anyone have any leads?
Class me up
Classing up! Help me polish my rough edges and learn to hang with the elites [more inside]
What is the difference between floating point accuracy and precision?
What is the difference between floating point accuracy and precision?
Missed Music
Catchiest pop songs from 1977-1983? I was born too late to grow up with this music, and it was never played on the classic rock stations my parents would listen to. I'm discovering great songs that I've only had a vague awareness of, such as What a fool believes, September, Private Eyes and love the syncopated rhythm and catchy melodies. Would you recommend some others?
How to plan a literary scavenger hunt in Baltimore?
I'm trying to plan a scavenger hunt in Baltimore for a group of college students. The sites should all be related to literature, film, or TV. For example, the site of Dashiell Hammett's detective agency, or the Owl Bar where F. Scott Fitzgerald drank. Ideally I'd like all the sites to be within walking distance of each other. I'm looking for site suggestions and clue suggestions! Thanks. [more inside]
Please teach me how to use my home gym.
Please help me sort out a detailed list of exercises on my new(to me) home gym. details within. [more inside]
Where to give away *all the things* in Minneapolis
Where is the best place to give away / sell / donate books, clothes, furniture, etc. [Minneapolis Edition, but other cities welcome!] [more inside]
I want my emails to work
How do I pick a web hosting service that has an email server that is not blacklisted? [more inside]
Raise taxes to cut spending?
Recently I saw an article online in which a conservative argued that the battle to cut spending was unwinnable and that therefore the conservative strategy should be to raise taxes to the level required to maintain programs, the idea being that this is the only way to convince people that spending cuts are necessary. Help me find this article please.
National Law Journal Paywall
National Law Journal Paywall [more inside]
I accidentally ate mold..now what?
Is there something I can take to prevent poisoning, or should I just let my body do its thing? [more inside]
Can I use solder to make a wire dress form?
Making a wire dress form: Can I use solder? [more inside]
How has the Information Age changed advertising?
How has the Information Age changed advertising? [more inside]
Everything must be dipped in chocolate - what foods should we dip?
Everything must be dipped in chocolate at my upcoming party. What foods, besides the usual (fruit, marshmallows, baked goods), should I offer for chocolate-dipping at a morning family event where many young kids will be present? Probably using standard milk chocolate in both a chocolate fountain and a chocolate fondue.
My skin needs moisture...er, no, it needs to be washed...aarrrrh!
When I'm lacking sleep, my skin feels awful - too dry in some places and too oily in others. Does anyone know what causes this and what I can do about it? [more inside]
Movies about ancient India or China?
Movies about Ancient Chinese or Indian history or culture? [more inside]
Shoe Repair Destroyed Favorite Boots... now what?
Cobbler ruined my favorite boots. What can I do? [more inside]
What should we do in NYC/Brooklyn today?
Quick! What should we do in NYC/Brooklyn today? Our museum plans are not panning out. [more inside]
Good free blob-tracking algorithms?
Are there any good open-source blob tracking implementations out there other than OpenCV? Especially anything that's optimized for road traffic. [more inside]
GPS activities for kids?
(asking for a friend) - Looking for eductional/fun activities for different kids age groups 5 - 12 using GPS units... [more inside]
How do I put my money where my mouth is?
This year I need to get my finances in order but what sort of professional would be able to help? [more inside]
Trip to universal with 11yo niece!
Trip to Universal Studios in Orlando with an 11yo!
Suggestions on where to stay and podcasts, books, etc to listen to in the car on the way down? [more inside]
Poly-friendly marriage counselor in the SF East Bay
Trying to find a poly-aware/friendly marriage counselor in the SF East Bay. [more inside]
What's a good HDTV for watching old films?
What should I be shopping for if I'm looking to buy an HDTV and plan on watching a lot of older, often black-and-white films? My attempts at research have left me better informed, but also completely confused. [more inside]
Should I Stay or Should I Go? (The Work Version)
Please help me with this work situation: stay at old job or take new job? [more inside]
Please give me your tips for how you approach the issue of money in a marriage.
Please give me your tips for how you approach the issue of money in a marriage. [more inside]
Argggh, I just want a radio that doesn't think I'm in Guam
I'd like to purchase an aftermarket radio for my Ford Freestyle. I purchased an eclipse radio 4 years ago but it has turned into an epic POS. I'd like the following features:
-Bluetooth
-ability to plug in my iPhone to play podcasts and Pandora etc
-gps navigation
-xm would be nice, but the other features are more important
I researched my last radio and got the worst POS imaginable. So your suggestions are welcome. I'd be ecstatic if I could find something that functioned at this point.
paying late AC Transit parking ticket?
Got a parking ticket from AC (Alameda County, CA) transit. Intended to pay it on time but forgot about it. The ticket has never shown up in the online or phone pay systems. I could pay by mail but am concerned that the ticket price has gone up and that I won't get notices about what I owe. I tried calling the number on the back of the ticket but can't get through to a human being to find out how much I should pay them now. Does anyone know how much the tickets go up? If I pay by mail and the price is more more than the original ticket what should happen?
Watching the Knicks in a post-MSG world
New York Knicks filter: With Time Warner cable no longer carrying MSG, what are my options for watching the Knicks play? Suggestions for good bars which carry Knick games on the Upper East Side of Manhattan are welcome, but also looking for any possibilities that will let me watch them at home. Thanks.
Is it safe to eat peanut butter while pregnant?
Is it safe to eat peanut butter while pregnant? [more inside]
How tough is the job market in Ft. Myers/Cape Coral?
How tough is the job market in Ft.Myers/Cape Coral, FL? [more inside]
Genius = Watchdog?
[MacFilter]: Will software with "common" serial numbers be recognized by Apple employees? [more inside]
How do I stop my aunt from using my name on/in forms?
My troublemaker aunt is using my name to fill out forms. She has a long history of alcoholism and possibly some mental problems, and I have no way of contacting her other than Facebook (I think). How do I get her to stop? Is this illegal in any way? [more inside]
Laptop whiteout
Laptop screen turns white every so often, more often than not. [more inside]
Dog blew a CCL. Now what?
Dog blew a CCL. Now what? [more inside]
Books that help form a person
What novels do you wish you had read when you were 17? [more inside]
Help me find danceable Garageband drum loops that work with rock music
What songs have beats that just demand you hit the dance floor? Which of those beats would translate well to minimal rock/funk/dancepunk music? Where can I find those sorts of loops for Garageband or Logic Pro? [more inside]
singulair side effects
Hi,
I was prescribed Singulair for seasona allergies. After taking for a couple of months, I started having anxiety and panic attacks. I stopped taking it almost 3 weeks ago and the symptoms have diminished greatly but not completely. Has anyone else had an experience with this? I'd like to know how long it will take for the sure effects to completely go away.
Do you know the way to Arenal?
Can you recommend any specific tour operators in Guanacaste, Costa Rica? [more inside]
Help me gain weight in a healthy/cheap manner
Please help me in my goal, which is to gain weight in a healthy way, and to do so as cheaply as possible. [more inside]
Jury duty pay in Canada?
Are Canadian employers required to pay me my full salary while I am on jury duty? I am an overtime exempt store manager. [more inside]
Help me find a creative gift
[gifting filter] I was substantially out-gifted by my girlfriend; I got her an arty coffee table book, she took me on a surprise trip to Philadelphia. Her birthday is coming up and I would like to come up with something really awesome and unexpected for her...(special snowflake details inside) [more inside]
Red wine - cureall or other?
Nutrition related query re the benefits of red wine -if any. Boring details within. [more inside]
Can you find this watch?
Can you find the watch that matches this bracelet? The watch and matching bracelet was the first present i ever bought my wife, and she lost the watch the other day. She is distraught and i would love to surprise her with a replacement. [more inside]
iTunes and Boxee?
I want a media enabled living room - have I got the right setup? [more inside]
Looking for recommendations on philosophy of biology
Any philosophers of biology around? I'm looking for a good overviewish paper to translate. [more inside]
Need help rewiring my brain before dental procedure
Please help me with mental/psychological relief for my dental anxiety. [more inside]
Music for the Guardian Angels
What songs do you know about big sisters dealing with dysfunctional little siblings? [more inside]
Where-y Potter?
A couple of years ago I found a website that had a bunch of essays about popular culture. There was a group of them by one author that were quite (sarcastically?) critical of Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling. I'd like to find and read them again, but I remember so little about where I found them. [more inside]
A little help on a statistics paper on inflation, in German.
I am looking for a little translation help on an inflation statistics paper in German language (look in more inside for the link). This official paper is quite interesting for students of statistics and social students interested in perceived cost of living vs actual cost of living, in Europe as well as in any other country, as it allegedly shows that indeed there were some excessive rouding of prices during the conversion to euro in Germany. [more inside]
backpack backpack, backpack backpack, yeah!
Help me find a good and sturdy book bag like this one that I can use as a purse after I graduate. [more inside]
January 1
All Aboard the U.S.S. Las Vegas!
I’m going to be going on a cruise next year with my parents (at their request and expense). Not to sound like a little brat, but I’m a bit nervous that I’m going to be trapped on the U.S.S. Las Vegas when that is NOT my scene. Help? [more inside]
Save My Honemoon To Japan!
SAVE MY HONEYMOON HIVEMIND! Is there a definitive (non-biased) answer on whether Japan is safe for travel? [more inside]
Did I forget how to have fun?
I have great supportive friends. Why won't they socialize with me? [more inside]
New Year's Bird
I think we found a parakeet in our backyard. What should we do? [more inside]
tripping for the first time
What are some good songs to listen to on shrooms? Any other ideas on how to have a good trip appreciated as well. [more inside]
How can my grandmother cover her head?
My grandmother is going to be going through chemotherapy soon, and I want to find a great head covering for her. I'm looking for personal recommendations. [more inside]
What time to leave?
This Friday I have a 7:30 PM flight out of BWI. What time should I leave the Chevy Chase, MD area? What route is best (any construction or other concerns)? I will have a rental car and am traveling solo.
How can I get my 14-month-old son to go to sleep without nursing?
LactationFilter: help me decouple nursing and going to sleep for my almost-14-month-old son. Related: Help me keep my sanity! [more inside]
What does a pharmaceutical broker do?
Someone I met gave me a business card that intrigues me. What does this guy do? [more inside]
chiang mai to Krabi: what flights options?? air asia to phuket? discover with Thai airways? other?
Thailand travel planning: trying to get from chiang mai to krabi to Denapasar,Bali as effectively as possible.
So far I found these options:
use Air Asia to phuket from chiang mai and take a cab for a couple hours to krabi. (to and and back)
Use discover thailand fares from thai airways, but they dont have direct flight to krabi, so travel takes like almost the entire day :(
Suggestions? travel time would be cnx to krabi 02/22 and krabi to bali 02/25.
How do I stop having static discharge problems with my computer?
How do I stop having static discharge problems with my computer? [more inside]
Am I burning the bridge between two jobs?
A few months ago, I accepted a new job at a different company in town. I left my old job on good terms, and my boss said that if my new job doesn't work out, I can come back. It turns out she was serious and has recently offered me a new position. Should I take it? Details inside. [more inside]
Is there anything like a My Fit Foods in Pittsburgh?
Is there anything like a My Fit Foods in Pittsburgh? [more inside]
Trying to track down a Bill Cosby quote
I am trying to track down a Bill Cosby quote. Someone asked him why he doesn't ever talk about being a black actor, and he had a really great response that I would love to find again. [more inside]
Books, forums, ??, for adult children of abusive parents who have (undiagnosed) cognitive and emotional issues?
What are some informative self-help books and other resources (preferably online or UK-based) for adults dealing with abusive parents who have undiagnosed cognitive deficits and are emotionally stunted? [more inside]
Movies on Computing + Culture
Looking for movies for a Computing + Culture course. [more inside]
How much is Katy Perry worth?
How much is Katy Perry worth? Is there any realistic way to calculate how much she got paid for what she produced? (Not the exact amount, but presumably we ought to be able to get the order of magnitude right.) [more inside]
Fiction about a musician
Looking for fiction books about musicians, especially with a single musician as the main character [more inside]
Python code question
Can someone tell me why this bit of Python code is "thread-unsafe"? [more inside]
My friend's husband thinks I have a crush on her.
My friend's husband thinks I have a crush on her. What do I do? [more inside]
I'm not an alcoholic, I'm just sneaky
I'm a secret drinker. But I'm far less into the drinking part than the secret part. How can I do this more healthily? [more inside]
Tiny Bubbles
Is there any appreciable difference between making homemade sodas by adding carbonated water to flavored syrup and making them by carbonating a more watery/liquid flavored base in a soda siphon? [more inside]
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins, new and improved?
I need more ideas for how to spice up/flavor my turkey meatloaf muffins. [more inside]
Potentially inappropriate religious blessings
Do you find it inappropriate for someone who is not of your religion to offer blessings from your religion? [more inside]
What is a newsstand's average retail markup on newspapers and magazines?
What is a newsstand's average retail markup on newspapers and magazines?
TES: Oblivion Official Plug-Ins?
Bethesda Games seems to have stopped selling the Oblivion downloadable content (official plug-ins) from their site and I can't find it anywhere. [more inside]
Best way to get rid of bedbugs in Portland
Bed bugs in Portland, OR! How to hire the right exterminator? What should we do right now? [more inside]
Can anyone help my wife find a special ed teaching job near Marietta, GA?
Can anyone help my wife find a special ed teaching job near Marietta, GA? [more inside]
Name that comic
Name-that-comedian-filter: saw a guy on Comedy Central 5-10 years ago... [more inside]
Help me find this book.
I'm looking for a book to make a friend happy. I don't know the author and don't really know the title. [more inside]
My kidling is trying to remember a book from childhood.
What's that book filter: B wants to remember a book from his childhood. Details inside. [more inside]
Help me fix these photos
How would you repair these scanned photos? [more inside]
Questions, questions, too many questions.
(Dark Crystal Filter): Can anything be said with certainty about the language of the Podlings? [more inside]
Should I move into the apartment of my formerly noisy neghbour?
There are a lot of previous questions about neighbour relations in apartment buildings. I'm nevertheless going to ask another one. Please tell me about top floor living in a walk up building and whether it's worth it. [more inside]
How do cats do without a spleen?
Catfilter: I'm looking for experiences from cat owners who have had cats with mast cells in their spleen. What's the survival time following a splenectomy ? (This is assuming lab results and the vet suggest that procedure.) [more inside]
Help me cook myself up a new job!
A friend is opening up a new sandwich shop and wants me to come work for her. I'm a decent home cook, but I've never worked in a restaurant kitchen; how do I learn about restaurant processes and techniques? [more inside]
How I Restore the Windows 7 Default Network Manager?
I have a NetgearWG111v3 wireless USB network adapter. I absolutely hate the software it comes with to manage internet connections. I'd rather use the default network management tool that is built into Windows 7 (clicking on the notification area to bring a drop down list of available networks). Is there a way to restore the windows 7 default?
Smells like Adult Spirit
Agitated at being at my small liberal arts college. Not sure how much is me, how much is college, how much is the "real world". Please give it to me bluntly. [more inside]
I want a summer internship where I can code.
Can you give me advice on finding summer internships for a sophomore CS major? [more inside]
Name that TV Show: Historical Weaponry Edition
Can anyone identify this TV show about historical weaponry I saw in the late '90s/early 2000s? Basically, every episode featured the host learning how to use a different weapon. [more inside]
No working shower for a week+ in new apartment. Am I entitled to rent reduction?
New apartment has no working shower for 7+ days. Leasing office manager is being iffy about rent reduction. What are my rights in California? [more inside]
Where to Eat and Sleep in Spain!
Simple question: Where do we need to eat and sleep in Madrid and Barcelona?
We are planning a summer trip to Spain (4 nights in Madrid, 2 nights in Barcelona, 1 night in Girona).
The Girona portion of the trip is set -- dinner at El Celler de Can Roca for an extravagant birthday experience.
What we need are suggestions for restaurants and hotels in Madrid and Barcelona.
(We're also planning day trips to Segovia and Toledo, so you could include lunch spots in those places if you'd like.)
A few notes: we are fairly sophisticated dinners, but we also love simple, straightforward food-of-the-people. Our hotel tastes run toward contemporary/modern, but we're not opposed to something classic -- we just want to avoid international chains.
Thanks for any/all suggestions!
Seeking an English-Speaking Doctor in Tijuana, Mexico
Seeking an English-Speaking Doctor in Tijuana, Mexico [more inside]
Was I sexually assaulted? Can we still have a relationship if I was?
I think I may have been sexually assaulted in the past by my best friend in the whole world. I'm conflicted about this and I'm wondering if it's possible for us to still be friends? And if so, how? [more inside]
How to make braaaaiiiiins!!!
I would like to make zombies for a living. How can I start learning this from home? [more inside]
On winter boots confusion
Do you own UGG boots ? Could you tell me a little bit more about your experience wearing them ? [more inside]
Getting comfy with moneybags
How can I stop feeling so alienated/resentful/irritated by my friends' wealth? [more inside]
Name-that-old-video-game, part the Nth
Help me remember a video game from my youth, part the Nth. [more inside]
Uke versus Guitar
So, I'm thinking about buying a ukulele. I have a small amount of experience on the guitar (less than six months, self taught). Is learning both at the same time a good idea, or a very bad one? [more inside]
Information about exotic shorthair cats
I want to learn everything I can about exotic shorthairs (aka shorthaired persians). I have the opportunity to adopt an exotic shorthair kitten, and need to figure out if one of the little munchkins would be happy living with me. I have 3 specific questions. [more inside]
Does a USB-to-SD adapter exist?
Is there any such thing as an USB-to-SD adapter, so you could connect an external hard drive to anything that reads SD cards? [more inside]