February 2014 Archives
February 28
Too much information. In my email inbox. That belongs to other people.
About ten years ago I signed up for gmail very early during beta when people were selling invites for up to 3 and 4 figures and lucked out on a very early, short email address. (See profile.)
And it's not cool. Not only do I get a lot of spam but I get a lot of misdirected email. I've seen receipts, bank statements, tax returns, boobies, dozens or hundreds of pictures of different families, newborns, weddings, new cars, old cars, flight reservations, money wire recepits.
And this isn't good, and I wonder about my liability, and I wonder about these known brands or services that don't include a button for "This is not my account or data." or any email validation step at all. [more inside]
posted by loquacious at 10:42 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by loquacious at 10:42 PM PST - 33 comments
Electric toothbrush fell in toilet
My sonicare toothbrush just fell in the toilet bowl. It wasn't in there for more than a second or two. I threw out the removeable brushhead. I ran the body under hot water and wiped it down several times with bleach, but to use it again, in my mouth of all places? I'm not sure. It does still work and would be expensive to replace, but it was in toilet water. My question then is, should I continue to use it, and is there anything else I should or can do to further decontaminate it? Thanks [more inside]
How can I go about job-seeking effectively?
I am a 25-year-old woman and a recent college graduate (just earned my Master’s in English in December). I’m looking for higher education administrative jobs in the area: basically, to be an admissions counselor, financial aid counselor, academic advisor, and the like. There are a few concerns on my mind about the process. [more inside]
Best kind of paint/primer for a co-sleeper for a baby
I've built a co-sleeper for our new-born infant (kind of like this). For reasons, I only had access to plywood and so that's what I made it out of. I'm now about ready to paint it, and have two questions in mind: since this is for a baby, I'd like 1) the paint to be non-toxic and 2) seal in whatever fumes the plywood might still be off-gassing. Does such a paint exist? Would I need to use a primer? Would milk paint achieve this goal? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.
posted by AwkwardPause at 8:36 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by AwkwardPause at 8:36 PM PST - 6 comments
What game is this?
Can anyone tell what board game this is supposed to be, if any? [more inside]
posted by jabo at 7:38 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by jabo at 7:38 PM PST - 11 comments
What's it like working at Kessler Institute, New Jersey?
Close friend is thinking of applying for a research position there, however they've heard mixed things about the area and the institute. Does anyone have any first (or second) hand experience working there that they are willing to share?
thanks!
How cold is too cold?
Hi there Hivemind, at what temperature (fahrenheit, preferably) does it become unsafe for a person to spend the night in a car? [more inside]
posted by feistycakes at 5:55 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by feistycakes at 5:55 PM PST - 19 comments
London at breakneck pace!
In a few hours (5), I will leave Kuwait en-route back to the United States. I have a 24-hour layover in London and a hotel room (right across from Heathrow) that has already been bought and paid for my my company. I will arrive at around noon, and I will have until around 10 a.m.-ish tomorrow (Sunday) to explore London. Money is no significant concern (but let's keep it reasonable). What are the absolute must-see PG-13 things to do in London in 22 hours?
GO!
posted by Master Gunner at 4:36 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Master Gunner at 4:36 PM PST - 16 comments
How do i sync a non amazon purchased .mobi file using kindle?
A friend of mine has passed on to me a few books that are .mobi files. I read them using the kindle app on my ipad and iphone. I have done some notation on either device and would like to sync them but I a assuming because I did not purchase these from amazon, I can not sync them. I have tried the usual method one uses when they are syncing a purchased book unsuccessfully.
Are you aware of a simple work around?
What concert band piece is this?
I've had this song in my head all day and I can't think the title or composer! I remember playing it in concert band years ago but can't really recall much else besides the main motif. [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 4:00 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by andruwjones26 at 4:00 PM PST - 4 comments
I want a share of the (Australian) share market
What are some good online information sources for investing in the Australian share market. Looking for all options be they paid or unpaid, blogs, discussion boards, newsletters etc. I have an advisor but I am looking to check his advice as well as develop my own sense of what constitutes a good investment. Google is giving me too many options.
Have other men suffered from castration phobia?
Ever since a particular childhood incident, I've had a fear of castration, which was pretty severe at some periods of my life. I've never heard anyone talk about this, so am wondering how rare or common of an experience it is. [more inside]
Best Man Alternative Titles
I have a great best man. I do not want to have a "co" best man at my wedding. I have another friend who is very close to me, and I want to give him a title that signifies he isn't simply a groomsmen but is one of my very closest friends. Is there another title I can give him which will make him feel important and that's not BS. Thanks, Z
HRA for self-employed spouse, good idea or not?
I've had a HRA administration company contact me selling their HRA administration plan. Is this a good idea for a spouse who is self-employed. [more inside]
Find photos of those killed in Ukraine's Maidan protests?
Does anyone know where I can find individual photos of those people who have died during the recent protests on the Maidan in Kyiv, Ukraine? [more inside]
posted by Kabanos at 2:29 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Kabanos at 2:29 PM PST - 2 comments
How common are trust funds?
I commonly hear bitching and moaning about trustafarians, but how many of those are out there, really? Is it just a way to make fun of hippies, or are there really vast numbers of people living off their inheritance? I googled, and couldn't find any statistics. Please, no anecdata about "everyone I knew in Portland."
posted by MrMoonPie at 2:22 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by MrMoonPie at 2:22 PM PST - 24 comments
Ideas for inexpensively decorating walls and ceilings?
I started a School Beautification Club and I need ideas... [more inside]
posted by figaro at 2:21 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by figaro at 2:21 PM PST - 8 comments
Leaving a job after 3 months for one slightly better?
I've been at my current job for 3 months and like it pretty well, but have an interview lined up for a different job that might have more growth potential and a $10k higher salary. Help me weigh the pros and cons? [more inside]
Help Me Build a New Protools Computer!
I need help designing a new PC for Protools 11. [more inside]
posted by hiddenknives at 2:13 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by hiddenknives at 2:13 PM PST - 3 comments
Essential Medical Books
I've been tasked with putting together a medical library for my small disability law firm. Doctors, what are five essential medical books that we should look at obtaining regarding general medical practice? [more inside]
Aging Parent Filter: how do your folks get food and transportation?
People with aging parents (not newly retired, but also not ready for home care/retirement home): how are your parents getting food and transportation? [more inside]
Birthday gift for dude who studies Poland & Eastern Europe
My guy is turning 24 this Thursday, so I am casting around for a birthday gift. He studies Poland and Eastern Europe. He lived in Poland for a couple years while working as a journalist, and he remains fascinated by Polish culture and history. I was thinking that I could get him some Polish "comfort" items--specialty snacks, etc. Any ideas, AskMeFites?
Best apartment gift?
My brother's birthday is next Friday, and I am honestly stymied as to what to get him (and cannot get a serious answer out of him.) He is in his early 30's, and just moved into a new apartment that has a cute outdoor space. (Pavement ground) Does anyone have a similar space? He and his girlfriend have already furnished the place, so they don't need essentials. Etsy-friendly suggestions particularly welcome.
What is this earwormy song with French lyrics and a dance beat?
I was in a coffee bar last night and I heard a song that I am dying to track down. [more inside]
Finding a substance-friendly therapist?
I'm looking to establish a therapeutical relationship for standard-ish reasons (ideally, a cognitive behavioral approach to some interpersonal issues) and need to find someone with a nuanced-to-permissive view of substance use. I'm not talking about narcotics, but occasionally I enjoy cannabis and often drink alcohol--neither, I believe, is excessive and certainly never cause health or legal* problems in my life. [more inside]
Tenor who sings (too briefly) in The Red Shoes (1948)?
In the 1948 movie The Red Shoes, there is a scene (search YouTube for "Vicky Page is offerred her first lead role"; about 45 seconds into the clip) where Victoria Page ascends the stairs to Lermontov's villa. In the background is a view of the Mediterranean and the sound of an Italian tenor singing to orchestral accompaniment. Can anyone identify singer (and song)?
posted by RichardS at 12:44 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by RichardS at 12:44 PM PST - 5 comments
Where can I buy high-quality heavy wool (or soft felt) pillow covers?
I'm interested in buying solid heavy wool (or soft felt) pillow covers to re-cover my throw pillows. I'm having a tough time figuring out where are good places to buy high-quality pillow covers, particularly since I'm not looking for patterns or prints. [more inside]
Help me recover a video file on an SD card
I have an SD card that should have a video file on it. But, I can't see the file. It might be corrupted. Are there any free tools that I can use to recover this file? [more inside]
posted by Craig at 12:16 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Craig at 12:16 PM PST - 6 comments
Transit Benefits and (US) Taxes
Does being enrolled in a pre-tax transit benefits program affect how much you owe/get back when you do your taxes? [more inside]
Socially acceptable stims (other than doodling) -- are there any?
Having discovered that a nontrivial fraction of people find my preferred stim distracting and rude, I'm on the lookout for other tactile stims/stim toys that are more socially acceptable. Doodling doesn't do it for me, for whatever reason. In situations where stimming is most helpful to me, I usually don't have a table to hide my hand motions under, so subtlety would be nice, as would silence. I'm especially interested in hearing from people who are affronted by knitting in social and work situations. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by dorque at 11:04 AM PST - 73 comments
posted by dorque at 11:04 AM PST - 73 comments
Books to read along with "Lean In"
Our book club is doing a "Lean In free swim" -- everyone will read Lean In* plus one other book of their choice on the topic of gender and work. What would be some good choices for the second book? [more inside]
iPhone question: silencing all media except one app?
I like to listen to my white noise app on my iPhone while I work, but the alerts from email, texts, etc. disrupt my zen zone. Is there a way to silence my phone, text alert, and email alerts (basically everything except this app) without having to go to Settings and set each one's ringtone to "None?"
Thanks!
What does the (E) in ISO 10555-1:2014(E) stand for?
Is (E) the version designation?
The title page shows:
Second edition
2013-06-15
Corrected version
2014-01-15
A related question: How should I have Googled for this?
posted by Bruce H. at 10:46 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Bruce H. at 10:46 AM PST - 6 comments
What other podcasts should I listen to?
I listen to podcasts while driving and while cleaning. I currently have 3 on rotation: Welcome to Night Vale, Spilled Milk, and the Metafilter podcast. The latter two I like because I like listening to 2-3 people who get along well chatting conversationally about things I might be interested in, joking, etc. Night Vale I like because it's short enough to listen to in one go and it's a fun set of stories set in a consistent world that I enjoy. Please recommend me some more podcasts I can get on iTunes. Not interested in celebrity gossip, history, dry science, or story podcasts longer than 30 minutes per episode. Especially interested in cooking, parenting, self-improvement, and shows with big archives.
posted by Night_owl at 10:27 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by Night_owl at 10:27 AM PST - 26 comments
Being New Money in an Old Money World
I am interested to read some commentary / discussion / critiques / first-person accounts about social climbing in our current society (preferably U. S. based). About both sides of the coin - people who are either successful or unsuccessful at navigating a change from lower-class to upper-middle-class, or beyond. [more inside]
School recommended the most dreadful book for my kindergartener-to-be.
Last night, I read a book to my four-and-a-half year old. He will go to kindergarten next year, and this book was recommended by the school (email blast to new parents) as something that will "help kids prepare for kindergarten".
The book turned out to be wildly age-inappropriate and generally horrible! I feel that I ought to do something about it beside posting a 1-star Amazon review, but I don't know what. [more inside]
posted by rada at 10:03 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by rada at 10:03 AM PST - 43 comments
Having some car trouble, could use some input
So my 2007 Honda Fit has been having these weird issues while at stop lights or stop signs and I can't figure out what's going on. [more inside]
Should I file a grievance with my health insurance for midwife's bill?
I used a midwife throughout my pregnancy but ended up with an emergency c-section. My insurance company has denied part of the claim leaving me about $3,400 poorer. I'd like to recoup as much of this as possible from my health insurance but I'm not sure the best way to go about it... [more inside]
posted by hibbersk at 9:56 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by hibbersk at 9:56 AM PST - 12 comments
Does Home Depot rent flame throwers?
What is the best/easiest way to clear snow and ice from a driveway and parking area in sub-freezing temperatures? [more inside]
posted by Betelgeuse at 9:53 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Betelgeuse at 9:53 AM PST - 19 comments
Jehovah's Witnesses...Organs, Yes; Blood, No?
When I read this story recently about two sisters who received lung transplants from the same donor, I was a bit taken aback. Can someone who is a Jehovah's Witness please explain why accepting a blood transfusion is not okay for a JH, but having someone else's entire organ inserted into and attached to one's own body is? It just seems counterintuitive, since someone else's blood would eventually be purged by the body's own regenerative/filtering systems, but an organ, once attached, is...well, permanent. Please advise, if you know. I genuinely want to understand. Thanks.
Late 18th c. early 19th c. wedding at Trinity Church = wealth?
I'm inclined to think that any young lady whose father walked her down the aisle of Trinity Church in Lower Manhattan in a late 18th or early 19th century wedding was probably born to wealth. Pretty size-able wealth.
Are we talking robber baron wealthy, or what?
Or was the church actually available to all comers?
posted by John Borrowman at 9:18 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by John Borrowman at 9:18 AM PST - 9 comments
ASP.NET on my Mac?
Can I set up a local server that serves up ASP pages on my Mac? [more inside]
posted by eustacescrubb at 9:12 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by eustacescrubb at 9:12 AM PST - 4 comments
What are the best ways to teach mathematics to elementary age children?
What do you do to teach your children math (or maths)? [more inside]
posted by mearls at 9:11 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by mearls at 9:11 AM PST - 9 comments
Amazon Ratings bit From Louie Show
Any Louis C.K. fans out there... I'm trying to find the bit (I think in the standup before an episode of his show) where he jokes about Amazon ratings? Anyone know the episode in question?
Rusty tool (no really) - bring back to life?
I have a bag of old tools that have gotten rusty. Like this image.
The moving parts are semi-seized up. Clearly on something like a hammer it's not a big deal, but please how do I revive them all back to nice and useable condition? I'm hoping there's some magic oil that I soak them in and it solves all my problems?
Thanks
Your Theoretical Minimum
Inspired by this post on the blue, I'm interested in the most condensed and most up-to-date overview of everything in your field. [more inside]
Help a non-curvy lady with big thighs find cheap jeans that fit! (NYC)
I'll be visiting New York next week and I'd like to buy some jeans, but I have no idea where to look! It'll be my first trip to the U.S. and I'm not familiar with American retailers at all. My particular taste and even more particular body type will probably eliminate a lot of options, but I hope you can point out the ones that are left. [more inside]
What's wrong with Chrome?
Chrome in Mac OS X 10.9.2 is rendering some pages very strangely. Is there anything I can do to fix it? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 8:30 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by andrewesque at 8:30 AM PST - 4 comments
We need a battery-powered smoke alarm compatible with cooking.
Our current detector goes off even with fairly innocuous oven and range use. Surely this problem has been addressed by manufacturers...help? [more inside]
posted by werkzeuger at 8:15 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by werkzeuger at 8:15 AM PST - 13 comments
Name That Late 90's Shampoo-Filter!
Asking for a friend: "I am more that a little embarrassed at how much time I spent trying to figure out what shampoo/conditioner I used to use in the late '90s. It came from the grocery store; the kind I got was in a light blue cylindrical bottle, with this weird cap where you pulled the whole thing up but the middle stayed down. It smelled SO GOOD -- a faintly citrus, faintly marine smell. If I could find it I would pay like $30 on ebay for a bottle just so I could reverse-engineer that smell." Any ideas, Hive?...
posted by julthumbscrew at 8:08 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by julthumbscrew at 8:08 AM PST - 11 comments
Tool for making pretty data models?
I'm looking for a simple way to textually describe data models, and can then produce something visual (an SVG, a PNG, etc.) An analogy would be how "Markdown" is a markup language that allows you to write something in plaintext, that can be converted to HTML. [more inside]
What to do? Teenager is a Bum.
What do we do about this depressed / unmotivated / lazy kid? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Help me get rid of shoulder tension that’s plagued me since 1980
I carry all the tensions of my life in my shoulders and neck. Any time of day or night, if I turn my focus to my shoulders, I’ll find they’re involuntarily tensed tight, as if my body were trying to curl up and brace itself against something. Even when I feel quite happy and relaxed, the tension is there. I would love to hear your recommendations on the best way to address this specific problem. I’d like it if the solution were something I could do myself, but I’m open to considering yoga, massage, whatever, if they will lead to a lasting solution. [more inside]
Help me identify the big metal thing I saw on the highway
A few days ago, as I drove down I-69, I saw two semi trucks heading in the opposite direction. Each transported a long, narrow metal object. I would estimate each object was the length of three semi truck trailers. It mostly resembled a knife blade in color and shape - something like a chef's slicing blade. It seemed to look serrated toward what would resemble the tip of the knife. What the heck were they transporting?
posted by rikhei at 7:05 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by rikhei at 7:05 AM PST - 10 comments
Well-written math
Which mathematicians write exceptionally well or exceptionally clearly? (Individual books or articles would also be acceptable.) [more inside]
Why am I the only one who answers his phone?
Running a small business and I need to strike the right balance between being available and growing my business. [more inside]
How long should a couch last? Is it our fault?
We have a couch we bought at a large reputable furniture store for about $600-700, about five years ago. It is so sunken at this point that it is difficult to get up out of. Help! [more inside]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 6:34 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 6:34 AM PST - 35 comments
Solve all the (business) problems!
How do I find and learn about creative ways to solve the complex problems that businesses face these days? [more inside]
Help needed with ancient Family Tree Maker file formats: TRT & IDX
I've inherited some very old Family Tree Maker TRT and IDX files now but find no version that can read them. I'm looking for someone who has an old version of FTM which can read the TRT & IDX files and export the data in the standard GEDCOM format. Please help! [more inside]
posted by queue_strategy at 6:11 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by queue_strategy at 6:11 AM PST - 7 comments
Managing membership for a small organization?
A friend runs a small professional organization with about 60-80 members, and is looking for a way to more easily manage membership. She is hoping to find software or a web service designed to do these things:
- Most importantly: allow members to pay an annual membership fee online. She also needs to be able to look up who has paid and who hasn't.
- Allow members to log in and update contact information and other info (such as number of accredited hours).
- Email all members, download a list of members, and so on.
Homemade gummies with the same texture as storebought
Help me make home made gummies/gumdrops/sweedish fish that have the same or at least very similar texture to store bought ones. It is my birthday next week. If you can help me with this you'd be giving me the best birthday present ever. [more inside]
Knitting in public: have I been dastardly rude this whole time?
You and some friends (guys and gals) are hanging out chatting. It's all really casual and you guys are all good friends. One friend pulls out their knitting and starts working on it. (No charts, no pattern, just really simple stockinette stitch.)
Do you feel slighted? Like she's checked out of the conversation? Like she's bored with you and the group? Do you wish she'd just put it away and pay attention? [more inside]
Help me construct a levee between the Shower Zone and the Toilet Zone
I am renting an apartment with what I consider to be a relatively simple bathroom. While the walls and floor are tiled, there is no barrier separating the shower from the sink and toilet. Apparently the correct terminology for this is a "wetroom". And it does get very wet. I would like to be able to go to the toilet without wading through a wet toilet floor, so I need to jimmy up a simple, effective, hygienic solution. [more inside]
posted by Aiwen at 3:33 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Aiwen at 3:33 AM PST - 23 comments
Find me more characters like Dimity Carmody
In the Man Kzin wars books there's a recurring protagonist called Dimity Carmody. Whilst technically human it's emphasised that she's somewhat inhuman psychologically to the point she's almost regarded as an alien.
I liked the character and would like to read more fiction with similar characters - what's out there?
posted by curious_yellow at 3:24 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by curious_yellow at 3:24 AM PST - 7 comments
Making lifestyle changes when too anxious and exhausted?
I've been struggling with fatigue and anxiety, and I've been trying to make lifestyle changes to help. But it seems like the fatigue and anxiety are causing the exact vices I'm trying to break. How to get out of this cycle? [more inside]
February 27
Guide to Writing a Guide
How would I go about setting up an online guidebook that's editable by different people with minimal effort? [more inside]
A guide to Kingston, Jamaica
I am accompanying a friend to Kingston at the end of March for one week. The main purpose of the trip is to visit the U.S. Embassy for some paperwork. I have never been to Jamaica and wanted to get some pointers. Which guidebooks would you recommend? What areas should we visit? Which areas should we avoid? Could you recommend a place to stay? [more inside]
A recipe for a pineapple cream cheese filling for canned pears?
I once frequently ate in a cafeteria where they served a delicious dessert-slash-side dish of canned pears with a filling of pineapple and what I think was cream cheese, and while I've come close to replicating it, I can't get it exactly right. I've googled this to death; I've beginning to wonder if it was one of those recipes you find in, say, a Jell-o cookbook from the 1970s or on the side of a cream cheese box. [more inside]
My girlfriend and I both have HSV1. What risks are we looking at?
My girlfriend has HSV1 genitally, with outbreaks 1-2 times a year. I just found out from my doctor that I tested positive for HSV1 back when I first became sexually active in 2005 (not sure why I wasn't informed back then, but I suppose that's a different story...). I've never had symptoms, I imagine it's an oral infection from childhood and I'm getting a full STI screening to reconfirm. What does this mean in terms of risks or lack thereof with my girlfriend? Can HSV1 reinfect different locations? Are there different strains of HSV1? Up to now, we've been using protection for penetrative intercourse, changing condoms when switching from vaginal to anal intercourse, and basically avoiding oral-vaginal contact. My doctor was relatively vague when it came to these questions ("I think you would be at lower risk.") and I'd like a bit more information upon which to base my future decisions given this new information.
Help me hire a programmer
I am working on my dissertation, and I need to hire someone to write some code that will scrape content off of a password-protected site that uses AJAX. I don't really know how to go about doing this. [more inside]
iPhone won't sync after software update and janky cable
Trying to get my iPhone 4S to restore and sync from recent backup via iTunes and no love. [more inside]
Where can I find free NYC street maps for a for-profit travel book?
I'm trying to create a travel book and website for tourists to NYC. Are there any resources I can use for free or very low cost in regards to the street maps in the printed version, especially those including subway and/or bus stops (nice, but not required).
Dammit Jim, I'm a photographer, not a web designer!
I'm a professional (part-time) photographer--I know next to nothing about web hosting/design/whatever. I want to switch from having a portfolio/sales website through Zenfolio (with a custom domain name hosted by Dreamhost) to having a website totally hosted by Dreamhost (with Shootproof for portfolio/sales). How can I mess around with setting up a new site (probably a Wordpress site with one-click install on Dreamhost)--I need this to be easy) without breaking my old site before I'm ready to use a new one? [more inside]
posted by devotion+doubt at 3:46 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by devotion+doubt at 3:46 PM PST - 3 comments
How to 'blast' music on speakers for mixing, living with parents
Hey music people I'm wondering if you maybe have figured out a solution to this issue I'm having. Basically I need to master/play electronic music on my studio monitor speakers, usually at a VERY LOUD level so I can hear if all the frequencies are where they should be. I'm living with the folks and they got super pissed when I was doing that in my closet. So I moved outside with the speakers facing away and they were still pissed. Keep in mind this is all in the middle of the day. [more inside]
posted by wavecal22 at 3:28 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by wavecal22 at 3:28 PM PST - 23 comments
Looking for examples of business collaboration.
As the title suggests, I'm looking for various examples of business/organization collaboration, especially ones where people from different industries work together in an interdisciplinary fashion. People combining their expertise in different fields to work on a project together would be especially helpful. For profit, non profit, big corporations or the local PTA, all are great.
I am also interested in spectacular failures of collaboration, if you can think of any of those.
Camera options with baby on the way
I'm thinking about upgrading my camera from a 10-year-old point-and-shoot to take photos of an imminent new baby (and eventual child-on-the-go), but the options are crazy-making. Camcorder, point-and-shoot, or interchangeable lenses? Video, pocketability, or picture quality? What did you find was the best option? I already have an iPhone 5s that I will use for quick snaps. [more inside]
Keep it secret, keep it safe
I have been asked by my roommate's boyfriend to covertly find her ring size for an engagement ring. He suggested digging through her stuff until I find a ring to use with an online ring sizing guide. I'm uncertain whether the surprise factor is a bigger deal than the invasion of privacy. [more inside]
posted by Durin's Bane at 2:50 PM PST - 57 comments
posted by Durin's Bane at 2:50 PM PST - 57 comments
Help me identify this dish based solely upon its ingredients.
One of those dishes that has never been written down is begging for a name. [more inside]
posted by msali at 2:37 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by msali at 2:37 PM PST - 6 comments
Where in the U.S. are today's coolest clowns?
Depending upon which news source you actually trust, we're in the middle of a nationwide clown shortage. But not so fast, bozo — evidently, there are still plenty of 'em to go around.
So here's my question: where in the U.S. are today's coolest clowns? Not the sad kind, not the scary kind, but the innovative, interesting ones. I'm thinking Cirque du Soleil meets Pierrot: amazing makeup, costumes, and an overall awesome vibe.
Help?
No contract / pre-paid Lumia on T-Mobile agreement?
Can I buy a Lumia 521 from the Microsoft Store and bring it to a plan on T-Mobile? (Yes, it's another "Help me with a cell phone / phone plan!" question. Sorry.) [more inside]
posted by Ickster at 2:04 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Ickster at 2:04 PM PST - 5 comments
Vinyl LP collection
Any body have recent experience selling LP records.
Better results on E-Bay or Amazon, or where else? [more inside]
Professional Development
Has anyone gone through any general professional development courses that were awesome and really helped you in your career? I have been tasked with finding some courses for our team of project managers that will help us become more polished professionals. Topics might include client communication, presentations, meeting facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution, etc. Ideally this course could be done online but if we had to bring someone in that wouldn't be a problem. Help us get better.
Keeping my iTunes "Music" folder in my DropBox
I'm experiencing some problems with keeping my iTunes "Music" folder in my DropBox. Details (not too involved!) follow. [more inside]
How do I set up a basic, 1994-style webcam?
I need to set up a basic webcam stream for a gallery exhibition. I'm looking to have a live-ish still image of the gallery space (ideally just a JPG that refreshes every 30 seconds or so—no video, no audio, like this) that can be viewed via a web browser at a second, off-site location. I think I have any hardware I would need — is there a piece of (Mac) software or some other option that can handle the capture and upload/broadcast with minimal headache? [more inside]
Where to make big prints of oil paintings?
My wife does oil paintings and would like to sell prints of them. What are the best online venues in North America for printing this kind of art? She wants to make large prints, gliches, etc.
posted by Eiwalker at 1:28 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Eiwalker at 1:28 PM PST - 5 comments
MFAaaaaay 401Kaaaay PHDeeeeee IRAaaaay
What is the best way to move money between retirement accounts while I am currently employed so that I can access it and minimize penalties when I go back to school? (Many, many details inside) [more inside]
posted by rock'em sock'em puppets at 1:13 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by rock'em sock'em puppets at 1:13 PM PST - 7 comments
Losing faith in idealism
I’ve realized that I’m starting to lose faith in idealism, perpetuated in part by instances where reality hasn't lived up to it, so I'm beginning to become more "realistic" about where the limits are. However, I’m worried that this leads to mediocrity. Has anyone dealt with this? [more inside]
posted by markbao at 1:12 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by markbao at 1:12 PM PST - 30 comments
Recommended resources for intermediate Mandarin Chinese study?
I am looking for books and other resources to help improve my intermediate Mandarin Chinese skills! I'm at a point where a lot of the adult books that I try to read are stuffed with chengyu and obscure vocabulary, but I want something a little more advanced and a little more engaged with contemporary Chinese culture than translations of American children's novels. [more inside]
NO SLIM-FIT NEED APPLY
After being inadvertently reminded that I have kind of an unusual body type (tall & fairly thin upper body [6'2", 210 lbs, 34W x 36L]... but with massive ham-hock legs--see title), I've decided it's time to quit my grumbling and actually find dress pants that fit. I've looked through the archives and while there's been good advice for casual and blue-collar menswear, I need something that I can wear with a shirt & tie. I like Bonobos and Banana Republic style (or "style," whatever), but I've gained a little weight recently and even though my waist is about the same, everything fits like a sausage casing around my thighs and butt. Who makes the pants I'm looking for?
Demorialized about teaching the the University level
I feel like I am teaching to the lowest common denominator... What to do? [more inside]
iWanna Get My Pool Party Jammy-Jam On
Can I use an iPhone as a wifi range extender to another iPhone? [more inside]
How do i determine the wall thickness of a Cylinder if it gets expanded.
I would like to use a mathematical formula in Excel to try and determine how much the wall thickness of a Cylinder or tube changes if it is expanded. [more inside]
posted by ndillon at 11:41 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ndillon at 11:41 AM PST - 11 comments
Fun, inexpensive "of the month" clubs
I love the idea of Dollar Shave Club. What are some other subscription-type services I might enjoy? [more inside]
Menswear for skinny chicks
Similar AskMes have been put out before, but I'd like to modify it with my special flake-ful details: I'm wondering if anyone can specifically recommend retailers that carry 1) menswear-style clothing for women 2) with a full line of sizes down to US size 0. [more inside]
You are great here is an item I purchased for you.
I need to get a Most Helpful Person of the Year gift for a late 30s, artsy teacher. Please show me things that would work! [more inside]
US elementary school teachers, two history questions.
In general, which elementary school grades cover prehistory? American colonial history?
Can I steam a fortune cookie 'blank' to make it temporarily flexible?
I'd like to write fortunes and fold them into home-made fortune cookies. Can I make the cookies ahead and then reheat or steam them to make them flexible enough to fold? [more inside]
posted by wryly at 10:54 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by wryly at 10:54 AM PST - 8 comments
Dealing with a micromanaging boss, grad student edition.
OK, I know this question has been asked in various permutations many times before, but of course my situation is different and special. I have a boss who is a serious micromanager and very indecisive on top of that. It's driving me crazy and I need advice on how to cope. I'm a graduate student in the biological sciences. [more inside]
What are some examples of completely unique writing systems?
I'm fascinated by writing systems. I've seen this wiki page about different types of systems in real and fictional languages. As I understand it, there are generally three kinds of systems: logographic, where symbols represent entire concepts or words; syllabaries, where symbols represent syllabic sounds; and segmental, where symbols represent phonemes or small units of sound.
Is there any other way to write? I'm having a hard time coming up with how it would even work, but I'm sure some clever author somewhere has tried. Is there another way to write a language other than the above?
Asking for a friend, new-car edition: new vs. used hybrids? Prius vs. ??
A friend of mine is in the market for a new(er) car; she specifically wants to get a hybrid, but that's the only thing she's sure of. She's currently looking at a 2008 Prius, but is it a bad idea to even consider a used hybrid, considering their battery replacement costs? Would she be better off with a new Prius, or is there something better, like Honda's or Ford's hybrids?
She doesn't want a giant SUV; she's barely 5 feet tall, and says she has problems seeing over the engines of most large vehicles, and she doesn't want something she'd need a ladder to climb up into! She'd prefer a hatchback, or at least a sedan with a decent-sized trunk --- she needs to haul two teenagers and all their sports gear around town. Oh, and she's never driven a manual shift, only automatics.
Like everyone else in the market for a car, she wants the trifecta: low purchase price + economical upkeep costs + reliable and long-lasting. Help!
posted by easily confused at 10:36 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by easily confused at 10:36 AM PST - 18 comments
Taking a brick & mortar business online!
Looking for guidance on the questions we should be asking and your experience(s) throughout the process. [more inside]
posted by MansRiot at 10:02 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by MansRiot at 10:02 AM PST - 4 comments
Who approves the approver?
Fellow nonprofit pros, who approves time sheets submitted by your president/ED/CEO? After some recent personnel changes at our nonprofit we're having an internal debate, and I could use some input.
Options so far:
- Have the board chair approve (accounting likes, prez doesn't)
- Have me (HR) scan for general accuracy of data entry (which lacks oversight)
- Multiple approval process by small committee (yay! another committee!)
An internet search has turned up precious little in the way of best practices. Any thoughts?
posted by vverse23 at 9:43 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by vverse23 at 9:43 AM PST - 17 comments
Workarounds for tracking changes effectively in Scrivener?
I'm a playwright in rehearsals for production of a new script. I wrote it in Scrivener, and am in love with the program except for its lack of effective change-tracking features. Ideally, I'd love to find a way to generate reports on a daily-or-so basis of the changes made to individual lines that I could email out to the whole creative team. [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 8:58 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by HeroZero at 8:58 AM PST - 6 comments
Is there an up-to-date podcast (rss) of Supreme Court Oral Arguments?
Is there an up-to-date podcast (rss) of Supreme Court Oral Arguments? This podcast stopped in 2010. Is there one that's still going? If not, can web services like Yahoo Pipes help me make one? I want to listen with the Downcast app on iOS and OSX. [more inside]
posted by cmchap at 8:52 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by cmchap at 8:52 AM PST - 3 comments
A typology of joyful pursuits?
I'm looking for resources to help better understand the different types of activities that bring people joy and meaning. [more inside]
Having a problem with Zimbra email client.
I have recently started using Zimbra as my email client and I love it. It does everything I need it to do and it does it well. With one problem. I keep getting an email I am trying to send to a client bounced back to me. I checked his address several times to make sure I have it correct. The problem originated when I had entered his address incorrectly. It is a gmail account I had it wrong as gmai. As I said it has been corrected and I enter it correctly before I send it. But when it comes back it comes back as the old one ending with gmai. And therefore is undeliverable. I am at my wits end.
Visual Studio 2010 Deployment Project
I have a simple application that I deploy with a VS2010 Deployment project. However, the application is behaving weirdly in the wild. [more inside]
I need a new car - Versa Note vs Fit? Or nissan reliability in general?
Professional Looking Labeling/Packaging on the Cheap for Small Business?
I'm looking into opening an online shop with a few niche items, and I don't know how to go about packaging and labeling them. I'm very small time and this is a very small market, so I need to keep things on a budget. In theory I have a color inkjet printer and bw laser printer, but neither are cooperating at the moment, and I don't want really terrible hand made labels I've seen some people make on their printers. I can probably figure out why they're broken if there is a way to do nice looking labels on a home printer, I just haven't seen it. I can do design, but I've got little experience in the physical space. I'm also completely lost on the packaging side of things. Where can I find out about packaging and labeling cheaply for small (micro) businesses? [more inside]
Can I eat it? Indian grocery edition.
I bought some hot mango pickle at the Indian grocery store yesterday. It was packaged differently from what I've had before and I am concerned about its safety. When I've bought this same kind before it was in a glass jar with a metal lid, like other shelf-stable canned goods in jars. This time it was stored at room temperature in a glass jar, but the lid is plastic. [more inside]
Add sketches/drawing in real-time to my typed notes?
Lately I've found myself taking a lot of notes. To my surprise, I find that I can type a lot faster than I can write, and this seems to be working very well, because I have the added benefit of being able to quickly search my notes later.
Now here is my problem: I often want to include rough drawings like I used to when I took notes on paper. Just a few quick lines to capture the essence of a part or a plan. It would be best if I could add these in "real time" to the same document, but I'm willing to experiment with other methods.
What I have: A MacBook Air, running Windows 7, but I still have the original Mac OS partition as well. I have been using google docs to take notes, but I am willing to change. Somewhere I have a several years-old Wacom bamboo tablet which I could probably get to work again (this is a stylus/input device tablet, not a tablet computer). I also have acccess to MS Office (2010, I think?) and I'm pretty sure that includes One-Note.
Does anyone have advice on how I could add quick drawings to my laptop-typed notes? I am willing to change software or processes. Thank you for any advice you might have.
Where can I gain access to Wayne Dyer's PBS specials?
I live in the UK and I am a fan of Wayne Dyer's work. I've read that he's done 10 PBS specials over the past 15 years. [more inside]
Overdue and over-anxious
I'm supposed to give birth any minute now and am completely preoccupied by thoughts of what could go wrong. Can anyone help? [more inside]
posted by raspberry-ripple at 7:56 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by raspberry-ripple at 7:56 AM PST - 43 comments
Meditation and I'm moving backwards?
I think my new mindfulness practice is causing me more anxiety - why is this and how do I handle it? [more inside]
posted by chainsofreedom at 7:51 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by chainsofreedom at 7:51 AM PST - 17 comments
Is lamictal effective for depression+anxiety?
My psych just prescribed me Lamictal for my anxiety/depression. I am not bipolar (at least I don't think I am). She explained that lamictal is used off-label for many different purposes, and as I didn't like the side effects from SSRIs/Wellbutrin Lamictal might do the trick. I'd love to hear personal anecdotes regarding Lamictal - did it whether it work for your anxiety/depression? I am also on Buspar.
Selling My House. Still Living In It. Best Practices?
I've gotten engaged so it's time to sell the bachelor pad (2br/1ba/1k sq ft) and buy a bigger house with the Soon To Be Mrs Toole Box and her kids. Final Jeopardy: I'm still living in it. [more inside]
cut off flaky friend?
How to deal with a friend who you really like, who is really unreliable? [more inside]
What to do at SXSW?
I'm going to SXSW for the first time this year, and want to know if any of y'all have any tips? I know the general thing to do is rsvp for concerts/parties, so I've been doing that to a few that another friend going heard about, but I'd love more suggestions and advice! I'm only getting in Friday, but feel free to talk about stuff going on all week so others can see it.
posted by DynamiteToast at 7:16 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by DynamiteToast at 7:16 AM PST - 4 comments
SSD & system restore
Is there any consensus about whether, on balance, it's tolerable or terrible for SSDs to leave system restore on or off?? [more inside]
posted by peacay at 6:59 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by peacay at 6:59 AM PST - 5 comments
Are there any other online communities which limit posting frequency?
One of the reasons why Metafilter and Ask Metafilter have such high quality content is that they limit the frequency of posts. Are there any other Internet communities that use the same strategy successfully?
YANAmazon, but…
I stumbled across an older book, and I'd love to find others like it. Help? [more inside]
posted by xenization at 5:19 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by xenization at 5:19 AM PST - 8 comments
Most of a Sunday "stuck" in San Diego - what should I do?
Next month I have a 10:30pm flight out of San Diego and all my mates are leaving in the morning. What lovely fun thing could I do that I could only do there? Or, never mind me, what would you do if you just had 12 hours in San Diego? [more inside]
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 4:54 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 4:54 AM PST - 10 comments
I don't have a job or a boyfriend
I am in my 30s and failing at life. Details inside. [more inside]
Strange Visual Phenomenon
Twice in the last few months I've been in the car at night and experienced a strange visual phenomenon. I know YANMD, I'm sure its nothing but I'm wondering if it has a name or if it could mean something worse. [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 2:25 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by missmagenta at 2:25 AM PST - 12 comments
Need help finding nice women's tops
Going back to work after maternity leave, but a size bigger so I have to get new clothes. I hate clothes shopping and I don't have time to browse the stores anyway. My work wardrobe staples are bootcut jeans and fitted jersey long-sleeve t-shirts with a nice-looking print. I got jeans but I'm missing the top part! [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 12:48 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by gakiko at 12:48 AM PST - 6 comments
Can Qantas workers strike by Sunday?
Today, Qantas threatened to strike over job cuts, and are meeting tomorrow to choose a course of action. We absolutely positively need to return to the US from Melbourne on Sunday for a non reschedulable hugely important appointment. Should we panic? [more inside]
posted by jewzilla at 12:38 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by jewzilla at 12:38 AM PST - 2 comments
February 26
I can't poop with you watching
How can I convince my daughter's school director that a doorless bathroom is not appropriate for an elementary school classroom? [more inside]
Need solutions to stop smells of baby poop
After my baby poops in the diaper I throw it in the trash but the whole room smells of poop and the whole house to until I take out the trash once or twice a week. I need a better system, is there some special bag or trash can that can stop smells from coming thru? Or can I spray the poop with something that will stop it from smelling? Taking the diaper outside to the main trashcan multiple times a day is not a option.
Mismatched sex drives, complicated by obligations, guilt and energy
My wife and I have been together for more than 7 years, and we've always had a caring, affectionate, low-sex relationship. We have sex once every month or two, and we enjoy ourselves, but it's generally pretty quick, then doesn't happen again for another month or longer. My sex drive is decently high, but hers seems very low. We've talked fairly openly about this mis-match, but there seem to be a long list of issues. This is where I'd like input, insight, or ideas. [more inside]
1st birthday video song suggestion
My daughter is creating a video of highlights from her daughter's first year. She is looking for song suggestions for the video. She loves oldies (60s-70s), current country and pop but would consider anything. What suggestions do you have?
Looking for a legal term of art: Assumption? Ratification?
You have a contract with Company A, which goes bankrupt. Company B buys the assets and continues operating under the original contract with you. Assuming that Company B did not simply acquire the contract in the bankruptcy, what is the term for what happened? Did Company B adopt the contract? Assume it? Ratify it? Thanks!
How can I sell my artesian well water so that I don't to give it up?
I own a Lake Superior property that has an artesian well. I'd like to sell the incredibly pure water from it. How could I do this in a way that wouldn't create environmental damage?
I need to generate some profit from my property in order to afford to own it. I have fallen on hard times and can't even afford the taxes anymore.
The water flows from the aquifer into a cistern continuously. In the warmer months, I have a pump that brings the water into a 100 yr old farmhouse on the property.
Help with finding an inexpensive laptop
I need a laptop for travel for about 3-4 weeks a year, and up to this point I have always had an old one I can tote around, I recently bought a series of older macbooks through craigslist that did the job for a little while, but both, for various reasons are no longer working and can't be fixed without a lot of cost.
I am hesitant to try for another craiglist computer, because of my recent experiences, but I also don't want to lay out the money for a new macbook because of how infrequently it will be used, it just seems, well, wasteful both monetarily and also letting a new computer collect dust.
It needs to be able to run Adobe CS 5 or 6, it can either be a mac or pc, though ideally a mac. If no other options present themselves, I would most likely look at Apple refurbished.
But are there any other sources that I am overlooking?
Changing your name...some of the time?
I'm getting married, and am considering what to do about changing my name. My finance and I both like the idea of changing my name, both for personal and practical reason -- we are both sort of traditional when it comes to things like this, both like the idea of both having the same name as our kids, our names sound awful hyphenated, etc. That said, I worry about this professionally. [more inside]
posted by rainbowbrite at 3:48 PM PST - 43 comments
posted by rainbowbrite at 3:48 PM PST - 43 comments
Excel sum question with if and operators
Spread sheet contains 4 columns.
Submitals, interviews, jobs and a total sum column of the prior three cells mentioned.
The trick is, a submital is worth 1 point, a intrerview 3 points, a job 5 points. But the value must be 1 each in its respective column, and the sum column must contain the total number of points. How would you format a sheet to achieve this.
posted by cheechman85 at 3:43 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by cheechman85 at 3:43 PM PST - 2 comments
How to cope with a long distance relationship & losing my independence?
I'm 21, I've been living in Canada for six months with my originally long distance partner and now I need to return home for financial and health reasons, leaving my girlfriend and new friends behind. I need advice and coping strategies to deal with a return to a long distance relationship with an unknown reunion date, returning home and then moving to a smaller house where I will have to share a room with my 18 year old brother for at least five months. [more inside]
posted by fallingleaves at 3:31 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by fallingleaves at 3:31 PM PST - 4 comments
A hypothetical question about fall risk and Parkinsons
Does activity level during the day elevate the risk of a fall later in the day for a Parkinsons patient? [more inside]
posted by vincele at 3:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by vincele at 3:31 PM PST - 7 comments
Seeking games for seven people with poor attention spans
A group of friends and I get together every couple of weeks to eat dinner, hang out, and play games. We're looking for some new and fun games, with some... let's not say requirements, but instead desirable qualities. [more inside]
International wedding registry headaches
Difficulty level: Dutch/Canadian/Australian.
Mr Fish and I are getting married in July. A lot of Mr Fish's Canadian family are coming, and this is my first time meeting a lot of them. We absolutely do not expect gifts but we're already getting questions about registries. Do international registries exist? [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 3:15 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by nerdfish at 3:15 PM PST - 3 comments
Tenure and promotion letters for college faculty
Academics, what is your institution's policy about tenure and promotion letters? Specifically, once the decision to award or deny tenure is made, does a candidate standardly get a letter detailing the committee's reasons? What is the letter like and who reviews it? Looking also for pointers to faculty handbooks where the letter process is described, and links to policies/recommendations from professional associations like AAUP or MLA on this. [more inside]
Apartment recommendations in Silicon Valley
I'm moving to California from Michigan to take a job at HP. Do you have recommendations for a 2 bedroom apartment that meets my needs? Safety and dog walkability are prime concerns. Especially interested in perspectives on Prometheus Apartments Metropolitan and Americana. [more inside]
Need to back out without burning a bridge!
I need to back out of a project that (thankfully) hasn't started yet--how do I write an email that doesn't sound flaky or weasel-y, and ideally lets me keep my client? [more inside]
Great Sexpectations
I have a super high sex drive (female, 30) that I've been blessed/cursed with since puberty. My boyfriend is a fairly sexual person, but has a lower libido than I do (male, 41), and don't want to have sex as often as I do. I am having trouble not taking this personally. [more inside]
posted by ElectricGoat at 1:51 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by ElectricGoat at 1:51 PM PST - 23 comments
Do I have to pay capital gains tax if I made no profit?
Taxfilter: I sold a condo in April. I sold it for $5,000 less than I bought it for, but I walked away with some money because I had owned it for 10 years and paid down the principal. I had been renting it out for 4 years before I sold it because I moved to a city nearby. I also put about 10K into renovations over the past few years. Do I have to pay any capital gains taxes? Is it worth it to try to get any kind of credit for the loss I took when I sold it for less than I bought it for?
posted by Clustercuss at 1:19 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Clustercuss at 1:19 PM PST - 8 comments
What creative meetups can I go to in Amsterdam (or surrounding area)?
I'm a designer having trouble (a) getting work, (b) networking, (c) finding a peer group that I can hang out with. I live near Amsterdam.
What meetups / conferences / places can I go to that will solve as many of these issues as possible?
Can I get married in Maryland if I am already married in another state?
5 years ago, I married Mr. Librarypt. Then we moved. For our anniversary we want to go to the courthouse and get married in the state we're currently living in, Maryland. Is this legal in Maryland? I don't want to get fined or go to jail for trying to do a romantic thing. The google isn't helping me. Thanks!
posted by Librarypt at 12:51 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Librarypt at 12:51 PM PST - 21 comments
How do you keep up with your favorite authors?
Is there some kind of app or website that will send me notices when authors I designate as my favorites publish a new book? [more inside]
posted by something something at 12:47 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by something something at 12:47 PM PST - 5 comments
Service providers that allow customers to stream purchased videos?
Hello!
I am looking for a provider that will allow me to
a) Host tutorial videos
b) Sell streaming videos to customers.
Think of websites like lynda.com - but on a much smaller scale.
I've found one provider viddler.com - no luck yet finding others. Mayhaps the hive mind has an idea? Thanks!
posted by TrinsicWS at 12:40 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by TrinsicWS at 12:40 PM PST - 4 comments
What's a good website to follow along with gay marriage progress?
I'd like to know which cases are in court, when, and where. [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 12:37 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ohsnapdragon at 12:37 PM PST - 3 comments
Two weeks in Japan - with a 6 year old
We're flying in and out of Narita at the end of March - and that's pretty much all we have planned at the moment. [more inside]
Is it actually legal to bandit a marathon? (run w/o registering)
I would never personally actually bandit a marathon (to bandit is to run a race without having paid the fee to register). Please no comments on whether it's good, bad, or immoral. But for curiosity sake, according to this article in the wall street journal, it's not illegal at all. And if it's not illegal, how can the "bandit catchers" force a bandit off the course? Are there really that many bandits at most marathons? What if a bandit only ran from mile 2 to mile 24? I find everything about this topic interesting. Experiences, and tips are appreciated.
posted by crawltopslow at 12:06 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by crawltopslow at 12:06 PM PST - 29 comments
Need a garden center in Nebraska
We have a friend in Central City, and her Mom just died, so the other members of our far-flung group wanted to get a gift certificate from a local garden center that she could redeem for a tree, or piece of garden art. Trouble is, we don't know what's available out there.. [more inside]
posted by PlantGoddess at 11:42 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by PlantGoddess at 11:42 AM PST - 3 comments
DUCK, DUCK - TAG! YOU'RE IT!!
Somebody gifted me a whole duck, humanely raised, with the head on and everything. What should I do with this beauty? I want to use as many parts as possible. Thanks!! [more inside]
posted by jbenben at 11:04 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by jbenben at 11:04 AM PST - 8 comments
Seeking Austin Community Theatre Scene
Here in New England, there are tons of community theatre organizations of all sizes & quality levels; almost every town has a "Springfield Community Players" or something like that. I can think of dozens within a half hour of my home in MA. A theatre friend has moved to Austin, TX, and can't seem to find any such organizations at all within at least an hour radius. [more inside]
The lazy brown dog watched the quick ______ jump over the _____.
My useless dog Truman seems to really enjoy watching a certain type of scene on TV. We've been stuck inside all winter and I know he'd rather be running around in big grassy fields. Please help me find some youtube videos for him to enjoy! [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 9:42 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by phunniemee at 9:42 AM PST - 18 comments
Exhaustion and Bipolar Disorder
I am currently going through a period of extreme exhaustion but with little depression. I am bipolar, and I want to know if this is most likely a part of being bipolar, or something unrelated. [more inside]
posted by Thanquol180 at 9:15 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Thanquol180 at 9:15 AM PST - 8 comments
Something like Instapaper, but for email threads?
Is there an equivalent of Instapaper or Pocket, but more or less optimized for saving and decluttering (long) email threads? (Gmail, specifically?) [more inside]
C is for Cookie... W is for Waffle?
Intermediate Piano Repertoire
I need help finding sheet music to practice! My teacher gives me some things, but I must be picky, because I keep turning my nose up at some classics like The Entertainer, Fur Elise.... They are beautiful songs of course, but I am tired of hearing them!
I am open to many styles, but am having a hard time finding stuff that motivates me! [more inside]
posted by maca at 8:51 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by maca at 8:51 AM PST - 18 comments
Post-run sleepiness
I've been running (at least 1 hour each workout) since the New Year, and have now acclimated to the intensity of exercise. But still, after the run as soon as I change and sit down, I am overcome by an incredible urge to sleep. I usually eat a banana, but if I don't I also get a headache. Someone suggested maybe electrolytes would help with the sleepiness. What are some credible sources of information on that? Or, any ideas for not being so sleepy after working out? [more inside]
posted by atetrachordofthree at 8:36 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by atetrachordofthree at 8:36 AM PST - 14 comments
Portfolio pages without plastic
Are there any portfolio inserts (similar to what Prat or Itoya makes) that don't have plastic protectors? [more inside]
Erudition as a service?
I've started writing more (blog posts), and several times this has happened: I use the Mac's search function to look up a word in the dictionary, for inspiration, and instead I notice a PDF search result from my folder full of (sadly illegal) PDF books, and end up on a totally wonderful track. Is there a more comprehensive, perhaps legal, way to do this? [more inside]
posted by mbrock at 8:30 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by mbrock at 8:30 AM PST - 6 comments
What sort of therapist do I need?
I am tired of myself, and feeling like I do, and I feel very isolated with it all. I realise that probably need to go and talk with someone. What kind of therapist do I need to look for? Does anyone have any recommendations for English speaking therapists in Amsterdam? [more inside]
Any out of the box ideas for getting a lower mortgage rate?
I don't qualify for any of the recent government sponsored programs. I continue to drool over the low interest rates and want to know if there's something I'm not thinking of that I could take advantage of before rates start to crawl back up. [more inside]
European tours with cool people
Mr. Liet and I would like to go to continental Europe this summer, hitting a bunch of cities over about two weeks. We're looking at tour groups, because we want everything taken care of in advance and we want to be guided to the coolest stuff. However, we're young and active and want to tour with other young, active people too. [more inside]
Fun activities for a house bound dad?
My poor dad is recovering from an accident, and is stuck in the house during this crazy winter. What are some fun activities to keep him busy while we wait for the snow to melt? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 7:41 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by silverstatue at 7:41 AM PST - 15 comments
Textbooks on internal combustion engines
I'd like to find a textbook about internal combustion engines. Can you recommend one? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 7:22 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by aeighty at 7:22 AM PST - 7 comments
Affordable sort of sexy underwear for allergy sufferer?
I don't know if it's my latex allergy or something else, but I've been better off down there since I switched to 100% cotton underwear on the advice of my doctor. Currently I'm wearing the Elance Bikini and French Cuts, but I have pretty wide hips and they look kind of granny-like on me. I'd like to find something allergy/sensitive skin-appropriate that's at least kind of sexy and that's under $15 a pair.
posted by melissam at 7:19 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by melissam at 7:19 AM PST - 5 comments
Email duplicated from Barracuda Cloud Layer
Some email to our server is being duplicated from the Barracuda Cloud Layer to our local Barracuda 300. Barracuda support says there are routing and latency issues. I don't see the evidence but not sure how to resolve it. Details inside... [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 7:18 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dukes909 at 7:18 AM PST - 7 comments
Where should New Yorkers and Washingtonians meet for a summer weekend?
We have done a long weekend at the Delaware shore with friends for the past few summers, and would like to try a new place. We'd like to go somewhere where we can swim with toddlers and babies (so no rough ocean--the Delaware bay was great for this) and is not too far a drive for either of us. [more inside]
gotofail bug: articles about its minimal *real-world* effects?
I'm trying to help a relative who's in a full panic about computer security, brought on both by the alarmist mainstream reporting about the gotofail bug and by some coincidental hardware issues with her OS X machine. My reassurance isn't going to cut it this time -- is there somewhere online where she can read, in lay terms, that although the bug was severe in theory / in its implications, there's very little evidence of real-world exploits? [more inside]
Where can I find a list of all college tuition prices in the US?
I work for an education non-profit. We are compiling a list of college tuition prices. Does anyone know of a site that might have something like this? [more inside]
posted by brista at 6:31 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by brista at 6:31 AM PST - 9 comments
My adult cousin with Downs has a weird Facebook.
My 22-year-old cousin with Downs syndrome has a Facebook account. I'm worried she's posting inappropriate things. [more inside]
Someone's Plagiarizing Our Blog, What Next?
So my friend and I have a blog with original content, and someone's stealing/reposting our material wholesale without proper attribution or even a link back to where they've nicked it. [more inside]
posted by agog at 5:29 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by agog at 5:29 AM PST - 29 comments
Celebrations without breaking the bank
I need help coming up with a vacation place for this year for the week after Christmas that won't break the bank. It's harder that it seems, and so I'm hoping you all can help out. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Help me find exact location of André Kertész's 'Stairs Of Montmartre'
We are visiting Paris in the summer and I hoping to visit to exact location of André Kertész's photo, 'Stairs Of Montmartre'. From what I can tell looking at Street View on Google Maps and exploring Flickr, there are many steps in Montmartre and I am hoping I don't need to climb all of them looking for the location of this iconic photo. Can someone give me the location who has been there?
posted by vac2003 at 12:54 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by vac2003 at 12:54 AM PST - 11 comments
Song lyrics re-enforce like a mantra?
I've been looking to no avail for research into the content of song lyrics re-enforcing ideas like a mantra in the mind. Does anyone know of any research into this?
We learn by repetition so one would imagine the brain isn't selective. Brand re-enforcement advertising works this way so lyrical content should too?
February 25
Advice about what to do with overbearing "member"
Our art discussion group is comprised of serious working artists who share ideas and generally encourage each other. We have always handled ourselves professionally and we have several A-list type members. We have some credibility with the community.
During the last year, however, somehow we acquired one artist who is causing problems. [more inside]
posted by naplesyellow at 9:56 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by naplesyellow at 9:56 PM PST - 23 comments
CareerFilter: for life or money?
Help me navigate a tricky career dilemma! I have two similar but different offers; I'm qualified for both. In the absence of a choice I'd take either one. One is less certainty but more pay and better long-term, the other feels better but the pay and long-term advancement are poor, i.e. I'd have to change jobs to get promoted significantly. I'm 28. Snowflake details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by a halcyon day at 8:17 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by a halcyon day at 8:17 PM PST - 20 comments
Touch-screen app for sound file playback
Is there an Android app out there that would allow you to touch the screen (either a big icon or the entire screen) that would play back a selected sound file when tapped? The quicker the response time the better.
And if it has options for multiple zones (like making a custom-made Simon), even better.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 7:46 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 7:46 PM PST - 3 comments
Motivate me to use stuff up! give me your best reuse/recycling tips
I don't like to use new/nice stuff because it ruins them. What are some recycling projects that are made from accumulating things like empty lipstick, jars, old pencils, dried pens, etc? [more inside]
Conditional Excel formula to identify right-most column with a value?
I'm grappling with an Excel formula. Given a bunch of columns, I'd like to to (a) identify the right-most column that contains a value, then (b) fill a cell with that value and the value in the column heading. [more inside]
Capsules: Why is vitamin E oil so much thicker than vitamin A oil?
I break open both vitamin E and A capsules for use on my skin sometimes. I notice E is very thick while A is light and runny. Is this a property of the molecules, or are they just in a different carrier? I don't know organic chemistry, so I can only speculate.
posted by Listener at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Listener at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments
Attention horticulturists!
How old is our new plant that is a cutting from an old plant? [more inside]
posted by echo0720 at 6:10 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by echo0720 at 6:10 PM PST - 11 comments
Getting It Gone. Paying Off Student Loan?
I have somewhere around $60,000.00 of student loan debt. Its all one loan consolidated with the US government but managed by a private company called Ed Financial. I would like to try negotiating a pay off for less than what is due. Details and further questions inside. [more inside]
Checklist app with alarm notification?
I have to take medicine within a certain window every day, and while I'm getting used to it, I'd love to have an app for Android (or other great solution) with a notification that doesn't disappear until I acknowledge I've taken my medicine and that will notify me when its time to take it. If anyone knows of any app with this functionality, that'd me amazing - I've looked at alarm clock and checklist apps, but they either don't capture the time-sensitive nature of this or disappear as soon as I look at the notification. Thanks, metafilter!
My electric stove won't heat--anyone want some uncooked burgers?
I just went into my kitchen to start supper, and found that neither the burners nor the oven of my electric stove will heat. Everything looks normal, and the element on button is lighting up, but there's no heat at all, and the hot surface button doesn't light. I used the oven last night, and the stovetop this morning, and all was well. When I realised it wasn't working, I went and flipped the breaker switch, off and back on, just in case that was the issue, but that didn't fix anything. [more inside]
posted by MeghanC at 5:27 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by MeghanC at 5:27 PM PST - 10 comments
Notice of Grant of Stock Option?
I've received a "notice of grant of stock option" from the company I work for, with a place for me to sign. [more inside]
Cable box must be left on to use HDD/DVD recorder?
Do we have to leave our Charter cable box on in order to use the timer on our HDD/DVD recorder? [more inside]
Help me better describe dynamic scientific processes in general terms
I'm looking for scientific or mathematical examples, ideas, which could rightly refer to the imagined class of dynamic systems I'm trying to describe. [more inside]
Car not included in recall that affects the transmission. What can I do?
I drive a Mobilio Spike (2005) in Japan. That model year was recalled en masse due to transmission design problems that cause shudder on acceleration. I have complained about this problem to the dealership a few times, but never got any information about the recall. It turns out that my car's production date is outside of the range of the recall by just a couple months, even though it suffers from the same problem. What can I do? I don't need any country-specific information, just general ideas if anyone knows how the recall system works. Oh, the extended warranty period to deal with the transmission issue is past, although I did raise the issue with the dealer during the warranty period--and those conversations are part of my official service record.
Getting to know my placenta previa
I'm 24 weeks pregnant with my first child. Baby is fine, but today I was diagnosed with a complete placenta previa. I have not experienced any bleeding. I'm on pelvic rest, but my CNM didn't advise any other activity restrictions. I'm finding quite a bit of conflicting information out there, and it seems like other medical practitioners recommend partial or complete bed rest. How serious is this and what should I be doing?
posted by mmmbacon at 3:58 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mmmbacon at 3:58 PM PST - 9 comments
How can I convince Mormon missionaries to stop visiting my house?
Is there anything (excepting ridiculous things like opening the door naked) that I can do to get blacklisted by Mormom missionaries? [more inside]
posted by Saminal at 3:57 PM PST - 61 comments
posted by Saminal at 3:57 PM PST - 61 comments
Beautiful places in San Francisco for a person with limited mobility?
A friend's mother is coming to town and we're trying to brain storm some beautiful places to take her. The thing is she has limited mobility and tends to get around in a wheel chair. When I think of places to take people it usually involves a hike to something like the Sutro Baths or China Beach, etc, etc.
Would love to hear some thoughts!
What does this sign say?
I have a photo from a recent immigration rally with a young woman holding a sign in a non-English language. What does the sign say? And what language is it? [more inside]
posted by HE Amb. T. S. L. DuVal at 2:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by HE Amb. T. S. L. DuVal at 2:43 PM PST - 7 comments
"young lady"
Is there any explanation for how the phrase "young lady," used in addressing an obviously older woman, became popular? I never hear it used in addressing girls anymore, but only as a lame attempt to be friendly to an older woman. It's as if the speaker is trying to make you feel better about the fact that you are not a young lady; it is so much nicer to hear the respectful yet affectionate Southern colloquialism "miss lady." Ditto for the phrase "graduate college': when and why did even respected news sources drop the "from" ("graduate from college")? Thanks for listening.
posted by mmiddle at 2:34 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by mmiddle at 2:34 PM PST - 30 comments
Cargo Van Tetris
I have some boxes and some furniture. They need to fit in the back of a van. Is there somewhere on the internet where I can tell it the sizes of my things, and the size of the space they need to fit into, and it tells me how to most efficiently stack my things? [more inside]
posted by mgar at 2:33 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mgar at 2:33 PM PST - 8 comments
silver heirloom jewelry -er- thing...
I have no idea - what did a lady do, exactly, with this ornament? pics inside-- [more inside]
What to do with old medical photographs?
My great-grandfather was a medical photographer for the US Navy. While cleaning out his attic, I found a large, weathered portfolio with a great many black and white photographs--some of them very boring (buildings, laboratories) some of them very shocking (medical experiments, deformed humans, both alive and-probably-dead). What should I do with them? [more inside]
Biking in Dallas in December: Is it feasible?
I am attending the Roller Derby World Cup in Dallas, TX on December 4-7, 2014. The event will be held at Fair Park (the Dallas fairgrounds). I am wondering if it would be feasible to rent a bike as my mode of transportation in Dallas. [more inside]
posted by stompadour at 2:25 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by stompadour at 2:25 PM PST - 7 comments
What is the best, most proactive type of relationship counseling?
My husband and I have been married for 5 years, together for 15.
We both have our own issues (depression, ADD) and lately things have been very bad between us. Weekly fights with yelling and crying, instead of disagreements or discussion.
He wants us to find a "coach" that will help us define and reach our goals, I don't know if just coaching will help us. [more inside]
posted by natasha_k at 2:13 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by natasha_k at 2:13 PM PST - 10 comments
The Reaganettes, brought to you by Tab
I am looking for TV commercials from the 1980s that feature mothers, women and girls conforming to yuppie, conservative, WASPy ideals of beauty and behavior. [more inside]
Can You Help Find the Missing Pieces in These Playlists?
I know there are songs I want on these playlists that I'm not remembering, and I'm constantly aware that I have blind spots that may be robbing me of perfect songs. Can you help me attack either issue by looking over one or both playlists then suggesting songs to add? [more inside]
posted by batmonkey at 1:47 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by batmonkey at 1:47 PM PST - 5 comments
Gift for pregnant rail commuter
Someone I know is pregnant and I'd like to give her a gift. She does a more than hour long rail commute every day and I was hoping to get her something to make this commute easier on her in the coming months. This is the same person who gave me a good pair of headphones when I had a 3.5 hour commute a few years ago and I'd love to give her something that makes her commute better in the same way those headphones made mine better. [more inside]
Gifts for 18 yr old nephew about to travel then start university
My nephew's birthday is coming up - this summer he will be travelling by rail in Europe with friends then starting university (degree in Chemistry) in September. I want to get him two birthday gifts - one for each. My first thoughts were something like a decent stationery set or laptop bag for college, and maybe a multi-language phrase book (if such a thing exists) for his summer adventure. But these seem obvious and I would appreciate more ideas before I go shopping. If it were you, about to turn 18 and excited about the future, what would you appreciate? [we are in UK and he will be studying here]
posted by Hugobaron at 1:01 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Hugobaron at 1:01 PM PST - 21 comments
Where to start with the Gardiner/Monteverdi Choir Bach Cantata CDs
For the last few years I've been following the excellent reviews and accolades heaped upon the Monteverdi Choir's recordings of the Bach Cantatas with John Eliot Gardiner on the Soli Deo Gloria label. Daunted by the whole enterprise, I have not yet purchased any of them. Does anyone familiar with at least some of the recordings in this series have any idea where to dive in? I'm not necessarily interested in the most famous or most-recorded cantatas, but rather the most beautiful, the most artful, the most moving. I'm tempted to just buy the (near-$300) box set, but I'm afraid with my busy schedule I will never listen to them all. Currently, the only Bach cantata recordings I have are Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's and one from Nancy Argenta which starts off with Ich Bin Vergnugt Mit Meinen Glucke.
posted by matildaben at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by matildaben at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
Website/App that will remind me to stay in touch with people IRL!
My therapist has suggested I spend time with people -- not online, but In Real Life -- in order to help me me deal with issues I have with avoiding difficult situations and confrontation.
I thought I would make a list of people I want to spend time with and then periodically 'ask them out' just to spend time and chat about things. Perhaps a lunch or something similar. These could be friends, family, business relationships or just people I respect and would like to spend time with.
CONTACTUALLY already does this quite well but is a bit feature-heavy and is geared towards business contacts. I am looking for something a bit more lightweight and geared toward individuals and personal relationships.
I think just the following features ought to do it:
1. List of people and contact info
2. Reminders to meet periodically that could be changed based on the contact.
3. Ideally, something that could be edited either online AND an app so that its synced.
Looking forward to getting your ideas and input.
Window condensation and mold: How to nuke it from orbit?
My Portland, OR area condo has condensation inside the windows that causes recurring mold growth. Please help me remedy this. Pic and many details inside. [more inside]
Printed bank statement may have fallen into wrong hands. What to do?
My mother still gets her bank statements by paper mail. Her latest one failed to be delivered for 2 weeks now, and she verified the bank mailed it, so we assume it was delivered by the mail carrier to the wrong address, or dropped, or something. Nothing has happened yet, but it seems best to guard against the worst-case scenario, namely that someone else now has her home address, bank address, all account numbers (including retirement accounts), possibly other identifying information, and has the willingness to exploit it. What are the prudent steps we should take? [more inside]
Potential difficulty in debt dispute
In disputing a debt with a collector, how do I address this language from their letter: If you notify this office in writing within 30 days from receiving this notice that you dispute the validity of this debt or any portion thereof, this office will: obtain verification of the debt or obtain a copy of a judgment and mail you a copy of such judgment or verification. [more inside]
posted by jinjo at 11:42 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by jinjo at 11:42 AM PST - 10 comments
When I come home to you San Francisco, your golden sun will shine for me
I've visited San Francisco several times over the last year, and I think the Bay Area is where I'm supposed to be. Every time I go there, I feel like I'm home. Every time I come back to Boston, I feel miserable. So it's time to start planning a move. Soon. [more inside]
What the heck is going on?
I've gotten a pair of phone calls that seem too weird to be unrelated when they're so close together but I can't make head or tails about what it could mean. [more inside]
Help me learn to sweat the details
How can I train myself to pay attention to details? [more inside]
Is it possible to build and maintain a live moss table?
I have a metal tray-style table I'd love to fill with moss. The tray is about 1.5" deep. My livingroom is pretty bright but my bedroom is dark. My questions for you are:
1) How do I install the moss?
2) Where do I put it?
3) How do I maintain it? Do I need a clear surface over the moss to contain moisture or can I rely on regular watering/misting?
4) If the moss won't work, are there other low/small similar plants I can substitute with?
my depression's back. now what?
My depression has slowly, subtly trickled back into my life and now it is here full-throttle. I don't know what I'm supposed to do or what I need to feel better. [more inside]
I want an extremely cheap machine to run emacs for writing dumb stories.
I would like a radically cheap computing device that I can run emacs on, and maybe LaTeX. I keep seeing off-brand 7-inch Android tablets at extremely low sale prices at the local discount store. Is this a good option for me, or would I just be beating my head constantly against inadequate/flaky hardware? [more inside]
posted by Compared to what? at 9:22 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by Compared to what? at 9:22 AM PST - 29 comments
Is it me or my meds?
Are my meds making me feel miserable and hopeless or is it the depression trying to peek through (no worries; not going to do anything)? [more inside]
Hello, Listeners
I am going to see a live performance of Welcome To Night Vale on Friday. I am only up to date to episode 24. I estimate I can listen to three episodes before the show on Friday night. Which three (3) episodes should I listen to? [more inside]
posted by maryr at 8:39 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by maryr at 8:39 AM PST - 8 comments
How do I secure some shared files?
How do I secure some files that need to be shared and be editable with several employees and also be able to immediately remove access to any version of those files from a particular person? [more inside]
How do I tell google that I've moved to a new country?
Late last year I moved from Canada to the US. I now have a US address, bank account, credit card, cell phone, etc. I've tried to change the info on my google account to reflect my new information, including adding my US credit card to google wallet, but I am still prohibited from purchasing some US-specific apps in the Play Store (e.g. the app for my bank). I am also unable to access Google Music All Access. Any tips on convincing google to give me access to these things?
posted by GeneticFreek at 7:58 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by GeneticFreek at 7:58 AM PST - 2 comments
Short Spring Break Destinations
The wife and I would like a relaxing, ~4 day spring break getaway the weekend of March 14. Difficulties: we'd prefer no more than ~4 hours driving or ~6 hours in a plane. Would prefer to avoid spring break crowds. We live in Pittsburgh. I'd like somewhere warmer than Pittsburgh. [more inside]
Android: Send picture to specific person quickly
Is there a way in Android to choose a picture, and MMS to a person quickly? (Without choosing text, picking contact, pressing send?) [more inside]
posted by czytm at 7:37 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by czytm at 7:37 AM PST - 3 comments
What is a good way to get rid of textbooks?
I have just moved and am in the process of unpacking my things. I have far more books than my space allows and would like to get rid of old university textbooks that I haven't looked at in years and that are now woefully out of date. Are there some ways of repurposing them other than recycling? Would a university used bookstore or general used bookstore find some use for a 10+ year old textbook? Are there other more creative ways of reusing them? [more inside]
Moving away from Visual Studio/Resharper?
I've been using Visual Studio/Resharper for years, for whatever reason I've been determined to break my reliance on it, or at least prove I can work without it. I've been working in more node applications and thought it'd be a good reason to get out of it. Can I really get an equivalent experience out of Sublime/VIM/emacs? How do I do that? [more inside]
Southern USA travel in March with a 2 year old?
We want to travel somewhere warm in early March for a week, so the Southern US is on our list. Help us determine where to go with an almost-two year old. [more inside]
I need a montage
I'm looking for fairy tales, myths, and similarly imaginative stories where the heroine or hero triumphs because of their perseverance or dedication to developing a skill, not because of an inherent personal characteristic or being "the chosen one." [more inside]
Cleansing or appealing a very old criminal conviction
I have a criminal conviction for a really minor (albeit drug related) offence from 25 years ago. Is there any way I can have this struck from my record? [more inside]
To do list that sends notifications when a task is marked complete
I'd like to have a to-do list for application tasks that will send selected recipients email notifications each time I complete a task. Does such a thing exist? (Note: this is for personal use, and the intended recipients are aware of the idea and want to receive such notifications.)
posted by ocherdraco at 5:43 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 5:43 AM PST - 10 comments
What pieces of flair can I make for my new bag?
I recently bought a simple black nylon tote, and I love it, but it could use some flair once in a while. Ideally I'd like to see what I can make from my thali of supplies. Whatever I make will hang from one of the bag's straps. [more inside]
posted by payoto at 5:43 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by payoto at 5:43 AM PST - 4 comments
How can I come to terms with mistakes I made in my 20s?
I am in my late 20s, and I have increasingly found myself preoccupied with regret about how I have squandered my 20s. [more inside]
Help identifying mystery sound
I have been hearing a sound in my ears for the past few years, which is definitely not tinnitus or blood flow. Can anybody give me any ideas as to what might be its cause? [more inside]
posted by Thing at 4:50 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Thing at 4:50 AM PST - 9 comments
Linux for Minecraft
I'm reformatting a cheap 3yo Asus laptop as a dedicated low-end games (read: Minecraft) machine for my kids. What's the best flavour/distro of Linux I can install for this?
The kids are alright (if they eat properly)
Where online can I find videos about healthy eating for kids aged 12-13? [more inside]
Is this a very shallow reason for breakup?
I have been dating my girlfriend for couple of months. I think she is caring and very smart. I have two problems with her that to me seem very shallow however it seems that they still matter to me. [more inside]
February 24
Inspired by The Vagina Monologues?
Which other productions have taken on the model of The Vagina Monologues - first-person stories about gender, sexuality, and womanhood? (I'm interested in those that share the model but have custom material, not necessarily the script of VMon as performed by specific demographics.) [more inside]
posted by divabat at 11:49 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by divabat at 11:49 PM PST - 6 comments
How do bands listen to the same thing when they're playing live?
My friends and I are in a band and we plan on performing in a way that would require us to simultaneously listen to the same backing track without the audience hearing the backing track. We've considered using headphones and multiple splitters, but that restricts our physical mobility and forces us to drape a lot of wires across the stage. [more inside]
How do I show contract work on my resume?
I need to quickly update my resume, and I'm not sure how to list some of my recent work history (along with the next phase once it starts). Who was I working for? How do I list that? Details inside. [more inside]
Should I bother pursing this?
Your typical should I ask him out question. Complicating factors: colleagues, large age gap and two people who work too much. [more inside]
Resources to learn about herbal supplements
I am interested in learning more about alternative medicine, herbal supplements especially, and I'm looking for any great websites/forums/blogs on this topic. Books are okay too, but I'd really prefer to speak with real people who have tried stuff. There seem to be a lot of outrageous claims about some of these supplements, and I'm trying to get the truth.
Thank you.
Name this chair
Can anyone identify either the specific name of the chair or the furniture style (if there was one) that 1955 Playmate Marguerite Empey/Dianne Webber is sitting in in this photo [NSFWish: Model is nude but you can't see anything would wouldn't see at a US public pool.] [more inside]
posted by Mitheral at 6:46 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Mitheral at 6:46 PM PST - 6 comments
Why is my kneecap tingling when I work out?
Something is off with my knee and google is failing me. For a couple months now the inside of my right kneecap tingles in a fairly unpleasant way when I work out and specifically when I do scissor crunches. What is going on with my knee? [more inside]
How can I stop my computer screen from fogging my brain?
I have to stare at this thing an awful lot for work, and of course I stare at it recreationally too. But after a few hours a horrible dazed feeling creeps up on me. It's not eye strain, I don't get a headache. I just stop being able to think straight. This is not viable. What do I do about it? [more inside]
Licensing a song for use in a mobile app
I'd like to use the children's song: "There was an old lady who swallowed a fly" in an app for mobile phones. How can I find out who owns the rights to the song and get permission to use it? How much should I expect it to cost? [more inside]
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 5:23 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 5:23 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me think of a name for my potential business.
I need help coming up with a name for my potential new business. Unfortunately everything I like is already being used and I'm struggling to think of something suitable. [more inside]
posted by Ranting Prophet of DOOM! at 4:27 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Ranting Prophet of DOOM! at 4:27 PM PST - 27 comments
Please identify this Versace necklace...
Having trouble identifying an older necklace. Link inside [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:22 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:22 PM PST - 5 comments
How to download WIX javascript gallery images?
I'm trying to help my cousin migrate his WIX photography site to an actual host. His backup drive with all of his photos died and the only place these images exist is on wix, who doesn't support downloading the content.
I tried httrack and a couple online website rippers but none are able to pull the images.
Is there any way I can avoid doing this the amazingly hard way?
1,000's of fishes
How many fish are killed for every fish oil pill I consume? [more inside]
posted by spbmp at 4:01 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by spbmp at 4:01 PM PST - 11 comments
Identify The Poe(t|m)
I recently saw Gloria and about 35 minutes in Rodolfo woos Gloria by reading a poem to her. A comment on IMDB identifies the author as Claudio Bertoni.
Can anyone confirm the author and help me to find the poem online in English?
posted by geekyguy at 3:42 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by geekyguy at 3:42 PM PST - 1 comment
This indecision's bugging me
For the past two and a half years, I've been in a relationship with a Very Nice Man. We are both in our early 40s, and when we met we had both recently left much longer relationships, although neither of us came straight into this. We own our own houses, and neither of us has kids, although we do have pets. So we're fairly stable, with few obvious complications. The Little Big Words were said long ago and are repeated sometimes, and he describes the relationship as serious. There are no significant problems in the relationship, and things are always good when we're together. So what could possibly be wrong? [more inside]
posted by sockasm at 3:35 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by sockasm at 3:35 PM PST - 33 comments
I didn't mean to be a condescending bitch. Yikes....
After my grandma lost her shit with me last night, she's calmed down enough to admit to my father today that she feels like I can be really condescending sometimes. Eek. This is a piece that I want to work on improving, while I'm also learning to be much more on guard whenever I'm around my grandma. Can you help me be less of an annoyingly (unintentionally) condescending/smug person?
Ugh. The worst. [more inside]
posted by ohyouknow at 3:20 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by ohyouknow at 3:20 PM PST - 52 comments
Birthday festivities for a housebound 75-year old?
My aunt from this question turns 75 in 2 weeks, and my brother and I are trying to create a festive atmosphere for her in the days leading up to and on the day. She's housebound and in pain/severe discomfort due to illness, so we cant take her out for a meal or have a big party or any of the usual festive events. But 75 is a big deal, and we want to mark this event. Details, and initial ideas, inside [more inside]
Adderall - am I cheating?
Not academically - I'm not in school. I'm afraid of cheating at life. [more inside]
Help us choose a dog breed!
We are considering a second dog, and would like some help narrowing down the potential breeds we'd look for at adoption fairs, shelters, etc. Our main priorities are: security (we live in an area with frequent burglaries) and kid-friendliness. Other priorities inside... [more inside]
Recommend me stores known for quality goods
Partner & I have decided to vote with our dollar by only purchasing quality long-lasting goods, or going without. We will pay more if the quality is clearly there. Rather than waste time driving from store to store, only to find junk, I'm looking for stores known for quality items. Difficulty Level: Sisyphean... [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 2:15 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by St. Peepsburg at 2:15 PM PST - 29 comments
Keyping it all together.
After waiting at the bus stop for 30 minutes in the cold only to realize that I forgot my pass, I realized today that I need a way to carry my various keys (car, apartment, parent's house, work, PO box, garage) and cards (bus pass, student ID, work ID, gym card) with me in an organized way. [more inside]
How best to handle moving out technically TONIGHT?
I procrastinated horribly and relied upon uncertain things, and I technically need to move out of my apartment tonight or I assume suffer consequences. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by destructive cactus at 1:33 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by destructive cactus at 1:33 PM PST - 39 comments
Short stories that end in suicide of main character
Do you know of any good short stories that end in the suicide of the main character? I'm interested in knowing how the writer of such a story designed the character arc.
Where should I backpack around Portland, OR in March?
Hi, my friend and I are talking about a two-to-three day backpacking trip around Portland, OR. Let's say within a 100 mile radius of town. The dates would be March 20-23 or so.
So it would be a Wintery trip! I don't know if there are fun safe places to backpack that time of year around here. For many trails, the internet says things like "season starts in mid-July", so I am worried...
We are both young(ish) guys in good shape, so we'd be up for a lot in terms of elevation change and trail length. But we're not looking to, you know, ice climb or anything.
So where should we go? I don't want the answer to be "go to California", but if that's the answer I should know.
Thanks!
Camera, action, lights! Lights being turned on and off in movies?
A bizarre question, I know, but I'm looking for as many examples as I can find of lights being turned on and off in movies. [more inside]
Seeking custom 2-button remote to navigate itunes forward/backward.
For use with a Mac Mini. Wireless preferable but not essential. [more inside]
2-year or 5-year fixed mortgage in the UK?
We've received conflicting advice from two mortgage advisers, and I'd like to get some more opinions. [more inside]
Wedding Registry Language
“Cash is an option too! Don’t forget that!”. Help us come up with proper cash gift language to put on our wedding registry website. [more inside]
posted by SeparateAccountForWeddingQuestions at 12:00 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by SeparateAccountForWeddingQuestions at 12:00 PM PST - 32 comments
looking for a more powerful Amazon search tool
Is there a way to search Amazon by price and actually get results within that range? I recently found a pretty sweet deal on a nice nail polish when I needed a filler item and was looking through the offers on Amazon Filler Finder, but I'd like to search for more items within a tight range like that. Unfortunately, when you tell Amazon to return, say, items under $5 it still returns results up to $8, and when you're looking for really cheap stuff-- like under $2-- it's even worse, returning pretty much the same results you got for the $5 search. [more inside]
Key chain for multiple car remotes?
We have two cars, each with a fat remote, plus I carry maybe five other ordinary keys. What can I use to hold these things? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 11:29 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 11:29 AM PST - 24 comments
If I could play golf, I'd probably have been hired
Is this just "jobs for the boys" or do I have a legitimate employment gripe worthy of lawyering up? [more inside]
Gag gifts from your uncle.
I'm looking for examples of a category of novelty/gag gift that I'm having trouble articulating precisely. The best I can do is that it's the kind of kitsch that your uncle (Or Michael Scott/David Brent) would find hilarious. [more inside]
Spring fever
Help my little family enjoy spending time outside with two feet of snow on the ground. [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 10:58 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by anastasiav at 10:58 AM PST - 10 comments
Replace radio with aux-in only?
My car radio was stolen last night, and I'd like to turn this tragedy into something awesome. I've always wanted to have a custom setup that consisted only of a volume knob and an aux in. I don't know how to design circutry, but I can follow instructions. What do I need to do to make this work? [more inside]
Parents hate my boyfriend...How should I talk to them?
I have dated someone on and off for over a year, we have learned a lot about each other and have unfortunatly been through some ups and downs. We see each other coming out stronger than ever and working through everything but it is taking some time...I am fighting for this because I know what we have is special and what he provides me is what I have been looking for. [more inside]
How to address a touchy-feely friend?
We have a close family friend who seems to have a problem keeping his hands to himself around my 8-year-old. We've spoken to him about it generally, but he doesn't seem to understand what we consider to be inappropriate. [more inside]
Is my San Francisco bathroom required to have an exhaust fan?
SF renter here. The bathroom in my apartment has a window but no fan. The window opens onto an outdoor space that gets little breeze. Recently in the humid weather, my shower has began to smell like mildew even though I've scrubbed it down. This SFGate article says SF bathrooms with showers or tubs are required to have a mechanical fan. Is this only for newly-built houses or does this apply to all homes? [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 10:49 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 10:49 AM PST - 7 comments
Word 2010 lumping together comments and edits from different reviewers
I created a document in Word 2010 and I am sharing it with two reviewers. When I turn on Track Changes, I can see my edits in one color, and my comments display my initials. But when the reviewers add their edits and comments and send it back to me, their comments end up the same color, and all comments, including mine, are now marked A# (A1, A2, A3). I can't see where my comments end and theirs begin. [more inside]
Help us plan our themed date nights!
On Wednesdays Mr. Pterodactyl and I have date nights with dinner and a movie. We like to make some food and watch a movie that ties in to it in some way, however tenuous. Help us plan our future romantic engagements! [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 10:37 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 10:37 AM PST - 30 comments
Do I need to mind the gap?
Now that I'm on a group health insurance plan, do I have to pay the last month's premium for my individual plan or can I leave a gap in coverage? [more inside]
Crock-pot-stew-themed apology puns sought
Yesterday my husband spent a lot of time assembling a slow-cooker stew for us to eat for dinner a few nights this week. He was about to put it in the fridge last night when I stopped him and said that it was still pretty hot, so I'll put it in the fridge before I went to bed. When I woke up this morning.....counter....crockpot.....oooooooh no. Help me apologize with some terrible puns? [more inside]
posted by chocotaco at 10:28 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by chocotaco at 10:28 AM PST - 12 comments
Looking for a Pisces astrology related birthday gift for 30$
I'm looking for a birthday present around 30$ (Maybe more?) for a dear astrology-nut friend. I like the idea of an iphone cover / water color print but there's just so much on etsy/zazzle that I find a little tacky and I'm not sure about the quality. Can you reccomend a particular etsy seller/ website? I'm also open to a good/fun book (I know she loves the astrology twins). She's in her mid-twenties and also likes yoga, painting, dancing, and decorating her cute apartment.
Thanks!!
posted by LaunchBox at 10:06 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by LaunchBox at 10:06 AM PST - 6 comments
The Pen is Mightier than the...Rage-Quit?
For a number of reasons, my work environment has become particularly stressful, to the point where it has visibly impacted my well-being. Do I quit, or stay and defend myself? [more inside]
Multitasking air compressor?
I’m looking into buying an air compressor that will work equally well with an airbrush and a framing nailer. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
What should I look for when signing a contract with a literary agent?
After a long search and several meetings, I've finally found a great NYC-based agent for my non-fiction book. Yay! But tell me pitfalls about the contract -- what kind of clauses might I regret signing? [more inside]
Brunch and a hike within an hour of Washington, DC?
My wife and I would like to spend a nice Saturday going for a hike with our dog (nothing too taxing - we want to enjoy the outdoors, not get a workout) and also go for brunch in a charming small town nearby. We live in DC and would prefer not to drive more than an hour each way to get there.
Any suggestions??
In search of a screen protector with a paperlike texture
Which tablet screen protector(s) have a matte, sandy texture? [more inside]
HOw do I fight authoritity (politely)
My boss just sent out an email to members of a team that questions my competence. How do I politely ask her not to do this? [more inside]
How do you win at thrift shopping?
Those of you who swear by thrift shopping: how do you do it? How much time do you spend, what's your strategy, what tips can you share? [more inside]
More podcasts like "Rationally Speaking"
I enjoy the Rationally Speaking podcast. Are there any similar podcasts, not necessarily featuring "special guests," which feature discussions on philosophy, science, and ethics?
Mechanism of the Arizona "anti-gay bill"?
How does Arizona's SB 1062 work to protect those seeking to discriminate against others based on religious grounds? [more inside]
posted by rocketpup at 7:12 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by rocketpup at 7:12 AM PST - 4 comments
Rabies transmission without a bite - talk me off the ledge
Hello friends, I have a question about an incident two days ago that I can't get off my mind. I'm hoping that some people knowledgeable about rabies might be able to give me some sound information. [more inside]
posted by Philemon at 7:11 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Philemon at 7:11 AM PST - 19 comments
Chinese podcasts to listen to on the way to school
I'm currently studying Chinese in Beijing and I'm looking for podcasts or audio recordings to help me learn more. Do you know of any good Chinese language podcasts that can help me study? [more inside]
How to find independance with a visual deficit?
I have low vision and I cannot drive because of it. I feel imprisoned and this is a last ditch effort to see if there is some solution (or partial solution) to help me gain more independence. [more inside]
Unwanted thought syndrome
How do I (or just, do I) talk about what I think were mental health problems I had in the past - when I never got a diagnosis? TW for discussion of weird mental health stuff. [more inside]
Can we eat it? - enchilada edition
We made these vegetable enchiladas last night and accidentally left them in our 60-degree kitchen for about 10 hours. The only ingredient that I'm worried about is the black beans. What say you?
posted by outfielder at 6:43 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by outfielder at 6:43 AM PST - 13 comments
What's a good platform to share and organize PDF readings online?
Hey guys. I'm looking for a platform to share and organize readings for my study group online. I'd basically like to create a private library that each group member can access, add to, amend, and comment on. I would like to be able to tag and group PDFs around particular topics. I was thinking of a platform like Wikia, but I feel this may be a bit much. Does anyone have any suggestions?
No time is a good time
When should I suggest to my partner that he may have Aspergers? [more inside]
OSX Calendar client for Google Calendars
iCal just doesn't do what I need. The Google calendar interface doesn't either. Halp! [more inside]
posted by colin_l at 6:23 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by colin_l at 6:23 AM PST - 4 comments
In search of a wheeled duffel...
I will be traveling in India for an extended time and then to a few countries in Southeast Asia. I am in search of a large (32"+), waterproof, duffel bag with wheels. I would like to spend $150 max on it. Please lead me to your favorites.
I've Gotta Tell You What I'm Feeling Inside
Talking about one's feelings helps establish intimacy and nurture understanding in various relationships, but some people aren't big talkers. For those who keep their inner thoughts to themselves, what does their interpersonal connectedness look like? Seeking resources to better my understanding of this personal/emotional style or type. [more inside]
How do I create a multivalue column from delimited text in Access 2010?
I want to take a comma delimited list of values e.g. "bacon, sausages, eggs" stored as a single text field and store these as selected values in a single multi-value lookup field. [more inside]
posted by tsh at 5:44 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by tsh at 5:44 AM PST - 6 comments
iTunes Gracenote Server Error
iTunes keeps hitting a "Server Error" whenever I try to download CD information from Gracenote. Help?! [more inside]
Pony cart terminology & part help!
We have a pony cart, and are trying to replace the wheels (from 20" to 26"). Can anyone help with part identification and / or suggest next steps? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 5:32 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by needlegrrl at 5:32 AM PST - 4 comments
Looking for a good, cheap, 10in Android tablet
Anyone know of a 10in or so Android tablet that's both good and cheap? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 5:07 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by aerotive at 5:07 AM PST - 7 comments
Help Me Identify a Macintosh Computer
I am looking for help identifying a Macintosh computer I used in the late 90s (details inside...no pictures). [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 4:43 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by dbirchum at 4:43 AM PST - 8 comments
Mobility scooter repair
My friend is reliant on a mobility scooter for getting around. She has a fairly active lifestyle and as a result her scooter(s) often break down causing her serious inconvenience while waiting for them to get repaired. Could you recommend some good resources for learning how to diagnose and repair scooter faults? What are the basic skills (e.g. mechanics) that one could learn to help with the process? Bonus question: can you recommend a speedy scooter repair service in Dublin, Ireland?
How do we get our kids to lock the door?
We have always lived in secure places and rarely locked our front door (a metal screen and a wooden door), but today our 2 year old demonstrated vividly that she can open the stiff high handle on the door and make it to the lift lobby fast. We need to socially engineer the rest of our family to keep the damn door properly locked all the time now. And to hide the key that the toddler is obsessed with and able to use. [more inside]
posted by viggorlijah at 1:56 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by viggorlijah at 1:56 AM PST - 32 comments
expressing myself in a second language
I am a university student who takes french as a minor alongside law. My law essays are well received, and even when I miss the mark on the question my professors say I have expressed myself and written a good essay. In french, the opposite is true. I'm struggling with basic structure and linking of my ideas in this second language. Any help or advice? [more inside]
February 23
ouch.
Turns out my ex, who I dated for 4 years before it ended (at my instigation) last October, is engaged. I don't really know how to process it. [more inside]
Oh vei? Oy wey?
I'm looking for quotes, aforisms, dialogues, pondering, tracts and other worthwhile texts on the subject of suffering. [more inside]
date night in emoryville, ca?
We like beer, beautiful scenery, flying kites, and getting home by 9. What's fun in Emoryville?
Iceland, best time to visit and some other questions
I'm considering going to Iceland this summer and I have a few questions that haven't exactly been answered in the other threads and/or the the rest of the internet. For background, I'm traveling alone, planning on staying a week to ten days, and I'll be renting a vehicle. [more inside]
Canadian GST/HST error
From about 2008 to 2012, I was self employed as a private tutor in Canada. My income ranged from about 25k - 40k. During that time, I didn't collect GST/HST from my students because I didn't realize I was required to. I received a letter on Friday from Canada Revenue saying that I've been registered for an HST number and asking to submit GST/HST for 2010-2011. I'm a bit scared now, and wondering if anyone can give me an idea of what the penalties might be? I plan to talk to an accountant in the next week, but I'm just hoping to get an idea of what I might be in for.
To Look Back At Where We Boldly Went Where No One Had Gone Before
Updating Wordpress website, how to we archive old site so as not to break long-standing links? [more inside]
posted by Mike Mongo at 8:38 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Mike Mongo at 8:38 PM PST - 4 comments
Cost/Quality tradeoff of cellular shades?
We're looking into getting cellular shades, but could use some advice on the cost/quality tradeoff. It's hard to find any reviews that directly compare the brands. Are you happy with the quality of your blinds? [more inside]
SQL Trace: How to aggregate data by stored procedure without ClearTrace
I'm trying to put together an automated SQL server monitoring and diagnostics solution, including SQL Trace data. I want to be able to group RPC:Completed event data by stored procedure. Unfortunately, the formatting and parameter values in each specific call make this kind of aggregation impossible.
For instance "Select * From qryLinksByNewsletterID Where NewsletterID=19" and "Select * From qryLinksByNewsletterID Where NewsletterID=234" would be considered different remote procedure calls.
ClearTrace does that for you. But, ClearTrace can't run as an automated SQL job. Some kind of script would be ideal, and someone by the name of Andrew Zanevsky made a post describing one back in 2004, but the link to the actual script is dead. I could create my own with Regexes and such, but it seems like someone out there must have done it already. [more inside]
Recent anime recommendations
So after a hiatus of several years I've started watching anime again, and would like recommendations for anime that came out in the past 5 years. I've watched anime on and off over the years, so I am already familiar with a lot of the older stuff, such as the recommendations from past AskMe anime questions. [more inside]
posted by needled at 7:20 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by needled at 7:20 PM PST - 19 comments
Co-Op Game?
I mentor a 12 year old boy who loves computer games--specifically Minecraft. We would like to play a co-operative game together. The game should be available for OSX and Windows. Thanks for your suggestions.
Help me learn about commodities trading
I need to learn more about how commodities markets work for my job. Can you recommend some good sources of information, either on the internet or in print form, to learn the basics of how commodities trading works? [more inside]
Help us choose a honeymoon destination!
My fiancée and I will be married at the end of July: Hooray! We've got the wedding (mostly) planned, but we have yet to choose a place for the honeymoon. We're looking for somewhere with great trails for hiking, and also great beaches for lounging about. So we'd really like to go to Hawaii, but we're not sure that we'd be able to afford that. [more inside]
posted by HoraceH at 5:59 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by HoraceH at 5:59 PM PST - 15 comments
Looking for a different sort of blog
I'm looking for blogs that are about the life of the person writing them instead of just a single topic. Like, maybe an author keeps a blog and writes about cooking and being an author and trips to Mexico, or a reporter in Germany talks about being a reporter but also their deep love of jazz. Something that's about the many things in a person's life. Caveat: Nothing too focused on a family, please - just individuals. Bonus points for people with super-interesting lives or for people in their twenties.
How can I boost the signal in my room cheaply?
I need to boost the WiFi in my room (I think). What device can I buy for cheap that will do this, even when the router is next door and inaccessible? [more inside]
posted by K.P. at 4:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by K.P. at 4:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Consider the oyster
Help me fry the perfect oyster.
Requirements: keep the oyster flavor. Preferences: saute, not deep fry; a light breading other than cornmeal.
(This question isn't about raw v. cooked. Yes, I know, most oyster lovers swear raw is best. But I bet they never stopped at a certain little shack alongside US 17 in S Carolina.)
posted by LonnieK at 4:06 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by LonnieK at 4:06 PM PST - 12 comments
Can I break up with someone over chat?
I need help with the logistics of breaking up with someone. I have been seeing this person for about a year. It started out as a casual thing and he asked to be exclusive (I am female). I have cautioned all along that I am not ready for something serious (just out of a years-long relationship), and to be honest, although I have enjoyed my time with him, there are a number of deal-breakers that make it time for me to move on for both our sakes. We haven’t had any fights or anything. I just feel like it’s time. I need to find out if there is anything approaching a consensus on how to actually go about this though, because, as always, there are complications. [more inside]
Ontario Crime Analyst Qualifying Exam -What's on it?!
I've applied to a police station in Ontario, Canada for a crime analyst position and have been selected to write their qualifying exam. The position itself deals with Microsoft Excel to help the detectives identify crime trends and patterns with Excel. Other than this, I have no idea what else might be tested and was hoping that someone might have some idea. [more inside]
How should a professional young man dress for a job?
In my old job (a small creative outfit), I used to wear what is known as "sport-chic attire", which pretty much means a nice shirt and high-end jeans. It was all about having a shirt for every day of the week with 2 or 3 pants and 2 or 3 pairs of shoes. Now that I'm changing jobs, should I change my dress code as well? [more inside]
posted by omar.a at 2:55 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by omar.a at 2:55 PM PST - 13 comments
Help me help a friend learn how to help himself and not feel helpless
I have a friend (Steve) that seems to be unable to try and help himself get along in life when certain problems come up. He's mentioned more than a few times he's not happy where he's at and I've been trying to help when I can.
About a year ago when we first talked on this he brought up the matter of not having finished highschool cuasing the problem in a big way. I knew a thing or two about some free programs so I pointed him in the right direction and he took it upon himself to get on it, get it done and move forward.
Now since he got his GED back in fall, it seems like I and our small circle of friends are finding out a few other things that are causing this problem Steve's problem to come back with a vengeance. [snowflakes and the like ahead.] [more inside]
posted by ThrowbackDave at 2:03 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ThrowbackDave at 2:03 PM PST - 8 comments
I just gotta have it.
Where can I find this style of hoodie but made to fit a woman? Bonus points for petite size type. There's no way I can pick it up from a brick and mortar store, so it'd have to be a company that ships internationally.
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:01 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:01 PM PST - 8 comments
Experiences with Amish Furniture?
We've never bought a dining room table and chairs before, and we're just not quite sure we're being thorough in our questions and inspection of the samples we've seen at the furniture store. Is there anything we need to know? Specifics inside. [more inside]
How can I finance an unlocked, no-contract Android phone?
I'm considering signing up for one of Brightspot Mobile's pre-paid plans. I will need to buy an unlocked (or T-Mobile) phone and I'm interested in a Samsung Galaxy S4 or HTC One. Is there any possible way I can pay for it in installments? [more inside]
Clothes shopping filter: How do I separate the wheat from the chaff?
I'll admit it, I buy a lot of clothes off the sale rack or at outlet stores. Too often, though, I bring home what I think is a great value only to discover, after wearing and/or washing said item, quality problems I didn't see in the store. Things like knits that are twisted and don't lie flat, shirt hems that are hopelessly contorted once they've been laundered, or buttonholes that quickly ravel beyond repair. I know these sorts of problems are inevitable given the state of clothing manufacture, but that doesn't mean I have to buy these "troubled" items. So, savvy shoppers of MeFi, what should I be looking for? What tells you to steer clear of a garment no matter how much you like it? Is there a secret code on the hang tag that everyone but me knows about? C'mon, please share your secrets.
posted by DrGail at 1:30 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by DrGail at 1:30 PM PST - 16 comments
How to capture scenes and clips from dvd's and internet?
I teach and need to stop fumbling around searching for chapters on a dvd or having youtube clips get taken down on me. [more inside]
Mac disk utility problem - data missing
Never thought I would be posting a question along these lines, but here we go.
So I had an external hard disk with two partitions. One NTFS and one HFS+. The NTFS partition was empty. I wanted to use the NTFS partition with Time Machine so I used Disk Utility to reformat it HFS+.
When the format had completed, yes, the NTFS partition was now HFS+ BUT the other partition had disappeared. When I looked at it in disk utility it had a name like "disk32s". [more inside]
Shopping-filter: Husband's reunion?
I need help finding versatile and preppy-like dresses. [more inside]
posted by donut_princess at 11:04 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by donut_princess at 11:04 AM PST - 16 comments
Best resources for a basic understanding of the human brain?
It's the emotional/moral brain/limbic system I'm ultimately interested in and how it affects behaviour and potentially criminality or a disregard for the rights of others, when 'malfunctioning'.
I am reading the anatomy of violence (Adrian Raine) but finding some of it hard work. I'm interested in the anatomy and functioning. Thanks
Scheduling meeting times with individuals in a class - Calendar thing?
I need to meet each of the students in my class about their assignments over 30 min time slots. I have some days and time slots open, but how do I coordinate this online with about 20 students, where each student can receive a weblink to the calendar and can sort of "online" sign-in for available time slots in my calendar?
World's Oldest Primeval Forest?
Can anyone tell me where the world's oldest forest might be? I'm wondering what place on Earth may have escaped the glaciers, catastrophic flooding, giant meteor impacts, volcanos, etc.
I'm not interested in the world's oldest trees, or even the forest that's been least disturbed by human activity. I looking for the longest unbroken chain of terrestrial life.
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:20 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by bonobothegreat at 9:20 AM PST - 21 comments
Where can I take an online linear algebra course this summer?
I have $800 for tuition reimbursement, and would like to take a linear algebra online course this summer. It doesn't matter if its for credit or not. Thanks!
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 8:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by MisantropicPainforest at 8:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Where can I get a jacket like Kim's blue one from Freaks and Geeks?
Where can I get a jacket like Kim's blue one from Freaks and Geeks? Hopefully you've seen the show. If not, I'm not quite sure how to link to the google image results from my phone but it should come up quickly. It's worn by the character Kim played by Busy Phillips. I believe on the show she stole the jacket to get it. You know the one - blue with some stripes.
posted by jitterbug perfume at 7:57 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by jitterbug perfume at 7:57 AM PST - 3 comments
100% cotton underWHERE?
Gap Body has discontinued my favorite underwear that I have worn for years. Please help find me a suitable replacement. [more inside]
Oldest artifact passed down through a family
What is the oldest family heirloom still in possession of the family, not a museum? [more inside]
posted by candasartan at 7:44 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by candasartan at 7:44 AM PST - 12 comments
What was this folk radio show I heard?
About a month ago we were driving through Connecticut and wound up listening to a folk radio show which I really enjoyed. I want to listen again, or find something similar. [more inside]
Painting the inside of glass that will have liquid in it
Is there any way to paint or otherwise color the inside of a glass spray bottle that will have liquid (perfume) in it?
posted by ferdinandcc at 6:40 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by ferdinandcc at 6:40 AM PST - 4 comments
Sub-acute care after a stroke
The social worker at the acute-care rehab hospital where my mother is recovering from stroke suggested looking into sub-acute care centers. What should we look for? [more inside]
Red circles are destroying my iPad listening pleasure
I am unable to play over 50% of my 5000 songs on iTunes due to the red circle problem described here. Apple doesn't have a solution (called apple care several times) but perhaps the hive mind does. Please help. [more inside]
What airports does JFK fly too?
I'm looking to fly to the Palo Alto area sometime next month. I don't necessarily want to fly to SFO, especially if there is a smaller airport nearby. Im flying from JFK, which is not negotiable. 'time of week, cost, etc. are all negotiable. Thanks for any insight.
Syndroms or Effects named after TV Shows?
So was reading this article in the paper the other day.
Makes me wonder if there are any other syndromes of effects like the one in the article named after or inspired by tv shows.
A computer program that could learn... anything?
Has anyone ever tried to make a generalized learning program, such that it could be fed any kind of data, and would correlate it all, and eventually be able to form new conclusions or answer complex questions relating to the data? [more inside]
February 22
Magnetic Fields: Great band, better sixth sense?
I'm intrigued by the magnetic implants some people get implanted into their fingers (most recently, I saw this thing on Reddit). I think it would be amazing to add an extra sense, but my body rejects almost all piercings so I don't think the actual implants would go well. Would magnetic rings, consistently worn, achieve a similar effect? Even if it's not as strong, I'd be interested in trying it. If you have thoughts about how this would work, how to make it work, and where to get rings if this will work, please let me know.
Simple, no-maintenance content portal for non-profit
I need to create a simple portal with links to our own content, which will consist mostly of text documents--hand outs for people who don't speak English as a native language. Should I use a CMS or just build it by hand? [more inside]
Welcome to MeFi Tech Support, how can you help me?
I'm trying to access a website for an online game that's been recommended to me, and all I get is a white screen with broken images and broken links. I've tried from two computers and a mobile device, Chrome and Safari, I've cleared my caches and reset my browsers, and yes - I have tried turning off and on again. [more inside]
Small, HIGH QUALITY, general-purpose pruner?
I'd like to buy a small (~6 inch), HIGH QUALITY pruner. It needs to stay LOCKED so that I can carry it around. I've been looking at Felco pruners, but they seem to be tailored for heavy-duty pruning and are pretty large to carry around all the time as a general purpose tool. Leatherman's Micra looks nice (I've been needing to get a multitool too...) but I'm looking for a dedicated pruner.
Transitioning off the turkey sandwich diet
Looking for easy/cheap/healthy vegetarian lunches [more inside]
Less frustrating way to cut sheet metal?
What's the easiest way to cleanly cut a small-ish piece out of a sheet of aluminum? [more inside]
Do I need braces?
I've been thinking about getting braces. 80% for cosmetic reasons, 10% because they feel very slightly annoying, 10% possible health benefits.
My free UK NHS dentist says I don't need them, it's an unnecessary risk and the treatment can go wrong. My private, fee paying dentist says it's a great idea if I can afford it, it's good for health too.
The money isn't an issue, but I really don't like the idea of spending a year or more in the docks.
here is a pic. http://imgur.com/HnecMVD.
Frank opinions welcome. Adjusted for English standards!
Why have I been getting sick so easily since moving to San Francisco?
I moved to San Francisco 7-8 months ago. Ever since then I have found myself getting sick unusually easily. The illnesses I get tend to have the same set of symptoms: heightened temperature/fever, lack of energy, sniffles, sneezing and this kind of warm sick feeling in my body. They tend to be made worse by stress and are often triggered by working hard on things. (Which is really unfortunate because I want to be working a lot harder on my projects than I am right now!) If you've got any wild guess as to what might be going on, please share it! [more inside]
Help me undersand taxes. Where did my refund go?
I need help understanding taxes. I have a very standard tax situation, with two W2s as a result of a mid-year job change. I left Job A three weeks into January 2013 and started Job B two weeks afterwards. I entered my info into TurboTax. Job B: ~$800 refund. Job A: ~-$800 refund. Now I'm back at 0. I'm confused and disappointed, and apparently I don't have any ideas how taxes work. [more inside]
Computing with printouts
The "Off The Grid" Password Generator uses printouts of Latin Squares to hash domain names into unique passwords without a PC or even a pencil. Are there other useful paper based algorithms like this? The concept rings a bell but Google wants to show me papers on computing, not computing on paper. [more inside]
posted by jayCampbell at 7:34 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by jayCampbell at 7:34 PM PST - 14 comments
iMessage equivalent for Android
Is there a messaging app for Android that works like iMessage -- i.e. capable of handling standard SMS, but seamlessly switching to its own Internet-based service when possible? [more inside]
posted by vogon_poet at 7:16 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by vogon_poet at 7:16 PM PST - 6 comments
"Tube collar"?
My leather jacket has bitten the dust. I'd like to find a replacement, but I'm really fond of the large, tubular collar that mine had and can't seem to find that style anywhere. Any ideas or keywords I can use?
I want to be a fundraiser, but I don't know how...
I want to transition out of the world of marketing into a career in development/nonprofit fundraising. I have dusted off my resume and have started applying for annual fund jobs, and I've scored a phone interview early this upcoming week. Please give me a crash course into the world of development/nonprofit fundraising and help me not screw this up! [more inside]
posted by SkylitDrawl at 6:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by SkylitDrawl at 6:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Driving from Pittsburgh to Austin: if you had to, how would you go?
What’s the most swift, interesting, safe, and/or inexpensive route by car through the Southeast? [more inside]
Datça Peninsula (Turkey's Aegean/Mediterranean coastal areas) in April?
My best friend and I are considering a trip to the Datça Peninsula (coastal western Turkey) in mid-April. We are looking for a safe, warm, relaxing beach trip on a budget. Is Datça where we want to be? [more inside]
What are good "screentime" guidelines for my toddler?
My toddler son is finally of an age where the iPad and youtube are beginning to be a big draw. This is great, but I'd like to have some good guidelines from the start that allow him some screentime but prevent it from taking over too much of his life. I'm looking for a sense of what others have found works and doesn't work for them. [more inside]
Vampire Pigs?
My mom is trying to remember a book she read in the late 80s that had vampire pigs in it! [more inside]
on sprouts and sprouting
I love sprouts. Tell me your sprout secrets! I got one of those kits for growing sprouts - four little round trays and an assortment of seeds: alfalfa, clover, radish, all kinds of beans and lentils. I love them all and can easily eat an entire tray of baby plants in a few bites. So that's what I do - except for occasionally adding them to roast beef sandwiches, I just eat them plain. Please tell me other fun things to do with sprouts, interesting or unusual seeds to sprout and where to get them, how to grow lots and lots of sprouts, and whether it's possible to make oneself sick with a sprout overdose. I particularly like the spicy ones like radish and daikon. Mmm, sprouts.
This Means War: Exterminating Aphids
Location: Los Angeles California, full sun and part sun. We have finally managed to assemble a little mini-garden of some 40 plants, and they have been thriving wildly. Mostly decorative bushes like hibiscus, but also some petunias and the like. Invading enemy: aphids. Panic. What do we do? [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 2:38 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by VikingSword at 2:38 PM PST - 18 comments
Ivy McGyver
How the hell do I get this dead ivy off my house? [more inside]
Relationship between contemplation and mindfulness
What is the relationship between contemplation and mindfulness? [more inside]
Driving school in Santa Monica or nearby
I'm trying to find a good driving school or instructor here in Santa Monica or close enough to take a bus there. None of my relatives know anyone or any school that they can really vouch for.
I want to make sure that I get lessons from somewhere where I won't just throw out my money and then have to take the driving test 8 times before passing the driving test.
Anyone know any good driving schools or instructors?
25 pounds of thawed chicken breast. what do I do?
I have 25lbs of thawed chicken breast. I do not have a grill, but a full kitchen. What are the best ways to pre cook and store chicken for later use. I have a freezer chest for storing cooked chicken. My goal is to have prepped chicken that I can use on week nights to create quick easy meals OR to create healthy lunches. Any ideas about how to create meals with prepped chicken are a bonus.
Screen time blocking software recommendations?
In our family, the children may earn screen time each day by doing physical activity. Then they start playing on the computer. It would be helpful to have a program that just turns off the computer entirely when the amount of time specified had elapsed. Because currently we have the "just one more thing" phenomenon when the time was up. This would put it back on the user to get to a good stopping place by the right time. I could use it myself in many situations, too. [more inside]
My Hair is My Name Tag and I Don't Want to Be Called 'Brown'.
I have long, fine hair that I've been bleaching and dyeing at home, with Special Effects, for over a decade. The dye always lasts beautifully, fades minimally and gracefully, and I only have to redo it when my roots grow out - about every 3-4 months. I get a huge number of compliments on my hair and have no desire to switch to anything less vibrant for the foreseeable future. Special Effects hair dye isn't available now - - and I need another option! [more inside]
posted by VioletU at 11:50 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by VioletU at 11:50 AM PST - 27 comments
Easy listening opera!
I enjoy listening to classical music while I work on creative pursuits and lately I've been hankering for more opera. I really enjoy Handel's Messiah (the whole thing, not just the chorus). I know the Messiah isn't technically an opera but wanted to give you a sense of the musical and vocal styles I'm enjoying right now. I also like Wagner's Ring cycle though that's not quite as "listenable" to me. Given this, what operas would you recommend? I'm really looking for specific opera titles, not just composers I might like.
Trying to identify some sort of miniature pine tree.
My in-laws are giving me a couple of houseplants, and I'm trying to identify them, or at least find out if they are dangerous to our cats. Photos after the jump. [more inside]
posted by Elementary Penguin at 11:30 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Elementary Penguin at 11:30 AM PST - 4 comments
What's it like being gay in high school these days?
Adult gay man here. I wasn't out (publicly) in high school, and nobody else was either. In fact, I remember people still talking about "that one gay guy" who had graduated something like five years before me. I drove to colleges to meet people. What's it like these days? Is it generally no big deal? Is it common to take same-sex dates to events? Does anybody care?
British alternatives to Already Pretty
Already Pretty would be my ideal fashion blog if the author would just kindly move to the UK. What should I be reading instead? [more inside]
Help me find some new books to love.
I am looking for something in the area of science biography. Particularly, I enjoy reading about the inner lives of great minds. I'm not really interested in gossipy type info, but more about the personal growth and development of the scientist him/herself that paralleled their work. [more inside]
How to make a record player restart at the right arm position?
I have this old record player. When it reaches the end of an LP record side, the arm returns to play from the beginning. But goes to the wrong spot, as if trying to play a 45, even though the speed is set to LP. Is there something I can adjust to make it start at the beginning?
posted by steinsaltz at 8:09 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by steinsaltz at 8:09 AM PST - 9 comments
What is the most correct, current term for Palestine?
I have a student who is writing a thesis in which she mentions Palestine. Recently, one of her readers expressed surprise that she was using the term as she did. In the following context, what is the most correct and least offensive term for her to use, and what precisely is at stake with each term? [more inside]
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:25 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:25 AM PST - 24 comments
NYC Medicaid Provider Guidance
I can't choose my choice if I don't know what I'm choosing. Can any Mefites provide pros, cons, doctor or nurse names, locale convenience, or any other information or opinions on various healthcare providers in NYC? I was recently awarded New York State of Health full coverage (i.e. Medicaid) due to unemployment. Now I've got to choose a plan, but I have no idea which plan to choose. [more inside]
Heavy metalish drummer ecstasies?
For something I'm writing: what two or three songs would a drummer drum to who's in his early 20's and is into classic heavy metal and lives in his parents' basement (and in his own imaginative grandiose world)?
so, songs with memorable drum parts or drum solos or just very cool/classic songs? that this isolated young man could play over and over and feel great about himself at those (and no other) times?
Sound design of common objects
What are good resources to learn more about sound design of real (as opposed to digital) objects e.g. the sound of your keyboard when you type. Surely someone purposefully makes and designs those sounds, using a gang of engineers, psychologists, and who knows what else.
I'd really like to learn more about this process. Any pointers?
posted by mateuslee at 1:15 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by mateuslee at 1:15 AM PST - 17 comments
What to do with a few weekdays in Los Angeles?
We'll be in L.A. for 2-3 weekdays in mid-March, and while one of our evenings is scheduled, we have no idea what to do with the rest of our time. We'll be staying in or near Hollywood, and won't have a car, but don't mind taking transit. We're especially looking for suggestions for one really very nice, splurge-y place for dinner, as well as great inexpensive places to eat. Also interested in: coffee-snob coffee; fancy cocktails; craft beer; fun/interesting/unique places to shop; anything else that seems interesting. We also really like live shows (comedy/improv/podcast/music), but most of the L.A. shows we know about are on the weekend. And I'm planning to go to Jenette Bras for a fitting, but I'd love suggestions for any other bra shops that carry sizes in the G+ range.
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:48 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:48 AM PST - 17 comments
February 21
How can 4 freelancers/entrepreuners buy affordable liability insurance?
Three friends and I teamed up to rent a small commercial office space to use as a shared office, as we've tired of working at home or in coffee shops. We've signed the lease and moved in. I've been tasked with finding liability insurance, but having trouble as the insurance companies don't know what to make of us. I'm hoping Mefites may have creative solutions. [more inside]
Too much baking powder in my banana bread. Is it safe to eat?
Too much baking powder in my banana bread. Is it safe to eat? In a former life, I was not a baker. [more inside]
Inherited Chicken Bricks
Roommate moved out, I inherited four 15-month-old boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the freezer. I'm going to assume they won't taste optimal. Actually, I'm expecting them to not be very palatable to me without major work. What can I do to these chicken breasts to cover up any "old chicken" flavors and textures, without drying them out? Taking any and all ideas. [more inside]
posted by WasabiFlux at 8:25 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by WasabiFlux at 8:25 PM PST - 30 comments
Getting back to higher math
I'd like book/course suggestions to do a slow gentle study of higher Math by myself. I did a bachelor's degree in Math (and Economics) several years ago by myself as an external course (from the Univ of London and LSE), on the side of a whole lot of other things. I did reasonably well, enjoyed parts of it very much, but I've forgotten most of it now. I taught high school Math for a couple of years after that but now work in a totally different field (communication design). I love my work, but miss the brainwork Math required. I'd also like to slowly internalise more Math vocabulary and the structure of the subject, which didn't happen during my Bachelors. [more inside]
Cheapo Engagement Ring
I'm considering a really cheap engagement ring - under $100, with non-precious stones, nickel-plated silver, and cubic zirconia. I'm the recipient. Is this a bad idea? [more inside]
Degree of difficulty: No shawarma.
What Avengers-themed breakfast can I cook for my daughter's birthday this weekend? It doesn't have to be a recipe featured in the films, anything inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be fine. [more inside]
posted by Rock Steady at 6:20 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Rock Steady at 6:20 PM PST - 8 comments
What is a memorable op-ed you have read?
One of the duties at my new job is writing op-eds in the name of local leaders in support of a very popular social issue of our time. I've worked all kinds of writing gigs — newspaper reporting, PR, social media, essays, etc., etc. — but I only have a little experience writing op-eds. What tips do you have for me? Reading a bunch of op-eds is definitely my ticket to understanding how to do this well. So, do you have favorite op-eds you recommend?
I'm not getting my snack time, and I'm getting cranky.
My state job is pretty blatantly ignoring the state laws regarding rest periods. I have low blood sugar and am finding the conditions difficult to manage. [more inside]
What is this blanket pattern?
Crochet-filter: I love the pattern of this baby blanket: link 1 , link 2, and would very much like to make a sofa throw size of this. I've looked on Revelry and cannot find the pattern. [more inside]
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:25 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:25 PM PST - 9 comments
burned out lawyer rethinking a new career in teaching
I just left law after 18 years as a sole practitioner. I am burned out. I'm not very money oriented, more into helping people and socializing. I like work that has a beginning and end. I've never been a good employee. I thought that I would like to become a high school social science teacher and I now have a license to teach. I'm a 54 yo female. [more inside]
3D For A Draftsman Of Yore
I learned mechanical drawing 20 years ago - but I would like to wear a CAD hat for a small project. 3D CAD, so I can print it on a 3D printer. Unfortunately, 3D CAD makes no sense to me. [more inside]
posted by AzraelBrown at 4:49 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by AzraelBrown at 4:49 PM PST - 10 comments
Capturing clips from live TV to share immediately
Is there an easy way to identify and capture a clip from a live TV broadcast (say, the State of the Union) and then post the video to YouTube or another source online? [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 4:43 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 4:43 PM PST - 2 comments
Therapist recs in Jackson, WY
I'm looking for recommendations of good therapists in or near Jackson, WY, especially who have a good grounding in helping clients with anxiety disorders.
What should I buy my new-mom best friend in Canada, from here in the US?
My best friend had a baby this morning! Only she lives in British Columbia, and I'm in Missouri. [more inside]
Essential novels of the 20th-21st century
I know next to nothing about 20th and 21st century literature. What are some recommendations for "essential" novels that I can start with? [more inside]
Wellbutrin not working - other antidepressants with no effect on libido?
I am a naturally anxious person. I have been on Wellbutrin 150XL for over a month now for various life issues, and my anxiety, which was bad before, has gotten worse. It has manifested as extreme muscle tension/stiffness along with a bit of pain. My jaw is clenched 24/7, and my face and shoulders feel stiff. So, I would like to wean off, and I would like to find an antidepressant that gets me feeling good again - but doesn't affect my libido to the point where I am basically asexual. [more inside]
Less talkie, more workie.
I work in a small office environment: there's me, two other people who do the same job that I do, my boss, and his administrative person. I genuinely like everyone that I work with, which is wonderful. However, I'm encountering a problem with my boss's administrative person, who I'll call Cathy. Cathy has an irritating habit of cornering me and my co-workers into long "conversations" that eat up a lot of my workday, and I don't know what to do about it. [more inside]
posted by sevensnowflakes at 2:22 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by sevensnowflakes at 2:22 PM PST - 25 comments
My full name remains nonplussed.
Google Plus told me a while ago that I was pre-approved for a custom URL: google.com/+myfullname. I wanted it to be displayed a certain way, so I changed my nickname several times while being fickle about how it should appear. Now it says there's a limit on how often I can change my name, and I've reached it. Will I be able to change my name (nickname and display name) in the future, and if so, how can I figure out when? It's already been several months.
posted by dubadubowbow at 2:17 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by dubadubowbow at 2:17 PM PST - 4 comments
Experience point tracker?
Could someone recommend a free or inexpensive program I could use to track experience points in a nerd project I'm working on? To inspire myself to write more, I thought I'd turn my automath afternoons into a sort of rpg, where I gain points for expanding my vocabulary, memorizing passages, writing, revising, and publishing. I could do it all on paper, but I've found I'm much more productive when I keep all my work on my laptop (hypotheses abound). I could also use a spread sheet, where current stat totals are in the top row, but that would quickly lead to tedious scrolling just to input new data. Ideally, I'd like to have a static page with fields I can plug numeric data into, and have that data compiled and displayed somewhere at the top of the page. Seems pretty basic--the kind of thing that must exist, right? Thanks!
posted by jwhite1979 at 2:05 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by jwhite1979 at 2:05 PM PST - 2 comments
Credentialism is the worst.
My academic background is not in computer science. I work as a developer. For professional development and logistical reasons, I would like to supplement my credentials with something computer-science-y. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by Phire at 1:55 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Phire at 1:55 PM PST - 8 comments
Evening one-time parking in Greenwich CT
I need to leave my car in Greenwich, take the train to NYC to have dinner with some friends, and then to come back to Greenwich later in the evening and drive away. This will be in the middle of the week, arriving in Greenwich around 4pm and returning to Greenwich late in the evening. [more inside]
Look at this old bookplate!
How did you decide you wanted another kid? Or that you were done?
What did you factor into your decision to have more kids? Or not (as the case may be)? I'm currently struggling with the decision as to whether or not to have a second child and I could use some different perspectives. [more inside]
You can't sell your LiveJournal account. But what about the name for $$?
I know I can't sell my account, but can I sell someone the account name? [more inside]
Getting started with Lego as an adult
A recent gift has made me very interested in Lego but I don't feel like I know what to do with it unless I follow instructions. How can I learn to do better stuff with Lego on my own? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 12:29 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by JoannaC at 12:29 PM PST - 11 comments
It's your pain, how can i help you carry it without collapsing myself?
How can i help support my partner when he's going through a rough time, when i feel sad too? [more inside]
What do the professionals use to remove computer viruses?
My father just got his WinXP machine back from a local computer shop. They ran five programs on it, found some viruses and removed them. What programs would they use for this, and can I, a mere amateur, acquire them myself? [more inside]
posted by Rash at 12:18 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Rash at 12:18 PM PST - 9 comments
back to work - breast vs formula
My 6 week old daughter will be starting daycare next month (at 2.5 months old) - what should she eat at daycare? We are currently breastfeeding, I don't really want to stop, but there are some major logistical issues with pumping at work.. [more inside]
Web platform suggestions
What's a good small-scale web platform for sharing documents? [more inside]
What stringed bowed bass instrument should I learn?
For home recordings, I'm looking to learn a new instrument that is cello-like, low-end and haunting sounding, but not large and unwieldy. Help me brainstorm. [more inside]
What to do in Page,Arizona today and tomorrow
Long story short, I'm in Page, Arizona for a couple more days than planned. I have been to Antelope Canyon. I will go to Horseshoe Bend later today, What else? I cannot be away from Page more than say 4 hours at a time.
How does one get to become an ethics professional?
I'm wondering how people get into the field of ethics? Are they lawyers? Are they chosen (in much the same way that judges are) for their moral standards and good reputations? [more inside]
posted by flyingfork at 11:45 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by flyingfork at 11:45 AM PST - 13 comments
How to cheer up an ill parent
My dad's cancer has come back and he's lost a lot of energy in the last year. In the next few weeks, we and his doctors will be discussing treatment/chemo options. What can I do for him? [more inside]
posted by myntu at 11:43 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by myntu at 11:43 AM PST - 12 comments
How to get episodes off of a DVD set and burned to DVD-R in a new order?
What's the current workflow for pulling television episodes off of a DVD set and putting them back onto DVD in a new order? [more inside]
Clever or fun name for a women's after work social bike ride?
The bike and walk non-profit I volunteer with is teaming up with a local bike shop, the women in business group and a wellness center for a monthly bike Thursday night bike ride starting in May. We are looking for a name for it that will seem fun, because it is fun and just get people, esp women out for a social ride. The ride is an easy 10 mile loop, mostly on trails and ends with dinner at different local restaurants. Any ideas really appreciated. It's not just for women, but the goal is to get more women riding just for fun and in town. Not really a lycra ride. Any ideas for names very welcome!
Moss grows fat on my (unmoving) stones (well, stairs)
I have brick stairs to the front and back porches. They tend to get lots of moss growing on them. How can I get rid of the moss ? [more inside]
How to handle wedding registry gifts that have arrived 5 months early?
I am getting married in the middle of July 2014, and have a link to our gift registries on our wedding website. We sent out "Save the Date" cards in January that had the URL for our website printed on it. So it is now the end of February, and we are already starting to receive giant parcels of food processors and other household items which we have put on our registry. Should we wait until after our wedding to start using these items, or should we treat these items in the same way one would treat a wrapped Christmas gift, and wait until the actual event for which these gifts were purchased for has transpired? What's the normal etiquette for a thing like this?
posted by melorama at 10:27 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by melorama at 10:27 AM PST - 13 comments
Recent graduate confused about career/life
Recent graduate confused about career/life [more inside]
posted by ahtlast93 at 10:20 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by ahtlast93 at 10:20 AM PST - 7 comments
What Device Do I Need?
For the lowest price (balanced with good reliability) and the least number of functions (ie, I don't want a device that does everything, just three specified related things), I would like a device on which I can download my music program (similar to iTunes) and my Audible manager and from which I can sync my mp3 player. I don't have internet at home but I have access to free wifi at a comfortable place near home. [more inside]
WHY are you still awake? Sleep regression? Sneaking lattes?
*Baby filter* Our 11ish month old has had two super weird bedtimes ("happy happy party time! Hey, did you know I can make farting noises with my mouth? woohoo!") this week and I'm trying to figure out what might be going on, and more importantly what our options are for dealing with it. All the gory details inside. [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 9:54 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by pennypiper at 9:54 AM PST - 20 comments
"Online"-free cross-platform mobile *and* desktop messaging?
is there a mobile *and* desktop cross-platform messaging system that doesn't require "going online"? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 9:39 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by morganw at 9:39 AM PST - 6 comments
What are your experiences with and opinions about developer bootcamps?
Hello folks, this question is for those of you have been involved with developer bootcamps,
and also those of you who evaluate developers for hiring. [more inside]
posted by The Vice Admiral of the Narrow Seas at 9:36 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by The Vice Admiral of the Narrow Seas at 9:36 AM PST - 6 comments
How to fix (lldb) error in Xcode?
I'm a new Xcode user (and a just learning C++). I'm trying to work with "if" and "else" statements. My program seems to run just fine for the "if else" and "else" statements, but my "if" statement at the beginning returns the result "(lldb)". More inside. [more inside]
posted by junipero at 9:33 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by junipero at 9:33 AM PST - 5 comments
how to deal with unsupportive friend after rape?
If it's important I'm a young woman. I don't want to talk about the rape or let this get derailed by suggestions of getting professional help. I'm seeing a counselor now and have dealt with the situation. But what's been eating away at me is a friend's reaction in the immediate aftermath. [more inside]
What type of hinge will keep this cabinet door from falling off?
What kind of hinge should I be looking for, for a cabinet door that will open vertically, like an oven door? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 8:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Recommendations for garters without hose?
Do thigh garters that are not attached to hose/stockings (and which are also not those ruffled-wedding-gimmicky ones) exist? (I may not be using the correct vocab to express this, so ... more inside if this is unclear.) [more inside]
posted by alleycat01 at 8:29 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by alleycat01 at 8:29 AM PST - 13 comments
How to get Searchya off of my computer
I have somehow gotten the search engine highjacker "searchya" on my computer and have followed all the instructions I can find on-line to get rid of it but it still shows up as the default search engine. I have even contacted the searchya website and followed their instructions but its still there. I'm getting very annoyed with this search engine that I don't want and never asked for. Has anyone else been able to resolve this?
Help Me Understand Power(s) of Attorney
What are the parameters that determine how and when a power of attorney becomes active or inactive? [more inside]
Asking an Old Friend for Job Help
I'm out of work right now and am doing everything I can to network myself into employment. I recently noticed a job for which I'd be qualified at a large, prestigious company where an old friend is a major player. I haven't talked to him in six years. Can I approach him for an employee referral, and if so, how? [more inside]
First crush in a while...
I'm a single gay lady in my mid-30s. I'm relatively out (but obviously not fully out, judging by the fact that I'm posting this anonymously). I find myself crushing on a lovely woman for the first time since I last got my heart broken, something like six years ago, and have been single that whole time. The problem here is that the lovely woman is so wrong for me (on paper, anyhow), for so many reasons, that I'm unsure if I should try to pursue things, or even if there's anything to pursue. Snowflake details inside! [more inside]
Did you take anti-depressants while pregnant?
I went off of anti-depressants when I found out I was pregnant and it has been really really difficult. Debating whether to go back on prozac now that I'm almost in the second trimester and weighing the benefits and risks. No you are not my doctor. Yes I've consulted both doctors (shrink and OB) who advise taking the prozac. [more inside]
best way to monetize a new blog
I have just begun a new blog, one dealing with the world of marijuana, medical use, songs, photos, news, legal matters...How best to get ads to monetize my site? Any experience with the vaqrious ad placement outfits?
What to do in Boston this weekend?
What's fun to do in Boston this weekend? I'm familiar with the city and have done all the usual stuff, but haven't been in a year. What great new restaurants and bakeries have opened? What are the must-see museum exhibitions? Are there are any cool events happening in the next two days -- particularly anything quirky, offbeat, playful?
Networking help, CEO edition
I have a business idea that I would like to discuss with industry executives. How? [more inside]
Piping on SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey seems to be unable to handle more than a few piped items per page. Support is saying they can't help. Is there a way that I can fix this within SurveyMonkey, or can you recommend a secure, free/cheap alternative? [more inside]
That's Not Harvard College; That's Night School. Say It.
Interviewing candidates for teaching position in the Boston area and we have a question:
We've had several people note on their resumes that they attended Harvard. During interviews, some disclosed more specifically that they had taken a few courses at Harvard Extension but they were not accepted degree-seeking students at either the Extension School or Harvard College.
The search committee isn't overly fussed about this but it got us to wondering: is it strictly ethical for a person who wasn't accepted to Harvard and wasn't enrolled in either a Harvard College or Extension School degree program state on their resume under education, "Harvard?" [more inside]
posted by kinetic at 4:26 AM PST - 104 comments
posted by kinetic at 4:26 AM PST - 104 comments
All our eggs in one basket? First time home buyers...
My wife and I have been working and saving over the last 4-5 years. We've managed to pay off all of our debts and have gotten ahead. It feels great to be debt free, but we want to buy a house. We found a bank foreclosure that's been sitting vacant for 6 years as it slowly worked through the courts. We have just enough to buy it outright, but that will leave us almost broke. Should we buy it? [more inside]
posted by karst at 4:01 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by karst at 4:01 AM PST - 28 comments
February 20
What are the general principles for cooking with coconut milk?
As the years go by I find myself craving coconut milk more and more, but I'm not quite sure how to incorporate it into my diet. I'm pretty bad at following recipes, so usually I just use my past experience with ingredients to guide me in how to use them. I don't have much experience with coconut milk, however, so I'm hoping that folks on AskMe can give me some general principles to guild me instead. [more inside]
posted by sam_harms at 11:08 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by sam_harms at 11:08 PM PST - 24 comments
An inspiring career change
What is this Ted Talk I Watched? It's at the tip of my tongue, and I don't want to sift through over 1600 talks to find it. Plus, I can't think of the words to start searching for it besides very generic keywords. [more inside]
Subletting in Cambridge and DC
I will be subleasing my room in Cambridge (MA) and subletting in DC this summer. I know next to nothing about subleasing/subletting in either place and have many questions, including how to price my somewhat strangely set-up room. [more inside]
Is reality really this malleable?
Depression has lifted with magnesium supplements. I perceive what I would call reality differently on and off the supplements. This is very strange, yet it is pleasant when I take them religiously. What should I make of this? [more inside]
posted by jet_silver at 9:25 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by jet_silver at 9:25 PM PST - 20 comments
Old Time Banjo
I've been listening to a lot of Pete Seeger since he died. What other old time banjo players might I like? I'm not looking for fast rolls, finger picks, bluegrass style. I'm looking for frailing, clawhammer, and plaintive melodies. This sort of thing.
posted by phrontist at 8:44 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by phrontist at 8:44 PM PST - 14 comments
Replacement power supply adapter doesn't have ground prong - dangerous?
The replacement power supply adapter I purchased for an older laptop came with a two prong cord instead of three, which the original had. Is this dangerous? Details and model number within. [more inside]
Help me salvage the rest of my academic career and also my life
Does anyone have tips for how to get things done when you are feeling really depressed or generally terrible? I need to make myself catch up when I am dangerously behind in school. [more inside]
Wedding Planner Getting Married in Hawaii on a Budget
I am getting married in Hawaii - that much is certain. It is going to be a small wedding (because of travel requirements). When I say small, I mean probably 10 and 20 would be the absolute most. [more inside]
How to soothe a dry cough?
What's the best, travel-friendly way to soothe a dry, post-flu cough? [more inside]
Great cooking show for Middle School kids
Can you suggest a great cooking show to entertain and inspire my middle school 'foods' class? No fake reality TV... [more inside]
I need help saying something profound.
I'm looking for a quote that says, essentially, in a relationship the road is a two way street. That it requires effort from both people. [more inside]
Interstuhl "Fit Chair" knockoffs?
My kids are in love with the Interstuhl Fit Chair which, as far as I can find, costs roughly one bazillion dollars. Has anyone seen a more reasonably priced version? [more inside]
Looking for interesting part-time work in NYC
Can you suggest particular jobs and places to look for jobs? [more inside]
He likes me... or he likes me as a friend...
I met a guy recently and interact with him in a school and social context. How do I figure out if he wants to date me, or is just happy to have a new friend in an area he recently moved to? [more inside]
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 6:02 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 6:02 PM PST - 13 comments
Good low impact chest workouts. Pec defining
Would love to get any advice or experience on good exercises to tone-shape pec area of chest. Any low impact excercises using body weight or dumbell use?
Great books for a second-grade reader who is a little behind
(Asking for a friend) My second grader is struggling to read at grade level, and I want to encourage him to associate reading with pleasure instead of frustration by giving him some books he'll love and that will be appropriately challenging but not vexing. [more inside]
Considering move to Snohomish, WA. Difficulty level: mixed-race family.
My wife and I are considering moving to Snohomish (county), WA for work. She recently got a postgraduate degree in Library Science and is having trouble finding work where we currently live on the East coast (too many qualified people, too few jobs of the sort she's looking for). Pertinent details: I'm white, my wife is black, and we currently live and work in a very racially diverse urban area where couples like us are a common sight. We currently have no children but plan on starting a family in the next few years. [more inside]
Sex: you're doing it wrong.
I really could use advice on how to improve our sex life (NSFW and snowflakes) [more inside]
Is there any reputable car rental to be found in Cancun?
I'm flying into Cancun in the next few days, and since I'll be travelling south from there, I'm interested in a rental car. Please help me not get ripped off. [more inside]
Parent-facing Strollers For Toddlers
My one year old (tomorrow!) hates sitting in her stroller, but loves shopping carts. I think this is because she gets to face me in a shopping cart and we "chat" as we go about our business. I'd like to find a stroller that has this same seating position, but most of what I've found that is parent-facing is either for small infants or quite expensive. While I'm not adverse to buying a moderately expensive stroller, something like the Stokke Xplory (which is pretty ideal!) is a little pricey for my taste at near $1,000. She's too big for a travel system. Help!
Drawing comic storyboards. Need replacement for Appleworks
I want to draw comic storyboards.
In the old days I seem to remember Appleworks drawing documents allowed you to add boxes and/or fields that allowed text or drawing. I'm looking for the new equivalent. [more inside]
The Painter Got Lazy, You See
I remember from an art history class a painter who became famous for putting a lot of fine detail in specific parts of their painting and leaving the rest shockingly undone. I don't know the exact time they're from but it was pre 20th century. Is this ringing anyone's bells? [more inside]
Help me figure out what this old-timey phrase means?
My buddy posted a link to this awesome digital collection of acquaintance cards from the 1870s on Facebook recently and we've been trying to figure out what the phrase "when are you going to pay the old lady for your last week's washing," which is printed on a couple of the cards, is referring to. [more inside]
Attractive and Reasonable Office Furniture
Hi, does anyone have recommendations for attractive, well-designed and relatively affordable office furniture? I am looking for something that is a step up from Stapes and Office Depot, especially for conference tables. This is for a true office, not a home office. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.
posted by beisny at 2:40 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by beisny at 2:40 PM PST - 10 comments
Should I renew my life insurance policy?
My parents bought whole life insurance when I was born and it needs renewed. I was going to let it lapse, they want me to renew - do I really need life insurance? [more inside]
posted by lpcxa0 at 2:40 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by lpcxa0 at 2:40 PM PST - 18 comments
Help me identify this graphic print!
Within the last day or two, I saw a graphic print of an octopus hanging on the wall in the background of a video shot... [more inside]
posted by grateful at 2:17 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by grateful at 2:17 PM PST - 3 comments
How do I market a Biology degree for non-related internships?
I'm a sophomore biology major but I want to get internships in consulting firms or pharmaceutical companies, both of which are coming to my school tomorrow for career fairs. Unfortunately, I'm a biology major which isn't necessarily the most marketable major in the world. My experience is mainly through clinical research and I held three jobs last summer but none of them are related to the internships I'm looking for. [more inside]
Things to do in Dubai?
I'm looking for things to do with nearly 48 hours in Dubai in mid March. Things that aren't obvious are especially helpful! [more inside]
posted by JMOZ at 1:28 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by JMOZ at 1:28 PM PST - 10 comments
Press a button, hear a random recording. How do I make one?
I have an idea for a sculpture that would have a button on it. When the button is pressed, a sound recording would play. There'd be about 10-20 recordings, each about 2-4 minutes long. I know it's possible to do this -- I just don't know how, exactly. What should I be googling? [more inside]
posted by xo at 1:26 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by xo at 1:26 PM PST - 13 comments
How to stream FULL episodes of Melissa Harris Perry online
where can I find and play FULL episodes of the Melissa Harris Perry show online? And, also get it on my ipod, so download, or I guess I could stream on phone. she is not on sticher, looking for audio and or/video of show. i can find easily for Racheal Maddow but not MHP. THanks
Effective learning: looking for the best academic skills and techniques
What are some effective academic skills, techniques, and tools for effective learning and succeeding academically? — Looking for uncommon, highly effective techniques that aren't the oft-repeated ones ("don't procrastinate!") but more like "use spaced repetition software to review the major concepts all throughout the semester". — I'll share some of my own. [more inside]
posted by markbao at 1:04 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by markbao at 1:04 PM PST - 23 comments
What happens outside of the courtroom?
Does anyone know if there are any people who work in the area outside of a courtroom? Maybe like security guards or someone like that?
I'd like to show someone waiting for the doors of a courtroom to open and am trying to think of who might be there (besides someone who's especially interested in what's happening in there)
Thanks so much!
Is there a Twitter client that lets me read from the top down?
Super simple Twitter question: Is there a Twitter client for Android that "bottom-posts" (i.e., that appends new material to the bottom instead of the top, allowing me to read naturally from top to bottom)?
posted by Alaska Jack at 12:32 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Alaska Jack at 12:32 PM PST - 3 comments
Is this wine worth serving?
I have an event coming up, and I’d like to provide some wine. The wine won’t be a focus, but some people will expect it, so I’d like to give them something. I don’t drink wine, and know nothing about it. My plan was to go to a local wine shop and explain that I need something basic at a lower price point. But, out of the blue, a friend offered to donate a bunch of wine that he’s had in his basement that he won’t ever use. My sense is that these were gifted to him over the years, but when he drinks wine, he wants something different. He’s got one to three cases of each of the following: [more inside]
is there a hardware solution for improving the signal quality of my S3?
I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 on 3. I get extremely little reception at home and a signal booster doesn't help. Is there a hardware solution, like a special case, wire, foil, etc I could use at home to boost my signal? homemade ideas and commercial ones welcome.
Help my friend find a lawyer to represent him for banking in Mexico
My friend has an HSBC Mexico account, that had about 40,000 dollars in it.. he didn't use the account for a year, he called today to get a new checkbook, and found out the account had zero balance in may of 2013, and the account was closed. HSBC Mexico said they can't give more information unless he goes in person to a branch in Mexico. He is willing to hire a lawyer, or Power of attorney, or someone to investigate this in Mexico who legally represent him. He is currently far from mexico and can't make it there any time soon. His mom is in Mexico, can she get power of attorney? Any advice on how to do this? How can he go about finding a lawyer in Mexico who can help him? Or what actions can he take? He suspects fraudulent activity as he did login to his internet banking last year and saw all his money there.
Turn me into your dream webmaster
I'm in a position where I manage a local non-profit's website. As I take an opportunity to transition out of the role, I am sad to see my track record. Can I become a better webmaster, undertake a fantastic transition AND learn something all in the next few months? [more inside]
Video Downloadhelper has stopped working.
Can anyone point me in the direction of something that works? [more inside]
Looking for regularly posted interesting content about Minecraft
I'm looking for people who are regularly posting interesting/unusual content about Minecraft. Examples would be unusual Let's Play type series like the Far Lands or Bust series that recently got written up in the New Yorker. Written content or public servers where more interesting than usual activities are going on also work. [more inside]
posted by nanojath at 11:57 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by nanojath at 11:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Laundry snafu
How would you get a beeswax / oil / zinc oxide stain out of cotton? [more inside]
Atlanta's Best Eats
I'll be in Atlanta next weekend, and am looking for restaurant recommendations. I'm staying close to the CNN center but will have a car, and am willing to travel for good food. I'm a moderately lax pescatarian. All price ranges welcome.
Shrimp and Grits is one of my favorite foods, so if there's a 'Best Shrimp + Grits in Atlanta!' place I'd love to hear about it. Also, if there are any craft brewers/brewpubs in the area making good beer, please tell me who those are as well.
Advice for a complicated roommate situation
Synopsis is that my roommate has severe PTSD and blames my own recent mental health problems for triggering a relapse in her. She has not acknowledged that this has been hard on me, only how it affected her. She wants me to move out, tried to get me evicted by the landlords (who favor her because she is younger), sent 5 hours of harassing texts to me on Monday. Because this is Wisconsin in February, there aren't a lot of apartments available, and I have to be extra picky because of a very fixed income and not having a car/relying on living near things and buslines. This is seriously impacting my own mental health now, worsening my depression/anxiety. I don't want to go through the stress of moving, especially since she didn't offer anything (like paying moving expenses). She feels as though she has done everything for me and I am an ungrateful traitor--there are a couple things I'd like to apologize/take responsibility for, but I don't want to do so if that will be construed as me taking responsibility for her relapse, something I will not do. We are both on the lease, which goes through August. I will answer any questions about details.
posted by mermaidcafe at 10:58 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 10:58 AM PST - 20 comments
In search of some intermediate financial advice.
MeFites have always been pretty good at giving basic financial advice, like how to start saving, building a budget, getting out of debt, etc. I'm there already. I find myself in the surprising situation of being comfortable these days, and I'd like to know: what's next? [more inside]
Looking for Gardening Blog Recommendations for Gardens in Zone 5-6
All the gardening blogs I like to follow seem to be set on the west coast or zones where people are starting to plant things in their garden now which is very depressing as I still have a foot of snow in my garden.
I am looking for gardening blogs where the writer's garden is in Zone 5 or 6. Northern Indiana or Chicago would earn you extra bonus points, but zone 5 or 6 is a good starting place. [more inside]
posted by wwax at 10:47 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by wwax at 10:47 AM PST - 6 comments
Help a science-minded creature navigate unscientific thinking by friends
I'm a performer/dancer/creative type in a newish city (1 year). I also have a background in science. Much of my social circle contains people who are more into woo/new-agey things than I am. I find myself *enraged* by this sometimes. Each little comment (a reference to table salt being "poison" while sea salt isn't, household use of homeopathic things like arnica, e.g.) ruffles me. I can feel myself growing distant from two important people in my life - my roommate and lover. I admire and respect them greatly for their emotional intelligence, perceptiveness, and expression. We giggle and dance and clown around and we connect completely. They bring up chakras and I want to throw myself on a sharp object.
Sometimes I let their comments go by, but I feel irritated inside. Other times I challenge them and I think I come off as arrogant and judgmental; close-minded. I AM judging. We all make decisions based on info from friends and websites and the like - but I really really care about information sources that are legit - from professionals, peer-reviewed research, etc. They don't. [more inside]
posted by red_rabbit at 10:33 AM PST - 46 comments
posted by red_rabbit at 10:33 AM PST - 46 comments
Looking for SF consumable souvenir recommendations, especially avocados
I'm in San Francisco and would like to bring back some avocados and/or Bay Area edibles to New England next week. What should I look for, and where? [more inside]
Inclusive resorts in Caribbean/Mexico
Looking for recommendations for all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean or Mexico. [more inside]
bootstraps for hobbyists
My life is calm. I live in one place. My house is clean and decluttered. I have free time. And now I am bored... [more inside]
Looking for solutions to TWO annoying Macbook Pro problems
1. Is there a way to lock the bookmark bar in Safari? I keep accidentally deleting bookmarks by dragging them into the screen and then they disappear into a puff of air. It's annoying because sometimes I don't notice I have done it and then when I go into Safari the next time I find my bookmark is gone.
2. Is there a shortcut to close all your program and shut down at the same time? I always have to Command +Q each program before I shut down which is annoying.
Thanks! Any other unknown secrets or shortcuts for Mac also appreciated!
Alternate power button for a late 2013 (cylinder) Mac Pro
Is there any peripheral, wired or bluetooth, that can turn on a late 2013 Mac Pro? [more inside]
One day in Lima / one day in Sao Paulo
I am going on a business trip to Sao Paulo next month. I will have one free day in Sao Paulo (a Sunday, which I know many mean many things are closed) before my work begins and a 24 hour layover in Lima over the weekend on my way back (noon to noon).
What are the can't-miss things in Sao Paulo and Lima? The must-sees, must-dos, must-drinks? Special snowflake details inside! [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 8:26 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by rednikki at 8:26 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me come up with Pop Culture ways of saying goodbye
I was thinking last night that I would would like to start being cooler. One way I have came up with is by using some really cool parting words when leaving work or groups of friends (hopefully I can get some with this new "cool" plan). Some phrases that I came up with were "Stay gold Ponyboy" and "Be Excellent to each other". Now wouldn't I be cool? But that won't get me very far down the road. What are some other awesome Pop Culture phrases I can use to leave a cool impression on people?
Help me start saving for retirement (U.S.)
I would like to finally start saving for retirement! I'm thinking a Roth IRA is the way to go (unless you think otherwise and can tell me why), but I am a little confused/overwhelmed with how to proceed. A few snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by likeatoaster at 8:08 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by likeatoaster at 8:08 AM PST - 14 comments
Needs More Personality
As I'm edging closer to middle age, I am struck by how little I know myself. Occasionally I am asked to talk or write about myself (mainly for work purposes) and I have no idea what to say. I am fairly aware of my range of skills, but I have very little insight as to my personality traits. I have done the Myer-Briggs test, read several books and completed various career assessments, but I still struggle to define who I am.
More details inside - but in short: how do others define and describe themselves? How do you become aware of yourself? Think more pragmatic/philosophical descriptions of your personality traits and less about CV bloats. [more inside]
posted by kariebookish at 7:43 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by kariebookish at 7:43 AM PST - 32 comments
Help me justify a $300 CD player in 2014
On the occasion of moving the living room around, I'm upgrading my old, clunky stereo components with new, smaller stuff that fits better in the new cabinet. My old 5-disc CD carousel doesn't come close to fitting, so I need a replacement. We own lots of CDs but listen to them only occasionally, so a changer isn't necessary or even preferable.
I was always taken with NAD components when I'd go to the stereo store with my dad as a kid, and now I'm wondering if it there's a way to justify this for $300 when a Sony DVD player that surely plays CDs just fine can be had for well under $50. Other than snob appeal, would I appreciate any aural benefit from a dedicated audio-specific CD player in my decidedly midrange set-up? (For context, speakers are Pioneer SP-BS22-LRs and the receiver is an Onkyo TX8020.)
HowMuchApp
Is there a database of tech companies listing estimated users at time of acquisition and acquisition price? I would like to compare WhatsApp's $/user to many other sales, not just the ones in most news articles like Instagram.
I don't want to catch up
How do I avoid/reject conversation with an old friend I might run in to (without feeling shitty about it)? [more inside]
Help me find songs with similar approach re: dealing with daily life
Hi all, would greatly appreciate if you would help me find songs that deal with the subject of dealing with the daily grind of life. Definitely in the 'quietly motivational' aisle, but not necessarily motivational at all. Similar tracks include 'Get Down Saturday Night' by Oliver Cheatham, 'Breezem Out' by Lil Ugly Mane and 'Money Won't Pay' by Bo en. Links to those tracks inside. [more inside]
posted by Cpt. The Mango at 7:02 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Cpt. The Mango at 7:02 AM PST - 14 comments
Help. I don't understand these medication interactions.
I need help understanding (in layman's terms) a certain drug interaction.
Could someone just explain what this actually means in regards to the interaction? I'm now scared to take both of these... but I need both right now. [more inside]
posted by KogeLiz at 5:41 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by KogeLiz at 5:41 AM PST - 10 comments
Green Acres is the place for me
I'm turning 30 this year. My husband and I are discussing a retirement plan that includes a farm in South Carolina. Can you recommend some resources (blogs, persons willing to email, books, etc) so that we can make an informed decision about whether to do this and what sort of financial planning we'll have to do to make it happen? [more inside]
posted by House of Leaves of Grass at 4:28 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by House of Leaves of Grass at 4:28 AM PST - 14 comments
Yoga styles and London-based class recommendations
As I get older, I get creakier and I'm hoping yoga may be the answer. Can anyone recommend a class in south-east or east London that focuses mostly on the physical side of yoga and less on the meditative/spiritual aspects? Bonus points for suggesting a particular style that would suit me, a physically active late 30s male who swims and cycles regularly.
Hello Anton. Are you finished with that Mentos? May I have the rest?
Lately (coinciding with extreme hot weather) ants have been attracted to the Mentos chewy dragees I carry around with me. The dragees don't appear (to my eye) to be any different after the ants have had their way with them. Is it safe to eat them? What is attracting the ants to these dragees? Are the ants leaving anything behind that would be unsafe for me to ingest? I have a reasonably robust immune system, so I don't mind a little bit of whatever challenging its integrity, as long as I'm not poisoning myself to a degree I can't handle. I don't want to kill the ants or block their activities beyond making the dragees physically inaccessible. An airtight container is a solution, but I'd rather not have to bother with that - I'd prefer to just share the wealth with the ants, if it's not harming me.
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 2:03 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 2:03 AM PST - 14 comments
Roller Deby Name
My whole life I've sucked at naming things, now I need to come up with a Roller Derby name and I want it to be awesome! [more inside]
My SSN may have been lost in a data breach, what should I do?
My SSN may have been lost in a data breach, what should I do to protect myself from identity theft?
Exhausted, stressed and need some coping strategies for hard times
I'm exhausted and burned out from a work project that's been going on for the past six months and won't be done for another 2-4 weeks. A week and a half ago, my dad was diagnosed with cancer, and his prognosis is not good. I need some strategies for dealing with all of this when I already feel like I'm close to the breaking point. Details below. [more inside]
Mac Mini to travel as desktop between two countries? How feasible?
Thanks MeFites for your assistance; now for a Mac Mini question! The Flashdrake is needs a new computer to take to Italy for around 5 months a year; he currently uses an all-in-one desktop PC in Australia running Windows 7 and a 23" screen. Has been using a 17" 2010 laptop now running Windows 8 when travelling to Italy, although doesn't like using it, finds the screen hard to see, and never got a handle on Win8. I could buy a new laptop, or a new desktop to keep overseas, but it seems that getting a Mac Mini and hitching it up to a monitor at either end. While we would still backup, it seems like an elegant solution. He is not familiar with the iOS, but loves his iPad, which he uses when he needs portability when out and about.
Is there something that I'm missing here? I imagine that as long as we avoid an expensive Apple monitor (that's possible, right?) it would work well, with be relatively cost effective.
Thoughts? What am I missing here?
February 19
Why virtualbox can overcome win8 UEFI issue to install Linux?
I tried to install linux on a win8 laptop and failed although I tried everything to disable UEFI and security boot options in Bios.
So I think there is no solution to install Linux on certain win8 Laptops.
But someone told me of course I can install Linux on any win8 laptops by using virtualbox.
So I'm wondering why can it be done? How exactly is virtualbox/virtual machine works for this issue? can anybody explain this to me in a easy to understand way? Thanks very much.
posted by pack2themoon at 9:17 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by pack2themoon at 9:17 PM PST - 9 comments
Hotel employees: What are you asked to do in the event of a fire?
Have you or someone you know ever worked in a hotel? Or are you a firefighter? If so, I am studying fire safety and would like to know what (if anything) hotel employees are trained to do in the event of a fire? [more inside]
Help me buy new ram sticks
I have a eMachines T3504. Crucial's scanner says that I should buy: [more inside]
Getting around the Galapagos
We are going to Ecuador this summer and want to go to the Galapagos. Google suggests cruises, but our guidebook suggests that it is possible to island-hop on ferries and avoid sleeping on a boat. What's our best option? [more inside]
I just don't know what to do with myself.
I'm having trouble meeting people near my area. Any helpful suggestions? [more inside]
where to find Wheel of fortune answers same day?
I want to prank someone by finding out answers for wheel of fortune before it airs in my time zone (6.30PM CST) I know the show airs as early as 5.30PM EST.
I found this site, but it updates after it airs at 6.30PM CST.
Can anyone help me find out the answers to the same day show before 6.30PM CST?
Dear Google: "red yellow smashy tail ankylosaurus he-man"
When I was a child in the mid-late 80s, I had a toy. In my mind, it was a Masters of the Universe toy, because I always played with it with my He-Man figures, but I may be mistaken. I also think it had one of those trapdoors so that you could jam an action figure halfway into it.
What I remember clearly is that it was a red ankylosaurus-like creature, with a big yellow tail/appendage that could come smashing down in front of it with some sort of lever action to demolish other action figures. I can't really describe it any better than that. Can anyone identify this toy?
posted by 256 at 6:03 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by 256 at 6:03 PM PST - 5 comments
How to turn mega-projects for one into reliable processes for many
My responsibilities at my job have slowly but organically grown until they are more than I can handle alone. Fortunately, my boss is very good at giving me people to do things for me. Unfortunately, I am having a hard time transitioning from the paradigm where I hold absolutely everything in my head, so I end up farming out simple tasks but then staying late putting a finished product together. How can I learn to divide work among multiple people successfully? [more inside]
Is '-wallah' (as in chai-wallah) in any sense an offensive word?
Let's say you've been having a lot of conversations about finding a way to get certain isolated or repetitive tasks done. Some things can be handled by automation, so they get a '-bot'; others get done by a human, so they get a '-wallah'. But is there some manner in which '-wallah' could be taken to be derogatory, offensive, appropriation, insensitive, etc? [more inside]
What kind of tax help should I be getting?
I'm a roughly average taxpayer who doesn't know very much about American tax law or the tax preparation industry. Should I keep ignoring it and filing my taxes by myself, or will I benefit from looking for professional tax advice? [more inside]
posted by value of information at 5:12 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by value of information at 5:12 PM PST - 6 comments
Who Dat?! Who Dat Say Dey Goin' To New Orleans...
In mid-April, Pips and I will be taking a trip to New Orleans. It's our first time and our hotel is on the fringes of the French Quarter. We've been doing research about places to go (and when the time is right we'll call for a MeFi Meetup), but right now I need inside dope. I wanna know about great places for eating and drinking, especially unknown ones. I'm a big foodie and boozie, so I'm up for just about anything. Thanks in advance.
How do I make my mouse's scrollwheel work windows-esque on a mac?
When I use a mouse with a scrollwheel on the mac, the scrolling doesn't work like I'm used to in windows. Specifically, if I scroll one click of the wheel, it scrolls an infinitesimal amount (looks like one pixel height). I've never looked specifically at what the Windows behavior is, but I think it's three lines per scroll click. Is there any way to change this to be what I'm used to?
posted by Pacrand at 4:05 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Pacrand at 4:05 PM PST - 7 comments
What happened to the women and girls who worked for Thomas Edison?
Are there any journals in existence that were kept by women or girls who worked for Thomas Edison in the 1880s/1890s? More inside. [more inside]
posted by Miss T.Horn at 3:35 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Miss T.Horn at 3:35 PM PST - 6 comments
Should I even mention former job?
I just got unceremoniously canned from my part time (12 hour) job, which I started beginning of January, for a no call no show. I didn't MEAN to no call, no show. My full-time job gave us the Federal holiday off, and my brain made Monday into Sunday. I know, super lame. I could get into the legal and other issues that are taking quite a bit of my mental energy, but what's the point. Just know I've been somewhat distracted, to say the least. [more inside]
Who owns the rights to Arc Records these days?
How would I go about finding out who owns the rights to albums and songs released by a long-defunct music company? Specifically, a Canadian label named Arc Records. The article I linked to states that Arc came under the control of Ahed Music Corp Ltd in 1969 and that both companies ceased operations in 1986, but I haven't been able to track down any information beyond that.
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:16 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:16 PM PST - 3 comments
Why are airline computer reservation systems so slow?
The computer reservation system that airline personnel at airports use to rebook flights for customers, change seats, and so on seem markedly slower than when the customer uses the internet to pick a seat, or book or change a flight. Why is that? [more inside]
posted by lassie at 2:53 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by lassie at 2:53 PM PST - 26 comments
Where do I find real people with quirky yet destructive obsessions?
I'm working on a project at work about "unique or unexpected obsessions" related to technology, competition, health and fitness, animals, hunting, gaming or anything that is non-sexual or substance-related. I'm especially interested in how these so-called obsessions/addictions have impacted the subjects' relationships, careers, finances, etc. Where do I find people with weird yet intense obsessions that affect their everyday lives? I feel like I could use some inspiration, so any feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.
How do I talk with my spouse about her long term unemployment?
I'm not sure how to talk with my wife about the issues surrounding her long term unemployment. I don't want to come across as demanding or nagging, but I do want to express some concerns that I have honestly and clearly. How have you successfully communicated about this touchy subject with your significant other? [more inside]
posted by Chuck Barris at 2:46 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Chuck Barris at 2:46 PM PST - 23 comments
help me fix my three way… lamp.
we have a three way floor lamp (you know, the one that goes low, medium, high as far as light intensity, and requires the special bulb) in our bedroom. recently, the switch seems to have gone wonky, and only offers low, and, if we twist the knob only a certain amount, high. while we've learned the trick to make it work, and it's not like it's hard, i'm starting to get pretty annoyed with the fact that this isn't working anymore. it was not a crazy expensive lamp, but it also was not cheap, and i like that lamp, and i don't want a different one.
i assume the problem is in the socket itself. can someone who hasn't tinkered with electronics since she was a teenager (and that was mostly to take stuff apart to see how it worked) but worked as a mac tech as an adult change out the socket pretty easily, or is this something i need to leave to the professionals?
posted by koroshiya at 2:24 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by koroshiya at 2:24 PM PST - 10 comments
I Should Have Asked: Grandma, What's a Gazakus?
My hilarious grandma (may she rest in peace) often used the word gazakus (sp?). Was it a nonsense word she made up, or is it a real word that actually means something? [more inside]
posted by slmorri at 2:06 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by slmorri at 2:06 PM PST - 9 comments
Turning the corner on 50 (pounds down)
In the past year or so, I’ve lost 46 lbs - which was 25% of my body weight. I have a goal to lose 5-10 lbs more, which would put me at a little over 50 lbs gone - and a coincidentally good zone for my size. I’d like to do, have, or make something to commemorate those 50 lbs. Not a reward - but I want to have something in my home, maybe on shelf somewhere, that I can look at as a visual reminder of that number and the work I put in for it. [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 2:03 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by raztaj at 2:03 PM PST - 18 comments
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.
Please help me survive the last 5 weeks of this quarter.
I'm on generic (Watson/Actavis) Concerta (36 mg) for ADHD, and generic (Taro) Lamictal (100 mg) for depression/anxiety. I'm also a part time student at a local community college, taking PreCalculus II (Trigonometry) and Cultural Anthropology - both College Transfer courses. And night courses that start at 6pm, that last for 2.5 hours each. I was also taking Statistics.
Since last September or so, the Concerta has been giving me crying fits, particularly when it wears off. I was also working full time, and taking an inline Computer Science course. This is when I go from 'normal, functioning person' to 'uncontrollable crying as soon as I hit something frustrating, like my code not compiling. And by 'uncontrollable crying', it lasts for an hour or more, and I basically cry until I get fatigued. And afterwards, my head is blank like a vacuum. It doesn't make for a good work or study environment! I was only on 18 MG of Concerta, so my doctor doubled that to 36 mg, thinking it would help. Oh, holy cats it didn't. [more inside]
posted by spinifex23 at 2:01 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by spinifex23 at 2:01 PM PST - 15 comments
How would you characterize Phys Ed in k-12 US schools?
At work, I've just started a project on phys ed, and I need some background info. I've contacted a few PE professionals' organizations, but haven't heard back yet. I'd like to know... [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 1:36 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by daisyace at 1:36 PM PST - 17 comments
Accurately Measuring Tree Growth.
We recently were fortunate enough to buy a house in the Berkeley Hills with panoramic Bay views of the city from the Golden Gate to the Bay bridge. Our downhill neighbor has a large beautiful redwood tree in their yard. However as beautiful as the tree is it can significantly obstruct our view if allowed to continue to grow uabated so we need a way to accurately measure its growth remotely. [more inside]
Awkward Salsa Moments
I just started taking a beginning salsa class. I really like it except that occasionally the moves include dips that I feel very awkward executing as a pretty tall, somewhat overweight woman. Any tips on how to deal with this? [more inside]
Concierge doctor/medical group in Contra Costa County
I'm looking for a concierge medical practice. People in this question, as well as on Yelp and other review sites, have raved about One Medical. Unfortunately, the nearest One Medical is in Berkeley and no way am I going to drive that far to see my doctor. I'd like suggestions on a good concierge doctor or medical practice in Central Contra Costa County. [more inside]
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 12:09 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 12:09 PM PST - 3 comments
Help me find more 80s soundtrack theme songs ABOUT their parent films.
Help me remember music videos from that magical era when bands would record theme songs for (often horror) movies that were actually lyrically about the movies themselves and the artist would sometimes appear in the video and the video would be a story video and...well you know. Think Ramones' "Pet Sematary" or Dokken's "Dream Warriors" [more inside]
De-stuffing for the stuff-intensive lifestyle?
I have a lot of stuff and desperately need to declutter. But I'm also a crafter, a DIY-type and a mom to small kids, which means I have lots of quasi-legitimate reasons to hold onto Stuff. Given that all these objects are potentially useful, what algorithms can I use to distinguish between "useful, but toss" and "useful, so keep"? [more inside]
Help a trans woman find cute boots that fit?
I'm looking for these boots. They exist, but not in my size (US 13 women / US 11.5 men / EU 45). How do I find these boots or find somebody to make a high quality version of them? [more inside]
Toggling IE Compatibility Mode makes website(s) work?
Ever visit a website (or build a website yourself) that would not completely load unless you togged compatibility mode off and on a few times? I'm dealing with that now and while it may be a red herring, at least I can eventually get some of the content to show up. [more inside]
[academic/reading-geek filter] how to take notes on books within books?
My apologies for this very convoluted question...tl;dr: I guess I'm asking how people deal with taking notes from books, not just on the book's content and structure etc, but mapping bodies of literatures mentioned in those books. I would love to hear if you have a system that works for you. More after the jump. [more inside]
Bunion surgery and running
Runners of MeFi, have any of you had bunion surgery? If so, what were your outcomes, running-wise? What was your recovery like? How soon were you able to get back to normal training or even maintenance training? Did you experience the hoped-for reduction in pain? Did you have any issues with your form or balance afterward? [more inside]
Growing ginseng for fun and profit
A family member wants to retire a few years early and try to make some extra money growing ginseng on her property. Good or bad idea? Snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by tonycpsu at 11:22 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by tonycpsu at 11:22 AM PST - 9 comments
I want to compare documents
Does publicly available software exist that lets me overlay two documents and see how they differ from each other?
Recommendations for mens padded bike shorts
I would like to get my boyfriend some bike shorts for his birthday. He does not want to wear the tight, spandex-type shorts alone, but maybe under some other moveable shorts. Or any other options? [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 at 11:16 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by foxhat10 at 11:16 AM PST - 13 comments
2161 Pram Message for inaccessible storage device -- fixable?
My Data Traveller has become inaccessible showing up only in my devices and printers window as 2261 Pram, a new term for me. Placing the memory stick in other USB ports not helping and location G:\ seems impenetrable and unchain able as does everything on my storage device. Is there any chance the data is recoverable or has it died on me for good? I usually can fix and recover my own files -- until now...
posted by Alexandra Kitty at 10:51 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Alexandra Kitty at 10:51 AM PST - 2 comments
What was this science-fiction short story?
A friend read an SF short story in the 1970's, probably published in one of the common "Best of" anthologies of that decade. She's trying to find out the title, but Google and other sources turn up nothing so far. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by infodiva at 10:48 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by infodiva at 10:48 AM PST - 3 comments
Teflon sticky tape? Or - how do I make this floor mat glide?
Is there something like a teflon sticky tape - sticky on one side, Teflon on the other - that I can attach to this floor mat so I can move it around easily throughout the day? More details... [more inside]
posted by bluelava at 10:46 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by bluelava at 10:46 AM PST - 4 comments
Would you live next door to a sex offender?
My girlfriend and I put an offer on a house two weeks ago, and only thought now to check the sex offender registry. Turns out the guy next door was convicted in 2004 of aggravated sexual battery. Is this a deal breaker? I can't imagine her being alone at home with someone like that so close by. I really think we need to get out of the deal and look for another place but we really like this one and it's a bummer to start the whole process again.
posted by Clustercuss at 10:32 AM PST - 63 comments
posted by Clustercuss at 10:32 AM PST - 63 comments
Slow Cooker Help, FAST
I've got a 5 lb. pork shoulder in the slow cooker, making this recipe. I started it at 7:30 this morning and want to eat around 7:00 tonight. The recipe calls for 16 hours of cooking time on low. Can I speed things up by cooking it on high for a couple hours? If so, is it better to do that toward the beginning of the cooking time (it's already been in over two hours) or toward the end. Or should I just give up on serving it tonight and make other plans for dinner?
posted by ms_rasclark at 9:55 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by ms_rasclark at 9:55 AM PST - 23 comments
What is the best way to express dry a single item?
You're enjoying your morning coffee when you realize you never put your work pants in the dryer last night. What do you do, hot shot? What do you do? [more inside]
How difficult is it to create an ebook for kindle?
I'd like a quality ebook with hypertext and art. Assuming good computer skills and time, can I do it myself or should I hire someone?
Website for Population by Zip Code, But Specifically...
Hello Mefites! I'm looking for a reliable online service to pull population numbers by zip code, and while I know there are tons out there, I need one that isn't just plugging in one zip code at a time. Ideally, I'd like to be able to just download a database list of zip codes and their corresponding populations for the country, or state by state, to a CSV or XML file. Does this exist? The "reliable, up to date (as much as possible) source" part is important, as this data will be used as part of a franchise sale package. Thank you in advance!
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 9:52 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 9:52 AM PST - 4 comments
Thoughtful trans/queer/identity politics blogs
I'm looking for thoughtful, thought-provoking blogs (and books, I guess) covering topics like queer theory, trans/gender theory, identity politics, and maybe related activism. Transmasculine/masculine of center/FTM topics especially welcome. Extreme academic jargon is not a turn-off. A few additional notes inside. [more inside]
You Married? You Have Kids?
I got asked about my marital and family status in a job interview. Now what? [more inside]
posted by dortmunder at 9:39 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by dortmunder at 9:39 AM PST - 17 comments
Where can I buy a Lenovo X220-compatible charger in DC today?
Right now I'm at the airport, waiting to fly into DC, and just realized I forgot my charger. I'll see what I can pick up at my layover, but I would like to a) not fry my laptop and b) continue to use my laptop. I would like to buy the charger after checking into my hotel. I will not have a car.
Relevant facts:
1) The X220 is the small Lenovo Thinkpad (not touchscreen.)
2) Staying in Dupont Circle
3) No car
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments
MetaVinegar
I've seen lots of mentions on the blue, green and elsewhere saying how great vinegar is in cooking, how some people have 40 different kinds for all different reasons. Thing is, I've never really used it except as directed by a recipe, so I've never developed a good sense for how it interacts with other food -- I have no instinct for it.
Can the hive mind point me at resources or otherwise fill me in on the role vinegar(s) can play in food?
Agnostic prayers, polytheistic prayers, and meditation chants.
I am an agnostic that really likes the calming effect of prayer, but am totally not interested in the monotheism or taking organized religion very seriously in general. Do you have prayer advice for me, and what sort of agnostic or polytheistic prayers (or meditative practices) do you take part in? Resources and recommendations are welcomed! [more inside]
posted by Hawk V at 8:15 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Hawk V at 8:15 AM PST - 20 comments
Daveyyyy! Davey Crochet! (Get it? If you pronounce it phonetically...?)
I can crochet... sorta. I have made mittens and slippers and hats and scarves, I even made a Dispicible Me Minion hat and scarf for my step son (impressing the pants off of him), but they are all winged. I have no idea about stitches and I have no idea what I am actually doing. Things just seem to work out (so far). I want to learn how to crochet for real and make awesome things. (Or should I try knitting again?) [more inside]
What does simple project management look like?
What does "Project Management Light" look like? Are there good resources out there team members can read/watch/etc? Background and requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by advicepig at 7:07 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by advicepig at 7:07 AM PST - 11 comments
Cheap digital camera for listing things on eBay?
I foolishly lent my digital camera for what was meant to be a short time and is turning into an indefinite period. I need to list some stuff on eBay and Etsy. I would like the cheapest reliable digital camera for this purpose. (I don't have and won't be getting a smartphone (at least not in the immediate "would like to sell things on eBay soon" level of future), so need a stand-alone camera.) [more inside]
How to break a cycle of inaction and resentment?
For most of my young adult and now adult life, I'm having more and more difficulty taking control of the resentment that seems to build up as the result of my inability to communicate. I'm not sure if there's an overlap between the two, but I can't remember a time when I'd feel one without the other. [more inside]
What the hell are they watching?
My sister-in-law posted this video of her and my wife watching ... something on TV in 1991. What is it? Camera is trained on the TV @ 1:28.
posted by to sir with millipedes at 6:27 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by to sir with millipedes at 6:27 AM PST - 4 comments
so the weather is bad lately huh, Mr Z
I'm going to an afterparty for the BRIT Awards this evening - yay! and also - AARGH.
How do I make the most of it and not be the obvious noob amongst the sparkly people? [more inside]
What is a good introduction to evolutionary psychology?
I'm looking for a book or other resource to serve as an introduction to evolutionary psychology out of personal interest. I know that there is a lot of pseudo-science out there under this banner - so I'm only interested in resources that are well referenced. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Resources for abusive spouses seeking help?
I've just left an abusive relationship and have found information and support from domestic violence organizations, churches, therapists, etc. for myself as a victim of domestic violence. What I haven't found is information I can pass on to my ex to support his willingness to seek help. Is there a comprehensive list of links to mental health resources that explain to an abuser/person with anger issues how to seek help or, even better, how to do the work necessary to make that help useful? [more inside]
Looking for an awesome wedding present involving preparation of cheese
My dear friend got married late last year and I'm a little behind on sending him and his new wife a wedding present. I'd like to find them something ~$50, related to cheese (like a cheese smoker or a really cool cutting board—they love cheese and will be opening a small cheese shop soon). I'm having a very hard time finding such a thing. They also like vintage, retro, rockabilly, steampunk and the like. They are in California and I am in England; sending them something from the US would be preferable but if there's something uniquely British here and not too much cost to ship I could manage that too. Any ideas for specific items to purchase would be most welcome, thanks!
posted by iamkimiam at 5:42 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by iamkimiam at 5:42 AM PST - 15 comments
Lady Curie's Finishing School for Cybernetic Ladies
Myself and a group of like-minded ladies are in the throes of creating a feminist hackerspace in DC. We're at the point where we need to name ourselves, and haven't been able to get too far off the ground with brainstorming. [more inside]
Online forums for managing high blood pressure?
Are there any good (no woo-woo) forums for managing high blood pressure? I need to ask some technical questions about medication. [more inside]
posted by KokuRyu at 5:08 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by KokuRyu at 5:08 AM PST - 15 comments
Perfect Roast Chicken With Vegetables
I'm on a quest for the perfect roast chicken with vegetables. How can I achieve it? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 4:55 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by yankeefog at 4:55 AM PST - 35 comments
Books on US foreign policy
Please recommend your favorite readable books on United States foreign policy. I'm open to a broad range - biography/autobiography of key figures, analysis around a specific event, focus on specific forms of diplomacy, focus on specific issues - but I want something that is engaging and not too dense. Imagine you could pull it out of your bag during your subway commute. [more inside]
posted by AnnaRat at 12:34 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by AnnaRat at 12:34 AM PST - 17 comments
February 18
is daily weed smoking normal or a sign of underlying issues?
my SO smokes weed pretty much every day. is it safe to assume that this is some kind of self-medication for stress or anxiety, and if so, what are the best ways that i can help as a partner? [more inside]
My cat has turned into an obsessive groomer - help?
How do I stop my cat from chewing on himself? [more inside]
Relocating to the Seattle area from Chicago
We are considering relocating to the Seattle area from Chicago after living here for 4-5 years. What should we know beforehand? [more inside]
Give me some easy songs for kids with no music training
I am part of a group of university-age music students who are volunteering at our local Boys and Girls Club to run a music playing-and-teaching program. I'm looking for easy pop songs that kids ages 9-15 would enjoy singing or playing along to on drums or guitar. [more inside]
Great expectations? Maybe.
Single. Male. 30. Only child. Hetero. I don't feel the need to get married and/or my expectations of my ideal future spouse are keeping me that way? Too smart and objective for my own good? Normal or am I destined to be forever alone? [more inside]
posted by rippersid at 7:49 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by rippersid at 7:49 PM PST - 26 comments
First comes the Strider bike, then comes....?
Darling Boy is nigh on his 4th birthday and we are looking to get him a bike. He has had since Christmas a Strider balance bike which he loves and has done very well on. We are looking for the next level of bike with pedals (and without training wheels) but are somewhat overwhelmed with our choices. What is a good quality next level pedal bike that will see him through until he is older?
What should a lady write to get a date?
Men of Mefi who have ever messaged a lady on OkCupid, what specifically made you want to message her, in her profile? [more inside]
posted by stockpuppet at 7:17 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by stockpuppet at 7:17 PM PST - 29 comments
Hang in or move on, work edition
I got a job offer that would get me out of my high-stress, 70-mile daily commute position. The downside is that it is a pay cut and a step back in my career, at a time when I just invested a lot of time and energy in moving forward in my career. [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 7:11 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by jeoc at 7:11 PM PST - 11 comments
What is a reasonable contribution from a daughter who lives at home?
Daughter, 23, lives with me. She has had mental health struggles and doesn't feel ready to live alone or with roommates. I'm sure she will someday, but probably not within the next year or even two. She's doing great now. She completed a certificate program and has a full-time job at entry level pay, which will increase with experience. How much is a reasonable financial contribution to the household? [more inside]
Which edition of Paradise Lost is best for a beginner?
Which edition of Paradise Lost is best for a beginner? I'm reading the poem for the first time, and for own entertainment / education rather than as a class assignment.
Any recommendations as to the best edition for someone new to the poem? Or just your own favorite? Thanks.
I just went up three bra sizes... why?
I've been 32B for the last 20 years. Now, in my late thirties, I'm suddenly a 32DD. What happened? [more inside]
Beer bars in NYC
I'd like to go to a beer bar in Manhattan this weekend. I've always liked Zum Schneider but want to try some place different. Prefer a place that's typically not too crowded on a Saturday around 6pm (that seems early enough to avoid crowds, right?); quiet enough to talk; and ideally, which also has good food. Thanks!
Online board games to play with faraway friends.
After geeking out about board games with some distant friends on Twitter, we came to a decision that we would like to play one together upon occasion using our computers. But there are a few problems with that. Snowflakes inside! [more inside]
Master program in Multimedia/video production
Has anyone completed a master degree in multimedia? This would be a production degree, not research or theoretical.
I work instructional design and support in a elearning group through a major university and have a chance to get tuition at very low cost. I am just not sure if gong through the program will make a difference in obtaining better positions later.
I am in my early 40's and transferred to this position/industry after moving around in IT for about 10 years. [more inside]
posted by gregjunior at 4:05 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by gregjunior at 4:05 PM PST - 8 comments
What do you call this thing used to cut tags off of new items?
What do you call this thing? (This one is broken, the metal part would be fastened to the plastic handle.) It is used to cut tags off of new items. [more inside]
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 4:01 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by kingjoeshmoe at 4:01 PM PST - 5 comments
Incorporate an online-based business in New York or Pennsylvania
I'd like to start on online-base media/information/advice business, and I'm having trouble deciding on where to incorporate. [more inside]
posted by NYC-BB at 3:44 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by NYC-BB at 3:44 PM PST - 4 comments
Chicago Churches
I am looking for a church in Chicago - one that meets a few particular requirements. [more inside]
Oenophiles and winos of Metafilter:
I like Chinon wine. What else would I like? [more inside]
Specific questions about zazen
So I've been doing some zazen following the instructions of Master Shodo Harada from this Youtube video. There he explains proper posture, focusing on breathing, counting your exhalations, keeping your eyes open while looking 1 m ahead on the ground, etc. I have (quite) a few questions that for experienced zazen meditators! [more inside]
posted by iliketothinknu at 3:27 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by iliketothinknu at 3:27 PM PST - 5 comments
How can I deal with looming burnout as a mature student?
I’ve been doing a kind of post-bac for the past couple of years and am in the home stretch, but I’m feeling burned out, given a long commute and care-taking obligations. What can I do to help myself push through? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:54 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 2:54 PM PST - 16 comments
Bringing our US electrical devices to the UK / also NTSC-PAL question
It's generally advised to leave as much behind as possible when moving abroad, but my wife's employer is paying to have a decent amount of our household stuff transported from the US to the UK. And why would we want to waste money buying duplicate items if it isn't necessary and we probably won't be staying more than a couple years? So I'm trying to figure out which of our electronics and appliances might be made to work overseas.
I am aware of the voltage difference and the line/mains frequency difference between the US and the UK and I'm considering buying one or two good-quality step-down voltage converters for things that aren't universal voltage compatible. But I have some questions that my Google research has not cleared up. [more inside]
posted by theory at 2:48 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by theory at 2:48 PM PST - 20 comments
Packing and unpacking services in NYC
I am moving in Brooklyn and need a service that will pack my current apartment and unpack in my new apartment. [more inside]
What is this panel with Chinese characters about?
Asking for a friend, who has on his office wall this wooden panel, about 3 feet by 4 feet, divided into 18 sections each densely filled with Chinese (I assume) writing. It came from his mother's estate, he has know idea where she acquired it. There is also writing on the outside edges of the panel. It's hard to tell whether the writing was done directly on the wood, or on paper which was then pasted to the panel. Here's a shot of one of the sections, and here's another. Can anyone translate some of this and provide an idea of what it is all about? And any idea how old it might be?
posted by beagle at 2:22 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by beagle at 2:22 PM PST - 2 comments
What doesn't kill you makes you _______.
Looking for advice on coping mentally and emotionally with a long stretch of stress, boredom and pain — when these are things that I ordinarily find very hard to tolerate. (No need to worry about coping physically; the logistical details of preparation, pain management and aftercare have been taken care of.) [more inside]
Help me be a substitute teacher
I'm substituting as a German teacher for a class of seven Japanese students of varying ages and levels (and attendance.) Help, please? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 1:59 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 1:59 PM PST - 5 comments
Is this a fair price for new windows?
Looking at getting new windows in our house. Replacing 20 windows, got a quote of about $22,000. Had sticker shock but then looked at details, now wondering if it's a fair price. [more inside]
what do you wish you did in your thirties?
MeFi-ites in your late thirties, forties and fifties - what do you wish you had done in your thirties? I'm at the beginning of my thirties and have hit most of the milestones - a decent career trajectory, more self-aware, better balance. I am not yet married but in a relationship. In short, things are stable and pretty well but I know that . Looking back at my twenties, there are a lot of things I wish I did or wish I knew that got harder with age, life changes, or less career mobility (harder to move industries and not take a salary cut).
What do you wish you had done or wish you had known about your thirties? I'm less looking for ideas for ME and more for inspiration in what others have done to make the most of that decade.
posted by waylaid at 1:46 PM PST - 59 comments
posted by waylaid at 1:46 PM PST - 59 comments
What can I do to help the situation in North Korea?
The U.N. yesterday released a report detailing its findings on (the lack of) human rights in North Korea. Needless to say, they are horrific and appalling. Can we do anything about it? [more inside]
shirts too wide- what to do?
I am a petite woman, and I really freaking love my collection of button-down shirts-- I have about 30 of them in different cuts, sizes, colors and patterns. I wear a button-down shirt every single day.
Since October I've lost some weight and all my shirts now look clownishly big. What is the cheapest/ potentially easiest way for me to not look frumpy, but still wear my beloved shirts? [more inside]
Getting our shit at LEAST in a diaper or something
OH HAY it's another prenatal question. Pursuant to getyourshittogether.org, I am trying to put those pesky ducks in a row before August. What kinds of documents, topics, etc. should we include in an estate plan et. al.? And what should we add (e.g. life insurance) to solidify things a bit more in case of Bad Things Happening? [more inside]
Name these cocktails!
I have six specialty cocktails we are serving at a party in July, but don't know what to call them. The drinks will be featured as hourly specials, one at a time. [more inside]
Cooking ahead for really nice dinner parties
My wife and I really like cooking elaborate multi-course meals for guests. We are advanced home cooks, and greatly enjoy being in the kitchen. However, our kitchen is not lavish, and of course time is limited. What are your go-to recipes that can be prepared in advance (ideally, the weekend before and frozen) and then finished or reheated for a really excellent dinner party? Examples inside. [more inside]
I'm looking for a succinct, daily world news podcast?
I'd like a world news podcast that is released daily, and is a brief summary of top stories. (the shorter the better, but definitely less than 30 minutes). BBC Global News has too much non-top stories. I want a summary of the top 10 news stories. I don't want personal stories, I want trending news items from global news, for example: who is rioting? Who experienced a typhoon? What huge controversy happened at the Olympics? What song is taking over the airwaves? Which app just became the most downloaded app in history? So I guess the biggest news items, and the biggest trending items.
posted by crawltopslow at 12:23 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by crawltopslow at 12:23 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me get from South Bend, IN to Indianapolis, IN
I am traveling to Indiana from California for work. I need to get from South Bend to Indianapolis. I was originally planning to just rent a car, but I've never driven on snowy roads and my family is convinced I'm going to kill myself. Can you help me travel safely? [more inside]
posted by chatongriffes at 12:09 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by chatongriffes at 12:09 PM PST - 16 comments
Help me navigate the basics of the mental health system
My only real experience with mental health practitioners was a brief stint with my free university counseling where I tried one or two medications for anxiety and depression. They didn't do anything for me and I became disheartened and left the idea behind for the past few years. Having gotten health insurance for the first time a few months ago and after some recent introspection, I've found myself interested in possibly trying some anti-anxiety/depression medication again, as well as some sort of ongoing psychotherapy. [more inside]
posted by gregoryg at 12:08 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by gregoryg at 12:08 PM PST - 5 comments
Ask me no questions
I have recently connected with an old friend and I am curious to see what Mefites think of this behavior and see if you have any tips on dealing with it. [more inside]
posted by random thoughts at 11:45 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by random thoughts at 11:45 AM PST - 42 comments
Booze Gift for a Stag Weekend
One of my oldest friends is travelling to Krakow for a stag weekend in a few months.
I can't go due to my current plan of having a 1 month old daughter at the time, so I would like to send a bottle of something quite classy for them to start the weekend off.
What should that be and how should I go about it? [more inside]
I have too many interests and I'm losing it
I have always had multiple interests, and the list has grown as I've gotten older. I can't decide how to pursue them without losing my sanity. [more inside]
Shelf life of Household Chemicals?
What is the shelf-life of common household chemicals? [more inside]
Dangerous neighbor harassing my family. What can I do?
Dangerous neighbor harassing my family. What can I do? This has been going on for almost 15 years now, but yesterday the problem resurfaced. My family (mother, sister and her two young children) live next door to a violent man. [more inside]
Chrome full screen to a second monitor
I am having a hard time making Chrome go full screen on my second display without making the primary display unusable (OSX 10.8). [more inside]
What should we do on an 8-hour Amtrak ride with our train-loving kid?
My family is taking a trip this weekend up on Amtrak from Richmond, VA to New Haven, CT, on the Northeast Regional. My 9-year-old son loves trains, but has never been on Amtrak. How can I make this the Best Trip Ever for him? [more inside]
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:12 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:12 AM PST - 21 comments
Computer for the elderly
I maintain a PC for a user who has dementia and who breaks the computer in short order. So I installed DeepFreeze (thanks AskMe) and it has worked great, but now they turn off the computer without shutdown so it eventually blue screens and won't boot at all. What can I do to make the system impervious to turning off without shutdown? I'd like to stay with Windows if possible for a number of unrelated reasons, though open to Linux if there is no other option assuming it can be "frozen" cfg and remote management.
posted by stbalbach at 10:01 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by stbalbach at 10:01 AM PST - 9 comments
How do I choose an inspector for a used car I'd like to buy?
I'm looking to buy a car in southwest michigan. I trust "my" mechanic in my town, but there's few cars here. Other towns, eg Grand Rapids and Lansing, have great cars, but I don't know any mechanics in those towns. By what logical process should I choose a mechanic to take potential cars to? [more inside]
Tour Eastern Canada recommendations
My in-laws are flying in from India to Boston. They've never been to Canada and are curious to see the Eastern part including Toronto, Ottawa, Quebuc, Montreal. Do you have any recommendations on guiding tour companies which they may enjoy. (Please note, they aren't open to renting a car, so I'm researching guided tour options).
Thanks in advance,
-Z
Backups, images, and clones, oh my!
I have an ongoing need to make hard disk clones and images/snapshots for home and business use. What's the easiest, most effective path to do this? [more inside]
Most helpful groups/resources/forums for anxiety issues? (Cleveland, OH)
I am not meshing well with my therapist, and I plan on quitting. Finding a new therapist under my current health plan would take months; they're booking into May at the earliest. I'd like to find resources online and around the Cleveland area to help me cope with my longstanding anxiety (Primarily SAD, some GAD) issues in the meantime. [more inside]
On Beyond Tacos
I've recently realized that due to having lived only on the northern east coast of the US, I am not very knowledgeable about Mexican cuisine beyond what's bled over into "Tex-Mex". Can you point me at resources to help me expand what I know? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:59 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:59 AM PST - 35 comments
Taking the "-roid" Out of "Android Games"
I'm looking for peaceful, quiet, calm, relaxing Android games. Quell (and its two sequels) fit the bill perfectly, but I've played them to death. Digitized snowflakes within! [more inside]
How long does one have to make a claim Auto Insurance /US - NJ?
Scenario:
Car was hit from the back by an insured driver who took responsibility for the incident. This is noted in the police report.
This incident happened 2.5 months ago. No claim was made on the insured driver.
The repair is minor (re-paint).
Question:
Can a claim still be made since the incident happened approx 2.5months ago or is it too late? I wonder if it becomes harder to prove that the damage is because of the incident and not something that happened later (during the 2.5months). Thoughts?
Where are your hidden gem small festivals?
Where are the best small music festivals in Europe this summer. In my ideal world there is a reasonably priced festival with a half decent line up that hasn't got too big for its britches. [more inside]
posted by MuffinMan at 6:36 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by MuffinMan at 6:36 AM PST - 9 comments
Instrumental songs with similar energy to the William Tell Overture
I'm looking for instrumental songs that have a similar energy to the finale of the William Tell Overture. Genre doesn't really matter, but tone shouldn't be dark. What does: a big call to action, the sense that things are getting bigger and bigger and, most importantly, a tempo that feels like it's almost careening out of control.
I've already perused this thread.
I'm looking for a bluetooth button. No features. Just. A. Button.
So I used WAZE for my morning commute on my iPhone. It's on my dash and out of easy reach. But sometimes I get an idea for a thing I need to do when I get to the office. Or a text I need to send. So I have to stretch and reach over for the iPhone button to hold it down and dictate it to Siri.
Then I thought: What if I just had a button. On me.
So that's what I'm looking for. A button I can have close to me that I can press to activate the same function on the iPhone. Not a headset. Or a speakerphone. My car's functionality there works great. Just a button to trigger the thing that's a foot out of easy reach.
Now It'd be great if it was like a pin on and didn't look awful so it could be semi decorative. But frankly even if it was big and ugly and I could mount it on the wheel that would work too.
So...anyone know any straight button options?
What was the last major racially-segregated event in the US?
Does anyone know what the last segregated event was in the US ? I'm curious about "major events", say around 10,000 people. [more inside]
Why Apple, Why?
How do I transition from an Android phone to and iphone? [more inside]
I need out of this situation, extremely complicated. Help?
I am in a relationship and my feelings have changed. I am financially dependent and feel horrible about it. I feel trapped. How can I fix this with the least amount of collateral damage? [more inside]
How do I go about taking a pair of tablas on a plane?
I accepted your offer and work here now. Let's negotiate my salary now!
I started a job several weeks ago and now I think I definitely should've asked for a higher salary. Oops. How soon can I ask for a raise? And how do I broach that subject? I've never had to ask for a raise in my life. Details below. (Sorry the post is quite long because any feedback on how to deal with my specific situation would be great.) [more inside]
posted by AppleTurnover at 2:12 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by AppleTurnover at 2:12 AM PST - 27 comments
Android alarm clock that notices when I'm already awake?
I'm getting a Fitbit Flex soon and am planning to use its silent alarm feature so my partner can keep snoozing undisturbed while I rise and shine. I'd still like to have a noisy alarm as a backup just in case, though. Is there an Android app available that can do either of the following things:
1) notices that I'm already up (via the motion sensor, or unlocking the screen) and will skip any upcoming alarms or
2) has a really quick way to skip the next alarm (say, from the notification bar or a widget on the home screen) - if I have to open the app I'm likely to forget.
I believe KitKat has feature #2 in the stock clock, but my S3 Mini is still on version 4.1.2 and I'm not sure if/when an update will be coming.
Thanks!
posted by Skybly at 1:45 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Skybly at 1:45 AM PST - 6 comments
February 17
How to get gas rewards indirectly using a non-rewards fleet card?
I regularly gas up vehicles with a fleet card. The company footing the bill has no interest in any sort of rewards credit cards. Is there any way to get rewards for fill-ups with a fleet card at gas stations in Seattle, WA? (My instinct was no, but given that the FuelRewards program lets you save on gas based on grocery purchases, it got me wondering if the reverse is possible).
How can I sell music CDs to music stores and retailers?
What are ALL of the steps involved in selling music CDs to music stores and retailers? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 9:51 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by shipbreaker at 9:51 PM PST - 7 comments
Is Fort Lee, New Jersey, Within the Port District of NY and NJ?
This is essentially a legal question. Is Fort Lee New Jersey within the Port District of New York and New Jersey?
The Port District is the area which the two states described the area that the Port Authority would be responsible for controlling on port matters when they set up the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. I want to know if Fort Lee, New Jersey, is within that area.
The exact description, which I have no idea how to plot is below. I'm hoping someone can just point me to a document proving it or a map of the Port District with either Fort Lee in or out of the district. Or its so obvious I don't even need to have a map. [more inside]
posted by Ironmouth at 9:50 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Ironmouth at 9:50 PM PST - 8 comments
Plumbing woes
I'm asking this Q for a friend and I really hope someone will be able to help.
We moved into our house about two years ago. We've had problems with our sprinklers in the past and when we had them repaired, a sprinkler expert told my wife there was "something wrong" with how we get water to the front since they couldn't shut off the water. That didn't make sense to me, but now that I've tried to fix the sprinklers in the front myself, I've encountered the same problem. When I turn off the shut off valves near the water meter (what I think are the main valves), nothing happens, though it does turn off the water to the backyard. When I need to repair plumbing inside the house, the valve close to the house does the trick, but again, I can't shut off water to the front sprinklers. I have no idea how the sprinklers were installed, but it is getting frustrating and I'd like to know how to go about troubleshooting this. Is there any way to identify where a valve might be to shut off the water to the front sprinklers? Here's a simple diagram I drew.
Thank you!!!
posted by BitterYouth at 8:12 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by BitterYouth at 8:12 PM PST - 17 comments
What are some mind-blowing non-alcoholic drinks/cocktails?
A friend of mine who can't drink for the near future wanted to meet up with me at a bar/restaurant (in the US) for my birthday. I'd like to help make it be totally awesome for her by suggesting amazing non-alcoholic drinks that would (figuratively) knock her socks off. What do you recommend? (This will be at a bar that basically tends to have everything, although right now they are out of bitters.) I've reviewed older posts along these lines, but was curious to know what else might be available. Thanks!
How soon after sex should I have STI testing done?
I (late 20s male) slept with a girl I don't know very well over the weekend. (Used protection, nothing broke or leaked...all very safe.) We talked after, and she said that the last time she was tested she was clean, but that was a while (and a couple of partners) ago. I have no reason to suspect I've acquired anything new, but I'd still like to do my due diligence and make sure I'm clean.
My last test was about a year and a half after the last time I'd had sex, but I don't intend on waiting nearly that long. I know HIV takes about six months to show up, but as far as other common STIs go, how long should I wait for anything else to show up?
Looking for Family Law Attorney in Austin, Texas
Can you recommend a family law attorney with CPS experience in or around Austin, Texas? [more inside]
Why am I so hung up on this jerk?
I've been nursing a crush on one of the bartenders at the restaurant where I work for a few months. I always knew that he had "a way with the ladies," so to speak, but didn't realize how much of a ridiculous womanizer he is until I had lunch with a friend today and she spilled the details to me and ugh I FEEL TERRIBLE AND STUPID. More after the jump. [more inside]
What is this mysterious rubber object?
I found this (2, 3) in a box of office supplies manufactured in Brooklyn in the mid-late 1940s. It appears to be a component of something, but I have no idea what - does anyone recognize it?
Seattle Downtown Fun
My friends and I are driving into downtown Seattle... We're looking for a fun place to hang out for dinner and drinks. Can anyone recommend a street in the downtown area that will generate lots of options this evening?
Help me remove this lock and deadbolt
How do I remove this lock and deadbolt? All the guides I've seen online have a plate against the door with 2 screws, and what this door has instead is a cylindrical insert. [more inside]
posted by Pruitt-Igoe at 6:25 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Pruitt-Igoe at 6:25 PM PST - 2 comments
Postponing Exam due to Extreme Anxiety
I have a exam this Wednesday. I am also going through extreme anxiety. I am diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Last fall I went to the hospital due to extreme anxiety over constant pains which caused me to be suicidal. I ended up seeing a psychologist and social worker regularly.
Do you think it would be acceptable to get a doctors note to postpone this exam until my bout of extreme anxiety passes.
posted by Jack V at 5:03 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Jack V at 5:03 PM PST - 25 comments
Must-do things in The Netherlands
I'm being sent on a whirlwind trip to the Netherlands - four days in Utrecht/Amsterdam. I'll basically have a day and a half (and possibly a couple of evenings) to see.. stuff! But I have absolutely no idea what's there.
What should I see? What are the must-do's and can't-misses? [more inside]
posted by coriolisdave at 4:53 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by coriolisdave at 4:53 PM PST - 19 comments
Japanese Twitter, 分んない
I have a four letter twitter username. Several times a week, different Japanese twitter users will send me more than 100 mentions, usually gibberish or numbers. I think it's a sort of game or trolling, but I want to understand why. [more inside]
posted by clearlydemon at 4:23 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by clearlydemon at 4:23 PM PST - 6 comments
If You Have Half A Brain
In Rupert Holmes' "Escape", there are a couple of lines that seem at odds with what I would call hippie culture, namely "If you're not into yoga" and "I'm not much into health food." Yet some of the other bits like "getting caught in the rain," "the feel of the ocean," and "making love at midnight in the dunes on the Cape" seem, to my more modern viewpoint, in line with hippie-esque ideals. So what's the deal? [more inside]
Why I can't sign up for google apps with the domain I own?
Why can't I sign up for google apps with the domain I own? Weird troubleshooting loop, I'm probably doing something wrong that is really obvious. [more inside]
posted by mai at 4:16 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by mai at 4:16 PM PST - 2 comments
Help! My cell phone sleeve needs closure!
So, I have this very nice cell phone sleeve (number 11) -- but because it is open at one end, my IPhone 5 is prone to making suicidal plunges out of it. I need a small strap, perhaps an inch and a half long, preferably with a quick release like Velcro or a snap. And it needs to glue on securely and not be hideous on my case. Any ideas, craft-y MeFis? My Google fu got me nowhere.
posted by bearwife at 3:43 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by bearwife at 3:43 PM PST - 12 comments
Small, useful gift ideas for someone going on a trip to Costa Rica?
A friend (read: guy I've been seeing for two months) is leaving to Costa Rica for a week. I'd like to give him a gift of something that's inexpensive, personal, and that he'd find useful on his trip. [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 3:20 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Everydayville at 3:20 PM PST - 11 comments
How do I work out what to do next, without disrespecting my marriage.
Out of nowhere it seems, I’m considering asking my wife for a divorce and I can’t figure out if its because I met someone else I feel I’d really like to get to know or because I’ve realized that we just aren’t meant to be. Or am I just being a douche for even considering throwing away what I’m confident almost anyone would agree is a marriage to a great woman? Sorry for the long story…
My wife is a great person – of course – why would you marry someone you didn’t think this about? The list is huge – she’s smart, funny, empathetic, gets me, is very beautiful and will one day I know make a really wonderful mother. I know most would say all of this about their spouse, but even with rational eyes, the above is true. She has bad points too for sure, but no need to list those off as well. We’ve only been married about 18 months, but together for some time before this. [more inside]
How can I get to New Brunswick, NJ from JFK in 7 hours, reverse in 5?
Juggling options: how do I get to New Brunswick, NJ for a conference that runs from 1 PM on Sunday, April 27 through 2 PM on Friday, May 2nd? Based on flight availabilities and transit timing, is JFK or EWR a better option? Details on flight times inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 3:00 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by filthy light thief at 3:00 PM PST - 18 comments
Chicago/UIC-filter: What food donations to send to UIC Strike HQ?
What kind of food donations can I send to the UIC faculty strike headquarters? [more inside]
posted by mostly vowels at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mostly vowels at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments
Wish upon a car
Car enthusiasts, what kind of after-market electronic gadget do you wish you could buy for your car/truck that doesn't currently exist (at least at an affordable price)? [more inside]
Wedding venues at Scottish castles?
We'd like to have a small, lovely wedding on the grounds or in the gardens of a Scottish castle. The internet leads me down a sweaty, confusing little rabbit hole. [more inside]
posted by letahl at 2:27 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by letahl at 2:27 PM PST - 11 comments
kids and quiet
I lost my voice completely! Any good kid activity suggestions that involve complete quiet from the adult?
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 2:24 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 2:24 PM PST - 9 comments
What, in late 18th century England, did it mean to "play at 'chuck'"?
I have read a reference from Glouchester, England in 1783 of poor children in the streets "playing at 'chuck'." I have no idea what that means. [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 1:23 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Pater Aletheias at 1:23 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me find the warmest full length winter coat in the world.
Help me find the warmest full length winter coat in the world. [more inside]
How do I learn to live on my own?
I've never been close to either of my parents and was really only close to one set of grandparents. Well, the last of my grandparents died recently and I'm rapidly realizing just how alone I am. How do I come to terms with this? How do I proceed in having a happy and successful life in the knowledge that I'm really without a safety net? [more inside]
How do I Hot Water Heater in Chicago?
So we've started fixing up our condo a bit with an eye on selling it later this year. I managed to install a new dishwasher all by myself, and am feeling pretty good about it. Of course, a day later we notice that there's a puddle of water under our 18-year-old hot water heater, so I can't really rest on my laurels. More Inside! [more inside]
posted by Oktober at 12:40 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Oktober at 12:40 PM PST - 9 comments
Mystery knee pain + tenderness everywhere. Lymphedema or what?
My knees began to hurt suddenly two months ago and aren't much better regardless of my attempts to fix them. Also, my knees and thighs are tender to the touch almost everywhere. Make it stop? [more inside]
Ice cream trucks to help out with a party in SF
We need three ice cream trucks to park at three specific locations in the SF mission district for an hour or so this Sunday. Help! [more inside]
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 12:02 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 12:02 PM PST - 10 comments
Document as gift -- logistics.
Turning a document into a "keepsake." [more inside]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 11:45 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 11:45 AM PST - 10 comments
Turning mp3 bookmarks into a podcast feed
I'm looking for an easy way to turn mp3s I find online into a podcast feed. [more inside]
posted by roll truck roll at 11:39 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by roll truck roll at 11:39 AM PST - 4 comments
I'm your Tiny dancer, dancer for money, and any old music will do.
"My" cat's name is Tiny. I want to pick her up and dance with her around the house more when she comes to visit. Can you please provide me songs that would adapt to using the word "Tiny" that I can sing to her while we dance? I already know "Tiny Dancer" and "Private Dancer." Please assume classic songs I (a relatively music-clueless 43 year old) would know.
posted by Stewriffic at 11:32 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by Stewriffic at 11:32 AM PST - 26 comments
A Bit Nietzche but I'm Hoping for an Answer, Locke, Stock and Barrel.
So, I've been trying to hash out my philosophic and intangible beliefs and I realized that the only thing I really, truly connect with in a belief sense is Nothing, the dark. To be clear, I don't mean this melodramatically, I simply mean this in the sense that I find the fact that when I close my eyes at night that the idea that, as Roger Ebert put it, "I was perfectly content before I was born" comes to mind. That there is more that does not exist in this world than does. From John Locke (blank slate ideas) to Nietzche and religion, can you good people point me very broadly in the direction of thoughts on the nothing that surrounds us? Thanks!
Murder in the Building. Roommate Needed.
How do I find a roommate for my recently stigmatized apartment?
My Boyfriend and I moved into an apartment with the knowledge that we would eventually rent out the second bedroom. It's in a converted house, with a shared stairwell. We live on the third floor, the landlady and her family live on the second floor, and the tenant on the first floor was recently murdered by his roommates. The roommates are in prison and were arraigned last Friday. [more inside]
How to job search
I've made it this far in life (26/f, about to graduate with Masters in Public Health) without ever really having to search for a job. Now I'm finding the process overwhelming and scary. How do I approach this? [more inside]
Books Wanted: Channeling Productive Psychological Destruction/Creation
What I'm looking for: something to read about destroying those idealizations I've built up over, really, a lifetime - and in turn, building up trust in myself and holding my own powers/creations as my own, instead of turning them over to groups with institutionalized power.
Background: I need to break up with the city I live in, the large institution I have worked for for 10+ years, and deal with the fact that I idealize Academia in general and this one in particular and that it's let me down too many times - something akin to a crappy relationship or family, but those aren't the problems. [more inside]
Grad School Filter: Sub 3.0 GPA w. work experience, what can I do?
I graduated from a state school with a Comp Sci degree eight years ago. I never thought about a masters degree since the IT field rarely requires it. But I'm now thinking about it because of aspirations to move higher in my role with the company. There are some hurdles - more inside [more inside]
identify this cliche movie trailer music
I need help finding a piece of music I'm pretty sure has been used in multiple movie trailers. [more inside]
posted by cosmicbandito at 10:31 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by cosmicbandito at 10:31 AM PST - 5 comments
Naughty Star Trek TNG audio
At some point in the mid-to-late 90s, I found an audio file (might even have been a .wav because MP3s weren't huge yet) that I'd like to find again.
It was a fan edit of vocals from episodes of Star Trek:The Next Generation that strongly implied that Jean-Luc Picard and William Riker were lovers. [more inside]
wanted: cat. not wanted: lifetime poop-scooping duty
My partner and I want a cat. I'd like it to be an indoor/outdoor cat, because I CANNOT DEAL with litterboxes. Partner says we'd probably need a litterbox anyway, for when the weather's bad. Is that true? If you have a cat and no litterbox, please tell me how it works at your house. [more inside]
posted by homodachi at 10:09 AM PST - 64 comments
posted by homodachi at 10:09 AM PST - 64 comments
Shouldn't I be feeling stronger by now?
YANMTrainer, YANMDoctor, etc. I've been part of a fitness bootcamp for more than a year. We do pretty intense one-hour workouts - a ton of stairstepping, jumping, sprinting, uphill sprints - 2 or 3 times a week. Even after a year, I am ALWAYS uncomfortably sore for multiple days after a workout. Which means I am always sore - usually in my calves and hamstrings, and so tired that I don't want to do any other physical activity. This isn't normal, is it? [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 9:59 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 9:59 AM PST - 13 comments
Carport light solution for unoccupied house
This house is unoccupied at this time, need carport light to come on a dusk and off at dawn. Bought one of those light bulb sockets at Wal-Mart and it worked good the first month. Now it stays on all the time. Have tried moving the photo eye around with no improvement.
Any suggestions that does not involve wiring would be helpful. I was thinking about the timer light socket but read many bad reviews about those too (not working correctly).
What are some newer international banking options for travelers?
After trying to deal with Wells Fargo's atrocious service and policies, I'm ready to look at other banking options when traveling. [more inside]
posted by Telf at 9:35 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Telf at 9:35 AM PST - 9 comments
How to detect bots on my game website?
As a follow up to my question about keeping an online game from being gamed: How do I programatically detect bot-players? [more inside]
posted by signal at 9:17 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by signal at 9:17 AM PST - 8 comments
The Greatest Love of ALLL
How do I like myself more? [more inside]
Charles William who?
I have this nagging (yet unfounded) feeling that the lyrics in this song are referencing something that I should get, but I don't. Lend me your ears. [more inside]
posted by komara at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by komara at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments
What financial programs can help me compare hypothetical investments
I’m interested in what calculators and resources are available that would allow me to make comparisons of investments I hypothetically would have conducted in the past. So if I would have bought a certain stock in January 1995 and sold it on August 2004, what would have been annual return and so on... [more inside]
Age is just a number...?
Me (female): 24. Him: 19. I can tell he likes me; I feel confused and feel like I'm leading him on. Help! [more inside]
How does anyone ever talk to anyone else?
I'm in a new relationship and we just had a fight that was started more or less because of an issue I've been struggling with my life: I never know what to say to people. How can I work through this issue? [more inside]
How to block facebook notifications from certain people?
I can't block these people but I'd prefer to not know when they like or comment on my posts. [more inside]
Make my ears bleed artfully.
I'm reading Orfeo, the new Richard Powers, and thus started listening to Olivier Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, and was kind of blown away.
Now that I know I'm interested in this sort of music... make me a playlist!
Find That Song!
I was in a diner the other day and heard a light rock song that had a chorus of Harrison, Harrison, Harrison sung by what sounded like a man. They were playing a lot of 80s and 90s stuff, so it's probably around there. What is this song? I tried to Google it but all that got me was lots of information about George Harrison.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:22 AM PST - 4 comments
Bad Guy + Gravity = Swiss Cheese
Watching the video from this FPP got me wondering. There are countless scenes in movie and TV shows that depict somebody shooting somebody else and that person falling to the ground dead from a rooftop, ledge, etc. (and possibly Wilhelm screaming on the way). Are there any examples where the shooter/killer keeps firing at the gravity-stricken victim while they fall?
posted by schleppo at 7:19 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by schleppo at 7:19 AM PST - 4 comments
Civil unrest news source without any fluff, bias, or distraction
I'm looking for any website that provides up to date unbiased news, reports and footage of political upheaval and civil unrest. For example (applicable to today), like many other news websites it would have up to date material on what's happening in the Ukraine - but (unlike many news websites) also what is happening in Venezuela right now, plus Syria (as some media news outlets have stopped their coverage and moved onto other situations). [more inside]
iPad iDiot
Help me turn my iPad into a work productivity tool. [more inside]
Babysitter Business
My wife and I always have trouble finding a babysitter. Our friends have the same problem. This problem came up at a party last night. Our solution to the problem was a website / app that allowed parents to search for babysitters. There are plenty of services that do this already, but we all agreed that none of the services were solving the 'trust' problem. We felt that none of the existing services were local enough, e.g. tied to our local community / social circles. As a parent, what would this service need to do to put you at ease? Do the babysitters need to be vetted, and if so, how? Referrals? Reviews? Video interviews? Personality tests? What would you need to know to trust a babysitter with your kids?
posted by jasondigitized at 6:30 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by jasondigitized at 6:30 AM PST - 17 comments
Photo tumblers for outdoor activities?
I love jjjjound.com. I also love outdoor activities: hiking, camping, kayaking, snowboarding, surfing and more. Are there any well-curated photo tumblrs / blogs that offer similar high-quality, preferably image only content to enjoy, but on outdoor adventures or adventure sports? Not just on gear, but actually doing stuff.
posted by dowcrag at 2:47 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by dowcrag at 2:47 AM PST - 5 comments
Several Part Question about My Trip to Costa Rica
1. My partner and I are planning an 8-day/7-night trip to Costa Rica to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Our plan is volcano + rain forest + beach. Any suggestions on specific places and must sees or must dos?
2. Any recommendations on the best travel agencies to work with to arrange the Costa Rica portions of our trip?
3. I've already heard from 4 companies and they've responded with essentially the same package - 3 nights at Arenal, 3 nights at Manuel Antonio, 1 extra night in either of those places or in San Jose. The prices are in the $3800-$4000 range except for one company which comes in way below the others at $2715 - am I potentially getting scammed if I go with this company?
February 16
Looking for an android widget like the google now stock widget
I love the Google now widget ...except for one thing, I've no control over what it shows. I particularly like the way it displays stock prices and would like a constant stock graph as a widget with the same look and feel (or close to it) of the Google Now cards - does it exist?
Can you help me find this Public Service announcement?
It ran as part of the "No Stank You" campaign in Washington State. A teenaged boy is by a locker and his teeth all fall out.
Raptor Rapture in VA
I'd like to find a place in the Northern Virginia area (within an hour's drive, ideally) where guests can interact with raptors/birds of prey (owls, hawks, falcons, etc). I've done several google searches but can't seem to find a place that lets people get up close and personal with the birds aside from one place that has occasional open houses but only on Sundays. We aren't available on weekends. It doesn't really matter if it's a wildlife sanctuary or some other type of bird-keeping situation. I saw the website for the Virginia Falconry Club, but it seems pretty "members-only", so I don't think that's an option. Any ideas?
Help make my iphone 5s messaging not horrible?
A convoluted story about failing to get an iPhone 5S to successfully do all messaging over SMS/MMS rather than iMessage. I would like a way to keep my cellular network turned off, but still be able to send and receive messages without constant errors. [more inside]
Health insurance hand wringing
Could a specialist on the other side of the country still be considered in-network? [more inside]
posted by mermily at 8:00 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by mermily at 8:00 PM PST - 17 comments
Help me plan my backpacking trip, real-time!
I'm currently in Guatemala with a friend, and we have another ten weeks until our flight home from Panama City. How should we divide the rest of our time? Which countries should we visit? Specific considerations inside. [more inside]
posted by alon at 7:25 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by alon at 7:25 PM PST - 3 comments
I need more good non-fiction
I need more good non-fiction. I'm particularly interested in food and history (and, obviously, food history) but I'm getting a bit desperate so I'm open to anything except politics and sports. I prefer more in-depth and non-fluffy books if I can get them, with extra points if they're available on Kindle. [more inside]
Motorcycle on LA Freeways
So I've just moved to LA (awesome) and am thinking of getting a motorcycle as my primary mode of transport. Thing is, when I mention this to my friends (most of which aren't licensed to ride a motorcycle), I get incredulous looks and/or stern warnings as to how silly and dangerous a proposition this is. [more inside]
Yellowstone suggestions
Yellowstone lodging and other Yellowstone-related suggestions [more inside]
Retrieving Iphone notes
Looking for a program that will help rescue my lost notes... [more inside]
The voice of Encarta MindMaze
Last weekend I caught up with a friend that I hadn't seen in a while as we drove to a wedding together. Over the course of swapping tales, she told me that when she was around nine years old, she was paid a small sum to record her voice to be used in the MindMaze game buried in Microsoft Encarta, but that she'd never been able to find the recording as an adult to listen to again. [more inside]
posted by endquote at 4:11 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by endquote at 4:11 PM PST - 14 comments
What is this connector on my Toshiba (Dell) DVD RW drive?
Here's a picture - this is the only connector on the drive, so it presumably carries power and data. The drive is a slimline TS -L462.
posted by Sebmojo at 3:26 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Sebmojo at 3:26 PM PST - 4 comments
Un-Christlike behavior by U.S. conservatives?
I'm looking to collect as many specific examples as I can, of instances in which specific Republican/conservative behaviors and/or political moves have directly contradicted the teachings of Christ. Some specific examples within. [more inside]
What features would you like in a mobile app promoting a town or city?
What features would you like/expect to see in a mobile app promoting a town or city?
How would that list differ if you were a resident or a visitor?
How would it differ from a Tourism website?
What would make you download it, keep it or delete it?
Help me restore faded slides.
During the holidays, I came back from visiting my family with about 2,300 of my Dad’s old slides that I’m in the process of scanning. I’ve read through several online tutorials about how to restore the color on faded slides, but I haven’t had much success replicating them. [more inside]
Forum for caregivers of elderly housebound patients?
What are the good online forums where well-informed relatives of the elderly in long term home-based health care share information? [more inside]
What is "turtle-billing"?
In the course of a dramatic reading of "Fanny Hill" last night I ran across the phrase "turtle-billing," but I cannot find a precise definition of the act. Can you? [more inside]
Is a web site that tracks down time of other web sites really needed?
I'm having trouble getting onto my favorite techie forum site, stackexchange, and this tracking site comes up in google. In fact, the only reason I even thought to search on down time, as opposed to some myriad of other possible issues causing trouble with a web site (such as browser or home network issues), was I couldn't get google yesterday and, gasp, used Yahoo to lookup something.
What do you know about this site, isitdownrightnow? I see it used once before on AskMetafilter 01-20-2013.
Is a tracker of site down time really needed?
posted by xtian at 11:21 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by xtian at 11:21 AM PST - 21 comments
Recommend low-carb or diabetes food blogs
My husband was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Can you suggest food blogs that focus on low-carb recipes, or cooking for someone with diabetes? I specifically want weblogs -- not books, magazines, tv shows or other kinds of websites. Thanks!
posted by OrangeDisk at 11:11 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by OrangeDisk at 11:11 AM PST - 12 comments
What should I bring to my Aussie friends in Sydney as a gift?
I'm about to head to Australia where I'll be staying with an expecting couple for a while. I'd like to bring them a gift but I'm not sure what would be nice. Please make some suggestions. [more inside]
posted by cman at 10:47 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by cman at 10:47 AM PST - 25 comments
Diagnose my iPhone
Text messaging consistently does not work on my phone (iPhone 4s, AT&T). 2 failure modes:
1) The blue "Sending" bar does not go all the way to complete in iMessage
2) I'll send a text successfully, and the other person will text me back right away, but I won't receive their reply. When I do get their reply, however, it'll say the correct timestamp (from when they sent it, which is often hours earlier.)
This always happens with some people and never with others. It happens to both iMessage and regular texts. I'm wondering whether to take it to the Apple store, the AT&T store, to do a factory reset, or to fiddle with some other settings. Has anyone else encountered this and been able to fix it?
The Mid-PhD Crisis
Hi Hivemind,
I'm currently enrolled in a PhD program for statistics and operations research, and in two more years I can grab that PhD. Alternatively, I can jump ship now with a MS, headed for the (inviting/inevitable) waters of industry.
Knowing that I have no interest in staying in academia, give me some motivation to finish. Or, tell me to quit because actual work experience is more valuable! What roles should I be looking at other than Data Scientist? Would it be feasible to get a position doing private research, and would that be awesome? Bonus points if you can tell me what skills I should be cultivating to be hire-able (software engineering)?
P.S. I will also do some more chatting with profs and former students to figure out how I should be directing myself, but I hope the HiveMind can provide some complementary ideas.
posted by zscore at 10:17 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by zscore at 10:17 AM PST - 12 comments
Where to go mens clothes shopping in Philadelphia?
Where do you recommend to go shopping for mens clothing, and specifically dress pants, in central Philadelphia or the surrounding area? [more inside]
posted by eurandom at 10:09 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by eurandom at 10:09 AM PST - 6 comments
Looking for recipes to make
I've got ground beef, tofu, cheese, spices, and a low budget. What can I make that's healthy and will last me for a week of leftovers? I'm open to any style of food but I just don't know the options that are available to me. (I live near a grocery, so I can source a lot of other ingredients readily if I know what I'm making.)
posted by LSK at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by LSK at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments
Books on Judaism and Hebrew?
Books on Judaism and Hebrew? [more inside]
Documentary About a Group of Hospice Caretakers of Young Man Dying
So a while back I saw this video about a young man - I think he was a war veteran who was dying of a neurological disorder that slowly rendered him unable to move and then breathe. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 8:50 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by watercarrier at 8:50 AM PST - 2 comments
Best way to fix/patch chipped bay window?
Something knocked a divot knocked out of our big (6' x 4') bay window has, and there are a couple cracks radiating out from the chipped place. I'm guessing this is something we want to hop on pretty quick so it doesn't get worse. What's the best answer? [more inside]
Creative ways to share love in the ICU
My friends just had the worst week of their lives and they are now separated from their 3yo son by a hospital and over a thousand miles. What are some ways he can show them love while they're apart? [more inside]
posted by ovenmitt at 8:23 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by ovenmitt at 8:23 AM PST - 13 comments
Help me amaze first graders with a story & demo about states of matter!
My daughter is in first grade, and her class is studying solids, liquids, and gases. I want to come in and do some related fun science demo to engage and amuse them. Bonus points if I can somehow tie it into a short children's book, so I can read the book first and then conduct a themed experiment based on the story. They have likely seen some of the basic common science demonstrations, but I am open to anything if it works with a story. It also needs to be educational, safe and relatively inexpensive (Under $50 or so, so dry ice is fine, gallium spoons not so much). I work at a research university, but on the social science side, but can probably hit up medical researchers for equipment, if it would help. Any ideas are appreciated, especially with suggestions for books as well!
posted by blahblahblah at 8:04 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by blahblahblah at 8:04 AM PST - 15 comments
Given £5k, how do I get a girlfriend?
I'm rapidly approaching 30 and I've never had a girlfriend. It's going to be a good year in career terms and I should be getting a nice wodge of cash in the next couple of weeks. I really don't want to be alone any more and this is a resource that I have, so how should I use it? I'm short (5ft 8) and a little tubby so maybe a personal trainer and a wardrobe refresh? Or perhaps therapy/counselling is the way to go? Should I be doing cookery or dance classes to make myself a more attractive, well-rounded person? How about a dating coach? What do you think?
Good 'Techno-Thrillers'?
I recently bought Zero Day by Mark Russinovish because it was cheap, and also I was vaguely interested in seeing how the whole 'techno-thriller' genre has evolved since I made the mistake of trying to read the Net Force books. It's not very good. Help me find an alternative! [more inside]
Used disk utility to reformat a partition...
and that worked just great...only it did something to the other partition which has caused it not to mount, to refer to itself as disk3s5.
It refuses to mount and if I click "verify disk" it says the disk needs to be repaired and to click repair disk. When I do so I get "disk utility can't repair the disk".
So what on Earth did disk utility do to the other partition which I did not ask it to touch?
The original job was completed because the file system of the other partition was NTFS and it's now MacOS Extended.
Any ideas?
Plot question in Sherlock Season 3 Episode 3
Plot question about the final episode of Sherlock (BBC), Season 3 [spoilers inside] [more inside]
iPad 2 Diagnosis
Before I drive the 1.5 hours to the nearest Apple Store, any ideas on what could cause this problem on my wife's iPad? [more inside]
posted by kuanes at 4:07 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by kuanes at 4:07 AM PST - 7 comments
Are old Wii store purchases recoverable on a new Wii U?
I used to have a Wii some years ago and had quite a lot of downloaded content, espcially virtual console titles and some "wiiware" games. The Wii broke and was thrown away. We're thinking of getting a Wii U for my kids and I wondered if these purchases are now lost. [more inside]
posted by samworm at 2:35 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by samworm at 2:35 AM PST - 4 comments
February 15
How can I help a friend in an abusive relationship that she almost left?
My best friend has been seeing someone for about 7-8 months now. Initially, he seemed very nice and friendly. However, as the months have gone by he's turned out to not be right for her. To make things worse, she's being emotionally abused by him on a rather subtle level, to the point where several times she's been crying while talking to me about him. A couple of weeks ago almost broke up with him after talking with me about recent problem, where I got fed up with the crap she was dealing with and told her she should end it. Since I know she tends to listen to me and to trust my thoughts, should I make a bigger effort to convince her to leave this guy? [more inside]
posted by hytrack at 10:36 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by hytrack at 10:36 PM PST - 22 comments
Help ID this dubstep track based on lyrics...
There's an old song I had favorited on last.fm, but I no longer see it in my favorites. It's got a bit of a dubstep (original twostep/garage style, not "brostep") feel.
The lyrics are something sung through a vocoder or voxbox, or maybe even synthesized. Definitely through electronic effects.
"Lo-ove you,
need you,
ho-old you,
clo-oser...
I .. need...
you right now"
Or something to that effect? on the first two beats of each line, I think there's a half-step or so glide up (i.e. where I have the '-' in the words)
The song starts with this sort of vocal stuff with keyboards. [more inside]
posted by symbioid at 10:32 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by symbioid at 10:32 PM PST - 5 comments
Dead Screen, touch works on Droid. Creative repurposement?
So walking the dogs the other day, Lady zigged while I was trying to text, and my leash hand punched my texting hand, and the phone broke the screen (but not touch sensing). I got a replacement phone (I was due for an upgrade) but it seems ridiculous to have this hardware lying dormant due to one component being borked. [more inside]
Quiet cafes/bars in Hong Kong?
I'm looking for bars/cafes in Hong Kong with a quiet, cozy vibe where I could feel comfortable taking a book and spending a few hours in a relaxing environment. Central/Sheung Wan would be ideal, but I'm open to suggestions anywhere.
Unfriend, refriend, defriend ...
Facebook filter: An FB friend, who's really a bare acquaintance, posted favorable references to jokes about disabled people. My instinct took over ... [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 7:48 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by LonnieK at 7:48 PM PST - 22 comments
Am I always going to be asking permission for Internet?
I bought a house, yay. The cable company won't serve me, boo. Why not? They say I have no legal path to get from their utility pole to my lot. The property owner next door is willing to give me permission to cross his lot but balked at an easement. What can I do? (Picture contained within.) [more inside]
posted by fireoyster at 6:38 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by fireoyster at 6:38 PM PST - 16 comments
ISO: fascinating Internet drama
I've always been interested in observing the crazy things people do, especially when then Internet is involved. I'm working on a paper detailing the various drama/scandals that have occurred via the Internet, especially within fandom (however, fandom involvement isn't necessary). Two incidents that I've already researched and plan on using are this and this. Bonus points for topics that have occurred more recently and that have blogs or forum threads with first hand accounts from people directly involved. Thanks!
On the boundary of the real and the fantastic
I love reading about real-world artifacts, phenomena, structures, events, and so forth that have an air of the fantastical, the mysterious, the uncanny, or "the unexplained". Not pseudoscience, conspiracy theories, or the paranormal—rather, things which are accepted as real by mainstream experts, but whose origins or particulars remain elusive and mysterious (or which simply tickle that this is too weird to be real reflex). I'm looking for media (online, written, video, whatever) about this sort of thing. [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 5:09 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by escape from the potato planet at 5:09 PM PST - 36 comments
Hosting an online baby shower?
Some friends are giving our friend a little baby shower...online. She recently moved cross country, and her friends and family are scattered around the country. I am planning to set up a group Skype so people can see her open the presents we send. I am thinking she can take us on a tour of the new house/baby's room, but is there anything...showery we can do? I could send her some decorations, maybe order for cupcakes to be delivered? Some easy little games like guess how big around she is (do pregnant moms not like that one?) We aren't expecting a real party, but seems like something more than opening presents would be nice. [more inside]
Student loan income % payoff
(USA) I heard something about student loan payoffs based on a % of your income,and after 12 (?) years anything left is forgiven. Is this real and how would one get this? [more inside]
What is the name of this painting and the painter?
She looks remarkably like a friend of mine and I would like to find a print of this.
posted by ITravelMontana at 3:51 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by ITravelMontana at 3:51 PM PST - 4 comments
How do I shop for LASIK?
I've decided that I want to get my vision corrected with LASIK surgery. How do I go about figuring out where to get it done? As you might expect, I want the best possible results at the best possible price. [more inside]
Away We Go - Grandparents Included!
My partner and I are pregnant and looking for a place to make our permanent home. The sitch? My parents are coming with us. And while we think it's pretty awesome of them, it's making location hunting that much more complicated. [more inside]
posted by givennamesurname at 3:23 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by givennamesurname at 3:23 PM PST - 19 comments
UK land ownership; I know it's complicated,what's the simple version?
Please suggest sources for a layman's understanding of the evolution of land ownership law/practice in the UK, from feudal times through today.
Yes I know this is a tall order. But, that's why you're reading this question. Right?
posted by John Borrowman at 3:08 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by John Borrowman at 3:08 PM PST - 5 comments
From Downtown San Fran to Muir Woods on Public Transport?
Is it possible/practical to get from downtown San Francisco (near the corner of 2nd and Howard street) to Muir Woods on public transportation? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 2:46 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by WalkerWestridge at 2:46 PM PST - 14 comments
Need to buy a girl's burqini in the US
My friend's daughter has Juvenile Dermatomyositis, a disease which includes extreme sun sensitivity. Being out in the sun makes her sick for days afterwards. That being said, she was granted a wish trip, and they gave her a trip to Florida to swim with dolphins. She needs to cover up, and she and her family would like her to be happy with the cover-up. Burqinis swim suits that have tunic tops or ruffles, along with full coverage, would fit the bill. [more inside]
How do I process my emotions when I'm bound by confidentiality rules?
How do I process my emotions when I am bound by confidentiality rules and can't talk with anyone about what happened? [more inside]
how do really busy and successful people manage it all and stay sane?
I've taken on a lot of work recently and I feel like I am at capacity, yet it seems like other more successful people manage to do so much more, and with greater efficiency.
How do these people manage to use their time so well? [more inside]
A lost food blog?
There was a one-person food blog/website with gorgeous photography. At point, he went to France and came across a food that roughly translates to 'baby Jesus'. It was not a variant of a King cake. Does anyone remember this website?
posted by flibbertigibbet at 1:46 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 1:46 PM PST - 7 comments
NiMH Battery Chargers that work
I have a good mix of AAA, AA, C, D & 9V rechargeable batteries. Are the mindblowingly-expensive Powerex chargers the only game in town for getting a decent charge, or are there other options? [more inside]
posted by scruss at 1:37 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by scruss at 1:37 PM PST - 14 comments
Where to buy inexpensive, basic zip front fleeces/sweatshirts w/o hoods?
Looking for basic, inexpensive zip front sweatshirts or fleeces with no hoods. Men's or women's, preferably available online to ship to US. Everything seems to be expensive & made for outdoor wear or have a hood. Just looking for something to wear around the house in the winter. Thanks!
Dedicated boyfriend but unemployed and unambitious, should i end it?
Dedicated boyfriend but unemployed and unambitious, should i end it? I'm 29, have a doctorate, make 6 figures and own my own place. I've been with a guy who is 5 years younger than me for 6 months now. When we first met he was very honest and revealed that he never finished high school but has a GED, he tried 1 semester of college but dropped out; he also disclosed without me asking that his job paid 30k a year. I have to admit it was very refreshing to come by such confidence and honesty. Despite the attraction and chemistry between us I tried to resist getting too close to him due to our age, education and socioeconomic differences fearing the potential relationship problems that could arise from that. However I started falling for him regardless. Around 1.5 months after we first met, he got laid off from his job. We became exclusive shortly after that. [more inside]
[UK-filter] Employment Issues - Where to go for help?
I have had an accident at work through no fault of my own. You are not my lawyer - but I'd like some UK people tell me where to go and how to approach this situation. [more inside]
How does it taste, kids? Terrible!
Growing up, my dad would always ask the group of cousins, "How does it taste, kids?" And we would respond in unison, "terrible!" My mom thinks this came from a PBS show such as Sesame Street, but we can't track anything down. Does anyone remember this line? [more inside]
posted by Rohobe at 12:43 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Rohobe at 12:43 PM PST - 3 comments
What can I do about severe sexual incompatibility?
I have a high sex drive, my partner has a low sex drive. This incompatibility is making me depressed to the point that I feel like I can't stay in the relationship, despite everything else between us being really, really great. I don't know what my options are or what I can do to try and work with this. [more inside]
Winter trail-sharing etiquette?
Cross-country skiing on trails also used by snowmobiles: Apart from common courtesy and common sense, is there any etiquette that I should be aware of? [more inside]
posted by usonian at 11:58 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by usonian at 11:58 AM PST - 8 comments
How to love the hater?
What should I do about the bigotry of close family members? [more inside]
posted by TheGoodBlood at 11:38 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by TheGoodBlood at 11:38 AM PST - 18 comments
CS academia vs. industry, with snowflakes
I'm graduating this spring with an undergrad degree in computer science, and I'm lucky enough to have two great postgrad opportunities on the table. But how to choose between a safe and enjoyable industry job vs. attempting the grad school grind to (maybe hopefully) do what I love? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 11:30 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by serelliya at 11:30 AM PST - 10 comments
What's more important? Parental presence or top schooling?
Okay, this may well be a false choice but I'm trying to sort this out in my mind -- I see two roads ahead of us, one in which we stay where we are currently living -- an underwater house in good shape in a middling-to-poor neighborhood (but with adjacent nicer amenities) -- which is affordable and where we are making enough money to save for all the things we need to save for (retirement, college, cash savings, etc.). OR, we can buy our way into a nicer neighborhood and school district, keeping this house as a rental. Right now my husband and I are both working at well-paying jobs and our 3-year-old is in full-time daycare. My goal, when she starts kindergarten in 3 years, is to work 3/4 or less time, so that I am home with her after school and do to this for the rest of her school years. [more inside]
posted by amanda at 10:49 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by amanda at 10:49 AM PST - 32 comments
Defying Frozen
I love 'Let it Go' and 'Defying Gravity'. What other songs are about rebellious spirits, personal epiphany and/or acceptance of their uniqueness?
Beauty Tube Noob
I bought the L'Oreal Double Extend mascara based on its many recommendations here, but am having a heck of a time removing it. What am I doing wrong, and how are you doing it right? [more inside]
posted by PaulaSchultz at 10:35 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by PaulaSchultz at 10:35 AM PST - 14 comments
How can I record stereo guitar through my Profire 610 device?
How can I record stereo guitar through my Profire 610 device? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 10:16 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by deern the headlice at 10:16 AM PST - 13 comments
Not my stats homework, I swear
An NPR blog cites an NSF study which claims that 26 percent of Americans asked answered that the Sun goes around the Earth, rather than vice versa. Believing that 1 in 4 of my fellow citizens doesn't know that the Earth circles the Sun is hard enough. But thinking about that number, it seems worse than that: if 26% got a 50/50 question wrong, wouldn't another 26% have answered correctly just based on chance rather than knowledge? That would mean that roughly half of Americans didn't know (and then split evenly on their guess). The idea that half of Americans don't know seems intuitively ludicrous to me. Am I missing something in how I think about this? Please help my statistically challenged brain... [more inside]
posted by tyllwin at 10:10 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by tyllwin at 10:10 AM PST - 17 comments
Wipe-on wound protectant
A friend fell and scraped herself badly while she was in Mexico. The ambulance crew that came cleaned the scrape and then took some goop out of a jar and wiped it over the wound in a single pass. It dried into something resembling cheesecloth. What was this stuff? [more inside]
How to stop iMail messages from being marked 'read' after using Outlook?
I use iMail at work and set up to use that email on Outlook at home. I have preview off at both locations. When I use Outlook, it causes all of the messages that I had marked as "unread" as "read" when I get back to work (even if I didn't even look at it). Strangely, Outlook shows ALL unread in outlook. Long story short, Outlook shows all "unread" (which I can deal with) but iMail then shows everything as "read" when I next open it.
The problem is that I mark messages as unread when I still need to address them. When this happens, I have lose all of my outstanding items. I do not want to use flags. Is there a setting in Outlook that I need to know about?
Is it rude to bring a baby to a bed & breakfast?
Wifey and I are headed to Hawaii for our first vacation post-pregnancy. We've loved staying at B&B's in the past, but don't want our hosts or other guests to cringe when we show up with our 6-month-old daughter. Be honest: have we outgrown this mode of lodging?? [more inside]
posted by atreyu at 8:04 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by atreyu at 8:04 AM PST - 13 comments
New job issues - should I stay and work things out or cut and run?
I started a new job last year and it's becoming clear that things are not going as planned. I'm dealing with a micro managing boss and I am at my wits end. Please help me decide if I should stay and work things out, or start job hunting for something better - wall of text inside. [more inside]
All my base stations belong to someone else
Lately when I turn on my Mac, it detects an Airport Extreme base station. I don't know where the station is; I don't have one and I don't know the password to the one being detected. The Airport Extreme is chosen instead of my home network for internet access, and even when I manually cancel it and choose my own network, I sometimes lose connectivity as the computer returns to the Airport Extreme as a default connection. Lately, this is also happening with a PC and a Kindle, making it hard on all devices to choose my home network and keep it as a default.
posted by layceepee at 7:21 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by layceepee at 7:21 AM PST - 2 comments
Boosting my Wifi Network
I just moved into my first multistory home. Time Warner Cable installed their wifi modem on our second floor, and we have a very weak wifi signal in our (finished) basement. I'd like to know how to boost our wireless signal with minimal sacrifice of bandwidth/speed, and without having to have TWC come in again and move our modem to the first floor. Details within. [more inside]
How's it hanging?
I want to hang a fluorescent strip light above my workbench. How can I do this? [more inside]
How do I get these photos removed from the web?
I am a midwifery student in the US. I found a website of a man who claims to be a midwife. This man has a very disturbing website with very graphic, I would say pornographic, photos of women whose births he has attended. These are poor women of color from another country. Going by the demographics, it is likely that many of these women come from conservative catholic background and would be horrified by nude photos of themselves plastered all over the internet. There is little chance that most of these women have internet access and ZERO Chance that all of these women have consented to these photos being placed on the world wide web. I am very angry that these women have had such graphic photos placed of them on the web without their consent. What steps should I take to have these photos taken down, if that is possible? I have done a whois search and gotten that info. What is my best possible course of action to have the maximum chance of having these women's photos removed and/or the site shut down?
Living with a Family Mental Illness
My younger brother has been living with a schizophrenia-like mental illness for about a year. It's hard for me to interact with him. I'm looking for perspectives from those who've had loved ones with mental illnesses, and books or other resources that will help me better relate to him. [more inside]
Does buying the Kindle Edition count towards bestseller lists?
An old friend put out her first book, and I want to pre-order it, but I also want to help it "pop." If I buy the Kindle Edition instead of the hardcover, will it still maximally count for the popularity trackers like NYTimes bestsellers and Amazon Best Of, or whatever? Or is that too "new media"?
posted by tintexas at 6:33 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by tintexas at 6:33 AM PST - 3 comments
How much to charge a local theater company for my images?
A local theater company wants to use one of my images to promote a play they may be staging in 2015. Got a few questions for the Green. [more inside]
February 14
I don't dance...because I can't dance.
I was in ballet until about 7 years old. I've danced for school things on stage in elementary. Somehow this didn't transfer at all to my adult life. I get invited to go clubbing and there are military balls (which pretty much just have club dancing) that I sorta have to go to....but I don't want to be that person always sitting on the sidelines for the rest of my life. [more inside]
posted by DisreputableDog at 11:30 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by DisreputableDog at 11:30 PM PST - 24 comments
Let's Play "Name That Book!"
Back in the early-mid 90s, preteen me read a surreal science fiction book that I checked out from my local library. I remember a few tantalizing details, and I'm curious to find it and find out if it was any good. The basics: Many-worlds, and characters move between them unknowingly whenever they talk on the newfangled quantum telephone. Something bad happened to the US in most/all universes, but nobody in the multiverse knows what. It Gets Weird. [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 11:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Alterscape at 11:18 PM PST - 6 comments
ISO the perfect on-and-off-the-bike jacket
I'd like a jacket that's suitable for bicycling during most of the year in the SF Bay Area, offers some resistance against wind and light rain, isn't too warm, doesn't look overly sporty, comes in a dark color (reflective accents OK), and (here's the kicker) will fit a curvy, 2X body. Help? Details and examples: [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:16 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:16 PM PST - 11 comments
Simple scientific guide for identifying and treating common illnesses?
When I start to feel a cold coming on, the last thing I want to do is spend time and energy trying to figure out the best treatment approach. I am seeking a guide that will help me identify and self-treat common/mild illnesses (both attacking the root cause and alleviating symptoms) as well as indicate when it would be wise to see a doctor. I would prefer a printout rather than an interactive tool like WebMD.
How does someone with staqe 4 cancer find The One?
I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in October at age 44. I'm single and as I always have, want someone solid and good in my life, but am concerned that my terminal diagnosis would make any rational, loving man I meet run for the hills. I'm still learning how to live with this disease and have no idea how to approach my status with someone new in my life without scaring the shit out of them. MeFi community, would you be my Valentine tonight and hope me that yes, it's possible that I could find someone to spend the rest of my life with, no matter how long or short a period that might be? [more inside]
posted by deliciae at 8:58 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by deliciae at 8:58 PM PST - 21 comments
Pls help me identify a Latin beat and melody
Link Inside! [more inside]
5 Year Personal Plan
What is your five year personal plan? [more inside]
Looking for games like Minecraft to explore random worlds!
I'm looking for games that will allow me to lose myself in exploring and interacting with a seemingly endless, randomly generated beautiful natural world. [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 8:36 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by The otter lady at 8:36 PM PST - 10 comments
Culture and economy of late medieval Central Europe
I'm working on an architectural research project on late gothic Germanic churches (from about 1500-1650), and feel hamstrung by my ignorance of the cultures and economies in which the architecture was produced. [more inside]
posted by sakahane at 8:17 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by sakahane at 8:17 PM PST - 6 comments
This is not possible
Ok,
So the neighbor comes over with two Corona's, fully sealed an all, we pop them, and under one of the tops is a round magnet about the size of a dime, and stuck to it is a small safety pin, painted black. Both stuck to the top of the cap. I thought the caps were aluminum. I just can't figure how this is possible.
I'm not lookin to sue a brewery or anything. but is this just one dckhead who hated his job and beat the odds, or something that could actually happen?
I'm non-cromulent over this.
Help me prepare for a Multiple Mini Interview
Soon I will be undergoing a Multiple Mini Interview for a Master's program in health science. How to prepare? [more inside]
Utility bill in CA
How can I save time on not having to wait longer to get proof on a water bill or another utility bill?
Trying to get residency here for the purpose of college tuition costs.
Moved from New York and staying with my aunt for a short while (a couple months or so). I tried calling the water bill company (I think water... not sure... I forgot) and they can't add me to the bill as they said over the phone that they will only add a spouse to the bill.
What can I do so that way I can get the ball rolling sooner?
I can't even get myself to stick to a schedule...
Looking for books on baby care/baby development which don't focus on getting the baby into a routine. [more inside]
Best strategies for biking in Orkney and Shetland?
We'd like to spend a week each in Orkney and Shetland this (late August/early September). We love bikes, photography, historical monuments/museums. What are we not thinking of/what would you recommend? [more inside]
Does the book I'm looking for exist?
Last night my boyfriend and I saw this preview for the documentary "Jodorowsky's Dune." My boyfriend mentioned that he'd like a book of the concept art & photos shown in the preview. Does a book like that exist? [more inside]
posted by thebrokenmuse at 4:06 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by thebrokenmuse at 4:06 PM PST - 3 comments
Advice on Adopting a Father
I want to adopt a dad (see extended explanation on why). I'm thinking maybe even a nice gay male couple, a two for one deal! This does not need to be a formal adoption - I have plenty of "parents" (2 moms) - I'm just looking for someone who doesn't have any children (hence thinking about an older gay couple) who might want to "adopt" a kid because they've got some extra love lying around (and maybe some really adorable dogs) and I don't have a relationship with my dad.
I would like some advice.
1) Where should I look?
2) What are things I need to consider?
3) How would you go about doing this?
4) Any other thoughts or observations?
I'm just sort of tossing this idea around and thinking I'd get some data points from you all. [more inside]
I love it when you...don't do that.
What is an effective way to speak to a new partner about bettering their ability to perform cunnilingus? [more inside]
How to job-hunt after spending your entire adult life at one company?
My spouse has decided to look for a new job after working at the same (large, national) retail chain since high school. How do you hunt for work as a 30-plus-year-old who has never had to apply for a grown-up job, and who can't get a reference from any of your old bosses? Seasonally-appropriate snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Psychohistory
Can you point me toward any negative reviews of Asimov's Foundation Trilogy? [more inside]
Care and feeding of home medical professionals?
This weekend, I'm going to have a home infusion nurse in my house for approximately 4 hours a day while I'm hooked up to an IV. This process is going to repeat every 4-5 weeks indefinitely, to treat an autoimmune condition. What do I do with her? [more inside]
posted by kythuen at 2:59 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by kythuen at 2:59 PM PST - 15 comments
Hebrew Valentine Translation?
My daughter received this valentine today from a staff member at her public school. Can anyone tell me what it says?
Thank you -
This question is not about Flappy Bird. Yet.
Is it possible to transfer apps between iOS devices without jailbreaking? [more inside]
posted by griphus at 2:31 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by griphus at 2:31 PM PST - 6 comments
Why won't Medium.com's notes show up in Firefox?
The notes (aka comments) on medium.com don't appear to load on firefox, but load correctly in chrome and mobile safari. See these screenshots. Everything else appears to be loading correctly except the 'read next' button in the lower left of the page and the menu button in the top left. [more inside]
No Room for A Pony In The House
Our kids are finally old enough to care for their "own" pets - please help us pick appropriate creatures! [more inside]
posted by VioletU at 1:18 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by VioletU at 1:18 PM PST - 35 comments
Romantic / English Dinner Ideas?
Seeking ideas for plannning a multi-course, romantic, home-cooked meal for two that is also thoroughly, completely English. The more traditional the better. Looking for dishes in season, no seafood, ideally with a focus on lamb as a centerpiece and easy on the potato/bread. Other then that, assume a high level of cooking skill, endless time for fiddly bits, and acess to pretty much anything and a well stocked UK grocery importer store nearby. [more inside]
Is missing out on Alternate History the darkest timeline?
Looking for examples of well-written or well-respected Alternate History fiction, in the vein of Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policeman's Union. [more inside]
Help me understand government hiring policy and open competitive grade
Found a few jobs that I am very interested in. I would like to join the government/county offices. I am struggling to understand their hiring process. [more inside]
Help me find two articles of clothing
I am looking for the following things and have not been able to find them through the major vendors where I usually buy clothes (Nordstrom, Eddie Bauer, Loft, Banana Republic, and the like). I'd appreciate tips to vendors either major or indie in the US where I could find them. (1) Women's spring-weight trenchcoat in a patterned fabric (houndstooth, plaid, graphic print, floral), $75-$175, size 12/M/L. (2) Women's/unisex hoodie with an argyle pattern, decent build quality, size M/L.
Determination, Will Power, and Achieving Goals
I have several goals that I have been working on for a long time, and I never seem to keep up with them. They're pretty standard - stick to my budget, develop an exercise habit, spend more time with friends and less time watching tv, etc., and I usually start out well, but fizzle quickly. I'm looking for resources that will help me create and sustain my plans better. [more inside]
My Neighbor Minifig
Is the Lego Movie appropriate for my 5-year-old who doesn't like anything "scary" in his movies? [more inside]
What is the etiquette for phones & ringtones in an office?
I work in a co-working space with folks who all have their mobile ringers turned on with the shrill "rotary phone" ringtone turned all the way up. Please help me write an email to solve this. [more inside]
Getting a Masters in Public Admin; financial suicide?
Long story short, it's very likely that I am going to lose my present job in a year or two. My current field has very few employment opportunities (most of which are part-time or temporary) and a ton of candidates to fill the few positions that do open up. To plan for the future, I am considering getting a combined Masters in Public Administration and Environment and Natural Resources while I work full-time. However, my fear is that I'd be getting myself into another field with poor employment prospects. Help?
Tips and advice for earning Delta Skymiles without a Delta credit card?
I need some advice and/or tips for earning Delta Skymiles without the use of (or application for) a Delta credit card. Any mefites experienced in the fine art of earning miles? [more inside]
posted by still bill at 10:47 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by still bill at 10:47 AM PST - 7 comments
Please recomend some scary stuff
I'm just starting to look into creepypasta and scary ARG style stuff, and would love some recommendations from those in the know. [more inside]
Smart phone for a smart-but-still-naive kid
Our oldest child is about to turn 13 and desperately wants a cell phone and an email address. We see both good and bad in this, but we agree that he's matured a lot in the last year and he's old enough (and mature enough) to start learning how to use and live with these things. That said, we're a bit apprehensive, for all of the obvious reasons. With those things in mind, MeFi parents of tweens and young teens: how are approaching/handling your child's cell phone and email usage? [more inside]
Tell me about med school debt and the importance of med school prestige!
I'm potentially interested in going to medical school. I have been doing research online, and have lots of questions about this prospect, but I want to limit it to two interrelated questions today. [more inside]
posted by ClaireBear at 9:37 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by ClaireBear at 9:37 AM PST - 22 comments
What's the scam?
My partner just got a call (on her cell) from someone asking for me. They wouldn't give her any information on what they wanted to talk to me about. On Googling, it's a collection company with a bad reputation. I don't have any outstanding debts. I don't have anything in collections. I pay for a credit monitoring service, and have had no blips. I paid off the black marks on my credit record over a year ago. (There were only two, and they were both under $100.) I don't have any idea why someone looking for me would know to call her, and I am pretty sure no one would be legitimately be looking for me. What the hell? [more inside]
Book Recommendation For Raising a Gifted Child
Looking for specific recommendations for books on raising a gifted child. [more inside]
Anxiety/Stress: Has anyone had luck with Buspar?
I recently started Wellbutrin for depression, and although it is helping with the mood, my anxiety is getting out of hand. Small things stress me out to no end. I have tried benzos for short-term anxiety issues, but I would not like to get hooked on them. My psychiatrist recommended Buspar to be taken with the Wellbutrin, but my friend told me that he was on it and it was little better than a placebo. I would like to hear peoples' experiences on Buspar, with or without Wellbutrin; did it make a difference in your anxiety/stress levels? Should I give it a chance, or is it a waste of time? Are there any other medications that would offset the increase in anxiety that Wellbutrin is giving me? [more inside]
Favorite Key West restaurants?
Going to Key West in May and looking for restaurant recommendations. (I'll be staying near Truman & Duval Streets.) Anything from street food up to serious foodie welcome.
Help me replace the umbrella I just donated to the subway train!
I assume it's a goner. It was the best damn umbrella I ever had. It never inverted in the wind. I had it four years and secondhand at that, and there was never a bent rib or spoke or anything. Problem is, I didn't note the brand, so I'm hoping some Mefite knows what I'm talking about so I can reorder it right away? [more inside]
Can you help me pick a Linux distro?
I'm wondering if there's a specific distro that will breathe new life into my spare aging Dell WinXP machine... [more inside]
posted by werkzeuger at 8:04 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by werkzeuger at 8:04 AM PST - 25 comments
How can I sweep for bugs at work?
I'd like to find out if there are recording devices in offices at our workplace. [more inside]
How to play my own music snippets randomly and endlessly?
I want to listen to very brief snippets of my son's ukulele strumming, over and over and over, randomly shuffled. (Think of a sort of Buddha Machine that I can populate.) Hardware, software, whatever. Does this exist already? If not, how can I do it? [more inside]
Poor man's EDMS (electronic document management system)
I work for a small non-profit organization that is drowning in old paperwork, and we’d like to scan it into a searchable electronic archive. Our budget is limited. [more inside]
Reliable auto mechanic in Columbia, SC?
I have a relative who attends USC and lives around the St. Andrews area in Columbia, SC. He has a Toyota that's having some issues. Are there any auto repair places either near the university or around St. Andrews that you could recommend?
Kidney stone or ureteral stone?
I know you aren't my doctor. I'm not sure what the problem is. Potentially NSFW. [more inside]
low-cost gardening in the SF Bay Area
Landscaping on a budget! In the San Francisco Bay Area, what seeds should I be starting now, or what tiny six-packs should I be repotting, to jumpstart the effort? What are good sources for low-cost gardening supplies? [more inside]
How can I stop being so miserable with my singlehood?
I’ll come right out and say it: I am absolutely miserable being single. I feel like I am missing out on a major aspect of life that everyone else is enjoying at my age. [more inside]
posted by summertimesadness1988 at 12:19 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by summertimesadness1988 at 12:19 AM PST - 47 comments
February 13
DIY Gift Ideas for 12 month old?
A close friend's baby girl is turning one in a little over a week, and is throwing a party I am invited to. Due to unexpected circumstances, I can't afford a gift. I know she'd understand if I didn't get her daughter a gift, but I really want to. My husband suggested we make something. Looking for ideas. Here are the resources I have available: [more inside]
Young Adult Detective Bookfilter
Need help identifying a book from childhood. [more inside]
posted by Ham Snadwich at 10:09 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Ham Snadwich at 10:09 PM PST - 11 comments
European (para-)academic job search
I'm finishing a Ph.D. in linguistics and am considering looking for a job in Europe, either in the academy or in a related sector such as education, language instruction, academic publishing, etc. What other fields should I be thinking about? And where are such jobs advertised? [more inside]
What song is the first 10 seconds sampled from?
What song is the first 10 seconds sampled from? [more inside]
posted by MrLLG at 8:42 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by MrLLG at 8:42 PM PST - 4 comments
Need Suggestions of Good Bodied, Sexy Male Actors, Rockstars, Etc.
I am developing a line of men's casual wear and we are brainstorming for handsome, well bodies actors and celebrities age 35 + to imagine wearing our pants. Because of the style and look of the pants we have to make the website hyper-masculine (ala Bruce Weber) My template is Daniel Craig. (My goal is to actually get these pants into a Bond film) The actors/performer/sportsmen do not have to "good guys" but they do have to be sexy and masculine. Some examples include Aaron Eckart, Matthew Mcconaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michael Phelps, etc
Dealing with loss of friendshp
How do you deal with a complicated loss of friendship that has no possible resolution? [more inside]
posted by lullu73 at 7:24 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by lullu73 at 7:24 PM PST - 23 comments
Copyrighted materials in my YouTube video: Where's the line?
I'm considering making a YouTube video explaining the concept of regulated monopolies for my employer, which provides services to such groups. The purpose of the video is educational -- it would be tagged with my firm's logo, but couldn't be construed as advertising. I was thinking of using Monopoly pieces as a visual aid. Where's the line? [more inside]
ISP: Web Hosting Control Panel, cPanel, Plesk and OSS solutions
ISP: Web Hosting Control Panel, cPanel, Plesk and OSS solutions.
Are they generally complete systems, front-end AND back-end? How are they designed technically, and is it worth using as an ISP. More inside! [more inside]
Traveling and want to send a gift for Valentine's to my SO
I'm traveling and want to send a Valentine's gift to arrive tomorrow. Something from Amazon or flowers will get there in time. What should I give? [more inside]
Put frozen chicken into fridge four days ago, is it safe to eat tonight?
I put frozen boned-in chicken thighs into the fridge on Sunday night (four nights ago). Is it safe to cook and eat tonight (Thursday night)? [more inside]
posted by mbidi at 6:32 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by mbidi at 6:32 PM PST - 18 comments
I have a service-connected Traumatic Brain Injury from hazing. Now what?
Other than filing for disability with the VA, what are my options for restitution or proceeding forward with therapy or other medical options? [more inside]
Chicago (South Side) lunch delivery recomendations
I'm looking for recommendations for lunch places in Chicago that will deliver a largish (~$100) order to Hyde Park. It should cost $10/person or less. [more inside]
It's cold back here
How would I ship snowballs to my friends in Los Angeles, CA without their melting, and how much would I have to pay for it? [more inside]
I have found 2 dead mice in my apartment. How? Why?
In August I found a recently dead mouse in my house that I'm not often at. Today I found a very old dead mouse under the couch. Help me make sense of this. [more inside]
What is the social/psychological function of nostalgia?
I'm asking specifically for nostalgia for a time before you were born, i.e. the Blitz parties/40s tea dances that have big in the UK for the past decade, or the popularity of Speakeasy-themed bars in the US. I'm thinking of nights that require you to dress in theme specifically and celebrate that time. [more inside]
posted by everydayanewday at 3:39 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by everydayanewday at 3:39 PM PST - 16 comments
How to (Quickly) Tell if a CD Has Explicit Lyrics?
A friend donated 200+ CDs to our community radio station. I want to rip them into our system, but don't have time to track each and every song for explicit lyrics. Is there an easy way for me to check online to see if any tracks on each CD is marked as explicit? I know when I search iTunes, I see a red E to indicate such, but am not sure if there is another source out there of which I am not familiar.
Help me keep things clean and dry
For reasons, I have to pull a stackable washer/dryer set out of the closet it's installed in, and I have to do it by myself. I want to learn from your mistakes. [more inside]
Looking for a lunchbox!
The other Mr fffm is great. Works downtown at a financial firm, snappy dresser, etc. But he takes his lunch to work in a plastic bag from the supermarket and this gives me a sad. Help me find something stylish (but not hideously expensive please) to tote his lunch in. [more inside]
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 2:45 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 2:45 PM PST - 18 comments
How can I workout and stay in shape under very specific conditions?
I want to exercise intensely but have neither free weights nor a good place to workout. [more inside]
Does this "magic" pill really work?
There is no shortage of diets for people who want to lose weight quickly: Atkins, the "Zone" diet, the Vegan diet, the Weight-Watchers diet, the Mediterranean diet, ... But there are countless articles and experts which seem to refute the "evidence" put forth by the creators of such diets. Question is, do you know whether the latest diet advertised by Dr. Oz (the "
Garcinia Cambogia" extract-based diet) is safe / do you have any information on it? [more inside]
A couple of these things things are JUST like the others
Black cohosh and flax seed give me crackhead-style insomnia. Green tea breaks me out ... [more inside]
How much clothing do well-dressed working women have?
How much clothing do well-dressed working women have? [more inside]
Teach me things... awful things...
I need to learn about financial instruments and trading at an intermediate level. I have a basic, 101-type understanding of how CDOs and CDS-es work and what hedging is, but I need to get to the next level, because I'm still getting lost in conversations where people are talking about complex synthetic CDO strategies, delta hedging, correlation trading, ABCP, and similar topics.
Is there a book I can read, a course I can take online, anything you can recommend I do to start getting much more comfortable with this securities stuff at a high level? Thanks in advance for your help!
That Obscure Object of Desire, you know, for kids.
What is the best special toy or activity to keep at my house to occupy or entertain my friends' little kids when they visit? [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:22 PM PST - 61 comments
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:22 PM PST - 61 comments
File Browser with two synchronized panes
I want a program that allows for a two pane view of two like file structures, in two different drives or network locations, that allows you to drag and drop or otherwise transfer files between the two panes, and that will keep the view synchronized, so, you open a folder in the left panel and the corresponding folder in the right panel also opens up. [more inside]
Snowed in and want to bake
I would like to bake something sweet today, but I am snowed in and have only a few ingredients on hand. What can I make? [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 12:12 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by k8lin at 12:12 PM PST - 19 comments
Reccomendations for maintianing/improving hand eye coordination?
Are there specific exercizes that will help me maintain or even improve this? Is age a consideration? [more inside]
posted by empty vessel at 12:00 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by empty vessel at 12:00 PM PST - 6 comments
Is there a general term for phrases like "landline phone"?
I could swear that I have seen this on AskMe before, but I can't find it for the life of me. Is there a word for the situation in which something that used to be representable by a single word now needs two (or more) words? Like how "telephone" now sometimes has to be retroactively qualified as "landline phone" because of the advent of "mobile phones." "Analog watch" would be another example, I guess.
posted by slenderloris at 11:35 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by slenderloris at 11:35 AM PST - 20 comments
Graduate student moving on, what to do next?
Graduate student "Mastering out", trying to begin next steps [more inside]
Looking for event, rigging, stagebuilding work.
So this November I worked on some freelance event gigs throughout NYC-- it was similar to the film production work I'm looking to get into, required some related skills and I worked alongside some people with experience in the film industry. I've been looking high and low for similar work-- stage building, rigging, that sort of thing.
Following that seasonal gig, I tried to look on Craigslist, Indeed, even Mandy for related event work but was lost-- despite the fact that I'd worked with people who seemed to imply that they'd found event work through similar avenues. [more inside]
posted by dr handsome at 11:18 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dr handsome at 11:18 AM PST - 7 comments
Home Alone
I'm trying to decide what to do if I have to leave my dog alone for seven hours? [more inside]
I need digital video footage of real K-12 teaching for an online program
I know that a lot of things have changed since I asked a similar question several years ago, including the parameters of the project. [more inside]
In need of more doom-jazz along the lines of Bohren & der Club of Gore
I've been listening to pretty much nothing but Bohren for about a week, and need more music in a similar vein: extremely slow and at least somewhat jazzy. Details regarding what I already know/like below the fold. [more inside]
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 10:37 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 10:37 AM PST - 14 comments
How to convey lots of love with only a little chocolate?
Husband and I will be snowed in for Valentine's Day, from the looks of things. I have one bag of semisweet chocolate chips and one tin of cocoa powder. Also have half and half (no heavy cream), 2% milk, AP flour, baking powder and sugars brown and white. I know lots of recipes for cookies, cakes, brownies, etc., but if I am snowed in for several days with a full recipe's worth of chocolate ANYTHING I am going to eat more than is prudent.
Does anyone have any PROVEN recipes for small amounts of chocolate-y delight? Recipes for two would be ideal. I've tried to Google, but most of the small scale recipes I'm seeing are either unreviewed or require an ingredient I don't have on hand. I am currently unable to shop due to Snowpocalypse 2014. Thanks in advance.
posted by little mouth at 10:15 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by little mouth at 10:15 AM PST - 18 comments
Local Paris television news online
I'm looking for daily local video news from Paris, France, in French, online. [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 10:01 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Joleta at 10:01 AM PST - 2 comments
Was it normal that I threw up from drinking Vodka?
What surprises me is that I didn't drink too much, I only drank 2 glasses. It was my first time drinking Vodka, so my question is : Is it normal that I threw up and had the spins? Does that mean that I have a very low tolerance for it?
I mixed the second glass with some orange juice. Not sure if that's relevant.
posted by Attozes at 10:00 AM PST - 69 comments
posted by Attozes at 10:00 AM PST - 69 comments
Help me migrate my mom's Win98 data!
My mom has an old Micron computer in storage with Windows 98 on it. She also has an old version of CorelDRAW with some graphics that are very important to her. I have been tasked with figuring out how to get them onto her brand new machine.
My initial instinct was to say "well, if we can just image the whole drive, maybe we can run it inside a virtual box on your new one and not worry about things like trying to figur eout how to get the machine onto the internet, etc" but I'm not finding any useful information on how to do this.
The machine does seem to have an ethernet port and a USB (probably USB1) plug, so i may be able to copy the files over with some finagling, but of course graphics from a software version that old wont open in anything current, and the old version of the software wont run on the new machine either.
Hope me, hivemind! If you have any suggestions/recommendations for how to get this working, whether its based off of my idea or not, I'd greatly appreciate it.
What equipment do I need for a small office podcast setup?
I've been asked to help the office start podcasting, and I need suggestions for tech. We are going to be keeping it simple to start: 2 people, USB microphones, record and edit in Audacity. Beyond microphones, what equipment would you recommend for a budget of a couple hundred dollars max? Input mixer? Pop filter/screen? Something else?
Ice estimate needed - winter party edition
I need help figuring out how many bags of ice to buy for an upcoming party. Information I’ve found online seems to apply only to outdoor summer parties, and isn’t applicable. [more inside]
Trying to identify snippet of music, maybe anime/video game theme?
I've had a bit of music stuck in my head for a few days, and I just can't place it. It kind of feels like the theme song or battle music from a cartoon or video game, but I've asked around and flipped through the usual suspects, and nothing matches. [more inside]
About Benford's Law
So in many data sets, the leading digit has a 30.1% chance of being 1, and decreasing on down the line.
Fine. But what about NON-leading digits? Are those also irregularly distributed in naturally-occurring data sets, or are they just 11.11% chance, as a layman would expect?
posted by Opengreen at 9:17 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Opengreen at 9:17 AM PST - 7 comments
Digital cornicopia looking for next move in advancing skills/career
What am I and where should I go? [more inside]
Recovery Programs For My Reluctant 18-Year-Old Schizophrenic Son
Seeking structured, regular activities for my son, an 18-year-old with disorganized-type schizophrenia who is freshly recovering from his second psychotic episode. We are in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Zero Energy Universe?
Stephen Hawking has proposed that our universe has a total energy of zero, which allowed it to Bang into existence without violating any laws. Is this thesis falsifiable? If so, what is an example of something that might happen, which would contradict the zero-energy hypothesis? [more inside]
Online Print Shop clone?
Everyone remembers Broderbund Software's The Print Shop from the 80s. I am looking for a similar desktop publishing experience today. Pixelated fonts, limited clip art, and quarter page greeting cards. Is there a webapp out there that will let me do this sort of thing? Again, I'm looking for super basic functionality.
Which professionals do I need and in what order?
I need a lawyer, a tax accountant, and a small business valuation service. Who do I hire and in what order? [more inside]
posted by sockless at 8:15 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by sockless at 8:15 AM PST - 3 comments
LastMinuteGearFilter; Where to buy a monotron in snowy Pioneer Valley?
Headphone jack is busted and I can't fix it until after gig tomorrow night. In the meantime, I'm after a brick-and-mortar retailer for a replacement (it's my filter section!). Any ideas/advice greatly appreciated, including headphone jack quick fixes (don't have access to a soldering iron, but a heatless option would work). Thanks, Meta!
posted by alexandermatheson at 7:46 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by alexandermatheson at 7:46 AM PST - 7 comments
On my way to New York City this weekend - packing advice for COLD?
Coming from London UK. Need to travel light - what must I bring to wear to deal with the cold and snow? I am familiar with winter - but what will I regret not taking if the current weather situation continues across next week?
posted by Hugobaron at 7:13 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by Hugobaron at 7:13 AM PST - 22 comments
Resources for advice in the uk
I'm very confused about my relationship at the moment and need to talk it through with someone. I don't want my family and friends to know at this stage as I don't think that's fair on my SO, and whilst normally I would talk to him about anything and everything I think I need an objective ear. Does anyone know of any resources to discuss emotional/relationship issues in the UK? Thanks.
Will the PATH (NJ->Manhattan) shut down if there's too much snow?
One of my coworkers said that the PATH will shut down if the snow accumulates past the height of the 3rd rail. But the line is underground (except outside where there are wires above head-height handling the charge) - could that actually happen. Has the PATH ever been shut down due to snow accumulation before?
What's my TV deal point worth?
I am working on a TV series. My deal gives me a point on the show. I vaguely understand this means one percent of the show's profit, but have no idea of that this actually means in terms of potential compensation. [more inside]
"Harmonious Day" Clarks shoes in the U.S.
I found a great pair of Clarks shoes called Harmonious Day in Bangkok but not in my size (UK 4). I'd like to buy online and ship to the US, but Google only gives me European and Asian e-commerce sites with the shoe. Any idea how to get it in the U.S.? [more inside]
Modern biographies or fiction about women overcoming alcoholism.
I have read Drinking, A Love Story, and Smashed, and would like to read more like those. [more inside]
Did I get rejected by her?
Hi
I asked a girl out for valentines day for the first time by text (I would have done face to face but there's like a lot of snow where I am and I have midterms and stuff so I was very busy) but she said that she was thankful that I asked her out but she feels burdened because valentines day is supposed to be with someone special. She asked me if it was ok to see in the weekend. As I asked before on this website, the girl is a friend that I would like to be my girlfriend. Last time we had lunch together, I felt that she liked me but I wasn't too sure haha. I don't know if she still likes me or not after reading her text. I'm not sure if she wants to meet in the weekend because she feels sorry for me. What do you guys think?
Breast is best! But you do whatever you want.
How to encourage someone to breastfeed without making them feel bad if they don't? [more inside]
Fashion blogs that aren't about stereotypes
I'm looking for some fashion blogs for people that don't want to dress as "stereotypical man" or "stereotypical woman". Most of the genderqueer-umbrella-style blogs that I've seen have (presumably) male-bodied individuals wearing clothes that are stereotypically worn by female-bodied individuals, or vice versa. I'm looking for blogs where clothes that could be worn by anyone without other people batting an eye, are showcased. Genderqueer/non-cis clothing, if you will.
posted by A Puppet made from a Sock at 2:33 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by A Puppet made from a Sock at 2:33 AM PST - 3 comments
Clay-signal For IPhone?
I need an app for the IPhone that will allow my partner to press a single button to send me a pre-written text message or pre-determined photo. This will be a sort of personalized Bat Signal (we'll call it "The Clay Signal") and will let me know that she needs my attention. [more inside]
Can I automatically log (via email) my internet browsing?
I browse the internet using Firefox Portable (run from a USB) on whichever PCs I'm using (at work, at the public library, on friends' PCs, etc.), and Firefox on my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S3). Is there some way (e.g. software I can install) that I can have every URL I visit automatically sent to my email address? [more inside]
February 12
Career Obsession, in Moderation
How can I stop stressing myself out endlessly about career decisions, while also still making the appropriate decisions/choices? [more inside]
Is this just summer-fall-winter-spring-summer-fall-winter-spring love?
Struggling with my boyfriend's apparent lack of effort in our relationship, but I'm not sure if it's worth trying to work though, because he won't discuss if he have a future together. [more inside]
Need to make a weighted vest look less intimidating
I'm looking at purchasing a weighted vest for daily walks through the industrial park but frankly I think I'd look like I was planning to blow something up, or get shot at, or both.
I'm looking for suggestions for making it look as innocent as it is. Spray paint it white? Wrap it in reflective tape? Incorporate it into a Darth Vader costume?
Any and all ideas would be much appreciated.
Literature on reconciling cosmic indifference and one's life?
I've lately been thinking a lot about the notion that "dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return," in that nothing we humans do in our relatively short lifespans makes a "dent" in the universe. Or why it would even matter if it did make said dent -- after all, why not just live in the now? Why do we continue as a people?
I quite enjoy life. But as a young person, when I look at the years in front of me, I often wonder why it is that I am not a hedonist, or why as a society we do not crumble to hedonism when the cosmos will be practically indifferent to our toil on this planet.
It's hard for me to even articulate, but I feel a weight upon my shoulders that comes from unanswered questions of our existence. Can anyone clarify for me what I am wondering about, and then further recommend some reading on the subject? Surely the philosophers must have analyzed these gnawing feelings for hundreds of year, but I don't know what to look for.
Thank you.
posted by saperlipopette at 10:22 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by saperlipopette at 10:22 PM PST - 15 comments
Color me pretty. Help me learn watercolors!
I'd love to do more urban/travel sketching with watercolors and ink, and I'm pretty new to art. How do I learn to do it better? More inside! [more inside]
posted by lightgray at 8:18 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by lightgray at 8:18 PM PST - 10 comments
How does profit-sharing really work?
I'm interviewing for a position which includes a profit sharing program, and it sounds like it's a major component of the compensation (as opposed to something nice on the side). What are some normal, reasonable terms of profit-sharing programs? How would I compare this against a normal salaried position, and how do I negotiate for the best terms?
Word on Mac can't handle feedback
Mac Word 2011 (most recent version, 14.3.9) running on most recent version of Mavericks on late 2013 15" retina MacBook Pro crashes whenever opening a document that contains comments or change tracking. A complete uninstall and reinstall of Office did not fix the problem. What gives?
posted by DoctorFedora at 7:43 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by DoctorFedora at 7:43 PM PST - 1 comment
I want to follow more women on Twitter
Please give me your ideas for women to follow on Twitter. [more inside]
Where in the world can we go, now that I'm pregnant?
So turns out I'm not too old to have babies. But we did have to cancel a big trip because of the news. Where can we go instead? Everywhere on my shortlist is off-limits. [more inside]
How easy to sublet a Long Island City apartment?
My girlfriend and I are thinking of re-signing a twelve-month lease, but we know we don't want to stay for the entire lease. How likely will we be able to sublet our Long Island City apartment, just across the river from Manhattan? [more inside]
Omni Magazine Short Story ID Help
Pulling my hair out trying to find the name of a story I read as a teenager in Omni Magazine.
The story starts in Finland or Iceland or somewhere similar (as I recall being unable to pronounce the name of the city under siege) in the 19th century. [more inside]
Might get fired! how do I plan?
The CEO of my company is kind of... mercurial, and given to dramatic gestures. I've been overhearing yelling about productivity and firing people (their office is right next to mine and their voice carries). Yesterday I heard my name mentioned. I am... not in a great position to get a new job. Help me plan for the worst? [more inside]
Fast cash
Yes, I'm writing fiction. So let's say I want to withdraw $100,000 from a U.S. bank account, in cash. How long does it take for the bank to pull the money together for me? An hour? A day? [more inside]
Help me find a backpack for my massage kit.
The duffel bag I use for my massage kit is falling apart and I have trouble finding a sturdier replacement. Can you help me find one? Pics inside. [more inside]
A Father Rescues His Son in a Bolano Novel
What is the name of the short story the episode in a Bolano novel, probably "The Savage Detectives," in which a father rescues his son from a cave is based on? [more inside]
Like a library but with sign-out fees.
I'm looking for some software that will help me manage a small artwork rental business. I've been looking at library systems, since the sign out/sign-in concept is the same, but none of them seem to offer the ability to charge a fee to sign items out or keep track of fees owed to artists. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Blog Design Best Practices, Column and Width Edition
Current blog design best practices. I'm redesigning my 2-year-old food blog. This is strictly a DIY affair, and any knowledge I have of blog design was arrived at by hours of googling and crying. So, you know, I am big on ideas, but don't have much official knowledge about design. A few specific questions about columns and page size inside... [more inside]
File format recognition hard mode
In a old old inherited MS SQL Server database, in a column named 'Image' of type TEXT we've discovered an encoded image (we assume). And even if its not critical to the work we are doing, its damnably intriguing. Can you help me crack its provenance ? [more inside]
posted by handybitesize at 2:36 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by handybitesize at 2:36 PM PST - 3 comments
Gender Disappointment
We're having our first child and I am terrified that it will be a girl. [more inside]
Poems about violence against women and girls
I'm looking for poems which are (broadly) related to violence against women and girls - and am drawing a blank. Does anyone have any recommendations? [more inside]
Relative and her college parted ways. She needs a new college. Help?
It's a really raw deal, but the point is that she needs to find a new college. She was going to a top-tier school (Ivy League). I'm helping her navigate this next challenge - but where do we start? What are good resources or people to talk to that could help us create a list of attractive and viable colleges? Or, if you have actual college suggestions, that's great too. Specifics inside. [more inside]
Alleviate My OTHER Dry Spell
Sexytimes filter - after a multiple-year period of involuntary celibacy, I'm now finally gettin' some again (YEE-HAW). I need to stock up on lube as a result, and while I'm at it I wanna splurge and get something REALLY good. Particular requirements/concerns inside. [more inside]
Do Canadian airports swab for drug residue or just explosives?
A couple of years ago I was flying across Canada and got randomly selected for an extended search of my bags and everything swabbed. They swabbed my cellphone, camera equipment, and bags. After a few minutes they told me the swab came up positive. I'm not sure what for. [more inside]
How can marriage be a states-right?
In light of the recent court decision that Kentucky must honor gay marriages performed in other states, I've been wondering how marriage can be granted and controlled by the states, as opposed to the federal government? [more inside]
posted by specialnobodie at 1:33 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by specialnobodie at 1:33 PM PST - 12 comments
Unique, fun, and generally awesome vacations to take with an 8 year old?
Tell me some of the coolest car-based trips you've taken with your kids! Bonus if it's east coast U.S. based, also bonus if you're a single parent without a partner to help wrangle / engage in adult conversation. Details inside! [more inside]
posted by missrachael at 1:29 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by missrachael at 1:29 PM PST - 21 comments
Exercise video recommendations for lame 30-somethings with sore backs?
I'm looking for a couple good exercise videos that will help me increase my core strength and then hopefully alleviate my lower back pain. My abs have been weak ever since I had a baby, and now that said baby is a 25 pound squirming mass of toddler muscle, I have pretty chronic back pain from constantly picking him up and hauling him around. I'm looking for a video that I can do in my basement after the kiddo goes to bed, and one that requires minimal equipment. I've taken pilates classes in the past and liked it - yoga was always kind of boring to me, but I'm willing to try it out again. The DVD selections at my local library trend toward senior citizen chair exercise videos, so any specific video recommendations would be much appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Maarika at 1:11 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Maarika at 1:11 PM PST - 12 comments
Why're the air conditioners in my apartment bldg running in a snowstorm?
HVAC question: I live on the top floor of a large apartment building that has all the air conditioning heat exchangers on the roof. It is currently snowstorming. Why can I hear multiple heat exchangers running right now? [more inside]
posted by wondercow at 1:11 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by wondercow at 1:11 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I stop my cat from pooping in the bathtub?!
My 17-year old orange longhair has become quite outside-the-box in his pooping habits. Every change we make in an attempt to corral the problem results in it getting worse. I'm at my wits' end. More details inside. [more inside]
Tween party games
Please suggest some indoor party games that have gone over well with tween (10-11 year old) girls. [more inside]
posted by yawper at 12:40 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by yawper at 12:40 PM PST - 14 comments
Be my career counselor?
I'm a college biology major. Everyone I know is applying to medical school, but the idea of medical school scares me. I'm not qualified for jobs in my field. Can you help me identify alternative jobs or careers? I have some experience with radio, GIS, and computer-y things like Python. [more inside]
Flying out of Philadelphia Tomorrow
Flight out of Philadelphia tomorrow evening. Looks like it will be canceled. Help me get my boyfriend out of the city and not waste a visit we both really, really need and have been planning for months. [more inside]
WV scratch off lottery tickets and the retailer | mid 90's edition.
As a teenager from 93-95 I worked at a somewhat shadily operated convenience store. When the owner would receive a shipment of scratch off tickets he would rip off 30 or 40 tickets and play them. [more inside]
posted by jmsta at 12:18 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by jmsta at 12:18 PM PST - 16 comments
ground cover for play structure
What's the best ground cover for underneath a small play structure we're planning on building in our backyard this spring? Any other tips for making a small backyard fun for little kids? [more inside]
Will I die of possible staph?
I have what looks like a staph infection. I've had it for 5 days, and it has been getting better. My temperature is normal. I'm healthy and in my 20s. Normally, I'd just go to the doctor, but I'm locked in by weather. All urgent care clinics and doctors offices are closed due to ice on the road. Do I need to go to the ER via ambulance? [more inside]
posted by semaphore at 11:16 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by semaphore at 11:16 AM PST - 14 comments
Quality budget USB/midi piano keyboard for my son?
My son's piano keyboard broke, it was 10+ years old. His birthday is coming up, and I would like to get him a piano keyboard with midi/usb (for making music) for his birthday. It can't be too expensive - I'm thinking $80-200 range, but a little outside is fine as well - but I don't want to get him a piece of junk either. I could use some advice, since I don't know much about keyboards and would like to keep it a surprise without picking something silly. [more inside]
Life Magazine? Article About A Violent Pair of Addicts
I'm searching for an ethnographic, non-fiction article about two young homeless addicts, one a white male and one a pregnant black female. I believe, but am not certain, it was published decades ago in Life Magazine and that I found it through Longform.org. I'll put as many (possibly triggering, definitely unpleasant) details as I can inside. [more inside]
What is my best Fitbit tracker combo?
I got a Fitbit Flex for myself for my birthday and am having a difficult time working out the best way to link it to various sites in order to maximise my motivation.
I've set my stride length and increased various targets but how do I successfully link and track my Fitbit using the following: Endomondo, MyFitnessPal, Earndit? [more inside]
posted by joboe at 10:25 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by joboe at 10:25 AM PST - 5 comments
Places to Stay Near Subway in Chicago
I'm planning on traveling to Chicago from NYC for the first time in April, and I'm trying to find a place to stay (right now, via Airbnb). I've checked the recent Chicago travel questions, but they all seem rather car-centric, and I'm planning on commuting largely by subway/walking (and buses, if necessary). I'm trying to figure out how to stay somewhere safe, near a subway line. [more inside]
posted by EggplantPizza at 10:13 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by EggplantPizza at 10:13 AM PST - 13 comments
Name that photo retouching software!
I used it on a Windows machine in late 2012. It was a portrait retouching software, widely advertised with an animated GIF ('click the corner of the left eye...') and pretty freakin' awesome. Now, I can't find it and my Google-fu is no good. More inside. [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Confidentiality in bar admissions
I have a friend in law school who sees a therapist. She is worried that her therapist's notes can and will be accessed by the bar admissions people as part of the background check process. She has been told this, either by fellow students or professors. Is this true? [more inside]
posted by CheeseLouise at 9:41 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by CheeseLouise at 9:41 AM PST - 11 comments
"Nah, boss; I'm just a speedreader"
Before building my own... does this software exist? I need to search a collection of PDF & Word files for key phrases, and dump the surrounding lines (x-m to x+n characters/lines, where x is the found phrase) into text files.
I occasionally need to search a few dozen files for a few dozen data items, which usually have some identifying text nearby. This needs to be automated.
Big bonus if it implements OCR, but that's not essential. Freeware, or cheapware, obviously is best. Windows-based is preferable, but I can do Linux.
posted by IAmBroom at 9:32 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by IAmBroom at 9:32 AM PST - 9 comments
Reputable purchaser of gold in San Francisco?
I'm looking for recommendations of places to sell gold for the value of the metal (not for the value of the design or jewelry). I don't have a car, so if out of the city proper, I would need it to be BARTable, since renting a car would decrease the net value of the transaction. I don't need the world's highest price -- I just don't want to get screwed. Any thoughts? [more inside]
Quebecker graphic design resources
I want to learn more about Design in Québec, see examples of work, understand the view of the profession, the job market, the vocabulary and so on. Can you give recommendations of nice french-canadian design blogs, websites, communities and articles?
FSBO in Chicago - how to appeal to investors?
I own a condo in Chicago (in a trendy neighborhood) in a building that has no rental cap and is mostly renters. I'm interested in trying to sell it myself, and am interested in thoughts on what sort of things I'd want to do to make it particularly interesting to investors rather than owner-residents. [more inside]
posted by juniperesque at 9:12 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by juniperesque at 9:12 AM PST - 6 comments
Trying to get in touch with a former army recruiter
I am a journalist, and I am interested in speaking to someone who spent some time as a recruiter for the Army, but since the military is not my beat, I don't really have any connections within the veteran community. Any ideas about who I might contact to put me in touch with one?
I'm doing the "right" thing but I feel trapped and resentful.
I am watching my stepson's daughter every other weekend and I don't want to anymore. [more inside]
Wedding Travel
I need to get to NYC for a wedding rehearsal on Friday. There is going to be an insane snowstorm her tomorrow. Should I try to get an Amtrak for tomorrow morning (cheaper) or try for Friday morning (kind of expensive)? Will snow stop the trains? Should I just try to go tonight (imposing on people)?
I already bought a bus ticket for Friday morning a few weeks ago but I'm guessing the roads will not be great between the cities. Is this a wrong assumption?
Non-student Non-professor Attraction
As a late 20s non-student, how do I proceed with my attraction to my late 20s non-professor? Please share your perspective and experiences. [more inside]
Clueless psychiatrist, or what? Drug test dilemma.
My adult son mentioned to his psychiatrist that he had to take a drug test for a job he'd applied for. He was not sent to an outside lab, but peed in a cup at the workplace. Son wasn't asked by the tester what meds he's taking and he didn't offer the information. His psychiatrist said that the drug test will reveal all his current medications and that it is possible that the employer will now discriminate against him. What???! [more inside]
What to buy Mum for her 60th Birthday - Long Distance Edition
My Mum turns 60 in early March. I live in Canada and she lives in the UK. Rather than return home to celebrate with her, she will be visiting me in July and we will attend the Calgary Stampede together as her birthday treat, but I still want her to actually be able to open something from me on the big day. What unique gift can I send to ensure her day is memorable? [more inside]
Separating OS and Apps and Files on a Macbook Pro with 2 Drives
I am planning on using an OWC Data Doubler to replace the optical drive in my mid-2012 13" Macbook Pro with a 120GB SSD. My plan is to use the SSD for the OS and applications and then use the HDD for files. I have a Time Machine backup and a Super Duper clone of my HDD. However, I some questions about the easiest way to reformat the drives after the installation is complete. [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 7:41 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by 4ster at 7:41 AM PST - 7 comments
Countertop Dishwasher Isn't Cleaning Dishes
For the past few days, our countertop dishwasher hasn't been working properly. Out of one load, about a third of the dishes look properly clean, a third look like they have just been touched with a little water, and a third look like they weren't even rinsed. Where these three types show up seems to be random. I have cleaned the trap in the bottom of the dishwasher, and made sure the rinse aid compartment is full, and neither has had any effect. What should I try next? [more inside]
Portable document scanner, for long documents
I am looking for a portable document scanner that will scan longer than legal size pages. [more inside]
Vacationing soon to Port St. Lucie / Fort Pierce area - would love tips!
What nature trails are recommended in the area? What tours are there [art, science, culture, nature] that are budget-friendly and deep in interesting information? Where is the best beach within an hour? [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 6:55 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by bbqturtle at 6:55 AM PST - 5 comments
I need to build a "social media platform" to market my novel -- help!
In order to get my novel published (comedic science fiction), I've been told that I need to build a social media platform (website, facebook, twitter, etc.) and that if publishers see that you have a following they're more likely to take a chance on you. I'm building a website and getting a facebook page in order, but I'm not sure I get twitter, I'd like input on where on the web my audience may already lie, and I need to get over my aversion to self-promotion. [more inside]
posted by rkriger at 6:41 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by rkriger at 6:41 AM PST - 19 comments
I want to be a part of it ...can I?
I have always wanted to live in New York for a year. Life circumstances mean there is now a possibility of being able to make that happen, in theory. Can you let me know if this will remain a pipe dream or if there is a chance of turning it into reality? I would like to work as a counsellor, or with an NGO. Many specifics to follow. [more inside]
posted by billiebee at 6:37 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by billiebee at 6:37 AM PST - 16 comments
Help me help someone help someone else with their homework!
Can anyone direct me to a formula/table that will tell me what length to cut a metal pipe to make a chime with a predetermined pitch? They need to make a set of chimes. [more inside]
Does this type of binding exist for handouts and if so, what's it calle?
I need to produce a pile of program handouts, I'd originally thought I'd do them in ring binders, but I have to travel cross country and can't carry them. I then thought I'd try comb bound handouts (thinnish plastic back and acetate front).. the problem is there's no tables at the venue so it would be hard for people to take notes on them. Could do clipboards.. (but carrying difficult) and getting the handouts sent prior to the place would make me anxious/might not be a goer.
So.. I think I need something like a thinnish comb bound handout with a cardboard back so people can lean on it to take notes. Problem is.. comb binding doesn't go through cardboard.
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm in the UK.
I made a stupid decision: new dog owner
I've adopted a dog from a local shelter, and I may have made a terrible mistake. I'm seriously thinking of returning her, but I've had her less than half a day. See details inside. [more inside]
William Castle Novel - What Was It Called?
About 30 or 35 years ago I read a fictional novel that featured a character based on William Castle. The novel was written from from the perspective of a screenwriter or avid fan. The William Castle type character was very into the Occult, and the denouement of the paperback was very dark.
What was this book called?
posted by jbenben at 1:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by jbenben at 1:18 AM PST - 4 comments
More songs like "Bouncing Around The Room" by Phish?
More songs like "Bouncing Around The Room" by Phish? [more inside]
Name my teenage daughter's (hobby which is turning into a) business.
She paints sandshoes and calico bags with original designs. She's 15, this thing just started growing by itself, she's never aggressively marketed her creations. It might provide a bit of spending money or she could be the next Collette Dinnigan, she really doesn't care because she wants to be a forensic psychologist, but she wants a catchy business name to start a Facebook page, maybe get business cards, etc. [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 at 1:01 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by malibustacey9999 at 1:01 AM PST - 25 comments
Nemluvím česky
I'm trying to make language learning a daily habit on my bus commute, and looking for tips on making it work. [more inside]
posted by hannahlambda at 12:49 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by hannahlambda at 12:49 AM PST - 14 comments
Connecting And Building A Mentor Relationship
I am currently in my late twenties finishing my degree in Information Technology. I live in a large city. I'm a sociable person. My question is, not working in the professional environment, how could I find a professional mentor? How do you recommend someone build such a relationship? Any ideas? ....
There are industry related conferences within the area which I sometimes attend. Professors seem like an option. But what steps should I take to form such a relationship? Is it something you would ask for explicitly?....
I'd just like to thank the community in advance for your feedback. It's been something I'd like to do, but due to uncertainty in how to go about it I haven't. Thanks!
February 11
How can I disable flashing images on the Internet Archive?
How do I turn off the distracting animated thumbnail images on the Internet Archive? [more inside]
Is this a date or just a hangout?
Alright everyone, this is a hard one. Does she like me? Is this a date, or are just hanging out? [more inside]
posted by Thisispiggy at 10:16 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Thisispiggy at 10:16 PM PST - 27 comments
Can you identify these flowers?
Always needing a rescuer?
My significant other (female, early 20s) is amazing in all respects, but whenever faced with a problem whether large or small it seems like her instinct is to depend on other people to come and rescue her. What is this called? How do I help? [more inside]
The polar vortex has nothing on my hot flashes
Short of (going back on) estrogen, what can tame these damned hot flashes? [more inside]
I need something to lift now that my toddler won't stay still anymore
Looking for recommendations for adjustable dumbbells and a workout bench which will incline and decline. [more inside]
Time to play What's That Book!
YA/children's book featuring a magic-brownie baking witch. More details after the jump. [more inside]
How is national identity determined when political borders change?
I always thought my maternal great-grandparents were Austrian. Maybe they are not? [more inside]
Resetting a goldfish tank
Hi everyone. This is a bit of a follow-up to my previous question. So our second and final goldfish died today (don't think this one was ammonia poisoning, was fine last night and belly up-dead this morning). I want to take this opportunity to set up the tank properly and do better by the next fishies, because we weren't very prepared for these ones a few months ago, and sort of learned on the fly. I have a few questions. (Lots of detail inside because I don't want to forget anything.) [more inside]
posted by gaspode at 7:16 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by gaspode at 7:16 PM PST - 6 comments
Can anyone tell me the style of guitar playing on this track?
Can anyone tell me the style of guitar playing on this track? Link.
Thanks
posted by pilibeen at 7:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by pilibeen at 7:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Where to find reliable people to perform small tasks?
A friend who had many contacts has passed away. Where can we find people willing to do work ranging from staining the deck to wrapping Christmas presents? [more inside]
posted by 99percentfake at 6:56 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by 99percentfake at 6:56 PM PST - 13 comments
Alaska tours for a semi-large group
My extended family is looking into a tour of Alaska that would involve 15-20 people (including some younger kids), spending about a week to see the natural highlights. Can anyone recommend a good tour company?
posted by svenx at 6:55 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by svenx at 6:55 PM PST - 4 comments
How good a camera can I get for $600?
And how do I research on cameras? I want something more than your usual point and shoots. Give me some guidance please! [more inside]
How to cut traces and wire jumpers on Arduino Shield PCB
I'm a total hardware engineering noob who's getting into Arduino development. I have an Electric Imp connected to the Arduino via a shield, which works great. However, I've added another shield that conflicts with the pins that are used by the Electric Imp for software serial IO. The Imp shield says that I can cut a trace and wire a jumper to use hardware serial on two open ports instead. I've never done this before – can someone give explicit steps as to what I need to do? [more inside]
posted by krunk at 6:28 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by krunk at 6:28 PM PST - 5 comments
Need simple way to send family videos to our elderly mom.
I'm looking for a tablet (and app) that'll allow my family to send our very elderly mom videos of great-grandkids and such. We've already setup a wifi photo frame and she loves it (from www.pix-star.com - great product!) but it doesn't support video.
Her connection is thru a cell hotspot so a youtube-type solution isn't viable. I need to push videos to her tablet and of course, it has to be extremely simple for her to receive and view new movies. Any off-hand knowledge of a solution out there? Thanks!
MBA, MSEOM, or other?
I'm considering further education, and I'm looking at either an MBA or MS in Operations and Engineering Management. I've already got the MSME and significant aerospace product engineering experience, and MSOEM would help give me a leg up to Engineering Manager or Chief Engineer. But an MBA would be a more business-focused curriculum, which could help me leverage my experience and knowledge into perhaps a wider field. So, which one gets your vote, and why? How much of a factor is the choice of school? What other questions do I need to ask? (Assume that tuition is not a factor.) [more inside]
posted by disconnect at 5:33 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by disconnect at 5:33 PM PST - 3 comments
Where are the entry level jobs in... Web Frontend Development?
My partner is studying frontend dev and wants to find a job that will let her practice skills while she's learning them. Where should she be looking for jobs? What websites, what search terms? [more inside]
King Henry VIII's dream come true...
Biologists and Staticians... what's going on here? There hasn't been a female born in my husband's family in two generations. Help solve the brothers' debate about what's causing this, and what the odds of our pregnancy being male or female is. [more inside]
Make me interested in history
I feel like high school Canadian history class, which was mostly a list of wars, sort of killed any interest in history that I may have had. Please recommend me some European/world/ancient history documentaries that will change my mind! [more inside]
Sh-boom
I need to know more songs/artists that are going to scratch the itch that "Sh-boom" by The Chords started. Go.
How to make Flash based music player for Facebook?
I am starting a music/lifestyle blog. I want to be able to post songs from the artists on the blog (with their permission of course) on the blog's Facebook page to get the word of mouth going. I don't have enough web expertise to code from scratch, but if I had a player I could customize, I can modify the look and feel to my the blog. Any ideas on a Flash based mp3 player I could use? It could work on other platforms but it definitely has to work on Facebook too.
PS. thinking of something along the lines of what soundcloud uses www.facebook.com/soundcloud
Help me understand what a proper business IT system looks like.
I've only worked in a small business (15-20 employees) since I got out of school, and I've handled the technological necessities since I started because nobody else could. I've handled things on an as-needed basis: troubleshooting problems, setting up new computers, maintaining an iron grip on software installations, setting up the network and administering simple network devices, etc. However, I'm completely self-taught, and I have no idea if my hacked-together system looks anything like a properly-implemented corporate IT system. So I want to know what one looks like. Specifically, I'd like to know if there are any resources I can check out on my own that paint the picture of what I should be trying to achieve. NOTE: I'm NOT averse to hiring an outside IT firm or consultant to help with specification and implementation. However, I don't want to be at the mercy of a firm's "knowledge" and my own ignorance; you can waste a lot of money that way, regardless of scenario. [more inside]
posted by KinoAndHermes at 2:41 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by KinoAndHermes at 2:41 PM PST - 16 comments
Keyboard Amplifier Troubleshooting Question
I feel like if I knew more about amplifiers the symptoms of my Roland KC-550 would narrow down my problem significantly. Only the tweeter works (and it works fine), and the two other speakers are totally un-driven across all channels. Does this indicate anything about the issue? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth having repaired and/or if I can repair it myself.
posted by cmoj at 2:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by cmoj at 2:11 PM PST - 5 comments
Winter NYC getaway for people who don't ski.
The lady and I would like go away for a couple of nights this weekend. Preferably to somewhere relaxing. We don't ski, and have little interest in winter sports generally. Where can we go? [more inside]
Chapter Trails
Is there a formal term for the hyphen separated list of keywords and phrases that you sometimes see at the beginning of chapters in a book? These usually form a sequential summary of the chapter ahead. I've most often seen this in older books, but recently in Robert MacFarlane's, "The Old Ways".
Mid-career switch: reception to copywriting
I've been working as a receptionist for a few years, and I'd like to transition into a career as a copywriter. About three years ago I wrote back-of-the-box copy for a home entertainment distributor, I've written music and film reviews for a few blogs my friends run, and I recently finished the third draft of a novel. None of these seem like they'd work for a copywriting portfolio. I've also spoken to the marketing department at my current place of employment about writing press releases and blog entries, and I'm waiting to hear back from them about potential short-term projects. In the meantime, what can I do to get more experience and build up a portfolio?
posted by pxe2000 at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by pxe2000 at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments
Elevate my whatever.
What blogs are well written and worth following to broaden my mind? [more inside]
Happy Val Day!
Looking for Valentine-themed donation gifts that do not involve anything being physically mailed. [more inside]
posted by troika at 12:26 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by troika at 12:26 PM PST - 6 comments
Temping in Toronto
Tell me about temp agencies in Toronto. What are the best ones, how do they work, and how can I tailor my pretty specific skills to a more general employment audience? [more inside]
Which Government Agency Provided Money for Bank Bailouts?
It's an alphabet soup that doesn't allow for even a relatively straight line between money and banks. The Treasury ultimately provided the money, the Office of Thrift Supervision was supposed to oversee the money, the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission closed banks that didn't qualify for the bailout. But who wrote the check and was ultimately responsible for those banks until they paid the bailout money back?
Toddler rude to papa
Three months ago we produced a new baby (yay us!). Toddler Nom (not quite three years old) has adapted as well as one might expect. But now she acts like she doesn't like her papa anymore. How do we react? [more inside]
What is the best way to track ebook price drops?
I have a new Kindle, I have a Goodreads account with dozens of books I'd like to read. There are probably hundreds of books I'd buy for the right price. What is the best way to track ebook temporary sales and price drops? [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 11:33 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by 2bucksplus at 11:33 AM PST - 12 comments
How to negotiate severance after being let go from my job.
I was unexpectedly let go from my job yesterday. I’ve only been there 4 months, and it was quite a surprise. I’d like to try and negotiate severance as I haven’t signed anything yet, and was told HR would be contacting me in the next couple days. I’m not sure how to do this as this is the first time I’ve been fired. [more inside]
Ways To Show Time and Place Visually
Hey There,
I'm looking for ways that time and place are shown in movies without subtitles, i.e. on a newspaper headline, etc.
Also, if you can include your favorite film or tv show that depicts the 60's and 70's that would be great!
Thanks!
Best tools for rapid web app development with MySQL on Mac OSX?
I desperately need to pull together a web front-end for my MySQL database on Mac OSX 10.9.1. I have two days to do this, and have spent most of the day down a Python rabbit hole. [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 11:25 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by tel3path at 11:25 AM PST - 18 comments
How do you untangle the threads of a beat-up heart?
I'm in the early stages of a relationship with a wonderful woman; it's our second go at this. I'm pretty sure this is love. But my anxiety and depression is holding me back, or making me doubt how I feel, or stopping me from actually expressing how I feel. And I don't know how to navigate this. I don't know whether to push through all these uncertainties or walk away. Help me work it out, mefites. [more inside]
posted by six sided sock at 11:01 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by six sided sock at 11:01 AM PST - 18 comments
This game doesn't have immanuel.
Did Immanuel Kant ever say anything about chess? What about other board games? [more inside]
posted by matkline at 10:48 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by matkline at 10:48 AM PST - 7 comments
UK musical do overs and plagiarism, involving punk acts onwards
I am looking for pairs of songs in which 1) one or both artists is a UK act that first rose to prominence in the punk era or later (say 1976 onwards; the other act can be any nationality or from time period), and 2) one of the songs is either a music reworking or theft of the other. I am not looking for covers or samples. Several examples inside. [more inside]
You remind me of the babe.
Or what do I have to look for on a portable generator to recharge my camera and tablet. [more inside]
posted by Fermin at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Fermin at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments
Oil change: miles or time?
Oil changes: miles or time? I drive a little 2011 Mazda M2. My commute to work is about 14 miles round trip. I don't drive it much else. My last oil change was January 2013 and 5231 miles. The sticker says next change is May 2013 or 10231 miles. Needless to say it's well beyond May 2013 but I'm still only at 9200 miles. Should I get an oil change or wait for the mileage? [more inside]
Help me help my kid
Kid BlahLaLa, an enormously charming, wonderful and sweet 10-year-old boy, is also greedy as all get-out. Help me find ways to open his eyes about his/our incredible good fortune so he can get his birthday present request list into proportion. [more inside]
Help me find the perfect stylish, rugged, light boot.
Hi! I am looking for an excellent pair of boots that will last me for a long time. [more inside]
posted by entropone at 9:23 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by entropone at 9:23 AM PST - 19 comments
Being a good friend during family business bankruptcy?
One of the better people I know is in the early part of bankruptcy filing after her husband discovered his business partner (and lifelong best friend) had amassed volumes of hidden debt to provide his family with all of the nicer things in life. How can I help as a friend? [more inside]
Always be prepared?
Currently 10 weeks pregnant with our first. We are trying to brainstorm everything we can possibly do ahead of time to make maternity leave and the first weeks/months home with a newborn go as smoothly as possible. Some examples: buy a chest freezer and fill it with meals that can just be popped in the microwave or oven. Save up for doggie day care passes to get our dogs out of the house and tired out in the beginning.
Veteran parents, please enlighten us as to anything and everything else we can be doing to help us get through the acclimation period! [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 9:13 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by sickinthehead at 9:13 AM PST - 45 comments
ACA insurance in New York. Gold Health Republic PrimarySelect plan?
We need to pick ACA insurance in NYC and after some research are most likely going with the Gold Health Republic PrimarySelect plan (which uses MagnaCare's network.) Is there a very good reason to not go with Health Republic or PrimarySelect, considering what the other NY options are? We're not eligible for PrimarySelect EPO or else we would have gone with that.
thanks so much.
So. Whats new with you?
I just found out a good friend of mine from high school (whom I lost contact with in college) is a recovering heroin addict. Should I try to contact her? I found out in a very indirect way—details inside. [more inside]
Ahhh, Yakima in the winter
We'll be in Yakima WA for Friday through Sunday this very week. With lots of free time. [more inside]
Help us select a movie for date night!
Help us figure out what to watch for date night this Wednesday! [more inside]
What are some good adventure romance movies or TV shows?
I'm looking for movies like The Mummy (the first two), The Pirates of the Caribbean (the first one), Ever After, and Prince of Persia that have light, fun (science fiction or fantasy) adventure and a cute couple. The Princess Bride might fit. (I plan to watch it this week.) TV shows would work too. I like the Adriane/Jason love story in Atlantis, and I like Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. Thanks in advance!
Dog training strategies for chewing, counter-surfing, and piano-raiding?
Our dog, a two-year-old rescued black lab mix has two bad habits which we'd like to train her out of: she chews on things that aren't hers, and she counter-surfs with a vengeance. In both cases the worst behavior happens in rooms we're not in, and it can happen quickly. Too often the damage is done before we have chance to startle her away from the scene of the crime. I'd love to know what training techniques have worked for others in similar situations. [more inside]
Seeking women's waterproof winter boots. Difficulty level: NO heel.
I have a bad knee, and have recently discovered that the one-inch heels on my new waterproof Totes boots affect my gait such that my patella goes crazy. Can you recommend me some knee-friendly boots? [more inside]
Poor squeaky!
On Sunday, I used a no-rinse waterless shampoo on my cat Fave.
It's supposed to be totally safe for cats and dogs-- but yesterday he started to lose his voice and now he's down to squeaking. His ears and paws aren't hot, so he doesn't seem to have a fever, and he's acting totally normally. The only difference is, his usually-demanding meows are now down to pathetic squeaks. [more inside]
posted by lockstitch at 7:59 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by lockstitch at 7:59 AM PST - 10 comments
Best place to buy paper products online?
I am looking for the best online shop to order blank invitation paper and/or order invitations printed where I can just provide the design. I will have a maximum buy quantity of 175-200. I'm looking for the best deal I can find.. anyone have experience with this?
Installation migration
I want to clone the boot disk of my OpenBSD install, with the destination drive being larger than the source. What's the easiest way to do this? Just use dd and resize partitions after? rsync? Something else? [more inside]
posted by Venadium at 7:10 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Venadium at 7:10 AM PST - 3 comments
Why can't I handle multiple responsibilities?
I'm having a hard time balancing school, work, and social life. Teach me how to get my shit together or help me realize that I can't handle everything I've taken on. [more inside]
posted by DayTripper at 7:08 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by DayTripper at 7:08 AM PST - 12 comments
Yes, I've seen Titanic.
I'm interested in stories (real or fictional) about people who have intentionally changed their identities following some sort of disaster in which they were presumed dead.
posted by phunniemee at 6:53 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by phunniemee at 6:53 AM PST - 31 comments
What to consider when considering children?
I'm 38, female, single and childless in the United States. I never thought this would happen to me but, suddenly, the idea of never having children is causing me intense grief. I can't discuss it without weeping. I'm trying to walk through all of the pros and cons of freezing eggs and waiting for a partner, adopting, or just making a decision that children are not in the cards for me, accepting the grief and moving on.
I always thought that when I got into a serious LTR then I would decide whether or not to have children with my partner, but so far that LTR has not happened. If this is going to happen, I need a plan for doing it on my own.
My parents are conservative and would probably prefer that I marry and have children the old-fashioned way, but I fully expect that they would support me and adore any child of mine regardless. [more inside]
How do people find money to move out when separating or divorcing?
A asks B for a divorce. B is not surprised. B agrees, even though B would prefer to stay in an unhappy marriage rather than be branded with a scarlet D*. A wants to move out ASAP. Generally speaking, how do the financial logistics of this work? No special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Film licencing filter: music video edition
I want to make a music video for my band, and invite people to send us their own home video of a certain kind of public event for us to include. Are there any legal issues here? Please explain them to me like I'm a clueless idiot because, when it comes to film licencing, I am. [more inside]
Renew expired warranty on malfunctioning laptop?
I have an out-of-warranty Dell Inspiron 17R N7110 that appears to have a failing integrated graphics card (Intel HD Graphics 3000). The machine's only 2 years old. Replacing the motherboard would cost more than renewing the warranty ($208). Is this the way to go? A few more details follow. [more inside]
posted by woodman at 5:01 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by woodman at 5:01 AM PST - 6 comments
Cutting the Cable
I have a Series 2 Tivo (dual tuner, with a 542 serial number if it matters), with the old lifetime subscription (so we don't pay monthly for the Tivo service). We would like to ditch our cable and get a Mohu Leaf Ultimate HDTV Antenna. Is there any way to keep our ability Tivo things without replacing the Tivo (and thereby losing our lifetime Tivo service?). Tivo says, officially, "no", but I'm thinking there must be something.....
posted by anastasiav at 4:39 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by anastasiav at 4:39 AM PST - 15 comments
Trying to help a friend set up a Roku box on an Apple computer
Please help me set up a network to run a Roku box using an older model Mac. [more inside]
posted by chocolatepeanutbuttercup at 4:27 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by chocolatepeanutbuttercup at 4:27 AM PST - 8 comments
Air conditioning alternatives?
To prepare for summer I'd like to install air conditioning, but don't want the huge electricity bill. What are some alternatives? [more inside]
A bird in the hand worth two in the bush?
Two weeks ago, I had an interview for an internship with a huge organization that does exactly what I want to do, got a Masters in, etc. I was offered it and accepted on the spot. [more inside]
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:19 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:19 AM PST - 19 comments
Ethical flowers for Valentine's Day, UK?
I'd like to get my "boo" some flowers for Valentine's Day that are as ethical and environmentally sound as is possible (given of course that I'm planning to buy a living thing that has been brought inside to die slowly!) I'm in the UK, so which types of flowers are likely to have covered the fewest miles? Lots of florists claim to be fair trade eco yada yada but few give advice. Any recommendations on London enviroflorists also appreciated.
posted by skylar at 1:45 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by skylar at 1:45 AM PST - 4 comments
Explaining forces to a 10 year old
My 10 year old daughter (Year 6, UK) was recently given homework to "explain how the following works": a) gravity; b) air resistance; c) magnetism; d) upthrust; e) friction.
My initial thought was that there is a Nobel prize in the offing if she can truly explain some of these, however, less flippantly, I struggled with how to do this in terms that a 10 year old would understand. Can anyone do any better? [more inside]
posted by oclipa at 1:32 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by oclipa at 1:32 AM PST - 12 comments
February 10
Looking for an inexpensive online print shop for a brochure...
I've been hired by a client to design a (relatively) simple brochure for her. She'd like it to be bilingual (English/French) and, due to this, would ideally like all the content in one language to be on one side of the 8.5"x11" page, so it's easier to read when completely unfolded. It's like a reverse Z-fold... [more inside]
Applying for a credit card with bank I stiffed 20 years ago.
So when I was in college I ran up a $700 credit card debt with Citibank visa. Then I didn't pay it. And for over a decade my credit was crap. But eventually I turned it around and have good credit again. So here's my question: I need to get a credit card for one of the biggest hotel chains as I stay there for business a bit. I'd like the benefits and points maximizing. Problem: the best card is run through citibank. Since my teenage folly I've changed my name but I still have the same SS#. Will applying today reactivate the debt with them?
Returning sensation to the tip of my thumb after an injury
I cut the tip of my thumb in September while on a mountaineering trip. It was a pretty nasty cut and the injured area - which intersects with my nail bed in two places - is still numb 4+ months later. [more inside]
ISO good fiction about catching babies
Recommend me fiction or very readable memoirs about midwifery, obstetrics, and the politics of birth--any genre is fine, but SF/F and historical suggestions are especially welcome. [more inside]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:23 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:23 PM PST - 24 comments
Horror in real life: how do you cope?
When I encounter stories of egregious abuse or torture or cruelty, I often feel sickened and disturbed for hours or days or until I get used to the fact that yes indeed, someone could (fill in the blank) to another human being or to an animal, and they did. [more inside]
Spring and Fall Games
There are summer and winter versions of big sports events such as the Olympics and the X Games. Are there spring and fall-based sporting events too? If not, why not? Are there any sports that are specially seasonal outside summer/winter?
Help me make my story short and sweet, for those who might hear it.
I don't have a career counselor (and there aren't any in these parts) or anyone to turn to for this, so I'm seeking help on the green.
Re-acclimating to life at home, career path indecision / lack of direction, lack of opportunities and illness and death in the family have left their mark on my recent professional and life history, and I want to be able to summarize it all to a prospective employer / networking contact without sounding like an indecisive drama queen. Plenty of snow here, if you haven't gotten enough this winter. [more inside]
Low income prenatal/maternity care in Las Vegas.
What resources/services are available to a woman living in Las Vegas, who is about 8 months pregnant, uninsured, unemployed, and broke? [more inside]
Help me find metal storage bins.
I'm trying to find metal storage bins like the second picture on this blog:
http://www.neatmethod.com/blog/tip-tuesday-back-school-basics
The wheels are a plus, but I'd be happy to find bins without wheels, too. Bigger' fine, but much smaller isn't.
I'd prefer the bins not to have holes in them (so mesh bins are out). I'd like to use them to store shoes and boots and such.
posted by buriedpaul at 6:33 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by buriedpaul at 6:33 PM PST - 5 comments
Old hard drive is inaccessible
I'm trying to get some files off an internal hard drive I haven't used in 5 years or so. I believe this used to be my system drive for an old Macbook. I have a SATA to USB adapter, and just tried plugging it in to my current Macbook Pro (late 2009 model running latest version of Mavericks). I got the dreaded error, "The disk you inserted is not readable by this computer." What should I do next? [more inside]
Did Itunes just remove some audiobooks? Where should I buy it now?
I was going to buy James Ellroy's the cold six thousand on Itunes yesterday but opted to buy it tonight instead.
I just logged on to Itunes store and it is no longer available. It was there yesterday.
I have never purchased an audiobook from another source other than Itunes.
What is the easiest way to do this. I like how Itunes loads them on my Ipod and keeps a "bookmark" when I swtich to listen to music.
I've never used audible or simply audiobooks. Does anyone have any experience with these? Do they download into multiple mp3s?
I am not having much luck. I was excited to listen to David Simon's Homicide until I saw that it was abridged with no unabridged version available.
Just to avoid confusion, Itunes did not remove an audiobook I bought and loaded on my Ipod, but an audiobook was available in there store yesterday but not today.
Thanks in advance
Software for computing the emotional intensity of messages?
Remember around 2000 when the Eudora e-mail program came with Moodwatch, which claimed to find out how "hot" your messages were running by looking for swear words (and maybe sarcasm, I'm not sure?) I wonder, is there free or open source software somewhere that has done the same thing? Or has anyone reverse-engineered Moodwatch to figure out how it works?
posted by steinsaltz at 6:03 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by steinsaltz at 6:03 PM PST - 5 comments
[Toronto filter] Realities of BSL and Pit Bulls?
What does Ontario's breed specific legislation look like in reality for (non-grandfathered) 'pit bull' owners? How strict is this law? Please tell me your real-life experiences here. [more inside]
Is lipedema a thing? How can I learn more about it?
I saw this ask comment on lipedema/lipoedema going underdiagnosed while I was searching through the cellulite tag, and I'm interested in more resources, but a lot of what I find seems pretty woo-woo. Get me pointed in the right direction? [more inside]
posted by revi at 5:16 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by revi at 5:16 PM PST - 4 comments
Does split-screen software like this exist?
I am looking for some sort of software that will split my single monitor into four separate desktops that will allow me to have full-screen video on each quadrant. Does this exist? [more inside]
Can I watch the whole Olympics online over the next few months?
I love the Olympics and would love to watch lots and lots of it, but I don't have time now. My Tivo is just about full. I find NBCOlympics.com baffling. The only videos I see there are highlights. Are there long-attention-span videos of events? For how long will this be available?
I'm in the US and I'm a Comcast subscriber.
Can I eat it? Snowpocalypse 2.0 edition
So...Ralph forgot I had already made a milk and bread run and bought another gallon-but didn't check the date (it was the last gallon at that convenience store. )
So, I opened it for milk for my coffee and right after I poured it noticed the date. Feb 4th. This is the 10th. And then I noticed the slight curding once it met my coffee and generic sweet and low. It didn't smell or taste sour, but it did leave a few curds at the bottom of the cup (yes, I drank it.)
So, my question is this: Since obviously this is not fresh milk, and since I DO have other milk in the house-what milkusing recipes can I use this for? [more inside]
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 3:12 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 3:12 PM PST - 29 comments
Gifts to give to friends when traveling to their country
I'm going to Turkey from the US, and have a ton of friends there- some that are quite close and I'll be getting nicer presents for (perfume, nice American brand named clothes), and others that I'm not as close to but will still see and need to give a small gift to. Please help me figure out what that small gift should be. [more inside]
posted by cacao at 3:11 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by cacao at 3:11 PM PST - 16 comments
How to I connect these two pipes together?
This is a ridiculous question really that should be able to be solved by google, but I just can't find what I need.
I have a female 1 and a half inch threaded pipe which I need to connect to a male 32mm connection.
If it makes a difference flow will be going from the female to the male.
Where can I buy (Preferably in the UK, even more preferably in London) a thing that will make this thing work. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 2:53 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 2:53 PM PST - 12 comments
I'm trying really hard to simplify an overwhelming digital life. Help.
I switched over to iCloud a number of months ago. I currently have rules set up in Apple Mail to filter incoming mail into folders. I want these emails but I don't want them in my inbox. The problem is it doesn't work as I anticipated. It would appear if Apple Mail isn't open, the rules won't apply themselves on my iPhone. And even if Apple Mail is open, the rule doesn't apply itself immediately, and my iPhone is pinged, I check my email, and then the email "disappears" into the folder. This is getting really f*cking annoying. [more inside]
posted by phaedon at 2:45 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by phaedon at 2:45 PM PST - 4 comments
What goes in your best dashi?
The standard dashi recipe (as far as I can tell) includes dried kombu and bonito flakes, and optional extras like dried shiitakes or dried sardines.
What are your favorite ingredients/brands and sources for them?
Help a 14-year-old girl find some books to love
I am helping out a 14-year-old girl who needs as much experience reading as she can get, and I'm eager for your suggestions. Details inside. [more inside]
How do playwrights think about play structure and meaning?
Yesterday I saw a community theater production of Sam Shepherd's Buried Child. Later at home, I looked up some commentary/analysis on it. So many different meanings were attributed to various aspects of the play, such as the corn that Tilden kept bringing in from outside. It was tied to fertility, infertility, Sukkot, the Corn King, death, and on and on. At one point, Vince reentered the house from the screened-in porch by cutting the screen vertically top to bottom and stepping through. This was said to be a symbolic rebirth for his character. [more inside]
posted by michellenoel at 2:07 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by michellenoel at 2:07 PM PST - 5 comments
NPR story about color
This is driving me batty. In the last year or three I heard a story on NPR about color. I would have heard the story on a Saturday afternoon (I don't know if that helps). The topics ranged from people who can (in theory) see colors that most people can't, the history of dyes and the names we give colors, etc. The narrator tested a theory on his daughter regarding color. Like, he didn't ever mention the color blue to see if she could figure it out on her own. Can anyone help me find this story?
thanks in advance,
Andres
posted by pibeandres at 2:04 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by pibeandres at 2:04 PM PST - 10 comments
More Languidly Sultry Songs, Please!
I love Lana Del Rey ridiculously, but I can only think of about one other song that pairs perfectly with her stuff: Chris Isaak's Wicked Game. What are some other artists or songs that fit into her languidly sultry niche? [more inside]
posted by redsparkler at 1:58 PM PST - 78 comments
posted by redsparkler at 1:58 PM PST - 78 comments
Moving to California from NYC: How... to do that.
So I've just gotten a job in San Francisco and my GF and I will therefore be leaving New York and moving. I've never lived more than 125 miles from NYC before, so I need help with understanding the logistics here. [more inside]
Proposing a partnership, what's fair?
I am working on a website which is going to be a community and blog. A friend of mine shares a similar interest, and I want to invite him to partner up because I think it will be more fun and easier to get up and running with a partner. I'd like to propose we officially create a partnership with a contact and all that so he has incentive. But I've done or/am doing the lion's share of the work, at least initially. What's a fair deal? [more inside]
Speaking voice issues - spitting and lack of volume?
I think I have developed a bad habit of spittle / spitting when talking. Its particularly bad when at restaurants or say the pub when there is a lot of noise and I feel I have to yell to be heard. I'm a late 30s male, in London and this has been happening for years. What can I do to fix this? [more inside]
What's the title of this Japanese book?
I'm trying to track down a particular Japanese-language book for my friend, but I'm having trouble recognizing some of the kanji in the title (picture inside)... [more inside]
posted by un petit cadeau at 1:09 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by un petit cadeau at 1:09 PM PST - 7 comments
No More Culture Books left - what other SF is like Iain Banks?
This question was helpful, but I need something from a slightly different direction for my husband who is out of Culture books: the humanist angle is great, but really looking for thoughtful left-anarchist SF in particular, "upbeat but not saccharine." [more inside]
Help me identify memoir of woman who eloped with itinerant photographer
When a family friend was an early teen, she read a memoir/autobiography by a young woman from somewhere in the Midwest (if she remembers correctly) who eloped with an itinerant photographer and spent the rest of her life accompanying him through Africa and other exotic venues. My friend thinks the author's surname started with "O".
The friend says: "Her adventurousness inspired me, although I was too well indoctrinated to follow her example."
posted by espertus at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by espertus at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments
Hell-bow Elbow
I had a severe fall on my elbow in August 2013 and after all the tests, I was told it's a complete burst of the bursa sac/bursitis. Have tried physio/acupuncture/reiki/cortisone shot with no relief (but swelling is down). What can I do to help with the pain??? [more inside]
Where do sexy, alpha male werewolf narratives come from?
Is there an origin book/story/movie for the sexy werewolf alpha male narrative/cliché? Or when did that become the overwhelming narrative about werewolves? (Or wereanything really.) [more inside]
posted by lesbiassparrow at 12:17 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by lesbiassparrow at 12:17 PM PST - 14 comments
Regarding the M in STEM
What are some of the newest methods being used these days to teach young children arithmetic? [more inside]
Seeking High-End Scarf or Accessories Organizer
Hot Boyfriend has a lot of scarves and (soft) hats and they invariably end up stuffed into and popping out of drawers. This is no way for a fashionable man to live! [more inside]
Sci-fi, horror, fantasy, and weird fiction from Central/Eastern Europe?
What are the best sci-fi, horror, and fantasy books, movies, and comics from Central and Eastern Europe? "Best" includes both the finest and also the most popularly influential, as well as both pro- and anti-communist material, as well as both past and contemporary work. Bonus points for such fiction from the former Yugoslavia! [more inside]
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:14 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:14 AM PST - 16 comments
How to prevent daily tasks from overwhelming me?
I have a problem with consistency in carrying out daily activities, particularly those that are communication-based such as responding to messages. I have missed out on business opportunities, hurt friendships, and am generally seen as unreliable due to my inability to respond to people's messages in a timely matter. This has got to change, but I'm not sure how and could use your help. [more inside]
posted by Thanquol180 at 11:11 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Thanquol180 at 11:11 AM PST - 16 comments
Looking for good alternative to Trader Joe's Sipping Chocolate
I received a tin of Trader Joe's Sipping Chocolate for Christmas, and have enjoyed it down to the last tablespoonful. But when I went to TJ's this weekend to pick up more, I found out it was a seasonal item and won't be back until next November.
Wahh!! Hope me!! [more inside]
posted by Elly Vortex at 11:10 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Elly Vortex at 11:10 AM PST - 14 comments
How to prevent soreness on toe?
Got new running shoes yesterday, today both my little pinky toes are a little sore. Related? How should I fix it? [more inside]
posted by crazy with stars at 10:53 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by crazy with stars at 10:53 AM PST - 11 comments
Transitioning from profit to not-for-profit at 40: what's negotiable?
After a decade in for-profit marketing in a secondary city, I'm being seriously considered for something close to a dream job in Toronto. The main issue is that there'd be a major salary drop -- from CAD$75,000 a year to sub-CAD$50,000, and I'd be moving from a place where the cost of living is low, and my house is mortgage-free and paid off, to, well, Toronto. My current location is not commutable to Toronto. What can I negotiate with my (hopeful) employer to help make up the difference? [more inside]
Webcomics for kids
I'm looking for webcomics that are suitable for kids under the age of 10, preferably with simple easy to copy art. If it's regularly updated, that's awesome, but if you know of a few one-offs I'm interested in those too.
Something like a comic version of Peep and the Big Wide World would be perfect.
posted by anonymous at 10:29 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by anonymous at 10:29 AM PST - 9 comments
We fought the law, and the law won
Is it possible to get an earlier court date for a traffic issue by showing up on a given day and hoping someone cancels? Calling? Other recourse? In particular, Los Angeles Metropolitan Court? [more inside]
posted by Aubergine at 10:17 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Aubergine at 10:17 AM PST - 8 comments
Time to move on? If so, how?
A major argument with my boyfriend put our > 5 year relationship on hold. Did I make the right decision to not get back together with him? I am trying to hold fast to my decision but I still love him. [more inside]
"Do you believe in miracles?"
Looking for recommendations on film and literature featuring ice hockey. Details inside. [more inside]
New Windows 7 install on SSD needs tweaking
How do I obtain or find the necessary files/drivers etc. to make the new O/S connect to the internet (and generally play nice from day one)? [more inside]
The Expat Pantry
I live in Ethiopia, and plan to do some special food shopping while visiting the USA soon. What should I get? [more inside]
posted by maya at 8:53 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by maya at 8:53 AM PST - 8 comments
GypsyJazzFilter
Looking for suggestions for songs to ask our gypsy-jazz wedding band to play! [more inside]
posted by Miko at 8:32 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Miko at 8:32 AM PST - 13 comments
GSOH is killing my love life.
My stepson revealed the greatest stressors in his life is my self-deprecating sense of humor. What can I say? [more inside]
I kissed a girl at work – and I want to do that again...
A rather classic tale of infidelity and I don’t know what to do. As concisely as possible – went out with some colleagues for drinks and fairly early everyone disappeared apart from me and a girl who started in our office about a year ago. She is a bit younger than me, but we work relatively closely (same floor, a lot of crossover with our client work). I've liked this girl since she started. She is awesome pretty and on occasions over the last year I've not been able to get her out of my head – for weeks.
We kept on and I suggested we carry on and go to another bar. It was just the two of us and I maybe shouldn't have done that, but that’s what we did and we ended up kissing. [more inside]
Roofing repair... In February... In New England...
I was up in the attic the other day, putting away some stuff, and I noticed a delightfully large amount of mold going down either side of on section of the roof. Joy. The question now is exactly what to do, with a roof that obviously needs repair, in February, in New England. [more inside]
posted by katers890 at 7:24 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by katers890 at 7:24 AM PST - 8 comments
Baby mobility
How can I help our 11 month old learn to transition between standing/sitting/belly positions? [more inside]
posted by Behemoth at 7:04 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Behemoth at 7:04 AM PST - 12 comments
Need an excellent estate attorney in NYC. Integrity a must.
Looking for an estate attorney so good it’ll make us forget how our last estate attorney shamelessly ripped us off. [more inside]
posted by ROTFL at 6:54 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by ROTFL at 6:54 AM PST - 2 comments
How do I sell a car I know to be dangerous?
My car accelerates on its own. It think it needs to be taken off the road. How can I go about selling it in good faith? [more inside]
Please recommenced me some "political" music that fits my vegan tastes?
I like Dead Prez, disposable heroes of hiphoprisy, Defiance Ohio, Good Clean Fun, propagandhi. Bands that sing about veganism, health, discipline, organization, how corporations suck, how religion sucks, dumpster diving, tofu, vegetables, honesty, being a good human being, cooking, gardening, etc. A lot of songs may seem cheesy, or corny, but I don't think they are, and I don't mind it. I prefer rap, but other genres are ok too. Even this youtube video "read a book" is good.
Syncing an email account, including sent messages
Is it possible to set up a Google Apps email account so that you can check it from both the gmail website and client side mail apps and have everything sync and thread correctly? Particularly the sent messages? [more inside]
First birthday party etiquette
I live in a big city and am a part of a group of 10 or so women whose babies are all turning 1 in and around the same month. At best, I would say the majority of these women are acquaintances, people who it's been nice to spend time with on weekdays while on maternity leave, but who I may not see after that. The birthday party invites are starting to come out and we are being invited to many of the family parties. Problem is, for my babies birthday we intend to have a small gathering of family and a handful of very close friends and maybe a couple of the women from the group who I've become close with.
Would it be appropriate to write the group and indicate that we are having a small party for family only and tell the two women I'm inviting not to mention their invites?
Should I suggest to the group that we do the birthday equivalent of a Secret Santa to save us from buying 9 presents for the other babies?
I should add that I am currently unemployed and a bit concerned about the expense of gifts for all of the babies.
Thoughts and any suggestions to navigate this?
posted by laroodles at 6:06 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by laroodles at 6:06 AM PST - 15 comments
Expat Voting (U.S.)
I am a U.S. citizen living in Germany. I intend to stay in Germany forever, and I will probably retain my U.S. citizenship forever (very difficult to have dual citizenship in Germany). Am I eligible to vote in state elections, particularly U.S. senators and congresspersons? I'm from California, but no longer own any property there or have an address there.
Is it possible to train oneself into tolerating spices?
I like mild to moderately spicy dishes (crispy chilli beef, jalfrezi, chilli-tomato pasta sauce), but anything hotter numbs my mouth to the point where I can't actually taste anything, or worse, unable to eat it. Even if I go to Nandos, I don't want to try anything hotter than the mild piri-piri, because I'm worried I won't enjoy my meal due to the heat. Can I 'train' myself into getting used to spices? And does a higher tolerance enable the flavours, rather than the heat, to come through?
Can you have arthritis in the knee without swelling?
Both my knees hurt alot and have for years I cant walk for more then a football field without them hurting to much that I have to stop I also cant stand for more then like 10 minutes or they hurt to much. I am 23 years old.I have been to the doctor and he dosent know whats wrong. My question is can I have arthritis without having smelling in my knees? Becasue I dont have swelling just pain.
Plugin for Archiving Outlook Email to Windows Explorer
Easy way to rename and move Outlook emails to Windows folders? [more inside]
February 9
What's so funny about a bloodstained mattress?
Can Metafilter offer a plausible explanation of what is going on in this curious vintage photo of a group of women holding up a stained mattress and a pillow? [more inside]
Is there an app for that?
I’m interested in the DURR, a simple display-less “watch” that vibrates every 5 minutes to influence your perception of the passing of time. Since DURR is not currently shipping and I already own an iPhone with a clock and a vibrating buzzer, I feel like this should be doable with an app. There’s already a Pebble app so I’m sure it’s not crazy.
If this doesn’t currently exist, how hard might it be to write one myself? I’ve compiled things in XCode before but not written my own from-scratch Objective-C, so I’d be approaching this as a newcomer.
posted by migurski at 11:12 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by migurski at 11:12 PM PST - 10 comments
Can My Company Remote-Wipe My iPhone?
How do I check that the mail account I've set up on my iPhone is fetching using IMAP and not Exchange ActiveSync? [more inside]
posted by applesurf at 10:44 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by applesurf at 10:44 PM PST - 6 comments
Carryology?
Just want to field some opinions: I have to carry food (that's lunch, dinner, and snacks) and gym stuff with me to work. My backpack can fit work stuff plus food; or work stuff plus gym stuff. I can carry 1 additional bag at most.
Gym stuff in backpack and carry separate lunch bag? or lunch in backpack and carry separate gym bag? [more inside]
posted by redwaterman at 10:36 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by redwaterman at 10:36 PM PST - 9 comments
Freelance / self-employed tax deduction for reimbursed travel expenses?
Can a freelance / self-employed person (filing Schedule C) deduct from her taxes the cost of business travel (airfare, lodging) that she was later reimbursed for? [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine at 9:48 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by toomuchkatherine at 9:48 PM PST - 3 comments
Platonically lovely movies?
We're having friends over on Friday to partake in non-romantic love and closeness. There will be a pillow pit in the TV room. What are movies we can put on that fit the mood of the evening? [more inside]
SO close to buying a new laptop, befuddled by technical details. Help?
I posted a question here about this last year, but since then my old laptop went belly-up and now I need to find a good replacement in kind of a hurry. I am looking for a few features and I don't have a lot to spend, but I have a big bunch of Amazon gift certificates I went to use on this. I am not a tech-head and trying to find the right laptop is confusing the heck out of me. Please, won't some kind soul help me? [more inside]
Where to eat in Birmingham, AL?
It's another "where to eat question", sorry. Difficulty level: Valentine's weekend, gluten free, interracial same sex couple. [more inside]
Earth shoes for men?
Awhile back, Earth shoes used to offer footwear for men. My dad loved these, mostly because of their so-called Negative Heel Technology. Do they actually work? I have no clue. But dad wants what he wants, and he wants these negative heel shoes in the style of the old Earth shoes. I believe he wears something similar to this, and his pair is starting to wear out, so he is on the hunt for a suitable replacement. Are you male and a fan of Earth shoes/negative heel technology? Where do you get your fix? Are you not male but no someone else who's a fan of these shoes? TYIA!
How to know your qual research pre-test interview was a success?
Hello, qualitative researchers! I'm doing a qualitative research project. i have a series of interview questions i wanted to ask some people. to make sure the questions were good, i asked them to my pre-test subject. the questions seemed clear and their responses seemed interesting.
but is there some more scientific way of saying (or deciding) "Yup, seems good."? I need to write in my thesis how i came to the conclusion that the pre-test was successful. I can see how this would be easy(or more precise) in quantitative research, but i don't have any numbers.
How do you do this? And how do you word it? Thank you!
posted by andreapandrea at 7:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by andreapandrea at 7:11 PM PST - 5 comments
How to bring connectivity to a remote area for a wedding?
So we're looking at wedding venues in fairly remote spots (in the US) where there's no cell phone or Internet connectivity for at least 5 miles in any direction. We'd like to be accommodating of our guests, so what can we do to bring connectivity to these venues? [more inside]
boots were not made for walkin'
What shoes should I buy for a long-distance (20-mile+ each day) walking trip? I think I would like not to get a hiking boot. [more inside]
posted by threeants at 6:50 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by threeants at 6:50 PM PST - 22 comments
I don't have and cant keep girl friends ... why?
Since breaking up with my husband a few years ago I resolved to make some female friends. I've never really had girl friends, because I've always had a boyfriend and/or kind of liked doing things by myself (working by myself, writing, starting companies, etc.)
I managed to become friends with a few women but I can't get close to them for one reason or another. First, I don't drink or smoke and find the girls I've 'befriended' to have too many vices (they smoke weed, spend time with other friends drinking or partying, have questionable morals (e.g. they are the other woman in their relationship, or have been involved in heavy drugs, etc.) for me to feel like we have a lot in common.
I realize.. (contd inside) [more inside]
posted by soooo at 6:46 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by soooo at 6:46 PM PST - 41 comments
Is it time to move to the Boogie Down?
What are some good neighborhoods I should look into if considering moving to the Bronx? I have a 5 month old baby. I am looking for something affordable (for NYC), near good restaurants, amenities, transit and possibly a park. [more inside]
Please recommend experienced eBay seller to help sell comic books
Mr. Christa and I are downsizing to a smaller apartment in Seattle. Mr. Christa has admirably agreed to part with some of his comic books. He thinks selling on eBay would be best. Neither of us, unfortunately, are experienced eBay sellers. eBay USED TO have a listing of "trading assistants", who would help you sell and take a commission. Does anyone still offer this service? Can you recommend someone to help us "grade" (apparently that's a big deal) and sell the comics? [more inside]
posted by christa at 6:21 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by christa at 6:21 PM PST - 6 comments
electronic devices after death?
What happens to the contents on your computer if you're incapacitated? Would you (if you had some terminal illness, for example) wipe things, or do you think your family members would respect your privacy? Would you scour every bit of a loved one's computer? [more inside]
posted by flyingfork at 6:18 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by flyingfork at 6:18 PM PST - 16 comments
I'm looking for a construction paper thats like back velvet
I'm looking for a construction paper thats like back velvet. I feel like I've seen this out in the world before but Im not having any luck with the googles. I am attempting to do a screen printed concert poster in the style of a 70s dayglo black velvet poster, so I need a paper with that look and feel, if it exists.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 6:05 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Senor Cardgage at 6:05 PM PST - 5 comments
Bracing myself for years of dental awkwardness!
After having a normal dental childhood without braces, my front teeth have shifted significantly in the past couple years and now that I have a steady job and dental insurance (which I think only partially covers the cost of braces, if at all), I am looking forward to have straighter teeth but don't know what to look forward to with braces as an adult. [more inside]
posted by fizzix at 5:26 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by fizzix at 5:26 PM PST - 13 comments
Scoopable Ice Cream?
I like ice cream cones, however, I've never found ice cream from the supermarket to be scoopable in the same way that Baskin Robbins is. The only way I can think to describe it is that they don't stick together in the same way - Breyers and Dreyers both tend to crack apart and resist mushing into cone shape. Basking Robbins is both expensive and, in my area, prone to being out of Mint Chocolate Chip at all times. Is there another brand that I could try that better recreates the Baskin Robbins scoopability and is relatively good tasting?
posted by macfly at 5:12 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by macfly at 5:12 PM PST - 23 comments
Articles on structural inequality in NYC?
I would like to be pointed towards an article that connects how NYC's investment in corporate and banking interests directly worsened the prospects of the poor and working class in NYC during the Bloomberg years. This should be intelligent but not too dense -- something that could be easily readable by college freshmen without background in social science, written in a style such as you'd find in the New Yorker, Atlantic, NY Times Mag, etc in style and difficulty level. Thanks!
Note: I **don't** need ethnographic stories focusing on people's lives, such as the Dasani article in the NY Times. (Those are great but I have plenty.) Rather I need a non-specialists' discussion of the structural connections between wealth and poverty in NYC, something explaining exactly why choices to invest in fancy buildings led to more homelessness -- for example, detailing how city money was diverted from x to y during these years.
posted by third rail at 5:07 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by third rail at 5:07 PM PST - 4 comments
VCR Ate My Copy of The Half-Assed Approach to Foundation Repair
The decades-old parging/plaster on our basement walls is scabby and peeling. The concrete itself is crumbly in places and there are a couple of cracks. It seems to me that the solution to my problem is to remove the old parging/plaster, fill the cracks with hydraulic cement, and patch the crumbly parts. But I'm less clear on the hows, whys, and whens. [more inside]
Using a passport card in the Caribbean
This spring, I'll be flying from the continental US to St. Thomas with my small kids to join my parents on their sailboat. I know that we don't need passports to fly into the US Virgin Islands, but that we would need them if we wanted to sail to the British Virgin Islands. My kids don't have passports yet. Because of the expense of a full passport, I am considering getting them passport cards instead. The government website suggests that this is one potential use case of the passport card, but I haven't read accounts of people doing it. I asked my parents what their fellow cruisers know, but didn't get much info. Have you done this? How was it?
My dad would have known the answer
My dad passed away on Friday, and my mom is eager to get into his computer (Song Vaio running Windows 7) and Blackberry (Bold). Both are password protected. Is there any way to change the password on each without wiping the data? I'm fairly computer literate, and my father will have every software disk he's ever received. We also have access to his email if that helps with the Blackberry. Thanks.
This may sound like a strange question...
But I was wondering, why do you think we still use the terms "sunrise" and "sunset"? We know that the Earth revolves around the Sun (not the other way around) so the Sun isn't really 'rising' or 'setting', right?
posted by Neutron12 at 2:45 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by Neutron12 at 2:45 PM PST - 28 comments
Portable Midi Keyboard Recommendations?
I just got Logic Pro X for my birthday and am learning how to make music! Yay! I'd like compose on the go with my laptop, but I can't lug my keyboard around and am thus on the hunt for a portable midi keyboard. The more portable, the better - but it would be nice if I didn't wince when I touched the keys. [more inside]
Keep hair dye off highlights during recolor
Is there a product or technique for protecting peekaboo highlights when recoloring hair at home? [more inside]
A different kind of erotic experience
What is the most erotic paid experience a heterosexual man in California can have that is totally legal, something done in person and not online, and is neither a strip club or a massage? [more inside]
Depressed & need inspiration.
I am a single mother, down in the dumps and looking for mefites for a lightbulb or maybe just a bone. I've been juggling my post-divorce financial mess, toxic workplace, toxic people all around, and I'm so tired and exhausted, I just know my six-year old and I need to be somewhere where the atmosphere is more laid back with better quality of life. [more inside]
Phillyfilter: Where can my boyfriend learn Western-style swordfighting?
I'm looking for schools or groups that offer combat training with authentic Western medieval/renaissance weapons and methods in the Philadelphia area (up to 1.5 hours away is fine). He's not interested in katana/Eastern martial arts, stage combat/LARPing, or sport fencing. Unfortunately, anything I've found via Google seems to be out of business. I'd really like to surprise him with some lessons for a Valentine's Day gift. Does anyone have any leads?
posted by ElectricGoat at 1:29 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ElectricGoat at 1:29 PM PST - 9 comments
Moving without help?
When I got my job, I was required to relocate from my hometown to a new city. I bought new furniture for my new place (previously had been staying with family, so I hadn't needed, e.g., a couch), and settled down.
2-3 weeks later, my employer asked me to travel to my old hometown to do work (they have bases in both locations). I ended up staying for months, and my employer decided it made more sense for me to live in my hometown, so I was relocated back. [more inside]
Is "matrimony" a religious term?
I've been asked by a friend of mine who is a marriage officiant to translate his marriage ceremony speech into English, and I have a question about wording. In a secular marriage, can you say "joined together in matrimony", or do you have to say "joined together in marriage"? [more inside]
posted by gkhan at 1:08 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by gkhan at 1:08 PM PST - 7 comments
Random sequence generator with some specifications
Let's say I have things 1, 2, 3 and 4. I want a sequence of 20 numbers which are either 1, 2, 3 or 4. I want to use all of these numbers an equal number of times, and once that number has exhausted its chances I want it to stop being used in the sequence. Is there a free program, or an easy way to do this in Excel / Google Spreadsheet?
posted by codacorolla at 12:53 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by codacorolla at 12:53 PM PST - 6 comments
Definitive answer about ADHD meds needed
Here's an assertion one hears frequently in discussions of ADHD:
"It seems people with ADHD get a calming, clear headed effect from stimulants, as opposed to the speedy, euphoric type of high 'normal' people get from them."
My question is: where can I find *good* information about the truth or falseness of this type of statement? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:35 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:35 PM PST - 15 comments
Hotel Recommendation for Amsterdam in September
Can anyone recommend a hotel in Amsterdam for two nights at the beginning of September. The Trip Advisor forums are usually my go-to resource for travel but in this case it's not yielding useful results. The other forums are usually helpful but on this one there seems to be a lot of snarky-ness and people singing the praises of PriceLine and I'm not down with the bidding on an unknown hotel thing. [more inside]
posted by Beti at 11:23 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Beti at 11:23 AM PST - 11 comments
My vacuum cleaner doesn't suck.
I have hardwood floors in every room except the kitchen and bathroom, which both have ceramic tile. I have cats who shed and track litter. I have a lot of hair which sheds. I have a hobby which results in a lot of tiny glass splinters. This is all on one floor. What is my best vacuum cleaner which will pick up all the hair and not get tangled up, will pick up the litter and won't get destroyed by small pieces of glass? I'd prefer something smaller rather than larger as I have limited storage and something bagless would be better than not, but I am not sure how the dust vs small glass pieces will balance that out. I am in Canada. [more inside]
Help me not fall apart.
I need to get out of this dysfunctional work place but I'm stuck and feel myself breaking down. [more inside]
posted by peasncarrots at 10:51 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by peasncarrots at 10:51 AM PST - 16 comments
Outrageously gaudy or tacky pajama sets
We're looking for extremely gaudy or tacky cotton or flannel pajama sets, for men and women. [more inside]
How much should I spend on my education?
Go to the far away, cheap nursing school, or close, expensive one? [more inside]
Going back to a part-time job -- How do I get through this?
I'm in my mid-twenties with big career dreams and a history of underemployment and emotional struggles. In order to get back on track, I need to go from being unemployed back to a part-time service job that I hate, and I need coaching on how to get through it with as little emotional agony as possible. I'm estimating that I'll be in the job for four months. More snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by Tulip at 10:15 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Tulip at 10:15 AM PST - 9 comments
Books to help me hone "soft skills"
I'm in a demanding field where the use of "soft skills" is both necessary and difficult. What resources do you recommend to help me improve in this area? [more inside]
posted by JLovey at 10:00 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by JLovey at 10:00 AM PST - 9 comments
boyfriend and logic
I am dating a really wonderful guy who also thinks that he is always
logical about everything. I'm looking for ways to talk with him about this. [more inside]
posted by colfax at 9:58 AM PST - 64 comments
posted by colfax at 9:58 AM PST - 64 comments
The ring-on-it pun goes here
Searching for interesting, slim, yellow gold rings. [more inside]
posted by jetlagaddict at 9:46 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by jetlagaddict at 9:46 AM PST - 12 comments
Can I adjust this box of warm hair color to make it a cooler shade?
I've been using a certain brand and shade of home hair color for a while with good results. Lately I've decided the color is a little too warm for me. I have an unopened box of the now too-warm shade and don't want to waste it. Can make it useable by adding something to make it more neutral/cooler? Details within. [more inside]
posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy at 8:49 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy at 8:49 AM PST - 4 comments
Is it okay to feed a vast flock of blackbirds?
Many hundreds of redwing blackbirds visit my feeders in the winter. Is it wrong to keep feeding them? [more inside]
cat piddler on probation
I have an older cat, 16 years old, in good health. She's not using her cat box to piddle, leaving a nice wet spot on the floor just outside her cat box. What can I do to retrain her to use it? [more inside]
posted by diode at 8:36 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by diode at 8:36 AM PST - 21 comments
Resources on Normal and Abnormal Childhood Development?
Looking for resources for a well-educated layperson on the following topics. I'm trying to figure out if the childhood psychological/psychosocial development for a person who had early signs of sexual knowledge (age 2, already expressing complete sentences) but who expressed verbal interest only later (age 5) was normal/abnormal and if parenting or just precociousness/agency had anything to do with anything that might be considered normal/abnormal about that development path. I'm out of my depth here in research and would appreciate your help. [more inside]
Daily tech news source that's updated once a day and has an RSS feed?
Anyone know of a tech news source that's updated once a day and has an RSS feed? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 8:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by aerotive at 8:18 AM PST - 4 comments
Thumb surgery, help me keep my groove?
I'm getting the tendon in my thumb repaired tomorrow and I'm looking for advice for keeping my life on track during recovery. [more inside]
Help me focus on the hourly details of agency work
My company is becoming more focused on billable hours and resource allocation and I an sinking.
Please help me stay afloat. [more inside]
Is this person sabotaging my chances at getting a job?
I have recently finished my doctorate and am interviewing for postdoc positions. I gave my main PhD advisor as a referee. Twice now I have failed at getting a job after the reference check despite being assured that the job is mine after the interview. What gives? [more inside]
What mini SUV/crossover/van has the best balance of comfort and size?
I'm looking to purchase a mini SUV/crossover/van that has a much more comfortable ride than my current 2008 Honda Fit, while still (hopefully) retaining some of the Fit's diminutive-ness. [more inside]
posted by argyle dreams at 6:45 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by argyle dreams at 6:45 AM PST - 16 comments
High stakes, and winning a new life in a new world.
What card game did my grandfather play on the voyage from Sicily to Ellis Island? Google is not giving me the detail I need. [more inside]
Besides Forrest Gump, other memorable movie bench scenes
I want to generate a list of movie scenes where character(s) sit outdoors on a bench and talk, either to themselves or to other characters. From any time period. I already have Forrest Gump. Extra credit if you can summarize the scene to help me get a sense for what it's about and to locate it in the film.
posted by xo at 6:20 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by xo at 6:20 AM PST - 42 comments
Purchasing an Macbook Air?
I need a new laptop. Replacing my old MacBook Pro. Considering a MacBook Air. Details inside. [more inside]
Why do I have a high alcohol (etc.) tolerance?
I'm pretty tolerant to any substances I've tried; alcohol, cannabis, and prescription medication always needed higher than average doses on me to procure any effects. I also sober up pretty fast. Just out of curiosity, what does this mean? Does my body do something well? Do I just have a healthy liver? [more inside]
posted by ahtlast93 at 4:04 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by ahtlast93 at 4:04 AM PST - 12 comments
Why are my panoramas blue?
I have a SONY NEX-C3 and have been trying out the "Sweep Panorama" shooting mode. For some reason, the panoramas are coming out very blue. The white balance is set to "auto" and the main other mode I use on the camera is just the "intelligent auto". Why is this happening? It happens in both 2D and 3D panorama modes.
Best wine for my taste? Sweet, limited acidity?
I can't seem to stomach wine easily, even the smell is pretty awful, but I want to acquire a taste for it for special occasions. I'm tired of being the only person toasting with a coke! I don't like sour, acidic or alcohol tastes, so I may be out of luck, but if anyone has any recommendations I'd really appreciate it. I should also mention that the above mentioned flavours are all usually much worse when cold, so I'm hoping for a good room-temp wine.
Thanks in advance!
Funtiturefilter: Is this tear in the fabric of my couch repairable?
The couch has an seamless integrated seat, not cushions. Pictures (including bonus sleepy elderly cat!) inside. [more inside]
So, a micrometer walks into a bar...
I am that bar. I partially disassembled a micrometer, and can't get it back together by myself. Anyone good at tool disassembly and assembly? I've done angle grinders back and forth, but this thing has me totally stumped, and praying I haven't lost any of the parts! Hivemind, be good to me!
February 8
Florida for lazy people
I'm going to Florida next week with my old parents, so I'm looking for activities and places to go for people who prefer not being too physically active. We'll be staying in Miami, Key West, and Naples. [more inside]
posted by myntu at 10:40 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by myntu at 10:40 PM PST - 9 comments
Can a cheap tablet handle down+uploading photos on a long road trip?
I'm planning a cross country trip to California from Chicago and back and I need some techie help as to whether a tablet could assist me in sightseeing photo preservation. [more inside]
Big Dog Problem
After 9 years, we've reached the end of our tether trying to control our German Shepherd x Border Collie. Not content with climbing over our 8-ft high fences, he's now taken to breaking out the windows of our house. Is there any hope for him, and what should we be trying? [more inside]
Please help me find more music similar to this video game soundtrack.
I just played the game Brothers: A Tale Of Two Sons (it's fantastic, go play it!), and I really enjoyed the soundtrack. [more inside]
posted by xedrik at 9:39 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by xedrik at 9:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Spanx my dress!
What undergarments should I wear with my wedding dress? [more inside]
posted by horizonseeker at 9:33 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by horizonseeker at 9:33 PM PST - 7 comments
Tell me what my job is, in another industry
I have transitioned into a slightly unusual role at my job, and want to know whether it exists outside my current industry, and what it is called. [more inside]
A challenging question about tape, money, and copyright law. Dive in!
I have come into possession of a very rare item. How can I make a whole lot of money on it? [more inside]
Graphic/web design education for a returning student
I'm evaluating several options for obtaining graphic/web design training and would love to get the opinions of those in the trade (pretty similar to this past question, but a bit more specific). In a perfect world I would love to get a (second) BA, but that's probably completely insane financially. [more inside]
posted by imalaowai at 6:24 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by imalaowai at 6:24 PM PST - 5 comments
Topological Data Analysis, I think it's called?
Using a dataset I would like to perform the type of analysis shown here:
How would I go about doing this? [more inside]
posted by Ndwright at 6:09 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Ndwright at 6:09 PM PST - 5 comments
Voice and Text from one number on an iPhone or a Mac?
I want one phone number to use for talk and text, and I want to be able to send and receive texts on my iPhone or from my Mac without using a browser or a second phone number. Currently, Google Voice does this, but it looks like Google is merging Google Voice into Hangouts this spring, and 3rd party apps will no longer work. GAH! I love being able to send and receive texts for my real number on my Mac (I use GrowlVoice). I'm currently on AT&T for my iPhone, but I'm more than willing to switch to another carrier. What are my options?
How to buy a ton of small cylinders (models of food cans) on the cheap?
I'm involved with a project at the school where I teach, and I find myself in need of a LOT (hopefully 500-1,000) of small cylinders to build with. Eventually we will be building a sculpture with food cans, but the first step is to make prototypes with smaller models. [more inside]
posted by ORthey at 5:50 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by ORthey at 5:50 PM PST - 13 comments
The journey is what matters...
I'm trying to find a short one shot comic I used to be able to find fairly easily but it seems my google-fu has weakened.
Description:
It has no words. starts off with a girl and a boy under a tree and she sends him to find a flower. He comes back and sees a mark left on the tree and someone riding off with the girl. Epic journey ensues to try to deliver the flower involving slavery, swashbuckling etc. and his only guide is asking about the symbol. At the end of the journey to confront the big evil, it turns out the mark was hers. She's the bad guy. He looks around, looks at who he's become, realizes he's awesome and leaps from the window to freedom. The End.
posted by ThrowbackDave at 5:27 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ThrowbackDave at 5:27 PM PST - 3 comments
Self-contained Linux Os on USB flash drive with persistence?
Help me build a bootable USB stick with Linux on it that also can be updated with apps and data [more inside]
Got hired for a job that is beyond my skill set
I have a knack for interviewing and yesterday landed a job that pays the most Ive ever earned thus far in my career. The problem is that although most of my skill set is applicable to this new position there is a small subset specifically the portion that pertains to code analysis (this is an IT position)that is beyond the scope of what i know.
I'm concerned and nervous going into this position and have been debating whether or not I should decline the offer once the offer letter arrives (its being FedEx'd to me on Monday 2/10). What would you guys do in this scenario?
posted by 0351wd at 4:28 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by 0351wd at 4:28 PM PST - 25 comments
Where can we both thrive?
My sweetie and I live where we're both finishing grad school, and are having a hard time figuring out where we could move in ~6 months that we would both be happy and employed. He works in applied statistics, I'm a forest ecologist. Wall o' text inside. [more inside]
How do you make new friends online these days?
I used to have several friends that I spoke to online regularly, but for one reason or another, these have largely faded away. How and where can I make new ones? [more inside]
Name these fish (please)?
For a science report, my son intends to write about the fish in his (freshwater) acquarium. Only, he doesn't remember their scientific names. Help him out? I'll list them by the nicknames he uses (translated from the Italian):
Hatchet,
Bee,
Rope,
Glass,
Cleaner (underbelly),
Leopard,
Needle,
Black Cat.
Thanks!
posted by progosk at 3:51 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by progosk at 3:51 PM PST - 13 comments
Hypochondriasis meets actual illness?
How do you manage medical anxiety when it looks like it might be something? [more inside]
posted by mermily at 3:42 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by mermily at 3:42 PM PST - 14 comments
Please help me get out of customer service.
I'm twenty-six years old, a university graduate (humanities), and have been working in the same business-to-business customer service job for two years now. It was supposed to be a temporary thing while I figured out what I was doing with my life but I'm still here and I still have no clue, EXCEPT that I've discovered that I hate customers, I hate doing administrative support, I can't stand doing rote work and data entry and in addition to being embarrassed about my job, the work itself is making me thoroughly miserable. It is better paid and less soul-crushing than most customer service jobs, and we have considerably more autonomy than I am led to understood most other customer service positions have, but it's still a grind. I don't see any possibility for upward mobility at my current company and I want out. Please help me get a career. [more inside]
posted by sea change at 3:20 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by sea change at 3:20 PM PST - 12 comments
Help me learn to garden. Difficulty level: Scotland
I have a new house with a lot of garden space (~60sq m), and I have no idea what I'm doing. I need guidance starting pretty much from the beginning, but a lot of the recommended books I've seen are for the US and not the UK. [more inside]
Brands for stickier sticky rice?
I've lately been trying to make thai-style glutinous rice but may attempts so far have not been as satisfyingly sticky as I had hoped. I think it may be down to needing a more authentic brand. [more inside]
posted by onehundredand80 at 3:00 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by onehundredand80 at 3:00 PM PST - 17 comments
What to expect when uverse gets installed on Monday?
I live in a two story house and am having uverse tv and internet installed on Monday. First question the location of the phone line box outside the house has around knee/waist high snow. Will that cause a problem? Also my desktop pc that needs wired internet is on the opposite end and a floor above my home theatre area. Do they just set up the RG where it's most convenient for them and leave the logistics up to you to get a wire where you need it? And finally if they do in fact run ethernet to my tv location can I use a gigabit switch to feed my ps3/ps4 as well? Thanks in advance guys
because "wow, you're a terrible person" won't make me many friends
Getting to know your new roommates when a problematic roommate dominates it all [more inside]
Flagstaff! Next week!
We are hiking in the Grand Canyon next Friday/Saturday and will be back up on the rim Saturday night. We are considering hanging out in Flagstaff for Sunday and Monday before we head back to Vegas for our flight home. Where should we stay, and what's awesome in Flagstaff? [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 2:23 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by charmedimsure at 2:23 PM PST - 14 comments
Horsey book from the 80's?
The book is about a girl who got injured in a horse accident -- she rode a horse she wasn't supposed to along a road and she got hurt and the horse was killed. She gets sent to a relatives ranch for the summer. While checking fences she finds a young horse and brings it home...
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Can anyone help me find this book! Pretty, please!
posted by LittleMy at 2:18 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by LittleMy at 2:18 PM PST - 5 comments
Mind power techniques for improving workouts?
Hello,
I've got a book called the Mind's Eye which explains how to improve visualisation skills. I've only just started working through it but early on it says the skills it teaches can be used to improve fitness motivation. [more inside]
What should a single girl do on Valentine's Day?
I have a killer red dress, and I really want to go out and wear it on Valentine's Day somewhere. But where? [more inside]
posted by quincunx at 1:49 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by quincunx at 1:49 PM PST - 12 comments
Please help me find high level, intelligent sports commentary/analysis
I'd like to see commentary during sports events, or interviews with athletes after a sports event, that are high level analysis, that would be more fit for a professional athlete rather than the average fan. Specifically where the athlete is revealing his strategy, or thinking during the sporting event, and where the athlete is taking into account what his opponent was thinking. Most commentary is "lebron shoots a 3, and he scores, wow lebron is really heating up, better watch out, if lebron can get over 40 points this game, then Miami really has a chance" I'd prefer something more like "you see how Lebron took that 3? he could take it because he had fake a pull up to shoot twice before, and then took it to the hole, so now the defender is leaving a little more room for lebron to shoot the 3, and so he is capitalizing on that, I wouldn't be surprised if next time you see the defneder mark Lebron a little tighter, and then lebron fake the 3 and take it to the hole". I'd like this level of analysis for any major sport. Thank you.
I want to go carless. How can I make the transition as easy as possible?
For a variety of reasons, I'm thinking of selling my car and switching to a carless lifestyle. Do you have any tips on how to make the transition as painless as possible? Maybe you've made the switch yourself? I think I have a pretty good handle on this, but I'd love any advice you can give. [more inside]
Whole-disk imaging under Windows
What is the best open-source method for imaging an entire external hard drive, and then mounting the resulting image as a read-only drive under Windows?
The drive in question is an external USB FAT32 hard drive with two partitions. Is there a robust Win32
posted by anemone of the state at 12:58 PM PST - 5 comments
dd alternative? It would also be nice to be able to open the image under VMWare. posted by anemone of the state at 12:58 PM PST - 5 comments
Looking for video of the halftime show from a 1971 Jets-Patriots game
In 1971, during the halftime show of a game between the NY Jets and the Patriots, my dad's high school marching band performed. My dad, a trumpet player, had a solo in the show. He asked me if I could find video of that performance. Can anyone point me in the direction of where that could be found or who could possibly provide it in a physical format?
Bubbe was a DJ?
I have inherited over 70 old record albums, many 78's. They are mainly a mix of Yiddish and Hebrew songs and spoken word. I have contacted The Idelsohn Society, but they do not have room in their cramped NYC office for this.
There's a chance some of these have historic value, so I'd like to get them into good hands. Any ideas who to contact?
iPhones in Europe/Israel. Talk to me like I'm sloooooow. Please.
I'm so overwhelmed by the information I get when I go online… can someone give me the for-dummies explanation here -- tell me what to do and exactly how? I need to be told how to use either an iPhone 5S or a 4s, in Italy and Israel, to be able to make/get local calls and texts, and access interactive maps, without incurring surprise fees. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments
What's the name of this specific
I try to open my front door with my swipe card from work, put 1cm-wide lids onto 5cm-wide bottle tops, and try to write on a whiteboard with a tablet stylus. Is there a name for this form of memory/concentration lapse? [more inside]
posted by metaBugs at 11:39 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by metaBugs at 11:39 AM PST - 14 comments
Tips for Las Vegas: Hipster Edition
We'll be going to Las Vegas for a long weekend next week and I'm looking for suggestions that are a little more off the beaten track. Some things I've found on Yelp so far that fit the profile, Drink and Drag bowling, Grouchy John's Coffee Shop, Freakin' Frog. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 11:05 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 11:05 AM PST - 12 comments
Effective salt alternatives for sidewalks
Hello, fellow salt-deprived victims of this over-generous winter! I am fanatical about clearing my front walk, but my salt supplies are almost depleted and both salt and the usual alternatives are out of stock in my Toronto neighbourhood. In addition to dedicated shovelling and attacking residual ice with the appropriate metal tools, what can I do to fight problems like a thin slick of black ice that results from the occasional melt-friendly temperatures we get? [more inside]
posted by maudlin at 10:39 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by maudlin at 10:39 AM PST - 16 comments
horse meditation
i miss riding horses. i love the sound of horses- very comforting. is there a meditation that guides you as if you were riding or in horse barn? i listen to rain and blizzards on YouTube, is there a horse soundtrack?thanks- i know this might be very random. but hey thats what metafilter is for!
Spoil a Trekkie
I would like to indulge my daughter's Star Trek obsession. All suggestions welcome; specific question about Trek conventions follow: [more inside]
The perfect felt mouse toy
Our cat Dr. Wily has a favorite felt mouse. There's a few other mouse-like toys she likes, but this is the one she is excited about chasing and fetching without exception. She is also willing to not eat it, as she has done with many other toys. However, it is wearing down, and we'd like to get more. [more inside]
Unstructured schedule, complicated by mental illness
I am a writer on disability for bipolar depression and anxiety.
Because I am on disability, my days are largely without structure. Right now after a mental health crisis, I have a lot of structure lent during weekdays by various mental health appts. (therapy 2x/ week, a DBT group, checking in/picking up meds at the mental health center weekly). Otherwise, I'm left to my own devices. I am an ambitious and prolific writer, but I still have trouble sitting down to do work. It's nearly impossible for me to say "I'm just going to work on x project" and stick to that."
(I was being treated for ADD, but the meds were making my mania worse and the only non-stim med was making me really fatigued.)
Anyway, given that my moods/sleep schedule are so changeable, I have trouble committing to a schedule. I just started reading The Willpower Instinct, and I'm hoping that helps.
For those of you who've dealt with having a lot of unstructured time, what's been helpful?
SharePoint Loves You!
I want to make use of Valentine's Day to help re-engage people with a SharePoint site. Help me think of ways I can do this in a funny and cool way. [more inside]
posted by Calzephyr at 8:04 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Calzephyr at 8:04 AM PST - 8 comments
What do you (temporarily) do with an MA in History?
I'm currently enrolled in a History Ph.D. program and will be eligible to leave with an MA in a couple of months. I've applied to finish my doctorate elsewhere, but, given some recent developments in my department, have decided that I would really rather leave after my MA regardless of whether I get in elsewhere this cycle. Help me brainstorm options. [more inside]
is retail the only prospect for me
I'm 21, live at home, and don't know what kind of career I can hope to get. I'm worried that I'm going to be stuck working crappy jobs for the rest of my life and never move out. [more inside]
First home purchase a bit earlier than we planned for...
My husband and I agreed a few months ago that in about three years we would purchase a house. We're being pushed out of our apartment, and we're considering doing it a bit earlier than planned. Problem: down payment savings. We don't have much of one. I kind of feel like we're special snowflakes, so it's ok. Are we? [more inside]
Olympic hockey in the Bay Area
Where can I go to watch the Team USA and Team Canada games in the Bay Area? Preference for Oakland/East Bay, but I could trek into the city if need be.
What was that game I used to play?
I am trying to remember a turn-based game I played for about 3-4 months back around 2002. I played the game online, and it had a simple interface of text-based panels of information. IIRC, the gameplay was mainly around forging weapons and attacking other players, slowly building up your skill level and strength to rise through the ranks. [more inside]
How do all the cool kids draw?
I am looking for some high quality Japanese Brush Pens since you can draw so many wonderful things with them- I know about the "Kuretake 50 Million Years" but I find it hard to find other really good Brush Pens in the 30-100$ range. Availability only in Japan is fine. [more inside]
How do you stop thinking of something that still hurts?
If you've decided to let something go in a relationship, how do you get past it while it still hurts you? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 2:00 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Autumn at 2:00 AM PST - 21 comments
Like A Sailor
How can I swear better? I want to learn the art of swearing to broaden the range of my expression, be it to share joy, frustration, boredom or anything else. [more inside]
posted by squishles at 1:39 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by squishles at 1:39 AM PST - 37 comments
February 7
ID a dystopian future short story with massive unemplyment and a utopia.
I'm trying to ID a short story where the protagonist becomes unemployed in a world where once you lose your job you have no hope of getting another job and are therefor forced to accept marginal government assistance. Additional spoilerific details inside. [more inside]
posted by Mitheral at 11:46 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Mitheral at 11:46 PM PST - 2 comments
Looking for "nugget ice" in NYC
I've got a super-pregnant buddy who has been craving ice. Specifically, the "Sonic-style" crunchy ice that's nice to chew. Any leads on where to find such a thing in New York City? She lives in Queens, so it'd be nice to be able to grab a big old bag of it somewhere (so it could survive the subway journey) and surprise her with it.
posted by lauranesson at 11:27 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by lauranesson at 11:27 PM PST - 15 comments
Help me find an apartment in New York!
I'm a single young man currently living in New Jersey. I work downtown (near the Fulton St. A stop) and have a standing appointment in the West Village twice a week that keeps me out until 10:30 and 12:30, respectively. I'd like to move into the city proper to make both of these things easier, but I've only ever lived with family and friends (in Chicago). What would be some good neighborhoods for me to consider? How do I find room-mates? How do I find places to look at? Do I need a broker? More on my budget, desires, and lifestyle inside. [more inside]
Where Should I Bail Out of House of Cards?
How many episodes of House of Cards should I watch (given three assumptions)? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 9:45 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 9:45 PM PST - 18 comments
Treadmill suggestions
We are in the market for a treadmill and trying to figure out the best one. [more inside]
Help me come to grips with SSL and WebDAV on IIS 8
I could use some help finding how-tos and walkthroughs for generating and installing self-signed SSL server certificates, managing SSL client certificates, and setting up external WebDAV over SSL access on Windows Server 2012 + IIS 8 to a large existing Windows Server 2003 file server currently reachable only via the LAN, keeping existing user access rules. [more inside]
posted by flabdablet at 8:10 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by flabdablet at 8:10 PM PST - 9 comments
Basements and Attics in North America
I've been wondering about this for a long time- how prevalent are basements and attics in houses in North America? It seems like I'm always hearing about people doing projects in their basements (or dwelling in them!)- or having all sorts of treasures stashed away up in their attics. [more inside]
posted by Philby at 7:11 PM PST - 60 comments
posted by Philby at 7:11 PM PST - 60 comments
Therapy 101: What kind of therapist does my husband need?
My wonderful, kind, funny, awesome husband needs some help. I think he may have some mild depression issues. It manifests itself mostly as roadblocks in his brain that stall him on major work projects, grad school, etc. He just shuts down on certain big projects and can’t finish them, and I’m worried about him. [more inside]
Seeking an OB/GYN or RE recommendation in greater Seattle area
I'm looking for an OB/GYN or RE in the greater Seattle area after experiencing 3 early miscarriages in the last 10 months. [more inside]
How do you cope in a cubicle area where people pass by every 10-15 mins
How do you cope in a cubicle area where people pass by every 10-15 mins.
For example, MOST cubicles in the office are along the wall (4 people per block). People walk in the middle isle and there isn't any disturbance.
However, my cubicle is situated in the middle of nowhere. Basically, there is a wall in front & right side. However, the entire back & left side is open and people walk by every 10-15 mins. The problem is that my cubicle is near a door where people walk in/out then walk behind our cubicle and walk toward the kitchen or printer. I have nothing to hide. But, every time people walk by, I tend to look and see who walked by. Or sometimes I feel that there is no privacy at all.
I'm not looking for a specific answer but would like to know how you cope in this situation or what did you do?
El Salvador in May?
How is El Salvador as a travel destination in May? I'm thinking of going to El Salvador for the last week in May this year and am a little concerned about the weather ( rain in particular ). Is the weather there bad enough that I should think about other options? Are there particular areas that I should either avoid or make a point of visiting at that time of year?
Best backpacking guide... book, website, whatever!
I'm looking to start backpacking/rough camping this year, and I've had a hard time picking a guide. Can you recommend a book (preferred) or a website for this sort of thing? I've done some not-so-rough campground camping before, but it was alway drive-in camping. We'd love to start off with over nighters and work our way up from there. We don't know what type of pack/tent/gear to get at all. Bonus: guides for the tri-state (Philadelphia-New Jersey-Delaware) area camping/packing would be nice, too. Thanks!
posted by ancient star at 5:18 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by ancient star at 5:18 PM PST - 11 comments
Where do you get music for your Vimeo/YouTube videos?
I want to get into video making and was wondering where people get their music from. I've noticed that some YouTube partners go to SoundCloud to pick up remixes of licensed songs to get past the copyright infringement--is that okay? [more inside]
Work leave request policy conundrum. What's fair? What works?
My growing office of 10 is thinking about developing a vacation scheduling/leave request policy, and I'd be responsible for managing it. Staff get about 3-4 weeks vacation every year, and we're in a student service office in a university setting in the US. Before now there were no scheduling snafus, because we closed over the holidays. BUt a new policy has come down - we'll be open over the holidays. So could you tell me how your office juggles vacation leave requests in general, and what you think of it? How do you manage leave over the holidays or other popular times? Do you think seniority is fair? Or should leave be first requested, first serve? What do you think is the best way to develop a leave request policy? I'd like to have a policy that is sensible and user friendly, based on a process that is transparent and fair. HR is giving us leeway on determining a policy and at the very least, I'll ask everyone in the office what they think. But I thought I'd also ask you, hivemind. All suggestions welcome.
Short story? Brother/sister in back of truck, coffin falls, kills sister
Simple summary: A brother and sister rode along to the store in the back of a truck to purchase a coffin. On the return trip home, the coffin falls on the sister and kills her, and they have to go back to the store to buy a coffin for her.
Google has had some mighty strange or irrelevant suggestions to my query, but nothing that seems right. It's probable that I'd recognize the cover or the name of the book. [more inside]
Wanting to get a KitchenAid mixer but confused by all the options.
We are in a financial position that I can finally get my dream mixer but I when I look at all the options for size of bowl, power (wattage) and tilt or lift I have no idea what I need. [more inside]
posted by wwax at 2:32 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by wwax at 2:32 PM PST - 32 comments
Best Books for Ancient History?
I've recently developed an interest in ancient history (yes, the recent history-related posts on the blue may have helped) and am looking for good books on the subject that I can buy/check out from the library. I'm particularity interested in technological and cultural histories of major ancient civilizations. [more inside]
Shipping Computers and Other Hassles
I'm going to be spending 3 months in California, staying with my girlfriend, starting in March. I'm not moving house, exactly, but I do want to move some large/heavy/bulky things (like my beast of a desktop) and I'm not sure of the best way to go about it. [more inside]
Freighter Canoe
Need advice on buying a freighter canoe. [more inside]
posted by fimbulvetr at 2:05 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by fimbulvetr at 2:05 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me figure out what's going on with my butt
Is there a scientific, non-woo, non-exclusion diet based way to test for food intolerances? Lots of snowflake details and some TMI inside. [more inside]
Congress requires SMARTCARD technology to be built into Visa/Mastercards
In a meeting today, I was told that Congress will be requiring Visa/Mastercard and the various banks that provide Magnetic-Stripe debit and credit cards to their customers to upgrade their technology to cards that incorporate SMARTCARD technology, with unique card ID-numbers. [more inside]
Probably not contagious
Any ideas where to find the HBO documentary "Celibacy" from about a decade ago? Required macabre Valentine's viewing for some of us...!
Can someone ID this font?
I can't figure out the font used for "The Kanes" in this image. So familiar, yet still elusive.
Pittsburgh radio spot, early 90s
When I lived in the Pgh area, one of the drive-time radio shows would occasionally host a spot from a guy who'd give a 5-minute rant in the most perfectly raw Pgh accent you could ever imagine. I don't recall much about his persona -- just another working stiff from Steeltown -- but his pitch-perfect voice was a major element in the act. Any memories?
Forget picking a career, how do you find a career counselor?
How do you find career counseling that's worth your time and money? Or can you recommend specific counselors in New York City? [more inside]
half-remembered philosophy
I am struggling to remember or find a line from what I think was a work of philosophy, something like:"at the heart [center] of every system [of belief | of thought | world-construct] is a secret [hidden] trangression [contradiction | inversion | denial]" [more inside]
What fields are good for problem-solving?
I'm good at standardized tests, much better than I am at learning. What careers might lend themselves to those sort of skills? [more inside]
Songs for your true love/arch-nemesis.
I'm looking for more love songs with a specific theme - essentially, "You drive me fucking crazy and sometimes I want to throttle you and we're both kind of fucked up AND ALSO I love you more than anything and need you more than air and think you're the best person ever." [more inside]
posted by DulcineaX at 11:52 AM PST - 46 comments
posted by DulcineaX at 11:52 AM PST - 46 comments
Terminator 2 and Running Machines
In Terminator 2, there is a scene where the T1000, running in human form, cannot keep up with the car fleeing from it. It struck me at the time (and still bugs me 20 years later, hence this question) that surely "tall biped" could not possibly have been the "top speed" form to take. What would be the ultimate pursuing creature have looked like? [more inside]
posted by maxwelton at 11:33 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by maxwelton at 11:33 AM PST - 21 comments
Easy, quick ways to spiff up a sports-themed WP site
Pimp My Website Filter: Help me help a friend who wants to liven up his sports-related blog. [more inside]
I need to move to LA in March, but do you want to get a drink?
I've been very busy with a work-at-home project for the past 4 months and I'd like to get out of the house. I'm in Minneapolis but moving to California mid March. A number of women have contacted me on OK Cupid over the past week. They seem great, and I would like to ask them out to dinner or a drink. I do want to maximize my chance of going out, but also feel like springing that info mid-date will ruin the vibe. Should I tell them I am moving before meeting up in person? [more inside]
posted by BabeTheBlueOX at 11:14 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by BabeTheBlueOX at 11:14 AM PST - 14 comments
Should I continue to date an egregiously bad tipper?
On our third date, a seemingly great guy didn't tip at all on the bill at a fancy-ish restaurant, despite the fact that we received special treatment from my friend who works there (who was not our server). Question part 1: is this a deal breaker? Question part 2: should I contact my friend to apologize on the guy's behalf? [more inside]
Mother got a job in my workplace behind my back.
I have been working a steady job at a fairly close-knit company for about 3 years, and was recently promoted. My mother applied behind my back and got a job in the same company. We do not get along. Should I quit? [more inside]
Help me prepare for two big work meetings about possible new roles
I’m looking to make a move to a different role and location of the Mega Corp I work in. Have two meetings set up with people who could make that happen. Now what? Please help me understand the perspective of the bosses I'm meeting with and what I might say now that I have made these meetings happen! Background and specific question after the jump. [more inside]
Laser Jet 1000, we miss you so
Anyone have a good/safe source for a driver for the HP Laser Jet 1000 - difficulty Windows 8.1?
The printer is a workhorse but my dad just "upgraded" to a new computer with 8.1 and I'd like to find him a way to use this printer.
It's an ancient printer and HP long ago stopped supporting it (of course, because HP).
Know of any good 80x86 family assembly compilers?
What is the best free 80x86 family assembly compiler? [more inside]
posted by Lord Fancy Pants at 9:53 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Lord Fancy Pants at 9:53 AM PST - 17 comments
Fast moving water is best
So, apparently some manufactorers make it so that you can easily remove the flow restrictor from a lot of shower heads, increasing the flow so that it has good pressure.... Uh, which ones? Our current showerhead looks god awful but my husband won't let me replace it unless I ensure it will be as high pressure as our current crap one. [more inside]
Online pledge thermometer...that's not about raising funds
My organization is looking for some kind of an online pledge drive thermometer or progress bar widget that can accept and track pledges that are not monetary (i.e. "I will do X at least Y number of times.") Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by gone2croatan at 9:32 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by gone2croatan at 9:32 AM PST - 5 comments
Who doesn't own cars?
I'm trying to do a bit of research and I'm looking into broad demographics about car ownership. There's a fair amount of information about what kinds of people own what kinds of vehicles, but I'm getting stuck finding a demographic profile for adults who don't own cars. Any thoughts as to where I can find this information?
BONUS POINTS if it's around Canada/North America and within the last 3 years. [more inside]
posted by robot-hugs at 9:16 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by robot-hugs at 9:16 AM PST - 7 comments
Finding a workable entry level job ASAP, Seattle.
I need to find an entry level job in the Seattle area. My resume looks like sludge and I need at least half my rent at the end of this month. I'm a smart friendly drug free person who's punctual and hates to leave work unfinished, but I'm also an incredibly inexperienced introvert who doesn't drive and is currently anxious. I need financial security. What do I do and where can I go to get a workable job ASAP? [more inside]
posted by a mous named nony at 9:15 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by a mous named nony at 9:15 AM PST - 22 comments
Giving a snapshot of a web page a transparent background in Photoshop
Photoshop experts: What's the best way to take a snapshot of a web page, and put it into a Photoshop document as if it had a transparent background? So text and other anti-aliased elements composite smoothly into my Photoshop document without fringing or losing detail. [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 8:59 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by snarfois at 8:59 AM PST - 12 comments
Research Help in Another City - Atlanta Crime Edition
I recently discovered the identity of a long lost relative who is deceased. Apparently he was in and out of prison his whole life for serious crimes. This was in the Atlanta area from the late 50s thru the 80s. Is there any kind of service available that could search local newspapers for articles about his arrests or trials? [more inside]
"We wanna get loaded."
I've always had a thing for songs which sample snatches of movie or television dialogue. This question covered similar material, but I'm not specifically looking for remixes that appeared on an affiliated movie's soundtrack. [more inside]
apology vs. regret
What is the difference between apology and regret? Can you meaningfully, honestly apologize for something you don't regret? [more inside]
posted by divined by radio at 8:04 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by divined by radio at 8:04 AM PST - 45 comments
This is not fort kick ass.
My house is becoming an ice fort complete with ice moat. I would like to at least get out the front door without killing myself. Please help! [more inside]
recent book on 100? concepts of the afterlife
Within the past year or two (approx.), there was a book published that laid out (in a somewhat light-hearted, abbreviated manner, for mass market) many various imaginings from religion, folklore, etc., of what life after death may be like. Can anyone recall it for me?
Looking for 17th Century Polish poetry books
Asking for my husband - he recently met a man who when younger had a love for 17th century Polish poetry. He wasn't clear if there was one specific poet, or just poetry from that era. My husband would love to buy him a book of such poems (in Polish) as a gift. But since neither of us knows Polish, Googling isn't helping much.
It could be a new or old edition, anthologies are fine. Must be able to ship to the US.
Thanks in advance!
How can I negotiate lower cell-phone, data, and internet bills?
So budget has been a bit tight these days and I realized I'm losing a-lot of money into cell phone and internet bills. I have the nagging suspicion that I'm paying more than others.
Do people know any tactics to use to bring down internet and cell-phone rates?
I've tried threatening to quit before, with some success, but I think they have that on record now and it seems to work less well. [more inside]
posted by cacofonie at 7:13 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by cacofonie at 7:13 AM PST - 11 comments
Name this recent literary science fiction book!
Name this Science Fiction book! Recently translated to english from a european language (german?) out in hardcover. Protagonist is an italian woman living in a post catastrophe europe. Primary plot mover is time-travel/many worlds machine. She travels back to the middle ages and engages with a philosopher/academic/monastic (after getting burned at the stake on at least one attempt) [more inside]
posted by leotrotsky at 6:44 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by leotrotsky at 6:44 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me stay sane and functioning this weekend, please?
My boyfriend and I are scheduled to have a talk on Monday that may very well lead to us breaking up. How do I manage until then? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 6:02 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by LoonyLovegood at 6:02 AM PST - 26 comments
Splitting a SQL Server 2012 database into multiple files
I have an application whose database will soon grow beyond the 2TB limit of its disk drive. [more inside]
posted by DWRoelands at 5:46 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by DWRoelands at 5:46 AM PST - 5 comments
Distance running in Africa
I want to run my first marathon. I live in Africa. Where on this content can I find a marathon well-suited to a decent novice runner? [more inside]
February 6
What book is this?
Asking for a friend, who writes...
Somewhere along the line in life, I let someone borrow a book in which a character, presumably named Christine fakes a pregnancy, where she has a pillow with a child's face drawn on it under her dress. It also includes people being ripped apart by demonic monkeys, or something of that sort... while I know this book sounds strange, I need to find out what it's called... so let me know, if you know.[more inside]
Where can I find a straightforward NBC Olympics schedule?
Maybe it's just my computer, but NBC's Olympics schedule page is horribly broken for me.
I'm looking both for a schedule of what time each event will be streamed live, as well as a schedule of NBC's primetime coverage. Are there any other sites where I can find it -- preferably in plaintext?
I'm particularly interested in the figure-skating events, so if there's a site where I can find just those times, that would be helpful too.
posted by mekily at 11:20 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mekily at 11:20 PM PST - 8 comments
Twitter client to hide @ replies from select tweeters
I follow a group of friends who are interesting, fun, and definitely worth following, but they tweet at each other non-stop. At any given time at least half the tweets in my stream are @ messages between the same four or five people. I don't want to unfollow them, and I don't want to turn replies off for everyone. Is there a Mac, iOS, and/or web client that lets me hide @ replies on a per-user basis?
posted by Ian A.T. at 11:07 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Ian A.T. at 11:07 PM PST - 3 comments
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gum issues?
So I have sensitive teeth as well as a history of gum recession. I had gum grafts done years ago, and they're still not looking too hot, but at least I no longer have excruciating pain whenever something that's not room temperature touches it. [more inside]
Help me identify this animated (possibly stop motion) movie
I'm trying to find this incredibly bizarre stop motion (?) movie I saw on Netflix DVD around 2008-ish. [more inside]
posted by moons in june at 8:51 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by moons in june at 8:51 PM PST - 6 comments
Recover from Kickstarter reward miscommunication gracefully
I donated a lot of money to a small retail store for a Kickstarter campaign they ran. There were a lot of rewards offered, and I said I didn't want "all of them". But so far I've gotten none. I want to followup, because I'd like to continue to patronize this business. [more inside]
Psychiatric admission for young child
My little one is going to be admitted to a psychiatric program. Please help me understand what that means. [more inside]
Can I add books to my Kindle through an iPad?
Can I, through some combination of adapters and usb-to-lightning cables, transfer data from an ipad to a kindle? [more inside]
How to get make-up off collar of fleece top?
My wife is sad because her favorite North Face fleece top is kind of shiny and gross around the collar where make-up (mostly Bare Minerals powdered foundation, she says) has built up. Can she remove this stuff? How? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:49 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 7:49 PM PST - 12 comments
Surf and Turf
What's this literary novel about a woman falling in love with a sea creature? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 7:48 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by exceptinsects at 7:48 PM PST - 6 comments
Why does my Smart TV disconnect from wifi, and what can i do about it?
I have a brand new Samsung smart tv, and a generally reliable wifi connection. For some reason, with tv frequently disconnects from the wifi (usually while i'm in the middle of watching something that relies on wifi), when the wifi signal itself is fine (ie. my laptop is still connected to it.) How do i make it stop doing that? Is this something that Samsung should be responsible for? Is it something with my router? What? [more inside]
How big would a snowman have to be to survive the summer?
(This is from my 11 year old son, purely because he's curious and because we have 11' snowbanks this year).
How big would a snowman have to be for at least some snow to survive to the next winter? [more inside]
posted by sweet mister at 6:11 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by sweet mister at 6:11 PM PST - 25 comments
things to do in LA with an 11-month old?
my 11-month old son and i are tagging along on my husband's business trip to LA. staying in seal beach and looking for things to do! [more inside]
posted by sabh at 6:06 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by sabh at 6:06 PM PST - 7 comments
It was a thin black hardcover book, do you have it in stock?
In 1994 I started to read a book and got interrupted. I only remember one striking description from the first few pages. Because I only remember that one image, I'm hoping that if I can get a collection of books or short stories with imagery like my description one of them will be the right book. [more inside]
What's a good gift for a child who may be losing his battle with cancer?
Sad times in my family. My six-year-old nephew's DIPG - one of the most devastating forms of childhood brain cancer - appears to be recurring after a "radiation honeymoon" that saw many of his symptoms recede for a while. The prognosisis is poor; the progression of the disease over the coming weeks and months will likely see him lose many basic functions - sight, coordination, ambulation - while retaining, to the very end, most of his intellectual capabilities. We are helping out as much as we can, but since my nephew is on the other side of the country, I was wanting to send him something that he'd find fun, interesting, maybe even useful. What that might be, though, I don't know. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by soulbarn at 5:17 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by soulbarn at 5:17 PM PST - 33 comments
Occupation shifts over time
I'd like to visualize shifts in employment between occupations in the United States from the end of WWII to the present. Here is a (rather poor) example of the the sort of thing I have in mind. OES data seems like the obvious choice, but the BLS specifically cautions against using it. Is there better data available? I'm mostly interested in broad shifts due to technical change (i.e. the emergence of the software industry, the decline in manufacturing employment).
posted by wobdev at 5:07 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by wobdev at 5:07 PM PST - 1 comment
Need iPad app recommendations
So I have joined the 2010s and bought an iPad. Please help me outfit it with apps. [more inside]
posted by donajo at 4:52 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by donajo at 4:52 PM PST - 26 comments
Tangled web woven with roommates. Ideas to untangle?
I'm in the middle with a strange roommate/landlord situation. Any ideas on how I can gracefully get out of this unscathed, while making sure everyone is happy? [more inside]
Help me identify this fantasy novel
I bought it from a thrift store sometime in the 90's. Mostly, I recall there being an auction of magical/religiously significant items and a chase scene involving a golem. [more inside]
posted by darchildre at 3:43 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by darchildre at 3:43 PM PST - 2 comments
How To Get To Reading, PA
I need to attend a wedding in the Reading, PA area this June. I would like to travel there from Boston, MA, without renting a car. Is this reasonably possible? [more inside]
Best process for redesigning a wordpress site/creating a test site?
I taught myself how to build a wordpress website for our small business a few years ago and since our current platform (Platform Pro) is now defunct, I need to switch to a different platform and get all my plugins and wordpress up-do-date. What is the smartest way to do this? [more inside]
Where can I view back issues of National Geographic in NYC?
I'm looking for an article from a National Geographic magazine originally published in 1967. I've checked the New York Public Library catalog but no luck. Any ideas where I can find a copy? Digital or hard copy is fine.
posted by rsk at 2:15 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by rsk at 2:15 PM PST - 7 comments
What is a safe proximity from a Smart Meter for a pregnant woman?
My home's Smart Meter is located directly across from my kitchen sink, on the exterior side of the wall they share. I probably spend about 40 minutes each day standing within 2 feet of the meter, doing dishes and washing produce, etc. My stove is only about 4 feet from the meter, and I love to cook so I spend a considerable amount of time there as well. I am hoping to become pregnant soon. Is this exposure to radiation something I should be at all concerned about? [more inside]
posted by lmpatte2 at 2:10 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by lmpatte2 at 2:10 PM PST - 17 comments
Class participation for introverts
How can I save my class participation grade? [more inside]
Job outlook for US citizen in the UK?
Partnered with an EU citizen, likely soon becoming a trailing spouse. I am a master's-level clinician (NP) whose qualifications will sadly not be recognized by the NHS. Questions for the green:
- Thoughts on general job prospects/climate for foreigners?
- Does marriage to an EU citizen improve/hinder chances of job placement? We are not married, and neither desiring/against marriage as an institution. Okay with getting married if it will smooth our transitions a bit.
- Suggestions for job seekers' resources in the UK, particularly London? Bonus points for health-related and/or immigrant-focused resources. [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 1:29 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by stillmoving at 1:29 PM PST - 18 comments
Give me some of that sexy, sexy self-loathing
Book recommendation filter:
Guy loves girl. Guy hates himself for it. Romantic drama ensues. [more inside]
posted by pretentious illiterate at 1:25 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by pretentious illiterate at 1:25 PM PST - 18 comments
Colour-blind to study aids?
Do you study similarly to me? What else works for you? [more inside]
posted by Chorus at 1:05 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Chorus at 1:05 PM PST - 15 comments
Suit Me!
Where to shop for a suit in Boston or the North Shore of Massachusetts? Challenge: Women's suit. [more inside]
What's up with this odd usage of the word "steal"?
In the early 1990s, the boys in my middle school used to threaten to "steal" each other, meaning hit/punch/sock/pop/smack. It was most commonly heard as, "I'mma steal you in your eye!" or "I'm gonna steal him upside the head!" I found it strange even then, and I haven't heard or seen reference to it since. Have you heard "steal" used like this before? Where could it have come from? Relevant details: This was in Nash County, North Carolina. I recall hearing it exclusively from white boys. The couple times I asked someone who was self-aware enough to discuss it, they were adamant that it was "steal" and not "steel."
Have people fought with sugar cubes?
I already feel sheepish for asking this. I have a French colleague who swore up and down that there are places (prisons? He was vague, we were drinking) where sugar cubes are banned, because they are used to cut people in fights. A supposed bonus is that the sugar makes resulting wound heal poorly.
This all sounds like the kind of BS I would be proud to make up myself, and it's surprisingly difficult to look up on Google.
Has anyone else heard of this? Because if it's a thing, that is nutty.
"Red sky at night, sailor's delight".....
So I've heard this little ditty all my life, perhaps especially because I was a Navy brat:
Red sky at night, sailor's delight;
Red sky at morning, sailors take warning"
It's poetic and easy to remember, it rhymes..... but is it true?!? I mean, from a forecasting standpoint, is it a good, consistant predictor of coming weather? And if so, why: what is it about a red sky at sunset or sunrise that would make a difference?
posted by easily confused at 12:13 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by easily confused at 12:13 PM PST - 14 comments
Leaving employer to create competitor – tips and pitfalls
A colleague and I are considering forming our own company in competition with our employer. We're currently researching our idea and working up a full business plan. How do we do this legally and ethically, and avoid getting fired until we're ready to jump? [more inside]
Help me remember a radio story I heard on NPR
There was a story/performance I heard on some (probably NPR) radio show within the last 10 years. It was a man and a woman meeting at a party, and instead of saying things to each other they described what they would say to each other, kind of a meta-conversation. [more inside]
posted by benito.strauss at 12:09 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by benito.strauss at 12:09 PM PST - 7 comments
Image from Book of Kells exhibit at Trinity College, Dublin?
I was recently in Dublin and was amazed by the Book of Kells exhibit (if you're ever there I highly recommend it). Anyway, there was an image in the exhibit, not from the Book of Kells, that I loved and want a tattoo of! All I have is this bad photo.
BAD PHOTO!
I've done hours of internet search, reverse image look up and all that. Has anyone seen it, know what its from or have a good image of it? Its mostly the upper part with the guys arms and the serpents.
Thanks!
posted by AutoPilot83 at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by AutoPilot83 at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
Does anyone recognize this logo?
Why do I keep killing bass amps?
Last night, at an otherwise excellent show, my electric bass amp died. Power was on, amp was off, and would not turn on any longer. In the middle of a song. This would be fine, but: this is my third amp that's died in three years. What's up? [more inside]
Business card printer to go?
My non-profit organization is having a large booth at L.A. Pride Festival this summer and one of our objectives is to get people's names and email addresses. We've talked about swag, but one of the things that I think would be popular is giving people 20 business cards (or mini-cards) with their name and address that they could use for their own purposes during the festival. They would get what they want (useful swag) and we would get what we want (email addresses). [more inside]
Need information about activism for dog-friendly rental housing
My city has developed an extreme lack of dog-friendly rental housing, and the trend towards prohibiting dogs or charging exorbitant "pet rent" is only getting worse. I'm looking for examples of cities and towns that have successfully turned around this trend. [more inside]
A month after move, ex-landlord now wants money for "damages" to condo.
We rented a condo in Chicago for 6 years and moved out last month. We had a month to month agreement with the owner and no security deposit was given or requested at the time we moved in. We hired an established cleaning crew to go through the apt on the day after moving out and paid them $250.00 for cleaning the 2 bedroom duplex. The owner showed up at the same time and everything was amenable, no problems were stated at that time. He said he was going to do some re-hab work as he wanted to raise the rental price 'acknowledging the whole unit needed a lot of updating in order to merit the higher rent.
Now, a month later, he sent an email saying that we owe him over $1000.00 as he has found out many things that need repair such as excessive nail holes in the wall, some junk removal (clay pots on the deck, etc) some other minor damages and he says the dishwasher needs to be replaced at $800.00. When we left the unit the dishwasher, a 6 year old Bosch, was working fine.
What are our obligations here? Thanks.
Reasonable expectations for a buyer's agent in a sellers' market?
We're entering our third season of trying to buy a house in a very hot real estate market, and just lost another one. Our agent is a really nice person, but we feel like she's just not doing that much for us. I'd appreciate some thoughts on if our expectations are realistic. [more inside]
Suburban Chicago Wedding Venue Needed
A good friend of mine is getting married, and asked me to enlist the hive mind to help her find a venue. She is looking for something budget-friendly but unique; located in the West or Northwest suburbs (about a 50 mile radius from Chicago but not further south than Plainfield), for about 150 guests. A place that would allow them to bring their own food and liquor would be ideal, and park district venues are acceptable.
How do you get Helium in the Toca Lab app?
How do you get Helium in the Toca Lab app?
posted by drezdn at 10:40 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by drezdn at 10:40 AM PST - 2 comments
Dealing my my bestie/roomie's new, clingy, gf.
I, female, live with my (male) bff. He has a new girlfriend, and I'm getting clingy/possessive vibes from her that make me feel like she is trying to edge me out. He, of course, is infatuated and doesn't see this. How do I deal with this while preserving my living situation and best friend-ship? [more inside]
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 10:28 AM PST - 51 comments
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 10:28 AM PST - 51 comments
How do I make sure I have enough food for a crowd?
I am organizing a dinner at a local charity. They just said to expect 100 people (about 30% more than the original estimate), and I want to make sure we've got enough food and hopefully enough to leave leftovers. I've never done this before, can you take a look at my recipes and see what you think? [more inside]
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 10:22 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by peanut_mcgillicuty at 10:22 AM PST - 15 comments
Where to go and what to do in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia?
My girlfriend and I will be spending the next 3-4 months travelling in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Where should we go and what should we do? [more inside]
I'm soon turning 33. I want to pet an owl for my birthday.
What I would love is for someone to bring the owl to my apartment's patio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The owl will be skritched for about an hour, by 5 - 10 responsible, sober adults. Basically, this is my dream, but with an owl. [more inside]
Advice for an adoptee
How do I find my birth parents? [more inside]
Looking for a therapist in Bermingham Uk
Can anybody recommend a therapist in Birmingham Uk or in the vicinity that specialises in gender/sexuality issues? [more inside]
Editing for fun and maybe profit?
I am an English PhD who now works as a researcher in the private sector. For some time now I have been editing things (for free) for friends and family members. What do I need to know and do if I want to make a few bucks here and there doing this for others? [more inside]
what happens to substances when they undergo radioactive decay
Radioisotopes decay into a different element (usually) based on what they emit, and the decay chain is easy to follow, well understood, etc.
But what happens when the radioisotope is part of a ionic compound ? [more inside]
posted by k5.user at 9:28 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by k5.user at 9:28 AM PST - 5 comments
Googling "weird camel thing" surprisingly proved fruitless
I am trying to remember the name of a fantasy book I read around 1990 or so. It was written for pre-teens/young adults, took place on another planet, involved a longish journey on some sort of camel-esque creature and the development of a relationship between a trainee warrior-type and some sort of novitiate. Any ideas as to what this book could be? [more inside]
How to thank the doctor that gave my son the chance to live
I want to get an awesome gift for the awesome doctor that operated on my unborn son and then made everything possible to accompany us through the rest of the pregnancy and up til the day the baby was born. What can possibly be good enough to show how thankful I am for all his hard work and his professional and personal quality? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:50 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:50 AM PST - 27 comments
Info about WWII American business links to Germany
Are there any books or other resources about the links American businesses had with Germany leading up to and during WWII? [more inside]
posted by Ickster at 8:34 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Ickster at 8:34 AM PST - 7 comments
Health Insurance Deductible "Reset" Date
So, my wife is going to give birth in Mid-to-End of June. She has a deductible "reset" date of June 1. How does this work? [more inside]
posted by Debaser626 at 8:25 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Debaser626 at 8:25 AM PST - 11 comments
Calling all web-designers: How to make a choose-your-own-adventure site?
I've got an idea for a website I'd like to do - I want to create, together with my website visitors, a sort of "choose your own adventure." I would set up the story up to a point, then the people who visit the site could come up with ideas as to which way the story would go. The top three up voted choices become the next part of the adventure, which I then flesh out. I would update once a week; this just sprung into my head, and it sounds like a cool creative project for me to do. I also have a talented artist that would like to contribute. Unfortunately, I have no experience in web site design, and am lost as how to begin.
Please help me learn how to design a website so I could set up this kind of project! Details inside. [more inside]
What should I eat for lunch at work?
For at least the last five years, the lunch I have eaten most days at work has been a yogurt, two granola bars, and a serving of apple sauce. I am now quite sick of this lunch and am looking for something new. However, I would prefer that my new lunch, like the old one, consist of items that I don't have to cook or otherwise prepare. I'm very lazy in the morning. I just want to place things in a brown bag. I would also like the lunch to be relatively healthy. Can you suggest something? All I've come up with so far is that the lunch could include a banana. Maybe with the help of MetaFilter I can choose a lunch for the next half-decade.
Does this exist
My latest annoyance is that this used iPhone 4s that I bought has the headphone jack on the top. This makes getting it in and out of my jacket pocket and holding it annoying for me. And I can't just turn the phone upside down like an iPad does. Is there such thing as a case that either replicates the headphone jack on the bottom, or has its own built-in headphones originating from the bottom? I found this one but the headphone cord still comes out of the top. Alternatively, recommendations for bluetooth headphones that have comparable good battery life and sound quality to the plugged-in kind.
Facebook Minimalism for Noobs
How can I set up Facebook from scratch with minimal spam/leakage into other accounts and minimal leakage from/to people I don't know? [more inside]
Song for which there is only one existing recording?
So I'm discussing Walter Benjamin. Has anyone else heard the story of a guy winning the copyright to a song and choosing never to market it? [more inside]
posted by Milau at 7:05 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Milau at 7:05 AM PST - 4 comments
Is this a liability case or just one for my insurance?
Yesterday, my partner slipped and fell while dropping our kid off at preschool. Every possible option about how to handle this makes me uneasy. You're not my lawyer, but that's okay, because my question is not if I can call I lawyer (or let my insurance company do the same), but whether I want to do that... [more inside]
Name the villains you love to love!
I'm looking for examples of charismatic and likeable villains. By which I mean the audience likes to watch them, not necessarily that they are liked by the other characters. Intriguing background with character development beyond establishing who the hero needs to kill is good too, though I'm not particularly after sympathetic villains unless they are also fun to watch/likable in their own right. I realise that charisma and likeability will mean different things to different people so I have given examples that I like under the cut. Looking at my examples I think I might just be looking for villains who are rich and/or powerful and portrayed well by the actor. [more inside]
Tianjin Rose Rock International Finance Center. Progress?
Anybody know anything about the Tianjin Rose Rock International Finance Center 罗斯洛克国际金融中心? It looks like it is the first move into China by the Rockefeller family. Anybody know any more than stated on this website? Anybody in Tianjin able to tell me if it is actually being built?
Legalities of Surveilance Cameras in a Rental Property?
Can a rental property owner legally operate covert video recording equipment? [more inside]
posted by jimmysmits at 6:24 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by jimmysmits at 6:24 AM PST - 4 comments
How do I destroy this sinus headache?
I've tried everything I can think of. Halp! [more inside]
posted by colin_l at 6:12 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by colin_l at 6:12 AM PST - 33 comments
Can you repeal a constitution?
I'm working for a subsidiary organization that has an outdated constitution and by-laws. The structure is so different from the current model constitution of the parent organization that it would seem easier to just strike the original one and replace it, rather than amending specific articles. My question is, given that there is no direction in the constitution itself about a complete overhaul (only how to amend it), can you repeal an entire constitution? Is "repeal" even the right term?
posted by ccalgreen at 6:05 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ccalgreen at 6:05 AM PST - 5 comments
Is it always a good idea to answer job interview questions by the book?
Okay, so you print out your resume, business card, and your portfolio. You try to look impeccable for the interview. You try to get into the right mood and you even practice some tongue twisters to avoid stuttering. But what about the interview itself? How do you approach age-old questions without sounding rehearsed? [more inside]
Making a Rube Goldberg Setup in the Classroom
I want to create a Rube Goldberg machine (or something like it) with my students. I am not the best at teaching hands-on stuff/doing experiments and things that involve design, so I am looking for help and suggestions. [more inside]
posted by gursky at 5:17 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by gursky at 5:17 AM PST - 10 comments
Looking for Scansnap Gurus
I need your help ID'ing an artist.
On the day of my grandmother's funeral 21 years ago, my family discovered that, prior to her death, she had written a letter addressed to me on the back of a painting that hung in her house. As you can imagine, the painting (and the letter, which I have preserved) has enormous sentimental value for me - I often tell people that in the case of a fire, the only thing I'm carrying out of here is my painting. The painting is signed with the name "Julian", but the handwriting does not match any of the Julians in the artist directory books at the Library of Congress (oh yeah, I went to the LOC to research this issue). Here is a photo! [more inside]
February 5
Should I just let my dog worry his wart?
My old guy has thing on his front leg that he won't stop licking. The cone can't stay on forever. I am pretty damned sure it is a wart since it looks kinda warty and, even though the area is reddened from the licking, my pulling and prodding doesn't cause him pain. I'm so tired of the emotional stress of the cone, for him and for me listening to him stress. I think I'm just going to let him have at it. Note: he's had what I thought was a skin tab there for ages, recently got bigger. I was worried it was something cancerous but it doesn't seem to cause him pain. Meh?
How can I start waking up early?
I’m a 25 year old woman, and have had this issue since high school: I just can never go to bed or wake up early! I feel like it's getting in the way of a normal and productive life. [more inside]
posted by summertimesadness1988 at 11:24 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by summertimesadness1988 at 11:24 PM PST - 28 comments
Revisiting The Airtight Garage
Looking for modern graphic artists or comic book illustrators doing work similar in style/theme to the futuristic work of Jean Giraud aka Moebius. [more inside]
posted by Mike Mongo at 9:27 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Mike Mongo at 9:27 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me identify this action movie from the late 80's or early 90's!
Sometime between 1993 and 1996 I watched this movie - I think on the movie network - and it took place on what I think was one of those experimental US military aircraft. It was kind of like die hard in a plane - one rugged hero overcoming the odds and taking out the bad guys (and I think saving the girl). I could've sworn it had Dennis Quaid, but I can't find any matching description on IMDB. It wasn't con-air or executive decision. I'm guessing it was from the early 90's, but it could have been late 80's.
posted by spacediver at 8:44 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by spacediver at 8:44 PM PST - 8 comments
A Step Above Dr. Seuss
I am looking for (fiction) books that are a step above Dr. Seuss. I don't really remember any of these from when I was young so I'm not really sure what to look for. The extra hurdle is, I have a very precocious reader who's awesome at reading, but age-level at social stuff/plot understanding. [more inside]
A T-shirt that will make me Mr. Universe
MeFi, I want to flex my muscles! More specifically, I want a T-shirt that looks like a muscular male chest. Cartoon abs would be ideal but photorealistic abs will be okay too. I would like the shirt to be in color, have the printed abs be wide enough to cover my chest so it looks like I have a six pack rather than looking like a picture of abs, and be available in a men's/unisex small. Under $20 including shipping would be ideal too.
This is the closest I can find to what I need but is too large, too expensive and I'd honestly prefer cartoony abs. Halp?
posted by capricorn at 7:47 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by capricorn at 7:47 PM PST - 5 comments
Best way to preserve old email messages from AOL and Outlook Express?
My old email messages have a lot of sentimental value to me, and I want to preserve them indefinitely. I'm just not sure about the best approach. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 7:07 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by alex1965 at 7:07 PM PST - 4 comments
"She is the one named..." wait who?
Are there are hard sci-fi novels with basically a messiah, an "oh my god, he's THE ONE, the Kwisatz Haderach, the one from the Prophecy... except he is a she? [more inside]
posted by Sayuri. at 6:36 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by Sayuri. at 6:36 PM PST - 44 comments
Need Chinese translation to english
Can any one tell me what it says at the bottom of this picture in english? I think it is Chinese.
marriage on the rocks. need advice.
Never has been a blissful marriage but is it time to throw in the towel and move on? Twenty four years in the chute, one kid in college out of the house, the other living at home in high school. Especially caustic relationship since summer. No sex in months. She works all the time, I'm out of work. Growing further and further apart. But I will want to make it work yet she doesn't seem interested in putting in the effort. Emptiness in the pit of my stomach but I will do what I have to do.
Interested in anyone's experiences in situations such as this. Is it worth fighting to keep things together? What about the kids? Is it better on the other side of relationships like this? I'm at a crossroads and need to figure this out. Thanks. [more inside]
Can you sell a baby in the US?
Researching for a story filter: Is there one federal US law that forbids selling babies/children? If so, can you point me to the law itself? Bonus points for information about which year this passed and what opposition the legislation faced. My story would concern a baby born in the 1950s, most likely. [more inside]
Email in the new century
I’ve been emailing like it’s 1999, and want to switch my main (personal) forever email account from Yahoo to a more secure provider. What’s the simplest way to do this? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 5:19 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 5:19 PM PST - 6 comments
Who are the most reputable Biblical scholars?
Who are the most reputable Biblical scholars, from various schools of thought (liberal, conservative, skeptical, etc.) [more inside]
Silence!! I kill you!
Mefis, please help me quiet the terrorist in my head. I have panic disorder and I'm afraid of everything, it seems. [more inside]
Threatening/creepy Prank phone call. Do I do something about it?
This morning at 8:50am I received a phone call and it went to voicemail. The voicemail is creepy. It says "You better watch out" in a whisper. [more inside]
posted by Jaelma24 at 4:46 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Jaelma24 at 4:46 PM PST - 13 comments
What's this tune?
I love the When Cheese Fails series! And I was wondering what that sound/tune in this video is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybP5J4MSgxI
at 4:16 - 4:33
I like listening to music, so maybe a music type or perhaps a link to a specific tune.
Listening to it makes either want to
A) Transcend this world or
B) Kill myself
Thanks.
posted by iliketothinknu at 4:35 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by iliketothinknu at 4:35 PM PST - 2 comments
alas, poor iPad
Smashed screen on a two and a half year old iPad 2. Is there ANY hope that I'm walking out of an Apple Store with a free (or cheap) replacement? Is this even worth trying for?
Happy 40th new mom in a small town...now how do we celebrate?
My awesome sister in law, who had her first child a few months ago, is turning 40 in a few weeks. My brother, however, has no plans for this milestone - a fact which I think is a disaster in the making. How did you celebrate your 40th in some memorable yet not massively difficult to achieve way? Help me give her a birthday she'll remember! [more inside]
What was this game?
I'm wondering if you can recall a certain indie game about multiple generations of flying creatures peacefully growing flowers on an island. [more inside]
posted by michaelh at 4:16 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by michaelh at 4:16 PM PST - 4 comments
Custom printed mailing labels
I've discovered the one thing you cannot buy online: printed mailing labels. Or can you? [more inside]
posted by SeparateAccountForWeddingQuestions at 3:20 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by SeparateAccountForWeddingQuestions at 3:20 PM PST - 25 comments
What does my camera do with the distance information?
I'm looking at buying a used Nikkor lens to use on my D80 (and on whatever the next body I buy is when I finally retire that body). For many of the older lenses you can get a significant savings by buying the version of the lens that does not send distance info to the camera (non-D version). How much do I care? [more inside]
posted by mzurer at 3:18 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by mzurer at 3:18 PM PST - 4 comments
Fighting anti-science scaremongering, Upworthy-style
I'm looking for links to pithy and readily engaging videos and/or infographics that present positive, optimistic, even inspiring, pro-science perspectives on any topic or area of controversy in which otherwise intelligent, well-meaning people might find themselves unwittingly supporting unscientific, pseudo-scientific, anti-scientific or technophobic viewpoints -- e.g. defenses of GMOs, vaccines, and "conventional" medicine, and educating against the naturalism fallacy and scare-mongering against "artificial chemicals," and psychiatric medication, etc. [more inside]
Graveyard in the median of a divided highway in New England?
Somewhere in Vermont, I think, there's a graveyard in a wooded area between the north and south lanes of a divided highway. Where is it? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:01 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:01 PM PST - 21 comments
Is there a way to keep bathwater from cooling?
I thought for sure there would be a device that would keep bath water warm while you're soaking in it since it seems like such a simple thing. All I can find so far however are little warmers for aquariums to keep the fish swimming in nice warm water. Why not something like this for humans? Am I just not using the right search terms?
Even just a heating mat that can go under water would be fine. I could just lay down on it to keep it from floating up.
The sun only comes out once every ten years...
My elementary school class was shown a movie about a dystopian future where the sun only appeared once in a while. I saw the movie sometime between 1984 and 1986.
It was in the gifted program if that makes any difference. I’m sure the movie was meant to be thought-provoking. I was slightly traumatized.
This is what I remember:
1) The sun only comes out once at a ridiculously long interval, maybe once a year or once every 10 years.
2) Around five or six school age kids standing in front of a huge wall of tanning bed lights. There were in their bathing suits and wearing eye protecting goggles. They talked amongst one another and were told by the teachers to switch sides every so often.
3) When the sun came out, colorful flowers bloomed, children ran in the fields, but there was one bullied child locked in an interior room or closet. She or he was not able to enjoy the one day of sunshine.
Has anyone seen this or know its name? Internet searches have been fruitless.
Thanks
posted by harperdrew at 2:04 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by harperdrew at 2:04 PM PST - 23 comments
What is Cibo Matto's "Emerald Tuesday" (heavily) sampling?
I'm listening to NPR's streaming "First Listen" of Cibo Matto's "Emerald Tuesday," off the forthcoming Hotel Valentine, and I know this song it's sampling from the first note. (And I think that's the point of the lyrics, that the ghost in the song listened/listens to the sampled song all the time.) I feel like it's also something my husband listens to all the time, or that was in a movie I just saw, but I can't pin it down. My first thought was Curtis Mayfield, but I'm not finding it. I know it's going to seem obvious to me once you tell me, but nonetheless—help! What is that song?
Your Favorite Slow-Cooker Chicken & Rice Recipes
I have a slow-cooker, boneless/skinless chicken breasts and Royal Blend rice. Help me feed my work-travel-weary husband, a couple of hearty-eating roommates and myself a good, comforting meal with crazy-staggering schedules. [more inside]
Small Valentine's gestures, not too corny, delivered sneakily
Ideas needed for a low-key sneak attack expression of "I'm glad you're in my life and I adore you, even if this holiday is for the birds (according to you)"?
I expect no reciprocation (really) other than verbal acknowledgment + kisses. This relationship is good--fabulous, really--but scheduling/logistics and his stubbornness against "Hallmark holidays" mean that Valentine's will likely pass unmentioned. And yet...I love any excuse to do something special with/for him, so I'd like to leave something sweet on his doorstep. [more inside]
What's the best viewer reference for the 2014 Winter Olympics?
Last Olympics there was an FPP linking to a thorough Olympics prospectus. Among other things, it has a condensed three-event-a-day set of viewing recommendations, a per-sport set of athletes and countries to keep an eye on, and bunches of athlete and sport context sprinkled throughout for flavor. I loved being able to tune in to a random event, pull up the prospectus, and quickly find a few sentences/a paragraph that gave me the gist of the narrative/context for that event. Is there an equivalent this year? Failing that, what are other good resources for Olympics viewers this year?
posted by jdherg at 1:32 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by jdherg at 1:32 PM PST - 1 comment
Question for Forensic Anthropologists!
I'm curious to learn about human decomposition rates and wanted know: how long would it take for a human child's skeleton vs. a human adult's skeleton to dissolve in acid peaty soil? What about in soil us humans interact with everyday? (i.e. public park soil, garden soil)
Thank you! Also, if anyone knows the answer, if you could please explain to me where/how you got the information :)
wait a minute! YANMD!!
i have a few prescriptions written by my GP. he is located in RI. i reside in MA. he's been my GP for the last 10 years. so who is this other guy's name on the bottle?? [more inside]
posted by ps_im_awesome at 12:37 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by ps_im_awesome at 12:37 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me get out (of the apartment that is).
Long time lurker, first time poster ;)
Problem: I am a single 30 year old guy who moved from downtown Seattle to the suburbs of Boston (Marlborough to be exact), for work. As you can imagine this is a somewhat of a difficult adjustment given that I love city life and being able to walk around town and not having to use my car! I used to work for a big name online retailer headquartered in downtown Seattle, and even though living and working in downtown was great, I missed out on quite a lot of fun the city life has generally to offer, primarily due to the working hours. That being said, my new job, still in the suburbs and further west from where I live (and Boston), affords a lot more time. I'd like to go out and experience the city (both Boston and New York). [more inside]
posted by rippersid at 12:30 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by rippersid at 12:30 PM PST - 5 comments
Not orbs, just ugly on my photos!
Can anybody help me diagnose the digital photography trouble I'm having? Link to blurry whitish spots all over my pix inside...TIA! [more inside]
Stop licking your paw little buddy. No, really.. stop.
My dog, aka the world's sweetest corgi, won't stop licking his paw. He's been wearing the cone of shame now for six months. What are we or the vet not thinking of? What else can we try? [more inside]
Count On Us!
NameFilter: Looking for a name for a small tax accounting firm that is marketing itself primarily towards artists and other creative types. [more inside]
My tongue hated the drugs- please help me not be miserable
Last week I came down with shingles but before it was diagnosed I thought I had diverticulitus. So I have been on 2 antibiotics and an antiviral medication. [more inside]
Me first. No, me.
I'm seeking examples of books/stories where the writer does a good job of switching back and forth between two or more first-person narrators. Can it be done? [more inside]
Crafts that use a laminator?
I'm looking for ideas for crafts that use a laminator for my 8-year old daughter's birthday party this weekend. Although most of the guests will be girls, we will have two boys, so the activity should be of interest to both sexes. Many thanks for your help!
posted by Dragonness at 11:25 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Dragonness at 11:25 AM PST - 11 comments
Bacterial conjunctivitis and library books
I have bacterial conjunctivitis. I've been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Unfortunately before I was diagnosed I checked out a bunch of library books. When can I safely return them and what can I do to make them less full of contagious nasties? [more inside]
posted by Electric Elf at 11:13 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Electric Elf at 11:13 AM PST - 11 comments
2-in-1: For the VERY thin-haired, extensions? Products?
I have very, very fine hair. Silky, almost baby-fine. My mother has been offering to get me high-end keratin extensions because she said there are areas where the hair is very sparse. I have heard only disastrous things about extensions, but am very open (hopeful even) to hearing otherwise. Can you give me feedback? Which methods were less damaging? Was it worth it? [more inside]
More dark thrillers by women?
Another ReadMe Question. Lately I've been really enjoying literary-leaning thrillers and mystery type books authored by women. Can you recommend some more? [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 10:17 AM PST - 52 comments
posted by Lutoslawski at 10:17 AM PST - 52 comments
Do I need a PA or a boss?
I need to pay someone to keep me organized and contact other people for me and sort of, well, bully me into staying on task. But I don't know what sort of person that is. Who am I trying to hire? Details below. [more inside]
Looking to move home | Chicago to SF
I'm looking to move back to the bay area after about 7 years away. What's the best way to go about this and find a job? [more inside]
Crash Course in Visually Stunning Animated Films?
I am looking for visually stunning, innovative, creative animated films, from any point in the history of the medium. They can be shorts or features, funny or serious, conventional or experimental, popular or obscure. Assume a general familiarity with Disney and Warner Bros., but I'm otherwise brand new to animation. [more inside]
posted by scarylarry at 9:17 AM PST - 68 comments
posted by scarylarry at 9:17 AM PST - 68 comments
Battlestation: Multiple desktops and monitors but 1 keyboard and 1 mouse
Hi, I have 1 keyboard, 1 mouse, and two desktop computers to use with a 3-monitor setup. I would like to know the best way to use a triple monitor setup where I can click a button and switch back and forth between desktop A and desktop B for the single keyboard/mouse and the monitors. Consolidating files onto one machine is not an option.
Are there devices or hubs I could plug the keyboard/mouse/monitors and desktops into that can do this? Amazon links would be great.
How do I know the app I'm selling is, um, selling properly?
Background: I work for a (small) company and was put in charge of helping manage the creation of a smartphone app, related to our business (both clients and non-clients would find it relevant) and geared at business professionals in the US. I was given this task due to capacity and not skill, so it's been a learning curve. An outside developer was brought in to actually create the app (for both iOS and Android). Both versions are functionally identical (with identical text in the respective stores) and sell for the same price ($1.99, if that's relevant).
It's now been a few months since the apps went live in their respective stores. Our PR firm has been helping promote the app to generate sales/spread the word. As it turns out, the iOS version is outselling the Android version by a factor of 12 to 1. Given that Android appears to have a much larger market share than Apple, this seems a little odd.
I'm looking for input from those who have sold apps in both stores to see if this is akin to their experience or any resources that might help explain why this is. I've done some searching on my own (both here in the green and on the web) but haven't found anything concrete.
[Blog Naming Filter] Help me name my dad's blog
After an initial effort, my dad is going to start writing a blog again and I'm going to help him host/maintain it. One of his favorite memoirists/thinkers/writers was Andy Rooney, and the blog is going to be more softly satirical and more about the wonders and silliness he finds in the world than Rooney was in his televised segments. [more inside]
Car insurance error in my favor?
Giant National Car Insurance Company and I disagree about whether or not I have paid my insurance bill for this half-year. They say I have. I say I haven't. Should I just give up and keep the money? Moral Quandry inside. [more inside]
Relationship Meetings: good idea or bad idea or terrible awful idea?
I have scheduled a relationship check-in with my long-term partner (a State of the Union, as per Pervocracy) only now I'm worried that it's just going to make things worse. [more inside]
What should my newborn baby sleep in?
Complication: moving transatlantically soon. [more inside]
Custom-made jigsaw puzzles NOT from a photo?
I'd like to order a custom-made jigsaw puzzle made from a map of my neighborhood, with specific addresses marked. How to do this so that it comes out clear and awesome and not faint and blurry? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 6:31 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Ollie at 6:31 AM PST - 7 comments
Who are some current thinkers on Space and Place?
I'm trying to identify some current thinkers on the concepts of space and place, specifically in regards to the rise of social media, the internet, etc. I'm looking for writings from the last 5 years. Which authors (or works) should I be looking at?
posted by Stynxno at 5:43 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Stynxno at 5:43 AM PST - 9 comments
What is the music that this Brazilian brass band is playing?
Does anybody recognise and know the name of this piece of music? [more inside]
A sudden move by HR at my work has me furious. . .
And I need help figuring out how to process it [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 2:30 AM PST - 46 comments
posted by winterportage at 2:30 AM PST - 46 comments
How do I crack my I.T phobia?
It's not much of an exaggeration to say I am bordering on phobic about I.T, whilst this is a source of hilarity to my peers as I'm in my 30's not 80's.. it is actually something I feel sensitive about.
I have questioned where it's come from (my creepy I.T teacher at school? Something of a distaste for modern life?) I'm inconclusive and this doesn't 'get the job done'. [more inside]
Roommate has sudden medical issues, how to cope financially/emotionally?
Asking this on behalf of a close friend: "What do I do when a person I do not want to be close to is dying, or believes they are dying, in close quarters?" Her roommate has diabetes and has developed significant kidney issues, and is very upset and scared. Complicating factors: my friend expects that the roommate will be unable to pay his share of rent and bills, and she does not have the means to cover them on her own. Also, she has very sound reasons for not being emotionally close to him.
Buying a computer in the U.S.
I live in an EU country and will be visiting the States soon. I also need a new laptop (I'm a Mac user). Given the favorable exchange rate, does it make sense to buy it while I'm there? What kind of hardware or other issues will I face (charger, keyboard, etc.), and is it worth the hassle?
posted by Paris Elk at 12:23 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Paris Elk at 12:23 AM PST - 15 comments
February 4
What was this Comedy Central series called?
It followed this guy who would talk to his dad sometimes and it was cut together like Jon Benjamin Has a Van. The guy was named something like John Heffman (but that's not it). It was a little like Demitri Martin's show. It's been on within the last four years.
posted by hjo3 at 10:26 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by hjo3 at 10:26 PM PST - 6 comments
Help figuring out Note 2 battery drain - details inside
I'm having trouble isolating the issue causing my Note 2 battery to drain, and I think it's related to the screen usage somehow. Details inside. [more inside]
Advice for starting a new line of work while in Melbourne for two years?
My wife got a temporary academic position in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. I have happily followed her here. After almost six years of working in childcare, I would really like to get into a new line of work. Something physically active and room for some actual advancement. I just turned 30 and feel a bit like I have been wasting too much time treading water in childcare. I have a few years experience as a prep cook and dishwasher, and years of experience volunteering in non-profits and community organisations. We don't have tons of friends here and I am feeling a bit isolated and discouraged. Any advice or motivation you can share would be greatly appreciated. More details below of course! [more inside]
posted by Slimemonster at 9:13 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Slimemonster at 9:13 PM PST - 12 comments
I need my fix of dramatic re-enactments
Where on earth can I find a copy of all the seasons of "I shouldn't be alive"? I've torrented it off one site, but there are about 15 episodes missing and it's not clear what seasons they're missing from because the show was bought by another channel at one point and all the episodes got mixed up. I would by it legally if I could but Animal Planet.com, Amazon and eBay don't have anything other than seasons 1-3.
I'm in Australia, btw.
posted by lazy robot at 8:47 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lazy robot at 8:47 PM PST - 4 comments
Don't die, little cacti
So I have this little plant that I got a few years ago and I sort of... forgot about him a lot. I know I know - I'm a bad plant mom! He's been up on a window sill tucked behind a curtain so I only remembered to water him very occasionally. Is he dead? Or can he be saved? Does anyone know what type of cacti or succulent (shows what I know, right?) this is, and how much I should be watering him? Also since it's been a while - would replanting help?
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 8:28 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cristinacristinacristina at 8:28 PM PST - 7 comments
When should guests pay rent?
I'd like opinions about whether I'm being unreasonable in wanting an extended guest of my roommate (their spouse actually) to pay a small portion of the rent while they're here. [more inside]
posted by captain cosine at 8:15 PM PST - 43 comments
posted by captain cosine at 8:15 PM PST - 43 comments
I want to know about sex & spirituality but New Agey stuff's too woo woo
Do down-to-earth, no-nonsense and accessible-to-the-everyman books/resources on sex and spirituality exist? [more inside]
posted by Zaire at 8:04 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Zaire at 8:04 PM PST - 10 comments
How can I make my Windows backup real simple?
I use Windows.. XP then 7 and now 8.1. I usually backup by dragging and copying to an external hard drive because, the last time I checked, the Windows backup app creates a weird huge file with a strange proprietary extension. I'd like to find a simple backup app which copies my folders and files to an external drive without compression or conversion, with the capability to do incremental backups. Recommendations?
posted by mono blanco at 7:45 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mono blanco at 7:45 PM PST - 9 comments
Explain the eyepatch in Yakuza Papers 5
Towards the end of the fifth episode of The Yakuza Papers, an eyepatch is being worn by... (possible spoilers inside) [more inside]
posted by brownbat at 6:59 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by brownbat at 6:59 PM PST - 1 comment
Handling a co-worker with a temper
Co-worker with a temper blew up at me today. What do I say to him tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 6:57 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by JoannaC at 6:57 PM PST - 20 comments
Does any voice activated transcription actually work?
I have to spend all day on the computer for work, and a lot of writing is involved. Lately, I've noticed twinges of numbness in my fingers, and I'm worried it's the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome. I'm trying to be careful about good posture and taking breaks, but I would really love to stop typing so much. Is there any software out there now that will take dictation from me and actually do a decent job?
posted by three_red_balloons at 6:20 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by three_red_balloons at 6:20 PM PST - 11 comments
I recently got engaged...now what?
I recently got engaged, and am so happy about this! But, I am not the type of girl who always dreamed about what my wedding would be like...basically, I'm more of a casual-type person who is not super into party planning (nor is the hubby-to-be). :) I feel like we need some help in figuring out how to make this wedding happen, but I don't want to get sucked into all the wedding industry stuff...we are not rich, and to the extent we will want to spend money on this, it is probably not on things like ridiculously expensive flower arrangements. So, two questions: [more inside]
posted by rainbowbrite at 6:06 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by rainbowbrite at 6:06 PM PST - 32 comments
Meaning of a Yiddish expression my Mother used.
What did my Yiddische mother mean when she said, "You can have [reasonable alternative choice 1] or you can have [reasonable alternative 2] or you can have 'kakebetchke with hindigzumen'" ?
In that context, what is "kakebetchke with hindigzumen"? [more inside]
posted by SamFrancisco at 6:02 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by SamFrancisco at 6:02 PM PST - 35 comments
Here a contact, there a different contact. Everywhere a contact contact
What is the sanest way of syncing contacts among CRM, Outlook, and LinkedIn? [more inside]
posted by TravellingCari at 5:40 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by TravellingCari at 5:40 PM PST - 4 comments
Estranged parents threatening to call police
I'd just like opinions on how to handle the potential situation of a police officer and relative showing up at my apartment at the request of other family members. More relevant details inside: [more inside]
posted by velebita at 5:27 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by velebita at 5:27 PM PST - 18 comments
Don Quixote had windmills, I have lighthouses
For an assignment due Friday - I seek examples of lighthouses that have been turned into other things. Difficulty level - they cannot be private houses or inns. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:26 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:26 PM PST - 23 comments
How to reason with an overzealous "prepper"?
Without consulting his wife or family members, my brother-in-law raided a savings account and bought ~$20k worth of guns/ammo and survivalist gear for his "bug out bag". This occurred over a three week period. I've been asked to get him to relinquish these items so the money can be recouped. So far my efforts have mostly failed. Is there anything else to try before I give up? [more inside]
Rape counselling in Bristol UK
Can anyone recommend a rape trauma counsellor/EMDR expert in Bristol UK? I was raped 25 years ago, so not a crisis, but following a recent brave question from someone else I realise I need to get help. M
I am happy to pay and I'd like personal recommendations if anyone has any.
Thank you
How to weigh very different career options
I have an unexpected opportunity to apply for an executive director job, but I'm not sure what I want. [more inside]
John Steinbeck Literary Mystery
John Steinbeck included this inscription in a friend's copy of Cannery Row:
Kahn ni melm
Sarat Twini
Sener Ni Melm
Siri
Here is a copy.
Any ideas on what it could mean are much appreciated. [more inside]
posted by JCMFD at 4:41 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by JCMFD at 4:41 PM PST - 11 comments
THIS IS TEDIOUS
Is there a way to quickly feed a whole bunch of vendor bills into Quickbooks? [more inside]
posted by griphus at 4:18 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by griphus at 4:18 PM PST - 7 comments
Find me places to eat in Sydney
Visiting Sydney at the end of this month. When I'm on vacation it always gets to the end of a long day, I'm tired, hungry, but can never pick a place to eat dinner. Help me plan 8 great locations so that I don't starve! Also, any tips on general Sydney things to do would be appreciated (but mainly asking about dinner locations). Details inside... [more inside]
posted by sbutler at 3:48 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by sbutler at 3:48 PM PST - 19 comments
Trying to not burn that bridge
I'm pushing away a (formerly close) friend and don't know how to stop. Please help. [more inside]
posted by SecondSock at 3:28 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by SecondSock at 3:28 PM PST - 15 comments
Can anyone identify this flat, square icon set?
I was looking around for a set of flat, square icons to use on my phone, and I ran across this one — except the only place I can find it is in the title image of this random blog post! Does anyone here recognize it? [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 3:11 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 3:11 PM PST - 6 comments
in search of movie title
there is a movie based on a man that is extremely old. he is a carpenter in a rural area. he lives a very old style of life. he is a black man and drives an old ford. possible name noah. the who movie is about him trying to save his land from the bank, and about how good of shape he is in for being like 110.
posted by haikuku at 3:10 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by haikuku at 3:10 PM PST - 1 comment
Portland over long weekend - restaurants, events, strip clubs
Yes, it's yet another Portland question! My husband and I will be in Portland over Presidents Day weekend with another couple. We have been there many times, but have a couple questions inside! [more inside]
How can I stop this stray dog from destroying my property?
A stray pit mix wandered up to my place a few days ago and has begun chewing on my car, destroying my brand new bumper and puncturing the sidewall of a tire. I called the Sheriff's office and a deputy was sent out to tell me that I can put the dog down myself but there's nothing they can do. I don't have the means to kill this dog, nor do I want to. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by kpetrich at 2:12 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by kpetrich at 2:12 PM PST - 45 comments
But I used to sleep like a baby
I'm a relatively experienced air traveler and usually have no trouble napping on flights. But recently on the return leg of two trips I've experienced a dizzying, discombobulating roar in my ears when I drift from closed eyes to semi-sleep. The first time I just curled up and persevered, but my sleep quality was very poor and, more importantly, the experience left me dizzy for days afterwards. So the second time I forced myself to stay awake, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced the same feeling. If so, what have you done to combat/prevent it?
posted by serelliya at 1:31 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by serelliya at 1:31 PM PST - 4 comments
Self-referencing songs
Looking for songs that mention the name of the band/artist performing it. For example, Roxette's "Joyride." [more inside]
posted by Chrysostom at 1:10 PM PST - 78 comments
posted by Chrysostom at 1:10 PM PST - 78 comments
What percent of adults have sexually abused a minor?
There's a lot of statistics online about how many children are sexually abused, but not much about how many adults are doing the abusing. I did read one article that mentioned in passing that about 1 in 20 men and 1 in 3300 women have sexually abused a child, but I think that was referring to only prepubescent children, not minors in general. The article was pretty old too, and there was no source for where they got that information. If anyone knows where I can find a reliable statistic regarding the percent of adults that sexually abuse children then I would appreciate it. [more inside]
posted by sam_harms at 12:57 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by sam_harms at 12:57 PM PST - 12 comments
What should I do in Berlin?
I'm in Berlin this week for the first time! I like tiny strange museums, free things, cafes with live music, markets, parks, walking around outside, bookstores, cheap food, and interesting shops. Basically I love cities and I want to understand about what this city is like. I'd love suggestions for neighbourhoods to wander around in. [more inside]
posted by oranger at 12:56 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by oranger at 12:56 PM PST - 16 comments
How much for my Twitter name?
I have been approached about selling a Twitter username that I haven't used in a few years. How much should I ask? [more inside]
Practical gifts for parents of newborn Twins? In Singapore...
Hello, My brother and Sis in law are expecting twins in a couple days. What gifts can I send them? It has to be able to ship to Singapore, around $100 (USD) or so, and best if it can ship through Amazon Global. [more inside]
Moving a step-van coast to coast.
I (might) need to move a vintage step van from New Jersey to Portland, Oregon and need help sorting out my options. The van does not move on its own volition. [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 11:52 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by furnace.heart at 11:52 AM PST - 11 comments
How even does one "take it slow" in a relationship? Teach me!
I broke off a long-term relationship recently, and I want that to not screw it up with a new guy I'm super excited about! [more inside]
Torn arm muscle, rotator cuff injury - what has your experience been?
I really hurt my arm. I am going to the doctor, but I'm curious about people's general experiences with this type of injury, treatments, length of recovery, and general speculation about just what I did to myself, since it seems like I did several different things at once. [more inside]
Fill my tablet: ebook edition
Because my family is wonderful and great at picking up hints, I got a Nexus 7 for Christmas. I want to fill it with books to read, since this was a huge part of the reason I wanted a tablet. I've already looked through (and pulled into the tablet) the top books on Project Gutenberg, the Baen free library and the Baen CD library; now I want to find the hidden gems and start buying books. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 10:52 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by sailoreagle at 10:52 AM PST - 15 comments
Can fluorosis vanish in a week?
Can fluorosis vanish in a week? I thought once you have it, it does not go away unless a dentist treats you for it. [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 10:35 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 10:35 AM PST - 8 comments
Walking in the Lake District
My mom and I are planning on taking a walking trip in the UK's Lake District in May. We're currently considering booking with Contours Walking Holidays to walk Cumbria Way. They provide maps and routes and arrange accommodations and baggage transportation. However I haven't been able to find much in the way of reviews for them -- possibly because each person's trip is so different. My question is basically whether using Contours is the way to go here (perhaps someone reading this has personal experience with them?) or if I should be looking at a different company or some other way to make arrangements. [more inside]
An equally true history of the world?
Is there a list of important historical events which are now regarded (by at least a majority of historians) as true/accurate, which are or were recently regarded as fringe theories, hoaxes, or legends, or which are viewed as unimportant and given short shrift in US / western public school curricula and popular narratives? Links to lists or individual items appreciated. Thanks!
posted by Chris4d at 10:29 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Chris4d at 10:29 AM PST - 14 comments
Do I bother switching from a PC to a Mac at this stage of the game?
I am in need of a new laptop, and I am considering the purchase of a Mac instead of a PC. Can you help me work out the pros and cons? [more inside]
posted by msali at 10:05 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by msali at 10:05 AM PST - 43 comments
"Novelty" rappers that are not US or Canadian
I'm looking for (broadly defined) "novelty" rappers from around the world that are NOT from the US or Canada. [more inside]
Friendship woes
How to tell if this a friendship is over - snowflakey wall of text inside [more inside]
What to do about my roommate's surveillance camera?
I'm currently living in a small apartment with two bedrooms and one roommate. My roommate has exhibited some odd behavior in the past, but in the last week things have gotten weird. Help me negotiate this situation. Details inside. [more inside]
What is an appropriate level of email communication from a university?
I might be getting a bit curmudgeonly in my graduate student years, but I'm starting to get annoyed at how many mass emails I get from my university. What should I be expecting here, and should I do anything about it? [more inside]
MBP with or without super drive?
Is it worth it to buy a MBP without a super drive? [more inside]
posted by simulacra at 9:15 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by simulacra at 9:15 AM PST - 14 comments
Angry Bastard Music?
I have been in a bad mood lately, and need some angry bastard music to get me through it & help me kick some butts. A small list of special snowflake details inside... [more inside]
Parsing unknown, Pine-related text files
I inherited a bunch of text files that correspond to e-mails, probably generated using Pine or a variant. I know nothing about Pine. More inside! [more inside]
posted by Napoleonic Terrier at 9:05 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Napoleonic Terrier at 9:05 AM PST - 5 comments
What film is this?
What film is this? Can anybody help?
My friend Gioia watched the first half of a movie in the middle of one night in the first 90s. She liked it, but since she was also very tired, so ended up sleeping.
The days after she didn't think too much about this movie, but then after a while she found herself wondering and wondering again about it, and still is.
She tried to retrieve the old show schedules, but unsuccesfully.
So, what movie is this?
This is the plot of the first half as she told me.
The main character is a middle-aged white man who happens to lose his memory all at once. My friend Gioia doesn't remember the name of the character, nor the presence of some famous stars in the movie. [more inside]
Daily Academic Newsletters
Do you have a daily email newsletter from your university that has a few notable stories and research that the University has done? I am looking to subscribe to daily academic newsletters from American colleges and universities. Something that goes out once a day, Monday-Friday, with something like a research story, a spotlight on a faculty member or student, notable news about the university, and things like that. I'm just looking for a link to the signup page. Thank you!
posted by cashman at 8:07 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by cashman at 8:07 AM PST - 13 comments
Calling all Freelance/Paycheck couples...(wall o text, sorry!)
How do you budget? [more inside]
Do I respond to this come on from a colleague?
I've been Facebook messaged in an ambiguous way but don't want to create any awkwardness at work--how do I respond, if at all? [more inside]
What is with the advice, "Write a letter and don't send it?"
Sometimes someone does you wrong (most often in a relationship), and there is a desire to call them out, to write a scathing letter. Often it's advised to write it out but not send it. Can someone help me understand why? [more inside]
posted by htid at 7:47 AM PST - 51 comments
posted by htid at 7:47 AM PST - 51 comments
Big but simple beginner sewing machine projects?
I just got my sewing machine. Yay! Help me figure out what to make with her. [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 7:39 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 7:39 AM PST - 26 comments
Google's 2-step verification ON. Now I can't login.
Decided to step up security with Google's 2-step verification process. Received the codes sent to my phone so that I could use the Gmail app and use my Google account on my phone's browser. Also, decided to list my work laptop as a trusted computer.
Later I try logging in with my personal laptop without any luck.
So now I'm not sure what to do. I can't log into any of my accounts whether its from my phone or my home laptop. Do I have to wait until I head back to work and use the laptop there? I admit I didn't carefully read all the directions for the setup...
What movie clips are in this music video?
I recognize Mary Woronov in the movie clips from this music video, but I can't figure out what movie this is from. [more inside]
posted by 41swans at 6:57 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by 41swans at 6:57 AM PST - 3 comments
Custom men's shirt/vest pattern?
I'd like someone to draft a custom men's shirt pattern for me, so that I can make dress shirts from it for Mr. Needlegrrl. I am quite proficient with sewing, but not with men's patterning, and collars? ugh. Would a tailor do this? other suggestions? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 5:20 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by needlegrrl at 5:20 AM PST - 11 comments
How to set platonic boundaries in a male/female friendship
I'm female and I've developed a close friendship with a guy over the past six months. As often happens, there is attraction beyond just a friendship. However, special snowflake circumstances dictate that we need to stay platonic--perhaps not forever, but certainly for now. I need help in setting boundaries. [more inside]
posted by Rainflower at 5:20 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by Rainflower at 5:20 AM PST - 30 comments
Screwed up at work. Now what?
I learned last night that a temporary employee did only part of a job I needed him to do, making it basically useless. Now what? [more inside]
posted by kat518 at 4:07 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by kat518 at 4:07 AM PST - 20 comments
What's it really like living in extreme poverty in the developed world?
What's it really like living in extreme poverty in the developed (western) world? I am writing a dystopian sort of post-mini-apocalyptic novel. The themes are investigating something else, but for a realistic setting, I would like to know real stories (anecdotes & journalistic) about living in a contemporary semi-urban environment where resources are scarce. Stories detailing daily life post-katrina, war-torn environments in Europe, experiences of low income people who can not easily access nutritious food, medicine, clothing, information/Internet/tv - anything a middle class person in Australia might take for granted and not even consider - for example (can't remember source) a diabetic without regular power will be at extreme risk, because of an inability to securely store insulin. What's it like living in an environment where the invading force are unpredictable? What freedoms do you lose, what work arounds do you pursue? How differently does the community act, faced with these problems - and in what ways does it bring them together, and in what ways does it divide them? (I wish to avoid fictional accounts).
posted by b33j at 3:06 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by b33j at 3:06 AM PST - 26 comments
What things can animals do that most people think only humans can do?
For example, some dogs have learned to ride the subway and some ants keep other ants as slaves. What other things can animals do that most people don't know?
Dogs in restaurants - Seattle style
Overall, Seattle is very dog-friendly with lots of off-leash parks, stores and even dog-friendly restaurants. Some restaurants are known to be dog-friendly but most won't allow dogs. Their response is always directed at King County Health Code. I can't find anything in the Health Code besides rules for Service Animals. What decision do restaurant owners make when deciding that their restaurant is dog-friendly? Do they pay fines and just accept that as part of doing business? Is there a little-known regulation? Are they just counting on few inspections? Wondering about Seattle but if it's the same in your area, speak up. Thanks.
February 3
Fiction author interviews
I very much love reading and listening to interviews of fiction authors. Right now my sources are Fresh Air, NPR books podcast, dianne Rehm, the Paris review, poets and writers, and on point. I would like recommendations for other sources. Thanks!
This little piggie goes wheek wheek wheek. Rent a g-pig in the Bay Area?
Does the Bay Area hive mind know of any resources 'round here (preferably East Bay) like described previously on the blue? Or perhaps a g-pig shelter or rescue that would like an occasional volunteer? I miss my piggies (may they RIP), and am craving some quality g-pig time, but adopting isn't an option with my current schedule. :(
posted by susiswimmer at 10:31 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by susiswimmer at 10:31 PM PST - 3 comments
Why do I keep running into this type of guy?
I like nerdy, introverted men but they don't seem to (often) like nerdy, introverted women like me. Most of the guys who ask me out and stick around have nothing in common with me. Why? [more inside]
Should I ask about 2nd interview after phone interview a while back?
I had a phone interview with a HR recruiter of a company three weeks ago. We both acknowledged that the company won't fill the full time position until at least a month later while I remain working as a freelancer. Now, I am about to finish this project and I wonder if I should call to let the recruiter know that I will be free in the following weeks.
The reason being that the company is located out of state so it won't be easy to take a personal leave for it if I am on a new project. I understand that the recruiter would call back if I am moved on to the next step but since my status on their career site is still "in progress" and I am on the "take the next project or not" situation.
Do you think it would be appropriate to call and ask about a in-person interview? Thanks for your help.
IE long pause
I made the mistake of upgrading to IE-11 when it hit Windows Upgrade, and like many other people noticed that it often takes a long time to start running. [more inside]
How to remotely help father with computer.
My Dad often has trouble with the computer that run along the lines of "can't download email attachment" or "doesn't know how to forward email". I need a program that will allow me to access his computer remotely so I can do simple common tasks for him, as he's unable to retain the information even when we go through it step-by-step, over long drawn out phone calls. Being able to see what's on his screen, or to indicate to him where to click would simplify things for both of us greatly. I have used RealVNC before, but only within a home network and don't know how challenging it is to do over the internet. We are both using Windows 7. Thanks.
posted by roshy at 9:10 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by roshy at 9:10 PM PST - 18 comments
Mac emulator for Windows?
I need to give some video files to an editor who needs a Mac-formatted drive. I only run Windows. Happy to (have my producer) pay a reasonable amount for the privilege. What are your favorite programs for this purpose?
posted by Shotgun Shakespeare at 9:03 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Shotgun Shakespeare at 9:03 PM PST - 7 comments
Information about the "best" Masters degree to get?
I'm looking to make a career change and I'm carefully considering which Master's degree is least likely to leave me unemployed and with (more) debt.
I know there are websites out there suggesting the best degrees to get, and I know it depends on personal interest, but I'm interested in finding s reputable information source on what degrees are (and aren't) likely to work out well for me.
Thanks!
Beauty gurus - please help me colour-match my foundation!
I use MAC Studio Fix. I want to switch to Nars Sheer Glow. I would much prefer to buy online (not at a makeup counter), but colour-matching is a problem. Any advice? [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 8:31 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Salamander at 8:31 PM PST - 15 comments
Father & Son Short Stories
What are some good short stories that involve a son trying to live up to his father's expectations, but which don't turn out well?
Well that's just great.
Just found a bedbug in my hotel room. What's next? [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 8:19 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by thecaddy at 8:19 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me develop a healthier attitude to money and spending!
Looking for online resources/support forums for compulsive shopping/spending. Books too! [more inside]
A tingling in the loins - from eating breath mints? NSFW
I'm a middle aged overweight CIS woman (also trying to find a GYN that's fat people friendly) and I've got an appointment with my doctor's PA tomorrow about my whole body surface of skin hurting (that and other signs point to fibro, ugh). But does snacking on breath mints make anyone else's nether regions tingly? [more inside]
Depressed relative supported financially - attach conditions to $ or no?
A close relative has been struggling with depression for a few years. She's in her early 20s. Until now, she's been supported financially by her parents in her own apartment, because it seemed that being near her friends and therapist was important (as opposed to being forced to live at home in relative isolation). Now she seems to be doing a bit better, and her parents want to see her take some steps towards independence - working, volunteering, or taking classes. They are considering tying that to the money - something along the lines of "have something to do 4 days a week or we stop paying your rent." Is this a good idea? Terrible idea?
Help me explore downtown Tucson!
I am interviewing for a U of AZ grad program, and the fella will be joining me in Tucson for a few days afterward so we can evaluate whether we like it there. We need suggestions for an awesome visit! [more inside]
posted by vortex genie 2 at 5:53 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by vortex genie 2 at 5:53 PM PST - 12 comments
How to clean Geneva metal kitchen cabinets
My new place has original 1960's Geneva metal kitchen cabinets (and cook top and wall oven!) in mustard. I have found a lot of information on how to sell or repaint metal cabinets but nothing helpful on maintaining them. There are some scans of original instructions, which say to NOT use detergent and to use a special metal cabinet cleanser but do not say exactly what that cleanser is.
Does anyone have any tips?
Neighborhood and hotel Recs for Istanbul visit
I'm visiting Istanbul in May, we were originally going to stay near Taksim square, but I'm wondering if we should re-think because of the protests. Has anyone been there recently, or any locals able to make some recommendations?
Major Depressive Disorder and Imaginative Fiction
I've been depressed for many years. It has sapped my creative powers. I've had enough. How can I live as a depressed person, but elevate above the limitations this has imposed on me in the past to escape into a writing practice that could create imaginative works of fiction? [more inside]
posted by samizdat at 4:50 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by samizdat at 4:50 PM PST - 15 comments
Searching for something gruesome... rocket-related.
A little over 11 years ago, Shuttle Columbia burned up on re-entry. I want more info than the official reports reveal. [more inside]
How to respond to friendly/slightly diminishing comments from employees
I'm petite, younger, female and upper management in a male-dominated physical line of work. Several of my colleagues and employees regularly make casual friendly but slightly condescending comments to me. I generally push back pretty firmly with employees and ignore it from colleagues, but I feel uncomfortable and am unsure if MeFi might offer some better tactics for responding. [more inside]
Panoramic Movie or Video from Super 8?
I was impressed with this panoramic version of the Zapruder film. Does anyone know how this was done and if it could be done by a hobbyist on Super 8 home movies with consumer-level equipment (Mac)?
Toronto therapist recommendations
I need a therapist in Toronto who is covered by the ACTRA Fraternal Benefit Society. I know I can call them for a list, but I'm hoping for specific recommendations from personal experience. [more inside]
What video card should I buy?
I've never cared about having the latest, most bleeding-edge graphics card, but my ATI Radeon HD 5450 has trouble keeping up with newer games. What should I buy to replace it? [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 2:51 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by escape from the potato planet at 2:51 PM PST - 14 comments
System76 GazellePro laptop experiences?
Can anyone share direct experience using a GazellePro laptop or similar from System76? [more inside]
posted by mcstayinskool at 2:44 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mcstayinskool at 2:44 PM PST - 3 comments
Worried about Significant Others Smoking
I often stay over at my girlfriend's condo, she lives with her mom. Both she and her mom are chronic smokers. Her entire family smokes. They both smoke inside the condo. My girlfriend will at least leave the room and go to the washroom to smoke. But when I go to take a shower I can smell the smoke strongly. Her mom will smoke in the living room while watching TV. I can feel the smoke in my lungs after leaving her place.
I have a history of lung cancer in my family as many of my family members have passed away from lung cancer after smoking for years. My dad is also currently battling colon cancer. My dad's battle has made me realize that this kind of situation is very bad for my health long term. I don't know what the solution is as my girlfriend doesn't drive, so cannot come to my place often and we live 30 minutes apart.
I want to ask her to quit smoking but I know how hard it is to do.
It isn't my place so I cannot tell them what to do but I'm just worried about my health from second hand smoke as well as her health. She doesn't seem interested in quitting smoking as it seems like something the entire family just does.
I love her but this is a concern for me.
Dinner near College of Charleston. Tonight.
Where should I eat dinner in Charleston SC tonight? I'm staying on the C of C campus. [more inside]
posted by dr. boludo at 2:26 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by dr. boludo at 2:26 PM PST - 6 comments
Private New York karaoke venue for 30 people?
I am looking for a private karaoke room in New York that can fit approximately 30 people. Any suggestions? [more inside]
Identify my job (government/nonprofit) so I can find a different one
What is in a job title? What partnership building jobs exist in the public and nonprofit sectors? [more inside]
Smokeless In Seattle
How does one go about navigating the new marijuana culture of Seattle? [more inside]
Why don't they just play INDOORS?
What's the optimal way to dress before I go root for my favorite sports team in the cold for three hours? [more inside]
posted by andrewcilento at 1:40 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by andrewcilento at 1:40 PM PST - 10 comments
What to do with a large number of enormous oil paintings
My partner's father, a professional artist, passed away last year. We are now responsible for his work, including many large paintings (over 7 ft high), along with smaller paintings and works on paper. His father wasn't selling many paintings in recent years, so we don't think there's much of a market for them. He was an art professor for many years and had some nice residencies and reviews throughout his career, but as far as we know, he wasn't working with a gallery or dealer in the last few years. [more inside]
Great Sunday activities in Las Vegas?
What are some great Sunday daytime activities in Las Vegas for a group of 13 ladies in town for a bachelorette party? [more inside]
Easy, low-carb SPICY chicken soup ideas?
Who's got an easy, spicy, flavorful, low-carb variant on the best known cure for the common cold? [more inside]
posted by lonefrontranger at 1:10 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by lonefrontranger at 1:10 PM PST - 21 comments
Hyperpigmentation, go away
I've had hyperpigmentation around my mouth and chin for as long as I can remember. It usually looks like a shadow, but I think it's getting darker and I'm beginning to feel really self-conscious about it. I also have very dark circles under my eyes, despite getting more than enough sleep. Any idea what's causing this, and what I can do? [more inside]
Can I avoid having a salvage title (California)?
My Vanagon was hit, and the other person's insurance company wrote it off as a total loss. We settled, and I retained possession of the vehicle. It's fixed and good to go--except maybe the whole salvage title thing. [more inside]
Please help with my Android contacts issue
Is there a way to load a several thousand record contact list on an Android phone without slowing down its performance and w/o having it be referenced when typing in a contact (I want it to be referenced solely to caller-ID incoming calls)? [more inside]
Using Police K-9 to smell bedbugs in apartment.
My sister lives in an apartment complex that has routine maintenance checks. She informed me that tomorrow they will be coming through everyones apartments to check filters etc etc. She also told me that they bring a police and their K-9 unit with them to check for bedbugs. I was shocked when she told me this and can't believe that this is even legal to do. How are they able to use the police and their dogs to search for bedbugs? How is this legal?
Obscure manhunt movie that was filmed like tv show..
I'm trying to remember a movie I saw on netflix a couple years ago. It's about these people who are picked at random to kill each other. It's set up like a tvshow with cameras following them around and everything. I remember that there was a pregnant woman, a cancer victim, and a teenaged girl as some of the contestants. There was some subplot with the pregnant woman and the cancer victim b/c they were hs sweethearts who were awkward goth kids who made a ridiculous video with each other. I remember at the end that it's between the cancer victim and the pregnant woman at the end and there was something that happened in a movie theatre and then there was something that also happened in a football field. Any ideas?
posted by baconandvodka at 11:40 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by baconandvodka at 11:40 AM PST - 3 comments
Kid-Friendly Breakfast Spots & Activities in Charlotte, North Carolina
I am meeting up with some friends in Charlotte who have a long layover there Saturday morning. I live just a couple of hours away but have not spent much time there. Can you recommend a good breakfast spot and/or places we could hang out for a few hours that would occupy the kids (ages 7-9) and also give us adults some time to chat?
posted by something something at 11:34 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by something something at 11:34 AM PST - 6 comments
Perfecting a galantine
I was inspired by growabrain's Jacques Pépin a few days back, and spent a couple days making a turkey galantine for a party. The results were perfectly fine, but for the amount of time and effort I put in I was hoping for something closer to amazing. [more inside]
Twitter event recap template
I'm running social media, mainly Twitter, for an event taking place next week and have been asked to research good templates for an after action report. I'm good at identifying metrics using assorted tools, but am hoping to find a brilliant tool or template so that I can present this info in a robust yet easily readable format. [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 11:30 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 11:30 AM PST - 2 comments
Give me inner peace and outer simplicity.
I'm looking for recommendations for readings on minimalist lifestyles / simplifying that deal with the emotional angle as well as the logical one. Do you have any? [more inside]
posted by dame at 10:57 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by dame at 10:57 AM PST - 17 comments
What was the significance of these details from Breaking Bad?
What was the significance of these details from Breaking Bad, season 3 (includes spoilers)? [more inside]
Prior knowledge = omniscience?
What are the narrative limitations of a third-person limited style? Solve this debate between me and a friend. [more inside]
posted by Zelos at 10:43 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Zelos at 10:43 AM PST - 13 comments
Conquering the Invisible Mess
I'd like to keep my apartment cleaner. Problem is, I don't really notice the mess. [more inside]
posted by therumsgone at 10:33 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by therumsgone at 10:33 AM PST - 19 comments
What's a Temecula?
Seeking: highly legible, attractive, informative map of southern California cities and counties, for use as an educational cube decoration. [more inside]
posted by samthemander at 10:27 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by samthemander at 10:27 AM PST - 4 comments
Great idea, limited tech knowledge. What now?
In 2014,what options are now available to an entrepreneur with very limited tech knowledge? Is it now more feasible to build a (Minimum Viable Product) site using more turnkey methods, like site builders, pre-made themes, etc., than it used to be? I realize that really getting something tuned to where I ultimately want it will require tech help. But to get the ideas roughed in and functioning, so as to attract investment and help, what can a non-programmer do/use nowadays?
posted by skypieces at 10:08 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by skypieces at 10:08 AM PST - 14 comments
Freezing, thawing, and using one's eggs with professional help
Please tell me your experiences, thoughts and advice about egg freezing (the ones you make babies with, not the ones you eat). [more inside]
Wanted: Best Houston Barbecue
I'm going to Houston for a weekend next month, and will be wanting some good Texas barbecue. When I used to live there, I liked Pappas and Goode Company, but the last time I ate at either of those (about five years ago) I was disappointed. Where are the best places these days for true Texas barbecue in Houston? If they don't have their own smoker, or if the word "pulled" appears anywhere on the menu, I'm not interested.
posted by ubiquity at 9:43 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ubiquity at 9:43 AM PST - 11 comments
Can't find a specific art website that I found before
I found this cool art website and forgot to bookmark it. The logo has a raised fist reminiscent of communist propaganda. I remember it as black on yellow.
I have scoured the web but I can't find it. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by OtisTheStig at 9:41 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by OtisTheStig at 9:41 AM PST - 2 comments
Looking for Movies with Characters Like This, thanks!
Can anyone think of a movie in which the protagonist is a key witness in a trial but the movie doesn't show the trial and the protagonist is consistently under attack for testifying?
Rowing Machine or Elliptical Trainer
The impact of running has made it no longer a good cardio option for me. I've narrowed my 'non-impact' cardio options down to a rowing machine or an elliptical trainer, but am having trouble decided between them. Special snowflake details, as always, are inside. [more inside]
Small meeting room suitable for recording in Manhattan?
A friend and I would like to have a place we can meet privately in Manhattan on a regular (monthly?) basis with enough room for the two of us, a laptop, and a microphone with the intention of recording our conversation. [more inside]
posted by ckolderup at 9:24 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by ckolderup at 9:24 AM PST - 4 comments
Dude, you just have to go
Asking for a friend: How do you get your abusive husband to leave your house after you have filed for divorce? [more inside]
Neighbors are using my address - how to fix / report it?
Main details inside.. but the title pretty much says it. IRS and potential repo men involved. [more inside]
posted by rich at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by rich at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments
Conference microphone for skype
My Dungeons & Dragons group has one player who skypes in. What kind of tabletop microphone should we buy? [more inside]
New to SEO copywriting: How much should I charge?
What is the going rate for SEO copywriting jobs?
I'll need different rates for different jobs: 1) writing blog entries, 2) pitching blog stories to editors.
This is for quality copy, not just keyword dumps, for corporate clients.
Please, also, any anecdotes about negotiating prices for such jobs would be appreciated.
thanks!
How do I approach this elevation map with respect to treadmill training?
Running the DC half in March. Almost all of my training til then will take place indoors on a treadmill. In preparing my body for the same changes in elevation, I would like to practice my long runs using the elevation map from the race course. How does this translate into my manual adjustment of the treadmill incline/decline settings? [more inside]
Pursuing my dreams vs. not dying penniless
I'm an engineer by training and by day, with a comfortable paycheck. My evening hobby has been Music Directing community musical theater. I recently took a weeklong masterclass/intensive that has made me realize that I need this to be a bigger part of my life. Can I take it to the next level and make it my job? [more inside]
posted by jeffjon at 8:45 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by jeffjon at 8:45 AM PST - 14 comments
150 MCG of Awesome in a 75 MCG Bag
In need of an awesome endocrinologist (for post-thyroidectomy medication management) in the Philadelphia area. Difficultly level: most of 'em seem to be either dogmatic curmudgeons OR vitamin-shilling charlatans. Little synthetic-hormone snowflakes within... [more inside]
LifeLogging Camera?
I need a LifeLogging camera. Something small that can take a highish resolution photo every 10 seconds or so for a full day that I can clip to my shirt collar. If you've tried one of these cameras or know of one I haven't listed I'm interested in hearing about it!
There's the Autographer, but it's expensive and the battery is only good for 10 hours. The Narrative (aka Memento) looks pretty good, but it's not quite out yet. The Blynk has terrible image quality. There are also small video cameras (MeCam & 808 keychain camera), but they don't shoot for long enough.
Cloud-based web database?
I'm looking for a cloud-based database solution with a web front end. The idea is that you could upload an Excel spreadsheet or CSV file (or Access export), and then customize a front end query that will bring back results. [more inside]
Traditional Chinese Music combined with other styles or genres?
I really like the musical combination of traditional Chinese music and trip hop from DJ Krush's Beyond Raging Waves. I also love this CD by Martin Simpson and Chinese lute player Wu Man.
Can you recommend other pairings of what I think is traditional Chinese music, played on traditional instruments that have been combined with other music styles or genres? Extra bonus for trip hop pairings, but I'm open to anything.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:59 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:59 AM PST - 11 comments
Elgar, without vocals
I'm quite liking Elgar's "Sea Slumber-Song" - but without vocals. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by sektah at 7:18 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by sektah at 7:18 AM PST - 2 comments
the perfect clutch
I love this clutch by Frye but I'm not sure I $238 love it. Have you seen any very simple leather clutches that have the More Inside criteria? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:04 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:04 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me name my city exploring company!
I'm building the most fun city-exploring company ever, now it just needs a name. [more inside]
Can I eat it?
Can I eat it filter - Restaurant Doggy Bag edition. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 6:25 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Ziggy500 at 6:25 AM PST - 11 comments
How can I express condolences to a Muslim friend who just lost a parent?
My dear friend's mother just passed away (in Iraq). I called her and comforted her a little by phone, but would flowers and/or food be appropriate? What else can I do for her to help? [more inside]
posted by mdiskin at 5:01 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by mdiskin at 5:01 AM PST - 9 comments
Taiwan Turtle ID
I inherited three turtles (1 min 34 sec YouTube video) from the previous tenant in my house in Taipei, Taiwan. I believe the one resting on a rock is a Brazilian turtle, but I have had no success trying to identify the other two, which are very shy.
I have checked Discover Life and scanned through Google Images (keywords: Taiwan turtles, China turtles), but that didn't help. Have I overlooked an obvious reference?
The two big ones eat standard turtle food; I have never seen the smallest one eat anything. Their pond breeds mosquitoes, but I don't know if it is safe to raise carp or fish in this pond to gobble up larvae. Can anybody help out? Maybe I could find some other way to handle the mosquito problem?
posted by juifenasie at 3:33 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by juifenasie at 3:33 AM PST - 5 comments
February 2
RSI Help!
I have recently developed lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) from too much computer usage. What has helped you? What should I do next? YANMD. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 11:40 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by 3491again at 11:40 PM PST - 32 comments
Cartooning
I've always wondered how cartoonist create their strips. But I've started to notice that many of them choose simple body shapes and repeat expressions or only use a few settings or locations. Where can I read a straightforward explanation about the how and why of the creative process for making cartoons?
Yoga is making me tense up
Can you relate to my extreme resistance to relaxing? What has worked for you? [more inside]
What kind of antenna do I need for this small stereo?
I have this stereo and I need a radio antenna for it. I'm not sure what precisely I should be looking for. [more inside]
How to port reddit posts from one username to another?
I have a fairly extensive posting history that I'd prefer to keep secret in a particular subreddit. I foolishly did not create a throwaway username for the subreddit. Is there a way to do that retroactively though? As in, could I create a throwaway username and maybe have the subreddit's mods change the author of those posts from my main username to my throwaway one or something? Alternatively, how could I cache all the posts in an easily hide-able and transfer-able format (i.e. something more like a .txt file and less like a bookmark) and upload them to dropbox and/or email them to myself before deleting them from my reddit profile?
Two different opportunities, feeling a little dizzy...
How do you proceed when you have a job offer in hand, but are wondering if the other job you interviewed for may be better? [more inside]
Ebay filter: How to get my refund before declaring my case resolved?
I bought an item on ebay, and didn't receive it. Tracking shows it was returned to sender about 10 days after shipment, from a post office in my state, but about 100 miles away. I followed the ebay instructions for what to do when a purchase was not received, contacting the seller by opening a case. Seller agreed to just give me a refund rather than re shipping. Now they say I need to declare the case resolved before they're able to issue the refund. This can't be right, can it? [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Kriesa at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments
how to follow up on a theft in delhi?
my day bag was stolen from a train in delhi. contents: my camera (and all the pictures from my trip), a handheld digital audio recorder, my journal of the last week, an ipod, my glasses, and a lot of other stuff that i can't imagine anyone would care about. what's my next move? [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire at 6:41 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by fingers_of_fire at 6:41 PM PST - 9 comments
Sliding Up/Down home page window CSS like website http://nautil.us/
I love the sliding up homepage at http://nautil.us/. I'm trying to find a template or CSS/that library scripts that can help me achieve the same effect easily ?
posted by flexiverse at 6:41 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by flexiverse at 6:41 PM PST - 11 comments
What can an organization do when it's best employees disengage?
I work for a large government agency where the "management cadre" is separate from the "professional cadre." Top- level professionals make as much or more than managers, at least up to the middle levels. More and more people are deciding to stay in their professional or "field" jobs, so managers are now coming from outside, with little substantive experience, and get overwhelmed almost immediately. When they founder, as is more often the case, there are few ambitious people under them looking for an opportunity to shine by taking on extra responsibilities, so they just keep chewing up the scenery. The fact that it is next to impossible to fire anyone at any level for any reason means there is little incentive for anyone to change, and the crappy economy means nobody wants to let go of a good salary, not to mention a great pension. Lather, rinse, repeat. Have you ever been part of this dynamic, and if so, how did you handle it? Have you ever seen an organization dig itself out once the situation got to that point? What constructive actions can the professionals in this scenario take, short of taking on responsibilities that don't belong to them ( and that they don't have the authority to carry out anyway)? [more inside]
What is going on with my Ipod?
I started having problems with my Ipod and I am unsure of the best way to remedy the problem. [more inside]
Help me name a record store
I need to name a music store. It'll be a very small shop -- 400 sf -- and will deal in new and used vinyl. Your suggestions are appreciated.
Moving to the Twin Cities in the fall, where should I look for places?
I was recently admitted to the University of Minnesota for graduate school. I'm trying to find out what neighborhoods are good and close to the university that fit the kind of place that I'm looking for. Problem is, there's a ton of neighborhoods and areas to live in. [more inside]
Location, location, location
[Asking for a friend]
My family and I are moving to a new bigish city in the non-California west. There is a house that is essentially my dream house, for what I think is a very good price. It's been on the market for a bit, probably because the property borders a fairly major thoroughfair. How big of a problem is this? Should I just run away?
Who are some extremely fit and rich people? (non professional athletes)
Who are some people in this world who are rich, and extremely fit? Preferably net worth more than 100 million, and is also an elite level athlete(sub 3:00 marathon or approximate equivalent in any sport). Oprah's 4:29 marathon isn't good enough. Also they can have a little less money if they're super duper fit, or a little less fitness if they're super duper rich.
posted by crawltopslow at 3:03 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by crawltopslow at 3:03 PM PST - 45 comments
Where Do Wildlife Behaviorists Hang Out on the Internet?
I'm writing a fictional book from the viewpoint of a wolf, and I am hoping to find forums where I can read about and ask for peculiarly specific information on the behavior of wildlife. I am not looking for just wolves (though wolves are great!) but also elk, deer, and coyotes, as well as any other interesting recommendations people might have. So, what are some good forums for animal behavior discussion?
posted by Alex Haist at 2:52 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Alex Haist at 2:52 PM PST - 7 comments
I'm looking for a radio. Please help.
I'm in Montreal and I would like to buy a tabletop radio with decent reception and sound, for less than $50. [more inside]
Offered to update a non-profit website and in over my head
I have set up a number of wordpress sites, both for myself and other businesses, so I offered to update the website for a non-profit. However, dealing with the hosting is more complicated than anything I've encountered thus far. So, I'm hoping someone with more knowledge can tell me if I'm going about this the right way. [more inside]
posted by ohisee at 2:33 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by ohisee at 2:33 PM PST - 4 comments
Can we build on soccermom's great post about platitudes?
This post has things that aren't helpful. What can you say to someone that is bullied or abused that does help the situation or bolster someone's self-confidence?
posted by BlueHorse at 1:37 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by BlueHorse at 1:37 PM PST - 21 comments
Help Me Jazz up baked chicken breasts!
As part of developing better eating habits, my new go-to dinner has become baked chicken breast and vegetables. Now I love me some chicken, but this can get pretty boring after a while. What are some good spice mixes, rubs, or marinades that you guys use to make chicken delicious? [more inside]
What kind of (kitchen) pot is this?
Found this at a market stall ... forgot to check if it's a legit Le Creuset, but it looks right. I've never seen a pot like this before, though, and google-fu is failing me. Anyone have any ideas? What is this thing for?? [more inside]
A February weekend in Maine--what to do...
Some friends and I will be in Maine next weekend--we'll be in Ogunquit and Portland. 3 women in our thirties. Looking for recs for restaurants, bars, cafes, thrift/vintage shops, and anything else interesting in either place. Thank you!
Wanted: Acedemic Studies/Articles on Legal Marketing
I'm a solo practitioner and that means I have lots of marketers telling me I need their services. As in, dozens of emails a day, between five and ten calls a week. The sad part is I know I need to step up my marketing, but everyone who contacts just reeks of "scam". I am interested in finding was to get educated about this which don't trigger my scam alert instincts. [more inside]
Help me with static page problems in Wordpress, please?
I am having a problem with my website, which is entirely run in Wordpress.
I have WP set up to use a static home page. I followed the directions for creating a homepage and a page for posts to appear on. But if you look at the fluid page in question, for some reason the entire page is duplicated? I cannot for the life of me figure out what is going on there, I hope someone here can.
What is the best way to do deal with out-of-control tech recruiters?
I am searching for a new job in software and one particular recruiting agency is contacting me by phone to a degree that I consider harassment. I am interested in one of the jobs they're pitching, though. What's the best way to handle it? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 12:36 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by drjimmy11 at 12:36 PM PST - 18 comments
Need help translating a Japanese letter into English
Can anyone translate this Japanese letter or point me to a translation service? [more inside]
posted by fishmasta at 11:51 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by fishmasta at 11:51 AM PST - 3 comments
Creeky Hardwood Floors
We have pretty nice looking hardwood floors. They are becoming increasingly creeky and I am becoming increasingly obsessed. What can I do that doesn't cost BIG $ or make the floorboards look mismatched? [more inside]
Has paypal made selling more difficult?
After a five-year hiatus, I'm resurrectting my website (I make one-of-a-kind toys). I went to paypal to update my Add to Cart buttons and hit a wall. In the old days, I could change a couple variables (toy name and price) in the code - super easy. Five years later, it seems I can't do that anymore. This seems like a crazy reversal in functionality. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by crankyrogalsky at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by crankyrogalsky at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments
Why am I not losing weight?
YANMD but should I see one? Seemingly unable to lose weight with diet and exercise. Details within. [more inside]
Excel, Creating text with a colored rectangle
Could anyone provide me guidance with a subroutine that would paste text within a colored rectangle within an Excel document? Thanks, Ken
Dynamic sharing economy workers - where to find them?
I work in the public sector and love the idea of integrating into our service mix ideas about collaborative consumption, collaborative communities and the sharing economy. We're hiring and would love to target our ad as effectively as possible. Where can I go to make this opportunity known to folks with both a commitment to and talent for community building through dynamic, well-planned events and inspiring long-term projects? [more inside]
posted by woodman at 9:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by woodman at 9:22 AM PST - 4 comments
What is this thing? Why was it made?
My dad recently showed me a little knick-knack he inherited a while back. I'm not sure if it was from his dad or his maternal uncle, but they were around the same age (born in the nineteen teens/twenties). It's a Liberty Head dollar coin and two dice in an acrylic casing. What is it? [more inside]
Iconic, Street-Legal Cars In The US?
An actual help-me-with-my-story question: I've got a group of characters who need to ride around in an eye catching, iconic vintage automobile. It was orginally going to be a VW bus for the Mystery Machine echos but it turns out that's not actually street legal in the US. So, what's an old-fashioned auto that seats four or more, can be driven on US roads, and is antique/unusual enough to attract attention from car people but not enough that it sticks out like a surreal visitation ( like say, a Model T would.)
How do I ask for a raise now after my performance review?
Our company received salary adjustments at the beginning of the year. Basically what I would consider cost of living adjustments. Maybe mine was slightly higher, but not much. I recently had a performance review but did not ask for the raise I believe I deserve for a couple reasons. Can I do anything about that now? [more inside]
posted by Amistad at 7:28 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Amistad at 7:28 AM PST - 6 comments
Guys: Is nervousness in a girl always a turn-off?
Sometimes I just feel so awkward when I meet a seemingly eligible, nice guy. I feel certain that it is obvious that I am nervous and then I start feeling self-conscious about my nervousness. I feel like there is a stereotype of the sort of sweetly nervous, somewhat awkward nice guy that girls may like because his sweet, nice, nervousness means he is a nice guy who likes you. Does this go the other way at all? [more inside]
posted by thesnowyslaps at 6:40 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by thesnowyslaps at 6:40 AM PST - 24 comments
Applying for the job next door.
I want to apply for a job that, unfortunately, happens to be located a few floors below mine in the same office building I currently work in. We're talking about 20 floors total in the building, so it's not a huge place. If I get an interview, how do I make this work? [more inside]
Weekend in Aberdeen - what/how to do
Late afternoons/evenings next weekend in Aberdeen: tips to make the most of? [more inside]
posted by runincircles at 6:27 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by runincircles at 6:27 AM PST - 8 comments
Improving my half marathon pace in the last month of training
What's the best mix of training runs to improve my likely half marathon time for a race that's on March 1st? [more inside]
Hypertension treatment logic
I am a 52 year-old male with high systolic blood pressure (around 150/80-90). For a year I've been on 10 mg of Lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) which didn't make much difference; my doctor thus raised the dose to 20 mg, which also isn't making much difference. The doctor is now recommending that I add another pill into the mix, making a "combination treatment" which I believe it standard. What I don't understand, and what nobody has been able to clearly explain to me, is the logic of continuing to take, every day, 20 mg of a pill that has been proven not make a difference. What's the thinking behind this, rather than simply trying out a one-pill solution that might make a difference?
Insincerity and the spoken voice.
People often put on a 'funny voice' or accent for emphasis or just in general conversation. This is possibly a reaction to their company but possibly some kind of psychological obfuscation?
Does askmetafilter know of any any research into the way people put on funny voices for emphasis when they say things? Accents and intonations etc.
Google has not been kind to finding ideas or starting points.
February 1
Small, quad-ruled notebook for someone with tiny handwriting
I'm looking for a smallish notebook of entirely quad-ruled (graph) paper. Complication: I'd like the lines to be spaced quite close, at 0.1 in. or 3 mm. I've found plenty of notebooks with 0.25 in. grids, but at 0.1 in. I'm having a hard time even finding pads. Other things I would really like (but aren't deal-breakers like grid size is): hardcover, 70+ pages, not wider than 4 in. Has anyone here gone looking for something like this before? Any recommendations?
posted by aw_yiss at 11:17 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by aw_yiss at 11:17 PM PST - 11 comments
TV and movies about the wealthy and how they live
My guilty pleasure is entertainment featuring the obscenely wealthy and how they live, the clothes, the houses, the drama, the trashier the better. Think tv shows such as Revenge, movies like A Perfect Murder, The Game and Wall Street with Michael Douglas, Bonfire of the Vanities, Gossip Girl, Wolf of Wall Street, you get the idea. I'm not so keen on the Real Housewives, that's a little too real. What else can you suggest? I'm quite keen on New York based ones, but I'm open to others if you have them. I know a similar question was asked a few years back but I'm wondering if there's anything new out there that I've missed.
posted by Jubey at 10:11 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by Jubey at 10:11 PM PST - 34 comments
Fixing a Hole (where the cold gets in)
What's the best (most weatherized and solid) way to fill in a 22" square window well in a south facing concrete wall that happens to one side of my house? [more inside]
How can I display football scores/info on a secondary TV?
I have an old TV in a fireplace next to my primary TV. The primary TV will show the Super Bowl, with the old TV - I'd like to display scores or some other info. [more inside]
Computer froze up, emitted melting plastic smell, but now works fine.
So, I have a PC. It was custom built by some guy but is nothing special. Runs XP, has a hard drive, etc. Earlier today I used it for 2-3 hours and then shut it down. It emitted a serious melting plastic smell that stunk up half the house, and it froze on the shutdown screen--the mouse would not move. I freaked out and unplugged it. There was no smoke or anything visible, and there were no sounds of any sort.
I opened it up and nothing looks amiss. I started it up just now and it works fine. No smells, all the fans work fine. I'm actually using it to post this question.
Any idea what could have happened? I'm 99% sure it was the computer emitting the smell--it was definitely localized right there.
So what are the rules around PACs and labor unions?
What are the rules that govern disclosure and contributions to Political Action Committees? Are there any disclosure rules related to labor unions transferring funds from their own budget into a separate PAC that they control (fees, disclosure, etc)? [more inside]
Selling house absentee-style...need reassurance
I got a new job in a new town that required me to relocate from central New Jersey to Northeast PA. I moved and my husband stayed in the house. Now we're living separately and we can't carry a mortgage and rent for long. How best to sell our house when we're three hours away? [more inside]
posted by Otter_Handler at 7:11 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Otter_Handler at 7:11 PM PST - 15 comments
What is a reputable online pharmacy that ships to Australia?
What is a reputable online pharmacy that ships to Australia?
I want to try a medicine (Nuvigil) that isn't available here, but is legal to import. Will talk to my Dr about suitability, of course.
What is the best zoo to see in southern Florida?
I want to visit a zoo in Florida. I will be in Miami and Orlando in july. What is the best zoo to visit? [more inside]
Cheap office chair solution for one person + one medium sized dog
I need to buy an office/computer/work chair as a gift that will fit one person (tall thin woman) and her pembroke corgi dog. She wants to be able to sit and work, with enough space for a comfortable fit for her and her dog. Willing to sacrifice style for comfort and a low price. creative and diy solutions welcome! maybe something from ikea would work? thanks!
The case of the un-responded-to text message
A former colleague got in touch to hang out. I didn't respond, but I actually wanted to. How can I fix this? [more inside]
Help me buy a jacket
I want to buy a jacket for vaguely chilly Southern California nights... for $100. [more inside]
Trying to find old year end charts from Sirius XM radio channels
I’m a new fan of a XM radio, having held off on buying one for the last decade or so. I really liked the year end charts they did for a few of their stations, in particular XM U, AltNation, and Spectrum. I was able to find them going back to 2009 (mostly through their Facebook pages), but the previous years are completely invisible to Google so far as I can tell.
A Good Tone is Hard to Find
Why is the source of 1khz tone hard to track down? [more inside]
posted by soy_renfield at 5:07 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by soy_renfield at 5:07 PM PST - 5 comments
Getting out of friend zone
There's this one girl friend that I have. We started out as friends and I thought she was cute and I had a slight interest in her. However since we were in different majors and I studied abroad, I haven't seen her in over a year with no contacts. Today, I just met her after not seeing her for a long time and we had lunch. However, I felt attracted to her and I was wondering whether I should give it a go and ask her out. I still think she sees me as a friend judging by the text conversation before we went out for lunch. What do you guys think I should do? Is it worth it?
Local Skype Numbers?
Skype used to have local numbers you could call in Canada - does anyone know where to find a listing of them? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 4:09 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by miles1972 at 4:09 PM PST - 2 comments
Where's a good place for a paper airplane contest? (Portland Oregon)
I'm looking for an awesome spot for a paper airplane contest near Portland Oregon. I work as an engineer and my goal is to do this as a "team activity" at work. Who knows - if there's a good spot, maybe an IRL event too? [more inside]
Beating Mean Girls At Their Own Game, With Grace
How do you tactfully put a mean girl in her place without stooping to her level? Especially when she's your own cousin. [more inside]
posted by OneHermit at 2:59 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by OneHermit at 2:59 PM PST - 56 comments
What is a reasonable amount of compensation for mis-sold PPI insurance?
I've been made on offer by my bank before my PPI claim has been fully processed by the FSO. Is £350 reasonable? [more inside]
Visa agency in Houston, TX for Brazil travel
Recommendations for a visa agency in Houston, Texas (one that's open on weekends) to obtain a tourist visa to travel to Brazil? [more inside]
Risks of long-term borrowing a car from a friend?
I have a sudden need for a car for the next several months. An awesome friend has offered to lend me his. What could go wrong? [more inside]
A few free hours near south end of Central Park on Monday
I am taking a one-day trip to Manhattan. I get off the bus from Boston Sunday night by Penn Station and am busy from 11 am Monday until I catch my return bus from Penn Station at 5 pm. Two questions: What cool thing or things can I do Monday morning for a few hours before my 11 am meeting with friends to eat lunch just south of Central Park? One thought is to just wander that end of Central Park. What would be a good take-out low-carb meal to get to eat as I leave town? Is there any good BBQ in that area to recommend?
posted by BearClaw6 at 1:17 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by BearClaw6 at 1:17 PM PST - 9 comments
Differences/similarities between Great Recession & Great Depression
What good articles have you read about the Great Recession? I'm particularly interested in resources that help explain the causes, effects and responses to the recent Recession. Bonus if the article/video/infographic/etc. helps explain how the causes, effects, or responses are similar to or different than the causes/effects/responses to the Great Depression. [more inside]
Help me figure out the origin of this Italian-American slang word
I'm trying to figure out the origin of a particular Italian slang word my family uses that means "gaudy, tacky or overdone". [more inside]
posted by Thin Lizzy at 12:37 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by Thin Lizzy at 12:37 PM PST - 30 comments
Help me identify a stand up comedian
For the past few weeks I've been trying to remember the name of a stand up comic whose special I watched on Comedy Central in the '90s but haven't seen or heard from for several years. I remember very few specific jokes from his act, but recall that he had a bit about making his mom a necklace out of pasta for Mother's Day and telling her, "Now put on the rigatoni!" [more inside]
posted by Devils Slide at 12:35 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Devils Slide at 12:35 PM PST - 2 comments
Identify yet another mystery song heard in a Chipotle.
This past week, I was in a Chipotle and heard an interesting song. However, Shazam couldn't identify it. It was "psychedelic"-sounding with a male singer (think Beach Boys or The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows"), but the only words I could decipher were "merry go round". See the extended explanation... [more inside]
On the care and feeding of feces-flinging primates
This is a question for the zookeepers of MetaFilter. [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet at 12:19 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by jason's_planet at 12:19 PM PST - 2 comments
The art of (not) tipping
At a restaurant, if I'm not tipping on my card (either because I've left cash or because someone else is leaving the tip), is it better to make a note of this or just leave the tip line blank? [more inside]
posted by harperpitt at 12:02 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by harperpitt at 12:02 PM PST - 24 comments
Looking for a word that conveys a particular nuanced concept.
Here is the concept I am trying to put a single word to: a sense of ultimate "completion" achieved through the joining of many disparate parts. The word I'm searching for must capture the sense of these disparate parts integrating to fulfill a higher destiny, of being not only greater together but, through this harmonious integration, achieving ultimate purpose or the greatest possible manifestation of each parts' potential. I.e., "Coming together to form the greatest possible, or most complete, reality." [more inside]
I can't do too much... even though it seems like I can
I have a part time job as a legal secretary and another one (or two, sometimes) delivering pizza. In my jobs I deal with customers and clients, invisible house numbers, rickety stairs, icy hills, lifting up to 25 pounds, sometimes working a total of 55 hours per week, things getting way too boring and then frantic, poor phone lines, dangerous neighborhoods, moody bosses, court deadlines, hot ovens, etc. etc. What I like is mainly the variety, flexibility, typing, driving around, friendly interaction, and food smells. What I dislike is the pay. [more inside]
Looking for recommendations for great women ensemble films!
Just saw Mona Lisa Smile for the first time and loved the acting in it. Now I'm on the hunt for great recommendations for all-women or prominently women ensemble movies. Release the hounds!
How do non-students get more than just the abstracts?
What's the best way for someone who's not associated with any institutions to get past the "full text -- sign in or purchase" for academic papers? Assume they're interested in everything and don't want to set up a new account (or pay per paper) every time a new field of study comes up.
I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride it where I won't kill myself.
Los Angeles, I am accident-prone. I average one major bicycle crash a year. Help me find a hardcore indoor cycling activity that will still kick my ass and keep me safely off the streets for training rides. [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 11:02 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by mykescipark at 11:02 AM PST - 8 comments
Where was a cartoon comparing code reviews to insulting someone's mother
A few weeks ago, I saw a cartoon in which one character gave another a code review (made suggestions on how to improve a computer program). A bystander asked the coder if he was just going to take that, saying that it was as though the reviewer had called his mother a whore. I've searched and searched but haven't been able to find the cartoon again to download. The drawing style was like Cynanide & Happiness and Invisible Bread, but I searched through hundreds of cartoons at those sites and couldn't find it. (Yes, I can be obsessive.)
posted by espertus at 10:51 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by espertus at 10:51 AM PST - 3 comments
Are comma splices becoming grammatically acceptable?
I am seeing comma splices used with increasing frequency, both in writing I edit at work and on various websites. They seem particularly common when the second phrase begins with the word "however." I know that some words and constructions become correct by usage over time. Are comma splices becoming acceptable? Editors, do you remove them when you find them, or let them stand? [more inside]
posted by southern_sky at 10:10 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by southern_sky at 10:10 AM PST - 43 comments
Best burger in Cleveland, Ohio? (West Side)
I understand this is an opinion question, but still: give me your tips on where to find the juiciest burgers around Cleveland. We live near Crocker Park in Westlake, so the nearer the better, but we are willing to drive a bit if it is something special. Tasty onion rings on the menu are a plus!
How to water Elizabethan cat?
Cat with cone needs to drink. [more inside]
posted by Luminiferous Ether at 9:52 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Luminiferous Ether at 9:52 AM PST - 18 comments
I'd like to learn more about the modern ivory trade.
Can you point me toward some resources that will help me deepen my knowledge of the modern black market trade in elephant ivory? [more inside]
Alcohol makes me depressed, when it didn't before. Aging, or Wellbutrin?
As I age, I've noticed a trend: The older I get, the less it takes for me to feel depressed after a night of drinking. Like, not just hungover, but in a generally terrible mood. In my college days, I would naturally feel hungover after drinking a bit too much at a party, whereas having a glass or two of wine wouldn't make me break a sweat. These days, if go overboard I am basically dead to the world for the next two, even three days; but what surprises me is that even having 1-3 drinks with friends turns me into a mess the next day. It seems that no matter how little I drink I wake up groggy, in low spirits, and don't really feel like doing anything - God forbid I have to work the next day. I am usually a pretty happy person, and it was never this bad even a decade ago. These days, if I get invited to have a drink with friends, I often times turn them down since I know that even one drink could might a mood swing that could last days. [more inside]
Metafilteresque French sites?
Does anyone know of any sites kind of like Metafilter, but in (or at least primarily in) French? I leave "like Metafilter" to your discretion, but mainly I'm thinking of the commenting culture more than "list of links" - an active commenting userbase with generally high quality discussion. I see that this question has been asked in AskMe before, but the sites in the answers seem to all be dead, or turned into shopping sites, or were jokes in the first place (like a link to Google Translate's translation of Metafilter itself).
Job Search. Difficulty Level: Repatriate me please!
I took the Hivemind's advice to go abroad, now I need some ideas on how to get back. How should a early 20-something find for a job back in the US while abroad? [more inside]
Where to get well-done cold-cut roast beef in NYC?
So I really love perfect, cooked, brown roast beef, but most delis only have the half-cooked pink crap. Anyone know of a place in NYC (preferably Queens, but I'll take Brooklyn or Manhattan) where I can get a nice roast beef sandwich with cheese and mustard that won't moo at me?
So the name we liked was too masculine...
Mr. Kitty and I are adopting a puppy this Sunday! What do we call her? [more inside]
Katie Roiphe quote
In her epic takedown of Katie Roiphe's The Morning After: Sex, Fear, and Feminism on Campus, Kathy Pollitt writes that Roiphe says that she was "'date-raped' many times and none the worse for it." The idea of whether rape must be associated with trauma to be recognized as rape is relevant to a paper I'm writing, and I'd like to refer to her actual quote. What is the quote, and what page is it on?
Thank you note for judge?
He went above and beyond. I can't tell you details about the sensitive and personal case that he heard last (he announced "cases x and y will be last"), thereby ensuring the courtroom was cleared. Besides just being an awesome person. Would I be allowed to send him a heartfelt note of thanks? If it matters, he is a county judge.
The Origin of Cathy Ames
Is there any evidence that the character Cathy Ames in Steinbeck's East of Eden was based on a real person? [more inside]
posted by helloimjohnnycash at 7:35 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by helloimjohnnycash at 7:35 AM PST - 3 comments
Please tell me about your experiences as an independent tutor!
I just very recently lost my full-time job, and while I bust my ass looking for a new permanent position, I'll need to find something to keep paying my rent. I have experience tutoring, but only through a large well-known test-prep company. I'd appreciate any advice from Mefites out there who have done private tutoring outside of such companies in the New York City area, especially regarding how you got started. [more inside]
Games and fun stuff to help a new mother feel smarter!
My friend just had her baby, and while she is loving motherhood, she also feels like after 10 months pause from work + hormonal adjustments, tiredness, sleep deprivation and time spent alone with a newborn she is... well... dumber than before. What sorts of stuff can a new mom do/play with her visitors to stimulate her intellectually and cognitively, while she does the same for her little one? [more inside]
Shipping books from Germany to the U.S.
I'm looking to ship a box full of books from Berlin in Germany to New York City, USA. [more inside]
Help me remember this book about a maybe-Dutch not-wizard
Hi metafilter,
I read this (fantasy?) book as a kid and only remember it vaguely. I was hoping someone could help me find it. Here is all that I remember, which might be made up or two books joined into one in my head: [more inside]
posted by c[,,] at 2:05 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by c[,,] at 2:05 AM PST - 3 comments
How much will this traumatized cat bounce back?
We are both experienced cat owners. In November, our beloved Tigger passed away; in December, we got three black cats from a shelter. Two of them are socialised and friendly, the third is not. (We knew this and we were willing to take the chance.)
Third cat was raised in the house of a pet hoarder, who let them inbreed; he lived there with 65 cats (!) for 6 months to a year, and was then seized and brought to the shelter, where he stayed for a year and a half.
How normal and happy can we expect this cat to turn out over time? [more inside]
posted by Too-Ticky at 12:36 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by Too-Ticky at 12:36 AM PST - 25 comments
How far from home before an ant is irrevocably lost?
I'm sitting on a park bench, and there are ants crawling on my feet and lower legs. I keep lightly brushing them off. Eventually I get up and walk away. About a hundred metres from the bench, I realize there's still a single ant exploring the leg hairs on my shin. I brush it off, onto the ground. Will it find its way back to its home?