October 2009 Archives

October 31

Online pro audio sales forum?

Where do pro broadcast audio professionals buy and sell their gear? I'm looking for a specific portable recorder (Sound Devices 788t) and would like to know if there's a board or online community for people in the industry to buy and sell gear.
posted by Joseph Gurl at 11:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Ow! Another sharp rock!

How can I keep my kneepads on my knees while sprinting, sliding, crawling, and kneeling? Or, recommend some kneepads that would work better. [more inside]
posted by Netzapper at 9:19 PM PST - 13 comments

My personality needs a review! It's getting out of control! Help please!

I'm scared of what my personality is coming to be. I recently broke up with my wife that I love but had no passion (kissing) with (2.5 yrs). I feel like I've controlled her a lot, do not want her to express a lot of her own self because I am very meticulous and strategic about my words, how I talk, how I present myself, etc. I think that's the same thing that happened with my ex girlfriend of two years. They love me for who I am, I'm a fun loving guy, good looking, good personality, morals, understanding, extremely caring, etc, but I'm wayyy too much of a presence and seemingly controlling to my loved ones. [more inside]
posted by Vandal at 9:18 PM PST - 46 comments

Where can I hear the music of Hi-Posi?

Does anyone know where I can find the music of shibuya-kei artist Hi-Posi? [more inside]
posted by whiskeyspider at 8:48 PM PST - 4 comments

Need recs for IT training in Seattle.

In the Seattle/Snohomish area. Which schools provide good training in beginning SQL, or database design, or IT project management? [more inside]
posted by valannc at 8:35 PM PST - 3 comments

How do you play card game: Bomb City

A couple sitting next to me on a plane were playing a fast two person card game that looked fun. I asked what it was called and they told me it was "Bomb City". Possibly I heard the name wrong. I figured I could easily look it up online and get the rules. No such luck. Does anyone know the rules for "Bomb City"? It was a two person game ( possibly more - I dont' know ), played with a deck of standard playing cards including jokers. I think each person started with three piles of two cards in front of them with the top one frace up. Each game seemed to take 5 or 10 minutes. Thanks in advance. - Dave
posted by metadave at 8:06 PM PST - 10 comments

What might one see hiking in the woods at night that looks like glowing eyes?

What might one see hiking in the woods at night that looks like glowing eyes? [more inside]
posted by weston at 6:31 PM PST - 27 comments

Negima reference site

I need the best fan/reference site about Mahou Sensei Negima. [more inside]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 6:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Cruise control is caps lock for.. wait a minute..

Is using cruise control all the time bad for my car in any way? [more inside]
posted by srrh at 5:09 PM PST - 27 comments

Tab it up

My wife used to love Tab energy drink both for the burst of energy and for the flavor. We can't find it any more. She needs an energy drink tonight to rev up for Halloween festivities. Are there any commonly found (we live in the midwest) energy drinks that taste similar to the Tab energy drink?
posted by arniec at 4:57 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me make my balbo behave

Please help me tame my balbo. [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 4:41 PM PST - 3 comments

Old Port for the Family

Visiting Old Port section of Portland, ME and looking for a nice restaurant for a family with kids aged 10 & 12. Would like something nicer than a chain with burgers (though it's great if they are on the menu) and pizza, but not as high end Caiola's (pate and goat cheese won't go over well with the kids). We are hoping for a nice sit down, local beer and ambiance would be great. We are staying at the Portland Regency Hotel and would prefer something within walking distance. Oh we are definitely going to Bintliff's for breakfast on Sunday.
posted by revan at 4:00 PM PST - 11 comments

What is the game where you put a card on your forehead?

What is the card game where everyone puts a card on their forehead? [more inside]
posted by Wink Ricketts at 3:32 PM PST - 17 comments

Stupid mousey thing no work!

Trackpad suddenly stopped working - any solutions? [more inside]
posted by IAmBroom at 3:02 PM PST - 6 comments

I don't think it should be hurting this long

Is it normal to have recurring headaches while wearing contacts? Yes, YANMD. [more inside]
posted by Hakaisha at 3:00 PM PST - 15 comments

That last talk.

How to go about the final talk, the post-mortem, if you will. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:44 PM PST - 28 comments

Is there an online DSM-I?

Where can i find a list and description of the disorders in the original Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-I)? [more inside]
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 2:39 PM PST - 6 comments

Source of these quotes about photographic composition?

Help me find the source of these quotes about photographic composition. [more inside]
posted by jgwong at 2:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Why Hutter why?

We've just watch Nosferatu and have a question (spoliers inside) [more inside]
posted by rus at 1:48 PM PST - 3 comments

What did I do to my camera?

What have I done to my camera (Canon Rebel Xti)? [more inside]
posted by quodlibet at 1:43 PM PST - 22 comments

Eugene, Oregon: Tips?

I'm anticipating an upcoming move to Eugene, Oregon. What should I know? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:37 PM PST - 10 comments

Tab A into Slot B

What can I expect with a parotidectomy? [more inside]
posted by cjorgensen at 1:37 PM PST - 11 comments

How to deal with "I can't be in a relationship right now"?

How to deal with "I can't be in a relationship right now"? [more inside]
posted by mattsweaters at 1:34 PM PST - 33 comments

Looking for a service like Yahoo briefcase circa 2000

I want to upload a few files on one computer, and be able to download them from wherever. I don't need Amazon s3 or Jungle Disk or other big backup service. I want it to be free. I don't need or want to share the files with anyone, but it's not super-sensitive information either. [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 12:43 PM PST - 22 comments

Netgear Wireless-G Router WGR614 & AIM

How do I get my new Netgear Wireless-G Router WGR614 to play nice with AIM? [more inside]
posted by twiggy32 at 12:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Baking with Truvia?

Has anyone had experience baking with Truvia, which is a granulated sweetener that looks and tastes like cane sugar but is made from stevia? I like it in iced tea and on plain yogurt and fruit, but I would like to use it in muffins and maybe cookies and don't know how it would work.
posted by Jenna Brown at 12:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Don't give me that jargon.

Do I need a rotary phase converter or a variable frequency drive for my three phase bandsaw? [more inside]
posted by mearls at 11:35 AM PST - 10 comments

Get me outta here!

Escape from New York! (By car during the New York Marathon.) [more inside]
posted by The Straightener at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me identify a poem in a specific introduction to a specific copy of Kate Chopin's The Awakening.

Help me identify a poem in a specific introduction to a specific copy of Kate Chopin's The Awakening. [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 10:46 AM PST - 3 comments

"I've never regretted taking the train set"

Apart from the Dennis Bergkamp cheese-packer one, what were the other Reebok "other career" adverts that ran on UK television in the late 90s, and where can I find them? [more inside]
posted by galaksit at 10:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Better living through chemistry

I need to get up at 3:00 am. Can ambien help? [more inside]
posted by prunes at 10:23 AM PST - 21 comments

Auto-broker, good or bad idea?

Does buying used through an auto-broker make sense for me? [more inside]
posted by furtive at 10:13 AM PST - 3 comments

The Cabal? Am I seeing Metafilter: The Movie?

What movies will I be seeing at the horror movie marathon tonight, based on the hints from the theater? [more inside]
posted by Horace Rumpole at 10:02 AM PST - 18 comments

Seen lots of old stuff, want some modern culture

How can I find good live music in Switzerland (or maybe Vienna or Prague or somewhere else) during the next few days? Or other interesting evening events? [more inside]
posted by little e at 9:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me repair this Windows installation, with minimal tools.

Trying to fix a friend's Windows laptop, which is behaving strangely. [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 9:29 AM PST - 14 comments

On-Screen Keyboard for Windows 7

How can I get my on-screen keyboard to work in 64-bit Windows 7? [more inside]
posted by wintermute2_0 at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments

Help with starting a NYC apartment search

Two young professional creative types looking for an apt in Brooklyn or Manhattan. We'd like a little help getting our search started. [more inside]
posted by FireStyle at 8:17 AM PST - 11 comments

How useful is a Chinese studies M.A.?

I'm thinking about getting an M.A. in Chinese studies. How useful a job qualification would it be if I didn't go on to get a Ph.D.? [more inside]
posted by Mummy of a Lady Named Jemutesonekh at 6:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Music reviews? What are your faves?

Examples of really great music reviews? [more inside]
posted by cymru_j at 6:36 AM PST - 15 comments

music suggestions needed

I desperately need music suggestions for a slide show featuring the Pacific Northwest. It can be anything-- vocals, instrumental etc. Please help.
posted by lanita333 at 6:13 AM PST - 18 comments

I've told you a million times!

What are your benchmarks for estimating/comprehending quantities? I'm terrible with magnitudes; if someone tells me that they weigh 85kg, or that they come from a city of 2 million people, this doesn't create a mental picture for me at all; they might as well be speaking another language. After a lifetime of being resigned to this, I've decided I'm going to familiarise myself with a list of benchmark quantities: my height, the height of my tallest friend, population of my city, etc. Help me compile a list of quantities I should be familiar with, and tips for learning to come to grips with quantities! [more inside]
posted by surenoproblem at 5:57 AM PST - 27 comments

Please help me use a 120V scanner in Australia

Can I safely use this step down voltage converter with this scanner? [more inside]
posted by quosimosaur at 4:50 AM PST - 12 comments

Opening credits costume

For Halloween, I want to dress up as the opening credits sequence to some TV show. But which show? [more inside]
posted by painquale at 4:49 AM PST - 28 comments

How do I get US-address-only items delivered to Australia?

Can anyone please recommend a reputable mail-forwarding service for someone living in Australia who wants to buy from US-only stores? [more inside]
posted by katala at 4:22 AM PST - 6 comments

Dreammachine boutique, New York, early 90s?

Did you use a dreammachine in New York, SOHO, early 90's? [more inside]
posted by Mutant at 3:52 AM PST - 2 comments

I need a SILENT wall clock

I need a good, classy SILENT clock. [more inside]
posted by Bazoo at 3:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Why does this trick with my arm work?

Why does this trick work? Turn your palm face up. To turn your palm face down you must twist your wrist, right? But if you do six simple moves you can turn your palm face down without twisting your wrist. The trick appears at the beginning of this talk by Lennart Green but can also be done backwards.
posted by twoleftfeet at 3:15 AM PST - 24 comments

KLOS L.A., the hazy '80s past

Calling Los Angeles Radio, circa 1980s. KLOS, Sunday night 'round 11 p.m. through 5 a.m., call-in talk radio. All topics. They talked about everything. Stoner heaven (a friend says, I swear). Who was the host? Thanks, dude. Rock on.
posted by ambient2 at 1:07 AM PST - 1 comment

What are your lesser-known or weird ways of looking for new music?

What are your lesser-known or weird ways of looking for new music? [more inside]
posted by querty at 12:05 AM PST - 37 comments

Did this doctor cross the line?

Was this doctor a creep for suggesting a gynecological examination, or am I overreacting? [more inside]
posted by heytch at 12:03 AM PST - 24 comments

October 30

Move this, word!

Is there a website that allows you to create moveable font type vids? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 10:17 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me strengthen my trapezius....

Weightlifting/strength training filter: what exercises do you recommend to strengthen/build up the trapezius muscle? [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 9:01 PM PST - 14 comments

Mild sickness, when must you rest and when is it okay to maintain normal activity?

Recovering from lingering sinus infection, when can I work out again? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 8:33 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I remove the fat from chicken broth?

How do I remove the fat from chicken broth? [more inside]
posted by esprit de l'escalier at 8:19 PM PST - 18 comments

RAM all over the place

RAM configurations for the new iMacs - permutations galore! [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 8:10 PM PST - 12 comments

Water Heater/Oil Burner Question

How can I determine how much hot water my upstairs neighbors are using? [more inside]
posted by jimmyjimjim at 8:09 PM PST - 31 comments

Looking for a good women's doctor in Detroit (east side)

I'm new to Detroit - can anyone recommend some good internists or ob/gyns on the east side or maybe ferndale/royal oak areas? Indian village, eastpointe, grosse pointe, st. clair shores, roseville would be most ideal. I have a HAP HMO, not that I expect you to know what your doctor accepts, but just in case anyone answering happens to have it. [more inside]
posted by lolo341 at 7:45 PM PST - 1 comment

Help me identify these figurines.

Please help me identify these odd little figurines and "bunny house" teapot I bought for my bunny-mad niece. http://i38.tinypic.com/2vlpt2x.jpg I found them in St. Jacobs, Ontario, but even the owner of the antique store didn't know what they are called. I would like to buy more (from where? Ebay?"?) but I certainly can't until I know what they are called. The first two pics are of the figurines,the second two pics are of the back and front of the teapot. The teapot is hollow inside and certainly looks as if it was meant to be lit from within by a candle. All the items appear to be made out of plaster. Any help with identification would be much appreciated.
posted by uans at 6:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Registry info from a crusty old drive?

Can I get old registry data off a 2nd hard-drive? [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 6:23 PM PST - 3 comments

Search for winter booties.

Have you seen this shoe? [more inside]
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 6:21 PM PST - 13 comments

naughty fun in broad daylight for a couple, possible?

Give us some ideas to have naughty fun in the day time. I don't know what I mean by naughty. really, I don't know. something risque. something fun. something we didn't do before but possible to do in the broad daylight. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Maryland DMV

Marylanders, I need your help. I haven't had a driver's license since 2004 and now I need one in a shorter time than nine months from now. [more inside]
posted by josher71 at 5:23 PM PST - 9 comments

Does shorting the competition count as insider trading?

I work for Acme Widgets, a competitor of WorldWide Doodads. I know that tomorrow we will be releasing an amazing widget that is going to completely outshine WorldWide's product lineup. Obviously, I can't do anything with Acme's stock - that would be insider trading. But what about shorting WorldWide's stock? Is that allowed?
posted by anonymous at 5:15 PM PST - 27 comments

How do I restore my itunes library, songs, movies and playlists

How do I restore my itunes library, songs, movies and playlists from a cloned backup after doing a clean install of Snow Leopard. [more inside]
posted by jeffreyclong at 5:00 PM PST - 4 comments

Name/Location of the "Mac vs PC" jingle?

From the "hard to google" category: What's the name of/ where can I obtain a copy of the jingle that plays in the background of the Apple "Mac vs PC" ads? (oddly enough, it's for my halloween costume...)
posted by potch at 4:16 PM PST - 10 comments

What are the areas around Olathe, KS like?

Posting on behalf of my parents: they're moving to the Kansas City area and are looking for some information about what some of the areas around there are like. [more inside]
posted by The Pusher Robot at 3:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Pick my lock, please

Help me tear-apart, clean and reset my combination lock. [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 3:31 PM PST - 5 comments

Just Questions? Just Answers?

I just bumped into a website justanswers.com while researching the world of medical second opinion. I have questions about the business and the human psyhcology behind it..... [more inside]
posted by london302 at 3:24 PM PST - 3 comments

Bela Lugosi's Pretty Hard to Find

Where can I find the Bauhaus recording of Bela Lugosi's Dead from The Hunger? [more inside]
posted by Parasite Unseen at 2:16 PM PST - 11 comments

Who needs help, but just for a little while?

What are good volunteer opportunities for someone who moves from city to city several times a year? [more inside]
posted by bluejayk at 2:14 PM PST - 10 comments

Should I get out of this S Corp?

Should I get out of this family owned S-Corporation? [more inside]
posted by Swede78 at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments

Is there good sites that provide ranking of computer processors performance?

Is there good sites that provide ranking of computer processors performance? [more inside]
posted by idyllhands at 1:35 PM PST - 17 comments

Where Was I ?

Name that town or city [more inside]
posted by Quillcards at 1:34 PM PST - 6 comments

What should I be concerned about regarding a wigwam on my property?

What concerns should I have about someone I've met who wants to setup a wigwam on my property for the winter? [more inside]
posted by indigo4963 at 1:33 PM PST - 44 comments

Countdown

Is there an enumeration of complete chess games? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:31 PM PST - 10 comments

In 1988, invented the Oscillation Overthruster while an intern for Team Banzai.

What happens if somebody lies in an obituary? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 1:28 PM PST - 10 comments

Baseball Bat lawsuit WTF?

Is there a rest of the story to the recent award of US$850K to a person hit by a baseball from the bat's manufacturer? [more inside]
posted by Mitheral at 1:24 PM PST - 13 comments

Chappelle's sexual reference

A few years back, I was watching The Chappelle Show and Chappelle, during one of his monologues, made a reference to a sexual act, using a word that I was not familiar with. I assumed the word came from hip-hop subculture. He followed up by saying something to the effect of, "I love using nasty words that white people/FCC don't know yet. They have no idea how dirty I'm being when I say _______ ." Does anyone remember what that word was and what it means? Sorry I can't recall the season or the episode or more context.
posted by i'm being pummeled very heavily at 12:55 PM PST - 7 comments

bamboo

Bamboo. I am in Merida, MX., with access to lots of long, tough bamboo, 1-3" thick. I would like to try working w/ thinner, and more flexible STRIPS of it, to weave or build furniture. Using the full, round pieces does not interest me; too heavy, bulky, rigid and looks bad. But when I ask about cutting or stripping it, i just get blank stares. Cut in 1/2, ok, but thinner, lighter, no. I have bamboo baskets from other parts of Mexico, so it is done here. Any ideas on getting more mileage from this cheap, abundant material?
posted by ebesan at 12:50 PM PST - 6 comments

picky picky pictures

Trying to find a specific format of photo album or "brag book." [more inside]
posted by dlugoczaj at 12:47 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I get all residential addresses in a single town?

How can I get lists of all residential mailing addresses for a single town in the USA? [more inside]
posted by crapples at 12:44 PM PST - 10 comments

At what tempo should I play the Maple Leaf Rag?

Suggested tempos for Joplin's piano rags? [more inside]
posted by Maximian at 12:43 PM PST - 8 comments

Best option for regular US to EUR currency exchange?

I'm an American who's just bought a lovely home in the EU. Yay! Now I have to make regular mortgage payments while still living and working in the US. How do I transfer money over to our EU bank account on a regular basis as cheaply as possible?... [more inside]
posted by finitejest at 12:23 PM PST - 9 comments

Socially Awkward

Does anyone know of some good reads on conversation and social skills? I'm not suggesting that you can learn these subjects entirely by a book, but what I'm looking for is some methods to make communication a little bit easier when meeting someone or groups of people. [more inside]
posted by Garden at 12:02 PM PST - 9 comments

iTunes + new hard drive = headache

MrR moved my music drive (to a larger hard drive yay!) and iTunes is not handling this gracefully at all. (He hates iTunes, will not use it, and therefore did not follow any of the procedures detailed in the answers to this question.) The directory trees are all the same, the only change is the drive letter. How do I get iTunes to look in the right place without losing all the metadata (ratings, play dates/frequency)? (PC; iTunes does not organise my library; the old drive is already removed from my computer and wiped. Changing each file path individually is functionally not acceptable (30K files!), nor is changing the drive letter.)
posted by jlkr at 11:58 AM PST - 23 comments

Help my procrastinating husband see...

Can anyone recommend an optometrist in Columbus, Ohio? [more inside]
posted by thejanna at 11:54 AM PST - 4 comments

is there a "sound opinions" -like podcast for classical music?

is there a "sound opinions" -like podcast for classical music? [more inside]
posted by krautland at 11:48 AM PST - 5 comments

Am I overreacting, or was my instructor's film choice really inappropriate?

Was it inappropriate for my instructor to have us view and write about this film for our midterm? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 11:45 AM PST - 87 comments

Going to 11 not necessary.

How best to stay on beat, then find out how I sound to an audience. [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 11:32 AM PST - 9 comments

Right ski roof rack?

I want to buy a ski roof rack for my late(st) model Honda Civic. Any suggestions? I'm concerned about any impact on the fit (seals) and finish (paint) on my car. How justified is this paranoia? Also I will likely eventually want to carry bikes or other cargo.
posted by Wood at 11:25 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I break up with someone I love?

How do I break up with someone whom I love and am happy with day-to-day? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:21 AM PST - 28 comments

Will antianxiety meds take away a temper?

Will antianxiety meds take away a temper? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:21 AM PST - 18 comments

Help me find Kaya (coconut milk spread from Malaysia) in Seattle, WA or the US.

Where can I find this delicious Malaysian Coconut Milk Spread called "Kaya King" in Seattle, WA or anywhere else in the United States/Canada? [more inside]
posted by dcruzin at 11:09 AM PST - 11 comments

How can I quickly name and tag TV episodes ripped from DVD?

Is there an ripping/converting application that will automate naming and labeling of TV episodes copied from DVD? [more inside]
posted by sun-el at 10:59 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me protect my new bamboo floors.

Help me protect my new bamboo floors [more inside]
posted by markblasco at 10:29 AM PST - 13 comments

To discover the meaning of life...consult Merriam-Webster.

As an atheist, what sort of activities or practices (that don't involve New Age wankery) can I get into to increase my spiritual welfare?
posted by Christ, what an asshole at 9:51 AM PST - 67 comments

What makes this lyric particularly "English"?

Folk-music-filter: Is there something particularly "English" about the 1-2-3-4 construction I'm hearing in the song Roots by the group Show of Hands? [more inside]
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 9:48 AM PST - 8 comments

How do I change default scan settings?

How can I reduce the file size of a scanned document in Windows XP? [more inside]
posted by MrMulan at 9:44 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me find Scatman's naked lady

Looking for a painting/image from Kubrick's "The Shining". [more inside]
posted by loquax at 9:27 AM PST - 4 comments

Two Masters Better than A Doctorate?

If all goes well, in Spring 2011 I will have finally completed my Masters in Mental Health Counseling. But I want to apply my degree to higher education. [more inside]
posted by zizzle at 9:20 AM PST - 3 comments

Recommendations for a good personal trainer in RDU?!

Recommendations for a personal trainer in the Raleigh/Durham area? [more inside]
posted by luckyme793 at 9:20 AM PST - 2 comments

If it's BS, call it BS

What is the purpose of couples therapy...from a therapists perspective (specifics inside)? [more inside]
posted by teg4rvn at 9:12 AM PST - 23 comments

Programs to work with Census data?

How do I create a cross-tab from Census data (SF3)? [more inside]
posted by qldaddy at 8:51 AM PST - 14 comments

Menu planning and grocery shopping

I need help buying groceries. [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 8:47 AM PST - 34 comments

If it doesn't hurt, you're not doing it right...

The old adage 'No Pain, No Gain' appears intuitive when it comes to developing physical prowess. I only started to see gains in the gym after pushing myself to the point where I'd wake up thinking I'd be crippled for the rest of my life. Is the same true for cognitive improvements too? [more inside]
posted by Zé Pequeno at 8:15 AM PST - 18 comments

Can I still stick with my very active weekday activities while keeping a half marathon training schedule?

I play group sports and do strength training almost every weekday, should I still keep this up when I start my half marathon training? [more inside]
posted by spacesbetween at 8:11 AM PST - 17 comments

Why did Halloween not happen on Halloween?

Why did we go trick-or-treating the night before (or the night after) Halloween one year when I was a kid? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 8:06 AM PST - 27 comments

Not-so-Fantastic Plastic

Can you help my household kick the plastic habit? [more inside]
posted by Miko at 7:19 AM PST - 35 comments

Best practices for photo metadata?

Best practices for recording photo metadata? What I'd like to be able to do inside, plus many questions about what's possible today or likely to be possible in the future. [more inside]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 7:14 AM PST - 7 comments

Why would you mount a big, thin disc on the roof of your limo?

Did I see the ground-based version of a "black helicopter?" [more inside]
posted by Naberius at 7:07 AM PST - 11 comments

Achoo!

How can I reduce the allergens in my home? Extended explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 7:07 AM PST - 18 comments

roll of the dice

Have you ever posted a job listing to dice.com? Is it worth it? [more inside]
posted by ducksauce at 6:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Best way to eliminate personal data on Macbook Pro?

After problems with my old laptop Apple sent me a free replacement, whats the best way to migrate my data, eliminate personal info but leave potential problems intact? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 6:44 AM PST - 8 comments

A dark, rich cup of coffee creme, please!

What makes European coffee different from American coffee? [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 6:40 AM PST - 32 comments

Examples of image zooming/enhancement cliché from movies/tv.

I'm looking for examples of the film and tv cliché where images from surveillance video or photos are magnified and enhanced (usually to a ridiculous degree). [more inside]
posted by dunk at 6:30 AM PST - 39 comments

PhD Ethics?

What are some ethics considerations around a PhD dissertation? And should I do anything about a former colleague who I think violated them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:17 AM PST - 17 comments

Website to sort and display different mountain heights?

Is there a website that would show the world sorted by elevation? I recently enjoyed reading Plague Year, a post-apocalyptic thriller. The main conceit of this science-fiction novel is that a nanotechnology plague that kills any warm blooded animal (including humans), but the disease self-destructs at altitudes above 10,000 feet. How much territory would this be across the whole planet? [more inside]
posted by seasparrow at 5:56 AM PST - 7 comments

"It was not there to protect me from you. It was there to protect you from me"

Where does the phrase "It was not there to protect me from you. It was there to protect you from me" come from? [more inside]
posted by seanyboy at 5:31 AM PST - 9 comments

A song where the main refrain is "That's my girl (hey!)"

A lo-fi song with the main lyric "That's My Girl (Hey!)"? [more inside]
posted by meadowlark lime at 5:19 AM PST - 12 comments

Desktop power supply let out the magic smoke. Doomed?

My desktop power supply has emitted some blue sparks, and not at all in the nice Mario Kart sort of way. It's pretty clear there's an internal short- is it likely that this fried any of my other components, and are there any defensive measures I should take when replacing it? [more inside]
posted by DoubleMark at 5:12 AM PST - 4 comments

Should we make our future educational organic farm a non-profit?

Should we make our future educational organic farm a non-profit? If so, how? [more inside]
posted by bengarland at 5:11 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I kill a cough that lingers for a month?

Why do I always have a cough that lingers for about a month after I've had a cold, and how can I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by joshrholloway at 4:50 AM PST - 25 comments

How do I create a RSS feed for my Amazon Web Store?

I'm trying to figure out how to create a XML / RSS feed of my Amazon web store products so I can update to Google Merchant. There doesn't seem to be many functions / plug-ins offered by AWS and their help isn't very helpful. I've done a fair amount of searching and have come up empty handed. Would anyone have an idea how I might go about creating this feed?
posted by Aegean at 4:44 AM PST - 0 comments

Taking on the juggernaut that is Ebay?

Taking on the juggernaut that is Ebay? [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo at 4:25 AM PST - 13 comments

Sega Genesis game music?

What is the music from the first 30s of this video from? I guess it is a Sega Genesis game, but which?
posted by rom1 at 3:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Strange malady - please help me identify this

Please help me identify this illness I have. WebMD and other medical web sites don't quite address the symptoms that I have. Please help. [more inside]
posted by dmbfan93 at 3:24 AM PST - 19 comments

Looking for a collection of urban street photographs...

Looking for online collections of photographs in which numerous images of a street scene are merged together to form single pictures. [more inside]
posted by mattn at 1:49 AM PST - 9 comments

October 29

Am I Slow?

How fast can I learn ten-key? I started about 3 days ago and have worked 2-4 hours a day on the free testing sites. I have never worked in a business environment and am the hunt-and-peck kind of "typist". I am getting faster and am up to about 4500 KPH. Is this reasonable progress? Is there a tried and true good way to get me there faster or is slogging through a bazillion of the tests the only way to gain speed? I am usually accurate but can get thrown off by a distraction. How soon can I expect to get to 10,000 KPM? How fast does the speed-demon go? Can anyone get that fast with practice, or just a special few? Are there any keyboarding "bad habits" that I need to beware of?
posted by bebrave! at 11:49 PM PST - 14 comments

How Do I Write to Comrade Fidel?

I would like to write a letter to Fidel Castro. How do I get a letter to him, or find his address? [more inside]
posted by Deep Dish at 11:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Can anyone suggest interesting careers for a physicist hoping to make a good impact on society?

Can anyone suggest interesting careers for a physicist hoping to make a good impact on society? [more inside]
posted by qmechanic at 10:30 PM PST - 11 comments

What's a good way to collect rent online?

Would anyone have recommendations for a rent payment website? [more inside]
posted by getupandgo at 9:52 PM PST - 7 comments

reject reject reject reject rejecting

I am trying to write a philosophy paper, and I am discovering that everyone is "rejecting" each other's principles this way and that! What are some scholarly ways to say "reject", "criticise", "affirm" (as in "affirmation of life"), "similarly", and other rudimentary philosophical words? Oh, how I've used the thesaurus already. [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 8:59 PM PST - 15 comments

Cheapest and fastest way to turn a piece of music on paper into MIDI

What's the fastest and cheapest way to create a midi recording of a 1 or 2 page written melody? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 8:57 PM PST - 11 comments

Did I really just flood my car?

How easy is it to flood a car? I think I might have. Does it sound likely and what do I do next? [more inside]
posted by grablife365 at 8:55 PM PST - 25 comments

Are these salamanders doomed?

I found three salamanders under a trash can sitting on the cement walk next to my house. Is there anything I can do to increase their chances of survival through the winter? [more inside]
posted by alms at 8:46 PM PST - 6 comments

How build a gaming pc that doesn't use much power when doing office work?

I want to build a pc with a powerful display adaptor for gaming, but that doesn't waste energy when I'm just doing office work. Any suggestions on how to do this? (multiple adaptors? software?)
posted by Pres at 8:40 PM PST - 5 comments

Make FF 3.5 like 3.0

With Firefox 3 you could drag a tab from one FF window to the another with the tab bar closed. Is there any way to get 3.5 to do that? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 8:24 PM PST - 2 comments

How can I calculate side force on my car?

Physics question - involving cars, air, momentum, force, etc... Basically - how can I calculate the side force from a crosswind on my car at any given speed? [more inside]
posted by krisak at 8:22 PM PST - 24 comments

Help me fix my statue...

My cement statue fell apart after 50 plus years of standing around enigmatically. How can I put it back together? [more inside]
posted by diode at 8:17 PM PST - 7 comments

A veritable cornucopia of winter squash

I overdid it a bit at the local farmer's market, I'd like some ideas on what to do with all the winter squash I bought. [more inside]
posted by squeak at 8:16 PM PST - 28 comments

I'm staring at the phone, waiting for your text...

In need of human distractions. Help me stop taking it out (mentally) on my boyfriend and other friends. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:10 PM PST - 12 comments

Using spirit gum to attach a prosthetic near my real hair

Tell me about using spirit gum near my actual hair. [more inside]
posted by Riki tiki at 8:04 PM PST - 4 comments

Avoiding the the airport XXX-ray so I can fly solo.

I'm going out of town soon. I will be packing some naughty items, that I would be embarrased if they show up on a baggage X-ray. How do I gain access to a lead apron? [more inside]
posted by Eleutherios at 7:53 PM PST - 31 comments

My old nemesis, we meet again.

How can I enjoy a frat party when I'm too old and lame to actually want to go? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton at 7:49 PM PST - 27 comments

Where can I shop for a vintage headboard?

I'm want to recreate this headboard recently featured on Apartment Therapy. Does anyone know where I can look for a vintage mantle aside from craigslist & ebay? [more inside]
posted by thisiswater at 7:45 PM PST - 9 comments

How many elephants can dance in a room before the floor collapses?

Who do I hire to advise and/or reassure me on structural issues in my old house? [more inside]
posted by pluckysparrow at 7:43 PM PST - 4 comments

I am not an Automator-aton

How can Automator help me save a bunch of files? [more inside]
posted by Scientifik at 7:41 PM PST - 4 comments

Who can I pay to type up my notes?

TypeMyNotesPleaseFilter: I periodically find myself in need of this service, which obviously must exist, yet I cannot find. I have a bunch of handwritten notes, not written with any kind of fancy smartpen, but rather, just pencil on paper. I would like to be able to scan said notes myself and send them to some kind of service wherein I can pay someone to type them up and send me back a decently formatted copy with a turnaround time of 12-24 hours. Who do I ask to do this? [more inside]
posted by zachlipton at 7:27 PM PST - 11 comments

Creating a Map Based on Distances Between Cities

Mapping question: I have a list of (imaginary) cities. I also know each city's as-the-crow-flies distance from every other city on the list. Based on this data alone, I would like to create a (hypothetical) map that shows all of these cities in their proper locations. I recognize that that the map's "rotation" would be arbitrary based on where & how you start plotting, but it seems that you should be able to plot out the relationships between cities properly. Is there software that can help me do this? [more inside]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 7:03 PM PST - 24 comments

Hard drive back from the dead. Should I trust it?

A week ago as part of a Snow Leopard install, I wanted to wipe and resize my boot camp partition. Disk Utility wasn't able to fix the file system, and recommended a reinstall from backup. A restore from backup later, and Disk Utility was still showing problems. Shortly after that, the disk stopped showing up in Disk Utility at all. Fast forward a week, I'm running off of a firewire spare, and the disk reappears again. I repartition the hard drive, double-check with Disk Utility and a SMART utility, and the thing seems to test clean and empty. So what do I do from here? The other bit of data is that I started a restore, and at 5%, it seemed like it wanted an extra hour to do it. [more inside]
posted by KirkJobSluder at 6:42 PM PST - 7 comments

How to find a small company, in another country, for a 1-year work term?

I'm currently a third-year Engineering Science student at the University of Toronto, majoring in computer engineering. As part of my program, I'm supposed to do a 12-16 month work term. While there are a variety of large tech companies that recruit directly from this program, I'm interested in working at a smaller, preferably U.S.-based technology firm. How should I go about finding a suitable place? [more inside]
posted by james.nvc at 6:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Someone else's gmail

I'm getting someone else's gmail along with my own. What to do? [more inside]
posted by obloquy at 6:24 PM PST - 43 comments

cubicle farm noise

There is a laud/noisy colleague in the cubicle farm office. Any suggestions how to deal with the situation? [more inside]
posted by neworder7 at 6:04 PM PST - 15 comments

Leather in vegetarian restaurants

Is it rude to wear leather to a vegetarian restaurant? [more inside]
posted by Hoopo at 6:04 PM PST - 23 comments

Nighttime noises

Help us quiet our suddenly screechy-at-bedtime 19mo daughter! Difficulty: shares room with brother. [more inside]
posted by larsks at 5:42 PM PST - 6 comments

Sites for finding lost person?

My family has lost touch with my oldest brother. He is retired and reclusive by nature but we would still like to know where he is living. The last thing we know is that he sold his home in California some time in 2009 and then seems to have disappeared. He may have moved out of the country as I can imagine he wasn't very happy with the Obama election and he had mentioned in the past his desire to move away from the U.S. either to Ireland or Buenos Aires. Can anyone suggest a few good "finder" sites, hopefully free or nominally priced?
posted by Tullyogallaghan at 5:41 PM PST - 8 comments

MusicIDfilter: This song is driving me crazy. I must know what it is!

What is the song used in this YouTube video? I know it's kind of a stretch, but I can't get it out of my head! Recommendations of similar music are good too.
posted by DolorousEdd at 5:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Let's play name that government requested form!

Workfilter: Does anyone know what a Proposed EPA Mechanism document is? [more inside]
posted by firemonkey at 4:22 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me become a good LSAT tutor.

I recently applied for a position as a pro-bono LSAT tutor, unfortunately I wrote my LSAT three years ago and I have no tutoring experience. Help? [more inside]
posted by paradoxflow at 3:58 PM PST - 6 comments

Quien Es Mas Macha?

While on my nice, safe treadmill at the pleasant, well-lit gym, I like to watch dramatic, character-driven documentaries like Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, and Carrier. Any suggestions for other nonfiction TV shows like that, with women in the starring roles? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:28 PM PST - 10 comments

Recommend a sequence of novels leading from action trash to literary treasure

I am looking for recommendations for a sequence of novels that might lead an adult fan of very trashy action to the real gold. [more inside]
posted by hifimofo at 3:21 PM PST - 11 comments

Dog Training

Dog(Pug)TrainingFilter: So....We have this pug which will turn 1 in November. Hes a sweet little guy however he has some very bad habits. CHewing on any and everything, darts out of the door at any chance and then plays a game having us chase him, barks all the time outside, and pees anywhere he likes. Heres my question....Is $850 in your opinion average, above average,under,etc...to pay someone to train him. The women that would train him takes him for Two weeks and then returns him home. I do know she is good because my brother took his dog to her 7 years ago and his dog behaves great. Just an FYI...we would try a class but to be honest the wife and i just dont have enough time between our jobs and having two kids.
posted by flipmiester99 at 2:47 PM PST - 18 comments

Gift Ideas for my Super Girlfriend

My girlfriend wants superpowers. What should I get her for Christmas? [more inside]
posted by moonroof at 2:45 PM PST - 42 comments

The economics of classical entertainment

Did ancient greeks pay for their tickets to the theatre? The Romans for their seats at the Circus? [more inside]
posted by kandinski at 2:41 PM PST - 8 comments

Looking for a particular website

My PC crashed with all my bookmarks (bad me), and I can't remember a certain websites address nor can I find it on google. It was similar to this but showed apps that were designed to keep you more productive. People could comment below, and I found it very useful. I remember it had a brown logo at the top. I am sure some of my fellow metafites probably visit it. Shot in the dark.
posted by Senator at 2:40 PM PST - 7 comments

What to do with this national network of volunteer fundraisers?

People want to help us raise money. How do we help them help us? [more inside]
posted by metajc at 2:24 PM PST - 1 comment

Tropicanical

What is some good tropical music? [more inside]
posted by god particle at 1:35 PM PST - 22 comments

Subscriptions that aren't to magazines?

What are some wonderful things I can buy subscriptions to, other than magazines and newspapers? [more inside]
posted by Marquis at 1:27 PM PST - 36 comments

Or did I nightmare this?

Did I dream this? I am trying to find an article I thought I saw on MetaFilter, but perhaps I read it elsewhere. [more inside]
posted by prefpara at 12:30 PM PST - 5 comments

R Kelly is trapped in my trunk!

I cannot unlock the trunk on my car! [more inside]
posted by zerobyproxy at 12:23 PM PST - 2 comments

Not a Happy Camper

Who are the best/your favorite not-well-known artists on BandCamp.com? [more inside]
posted by cashman at 12:15 PM PST - 6 comments

eeeew, that tile is tacky...

There is a tacky (as in sticky) film on top of my newly installed tile floor. Help me make it go away! (the tacky film, not the tile floor, mind you) [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 12:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Arsenal Streaming Audio Options

What's the best way for me, in the U.S., using 3G, not wi-fi, to stream audio of Arsenal games to my iPhone?
posted by boombot at 11:53 AM PST - 6 comments

Florida coast rental homes?

looking for an upscale vacation-home in Florida for a long weekend next march (or week if required) - gulf coast - directly on the beach, somewhat isolated/ somewhat near a "town" - with multiple bedrooms (4 to 7?) - know of anything -or good agencies? where to start? (not looking for the Panama City "party scene" -- something more "adult" less-college.)
posted by mrmarley at 11:50 AM PST - 16 comments

Can I cross the state border for the H1N1 vaccine?

H1N1: I have a health condition that makes me a priority patient for the H1N1 vaccine. My county is currently only offering the vaccine to children and pregnant women. However, I live right on the border between two states, and the adjacent county in the next state is offering it to all high risk groups. Can I get it there? Is there a residency requirement? Will they ask me for identification?
posted by HotToddy at 11:47 AM PST - 17 comments

Best Software (Free or Cost) to Catalog Divx Movies on a Mac

I am looking to catalog my DVD library (mostly of DivX movies). I own an IMac. Is Delicious Monster the way to go? I want to be able to simply enter the title of the movie and have it come up with the real box art and keep it in A-Z or numerical order. No more no less. I emailed customer service and they never responded so I am consulting the Metafilter Oracle on this one. If there is anything cheaper or free, I am open to that, as well. Until then....a loonnnnnnng Excel spreadsheet. Thanks for your time and have a good Halloween weekend, folks.
posted by snap_dragon at 11:42 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me make a Christmas tablecloth

I have been taken over by an urge to embroider a Xmas tablecloth. Trouble is, I know nothing about embroidery or cross-stitching and I need a little (a lot of) help getting started, if you would be so kind. [more inside]
posted by widdershins at 11:29 AM PST - 23 comments

Me Vs. Roaches, FIGHT!

Should I bomb my kitchen to kill roaches? Before I take that step, what else can I do? [more inside]
posted by so much modern time at 10:57 AM PST - 21 comments

Where's Waldo?

How does A-GPS work? It's not working for me and I'm wondering if it's my phone or my provider (Rogers in Vancouver) [more inside]
posted by randomstriker at 10:54 AM PST - 8 comments

Need a few lines of English translated to Hmong

I need a few lines of English translated to Hmong. [more inside]
posted by 4midori at 10:49 AM PST - 7 comments

Saving a large photoshop file

Photoshop CS3 for the graphically impaired. I'm struggling to create a banner print file. Two-by-eight foot banner. 200-300 dpi (ppi?). [more inside]
posted by cairnish at 10:32 AM PST - 14 comments

With the Girl Beatles?

I am looking for an album I found in a junk shop many years ago. The album was recorded by an all-girl quartet from Liverpool who cut an entire album of Beatles songs. They had a name that evoked the Fab Four (my recollection seems to be "She-Beatles" or "Beat-Elles", but nothing under either name comes up on Google) and the cover was an homage to With the Beatles. The liner notes on the back detailed the similarities between the Beatles and the all-girl band portraying them, but ended with a sentence like "...and they would like to be judged on their own merits". The album came out around '64 and was contemporary with the Beatles. Unfortunately, my Google fu is failing me. Can anyone out there help me ID this album/band?
posted by pxe2000 at 10:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Video Sharing Websites?

Can anyone recommend a video sharing web service for private viewing? In other words not you tube. [more inside]
posted by tangyraspberry at 10:17 AM PST - 8 comments

computer/video games incorporating astrology?

Video/computer games that incorporate astrology? [more inside]
posted by voltairemodern at 10:06 AM PST - 24 comments

No more wires please.

Apple AirPort Express wireless music question. [more inside]
posted by Jon-o at 9:29 AM PST - 9 comments

Fall hiking locations

Where can I go hiking within 1000km of Toronto? [more inside]
posted by MagicEightBall at 8:57 AM PST - 12 comments

Any pitfalls to getting new Windows 7 multimedia machines that will be running Adobe Master Suite CS4?

There's not a lot of info on either Adobe or MS's web sites about compatibility problems between Adobe CS4 Suite apps (particularly Premier, Flash, Photoshop and Illustrator CS4 versions). They suggest it's okay but don't come right out and say compatible (at least not where I have read). Any horror stories before I let our IT people order new Win 7 machines?
posted by aught at 8:46 AM PST - 6 comments

At least for once, I have good backups...

iMac drives failing - first external, then internal. Seems to be hardware in both cases. Questions about troubleshooting or replacement inside. [more inside]
posted by tkolstee at 8:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Broad shoulders and broad blazers.

I've got these wide shoulders. I've got this blazer. Can they live together? [more inside]
posted by cheap paper at 8:34 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for the perfect laptop for traveling

Looking for the perfect laptop for traveling. Priorities are durability, lightness, and battery life, in that order. Performance is not too important, but it must run Windows 7 like a champ. Willing to consider netbooks. [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco at 8:31 AM PST - 19 comments

Is 64-bit Win7/BootCamp worth some effort?

Is 64-bit Win7 possible/worth the hassle on a somewhat elderly Macbook Pro? [more inside]
posted by Zonker at 8:25 AM PST - 10 comments

Definition: Experience you must experience?

What is the word for an experience that you have to live through in order to fully understand or appreciate, such as having a child or parenting? My Google-Fu is failing me. Thanks!
posted by mcarthey at 8:20 AM PST - 32 comments

Lost Combination for Rather Expensive Luggage Lock

I have inadvertently spun the dial and reset the combination for this lock while it was open and the shank spun out. Now I can't get it to close without the unknown new combination. Any suggestions? I've tried listening for tell-tale "clicks" to no avail; that's about where my lock breaking skills currently end.
posted by whitewall at 7:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Zombie cowboy wants naaaaaaames.

What are some good names for a zombie cowboy? [more inside]
posted by hilaritas at 7:53 AM PST - 47 comments

Sweet November Rain: Help with a Slash Costume

Sympathy for the Devil: Help me complete my Halloween costume - Slash from Guns & Roses! Local (DC) availability is key... [more inside]
posted by stratastar at 7:41 AM PST - 7 comments

Avoidance therapy

I frequently want to avoid the girlfriend, even though I always have a great time with her. This has happened with every girlfriend I've ever had. Is this an issue for you? How do you deal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:20 AM PST - 23 comments

Currently Playing: with rss feeds...

I've been thinking about updating a site I built that keeps a log of songs different radio stations are playing. To help me update it, please tell me what your favourite major or national level radio station is. Bonus marks if you know they release their "recently played" list as an rss feed. [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 7:19 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me reverse-engineer Google Wave

Google Wave question: does anyone know the technical details of how blip editing works? [more inside]
posted by ook at 7:13 AM PST - 4 comments

Spinning Software

I'd like to work on an open-source project, but I have zero (seriously, zero) coding or other technical skills. I do, however, do public relations for a living and I'd like to think I'm pretty good at it. Do these kinds of projects need PR/communications strategy help, and, if so, how can I get started? [more inside]
posted by downing street memo at 6:56 AM PST - 7 comments

Bicycles & physics

bicyclefilter: Are there any sites or books that break down the science of a bicycle? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 6:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Good flu websites for bad flu times?

What online resources would you recommend – and NOT recommend – for the H1N1-worried? [more inside]
posted by bicyclefish at 6:38 AM PST - 11 comments

Names for Black Dogs? Let's give them a leg-up in the adoption process.

I need great, imaginative, appealing names for black dogs! A friend operates a rescue organization for dogs and cats, and mentioned how hard it is to find homes for black dogs (see Black Dog Syndrome)... and since I was already helping her come up with names, I thought I'd come up with a special list of Black Dog names that are perhaps evocative of personality types, and that might inspire interest so that potential adopters will maybe find their curiosity/sense of whimsy piqued and stop to at least read a description on the website, instead of just passing by any photo of a black dog. Some specific considerations inside... [more inside]
posted by taz at 6:36 AM PST - 66 comments

Give me your insights into help advance science

Science! How can I use my excessive tech / management / leadership background to enable science (while still getting paid a living wage)? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherSide at 6:31 AM PST - 3 comments

Need cable tv in Toronto (Bell and Rogers need not apply).

Torontofilter: Can anyone recommend a good cable tv provider that is not Bell or Rogers? [more inside]
posted by jmmpangaea at 6:27 AM PST - 5 comments

Help The Empress Splurge!

NYC Filter: I'm getting a financial windfall in a couple weeks, and have decided to treat myself: salon, massage, and then taking myself out somewhere. but...I've been broke so long I don't know where to go. Help? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:48 AM PST - 21 comments

Stuck myself with a needle I just used on my dog. Should I freak out?

Stuck myself with a needle I just used on my dog. Should I freak out? [more inside]
posted by anonymousme at 5:40 AM PST - 15 comments

Juggling a part-time degree with full-time work

Please share your experiences of doing a part-time degree and working 9-5 at the same time. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 5:00 AM PST - 29 comments

Bought a piece of land, about the build a house. Have some questions.

Bought a piece of land, about the design a house. Have some questions regarding materials. [more inside]
posted by willy_dilly at 4:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Sound Compression

Is there an audio plugin that will emulate the mono sound compression used by AM radio stations?
posted by Yakuman at 4:31 AM PST - 8 comments

"I am Batman"

Halloween costume: "Casual Batman". Help me come up with bat-gadget ideas! [more inside]
posted by Glendale at 3:38 AM PST - 18 comments

DOG PERIOD BLOOD IN BED. CAN I JUST SLEEP IN IT?

my dog bled on my blanket (i think mine's called a com-fort-or). can i still sleep in my bed? [more inside]
posted by defmute at 3:15 AM PST - 11 comments

MS in Finance Ranking List?

MS in Finance: Is there a list of top ranking schools for a MS in Finance? [more inside]
posted by telsa at 2:52 AM PST - 4 comments

I need to find the contents of a Catholic Missal!

For a school project I chose to redesign a Catholic Missalettes. Only problem, can't find any to redesign! [more inside]
posted by Brainy at 2:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Fall, Winter, Early Spring Hiking Boots for Women

Metabootfilter: I'd like your suggestions for mid-rise ladies' hiking boots for use in a cold climate. Not really expensive, but good quality. Difficulty level: Ordering by size online without my wife trying them on... [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 2:24 AM PST - 6 comments

Are Windows 7 Professional 32 and 64 bit serials the same?

Are Windows 7 32bit and 64 bit serials the same? [more inside]
posted by n3rt at 2:19 AM PST - 9 comments

Hungry baby at night

Why is my baby still waking up hungry twice a night? [more inside]
posted by Blackwatch at 2:09 AM PST - 26 comments

¿Es Spanish Cat language school in Australia bueno?

Have you taken classes at the Spanish Cat, a Spanish language school in Australia. If you have would you recommend them? [more inside]
posted by ponystyle at 1:47 AM PST - 1 comment

Where did that continent go?

Is there any technical reason why Antarctica often gets left off world maps?
posted by WhackyparseThis at 1:39 AM PST - 6 comments

Plan My Drive from ATL to Vermont

A few weeks ago, you guys helped to reassure me that I could drive from Atlanta to Vermont in December. Now, I'm asking you to offer some suggestions for that drive. The plan is to drive for three days, stopping after about 6 hours of driving each day, and arriving in Vermont on the third day. I'm looking for suggested routes and cities-towns-villages to stop in that would have some combination of a) cool place to spend the night, b) a nifty place to get a bite to eat, and/or c) something cool to see/do. Thanks for any suggestions!
posted by tmharris65 at 1:32 AM PST - 9 comments

October 28

How do we fit all this stuff in a Hyundai?

What's the best way to carry cargo on extended road trip with a mid-size SUV? [more inside]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 11:17 PM PST - 12 comments

Please help me remember the name of this 90s indie filmmaker

Please help me remember the name of a 1990s indie film director. [more inside]
posted by colinmarshall at 10:40 PM PST - 6 comments

What job is this? Can I make a living with this?

I hate coding. I like conceiving of what the code could do . Work please? [more inside]
posted by fishmasta at 10:31 PM PST - 14 comments

I broke my Wordpress permalinks. HELP!

I'm getting 'double' links in my Wordpress theme after I changed the way it handles Permalinks. And now I can't change it. More inside. [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 10:23 PM PST - 3 comments

Bring Me Your Purple Unicorns

Bring me the worst of GeoCities. No, really. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 9:46 PM PST - 9 comments

Can I use a rice cooker as a slow cooker?

Slow cooker/rice cooker question. I have a standard Cuisinart rice cooker and I've heard it said that you can cook other things in it as well, so my question is, can I use it as a slow cooker, in other words, will any slow cooker recipes turn out just as well in a rice cooker? If so, please share them with me! [more inside]
posted by Jubey at 9:27 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I write my grad school CV?

How do I write a CV for my grad school applications? [more inside]
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth at 9:26 PM PST - 5 comments

How to deal with his friendship with a former lover?

(RelationshipFilter) My now boyfriend used to sleep with a good friend of his, while he was dating me. How do I deal with my feelings about him hanging out with her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:04 PM PST - 50 comments

Honey, should we use a condiment?

Looking for a humorous t-shirt design. A couple is sitting at a table. A talk bubble says, "Honey, should we use a condiment?" Beneath that: "Safe snacks" [more inside]
posted by caveat at 9:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Weird me out in London

Fun/weird London activities. Sock 'em to me. [more inside]
posted by MsMolly at 8:37 PM PST - 23 comments

Help me find an intelligent soccer forum

What comes the closest to being "the Metafilter of football/soccer"? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 8:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Is a bachelor of general studies useful

I am a nontraditional student who has gone back to school and completed an AA degree.I work all kinds of messed up hours and I have found that pursuing a bachelors of General studies (over the internet) at the university of Missouri will work for me.I can have the tests sent to a local library or school for finals etc. I was wondering what the Meta filter community thinks about a bgs. Has it helped or hindered them.
posted by Upon Further Review at 8:15 PM PST - 6 comments

The dreaded hook-up

Got lucky last night and made out with a hot girl. Awesome! Hot girl then confessed that she has herpes. Erg... HSV-1/-2 questions inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:50 PM PST - 32 comments

Is a BS a BS? Or just BS?

Is a BS degree a BS degree, or are there "lesser" degrees - I don't even know how to ask this. I'll try, though. [more inside]
posted by ctmf at 7:20 PM PST - 14 comments

How to ask for this letter of recommendation?

Help me ask a former professor for a letter of recommendation. Complicating details after the jump. [more inside]
posted by notswedish at 7:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Greengineering

Save Our Planet Filter: My girlfriend is doing a "green energy" engineering project and needs inspiration. This is a project for an electrical engineering class in college so give us your coolest ideas for green energy projects. [more inside]
posted by thekiltedwonder at 6:45 PM PST - 11 comments

Halloween help in Annandale, Virginia

Something to do on Halloween in Northern Virginia for a two-year-old? [more inside]
posted by orsonet at 6:35 PM PST - 9 comments

My Glasses Are Not Held Together With Tape, Honest.

I've just returned to college as a mature student and I'm doing really, really well (marks in the low to high 90s, for the most part). I'm proud of myself but I have no idea how to interact with my classmates who aren't doing as well without sounding like a complete jerk. I don't have experience with this! I could use some advice or etiquette. There have been some... incidents. [more inside]
posted by VioletU at 6:35 PM PST - 55 comments

Please help me alleviate my sore throat pain

What do you do to help your sore throat feel better? [more inside]
posted by katemcd at 6:28 PM PST - 49 comments

Happy medium or nurturing the beast?

I can't seem to find sweatshop-free or second-hand clothes in the style that I like. How about this alternative? [more inside]
posted by bitteroldman at 6:28 PM PST - 11 comments

Where is Russell Lee?

Does anyone know where I can find the aerial photographs of Russell Lee? [more inside]
posted by seagull.apollo at 6:28 PM PST - 1 comment

Name that historical novel

NameThatNovelFilter: Early twentieth century (first couple of decades) historical novel by a Russian emigre to France, set around the time of the Napoleonic Wars. IIRC, it's part of a trilogy. Near the beginning of the novel, our hero is recruited by William Pitt the Younger (whose interest in said hero seems not entirely professional). What is this? I'm drawing a complete blank, and GoogleFu has failed me.
posted by thomas j wise at 6:12 PM PST - 10 comments

The First Few Days of Adderall XR

AdderallFilter: I've just started a new prescription, and I'm wondering about some of the effects and what I should be feeling. [more inside]
posted by SNWidget at 6:05 PM PST - 15 comments

If you like it then you should have put an egg on it

What foods are commonly (or rather, uncommonly, i.e. not necessarily breakfast foods) served with a fried or poached egg? [more inside]
posted by CharlesV42 at 5:48 PM PST - 56 comments

Places to study in Vancouver

Vancouverites: Where's the best place in the city to go and study? With good Wi-Fi, of course. [more inside]
posted by csjc at 5:30 PM PST - 8 comments

Archivists: where can I find samples of 19th-century script?

As a part of my academic research, I'm digging into the Edison Papers, and finding (mostly handwritten) archival materials from the late 19th century. I'm embarrassed to admit I can barely read the cursive handwriting of Edison and his colleagues. Does anyone know where I might find samples of 19th-century script to help me learn how to read this archival material? [more inside]
posted by Monsters at 5:11 PM PST - 8 comments

Will quitting the pill make me skinny again?

Is it OK to stop taking birth control pills without weaning off of them? What will stopping the pill do to my weight? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:00 PM PST - 17 comments

Where can I try out fancy office chairs in California's Bay Area (SF, Alameda, Solano, Contra Costa, Napa, Marin, or Sonoma Counties)?

California - Bay Area: where can I try out crazy good office chairs? All the advice posts/asks say to test a chair out before buying and I want to try the Think, Leap, Freedom, Aeron, or your other suggestions before my office buys a new chair for me ... but where (from SF to Oakland to Sonoma to Napa) can I go to get test these chairs out? [more inside]
posted by unclezeb at 4:57 PM PST - 6 comments

What to do with a broken computer

What should I do with this pretty nice, but (fatally?) flawed desktop computer? [more inside]
posted by prior at 4:51 PM PST - 18 comments

Should I upgrade to After Effects CS4?

I am running After Effects version 7.0.1 on my Intel iMac 2.8GHz with 4GB of RAM running Snow Leopard (10.6). It is slow. Slow to render, slow to play, slow everything. Most likely because it's using Rosetta to translate. I'm considering updating to After Effects CS4 but I have several questions. Is After Effects CS4 64-bit? Given my machine, will I be able to utilize OpenGL? My iMac is version 7,1. Will I see a noticeable speed bump? Will I become an effects guru? Thanks.
posted by captainscared at 4:51 PM PST - 8 comments

Women who runs with the Wolf Lecture

What have you heard about werewolves? [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 4:34 PM PST - 59 comments

Funny-looking rocket

Anyone know why the Ares rocket is that shape?
posted by Idcoytco at 4:28 PM PST - 7 comments

What would happen to my lawn if I just didn't rake the leaves?

What would happen to my lawn if I just didn't rake the leaves? [more inside]
posted by Flunkie at 4:15 PM PST - 26 comments

Iphone Question

I am getting ready to purchase an iphone. Just wanted to know if I can access auction sites that require me to log in with a password. Also I would like to know will I be able to bid on items. Please help, as I don't want to make a wrong decision. Thanks
posted by Noodles at 3:53 PM PST - 9 comments

If love is a battlefield, have I become a conscious objector?

Heterosexual male in his early 30s after a long-term relationship finds himself not really interested in the opposite sex. Is this normal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:34 PM PST - 15 comments

How to salvage a disaster in progress interview?

I screwed up an interview, how do I improve next time? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Snickerdoodle Emergency!

Quick! Help me continue my snickerdoodle baking extravaganza now that I'm out of cream of tartar! [more inside]
posted by padraigin at 3:29 PM PST - 8 comments

I am looking for excellent, quick reads...

What are some of your favorite novels under (or around) 150 pages? [more inside]
posted by ieatwords at 3:16 PM PST - 59 comments

What do commercial actors get paid?

What do actors in nationally televised commercials typically get paid? Do they get paid each time it airs or a flat fee up front? [more inside]
posted by arm426 at 2:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Seeking guided relaxation / meditation cd's / podcasts.

Seeking guided relaxation / meditation cd's / podcasts. [more inside]
posted by mola at 2:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Appropriate paper for academic job search?

What type of paper should I use to send materials (CV, cover letter, teaching philosophy) for an academic job search? Is linen too much? Should it be anything other than pure white?
posted by one at 2:41 PM PST - 14 comments

Are mortgage scams back?

Is this a mortgage scam? [more inside]
posted by n'muakolo at 2:31 PM PST - 10 comments

Where would I find a black fedora and black sunglasses for a Blues Brothers costume by Saturday morning?

Where would I find a black fedora and black sunglasses for a Blues Brothers costume by Saturday morning? [more inside]
posted by decrescendo at 2:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Typepad blog question

I have a Typepad blog. I would like to make all my posts that are more than a certain period old - say, a week, but that might change - inaccessible except to people who have registered with me by providing their name and email address. Can I do this using Typepad? [more inside]
posted by londongeezer at 2:08 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me find a cheap computer please.

What is the best online deal for a laptop in the range of $300 to $500? This seems to change month-to-month, so I have not relied on earlier posts. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 2:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Can swine flu jump?

I have a meeting shortly with someone who will have just come from her sister's bedside; the sister has the swine flu. I am pregnant and wondering if I am being overly cautious to want to cancel. Thoughts? [more inside]
posted by pipti at 2:04 PM PST - 17 comments

When did people stop being ok with soup just being itself?

When, why and where did people start putting crackers in their soup? [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 1:27 PM PST - 26 comments

Yes, I've got a lulu. Why?

Where can I find reasonably detailed reference images of smart everyday women's clothes from the 1940s, 50s and early 60s? [more inside]
posted by stuck on an island at 1:25 PM PST - 20 comments

Back when it was OK to read fantasy novels in English class....

Okay, fantasy novel ID two-fer. Book One: people live in villages that are suspended on the side of an enormous cliff and a girl is born who has wings. Book Two: set in a world made up of bits of earth suspended in a void, cape-fighters, a spider-god.... [more inside]
posted by otolith at 1:02 PM PST - 7 comments

Does bf qualify for military benefits?

Does my boyfriend qualify for veterans benefits? [more inside]
posted by lwclec072 at 12:44 PM PST - 14 comments

How do I ace this interview?

How do I ace this finance interview? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:09 PM PST - 6 comments

OH GOD IM THAT GUY ON THE DANCEFLOOR

I'd like to learn to dance well, or at least inconspicuously. I'm white, slightly goofy, male and mid-20's. Help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:09 PM PST - 25 comments

Why do large file downloads stall (with no error message or any feedback)?

Why do large file downloads stall (with no error message or any feedback)? [more inside]
posted by bradn at 11:49 AM PST - 7 comments

Website based oin IP address

How do I show different webages to my website visitors based on country of origin? [more inside]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 11:37 AM PST - 3 comments

How to not be a 5 hump chump?

Questions about male sexual stamina and use of viagra. NSFW more than likely. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:22 AM PST - 17 comments

Tell me about the treatment of abuse in adults.

What are some of the effects of long term child abuse? What methods are used to help adults recovers from the effects of said child abuse? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:08 AM PST - 22 comments

What is a triangular graph with axes perpendicular to the sides called?

What is the graph or plot called which: - is an equilateral triangle - has three axes - each axes is perpendicular to a side of the triangle? [more inside]
posted by Peter Petridish at 10:59 AM PST - 10 comments

Thesis topics related to the Internet

Looking for a thesis topic related to the internet and society...please help give me some direction! [more inside]
posted by metametababe at 10:40 AM PST - 8 comments

Is a ticket equal to a "crime"?

Is an underage drinking ticket a crime, for application purposes? I am afraid I might have answered it wrong and now I have an interview. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:33 AM PST - 20 comments

How do I fix me?

I feel like my life is over and I'm only 35. I feel completely stagnant and stuck, relationshipwise and jobwise. Do I need to change things or do I need to learn how to deal? Help me figure out how to be a happier person. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:33 AM PST - 35 comments

Help me find the original Rothko.

Why are there so many versions of Rothko's "Violet, Green, and Red" and which is correct? [more inside]
posted by Knowyournuts at 10:22 AM PST - 11 comments

What tools are there for synchronizing photos to audio by time in a slideshow?

What tools are there for synchronizing photos to audio by time in a slideshow? [more inside]
posted by friedapplepie at 9:59 AM PST - 8 comments

Patches and tarps and caulk, oh my?

How can I implement a temporary fix for a leaking roof? [more inside]
posted by notashroom at 9:58 AM PST - 12 comments

complex real estate cost benefit analysis needed

Complex cost/benefit real estate question. [more inside]
posted by anonymous_account at 9:51 AM PST - 4 comments

First Name First?

How do people in places where last names are ordered before first names like to see names displayed in their software applications? [more inside]
posted by Wolfie at 9:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Please suggest books, movies or shows like Bel Canto

I loved the plot of Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. Any recommendations for similar books, shows, or movies? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 9:44 AM PST - 10 comments

Busted by the pen nazi

I got a traffic citation last night, and I think the cop was a dick. I want to report him, but I want to do it the right way. What do you think? [more inside]
posted by hollyanderbody at 9:42 AM PST - 105 comments

How to get an RSS feed from a website that doesn't have an RSS Feed.

Setting up an RSS feed for a job board that does not have an RSS feed subscription. Is there a way to do this? [more inside]
posted by gm2007 at 9:40 AM PST - 9 comments

Your honor, the speed limit was too low!

Are there any legal grounds for challenging a speed limit as being unreasonable? [more inside]
posted by relucent at 9:27 AM PST - 38 comments

Electric Tricycle?!?

Does anyone out there have any recommendations for stable and easy winter commuting involving ~15 minutes transportation (with a bike or a car) on a busy road and a big hill? Electric tricycle? Do you think it would be less likely to slide-out than a bike? Recumbent bike? Looking for others in a similar situation. [more inside]
posted by Eringatang at 9:16 AM PST - 21 comments

Know any good blogs by high school or college age females?

Know any good blogs by high school or college age females? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese at 9:14 AM PST - 7 comments

Backing up a messed up older Mac?

Best method/software for efficient, non-annoying backup for a slightly older Mac (G4 running 10.3.9)? [more inside]
posted by southvie at 8:59 AM PST - 4 comments

Destroy or Merely Throw Out?

Committing the great library sin...which of these is a better way to get rid of some books? [more inside]
posted by aswego at 8:49 AM PST - 18 comments

How do I write a one-page research plan for a postdoc application in the humanities?

What should be included in a "one-page research plan" for a postdoc application (in the humanities)? What should the format be? I can find a lot of advice and samples for the sciences, but not for a humanities position. Advice and links would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
posted by Original 1928 Flavor at 8:48 AM PST - 1 comment

Where can I find better music metadata?

Need more metadata for my music. I'm looking for track-by-track recording date/performers/composer/etc. mainly for jazz albums. Is there a source out there? [more inside]
posted by imposster at 8:47 AM PST - 5 comments

Self portrait?

A prospective employer is sending me a Rembrandt Portrait Profile for me to fill out. Does anyone in the hive have any experience with this tool? What will it really tell them about me?
posted by bluejayway at 8:40 AM PST - 4 comments

Tips on comparing contracts

How do you compare contracts? (or perhaps "How do lawyers compare contracts?") [more inside]
posted by devnull at 8:31 AM PST - 8 comments

Applying to Law School - timeline?

What can I do now to help prepare myself for writing the LSATs and applying to law school in 1-2 years? [more inside]
posted by hepta at 8:15 AM PST - 14 comments

Cites please!

What do I say to well-meaning people trying to dissuade me from the flu shot? [more inside]
posted by Go Banana at 8:08 AM PST - 58 comments

Help us find a good World Series bet...

World series bet: Philadelphia/New York office 'rivalry'…ideas? [more inside]
posted by Towelie at 7:59 AM PST - 16 comments

Follow the yellow brick road!

I need to find the most affordable flight from south Georgia to California. I seem to have too many variables though. How do I find the best flight from multiple possible departure airports to multiple possible arrival airports? Throw flexible dates in there as well just for fun. [more inside]
posted by Talia Devane at 7:54 AM PST - 7 comments

What are some essential horror films for a movie marathon?

I am putting together a list of horror films for a Halloween Movie Marathon with my friends/family. What are the absolute essentials I need on this list? [more inside]
posted by Taft at 7:41 AM PST - 58 comments

Garage door sticking in cold weather

So for the past couple of years when the weather starts cooling I've noticed that our garage door can sometimes become "stuck" when trying to open. This only occurs if the outside temperature is cold (below 40F). [more inside]
posted by covert7 at 7:22 AM PST - 6 comments

Beta Blockers for Anxiety?

Looking for information and anecdotes about your experience and knowledge of beta blockers for anxiety. [more inside]
posted by Wroksie at 7:06 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me out-Billy Beane my fantasy baseball league!

How do I appropriately valuate players in my competitive fantasy baseball league? [more inside]
posted by po822000 at 7:06 AM PST - 11 comments

What are some global warming tipping points?

What are some smaller-scale global warming tipping points that would radically alter everyday life? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 6:32 AM PST - 16 comments

Relocation relocation relocation of an interior design article

Interior/exterior design memory loss: a few months ago I was casually flipping through one of the many interior design magazines on the shelf at Borders and saw an article about an amazing place that I'd love to find more details about. Unfortunately I was distracted and don't remember many details... [more inside]
posted by Beautiful Screaming Lady at 5:49 AM PST - 0 comments

Can I phone-verify and employee's doctor appointment?

Can I, as a supervisor, call an employee's doctor to verify that said employee was actually seen on a certain date? [more inside]
posted by Shohn at 5:36 AM PST - 47 comments

Boy, you're gonna carry that weight.

Where can I find affordable travel cases for my musical equipment? [more inside]
posted by orville sash at 5:24 AM PST - 4 comments

So how do I choose which blue for the header? Should it even be blue? What goes with blue?

Give me a crash course in colour! I need to start making some flat template designs for a website but don't know where to start. [more inside]
posted by Cantdosleepy at 5:02 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me choose a knife, machete and training manuals for self defense.

Help me choose a knife, machete and training manuals for self defense. [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied at 3:31 AM PST - 58 comments

What items get better with use?

Which products or goods improve with age and use? [more inside]
posted by Earl the Polliwog at 1:36 AM PST - 36 comments

Help me get my stuff back!

I used Infogami.com for some of my personal research. Now it's shut down and I want my research back, but I can't get to it. [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 12:07 AM PST - 5 comments

October 27

Is this a Masonic artifact?

Is this piece of finished cloth related to Masonic membership in any way? [more inside]
posted by rhizome at 11:52 PM PST - 9 comments

Resources for study of Christian mysticism?

I'm looking for citable print and online references about Christian mysticism. [more inside]
posted by pahool at 11:43 PM PST - 9 comments

Milton Keynes Calling

So, I just got my dream job. It's in Milton Keynes. What now? [more inside]
posted by Sonny Jim at 11:24 PM PST - 17 comments

How do I deal with paranoia without addictive medication?

What are some suggestions concerning dealing with feelings of near constant paranoia? [more inside]
posted by iabide79 at 11:16 PM PST - 11 comments

Generative music toys

I'm looking for a generative music toy for my three year old autistic son. [more inside]
posted by Homeskillet Freshy Fresh at 11:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Vegetarian cookbook recommendations sought!

Give me your favourite vegetarian cookbook that has illustrations of simple but delicious meals, and offers the nutritional information for each meal. [more inside]
posted by Phire at 10:22 PM PST - 5 comments

Swiss Army Knife of Language

What are the pros and cons of learning more than one language? How can one adapt to a multi-language world? [more inside]
posted by Knigel at 10:19 PM PST - 25 comments

Setting Up Filemaker Databases on an External Hosting Site

Filemaker Filter. I need help publishing a database to a leased server- preferably in the way that my boss can access it on his iPhone. [more inside]
posted by lifeofthunder at 9:59 PM PST - 1 comment

Dear Diary, I can't tell if Johnny likes me anymore..

Dating filter: How do you broach the “What are we doing?” question without striking fear into the hearts of all involved? Also, what do you do afterward? [more inside]
posted by fiasco at 9:56 PM PST - 13 comments

Which ancient HP LaserJet printer should I buy: 4, 5, or 6?

Which ancient HP LaserJet printer should I buy: 4, 5, or 6? [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 9:21 PM PST - 20 comments

"Sop you up with a biscuit."

What words for food are also words for affection? [more inside]
posted by bardic at 8:47 PM PST - 65 comments

Where to buy pearl necklace online?

I would like to buy a pearl necklace as a special gift for a young (14 year old) woman and would like to know good places to shop online. I'm hoping to find a single 18" strand of either uniform or graduated pink-white pearls for not much more than $100. (I also welcome opinions on uniform vs. graduated.)
posted by espertus at 8:18 PM PST - 26 comments

Ballin’ on a budget:

Taking care of some things so money’s tight. What are some kickass, cool, mellow things I can do for free or dirt cheap! Preferably in Brooklyn, NY? [more inside]
posted by Hydrofiend at 8:17 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me get my Prozac without breaking the bank!

I don't currently have health insurance. I need back on the antidepressant I was on in college. What are my best options? [more inside]
posted by larkspur at 7:47 PM PST - 12 comments

Should I retake the GREs?

I'm applying to grad school for a Masters in Library Science, and I'm unsure if I should re-take the GREs. I did very well on the Verbal and Quantitative sections - both scores were above the averages of accepted students for the MLS programs I'm looking at. But I only got a 4 on the writing section (putting me in the 41st percentile). The average for admitted students is around a 5. Will my admittedly poor showing on the writing section hurt me enough that I should take the GREs again? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Why are browser-based videos so slow on my computer?

Why are browser-based videos so slow on my computer? [more inside]
posted by dephlogisticated at 7:22 PM PST - 13 comments

Make me deathly pale!

DeathFilter: How can I make my arms, chest, and neck look paler without getting white stuff everywhere? [more inside]
posted by Captain Cardanthian! at 7:13 PM PST - 10 comments

Can anyone identify these songs by their melodies?

Can anyone identify one of these songs I have stuck in my head? (Links below) - Please help! [more inside]
posted by cdenman at 6:34 PM PST - 6 comments

It's just a jump to the left. And then a step to the right.

I need visual examples of vintage influences (1920s-1950s) in current popular culture to prove retro design is still hip with the cool kids. [more inside]
posted by miss lynnster at 6:00 PM PST - 36 comments

Trying to get old files from older HDD

I'm trying to get my old files off of an old Hard-disk. Old PC is XP newer PC is Vista. I removed the Hardisk from the OLD computer. I bought a USB to SATA/IDE cable. When I plug in the Hard-disk via USB, I hear the confirmation tone that you hear everytime you plug in a USB. I see a "ST340082 0AS SCSI Disk Device" in the "Safely remove hardware" icon in the tray. but I do not see the Drive. I can't really afford an External Hard drive. But I will eventually if I have to. Cna anyone help me please.
posted by Student of Man at 5:56 PM PST - 12 comments

Am I gunshy after "Balloon Boy" or are there legitimate reasons to question whether Jessica Watson is really sailing around the globe?

Am I just gun-shy after the "Balloon Boy" hoax or are there legitimate reasons to question whether Jessica Watson is really sailing around the world? What evidence can you find to support the theory that this is another hoax and what evidence can you find that refutes that theory? [more inside]
posted by kellygreen at 5:56 PM PST - 22 comments

Looking for Amazon.com discount websites

Amazon.com discount search? JungleCrazy, a site that shows Amazon items with at least a 70% discount, has gone offline. Are there any other sites that let me search by discounts?
posted by Sufi at 5:46 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I get my parents to stop worrying about my relationship?

Generation/culture gap + relatively young relationship, please advise. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:41 PM PST - 11 comments

I need help with finding a Master's program. Priority: money, honey!

I need help with finding a Master's program. Priority: money, honey! [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 5:39 PM PST - 19 comments

Momma always told me food tastes better when someone else makes it...

Help me get my head straight about cooking! It's not that I don't like it, per se... [more inside]
posted by coppermoss at 5:25 PM PST - 31 comments

Sites that sell wine shipped by wineries

Is there another site that sells wine that is shipped by wineries aside from wine.woot.com? [more inside]
posted by aburd at 5:16 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm really not loving it.

Did you quit fast food? How? [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 5:14 PM PST - 78 comments

Smelly

I'm looking for the name of a writer who writes about perfumes in a really beautiful way. [more inside]
posted by bunny hugger at 4:57 PM PST - 15 comments

Theft, damage and loss home and contents insurance

What Australian home and contents insurers should I look into? [more inside]
posted by simplesharps at 4:55 PM PST - 11 comments

Why does my laptop think I'm pushing ctrl?

My Inspiron 1545 thinks I'm pressing ctrl and I don't know why. [more inside]
posted by Pope Guilty at 4:50 PM PST - 5 comments

How can we make our low-income year a little easier?

My girlfriend and I are making very little money this year. What are some services/discounts/aid we can qualify for? This is in Berkeley, CA, USA, and we live together. [more inside]
posted by ORthey at 4:45 PM PST - 19 comments

Where can I go to type for a day in DC?

Diner, coffee shop or other not-too-crowded space I can go to write for a day in Washington, DC? [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 4:36 PM PST - 9 comments

Work during two months

I have a friend attending school in China (studying traditional Tibetan medicine) who needs something to do in mid-December to mid-February when the campus shuts down. He can't work in China, but he would like to earn money somewhere, somehow. But how? and where? [more inside]
posted by Busoni at 3:14 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for the right hedge for privacy.

Botany Filter: Looking for a a 6-8 ft tall hedge to give my yard some privacy. Examples of what I like and don't like inside. [more inside]
posted by TheDude at 2:46 PM PST - 5 comments

Dear Mystery Site: Where can I fly for $300?

I am looking for a Website I once used that allowed you to enter in a departure city and a date and then gave you all possible worldwide flight destinations sorted by cost. What was that site?
posted by tinamonster at 2:41 PM PST - 10 comments

First Born Unicorn

I really like the Californication theme song, what artists should I be listening to? [more inside]
posted by tumples at 2:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Hive knowledge about malware and strategy of redirecting user profiles to other partitions

Hive knowledge about malware and strategy of redirecting user profiles to other partitions [more inside]
posted by atm at 2:22 PM PST - 24 comments

Which HTML/CSS/JS IDE do I want?

Which HTML/CSS/JS IDE do I want? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 1:31 PM PST - 16 comments

I am neither pregnant with an alien baby nor dead, I swear!

Is it possible to gently (but effectively) cut a mentally ill person out of my life when the usual detachment methods aren't working? (Warning: long, distressing explanation) [more inside]
posted by MuChao at 1:31 PM PST - 34 comments

How can I get my dog to stop gulping his water?

My new dog's gulping water so quickly that he's making himself sick. How can I get him stop? [more inside]
posted by MeghanC at 1:29 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me find the blackberry delicousness, please.

Help me get Seattle-quality blackberries in the NYC area. [more inside]
posted by lorrer at 1:23 PM PST - 6 comments

Should I pay off one debt with another?

StudentLoanFilter: Should I use my student loan money to pay off my last credit card? long-ish explanation of my situation inside. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 12:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Help clear my float!

CSS question: How can I get my floated sidebar to stop overlapping my footer? I'm using clear:both! [more inside]
posted by mthomps00 at 12:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Give me an AskMe career shakedown!

CareerFilter! Help me to "diagnose" why I'm so tired of my career and which directions will lead to more satisfaction in future! Patient history, current symptoms and potential therapies under the fold (neatly organised but very long!!!). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Was I let-go legally?

I was 'let go' from my job last week, but I'm not sure it was entirely legal. YANML, but please lend me your ear... (warning, long) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:49 PM PST - 33 comments

Why does my Wacom pointer freak out and go jumpy?

Wacom tablet (Graphire2) on Win2K machine. Sometimes the pointer goes nuts and becomes jumpy and unusable until I unplug and replug the tablet. Drivers appear to be up to date. Any thoughts on why this happens? [more inside]
posted by cadge at 12:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Romantic Melbourne things to do?

Aussie Hive Mind: What are some some incredibly romantic things to do from say 10am to 3pm in Melbourne in late November, early December? [more inside]
posted by burhan at 12:25 PM PST - 17 comments

Outlook Web Access calendar subscription

How to access two outlook exchange calendars from completely different domains side-by-side [more inside]
posted by lake59 at 12:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Good chicklit?

Need recommendations of quality chick lit books. [more inside]
posted by mikoroshi at 12:09 PM PST - 19 comments

Turkish Coffee: Where's the Foam?

I tried to make Turkish coffee, but it doesn't foam up like it's supposed to. What am I doing wrong? [more inside]
posted by k. at 12:08 PM PST - 10 comments

Will these muscles ever open up?

I'm 54 years old, fairly new (2+ years) into a yoga practice. I'm unable to open up enough to successfully do many of the poses; my muscles are not only tight but also actually shorter (from what a trusted massage therapist told me) shorter than the same muscles on other people, presumably because I've carried stress by tightening up all these years. I do believe in this practice, and the possibilities of actually opening up these muscles over time -- is this just delusional? [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 12:03 PM PST - 23 comments

Do I have food allergies possibly?

Food allergies. Is this a possibility? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 12:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Skip the Black Friday Madness?

I am in need of a new desktop computer. I am wondering if I should wait until Black Friday and brave the crowds or take advantage of some of the Windows 7 deals this week. I live in the Twin Cities, MN metro area if that makes a difference.
posted by dyno04 at 11:51 AM PST - 15 comments

PILL MAKE ME ANGRY

So, I'm trying the Depo Provera hormone shot birth control for the first time. It's been about 2 weeks since my first shot, and I'm experiencing some weird effects which may or may not be related to the hormones now coursing through my veins. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:49 AM PST - 12 comments

Long-Distance Friendship for Introverts

Introvert Filter: please help me revive a friendship! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:49 AM PST - 18 comments

Can employers tell people when employees are sick?

My employer just asked us to contact HR if any of our employees are diagnosed with H1N1 flu. Is this allowable under HIPAA? [more inside]
posted by um_maverick at 11:45 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me get up the mountain!

What sort of training should I do over the winter in preparation for some intense day hiking? [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 11:39 AM PST - 22 comments

What is the name of this numbering system?

Does this Dewey decimal-like numbering system seen in requirements documents, site maps and any numbered system where you don't have to rewrite the numbers every time an update is made and looks like 1.2.1.1 have a name? [more inside]
posted by joelf at 11:27 AM PST - 11 comments

Mindhack me into a smooth interviewer (in four hours).

I'm an unemployed third-year law student, have my last interview in four hours. Any tricks on appearing intelligent, charismatic, and, most importantly, not desperate? Have had four interviews with different employers so far, have not heard anything back. This is my last shot at employment before I go back to desperately combing job listings. Interview is with a judge in a district I've never lived in, who is of the opposite political persuasion as I am. This will be my first of this type of interview so give me your all-purpose i'm-the-right-person-for-this-job tricks.
posted by anthropomorphic at 11:10 AM PST - 25 comments

Houton Help for Hapless Habitant

Going to Houston for a three week training course. Evenings and weekends off. Help this pasty Canadian be able to rave about it upon my return... [more inside]
posted by bumpkin at 11:09 AM PST - 16 comments

I can't tell them apart

What exactly is the difference between "vengeance" and "revenge"?
posted by Chrysostom at 11:02 AM PST - 25 comments

A new career for a burned out pastor?

Career brainstorming filter: Help me help my minister friend think creatively about a midlife second career. [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 10:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Americans: Was your town a [rumored] Cold War missile target?

Americans: Was your town a [rumored] Cold War missile target? [more inside]
posted by jeb at 10:55 AM PST - 245 comments

Best gadget and toys from Tokyo?

I would be visiting Tokyo in three week's time. Can you tell me about any must-buy weird, cool or geeky gadgets that I could get during my time there, and where to get it ? Bonus point if it's easy to figure out even if it's in japanese, or if it has english interface, and not too expensive.
posted by joewandy at 10:17 AM PST - 19 comments

test out of nursing school?

I'm a nursing school student and I'm interested in testing out of as much school as I can. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:16 AM PST - 5 comments

Lease AFTER moving in?

New York City apartment question: Is it normal for my broker to tell me I will receive hard copies of my lease a "couple of weeks" after moving in? [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 9:58 AM PST - 10 comments

Dating, marriage and the whole "league" thing.

Is this girl "out of my league"? I met an attractive (in every sense) girl recently, and we have a lot in common - except earning potential (and maybe to some extent family/social background). [more inside]
posted by KMH at 9:30 AM PST - 80 comments

Where to buy server hardware in Dallas?

I need to buy a custom 1U server in or around Dallas. Tomorrow. [more inside]
posted by edmz at 9:17 AM PST - 20 comments

Chocolate is my ... weakness?

A friend and I are looking for a certain word... it would be related to loving something so much it makes you go weak. Both of us believe there's a word for this but we can't quite put our finger on it. It could possibly be used in this context: "Chocolate is my _____." [more inside]
posted by simplethings at 8:57 AM PST - 67 comments

Where have all the control arms gone...?

Where did all the xB control arms go? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 8:42 AM PST - 2 comments

How to leave a small team for another job.

What's the best way to inform your employer that you're looking / have found new employment? [more inside]
posted by dorothy humbird at 8:37 AM PST - 21 comments

Online tool for planning and visualizing project pipelines?

Is there a web-based app that lets you plan project pipelines, and set up pipeline templates and associated tasks for common project types? [more inside]
posted by jruckman at 8:26 AM PST - 2 comments

About Which Group Should I Write My Research Paper?

I have to write this big research paper for my cultural anthro class, and I'm looking for recommendations for cool/ interesting groups to study. I've got to write ten pages on them, so I don't want to get bored! It's got to be a fairly specific group, but one that is not too obscure - I need to be able to find material. Thanks!
posted by howgenerica at 8:19 AM PST - 31 comments

"How to get an orgasm to work in my pants?"

I'm a mid-20s male, I'm having orgasm problems and I desperately need to do something about it. Any advice would be gratefully received! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:56 AM PST - 20 comments

Help me get my libido in check with reality.

Help me get my libido in check with reality. Very long story inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:56 AM PST - 17 comments

1 in 500? I don't like those odds.

CT scans on children for hearing problems. Worried about radiation risks. Wait? [more inside]
posted by ostranenie at 7:44 AM PST - 13 comments

Do grapevines & fruit trees mix?

Is it ok for a grapevine to grow thru my apricot, apple & nectarine trees? [more inside]
posted by armlock at 7:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Words to money

(Pro)sefilter: want to sell prose. Looking for advice. [more inside]
posted by schmichael at 7:23 AM PST - 5 comments

What is the REAL name of the Japanese pranks show people are calling "Panic Face King"?

There is a video making the rounds that is supposedly from an extreme Japanese pranks show called "Panic Face King." I have been unable to find any additional information on this show, which leads me to believe this is not the real name (or not the correct translation). [more inside]
posted by phonepimpster at 7:19 AM PST - 7 comments

I wanna shred you up!

Looking for recommendations of modern indie rock artists that aren't afraid to shred & solo - on the electric guitar, not a Casiotone. [more inside]
posted by sprocket87 at 7:14 AM PST - 41 comments

Can I email a file to my webserver?

I want someone to be able to put files on a webserver. I don't want to give them ftp access. I'd like to tell them: Attach your file to an email and send it to this address. Is there a way they can email an attachment so that it puts the attachment in a specified folder on the server? [more inside]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 7:07 AM PST - 9 comments

I don't want to smell like an ashtray!

How can I mask or block the smell of my neighbor's smoke in my closet? [more inside]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 6:51 AM PST - 22 comments

How to have a coherent group email conversation?

Recomendations needed for a good way to keep group email communications clear and unmuddled, you know emails zooming back and forth, people messing up addresses, cross talking etc. If you were about to embark on a email conversation with five people with much back and forth, one fraught with high emotions and perhaps family type dynamics, how would you make this work? Would you set agreed upon ground rules and/or would you use a tech solution. Is there a excellent ( hopefully free) software solution to this problem?
posted by flummox at 6:29 AM PST - 15 comments

Need help with a concept video. What are my options?

Lately I've had a few business ideas that I think need concept videos, which would involve moderate CG and production, to properly explain. What are my options, in the price range of nothing (film/graphics students?) to around $1000?
posted by ben5757 at 6:29 AM PST - 2 comments

Part-Time Jobbery

I'm changing jobs here in a few weeks, but the new one occasionally takes up much less of my time. Thus I need an extremely flexible second job to fill the time! What's out there? [more inside]
posted by Willie0248 at 6:13 AM PST - 5 comments

Recent college graduate seeking unemployment benefits in RI

Unemployment benefits in RI [more inside]
posted by coolnik at 5:56 AM PST - 4 comments

Name that campaign - innovation + social media

Name that campaign! Need help finding an inspiring name for an internal/staff campaign that encompasses innovation + social media use... [more inside]
posted by latch24 at 5:27 AM PST - 9 comments

Joysticks + Javascript

How do I get to access my joystick via javascript, independent of platform? [more inside]
posted by yegga at 5:20 AM PST - 6 comments

Figure out the movie, then figure out the song?

How can I figure out what song was in the obscure movie I watched last night? [more inside]
posted by Breav at 5:15 AM PST - 4 comments

Stay Away from the Banana Plant

My cat is slowly killing my indoor banana tree by scratching the hell out of it. Now what? [more inside]
posted by billysumday at 5:13 AM PST - 13 comments

They think it's all over....it is now (for my current boots)

What is the best 5-a-side football outdoor footwear? I play twice a week on modern outdoor five-a-side pitches (the ones with the little black rubber balls). My Nikes have finally given up the ghost and are being held together with gaffer tape at the moment. I thought Adidas Samba but my mate says they'd be wrecked in two matches. Any ideas? Ta.
posted by mooreeasyvibe at 3:23 AM PST - 7 comments

What audio format for remastered Beatles listening on iPod only??

What audio format would you rip the recently remastered Beatles albums in for optimum iPod listening? [more inside]
posted by Avenger50 at 1:11 AM PST - 16 comments

fees plees?

what other fees will i be paying for shopping internationally? [more inside]
posted by violetk at 12:06 AM PST - 9 comments

October 26

backpack be gone ...

Help me find the get rid of my backpack! [more inside]
posted by ouchitburns at 10:16 PM PST - 30 comments

Copyright question

Copyright question: if I'm doing a report for school can I copy and paste someone elses graph into my report if I cite them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:12 PM PST - 17 comments

Do I try to fly home just for a funeral?

Should I try to overcome a series of practical obstacles so I can fly to the funeral of a longtime friend? Or just send regrets? [more inside]
posted by vickyverky at 9:58 PM PST - 37 comments

Is there a way to calculate the relative cost of buying an older used car vs a later-model one?

Is there a way to calculate the relative cost of buying an older used car vs a later-model one? Taking into account depreciation, maintenance costs, etc. [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 9:45 PM PST - 8 comments

1980s book with hidden treasure if you solved the mystery inside?

I'm struggling to remember the title of a book I read in the 1980s, which had a real-world twist: hidden within the narrative was the location of a spot in the USA where some sort of treasure or reward money was located. [more inside]
posted by squid patrol at 9:35 PM PST - 11 comments

Well at least my Halloween costume looks good...

How do I remove sticky residue from Elmer's Multipurpose Spray Adhesive from my wooden desk? [more inside]
posted by lucy.jakobs at 8:29 PM PST - 12 comments

Halloween Costumes for a Couple

Please post some cool ideas for Halloween costumes for a couple! [more inside]
posted by demagogue at 8:23 PM PST - 32 comments

Z????

Can't believe I'm blowing a question on this: what lovecraftian two syllable unicode font mangling word, starting with a Z, was posted on this site a little while back? [more inside]
posted by leotrotsky at 7:55 PM PST - 14 comments

Stork Enemas?

Are storks traditionally known for giving themselves enemas? In Don Quixote there is a line about learning certain lessons from different animals - one of which is the enema from the stork. [more inside]
posted by Yiggs at 7:46 PM PST - 11 comments

I need plastic surgery on my nipple!

Need to find a plastic surgeon in Portland, OR to do some simple but delicate work. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a Therapist for a Friend in Richmond, VA

TherapyFilter: Asking for a friend of a friend—can anyone recommend a competent therapist accessible to someone living in Richmond, Virginia... especially someone especially good at handling issues of anxiety and panic? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 PM PST - 1 comment

What should I do in Boston this weekend?

What non-Halloween things should I do this weekend in Boston? [more inside]
posted by LouMac at 7:31 PM PST - 5 comments

Somebody hurt my cat, how do I find out who did it?

Teenager next door had a party that spilled over into the field behind my house. My cat shows up severely injured. How do I get to the bottom of this? [more inside]
posted by Zebtron at 7:29 PM PST - 40 comments

Inventory in Quickbooks...different question this time.

How to simplify inventory management of jewelry materials and products in QB 2009 Premier Retail? [more inside]
posted by daniboi1977 at 7:19 PM PST - 2 comments

How should we pay our web ad rep?

How should we pay our web ad rep? [more inside]
posted by chocolatepeanutbuttercup at 7:08 PM PST - 2 comments

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of..

How is a contract's governing state determined? Is it where it's drafted? Or is it something else? "This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of.." I am drafting a contract in PA but the recipient is in another state. Should the governing state by mine or the recipient.
posted by xdeliriumx at 6:56 PM PST - 10 comments

Where's Cissylvania?

Where's Cissylvania? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor at 6:38 PM PST - 15 comments

He's not refusing to be a man. What to do, what to do.

difficult gift shopping filter: Help me find books, toys, comics, music, etc that provide a broad, varying, and largely non-traditional view of masculinity for my little brother, who is absolutely nothing like me or anyone else in our family. More details than necessary inside! [more inside]
posted by ellehumour at 6:32 PM PST - 36 comments

I know the names don't match, but it's really me! I swear!

Someone purchased an airline ticket for me, but booked it under my nickname instead of my legal name. I don't have any photo ID with my nickname on it. Will I be able to fly? [more inside]
posted by arianell at 6:22 PM PST - 24 comments

Sexy Library!

Costume-filter: I would like to dress as a library for Halloween. How can I accomplish this in an inexpensive, recognizable, maneuverable/non-bulky way (aside from sticking random books to my bum?) [more inside]
posted by chara at 6:15 PM PST - 8 comments

No lease, moving howto?

I live in an apartment with no lease and pay rent to my (dishonest) roommate. How do I minimize my financial losses when I move out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:48 PM PST - 20 comments

To answer, you would have had to have been able to have answered this question...

GrammarFilter: A friend and I have been discussing this construction: "would have had to go" vs. "would have had to have gone." It seems they are both correct and are almost always interchangeable, so it would seem the former, simpler version is preferable. Thoughts, explanations, examples otherwise? Are they both correct? [more inside]
posted by Badasscommy at 5:43 PM PST - 10 comments

Where can I buy an ingot of bismuth in NYC?

Where could I buy an ingot of pure (or at least 99% pure) bismuth in New York City? [more inside]
posted by reticulatedspline at 5:28 PM PST - 7 comments

My back thanks you in advance

Will prescription-strength ibuprofen have expired since it was prescribed in March 2008? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 5:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Ring Bling

Buying antique diamond engagement ring, appraisal or just go with it? [more inside]
posted by outsider at 4:27 PM PST - 15 comments

do i need a medic alert bracelet?

When is a medic alert bracelet necessary? how useful are they actually? [more inside]
posted by nadawi at 4:26 PM PST - 21 comments

Are there different flu vaccines for Chinese people and roundeyes?

Asking for my sister-in-law: is the swine flu vaccine formulation given to people in China (Shanghai) the same as the US version? [more inside]
posted by Wet Spot at 4:17 PM PST - 3 comments

Covering for TV stand doors?

I'm in the process of getting an entertainment unit built. Instead of glass, I'm thinking of putting something over the doors that would be dark (to hide the LEDs), allows my remotes to work, and still allows decent airflow. Any suggestions what would work here? Speaker fabric? Screen door mesh? Something else?
posted by Tilon at 4:17 PM PST - 10 comments

Utilising the Twitter API

Where to start: extracting images from a Twitter search and presenting them on a webpage? [more inside]
posted by nostrich at 3:39 PM PST - 3 comments

Changing the world, one kiss at a time...

Cosmetic manufacturing in China. I've noted that certain regions of China specialize in different types of consumer goods manufacturing. Which city or region is ground zero for cosmetics manufacturing in China? [more inside]
posted by Muirwylde at 3:35 PM PST - 2 comments

Lentils!

What delicious lentil dish can I make tonight? [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 3:21 PM PST - 40 comments

When should I revisit my porcini patch?

How quickly do porcini grow? [more inside]
posted by quasistoic at 3:20 PM PST - 6 comments

a tex message to right!

Yankees fan in Philadelphia. Sports bar in Center City where I won't be lynched? [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 2:59 PM PST - 22 comments

The is nanny to the mother and the son.

I'm a nanny for a woman who's been unemployed for 2.5 months and is now depressed. The means she is a) home ALL THE TIME, and b) driving me absolutely crazy. What, if anything, can I say? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:52 PM PST - 24 comments

What happens when you report an illegal rooming house in Toronto?

What is the likely result of reporting an illegal rooming house in Toronto? e.g. How often do they end up getting cleaned up, repaired, and properly licensed vs. shut down (whether by the inspectors or by an owner who doesn't want to bother fixing it up)?
posted by anonymous at 2:52 PM PST - 5 comments

I need a nerd

Can anyone recommend a tech-startup-friendly accountant in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by hayvac at 2:46 PM PST - 1 comment

Wedding of the Living Dead

Help me make a zombie wedding cake. [more inside]
posted by elvissa at 2:40 PM PST - 15 comments

How to simultaneously exchange information?

How to simultaneously exchange information? [more inside]
posted by deadweightloss at 2:27 PM PST - 40 comments

Is Wordpress right for us?

I'm constructing two websites that display the progress of social science research currently underway. I need a system that allows ease of use for all involved student researchers. Is Wordpress the way to go? [more inside]
posted by mahoganyslide at 2:20 PM PST - 4 comments

Resources on herbivore men?

What are the best online or print resources in English language about lifestyle and individuality of soshoku-danshi (grass-eating/herbivore men)? Not looking for news articles, thanks!
posted by parmanparman at 2:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Student representative needs to change a policy this year!

Change the University program's final project limitations! Help! Video production course info and TL;DR details inside. [more inside]
posted by Khazk at 2:07 PM PST - 4 comments

How much to charge for conference presentations?

A friend and I have been asked to present sessions at a conference, and we're not sure exactly how much to charge. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:05 PM PST - 3 comments

Deflated by inflation

[Economics101Filter] How is it that the cost of living can go up, but salaries stay the same? Economics n00b questions inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:05 PM PST - 28 comments

How to make this contest drawing fair?

What's a fair way to chose winners for this ad-hoc giveaway? details inside... [more inside]
posted by smelvis at 2:01 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I make a costume out of a wedding dress?

How can I turn a wedding dress into a Halloween costume without destroying the thing? [more inside]
posted by libertypie at 1:41 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me get these quotes right.

Editors, I need your help with quotation marks! Which is correct? a) I sent him an article about "The X Factor". b) I sent him an article about "The X Factor." [more inside]
posted by HeyAllie at 1:30 PM PST - 40 comments

Help me find useful yoga and/or pilates DVDs.

Can you tell me about your experiences with pilates or yoga in regards to lower back pain? DVD or CD recommendations especially helpful. [more inside]
posted by rosethorn at 1:23 PM PST - 18 comments

Background mysteries within "Away We Go"

IdentificationFilter: I watched "Away We Go" this weekend and need help identifying this song and also finding an online retailer for this lamp (or something close). Ready . . . set . . . go! [more inside]
posted by siclik at 1:22 PM PST - 3 comments

Who would you see at The Fest 8? (Punk/Ska music festival)

I'm going to be in Gainesville, Fl, this weekend for The Fest 8 and I'm wondering which bands I should see. With 200+ bands, there has to hidden gems here. [more inside]
posted by DumbPoet at 1:11 PM PST - 13 comments

Cleaning a cat-peed leather jacket?

Cleaning a cat-peed leather jacket? [more inside]
posted by iftheaccidentwill at 1:10 PM PST - 10 comments

Wag more bark less baffles me.

Where did the "Wag More, Bark Less" bumper sticker meme start? My own sightings of them have gone from extremely rare to many cars seen in every single trip I take. Is it a dog owner/pet store promotional item? Is it a political thing? Something on Oprah I missed?
posted by mathowie at 1:02 PM PST - 32 comments

Relative-in-jail filter

I need to know if I am doing the right things to help a relative get out of jail in another state. [more inside]
posted by soelo at 1:01 PM PST - 8 comments

Name This Russian Novel

Trying to remember the title of a tragicomic Russian novel I had just begun reading 5 years ago, before it somehow disappeared. From what I remember, the main character was an older woman who refused to adapt to the post-communist societal changes in Russia. It followed her story as she faced the changing landscape, and persecution in the face of her commitment to the old ideals.
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 12:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Recipe for Pork Tenderloin

Does the hive mind have any recipes for a pre-seasoned pork tenderloin? Any good complimentary foods?
posted by cheechman85 at 12:36 PM PST - 17 comments

Backpack vacuum cleaner?

Backpack vacuum cleaners - any experience or tips? I'm considering a backpack vacuum cleaner (ProTeam), but I'm unsure how comparable these are to consumer vacuums. It doesn't appear there are any carpet attachments with beaters (that are driven by a motor). Any have any experience with these? Or insights on which kind?
posted by sgarst at 12:12 PM PST - 6 comments

No, they really aren't fried twice.

I come from California. Can you help me find good canned refried beans in Toronto? Specifics inside... [more inside]
posted by routergirl at 12:11 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm writing a terrible novel and it would be a huge loss if it disappeared

Help me come up with some sort of automated way of sending a file to myself in gmail. [more inside]
posted by tylerfulltilt at 11:31 AM PST - 17 comments

ipod touch updating error

Unknown error 0xE8000001 from ipod touch; won't connect. [more inside]
posted by klangklangston at 11:27 AM PST - 6 comments

Creak-creak-creak

What's this creaking sound my car is making and how long should I wait to get it fixed? [more inside]
posted by pised at 11:27 AM PST - 12 comments

Kitchen storage dilemma

[KitchenStorageFilter]: OK, this is pretty mundane, but we'd like to toss our old kitchen storage/Tupperware-wannabee containers and would appreciate some recommendations so we can replace them with something good. [more inside]
posted by mosk at 11:09 AM PST - 36 comments

Can one survive 10 seconds on the moon without a spacesuit helmet?

What would happen if spacesuit helmet was removed for 10 seconds on the moon? [more inside]
posted by swiffa at 11:08 AM PST - 24 comments

How can I create vCards from email sigs?

How can I auto-magically create a vCard from an email signature? I'm growing tired of the repeated copy-and-paste operations required to make new entries in my Apple Address Book when I have a nicely formatted signature file right in front of me. Is there a script or other handy tool that will do this work for me, guessing which bit of info is the name, phone number, etc. and placing them into a new vCard for me?
posted by mfitz at 11:05 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a Plumber in Berkeley

Looking for a plumber in the East Bay (California). [more inside]
posted by lore at 11:02 AM PST - 3 comments

Sounds Good, What About Better?

[Hi-Fi / Home Theater filter] Can you help me position the speakers correctly ? [more inside]
posted by madeinitaly at 10:54 AM PST - 3 comments

How can I stop being so sensitive?

I'd like to be less sensitive to rejection, as well as situations that aren't actually rejection but that I take as such. I've had social anxiety for as long as I can remember (I'm nineteen), and I have only come out of my shell in the last few months. Because of this, I'm incredibly sensitive to what others may think of me, since I've never really had friends and don't want people to dislike me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:48 AM PST - 23 comments

How to avoid making a bad situation even worse

How do I navigate this situation without tears or fist-fights? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:47 AM PST - 17 comments

Good couples counselor in San Francisco?

Can anyone recommend a good couples counselor in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by roxie110 at 10:43 AM PST - 2 comments

Halloween Costume Filter: Hobbes plush in Toronto?

Where can I get a Hobbes or Hobbes-lookalike plus toy in Toronto this week? I just made the last minute decision to go as Calvin & Hobbes for Halloween, where can I find an appropriate stuffed tiger on short notice? Bonus points for help with other costume elements, thanks!
posted by JPDD at 10:27 AM PST - 12 comments

Solo Traveling for older women in/around Korea?

My mom is nearing 60 and is thinking about going back to her home country to travel alone. I'm all for it but it also worries the heck out of me! I wonder if there are any "older" korean women travel groups that she might be able to hook up with...and what the pros/cons are. Are there any places out there that she should particularly stay away from? I could just be overprotective here... but would love to hear any input about solo/group traveling in / around korea and whether there are any travel groups for older women. :) TIA!!!
posted by Jujee at 10:19 AM PST - 19 comments

How can I talk like a 17th century tavern wench plague victim?

I need help with slang for a 17th century tavern wench plague victim! [more inside]
posted by KathyK at 9:57 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me write a script in OSX

How do I create a file-handling script in OSX? [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments

Antivirus with on/off switches

I am looking for some recommendations on antivirus/antimalware software for Windows. Specifically I am looking for an antivirus program that will allow me to selectively turn on/off components as needed. [more inside]
posted by DerekTheGeek at 9:48 AM PST - 7 comments

A church may be missing its altar

I have a big slab of marble, and I'm trying to figure out what to do with it. [more inside]
posted by tizzie at 9:46 AM PST - 22 comments

How to return every Nth value in a column in Excel?

I am trying to pull values from one sheet into another master sheet for daily trending. The OFFSET function works for a single cell, but I can't figure out how to copy that formula to the rest of the column. [more inside]
posted by malcommc at 9:45 AM PST - 13 comments

What do you do with leftover roast chicken?

Roasting a chicken? I'm sold! Now what? [more inside]
posted by teragram at 9:37 AM PST - 30 comments

Political extremism in literature

Novels where political extremism is an underlying theme. [more inside]
posted by thesailor at 9:34 AM PST - 32 comments

Forgot to file tax returns. Now what?

Forgot to file tax returns. Now what? [more inside]
posted by doomtop at 9:27 AM PST - 6 comments

Eris, "Bob," the FSM... and who else?

I know Eris, "Bob," and the Flying Spaghetti Monster... but what faux-religions came before? [more inside]
posted by lekvar at 9:18 AM PST - 13 comments

Looking for a canvas printer, if its a good idea!

I'm looking for a good (but lower end of the market) inkjet or giclee printer to print my artwork onto between A2 and A0 size canvas. Has anyone any experience of buying their own large printer as opposed to getting it done at a professional printers. And what is the difference between inkjet and giclee? [more inside]
posted by jcwilliams at 9:14 AM PST - 6 comments

Rent 5 years past due.

I got the court judgment, and even an outstanding warrant, but still have not received on an outstanding debt. How can I collect my money? [more inside]
posted by letahl at 9:02 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I buy a Tonium Pacemaker?

Should I buy a Pacemaker if I am not a DJ and don't have all that much dance music? [more inside]
posted by jonnyploy at 8:54 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me locate some pictures and their artist.

[ArtFilter]: Help me locate some pictures and their artist. [more inside]
posted by AAAAAThatsFiveAs at 8:32 AM PST - 2 comments

Yugo Cabriolet

Name the 80s/90s skate movie that contains the line, Cabriolet is Yugoslavian for "fast car" [more inside]
posted by nomisxid at 8:30 AM PST - 6 comments

Need help selecting a HDTV

I'm looking in to buying an HDTV for around $1000 and would like your input. more info inside. [more inside]
posted by WizKid at 8:19 AM PST - 14 comments

Linux fun composer for 8 year old?

Does anyone know any simple Ubuntu music software for me to have fun composing with my eight year old son? [more inside]
posted by Sch01ar at 8:14 AM PST - 4 comments

What if the world was a glorious donut?

If I'm sitting on the terraformed surface of a Culture orbital, what does the horizon look like? [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle at 8:09 AM PST - 12 comments

What kind of iPhone usage burns battery?

iPhone battery life: I'm flying across the Pacific tomorrow with a 2 year old and a 5 year old. They are iPhone fiends (god help them), but I need to know if there is a huge difference in battery consumption between the education apps they usually play ("Find the sheep"..."Baaaa") and videos. I suspect that videos will use up battery life longer than these really simple apps, but I'm not sure. Anyone know?
posted by zachawry at 8:08 AM PST - 15 comments

How can I find out the chain of corporate ownership starting from a company name or product name?

How can I find out the chain of corporate ownership starting from a company name or product name? [more inside]
posted by freecellwizard at 8:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Refi-filter: Lowering my monthly payments, but paying more in the long run. Is it worth it?

I'm eight years into a 30 year mortgage, having paid off about 10% of the total amount of the original loan. Does it make sense to refinance now if I can get a rate that is about 5/8 of a point lower than my current rate? This would shave about $250 off of my monthly payments. But then I'll still be paying for this loan for eight additional years after the original one would have been paid off, right? How do I calculate how much additional $$ I'll owe overall, and how do I decide whether paying more later is worth saving money now?
posted by ericbop at 7:45 AM PST - 16 comments

What does a non-fashiony woman wear to a tech interview?

What does a non-girly woman wear to a technical interview? Details on impending fashion crisis inside. [more inside]
posted by duckus at 7:45 AM PST - 36 comments

How does someone get an original birth certificate after they've been adopted?

How does someone get an original birth certificate after they've been adopted? [more inside]
posted by Hesychia at 7:41 AM PST - 11 comments

Montana?

I will be living in Montana for 6 weeks this winter. I've only ever lived in New England, with a couple of brief stints in other places. Please tell me what to expect. [more inside]
posted by Rudy Gerner at 7:24 AM PST - 16 comments

crazy little thing called the love that dare not speak its name

I need some academically credible synonyms for same-sex erotic activity that are less ambiguous than "gay sex" and less clinical-sounding than "homosexual contact." [more inside]
posted by Jon_Evil at 7:16 AM PST - 17 comments

Intimidation through obscure references!

I need a badass battle cry. [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 7:07 AM PST - 64 comments

How do I automagically display trending of complex data?

I need some suggestions for data analysis and displaying trending information. At the moment I'm doing this with a huge amount of Excel pivote tables. The goal is to highlight increasing trends and top hitters in some sort of (semi)automated way. The catch is that the data is pretty deep. For example, say I have a metric for "server rebooted for unknown reason"(which, by the way, is one of 50 things measured)...I'd like to also see the break down by server type and then by, say, location and then to see it by week. [more inside]
posted by Spumante at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments

What are the best, almost scientific, alternative health food/supplement recommendations?

[Alt-health filter]: what are your top 10, most important, almost scientific (ie. generally accepted) foods and/or supplements that I should focus on to improve my health? Speaking from a general well-being, alternative health-type of point of view? [more inside]
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 6:38 AM PST - 29 comments

How does noise affect the autistic mind?

I understand that noise can become overwhelming rapidly to those in the autism spectrum or with ADD/ADHD syndromes due to increased sensitivities of all the sense perceptions, but I have also heard of research that suggests a certain measure of white noise and some kinds of music can help both ADD and autism spectrum young people focus their brains. [more inside]
posted by bonsai forest at 6:20 AM PST - 13 comments

Critical Thinker

What are some tools and techniques I can use to become a better critical thinker? I asked my friend the other day what he got out of his tier-1 education and he said it taught him how to 'think through problems'. What exactly did his professors teach him about critical thinking? If I memorize the logical fallacies or make a pro's and con's list will I be a better thinker? Is 'going with your gut' an approved tactic in this pursuit? What things do you do to think through a problem and come up with rock solid plans, decisions, and recommendations?
posted by jasondigitized at 6:11 AM PST - 16 comments

What's with all the Raclette?

I'm looking for a decent Raclette grill around the 60 dollar mark. Can anyone make a recommendation? [more inside]
posted by Hands of Manos at 6:10 AM PST - 4 comments

Living with floaters?

Any advice for getting rid of or living with floaters in my eyes? [more inside]
posted by kms at 5:44 AM PST - 15 comments

Need food ideas

I've decided to stay and work in my on-campus studio five days a week. I live off-campus. What low-price food can I bring/prepare each week (lunch & dinner) that doesn't necessarily need to be refrigerated? (though I do have access to a microwave) [more inside]
posted by pulled_levers at 5:42 AM PST - 14 comments

Best analysises on Blade Runner?

Best analysises on Blade Runner? [more inside]
posted by wolfr at 5:41 AM PST - 5 comments

What is the optimal National Express bus stop near Clerkenwell, London

What is the best national express bus stop to go to in order to end up near Clerkenwell, London?
posted by srboisvert at 5:41 AM PST - 3 comments

Do the benefits of a cortisone injection outweigh the risks?

I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis a year ago. I am on Enbrel and it has helped a great deal with the pain I experienced in my arms and joints but I am still having really bad pain upon walking or standing in my low back, sacral joint areas...I swim and do a variety of stretches but it is not allowing me the recovery I long for. I use to walk a few miles everyday, hike on the weekends and I haven't been able to do that in a couple of years. I miss it! I have been reading up on Epidural Cortisone injections and I am curious about personal results people have had. I am interested in the good as well as the bad stories, so I can decide, after meeting with my Doctors, if I want to go through with it. In other words if the benefits outweigh the risks.
posted by gypseefire at 5:06 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for movies that take place in a day (or a few days)

I'm looking for more movies that take place in a very short time-span..like a few days or even a single day. [more inside]
posted by kampken at 4:30 AM PST - 61 comments

what the fudge...

FilmFilter: Question regarding The Dark Knight, Public Enemies, and Collateral. [more inside]
posted by the NATURAL at 3:57 AM PST - 12 comments

Focus, brain.

I've written 10 of 20 pages of dense literary research in short spurts here and there. How do I spend all day tomorrow finishing up the rest? As a lifelong procrastinator I'm fixated by the fact that my paper isn't due for another 7 weeks, but I'd rather complete the bulk of the work tomorrow. How should I prepare to do challenging intellectual work for long stretches of time? [more inside]
posted by Viola at 3:35 AM PST - 20 comments

An impossible Apple

What's the best Apple laptop for £500? [more inside]
posted by BadMiker at 2:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Is it safer to do a 5 mile commute on city streets on a bicycle or a motorcycle?

Is it safer to do a 5 mile commute on busy city streets on a bicycle or a motorcycle? [more inside]
posted by realpseudonym at 1:45 AM PST - 16 comments

I got HP printer ink in my eye, am I okay?

I got HP printer ink in my eye, am I okay? [more inside]
posted by stlboi at 12:59 AM PST - 6 comments

Can someone recommend a reliable, reasonably priced vendor for snap frames in Vancouver or Canada?

Can someone recommend a reliable, reasonably priced vendor for snap frames in Vancouver or Canada? [more inside]
posted by branparsons at 12:34 AM PST - 0 comments

October 25

Where was Mr. Show filmed (besides Los Angeles, obviously.)

Does anyone know what studio/ stage the majority of Mr. Show was filmed in? I think the first season, or at least the first episode, was filmed in a different location than the rest of the series. Curious as to where that was as well.
posted by joechip at 11:47 PM PST - 7 comments

Not all random numbers are created equal

How do I get a controlled distribution of random numbers to fairly determine a start position. [more inside]
posted by monkeystronghold at 11:30 PM PST - 21 comments

Is there a UK teasmade that will work in the U.S.?

Is there a UK teasmade that will work in the U.S.? [more inside]
posted by 1001 questions at 10:56 PM PST - 4 comments

Yes, I'm aware of the existence of 'he's just not that into you,' but I'd like it confirmed by the source.

How do you phrase "are you into me?" in a non-terrifying way? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:35 PM PST - 23 comments

Books about conspiracy.

[Englishmajors-filter]: Looking for works of literature that deal with conspiracy, real or imagined. [more inside]
posted by ms.codex at 9:25 PM PST - 36 comments

Monday/Tuesday Bay Area Stuff to Do

What else can I visit in the last 2 days of my Bay-area visit? [more inside]
posted by yellowbkpk at 9:20 PM PST - 12 comments

Drug addiction in the 50's-70's

Was there a measured increase in drug addiction due to the hippie movement? What were the drug addiction rates like in the 1950's compared to the 60's and 70's. Are there any resources that have historical data on addiction rates and the particular substances popular at the time? [more inside]
posted by TheJoven at 9:02 PM PST - 14 comments

Where can I buy a toy gun that can be made to look like Bruce Willis' in the 5th Element movie?

Help me complete my 5th Element movie bruce willis costume please! I'm looking for a toy gun that looks sort of like his in the movie. Would like to keep it under $15, just looking for something close. I don't mind painting it or doing some slight modification.
posted by I like to eat meat at 8:59 PM PST - 10 comments

Please go away.

How can we get the sexist guy to stop attending our feminist book group? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:45 PM PST - 38 comments

How should I stay warm this winter?

Which is more efficient/economical to run: a baseboard heater or an oil-filled radiator-type space heater? [more inside]
posted by apricot at 8:40 PM PST - 12 comments

Where to buy lingon berries?

Where can I buy preserved lingon berries? [more inside]
posted by robtf3 at 8:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Math Symbol Mystery

I've never seen this mathematical symbol used this way before. Can anyone tell me what it means? [more inside]
posted by mazniak at 8:19 PM PST - 8 comments

Will the NTI mouth guard keep my teeth in place?

Will my NTI mouth guard help my teeth stay in place? (Similar to a retainer) [more inside]
posted by jModug at 8:18 PM PST - 2 comments

Best Hair Product for Men

Men with short hair: what hair product do you use to style your hair on a daily basis, if any? [more inside]
posted by jameslavelle3 at 8:02 PM PST - 36 comments

Learning to make better decisions in relationships filter:

Help me get over a broken heart uber-style. I'm taking my recent relationship experience to the max and looking at why I do what I do. Can you help me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:52 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me pick the better cruise

Please help me choose between two cruises in the eastern Mediterranean (Croatia and Greece). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:52 PM PST - 5 comments

how to pack shoes for shipment

how do i pack my shoes for cross-country shipment? [more inside]
posted by anya32 at 7:42 PM PST - 3 comments

Find me a good cheap soprano sax!

Is the soprano sax a good instrument for a 10 year old, and how am I going to find a reasonable quality instrument for her under $400 dollars? [more inside]
posted by singingfish at 7:39 PM PST - 19 comments

Getting a duvet into a duvet cover without losing one's mind

Duvet/comforter users! I know there are plenty of you out there, and I would like to join your happy (and warm) ranks, but I have one question: is there ANY way to get a duvet/comforter INTO a duvet/comforter cover that does not result in (a) an asymmetrical lumpy bunchy MESS, and (b) GIBBERING INSANITY?? [more inside]
posted by Kat Allison at 7:37 PM PST - 25 comments

Recipe on a tombstone

My Googling skills are apparently insufficient. I remember once upon a time seeing on the web a picture of a woman's tombstone that said something like "I told you you could have my (coffee cake?) recipe over my dead body" and underneath followed the recipe. Does anyone know where on the net it is? Thanks!
posted by Daddy-O at 7:31 PM PST - 6 comments

beep beep beep

Where can I find an alarm clock like the one I've had and loved for years? (General Electric Clock Radio 7-4837C) Required features are inside. [more inside]
posted by KateHasQuestions at 7:28 PM PST - 4 comments

Songs similar to Spring Awakening's "Touch Me?"

I love the song "Touch Me" from Spring Awakening. Are there more like it? [more inside]
posted by mellifluous at 7:24 PM PST - 6 comments

skin cancer, no health insurance

My friend appears to have Basal Cell Carcinoma on his ear. He has no health insurance and has so far been denied any low-income health care options. This thing needs to be removed from his ear. We are in Portland, OR. Does anyone please know of any options/services/programs that can help with this sort of thing? [more inside]
posted by ainsley at 7:23 PM PST - 6 comments

What was the searchable public records site for California?

There used to be a website for California where you could enter anyone's name and get a public record on them- all their driving and criminal history was available, free, online. I can't find it anymore. Help?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 7:05 PM PST - 6 comments

Researching flight without sepcific destination?

I would like to take a flight to Europe in January. I don't care where in Europe I go, and can fly out of pretty much anywhere in the south (I would prefer Atlanta, though). Is there a site out there that doesn't require me to pick a specific starting and ending destination?
posted by 2legit2quit at 7:01 PM PST - 3 comments

What is a creative way to successfully accommodate homeless populations?

This post inspired this question: What can be done on a community-scale to successfully accommodate our island's homeless population? [more inside]
posted by Mike Mongo at 6:42 PM PST - 5 comments

When solo road-trips get old...

I have a week vacation for Thanksgiving. Usually I take off for a road-trip, but last year - British Columbia - I found for the first time the thrill of the open road being overtaken by a sense of loneliness and (somewhat) isolation. I'm single and have travelled a lot on my own, but now I kinda don't wanna, but I would like to have an experience with my week off. And it's been a pretty tough year (right?) and I could use a break. How do single people navigate this? [more inside]
posted by forallmankind at 6:35 PM PST - 10 comments

security for wheel covers?

Wheel covers keep getting stolen. Any way to secure them? [more inside]
posted by datacenter refugee at 6:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Modern TV Needed

Help me find a new LCD television for my modern guest bedroom. [more inside]
posted by shew at 6:03 PM PST - 8 comments

Should I get the H1N1 vaccination?

Is it really worth getting the H1N1 flu shot? [more inside]
posted by KokuRyu at 5:38 PM PST - 23 comments

Do I start working the graveyard shift?

How do I get better sleep on Cipralex/Lexapro? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:28 PM PST - 14 comments

How to keep dry hands clean

How can I keep my hands clean without water or alcohol? [more inside]
posted by queseyo at 5:25 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to give off a vibe of 'anime' without being a particular character.

[AnimeCostumeFilter] What are some elements that could make up a 'generic anime costume'? [more inside]
posted by jacalata at 5:23 PM PST - 13 comments

Mythbusters vs. Common Sense part 2371213

Why aren't cars dimpled like golf balls if it increases fuel efficiency? [more inside]
posted by tehloki at 5:10 PM PST - 28 comments

when the clock strikes half past 6, babe

How can I make a Mac Tonight head? [more inside]
posted by troika at 4:49 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I get comfortable in this tub?

The bathtub in our new apartment has really straight sides making it impossible to recline. How do I make it more comfortable ? [more inside]
posted by gfrobe at 4:49 PM PST - 13 comments

Kid's Lincoln costume in Austin, TX.

Where can I buy a little boy's size M or L Abraham Lincoln costume in Austin, TX for less than $35? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:35 PM PST - 2 comments

Can anyone identify the manufacturer of these ceiling light fixtures?

Can anyone identify the manufacturer of these ceiling light fixtures? [more inside]
posted by anonymice at 4:22 PM PST - 3 comments

How to install tile on oily surface?

Need help with talavera tile installation on oil impregnated plywood. [more inside]
posted by leafwoman at 4:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Recommendations for a lightweight cruiser bicycle?

I need recommendations for a relatively lightweight cruiser-type bicycle. I have an Electra Townie, and I like everything about it except the weight (about 35 lbs.) Is there a lighter alternative out there? I'm ideally looking for something that has raised handlebars, a comfortable saddle and easy-to-change gears (good for a bike novice.) I'm not looking for a single-speed.
posted by zembla3 at 3:45 PM PST - 15 comments

Can an extrovert and introvert prosper together?

My girlfriend is extremely outgoing while I enjoy quite evenings at home. How do we keep both sides happy and satisfied? [more inside]
posted by Sentus at 3:35 PM PST - 22 comments

Adding ADDITIONAL audio to an avi file

How do I add an additional audio track to a .avi movie file in OSX? I downloaded a full length movie, it had stereo channel audio, but one of the audio tracks was still missing, possibly the center channel that was lost from a surround sound mix when it was bounced to standard 2 channel audio. I now have the missing audio file and need to add it to the other two. [more inside]
posted by Charlie Lesoine at 3:23 PM PST - 5 comments

Finding an unwilling adult

Is there any way to find my friend's bipolar/schizophrenic sister? [more inside]
posted by medea42 at 2:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me listen to lastfm in itunes

I just bought a airport express to listen to my tunes on my stereo in the living room. Since the AP-Express will only play music through itunes anyone point me in a direction to do the following: I would like to create a station in lastfm and have it stream through itunes. Anyone aware of a freeware solution. Imac 10.5.8
posted by citybuddha at 2:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Playlists won't stay random after transfer to iPod

Playlists set to random in iTunes won't stay random on my iPod. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by friarjohn at 2:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Since the CalDMV screwed up my smog check date?

California DMV Filter -- "Smog Check Needed" is NOT printed on my registration renewel form, although it should be. Should I get an emission check anyway? [more inside]
posted by Rash at 2:30 PM PST - 17 comments

Simple background source on Iran election protests 2009

Can anyone recommend a good, general overview source on the June 09 election, protests, and aftermath in Iran? I need something to link to as a backgrounder. [more inside]
posted by leticia at 2:14 PM PST - 1 comment

Weather software for the Mac?

Is there any weather software for the Mac that is comparable to GRLevel3 on Windows? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 2:06 PM PST - 1 comment

How much flight information is on a credit card statement

I am buying a plane ticket with my credit card and someone else has access to my credit card statements. How much information about my flight will that person be able to get? [more inside]
posted by thewestinggame at 1:52 PM PST - 21 comments

Sharif wore a cape, and other soch bio's.

Are there books on the history of sociology (or social psycology) told through the sociologists? [more inside]
posted by elationfoundation at 1:33 PM PST - 2 comments

Poles from Lviv/Lwow - emigration or forced resettlement?

At the end of World War II, would a Polish-ethnicity girl/young woman and her family from Lwów/Lviv have been given the option of moving west of the Curzon line to post-war Poland, or would they have been forcibly resettled? [more inside]
posted by mdonley at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Is it true that the first thing women check out on a guy are his glutes?

Is it true that the first thing women check out on a guy are his glutes? [more inside]
posted by pu9iad at 11:51 AM PST - 93 comments

Hoots mon, I'm awa tae hunt the meatless haggis.

I'm planning a haggis-centric party and will make semi-traditional haggis from this recipe. I also need to make a vegetarian version, so what would be a tasty veggie substitute for the meat (preferably using the same recipe)? The meats to replace are "chopped cooked liver and chopped cooked heart (Or stew beef, or filet mignon)" and ground lamb. I'm in California, in case that makes a difference about ingredient availability. Full recipe below, in case Geocities has closed. [more inside]
posted by anadem at 11:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Gestalt Prayer Poster

Help me find a poster with the Gestalt Prayer (in its entirety) on it! [more inside]
posted by emilyd22222 at 11:07 AM PST - 1 comment

Need. Internet. Back.

Why can't I connect to the internet anymore? Is customer service giving me a plausible explanation? [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 10:57 AM PST - 17 comments

Would you pay to post?

I'm starting a web forum. Should I charge users? [more inside]
posted by bryon at 10:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Pedestrian's shoes; pedestrians' rights

This is a two-part question. First, what are the ideal shoes for long-distance walking on paved or gravel roads? Second, what rights do I have as a suburban/urban pedestrian in California in terms of not being hassled by "authorities"? [more inside]
posted by quarantine at 10:48 AM PST - 19 comments

What are fishtank plant sculptures made of (and are they toxic)?

My wife bought this fishtank plant sculpture. One of the 'rocks' got chipped, leaving a big white spot (looks like plaster). Is it still safe to use? [more inside]
posted by johnstein at 10:29 AM PST - 2 comments

His depression is making me depressed

My boyfriend is depressed, again, and I'm starting to get concerned that I don't have the patience to get through it with him this time. I want to help him, but I'm not sure how many times I can keep doing this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:44 AM PST - 26 comments

Where can I get affordable online access to academic journals?

Where can I get affordable online access to many academic journals? Generally only large university libraries have paid the expensive subscriptions for electronic access to academic journals. Sometimes these libraries let users access the journals online. But I am not affiliated with any university. Are there any libraries I can join by paying a fee, that would give me online access to many online journals? I need journals in biological and physical sciences.
posted by algal at 9:16 AM PST - 22 comments

Use a freestanding grill in an outdoor kitchen island?

Use a freestanding grill in an outdoor kitchen island? [more inside]
posted by monkeybutt at 9:10 AM PST - 2 comments

Long Tail Theory

Where can I learn more about the theory behind The Long Tail? I've read the book but want something more than just examples. [more inside]
posted by nam3d at 9:07 AM PST - 8 comments

List Bookmarks to Geocities Domain

Quick! Geocities closes shop tomorrow! Is there an efficient way to search my favorites/bookmarks for geocities pages that might be in there? So I can steal the content before it goes bye bye? [more inside]
posted by rahnefan at 8:42 AM PST - 10 comments

Help, need to get out of my "slump"!

Worried about my emotional well-being, and my future. Need some good Metafilter advice.... I am a 34 y/o female who is gainfully employed and generally self-sufficient (own my own home, car, take care of the house, etc.) but I am extremely lonely and feel more and more isolated everyday. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:12 AM PST - 31 comments

US citizen working in Egypt

I just received a job offer, for a senior architect position in a very known contracting firm in Cairo. FYI, I have 8 years of experience as an architect and an M.Arch degree. However, I was shocked to see the figures associated, they are so low, and there are a lot of other concerns about rent fees and work hours, etc.. I will list some of the things below, please advise, if you have worked in Egypt, or familiar with the work law there. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:11 AM PST - 11 comments

How much more black could it get? None.

Tried developing my first bw film last night and it didn't turn out at all - what did I do wrong? [more inside]
posted by Gortuk at 7:51 AM PST - 21 comments

My son has the swine flu. Should I give him tamiflu?

My son has the swine flu. Now what? Should I give him Tamiflu? He is 5 years old, and I also have a 3 year old and a 1 year old, should they also get Tamiflu? Should my wife and I also take it? [more inside]
posted by tedunni at 7:42 AM PST - 27 comments

Train watching in Philadelphia

It's a lovely Fall day. Where's a good place to take some young 'uns train watching in Philadelphia? The priority is on lots of trains, up close. I don't mind paying to get on a platform. Proximity to West Philly a bonus. Thank you!
posted by carter at 7:28 AM PST - 6 comments

Will Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit utilize 8GB of RAM?

Just for confirmation, will Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit utilize 8GB of RAM? [more inside]
posted by omaralarifi at 7:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Can you recommend a good computer repair place in Hong Kong?

Recommended computer repair service in Hong Kong? [more inside]
posted by lmm at 6:57 AM PST - 0 comments

Brie or Camembert?

What's the difference between Brie and Camembert, apart from wheel size? [more inside]
posted by Wolof at 6:31 AM PST - 13 comments

I can haz media centre?

I'd like to build the world's cheapest media center PC. Budget is teensy. [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 6:14 AM PST - 8 comments

To mac or not to mac

Which mac should I get? [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 5:21 AM PST - 23 comments

Please suggest a software to password protect and hide data on Windows 7.

How do I password protect a folder or partition in windows 7 and also not have its contents included in Windows index or Everything. [more inside]
posted by libbrichus at 1:08 AM PST - 7 comments

Maybe a doctor designed the label...

Help me read the cursive script on the label of this hand-me-down yarn? [more inside]
posted by Syllables at 12:28 AM PST - 6 comments

October 24

What is this music?

What is this music?
posted by Anything at 10:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for a camcorder with composite input

Do you know of any camcorders or portable video recorders with composite (analog) input? [more inside]
posted by jstech at 10:18 PM PST - 2 comments

God's knocks?

Help me find a quote I have forgotten. [more inside]
posted by Acacia at 10:00 PM PST - 1 comment

Selling raw data for fun and profit

Anybody has experience selling raw data? [more inside]
posted by raghuram at 9:41 PM PST - 10 comments

What is the name of this game?

A quickie - what's the name of the game where a bunch of people sit in a circle and the first person whispers a secret into the ear of the person on one side, they whisper it to the next, and it goes around the circle, only to end up being an entirely different secret? [more inside]
posted by zinfandel at 9:28 PM PST - 36 comments

Can I take this expired cough syrup? Just for tonight?

Terrible cough, too late to leave the house in search of remedies -- can I take this expired (expired April 2009) prescription Tussionex cough syrup or is there a better solution in my house? [more inside]
posted by tastybrains at 9:25 PM PST - 14 comments

Divorce, even if nothing is bad?

I (male) have been married for a number of years (~10). Nothing is necessarily bad about our marriage, but I've felt that we've been lacking passion since before we were married. It just never seemed to matter enough to be worth a divorce.. except that it does matter in the end. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:24 PM PST - 34 comments

Mass text on the iPhone

I often have to text a lot of people (as in, 50) simultaneously. The iPhone I'm going to get (don't even try to dissuade me ;-) will make this a very sad experience for me. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by dondiego87 at 8:44 PM PST - 18 comments

I need scratch proof progressive lenses

Looking for seriously scratch-proof progressive lenses for frames I already have. [more inside]
posted by sugarbx19 at 7:42 PM PST - 5 comments

Clear a hard-drive, copy another onto it, then clear that other drive

Looking for step by step instructions on how to clear a hard drive and then copy one drive (that boots Windows 7) to that drive I just cleared, then clear the old boot drive. [more inside]
posted by The Devil Tesla at 7:41 PM PST - 5 comments

Dark Corners: huh?

Plateofbeaning Dark Corners the movie? Oddities, trivia and overanalysis for your amusement. Spoilers inside, I'm sure. [more inside]
posted by Iosephus at 6:35 PM PST - 0 comments

Am I considered a stoner if I eat hemp seed?

If I consume dietary hemp seed, will the THC show up on a drug test? [more inside]
posted by torquemaniac at 6:02 PM PST - 9 comments

Badass small dog meets one bigger and badder

Our dog got in a fight and was bitten. It's just a flesh wound, but how should we care for it? [more inside]
posted by Atom12 at 5:52 PM PST - 10 comments

The longest shot ever.

OK, something that been bugging me for a long time: Can someone identify a foreign film/tv show from the 80's given some memories of production details? [more inside]
posted by pjern at 4:31 PM PST - 5 comments

Why are you digging?

Why is Stir of Echoes trending on Google? [more inside]
posted by hnnrs at 4:30 PM PST - 2 comments

How to get famous in 30 days?

How could one acquire some degree of fame in 30 days? [more inside]
posted by GIMG at 4:25 PM PST - 42 comments

Need recommendations for kitchen appliances

Need a full new suite of kitchen appliances, would like some recommendations. Got some prices on some Electrolux models today that looked great, but some quick research on the web doesn't leave me so confident. Is this a case of the squeaky wheel complaining online and they're actually a solid product? Or should I be worried. I'm looking for all stainless steel appliances: fridge with ice-maker, slide-in stove, dishwasher, and range-hood microwave. Specifically I'm looking for a large fridge and electric stove I'm in Canada if that makes a difference.
posted by gfroese at 4:19 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm a 26 year old guy. Is the car I want a car I SHOULD be getting?

I need to get a car, but I don't do much driving... so I don't want to spend a lot. That means I'm looking at the new Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3 class of cars (all 2010). Of the group, the Mazda 3 is my favorite by far. Thing is, I don't really know much about cars + I'm a 26 year old guy = is the Mazda 3 a chicks car? [more inside]
posted by creative at 3:54 PM PST - 70 comments

Not sure what you want?

Have you ever felt that you are lost and not sure about your life, purposes, what you want for yourself and how you want to live your life? [more inside]
posted by stillhopeful at 3:36 PM PST - 23 comments

Mac to PC help from far away

I bought a used iMac G5 and I'm getting ready to send it to my mom as a gift. She hasn't used a mac since like 1995.What is a good program to install on here so that I can help her remotely? I'm on a PC. Free would be the best. I don't have a lot of money for this project. [more inside]
posted by amethysts at 3:29 PM PST - 14 comments

Here Comes Another Song

"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles, "Here Comes Your Man" by the Pixies, "Here Comes My Baby" by Cat Stevens. Besides the name, these songs have some similar musical qualities. Any other songs fit (even if the name doesn't)? [more inside]
posted by Corduroy at 2:57 PM PST - 33 comments

Rosie Perez clip from White Men Can't Jump

Can anyone find me a clip of Rosie Perez saying "Mount Suvius" in White Men Can't Jump? Thanks!
posted by mpls2 at 2:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Timecode Filter

Does any one know of a free or inexpensive software that will use the computers sound card to generate LTC timecode. I would like to be able to use a PC as a master clock to feed time of day time code to various decks. [more inside]
posted by jmsta at 2:32 PM PST - 3 comments

Hardcopy of IPCCs "2007 Synthesis Report?"

Can I buy a hardcopy of the IPCC's "Climate Change 2007 Synthesis Report?" [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis at 2:16 PM PST - 4 comments

Searching for Sara/Sarah!

Please help me ID a song from the 80's! [more inside]
posted by bookmammal at 2:14 PM PST - 3 comments

Concrete mulch.

Is using a concrete slab with holes for plantings the best weed prevention in my backyard garden? [more inside]
posted by boby at 1:54 PM PST - 14 comments

Best English-language books on improving one's social and conversational skills

What are the best English-language books in existence on improving one's social and conversational skills? [more inside]
posted by cotesdurhone at 1:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Bluetooth receiver for home Hi-Fi?

How do I stream music from an iPod Touch to a conventional Hi-Fi wirelessly? Bluetooth A2DP would seem to be perfect - but I need a gadget wired in to the hi-fi that will receive the signal and play it. What gadget (from the UK)? [more inside]
posted by grahamwell at 12:50 PM PST - 11 comments

Was this a date?

Was it a date? Last night I went out for a few drinks with a guy I've been interested in, but was it just friends hanging out? [more inside]
posted by hannahlambda at 12:47 PM PST - 27 comments

The Spinner of War

How difficult would it be to modify/simplify this Java spinner so I can better model war for my Intro to International Relations class? [more inside]
posted by brozek at 12:30 PM PST - 9 comments

The puzzling Palmaris Longus

The Palmaris Longus is a notorious muscle of the hand since some people don't have it at all. Wait, what!? [more inside]
posted by jgwong at 12:10 PM PST - 29 comments

[relationshipfilter] Suggestions on working within an open relationship (not including, get out of it)?

Offer me suggestions on my open relationship. I believe in it - but still feel a little weird about it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:59 AM PST - 36 comments

How does my alt-weekly get to my cafe?

How do free alt-weeklies and zines get access to their distribution points? Is it as simple as asking or do they pay rent/barter some ad space in return for a place to put their magazine?
posted by the christopher hundreds at 11:08 AM PST - 6 comments

How do we compare and choose between two (almost) identical beds?

My wife and I are looking to buy a new (queen size) bed, and trying to decide between two beds from two different stores. Both are actually quite similar in terms of look/style and price. [more inside]
posted by avoision at 11:07 AM PST - 10 comments

Mp3 players with good sound quality?

mp3playerfilter: what's the mp3 player that gives the best quality sound? [more inside]
posted by litleozy at 10:58 AM PST - 13 comments

Say now shibboleth

Do I have a stammer? How do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:53 AM PST - 4 comments

How to avoid police charges?

After being apprehended but before being charged by the police, how do you maximize your chances of being let off with a warning? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:53 AM PST - 21 comments

How to make the music stop skipping?

Calling all network experts...How can I make the music on my PC stop skipping? [more inside]
posted by st starseed at 10:44 AM PST - 10 comments

For Dog's Sake - Help Me Start A Business!

What do I need to know about starting a dogwalking/sitting service? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 10:07 AM PST - 6 comments

Honestly, mountain and dog, it's nothing personal.

Where can I find some good alternative icons for GIMP and Inkscape? I already found these, which are nice, but I'm still not entirely satisfied. [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 10:01 AM PST - 2 comments

Affordable parking in Washington, D.C.

Parking my car at the Renaissance Hotel on Mt. Vernon Square during a conference in Washington DC in November will cost $25 a day. Is there something else I should do with my car for the 4 days I will be in town?
posted by billtron at 9:47 AM PST - 9 comments

Looking for information about kayaking near Gardiner, NY.

Looking for information about kayaking near Gardiner, NY. [more inside]
posted by staveitoff123 at 9:22 AM PST - 3 comments

Print is dead; help me replace it

What's the best platform for a local community news and events site? [more inside]
posted by TochterAusElysium at 9:16 AM PST - 5 comments

What halloween crafts / art activities do the 5-7 year olds in your life enjoy doing?

What Halloween crafts / art activities do the 5-8 year olds in your life enjoy doing? [more inside]
posted by nothingsconstant at 8:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Looking for fellow marketeers

Intelligent marketing discussions online? [more inside]
posted by OctopusRex at 8:46 AM PST - 1 comment

Hackintosh netbooks

I am thinking of hackintoshing a netbook and would like some guidance from those with some experience in this area. I have several questions: [more inside]
posted by Bango Skank at 8:23 AM PST - 18 comments

Do you remember this series?

What was the name of the British stop-motion/claymation series that was on Comedy Central about ten years ago, featuring vulgar, working-class type characters?
posted by moorooka at 6:23 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm tired of not knowing what this song is! Ba-dum-dum.

Please help me identify a song I heard about 10-12 years ago. Not much to go on inside. [more inside]
posted by Lucinda at 5:45 AM PST - 7 comments

How to calm oneself after a severe emotional shock

What are some good centring/calming exercises for a massage therapist? I've had a huge shock and need to get myself together before Tuesday. [more inside]
posted by flutable at 5:27 AM PST - 7 comments

Phonefilter: help me choose a new smartphone that's not a iPhone for email and roaming?

Phonefilter: Help me choose a new smartphone with QWERTY keyboard. Primarily for email, some browsing, calendars. Constraints: in the UK, contract may be a problem, need to use overseas a lot, I rarely use the phone part, don't want an iPhone. [more inside]
posted by wingless_angel at 5:24 AM PST - 10 comments

Vegetarian seeks tasty food in Western Europe

What tasty foods should an adventurous vegetarian eat in the UK and Western Europe? [more inside]
posted by embrangled at 4:57 AM PST - 23 comments

How do I get Dolly Parton's cleavage?

How can I get cheap, comfortable, semi-realistic giant fake breasts for Halloween? Yes, I'm going as Dolly Parton. I'm also a girl with some already not-insignificant boobs going on. (And yeah, we may well be overthinking this giant plate of beans.) [more inside]
posted by web-goddess at 3:35 AM PST - 15 comments

Hardboiled.

Should I eat it? Hard boiled eggs left in water over night. [more inside]
posted by molecicco at 3:27 AM PST - 27 comments

What's it called, you know those umm...

What is a place called when it is a one or two person self-contained 'retreat' set up for writers/artists to get away from it all to write their masterpiece/compile their exhibition pieces etc? [more inside]
posted by Kerasia at 2:16 AM PST - 10 comments

I just accidentally broke my friend's ridiculously fragile brand new laptop. Please help me fix it.

My good friend just purchased a $3k Apple laptop, which she received today. I spent four hours this afternoon installing software and setting it up for her. Once we were all done, and ready to go out and celebrate good times, new laptops, and Friday nights, we high fived, and I shut the laptop gently...with the tiny, clear, flexible, plastic charger cap unknowingly inside. Now the screen is completely cracked, fractalled, damaged, and very sadly colorful. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 2:14 AM PST - 29 comments

October 23

I'm trying to win a bet

Is Windows 7 an upgraded version of Vista (like Snow Leopard presumably is of Leopard) or completely re-built from the bottom up?
posted by metacort at 11:30 PM PST - 19 comments

Please help me find when the moon disappears, so I can watch it.

Back about a decade ago, I happened to be watching in early evening as the moon went from thin sliver to complete disappearance. It was one of those unexpected and somewhat wondrous moments of my life (due to many circumstances of the time, and the unplanned coolness of it). I'd like to see it again. Is there some schedule for me to tell when this is going to happen again visible from my area? [more inside]
posted by Kickstart70 at 10:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Bay Area Dermatologist Recommendations?

Can anyone recommend a good (for acne) dermatologist in the Bay Area (SanJose/SantaCruz) [more inside]
posted by noahdubya at 10:19 PM PST - 2 comments

Can't I have my cake...?

Would it even be possible to pursue a friendship, or a good idea, for that matter? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:17 PM PST - 31 comments

books? why do you need books?

Library of the future? [more inside]
posted by fifilaru at 9:02 PM PST - 25 comments

Eco-friendly waste paper? Well, more neighbor-friendly ...

I'm working on reproducing an old childhood amusement with less messy waste or just dealing with ignoring the debris .... eggs to throw at each other. [more inside]
posted by tilde at 8:41 PM PST - 13 comments

Under-maintained car is under-maintained. What now?

How should I keep my under-maintained 1999 Mazda Protégé running safely for just a few more months? [more inside]
posted by fermata at 8:19 PM PST - 14 comments

Calling the heart line

Acoustic modem + cell phone. Can it be done? More inside... [more inside]
posted by littlerobothead at 8:02 PM PST - 10 comments

Teach em how to fish and they'll give us better cities, or something

Calling all planners, public admin. types, adult education gurus and other smarty pants: I need to develop a training program or at least a strategy for developing a training program for further planning on the local level, put the hard parts. [more inside]
posted by stormygrey at 7:34 PM PST - 10 comments

Used clothes in Detroit

What are your favorite used clothing/thrift stores in the Detroit metro area and/or Ann Arbor?
posted by lolo341 at 6:42 PM PST - 5 comments

Are there any NYC photographers who will do family portraits for a reasonable price?

I don't know why photographers' websites are all so terrible, but I am having difficulty looking for a good photographer in New York City who will display a general idea of rates. I want to get some family portraits done (6 adults, one baby), and I want something better than Sears, but something less than $1,000. [more inside]
posted by eggplantia5 at 6:39 PM PST - 13 comments

Thick + Thick = Thin?

What happened to my Shampoo? I mixed two different Shampoo brands about 70/30 and liked the resultant mixture. The next time I mixed them 50/50 and overnight the mixture lost all it's "thickness" (viscosity, I guess) and still works fine, but is as thin as milk if not thinner. [more inside]
posted by Rafaelloello at 6:30 PM PST - 7 comments

Is it legal to sell used books and mazines retrieved from a bookstore dumpster?

Is it legal to sell books, magazines and other items found in a bookstore dumpster on eBay? [more inside]
posted by meggie78 at 6:29 PM PST - 16 comments

What is this buffalo burger joint?

I'm trying to figure out the name of a restaurant (burger joint) that is probably within 100 miles of some edge of Yellowstone National Park. What I remember: it served buffalo burgers, and had an alliterative name with a woman's name and some sort of negative adjective. That adjective may have been "horrible," i'm more certain that it started with the letter "h." I seem to remember some piece of lore about the owner or maybe the owner's son being a chainsmoker. Google fails me. Help!
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 5:55 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I introduce sexual role-playing to my wife?

How do I introduce sexual role-playing to my wife? She doesn't seem to get it and/or is very threatened by it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:33 PM PST - 38 comments

According to tradition, which side of the bed should a man sleep on?

In heterosexual relationships, is there a side of the bed that men normally sleep on? Is there any kind of tradition behind it? Like, if you're standing at the foot of the bed looking at the pillows, are men supposed to sleep on the left or right side? My dad always slept on the left side. And myself, with my last girlfriend, I also slept on the left side. Am I unconsciously re-enacting some kind of old tradition as to what side I'm supposed to sleep on? [more inside]
posted by Sully at 4:27 PM PST - 127 comments

How do I feel more confident among more accomplished people?

How do I keep myself from feeling inadequate in certain professional settings? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:36 PM PST - 14 comments

How to reliably rent an AWD vehicle when flying to the Tahoe area?

I'll be regularly flying in to ski near N. Lake Tahoe this winter. Which airport should I fly into and which rental agency should I use to be most assured of getting an AWD vehicle? [more inside]
posted by brain at 3:27 PM PST - 4 comments

Importers / Wholesalers advertising on Google?

Any have experience dealing with online wholesale importers as an end consumer (i.e., not a retailer, just a guy who wants some buckles) ? [more inside]
posted by Squid Voltaire at 3:18 PM PST - 1 comment

If it was private, why was it in our account?

What is good shared email account etiquette? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:17 PM PST - 35 comments

Where can I find more goofy, archaic terms?

Where can I find more goofy, archaic terms? I'm writing a comic book where one of the characters is an upper-class fellow from the 1800s, and I want to put some outdated slang in his mouth, along the lines of the phrases Mr. Burns sometimes spouts on the Simpsons: flimshaw, goldbrickers, slug-a-beds, aeromail, autogyro, petroleum distillate... [more inside]
posted by gern at 2:53 PM PST - 17 comments

cognitive biases

Cognitive Biases - better list than Wikipedia? I have encountered a few more than mentioned at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cognitive_biases Are there many more or these biases? Please point me in the right direction. THX BB
posted by bright77blue at 2:52 PM PST - 13 comments

Annexation of Texas Video Clip

What are some documentaries/movies/video clips that are about the Annexation of Texas? [more inside]
posted by kylej at 2:49 PM PST - 1 comment

Cosmetology for dead people.

Are you a mortuary makeup artist or know someone that is? [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte at 2:45 PM PST - 5 comments

Photo workshop recommendations.

Any recommendations for great multi-day photo workshops for advanced amateurs (preferably in the western US)? [more inside]
posted by EnormousTalkingOnion at 2:37 PM PST - 2 comments

Curiously Stronger

Where can I get the best (strongest) mints in the world? [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 2:16 PM PST - 11 comments

The twenty most important numbers

In a talk (at TED) by Brian Greene on string theory he says that there are "there appear to be about 20 numbers that really describe our universe..." He lists a few in his talk, but what are the rest of of those numbers? [more inside]
posted by bigmusic at 2:13 PM PST - 8 comments

Moving In Wintertime

My wife and I are moving from NYC to Denver in the middle of January. We'll likely be shipping some stuff and then driving. I've never moved during the winter, so I'm looking for advice from people who have moved through snow or know of any issues getting to Denver around January. Best routes? [more inside]
posted by scrutiny at 2:10 PM PST - 6 comments

This made so much sense last night while falling asleep

How is "I should mind" used to mean "I don't really mind"? This and other grammar/language questions inside. [more inside]
posted by rossination at 2:08 PM PST - 11 comments

Will I kill the poor, defenseless plants?

Is late October late to plant some shrubs in the PNW? [more inside]
posted by Zoyashka at 2:01 PM PST - 4 comments

How Do I Get My Website/Blog Out There?

How can I expand my blog/website's reach. [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 2:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I attempt a long bike ride even though I'm sick?

I had plans to ride my bike from Chicago to Milwaukee tomorrow with my husband and two friends (about 100 miles). Now I've come down with a pretty bad cold. Should I cancel or try to power through? Have you ever done a lot of physical activity while recovering from a cold, and how did you fare? [more inside]
posted by misskaz at 1:45 PM PST - 20 comments

Amo Amas Awhat?

Is there a Medieval Linguist in the house? I need a very short conversation between Cistercian nuns in Saxony translated into Medieval Latin. Any help so I don't sound like a complete idiot warmly welcomed. [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 1:23 PM PST - 7 comments

What is delicious in a cold tortilla wrap?

What is delicious in a cold tortilla wrap? Other than chicken. [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 1:19 PM PST - 28 comments

Infant: H1N1 flu vaccine now or wait for preservative-free version

Is it worth delaying H1N1 swine flu vaccination for an 8-month-old infant to get the preservative-free version? [more inside]
posted by NortonDC at 1:15 PM PST - 52 comments

WIN XP Directory Tree Software help?

Need software which enables saving my Windows XP file directory tree and shows subfolders as a .gif, .jpg or .bmp. Google found some software which saves it as a text file, but I want the visuals of the actual folders in the tree structure.
posted by dorgla at 1:13 PM PST - 1 comment

I used to have a dearth of iPhones. Now I have a glut of iPhones.

Last week I lost my iPhone. Yesterday my new iPhone was delivered. Today we discovered my original iPhone lying face-down in my front yard. Now what? [more inside]
posted by harperpitt at 1:11 PM PST - 15 comments

How to help a depressed loved one

What can be done about someone having a MAJOR depressive episode? A loved one has been having a HORRIBLE time spending days on my couch with her head covered. The doctor doubled her medicine last week but wondering what can be done for until that possibly kicks in? [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 1:06 PM PST - 28 comments

Non-smoking Apartments in St. Louis

Can you recommend a non-smoking apartment in St. Louis or St. Louis County? The closer to Clayton, the better. [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 12:42 PM PST - 2 comments

What's the best way to keep a viewers attention for a long manifesto from a design perspective?

What's the best way to keep a viewers attention for a long manifesto from a design perspective? What elements/techniques within the document could be used? [more inside]
posted by brokekid at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments

AniPod?

I have a substantial amount of anime that I'd like to watch, but a less-than-perfect system for doing it. Pretty much all of it is in .mkv files (h.264 video and AAC audio) with subtitles, and I'd like to transcode them to a format that's playable on either my iPhone or my PS3 with subtitles intact. I've tried both handbrake and VLC, and I either get 1) no subtitles in handbrake or 2) encoder errors in VLC. So, hive mind, what am I doing wrong here?
posted by Oktober at 12:29 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for metal brackets / architectural frames / sign holders by the end of the day Monday, in NYC

I'm looking for some metal brackets / architectural frames / sign holders by the end of the day Monday, in NYC. [more inside]
posted by Optimus Chyme at 12:26 PM PST - 5 comments

How should I install Windows 7?

How should I install Windows 7? [more inside]
posted by cheapskatebay at 12:25 PM PST - 13 comments

Explaining anxiety to an adviser

Serious anxiety issues have caused be to break off contact with my adviser. How do I explain the situation to him? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:03 PM PST - 18 comments

What do you charge for a freelance scriptwriting gig?

I've been asked to write a series of scripts for online videos and I have no idea what to charge. Do you know the going rate for this type of service? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:03 PM PST - 4 comments

What are my rights with my insurance company?

What are my rights with my insurance company? [more inside]
posted by btkuhn at 12:02 PM PST - 6 comments

Hard drive reads a lit-tle too regularly.

My hard drive reads data like clockwork. Really! What's going on here? [more inside]
posted by Lord Fancy Pants at 11:41 AM PST - 25 comments

CPSIA - Help me get around this legislation so I can be in business again.

CPSIA - Help me get around this legislation so I can be in business again. [more inside]
posted by jaynedanger at 11:35 AM PST - 15 comments

Online Resouces For Online/Mobile Content Distribution

Is there a good single online resource to keep up-to-date in trends for online/mobile content distribution? [more inside]
posted by Idiot Mittens at 11:31 AM PST - 0 comments

Would a second Bachelor's Degree be worth anything to a graphic designer?

After getting laid off recently, I decided to enroll in a BFA program for graphic design, even though I am a grown up with a BA from a liberal arts university. Should I actually earn the degree or just use the classes to build a portfolio? [more inside]
posted by AtomicBee at 11:11 AM PST - 7 comments

Knife Sharpening

Any recommendations for a good knife sharpening place in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by DrGirlfriend at 11:04 AM PST - 11 comments

Why does my VB.NET app thinks it has to startup from the Class Library?

I have my VB.NET app (which includes a Class Library and several Forms) set to startup from the Windows Forms Application. Why am I getting the error message: "A project with an Output Type of Class Library cannot be started directly?" I'm trying to tell it not to start from the Class Library! Please help. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 11:03 AM PST - 6 comments

What's good website to request for items to borrow/buy locally from other people? Besides Craigslist.

What's good website to request for items to borrow/buy locally from other people? Besides Craigslist. [more inside]
posted by jeff1010 at 10:55 AM PST - 9 comments

Franco-Russian psychedelia?

Is there a name for this late 60s through early 70s aesthetic that was very common in (sort for for) children books and films? And if so, any recommendations beyond what is listed... [more inside]
posted by palindromic at 10:50 AM PST - 11 comments

Regarding Henry.

I am concerned about the welfare of my ailing neighbour's cat. [Slightly long.] [more inside]
posted by Wendy BD at 10:24 AM PST - 49 comments

Beyond peeled grapes and cold spaghetti

Next Thursday, I'm going to be forced to throw a Halloween party for about 15-20 second graders. Most, but not all, will be boys. We have a small house, and I have no freaking idea of what to do besides pump them full of sugar and hope that they don't break anything. I'd like to have some alternate plans. [more inside]
posted by bibliowench at 10:24 AM PST - 19 comments

Help me find an Artie, The Strongest Man In The World Shirt for Halloween!

I want to be Artie the Strongest Man in the World from the Adventures of Pete and Pete 90s Nickelodeon show....BUT I can't find a shirt that is anything close HELP! [more inside]
posted by PetiePal at 10:09 AM PST - 13 comments

how to print XKCD with image title?

How can I print an xkcd image with the alternate text and title? Or, even better, save it as a PDF. [more inside]
posted by mercredi at 10:06 AM PST - 4 comments

What can I do to most help cancer patients and those who love and care for them?

I've just started volunteering at a local hospital on the cancer ward. We've had some training and I do have some personal experience (family member) with cancer treatment, but I want to be as helpful as I can -- If you have spent time on a cancer ward, as a patient, family member or friend -- or as hospital staff, how can I, as a friendly stranger, be most helpful to someone like you? [more inside]
posted by nnk at 10:05 AM PST - 14 comments

Why are my PDFs becoming heavyweights?

Why do minor changes to a PDF in Photoshop CS3 radically increase the file size (from 200k to 6.5MB)? [more inside]
posted by steeb2er at 9:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Paralysis by Analysis

Has anyone gone through a period in their life where they've just become too overanalytical and serious? I started therapy a little over a year and a half ago and it has been great. I've gained a lot of additional understanding of myself which has been helpful but at the same time I think it's actually detrimental in other ways. [more inside]
posted by Garden at 9:48 AM PST - 12 comments

PHENOMINAL!

SoftDrinkFilter: Recently, Barr's have re-introduced the old style branding on their cans of Irn Bru (like so). But something has been bothering me since forever: what is the guy in the middle supposed to be? [more inside]
posted by littleredspiders at 8:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Quoting Proust

Looking for a Marcel Proust quote in the original French. [more inside]
posted by 1f2frfbf at 7:37 AM PST - 3 comments

Google forms auto-notification when updated

Looking for a way to have Google forms/spreadsheet send an e-mail notification when a form has been filled out. [more inside]
posted by jmd82 at 7:36 AM PST - 3 comments

Laptop Stolen. Options?

My younger brother was forced to check his laptop on an American Airlines flight out of Dallas/Fort Worth. You can probably see what's coming, but... [more inside]
posted by bokane at 7:28 AM PST - 18 comments

Fictional M to fictional F?

Looking for fictional female characters originally written as men. [more inside]
posted by sively at 7:27 AM PST - 43 comments

How can I filter out the bad and still hear the good?

How can I develop a thicker skin in my role as a public performer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:12 AM PST - 18 comments

How to get cats to use the litterbox?

How can i re-litter train my cats? [more inside]
posted by djduckie at 6:51 AM PST - 9 comments

There must be 50 ways to leave your employer... right?

Should I get out of this uncomfortable job? Complication: nepotism. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:36 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me be an IT wizard.

I will need to change careers, but I have a bit of time to plan this out. What should my next computer- or education-related job be? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:36 AM PST - 4 comments

Cats are not getting along anymore! Help!

Our two cats have taken a step backwards and are having difficulty living together. Need some help (re)socializing them. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 6:12 AM PST - 9 comments

Best 27" iMac Arm?

What are the best options for a desk mounted VESA compatible articulating arm for the new 27" iMac? [more inside]
posted by fairmettle at 5:21 AM PST - 8 comments

Online self-managed coginitive-behavioral therapy solution?

I found an article where researchers experimented with online self-managed coginitive-behavioral therapy (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/566048). Does such a system exist online?
posted by Josh Coe at 5:18 AM PST - 4 comments

Too gross to eat?

Can I still eat this steak even though ants have already partaken? [more inside]
posted by shelayna at 4:59 AM PST - 30 comments

How do I get over this self-inflicted anxiety?

I've got med students' disease. Please hope me. [more inside]
posted by different at 4:59 AM PST - 12 comments

Funky science displays for kids?

I have just started as a school science technician at an inner city school. Over the holiday I would like to spruce up the 5 science classrooms with displays covering the various disciplines. Does anyone know of any online resources, posters to download/print etc? [more inside]
posted by Saddo at 4:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Playing Those Mind Games Forever?

Possible Jungian Reasons for *Getting into Someone's Head*? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 2:23 AM PST - 4 comments

Hi, I'm an incompetent moron!

I have a new job where I'm going to get yelled at a lot. What are your tips for becoming comfortable with getting yelled at a lot, or your tips for defusing such a situation? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 1:49 AM PST - 33 comments

How can I most effectively use an MP3 player to study math for the GRE?

How can I use an MP3 player to study math for the GRE? [more inside]
posted by ramenopres at 12:07 AM PST - 3 comments

October 22

HalloweenCostumeFilter: Bruce Wayne

I'm thinking of being Bruce Wayne (not Batman) for Halloween. Any tips on pulling this off, or nice touches you can think of?
posted by Jacen Solo at 11:06 PM PST - 34 comments

Brains: racked

yeahIknowHalloween-filter: You have a hot pink party dress. You have a ridiculously poufy crinoline petticoat. You undoubtedly have a better imagination than I. So what would you be for Halloween? [more inside]
posted by Juicy Avenger at 10:33 PM PST - 17 comments

RT @mathowie Anybody seen sites that scan cats?

Are there good examples of Twitter (or status updates on Facebook) being used to answer questions AskMe-style? Or even better, to collaboratively solve a problem, like when the Scooby Gang here sussed out Kaycee Nicole? [more inside]
posted by anildash at 10:13 PM PST - 19 comments

What are the most efficient foods for the body to process?

What are the most efficient foods for the body to process? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Amazon S3 for log backups?

I'm looking for a step by step recipe for log rotation from a web server to Amazon S3. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:04 PM PST - 7 comments

radio rookies, redux!

Three days, four to six kids, let's learn how to write a radio story. Go! [more inside]
posted by puckish at 9:44 PM PST - 6 comments

What practical things can you do to help loved ones caught in a cycle of poverty

As a follow-up to this question I asked last week... What *practical* things have you done as a loved one of friends or family that were struggling financially or were stuck in a cycle of poverty. Have you loaned money? Paid bills? Helped them write a budget? Let them move in? Bought them groceries? Filled up their gas tank? There must be other things I'm not thinking about. What advice would you give to a parent whose adult child was floundering?
posted by jeffreyclong at 9:43 PM PST - 15 comments

I hated my job, but now that I got let go, I feel even worse.

How to deal with unemployment + feeling like crap? Just got let go last week from crap job I hated, but now feeling more miserable than ever. [more inside]
posted by greatalleycat at 9:42 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me understand America.

Americans: if you had to represent the USA with only three things, what would they be? [more inside]
posted by lapsangsouchong at 9:35 PM PST - 101 comments

Is he friendly? Interested? Teasing?

Angsty-crush filter: Should I do something like make a move on this guy? If not, how can I get this out of my mind and get back to my own life? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:30 PM PST - 25 comments

Never thought about this

Men and women sharing a room. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:30 PM PST - 31 comments

Get 27

Is Get 27 available in the United States...and/or online? [more inside]
posted by gimonca at 9:24 PM PST - 1 comment

Memory upgrade for Intel Xeon Mac Pro?

Memory upgrade for Intel Xeon Mac Pro? [more inside]
posted by austinlee at 9:12 PM PST - 7 comments

1983 Honda Emmisions Help

Failed the air system inspection for Arizona emissions. What does that mean? [more inside]
posted by nestor_makhno at 8:53 PM PST - 6 comments

We need to argue for a local server

Our office is losing hours of productivity a week due to networking decisions from head office. We'd like to price out a server to replace the dodgy technology that's been foisted on us. Not surprisingly, HQ gets kind of defensive if we use that language. Please help me cost out a server, and make it seem like it was their idea all along. [more inside]
posted by scruss at 8:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Chinese food ingredients in DC?

Does anyone know of anywhere in Bethesda or the DC Metro area in general where one could get Chinese food ingredients? I'm specifically looking for wonton wrappers. [more inside]
posted by inara at 8:13 PM PST - 13 comments

Cheapify my cellie

cell plan change suggestions? [more inside]
posted by mwhybark at 7:39 PM PST - 25 comments

Help me understand homogenous coordinates

Help me understand homogenous coordinates! [more inside]
posted by tickingclock at 7:37 PM PST - 14 comments

Kid's book about traveling to a bunch of fried chicken places to win a contest?

Yet another story identification: I read a fiction book not aimed at adults sometime pre-2000 about a kid who, for some unremembered reason, needs to travel around the country to eat a (fried chicken?) meal at a lot of a certain fast food franchise to win a contest. [more inside]
posted by adamwolf at 7:31 PM PST - 2 comments

BookSuggestionFilter: I need to learn R (and about statistics) in a hurry.

BookSuggestionFilter: I need to learn about R (and statistical modeling) in a hurry. [more inside]
posted by kenliu at 7:17 PM PST - 5 comments

Career Change to sailor: *Insert cliche navigational pun here*

Career Filter: My goal is to spend a few years (maybe more) living at sea as professional crew on a ship/yacht/tall ship. How do I get there quickly but responsibly? What training? What is the job market like? What jobs to look for? Help!? [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 7:09 PM PST - 9 comments

Help Me Waste Time with Japanese Cartoons, Please!

I'm trying to find the name of an anime series I read about on Ain't It Cool News earlier this year. Help! [more inside]
posted by joelhunt at 7:04 PM PST - 2 comments

What did the Nazis call the French Resistance?

What did the Nazis call the French Resistance? I know they called the individual resisters "terrorists," but what word did they use to describe the resistance as a whole? (Insurgency, resistance, uprising, rebellion, etc.) This is research for a screenplay - I'm not looking for a discussion about modern parallels, or of what the morally correct word is in various situations. Also, if someone could give me the word in German that would be great! Please no guessing.
posted by bagadonuts at 6:47 PM PST - 9 comments

Why isn't my frozen food frozen?

FridgeFilter: I recently overstuffed my freezer and blocked the cold airflow, which partially defrosted some of the food in the far corner, away from the air. I have since restored the freezer temperature, but after several days, the thawed food isn't re-freezing. Why? [more inside]
posted by werty at 6:39 PM PST - 3 comments

Refunds from UK merchant

I mailed $20 cash to a British merchant to pay for an item ordered via email. The merchant refused to accept cash insisting payment only via Paypal. I refuse to use Paypal because of two previous bad experiences. The British merchant said they would return my cash but hasn't and no longer replies to my emails. What recourse do I have to get my money back and or file a complaint against the merchant? I'm in the USA.
posted by NorthCoastCafe at 6:14 PM PST - 30 comments

Friendship, fun, more? How do I find out?

You're a late 30's, attractive female who is separated and looking to explore your horizons. How would you like to be approached by a younger couple? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:08 PM PST - 17 comments

Rekindling a flame that has burnt out.

Is this settling? Where are those heartpangs I should be feeling? [more inside]
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 5:55 PM PST - 12 comments

Non-fiction books that resemble notebooks

I am looking for a certain type of non-fiction book. These books are very often instructional with the words handwritten (or typed with a font that imitates handwriting) and the illustrations hand-drawn giving the book the appearance of a photocopied notebook. [more inside]
posted by wannalol at 5:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Bumpy donuts needed.

Looking for Bay Area donut shops that can provide donuts with modified shapes. [more inside]
posted by user92371 at 5:44 PM PST - 7 comments

Relocate the cat again or leave him in place?

We are moving house on the 24th of November, and going overseas for a week from the 7th of December. Should the cat stay in the new house (with a twice-daily visit from a pet sitter), or should he go to a cattery for the week we're away? [more inside]
posted by impluvium at 5:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for Decisonmaking Style Selection tool

I am looking for a leadership tool I used to use back in the late nineties, but can't find anymore. It was a flowchart intended to help a person determine which decisionmaking style to use in a particular set of circumstances. Essentially it takes the D1-D5 framework (where D1 is highly directive and D5 is highly collaborative), and sets up a flowchart process that helps the person determine which to use. So for example it would ask “Will other people be affected by the decision” (yes argues for collaboration) and “Will other people's acceptance of the decision be required for implementation” (yes argues for collaboration). [more inside]
posted by Susan PG at 5:01 PM PST - 1 comment

How to get 91 octane gas in an 87/89/93 area?

How can I get 91 octane gas in an area that seems to sell only 87/89/93? What sort of damage might I have caused to a new vehicle by filling it with 87 for a little while? [more inside]
posted by ish__ at 5:00 PM PST - 21 comments

The early songbird eats the file structure!

Songbird has completely destroyed my media file structures. Is there anything I can do to fix this? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 4:42 PM PST - 6 comments

Help our Ford Escort loosen up a little

What can be done to make the manual transmission shifter easier to work again? We have a 2000 Ford Escort which seems to be working fine, with the exception of a few blips. One 'blip' is the amount of force currently required to shift the manual transmission between gears. [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 4:28 PM PST - 8 comments

I am La Femme Picky-ta

Serious movies with a female spy or secret agent as the main character, preferably about her working solo to solve a case/perform a mission --that somehow involves her own past? [more inside]
posted by np312 at 4:20 PM PST - 25 comments

How do I calculate how many square kilometers country's populations take up?

I want to compare the area of some countries against the area of their people (assuming 1 person takes up 2 square feet). Help me work out the math! [more inside]
posted by ejfox at 3:45 PM PST - 10 comments

The Day The Music Died...Hopefully.

Every five minutes my computer makes a pretty sound. Why? [more inside]
posted by iconomy at 3:29 PM PST - 23 comments

can a block of salt really clean the air?

Will my new Himalayan salt block lamp really clean the air? [more inside]
posted by longsleeves at 3:24 PM PST - 15 comments

Do I have the Betamax of camping stoves?

Are the blue Camping Gaz cartridges still commonly available in the US? [more inside]
posted by zombiedance at 3:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Perhaps a chair coated with glue?

With NaNoWriMo looming ever nearer, I would like to hear your best tips, tricks, habits, and techniques for staying chained to the keyboard. [more inside]
posted by BitterOldPunk at 3:09 PM PST - 26 comments

"Just add RSS"-type instablog needed

Recommend a free blog provider that can use an RSS feed as a source for content, but also has a decent comment system. [more inside]
posted by ignignokt at 2:47 PM PST - 7 comments

How to suggest courses to kids using survey feedback

Is there an online or free software solution for this idea my colleague at school has had? We want to survey kids in our school about their interests and ambitions and use their responses to suggest which courses they should elect for their next year. [more inside]
posted by man down under at 2:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Business in Georgia?

I'd like to find out what the climate is like in Georgia -- the country, not the state -- for an American business looking to expand overseas. But when I Google for it, I keep getting results for the state! [more inside]
posted by wandering steve at 2:23 PM PST - 21 comments

Firefox and ASP.Net 1.1 and Ajax and Validators, oh my!

How can I get Ajax and client side validators working with my ASP.Net 1.1 application in Firefox? [more inside]
posted by antifuse at 2:20 PM PST - 1 comment

Which character actor does this portrait remind you of?

Identity check. Which character actor does this portrait remind you of? The man I have in my head but whose name I can't remember tends to play asshole lawyers or accountants. Oh and it's not Richard Jenkins.
posted by feelinglistless at 2:14 PM PST - 32 comments

What is this documentary called?

I'm trying to track down a documentary I saw online years ago. Details are sketchy, but I remember either 8x8 or 16x16 pixel art animation - enlarged. I think they talked about Edison electrocuting an elephant, and many design and art related topics. Two people were narrating and I believe they worked for some kind of design firm. What is the name of, and for bonus points where can I find a copy of that film online?
posted by jeffmilner at 2:10 PM PST - 9 comments

Yet another HalloweenCostumeFilter. Sorry.

Halloweencostumefilter: I've been racking my brain to come up with a good Halloween costume to wear to work, but I can't seem to come up with anything. Limitations: (pants, physical job, not overly sexy) [more inside]
posted by mollymayhem at 1:54 PM PST - 22 comments

Kitchen remodel help needed

I am doing a kitchen remodel and need to pick out cabinet hardware. I have looked at pulls from Ikea that cost $10/pair and look identical to ones from higher-end manufacturers that sell for $20-$40 each. That is a huge difference in price. I am wondering, could anyone tell me if it is worth the difference? What is the reason for the huge price difference? Do the ones from Ikea look terrble after a few years? I am spending a lot of money on this kitchen remodel and don't want to skimp on this if it makes a difference -- but I also don't want to throw away hundreds of dollars on hardware if the pulls from Ikea will be just as good.
posted by modernist1 at 1:52 PM PST - 8 comments

What fenders are compatible with my sweet creamsicle ride?

I got a Trek 2.1 WSD this past summer. I love love love it and I want to keep riding during the wet wintery months in Seattle. I need help finding fenders that are compatible with a carbon fork, stays and seatpost. I am a bicycle novice so any advice is appreciated.
posted by little miss s at 1:48 PM PST - 8 comments

Can I easily control the order in which things load on a page of mine?

I need some help fixing a web page. Images load in the wrong order, and users are finding it confusing. [more inside]
posted by fake at 1:35 PM PST - 6 comments

I can no longer add html to gmail signature?

As of a few days ago, I can't tweak gmail signature anymore? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 1:32 PM PST - 6 comments

How much is reasonable (if anything) to pay to a lender for a mortgage application fee?

How much is reasonable (if anything) to pay to a lender for a mortgage application fee? [more inside]
posted by mockjovial at 1:32 PM PST - 15 comments

What is this cereal I enjoyed so much as a child in the UK?

What was this cereal I enjoyed so much as a child in the UK? [more inside]
posted by bookdragoness at 1:22 PM PST - 6 comments

ground wire

what is a ground wire? Plain English please. I have a microwave that needs an extension. So I got the 3-pronged male/female units. But my wire is only 2. What wire should I get, and why? What difference does it make? What is a ground, and why do some things require it? Where should a ground go?
posted by ebesan at 1:22 PM PST - 27 comments

thanksgiving short term apartment rental chicago

Halp! Chicago Short Term Apartment Rental for Thanksgiving Weekend? [more inside]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 1:08 PM PST - 8 comments

31 stylesheet limit... class != className... double margins... get me out of here!

So, I am sadly tasked with debugging sites on IE every once in a while. Is there anything that even approaches the awesomeness of FireBug/Web Inspector for this task? [more inside]
posted by tmcw at 12:50 PM PST - 12 comments

Did you know there were giant beavers?

Good books about prehistoric life which are NOT about dinosaurs? [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 12:48 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me relax, hivemind!

I am in Chapel Hill, NC and want to rent a house/cabin somewhere this weekend? Where should I go? [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 12:46 PM PST - 7 comments

Is Albuquerque like I am imagining it?

I'm looking to move out of California with my wife, with the goal of buying a home for the future filthy light thief family. Mrs. flt's parents have been looking at Albuquerque, New Mexico based on statistics (housing prices, employment, etc) and their brief visit to the city. How is Albuquerque for young families and adults in search of a lively city? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 12:45 PM PST - 16 comments

Most cost-effective way of transfering money from UK to US

Need to transfer modest amounts of money from UK to a US bank account every 2-3 months. What would be the most cost-effective way to do so? [more inside]
posted by moiraine at 12:30 PM PST - 10 comments

What game was it I used to play with the Romanian kids?

What game was it I used to play with the Romanian kids? [more inside]
posted by low affect at 12:28 PM PST - 0 comments

Evaluate the meaning of a string in Excel.

How do I store a string in one cell in Excel and interpret it as a (or for a) function in another cell? More info inside. [more inside]
posted by nickerbocker at 12:24 PM PST - 10 comments

what are the rules regarding hiring foreign contract workers who work at home?

What are the legal/tax issues involved in an US-based company hiring European individuals to do contract work at home (things like translating documents; the person hired would never need to leave their home country). From the standpoint of the US-based business, it is simply a matter of sending a 1099 like any other contract work? Is there anything else to consider?
posted by helios at 12:08 PM PST - 12 comments

What makes a good [dance style] song?

I'm starting to be able to identify what social dances fit different songs, but I don't know how to describe the features of the songs that make them appropriate for different dances. Can you help me name the features of songs that make them work well for the different social dances? [more inside]
posted by philosophygeek at 11:56 AM PST - 14 comments

Suggestions for a home mill to make medium/large quantities of peanut butters?

Looking for a hardy mill/grinder/machine for regular home-made peanut butter making. [more inside]
posted by refactored at 11:54 AM PST - 7 comments

Where's the former Mrs. Johnson now?

Whatever happened to Meriam al Khalifa? [more inside]
posted by December at 11:20 AM PST - 2 comments

Help us find this suit!

Men's Suit Filter: Please help us remember the brand of a suit we saw at K&G! [more inside]
posted by a.steele at 11:15 AM PST - 4 comments

This is why I can't have nice things!

Did I get scammed on eBay? [more inside]
posted by InsanePenguin at 11:04 AM PST - 25 comments

Come on over and have all this fun

Tips for entertaining: I'd like to have more friends over to my apartment, but it's boring in here! [more inside]
posted by neca at 11:04 AM PST - 39 comments

Book indexing software

What are good dedicated indexing applications for creating indexes for print books? [more inside]
posted by mc2000 at 11:01 AM PST - 3 comments

Where is the german version of the montreal plateau!

Berlin-Leipzig-Amsterdam filter. Visiting all three for a conference on a record shopping (minimal, electro, german techno) and cool neighborhood finding adventure. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Smegoid at 10:25 AM PST - 2 comments

Is Amazon WebPay truly a free money transfer solution?

Is Amazon WebPay truly a free money transfer solution, or are there hidden costs I'm not seeing? [more inside]
posted by drkrdglo at 10:00 AM PST - 9 comments

ISO 9241-9

Asking for a friend: I need access to ISO 9241-9 for a Comp Eng project, but since I am a poor student, don't have $150 to spend on it. [more inside]
posted by shoebox at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments

And we're accepting applications for a Babyface Nelson

We're in NYC. How do we dress as Bonnie and Clyde for Halloween for under $40/pp? [more inside]
posted by andromache at 9:52 AM PST - 8 comments

More William Gibson please

Book like William Gibson's Pattern Recognition and Spook Country. Near-future, near-science fiction, non-fantasy, non-artsy-fartsy, delving into technological culture. [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:38 AM PST - 38 comments

Science for 5th Graders

Help me influence the future of science - or- I have no idea how to finish my student teaching lesson. [more inside]
posted by julie_of_the_jungle at 9:23 AM PST - 10 comments

Tell me about this sentence construction

Tell me everything you know about this sentence construction: "Are you finished your lunch?" [more inside]
posted by peep at 9:23 AM PST - 93 comments

Which job should I pick?

Which job should I pick? I'm in the happy position of being able to choose between two jobs. I'll get two offers by the end of the week, and I need help deciding. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:49 AM PST - 28 comments

joint costume

I need some joint (and punnish) costume ideas that are relevant and funny. Two people 30ish. Things like "bangers and M*A*S*H", so fresh and so clean.... Idea + implementation is ideal. Thanks in advance! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:49 AM PST - 12 comments

Insight into genital herpes type 1?

Herpes filter: Just found out that I have Type 1 Herpes, genitally. What the heck? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Given the rate of a fish upstream, what is the speed of that fish in still water. Eh?

InterviewPrepFilter: I need to brush up on my numerical reasoning. I'm looking for ways to master things like word/story problems (probability, work-rate, distance), and some math review. I have good logic skills, but basic math can be confusing for me, esp. under pressure. Tutoring is not really an option and anything that is cram-friendly is also good. Any books, resources, tips, general guidance from math-y people ?
posted by sidd.darko at 8:46 AM PST - 4 comments

I used to be a PC, now becoming a Mac.

Switching from PC to a Mac. For those who have done it: What do you wish you had known then that you know now? I know this type question has been asked before, but it looks like it's been a while. So, give me your advice warnings, horror stories, revelations, etc.
posted by te1contar at 8:30 AM PST - 41 comments

Need Ideas for Tween Fortune Teller

My co-worker is hosting a Halloween-birthday party for her tween daughter and friends. Her daughter has decided she'd like to tell fortunes at her party and we're trying to come up with some cool, funny tween-friendly fortunes. Any ideas would be welcome.
posted by moonlitpines at 8:11 AM PST - 12 comments

How can I wake up faster?

How can I get going faster in the morning? [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 8:06 AM PST - 34 comments

Where Can I Find Logan's Run-Style "Life Clocks" in New York City?

New York City/Logan's Run filter: Where in NYC can I obtain some cheapo blinking red jewels that resemble the "life clocks" from the movie Logan's Run (which hopefully can be affixed to the palm with some sort of adhesive)? Close-up pic here. Willing to cannibalize some other sort of trinket if it contains such a jewel. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 8:01 AM PST - 6 comments

Inexpensive radio with digital tuner

I'm looking for an inexpensive radio with a digital tuner and decent sound quality. Please recommend models. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 7:58 AM PST - 4 comments

Brooklyn, Brooklyn, take me in

Brooklynfilter: Does anyone have any experience with the Holiday Inns that have cropped up in Park Slope (Union St. and Butler St.) over the past few years? [more inside]
posted by thinkingwoman at 7:37 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me make myself do my work

I am in graduate school after taking a few years off, and in those few years it seems I have lost the ability to pay attention to anything. Please help me focus. [more inside]
posted by millipede at 7:18 AM PST - 10 comments

Windows 7 for Less (in Canada)

Is there anything like Win741 for students in Canada? [more inside]
posted by smitt at 7:09 AM PST - 11 comments

Keep me feets dry and warm!

I've read this, and this but I'm looking for something more casual and maybe a low top shoe that I can wear to/from and at work or school. [more inside]
posted by handabear at 7:05 AM PST - 7 comments

The DC area's classic cocktail scene?

Classic cocktails in Northern Virginia/DC? Tonight? [more inside]
posted by malthas at 6:59 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me trick a chinese website into thinking I live there instead Missouri

How can I get this website to think that I'm living in China ? [more inside]
posted by carefulmonkey at 6:01 AM PST - 7 comments

Fix my broken sleep

I'm on what might be called a revolving sleep schedule, where I go to sleep and wake up about one hour later every day. This means every other week or so I sleep during the daytime. This seems to be my body's natural sleep rhythm. Right now I'm going to sleep at 7-8 AM and waking up at 3-4 PM. But on Sunday morning I need to GET UP at 7 AM, and be fully awake and refreshed for the entire day. In short, I need to completely reverse my sleep schedule in under three days. I've never been able to this, so I need fresh advice on how I might accomplish it. [more inside]
posted by fucker at 5:15 AM PST - 11 comments

Conditional Formula Selection in Excel

How can I create an Excel worksheet which uses something like VLOOKUP (or anything which works in a similarish way) not to pull values, but formulas? [more inside]
posted by Bugbread at 4:21 AM PST - 7 comments

Does taking breaks for ergonomics hurt flow?

Doesn't taking breaks for ergonomic reasons hurt "flow"? [more inside]
posted by defben at 4:16 AM PST - 13 comments

And... uh... what's your name again?

What kinds of generic questions are good to use in social situations (groups, parties, etc) when there are awkward silences? [more inside]
posted by forza at 3:49 AM PST - 22 comments

The alternate 'Testament of Doctor Mabuse' - Fritz Lang's German and French versions

Having recently learned that Fritz Lang filmed an entirely different, French language, version of The Testament of Doctor Mabuse alongside the 'original' German version, I set out to find it. The only way to get hold of it seems to be via the Criterion DVD, but this is a Region 1 (NTSC) release only. Where else can I get a copy of the alternate Mabuse? Preferably as either a download or as a Region 2 (PAL) release [more inside]
posted by 0bvious at 1:55 AM PST - 6 comments

October 21

Sprung oven door

Our oven door springs are sprung. It's an old O'Keefe and Merritt stove - the kind with lots of space on top; we love it. But the oven door can't stay shut. Help! [more inside]
posted by goofyfoot at 11:25 PM PST - 14 comments

Are there any authors like Cormac McCarthy?

Which author comes closest to Cormac McCarthy? [more inside]
posted by Bacillus at 11:11 PM PST - 19 comments

Where in the World is Bogoridi?

Can someone help track me down a higher-resolution image of this Bulgarian photograph? [more inside]
posted by suedehead at 10:20 PM PST - 1 comment

porco eccittato just does not sound tasty delicous

So, we have been invited to a party which celebrates 100 years of Italian Futurism... [more inside]
posted by Wavelet at 10:10 PM PST - 8 comments

All you need is love?

Love is a wonderful thing, how far should one go? [more inside]
posted by sanrio at 9:39 PM PST - 45 comments

What do I do about a bad employment reference?

What do I do about a bad work related reference? Its not as easy as just ignoring it as its a huge part of my employment history. [more inside]
posted by Snuffman at 9:34 PM PST - 8 comments

Working/Going to School with Fibro: What works?

I have fibromyalgia. Help me figure out how to be a better student/employee. What accommodations/techniques work for you? I have doctors, so more looking for 'this worked for me/my mom/my friend' than anything medical. [more inside]
posted by eleanna at 9:26 PM PST - 8 comments

What are the most well-written textbooks?

What are the most well-written (i.e., enjoyable to read) textbooks and/or books written for an academic audience? I'm not looking for the "best" textbook on any given subject, but textbooks on any topic that are compelling to read because of the wit and lucidity of the writing style. [more inside]
posted by crLLC at 9:19 PM PST - 32 comments

Coping with personality shift in newly adopted cats

I recently adopted a 1 year old female cat, and within days her personality has changed drastically (some of which was expected, but not to this degree). What follows is an ethical dilemma. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:16 PM PST - 14 comments

Here's Looking at YouTube

My sweetie gave me a Flip (UltraHD) for my birthday. I've never had a video recorder before... besides the obvious recording of fambly events and such, what sorts of cool, interesting, and potentially artsy things can I do with it? [more inside]
posted by deCadmus at 9:07 PM PST - 10 comments

Looking for metal legs for monitor stand.

Can I make or buy a version of these metal desk legs? [more inside]
posted by Atarah at 8:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Real Estate development in a nutshell

I think I really, really want to get into developing real estate. Can anyone give me an overview description of what the work / process is is like? [more inside]
posted by drea at 8:38 PM PST - 6 comments

What should we do for Halloween in Boston?

What should we do for Halloween in Boston? [more inside]
posted by IzzeYum at 7:56 PM PST - 6 comments

Headlights won't turn on, any ideas?

Headlights won't turn on, any ideas? [more inside]
posted by mattsweaters at 7:53 PM PST - 16 comments

Can I recreate Pixar (tm) in my basement?

When it comes to editing and producing video, is it the CPU or the GPU the makes all the difference? I've read many different things and I work with video all the time and it seems that CPU power is what makes the difference when doing final processing and transcoding. Only GPU stuff is the GUI during editing. Rest after... [more inside]
posted by tropikal at 7:31 PM PST - 12 comments

The Monopolizer

Remember those classes in college/university where one person would monopolize the entire lesson? I am that person, please help me stop! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:25 PM PST - 53 comments

Alice's Lament

I'd like to start resuming a friendship, but the other person is mistaken about why I backed off. Should I tell him why? It's...complicated. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Suggest books that push the envelope of "self-help"?

Can you suggest books that push the envelope of "self-help"? I record books for a library-owned radio station for the blind and visually impaired. One of our genres is Self-Help. We have no shortage of the usual sort of self-help book - I've been asked to come up with something a little wider-ranging or quirky. [more inside]
posted by tomboko at 7:23 PM PST - 16 comments

How To Become A Real Estate Agent

What's required to become a real estate agent? [more inside]
posted by VC Drake at 7:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Options for teeth discouloured by childhood antibiotic usage

What tooth whitening options will a dentist recommend for someone with discolourations from childhood antibiotic usage? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 7:14 PM PST - 10 comments

Tastes like chicken

Where can I find more info about the horrible processed chicken product I just ate? [more inside]
posted by subpixel at 7:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Why am I suddenly having these dreams?

Why have I suddenly started to dream about other women? [more inside]
posted by kleenkat at 6:31 PM PST - 23 comments

My camera and me: one of us sucks, but which?

Photography-satisficing-filter: I would like to take family snapshots approximately as nice as this. Can it be done with my higher-end point-and-shoot (currently taking shots like this)? And if not, what's the minimum I'd need to spend on equipment to get there? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 6:15 PM PST - 27 comments

Is the musical album dead?

Is it worth my time to record an album in the digital age? [more inside]
posted by analogue at 5:53 PM PST - 23 comments

Transparent Velveeta?

Is Velveeta cheese transparent before artificial coloring is added? Or is this just an Urban Legend?
posted by cleverevans at 5:50 PM PST - 8 comments

Help Me Find A New Career That I'll Enjoy.

I am 37, female, married and have a BA in Psychology and an MA in English/Creative Writing. Was a public school librarian for years and burned out. I need a career and don't know where to go from here. I've spent too long hating going to work, and I want a job I'll love going to every day. [more inside]
posted by miltoncat at 5:43 PM PST - 13 comments

How do I get my bank to refund my overdrafts?

How do I get my bank to refund my overdrafts? [more inside]
posted by AngryTypingGuy at 5:32 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me find this bracelet

Help me find a replacement for this bracelet! It is broken and I used to wear it daily. The catch: I have no idea where it came from as I found it on the street 4 years ago. [more inside]
posted by kthxbi at 5:22 PM PST - 12 comments

What version are we on now?

How do software authors determine the version numbers of the releases? I am writing software for a specific electronic device. I am not using version control on it yet. (Yeah, shame! Truth is, I am intimidated.) [more inside]
posted by Drasher at 5:04 PM PST - 22 comments

Can I buy groceries in the USA and bring them back to Canada?

I live in Vancouver, Canada and I am going to the U.S. for the day this weekend. I want to know if it's in fact true, that you can bring groceries back into Canada without paying duty or customs fees? [more inside]
posted by ninefour at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments

Embracing the dis!Did Neil Young ever perform "Sweet Home Alabama"?

In this 1995 interview, Neil Young mentions that he played the Lynyrd Skynyrd song, Sweet Home Alabama, live a couple of times. When and where did Neil Young perform Sweet Home Alabama live? [more inside]
posted by mumblelard at 4:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Tummy: good for resting heads upon. Not good for looking attractive in winter.

Leggings & tights: Help me find varieties that won't cut into the flesh around my midsection! [more inside]
posted by opossumnus at 4:11 PM PST - 22 comments

Using Base & numbering

Auto-generated numbers using Open Office base. Can it pick up where I left off? [more inside]
posted by Salmonberry at 4:10 PM PST - 3 comments

The meaning of "In the gooey"

What does the phrase "in the gooey" mean? [more inside]
posted by ergibson at 3:59 PM PST - 28 comments

Invoices and consumer rights

IANALFilter: What legal rights does having an invoice grant a buyer? [more inside]
posted by Neale at 3:43 PM PST - 5 comments

Call the mail police!

I have discovered that someone I don't like very much made a mistake: he sent a large quantity of individually personalized mail at bulk mail rates via USPS. I believe this is a no-no, but ultimately I would guess it is a pretty minor no-no. What are the consequences of this? Are there civil or criminal penalties when this is discovered?
posted by Mr. Justice at 3:02 PM PST - 15 comments

Am I too busy for a relationship or is there a solution?

Have you been in a long-distance or otherwise limited romantic relationship that actually worked? Does this solution to my need for space make sense? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:02 PM PST - 29 comments

Reinstall Windows dealing with NTFS permissions

I'm a few weeks away from rebuilding my PC with Windows 7 and need help understanding how to deal with NTFS permissions. [more inside]
posted by chrisch at 2:58 PM PST - 5 comments

help me play well with others

Looking for a universally compatible word processing program that can I download for free off the internet. [more inside]
posted by crazylegs at 2:49 PM PST - 18 comments

Getting new Win 7 Laptop this weekend for Home Theatre PC setup. Advice?

Best setup for a Win 7 laptop as HTPC? [more inside]
posted by jcmilton at 2:46 PM PST - 7 comments

Lasers are cool. Literally.

Where can I find level-headed, researched, sound information on "cold lasers" or "low-level lasers" as medical treatments? [more inside]
posted by pzarquon at 2:16 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I know whether I'm depressed, or if it's birth control?

I've started hormonal birth control (Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo) for the first time, and am currently on my third day. I've heard/read of the accompanying depression and mood swings. When can I expect side effects, so that I can assess myself and decide whether or not to continue with the pill? What sort of red flags should I look out for, in case I don't realize I'm being depressive, mood-swingy, or sans sex drive? [more inside]
posted by Xere at 2:16 PM PST - 21 comments

Someday, I'll get a job where I'm not responsible for the coffee....

I have to make coffee for 25 people tomorrow morning here at my brand new job, using their big industrial coffee machine. I don't drink coffee. All we have at home is a French Press. HELP! [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 2:06 PM PST - 22 comments

Freelance magazine design costing

Freelance magazine layout costing in the UK: A publication company is looking to outsource the layout for a journal, 64 pages, full colour, using existing layout, not from new. It is possible but not probable that I will have existing layouts to work from electronically. I has been told this publication is produced monthly, takes the existing designer a week and a half, and am being offered a flat fee for doing the job for each issue. How much would one expect to be paid for that sort of job, if of average/medium weight experience?
posted by spyke23 at 2:05 PM PST - 3 comments

How to assign Workshop Training Sessions?

Organizing a Training Workshop: How do I easily/quickly assign Workshop attendees to their First Choice/Second Choice from a group of 5 topics? There's gotta be a better way than popsicle sticks! [more inside]
posted by Mrs_Eep at 2:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Tell him about unwarranted jealousy?

Do you tell your boyfriend about (unjustified) feelings of jealousy, or just get over them on your own? [more inside]
posted by BusyBusyBusy at 1:48 PM PST - 35 comments

Visiting the Mouse House

We're visiting Mickey Mouse down in Orland December 15-21. We've been spending weeks now working out our reservations and special events tickets, but we still have some extra time left over. Any mouse-ear-types that can give us a tip on something really special to do that might not be mentioned on an official website? [more inside]
posted by thanotopsis at 1:40 PM PST - 19 comments

Should I call my CC company to work something out if I recently became unemployed?

I recently (the 12th) was laid off, is it worthwhile calling credit card companies to suspend payments or work out a lower interest rates until I'm employed again? I have a large amount of debt from an ill-fated freelance photography "gig" and general overspending. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:28 PM PST - 6 comments

How useful and difficult is the ACTC certification material?

My boss may be offering me an ACTC certification. I don't know whether computers are a hobby or a career for me, and I have limited free time. Should I talk to him seriously about sponsoring (paying the fees) me for the exam? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:28 PM PST - 1 comment

Just for a minute, how do you think I feel about what's been going on?

Looking for rap songs with repeating sped up vocal samples from almost an entire verse or multiple verses of a song. That don't involve Kanye West. [more inside]
posted by cashman at 1:21 PM PST - 18 comments

Help me unlock my knees, please.

Help me unlock my knees, please. [more inside]
posted by sarajane at 1:19 PM PST - 4 comments

How to speed up a file transfer between two external hard drives?

Why is it that when I transfer files from an external hard drive to my laptop's hard drive via USB 2.0, the speeds are so much faster than transferring files from one external hard drive to another (5 mins vs. a few hours for 1.5 GB)? I think it might have to do with the fact that the external drives use different file systems (NTFS vs. FAT32). Is there any software that could speed things up?
posted by matkline at 1:11 PM PST - 11 comments

Legit corp?

What are the signs of a legitimate corporation? What do legitimate corporations do that fake ones don't? [more inside]
posted by lockestockbarrel at 12:45 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me find this possibly Young Adult novel.

BookFilter: I'm looking for a novel that I read several times in the early '90s; despite having read and enjoyed it several times, I've forgotten the title and author! [more inside]
posted by Skoloxia at 12:28 PM PST - 9 comments

Print-on-demand presents?

Is there such a thing as an online vendor from whom I can purchase print-on-demand gift certificates as a wedding gift that I can put in today's mail? [more inside]
posted by cuddles.mcsnuggy at 12:27 PM PST - 8 comments

work anxiety fixes?

Battling anxiety at work - with a helpful boss! What are some strategies? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:27 PM PST - 5 comments

Extroversion or flirting?

How do you tell the difference between someone who's an extrovert and someone who's romantically interested in you? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:27 PM PST - 23 comments

Need software that does project management, email marketing and advanced analytics

I am looking for an email management program (like campaign monitor) that also includes email analytics (like google analytics) and project management tools (like basecamp). I am in a small marketing department at a non-profit that relies heavily on email (100K+/month messages sent). My google-fu has failed me so far, I can't find anything that has all three components. Does anyone know of a one stop shop that does this? Also open to a using several programs as long as we can get them to work with each other.
posted by Incy at 12:26 PM PST - 6 comments

Cheapest way to make my walls black?

What is the cheapest way to cover my apartment walls in black? I have a huge apartment, with a lot of surface space which I want to make black for an upcoming 'ween party. The material has to be purchased in New York.
posted by pakoothefakoo at 12:05 PM PST - 17 comments

How to get our weather balloon floating again? How to get it taking pictures?

How to repair a weather balloon, in the context of aerial photography? How to do aerial photography at all? [more inside]
posted by Tufa at 12:00 PM PST - 8 comments

Art Gallery Web Sites?

Do you know of any art galleries with really great web sites? [more inside]
posted by crickets at 11:55 AM PST - 5 comments

Motorola S9 Headphones - Hard Case?

I need a hard case for my Motorola S9-HD Wrap Around Headphones. They came with a cloth pouch, but I need something solid to protect the headphones from being crushed while in my bag. [more inside]
posted by intrigued at 11:51 AM PST - 4 comments

New Years Eve, London, 1899?

How can I find out what sort of New Year's Eve events and festivities were held on December 31, 1899? I'm specifically interested in London, but other places would help too. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 11:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Doing "enough to get by" vs. "hard work"

When is it actually worth it to attempt to do any better than average? [more inside]
posted by jnnla at 11:32 AM PST - 19 comments

Does anyone know this children's book about racing telephone conversations?

I'm trying to remember the name of a book I read as a kid in the early '80s. I believe it was published in the mid-to-late '70s. It was about some children watching telephone wires and thinking they could actually see the conversations as they were transmitted from home to home. It culminated with the kids trying to race their own conversation between two homes. I think it's called something like "The Spaghetti Telephone Race" but google offers zero in the way of help with that. Does anyone know what book I'm talking about?
posted by mprove at 11:29 AM PST - 1 comment

How expensive are chickens to raise?

What can I expect (mostly financially) from raising hens as pets? [more inside]
posted by middleclasstool at 11:22 AM PST - 66 comments

No-ad internet

Is there such a thing as a no-ad internet domain? I love the days of personalized websites with no ads but I'm having a hard time digging them up these days. Any suggestions???
posted by scewinleg at 11:20 AM PST - 10 comments

Contractor in Madison, WI

Looking for a contractor in Madison, WI to get an estimate on a kitchen remodel. [more inside]
posted by echo target at 10:56 AM PST - 5 comments

What would Jesus wear on Halloween?

My teenaged son want to dress up as Jesus. He has the hair, but he wants a robe like Jesus wore. However, he doesn't want a crappy polyester costume-shop robe. Also both of us refuse to sew anything. So -- what would be a good Jesus-robe (or just any plausible Jesuswear. This would be daywear, not Jesus eveningwear) that we could buy, in a nice natural fabric? and we're in New York City so if you have specific suggestions for stores that would be even better.
posted by DMelanogaster at 10:47 AM PST - 20 comments

Am I losing it?

I'm suddenly having a problem with writing and speaking, specifically with being articulate. This has happened (temporarily) before as well. What do I do to get over this? [more inside]
posted by anniecat at 10:38 AM PST - 22 comments

What's wrong with my truck?

I have a 2001 Dodge Ram that I use when I need to haul things. It runs great, except in the morning after it rains. The truck will not want to rev beyond 1800-2000rpm. If I idle it or drive for for about 10 minutes the problems go away. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 10:37 AM PST - 9 comments

The right rights.

Went to a family run estate sale. The deceased was a student of some very famous Chicago photographers. The work was never really shown on a large scale. Some amazing stuff. I bought all of his negatives and prints. Thousands of images. They were sold by the direct relatives of the photographer to me. The big question, who owns the rights to the images?
posted by Bighappyfunhouse at 10:28 AM PST - 8 comments

Friendship after Marriage

I keep noting a familiar pattern among my friends who "settle down" - either in marriage or a long-term relationship. They inevitably seem to cut themselves off from their friends and refuse to leave the house, even on weekends. Job situations remain a stable variable from their earlier, more social lives - the only thing that changes is the seriousness of the relationship. Kids being a time commitment (and source of exhaustion) I understand - but many if not most of the couples I'm describing do not have children. Is this "normal"? Or is it dysfunctional? What causes it, do you think?
posted by macross city flaneur at 10:25 AM PST - 83 comments

Boston vet that specializes in large breeds

Please recommend to me a veterinarian in the Boston area that specializes in large dog breeds. [more inside]
posted by shannonigans at 10:18 AM PST - 3 comments

A Program to Help Me?

I started a new internship, and I'm wondering if there is some way to automate copying the non-profit information from this website. [more inside]
posted by moonroof at 10:13 AM PST - 6 comments

How do I rent my empty room out?

Trying to rent a room in a home in New Orleans. What's my problem, and what am I missing? [more inside]
posted by Night_owl at 10:10 AM PST - 12 comments

Jesus was ______ by two thieves while being crucified.

HelpMeThinkOfThisWordFilter: Jesus was ______ by two thieves while being crucified. [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 10:06 AM PST - 27 comments

Something a little deeper than "brutal, dude."?

Where can I find intelligent writing about (current) heavy metal, preferably online? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse at 9:51 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me make a video visual for a kids halloween party

Help me find a Halloween "video mash-up" for a kids party [more inside]
posted by pearlybob at 9:50 AM PST - 3 comments

Can I pull ODB2 codes without a scanner?

Can I get ODB2 (ODBII) diagnostic codes out of my 2005 VW GTI without buying a code scanner? [more inside]
posted by maniabug at 9:39 AM PST - 17 comments

Help me stop helping my coworkers

I'm a PM on a rather small-ish team and am currently in the position of being the most senior on the team in terms of knowing how our process works, but not the most senior person in terms of title (i.e. I am not the boss, but have one full-time PC and a temp PM that often turn to me with questions, including my boss who seems to either not want to learn our process or just doesn't seem to "get it"). [more inside]
posted by Ham_On_Rye at 9:37 AM PST - 3 comments

A different type of dirty house.....

I left the house last Wednesday afternoon for a week. My roommate was hospitalized for H1N1 on Friday. I am returning to our home tonight. What precautions should I take to sanitize the place/protect myself ? [more inside]
posted by wannabehippie at 9:19 AM PST - 8 comments

Please help a n00b!

I will be flying to Poland on Friday from San Francisco (SFO) on United with a transfer to LOT at JFK. Do I check in at the domestic or international terminal? [more inside]
posted by The Light Fantastic at 9:16 AM PST - 9 comments

Does anyone know of a good florist in Washington, DC that will deliver on Sunday?

Does anyone know of a good florist in Washington, DC that will deliver on Sunday? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:56 AM PST - 6 comments

It's not all Ben Franklyn and ENRON is it?

Tell me all you know about electricity markets. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:56 AM PST - 11 comments

Vincent Van Meow

How can I turn my furry kids into purring Picassos? [more inside]
posted by elder18 at 8:52 AM PST - 25 comments

Nervous and cardiovascular systems detail for high school A&P?

Hello! I am leading an Anatomy & Physiology study group for homeschooled teens. The aim is to work at the advanced high school level, but I'm using a college textbook (Thibodeau & Patton), as the illustrations and charts are more useful, and it might come in handy for them for later reference. But I'm not sure how deep to delve. [more inside]
posted by houseofdanie at 8:26 AM PST - 3 comments

What is the meaning of the opening scene in "A Serious Man"?

What is the meaning of the opening scene in "A Serious Man"? (possible spoilers inside) [more inside]
posted by schrodycat at 7:53 AM PST - 10 comments

Who were the highest ranking Jewish officers in the World War II militaries?

Who were the highest ranking Jewish officers in the World War II militaries? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese at 7:36 AM PST - 26 comments

Coffee beans: where and what to buy?

UKCoffeeFilter: I know nothing about coffee. My boyfriend is an aficionado. Help me buy him some beans for Christmas that will make him think I'm awesome. [more inside]
posted by Coobeastie at 7:25 AM PST - 23 comments

Where could one be a modern hermit?

Everyone has their if-I-win-the-lottery/if-my-company-gets-bought dreams. Mine involves settling down in a small house somewhere to a comfortable life of solitude with all the modern conveniences. But my daydreaming brain has an unfortunate practical streak, insisting on knowing exactly where I could do that, and would it be safe, how could I get food, yadda yadda. [more inside]
posted by Billegible at 7:14 AM PST - 38 comments

Cert Study Guides Needed

I'm an old school IT tech who needs some certs on his resume to get past the HR drones. I'm looking at CompTIA and Microsoft certs as a start. What I need are some good sources for study. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm not looking for a boot camp, just some good up to date study guides. Thank you. Peace
posted by Darktan at 7:06 AM PST - 11 comments

A replacement for TP?

Can you recommend a good replacement for the "Today's Papers" feature on Slate.com? I liked that it surveyed a bunch of news/newspaper sites, and then they were conveniently summarized in one article. [more inside]
posted by bluefly at 6:57 AM PST - 14 comments

Berlin car sticker duplication?

Berlin-Filter: mandatory car emissions sticker stuck in post... [more inside]
posted by runincircles at 6:56 AM PST - 7 comments

More about doctors and privacy

What exactly can a doctor's office tell anyone who happens to pick up your phone? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:57 AM PST - 15 comments

How can I learn to read technical documents?

When I read technical documents or books, my mind fuzzes over and I get easily distracted. It's hard for me to get a deep understanding of technical subjects. This is starting to become an issue professionally. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:56 AM PST - 10 comments

The Rain in Spain... Please Entertain (my bf)

Madrid this Friday and Saturday: Any way to get my boyfriend to a sports game? [more inside]
posted by samthemander at 2:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Anyone have a bubble I can borrow?

Allergy Help Needed: I am having a skin test done on Friday and have had to stop all antihistamines until then. What can I do for allergy relief between now and my test? [more inside]
posted by quodlibet at 2:28 AM PST - 21 comments

To be a musician, or to be depressed?

Can ECT affect musical ability? [more inside]
posted by emilyw at 1:43 AM PST - 6 comments

October 20

I need a 102, 103 class in photography. Suggestions?

Where do I go for my 102 on photography? [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 11:35 PM PST - 15 comments

What did I do wrong?

I'm finding in harder and harder to just let it this go without saying anything to these to 'friends' I have..I'll call them John and Betty. I have known John since high school and I met Betty a little bit later on in life. I basically brought the two of them together and since then, Betty turned into a passive aggressive horror show. I don't know what I did to make her react to me in this manner. What do you think I did wrong and what would you have done in this situation? I'm sorry this is so long. [more inside]
posted by iabide79 at 10:49 PM PST - 29 comments

DSLR n00b

New to the DSLR world, and I need the hive mind's help with a couple questions. [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:00 PM PST - 19 comments

To key or not to key

What is the probability that the worst will happen? My girlfriend lost her keys. What are the odds that someone will find all the right places to use these keys? [more inside]
posted by AlliKat75 at 8:33 PM PST - 16 comments

What to be for halloween?

Where in NYC can I buy or get the materials to create a simple (easy to wear and not too expensive) Halloween costume? I also need to think of a simple historical or pop-culture figure to be. Thank you, hive-mind! [more inside]
posted by ac at 8:25 PM PST - 11 comments

The Gathering Storm: Midnight Release?

Where can I find a midnight release of the new Wheel of Time book, The Gathering Storm in Boston, MA? [more inside]
posted by sepsis at 8:07 PM PST - 5 comments

No, they toilets don't spin opposite of the northern hemisphere.

I was just recently in Buenos Aires. The Time Out Guide had the maps in the back oriented with north facing down. Why? I would think southern hemisphere maps would still face north up due to magnetic north and wayfinding with a compass. Was this just a case of Time Out being wrong/different/thinking logically that the south pole would be the desired direction of orientation in the southern hemisphere? And yes, we were perpetually lost until we flipped the guide upside down and west/east left/right were as they should be.
posted by Keith Talent at 7:47 PM PST - 20 comments

Tree maintenance?

The trees at my house lost a dozen or so large branches in the earliest snow on record in central PA. Do all of the branches falling signify a problem with the trees? Do I need to do anything to help the trees recover? [more inside]
posted by cjemmott at 7:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me help myself take vitamins?

I want to take vitamins/multivitamins, but I have a very difficult time swallowing large and/or uncoated pills. [more inside]
posted by ersatzkat at 6:15 PM PST - 42 comments

Slim, but fat at the same time?

Slim, but fat at the same time? I have a slim appearance, but I realize I am lacking the body mass that it matters the most, bone and muscle. I have very thin arms and somewhat weak upper-body. I am 35, male, 5'10" , 152lbs. As an adult, I know it is not possible to gain bone mass. How can I improve my physique so I can maintain decent fitness level when I get older? [more inside]
posted by neworder7 at 6:03 PM PST - 10 comments

What should go in a contract with a roommate?

A friend and I are looking to rent an apartment together. We're both a bit cautious and want to draft an informal contract laying everything out. What would you make sure to specify in such a document? How do we split utilities we disagree on? [more inside]
posted by fogster at 5:42 PM PST - 19 comments

English Language Un-Filtered.

What does English sound like if you don't speak it? [more inside]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:32 PM PST - 47 comments

How can I best see Airforce 1 at Logan Airport this Friday?

How can I best see Airforce 1 at Logan Airport this Friday? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 5:23 PM PST - 10 comments

I'd like to give my year notice, please.

My employer is impressed enough with my work that they want to promote me into a position which would ordinarily make for a great career move. I, however, am planning on leaving in a little over a year to earn a degree in a completely different field, and thus have no interest in the job (for reasons explained after the jump.) How do I diplomatically tell them no without jeopardizing my current position, and how much, if any, of my future plans do I mention to them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:20 PM PST - 16 comments

The dude who said too much.

Told my doctor I smoked pot, now I just got a disconcerting letter from my insurance company. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:19 PM PST - 41 comments

Is it possible to fully recover from a severe, long-lasting depression?

Is it possible to fully recover from a severe, long-lasting depression? "I get the sense that you think that one day she will no longer be depressed. If that is the case, I am sorry to tell you that she will always be a depressed person. She may be less depressed at points and more depressed at others, but if her depression is this severe and long lasting, it's here to stay." Say it ain't so. [more inside]
posted by moira at 5:03 PM PST - 26 comments

Help me find more games akin to the 'Monster Hunter' series!

Help me find more games that 'feel' like the 'Monster Hunter' series! [more inside]
posted by Miyomei at 4:43 PM PST - 2 comments

installing older firefoxes

I need to put an older version (2.x) of Firefox onto my computer. I am using the latest Kubuntu version (Karmic, still in beta for a few more days). How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by mannequito at 3:54 PM PST - 9 comments

EnvironmentFilter?

Looking for an environmental news aggregator, similar to what sites like realclearpolitics and memeorandum provide with political news. [more inside]
posted by eagle-bear at 3:47 PM PST - 4 comments

A three-digit password is not "too long."

The Blurst.com registration page tells me my (12-character) password is too long, while a string of 100 A's is OK. FFF is a fine password, but 777 is too long. What gives? (Somewhat long but delightfully pattern-y description follows) [more inside]
posted by Captain Cardanthian! at 3:46 PM PST - 16 comments

Life after suicide attempt

My brother attempted suicide. Now he's in the hospital. [more inside]
posted by Abbril at 3:39 PM PST - 22 comments

Switching BACK from a Mac to a PC: I know, I'm not cool. Help me anyway?

About 5 years ago, I switched from PC to Mac. Now I'm most likely switching back. I have a couple of specific questions (about iTunes and viruses) and a few general questions. [more inside]
posted by scody at 3:38 PM PST - 35 comments

Small business failure.

What happens to the owners when a small business fails? [more inside]
posted by eschatfische at 3:36 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me find emotionally resonant music with electronic elements!

Help me find electronic-themed, yet emotionally resonant songs like "Heartbeats" by The Knife & "Teardrop" by Massive Attack. [more inside]
posted by noboru_wataya at 3:21 PM PST - 49 comments

Oh sensuous coffee

Caffeine never, never wakes me up. What do normal people experience? [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 3:16 PM PST - 30 comments

What TV character to be for Halloween?

HalloweenCosutmeFilter: I'm tall blonde girl...help me come up with a TV-themed Halloween costume idea! [more inside]
posted by just_ducky at 3:00 PM PST - 24 comments

I hate my job, and I don't know what to switch to... how screwed am I?

I need a new job, and I need one by the end of the year, because I'm very close to walking out of the one I have now. Help me, hive mind, as I'm at my wits end. What the hell can I do that's in Philadelphia, doesn't require a car, isn't sales, and pays around $30k? [more inside]
posted by SansPoint at 2:48 PM PST - 22 comments

Interviewing for a position providing ESL support to university students--help!

In a few days I'll be interviewing for a job providing academic support to university-level ESL students. Help me prepare! [more inside]
posted by soviet sleepover at 2:38 PM PST - 2 comments

Bad timing for a new relationship?

Has anyone ever pulled out a "goodbye- hope to see you in a couple of years"? and actually reunite after that? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:32 PM PST - 11 comments

My lips have more than the usual number of cracks.

I can't get rid of these cracks in the corners of my mouth. I'm about to do as my grandfather threatened and rip my lips off. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:32 PM PST - 24 comments

Sex Selection in Cloning

Is it possible to choose the sex of a cloned mammal or do you have to create a clone of the same sex at the animal being copied?
posted by zzazazz at 2:28 PM PST - 3 comments

What do I need to know about preschool in San Francisco?

Tell me about the need for pre-school in San Francisco, please. [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 2:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Tell me your favorite dark joke

As a follow-up to my last question - what's your favorite dark, cynical, gallows-humour style joke? [more inside]
posted by phyrewerx at 2:17 PM PST - 78 comments

Contemplating getting my own server

How would the new Mac Mini server compare to a cheap shared hosting account? [more inside]
posted by sindark at 1:59 PM PST - 28 comments

Good meals for surgery patients?

What are some good meals for folks recovering at home from surgery? I want to bring some food to my friend, but he is too polite to say, "I want this, but none of that," etc. If you have had surgery, what were you able to eat? What did you absolutely not want? This is for a person who normally likes everything. The surgery isn't related to the mouth or GI tract. Thanks!
posted by Knowyournuts at 1:53 PM PST - 18 comments

How to spend a couple days in Dallas with my wife?

We decided to make the 3 hour drive to Dallas to spend a couple days for my wife's b-day. I've never been there so I could use some help finding a place to stay and some stuff to do. [more inside]
posted by jluce50 at 1:44 PM PST - 14 comments

You got married at what age?

I’m in the process of divorcing, and starting to date seriously again. The catch: I’m absurdly young to be in this situation. How and when to break the news to dates? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:44 PM PST - 25 comments

Help me with an Excel AVERAGEIFS problem

Excel help with AVERAGEIFS: I need to generate an average figure per row, but the cells to be averaged need to meet two criteria. [more inside]
posted by blahblahblah at 1:34 PM PST - 5 comments

Veni Vidi Vicious

How do I become an effective leader? [more inside]
posted by Christ, what an asshole at 1:27 PM PST - 16 comments

What's your name again?

Needed: Memory hacks. I have trouble remembering names. How do you do it? [more inside]
posted by ASM at 1:09 PM PST - 22 comments

Who owns the button patent?

Does anyone own a patent for the button? As in, the button you press to turn on your tv, or to dial your phone, or to nuke the planet from orbit. not the button on your shirt. [more inside]
posted by shmegegge at 1:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Small scale projects in developing countries

I want to go to school and learn about building small-scale (family or neighborhood level) projects in developing countries. Concentrating solar, passive cooling, irrigation, windmills, wave power, and that type of thing. There was a group at MIT making charcoal out of corncobs. I want to do that! But where do I start? What are some good programs? [more inside]
posted by Nothing at 1:08 PM PST - 8 comments

where to get a trailer hitch installed

need to get a hitch installed, where to do it? cost? [more inside]
posted by Salvatorparadise at 1:01 PM PST - 10 comments

What's the real story behind this "dragnet" of Tasmania?

Was there some sort of giant 19th century human dragnet across Tasmania? What was the deal with it, exactly? [more inside]
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 1:00 PM PST - 7 comments

DVD Backup Frustration-Mac!

Mac Filter: Backup and Burning DVDs HELP! [more inside]
posted by doorsfan at 1:00 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I ameliorate my reaction to vaccines?

How do I ameliorate my reaction to vaccines? [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 12:58 PM PST - 7 comments

Tea anyone?

Where can I buy calamus root tea in Kansas City? [more inside]
posted by melangell at 12:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Natural child birth in LA?

Birthing Centers and Midwives in Los Angeles? [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 12:38 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I make a map from GPS data?

How do I turn my GPS track logs into a nice-looking trail map? Do I need a GIS package? [more inside]
posted by Kadin2048 at 12:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Sort within Firefox Tag folders?

Can I sort Firefox bookmarks within tag folders? [more inside]
posted by underwater at 12:26 PM PST - 2 comments

Great unheralded music from the 70's

What are the 'best' bands/artists no one has heard of....from the 70's? [more inside]
posted by repoman at 12:21 PM PST - 87 comments

I'll never sleep through the night ever again! Please help me!

Please help me fall asleep when I want to fall asleep. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 12:19 PM PST - 41 comments

Is there any way to estimate what a car & car insurance would cost me if I moved to San Francisco?

What are ways to estimate what a car and car insurance would cost me if I moved to San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by scazza at 12:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Learning C++ or Matlab from scratch

Is it possible to learn C++ or matlab for financial engineering without a strong background in math or previous experience in computer science or engineering? Any advice would be appreciated.
posted by jsmith78 at 12:11 PM PST - 14 comments

Stories of local and national shennanigans

I want to read investigative reports exposing corruption or scandal on a local or national level. Please provide me with links. [more inside]
posted by reenum at 12:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Pick the Perfect Mac Laptop

Which Mac laptop should I buy? Needs and specs inside. [more inside]
posted by misha at 11:52 AM PST - 19 comments

Spousal credit repair?

What is the best way to help my spouse improve her credit? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:51 AM PST - 4 comments

What kind of hat is this?

What kind of hat is this guy wearing, and where can I find one to purchase? [more inside]
posted by malpractice at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments

Diamond vs. CZ

Can you tell the difference between a diamond and a cubic zirconia? [more inside]
posted by comatose at 11:39 AM PST - 26 comments

Most comforting things in the world

What are the best ways to comfort someone with a bad cold/flu? [more inside]
posted by mthomps00 at 11:25 AM PST - 21 comments

What's the winter version of the work flat?

Can you help a gal transition from summer flats to a more winter-appropriate work shoe? [more inside]
posted by sciapod at 11:23 AM PST - 11 comments

Someday we'll find it, the USB connection...

Help me build a laptop puppet [more inside]
posted by Doctor Suarez at 11:21 AM PST - 2 comments

Where to go on vacation with an infant?

Where to go on vacation with 14 month old? [more inside]
posted by stormpooper at 11:19 AM PST - 11 comments

Looking for a technology book I read in the 80's.

Looking for a computer book I read in the 80's.... [more inside]
posted by rtodd at 11:17 AM PST - 2 comments

What would be the vows someone would take entering the artist's life?

If the three vows of the Franciscans and Dominicans are "chastity, poverty and obedience," what might be the vows that the artist takes? (I mean artist, of course, to cover writers and so on.) I ask this question because for people in a religious order, it is useful to remember what they are sacrificing; to keep it in mind as a given. [more inside]
posted by PersonAndSalt at 11:14 AM PST - 17 comments

How can I be a good softball/baseball umpire?

In softball/baseball, what areas of responsibility do the different umpire positions have? What tips or tricks should I know when I'm umpiring on the field? [more inside]
posted by CancerMan at 11:14 AM PST - 11 comments

What's best cheap sled?

I want to go sledding with my two year-old this winter -- what's the best cheap 2 person winter sled, either makeshift (garbage lid) or sled-proper (sled)?
posted by LittlePumpkin at 10:35 AM PST - 10 comments

Is she being honest/Should I give up?

Is she being honest/should I give up (online dating related)? [more inside]
posted by plungerjoke at 10:25 AM PST - 31 comments

How to tell when a furnace is on its last leg?

I have a 20-year-old furnace. [more inside]
posted by Number Used Once at 10:19 AM PST - 15 comments

Vintage Internet news stories and articles?

I enjoy vintage articles about the early days of the Web. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by starman at 10:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Does anyone know of a cheap(sub $50) MP3 player that has a wall charger.

I need to setup an mp3 player for our phone system to play recordings on hold, but i need it to have a wall charger since it will be on all the time, and there is no USB connection nearby. Does anyone know of a cheap(sub $50) player that has that functionality. It would be really nice if it had a screen and not like an ipod shuffle.
posted by Mesach at 10:16 AM PST - 7 comments

Beef. Noodle.

Can you help me figure out what this delicious beef noodle thing I ate years ago was? [more inside]
posted by peachfuzz at 10:04 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I force Excel 2007 to save as a single html file?

How can I force Excel 2007 to save as a single html file? [more inside]
posted by thisisnotbruce at 9:49 AM PST - 3 comments

Eyfo?

Looking for a cover of "Thank God I'm A Country Boy," in Hebrew. [more inside]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:45 AM PST - 5 comments

Rochester NY Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner?

I'm looking for a good restaurant near Rochester NY where we can go for Thanksgiving dinner. I can't see us cooking for hours when there's only going to be four of us this year. My wife is going to want to eat a traditional turkey dinner, although I wouldn't mind eating a steak if I can get one.
posted by 14580 at 9:42 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm way too sleep derived to think of a clever headline.

Restaurantfilter: Downtown Chicago, dinner recommendations for a couple of grad students with a foodie bent in town for a conference. [more inside]
posted by porpoise at 9:19 AM PST - 14 comments

A research question

I need to do some empirical research of a kind I know next to nothing about. Please help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Laptop audio feedback.

Gremlins have taken over my laptop and now I get extremely loud audio feedback. [more inside]
posted by Juicylicious at 9:11 AM PST - 5 comments

MS SQL please speed up so i dont cry

MS SQL Pros, I need your help! What's causing MS SQL 2005 to import records so slowly? It's a persistent problem across all databases that just developed yesterday. Details inside... [more inside]
posted by antonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Preteen girl needs unpadded bras, but nobody's selling!

Is there such a thing as an inexpensive, everyday unpadded bra for preteen girls? If so, who sells it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:06 AM PST - 23 comments

Cuckoo for Cuckoo Clock Repair!

Need help finding a reputable cuckoo clock repair shop near White Plains, NY. [more inside]
posted by GJSchaller at 9:00 AM PST - 4 comments

Smudgy Stainless

Stainless steel everywhere. What's the best way to clean it to be free of fingerprints and smudges? [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 8:37 AM PST - 19 comments

oh, and it needs to not look like crap.

What's the best online print shop these days? Caveat: must have cheap options for small runs. [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy at 8:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Did the seat belt fail?

Automobile accident: Did the seat belt fail? What should we do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:57 AM PST - 10 comments

No phone reception: how to get texts?

How can I send and receive SMSs in a mobile phone blackspot? [more inside]
posted by fightorflight at 7:45 AM PST - 6 comments

How can I help my girlfriend who's coming out of depression, without going out of my mind? (sorry, long)

How can I help my girlfriend who's coming out of depression, without going out of my mind? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:27 AM PST - 17 comments

He bought my freezer, and now it's broken.

I sold a used 24 cf chest freezer on Craigslist, and a few days later the buyer calls and wants his money back because it stopped working. What's the right thing to do? [more inside]
posted by c:\awesome at 7:25 AM PST - 50 comments

Non-chain restaurants for happy hour in Broomfield, CO??

Non-chain restaurants for happy hour in Broomfield, CO?? [more inside]
posted by angab at 7:24 AM PST - 4 comments

Vista won't connect to internet

I'm having trouble connecting to the internet with Vista Home. I connect using a repeater and line of sight to a business next door to my office (with their permission). My laptop is a HP G60. The same laptop has a partition with ubuntu on it and it connects without a problem. A older laptop with XP on it connects also. Trying to connect with Vista Home is intermittent. Any of you hive members have any suggestions.
posted by malhaley at 7:21 AM PST - 5 comments

Ditch the Cell

Just finally got my Google Voice account! I have been using Skype for a long time, and now with google voice I am finally ready to get rid of the cell phone all together. BUT, can anyone recommend a good piece of hardware, (The iPod Touch comes to mind) that I can use "like" a cell phone, with minimal tweaking, where wifi is available. A netbook would work, but a little big, can you hook up a mic to any Palm or anything? Thanks everyone.
posted by Benzle at 7:01 AM PST - 15 comments

Annoying sensual quirks filter: Why does he rub me the wrong way?

I'm female, just started seeing a guy, we're both in our thirties. We've made out a couple of times but are still fairly new to eachother physically. So far it's really nice, except for one thing: whenever, wherever he touches me, he does it in a repetitive circle. It never stops. And it makes me want to leap out of my skin and run screaming. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:52 AM PST - 38 comments

Sing Me To Sleep

What kinds of earphones/earbuds can I wear to bed? [more inside]
posted by xingcat at 6:48 AM PST - 15 comments

Your Most Stunning Photographs of Disease, Please.

I'm compiling a set of 30-40 photographs related to any and all aspects of disease for a high school visual literacy project. The students are high school juniors who are struggling with literacy and writing. I'd love your suggestions for compelling, diverse, and striking images and sites that have collections of same. [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 6:28 AM PST - 3 comments

My brower keeps timing out when submitting forms!

My laptop browser(s) won't allow me to submit forms any more. [more inside]
posted by ask me please at 6:20 AM PST - 3 comments

Liability for fire in the kitchen

Less than a year ago, my SO left a pan on the stove and the rental house burned. Now, the owner's insurance company wants her to pay. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:18 AM PST - 14 comments

Can I omit educational experience from my resume?

Can I leave out some educational background from my resume? I went to a university, then transferred and got a degree from another university. Will it harm me if I only list the university I got a degree from? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:17 AM PST - 14 comments

Wrist watch with voice memo capability!

Can anyone recommend a good wrist watch with voice memo recording capability? I had a great watch the I bought at the Sharper Image (maybe Brookstone?) years back, but it has disappeared into my junk drawer and I'm looking for a similar replacement :)
posted by WhereAmI at 6:12 AM PST - 6 comments

PC strategies/role-playing games for a teenager?

Could anyone please help me come up with a list of PC games? [more inside]
posted by noztran at 5:59 AM PST - 17 comments

Best way to plan a timely day trip from Rochester to Toronto?

TorontoFilter: I have a ticket to go to this event on Friday, at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts. I live in Rochester, NY. What are my options for getting there on time? [more inside]
posted by agentmunroe at 5:48 AM PST - 11 comments

Where is a good place to get breakfast near St. Paul's Cathedral in London?

Where is a good place to get breakfast near St. Paul's Cathedral in London? [more inside]
posted by Your Time Machine Sucks at 5:47 AM PST - 9 comments

These boots were made for walkin' in LA?

What is appropriate fashion in fall and winter when in a warm or desert climate? [more inside]
posted by pointystick at 5:17 AM PST - 8 comments

What exactly do passengers killed in plane crashes die of?

What exactly do passengers killed in plane crashes die of? And has anyone recorded it in a comprehensive way? [more inside]
posted by Ashley801 at 3:45 AM PST - 11 comments

What are some great joke books?

What are some great joke books, written with attention to the craft of how a joke or story is told? [more inside]
posted by surenoproblem at 3:03 AM PST - 5 comments

How to set Excel2003 to automaticall include file name and path on printed spreadsheets

How can I set up Excel 2003 to automatically include the file name and path on every spreadsheet when printed? [more inside]
posted by Wroksie at 2:21 AM PST - 7 comments

I don't know how to deal with this

There is a half-dead mouse in my room. Instruct me on what to do as if I were a little child. [more inside]
posted by granted at 12:45 AM PST - 38 comments

October 19

Tweezers that Grip?

Is there a tool that's shaped and sized like a tweezers, but functions like a clothes pin....i.e. the jaws grip tightly unless released? I don't need particularly good quality, so I'm hoping there's something cheap that does this in hobby or hardware stores.
posted by jimmyjimjim at 10:31 PM PST - 16 comments

If I had a hammer...

Where can I buy a hammered-silver, round mirror for a Christmas gift? [more inside]
posted by Pomo at 9:36 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me get a handle on this mass of writing!

WriterFilter: I need help organizing this large, sprawling, and motley set of Word files into the first draft of a novel. [more inside]
posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy at 8:07 PM PST - 14 comments

Anger: Why Now? and What to do about it?

Why am I seething now that my ex business partner is willing to reconcile our differences? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:16 PM PST - 17 comments

Boltbus Refund Question

Is it possible to get a refund from Bolt Bus? [more inside]
posted by josher71 at 7:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Short term work to discover long term goals?

I'm a new grad, only going to be in my current city for a few months, and I suddenly find myself unemployed. Oh, and I don't know what my career goals are, but I'm impatient to get started on them. How can I use my short term job hunt and work to build some long term goals? [more inside]
posted by shanevsevil at 6:52 PM PST - 6 comments

Novels about early Christians but not about Jesus?

Non-religious novels about early Christians that aren't about Jesus. [more inside]
posted by empath at 6:10 PM PST - 24 comments

Do the Frenchs really make a better red?

I find that French red wine has a very distinctive body and aftertaste. Is this truly specific to French wine, or have I not found some equivalents elsewhere in the world? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 5:13 PM PST - 12 comments

Gin and tonic - with a twist - in San Francisco

I'm going to Wootstock in San Francisco on Tuesday night, and will be craving a gin and tonic afterward - specifically Junipero, because of this thread. So, at the risk of turning MeFi into a gin palace: can anyone recommend a nice bar near the Swedish American Hall that serves a mean Junipero and tonic? [more inside]
posted by The Shiny Thing at 5:06 PM PST - 14 comments

Should I keep taking Adderall?

I was recently diagnosed with adult ADHD (inattentive type) and put on Adderall. I have very, very mixed feelings about this -- hopeful, because it seems to really be helping me in multiple areas of my life, but also anxious that it is a crutch that I can't use forever. Does anyone have any insight or anecdotes to help me either (1) feel better about being on Adderall, or (2) come up with an alternative plan to manage my issues? [more inside]
posted by dumbledore69 at 5:00 PM PST - 23 comments

"He took too much LSD in the '60s".

"He took too much LSD in the '60s". No, really. Any number of Americans approaching old age are doing so with long-term illegal drug habits. If you've seen the Osbournes on TV, Ozzy seems the picture of the sort of cognitive impairment you can expect someone to have after years of illegal drug use. Is this typical of such a person? Can someone be rendered mentally incompetent by means of a history of long-term illegal drug use? Would someone with obvious cognative impairment like Ozzy still be considered legally competant?
posted by bunky at 4:42 PM PST - 38 comments

Is my computer at risk?

I bought Photoshop CS4 (Windows) on eBay (I know, dumb, dumb, dumb, and more dumb). Packaging, product numbers, and dvds looked real, and it worked for exactly 30 days. Adobe says that serial number is invalid. Have read stories on Internet about trojans in MAC Photoshop CS4 software. I've run spyware and virus scans and turn up nothing. Is there any way I can be sure that this counterfeit software hasn't left a rootkit or something else nasty on my computer. Thanks!
posted by cyrreb at 4:07 PM PST - 12 comments

Biography series for kids?

When I was a kid, I remember a series of biographies in the library, either in the kids or YA section. They were short biographies of American figures, and I'm sure I read all the ones with female subjects. Can anyone help identify this series? I'd love to have some of these books for my niece when she's old enough. [more inside]
posted by whitearrow at 4:02 PM PST - 12 comments

Missing video: 3rd person live vide

A year or two back there was an online video (Boingboing tv?) showing an interview with a young artist (British?) who had mounted a camera behind and above his back, which fed the live video to goggles he wore. He'd also dressed in a getup that would make him look like a game character, spiky hair and such. "Live 3rd person perspective" in other words. Half an hour of googling and I can't find the darn video or any info relating to the artist. I think part of the video was shot in Japan, where he staggered around and posed in front of people, á la WoW taunting.
posted by monocultured at 3:58 PM PST - 2 comments

What hilarious book should my book club read?

BookClubfilter: I'm tasked with picking the next book. I have some ideas, but could use the Hive's help. [more inside]
posted by indiebass at 3:56 PM PST - 41 comments

Trapped Cat, No Key

Another trapped cat problem: How Long Can They Really Live Without Food or Water? [more inside]
posted by Maias at 3:39 PM PST - 26 comments

Phase 1: Use Internet; Phase 2: ?; Phase 3: Hook-up.

Recommendations and advice sought for hooking up online in the UK. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:06 PM PST - 13 comments

How much should I charge to be an expert GIS witness?

I'm going to be an expert witness in a hearing regarding GIS data. What hourly rate should I charge? [more inside]
posted by mollweide at 3:05 PM PST - 12 comments

Taking high schoolers to Broadway?

How can I bring my low-income high school students to an off-Broadway show? [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 2:52 PM PST - 14 comments

BMW Is a No Go

BMW 530I will not start. [more inside]
posted by slowtree at 2:40 PM PST - 16 comments

Spandex is not a right

Knee surgeries, spinal injuries and systemic arthritis. No heath insurance. This has stopped me from moving around very much. Now I'm Rubenesque. There's been a ton of advice on exercise, but none of it seems to be aimed towards the movement impaired. Yoga has been helpful for regaining some mobility, but isn't helping with weight loss. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:25 PM PST - 20 comments

Will kitty be lonely when I'm on vacation?

What do I do with my cat for a week while on vacation? [more inside]
posted by phrakture at 2:24 PM PST - 31 comments

Nothing of value was taken.... or was it?

Why would someone break into a bunch of cars but ignore valuables only to rifle through paperwork? [more inside]
posted by twiggy at 2:23 PM PST - 28 comments

Find a poem I read years ago?

poemfilter: looking for a poem I read 15 years ago in an anthology borrowed from a friend. Thought it was Atwood, but haven't found it. [more inside]
posted by chuke at 2:19 PM PST - 3 comments

If Ibsen sauce is good for the goose...

Molière's Don Juan, Alan Ayckbourn's Norman Dewars, Shaw's Leonard Charteris. I am clearly missing some greats, but who are theatre's other great philandering characters, male or female? (Theatre only, please, no films or television.)
posted by mykescipark at 2:16 PM PST - 9 comments

Give Me Anime-Induced Nightmares Again

Help me identify a anime from my childhood about a superhero alien with boob death lasers. [more inside]
posted by spamguy at 2:10 PM PST - 2 comments

How to search multiple (specified) sites in one query?

I want to issue a single search engine query that limits itself to a list of say ten to twenty specified domains. How? Google, for example, allows a single site:blah.com query term that restricts to blah.com, but what if I need to to search for say, for the term widget, at all of the sites in the list blah.com, blag.org, blahblah.edu, etc? I could issue multiple queries, but I want a single homogenized list of results... Best marks will go to the query that can be used in an OpenSearch descriptor, or to a way of setting an OpenSearch descriptor to search several sites.
posted by blue_wardrobe at 1:41 PM PST - 6 comments

How to export AutoArchive e-mail exported & transferred from MS Outlook

Help me get my AutoArchived e-mail out of MS Outlook and the info from off Exchange server before work shuts it down tonight, please. I'm dumbfounded. [more inside]
posted by willie11 at 1:40 PM PST - 8 comments

I went to sleep with a flat stomach and woke up with a muffin top

I am a 35 year old female who has all of a sudden developed a potbelly. What to do? I have no experience with dieting and little with exercise. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:31 PM PST - 27 comments

Falling in love, with caveats.

Falling in love pretty quickly. First time for a lot of things. Some issues are coming up. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Who will educate the educators [Writing Class Ideas]?

I have 2 hours to lecture to a bunch of 18 year-olds how to write well. The bulk of their work-load will be somewhere along the lines of position papers, research papers and summaries of conferences. How do I keep them glued to their chairs? More info in explanation. [more inside]
posted by eytanb at 1:22 PM PST - 9 comments

Shopping in Chicago

Cool shopping experiences in a cluster, in the Chicago area? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 12:47 PM PST - 13 comments

click tab paste click tab paste...automate this please?

Simple problem: record a macro and play it back in firefox. Hard part: recording a macro and playing it back in firefox. [more inside]
posted by TomMelee at 12:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Have any data visualization recs?

I need cool data visualizations to project. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 12:34 PM PST - 11 comments

What is a firewall rule group?

What is a "firewall rule group"? When recently trying to install an MP3 player on my laptop, I was met with an error message that read "Operation Create Wireless Firewall Rule Group has failed," followed by Microsoft error code 0X80070057. I've searched around but haven't found much info on "rule groups." What is a firewall rule group, and is my wireless router somehow interrupting my hardware installation? Thanks!
posted by jackypaper at 12:27 PM PST - 1 comment

Yuk, that smell is awful! How did you make such a stink?

So there are dozens of posts on AskMeFi raising the question of how to mask or remove a bad smell. But I have the opposite dilemma: I wasnt to create a bad smell. Not something so abhorrent that people wretch, but a clearly noticeable odour that perhaps evokes decay or sickness or death. And before you start calling the police, it's for a Halloween show. Thoughts on how to disperse said smell (using a plug-in mister? Using a fan?) gladly accepted.
posted by skylar at 12:26 PM PST - 28 comments

Reno in Dec?

what to do in/around Reno, in early Dec.? [more inside]
posted by youchirren at 12:20 PM PST - 5 comments

Boyfriend cannot orgasm during sex.

After 3 years boyfriend tells me he thinks he may have a sexual dysfunction. [more inside]
posted by lwclec072 at 12:16 PM PST - 43 comments

Watch/Pen Audio Recording Device

Looking for a discreet audio recording device (not one of the typical voice memo recording sticks you get at radio shack, this must be discreet). I am a public speaker at my company and I typically speak at multiple meetings per day, with no time to take notes for follow-up questions. I need a stand-alone audio recorder that is discreet (wrist watch, pen, etc.) and that can handle at least 8 hours of recording on 1 charge / 1 set of batteries. [more inside]
posted by thankyoumuchly at 12:13 PM PST - 19 comments

Please help me avoid big slabs of meat and iceberg lettuce.

What is the best place fora foodie to eat in STL? [more inside]
posted by jeffamaphone at 11:49 AM PST - 16 comments

I really hate dusting. Like, A LOT.

Does anyone in the Denver Metro area (or even better: Aurora) have a recommendation for a house cleaner for bi-weekly cleanings? [more inside]
posted by Kimberly at 11:34 AM PST - 2 comments

Fondant Question

I recently started working with fondant and have made 2 practice cakes now in preparation for making my son's groom's cake for his wedding at the end of this month. I pretty much have the whole rolling it out and draping it over the cake part down, but I can't get it to look smooth & glossy like it does in the pictures and videos I have studied. [more inside]
posted by PrettyGeekAtx at 11:30 AM PST - 8 comments

Where can you get yesterday's NYTimes?

How can I get a Sunday New York Times on Monday (in NY)? [more inside]
posted by Brainy at 11:27 AM PST - 8 comments

Mac and MMO's don't mix.

I'm a gamer. I bought a mac. After going through a lot of hassles with Boot Camp, I've decided to switch back. I'll get around $1700 for returning the mac... My question is, would it be better to buy a laptop around this price or sell my desktop as well to up my budget? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:23 AM PST - 14 comments

PERL before swine

PERL filter: I'm a PERL ignoramus and trying to run a script from Baseball Hacks to download a bunch of zipped files from retrosheet.org. I'm getting an error that says: URL must be absolute. I can't figure out how to make the url absolute, as each file's location is different and supplied by variable values. Any hints would be super appreciated. (Script is after the jump). [more inside]
posted by bluejayway at 11:23 AM PST - 8 comments

Where can I find Dr. Brown's Cel-Rey in Vancouver?

Where can I get Dr. Brown's Cel-Rey soda in Vancouver? I've looked everywhere!
posted by csjc at 11:17 AM PST - 9 comments

Installing Radiant Heat Flooring

Chicago home improvement filter: We'd like to get an estimate for installing radiant-heat flooring in our condo (6-flat built at the turn of the last century. We own a duplex down, with the primary living area being on the ground floor) or possibly replacing the HVAC with baseboard heating. Anything, really, because the conversion from whatever-it-was to the gas furnace HVAC it now is was badly done and the place is freezing all the time. Any business or contractors you recommend? Suggestions for going about this the right way? Dire warnings? [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick at 11:10 AM PST - 7 comments

Understanding cricket

Trying to understand issues around cricket as compared to baseball -- player drafting, financing, culture/conduct, etc. -- hoping an enthusiast can help me. [more inside]
posted by jfwlucy at 10:59 AM PST - 16 comments

Jump ship or stick it out?

I hate my job, and as long as I'm still in the job it's hard for me to look for a new one. But should I stick it out or just take my chances? I know similar questions have been asked, but the details differ enough that I hope the hive mind will not mind my asking and be able to offer some perspective. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:54 AM PST - 10 comments

Is she simply not attracted to me?

I've been with my current girlfriend for about 6 months. We are sexually active and have intercourse about 5 times per week (sometimes more frequently). However, throughout our relationship, my girlfriend has only touched my penis twice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:37 AM PST - 26 comments

There's this song in my head. What is it?

Songfilter: help me find out what this early 90s era pop song that is stuck in my head is [more inside]
posted by MattMangels at 10:35 AM PST - 7 comments

What does a correlation of 0.4 mean?

What does a correlation of 0.4 mean? [more inside]
posted by JamesJD at 10:32 AM PST - 18 comments

I will not eat them in a bowl / I will not eat them with a roll.

Cats are weird. Help me figure out if this shift in eating habits is a problem. [more inside]
posted by Scattercat at 10:24 AM PST - 17 comments

Need sites for new leather jacket

So its about time to get a new leather jacket. I'm male and looking for either a "car coat" or "walking coat" style and I need it in ~2XLT. I can't find anything good at Burlington, Zappos, or Wilsons. Anyone have a good idea where else to hunt something like this up online? I don't necessarily need to purchase it online, but at least hunt for a jacket whose look I like.
posted by Ikazuchi at 10:21 AM PST - 5 comments

Is there a regional airport that would make it easier for me to get to Red Bank, New Jersey

Is there a regional airport that would make it easier for me to get to Red Bank, New Jersey as compared to going into the dreaded Newark Airport (EWR)? [more inside]
posted by Dave. at 10:16 AM PST - 16 comments

New dishwasher?

Should I replace my dishwasher? [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 10:04 AM PST - 3 comments

One-volume book about WWI

Suggestions for a very good one-volume book about World War I. [more inside]
posted by Postroad at 9:34 AM PST - 19 comments

Leaving my office better than I found it

How can I minimize pain for the person taking over my job? [more inside]
posted by McBearclaw at 9:20 AM PST - 14 comments

H1N1 vaccinations in the SF Bay Area

Do you know where my wife and I can get H1N1 vaccinations in the SF Bay Area BEFORE October 31st? Preferably in the East Bay. [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 9:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Nashville or Franklin on a Sunday Afternoon

Visiting a friend who lives in Franklin, TN this weekend, but will have Sunday afternoon free. What should I do there or in Nashville on my own? [more inside]
posted by radicarian at 9:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Places to drink in Munich that are NOT the typical beer hall?

Hi, I'm going to be in the Munich area over the holidays and I want to find a place to hang out and drink. I've lived there already and I'm over the typical Bavarian biergarten/hall scene. Ideally, I'm looking for somewhere cozy and student oriented, good music playing (indie, downtempo, alternative hip-hop etc) and good, natural lighting for people watching. 100 super bonus points if their beer of choice is Augustiner!!! Thank you!!!!!
posted by badish at 9:11 AM PST - 4 comments

Finding my way around a new town

We're moving in about a week to the Kansas City area and I'm trying to find all the necessary amenities around our new place. What websites do you use to find things around the Kansas City area? [more inside]
posted by tdreyer at 8:45 AM PST - 8 comments

Viruses and surgical masks

Do the surgical masks that I see everyone wearing protect against viruses? [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 8:40 AM PST - 18 comments

So now, my kid is a shoplifter. Grumpy neighbor relations ensue.

My kid spent the night with his friend. The next day, thinking he's still at the friend's house, I get a phone call from the local grocery store. Seems my kid was shoplifting. Now, both of the mom's involved are angry with each other. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:15 AM PST - 48 comments

Why am I having the longest period ever?

This is going to be gross: I'm a 25 year old female. Until now I have had extremely regular periods which last 6 days with a 12-18 hour gap on day 5 (no idea why). I am not on any kind of birth control and have not been on any kind of birth control for over a year. This month's period began on the standard day, except now I'm going on my 14th straight day of bleeding. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:14 AM PST - 11 comments

Know any good VBA tutorials?

Can you reccommend VBA tutorials, particularly for MS Excel 2007? [more inside]
posted by Librarygeek at 8:11 AM PST - 1 comment

Butcher knife" or "Butcher's knife?

[EnglishFilter]: "Butcher knife" or "Butcher's knife?" [more inside]
posted by AAAAAThatsFiveAs at 8:09 AM PST - 17 comments

Whose game is this?

Who owns the games on Steam?(or any digital download service) [more inside]
posted by MrMulan at 6:54 AM PST - 7 comments

"He said I had a furry face. That can't be a good thing, can it?"

Please help me find more comedies to fill the spectacular void that Green Wing has left in my TV viewing. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 5:57 AM PST - 17 comments

I'll have eight hours to write a screenplay from start to finish. Help!

Screenwriters - advice for coming up wirth effective short film scripts QUICKLY! [more inside]
posted by Cantdosleepy at 5:23 AM PST - 11 comments

Who can hire me a car to drive from the UK to the Netherlands?

I need to hire a car to drive from Bristol, UK and to drop off in Haarlem Netherlands. Avis says no, europecar says no, hertz are difficult to get hold of. Suggestions? Recommendations?
posted by gonzo_ID at 3:10 AM PST - 12 comments

What on earth happened to The Simpsons?

What happened to The Simpsons? [more inside]
posted by schmichael at 2:58 AM PST - 54 comments

The roadwarrior's lament.

Roadwarriors: What's the consensus on the necessity of a laptop surge protector when traveling? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 2:41 AM PST - 13 comments

edit detection

I'm interested in detecting edits in a given video stream. Is there any literature out there on edit detection? [more inside]
posted by yegga at 1:41 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for old Harry Potter fanfic.

Looking for an old, very adult-themed Harry Potter fanfic story (please, don't laugh) I read years ago online. [may be NSFW] [more inside]
posted by reductiondesign at 12:16 AM PST - 6 comments

Diarrhea...Phobia?

Help me survive my last year of high school as a student prone to frequent anxiety attacks and major senioritis. [more inside]
posted by Yasuo at 12:03 AM PST - 10 comments

October 18

Basement water source mystery

How is water getting into my basement? [more inside]
posted by miyabo at 11:57 PM PST - 14 comments

Best friend's girlfriend hates me

My best friend's new girlfriend hates me for no reason. [more inside]
posted by cheesecake at 10:59 PM PST - 21 comments

Geographical differences of opinion

I'm married and we want to live in different geographical areas. Is this fixable in a way where everyone will feel satisfied? [more inside]
posted by imabanana at 10:47 PM PST - 17 comments

Why can't I access my self-hosted site anymore?

Switched ISPs and now not able to access my own websites which I host myself by TLD. [more inside]
posted by KI6ILS at 10:16 PM PST - 13 comments

Engineering Question

Any engineers or physicists who can help with a vector mechanics problem? [more inside]
posted by nickhb at 10:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Book Filter: Name This Book Please.

I want to give a book to a young friend but I can't remember the title and the librarian could not find it either. Book teaches about Gandhi in a cool way. [more inside]
posted by CollegeNelson at 9:43 PM PST - 2 comments

What has America received as gifts from other nations?

What publicly owned items/monuments/etc in the US were gifts from other nations? [more inside]
posted by Tomorrowful at 9:24 PM PST - 16 comments

Trouble calculating regular averages in Excel

In Excel, how do I calculate the average of every 300 data points in a large data set? [more inside]
posted by Midnight Rambler at 8:40 PM PST - 10 comments

All about sewing machine cabinets

So I've been coveting a sewing machine cabinet for a couple of reasons. They're expensive, but I find affordable used ones at a local thrift store and on craigslist pretty regularly. However, I don't know what I'm doing! [more inside]
posted by dilettante at 8:08 PM PST - 3 comments

Whence nosemeat?

I don't think this is, strictly speaking, supposed to happen: meat often comes out of my head when I'm sick. Why? What does it portend? [Warning: so gross.] [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 7:31 PM PST - 20 comments

I'm going as the sky. What is a good complimentary costume for my friend?

YetAnotherHalloweenCostumeFilter: I'm going as the sky. What is a good complimentary costume for my friend? (Yes I checked the archives.) [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 7:08 PM PST - 43 comments

How do I stop having hatecrushes?

How do I stop having hatecrushes? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:59 PM PST - 31 comments

Looking for one-year programmes in Europe to study political science, public policy, and/or law

I'm thinking of applying to spend a year at university in Europe studying political science, public policy, or law. Help me find a programme! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Why are postseason baseball games so long?

Why are postseason baseball games so long? (Data inside.) [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor at 6:38 PM PST - 12 comments

Why do movie credits list every last person who had anything to do with the production?

Why do movie credits list every last person who had anything to do with the production? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas at 6:21 PM PST - 39 comments

Keeping my laundry hair-free?

Do you have tricks or tips for keeping hair off your clean laundry? [more inside]
posted by meerkatty at 6:02 PM PST - 12 comments

Scanner Pro v. DocScanner iphone apps?

iPhonefilter: What's a good iPhone app for document scanning? [more inside]
posted by applemeat at 5:56 PM PST - 6 comments

Help Me Become Well-Read About Lebanon

I'm interested in Lebanon, (relatively) modern Lebanese history, Lebanese literature, and the Lebanese diaspora. [more inside]
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 5:52 PM PST - 7 comments

Book about Catholicism?

Can you recommend a book about Catholicism? No, other than the Bible. [more inside]
posted by teragram at 5:45 PM PST - 31 comments

What do I do with my Archos 604?

What do I do with my Archos 604? [more inside]
posted by griphus at 4:07 PM PST - 5 comments

I have a multi-day Scrabble tournament soon and a brand-new cold. Help!

I have a multi-day Scrabble tournament soon and a brand-new cold. Help! [more inside]
posted by iftheaccidentwill at 4:04 PM PST - 15 comments

Machine learning filter: How can I make a smart flash card program?

Machine learning filter: How can I make a smart flash card program? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 3:39 PM PST - 7 comments

New slices from guides

Photoshop CS3 for Mac: Is there a way to create new slices from guides, without destroying existing slices?
posted by four panels at 3:32 PM PST - 2 comments

Coke and Pepsi are the same thing! Wake up people!

How do you disarm a conspiracy theorist that continually jumps into any barely relevant conversation? [more inside]
posted by Talez at 3:24 PM PST - 22 comments

Should I consider dating a woman?

Is the idea of experimenting with a same sex relationship even smart when you aren't sure it is something you would consider in a long term way? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:16 PM PST - 24 comments

Live bass guitar looping - how DID he do it?

A little while back I heard a bass guitar player with some kind of amazing live looping set-up - what on earth was it? I keep wondering what he was doing. All I could see was that he was grabbing (sampling) things he was playing, as he was playing them (ie while he was continuing to play), using foot pedals of some sort, and then incorporating those loops into the rest of the track. Amazing. But how?
posted by monster max at 3:01 PM PST - 20 comments

OrganMe

Please point me toward the very best classical organ music! [more inside]
posted by hermitosis at 3:01 PM PST - 19 comments

Books on 17th c. Anglo-Dutch maritime wars?

Looking for good books/resources about the 17th century Anglo-Dutch maritime wars. For a project I'm doing, I'd like to get more historical detail about what the Dutch call the English Wars and what the English call the Dutch wars. While I am interested in the specific facts, I'm more interested in getting a sense of time and place, both for those who were at sea and for those at home in the two countries. Do you know any fascinating books (non-fiction or historical fiction) that reference these events?
posted by judith at 2:40 PM PST - 10 comments

My dog's really, really itchy, and my vet hasn't been much help.

My dog's really, really itchy, and my vet hasn't been much help. She's got bumps, sores, and the occasional scab on her underside. Allergy treatments haven't been much help (barring prednisone which isn't really a long-term solution) nor have special skin-treatment foods. And she doesn't have parasites, either. I'm kind of at a loss. [more inside]
posted by shirobara at 2:07 PM PST - 23 comments

Name this plant/suggest similar ones

What kind of tree/plant is this? [more inside]
posted by melissasaurus at 2:00 PM PST - 7 comments

Electro remixes of indie/pop music?

Can you recommend good electro remixes of indie / pop music? [more inside]
posted by mikeweeney at 1:54 PM PST - 20 comments

simplesimplesimple

What is the initial verbal meme that triggers the Pontypool outbreak in the movie Pontypool?
posted by benzenedream at 1:47 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I learn to study at night?

How can I train myself to study better at night? I'm in grad school and I need to use those evening hours for work - I just can't seem to concentrate in the evenings, regardless of if I was working during the day! I'm not a night person - but I need to be. [more inside]
posted by piper4 at 1:38 PM PST - 17 comments

Help figure out this modifier of the word "mentality", which may be phonetically similar to "sinded".

Help figure out this modifier of the word "mentality", which may be phonetically similar to "sinded". [more inside]
posted by Roach at 1:27 PM PST - 24 comments

Brick City?

Has anyone from Newark (or who follows Newark politics) seen Brick City? If so, what do you think? [more inside]
posted by evidenceofabsence at 1:21 PM PST - 5 comments

Need a solution to keep my sisters feet warm in ski boots.

Need a solution to keep my sister's feet warm in ski boots. [more inside]
posted by no bueno at 1:15 PM PST - 18 comments

My Teenage Daughter Said I'm Untrustworthy. WTF?

How do I cope with my angry teenage daughter? After an somewhat nonsensical rant about how hard her life is (I wanted to chat with her about applying to colleges and how the process was going), she dropped the bomb that she doesn't trust me and therefore doesn't have to talk to me. [more inside]
posted by dzaz at 1:01 PM PST - 42 comments

Where can I find a printable copy of Nike's "If You Let Me Play Sports" ad from the 1990s?

Where can I find a printable (preferably A4) copy of the 1990's Nike Ad "If You Let Me Play Sports"? [more inside]
posted by pick_the_flowers at 12:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Text Message Problems

I have a Touch Pro (Fuze) on WinMo 6.5. From my understanding, my text messages are being handled by pocket outlook. Can I use something besides outlook? [more inside]
posted by Zeker at 12:48 PM PST - 1 comment

Trying to Find a Prayer Similar to the Prayer for Daily Neglect

Trying to find a Catholic night time prayer, very similar to the Prayer For Daily Neglect, that was included in a small booklet of Catholic prayers recently distributed via pew pockets, July or August in the Lubbock dioceses. It was also a three-part prayer, and was also for neglects, but worded differently than the "official" prayer. Basically, it contained to the effect of a "provide the good I saw but did not do", a "complete the good that I did incompletely", and another part. Any clues? Google came up empty for me.
posted by CodeBaloo at 11:20 AM PST - 2 comments

Therapy in LA

Asking on behalf of a friend: She (age 26) is looking for a sliding-scale therapist in LA. She lives in the Culver City area and works downtown. Complication: she works 9-5, and her job is not flexible, so evening or weekend hours are a must. She would prefer someone who specializes in body image (she is an emotional eater and overweight) and/or in working with queer/gay individuals. [more inside]
posted by insectosaurus at 11:14 AM PST - 4 comments

Batch transfer of ~1TB from 8 drives over LAN

Are there any better tools for transferring about a terabyte of files over a local network than just dragging and dropping in Windows? Specifically, is there a tool that can pick up and double-check files once they've been copied over? [more inside]
posted by saysthis at 11:03 AM PST - 16 comments

NSF GRFP Proposal

Where can I find examples of science/engineering research proposals for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program? [more inside]
posted by Aanidaani at 11:02 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I Live Trace the images in a PDF in Illus CS3?

How do I Live Trace the images in a PDF in Illustrator CS3? [more inside]
posted by cobra_high_tigers at 10:47 AM PST - 10 comments

I don't know what to do with my family.

It's Sunday morning. My wife is surfing the Net. My 14-year-old stepson is playing World of Warcraft. My 5-year-old mildly autistic daughter is watching Cinderella. This works, sort of. But it doesn't feel like being a family. [more inside]
posted by musofire at 10:36 AM PST - 56 comments

What's wrong with the car stereo in my 2003 Nissan Sentra?

What's wrong with the car stereo in my 2003 Nissan Sentra? [more inside]
posted by ixohoxi at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments

Faced with a scholarly book.

How can I stop my glistening wit from faltering when I become so obviously intimidated by certain people? Details inside, and don't worry, I won't mention my wit again. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:23 AM PST - 7 comments

never lose those straws again?

toolfilter: if you own a can of wd-40 "smart straw" spray, are you able to remove the "smart straw top" and place it onto a different spray can and does it work there? [more inside]
posted by jak68 at 10:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Trade honda for diesel Benz?

Thinking about trading my 97 Accord for 1980 diesel benz. [more inside]
posted by toastchee at 9:57 AM PST - 14 comments

No soup for you!

I have a question about childrens' flu vaccines and insurance. [more inside]
posted by FunkyHelix at 9:48 AM PST - 3 comments

How do movies fake party conversation noise?

I recall reading in a thread about a trick used in movies to simulate the background noise of a crowd engaged in a number of separate conversations - like a party - by having a small number of people repeat a few syllables out of sync with each other. What were the details of this?
posted by srboisvert at 9:43 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me back in the church...

Help me reconcile my liberal beliefs with a church family again... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:26 AM PST - 39 comments

Leather-free fashion in Paris?

Where can I find leather-free clothing in Paris? Specifically, I'm looking for boots and shoes, but bonus points for jackets, belts and the like. [more inside]
posted by nicoleincanada at 9:21 AM PST - 3 comments

Where do the fun geek business owners live? (Middle age edition)

You're an entrepreneur who likes technology. You love the internet, you love to talk business, and you hang out with other people who are like you. Maybe your area even has an "official" group of tech business owners of many ages who get together to joke about clients, share advice, and try out new toys. Where do you live? [more inside]
posted by PatoPata at 9:17 AM PST - 17 comments

Besides crepes

Besides crepes, what do you make with a crepe maker? I bought a Cuchina Pro 12" crepe maker. At less than $40, it's a great value, makes wonderful crepes. I'm wondering what else I can make with it, in the same way that, say, Rice Cooker cookbooks suggest non-rice dishes. [more inside]
posted by portabella at 8:56 AM PST - 10 comments

Is Johnson & Wales worth it?

I'm thinking of going to culinary school for baking and pastry. Right now Johnson & Wales in RI is the front runner. My question: is JWU worth it, or should I be looking elsewhere? [more inside]
posted by firei at 8:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Any good books on web penetration testing?

Any good books on web penetration testing? [more inside]
posted by jacobian at 8:28 AM PST - 3 comments

Apparently you CAN level up beyond the PhD bonus round

How does one apply for a postdoctoral position/fellowship/job? [more inside]
posted by Busoni at 7:47 AM PST - 12 comments

NYC not for tourists

If you only had one year left before moving out of New York City, what would you make sure to see and do before leaving? [more inside]
posted by HotPatatta at 7:33 AM PST - 18 comments

Radical critiques of cyberspace?

If Karl Marx & Emma Goldman were arguing about the internet on Metafilter, what might they be saying? [more inside]
posted by jammy at 7:02 AM PST - 11 comments

If you were a circus director spending lots of time and effort on a n00b, what would you appreciate?

What can I get as a thank-you gift for my circus directors? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 6:59 AM PST - 4 comments

Should I seek a personal injury lawyer after being rear ended?

Should I hire a personal injury attorney after being rear ended? [more inside]
posted by zzztimbo at 6:42 AM PST - 22 comments

A Concise Breakdown of American Literature

I'm looking for a list of American Literary Time Periods along with the essential works for each time period (all genres)? Define the time period, if possible, with a list of qualities which embody the literary essence of that time period, both in content and style. Extra credit for other source to accompany your answers. Thanks all.
posted by boots77 at 5:48 AM PST - 9 comments

Honey, sometimes I have a hard time...Ooooh shiny!

Relationship filter: He's an Austrian in Austria, I'm an American in America, and I have ADHD/Inattentive type. He's not familiar with this concept. What books can I suggest to him? [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 5:30 AM PST - 7 comments

1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics on TV in the USA

Were the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics broadcast on tape delay in the United States? How can I figure out the TV schedule? Anecdotes of events you remember watching would help. [more inside]
posted by alicat at 5:26 AM PST - 7 comments

How to learn from the world?

Taking A Year Off. (yes, I realize it sounds like this.) [more inside]
posted by allymusiqua at 2:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Online resources for learning BSL?

I'd like your recommendations for an online resource to learn the basics of British Sign Language. [more inside]
posted by Dali Atomicus at 1:42 AM PST - 0 comments

Which ebook reader?

Whats the best eBook reader I could get for Christmas? And dont say kindle [more inside]
posted by Iax at 1:31 AM PST - 25 comments

Need to apply my previous skills to a new occupation - resources? ideas?

I just complete a two year technical degree, now I find that I am un-happy with my future job and that the economic outlook for work is terrible. I want to find something that will use my skills and education as leverage for an assortment of different careers. Are there website(s) that can compute this for me? could you suggest for me some occupations given a brief description (inside)... [more inside]
posted by audio at 12:23 AM PST - 8 comments

Still trying to figure out what color her parachute is...

I need help helping my wife figure out what to do with her life. I am a very lucky person who has known for a long time that I wanted to be an engineer. I love math and science, and truthfully I can think of lots of jobs that would probably satisfy me. However, I recognize that I am in the minority in this position, and my wife, sadly, falls into the other group. She has been feeling particularly down about finding her purpose for quite a while now, and I need to figure out how to help her. Read on for the details! [more inside]
posted by RobotNinja at 12:20 AM PST - 15 comments

I don't want to look like W.C. Fields...

Living with rosacea... tips please. [more inside]
posted by miss lynnster at 12:10 AM PST - 27 comments

October 17

Group assignment advice

I've to hand in a group assignment tomorrow and the input from one of the members is crap- terrible writing, no references, no clue, nice guy. I want to remain friends but want to dramatically edit his work. How can I break it to him that his work needed treatment? I'm terrible at this sort of thing. btw, this thread doesn't really answer my question as we're handing in tomorrow. Also- he's old buddies with the other group member who I don't know very well.
posted by mattoxic at 11:58 PM PST - 26 comments

Help me help my toe.

I injured my big toe and want/need to wear closed toed shoes but the top of the toe is still too sensitive. Can you help me come up with some sort of "toe protector" to ...well, protect my toe. (Gory details kept to a minimum, but some info is necessary to explain.) [more inside]
posted by Ochre,Hugh at 10:43 PM PST - 8 comments

Are there any hard drive enclosures for 3.5" form HDs that can be powered off a USB port alone?

Are there any hard drive enclosures for 3.5" form HDs that can be powered off a USB port alone? (ie, without additional AC plug) [more inside]
posted by chefscotticus at 10:30 PM PST - 9 comments

Learning to THRIVE alone after divorce.

After divorce, how can I learn to be a confident, whole individual without being in a relationship? I'm struggling with insecurity, I feel like there is a part of me missing, and I've gotten myself so worked up about it that I'm in a state of "analysis paralysis." Please help me break through that paralysis! [more inside]
posted by MultiFaceted at 9:38 PM PST - 23 comments

Can anyone help ID this song?

Can anyone help ID this song? [more inside]
posted by pcward at 9:32 PM PST - 1 comment

Mystery comic/zine image.

Can anyone identify this image? [more inside]
posted by bdave at 9:07 PM PST - 3 comments

What's the statistical technique for combining several test results into one?

I'm a statistics n00b trying to learn how to combine the results of several tests into one. [more inside]
posted by gsteff at 8:39 PM PST - 4 comments

Tell me what internal hard drive to buy for my MacPro.

Tell me what internal hard drive to buy for my Mac Pro. [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 8:17 PM PST - 24 comments

Body and beats, for whom does he stain his sheets?

Celebrity Sexual Preference-filter: Does Gordon Gano, singer of the Violent Femmes, like boys, girls, or both?
posted by Jon_Evil at 8:17 PM PST - 11 comments

I want to click it and forget it for a while

I'm looking for games that progress in real time, similar to Farmville on Facebook. [more inside]
posted by Team of Scientists at 7:19 PM PST - 18 comments

what is "backend of a site seal" called on scriptlance?

how do the online BBB seals and safety seal work on the back end? [more inside]
posted by Izzmeister at 7:15 PM PST - 7 comments

BDSM costume ideas, please!

Looking for an original costume idea for Halloween at a BDSM club. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:11 PM PST - 17 comments

Privacy implications of 23andme

What are the privacy implications of ordering the 23andme DNA test? [more inside]
posted by wireless at 7:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Half-naked lady hippo t-shirt

Where can I find a t-shirt of a half-naked lady atop a hippo? [more inside]
posted by sunshineunderground at 6:41 PM PST - 4 comments

Mystery illness??

Never-sick person + sickness = hell. [more inside]
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 6:30 PM PST - 45 comments

How do you open a childproof zipper?

How do you open a childproof zipper on an Ikea children's mattress cover? [more inside]
posted by TurkeyMustard at 6:14 PM PST - 4 comments

Paul Daniels baffles me

Years ago on his Magic Show (80s, UK TV) I watched Paul Daniels pour apparently hundreds of different drinks from a single magic kettle. It freaked me out a little at the time and even now I'd love to know - how does that trick work?
posted by Fiery Jack at 5:59 PM PST - 8 comments

No I not mad and/or hysterical

Professional with social phobia [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:12 PM PST - 12 comments

it's either hauntingly beautiful or beautifully haunting. I don't know which.

In the newest podcast(direct download link) from vintagehorror.com, there is some really beautiful string music playing behind the narrator as he reads Poe's "manuscript found in a bottle" What is it? [more inside]
posted by tylerfulltilt at 5:06 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me understand American football

Help me better understand the fine game of American Football. [more inside]
posted by dcrocha at 4:06 PM PST - 33 comments

Spanish in Washington Heights?

New-York-Filter: How big is the Spanish speaking community around Columbia University Medical Center? How many of their patients are Spanish speakers? [more inside]
posted by chrisalbon at 4:00 PM PST - 18 comments

How do Studio Stands Work?

How do FOBA studio stands lift up? [more inside]
posted by kepano at 3:48 PM PST - 2 comments

Paving and astroturfing is too expensive

The greens at Casa de Codswallop are crap. Can someone give me some yard advice? [more inside]
posted by codswallop at 3:48 PM PST - 8 comments

What the knot?

What is special about a square surgical knot? It seems like the regular kind of knot I use to tie my shoes, just using a very specific hand technique. Is there any advantage to this knot tying technique?
posted by Brennus at 3:09 PM PST - 5 comments

Awesome shoes that don't make my knee hurt! Please!?!

Best shoes for a P.E. teacher with a bad knee. [more inside]
posted by roxiesmom at 2:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Quest for Quinces (in LA)

Are there places in LA where I am likely to find quinces now that they're in season? [more inside]
posted by Hairy Lobster at 2:47 PM PST - 5 comments

Imaginary superhero/supervillain costume

I have a week to come up with a superhero(ine)/supervillain costume. This should not be an existing character. [more inside]
posted by jeather at 2:39 PM PST - 13 comments

ipod nano without itunes?

iPod Nano without iTunes?? What does that mean and how can I fix it? [more inside]
posted by crapples at 2:29 PM PST - 19 comments

Why shouldn't I put small plants in bigger containers?

I've read that it's a bad idea to plant small plants into larger pots (the idea being that they will grow into the large pot). Instead, you're supposed to keep the plant in the smallest appropriate container and move up as it grows. Why? What will happen if I just start a plant in a container that's bigger than it needs?
posted by tumbleweedjack at 1:50 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me identify these ceramic wall tiles...

Help me identify these ceramic wall tiles... [more inside]
posted by momentofmagnus at 1:08 PM PST - 5 comments

Up, up, down down, left right left right ...

What Xbox 360 games should I get for me and my girlfriend? [more inside]
posted by ben242 at 1:05 PM PST - 27 comments

Church of what else?

Looking for obscure rivalries, ala Emacs and Vi. [more inside]
posted by movicont at 12:44 PM PST - 74 comments

How many pugs and pug owners are there both in the U.S. and worldwide?

How many pugs and pug owners are there both in the U.S. and worldwide? [more inside]
posted by JPigford at 12:24 PM PST - 1 comment

Sex with an ex?

I'd like to hear stories or comments from others who have slept with their exes. [more inside]
posted by bananaskin at 12:15 PM PST - 28 comments

Help my boy teeth without BPA exposure.

My wife is going mad looking for BPA-free teething toys for our 5-month old. Can you point me to web sites (or other resources) that might help us find such toys? [more inside]
posted by ajr at 11:54 AM PST - 15 comments

Are there more fantastical World War I novels?

I just finished reading Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld, and really enjoyed it. I'd love to read other World War I novels with fantasy/science-fiction/steampunk twists. Are there any? [more inside]
posted by Caduceus at 11:08 AM PST - 17 comments

CopyWriterFilter 5000: How do copywriters come up with names for products and product lines?

CopyWriterFilter 5000: How do copywriters come up with names for products and product lines? [more inside]
posted by metajc at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments

The healthy way to deal with those little petty disappointments in a relationship?

The healthy way to deal with those little petty disappointments in a relationship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:03 AM PST - 18 comments

How much does hydrochlorothiazide affect blood sugar?

YANMD. One of the side effects of hydrochlorothiazide is high blood sugar. How much of an increase would be typical? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:02 AM PST - 2 comments

Are Miller Indices used for anything, or are they just a convenient notation?

I am taking an intro to materials science class, and in which we have learned about Miller indices, which are a way of denoting directions and planes in a unit cell. So far we have done nothing with this other than draw directions and planes. I was wondering, is this just a notational convention or is there some reason why they are the way they are, as in does it make some more advanced math easier or something?
posted by selenized at 9:52 AM PST - 6 comments

Does math have big scary teeth or something?

Why do people hate math and science so much? [more inside]
posted by chicago2penn at 9:30 AM PST - 130 comments

Dallas Autism/Asperger evaluation?

Dallas Autism/Asperger diagnosis? Where in the North Dallas/Plano area could an adult get an Asperger Syndrome evaluation? [more inside]
posted by ellighi at 9:15 AM PST - 1 comment

Where can I find photos of NYCHA housing developments?

I'm looking for photos of NYCHA public housing - particularly, the interior of apartments and communal areas. Where can I find photos like this online? [more inside]
posted by Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo at 8:42 AM PST - 2 comments

Easy Sun Protection for the Lazy

My dad was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and apparently that means I'm at increased risk. I guess I need to start thinking about sun protection. Problem: I am very, very lazy. [more inside]
posted by craichead at 8:31 AM PST - 40 comments

Short passages of particularly strong or weak nonfiction prose?

In search of short passages of especially strong or weak nonfiction prose! [more inside]
posted by cymru_j at 8:04 AM PST - 8 comments

Modern VL-Tone?

What's the modern equivalent of a Casio VL-Tone? [more inside]
posted by dmd at 7:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Non-obvious devil costume

Yet another Halloween costume question: I'd like to go as His Infernal Majesty, the Prince of Darkness. But not the obvious horns-and-tail-and-pitchfork version... [more inside]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 6:46 AM PST - 37 comments

need publisher, imagination will travel

I've recently begun work on a children's book. It is inspired by my granddaughter. I was wondering if anyone had any information on how to get a children's book published? Suggested Publishers? Also, any other information pertaining to this process, would be appreciated. ***I realize that children's books are a dime a dozen...but mine just might be spectacular ;)***
posted by gypseefire at 4:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Need a new jacket lining that is hopefuly not stripey pink. In London.

My leather jacket needs a new lining. Im in London. Where should I go and what should I expect to pay?
posted by ElmerFishpaw at 4:03 AM PST - 3 comments

wordpress - the two types of hosting options - pros and cons?

wordpress pros and cons of self-hosting versus using wordpress hosting? [more inside]
posted by figTree at 3:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Are short culinary schools worth it?

Is a short-course culinary school worth it? Does it offer any cred toward haute cuisine sous-chef and chef positions, or is it for suckers who'll work at Applebees forever? [more inside]
posted by Netzapper at 3:03 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me make my excuses for not attending a party at the last minute

How can I gracefully pull out of attending a party at the last moment? [more inside]
posted by t0astie at 2:01 AM PST - 12 comments

help me remember that 90's computer game

Looking for 90's video games I played as a kid. [more inside]
posted by thebrokenmuse at 1:28 AM PST - 7 comments

Phasing that leaves you happy?

Modern Minimalist Orchestral Music Filter: Could you help me find music similar in mood and sound to a particular piece by Yoko Kanno? "Twinkle" on the Macross Frontier O.S.T.1 is beautiful and I want more! [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 12:44 AM PST - 12 comments

A frankfurter by any other name

Is a hot dog a sandwich? [more inside]
posted by tehloki at 12:36 AM PST - 58 comments

How to fix my crushing jet lag?

JetLagFilter: Traveled from Beijing to New York 3 days ago, and I'm pretty sure my jet lag symptoms are getting worse, not better. How do I stop messing myself up and start improving things? [more inside]
posted by alight at 12:31 AM PST - 14 comments

October 16

WTF was that?!

My fiancee and I were just now woken up by the sound of a large explosion right in our bedroom. Almost like a gunshot but not quite that loud. And I think I saw a flash of light. Both seemed to come from near the ceiling by the door. I turned on one of the lights but there's no residue I can see from anything. Nothing seems to be broken in terms of lights or circuits. Was it some kind of giant static discharge? [more inside]
posted by kmz at 11:36 PM PST - 31 comments

How do I prepare a new book?

I was once shown how to prepare a brand new book before reading it– it had something to do with opening the book at various places and smoothing down the pages. Supposedly it would make the binding last longer. Does this actually work, and if so, could anyone describe the process clearly? Any other advice on good book care and repair for this new librarian would be greatly appreciated.
posted by carterk at 10:10 PM PST - 11 comments

What do I do now (with regard to law school applications)?

What do I do now (with regard to law school applications)? So, I retook the LSAT in hopes of improving on my original score (166). I scored exactly the same. Now I'm not sure what to do-should retake it a third time? Just submit my applications early (end of this month) and hope for the best? [more inside]
posted by Sakura3210 at 8:50 PM PST - 16 comments

Chicken Soup with Rice song

Anyone remember a non-Carole King version of the song "Chicken Soup with Rice"? [more inside]
posted by camcgee at 8:18 PM PST - 2 comments

How I can I find an old-style scientific vector plotter font?

When I was growing up, the graphs in all the science books from the middle of the 20th century had a particular vector-plotted look to them. Did they use a common font (or common plotting system), and how can I duplicate that appearance now? [more inside]
posted by dfan at 8:10 PM PST - 5 comments

Sunday lunch/brunch in Van Nuys?

What are your restaurant recommendations for Sunday lunch in Van Nuys or surrounding areas? [more inside]
posted by infinitywaltz at 7:54 PM PST - 16 comments

Bzzzzzz Burp

What do I do with bee pollen?? [more inside]
posted by Unred at 7:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me give my temporary visitor a good place to stay.

Help me house a box turtle temporarily! [more inside]
posted by corey flood at 6:48 PM PST - 16 comments

San Francisco Nights

It's 6:30 P.M. on a Friday/Saturday. You're in San Francisco. All of your friends are doing something else. There's no Sharks game on. The Symphony and the Opera are sold out. The library is closed. You've read the newspapers front to back. You have to start heading home by 10:30 P.M. What do you do? [more inside]
posted by clorox at 6:39 PM PST - 21 comments

Money can buy me love?

Okay, whats the deal. When did The Beatles become fair game? [more inside]
posted by rtimmel at 6:34 PM PST - 37 comments

Preventing mold from house plants

Is there an easy way to keep mold spores from potted plants at bay? [more inside]
posted by Coventry at 6:26 PM PST - 3 comments

Reverse Ebay?

Used Car Buying Time! Is there a website that allows a user to enter the model car they want to buy with the amount they want to pay that dealers can look at and make an offer?
posted by meeshell at 6:21 PM PST - 3 comments

The Ethics of Horror

Where I can find resources inquiring into the ethics of horror films? [more inside]
posted by ageispolis at 5:40 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I become less absent minded?

How can I become less absent minded? [more inside]
posted by emilyd22222 at 5:34 PM PST - 23 comments

British or American sitcom suggestions?

I'm seeking to expand my repertoire of sitcom shows. Please suggest some series that have a similar type of humour as the shows I've outlined below. [more inside]
posted by PowerCat at 5:02 PM PST - 45 comments

Stress Detector

Is there a device that can automatically observe your stress levels in real-time? [more inside]
posted by philosophistry at 4:32 PM PST - 9 comments

Share your confidence game stories

Have you been conned? Would you share your story? [more inside]
posted by Wink Ricketts at 4:03 PM PST - 91 comments

I've been grating a le~mon~, all the live long day~

Fresh Lemon Zest - so yummy yet so annoying to grate. There must be an easier solution! [more inside]
posted by wiretap at 3:48 PM PST - 29 comments

Believe it or not, George isn't at home!

I always hate my voicemail / answering machine message. I feel really lame whenever I say any of the little scripts I have heard or thought up. NEW VOICEMAIL MESSAGE SCRIPTS please! All ideas welcome, from simple to funny to irreverant. (Or even pre-recorded messages I could download, good songs, anything!)
posted by nomnomnom at 3:19 PM PST - 52 comments

Compression socks recommendation

What brand compression socks should I buy? [more inside]
posted by corpse at 3:09 PM PST - 2 comments

Consulting Career Planning

Wanting to start doing independent consulting work in two years. Advice for now? [more inside]
posted by Spurious at 2:28 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find this artist

For a friend: Who is the artist who painted this picture, and how can I get a copy?
posted by aheckler at 1:34 PM PST - 2 comments

AnxietyFilter: had a risky sex encounter 8 months ago, just tested HIV-negative, and still going a little crazy. Help?

AnxietyFilter: had a risky sex encounter 8 months ago, just tested HIV-negative, and still going a little crazy. Help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:32 PM PST - 27 comments

When should I tell my ex I am seeing someone now?

When should I tell my ex I am seeing someone now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:31 PM PST - 23 comments

What are some good iPhone games for a six year old

What are some good iPhone games for a six year old? [more inside]
posted by shothotbot at 1:23 PM PST - 13 comments

My dog is getting meaner with age

I'm afraid my old dog's mind is going before his body -- he's peeing on the floor, growls and snaps at us when we try to put him outside, and other odd behaviors. How should my wife and I handle this? [more inside]
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 1:23 PM PST - 20 comments

Don't tug on that. Recovery from shoulder surgery Qs.

I'm in the second week of recovery from SLAP/Bankart surgery on my shoulder and might be fretting too much about it, but I'm a surgery n00b and have no idea what recovery is supposed to be like. Then, too, I decided surgery is not much fun and would like to figure out how to avoid having any more of it. I would like advice on both. [more inside]
posted by jet_silver at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Surf/skate book recommendations?

Are there any great books about surfing or skateboarding?
posted by EnormousTalkingOnion at 1:18 PM PST - 8 comments

Bob, would you and Living Praise Choir lead us in 'To God Be the Glory?'

Help me identify the source of this Guided By Voices sample. [more inside]
posted by Rangeboy at 1:12 PM PST - 2 comments

Seeking documentary about every country.

Is there a documentary that contains basic info (+ maybe some cultural info) for every country in the world? [more inside]
posted by nnevvinn at 1:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Wildflowers near Los Angeles?

Wildflowers day trips from Los Angeles? [more inside]
posted by klangklangston at 12:59 PM PST - 9 comments

How to make my PHP-generated URLs prettier?

I'd like to make more easily understood URL paths for my PHP-generated pages. [more inside]
posted by fellorwaspushed at 12:55 PM PST - 10 comments

FatCow or NearlyFreeSpeech?

Which I should choose to host my personal website: FatCow or NearlyFreeSpeech? [more inside]
posted by kitfreeman at 12:44 PM PST - 15 comments

How do you deal with sexism in your workplace?

How do you deal with sexism in your workplace? [more inside]
posted by hazyspring at 12:37 PM PST - 31 comments

CSI: Kmt?

Did my mother really see a demonstration of ancient Egyptian mummification on a modern human cadaver on PBS in the late 90s? [more inside]
posted by Meg_Murry at 12:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Help a cellphone novice buy a cellphone

Hoping the hive mind can help me with a cellphone solution. I know nothing about cellphones and in years past have relied on the internet and a landline for my phone needs. I've used a combination of Google Voice (GrandCentral formerly), Vonage, and a cheap pay-as-you-go cellphone. I am now in a nomadic situation (US) where I do not have a reliable landline nor internet for the foreseeable future. It's time to get a real cellphone. [more inside]
posted by cardamom at 12:22 PM PST - 5 comments

Tiersen-esque recommendations, please

Love Yann Tiersen's earlier instrumental music. Recently discovered Sweden's "Detektivbyran," which gives me much of what I used to get from Tiersen before he moved on, without being derivative. Tried last.fm and pandora to no avail - looking for other artists mining similar territory. Bonus points for inclusion of accordion. Does not necessarily have to be done on acoustic instruments. Don't want huge sweeping orchestral statements...prefer smaller ensembles who get the point across with fewer instruments or tracks.
posted by dorgla at 11:51 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I "show them around" in the rain?

How can I show a couple relatives the neighborhoods from Brooklyn Heights to Prospect Park this weekend – it’s going to be cold and rainy!
posted by SirNovember at 11:47 AM PST - 1 comment

Will Kaiser health insurance pay for a knee brace? Subsidize it?

Will Kaiser health insurance pay for a knee brace? Subsidize it? [more inside]
posted by jstef at 11:25 AM PST - 5 comments

Yellow lemon cake of heaven

Please help me identify this snack cake! [more inside]
posted by blithecatpie at 11:19 AM PST - 12 comments

Name This Aesthetic

Is there a name or term for the aesthetic these blogs contain? [more inside]
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 11:04 AM PST - 22 comments

I've Got Your Number

I love numbers! Especially numbers that track things. What services could I offer that involve fairly simple numbers? (Note: no significant statistics background; NOT advanced math.) [more inside]
posted by kristi at 11:00 AM PST - 7 comments

How much would it cost the average person to get a health care policy that's as good as Medicaid?

How much would it cost the average person to get a health care policy that's as good as Medicaid? [more inside]
posted by aquafortis at 10:48 AM PST - 7 comments

Receive me.

I'm looking for a home audio receiver + speakers to serve a few different purposes. Can you help me find a good one? [more inside]
posted by wordsmith at 10:38 AM PST - 3 comments

VPN from home NAS system.

I am trying to set up my router so that I can get at my files on my 3 NAS boxes. These NAS boxes are 1) D-Link DNS323, Infrant ReadyNAS NV+, and a Buffalo TeraStation HD-H2.0TGL/R5. The router is connected to the internet via a home service cable modem so it won't have a static IP and one step is to find the IP address before accessing. I have a router (DLink DGL-4100) which says it can make a IPSec VPN or FTP using a Virtual Server (I think). There would be no other PCs on the network since I would be taking my laptop with me when I access the network. The manuals for the routers talk about FTP serving but if I get a VPN set in my router then I should be able to just browse for whatever I want that way...right? The instructions say it can be done, but how? Please give me step by step instructions the best you can for setting up the router, the NAS boxes and my XP laptop (with suggested software, if necessary) since I have looked all over the internet and can't find anything I can understand. Of course the access should be encrypted and password protected. THANKS GUYS. [more inside]
posted by CodeMonkey at 10:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Cat Drama. The cat's the sane one.

What is the best way to get my mom a kitten? Obviously, it's not quite that simple. Warning, overly long description of a ridiculous problem ahead. [more inside]
posted by cgg at 10:22 AM PST - 22 comments

how much for freelance work ?

How much should I charge for camera and editing work ? [more inside]
posted by dawdle at 9:48 AM PST - 6 comments

Sell a finite number of identical items on the internet

What is the best way to sell (and accept payment for) a finite number of identical items (50) on the internet? I expect the items to sell out reasonably fast, and so I'll need to be able to take orders as they are received, and stop accepting payment when the 50 are sold. [more inside]
posted by monkeystronghold at 9:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I get a Chumby?

Why do you like Chumby? I'm not trying to be cheeky here. I really want to know. Of those of you who love your Chumby, what is it that you love the most? Why did you get one? Where do you use it? What are your favorite widgets? [more inside]
posted by velvetsmog at 9:42 AM PST - 12 comments

My mother loves to talk when I really don't want to listen right now!

How can I drown out my mother's constant advice giving banter? [more inside]
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 9:40 AM PST - 23 comments

Whats a good way to keep track of members that visit our establishment?

Help me come up with an easy way to track members at the entrance to our "private club" [more inside]
posted by JakeTimberlake at 9:39 AM PST - 12 comments

Is there an app for that?

I'm looking for a good New York City iPhone app for tourists. [more inside]
posted by reformedjerk at 9:25 AM PST - 15 comments

I would like to subscribe to your newsletter, and give you my card!

Help me network like a professional. What are common mistakes that soon-to-be graduates make at network events? What is proper etiquette for name exchanges, gracefully making one's way into a group conversation, and how one does one make an impression without coming off too strong? Particulars after the break. [more inside]
posted by cgomez at 9:21 AM PST - 7 comments

Why are my headlights blinking off while driving?

The headlights on my 2004 Dodge Durango randomly blink out for a few seconds while I'm driving. As you can imagine, this is a bit unnerving, not to mention dangerous, on a dark road at night. It is not consistent. It may happen a few times one night, then not again for a week. I do not have the automatic headlight feature. It does not seem to be connected to using the brakes, or turn signals, or anything like that. It's not even connected to moving as it has happened while the truck is not in motion. The 2nd generation Durango's do not have a headlight relay, which was my first thought on a part to check. The lights are apparently digitally controlled. I took it into the dealer and of course, the damn lights wouldn't act up there and the on board computer is not reporting any error codes, so the dealer didn't do anything but overcharge me for an oil change and tire rotation. I'm worried the lights will go out for good at a very inopportune time, like on one of our two trips in the next month. Has anybody had this problem, or have a guess as to where I should be looking for the cause?
posted by COD at 9:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Worth buying a netbook if no home wireless network?

Clueless noob here who's never owned any mobile eq, not even a cell phone. Have 2 aging PCs @ home, not networked. Just been offered an excellent deal on a netbook, and envision sitting anywhere in my house using it instead of sharing desktops w my kids. I live in a major metropolitan area; with a netbook, will I likely get internet wherever I go? Or do I have to (1) set up a home wireless network and (2) use the netbook only @ coffee shops?
posted by Nicky Diva at 9:13 AM PST - 10 comments

Drafty Winter Workshop

What's the best way to go about heating a 500sf workshop w/ 16ft ceilings in NYC this winter? Problem: only 120w electricity available. [more inside]
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 9:05 AM PST - 9 comments

How can I change to company Y for domain registration and hosting when I can't contact unreliable original company X?

How can I change to company Y for domain registration and hosting when I can't contact unreliable original company X to do the change? In the UK. [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments

Printed Picks Please

I need a reliable guitar pick printer. [more inside]
posted by signal at 8:58 AM PST - 4 comments

So, Mr. De Vere, I understand you write plays?

Help me interview a playwright. [more inside]
posted by nax at 8:55 AM PST - 11 comments

I can't do this job anymore!

I don't like my job and I'm tired of trying to like it. I just want to quit but I'm afraid of what will happen if/when I do. [more inside]
posted by PFL at 8:54 AM PST - 13 comments

Does anyone know who might be continuing Marcel Marceau's lovely work in mime?

Does anyone know who might be continuing Marcel Marceau's lovely work in mime?
posted by holdenjordahl at 8:26 AM PST - 4 comments

WordpressFilter

I'm looking for an email notifications module for a Wordpress installation that manages news releases at my job. [more inside]
posted by answergrape at 8:15 AM PST - 3 comments

What style of armchair did I buy?

What style of armchair did I buy? Also, what are some good books/websites for answering this kind of question? [more inside]
posted by angels in the architecture at 8:08 AM PST - 5 comments

So I still want to be a rockstar/astronaut when I grow up...

I'm curious to know about the people out there with fun, interesting, unusual, or quirky jobs. All lines of work considered, as long as it's fun/something you feel excited about doing most days and/or something my high school guidance counselor wouldn't have known about. [more inside]
posted by Rocket26 at 7:48 AM PST - 39 comments

Tired of all the cliche's

Harry and I got married when I was 42. Ours was a rocky relationship at its worst and absolutely riveting at its best. Even today the passion we share and yes, even the fights we occasionally have are intense, but all the laughter, that is what kept us together. We are sharing our 25th wedding anniversary on our wedding day this December. We are writing vows and I wanted to know what are the little things in relationships that made you love someone the most? I feel like all the things I want to say are cliche I need inspiration. I don't want to disappoint him.
posted by anonymous at 7:39 AM PST - 13 comments

I don't want to go, but I should. Help me find a dentist and help me get over my fear.

I'm scared of going to the dentist. How do I find one that will understand and how do I prepare myself for going to my first appointment in years? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:39 AM PST - 22 comments

Pre-wedding shave in Toronto

Pre-wedding shave in Toronto: Where should I go this Saturday for a straight blade shave? Downtown preferred but I do have a car. [more inside]
posted by dismitree at 7:36 AM PST - 7 comments

how much booze can i bring with me through LAX?

How much alcohol can I have in my checked in bags if I am connecting through LAX? [more inside]
posted by cheemee at 7:34 AM PST - 7 comments

Examples of global sibling-site tabs?

I'm looking for examples of families of websites that have tabs along the top of each page that give universal access to sibling sites. Examples I've seen: Gap, Sears, and Threadless. Anyone seen any others?
posted by roscopcoletrane at 7:29 AM PST - 12 comments

Does php fork standalone mysql queries or wait for them?

How does PHP handle mysql requests (in regard to time and 'forking') [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 7:21 AM PST - 4 comments

What must we do in Tenerife next week?

What shouldn't we miss in Tenerife Oct. 21 - 28? The very-soon-to-be-Mrs. and I are headed to Adeje for our honeymoon next week. We don't have much planned, and don't want to plan very much, but it would be nice to have a reference list of things we could do while we're there. [more inside]
posted by dreadpiratesully at 7:15 AM PST - 3 comments

What is the best way to move from London, UK, to Brussels, Belgium?

Hey there! I'm moving to Brussels for a job early November, and I'm trying to plan my move from London. What is the best way to do this move? [more inside]
posted by meso at 7:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Why is there less road traffic on Fridays?

Why is there less road traffic on Fridays? [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 6:54 AM PST - 23 comments

Protecting against USD devaluation.

Good ways for a US citizen to protect their long-term savings against US dollar devaluation? [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis at 6:26 AM PST - 10 comments

What is the gin to rule them all?

What is - in your opinion - the gin to rule them all? On a related note: Fruity, flowery, french gin I had that one night? [more inside]
posted by mathiu at 6:11 AM PST - 34 comments

Self-help but I need your help - what should I name my blog?

Help me name my blog! [more inside]
posted by Chrysalis at 5:31 AM PST - 16 comments

How do i pay a small hospital bill from France?

How do i pay a small hospital bill from France? [more inside]
posted by doiheartwentyone at 4:50 AM PST - 5 comments

Using a Japanese phone stateside?

Is it possible to use my Japanese Toshiba 810T in the States? [more inside]
posted by greasepig at 4:28 AM PST - 5 comments

haunting carousel music

what is this carousel tune that's haunting me? [more inside]
posted by mordecai at 3:39 AM PST - 3 comments

Potentially faulty MP3 player

Can my usb-using MP3 player be saved? [more inside]
posted by Inner Universe at 3:37 AM PST - 4 comments

October 15

The Perfect Mail Client

I switched to mac recently, and hate applemail. [more inside]
posted by tejolote at 11:28 PM PST - 17 comments

A font question...

What's a good free font that I can use to replicate the mechanical font used on boarding passes and concert tickets? It generally looks like it's made up of dots. [more inside]
posted by lottie at 10:24 PM PST - 7 comments

Going to Barcelona for a week, interested in modern art / public art, what to see or do? Traveling with wife and newborn

Headed to Barcelona next week, traveling with wife & newborn, interested in public art & modern art. What to see or do? [more inside]
posted by jcruelty at 10:23 PM PST - 13 comments

Por favor: help me find "cultural immersion" podcasts

I used to enjoy a podcast titled "Josh in Japan" produced by an ordinary guy living in Japan who talked about his daily experiences adjusting to Japanese culture. I am looking for other podcasts in this vein. [more inside]
posted by Piscean at 9:34 PM PST - 4 comments

How to build a private social network with only admin-user communication?

I'd like to create a self-hosted private social network where users can submit a photo and personal information. But when a user logs in, they should only be able to see and modify their own profile information, and they should only be able to see and communicate with the admin, not the other users. I'd like to use a CMS such as Joomla, Elgg, Drupal, or Wordpress (Buddypress?), but I'm not sure what would be the best approach.
posted by Josh Coe at 8:49 PM PST - 6 comments

A "good" Catholic church in Toronto

Does anyone know a vibrant Roman Catholic parish in the Greater Toronto Area? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 8:08 PM PST - 1 comment

Dropping the landline

Thinking of dropping my landline, but I'm stuck in the dark ages. I have a cell phone which is great for local calls, but terrible for long distance. Skype, VOIP, calling cards, etc...I am clueless about these things. I live in Canada. Also: I have a central alarm system in my home. [more inside]
posted by yawper at 8:04 PM PST - 16 comments

Is Halloween the only time straight guys can wear nail polish?

Is Halloween the only time it's ok for straight guys to wear nail polish (either on hands or feet)? And even then, only black, is it? [more inside]
posted by Handcoding at 7:51 PM PST - 67 comments

What is the best in-ear headphone under $100 for use on long airplane flight?

I am in urgent need of in-ear earphones for use on a number of long flights I have to take in the coming months. I've narrowed down my choices to the Shure e2c or the Sony MDRNC22. The Shure is noise isolating, the Sony is noise cancelling. Which is better? The shure's seem to go deeper into the ear. Will that get uncomfortable?
posted by Pastabagel at 7:25 PM PST - 30 comments

backup --> iPod

Trying to get my music library from my external hard drive back onto my iPod while maintaining my sanity. [more inside]
posted by Jaltcoh at 7:00 PM PST - 21 comments

Seeking wide calved boots!

Help me find a very specific type of wide-calf boot. [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 6:50 PM PST - 15 comments

Best recovery from a bad car deal?

Just over two weeks ago a young friend bought used car from a dealer who's 80 miles away. The car came with serious engine problems. The dealer says they'll take it back for a refund but won't return the full price she paid. They say they'll keep their costs, but won't even discuss on the phone the amount they'll return. How best can she get all her money back? [more inside]
posted by anadem at 6:43 PM PST - 9 comments

Name That Model

What's the name of the grey-haired lady who models in the Lands' End catalog? [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me find a new beloved leather coat?

I am looking to replace my beloved leather coat, which was stolen last spring. So now it's fall, and the stores are full of coats, but I've found that nothing even remotely comparable seems to be in style at the moment. Am I missing the secret source for classic, fashionable, longer-length leather coats? Do I need a fashion lesson and some nudging? [more inside]
posted by desuetude at 5:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Create scale animation in Photoshop?

I am trying to create an animated button in Photoshop CS4 which includes a logo scaling down and moving a bit across the animation. I've created two frames that I'll tween between, but no matter what I do, when I scale the logo it changes in both frames. I've turned on and off the three unify buttons and the propagate frame 1 checkbox, and I've scaled using Transform and with the move tool options, every time it scales in both frames. Moving it from one position to another works just fine. Can anyone help?
posted by aaronetc at 5:48 PM PST - 2 comments

Best way to pay debt collectors?

Now that I am able, I would like to pay the debts I have accrued over the past few years. When confronted with debt collectors, what is the best way to deal with them so that this positively impacts my credit report? [more inside]
posted by Loto at 5:41 PM PST - 13 comments

Please recommend music similar to Antony & the Johnsons.

Please recommend music with the same 'qualities' and Antony & the Johnsons. I realize this is vague. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 5:30 PM PST - 36 comments

Looking for SaaS contract management site

Looking for a SaaS Contract Management website [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:26 PM PST - 2 comments

casein & lactose levels in "caseine & lactose free" foods

Can someone tell me the minimum safe level of casein and lactose found in "casein free" &/ or "lactose free" foods that would not trigger an allergic reaction. (In ppm.) i.e. the lowest safe level allowed if you were trying to produce such a food product. (It will be for ghee, which has the milk solids removed, but residual trace amounts could potentially remain.) In striving to get it as low as possible, what would be an acceptable level to not trigger allergic response? [more inside]
posted by Mimidae at 5:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Bone with a juicy center?

I purchased some expensive beef bones by accident $3/lb, and was planning to make stock with them. However, after a quick roast, I saw the inner circle became something soft and edible, while the outer circle remained bone. What did I get, and should I still make stock with these?
posted by tasty at 5:20 PM PST - 15 comments

What was that video called?

What's this kids sing-along video I'm remembering from the '80s? [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 5:06 PM PST - 2 comments

Help! Tax Deadline Tonight!

HELP! It's tax day. Tax return due tonight. HELP! [more inside]
posted by SallyHitMeOntheHead at 4:46 PM PST - 8 comments

Wants to work hunting scammers

Someone I know wants to find a job as the person who is portrays themselves as seeking housing or employment, and is either preferred or discriminated against because of their race, sex, age, etc. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 4:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Unbreakable - the netbook/netbook case edition

Unbreakable netbooks/netbook cases?: I've realised the one feature I really need in a $350 netbook, is one I can get a case for one so I don't *break* it... [more inside]
posted by Elysum at 4:31 PM PST - 10 comments

My family moved across the country without me, and make me feel guilty about not joining them.

My whole family moved and they want me to join them. But I hate where they live. How can I get them to respect my decision to stay? [more inside]
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 4:23 PM PST - 27 comments

Comfort foods for the sick around the world?

What are different cultures' versions of comfort foods that are prepared for people who are sick and feeling under the weather? [more inside]
posted by illenion at 4:03 PM PST - 67 comments

Can javascript "listeners" working across frames?

Guerilla-coder Javascript filter: Rather than wait 12-18 months to get my project idea into my company's queue, I'm trying to find a workaround. It's going to be ugly. It's going to be messy. And I have no idea how to do it. Bottom line: My company's web portal has a top frame that I can control, and a bottom frame controlled by Web IT. Can I add an event listener to the top frame that will watch the bottom frame and excecute when it's done loading? [more inside]
posted by jpolchlopek at 3:59 PM PST - 14 comments

Pardon my (art form) ignorance

Is there a proper term for this type of mixed media art project? [more inside]
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 3:55 PM PST - 6 comments

Please recommend a good gastroenterologist in NYC.

Can someone recommend a good gastroenterologist in NYC? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:43 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I sue an abusive step-parent?

How does an adult find a lawyer to sue an abusive step-parent more than a decade after the fact? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:43 PM PST - 7 comments

Kisses are nicer when they don't taste like Camels

How can I let my new guy know I don't like him smoking without turning into an unpleasant nag? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:43 PM PST - 32 comments

Lead Foot Equall/Not Equall Need Brake Job

Theoretical brake wear: Do brake pads wear out faster, slower, or at the same rate if you brake later and harder than normal? [more inside]
posted by Liver at 3:35 PM PST - 17 comments

Good hair ties that won't stretch out?

Long haired hippies! What do you use everyday to keep your hair back? [more inside]
posted by CwgrlUp at 3:14 PM PST - 25 comments

Flash CS3 user interface issues

Help me make my flash life better. (Questions about the Flash CS3 user interface.) [more inside]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 2:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Mac Backup Nirvana with Encryption, Per-File, and Snapshotting

Mac Backup Filter: Help me achieve Nirvana with Time Machine, FileVault, and a snapshotting tool. Difficulty rating: FileVault and virtual machine images. [more inside]
posted by rcs at 2:54 PM PST - 1 comment

I want to know about low-flow water wells.

I want to know about low-flow water wells. [more inside]
posted by zamboni at 2:38 PM PST - 10 comments

I Wish I Could Just Throw It At the 'Net

Auomating Mac Filter: I want to upload a movie to a free video sharing site from the command line. How? [more inside]
posted by 47triple2 at 2:33 PM PST - 3 comments

What was that "Make the Boomers PAY" commercial I saw as a kid?

I remember this commercial from back in last century, about the youth putting their elders on trial, basically for leaving them an f'd-up world. I also remember it getting pulled from the airwaves for ruffling too many feathers. What was it? [more inside]
posted by Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey at 2:24 PM PST - 1 comment

Common characteristics of scientific fraud or misconduct

Article or book that discusses common characteristics of scientific fraud or misconduct? [more inside]
posted by Mapes at 2:19 PM PST - 9 comments

What is the name of this birthday song?

Please help me figure out the name of this birthday song. [more inside]
posted by fellion at 2:07 PM PST - 1 comment

Can you identify this Cabaret Voltaire sample?

What film soundtrack (or radio show?) is being sampled in the Cabaret Voltaire song "The Arm of the Lord"? The relevant sample starts about 40 seconds in. I'm not asking about the bit of Manson interview footage at the beginning of the track. Thanks!
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 2:05 PM PST - 4 comments

Playlist for checking out steroes

What are the best (or your favorite) songs to use when checking out stereo systems? [more inside]
posted by StimulatingPixels at 1:50 PM PST - 33 comments

Error installing Vista SP2

I've a computer running Windows Vista 64-bit SP1. Attempting to install SP2 yields an error of "ERROR_NO_PROC_SLOTS(0x80070059)". Googling for the error code has found some people having the same issue, but no working solution at all. Any help? I can provide hardware specs / info if necessary.
posted by sailoreagle at 1:28 PM PST - 2 comments

[Name-that-Filmfilter] What non-English (possibly French) film features a boy who falls asleep on a beach with balloons?

[Name-that-Filmfilter] What non-English (possibly French) film features a boy who falls asleep on a beach with balloons? [more inside]
posted by Anephim at 1:22 PM PST - 0 comments

Distilling help

What is involved with starting a distillery? Namely, in Texas. [more inside]
posted by kaseijin at 1:01 PM PST - 6 comments

It's chilly in here...

So, we'd really rather not go to our landlord about this problem, but we're having problems with the heat in our apartment. [more inside]
posted by wild like kudzu at 12:48 PM PST - 18 comments

Help me to avoid brain damage from random songs on shuffle!

Help me iTunes Playlist Gurus to figure out a killer set of manual playlists for my 20,000+ song library [more inside]
posted by arniec at 12:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Did I see Harry Blackstone Cut a Womans' Head Off?

Does anyone remember a Harry Blackstone Jr. television decapitation that traumatized me as a child in the later 80s early 90s? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 12:47 PM PST - 2 comments

Paid internships in London?

How do I find a professional paid internship or temporary position in London? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:41 PM PST - 3 comments

Natural Dry Scalp 'killer' shampoo.

I'm currently suffering from a moderate bout of dry scalp (not dandruff). Could someone recommend a natural shampoo, free of SLS's, etc, that will combat dry scalp?
posted by anonymous at 12:41 PM PST - 10 comments

No medicine for babies?

I'm expecting a baby in a few months and have questions about medicating infants and toddlers. I always thought you give babies motrin when they're teething really badly, baby allegra when they have sinus infections, etc. However, all my friends seem to either be dead-set against baby Motrin or use it very, very sparingly. What's the cause for alarm? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:41 PM PST - 29 comments

please help me research effectively?

How do I figure out who the primary sources are for specific areas of research in a cross-disciplinary field? [more inside]
posted by canine epigram at 12:33 PM PST - 6 comments

NO BISCOTTIS ALLOWED

Help a complete GPS newbie help Santa. [spoilers for biscotti] [more inside]
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:28 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I can get rid of facial sun damage?

If creams, microdermabrasion, and IPL don’t remove sun damage, what other options are there? [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 12:13 PM PST - 14 comments

How to Delete Myself ...

How to transfer administrative control of a SharePoint subsite? I.e. I created the site, assigned new owners, but now need to remove my own access. [more inside]
posted by keasby at 11:59 AM PST - 2 comments

Canon EOS350D lens advice required.

Basic photography advice required: what lens should I get to replace the scratched kit lens on a Canan EOS350D? [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 11:44 AM PST - 19 comments

r/e/m/i/x/t/h/i/s/v/i/d/e/o

Okay, so how are people making those video remixes that are ever so popular right now? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 11:41 AM PST - 3 comments

help me find [his/her] life on the edge

I'm looking for a fascinating piece that I read a few years back that painted an extensive portrait of the lives and culture of runaways and other people living on the margins, written from personal experience. I think it was very long, divided into two pages, and possibly specifically directed at writers whom the author was criticizing for getting their culture wrong. I remember that s/he alked about getting started mugging or shoplifting, how to handle yourself in fights to minimize the amount of actual fighting you would be forced to do, and I forget what all else. One part that I particularly remember asserted that people in this sort of situation could be very conservative sexually but promiscuous emotionally, or something like that. [more inside]
posted by mayhap at 11:34 AM PST - 4 comments

I'd like to read some more legal mumbo jumbo

After reading the legal opinion posted through this FPP post, I am reminded of how much I actually enjoy reading a well written, interesting legal opinion or briefing. So. What are some other exciting or interesting legal readings, and are there good websites or other (preferably free or available in a library) resources for reading legal documents?
posted by Deathalicious at 11:29 AM PST - 15 comments

Help with my brake dance

Give me a brake!...I'd like to have a clue about brake rotors. I'm getting my brakes repaired today, and don't want to replace brake rotors if I don't need to. Thing is... I don't know squat about brake rotors so could be easily taken for a ride on the rotormobile. How can I ask the right questions to make sure I really need rotors if the mechanic recommends they be replaced?
posted by ecorrocio at 11:20 AM PST - 10 comments

top concept artists

Who are the top concept artists working in video games and film today? [more inside]
posted by roger ackroyd at 10:58 AM PST - 8 comments

How can I launch my label correctly?

I'm launching a digital record label this month. I live in Canada on an unrestricted work permit. I'm still a US citizen. Can I incorporate? Should I incorporate? Where? [more inside]
posted by setanor at 10:42 AM PST - 3 comments

Old Picture Postcards

My favorite aunt passed away recently, and among the things she left me is a shoebox full of picture postcards. My sense is that at least some of them may have some value, but I don't know where to look. [more inside]
posted by gteffertz at 10:25 AM PST - 7 comments

Holy Shit, that Incoming Plane is Getting Big!

Are air traffic controllers "pushing" it more? [more inside]
posted by Danf at 10:24 AM PST - 14 comments

Am I My Brother's Keeper?

My parents are divorced; my father has custody of my younger brother, but is leaving the country for a few years for work. He wants me to live with and take care of my 16 year old brother until he graduates from HS. I love my brother, but I have some objections and I’m not sure how to handle this. (long explanation inside!) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:15 AM PST - 60 comments

Butterfly hands

What is the purpose of sign language interpretation at the opera? [more inside]
posted by stuck on an island at 10:15 AM PST - 23 comments

Being Sued by a Debt Collection Firm

I have gotten two collection letters from law firms, one of which I found out is suing me. I am with a debt settlement firm and I would like to settle but they will not talk with my debt settlement firm. What are my options? I do not want to go to court and would like to settle these debts. One is for $9K and another for $1.7K
posted by WRivera125 at 10:10 AM PST - 4 comments

Copying a CF card written in a special format

Cloning a CF card written in a proprietary format. Seeking suggestions for USB card reader, software, etc. [more inside]
posted by exogenous at 9:57 AM PST - 6 comments

I need to kill one pest while protecting another.

We have spiders and pill bugs in our basement. I want to spray for them, but I also have pet rats that I like to let wander around on occasion, and don't want them to get sick. Is there a natural bug spray that is rodent safe? (I know, our basement sounds like a fun place) [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 9:43 AM PST - 11 comments

language/culturally-specific cribsheets explaining the basics of foreign foods.

The folks over at Evil Mad Scientist Labs made a pretty comprehensive wallet-sized cheat sheet to help the uninitiated navigate Southern Indian menu items. I think it's well done, useful, and quite clever. I'd like to have something similar for all the world's cuisines. [more inside]
posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj at 9:26 AM PST - 7 comments

Can you identify this song?

Which "supergroup" sings this pop/rock song from the late 1990s? [more inside]
posted by 1adam12 at 9:19 AM PST - 3 comments

What would you call it?

emergency translation alert: What phrase would a Latin American Spanish speaker use to describe the following piece of closet hardware: [more inside]
posted by Chrischris at 9:00 AM PST - 2 comments

I think fuzzy dice are actually kind of cute

What's a good present to buy a 25 year old newly licensed driver? [more inside]
posted by kerning at 8:50 AM PST - 26 comments

Is there any way to deal with corrupt pages in non-OCR'd PDF files that occur after copying?

Is there any way to deal with corrupt pages in non-OCR'd PDF files that occur after copying? [more inside]
posted by mjklin at 8:47 AM PST - 2 comments

20th Century History of Berlin in Moving Pictures

If you were giving a crash course on the history of Berlin 1933-1990, and you were limited to just a couple films, which ones would you assign? Documentaries preferred, and they must have some kind of English language option. [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 8:37 AM PST - 5 comments

Best peacebuilding blogs

What are the best blogs on nonviolence, particularly writing grounded in satyagraha, Gandhi's philosophy and practice, or Jim Corbett's civil initiative?
posted by j0hnpaul at 8:28 AM PST - 2 comments

window insulation film

Is there an inexpensive source for the heat-shrink window insulation film in rolls or larger quantities than the standard kit? [more inside]
posted by 6550 at 8:21 AM PST - 10 comments

Humpty Dumpty played with a drive...

Damaged harddrive-- need to recover one particular file, but due to the damage, only perhaps 30% of the file is intact. What tools are available to just pull that 30% back? [more inside]
posted by Static Vagabond at 8:17 AM PST - 4 comments

How to resist data mining offline?

PrivacyFilter: Can you think of examples of offline anti-data mining behavior? We can encrypt our activities, use Tor, etc., online, but how do people try to stymie data mining in daily life? I'm thinking of groups sharing a "loyalty card" (like these guys) to break up the patterns of their shopping habits, and putting incorrect information into surveys and forms to make things harder to correlate (in theory), tack-in-the-shoe style. Other examples? (And, if you know more about data mining, do these methods actually accomplish anything?)
posted by finnb at 8:13 AM PST - 27 comments

Should I remove my name from a project since I disagree with part of their approach?

This is a question about politicized business relationships and whether I should remain connected with a company that's doing things differently from industry "best practices" as I understand them. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:05 AM PST - 3 comments

Fake Coke Bottle Lense Eyewear Quick?

How can I get authentic looking coke bottle eye glasses with no prescription (fake) lenses quick? Website? No Halloween, please. What might be a local source of cheap frames/glasses that could be repurposed?
posted by rainbaby at 7:54 AM PST - 12 comments

GMail AutoReply

[Gmail Filter] I have email being forwarded by a domain to a Gmail address. I set up an auto-reply to certain emails by using a Gmail filter (filtering to:me@mydomain.com) and a canned response. However, it sends the canned response to the domain instead of the original sender. How can I get it to send the reply to the original sender?
posted by tomcochrane at 7:30 AM PST - 3 comments

sip, sip, bang, bang

what are the logistics for arresting someone for DUI if they are in the hospital? [more inside]
posted by thinkingwoman at 7:27 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm not crying; it's just raining on my face.

Cold weather makes me cry-- literally. [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton at 7:17 AM PST - 9 comments

How do I get rid of extra options when adding Drupal content?

Drupal question: Is it possible to get rid of all those unnecessary options (Input Format, Menu Settings, Book Outline, Revision Information, URL Path Settings, etc.) that confront users when they're trying to create new content? [more inside]
posted by miriam at 7:11 AM PST - 14 comments

suggestions for how to run a trivia night

hi guys...this question is pretty random but hoping to get some good ideas... i'm planning on hosting a trivia night for 15-20 friends, and im trying to think of cool way to format the competition. i'd like to split up teams but i'm not sure if i should do small teams of large ones, tournament style or not, family fued type, or some other game show.... rather than doing same ole ask everyone and wait for answers i'd like to mix it up a bit. i was thinking maybe a seeding round than seperating teams into brackets like march madness. any suggestions? i appreciate it...
posted by matt755811 at 7:10 AM PST - 8 comments

If in Norway, I'd go to the Ice Hotel

My airline miles are expiring: What awesome, unusual events are happening in the continental US November through January? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherSide at 6:47 AM PST - 8 comments

Advice on Char-broiled Stove Handles

I bought a lathe and a friend asked me to make new handles for the door of his wood stove. His current handles are both severely charred and ugly. Any recommendations as to good (and beautiful) char-resistant wood and/or methods for controlling the charring which occurs where the handle attaches to the stove?
posted by frogmoses at 6:17 AM PST - 12 comments

Graphic Choices

Academics, Researchers, and Writers: What software do you use for creating the graphics that accompany your journal (or mainstream) article submissions? I know this will be different depending on the topic, field, and journal. I'm trying to get a feel for the full range of choices.
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 5:55 AM PST - 34 comments

Library book inventory management that's not library elf

I'm looking for a computer program to keep track of the library books I have taken out. Difficulty level: Can't use Library Books. I've tried Library Elf and I hate it. [more inside]
posted by Lucinda at 5:20 AM PST - 8 comments

How to ask for gifts tactfully.

EtiquetteFilter: Baby shower without the shower? Please help me find a tactful way to ask for gifts to be sent now even though actual shower/party won't take place until after the baby is born. [more inside]
posted by picklebird at 4:53 AM PST - 26 comments

How can I backup my iPhone messages?

How can I back up message threads on my iPhone (3G, O2-UK) into a text file or PDF? [more inside]
posted by Biru at 4:08 AM PST - 4 comments

What's my font?

[Fontfilter] Short and sweet question for you, fontaholics...what font is used in The Logo Factory logo found here? [more inside]
posted by Muirwylde at 1:35 AM PST - 4 comments

October 14

Electronics! NYC! Quickly!

Where can I find a cheap network cable tester, tomorrow morning, in NYC? [more inside]
posted by provolot at 11:52 PM PST - 4 comments

Large test data has it's answer

What large sets of collected or observed data have been offered, such that a hard to find hidden solution of some sort is buried in it, and the known solution is provided together, for the purpose of testing algorithms that find solutions to similar large data sets? [more inside]
posted by StickyCarpet at 11:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Any $100k recession-proof business startup ideas?

My buddy just landed $100k and we both want to start a business...Any recession-proof business startup suggestions? [more inside]
posted by schindyguy at 10:50 PM PST - 27 comments

Da Vinci's, Lumineers or Composites? YANAD, I know. I'm almost Golem! :(

My front teeth look like Golem, almost. Please help me choose between Da Vinci's, Lumineers and Composites. I've got a decent budget, but don't want to break the bank. I know YANAD. [more inside]
posted by prodevel at 10:38 PM PST - 6 comments

Seeking your ideas for fun and interesting hobbies and skills.

I feel like I'm in a bit of a rut! I'm looking for a number of new projects, skills, and interesting things that I can learn or work on. [more inside]
posted by tomble at 9:40 PM PST - 24 comments

Am I going to jail for mistating income for unemployment?!

IL-UnemploymentFilter: Am I going to jail for misreporting earnings from an affiliate site of mine that sits there and makes money while I've been job hunting?! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:30 PM PST - 6 comments

Architect without the satisfaction

Several house structural changes planned but due to finances, work will done as money becomes available (probably spanning 10+ years). Would an architect be interested in this kind of project? How would s/he determine fee? [more inside]
posted by notcomputersavvy06 at 9:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Books please!

Recommend some great literature in the Steinbeck tradition. [more inside]
posted by Go Banana at 9:10 PM PST - 18 comments

Happy to sweat, but not to stink

Is there an effective aluminum-free deodorant? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:00 PM PST - 35 comments

I can never think of a good title to my questinos. Sorry.

I need help with creating a plan to diagnose a possible alignment problem with my right leg what I can do do fix it. [more inside]
posted by Brandon1600 at 8:57 PM PST - 10 comments

Hipster Halloween, Spooky Scary!

Help me find some tshirts from a music video. Barring that, I'm going to need a simple costume that will pass hipster muster. [more inside]
posted by awesomebrad at 8:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Can I get into grad school in math?

Can I get into a funded Math Master's or PhD program? I'm graduating from a 4-year college with my B.S. this Spring, and I'm in my mid-30's. I have good GPA at this school (about a 3.6, up to about a 3.8 in math courses specifically) and good GRE scores (720 V / 780 Q), but I have dropped a lot of courses (I've worked full time over the years while getting my degree), and back in the mid-90's I flunked out of the first university I went to. [more inside]
posted by tamaraster at 8:31 PM PST - 12 comments

Alaska dork needs help! Cool things to do in DC Oct. 27-Nov. 2?

Woohoo! Several idle days in Washington DC! I desperately need wise counsel; Please please please tell me about cool things to do! [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 8:29 PM PST - 31 comments

Weeeee

What are the greatest drum fills ever...?! [more inside]
posted by frankly mister at 8:20 PM PST - 38 comments

White plastic sheeting, suitable for rear-projection, in or around Toronto

I'm doing a show in Toronto involving rear-projection (both of plain white light with a person creating a shadow, and of video). I'm trying to locally source thin, white plastic sheeting to use for a large screen, by this week or next week. [more inside]
posted by sixswitch at 8:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Why Should You Use Social Networking at Work?

Many workplaces ban social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and so on. What are some of the reasons workplaces should allow (and even encourage) staff to use social networking sites? [more inside]
posted by Jaybo at 7:06 PM PST - 20 comments

Switch between fullscreen video apps?

I have three (Windows) video applications and one monitor. I want to be able to switch quickly (and as seamlessly as possible) between them running full-screen on the monitor (with keyboard hotkeys). Any idea how to do this?
posted by frenetic at 7:06 PM PST - 4 comments

How to transfer video from camera to computer

I have a Sony DCR-DVD92 video camcorder that records video on DVD-Rs. I have finalized the disc on the camera and I'm trying to capture the video onto my PC for storage/editing, but the camera doesn't seem to connect to my PC, and my PC DVD player doesn't seem to recognize the mini DVD-Rs that the camera uses. Any suggestions?
posted by Alexdan4 at 6:56 PM PST - 5 comments

The decline of architecture?

Why is it that I seem to instinctively prefer houses from the late-19th or early 20th century to post-war architecture? [more inside]
posted by dydecker at 6:49 PM PST - 34 comments

Looking for the story "Bomb Run"

In the early 1980s, Starlog magazine ran a column called Quest that featured readers' artistic submissions. To this day, I still recall a story called "Bomb Run," which dealt with an Enola Gay-style bombing of an alien planet. Did anyone else read this story, and if so, do you know where can I find it online or at least learn the author's name?
posted by nightengine at 6:46 PM PST - 2 comments

Khakis for the short torso

Any suggestions for low rise khakis/chinos? [more inside]
posted by Silvertree at 6:37 PM PST - 4 comments

"Twin" Translation

I am looking for translations for the words "twin" and "sister". I have used babelfish and other sites but really want the pronunciation not just foreign writings I can't decipher. Also, translations in other languages not listed such as different Native American tribal translations. Help?!
posted by madmamasmith at 6:28 PM PST - 24 comments

I want him to know I can relate to his dark side but how to bring it up after the fact?

How do I properly initiate contact with a person who dumped me because he thought I may not sexually accept the way he is? How can I let him know that I'm the same way too? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:25 PM PST - 13 comments

I miss the little guy.

Help. Help help help. My (ex?) girlfriend has taken our six day old child to her parents house and is barricading herself there. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:25 PM PST - 45 comments

breaking a lease in new york for job-related reasons

My friend was laid off several months ago in NY and can no longer afford her lease. I've heard that for job-related reasons (such as moving for a new job) that you can break a lease legally, does anyone know about this? What have the many others who must have found themselves in this situation done? Clearly its not so easy to find someone else to take over your lease as a lot of people have lost their jobs and can't afford a lease. Please help us!! Thanks!
posted by saraindc at 5:35 PM PST - 9 comments

Stolen macbook - hard drive data safe?

Someone stole my 2009 macbook pro. I doubt they can guess my password. Given that, how likely is it that they can access my hard drive's data (I didn't do anything special beyond the default to encrypt it or anything)? Can my Applecare plan transfer to a new laptop? Anything else I can do to help destroy the value of the computer? I don't need any advice about police reports, etc. - but Apple-specific advice welcome.
posted by shivohum at 4:58 PM PST - 17 comments

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Can I use Kansas football student tickets if I'm not a KU student? [more inside]
posted by j1950 at 4:19 PM PST - 7 comments

Can you swap one apple power adapter attachment for another older one?

Is it safe to swap the power adapter attachment between an iBook G4 and an intel MacBook? [more inside]
posted by ndicecco at 4:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Best winter boots for an urban teacher?

Best winter boots for a teacher who has to both get around the city without looking like a huge dork, and stand outside on the playground for long stretches with the kids? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 4:01 PM PST - 29 comments

How can I make my rented flat warmer? On the cheap, if possible?

I'm renting a flat and it's cold, and it's going to get colder (I'm on a 1 year contract in the alps). Is there anything noninvasive (preferably cheap, but I'm ok to spend if it's really going to work) that I can do to warm the place up? What sort of portable space heaters give the best performance for electricity/gas? Are there any decent renter-based guides to improving insulation? [more inside]
posted by handee at 3:58 PM PST - 26 comments

If you think about it, if someone helps CF Kane get the sled back earlier, a lot of people lead much better lives. So who is that hero?

Say that Citizen Kane really wanted to find Rosebud - who would he call? Is there a kind of specific person who tracks down these personal lost things? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 3:53 PM PST - 3 comments

A splinter for my mind's eye

Looking for some architecture/3D modelling tools to help visualise a home/internal renovation. [more inside]
posted by a non e mouse at 3:29 PM PST - 8 comments

Lot Rent

Do mobile home parks always charge lot rent? [more inside]
posted by VC Drake at 3:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Forget about a vacation, I want to challenge my worldview!

Help me spend 5 non-traditional days in Egypt! [more inside]
posted by hasna at 2:09 PM PST - 11 comments

Have you taken Adderall and blood pressure meds?

I have Adult ADD -- and about 5 years ago, I briefly got a huge benefit from taking Adderall. But that was before I had high blood pressure. [more inside]
posted by keener_sounds at 1:22 PM PST - 6 comments

Where to find gutta percha?

How to obtain gutta percha? Once used to fashion tintype cases and to insulate the first trans-atlantic cable, it's since fallen out of fashion. Now, it's primary application is for the filling of root canals. Where can I find some in sufficient quantity for a craft project?
posted by aladfar at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Should I be taking vitamins to make up for my fruit allergies?

I'm allergic to most fruits. Should I be taking some sort of multivitamin? [more inside]
posted by stleric at 1:15 PM PST - 11 comments

Fun things to do in Santa Cruz?

Fun things to do in Santa Cruz? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Justice at 12:58 PM PST - 21 comments

Questions to keep my students thinking.

I want to show my students Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture" video. I would also like to have them answer some questions about it, but I'm stuck. Some help? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 12:58 PM PST - 10 comments

Book review work?

How can I get paid book review work? [more inside]
posted by different at 12:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Psychotherapy? Psicoterapia? Psychothérapie? психотерапия?

With regards to psychotherapy, a common opinion I've noticed on MetaFilter is that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is perceived as being the most efficient way to go, in addition to being one of the very few therapies likely to be reimbursed by health insurance. However, this may be coming from a largely American perspective. As such, I'm curious: What are some major features of psychotherapy in countries other than the United States? [more inside]
posted by Keter at 12:50 PM PST - 17 comments

Track the donor and get the cash!

Donor Tracking? What are using? [more inside]
posted by Fuzzy Dog at 12:33 PM PST - 8 comments

Need creative ways to promote live bands upcoming appearances.

I need some 'out of the box' thinking on some different ideas to promote a local (to Clearwater) band's upcoming live performances. [more inside]
posted by foodybat at 12:27 PM PST - 5 comments

360 minutes, 48 toys.

It's small, it's interesting, I WANT TO PUT IT IN MY MOUTH: suggest everyday objects or materials that will amuse and delight a six-month-old baby? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 11:36 AM PST - 37 comments

How to use a different default funding source?

How can I get a visual warning every time I pay for something with Paypal, warning me to change my payment source? [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments

Those Kitten Socks are So Hawt

How can I stay sexy in the winter without getting frostbite? [more inside]
posted by mmmbacon at 11:14 AM PST - 34 comments

Civil Rights Movement

I need a significant event that happened during the Civil Rights Movement. [more inside]
posted by shesaysgo at 11:14 AM PST - 13 comments

By Thor's Hammer!

By the beard of Zeus! I'm looking for fantastic exclamations! [more inside]
posted by blahtsk at 11:12 AM PST - 89 comments

Help me rebuild my office helpdesk/workflow setup.

TechFilter: I'm part of a medium-sized IT support company and we're looking at some new helpdesk/workflow management software. What advice can you give on your setup or software you are currently working with? [more inside]
posted by de1mar at 11:09 AM PST - 8 comments

Chicago late-night wifi

Where on the north side of Chicago can I use a laptop and connect to a wireless network late at night? [more inside]
posted by enn at 11:08 AM PST - 4 comments

Does going off psychiatric meds make me more crazy, or less?

Another depression meds question [more inside]
posted by TheBones at 11:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Rain, rain, go away!

I need a good rainy day photography related activity. [more inside]
posted by kenbennedy at 10:50 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm sure there's greener grass over there.

On hiatus from the rat race. What now? [more inside]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 10:47 AM PST - 6 comments

I beat myself up after sharing in meetings

Almost every meeting I go to and share anything I beat myself up afterwards. This happens to me in business meetings and at something as simple as a knitting group. At my knitting group, if I share something about my personal life, I feel judged, not only by the people in the group but by me! It is so bad that it has even caused me to quit going to certain groups because it is so painful to feel the feelings after the meeting of "why did I say that?" , "she doesn't like me" , " I bragged when I shared that about my daughter" , why did I tell that story about my husband? and on it goes. [more inside]
posted by seekingsimplicity at 10:46 AM PST - 23 comments

How do I get from Berlin Schönefeld Airport to Alexanderplatz late at night?

How do I get from Berlin Schönefeld Airport to Alexanderplatz late at night? [more inside]
posted by maryrosecook at 10:06 AM PST - 11 comments

Prosumer Digital Video camera bought in NY to take to Middle East. Problems with video formats even in 2009?

Prosumer Digital Video camera bought in NY to take to Middle East. Problems with video formats even in 2009? [more inside]
posted by xetere at 10:01 AM PST - 4 comments

Are the existence of logical paradoxes evidence that logic is not Universal truth?

Are the existence of logical paradoxes evidence that logic is not Universal truth, or simply symptoms of incomplete or inaccurate semantic systems? [more inside]
posted by idyllhands at 9:54 AM PST - 38 comments

Need delicious inspiration!

Does anyone have any ideas for dungeons and dragons/ roleplaying themed baked goods? [more inside]
posted by stillnocturnal at 9:45 AM PST - 25 comments

Is Mrs still expected?

If you are recently married and have taken your husband's last name, do you go by "Mrs"? [more inside]
posted by mdn at 9:39 AM PST - 50 comments

Sounds Good...

[Hi-Fi / HT filter] Help me find the right front speakers for my receiver, so that both music and movies sound good ! [more inside]
posted by madeinitaly at 9:34 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for Letterman transcript

Can anyone help me find a transcript of David Letterman's initial remarks after Sept. 11? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 9:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Too much choice!

I want to study abroad. I have absolutely no idea where. Help me narrow it down! [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:19 AM PST - 32 comments

I want to to make a picture book on my computer. How?

What software would you recommend for a book project that needs to utilize a large amount of art from different mediums, including reproducing pictures? I am trying to emulate Paul Arden's 'It's not how good you are; it's how good you want to be", if that helps as a reference point... [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 9:18 AM PST - 1 comment

Can anyone recommend a real estate lawyer in Houston?

The wife and I are in the process of buying a home in Houston (TX). We have/had a real estate lawyer that we were working with, but she has gotten extremely non-responsive (we just found out yesterday that she has some family issues), and the deal just got a little more complicated. [more inside]
posted by getupandgo at 9:17 AM PST - 4 comments

glasses for big nose

Where can I buy glasses that complement a large nose? Preferably something similar in style to this. Los Angeles area or online.
posted by anonymous at 8:58 AM PST - 7 comments

Does this dress make me look fat? How about these running shoes ?

Why were 100-200 (I think) people (mostly men) wearing red cocktail dresses chasing two people in bunny costumes laying a flour/chalk running trail through downtown Portland this past weekend? [more inside]
posted by iamabot at 8:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Mac "vs" puzzle games please!

I'm looking for some decent "vs" puzzle games that I and my 3 young boys (10 and under) can play against each other on my mac (a fun and silly chess game would be a plus, too). We have 2 macs in the house, so any online options would be welcome too! TIA.
posted by Brocktoon at 8:40 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me file everything perfectly.

A two-parter on an efficient filing system: 1 - if you're running a business with the usual documents and stuff, what is the best filing system in the entire world so that everyone will understand it and know where to look to find stuff. (What kind of labels/titles to use, how to divide physical files etc). 2 - and if I wanted that system to be online, what's the best way to store it all so that they are readily searchable, findable etc. [more inside]
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 8:38 AM PST - 7 comments

Where did my Little Java Link Go ?

I found a great Java programming site awhile back. I was given a programming task and could get immediate feedback on whether or not it was correct. Tasks were things like, test if two integers are equal and 'reverse a string'. It was targeted toward learning .. but I seem to recall the tasks had advancing levels of complexity. This is not Java BlackBelt. I can't believe I didn't bookmark it. Anyone know what I'm talking about?
posted by duckus at 8:36 AM PST - 6 comments

What's the book?

I saw a graphic novel in a store today - the sequel to an earlier work, about a female high school student's adolescence, and written by a woman. Any ideas on what it could have been? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 8:16 AM PST - 3 comments

Willie or Won't He?

What are some examples of racism [subtle, or not-so-subtle] in advertising? [more inside]
posted by quelindo at 7:51 AM PST - 47 comments

Avoiding punctures on my cycle to work

What's your anti-puncture strategy? I've been cycling to work for about 5 weeks now and, in the last week, have had three punctures. [more inside]
posted by fatfrank at 7:50 AM PST - 45 comments

Heat Miser

Our house (with a recently replaced boiler) doesn't get heat in every room. I thought I had figured out the cause, but I was wrong. [more inside]
posted by mkb at 7:43 AM PST - 11 comments

Does anyone have experience with someone who is 21 applying for permanent disability benefits?

Does anyone have experience with someone who is 21 applying for permanent disability benefits? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:35 AM PST - 13 comments

How to eat for fun.

I want to re-learn how to enjoy food and the process of eating. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:35 AM PST - 17 comments

Why would I want to jailbreak an iPhone 3GS?

Why would I want to jailbreak an iPhone 3GS? [more inside]
posted by SueDenim at 7:22 AM PST - 19 comments

Audio of old departing train announcements?

Where online can I find historic audio of train conductors or platform announcers calling out the coming stops on a train and then saying "all aboard"? [more inside]
posted by Mo Nickels at 7:17 AM PST - 2 comments

'The good news is you don't have a bad credit score, the bad news is that you dont have a credit score

Will a bank (personal) loan help my credit score? I find myself in a unusual position. 45 years old with 3 bad marks on my credit report. I recently tried to buy a home and the mortgage broker said 'The good news is you don't have a bad credit score, the bad news is that you dont have a credit score". Now, we have some big medical bills I want to knock out before those turn bad and figured a bank loan would be the best of both worlds. Pay off the bills and build credit... [more inside]
posted by er1c at 7:17 AM PST - 8 comments

Do company/branding tchotkes work?

Does that Aflac frisbee make you think about insurance? Does that American Airlines pen holder make you want plane tickets? These are hypothetical questions. What I am looking for is actual data to support that these type of promotional items are actually effective in raising brand awareness. It is apparently a huge, multi-billion dollar industry, so there must be literature on the interwebs regarding the effectiveness of such products. Will you please point me to such data? Thanks in advance.
posted by rumsey monument at 7:14 AM PST - 7 comments

What are some clever tech-related sponsorship levels?

Help me think of some clever sponsorship levels for our upcoming tech conference. [more inside]
posted by pyjammy at 7:12 AM PST - 8 comments

Connecting a microphone to a network.

I have an IP webcam which allows anyone on the local area network to connect to it and view. Is there an equivalent IP-addressable device for sound only? [more inside]
posted by BrokenEnglish at 7:07 AM PST - 6 comments

I need a crash course in the current best-practice website accessablity standards.

Give me a crash course in making our nonprofit website accessible. What are the best practices/standards? What's the lingo? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 6:42 AM PST - 7 comments

clip my clips

Possibly NSFW links. I need to make preview clips of a LOT of video files. What can I do to take existing WMV and/or MPG files and chop out say 10 seconds for a preview...Automatically. [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 6:40 AM PST - 5 comments

Where can I find a list of Postgraduate Photography courses in the United States?

Where can I find a list of Postgraduate Photography courses in the United States? [more inside]
posted by stackhaus23 at 6:10 AM PST - 2 comments

Smile!

Are there any cultures in which a smile is not an expression of happiness? [more inside]
posted by kmtiszen at 5:40 AM PST - 18 comments

How best can I help a naive teen spend a week in Paris

My baby sister will spend a week in Paris alone and is travelling overseas for the first time. What practical arrangements can I make from a distance to help her have the best time she has ever had? [more inside]
posted by tavegyl at 3:57 AM PST - 16 comments

Why isn't it illegal to stand on the bus?

Why (in the UK, or anywhere else where this applies) is it illegal to drive without wearing a seatbelt, but legal for bus passengers to sit, or even stand without one? [more inside]
posted by Mwongozi at 3:34 AM PST - 15 comments

Where do sleeping geese lie?

Where do sleeping geese end up? [more inside]
posted by devnull at 1:34 AM PST - 5 comments

How much electricity do you use?

In the interests of science, please tell me how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) your house or apartment used last month and how much it uses in the middle of winter. If possible include variables like whether you use electric heat, air conditioning, electric or gas hot water heater, etc. [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 12:21 AM PST - 27 comments

October 13

How to start marketing a dental office.

How do I start marketing a dentist? [more inside]
posted by beingresourceful at 11:52 PM PST - 16 comments

Can I justify taking my cat back from my parents?

Can I move my cat from a house and supervised outdoor walks to a Brooklyn apparment? [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 11:17 PM PST - 10 comments

My Apple Airport Extreme stopped giving me Internet access. HELP!!!

I have DSL through AT&T, using a 2Wire modem, which is connected to my Airport Extreme. For over a year, I have used the Airport network to access both the Internet AND music files on an external hard drive. As of last week, the Internet no longer works on the network created by the Airport. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 10:55 PM PST - 4 comments

How to intimidate larger people?

Actors (and dangerous people), explain to me what behavioral or visual cues make people look scary. I just saw a play where a scrawny, unassuming character had to stare down someone much larger, and the actor really pulled it off. The fascinating part was the contrast between the dialogue and the behavior: reading a transcript later, you'd think the other guy just got bored and wandered off, but in the moment it was somehow clear that he was permitted a graceful exit out of the goodness of his victim's heart. How did he do that?
posted by d. z. wang at 10:41 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me get my digital music from the bedroom to the living room.

Help me get my digital music collection into the living room, with semi-decent sound quality and without breaking the bank. [more inside]
posted by iamisaid at 9:55 PM PST - 14 comments

Can they lengthen my workweek?

Is a 45 hour workweek BEFORE overtime legal? [more inside]
posted by 235w103 at 9:38 PM PST - 17 comments

Teach Me To Grow Things!

I want to grow some plants indoors. I don't know anything about gardening. Could any of you green thumbs out there give me a working knowledge of terminology and the basics to success? [more inside]
posted by battlebison at 9:33 PM PST - 11 comments

Academic careers in the humanities.

Tell me why you decided NOT to pursue a PhD. [more inside]
posted by ms.codex at 9:26 PM PST - 69 comments

How is 'predeceased' evaluated in a will when 2 deaths occur very close together

If person A leaves something of value to person B in their will, with the stipulation that it be left to person C if B should predecease A, what happens if A & B die semi-simultaneously [say both are in the same car accident] and it can't be determined who died first? [more inside]
posted by HiroProtagonist at 9:20 PM PST - 14 comments

Which GSM slider phone?

What GSM slider phone should I get (that's not a Motorola), given that I generally liked my Motorola RIZR Z3 except for the minor fact that it stopped working? [more inside]
posted by kindall at 9:12 PM PST - 7 comments

Our cat prefers me to my wife

Bizarre Love Triangle: me, my wife, and our cat [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese at 9:01 PM PST - 29 comments

How can I tell which apartment buildings block neighbor noise best?

I'm looking to buy a Manhattan apartment (most likely co-op, not condo). What should I be looking for (or avoiding) to minimize my chances of hearing a lot of noise from my neighbors?
posted by sunflower16 at 8:55 PM PST - 4 comments

Volunteering: I'm good, but I'm not that good.

I've been cooped up and dealing with excessive work and depression for a while. I'm on the mend, and doing better than I've been in a while, and I'm looking for ways to meet more people. I hear all kinds of great things about volunteering, and while it appeals to me, I haven't had very good luck with it. (More inside.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:52 PM PST - 21 comments

Dealing with a possible growth hormone deficiency

Our son may have growth hormone deficiency. The endocrinologist has recommended some additional testing, and the process sounds terrible. Has your child been through this? Can you tell us how it went? Are there alternatives? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:44 PM PST - 9 comments

I think I saw a bed bug, what do I do now?

I think I spotted a bed bug this morning. What do I do now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Grf Mstrbtn

Sexfilter! My girlfriend and I have good sex. She comes, I come, all quite brilliant and working perfectly (oh I am a man). But, during preliminary stuff (hands and mouths) I can't make her come. I don't think anyone else has with her either. I've never had any problem with this stuff before. Quite the opposite. I know if she's on her own she'd do it lying on her front... do any girls do this? Does that mean I should be doing something differently?
posted by anonymous at 7:53 PM PST - 13 comments

What is this book I very vaguely remember and thus can only vaguely describe?

Name This Book: Help me figure out the title of a YA novel I read in middle school before I go bonkers! [more inside]
posted by santojulieta at 7:52 PM PST - 8 comments

How to get my large file from here to there?

How to privately share a large set of files with a large club? Having trouble getting bittorrent to work. [more inside]
posted by vegetableagony at 7:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Google, please believe me when I say this is my password.

After getting a new logicboard installed on my MacBook Pro this past week, why does GoogleUpdateInstaller constantly ask for my password every few minutes? I'm only using GMail notifier and it is making me insane. [more inside]
posted by banannafish at 7:44 PM PST - 8 comments

My Best Friend's Baby!

My bestest best friend is right now in the hospital giving birth to her first baby! It's amazing, and I want to do absolutely everything I can to help her! ....But I'm 750 miles away. What can I do to give her my support? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Saint at 7:41 PM PST - 15 comments

What's the most iconic blue-jeans video ad?

What's the most iconic blue-jeans video ad?
posted by funkbrain at 7:23 PM PST - 29 comments

Men: "Nice shoes!" (trans: let's fuck!) Women: "Nice shoes!" (trans: let's be friends!)

Previously dated men, now wants to date women. Problem: I can't tell when women are interested in me or if they just want to be friends. [more inside]
posted by Eleutherios at 7:22 PM PST - 17 comments

Last thing I need is more car trouble...

Why did my Subaru outback lose power steering on this rainy night? [more inside]
posted by special-k at 7:21 PM PST - 15 comments

They paid, now should I?

Can I expense these plane tickets or should I pay for them myself? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:51 PM PST - 10 comments

How did Dropbox make 600MB worth of files available instantly?

Hurray, Dropbox uploaded 600MB worth of PDFs instantly! Wait, what? [more inside]
posted by ruddhist at 6:44 PM PST - 12 comments

Condo property manager overstepping her authority?

My condo suddenly wants me to sign an agreement saying I will abide by their draconian rules and provide a tonne of personal data to them. This is all under the guise that they are creating 'files' for residents for access to the building. Is this legal? [more inside]
posted by urbanette at 6:43 PM PST - 10 comments

BYOB in Charlotte, NC

Looking for a BYOB (bring your own beer) restaurant in Charlotte, NC. I have searched AskMeFi for Charlotte eateries so I have a few ideas, but no mention of BYOB. This is for a bachelor party and the groom would prefer a BBQ joint but is open to other suggestions. Thanks.
posted by mgrimm at 6:41 PM PST - 5 comments

The Space Race + my face.

CostumeFilter: I want to go as Sputnik for Halloween. How to best accomplish this? [more inside]
posted by coppermoss at 6:17 PM PST - 6 comments

MetroCard know-how

NYC filter: tips for swiping a MetroCard? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:34 PM PST - 24 comments

What have they done to become a corporate executive?

What have they done to become a corporate executive? [more inside]
posted by neworder7 at 5:32 PM PST - 17 comments

Breaking(up) news

What is the best way for a couple to tell their mutual friends that they're ending a long-term relationship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:32 PM PST - 14 comments

I got pwnd.

When I bought my car from out of state, the dealer never collected sales tax. Now I moved to that state and the state wants to collect! Help! [more inside]
posted by Tu13es at 5:24 PM PST - 11 comments

What to do with a giant back yard?

What should I do with a (relatively) giant back yard? [more inside]
posted by zompus at 5:18 PM PST - 21 comments

What are the most immensely satisfying things you do in the kitchen?

Punching down risen dough (and slicing it with a dough scraper). Cooking garlic in sizzling hot butter. Putting potatoes through a ricer. Help me find more incredibly satisfying things to do in the kitchen! [more inside]
posted by ORthey at 5:12 PM PST - 72 comments

I Need To Be Able To Get Down A Mountain

Will Virtual Snow teach me how to snowboard? [more inside]
posted by onich at 5:08 PM PST - 12 comments

I suspect it's Gen X, damn them.

When, exactly, did Halloween become so frickin' popular? [more inside]
posted by Diablevert at 5:06 PM PST - 27 comments

Indoor vines on a trellis

Looking for a recommendation for an indoor climbing vine. [more inside]
posted by machaus at 4:33 PM PST - 2 comments

Name this children's book

Name this Children's book! I had this book as a child, and I would like to find it again both for myself and my own child's library. I only remember the vaguest details: 1) it focused on a band of characters traveling somewhere, 2) each character had a particular power or unique ability, 3) I think one of the guys had the ability to conjour bees or wasps (he may have even dressed as one), 4) the leader resembled Errol Flynn's Robin Hood, 5) at one point they went into a huge cave with lots of steps and paths, 6) one of the characters may have been able to shoot fire. That's all I remember. Any guesses?
posted by bjork24 at 4:07 PM PST - 4 comments

Me and My Clone

If you (a human) were cloned, would your clone look exactly like you? [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg at 3:53 PM PST - 26 comments

Is that a moog in your ipod or are you just happy to see me?

What are the options for ultra portable electronic music making (e.g. Iphone, PSP, DS, etc) either now or in the near future? [more inside]
posted by Smegoid at 3:48 PM PST - 2 comments

Are spiders crawling on my sleeping face?

Periodically (maybe a couple or few times a year), I wake up with something on my face that seems like a bug bite. Nothing dramatic; it itches a bit, raises a small welt and then heals. [more inside]
posted by Morrigan at 3:31 PM PST - 11 comments

recovry

I'm trying to renew my pro account on flickr. When I'm on the site, it shows that I'm logged in to my own account. But when I proceed to the payment page, it shows me as logged in to my friend's account. How do I resolve this? [more inside]
posted by mannequito at 3:27 PM PST - 3 comments

i am fat and happy, and want to be less fat and more happy

lazy slacker who dislikes people wants to start home fitness routine. the wii and some "move your butt" titles are less money than, say, a nordic track, but... [more inside]
posted by radiosilents at 2:58 PM PST - 32 comments

“If a woman rebels against high-heeled shoes, she should take care to do it in a very smart hat.”

I want my halloween costume to be (primarily but not exclusively) an elaborate hat, and I want to make it. I have two and a half weeks, and somewhere between $25-$45 to devote to things to put on the base hat (I have a free and/or inexpensive source for various kinds of hats, and so am not factoring that into my expenses). I want it to be clever, to be ridiculous like Marie Antoinette and her wigs, and I want it to be something I can wear all night. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 2:50 PM PST - 13 comments

Need Camera help

Camera question: Just bought a Samsung TL100 12.2 megapixal - slim and cute. Tried to load photos on my computer and did not work. Please help. [more inside]
posted by dmbfan93 at 2:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me price my (amateur) photography

Photography pros: I've been approached by an editor who wants to publish my photos, and he asked me for my rates. I never sold a photo before. How do I price them? [more inside]
posted by AnyGuelmann at 2:26 PM PST - 12 comments

Hockey blogs of note?

Are there any interesting hockey blogs out there? Like a Free Darko of hockey? Realizing Free Darko's a unique sort of genius.
posted by xmutex at 2:23 PM PST - 10 comments

Wedding commitment symbol that is not a ring?

Let's say you want to marry someone, but they don't want a ring. This would be because the person doesn't ever wear rings, not wanting to draw attention to their hands (long story, just know that hand-oriented things are out). What other options are there for a wedding token? Are there cool options from cultures that do not have the wedding ring as part of their history? Any non-hand-based suggestions are welcome.
posted by anonymous at 2:22 PM PST - 38 comments

Herpes blood test in NYC

Where to get a herpes blood test in NYC? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:22 PM PST - 1 comment

Compare two podcast episodes for similarity?

How can I generate a dotplot of general files? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin at 2:15 PM PST - 3 comments

I should just carry a recorder around!

(Song ID) E noto corrente - ? [more inside]
posted by coffeefilter at 2:14 PM PST - 7 comments

What kind of sunglasses are these?

What kind of sunglasses are these? Pic [more inside]
posted by gummo at 2:09 PM PST - 3 comments

RAID and backup system for Mac Pro?

Best RAID / Backup system for HD video on a Mac Pro? [more inside]
posted by shinynewnick at 2:08 PM PST - 14 comments

Too many condo noise rules = no condo for us?

My fiance and I are in the midst of buying a condo. Offer accepted, inspection went great, still collecting all the documents related to the condo association. Yesterday, we got a three page document that is the "noise abatement policy." We are not happy. But should we suck it up and still buy the place? [more inside]
posted by bibbit at 1:56 PM PST - 37 comments

Where to find a good weight chart for the kitchen?

I'm looking for a poster showing the weights of various commonly used ingredients. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:55 PM PST - 7 comments

I need a new computer

I need help with trying to buy a new computer online. I've narrowed it down but have questions. [more inside]
posted by cashman at 1:52 PM PST - 9 comments

I just want to add a dash!

I'm using the find and replace tool in dreamweaver, ultilizing Regular Expressions to find four numbers and a space and then 'replace' that expression with itself but add a dash. [more inside]
posted by royalsong at 1:33 PM PST - 7 comments

ship or rent?

vacation ideas... wanna take the girlfriend on a two week motorcycle tour through the south in early january. had planned on going from texas to florida. we live in seattle. what is the cheapest way? [more inside]
posted by nihlton at 1:32 PM PST - 13 comments

Where can I buy a really awesome and functional cane to help me recover from my injury?

Where can I buy a really awesome and functional cane to help me recover from my injury? [more inside]
posted by kryptonik at 1:12 PM PST - 13 comments

How can I purchase a DVD of Let the Right One In with the corrected subtitles?

Where online might I purchase a DVD of Let the Right One In with the corrected subtitles? [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 12:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Enough is enough! Help me buy the perfect cable router!

Please recommend me your cable router. I need to buy a replacement and want one that doesn't suck, slow the internet down, and basically does everything it should without interfering. [more inside]
posted by tumples at 12:52 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I learn my 4th language in my 3rd language?

LanguageLearning Filter: I'm about to start taking Turkish classes (my fourth language) in German (my third language). Any tips on how to make this a beneficial experience for all my languages? [more inside]
posted by besonders at 12:51 PM PST - 3 comments

When yr only havin' seconds, I'ma havin' twenty thirds.

Why do I want to eat candy so badly? [more inside]
posted by orville sash at 12:46 PM PST - 22 comments

I've got a syncing feeling this may not be possible.

Are there any verizon non-smart phones out there that could syc via bluetooth (or some other non-internet way) with a google calendar? [more inside]
posted by dan g. at 12:19 PM PST - 5 comments

Below the hemline...

Fancy restaurant tonight = black/white jersey wrap dress. It's October in Seattle. Can I wear panty hose? [more inside]
posted by lois1950 at 12:13 PM PST - 22 comments

How to inexpensively hang posters?

I have some posters that I would like to hang up, but they have been damaged through poor handling in the past. Are there inexpensive yet non-tacky (no pun intended) ways of hanging them up? [more inside]
posted by grouse at 12:12 PM PST - 13 comments

Hey, can I Yelp your faction?

Where to find upcoming protests in Los Angeles? [more inside]
posted by evil holiday magic at 12:02 PM PST - 5 comments

My kitty is the center of the universe

My cat is used to getting a lot of attention, but is now left home alone for most of the day. How can I ensure she doesn't feel too lonely? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 11:50 AM PST - 15 comments

Stocking up on beer

I'm in Olympia, WA and looking to lay up a few (3 or 4) cases of Guinness Extra Stout for the winter. What's the least expensive way to do this? Are there beer emporiums around that offer close to wholesale prices? [more inside]
posted by otio at 11:33 AM PST - 12 comments

I need insurance!

Cobra running out next month. Can you recommend a basic, inexpensive private insurance plan? [more inside]
posted by shrimpsmalls at 11:29 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me find my Dad a wide-brimmed hat to hike in!

Where in Boston can I buy my father a wide-brimmed hat to hike in? [more inside]
posted by There's No I In Meme at 11:23 AM PST - 12 comments

What's that plant?

What is this weird-looking flowering plant? [more inside]
posted by giraffe at 11:22 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I deal with a lazy employee?

I am a team leader in an IT company. One of the guys in my team is giving me a headache because he turned lazy all of a sudden. [more inside]
posted by cronholio at 11:02 AM PST - 40 comments

Are these seismic events related?

Are all of these seismic events related? [more inside]
posted by Lord_Pall at 10:54 AM PST - 7 comments

How to save time now; how to save time all the time.

What are the best time-saving methods you have found? [more inside]
posted by rahnefan at 10:51 AM PST - 54 comments

Seeking good reading material for a friend.

Cervical cancer filter: seeking blogs and online resources. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 AM PST - 2 comments

She drives me crazy, and it needs to stop.

How do I get this woman out of my head? It's distracting and unhelpful. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 AM PST - 34 comments

Is there a website that generates solid-color backgrounds?

Does anyone know of a website that generates full-screen, solid-color backgrounds? [more inside]
posted by aftermarketradio at 10:30 AM PST - 14 comments

What's a good cookbook for braising with something other than alcohol?

I love cooking with my new dutch oven, but have never liked the taste of alcohol in food. I know I can always substitute, but is there a good braising cookbook that minimizes alcohol use in the recipes?
posted by boombot at 10:27 AM PST - 19 comments

Can I publish transcripts of interviews from my podcast?

Would I run into legal problems if I published print versions of transcripts from the interviews done for my podcast? [more inside]
posted by Ponderance at 10:24 AM PST - 3 comments

help me save some caps!

costume filter: where's the cheapest place to pick up coveralls, the sort mechanics wear? Used is fine, battered and wrecked is actually preferred, as long as they're not actually ripped to shreds. [more inside]
posted by Kellydamnit at 10:05 AM PST - 8 comments

Have to fly in July, but we'll adapt to anything else!

How to find the best NYC --> Europe flight deals when both day of week and destination are flexible. Caveat: flying out July 2010. [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 9:53 AM PST - 8 comments

Tricked by Travelocity! Help!

Cheapest/easiest way to get from one DC airport to another? [more inside]
posted by luckyme793 at 9:48 AM PST - 10 comments

Would an AvPD diagnosis be useful?

I read the wikipedia page for avoidant personality disorder a few days ago and I was shocked how perfectly it described how I've felt since my mid-teens. I brought it up with my therapist (who I've just started seeing for depression) and he said he didn't think that kind of label was useful. I can see his point but I fit the diagnostic criteria so perfectly that not labeling myself with it seems like denial. Should I seek out a diagnosis or should I work on my problems without putting them in a box?
posted by Andy Harwood at 9:42 AM PST - 21 comments

Overdose, underdose, or just-right dose

Hey Hive Mind - Mind Helping Me Understand Medicine Dosage? [more inside]
posted by Willie0248 at 9:08 AM PST - 7 comments

best service provider in oregon

what cell phone service provider will have the best coverage in Portland, Oregon. [more inside]
posted by slograffiti at 8:54 AM PST - 10 comments

How do I shepherd my trees through adolescence?

How should I support and trim my two trees so they'll grow up to be big and strong? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 8:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Ask Anything

My church is thinking about hosting a Q and A session on Christianity. We are hoping to figure out a way to let people text message questions in. 1) What's a low-cost solution for text messaging in questions, and 2) if you were there, what kind of questions might you ask? (so we can be prepared!)
posted by kraigory at 8:38 AM PST - 43 comments

The undiscover'd Street View from whose bourn no Google Car returns...

Is it possible to create a Google Street View™, but with old photographs? [more inside]
posted by Sova at 8:30 AM PST - 3 comments

What is this Japanese "candy"?

What is this Japanese "candy"? [more inside]
posted by chaplinesque at 8:21 AM PST - 5 comments

People who enjoy deception: what kinds of things do they like to do?

For a person who enjoys deception, what are some games, sports, hobbies, or pastimes that they would be especially drawn to? [more inside]
posted by charris5005 at 7:55 AM PST - 27 comments

Burning wood? Natural Gas? Pellets? Too many options....

Please help me figure out the best source of backup heat for my house! [more inside]
posted by Zoyashka at 7:49 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I forgive my mother for losing some of my most treasured items?

How can I forgive my mother for losing some of my most treasured items? This may sound like a stupid/trivial problem but it's really eating away at me inside. [more inside]
posted by starpoint at 7:45 AM PST - 56 comments

Windows 7 User Folder

I'm using Windows 7 RC. I usually move the entire 'My Documents' to another partition so that I can easily reinstall Windows. How do I do this in Windows 7? [more inside]
posted by edbyford at 7:44 AM PST - 8 comments

Can I keep my phone number with a fake SSN?

Can I keep my phone number when switching carriers if the current one doesn't have my real SSN? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:20 AM PST - 9 comments

Can I pay a lawyer in beer?

I'm getting more and more serious about starting a brewery. I don't know where to start with the state, the city, the FDA and the ATF. (Does the ATF even care about beer? See! I need someone who knows these things!) You're not my lawyer, but maybe you know what kind of lawyer I'm looking for and how to find them! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:20 AM PST - 10 comments

Yellow Shirt with Cubes

Where can I find this t-shirt? It's yellow with 24 paired cubes colored with green, red, & yellow faces, each face subdivided into cells of 8. [more inside]
posted by yeti at 6:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Thai beaches?

Thailand beaches in November: Krabi or Phuket or Ko Samui? [more inside]
posted by smackfu at 6:10 AM PST - 14 comments

What are the most useful iPhone apps for a newly qualified doctor?

What are the most useful iPhone apps for a newly qualified doctor? [more inside]
posted by ianK at 5:49 AM PST - 13 comments

Things to Do and See and Eat on the Western Side of the Green Mountains

My sister planned a trip for us to Vermont next weekend, and we are driving up from the Boston area on Friday morning. We will be heading to the western side of the Green Mountains (in between Arlington and Manchester), and I'd love your recommendations for everything and anything in the area and along the way. [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 5:47 AM PST - 4 comments

What uses have you found for your food scale?

What uses have you found for your food scale? I'm writing a cooking blog post, and looking for ideas.
posted by markcmyers at 5:18 AM PST - 40 comments

Zebra hair?

I want to be a zebra! (nothing to do with Halloween) [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 5:12 AM PST - 8 comments

How to print one PDF page on two sheets of paper?

Is there a simple way to print 1 A4 PDF over 2 sheets? [more inside]
posted by ask me please at 4:07 AM PST - 7 comments

Low starting salary?

Recent MSc graduate offered low starting salary. Now what? [more inside]
posted by moiraine at 3:58 AM PST - 17 comments

Alternatives to Tony Robbins?

Recommendation for alternatives to Tony Robbins for people who find Tony Robbins a little eerie? [more inside]
posted by surenoproblem at 1:50 AM PST - 10 comments

Buying a house on a busy road

I have been trying to buy a house in the inner-west in Sydney, Australia for several months. Contrary to what's going on in the rest of the world, Oz houses are effing crazy high and have jumped between $20-$100k (esp in my area) in the past year. I have found a good house for a price I can do - but it's on a fairly busy road. Would you want to go to there? [more inside]
posted by mooza at 1:37 AM PST - 20 comments

Tripping on Calvinist guilt

Help me stop myself from turning into my dad: how do I manage daily guilt? [more inside]
posted by brambory at 12:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Who gets to be the lucky person to write me a letter of recommendation?

I'm applying to graduate school and need 3 letters of recommendations. However, I am having trouble deciding the right people to ask. HALP. [more inside]
posted by carpyful at 12:02 AM PST - 8 comments

October 12

Am I being rational?

Alternative medicines for a young kid - am I making too much of it? [more inside]
posted by H. Roark at 11:39 PM PST - 38 comments

Tell me why a room-and-board-and-bandwidth incubator for tech startups is a stupid idea

So a little while back, I bought a big old brick house in Richmond, Indiana (for $8000). It's way more house than I need, and there are lots of other fantastic brick houses here, just no economic reason to buy them. Why shouldn't I give free room and board and bandwidth in return for equity in a tech startup? (See also HNN's comment threads.) [more inside]
posted by Michael Roberts at 10:55 PM PST - 19 comments

The best way for a fully disabled, good sized male to go hiking with friends.

I've been a quadriplegic since the age of fifteen due to a diving accident. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with some of the best trails in the world-- the Olympics, Cascades and National Rainforest, to name a few--in my backyard, but I've never been able to experience them. Can anyone help with a reasonably safe solution. I pictured a carrying device with two poles and a harness where two strong individuals rested the poles on their shoulders. Any engineers out there with some nifty designs or ideas. I am 6'2 and about 220 lbs in good shape and sturdy physique. I would love to join my friends for a hot brandy and stories around the campfire.
posted by dthm42 at 10:44 PM PST - 30 comments

Should I quit looking in the legal field and become a stock broker?

Out of work law school grad thinking about looking into another career...looking for suggestions....how about a stock broker trainee...? [more inside]
posted by xspot at 10:41 PM PST - 13 comments

Seeking the Uber-Sharpie

Ultra-permanent marker (more permanent than Sharpie Industrial, on soft rubbery plastic)? Alternately: paint or coating that's very strong AND very soft-thin-flexible? [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 10:32 PM PST - 13 comments

Right of way? Wrong-o, I think.

The Arizona drivers license manual states that the law does not specify who has the right-of-way; it only specifies who must yield. What is the legal significance of this? [more inside]
posted by azpenguin at 10:05 PM PST - 18 comments

EAS comparison

What are the pros and cons of various EAS methods? [more inside]
posted by icarus at 10:04 PM PST - 0 comments

Coraline Costume

Costume-filter: help me source a kid-sized plain yellow rain coat for my daughter's Coraline costume. Bonus points if it's a coat and boots combo. [more inside]
posted by cosmicbandito at 9:58 PM PST - 8 comments

How does Scare Tactics Work?

How does Scare Tactics work? [more inside]
posted by mazniak at 9:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Calling all art fans!

I need ideas for a piece of artwork to write about. [more inside]
posted by smeater44 at 9:27 PM PST - 20 comments

How to be an au pair abroad

I'm thinking about working as a nanny in England for a year or so. I'm a twenty-one-year-old American woman with a few years of experience with kids as a teacher's assistance and tutor. Anybody know a good way I could start looking for a position from the U.S.? [more inside]
posted by grobstein at 8:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Days of swine and roses

Odds are that the flu I've had since Friday is H1N1: a Canadian government tracking site says that 97% of diagnosed cases of flu here right now are H1N1. Does this increase or decrease my need for an H1N1 shot when they become available?
posted by zadcat at 8:39 PM PST - 12 comments

Working in Retail

Following a second interview tomorrow morning I will more likely than not be working at a large chain bookstore for a few months (including, obviously, the holiday season). I've never worked in retail, or anything that required me to deal with the public for that matter. I'm not expecting it to be very difficult, but is there anything I should know?
posted by phrontist at 8:38 PM PST - 29 comments

Under the Milky Way song on TV

Who is the artist performing the song "Under the Milky Way" by The Chuch on the new Lincoln-Mercury ads? Saw the ad on "Fringe" and "House". Good viewings selections, heh?
posted by ecollie at 8:35 PM PST - 5 comments

How can I get clean html from MS-word, to paste into thunderbird?

How can I get clean html from MS-word, to paste into Thunderbird? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 7:53 PM PST - 21 comments

What's added to big fountains that turns the water green?

Why is the fountain blue? Here in Silicon Valley, two parks have Geneva-style fountains in the center of their lakes -- one in Sunnyvale, another in Cupertino. Instead of white, like in Switzerland, the water's a kind of azure turquoise. Why? A caustic acid to burn anyone foolish enough to take a dip? Chemicals to eradicate algae? Please advise. [more inside]
posted by Rash at 7:44 PM PST - 13 comments

So many shoes, so little space!

Organizing fans: Help me figure out what to do with my shoes in my miniature entryway/kitchen this winter! [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 7:25 PM PST - 11 comments

Thanksgiving in a log cabin on a lake - but where?

My girlfriend and I are looking to spend a few days in a cabin on a lake with a chance of snow (but not a blizzard!). We were thinking Lake Tahoe, but adding up the expenses puts it out of our price range. Any suggestions for how to have a peaceful vacation on the cheap?
posted by jander03 at 7:12 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me filter my data!

I'm trying to get more comfortable with Linq and I'm having some trouble. I have a list myprojects that is initiated when a session is started (and discarded at the end). I have a projects entity and repository and have a form setup to add projects to myprojects. This works. I have a reports entity where there might be many reports to a single project. I'm trying to use myprojects to filter the reports and this does not work. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 6:59 PM PST - 4 comments

What to do in Ithaca

We're going camping in Ithaca, NY this weekend. What should we make sure to do while we're there? [more inside]
posted by cheerwine at 6:19 PM PST - 24 comments

Hard drive trouble?

Hard drive(I think) corrupted - I'm drowning in information. Help? [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 5:59 PM PST - 11 comments

How much yelling is okay for kids to be exposed to?

Being a parent. What's appropriate in terms of displaying emotions? Of course, more inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 PM PST - 51 comments

How do I best purchase a wait-listed car?

What is the protocol for buying a new car in seemingly high demand and non-existent supply? When is a wait list really a wait list, and how do I actually get this car? [more inside]
posted by rabidsegue at 5:45 PM PST - 17 comments

Copyright filter

Copyright filter: Do publishers of books like Richistan, Microtrends and The Ascent of Money—all of which use stories from newspapers, magazines and wire services as source material—have to pay the periodicals for the use of their material? Thanks!
posted by quidividi at 5:42 PM PST - 2 comments

Will the cheese in my fridge outlast a pair of Pumas?

Am I expecting too much from a pair of Puma sneakers? [more inside]
posted by blueberry at 5:28 PM PST - 14 comments

Its like choose your own adventure, but the adventure is work and the outcome is always a workorder

TechFilter: I need a way to do information gathering questions that adjust based on previously asked questions. Must be easy to put on a website or transmit to customers and then receive their responses. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 5:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Television advertisement showing the stock market as a frenzied sideshow

Saw a television ad several years ago with fantastic art direction depicting the stock market as a circus or similar frenzy of colorful, somewhat frightening characters. Can anyone help me track it down? [more inside]
posted by drdanger at 5:10 PM PST - 0 comments

Twitter: The Followee of My Followee

Twitter question: Is there a tool which will let me see who the people I follow are themselves following, in aggregate? Of course, you can see who a given person follows, but so far as I know, you can only look at one account at a time. I'd like to see this information all grouped together in one place, and ideally sorted by popularity (i.e., with the sites followed by the most people toward the top). Thanks.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 5:06 PM PST - 5 comments

This is my (zombie killing) jam!

So you're fighting zombies. What are you listening to? [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 4:49 PM PST - 68 comments

Let's play dress up!

Help me (a female with basically no female friends to ask) accessorize this red cocktail dress! (hair & jewelry) [more inside]
posted by mostlybecky at 4:45 PM PST - 29 comments

Just a film about a couple of lovebirds.

MovieFilter: does anyone remember an animated film about a couple who were magically turned into a heron and an egret? It might have aired on American cable TV in the 1990's, but I have no idea about its origins. [more inside]
posted by cobwebberies at 4:34 PM PST - 2 comments

Inexpensive work clothes in the DC area?

Where can I find inexpensive work clothes in the DC area? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 4:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Would an embedded internal wireless 3G modem draw significantly less power from a laptop battery than an external USB wireless 3G modem?

Would an embedded internal wireless 3G modem draw significantly less power from a laptop battery than an external USB wireless 3G modem? [more inside]
posted by gttommy at 4:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Verizon wont give me what I orderd or let me quit.

How can I make Verizon Wireless treat me better? They changed my plan without my consent. [more inside]
posted by digividal at 4:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Am I insecure in my life-path, or doing something wrong?

Plodding through school and working: am screwing myself over or doing it right? Long and sordid within. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:46 PM PST - 3 comments

Dating in San Francisco : will the women here expect me to have a car?

Dating in San Francisco : will the women here expect me to have a car? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:46 PM PST - 20 comments

Looking for a nystagmus/artcar tracker

Help me find online map based tracking tools [more inside]
posted by tacit_urn at 3:14 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me with job titles associated with software development

Which jobs should I be searching for a stepping stone in the world of software development and eventually project management? [more inside]
posted by Pontifex at 2:04 PM PST - 23 comments

When iDiots, iMmersion and iPhones collide, the iDiot needs help.

Iphone 3GS+Water=Unhappiness. Can I reactivate my 1st gen iphone while the 3GS is sitting in a bowl of rice for the next few days? [more inside]
posted by nevercalm at 1:59 PM PST - 12 comments

Forum Warz

For comedic purposes, I'm looking for flame wars on obscure and trivial subjects regarding consumer products. The idea came from video games and the intense passion around consoles (Xbox 360 vs. PS3, etc.), so I'd like to put together examples from other areas; e.g. cars, cameras, high-end audio, violin bow resin. Ideal examples would be highly emotional, petulant and way out of proportion to the issue at hand. Bonus points for posts that take perceived slights against the product as a personal attack or escalate into threats.
posted by mattholomew at 1:39 PM PST - 38 comments

Who needs sleep? (well you're never gonna get it)

I can't sleep through the night anymore. Can I re-learn? And should I be worried about my sleep, given that I'm not tired? [more inside]
posted by decathecting at 1:34 PM PST - 18 comments

Once he works out how to open the fridge door we're doomed

Kitchen trash cans that can withstand a crafty and dextrous cat? [more inside]
posted by alex.dudley at 12:42 PM PST - 24 comments

On MeFi, all portents of doom are typed...

Is it "writing on the wall" or "handwriting on the wall"? When / how did it change in popular usage? [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 12:41 PM PST - 25 comments

Iron supplementation

I seem to be perpetually anemic, but my doc does not support my continuing to supplement with iron beyond bringing my lab numbers into the very low end of normal. Experiences, advice? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:38 PM PST - 20 comments

How can I follow my dreams without upsetting my parents?

How can I follow my dreams without upsetting my parents? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:38 PM PST - 32 comments

When was the last time the leader of a country had an identical twin?

When was the last time a Head of State had an identical twin?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 12:35 PM PST - 11 comments

through rain, sleet, or snow, you're not getting your mail.

Why am I not receiving my mail? [more inside]
posted by apophenia at 12:24 PM PST - 4 comments

In search of a crockery maven

I would like to sell some vintage Fiestaware of varying rarity. Are there...crockery brokers? How do I do this without having it as my second job? [more inside]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 12:22 PM PST - 5 comments

How much corn is in high fructose corn syrup?

How much corn is in high fructose corn syrup? [more inside]
posted by parakeetdog at 12:17 PM PST - 16 comments

International impact of Great Depression

What was the extent of the international impact of the American Great Depression compared to the economic crisis today? What are (scholarly) resources that might help answer this question?
posted by msk1985 at 12:07 PM PST - 4 comments

How to bypass Cafepress?

I want to make my own t-shirts. How can I do my own personal version of Cafepress, Zazzle, etc.? [more inside]
posted by hellbient at 12:02 PM PST - 13 comments

Spiritual/Temporal concens and questions about veganism.

How does one reconcile vegan principles with environmental concerns? [more inside]
posted by Tchad at 11:47 AM PST - 24 comments

How can I convert prepaid reward cards to cash?

What is the best way to convert prepaid reward credit cards to cash? I have a reward card from American Express and a rebate card through Visa that I would like to convert to cash because spending the precise amount the cards are worth is difficult.
posted by SuperCoolZane at 11:42 AM PST - 12 comments

Too Stuffed to Jump!

Way too far from Nogales - can anyone help me replace my stuffed frog on a motorcycle? [more inside]
posted by Pressed Rat at 11:38 AM PST - 1 comment

Building New Relationships

Does anyone know of any quizzes or tests that would be good at indicating what type of hobbies or interests a person should pursue? I need to take on some new hobbies and interests so that I am more involved with people. I believe by doing this it would make meeting new people a lot easier. I'm basically in a rut right now, I do the same things all the time. I took a yoga class over the summer and enjoyed it immensely. I used to play guitar, but that doesn't push me to get involved with other people. [more inside]
posted by Garden at 11:38 AM PST - 4 comments

What local stores stock Old Potrero in Mountain View, CA?

Where can I get some Anchor Steam Old Potrero whiskey in Mountain View, California, today? Brick-and-mortar store required. [more inside]
posted by kdar at 11:28 AM PST - 7 comments

what are 80s style foods?

what are 80s style foods? [more inside]
posted by askmehow at 10:46 AM PST - 80 comments

Uh...hang on, just give me a minute.

What is the most important scientific question of our time? [more inside]
posted by Demogorgon at 10:34 AM PST - 44 comments

Not Shakespeare & Co

Looking for an independent bookshop in Paris. [more inside]
posted by lucia__is__dada at 10:26 AM PST - 3 comments

How to take a terminal relative in to your home to die when there are multiple complications?

Mother with terminal cancer, dad being an @#$ about her care, I want to take her in but it's complicated. How do I handle it? [more inside]
posted by stormpooper at 10:20 AM PST - 34 comments

First use of 'taint' to mean perineum?

What was the first use of 'taint' to mean perineum? [more inside]
posted by magicbus at 10:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Football (American) strategy question

Football (American) strategy question: You're down 15 and score a TD with about enough time left to kick-off, try to force the other team to punt, then get the ball back with a chance to tie. Why do all teams opt for the extra point rather than the 2-point conversion? [more inside]
posted by glenngulia at 10:09 AM PST - 50 comments

There's no copyright on Palestrina

Do BBC Radio shows really expire after 7 days? [more inside]
posted by venividivici at 9:53 AM PST - 6 comments

We'll kiss, but only if you work for it.

I can't believe I'm actually using a question for this, but wevs. My SO and & are getting married on Saturday. We completely and totally do *not* want glass-clinking at our reception. Seriously. [more inside]
posted by spinturtle at 9:46 AM PST - 38 comments

New Hampshire over Christmas

Going to New Hampshire over Christmas. Ideas for places to stay and a FWD car rental question. [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 9:44 AM PST - 4 comments

Theories/discussions about corporate inertia

I'm looking for interesting theories/discussions around the phenomenon of corporate inertia [more inside]
posted by runkelfinker at 9:43 AM PST - 4 comments

My heart is betraying me.

I am in (long-term, abiding) love with more than one woman. I am marrying one, but I need to deal with my feelings for the other. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:42 AM PST - 30 comments

Ayudame, MeFi, por favor!

Relocating to South America: haven't touched Spanish in 20 years, how do I freshen my lingual skills up? [more inside]
posted by devilish at 9:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Why Did He Bring His Girlfriend On a Date With Me?

Online-dating filter: Should I confront him about bringing his girlfriend on what I thought was a date, or just let it all go? [more inside]
posted by aabbbiee at 9:37 AM PST - 30 comments

Help a Canadian find a new breadmaker

What's the best breadmaker available in Canada? [more inside]
posted by Proginoskes at 9:36 AM PST - 6 comments

Basic Video-Editing Program for HD

Recommend a good (VERY BASIC!) video editing program I can use at work. (Must support HD video and work in Windows XP!) [more inside]
posted by PetiePal at 9:14 AM PST - 5 comments

Where did the water come from?

Miystery Leak in apartment that we just purchased...where could it be coming from and how to proceed to ensure it doesn't occur again? [more inside]
posted by spacefire at 9:06 AM PST - 5 comments

Where can I fit in a small tech startup?

Where can I fit into (and how can I find) a tech startup or small tech company, that does something I'm passionate about with my current skills/experience? [more inside]
posted by studiosonic at 8:56 AM PST - 2 comments

No sounds from laptop after 7 upgrade

Laptop upgraded from vista to 7, now having sound issues. [more inside]
posted by wile e at 8:51 AM PST - 9 comments

What are the etiquette guidelines for T-shirts referencing ethnicity?

How likely is it that a white American woman in NYC wearing this shirt in public and in the workplace will be deemed offensive?
posted by Eater at 8:36 AM PST - 46 comments

Where to get spiced wafers in NYC?

Is there anywhere in the NYC metro area that sells Sweetzels Spiced Wafers? I loved these when I lived in Philly, but they seem to be very hard to find outside of Pennsylvania.
posted by May Kasahara at 8:14 AM PST - 4 comments

Playing out hopeless chess games/conceding

(Casual)ChessFilter: What is your personal policy on playing out hopeless chess games/conceding? [more inside]
posted by symbollocks at 8:12 AM PST - 20 comments

Any tandem couples out there working for the US Foreign Service?

Any tandem couples / trailing spouses out there working for the US Foreign Service? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:10 AM PST - 2 comments

Crying Spells for Males

I'm a 29 year old male and I have crying spells. Advice? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:10 AM PST - 30 comments

A cute bra in a large size?

Does anyone know where I can find a bra with a super cute and girly pattern in a larger size? [more inside]
posted by leesh at 7:48 AM PST - 14 comments

Do you remember a tender 1990s reality tv-ish documentary on tv about a group of sweet old ladies in a house together?

Looking for a documentary I once saw: Old ladies live together in a house for a while, sort of reality-style. Casual activities, them giving their thoughts on life. At least one of them English, maybe all. Possibly a lake there. Saw it on tv late 90s I think. Very tender. Know it? [more inside]
posted by Askr at 7:46 AM PST - 2 comments

Everybody dies. How do they look?

I'm toying with an idea for a short story or maybe a long story or maybe no story, but the idea has led me to a point where I have a question for those of you who have some knowledge about science and biology. Read on, brave adventurer! [more inside]
posted by kbanas at 7:16 AM PST - 19 comments

SEO Study Help

Can you help me become a Foreign Service Security Engineering Officer? [more inside]
posted by snapplepop at 6:25 AM PST - 2 comments

Do you speak Russian? Good. Did you watch Family Guy last night? Great!

FamilyGuyfilter: What did Meg say in Russian at the end of last night's episode (Spies Reminiscent of Us)? [more inside]
posted by jtfowl0 at 6:23 AM PST - 5 comments

Is there an Instapaper for feed aggregation?

I'm looking for a very simple rss updater to replace Rososo. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Orchestra at 5:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Pregnant woman needs help controlling her moods

Anger management for beginners? Help me deal with pregnancy/hormone related rage at work! [more inside]
posted by heytch at 5:08 AM PST - 13 comments

Türkçe....!

How do you program foreign (namely the Turkish ones - ı, ş, and ğ) characters into a laptop keyboard....? [more inside]
posted by ryanbryan at 3:52 AM PST - 21 comments

Your chance to help education reform in a third world country

Help! My job requires IT knowledge I don't have. Two questions. [more inside]
posted by Suciu at 3:37 AM PST - 8 comments

Some say I have a way with words.

You are a paid writer/screenwriter/columnist/blogger. What can you tell me about how to best break into this profession? [more inside]
posted by the NATURAL at 3:16 AM PST - 13 comments

them's the brakes...

I've just changed the disc brake pads on my bicycle and now the calipers won't 'grab' onto the metal disc enough to brake effectively... [more inside]
posted by hairgelburrito at 1:16 AM PST - 4 comments

Suggestions for a Book of Memories?

Grateful for inspirational suggestions for a contribution to a "Book of Memories" for my brother's golden wedding anniversary. [more inside]
posted by aqsakal at 12:42 AM PST - 5 comments

October 11

Play old 8bit and 16bit games on my TV?

Play old 8bit and 16bit games on my TV? [more inside]
posted by bystander at 11:21 PM PST - 13 comments

What gear should I get so I can start DJing with Serato?

I want to start DJing with Serato. What kind of gear should I get? [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 11:11 PM PST - 4 comments

Can bank charge off auto loan with totaled car despite continued payments?

Car was totaled, bank that gave auto loan charged off the loan account because the collateral is gone despite us continuing with full and on time payments. What are our options? [more inside]
posted by Nickel at 10:55 PM PST - 4 comments

Where can I find a copy of a classroom discussion activity where you are forced to save 6-8 people in an apocalypse to start a new society?

I remember doing a discussion activity/thought experiment in high school where we had to choose 6-8 people from a list (e.g. pregnant teen, scientist, priest, stay-at-home mom, doctor) to save in a nuclear apocalypse and justify our decision. There was a paper handout associated with the activity, and I'm pretty sure my teacher didn't write it himself, because I've talked to friends who've done the same thing in a different context (church groups, retreats, etc. ). I'm looking for a link to a copy of this activity, or a place where I'd be able to find it.
posted by jeisme at 10:37 PM PST - 3 comments

What can I expect now that mold has been discovered in my apartment?

What can I expect now that mold has been discovered in my apartment? [more inside]
posted by semp at 10:30 PM PST - 8 comments

Not-Ugly Kindle Case?

What is the best, prettiest, most protective case for a Kindle? [more inside]
posted by vilthuril at 9:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Stain over varnish?

How can I easily darken already varnished wood? [more inside]
posted by hulahulagirl at 8:59 PM PST - 8 comments

candor dat viribus alas

What kind of racial harmony was there within the Roman Empire? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 8:32 PM PST - 18 comments

Your best tips for working with stacks of 5x3" paper index cards?

Give me your best tips and tricks for dealing with large volumes of 5x3" index cards! [more inside]
posted by NucleophilicAttack at 8:11 PM PST - 12 comments

Making the move: Australia --> New Zealand

What's involved in moving from Australia to New Zealand? [more inside]
posted by simplesharps at 7:36 PM PST - 8 comments

I'd rather be the person getting the blood drawn...

How can I control my anxiety and nervousness when performing required venipunctures for my program? I hate drawing blood and experience isn't making it better! [more inside]
posted by rainygrl716 at 7:14 PM PST - 9 comments

How do you let yourself "let go" of time?

How do you let yourself "let go" of time? [more inside]
posted by Seeba at 7:09 PM PST - 27 comments

Weird boob grab on SNL last week, or part of the skit I didn't get?

What was up with the Boob grab on last weeks SNL? During the "So you committed a crime, and you think you can dance?" skit, Jason Sudeikis grabs a handful of Kristen Wiig. You can see it at around 4:00 on Hulu. Her response seems a bit weird. Any insight? Theories? Rumors?
posted by JonnyRotten at 7:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me find vivid books about man in nature.

Help me find books of a particular genre, or collection of similar genres. Specifically, books on living in or traveling through nature that have visual, picturesque language about the landscape/scenery/ecology. [more inside]
posted by Stryke11 at 6:55 PM PST - 17 comments

Extending the life of my car brakes.

If I want to extend the life of the brakes on my car, how should I drive the hill close to my house? [more inside]
posted by SoulOnIce at 6:51 PM PST - 25 comments

Help! My new car was rear-ended...

My 2-month-old car was rear-ended on Friday night, what should I do now? [more inside]
posted by ComeUndone at 6:38 PM PST - 10 comments

(Where) should I go to grad school to be a (psycho)therapist?

I’m hoping for specific information and opinions about programs and degrees, hopefully from people who are very educated about the world of psychotherapy. [more inside]
posted by tacoma1 at 6:28 PM PST - 10 comments

Help with Sony's Vegas Pro 9

How do I use Vegas Pro 9? I can't find a lot of useful or free info on the web or on Sony's website. [more inside]
posted by tenaciousd at 6:10 PM PST - 9 comments

Does THAT Belong In Your Mouth?

What is the strange white plastic ring thing that I see baseball players chewing on during the postseason games? [more inside]
posted by hippybear at 5:39 PM PST - 13 comments

How do I make long hair, moustaches, and beards for large (mascot-size) costumes?

How do I make long hair, moustaches, and beards for large (mascot-size) costumes? The fur fabric that I've found is fairly short (just a few inches). I'd like to make a long white dwarf-like beard. Here is a picture of a small gnome statue. How would I make a beard like that for a 24" wide face? Here is the best example I've found so far. This costume actually has a long beard. Does someone actually sell fur fabric with hair that long?
posted by HappyEngineer at 4:59 PM PST - 6 comments

Can I screen out the six legged bastards?

Would placing an additional window screen material on the outside of a vent cause ventilation problems? [more inside]
posted by medea42 at 4:56 PM PST - 2 comments

Did Dr. David Marcus know who his father is?

Paternity question about the plot of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Spoilers inside about the movie and Nicholas Meyer's memoirs. [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 4:42 PM PST - 9 comments

Some Symbol!

What is this symbol on my old early 20th-century pin? [more inside]
posted by yellowbkpk at 4:05 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me find a vibrant Protestant church in the Cleveland area. I'm between denominations.

Help me find a vibrant Protestant church in the Cleveland area. I'm between denominations. [more inside]
posted by debbie_ann at 3:54 PM PST - 12 comments

at least he didn't give me a pen

"I love you" "(blank stare)" Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:54 PM PST - 36 comments

What format is best for content that will end up in Wordpress?

in what format should I have contributors submit pieces to be posted later in wordpress? [more inside]
posted by bingo at 3:48 PM PST - 16 comments

Moving an immovable mother

How can I get my mom to go to her colonoscopy? [more inside]
posted by Marky at 3:37 PM PST - 17 comments

Does chi-square work for this?

StatisticAnalysisFilter: I took (pretty close to) scientific observations of the general populace in a neighborhood for a few months (personal project, long story). I measured the number of people who had trait X (or did not have trait X) in two locations, A and B. Now, I want to test the statistical significance of these results. Is the chi-square test sufficient for this? Or is there a better option? [more inside]
posted by MoreForMad at 3:23 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for interesting but sedate things to do in Shanghai.

How do we absorb as much culture, see as many sites, do as many things as possible in Shanghai, when we have lots of time, but not much strength, endurance or mobility? [more inside]
posted by clarkstonian at 3:19 PM PST - 9 comments

NYE: Paris. Suggestions?

New Year's Eve in Paris. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by proj at 2:25 PM PST - 4 comments

All you 33rd-level MeFite Masons, holla back.

So I've just finished "The Lost Symbol," and would like to pick the brain of all of you Masonic MeFites. Spoilers aplenty within. [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 2:18 PM PST - 8 comments

When getting a divorce, how does a house with an underwater mortgage count towards dividing assets?

You're not my lawyer, but when getting a divorce, how does a house with an underwater mortgage count toward dividing assets? [more inside]
posted by cnc at 2:16 PM PST - 11 comments

72 hours for Venice's secrets, aiutiamo noi per favore

I'm going with my family down to Italy from around Oct 18-30th, including a week at a farm house in Ancona (looking forward to that, for sure!). We'll also be in Venice for around three whole days in the beginning and end of the trip (we fly in/out from Venice). [more inside]
posted by avocade at 2:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Will I lose my dream job for the lack of a spleen?

My job of a lifetime travelling the world on a cruise ship rests on obtaining an ENG1 certificate (I'm in the UK). Healthy female in my 20's with no health issues except a full splenectomy three years ago. Employer showed no concern, but could a bureaucratic doctor scupper my dreams? Full story below... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Therapist recommendation?

Please recommend a family therapist in the Twin Cities area, preferably in Apple Valley, Eagan or Burnsville. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Does my girlfriend spend too much time on online forums?

Am I being unreasonable about how much time my girlfriend spends on online forums and message boards? [more inside]
posted by kleenkat at 1:25 PM PST - 31 comments

Recs for easygoing pediatricians near Ridgefield CT

[kidsfilter] Recommendations for easygoing, vegetarian-friendly pediatricians near Ridgefield, CT? [more inside]
posted by mccn at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me remember the name of this horror/sci-fi movie from my childhood (circa 1991).

I am trying to figure out the name of a horror/sci-fi movie from my childhood. It's a movie where a guy wakes up one day and he has a little alien slug/worm that lives on the back of his neck and talks to him. The alien has drilled a hole in the back of his neck and now injects a powerful narcotic/hallucinogen directly into his brain and controls the guy's life. Nobody knows about the alien slug, and at the end of the movie, he squeezes the alien slug to death and it administers a lethal dose to him, and his head blows up. Name that movie! As I'm older I realize it was a metaphor for drug addiction... and frequently try and explain the plot of the movie to people as best as I can remember. It was probably released around 1991. It may have gone straight to DVD or cable. TIA
posted by Mr_Crazyhorse at 1:16 PM PST - 7 comments

Damn you, clever homophones!

Help me find a t-shirt I've only heard described ambiguously! [more inside]
posted by mllrstvn at 1:12 PM PST - 3 comments

NYT Filter

NYT filter. The NYT used to offer the option for registered users to save articles to a "locker" (I think that was the term). About 6 months or so ago I was looking for a recipe that I knew I'd saved. My "locker" was gone! [more inside]
posted by private_idaho at 12:43 PM PST - 12 comments

What does the future sound like?

Where is music headed in the 21st century? [more inside]
posted by philip-random at 11:54 AM PST - 51 comments

how can I clean this couch?

My landlord just bought a brand new sofa (this beige model) for my apartment, and I seem to have ruined it already by letting my friend sleep on it for a few days using dark-colored sheets. The area under the head/pillow is now slightly darker than the rest of the sofa; it looks as if it's always slightly wet. The cover can be dry-cleaned but will be expensive; what are the chances of it working? Are there any easier/less expensive alternatives?
posted by helios at 11:54 AM PST - 5 comments

Help Me remember this movie I saw on TV years ago.

This is a shot in the dark. About 5 years ago I half watched an old movie on cable, and something recently reminded me of it and I can't at all remember the name. [more inside]
posted by token-ring at 11:19 AM PST - 4 comments

Doggy Birth Control

How can I stop my dog from getting pregnant? [more inside]
posted by pick_the_flowers at 11:06 AM PST - 15 comments

Where's the video of the guy laughing on the subway?

Where can I find that video of the guy who starts laughing on a subway car and it infectiously spreads to all the passengers? Can't believe my google-fu is failing me here, but there you go. [more inside]
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 10:55 AM PST - 2 comments

Michael Jackson tribute mix?

I'm looking for a mix/compilation of Michael Jackson songs that I heard played recently at a club. It's a single track that combines many of his more popular dance numbers. I know it contained parts of Billie Jean, Thriller, Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Beat It, and Bad, and there were a few other songs that I don't recall. As far as I can tell, the songs were simply blended together via cross-fades and were not remixed or rerecorded, and the track itself was long--probably at least 10 minutes. Any ideas what I heard and where I can find it?
posted by philosophygeek at 10:40 AM PST - 5 comments

interpretation

What does a guy mean after he tries to have sex but it doesn't happen? [more inside]
posted by femmme at 10:37 AM PST - 18 comments

Advice on building a ramada

Construction newbies would like to build a backyard ramada. We're thinking of an open structure, similar to an arbor. The plan is to use 4 4x4 posts set 8 feet apart. The roof will be a slatted top with a 1 foot overhang. Since this is termite country, I'd like to anchor the posts in a cement footing using a J-bolt. [more inside]
posted by TorontoSandy at 10:30 AM PST - 3 comments

Help this 外国人 figure out how to get to 日本.

Yet another question about moving to Japan. [more inside]
posted by dubitable at 10:17 AM PST - 18 comments

Cleaning up messy music folders

Help me clean up my messy music files [more inside]
posted by 1024x768 at 10:11 AM PST - 11 comments

The Accidental Docent

On Tuesday I'll be showing a new arrival to New York City around for an hour or so in the late afternoon. He's interested in the city's history, particularly the Bowery/Lower East Side. He has seen all the major tourist stops and I'm completely ignorant of the latest cool/interesting/weird spots downtown and most places have the lifespan of mayflies. Any ideas on how to prepare an awesome, emergency walking tour? [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 9:08 AM PST - 12 comments

Où est la bibliothèque?

Help me learn to read French. [more inside]
posted by tdismukes at 8:58 AM PST - 19 comments

How to replace a bent wheel rim?

Where can I get a wheel rim (new or used) to replace one I bent while driving with a flat? I don't even know how to figure out what size I need. Details below. [more inside]
posted by ShadePlant at 8:47 AM PST - 13 comments

How Do I Promote My YA Fantasy Novel?

I want to promote my Young Adult fantasy novel about Morgan le Fay on the web. The biggest audience should be young women and libraries; Wiccans, medieval re-enactors and King Arthur fans would dig it, too (I hope). How can I best promote the book myself? What sites and blogs should I contact? Are author's tours effective? What should I definitely put my efforts into and what's not worth my time? [more inside]
posted by musofire at 8:33 AM PST - 12 comments

How me get website?

I'm thinking about making a website but it's years since I last did this, what are the best registrars, hosts, and insidey bits nowadays? I'm in the UK. [more inside]
posted by SebastianKnight at 8:27 AM PST - 11 comments

Exactly how rude is it to leave a job after only three months?

A few months ago I moved to a new city and started a new job. The city is just okay (I would never settle here), but the job is great. Now I have an opportunity to move to the place where I really want to live, and work a job that is functionally similar to my current position but for a much more prestigious company, "XYZ Inc." (a company that is considered by many to be the absolute Best Place to Work). Can I do this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:13 AM PST - 21 comments

Really, how screwed am I?

Am I being fired? I was recently converted from a full-time employee at a $5 billion multi-national company to a contractor working at the same company. Now, my contractor boss has called me in for meetings with the contracting company's HR rep for "issues". Oh yeah, I'm pregnant too. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:13 AM PST - 14 comments

Masonry Mortar Question

Masonry Mortar Question: I'm doing an artsy birdbath out of riverstone and for the top water-holding basin I need a mortar that adheres well to stone, lasts, endures shrinking/expanding well (as it will be in contact w/ H2O even in the winter), and of course holds water well (or can be be waterproofed). [more inside]
posted by argybarple at 8:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Step Aside, We Are Coming In!

YNML but...I received a letter from my city government demanding entry into my home to inspect our sump pump. I guess they want to ensure that it is not connected to the city sewer system and I guess they are doing this inspection to every house. Now, I am quite certain my sump pump is in compliance and I have done nothing wrong. Still, I am not so ready to just forfeit my 4th amendment rights. My question is, does the city really have a right to do this? Also, is this one of those times where I might be in the right but still have to spend 1000s of dollars on legal fees just to defend my right against unreasonable search?!
posted by Ennui at 8:03 AM PST - 19 comments

I need to ship a package on Sunday in NYC

I need to ship a book scanner today in NYC/Manhattan. It is fragile. It's an 11x11x22" box, which needs to be put inside a box. I don't have this box. Any carrier is fine. The fact that it is Sunday makes things unusually hard. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by fake at 6:43 AM PST - 14 comments

YouTube is painfully slow at home. Help!

YouTube is unbearably slow. What gives? [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 6:34 AM PST - 4 comments

Hiccuping for more than a day. Please kill me.

Not-funny-anymore-filter: I've been hiccuping for more than 24 hours. Help! [more inside]
posted by unixrat at 5:54 AM PST - 42 comments

How can I keep these videos from crashing Windows every time I try to get to them?

How can I keep these videos from crashing Windows every time I try to get to them? [more inside]
posted by reticulatedspline at 5:38 AM PST - 7 comments

I want my regular arm back

What is happening with my arm? Suddenly the bicep feels really tight and is sensitive and painful to touch. [more inside]
posted by molecicco at 5:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me stop stomach sleeping.

How do I stop sleeping on my stomach? [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:59 AM PST - 12 comments

help me find comfortable earplugs for clubbing

I want to start going clubbing, but I also want to keep my hearing intact. Earplug selection help needed! [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 2:37 AM PST - 15 comments

I just want my stupid games to be silent

OSXFilter: Is there a way to mute individual programs in OS X? [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 2:00 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me relive a happy childhood memory!

Sometime around '93-95, when I was living in Plymouth, NC, my elementary school class took a field trip to a bird farm. I would love to track down the place where I went. [more inside]
posted by srrh at 12:59 AM PST - 2 comments

October 10

Waitress lost my phone...now what?

Left my phone at the restaurant/bar after dinner, went back and was told they had it but the waitress had misplaced it. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
posted by shopefowler at 11:19 PM PST - 61 comments

OK, so I won this thing...

I got an email announcing that I have won an award in a local photography contest. Yay me! The problem to be solved here is that I now need, I find, to sit down and play public relations and sign books and be chipper and friendly. [more inside]
posted by pjern at 10:12 PM PST - 15 comments

How do you turn around the cumulative effects of bad decisions or bad luck?

How do you turn around the cumulative effect of bad decisions or bad luck? [more inside]
posted by jeffreyclong at 10:05 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me remember this 4X space game...

Looking for a 4X style empire game from my youth. Difficulty: Played it on a VT-100 terminal. Crazy boring details inside. [more inside]
posted by CarlRossi at 9:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Peanut butter won't get this out.

HalloweenFilter: Help me attach a toy plane to my hair. [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 9:34 PM PST - 8 comments

Name this philosophical movie about the earth's fate.

A movie about a politician and a scientist having long philosophical conversations on an island or beach, released after 1980? Very talky, like My Dinner With Andre? [more inside]
posted by unmake at 9:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Bit watt-hours?

In terms of energy usage, how much would you estimate that it costs for a bit to travel over the internet? [more inside]
posted by mr.dan at 8:46 PM PST - 10 comments

Old but awesome shareware.

Help me identify an older mac shoot-em-up with procedurally generated levels. [more inside]
posted by metacollin at 8:35 PM PST - 4 comments

Did dude steal a Dell?

Is this computer hot? [more inside]
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 7:16 PM PST - 13 comments

Picking the right flowers

My recently widowed stepmother just returned home after a long hospital stay for cancer treatment; the prognosis looks good, thankfully. I want to send her flowers for her birthday, but I know more about quantum physics than I do about flowers, and I was a liberal arts major, if you follow my meaning. I don't know of any floral preferences on her behalf, and can't really ask now. So... are there any specific types that are more appropriate than others?
posted by John Smallberries at 6:41 PM PST - 21 comments

looking for drum instructor in dc

i'm looking for a drum teacher in washington, d.c. [more inside]
posted by anya32 at 6:38 PM PST - 3 comments

Like drugstore.com, but for general merchandise

Looking for an online store where I can buy general merchandise that I'd find in the non-drugstore sections of a CVS or Walgreens: batteries, rubber bands, office supplies, clothes hangers, laundry supplies, and so on. [more inside]
posted by lunchbox at 5:27 PM PST - 7 comments

Fill my burritos on the cheap

What cheap, protein-y things taste good rolled up in a tortilla? [more inside]
posted by pluckemin at 5:12 PM PST - 30 comments

What to bring

My wife is helping to host a baby shower for a good friend of hers having a baby boy. The theme is "king of the jungle". Someone else is already bringing baked goods. What could my wife bring for favors
posted by dstopps at 5:07 PM PST - 3 comments

Middle school drama or more?

How worried should I be that the broken heart of a 13 year old boy will result in violence – or, should I say, more violence? [more inside]
posted by kbar1 at 5:05 PM PST - 37 comments

What are my options with a dead external drive?

Stupid computerfilter: I didn't back up, and now the external drive seems dead. Options? [more inside]
posted by neewom at 5:05 PM PST - 6 comments

These Photos Suck

I need an automated method for measuring the quality of an image. [more inside]
posted by effugas at 4:41 PM PST - 7 comments

Love Has a Nasty Habit of Disappearing Overnight

Is it possible to fall out of love overnight? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:50 PM PST - 18 comments

Cheap Bus NYC-DC

Cheap buses from NYC to Washington D.C.? The question's been asked and answered in the past, but I'm wondering if that information is outdated. Thanks!
posted by mixer at 3:48 PM PST - 16 comments

We were never mnml

IdentifyThisElectronicMusicFilter: Does anybody know the name/artist/album of this minimal electronic track I found in a liveset (big mp3)? Or anything similar? [more inside]
posted by azarbayejani at 3:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Professional FAIL x 2

I have had two major professional failures in a single week. I would like insight into a couple of aspects. Sordid details inside. [more inside]
posted by sidd.darko at 3:24 PM PST - 22 comments

Keeping Tobacco Fresh

DIY way to keep tobacco fresh? [more inside]
posted by nostrich at 3:14 PM PST - 12 comments

Attention, scavengers of Detroit.

My Westinghouse gas furnace has been disconnected because it wouldn't shut off the gas when the pilot light was out. The fault apparently lies in the part pictured. Is there any hope of getting a replacement? Inquiries about town have been unsuccessful so far. [more inside]
posted by alexei at 2:52 PM PST - 11 comments

How does J. D. Salinger pronounce Zooey?

Has J.D. Salinger ever written or spoken how to pronounce the name "Zooey" in Franny and Zooey? Are there any recordings of him pronouncing it? Separately, did he create that name or is there precedence for it (whether as a nickname for Zachary or on its own, spelled the same way)? [more inside]
posted by davebug at 2:51 PM PST - 3 comments

Vegetarian seeks most humane and delicious steak.

Help me pick the best option for humanely raised and slaughtered beef (Local? Kosher?) I'm having a hard time deciding between certain criteria. [more inside]
posted by a.steele at 2:40 PM PST - 23 comments

Right here, right now

I'm looking for famous movie quotes that contain either the word "here" or the word "now". [more inside]
posted by painquale at 2:38 PM PST - 26 comments

Global replace all in Word using the clipboard?

How can I (quickly) globally replace text in word with a footnote (or anything from my clipboard)? [more inside]
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 2:38 PM PST - 1 comment

Weekly News Podcasts

"Week in review" news podcasts? [more inside]
posted by rossination at 2:08 PM PST - 6 comments

Interior Design FAIL

Can the interior walls of a log home be plastered smooth? Fairly simply? [more inside]
posted by GuffProof at 1:54 PM PST - 13 comments

Help normalize my spiking blood pressure!

Can you help me not freak out about my suddenly spiking blood pressure? This is related to birth control and anxiety. Also looking for methods to calm myself down in anticipation of a reading. [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 1:54 PM PST - 8 comments

Judgemental kids in restaurant; Confront?

How to deal with a rude table next to you at a restaurant? [more inside]
posted by Jbgohlke at 1:49 PM PST - 33 comments

How to get from Toronto to Brussels (and what to do with a 4-year-old once there)?

Hi. Two questions related to an upcoming family trip - from Toronto to Brussels: - cost-effective (but not too tiring) ways to get from Toronto to Brussels? Non-stop flight? Connect elsewhere (London, Paris, Frankfurt, ...)? Fly into large hub (Paris, Frankfurt, ...) and book secondary flight or train? - things to do in Brussels with a 4-year-old?
posted by fsmontenegro at 1:22 PM PST - 12 comments

Is there a way to order and mail a British Postal Order online?

Is there a way to order and mail a British Postal Order online? [more inside]
posted by Senor Cardgage at 1:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Puppy and Baby?

Puppy and Baby? [more inside]
posted by brevator at 1:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Tell me about peasant foods from around the world that I need to cook.

Tell me about peasant foods from around the world that I need to cook. [more inside]
posted by voronoi at 1:10 PM PST - 27 comments

My Little Monkey Head

French translation question: "little monkey head"? [more inside]
posted by AzraelBrown at 1:10 PM PST - 5 comments

File access to router without wget

How do I copy files to a Netgear DG834G router without using wget? [more inside]
posted by alby at 1:01 PM PST - 11 comments

Suddenly, bad coffee

I have a Cuisinart coffee maker that went from making good coffee to making undrinkably bad coffee overnight. Why is this, and can we fix it? [more inside]
posted by adamrice at 1:01 PM PST - 8 comments

The Perfectly Good Use Of Your Time Act.

Name some recent pieces of legislation whose name was actually the opposite of the bill's real intent. [more inside]
posted by Doctor Suarez at 12:57 PM PST - 10 comments

Former classical musician not qualified to do anything but be broke...?

Professional musician going through a career change, not having much luck, what am I qualified/supposed to do? What methods do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by vilolagrl at 12:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me help my teacher help my kid!

My 4th grader is in her first year of a program for gifted children. It is a competitive program, at a school outside our district, and acceptance was based on advanced language, reading, writing, and "liberal arts" ability. I thought my daughter's gifts -- all of which match the description above -- would be nurtured here. But I have been dismayed to realize that all her teacher cares about is that her desk is messy and her handwriting isn't neat enough. My child has sensory issues that do in fact make it harder for her to keep her things organized. But how can I talk to the teacher about focusing more on her gifts -- which is supposed to be the mission of this program? (Sorry, this is long.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:02 PM PST - 38 comments

Nap time's over: now what?

How to occupy 15 non-english-speaking preschoolers/kindergarteners for four hours a day without toys, games, books, or crafts supplies? [more inside]
posted by levijk at 10:42 AM PST - 11 comments

Why so many appointments for an ouchy arm?

Is our new doctor ripping us off? Long story follows... [more inside]
posted by Oriole Adams at 10:35 AM PST - 12 comments

It's all "electro" to me.

Can anyone identify the artist, album, or even subgenre of this electronic music track? [more inside]
posted by 256 at 10:24 AM PST - 7 comments

How to muffle the loud vibrational noise of an Xbox 360?

My newish Xbox 360 is very loud during idle. I keep it horizontal on a shelf of my tv stand. It makes a loud vibrational noise that seems to oscillate. Resting it on a rubber pad (from an exercise equipment mat) helps a little bit. It's a relief when I finally turn the console off, though. I think it would be better if I could keep it in some kind of sound-absorbent box. What would work well to cover up the noise?
posted by irv4oh at 10:15 AM PST - 9 comments

She works hard for the money...

A friend of mine wants to open a business, and is looking for information on business loans or grants specifically for women. [more inside]
posted by firei at 10:05 AM PST - 3 comments

What is a good book to read about late 60s early 70s England?

What is a good book to read about late 60s early 70s England? Non-fiction preferred but well-researched fiction is fine too. [more inside]
posted by AbsoluteDestiny at 9:59 AM PST - 14 comments

My hair looks ridiculous.

I just moved to the UK and desperately need a haircut. Do you know a good salon and/or stylist in either Birmingham or Oxford that can do well with short, very thick, straight hair? (I am a girl) [more inside]
posted by Eumachia L F at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments

Survival Tips for a New High School Teacher?

Help: I am a first year high school teacher. [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 9:42 AM PST - 20 comments

What's a seven-letter word for "disseminate"?

I've taken a huge step into the dark side of dorkdom, and I've begun writing my own crosswords. Mostly for fun, mostly to see if I could actually do it. Turns out I can. Now, how can I go about getting these published somewhere? Online, magazines, newspapers--I really have no idea how to start. Suggestions?
posted by John of Michigan at 9:39 AM PST - 5 comments

Is magnetic paint worthwhile or just a gimmick?

How should I display my collection of travel magnets? [more inside]
posted by lbo at 9:11 AM PST - 9 comments

weird shipping label

Going through old stuff, I found a box for an old Ibook that had a weird handwritten shipping label from "I.S. 339 School Of Communication Technology." Google says it's a performing arts school in the Bronx. What gives? [more inside]
posted by puckish at 8:37 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm from here! I swear!

How okay is it to comment that someone's answer to "Where are you from?" is inaccurate, or even a lie? [more inside]
posted by katybird at 8:20 AM PST - 97 comments

Finding a bus route in Rio De Janerio

In Rio De Janeiro having a great time but unable to find a map of the local bus routes. I'm based slightly out of town in Barra da Tijuca and would welcome any advice on direct routes from the beach into Copacabana, Zona Sul and the rest. Apologies, my Google skills fail me and I really don't want to rely on Taxi's for something so simple.
posted by fingerbang at 7:06 AM PST - 3 comments

Company bike fleet?

My organization is interested in providing a small fleet of bicycles for employees to use for meetings, workday errands, etc. The only reason *not* to do this that comes to mind is liability—although we could provide waivers, right? One way or the other, I haven't yet found examples of other companies doing this. What do you know about it?
posted by greggish at 7:04 AM PST - 15 comments

Excuse me, are you from around here?

Is there a polite way to ask someone where they're from, if they have a foreign accent or ... I don't know how else to say this, look as if they might be from a different country (than the US)? *winces* If you're someone who gets asked this a lot, does it annoy you? Is it more rude if the person is 2nd generation (or more)?
posted by desjardins at 6:30 AM PST - 115 comments

Best Book About Civil War

What's the best single book to read about the American Civil War? I have only time and interest for one book, a fondness for historical fiction but desire to be informed about the background, history, politics and social/cultural significance of the war.
posted by NorthCoastCafe at 6:30 AM PST - 20 comments

I will not eat green potatoes and ham.

Garden/Botony/KitchenFilter: If your potatoes turn green, can you safely turn them back to brown? [more inside]
posted by Toekneesan at 6:27 AM PST - 6 comments

Chengdu Building Query: "crystal palace, south of the centre, near the 3rd ring road"?

Chengdu Building Query: "crystal palace, south of the centre, near the third ring road"? [more inside]
posted by priorpark17 at 5:41 AM PST - 1 comment

How to read at minimum cost

What are some non-pretentious used bookstores in London? [more inside]
posted by Polychrome at 5:31 AM PST - 12 comments

I can't write. Help!

I've started a course of study that involves making a lot of hand written notes. The thing is, I haven't written in years! [more inside]
posted by Mr_Thirdworld at 5:21 AM PST - 10 comments

Just the Facts, Maam

[JournalismFilter]: On the surface, televised news in the USA has evolved to a point where the average person is subjected to an endless point-counterpoint debate neglecting the timeless "just the facts" ageless news reporter oath. Is there scientific proof this has occurred and is there really a MSM? Bonus is finding websites that really do just report the facts surrounding news stories. [more inside]
posted by Funmonkey1 at 2:51 AM PST - 19 comments

1996 Dodge Stratus transmission stuck in limp drive mode.

1996 Dodge Stratus transmission stuck in limp drive mode. [more inside]
posted by isopropyl at 2:32 AM PST - 3 comments

I just want everyone to hear my Nickelback covers.

Why are there so many covers songs on youtube? [more inside]
posted by robotot at 1:50 AM PST - 13 comments

October 9

The free market will cull the weak.

I remember reading about some weightloss study where they explicitly paid people to lose weight on a per pound basis, to moderate success (I think they averaged just over 10 pounds lost among participants). That led me to wonder if there have been any studies done regarding jobs that require a certain level of physical fitness as a condition of employment, such as modeling, acting, dancing, sports, military service, etc. Anyone know of any? [more inside]
posted by Weebot at 11:24 PM PST - 4 comments

We on da grind, in Flo'ida slangin' signs...

Music recommendation request: My son got a job waving a sign at passing cars for six hours a day, six days a week. Help his life suck less. [more inside]
posted by Methylviolet at 11:24 PM PST - 32 comments

My dog just attacked a large rodent-like creature, should I be worried?

My dog just attacked a large rodent-like creature, should I be worried? [more inside]
posted by AZNsupermarket at 10:23 PM PST - 17 comments

¡Ayúdame, por favor!

Spanish filter: please translate this short paragraph. [more inside]
posted by twistofrhyme at 10:19 PM PST - 5 comments

The 21 day CA unemployment benefit -- am I screwed?

CA Unemployment 21 Days Deadline: How to become eligible again? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:03 PM PST - 3 comments

"Why, Brad darling, this painting is a MASTERPIECE!"

Say you were going as one of Roy Lichtenstein's pop art girls for Halloween. What would you wear? [more inside]
posted by you're a kitty! at 9:07 PM PST - 12 comments

Buying a used car

Help me buy a (used) car for the first time! [more inside]
posted by Jsn7821 at 8:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Rise up chewing

My no-knead bread dough isn't rising. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 8:03 PM PST - 18 comments

Whence "in the not-too-distant future"?

What is the origin of the phrase "in the not-too-distant future"? [more inside]
posted by unregistered_animagus at 7:48 PM PST - 10 comments

Windows Media Center pause buffer

Is there a way to play the pause buffer files created by Windows 7 Media Center? [more inside]
posted by zixyer at 7:47 PM PST - 4 comments

Beer pairing advice?

What would you say are the best beer styles (or individual beers) to pair with Indian or Thai cuisine? [more inside]
posted by furiousxgeorge at 7:27 PM PST - 28 comments

Turn, baby, turn

Unless we can turn the baby over, Mrs. Littlerobothead is going to have a c-section on the 23rd. [more inside]
posted by littlerobothead at 7:13 PM PST - 28 comments

How do very large car parks deal with abandoned cars?

How do massive long-stay carparks (like those at airports), that have too many cars to keep track of individually, deal with the problem of cars that are never collected? [more inside]
posted by cdenman at 6:42 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I refill without you? I want to know.

I had a prescription for zolpidem (Ambien), to be taken on an as-needed basis. I have taken all of them. Can I attempt to refill the prescription through my drugstore's website, requiring permission from the prescribing doctor, or would that be considered drug-seeking and weird and I need to actually go in for an appointment (or possibly just call) if I actually want to get a refill? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:20 PM PST - 18 comments

Great Free Newsletters

What are some great newsletters? [more inside]
posted by aburd at 5:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Shipping a caravan

What difficulties/expenses should I expect in shipping a caravan from the US to Melbourne Australia? [more inside]
posted by newpotato at 4:45 PM PST - 2 comments

Where can I find movies or tv shows that are spoken in Spanish with English subtitles?

Where can I find some movies or tv shows that are spoken in Spanish with English subtitles? [more inside]
posted by inatizzy at 4:36 PM PST - 16 comments

Need money now thankyou.

What are some good tech-centric temp agencies in L.A.? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 3:50 PM PST - 5 comments

How to merge data from two excel sheets into one?

How to merge data from two excel sheets into one? [more inside]
posted by willy_dilly at 3:38 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I stop salivating while using teeth whitening strips?

How can I stop salivating while using teeth whitening strips? [more inside]
posted by ShootTheMoon at 3:34 PM PST - 6 comments

Glovecraft apprenticeships

Are there any places in the United States offering a glove cutter or glove maker apprenticeship? I'm interested in fabric and leather work for gloves.
posted by ayc200 at 3:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Finger Licking Good

What are the best BBQ restaurants in Manhattan? Bonus points if it is Texas themed in someway. Cost is not an issue. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:17 PM PST - 27 comments

Music listening as puzzle solving

Nick Hornby wrote an essay p15 where he compares listening to a new song over and over to figuring out a puzzle. Can you point me towards any other writing about this same idea? [more inside]
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 3:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Starting out in SF....Again!

Back in San Francisco for a Holiday, friends trying to convince me to stay. What to do???? [more inside]
posted by leftfooter at 2:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Best sub $100 headphones?

Headphone Filter: Looking for a pair of quality headphones, but cant try them on because im out of the country. [more inside]
posted by Heliochrome85 at 2:23 PM PST - 13 comments

For generations, my puny planet has lived in peace with the Globetrotter homeworld. But now, for no reason, they've challenged me to defend my honor on the fantasy basketball court.

I've been invited to join my first fantasy basketball league. The draft's in a couple of weeks, but I have no idea what I'm doing. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 1:45 PM PST - 11 comments

sudden surgery

Sudden substernal thyroid surgery dealing with the now and the after. [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 1:44 PM PST - 22 comments

Copper canyon mexico or costa rica

Copper Canyon, Mexico or Costa Rica? I know that I'm asking about apples and oranges.
posted by notned at 1:42 PM PST - 13 comments

My Kingdom for an I-Phone

What are used I-Phones going for? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 1:30 PM PST - 8 comments

Are meat and leather production correlated?

What proportion of leather comes from animals whose other parts are ultimately consumed by humans for food? What proportion of leather-bearing food animals' skins are ultimately made into leather? How would i find out? [more inside]
posted by dkg at 1:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Web Dev - How to inform browsers to update their cache?

I am developing a website that has a moderately-sized user base. I am going to be rolling out a new version of the page soon. In my testing, I have noticed that my browsers don't notice that there are new versions of some of the CSS files available on the servers, and renders the page with the old CSS files. This causes display glitches. How do I let browsers know that new CSS/Javascript files are available and to update it's cache?
posted by LoopyG at 1:25 PM PST - 18 comments

Looking for a simple and ergonomic men's watch

I'm looking for a men's digital watch that is simple, slim and ergonomic. [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 1:20 PM PST - 15 comments

mystery diagnosis

Did the hospital save my blood samples and could they be retested? Would swine flu cause a positive test for regular flu? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 1:04 PM PST - 6 comments

Executive Anthropology

How do you communicate effectively with Executive level people? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:53 PM PST - 18 comments

Sending Mail from an Alias In Mac

Mac Mail: How can I send email from a different address without check that address inbox? [more inside]
posted by sjuhawk31 at 12:49 PM PST - 7 comments

What are the time requirements like for podcasting?

I work for an organization that wants to branch out into podcasting. I’m part of the team that’s drafting the proposal for main-administration, and my job is to come up with a possible schedule (including staff time involved) that’s required to plan, record, and edit each podcast. [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments

"Confronting an injustice" in Chicagoland?

My class has been tasked with "confronting an injustice" within our community, and I'm looking past experiences and/or suggestions for action within my areas of interest. (more) [more inside]
posted by mkrenzer at 12:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Sturdy, expandable dining table?

Recommend a dining table that's round, expandable, sturdy, and will fit a bolt-on highchair? [more inside]
posted by CruiseSavvy at 12:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Last minute advice for solo trip to Paris?

I'm heading off to Paris for four days, and I'm starting to get a bit nervous that I'll forget something important. I've never been to Paris, and I haven't been to Europe for fifteen years. I'll be staying by myself in a hotel in Arondissement 7. I'm wondering if you can help me out with any last-minute tips or things I'm likely to have forgotten. [more inside]
posted by cider at 12:21 PM PST - 25 comments

cross stitch stores in nyc or online?

what are the best places to buy cross stitch supplies in nyc? manhattan or near-ish brooklyn preferable; happy to take online suggestions if that is, as usual, where the best options are. [more inside]
posted by lia at 12:00 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I recover my key to Adobe CS3 from the machine it's installed on if I can't find the case?

How can I recover my key to Adobe CS3 from the machine it's installed on if I can't find the case? [more inside]
posted by justkevin at 11:56 AM PST - 19 comments

times tables without trauma

What are some fun, quick, quirky, or otherwise compelling ways to memorize the times tables?
posted by serazin at 11:53 AM PST - 26 comments

Pros & Cons of bringing web development in-house?

Pros & Cons of bringing web development in-house? [more inside]
posted by MeatLightning at 11:33 AM PST - 9 comments

What author should I suggest my new book club read?

I just joined a book club and our first meeting is this weekend. The club has existed for over a year, so I'm the newbie. One of our "assignments" is to bring the name of an author that has published 4 or more books we'd like the group to read. Since I only marginally know one of these women, I'm going into this blindly. So what do you say, hive mind, any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by fyrebelley at 11:10 AM PST - 44 comments

Help us build a foot path.

How can I build a footpath from a door to the street that's economical and weather-resistant? [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 10:58 AM PST - 12 comments

Homestead Exemptions to Property Taxes in TX

What is the definition of the phrase "qualified for" in the TX Property Tax Code (section 11.13(q)(1))? [more inside]
posted by gemmy at 10:50 AM PST - 4 comments

Port wine, less-sweet, $35-ish?

At a wine tasting last year, I tried a port that was notably less sweet than any other I have had. I liked it a lot, and I totally forget who made it or what it's name was. It wasn't tawny, and it wasn't white. It might have been vintage. That's all I remember. So: recommendations for less-sweet ports that retail for $35 or so?
posted by everichon at 10:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Full Fathoms Five...

I need help remembering the most famous Shakespeare references in modern literature. [more inside]
posted by Viola at 10:36 AM PST - 40 comments

Highway measuring devices...maybe?

Question about highway....measuring devices? Not exactly sure. [more inside]
posted by brandman at 10:20 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me plan my HTPC

Old-school SD TV with only coax and composite video inputs seeks modern HTPC for MythTV and maybe light Hulu. Can this relationship work? [more inside]
posted by Zed at 10:17 AM PST - 10 comments

Irreverent and informative news podcast

Looking for the news equivalent of the "Football Weekly" podcast. [more inside]
posted by brighton at 10:10 AM PST - 2 comments

Where do I get Vancouver Olympics tickets this late in the process?

I just realized the Olympics are happening in a few months and they are within driving distance. I have memories of going to several events during the 1984 games as a small kid, and loving the experience. Is there any chance this late in the game that I could get tickets to some events like speed skating or ski jumping? Are scalpers the only option at this point? Are hotels already well-booked? [more inside]
posted by mathowie at 10:01 AM PST - 12 comments

Style tips for the circumferentially challenged

Plus-size ladies, please help me be fabulous. [UK] [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 9:57 AM PST - 11 comments

Dont have feeling for the girl im seeing - but she is nice. What do i do?

Dont love the new girl I'm seeing........ I dont want to hurt anyone - but dont want to lose her either... Can i fall in love months later? or is it always love or chemistry at first sight? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:43 AM PST - 32 comments

I did the Lady Di 'do in the '80s.

How can I ensure that my short, layered haircut doesn't feather? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 9:26 AM PST - 15 comments

Mis-encoded Mayhem!

Need help converting a mySQL database with Latin characters to UTF-8 [more inside]
posted by GJSchaller at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments

Rock Reggae Punk Funk Alt Goth Metal Thrash, who's playing?

What do you use to see what bands are playing in your area? [more inside]
posted by ElmerFishpaw at 9:08 AM PST - 28 comments

Video game design as a career path?

What's the best path to take for a high school student aspiring to get into Game Design in college? Any advice? [more inside]
posted by Askiba at 8:57 AM PST - 13 comments

Can you help me figure out a hybrid paper/electronic system with an iphone or something completely different?

I just need a 'Getting Things Done' system that works. Can you help me figure out a hybrid paper/electronic system with an iphone or something completely different? [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied at 8:52 AM PST - 14 comments

being a supportive friends vs. patience

How can I support my good friend (and roommate) through a breakup, and not lose my patience? [more inside]
posted by jalebi at 8:46 AM PST - 12 comments

nanny Visa

My wife and I live outside the United States. We are both U.S. citizens. We currently employee a full-time nanny for our daughter. Our nanny is from the Philippines and she is awesome. She is not a U.S. citizen. Eventually we will be moving back to the U.S. What is the likelihood that we could take our nanny with us when we move back? What would we have to do to make this possible?
posted by jasondigitized at 8:16 AM PST - 17 comments

Want to install a 3rd party trailer hitch to a new 2010 Ford Transit Connect delivery van. Safe?

Want to install a 3rd party trailer hitch to a new 2010 Ford Transit Connect delivery van. Safe? [more inside]
posted by orehek at 8:15 AM PST - 8 comments

Where can I download a vector (.svg?) map of the 5 boroughs in NYC?

Where could I download (for free or cheap) an .svg or other vector-based map including or specializing on the 5 boroughs of NYC? I don't need streets or lots of detail. Just a general outline. Thanks!
posted by ejfox at 8:14 AM PST - 2 comments

Looking for good computer-related newsletters

What are some good (and free) daily or weekly computer related newsletters I could sign up for?
posted by atm at 8:09 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me connect Mac-at-home to Windows-at-work?

What could happen to my mac if I connect remotely to my windows computer at work. Is there a viciously secure way of doing this? [more inside]
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 7:40 AM PST - 8 comments

Like Digg, but local.

Recommendations on Digg-like voting software (or website)? [more inside]
posted by rev- at 6:58 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I eject the Snow Leopard install DVD on a Mac Mini?

How do I eject the Snow Leopard install DVD on a Mac Mini? [more inside]
posted by keijo at 6:42 AM PST - 24 comments

how to draw complex spirals

How would I go about creating a much larger version of this image so I could print and frame it?
posted by twine42 at 5:48 AM PST - 8 comments

How to separate open wifi from wired network.

How can I offer guests in my home or business wifi that is separate from my home or business network? [more inside]
posted by Jackie_Treehorn at 5:37 AM PST - 13 comments

Sore rearend.

Gluteus maximus filter: I know that YANAD, but I think I may have torn or sprained something and I have some important races coming up. [more inside]
posted by cachondeo45 at 4:54 AM PST - 8 comments

What education-themed webapp should I build?

What education-themed webapp should I build? [more inside]
posted by primer_dimer at 3:19 AM PST - 3 comments

Doesa anyone recognize this 80s horror short scenario?

Does anyone know of a horror short film/ ad/ preview from the 80s wherein a fisherman at the edge of a lake bites into an apple he finds on the ground, realizes there is a line coming out of the apple... [more inside]
posted by joechip at 1:03 AM PST - 12 comments

October 8

I can't think of any famous hellholes.

A friend of mine is writing a memoir about traveling to every country in Europe at the age of 23. He wants to compare being stuck in a crappy part of Romania to a well known literary or film hellhole. We can't think of any. [more inside]
posted by Jason Land at 11:58 PM PST - 25 comments

For a screenplay: what are some wilderness traps one could improvise to incapacitate another person?

For a screenplay: what are some wilderness traps one could improvise to incapacitate another person? [more inside]
posted by thejrae at 11:09 PM PST - 20 comments

Girlstuff Trouble

[FemaleFilter]: Help me get my period early. I'm going to visit my boyfriend in three weeks. [more inside]... [more inside]
posted by hapax_legomenon at 10:11 PM PST - 30 comments

Looking for a keep-feet-warm in bed device (to keep on the bed, not just socks)

I want something to put at the foot of my bed to keep feet warm - a throw would work, but something more designed for the purpose perhaps- like a giant "sock" that slips over the end of the comforter that you slip your feet into or something like that. down or equivalent preferable, but post whatever you have!
posted by lrodman at 9:44 PM PST - 18 comments

Shower-filter filter

Tell me about your shower filter - why'd you get it and does it do what you wanted? [more inside]
posted by Lesser Shrew at 9:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Minor accident, am I being an ass.

SUV backed over my tiny Miata, what should I do? [more inside]
posted by evilelf at 9:20 PM PST - 30 comments

Can I eat it filter

Can I store my leftover seafood outside overnight without it spoiling? [more inside]
posted by prunes at 9:11 PM PST - 10 comments

wanting to "divorce your kids" ?

How can I help someone who has three young children but who doesn't want to be a mother anymore? I know that this sounds completely irresponsible and selfish and cruel but I would appreciate help if you can take the time to read the details. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:52 PM PST - 27 comments

WTF work is nuts

Is this a hostile work environment? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:38 PM PST - 15 comments

Pixie's song

Need helping finding a Pixie's song [more inside]
posted by BrnP84 at 8:34 PM PST - 4 comments

What music played in the intro of today's episode of NPR's On Point?

What music was used in the intro on today's episode of NPR's On Point? [more inside]
posted by niles at 8:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Please help me earn my wings

Please help me find this old, short, political cartoon. [more inside]
posted by TheArpenter at 7:06 PM PST - 4 comments

Tag THIS.

There's this grafitti tagger here in town who scrawls his name everywhere in big black magic marker. On the sides of mailboxes, on walls, on doors. Thing is, it's a nice design and he's got a catchy name. I was thinking the other day that if I started a clothing line, I would like to use his tag as my trademark logo. Chances are, he hasn't trademarked his tag. If I decided to trademark it myself, then deployed it as the name of my clothing line, as well as use his scrawl on the backs of the hoodies I sold - legally, would he have any recourse?
posted by Sully at 7:04 PM PST - 33 comments

Fit two bikes in a Toyora Matrix?

Can two road bicycles fit in a Toyota Matrix Wagon? I would fold the back seats down, lay them flat and take the front tires off.
posted by lonelyeconomist at 6:32 PM PST - 7 comments

The unlevel horizon is giving me motion sickness.

How can I rotate videos made with a Sony Handycam HDR-XR500V just a little to make the horizon level? The format the Sony makes is .m2ts. Just learning to use Pinnacle Studio 12. No success googling. Thanks.
posted by wsg at 6:27 PM PST - 7 comments

The Magical World of Harry Potter: The Soundtrack

A friend of mine is throwing a Harry Potter party for Halloween. I've agreed to help her find suitably themed music. But beyond Harry and the Potters, I'm not sure where to begin. Recommendations? Picking up on themes or scenes from the books is encouraged. [more inside]
posted by bibliophibianj at 6:10 PM PST - 14 comments

Buon Natale a Roma?

Rome and Italy for X-Mas: bad idea or not? [more inside]
posted by i less than three nsima at 6:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Ottawoptometrist?

Any recommendations for an optometrist in Ottawa? And what pieces of information do I need (which a doc might not give me) to order new glasses online? (sorry, multi-pronged) [more inside]
posted by Decimask at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Is there an easier way to find the Principle Unit Normal Vector?

Does anyone know of a less tedious method for finding the Principle Unit Normal Vector using Calculus? [more inside]
posted by hishtafel at 5:52 PM PST - 9 comments

How to rid a communal housing situation of fleas?

My house has fleas. My cat seems fine. What to do? [more inside]
posted by dustyasymptotes at 5:47 PM PST - 21 comments

Best sounding CD of Robert Johnson recordings ?

What's the best sounding CD that contains music by the delta blues singer/guitarist Robert Johnson? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:59 PM PST - 4 comments

How much worse can I feel?

I'm scared of the shame of being fired or laid-off, and I'd rather resign than be laid-off. Am I misreading all these signs or am I just burned out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:58 PM PST - 23 comments

Is there raw meat that won't make you sick and kill you?

Are there kinds of meat that are safe to eat raw? Or is there a way of treating meat to make it safe to eat raw? [more inside]
posted by emperor.seamus at 4:36 PM PST - 26 comments

It's a small world

Automatic language translators: which is the best, for now? What efforts are underway to improve them? How much progress have we seen, on what sort of time scale? My interest pertains to Latin script languages, but I'm curious about the matter generally.
posted by woodway at 4:36 PM PST - 7 comments

Computer restarting

Computer restarts when I use computer games. Just rebuilt it with a Radeon HD 4890 to add insult to injury. [more inside]
posted by stoneegg21 at 4:29 PM PST - 27 comments

A mini-vacation wrapped in a work trip wrapped in...not bacon.

What is there to do in Boston and/or Billerica, MA on a short work trip? How should I travel between the two? [more inside]
posted by hellogoodbye at 4:29 PM PST - 8 comments

Dismantle old boiler

How to dismantle an old Boiler? [more inside]
posted by allelopath at 4:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me chat!

Asking for a friend: Java/action script 3 question - Remote Shared Object Question with Red5 Flash Server and Flash AS3 [more inside]
posted by yoyoceramic at 3:55 PM PST - 2 comments

Sound advice

I am looking for recommendations for a recording interface and self-powered monitors. [more inside]
posted by Zenabi at 3:55 PM PST - 2 comments

Identify THIS laurel wreath

Can anyone identify this symbol? Italian Resistance, perhaps? [more inside]
posted by bdoop21 at 3:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Japanese language podcasts for native speakers?

Where can I find Japanese podcasts? For Japanese people, not people who are learning Japanese. [more inside]
posted by mjg123 at 3:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Should I keep quiet about my professor's past.

Should I keep quiet about my professor's past? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:24 PM PST - 57 comments

a week in the life of a pub owner

Help-me-write-my-book-filter: Character is the current owner of a small (let's say it can hold 50 people at absolute maximum capacity, no food), family owned bar in a blue-collar but gentrifying neighborhood of a major U.S. city. What's their world like? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:24 PM PST - 6 comments

Who or what killed the railroad?

Why don't we have a great railroad system in this country? [more inside]
posted by birdwatcher at 3:20 PM PST - 40 comments

Wireless network connection problem

ARGH. Wireless connectivity problem. Laptop tells me I am connected with excellent signal strength, and yet I'm not able to load any webpages. [more inside]
posted by Kat Allison at 3:15 PM PST - 4 comments

What web-app should I build on the domain "vimbro.com"?

What web-app should I build on the domain "vimbro.com"? [more inside]
posted by farmersckn at 2:54 PM PST - 13 comments

The time machine in back to the future was just a DeLorean covered in ______. What's the word for _____?

Prompted by the success of a previous post, I have another special effects question. Is there a term of art for the stuff like extra model kit parts and other doodads glued to a model to give it a sense of scale and complexity? [more inside]
posted by bartleby at 2:41 PM PST - 11 comments

[Mark]down is the new up

What happened to HumaneText.service? I have been searching about Markdown or Textile markup in OS X, and every couple of articles that come up mention this HumaneText.service, which is supposed to be cool and great. The site of the project seems to have been abandoned for at least a couple of months, and there does not seem to be anyone mentioning the service since 2006 or so. I really wanted to try it, but it just seems to have vanished into thin air.
posted by natalinha at 2:40 PM PST - 3 comments

Can I fuel my human body off just SPIZ (nutrition drink), water, and the occasional "recreational" meal?

Has anyone ever attempted or documented using a "nutritionally complete" drink such as SPIZ that has all your daily values over a long period of time? [more inside]
posted by mikee at 2:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Kicking Children. Airplane.

How can I stop my toddlers from kicking the seat in front of them on an airplane? [more inside]
posted by zarq at 2:12 PM PST - 56 comments

How can I make a div expand vertically to fit it's float'ed content?

I'm racking my brains trying to figure out what seems to be an easy problem I'm having with CSS. It has to do with a div not resizing to contain two floated div's inside it. [more inside]
posted by arcolz at 2:07 PM PST - 10 comments

What happens if an arresting officer records your conversation with the public defender?

What happens if an arresting officer records your conversation with the public defender? [more inside]
posted by doomtop at 1:48 PM PST - 14 comments

Scrabble, home decorating edition.

What can I make with these decorative letters that I bought at a gift shop clearance sale? [more inside]
posted by cabingirl at 1:40 PM PST - 11 comments

RIP, Robert Dziekanski

October 14 will be the 2nd anniversary of Robert Dziekanski's death. I want to peacefully protest at Vancouver International Airport. Are security / police allowed to remove me? [more inside]
posted by randomstriker at 1:38 PM PST - 11 comments

Social customs for anniversary engravings confuse me.

I need help with engraving an anniversary gift - Specifically, the text. Is it OK to have a two initial monogram? What about additional text? [more inside]
posted by MysticMCJ at 1:33 PM PST - 3 comments

30 minutes with Richard Dawkins: What Should I Ask?

Asking for a friend: What questions should he ask Richard Dawkins during a radio interview? [more inside]
posted by JaiMahodara at 1:25 PM PST - 29 comments

The Bored Psychologist

Please help me fill up my time. I am a psychologist in private practice, and thanks to the recession, I have multiple times during the week with nothing to do--this is a new experience for me, and aside from the anxiety of not working as much as I need to, I am also bored to tears. Unfortunately, it is an hour here and an hour there--never any good block of time, and although in the future I may have to rearrange my schedule and put all my hours together, at the moment I am trying to maintain hope that I will be able to fill those hours with new patients. I am sick of surfing the internet, going for walks, updating patient files, and reading whatever (professional literature, novels). Any suggestions, Mefites, for how I can spend my time more productively, or at least entertainingly?
posted by chaoscutie at 1:19 PM PST - 21 comments

What was that Aussie kidnapping movie?

An independent film from Australia about a kidnapping? [more inside]
posted by mikoroshi at 1:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Small speakers, great sound - is it possible?

I'm looking for a 2.1 speaker system that is similar in shape and size to Logitech's X-230 but sounds considerably better. I actually quite like the sound of the satellites but the subwoofer is just ridiculous. Even when turned down completely it still is way too loud. I guess this system was built with gamers in mind... I'm looking for a system that is meant for listening to music. Right now I'm trying out a pair of affordable nearfield monitors (Behringer MS40) which sound allright (I guess, I'm not entirely sure yet) but are still quite a bit too big for my current workspace. So any recommendations for better-sounding X-230 alternatives are very welcome!
posted by desire75 at 1:07 PM PST - 10 comments

Interesting Men's Shoes

Can you recommend interesting men's shoe makers? I really (really!) like a lot of Cydwoq shoes, and some Fluevog's. I dislike shoes styled after athletic shoes or old track spikes. I'm most interested in learning about high style, relatively unusual shoes. They can be dress or casual. [more inside]
posted by OmieWise at 1:07 PM PST - 12 comments

What does this High Pitched Noise mean? Am I a Dog?

I just bought a charger for my cellphone at Target. It's not the special manufacturer's brand, but an after market one that costs half of what the Sprint store chargers cost. When I plugged it into the wall, it started making a high pitched noise. I haven't plugged the other end of the charger into my phone for fear of ruining it. Is this normal? Is my charger bad? Thanks.
posted by bluefly at 1:06 PM PST - 14 comments

Club Fundraising

I'm trying to think of ideas for creative-writing-related fundraisers [more inside]
posted by Holygrail2 at 12:53 PM PST - 7 comments

What in the world is this?

Does anyone know what this beige, squarish thing is supposed to be? What's it used for? [more inside]
posted by Theloupgarou at 12:50 PM PST - 15 comments

Places to study in DC?

Law student seeking nice place to study in Washington, DC - not Starbucks or a library. Any recommendations? Preferably somewhere near a metro and with free wi-fi. [more inside]
posted by Neekee at 12:47 PM PST - 11 comments

Fitness level for body fat scale

My body fat measuring scale requires me to give it parameters: Age, Height, Gender, and Fitness Level (1, 2, or 3). What should I enter for fitness level? The instructions just say something like "enter your fitness level on a scale from 1 to 3". Does anyone have a similar product and have a rule of thumb for this?
posted by jclovebrew at 12:30 PM PST - 5 comments

HalloweenTO

What are your favorite Halloween events for adults in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by Apollo's Favorite Mistake at 12:03 PM PST - 1 comment

Do I apply for a lower-level position?

Hate my boss, like my job. Local county notified me of two positions available I previously was interested in. Do I go? Complication: Child on the way. [more inside]
posted by NotSoSimple at 12:02 PM PST - 12 comments

My Vehicle is a Piece of Crap

Car repair: I have a 2003 Kia Sedona. Due to a humming sound coming from the front end, we've taken it in to be diagnosed. It gets complicated . . . [more inside]
posted by Sassyfras at 11:54 AM PST - 11 comments

dit moi tous les choses!

Does anyone here on ask mefi have experience with the teaching assistants program in France? I'm seriously considering applying. Or for that matter, does anyone have thoughts or experiences with other programs in France teaching English to French folk? [more inside]
posted by Rocket26 at 11:19 AM PST - 6 comments

Puzzled IRL about online puzzles!

I'd like to make an embeddable flash jigsaw puzzle out of a photo. Can you point me in the right direction? [more inside]
posted by siclik at 11:08 AM PST - 8 comments

How do I stop my TOC styles from reverting to their default each time I update the TOC?

MS Word 2003 Filter: Searching google and on-line books has failed. Help me figure out why the Table of Contents in my document is misbehaving. My productivity is completely shot this morning because of this! [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 10:51 AM PST - 25 comments

How do you fund a startup with (virtually) no collateral?

I need an SBA loan yesterday. My business is in startup mode, I'm already fielding new orders, but I need startup capital to get this thing off the ground. [more inside]
posted by ohyouknow at 10:51 AM PST - 11 comments

Etymology & Dictionary.app?

How can I add an etymology reference/resource to Apple's Dictionary.app? [more inside]
posted by jofuu at 10:11 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I let people know I got screwed without saying I got screwed?

Short version: I was fired for taking parental leave. I am now looking for new work. What do I tell potential future employers about the reason I left my previous job? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:11 AM PST - 27 comments

Did I permanently break my sweat glands?

I think I permanently broke my sweat glands. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:10 AM PST - 9 comments

Help a fussy, picky dresser look better.

I'm embarrassed by the way my husband dresses. He says he wants to dress better, but that he "physically can't". [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:10 AM PST - 65 comments

Why is my cat suddenly grinding his teeth and acting like Eeyore?

Catfilter/Vetfilter: why is my senior cat suddenly grinding his teeth and acting like Eeyore? [more inside]
posted by muirne81 at 10:07 AM PST - 6 comments

How not to store plaintext passwords?

Best practices for storing OracleDB/mysql/ldap/smtp/etc... system passwords for enterprise application integration use? [more inside]
posted by bottlebrushtree at 9:56 AM PST - 9 comments

Halloween obsession.

Why Are American adults obsessed with Halloween? [more inside]
posted by nam3d at 9:55 AM PST - 69 comments

Best Intelligent Feel Good Movies?

What's a really good, intelligent movie that's guaranteed to make you feel good? Anything goes except anything with talking animals, animation or anything holiday related.
posted by watercarrier at 9:52 AM PST - 115 comments

Lemme aloooone!

My apartment management has started to drive me nuts. For a month now they've been claiming that my August check has bounced - except it very clearly hasn't, with bank statements shown to them to back it up. Yesterday, I was told that I'm still on their late list for payments. Argh! How the bloody hell do I make this go away? It's ridiculous! [more inside]
posted by Tequila Mockingbird at 9:51 AM PST - 13 comments

Buggy finder OS x 10.5.8

Buggy finder in OX 10.5.8 Recently my finder has gotten really buggy - even though I have disabled spaces and expose they will spontaneously launch. Also when I open folders in the finder they will flash repeatedly before stopping and letting me click into them. I also have a hard time renaming files by clicking into the file name on the finder. Does anyone have any ideas??? Thanks!!
posted by cg2 at 9:43 AM PST - 4 comments

Answering Machine with white list to permit only certain callers

I would like to find a hardware answering machine that has some advanced controls to manage which incoming numbers can make the phone ring. [more inside]
posted by royalchinook at 9:39 AM PST - 9 comments

Halloween Baby Shower Help

Baby shower help please? I'm throwing a baby shower for my sister-in-law in a couple weeks. It's going to be a co-ed Halloween party basically, but also there will be baby presents. How can I incorporate babies & Halloween in the food and decorations? Cheaper is better, as I'm about to be laid off soon!
posted by chiababe at 9:38 AM PST - 9 comments

Two rings become one... or two...

My wife's birthday is at the end of October, and I want to do something with two rings that we used to wear before we got married. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by SNWidget at 9:36 AM PST - 9 comments

Indestructible / unstealable stationery for busy library.

Is there a UK supplier of stationery designed to remain, erm, stationary? We need some for students to use in the academic library but don't want it to be broken or, ahem, grow legs. [more inside]
posted by KMH at 9:35 AM PST - 2 comments

Big Ten Network football on streaming video?

Can I get Big Ten Network football games on streaming video online? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Windows utility to extract a specified list of files from .zip and .rar archives?

Windows utility to extract a specified list of files from .zip and .rar archives? [more inside]
posted by VeniceGlass at 9:30 AM PST - 2 comments

"Like Rolf and Liesl, minus the Nazism!"

What do you wish your first relationship had been like? [more inside]
posted by Gotham at 9:20 AM PST - 29 comments

emergency boot disk for laptop

Any suggestions on an emergency boot tool that can see my hard drive? [more inside]
posted by Wong Fei-hung at 9:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Need to stay warm.

I'd like a good-looking peacoat that will last a long time. [more inside]
posted by Herschel at 9:08 AM PST - 12 comments

Vintage Cognac, or Old Bottle of Booze?

Do you know vintage cognac? My Father-in-law was handed down a bottle of, assumably, nice cognac. It was given to his father as a gift from his company in the 1930s. It's been sitting in the basket it was packaged in for years and years and we'd really like to have more information about it. It's a bottle of "Cognac Napoleon, Grande Fine Champagne, Reserve". Pictures of the front label, the mark on the bottle's neck, and the back label. [more inside]
posted by qwip at 9:01 AM PST - 9 comments

PowerShell: recursive processing of all files and folders without OutOfMemory exception?

I need to use a PowerShell script to scan through a large amount of files and folders for certain security permissions. The issue is that it seems that the "Get-ChildItem" function insists on shoving the whole folder and file structure in memory. Since the drive has over a million files in over 30,000 folders, the script runs for 30 minutes, then throws out a System.OutofMemoryException without doing anything else. [more inside]
posted by splice at 8:26 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me not hate IE8?

How do I make IE8 suck less? Specifically, I hate the way it handles tabs. [more inside]
posted by notashroom at 8:15 AM PST - 3 comments

Good Winter Clothes for Toddlers

Please recommend good winter clothing for 1-year-olds, especially super warm coats. We're talking months and months of ice and snow here. [more inside]
posted by puritycontrol at 8:15 AM PST - 19 comments

I need more power!

How do I connect the replacement batteries in my UPS? [more inside]
posted by lockedroomguy at 7:45 AM PST - 6 comments

Oldschool kids' history.

Long-lost childhood books: a history book printed after one of the World Wars. I don't know the title or author, but I'll tell you everything I remember. Hivemind, please help me find it! [more inside]
posted by cmyk at 7:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Should I and how should I properly caulk exterior windows?

I'm a fairly new home owner in the midwest. So, we can see some pretty harsh winters. I'm trying to prepare my house for the coming winter, and I noticed that there is no caulking on the outer edges of my windows where they meet with the siding. This may be a dumb question, but should the windows be caulked? More inside. [more inside]
posted by Swede78 at 7:31 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me clean a window.

What is the best way to clean my window with a hose? [more inside]
posted by Frasermoo at 7:31 AM PST - 8 comments

Finding an atm that still accepts deposits for any bank

Is there anywhere online to find (by zipcode) ATMs that accept deposits for any/every bank?
posted by drezdn at 7:30 AM PST - 8 comments

Cold Weather Running

What should I know about running in cold weather? What should I wear when I run in cold weather? (Specific brand recommendations and places to buy things in New York especially appreciated.) [more inside]
posted by hapticactionnetwork at 7:29 AM PST - 18 comments

Examples of Compromise Leading to Negative Results

What are some examples of real life situations where compromising one's values, deeply held beliefs, established work process, etc., lead to negative results? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 7:25 AM PST - 12 comments

What are your favorite youtube mixes/mashups which feature streams of quotes from tv/movies/news etc. set to music?

What are your favorite youtube mixes/mashups which feature streams of quotes from tv/movies/news etc. set to music? More specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by therubettes at 7:10 AM PST - 26 comments

I pulled a Betty Draper last night.

Any tips for successfully reupholstering a vintage settee? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton at 7:04 AM PST - 10 comments

Soch. Programs studying us and me

What are some sociology phd programs where I would be supported in (where research is already being done) studying the interaction between social-psycology (micro-interaction) and culture. [more inside]
posted by elationfoundation at 6:50 AM PST - 2 comments

Withnail and I's oomska

Uncle Monty's dirty word: what does 'oomska' mean? [more inside]
posted by Blackwatch at 6:38 AM PST - 7 comments

Time for a late night snack

How do I get rid of my garbage eating raccoons? [more inside]
posted by MustardTent at 6:38 AM PST - 21 comments

Hard Water = Gross Hair?

How can I get my hair to feel clean when washing in hard water? [more inside]
posted by kms at 6:25 AM PST - 23 comments

I JUST WANT MY MUSIC

Had to give up iTunes. Can you recommend a replacement? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:24 AM PST - 38 comments

Where can I find detailed statistics on the garbage sitting in landfills?

I'm looking for statistics on the types of garbage that's currently sitting in American landfills. Does anybody have any good resources for this? To be clear, I'm trying to find the percentage of paper, plastics, metal, etc as they contribute to the greater whole. Statistics from other countries are welcomed too.
posted by wandergeek at 6:20 AM PST - 7 comments

Recommend music like the Bothers Bloom score

Can you recommend music similar to the Brothers Bloom score? [more inside]
posted by pollex at 6:19 AM PST - 3 comments

How does basketball work?

Basketball season is nearly upon us, and I'd like to educate myself a bit better on how the game works. What are some good resources for learning about basketball strategy and tactics? [more inside]
posted by aparrish at 5:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me, uh, go Dutch!

I'm half Dutch, but I've never been to The Netherlands. On my first trip there, where should I go, and what should I do, to get a better understanding of contemporary Dutch culture and language? [more inside]
posted by embrangled at 5:22 AM PST - 11 comments

Fall camping in vancouver

Vancouver/Surrey: camping/fishing late October [more inside]
posted by hungrysquirrels at 4:21 AM PST - 5 comments

The Affair of the Sooty Paws

How the heck do I keep the kitties out of the chimney? [more inside]
posted by stuck on an island at 4:12 AM PST - 18 comments

working in Qatar for young women

Expat life in Doha, Qatar: I am likely to relocate in two weeks to a country I have never been to. My biggest concerns are 1) the work environment in general and specifically for a young American woman trying to get things done in an industrial, engineering position and 2) the social life for said young women, who are used to having a lot of guy friends. [more inside]
posted by whatzit at 2:37 AM PST - 7 comments

Show Me the Money

SellingSoftwareFilter: How do we make money from software that a colleague has developed from scratch (in Australia)? [more inside]
posted by micklaw at 12:29 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me put my best e-foot forward

Facebook brutally compresses my images, anything I can do to minimize it? [more inside]
posted by Jezztek at 12:20 AM PST - 13 comments

October 7

Unidentified Flying Boat

AircraftFilter: Help me identify the aircraft in this photo [more inside]
posted by renovatio1 at 11:07 PM PST - 8 comments

Kayaking the Mediterranean?

Kayaking the Mediterranean- is it possible? I'm especially curious about visa issues when entering new countries along the coast, and the legality (or not) of camping on beaches along the way. [more inside]
posted by twirlypen at 10:54 PM PST - 8 comments

Jail question

I'm looking for first-hand experience or information with regard to the LA county jail system. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:50 PM PST - 2 comments

I was the other women with my ex. What now?

I slept with my ex. He has a new girlfriend. Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:50 PM PST - 52 comments

VW Jetta: Dreck or no?

VolkswagenFilter: I'm going to be looking at a '99 VW Jetta (A4 body) in the next couple days and am wondering what, specifically, I should look for when I'm there. [more inside]
posted by dunkadunc at 10:43 PM PST - 14 comments

How to Teach the Seasons in San Francisco

Good online resources (particularly videos) that explain the seasons of the San Francisco Bay Area?
posted by one_bean at 10:08 PM PST - 2 comments

Hope me the legitament phone filter

Help me choose a legit new cellphone that's on the market now that can meet all of my 21st century needs and demands. [more inside]
posted by shoebox at 10:01 PM PST - 8 comments

Tips on adjusting to nursing

My daughter just had my grand daughter. The entire process was amazing and I haven't fallen in love this hard in nearly 20 years. (when my daughter was born) She has decided for the health and benefits of the baby to nurse. I nursed and I remember how hard it is the first 2 weeks. A great deal has changed and I was wondering if anyone had any practical advice on how to get through the rough beginning of nursing an infant with a barracuda grip. Are there any products, herbal remedies etc...
posted by gypseefire at 9:13 PM PST - 25 comments

Do I need to know what (or who) he did while we were broken up? Is it wrong to ask?

Do I need to know what (or who) he did while we were broken up? Is it wrong to ask? [more inside]
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 8:37 PM PST - 35 comments

Where to get a list of guitar pick-up electrical characteristics?

Where can I find a reference chart of the electrical characteristics of common electric guitar pick-ups? [more inside]
posted by mhjb at 8:25 PM PST - 1 comment

Besides Amazon, what are some great sites that discuss books and give recommendations?

Besides Amazon, what are some great sites where books are discussed and recommendations are given?
posted by helios410 at 8:10 PM PST - 13 comments

Advice before I fly the coop for a year?

I (26/male) am leaving Los Angeles in January for at least one year of backpacking solo around Australia, NZ, SE Asia, and possibly some other places! Other than enjoying my remaining time before I leave (going to favorite restaurants, hanging with friends, etc.), what pre-trip activities should I be thinking about, and what preparations should I be making (especially while I have good insurance)? What do you wish someone had told you before you left for a trip of this length and scope? [more inside]
posted by adamk at 8:02 PM PST - 11 comments

At what age do kids go to school?

what do developmental studies tell us about school entry ages? Should my son go to kinder next year? [more inside]
posted by wilful at 7:11 PM PST - 34 comments

What are the largest American farms, and how do they represent themselves visually?

What are some of the largest farms in America, and how do they represent themselves visually? [more inside]
posted by tnygard at 7:06 PM PST - 10 comments

Six Elephants and a Blind Man

Is there a fable or proverb that expresses the inverse of the blind men and the elephant? [more inside]
posted by alms at 6:47 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I talk to doctors?

How do I talk to doctors in a professional manner? [more inside]
posted by bananaskin at 6:47 PM PST - 11 comments

Are PhD students responsible for a lot of general lab work (4 out of 5 days of work)?

My girlfriend is a PhD student and is wondering how much general lab work (not related to research) is normal for a student (not a lab employee). Her PI does not pay her anything, all her income (stipend, lab expenses) come from other sources like grants. She is not paid extra for doing the general lab work. [more inside]
posted by mallow005 at 6:09 PM PST - 28 comments

Outside Air Filter

We want to add a wood stove to my wife's studio, currently under construction. Is outside combustion air a must or a maybe? [more inside]
posted by ulotrichous at 6:07 PM PST - 8 comments

Rain ruined my patio!

DIY-Disaster Filter: I sealed my new (expensive) concrete patio with water based sealant. Followed the directions by cleaning it the day prior and waiting 24 hours for it to dry completely. Just as I was finishing my first coat it started to rain unexpectedly. Help me fix it! [more inside]
posted by shew at 5:58 PM PST - 5 comments

Lots of men would like to have fun in Paris

Paris help: I am organising a weekend for a group of men in Paris in mid October. We're arriving Friday night, staying at a hostel on rue Mouffetard, doing some activities on the Saturday and heading home Sunday night. I need some advice on locations... and activities... and everything... [more inside]
posted by einekleine at 5:21 PM PST - 4 comments

"I'm not so proud of the way I behaved...not finding this song."

Does anyone know the song from this faux-trailer? I've tried all the obvious avenues, to no avail. [more inside]
posted by Ash3000 at 5:14 PM PST - 3 comments

You're in law school, right?

You're in law school (or have recently graduated) - what online resources/websites do you use the most? Which are the most helpful in terms of research and studying? [more inside]
posted by 913 at 4:59 PM PST - 18 comments

Dutch -> English

This proverb has me stumpified... [more inside]
posted by shino-boy at 4:52 PM PST - 20 comments

I'd like to learn to dance

I'm a single guy living in downtown Portland. I'd like to learn to dance. Swing? Ballroom? What should I learn and where can I learn it? [more inside]
posted by 2oh1 at 4:49 PM PST - 12 comments

"...and for the rest of our lives!" Who said it?

What is this quotation from? "...and tomorrow, and for the rest of our lives?" I think the beginning is something like "what are we going to do tonight..." and it might be from a young adult type novel. The person is carrying on a normal conversation and suddenly gets panicky/existential.
posted by lilbizou at 4:38 PM PST - 10 comments

You're wonderful, you're getting married, I got you....??

Another-gift-idea filter: Two wonderful people, getting married. I want to get them something they'll really appreciate. Stuck for ideas. Help? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 4:23 PM PST - 21 comments

Make my Olive Trees Fruitful !

How can you encourage an Olive tree to fruit ? [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 4:17 PM PST - 7 comments

Getting results, and paying out the ass for it!

I need to conduct a survey, but I need the traffic to send to it. [more inside]
posted by chrisfromthelc at 3:26 PM PST - 5 comments

I imagine it's the music that all the people from "Are You Being Served" got down to in their off hours

When I was in England I was in a bar where I heard a whole night's worth of music that sounded like "Atomic" by Blondie. Is this a genre of some kind? If so, what's it called and where do I get more? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 3:14 PM PST - 21 comments

Will Satellite work with leaves off trees?

Will a Hi-Defintion Satellite Signal go through tree branches in the winter months? [more inside]
posted by priested at 3:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Better to buy small boots or large?

One foot bigger than the other... expensive boots... dilemma... do you fit them to the larger foot or the smaller foot. [more inside]
posted by itsjustanalias at 2:54 PM PST - 17 comments

My kingdom for a usable calendar.

Does your college campus have a really great, usable calendar? If so, could you post a link? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 2:53 PM PST - 12 comments

Taking the outdoor stairs in Portland - where to go and what to do?

Portland exercise question: where are the good places to do stairs/stair work in the Rose City? What am I getting myself into? [more inside]
posted by TomSophieIvy at 2:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Physical Challenge!

What was all the slimy, fluffy, gooey material on the popular TV game show Double Dare made out of? [more inside]
posted by RingerChopChop at 2:03 PM PST - 14 comments

Going to Chicago.

Any last minute ideas for Chicago? Looks like I'm staying on the Magnificient Mile (not into shopping but oh well). [more inside]
posted by philad at 1:51 PM PST - 21 comments

Manhattan water delivery

Can someone recommend a water delivery service in Manhattan that is not Poland Spring? I'm specifically talking about water coolers, not personal bottled water.
posted by mkultra at 1:46 PM PST - 11 comments

Help! My door knob is stuck and I'm trapped in my room!

Help! I'm stuck in my bedroom. The knob won't turn much either way and won't come unlatched. The only person who has a key to my house is out of town, so I can't even call a locksmith and have him let in. How can I get out of my bedroom? The door knob is the kind with screws only on the exterior. I've tried to slide a credit card in, but that did not yield results. Anyone have any advice to help me get out of my room?
posted by birdlady at 1:06 PM PST - 116 comments

Kink-aware therapists: tips or suggestions?

How should I go about finding a therapist who will be open-minded about my involvement with BDSM? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Thomas Jefferson's Castrating Sodomy Law

How many Virginians ended up being punished with castration or disfigurement as a result of Thomas Jefferson's sodomy law?
posted by hermitosis at 12:41 PM PST - 3 comments

What jobs are outhere for Bachelor of Arts and Science and for Master of Arts and Science degree?

Here is my dillema: I am in junior shool year on prominent public college in my area. My intentions is to get bachleor of science in education (social studies and history). Lately, they cahanged some course work and now they ask for at least three semester of foreign language in addition. This may extend my schooling time and I am not ready for it. But after my adviserment, I have been offered the Bacheor of Arts and Science in short time. Plus, I was told that to get the master degree it would take me about 2-3 semesters additionaly if I wanted to continue to pursue Master of Arts and Science. Now, what are the jobs outhere for me with either Bachelor Arts and Science or Master of Science and Arts degree? Please?
posted by xmradio03 at 12:30 PM PST - 21 comments

Finding rows that don't exist in an SQL Server 2005 table

I can't seem to build a query in SQL Server 2005 that returns rows that are not in a table. [more inside]
posted by DakotaPaul at 12:24 PM PST - 17 comments

Planning for Las Vagas

Planning a trip to Las Vagas with a couple of friends. We're students from the UK, so any help for making the trip awesome is welcome! Particularly getting the cheapest plane tickets, accommodation and things to see. [more inside]
posted by dragontail at 12:22 PM PST - 19 comments

Probably a periscope for an underground lair

Help identify a mysterious piece of infrastructure in Los Angeles. What is this squat metal pole? [more inside]
posted by dreamyshade at 12:01 PM PST - 9 comments

Can anyone lend me a hand in designing my new home network computer setup?

Can anyone lend me a hand in designing my new home network computer setup? [more inside]
posted by decrescendo at 11:54 AM PST - 7 comments

Can I mail fresh chanterelles?

How can I mail chanterelles? Will freshly picked chanterelles hold up unrefrigerated in a cardboard box for 3-5 days? If not, will sauteed and vacuum-sealed ones make it? I would like to send some fresh as a gift, but not if they show up rotten and slimy.
posted by scose at 11:51 AM PST - 6 comments

The gateway drug.

Help me get my caffeine. [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 11:33 AM PST - 32 comments

Hiring marketing professional for freelance business

I am a freelancer in a sub-genre of graphic design. In a bid to get more clients, I'm attempting (through Craigslist) to hire a marketing professional (or professionals). My general idea is that they would work to get me more clients, and I would give them a percentage of sales resulting from my work with those clients. My question here is what the specifics of the deal should be. My initial thought was 15% of income for life on the clients they bring me. Does that sound reasonable? Too much? Too little? The wrong way to go about it entirely? I really like the commission model, at least for now, because I don't have money to lay out up front and I like that we both benefit or both don't. Is there any kind of standard for this kind of relationship?
posted by The Dutchman at 11:28 AM PST - 13 comments

Need Help Reading Vidal

What Gore Vidal book would you recommend to start with / which of his books has been your favourite ? (Could apply to non-american readers). [more inside]
posted by Jireel at 11:15 AM PST - 18 comments

Anyone tried the Kitchenaid meat grinder attachment?

Has anyone tried grinding turkey using the Kitchenaid meat grinder attachment? [more inside]
posted by electroboy at 11:03 AM PST - 9 comments

The more I'm in school, the less I study.

I can't or won't study. Please help me. [more inside]
posted by Ouisch at 10:57 AM PST - 34 comments

I would like to see a rocket launched into space

I'd like to watch a rocket launched into space (from the continental U.S.). I've researched it as best I can, but would like guidance from someone who knows more about it or has seen one before. [more inside]
posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj at 10:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Book Recommendation for fans of "Life of Pi"

I need a book recommendation for my girlfriend; her favourite book is Yann Martel's "Life of Pi". Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by mizike at 10:39 AM PST - 28 comments

Inspiring works of non-fiction for children

I am looking for outstanding non-fiction books for younger children. Maybe you remember a volume that really sparked your interest in a topic? Is there an Art (etc) '101' book you enjoy paging through with your kid? [more inside]
posted by kmennie at 10:38 AM PST - 25 comments

Roses and rain

Portland, OR bicycling in winter clothing suggestions. Where's the best place in town to find some pants/jackets that aren't going to break the bank? [more inside]
posted by wcfields at 10:38 AM PST - 7 comments

How should I partition my drive to make migrating from Windows Vista to Windows 7 easier?

PartitionFilter: I just got a new machine with Windows Vista with a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it comes out. I'm planning on doing a fresh installation of Windows 7 when I get it, but in the meantime I'd like to get settled in Windows Vista. Is there a good strategy to partitioning the 640GB HD so I can migrate with ease? Was thinking of having two partitions, one for OS, one for Program Data / Storage, and then wiping the OS partition when Windows 7 comes through. Advice?
posted by miasma at 10:37 AM PST - 7 comments

Rust Belt! Yes!

Rust Belt Boogaloo: What to do in Detroit, Indianapolis, and/or Cleveland this week? [more inside]
posted by gerryblog at 10:28 AM PST - 10 comments

Kids' musical instruments

Musical instruments for kids. [more inside]
posted by cameronfromedinburgh at 10:24 AM PST - 22 comments

It can be yogurt. It must be yogurt. I must have yogurt!

How can I find that liquidy yogurt in a gallon or quart size? [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya at 10:09 AM PST - 12 comments

How do restaurants cook rice?

How do restaurants cook rice?
posted by judytaos at 10:07 AM PST - 19 comments

You are being given a new card/account number

"A recent merchant database compromise may have put your account at risk. A new card/account number has been issued." Is this common with credit cards? [more inside]
posted by dabug at 10:05 AM PST - 13 comments

Bump-less dresses

Please help me find some nice dresses that work on a not-so-apple-shaped body! [more inside]
posted by widdershins at 10:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Fall Food!

Help me plan a vegetarian, autumn-inspired menu! [more inside]
posted by ihavepromisestokeep at 10:02 AM PST - 17 comments

PDF creator for Firefox?

Looking for an add-on to Firefox that will allow me to save web pages as PDF documents [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 9:57 AM PST - 15 comments

I want to solicit in a public place. Where?

I want to solicit in a public place. Where? [more inside]
posted by heatherfl at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Recommended party help in Toronto?

Toronto: I'm giving a large party and want to hire one or two servers for the evening to help with prep and serving. Are there any companies/individuals you would highly recommend?
posted by uans at 9:19 AM PST - 4 comments

What to do in Ol' Kentucky

What to do in Louisville, KY this weekend? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 9:05 AM PST - 8 comments

Bottles for home-made ginger beer

Are there any good alternatives to 2L soda bottles for fermenting and storing home-brewed ginger beer? [more inside]
posted by goingonit at 8:59 AM PST - 18 comments

Dating Across a Language Barrier

Dating Across a Language Barrier: Can you share success stories and advice about relationships where you and your partner primarily spoke different languages? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:44 AM PST - 13 comments

Why so waxy?

My right ear has been extra waxy for the past few years. Is there something wrong with it? How can I better clean it, since I know I'm not supposed to use Q-tips? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:44 AM PST - 25 comments

How safe/unsecure is the Mail data on my stolen iphone?

Iphone cached data question: How much of my Mail data is cached on the iphone, and how much is fetched each time i connect to the mail app? My phone was stolen so am very concerned about the data that might be left on it, even though the phone itself has been cancelled. [more inside]
posted by kev23f at 8:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Is my next computer purchase "future-proof"?

Can a 13" MacBook Pro comfortably edit 1080p AVCHD video from a Canon Vixia HF series camcorder? [more inside]
posted by jaimev at 8:27 AM PST - 7 comments

ScentFilter: I love Caress Moroccan body wash. Help me find a similar scent.

ScentFilter: I love the smell of Caress's Moroccan body wash. Help me find a similar scent in perfume form! [more inside]
posted by pghjezebel at 8:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Before Etsy: What was that DIY trading community from way back when?

Years ago (2002? 2003?), long before Etsy, there was an online community for DIY/crafty blogger types to trade materials and maybe handmade goods as well. What was it called, and what happened to it? [more inside]
posted by junkbox at 8:16 AM PST - 11 comments

TB or not TB? That is congestion.

Because my grandfather was in an iron lung, I've tested positive for TB since the day I was born. Nothing active, but I never got medication. Should I do something? [more inside]
posted by aquafortis at 8:15 AM PST - 15 comments

You Are Trying To Break My Heart

What are your picks for melancholy, lonely, time-stopping and heartachingly beautiful songs? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 8:10 AM PST - 223 comments

How can I get rid of this mucus from throat?

My throat has been having a lot phlegm. I'm a singer and I don't know if it has to do with any dairy products I'm consuming. I haven't had a cold for several months so I'm not sure how to get rid of this problem? Any suggestions?
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 8:07 AM PST - 18 comments

Just making some bathtub gin over here

Help with a flapper-esque/roaring twenties halloween costume for a curvy girl! [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 8:03 AM PST - 4 comments

Reuniting with a headmaster for an expensive school in Australia named Ron..

I'm looking for a forgotten chat-friend from over 10 years ago. All I remember is that his first name is Ron, and he was a headmaster at a school in eastern Australia, got to drive a Aston Martin as a work benefit, and once took a group of students to visit America in the Seattle area. He gave me some advice that I later took up, and would like to tell him how much of a difference (good) it's made. [more inside]
posted by Quarter Pincher at 7:54 AM PST - 13 comments

Copywriting Woes

The A-B-C's of corporate collateral writing: I'm a graphic designer. How do I communicate to my client that willy-nilly editing procedures, and last minute proof-stage rewrites inevitably makes projects run to the last minute? Is there a "standard" procedure for writing/editing? [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 7:44 AM PST - 8 comments

Where to send the little sister/new bride in Reykjavik?

My younger sister is getting married. As the older brother/groomsman, I'm looking for something special to do for a wedding present...and they're honeymooning in Reykjavik. [more inside]
posted by zap rowsdower at 7:24 AM PST - 12 comments

Will a DIY InkJet Iron-On Transfer Stick to a Running Shirt?

[Will-it-Stick Filter] I need to put an iron-on transfer on a runner's singlette. Will it stick? [more inside]
posted by Flipping_Hades_Terwilliger at 7:23 AM PST - 7 comments

Monitor Cliff Scalers

In the book I'm currently reading, City of Djinns, is this intriguing passage: [more inside]
posted by tellurian at 6:59 AM PST - 6 comments

Buy an English GPS for France?

What's the best way to buy a GPS in the US for someone who lives in France but speaks English? [more inside]
posted by schwa at 6:59 AM PST - 4 comments

How can I help a friend whose partner has been arrested?

Help me comfort a friend whose partner was just arrested for the local equivalent of grand theft. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:50 AM PST - 27 comments

Should I literally follow my dream?

I had a dream about an ex-boyfriend last night and I'm wondering if I should do anything about it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:50 AM PST - 22 comments

auto-name saved webpages

Is there a way of saving a web-page from a web-browser, using a name from a source outside of the web-page? [more inside]
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 6:41 AM PST - 9 comments

TMJ alternative treatment and practitioner recommendations for New York City

Please share advice for non-dental treatments for TMJ. I've been dealing with this for about a decade, and had a custom made night guard, that I wore religiously, for all this time. Maybe it's slowing down the rate at at which the TMJ is getting worse, but it's still getting worse and I hate it. [more inside]
posted by Salamandrous at 6:38 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I mimic that energy drink taste for my homemade Sparks?

I'd like to make an alcoholic energy drink. How do I get that Sparks/Red Bull flavor? I'd prefer to use ingredients that are available in my kitchen/supermarket, but would buy specific things online if necessary. [more inside]
posted by d(-_-)b at 5:56 AM PST - 10 comments

What was this website?

Looking for a (previously linked) musical-connections bubble-diagram. [more inside]
posted by Kiwi at 5:27 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I take a cruise if I'm liable to become sea-sick?

I get sea-sick. Should I go on a cruise? [more inside]
posted by crossoverman at 4:00 AM PST - 26 comments

Should I go to Burma/Myanmar?

Should I go to Burma/Myanmar? [more inside]
posted by MuffinMan at 2:37 AM PST - 18 comments

Mumble-mumble-whaty-what?

[SongFilter] What the heck is this song playing on my local college radio station? [more inside]
posted by jordanlewis at 12:10 AM PST - 8 comments

October 6

You should have bargained, Lucas

I watched a film called "Return Of The Jedi" recently. Perhaps some of you have seen it. In the first act, a motley band of heroes executes an ingenious plan to rescue a comrade from an obese crime lord. Wait, what exactly was their ingenious plan? [more inside]
posted by chrchr at 10:38 PM PST - 43 comments

Reliable Taxi Co in Twin Cities, MN

Seeking a good (reliable) taxi company in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St Paul). A long term Insomniac, now I'm having trouble staying awake more than 25 minutes if driving alone, and want to have the option of getting off the road and calling a cab. Reviews on the web seem totally variable. [more inside]
posted by judybxxx at 10:26 PM PST - 8 comments

DIY bike repair?

I just bought a mountain bike on the cheap and want to make some changes, namely adjust the shifters (or perhaps change them altogether), and replace the handlebars. Is this a rookie-doable project or should I take it to a shop? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 10:04 PM PST - 14 comments

Put her in...the comfy chair!

Where can I buy this model of chair? [more inside]
posted by jewzilla at 10:02 PM PST - 9 comments

Controlled vocabularies for photos

I'm looking for controlled vocabularies to describe photographic images. [more inside]
posted by pahool at 9:33 PM PST - 6 comments

get my matrimony on, under the stars but OUTTA THE RAIN.

What can I expect to pay for a tent, dance floor! and tables/chairs for an outdoor wedding on Long Island? [more inside]
posted by mittenbex at 9:24 PM PST - 3 comments

We're pregnant; what do we do now?

Simple (hahaha) question; We just found out that we're pregnant this morning, what do we need to do now? [more inside]
posted by drleary at 8:57 PM PST - 55 comments

Identify this Buddha

BuddhaFilter: Where is this, who made it, and how big is it?
posted by Joe Beese at 8:44 PM PST - 11 comments

Low-rise tights?

I'm looking for low-rise tights cut to fit a petite, short-waisted woman. [more inside]
posted by lemuria at 8:18 PM PST - 8 comments

Because tranquilizer darts aren't an option.

How do I minimize a toddler's separation anxiety and preserve her mother's hurt feelings? [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic at 8:05 PM PST - 22 comments

Did Mark Twain ever comment on the Seventh-Day Adventist Church?

Did Mark Twain ever comment on the Seventh-Day Adventist Church? [more inside]
posted by Anephim at 8:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Speaker tries to ascertain his own cognizance

What is the term for how police officers talk to the press in official situations? [more inside]
posted by war wrath of wraith at 7:24 PM PST - 38 comments

New owner/old lease

Does my new landlord have to honor my old lease? [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 6:38 PM PST - 16 comments

Dog digs under fence!

Peanut digs under fence and escapes. Need help asap! Big strong Chihuhua, skilled excavator, 100' chainlink fence, soft soil/humus below fence. Need cheap fast stopgap AND cheap long-term answer. [more inside]
posted by SallyHitMeOntheHead at 6:22 PM PST - 29 comments

A thin line between love & hate?

Why would friends of mine suggest to me that an on & off sexual partner who has behaved to me in an insulting manner may secretly have feelings for me? It strikes me as entirely counterintuitve but is there any logic to it? [more inside]
posted by afabulousbeing at 6:22 PM PST - 31 comments

I need an automated way to convert MKV to MP4 on Mac OS X

I am trying to build an automated solution to convert MKV files to MP4 without re-encoding on Mac OS X, using AppleScript, Automator, etc. and I need help! [more inside]
posted by joshrholloway at 6:00 PM PST - 10 comments

How to repair a leaking water valve?

I have a cast iron valve on a basement water (cold supply) line that is leaking. It's an antique so there is no repacking it and in a fairly inaccessible location so cutting it out and replacing it is bound to be an expensive nightmare involving a real. This valve is redundant and does not need to be functional. I was wondering if there is a product (I'm thinking a gooey oakum type thing) that I can wrap around the valve stem to form a seal? This will have to work in a wet environment as there is no way to turn the water off before the leaky valve.
posted by cedar at 5:44 PM PST - 13 comments

Is there anything I can do about my blood pressure?

What's causing my rather sudden high blood pressure? How much of it is my anxiety? Most importantly, is there anything I can do lower it quickly? Yes I know I should see a doctor (I've sort of just come from there). There's lots of additional information inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:34 PM PST - 25 comments

I guess I'm a 400 year old otaku.

There's something about an Edo period setting. Recommend to me some [more] books/movies/anime/video games. [more inside]
posted by lilnublet at 5:16 PM PST - 28 comments

Help me decide my educational path, please.

Do I need a Master's Degree in order to teach ESL to adults in the US? [more inside]
posted by patheral at 5:00 PM PST - 11 comments

Cuba and human rights.

Cuba and human rights. Please ignore this if you think Cuba is a 1. Glorious Worker's Paradise or 2. 3rd largest prison on Earth (after Myammar and N. Korea) I would like to know more about human rights for the average person in Cuba. For instance, if a regular person (NOT a government employee, journalist, or someone w/ connections) could afford it, could they just leave and go to India for 2 weeks on vacation? Buy a computer and get full access to the Web? Visit a relative in Miami? Open a bookstore and import what they want? Start a blog discussing human rights in Cuba? What actually happens if they try sailing a boat to Miami or Mexico?
posted by ebesan at 4:51 PM PST - 14 comments

Coming to the Kansai

Planning a couple of week visit to the Kansai area in late May, mostly Kyoto and Osaka, but with some side trips, including a longer visit to Hiroshima/Miyajima. Do you have recommendations? [more inside]
posted by GenjiandProust at 4:28 PM PST - 6 comments

Is there an alternative to the official last.fm desktop application for scrobbling tracks to iTunes?

Is there an alternative to the official last.fm desktop application for scrobbling tracks to iTunes? [more inside]
posted by cosmic osmo at 4:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Making sweet music in fiction?

What's your favorite online fiction site, and did you find what I'm looking for? [more inside]
posted by motsque at 3:48 PM PST - 2 comments

Name that book series I barely remember

Back in the 70's/80's, I remember seeing a series of scifi/fantasy books, where the cover art for all the books had a consistent theme of a red/orange sun that figured prominently. What was it? [more inside]
posted by nomisxid at 3:41 PM PST - 19 comments

Help me find this magnet.

I need to find this exact magnet, but my google-fu is failing me. [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte at 3:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Stressing out about stressing out.

Is there any evidence to suggest that a single, isolated stressful event can shorten one's lifespan, even by a little? For example, if I'm generally calm but I get in a particularly heated argument with someone, is there any scenario under which I'd be able to truthfully say that I shortened my lifespan as a result of the stress associated with this argument? Short of having a heart attack in the process, of course.
posted by iamisaid at 3:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Where can I buy sound protecting earmuffs for infants in Toronto?

Where can I buy children's ear muffs (for sound protection, not warmth) in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by modernnomad at 3:06 PM PST - 5 comments

Is there a threshold for self-employment taxes?

I'm earning maybe $4,000 this year, of which $2,000 is as self-employed. Do I still have to pay around $300 in taxes? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Recommend some French-language books (or sites) for a intermediate French-learner.

Recommend some French-language books (or sites) for a intermediate French-learner, to (hopefully enjoy) reading with the aid of a dictionary and bescherelle. [more inside]
posted by Kurichina at 3:01 PM PST - 16 comments

What attractions at the Anaheim Disneyland Park are manageable with an 8 month old?

What attractions at the Anaheim Disneyland Park are manageable with an 8 month old? [more inside]
posted by Loser at 2:51 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a 3D model of the human head

I'm trying to visualize, in 3D, the structure of my sinuses/nasal cavity. Is there a transparent 3D model of the human head somewhere out there on this crazy internet thing? [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 2:47 PM PST - 8 comments

Spontaneous ravioli help

Ravioli help! I need a creative, fast, tasty sauce idea... [more inside]
posted by kaseijin at 2:14 PM PST - 16 comments

sports clothing for the large?

Hiking gear in XL? [more inside]
posted by LN at 1:46 PM PST - 12 comments

To close or not to close credit cards?

DH has opened multiple credit cards with me as an authorized user. We just paid them down to a $0 balance and I want to know how many we can close without hurting our credit. My guess is closing the c/c will impact his credit score and not mine.
posted by Tubman at 1:42 PM PST - 8 comments

Acoustic guitar string shopping

Where should I buy high-quality acoustic guitar strings online? Also, suggestions for brands of strings? [more inside]
posted by crookedgrin at 1:31 PM PST - 7 comments

I want a fancy printer. How archival should my prints be?

I'm looking into getting a nice printer for printing fine-art quality prints. Help me decide between a couple (Epson v. Canon), and let me know your opinion re: 'archival' quality... [more inside]
posted by actionpact at 1:17 PM PST - 7 comments

Question on fixing Playstation 3.

Will self-repairing my broken PS3 make it invalid for future repairs by Sony (even if it's already out of warranty)? [more inside]
posted by ShortHairyMan at 12:50 PM PST - 4 comments

Reminder - everything changes 17 years from today

What game changing reminders is my future calendar missing ? [more inside]
posted by cashman at 12:37 PM PST - 16 comments

Why won't my Rock Band guitar sync for the Wii?

On Rock Band: Beatles Edition for the Wii, my guitar keeps losing its sync to the USB dongle. [more inside]
posted by tumbleweedjack at 12:34 PM PST - 5 comments

How fancy can a cardigan get?

I am looking for formal, professional-looking cardigans for work. I'm a petite female who is basically trying to avoid wearing a blazer. [more inside]
posted by Juliet Banana at 12:32 PM PST - 29 comments

I'm looking for an affordable mobile plan that will let me surf the web and use Google maps during a short trip to Canada.

I'm going to Vancouver next month. My Sprint phone won't be of any use to me there. When I went to Toronto last year, I was able to make exorbitantly expensive phone calls and I wasn't able to access the internet or use google maps. I'd like to do all of those things economically. I still have my old Treo 75?wx. Perhaps that could be of some use? Thank you.
posted by stuart_s at 12:31 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm gonna live forever, light up the sky like a flame.

I'm looking for allegorical depictions of Fame in 20th/21st century fiction and movies. [more inside]
posted by ms.codex at 12:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Who are you this time?

I am interested in people's experiences in using their real names online. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 12:18 PM PST - 64 comments

What made your Holidays with family special?

Christmas? Yule? Santa? Looking for direction in celebrating with my 2 year old son. How did you celebrate the holidays (which was maybe a bit nontraditional) ? [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 12:17 PM PST - 31 comments

What? I can't hear you! (on the cell phone)

Help me understand my sweetie when we speak on the (cell) phone. [more inside]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 11:54 AM PST - 23 comments

From leaf to bud.

Was marijuana, in recent history, ever consumed predominately in leaf form? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 11:47 AM PST - 11 comments

Nighttime worrying

Why does life always seem so much gloomier, and problems more formidable, when you're thinking them over in the middle of the night vs. during normal waking hours? And which perspective is more accurate-- the rosy daytime view, or the pessimistic nighttime one? [more inside]
posted by yersinia at 11:36 AM PST - 25 comments

Fiber optics for dummies

I have absolutely no comprehension whatsoever of how fiber optic cables can transmit information -- phone calls, emails, whatever -- by using light. Seriously, this makes no sense. Please explain it to me as if I'm a fifth-grader who makes decent grades in science class. [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 11:35 AM PST - 41 comments

Help me create a lovely little bedroom!

I need advice on how to make more warm and inviting my tiny little bedroom. [more inside]
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 11:21 AM PST - 15 comments

We don't want to acknowledge the mistake, so we're just going to ignore you until you go away.

How do I deal with a recalcitrant vendor who won't respond to complaints about an incorrect item? [more inside]
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 11:08 AM PST - 12 comments

openid?

should I get an openID? Do you have one? [more inside]
posted by jak68 at 11:02 AM PST - 22 comments

Living abroad and can't access Gmail or Facebook - help!

I can search Google, read the news and view most websites, but specific sites like Facebook and Gmail won't load on my Mac Powerbook - I just get page load errors. Any idea what the problem is? [more inside]
posted by nicoleincanada at 11:01 AM PST - 15 comments

Heading off trouble at the Peace Bridge

My I-94W visa waiver, given to me at the US border, was not collected when I crossed back into Canada. Will this be a problem if I want to come back? [more inside]
posted by randomination at 10:57 AM PST - 11 comments

Non-Disneyfied apple picking options in GTA?

Are there any non-Disneyfied apple picking options around GTA? [more inside]
posted by setanor at 10:54 AM PST - 5 comments

Barcelona Gyms

Where can I work out during a week in Barcelona? [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 10:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Triptans for migraine abortion: does it work for you?

With regard to triptans, what defines victory over a migraine? [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 10:24 AM PST - 15 comments

What's "sunny purchase"?

Is it OK to use the SUNY abbreviation when referring to State University of New York schools outside of the tri-state area/east coast? [more inside]
posted by amethysts at 10:10 AM PST - 31 comments

Someday I hope to hit Steve Albini with a brick

Is there a thing which works like RePlay Gain, but instead of volume tags it makes perceived but non-destructive embedded EQ settings? [more inside]
posted by dong_resin at 9:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Aiutami!

Help me remember the name of a poet/playwright from northeastern Italy. [more inside]
posted by Partario at 9:41 AM PST - 4 comments

"You can't say people shouldn't steal if you give things away for free!"

What type of logical fallacy is this: "Giving away x is incompatible with the belief that people shouldn't steal x."
posted by benzo8 at 9:27 AM PST - 32 comments

Turn up the radio

What is the best software for recording streaming AM radio stations? There are late night shows on, some that have podcasts but some that don't. I want to 'set it and forget it' and have the results in an mp3 format.
posted by CodeMonkey at 9:25 AM PST - 6 comments

Vapour barrier for built-in closet?

I have and Ikea Pax wardrobe along the wall of our bedroom and I'm going to frame in around it from the walls and ceiling to give it a "built in" look. The exterior wall behind it is poorly insulated (90 year-old house). It's got about 10" space all the way around and 4" behind. Should I be thinking about vapour barriers and such? [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:00 AM PST - 7 comments

Illustrator: set corner point as default?

In Adobe Illustrator, is there a way to make the pen tool default to corner points rather than curve points? It's a PITA if you're drawing something jagged (like a map border) and you have to click on every point that you set to make it a corner point.
posted by Mayor Curley at 8:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Polish Translation for "I have nothing"?

Polish translation for "I have nothing"? [more inside]
posted by rickim at 8:57 AM PST - 1 comment

Is there a good third-party TV guide website that interfaces with DirecTV?

Is there a good third-party TV guide website that interfaces with DirecTV? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 8:48 AM PST - 3 comments

Nap time!

What are your experiences being under general anesthesia? [more inside]
posted by elder18 at 8:38 AM PST - 82 comments

Is it libel, or is it lulz?

Can you point me to some legal cases of "internet libel"? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:30 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I re-socialize my dog-agressive dog?

My dog slowly went from loveable goofball to dog park bully. He's been on probation for about 6 months, and I'd like to start the process of re-socializing him and (hopefully) someday return to the dog park. How do I do this without putting any other dogs in danger -- especially considering that I don't currently know any other dog owners, and I don't have a good private space for doggie playdates? [more inside]
posted by roscopcoletrane at 8:24 AM PST - 23 comments

Me Draw Pretty One Day

Hey artists and creative types! How do you get back at it when you've been out of the studio for a long time? [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeek at 8:22 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I convince my husband to change his hairstyle?

How do I politely, kindly and lovingly get my husband to change his hairstyle? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:19 AM PST - 46 comments

Is it worth the trouble/effort to buy IKEA in Canada and drive it back into the US?

Anyone with experience buying and bringing IKEA stuff from Canada into the US? [more inside]
posted by davertron at 8:11 AM PST - 10 comments

A spoonful of sugar doesn't work well with cats.

Confuse-A-Cat-Filter: How to best trick a cat into swallowing a pill. Help, plz. [more inside]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 8:01 AM PST - 48 comments

I'm not allergic to my cat. I'm allergic to bugs, but only in my makeup. Apparently.

Not sure what sort of doctor to go to about an allergy in my eyes that is not due to dust, pollen, mites, my cat, or any of the usual suspects. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 7:48 AM PST - 14 comments

What ever happened to Mike Jackson's nose?

Help identify this song! [more inside]
posted by kitty teeth at 7:37 AM PST - 8 comments

I want to be a scientist in my spare time!

How can I be use my spare time to advance a scientific cause? [more inside]
posted by adverb at 7:32 AM PST - 16 comments

The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of a Fun Size Kit-Kat.

My son wants to be the Death Star for Halloween. Awesome. I can do this. But I’m stuck as to how to make a sphere. Help! [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 7:28 AM PST - 48 comments

Recent Female-Sung Torch Songs, Somewhat Creepy

I'm looking for torchy songs, hopefully recent, sung by women, with a somewhat creepy, stalkery bent. [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 7:12 AM PST - 43 comments

My parents are moving to my sister's city

My parents are looking to buy a house two streets from my sister, and I feel really hurt. Should I say anything? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:08 AM PST - 37 comments

How to save for travel as a gift?

For his birthday, my boyfriend has suggested that we set up some sort joint savings account so that we can put money in it as our gifts to each other (birthdays, holidays, etc.) to later spend on travel - a passion of both of ours. I like the idea of somehow starting our little "travel fund" for our next trips and keeping it going through the years (and avoiding spending the money on "stuff" that we don't appreciate as much as the experiences we share together when we travel). How can I fulfill this great gifting idea that we can use for each other without feeling nervous about the non-married money-sharing aspect? Seeking either alternative ideas or advice on the shared bank account route? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:08 AM PST - 12 comments

My heaters groan with the cold

Why are electric baseboard heaters so noisy only in the dead of winter? [more inside]
posted by Eicats at 7:06 AM PST - 4 comments

FacebookFilter

Facebook has been telling me "Your account is temporarily unavailable due to site maintenance. It should be available again within a few hours. We apologize for the inconvenience" for 5 days. I'm getting no response from them. [more inside]
posted by nax at 6:57 AM PST - 11 comments

Picking up life again in DC

My friend, a 7-year resident of Manhattan, is relocating to DC (Alexandria). What should he know? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherSide at 6:54 AM PST - 23 comments

Quarter-life dining crisis

How can I find large baseball helmet bowls for sale? [more inside]
posted by timdicator at 6:38 AM PST - 6 comments

I need help upgrading my windows OS 6.1 to 6.5

I want to upgrade my HTC Touch HD GSM Windows OS from 6.1 to 6.5. What is 1.56.OliNex simple comprehensive English? what is the difference between upgrading through HSPL and USPL? I don't really know the meaning and the difference between HSPL and USPL, and which one is recommended and less risky? I went to xda-developers.com and couldn't comprehend there well.
posted by omaralarifi at 6:38 AM PST - 0 comments

Sharepoint weekly email

In Sharepoint, is there a way to send a weekly report(every monday) showing the status of a list? [more inside]
posted by fozzie33 at 6:14 AM PST - 3 comments

Clock art restoration?

How do I have an old unique art piece restored? [more inside]
posted by anti social order at 5:53 AM PST - 4 comments

Suggest me a keyboard please

Software developers: what keyboard do you like? [more inside]
posted by DarkForest at 5:12 AM PST - 28 comments

Looking for some style advice for a 21 year old from the HiveMind!

Looking for some style advice for a 21 year old from the HiveMind! [more inside]
posted by Junior687 at 4:49 AM PST - 23 comments

How do find the point furthest from a group of points.

How to find the point furthest from a bunch of other points, as done with this this McDonald's map? [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 3:50 AM PST - 6 comments

Fixing a netbook's corrupt registry sans optical drive?

How exactly does one go about fixing a corrupt XP registry or reinstalling XP on a device with no optical drive? [more inside]
posted by Teira at 3:50 AM PST - 6 comments

Effective treatments for SAD?

Effective treatments for SAD that work for you? (Please let's avoid a general discussion/opinion exchange about SAD.) [more inside]
posted by humblepigeon at 1:05 AM PST - 34 comments

October 5

More info needed about the world of Thin-Film solar panels

Solar power question: What is the pricing of thin-film solar panels like per watt, compared to standard PV cells? I'm comparing 80W thin-film panels in the 6% efficiency range to 135W, 185W, 210W sized Kyocera panels. Also questions about sourcing from China and thin-film solar manufacturing. [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 11:45 PM PST - 3 comments

How was print produced and distributed during the early Medieval period?

How was print produced and distributed during the early Medieval period? [more inside]
posted by slowcat at 11:28 PM PST - 10 comments

Computer Pony Request!

I would like to find a hard drive enclosure that isn't enclosed. [more inside]
posted by Bonzai at 10:49 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me make a rock/metal playlist!

I need about 40 musical artists that would please a crowd that likes mainstream rock & metal. The catch: I'm trying to avoid stuff that can easily be heard on the radio. [more inside]
posted by Sufi at 9:47 PM PST - 30 comments

Poutine! I need some!

I'm going to be in the GTA during Thanksgiving and I would really like to try some poutine! [more inside]
posted by woolylambkin at 9:41 PM PST - 22 comments

Does anybody remember this beer commercial?

Apologies in advance for the lack of details. I'm trying to find a beer commercial from, probably, about ten years ago. It said something to the effect of, "we've never sent a man to the moon. we've never cured a disease. we just make beer, but we do it well. pursue your passion." Does anybody remember seeing this? Do you know what beer it was for? Do you have a link to it on YouTube?
posted by LDL707 at 9:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Please help me put my life back together.

I've finally realized that I have a gigantic mess of mental issues that almost certainly require therapy and medication. Depression, multiple kinds of anxiety, who knows what else. Please help me figure out how to get better. [more inside]
posted by MyMetaAccount at 9:09 PM PST - 24 comments

It's like getting kissed by a belt sander.

Why does my cat lick my beard? [more inside]
posted by mediocre at 9:08 PM PST - 18 comments

Thank-you reward scam?

We received a "Thank-you reward notice" bearing the logo of a retailer that we thought was legitimate. It offers a number of "valuable items" as a "reward" for being a good customer. But close inspection suggests otherwise. [more inside]
posted by megatherium at 8:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Close counts in horseshoes and job hunting?

Job-Filter. How to best display your skills when you have close to what they want? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:24 PM PST - 5 comments

I ripped my pre-ripped jeans... oops?

So I have these pre-ripped jeans. But, then I actually ripped them. What now? [more inside]
posted by Jacen Solo at 8:18 PM PST - 7 comments

Pre-Red Pepper Asian Cuisine?

Help me find Asian food before the Columbian Exchange? [more inside]
posted by melissam at 8:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me dress to impress.

How do I press/iron a woman's business pant suit? Am I supposed to iron out the creases? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:59 PM PST - 7 comments

Hundreds of feet of microfilm

I have about 200 rolls of microfilm to be tossed out. There is no charity that would want them, guaranteed. Can anyone think of anything interesting I could do with them?
posted by 5ean at 7:37 PM PST - 22 comments

Why is it / When you / Try to pass / The guy in front / Goes twice as fast?

Burma Shave jingles for marathon runners. [more inside]
posted by MsMolly at 7:32 PM PST - 15 comments

What is this U-Shaped Nail With a Jacket?

What is this nail/staple/wire thing? [more inside]
posted by lore at 7:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Livening up video presentation graphics?

What is the best way of creating a moving graphic timeline in a video presentation? [more inside]
posted by merocet at 7:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Where to find party ambience (chatter, laughing etc.) sound recording?

I am looking for a sound recording of a party ambience where many people are chatting, laughing - the kind of sound where you would expect to hear in a party, maybe about 15 minutes long. I found a good example of what I am looking for here . Except this sound sample is too short for me, I am looking for something like this one at least 15 minutes long. So when it repeats it is not easy to detect that it is looping. [more inside]
posted by neworder7 at 7:04 PM PST - 13 comments

Please name this seemingly ungooglable 80s cartoon

What is this 80s cartoon about some possibly magical woman who lived under the ocean? [more inside]
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 7:00 PM PST - 8 comments

Combining partial bittorrent downloads.

Can I combine two partial bittorrent downloads? (OSX Leopard, Transmission) [more inside]
posted by pompomtom at 6:54 PM PST - 13 comments

The Dudes Furniture

What style of bentwood furniture does The Dude in The Big Lebowski have in his pad? Does this style have a name? Google images came up with only one matching photo when I searched for "Bentwood Mission Furniture" I do not believe that this is any kind of a variant on the mission style, but this is where it was found.
posted by Raybun at 6:46 PM PST - 1 comment

Restricting access to directory... with conditions

How do I restrict access to a directory on my web site but still allow an audio streamer program to access the files? For instance, I want to put my mp3s in the audio directory but I want anyone going to mydomain.com/audio to not be able to download the tracks. The audio player being used is JW Player if that makes any difference. Thanks!
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 6:35 PM PST - 16 comments

Head lice ethics.

Teenager with head lice. How/who to notify without embarrassing her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 PM PST - 21 comments

Voided Warranty?

Is a Dell technician going to discover I've opened the computer before? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 PM PST - 13 comments

Where to take a vegan friend without "punishing" the carnivores in the party

Where in Seattle has good vegan lunch options? Don't want a strictly vegan venue, as the rest of us are omnivores, and we'd like to wash our lunch down with beer, if possible.
posted by dorgla at 6:17 PM PST - 12 comments

Classy fashion-y silver or white gold rings between $100 and $300?

Classy fashion-y silver or white gold rings between $100 and $300? [more inside]
posted by NHlove at 5:55 PM PST - 13 comments

Shoe restoration in NYC

Where can I get a much-worn and much-loved pair of suede sneakers cleaned/restored in NYC? [more inside]
posted by sonofslim at 5:45 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for piecemeal work to earn a few extra bucks.

Is there something equivalent to Amazon's mechanical turk that doesn't involve spamming, signing up for mailing lists or stealing content? [more inside]
posted by WinnipegDragon at 5:41 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find these awesome 1960s-style shades!

Can anyone ID the sunglasses Betty Draper wears in the Mad Men episode that aired on Sept. 27 or suggest similar ones? Photo link inside. [more inside]
posted by ishotjr at 5:28 PM PST - 3 comments

These Boots Were Made for Walkin' and Light Carpentry

I need to buy a pair of steel-toe work boots. The problem: I am a woman with large-ish feet -- large enough that I have some trouble buying sneakers. Depending on the manufacturer, I wear a women's size 10 - 11, inclusive, with a medium width. Any tips on finding a pair that fits well? If I can't find well-fitting women's boots, are narrow men's boots a viable alternative? [more inside]
posted by Commander Rachek at 5:11 PM PST - 16 comments

Fiction for Dummies

I am a non-fiction writer but have not read a fiction book since high school. What great fiction books will improve my writing? [more inside]
posted by Spurious at 4:47 PM PST - 34 comments

Campaign stiffs campaign workers, won't respond. Solutions?

Local political campaign reports a large surplus four days after stiffing its workers (I and dozens of other campaign workers are owed back pay, several of us in the $300+ range). Solutions? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:39 PM PST - 10 comments

Is co-working best for us?

Is co-working best for us? [more inside]
posted by christopherbdnk at 4:38 PM PST - 2 comments

Bill Gates I ain't...

The best way to go from knowing how to put a computer together out of the box but nothing else, to understanding how the 'innards' work? [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 at 4:12 PM PST - 16 comments

Not being able to find this book keeps me up at night

Bookfilter: I have searched everywhere, I have exhausted all resources. You are my last hope. I had a book as a child, it was in Russian, but the stories in it were middle-eastern/Arabic/Persian... I know that the name of the book was Three Oranges (Tri Apelsina in Russian) [more inside]
posted by icarus at 4:11 PM PST - 13 comments

How do I fight back these tears?

I need some techniques to help me get through a relatively heartfelt wedding speech without crying like a big ol' baby... [more inside]
posted by Del Chimney at 3:59 PM PST - 17 comments

Why do baby teeth come in in the order they do?

Why do baby teeth come in in the order they do? [more inside]
posted by Bugbread at 3:58 PM PST - 13 comments

What do you wish you knew the first time you traveled to Paris/Europe?

What is your best advice for a first time international traveler? [more inside]
posted by carterscott at 3:49 PM PST - 52 comments

I'm trying to find out more about this (probabably online, probably from the mid-90s) TV show, possibly called "The Bunker"

I'm trying to find out more about this (probabably online, probably from the mid-90s) TV show, possibly called "The Bunker" [more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks at 3:46 PM PST - 4 comments

VST for Linux?

What do Linux people do for realtime music effects? [more inside]
posted by Squid Voltaire at 3:26 PM PST - 5 comments

From Awful to Awesome

Are there any stories of people notable/talented/successful in their field who started out being completely crap? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 3:25 PM PST - 32 comments

I want to rock this when I'm not in My(Home)Space

Is there any legal way to buy a copy of Vera November's track "I know all the reasons"? [more inside]
posted by rbs at 3:23 PM PST - 0 comments

Injured football player

I remember an incident several years ago when an NFL player suffered a serious eye injury when he was hit in the face by a referee's penalty flag. I have forgotten the player's name, and I have never seen a follow-up to his injury. I vaguely recall at the time that it was suggested that his career might be over as a result of this incident. Can someone bring me up-to-date on the current status of this player?
posted by edavidoff at 3:19 PM PST - 7 comments

Mysterious sign, perhaps no longer in production?

I can't for the life of me find a picture of a particular road sign, which I consistently misunderstood as a child. It's a traffic sign in North America that I saw many times as a kid but almost never any more. It was a yellow-orange sign with a "no" symbol and some random-looking detritus behind it, which I later understood to be a crumpled can. Probably a "no littering" sign, but a search on that or like terms seems to turn up nothing! A pretty silly question, I know! I ask partly because when I was a kid, I thought the item behind the "no" sign was a mouser from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
posted by RedReplicant at 2:36 PM PST - 18 comments

Are there two kinds of love?

Love filter. How is gay love different from straight love? [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 2:15 PM PST - 43 comments

Nickname for a 1950s character

Help me name a fictional character -- need nicknames for a college-aged man in the 1950s. Buzz, Scooter, Butch, Jughead, etc... [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:56 PM PST - 42 comments

Express Free Market Parables

When and why in American history did reverence for the free market become caught up with christian fundamentalism? Was it a reaction to the coupling of atheism and communism or what?
posted by beerbajay at 1:52 PM PST - 24 comments

Supersized soup? Wtp?

What size bowl of noodle soups like pho or udon or ramen do restaurants serve a diner in their cultures of origin? [more inside]
posted by zepheria at 1:48 PM PST - 10 comments

Using PC Monitor for Console Games?

How can I play console games through my computer monitor? [more inside]
posted by flatluigi at 1:45 PM PST - 9 comments

Good hotels in Baton Rouge?

Going near Baton Rouge, LA for work. I need suggestions of good hotels to stay in the $80-$100 a night range. I also need suggestions of things to do in the evenings. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by exolstice at 1:42 PM PST - 2 comments

Test creation software?

Please help me find software for creating tests from a bank of questions, ideally open-source and even more ideally Linux. [more inside]
posted by fogovonslack at 1:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Participating in a Wine Crush

Have you ever participated in a winery's grape crush? Or do you know what that entails? What happens at the winery? How hard is the work? How long does it take? Tell me what you know about crush!
posted by amanda at 1:24 PM PST - 10 comments

Glenn Beck, the Fourth Reich and the fluoridation of precious bodily fluids

A dear family member has become a Glenn Beck devotee, worried about government tyranny &c. On the one hand I think Beck is a classic heel, irresponsible & insincere. On the other hand, I think there is definite value to smart people being highly suspicious of government. What literature or further reading can I suggest that might help relocate this impulse from Fox News Democrat-bashing to a more nonpartisan skepticism? [more inside, including The Rise of the Fourth Reich and the fluoridation of our precious bodily fluids] [more inside]
posted by blueshammer at 1:20 PM PST - 24 comments

Is a seller located in New York state required to put business address on label/packaging when shipping products?

consumer products/lawfilter: Is a seller located in New York state required to put her business address on packaging or labels when she ships her products to customers? If so, can you point me to the relevant law? I have researched this question, checked the UCC and BCL, reviewed FTC guidelines, and contacted the state attorney general's office, but to no avail. TIA.
posted by Majorita at 1:15 PM PST - 5 comments

What's in a name?

Sole traders in the UK + iPhone developer program. How did you register using your business name rather than your own? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 1:11 PM PST - 4 comments

Sermon illustration from Howie Hendricks

Help me recall a message illustration I believe from Dr. Howard (Howie) Hendricks - DTS - given probably between 1970-1978. The illustration was a humorous "Job Description for a Pastor" pointing out extremes in expectations for a pastor and family. [more inside]
posted by tronec at 1:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Fall fun in St Louis MO

I am spending next weekend in St Louis with teenagers. Any suggestions on stuff to do? Also are there restaurants that are vegetarian friendly (daughters) that would also have food to please a non-vegetarian (son)? [more inside]
posted by readery at 12:59 PM PST - 14 comments

A perfect afternoon in San Francisco.

The rest of this afternoon and into the early evening in San Francisco, no car but there is good public transport of course. I was hoping to hit the Exploratorium but they're closed on Mondays -- dang. It's a perfect afternoon... [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 12:34 PM PST - 4 comments

How to pass crash course in roommate communication

How can I ask my roomate to discuss her frustrations with me directly, instead of telling everyone but me? [more inside]
posted by Keysig at 12:18 PM PST - 22 comments

How?!: Perfume Smell OUT of Laundry.

Is it possible to get cologne smell out of clothing? I kind of "inherited" a half-dozen nice sweaters that reek of perfume, and I'm allergic as well. I've tried mucho baking soda and soaking in the wash machine; haven't tried vinegar yet; past (somewhat related) threads suggest Ozium and Synthrapol, but they're really not for this purpose.
posted by Shane at 12:12 PM PST - 11 comments

Need ideas for a NSFW Halloween costume!

Need ideas for a NSFW Halloween costume! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:10 PM PST - 40 comments

What's my (potential) job title?

Another "what's my job title/description" question. Difficulty level: yet to be created, largely secular position within a religious community. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:09 PM PST - 5 comments

Updating my portfolio website and need help with web navigation, images, hosting and more.

Updating my online portfolio and need help with web navigation, images, hosting and more. [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 12:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Are there privacy-respecting Facebook quiz apps?

Are there application platforms for building quizzes on Facebook that are not EVIL? [more inside]
posted by ausernamenooneelsehas at 11:43 AM PST - 1 comment

Need help dealing with the neighbor's little boy

The little neighbor boy thinks our house is the next best thing to Disney World and is over here all the time lately, but I have questions about dealing with other people's kids. [more inside]
posted by HotToddy at 11:41 AM PST - 33 comments

Looking for suggestions on books about sexual biology and/or psychology.

Looking for suggestions on non-fiction books about sexual biology and/or psychology. [more inside]
posted by hazyspring at 11:37 AM PST - 9 comments

Please help me sell books easily

How can I sell books without much effort? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 11:35 AM PST - 23 comments

If I rub dirt on it, it'll get infected!

What if I just want to walk it off? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 11:00 AM PST - 12 comments

Recommend me a printer

I and the boyfriend are in the market for a new printer. We're largely clueless and would rather not buy an awful one. Help? [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 10:59 AM PST - 18 comments

Where can I have a party in brooklyn?

Where can I find a relatively inexpensive venue to have a party (with alcohol) in Brooklyn, NY? [more inside]
posted by CharlesV42 at 10:59 AM PST - 6 comments

Rage Against the Elliptical Machine

What am I not getting about the elliptical machine at the gym? [more inside]
posted by Parasite Unseen at 10:57 AM PST - 28 comments

Drill recommendations requested

Please recommend a cheap, variable-torque, corded drill that will not destroy everything it touches. [more inside]
posted by Acari at 10:50 AM PST - 5 comments

USPS Nightmare

snailmailfilter: I recently moved and the Post Office messed up my "change of address" card... for the past ten weeks, all of my mail has been forwarded to Las Vegas...... [more inside]
posted by peewinkle at 10:49 AM PST - 1 comment

"student often made rude and inappropriate requests"

A question about university reference letter etiquette. [more inside]
posted by hector horace at 10:46 AM PST - 13 comments

ood places to network in Boston area?

Good places to network for helping finding a job in Boston area? (Especially marketing, events, media and technology) [more inside]
posted by IzzeYum at 10:39 AM PST - 2 comments

What can the judge do to Orly Taitz?

What can the judge do to Orly Taitz? [more inside]
posted by Flunkie at 10:26 AM PST - 10 comments

URL forwards in a frame

Is there a domain shortener like TinyURL that forwards, but keeps the http://tinyurl.com/whatever part stay in the address bar? [more inside]
posted by andrewzipp at 10:17 AM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a great therapist in Portland, OR.

Please recommend a therapist in Portland, Oregon. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:15 AM PST - 3 comments

"Liberal Catholic" doesn't have to be an oxymoron

Looking for liberal Catholic parishes in Toronto. [more inside]
posted by pised at 10:03 AM PST - 5 comments

Denver Smarties - the delicious nibble everyone loves!

Where can I find Nestle Smarties in Denver? [more inside]
posted by paisley sheep at 9:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Identify this Latin (Cuban?) Song Performance

I heard a song playing on the sound system in a restaurant that I would like to track down if I can identify it. It was sung in Spanish, in a Cuban musical style (similar to the more ballad-like tracks on many of the Buena Vista Social Club artists' records). The vocalist was most likely male, singing in that kind of 1930's/40's croony sound with a high tenor with lots of vibrato, or possibly a woman with a lower voice. What was distinctive about the track is that it prominently featured a cello, which is not something I'm used to hearing in Latin music. I do not know if it was actually an old song or a modern pastiche, and I didn't get any lyrics.
posted by matildaben at 9:49 AM PST - 8 comments

How do I sort my fastmail view out before I go insane?

Fastmail.fm users please help. Somehow I have made my inbox so that it doesn't show the folder list and the email messages side by side. It shows the email and a tiny bit of folder at the left. If I slide the cursor to the left (not using scroll bars) then the folder list appears. Slide to the right, the folder list slinks off to the side. It does not do it on any other computer I use. I'm in firefox. And I feel stoopid and it's really annoying me - please get my screen back static for me! thank you! This is so stupid and I know I should be able to find out the answer, but I CAN'T! I don't have a login to the fastmail forum thing (thought it was my same login as my email, but apparently not) and can't work out a form of words to search for. Yes, I realise I'm stupid.
posted by LyzzyBee at 9:45 AM PST - 3 comments

Best practices for keeping telecommuters connected?

I'm looking for suggestions of good ways to keep telecommuting software developers fully involved in the team. Recommendations for technical solutions or morale-related ones are equally welcome. [more inside]
posted by SomePerlGeek at 9:33 AM PST - 8 comments

DC-area therapy?

Looking for a therapist in the DC area to deal with general anxiety issues and depression. Some restrictions apply: [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I buy it filter: Flat Screen floor model.

I am looking for a TV to put downstairs. I was shopping at bestbuy and I found a floor model for sale. [more inside]
posted by Mastercheddaar at 8:58 AM PST - 5 comments

Over-the-shoulder-boulder-holderFilter: help me find one for my boulders :)

Bra help! I have big boobs and a small body, help me find inexpensive bras in size 32G, seemingly an oxymoron. [more inside]
posted by Gonestarfishing at 8:34 AM PST - 34 comments

Where is this table from?

Where in the world is this table (1 2) from? We got it at a yard sale. It's octagonal, about 27" in diameter, and 6" high, and it has metal ornamentation attached to the top. We were thinking South Asia, or perhaps North Africa, but really have no idea. Any help much appreciated!
posted by carter at 8:31 AM PST - 7 comments

Who designed these new logos for CW and MTV shows?

Working on a graphic design exhibition, and trying to source the designer(s) of these logos for Gossip Girl, Melrose Place, 90210, The Beautiful Life, and Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew. [more inside]
posted by D.Billy at 8:18 AM PST - 2 comments

Keeping the kids happy while the adults chat

What are some iPhone apps to amuse kids ages 4 - 8? I have the star wars "light saber" app and a mini piano app, and those have been big hits, but they are getting old now.
posted by bonsai forest at 8:14 AM PST - 24 comments

Picture my sister in Nepal frustrated in an internet cafe

My sister is going on a 3 week adventure in Nepal and is taking a 1 year old Canon Powershot SD1100 IS. She'd like to upload photos a few times while she is away to some sort of photo sharing site (flickr, photocbucket, or even facebook). She is wondering if it is possible to do this without first saving to a computer (she'll be in internet cafes) and if so how? Both she and I (obvs) are new to this digital camera stuff.
posted by Pineapplicious at 8:08 AM PST - 11 comments

Can you use airport amnesty bins to erase certain crimes?

Where can I find the written laws that regulate amnesty bins at airports? (Amnesty bins are the bins right before the metal detectors in some airports where you can, according to signs, throw away anything that you can't take through security without penalty.) And, related, are these actually legally binding, or just a gentlemen's agreement? Could someone hypothetically put a stolen painting in the bin, and be free of legal consequence of having stolen it?
posted by Damn That Television at 8:07 AM PST - 19 comments

How do I come to terms with my boyfriend's refusal to marry me?

So my boyfriend and I had the marriage talk; he said no. I'm having difficulty coming to terms with it. Help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:01 AM PST - 54 comments

Un Chi Chien Andalou

Does anyone have any details about this East Asian song? [more inside]
posted by cloeburner at 7:54 AM PST - 10 comments

Help make our Pomeraninag feel at home in a new house.

How can we make a nice, safe and attractive area for our dog in the new living room? [more inside]
posted by spacefire at 7:52 AM PST - 14 comments

What's name of this book?

In elementary school in the late '70s, my teacher read us a wonderful book about two young siblings spending a cold winter in Lapland. I think the title is "The Star of Akhbar," but I'm not sure since I can't seem to find it online. I would love to get this book for a friend's child. Please let me know if you know the real title. Many thanks in advance!
posted by lunachick at 7:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Help put the tradewinds in my britches.

I want to do a 2-3 week cycling trip in a foreign country around New year. Need suggestions as to locales/routes. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by letahl at 7:35 AM PST - 10 comments

Help me choose an affordable, modern TV

Good modern flat screen TV around 27" and in the $300-400 range? [more inside]
posted by fx3000 at 7:33 AM PST - 13 comments

How to get connected and get working as a retoucher in Berlin?

Talented, creative, experienced (but mostly non-German-speaking) Canadian digital artist looking for postproduction/retouching work in Berlin. Got any leads or advice for my girlfriend? [more inside]
posted by freudenschade at 7:27 AM PST - 0 comments

To Leave or Not to Leave My Life Behind?

To Leave or Not to Leave My Life Behind? [more inside]
posted by simpleton at 7:26 AM PST - 18 comments

Help me make a moodboard!

Help! A potential client asked me to make a moodboard for their new product (a range of healthy snacks). They asked a few other designers to do this as well and based on these boards they are going to decide which designer will do their logo etc. Problem is that even though I'm an experienced graphic designer I have never done a moodboard! Or even been given one to work with, come to think of it. So I'm in desperate need for some good advice / pointers / tips! What is the quickest way to get good at this? Any resources (video courses, tutorials, books) you can recommend are more than welcome.
posted by dinkyday at 7:26 AM PST - 10 comments

Moving past social anxiety

Does anyone else feel like an imposter? I often have a hard time building relationships with people. I can be polite and make small talk with other people, but I struggle with making friends. I struggle with social anxiety which is part of the problem, but how do you move past it and build relationships with other people so that they are genuinely interested in getting to know you better? [more inside]
posted by Garden at 7:25 AM PST - 13 comments

Economist jobs?

Are the NGO executive job listings in the Economist real or is it just some sort of legal requirement that they must advertise? How about the science jobs listed in New Scientist? [more inside]
posted by smackfu at 6:59 AM PST - 11 comments

How can I find an acupuncturist with an MD or DO in my area?

How can I find an acupuncturist with an MD or DO in my area (South of Boston)? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 6:55 AM PST - 1 comment

Where in North/Central London did I see a model of London?

Where in London, UK did I see a "model village"-style map of the city centre? In a building near Bloomsbury, it was pretty big (something like 2x3m) and at ground level just inside a private building's glass front wall. It was astonishingly detailed, with all the buildings in a few square miles of central London represented as scale models. [more inside]
posted by metaBugs at 6:48 AM PST - 4 comments

Why is "win" often implicitly considered a conditional verb?

Grammarians: Is it OK to take liberties with the word "win" when publicizing a contest or draw? [more inside]
posted by wackybrit at 6:46 AM PST - 16 comments

Please help me find a good Boston-area dermatologist who can tell me within a month if this is cancer or a mild annoyance.

Freaky-looking unpigmented spots have appeared on my arms. Mass General Dermatology has no appointments until January. Please help me find a good dermatologist in the Cambridge/Boston area who knows the difference between "sometimes skin just looks like that" and "skin cancer." [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 6:43 AM PST - 13 comments

Hopelessly lost in algebra land

I am having the hardest time working with positive and negative integers in elementary algebra. Please hope me. [more inside]
posted by hollygoheavy at 6:40 AM PST - 20 comments

There's a rat in the drain!

[Book/Story-filter] Trying to place a book or maybe short story from my youth (child of the late 70s-80s). The only thing I can remember is a guy going swimming at the Y. He thinks he sees a towel stuck in the drain at the bottom of the pool, but once he gets down there he realizes it is a rat coming out of the drain. It could be a really popular book for all I know. I just know that it scared the crap out of me and still freaks me out to this day a bit. Any ideas?
posted by speeb at 6:32 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm in huge debt and have no idea what to do with my life.

Just graduated from a top business school in the United States (H/S/W/K/M, etc.). I am $130k in debt, with payments of $1200 per month staring at me from 6 months away. I'm still not sure what I want to do with my life. Help! [more inside]
posted by alternateuniverse at 6:13 AM PST - 16 comments

What is this (possibly train-related) device?

I saw this thing on a recent trip to a train museum - does anyone know what it is? [more inside]
posted by humpy at 5:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me find A5 diary refills in any colour other than white?

Where can I find A5 diary page refills in anything other than white? [more inside]
posted by ceri richard at 5:39 AM PST - 2 comments

SRS / Anki and Declensions

I'm learning Ancient Greek, and I'm exploring Spaced Repetition Systems as a learning technique. I've added all of my vocabulary to a deck in Anki, but I'm stuck with declensions. What's the best way to practice declensions in an SRS system?
posted by zenja72 at 5:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Protection in a weakening economy

Our deficit and our debt are at record levels, even compared to WWII. Then, the debt was financed internally, not by other countries, so the interest we could pay was lower and the money was recycled in the U.S. Now, the debt and deficit are mostly financed by other countries through bond offerings and the like. And as they grow, those debtor countries will want higher interest rates on repayments, which drains money out of the U.S. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 5:16 AM PST - 4 comments

Hey, meme-spreader! Get laid! Get plucked!

Did you have a "Mony Mony" chant? If so, what was it? (kinda NSFW) [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 4:12 AM PST - 51 comments

Help Me Recall a Scary Movie

[Moviefilter] Any ideas on the name of this scary movie from my youth? [more inside]
posted by jjderooy at 4:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Everybody has a story

I like biographies of ordinary/non-famous people with interesting stories to tell, or stories from before they became notable. Can anyone recommend any? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 1:53 AM PST - 40 comments

Seeking the ultimate media center PC.

Looking to build/buy a (maybe) Linux-based media center. Requirements: HDMI, YPbPr, and (bonus) standard RCA output (not all at once), region-free DVD/Blu-ray playing (physical drive[s?]), some sort of remote control, automatic boot into media center interface, small size (not a tower), and (of course) lots and lots of codecs: Blu-ray rips, H.264 .avi, VIDEO_TS folders, the works. Need to know: cost, upkeep, storage options. [more inside]
posted by reductiondesign at 1:27 AM PST - 5 comments

My partner, my nemesis

My business partner is driving me crazy - I always and constantly have negative thoughts about him. How do I resolve this? [more inside]
posted by ChabonJabon at 12:18 AM PST - 11 comments

Long Distance Love Affair

several years ago I met a man and we had a brief relationship. We've maintained a friendship through other relationships. We have both always been honest about our attraction to each other but live a few hours drive away from each other. Recently my circumstances changed and as it happens we are both available. We both are interested in seeing each other and he said he'd be willing to move as an eventuality if things work out. As it stands with our jobs it works out so that technically we could see one another twice a month if we wanted to. I have a few questions for the hive, what are ways people in a long distance relationship can stay close, Has anyone out there had a successful transition after moving in together, and has anyone not tried and regretted it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:10 AM PST - 7 comments

October 4

Cranberry salsa recipe!

Give me your best cranberry salsa recipe! [more inside]
posted by runaway ballista at 11:22 PM PST - 3 comments

Best Canadian iPhone Plan?

I'm in Canada. I have a new contractless iPhone. What's the best voice/data plan for me? [more inside]
posted by timeistight at 10:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Tunisian crochet hook sources?

Where do I buy aluminum or bamboo Tunisian (afghan) crochet hooks in Los Angeles? Alternatively, is there a reputable online source for them? I'm looking for something in the smaller sizes-- it's for a scarf, so no size-Q monster hooks. I've seen plastic ones here and there, but I'm tough on plastic hooks and would prefer to avoid them. Thanks!
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 9:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Can I get a 3X game?

I want a 4X game, but without the warfare. Are there any such games? [more inside]
posted by JDHarper at 9:29 PM PST - 17 comments

I'm on the schedule to teach at an event, but can't afford to travel there!

I'm on the board of directors of an org that's hosting an event. I'm expected to pay my way to the event, though I'm teaching and donating my time. This is a serious financial hardship for me, but not for some of my peers. How do I ask for/get assistance when they don't need it? How do I encourage the org to move to this model for everyone? [more inside]
posted by FlyByDay at 9:07 PM PST - 17 comments

Looking for High Res Pic of World Map

Looking for a High Res. Political Map to Print on Canvas [more inside]
posted by Atarah at 8:57 PM PST - 9 comments

Gluten free pizza in Portland?

Can you recommend a pizza place in Portland, Oregon, that has gluten-free options? [more inside]
posted by mattbucher at 8:47 PM PST - 10 comments

'Gorecom' recommendations

Movie recommendations! [more inside]
posted by abitha! at 8:37 PM PST - 25 comments

A mental health/academic support quandary

I have some information which may be critical to my friend's future/safety, but I obtained it in a somewhat dubious way. I'd just like to hear your thoughts on the position I'm in. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:30 PM PST - 21 comments

Long Island rocketship?

Inspired by this question, I'd like to determine what playground I loved to be taken to in the late 1960s, early 1970s on Long Island, probably in Nassau County. The most salient feature was a climb-on rocket ship. Was it at Jones Beach?
posted by Morrigan at 8:10 PM PST - 4 comments

Can't even say it!

This is going to sound neurotic as hell! It's about farting. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:57 PM PST - 26 comments

I want to want to stop drinking. And I sort of do. But I don't.

How can I make myself actually *want* to stop drinking, rather than just intellectually *know* that I should, then feel guilty for not even trying? How can I motivate myself to keep attempting to quit? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:57 PM PST - 20 comments

Cawfee tawk

Good coffee hangout, Somerville/Medford/Malden or thereabouts? [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 7:33 PM PST - 15 comments

Tha ma ra boum de hé (not the dirty schoolyard chant)

Can anybody track down a version of "Tha ma ra boum de hé" or "Tah Rah Rah Boom Di Ay" performed on solo accordion (no vocals or anything)? A digital version is preferred but if I need to track down an old LP somewhere I'm willing to go on a quest.
posted by Overzealous at 7:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Wedding Day +365

Help us find a great first anniversary restaurant in Chicago! [more inside]
posted by santojulieta at 6:59 PM PST - 15 comments

Will my sourdough sponge wear out before I get to bake with it?

Sourdough baking and time management: Did I start my sponge at the wrong time? I have a nice looking sponge, but I won't be able to bake until after work tomorrow (20 hours or so). What should I do with it, at this point? [more inside]
posted by chowflap at 6:59 PM PST - 11 comments

Alternatives to Sage Too?

Are there any good alternatives to the Sage Too Firefox extension? [more inside]
posted by Doofus Magoo at 6:57 PM PST - 7 comments

I can't click and drag on my MacBook!

I can't click and drag! I have a silver MacBook that I got in October. A few days ago, the trackpad stopped working and wouldn't let me click. I restarted, and it works for everything but clicking and dragging. (Does that make sense? I can't highlight text, or make a box to take a screen shot, or do a drag and drop, or anything that requires clicking and dragging.) I plugged in an external mouse to see if that would fix it, and it didn't. I did some googling and someone suggested Main Menu. I tried this and it didn't work. I still can't drag and drop! I would rather avoid the Genius Bar, though I am still under warranty. Can you help?
posted by iliketolaughalot at 6:44 PM PST - 4 comments

Please suggest video games you think I'd like, based on the stuff I already like!

Please suggest video games you think I'd like, based on the stuff I already like! [more inside]
posted by ixohoxi at 6:20 PM PST - 24 comments

How can I get over him while I'm still in love?

How can I get over him when I fell for hard for him? Recently my "friend" I have been seeing dumped me. Ok, his name is Alex. We said we would take it as friends and see where it goes since I prefer my relationships to go like that anyway but I need to get over what happened just over the summer. This is going to be LONG, I must warn you. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:12 PM PST - 19 comments

Is my house seller trying to jerk me around?

Is my house seller trying to jerk me around? Specific liability legalese inside. [more inside]
posted by bkhahn at 5:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Need more live punk rock, please.

I work too much and don't get out anymore. Help me acquire some (more) great live punk rock albums/DVDs. [more inside]
posted by Ufez Jones at 5:47 PM PST - 16 comments

Itunes/phone music sunc trouble

Cant easily sync itunes and Iphone. Running latest versions of both software. I can sync everything else but only way to sync music seems to be I had to check all of the songs in my core iTunes music folder as if i was selecting them to be played. When I synched my music from there it worked fine. Bug I think but this seemed to work. Any suggestions? Who writes itunes software anyway: really non-intuitive
posted by dougiedd at 4:59 PM PST - 7 comments

How to manage feelings in BDSM/casual sex relaionships?

Your tips on figuring out my feelings as I enter into casual play relationships? (risque elaboration within) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:55 PM PST - 10 comments

Help with touchy situation

I have moved back to my home town after about ten years. Throughout those years, an ex-boyfriend has been slandering me to old friends, colleagues, etc. I haven’t been in touch with a lot of these people and simply didn’t want to talk about the situation, so I didn’t. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:54 PM PST - 14 comments

Does Norton offer a *human* anti-virus?

My mom has been in constant pain for the past two months (likely from a virus). I'm hoping someone may have a suggestion to help her get back to a normal life. Details to follow... [more inside]
posted by Kippersoft at 4:51 PM PST - 14 comments

ACL Surgery Advice Please

Going in for ACL replacement in a few days - what can I do between now and then to prepare for the next few weeks? [more inside]
posted by swngnmonk at 4:35 PM PST - 8 comments

Searching for roast saint recipe

I once read an old cookbook that, at the end, had a recipe for saint. I want to find it again. Any clues? [more inside]
posted by kenko at 4:21 PM PST - 3 comments

What are my chances of successfully replacing the hinge on a Thinkpad X60 Tablet?

What are my chances of successfully replacing the hinge on a Thinkpad X60 Tablet? [more inside]
posted by em at 4:15 PM PST - 9 comments

Chantez!

What are some French music artists in the vein of Tryo, Vincent Delerm, Grand Corps Malade, Ogres de Barback and Benabar? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 3:58 PM PST - 3 comments

How much can a teenager charge for yard work?

What would be a fair price to ask? Per hour? Square foot? Give me some input. [more inside]
posted by bobertdude at 3:48 PM PST - 8 comments

Bookstores: Is it ok to read merchandise you're not going to buy in the bookstore's cafe?

Bookstores: Is it ok to read merchandise you're not going to buy in the bookstore's cafe? [more inside]
posted by capitalist.pig at 3:16 PM PST - 59 comments

Are My Green Cookies Going to Kill Me?

What turned my cookies green? [more inside]
posted by RedEmma at 2:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Seeking piano suggestions

I would love some recommendations for lively, pretty, classical piano music, preferably in a major key... [more inside]
posted by beccyjoe at 2:25 PM PST - 21 comments

Reading a dialogue in a british accent.

I need someone to record this dialogue in a british accent. Where/How? [more inside]
posted by Memo at 2:02 PM PST - 11 comments

Angriest interpretation of Beethoven?

What are the most intense, angriest interpretations of Beethoven? What about even more intense composers and interpretations of those?
posted by Josh Coe at 1:35 PM PST - 11 comments

Email feeds unreadable, overlapping text

I have gotten a few emails that people are having troubles with viewing the posts in the email they receive (feedreaders are fine), it comes through "all scrunched up" and over-lapping in text and picture. After checking different things on my end; feedburner site, emails, feedreaders, I am still working on getting this fixed and need to narrow down the issue. [more inside]
posted by Frugalforlife at 1:12 PM PST - 5 comments

Best overview book on the Vietnam War?

Looking for an essential nonfiction overview (among many available) on the Vietnam War. Any suggestions?
posted by snap_dragon at 1:00 PM PST - 14 comments

Do you recognize this folk song?

A friend and fellow music teacher taught me this song, telling me it was "in the folk tradition." But I can't find anything out about it and he can't tell me anything more. Do you recognize it? [more inside]
posted by argybarg at 12:49 PM PST - 2 comments

Ground and hot wires touched-safe?

[Electricity Filter]: Ground wire touched hot wire and singed the contact point; are we safe to use the appliance? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Green at 12:46 PM PST - 9 comments

A ring....

OK, I've searched all over the internet, MeFi and tons of blogs. I've learned a lot, but I haven't found what I'm looking for. I want to carve a simple ring design for my girlfriend, out of jewelers wax, then send it to a professional silversmith and have it cast. Now I could do it myself, but I neither have the space nor the equipment to do it properly. So yes I have seen and read just about every tutorial about DIY casting. So...anyone out there know where I could find an actual silversmith, only found one, they want a minimum of 25 pieces....
posted by tropikal at 12:41 PM PST - 11 comments

What color tie with a Dark Plum Suit?

My brown suit looks more like a dark plum color; need suggestions for shirt & tie colors... [more inside]
posted by NYScott at 12:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Best sources for information on the primary election in Chicago?

Best sources for information on the primary election in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by a robot made out of meat at 11:47 AM PST - 2 comments

Slightly less drama than The Bill

UKLawFilter: I don't watch TV. My housemates do. What legal defence do I have? I think it's necessary to expand a little [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:34 AM PST - 22 comments

Too horny. Can't think. Need sex.

I'm a mid-20s British male and I haven't had sex for about three years. Manual Overides are barely taking the edge off these days and the horniess is getting so bad I can't think clearly. Help me get laid. Complications inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:34 AM PST - 31 comments

Does anyone know of Greasemonkey script for to add Spotify links to Amazon.co.uk pages?

Does anyone know of Greasemonkey script for to add Spotify links to Amazon.co.uk pages? [more inside]
posted by feelinglistless at 11:27 AM PST - 1 comment

Name That Larvae

Are these mosquito larvae or something else? [more inside]
posted by crapmatic at 11:18 AM PST - 4 comments

teethwhitening, teeth, tooth

I'm looking for an effective and relatively inexpensive way to whiten my teeth. Every time I shop for a product, I leave emptyhanded, confused about all the choices. [more inside]
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 11:18 AM PST - 15 comments

How can I get my laptop to work with a wired connection?

Follow up to this question. We tried the D-link, but it doesn't seem to be working with the laptop. The desktop computer connects fine. The laptop also doesn't recognize the desktop for file sharing. [more inside]
posted by biochemist at 11:16 AM PST - 3 comments

Two Weeks Later...Not You Again!

Is there a way to lengthen my annoyingly short menstrual cycle? Discussion of menstruation and good times after the jump! [more inside]
posted by fantine at 11:05 AM PST - 17 comments

Who was that noir/gothic/steampunk dude?

Super vague and obscure comicy question: Help me remember this steampunk/gothic/noir graphic-novel type story from the 1980's. [more inside]
posted by washburn at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments

How can I make mindmaps that export to outline format?

I am frequently take education courses delivered as power point video presentations. I've found that using a mindmap is a good way for me to record the information. However, while the map is great, it's not as useful for review. I'm wondering how I can export a mindmap to an outline format on any platform? [more inside]
posted by diode at 10:25 AM PST - 4 comments

Online Shopping

Help me relocate a certain online shopping search engine. [more inside]
posted by inactivist at 10:09 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me fix my bifold door.

How do I repair my bifold door? [more inside]
posted by Wordwoman at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments

Ancient servant carrying a tray of drinks in a movie

Can you think of a movie in which a doddering old servant makes his way, at painful and ridiculous low speed, across a room carrying a tray of drinks?
posted by markcmyers at 9:35 AM PST - 20 comments

Surely those old newspapers go somewhere

How do I get a copy of a newspaper... that's NOT today's? [more inside]
posted by The Biggest Dreamer at 9:29 AM PST - 8 comments

give all your informations to me

In this New York Times article about E. coli in processed hamburger meats, the reporter interviewed employees and unearthed documents to get his scoop. How does an investigative journalist accomplish these feats? How does a reporter get people to divulge critical information?
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 8:54 AM PST - 8 comments

What were other people's foot surgery experiences like?

Found out I need surgery on my foot to repair a torn ligament. Looking for tips and stories from people that have been there done that. Plus I have some extra hurtles facing me due to the surgery.... [more inside]
posted by gwenlister at 8:53 AM PST - 6 comments

Is it illegal to use 700MHz?

Is it illegal to use 700MHz frequency for microphones now? What is the situation regarding the 700MHz range? Is anyone actually using it, or has it just been auctioned off? Has anyone had any troubles using it?
posted by willcosgrove at 8:50 AM PST - 6 comments

Find IBM Ad

Hey does anyone remember this IBM commercial from the late 90's or so? [more inside]
posted by canoehead at 8:34 AM PST - 2 comments

Is this guru for real?

What do you know about Nithyananda and the Life Bliss Foundation? Should I be worried that my partner is embracing this new spiritual path that is so alien to me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:26 AM PST - 17 comments

This Duck Walks Into a Bar...

What are your recommended stand-up comedy albums or DVDs? [more inside]
posted by netbros at 7:28 AM PST - 64 comments

Question about unemployment benefits

I started a new job this week after over a year collecting unemployment. I got my last unemployment check the wednesday of my first week of work. Then on Friday, I got paid. [more inside]
posted by josher71 at 7:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Film cameras used to be so straightforward...

PhotoFilter: Is the Coolpix 5000 still a good camera for general household use? Was it ever? [more inside]
posted by jon1270 at 6:17 AM PST - 12 comments

How to write to someone who's dying?

How do I write a thank-you card to a sister-in-law who is dying? [more inside]
posted by stenoboy at 6:16 AM PST - 13 comments

Getting a Business Card Designed

My blog is starting to do well and I'd like to get to get some business cards to hand out at a trade show in a few months. I've looked into the do-it-yourself approach but I haven't been happy with the templates I've found or the designs I've made myself. Even though I don't really want to spend a lot of money, I'm thinking it might be worthwhile to invest in a professionally designed card. So, can anyone recommend a business card designer and give me some idea of what it might cost? I also want someone who can print the cards and do it right. [more inside]
posted by 14580 at 5:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Diagnose Strange Eating Malady

Diagnose this problem I have been having for several years and is getting worse. Often when I eat I start having hiccups, then, sometimes, I end up having to vomit. [more inside]
posted by Mickelstiff at 5:02 AM PST - 8 comments

Will I get a a refund for the time spent lauching a new satellite?

What happens when the satellite my pay-tv satellite-dish is pointing at dies? [more inside]
posted by Jimbob at 4:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Finding an MP3 of TMBG rarity "No Answer"?

I'm looking for a rare/unreleased They Might Be Giants track. I had a much loved mp3 of the song that was lost in a HD/ipod crash. The song is named "No Answer" I found a few lame (but spirited) covers, but not the original dial-a-song bootleg. Any TMBG hoarders able to deliver on this one? The youtube cover simply doesn't do it for me.
posted by LimePi at 4:26 AM PST - 2 comments

iPhone filter: Which country got the best deal?

iPhone filter: Which country got the best deal? [more inside]
posted by hipersons at 1:22 AM PST - 10 comments

October 3

How far could a starship travel in 900?

What distance could a ship circumnavigate, using theoretically proven technologies, by the end of the century, traveling as far into space as possible and still returning home in 900 years? [more inside]
posted by marcuswebb at 11:19 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me give relief to a friend's dog.

I have met some new friends recently and they have a 10 year old golden retriever who is suffering from a list of allergies so long it could fill a book. Removing the exposure to allergens is impossible. I want to help them reduce the strength of the symptoms. [more inside]
posted by Pseudology at 10:28 PM PST - 14 comments

I need help locating an article about how single men are more successful than married men.

Looking for an article regarding the fact that single men are responsible for more social breakthroughs than are married men/fathers. [more inside]
posted by myodometer at 10:08 PM PST - 3 comments

Lost My GoogleFu. Boo. :)

Website Creation - What do I look for in order to find how to make a website of a particular type; the sort that is a background image with no visible links; but hovering over an item in, and then clicking over an item in, the background image acts as a link? I'm sure there's loads of instructions out there but I can't even find a site to show what I mean, letalone use search terms that return any kind of meaningful results! [more inside]
posted by DrtyBlvd at 9:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Musical Jelly Beans - jayisgames

google-fu = poor. I am looking for a flash game involving multi coloured jelly beans which serve as triggers for different musical instruments. [more inside]
posted by FusiveResonance at 7:01 PM PST - 2 comments

Give me my Money!

How to recover/break MS Money password? [more inside]
posted by asuprenant at 6:56 PM PST - 3 comments

Another typically American AskMeFi question

In the Boston area, what should one expect to pay to have two wisdom teeth removed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:34 PM PST - 9 comments

How is IMDB matching people to "distinguishing" roles?

How does IMDB decide how to distinguish one actor/director search result from another? [more inside]
posted by specialagentwebb at 6:26 PM PST - 8 comments

When the options are endless, it's hard to think of them.

Feeling a little bleh, and like I need to get out of the house for a bit. Problem: it's the middle of the night. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by alon at 5:19 PM PST - 18 comments

Is sauna therapy particularly useful?

Are the benefits of sauna therapy real? Some family members of mine talk about saunas being useful for "getting out heavy metals." Supposedly, the body sweats them out. [more inside]
posted by mdpatrick at 4:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Whats that design site?

Whats that site? Freelance logo and website design by a community. [more inside]
posted by SirStan at 3:58 PM PST - 7 comments

Name that book: super powers from imagining you're sucking on a funny shape?

Is this a real book? All I remember is that 1 or more characters could activate some kind of special powers or transformational abilities by imagining the shape of a particular object in their mouth. [more inside]
posted by vytae at 3:57 PM PST - 4 comments

Name that (electronic) Mark E Smith Tune

I was in the Reverse Garbage Container Gallery in Sydney yesterday, and they had a piece of electronica featuring Mark E. Smith of the Fall on the radio. An hour searching around the internet hasn't really enlightened me as to what this tune was. Does anyone have any ideas?
posted by singingfish at 3:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me find an earworm from a cartoon...

It's an animated short from (probably) Liquid Television in the early nineties. It's got explorers on ships that find a new world and change the natives with religion and money. It's backed by an old song in Spanish from a scratchy record that I can remember no words to. [more inside]
posted by Red Loop at 3:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Thai-to-English Translation Sought for Butthole Surfers Fan

Do you speak Thai? Can you translate this song into English?* This mp3 link is performed by the original artist, who remains unknown, and was infamously plundered by the Butthole Surfers in 1987 to create the track "Kuntz" on the album Locust Abortion Technician. [more inside]
posted by not_on_display at 3:27 PM PST - 6 comments

Swedish Chef Theme Song

Theme song filter: I really like the song that is the opening to the Swedish Chef skit on the Muppet Show. IMDB seems to suggest that there is a recording of this song that I could buy, but I can't find anything on Amazon or Google. So, I query the hive mind: anyone know where I can get this song, preferably without the chef "singing along"?
posted by jrockway at 3:16 PM PST - 2 comments

Can I salvage these tomatoes?

While trying to cook a large quantity of tomatoes for sauce, I accidentally burned a few on the bottom of the pan. Now the burnt aroma pervades the entire (did I mention large) batch of tomatoes. Is there any way to salvage this project? [more inside]
posted by Orinda at 3:15 PM PST - 9 comments

Non-steroid alternative for toddler asthma?

allergist wants to put our two-year daughter old on FLOVENT -- wife and I would prefer to avoid giving her steroids - is CROMOLYN as effective for cold virus-induced asthma in a toddler?
posted by LittlePumpkin at 2:52 PM PST - 25 comments

Health/Diet Podcasts

What is your favorite health/diet podcast?
posted by gocubbies at 2:49 PM PST - 2 comments

Should I get my FLUTDed cat a urethrostomy?

My male 5-year-old 20lbs cat has FLUTD. He's been hospitalized once and they thought he was doing better, but now that I have him home he's peeing somewhat, but still seems like he has [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 2:40 PM PST - 8 comments

Hunk of Burning Love Needed

How do I burn a dvd on a mac from an iso file with subtitles? [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 2:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Is yahoo.net a valid email extension?

Is yahoo.net a valid email extension? [more inside]
posted by agathafrye at 2:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Visualizing home colors

So, it's time to paint my 100 year old house in Portland. How to choose colors? Are there any good online resources, in particular image galleries of homes painted specific colors? (i.e., "this 1925 craftsman is painted Benjamin Moore 741 Eggplant, with trim colors 219 Cream Soda and 987 Driftwood Sand") [more inside]
posted by dacoit at 2:17 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me find a list of nice hotels outside of NYC?

Please help me find an affordable, nice/romantic hotel outside of NYC. [more inside]
posted by coolguy#1 at 1:55 PM PST - 6 comments

Am I incontinent?

Am I incontinent? [Lady-parts and bodily-functions filter] [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me deal with my mentally ill father, who I still need to talk to.

How should I go about handling my (very) mentally ill father who goes through (primarily) emotionally/psychologically abusive phases with anyone he holds a relationship with? Completely cutting off contact is probably not a solution for a few reasons. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:27 PM PST - 24 comments

USB key-friendly photo viewer for Windows /w tagging?

Can you recommend a lightweight, USB key-friendly photo viewer software for Windows that supports tagging? [more inside]
posted by onshi at 1:04 PM PST - 11 comments

My first 'proper' dinner party with family, what should I serve?

My first 'proper' dinner party with family, what should I serve? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 12:37 PM PST - 21 comments

Lend me your dirty mind.

Help me make 'Cripple Creek' more R-rated. [more inside]
posted by ctmf at 12:35 PM PST - 4 comments

request Ableton/Alpha Lexicon recording help, please

I have Ableton and a Lexicon Alpha interface but I can't really make music because of TWO problems I cannot solve: (1) horrible screeching feedback; (2) I can make midi tracks and hear them playback but I cannot hear my voice when I play it back. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me buy a netbook, camera, and bike.

Help me buy a netbook, a low-end digital camera, and a bike. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 12:18 PM PST - 16 comments

Developing at home cooking lessons for kids.

My friend's nine year old daughter is interested in cooking, and I've decided to give her some informal lessons. But I have no idea where to start! [more inside]
posted by elsietheeel at 12:10 PM PST - 25 comments

How long should I wait?

Question’s about my virgin girlfriend pertaining to sex and sexuality. [more inside]
posted by RawrGulMuffins at 11:53 AM PST - 48 comments

Citiassist assistance

In order to pay for graduate school a few years back, I took out two CitiAssist loans to pay for food and rent. A couple of years on, I've consolidated all of my federal loans, but the CitiAssist loans can't be consolidated with federal loans. [more inside]
posted by Sara Anne at 11:30 AM PST - 4 comments

How old is this ring?

Please help me get an idea how old this ring is, and what stone is in it. [more inside]
posted by angry.polymath at 11:27 AM PST - 11 comments

Private table tennis lessons in Boston

Recommend a teacher for private table tennis lessons in Boston. If you or someone you know has studied with somebody great, please let me know. [more inside]
posted by sleevener at 11:16 AM PST - 2 comments

What surreal vdeo is this?

A few years ago I saw this video type thing and am wondering the name. Its kind of fuzzy memory. A girl is sitting in front of a class of people. They were saying she is empty inside. A guy went inside of her and was lost in a desert. I forget the rest and I am very stumped.
posted by AdamOddo at 11:14 AM PST - 2 comments

DVD headspin!

Time for a new DVD player. Format confusion! Resources? [more inside]
posted by mwhybark at 11:05 AM PST - 17 comments

Make me more geeky!

How can I (non-programmer), create a customized installer? (see details please!) [more inside]
posted by stevyb at 10:56 AM PST - 7 comments

Find a new life for the remains of mugs

What to do with broken ceramic mugs? [more inside]
posted by brambory at 10:55 AM PST - 9 comments

Vixia HG-21 Video Capture Issues

Hello, I am trying to capture AVCHD footage from a Canon Vixia HG21. The proprietary software included with the camera is no longer available to me and I need another solution. I would ideally like to use Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 but it is not recognizing the camera. [more inside]
posted by occidental at 10:27 AM PST - 6 comments

My thirds aren't equal; help!

Help me divide a sheet of paper equally with tape, please! [more inside]
posted by dpcoffin at 10:23 AM PST - 7 comments

Too much dust in apartment

Dust, dust, everywhere! I recently moved to a new apartment on the 12th floor of a high rise building in Philadelphia and find that dust accumulates all over everything like crazy. Is there something I can do to slow it down? [more inside]
posted by Aanidaani at 10:13 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me find a french song

Help me find a pop french song, I only remember little bits from its music video (more inside). [more inside]
posted by jgwong at 9:37 AM PST - 0 comments

How can I download a free US-only iPhone app from the UK

I'm in the UK and want to download a free app that is only available through the US iTunes/App Store. I have memberships of both the UK and US iTunes stores, but unfortunately the credit card on my US account has expired. When it comes to the point at which I download the app (on either the computer or the phone) it asks for an updated credit card. If I could convince someone to "lend" me their iTunes login details for a short while, even if there was no money on their card, would this work? Anyone tried this or willing to help?
posted by skylar at 9:32 AM PST - 12 comments

How to make a Flaming Moe cocktail from the Simpsons

Help me figure out how to make a Flaming Moe (Flaming Homer) for a Simpsons Costume Party tonight, please! [more inside]
posted by willie11 at 9:27 AM PST - 15 comments

How can you make XP Pro to run USB ports at 2.0 speed?

Why are my netbook's USB 2.0 ports running at 1.1 speed under XP Pro, and what can I do to fix this? [more inside]
posted by yggdrasil at 9:23 AM PST - 7 comments

Where can I find a database of cookbook indexes?

Where can I find a database of cookbook indexes? [more inside]
posted by chefscotticus at 9:13 AM PST - 4 comments

Is there a good way to "shop around" animal shelters for pet adoption?

I'm a potential dog adopter. Is there a responsible way to "shelter-shop", and if so how do I do it? [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 8:59 AM PST - 23 comments

I don't mind paying for music, but where can I get it?

I don't mind paying a fair price for music I enjoy. Can someone please suggest a good mp3 download site? [more inside]
posted by NoraCharles at 8:39 AM PST - 31 comments

No more bulges in the old onion bag

I like watching sports but don't particularly like listening to the commentators. Surely I am not alone in this. So why don't they broadcast commentator-free audio on the SAP channel? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 8:20 AM PST - 18 comments

Heart of a Dog - sacred Nile reference?

In the Bulgakov novella "Heart of a Dog", the famous doctor repeatedly sings the words "toward the sacred banks of the Nile" and "from Seville to Grenada" yet there is now explanation of it. I have found no answer anywhere. Anyone know the reference?
posted by 8699oriel at 8:12 AM PST - 5 comments

My girlfriend is getting a bit suspicious that I keep googling for a "nice rack."

I can't believe I'm asking this, but I want a magazine rack next to my toilet and can't seem to find one anywhere that doesn't look like it belongs at my grandparents' house. [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon at 8:10 AM PST - 12 comments

Worth improving my web skills to get a job?

At 35, if I made the effort to acquire the skills, could I get a web developer job? [more inside]
posted by wyn at 8:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Looking for info on marketing to children

I am researching the topic of marketing to childrens and tweens and looking for related of books / e-books ,papers,journals, websites/databases. Any recommendation ?
posted by elpapacito at 7:46 AM PST - 3 comments

What are the must-sees in Durham NC?

Durham, NC filter: what are the must see, must do, must eat places around town? what are the biggest attractions for outsiders who might be considering moving to the area? Durham Bulls game? art galleries? 9th street? (is mcdonald's drugstore still around?)
posted by unlucky.lisp at 7:43 AM PST - 13 comments

Modern Q*bert-style game?

I miss Q*bert 3 for SNES. Is there anything like it on Xbox Indie Games (or elsewhere)? [more inside]
posted by irv4oh at 7:32 AM PST - 1 comment

What is this heart condition called?

What is the name of this heart condition, and is it genetic? The main artery supplying blood to the heart isn't developed properly in utero, resulting in major surgery and/or death of the baby post birth. [more inside]
posted by heytch at 7:29 AM PST - 8 comments

What's the best way of dealing with a housemate with BPD who is concerned by me spreading cold-sores to her?

What are the chances of getting cold sores about two weeks after a friend of mine had an outbreak of cold sores? And how should I deal with the concerns of my housemate (who has BPD) who thinks I may spread it to her? [more inside]
posted by severin at 6:19 AM PST - 51 comments

My presentation is at NOON today!

I made a poster using Apple iWorks Pages. The default size (and the only size I'm able to print) is 8.5 x 11. How can I get this poster onto quarter sheets; four images of it onto a single 8.5 x 11 sheet?
posted by BostonTerrier at 6:12 AM PST - 5 comments

They lied to me. What should I do?

They lied to me. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:46 AM PST - 8 comments

The High-School drop-out would like some respect.

How bad is the high school drop-out stigma among the general public? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:45 AM PST - 34 comments

How do I transport a walker?

How do I strap a walker to the top of a Pontiac Sunfire for a long distance trip? [more inside]
posted by klwatts at 5:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Dresses, pants, whatever.

I will make you a dress but I will also make you pants. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 1:43 AM PST - 10 comments

Sadie the tidying lady?

I know how to--and rather enjoy--housecleaning. But I suck at tidying. my brain just doesn't work that way. As a consequence, I'm clean but quite messy. How do I look at a room & figure out the most efficient way to make it look neat? Share with me all your approaches and strategies.
posted by mjao at 1:08 AM PST - 21 comments

Publishing a book on rivethead culture

I want to write and publish a book on the industrial music scene from a feminist perspective. I’m a decent writer, but I have no photography, graphic design, marketing, or publishing experience, and no industry connections. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by velvet winter at 12:51 AM PST - 8 comments

What can I do to help my immune system fight against colds/flu since Zicam is no longer available?

What can I do to help my immune system fight against colds/flu since Zicam is no longer available? [more inside]
posted by spacelux at 12:47 AM PST - 27 comments

October 2

Where can I get a custom PC built near Austin, Texas?

Where can I get a custom PC built near Austin, Texas? [more inside]
posted by Eastgate at 11:15 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me find these funny glasses

Help me find glasses like these in New York City. [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 10:58 PM PST - 5 comments

Make a permanent mark on a chalkboard.

I'd like to make a permanent 1-inch grid on a chalkboard. How would I go about doing that? [more inside]
posted by ChrisR at 9:43 PM PST - 22 comments

US/Canada customs hate me

Canadian citizen with American green card. Traveling with no passport? [more inside]
posted by ttyn at 9:24 PM PST - 18 comments

Vancouver v. Toronto

Question for Canadian lawyers (not law related). I'm currently a law student and deciding which city I would like to summer/article in (I'm from Vancouver but go to law school in Toronto). I was wondering whether anyone has experience in lateral movement between firms, or branches of a firm in different cities, and the consequences of requesting such a transfer after a few years at a firm. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:11 PM PST - 1 comment

poor quality goji berries?

I bought some dried goji berries from my local asian market. They taste/look/smell similar to every other dried goji berry I've tried. However, according to the nutrition information on the package, they are different from other goji berries... [more inside]
posted by skjønn at 8:59 PM PST - 4 comments

What is the current state of Adobe Flex and what tools are commonly used?

What is the current state of Adobe Flex and what tools are commonly used? [more inside]
posted by Riemann at 8:57 PM PST - 8 comments

San Francisco insurance confusion

What's the deal with the Brown and Toland vs. Hill Physicians division in San Francisco medical care? Why must San Franciscans with HMOs be referred to specialists who not only accept your insurance plan, but are also part of the same medical group as the referring doctor? [more inside]
posted by eschatfische at 8:16 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for recommendations for sex therapy in Austin, TX.

Looking for recommendations for sex therapy in Austin, TX. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:50 PM PST - 3 comments

Experience/job Catch-22

How does a recent college grad gain job experience when everyone requires it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:50 PM PST - 23 comments

How to find a self-belted trench coat on eBay?

Is there an official term for a belt on a coat that's sewn right into the coat - besides an inset belt? [more inside]
posted by Betsy Vane at 7:02 PM PST - 8 comments

SSH, transparency, tabs, windows, and !putty.

Windows SSH Client for linux sysadmins that's not PuTTY? Transparency and Tabs needed! [more inside]
posted by SpecialK at 6:26 PM PST - 10 comments

De-Mystify My Humidifier!

Home humidifier? I needed one; I now have one. How does this thing work? Specifically: what's the medicine cup, what goes in it and why? (And a couple other add-on questions.) [more inside]
posted by LOLAttorney2009 at 6:01 PM PST - 14 comments

Cheap cell phone plan for three months in US

Looking for a cheap pay-as-you-go or pre-paid plan, to use until the end of December. I have a Motrola Razr (v3r, or something like it, as I recall), which I used to use with T-Mobile, although I'm not opposed to buying a cheap phone for the interim (although it'd have to very cheap). What are my options? [more inside]
posted by Busoni at 5:55 PM PST - 7 comments

Meeting people?

How do I meet people in this somewhat unique situation? I know this has been addressed over and over, and all over google, but I like to think my situation is somewhat unique. It probably isnt! [more inside]
posted by yarrr at 5:49 PM PST - 24 comments

Ideas for Baked Goods/Confectionary Exchange

I'm participating in a baked goods/confectionary exchange. What are some things I can make that can be easily packed and that won't spoil/stale during shipping?
posted by Mayhembob at 5:49 PM PST - 7 comments

How soon will i know if i have food poisoning

How quickly will I know whether or not I have food poisoning? [more inside]
posted by crapples at 5:40 PM PST - 17 comments

Little Fluffy Clouds

Why are my cakes always too dense? [more inside]
posted by at the crossroads at 5:35 PM PST - 22 comments

Softwarefilter: Free Citrix Windows based style solution for running a legacy program?

Help me find a temporary stopgap for legacy software? [more inside]
posted by unvivid at 5:00 PM PST - 7 comments

You're only seventeen

How would one (hypothetically) go back to high school? [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 4:50 PM PST - 21 comments

Broaden my podcast horizons in twenty minutes or less.

Another recommend-me-new-podcasts question but with a small twist: I'm specifically looking for podcasts which are 20 minutes duration or less. Subject matter is wide open, it's just difficult to search by length. [more inside]
posted by shelleycat at 4:45 PM PST - 15 comments

Shave pubes in college?

How do I shave my pubes in college? I use the buzzer side of my electric razor usually, but now that I'm in a dorm there are some complications. I don't think I can do it in the bathroom (shared by a ton of people), and if I do it in my room people will hear the razor and I won't feel very hygienic. Solution?
posted by anonymous at 4:16 PM PST - 22 comments

What sex for a new kitten?

What is the best sex for a new kitten? And should I get one? [more inside]
posted by CollegeNelson at 3:49 PM PST - 22 comments

Examples of great science journalism

Poor science journalism gets trashed regularly on the blue. What are some sources of good science journalism? Do you have a favorite science writer? Is there one article that you read years ago that stands out in your mind as truly excellent? [more inside]
posted by SouthCNorthNY at 3:36 PM PST - 24 comments

Anorexia? Help!

Anorexia? Is there anything a workmate can do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:21 PM PST - 18 comments

Do I have bed bugs?!

Could a bed bug have made this bite? [more inside]
posted by prior at 3:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Coworker/crush's having a rough time. What can I do?

My coworker/friend/crush has just broken up with her long-term SO. Can I help her? [more inside]
posted by wayofthedodo at 3:17 PM PST - 16 comments

Mobile phone with dual SIM, wifi and SIP protocol support

Do you know mobile producers which provide dual SIM mobiles with wifi supporting SIP protocol? [more inside]
posted by fifigyuri at 3:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Connection timing out after startup

After starting up, my laptop can connect to my wifi network, but I have to wait several minutes before I can actually connect to any websites without timing out. [more inside]
posted by pravit at 2:48 PM PST - 9 comments

Leashing my iPhone

I am looking for an iPhone lanyard for using in situations where dropping my phone would mean losing my phone. I need to be able to text and call while lanyard is attached to the inside of a pocket. [more inside]
posted by chuke at 2:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Children's lit again...

I'm looking for the title of an action/adventure short story collection that I read in middle school (early 90s). It included The Most Dangerous Game and Leningen Versus the Ants. [more inside]
posted by anonymous78 at 2:06 PM PST - 9 comments

Options for a small & cheap Mac laptop?

What are my options for a cheap, small Mac laptop? [more inside]
posted by attercoppe at 2:01 PM PST - 25 comments

I'm totally screwed. What do I do?

My escalating depression has caused me to hit rock bottom, mainly an arrest for DUI and will almost certainly be fired since they are using any excuse to fire anyone. What do I do now to recover mentally and get another job when I can't drive and have a record? [more inside]
posted by greatalleycat at 1:55 PM PST - 28 comments

Verizon Lying

Are Verizon lying to my face? What is the best strategy to adopt in order to defend myself? [more inside]
posted by leftfooter at 1:38 PM PST - 15 comments

Stop running and identify yourselves!

Help me identify the 4 running dudes pictured on this button. [more inside]
posted by Acacia at 1:18 PM PST - 10 comments

Why-Fi?

What's killing my wi-fi connection? [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi at 1:17 PM PST - 17 comments

Do online companies need toll free numbers?

Do online companies need 800 numbers if most of their sales are online from their website?
posted by ckohrman at 1:14 PM PST - 14 comments

Alternatives to Puzzle Quest

What are some similar games to Puzzle Quest and Galactrix? [more inside]
posted by Tarn at 1:08 PM PST - 9 comments

WTB: 1 Young American Operating Manual, pref Canadian translation

Young Canadian couple is expecting to have a newborn American added to their family. Wonders if the child will need any special care above and beyond what would be given to a newborn Canadian. [more inside]
posted by 256 at 12:50 PM PST - 18 comments

Does unemployment affect future SS benefits?

Does receiving unemployment affect future Social Security benefits? [more inside]
posted by NeoLeo at 12:49 PM PST - 6 comments

Writing covered calls as a feasible source of income for retail investor?

Writing covered calls as a feasible source of income for retail investor? [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments

looking for a big open space in the east bay

What is the biggest flat open field open to the public in the East Bay (closer to Montclair the better) [more inside]
posted by zeoslap at 12:20 PM PST - 6 comments

Thai writing

What is written here? It's Thai. [more inside]
posted by Baldons at 12:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Corporate backup is big and complicated.

I'm going to upgrade the corporate backup environment where I work in 2010, and I need help sorting through all of the backup hardware/software providers. I've had DataDomain, FalconStor, ExaGrid, and a bunch of other companies give presentations about their backup solutions, but they are all running together in my head. Does anyone have hands on experience or suggestions about which company to go with (your suggestion doesn't have to be one of the companies listed above)? Price is important, but I know this is going to be expensive. Details about the environment and the desired feature set inside. [more inside]
posted by gregr at 11:58 AM PST - 5 comments

Scratch my rash.

Erythema annulare centrifugum... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:56 AM PST - 3 comments

Should I cash this check?

I served on grand jury duty and received a check today for the standard $40 a day. However, I had told the court previously that my job did not dock my pay, so I should not receive a check for my service. Should I cash it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:56 AM PST - 32 comments

Need work I can do from a bed. Besides the obvious.

How can I find legitimate work online or work-from-home opportunities? Are there any? Want to hear your experiences, too. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by threeturtles at 11:47 AM PST - 9 comments

My landlord's a jerk, but how big of a jerk?

Does my landlord have to give me advance notice if he's going to shut down the building's water for a few hours? This is in Ontario. [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 11:32 AM PST - 9 comments

Please design help me design a functionally medieval bedroom

Please help me find tasteful, grown-up fantasy-themed decorative and design ideas for a bedroom. Longer explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by jalexc at 11:30 AM PST - 12 comments

I don't like Powell's / I love it (Hipster Holiday)

What should I do in Portland towards the end of October? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:08 AM PST - 25 comments

Where should we stay in the Bay Area that's affordable and convenient to the freeways?

Where should we stay in the Bay Area that's affordable and convenient to the freeways? [more inside]
posted by creepygirl at 11:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Spanish Trails

What are your favorite running/hiking routes in Spain? [more inside]
posted by PaulingL at 10:55 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me plan out a day in San Francisco and Yosemite National Park!

What can I do in San Francisco that's worth it on my trip? Also can I have an enjoyable time in Yosemite National Park with only a day? [more inside]
posted by PetiePal at 10:53 AM PST - 25 comments

Choosing one rock-hard avocado over another

Choosing from a bin of unripened avocados. [more inside]
posted by sunshinesky at 10:48 AM PST - 14 comments

Holy cow that's a lotta beef.

Help us think of roast recipes and chili recipes would be welcome, too. [more inside]
posted by lwclec072 at 10:46 AM PST - 8 comments

How many amps do I need to start my car?

Please educate me on car battery technology. [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 10:21 AM PST - 14 comments

Blogs with the same feeling as This American Life?

I'm looking for blogs about psychology, storytelling, emotions, why people do the things they do, the human condition, or just good blogs with people's stories. [more inside]
posted by salvia at 10:20 AM PST - 8 comments

How to outline/detail a dual role I'm playing, on my resume?

How do I clearly list the 2 jobs I'm concurrently doing for the same program on my resume? I am "Acting Director" right now in addition to "Program Manager" and I don't quite know how to make this work on my resume. [more inside]
posted by tristeza at 9:47 AM PST - 8 comments

Long sleeve? Long-sleeved? Halp!

Please hope me with this seemingly-basic English grammar/spelling question! Which is correct: "long-sleeve t-shirt" or "long-sleeved t-shirt"? Is there supposed to be a hyphen between "long" and "sleeve(d)? [more inside]
posted by radioamy at 9:35 AM PST - 38 comments

I Ch-Ch-Charge you

Where would you go to get a cheap iPhone/iPod wall charger and/or USB cable? [more inside]
posted by gensubuser at 9:10 AM PST - 8 comments

Me Bad At ++

Not Homework Filter! Paypal Filter: Paypal charges me 2.9% plus $0.30 for every transaction. Someone needs to pay me X. What is the formula to determine how much they need to send with paypal so I get X and not X - (X * 0.029) - 0.30? [more inside]
posted by arniec at 9:08 AM PST - 16 comments

can we use our tiny Canadian to become candian?

story: 2 Americans living in Canada on a work permit. we wish to become permanent residents. challenge: bureaucracies have confusing websites and documentation. so we can't answer the core question. the twist: we made a baby. shes a certified canuck. question: can we use her somehow to avoid the whole "skilled worker" style process (Which has a daunting amount of historical requirements...).
posted by chasles at 9:07 AM PST - 14 comments

I'm a poet and no one knows it!

Which web site is best for self-publishing poetry? [more inside]
posted by the matching mole at 9:06 AM PST - 9 comments

DHCP giving clients addresses with prior DNS record

DHCP giving out IP address leases with pre-existing DNS entries for the wrong machine causing network chaos on a mixed windows & mac environment, and it's the macs who are having the problems. [more inside]
posted by jmd82 at 8:47 AM PST - 13 comments

What categories exist for publication types?

What type of publication has around 20 pages? [more inside]
posted by ergibson at 8:31 AM PST - 18 comments

What’s “Peanut Butter Cups” in French?

How would I write “Peanut Butter Cups” in French? [more inside]
posted by hydrophonic at 8:00 AM PST - 16 comments

Where can I perform an online virus-scan of a USB?

I'm traveling a lot with my USB drive and using Internet cafés of all sorts. I am looking for a website where I can perform an online scan of the entire USB drive (not just certain files). [more inside]
posted by mateuslee at 7:48 AM PST - 3 comments

How does XM talk to my car?

How would XM stop my radio from working when my trial offer expires? [more inside]
posted by mpls2 at 7:45 AM PST - 9 comments

What are the rules on apartment subletting in New York?

What are the rules on apartment subletting in New York? [more inside]
posted by btkuhn at 7:45 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm dressing up as a MacBook this year!

Nerdy but recognizable Halloween costume ideas? [more inside]
posted by gushn at 6:44 AM PST - 23 comments

Why is my Macbook Pro so slow to load applications?

My 2.4 Ghz Macbook Pro running OS 10.6 seems awfully slow to load applications. Any advice? [more inside]
posted by shivohum at 6:28 AM PST - 17 comments

help me print!

Help me connect my old printer to my new computer [more inside]
posted by crazylegs at 5:33 AM PST - 8 comments

Since when are harddrives actually the size advertised?

Since when are harddrives actually the size advertised? I just bought a Western Digital 500 GB 2.5'' HD and I was surprised when it actually turned out to be 499.32 GB after the first initialization (on a mac). [more inside]
posted by mathiu at 4:07 AM PST - 14 comments

How to Deal with Pathological Liars?

How does one deal with a pathological liar? It's an icky trait that I've come face to face with in the past year with not one but TWO people who just make up the craziest nonsense. [more inside]
posted by dzaz at 3:08 AM PST - 41 comments

Apple Macs: Is it possible to boot my mac mini remotely?

Apple Macs: Is it possible to boot my mac mini remotely? [more inside]
posted by telsa at 2:54 AM PST - 7 comments

How to get a wooden salad bowl made

Which woods are good for making a salad bowl, and what preparation would the newly-made bowl need before being used? [more inside]
posted by vogel at 2:24 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I keep my medical records private?

How can I keep my medical records from getting into the wrong hands? [more inside]
posted by wireless at 12:50 AM PST - 8 comments

UK Freelance Tax

I am based in the UK and currently in full time employment. I have been approached to complete a short to mid term freelance project that will roughly take 10 hours of my time each week. What do I do about VAT / NI / Tax? I have read that I do not need to be VAT registered but what about NI & Tax. How do I ensure the taxman does not come chasing me or my freelance employer!
posted by errspy at 12:05 AM PST - 4 comments

October 1

How do I rescue files from an internal drive when OS X won't boot?

OS X won't boot. Time Machine stopped working at noon. How can I nab some files before I reinstall Leopard? [more inside]
posted by wheat at 10:26 PM PST - 12 comments

Can't find White Wedding Cover Info

Used a program to fix my mp3 tags and file names, now I can't find the real musician behind a "White Wedding" cover I'm 90% sure I got on MeFi Music. [more inside]
posted by JeremiahBritt at 8:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me guess my mortgage and pick my house

Finally getting ready to start house shopping and planning soon. I have two questions: is the total monthly mortgage payment really 1% of the costs and how crazy am I for wanting to try for a house in this range? [more inside]
posted by grablife365 at 8:19 PM PST - 27 comments

Collapsible outlines in online editors?

In this day of AJAX, JavaScript, etc., it just seems ridiculous that I can't find an online word processor that has collapsible outlines (like MS Word). Is this really true? Anyone know of such a beast?
posted by woodman at 7:29 PM PST - 8 comments

The little library that could

Mini-libraryFilter: My small gallery has a reading room, with probably a couple of hundred books. I want a cataloguing and lending system that can turn these books into a real library. [more inside]
posted by Dandeson Coates, Sec'y at 7:25 PM PST - 11 comments

What does a long pinky fingernail mean?

When I was in college, I had a wild friend with a long pinky fingernail (and only her pinky, and only on one hand). I asked her about it once, and she gave me a "knowing look" and laughed it off. But I don't know what it was for, and fearing I'd look stupid, I never asked her again. [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 7:16 PM PST - 42 comments

Is there still honor among theives?

A coworker was robbed this week, and a box of very sentimental items was taken. Can anyone offer some advice for possibly having them returned or found? [more inside]
posted by snapped at 7:06 PM PST - 19 comments

Help me dress like Velma from Scooby Doo and punch holes in things

Where in Toronto can I get a) orange fabric dye, b) orange tights or kneesocks in women's sizes, and c) a leather hole punch?
posted by orange swan at 6:31 PM PST - 9 comments

How many chars SMS can I send from Fido to Bell?

How long of an SMS message can I send, if my phone is on Fido, and the recipient is on Bell? 140 characters? 160? [more inside]
posted by ImaginaryFriend at 6:30 PM PST - 4 comments

What to do with the Apple II?

What do I do with several Apple IIs (and a Commodore, and maybe a few other "vintage" comptuers) that I have? [more inside]
posted by niles at 6:27 PM PST - 19 comments

Creased and wrinkled shirt seams out of the dryer.

Some of my t-shirts always come out of the dryer with severe wrinkles / creases on the seams around the waist or sleeves. Shown here. What am I doing wrong? [more inside]
posted by dino terror at 5:55 PM PST - 8 comments

Verbs to quote and paraphrase

Help me write my thesis! I need more of those verbs used to quote or paraphrase an author. (For example: writes, suggests, found, explains.) I'm writing in spanish, but english is ok and I'll translate later.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 5:47 PM PST - 24 comments

A little distance, please, people!

Help me say, nicely, "Please don't touch my child". [more inside]
posted by lottie at 5:39 PM PST - 56 comments

Help me de-hair down there

I need tips for how to shave (or otherwise make hairless) my male genital area? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:36 PM PST - 24 comments

Why am I almost fainting every time smoke pot?

Why is marijuana making me faint? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:35 PM PST - 14 comments

How can I remember to always put my mobile phone on silent before meetings and turn it back on afterwards?

How can I remember to always put my mobile phone on silent before meetings or seminars? And to turn the sound back on when the meeting is over? Any useful tricks? I don't seem to have a problem remembering this in artistic environments, only in work environments.
posted by grouse at 5:10 PM PST - 18 comments

Improve your writing by imitating the greats.

Improve your writing by imitating the greats. [more inside]
posted by ekpyrotic at 5:10 PM PST - 27 comments

What's up with my gas stove?

What's the deal with my gas stove? [more inside]
posted by zembla3 at 5:07 PM PST - 8 comments

Blood From A Stone

Blood. Let's say...a bucket full of blood. Now pour that on a flat stone surface. Then put that under the hot sun. Go away. But come back in a week or two. What's left? Anything? [more inside]
posted by ryecatcher at 4:41 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there a nice academic library in Chicago that is open to the public on evenings and weekends?

Is there a nice academic library in Chicago that is open to the public on evenings and weekends? [more inside]
posted by pitseleh at 3:58 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me build a good set without knowing what I'm doing.

I have to build a forest set for a performance. I've never built a set before. What should I know? [more inside]
posted by Brainy at 3:46 PM PST - 12 comments

How best to be useful on the ground in Samoa after the tsunami?

How best to help out on the ground in Samoa after tsunami? [more inside]
posted by metaseeker at 3:30 PM PST - 6 comments

Best place to buy scrubs in Austin, TX?

Please help me find flattering scrubs -- the uniform, not the TV comedy -- in Austin, TX. Complication: I have lots of curves! Do you have a brick and mortar recommendation? [more inside]
posted by argylekneesocks at 3:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Outback Clock Wrong Twice a Day

How can I get my elapsed time/"journey time" clock working again on my 2006 Outback? [more inside]
posted by icebourg at 3:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Hit the 401k to start a business?

I'm thinking about cashing out my 401k to help start a business. I know I will pay a penalty, and that what I take out will be taxable income, but I expect my business to post a loss the first year that would offset most of (if not all) of this income. Would I still have to pay taxes on all of the 401k money? [more inside]
posted by wezelboy at 3:17 PM PST - 8 comments

What is the gift/token of appreciation etiquette for teacher recommendations?

My oldest, a HS senior, is applying to college and we are asking teachers to complete recommendations. Would it be permissible to include a note and small token of appreciation for each teacher in advance of the recommendation? [more inside]
posted by KWittman at 3:15 PM PST - 22 comments

How do I know which DVD special features are worth watching?

What are the best websites that review DVDs? Not the movies that come on the DVDs, but the DVDs themselves? [more inside]
posted by soonertbone at 3:00 PM PST - 4 comments

I need an iPod stereo with some special requirements. Help?!

I'm getting married in 3 weeks, and I need some sort of stereo for the wedding ceremony to play music from my iPod. It will not be amplified, so it needs to be able to play loud enough to play outdoors for about 60 people, without a massive amount of distortion. Oh, and as a pipe dream, it would be optionally battery operated. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by suburbanrobot at 2:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Must-see in NYC?

What are the absolute must-see plays or performances happening this month in New York City? [more inside]
posted by np312 at 2:33 PM PST - 7 comments

can I use an Atom eeeBox as a Media Center "server" for an XBOX 360 "client"?

XBOX 360 as Media Center hackery: what's the minimum hardware I can get away with to serve as the Media Center PC "server" to the 360's "client"? [more inside]
posted by bartleby at 2:21 PM PST - 8 comments

What should I take on a day hike?

What should I take on an easy day-long hike? [more inside]
posted by different at 2:11 PM PST - 38 comments

What type of massage should I try... if any?

What type of massage should I try... if any? [more inside]
posted by cheapskatebay at 1:55 PM PST - 15 comments

How does Facebook generate the list of friend icons on the left side of my profile screen?

How does Facebook generate the list of friend icons on the left side of my profile screen? [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet at 1:42 PM PST - 16 comments

What silly thing are YOU guilty of?

Can you think of any silly "crimes" for a game I'm putting together? [more inside]
posted by pipti at 1:30 PM PST - 52 comments

Trying to print Word documents with a specific preset from the Finder. Impossible?

OS X (10.5) Printing difficulties: Trying to print Word documents with a specific preset from the Finder. Impossible? [more inside]
posted by bigmusic at 1:22 PM PST - 3 comments

What am I eating?

A coworker brought us two boxes of sweet-ish treats from China. She doesn't know what they are either. [more inside]
posted by Jaie at 1:20 PM PST - 8 comments

BIOS Schmios

How can I get XP onto my laptop... if I only have a 3.5inch drive, and my BIOS is one version away from letting me boot by USB? [more inside]
posted by ZackTM at 1:16 PM PST - 14 comments

Should I care that my UCSF doctor is joining Hill Physicans?

All of UC-San Francisco's physicians will shortly end their affiliation with Brown & Toland and become members of Hill Physicians Group. What will this mean for patients? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 1:09 PM PST - 4 comments

October book suggestions

Woohoo, it's October! Lets get some Autumn/Halloween reading suggestions! [more inside]
posted by CZMR at 12:52 PM PST - 18 comments

How to get RSS feeds off of a Blackberry onto a PC

I have a Blackberry Curve running Opera Mini. I have a long list of rss feeds I read in Opera whilst out and about. How can I get them out of the phone and into a desktop rss reader? [more inside]
posted by quaisi at 12:45 PM PST - 2 comments

What version is this Pod?

What is this? (Can|Should|How do) I eat it? [more inside]
posted by Mountain Goatse at 12:42 PM PST - 26 comments

Are we too old to trick or treat?

Halloween's my favorite holiday, and I love trick-or-treating. Problem: my Mom just told me I'm too old. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:41 PM PST - 139 comments

I want to give money to kids. In the Future!

I want to give money to relative's children so that they can use it when they're older. How best to do this? [more inside]
posted by rmd1023 at 12:23 PM PST - 10 comments

PS3 3.0 killed my Blu-Ray drive.

PS3 firmware 3.0 killed my Blu-Ray drive (as I and many others see it). Need help figuring out how to get this taken care of. [more inside]
posted by GleepGlop at 12:15 PM PST - 11 comments

Where can I find detailed information on the internet about specific Iraqi tribes?

Where can I find detailed information on the internet about specific Iraqi tribes? [more inside]
posted by torietorie at 12:12 PM PST - 2 comments

Hook me up.

Laptop dock without the expense? [more inside]
posted by po822000 at 12:06 PM PST - 5 comments

How do you buy an NEV in America?

I live in (urban) St. Louis city and 90% of my driving is 10 miles or less, non-highway. We've got a Honda Fit which satisfies our other needs (road trips, large loads, extra people). My Miata is nearing its end, and I'm shopping for a replacement. I believe I am a good candidate for an NEV (Neighborhood Electrical Vehicle), but I don't know where to start: what criteria I need to look at, the pros and cons of various vehicles, the overall costs, etc. Should I buy an NEV? How? [more inside]
posted by davebug at 11:57 AM PST - 13 comments

Maximizing chances for Master's program admissions in the Netherlands...

How can I maximize my chances of being admitted to a Dutch university Master's program based on my professional merits? [more inside]
posted by jpziller at 11:46 AM PST - 3 comments

Which is that book? Does it exist?

[H.Bloomfilter]: A friend's friend told him about a book of Harold Bloom on Don DeLillo, Philip Roth, Thomas Pynchon, and Cormac McCarthy and said friend wants it. His friend can't remember the title. Does it exist and what's its name? [more inside]
posted by ersatz at 11:43 AM PST - 10 comments

Do you want to destroy strong women?

Is the inclination to "destroy strong women" common among men? [more inside]
posted by adamfaux at 11:19 AM PST - 78 comments

Desire to Become a Travel Agent

I'm interested in becoming a travel agent. How do I become one and find a job? [more inside]
posted by VC Drake at 10:57 AM PST - 3 comments

What can I do about onion breath?

What can I do about onion breath? [more inside]
posted by Caviar at 10:36 AM PST - 15 comments

Business dress for the casual girl?

After a few years of hoodies and flip-flops, I'm re-entering a business-casual work environment - slightly clueless and very reluctant about dressing up. Help me adhere to the dress code and look good while maximizing comfort and minimizing effort. [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:17 AM PST - 31 comments

Ready for CableCards?

What is the current state of CableCards? Is it worth adding to my HTPC? [more inside]
posted by medarby at 10:14 AM PST - 12 comments

How do I tell my boss I am job-hunting and need her to speak to an employer?

I am well into the process of interviews for a job in my same industry but about 2,000 miles away. I am in a good job but at a stagnant company and I don't have a lot of clients and must cold call a lot. I need to tell my boss and ask her to be a reference. Help me do it! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Beautiful towns within driving distance of Washington, DC (and that are not overrun with tourists)

EastCoastFilter: Is your lovely town a best-kept secret? Looking for a magical sort of place to visit in or near DC, Virginia, or Maryland, something with the sort of historic downtown/art scene/subtle eccentricity vibe of Savannah, Ga. or Charlottesville, Va. [more inside]
posted by actionPetential at 9:55 AM PST - 25 comments

Deodoranting..

My body has become immune to every deodorant I've tried. I need advice regarding a heavy duty deodorant which won't stain the armpits of my shirts. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:49 AM PST - 32 comments

Housing for couple.

Disabled couple without children eligible for section 8 housing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Things to do on Halloween in NYC?

My boyfriend and I are looking for fun stuff to do in NYC/Brooklyn on Halloween (other than the parade) which isn't just going to a bar/club and getting trashed. Know of any cool parties, movie screenings, etc that aren't too expensive? Thanks!
posted by egg86 at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Tampa / St Pete's FL travel guide

Looking for travel advice for Tampa / St. Pete's FL area for November 13-16. If you live in the area or have visited there I'd love to hear your suggestions. [more inside]
posted by dog food sugar at 9:38 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I fix this WinXP logon?

To begin, click your user name. Huh? [more inside]
posted by imjustsaying at 9:34 AM PST - 4 comments

Cheap Thrills

What well-designed, yet inexpensive, possessions are you fond of? [more inside]
posted by raheel at 9:24 AM PST - 47 comments

Help me sell my house

Help me sell my house! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:08 AM PST - 15 comments

period sex tips, please.

your tips for sex during a woman's period, please. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:08 AM PST - 26 comments

Options for remoting into Windows 7 Home Premium?

Help me decide if I need to fork over the dough for Windows 7 Professional or not. [more inside]
posted by jluce50 at 8:37 AM PST - 8 comments

Is my university going to sue me?

Is my university going to sue me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:24 AM PST - 28 comments

Most romantic hotel in New York?

What is the most romantic hotel in New York? [more inside]
posted by Falconetti at 8:24 AM PST - 23 comments

Relocating to the US, health insurance advice needed!

I'm relocating to the US (from the UK) in a couple of weeks and having concerns about health insurance. My husband's employer covers health insurance for him, but to cover me as well we must take out the 'family policy' for $500 per month (if we had 4 kids this would be a great deal, but apparently it's the same price for the whole 'family' even if that's just me. This seems crazy to me, not sure if it is normal!). Is my alternative plan crazy? Health insurance companies confuse and scare me! [more inside]
posted by hibbersk at 8:12 AM PST - 14 comments

Chicago Trip

Day trip to Chicago [more inside]
posted by slowtree at 8:04 AM PST - 17 comments

Newborn tea fiend

I thought I hated tea (the drink), but I really just hate tea (the plant). Help me discover herbal tea! [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 7:27 AM PST - 34 comments

Tips for Nuit Blanche?

Tips for Nuit Blanche/staying up all night? [more inside]
posted by Gortuk at 7:26 AM PST - 12 comments

Need excel formula to calculate the number of days in a date range, if they end within that range

I need a formula to help calculate the number of days as compared to a range. Importing a CSV for a query to show bookings within the date range of 9/1 to 9/30. Some bookings are booked through the entire month and some are partial. I need to figure out the number of days or percentage for the bookings that don't run all the way through the query range. [more inside]
posted by malcommc at 7:15 AM PST - 9 comments

Any suitable science research-based organization software (mac)?

I am doing research in a Hematology/Oncology genetics lab and I am looking for computer software that can organize my research data (e.g., new project, dates and findings, results, task management) and was created for scientific purposes. I have a macbook (black), OSX10.6, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB ram. I am looking for one that is free or inexpensive (under $150). Any help? Thanks.
posted by jbreyfogle at 7:14 AM PST - 5 comments

Transitus in San Francisco?

Where could I attend a Transitus service in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by jgirl at 7:13 AM PST - 1 comment

Things for math nerds to do in the big apple

This is probably the zillionth question on things to do in New York. But are there any cool things that a complete math nerd can do in the city? I'm more interested in places I can visit than things I could do with people.
posted by Lucubrator at 7:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Yellow jackets are eating our house

Yellow jackets, or some other form of wasp, have formed a nest inside our roof through a tiny hole in the shingles. Spray and powder hasn't worked yet. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Not quite child abuse but damn it's close

How do you stop feeling bad about situations that don't affect you directly and which you are powerless to alter? This involves other peoples' young children. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:05 AM PST - 22 comments

Cold fish at the drop of a hat

Help me understand this dating situation. Sort of long. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:04 AM PST - 22 comments

Researching website options

Researching options for all things website: hosting, domain name registration and DNS. Can you help me narrow it down? [more inside]
posted by titanium_geek at 7:03 AM PST - 8 comments

What does the surname "Naftzger" mean?

Help me track down the meaning of a surname. The name is "Naftzger." It seems to be a Germanic (if not German) word for an occupation (e.g. "Metzger" means "butcher"). But what occupation? What does the "Naf" mean? Bonus points for information on region of origin.
posted by reverend cuttle at 6:57 AM PST - 3 comments

ISO: Cake Pan in shape of Comedy/Drama Masks

I'm looking for a cake pan/mold in the shape of the traditional theater comedy/drama masks. [more inside]
posted by He Is Only The Imposter at 6:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Setting policies for email

net.cop filter: What software is available to filter and (optionally) block email between users on the same domain? I'm using Postfix with Google Apps but could be persuaded to use another solution. [more inside]
posted by BrokenEnglish at 6:23 AM PST - 5 comments

Off to Germany for two weeks...

Travel advice for Nordrhein-Westphalia, please! [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 5:01 AM PST - 8 comments

Healthy vinegar influenced snacks?

I love the taste of vinegar - primarily in Salt and Vinegar Chips (or crisps), vinegar on hot potato chips, vinegar on hot rice, and balsamic vinegar peanuts. However none of these are all that healthy (well maybe the rice option isn't too bad). Can anyone recommend healthy vinegar influences snacks?
posted by Admira at 4:43 AM PST - 46 comments

How can one study for the GRE during their commute?

A friend is doing a last minute cram for the GRE but is lacking in time. The bulk of her available time is in her 2-hour-per-day commute. Are there any _good_ podcasts she could listen to, specificall for vocabulary? Or .. should she look into hiring someone to call her and drill her for those two hours? If so... how? [more inside]
posted by rr at 4:38 AM PST - 8 comments

Help! I have to move to Haarlem, Netherlands from the UK in 4 weeks.

Sudden move from the UK to Haarlem, Nederlands in 5 weeks. I have a couple of questions... (more inside) [more inside]
posted by gonzo_ID at 4:02 AM PST - 9 comments

Help Me Learn More About the MacBook Pro 17"

MacBook Pro owners... tell me all about owning a MacBook Pro 17". Pros, cons and people suffering from buyers remorse all welcome. A bunch of questions are inside. [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 at 3:38 AM PST - 37 comments

Avoiding Youtube Parter program copyright headaches.

How can I make sure that Youtube's copyright requirements are met in order to monetize videos via its Partner program? [more inside]
posted by Nixie Pixel at 3:05 AM PST - 4 comments

Myob vs quickbooks

Deciding on an accounting software: MYOB vs Quickbooks [more inside]
posted by red_rika at 2:19 AM PST - 6 comments

Is anyone or anything this good about weather?

Are there any (European or international) weather resources good enough to tell me when it will stop raining? [more inside]
posted by creasy boy at 1:51 AM PST - 4 comments

Can I use software to paint with my voice?

Can I use software to paint with my voice? I'm a High School teacher, but not an art teacher, and I've had an idea for an artwork project in but I don't know whether it is possible. [more inside]
posted by ndaguiar at 12:41 AM PST - 14 comments