March 2013 Archives
March 31
I have a DSL connection. Vimeo lags more often than Youtube.
I have a DSL connection. Vimeo lags more often than Youtube. Why? Is there something I can do? Chrome over Windows 7. Firefox secondary. AdBlock used.
posted by maggieb at 10:05 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by maggieb at 10:05 PM PST - 6 comments
Anxiety and Coping With Yelling
My sister yells a lot and it makes me very tense and anxious. [more inside]
Using photos that aren't yours
Someone asked to use photos I took at their event to give to the media, and then used them on their Facebook page without asking me. I need to calibrate my anger and response. [more inside]
How to tell an older couple that I think they're just awesome?
I'm casual friends with a wonderful couple. They're both about 15 years older than me. We're not really close friends and we only see each other about once a month, but I have a lot of respect and admiration for them, both individually and as a couple. They go above and beyond doing good deeds for people in our social circle, they mentor two teenagers, and they just seem like happy people who have it together. As a queer woman, I don't have a lot of models of great older women in healthy relationships, and they're exactly that! In thinking about what I want for myself in the future, I think about the lives they live and the kind of people they are. Is there a way to let them know how much I admire them without making a big, awkward deal about it? [more inside]
How can I create a hotel bed from the Mandarin Oriental?
Hello. I am a bed novice. I didn't know what a duvet or pillow sham was until I was like 25 (I grew up poor). Actually I'm still not sure what those are. But I recently stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas and fell into bed heaven. At first, I thought the bed was too soft because you can press down into it. But it actually gave tons of support. And the pillows were awesome. They were long and Euro? Anyway does anyone who supplies their bed stuff or how I can come close to recreating it without spending a million dollars?
Looking for tips on nanny hiring from those in the know.
I need to hire a nanny. I've got over 30 applicants to an ad on one of the big caregiver websites, and I'm working on setting up interviews with a couple of the applicants. I need your help so I don't screw up and hire someone I'm going to regret for a really important job. [more inside]
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:01 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:01 PM PST - 33 comments
Which branch of law enforcement handles cross-border crime?
I recently bought a laptop over eBay that turned out to have a faulty monitor. The seller lives in NYC - I live in Toronto, Canada. I sent it back to him (paying the return shipping out of pocket) and left negative feedback because he was rude and condescending to me on the phone when I was making the shipping arrangements. (May be a teeny-bit NSFW for language below the cut.) [more inside]
posted by empatterson at 7:33 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by empatterson at 7:33 PM PST - 12 comments
How much should we pay the cat-sitter?
The lady friend and I live in Los Angeles and are going away for about a week. We are looking for someone, probably a law student, to come stay with our kittens and take care of them. How much should we offer to pay? [more inside]
Pursuing a Platonic Friendship
So I am in an extended academic program meaning almost all of my friends have graduated and moved on and I know only a handful of people in my current city. I have always been very shy and since the departure of my friends I have been making every effort to be a more social, friendly, and outgoing person. I have been doing an OK job but sometimes stumble as I feel very awkward initiating friendships of either sex and I really need help with this one. [more inside]
Are there new cars that have relatively even pedal heights?
We need to get a new car where the brake pedal and the gas pedal are approximately the same height. We're located in the US. So far almost all of the cars we've tried have a rather substantial height difference between the brake and the gas (some as much as 2"). I'm looking for within 1/2" difference. Does anyone know of a late model cars that have a small difference in pedal height? [more inside]
Murphy bed advice?
Front passenger speaker and window switch broke but power lock didnt
The front passenger speaker and window control stopped working on my Ford Crown Victoria. The front passenger power lock switch is working fine. The window itself works normally and I can lower it from the driver side control panel.
I had to take the whole dashboard apart earlier to replace a heater core so I unplugged a lot of wires. What did I miss when putting it back together? Where do I look?
Choosing a dwarf fruit tree for a garden
I have a large container in my back yard that I want to use for a dwarf tree. The container is at least 3 by 3 feet and gets full sun. It's very important that the tree stay short - four feet is best, five feet would be ok. I want to get tasty fruit from it. I want it to stay healthy and require minimal maintenance. Please give me species recommendations and tips. [more inside]
posted by bq at 6:01 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by bq at 6:01 PM PST - 19 comments
Recommend me some museums, galleries, and art spaces in Stockholm?
My goal is to get up to speed -- and then keep up with -- the art, design, architecture, and fashion scenes in Stockholm. I moved here recently and am curious if people can recommend galleries, museums, and anything else I should follow for interesting shows, interesting new artists, speaker tours, that sort of thing, ideally relating to the above, but I'm also open to anything else :) In a bigger city like London or NY there are obvious tons of galleries and museums that constantly have great exhibits...I don't expect Stockholm to be at that level, but people always talk about "Swedish design" and I am curious to get into it, as well as art and architecture. I realize that leaves it open but mainly I care about galleries, museums, and other spaces where innovative creation is being displayed, and less about the medium (though architecture, photography, and haute cotoure type fashion are three specific interests...though you wouldn't know it from how I dress :). I think this question is a bit rambly but hopefully the "spirit" of it was conveyed.
Thanks in advance!
Foolish Comment Ruins Chance With Amazing Woman
I recently met an amazing, smart woman. On our third date, I made a stupid comment that offended her. I made it worse by trying to cover myself. I really want to salvage this situation and see this woman again. [more inside]
How can I get tickets to a sold-out play in London?
I'm going to London in May, and desperately want to see a play that's sold out for its entire run. What's the best way to get a single ticket? I'm not concerned about cost. [more inside]
posted by emcat8 at 4:27 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by emcat8 at 4:27 PM PST - 10 comments
Writing spot in Lower Manhattan or upper Brooklyn
When I lived in Chicago, there was a great late-night coffee shop called New Wave Cafe in Logan Square that was perfect for after-work writing. I've been having a hard time finding a similar spot since moving to NYC. It doesn't need to be a coffee shop, but it does need to be well-lit enough that I can read, and calm enough that I won't be seen as preventing the establishment from doing business. Bonus points if the place has a neighborhood-y feel with a friendly staff. I live in Greenpoint, work in SoHo, and usually commute via bicycle over the Williamsburg Bridge. Any suggestions, Metafilter?
I want to install Windows XP on my Mac using Parallels, but I am Failing
Dell says I can't use my OS disks to install Windows on my Mac. Is this true? [more inside]
Stupid phobia
I have an embarassing phobia which I'd like to get rid of. [more inside]
OKC's Kiss/Kill/Marry
Have you (or someone you know) been successful with individuals who are a low match for you on OKC?
I consider low to be below '80% Match'. This is assuming you've both answered at least a 100 questions. Success I consider to be at least a few months of going out. I'm trying to get a sense of whether it is reasonable to ignore contact from low-matching individuals or if those scores are just meaningless once you get to know someone in person. Should you give that person a shot or is it a waste of time? I'm not so much concerned with the friend or enemy score.
posted by who squared at 3:14 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by who squared at 3:14 PM PST - 32 comments
Pomodoro Software that Automatically Loops
Hi, I was wondering if someone could recommend Pomodoro software that automatically cycles instead of having to click on the "start" each time a pomodoro finishes? That way you could have 3-4 Pomodoros (and breaks) chained in sequence and not have to start the timer each time.
Recommendations for flexible timer software would also also work, I suppose. I'm looking for something for Windows.
Thanks!
Is there a good iOS/Andriod app for car mileage tracking?
I'm iPhone, wife is Android, and we both use both of the family cars. Is there a good service, with smartphone apps for both platforms (or web interface that plays nicely with a low-end Android device and i5) for entering the current mileage, gallons purchased, price, ect for tracking fuel costs for each vehicle? I'd like to do what my dad did with a notebook in the glove compartment, but with the math and cloud-sync goodness parts handled by the pocket computers. Maybe this is a job for a Google Docs spreadsheet?
posted by Steve3 at 2:23 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Steve3 at 2:23 PM PST - 6 comments
Increased anxiety at night
I tend to get increased anxiety in the evening, hoping for advice or explanations for what might be causing it. [more inside]
posted by Dynex at 1:10 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Dynex at 1:10 PM PST - 17 comments
WTH is a Paypal sending (not spending) limit?
Had a payment through Paypal declined due to reaching "sending limit." What is that and how to handle? [more inside]
What iOS software do we need for a small resale business?
Starting a small business of one-of-a-kind items and looking for an iOS software package for inventory and sales. [more inside]
Therapeutic Faith.
Do you have faith in your therapist's sense of certainty? [more inside]
posted by mild deer at 12:43 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by mild deer at 12:43 PM PST - 21 comments
Keep Water Off My Bathroom Counter
The counter for my bathroom sink sits below the level of the counter (picture). When the water is turned off, or the soap dispenser used, water dripping off hands gets all over the counter and eventually runs to the edge of the counter onto the floor. I want this to stop.
The fix for the faucet is to find a new faucet. But I'm not sure what to do about the soap dispenser. [more inside]
Catholics singing in the street on Easter?
I was awakened at 6:30 am by around hundred people - some in robes carrying large banners - and a band with loud drums, all proceeding down my street and singing something in a foreign language. What was it all about? [more inside]
posted by theraflu at 12:04 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by theraflu at 12:04 PM PST - 11 comments
What are the physical effects of regular computer usage?
What are the physical effects of regular computer usage? I'm looking for good, recent, resources that answer this question, preferably that are empirical/science-based and understandable to someone who has a basic, non-professional understanding of anatomy. [more inside]
Psychological implications of bigotry
What happens psychologically to people who fight or confront bigotry for longer periods of time? Are there any studies about depression, PTSD or self-esteem issues? How do anti bigotry/discrimination organizations help their members with these problems?
posted by Foci for Analysis at 11:43 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Foci for Analysis at 11:43 AM PST - 8 comments
Confined to a bed. Any good educational DVDs/webseries/audiobooks?
I've got some good books to read, and I've got plenty of entertainment-oriented movies to watch. But all day in bed is a long time and I'd like to mix it up with some good educational content. The only examples I have are Khan Academy and Simon Schama's The Power of Art. I'm open to most subjects (although I'd definitely like to get some history in there). For my tastes, TED talks feel a little disposable, and a lot of youtube educational series are presented with kind of hyper "edutainment" style that I find exhausting. Can anyone recommend some stuff that they've enjoyed?
posted by Anonymousness at 11:26 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by Anonymousness at 11:26 AM PST - 22 comments
Get me up to speed on baseball as quickly as possible
So I've decided, for various reasons, that I'd like to follow baseball this year. What can I read to get up to speed ASAP? [more inside]
Mac shows Time Maching but not External HD
Reinstalled Snow Leopard but ejected my external drive before this. Then, when done, plugged back in via USB as my usual custom....and Time Machine still shows up, but the External Seagate drive does not. I made sure that in Finder/Preferences that the external disc box as others was checked. I tried a different cord, and different port. I opened up Disc Utility and the External HD's partioned Time Machine is available but the other part, now renamed something else (a default name from manufacturer?) is greyed out and I cannot touch it.
Any thoughts? Should i now go to the boot disc of Snow Leopard? Not sure why TM shows but the rest does not.
posted by chicaboom at 11:16 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by chicaboom at 11:16 AM PST - 11 comments
What's this short story about an owl(?) leading animals into darkness?
I have a memory of a short story I read years ago that no-one else seems to recollect.
It featured animals as the main characters - mainly farmyard/woodland types. They become followers of a leader (an owl/cockerel?), who leads them to pastures new.
The leader wants to remain in tight control, so he leads them underground(?) and emerge in a "new" land, but one where it is constantly in darkness. [more inside]
Masters in maths? Difficulty level: Have bachelors in graphic design
Dear Mefites, a long time ago I got a degree in graphic design but never worked in the industry. Along the way I somehow (don't remember how or why or when) became interested in math and I finished a graduate diploma in maths as a distance learning course in my free time. I am considering applying for masters programmes in maths or related subjects but ... can I? Should I? [more inside]
posted by Cat Set Go at 11:08 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Cat Set Go at 11:08 AM PST - 10 comments
Can you help me find a public radio story?
A few weeks ago, public radio aired a report about a relocation program for families from unsafe neighborhoods. The reporter focused on difficulties participants had adjusting to their new neighborhoods, like unspoken conventions about street parking. [more inside]
posted by roger ackroyd at 11:08 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by roger ackroyd at 11:08 AM PST - 2 comments
Identify this Bug!!
I've seen half a dozen of these bugs in my apartment of late. What are they and should I be worried?
posted by eggman at 9:32 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by eggman at 9:32 AM PST - 6 comments
How do I stop being so paranoid about my bike being stolen?
I live in San Francisco and just started biking. Whenever I bike somewhere and lock up out of sight, I start worrying about my bike being stolen. I know it won't actually suck that much when it happens (I'll be pissed, then get a new bike). How do I stop thinking of my bike as "that expensive popular-to-steal thing I just left outside oh no?" [more inside]
Please recommend a luthier or guitar technician in NYC
I am seeking a truly excellent luthier/guitar tech in New York City, preferably Manhattan, specializing in acoustic instruments and capable of doing advanced woodwork. [more inside]
posted by spitbull at 8:42 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by spitbull at 8:42 AM PST - 5 comments
Is everything closed for Easter where you are? Has it always been?
Hi, having recently returned to my home state of Indiana, I'm noticing things are still a bit different here (e..g it's like the last state in which you can't buy alcohol on Sundays). So I'm wondering if this is Hoosier specific too. Everything is closed today (excepting some restaurants). Is this a national thing? Has it always been so, and I just never noticed? Christmas, sure. New Year's Day, yep. But Easter?
quick reliable dose of world news everyday?
What website/ podcast/ youtube channel can I consistently follow everyday to know world news? [more inside]
posted by atetrachordofthree at 8:30 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by atetrachordofthree at 8:30 AM PST - 18 comments
How to stop dwelling on my previous unpleasant relationship
I'm in a happy relationship but still have thoughts about my previous unhappy relationship. Sometimes it's worry that the current one will go sour like the previous one, and sometimes I actually wish the previous one had worked, even though it was toxic. How do I stop this and just focus on the present? [more inside]
Hand Injury
I fell badly yesterday, and ever since my right hand has been alternating between quite painful and fine. Do I really need to go to the doctor on Easter Sunday? [more inside]
How to stop voice overs.
ABC shows suddenly have annoying voice overs narrating. What gives? [more inside]
Cocktail party linguistics
How come that various forms of the verb "to be" have different degrees of similarity across German/English/Romance languages? The third person singular ist/is/est seems to have an obvious common root, whereas I don't see it jump out on me for bin/am/suis at all, and in other forms it seems like German and French are close with English the odd one out (sind/sommes/are), which I found puzzling given that I usually think of English as the bastard child of these two.
Can you identify this object / game / toy / mysterious item? [pictures!]
I can't figure out what this strange thing is. It resembles a set of dominoes with unfamiliar symbols on them. I'm sure someone out there will recognize it immediately. Thanks!
picture 1
picture 2
picture 3
What's your "go-to" salad?
Inspired by this post, I'm working on my own "go-to" salad that I'll always be able to make. The criteria are: "fresh ingredients you can get in most stores, which you will never tire of, and can eat twice a week for the rest of your life." Do you have a "go-to" salad or something similar? - I'm looking for inspiration here so the more unusual/personal the better!
How to reinstall windows 8 on a preloaded asus zenbook
I recently bought an asus zenbook UX32VD-R43317, and I would quite like to replace the hard drive in it, reinstalling windows in the process, but I don't seem to have any way of doing so. [more inside]
How to avoid communication with the girl before the first date?
I met a girl at a bar and I want to know how to avoid chatting with her all week before our first date. [more inside]
Explain NAS and file servers to me like I'm five years old. And dim.
I currently have a tangle of external drives hooked to my HTPC. Serving that stuff via UPnP is okay, but I'd like to move my files to a separate device that would then be able to make them available to a motley assortment of devices. Thing is, I'm woefully ignorant about networking and file sharing, having never so much as set up a shared Windows folder. I need help coming up with a game plan. [more inside]
March 30
Kickstart Poetry book or Submit manuscirpt?
I'm a poet. A pretty good one, occasionally. I've always been a coward when it comes to going for publication, and with April being National Poetry Month it seems an appropriate time to take submitting seriously. What makes more sense these days--trying to get a manuscript published by a publisher, or trying to make a book for a specific audience with a kickstarter/indigogo?
What was this strange thing that happened to my boyfriend?
Two weekends ago, something REALLY weird happened to my boyfriend and I'm still struggling to try and figure out what it was. A hallucination? A psychotic episode? [more inside]
posted by alysonagain at 10:22 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by alysonagain at 10:22 PM PST - 45 comments
Wait, you're not a student. Are you trying to crash here?
I now live in an area populated by college students. Everything in this neighborhood revolves around the major university in question. Problem is, as much as I look like one, I'm not a college student. And when asked, I feel awkward saying no I don't go to school here. What should my appropriate response be? [more inside]
posted by signondiego at 9:38 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by signondiego at 9:38 PM PST - 26 comments
Every step you take you make the dancefloor shake
Asking for a friend:
Sometime within the last four years, I heard a dancehall/calypso song that samples/references "Every Breath You Take" in the chorus, except the line is "every breath you take, you make the dancefloor shake". Does anyone know what this song could be?
posted by sea change at 9:29 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by sea change at 9:29 PM PST - 2 comments
Looking for cheapest place to buy metal frames parts for 22 x 34 poster
I plan to go to Lowes or Home Depot and get the backing and plexi but want sturdy metal parts to make a very basic black 22 x 34 frame. The stores have the dimensions but the quality is so utterly crappy I want to get something sturdy. Many of my posters have the 22 x 34 dimensions but am going for cheapest online site that is dependable and then will build from the parts myself. I had found a site years ago but no longer can find it anymore. (Tried IKEA as they at least look a bit nicer but no luck on that dimension.)
What are some good things to do for a vacation in Washington, DC?
How can I best go about having an affordable vacation in Washington, DC over two days? [more inside]
Is there enough food and drink in a supermarket to last a lifetime?
Would there be enough food and drink in the average, major supermarket to sustain a single adult for the rest of their life? And if there's not, is the problem that there's not enough food (ie calories) or that there's not enough drink (ie water)? [more inside]
I need to sleep
I keep good sleep hygiene. I have herbal tea and a warm bath/shower an hour before bed. I take 50-75 mg of Benedryl (or equivalent) every night. I'm still only sleeping 3-4 hours a night. I can't take Ambien because it makes me sleepwalk. Ideas?
Is there a true WYSIWYG Wordpress Editor?
My wife has been forced to update and maintain her company blog. She is trying to create posts using the default online editor. I am watching her breakdown on a weekly basis while dealing with this. She hits backspace on a paragraph and the paragraph jumps to inside the caption box of the previous image. She creates a post, hits preview and nothing is even similar to what she was trying to create; text that was wrapping around an image is suddenly all messed up, weird breaks appear in paragraphs, Large blank spaces appear on the page. She has no experience with coding so getting her to actually code the post is tough.
Is there an easy solution? I want to help her make her life easier.
posted by aburd at 7:24 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by aburd at 7:24 PM PST - 14 comments
Aflatoxin? In my powdered peanut butter?!
I use this product in my smoothies that I eat quite often. How concerned should I be about aflatoxin? I am hoping someone with a deeper knowledge of the issues concerning aflatoxin and food products can shed some light on this for me. Is it likely to contaminated or not? How can I find out? What can I do to protect myself from aflatoxin in this and other products?
How concerned should I be about glass dust?
Last week I broke the sunroof to my car and significant amount of glass fell into the car. I've cleaned the big pieces out and vacuumed. I've also replaced the window. However, I'm worried about glass dust. [more inside]
posted by el chupa nibre at 6:26 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by el chupa nibre at 6:26 PM PST - 6 comments
Kindle for the iPad - something's been bugging me for years...
Why hasn't Amazon implemented "collections" or "folders" in the kindle for the ipad application? [more inside]
Would raspberry ketone work for me?
I just need to drop 12-15lbs. Would raspberry ketone work for me? [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:11 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:11 PM PST - 15 comments
Name that song...
Google is failing me, so I hope the Green can help. I'm looking for a song by Yellow Magic Orchestra from later in their career. The only thing I can remember about the song is that it repeats the line "X loves YMO", with X being replaced by various bands/people.
High protein savory vegetarian snacks?
What are great portable, ready-made, high-protein, low carb, tasty, and savory rather than sweet vegetarian processed food items?
World's Tastiest Cat Litter
We recently changed litter brands (from clumping clay to the World's Best Cat Litter), and everything seemed to be going fine. But it turns out one of our cats is noshing on the new litter. What should we do to detract her? [more inside]
posted by brina at 3:23 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by brina at 3:23 PM PST - 11 comments
Hot sleeper needs a blanket or duvet insert that will NOT keep me warm!
I'm a hot sleeper, but I love the feeling of having covers over me when I sleep. I need either a blanket or (preferably) a duvet insert that won't keep me warm. In a perfect world, it would have some weight, but zero ability to hold heat. I've been using a duvet cover with an old crappy comforter, but the comforter is finally falling apart, so it's time to look for something else. Style wise, it just needs to be white. And machine washable. Any other hot sleepers out there? What works for you? What should I be looking for?
posted by 2oh1 at 2:43 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by 2oh1 at 2:43 PM PST - 38 comments
knee-jerk anger management
I need some help managing a knee-jerk reaction I have when confronted with people experiencing a particular emotion. I have had the reaction a few times, but haven't tried to explain it before, so bear with me. [more inside]
Tracking iTunes Store prices on iOS?
I use an app on my iPhone and iPad called AppShopper to keep a list of iOS apps I'd like to buy. It tracks them and sends a push notification when their price changes (or when there's an update to the app). Is there another app like that out there that tracks movies, music and TV shows (and maybe apps) on the iTunes Store? If there's no app, is there a website that does this?
What does society get out of keeping Bernie Madoff in prison?
What are some resources (academic or official) that help explain why incarceration is still the primary means by which the US punishes crime (felony/serious misdemeanor)? [more inside]
posted by SMPA at 2:12 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by SMPA at 2:12 PM PST - 12 comments
Did I roast my nematodes?
Nematodes sat in a hot mailbox for a couple days. Are they dead? [more inside]
posted by DakotaPaul at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by DakotaPaul at 2:05 PM PST - 5 comments
Thicker strings on a Tenor Guitar
Can I use higher gauge strings on a Tenor Guitar? [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 1:22 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 1:22 PM PST - 6 comments
Make me into Mr. Ed
Recently I had a throat infection, and for a couple of days my voice dropped about an octave from its usual pitch. This came with an unexpected perk: there seems to be an inverse correlation between pitch of male voice and female attention. Women's heads turned when I spoke. I got big smiles from women staff members who had been dour to the previous customer. Etc. This was awesome, and I'd like to find a way to reproduce this experience without having to get strep throat. The obvious answer is voice lessons, but I can't afford that at the moment. What are some exercises or other things I can do to make my voice deeper?
posted by zeri at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by zeri at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments
manual/digital
One of my kinks is being watched by strangers online. How can I make sure this is safe? [more inside]
Board games for a wedding
What board games should we get for guests to play at our wedding? [more inside]
posted by just_ducky at 10:29 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by just_ducky at 10:29 AM PST - 45 comments
Health insurance subsidy?
My wife and I are both graduate students living on about $30k a year in southeastern Pennsylvania. We're about to turn 26 and will be losing our health insurance coverage through our parents. Does the state of Pennsylvania or the government offer any sort of subsidies or vouchers to help us purchase our own insurance? [more inside]
The sofa is soiled.
There was poop on the sofa after the party. What do we do? [more inside]
Coworker difficulties
Need advice on a situation at work. [more inside]
I'm safe and happy and loved! Why is that so hard?
I'm finally in a safe place for the first time since my early childhood. And I feel like I'm… emotionally detoxing? Please help me understand what's going on. [more inside]
Fix my mug
Extreme long-shot filter: The lid on my favorite travel mug partially melted in the dishwasher. Help me find a replacement? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad at 9:28 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Ms. Toad at 9:28 AM PST - 4 comments
How to get Comcast and Tivo to work together?
I have a Tivo Premiere. I have Comcast. How do I avoid throwing my TV out the window in frustration? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:23 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:23 AM PST - 6 comments
How do I decrypt a PGP email attachment in OSX?
I have a PGP key and Thunderbird with Enigmail for OSX. A friend sent me an email with an encrypted attachment (filename ending in .pgp). While I know how to decrypt the email itself, I don't know how to decrypt the attachment.
Negotiating rent increase (Manhattan)
I feel the proposed rent increase is unfair - how can I stay at my current rent? [more inside]
What to look for in a new bike for a plus-sized female wannabe cyclist?
I want to commute by bike to my job and bike on the weekends as a way to enjoy myself and get in shape outside but am overwhelmed by all the choices out there. I am plus-sized and want to be somewhat comfortable biking for an hour a day. Not sure if a larger seat will solve my problems? Is a mountain bike the answer because it has shocks? What components would you recommend that will make a new bike work for me. I'm a thirty-something with no health problems, just a lot of weight to carry. [more inside]
Looking to eliminate targeted ads
Targeted ads based on web history are creeping me the hell out. How can I make it stop? [more inside]
bread baking question
I'm new to bread making. I want to make bread that is not so dense and has regular, medium-sized air bubbles in it. Can you help me? [more inside]
posted by colfax at 7:32 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by colfax at 7:32 AM PST - 14 comments
What birds were these?
I live in the Western NC mountains. Early this morning I saw a line of birds flying very high, ( they looked like a ribbon of dots), and fast, from south to north. The formation was strikingly beautiful as they were following in a wavering line rather than the typical V formation. What species did I see?
posted by haikuku at 7:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by haikuku at 7:16 AM PST - 5 comments
things to do in LA this weekend
So I find myself alone in Los Angeles this weekend, and didn't have time for much planning prior to the trip. Anyr of things to do & see this Easter weekend? [more inside]
posted by .kobayashi. at 7:12 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by .kobayashi. at 7:12 AM PST - 33 comments
Fun Springtime Movies!
Looking for a fun spring movie to watch on Easter. [more inside]
Ahoy My Wall
I just scored a nautical chart from the 1930's that I'd like to hang up; should I worry about it being exposed to a couple hours of direct sunlight? [more inside]
Garden of Lost Fruit?
In The Fruit Hunters by Adam Gollner, he mentions "Bologna's Garden of Lost Fruit" as a fruit-focused tourist destination (p. 35). Googling for this name only brings up a Google Books snippet of the book, and trying to translate it to Italian doesn't seem to give anything useful either. What is this place called in Italian, and where can I find it?
posted by Yiggs at 4:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Yiggs at 4:22 AM PST - 4 comments
The visual equivalent of 'Prisencolinensinainciusol'
There are Latin fonts designed to mimic Cyrillic, Asian characters, and many other scripts. What are some examples of foreign-script fonts which mimic Latin characters?
Short-to-medium term transportation options in Houston?
Asking for a friend:
I'm leaving graduate school for a job in Houston, TX in a few weeks and I'm looking for the best short-term transportation situation - apparently there is no public transportation whatsoever going to my job, and I'd like to be able to, you know, get to work. The hitch is that while I'm leaving in 2 weeks, my wife is leaving in 3 months, and she needs our car to get to work. I've got a motorcycle, but it's cheapest to ship that in the moving truck when we move our stuff in 3 months (not to mention I'm not sure how quickly I can arrange for it to be moved out there, and if it gets there too late, it's not worth doing anyway). [more inside]
posted by abcde at 1:20 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by abcde at 1:20 AM PST - 16 comments
March 29
Copying tables within a MS Word protected form
I need to find a way to allow users to copy/paste a table that sits within a Word 'protected' form (ie users can only edit within the form fields). We had a series of templates developed by a 'professional', but they have not been able to overcome some version/OS incompatibility issues. The problem is specifically in enabling the table to be selected in the first place, as this function is lost when the protection is applied. [more inside]
posted by dg at 11:44 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by dg at 11:44 PM PST - 8 comments
what's this maths puzzle doing in my craft cupboard?
So, I am making a quilt and have a puzzle. I am kind of copying this one. [more inside]
posted by superfish at 10:42 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by superfish at 10:42 PM PST - 10 comments
Why did my car stop working?
Why did my car stop working? [more inside]
Class A, B, C real estate?
Real estate filter: Is it considered in any way derogatory or impolite to refer to non-prime commercial office space as "Class B" or "Class C"? [more inside]
So frustrated. Page Dr. House.
Left side (arm and leg) numbness, weakness, pain and weird temperature changes. Clean MRI and no abnormalities in any other test. Primary care sent me to ER, ER did test, found nothing said it was "probably a migraine" (with no headache and no aura?!), and sent me home. What is going on? Hope me please. [more inside]
Creative puzzle gift box contents?
I have a puzzle box...a little box with a puzzle you must solve in order to open it. The opening inside is a cylinder about 2.5" in diameter by 3" in length, so, big enough for a standard plastic gift card if you bend it a little. I want to give a gift that is more interesting than a gift card, so I need your ideas! [more inside]
What font has been used in onscreen text of Zero Dark Thirty?
The other day I was watching the movie and like the font. First I thought it's TNR then I thought maybe some Sans but I couldn't figure out.
I loved the clean spacious fonts. Which one was it? [more inside]
posted by amar at 7:46 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by amar at 7:46 PM PST - 3 comments
When should I launch?
I'm building a web site dedicated to my grandparents' old letters and diaries. It will be a few months before I'm done scanning, transcribing and creating other original content. Should I launch now, or wait until I'm done? [more inside]
posted by christopherious at 6:59 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by christopherious at 6:59 PM PST - 13 comments
What are the proofreader's marks for widows and orphans?
What is the proper way to mark widows and orphans while proofreading a text using the Chicago Manual of Style's format? [more inside]
Pitchy sometimes??
Everybody has always told me just how beautiful my voice is, but now I'm recording and seeing in Melodyne that I'm sooooo pitchy. Can somebody help me understand? [more inside]
Should I attend App Academy?
Should I attend App Academy? [more inside]
20-25 minute podcasts
I have a new commute that is a 25 minute walk from door to door. I'd like to find some podcasts to fill this time. [more inside]
How should we deal with the neighbor's cat?
We live in a residential neighborhood in a small city. A neighbor's cat sometimes spends time in our backyard. It has left dead birds and a dead rabbit in our yard. It has also used our garden beds as a litter box. We have a small child. There is an active neighborhood organization. What is the most socially appropriate response? [more inside]
posted by steinwald at 3:55 PM PST - 64 comments
posted by steinwald at 3:55 PM PST - 64 comments
Cute dessert idea for med school graduation
The majority of my friends are in medical school and are graduating this year. I'm a baker and wanted to give them all small gifts that are cute/tasty/medical or graduation-related. The only thing I could think of is decorated cookies (I do shortbread or brownie cookies) but any suggestions on shapes? Nothing too complicated, please! [more inside]
posted by picarosado at 3:43 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by picarosado at 3:43 PM PST - 12 comments
What is this mental health term that I'm trying to recall?
A while ago I read a two-word term relating to mental health that I can't remember and it's driving me crazy. [more inside]
posted by side effect at 3:30 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by side effect at 3:30 PM PST - 6 comments
New singer, old name
The singer of my band (let's call him Justin) left the band about a year ago, just after we'd started a project with a theatre group, with whom we were going to perform a series of pieces. We really wanted to continue working on it, so we went looking for a replacement, and ultimately Justin himself hooked us up with somebody. The name of our band features quite prominently in this project, so we asked him if he would agree if we would keep using it. He said that was fine. [more inside]
posted by mahershalal at 3:24 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by mahershalal at 3:24 PM PST - 10 comments
Ex-Pothead Starts Smoking A Little Pot Again
I'm a 21 year old ex-pothead (read: addict) who recently embarked on an adventure across the world--and after 2 years of quitting, smoked a few times this month. It's helped with my anxiety and stress (which I suffer from greatly), but is also making me incredibly guilty.
Is this okay? When it comes to pot, is it still "once an addict, always an addict"? Do you have any anecdotal experience on this? [more inside]
Inspiring movies to give as a gift to my brother
[Family-issue-disguised-as-gift-suggestion filter] Please give me your recommendations for humorous and inspiring movies, especially about someone taking simple, practical steps to establish a balanced life. For snowflakey reasons detailed inside, I believe such a movie might be a helpful gift for my brother given his current life circumstances. [more inside]
Finding a wedding officiant on (very) short notice in Portland, OR?
My fiancé and I have decided to elope. We want to get married on April Fool's day (aka Monday), as we're fools in love. We have a marriage license. What we don't have is an officiant. [more inside]
posted by seesaw at 3:04 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by seesaw at 3:04 PM PST - 9 comments
WHEY does nobody use powder for any savory dishes?
Does anybody use whey protein powder to cook anything savory, especially any dinner dishes? I realize this is a longshot question, but web searches haven't turned up much of anything.
And again, I'm looking specifically for any successful recipes that use the whey protein powder, rather than fresh whey. Thank you, o hypothetical kitchen wizards!
posted by DeWalt_Russ at 2:59 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by DeWalt_Russ at 2:59 PM PST - 11 comments
What's the deal with levi's being so different?
I bought a pair of Levi 559 jeans at the Levi outlet store in Arizona about a year ago. I love them as they are stretchy which conforms better to me and ultra comfortable. However, in searching for similar materials at stores all over, I cannot find the same material and fit with the same 559's!
My question is why this happens, why some jeans at say Macy's aren't the same size, fit and of a different material at say Penney's and how you deal with this as someone who hates to try on clothes?
Thanks!
Super specific music request
OK, here it is. I'm in search of a cool version of the alphabet song. [more inside]
posted by Mender at 1:55 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Mender at 1:55 PM PST - 8 comments
So... Can I get one in my size?
Is there a motorcycle that's safe for me ride? If so, which one(s)? [more inside]
Fake it till you make it?
How would a person who believed they were a sex god/goddess act? [more inside]
Least traumatic way to spay a dog?
I recently adopted a rescued terrier mix, about 3.5 years old, and she's a bit of a snowflake - loyal, intelligent and sweet but also previously abused, lived on the street, quick to fear, and absolutely terrified of other dogs. Love, fresh air and positive reinforcement training have been mellowing her out over the few months I've had her, but she needs to be spayed, and I'm worried about the effect it'll have on her. My vet keeps post-op dogs together in a room, and they told me she'd be so zonked on drugs that it wouldn't be a problem.
I'm not so sure. Are there vets that have private rooms or areas for dogs after surgery? Does anyone have experience with this kind of situation? I'm in Southern California, and the dog licensing law does require that she gets spayed.
posted by symbebekos at 1:38 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by symbebekos at 1:38 PM PST - 11 comments
Is good really the enemy of great in relationships?
My boyfriend has talked about us separating, but it seems like he still wants to be with me. I think he's overanalyzing our relationship to death, and I want to talk to him about how relationships take work and we should refocus on what's important to us, but is that true? How would that look, what would we do? [more inside]
posted by brisquette at 1:14 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by brisquette at 1:14 PM PST - 20 comments
Hawaii in a day
I'm traveling to Hawaii for much of next week. This would be awesome except that I will probably be spending most of my time at a conference. I'm hoping that I can get at least one day for exploring and enjoying myself. What is the one specific things I should definitely try do while I'm there? [more inside]
posted by raeka at 1:03 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by raeka at 1:03 PM PST - 20 comments
How can I make these spamming sales calls go away?
I've been getting sales calls all day for mortgages, health care, and loans. All the callers know my name and number, and they think I filled out a form asking for a quote. I've looked this up, and apparently it's common to get a million calls when you fill out such a form -- your name and number make the rounds -- but I haven't actually done that, and now I'm just trying to make the calls go away. [more inside]
When is relocation a good idea?
I know where I want to live. I'm trying to decide what career I want to pursue. And I want to bring my boyfriend along with me. Nothing is certain and I want to know whether I should be taking big risks at this point. And I need to pick a focus. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 11:43 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by winterportage at 11:43 AM PST - 24 comments
Threshold for taking benzos for generalized anxiety
I have a prescription for lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg that my doctor told me to take "as needed" for anxiety. Since there are downsides to using benzos, I am trying to determine how strong my anxiety needs to be before I take some. Curious what rules of thumb people have settled on. Do you take it even for slight anxiety? Or only when it gets bad?
1-2 month ~plan~
I have some money saved up and I want to move to a new city for a couple of months and just volunteer/intern/work there before I go back to school for my last semester in the fall. Can you give me some advice about where might be best to go and what ideas are more reasonable than others? [more inside]
Is Legoland (the Carlsbad, California version) worth a visit?
We are going to spend a week in San Diego soon. The oldest two kids are 5 and 7, and they play a lot with legos. On past trips we've just done the beach, the Zoo, and the Wild Animal Park. Should we add Legoland to the mix this time? Have you been? Is it fun for kids? Also, do you have any Legoland tips?
posted by Area Man at 10:24 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Area Man at 10:24 AM PST - 20 comments
Friend Ettiquete: Missing the Wedding, Do I Make the Bachelor's Party?
Is it worth it to fly home for my friend's bachelor party? [more inside]
Midwestern teenagers speaking in English accents?
What's the deal with the recent spate of Midwestern/Southern (US) teenagers I've heard speaking with English accents? Is this a "thing"? [more inside]
Cooking for Passover
I am hosting a dinner party and one of the guests is observing passover. I need to stay away from rice, beans, corn, and bread. I am looking for some awesome dishes / dish combinations to serve so everyone is happy. Bring on your tasty dishes.
Stubborn check engine light ideas
A few months ago, my car's check engine light came on. They fixed it, it came back on again, they fixed it again, and now it's back on. I'm looking for possible explanations so I'm more prepared when I take it back yet again. [more inside]
posted by misskaz at 9:48 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by misskaz at 9:48 AM PST - 33 comments
Best way to get a visa to Brazil in time?
Question about how to get a visa to Brazil in time for a trip. [more inside]
posted by steinsaltz at 9:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by steinsaltz at 9:33 AM PST - 6 comments
Self-promotion during self-doubt - the writing edition
I started freelance writing recently and have met a couple of people who are dream contacts -- a literary agent who's reached out to me for book ideas, and an editor who offered to have lunch with me to see what else I might contribute to their publication. The problem is, I'm very new to this and, though thrilled to be able to write for an audience, am really struggling between courageous ambition and compulsive self-effacement. I know creative producers go through this all the time. However, my question is: how do I take advantage of these opportunities ASAP in spite of it? [more inside]
posted by taramosalata at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by taramosalata at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
This is why it takes me six months to purchase anything.
My Verizon contract expired. I'd like a cheaper phone plan (currently on a grandfathered unlimited text/data plan) and also an iPhone 5. I don't mind paying for an unsubsidized phone if the savings on the plan even out. However... [more inside]
What places sell maternity clothing that my wife would like?
My wife is pregnant. I'd like to get her a gift certificate to a store that sells maternity clothing that is akin to the clothing she normally buys. [more inside]
name my kid for a hero of cosmopolitanism
So my wife is pregnant. Hooray! (Still early enough that we don't know the gender). We're starting to think about names. It seems to me that the world's great hope and story of progress is the expansion of rights and consideration of the views & interests of an ever-widening swath of humanity. Which historical figures stand for pluralism, for rejecting provincialism, in word or deed? I've picked up, but haven't yet read Kwame Anthony Appiah's Cosmopolitanism; I'd be grateful for suggestions of books or other resources that might be useful. [more inside]
Does Ebay still carry real estate ads?
In last year or so the real estate (sold houses and land worldwide) section of Ebay was very active and was full of ads. There are not many ads right now, practically nothing. What did I miss, did Ebay change some policy or did everybody migrate to craigslist or to other avenues? Any explanation from the realtors of the metafilter?
posted by raphael19 at 8:31 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by raphael19 at 8:31 AM PST - 2 comments
How to market an independent bookstore to local businesses
I'm looking for some ways to get the local lunch crowd into our bookstore, which sells used books, CDs, DVDs, videos, and books on tape/CD; a small number of new books; kids' gifts; and other gift items/stationery/cards. Many of our customers don't have much to spend (which works out because our books are priced very low), but nearby is a law firm, a couple of big corporations' local offices, a bank, etc. I don' t know if the employees even know we exist. Any ideas on how to get them in here to pick up a birthday card or used CD or small gift for a friend? We're located in the downtown area of a medium-sized city. There are very few places to shop in the downtown business area.
Soundtrack for Spring?
It's getting beautiful outside and I need some new music to be a soundtrack for my hikes through Brooklyn. What are your favorite albums (songs, artists) new and old, that give you that bright and shiny spring feeling? [more inside]
Need Wood?
A professional woodworker is finally closing down his shop post post-retirement and finding some large pieces of exotic hardwood e.g. 12'x16"x1.25" rosewood, that have been stacked for decades. CL and ebay don't seem to have much of a market... How would you try to sell these relics?
Chrome, how does it work?
I'm a recent Chrome user, and so far I'm having a hell of a time with the privacy settings. I like the idea of using the synch feature so I can have my bookmarks and things shared across the three or four desktops I use. However, I can't seem to figure out how to make it so it doesn't sign in automatically when I open the browser - I would like to be prompted to put in a password every time.
I feel really stupid, but I can't figure out how to make that happen. [more inside]
posted by Think_Long at 6:51 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Think_Long at 6:51 AM PST - 8 comments
Strange Plants Now Flowering What are They?
A new bunch of plants flowering now - they are very unusual - can you tell me what they are? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 3:12 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by watercarrier at 3:12 AM PST - 9 comments
March 28
What was this '70s or early '80s horror novel featuring spiders?
Somewhere between '80 and '82, I read this book that featured spiders... [arachnophobes: do not click!] [more inside]
posted by batmonkey at 10:47 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by batmonkey at 10:47 PM PST - 8 comments
overheating car
98 Subaru Forester started seriously overheating after a 1 1/2 hr drive. Overheated only while driving, not while idling. Oil level is fine. Coolant a bit low; added some. Still overheating. Tried turning on heat to cool engine; no heat - the heat was working earlier in the drive. It's @ 40F, so it's not the weather. Stranded in a quaint town, would like to get home to the trusty repair shop.
posted by theora55 at 10:41 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by theora55 at 10:41 PM PST - 30 comments
The febreze is suffocating me...
How to get a roommate to stop spraying so much air freshener when she is probably spraying because of my cats? [more inside]
posted by fromageball at 10:27 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by fromageball at 10:27 PM PST - 23 comments
Not Leaning In
Help me feel comfortable about not being very ambitious and reasonably happy on the mommy track. [more inside]
Do I have mild Agoraphobia?
I always thought that, when it comes to phobias, I won the genetic lottery, because I don't have any. I am not afraid of public speaking, flying, heights, clowns, snakes, spiders, etc. I'm not even claustrophobic, despite my mother and brother being terribly so. However, I've recently found myself wondering if perhaps I have a mild fear of wide open spaces. [more inside]
Coloring within the lines is easier if there are no lines
I am having the hardest time finding unruled spiral bound notebooks that are identical in every way to regular spiral bound notebooks you see everywhere...except they have no lines. [more inside]
posted by triceryclops at 9:31 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by triceryclops at 9:31 PM PST - 4 comments
Whats a good response to strangers' comments on my dog's limp?
My dog has bone cancer, and spends most of his time gimping around on three legs due a gross tumor on one of his hind legs. He's already a pretty striking dog (obligatory photos here and here and here), so people already often stop to talk to me about him and comment. Now, he has a very pronounced three-legged gate, and people comment on that too. I'm having a hard time dealing with explaining to people "he has cancer" multiple times a day, and watching their faces drop. Any suggestions as to how I can handle this better so I don't ruin my own and other people's day by making everyone think about awesome dogs dying? [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 9:08 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Grandysaur at 9:08 PM PST - 19 comments
Help me find jewelry I like!
I like to shop for jewelry. I like looking at pretty sparkly things (actually, I like looking at tacky sparkly things, too!), and I love to window-shop for jewelry. But my favorite local jewelry-maker retired and my favorites on the web have mostly shifted collections over the years into things I don't like as much anymore. I want to find new jewelry-makers that I like! Specifications and examples within. [more inside]
Pinched nerve: how to improve when you are stressed and cant exercise?
I have had what a doctor said is probably a pinched nerve for the last 2-ish months. It started with a tingling in the left shoulder and now runs all the way down to the fingertips. How to heal when you are stressed, it seems to get worse from stress and you cant do anything you love? [more inside]
But Honey, Its Just Too Hard!
I'd like to hear from people who have installed water softeners in their homes. What are the pros and cons, the prices, and the life expectancy of a whole house system? I'm not on a well. I have municipal water so would be most interested in answers from people who are also on municipal water. The other big concern I have is that I have an allergy to salt (yes i do) and wonder if the salt softened water would bother me. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:03 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:03 PM PST - 7 comments
Is my boyfriend's mom trolling me?
I received a gift from my boyfriend's mother that is at best in poor taste and at worst extremely offensive. How do I proceed? Super-fun cultural/religious beanplating inside. [more inside]
posted by coppermoss at 7:44 PM PST - 104 comments
posted by coppermoss at 7:44 PM PST - 104 comments
name that wound
Mellow and distracting spots near the Galleria
In a week I'll be attending a big family event all the way down in Houston, Texas. The main family hotel is the Hilton and most events will be happening in the Galleria mall. I know I'm going to need an escape from all the intense family time, but I won't have a car and I'm low on non-family-time funds. I haven't been back to Houston almost at all as an adult. Is there anywhere nearby or in the mall that I can visit to regain a little calm or find a little funky charm to distract myself? [more inside]
What do you use your Visa rewards points for?
I've just recently been alerted to the fact that there's such a thing as reward points on my Visa. I checked into my account for the first time and found out I have about 35,000. I have no idea how to use them. [more inside]
Disclose health status?
Should I disclose my illness? [more inside]
Wearable expressions
What is the math (physics?) going on in this very cool-looking, equations-as-art necklace?
posted by firstbest at 6:22 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by firstbest at 6:22 PM PST - 10 comments
Managing difficult stakeholders: Bad writer edition
Professional communicators of Metafilter: Please give me your tips for handling subject matter experts who write poorly, but don't know it. When a colleague is adamant that their disorganised writing and grammatical errors Must Not Be Changed, how do you respond? [more inside]
Checkin' on my chicken
I just cooked a bunch of chicken but had left it on the countertop for one hour in my 75 degree apartment (forgot while running errand). The USDA does not recommend this. Should I eat it?
Specifics: they are drumsticks, had thawed overnight in the fridge but were still not totally defrosted, and were cooked for 50 minutes in the oven at 400 degrees.
Long-term Storage in Brooklyn, NY
As I said in my last post, I'm packing up and hitting the road to travel the world for a year. I have a one bedroom apartment full of stuff in Brooklyn Heights, NY that I need to store. I'm going to try to pare down as much as possible, but I have nice furniture that I paid a good amount of money for and like, as well as art and books, much of which I want to keep. Having done some quick searching online, it definitely appears to make sense to store much of my furniture from my cost/benefit point of view, versus buying all new furniture at similar prices to what I previously spent when I get back. I'm looking for climate controlled storage for a large one bedroom worth of stuff, anywhere in the NYC area. [more inside]
options for mapping celebrities on websites
I am interested in building a website that will track public appearances for multiple celebs (think stars of a reality show) and I'm not sure what frameworks I could use. [more inside]
Nose blowing 101
Are there any special tricks for teaching a preschooler how to blow her nose? [more inside]
Therapists in Northern Virginia
Can someone recommend therapists for me, my wife, and a marriage counselor in Loudon County Virginia that takes Anthem BC/BS insurance? [more inside]
Integrative cardiac care in Baltimore/DC area.
Recommendation for integrative cardiologist in Baltimore/DC area? [more inside]
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 2:39 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 2:39 PM PST - 1 comment
Too legit to quit?
Photo submitted to TV station in Montana - the horses at first seem almost "inserted" or 'shopped into the photo, but on closer look, seem legit. Any experts want to take a crack and confirm/deny this is an unaltered photo? Imgur link.
posted by davidmsc at 2:35 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by davidmsc at 2:35 PM PST - 12 comments
Meditation Center/ (Buddhist) in Chicago and Buddhist therapist
I used to practice at a Buddhist Center in Columbus, Ohio (KTC, on Grubb St). I am trying to find a center in Chicago. I really love the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. I also enjoy podcast teacher Gil Fronsdal from the Insight Meditation Center in Cali, which is in the Vipassana tradition. I also enjoy Deer Park Dharma cast which is associated with Thich Nhat Hanh. I would like to find a center in Chicago to help me build a mediation practice, and obviously, mediate with others. To be able to listen to great dharma talks in person, not just on my ipod. And, to be a part of a community. It just doesn't feel the same listening on my ipod, you know? I do not have a car. I have gone to weird a$$ places in Asheville, NC, where random people start there own sangas and ask you for $, and I and not up for that. So, I thought it to be better to ask here than to do the google search. Please let me know if you have thoughts on where I can find a practice center. Also, I know that there is a school of Buddhist Psychology. Where might I find a Buddhist Therapist in Chicago?
posted by TRUELOTUS at 2:28 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by TRUELOTUS at 2:28 PM PST - 3 comments
apparently I am not the only person who likes tiny furniture.
So, I'm running a fairy garden craft workshop in the store I work at in April. I've done this activity before when I worked at an after-school program, so I pretty much know what I'm doing with the actual crafting. However, interest in the workshop has been high enough that I would like to try running private workshops for people, and already have two people interested in hiring me for this. How do I figure out what to charge them, what do I offer to provide, and how do I find more clients if I want to make any actual money? [more inside]
What is this thing?
What is this thing? It's chrome, about 9 inches long, and arrived in a care package from a co-worker's grandmother's house.
posted by Etaoin Shrdlu at 2:14 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Etaoin Shrdlu at 2:14 PM PST - 6 comments
Recommendations for a liquor cabinet lock?
I have a liquor cabinet at home that has two handles very close together, that allow for the cabinet to be opened like French doors. Looking for a lock for it. [more inside]
Need an iPhone game that's like Civilization, SimCity, or Age of Empires
Need some iPhone games that are as engrossing as Civilization, SimCity, and Age of Empires. (Yes, I already have Civilization Revolution and SimCity DLX.) [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco at 1:39 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Afroblanco at 1:39 PM PST - 19 comments
What kind of belt to wear?
Do stylish women even wear belts anymore? What kind should I look for? I seem to do ok with keeping my pants and tops in style, but am never sure about a belt. Sometimes I don't even wear one, but lots of my stretchy jeans don't stay up without one. Most of my belts are old and I want to buy new ones but I feel like I'm stuck in the 90s. Advice?
posted by photoexplorer at 1:12 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by photoexplorer at 1:12 PM PST - 9 comments
Info wanted on Yoshiaki Hanayagi.
Yoshiaki Hanayagi was one of the stars of a famous movie, Mizoguchi's Sansho the Bailiff, and yet there does not appear to be any further information about him online. I have found his name in Japanese, 花柳喜章, but googling that gets even fewer hits (I don't know Japanese, but if I saw what looked like a substantial webpage on him I was prepared to try Google Translate). Does anybody know anything about him, even birth/death dates?
posted by languagehat at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by languagehat at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
Tax Q: Gettin' divorced, can't claim deductions.
Here's the rub: In February on 2012, I decided to end my marriage. Because I was dead broke, we simply moved apart, split the bank account in two and went our separate ways with the understanding that we'd make a move to formally divorce in the next year. We did not get a legal separation. That divorce is now pending. My soon-to-be-ex-wife filed her taxes 'Married, Filing Separately'. This causing me all kind of tax havoc, including a bill I have no way of paying. More inside... [more inside]
Getting started on small-scale bibliometrics and Endnote wrangling
As part of my dissertation, I want to look at the research output of a small research center. I'd like to do some bibliometric analysis but am not sure where to start. Where can I look for tools and techniques? In particular, I'm interested in tools that help me wrangle their Endnote database into something easy to analyse. [more inside]
I can say with 99% confidence that this class is killing me
I'm struggling hard in my statistics class right now. Some of it comes from not grasping the concepts, but a bigger part is the ridiculous level of anxiety I've developed about my grades, and catastrophizing about what a low grade means. Help me attack both aspects of the problem. [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 11:53 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by ActionPopulated at 11:53 AM PST - 23 comments
Sweating is Fun
For athletes, and people in general who have exercised consistently for many years, can you describe what it's like to experience working out as an enjoyable, rewarding activity? [more inside]
Why am I getting 3 beeps when booting up a brand new hard drive?
Would 1-year old RAM not work with a brand new hard drive on my Macbook? I am getting the dreaded 3 beeps when trying to boot the new drive. [more inside]
I would tell my BFF to DTMFA
Why am I having so much trouble leaving an emotionally and verbally abusive relationship? Or, tell me about your experience with leaving and how long it took you. [more inside]
Consolidate debt with Stafford loan?
I am a "mature" student, studying at a university part time while working full time. I just learned that I qualify for a Stafford loan of about $7400. I don't need the loan to pay for classes because of my work income, but it occurred to me that I could take the loan, use it to pay off credit card debt I carry at a rate of interest more than 5 points higher than the Stafford loan rate, and then pay the Stafford loan off early. Essentially, debt consolidation using this federal loan. My questions: is this kosher? Is it wise? What I might not be thinknig about.
Beds, breakfasts, and inns, oh my!
What is it actually like to work at a bed and breakfast or a small inn? [more inside]
Cheap conference room audio for non-profits
I need a better audio setup for a projector in a conference room for a non-profit with no budget. Seriously: we're poor. [more inside]
posted by Fnarf at 11:13 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by Fnarf at 11:13 AM PST - 28 comments
Asparagus recipes, please.
I've volunteered to bring an asparagus dish to an Easter brunch. The brunch is already way heavy on meat dishes, so I want something light and springlike to provide a contrast. Anyone have good asparagus recipes? [more inside]
Street Meat, Street Eats, How Does Your Vendor Go?
What's it like to operate a hotdog stand in Canada or the US? [more inside]
posted by lizifer at 10:58 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by lizifer at 10:58 AM PST - 9 comments
Quitting my job to pursue my dream! Now how do I pay for it?
I am aggressively saving money so that I can quit my job and start a new life. How should I be investing this money if I need it back in 2-5 years? [more inside]
posted by Nickel at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Nickel at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments
How much should estate planning cost?
What would you expect to pay a lawyer for a suite of estate planning/healthcare documents that are more or less standard forms (i.e., no complicated trusts, just everything going to the other spouse)? I'm in Boston, but data points from comparably priced areas are welcome. Also, are there documents I'm forgetting in the list inside? [more inside]
What are the benefits of dual citizenship?
I'm eligible for Canadian citizenship, but what are the benefits? The cons? Real-life examples would be great. [more inside]
First-time Earthbox/City Picker/self-watering planter questions.
With the last frost date in sight, I'm planning to pick up a couple of these Earthbox clones for my deck, and I'm looking for any and all tips to improve the likelihood of success. [more inside]
posted by ndg at 10:40 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by ndg at 10:40 AM PST - 6 comments
Macbook Pro booting OS X to black screen.
I have a Macbook Pro, model 5,1, that will now boot OX X 10.8 only to a black screen. The BootCamp install on the laptop, with Windows 7 Pro installed, boots normally and is usable. [more inside]
An unexpected Journey - Taco Bell Edition
I have a very good friend who is overseas right now. He is craving Taco Bell. He has zero access to a Taco Bell as he is in a very remote location. He can receive mail and packages, but they take anywhere from 5 days to 14 days to arrive. It would leave the East Coast and arrive in an undisclosed location in the Middle East. [more inside]
posted by irishcoffee at 10:10 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by irishcoffee at 10:10 AM PST - 14 comments
What can my grandparents and I do in the bay area this weekend?
My grandparents are coming to visit me in the bay area for the first time. Snowflake: One has a vision impairment that makes it hard to see things far away. They'll be here three days, Saturday through Monday. What should we do together? [more inside]
You are not a doctor, but maybe you can help me with a weird skin thing.
I have something rash-like going on. It started on my face, spread to my torso and back. It's migrating quickly. What the hell is it? [more inside]
posted by space_cookie at 9:34 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by space_cookie at 9:34 AM PST - 17 comments
Every 5 years, it happens. Help me buy a laptop.
Help me find the perfect laptop. Video/Windows 7/Video+photo editing/Reasonably speedy/SSD+Hard Drive/Bulletproof [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 9:14 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by sully75 at 9:14 AM PST - 5 comments
How do I choose strings for my kid's violin?
We busted a D-string on my kid's violin and now I need to buy a new one online. Which one to buy? And a complete set or just a single replacement? [more inside]
posted by sively at 9:02 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by sively at 9:02 AM PST - 12 comments
Buddada buddada boom? Song ending.
I'm looking for the correct musical/technical term (if such a thing exists) for that last part of a live song, where the band lingers on the last note(s) before ending it. We're all familiar with it: bass and guitar shredding, cymbals swelling, culminating in that final, sweet, satisfying crash. I'm asking because my band never seems to get it right. [more inside]
on this week's edition of Disgusting Shoes...
What can I do to prevent the gross black stuff that builds up in my women's flats due to my sweaty sockless feet? [more inside]
posted by wintersonata9 at 7:52 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by wintersonata9 at 7:52 AM PST - 23 comments
How to remove the smell of decaying leaves from minivan carpet?
I carried a few contractor bags full of decaying leaves to a disposal facility. The bags had been rained on and some of the goop inside leaked out onto the carpet of my minivan. The van smells like, well, decaying organic matter. It's awful. [more inside]
posted by DWRoelands at 7:49 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by DWRoelands at 7:49 AM PST - 4 comments
Simple solutions for a private micro-mix sharing site?
As my friends and colleagues continue to move and diversify, I'd like to make a small, private site where we can share three- to five-song "mix tapes" of what we really love these days; ideally super easy from an interface perspective to create these mix tapes. What's my shortest path to goal? [more inside]
Auto insurance liability limits?
I'm evaluating my insurance coverage, and I'm confused a bit on auto insurance liability. It seems like a typical liability policy is $100k per person for bodily injury. From the tales of medical bills I've heard, it seems like a bad accident could pretty easily cause bills far exceeding that. Even if I increase it to $300k or $500k, if the actual costs are higher than that, it could pretty easily wipe out all my assets. What really happens in accident cases like that? Do they generally just settle for the insurance limits? [more inside]
All-Inclusives should be easy, right?
In about a month, 3 friends and I are going to an all-inclusive in Cancun. I'm fairly well-travelled, but I prefer going to cities and exploring around, so I've never done a cruise or any type of beachy resort vacation. What kind of tips/tricks does Metafilter have for getting the most out of relaxing, and drinking tropical drinks on the beach all day? [more inside]
posted by Fig at 7:32 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by Fig at 7:32 AM PST - 26 comments
HR interview followup
When a company invites you in to interview for a professional position, you spend half a day speaking with multiple people, and then they choose to not contact you in any way regarding the outcome of their search - - is that 100% douchebaggery, or are there legitimate HR/legal reasons they might behave this way? To be clear, I'm just talking about sending a quick email saying, thanks for coming in, we've made a decision, best of luck in future.
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 7:30 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 7:30 AM PST - 23 comments
Young Lamp Love
Anyone know where I might be able to purchase lamps similar to the bedside lamps featured [see 4th picture down] in this reader redesign feature on Young House Love a few years back? At the time, the owner said she found the lamps at HomeGoods. Of course, since we're now a few years past that, there's nothing like that at my local HomeGoods. Has anyone seen lamps like these online recently? I'd be willing to pay up to $200 for something similar in size and style. Thanks!
posted by somanyamys at 7:17 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by somanyamys at 7:17 AM PST - 6 comments
I need help repurposing yellow sheet cake.
I made a simple yellow sheet cake this week, and there is still half of it left. What are your ideas for making a dessert that is based around this cake? [more inside]
posted by msali at 7:10 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by msali at 7:10 AM PST - 19 comments
iPhone notes app that shows number of notes on icon?
When I have email on my iPhone, the Mail app displays the number of unread emails on the Mail icon on the home screen. I want an app like Notes that does this with the number of notes - and not through emailing my notes to me. No other fancy features desired, just something that gives me an easy visual reminder that I have notes to check.
posted by capricorn at 6:34 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by capricorn at 6:34 AM PST - 6 comments
What type of software do I need to accomplish this?
I have a server running at home. I would like to connect to that server via web browser, and upon login, I would like Quicken (or some other single, predetermined application) to appear and be usable. I don’t want to be able to access any other parts of the computer via the browser. What software do I need to accomplish this? [more inside]
posted by Arbitrage1 at 6:20 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Arbitrage1 at 6:20 AM PST - 8 comments
Is "type letters 1 4 and 7 of your password" considered secure?
Instead of the usual "username/password" challenge, some bank websites ask you for a username, and then for some letters from your password -- e.g. 'Type letters 1, 4 and 7 of your password'. I understand that the advantage of this is that you never enter your whole password, thereby making life difficult for keyloggers. But I don't see how it's possible to implement such a system without (effectively) storing the password in plain text on the server, which surely not a good idea. What is this practice called? Do security experts consider it good practice? Can you point me to a paper that explains how it is implemented securely?
posted by beniamino at 6:13 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by beniamino at 6:13 AM PST - 39 comments
please recommend the right storage solution (mac, photos, not drobo)
I'm looking to end my backup mess - I have about ten external hard drives of varying sizes. my rough estimate is that I need 6TB to store my files. I was going to ask about RAID but previous questions make me wonder if it's truly right. so what should I choose? add. info inside. [more inside]
Recover data from iPhone after Restore -- no backups!
Oh, cool. I think I just lost all the data stored on my jailbroken iPhone 4S after attempting an upgrade to OS 6.0.3. Help? [more inside]
Retrieving Domain name from Domain Name Sitter
Hi Guys,
I have a domain name in mind that I want to register for my new web design business. Currently it is owned by a domain sitting company, hugedomains.com. They want almost $2,000 to buy the domain name. Obviously I am less than eager to fork over that amount. [more inside]
Replacement for "Pureology Texture Twist" - now discontinued?
For years I've been using Pureology Texture Twist. Product description here. Of course since I like it, it's now discontinued.
I haven't tried other products, I liked the way this allowed me to style my hair (messy/spikey). I liked that it was more on the "natural end" of things, didn't have petroleum/mineral oil, and was amazingly balanced at "staying" and being easy to wash out.
Any recommendations for a replacement? I found this from a hair stylist I used to see who was always trying new stuff. My current one only recommends things she sells (surprise!)
March 27
Cooking Gluten & Dairy Free = Vaccuum that sucks up all of our time.
Save us with suggestions for your favorite one-pot (or one-bake) meals! Bonus points for related recipe blogs! [more inside]
posted by luciddream928 at 10:46 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by luciddream928 at 10:46 PM PST - 33 comments
Digital Asset Management options for small company with lots of data
I'm helping a close friend figure out a digital asset management solution for his small media company. They have five employees, but they do all kinds of media projects for clients, some of them large. They've done websites, videos, printed publications, etc. This generates a lot of data, and their having a hard time managing it. [more inside]
Dead furnace, need help!
Our furnace died. Help us not get overcharged. Other questions inside. [more inside]
How much do hackers cost, really?
So, we sometimes hear about hackers who break into XFamousCompany and cause untold gazbillionty dollars in damage. How accurate is that? How do they get these numbers? [more inside]
Teaching with duct tape
I have recently been tasked with "presenting or proving a physical/engineering concept" using duct tape as a primary tool. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 9:00 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by btfreek at 9:00 PM PST - 9 comments
My $1500 albatross.
My credit cards have been sitting at close to 100% utilization for...a long time. Should I pay them off right now? Also, how will this change my life, credit-wise? [more inside]
My ex's new significant other is following me around on social media
My ex's new significant other is following me around on social media. Or at least it feels that way. [more inside]
posted by erstwhile ungulate at 7:34 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by erstwhile ungulate at 7:34 PM PST - 45 comments
Dealing with pangs of loneliness
I really miss the affection, romantic interest and even just the regular physical touch of another human being. I'm going through several life transitions and can't really start a relationship until at least the fall, but how do I tide over the desperate feelings of loneliness until then? I don't want casual sex or a pet. [more inside]
Help me find this song about colors and love!
SongFilter: I heard a song recently that went through a series of colors in the verses and ended with a chorus that included the color red and the phrase "ready for love". Google is failing me...please help me identify it! [more inside]
Let me Lycos that for you.
Educational Internet scavenger hunt game from the late 1990s, with new questions and websites to explore each round. What early multiplayer web-based treasure hunt game thing was I playing? [more inside]
At home vulva terminology, under fives edition.
When I was a little girl I was encouraged by my parents to refer to my vulva by a name, which not explicitly vulgar, was inappropriate and pedo-ish. Now that I have a small daughter who is learning to use a potty, I find I need to refer to her genitals but I don't know how, and I don't have anyone irl that I can ask. Is vulva too text-booky? I see 'yoni' here and there which is cute, but is maybe too wholemeal for me? I find myself saying things like 'there' and 'yourself' but I don't really approve of myself for doing so, and I don't want her to feel my shame, or worse, not have the words to talk about a part of her body. What is a word my daughter and I can use that is not weird or creepy or too scientific? Thanking you in advance.
How to skin a kiwi (fruit)?
I feel like there must be a trick to peeling a kiwifruit quickly and beautifully. What is it?
posted by colin_l at 6:19 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by colin_l at 6:19 PM PST - 23 comments
Help me identify a song currently on the radio!
I've heard a song on the radio a couple times in the past few weeks, and I've been completely unable to identify it. I've tried google, radio station playlists, humming it into midomi, but no dice. Here's what I can tell you: [more inside]
posted by ORthey at 6:12 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by ORthey at 6:12 PM PST - 15 comments
looking for solid guides to conceptualize and execute large projects
Not in school, but helping make a LARGE web resource. It IS going to be a fairly complicated nonlinear product, but the problem is that there are so many possibilities, so much to work with, so many avenues, that I'm feeling like I need a better way to organize the project. I'm not looking for a tech tool, like trello or google docs, but rather an essay or guide to creating something new and awesome out of thin air. Is there anything like this? [more inside]
Perhaps a tinfoil hat would help?
I need to determine how much radiation a head-mounted camera is giving off, and I don't know where to start. [more inside]
Tips for Slashing Facebook Friends
I recently moved across 2 states and am working on starting fresh on my Facebook friends. Have you slashed friends on Facebook? What criteria helped you decide who stays and who goes? I don't want to hurt feelings but what's the purpose of someone just hanging out on a friend's list? [more inside]
posted by Crystalinne at 4:55 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Crystalinne at 4:55 PM PST - 31 comments
Do you have an awesome job in an awesome field? I want to hear about it
As a counterpoint to this question, which educational/career tracks do offer solid job prospects and a good return on investment (both time and money), secretly or not? [more inside]
Help me figure out what to do about my depressed boyfriend please
My once caring, kind, thoughtful bf of six months has fallen into a deep depressive state a month ago and has ceased most contacts with me three weeks ago- the exception being a phone call for my birthday- without outwardly breaking up with me; should I stay, should I go, should I wait and give him space, or wait and try and contact him myself? Do we have a future together according to you? Any thoughts/input is welcome, thank you very much! [more inside]
Which way from Milan to Budapest?
I'm planning to travel from Italy to Hungary via Slovenia and Croatia this May. The only things I have booked are my flight into Milan and my flight out of Budapest 17 days later. I'm looking at two different itineraries. Which should I choose? [more inside]
US politicians' multilingual chops
Can you give me specific instances of US political candidates or elected officials publically speaking in a language other than English? [more inside]
What is like being a lawyer, but not?
I am a senior transactional associate at a big regional law firm in a secondary market. I am probably not going to make partner at my firm, I am really sick of caring about typos, and I'm burned out. What can I do with my life? [more inside]
Don't mind me, I'm just going to follow you around now.
I met a guy who was completely ordinary until I got close enough to smell him, at which point I went into overdrive. Has anyone else experienced this? What just happened here? [more inside]
Resource to find average class size at colleges.
I'm looking for an established, respected online resource that can give me hard numbers on the average class size at American colleges. [more inside]
posted by annabellee at 2:20 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by annabellee at 2:20 PM PST - 8 comments
This or That-Academic/Career Plan
I have a degree in Communications and would like to further my education by obtaining a certificate in Public Relations. My ultimate goal is a career in crisis management/reputation management, but how do I actually get there? Also, which public relations program should I choose in order to further my education, get more hands-on experience, and network? [more inside]
That's Not Actually What You Were Thinking
So I now need to work with a subtle know-it-all. How do I do this? [more inside]
Lyric Filter
I heard a song today with the lyrics "Sharon I'm standing in a phone box on the corner of the street/Sharon my money's running out" What was it?
posted by the christopher hundreds at 1:56 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by the christopher hundreds at 1:56 PM PST - 7 comments
Sad song about boys building a snowman
Irish song filter. Asked this a couple years back ... hoping it may ring a new bell. Looking for a sad song heard in Boston, 94-95. Two boys growing up together, their fathers missing, build a snowman. Anybody?
I don't judge. No, really.
At work I frequently come into contact with people who are members of various at-risk populations. They often have to give me really intimate details of their lives within minutes of meeting. When first opening up to me, they'll usually pause to gauge my reaction. I respond with, "I don't judge," in my most supportive voice. But I realize this can be a loaded statement for people and easily taken the wrong way.
What short declarative statement could I use in its place?
posted by 1066 at 1:37 PM PST - 49 comments
posted by 1066 at 1:37 PM PST - 49 comments
You Are Not My Chemist, But... (old medicine question)
I've got an opened tube of hydrocortisone cream (hydrocortisone at 2.5%). It's expiration date is from 2008 (over 5 years old, for any future searchers). Still safe/effective to use it? [more inside]
Is the main character a knight in shinning armor or a total sleaze?
Need recommendations for short stories or a book (with short self-contained sections) whereby a character's actions/motives could be considered in two very different ways depending on what you thought about the character going into the story (i.e., if I gave you some background first) The best example I can think of is of a man either being genuinely nice to a woman or only pretending to do so in order to get her number. This is for a psychology experiment. [more inside]
posted by Smegoid at 12:44 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Smegoid at 12:44 PM PST - 20 comments
Stupid Taxes Question
If I am submitting business expenses for my own business in my 2012 taxes, must I limit them to the 2012 calendar year? Or can they go up to April 15 of 2013?
Getting emotional in the gym. WTF is going on?
Why am I getting emotional during workouts? Has this ever happened to you. [more inside]
Comments in balloons suddenly go missing when printing in Word 2010.
When I edit a document in Word 2010, I use Track Changes and insert comments (using balloons to call them out). 90% of the time, authors and I work back and forth without having to print these documents, but occasionally, printing them with the comments visible (i.e., with the balloons appearing in the right margin) is necessary. This has never been a problem. UNTIL NOW. [more inside]
posted by scody at 12:29 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by scody at 12:29 PM PST - 4 comments
Spouse working away from family. How does this work?
As you can see from my past posting my husband lost his job last month. In the meantime the jobs he's qualified for are probably not in our area (CT). Chances are after talking to recruiters in his specialty, he will have to take a job in another part of the country - probably south/southwest. [more inside]
posted by lasamana at 12:10 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by lasamana at 12:10 PM PST - 31 comments
I have no idea how to make a promotional flyer for my book(s). Help?
I've got two books. I need to make flyers for the local sci-fi/fantasy con. I've never made a flyer for anything, ever. Where can I find good examples or tutorials? [more inside]
Greetings
What's up? What's the rumpus? What's shakin' bacon? What are other ways to say "Hello?"
Chicken or Egg? Who comes first, copywriter or designer?
I want an awesome website and I have wireframed the whole thing. I am planning on using the design contest process on 99designs and I have found an amazing copywriter on Odesk. Who should do their part of the work first? [more inside]
posted by gravitypanda at 11:44 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by gravitypanda at 11:44 AM PST - 7 comments
Going back to school and need to find a particular document
Where can I find a document (preferably online) that will explain the US Postal Service's policy for employees regarding tuition assistance/reimbursement? [more inside]
posted by Telpethoron at 11:36 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Telpethoron at 11:36 AM PST - 3 comments
Best practices for foot eczema?
I'm an adult who's recently developed eczema on the tops of both of my feet. My dermatologist is pretty certain it's not contact dermatitis or anything fungal, so, yay! More chronic skin stuff. Blerg. How can I keep my feet from becoming red, inflamed balls of pain? [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 11:29 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by ablazingsaddle at 11:29 AM PST - 15 comments
Give me some lip
Lipstick-wearers of MetaFilter, please recommend the longest-lasting lippy you know of. [more inside]
posted by elizeh at 10:34 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by elizeh at 10:34 AM PST - 29 comments
I desperately need $300.
I think I've reached the end of my rope, credit-wise. [more inside]
I have to take a video-based course. This is not how I best learn. Help!
I am taking an on-line course that is mostly video-based. This is not the best way for me to learn. I am falling very behind and struggling with it. More inside. [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 10:27 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by JoannaC at 10:27 AM PST - 11 comments
How to deal with a soon-to-be ex-spouse
My wife and I are getting divorced. At times she erupts at me with either overt or barely disguised hostility. How do I deal with the emotions caused by this? [more inside]
Replacement Policy Medicare
I screwed up. I bought a policy through Humana that is evidently a replacement policy for Medicare for my father. I bought it in January of this year from my parent's old insurance guy. Now my dad is in a Veteran's Care Center and needs his Medicare back, they don't want this new supplemental. If I just cancel the Humana policy will his Medicare just pop back into existence? [more inside]
posted by PHINC at 10:02 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by PHINC at 10:02 AM PST - 10 comments
I want YOU to play KSP!
How do I connect with videogame developers in Dallas, TX? [more inside]
posted by Mike Mongo at 9:56 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Mike Mongo at 9:56 AM PST - 5 comments
What version of Windows should I get to run on a new Macbook Air - 10.8?
I would like to be able to run windows occasionally on my Macbook Air (probably via parallels), but find all the versions of windows a bit overwhelming. What would be the simplest and cheapest setup that would allow me to run the latest version of internet explorer for testing purposes, and maybe Microsoft Publisher for the random pub file I receive? I am guessing I could get by with Windows 7? Thank You.
7 Mile Run in Brooklyn/NYC for an Out-of-Towner?
I'm visiting NYC next weekend, and I'd like to maintain my habit of running 7 miles every Saturday morning. I'll be staying with a friend near Court and Atlantic, in Brooklyn. I'd like to start my run there, or very close by. [more inside]
posted by PhatLobley at 9:31 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by PhatLobley at 9:31 AM PST - 23 comments
Adjusting for my elongated torso...
Tell me everything you know about sewing patterning software, especially the kind for dummies... [more inside]
posted by Melismata at 9:30 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Melismata at 9:30 AM PST - 14 comments
Best combination food/exercise log app?
iPhone user; I've experimented with exercise logging apps such as MapMyRide+, Cyclemeter and Fitocracy (most of my exercise is cycling-oriented, but I'm also looking at Kinect exercise games and, potentially, weightlifting). Is there a good combo app that logs both exercise and food intake? Or one site that could possibly accept input/imports from both? [more inside]
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:26 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:26 AM PST - 16 comments
Appropriate corporate travel policy for cost conscious SME in the UK?
You run a growing private limited company in the UK. Turnover between 2 and 5M with a close eye on costs. Your employees sometimes need to travel at weekends or in their own time in evenings. You keep them happy, and remain profitable. How? [more inside]
I want these shoes, but should I buy them?
these flat shoes make my heart flutter. But are they "business professional" in the pink? [more inside]
Use another door
So, for about a week, this sign appeared on one of the doors in one of my school buildings. It said "Please use another door." There are only two doors there, so clearly if the one was broken, it could have said, "please use the other door." But it said "another," which struck me as odd. Additionally, it alternated each time I went outside and back in. Could this be some kind of social experiment? There was clearly nothing wrong with either of the doors, as they were being used all day. Isn't that weird? What is it?!?!
posted by kbennett289 at 8:52 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by kbennett289 at 8:52 AM PST - 20 comments
Where to stay in Chicago for easy access to Kendallville, Indiana?
Asking for a friend... just what it says on the tin. She's visiting her partner while he's on an extended work trip; he's in Kendallville, Indiana, but there are no decent accommodations there. His office suggested she stay somewhere in Chicago.
Where's someplace nice in the Chicago area, not too spendy, and within easy reach of Kendallville?
posted by kythuen at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by kythuen at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments
Cat Hospice: Help our kitty enjoy her last time with us
Our wonderful kitty was just diagnosed with cancer. We are waiting today (I took the day off work for it, I am such a wreck) to hear more details, but the initial findings were very bad.
So, what can I do to help her enjoy her last time with us? I know the vet will give us more information about pain meds (tho she doesn't seem to be in pain) and diet, but I wonder what other thoughts people can give. For example, it was from a friend that I learned it was OK to give her Pepcid A/C (confirmed dosage with vet), and I think that has been helping her tummy. Also, through googling I discovered that it is possible to euthanize in-home, which gives me some comfort for when her quality of life slips below an acceptable threshold. Anything else come to mind? [more inside]
Is there a strategy game with a ret-conned API to it?
For basically my whole teen-to-adult life I have wanted to write AI for video games as a hobby. Mostly games of the overhead strategy type, think Red Alert, Warcraft (not World Of), Starcraft and so forth. [more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks at 8:02 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by RustyBrooks at 8:02 AM PST - 6 comments
Change of career: Going into the health care administration field ??
I might need to go back to work and I am thinking about a career change. I have held business analysts/planner positions in retail but while I enjoy the actual work, i don't enjoy the purpose/ field. Working retail is starting to feel a bit pointless, trying to sell more stuff to people all the time.
I am interested in taking my skills to a different field. Maybe a similar job but with a different goal. Namely healthcare administration could be what I am looking for. I'd would want to work for patient advocacy groups or in the government (ie: not trying to make an extra buck to private insurance). But to do that I figure I need to understand how the private system works too. [more inside]
Relapsing, Repeating Neck Pain
In 1999, I rode the Rockin' Roller Coaster at Disney in Orlando. The first thing they tell you on the ride is to keep your head back. I'm a certified idiot, and didn't pay attention, and on the first looping curve, my head was forward. A sudden jerk to the right, and I pull a muscle in my neck. [more inside]
Chartering a course for the next eight years
What have you experienced/what would you ask about at a soon to be opening charter school? [more inside]
posted by tilde at 6:34 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by tilde at 6:34 AM PST - 14 comments
Remember a family suicide in a karate film
I vaguely remember a scene from a Bruce Lee or Sonny Chiba movie in which a grieving (or shamed?) mother tries to kill herself and children. She ties them all together and to a weight and then in water they go... What was that movie?
Tell me Victoria's Secret!
Where else can I get underwear like the Victoria's Secret cotton low rise hipsters? [more inside]
Car camping in Algonquin
My partner, our dog, and I will be spending 5 nights camping in Algonquin this August. Which of the campgrounds along the Highway 60 corridor has the best hiking trails? As an example of our 'skill level', we really enjoyed the Bruce Trail around Cyprus Lake campground in the Bruce Peninsula. [more inside]
Standard American pronunciation training
Hello, I'm a French student preparing for English interviews and in my last mock session my interviewer talked about my accent that could put me at a disadvantage. I can't afford and don't have the time to see a speech therapist so I'm looking for books with audio tracks that are aimed at mastering the standard American accent. Do you know or know somebody that had had great results with a particular book?
Thank you!
Sensors for boats, sensors for homes. Sensors!
I'm inthe process of designing a comprehensive refit of a 21 Metre Dutch Barge and thought it's about time I made at least a small amount of use of my Robotics background.
I'm thinking about including a vast array of sensors throughout the inside and outside and feeding it all into a central computer, then probably using these sensor feeds to do various automation actions.
So this question has a few parts, some technical and some not. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:28 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:28 AM PST - 10 comments
Looking for the other side of Iran Contrahistory
Has there been a definitive account of the Iran-Contra Scandal written from the vantage point of either Iran or Nicaragua? [more inside]
Good, insightful podcasts
Hi all,
I was wondering if you could recommend any podcasts that featured interesting, new and insightful music. Preferably ones that are by musicians or producers/recording engineers.
Thanks!
March 26
What the legend of Squishplop at New Fork Lake
As a child I remember being scared to death by a Wyoming ghost story called "Squish Plop" involving a zombie like smoke jumper who has no legs and moves with a distinctive squish-plop noise as he crawls on his hands. I want to remember the whole story, but I've only been able to find references to the story but not the actual story. Please help me remember this old ghost story.
Ice Dancing Routine Identification?
I'm looking for a specific Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir routine, which involves them skating with some kind of stick-like prop. Can anyone help me identify that program?
posted by demesne at 10:56 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by demesne at 10:56 PM PST - 8 comments
Help! I'm living in a "Family Guy" episode.
My boyfriend of a little more than a year is a totally. great. guy. With one exception: he thinks that being funny means saying whatever overtly racist, homophobic or sexist joke he can think of as a response to many situations. I always stop and tell him it's not cool, then he says, "what? I'm just kidding." Now, I worry he might actually be pretty sexist. What to do? [more inside]
Exclamations of fear
What are some exclamations people make when shocked, freaked out or frightened? I've seen this question and while it's awesome, I'm trying to find more serious things people blurt out in crisis situations. Alternatives to "Oh my god" or "Jesus Christ" or "Oh #@%&!"
posted by pgswim at 9:20 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by pgswim at 9:20 PM PST - 56 comments
I'm a grown man, and know nothing of decorating. Help me.
I've never really cared for decorating: "spartan" was the best description of how I liked my house. I just don't have a sense of what is "right" for artwork, or decoration, or... anything really. I understand that blank walls should be filled, but anything I think of doing immediately feels like unnecessary clutter.
To complicate things, my wife is similarly impaired. We've recently moved to a new house and want to make it a more warm and welcoming place for humans. Help? Where to begin? [more inside]
posted by HannoverFist at 9:19 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by HannoverFist at 9:19 PM PST - 24 comments
Get me to Pike Place Market!
Can you help me figure out a good way to get to Downtown Seattle without driving in Downtown Seattle? [more inside]
How do you make a good screencast?
My screencasts sound horrible because they either have awkward pauses while I try to think of what I'm going to do next, or (when I script them) I lose my place and everything gets confusing and out of sync. How can I improve my screencasting skills to make them look and sound more polished and professional? [more inside]
posted by bjork24 at 7:53 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by bjork24 at 7:53 PM PST - 9 comments
I need a chainsaw.
I am looking for advice on buying an electric chainsaw for a medium sized yard that, apparently, has a lot of rather large tree limbs fall into it. I need to know: What features to look for - Brands or models to avoid - How powerful a motor - How long a bar is needed. [more inside]
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:50 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Slap*Happy at 7:50 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me use my iphone as a scribe
I have an IPhone 4s. I routinely need to dictate myself messages that I can send vie email from my phone to myself using Siri.
Is there any way to set things up so I can do that with very few clicks?
Right now I push home to open Siri, ask to send mail, enter my mail address, Dictate the message and hit send. Can it be done more easily?
Thanks
posted by dougiedd at 7:26 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by dougiedd at 7:26 PM PST - 8 comments
Which road to take?
I'm at the final round of interviews for two very different jobs, and if I'm offered both, I'm not sure what I should do.
One's at a nonprofit, the other's at an advertising agency. [more inside]
simple excel 2007 question
I need a solution to a pretty simple problem with counting instances of different text phrases in Excel. [more inside]
posted by clockzero at 6:57 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by clockzero at 6:57 PM PST - 8 comments
Interview brainteasers?
I have an interview with a technology startup coming up that will involve "brain teasers". Got any tips or practice questions? [more inside]
Mobilize me
I've been working out, lifting weights, on and off for five years, but I've never paid any attention to mobility/stretching. This is dumb. Please help me come up with a defensible plan. [more inside]
How do I choose between types of fillings & crowns?
I have fillings that need to be replaced, and I need to decide whether I want amalgam or composite fillings. I may also need a new crown, and I need to decide whether I want the basic option or to upgrade. How do I decide? [more inside]
Help me chill out my dog
I super love my 4-year old German Shepherd, but his desire to work/have a purpose has not waned with age, and I feel like he would be so much happier in life if I could help him find that purpose. His favorite thing on earth is playing fetch, but I know I can give him more than that. Suggestions? [more inside]
It should have some wheels and some gears and stuff...
So I need a new bike. Or a new-to-me bike. But I'm paralyzed by indecision - new or used? What kind do I want? How do I know which local shop to trust when they all have super-mixed reviews? [more inside]
I am seeking the Holy Grail... of coats!
I am a mid-20's female in search of the perfect coat/jacket for chilly spring and fall wear. Do you have one that you love? Requirements inside... [more inside]
posted by ista at 6:02 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ista at 6:02 PM PST - 8 comments
Is this abdominal pain something I need to go to the hospital for?
I'm experiencing abdominal pain, and would like a non-medical sounding board for how serious it sounds, and whether it's hospital worthy (given my almost non-existent lack of health insurance). You are not my doctor, etc., etc., but I'd like some non-medical advice about whether what I'm experiencing is something serious, or something that I can just push through. I think I have a low pain tolerance threshold, and I'm not good at gauging relative pain strength while in pain, so I'd like some perspective. I don't know which details are important, so I'm including them all. [more inside]
Will love tear us apart?
I'm experiencing a very tumultuous time in my relationship with my partner of 4 years. I don't know what part of our relationship problems are due to his ADHD, general depression on both our parts or incompatibility. Where can I go from here? What questions can I ask myself and him to get a clearer idea of the origin of our problem? [more inside]
I think I may have to have a serious talk with my frie
Frienship-filter: L. and I have been friends for more than 15 years. The first couple of years, we spent a lot of time together. We were both in a relationship, so it was one of those couples relationship which also became very much about the two of us. After cca 2 years, I moved away to be with the other half of the couple, and stayed away for about 10 years. We have now been in the same place for 5 years (move-away relationship went bust), and I am having trouble with our friendship. [more inside]
posted by laceysocks at 5:34 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by laceysocks at 5:34 PM PST - 20 comments
What is the meaining of "Emydidae"?
"Emydidae" is the name of a family of turtles. What I want to know is what does the name *mean*. I have exhausted my google-fu and the best I've been able to find is this wiktionary link that gives a meaning for "-idae" as "appearance". Any reptile/turtle fans care to enlighten me?
posted by moss free at 5:16 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by moss free at 5:16 PM PST - 14 comments
Is there such a thing as a knitting briefcase?
I like to knit in meetings; it actually helps me to listen better! But the bag I have for my projects doesn't look particularly professional. Most craft bags are so cutesy, which is not at all my style. What can I get that would look simple & respectable? [more inside]
posted by epersonae at 5:01 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by epersonae at 5:01 PM PST - 16 comments
pillows for neck problems
my brother Steve and I both have neck pains. We're considering buying the My Pillow we saw at Wal-Mart yesterday. The problem is it costs $60.00. Has anybody bought this thing
and tried it out? What do you think? Please answer ASAP. Thanks.
Brazil trip questions
We're travelling to Brazil in late May. Where would you recommend for hotels in Itataia and Paraty? Is a pousada a good option? Plus questions about timing, driving, Salvador de Bahia. [more inside]
Moving cross-country and clueless about housing.
In May I will be moving to the Bay Area for work. Where should I live? How should I look for a place? [more inside]
How do I clean sticky fine china?
My grandmother's heirloom china set (now mine) was stored for a while in an area that apparently cooking grease must have vented to. Below the standard layer of dust is a sticky film that I can scrape with a fingernail. [more inside]
Tell me how you found your career.
I'm a really bad student, but I want to do something I love and get paid decently for it. Tell me what to do. [more inside]
Enstrengthening for the unenlightened
I need some ideas that are dead simple and un-screw-up-able for how to balance my cardio program with strength training...at home, without equipment. [more inside]
posted by Pomo at 3:54 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Pomo at 3:54 PM PST - 6 comments
Dine-in/takeaway Tea shops in Sydney?
Looking for the tea equivalent of coffee shops in Sydney.Preferably in the CBD/inner city. High Tea is OK, but looking for something more basic than that. I refuse to pay $4.00 for hot water and a tea bag, lol.
Overwhelmed Tutors and Teaching Assistants
What resources are there that address overwhelm faced by tutors and teaching assistants - grad students who are also taking on a teaching role? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 2:55 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by divabat at 2:55 PM PST - 4 comments
Lego club activities for the 7-10 set?
I expressed interest in leading a Lego club for younger kids, which will take place at a local library. While I have a Lego fan at home, I have never led formal building exercises, and I'd be happy to hear your ideas for manageable, fun group activities. [more inside]
Where to make Blu-Ray DVD copies in New York City?
I don't have a Blu-Ray DVD burner at home, but need to make 1-2 copies of a non-commercial disc. I thought a Fedex Kinko's or the like would work, but apparently Blu-Ray DVD drives are not as common as I thought they'd be. [more inside]
How-to's on current (design) trends in Web Design?
My web design skills have gotten a bit rusty over the past few years (too much coding, not enough Photoshopping!) and I'm in a hurry to get back up to speed for a huge job I'm starting on next week. Normally I would figure this all out on my own but there's no enough time for that so... I need recommendations for good resources (blogs, books, magazines) on current trends in web design and on how to implement/execute elements of these trends in software like Photoshop. This article on the Smashing Magazine site is a good example of the sort of thing I'm looking for, except it doesn't include any how-to's. Pointers to useful templates / frameworks / web design kits are most welcome as well.
posted by dinkyday at 2:30 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by dinkyday at 2:30 PM PST - 9 comments
How do I contact English, Literature, and Drama teachers in NYC?
I want to offer super-cheap ($10 to free) Shakespeare tickets to educators and their students in the NYC area. I'm interested in contacting both high school and college teachers. Would they likely welcome this or consider it spam? Is there some kind of message board or other resource I can use to contact these folks.
posted by grumblebee at 2:26 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by grumblebee at 2:26 PM PST - 8 comments
Dropbox + coffee shop wifi = secure?
How secure is Dropbox on an open coffee shop wifi? [more inside]
How Does a New Couple Start Having Regular Money Talks?
My main squeeze is moving in! Our finances are starting to be a little more comingled and I'm looking for the best, healthiest way to start having a regular "money check-in" as part of our new life together. He is on board with this. How do we structure the conversation? Is there a sample agenda? Do we make it a date night? Help, please. [more inside]
posted by amoeba at 2:05 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by amoeba at 2:05 PM PST - 13 comments
Are Groupon Getaways/LivingSocial Escapes worth it?
Cheap International Travel-filter: How good of a deal do Groupon Getaways/LivingSocial Escapes tend to be, particularly this one to Turkey? How does one find cheap international airfare and travel in general? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:52 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by anonymous at 1:52 PM PST - 27 comments
Chicken Phobic
I have taken the fear of salmonella to new levels. Explain to me how to cook and store chicken please! [more inside]
posted by amycup at 1:47 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by amycup at 1:47 PM PST - 22 comments
How does one cash in on the capsicum craze?
Supposing one wanted to cash in on the growing popularity of hot sauce, chiles, hot peppers etc...where should one look to invest? Which companies selling peppers, hot sauces and other fiery foods are publicly traded? Aside from stocks, how else might one invest in the pepper market?
How do I find myself after a 9 year relationship?
My fiance and I have recently parted ways after a near 9 year relationship and it seems as though I've forgotten how to function. [more inside]
Should I confront a coworker about his incessant cursing?
I can hear my colleague constantly cursing in his office throughout the day. It's making for a tense and disruptive work environment for me and my other colleagues. Should I talk to him to get him to stop? [more inside]
posted by Argyle Sock Puppet at 1:33 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by Argyle Sock Puppet at 1:33 PM PST - 30 comments
What to do when "influenced by" looks a lot like "written by"?
I'm part of a tight-knit community of spoken word poets. A few months ago, a new poet started showing up and reading truly breathtaking poetry. Yay! Recently, a lot of it is sounding suspiciously familiar. Yikes. What to do? [more inside]
Bolaño in China
Would you happen to know of any articles originally written Mandarin about Bolaño's popularity in China? Or Latin American literature's popularity in China in general?
Competitive Powerlifter hurts her back. Now what?
(Female, 28 years old, 5'6 155#, lifting for about 5 years, 1 year competitively. First back injury.)
Yesterday was my first day back to my Powerlifting routine (Texas Method if it makes a difference) after a week off for a ski trip. Within my first set of squats (after warmups) something ‘not good’ happened to my lower back (first set, 4th rep, 185#). Now what? [more inside]
posted by LZel at 12:35 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by LZel at 12:35 PM PST - 19 comments
Dealing with an employer with crappy boundaries, in a niche field?
I’m in a small and incestuous field. My current employer has boundary issues and doesn't respect my time - it's driving me up the wall. I have to be very careful about how I handle this, since he has fingers in most of the pies in town. How can I assert myself without jeopardising my chances of future work? [more inside]
Really? This doesn't exist?
I am an individual looking to purchase my own short term disability policy. Details within. [more inside]
Thinking of transferring colleges for Computer Science in NYC
I currently get financial aid and I work full time as a programmer and study part time at Brooklyn College. However it seems that the education I get here at Brooklyn College is of poor quality.
Does anyone know of a good college in NYC that has a very good Computer Science major program?
GoodCorporateCitizensFilter: Help us have fun while helping others.
I'm looking for a new charity/fundraising event that my whole mid-sized company can take part in and get excited about. Ideally it has an outdoor/physical component so that us cube dwellers see a bit of the day-star. The physical requirements should be low, and bonus points for a charity that is in some way related to technology/connectivity-for-all etc. [more inside]
Asking for a project filter, Spirit Child Edition
Do spirit photographs of ogbanje children or malevolent spirit children exist? I'm thinking of the plethora of spirit photographs from the turn of the 20th century that depicted deceased persons (from the spiritualist movement) -- do similar types of photos of ogbanje or spirit children in African culture exist? If so, where?
Hospital food help
My friend's son is having complications following surgery and is getting a bit fed up with hospital food. They've sent out a request for restaurants in NYC that could deliver gluten free meals to Mt Sinai Hospital. I'm hoping you all can help me help them. Thanks!
posted by saffry at 10:20 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by saffry at 10:20 AM PST - 4 comments
Family Drama -- Aunt revisited
I wrote this question about my Aunt. As it turned out, I just wrote back a very polite reply -- "thank you for your good wishes" ...I was polite. I felt good about this. Thank you for all the helpful answers.
My Aunt wrote me again -- long story inside. Thank you for taking the time to read it. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 10:19 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by Lescha at 10:19 AM PST - 26 comments
What kind of door handle / latch combo is this?
The future Mrs. Moitz and I closed on a condo yesterday. I'm trying to get the locks replaced. However, these these handels / latches are defying description so it's making it difficult to locate a replacement. Further details inside... [more inside]
posted by moitz at 10:06 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by moitz at 10:06 AM PST - 4 comments
Small, attainable fitness goals
I need some fitness goals beyond the vague "get in shape" and the too-common "run a marathon". Can you help me come up with small, concrete, achievable goals? [more inside]
Recommendations for a truly invisible deodorant?
Woman here looking for a truly invisible deodorant that won't come off on my clothing. [more inside]
Other than poison or illegal drugs, what can I put in a poison ring?
I want to put interesting smallish things in a poison ring that I was given. The chamber is about a centimeter wide (across my finger) and .75 cm in the other dimensions. What can I put in there? [more inside]
posted by punchtothehead at 9:22 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by punchtothehead at 9:22 AM PST - 47 comments
unclaimed bank funds!
Banking question: how to reclaim a joint account I had previously separated myself from? [more inside]
What should I do about this friend who has cut me off?
What should I do about a friend who has apparently cut me off for no reason. We are both in our late 20's/early 30's. [more inside]
X + Y = motivation!!
What are the components of a stellar pep talk? [more inside]
Do they still make keyboards for first-gen iPads?
I inherited an old, first-generation iPad. I'd love to get a portable keyboard for it so I don't have to lug my ridiculously huge laptop everywhere. I've been doing some Googling, but it's hard to sift out keyboards that will work with the old, obsolete first-generation devices now that it's 2013. I want actual hard keys. Is an Apple wireless keyboard my only option?
posted by topoisomerase at 8:02 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by topoisomerase at 8:02 AM PST - 11 comments
Is there a service that can stream a video file at a certain time?
A con I help run has video art programming which we'd like to stream to people who cannot attend the convention. However, the infrastructure for livestreaming at this venue is prohibitively restrictive. Hence I'm looking for a service that would allow me to upload, say, an mp4 and schedule when it would begin streaming. [more inside]
DNS MX record oddity - Hostgator related
Can you explain why this IP address shows up with lookups for the MX records of these domains? [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 7:08 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by dukes909 at 7:08 AM PST - 2 comments
I want the absolute best, most bombproof compact umbrella available
What is the best compact umbrella I can buy? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 7:03 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by bondcliff at 7:03 AM PST - 20 comments
Visiting the Forest of Dean
Looking for travel advice on going to the Forest of Dean. Complication: no car. [more inside]
Convince me not to get a personal loan to pay off my credit cards.
Should I take out a personal loan to consolidate my credit card debt? Does anyone have any experience with personal loans through Discover? [more inside]
Scrolling past the most recent 20 articles at io9 and deadspin?
I get that Nick Denton has some sort of fixation on breaking the simple functionality of scrolling backward through a blog's archives, but the last time Gawker sites redesigned, you could work around the breakage by going to "blog.[gawkersite].com" to get it back. Is there currently any way to scroll back past the most recent 20 articles at the front pages of io9 and deadspin? Note: I've tried, but don't care about the Kinja comment system at all; I just want to read the posts on occasional visits. Is Gawker Media just writing visitors like me off or is there a workaround to the elimination of easy access to older stories?
posted by mediareport at 6:11 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by mediareport at 6:11 AM PST - 14 comments
Doh
How frequently do you screw up at work? I'm wondering if it's "normal" to screw up at work with the frequency that I am, and I should cut myself some slack. Alternately, I'm considering the possibility that it's a big problem. [more inside]
Alternatives to Google Hangout for large groups
Is there something like Google Hangout that allows for larger numbers of participants? Particularly in a one-to-many classroom-type setup rather than an all-way conversation. [more inside]
PC gaming veteran, returning to creating Rollercoasters & Civilizations
I used to play a lot of PC games, but in the past 10 years moved towards console gaming. I realise I've missed a whole era of games that only really work with a mouse and keyboard. My absolute favourites were creative, engaging, long play games, such as Rollercoaster Tycoon and Civilization. I never really played to win. I played for creative ends. The best times I had playing Rollercoaster Tycoon was in sandbox mode the only limits being my imagination. Those were the days. What (PC) games offer the equivalent of this now? [more inside]
Can no longer bang head against financial wall.
So... There are plenty of help-me-with-my-finances questions on MeFi, but this is more of a relationship question... [more inside]
"Validate meeee"
How to be a better friend to a very insecure person. [more inside]
Blue jeans everywhere
Why are blue jeans so ubiquitous? And why blue?
posted by devnull at 2:44 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by devnull at 2:44 AM PST - 16 comments
Will they just keep being stupid?
Is it worth snail-mailing the idiots who share my name and use my e-mail address to sign up for things? [more inside]
Likelihood of Dropbox deleting my files?
I use a free Dropbox account for loads of stuff and I think it's a great service, but I currently only use 70% of my allowance and don't want to fork out for pro. However, I recently read the Ts and Cs of free account and see that they can delete my files whenever they like. Eek! I find it pretty unlikely this would happen, but how big a risk do you think it is? Is it worth paying just for the security, or is it so unlikely that I can continue with free service and peace of mind?
Why is my body mad at me?
Last night I had an episode of intense tremors and nausea shortly (< 2 hours) after eating. This morning I feel fine. What gives? [more inside]
posted by fight or flight at 12:23 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by fight or flight at 12:23 AM PST - 12 comments
March 25
Hair trimmer recommendations
Beard / body hair trimmer recommendations? [more inside]
Where there's a will kit, there is confusion
I don't have a will and have never written one before. I don't have a lawyer and don't really want to get one.
In a bit over a month, I will be going into hospital for some surgery. It's not particularly dramatic surgery and I expect it to go well, but I seem to have used it as a spur to get a will kit*, which is something I have meant to do for a while now. [more inside]
Should I attend an art program when I am not confident in my abilities?
Artists: do you enjoy the process of making whatever art you make? Should I pursue an opportunity in an artistic field when I dislike the process of making the art and am not confident in my results? [more inside]
Where to buy a car in the Chicago area?
We're interested in areas with lots of dealerships in close proximity, so we can see the models we're curious about without having to head all over town. [more inside]
posted by The Notorious B.F.G. at 9:46 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by The Notorious B.F.G. at 9:46 PM PST - 7 comments
Why did this light go off with a bang and a spark?
We had lots of wiring replaced recently, including two lamps connected to a dimmer switch; the dimmer was also replaced. Yesterday we noticed that the dimmer was now only allowing fully on or off. Today the light went off with a loud popping sound and a visible spark from one of the lamps, though both bulbs themselves work fine. What happened and how do I fix it? Is it likely just a faulty dimmer switch? Do I need to turn off the circuit (which has many other lights on it) as a precaution?
posted by parudox at 9:33 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by parudox at 9:33 PM PST - 9 comments
Authorization for cremation?
Can signing an 'Authorization For Cremation' form somehow make me responsible for my deceased father's debt? [more inside]
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 9:22 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 9:22 PM PST - 15 comments
Looking for research/journal articles about girls play clothes/uniforms.
Our school is reviewing uniform policies and I’m trying to find research, or guidelines to inform the discussion.
I’m in Australia where uniforms for students are the norm. This is a government school where it’s not legally mandated, but where it’s universally worn in different forms.
Several teachers at our current school and my daughter’s pre-school have mentioned that they prefer girls not to wear dresses and skirts to school because it impedes free play.
I agree and am encouraging our primary school to phase out the dresses for girls and have regulation polo shirts for all kids and skorts/culotte type shorts for the girls, and unisex shorts for the boys and any girls that want to wear them. [more inside]
What is this upbeat indie song???
There's a song that comes on at my work, and for the life of me I can't figure out what it's called. [more inside]
posted by brittanyq at 8:44 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by brittanyq at 8:44 PM PST - 9 comments
Can I get personalized pencils with the word "Queer" on them?
I am directing a local LGBTQ history project and think it would be fun to get personalized pencils (to take into the archives) for the participants. But nobody will print pencils with the word "Queer" on them! Or the word "Gay/Lesbian." Or anything that could be construed as a reference whatsoever. Do you know of a personalized-pencil provider that would be willing to print LGBTQ pencils?
posted by besonders at 8:06 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by besonders at 8:06 PM PST - 8 comments
Help us plan our vacation in Anchorage
Mr. BlahLaLa, KidBlahLaLa and I will be in Anchorage for four days in late June. Help us find stuff to do! [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:04 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:04 PM PST - 17 comments
Songs that are lists of things.
What are good songs for babies that are really "lists of things" (like "I can sing a rainbow" and "a, b, c, d,.....")? [more inside]
Is there something like "whois" for Google App Engine apps?
I might put something up on Google App Engine. I sometimes like to try to be private online, to the extent that I'd be concerned about whether my home address was available via a "whois" lookup on a website I control. If I put some software online via Google App Engine and allow public use of it, will ordinary people be able to find out who is behind it (that being me)? Will moderately skilled amateur hackers be able to? Presumably law enforcement officials could find out, but that does not concern me. [more inside]
posted by Koray at 7:44 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Koray at 7:44 PM PST - 1 comment
An email domain provider that starts with M
I'm looking for an email provider that starts with m and ends with .net [more inside]
posted by aetg at 7:36 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by aetg at 7:36 PM PST - 14 comments
Stop-Gap Iphone
Help me figure out a stop-gap iPhone to tide me over until iPhone 5S comes out. [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:24 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:24 PM PST - 16 comments
simple electronic ciruit
I have a circuit whose output drives a beeper(piezoelectric transducer). It beeps at 1200 Hz 3 volts and a duty cycle of 1.5 seconds. I would like to get a DC whenever the beeping starts and 0.0 volts whenever there is no beeping signal. Can anyone help me design a simple circuit to do this? The end goal is to drive a small DC motor that is used to produce vibration in a cell phone.
Thanks in advance,
Ortological
Gift suggestions for a new friend's birthday?
I've been invited to a new (<3 months) friend's 40th birthday supper. What can I bring him? [more inside]
roombas for dust mites? ("robots are cool" is the unspoken motivation)
Just diagnosed with a dust mite allergy. Will a regular cheap Roomba help? [more inside]
Help me find a similar beer in Sydney
I visited New Zealand recently (thanks AskMe for all the help with the itinerary), and happened to try a beer there - Mac's Great White Cloudy Wheat Beer. It seems that it is only available in New Zealand. Is there anything else that might replicate the taste? [more inside]
How to display a beautiful, sentimentally-valued coin?
Among other things my mother has passed on to me a Saint-Gaudens double eagle coin. How shall I display it securely? [more inside]
posted by jet_silver at 6:45 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by jet_silver at 6:45 PM PST - 6 comments
♫♫ What do you do with a BS in Physics? ♫♫
Three years ago, I graduated with a Physics degree. Since then, I've been working in a soul-crushing IT job. Realistically, what are my options to push my career forward? Help me find my passion. Lots of snowflake details inside. [more inside]
May you stink forever.
Best basketballs around
As March Madness is here, want to get a basketball as a gift. What's the best basketball on the market? [more inside]
Can't find a Psychopath forum I had seen way back.
The forum was made up of psychopaths talking about their experiences, points of view and things they've done. It was fascinating to read and learn about. What prompted me to look into it back then was that I'm quite certain my father is one.
The only results I've been finding are support forums for people who've been in relationships with psychopaths.
posted by mrflibble at 5:07 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mrflibble at 5:07 PM PST - 8 comments
Bill went to collection because of the company's mistake, what do I do?
Enzo Clinical Labs had my incomplete address on file. I never received the bill and it went to collection. What do I do that it does not appear on my credit report? [more inside]
How do I figure out who I am? Post-breakup and no friends
Just out of a short-ish relationship, the standard advice is "do things you like", "hang out with your friends". All the things I like are pretty solitary/not conducive to meeting people and I just don't have any friends, but I do want some, but I feel too crappy to figure out how to find some - see the circularity? [more inside]
Confused By US Passport Requirements. Help?
I had a passport when I was a kid. My dad was USAF and I spent about 40% of my childhood overseas. However, I have not had a passport since and I have not left the country since I was in college. What do I need to get a passport? [more inside]
Any recommendations for a Cantonese speaking divorce lawyer in SF?
I am hoping that someone has a recommendation (or even a "stay away from") for a Cantonese-speaking divorce lawyer in the San Francisco area. [more inside]
Does anyone have experience with Labor Boards?
I'm taking a former boss to the Labor Board (in California) next week. He owes me back wages, some or all of a bonus (he never provided me with the bonus criteria, as he said he would do in the offer letter, despite my numerous requests), he never paid two years of payroll taxes - another story, involving an ongoing IRS investigation.
Next week is the preliminary hearing. I'm wondering what to expect. Should I have all of my material (offer letter, testimonials, emails) for this meeting? Or is this simply to determine whether an amicable solution can be found before a proper hearing?
I would appreciate hearing about similar experiences - and lessons learned from these experiences.
Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by holdenjordahl at 4:38 PM PST - 7 comments
Am I just not couple material?
I can't tell if I’m overreacting/over analyzing because I've been single for so long. Do I just need time to adjust to being a couple? Should I just calm down and stick it out for awhile? [more inside]
posted by g33kygal at 4:22 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by g33kygal at 4:22 PM PST - 28 comments
How do I get my car title transfered into my name?
What is the process and what taxes must I pay when transferring a car title from my father to me? Interstate snowflakes inside. [more inside]
To feed large breed or not to feed: that is the question
YANMV, however, I am waiting on a call back from my vet and as I am impatient and prone to obsessive behavior, I shall ask the same of the hive to see the consensus. Should I be feeding my 4 1/2 month old puppy large breed puppy food? Details inside. [more inside]
Find my perfect bag, version 478... the diaper bag edition
For the last 2.5 years I have been daily using and abusing the same amazing black nylon messenger-style diaper bag, and it's finally beginning to tear and fray apart. I want to find something simple, stylish, and utilitarian to replace it. Difficulty: cheap-ish. [more inside]
Tool for building a reference guide website or document generator?
Is there a word for these types of web-based tools, and a widely-used way to make them? One: a way make a web-based reference guide / glossary / help centre. Two: a tool that will generate a custom 20-page PDF based on complex user inputs, complete with table of contents. Are there open-source, well-supported solutions for building these things? Maybe a way to combine some plugins for Drupal or Wordpress? I really have no idea how to tackle this. [more inside]
Resources for healing from domestic violence?
I am looking for books or websites that are for people after they have left their abusive partner. [more inside]
Dealing with an estranged family
How can I accept and deal with my estranged family? My father was an incredibly abusive person to his family. My mother couldn't really handle it (she was 17 or 18 at the time) and ended up giving me to my aunt (father's side). For years I had very little contact with my mother's family. I now have three half-siblings, whom I didn't grow up with and have very little in common with. In fact, at age 32, I live in a world that's completely different from theirs. [more inside]
MIDI controllers and the iPhone 5?
Is it possible to hook up an Akai LPK25 controller to an iPhone 5? [more inside]
What is the safest method to ship to Hong Kong?
I have a $2,000 piece of artwork that needs to get to Hong Kong. I am not sure what carrier I should go with and would love insight. I am pretty nervous about this, but also don't want to spend a fortune if I can help it. [more inside]
audio ebook for car ride
What audio ebook should I download for this long car ride with my bookish 10 year old, me, and my literate adult friend? [more inside]
Some next, but cautious, steps for beginner scooterists?
What are some helpful tips in buying a scooter and then practicing driving it within a major urban center? Snowflake details below [more inside]
Where in NYC can I get fun sodas?
When I lived in LA I could drive to BevMo or to Galco's and fill up on Cheerwine, Moxie, and various birch beers and sasparillas and other local sodas. When I go see my parents in Northern California I can do the same at the local Nugget Market.
Now that I'm living in NYC and am carless, where can I go to satisfy my specialty soda fix?
posted by Guy Smiley at 1:46 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Guy Smiley at 1:46 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I organize my life and surroundings
I lack basic skills to manage a normal day. I have no structure at all and want to be able to get by in life. I am a chronic mess maker and lose much of everything, so I want to learn life skills to be able to live normally. [more inside]
posted by wholecornandsalt at 1:45 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by wholecornandsalt at 1:45 PM PST - 25 comments
Is there a movie that takes place in a completely different sound world?
I'm looking for movies with a sound design that changes all of the typical sounds of the world. Something like replacing all of the "normal" sounds with something strange, like doors closing would all sound like "pew!" or footsteps would all be "bloop" or something. Does this exist? [more inside]
online sales tax, Illinois website buyer in australia
Hello,
I bought something from an online store from a business in Illinois.
I am in Australia, which does not require sales tax to be paid on items bought from overseas for less that $1000.
When I realised the Illinois website had charged me sales tax, I pointed it out to them.
They claim that:
'If you purchase something in Illinois, and that is where our "store" is
you will be charged sales tax.'
I don't think that is correct. Is it?
Do you know of a clear authoritative document online I can send them a link to?
Thank you
posted by compound eye at 1:22 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by compound eye at 1:22 PM PST - 19 comments
abs of steel take more than 20 minutes a day
Lots of exercise videos out there promising bikini abs are guided by people with incredible bodies. I know they don't get or keep those bodies using their own routines. What do they actually do? [more inside]
posted by Capri at 1:15 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by Capri at 1:15 PM PST - 29 comments
What to do with a few hours in Moscow?
Hey, I'm going (with a group) to Moscow from this Wednesday to Friday. Thing is, I get there in the evening and leave early Friday, and so I really only have Wednesday night, maybe three hours Thursday afternoon, and then Thursday night. (I guess I also have very early Thursday and Friday mornings, although seems unlikely I'd really be up for anything.) Anything that I absolutely need to see/do/eat in those windows? I'm interested in mostly arts/cultural/architectural/food/drinks things, but I'm not sure what I can fit into those spaces in the day/night. Thanks. [more inside]
casual hookup etiquette for the post-serially monogamous citizen
After many years of monogamy followed by several years of celibacy (continually enforced by the fact that, out of raw fiscal necessity, I will continue to share a house and mortgage with my ex for the indefinite future), a chance encounter has left me with the opportunity to enjoy one (or, fingers crossed, more than one!) casual hookup(s) with a breathtakingly attractive near-stranger.
Can you walk me through this process -- safety, guidelines, what to do/not do or say, etc. -- like a complete newbie? [more inside]
I have a few challenges applying to grad school.
I need to explain to a graduate school admissions committee why my undergrad grades suck and convince them I am a viable candidate as well even though I don't own the required psychology degree. And ff course, the one program requiring the degree is the one in which I am most interested. [more inside]
DC area coin dealer recommendations
Might anyone be able to suggest a good coin dealer in the Washington DC area? Looking to price out a variety of coins - a couple of gold coins, silver coins, random hodgepodge of probably worthless foreign coins, and inaugural coins & medals. Although a bit morbidly opportunist, would it be that much wiser to wait and sell a couple of Reagan/Bush and Carter commemorative coins (with all the Franklin Mint certifications) after Carter & Bush eventually pass away?
What happened to churches that refused to hold interracial weddings?
Around the time that the Supreme Court decided Loving v. Virginia, did any churches lose their tax exempt status either due to (A) political activities related to the fight over interracial marriage or (B) due to the refusal to conduct such marriages for its members? [more inside]
posted by jepler at 11:27 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by jepler at 11:27 AM PST - 21 comments
Name of old panel show
I'm trying to find the name of an old panel-style game show that freaked me out as a kid. The show would have celebrity panelists, and at the end of the show they would squish the celebrities into discs so that could easily store them until they needed them again. This would have been mid-80s, most likely.
posted by a47danger at 11:25 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by a47danger at 11:25 AM PST - 7 comments
Should I go to the ER? Calf pain after travel but with snowflake!
I flew to Seattle for a couple of days. I climbed a lot of stairs. My calf hurts. Do I need to go to the ER? Doctors' advice in particular appreciated. [more inside]
Am I going to regret getting nailed?
I was born with awful nails that are super thin and break off halfway down the nailbed. It's incredibly painful, annoying, and unattractive. I'm thinking about getting them overlaid with acrylic or gel (possibly with very short tips added) at a fancy spa so that I can finally have normal-length nails that are functional, painless, and not hideous. Is this going to fix my problem? Am I going to regret this decision? [more inside]
posted by joan_holloway at 11:07 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by joan_holloway at 11:07 AM PST - 21 comments
Outdoor reception and dinner venue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter
I'm looking for suggestions for an outdoor reception and dinner venue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. I've already contacted the Andaz hotel, the W hotel and the Hard Rock hotel, and think these are potentially great choices, but I'm wondering if there are any other options I should explore. [more inside]
Guy hit my (parked) car last night. I have a witness. What should I do?
I wasn't there, but the good Samaritan left a note on my car. She saw the man hit my car - it appears he is a neighbor. If I go talk to this man, I want to be fully prepared - both to convey that I know he's the culprit, but also to respond in case he tries to deny or simply stonewall me. Any tips for things to do before I talk to him, or ways to respond if he's not cooperative? Thanks.
Gamemaker Resources
I'm working with a group of kids to help them learn the very basics of GameMaker. I'm looking for libraries of sprites, backgrounds, and sounds to help them in the creation process. Are there ready-made libraries for educators out there. If I have to cobble it together on my own, what are good places to get the basics for making simple 2-dimensional games? Also: are there any good premade game templates (shooter, platformer, puzzle games) that we can use to get their ideas down? We're more interested in the story-telling process of game creation, and not so much the learning to program part. [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 10:09 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by codacorolla at 10:09 AM PST - 3 comments
What are your favorite Mahjong games in the Mac App store
My mom really enjoys Mahjong. She had a version she really liked on her old Windows machine, but it died. She's using a Mac now. There's a ton of Mahjong games in the Mac App store. She's tried a few but they were too simple. Anyone have recommendations for a Mahjong game from the Mac App store for a Mahjong fanatic?
posted by StimulatingPixels at 10:07 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by StimulatingPixels at 10:07 AM PST - 9 comments
What can you tell me about this old bottle of whiskey?
I pulled up the old floor in our house and found an old, mostly full, quart bottle of whiskey labeled "William Penn". Our house, located in Indianapolis (US) was built in the 1890s but I don't think the bottle is that old. Here are some pictures 1 2 3 4 5. It was wrapped in a German language newspaper that appeared to be from Indianapolis but is too fragmented to get a date from. What can you tell me about this whiskey?
Pictures of celebrities riding public transit?
We're looking for photos of famous people riding public transit for a Facebook page that fights prejudice against public transportation. [more inside]
posted by Tom-B at 9:58 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by Tom-B at 9:58 AM PST - 31 comments
Anorexia Memory Loss
Can a anorexia cause loss of memories from before the starvation began? [more inside]
Free or Inexpensive Photography for a non-profit
Hi, I am helping out with a young and growing non-profit and they need professional photography to update some of the picture content their new website. What is the best to find a good photographer who would be willing to donate their time for a good cause? Is it reasonable to try to find a way to get this work for free? If not, what should we be willing to spend? [more inside]
posted by beisny at 9:44 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by beisny at 9:44 AM PST - 11 comments
Why are my clothes still soaking?
My washing machine (a top-loading Maytag Centennial similar to this one, about 3-5 years old, I'd guess) sporadically leaves clothes dripping wet after the whole cycle's done. Other times, it works perfectly and spins the load to a much more reasonable level of dampness. [more inside]
posted by wolfnote at 9:37 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by wolfnote at 9:37 AM PST - 9 comments
Calling from Asia over android tablet
Currently in Asia and want to call US cheap. What options besides Skype do I have? Not a big fan of sim cards as they are hard to find here. [more inside]
What can I expect from a gay rodeo?
I'm planning on being in Denver at the same time as the annual gay rodeo there (Rocky Mountain Regional Rodeo). I'm wondering what to expect from the event and whether it's worth taking the time and effort to attend. Looks like gay cowboys have better things to do with their time than create pretty websites for tourists so can you help me figure it out please? [more inside]
What is this half-remembered snippet about karaoke and "chick songs"?
I have a snippet of a movie or TV show (maybe a cartoon?) that's been rattling around my head for the past month or so and I can't pin down where it's from or if it was just a dream I once had.
posted by mhum at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
A male character is singing karaoke and the audience is booing and heckling him. One of the hecklers mocks his song choice by yelling out, "That's a chick song." The male character retorts, "No it's not! It's a song to get chicks."Does this ring a bell with anyone? Bonus internet points for a video clip (partial credit for just the song).
posted by mhum at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
What's cool in Manhattan on Wednesday?
A friend of mine and I have managed to both get this Wednesday (27-March-2013) off from work. She lives in Long Island and I live in New Jersey, so Manhattan seemed like a good middle ground to get together. The point is mostly to hang out and see each other, but we'd also like to visit whatever interesting things that might be around. My cleverest thought at this point is the Museum of Natural History, or to just wander and let serendipity happen. Are there any cool happenings Wednesday afternoon or evening I should keep in mind? Especially nifty lunch spots we might not have thought of?
Retail marijuana in Washington state
In what month can the state of Washington realistically expect to see a commercial storefront retailing marijuana to the general public (with proof of age)? [citations appreciated]
A Dirty Dancing themed karaoke surprise
How do I hire someone in New York City that can provide a very unique service for a bachelorette party? This would involve specific timing, possibly a costume, decent voice, decent looks, heaps of charm. [more inside]
Investing while in the US on a fixed term contract
I know I should be talking to an financial planner/adviser about this, and I will do, but... I am British. I'm going to be living and working in the U.S. for somewhere between one and three years. I will probably return to the UK afterwards, but there is a chance I will stay in the U.S. forever. I would rate that chance at about 50/50. I would like to save a fraction of my income while in the U.S., and I would like those savings to grow. I would like to retain at least the possibility of suddenly withdrawing them if and when I leave the U.S. I understand there will be fees and taxes involved in such a withdrawal, but I would of course like to minimize them. And I would like to balance this possibility against the possibility that I will be staying forever, and should make a start on saving for retirement. [more inside]
Making an academic workshop work?
What techniques have you seen working in practice to get people to talk when they come from quite different backgrounds? [more inside]
Presenting the Amazing Housewife
I have a great desire to be an outstanding "housewife". The problem is that I am terrible at cooking and I stress out over silly domestic things. How can I make it all seem effortless? [more inside]
Where to look for industry job positions and how to effectively apply?
I know this question is big, but would like to glean any useful information for job hunting.
I will graduate from my post-graduate study in five months. The time is not abundant for job hunting for a foreigner without citizenship. My study area is agricultural engineering and bio-environmental/bioenergy engineering.
Do you know if there is any company that may have positions based on this background? Do you know if there is any suitable website holding ads for this engineering area? Will you be willing to share your experience in job hunting of similar background?
Thanks in advance.
Seeking funny novels about Chicago, Wicker Park, and if possible the Cub
Seeking funny novels about Chicago, Wicker Park, and if possible the Cubs. Prefer to avoid genre fiction and the self-published. [more inside]
The Innocents Abroad: Text Messaging+Parents Overseas=Disaster Incoming?
My elderly parents are currently traveling in Europe (Greece, specifically) accompanied by their first smartphones (which are on a T-Mobile family plan that I pay for). Before they left, I repeatedly emphasized that they needed to install new microsims from a Greek telecom before they'd be able to use voice, messaging and data in Greece. I did not go into the concept of international roaming (primarily because it's extremely expensive, they would find it confusing, and I don't want them to use it). They said they'd get new microsims when they arrived. However, my mother's text messages from Greece still look like they're being sent from her U.S. number. [more inside]
posted by longdaysjourney at 8:01 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by longdaysjourney at 8:01 AM PST - 14 comments
Whose tooth is this?
I found an animal tooth in the couch cushions. Help me narrow down who it might have belonged to. [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 7:57 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by overeducated_alligator at 7:57 AM PST - 6 comments
Budget software and tutorials for webcomic creation
Asking for my wife - she's working on creating a webcomic using her new Wacom tablet and needs recommendations for affordable drawing/image-manipulation software as well as tutorials in their use. [more inside]
posted by tdismukes at 7:57 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by tdismukes at 7:57 AM PST - 8 comments
I bruised my thigh and the hurt is spreading. What now?
Nine days ago while working I *ran* into a countertop and bruised the top my right thigh - badly. At first the injury seemed to progress normally, getting better every day, but now not only is the bruise still there, but my knee hurts too. What now? [more inside]
MacBook disc drive won't read.
Save us another trip to the Apple store.
My daughter's computer:
Mac Book Pro
Operating system: 10.6.8
Not in warranty [more inside]
Stuck in the obsessive stage of a breakup.
I've plateaud in breakup recovery. What wisdom do you have? [more inside]
Having Two Facebook Accounts on my Phone?
I have two Facebook accounts. I'd like to be able to use them both on my phone. [more inside]
Healthy Takeaway/Delivery in London
I spend a bit too much time in the office, and regularly have dinner delivered there (paid for by the company, thankfully!) but am putting on too much pudge from the constant pizzas. Could anyone recommend healthy deliveries or takeaway that will service the W1 area? Thanks!
Bike Trainers, Bike Rollers and Exercise Bikes : What is the Max Load?
I need a bike trainer, bike roller, or an exercise bike. The problem is, I weight 132 kilograms / 290 pounds. I can afford $350, at a stretch. Is there a model of any of these which will both accommodate my weight, and be affordable? My googling turns up nothing.
posted by Chasuk at 6:24 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Chasuk at 6:24 AM PST - 7 comments
Buying-a-Boat Filter:
A friend and I are looking into buying a boat and living on it whilst sailing around Europe next year, I understand that there are going to be a lot of challenges, but the first one: is it financially viable. [more inside]
posted by Ned G at 5:43 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Ned G at 5:43 AM PST - 16 comments
Help me become the next Barbara Walters/Charlie Rose
I want to be great at interviewing people, but going to journalism school isn't an option. What books will help me most? How do I learn to recognize and ask great questions? How do I prepare? Who are exceptional interviewers I should check out, and what do you think I can specifically learn from them?
posted by ferdinandcc at 1:15 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by ferdinandcc at 1:15 AM PST - 28 comments
March 24
What's it like to be a bookkeeper, and how do I get there from here?
I have a BSc in physics and an environmental diploma, neither of which are getting me any work. I've been doing office temp work for a couple of years now - mostly admin with a bit of reception. I enjoy admin work but I'd rather get away from the customer/client-facing stuff. I have pretty strong math and computer skills (via physics), I enjoy some things people often find boring (e.g. filing, messing around with Excel), and I'm comfortable sitting in front of a computer all day. Do you think I would like bookkeeping? What's it actually like to be a bookkeeper? What do you do in the run of a day? [more inside]
Is it safe to drink? Trading Places edition
How old is too old to drink frozen concentrated orange juice? [more inside]
posted by Fiat124 at 11:12 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Fiat124 at 11:12 PM PST - 8 comments
What is this Gramatik jam?
Not too long ago I went to a Bassnectar concert. Gramatik opened and one song sounded like some kind of electronic country rock jam. No vocals, just relentless, driving guitars and bass. Sorry, this is all I've got. Someone, anyone? What is this song?
Help me find this article please
Within the last couple of months (and I'm really leaning towards more recently than that) I read an article that said if you're asking for donations to or fundraising for a charity, a little psychological trick is to tell people they don't have to donate. This would make them more likely to actually donate. I could have sworn it was on Lifehacker, but I can't find it anywhere, not even in a general Google search. Can you find it please?
posted by IndigoRain at 10:14 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by IndigoRain at 10:14 PM PST - 2 comments
Annoying Facebook Bullshit
In the ongoing wrangle that is the process of PRIVACY with Facebook I've yet to figure this one out. [more inside]
Ill and disgusting taste in my mouth? No thanks.
Please give me your recommendations for cough drops that actually taste good! [more inside]
I'll pay someone to tell me what to buy, what to wear and how to wear it
I'm looking for information about working with a personal stylist or personal shopper, especially as a plus-size woman. Could I? Should I? [more inside]
Mortarboards hurt when they fall
Looking for movies with a classic graduate cap toss: the speech is over, the plot comes to a pleasing conclusion, and then everybody, preferably the whole school, takes their hats off and tosses them in the air, in slo-mo. The sky is blue, it's a stock photography moment. What are movies or TV shows with this oh-so-cliche scene?
How to not act superior?
I received some feedback recently that I come across as arrogant, condescending, and pretentious. How can I stop coming across this way, externally? How can I get at the root of underlying attitudes, internally? [more inside]
Wow, thanks for the offer, but I'd rather not work at all...
Have you, or do you know anyone who has, purposefully not taken a job at the end of a contract, in order to build skills in other areas, and been ok with a gap in work history?
Snowflake details: I'm currently working on a contract for a large company, and I'm reaching the end-date for my contract. The current job itself is not my dream job, and is not very fulfilling, but it's paid the bills and the company looks good on a resume. I now have been offered another contract position, year-long, at a different large company in the area.
However, I would be doing work that would be even less fulfilling, I'm afraid to the point of being mind-numbing. But the pay is good. Should I take the year-long contract for the money? Thinking about the job itself is enough to give me that anxious sick feeling. [more inside]
posted by lockstitch at 9:07 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by lockstitch at 9:07 PM PST - 6 comments
Putting baby on a routine
How do you put a six month old baby on a routine? Or should you even try to? What kind of schedule worked for you? [more inside]
Did my amazon account get hacked?
I recently went onto amazon and found multiple items in my cart that I had not placed there. Could my account have been hacked, or is it just some weird glitch? [more inside]
Need ADHD medication but no doctor or insurance in NYC
Need ADHD medication but no doctor or insurance in NYC [more inside]
Problem cashing out a settlement- it's taking forever... or is it?
I shopped around to sell my structured settlement and now it's taking forever to get through the process. Is my story normal or am I being sold a bill of goods? [more inside]
Spoiled for Educational Choices
Short Question:
Should I a) Pursue a degree in IT with the goal of becoming a database administrator or b) Continue my studies and get my Masters in Social Work? [more inside]
posted by Shadax at 7:44 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Shadax at 7:44 PM PST - 5 comments
Tracking down a YA book series from the late 80s / early 90s
In my elementary school (circa 1989-1996, Ontario/Canada), there was a series of young adult novels that our library had. I've been trying to track them down, and Google hasn't helped with the scattershot info I remember about them. Here is what I have to go on... [more inside]
posted by ordinary_magnet at 7:17 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by ordinary_magnet at 7:17 PM PST - 2 comments
Bookstores/Yoga Studios
Hi there!
I'm planning a road trip around the US and Canada this June and was looking for suggestions for independent bookstores and places that cater to Yoga practitioners/Yoga studios that have an oomph factor. Do you have a favorite indie bookstore or a Yoga studio you go to that you'd love to share with other people? I welcome any and all suggestions! [more inside]
Online dating... we've moved to phone, what now?
So I met this guy online, we recently spoke over the phone for the first time and have spoken one other time after that. First conversation was about 20 minutes and the next was maybe 10 and took place this morning. We met on the type of dating site where people are matched for long-term relationships - what I'm trying to say here is we know we're not trying to just find friends. I am trying not to waste my time here and want to get to know what he is thinking so that if we're not on the same page I can move on, preferably before my membership online ends. [more inside]
Books/Movies about soulmates finding each other in each lifetime?
Books/Movies about soulmates finding each other in each lifetime? I have some vague memories about at least one book or movie that centered around a couple, soul mates who kept having to re-find each other over and over in multiple different lifetimes. Ringing any bells? I know Cloud Atlas is a tiny bit like that, but it was much longer ago than that.
Also, suggestions of books/movies along similar lines?
Tried searching but maybe I searched the wrong terms.
Thanks in advance!
posted by bluesky78987 at 6:40 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by bluesky78987 at 6:40 PM PST - 30 comments
A good or decent video game with beautiful and immersive sci-fi worlds
Anyone have suggestions for video games that do a great job of immersing you in sci-fi (ideally alien) worlds? [more inside]
posted by mysticreferee at 6:40 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by mysticreferee at 6:40 PM PST - 28 comments
Insurance options for the recently unemployed in Tokyo?
I'm an American living in working in Tokyo, but am planning on moving to the states in a few months. I will leave my current job in a month that is providing insurance and take a month or two off to get my affairs in order. What are my options for insurance after I resign? [more inside]
posted by princeoftheair at 6:32 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by princeoftheair at 6:32 PM PST - 6 comments
Song-stuck-in-my-head-filter
What's the name of that Tokyo Police Club song where "Tokyo Police Club" is one of the lyrics?
posted by 256 at 6:28 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by 256 at 6:28 PM PST - 1 comment
Handheld massager with heat?
Can someone recommend a good handheld massager, preferable with heat. Not for sexy time, just for someone with a lot of muscle and nerve pain.
To Bed, Perchance to Sleep
Help my boyfriend and I sleep (in the same bed) together! [more inside]
Yoga for aunt and baby
I'd like to take my 9mo old niece to do yoga in or around New Orleans (preferably more West Bank than downtown). Help? [more inside]
posted by spunweb at 4:21 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by spunweb at 4:21 PM PST - 8 comments
Pick music for my 10 year-old son's iPod!
Please name one song, or album, that I should put on my 10 year-old son's iPod. [more inside]
What gives you that tropical beach feeling?
Help me create my best happy place: I want recommendations for what gives you that all-around lazy, sun-kissed, salt water, beachy feeling. Music, books, movies, scents, art, images, anything you can think of that puts you there.
posted by dean winchester at 4:07 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by dean winchester at 4:07 PM PST - 28 comments
HALP! I spilled worcestershire sauce in my mum's new car!
Had a bottle of the stuff tip over on the passenger seat, to the tune of about 2 tablespoons. Fabric seat, brand new car, she's coming home in June so I have a bit of time to get that new car smell back. [more inside]
posted by mooza at 3:50 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by mooza at 3:50 PM PST - 12 comments
Davy Byrne's pub and Auerbachs Keller--more please
I'm in Dublin and I can drink Guinness in Davy Byrne's pub, which is mentioned in Ulysses. In Leipzig there's Auerbachs Keller, mentioned in Faust. What are some more real pubs, restaurants or the like that are mentioned in literature? [more inside]
posted by Logophiliac at 3:02 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by Logophiliac at 3:02 PM PST - 28 comments
Brightly colored ferromagnetic shavings
I'd like to find or create ferromagnetic shavings like these, but in bright colors. How can I do that? [more inside]
How to Surprise Boyfriend for his Birthday Long Distance
Distance prevents me from being with my boyfriend on his birthday. Any idea on how to make it special? He will be at work most of the day and make to his hotel later on in the evening. I've sent cupcakes, but would also like to do something else to surprise him. Thanks!!
I'm in England, so this must be English
I'm in London, staying in a nice little self-catering flat. There's a sticker on the inside of the lid of the toilet that says:
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:23 PM PST - 9 comments
"Because of various of environment will effect the tardiness down. The best tardiness down effect will after the cover board completeness open. Push the cover board to the position of self-down, and then the effect of tardiness down without voice will following."[more inside]
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:23 PM PST - 9 comments
401 K catch-up?
I know that I can still contribute to my IRA account for 2012; can I still make catch-up contributions to my 401K for last year?
posted by coldhotel at 2:10 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by coldhotel at 2:10 PM PST - 3 comments
Do Free File confirmation e-mails contain sensitive information?
Do the confirmation e-mails for e-filing federal tax returns with Free File Fillable Forms contain sensitive information? [more inside]
posted by millions at 2:10 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by millions at 2:10 PM PST - 4 comments
How much should I ask for in compensation for overdue furniture?
I ordered a 2-piece sectional sofa 15 weeks ago, and it was supposed to be delivered in 8-10 weeks. Half of it was delivered at 8 weeks, the other half is still missing. How much should I ask for in compensation as the delivery gets later and later, and what's the best way to handle asking for such compensation? [more inside]
What video camera will meet my requirements?
I want to have a very lightweight camera that has no wires, but sends a video feed to an android device. I want to mount it on a telescoping pole for close-up inspection of stained glass windows. I do restoration and repair of stained glass for my living. So it would be great to be able to use a camera on a pole to do assessments onsite without ladders or scaffolding. [more inside]
Help me put together a class assignment on hardening a computer
I want to teach students good computer security habits. [more inside]
Boyfriend has never had a long-term relationship and other concerns.
Is it unusual for a 28-year-old to have never had a relationship last past 3 months? [more inside]
Silent Science Videos To Entertain Teens?
Looking for videos to create a youtube playlist to entertain a group of science-minded teenagers for about 30 min that are largely visual. Sound is fine but the bulk shouldn't be someone talking to the class like an instructor - visualizations are best - ideally they should look really, really cool. Class is engineering focused, but chemistry, robotics, wobbly bridges, comp-sci, biology, are all welcome. [more inside]
No meat until you eat your veg?
If you follow the advice of Ellyn Satter, how do you handle second helpings when your child wants more of one food but hasn't eaten even a bite of the other things? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 12:17 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Ollie at 12:17 PM PST - 15 comments
What do I need to know about physical therapy.
What sort of questions should I ask while looking for a physical therapist? [more inside]
posted by thecaddy at 12:06 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by thecaddy at 12:06 PM PST - 7 comments
What American companies perform mtDNA analysis?
I am looking to buy an analysis of my mtDNA, but my search engine seems to be only giving me foreign companies. (This is why I hate tailored searches because they pigeonhole you.)
Can anyone help me?
posted by squirbel at 10:58 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by squirbel at 10:58 AM PST - 7 comments
What to do in Nashville?
I'll be in Nashville, TN for a day -- help me see as much of the city as possible. Bonus: what's the parking like there? [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 10:36 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by DoubleLune at 10:36 AM PST - 15 comments
Seeking book suggestions to read aloud to a 3 year old
My daughter is 3 years old, and I'm looking for recommendations for books to read aloud to her at night. [more inside]
posted by Nickel Pickle at 10:28 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Nickel Pickle at 10:28 AM PST - 33 comments
Snowflakey workout music question #45356
"Abel" by The National, which is essentially "Born to Run" filtered through indie rock, is the perfect workout song for me, combining the key elements of (1) simple chord progression and song structure, (2) layered instrumentation, (3) lots of energy/intensity (including vocal energy/intensity). Recommendation engines' recommendations have been lacking in (1) and (3), so I'm turning to you guys: can you suggest songs with those elements?
Using the trademark-domain dispute system for good?
We're setting up a new business and plan to register a trademark which has been abandoned in the US and is dead in other trademark jurisdictions, too. Way back when the original user of the name was active, they registered (domain).com for the absolute maximum number of years. It is up for renewal next year, but... [more inside]
Ah Windows!
The Windows laptop that I have been using for work has slowly been dying 1000 little deaths. They seemed to be all software related, So I decided to do a clean install. The install, from a USB, failed before it even got started. There was a missing DVD driver that could not be located anywhere. I canceled out of the install and try to boot up normally, But that won't work either. I have an error in my BCD file. [more inside]
Ideas for covering a stained bathtub?
My old cast iron bathtub is stained beyond help. None of the tough cleaners do anything at this point. I looked into repainting it myself but couldn't cope with the idea of the prepping and the awful epoxy-based paint etc. etc. We could pay a fortune to have it reglazed, I guess, BUT [more inside]
Looking for an Android app.
Best Android app/s that will help remind me to eat regularly? [more inside]
Best knot for drawstring pants?
Knot ignoramus here. I have a pair of pants that has no belt loops, just a drawstring with a single end coming out of each side above the crotch. How do I tie a knot with those two ends such that it holds and I can also make it tighter at will? [more inside]
Barky humpy puppy is making me a little crazy!
My puppy barks at me if he has too much energy, but he's been so humpy at the dog park that we can't stay long enough for him to burn it all off. Please help by recommending some training we could use! [more inside]
posted by chatongriffes at 8:20 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by chatongriffes at 8:20 AM PST - 17 comments
Student loan woes
My ex-fiance co-signed a student loan for me. He understandably wants out. Other than taking out another personal loan with a much higher APR, do I have any other options for paying off the remainder of the loan? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 8:16 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 8:16 AM PST - 27 comments
Acquaintance is a child sex offender. What now?
I recently learned that an acquaintance is a convicted child sex offender. What now? [more inside]
Heyyyyyy, baby. ZZZZZZZZ.
My husband is sleep-copping, and it's waking me up. Help us fix it! [more inside]
Physician titles in medical hierarchies around the world?
In the USA, doctors in academic centers are interns (first year trainee), residents (subsequent year trainee), attendings (completed training), fellows (attendings who are further subspecializing and revert to trainee status). Also, leaders of primary teams and consulting services are both called attendings.
What's the terminology in other countries? I'm most curious about English speaking countries (registrars? consultants? LMO?) but would also enjoy hearing about others also!
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 7:35 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 7:35 AM PST - 10 comments
Russian Tortoise question
Hello, my wife just got a Russian Tortoise as a classroom pet for her kindergarten class. She used to have a box turtle (Shelly) and was able to leave it over the weekend witout any problems. The new turtle (Scooter) seems to eat a lot more and she's not sure if Scooter can go without food from 3:30 Fri PM until 8:00 AM Moday. Anyone have any experience with a Russian Tortoise? [more inside]
Cheerleaders don't always get what they want!
C-Budget "Horror" flick that may have been hosted by Elvira circa 1985 [more inside]
posted by phytage at 6:24 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by phytage at 6:24 AM PST - 3 comments
Fun pit-stops (US/CAN) between Rochester, NY & Grand Rapids, MI?
Are there any fun, weird, or tasty roadside attractions on the drive from Rochester, NY to Grand Rapids, MI? We're going through Canada (Hamilton, London, etc.) then crossing back into the US at Sarnia (?) and going through Flint and Lansing.
Relevant info:
- we've got 12 and 9 year old boys
- we're mainly trying to just get to our destination in one day, but would love some fun stops
- traveling in early April, so warm weather is not expected
But it was big in Japan!
Phantom of the Paradise bombed but was insanely popular in Winnipeg. Flash Gordon did poorly in North America but was a huge hit in the UK. I'm curious: have there been other movies that were relatively unsuccessful but had inexplicable pockets of success?
I want to go hiking in Cradle Mountain over Easter. Tips?
I want to go hiking in Cradle Mountain (Tasmania, Australia) over the Easter long weekend. Problem: I do not know anything at all about Cradle Mountain. Help me, hive mind? [more inside]
Club Med?
Help with finding a vacation destination like Hawaii, but in the Mediterranean... there is just way too much information to filter through on the internet! We're an active, adventurous couple looking for a beachy, but equally as important, ACTIVE escape in early May for seven days! Restrictions: needs to be within a reasonable ~5 hour flight from Moscow, Russia. [more inside]
Help me identify this music video
I'm thinking of a music video by a Japanese rock band that starts with a long tracking shot of a huge guitar effects pedal chain. I know it is an amazing song but I can't for the life of me recall the name.
posted by mhjb at 3:23 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by mhjb at 3:23 AM PST - 4 comments
Flight cancelation updates—how did Google know before the cabin crew?
Last week I was on an Air Canada flight from Vancouver BC to London Heathrow. It was a disaster. [more inside]
posted by TheDonF at 3:13 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by TheDonF at 3:13 AM PST - 12 comments
How to open an IRA from overseas, for expats
I am an expat and currently overseas (Dubai), and I want to open an IRA, how do I go about doing that? Is it even possible or do I have to actually be present there? [more inside]
March 23
When re-heating your food is not an option
I've just started a new job that doesn't have a microwave (or an oven) in the kitchen, which is a big downer for me as I've always taken leftovers or other easily heated food for work lunches (and there isn't any other heating facilities close by that I can use). The thought of only being able to take cold salads or plain sandwiches for lunch isn't very appealing as I quite enjoy tucking into a spaghetti bolognaise or chicken schnitzel at lunchtime, and with winter approaching here in the southern hemisphere I live off hot, chunky soups during those months. Can anyone suggest any filling foods I can take for my lunch that don't need to be hot/warm to be delicious? Bonus points if they aren't too expensive or difficult to make in addition to dinner of a night.
Sources for plus-sized hiking/travel/comfortable pants for cycling?
I live in jeans and on my bicycle. I don't mind biking in jeans for short distances, but I'm finding myself doing a lot more bike riding in situations where I need something more presentable and versatile than bike shorts, skorts, or yoga-type pants, but more comfortable than jeans. (And it's not my bottom that's the issue, so wearing padded liner shorts under my jeans is not the solution I'm looking for.) The obvious answer here is pants designed for traveling and hiking, but I'm having a hard time finding any in my size (2X). I found some cargo pants at Old Navy that looked promising, but even though they're in my size they don't fit because they're super low-rise. REI has exactly one pair of plus-sized adventure travel pants and I have them, but I'd like more options. Do you have a recommendation for comfortable hiking/travel pants in plus sizes?
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:30 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:30 PM PST - 11 comments
fun teen chicago outing
I have a few 14 year old suburban girls to escort on a fun day into the city of Chicago. Looking for a mild adventure, but I am somewhat new to the area. If we were back in the DC area, I might take them by metro up to GWU for a tour and lunch, then walk down to Georgetown for some shopping and then walk down to the river and take a boat back to Alexandria, seeing a few highlights along the way.
Anything similar we could do for a day in Chicago? Wicker park? We can come in on the UP-NW Metra.
posted by southeastyetagain at 10:46 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by southeastyetagain at 10:46 PM PST - 10 comments
(For a story) What kind of injuries could make someone bleed to death?
I'm writing a story in which a character is shot with a gun and is too disoriented to call for help. Someone else arrives about 30 minutes later, at which point the shooting victim is close to death due to blood loss.
1) Is this a plausible scenario (Is 30 minutes too long or too short to bleed to death)?
2) If so, what kind of injuries might cause such a scenario (a shot to the head, shot to the chest, hitting an artery)? Detailed answers would be greatly appreciated.
posted by SockISalmon at 10:29 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by SockISalmon at 10:29 PM PST - 11 comments
Do I need a new W2 and other tax questions
I lived in two states last year, but apparently only paid taxes in one. Now what? [more inside]
Seeking a simple, cheap, quiet place to stay near Cape Cod in summer.
The story, short and sweet:
My large, loud, talkative family is planning a reunion in the Marion / Wareham area next to Cape Cod for this summer.
My quiet, privacy-requiring wife likes my family, and is happy to go, but absolutely needs a place to get away from them over a four day visit. [more inside]
Do dim sum waitstaff get paid on commission?
Do the waitstaff at traditional dim sum (yum cha) restaurants get paid a commission on what they sell from their trolley? Or do they need to sell a minimum amount? Why are some quite pushy and others don't seem to mind if you buy from them or not?
As-Salatu Khayrun-minan Nawm.
I'm in Dubai for the next 24 hours. Where's a publicly accessible and safe spot where I can record the morning call to prayer (fajr) from lots and lots of different mosques at once? [more inside]
Best paid email provider w/POP and IMAP that isn't Gmail?
Does anyone have any recommendations on a good but cheapish (under $50/year) email provider? [more inside]
posted by meganreeves at 6:46 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by meganreeves at 6:46 PM PST - 11 comments
What's that quote about summers as a kid?
I'm wracking my brain and google for a quote. [more inside]
Most interesting/unique studio performances of "Amazing Grace?"
I'm getting married in May. We want to play "Amazing Grace" during the ceremony. I'm hoping to find an interesting, unique, and overall awesome version to play. The funkier, the better, but traditional and beautiful versions are welcome as well. Basically, if you have a favorite performance, by a particular person or group, I'd like to know about it.
Can my car tell me "if" and "when" and "how long" it was started?
I have a small dilemma that has caused a micro-fracture in my marriage. [more inside]
Cool minimal men's shoes.
Where online can I find and purchase stylish casual shoes that are either minimalist or have pretty flexible soles? [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 5:53 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by cmoj at 5:53 PM PST - 17 comments
Non-performing Residential Loans
Has anyone figured out how to approach a bank to purchase non-performing residential loans? I've approached a local bank. Although it would probably be in their interest to sell the loans, they don't seem to have a mechanism. I haven't figured out how to crack this nut.
Lovely Asian soup in Montreal -- But what's it called?
Agh! I've just come back from Montreal and I've already forgotten the name of this Asian soup that is everywhere. It seems to be at Thai restaurants as well I think as (other) Asian places and I wanted to look it up and see what's in it because I didn't get a chance to try it.
I remember it had "aise" as the last bit (I know that's not THAT helpful) and was, as I said, just everywhere, at least in the theatre district and Chinatown.
I think it may be Tom Yum or something of that ilk. It looked somewhat related. I think it had noodles.
Can someone help? I'm sure this is a very easy question if you're actually in Montreal. Thanks!
posted by supercoollady at 4:57 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by supercoollady at 4:57 PM PST - 10 comments
Javascript Void my A**
Asking for my Momma:
Windows did an update and now she can't go to any of her websites that require passwords (bank, pintrest, ...). Nor can she download any thing. She also keeps getting a pop up saying Javascript Void(0). She uses Windows 7 w/ Internet Explorer.
I had her enable scripting, tried to get her to download Google Chrome to see if maybe it was just Internet Explorer- but she can't download. Cleared cookies, temporary internet files, cache... What is going on? She has virus protection in the form of McAfee.
posted by MayNicholas at 4:53 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by MayNicholas at 4:53 PM PST - 20 comments
Looking to travel the world.
I want to travel. Besides that fact, nothing is decided - around October, for 2-4 months, probably on my own, on a relatively flexible budget, anywhere in the world. Tell me your travel stories! [more inside]
These boots but cheaper
Where can I find boots shaped like these with a zipper (no elastic), but don't cost more than $300? They don't need to be navy. Black or brown works. Such a basic shape is surprisingly difficult to find.
need hip-hop mixes
Can people recommend some good hip-hop mixes? I like everything from the underground on up, from the seventies to now. Genre-specific mixes are welcome, and I particularly enjoy traditionally dj'ed mixes (with some beat juggling and good transitions).
posted by neuromodulator at 4:04 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by neuromodulator at 4:04 PM PST - 8 comments
Tips for feeling like a badass when you're temporarily not at your best?
I am just coming off a very long period of hardcore work crunch. Before I can get myself physically back on track, I am going to spend a short period of time meeting a lot of people and rocking the connections I've made. I know that attitude is 90% of people's impressions of you, but I just don't feel confident these days from the short-term toll the stress has taken on my looks. I need some tips! [more inside]
Saving for retirement with no employer retirement program
How to save for retirement when my employer offers no retirement savings program and I cannot contribute to an IRA tax-free? Details inside. [more inside]
Pump Up The Soap. Pump Up The Soap. Pump Up The Soap. Pump It Up!
How the hell do you get everything out of a bottle that uses a plastic pump dispenser? [more inside]
posted by Rewind at 2:22 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Rewind at 2:22 PM PST - 20 comments
Can a terrorist murder me with my car's computer?
Can "hackers" use the power of the internet to control anything that has a computer in it? [more inside]
posted by Daily Alice at 2:15 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Daily Alice at 2:15 PM PST - 17 comments
I have a question about animal containment, or freedom, or both...
Here's the thing, my dogs need to go into the yard, and I want them to have free access to the yard. The difficulty is the cat. [more inside]
Button to change the slide's section during slideshow, PowerPoint 2010
I have a slideshow with 4 sections named "CurrentSection", "NextSection", "AfterNextSection", and "AfterAfterNextSection".
The slideshow is viewed repeatedly but also irregularly (sometimes multiple times per week and sometimes weeks in-between).
After each slide is viewed and discussed, I need to be able to assign the slide to a different section. (A slide's section determines how soon it will be viewed again, as explained below.) [more inside]
posted by atm at 12:48 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by atm at 12:48 PM PST - 7 comments
Living with transplanted organs and immunosuppressant drugs
So what's it like to be the recipient of an organ transplant and having to deal with immunosuppressant drugs? How does your life change? How often do you have to take your drugs? What are the weird details of daily life that outsiders don't know about? Are there any insurance hassles? I have a fair idea of what it's like to be diabetic because of coworkers who have this condition but I don't know anything about the life of organ transplant recipients and I'd like to know more. Any help you could provide would be deeply appreciated.
posted by jason's_planet at 12:28 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by jason's_planet at 12:28 PM PST - 15 comments
I'd like to live and work in Amsterdam, how do I make this happen?
As a 33 year old Canadian professional with a background in IT project and program management at some of the big firms, how do I find work in Amsterdam? [more inside]
posted by dobie at 11:41 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by dobie at 11:41 AM PST - 6 comments
Under the mattress
Where to put this $40,000? [more inside]
Looking for under-$60 headphones with detachable cord
I'm looking for an under $60 set of headphones with a detachable cord/cable. Every corded headset I've bought has failed because of the cord, so being able to replace it is important. [more inside]
Relocating from US to Turks and Caicos - help needed
My wife and I will soon be relocating to the Turks and Caicos. Specifically Providenciales. We've visited the island once and plan to do so at least once more, but probably twice more, to gather more information regarding employment, accommodations and basic living information. We are much too young to retire and would need to obtain full employment fairly quickly in order to become self sufficient. We are not expecting to replace the large home and lifestyle that is typical here in the US, but rather a much smaller and basic way of life. Continue reading... [more inside]
What's the sense in the marriage tax penalty?
Can anyone explain the politics behind the marriage tax penalty? [more inside]
Please help with identifying a low budget horror movie?
Hazy recollections: A group of young adults move into a snowbound cabin as part of an experimental reality television show. They come to realize that sicko voyeurs are betting on who will die next or who the last survivor will be. [more inside]
posted by 99percentfake at 10:36 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by 99percentfake at 10:36 AM PST - 5 comments
What kind of wood is my deck made of?
We bought a new house, and it came with a deck. I want to clean it and perhaps stain or seal it, but I am a novice and don't know what kind of wood it is, which apparently matters. I have posted pictures (one, two, three) so perhaps you recognize it and can help me out. I suspect it isn't anything fancy - maybe pine? [more inside]
posted by procrastination at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by procrastination at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments
Third trimester shoe recommendations?
I have finally hit the point where I'm unable to wear the shoes that have carried me through the first two thirds of this pregnancy. I'm looking for shoe suggestions that meet the following criteria: [more inside]
posted by House of Leaves of Grass at 10:35 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by House of Leaves of Grass at 10:35 AM PST - 18 comments
Practical risks of a single password for keychain AND cloud
I have a third party password manager app that I love. That app syncs to an online cloud service, so I can access all my passwords from all my devices (as well as from a web browser if necessary). In practical terms, how much worse is my risk of having info compromised by using a single password for both my password vault and the online storage service? [more inside]
Best. Toilet. EVER
I would like to buy an amazing toilet for our home. What should I get? [more inside]
posted by Doleful Creature at 9:48 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Doleful Creature at 9:48 AM PST - 20 comments
How to furnish a long, narrow living room
We're moving soon! Yay! Our new house has a difficult room, though: a long, narrow sunken living room that is making it difficult to plan. How can we best make use of the space? [more inside]
Mac Desktop Twitter client that hides/clears read tweets
I'm looking for a Mac desktop Twitter client that will let me hide or clear tweets once I've read them--NOT a filter, but a way to clear up my screen by making tweets I'm done reading invisible. [more inside]
posted by pavane at 9:22 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by pavane at 9:22 AM PST - 8 comments
Perplexed about bitcoins
Can anyone explain to me, as if I were a child, how bitcoins work?
Cooking With Mulberries?
It's Berry Season! On my kitchen ledge I have a enormous punnet of fresh mulberries - more than we can possibly eat fresh. I need to use them up before they spoil, but it's not a fruit I'm very familiar with.
Please share your mulberry recipes! (Ones involving baking would be favorite!)
Hamburger Dinner Party
How can I keep hamburgers and hotdogs warm after grilling and how can I melt cheese on burgers that are kept warm but not hot? [more inside]
Puppet-Battered Comedy?
Can anyone tell me the name (or point me to a video clip) of a female comedian who performed her act as if she were being held hostage by a hand puppet with a boxing glove? [more inside]
posted by Alabaster at 6:34 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Alabaster at 6:34 AM PST - 8 comments
March 22
Old record player skips with new records
I have a Califone 1450K record player. It plays older records beautifully, but it skips around on a few newer ones. Why? [more inside]
You put the what in the where now?
Have had and have used Lightroom 3. Now have and will soon use Lightroom 4. Not exactly clear on the pixie magic involved in converting a LR3 catalog to LR4, though. What can you tell me? [more inside]
Apartment Lease buyout AND rent for all the months?
Can a rental property charge us Lease buyout AND rent for all the months? [more inside]
Help me and my family adapt to a high desert life
I moved with my family to New Mexico, near Albuquerque, this past July. We've done OK, but I feel like we could be doing better. We use lots of skin lotion, and I usually wake up with a stuffy nose and dry mouth. I'd love to hear tips and tricks, or recommendations for blogs or books. Topics of interest inside. [more inside]
Give me your online clothes shopping gems!
I wanna do some online clothes shopping - please recommend your favorite quirky, trendy, CHEAP places to buy women's clothes online. [more inside]
posted by catatethebird at 8:00 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by catatethebird at 8:00 PM PST - 22 comments
Do we make an offer on a house we suspect has some issues?
First time homebuyers, both excited and nervous as high hell. We've been looking at houses for a few months and have finally come across one we absolutely adore. It's an older house (constructed 1922) that seems to have been immaculately kept and regularly maintained. However, with a house that age, it seems likely that there may be some issues. [more inside]
When to warn others about a toxic coworker?
Our new coworker has been hanging out a lot with another coworker who is known as a liar, drama generator and just generally selfish and hurtful person. Because he is initially quite charming, she has no idea of his "other side." Do I tell her what everyone else knows or is that just talking trash and I should let her draw her own conclusions? [more inside]
Radio-friendly songs by the Butthole Surfers?
What is the best song by the Butthole Surfers that is safe to play on the radio? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 6:34 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by jbickers at 6:34 PM PST - 35 comments
Where should I hang my fliers about tutoring?
I want to tutor elementary aged kids. How much should I charge? Where should I go about finding clients? [more inside]
How to avoid a post-workout sugar-candy-brain-rush
What can I do with excessive amounts of candy, besides cramming it into my craw? [more inside]
Share your favourite documentary films/series here
I watched Nina Conti: A Ventriloquist's Story - Her Master's Voice yesterday and it was so amazing I forgot how long it's been since I saw a really good documentary. I've watched everything Herzog has done in the past 6-7, Being Elmo, Carl Sagan's Cosmos, the 7 Up films and Jarvis Cocker's Outsider Art series. What are your favourite documentary films/series? (except nature docs? I can never get into them). I'm happy to watch films from any english-speaking country - but will also give it a go if they're subtitled.
posted by abbagoochie at 5:36 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by abbagoochie at 5:36 PM PST - 37 comments
Help me ID this book: sci-fi, three short stories, paperback, 1980s(?)
Help me ID this book: science fiction, paperback, sold on the shelves of Waldenbooks in the 80s, three short stories in one book.
I think the first story had to do with people who worship Cygnus the swan. Not the same book from the thread I found on this site. [more inside]
posted by Cobaltbride at 5:29 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Cobaltbride at 5:29 PM PST - 3 comments
Hey Delta, where's the power?
I am on a cross country flight on a Delta 737-800 with DVOD. Everything I am reading says I should have a USB port at my seat, but I can't find it. The flight attendants seemed very confused when I asked them about it. Can anyone tell me exactly where this mysterious USB port would be?
posted by couchtater at 5:27 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by couchtater at 5:27 PM PST - 8 comments
Banking weirdness. Is this stuff more typical than it feels?
Maybe others, especially those in banking, can weigh in on how common these sorts of things are. [more inside]
Boligrafo Connoisseurs - Help me find the perfect pen!
I want to buy my dad a nice pen (preferably the Parker brand), but googling and amazoning around has only made me more confused about what pen to get. [more inside]
posted by nondescript at 4:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by nondescript at 4:52 PM PST - 9 comments
Last time, you didn't have holes in your feet!
My father passed away this morning. I'm going through his file, and I came across JOKES.TXT ... which contains only the punchlines.
Can the Mind please tell me the jokes? [more inside]
Why do different phones / platforms respond differently to mobile sites?
When businesses make mobile 'friendly' sites, is there a consistent rule of thumb for detecting mobile devices, and behaving appropriately? [more inside]
Homemade Easter gifts. 3...2...1... GO
Homemade Easter gifts. Preferably edible - my friends and family are, like me, wretchedly gluttonous fiends but prefer the not super-processed or over-sweet stuff, so if it's got token fruit or something in then even better.
I just realised there's like a week to go and I have no idea what to make these people. HALP.
posted by greenish at 4:41 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by greenish at 4:41 PM PST - 13 comments
EZ Organization tips or links for somone with Adult ADD
Although it has long been a suspicion, I have every sign of having Adult ADD. I tend to do most of the things in the checklist (multitask without finishing many tasks, forget things, tons of lists and forgotten "helpful" notes, watch a movie in 10 minute intervals while doing 4 other things never to finish many movies, reading at current count 22 books, impulsive behavior -- well, you get the drift.) I am curious in the short run, what might have helped you with simple organization at work and at home. Feel free to share any tips and web sites. I hope to move on to some books (I have many checked out from the 'brary) but need a small step approach. My artistic side is keeping me sane and hopefully your tips can help me get a kick-start. (As far as medication, I am in consultation with a dr but want to try some diet/exerisie/organic things first. And yes, I abuse parentheses like nobody's business.) I am going through this previous link as well.
posted by snap_dragon at 4:11 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by snap_dragon at 4:11 PM PST - 13 comments
CannabisFilter: Is hemp tea really a traditional remedy?
I've heard from two people recently that cannabis tea is a traditional remedy back in their home countries in the Caribbean and in the Philippines. I know about Indian bhang, but that doesn't seem related. Let me explain. [more inside]
posted by 6thsense at 4:01 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by 6thsense at 4:01 PM PST - 6 comments
Is it ever okay to cut off a parent?
I am at a point where I really would like to cut my mother off my life. Am I a scumbag? [more inside]
posted by ADent at 3:30 PM PST - 64 comments
posted by ADent at 3:30 PM PST - 64 comments
Where is the safety net for a low-income 53-year-old?
Low-income housing exists, obviously, for, e.g., a mother of four children with any kind of job. But I'm a man, 53, no kids, unmarried, and work independent contractor jobs. [more inside]
A brief history of Maternal and Child Health in the International arena?
I am looking for a succinct synapses of the history of international Maternal and Child Health (MCH) initiatives since it first became an issue until the present which would be, I think, the Millennium Development Goals? Or is there something more recent? It would, ideally, be an article that outlines that background rather than a complete book that explains it all in detail. Can you help?
posted by lil' ears at 2:32 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lil' ears at 2:32 PM PST - 4 comments
Reading to complete before a technical interview (CSS, JS, HTML)?
I'm scheduled for a technical interview after the weekend for a front-end development position. I'd like to spend some intensive time beforehand reading relevant blogs and books to prime the ol' noodle and supplement my existing knowledge. Could you recommend some resources? Are there questions you would ask an applicant in this situation, or that you have been asked? [more inside]
Time Travel Story Writing Technique
What good sci-fi stories do you know that involves someone going back in time and meeting several of his previous selves, all at once (e.g. all of them are in the same room together). I want to see the writing techniques that make it easy for the reader to distinguish between the different selves.
Knead help converting a bread machine recipe to an oven.
My grandmother's in heaven, my bread machine is in the trash and my family can't wait to have Easter Bread next weekend. Help me successfully get this recipe back in the oven where it originated. [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 1:20 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by kimberussell at 1:20 PM PST - 21 comments
Traveling from Vienna to Salzburg and the Alps
During our upcoming (and first) trip to Europe, we will be traveling from Vienna to Salzburg, then on to Hallstatt in the Alps. We would like to know whether it makes more sense to rent a car in Vienna and drive to Hallstatt, or take the train to Salzburg, then rent a car.
Questions:
1. Which option is less expensive?
2. If we go by car, what are some things to see between Vienna and the Salzburg area (to be visited in the one day of travel)?
3. Do we need to apply for a special permit to rent a car with an American driver's license?
4. and as long as I have your ear, any hotel or pension recommendations for the city of Salzburg or Vienna? We have most of our stay booked already, but there are few nights left to fill. [more inside]
Low-starch, grab-and-go breakfast?
My doctor has recommended eliminating most starches from my diet. Any recommendations for grab-and-go breakfasts? [more inside]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 12:41 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 12:41 PM PST - 44 comments
How to wear dresses without being dressy?
Are you a woman who wears skirts and dresses casually? Can you teach me your secrets? [more inside]
posted by specialagentwebb at 12:35 PM PST - 71 comments
posted by specialagentwebb at 12:35 PM PST - 71 comments
Winter parka + oil paint - and winter's not over in the NorthEast!
Had a lovely tour of an artist's studio yesterday, but noticed today that there are several large smears of white paint on one sleeve and the zipper placket of my coat. It seems I brushed up against a wet work, and then transfered it around to several other spots. I confirmed that it's oil paint, not acrylic. Fortunately, the artist is a good friend and the painting in question was not finished, so the art is safe and in good hands.
Coat is a black nylon parka from LL Bean, and a call to the help desk there confirmed that it cannot be drycleaned, nor can any sort of solvent be used on it. But - I have to try something or throw it out - it's that awful-looking. It might never be perfect - I'm looking for . . .better.
Any artists or art conservators (or perhaps dry cleaners) out there who could advise me on the best way to proceed?
Fine dining in Berkeley
Seeking nice restaurant recommendations for an anniversary dinner in Berkeley or nearby. [more inside]
Jacksonville doesn't even *have* a train.
What does the "Quad City" in "Quad City DJs" refer to? They're from Jacksonville, with no apparent connection to the Iowa-Illinois Quad Cities. [more inside]
posted by troika at 10:54 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by troika at 10:54 AM PST - 6 comments
Thunderbird and Outlook Contact Sync
How can I sync my work Outlook contacts to Thunderbird? [more inside]
Recommendations for advanced linux system administration training?
I've recently come up against several vexing linux system administration issues that have our company outsourcing solutions to other people. I'm looking for advanced linux system administration courses that go beyond installing packages and installing/configuring/starting and stopping services. [more inside]
A friend is need is a friend in need.
Should I try to repair this friendship or let it fizzle and move on? I met my friend T about 9 years ago in college and we were close friends for about the last 6 years. Ahe was always more outgoing compared to me (I am a bit of a loner). Long details inside, thanks for taking the time to read... [more inside]
This is one big honking purchase...
We're house hunting. We think we've found a good match. But I need a sanity check. Help! [more inside]
Web site that recommends songs from movies?
Is there a web site out there that collects information about which songs are used in movies? [more inside]
Dwords... more like FWords!
Need some help converting an array of C# DWords to a PHP String.... [more inside]
posted by ph00dz at 10:02 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ph00dz at 10:02 AM PST - 5 comments
Best site for conducting employee background checks?
I'm involved in a fairly new business which is small but growing pretty fast. We figure it'd be a good idea to start doing background checks (primarily concerned with criminal/sex-crime record) on new hires, but I'm not sure what's the best way to go about it. When I research online there're dozens of options which I've listed below. Intellius / Talentwise and US Search seem to be the best known and reputable ones, but also the most expensive. If I go with one of the more no-name sites, such as criminal-records.org, am I taking a risk that their database is incomplete/outdated, or even that using them doesn't comply with employment law (DPPA, FCRA)? [more inside]
Attacked by Oak Pollen -- Duration? Tips for keeping yard clean?
This is my second spring in my new house and once again, everything in our back yard is coated in green pollen from our Coastal Live Oak tree. I love this tree, so getting rid of it is not an option. I am looking for tips on how to best deal with the mess from this tree and curious how long this pollen dumping time will last. [more inside]
Recommend me a new webhost for my client, please
My client is talking about moving to a new host. I need options to suggest. [more inside]
God used CON as my dump stat.
Do good-tasting, low-acid, low-carb, lactose-free foods even exist? My body has apparently "acidic" to my enormous list of stuff I can't eat and I need some recipes and lifestyle tips. [more inside]
Ideas for a Friends-themed anniversary party?
What tips or suggestions do you have for throwing an anniversary party themed after the sitcom Friends? Specifically, can you think of a suitable coffee-house or other venue in Calgary, AB? [more inside]
posted by chudmonkey at 8:35 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by chudmonkey at 8:35 AM PST - 27 comments
After food trucks, what's next?
What will the next big retail food establishment trends be?
It was cupcake bakeries a while ago, and then food trucks and hip frozen yogurt places. What's the next big thing? Is some sort of food business emerging in New York, LA, or London that will reach me here in the U.S. Midwest in a couple of years?
What do I ask?
I have the chance to interview somebody higher up at the European division of a major record label starting with "S", for my blog. Which would be great, except I'm not very knowledgable about the whole market (because REASONS). What should I be asking this person that people who are knowledgable (and somewhat critical) might be interested in?
Focus is the company's economical strategies and perspectives, not individual artists.
Extreme Basement Finish: Bath Edition
I've had a change of heart in what I want to do with my basement shower. Are my ideas feasible? [more inside]
iPhone Recording Options
I have a need to record phone conversations that occur on an iPhone. What are my options? [more inside]
I don't want to tip my hand.
I am planning on leaving my job, and indeed my current career path, in the next 3-ish months, but for various practical reasons I want to stay for those next 3-ish months. There's a conference coming up that I would absolutely be going to if I were staying in this career. Do I sign up for the conference? If I do, the conference fee will be wasted when one of my coworkers could use the money for their own professional development (and money is tight in our department) and I'm afraid this would cause bad feelings and people would take it personally. [more inside]
Need help finding websites similar to Thought Catalog
Are there any blog/writing websites out there that are like Thought Catalog, but slightly more... mature I guess? Without the high-school/college drama or pop culture nonsense. Sometimes I feel just slightly too old for TC's target demographic. :/ But I do enjoy reading short blog posts from a variety of authors. Thanks in advance
posted by The Biggest Dreamer at 7:27 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by The Biggest Dreamer at 7:27 AM PST - 4 comments
Restaurant recommendations near Dupont Circle (Washington DC)?
I moved to DC recently-ish, but haven't explored the restaurant scene very well. Now I have a friend coming to town next week, staying right near the Dupont Circle Metro station, and I could use some recommendations for places to eat. Can any locals help me out? [more inside]
Dirty talk... not so much
My new partner's dirty talk seems ripped from porn. How do I handle this? [more inside]
Books on career advice for women
Lately I've been exploring books along the lines of "career advice for women," specifically to explore why I've been having trouble making myself heard effectively in my current work environment. I've found a couple of books that made me go "wow, I wish someone had given me this advice when I was 20" and now I'm wondering what else I'm missing. [more inside]
posted by sldownard at 6:29 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by sldownard at 6:29 AM PST - 8 comments
I'm so glad all our friends are happy; let's break up
BreakupFilter: I've been dating a woman for about five months now, and whilst she's lovely I'm starting to think that maybe I've been hit by a limerence bomb... As it starts to fade, is it time for me to walk away? [more inside]
Great African music
I've been into African music for a few years, but Africa is a giant of a continent, full of undiscovered music. I'd like to find more. [more inside]
Post-rock song identification
Please help me find a song I heard on a long-since deleted post-rock Pandora channel based on fragments of memories. [more inside]
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 6:15 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 6:15 AM PST - 3 comments
Can you break down this song musically for me?
Can someone tell me what is going on musically in this song? I'm mostly interested in chord progressions and key changes, and especially what happens in the breakdown starting around 3:20 and continuing for the next minute or so-- does it just go up an octave or is there a key change, and why is that so emotionally affective? I'm not interested in production techniques or the percussion(which I already know), only the melody of the lead and interplay with the bass and pads in the background.
Help me entertain the interview panel
I have a job interview! (project manager kind of job in UK education sector). The invite says I will have to give the interview panel a short tutorial on a "subject of my choosing". I need ideas! [more inside]
posted by coffee_monster at 5:21 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by coffee_monster at 5:21 AM PST - 12 comments
Sharing Spaces with Roommates
What is a normal way to share common spaces among four roommates? If there isn't a norm, how do I (should I?) approach a roommate about her things in common spaces? [more inside]
posted by mild deer at 4:57 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by mild deer at 4:57 AM PST - 15 comments
Nice Boston-specific gift for a friend moving to Bostom?
Our housemate is moving to Boston for work. I'd like to get him something that will be immediately useful to him - museum card, gift certificate for takeout when he comes home exhausted etc. Thinking of spending around 50 euros (we're in the Netherlands). Any ideas?
How do things get buried in dirt over thousands of years?
It doesn't rain dirt from the sky, so how do ancient buildings get covered in dirt only to be dug up by archaeologists centuries later?
posted by almostwitty at 2:55 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by almostwitty at 2:55 AM PST - 20 comments
March 21
How do I sell my Macbook Pro without getting screwed on the price?
I've gone to some of those sell-your-laptop websites and I always get a quote for half the original price of my Macbook Pro. [more inside]
posted by Cybria at 11:49 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Cybria at 11:49 PM PST - 10 comments
What are these shapes?
What is the geologic origin of these strange, very large shapes in Russia? [more inside]
posted by dunkadunc at 11:35 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by dunkadunc at 11:35 PM PST - 7 comments
Legal/accounting advice for filmmakers
I'll be shooting a feature film in L.A. later this year, and I need some advice about how to handle the business side. I'm hoping that somewhere there's some sort of low-budget service that provides help to people who are new to the process. [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:04 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:04 PM PST - 4 comments
Books about "salacious transformations?"
Well, I got some fantastic recommendations last time, and I'm hoping for a few more. I read 'Slammerkin' a while back and I'm looking for more stories like it - "broken Horatio Alger tales" - period pieces starring a corrupt young protagonist who is mercenary, alluring, shallow and status obsessed. Born into the peasantry, they use callousness, cunning, and well-placed sexual favors to pull themselves up. Ideally, they adopt an accurately depicted craft with its own set of rituals within the world of entertainment, crime, or criminalized entertainment. I know this is a fairly large subgenre, but I'm having a bit of a time finding appropriate examples.
YANAD, but talk to me about feminine wash
Is it necessary? Why or why not? If it is, what for and when? [more inside]
Do something sweet for a single mom who has a busy, stressful life
What sweet or thoughtful things could I do for a single mom that I'm dating? [more inside]
posted by mtphoto at 9:26 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by mtphoto at 9:26 PM PST - 12 comments
Which HP docking station can I purchase?
Calling all HP docking station experts! Which one of the cheaper models works with my laptop (Elitebook 8460p)? And why are there so many different models? [more inside]
Website that helps you find clothes you actually like?
What website am I thinking of - make clothes selections, creates a fasion profile, and then makes suggestions?
General advice on how to figure out what to wear... why does 30 feel so...weird? I feel like I'm either dressed like a 20 yr old or a 60 yr old - awkward, all the time. [more inside]
It's not Adele, or the Bee Gees
I heard a great song in spinning class today during the long, slow, hard hill section - slow and steady beat.. I almost remember the song and it's playing on and endless loop just at the edge of my consciousness. Female singer, strong vocal reminiscent of Adele, could have been a James Bond theme song, but I know it wasn't. I want to say Shadow Dancer, but I googled that and came up with a Bee Gees song, definitely not it. I won't sleep tonight unless I figure this out. Please help.
posted by ms_rasclark at 8:08 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ms_rasclark at 8:08 PM PST - 3 comments
Summer opportunities for high school students
Looking for a summer opportunity related to engineering. [more inside]
Hiking pants for very cold temps
What pants do people wear for very cold (0 °F / -18 °C, and colder) weather hiking? Just rain shell pants and wool long underwear? Surely there are insulated pants suitable for hiking? [more inside]
posted by mnemonic at 6:53 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by mnemonic at 6:53 PM PST - 28 comments
Cheese please!
I LOVE the powdered cheese of mac 'n cheese. I don't need the whole box, and I know how to make tasty homemade mac 'n cheese. I just want to duplicate the powdered cheese with real home ingredients. Imitation Annie's, if you will. [more inside]
posted by aniola at 6:47 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by aniola at 6:47 PM PST - 16 comments
Need help figuring out a steampunk-y-ish sorta costume thing.
I am not at all into the steampunk scene. But for the fun of it, I'm going to this in a couple of months. A friend of mine has been to it regularly, and has persuaded me to join her for the evening. So I need to figure out a costume. I'd like to keep total spend under $100-$150, if at all possible. [more inside]
posted by shiu mai baby at 6:36 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by shiu mai baby at 6:36 PM PST - 16 comments
Suggest Sc-iFi/Fantasy Books for a brand new High School elective
Sci-Fi/FantasyFilter: I've just been told that I get to be the first one to teach a brand new Science Fiction & Fantasy elective at my High School. I am building this class from scratch and since the students will be responsible for getting the books themselves, I have pretty much free-reign for my book choices. Great, right? Absolutely! However, I want to expand my initial book search so I wanted to enlist the Hive Mind to help with this initial salvo. More details below the fold. [more inside]
Cleaning Crew startup
The homeless outreach program I work for wants to start a cleaning crew similar to Men in Blue run by The Doe Fund in New York and Philadelphia. I know so precious little about cleaning, let alone managing an entire cleaning crew. Any idea what equipment I'll need for a team of three to clean outside in the street? I imagine there'll be trash removal, mowing, and I'd like to include the actual cleaning of the pavement.
posted by Homeskillet Freshy Fresh at 5:51 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Homeskillet Freshy Fresh at 5:51 PM PST - 8 comments
What are your best seder recipes?
I'm throwing a seder with some friends. The brisket is taken care of. Repeat: The brisket is taken care of. (And well! By a very chef-y friend! Whose brisketology I trust completely.) Everything else is pretty much up for grabs, though. What are your go-to Passover recipes? [more inside]
I've decided to get my teeth fixed. Braces or Veneers?
I've always been unhappy with my teeth, and I want perfect, straight teeth. Here's a picture. http://i49.tinypic.com/w86a6b.jpg I want to know the likely cost of the procedure, and also what option, (braces, veneers, ??) would be the best route. If braces are indeed the best option, I would have to choose the invisalign braces. I plan on going to the Dentist soon, but I just want to know what to expect. Thank you, kindly!
posted by AMWKE1984 at 5:14 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by AMWKE1984 at 5:14 PM PST - 21 comments
What was the most comforting condolence sentence you ever heard?
Has someone important to you passed away? What was the most comforting/most respectful thing anyone said to you when that happened? I work with the elderly, who die at an accelerated rate. 98% of the time, I genuinely care about the deceased and would like to give comfort to the surviving family. Since this comes up a lot, I feel as if I'm repeating the same phrases over and over. I need more options. I'm specifically asking for things people said to you that were kind. [more inside]
Married women - give a newlywed man your best marriage advice
I'm a 34-year-old man, married for six months to my 33-year-old wife. Everything is perfect right now, but I realize that things can change. Life happens. Obviously, I want it to stay as happy as possible for as long as we're together. So what I'd like are tips on how to maintain it from the female point of view. If you have a number of years of successful marriage under your belt, what has your husband done right all this time? [more inside]
Quit my job, sha na na na na na?
I'm a grad student (in the humanities) getting over mono. Should I quit my job? [more inside]
What is the deal with my Macbook Pro display?
Today, at work, my 2012 Macbook Pro (non-retina) started flickering while plugged into an external monitor. Unplugging and replugging the external monitor fixed it. However, when I got home, the Macbook started flickering again. I forced a reboot, which resulted in the screen flickering and going black. I have a Genius Bar appointment tomorrow, but I am curious what the Hive Mind thinks the problem might be.
Which toilet seat/bidet?
I've decided to install a toilet seat/bidet. Which one? [more inside]
Maybe I should flag it and move on.
What do you do when you see a cause you sympathize with being potentially harmed by the well-meaning incompetence/laziness of its nominal voice? [more inside]
Mandoline! Mandoline! Mandoline!
Just scored the use of a mandoline slicer for the next week, and I'm totally excited but don't know where to start. Can you good people hook me up with your best mandoline-using recipes? Potatoes! Carrots! Turnips! I'll slice 'em all! [more inside]
posted by redsparkler at 3:43 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by redsparkler at 3:43 PM PST - 31 comments
Can I Avoid the Garage Door Opener Installation Death Wish?
Will installing a replacement garage door opener (as opposed to a new one from scratch) relieve me from worrying about death by tension spring if I do-it-myself? [more inside]
Open.. open.. rghargh why won't you open#($*@#)
Looking for a jar grip/opener much like this one (the beige thing, not the blue thing it's on top of). Thick rubber, ridges/grooves. [more inside]
Home Improvement filter: seeking sources for Siding Materials in DFW TX
Hi, thanks in advance for helpful comments, suggestions, recommendations. I am looking to begin an improvement project on a single fam home the day after tomorrow in Arlington, TX. So, of course I waited to the last minute before deciding to seek alternate options to Home Depot and Lowes (the only big box home improvement stores in the area). That's all I need, Mefites! I will have to go get the materials from Southwest Arlington TX, so preferably
posted by rxbert at 2:58 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by rxbert at 2:58 PM PST - 1 comment
Identify a turn-of-the-century man-flying-with-umbrella postcard meme?
My friend found a number of European postcards from around 1904 to 1907, each with a similar motif -- a mustachioed, suit-wearing man flying above the city using an umbrella, holding a suitcase in his other hand. You can see some examples here. Do you know more about this meme? [more inside]
CRM/To-Do List/Task Manager Software
A friend has an old edition of Maximizer software and is looking at current Task Manager software. She needs it to integrate with MS Outlook, and be very versatile in terms of To-Do list funtionality.
That's her primary need now out of whatever software she ends up purchasing. She's looked at Salesforce and Prophet, and feels they're too much.
So, to recap- a strong task manager/to-do list software that integrates with Outlook.
What says the Hive?
posted by ecollie at 2:28 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by ecollie at 2:28 PM PST - 5 comments
Where should I put my money?
I'm looking for an ethical, user-friendly bank in New Haven, CT. [more inside]
Texting across the ocean?
My best friend is currently insanely busy. She is in the U.S and I am in Europe. Texting is the best way to stay in touch with her, but I need some help doing it across the Atlantic. [more inside]
posted by colfax at 2:11 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by colfax at 2:11 PM PST - 9 comments
Day Trips from Dallas - Wright Amendment edition
I'm looking for personal recommendations or books/websites that suggest activities for day trips in the cities to which one can fly from Dallas Love Field, taking the Wright Amendment into account. (Basically, there is a limited list of cities where one can fly non-stop from Dallas Love Field Airport). City details inside. [more inside]
posted by CathyG at 2:10 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by CathyG at 2:10 PM PST - 5 comments
Name this Bath and BodyWorks CD please
OK, so this was, I think, 7-8 years ago. I believe that is was around Christmas time but that could be totally wrong. I bought a CD at Bath and BodyWorks and it was a deep discount like 60% off? And, the topic was Love. It was awesome, real jazzy and there were some french songs on it too.Do you know what this cd was? Or the playlist? this came up bc there is a famous french jazzy love song and i can';t remember what is was so recommendations on that would be great too.
posted by TRUELOTUS at 1:59 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by TRUELOTUS at 1:59 PM PST - 5 comments
Advice for a female getting into programming as 2nd career?
I'd like to help my friend look into a career in programming. Best way to do it? [more inside]
Pre-wedding brunch restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois
I'm planning a nice pre-wedding brunch on a Saturday in May for a friend who lives in Oak Brook, Illinois, but I live in LA and don't know any restaurants in that area. Any suggestions from Chicago MeFites? [more inside]
posted by McPuppington the Third at 1:53 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by McPuppington the Third at 1:53 PM PST - 9 comments
What do immigration officers see on their screen when they scan your PP?
What do immigration officers see on their screen when they scan your passport?
I went to the UK a few days ago and I am a dual US/EU citizen. I took the "Aliens/non EU" line since it was much shorter and tried to enter with my US passport. The office must have realized that I was in the UK a few weeks ago with my EU passport and started to ask questions "Have you been recently in the UK", "Did you travel on another passport". I wasn't a big deal but it made me curious:
What do immigration officers see on their screens when they scan your passport?
You're doing it wrong.
I make websites. I have an old client whose new vendor is, to be blunt, not a competent web designer and not a developer at all. She has been coming to me for help, and it's putting me in quite an awkward situation. How can I remove myself at all gracefully? [more inside]
Looking for specific World War II maps.
I'm trying to find some specific government-produced maps of Allied progress in Western Europe in World War 2 that I saw online once. [more inside]
posted by Tin Man at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Tin Man at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments
Needed: Credit Card That Allows Hard Spending Limit On Companion Card/AU
Hello
I am in need of a credit card that allows me to set a hard limit on authorized users. In addition I need for the card to allow a different limit for the primary and secondary card. [more inside]
The women's movement and labor
I was watching the PBS series Makers: Women Who Make America and I was struck by the section discussing some of the failures (or missed potential) of the women's movement from the labor perspective. What is the relationship between the women's movement and labor today, and what was the historical cause of the disconnect? [more inside]
No kitty that's a bad kitty! Need suggestions to keep kittehs out!
How can I keep stray/feral kittehs out of my yard so that they don't eat my pet chickens? [more inside]
posted by bolognius maximus at 11:16 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by bolognius maximus at 11:16 AM PST - 23 comments
Should I try to pursue this job further?
I had a great technical phone screen, then told they were passing because I don't have experience we didn't even really touch on in the interview. Is there anything I can say/do to get them to take a second look? [more inside]
Putting out the fires
We have incredible sexual attraction and were best friends to boot, but nothing good will come of this. How to kill it off? [more inside]
Hey Bro
Do most middle aged adult males who have families have a best friend? [more inside]
What do I give my young son after a performance in a school play?
My 8 year old son is in a high school play and I don't know what to give him afterwards. I know flowers for performers are customary but is that the case for boys as well? To be honest, I'm not sure he'll be thrilled with flowers. Any other ideas? Also, do I give the gift on opening night or closing night? Or every night?
Laser got shined in my eye
I have a laser thermometer I use to shine onto objects to see what temperature they are. I let someone else use it and I think they shined it in my eye. How strong is the laser in it it? Its a called a fluke 62 mini. It has a laser warning sticker on it.
Looking for cool electronics building kits
I've been building guitar pedal kits from buildyourownclone, and it's been great fun. I'm running out of pedals I want to make for myself, and am looking for other projects, like this stereo tube amp, and maybe this sous vide. Can you recommend more electronics projects (preferably kits, so I don't have to scrounge for parts) that are cool and look good at the end? [more inside]
How to stop trunking my short fiction before it's even submitted?
I've been writing short fiction. I've got my process down pretty well, to the point that I am not getting stuck in writer's block hell or any other common pitfalls. I have ideas, and I'm capable of getting them down on paper. I revise them, I produce new drafts, etc.
My problem comes in the last phase of the process. I don't know when to say something is done. [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by deathpanels at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments
How can I make sure I won't get sued for cybersquatting?
This is a little tricky to talk about without specifically mentioning my domain name, but I'll try.
I have a popular website that's about to get significantly more popular, because I'm about to publish a book, go on book tours, etc.
There's a *much* more popular website that's been around since the beginning of the web, and part of my domain name includes their domain name (for example, suppose their domain was Narnia.com, and my domain was AdventuresinNarnia.com). We're in the same general market (say Narnia.com sold video games, and I reviewed video games).
What legal risk am I subjecting myself to, particularly if I have absolutely no desire/intent to sell my domain name? I have a PR4 site and I don't want to move, but I don't want to put links to my website in a published book and then get forced to move later.
I'm trying to weigh the pros/cons of changing my surname
Should I change my name, and if I do, when is the best time to do it? [more inside]
Name that Music Effect...Eternal Sunshine edition
What is the name of the warbling, sort of buzzy effect heard on the background accompaniment part? (It's hard to tell whether it's strings or a synthesizer.) Is it some kind of delay effect? (Link inside question.) [more inside]
posted by Seeking Direction at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments
"Nice-looking elastic-waist women's dress pants" - oxymoron?
I am looking for black, elastic-waist, inexpensive, "business casual" women's dress pants, available in the US and preferably online. [more inside]
posted by sunshine37 at 9:32 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by sunshine37 at 9:32 AM PST - 15 comments
How should I prepare this amazing coffee?
Hi there,
On a recent trip to Oslo I bought a bag of these espresso coffee beans from a fantastic coffee shop. This is probably a stupid question, but is it possible to make non-espresso strength coffee with these? If so, how should I do it? Obviously I need to grind the beans first, and, if it helps, I have a cafetiere and aeropress. Thanks!
How to not suck in the negativity
I soak up negativity like a sponge - please help me stop! [more inside]
Who will deliver an ice cream cake to a Seattle residence this weekend?
My two-year-old is insistent that we should give his aunt (my sister) an ice cream cake for her birthday on Sunday. Does one of Seattle's many specialty ice cream shops deliver to the Atlantic/Pratt Park area near downtown? I almost found success with Gelatiamo, but they only deliver to businesses. Her birthday is Sunday, but delivery tomorrow or Saturday would be fine, too, of course.
Charming streets, dark alleys? Anti-mugging ID plan for Rome
I am planning a trip to Italy this summer. I will have several days within Rome, and am looking forward to exploring the nooks and crannies of the city. I've read that I should only carry enough money for each day, in case of being mugged -- works for me. Regarding ID, would it be a good idea to leave my passport in our rented apartment, and carry my driver's license and/or a photocopy of my passport within the city? These seem like less dire things to lose while travelling.
posted by bullitt 5 at 8:38 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by bullitt 5 at 8:38 AM PST - 26 comments
Business credit with employee usage alerts?
Is there a business credit card that can alert you in real-time (or close to it) when your employees' cards are used?
I currently use Chase Ink and it disappoints in this regard. I can setup real-time alerts, but they only work for the primary card, not all employee cards. I was a little incredulous of this at first, but my Chase rep confirmed it is so.
Any business cards that can do this? (ideally with cash back, esp. for gas; ideally visa).
thanks!
How do I get rid of a used car in Toronto, Ontario?
I am contemplating getting rid of my car, as it is expensive to insure and there is car sharing available in my building, and I mostly use public transit these days anyway. But I don't really know how to actually do that. [more inside]
Which Rowing Machine?
I'm thinking about purchasing a rowing machine to use at home. I've used Concept 2 Ergometers at the gym before, and been very happy. However, the price tag and the size of the machine have made me wonder if I can get by with one of the cheaper kinds. I have seen this question, but it doesn't cover the different types of rowers. What are your recommendations for a home rower?
posted by freshwater at 8:00 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by freshwater at 8:00 AM PST - 7 comments
Help with debt collection
About a year ago I did a contract translation project and have yet to get paid, despite many promises. Is there any way I can collect? [more inside]
posted by little cow make small moo at 7:10 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by little cow make small moo at 7:10 AM PST - 13 comments
Is there such a thing as a second chance in online dating?
We've already met. I messed it up (kinda), and now I want to ask him out again. Yes, I know: optimistic. [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 7:06 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by Salamander at 7:06 AM PST - 26 comments
How to be good at coming up with analogies?
I want to be able to come up with better analogies to describe life and work situations. I'm thinking of the kind that the folks in The Bugle would come up with.
posted by Lucubrator at 6:38 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Lucubrator at 6:38 AM PST - 7 comments
Walking in North Yorkshire
I'm planning on spending a long weekend walking in North Yorkshire. Ideally we would stay in a nice pub in a small town and take a couple of moderate walks (~10 miles) each day and drink beer and eat pies in the evening. Where should we stay and where should we walk?
Aiport shuttles in Chicago? Is this a workable plan?
How does the airport shuttle work at the Embassy Suites Chicago - O'Hare/Rosemont? [more inside]
posted by Eumachia L F at 5:36 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Eumachia L F at 5:36 AM PST - 6 comments
What UK Legal Implications are there with documenting bad service online
What are the legal implications if I start a blog documenting the poor service my property manager provides, and asking others to share their opinions of this firm? I can speak for the factual accuracy of my own experiences (I have their letters and invoices etc, as well as my responses), but what about others? [more inside]
Blisters on my little toes and the balls of my feet.
Is it possible to find high heels that you can actually walk in without blisters? Recently I walked a quarter mile in my Cole Haan Talia Nike Air heels, which are supposed to be better for walking in, but ended up with blisters anyway. Are there any brands of heels that will not give me blisters on my toes or achilles tendon? Or is there some trick to wearing them (e.g. toe socks or corn starch)? I usually go barelegged, not sure if that helps or hurts.
Securing a wordpress site accessed through a gmail email
So. If you had a wordpress self-hosted website accessed through your name and an ok password and a gmail account associated with the wordpress admin login, what would you do to secure everything from fuckery? [more inside]
He texts me everyday but has never asked me out
I never initiate the texts except for a couple of times, but always reply and am nice and friendly. He texts me about anything, and usually sends funny images.
He also hangs out with me randomly, for example yesterday I was giving out food for an event and he came without his friends to be with me. But he has made no moves other than that, as in no touching or complimenting me, but maybe he is not very good at flirting.
I have had bad experiences when telling a guy first that I am interested. I don't like playing games, but I am wondering if I should be more challenging and mysterious? Does it seem like he is interested? He's been texting me for a month now. Thanks!
Is it worth thousands of dollars to fix an inground pool?
Is it worth thousands of dollars to fix an inground pool? I've own my home in northern Delaware for less than a year. One of the reasons I bought this house was it had a pool. I bought the house when it was in foreclosure, so I knew there would be many repairs to do to the house, pool included. The inground pool is about 30ft by 10ft by about 7ft deep. Estimates to repair the pool liner and large filter are in the neighborhood of 5-6k. [more inside]
posted by meshoppe at 2:05 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by meshoppe at 2:05 AM PST - 21 comments
March 20
Is there anything I can do about online rape threats?
So I've joined Rebecca Watson in that I now get actual rape threats, sometimes with a side of death threats because of things I have written about feminism online. Is there anything I can do about this? [more inside]
Hi, you share a name with my brother and are probably related to us
My brother shares his name with one other person in the world (as far as we can tell from Google anyway). This man is probably related to us. Should we write to him? If so, what should we say? [more inside]
How are new surgical procedures and tools evaluated?
How are new surgical procedures and tools evaluated before they're OK'ed for use on the public? [more inside]
How can I make camping awesome?
We used to camp fairly often before kids, but our past couple of camping trips have been terrible. How can we love camping again? Give me your best camping tips. (Bonus if you have suggestions for spots within 4-6 hours of LA.) [more inside]
I wanna be symbiotic-er
I live near a medium-sized nature preserve, it has been a long hard winter with no end in sight. While lying in the dark waiting to fall asleep, I've been listening to an owl for several years* and he's never been this close for this long. I suspect he's venturing further to find food, it's probably a really lean time.
Help me help him. [more inside]
$500 or Less to a "Summer Body"
Stuck at a fitness plateau. Not weight loss - fat loss. I'm about 5-8% (not exactly sure; I only have inexact measurement options) below where I want to be, which is the 10% mark. Help me get to my goal or as close as possible by the summer (and stay there)! [more inside]
posted by Urban Winter at 9:33 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Urban Winter at 9:33 PM PST - 12 comments
Good head
I'm a pretty faithful sketcher of still life, birds and landscapes. But I can NOT draw faces for the love of the sweet baby jesus. Seriously the average seven year old can render a more accurate version of a person. Please help me learn how to draw faces properly - techniques/books/youtube/anything welcome!
posted by everydayanewday at 9:21 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by everydayanewday at 9:21 PM PST - 14 comments
How do I find good, specific career advice?
I am a relatively successful professional, but (like many other people), I suspect that I could be happier doing something else. I've done a lot of different things all within the same general field (software/internet/tech), and I've liked and disliked different things about each of them. I think I have some pretty awesome experience and skills in a nice variety of subjects, with some unusual combinations. What I'd like to find is someone I can sit down with, talk about what I like to do, and what I hate to do, and what I'm good at and not good at. And then have them give me advice about where I should go next in my career - what types of jobs and companies I should look at, etc. [more inside]
I don´t want to be pushed or scared anymore! (Details inside)
How can I be more creative, self-motivated and stick to my goals? [more inside]
posted by Matrod at 8:17 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Matrod at 8:17 PM PST - 8 comments
Spouse's forgetfulness
My spouse's forgetfulness is a never ending source of intermittent random stressful events. I respond with panic and frustration. Hoping I can get some help with my reaction to these events. [more inside]
Putting together my interview outfit
I think I have all the pieces for my interview outfit. Can you help me put them together appropriately? [more inside]
posted by peacheater at 6:55 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by peacheater at 6:55 PM PST - 16 comments
When is personal property considered abandoned in Pennsylvania?
I recently had some house guests stay with me for four months. They were not tenants. There was no lease, either written or oral. They did not contribute to the upkeep of the house; they bought no food, paid no utilities. They left behind a bunch of stuff. [more inside]
Why won't my Karaoke mixer mix mics?
I recently received a Arirang AR-36K karaoke machine. I have hooked it up to my TV and receiver, which has ports only for stereo sound from this input. It has two ports on the front for microphones, which I've plugged in; however, the sound input from the mics isn't mixed into the sound output. I know that the input is actually happening, because the on-screen display reacts to my (terrible) singing, but it just doesn't get mixed -- and the menu option to turn up the microphone volume simply doesn't work (it gives the "command not allowed" icon whenever I press any button on the requisite screen). The hardware microphone volume knobs seem to have no effect, either. Any ideas?
Which job should I take?
For a short term summer job-- Should I take the "coordinator" position for experience sake, or a 'lower' position job that sounds all-around better? [more inside]
Mildewy water from faucets for a few seconds?
The water from all the faucets in my apartment (bathroom and kitchen) smells and tastes mildewy for about a few seconds after they're turned on. It's then fine unless the faucets are left off for more than an hour or two and then they must be run for a few seconds again. Any fixes? This has been going on for several months now.
Looking for books about the resiliency of the California Economy.
I'm trying to prove the historic strength and resiliency of California. From the Gold Rush on. Being the birthplace of aerospace manufacturing, the cradle of film and digital. Basically something that puts into perspective all the slowdowns and eventual recoveries that California has always bounced back from. Ideally from a kosher academic perspective. I'd rather not have this from the tome of an avowed Marxist as an example. Who should I read and what did they write?
Taxi driving in a lower population-density area
I'm contemplating becoming a taxi driver, but the region I live in, East Tennessee, has its population of ~500,000 people spread out over 11 counties. Can anyone tell me about the pros and cons as a taxi driver outside of major metropolitan areas? [more inside]
Looking for an American graphic novel about middle school.
I read an American graphic novel five years ago about a girl in middle school (but not by Lynda Barry) and I wish I could find it again. [more inside]
posted by stinker at 3:43 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by stinker at 3:43 PM PST - 3 comments
Help make me literate like an engineer
So people like to name-drop authors and works that those who went to university and/or have a curiosity about the world should know as part of the basic vocabulary of being an educated Westerner. For example, "Kant" or "Dickensian", or "Gertrude Stein".
I would like to learn this stuff, please. [more inside]
posted by grahamsletter at 3:40 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by grahamsletter at 3:40 PM PST - 34 comments
How can I avoid making an expensive phone call from my smartphone?
I have a cellphone (iPhone on AT&T) that will cost $0.20 per minute (perhaps more) to make a call from the United States to Canada. I'm a cheap bastard and would like to avoid this charge whilst still using my cellphone to place the call. What options are available for me to do this more cheaply? Would I buy and use a calling card (and are there issues I need to worry about with this option), or are there apps that I can run on iOS through which I can call another country more cheaply than through AT&T?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:25 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 3:25 PM PST - 20 comments
Help me help my partner help his father
My father-in-law lives alone, has a poor diet and a heart complaint, is a hoarder, is lonely and socially isolated, and it makes my partner miserable worrying about him. How can I help my partner, help my FIL, and help my partner help my FIL? [more inside]
Are varicose veins a thing in the NBA, by any chance?
NBA fans: Can you remember specific instances of varicose veins being mentioned as a risk for tall players? [more inside]
Where to enjoy a Blatz beer in Milwaukee?
Where's a nice place to sit and enjoy a Blatz beer on a Saturday night in Milwaukee? My wife and I are cobbling together road trip ideas for our upcoming anniversary, and I suggested a pilgrimage to Wisconsin to have a Blatz. [more inside]
Any ideas for a thoughtful gesture to a lady who lost her dog?
A regular customer at the coffee-shop where I work just lost her dog. She is a lovely, somewhat lonely seeming older woman. She and her pup were attached at the hip and a familiar presence in the cafe every morning. [more inside]
posted by timsneezed at 2:46 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by timsneezed at 2:46 PM PST - 32 comments
Help me create a 10 hour coding project to assess contractors for hire
I'm trying to hire a full time coder for my business. I build, maintain, and remodel my own portfolio of websites (PHP, JS, WP, HTML, CSS, MySQL, etc). Once I have a few candidates I would like to assign them all the same small (paid) project so that I may assess their abilities. What should the test include? All candidates will be US-Based. $6000/mo budget cap. [more inside]
90s games filter: what game was this?
What was the name of a 90s game where you try to find a rabbit in a theme park world? [more inside]
posted by Submiqent at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Submiqent at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
How to find the largest, most respected web-design companies?
My company wants to redesign our website from scratch. I have been tasked with narrowing the field of "all the web designers in the world" to a shorter list we can all evaluate. I have been asked to present two lists, one of large/major companies as well as smaller boutique or medium size firms. Both should be based or have offices in New York where we are located. Also, maybe "web design" is not the term these days. "Digital agency" maybe? [more inside]
posted by brbmaroon at 2:16 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by brbmaroon at 2:16 PM PST - 14 comments
Dog training snags
I have some problems with a couple of dog training efforts: discouraging snapping at treats (but she doesn't always snap), and how to train "drop it," when she's not typically interested in holding something in her mouth to drop. I'd love some ideas on these two problems. [more inside]
How to quit a band?
What is biting me?
Can you guess what's biting me?
I've been getting a few extremely itchy red bumps, very much like mosquito bites, but they are not mosquito bites because they follow the pattern that chigger bites do: they're not on exposed parts of my skin, but instead under my clothing. It seems that something small is leaping onto me and then crawling until it finds itself confined by clothing, then settling down to bite. The bites aren't like chigger bites, though. [more inside]
posted by artistic verisimilitude at 1:39 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by artistic verisimilitude at 1:39 PM PST - 18 comments
Plants that like cat pee?
Are there any plants that will actually thrive from regular doses of cat urine? And that would grow in pots outdoors in Western Oregon? [more inside]
What would cause an infrequent crappy taste in my mouth?
Maybe twice a year, there will be a few days in a row when my mouth just tastes gross. I'm super sensitive to bad breath in others, and I can't stand it when my mouth tastes a little sour at the back of the tongue either. Why would this happen? I ate something super raw garlicky on Saturday, but it's Wednesday now! Could this still be it?
Why does this happen? What can I do to change it? Again, this isn't a persistent problem, I usually taste and, I've been told, smell fine. But when it happens, it's like a few days at a time and it's disgusting. Help.
Best way to travel from BWI to Dupont circle? Is there parking?
What is the best way to travel form Baltimore to Dupont circle, DC during the afternoon?
Is there parking available around the DC dupont area?
Thanks.
Help me identify a piece of writing about cow's milk, urine, and hell
I have a hazy memory of a piece of writing that I would like to identify. It might have been poetry or prose. It might have been modern or not. It might have been in Italian, French, or English. It's an exchange between the protagonist, a man, and an antagonist - possibly a devil? The antagonist is comparing cow's milk to urine, saying that they are both liquids that come out of cows and are essentially the same. The protagonist says that they are essentially difference and if the antagonist can't articulate why, that simply means the lack is in his understanding. Then he is whisked away somehow.
It's been a long, long, time since I read this, but it made a big impression on me, and I'd like to find up where it is from. If anyone recognizes this exchange please let me know. Obviously google searches are problematic given the subject matter.
I need a sweet ride.
Does anyone have any experience with the rental car company FlightCar? If so, was it as good as it seems? I'm flying into SFO next week and I'll need to rent a car while I'm there. The FlightCar rates seem too good to be true.
Drums on the cheap
What's the best and least expensive way to get a reasonable drum kit? [more inside]
posted by General Malaise at 1:09 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by General Malaise at 1:09 PM PST - 10 comments
Running my own URL shortener
I'd like to run my own URL shortener. I could roll my own, but my coding skills are ... primitive. Does anyone have a package for this out there that they like? I have mysql on the server I'd like to run it on, and both perl and php. Probably python, too, but I'm python-illiterate (for now - of course, this could be a good project to ramp up on python...) Thanks!
Job satisfaction: How important are coworkers?
Can a change in scenery - primarily coworkers - save an otherwise uninteresting job? Or if a job sucks, then the job sucks. [more inside]
Help me make my grad student status good to the last drop.
Graduating with an MS in May, an independent historical research project on my brain, and time. What should I do NOW while I'm still a student? [more inside]
posted by deludingmyself at 12:36 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by deludingmyself at 12:36 PM PST - 2 comments
What's the point of getting fit if I can't go out and injure myself?
I've recently finally gotten really fit and in shape, after spending most of my 27 years...not doing that. I've been looking for something local and athletic to do, both for fun and for fitness, but since I haven't played sports since I was 12 or so, my skills are lacking. However, all the local instruction is oriented towards youth, so I turn to you folk for aid. How can an sports newb adult learn how to play? [more inside]
posted by Punkey at 12:32 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Punkey at 12:32 PM PST - 25 comments
Canadian equivalent of Macarthur Fellows?
I know someone who is the kind of person who ought to receive a Macarthur Fellowship—those no strings attached grants commonly known as the "genius grants." This person is, by any definition, a "talented individual who ha[s] shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction." Beyond the fact that I wouldn't know how to bring this person to the attention of the nominators for that particular fellowship, the person I know is a Canadian citizen, and does not live in the US, so is ineligible for the Macarthur grants. Are there any similar (if less awesome) grants in Canada? The person I have in mind is a traditional artisan.
Can you find this sci-fi short story?
I've been looking for this particular short sci-fi story for several years and I am finally giving up on going solo. Help me find it, hive mind. [more inside]
posted by mr_crash_davis at 12:13 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mr_crash_davis at 12:13 PM PST - 5 comments
Can I Eat It - The Slow Cooker Edition
I have an egg based bread pudding in the slow cooker and the power went out. [more inside]
posted by PorcineWithMe at 12:05 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by PorcineWithMe at 12:05 PM PST - 8 comments
I guess we are technically on an island.
Give me your recommendations for tiki bars in NYC. [more inside]
Best tournament-style bracket creator?
I'd like to create a 64-item tournament-style bracket, pre-seeded with four regions, just like the NCAA one (only with Jewish foods, if you must know). I'd like people to fill out these brackets online, so everyone can see each other's picks, and the winners are determined by the most votes.
The tools I've seen online (bracketmaker, bracketeers) don't really seem to fit the bill. Bracketeers comes close, but doesn't let you seed matchups by region, and only lets people vote on individual matchups, and won't let people fill out all rounds at once, ala yahoo sports,etc.
Any ideas, for computer-based tools to do this? Whether free or not?
Sports cars for Canadian winters?
I want a sports car. I live in Winnipeg. This does not compute. [more inside]
posted by WinnipegDragon at 11:37 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by WinnipegDragon at 11:37 AM PST - 27 comments
Is ice skating really that good an exercise for the beginner?
Everything I am reading about ice skating raves about what a wonderful workout it is and how you will develop a core-o'steel and burn no end of calories! How true is that, really, for the beginner? [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 11:13 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by tel3path at 11:13 AM PST - 17 comments
How to bed down for the night?
Dear adventurous loungers of Metafilter, please tell me about the cleverest space-conserving bed or couch replacements you've ever seen. [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:11 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:11 AM PST - 32 comments
Mexico City to San Miguel de Allende: The Scenic Route?
In July I'm flying into Mexico City for my friend's wedding in San Miguel de Allende. I have two days (or so, it's pretty flexible) to get from the airport in FD to SMdA, can you help me figure out the best route and/or means of transportation? And also what I should do for fun and/or adventure with the extra day or so I have to explore the area? [more inside]
Where to next, Voyager 1?
Voyager 1 just left the solar system. I know we're unable to control trajectory at this point, but I'm curious what the next body it will encounter will be, and when, on its present course.
posted by radiosilents at 10:00 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by radiosilents at 10:00 AM PST - 14 comments
What are my options for replacing my broken phone?
I'm on Verizon, I have no warranty, started a contract in July w/ a Samsung Galaxy Nexus 4G Android Phone. I was a n00b and walked into my car really hard the other night and it was in my pocket. The screen now will barely turn on, the touch screen is cracked. The touchscreen is unusable. I cannot dial or even use the phone.
A google nexus will be $299. What are my options? The phone itself, I kind of hate, the OS is nice but charging has always been an issue and it dies pretty quickly.
I need ideas on either should I replace it? (With what and how much?) I don't want to renew as Verizon has had terrible quaility and I want to dump them in 18 months and go back to Virgin Mobile (I even have a phone for it). Should I foot the $350 ETF and switch back to Virgin? Cost to fix it?
Other options?
What I meant to say was "safe travels and have a nice evening." Really.
Does the term "homegoing" have a wide use across Christian denominations? [more inside]
Halloween in New Orleans?
Apologies in advance for like my umpteenth Ask about New Orleans. But I have some Halloween-specific questions... [more inside]
What to do for two weeks in SW Germany?
I'm going to be in SW Germany (an hour south of Stuttgart) for around two weeks in April (from the 8th to the 18th). What are the must-sees? I'm staying with a friend, and I'm sure she'll be able to provide advice, but I'd like more opinions. [more inside]
posted by Fister Roboto at 9:37 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Fister Roboto at 9:37 AM PST - 12 comments
Best NYC street shopping for cheap import photography stuff
I'm going to be in NYC soon. I buy a lot of import (read: straight from Shenzen) photography junk (stands, lens hoods, macro rails, Benro tripods/heads, LED lights, etc). All cheap and low-ish quality.
I buy this stuff on eBay and it is almost always coming from Shenzen or NYC/Jersey. If I wanted to see stores or kiosks full of it, where should I look?
posted by fake at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by fake at 9:13 AM PST - 3 comments
Long-Distance Longings ... for a Job
Several months ago, I ran across a running ad for a content strategist on the site of a very well-known digital agency in NYC. I found the ad so compelling, I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. It listed my relatively rare top-two criteria in a job as key responsibilities, and it listed an intriguing array of secondary responsibilities, which echo my own experience, as well as my long-standing desire to have a job that, in many ways, spans fields. I've studied the agency a fair amount since then, and everything I've read is positive. So I've spent the last several months honing some of my secondary skills to make myself a more attractive candidate. And I've repeatedly checked to make sure the ad is still there, and it always is. I'm now reaching a point where I need to seriously look for a job. I want it to be at this agency. How do I convince them to even talk to me? I'm two states away, and looking for a strategy (no pun intended). [more inside]
Y'know, the one with....
Help me ID an episode of the hit TV show Friends. [more inside]
posted by grateful at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by grateful at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments
So what's in Veronica Falls' record collection?
So, lately I've been listening to the new Veronica Falls album. I'm drawn to songs like this [live version] and this: pure, jangly, motorik fuzz-pop. I need more, many more, songs along the same lines. So, who's mining this Black Tamourine-style vein of music at the moment aside from Veronica Falls? [more inside]
posted by Sonny Jim at 7:47 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Sonny Jim at 7:47 AM PST - 8 comments
I want to live in the 20s & 30s. What TV / movies should I watch?
I've been completely absorbed in British fiction from the 1920s & 30s lately - mostly of the snappy, witty detective variety: Georgette Heyer, Dorothy Sayers, Agatha Christie. I've also read and adored the incomparable Wodehouse and Nancy Mitford. Now, the question is, what should I watch that will scratch this same itch for sparkling conversation, sophistication, romance and great clothes? I'm open both to original time period stuff and well done more contemporary versions of the period. If it's streaming on Netflix or Amazon, I can watch it. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 7:44 AM PST - 51 comments
posted by mygothlaundry at 7:44 AM PST - 51 comments
Closing Songs for a Library?
I was talking with one of my student employees the other day and it turns out he's a member of one of the college's acapella groups. We thought it would be pretty cool for his group to record a song to be played before the library closes for the night. I can make this happen. What song(s) should they sing? [more inside]
Is it common to ask guests to pay for their dinner at a wedding?
We've been invited to the wedding of an acquaintance. Yay! But on the RSVP card, it asks to you tick a box confirming you'll pay for your meal (per person). [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 7:34 AM PST - 107 comments
posted by Kitteh at 7:34 AM PST - 107 comments
How do I make up for 10 years of blowing her off?
I've been married for a few more than 10 years. For most of that time, I did not really listen to my wife or honor her goals and desires for our life together. Starting in 2012, I have made a change in my attitude and actions, and we are communicating and making significant progress in our relationship. If it were just making the current state of affairs good, I think we're on a good track and we'd be ok. My question is: How do I make up for the previous ~10 years? If you want to email: accommodatee@mail.com. Thanks in advance for any advice, here or via email. [more inside]
Singing the Job Stress Blues
My job uses write ups for everything—for typos, for bad customer service, for being late, for heavy stuff, for silly stuff that doesn’t matter. Literally everything. How do I either learn to deal with this or figure out how to professionally approach it with the higher-ups in my company? [more inside]
Looking for free Kindle books
Which websites list Kindle-compatible books which are free for a limited time? [more inside]
posted by lea724 at 6:32 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by lea724 at 6:32 AM PST - 18 comments
Help me throw the best Birthday Party for my wife
My wife is approaching a milestone birthday and she's drawn up a list of people she would like to invite. Originally, we were going to have it at our house, but when the invitee list passed 150, we decided we don't want that many people roaming through the place. She wants to cancel the event, but I want to throw her a party anyway. [more inside]
Camping before the parks open
I'd like to take a couple of days in late April/early May to bike from Boston to Provincetown. None of the state parks along that route are open until Memorial Day. Is there any way I can still camp overnight along the route, or am I going to need to find other accommodations? [more inside]
Resources for public domain/CC vector art
I'm looking for something akin to Rpg Maker VX Resource Planet, except with vector art. I'd like resources for public domain or CC-licensed vector art assets for use as placeholders in games. I'd prefer SVG format and paths that are as simple and small as possible, but anything convertible to SVG is cool.
It's a James Brown/Tupac mashup, sure. But there's something else there.
So I'm listening the other day to the soundtrack for Django Unchained, spurred on by the recent thread about Ennio Morricone. I come up on "Unchained", which is the big James Brown-derived number used in the trailer. There's a piece of music used there that's nothing from "The Payback", and after going online to listen to "Untouchable", the other track credited as being sampled, it's not from that, either. It's the western-ish rising section audible from about 0:04 through about 0:25. I could swear I know it from somewhere, but I'm coming up empty, and I'm not having much luck through the ol' Goog. Anyone know what it's from?
Best books about certain contemporary female artists?
I'm looking for recommendations for the very best books to get about certain female contemporary artists. I can't spend a lot of money and buy tons, so just one or two about each artist is plenty.
Here is a list of artists I currently really like and am seeking recs for, but please feel free to add any other awesome contemporary female artists. I'm looking for books that have biographical information as well as info about their work.
-Jenny Holzer
-Louise Bourgeois
-Tracey Emin (I have the Tate book and Strangeland already)
-Yayoi Kusama (I know about Infinity Net)
-Judy Chicago
-Nan Goldin
-Francesca Woodman
-Cindy Sherman
Its clogged!
We have a washer/dryer combo within the kitchen of our basement suite in Vancouver, BC. When the sink is full of sitting water (i.e. plugged) the washer vomits water out of its drainage tube and onto the floor. [more inside]
I don't want to be the jealous girl.
How do you dust yourself off and carry on after shy and awkward days? And how can I stop fixating on, comparing myself to, and feeling envious of a social, extroverted classmate? [more inside]
The ex is moving on, I thought I was but I'm not. What do I do?
My head is a mess after seeing my ex tonight for the first time since we broke up, kissing her, and finding out she had a thing with another girl that never went anywhere. I'm hurt but doing okay, but I'm afraid that if I don't take some kind of action I'm going to get incredibly more hurt in the near future. But what do I do now? [more inside]
March 19
Holy Back Spasms, Batman!
I've got bad back pain. I'm poor. I work in an industry that requires me to lift things and walk around a lot. I can't take time off. Help! [more inside]
posted by outlandishmarxist at 11:42 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by outlandishmarxist at 11:42 PM PST - 19 comments
SSD for a mid 2010 MacBook Pro
Just did my taxes, and I'm getting a refund! Help me pick out the right SSD for my aging laptop... [more inside]
posted by sbutler at 11:16 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by sbutler at 11:16 PM PST - 8 comments
Wishing I was blind to attractiveness, semi-sarcastically
How do you deal with the damaging ways that society evaluates women? [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 10:20 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by ichomp at 10:20 PM PST - 26 comments
My family is in trouble. To what extent is it my duty to help?
My sister (late 30s) has recently given birth to a baby who is probably affected by Down syndrome. There will most likely not be a father in the picture. She also has an 8 y.o. daughter from a different, also absent father. They live at my mother’s house in a small town. My sister has a story of emotional instability and I often fear for my niece and nephew. My sister was molested by my father when she was in her late teens. She is extremely dependent on (and at the same time hostile to) my mother. My mother (divorced), in turn, is struggling to help her and the little children, while having to deal with lack of money and her own (physical) health issues.
I (male) am the middle child, 8 years younger than my sister. I´ve lived in a big city for the last 6 years. I´m economically independent (yet also struggling) and starting a career in academia. I feel that if I don´t go back to my home town and help my family, things will deteriorate further. On the other hand, my chances of professional growth would be reduced by moving back there. Do you think a sacrifice of this sort is the right thing to do? [more inside]
posted by Basque13 at 10:17 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Basque13 at 10:17 PM PST - 31 comments
How worried should someone be about TCE in their housing complex?
[Asking for a friend] I'm a renter on the second floor of an industrial loft conversion condominium. There are notices up from the state [Massachusetts] EPA about "imminent hazard" levels of TCE (a chemical solvent) for "women of childbearing age" (I am one) in the first floor (partially belowground) apartments. How concerned should I be? Details inside! [more inside]
posted by lesbiassparrow at 9:27 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lesbiassparrow at 9:27 PM PST - 4 comments
Is there a way to quantify how hilly an area is?
Is there some measure or standard way of quantifying how hilly or a flat a city is, or some other area is? Can you say San Francisco is 4.9 hillybits while Houston is only 0 hillybits?
posted by sien at 8:49 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by sien at 8:49 PM PST - 18 comments
Killing 2 hours in immediate vicinity of Penn Station.
Killing 2 hours in immediate vicinity of Penn Station. Is there enough stuff to look at to fill 2 hours? My bus arrives just before 5, my friend works in the same neighborhood til 7. I'm not looking for a place for dinner--I'm waiting for her. Maybe a drink, though. I don't wan't to walk very much--I'll have a bag and be wearing OK but not super comfy shoes. No more than a 5 block radius? So, aside from maybe stopping for a drink in a bar, is the neighborhood interesting enough that just wandering will keep me interested for two hours?
My thoughts about death have started making me afraid to live.
For the last 6 or 7 days, I've been fixated on death, and not in a suicidal context. How do people normally handle constant thoughts about their mortality, and how can I stop this from crippling my ability to "live?" [more inside]
posted by Ashen at 7:40 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by Ashen at 7:40 PM PST - 45 comments
The Devils Wears Prada for nerds.
Lately, it's been obvious that I'm terrible at making job/career decisions. Editorial edition. [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 7:37 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 7:37 PM PST - 10 comments
Running out of options, but don't know if I should go down this road
What are your experiences with long-term benzodiazepine therapy? [more inside]
How do you find a psychiatrist anyway?
For the first time in a while, my anxiety is more than I can manage on my own without medication. On top of that, I've had chronic insomnia for over 15 years, not sleeping is a probably my biggest anxiety trigger, and I'm tired of begging my primary care doctor for ambien prescriptions. Twice before I've waited until everything fell apart and I was in a major crisis and dropping out of my life to seek help; I don't want to do that again.
I've had quite successful therapy (talk and CBT) before and been prescribed various meds by primary care doctors in the past, but I want to start managing my brain chemistry in a more proactive way. I've never seen a psychiatrist and don't know where to start. Yelp reviews? Standing on the sidewalk with a sign?
I'm in San Francisco, I have Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO insurance, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and real desire not to have another nervous breakdown. What's my next step?
What's strong enough for a man, but made for a .... dishwasher?
A WebEx is Leaking
How to lock down a teleconference to keep out campers, nosy parkers and miscreants? [more inside]
posted by nj_subgenius at 6:39 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by nj_subgenius at 6:39 PM PST - 11 comments
What's a good car service from Brooklyn to LaGuardia?
I am sorry to ask such a dumb question, but I have a very early flight from South Park Slope to LaGuardia, and googling car services so far is returning not great results. Is there a car service someone can recommend for an early pick up (our flight is at 5:30 a.m.)?
Inspiring songs about Space and Space Travel
I am looking for inspiring songs about being in Space, or Space Travel, or even just Science! in general. I want to make a playlist.
The only songs I can think of right now are Space Oddity and Rocketman, both of which are awesome songs but also completely depressing. I'm looking for songs that are more uplifting and inspirational.
Please help.
A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down?
I'm undergoing a colonoscopy soon, and from what I understand, the worst part of the whole procedure is one of the prep liquids you have to guzzle the day and evening before the test. Seriously, those I know who've taken the prep say that toward the end, they struggle (and fail) to keep it down. [more inside]
How can I convince someone to see a doctor for a closed head injury?
A friend of a colleague had an accident a while back, and lately has been going off the rails in terms of behavior. It is a real departure. How can I talk to them about seeing a doc without being a threatening controlling jerk? [more inside]
posted by mr_felix_t_cat at 5:39 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mr_felix_t_cat at 5:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Where can I donate handmade quilts in Maryland/USA/internationally?
My mother retired and has been making quilts at an amazing pace. She can make all sizes. She also knits and crochets blankets. She has plenty of fabric/yarn, but nobody to give her quilts to. Does anybody know a specific group, WITH CONTACT INFORMATION, that she can donate them to in Maryland, the USA, or internationally?
How Do I Upload a File from (iPad) Onlive Plus Back to Dropbox?
I recently started using Onlive Plus and like it a lot. But I'm stuck on one thing. Once I have downloaded and edited a Dropbox file in Onlive, how do I get the file back to Dropbox?
The Onlive FAQ says, "After you edit a file, save it and upload it to Dropbox," but I can't figure out how to accomplish the upload from within Onlive. And my google-fu is failing me.
Thanks in advance.
How Do I Learn to Stop Worrying and Love Art School?
Due to a mix of laziness, depression, social anxiety and loneliness, I'm not doing too great in school. I really need to get it together, and I just don't know how to do it. I feel tapped out at the end of the day and I'm tired of it. I like art, but going to school for it just isn't very fulfilling. I'm thinking I just need to get through it and I'll be okay, but how do I develop the work ethic that my classmates have? [more inside]
posted by malapropist at 4:18 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by malapropist at 4:18 PM PST - 23 comments
PHP Soap Multiple Concurrent Requests
I need to send multiple concurrent soap requests to the same source, but concurrent requests aren't supported in PHP's SOAP implementation. [more inside]
Playing Hookey, the Classy Way
I am an hourly part time worker with no formal vacation time or sick leave, though I am theoretically entitled to unpaid leave whenever I'd ask, however due to a hiring freeze neither I nor more senior full time workers have had access to legitimate vacation time for some time. What is the classiest way to play hookey to see my partner 6+ hours away? [more inside]
Please approximate temperature range for bodily destruction by heat/cold
What are the fatal ambient temperatures, cold & hot, for the human body? (total destruction, not just death) [more inside]
posted by herbplarfegan at 3:41 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by herbplarfegan at 3:41 PM PST - 20 comments
Easter Weekend, starting in London, going where?
Due to a last-minute work trip and a big difference in plane ticket prices, I have from Thursday evening through to a 2 PM Heathrow departure Monday free to go exploring. Where should I go and what should I do? [more inside]
What is the best way to bow a guitar?
I want to play bowed electric guitar on some recordings. How best to optimize the sound and technique? Best type and size of bow? Best strings? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 3:23 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by critzer at 3:23 PM PST - 5 comments
Grinding along the Research Assistant career path
I'm a baby Australian scientist trying to earn experience and cash prior to embarking on a PhD, but landing a relevant job is turning out to be a bit of an ordeal. [more inside]
What are some unexpected/atypical reasons to have kids?
One of my friends wants to have lots of kids because she loves the idea of having many miniature versions of her husband in the house. Now, I've heard of people wanting to have kids so they can have miniature versions of themselves around the house, but wanting a miniature version of your partner was a new one to me. Are there any other surprising/non-cliched reasons to have kids? [more inside]
posted by dede at 3:08 PM PST - 72 comments
posted by dede at 3:08 PM PST - 72 comments
Plant Filter: Name That Flower
What is the name of these blue flowers? [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 3:08 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Michele in California at 3:08 PM PST - 12 comments
Can you get a virus just by opening an email?
Using Gmail, I opened a strange message and now I'm worried it may have done something to my computer. Does this make sense? [more inside]
posted by Kevin Street at 2:53 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Kevin Street at 2:53 PM PST - 9 comments
Landlord from hell saga continues...
Building off of the landlord theme from today...I posted about this 5 0r so months ago. We assembled our paperwork, took advantage of some pro bono consultations, and then filed in small claims. But they were unable to serve her and last week I discovered that she's libeled us on the website www.terriblerenters.com. We're seeking an experienced counsel, but in the meantime need help thinking this through. [more inside]
posted by SpicyMustard at 2:08 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by SpicyMustard at 2:08 PM PST - 4 comments
Heartbroken friend being bad friend
Hi, I have a friend who is incredibly heartbroken. His girlfriend and he broke up after a very long relationship, and I don't think it was a clean breakup, but he has not told me what happened exactly (I suspect she was cheating on him). Let us call him George to make this flow more easily. [more inside]
posted by kbennett289 at 1:49 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by kbennett289 at 1:49 PM PST - 19 comments
How can I most peacefully exit an abusive housing situation?
I called for a house meeting to address a housemates abusive behavior towards me but have determined that the best option for me is to simply remove myself from the situation and move out. Do I call off the meeting or do I still have it and then tell the house later that I want to move out or something else? [more inside]
posted by defmute at 1:14 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by defmute at 1:14 PM PST - 24 comments
What programming language should I learn in order to freelance?
This Fall I will be starting a PhD in the social sciences. Because of my research interests/subfield, I will have to know the ins and outs of statistical software like R, Stata, and SAS. Can this knowledge enable me to freelance for some supplemental income or should I being learning another programming language? [more inside]
Landlord taking unreasonable amount from security deposit
I'm moving out of an apartment in NYC at the end of the month. Our landlord is charging us to repaint the entire apartment. I'm pretty sure this is BS. Help? [more inside]
JW Player video download advice?
I need to download video from a jwplayer site. Looks like all the suggestions online require you to be a novice coder. I'm not. I just want this one video downloaded and all the normal Chrome or Firefox extensions don't work. Not even RealPlayer. Anyone care to advise. Here's the site. http://bit.ly/11blqJI
Windows here if it makes a difference. Though I can access a Mac if need be.
Trying to "lean in." Failing miserably.
Please help with a complicated work situation.
Some context: Mid-twenties, female, graduated from a top-ranked university in liberal arts (I know, I know, but it worked out in the end. Sort of.) I work in sort of a niche, new media-y entertainment field, for which I am extremely grateful. I love this industry and I love the company I work for. And yet, snowflakes abound… [more inside]
Life Gone Wild
Recently, my life went bonkers and now I'm "starting over." [more inside]
posted by Katine at 11:35 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Katine at 11:35 AM PST - 12 comments
Regional pronunciation of the word "realtor" with added vowel
A coworker asserts that there is a regional prevalence to the pronunciation of the word "realtor" by adding a vowel between the l and the t, and I want to know more about that pronunciation. [more inside]
posted by tarheelcoxn at 11:25 AM PST - 51 comments
posted by tarheelcoxn at 11:25 AM PST - 51 comments
Cost-effective strategies for moving from Hawaii to LA
I'm trying to plan our move from Oahu back to Los Angeles. We have too much for airline baggage, but too little for a shipping container. We're selling all the furniture and big items, and planning to buy used replacements when we arrive. We're paring down our belongings as much as we can bear, but it's still not going to fit in airline baggage. I'm talking medium-value, medium-sized things like baking pans, shoes, small kitchen appliances, and books. What's the cheapest way to ship all this little stuff? [more inside]
posted by lostburner at 11:12 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by lostburner at 11:12 AM PST - 10 comments
Non-gardening city dweller in search of cheap and easy access to basil.
I'd like to turn a piece of my apartment into a garden. Like, an herb garden. Probably. Help. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 11:12 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by phunniemee at 11:12 AM PST - 20 comments
Help me downsize this recipe!
I managed to acquire the recipe for a favorite baked food product from a local grocery store. However, the yield is 300 pounds. How do I convert the measurements to yield a more manageable 3 pounds? [more inside]
posted by E3 at 11:06 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by E3 at 11:06 AM PST - 15 comments
Looking for some new male + female sex positions!
Looking for some new male + female sex positions! [more inside]
posted by Sloop John B at 10:25 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Sloop John B at 10:25 AM PST - 12 comments
dealing with Ebay seller about problem
Bought Ebay lot of 5 books -- one was water-damaged. What recompense should I ask for? [more inside]
Why did The Walking Dead look like crap on my new 50 inch LED HDTV?
Finally replaced our old dinosaur television and the first thing we did was watch The Walking Dead. It looked unbelievably awful in a way I find hard to describe - maybe like watching The Littlest Hobo in the 90s. Can some settings be changed to fix this? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 10:02 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by kitcat at 10:02 AM PST - 28 comments
Can the grass truly be greener somewhere else?
I'll try to be as brief and succinct as I can. Please bear with me. [more inside]
posted by strelitzia at 9:55 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by strelitzia at 9:55 AM PST - 23 comments
Male Fertility Test
What is the chepest way to get a male fertility test in US?
Don't wanna pay for doctor too. Not cheap just tight right now.
Any labs I can go directly and get these done both count and analysis?
I called few and was told I need a doctor's note, sounds like a scheme for doctor to make money. Why can't I just get this done with the lab myself, it is not a surgery or procedure.
This is just asses alone, not involved in any relationship. Just wanna be sure if my boys can swim and get the job done!
I am growing. My husband is not. It is opening a distance between us.
My husband and I (a woman) have been together about 15 years now. I have become more self-reflective over time; I know myself better, I am less likely to react impulsively, etc. My husband seems stuck in the same place he was when he was 25 years old. I am feeling us growing apart and it is stressing me out; I want to understand why he doesn't seem to be growing any further, and whether there's anything I can or should do. [more inside]
Create keyboard shortcut to "highlight" selected text in Word 2011 (Mac)
I have successfully created a keyboard shortcut to insert a new comment using the Tools > Customize Keyboard menu in Word. (I assigned it to Cmd+7, which is unassigned.) I want to highlight selected text yellow using Cmd+9, which is also unassigned. The same process won't work, and I can't seem to record a macro to do this either. Any Word Wizards/Wizardesses able to help? Many huge thanks in advance.
How do I check my feminism as a writer?
Are there other simple-to-express checks like the Bechdel Test for measuring gender bias and feminism in fiction? I try hard to make sure I'm being a decent feminist as a writer -- I'm a guy, I tend to write with male protagonists but with a lot of female characters involved, and I worry about my blind spots. [more inside]
posted by scaryblackdeath at 9:16 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by scaryblackdeath at 9:16 AM PST - 18 comments
Estimating populations of ancient humans/proto-humans
I'm working on a musical project and am trying to deal with two big problems entirely outside my areas of expertise. How many species of genus Homo are there and how many of them have ever lived? [more inside]
stop me from putting her on a pedestal
I've realized that I put my ex-girlfriend on a pedestal. I didn't realize it because I thought it was best to think of someone before yourself, to think of their needs/wants first, to see the good in them, negotiate on the things that don't work but as i read more about this pedestal, I'm certain i do this and getting confused on where/how to draw lines. I'm not sure how to approach this issue in a healthy way. And now that she is on that pedestal...how do i get her off or avoid this with the next girl.
I'm looking for real strategies, interventions and hacks that i can practice. Specific examples are also very helpful (like he said this, I said that). Cds, books, videos that can change my perception also helpful. thanks.
Making Quickbooks and SquareUp play nice.
Is there an easy, straightforward way to import Square POS information into Quickbooks? [more inside]
Marrying a relative
Someone I know is dating his aunt's(dad's sister) grand daughter. Age difference 6 years.
And spoke to me about this, I mentioned I am not sure about the custom. They both have higher education, have good job and decent family people.
What would their relationship be second cousin once removed?
Is it socially/religiously accepatable if they end up in altar, have kids etc?
posted by globalbuddy at 8:14 AM PST - 46 comments
posted by globalbuddy at 8:14 AM PST - 46 comments
Recommended reading on religion and natural laws?
I am a scientifically-minded person who is trying to sort out my religious beliefs. I think it would be helpful to read some debates between deism, atheism, pantheism (Spinozism), and/or a scientifically-grounded theism. Can anyone recommend me books or essays that discuss these topics in ways that are engaging, well-thought-out, and thorough? [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 7:59 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by capricorn at 7:59 AM PST - 16 comments
The English Police Is Coming!! I Mean, Are Coming! Oh, Crap...
I've been living abroad for several years, and my proficiency in my native language seems to have taken a hit. Is this normal, and what should I do? [more inside]
How to get listed in RSS Feed Reader searchers?
I have two specialized blogs in very specific areas (palindromes, Taoism). They do not show up when I do keyword searches in RSS readers such as Feedly, while barely related blogs do (e.g. one by a woman named Hannah with palindrome in the title. How can I get my actually directly-on-topic blogs to appear? [more inside]
Did you find mistakes or problems with Turbotax?
Hi AskMefi. Did my taxes as I always do withTurbotax Deluxe. They came out higher than I expected. I'm considering getting a professional to see if I'm making errors but wanted to see if anyone has had a similar experience where they found that turbotax left them with unaccounted or unexpected payments. Any experiences like this?
Thanks.
posted by CaptainCaseous at 7:05 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by CaptainCaseous at 7:05 AM PST - 16 comments
I can't be Catholic any more.
Please give me advice on finding a new church. [more inside]
How to help a relative cope with past sexual assault?
My elderly mother in law recently confided in me that her now-deceased husband sexually assaulted her decades ago and it haunts her daily. [more inside]
Accountant needed for complicated residence situation.
Asking for a writer friend:
I need an accountant who is up to speed on writers'/artists' tax affairs, and in particular one who understands the intricacies of residence and/or obligation to file in more than one country.[more inside]
One Day in the Magic Kingdom
We have exactly one day to spend at Disneyworld at the end of next week. We'll be taking our 4.5 year old to the Magic Kingdom. How can we make our visit enjoyable and not rushed? [more inside]
posted by gaspode at 6:29 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by gaspode at 6:29 AM PST - 30 comments
No I don't want to install your app
I just got a new iOS device and web browsing is a bit different than browsing on my desktop. When I click on a link, I expect to be taken straight to a webpage, but instead I often get an advertisement to download an app for that websites' homepage. Example: Contra Costa times Is this just the way web browsing works in the mobile era? What are my options if I decide that I always don't want to install an app?
posted by cnanderson at 5:40 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by cnanderson at 5:40 AM PST - 11 comments
Backup an image of a boot drive to a RAID 1 & perform restoration?
I have a PCI-E SSD as my boot drive, and a win7-created RAID 1 on two 3TB drives. My boot drive has my user folder on it, but my documents, music, pictures, videos, etc folders shortcut to their respectable folders on the RAID. I would like this to be a full redundancy scheme and it is, but I've run into several nags and I would like to know how to fix them and prepare a fix-it plan before any of the drives fails. [more inside]
March 18
Help Me Keep My Borderline Husband From Alienating My Friends
My husband has many strong Borderline Personality Disorder traits. Many, many, many. We are separated. I believe he may have convinced some of our mutual friends to side with him and against me using blaming tactics, slick people skills, possibly some fake crying, and major cognitive distortions of reality. Pathologically motivated to avoid abandonment, he might say a great variety of untrue things in order to secure friendships for him and him alone. Please help me maintain and repair my friendships while being the kind and upstanding person I mean to be. [more inside]
an AskMe named Desire
I'd like to read about the extensive streetcar networks that serviced most US cities in the late 19th / early 20th century. Any recommendations? [more inside]
Diagnosing poor performing Windows laptop
My Windows 7 laptop frequently goes to 100% CPU usage and becomes unusable. I've discovered that if I put it to sleep and immediately wake it up, the CPU usage goes back down to a reasonable level (10% ish) and stays that way, but this problem recurs at least daily. How can I diagnose and fix the cause of this issue? [more inside]
posted by PercussivePaul at 10:15 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by PercussivePaul at 10:15 PM PST - 15 comments
Soundtracks for snoozing
I like taking naps, and find they're greatly improved by a certain style of ambient/drone music: long, repetitive, weird, and folky-chanty rather than overtly electronic. Examples within; further recommendations appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Kandarp Von Bontee at 9:56 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Kandarp Von Bontee at 9:56 PM PST - 22 comments
(Great) lyricists who are similar to Joni Mitchell?
Could anyone recommend me musicians-cum- poets/songwriters who are as talented as Joni Mitchell? [more inside]
Gothic fiction required
I'm sick in bed with a dose of the flu and I need stuff to read on my kindle. I'm in the mood for intelligent romantic fiction with a dose of thriller - bonus if it has supernatural or gothic elements. [more inside]
Litter box for disabled cats?
Diabetic cat has trouble with traditional litter boxes. What are some alternatives? [more inside]
Suggest Electronica Suggestive of Electronics
I like songs that evoke images of circuitry, complexity, and digital processes. What are some songs and artists that convey this feeling? [more inside]
Taking Suggestions for Library of Low Stakes Fiction
My taste for bleak fiction is making me miserable. Help me lighten it up. [more inside]
Movies or stories with sympathetic monsters/villains?
I'd like to compile a list of sympathetic monsters/villains, portrayed in any medium--film, fiction, art, music, myth. [more inside]
posted by ifjuly at 7:20 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by ifjuly at 7:20 PM PST - 44 comments
I'm only 27. How can I keep my hair from thinning out?
I'm a 27 year old male. I've noticed my hair has been thinning out and receding my hairline over the last year. Is there anything I can do to keep it sticking around for a while longer? I didn't expect to be witnessing this before I'm 30.
Can a doctor help?
Help me be better with money
I am freaking out right now because I just got two letters from collections agencies. I should have paid the bills. I know that. I just … didn’t. And I know I’m terrible with money and want to change that, but when I think about money and the giant hole of student debt that I’m in I feel like, what’s the fucking point, and I become overwhelmed with hopelessness and I shut down. [more inside]
Engaging with a wife that doesn't seem to have a sex drive?
Resources, books, tips, anecdotes for a man dealing with a wife that doesn't seem to have an inherent sex drive? [more inside]
Photo-a-Day website to a book?
I am thinking of doing a photo-a-day project that I'd ultimately like to turn into a book. I know there are a few photo-a-day websites and apps but I haven't found one that lets you easily export your daily photos into a book to have printed. Does such a thing exist?
posted by lubujackson at 6:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lubujackson at 6:02 PM PST - 4 comments
what are these unbuilt areas around LAX?
I was flying into LAX and I noticed there are a few areas around LAX which seem to have been planned to be city blocks, but then were not built on (or the buildings were torn down). Does anyone here know the story?
Here are some locations in Google Maps:
http://goo.gl/maps/di2GP
http://goo.gl/maps/6zMfc
Help me find a laptop that will play the games I've been missing out on
I'm in the market for a new computer, and I'd like to find one that can handle some of the RTS and city building games I've missed out on in the past 5 or so years. I'm on a budget and I don't really understand computer hardware requirements. Can you help? [more inside]
Can opiate addicts drink occasionally?
I have been sober for almost two years from Short acting opiates. I quit my habit before it got out of control. I was using opiates about 5 out of the 6 days a week and it was getting worse. I would do about 60 mgs of oxy each time. I dont want to drink right now, but maybe a couple of years down the road I would like to have a drink. I never had a problem drinking at all. I know I am getting ahead of myself here, but I am just curious if it has been done? I went out with my friends this weekend and they were all drinking. I felt kind of left out. It was really not a big deal but I am still pretty curious.
Giving myself to a chainsaw
As a homeowning citizen of the Northwest, I find myself with a hankering to buy a chainsaw. [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 5:30 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by ottereroticist at 5:30 PM PST - 17 comments
Sci-Fi Noir?
I recently read Berlin Noir, The City and The City and Chasm City, and was looking for recommendations for sci-fi detective fiction, or detective fiction that reads like sci-fi. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:16 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:16 PM PST - 37 comments
Best luxury hotels in Fort Worth, Texas?
Best luxury hotels in Fort Worth, Texas? The title says it all - I'm looking for someplace amazing to stay for one or two nights in Fort Worth, TX. My gentleman is looking forward to a concert that's happening there and I'd like to surprise him with a killer package at a luxury hotel the weekend of the show. Bonus points if the hotel is funky and non-chain (a la Hotel San Jose or Hotel Saint Cecilia in Austin), although I'd do a chain if it was absolutely top-notch. [more inside]
Car camping in the US
Help me compile a togo list. I'm open to everywhere, everything. What is your favorite lesser-known US National Park or State Park for car camping? And the best time of year to visit?
posted by 1066 at 5:07 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by 1066 at 5:07 PM PST - 16 comments
Did Christo plan to dye the fog?
I "remember" a proposed project by Christo and Jeanne-Claude to dye the fog that comes through the Golden Gate between San Francisco and Marin County. I don't think it ever came to fruition, but I do think it was proposed. Am I making that up? [more inside]
posted by trip and a half at 4:58 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by trip and a half at 4:58 PM PST - 6 comments
Besides the NCAA, where else is it March Madness?
There's the NCAA basketball tournament, of course. And The Morning News' Tournament of Books, and Jezebel's 80s-vs-90s thing. But who else is doing some kind of bracket/tournament thingy this month?
posted by box at 4:51 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by box at 4:51 PM PST - 13 comments
Need a bit of help phrasing an email.
I'm a student who's been hunting around for internships lately and someone close to me (who works in an industry with some overlap to my area of study) has very kindly helped me out by asking around in his network of contacts. Almost universally the response he/we have gotten have been along the lines of "hmm yeah, we don't have any specific openings right now but send us your resume and we'll take a look at it!". I'm having trouble figuring out exactly what sort of email I should send. [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 4:48 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by btfreek at 4:48 PM PST - 6 comments
David Letterman's tortoise shell frames
Helllp - wtf are these frames? I can't find them anywhere. Any help is appreciated. There are a few similar styles but I can't find the exact make/model.
Daydreaming about nabbing a Roku 3, but have a few Q's.
I think a Roku 3 is what I want: A little box that'll sit next to my TV and feed me media. But I also have a few special needs... [more inside]
How can I efficiently harvest Google's entire cache of my website?
I stupidly let a web hosting account expire without backing up and transferring my site to my new server. I'm talking to the host to try to get access to my data (fingers crossed), but in case that does not work out: Is there a way to efficiently harvest Google's entire cache of a specific domain? Something else I should consider? I would like to act fast on this, and I don't have any programming/tech-fu skills.
Help me interpret my elimination(ish) diet results
I suspect my diet is causing me chronic health problems. How can I confirm this and fix it without health insurance? Semi-elimination diet results inside - please help me interpret my observations. [more inside]
Most of the sound didn't come from the speaker.
What emulators are there for the 80s 8-bit microcomputers, that simulate the incidental noises the machine makes — particularly, the sounds of the floppy drive? [more inside]
posted by reprise the theme song and roll the credits at 2:19 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by reprise the theme song and roll the credits at 2:19 PM PST - 5 comments
Please! A real-world application using custom objects in JavaScript.
Coding books give silly examples, like dogs with properties like "breed" and methods like "bark." Can you give me a practical example that includes properties and at least one method—an example that someone would actually use on a real website?
posted by markcmyers at 2:18 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by markcmyers at 2:18 PM PST - 5 comments
project management integrated with email
Why can't I simply *email* pdfs or a quick status update to a 'project timeline'? [more inside]
Will my credit score improve 2 years after my chapter 7 bankruptcy?
My wife and I declared bankruptcy 22 months ago. It was the only way, and we have no regrets whatsoever. We managed to keep our house and what little equity we had. We are looking to move to a different house, and are curious about our mortgage options. My credit score today was 681, which is just on the edge of where (so I read) you can get a conventional mortgage. In two months, when we get past the two year mark on our bankruptcy, will the score go up appreciably, or is it a gradual thing? [more inside]
Applying for a civil ceremony in the UK
We're getting married in a civil ceremony in London, UK this autumn and I have a couple of questions about dealing with the registrar. [more inside]
Fraudulent visa/debit card charges - let it go?
It took a while for us to notice the pattern so when we reported fraudulent use of our Visa/debit card the credit union told us it is too late to dispute the charges. We asked if we should file a police report and they said we can do whatever we want. They were reluctant to give us the forms to file a dispute since it is past the allowed time but my husband wants it on record. Should we just do what they recommend and get over it? [more inside]
"I want to do my schoolwork, mom. Oooh, look at the kitty!"
My gifted daughter is displaying all the classic signs of ADD/ADHD. She is does not have an IEP, but does have an incredibly supportive teacher/principal who want to help, but don't know how. What should I be asking them to do? What can I do at home to support her? (And if you have ADD/ADHD, did anything help you as a kid?) [more inside]
Is kintsukuroi an authentic Japanese concept? What are other cool words?
From Wikipedia, "Kintsukuroi is a Japanese technique of repairing broken ceramics with metal lacquer, usually gold or silver. The word in Japanese means to “to repair with gold”.The concept also includes the understanding that the piece is more beautiful for having been broken."
However, I've not been able to find much more on the word beyond Pinterest and blogs. What other words (from any language) are similar, in that they are not just a specific term but can also have a philosophical meaning applied to them?
how much should I charge to improve a LinkedIn profile?
Has anyone improved someones LinkedIn profile for a fee? I have a couple people who really like mine and would like to pay me to improve theirs. What might the going rate be for something like this? Assuming I write some pieces, tell them who to reach out to for recommendations, etc?
posted by IzzeYum at 12:57 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by IzzeYum at 12:57 PM PST - 3 comments
Visual (Dollars and Coins) Time and Money Tracking App
There used to be a time tracking app for Android or iPhone which tracked time visually by displaying amount spent/earned in the form of US dollars and coins on the screen. What app was that? [more inside]
How do files on Usenet “decay”?
Large binaries on Usenet are often distributed in pieces, with parity archives included to fix bitrot. Very old files often require substantial repairs, and sometimes can’t be salvaged. I’m curious about the actual mechanism by which this decay takes place: lossy copies? Encoding errors? Solar radiation? How many network hops and transfers do messages typically undergo from their pristine original state to too-far-gone? Why would a digital file “go bad”?
posted by migurski at 11:56 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by migurski at 11:56 AM PST - 14 comments
Carry-on baggage, worth the hassle?
I have always checked baggage when flying due to a large suitcase. And there is something so liberating about just dumping the bag during check-in, and then jaunting through the terminal sans baggage. Tomorrow, I am going for a short trip and could pack everything into a regulation-size wheeled suitcase and thus do carry on. Both planes (+ 1 connection), are full to capacity. Is it worth the hassle of trying to find overhead? Schlepping it through two airports? Compared to the potential of losing my bag for the duration of my trip, which recently happened? What do you do? Strategies?
Need a new leather armrest cover... But from where?
My 2005 Honda CRV's front seat armrest cover in black leather is coming apart at the seam... Where can I purchase a new one? [more inside]
Stupid SPSS question: proportions
I never use SPSS (I hate it like I hate nothing else, except perhaps Excel) but I must use SPSS for this problem. Normally I'd just use R and be done with it, but SPSS is necessary for this problem. How can I get a simple error bar plot from two proportions? [more inside]
Question regarding children with depression
Looking for ideas, suggestions and any anecdata on how you've helped a child with depression. Also looking for ideas on how to help a child that is extremely obstinate and refuses to go to school. [more inside]
Help with Korean War book/Website
Watched a TV show yesterday about the Korean war. After watching my interest in the Korean war raised, I realised how little I actually knew. I'm keen to find further details about this conflict. Can anyone recommend any books about the conflict??, or any websites that are notable (I've read the Wiki page, but want to know more)
Another question about housing in the Bay area (with a twist).
I accepted a job in Santa Clara and need to move to the Bay Area in two weeks (my company will put me in a hotel for two more if needed). My fiance is staying behind until she finds a job in the area (but no later than 7 months). Please help me focus my thinking on how to handle my living situation during that period. [more inside]
Need help finding story.
Need help tracking down a short story I read in the New Yorker a few years ago. [more inside]
posted by derivation at 10:46 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by derivation at 10:46 AM PST - 7 comments
Problems with latest version of GameMaker
I'm working on a project where I need to become familiar with the basics of Game Maker. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to work on my system. Every time I try to run a game to test it, it goes through a compile process, flashes a window on screen which quickly disappears, and nothing actually runs. I've tried the official forums and the support form on the site, and neither one has been much help. I think it might be a problem with permissions, but even allowing the program to run as admin hasn't worked. Log files and system specs below the jump. [more inside]
Does this pronunciation have a linguistic name? Is it an accent thing?
Actor Clark Gregg (our beloved Agent Coulson) has a voice that I really enjoy. One feature I like a lot is the way he says R sounds, especially in the middle or ends of words. For an example, at around 0:35 in the trailer for Much Ado About Nothing (http://www.muchadothemovie.com/), it is especially apparent in the way he says "merry war" and "skirmish." (Also notable in the interrogation scene in "Thor" when he says "That's hurtful.") It's not a burred or rolled or flipped R, it's just sort of... liquid-sounding? I think it sounds really neat. In the past, I have noticed this in other actors and I always really like the way it sounds.
My question: is this a feature of a certain kind of regional accent? Is there an official/proper term for the sound I mean? Or is it just an individual thing that certain people have that isn't tied to anything in particular? Linguists of MeFi, help me out!
Recommendations for a simple Web contact form?
Someone with a simple .HTML/.PHP page and no content management system needs me to put up a "Contact Us" form. In the old days there were a lot of PHP scripts to do this, but I can't tell if any of them are still reliable and secure.
Are there any recommendations for one? I'm familiar with all the great ones for Wordpress (Gravity Forms, Contact Form 7) but unfortunately can't use those because this site has no database. [more inside]
posted by steinsaltz at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by steinsaltz at 9:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Best Calendar EVAR!
I need a calendar that allows me to filter events by categories - additional requirements after the jump. [more inside]
Not just get things done, but find out what I did...
In short: I need to track a couple of hundred tasks over 10-15 projects (in any of 7 areas) on the go at any one time. In a month, when I am asked, I currently have only a vague notion which project took up the most time.
Currently using Things for Mac and iphone, but am open to moving if it is for a better solution (i integrated time tracking with no loss of functionality). Am ok with paying for it. [more inside]
Fierce tattoo recommendations
I would love recommendations for the fiercest of fierce tattoos. I'm tossing a few ideas around in my head, and asking other people for tattoo recommendations is usually a bad idea for obvious reasons, but I'm going through some major major life transitions right now, and I want a tattoo to remind me what a badass I am while I deal with it all. [more inside]
What to do in Geneva this weekend or next?
My fiancee and I will be in Geneva this weekend and next, and will have time each Saturday to do stuff. So what should we do? We've been to the city before but never really did much beyond attending conferences and eating right around the train station area. We are interested in historical/cultural activities or just walking around and looking at things. We also welcome restaurant suggestions.
posted by benbenson at 9:31 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by benbenson at 9:31 AM PST - 10 comments
An embarrassment of hood ornaments
I've come into possession of a large box of hood ornaments from late 40's- early 50's American cars. What cool/fun/funny thing can I do with them? [more inside]
Help with cover letter
Please help me with phrasing in a cover letter. [more inside]
How much does it cost to build the 4 page website of my dreams?
I want to have a website to sell the neat stuff I make. In my mind I can see exactly what I want it to look like after having spent an absurd amount of time looking at other websites. [more inside]
posted by gravitypanda at 9:13 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by gravitypanda at 9:13 AM PST - 17 comments
Is it normal for OTC eyedrops to be yellow?
I just purchased some eye drops (Superdrug Irritated Eye Drops) and before putting any in my eyes noticed that the liquid is tinted a very faint yellowish color. Is this normal? [more inside]
posted by Polychrome at 9:06 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Polychrome at 9:06 AM PST - 6 comments
Welcome to Corporate Hell, have a nice stay!
Looking for lifehacks to help me thrive in a stressful high-pressure job working 50+ hours a week long-term. I am special, find out why.. [more inside]
posted by f3l1x at 8:56 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by f3l1x at 8:56 AM PST - 21 comments
Things to do at home when incapacitated.
I need recommendations for activities for someone with medical conditions that preclude reading, writing, watching much video, or walking for any significant amount of time. [more inside]
Resume help!
I've had the same job for the past 6 years. In that time, my job title has changed 3 times, my department has been involved in four major reorgs and been moved all over the company, my department name has changed 5 times, and I've reported to 4 different people. Throughout all that, the actual job I've been doing has remained the same. How do I indicate that on a resume for an internal position in another department?
Scrum: How to split a large user story
As part of the backlog items for a website, our team has been asked produce a web movie with an outside agency. The user story behind it it is huge - how can we split it? [more inside]
I would like to be minus a sinus condition
Sinus sufferers of MeFi, what in your experience is the most effective over-the-counter sinus medication? I do not have some extreme sinus condition, but I am very tired of feeling stuffy all the time and blowing my nose ten to fifteen times a day. The meds must be available in Canada.
How do I let a four year old know when she needs to listen?
I let my four-year-old niece get the best of me in a lot of our play. How can I teach her when she needs to listen? [more inside]
posted by Clambone at 7:12 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Clambone at 7:12 AM PST - 13 comments
Health (and maybe legal) concerns living with rotten smell?
A little over a week ago, right before everyone left for Spring Break, the fridge in my girlfriend's dorm apartment died and got quickly replaced the same day. Everyone just came back yesterday to the smell of rotten food (lots of meat, especially) because the new fridge had broken shortly after the new one was installed. ResLife replaced the fridge again, but everyone's everything reeks of the smell it was drenched in for the week.
(more inside) [more inside]
posted by Angulimala at 7:02 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Angulimala at 7:02 AM PST - 14 comments
How does your garden grow?
For the past two summers we've tried porch/container gardening without much success. I think our total take last summer was four tiny carrots and about a half-dozen beans, along with some chives/green onions that stayed alive most of the summer. This summer I'd like to do better with the very limited space and time I have. Please share your favorite tips and links for growing veggies in pots inside. [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 6:59 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by anastasiav at 6:59 AM PST - 16 comments
How do I search for difficult to find things?
My questions is this: Is there a method for searching for the difficult to find? [more inside]
Making a Will
Hey, I'm 35 and want to make a will for peace of mind. Nothing much, just want to state how I'd like to be cared for and declare and executor.
I've read that in NYC you don't even have to have a will notarized. I've also seen a few sites where you pay to make a will online like this one:
http://www.nolo.com/products/online-will-NNWILL.html
Any tips on getting started? I don't have or know a lawyer. Should I just fork over the $40 and make a will online?
Are there really brain eating amoebas in my neti pot?
I've read about amoebas that enter your brain through your sinuses and possibly killed two women in Louisiana in 2011. I live in a major metropolitan area (NYC) and my hot water comes to me through the same system that heats our big pre-war apartment building. The hot water pipes are actually too hot to touch. [more inside]
posted by amandabee at 5:58 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by amandabee at 5:58 AM PST - 34 comments
my friend's son has asperger's and his behaviour is worrying her.
Asking for a dear Australian friend, "Ariane" who feels she has nowhere else to turn. Any and all advice gratefully received.
"My son Henry is 19 years old and has Aspergers. He has a little brother George who is 12 and a sister Lily who is 2 1/2. We all live at home with my partner (who is the biological father of Lily). [more inside]
Can you help us identify this obscure record?
We're trying to re-discover an album, but only have a vague description of the the album cover. Does anyone recognize this?
"it was mostly instrumental music, band had an abstract name. The cover art was a faded pink and grey background with a stag disipatiung into flowers or butterflies ...I'm guess it is not a popular band"
How to stop biting the same swollen wound on the inside my mouth?
How can I stop biting the same freaking spot on the inside of my mouth? I'm tired of seasoning my meals with blood and pain. [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 4:39 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Tarumba at 4:39 AM PST - 17 comments
Who is this photographer/sociologist?!?
About 3 years ago at the Strand bookstore, I encountered a photography book that seemed to be a retrospective of the works of one photographer whose name I wish I had written down. It was a huge hardcover book. Don't remember what the cover looked like. But I DO remember some of the photographs in it, and was hoping somebody here might be able to recognize the photographer from my descriptions. [more inside]
posted by Sa Dec at 3:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Sa Dec at 3:22 AM PST - 4 comments
What are your most badass web-based reference resources?
What are the best obsessively cataloged reference websites from your field? I mean the kinds of places you can go to when things are being reported on in a confusing way, or just seems off and worth checking, where you can cut through the bullshit and easily find either original source material or otherwise solid answers to technical questions. [more inside]
posted by Blasdelb at 3:16 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Blasdelb at 3:16 AM PST - 13 comments
Karaoke-like software to speak Norwegian like a native
Is there any software out there which can give me feedback on rhythm, timing and flow for language learning? Karaoke for Norwegian speech patterns? [more inside]
Should I upgrade to Mountain Lion from Lion in March 2013?
I have a late 2008 MBP, 8GB RAM, with an SSD, running Lion without problems. Should I upgrade to Mountain Lion right now? Have the battery life and other issues been resolved? I'd like to upgrade because I've finally encountered a program that requires Mountain Lion and I'd like to use it. [more inside]
March 17
Feeling rejected and awful
I had few men reject me lately and it has really done a number on my self-esteem. I don't really know how it works for other people, but I can never seem to get even close to who I want. [more inside]
Legal / Possible to rent empty commercial space in NYC for 1-2 nights?
Does anyone know the legalities / possibilities of renting out empty storefronts / loft spaces / warehouses for only 1 or 2 nights in NYC? I want to rent the space, bring some simple food and drinks, throw a party, and sell some art.
Is this legal or even possible? [more inside]
I don't mean Switched On Bach, either.
I'm looking for examples of polyphonic pop and folk music. [more inside]
What indie comic festivals should I attend?
A question for the alternative comic book artists out there who sell their books at small press festivals across the country. What are the must-attend festivals I should try to register for and how hard is it to get in? [more inside]
posted by emiljaeo at 8:48 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by emiljaeo at 8:48 PM PST - 11 comments
Beauty recommendations in the Twin Cities
Looking to clean up my look in the Twin Cities. Will you fellow MSPers give recommendations for your favorite beauty spots? South Minneapolis is closest, but I'll take anywhere. [more inside]
Distressing Dramas
Would you happen to know of any movies or series with tension as continuous and agonizing as the third season of *Moral Orel*, the movies of John Cassavetes, *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?*, *Scenes from a Marriage*, and the Japanese series *I am Mita, Your Housekeeper*?
Is there a way to make my iPhone screen redder at night?
A friend introduced me to f.lux for Mac, and I'm hoping to find a way to adjust the color of my iPhone screen to be more in line with my circadian rhythms. [more inside]
posted by ladypants at 8:19 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by ladypants at 8:19 PM PST - 2 comments
Might lose my girlfriend over sexual problems
I'll try to keep this as short and as informative as I can. I posted on here a little while ago about some sexual problems I've been having, mainly being about struggling to get and/or maintain an erection. Unfortunately instead of getting better things have only gotten worse. [more inside]
Emailed Excerpts--How Do They Work?
Every weekday I get an email from Delancey Place with an interesting excerpt from a book. Can you help me figure out how they avoid copyright infringement? [more inside]
posted by Colonel_Chappy at 7:48 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Colonel_Chappy at 7:48 PM PST - 5 comments
Help Assuage My Fear of Las Vegas
I have never been to Las Vegas but will be going for the first time this summer as a bridesmaid for my friend's bachelorette party. I am not a Vegas person: I don't drink or club, I don't like being around lots of people all the time, my budget is extremely tight, and crashing at the yucky hotel we're staying at sets off all my buttons in every way. Am I going to be able to realistically make this happen, or do I need to figure out a way to bail now? [more inside]
Help me respond constructively to my brother!
My older brother (in his 50s) posted something on FB regarding the Steubenville rape case, which was: [more inside]
posted by HopperFan at 6:39 PM PST - 53 comments
posted by HopperFan at 6:39 PM PST - 53 comments
Dealing with my girlfriend
I'll try to make this short. I am at my breaking point. My girlfriend of a year and a half or so is definitely bipolar, I would say without a doubt that it could be severe. I wasn't sure for some time, but now I am certain, after simply looking at the symptoms I can tell she has some sort of bipolar disorder -- even down to being falsely diagnosed with depression I think (maybe she was depressed too, but this is besides the point). [more inside]
Turning Mid 20.. Birthday Road Trip Suggestions needed
Iam turning Mid 20's and for the event SO is coming over. The collective decision is that we should travel somewhere/roadtrip to celebrate. Question is where.. hive mind help me decide.
Philadelphia area and destinations within 6 hours drive Timeline April 12th-15th.
posted by radsqd at 5:55 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by radsqd at 5:55 PM PST - 6 comments
The quest to Cat Lady-dom
I don't think I want kids and that scares me. [more inside]
Backup to CrossLoop for international remote access to my computer
I have a personal desktop that I want to access from my laptop while I am traveling abroad for the next 4 months (international, not the fastest connections). CrossLoop seems to work but what else should I use that is more robust? [more inside]
Poison Ivy
So I picked up some poison ivy camping the last week and didn't notice it for a couple of days. Pretty sure it was on one of my sweatshirts and gloves. It has only sprouted up on my wrist, which popped up on Tuesday. Do you think my sleeping bag is contaminated? If so what would be the best step for cleaning it? Dry cleaning?
What about other clothing, best way to clean it?
There are a lot of things on the net but I'd like to hear about real people's experience dealing with it.
posted by Astalon at 5:24 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Astalon at 5:24 PM PST - 8 comments
Think Thank Thought Leader
'Think tank' and 'thought leader' not 'thought tank' and 'think leader'. Can you help me construct a good argument for why we have settled on the first two and not the second? [more inside]
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 5:14 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 5:14 PM PST - 7 comments
Touché
I think I don't understand the meaning, in English, of "touché." [more inside]
posted by Snarl Furillo at 4:38 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by Snarl Furillo at 4:38 PM PST - 32 comments
Restoring antique cabinet drawers: Ideas and Sources, please?
I've come into possession of an antique oak filing cabinet, and need help figuring out how to make the interior of the drawers functional. Restoration advice needed, please. [more inside]
Drug holidays from ADHD meds?
Do you take weekends off or longer "holidays" from your ADHD meds? Why or why not? [more inside]
Trope like Opie?
Has the word "trope" ever been pronounced to rhyme with "Opie"? [more inside]
Gift ideas for people going on a sailing trip
My parents are taking off in a couple of months to go sailing for a year. I'd love to get or make or do something for a farewell present, but I have no idea what. Help! [more inside]
Multilingual security help!
Please help me translate the phrase, "Something that you bought at another store has not been cleared. I can fix that for you. Thank you." [more inside]
posted by wintersonata9 at 2:56 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by wintersonata9 at 2:56 PM PST - 8 comments
Non-Compete Jurisdiction Question
My company wants me to sign a non-compete contact but the document does not specific what state's laws the contract will fall under. I live in MD. The company is based in DC and is registered in DE. What state laws apply?
ID these Rubix's cubes (and other puzzles)?
Is there any place on the internet where I can buy Rubix's cube variants and similar, non-cube puzzles? In particular, I'm looking for the silver architectural-looking cube at bottom center, the grabby-hands cube in the top-right corner, and the flat twisty picture-puzzle (two different pictures are possible and the plastic pieces are wired together in a certain way) on the right side of this photo.
posted by serelliya at 1:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by serelliya at 1:20 PM PST - 7 comments
People who aren't discriminated against anymore?
It always seems that ending racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination ends up being a whackamole sort of game: get rid of slavery, and people will still try to be racist, they'll make Jim Crow laws and institute poll tests and all that stuff. Are there any example of groups of people where this didn't happen, where the discrimination against them basically went away without any, or with only insignificant consequences?
posted by curuinor at 12:37 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by curuinor at 12:37 PM PST - 28 comments
What is the name of this phenomenon?
My mother is a very nice person who is selectively incredibly mean. Occasionally, she will say things that just boggle my mind. Other than these extremely narrow streaks of cruelty, she is an extremely moral, extremely kind person. What is the name for this quality? [more inside]
Warm Scents (not parfum de ta mère)
I'm looking for a good electric oil warmer that works and doesn't look like a child's craft project. [more inside]
Advice on a car purchase
Thinking of buying a 2013 Ford Focus Automatic. Big Manufacturer incentives right now.
My one concern: lots of reports on car forums about transmission "shudder" that Ford appears to have blamed on programming alone for the last 2 years, but many owners say the reprogramming didn't solve things.
I cant tell for sure that the most recent cars coming off the line are affected. Seems hard to get reliable information.
Thoughts?
posted by dougiedd at 12:08 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by dougiedd at 12:08 PM PST - 9 comments
Tuxedo: vintage or new?
I'm coming to the realization that I need to either buy a new tux or a vintage tux for my wedding. Tell me of your experiences with vintage tuxes please? Tell me of your experiences with cool vintage store in New York City please? Or some other place in the area to buy a tux that isn't a chain or a department store? [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:03 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:03 PM PST - 10 comments
meta-footnote-filter
How do I create nested footnotes in iWork Pages 08, or Microsoft Word 08? [more inside]
What is this syringe-like thing?
What is this syringe-like thing? [more inside]
posted by DrumsIntheDeep at 11:54 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by DrumsIntheDeep at 11:54 AM PST - 13 comments
Fitness with a twist
I am moving to Boston in the near future and I am looking to find some form of interesting/unusual athletic activity. [more inside]
Recently diagnosed with WDCDS and not sure how to move forward
Through various relationships I've come to realize I do in fact have WDCDS-formally known as White Dude Can't Dance Syndrome. [more inside]
posted by Stan Grossman at 11:23 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Stan Grossman at 11:23 AM PST - 10 comments
Where can I buy the Practical Nomad eBook?
I'm looking to purchase The Practical Nomad as an e-book for my Kindle. It seems like it was previously available, but all the Amazon links are dead and I can't find any other e-book store where it can be purchased. I have a physical copy of the book already, but would like an e-book to travel with.
Is there a shared expenses app that works across phones?
There are lots of shared expenses apps out there, but I've had a hard time finding one that lets multiple people enter their expenses into the same group group. This is what I mean: several roommates share group expenses. On their respective phones, they have an app that lets them punch in any expense they've incurred. It goes to the same group, and then you can calculate who owes whom. This seems simple, but I'm having trouble finding this feature!
posted by jtajta at 10:33 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by jtajta at 10:33 AM PST - 5 comments
Are there any actual health benefits to drinking kombucha?
I have been brewing and drinking my own kombucha for years. I like the taste, I like the bubbles, and it's a fun and relatively low-maintenance hobby in the realm of brewing things (way less involved than beer, for instance). What I'm wondering is if there is any actual known proven non-woo benefit of drinking the stuff. There's so much crap online it's difficult to sort through. [more inside]
posted by fiercecupcake at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by fiercecupcake at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments
What is the best way to track and share walking routes on an iPhone?
For a personal project, I'd like to be able to track my route as I'm walking using my iPhone and then share that route in some form that can be embedded in a blog post. [more inside]
What can I do on Lamma Island (Hong Kong)?
Might spend a few days on Lamma Island in the upcoming weeks. Is there anything interesting I should do or see there? [more inside]
posted by aielen at 9:46 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by aielen at 9:46 AM PST - 2 comments
What are these things on my palm tree?
My palm tree has barnacles. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by devnull at 9:36 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by devnull at 9:36 AM PST - 3 comments
Should I ask for the rabies immunoglobulin?
Please convince me I'm not going to end up like Tea Cake!! [more inside]
A website to extract prominent colours in images/webpages?
I seem to recall at one point finding a website where you could type in the URL of a webpage or image and it would give you the prominent colours, with hex codes, etc. Does this actually exist or was I dreaming?
posted by kansakwens at 8:40 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by kansakwens at 8:40 AM PST - 2 comments
Can't Live Like This Forever
It's been four + years now, but I continue to experience a lot of social anxiety & PTSD related symptoms. How do I come to terms with the idea that I can't escape my past and the people from my past? [more inside]
Please help me make out what Helen Mirren is saying.
I'm translating David Mamet's new movie about Phil Spector. My dialog list is substandard, so I basically have to guess what they're saying. In this audio clip, Helen Mirren and Jeffrey Tambor are discussing the evidence against Spector and cite precedents that sound like "Caitlin" and... something. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
posted by Silky Slim at 5:10 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Silky Slim at 5:10 AM PST - 20 comments
Help me become more happier and optimistic
I've become an unhappy Grumpy person. I would love some suggestions on positive music and notebooks, calendars which have inspiration positive quotes ? I just need some motivation in times of stress. Some blogs on positive thinking would also be useful.
Thanks to all!
What do anatomic pathologists wear to work in Omaha and Tampa?
I'm visiting pathology labs for work, and want to be respectful of the workplace attire. I've seen a couple of labs in California, where jeans are practically the dress code in every industry. Traveling to Omaha this week and Tampa next week. What to wear? [more inside]
March 16
Biff’s green tracksuit.
I'm looking for Biff Tannen’s green Adidas tracksuit. [more inside]
Planning to have a baby before getting married?
So, I'm trying to get some opinions here:
My fiance and I have been engaged for 4 months and are in our mid-20s. We are both in school (undergrad for him, grad for me), but due to my income, we wanted to wait one more year, so that it would be financially better for us (e.g., paying tuition, etc). We are both interested in having children, however, something has come up for me health-wise (ulcerative colitis) that would make it less safe (because of medications) to have a baby later on, compared with now. Here are my questions for you:
1) Would you have a baby before marriage? What would be the reasons?
2) Has anyone actively planned this before? How did it work out?
I know some would say suck it up and push up the wedding, but it would save us a good 20K or so.
A book with a supporting character who hears NASA voices in his head?
I'm trying to remember a book I read a long time ago in which a bitter supporting character complained about the fact that he was an ex-astronaut and he had a chip in his head and every moment of every day he received encouraging commentary from NASA engineers about whatever he happens to be doing. From memory the character might be homeless, or unemployed etc, and as the story progresses I think you just assume he's a little mad and the voices are imaginary. [more inside]
Perfect Model Mix
I want to make a mix CD for my niece who is an aspiring model. What should be on it? [more inside]
Summer is coming.
I hate the summer. I know it is March, but summer is coming and I am already fretting. [more inside]
Goodbye, NYC!
I have an HTC Droid DNA (aka HTC Butterfly, running Android 4.1) and it came with a lot of useful apps. In particular the World Clock and the Accuweather apps are very useful. I have figured out how to add cities to the drop-down menu for those apps, but I can't figure out how to delete them. They both came initially set to NYC, and sorry but I don't care about the weather in Gotham and I want it off both of the menus. [more inside]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 6:41 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 6:41 PM PST - 2 comments
Give me advice on my job search in the NYC area.
I'm a librarian in the southern U.S. looking to relocate to NYC. The catch is that I can't move without a job offer. Am I hoping for the impossible? [more inside]
posted by carolinecrane at 6:37 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by carolinecrane at 6:37 PM PST - 6 comments
Want to fix my hair-- unhappy with highlights
I feel like my hairstylist gave me bad advice last week when she told me to continue getting massive quantities of foil highlights. I walked in there wanting to get an all-over base color with just a touch of highlights. [more inside]
posted by DianaV at 6:30 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by DianaV at 6:30 PM PST - 12 comments
Where to get cardigan sleeves altered in Toronto?
I have an awesome new cardigan, yay! I got ink stains on the sleeve! Boo! Any recommendations for someone in Toronto skilled at alteration? [more inside]
Seeking opinions on columnar apple trees
Has anybody planted em? Ate em? I'm eyeing the well-established Scarlet Sentinel/Golden Sentinel vs new Urban Columnar Series. I will pay more up front if that gets me tastier apples. Thanks.
Difficult Decision regarding newish job and another job offer
I'm not sure what to do - leave a job I've only been in for 10 months and move after a job offer - or stay in my present job and try to see if I can make it work? [more inside]
Help me find a new after dinner tabletop game
I help care for an elderly person and someone with poor attention. We've found that playing a few quick games of ... something after dinner helps their social and mental skills. The best game we've found so far is Bananagrams, which we all enjoy but it would be good to extend the repertoire and I'd love to have your suggestions. [more inside]
What's this snake on our deck?
We were cleaning up out back for a cookout, and I spotted this little guy. Does anyone know what kind of snake this is? My guess was that it was not poisonous based on the head shape, but I don't know if that rule applies to baby snakes as well. More inside. [more inside]
Skype when my laptop is closed & connected to an (old) external monitor?
If I buy an external computer cam and mic, can I make video calls on Skype on a MacBook Pro when it's closed and connected to an old Cinema Display monitor that has no built-in camera? [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 4:08 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by tzikeh at 4:08 PM PST - 4 comments
I want The Wonder Years on DVD
I know the TV series The Wonder Years will never be released on DVD due to the substantial music rights issues. Even the versions available for streaming on Amazon and Netflix are altered, ie. Joe Cocker's theme song, his cover of A Little Help from My Friends is replaced by something else.
Is the original version of the show available in a decent format somewhere? [more inside]
posted by crossoverman at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by crossoverman at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments
Sanity in spa form?
I'll be wrapping up a stressful period of work and have a long weekend coming up. I'd like to find a spa, or hotel with spa within 4-5 hours radius of NYC to just veg. [more inside]
posted by TravellingCari at 3:14 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by TravellingCari at 3:14 PM PST - 7 comments
The song that helps you make it those last few minutes on the treadmill?
Salt n' Pepa's Push It always does it for me, but it's getting old. What song gets your blood pumping every time?
Is there a way to make a bubble tea without the caffeine?
I'm looking to make a bubble tea style drink at home, but all of the mixes seem to be tea based. Is there any that don't have caffeine that you are aware of or have used before? [more inside]
how should the process of adopting a cat from a breeder work
I want to adopt two Bengal kittens from a breeder. I have had dogs, but never had cats. I am getting cats because my daughter is crazy about cats. [more inside]
posted by alcahofa at 2:35 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by alcahofa at 2:35 PM PST - 33 comments
I have opinions, where should I put them?
For the last few years, I have reviewed every book I read on Goodreads, just for my own edification. I read a lot. I have written a lot. Is there a better use to put this content to? [more inside]
Handling accusations of long-past misbehavior? Difficulty: Did I do it?
In 2008, due to some personal problems, I closed out a Facebook account I was using at the time. I have since been accused of saying things via that Facebook account that I don't quite believe I would have said. [more inside]
posted by Infinity_8 at 1:48 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Infinity_8 at 1:48 PM PST - 25 comments
Make these websites usable again please
Lots of websites have headers/footers that block text below them, but when you hit page down, they act as if the entire page was visible and go too far. The headers are often blog headers, the footers are often "share this" kind of footers. How do I make PageUp/PageDown work properly? This is a problem for both Firefox and Chrome, but I use Firefox mostly, in Windows. [more inside]
posted by jeather at 1:28 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by jeather at 1:28 PM PST - 11 comments
What to do with 2 smallish pieces of pork belly?
Yay: I have 5 lbs. of pork belly. Boo: It's in two pieces. What can I do with it/them? Normally I use the recipe from the Momofuku cookbook, but it shrinks so much I'm worried that these two small pieces might shrink down so much as to be unusable, or overcook. And anyway, I'd like to try something new. So, fellow porkophiles, any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:35 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by rhiannonstone at 12:35 PM PST - 14 comments
Is it a floor wax or a dessert topping?
Is pityriasis rosea viral or autoimmune? Yes, I've googled and found the results unilluminating - hoping for an answer from someone with more direct experience.
ESL tips and games for young children
I am teaching English to a 4 and a 7 year old (separately) and I am looking for tips, games, ipad apps, or resources. [more inside]
Help me decide whether to get a year's subscription to online support.
My computer is in a real mess. The registry has tons of errors, and I can't open Outlook. I got on the phone with GuruAid through an attempt to contact McAfee support. The tech seemed to be more than competent, and discovered a lot of issues, detailed inside. [more inside]
posted by Dolley at 11:05 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Dolley at 11:05 AM PST - 9 comments
I want to stink good
I am not normally a cologne person, but I found one that I love. Even my scent-averse lady likes it. Tell me how to wear it. Assume I am total idiot, does it go on the skin (or clothes)? Where? How much? Can I apply over a moisturizer? Need I reapply later in the day? [more inside]
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:59 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 10:59 AM PST - 27 comments
Crime, Insured!
Might you recommend crime fiction written by women? [more inside]
How many hours should I study to achieve a near-native standard in Mandarin Chinese?
How many hours should I study to achieve a near-native standard in Mandarin Chinese? How many hours to study over 2-3 years? [more inside]
And Quiet Flows the Don -- real author?
I'm looking for a specific article that claimed that Mikhail Sholokov did not write And Quiet Flows the Don (or at least not the first and best part of it), but instead he plagiarized it. [more inside]
Gawker Comment Spam
What is up with the spam in the Gawker comments? Why have they not been able to filter them out yet? [more inside]
posted by Keith Talent at 10:17 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Keith Talent at 10:17 AM PST - 7 comments
Laptop Gives Error: Operating System Not Found
My friend's laptop runs windows 7. After resetting last night she's getting an Operating System Not Found error during boot. Assuming the hard drive hasn't completely failed, what are the best, simplest tools she can use to either fix the problem or at least get her important data off the drive? She has access to another computer with a cd/dvd burner, an 8GB USB flash drive, and blank cds. She doesn't have access to the system restore disc or anything like that. She can get a blank DVD if that's simplest.
I was leaning toward Knoppix as the Linux distribution for a live dvd, but if there's an easier way I'd love to hear it. Thanks.
posted by Green With You at 8:37 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Green With You at 8:37 AM PST - 11 comments
Electric smoker shorting out (?)
The electric smoker that I was so excited about last week doesn't work! After I plug it in, it runs for about 5 minutes before tripping the GFCI outlet that I had it plugged into. I did have it on a 10 foot long extension cord (no electrical outlets on my back porch). I assume this means there is a short somewhere? [more inside]
Gamifying my morning routine--is there an iPad app for that?
I have to be at work earlier than usual for the foreseeable future, and I am not much of a morning person. Still, I have had considerable success by breaking my routine down and gamifying it by giving myself points for hitting different markers (e.g. 2 points for getting up without hitting the snooze button, 1 point for hitting it only once, 1 point for heading out the door with the dogs at a certain time, 1 point for arriving at the office on time, 2 points for 5 minutes early, 5 points for more than 5 minutes, etc.). I then give myself little rewards for certain numbers of points (e.g. two days' worth of on-time arrivals equals a latte at my favourite coffee place).
I think it would be fun to be able to track this on my iPad, and am looking for something that will allow me to re-use the same checklists and will count points as items are completed. I've looked at the various checklist and "to-do" apps, but none of them seem to fit the bill, especially the point-tracking aspect.
Any ideas?
posted by rpfields at 7:43 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by rpfields at 7:43 AM PST - 6 comments
Icons of Incompetence
What cultural figure might you compare someone to (individual or group) if you wanted to portray them as bumbling and incompetent? E.g. Keystone Cops, Inspector Clouseau, the Washington Generals... I'm particularly interested in international examples that Americans (like me) might not know about.
posted by pete_22 at 7:05 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by pete_22 at 7:05 AM PST - 26 comments
Searching For Painter's name. Monekys and Skeletons
I am searching for the name of a painter. I am going to describe one painting I clearly remember. I saw these paintings when I was a child.
The book of his works had the same theme of monkeys and skeletons involved in everyday activities.
In the painting I remember, a skeleton (it may have been a couple) is in a bed with white sheets and leaning over to put out the light on a nightstand. There is a monkey or baboon sitting on the room's window sill.
The images are realistic bordering on illustrations.
This is all I have. And this is why I came to metafilter.
Thank you for your help.
How would things be different if the ERA had passed?
In the 1970s and 80s, when I was a kid, an Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution, barring discrimination on the basis of sex, was passed by Congress and very nearly adopted. How would the United States be different if three more states had ratified the ERA and the Constitution had actually been amended? To make it more precise, what current federal laws or practices would be struck down if the U.S. Constitution included the ERA?
How do we feel safe again after our home was broken into?
Our house was broken into yesterday in broad daylight while we were at work. How can we feel safe again? [more inside]
How do I kick him out of my head once and for all?
He distracted me so much while we were together, and now I'm *still* being distracted by him and we've been apart for months. Any ideas? Blizzard conditions ahead. [more inside]
posted by deliciae at 1:52 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by deliciae at 1:52 AM PST - 19 comments
Am I at the mercy of big ink?
Canon Pixma printer purchased in US, specified ink cartridges not available in Asia where I live, BUT there is a different model number that looks exactly the same. Can I use it? [more inside]
posted by dust of the stars at 1:50 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by dust of the stars at 1:50 AM PST - 2 comments
March 15
What is the name of this item of clothing that combines shirt & sweater?
What's the name for the piece of women's clothing that looks like one is wearing a v-neck sweater over a button-down shirt, but really it's one shirt with collar and cuffs attached to a "fake" sweater? [more inside]
What are the must read books of 1970s NYC?
I've got my nose buried in Bonfire of the Vanities and Ladies and Gentlemen, the Bronx is Burning. What books should I read next? What are the must-reads from or about this era of New York City?
Am i over thinking things with him?
Am i over thinking things with him, are we friends? Acquaintances? People that talk on occasion? [more inside]
A Gmail/Google/GTalk chat alternative
It's an old cry now - to get out of Google's claws. Mail, calendar and everything.
However, I always find one thing missing. Chat is never talked about. As a matter of fact this one is the difficult most. You need to have added all those chat contacts and they in turn have had to added you(approved) you back, unlike email where you just need to fine an email and the receiver gets it unless you were specifically blocked.
So, let's discuss how to release our chatting app/service free from the claws of Google/Facebook/Skype &c and still be able to: [more inside]
Long leg undies to wear under yoga pants?
I cannot bear to go commando in yoga pants, but my normal bikini briefs cause pretty bad panty lines. I think what I want is something like Spanx, but with the following qualities: 1) absolutely no "control" whatsoever, 2) cotton crotch, 3) legs don't ride up and preferably have the little gripper strips like some skorts, and 4) come in XS. I don't want boy shorts--those are too short and tend to ride up on me. I want something more like men's long boxers, but in a super thin fabric. Any recommendations?
Is this itinerary for a trip to Japan reasonable?
I am traveling to Tokyo next week and have not been there before. Is this itinerary reasonable? [more inside]
posted by Heliochrome85 at 8:23 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Heliochrome85 at 8:23 PM PST - 23 comments
TV Commerical Search: People Yell "LAYUP"
Trying to find a commercial from the mid 90s (?). There's a guy talking about a basketball legend. The way he describes this legend goes something like this:
"One day he was raining 3s from the sky"
"He would pull up from 25 feet and people on the sidelines would be yelling LAYUP"
My Google Fu has failed me, since I don't know what product was being advertised.
Ideally, I'm looking for a video link, but would settle with knowing what was being advertised.
posted by unceman at 8:13 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by unceman at 8:13 PM PST - 2 comments
How legal is Jon Cozart's brilliant quintuple parody, AFTER EVER AFTER ?
In AFTER EVER AFTER, make no doubt about it he uses the melodies and harmonic progressions of no less than five copyrighted Disney songs, slanders and tarnishes the good name of BP, and uses a lot of character names that are probably registered trademarks of a very powerful company. How legal is that? [more inside]
Vacationing in the Scottish highlands w/o car - madness?
My family and I are considering a vacation in the Scottish highlands this summer, but aren't sure whether it would be worthwhile, given our lack of car. If it does make sense, we'd love specific advice about places to see and/or tour companies to patronize. Could any Mefites familiar with Scotland weigh in? [more inside]
Mysterious foot pain - what could it be?
I have been having a lot of foot pain that has been building for months. They only hurt when I am sitting still. My googling has proved fruitless, do you have any ideas what it could be? [more inside]
Please be my career counselor for a moment
After five months of not holding down a steady job, the offers are starting to come in. I need help choosing from three of them -- none of them are exactly what I want, but I see positives in every job. [more inside]
I need a new podcast
I need a new podcast. Something like Jillian Michaels or Adam Carolla would be good... [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 5:24 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by JoannaC at 5:24 PM PST - 14 comments
How do I respond to an extreme low ball salary offer?
I am a casual employee who has been offered a permanent position, but the proposed salary is well below what I was expecting, and I am unsure how to respond. [more inside]
A reader on the mind-body problem?
I'm working on a creative project about somebody who gets his brain removed and put in a vat. What should I read? [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 3:10 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by HeroZero at 3:10 PM PST - 27 comments
Too Big To Mail
How I can I get a 4x4 ft. painting from Brooklyn to the eastern panhandle of West Virginia in the cheapest way possible? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 2:25 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Ollie at 2:25 PM PST - 13 comments
How do I repair a rip in oil painting on canvas?
Have an oil painting, self portrait of my old man, there is an L shaped rip around 6x4in flap. What's the best way to repair it?
posted by daveo'h at 2:13 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by daveo'h at 2:13 PM PST - 6 comments
Recommend me a RELIABLE ISP in Columbus Ohio?
I'm a professional poker player and internet disconnects cost me money. Each disconnect averages around 5 dollars, but obviously if it disconnects at the wrong time it could cost me thousands.
I want a very reliable internet, (I've heard there are some that guarantee 99.x% uptime for business usually) But I think those are super expensive ($1,000/month), so please also give some common ISPS
To Sleep, Perchance to Not Dream
My husband is frequently cranky/off his feed/out of sorts for hours after awakening either in the AM or after our traditional late afternoon nap (we both work from home, have for the past 10 years) and his response whenever I ask "what's wrong?" is usually "I had bad dreams." When he describes his dream it's not necessarily a nightmare, but for some reason it exhausts him mentally. [more inside]
Give me some examples of rephrasing a question into a statement
I've heard that men don't like questions. I'm a woman and would like to have better relationships with the men in my life. Give me some examples of ways to rephrase questions into statements, directives or imperatives. [more inside]
Artist Recommendations for 3rd Annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention
A staggering, overwhelming amount of tattoo artists from all over the USA will be attending the 3rd Annual Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention. Is anyone familiar with any of these artists? Can you recommend one that you would recommend for either of the two prospective tattoo ideas I have inside? I also have some questions about tattoo conventions, as someone who has only had work done in shops. [more inside]
Explain this maddening QuickTime glitch
I have 14 mp4 files, all downloaded from the same FTP site at the same time. 6 of them don't work in QuickTime, 8 of them do. It is not the files themselves, it's something to do with those files PLUS my system. Help me figure out what, please, because I am not that tech-savvy, and because I'm on a deadline. [more inside]
posted by like_a_friend at 12:49 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by like_a_friend at 12:49 PM PST - 7 comments
What are the best tools for transcribing interviews?
I am doing a qualitative dissertation, where I'll be conducting and transcribing about 80 interviews that are each an hour long or so. What tools do I need to make transcription easy? [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 12:43 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by k8lin at 12:43 PM PST - 11 comments
Women's undergarments
Hi, ladies! Any suggestions for finding a particular undergarment... [more inside]
Dumb question of the day.
Can I safely pack canned alcoholic cider in checked airplane luggage? [more inside]
posted by floweredfish at 12:27 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by floweredfish at 12:27 PM PST - 15 comments
Cool hoods near Auburn?
What funky, Indy neighborhoods are within commuting distance of Auburn, WA? [more inside]
posted by letahl at 12:25 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by letahl at 12:25 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me find a pair of glasses?
I saw a pair of glasses that I liked in "The Social Network" and I'd like to find the frame. Here's a screencap. They're short, rounded on top, and slightly pointed on the bottom. Any ideas?
Trying to find a website I forgot to bookmark
The website is a collection of images, and one images leads to the next, in an associative way. Like, one composition suggests the next image, like a group of colorful balloons suggests a pile of colorful trash which then suggests a crowd of people, etc., and it seems to go on endlessly.
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 12:15 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 12:15 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me wipe out the Alien menace.
XCOM: Enemy Unknown- PC or Console? [more inside]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 11:56 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 11:56 AM PST - 9 comments
Tell me about alternative cat litter
I'm interested in using alternative cat litter, like the pine or wheat-based pellets, but I'd like to know more about them in terms of covering odor, absorbing liquids, and how they spread around. I'd like to use something other than the clay-based material I use now, but I'd like to know what I'm getting into. [more inside]
Hippie anarchist seeks fun times in Seattle!
To my surprise, I will have one Saturday in Seattle very soon. I will be staying in downtown and reliant on public transportation. [more inside]
Picture being used for something unpleasant
If you do a Google search on my name, the only image that comes up via image search is an old picture that used to be hosted on my work website. But now it links to an... unsavory website. What is the deal? [more inside]
Good video camera for recording theater?
My local theater company needs a new video camera for recording performances. It obviously will need to handle a wide variety of lighting situations, and I'm not sure if that means we're looking for a particular brand, model, or feature. It will usually be tripod mounted, so size and weight aren't necessarily an issue. It's a small black box theater, so the need to zoom would be pretty rare. Are there any we should definitely consider, or will pretty much any good quality unit do the trick these days?
posted by schoolgirl report at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by schoolgirl report at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments
Recommend Italian podcasts for a learner.
I need to improve my comprehension of spoken Italian, and I'm looking for free podcasts in Italian (as opposed to recorded language lessons) which can help me do this. [more inside]
posted by pont at 11:26 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by pont at 11:26 AM PST - 2 comments
Can't forgive or forget
I'm involved in a hobby that is very specialized and even in my large city the community is very small and tight knit. Outside of work and family most of my friends are in this hobby. I had a falling out with a "leader" in the community, and I can't seem to get over it. [more inside]
Update/restore iOS devices using Acer Chromebook running ChrUbuntu?
Long story short- I'm trying to make a go of it with an Acer C7 Chromebook as my main computer. I installed ChrUbuntu, and this is my first foray into the world of Linux. I like it so far, but it does beg the question of what to do with backing-up/restoring my iPhone 4s and iPad (original). Pretty soon I'm going to want to unlock my iPhone so I can switch to a prepaid plan, and I understand you need iTunes for that. Is there a Linux workaround that anyone knows about?
How add feeds to The Old Reader in firefox?
I'm supposed to use "http://theoldreader.com/feeds/subscribe?url=%s" in the firefox feed handler, but I'm unclear exactly HOW. I know that replacing the "%s" with the url I'm wanting to add works, but I don't know how to get firefox to replace the '%s' with the current url. Adding it as a bookmark doesn't appear to work. Thoughts?
posted by leotrotsky at 11:03 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by leotrotsky at 11:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Tell me about your peeves
I'm putting together a pitch for a little fictional series-thingy. I need minor "crimes" that occur in public spaces and are not actually against the law, per se, but should be... wrongs that can be avenged in a super-heroic fashion; the pettier the better. [more inside]
Match day downer
My wife didn't match - now what? [more inside]
Where should I live: Richmond, VA edition
I may be relocating to Richmond for work soon and have been trying to get a read on where to live in the city. After reading this previously I wanted to see what's changed in the last 6 years.
The most important things to me in an apartment are: safety, kitchen space, and quiet. I tend to work long hours and like my apt to be the place that I can finally relax in.
Thanks in advance!
Best Help for College Student with ADD?
College sophomore at very demanding school would like your best advice/tips for handling ADD. [more inside]
How to apply for a job when your licensure is pending your graduation?
I’ll be graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in a certain medical paraprofessional field, and will be sitting for my licensing exam in April. The state will recognize me as a licensed paraprofessional upon the date of my graduation. I’d like to start looking for jobs after I sit for my exam, which I am confident I will pass but am unsure how to proceed. [more inside]
Help me write my sign
There's a stop sign in front of my house, and people don't stop at it. Our neighborhood is working on various ways of solving this problem, and my contribution is to create signs to hang up on my wall right next to the stop sign. Last year in a fit of pique Mr. BlahLaLa made one that said SLOW DOWN, FU**ER! That actually had a big, positive impact, believe it or not, but when the novelty wore off, so did compliance. So, help me create a stack of posters I can use in rotation? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:07 AM PST - 55 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:07 AM PST - 55 comments
Jesus thinks you should compensate us fairly!
My employer requires me to travel to a meeting 20 miles away once a week. They do not pay gas or mileage for this and as of today, are refusing to compensate for travel time as well. Is this legal? [more inside]
California Cycling Sonoma and/or Yosemite?
Planning a vacation in California in May and was thinking I would like to do some cycling and see a bit of scenery. Sonoma and Yosemite seem attractive options, but where to stay and hire bikes? How many days should I set aside for this? I could be in the San Francisco area for ten days or so. [more inside]
posted by asok at 9:36 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by asok at 9:36 AM PST - 5 comments
Bicycle trying to steer itself - possibly a bike ghost? Are those real?
I feel like my bicycle is having steering issues, but not always, and it's subtle, so I'm not entirely sure what's going on. [more inside]
Am I right to leave my company in this way?
I am planning on leaving my company in late spring to go to grad school in the fall. Am I employing the ethically right approach here? [more inside]
Tips for leaving my work on a good note instead of arguing
I've decided to leave my job, and I want to be responsible and wait 1-2 months to give notice so that I don't leave the company stranded. I've always had friction with my manager, which is one of the main reasons I'm leaving. During my last couple of months, I want to get along well with her so that she'll remember me positively, but I find myself blurting out negative things that I'm thinking. How do I stop? [more inside]
Can you identify this artillery piece I found in the woods?
So, walking with the dog in a local land preserve today, we came across an artillery piece. Placed there sometime, I'm sure, in the last 50 years by the former property owner (who has since donated the land). Can anyone identify this? (No, there hasn't been a major battle anywhere near here, that little skirmish we had with Ohio over Toledo took place 60 miles south of here, and that was in 1836)
posted by HuronBob at 9:02 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by HuronBob at 9:02 AM PST - 6 comments
WHAT?
Earplug recommendation needed for concerts. Complication: tiny, tiny ear canal. [more inside]
Dealing with Dealers
I'm helping a friend liquidate the contents of his mother's apartment, and we have two weeks to do it. I have some antiques dealers coming over who will make offers. I have questions. [more inside]
Less-evil internet provider in the Cleveland Area?
AT&T and Time Warner are trying to destroy net neutrality. And that's just the beginning. I'd like to vote with my feet (and dollars) - are there any ISPs in Cleveland that aren't evil? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 8:45 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Tehhund at 8:45 AM PST - 6 comments
Are there companies that will donate a new/refurb computer TO me?
I work for the Philadelphia chapter of a national nonprofit. We help people with a specific neurological disease. One of these people would like help getting a computer. How can I help facilitate this? [more inside]
Mouthguard for teeth grinding?
Dentist says I need a mouthguard because I grind my teeth in my sleep. I can't afford the $700 custom one he'll sell me. Can you recommend an over-the-counter alternative? [more inside]
Recruiters and red flags - what to watch for?
I wish I had asked this question several weeks ago. I've been dealing with several recruiters while job hunting and am wondering what red flags I should watch for, what a good recruiter does, and how best to use recruiters in my jobs search.
Lots of recruiters want to talk to me, often want to meet in person. So far this isn't adding up to much in the way of real interviews, though I've had a couple of phone interviews with hiring managers and anticipate scheduling two in-person interviews. [more inside]
Storytellers, thinkers, and musicians who are worth fully engaging with?
I believe I may suffer from a derth of artistic and intellectual heroes. Help me fix that. What artists and thinkers are worth engaging with fully as an adult?
By "engaging with fully," I mean making a concerted effort to consume all of their output, several times, as well as seeking out supplementary information about them by way of interviews, criticism, documentaries, collected letters, biographies, etc. etc. [more inside]
Cheap Dates
What are some free and/or cheap date ideas?
We like being social, being alone, art, music, outdoors, sexy stuff, weird stuff, books, etc. We're fairly adventurous, but also happy being mellow and watching a movie. We're queer and in the SF Bay Area if you have specific suggestions for us and for around here, but more general ideas welcome. [more inside]
I suck. How do I live with that?
I recently finished a lengthy project. I thought I did really well, and nothing indicated during the process that there was anything wrong. But I just got my review and it was poor. I feel like dying. Basically, when you've really fucked up and got no-one else to blame for it than your own incompetence, how do you shake it off and go on with your life? [more inside]
Cupcakes!
My baby is turning 1 in 9 days (!!!) and I need an awesome cupcake recipe for his party. His older brother had banana and (separately) oreo cupcakes for his, but neither of them really wowed me (which could have been the recipes, not the flavors. So give me your best suggestions! [more inside]
Step 1: Get Website, Step 2: ???, Step 3: Profit
Suppose that I have a website that has frequent traffic. This traffic is consistant and predictable. How do I begin monetizing it by selling ad space? Where would I get in touch with these mythical people who would pay to have their ads displayed on my website? Is it customary to get paid per click or per view? Are there different rates depending on the readership?
Educate me, Metafilter!
posted by wolfdreams01 at 7:12 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by wolfdreams01 at 7:12 AM PST - 6 comments
Another US health insurance question
How are things looking over the next few years as far as health insurance costs in the US? [more inside]
I Know It Tastes Awful - I Want What Works
Attention Canadian Mefites: any insight into why I can't get Buckley's anywhere any more in the USA? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:34 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:34 AM PST - 20 comments
Digital Electronics: Keeping a logic level high or low for one minute
I want to use a timer (minimum on time is one minute) to turn on my coffee maker. The ON-OFF button on the coffee machine is a momentary contact push button which is read by a logic board. Can I use the (isolated) relay contacts on my timer to close that push button for one minute, the minimum on-time of my timer? [more inside]
posted by mbarryf at 6:13 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by mbarryf at 6:13 AM PST - 6 comments
I want to back up my file names, not my files
I need a utility or a script that will generate a text file containing the names of all the subfolders and files in the the folders I specify. [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 5:22 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by snarfois at 5:22 AM PST - 11 comments
Sydney reading coffee venue
I've been in Sydney for a while now but still dont have a favorite cafe-hang. Looking for recommendations, preferably but not necessarily in the Surry Hills/Newtown/Inner Westish area, where I could inconspicuously spend the better part of day ploughing through a massive book, with excellent coffee, comfortable seating and minimal distracting muzak.
Using grep to extract x characters of text after a predictable pattern
I'm trying to work out how to use something like grep or sed or awk (or maybe even some Perl) to extract a string of characters which appears in a predictable place in a series of text files. Help/advice/tutorials very welcome! [more inside]
What ancient Anatolian alphabet is this?
I found some stone tablets written in a strange alphabet amongst a bunch of graves from different eras at the city museum of Tire, Turkey. The guy working the desk at the museum didn't know what they were. Pictures in extended. [more inside]
posted by Theiform at 1:42 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Theiform at 1:42 AM PST - 12 comments
March 14
We was robbed.
My house was robbed while I was at work today. The thieves are long gone, and I've called the police. What's next? [more inside]
posted by harkin banks at 9:55 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by harkin banks at 9:55 PM PST - 22 comments
NYC for a Not-Cool-Anymore Dad and His Daughter
Really excited to bring my daughter to NYC for her first time next weekend. I haven't been for a few years and never with one of my kids (she's 15) so this trip poses some new challenges. I want her to have a blast, as I have every time I've been there, so I thought I'd see if anyone had any suggestions. Oh, and we get along great and she's awesome and I love her! [more inside]
posted by chococat at 9:52 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by chococat at 9:52 PM PST - 34 comments
What kind of lawyer do I need?
I have a longstanding income protection claim with an Australian insurance company because I have a chronic health condition that prevents me from working more than sporadically. I would like to orchestrate a pay out instead of filling out monthly forms and doing three-monthly medical checks. [more inside]
Looking for practical suggestions about adulthood (laundry & furniture)
There are a couple of things that I have problems with: laundry, and getting my home looking furnished and decent. Especially my bedroom. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by htid at 9:17 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by htid at 9:17 PM PST - 38 comments
How to graciously break a work contract in twenty million easy steps
My boss wants to renew my work contract for a year. I really like my boss, and my workplace. But. I've been admitted into a prestigious graduate program for the fall, and I know I want to go. Please help me navigate workplace etiquette. [more inside]
Multiple torrent connections simultaneously go to 0 KB/sec. Why?
I've started DLing torrents from a tracker I was recently introduced to, after only having have some experience with one other tracker that's now gone, and I'm encountering a minor issue that puzzles me. I've noticed that periodically, all my torrents will simultaneously go from whatever speed they've been DLing at to 0 KB/sec, and then all return to their former speed at the same moment as well, after a delay of up to several minutes. What could be the reason for this? [more inside]
Help me make the most epic cookies ever for my boyfriend!
I've been dating this guy for about 2 months, and he is absolutely wonderful. I want to bake him cookies to show my appreciation for him a) in general, and b) for being especially wonderful during a current shitty time in my life due to family issues. [more inside]
How can i play HD video without it horribly stuttering?
Any HD video files i try to play stutter horribly on my new computer, and just generally play inconsistently and in a not-smooth fashion. I've tried almost everything... [more inside]
Looking for a list of relatively large but insignificant US cities
I'm looking for a list of US cities, preferably one per state, that are largely unimportant but have a high population:interestingness ratio - I'm from Illinois, where Peoria or Rockford come to mind. Think cities which are so uninteresting that it's funny.
posted by LSK at 5:04 PM PST - 114 comments
posted by LSK at 5:04 PM PST - 114 comments
How can I treat and preserve stained wood to avoid further damage?
I just bought a farm table that the previous owner had in a NYC apt that got hot and cold with vicious radiator heat.
It's got some warping and cracking, but it's still beautiful and I'd like to do everything I can to prevent it from getting further damaged over time.
I thought I'd just give it a good coat of linseed oil, but the surface is very lightly stained, and I read elsewhere that linseed oil is meant for naked wood.
Any suggestions on how to treat my new baby? Thank you!
I think we're beIng followed!
Here's one I've had no luck finding:
A) in the movies, is there a name for those films they used to project behind actors in a movie car to make it look like they were actually on the road? You know the ones: the slightly out of focus view out the rear window. Maybe a chase scene with the bad guy car in pursuit... Or just plain ol' traffic...
B) are any of these background films archived online? Tried Prelinger archives but no luck.
posted by ecorrocio at 4:53 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ecorrocio at 4:53 PM PST - 8 comments
I don't want to be famous for this bus trip . . .
How to well fast/not get worse/stop making gross noises? Must travel. [more inside]
posted by Listener at 4:29 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Listener at 4:29 PM PST - 16 comments
Cool and quirky in San Antonio
Moving to Boerne/San Antonio next week. Looking for two things: cool places/shops/places to visit; and web sites.
I want to know about the one cemetery that has the coolest old statues, the park that offers the best secret hideouts, the store that has the weirdest hand made tchotchkes. Two particular items of interest: fabric stores (NOT Joann's - I want the cool, local place); and a place to get very nice wood for woodworking, since the hubby likes to make stuff, including guitars. Music stores would also be welcome. I'm an interior designer, and would love an introduction to the "to the trade" stores/warehouses in the area, too.
Web sites that will help me get to know the area. Especially as I'm a stay at home mom, and I'd love to meet other parents and find cool places to take my kids. These could be business web sites, organizations, blogs, you name it.
For the record, I'm not religious at all and I lean very liberal, so super conservative stuff is definitely not what I'm after.
Thanks, mefites!
News aggregators
My appologies if this has come up before and I missed it. I am looking for a daily news aggretator that presents stories about what has actually happened (recognizing that the writer may not know what really happened) as opposed to news stories about what someone thinks what they think has happened means. E.g. "Justices Say Budget Cuts May Hurt Criminal Justice" (Have budget cuts hurt criminal justice?",) and "immigration reform can happen in 2013", (will it'? How?") or "Physicists believe they have found elusive Higgs boson particle" (well, have they or haven't they?) and "CPAC Debate: How Will GOP Win Elections?" (Have they?) or, "Is Justin Bieber's bizarre behavior a sign of something more?" (what follows if it were?).
I.e., I'd like to find out what happened today without being burdened with what people think it means. Is there such an aggregator that you have come across?
TIA
carping demon
posted by carping demon at 3:26 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by carping demon at 3:26 PM PST - 14 comments
Easy French or French-English Podcast recommendations?
I'm learning French, and am looking to increase my exposure to spoken French. Among other things, I've been listening to the Coffee Break French series of podcasts, which has been very helpful, but I'd like to add in some podcasts that aren't specifically about learning French -- podcasts that are by native French speakers and made for a French-speaking audience, but which ideally are fairly accessible or at least roughly comprehensible with some effort to someone who has only a patchy knowledge of the language. French news podcasts might be valuable to me, for instance. Bonus features: podcasts that are also broadcast in English, podcasts that are about scientific topics, and podcasts that are about or are produced in francophone Africa. Recommendations?
posted by Scientist at 3:06 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Scientist at 3:06 PM PST - 17 comments
Need help living in the here and now.
I have a lot of exciting stuff coming up in the next few years of my life, but before I get there I have to somehow slog through the doldrums of my current life. Help me live in the present. [more inside]
Online Sex Toys
Simply put, if one goes shopping for such things in traditional shops, it's shocking the markup %. Does the hive have any recommendations for sites with broad variety and competitive pricing?
posted by ecollie at 1:58 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ecollie at 1:58 PM PST - 12 comments
No Boys Allowed!
I've got an idea for a community website that is women centric in a very male dominated hobby. I've looked, there really doesn't seem to be a community catering to women in this hobby out there right now, and I'm coming to realize that this really could be a good niche because women involved in the hobby are pretty marginalized.
What I could use some advice on is - do I make it woman only, or allow men to participate just promoting to women and keeping some women centric topics? [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 1:56 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by [insert clever name here] at 1:56 PM PST - 39 comments
Cooking my way around India
I want is to be able to start generating a variety of curries with the ingredients I have to hand, and have them be slightly more authentic than the old apple-sultana-coconut-yoghurt-and-contents-of-spice-rack 1970s British curry knockoff. Is there an internet resource somewhere with the Westerner's Introductory Taxonomy of Regional Indian Cooking? [more inside]
posted by emilyw at 1:17 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by emilyw at 1:17 PM PST - 8 comments
Which LL Bean Men's Pants Are Like Dockers D3?
I've been happily wearing Dockers D3 (classic-style) chinos for years. Unfortunately, I'm having increasing difficulty finding them in my size, 30W29L. LL Bean offers reasonably-priced ones in my size, which is great. My question is which of their fits is similar to D3--what they call Classic or Natural? Thanks in advance.
posted by whitebird at 1:14 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by whitebird at 1:14 PM PST - 8 comments
miscarriage choices
I went for an eight week ultrasound today and my doctor found that the embryo had stopped growing a week ago. She gave me three options: D&C, RU486 (the abortion pill), or to wait things out naturally. She was against the D&C because she was afraid at this early she might not get all the tissue and also the possibility of scarring. I trust her so I have ruled out the D&C.
So that leaves the two other options. Even though it's supposedly very painful, I'm leaning toward the RU486. I just want this over. I'm just wondering if there's anything else I have not considered.
Thankfully, I have nothing important going on at work (no meetings etc.) until March 25th. But I do need to go out of town for a meeting in Arizona on the 25th, so that's another reason for wanting to get things over with.
Just wondering if there's anything else I should take into consideration when making this choice that I haven't thought of. Thank you.
Songs about (insert place here)
Looking for songs that express love for a particular place and capture the essence of it. [more inside]
Specific Housing Search in LA
Moving in a few months within LA and need a place where music practice is tolerated - tips? neighborhoods? [more inside]
posted by Red Desk at 1:06 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Red Desk at 1:06 PM PST - 13 comments
Decode This German Shorthand Mystery Letter From 1939!
This envelope with a letter inside was found inside a large decaying bound edition of Shakespeare auf Deutsch in a junk shop in Bushwick that was only apparently open for a few months before disappearing. The letter, postmarked 15 March, 1939 - was sent to Paris by a Mr. Henri Wolf. The contents of the letter appear to be German shorthand. Included was small piece of what looks like code, there's nothing else on the back.The letter, envelope, postcard, etc in question are at this imgur album. Hivemind: What the hell is this?
How to improv in a rehearsal of a written scene?
I'm looking for advice and resources on how to use improv to flesh out a written scene.
I'm not looking for freestyle improv where you're trying to create a new situation, or general theater games, but a more targeted form of improv, where you already have a scene and characters and backstory and dialog, but you want to get the actors to exercise their imagination and flesh out the relationships rather than just play the dialog that's already on the page.
What are some parameters? How involved should an improv scenario be in this situation? Should you tell the actors where to end up? How far do you let it go?
Where to watch the Six Nations in Vancouver?
Flying out to Vancouver this weekend for work, and it'd be great to find somewhere to watch the final Six Nations rugby matches. Can anyone reccommend a good, friendly place that might be showing them? Staying in Downtown, so somewhere nearish there would be good!
Hardware outpacing our needs as people?
Is there any interesting work around the idea of hardware outpacing software or our devices becoming kind of "perfected" to almost everybody?
Basically, the end of the "spec sheet race".... [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 12:19 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by lattiboy at 12:19 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me find this obscure Bill Murray SNL skit
When I was a kid, Saturday Night Live celebrated its 25th anniversary with a lavish television special. It featured clips from all eras of the show, but there was one particular that just sent me in hysterics every time I even thought of it. A Bill Murray centered sketch that was a satire of both Greek legend and foreign Greek Adventure movies. Bill Murray playing a sadly out of shape Hercules, his voice dubbed over by.. someone. Possibly Murray, I don't know. [more inside]
What's in your Google Reader/RSS?
Another internet rut question/on the eve of Google Reader's destruction: What's in your RSS? [more inside]
posted by decathexis at 11:44 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by decathexis at 11:44 AM PST - 21 comments
Good books about idleness / laziness / lack of ambition
The British seem to have a particular talent for this (e.g. Wodehouse and Jeeves, Amis and Lucky Jim), so I'm eager to hear more about British authors, but I'm also open to other suggestions.
posted by jtothes at 11:26 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by jtothes at 11:26 AM PST - 18 comments
Is it bad to be bossy?
I'm reading Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead and very much enjoying it. She talks early on about being called "bossy" as a little kid and how that characteristic has followed her and how she views it as a negative characteristic. I really identified with that as I was also called "bossy" when I was a little girl for doing a lot of the same things that Sandberg was doing as a girl -- organizing games, making up plays, telling other kids what to do. And I'm wondering about the word "bossy" and whether I should avoid it with my own little girl. [more inside]
posted by amanda at 11:04 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by amanda at 11:04 AM PST - 42 comments
iPad app for taking attendance, monitoring member visits
I'm looking for something sleek and simple, that will allow people to check themselves in when they arrive (2 contexts, gym members, and youth in an after school program). [more inside]
Calendar Editing and Syncing Between Two Mac Users
I'd like to sync a shared event/appointment calendar with a work colleague, which we both can edit (not just view) on our iMac computers, preferably without having to go to an external website to make edits, or paying for an outside service. Details within. [more inside]
posted by zarq at 10:37 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by zarq at 10:37 AM PST - 12 comments
Suggestions for Organized Receipts for Reimbursements (ADD Traveler)
I have attention deficit disorder primarily inattentive, am a professor who travels a decent amount, and have trouble with being organized about submitting my receipts for reimbursement. I believe that it is caused by a combination of basic and deeper-rooted problems, and was wanting to know what you do to be organized about correctly getting reimbursed. This includes systems that you use to ensure that you have everything, where you keep receipts, what specific kinds of filing systems you might use while you're traveling so that nothing is lost, anything electronic (either hardware or an app), or even just the odd things that "just work for you". [more inside]
Chinese smartphone as good as a Galaxy S2?
Please help me choose a Chinese smartphone! [more inside]
Guilt over writing bad online reviews or using coupons?
Do you ever feel bad about writing bad online reviews or using coupons? Am I ridiculous for even worrying about it? More below. [more inside]
What is it like to be a car salesperson?
Facing constant threats of layoffs and boredom at my current job, I have been searching for a new job. I currently work in a "9-5" office job making 30 - 35k per year... [more inside]
Who is this picture of? (Yes, I know, "Of whom is this picture...")
A friend found this picture in the basement of his apartment building, and it's killing us to try to figure out who it is. A roomful (OK, a barful) of people were convinced that it is "someone", but we can't quite place who. If it weren't for the teeth, I'd almost say it's Andy Griffith, but, you know, perfect teeth. [more inside]
posted by dersins at 9:30 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by dersins at 9:30 AM PST - 28 comments
Help me navigate the world of planning a trip abroad.
I'm going abroad this summer. What advice would you give to someone who hasn't been abroad in a decade? What resources exist for traveling? Specific areas: Sardinia, Italy (mainland), France, possibly London. [more inside]
Help me CMA.
Recovering Spanx addict and emerging caftan woman needs to look professional at work. Snowstorm inside. [more inside]
fun group activities in Atlanta
I'm the Fun Czar for a group of software developers, some of whom are in the Atlanta, GA area. I know nothing about Atlanta or fun stuff to do there. Help! I'm especially interested in activities that will be fun and engaging for a group of approximately 20 people, mostly geeks in their 20s and 30s. I'm interested in both little things (bowling and beer?) that can be done in a couple of hours, and bigger things (sporting events? amusement parks? boat rides?) that would take a full afternoon or all day.
A Children's Book About Adoption
I'm looking for a book meant for small children, probably around age 6, about adoption. The cover pictures a white couple with two adopted (non-caucasian, I think, probably of different races) children. It would have been available at least in 1987-1990 (kind of fuzzy on the year) in New Jersey or thereabouts, USA. It was an English language book. [more inside]
I Want My Pills!
I've been taking ADD meds for years with the same psychiatrist, but lost my insurance last summer and had to stop taking them. Now I have insurance again and scheduled an appointment with my doctor today, but I'm worried he'll say that I'm doing just fine without the pills. However, I'm also afraid of looking too desperate if I tell him how much I want them! Can I tell him everything without sounding like I'm a junkie? Details follow. [more inside]
posted by brisquette at 8:32 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by brisquette at 8:32 AM PST - 14 comments
Repeat after me: glass, metal, paper, plastic
How can I get the people around me to be more conscientious about recycling? [more inside]
I can't do basic math, but my competence is in other things...Help?
We want to assess a list of vendors in two domains: Accessibility and Cost. We have two tools that we are using to essentially score them in each of these domains separately. The Accessibility assessment tool totals 110 points; the Cost tool totals 90 points. We want a final score for each vendor that combines the domains and is out of 100. We want the Accessibility score to "count" about 20% more than the Cost score in the final because it is more important to us. How do we do this? [more inside]
The Boy Who Read Too Much
Childhood Books: When I was a kid, I had a short illustrated book about The Boy Who Read Too Much or The Boy Who Didn't Like Television or something. It was about a boy who only wanted to read, but his parents wanted him to watch TV. Tongue in cheek, obviously--I seem to remember it being illustrated in a sort of Roz Chast-y style. Does this ring a bell for anyone? [more inside]
Should I Keep Working Toward My Masters in Social Work? Now or Later?
In a nutshell: I'm almost 38 years old, happily married, and am currently raising 3 kids (the youngest is 9). I work full-time at a job that I love – and that loves me back - but which doesn't pay
particularly well. My husband's income compensates for that. We are decidedly middle class with some debts, low savings, and a mortgage. I have a (Canadian) college diploma in social services that's a little over 2 years old at this point. I am trying to decide whether to further my education - and whether to do it now or later. [more inside]
Help me Access my SQL!
Ok, I have an application that is using a back end of MS Access...I have another application that needs to get some of the data in the Access db but it is only SQL compatible.
So...how do I set up an ODBC connection that will pull data from the Access db and write it out to a SQL db? This data needs to be updated hourly...
Thanks for your assistance!
Day in The Life of a professor or research scientist
I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on the daily experience of a university researcher in either psychology or the basic sciences as well as a meta-review of the job as a whole. [more inside]
posted by marsbar77 at 7:11 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by marsbar77 at 7:11 AM PST - 5 comments
ghost skype? malware?
A few minutes ago, my macbook pro (OSX 10.6.8) played what I think was the Skype incoming call chime. I didn't think Skype was running, and as I was Cmd-Tabbing through applications to see if I'd accidentally left Skype turned on, the webcam light briefly flashed. Skype wasn't running, but I double-checked by starting Activity Monitor, and didn't see any processes with Skype in the name.
I'm not totally sure it was the skype chime, because I don't use skype often. I do have google chat running in gmail with video chat enabled, but there were no visible notifications in the gmail window. I suppose it could've been a deceptive flash ad in a browser tab, but it's the webcam light that creeps me out. Any ideas what might have happened? Should I find a malware scanner? Is that even a thing? The last ask.metafilter match for "osx malware" is almost 2 years old.
posted by moonmilk at 7:04 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by moonmilk at 7:04 AM PST - 4 comments
How to become friends with my ex while I'm still working out my feelings
How do I stay in loose, friendly, honest contact with my ex (from a short relationship) to build a friendship while I still have some residual feelings for him? I know we are only friends now, and I want to respect my boundaries and also his. There's no chance we'll see each other in person for a long time, so this is all about communication and not about sex. [more inside]
posted by zettoo at 6:56 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by zettoo at 6:56 AM PST - 18 comments
How to control my moods, thoughts, anxiety through logic
You feel a strong emotion/think anxious thoughts. You know that logically that this is an exhausting, time-wasting, and wrong way to feel and think. How do you get yourself to stop feeling this emotion, or stop having those anxious thoughts? How do you get yourself to believe your logic and change your feelings, thoughts and moods? [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen at 6:11 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by rhythm_queen at 6:11 AM PST - 18 comments
What is the "it" certification in IT right now?
My SO has a degree in IT and Computing but he has not been working for 2.5 years (combination of travel, language studying, and personal things). He has recently started job hunting but feels he is lacking in the certification department. Most jobs near us seem to want Oracle certification. Is it worth doing an Oracle course? Or is there something else (perhaps something up-and-coming) that he should look into? With a gap on his CV he is worried he is unemployable. [more inside]
Songs by a world-weary cowboy/girl required...
I have recently discovered that I really love the kind of music that is heartfelt, lyrically strong, with a wistful and melancholic vibe. The type that conjures up images of a world-weary cowgirl/boy (cowperson?) passing on words of wisdom as the sun sets in the distance... and I am looking for more! [more inside]
If nothing else it feels good...
There is a steam room at my gym and I am considering putting it to use. Please tell me as much as you can because I have no fregging clue what I am supposed to be using it for or what I am supposed to do while I steam. [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:28 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:28 AM PST - 27 comments
Should I stay or should I go - now
Help me with this please.
I have a very comfortable job in a large company as the senior software developer leading a small team of developers. I have almost 20 years’ experience as a developer, architect, analyst company director, and have a pretty good commercial brain too. I don’t *necessarily* want to be a software developer – my passion is problem solving and architecture. I accepted this job four years ago so I could finish college, and I have one unit left, 10 weeks and I have a master’s degree. I love the environment, my colleagues, and though the work isn’t challenging in any way, but it’s an industry I'm passionate about.
tldr; Should I quit? I want to quit. How can I channel my anger over this poorly implemented organizational change? [more inside]
posted by the noob at 5:09 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by the noob at 5:09 AM PST - 15 comments
Living with contradiction
What are the mental processes that allow someone to stay in a voluntary affiliation with an organization which has one or more official beliefs that are diametrically opposed to their personal beliefs and feel good about that choice? [more inside]
posted by hworth at 4:17 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by hworth at 4:17 AM PST - 18 comments
And now, a question about undergarments . . .
For the life of me, I cannot seem to locate a simple no-lace, no-frills silky camisole or chemise to wear under my work clothes, either in stores or online. [more inside]
posted by backwards compatible at 3:44 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by backwards compatible at 3:44 AM PST - 18 comments
My guy friend keeps mentioning the girl I was dumped for... what to do?
A few months ago I was suddenly and harshly dumped for an acquaintance. One of my guy friends still has a crush on this acquaintance and keeps mentioning her to me. How to prevent this from happening again? [more inside]
Sewists of MetaFilter: can I recreate this dress on my own?
I saw this dress on Pinterest and fell in love. I don't want to buy it--I'm trying to get away from buying new clothes entirely. I have extremely basic sewing skills (curtains, sunglasses cases, skirts) and I'm tempted to try to make this dress on my own. [more inside]
posted by chaiminda at 3:12 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by chaiminda at 3:12 AM PST - 7 comments
Writing class in LA - NOT looking to be next big screen writer
I'm looking for something in Los Angeles that is similar to the Loft in Minneapolis - writing classes for all abilities and ambitions. I am not looking to write the next Pulp Fiction, only to have fun and actually write. I've found one potential place so far - this is a big city!! I must be missing something... right? [more inside]
March 13
Need help moving from Kalamazoo, MI to Minneapolis, MN. Advice
I recently got a job that pays well with Medtronic (contract first, good signs for the future). I'll be paid handsomely and I need to start work on April 1st 2013 (or sooner). I have an apartment in Kalamazoo, MI until 5/01/2013. This is a 10 hour drive move, I have slightly less than 2.5 weeks to make it happen. What's the recommended way to do this, some combination of measuring, U-haul, gas cost, driving out there to check places out, figuring what to take, getting rid of the other stuff.... All that. I'm thinking Pods.com (based on Ask.Mefi post searches, along with friends and family, as of now). Input? [more inside]
posted by ender6574 at 11:38 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by ender6574 at 11:38 PM PST - 13 comments
Should I list my personal contact info for business?
I don't want overwhelming SPAM
I am a private person but I know how much my clients like me and how much I like my job. But being a full-time student I don't have much time, so should I list my personal contact info for business? Would you put your email and number on social media to advertise. I have never put personal info on the web, I am very busy and don’t want any further spam. Do you think this is worth the risk?
I'm not the smartest guy in the room, how do I accept that?
How do I get over my obsession with intelligence, and embrace what I have now? [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo at 10:27 PM PST - 77 comments
posted by pakoothefakoo at 10:27 PM PST - 77 comments
life across the lake
Am I committing social suicide by considering a move to Crown Point/Ticonderoga/Essex County New York? [more inside]
user-scalable=wrong
On Android, is there a way in any of the available browsers to turn off honoring <meta name = "viewport" content = "initial-scale = x.x, user-scalable = no">? I'm sick of designers that don't want me to zoom in on their preciously designed mobile site.
posted by benzenedream at 9:21 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by benzenedream at 9:21 PM PST - 4 comments
To shake or not to shake?
I have a job fair sort of thing coming up tomorrow. I've been advised both that I should and should not shake hands with the interviewers. Help? [more inside]
posted by jorlyfish at 9:17 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by jorlyfish at 9:17 PM PST - 17 comments
Trans-friendly therapist in Melbourne AU?
(Australian) Melbournian mefites - can any of you recommend a trans-friendly therapist? [more inside]
"co-LOME-bee-uh" versus "CALL-um-bee-uh"
Why does the U.S. media pronunce certain non-English names with a native accent, while other names are "Americanized" in their pronunciation? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 8:21 PM PST - 45 comments
posted by deathpanels at 8:21 PM PST - 45 comments
Kraken Rum Glasses
I stumbled on this recipe, and while I don't really need to know how to make a Kraken and Kola, I DO need to own the glasses it is shown in.
Speeding up the marriage timeline, need advice
We want to get married, but need to do it much quicker than expected for visa/insurance reasons. How to handle it (snowflakes within)? [more inside]
Can grow lights cause eye damage?
I have a nice 4' long fluorescent grow light set up in my study. I am busy starting up plants for spring and it is on 14 hours a day. The light is working perfectly and seedlings are growing beautifully, but I am wondering about any possible damage it might do to my eyes, as I spend many hours a day in the office working. The hood that came with the light is very narrow so a lot of light reflects up into the room, though I am not looking directly into it, the reflected light is always visible out of the corner of my eye.
Should I be worried about it? My main concern is exposing my eyes and skin to UV light and damage, but could there be other things I should be worried about too.
Can I fix the hood by say sticking some foil on it so less light bounces up into the room and is directed downwards? Or should I just move it to another room? I have no other heated rooms in my house at the moment it could go in so I worry about the seedlings
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
posted by wwax at 8:05 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by wwax at 8:05 PM PST - 5 comments
How can I be a better communicator?
I'm about to enter a second-degree program, and I expect that my small cohort group and I are going to be very different people. I'd like to bridge the gap, but I worry that my weird, assertive, and outspoken tendencies are going to alienate me. Help. [more inside]
Help me improve my first impression on people
I caught up with a good pal and sometime boss last night and I learned something new and interesting. She said on first meeting I can come off as distant, focused on the job and not in a warm way. Looking for tips on how to change this. [more inside]
I'll just start sleeping with my shotgun then...
Boyfriend wants to help lifelong thief friend without becoming a victim. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:49 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by anonymous at 7:49 PM PST - 38 comments
Introduction to choreography book
I'm looking for a good, introductory level book on choreography. I've taken several dance classes informally but have never formally studied dance or any performance art at the post secondary level so something aimed at a popular audience or 100-level textbook would be ideal. Any recommendations, hivemind?
Which 19th century celebrities were bastards?
Were there any famous writers, politicians, public figures etc in the 19th century who were both extremely popular and also known to be born out of wedlock? (And by "famous" I mean for talent or achievement, rather than say, axe-murder.)
I'm curious about the public's relationship with celebrity vs class hierarchies in the mid to late 1800's.
For the love of god, help me root my (not-so) Incredible
I'm failing miserable at rooting my Incredible. I'm very, very new to the whole rooting concept, but the low storage space detailed here is unacceptable, and I can't afford a bigger SD card or new phone. Help? [more inside]
This is A Real Headache.
Migraines are ruining my day. I can't see a neurologist for three months. What can I do in the meantime? [more inside]
He keeps hanging out with me as friends but is in an open relationship.
I like a PhD student at university, who sat next to me a couple months ago in a cafe on campus and started talking to me. He is in an open relationship, so although he is free to be with girls, I told him I don't want to hook up with him. He said he still wants to be friends, but has been texting me everyday since. I enjoy his company, and want to be his friend but I don't know if this amount of communication is wrong for his 'girlfriend', and if he is interested in me. [more inside]
How can you NOT plan ahead?
My husband is driving me up the wall. He has always shown a reluctance to make a plan for anything, but I love planning stuff (trips, etc) so it's never come to be a huge issue. Except for now. [more inside]
posted by checkitnice at 5:27 PM PST - 47 comments
posted by checkitnice at 5:27 PM PST - 47 comments
Help my daughter not become me
My daughter is twelve, and she keeps falling behind in school, despite the school giving her tools that should keep her on-track. I think the problem is that she's just like me. My wife had great study habits, so she can't identify with our daughter's struggle. I can empathize, but my teachers, parents, and self couldn't break me, so I don't have any solutions to apply. [more inside]
What can I do with a tape of John Walker Lindh's hip hop beats?
In the mid-1990s, a now-infamous guy on the international stage personally mailed me some original compositions he'd made. What can I do with them now? (Details to follow.) [more inside]
Give me your baby led weaning stories!
Please share your experiences with baby led weaning. [more inside]
posted by smalls at 4:40 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by smalls at 4:40 PM PST - 19 comments
Recommended replacements for Google Reader?
Google Reader is being retired in a few months. What web services (or conceivably software) would you recommend as a replacement?
Interesting Periodicals, Sites for Mental Health Professionals
Clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and other mental health professionals: can you tell me of blogs, magazines, or other resources that help you keep abreast of the field in an interesting way? [more inside]
Greek Translation: "Solidarity with Greek Workers"
How would you write "Solidarity with Greek Workers" in modern idiomatic greek? For context: this is for a left-wing march banner.
Who is the author of these mp3s, and when were they made?
I'm trying to find some information on the creator of these chippy mashups, and when they were first released. [more inside]
Who wears short shorts? We wear short shorts!
What do women wear under workout shorts? [more inside]
Ouch.
I am an American traveling in Spain and have to go to the ER. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by sockorama at 3:38 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by sockorama at 3:38 PM PST - 29 comments
ThinkPad Edge or faster cheap laptop?
Is the quality of the ThinkPad Edge worth the performance hit? Critique my nearly-made laptop purchasing choice! [more inside]
posted by Busy Old Fool at 3:35 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Busy Old Fool at 3:35 PM PST - 10 comments
Unsure of the procedure to obtain copyright permissions in this scenario
Okay, so I've composed a bunch of music to go with selections from a book of short stories, and things are coming together and I've started to perform & record them. They're mostly 1-2 minutes and the idea is that I'd record myself reading them along with the music; think of something along he lines of Ken Nordine's work. Anyways, it's just something I've been doing for fun, creativity for the sake of creativity and all that. But as it's finally coming together, I have an urge, naturally, to share it with people, at which point legal considerations arise. [more inside]
A comfy chair in a warm, dark room.
What strategies can I use to stay awake during academic seminars? I want to hear what they’re saying, and I don't want to be that lady who always shows up to take a nap. [more inside]
Best uses for celebrity voicemail prompts?
Sometimes a celebrity or another well-known voice will offer to record a voice-mail greeting message as a prize or reward (e.g. "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" or the Veronica Mars Kickstarter). How have people used this kind of prize to best effect? [more inside]
iPad apps with Pinterest-like "grid of things" interface
I'd like to find some examples of apps which use a "card" interface, with each card being a piece of information. Purpose: design inspiration. [more inside]
posted by nevan at 3:10 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by nevan at 3:10 PM PST - 5 comments
Newbie-friendly South SF Bay area tattoo shop recommendations?
OK, so I've been mulling over the notion of getting a tattoo for nearly a decade now, and as of this week I'm finally sure of the design I want. I live in the South San Francisco Bay Area (San Jose/Santa Clara) and am finding myself a bit overwhelmed by all the Yelp reviews, etc., of local tattoo parlors. Specific shop recommendations and/or tips on identifying the most newbie-friendly establishment would be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
posted by aecorwin at 3:10 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by aecorwin at 3:10 PM PST - 5 comments
Attribute trouble when instantiating a class in Python 2.7
I'm having maddening problems creating objects in Python. Details inside [more inside]
posted by COBRA! at 3:10 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by COBRA! at 3:10 PM PST - 2 comments
Does anyone else *HATE* the dentist??
I have impeccable dental hygiene, and yet my gums insist on making good on their mutual suicide pact. This results in epically difficult, frequent, and expensive trips to the dentist. I'm looking for advice from any mefites who have dealt with similar issues. [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire at 3:03 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by fingers_of_fire at 3:03 PM PST - 17 comments
Why did my friend downgrade me?
Friendship-filter: why did my friend declare that I'm not one of his best friends anymore? [more inside]
Movin' on up - How can I quickly raise my credit score?
I am currently unemployed, but am receiving unemployment and some temp jobs here and there and have a very good balance of budgeting vs. spending. I have a checking and saving account, 2 credit cards, plus 2 retail credit cards that I pay off the balance of each month.
1. What can I do to quickly increase my 654, 666, 670 scores to the 700's?
2. Does being unemployed affect my credit score?
3. Will acquiring a car loan now affect my credit score?
Why does daringfireball show a "white flash" between pages?
I've noticed that when I click around the popular Daring Fireball site, there's a brief whitescreen flash in between pages... i.e., the entire browser window turns white for just a moment before the next page loads. Anyone know why? [more inside]
posted by mark7570 at 2:19 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mark7570 at 2:19 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me calm anxiety about travel to China.
I am travelling to China from Canada in the near future. I have hundreds of questions and concerns but mostly just need reassurance that I'm not forgetting anything. Bonus, what should I do for carry-on? [more inside]
posted by sarae at 2:18 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by sarae at 2:18 PM PST - 19 comments
Where are the outlets???
Company wants to group skype, and everything is working great Except the main conference room, which is about 8x bigger than the others. [more inside]
Etruscan resources
I'm learning that many of the customs and traditions that I think of as Roman actually originated from the Etruscans instead. Can anyone recommend some good books, videos, or websites about ancient Etruscan culture and history?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:49 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by the man of twists and turns at 1:49 PM PST - 12 comments
Google Maps alternative (using standard KML import) that's ad-free?
I need a non-Google Maps alternative, due to limitations in how Google displays My Maps. Mapchannels.com is very flexible, but it has two issues: its display doesn't seem to work for mobile users, and it displays small ads (and has suspended its former policy of letting a map creator pay to remove ads). Other options? [more inside]
Best way to sell tennis tickets close to event date?
I have 4 courtside tickets to the finals (Sunday) at BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, near Palm Springs. The tickets have not sold on Stubhub or its competitors despite competitive pricing. What are my options to sell, as we get closer to the event date? I will be on location. I've listed on Palm Springs Craigslist, but how else can I make sure I sell them at a fair price without a big hassle? [more inside]
Housing without government subsidy?
The other day I went past an apartment complex in Minneapolis on the bus and noticed the sign with the name of the building also said 'housing without government subsidy'. What is this code for?
Help with SOYA Torrent Download
I'm about to leave for a two-day long car trip and I thought I could listen to some podcasts to pass the time. I'm a huge Bullseye with Jesse Thorn (formerly Sound of Young America) fan and I saw a link on the Maximum Fun website to download a torrent of all of the old episodes.
So I downloaded the .torrent file and opened it on uTorrent but nothing happened. Any help on my predicament? What am I doing wrong and what can I do to properly download the files?
posted by rmttws at 1:19 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by rmttws at 1:19 PM PST - 7 comments
What do the symbols on this Nepalese coin represent?
I have a 2 rupee coin from Nepal. What do the symbols around the mountain represent? [more inside]
posted by Angel de Lune at 1:14 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Angel de Lune at 1:14 PM PST - 6 comments
Where to find opportunities to be around Horses .Stable managment class?
I REALLY want to get around horses again, but taking lessons can be expensive, and I am living in chicago right now. When I was in North Carolina, I took a class at the community college on stable management. This was perfect, it was super cheap and I got to be around horses- brushing, riding, mucking stalls etc. I have not been able to easily find something like that in Chicago. Any ideas about where I should look for a similar program//opportunity like the one I mentioned?
Help me mediate my dad's deteriorating relationship with my half sister
My Dad is angry and upset with his child who lives on another continent. She is disrespectful to him and he is abrasive and hurtful in return (albeit with good motives overall). And I've been asked to mediate. [more inside]
We are living in a material world, and I am a material girl
I need help with finding a few things:
1)Some wood that would work well as a book cover
2)A large sheet or roll of what I believe is called chipboard.
3)A continuous/piano hinge, 12 inches, that is not stainless steel or bright brass [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 12:31 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by FirstMateKate at 12:31 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me find a stud.
I'm having trouble finding wall studs in my apartment. [more inside]
posted by ursus_comiter at 12:27 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ursus_comiter at 12:27 PM PST - 10 comments
You have a silver maple. What do you plant under it?
I have a large silver maple in my front yard, and I'm having trouble finding plants to grow under it. (I've been told it's because of the tree's shallow root system, but I'm no tree expert.) I live in central Illinois, and periwinkle grows in the shade all over the place here, but I haven't had any luck with it. Suggestions for a nice groundcover that would work well in this situation? Plants that are fast growing / invasive are totally okay.
Visiting New Orleans with an infant
My wife and I will be visiting New Orleans at the end of this month with our almost 1-year old son. Having the baby with us has required two contingencies: we are renting a car, and our days will have to end by 6:30 or 7 pm-ish (although they do start at 6:30-7am). We will also need to find a quiet place for him to nap during the day, or else sit in the car/return to our lodging for an hour or so. I am hoping he'll nap in the stroller as we wander the city, but can't take this for granted. Given this, and the fact that we only have two days (Friday-22 and Monday-25, the weekend is taken up by the wedding we are travelling for) how best to organize our time? Any advice on travelling with an infant? [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman at 12:25 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by arcticwoman at 12:25 PM PST - 5 comments
Does bleach go bad?
Instead of buying spray disinfectant all the time. . . I usually just mix 1 teaspoon into a spray bottle with water and use that. My wife thinks it goes bad and loses it's disinfecting power. Does it?
What do I really want from myself, anyway?
I'm trying to figure out what direction I should guide my future in. Problem is, when I take most personality (*cough* Myers-Briggs *cough*) or skill tests, I can never overcome the bias of what I "should" want, or what my field (the sciences) have conditioned me to. What can I do that can help me figure myself out that isn't sensitive to bias and will basically catch me "off guard" so I can figure out my strengths/weaknesses/potential truthfully? [more inside]
posted by Seeking Direction at 12:25 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Seeking Direction at 12:25 PM PST - 8 comments
Nickled and Damned
House Buyer/Seller Etiquette: is it legitimate for me to be tweaked that the seller wants to charge me for replacement HVAC filters and things that can only be used in the house but that aren't nailed down? [more inside]
posted by Leezie at 11:58 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Leezie at 11:58 AM PST - 16 comments
Mutual friend suffers in aftermath of breakup
Perhaps I’m too blinded by my own sadness to recognize a needed intervention and a friend who is also hurting. Any advice on how to stop wallowing and suck it up for the sake of the friendship? [more inside]
Popping out during sex.
I'm a lady and my boyfriend's penis keeps popping out during sex. How can we stop this? [more inside]
Not love but delicious drinks (without caffeine or alcohol)
Help me find tasty beverages that don't have caffeine, alcohol, or loads of corn syrup. [more inside]
Seeking resources, information or statistics regarding medical devices
I'm looking for resources regarding certain types of medical devices, ones that produce some sort of measurement or data, eg a Visual Field Analyzer, Ultrasound or an OCT machine.
The type of data I'm looking for is stuff like sales numbers, how many are still currently in use, or where they're in use (which field, small clinics versus large hospitals, US or international). My focus is on legacy devices and Ophthalmology, but any data is useful.
posted by rickim at 11:28 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by rickim at 11:28 AM PST - 1 comment
I need helping identifying the era of this photograph.
I was given some photographs of old relatives that were found in a box in my great-grandfather's house after he passed away. All but one photo is someone I can identify. I have no information on that one photo, which is of an old woman standing on a path in front of a farmhouse. I'd like to at least get an idea of the era so I can begin narrowing down the identify of the woman. [more inside]
posted by lbo at 11:24 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by lbo at 11:24 AM PST - 17 comments
What color clothing should I wear to downplay blotchiness from acne?
I have some redness and scarring on my face left over from old acne. I know there are colors which bring out other colors, and colors which do the opposite, but I have no clue how this works. For example, a friend told me I shouldn't wear yellowish-green clothes with my complexion. What color clothes should I (a) wear to minimize the appearance of redness, and (b) avoid? (I'm white, male, brown hair, blue-green eyes, if any of that info helps.)
posted by zeri at 11:08 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by zeri at 11:08 AM PST - 13 comments
best online GIS mapping tool
What is the best online GIS mapping tool that you've found or used for Censuis data visualization? [more inside]
I would rather you fall on the floor then do a trust fall exercise
Tactful ways to get out of a corporate retreat when company recently spent a great deal of money on you [more inside]
posted by lpcxa0 at 10:23 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by lpcxa0 at 10:23 AM PST - 20 comments
The Raskolnikov Method
I'm interested in the origin and propagation of this particular trope: Extremely drunk driver, with bottle of booze in the car, gets in a crash, possibly killing someone, with plenty of witnesses. The driver, either on his own initiative or after calling someone (perhaps a lawyer) for advice, gets out of the car and starts publicly drinking great volumes from the bottle. [more inside]
posted by 256 at 9:55 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by 256 at 9:55 AM PST - 14 comments
Trying to add an iCloud calendar to Google calendar
Trying to add my spouse's iCloud info to my GCal... [more inside]
do I have to be covered by health insurance when claims are submitted?
If my medical provider submits a claim for treatment that was received while I was insured, but the claim is submitted after my insurance expires, will insurance still pay? (Asking in the US.) [more inside]
posted by scarylarry at 9:46 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by scarylarry at 9:46 AM PST - 8 comments
Who to believe- my doc or my pharmacist or random people in my life?
Should I keep pouring different meds into my poor body to fight this beast of a chest cold? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 9:40 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by silverstatue at 9:40 AM PST - 26 comments
How do I wipe "front to back" without making a mess?
Ok. I can't believe I'm even asking this question, but here goes:
How does a woman effectively wipe "front to back" after urinating? [more inside]
How can I feel like less of a schmuck by working while on sick leave?
I am taking sick leave while my kid has had some appendix issues. (He was in the ER yesterday and we have surgical consults coming up tomorrow.) I have time this afternoon to catch up with work but am feeling vaguely annoyed at being put-upon by a certain department. Office drama and snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Who is the best "buy and hold" online brokerage (and what should I buy)?
My wife and I are going to dip our toes in the stock market. For the foreseeable future, I see us doing nothing other than buying (hopefully) reliable dividend-paying stock and holding it for the long- long-term (like 30 years or more potentially). We won't be doing options or even active trading other than occasional additional purchases. Who of the cheap online brokerages should we use? [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket at 9:19 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by AgentRocket at 9:19 AM PST - 14 comments
PlumbingAccidentFilter, UK edition
I let the plumber in to replace the hot water tank this morning, and just got home to find that he'd flooded the floor of the 3rd floor bathroom badly enough that there's water leaking through the *extractor fan opening* of the bathroom immediately below. There's also a small run of water out of a light switch in the 2nd floor wall. The house is full of little pools of water that I don't know if they have been tracked there or have leaked through. How compromised are my electrics and what is the plumber's liability? [more inside]
A Twist on the Martini?
I am trying to come up with a clever twist on a gin martini to celebrate my dad, who has a big birthday coming up in a few weeks. [more inside]
posted by *s at 9:06 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by *s at 9:06 AM PST - 14 comments
a cold and timid soul who neither knows victory nor defeat
Cautious/risk-averse Mefites - how did you train yourself to become braver? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 9:02 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Ziggy500 at 9:02 AM PST - 21 comments
I'm trying to help a friend find a specific young adult book.
He remembers it involved a modern day guy getting off of a school bus and suddenly being in Arthurian times. This of course rules out "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court", and several others I've found on google. Does anyone remember a book with this specific scenario? Thanks.
Negotiating a job compensation
From start up to a larger company-how to negotiate a job offer [more inside]
What's the most complete Pokemon encyclopedia out there?
My son is looking for a Pokemon reference guide with certain qualities. Is there one book that covers all of this? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:54 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:54 AM PST - 15 comments
Road Trip to Canada 2013, with Canada Day in Montreal
We're going to be in Montreal on Canada Day. What will be open and what's closed? Are there any events that occur every year on Canada Day there, and if so are tourists welcomed there? [more inside]
Small fish: whole vs "whole"
I'd been under the impression for many years that it was fine to cook and eat small (finger length-ish) fish whole; head, tail, AND guts. I can find a few articles on line supporting this, but they all use a different size standard, and there are virtually NO recipes I can find that suggest this practice. The recipes say they're for (e.g.) whole smelt, but the first step always involves gutting/cleaning them, which is a slightly different definition of whole than I thought. [more inside]
A party anthem that won't buzzkill the party
I'm trying to come up with a final song for my wedding playlist that will be a real showstopper (literally!) — something with a strong anthemic feel, something that evokes community and emotion and celebration and joy. I'm thinking everyone on the dance floor, singing along at the tops of their lungs and draping arms around each other and group-hugging and stuff like that. Think movie montage or closing scene. We Are Young by fun. is EXACTLY what I'm looking for, except that when you pay attention to the verses it's actually pretty depressing. Any suggestions for anthemic, bass-drum-y songs that are wedding-appropriate? [more inside]
How does marriage affect ownership of a house?
My fiancee asked me when I would add her name to the house, which I purchased by myself before meeting her. How to best handle this situation? [more inside]
Can I upgrade without activating on Verizon?
I have not been able to find a definitive answer on this question.
If I am eligible for an upgrade on my Verizon mobile phone, can I buy a new phone at upgrade price without activating it?
If not, what is the minimum amount of time it needs to be activated? [more inside]
How can I move forward with having a second child when I don't want to?
Mrs. Spaulding (37) wants a 2nd kid yesterday. I was ambivalent about having #1 and I really don't want a 2nd. I have serious depression and anxiety and being a parent has been emotionally, well, bruising. Wife has made it clear she could not forgive me if we didn't have a 2nd and she would leave the marriage. Hive of parents with 2+ kiddos: help me see past my resentment & anxiety to a place where this will all be ok. [more inside]
posted by spaldinggetyourfootofftheboat at 6:54 AM PST - 60 comments
posted by spaldinggetyourfootofftheboat at 6:54 AM PST - 60 comments
How to Get Rid of Prediabetes?
I just got blood test results back that reveal that I'm at the lower end of the range for prediabetes. My doctor wants me to go hardcore in the next three months, which is when she'll test me again. I'm just not sure how to do that. [more inside]
Background Gmail automation, what program(s) to use?
I want to write a script to automatically check for new emails with a certain gmail label, then check the message body for a link containing a certain keyword or phrase and click on it. The logic part should be easy, but what program(s) should I be using for this? Requirements... [more inside]
What to do in Boston this weekend?
My husband and I will be in Boston this weekend, and will have time Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and most of the day Sunday to do stuff. So what should we do? We've never been to the city before, and are interested in historical/cultural activities, or just walking around and looking at things. We also need a few good restaurant suggestions, but don't want to hit the bar scene. We are staying near the Boston Convention Center. We won't have a car but could get one. [more inside]
posted by OrangeDisk at 4:46 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by OrangeDisk at 4:46 AM PST - 20 comments
Poetry for Life
I am turning 27 in two days. Inspired by this, I want to ask for your help in compiling a list of poems that celebrate turning older each year. [more inside]
LDR or not?
5yr relationship relationship about to embark on potential 2 years or longer LDR [more inside]
posted by Trinergy at 12:17 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by Trinergy at 12:17 AM PST - 22 comments
March 12
Are there good jobs for people who aren't detail-oriented?
It seems like almost every job posting asks for someone who is "detail-oriented", but I'm coming to realize that I'm not actually detail-oriented, even though I fake it pretty well. I feel like a slacker and like no one will want to hire me, but I've been hearing that's not true. So, if that's the case then what sorts of jobs are actually out there for people who aren't detail-oriented? [more inside]
posted by inatizzy at 11:39 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by inatizzy at 11:39 PM PST - 15 comments
Relationship fallout. Its like high school all over again.
Help a gal get some perspective on a relationship that ended as quickly as it began. Things were going very well, I thought we'd spend V'day together, then was disappointed when he was very wishy-washy with plans. It ended up in a huge, unnecessary fight. I'm still having lots of trouble getting past the fallout. Where do I go from here? Wall of text inside. [more inside]
posted by couchtater at 11:16 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by couchtater at 11:16 PM PST - 26 comments
The hell movie had bamboo slips?
Where to find a cinematographer for an indie feature film?
We're shooting a low-budget feature and are having trouble finding a cinematographer/DP. Where else can we look (details inside)? [more inside]
Should I ask her when would be a good time to call her for a date?
I (30) met this woman (35) at a work-related meeting ten days ago. We were in a small group (2 men, 2 women), and chatted briefly. Among a few other things, she asked me if I was married and had children (no to both). She is divorced and told us (most of the interaction was with the group) that she was on her own, and had to work really hard to support herself and her two young children. She seems a very loving mother, in addition to an attractive and easygoing person. Before leaving she asked me (and the other guy) for our email addresses and told me she would send me a facebook friend request. This didn´t mean much in itself, as we might conceivably need to get in touch for work-related issues. Later that evening I see and accept her fb friend request, and we chatted for a few minutes. [more inside]
posted by Basque13 at 10:03 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Basque13 at 10:03 PM PST - 23 comments
Another name that book question
Does this sound familiar to anyone? Ok, I know this is vague, especially since there is no plot. I've been trying to remember a children's book about art. I'm pretty sure it was published by the Museum of Modern Art and most likely in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The book had an artwork for every letter of the alphabet, for instance "D is for Dance" paired with Dance I by Henri Matisse. I also remember Two Cheeseburgers, with Everything by Claes Oldenburg. [more inside]
Going to a party when one of the guests is someone you can't stand?
My friend is having a birthday party and invited me. I love the guy, he's one of my good friends so was happy to go. Then I found out that he also invited one of his other friends who I cannot stand - the friend is very rude, sarcastic and condescending, and we got into a bit of a verbal spat last time we met. I am scared to death of conflict, and am debating on whether or not to go. How to cope? [more inside]
Email link to auto-playing slideshow to ppl w/various tech capabilities?
My partner and I are "eloping" this weekend. (More on that below the fold.) We'd like to put together a slideshow to announce this to our families and friends. How can I make a slideshow so that I can send a single link to all parties, and they'll get an auto-playing slideshow when they click the link. I don't want to use PowerPoint, because many of them won't have it. What I really want to avoid is having the older relatives seeing the word "eloped" and not being able to view the playful explanation inside the slideshow. Thoughts? [more inside]
Aloof filter: how to re-engage yourself when you feel distant
How do you keep open, light-hearted and accessible when you feel yourself closing off? [more inside]
Working with Javascript and Google Fusion Tables...help!
Working on an important open gov data project to support public schools. Need to know how to grab data from a single Google Fusion table cell using javascript...And of course, we are trying to stay up all night because we launch tomorrow. Help?
What to do when you're the asshole in the relationship?
So, I was a bad ex-girlfriend and a shitty friend. What now? [more inside]
Top AV Club rated movies on Netflix
I trust the AV Club rankings. Is there a way to cross-reference their top ranked films with Netflix's streaming library? For example I'd like to see all A-rated films that are available on Netflix instant streaming.
Do not congratulate me. I'm just fat.
Where do I find clothes that fit and don't make me look pregnant? [more inside]
posted by bluemoonegg at 6:24 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by bluemoonegg at 6:24 PM PST - 15 comments
Best practices for software development documentation
I do some developery-type stuff at work and the more complicated it gets, the less organized I am. I often find myself wondering why I did this or that or what I was trying to accomplish with it. I reuse a lot of the same functions and bits of code but I don't have a good system of keeping track of them. I know about commenting within code, and I do that, but I'm looking for a larger system of general best practices more than a specific solution. [more inside]
Best machine for making both coffee & specialty espresso drinks @ home
We want to be able to brew regular coffee but also steam and froth milk and make espresso for drinks like lattes and mochas. Is there 1 machine that can do both?
liability after apartment fire in NYC
The other night there was a fire in my friend's building in New York City; the fire was on the 10th floor, he lives on the 21st. He wasn't present while the fire happened, but there was smoke damage to his apartment, particularly to his clothes. My friend doesn't have renter's insurance. [more inside]
How can I keep track of reaching out to my contacts on a regular basis?
I want a contact management system that will remind me to:
(1) follow up with new people I meet, and track when I do, and
(2) reach out to those people on a regular basis (and track when I do).
Please share your own app-based or text-based system for doing this! [more inside]
posted by incandescentman at 5:35 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by incandescentman at 5:35 PM PST - 4 comments
What's left to eat?
Caring for a sick relative, recently released from the hospital, in my home. He is on both a low-sodium and a low-potassium diet. Please help me with meal planning before I go crazy! [more inside]
posted by lgandme0717 at 5:26 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by lgandme0717 at 5:26 PM PST - 6 comments
Step 1) Babysitting, Step 2) ????? Step 3) PROFIT!
Most of my income now comes from babysitting, but I'd like to look for non-childcare jobs when my current gig ends in a few months. How do I make the transition into office work? [more inside]
Spock loves Kirk but fails miserably as Troi
Dear Vulcan Homeworld, I want to learn how to converse better with my wife. Currently my overly-logical thought and speech patterns upset her, frequently in ways I'm unable even to predict. She deserves better. I've struggled on my own to come up with dozens of different approaches, all of which have ultimately failed in different ways, so I come to you for help. [more inside]
How to rehearse a (radio) play
I've written a radio play, and I'm meeting the cast tomorrow for a rehearsal. This is the first play I've written (let alone a radio play) and I've never acted in anything either, so any hints and tips about how to run a rehearsal smoothly would be greatly appreciated, especially anything that relates especially to radio drama. [more inside]
How can a schlump like me learn PHP in the shortest possible time?
I didn't ask for this! My employer is moving me to a position that will require a working knowledge of PHP development, but my skills are nowhere near up to snuff. "You learn quick, just pick it up" they say! I don't know where they got the idea that I DO in fact learn quickly, but I guess now I have to! So what can a guy like me do to pick up at least a passable proficiency relatively quickly? I can put in the hours, but I would rather put in the hours efficiently, if you know what I mean.
Birds and Battlefields
Mixing military history and natural history, I'm looking for information regarding bird behavior during wartime. An example: would one hear bird songs on the battlefield during pauses in fighting? [more inside]
posted by josephtate at 4:02 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by josephtate at 4:02 PM PST - 13 comments
Thanks for all your hard work, please go away now.
How do you gracefully tell vendors they weren’t selected for the project? What do you say when they want to know why...and you don't have an easy answer? [more inside]
posted by castlebravo at 3:35 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by castlebravo at 3:35 PM PST - 26 comments
I need a new toaster oven. And a clever title.
Toaster oven needed. [more inside]
I bought a business a few years ago, and now it's making me completely miserable.
I own an Apple reseller somewhere in the United States. I bought this company from the former owner a few years back, despite having no education in business whatsoever (other than what I've learned on the job.) When I first took over as owner, it was kind of fun, challenging, a lot of work, and just slightly profitable (though with a debt from the loan I took out to buy the business). It was like this for about a year. Since then, not so much. Most days, I feel trapped and hopeless. So now I seek ideas. [more inside]
What's the best Swiss Army Knife?
Now that the TSA is allowing Swiss Army knives on flights, I'd like to get my boyfriend a replacement for the one he lost a while back. But, searching on Amazon, there seem to be a million options. [more inside]
posted by rainbowbrite at 3:04 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by rainbowbrite at 3:04 PM PST - 15 comments
What's so awesome about Korean stuff?
I'm interested in Korean pop culture: K-pop, K-drama, K-film. I've seen previous questions about specific recommendations if music and movies. I am checking those out. There is so much material, I'm trying to get a broader perspective. [more inside]
What's a good job for someone with ABA and admin experience?
My girlfriend got her B.A. in Psychology, then worked for 2 years doing ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapy with autistic children. After that, she worked for 6 years in the family business: her parents are doctors, and she served as the admin, doing scheduling, billing, hiring/firing, account management/finances, building management, etc. Now, she is looking for a new job (one of the parents is retiring next month), but we are having trouble coming up with her next career step. Any ideas, MetaFilter? More details inside. [more inside]
Wonderful 4 Year Old Son Likes Girly Stuff - No Problem! Right?
My wonderful 4-year old son wants lots of girly things. I want nothing more than to support him and help him grow into the person he wants to be. My only question is, is there anything that a loving, responsible, progressive parent should do to protect him from hurt, possible bullying etc. [more inside]
posted by stewieandthedude at 2:32 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by stewieandthedude at 2:32 PM PST - 19 comments
Finding a detailed history of the California Penal Code
I'm trying to find out how to find out when a particular item was added to the California Penal Code. In this particular case I'm interested in 12028.5, but I'd like to understand how to find such information in the future.
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 2:27 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 2:27 PM PST - 3 comments
Dealing with passive-aggressive ex 'losing' kids stuff on visits.
Title says it. Passive-aggressive ex ' accidentally loses' my sons stuff on every.single.visit. Meaning I have to replace one or more of the following: toque, mitts, socks, hoodie, pullups, footwear, etc. every week and I just can't afford it. I can't send my toddler naked.
Is there anything I can do about this lame game?
posted by tenaciousmoon at 2:20 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by tenaciousmoon at 2:20 PM PST - 30 comments
A good man is hard to find
There are a lot of questions on here about early dating warning signs, but I'm curious to know what are some early dating positive signs that people have gathered in their relationships for picking out emotionally healthy partners. I'm particularly interested in men who fit this profile. Because I grew up in a dysfunctional family sometimes a good man seems like an elusive creature, and it's hard for me to even visualize how he would appear or come across at the beginning.
couch skiing
When I first learned to ski, in the late 1980s, my ski coach and several friends all suggested a technique for improving skiing that involved watching videos of skiers with excellent form skiing the same run over and over and over. The idea was that this would somehow encode in the viewer's brain what a good ski turn looks like, and that information would come out when the viewer got up off the couch and started skiing. Anyone recall what this specific technique was called? [more inside]
posted by Capri at 2:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Capri at 2:18 PM PST - 6 comments
How to handle an extreme narcissistic teen as a teacher
Posting for a friend - I have a good deal of experience with difficult teens, but i've honestly never encountered this (and am definitely now intrigued myself on how to handle). A short description inside. [more inside]
Computer recovery after reset to original settings
Computer froze up, only letting me access the recovery manager. Burned 6 recovery disks, then reset to original factory settings. Reinstalled the recovery disks, the program said it was successful, but the files are nowhere to be found. What next? [more inside]
perhaps the Vatican is the center of the universe after all
Why is the Pope resigning and the Conclave such a big deal in the media? [more inside]
How can I present PDFs annotated via popups in a browser window?
Hi all! I am looking for something that I think should exist but I can't seem to be able to find it. I am looking for a way to put a PDF on a webpage with annotation markers, so that when a user clicks on the annotation marker, a pop up box opens up with the annotation comment. For example, imagine a PDF of a first edition of "Alice in Wonderland" or the Bible that you could click on and notes about the phrase you clicked on would appear in a pop up window. The seems a useful bit of technology but I've looked around the web and I've been unable to find any pages like this. I am looking for two things: (1) Examples of such pages currently online; and (2) A software program that would create such pages. Thanks in advance!
Ack! Help me figure out what kind of water to drink at home.
I am totally overwhelmed trying to figure out what water (tap, bottled, filter, RO, etc.) to drink at home at this point. Can you help? [more inside]
Help me accessorize this dress!
My sister is getting married next month! Yay! I'm wearing this dress, yay! I don't know how to accessorize…help? [more inside]
Proper Etiquette for Messy Foods
Let's say the Queen of England is visiting Mexico, how does she eat her taco? When she visits the US South, how does she eat ribs? Does she take off her white gloves and eat Injera in Ethopia? More or less the question is: How does "proper etiquette" work for inherently messy food items, especially those of a foreign culture, when consumed by someone of high culture/royalty?
Trying to transfer sequencer files from workstation to computer
The (floppy) drive on my Korg X2 workstation has finally broken and I'm trying to transfer the sequencer files onto my computer as midi files using midi-to-usb. I can do a midi dump for the sequencer but I have no idea what to do with the .syx file I now have on my computer. Is there another way to do it, or is the solution close at hand? [more inside]
How to convince our landlord to install ductless AC?
Heat and AC barely reach the 2nd floor of our old apartment. Ductless AC seems like the way to do. Tips for getting a landlord on-side (at least) and footing the bill (at best)? [more inside]
My Baby is Turning 21 and I Want to Give Her the BESTEST Gift Ever!
My eldest daughter (known here as Kinetic Jr.) is turning 21 this month and I want to get her a memorable present.
What would have been the BEST GIFT EVER when you turned 21? [more inside]
posted by kinetic at 11:47 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by kinetic at 11:47 AM PST - 42 comments
Seeking Small Commericial Parking Lot
I'm looking for a parking lot that can fit a few trucks in the DC / N VA area. Ideally it'd be fenced and relatively secure, ideally it'd be somewhat near a metro, and ideally there might even be a little bit of office and/or warehouse space; however, none of these are mandatory.
I'm not turning up much in my searches on Craigslist or Loopnet that fits the bill. Mostly just finding huge warehouse or office properties rather than the dinky parking lot that we need. [more inside]
Digital Asset Management / Sharing System
Looking for suggestions and recommendations for a way to share files with customers, contractors and satellite offices.
I inherited an old website from 2007 that is used to post creative assets such as AI and PSD files for download. Posting new items is a manual process, requiring us to make thumbnails and manually adding links to the files. [more inside]
How do I get health insurance for my Eastern European mother-in-law?
My wife's mom is a widow of advancing age. She lives alone in Eastern Europe, in a country with universal health care. (More or less... thanks, austerity!) As she is getting older, we're starting to worry about her living over there, both because of quality of care and because the day that she's no longer suited to live by herself seems approaching. We live in the US and would like to bring her over here permanently. Putting aside immigration questions, how do we get health insurance for her? [more inside]
Is it reasonable to want my money back?
My ex-partner owes me about two grand. Should I walk away from it? [more inside]
posted by Pomo at 11:19 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by Pomo at 11:19 AM PST - 38 comments
Looking to do ALL the things with new Mac Pro Retina 13.3
I've retired my old Windows laptop and sprung for a new Mac Pro Retina with a 13.3 screen. It is gorgeous and fast. But my experience with Apple is limited to using an Itouch and Ipad 2. Is there a great detailed Pro Retina for Dummies guide, or especially great website for navigating what this machine can do? And what apps or tricks or tips would be especially helpful to install or learn as I explore this machine? Many thanks, all you Mac users.
posted by bearwife at 11:16 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by bearwife at 11:16 AM PST - 9 comments
Expense Report Tips and Tricks
First time filing expense reports. How do you guys make it easier? [more inside]
posted by nickhb at 11:15 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by nickhb at 11:15 AM PST - 14 comments
How to transfer a file folder to an iPad
Are there any iPad file management apps that will allow a file folder (complete with nested folders and files) to be dragged into it? [more inside]
tooth sensitivity to acidic food (?)
YNMD, and I have an appointment with a dentist next week. until then, I am just hoping to find some information and calm myself down, because I freak out irrationally much about teeth stuff. I think one of my teeth is sensitive to acid food? but I am not sure, and I am not sure how to describe this to the new dentist. [more inside]
Breathed food into lungs. Will this cause a problem?
I accidentally inhaled a bite of toast. Is there any health risk? Do I need to do anything?
posted by Bushmiller at 10:09 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Bushmiller at 10:09 AM PST - 12 comments
Help me live in my own country (USA) with my Canadian wife! AAAH!
I came to Canada on a visa (NAFTA treaty visa, technical writer) and I met the love of my life and married her. I'm the breadwinner in Canada, and I have been since shortly after we moved in together. How on EARTH do I move her home with me??? [more inside]
The Transatlantic Librarian
Give me insight, tips, and strategies for transitioning from American to British librarianship. [more inside]
Seeking recommendations for books about plants and gardening
This past week I was at a job interview and was asked what my favorite book on gardening was and I had trouble answering. I eventually said Dirr, but felt that my answer was kind of boring; this led to the realization that I should probably do some reading. Please help me find some good books about plants. [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 9:35 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by sciencegeek at 9:35 AM PST - 13 comments
How do antenna TV channels "work" now? How do I find & add new ones?
I've been cable-less for the past few years and have been using antennas with my HDTVs for TV reception and have been very content, except I really have no clue what I'm supposed to be doing. To wit: [more inside]
posted by Challahtronix at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Challahtronix at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments
Interviewing etiquette with German companies
I'm an American interviewing with several companies based in Berlin. These are small Internet companies with fewer than 100 employees. In both cases, the first Skype interview has (seemingly) gone well and I've followed up via email to thank them for the opportunity and reiterate my interest. However, I have not received anything in return after 10+ days. Is this typical? Does silence on their end indicate a lack of interest in proceeding any further? Or should I continue to follow up until I receive an explicit reply, as is typical in the U.S. (in my experience)?
You can reach me at interviewing@fastmail.fm if necessary. Thanks!
Fiction: Stuff similiar to "The Star Chamber"
I am looking for works of fiction similar to the 1983 film The Star Chamber that stars Michael Douglas as an idealistic judge. Frustrated at having to dismiss the case against an obviously guilty criminal due to a legal technicality, Douglas' character is invited to join a secret group that offers a special type of vigilante justice. But what happens if they make a mistake? [more inside]
Possible electrical damage, can my files be recovered?
Saturday night we had an "electrical event"-- the power flickered off and on several times in the space of two minutes. Immediately afterwards when I checked on the computer, I got the message: "Disk Read Error Occurred." I have a couple of questions. [more inside]
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 8:51 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 8:51 AM PST - 10 comments
Eating disorder recovery
Around 2 weeks ago I decided to actually properly recover from my eating disorder.
And I am hoping that some people here with relevant medical knowledge or personal experience might be able to give me some advice on how to proceed and information on what I can physically expect, as the information given online is often very contradictory. I live in a rural area (UK) and have had very negative experiences with the local medical professionals/counselling services (I also get the impression that most GPs will not be very well informed anyway) so I am attempting to do this very much on my own. [more inside]
Is there a name for this logical fallacy? It has to do with statistics.
The fallacy is assuming that statistic information about a thing is more relevant in dealing with a particular instance of that thing than available first-hand data. [more inside]
posted by CustooFintel at 8:44 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by CustooFintel at 8:44 AM PST - 17 comments
Bro's guardian has revoked consent; how do I speak to caregivers?
My very mentally ill brother may be in a dangerous situation. It appears that his guardian has revoked the consent my brother gave so that I can talk to his caregivers. What the hell can I do now. [more inside]
Any way to open multiple browser bookmarks from a portable file?
I use Chrome at work, and usually open up the same set of five or six websites every day, multiple times a day. I do not store non-work-related bookmarks on this browser, so I have to load the sites up manually every time. Is there a simple, one-click method of opening up multiple bookmarks in Chrome without having those bookmarks saved in the browser? [more inside]
posted by El Sabor Asiatico at 7:39 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by El Sabor Asiatico at 7:39 AM PST - 11 comments
Blood sugar issues because of anti-psychotics, what to do now?
What should I do in the immediate short term before my appointment to talk about blood sugar issues with my psychiatrist? [more inside]
Non-fiction books about relationships between father and a new child
I'm going to be a proud first-time papa in a couple months, and I'm gearing up for the madness and joy to come. I've really enjoyed reading non-fiction anecdotes about fathers and children, and I was wondering if you had any books you might recommend? Hopefully nothing 'Chicken Soup for the ____'-ish, but more along the New Yorker-y lines of Paris to the Moon by Adam Gopnik and Home Game by Michael Lewis. [more inside]
posted by evadery at 6:57 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by evadery at 6:57 AM PST - 16 comments
Mechanics: how do they work?
[Chicago Filter] My car needs new brakes, like, a year ago. (Seriously.) I need to find a good (reasonably priced, will get the job done) mechanic in Chicago because the Toyota dealership wants payment in first born children. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 6:55 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by phunniemee at 6:55 AM PST - 14 comments
It would almost be better if it were hookers and blow.
My SO and I are in a delicate and precarious financial & marital state and from my perspective he's actively fucking things up for us all. What can I do to get us on the right track? [more inside]
Restaurants: reservations vs. walk ins
Are you, or have you been, a host/ess at a restaurant? If so, can you tell me what was going on with the reservations vs. walk ins at a restaurant we went to over the weekend? Just out of curiosity. [more inside]
posted by librarianamy at 5:46 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by librarianamy at 5:46 AM PST - 13 comments
Phone upgrade from Droid Razr?
Phone upgrade from Droid Razr? [more inside]
Health Insurance/New Job Question
Can a new employer wait 7 months to start health insurance? [more inside]
ADHD & Graduate studies
I have (late-diagnosed) ADHD & I've just become a graduate student. I'm medicated, and under the care of professionals. This question is about best methodologies in graduate studies, particularly in remembering research I've read. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 1:35 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by b33j at 1:35 AM PST - 9 comments
March 11
Riddle me this.
Are there the makings of a riddle in Isaiah 22:22? And can you help me come up with a tangible answer to it, just for kicks? [more inside]
A race by any other slur
How do other languages (non-English) express the scientific term 'race?' vs the colloquial?
In taxonomic terms, the word "race" is 90% used as a misnomer in US discourse. This is rooted in "Social Darwinism," or contemporary racist applications of seminal evolution concepts. This colors verbiage across the sciences, especially the social sciences. To wit, the term 'racism' is in fact based on a dehumanizing paradigm.
So, um, how does this shake out elsewhere? [more inside]
posted by es_de_bah at 11:01 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by es_de_bah at 11:01 PM PST - 10 comments
New Floors, Mold, Destroy, Rebuild, New Floors
We refinished our hardwood floors.
About three months later mold started growing up through the floor in a corner of the house. The moisture captured in the area buckled the floors.
In the crawl space it looked like this (picture in linked version below)
We removed all the fungus, and are now removing the area that was damaged.
The big question was how this happened in the first place and why in this exact spot. This seems to be the answer.
The spot where the moisture was getting in through the foundation was is a transition from the original foundation to a room addition that was done about 25 years ago. (yellow circle) (photo in linked version below)
The transition has a crack in the foundation on both sides (yellow circle)
There were NO foundation vents in this corner of the room, no ventilation. Moisture was getting in and trapped, fungus sprouted and destroyed the floors.
Here is what I am trying to get information on:
What do I do to the foundation wall, interior and exterior where this crack is to thwart any future moisture issues?
Here is the same text with images
A thousand words for your pictures
Help me find excellent writing about visual arts. [more inside]
Where to stay in Moscow....Idaho, that is
My family and I will be traveling with some friends to Moscow, ID in July. Our friends will be staying with their family, and we will need a place to stay for a few nights. We hoped to camp, but it doesn't look like much of a camping place, am I right? Where should we stay? B&B? Hotel? Or are there campsites close by? We are 2 adults, 2 kids (ages 2 and 5).
Something interesting about scaffolding
Doing research for a lyric essay I'm writing. Without going into too much detail, I need to find out something, anything interesting having to do with scaffolding. I've read up on the basics (parts of it, materials it can be made of, its history, etc.) but have yet to uncover any really interesting facts or anecdotes. Anything at all would be helpful.
Can/should I negotiate for a used car before it is "ready"?
Looking for advice on buying a used vehicle in limited supply. More inside. [more inside]
Something cheaper than a VGADVI broadcaster?
I would really love to own this product. Can you recommend any similar products? My budget is about $500.00.
Your tracing paper is in another castle
I work in an art supply store. People ask for rolls of tracing paper very frequently, and I'm curious as to what they need them for. [more inside]
Can you help us with our laptop woes?
My wife has an old MacBook that she is writing her Masters thesis on. I'm not exactly sure how old it is, but it is one of the white plastic ones with a smaller screen, probably 13". Regardless. She was using OpenOffice, but she said it kept crashing on her. The research I did said that LibreOffice is more stable, so I installed that on her machine, but that is also crashing on her. She is constantly afraid of losing her work, and is saving when she remembers, but sometimes it will just freeze up on her in the middle of typing and if she hasn't saved, she's fucked. I'm not really sure what to do. [more inside]
Very anxious about upcoming surgery - need help calming my nerves
I'm having a total hip replacement in five weeks. While this is a fairly routine operation, I had some pretty traumatic experiences with surgery/hospitals/recovery during my childhood, so it's hard for me to think about this whole process without digging up those memories. I'd like advice on how to manage my anxiety in the coming weeks. More details inside. [more inside]
Am I overreacting to my friends' values about future pets?
My younger friends are roommates and want to jointly adopt a kitten. When I asked some follow-up questions about who would be the real owner of the cat (since they'll likely not live together for the animal's entire lifespan) it seems that they assume they'll just give the cat up if neither wants to take it to the new home. I am, shall we say, not a fan of this plan. They both think I'm overreacting. They are also not very keen on simply fostering instead of adopting. What to do? [more inside]
Help Me Learn AWK
I'm good at Grep (aka pattern matching, aka regular expressions). Can you help me figure out the best way to learn AWK? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:42 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:42 PM PST - 27 comments
Have to face my boss tomorrow; reported her to internal auditing today
I am a temp employee in a very small office. Obviously I can't comfortably say what kind. My boss made a dangerous error Friday, repeated the error today and then covered up both errors, in front of me, and not giving me any plausible deniability of knowin what she was doing. I reported this over her head and am now nervous about handling the fallout. [more inside]
Help me discover some work that matches my interests!
I'm 31 years old and looking for a career change. I've come to love research and I've always loved reading nonfiction and true crime as well as the exposé articles often published by alternative weeklies. What are some careers that would fit these interests, and how do I work my way towards those careers? [more inside]
Your Stress is Stressing Me Out
How do I effectively communicate to my husband that I'm afraid that his job stress is spilling over into our family life and negatively affecting his relationship with our kids? [more inside]
How can I soothe/remoisturizing the irritated skin on my face?
How to heal or restore moisture to this (probably) temporary chemical-sensitivity induced rash/dryness on my face? [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 6:42 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by lovableiago at 6:42 PM PST - 8 comments
Boardwalk attractions in the Outer Banks?
The boardwalk on Rehoboth Beach, Del. is my idea of heaven: arcades, pizza places, and mini golf all within walking distance, and right on top of a beautiful beach. Is there anything like that (even at a smaller scale) in the Outer Banks? [more inside]
Everybody's free to wear sunscreen. But what kind?
I need daily sunscreen recommendations compatible with oily skin. [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 5:36 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by Sara C. at 5:36 PM PST - 35 comments
USian would like a job in Ireland
I am in an amazing situation where I have a 9-month, paid sabbatical and am taking this incredible moment to change my life. My current job, though lucrative, is extremely toxic and I'm so thrilled to have the time and resources to make a change! Anyone with insight who would like to do so, please make suggestions on my journey, hopefully to Ireland. [more inside]
Any recommendations for a new cellphone?
Because maybe, just maybe, it's time to replace my antique Nokia. [more inside]
Why does OSX Text to Speech occasionally garble/skip words on me?
In order to reduce eyestrain when on the computer, I use the basic OSX (10.6.8) Text to Speech (System Prefs -> Speech -> Text to Speech) software for the computer to read out long-form articles found online. This works great! Except....sometimes when I ask "Alex" to read out to me it will skip or garble words from the highlighted article, usually one word per sentence or after x number of words. Why? [more inside]
owe alota money
Our daughter broke her arm yesterday, required surgery, and an overnight stay. We have no insurance. The hosptial will likely allow me to set up a payment plan (for the rest of my life). anything else to know? [more inside]
How to deal with an inefficient bureaucracy-- from the inside?
What are your strategies and best practices for being a cog in an inefficient bureaucracy? How do you compartmentalize the frustration and leave it in the office? [more inside]
Problem with php's imap_search function regarding time zones.
I'm trying to use the php imap_search function to collect all of the emails I receive from my business's fulfillment company on a given day. The problem is that I can't seem to get the SEARCH ON to return all of the emails in a day, instead it seems to return all of the emails in a day shifted a few hours. [more inside]
posted by Jezztek at 4:00 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Jezztek at 4:00 PM PST - 6 comments
Decisions, decisions, decisions
I'm a soon-to-be college graduate and I have two job offers, one from a large company and another one from a smaller company. I'm also interviewing with two other companies, one of which I happen to really like. What do I do? [more inside]
All-in-one printer/scanner/copier/fax recommendations ?
March 2013 edition ! A non-profit that I volunteer with is looking to buy a new all-in-one machine to do its printing, scanning, copying, and faxing for its office. Non-profit uses windows. Initial budget is $300-500.
Other pluses:
Dual-sided printing
Most of the printing will be in b&w but will occasionally need to print in color (not for photos but for small logos on flyers, etc).
What should I recommend to them ? Laser ? Inkjet, no right ? They'd rather not since space is at a premium there.
posted by fizzix at 2:59 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by fizzix at 2:59 PM PST - 9 comments
How to recover from ex-boyfriend who withheld sex?
Most recent relationship did a number on my self-confidence. Help me figure out how to regain what was lost. Details inside. [more inside]
I like salad, it hates me
I've regularly eaten salad as part of a healthy diet, including a period my freshman year of college eating it twice a day. I had no issues. But now, no more. [more inside]
Postcard to Japan
I want to send a postcard from France to this restaurant in Japan where my friend is a cook. There appears to be an address on the front page of the website, but I'll be damned if I can make out what it says, much less recreate it on a postcard in a way that the French post can parse. I'm sure I could ask him myself, but I would prefer to surprise him. Can anyone help me with this?
posted by Evstar at 2:33 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Evstar at 2:33 PM PST - 9 comments
I am looking for an Internet-free laptop to use for writing.
I can't think properly while online. Nor can I think properly if the Internet is a few clicks away. So I am looking for a laptop that can run Open Office, Adobe, and MS Word, has a USB port for swapping files on and off. It must not be capable of connecting to the Internet, at least not wirelessly. Alternately, I'd be interested in ways to permanently disable the wireless on my old unibody MacBook Pro, model 1.1. Then I could buy a second laptop for Internet purposes. The goal is two laptops--one that's capable of online work and one that is not.
Help a paranoid pug parent out.
Are petsitters sometimes legally obligated to not give out contact info for their references? [more inside]
Finding summer accommodation in Paris
I'm going to Paris in July and August this summer to take a language course at the Sorbonne. Yay! However, my original plan to stay at a friend's flat has fallen through, and I'm going to have to search for my own accommodation. I don't know where to start... and my French isn't great. Help! [more inside]
Please help me find a book published in Argentina, now out of print.
Hello dear Mefites. I am looking to buy or borrow this very-hard-to-find book:
Ramacciotti, Sandra and Rodil, María Victoria (2006): Economics: Glossary of Metaphorical Usage - Glosario Económico - Financiero Uso Metafórico de Voces. Buenos Aires: Editorial Quorum. [more inside]
posted by ipsative at 1:42 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ipsative at 1:42 PM PST - 9 comments
To B or not to be.
This might be a very simple question, but it falls into the sort that you cannot seem to Google. Can anyone tell me how, using Apple dictation, it is possible to differentiate different responses to asking for the letter B? [more inside]
best sound system for hearing movie dialogue
Ever since the DVD age began, I've noticed that music and sound effects in movies are always WAY louder than the dialogue. It's really annoying. Will a properly configured surround sound system fix this? What is the right way to set up surround sound speakers? Are sound bars any good? [more inside]
How do I put my negative feelings aside about an upcoming vacation?
My husband (A)'s family (parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew) are going on a trip in a couple of weeks. The trip has been planned for months, and he and I had decided long ago that it wasn't going to work for us this year. Yesterday, A. decided he wants to go. There are no hotel rooms available. We will have to stay on the pull out couch in his parent's room. I could use a reality check. Longer explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by mary, queen of socks at 1:04 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by mary, queen of socks at 1:04 PM PST - 52 comments
Yet another cat naming question ...
We are about to adopt a gorgeous pair of young cats. They are 1yo, brother and sister, tabby and white, mainly white with tabby spots and blotches and stripey tails. She is smaller than him. They are rangy at the moment but will be indoor cats and will probably become "fine" and content with time. Quite lively but friendly. They have, erm, had kittens together already (the boy is now neutered and the girl gets done next week), so bonus points for incestuous brother-sister pairs (I am already mining Iris Murdoch's novels for some but they don't have great cat names). [more inside]
Wash & fold in NYC that won't destroy synthetics and elastic?
I'm looking for a Wash & Fold and (very ideally) pickup/delivery service in Manhattan (UES). However, I'm concerned about one thing in particular: handling of delicates, specifically synthetics and elastics. [more inside]
Looking for the name of a board game.
I played a board game with some friends a few years ago, and I can't remember the name of it. Can someone help me figure out what it is? I can tell you as much about the game as I can remember, inside. [more inside]
posted by aftermarketradio at 11:41 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by aftermarketradio at 11:41 AM PST - 4 comments
What determines the price of a drink at a bar?
What determines the price of a drink at a bar? Why does it differ drastically in different places? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 11:38 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by sandmanwv at 11:38 AM PST - 17 comments
What exactly is the "Employee Awareness Association"?
This group has apparently been invited to speak at our office for a free "lunch and learn" seminar. On the surface it looks all legit and something our company's HR department set up to promote health and whatnot. But my spidey-sense is tingling the more I look at the flyers and try to find out stuff on the web. Best I can tell now is that this is some kind of fluffy good-health seminar backed by a heavier sales pitch at the backend. Any thoughts? What I've found is below the fold... [more inside]
posted by JoeZydeco at 11:29 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by JoeZydeco at 11:29 AM PST - 11 comments
Converting a US-formatted Microsoft Word document to UK formatting?
Is there a way (a macro perhaps?) to change the spellings and punctuation in a Microsoft Word document (.docx) from "American" style to "British" (or should I say, 'British') style in one fell swoop? [more inside]
posted by dhens at 11:28 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dhens at 11:28 AM PST - 7 comments
Academic introduction to development and capitalism
I need to begin to familiarize myself with the academic literature in two areas I haven't studied in a class: a) definitions of capitalism and transitions to capitalism, and b) economic development, particularly mega-projects and state-supported development efforts. I'm looking for good introductions to each of these, like an upper-year undergraduate textbook or standard handbook, where I can get a feel for the major ideas in each of these areas and maybe some key references without having to do a complete literature survey. Any suggestions?
posted by jb at 11:19 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by jb at 11:19 AM PST - 6 comments
How should I prep my GMAT prep course?
Using a famous picture in an ad - legal/copyright question
We have an ad which will be printed, and *ideally* would love to use that picture from the superbowl ad of the nerd kissing the model (godaddy ad).
I know this is a longshot since they paid millions for it, but is my only legal option to ask GoDaddy and go this route?
THANK YOU!
Choose the new face of Mount Rushmore (why?)
Who or what is behind Rushmorevote.com? [more inside]
posted by Gordafarin at 10:52 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Gordafarin at 10:52 AM PST - 8 comments
Where are the Gyms of Yesteryear (in the City of Today)?
About five years ago, I had an incredible, full-service gym that provided for every need I had. Now I'm in the NYC area - where can I find a gym that offers all the services I need? (Or at least, most of them.) [more inside]
Chiropractic Manipulation of the Ear
My wife wants to take our 9 month old to the chiropractor to have his ear manipulated to address ear infections. From what I understand, this would involve tugging/manipulating the ear itself, and not the C-spine. Hope me with science? [more inside]
Help me not outstay my welcome.
Where in London or surrounding areas can I hole up with my laptop and work, without having to get drunk or wired, or incur the ire of the management? [more inside]
posted by doiheartwentyone at 10:31 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by doiheartwentyone at 10:31 AM PST - 12 comments
Replacing the glass on Samsung Galaxy S3
Hello MeFites. I managed to shatter the front glass on my Samsung Galaxy S3. It still works, the glass just needs replacing. What's my best course of action to get it fixed? [more inside]
What we have here is a failure to communicate.
Our teenage son's voice is so low and hoarse that none of us can hear it. [more inside]
posted by dean winchester at 10:09 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by dean winchester at 10:09 AM PST - 20 comments
Do You Like Your Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet?
New kitchen faucet is needed, and I've been warned away from the pull-down type of faucet. Do you have one of these, and would you recommend it? [more inside]
What Are Your Rights When a Landlord Wants to Break a Lease?
Asking for a couple of friends living in Washington, D.C. They signed a lease and put down security deposits to rent a two-bedroom condo with move in on Saturday. The guy just called them and said that he's changed his mind, and he doesn't want to rent the place anymore and he is currently living there. What can they do about it since they haven't actually moved in yet? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 9:56 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 9:56 AM PST - 15 comments
iOS (iPhone) Apps keep getting moved by App Store - why?
Recently my IOS (6.1.2) device (iPhone) has developed a peculiar behavior : Whenever App Store apps are bought/updated, the icons for those apps are relocated to the second page of my home screen. There does not seem to be a setting for this. Why is this happening? [more inside]
posted by cavalier at 9:46 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by cavalier at 9:46 AM PST - 3 comments
(Visibly) Secure, online directory solution?
Please recommend easy online solutions to transition our "Student Directory" from a printed booklet to an online applications that parents can log-in to. Bonus points for parents being able to update their information (but with moderation/approval), or add notes (such as "lives with Dad on weekends") This seems like something that would exist as an out-of-box application. Additional details inside. [more inside]
TripleFi cables can rot in hell
I need replacement cables for my TripleFi 10 earphones. Problem is, the default ones by Logitech are kind of crappy, and the only alternative I see online looks even worse. Are there any durable, modestly-priced cables I can get that'll fit my TripleFis? (I'm hoping for something in the $30-40 range if possible – I have no idea if it's too much to hope for cables that cheap that won't also break.)
posted by Rory Marinich at 9:34 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Rory Marinich at 9:34 AM PST - 2 comments
Help me address an ethical conflict in an activist group
I coordinate a successful group of activists. Now, the family of our most active member has been implicated in a scandal. The group wants to work on the scandal; the member says he'll quit if we do. Is there a way to balance on this tightrope? [more inside]
A well-balanced relationship is making me feel insecure
I have a ten year history of extremely intense borderline co-dependent relationships that consume my life. Two years ago I finally ended the cycle and started working on myself, now I'm trying to have healthy relationships, but it's not working as well as I anticipated. [more inside]
Can you stage Peter Pan in a way that is respectful to Native Americans?
Is there a way to stage Peter Pan that is respectful to Native Americans? [more inside]
401k/Roth undisclosed "Forfeiture Fee" halves retirement rollover. Help!
I recently rolled over my old 401K and Roth accounts through an old employer and held by ADP. Throughout the process, I was told the only fee would be the $50 "account transfer fee". But when the checks arrived half of my money was missing! [more inside]
Poof! Where'd it go?
Sometime in the last few days, I read an opinion piece that led with the observation that 2 different and opposed views exist side by side today: essentially, optimistic and pessimistic. Something like 'The world is going to hell' vs 'We're seeing a a new flowering of civilization.' The writer's point was that these contradictory opinions are both widespread and simultaneous -- like 'best of times, worst of times,' altho I didn't see that phrase.
Well, I can't find it. I'm virtually certain it was an op-ed piece in the NYT. I probably read it on an iPad, and I don't know how much that content differs from other editions, but I've looked in print, on the Web, on the tablet -- no luck. (It could have originated a few days earlier and remained on the app/site.)
Does anybody remember such an article?
How does on properly "network" when looking for a new job?
When job searching, how do you successfully network without looking tacky, blowing your cover at your current job, looking desperate - just general rules for avoiding acting in poor taste, whatever that would look like? [more inside]
Is Google Maps the best way to do this?
I'd like to link different locations in an online map to PDF's hosted on our website. Is Google Maps the best way? What do I need to learn to be able to do this? [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 8:08 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by dukes909 at 8:08 AM PST - 10 comments
Help me with debit card security
So, my debit card number has now been "compromised" twice in as many months. How am I supposed to approach security with cards nowadays? [more inside]
Pharmacist looking for work outside of the retail setting--what's next?
Can someone explain the best career path for a pharmacist with 6 years of retail experience as a technician, 11 months of experience as a medical editor, and 7 months of experience as a pharmacist? [more inside]
Need to set up best-practices for Help Desk/NOC Monitoring team
I will be managing a remote Indian Infrastructure Support Help Desk. Not a call center, but we'll be handling all Tier I issues for Desktop and NOC operations for a major US client. I'm trying to come up with a document to detail the *"best practices" for connecting to their network*. [more inside]
Guided meditation recommendations for kid with insomnia.
My son is almost 9. He suffers from mild anxiety, and very often can't sleep at night. He gets plenty of exercise most days as he plays sports year round. He reads at night, but this doesn't always do the trick. He's a very intense kid, and rather than cut down on the sports (which very often is the source of his stress, even though he loves playing) I'd like to manage the anxiety. I think some sort of guided sleep meditation might be really useful here, and I'd love some recommendations. Most of what I've found so far either is sort of corny and a little babyish, or is not specific to sleep and is more about mindfulness and not as good for relaxation. Thanks!
Condom induced erectile dysfunction
I have condom induced erectile dysfunction. I would love suggestions on condom brands or other solutions for this not to be a problem. [more inside]
facebook etiquette faux pax - how to respond (belatedly) to bday msgs
I've been feeling blue in recent years and, while I've kept my facebook account, I hardly ever go on there, [more inside]
Help me extend my electro playlist!
Help me extend my electro playlist! [more inside]
Attn science teachers! How to demonstrate how clinical trials work?
I am looking for people's experiences of demonstrating the basics of how a clinical trial works to the lay person. My audience will be pretty broad - from school children to adults - so I will need to keep it pretty sort and simple. I need something I can use when visiting schools to big events - I have heard of people using cake and chocolate to demonstrate randomisation/placebo etc - has anyone on here done that and have any pointers? TIA!
Help me find a mini fridge that wont leak or make my room cold.
I have had a couple combo mini fridge/freezer's (one was a kenmore) and after a couple weeks they start leaking water and they also make my room cold. I heard large fridges that you have in your kitchen actually make the room warmer so I would like to buy one that uses that cooling system. (and that doesn't leak).
I acted needy- can I do anything to rectify this?
Been dating a guy for 4 months and I acted needy, is there anyway I can resolve this. I don't want to lose him but fear it may be a little late now! [more inside]
Help me make the most of my US trip
Mixed bag of USA travel questions! Feed me for one night in Vegas. Tell me cool things to do and eat in Seattle and Portland (anything special on while I'm there?). Anything I should shop for because it is way cheaper than Australia (everything?!), not available in Australia and is a must have, or lets me take advantage of having US IP address (e.g. Kindle subscriptions)? T-mobile deal for my phone? [more inside]
posted by AnnaRat at 2:02 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by AnnaRat at 2:02 AM PST - 24 comments
What kind of cat am I?
Is this kitty a particular breed or just overtly fluffy? [more inside]
March 10
I want a distributed Facebook.
I want a distributed Facebook. What necessary pieces are already available, and what work would need to be done to integrate currently available necessary pieces? [more inside]
posted by eviemath at 11:02 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by eviemath at 11:02 PM PST - 8 comments
Cabin cats or cargo cats?
My wife and I are moving across the country in a few months with our furballs, Steve and Lola. We're going to fly with them, but I'm not sure if they would be better off with us in the cabin or in cargo. The trip is unavoidably going to involve two flights, the first one will be about 6 to 6:30 hours in length, the second will be 2 to 2:30 hours. The layover between them could be as short as an hour. So total travel time, including getting to/from the airports will probably be around 12-13 hours. [more inside]
Where to stay in St. Petersburg, FL area with 5 year old daughter?
Help my family decide the best place to stay for the most awesome beach vacation ever in the St. Petersburg, FL area. Overwhelmed with choices + unfamiliar with area = help! Many snowflake details inside.... [more inside]
Can I downgrade Android 4.1.1 to 4.1 on a Motorola Razr M w/o Rooting?
So Verizon finally updated my Razr M to 4.1.1 and, for some reason, the battery life has become absolutely horrid and wifi tethering has basically stopped working. [more inside]
Playing an iPhone Voice Memo over the phone?
Is there an easy way to play a Voice Memo (previously recorded, using the iPhone's app) during a phone call so that the person on the other end of the line can listen to it? This is an iPhone 4. [more inside]
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 8:15 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 8:15 PM PST - 4 comments
Meat 101
All my protein cooking is either baking or slow-cooking chicken breasts, or things made with ground turkey (chili, meatloaf). Help me learn how to cook other meats! [more inside]
Do you have special advice for getting a raise in a non-profit?
Getting a raise at a non-profit: I have looked online to no avail for any particular advice targeting non-profits. I don't know if there is a different approach to use or not. But there seem to be particular challenges related to this type of organization. For instance, most of my colleagues do it for the love of the cause, myself included, and we are all underpaid and overworked. Also, I am well aware that our organization is struggling financially. [more inside]
Tell me whether this is an insane idea or not.
We want to go on a round-the-world trip in July with an active 9-month-old. Good or bad idea? Tricks to make it work? [more inside]
posted by forza at 6:55 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by forza at 6:55 PM PST - 17 comments
Is there a good quote or idiom for this sentiment?
It doesn't have to 100% match the sentiment, but I'd love if it has the same general lesson (and is more concise than the following): "An idea that you keep in your head, incessantly perfecting, is worth nothing. Whereas the person who is willing to actually act on an idea, even if it's imperfect, has accomplished something. So instead of getting hung up on perfection, just DO something and learn from it for the next time." I'm kind of looking for what, say, Diablo Cody would say to her hipster haters who have never finished a screenplay. Or what you'd tell your friend who wants to be a writer but has been tinkering with their novel for the last 200 years. Oh, and I know about "perfect is the enemy of the good."
posted by Anonymousness at 6:47 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by Anonymousness at 6:47 PM PST - 52 comments
Could a fluent French speaker translate this for me?
I would like to know what the beginning of this song says translated to English from French (I'm assuming it's French; at least that's what it sounds like to me). Also, if there's any relevant information you can give me about the French that would be great (e.g., "It's a quotation from..." or "Everyone in France knows that this means...").
Nicolaas Jaar - Etre (Single Link Vimeo).
posted by uncannyslacks at 6:41 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by uncannyslacks at 6:41 PM PST - 8 comments
How do I care less about what my girlfriend is thinking?
I'm a year and a half into my first serious relationship and it has a lot going for it. But, almost every time we now go see a movie together, or check out a concert, or go somewhere new for dinner, I spend more time worrying about rather she's having a good time than actually enjoying it myself. It's worse if it's something I picked out or suggested, and I find myself avoiding suggesting something I think I'll enjoy because I get nervous about her reaction. She has really relaxed standards for entertainment and usually enjoys what I suggest, so I know it's me and not her. Anyone have experience with dealing with this in their relationships? [more inside]
Did my email get hacked? What to do now?
I think my old email just got hacked. I received some spam, from my old email address itself, (and the "From" part had my name and email, even though I didn't send it, as the spammer did) and about a dozen "unable to deliver" messages from my old email's "mailer daemon" (this is on yahoo). In those messages and the email that was successfully delivered to me on the old email and my newer accounts, it lists countless numbers of other people and contacts, including high school teachers, bosses, family, friends, potential employers, and even friends of exes. Most of these people aren't even in my contacts list, but I still have emails from them/to them (this is an old but relatively recent email that I've kept for nostalgic reasons). I am mortified that all of these people, none of whom I've spoken to recently in at least the past couple of years (and in some cases, longer), got this spam from "me" out of the blue. Should I delete this email address, in case it may be compromised by a hacker? Should I email these people to apologize, even though we no longer are in touch? I have already changed the password and don't know what to do. Any help would be so appreciated. [more inside]
What should I do about gossiping and emotionally abusive friends?
This might qualify as a rant, so I apologize if it is.
Recently I have realized I am at my wits' end regarding my friends. I do not think that they mean to do so, but quite often they belittle me. When I have tried to approach a few of them regarding it, it ends up being my fault. I just don't think I can handle them anymore. Advice? [more inside]
posted by xShinigamiEyesx at 6:07 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by xShinigamiEyesx at 6:07 PM PST - 17 comments
These peanut butter T-rexes are underwhelming.
I like cookie cutters way more than I like sugar cookies. Do you have recipe for delicious cookies that are cut out? [more inside]
posted by Adridne at 6:00 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Adridne at 6:00 PM PST - 15 comments
Graffiti in the pre-internet era
I am currently working on a young adult novel set in a small Massachusetts town at the tail end of the '80s in which one of the protagonists is a graffiti tagger. Unfortunately, I am less familiar with some of the most basic aspects of graffiti writing and the preparations for it, particularly in that era. Below the fold are some questions. [more inside]
How to increase the buoyancy of a container.
Would an empty barrel stuffed with lifejackets and sealed be able to support more weight floating on the water than just the empty barrel? Ie. does a buoyant object increase overall buoyancy only if is directly in contact with the body of water? [more inside]
posted by GleepGlop at 5:14 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by GleepGlop at 5:14 PM PST - 13 comments
Streaming audio player for Android
Anyone know of an simple, reliable audio player for Android that can stream audio from a regular URL, and will continue streaming with the screen off? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 5:09 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by aerotive at 5:09 PM PST - 3 comments
Resign my job (retail) or not?
I'm horribly unhappy with my job, but don't want to quit because of certain reasons. Advice solicited. [more inside]
Little-known Northern CA getaways?
Where to go for a cheap, pretty, short vacation in Northern California? [more inside]
A study which shows that people unite against a common enemy?
Over on reddit, a commenter said that they once read a "social science study" which showed that people are more likely to rally in support of a cause when there's a common enemy to hate. It supposedly showed how when people were given the opportunity to unite and campaign for a positive cause, they showed little interest; but that the presence of a hostil opponent motivated the group to unite and rally against it. Can anyone think of a study along those lines?
Vacation Rental Near Stratford-upon-Avon
We'll be traveling to Stratford-upon-Avon this Christmas and we're looking for a self-catering vacation rental either in Stratford proper or within an hour's drive. I'm familiar with VRBO and AirBnB, but what I'm not familiar with is the great Stratford-upon-Avon area. What are the towns/cities that we should consider? Also, if you have any suggestions for specific properties, we'd love to hear them. It would be ideal to find something with "traditional" English charm, but also with the 21st century "necessities" like WiFi.
Advice on puppy house training in a flat.
I live in a 12th floor flat with a large balcony, 3m x 9m, which is enclosed, glazed, heated, pretty much counts as an extra room in the flat. It is tiled, and was once exposed, so has drains and is designed to withstand the elements.
Could I house train a young spaniel pup in such an environment? Could I allow the pup to wee down the balcony drain in the short term, and would this make it difficult to train it to only poo outside? I don't mind accidents in the short term.
Is it cruel to keep a dog in such a flat? The pup could have the run of this balcony until it is housetrained. I work at home, often from a desk on the balcony. So they pup would get lots of contact.
I can happily provide 3 good long walks a day no problem, but I'm worried about the initial period. I live across the road from a dog friendly beach and park. Though it takes a few minutes to get from the flat to the road, which is ample time for accidents to happen.
Which Social Media is "Best"?
II am trying to get a handle on web content and which content has, overall, the best stickiness. Sites like YouTube, Tumblr, Flickr are, as near as I can tell, mostly visual. Blog and microblogging sites like Wordpress and Twitter are word based. Quora, Reddit and Metafilter are information sharing communities. Podcasts and music sites like MySpace or Soundcloud are, for the most part, sound focused. And then you have sites like Facebook and Google+ that are trying to combine the best of all of them. [more inside]
Where can I find unusual sized melamine shelves?
When we bought our house, the garage came with some very nice cabinets already installed. This weekend I found myself wanting a few extra shelves for them, and I have so far been unsuccessful in finding any that will work. They are fairly standard looking white melamine shelves, but apparently the size is unusual. Is there somewhere I can go to get truly custom shelves made (or find a wider variety of sizes)? [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 3:47 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by primethyme at 3:47 PM PST - 6 comments
Supplements and friends
What to do in the face of a friend's exhortations to take nutritional supplements? [more inside]
Increased economic regulation in Europe over the past few decades?
Europe has seen a gradual but definite expansion in economic regulation. While in recent years it has had a lot to do with the financial crisis, there has been an increasing trend in economic regulation for the last few decades. Why has this been occurring exactly especially since so many speak of an era of deregulation prior to the financial crisis?
Need solution for managing customers and recurring shipments
My customers will sign up for weekly, bi-weekly or monthly shipments of a product. After I've processed their payment, what are some online customer database solutions for managing my current customers and generating things like shipping labels and order forms so that each week I can pack my boxes full of product and ship them? [more inside]
Grammar Filter: [He is a "black" man] or [He is a black man]
Hello, I'm having some difficulty getting a conclusive answer to the question of which is more "proper" grammatically and in academia. When referring to "blacks" and "whites" in society, I used to write them without quotes until a professor corrected me. However, when I use quotes now, some people disagree. Could you all help me find the correct usage? Professors explanation inside... [more inside]
posted by Knigel at 2:44 PM PST - 57 comments
posted by Knigel at 2:44 PM PST - 57 comments
Term time activities for 11-15 year olds near Slough?
We're about to have yet another spell of very cold weather in the south east so time to find more activies for school age children (11-15) that are either indoors or in sheltered areas outdoors. Can you recommend any? [more inside]
How do I get the subtle texture effect popular in web design right now?
I have noticed that a subtle texture effect is in fashion in web design right now. I'd like to know how to reproduce this for my own web projects, but I'm not having any luck at all with google. [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 2:36 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by jeoc at 2:36 PM PST - 8 comments
Legal Negotiation books - which should I buy?
Hi.
I am looking for recommendations as to which o the following titles I should purchase; I am very new to this topic. Additionally, this is an area of legal education that my forthcoming university in England will not cover (it is not included in their LLB and generally in UK universities). Other universities do however, stage internal negotiation simulations workshops and competitions for its law students as an extra-curricular, CV boosting and skills enhancing activity. My law school is unfortunately bereft of adequate funding, connections with city law firms and general career/skills resources to have such a thing. [more inside]
Looking for alternatives to Yahoo chatrooms
Yes, they were infested with bots and spam and all, but I actually miss Yahoo chatrooms. What alternatives are there? [more inside]
How can I get a bottle of baijiu in Madison, WI?
A friend and I are cooking a big Chinese meal for some friends, and ideally we'd like to have a bottle of baijiu to share (even more ideally, it would be something other than Moutai (most perfect would be a bottle of Fenjiu from Xinhuacun in Shanxi, but we recognize that that's unlikely)). Are there online liquor stores we could order from? Or a brick-and-mortar store reasonably close to Madison, WI?
posted by Vibrissa at 1:50 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Vibrissa at 1:50 PM PST - 5 comments
Who to use as a reference for a temp job?
Do I have to use my direct supervisor as a reference? [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by winterportage at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments
Trying to find balance in LTR.
We have been dating for a year now and spend pretty much every available moment together. But it's stressing me out, I can't see my friends, and my free time after work and wekends, which used to contain a healthy quantity of "me" time, get swallowed up by "us". How can I find a balance without hurting his feelings? [more inside]
Moving to a non-exempt, salaried position
What else do I need to know about moving from an hourly position to a salaried but still non-exempt position? [more inside]
I don't want my apartment to smell like a rustic old cabin all the time.
How do I change the way my apartment smells? I'm in a long-term sublet. The place has a kind of dankness to it that I find less than ideal. It's not a bad smell, it's just kind of stifling. [more inside]
Restaurant delivery websites
What are your favorite websites for ordering food to be delivered from restaurants? I'm a devotee of Seamless, but I know there are a lot of competitors out there, including sites which only serve specific local areas. So I'm interested in both sites with "national" and local scopes, anywhere in the U.S. I'm not interested in individual restaurant websites with their own in-house ordering systems — only looking for sites which feature multiple restaurants. Thanks.
Making the Most of a Full-time MPP Program
I recently accepted an offer for a spot in a full time MPP program from a very decent, non-Ivy school. My funding (per an assistantship or researcher position) reduces the total tuition to approximately $3000, and the program provides an allowance for an unpaid or poorly paid summer internship. I have enough money saved to avoid going into debt if I work part time. I want to offset the opportunity costs of two years outside of work by making myself as employable as possible. [more inside]
Need intraday stock data for an index
I've been trying to find what should be simple: intraday data on a large market index (such as the S&P 500). I'm willing to pay, but most sites seem to be interested in selling me collections of N stocks (where N is 12, 50, 100...), often by year, and at that rate, I'd end up paying $100s to get 11+ useless chunks of data, and one useful one (because for my purposes, I really only want to look at a single index).
What are some economical sources for what I want? And, FWIW, I already know how to extract intraday (minute-wise) data from Yahoo and Google, but that's only good for about the last 90 days or so.
Help a noob wire a ceiling light in an old apartment
Installing my cheap Ikea ceiling light is proving more difficult than anticipated. The issue: after removing the old light, I can't tell which wire is which. [more inside]
posted by neroli at 12:31 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by neroli at 12:31 PM PST - 15 comments
What to do in Prague & Budapest?
Headed to Prague & Budapest Friday & am looking for recommendations on what to do, see, and eat while there! [more inside]
posted by aaanastasia at 12:18 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by aaanastasia at 12:18 PM PST - 13 comments
Visually impressive movies
So, I have a super-nice HD projector in my possession for the next 24 hours. What should I watch on it? (Preferably TV shows or movies) [more inside]
posted by wrok at 11:17 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by wrok at 11:17 AM PST - 35 comments
Buying back my domain at NameJet
The domain name for my music project expired recently, as the person it was registered to died.
I'm trying to buy it back now at NameJet, but I'm a bit anxious to the outcome. I have very limited funds, and I don't think I'd win a bidding war. [more inside]
Seeking books with holes in the pages
I am interested in looking at books with cut-outs in their pages. Can you recommend some good ones? I am especially excited by the possibility of intricately cut shapes in pages. I know of the Tree of Codes by Jonathan Safran Foer, which has words die-cut out on every page. Are there other, even more elaborate, examples of books with holes in the pages?
Unusual things people do to stay/get healthy?
I'm going into the health field and curious about cultural/ethnic health practices that are off the beaten path. For example, can anyone tell me the "what", "how", and "why" of cupping and coining? What other cultural/religious/traditional practices can you share? [more inside]
NY to LA roadtrip with a baby in early April...best route?
We (my husband, and 11 month old daughter) are moving cross country from Brooklyn to Los Angeles- and will be driving our new car cross country. We leave April 1st, have 10 days to get there, (our stuff is being shipped via movers and doesn't arrive for 10 days, so we need to take our time) and we are trying to figure out the best route to take that avoids severe weather as much as possible. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by rubyeyo at 7:10 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by rubyeyo at 7:10 AM PST - 13 comments
What should I read as an introduction to conceptualist art?
ArtHistoryFilter: I saw a documentary on conceptualist art, featuring the likes of Bruce Nauman, Lawrence Weiner and Sol LeWitt. Now I'd like to know more. What's a good introductory book to the thinking behind conceptualism? [more inside]
posted by ar0n at 5:50 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by ar0n at 5:50 AM PST - 7 comments
Mix Tape Filter: Seeking bouncy songs that make you want to dance!
I'm looking for mostly pre-2000s stuff. Not dancy necessarily, but very happy, poppy, stuff that you could dance in your seat to. So far I have;
Hall & Oates - You Make My Dreams Come True
Stevie Wonder - Signed Sealed Delivered
George Michael - Freedom
Cheesy is fine, if not encouraged.
Thanks MeFi!
Manic episode in Major Depression?
I have major depression, and am wondering if anyone can explain to me what a manic episode feels like (for someone who might be bipolar but is being treated for depression). I know that no one here can give me any definitive advice (YANMPsych.) but I'm just wondering if I should be curious or if anyone has any experience with this. [more inside]
posted by bengalibelle at 3:38 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by bengalibelle at 3:38 AM PST - 26 comments
March 9
you can stop reading to me now, itunes
I love listening to audiobooks as I fall asleep. I hate skipping around trying to find my place the next day. Is there a way to tell itunes to stop playing after X minutes (probably 20 or 30), so that it doesn't keep on keeping on long after I've conked out? The books are all on my computer in audiobook form (not as music, which I know itunes sometimes does), so I can't separate tracks into sleep-friendly playlists.
Your dream retirement, given these circumstances?
If you were single, 53 and healthy and with an adult child roaming the Earth, where would you retire and why? Only limiting factors are 200K US in a retirement account and a pension of 40K US (with a COLA increase of $1600 each year).
posted by 1066 at 9:59 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by 1066 at 9:59 PM PST - 28 comments
well known examples of power corrupts
Help me with my ten year old sons school project !
I'd like to find people - as well known as possible - to whom the adage "power tends to corrupt, absolute power corrupts absolutely" .
So an ideal example would be someone who started off with good intentions and then on gaining power started behaving poorly . Also ideally once they'd turned nasty their actions would not be so despicable that you wouldn't mind explaining them to a ten year old
Thanks
Good video games where spectators can participate?
My girlfriend and I really enjoyed playing Walking Dead together. I controlled it, but she made all the dialogue choices and helped solve puzzles. What are some other games like that? She's not really a gamer and doesn't really get FPS controls (yet) so stuff like co-op portal and even minecraft is out. I'm going to try and see how it goes with Braid next, but are there any other games like Walking Dead where people who aren't actively controlling it can help make meaningful decisions or contributions? I was also thinking Heavy Rain, but I don't have a Playstation, only a pc and Xbox.
Homemade Cream of Coconut (a.k.a. Coco Lopez, for Pina Coladas)?
Does anyone have a recipe for making cream of coconut at home? Not coconut milk, not coconut cream, I'm talking about the syrupy sweet thick goopy stuff in the can that is used (as far as I know only) for making Pina Coladas. [more inside]
And remember: external forces are never to blame.
I've always thought King Missile's Failure was a pretty good depiction of the kind of intrusive, self-defeating thoughts that characterize depression. The recent FPP'd game Depression Quest does something similar. What are some other works that are reminiscent of the experience of having depression or another mental illness (as opposed to depicting characters with the illness?)
posted by kagredon at 8:47 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by kagredon at 8:47 PM PST - 14 comments
Line Up In An Orderly Fashion, and Don't Make a Break For It
Do prisons hold fire drills? [more inside]
Should we move to Sacramento or Davis
My wife has been offered a postdoc position at UC Davis, she is having a hard time deciding whether to accept it or not. If she does accept, should we - as a couple without a car - move to Davis or Sacramento? More details inside of course. Thank you! [more inside]
How much is too much when you're empathizing with a narcissist?
My BFF and former FWB-type is most likely a narcissist (*My untrained diagnosis). With every argument, fight, or disagreement, I find myself resolving things on their terms, usually because I can empathize with their emotional state and/or their "situation." So I find the logic in their position, however skewed, and I stop being upset. Probably unhealthy? To a point? ... Where's the line? [more inside]
Where can I get the Largo concert film?
I was watching some Jon Brion clips from this thread and was reminded of the concert film "Largo." It featured Brion, Flight of the Conchords, Fiona Apple, Louis C.K, Zach Galifianakis and heaps of other comedy and music acts performing at the old Largo Club in LA before they moved to the Coronet.
Anyone know how one would be able to watch the Largo concert film that was made a few years back? [more inside]
posted by Start with Dessert at 7:47 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Start with Dessert at 7:47 PM PST - 5 comments
I can't access google
I can't connect to Google and if I try to search askmefi it says Loading after I type in the search terms and press return. [more inside]
posted by marienbad at 7:46 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by marienbad at 7:46 PM PST - 13 comments
The No-Sleep Cry Solution
Is there any way I can get my 8-month-old baby to sleep well when we visit his grandparents? Or what are some reasonable expectations for the visit? At home, over the last few months, we've transitioned from all-night wake-and-whine marathons to REAL SLEEP by letting the kid cry it out. Please don't judge; I already beat myself up over it. Sleep training is still better than a mom mostly dead from sleep deprivation. But tomorrow we leave for the grandparents' house for a 4-day visit, and I have no idea what we're going to do for sleep. [more inside]
What's your online dating hit rate?
How often should I expect to not click with someone? How often should I expect to not hear from the person again? [more inside]
going against the norm...
What have been your positive experiences of being/having an only child? [more inside]
posted by beccyjoe at 6:41 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by beccyjoe at 6:41 PM PST - 36 comments
Should I move out ASAP or wait it out?
I'm a 22-year-old college grad living home with my dysfunctional family after being away at school for four years. I want to go to dental school but need to take pre-requisite science courses first. These courses should take me 1-2 years to complete. I work about 35 hours per week, but I have no savings and ~40K in student loan debt. My dad is an alcoholic and my mom is frighteningly codependent on him. The environment in my house is miserable and stale. That being said, financially it makes the most sense for me to live home for a couple more years. Should my focus be on moving out ASAP or learning to adapt to the dysfunction while I get my shit done? [more inside]
posted by DayTripper at 6:18 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by DayTripper at 6:18 PM PST - 22 comments
Help me find a decent recorded version of the Ox Dance
The Ox Dance is a traditional Swedish mock-fighting dance. (Here's a video of my Dad doing the dance with a Norwegian folk dancer in Oslo.) I'm planning on dancing it with my dad at my wedding in a week. I tried to talk the band into playing the music for it (it's a pretty simple melody and I even found sheet music for it (apparently it shows up a lot in beginner's piano books)), but it's a little out of their oeuvre, and I guess we're not paying them enough to learn new music, so they declined. So I figured I'd find a recorded copy. Considering the fact that it's all over YouTube, I thought it would be a piece of cake. But I can't seem to find a good recorded version of it anywhere. Help me out?
Big air plant seeks home
A big plant has fallen out of a tree in my tropical yard. Can I mount it on my balcony railing? [more inside]
How to focus when my asthma inhaler makes me jittery and distracted?
After 8-9 months of escalating breathing problems, I saw a pulmonologist this week and was diagnosed with mild persistent asthma. He gave me a Dulera inhaler, to be used 2x daily. It's a mix of a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (formoterol fumarate). It's definitely helping my breathing! But the bronchodilator is giving me serious jitters -- usually starting a few hours after I use the inhaler. When this feeling comes on, my hands shake, my body feels weird, and I have a hard time focusing on mental tasks. [more inside]
How can I keep my bath warm for longer periods of time?
- I live in an apartment and the water heater does not give an entire 40g of hot water [the capacity of the water heater and approximate capacity of the tub].
- I would like to relax in the bath for at least 20 minutes or more.
- I've tried boiling water, aquarium heater [fail, takes to long to heat], basalt stones [too small to matter].
Do you have any ideas for lengthening my bath time? My water goes lukewarm after ten minutes, almost chilly.
posted by squirbel at 4:21 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by squirbel at 4:21 PM PST - 23 comments
Questions about Frogs in my Pond
I have frogs in my UK (Southampton) Pond! A friend took a picture and they look like this. I think they look like pool frogs, not common frogs, which I would love to get confirmed. So, questions. Is the Pool Frog hypothesis feasible? Will the huge quantity of weeds on top of the pond harm them at all? They can't seem to easily leave the pond (there is a rocky overhang which they can't navigate), is there a way to help them, or is it even a problem at all? Finally, is there anything I can do to make their stay in my garden safer for them? I'd rather avoid disturbing them too much, but I would like to encourage future frogs.
posted by ElliotH at 4:20 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by ElliotH at 4:20 PM PST - 4 comments
Working out for advanced beginners
I've been working out for about two months with a personal trainer. She started off having me do full body workouts that I quite enjoyed - they were sort of boot camp style, in that it was a combination of strength and cardio (ie. lots of burpees and mountain climbers and planks, mixed in with compound strength bearing exercises.) Much to my surprise i have gotten much fitter than I've ever been before, pretty quickly. Now my trainer is transitioning me to workouts that alternate upper body and lower body each day, with more of a focus on strength vs cardio. Is this better? [more inside]
How do I use fresh turmeric?
My local whole-foods/hippie/co-op grocer had fresh turmeric in their produce section when I went shopping today, so I picked some up. Now I have to figure out what to do with it. [more inside]
How can you learn to live well with chronic illness?
I have thyroid disease (hypothyroidism) and have been struggling for weeks as my body adjusts to a new medication. How can I keep my spirits up? [more inside]
"A Woman Is To Be Loved, Not Understood." Really?
A guy I've been flirting with linked me this site, saying he does a lot of reading on it, and that I might like it. I understand (from Wikipedia) that Osho was a relatively acclaimed philosopher, but I find the articles that talk about women on that site faintly off-putting. I trust your judgment, MeFites - what are your opinions on Osho's teachings? [more inside]
Where does or does a Mac hide old desktop photos? (OSX)
Can I find previously used random internet photo right-clicked as desktop photo? [more inside]
VPN XP woes
I've installed Private Internet Access VPN software on a Win 7 machine and an XP machine on my home network. The VPN connected Windows 7 machine reports good speeds at www.speedtest.net and streams content like a champ. The XP machine when connected to the VPN shows terrible speeds and buffers and stutters like something not so useful.
More details after the fold... [more inside]
Surely March is crueler?
I hate Spring, at least this first part. It is so wet right now. There's rain, sometimes freezing rain, and melting snow. It will be very muddy any day now. Soon, I won't be able to ski until next Winter. I always get the blues in March and early April. How can I learn to love this ugly season? Has anyone else managed to cultivate an appreciation for a season they hate? Is there something I could do this time of year that would make it seem special and fun?
posted by Area Man at 3:25 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Area Man at 3:25 PM PST - 18 comments
Basic math test as part of a job application?
Which employers still use a basic math test as part of the application process? [more inside]
Help me relax about abdominal pain.
Help me relax about abdominal pain and possible heath problems. [more inside]
posted by sucre at 3:06 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by sucre at 3:06 PM PST - 13 comments
Honesty is the best policy... except when it's not
Manpulationfilter: how do I subtly get other people (or myself) to 'come up' with or believe in ideas? In other words how does one perform Christopher Nolan style inception IRL? [more inside]
Fast track me to townie status: Massachusetts North Shore Edition
I am moving to Newburyport, MA in two weeks. Please help me land smoothly with recommendations for hairstylists, dog care, preferred ISPs, and anything else that pops to mind. [more inside]
How long until you can fit the Internet on a pen?
Assuming Moore's law maintains and storage technologies continue to improve at their current rate, how many decades until we can fit the entire Internet onto something the size of a pen? Assume 5 cubic centimetres as the size of the pen.
posted by Sebmojo at 2:10 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Sebmojo at 2:10 PM PST - 19 comments
Can you help me identify a piece of infrastructure I found in Detroit?
I was looking around in a semi-abandoned industrial area in Detroit today when I found an unusual looking piece of infrastructure on the side of the road. It consists of a cabinet with an electric feed, an antenna, and no other obvious openings. There were a couple signs on the cabinet, and something inside was making intermittent motor-type noises. Audio, video, pictures, and a maps link are inside. Please take a look if you think you might be able to figure out what this thing is! [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup at 1:47 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Juffo-Wup at 1:47 PM PST - 18 comments
Do you recall this UK short film from about 10 years ago?
Do you recall this UK short film from about 10 years ago about a boy and girl who developed a secret language? [more inside]
posted by urbanwhaleshark at 1:43 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by urbanwhaleshark at 1:43 PM PST - 3 comments
Why do I keep falling for men who seem to care for me when they don't?
This has been happening for a few years now, where I fall for somebody emotionally unavailable, or already in a relationship and they do not tell me until much later. It has happened every single time with men that show interest in me and it is very upsetting as it makes me feel worthless or only second best. I feel like going on a break from men, even though it would technically be a break from nothing. [more inside]
Help me learn to get the most out of ReverbNation and its moods
Why would our Reverb Nation ranking drop a very lot in a very short amount of time? How does it work in general? What can I use to ensure our ranking best reflects our fan count or fan base on other sites - That's sort of the purpose of the band equity, I think, which - could someone explain it to me? What does it value? [more inside]
Can you recommend some fashion docs for lazy weekend watching?
I'm interested in watching more documentaries or miniseries about the fashion/clothing industry. Three I've rented recently were Valentino:The Last Emperor, The September Issue, and Signé Chanel. I especially enjoyed the last two as they really showed a lot behind the scenes about how stuff is made (both the media and the couture dressmaking sides). [more inside]
posted by bluefly at 12:52 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by bluefly at 12:52 PM PST - 8 comments
Something light and cheap that works like a laptop
I'm sick of carrying around a heavy full-size laptop. I could replace it with a new shiny ultrabook or something, but I don't want to spend that much. Is a Nexus 7 + a bluetooth keyboard a bad solution? [more inside]
City dwellers need help watching the comet!
We live in Orange County, CA. What is a good place to view the comet this month? And if you have any suggestions as to what night would be best and at what time, please share!
Can things that count be counted?
I work in education and I've always tended to view the whole strategic planning, action plans, targets, success criteria thing with extreme cynicism. However, I have to engage with this stuff more and more and feel my cynicism needs to be better informed. Is there any evidence that these processes make for better or more successful organisations AND/OR what are the most convincing critiques? Educational context good but not essential and I'm interested in a range of perspectives - sociological, economic, psychological etc.
first fiction contest
I'm submitting a story to a fiction contest, attaching it to an email. Other than the contest guidelines, is there anything else I need to do to the document or be aware of?
What should I say?
I met and had a great conversation with a beautiful woman on public transit but I blanked when the time came to get her contact info. I'm about to facebook message her... How should I put this? Full explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by matt_od at 11:49 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by matt_od at 11:49 AM PST - 36 comments
Painting from "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World"
I really like the painting that hangs over Steve Carrell's couch in "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World". (screenshot here).
Does anyone know anything about it, or where I might find it?
Share your org p*rn please?
It's time for Thing Cleaning at our house, which is just like Spring Cleaning, but I have to do it all year round because while I am not greedy, I like a lot of things. Thanks to MetaFilter, I have found, and am always inspired by, UnF*ck Your Habitat and A Slob Comes Clean. What I realized I need more of are blogs with "Before and After" pictures of de-slobifying, preferably as their main focus. [more inside]
posted by peagood at 11:19 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by peagood at 11:19 AM PST - 11 comments
I'd like to buy 6 months of unlimited Internet in England.
I'm moving house next weekend and new place does not have WiFi. It's a six month lease and I'll probably be moving out of the country after that. I use a lot of internet (streaming music, downloading podcasts, films, sending large files, using cloud services, etc.) and so I need something unlimited or pretty near it. Everything I'm seeing online so far is either too much £ for too little internet (£20 for 2GB per month, seriously??) or too much commitment (12-18 month contracts for phone, broadband and TV). I only need internet. What are my options, if any? Thanks!
What Gift from India?
I live in the Midwest (if it matters) and I have a friend going home to India. He's offered to bring me back something. I don't want to miss an opportunity to get something I can't get in Iowa. [more inside]
Help us troubleshoot our vacation to Chicago, April 1-5:
This will be the biggest vacation yet for our family of four (son age 10, daughter age 12). Our vacations tend to run unsmoothly--some ugly surprise always pops up--and I'd like to get opinions from people who know Chicago before we set out. This will be a kid oriented trip. [more inside]
posted by mattu at 10:14 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by mattu at 10:14 AM PST - 36 comments
How can I select pre-written paragraphs to insert into letter?
I have a scenario where I have to evaluate work performance. There are 5 categories I'm evaluating. Now when the person fails to meet a benchmark, I want to send him a letter explaining why he didn't meet the benchmark. So I have 5 paragraphs (one for each category) that explains what was wrong and how to fix it. Instead of copying and pasting from a document to create the letter, I'd like to be able to select from a list of responses, and have those responses formatted in a letter form. More after the the jump. [more inside]
posted by FireStyle at 9:56 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by FireStyle at 9:56 AM PST - 8 comments
Cel Service/Sim Cards in Costa Rica
I'm travelling to Costa Rica for two weeks. I want to buy a prepaid sim card for my unlocked Samsung Google Nexus. The phone will be primarily used for navigation via Google Maps. Voice would only be used in case of emergency. I understand I can buy a sim card at the Liberia airport, but the providers website is exclusively in Spanish. Can anyone look and see what my options are for a prepaid data service? Anyone else have any experience with cel service in Costa Rica? We are trying to decide which is more economical, buying the Costa Rica map-pack for a Garmin GPS or using Google Maps.
RoadTripFilter- I Need Toddler-Friendly Attractions/Stops Along I-40
I'm on a big road trip with my 2-year old. I'm taking the I-40 between AZ and TN. I'll be going through Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville.
I would love any suggestions for things a toddler would like along the way. Museums that have hands-on exhibits geared to toddlers, great parks and playgrounds, water he can play or splash in and waterfowl of all kinds is always a hit.
He's also happy just running around at a rest stop obviously, but if I can make stops he really likes he complains less about the time in the car.
Birthday ideas, part one billion.
I never thought I'd be someone asking for birthday ideas on MetaFilter, but here I am, asking for birthday ideas on MetaFilter. Please hit me with your best gift and/or Denver-specific experience/venue ideas. Subject is a photographer/techie/welding/motorcycle-riding/music-making/whiskey-drinking manly creative type turning 32. In a week! [more inside]
Getting the promotion that I want
Chance of promotion - how to proceed? [more inside]
There's a good chance it will be paired with hiking boots at some point
Which stores on/near Newbury Street in Boston should I check out for a non-gown-type wedding dress? [more inside]
2 weeks in Singapore and around -- what to see and do?
My Dad lives in Singapore, and I'll be visiting him for two weeks this summer. He'll be pretty busy with work during the week, and I'm trying to plan one or two day trips (spending one night somewhere else is fine, but no more than that). Where can I go that is a) safe to travel alone to (I'm an upper-20s female)? and b) relatively cheap (I'm thinking probably a bus, train, or boat ride to somewhere in Indonesia or Malaysia)? [more inside]
posted by eenagy at 8:14 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by eenagy at 8:14 AM PST - 16 comments
music for a west coast road trip?
I'm driving from LA to SFO with a dear friend of mine. We're going to take two nights in LA, two nights in Big Sur and one night around SF. Please recommend music for our trip! Details after the jump. [more inside]
Getting Started With My New Smoker
I just bought an electric water smoker on Craigslist. I am excited about the possibilities for DIY bacon and home-smoked salmon and brisket, but I have never used a smoker like this before and don't really know how to get started. [more inside]
Jimmy Dean?
I have been going to butchers having my own ground chuck (mince in England) and sausages made. I would like to try to make a sausage mixture that matches Jimmy Dean Premium Pork Hot Sausage and Pork Light Sausage. Ingredients are clearly closely guarded secrets. Any taste reflections or recipe suggestions? Detail: Jimmy Dean is only known for Big Bad John and Little Black Book in Europe. [more inside]
How do I deal with a toxic "friend"?
I'm trying to figure out what to do about an acquaintance now, who used to be a good friend, but is now just manipulative, lying, and spiteful. [more inside]
Getting over my dread of calling the doctor
I am filled with dread when I think about calling to make a doctor's appointment. I need to get over it so I can get help for depression. Help? [more inside]
Fun 4x4 blogs and resources?
I just got a Jeep and am looking for fun blogs and resources, something like Jalopnik but focused on 4x4s.
(incidental language question: would you call a non-Jeep like this a Jeep? In Brazil we do, curious about your neck of the woods)
posted by Tom-B at 6:19 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Tom-B at 6:19 AM PST - 8 comments
Bookmarks disappearing on my iPhone 4S
I have an iPhone 4S with a number of websites bookmarked on the browser (including AskMetafilter, of course!). Twice in the past week or so, my bookmarks have disappeared. [more inside]
What is right and what is wrong?
Should I try fixing it, or just leave the man alone? [more inside]
posted by Strangepassenger at 5:16 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Strangepassenger at 5:16 AM PST - 17 comments
What place to visit for a geek / otaku / goth / rpg gamer in london ?
I would like to know if you have some place /event for me to visit in london.
I'am a french otaku / geek / goth / rpg gamer.
My friends already give me some address and i get somes like :
The london hackerspace, namco station , forbiden planet, slimelight, the david bowie exposition.
I will be there the 19 march to the 25 march mainly for the louie ck show.
Regards
Bussiere
I want some male comedian bits... on gender
Dave Chappelle. Chris Rock. Louis C.K. Some of the funniest male comics are the least funny when it comes to gender -- incisive humor suddenly deteriorates into sexist tropes and gender war cliches. Are there any male stand-up comedians who have interesting routines about women?
posted by spamandkimchi at 3:48 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by spamandkimchi at 3:48 AM PST - 8 comments
Can they eat it?
Will cats eat meat that is so off it will kill them? [more inside]
March 8
Recommendations for books on communtity building
What are the best general books or other resources on the subject of community building? They can also be very specific if the lessons from the book can be applied generally.
Apartment Vacuum Cleaner - Challenge: Cat fur x2, roaches, and budget!
I need to get a new vacuum cleaner, as the one I have has given up the ghost. Also I'm poor. [more inside]
Linux Error
my computer froze, and when i tried to reboot it, it got to the green suse screen proceeded normally, and then when it went forward, i got an error message that said could not start "kdeinit4. check your installation"
tried to fix it using the protocal i found here
but sitll have the same problems with the error message.
I hadn't plugged in my computer for about 5 months, because I had a laptop, but the laptop is on it's last legs, but it was working pretty well for the last couple of days.
Paper doll hacks?
I got my little girl some punch-out paper dolls with gobs of different clothing options. Unfortunately, the dolls are pretty floppy, and the tabs don't do a great job of holding the clothes on. It's nearly impossible for her to actually dress her doll, and she gets pretty frustrated. I've considered adding a sturdy layer to the back of the doll, but I feel that doesn't completely solve the problem. Are there additional hacks I'm not thinking of? Will just having a sturdier doll help the clothes stay on? [more inside]
Where can I find Potter fanfiction in Mandarin?
I'm looking for (well written, preferably) heterosexual (ie non-slash) HP fanfiction written in Mandarin/simplified Chinese, involving either any of the male Malfoy family members, Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, Deatheaters, etc. [more inside]
Is mutual attraction as common in real life as it is in the media?
I've been in very few relationships in my life: 2 boyfriends of about a year each, and marriage for 8 years. I'm in my early 50s. I split with my husband at the end of 2001, and I've only had a very few first dates since then with men I met online, and no dating activity now for about 6 years. I am very overweight and have severe self-esteem issues, especially about my looks.
But apart from that and the whole question of how to even meet men, I'm curious about the phenomenon of people meeting and feeling mutual attraction. I'm not talking about falling in love or the development of a relationship, but the first moments of meeting and reacting to another. In the media mutual attraction is depicted as happening commonly; it's the norm, like if one person has something in them that makes them react to another, it's kind of because that second person also has that same thing in them and reciprocates the attraction.
Is this just a media construct? Is it pretty true-to-life?
Is it legal for my apartment complex to disallow screens on patio doors?
I just got this notice from the leasing office:
http://imgur.com/6GUeUeg
There is no A/C, no screen door, and no magic they'll provide us to keep mosquitos/flies/bugs from entering through the patio door when it is open. Besides reasoning with them (it's just their policy), what recourse do I have so that I can keep the screen installed on my door? I'm in San Diego, CA.
Also FWIW, the screen is far from unsightly. Search for "bug off instant screen" on Amazon.
posted by wuMeFi at 8:59 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by wuMeFi at 8:59 PM PST - 19 comments
Do you ever get tired of texting all the time?
Do you ever get tired of texting friends/the person you're dating everyday? [more inside]
Point me toward the "Ishkur's Guide to Electronic Music" of painting
I just asked my art-school trained girlfriend to teach me to paint. My art history is probably better than average, but I'm sure I'm missing knowledge of 96% of the technique I'd like to know about. Help me fix this. [more inside]
So, I met this chap in the Bahamas...
Can you help me identify this pigeon? Seen on Paradise Island, the Bahamas. [more inside]
posted by shoesfullofdust at 7:28 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by shoesfullofdust at 7:28 PM PST - 4 comments
Cigar shaped balloon satellite?
When I was a kid, about 1961, my parents took me and my siblings out one night to watch the sky for a satellite. It was described as being a giant silvered balloon, which was oblong. They called it "Cigar" and it was easy to observe, and definitely tumbling as it went over us. [more inside]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:09 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:09 PM PST - 13 comments
A Question About the Critics
Would you happen to know to whom or what, if anyone or thing, Manuel Espinoza, the Spaniard, and Jean-Claude Pelletier, the Frenchman, from the first section Roberto Bolaño's novel *2666*, are allusions to? [more inside]
When was the olive oil brand L'Aiglon in use?
I have an antique olive oil label, probably from France, that I suspect was printed in the early or very early 1900s. It reads as follows: "L'Aiglon Marque déposée Huile d’olive vierge extra douce Superfine Poids net 800 Gs". The printer's name is not indicated, nor is the name of the company. I would like to know when this brand name of olive oil was in use.
Contacting the mothership
My new downstairs neighbor put something on the roof of our three family apartment that is causing horrible interference with all the electronics in my apartment. What is this thing? [more inside]
posted by laptolain at 6:45 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by laptolain at 6:45 PM PST - 25 comments
Is there a way I can nip my depressive moods in the bud?
I have major depression, and I am receiving treatment. However, I am still not master of my own mood, and now I would like some specific tips, pointers and ideas on how to stop myself from harassing my poor husband about imaginary problems. [more inside]
Where to get a donut shaped one-hitter online?
Am trying to find an exact replica of a one-hitter. [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 6:29 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by jitterbug perfume at 6:29 PM PST - 6 comments
Spanish language bootcamp?
Hi Mefi! I'm a native Spanish speaker but, due to years of English-language immersion and doing my education solely in English, my Spanish is horrendous. I'm still very much fluent and can understand everything being said, but my grammar and more technical language have been completely demolished by English. I just got an internship where I'm going to have to speak with Spanish-only speakers and occasionally translate documents to Spanish, and I'm a little scared! Are there any good, quick grammar references or other resources for someone who just needs to brush up on things like correct prepositions and such, or similar resources for learning medical and technical vocabulary? Books especially welcome.
New to the US but not to software engineering- help advise my husband.
My husband just moved to the US and so is not so familiar with the local software engineering scene (actually, not so familiar with the scene at all as he hadn't even visited the US before this). I'm American and can guide him a little, but not too much because I'm not in software or a related industry. [more inside]
posted by cacao at 5:04 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by cacao at 5:04 PM PST - 15 comments
Why does my Microsoft BlueTrack mouse work almost nowhere?
Microsoft advertises their "BlueTrack" mice as being able to work on almost any surface, with only a few exceptions (mirrors and glass, if I remember correctly). But mine works on almost no surface. [more inside]
Baby products craved by expat moms in India?
I'm visiting some expat friends in India who are on baby girl #2. What baby products (from high end, organic products to anything purchasable on amazon) do Western moms living in India miss the most / absolutely cannot find in India? [more inside]
Not helpful work environment. Advice?
I work at this company for 1 year and 3 months so far. Team members are not helpful if I need help. Do you have any suggestions? [more inside]
Chicago Laundry Delivery
I need to find a service (in Chicago) that will pick up my dirty laundry and bring it back clean on a weekly basis. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 4:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by bleep at 4:02 PM PST - 4 comments
Widow, Widower, Orphan, ______ - what if you outlive your children?
Is there a word for a person who outlives all of their children? Widow:Widower :: Orphan: ?? [more inside]
posted by bartleby at 3:38 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by bartleby at 3:38 PM PST - 20 comments
Oregon Road Trip
At the end of August, we are going on a 9 day road trip through Oregon (round-trip from Seattle). The plan is to start on the east side of the Cascades, visit Bend and Crater Lake, arrive in Ashland (for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival) and head north along the coast on the way home. Any suggestions on what to visit and where to stay? [more inside]
posted by ShooBoo at 3:36 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by ShooBoo at 3:36 PM PST - 13 comments
Making the case for additional workplace lactation rooms
Help me make an argument to my direct boss, and then facilities/HR, about why we should have a per-building lactation room on our three-building work campus (vs. one lactation room in one building). [more inside]
What Kind of Resume for a Job Fair?
After working for myself for several years (while taking care of a parent) I'm about to enter the job market again. I'm going to a very large job fair next week, and I'm suppose to bring a resume. I'm not sure how that works. Help? [more inside]
posted by ratherbethedevil at 3:01 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ratherbethedevil at 3:01 PM PST - 3 comments
Help me find a specific (art piece?) book
I was linked a book some time ago via twitter, but that account is now gone and with it went the link.
Things I remember:
Pretty sure it was called "Daylight" (maybe not that, but definitely a time word. daytime? morning?)
Content: the text was just the entirety of a single day's New York Times transcribed
The link went to the publisher, I recall seeing it on Amazon also.
I believe published in the early 90s. 93ish? But still purchasable
Currently going crazy trying to find it with such not-so-limiting search terms. My browser history doesn't go back far enough to find it there. Hoping someone familiar with it happens upon this, I guess.
posted by arsey at 2:57 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by arsey at 2:57 PM PST - 1 comment
Is there a multilingual dictionary of trans terms?
I am looking for a foreign language transgender/transexual dictionary or glossary. I have done a bit of searching and there seem to be several English glossaries or dictionaries of trans terminology. But I am having trouble finding any sources for foreign language terms. I can't tell if I just don't know what search terms to use or if such a source simply doesn't exist. [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 2:55 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Michele in California at 2:55 PM PST - 8 comments
The hills are aliiiive . . .
Looking to get involved with a singing group in the Bay Area (SF, East Bay or North Bay). I took weekly singing lessons as a teenager and haven't had any instruction since then, so I'm probably not too awesome at this point (and I can't really sight read), but I am really eager to get back in to it. [more inside]
Is 30 too old to date online?
I'm 30 years old. I really want a long-term relationship that will lead to marriage. I've been on eHarmony for the past few months and am starting to get frustrated at the general lack of response from men my age. On those sites, I get a lot of people who check out my profile but don't respond. I initiated contact with more than 20 guys I found interesting, but only got a response back from one. And he suddenly stopped communicating halfway through our "guided communication" phase. Sure, he could have found someone else, or decided online dating wasn't for him, I totally understand. It's just disheartening when the only guy who responds closes me as a match.
I tweak my profile on a regular basis and update my photos but nothing I do seems to bring more response from men. [more inside]
Divorce/Custody Records from the 1970s?
Can you advise me how to go about getting the files for a particular divorce and attendant custody battle in CT in the 1970s? [more inside]
posted by annabellee at 2:27 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by annabellee at 2:27 PM PST - 2 comments
How can I get to be less squeamish about blood?
Just talking too much about bleeding, shots, or giving blood can make me woozy. This sucks. What can I do to get a stronger stomach about such things? My only thought is desensitization through completely horrific google image searches, but I'd rather there be some other ideas.
posted by davebug at 2:19 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by davebug at 2:19 PM PST - 13 comments
Help me refresh my life!
I'm graduating and starting a full-time job soon. This feels like it should be a major life transition! Minor issue: my new office is practically next door to my old school. [more inside]
posted by circumspice at 2:01 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by circumspice at 2:01 PM PST - 4 comments
Former Employee Asked To Testify In Lawsuit
I've been called as a witness in a lawsuit against my former employer (MegaCorp: a large, multi-national well-known media company). I have not worked for the company in many years, but have been in constant contact as this lawsuit was threatened before I resigned.
Several (hopefully simple) Questions: [more inside]
Looking for ONE up to date contact database on cities and counties in CA
We're doing a project that provides info for business owners on who they should talk to for every city and county in California for local permits and regs. Aside from calling each and every one to get their updated info, is there any OTHER way to do it? Isn't there someone who does this for local government the way that other services do for specific industries? We're willing to pay for it, we just don't know WHO to pay. Thoughts?
are Damminix tick tubes really safe for cats?
I'm thinking about using Damminix tick tubes around my yard to reduce the population of deer ticks, but I'm concerned about the possibility that any cats who catch and eat mice that have the permethrin on their fur might be poisoned. [more inside]
Remedy for a racially discriminatory landlord?
What can be done about a landlord of 30+ units who has admitted (privately) to not renting units to african americans (in a majority black city)? Who should be contacted, and with what information? [more inside]
Still scared about stupid sex
How to deal with intense anxiety from stupid and risky sexual decisions in the (pretty) distant past? [more inside]
Help me learn about Modern art
I used to think I was fairly knowledgeable about art, but now I'm working with walking art encyclopedias and I'm finding holes in my knowledge. In particular, I don't really know about Modern art in any detail. Mefites, help me do a deep dive of Modern art and art criticism? [more inside]
Help me identify this Merrell bag.
At one time I had the budget and energy for a modest bag collection, and now I've had this bag sitting in a closet for far too long and can't remember the model name of it. It's made by Merrell, early 2000's. [more inside]
posted by Extopalopaketle at 12:05 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Extopalopaketle at 12:05 PM PST - 2 comments
Persian speakers: help translate words and tone please!
I tried putting this into google translate, but the output didn't make any sense to me. Could anyone please help me translate the conversation and the tone, please? Thank you very much. Followup questions will most likely come after. [more inside]
posted by mild deer at 11:48 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by mild deer at 11:48 AM PST - 8 comments
More music like Sleigh Bells' "Crown on the Ground"
Please to advise music like Sleigh Bells' "Crown on the Ground," as featured in the trailer for "The Bling Ring." [more inside]
Help me learn more about the labor and leftist movements via audio
I'd like to learn more about the history of the left, particularly the far left, particularly as it relates to me, a late-20's north american male. I'd love to learn more about the left, labor, unions, communism, socialism, labor laws, etc., particularly in what factors and machinations gave and took away rights and freedoms.
Here's the kicker - I'm really, really hoping to find them in audio format so I can learn while I exercise. Audiobooks, podcasts, lectures, etc. [more inside]
Songs where the lyrics changed over the years
Please help me with a list of popular songs in which the commonly accepted lyrics have changed over the years. [more inside]
History of Rape
I'm interested in learning about rape in 19th century America for a fictional piece I'm writing. I'm not really sure where to start in researching this, but I'd be grateful for any resources or information. [more inside]
Duratrans without lights
Hung in an office against a white wall, would a Duratrans poster (without lights) look bad, or comparable to a normal poster? [more inside]
Un-Depressing a small grey lounge
Suggestions for greening up an indoor space when I can't use real plants. [more inside]
Help me plan a unique New York City bachelorette party
I could use some input on how I can pull off the bachelorette party I have envisioned, in New York City, in late May of this year. Keywords: fun (not raunchy), slumber party, karaoke, good food, overnight. [more inside]
Epguides as a todo list?
Is there a website to help me keep track of which episodes of a TV series I've watched? [more inside]
posted by Nelson at 9:47 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Nelson at 9:47 AM PST - 10 comments
Looking for a restaurant recommendation in Tallahassee
On Sunday afternoon my wife and I are driving up to Tallahassee, FL in order to meet someone for lunch. None of us have ever been to Tallahassee before, and we would like to find a restaurant that will be open for lunch on Sunday, and is a comfortable place to sit and have a conversation (this is a person we have not seen in several years, so we would like to be able to sit and chat for a good long while). Our guest says she loves ethnic food, and is also interested in any local favorites. Any recommendations?
Infant Swimming Resource
Does anyone have experience with Infant Swimming Resource (ISR)? I'm considering it for my 9 month old. Were the first few lessons as terrible as I've heard? Is the end result as consistently wonderful as claimed? Is it worth the price?
Recommendations for socially aware media both sincere and heartwarming?
What are your recommendations for feminist friendly, social justice friendly media that portrays human beings outside of conventional stereotypes with positive themes? [more inside]
Frankenmouse's Monster, A modern Promethemouse
I need help naming some mouse monsters for a gift! Pun names are the best, of course!
I'm planning on making a Frankenstein, a vampire, and a space alien but if you guys can come up with good names I am willing to consider doing other monsters. (I REALLY want to do an alien though, because tentacles!)
My ideas so far: Count Squeakula and Frankenmouse. Suggestions?
posted by windykites at 8:57 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by windykites at 8:57 AM PST - 15 comments
It's a CMS, a webapp and a database browser: how do I do this?
I'm rebuilding a old website that doesn't quite neatly categorize in the it's a blog / it's a CMS / it's a table browser / it's a webapp thingie. After a few years out from web development, it seems fit to examine my whole strategy and ask how best to do this. [more inside]
posted by outlier at 8:56 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by outlier at 8:56 AM PST - 5 comments
Government of Mexico's Disaster Risk Management Strategy
I know this is a long shot, but does anyone have information on how the Government of Mexico was able to convince it's citizens that investing in disaster risk management (DRM) insurance/cat bond schemes was worthy of their tax money? [more inside]
Brainstorm ways to honor outgoing vet clinic owners
My wife just took over ownership of the vet clinic on our small, tight-knit Island community in the Pacific Northwest. She wants to find some permanent, memorable way to honor the previous owners, who ran the clinic for 30+ years. Help us think beyond a plaque. [more inside]
Old-school drafting meets complex curves
How do I draw a 3D curve in 2D? Or rather, how do I algorithmically draft an arbitrary 3D curve from a 2D perspective? [more inside]
posted by bookdragoness at 8:20 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by bookdragoness at 8:20 AM PST - 5 comments
What kind of CRM system would work best and how much would it cost?
My small financial services firm needs to keep track of our customers and how much progress we have made selling them different investments. [more inside]
What's wrong? jacking mic and headphones for Frankenstein headset
I really want to combine my headphones with my microphone so that I can use it as a headset on my home phone.
So I got a 3.5mm splitter and a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter so that I can plug the mic and headset together, then reduce it to 2.5mm so it can plug into my phone.
It doesn't work. Why? More details inside... [more inside]
posted by cheesyburgercheese at 7:26 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by cheesyburgercheese at 7:26 AM PST - 15 comments
How do I know if a tailor can properly alter a men's dress shirt?
I recently bought a relatively cheap men's sport/dress shirt that I love, but while it fits perfectly around the neck and chest the cuffs are about 1/2 an inch too long and there's just a bit too much fabric in the sleeves for my taste. What would I want to ask a tailor before having them alter my shirt, to ensure they wont mess it up/make it look bad? [more inside]
How can I get my aging father to stop eating like a picky child?
My dad is around 70 years old and has subsisted on a steady diet of shortbread cookies (those ones in the yellow box from the convenience store) and vanilla Ensure drinks for the past 2-3 years. How can we help him to help himself and eat real, nourishing food? [more inside]
Stop-gap strategies for work anxiety
I have on-going problems with work anxiety and impostor syndrome. The worst part? I’m starting a new, high-demand job in two weeks and need help now. [more inside]
Transitioning into early childhood education - where do I start?
I want to be an early childhood educator. Difficulty: I'm losing my job in my current field and need to make a next step quickly. [more inside]
WOAH - We're going to Ikea!
We are moving into our first flat! Hooray! However, it is unfurnished, so we need to buy us some furniture - specifically, a good sofa and a good dining/gaming table. If we go Ikea, what's the sweet spot between price and durability? [more inside]
Dating when you already have feelings you never intend to act on?
I have feelings for another woman that I have no intention of ever acting on, and my current relationship seems doomed because of it. Help. [more inside]
Interpret this Endorsement
Does anyone know how the Linked-In "endorsement" process works? (Snowflake details below.) [more inside]
posted by wolfdreams01 at 5:33 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by wolfdreams01 at 5:33 AM PST - 12 comments
How do I get in touch with someone at SNL?
I just discovered a hilariously absurd woman on Youtube. She's completely serious, but in my opinion her video is begging to be turned into an SNL skit. How do I let someone at SNL know about this potential comedy goldmine?
posted by RingerChopChop at 5:30 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by RingerChopChop at 5:30 AM PST - 12 comments
*Arabic speakers*: Brokenhearted girl needs your translation ability
Here is the photo with the Arabic message: LINK
What does this say in English? I think the girl might represent me. She looks brokenhearted, too.
Thank you so much for your help!
posted by thatgirl1985 at 5:17 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by thatgirl1985 at 5:17 AM PST - 3 comments
What does the sailors' gesture mean?
Can anyone tell me about sailors' gesture in this photo?
The sailors were carrying the remains of USS Monitor sailors from a plane to a hearse at Dulles Airport. The remains will be interred today at Arlington National Cemetery.
(A highly annoying and loud ad precedes the photo.)
posted by jgirl at 5:09 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by jgirl at 5:09 AM PST - 8 comments
Glowing like District 12
Looking for reflective "things" for my bike. [more inside]
Massachusetts history trip and Maine scenic ocean trip, t minus two hour
My friend is visiting me in Rhode island today through Sunday night and has her heart set on historical sights in Boston and going to the coast of
Maine (maybe acadia). Given weather, Boston traffic, and driving times, what is the best way to do this? [more inside]
Depression and Skewed Perception of Time
I have clinical depression and I have a skewed perception of time, which I hear is common in depressed people. I will wake up and want to do something productive, but instead if I can't find the energy or will power I will busy myself with unimportant things and watch the hours fly by. Hours turn to days, days to weeks, etc. One day I look up and it's March 8, 2013.
On the flip side, on the days I do manage to do something productive time drags by at an agonizingly slow pace. Actually being productive exhausts me most days, and this dragging of time doesn't help at at all.
I'm on an antidepressant and seeing a therapist, but I was hoping to find some way to better keep perspective of time? Instead of having all my days morph together.
Also looking for ways to better cope with working since I work from home.
Vine Plant Growing in the Field - Help ID
There is a small, low growing vine plant growing outside freely in the wild that appears to be some kind of bean. But is it? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 1:44 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by watercarrier at 1:44 AM PST - 7 comments
March 7
What should we watch at my film club?
Please suggest some movies that would make for good film club viewing. [more inside]
How do I make this odd romantic getaway a success?
We met when I was there. We dated when I was there. Now he's coming here. And I'm freaking out (a shmear). [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 10:06 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by airguitar2 at 10:06 PM PST - 8 comments
What say the font of aussie mefi knowledge?
I have been asked to submit my CV/resume to an Australian based management consulting firm to potentially do some project based work with them. What is the acceptable length, format and font to use for a CV/resumes in this industry?
Directors and Marriage Longevity
How many successful Film Directors are happily married...to their first wife (or husband)? Answers may be given as an estimated percentage if that's easier. [more inside]
posted by mousepad at 9:46 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by mousepad at 9:46 PM PST - 18 comments
What are some effective ways to end sales pitches?
How can a nice guy like me, who aims to please in most cases, stop wasting time hearing sales pitches? I hate disappointing others, but am sick of feeling like I'm to blame when I sit through someone's sales pitch and decline at the end. [more inside]
How to change a small office culture?
I work in an office of about 25 people, which is run by just one big boss & the hours are atrocious. I'm not the only one who thinks so, but at least 2 people have been fired in the past for daring to complain directly. How can we, the employees, either start a productive conversation with our boss about this, or somehow generate grassroots change? [more inside]
posted by annie o at 9:32 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by annie o at 9:32 PM PST - 23 comments
Inexpensive, safe hotel/B n B/hostel near the Walker Art Center in MN
Inexpensive and safe place to stay near the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis? [more inside]
The dawn of time, parking version.
I am parked on a city side street that is marked 2 hour parking only from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is now after 8 and I will be parked in this spot overnight. My question is, does my two hour parking start at 7:00? I have to move my car before 9:00? Overnight parking is allowed, lots of cars are there with mine. Thank you!
posted by jennstra at 9:02 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jennstra at 9:02 PM PST - 5 comments
Eclectic Spanish-language radio for background listening?
¡Hola! I want to improve my Spanish listening-comprehension abilities before I go off to Spain this summer for a month by listening to some eclectic, non-chart-driven, at-least-partially, ideally-completely Spanish-language radio online. Perhaps something like BBC's Radio 6, Radio France's FIP or KCRW's Eclectic 24. [more inside]
Why is google being spooky and filling in other people's gmails?
This has happened twice now, and it is freaky. Google chrome on the iMac I use in my office at work (at a university) will have usernames and passwords for people who have never been in my office ever. The first time it happened it was my father's email, and the second time it was my stepmother's. Why would chrome be filling in these odd emails when it doesn't even save my own login information after closing the browser window? [more inside]
posted by artychoke at 7:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by artychoke at 7:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Post surgery allergy issues
I had hand surgery this morning under general anesthesia. About 12 hours after the surgery, I seem to have developed an allergy attack (I do not normally have allergies, but perhaps one or two attacks a year). My nasal passages are swollen and I am sneezing. Is this normal? Might it be a result of the anesthesia? I have a follow-up tomorrow, but should I be concerned this evening?
posted by blurker at 6:41 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by blurker at 6:41 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I deal with inappropriate comments in the office?
What is with my workplace? Need help dealing personally and professionally with a variety of inappropriate behavior from my coworkers and supervisor. [more inside]
Name that Farm.
For my first question on the green, I'd like to put the clever brains here to work. This is for a permaculture design course project, someday I would like to see it come true but that is a way off. [more inside]
Looking out from the ivory tower
I am a 5th year PhD student in Pharmacology. In two years or less I (universe willing) will graduate, with a good handful of first author papers. I also have an MS in biochemistry and two years of lab manager/technician experience in a university setting. I want to know (exactly) what jobs are available to me post graduation that meet the following requirements: 1.) 45 hours a week or less; 2.) 65k a year or more; 3) health benefits and reasonable vacation time. Please respond with as much detail as possible.
posted by corn_bread at 4:46 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by corn_bread at 4:46 PM PST - 9 comments
What is the purpose of soy in processed foods
Soy is listed as an ingredient in many processed foods that you might not expect to contain it (major name brands of canned tuna, for example).
What is the purpose of soy in these foods? It is listed as an ingredient in SO many foods, it makes you wonder.
We can rebuild it; we have the technology!
Could we build a functioning Cafe 80's with today's technology? Assuming the food prep is done by actual humans 'backstage,' is voice recognition technology good enough today to create mechanized waiters as seen in Back to the Future, part II? (I assume they've got collision detection sensors to avoid hitting patrons, and can seat patrons by navigating on rails to the proper table.)
posted by percor at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by percor at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me end my careless/avoidable mistakes on exams
After a few semesters of college, I am consistently disappointed each time I receive an exam or quiz back. I constantly find myself making mistakes which I consider careless or avoidable; I know this is a widespread sentiment among students everywhere. What's your advice? [more inside]
Everything from A-Z including a job for ME! (hopefully)
Those of you who have been through the amazon corporate hiring process, what was it like? Did I commit a major boneheaded move in my application for a job? [more inside]
Songs of the Labor Movement
For Camp NaNoWriMo, I am planning a sci-fi book in which labor politics play a significant role in the plot. I'd like to listen to music associated with the historical labor movement while I'm planning and writing. I only speak English, but will listen in any language. What have you got for me?
Looking for help with venue for 5 guest budget wedding in the US!!!
Looking for help on venues for intimate wedding with 5 guests somewhere in the USA. We are focusing on California (San Fran) but it doesn't have to be there. No reception needed. Just want a nice place to say our vows and then we're all heading out somewhere for a nice dinner. [more inside]
Books about urban twentysomethings
Recommend me some books about people who work at startups, have roommates, go to happy hours and do online dating. [more inside]
How do I organ solo like The Zombies' "She's Not There"?
Hi all. I'm trying to learn how to play the organ solo in "She's Not There" or alternatively "Sticks and Stones" by the Zombies. I'm not sure what they are... the blues scale? I have moderate piano experience.
How do I bring my too-smart-for-his-own-britches down to my level?
I have a friend who I communicate with on Facebook, etc., who will routinely alienate everyone from a conversation by using highly technical terms and arguments, even in casual debates.
Any suggestions with witty or equally logical responses that will make him recognize he needs to communicate in laymans terms... or at least something that someone without a doctorate degree would understand? [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 1:11 PM PST - 51 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 1:11 PM PST - 51 comments
Internet accessible Canadian phone number for SMS only?
What services are available to get a static internet-accessible phone number for SMS only in Canada? [more inside]
posted by jpziller at 1:04 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by jpziller at 1:04 PM PST - 1 comment
Broken washing machine
Brand new Whirlpool AWE 7728 washing machine won't complete the first (empty) cycle, help! [more inside]
Help me re-create this awesomely creepy doll
When my partner started dating his now ex-wife, his first Hanukkah gift to her was an well-intentioned but ill-received doll that has become an ongoing joke for over 20 years. Now I want to see if I can have another doll made in the same manner, but I don't know where to look to have this done. [more inside]
Linux VPN hairpuller
Please help me figure out how to get my VPN to work with Linux - it claims to, but I can't make it. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 12:37 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 12:37 PM PST - 27 comments
Waitlisted events/places in Europe or Asia in Spring 2014
I'm slowly pulling together a plan to throughout Asia and/or Europe this time next year - March or April 2014. Are there any events or places that are difficult to get into that would be worth signing up for now? I'm thinking of things like elBulli, which had a year long waiting list. [more inside]
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 12:34 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 12:34 PM PST - 8 comments
Winchester Mystery Rancher
Manic Pixie Dream Architecture: please point me towards any websites/books/magazines/blogs/etc. which show weird/cool/unique/interactive design features (e.g. secret/hidden doors) in non-mansion homes. [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew at 12:28 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by julthumbscrew at 12:28 PM PST - 8 comments
Looking for a tune to play at an Irish wedding.
To the Irish out there: What's a nice traditional tune to play at an Irish wedding? Not during the ceremony, just during the after party. I'll be solo on flute. Nothing too long, and nothing that would require an accompaniment. It's a casual affair. Something slow and pretty, or fast and upbeat, old or new... I'm up for anything! Thanks in advance! Sláinte!
How Jeffersonian can a seat actually be?
What kind of sitting bench lets people sit kind of facing each other, but also side by side? [more inside]
Where is this political cartoon?!
I've looked high and low for a political cartoon that shows a boy asking his father "What is science?" The father replies "I don't know, son, we are Republicans." Can anybody steer me to a link to that cartoon? Thanks.
posted by wsg at 12:05 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by wsg at 12:05 PM PST - 2 comments
Are my knees really that knobby?
A tiny hole has appeared on the left knee of one my nice pairs of jeans. Can I fix this? [more inside]
Are my parents helicoptering?
Overall I have a very good relationship with my parents. However, some of their behaviors annoy me sometimes and there is this general feeling I get with our interactions in which I feel like I'm being treated like a teenager. So I'd like to get the Metafilter consensus: this normal parent behavior? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by daisies at 11:50 AM PST - 70 comments
posted by daisies at 11:50 AM PST - 70 comments
What was this story of the "god-like man?"
What was this dimly-remembered short story about a superhero ignoring big world threats in favor of saving kids from escalators? [more inside]
Help me navigate the modern job search
I'm actively looking for a job for the first time in awhile, and whenever I sit down to write a cover letter and update my resume it's like my job application skills stopped developing in 1985 (nevermind that I wasn't old enough to apply for jobs then). I know that customs and expectations for resumes and cover letters have changed, not least because so much is done via email rather than hard copy, but I don't know how to adapt the stale job-seeking skills I learned from people who learned them 25 years ago to the modern job search. [more inside]
Annotating pictures... while still in the camera. Is this possible?
Hi everyone,
suppose I was at a family reunion BBQ or wedding reception, and I wanted to stroll around and take pictures of groups of people, many of whom I might be meeting after a long absence, or even for the first time. Now, I'm terrible with names, I forget them quickly unless I write them down. Is there a camera out there that will let me do this? I'm dreaming of some P&S camera with a touch screen that'll let me annotate the image (or a copy of the image) with text so I could enter in their names. (like I take a snapshot of Jane; then I immediately enter in 'jane smith' in the camera as some kind of image caption or tag.) Any advice?
The perfect App-set
I've got a brand new (refurb) Retina MacBook Pro, fresh out of the cellophane wrapper. I've been eking out a slow and cluttered existence on a combination of my iPad mini, my oldish Mac Mini, my iPhone, and a desktop Windows machine (for gaming) for a couple of years. I haven't had a laptop in... I can't even remember if I have ever had a laptop. Help me find the perfect set of apps for it? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
So, working at BigBoxStore Pharmacy?
So, working at BigBoxStore Pharmacy? ... as a cashier? Possible on-the-job training as a pharmacy tech. Need career advice! [more inside]
What do I build with?
I've been messing around with small motors via Arduino, but I realized I have absolutely nothing with which to make stuff that will be powered by said motors. What's a inexpensive box-o'-parts construction set for moving parts? [more inside]
posted by griphus at 11:18 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by griphus at 11:18 AM PST - 11 comments
I'm good with money, but when it comes to retirement, I'm an idiot.
Tell me about traditional IRAs...like I'm 5 years old. [more inside]
Books about a group of girls
Similar to this recent question, I'm looking for books about preteen-teenage girls in a single-sex environment. Boarding schools, private schools, summer camps, etc. [more inside]
posted by book 'em dano at 10:48 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by book 'em dano at 10:48 AM PST - 24 comments
Help me make my sister less of a bitch in the morning
My sister is going to be staying with us for two months, to help my wife and I with our newborn. I adore my sister, but she is vile in the morning before her coffee. Unfortunately we do not live remotely close to a nice coffee house. We are tea drinkers, so we have none of the appropriate 'stuff'.
How can I provide her with a good coffee experience at minimal cost? I know she usually orders a caramel mocha of some sort. [more inside]
Is there affordable layout/design software for home use?
I'm looking for PC-based layout/design software that runs less than $500 that works better than MS Publisher. [more inside]
What's the best e-reader for me?
I know pretty much nothing about the e-reader market right now, but I'm thinking about taking the plunge. Given my particular requirements, what is likely to be the best e-reader for me? [more inside]
Looking for a smart phone or laptop app to control my Vizio "smart" TV
What options do I have for an alternative remote for a Vizio smart TV (streaming Hulu/ Netflix/ Facebook access, model SV472XVT)? Is there a Droid app, or a way to use Bluetooth to access the TV? My old remote died, and the side access buttons are cumbersome to say the least. Thanks!
Rural photography recommendations?
When living in the city I had no problem finding photographers to look to for new ways of seeing that particular environment. Now that I live in a fairly rural area, I'm looking for recommendations of photographers—particularly contemporary ones—who have an interesting take on rural or wilderness photography. I'm specifically not looking for landscape/wildlife photography of the long-lens-ken-rockwell variety, but other than that anything goes. A couple things that come to mind as examples are Lee Friedlander's New Mexico stuff or Stephen Shore's lonely dirt roads (although iconic 50s gas stations are in short supply on the Gulf Islands.)
posted by Lorin at 9:29 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Lorin at 9:29 AM PST - 8 comments
Economics Grad school?
What are my chances of getting into a decent economics grad program with a math degree with a "meh" GPA (3.2ish), a law degree with a pretty good GPA (3.7+), and a high GRE quantitative score (790)? Also, how much does the prestige (rank) of grad program matter in the economics field? [more inside]
Can I use the Canon VIXIA HV40 camcorder for skype?
I've spent hours trying to get the Canon HV40 to work over firewire to Skype! ANY help is greatly appreciated.... [more inside]
What to be aware of when getting paid non-taxable income?
I am taking a new position where I am paid a non-taxable income/stipent. Essentially my position is funded through a grant. I am not a student, this is a full-time and temporary. I am afraid when I go to file my taxes next year something might come up where I do have to pay taxes. I guess I don't fully trust the government in not wanting to place their sticky hands on my money!
Is there anything I should be aware of? Should I file my taxes a certain way?
What precludes cable providers from controlling the ads via the DVR/box?
What precludes cable providers from controlling the ads via the DVR/box? [more inside]
posted by halseyaa at 8:31 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by halseyaa at 8:31 AM PST - 7 comments
What is my best cycling route to the Western Ave Metra in Chicago?
What's the best cycling route from my place in the Ukrainian Village to the Western Ave (at Hubbard) Metra? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 8:31 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by andrewesque at 8:31 AM PST - 9 comments
5,000 miles....7,500 miles...10,000 miles....
How is it that newer model cars are able to go increasingly longer distances and periods of time without regularly scheduled service? [more inside]
Second-time parenting, how does that work?
Tell me about your daily schedules, parenting logistics, etc., with a newborn plus a toddler or older child. [more inside]
How can I deal with this "time off" in my life?
Depression has upended my life and the people trying to help aren't really helping, what do I do? [more inside]
Cat Safety Question
Our apartment complex just sprayed for bugs around the baseboards in the kitchen. I don't know what spray they used, but it's not the kind where they make you empty your cupboards. Is it safe for our cat, Captain Tightpants who is just under a year old, to frolic around, or should he be kept locked in the bathroom for a while? And if so, how long?
What are my rights at an immigration checkpoint within the US?
This video of people refusing to answer questions at immigration checkpoints within the US--not at borders--was the subject of a bOINGbOING post, but it's not clear to me what my actual rights are and what the proper behavior is, if, indeed, I have the right to refuse to cooperate. [more inside]
How to upgrade Mac iTunes library from v6 to v11?
Computer #1 runs iTunes 6, and uses a library that's on a remote SAMBA share (NSLU2, if it matters). I want to move the library to a local drive on Computer #2, which came with iTunes 11. What do? [more inside]
Jag söker svenska idiomen!
I'm learning Swedish in advance of a trip to Stockholm to visit friends this summer. (Yes, I know Swedes generally speak excellent English; learning languages is a hobby.) When I'm there, I'd like to pepper some of my conversations with colorful sayings, slang, and idioms. Kan du hjälpa mig? [more inside]
How do I unbend a towel rack?
I have a cylindrical towel rack that is bent. I need to unbend it. How can I do this without damaging it further? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 7:05 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by bondcliff at 7:05 AM PST - 16 comments
What are the best men's v-neck t-shirts?
My current wardrobe consists of jeans and a Gap V-neck T. I am at the point where I need to replace my t-shirts (they are wearing out). Do I stick to the Gap shirts or is there something better out there for a similar or lower price? Some options I've found are Uniqlo (but they always seem to be sold out) or Everlane. Also, any sizing suggestions would be great too! I currently wear a large Gap shirt, but with Everlane it looks like I'd need to go up to an XL (I figured this by comparing chest size from Gap to Everlane). Is that correct?
Compounding Life Disasters
I think my friend tried to fondle me in my sleep. [more inside]
Fairness and compensation
I feel that since older, attractive, successful guys get so much love already, I shouldn't like them. It just feels unfair, so much so that I try to deny my feelings and COMPENSATE by liking the opposite. This has terrible results. How do I stop thinking like this? [more inside]
How to Power a Laptop in the Desert?
My friend Paul Salopek is walking across Eastern Africa and needs to stay connected. Power from his solar panel passes through an inefficient AC inverter. He's not getting enough power to stay connected. Can you advise? [more inside]
posted by honest knave at 6:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by honest knave at 6:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Tell me what you know about voiceovers
My company needs a voiceover done for a game we're publishing.
The game character is a 10 year old girl, 10 to 15 lines of dialog.
Budget is somewhat open-ended, but I'd like to have some idea of what price we can expect, if anyone knows that.
I need information on (1) reputable agencies (since we're presumably dealing with a child voice actor) and (2) which are located in the US. I'm in NYC if it matters.
Thanks.
posted by dfriedman at 6:19 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by dfriedman at 6:19 AM PST - 8 comments
I'm in a moving mess. Help?
My former landlords have turned into incoherent crazy people who don't understand the law. Please help me figure out a solution that doesn't leave me (or my former housemates) hundreds of dollars in the hole. [more inside]
Are there other French TV shows I can watch via Roku?
Are there other French TV shows I can watch via Roku? [more inside]
4-day trip, from Boston, somewhere warm
We've only just got our act together to be able to take the same days off work next week - so my husband and I would like to take a quick trip somewhere. BUT - I cant think where to go! We'd be departing from Boston, leaving Thursday anytime, need to be back by sunday noon.
I'd prefer to not have a long drive, or a flight of more than 4 hours, given we dont have a lot of time. I think given the time constraints, we're limited to the east coast USA. But I can't get further than that... Hivemind - help us figure out how to enjoy our first break in a while!
Both of us enjoy going places where there are interesting or historic area to walk around and explore, great food, art galleries to sigh over...
Me: Would love to go somewhere warm.
Him: ability to get outdoors, small towns or rural areas preferred - no big city (so not NYC or DC) [more inside]
posted by darsh at 4:13 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by darsh at 4:13 AM PST - 20 comments
New Yorkers, can you help me get my friends an awesome wedding gift?
Two of my closest friends are marrying in two months and leaving for New York City for (at least) two years this fall. For their wedding gift I'd like to give them "small papery things" - subway tickets, restauraunt coupons, tickets to museums, etc. - that they could take easily with them and give them a headstart in exploring the city. Now I'm looking for recommendations in general but also helping hands to get these things to Austria. [more inside]
Contract Employee, Without the Contract
I'm a newbie web developer and I've been working my first real coding job for about a month. Help me make sure I am covering my ass and getting compensated fairly. [more inside]
Easter break skiing in South Korea
Family is spending Easter break in Seoul. Please recommend a ski resort that is:
- near enough for a day trip
- accessible via public transportation
- not too crowded as a bonus
The only other ski resort we've ever been to is GALA Yuzawa in Japan, and it was accessible by train, so we'd like to imitate the same experience in Seoul.
Thanks!
Advance Health Care Directive - End-of-life decisions - How do I decide?
Recently I had a California Advance Health Care Directive drawn up (free when you buy a Will!) Whoa... this is a tough question! End of Life Decision:
A) Choice not to prolong life
B) Choice to prolong life
Which one should I pick? How do I go about picking one? More details inside [more inside]
March 6
He loves me, he loves me not.
Ok MeFites, help me. My best friend and her boyfriend just broke up, mostly his idea. But he says he wants to communicate still and "will always love her". She asked me what the hell this meant. I have no idea. So I'm posing the question to you relationship experts. What the hell does he want? [more inside]
Redox oops
I accidentally rinsed my contacts with hydrogen peroxide. Can I still wear them tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 9:48 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by DoubleLune at 9:48 PM PST - 9 comments
Should I convert MR16 halogen downlights to GU10 before installing LEDs?
When converting from halogen downlights to LEDs, if it's going to be a difficult job either way, is it better to replace MR16 sockets + transformers with GU10 sockets or just to use LEDs that are designed for MR16 set-ups? (Assume that I already know that the specific transformer I have would work with the specific LEDs I would buy). And if I want to convert, where can I buy cheap GU10 sockets with Australian 3 pin plugs wired to them (without buying an entire "LED downlight kit")? [more inside]
"Who's your daddy?" "Not you."
I am only approached by men who are much older than me. I approach men my age, and it doesn't go so well. How do I stop this? [more inside]
Help me either leave my urban tribe, or accept my place in it
This past year I got involved in a local community of people. I have mixed feelings and am looking for your relevant experiences with close-knit urban tribes. [more inside]
posted by htid at 9:20 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by htid at 9:20 PM PST - 24 comments
Recommend some free video podcasts to an audio podcast fan.
There is an awesome machine at my gym that lets you hook up your iPod and watch videos on a little screen while you're doing cardio. I'd like to find a couple of good video podcasts to start watching as motivation to go more often and to keep me there. Audio podcast tastes and other interests inside. [more inside]
Curly hair ideas
Another one of them "I need a new hair style questions": curly dry and multi-textured [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 8:31 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Ideal Impulse at 8:31 PM PST - 13 comments
Help make our jam sessions less "jamateur"
My guitar pals and I have decades of playing time among us, though none professional. We're not entirely devoid of talent. We have a reasonable understanding of music and pretty good repertoires. And yet...
And yet our sessions are always meandering, improvised, "ok sounding" affairs. We have a fun time. We play a wide range of songs ... But the overall quality of sound produced leaves a lot of room for improvement. Not cacophonous, per se, but not fit for public consumption either.
I'm wondering what we can do (aside from practice, practice, practice) that might improve our musical output, to take it to the next level. What are the things real musicians would do - in approach or arrangement - that we should try?
Recipe & shopping list app for Android
I'm looking for a convenient app for Android that will build a shopping list from a list of ingredients. [more inside]
posted by zixyer at 7:53 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by zixyer at 7:53 PM PST - 6 comments
How do I build a component library?
How can I build a component library so our designers and developers keep things synchronized and don't end up doing a lot of double and triple work? [more inside]
Chooseing between two very good, very close job offers..
Chooseing between two very good, very close job offers.. [more inside]
I rented a single-family house in MA. YANML, but I probably need one.
I rented a single-family house in MA with 2 roommates. We have 2 toddlers. This house isn't deleaded, and it needs to be, and landlady is very unhappy about the expense. We offered to vacate the lease, but my now crazy landlady wants to keep the security deposit I put down. Help? [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 7:12 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by woodvine at 7:12 PM PST - 21 comments
Radio presents, not presence
I'm involved with a college radio station, and we'd like to get presents for or do something for the graduating folks. The problem is, none of us have any ideas. What are some awesome music or radio-themed things we could buy or arrange? What sorts of things would you have loved to get or do as a graduating senior?
How can I survive a delayed paycheck when I have no savings, no credit
Being a moron, I forgot to turn in my timesheet this week. The way pay works at my company this means I might not get paid for 2 more weeks :/ How can I survive with all that budgeted money missing? What would you do? [more inside]
Please recommend interesting/funny/awesome TV series to a bored shut-in
I've finished watching all my favourite things and am televisually lost while I wait for Breaking Bad and Boardwalk Empire to start again. Can you suggest English/American/Australian etc series (will also accept interesting BBC documentaries) that are actually watchable? [more inside]
posted by abbagoochie at 6:19 PM PST - 61 comments
posted by abbagoochie at 6:19 PM PST - 61 comments
Handling requests to work on spec for a desperate colleague
I have a colleague who wants me to put in a couple of hours after work for a personal project for him. He has emailed me desperately and repeatedly several times over the past week and asks me about it every day, even though I told him I am too busy. I think he thinks I can squeeze it in to my normal working hours, but I can't. How do I get rid of this person? [more inside]
posted by kettleoffish at 6:09 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by kettleoffish at 6:09 PM PST - 32 comments
Where can I learn about man's interaction with new ingredients?
What was Italian food like before the tomato?
When coffee houses started popping up in Europe what establishments lost business as a result?
Did Marco Polo really bring noodles to Europe from China?
Where can I find the answer to all these questions and more? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 6:02 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 6:02 PM PST - 31 comments
How do I collect my small claims judgment from a wage claim?
My former employer mailed me my last paycheck almost a month after firing me, and after enduring an awkward hearing that included being scolded by her in front of a hearing officer, I ended up winning. How do I collect my money? I live in California. [more inside]
How long do you stick around at a "meh" new job for?
How long do you stick around at a "meh" new job for? [more inside]
Need advice on transitioning cats to healthier cat food
We have 2 cats that are a little less than 2 years old. They are both active and healthy little terrors with no medical issues. One of them seems like she is always hungry. While I get that there are some animals that will whine for food until they drop dead from overfeeding, when I gave her more she seemed happier. However, at that point she gained a little more weight than she should have to remain healthy, so I wanted to find some food that is more nutritious, has less byproducts, more protein and helps them feel fuller. [more inside]
Is this bleach or dye?
Is this box highlighting kit just bleach, or is it color? I purchased the wrong shade for my hair (purchased Creamy Caramel, I have probably level 7 blonde right now and I'm wanting to go lighter - I've been using the lightest one available) but if it's just bleach I'm thinking it would still work, right? I'm not a hair color expert, but the kit has powder and developer and it smells strongly of bleach.
http://www.lorealparisusa.com/en/Brands/Hair-Color/Touch-On-Highlights.aspx
Men's undershirts that breathe?
Can you recommend men's undershirts (preferably v-neck, possibly tank) as an alternative to cotton tees? [more inside]
posted by suprenant at 4:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by suprenant at 4:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Advice for camping out overnight for oral argument at the Supreme Court?
What should I know before I camp out at the Supreme Court to try to see the oral arguments in the marriage cases in late March? What should I pack? How is the line policed? [more inside]
posted by zahava at 4:07 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by zahava at 4:07 PM PST - 9 comments
How to cure subcutaneous itch/burn in my back?
How to cure subcutaneous itch/burn in my back? Yep, I've had it for years but it's worse and more frequent recently. Between the shoulder blades. [more inside]
posted by noelpratt2nd at 3:34 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by noelpratt2nd at 3:34 PM PST - 10 comments
"Calibrated draft control" = Emergency?
Something called a "calibrated draft control" has fallen off the main pipe of my oil-fired hot water baseboard furnace. Is this something I need to panic about, or can I leave it on the floor and use the furnace until I can call the oil company tomorrow morning?
posted by JanetLand at 3:25 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by JanetLand at 3:25 PM PST - 4 comments
Some questions about excess gas
I have dropped and broken a 20 pound container of CO2 in my basement. It was terrifying.
While I air out the basement, I have a few questions: [more inside]
posted by Acari at 3:24 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Acari at 3:24 PM PST - 15 comments
I'm a transgender version of Anne Rice's Claudia.
I am in my early thirties, identify as agendered and my body dysphoria is getting worse and worse. Is it worth transitioning if I know for sure I'll never have a body that feels right for me? [more inside]
Gynecologist or Dermatologist?
I used to get ingrown hairs in my pubic area that often became infected. I was able to remove the hairs, but the areas over-healed and left two noticeable and unsightly keloids. In general, my pubic area, when the hair is removed, has small bumps all over, sort of like raw chicken skin. Is there a way to get these bumps and the keloids removed? Do I need to talk to a dermatologist or a gynecologist? [more inside]
Another "Name That Movie"!
An earlier question has triggered this for me. Sometime in the 90's (I think), I saw a movie with these elements: Romeo android, female bounty hunter/badass, red convertible with oxygen masks, post apocalyptic landscapes [more inside]
posted by Allee Katze at 2:47 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Allee Katze at 2:47 PM PST - 2 comments
Where to get white blackout curtains?
Does anyone have a suggestion for good blackout curtains that are standard full length (84 inches or similar) in white? Ones that actually block the light? [more inside]
How likely is it that I would be denied entry to Ireland?
I was told by the US Airways agent that since I only bought an oneway ticket for my euro trip, Ireland custom agents might deny my entry. How likely is this going to happen? [more inside]
How can I stay focused while rewriting my resume for the 1000th time?
I’ve shuffled the words around so many times, they’ve not only lost all meaning to me, but actually blur in front of my eyes. I’m starting to make really dumb mistakes. Until the end of year 2 of underemployment, I had a few friends who were willing to give my applications a once-over, but I’m now embarrassed about asking for help so often. How can I stay on track? Any advice on a check system to minimize errors? [more inside]
posted by nelljie at 2:06 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by nelljie at 2:06 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me pick out my forever socks!
I had a brilliant idea the other day: instead of buying all sorts of different socks and cursing the gods when I lose one of a matching pair, I should buy bunches of matching socks in the same color so that any two go with each other. Help me enact this plan by finding socks that meet my criteria. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Inexpensive wireless music streaming
I want to be able to stream whatever my computer is playing to another room in the house. In addition, I would like to occasionally stream videos to our old, but oversized, TV in another room.
I started shopping and looking at media streaming bridges and wireless speakers and frankly it seems there are a bunch of options and I don't know where to start. It probably needs to go 40 or 50 feet away. I don't think bluetooth would work and the only things I own with an ethernet port are my computer and the wireless router.
Can someone point me towards a good reliable sytem?
What can I get to manage a set of 15 or so iPads?
My workplace will get me whatever I need to easily manage a dozen iPads. What should I ask for? [more inside]
Do I need a bookkeeper, an accountant or someone else???
I have come to the conclusion that I am bad with money, and I need help. The question is, who can provide me with the help I need. I've researched various professions online and have a hard time telling who would best suit my needs: a bookkeeper, an accountant, a financial counselor, a daily money manager, someone else entirely?? More than one of these?? [more inside]
Miiiiiiiine!
Toddler possessiveness is so commonplace I feel a little ridiculous for needing help with it. But I have no idea how to act as a parent on the playground, when my almost-2-year-old refuses to let anyone play with what she is playing. [more inside]
The Drama of "The Drama of the Gifted Child"
Suggestions for coming to terms with childhood neglect. [more inside]
posted by trinity8-director at 12:55 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by trinity8-director at 12:55 PM PST - 16 comments
Planning a big dinner party in New Orleans
Dinner party for 300. New Orleans. October. Have about $100/person to spend. Where should we go? [more inside]
Rural resort near to Washington DC for anniversary weekend
My wife and I are moving to DC this summer and it's our first wedding anniversary in late September. I'd like to take her away for a weekend around that time to some sort of beautiful country getaway. [more inside]
Suggestions for how to write a privacy policy.
I need to write a privacy policy for my commercial website. There are a number of online tools for this, I am looking for specific recommendations for such a tool or links to good boilerplate. The site is primarily providing information about a product (iPhone app). It does not collect any information but does have a contact form.
posted by cosmac at 12:21 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by cosmac at 12:21 PM PST - 3 comments
Lucid Dream + Maxalt = 12 hour Deja Vu?
Does Lucid Dreaming or Maxalt cause extreme cases of Deja Vu?
Details Below... [more inside]
Linux CLI Filter: Complete Linux Command Line Book?
Is there a book (or a way to have one made) that would list all available Linux commands with options and what they mean for any shell I'm interested in learning? (Currently bash) [more inside]
DINKs need a dog.
Mr. Motion and I are getting ready to take the plunge and adopt a dog. Please help me figure out what I _should_ be figuring out before we go and meet some dogs. Much beanplating within... [more inside]
Help me get my priorities straight re: learning Chinese
Which do I learn first--spoken Mandarin, spoken Cantonese, or written, or even all together? [more inside]
What was this movie that I thought was Futureworld?
Sci-Fi movie identification halp. Watched a movie when I was a kid that I thought was Futureworld, viewed Futureworld recently, beginning and ending are totally different. And yet certain things/scenes meshed. Am I imagining things? Maybe meshing two different films? [more inside]
posted by disconnect at 11:23 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by disconnect at 11:23 AM PST - 11 comments
What are these mystery coins?
What are these coins I found in the bottom of my change jar? I'm guessing both are from South Asia. The littler one on the left is quite thick, about 3 mm. Here's one side, here's the other side.
posted by Etaoin Shrdlu at 11:04 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Etaoin Shrdlu at 11:04 AM PST - 5 comments
Please help me identify this song
I really love a song included in Richard Ullrey's C25k week1 podcast but I can't identify it. I'd really like to buy this song as well as explore other music by the artist if i could only figure out who she is. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by TestamentToGrace at 9:12 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by TestamentToGrace at 9:12 AM PST - 4 comments
I can't stream Letterman
The David Letterman Show is stuck on February 27 in my machine. Using Firefox on OSX 10.8.2. I've deleted the CBS cookies and restarted the browser with no luck. What else can I do to so I can view the current show?
Science Fiction without the characters
[SciFi Book Filter] I'm basically looking for good science fiction books that have very minimal (or no) character development. [more inside]
This should not be as baffling as it is.
I try to tweet, but then I have to use a comma. Bad things happen. Why does Twitter hate commas? [more inside]
posted by Z. Aurelius Fraught at 7:49 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Z. Aurelius Fraught at 7:49 AM PST - 6 comments
Breath Play - Safety and the Conversation
How do I let my new partner down easy that I may not be able to do all the breath play and choking she might want? [more inside]
San Jose, Costa Rica Airport question
I'm flying from the US into San Jose (Costa Rica) airport. My flight lands at 11:47am. How good are my chances of making a 12:48pm regional flight to Quepos? I will have only a carry on. [more inside]
posted by milestogo at 7:34 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by milestogo at 7:34 AM PST - 4 comments
Off-the-shelf shipping company job board application or site?
I have a meeting next week with a Seafood distribution company that wants an application that can match up truck drivers with people needing stuff shipped. Before I go into the meeting I'd like to be able to provide a short list of existing services or applications that can provide some of this functionality. I'm having problems locating anything and I'd like to know what the alternatives are before I pitch them a $10-12K development project.
I'm assuming that they're going to need something that drivers can access from their phones that can provide them with a list of jobs near their location or along their planned route. We've discussed using Access or SQL server integrated with IIS or Sharepoint, but a hosted solution that uses PHP/mySQL is also on the table.
Seeking Advice from Noise Pollution Activists
What steps could we take to improve a very serious noise pollution issue near our home? [more inside]
My own personal Lord of the Rings quest: to find a backpack for adults
Professional laptop case with straps, a.k.a. a backpack for adults, please? [more inside]
Share your Cambridge public pre-school experiences
So it's time for us to put our son on the pre-school waiting list in the City of Cambridge. Except we are close to three possible schools and there are no ranks, no preferences - if the school is on the list and there is space, you must take it. We don't know anyone whose kids have gone to any of these preschools, Morse, Kings, King Open, etc. So throwing this out to askmefi: if you have any experiences with preschools in Cambridge, MA, please share! I am particularly concerned about provider availability to children, sensitivity to allergy/nutrition concerns, diversity, gender roles enforcement ("You can't cry, you're a boy." "Girls can't play with cars.") and relationships among the parents of the children.
Keep it secret, keep it safe.
Eastern-language experts: what does this ring say? I don't know the language or even if I've got it right-side-up. I photographed the characters in order, picking one at random to start with. If it's written in Fake Words For Honkies and doesn't actually mean anything, that's fine; if it will summon a Nazgul, that's even better!
posted by cmyk at 6:43 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by cmyk at 6:43 AM PST - 5 comments
Is my boyfriend ashamed of me? Why won't he post any pics of me on fb?
Today I deleted all the pictures (20 or so) that I had of my boyfriend on my facebook. Please tell me whether or not I am justified or if you would've done the same. My boyfriend of a couple of months has never posted any pictures of me on his fb.
At first, I thought - well, maybe he's just the kind of guy who doesn't post a lot of pictures or goes on fb much. Except, he just posted 42 pictures of him and (mostly his cousin) who has come to recently visit him in our city. Many of them were taken at an event that I was at - apparently he took some pics of him while I was in the bathroom.
Also, it's not like he lacks pictures of me - he takes many of them and has all of them on his phone. Sometimes he will text me a pic of us. I once asked why he was even bothering to take a pic of me and he was like, don't worry I'll photobomb you soon. [more inside]
Tips for working with a with a comic artist
I have an econ blog and asked a friend of mine to help illustrate some posts with comics. He agreed! Have you been on either side of a comparable collaboration? Could you offer some tips? [more inside]
Name suggestions for a boy?
We have about a month and a half left before Baby Stardust is here, and we still can't agree on a name. Help? [more inside]
Does anyone have this car radio, and know how to set it to 24-hour time?
I figured out years ago how to change my Jeep's clock to 24-hour/military time. Recently the battery was disconnected and the clock reverted back to regular time, and I cannot figure out how to switch it back to 24-hour time. Does anyone know how to do this? [more inside]
Clicking ASUS laptop. What's the matter?
I have an ASUS UX31 laptop - just under a year old. In the last couple of days it has started making a clicking sound. Specifically what I hear are quiet pairs of clicks. The clicks are separated by about a quarter of a second and the pairs of clicks repeat every 3 seconds - it sounds a little like a relay opening and then closing. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by rongorongo at 4:12 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by rongorongo at 4:12 AM PST - 11 comments
Caffeine withdrawal: Personal stories?
Two days ago, I decided to cut down on my caffeine intake drastically. I now feel super duper out of it and fatigued, plus I have headaches (I never get headaches!).
I would like to hear personal anecdotes from others regarding their experiences with caffeine withdrawal, so I know for sure that what I am feeling is not just in my head. [more inside]
not talking to you
Our nine-year-old girl is in the midst of a bust up with her BFF and she's taking it really hard. This is our first nine year old and our first bust up, how can we help her get over it or help her understand what's happening? [more inside]
Help me plan an itinerary for New Zealand
I am visiting NZ (South Island only, unfortunately) for about a week's holiday, starting mid-March (only 10 more sleeps to go, as they say). I'm flying in and out of Queenstown. What places should I visit? What should I see? What should I do? What car rental service is good? Any recommended places to stay? [more inside]
posted by vidur at 2:48 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by vidur at 2:48 AM PST - 18 comments
I keeping thinking out loud. Any way to keep my thoughts to myself?
I think aloud at times, be it when solving problems at work (I'm a programmer) or thinking through problems or stuff when walking. How can I curb it? [more inside]
posted by crowbar_of_irony at 12:56 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by crowbar_of_irony at 12:56 AM PST - 17 comments
Responding to Feedback at Work When It's From Your Boss's Spouse
I think I'm offending my boss's wife when I suggest alternatives to some of her input that she's been giving on a big project I'm in charge of at work. How can I more effectively respond to her feedback so I don't offend her but also stay true to design standards and artistic integrity? [more inside]
March 5
Hey, what's in these things I put my head on every night?
Mr. K brought home 2 foam pillows for $10 from Costco, and my immediate reaction was "Gack. What do they out in them to be able to sell them for $5 each?" Then I remembered that I have actually never thought much about pillow insides. [more inside]
posted by kestralwing at 10:54 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by kestralwing at 10:54 PM PST - 10 comments
How do I go about hiring someone to build a mobile app?
Where and how can I hire someone in the U.S. (or India or any other country with these skills) to write a mobile app for me? I'm aware of websites like elance and odesk where programmers bid for work. What's the cost range for this type of quality work? [more inside]
Math/Physics Question: Stability of an abruptly stopped object
If you have an object with a given base length and a given CG height, how fast can it travel before you have to worry about it running over an obstacle and falling over? [more inside]
Mythology about books and writing
I'm looking for myths/stories about books and writing. Not - and this is where I'm running into trouble with google - top ten lists about cafe productivity and self-publishing; I mean more like a hero whittling a pen from the boughs of Yggdrasil and then stealing ink from the Kraken, with the goal of writing down the secrets of Enki in order to embarrass him and get him to pay the 5 goats owed.
Or whatever.
Any location/time is fine! Can be short, can be long.
posted by curious nu at 9:14 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by curious nu at 9:14 PM PST - 20 comments
Help me find the perfect commuter bike
I bike to work occasionally in warm weather, and my crappy road bike is not too well suited for the task. I'd like to find something more appropriate for commuting. [more inside]
posted by Behemoth at 9:04 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Behemoth at 9:04 PM PST - 17 comments
Advice to lessen my dermatographic urticaria aka "skin writing"
I have dermatographic urticaria, also known as "skin writing." It's really problematic because I will scratch an itch on my forehead or rub my chin while I am working and then, without even realizing it, I will look like I am breaking out with an illness or I got into a fight. Even though my skin is going haywire, getting puffy and red from being scratched or rubbed, I don't feel anything bothersome at all so I don't know until I check in a mirror. Does anyone have any experience with this and possibly reducing the symptoms? [more inside]
posted by AppleTurnover at 8:48 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by AppleTurnover at 8:48 PM PST - 17 comments
Can I change my hybrid's handlebars to make it closer to a road bike?
So my awesome SO bought me a woman's hybrid bike for my birthday, and I realized after a few long-ish bike ride that I'm having 2 issues: 1.) My shoulders hurt. Bad. And for weeks. 2.) Less an issue, but my lower back also bugs me after a long ride. Is it possible to change the ergonomics of the bike by changing the handlebars? If you've done this, please share your story! [more inside]
What is the current status of Django?
Is Django still widely used by software developers? [more inside]
Help me be more productive in the morning
I have a hard time being productive in the morning. I'm more productive in the afternoon and evening. Unfortunately, I have to be at work in the morning so it would be helpful to be more productive then since I have to be there anyway. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Do you have any suggestions? [more inside]
Is it even a tree farm I'm looking for?
You know that last time you drove through Mississippi or Louisiana and you passed by acre after acre of pine trees, all in nice rows? Help me find a publicly-accessible spot like that near New Orleans so that I can use it as a background in a photo. [more inside]
posted by komara at 8:03 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by komara at 8:03 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me plan my stay in Reading, UK!
Mr. msmanners is being sent to the UK for 2-3 months and he's bringing me and the kids. We're staying in Reading and he's commuting to Newbury. Help us figure this out. We leave in 1 week, my head is spinning! [more inside]
posted by msmanners at 7:59 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by msmanners at 7:59 PM PST - 12 comments
Tell me more about this Japanese TV show, Kamiwaza
I saw this cool demonstration of grace and balance on YouTube and now I want more. From the context, it looks like the 2013 champion of a Japanese TV Asahi show called Kamiwaza. If this is the champion, you'd think there'd be a dozen or two other performers who weren't quite as awesome as this, but were awesome enough to be worth watching. Google and YouTube don't seem to know much, though. (Although I did learn that Kamizawa is also a PS2 game and apparently a Polish cosmetic brand.)
Can anyone tell me more about the show? How long has it been running on Japanese TV? Where can I see more?
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 7:49 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 7:49 PM PST - 5 comments
I'm missing a major pre-req for transfer to a UC, among other things.
I'm missing a major pre-req for transfer to a UC, among other things. [more inside]
posted by squirtle at 7:46 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by squirtle at 7:46 PM PST - 23 comments
How to study math
What is the best way to manage time while studying for upper-division undergraduate math classes that are proof-based/STEM classes in general? [more inside]
What Xbox games would a sneak enjoy?
I love games where I can employ stealth, magic, and/or unusual skills (or sometimes weapons) to move through the storyline. I really enjoyed Dishonored, Far Cry 3, Portal (especially 2), Warp, and both Bioshock games. What other Xbox games would I enjoy? [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 7:40 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by yellowcandy at 7:40 PM PST - 23 comments
How to beef up on basic Python/Java and get the skinny on databases?
I'm interested in taking this Coursera course on data science but the description states that "You will need basic programming experience with Java or Python, and some familiarity with databases." I do not have this. How could I get it, preferably online? [more inside]
Calling all idiom savants.
I'm looking for variants of idioms, so that I can put 'em in a bracket to determine the overall winner and champion of idioms. [more inside]
Compromise: draw a face on those very nice abs?
I'm a boy who wants to make out with other boys. Problem is, I'm bothered by the culture of some of the more popular online options (e.g. Grindr). What are my options? [more inside]
Help a programmer take care of her eyes, please.
I just started my first developer job. I squint at the computer screen all day. By the end of the day, my eyes are red and bloodshot. I can't deal with small text, but I can't make it all bigger - for instance, I can change the size of the code in my IDE, but not the debugger. I've reduced the brightness of my monitors dramatically. The only time my eyes don't hurt is when I'm so absorbed in my work that I don't notice. By the end of the day, I don't want to focus my eyesight on anything; it's even killing me to type this. Even watching tv bothers me. I seriously don't know how to take care of my eyes. Can you please offer some advice, and even give me a few horror stories about what happens to people who don't learn to take care of their eyes? [more inside]
Under-the-sink booze is my favorite kind of booze
Office chair for the very tall
Are you a tall person with a great office chair that works great for you? I am looking for an office chair to fit my very tall (6'4") self. [more inside]
I want to take a walk up the street and find a place like the YMCA.
I've been thinking of joining a gym for the first time in my life, primarily because I live alone and work from home and it would be good for me to have a place to go to be around other people once a day. So, I am looking for a gym to join. I just checked out the one nearest me tonight but was discouraged by the fact that the facilities seemed dirty and smelly and crowded. Buffed Toronto Mefites, what gyms can you recommend for someone who lives in west end Toronto (between Lansdowne and Dundas West subway stations), and wants a convenient, clean, and inexpensive gym to join? I'd like to do weights and the occasional exercise class in whatever (pilates, yoga, or kickboxing are all fine). I'd love to be able to swim too, but realize that isn't compatible with inexpensive.
Buddhist meditation retreat in the eastern US/Canada?
I'm looking for a good meditation retreat center somewhere not too far from the midwest. I'm interested in vipassana meditation, although I wouldn't mind branching out. Mainly I want to find a place with good teachers. [more inside]
Is it right to leave negative Ebay feedback in this situation?
Three weeks ago I won the auction for a computer bundle on Ebay advertised as including a new desktop, keyboard and monitor. The price was pretty low and an excellent deal for all three. But the box arrived and there was no monitor. The seller says it was broken. He offered to send me another one but now just wants to give me some money back and call it a day. I am unhappy but don't necessarily want to leave negative feedback which could hurt his business (he has 100% positive feedback). On the other hand, I let people walk over me a lot and my gut feels bad about this whole situation. Can you walk me through this? [more inside]
posted by Danila at 5:11 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by Danila at 5:11 PM PST - 52 comments
Preventative care for old cats?
Do you have OLD cats? How often do you take them to the vet, and do you do the 6 month preventative testing-type visits that cat vets typically recommend? If so, how much do you pay for the visit and lab tests? Do I really need to do this? [more inside]
posted by peep at 5:09 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by peep at 5:09 PM PST - 21 comments
Help! Meatloaf is still pink inside, defying all logic.
I bought a pre-made, raw meatloaf from the local grocery store. Tonight I cooked it, in a 375-degree oven for close to an hour and a half. The thing is still pink throughout! [more inside]
Best Academic Percussion Programs
What are the best academic percussion programs in the United States and Canada? [more inside]
80 year old MIL talks incessantly
My 80 year old mother- in- law of 30 years talks non-stop about things I am not interested in----- but the people-pleaser in me keeps listening to her politely and I end up feeling exhausted. [more inside]
How does my notary complete the bottom portion of this form?
I am currently working on obtaining an official notarized copy of an Affidavit of Single Status. The bottom section of the form is a bit confusing in terms of what the notary is supposed to fill in the blank spaces. (A link to the Word document in question is included in the explanation.) [more inside]
posted by chatelaine at 3:38 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by chatelaine at 3:38 PM PST - 3 comments
How Can I Find Out What City Police Dept's Use Dash Cams?
What cities in the United States have police departments that utilize dash cams? Which don't? I thought most did and I am finding out that's not the case. Surely somebody, somewhere keeps tabs on this issue as volatile as it is. [more inside]
Help me optimize my young toddler's nap schedule
My 14 month old toddler seems to have transitioned from 2 naps a day to 1 nap a day. Our two-nap schedule was fine, but now with one nap our days are a mess. I need guidance on how to structure a toddler's daytime routine. I've read the sleep books but I need a fresh set of eyes on this situation. [more inside]
What kind of God would make me thick everywhere but the corneas?
I want Lasik. I went to two leading practitioners in my town and got conflicting answers about whether I'm a candidate for the surgery. Any opthalmologists in the house want to weigh in? [more inside]
Playing my part in making life for fellow LGBT countryfolk bearable.
The State-sanctioned homophobia and transphobia in Malaysia, my country of origin, is breaking my heart. What can I do as a currently overseas citizen to make things better for my fellow LGBT folk back in Malaysia, particularly in raising awareness of the issue internationally? [more inside]
What's your best simple syrup recipe with artificial sweetners?
I'm on a low carbohydrate diet and I love cocktails, so I'm trying to figure out the best was to make a simple syrup replacement that tastes decent and has an ok mouth feel. Have you got a go to recipe that doesn't crystallize or have some funky aftertaste? [more inside]
posted by bswinburn at 3:08 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by bswinburn at 3:08 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me be an awesome auntie and buy good clothes for my nieces.
I want to get some skirts and tops for my nieces but I don't know where to start. What size would a very tall seven year old wear? How about an average five year old? What are some brands that are not all about princess crap and have some actual color/style? Can I find something that runs, what, about $20 for a skirt? Cool weather stuff and natural fabrics are best; if I can shop easily online, so much the better.
posted by Specklet at 2:08 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by Specklet at 2:08 PM PST - 26 comments
What to do in DC next weekend?
I'm heading to Washington DC next weekend (March 15-18) and wondering if there are any cool events/exhibits going on. [more inside]
Help me spend my LIMITED PURPOSE FSA
I am new to the world of Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts and I think I've enrolled in an FSA that I won't use. [more inside]
posted by young sister beacon at 1:58 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by young sister beacon at 1:58 PM PST - 19 comments
Help me have a pleasant farewell to this F#%! job in the final days.
I recently gave my two week's notice at work. It seemed to go well, but now my boss seems to be turning it into a negative thing by freaking out and being dramatic. Please help me navigate my last few days here. [more inside]
How does this whole literary agent thing work?
I've been contacted by a couple of agents to see if I have a book project after I wrote an article in a magazine. I do. Yay! But how do I know what to look for? [more inside]
Who said this?
Looking for a quote from Napoleon about women. [more inside]
posted by _DB_ at 1:41 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by _DB_ at 1:41 PM PST - 2 comments
From LAX to Coachella (And Back!)
How do I get from LAX to the Coachella valley (more specifically, the Shadow Hills RV Resort) without a rental car and without shelling out hundreds? [more inside]
Emotional Intelligence
What are some books, personal essays, articles, and videos that explore emotional intelligence and resilience as skills that can be developed in neurotypical people?
System/software to project answers in realtime, and save for later?
Our university has milestone birthday this year, and therefore a gala. We’re looking for some sort of solution for people to visit one of a number of computer stations in the ballroom, and answer random questions (What’s your favorite memory? Who was your favorite professor, etc). The answers would be projected up onto a large screen, or a number of screens, around the room and update as people enter new answers. We’d also like the answers to be archived for us to do something with later. I’m sure there’s any number of ways to do this, but I’m not sure where to start looking, or even what additional questions I need to be asking. Thanks for any assistance/guidance.
Can you help me find some details about a drug lord's private island?
In 2007, a Colombian drug lord named Juan Carlos Ramírez Abadía, aka "Chupeta" (Lollipop) was arrested and his assets seized, including, according to a few articles, a private island off the coast of Cartagena. I can't find any additional information about this island. Can you? [more inside]
posted by notmydesk at 12:33 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by notmydesk at 12:33 PM PST - 5 comments
How can I reassign the apostrophe\quotation to a new key in Windows 7?
Is there a way to reassign the apostrophe\quotation function to a different keyboard stroke? [more inside]
posted by KingoftheWhales at 12:29 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by KingoftheWhales at 12:29 PM PST - 4 comments
What's this tune. March/Guinness edition.
When you tell me the answer, I will likely nut-punch myself for forgetting it. I can play this damned song on the fiddle, yet can't remember it's name.
From like :30-1:38 here.
And I know the name of the third reel as well. Little help?
posted by timsteil at 12:13 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by timsteil at 12:13 PM PST - 4 comments
A website that uses Buffettology to assess the "real" value of stocks
A website that uses Buffetology to assess the "real" value of stocks
Years ago, I remember stumbling across a website that took the methods of a book called Buffettology (written by an ex-member of the Buffett family) and allowed you to evaluate any type of stock using the techniques of that book. Basically, you input a stock and it did a bunch of calculations according to the formulas provided in that book and gave you a list of bunch values. I am still looking for this website and wondering if anybody has ever come across it. To give an example, you type in a stock's name and some information about the stock and it would give you an output in csv format about all the values that stock might have. Or you could have downloaded it to EXCEL. If you don't know of this particular website, do you know of anything similar? Thanks
How do I get healthy sleep with a difficult, inconsistent work schedule?
I work 50+ hours a week in a job that I love. My schedule changes daily; some days are normal 9-6, but others are 2am to "whenever." How do I get healthy sleep while coping with this schedule? [more inside]
posted by none of these will bring disaster at 11:30 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by none of these will bring disaster at 11:30 AM PST - 24 comments
Having a form of cake and eating it too.
While I do plenty of baking for my job, I'd like to branch out into raw vegan desserts for at home. What are your favorite recipes and resources? [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 11:24 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Kitteh at 11:24 AM PST - 13 comments
I can hear her baying from a mile away!
I recently adopted a three-year-old foxhound--a rescue. She's sweet tempered and gentle with people and other animals. But I have two huge problems. [more inside]
Segmented sleep
How do I arrange things so that I get segmented sleep like a 15th-century sleeper? [more inside]
Looking for a Vegan 101 Grocery List
I'm currently omnivorous, but have recently enjoyed some vegan meals. I'd like to learn to cook vegan, but have no idea how to build a vegan pantry. [more inside]
posted by magstheaxe at 10:16 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by magstheaxe at 10:16 AM PST - 20 comments
Help me find happiness in my current job, or one that suits me better?
I am unhappy with my professional life, but have no idea what I’d rather being doing. Does a person exist who can help me either figure out how to be happy with what I’m doing, or figure out what I really want instead? And if so, how do I find them? [more inside]
Day Care in Northern Virginia
Due to unexpected circumstances, I'll need to find a new day care for my son within the next 6 months. He'll be 2 at the end of May. The day care he is in now is beyond awesome and is NAEYC accredited, but will be closing at the end of August. I want to keep him in as long as possible, but know that I should probably get him on waiting lists ASAP. [more inside]
Simple free banking reconciliation software for a small partnership?
Can anyone recommend simple-to-use, free, web-based software that can easily reconcile accounts for a small partnership? [more inside]
Saying "That won't be possible" isn't really possible
The question: Should I provide a lukewarm reference for my recently fired ex-manager to avoid awkwardness? Or should I tell him no, and if so, what is the code language to use? I can't say "Sorry, that won't be possible" for reasons outlined herein. [more inside]
Appropriate donation for a dinner in a restaurant in a new location?
We're going to a restaurant that is just moving to a new location. At their old location they charged $115 for the type of dinner we're having (chef's tasting with wine pairings) and were successful and well-reviewed. This is their pre-opening week, and they say they have a few wrinkles to iron out so are asking for donations at diners' discretion to help cover costs. What would be an appropriate amount -- or range, depending on how it goes? [more inside]
posted by palliser at 8:06 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by palliser at 8:06 AM PST - 9 comments
Gotta lose my mind in Detroit Rock City
Detroit - Anyone know who the big players or up and comers are in terms of small shops doing solid ios and interactive development? [more inside]
posted by spicynuts at 7:58 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by spicynuts at 7:58 AM PST - 3 comments
Reaching out to HR people after applying online — best practices?
Two months ago, I applied online for a position at a US-based software developer and have not heard back from them beyond an automatic receipt confirmation. The job, along with related vacancies, is still published on their site. Would it be acceptable to contact the company's HR manager via e-mail or LinkedIn to express my continued interest in the position? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
developing a new document format: how to start?
i have a need for a new document format. This document format would be novel, bringing together various kinds of media (text, code, vector and raster image formats, and maybe others) together in one container. These pieces would all have specific relation to one another, as defined by the creator of the document. I know that no document format exists to do what I want to do, and I'd like to develop it - by myself, at first, until I get a handle on the basics of the problem. [more inside]
At the age of 37, she realized why the hell didn't I wear sunscreen?
I am a late thirties, fair-skinned, outdoorsy, sunscreen-shunning person who now has the face to show it. Assuming from now on I don't smoke (quit several years ago), wear hats and/or sunscreen, will the accelerated aging of the skin on my face slow down to a normal rate? [more inside]
Joining a friend for a week on the AT, what do I need to bring? Tips?
A close friend has decided to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail starting in about 10 days at Springer Mountain in Georgia. It just so happens that I have a week off with nothing to do, and he asked if I wanted to start out with him, and I said yes. Help me make sure I'm not forgetting anything (and/or shed inessentials). Any tips/tricks would also be appreciated for this AT newb! [more inside]
Specific recommendations for Caribbean vacation?
We're taking a honeymoon, 20 months late. I was wondering if people had current suggestions for a place to go close to the Southeast US with white sand, nice rooms, all included rum drinks, and maybe a few other niceties. [more inside]
posted by ftm at 7:06 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by ftm at 7:06 AM PST - 10 comments
It has come to this: I'm asking about my wife's ladybits on the internet
My wife has been having the heaviest period of her life, complete with cartoonishly exaggerated mood swings, for almost two weeks now. This began very suddenly, three days after her last normal period. Tests and biopsies all came back normal; doctor is recommending the pill or a progesterone IUD to get the bleeding under control. But there is a difficulty: she doesn't react well to progesterone at all (details inside).
Two-part question: Can anyone think of possible causes for this which wouldn't have shown up on the tests she's already had (detailed inside again)? And B, have any of you who react similarly to progesterone had success combining the pill with antidepressants? [more inside]
Therapist for anxiety/depression in Inwood/Riverdale/lower Westchester?
Asking for a friend--
Can anyone recommend a therapist for anxiety/depression in Riverdale, Inwood, or nearby Westchester? No particular approach preferred, although approaches like CBT that have some literature supporting their efficacy would be better.
Translucent powder recommendations?
I need your recommendations for loose translucent powder. I've been using Laura Mercier, but it's pricey and I'm hoping there's a good drugstore alternative. I have normal, mostly clear and even skin and I don't use a liquid or creme foundation. Any suggestions? If the Laura Mercier really is better I might splurge, but I'd rather not. Thank you!
posted by CheeseLouise at 6:14 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by CheeseLouise at 6:14 AM PST - 18 comments
I either want us to be friends or friends who sometimes kiss.
I can't tell if my friend's best friend has a thing for me. We made out on Saturday after going out. Does he, in fact, like me, and what can I do to work through the awkwardness? [more inside]
Name My Boat! (Sorry, I know, but it's really hard)
I am very slowly getting to the final stage of buying a boat to live in.
This boat will be where my wife and I live most of the time.
The problem is the boat that we're in the process of buying has a very dutch name that is not really pronouncable by English speakers and also we don't like it very much.
Give us some ideas for boat names.
Further criterion supplied below. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:10 AM PST - 56 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 5:10 AM PST - 56 comments
Do we need all this work? And is this a good quote?
My SO and I have a 1999 Lexus ES 300 with low miles (ca. 80K). We use it mostly on the weekend for errands. The car is in more or less good driving condition, but parking on the streets and Boston winters are taking their toll cosmetically. Dealership recommended $5100 in repairs on its recent checkup--nearly the value of the car--and we're wondering which repairs are worthwhile, which are overpriced and should be done elsewhere, and which can be skipped. [more inside]
Vegan biscuit madness...
What's your favourite vegan biscuit and gravy recipe? I'm looking specifically for what I think of as early-90s-style vegan cafe food (buttermilk-style biscuits with gravy heavy on the nutritional yeast, not a stew with biscuits in it), but I would love metafilter-approved recipe suggestions, even if they don't fit that description. [more inside]
posted by Wylla at 12:08 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Wylla at 12:08 AM PST - 9 comments
March 4
Separated From My Husband: The Blamer
My husband and I separated a couple months ago. Married 2 years. I'm going back and forth about whether our marriage is possibly salvageable or not. My main issue with him is that he blames me, a lot and frequently. He has trouble taking responsibility for his own emotional state and behavior. [more inside]
What is going on with my cat?
All of a sudden, he keeps looking up at the ceiling as if he sees/hears something. He just started doing this a couple weeks ago, and has done it several times an hour since. Can metafilter supply me with a more plausible answer than what googling has lead me to? So far my top leads are yahoo answers posts about ghosts, so I'm sure y'all can do better. Has he just lost his little cat mind? [more inside]
posted by mingo_clambake at 10:52 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by mingo_clambake at 10:52 PM PST - 48 comments
launching job applications hard enough to escape the black hole's pull
When applying to a job that requires sending your application through a black-hole applicant tracking system, is it a great or terrible idea to also send a copy (cold-emailed) directly to a relevant person at the organization? [more inside]
What is this thing in my friend's bathroom?
My friend has this thing in her bathroom beside the sink and she doesn't know what it is. It was there when she moved in and the former owners are long gone. Does anyone know what it does and does it have an official name? Like, would I be able to find a new one in a store? Here is a small gallery of 3 photos I took of it. Thank you!
She has options. She should get away, I think.
A person close to me spoke about her relationship with her husband of 25 years. I say the symptoms she described are abuse in prototype form and I'm alarmed about it. Perhaps I am wrong; please help her and me figure out what's going on. Bonus points for next steps. [more inside]
posted by jet_silver at 8:51 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by jet_silver at 8:51 PM PST - 8 comments
Stranger danger
Was I being creepy / out of line when I offered this girl a ride? [more inside]
Flying tips with a baby
My Wife and our 1 year old and I are about to embark on a 3 leg trip. I'm after generic airport/airline tips for babies but I have a few specific things to address. [more inside]
Advice for making a request of someone you don't personally know?
My father passed away when I was a kid. I want to contact some of his friends to learn more about him, which is awkward enough, but more so when some of his close friends are public figures. Looking for advice on how to go about this. [more inside]
I'm going to be fired for the first time. Let's have a party.
I have 60 days before I will likely be terminated from my job. Do I quit? What do I do now? [more inside]
Voluptuous in all the wrong places : swimsuit edition
I need 2 swimming suits for an upcoming beach vacation. I'm having problems finding tops that fit because I'm bigger, but have a small bust. [more inside]
posted by Fig at 8:03 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Fig at 8:03 PM PST - 18 comments
Community/resources for the religious-but-not-churchy?
I’ve become a person of (some) faith in the past year, and my life has been better for it. But it feels lonely not to fit into either the secular or religious communities—I'm not far enough along the spectrum one way or the other. Is there any way I can meet other people in a similar place? (Sorry, a little long and snowflake-y.) [more inside]
Why do I still feel like crap 2 weeks later?
A little over two weeks ago, I came down with what I suspect was norovirus. While the nausea and worst of it is long past, I still feel crappy. Some icky details inside. [more inside]
No need for matching linens
Looking for a pretty, small, old, and inexpensive hotel within a short drive (up to 4 hours) of Seattle. [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 7:21 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by kittensofthenight at 7:21 PM PST - 8 comments
So much regret.
Is it my transmission, my clutch, or something else? Shifting into 2nd gear from 1st, constant acceleration (gas pedal) but the car stutters (surges forward, almost stalls, surges forward, almost stalls with concomitant spiking of RPM). [more inside]
Could I give myself a Scottish accent through the magic of software?
How possible would it be to write an app or piece of software that could take a piece of speech text and change the accent of the speaker? What challenges would there be given the current level of speech recognition and audio processing technology and linguistic knowledge? [more inside]
Subject matter for a job interview micro training session
What are some ideas on subject matter for a 15 minute training session, for a second round job interview. [more inside]
About file dates and what they mean...
In Windows 7 or 8 (and maybe before that) if I view the properties of a document, I get all sorts of meta information. I'm interested in the Date created element and a Content created element.... [more inside]
Give Me Hope
My family (husband, myself, 12 year old, 9 year old and 6 year old) are planning to fly from Phx to Florida on Saturday for spring break. The complication: we've all got the flu. Please give me hope or a dose of reality. [more inside]
Does Omega 3 fish oil, even temporarily, relieve arthritic knee pain?
A couple of years ago, I was diagnosed with arthritis in my left knee (no surprise there: ultramarathons, century bike rides, fiendishly long hikes). I've been taking glucosamine chondroitin for a couple of years. The pain flares ever so rarely and when it does, its tenure is brief; and so, it's totally manageable.
Now, lucky me, the right knee, the one I had cartilage taken out of 15 years ago, has decided to antagonize me. This while I was taking the glucosamine chondroitin.
I've read of the benefits of Omega 3 oil (capsules, serum) for joint pain. I'm writing to inquire if anyone out there has any actual experience, good or bad, with such oil.
Thank you.
posted by holdenjordahl at 6:25 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by holdenjordahl at 6:25 PM PST - 18 comments
Books about travel, especially to Greece
As a gift for a friend, I'd like to find a book about Greece, but not a travel guide exactly. [more inside]
What and where should I eat and drink in Seattle?
I have one evening alone in Seattle. What should I eat and drink, and where should I do it? [more inside]
Housebreak a dog and keep my sanity
The internet is full of lame gimmicks, wannabe dog whisperers, and advice on crating. Help me housebreak my poor, dumb, dog for real. [more inside]
posted by littlerobothead at 6:00 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by littlerobothead at 6:00 PM PST - 20 comments
Where do I go from here? Teacher Edition
What's my next professional step? I recently earned my teaching license, but I couldn't get a teaching job. I have had to take a step backwards and am now working as an administrative assistant again, which I hate. Do I keep trying to find the elusive teaching job or leave the dream behind? [more inside]
Summer (Winter?) of Code
I'm hoping to find short (2 month-ish to 6 month-ish) full-time, in-person programs that teach practical computer programming skills (Ruby, Python, iOS, PHP, R, Matlab, etc.) [more inside]
Mormon History?
How does Brigham Young University teach American History? Do they tell students that Jesus actually came to America? And how do they deal with the story that Missouri was the real Garden of Eden?
Worldly, broad achievement, internships, extracurriculars, or GPA?
Given the choice between study abroad/double major/impressive GPA/internships/impressive extracurriculars, what would the best combination of choices? [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 5:06 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by R a c h e l at 5:06 PM PST - 15 comments
What are your experiences with ILoveGlasses.com?
Tell me about your personal experience with this website: things like if the products were authentic, shipped on time, any difficulties with returns or customer service, etc. Thanks!
posted by demagogue at 5:02 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by demagogue at 5:02 PM PST - 2 comments
How do I keep running in India?
I'm traveling to India for two weeks, and am also training for a ten-miler. Help? [more inside]
iPhone GPS software
Since I'm semiretired now, I've offered to help our local land conservancy plan, map, and develop a new preserve just a mile from my home. One of the tasks will be to map all existing trails and roads on the property. The staff at the conservancy asked that they receive the files in a GPX format.
Soooo... I'm looking for an iPhone GPS app (I'm using a 4s running 6.1.2) that will allow me to: Map a hike, indicate and name multiple waypoints, and export the hike as a GPX file. It would also be great if I could attach geotagged photos within the app.
Any suggestions? And, if anyone has any experience with this type of activity, is there any function that I'm not thinking of that would be useful? Thanks much!
posted by HuronBob at 3:55 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by HuronBob at 3:55 PM PST - 7 comments
Stocks and shares ISA vs regular share account: what's the difference?
I'm looking to invest 1000 GBP in shares. I expect the profits to not reach the threshold for capital gains tax. Do I need to sign up to a Stocks and shares ISA in order to not pay tax? [more inside]
Peaceful GIFs
Should I take a pre-college gap year?
I'm a senior in high school, and I'm thinking about taking a gap year. I have half-decent web development skills. My plan is to go to some other city, get a job or internship as a web developer, and live by myself for a year. Maybe spend a few months traveling elsewhere around the country/world. Is this a good idea? [more inside]
Does Apple's window switching inside a program exist in Windows?
My job requires me to use a program in apple. I need to visually compare drafts of some of the work, and because of the nature of the work the differences are often tiny. Mac's have in-application window switching (through the command key + (1-9)) that makes this very easy. Apparently soon we're switching to windows machines. Is there any way to replicate this on windows 7? [more inside]
positive ugly art
Is there any art that you find ugly, but still admire or value? [more inside]
posted by leibniz at 2:53 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by leibniz at 2:53 PM PST - 39 comments
Do diamonds erode?
My girlfriend says if water is constantly flowing over a diamond eventually it will break down and apart. I say that because diamonds are harder than anything that might be in water, they are immune to such erosion and weathering. She says that's idiotic, and BOY does that grind my gears! What do you think, green?
Are you My Life/ Career Coach?
I need to change my life and career in several different ways, and I feel quasi-paralyzed because a) the changes I need to make are so large and b) special snowflake. Suggestions for approaching this rather ungainly undertaking? Also, I am 35. [more inside]
When is shingles pain the worst?
I was diagnosed with shingles yesterday, with the first symptoms appearing 4-5 days ago. I have 14 Vicodin, and probably won't get more. When should I take them? [more inside]
Mac contact management (non-web-based)
Mac app for contact management that's tag-based, intelligently integrated with social networks, and LOCAL? (All data usable and modifiable without a live internet connection.) [more inside]
No fetal heartbeat detected w/ultrasound; 6-8 weeks pregnant. What now
That's pretty much the situation. Depending on how the pregnancy date is calculated, my wife is 6-8 weeks pregnant. Otherwise, the midwife said the amniotic sac and embryo looked OK. We are going out of town for two weeks, so can't get a follow-up until then. Should be be worried? What should we expect? [more inside]
Appealing ELS discharge with the USAF?
Just over three years ago, I was discharged from the US Air Force during basic (a month in). It was classed as an ELS, but my code was 2c. I've since worked through the issues that caused said separation, but I have absolutely no idea what I should do. I guess my question is, should I appeal my discharge? If so, how would I do that? (the AF Board of Records says to file paperwork with them only when all other avenues have been exhausted) If I were to look at another branch (say, US Army) would I even have to appeal? (Info I found says that you can potentially get a waiver, but I don't know how to approach this with a recruiter, especially now with looming defense cuts.) I'm honestly not sure what I should be doing. Any help is appreciated.
posted by FriscoBowie at 1:54 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by FriscoBowie at 1:54 PM PST - 4 comments
What the heck is wrong with my mother?!
My mom is well-meaning. She tries hard to be good and kind. I would be in dead a ditch without her. However, she is far and away the most emotionally manipulative person I have ever met. The most succinct way I can describe her behavior this: Every conversation about a problem-- even if it's not related to her behavior-- turns into a conversation about what a bad person she is.
YANMPsychologist. But she doesn't have one and won't get one, and I need some kind of term to frame her behavior so I can look up resources on how to talk to her without wanting to scream. [more inside]
posted by the liquid oxygen at 1:52 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by the liquid oxygen at 1:52 PM PST - 28 comments
Are entrepreneurs employable?
Will the entrepreneurial work I've been dedicating the bulk of my time and energy to make me look hirable if I ever decide to get a "real job"? Or will it look like a potential liability and put me at a disadvantage? What will I be qualified for? [more inside]
Advice re: my father's swift decrease in mobility - arthritis & Synvisc
My father (age 79) has gone from keeping a cane in the car for occasional use to steady himself (through 2012) to being in terrible pain and needing a walker around the house (the latter after a Synvisc injection to the knee 2 weeks ago, knee swelling, and falling - again - at home alone). So far he hasn't broken anything in his falls, but I live 90 minutes away from him and he lives alone. He's accustomed to being quite active and has often been mistaken for a man 10-15 years his junior. [more inside]
posted by pammeke at 1:24 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by pammeke at 1:24 PM PST - 10 comments
"I'm sorry, but we can't keep dating because I am unclean and a slut."
I have an abnormal pap. It is probable that I have HPV. I am very young, I don't have a partner, and I would like one. How is one even supposed to date anymore? [more inside]
Partner of 6 years kissed someone else - what next?
That's basically what I know right now. He kissed someone he's in a group with after the two of them went out to lunch. We've been together for 6 years, have been living in different states for the past year and a half; the distance was supposed to end this summer when we moved in together in a new city, but now I don't know what to think. He told me himself this morning; the kiss happened yesterday. [more inside]
How to drop out of an interview process without alienating anyone?
What's the best way to say you want out of an interview process before it's reached the offer stage? Difficulty: The company is one you want to interact with positively in the future. [more inside]
Translation help - Text on what I believe is Chinese art
Just picked up some cool paper cuts. And was wondering if metafilter can help me translate them. I believe they are Chinese but honestly I am not sure. Two images are below:
Paper Cut One
Paper Cut Two
Let me know if you have any trouble with the images. And thanks again Metafilter!
posted by WickedPissah at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by WickedPissah at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments
Please explain to me how Drupal's API works
I'm trying to build a form in Drupal 7 using examples like this but all I've been able to figure out is that I make my own module and... then what? How does the module actually become a form? I feel like I'm missing some huge part of the concept here and Drupal's documentation is either too simple or too advanced. What am I not getting? Thanks MeFi! [more inside]
LCD Projector for School Auditorium
Please suggest to me a specific projector and help me plan this out in general. [more inside]
Best shuttle service from Atlanta airport to Athens, GA?
I'm heading to a conference in Athens in the spring and need to get from the airport in Atlanta over to Athens. There are a bunch of services listed on the airport website for regional shuttle service. I'm not picky -- I almost always use a basic shuttle service to get from the airport to a hotel in town, but I've never had as far to travel before. What's your preferred company?
posted by crepeMyrtle at 12:21 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by crepeMyrtle at 12:21 PM PST - 12 comments
Laptop Rental, Downtown DC, Local Shipping
My laptop is no longer able to travel. I need a backup for a meeting over the weekend. Does anyone in the DC area know of a company that rents laptops on a daily/weekly basis in the downtown area or close in? I'm in downtown DC and metro accessible is do-able; drives to gaithersburg/columbia are not. It's too late to get one shipped from many of the online companies. Any leads appreciated. Thanks.
Decisions, decisions...
How can I avoid analysis paralysis in decision-making and pick what's "right for me" more consistently? How can I minimize regret? [more inside]
Marketing Filter:Why are video product pitches so 2011?What should I do?
Groupon and Dropbox used to have great 2 minute animated videos on their sites explaining how their products worked, the problem they solved, and why you should get it. (On Groupon I am talking about the Groupon Works site where they try to get businesses to sign up.)
I went to go look at these today-- I am trying to write a script for a short video explaining a product I am building-- Uggg, these cool videos have been replaced by a sales page with no video. What does it all mean?? [more inside]
posted by limitedpie at 11:52 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by limitedpie at 11:52 AM PST - 18 comments
Slightly bumpy iDevice screen protector?
A friend's iPad has a screen protector that is slightly micro-bumpy and rubbery. I call it "nurbly." It breaks up reflections but doesn't dull the display the way matte screen protectors do, since it is shiny, but bumpy. Another friend has the same thing on his iPhone. Neither of them can remember where they got it. Does anyone have this and know the name of it? I want to put one on my iPad mini.
posted by MonsieurBon at 11:29 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by MonsieurBon at 11:29 AM PST - 3 comments
explain finding and getting a job like Im a 5 year old
What are the must-have books on getting a job in addition to What Color is Your Parachute? [more inside]
Name of a song from last night's The Walking Dead?
No worries, no spoilers follow.
In last night's The Walking Dead (Season 3, Episode 12) there was a song playing just prior to the credits and I badly want the name of it (and the artist of course). The whole song was accompanied by an acoustic guitar and was in a blues style. Lyrics follow: [more inside]
posted by pyrex at 11:13 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by pyrex at 11:13 AM PST - 6 comments
Replacing an over-the range microwave without neending new mount
I have a Sharp R1500 microwave that was bought in 2001 that just blew up. I'd like to get a new one that can fit into the same slot.
Deets below. [more inside]
posted by odragul at 10:57 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by odragul at 10:57 AM PST - 8 comments
Should I get teeth extracted, or do I keep them?
My orthodontist wants me to get rid of 4 premolar teeth before giving me braces. Googling tells me this is very common, but is it just an easy fix for them, or really a basic part of the process? [more inside]
Songs about the Crucifixion?
Looking to make a playlist of songs that are about or reference the Crucifixion. Not looking for specifically religious songs, though I could see some gospel going well in this mix. References can be direct or very indirect. E.g., I'll take passing use of the word "Calvary", etc. [more inside]
posted by jeffamaphone at 10:53 AM PST - 63 comments
posted by jeffamaphone at 10:53 AM PST - 63 comments
Can you re-polish marble tiles in-situ?
I have a shower area with rough marble tiles. How to polish them in-place? [more inside]
What resources are there for people with Olfactory Reference Syndrome?
A friend's life is being ruled by something resembling ORS, a psychological condition in which you believe you smell like a trash can, move to another city and hide from society. She insists that it's an odor issue, and when everyone tells her she's OK, she writes it off as white lies to make her feel better. [more inside]
Arroz con YUM!
What is your best arroz con pollo recipe? [more inside]
Training for Urban Ag- Gardening/Farming and Horses
So I am really interested in the Food Justice movement and urban gardening. Ideally, I would like to be involved with helping people grow their own food in the city. I have NO experience. I am pursuing a Masters in Public Health and I think that this would dovetail nicely with my research interests. Would it be a good idea for me to get formal training in gardening? [more inside]
How can I randomize colored squares?
I'm trying to figure out a way to randomize 324 colored fabric squares. This is a kind of a math question that's technically about sewing. [more inside]
posted by mireille at 10:11 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by mireille at 10:11 AM PST - 15 comments
West Palm Beach relocation help!
Where is a good place to live in or around West Palm Beach, FL? (My definition of "good" seems to be the opposite of the way our realtor is guiding us.) [more inside]
posted by Daily Alice at 10:08 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Daily Alice at 10:08 AM PST - 12 comments
What is Area-Weighted Mean Patch Size?
I'm in a graduate-level Landscape Ecology course and keep running across/having to use the metric of Area-Weighted Mean Patch Size. We compute it in Fragstats but the professor uses the term in lecture, too. Can you explain what it means? [more inside]
Customizable News Aggregator for Desktop?
I am looking for a news aggregator that my old man (who is technological illiterate) can use. Ideally, we would have 4-5 key word searches that could be done on all Massachusetts news sites (Boston Globe, Herald, local city and town news sites like wickedlocal.com, maybe town and city websites). The results would be sent to him in some sort of format where redundant results would not show up.
Is this possible on a desktop, or do I need to get him a tablet that has an app for this?
Music teaching with rebellious children
You are a music teacher who knows how to make lessons fun and involving for a young person in a rebellious frame of mind. [more inside]
posted by yoHighness at 9:37 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by yoHighness at 9:37 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm looking for healthy, yummy, portable snacks for a toddler.
My two year old likes to snack and enjoys trying new foods. What are some healthy, nutritious snacks that I can keep in my bag for when she needs something to eat? I'm looking for stuff that I can make myself or buy off the shelf. Ideally, I would like things that don't cost too much money, but I'm willing to try anything. [more inside]
posted by Alison at 9:31 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by Alison at 9:31 AM PST - 25 comments
Explanations of your favorite deep and meaningful ideas
I still remember vividly the moment that I got the idea of entropy in information theory; I spent weeks seeing the world in those terms, and playing out the implications (as I understood them). Likewise Nietzschean "eternal recurrence" -- not just as a hypothesis about things repeating on a cosmic scale, but to see if the world and history can be taken as a choice, as something we can affirm. What are your favorite deep, rich, meaningful concepts to think with? (They don't need to be scientifically accurate, necessarily, or something you personally believe -- just things that offer the pleasure of understanding, for you.) Links to explanatory resources, or explanations in the comments welcome, or just names and starting points. [more inside]
How can we get a good feel of Atlanta neighborhoods to live in?
I am interviewing for an assistant professor position at the Emory School of Medicine. My girlfriend and I are visiting Atlanta where we will have a rental car and most of a Saturday to look at various neighborhoods. We're less interested in seeing the inside of apartments and more interested in getting a feel for the neighborhood: what they look like and how people live outside their housing. Can you offer some suggestions on where to drive, walk, eat, drink, and visit to make the most of this day? [more inside]
My bathroom is so gross.
I bought a house last year that I've been continually remodeling & up next is the bathroom in the basement. However, the walls really confuse me. What are my options? Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by eunoia at 9:07 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by eunoia at 9:07 AM PST - 11 comments
Looking for ios platformers similar to Swordigo
I just finished playing the awesome and addictive Swordigo on my iphone, and now I'm looking for my next obsession. What are your recommendations for iphone platformers with logic puzzles, hidden secrets and a bit of a Zelda/Mario feel? I just downloaded Wind-Up Knight, but not as big a fan of the endless runner stuff.
We need to buy Healthcare. How should we go about this?
My family needs medium-term health insurance, and we're not really sure where to start or what type of plan would work best for us. [more inside]
Help me stop freaking out about being too old to have babies.
The internet is scaring me - is 32 too old to start trying for baby #1? [more inside]
posted by tealcake at 7:54 AM PST - 65 comments
posted by tealcake at 7:54 AM PST - 65 comments
Find me that pink bag!
I saw a hot pink diaper bag online sometime last week, and now I can't find it. Help me! [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:53 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:53 AM PST - 5 comments
Seeking Slow Cooker Model Recommendation
I'm looking to find a slow cooker (Crock-Pot) currently in production that has the following characteristics:
1. The pot is light weight.
2. The pot has insulated handles.
3. The pot does not have flimsy PTFE non-stick coating. [more inside]
Boyfriend's ex is a constant presence in his life
A colleague has recently asked me to go out with him. The major red flag is that his ex-girlfriend whom he split up with, is a work colleague. In fact, all three of us work in the same organisation. The two of them have very senior posts and the nature of their work is such that they need to interact at meetings every day. I have a less important job and only work part-time. He was dating his ex for many years and the breakup wasn't easy. None of us are likely to leave our jobs. Does working closely with an ex ever rekindle the flame? Also, they sometimes work late in the evenings and she lives near him, so she often takes a lift with him. Should this be stopped? After all they are in close proximity anyway, so what is an extra 20 minutes in the car? Would you say this is enough of a ref flag and I shouldn't go ahead?
What should I do: Ext. Hard Drives, Media Servers, NAS, etc.
Please talk to me like I'm stupid. I have a bunch of video files (~5TB...so far) hanging out on a bunch of external hard drives. Right now I just take turns plugging them into whichever laptop I'm going to use to watch the videos. I'd like something a little more convenient and easily accessible from multiple rooms in my small apartment, but I'm not awesome at setting up networky things (I've never successfully gotten two different laptops in my apartment to even "see" each other over the wireless router). What should I do? [more inside]
Basic Linux distro for text-only system?
What is a suitable Linux distribution for a text-only system? [more inside]
How do I pull the data from this website?
I am trying to make an Excel spreadsheet of the data from this website. Please help! [more inside]
posted by TessaGal at 5:50 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by TessaGal at 5:50 AM PST - 7 comments
Help find a discontinued bag, or something like it
I finally found the bag to replace my old worn out one, but before I could pull the trigger Duluth stopped selling it. I wanted the postmasters tote (link to old page) picture one, two, three. Does anyone know a third party still carrying it or anywhere that has a similar bag. I really liked the space, and look with the fire-hose and leather materials. I have found one old e-bay sale and no hits on the Chicago area Craigslist. I know the Green does great with bags, please help.
posted by dstopps at 5:42 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by dstopps at 5:42 AM PST - 6 comments
Help me keep my car pretty!
I just got a new Hyundai Elantra and I want to keep it looking good for the long term, inside and out. What can I do to protect and preserve it? Is there some kind of film that can be applied to the hood to keep it from chipping? Should I Scotch-Gard the seats & carpet? I'm in AZ, how do I protect it from the sun?
What do you do to motivate yourself?
Do you ever wake up in the morning, look at the tasks ahead of you, and ask yourself 'why bother'? If so, how do you answer that question? [more inside]
posted by MrOlenCanter at 2:39 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by MrOlenCanter at 2:39 AM PST - 28 comments
Have I ruined my plywood subfloors?
I covered my plywood floors in water....it was only once, but when will they be dry again? [more inside]
posted by Lt. Bunny Wigglesworth at 12:57 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Lt. Bunny Wigglesworth at 12:57 AM PST - 10 comments
I'd prefer water: How can I sever the ties of next of kinship?
My family are terrible. I've recently, with the help of therapy and mortality staring me down, finally cut ties to their toxic presence. How can I make sure that they're never legally or otherwise involved in my life again? In the US, married, very ill. [more inside]
posted by sweltering at 12:30 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by sweltering at 12:30 AM PST - 9 comments
March 3
How to evaluate the job market when deciding where to move...
Partner and I are deciding which of his grad school offers to accept/which new town to move to next year: Austin, TX, Athens, GA or Tucson, AZ currently. What resources/methods can I use to help me figure out if I will be able to find a job in these places? [more inside]
posted by dahliachewswell at 10:56 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by dahliachewswell at 10:56 PM PST - 14 comments
Why all the horsemeat?
I've followed the hooplah in Europe from a distance and am puzzled as to where all this horsemeat is coming from. [more inside]
posted by col_pogo at 10:43 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by col_pogo at 10:43 PM PST - 25 comments
What harvests hire temporary/seasonal labor in the US?
I know about the sugar beet harvest in North Dakota and the blueberry harvest in Maine, but what other harvests hire a bunch of people for a short time, and often become a mecca for travelers looking to make a quick buck? [more inside]
Best blogs for following behind the scenes of the Obama Presidency?
I recently found Mrs. O, a fashion blog about the First Lady's wardrobe - but clothes are not really that interesting to me. I'm AM curious about the other best blogs and ways to follow Obama, his family, and the current administration - as a well as any web presence that showcases the best of "White House whatever" in general - no matter who is in charge. A wide range could apply - anything from photos of the First Family in casual life and doings (like Mrs. O), or discussion/analysis/notification of current policy initiatives/announcements, etc.
My dog is going after my cat and I don't know why. Help.
Google is next to useless on this question. I've looked and looked, but I'm getting nothing that addresses this directly. Our rescue dog, after nearly a year of peaceful living has started to attack my cat, and I have no idea what's causing it. [more inside]
posted by patheral at 9:11 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by patheral at 9:11 PM PST - 14 comments
What are these strange, crusty bumps on my dogs ears?
Our dog has a couple of raised, crusty bumps on the inside of one of his ears, near the tip. On the other ear, he has a patch of dry, crusty skin on the inside of his ear maybe a centimeter or so long.
They don't seem to be bother him, but they're certainly not normal and haven't always been there. We went to the vet who ran some tests and gave us a topical antibiotic and steroid, which didn't make a difference. I'd like to have some idea of what they are and ideally, how we can help resolve them.
Way more details and photos below. [more inside]
posted by Nelsormensch at 8:49 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Nelsormensch at 8:49 PM PST - 8 comments
How much is too much sleep - for people who don't sleep much?
No work today. Last night I went to bed at 12:30. I woke up this morning (around 7) feeling fantabulous, and decided "Meh, I'm still below the 7-9 hour mark. Let's get a few more hours of beauty sleep in."
I slept for two and a half extra hours, and woke up at about 9:30 feeling like donkey dung. I also had a nightmare.
This has happened before (having nightmares when oversleeping). I would like to know if anyone has had any similar experiences. I would also like to ask if anyone gets below the 'average' amount of sleep and wakes up feeling great, but then goes back to sleep and wakes up feeling cruddy - even if they are not technically 'oversleeping'.
posted by Thanquol180 at 8:25 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Thanquol180 at 8:25 PM PST - 23 comments
How do I stop people walking on a path behind my house?
Strangers from adjoining neighborhoods have created a path on private land behind my house. What are some ways I can stop them? [more inside]
Filing Taxes for the First Time: Roth IRA Question
Hi HiveMind,
I'm filing my own taxes for the first time as a recent college graduate (using TurboTax -- so easy!) and I have a question with regards to my Roth IRA account.
In 2012, I graduated college and started a business. We didn't open for business until late November and I only paid myself $1,250 for all my work in 2012. I also opened a Roth IRA account and contributed $5,000 for the year. However, according to TurboTax, contributions to an IRA account cannot exceed earned income.
My question: can I simply report a $1,250 contribution to the IRA on my taxes and leave the $5,000 in the IRA? Will this get me in trouble? Should I merely take out the $3,750 and invest it in a different account? If noticed, could I just plead ignorance as my first time filing?
Thanks!
How do you go about automating/simulating (I think) an HTTP request?
I want to write a script to automate doing a search, retrieving, and parsing the search results from a website (a booking site similar to the search on www.hilton.com ). [more inside]
Now I want a wardrobe theme too!
I loved par court's "1950s French Lady Intellectual" suggestion in this thread. But even though I can see how the possibilities are in fact endless...they aren't exactly popping endlessly into my head. Can you help me come up with some other wardrobe "themes" that I can play around with? [more inside]
posted by ootandaboot at 7:39 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by ootandaboot at 7:39 PM PST - 22 comments
Iguazu National Park
On our trip to South America, we will be spending 2.5 days in Iguazu, Argentina, and would appreciate any ideas as to things we should see. Is it worth the extra cost to go to the Brazilian side? Thanks!
Current events satire shows in English.
If we presume a person enjoys getting their news from Stewart/Colbert for the US, Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe for the UK, and Micallef's Mad as Hell for Australia, what shows would this person enjoy from other English speaking countries?
posted by pompomtom at 7:01 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by pompomtom at 7:01 PM PST - 8 comments
Gift ideas for corporate gala party favor?
Gift ideas for corporate gala party favor? Every gift which is given, even though is be small, is in reality great, if it is given with affection.
-Pindar [more inside]
Tore ACL skiing. Don't want surgery. Can I ever ski again?
I'm looking for opinions and stories from people who've torn their ACL but elected not to get surgery. How much physical activity can you still do? [more inside]
What's the deal with programming author Yashavant Kanetkar?
This comment in a Hacker News thread introduced me to Yashavant Kanetkar. Apparently his C programming books are the worst of the worst. Yet somehow, the Indian education system uses his books pervasively. I tried to find out more about this guy and the controversy around him, but web searches turned up a flat nothing. Anyone read his books or know about the story?
posted by scose at 6:40 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by scose at 6:40 PM PST - 2 comments
Puppy in the office!
What should I do with my puppy when he's not sleeping or playing with me? [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 6:39 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by lunasol at 6:39 PM PST - 11 comments
We want to see seashells on the sea shore
This June, we will be visiting family in the Ocala FL area, and would like to take our three year old to the beach to look for shells and splash around. Where should we go? [more inside]
posted by Nickel Pickle at 6:29 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Nickel Pickle at 6:29 PM PST - 10 comments
Drone Strike data as XML/JSON etc?
Is there a source anywhere for Drone Strike data (Date, kills, location etc.) available as an XML or JSON feed? I'm looking to pull in and crunch the numbers for a Processing project.
Can I search for a computer by selecting the components that are in it?
I have specific computer parts I'd like in a computer. I'm considering buying the individual parts and having one built, but I wonder if there's some way to select the options I want to have in my computer on a website and have that generate computers for sale with those parts. Does anyone know of anything like this? Thanks.
posted by Fister Roboto at 5:08 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Fister Roboto at 5:08 PM PST - 8 comments
Taking time off from a relationship
My boyfriend and I have been dating for five months. After a big fight this weekend, we've decided to take a week off from seeing each other. Has this strategy EVER improved a relationship? &How do I best manage anxiety this week? [more inside]
Slow motion in Flash. Do Not Want.
Flash player runs in slow motion behind the sound in all browsers. Please help! [more inside]
Buying a new computer before or after moving abroad?
My job is transferring me from Chicago to London in the spring. I've certainly got a lot to figure out between now and then (much of which this forum has already been a big help with), but one specific question I have involves the purchase of a new computer. My current MacBook is definitely due to be replaced -- it's six years old, so move or not, I was planning on getting one sometime this year. Does it make more sense to buy one before the move or after? [more inside]
posted by mattstan at 4:06 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mattstan at 4:06 PM PST - 8 comments
HTC Not-so-Incredible
Help me figure out what to do about my buggy HTC Incredible, either to fix it or to replace it. [more inside]
posted by jiawen at 4:03 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by jiawen at 4:03 PM PST - 8 comments
Did cavemen really grind almond flour?
I'm seeking your suggestions for easy, accessible, flexible paleo-ish meals. Snowflakes! [more inside]
posted by mibo at 3:46 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by mibo at 3:46 PM PST - 14 comments
Searching for blogs by disgruntled assistants
Waiter Rant for the secretary, administrative assistant, paralegal, etc. - does this exist anywhere? Looking for blogs written in a similar sarcastic tone and style by administrative support professionals. I'm especially interested in those from the legal industry.
Entertainment center/media console buying help?
The husbot and I really wanted this media console from CB2 for our new TV and electronic whatnots. It was in stock and ready to ship the other day, but now it's listed as "Estimated in mid-March." Knowing how backorders go, it could be sooner or later than that, or just never materialize at all. Can you help us find something similar that is available now? [more inside]
How to store mathematical expressions as binary tree objects in Python
For a project, I need to store mathematical expressions as binary tree objects in Python, with each operator or operand being stored as a node. But I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around it; partly because this is my first real dive into the object-oriented pool and the specific nuts and bolts seem a little bit out of my reach. [more inside]
How should we respond when our daughter plays with herself?
She's only a toddler, is this a problem and, if so, how do we handle it? [more inside]
"Finding yourself"/transitions/deprogramming *on a budget*
I want to shift my thinking style. I do therapy when I can afford it, which isn't a consistent option right now. I suspect there's a pea under the mattress at the core of several faulty thought patterns. I've shifted the pea in some contexts but not others. What are some concrete exercises and activities I can use - with minimal cost - that will help me unravel limiting beliefs, increase self-worth, highlight unproductive expectations so I can address them? Particular parameters inside. [more inside]
Please don't be dying or badly maimed
What are these problems with my car? Including: an intermittent moaning noise when my foot is not on the gas, some startup strangeness, and very rare RPM revving in park. [more inside]
posted by nrobertson at 2:16 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by nrobertson at 2:16 PM PST - 10 comments
calling all cake decorators
Calling all cake decorators: I want to construct a cake that looks like the EDP Wasp synthesizer. Having problems wrapping my head around the specific logistics. Halp. [more inside]
Another iPhone Game Recommendation Request
I'm looking for some light, fairly simple iPhone puzzle-type games, for a 4th-generation iPod Touch running iOS 5.1. [more inside]
How can you make sure buyers use a web-platform for large purchases?
I am advising on the creation of a web portal for the sales of homes. One of the concerns is that buyer and seller will find each other via the site but then carry out the purchase on their own, cutting the site out of a potential "intermediary" fee.
Does anybody have any ideas / experience on how this can be addressed?
My boyfriend carry other woman's panties, am I overreacting?
On 3 different occasions, during a year and a half, I found in my boyfriend's stuff other women's panties. I was so in shock. I is like surreal to me. I am wondering if this is a sufficient reason to leave someone? [more inside]
posted by daile at 1:52 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by daile at 1:52 PM PST - 56 comments
Need To Find A Freelance Editor
I need an editor (copy and content) for an edgy, non-traditional chapbook of poems. Word count is light -- around 4,000. Budget is nearly non-existent (this is an art project) but there would be some kind of honorarium attached. Can someone help me find a good, trusty editor?
posted by nowhere man at 1:51 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by nowhere man at 1:51 PM PST - 6 comments
Is my laptop going to kill me?
I got a shock from my laptop the other day and now I'm afraid to use it... [more inside]
Please help me go from "under contract" to mortage-holder
I am trying to purchase a foreclosed house with a homepath loan, but I do not qualify for a homepath loan despite excellent credit. Apparently a conventional loan will not work for the current condition of the home. Can you help me sort out my options in Virginia? [more inside]
My car is where cell phone chargers go to die. Please help.
I have a service/sales job for which I drive a lot. Between Spotify, podcasts, and using GPS to locate various places, my cell phone gets a workout in the car. Add to that the steady stream of phone calls I make and receive while not driving and the typically fidgety gadget nerd surfing, app-using etc. I do all day long, and my Android phone's battery has a lot of work to do every day. I end up leaving it charging pretty much whenever I'm driving. The problem is, I burn through chargers at a rate something like one every three to five weeks. It's expensive and I need a better solution. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:09 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:09 PM PST - 14 comments
Temporarily disable specific apps/files/folders on Mac OS 10.5.8?
I want to minimize my computer-related distractions by taking apps like SelfControl to the next level: I want to not just irreversibly disconnect from the internet for a given time period, but to even make it impossible for me to indulge in my next-favorite mindless pastime, viz. reconsuming old movies/episodes/podcasts I have saved on my HD. But I don't want to permanently delete these things. Is there a way of disabling specific apps (e.g. video players) or preventing access to specific files/folders on a Mac for a preset time period? Or even of preventing my computer from powering up at all for, say, 12 hours? (Yeah, I'm that pathetically addicted.)
posted by zeri at 12:40 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by zeri at 12:40 PM PST - 4 comments
Things to do in Barcelona on a rainy Monday
I'm in Barcelona with a friend. We've spent two pleasant days wandering around and seeing the sights, and we'd be happy to keep doing that, but tomorrow the weather is forecast to be wet. No problem, we'll go to some museums! But tomorrow is Monday, and most of the museums are shut... What can we do instead? [more inside]
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 11:34 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 11:34 AM PST - 12 comments
Non Beginner Books On Ebay?
Hotsprings vacation spots
I'm looking for places to go on vacation with a friend. We would love to find a place with natural hotsprings and beautiful nature and comfortable cabins (anywhere in the rustic to luxurious range, and at minimum providing the basics like plumbing and sheets/towels). We're primarily looking at the US, but we could also venture into Mexico or Canada.
Other things we love: good food, massages, not-too-strenuous hiking, swimming, fireplaces, dressing up for fancy drinks.
Help us find a super fantastic vacation spot!
Plastic model cleaning
Thirty or so years ago I built this model of a P-38J. Since then it's languished in my parents basement and is completely covered with dirt. I tried to use compressed air to blow it off and it didn't work very well.
Does anybody have suggestions on how to clean it off? I'm hesitant to immerse it in water since I think I glued the canopy on with ordinary white glue.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:14 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Confess, Fletch at 10:14 AM PST - 10 comments
To blank and to blank, or to blank and blank?
Is it more appropriate grammatically to say "I will commit myself to posting with all my heart and to answering questions very well" or "I will commit myself to posting with all my heart and answering questions very well," with the difference being the "to" before the gerund. I am writing something important and want to make sure everything is absolutely correct. [more inside]
posted by tweedle at 10:03 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by tweedle at 10:03 AM PST - 12 comments
Why are there so many homeless people in the USA?
Please help my son (17 years) with a presentation about the homeless people in the US. We are from Scandinavia, and due to our welfare system, we don't have the same situation as in the US. We have explored several issues, and the more we search, the more questions we have. [more inside]
posted by dreamsandhope at 9:24 AM PST - 48 comments
posted by dreamsandhope at 9:24 AM PST - 48 comments
Great wedding toasts
Give me examples of awesome wedding toasts. Touching, unique, funny - whatever. Just ones that stood out to you. Either what was said, or his they delivered it, or whatever made it great. It can be from personal experience, or link to a movie scene or something from a book passage. Anything applies.
I want a Samsung Ultrabook...but which version do I want???
Argh! I've spent half a day agonizing about this. I'm on a budget, I need a new laptop, I do not want to cheap out and then regret it, but I don't want to pay for stuff I don't need. [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 8:35 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Salamander at 8:35 AM PST - 10 comments
Had sex with someone I (maybe) shouldn't have. Help?
I slept with a person I have to deal with in an educational setting now and in the future - how to proceed when that kind of relationship ends up getting sexual by accident? [more inside]
Do you experience a hierarchy of affection for your friends?
If you suspect your friend likes you more than you like them, should you still be friends with them? [more inside]
Insurance options for a seldom used vehicle?
What are my options for insuring a vehicle that won't be used very much at all? [more inside]
Kitchen island in NYC
I'm about to move to a new apartment that doesn't have a kitchen counter or much cabinet space, so I need to buy a cart with cabinets and a countertop (like this). I'd like to buy it from a store in Manhattan. Any suggestions? [more inside]
CompSci/CompLit: Anyone have links to interesting "poetry" generators?
I've found this (see more here), which seems to be defunct (links to the "generator" are 404), and this, which is less than satisfying.
Here in the age of alleged "robot authors" I'm hoping to do better.
Any leads, anyone? [more inside]
In search of a lasting wireless network solution
After wasting two different off-days trying to get my damnable modem+router working, I want to return them both and get something entirely new. Any good recommendations for a solid, reliable DSL modem and wireless router set-up with decent NAS support? [more inside]
Help me not poison myself
I just made this recipe. It's been cooking for about 2 hours now. I went back on the site to check and see what the comments were like out of curiosity, and saw that the first comment directly recommended against using frozen chicken breast, as that can give bacteria the opportunity to build up as the crock-pot warms to temperature. I checked a few other places and they seem to agree that frozen meat in a crock-pot is a bad idea. I've already committed the ingredients to this meal, and I'd prefer not to waste them. Is there anything I can do to make this safe to eat?
posted by codacorolla at 6:45 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by codacorolla at 6:45 AM PST - 18 comments
Why Does Ready To Wear Mensware From The UK Fit Me Better Than US Stuff?
I've noticed that the bog-standard off the rack/department store menswear items (button-up shirts, slacks, etc) from UK brands bought in the UK tends to fit me wildly better then their counterparts in the US. I have to alter them a lot less and they just hang off my body better. I'm wondering if there's a technical/fashion-nerd reason for this and if so, what should I be looking for in the US department store brands to get this same effect? [more inside]
SIM Card needed while traveling from US to Belize - suggestions please
I'll be traveling to Belize this summer and would like to use my Verizon iPhone 4s, which I will have unlocked from Verizon by that time, for local voice and data calls. I'll
I plan on using Talkatone for making wifi only calls back to the US as well as using the data part from the SIM Card to text back to the US while I'm there.
It would be nice to be able to purchase a SIM Card here in the States before traveling, but I'm not against purchasing a SIM Card at or near BZE Airport when we arrive.
Thank you for your time. I do appreciate it.
Who wrote this story about a marvellous Alsation dog?
If anyone recognises this story, please can you tell me the author? I think the story is about five years old. An ordinary man with low self-esteem is dumped by his beautiful intelligent accomplished girlfriend. She gives him a dog as a pity present, with a snide subtext that the dog is better than he is. Gradually through caring for the dog, a magnificent Alsation, and taking pride in it, the man recovers his self-esteem and becomes sought-after. It's a story that feels as if it has a lot of undercurrents and as if it's not as simple as it looks: in some way the dog stands in for the guy, or represents the guy or becomes a totem for him. Or something.
I'm blue. Healthy suggestions for cheering myself up?
My baby brother moved to London yesterday and I'm sadder than sad. We're really close and he lived a couple of minutes from me so we hung out a lot. I'm going to miss him so much and it'll take me a while to accept that he's a flight away, and I can't just randomly drop in on him, hear his little hello, and settle down for a few hours of putting the world to rights. My usual way of dealing with sadness is not very productive - namely substances of varying degrees of legality, and chocolate. Help me make a list of positive things I can do to lift me out of the little pool of tears I'm in. He's left me one of his guitars - which was mine about 20 years ago - and I'm determined to learn it this time. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
posted by billiebee at 3:20 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by billiebee at 3:20 AM PST - 7 comments
Define "moderation." How much exercise is "too much"?
My parents think I've been exercising too much. I think they are being well-meaning but a little out of touch. This is also forcing me to question prevailing notions about appropriate exercise. Help me process this. [more inside]
Is anyone selling scale model moons? Ie. Io, Iapetus etc?
The moons in our solar system are remarkably diverse and interesting. My google-fu is failing me, but I was hoping to get a set of models of moons to admire. Anyone making these?
posted by panaceanot at 2:06 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by panaceanot at 2:06 AM PST - 3 comments
Looking for Books of the Ancients
So I'm jonesing for some science fiction of a particular nature. Specifically stories that deal in the Precursors trope. [more inside]
I am in my 30s and out of options
I am a woman in my early 30s and feel like I am out of men to date. I haven't felt attracted or interested in a man in over a year (possibly longer). I work, try to go out and do online dating. Only men that are interested in me are men that are either physically unattractive, not intelligent or both. It seems like if I want a relationship I would need to pick from men in the "who repulses me less?" fashion. So I choose to stay single. [more inside]
Help! Recover file!
I was just working on a proofreading file for hours. I closed it, thinking I had been saving it (I'm pretty sure I was saving it!). Then I went to email it , and it's nowhere to be found on my computer. I searched for it. I thought that if you don't save something it will be recovered when you open Word again, but nope. And I can't find it on my computer anywhere. Does anywhere have an idea where it could have gone and how/if I can get it back?!
Thanks!
March 2
Looking for an old textbook.
My seventh grade French textbook had particularly charming illustrations. I don't remember the title of the book or what the cover looked like, but I'd know the illustrations if I saw them. They were mostly, if not entirely, in black-and-white and featured young people doing ordinary things like going to the beach. This textbook was used in about 1989 in a public school in southern New Hampshire.
Is there any way of finding out more about it or perhaps buying a copy online? I suppose I could ask the school but I'd rather not.
posted by gentian at 9:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by gentian at 9:35 PM PST - 5 comments
Transferring foreign currency in China
Asking on behalf of two friends in China: one (not a Chinese national) wants to loan a large amount of money to the other (who is Chinese). The problem is the foreigner's account (even though it's a Chinese bank account) is in Euros. They tried to go to the local (Chinese) bank and do a transfer, but were told that it was illegal to transfer a foreign currency to a Chinese person like that, and that they would have to first convert all the money to RMB and then could give it to him, but that gets pretty expensive with exchange rates and fees, since this is apparently a pretty large sum. So the question is: What's the best way for a foreigner to transfer his money, in euros, at his Chinese bank account to the Chinese bank account of a Chinese national? Is there any bank card or service which the Chinese national can apply for to make it easier?
Specific Text Animation in After Effects
Looking for a text animation in After Effects [more inside]
posted by Thisispiggy at 8:50 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Thisispiggy at 8:50 PM PST - 3 comments
Suggestions for getting security deposit returned.
Need help figuring out the next step in my quest to get my deposit and pro-rated rent back from my landlord. Difficulty - I am now living out of state. [more inside]
Italian gift ideas for fashion design grad
Seeking ideas for a graduation gift that we could buy in Italy for a fashion design major. [more inside]
posted by mediated self at 8:22 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mediated self at 8:22 PM PST - 3 comments
Is it 'wrong' to snuggle without sex?
Am I leading someone on if he sleeps in my bed but not with me? [more inside]
Can my husband take FMLA to clean up the house, because I can't?
I'm currently not working, due to what might be fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue (and it might not, some doctors disagree, but that's aside from the issue at hand). My husband has stepped up and taken over all house and yard work, but the mess has been building up for years as my health has been deteriorating. I'm wondering if my husband can use FMLA to take some time off to help get caught up with the house and yard work? [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 5:41 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by [insert clever name here] at 5:41 PM PST - 17 comments
Name that artist: photo portraits of people suspended in the air
Can anyone name the photographer behind a series of portraits of people suspended in mid-air, including this one? [more inside]
posted by eotvos at 5:27 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by eotvos at 5:27 PM PST - 4 comments
Tired of the cap. Can I paint on highlights at home without one?
I've been doing my highlights at home for a while and they turn out well, but the highlighter cap annoys me. It's hot and uncomfortable, and I'd also like to get my highlights closer to my scalp than I can with the cap on. Googling leads to contradictory advice. Does anyone here paint them on at home with a brush and end up with a nice result? [more inside]
Best (easiest) Mario games?
Young Master Macbeth has become obsessed with Mario Brothers. Problem is, he's 4, and while he's an attentive and fairly well-coordinated 4, he is not the best at actually playing Mario games. [more inside]
posted by MsMacbeth at 5:08 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by MsMacbeth at 5:08 PM PST - 16 comments
How can I set up a vocal recording studio in my house?
I'm starting to get moderately serious about vocal recordings, and I need some help figuring out which gear is most suitable and how to best set everything up in my small, noisy apartment. [more inside]
Help me find a no-nonsense writing group.
I've tried several different writing groups and classes. Each ended up being 10% writing and 90% sitting around in a circle giving "three positives and three negatives!" about other writers' submissions. I don't want to do that. [more inside]
posted by apparently at 4:59 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by apparently at 4:59 PM PST - 4 comments
in need of a reality check, possibly?
Hello! Over the past summer I was coming out of (what I now view as) an abusive relationship with someone who is likely an alcoholic. There was violence, a ton of debt, cruel language, cheating on several levels, etc. I posted about it here. I went total NC with that one, despite his continued attempts to keep in contact with me, and didn't date at all or even contemplate a new relationship until the end of the holidays when I met a guy who totally took me by surprise and seemed amazing. I told him up front that I was coming off of an abusive relationship and had been cheated on repeatedly, with both strangers as well as my ex-'s "closest female friends", so I was highly sensitive to certain things and wasn't quite sure if I was healed enough yet. He told me that he was already loving who I was, and accepted me so far, and that I was "worth it" and so forth. I decided to give it a go. [more inside]
posted by orumi at 4:44 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by orumi at 4:44 PM PST - 36 comments
What musical instruments can I play with a hand tremor?
I have a worsening degenerative hand tremor and can no longer play conventional rock music on guitar. What musical instrument could I take up that could accommodate this condition? [more inside]
posted by quarantine at 3:50 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by quarantine at 3:50 PM PST - 23 comments
Yet another Name That Movie plea...
Asking for a friend (honest!). Movie plot centers around a young couple living in a NYC apartment building who suspect that their young male neighbor is a terrorist (suspicious items delivered, etc.). At the end, their suspicion turns out to be true. Ring any bells, friends?
Identify a TV documentary (1990s) about life in the jungle (audio clip)
My father and I watched a documentary on TV in the 90s (likely TVO in Canada, possibly a National Geographic production?). It was about a boy named Ali who lived in the jungle with his father. It showed their daily life, how they hunted for food, etc. One scene I clearly remember is the father teaching the son how to create poison darts using toads.
I believe the title was "Ali's Jungle", but I can't find any references to it on the internet. My dad and I really enjoyed the theme song, which was hummed by the father as he played a thumb piano. Here is a recording my father made at the time:
Theme Song
Any help identifying this show would be appreciated!
Advice about Muskegon, MI
My SO has a really good job offer lined up in Muskegon, MI and we are in the process of deciding if we should move there. What is great about Muskegon? [more inside]
Do I want (and need) a fancy hair education?
I'm looking at several schools to become a hair stylist and would like to know your experience with cosmetology schools. Is this the correct training to begin a career in hair?
I would love to hear about your experience and advice for a person who is curious about a career in hair. [more inside]
posted by penpenne at 2:46 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by penpenne at 2:46 PM PST - 5 comments
Songs/videos that feature the Big Muff
I'm looking for music videos that include an image of a Big Muff guitar pedal or songs that definitely include the use of a Big Muff on the track.
Thesis argument about cultural contact zones
Hi Mefites!
So I'm wondering if anyone can help me in finding something to argue in a 5-6 page paper regarding 'cultural contact zones' in Orwell's essay ' A Passage to India'.
Specifically, "the concept of a “contact zone” emphasizes how subjects are constituted in and by their relations to each other, usually involving conditions of coercion, inequality, and conflict. It treats the relations among colonizers and colonized not in terms of separateness but in terms of interaction and interlocking understandings and practices, often within radically asymmetrical relations of power." ( this is part of the prompt). Any suggestions? I'm usually a fairly competent writer but am having trouble here. [more inside]
posted by marsbar77 at 1:44 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by marsbar77 at 1:44 PM PST - 19 comments
Fiction about the end of the world/civilization
I recently read The Last Policeman by Ben Winters and really enjoyed it. I also really liked Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.
I liked the settings (basically the real world but at its end,) and the easy nature of the writing (I read both quickly.) I don't think of myself as a mystery fan, but both of these are mysteries of sorts. I'm looking for fun rather than serious books.
What else should I read?
posted by vespabelle at 1:01 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by vespabelle at 1:01 PM PST - 14 comments
Rent or Lease?
Would it be cheaper to rent a car for 6 months or get a lease swap with short term car insurance in California? [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo at 12:47 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by pakoothefakoo at 12:47 PM PST - 5 comments
On the wall - a framed Waterman Butterfly projection map. Possibly.
My 16 year old son has just re-done his room. With a lttle help from Mum of course - I said he was 16. Anyway.
Dust of ages - gone.
Childish things - gone.
Cuddly toys, bats, monkeys etc relegated to the cellar.
Even the torn Sex Pistols poster has come down.
The naked walls round his multiscreen rig cry out for decoratian of some kind.
He thinks a Waterman Butterfly projection map of the world would be the coolest thing ever - for some reason. He would frame it himself.
Where on earth would we find such a thing? Googled the map place in Seattle - but they no longer have them.
Any suggestions?
We live in Sweden. For our sins.
posted by jan murray at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by jan murray at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments
I need a new vidya game.
should I ignore, laugh, or point out the inconsistencies?
So for the past 1/2 year, on 4 occasions, a sort-of-friend has asked if I wanted her SUV while she was out of town. The deal was to meet at a specific corner, go to the airport w/ her to depart, and pick her up on return, dropping me off. A good deal for both of us; she avoids street parking problems, saves $$ on taxis, and (I guess) trusts that the truck is safe. I get to use it and the EZ Pass, fun and nice for errands and many short trips. I am always at the airport on time (w/ the truck washed, vacuumed, tank filled (never asked for, never acknowledged) Once for a month. The last trip, a week ago. Now, I get a bill for ALL the EZ Passes. [more inside]
posted by ebesan at 12:03 PM PST - 62 comments
posted by ebesan at 12:03 PM PST - 62 comments
Work shirts that cover the neck wanted
I'm posting this on behalf of my mom, who is self-conscious about her neck. She has a pretty youthful looking face, and is going for a neck lift(?) this summer, but really wants work clothes that hide the neck in the meantime. [more inside]
Help me find wooden plates
I had lunch at a restaurant the other day that served sandwiches on very simple wooden slabs. You can see the sort of thing here. Whilst very rustic and basic, the finish was such that you could eat food off it without getting splinters. Each measured slightly larger than average printer paper. I've been pounding Google and Etsy in the hope of buying something similar, but have not found anything close. Am I searching for the wrong thing? Anyone got any ideas?
posted by Conductor71 at 11:36 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Conductor71 at 11:36 AM PST - 16 comments
Bad Pandora! Frank Ocean, not Billy Ocean.
I am coming late to the game just discovering Frank Ocean, and am loving channel Orange. I want to find similar awesome stuff, and Pandora is failing me. Help tune up my station, Mefites! [more inside]
What do I need to know about kids + safe & responsible computing?
Mr. BlahLaLa and I are considering buying Kid BlahLaLa a laptop for his 10th birthday. (We want him to be able to play Minecraft and browse the internet.) We're a Mac family but I'm pretty sure this computer will have to be non-Mac because they're so much cheaper, which in turn opens up a whole world of internet security questions that I usually don't think about on my mac. Plus the whole idea of "Now I'm giving my kid a computer, what do I need to think about?" type of stuff. [more inside]
Make-ahead brunch recipes?
We are hosting a brunch the morning after my sister's wedding. What are some good recipes that we can make ahead of time (ideally the weekend before) and freeze? [more inside]
Travel Alarm Clock
I am looking for a decent alarm clock. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 10:21 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by yoyo_nyc at 10:21 AM PST - 3 comments
What else can I do with this artisanal salt?
I'm making salt carmel ice cream and several recipes I've found insisted on using Maldon salt if you're going to try making it. So I looked it up online and then tracked it down at a local grocery and HOLY PETE $7 for 8 oz! Well, I bought it, but now I'm wondering what else I can do with it. Any suggestions for what else I might make with light, flakey, hand-crafted, lovingly-desiccated, pyramidal salt? Is it pretty much the same as fleur de sel?
posted by Toekneesan at 10:06 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Toekneesan at 10:06 AM PST - 19 comments
Seed/Pit ID
What are these? The starlings that nest in our eaves drop them all over our deck. The one on the left is fresh - it fell on my head just before I took the photo - and the other is at least several days old. We are in San Francisco. Nothing in our backyard produces things with seeds/pits except our Meyer lemon tree. Any ideas?
Queer eye for the straight(ish) girl.
I've recently discovered that all I want out of life is to be able to dress like Jonny Lee Miller in Elementary. The trouble is, I'm a short curvy chick living in the UK. Androgynous/butch ladies (or dudes) of AskMe, can you help me achieve my dream? [more inside]
posted by fight or flight at 9:30 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by fight or flight at 9:30 AM PST - 15 comments
How do I share photos from Dropbox for iPhone?
A friend has an iPhone. He wants to share a selection of photos using his Dropbox iPhone app with us. How does he do that from the app? (not a browser) [more inside]
posted by devnull at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by devnull at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
Interesting or innovative mobile app or game advertising/monetization?
Curious if the anyone has examples of interesting or innovative approaches to in app or in game (mobile especially) advertising, promotions etc which help developers monetize their freemium games or aoos? [more inside]
Allergies and Abusive families
My own father sent me to the ER because he "didn't think [I] was that allergic to peanuts." I had a near-anaphylactic attack and was lucky to make it to the hospital. Other than getting the heck out of here and not speaking to him ever again, what would you do? How do I cope with this anger and bitterness? The clincher- my entire family except for my also peanut allergic sister sides with him. [more inside]
I can make your short story disappear
Please help me identify a short story I read in high school. It's about a man who claims that he can make people disappear to the extent that no-one will remember that they ever existed. He is asked to prove the claim... *possible spoilers inside* [more inside]
posted by pianissimo at 8:19 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by pianissimo at 8:19 AM PST - 2 comments
Can a transcendental number raised to an algebraic power be algebraic?
Can a transcendental number such as pi, be raised to an irrational, but algebraic power resulting in an algebraic solution? Complex solutions would be acceptable. There might be a quick proof here, or there might not be. - Thanks for any help you can offer answering this! (And I promise that this isn't for a class or anything like that!)
posted by ch3cooh at 6:33 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by ch3cooh at 6:33 AM PST - 3 comments
Best-ever software reviews
What are the best software reviews you've ever read? [more inside]
London, England in 8 hours or less!
What is the best way to spend an 8 hour stopover in London England for a family that has never been there before? [more inside]
Fiction: Books/movies involving feats of endurance for profit
Please suggest some stories that have characters -- who as regular people, not trained athletes -- are involved with risky feats of endurance for profit. [more inside]
Smooth jazz for spring weddings?
Looking for jazz tracks to play at a wedding in mid-march. [more inside]
posted by inbetweener at 3:11 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by inbetweener at 3:11 AM PST - 13 comments
March 1
Help me identify a song with an answering machine message at the end.
So, once I had a mix CD with a song on it that had what I believe is an answering machine message at the end. I can't remember the artist or song title, and it's driving me nuts. [more inside]
posted by easy, lucky, free at 9:50 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by easy, lucky, free at 9:50 PM PST - 29 comments
How do you make board games?
I'm in this game design class at college and I can't wrap my brain around it! Curious to hear about different peoples' processes, both mental and mechanical, when it comes to making games. [more inside]
Pain in the...
I recently lost a significant amount of weight, and am smaller than I've been in about 20 years. As a result, of what I assume is a combination of weight loss and aging, I have little padding on my butt. As a result, my sacrum and tail bone hurt whenever I sit on anything somewhat hard for any length of time - like - 10 minutes! [more inside]
Korean or jibberish?
My 3yo son memorized a song from a cartoon on Youtube. He walks around the house singing it all day. We think the song might be Korean, but we're not sure. Is he using actual words or just making sounds? (apologies if this is wildly offensive, my wife and I are just curious).
posted by ColdChef at 7:33 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by ColdChef at 7:33 PM PST - 14 comments
Apartments in Portland, Maine?
Any reccomendations for an apartment in Portland, Maine?
Preferences: something with character - wood floors, loft-esque, something non "generic, cookie-cutter", walk to shops, dining, etc.
Requirements: must accept cats (more than 1), not to exceed $1,200.
I have done a *lot* of looking online, but at this point I would really like first-hand opinions. Thanks!
Thom York anxiety machine.
Thom Yorke's new band recently released their album so I went and found the video of the "single" from it. The visuals are a simple repeating/changing pattern of rectangles. It's so simple yet it brings me almost immediately to the edge of a panic attack. [more inside]
posted by aloiv2 at 6:33 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by aloiv2 at 6:33 PM PST - 25 comments
How to get over the fact that I just had a breakdown?
Two days ago I had some sort of emotional/mental breakdown. I got help in the immediate sense, but I'm not sure how to process and get over it. [more inside]
posted by trogdole at 6:13 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by trogdole at 6:13 PM PST - 26 comments
Easy to put together but not to take apart: flat panel stand
This could be a Dell tech support question, but I think it may actually be easier to get answered here. I have a Dell E-Flat Panel Stand and I'm trying to disconnect the riser from the base of the stand. The diagram is no help; it only shows how to put them together (see diagram 1). I've had no luck with Google or the Dell support site. I don't see any release button/unlocking switch. Help!
posted by trillian at 6:10 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by trillian at 6:10 PM PST - 3 comments
Formatting question: including an infographic with a press release
I work for an advocacy organization and we're getting ready to send out a press release. I know this will make me sound old fashioned, but I'd like to include an infographic we've developed and I'm not sure what the right way to do it is. I know sending images and graphics with press releases is very common now, but I've never needed to do it before. I usually send things like that as a follow up to interested reporters. In this case, we want to send the graphic to everyone off the bat. [more inside]
posted by dottiechang at 6:04 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by dottiechang at 6:04 PM PST - 6 comments
Sound editor needed
I need a program that allows me to load WAV or MP3 files, extract out small pieces, and write them back as WAV or MP3 files. [more inside]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 5:43 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 5:43 PM PST - 7 comments
Who asks who out after a raincheck?
If you mutually agree to raincheck who should ask who to do something next time? [more inside]
posted by earthquakeglue at 5:38 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by earthquakeglue at 5:38 PM PST - 20 comments
Self-help way back then
Self-help in the 19th century . . . During the Civil War era, if an ordinary person wanted to improve himself, what resources were available? [more inside]
Help me out. I think I've been harassed and I don't know what to do.
So I need some sound advice. I think I was harassed a number of months ago at a local YMCA by another member. I decided to file this complaint internally, and now I'm worried I'm being stonewalled. Normally I would let something like this slide, but I've decided to take up this cause because I think it's the honorable thing to do. If only because I am inspired by the anti-bullying movement. Do I have legal options? Can somebody with any experience or strength with this sort of thing help me figure out what exactly happened to me, and share what they did in a similar situation? Details within. [more inside]
I think my father is cheating on my mother. How do I deal?
I'm an adult who doesn't live with my parents. I've been suspecting something shady going on for the past 6 months and it's taking a toll on my stress levels. How do I deal with this situation? [more inside]
Help with thoughts on a new car, and stuff
I am thinking about buying a new car in a few months, wondering about model, when to buy, and planning around a trip in June. Advice/Tips/Opinions/Tales/Fact or Fiction Appreciated! (Much more inside) [more inside]
Improvisers, how do you prepare?
At first I thought good improv meant walking onstage with absolutely no plan and just reacting to whatever happened - the cue word or whatever.
After lots of very awkward scenes, I heard someone mention going onstage with an emotion in mind and I was like WAIT A MINUTE - you can have a strategy? So I've gone up for exercises with a couple of concrete ideas, such as an activity to start with and it definitely helped a lot. And then I started wondering if I could practice improv by myself. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 4:02 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by bunderful at 4:02 PM PST - 17 comments
Any good sites for "vegan" non-food shopping? (Specifically bags)
I'm trying to find a messenger bag that looks good and is vegan (no leather). Zappos has a vegan filter for shoes but not bags. Are there any sites that are pleasurable to use, have nice-looking stuff, and sell vegan products like messenger bags? Would be great to have for future shopping of all kinds.
posted by malhouse at 3:26 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by malhouse at 3:26 PM PST - 21 comments
When to tell him he's not my biological child?
My wife and I have a 3 year old, which for the sake of anonymity we will call John. He is the joy of my life, but biologically speaking, not mine. I am wondering if we should tell him, if so, how, and at what age we should tell him?
Any Mefites who have experience either adopting or being adopted who have helpful input on this, it would be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
Names for wedding party members who are friends of both bride and groom?
So a female friend of the bride is typically called a bridesmaid or bridesmatron (or maid of honor or matron of honor). I guess you could also use brideswoman (or woman of honor) if you want to avoid the whole does-maid-mean-unmarried? issue. I've heard the term a bridesman (or man of honor) for a male friend of the bride. And if you don't want to specify the gender of the person in question, you could use bridesperson (or person of honor). A male friend of the groom is typically a groomsman (or best man). A female friend is sometimes called a groomswoman (or best woman), although I guess you could also go with groomsmaid or groomsmatron (or best maid or best matron). And again, avoiding the gender of the friend, you can have a groomsperson (or best person).
But what if there's a member of the wedding party who is a friend of both the bride and groom? What do you call that person? [more inside]
posted by ErWenn at 2:56 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by ErWenn at 2:56 PM PST - 22 comments
Medieval Chinese Apparel - Keeping Food in your Sleeves
So I'm reading the 17th-Century Chinese novel "The Plum in the Golden Vase" - which, by the way, is incredibly good - and I'm having trouble picturing something. [more inside]
posted by facetious at 2:51 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by facetious at 2:51 PM PST - 6 comments
Remedial Beethoven for Assholes
I don't particularly like classical music. But I would like to rapidly acquire a broad but shallow education in the basics of classical music. How do I best do this? [more inside]
How can I best use all these glass bottles?
I would like to landscape using these empty beer bottles. Basically, I want to set the bottles end down into the ground and have a patio floor of the glass bottle bottoms. Can I do this? Have you ever done this or seen this? [more inside]
posted by J0 at 2:41 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by J0 at 2:41 PM PST - 20 comments
Help fix my hotel wireless
Can't get my hotel wireless to work on my MPB running Mountain Lion. Help! [more inside]
Love is a Hot Tub (apparently...)
I may be, literally, the worst person in the world when it comes to finding and booking hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Can you help me figure out how to better my search processes, what sites and search terms I should be using, or how I can better understand the U.S. hospitality industry? [more inside]
posted by vivid postcard at 2:26 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by vivid postcard at 2:26 PM PST - 20 comments
What are Princess croquettes?
You may recall the grisly story of Armin Meiwes, the German cannibal who posted an ad for someone willing to be eaten, and ended up eating a man named Bernd Brandes, who answered the ad. Meiwes said "I sauteed the steak of Bernd, with salt, pepper, garlic and nutmeg. I had it with Princess croquettes, Brussels sprouts and a green pepper sauce." I remember some speculation at the time of what exactly "Princess croquettes" were, but was there any definitive answer? I've Googled for it to no avail.
posted by El Sabor Asiatico at 1:53 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by El Sabor Asiatico at 1:53 PM PST - 3 comments
How do I help my four-year-old learn to not be an asshole?
My wife and I are wrestling mightily with parenting our four-year-old daughter, who is an asshole. I use the word "asshole" because we are taken aback by how mean and insulting and nasty she can be. I know we are supposed to love her unconditionally but we are struggling to deal with who she is rather than how she acts... Help! [more inside]
posted by mindsound at 1:47 PM PST - 51 comments
posted by mindsound at 1:47 PM PST - 51 comments
Best use of time before starting a Doctoral program?
So I got accepted to my doctoral program (vet med - yay!). Before it begins in August, how can I best use my time between now and then? Looking mainly for non-obvious stuff (work, save money, sleep, etc). Any other general tips for surviving the program would be gladly accepted.
Finished Doc Martin & Ballykissangel...what next?
I really enjoy British TV dramas, with two of my favorites being Ballykissangel and Doc Martin, the latter of which I recently finished. What other British shows would you recommend in this same vein - that is, lighthearted hour-long dramas with a dash of comedy? [more inside]
Math not adding up. Why am I not losing a lot of weight?
Mid-twenties male, eating extremely healthily, exercising very well, very happy with his setup here. But very curious why the pounds wouldn't just be falling off now, when they were at a maintenance level when I had the reverse habits as recently as a few months ago. (Or even any weight loss at all.) [more inside]
posted by dubadubowbow at 12:42 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by dubadubowbow at 12:42 PM PST - 28 comments
Name my shell companies
MetaFilter, I'm creating two corporate entities for small side ventures, and I get to name them whatever I want! Suggestions/inspirations? (some parameters inside) [more inside]
posted by dry white toast at 11:56 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by dry white toast at 11:56 AM PST - 44 comments
Parking lot security for trucks - Threatened by ex-contractor
A former contractor for a small business I'm involved in has told an employee he plans to sabotage the business' 5 trucks, possibly pouring chemicals in the gas tanks. Advice on the best methods and devices to try to prevent this would be very appreciated. [more inside]
Sailing away on the Ship of Theseus
I'm taking up restoration of mechanical calculators as a hobby. To what extent would repairs/part replacements constitute "restoration", and when does it become "reproduction" instead? [more inside]
looking for recommendations for attorneys to create trusts in NH
Pretty much what it says - I'm looking for recommendations for a southern NH attorney to help create a trust for a relative.
Help me decide if I should sell my Canon Rebel DSLR and buy a Sony RX100
Help me decide if I should sell my Canon Rebel Xti (EOS 400D) and buy a Sony RX100. [more inside]
Help me plan a two week trip to Spain in 48 hours!
Due to some last-minute circumstances, I just booked a trip to Barcelona for two weeks starting on Monday. I'm a mid-twenties guy in-between jobs and traveling alone. What can I do over the next 48 hours to make this trip memorable and pleasant? [more inside]
Google Play music alternative?
Can I access my music in the Google Play Music cloud with something other than the Google Play Music app? [more inside]
posted by thrasher at 10:49 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by thrasher at 10:49 AM PST - 8 comments
Lunch: It's complicated.
I need help figuring out hearty sandwiches, a sandwich + a single-item side, or make-ahead one-dish lunches. Difficulty: Low-oxalate diet, extremely pressed for time, despise food prep. [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 10:41 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by wintersweet at 10:41 AM PST - 16 comments
Meg Ryan movie monologue?
As told to me by a friend... There's a Meg Ryan monologue from a film (of course she didn't remember the title) that I need to find. [more inside]
posted by lizifer at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by lizifer at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments
Where do I start finding a loved one help with undiagnosed depression?
I need to find my partner some help with ongoing depression symptoms that she has been suffering from for a decade but has deepened recently. [more inside]
I don't have a daughter, OR her jeans.
When you can't tell that you've lost NEARLY 20 POUNDS because you blame it on your always-saggy Old Navy jeans... maybe it's time for new jeans. Any suggestions for better plus-sized jeans for a 33-year-old in the Midwest? [more inside]
Hiking with my dog within 1-2 hours of Lodi this weekend?
Where's a great place to take my dog hiking this weekend that's 1-2 hours from Lodi, Calif.? [more inside]
posted by DakotaPaul at 10:21 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by DakotaPaul at 10:21 AM PST - 4 comments
What are some life-affirming poems?
What are other life-affirming poems like Derek Walcott's "Love After Love"? I don't like really New Age-y or nature-oriented poetry, but poetry about food, wine, children, celebrations, etc are all welcome. More examples and context inside. [more inside]
I thought we'd be together forever.
I have a small black tattoo on my sternum that I'd like to get removed. I've done some internetting to see what's out there, and have wound up more confused and worried that I was when I started. Halp! [more inside]
posted by Elly Vortex at 9:55 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Elly Vortex at 9:55 AM PST - 20 comments
How to calculate self-employed income equivalent to employee pay?
I know the self-employed in the US face a strange tax situation. Now think of the salary + benefits of a full-time employee position. How much more money would you have to be paid, as a self-employed independent contractor, to get the after-tax equivalent of that salary, assuming you then had to purchase the benefits yourself?
posted by shivohum at 9:52 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by shivohum at 9:52 AM PST - 11 comments
Trashing my laptops.
How I can best dispose of my two laptop computers in an environmentally friendly way that ensure my personal data is protected and not stolen? Added difficulty level: Neither one turns on! [more inside]
My Dog Thinks He's A Cat
I have a 3-year-old pomeranian that has suddenly decided he wants to get under and behind all the furniture. [more inside]
posted by iarerach at 9:11 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by iarerach at 9:11 AM PST - 13 comments
Is there such a thing as "excessive lethal force?"
If the LAPD had intentionally set Christopher Dorner's cabin on fire, would that have been a legal use of lethal force? [more inside]
Life will find a way. BUT WILL I!?!?!?
OK, guys, Jurassic Park is being re-released on IMAX 3D for ONE WEEK in April, and if I don't see it I will just die of sadness forever. It doesn't appear to be playing anywhere near me, and I live in Chicago, which should have everything, and I'm a-skeerd that I won't get to see it at all. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 7:37 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by phunniemee at 7:37 AM PST - 17 comments
Solo traveler seeks life beyond Philly
I want to take a short trip to a new-to-me city over Memorial Day weekend. Where would you suggest I go, starting from Philadelphia? Interests, travel restrictions, etc, inside. [more inside]
Orlando kitschy vacation
My wife and I are taking a quick vacation in Orlando this weekend. We've both visited the area several times before (usually for work) so have visited the big parks and usual tourist attractions.
We want this vacation to be different. [more inside]
Tell me how to plan for a potential Tendinitis treatment
I believe I am getting Tendinitis in my right wrist. Despite my best efforts (Ergonomic everything, mousing with the left hand, exercises every hour) it has slowly gotten worse over the past year. I want to go talk to a specialist about it, but I am very anxious about what treatment will entail. Can you please tell me what your experience has been with getting tendinitis treated? What were the costs, how many visits did it take, what kind of treatments did you receive? [more inside]
Prepping for amicable split... Cliff Notes me
Spouse and I calmly decided it's over. Help me prepare. [more inside]
Nutty Cookie Monster
I somehow have come into the ownership of a pound of ground hazlenuts. Help me put it to use! [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:46 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:46 AM PST - 33 comments
What is this animal organ/fetus/embryo my cat brought in?
What is this thing my cat brought to my porch? http://i.imgur.com/cejZcGe.jpg It appears to be something between an animal fetus and organ. When I turned it over it looked the same on the other side. There were no visible eyes/mouth/features. It was larger than a quarter and there was no blood present. A possum visits regularly, and the area has many moles, birds, and raccoons.
Right power supply for a home piano keyboard?
My daughter has a Yamaha psr-260 that we picked up at a garage sale. It did not have a power supply and used batteries to power up.
Since the batteries have died, I have found a power supply that seems to match the piano's requirements on the back of the unit: DC IN 10-12V.
The power supply says Input: AC 120V 60 Hz 20W and Output: DC 12V 1000mA with a matching polarity symbol (the plus is inside the minus). [more inside]
posted by toastchee at 6:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by toastchee at 6:22 AM PST - 4 comments
Pittsburgh restaurant recommendations
I would like your help brainstorming the perfect Pittsburgh restaurant(s) to suit the needs of my local group. Special requirements (of course) inside. [more inside]
posted by librarianamy at 5:40 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by librarianamy at 5:40 AM PST - 10 comments
Kennedy Space Center tours?
We're visiting Kennedy Space Center in March and have time for one (and only one) of the tours. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions? I'm leaning towards the VAB one but could be swayed.
posted by smackfu at 5:35 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by smackfu at 5:35 AM PST - 12 comments
Google Chrome on Mac OS keeps shutting itself
Chrome on Lion 10.7.5 keeps closing while I'm in the midst of browsing, and it's driving me nuts. And it doesn't seem to think there's a problem with that. [more inside]
posted by FarOutFreak at 5:28 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by FarOutFreak at 5:28 AM PST - 9 comments
How much do Android updates matter?
People keep emphasizing that a major advantage of Nexus mobile phones is that Google will update them to the latest version of Android. But does it really make a huge difference going from a .x to .x+1 Android release when you have so many apps that can modify every aspect of your phone, not to mention what you can do with alternative firmware like CyanogenMod?
posted by Foci for Analysis at 5:04 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Foci for Analysis at 5:04 AM PST - 11 comments
Christian Marclay's The Clock. List of films?
For my next viewing project, I was thinking of watching everything which appears in Christian Marclay's The Clock in order. Very slowly, obviously. Does anyone have a definitive list? [more inside]
posted by feelinglistless at 2:35 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by feelinglistless at 2:35 AM PST - 4 comments
Downloading playlist from YouTube
Hello guys, I would like to know if it is possibel/allowed to download videos from YouTube?
There are a lot of nice playlists that I would like to have with me, so how can I download them? Can you recommend anything?
Thanks in advance.