May 2010 Archives

May 31

Wot's for dinner?

Does anyone have experience cooking Ethiopian food? I live in a part of Oakland, CA with a lot of Ethiopian groceries that I'd like to start taking advantage of. I'm looking for any info on cookbooks, kitchen implements, pantry items or special injera-fu techniques I should know about.
posted by WASP-12b at 10:44 PM PST - 3 comments

Travelling to Texas

I am traveling to Tyler Texas and Dallas at the end of June. I could use ideas on things to do. [more inside]
posted by zito75 at 9:15 PM PST - 10 comments

What stitch is "S.S."?

My new old sewing machine has a blind stitch lever with three settings: "B.S.", "M", and "S.S.". What is "M", and especially what is "S.S."? [more inside]
posted by mendel at 9:09 PM PST - 10 comments

What are the best font settings in Firefox?

What's the best/optimal font settings in Firefox? [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 8:44 PM PST - 11 comments

Should inheritance be distributed equally between siblings?

Should inheritance be distributed equally between siblings? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:43 PM PST - 47 comments

Where to find kinetic art?

Where can I find or purchase mobile or kinetic sculpture, ideally of the kind that is featured about halfway through IRON MAN 2, when Tony Stark is talking to "Pepper" Potts in her office and is distracted by the kinetic art on her desk?
posted by Mr. Justice at 7:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Would a plane ticket from Toronto to Beijing cost more after today?

Would a plane ticket from Toronto to Beijing cost more after today? [more inside]
posted by tracert at 7:49 PM PST - 7 comments

Can't Connect my PC Laptop to Airport Extreme network.

Can't connect to Airport Extreme with my PC. The Macs in the house have no trouble. [more inside]
posted by goatdog at 7:44 PM PST - 4 comments

JPEG / Picasa Metadata Export

Picasa/Jpeg Questions: How can I export metadata from my massive photo collection? Also, is there any reasonable way to get the face recognition information into the pictures themselves? [more inside]
posted by Popcorn at 7:33 PM PST - 3 comments

buying a garden/storage shed for the yard

I just bought a house with a small yard, and I am planning to get a garden shed for my yard maintenence and gardening tools. This seems like a basic thing to do, but before I spend $300-500 on a shed (or can I spend less?), what should I know? [more inside]
posted by waylaid at 7:30 PM PST - 14 comments

Baseball stats on last major league hit?

Last Saturday, baseball player Kendry Morales hit a grand slam to win the game and promptly broke his leg at home plate. It got me thinking, perhaps morbidly -- what if he can't come back, and that was his last major league at bat? So my question is, is there info somewhere on baseball players' last at bats? Has anybody else hit a grand slam and then never appeared again? Difficult to google.
posted by JanetLand at 7:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Where can I get oats in bulk near the Boston area?

Where can I get oats in bulk near the Boston area? I'm looking to cut down my breakfast costs, so I want to buy something like this. I assume that I could get it even cheaper than Amazon if I got it from a local cooperative/farm/something in the Boston area. Is that true, and if it is, how do I go about locating such a place?
posted by long at 7:05 PM PST - 10 comments

pain pains

How can I learn to deal better with my girlfriend's chronic pain? Or should I? Lots of details inside. [more inside]
posted by whalebreath at 6:56 PM PST - 24 comments

Reviews Of the iPad Three Weeks Later

Where can I find reviews of the iPad written after the reviewer owned the device for a while? [more inside]
posted by DMan at 6:52 PM PST - 22 comments

What's reasonable compensation for web page copy writing?

Some casual web writing I've been doing for my brother and his friend has suddenly ballooned into something resembling full-time work as requests from various Phoenix-area businesses to re-write their web-page copy have come pouring in. How much should I expect in compensation? [more inside]
posted by Ylajali at 6:49 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I recover from depression while in college?

This summer, I am making significant steps toward recovering from depression. How do I maintain these lifestyle changes once I return to college? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:45 PM PST - 13 comments

Who hacked my amazon acount?

My amazon account got hacked. (besides the password) What should I change? [more inside]
posted by TheJehosephat at 6:36 PM PST - 15 comments

Toronto alleycat route

The first alleycat was held in Toronto according to Wikipedia. Is the route available anywhere online?
posted by vegetable100% at 6:36 PM PST - 2 comments

Is there a Wordpress MU hosting service for multiple blogs under a single custom domain?

I'm part of a blog collective with some 20 blogs, running Wordpress MU. We're having a world of trouble with our hosting provider an sys admin. Help us switch. [more inside]
posted by falameufilho at 6:32 PM PST - 3 comments

How come the audience had to keep quiet on the View?

How come the View's audience, which consisted of naval personnel, were not allowed to clap or cheer when Sarah Silverman suggested that DADT was about to be a relic of the equal rights movement?
posted by jmmpangaea at 6:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Stupid encryption hampers my attempts to get video game footage, how do I fix this?

How can I capture video game footage from my Sony Playstation 3? [more inside]
posted by Nixie Pixel at 6:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Is Cactus Cooler anywhere around D.C.?

Any place you've seen Cactus Cooler for sale in or around D.C.? [more inside]
posted by General Malaise at 5:54 PM PST - 2 comments

What home automation technology should I use for my remote light switches?

What home automation technology should I use for my remote light switches? [more inside]
posted by andrewpendleton at 5:47 PM PST - 8 comments

Why is there an apparent difference in book offerings?

Why does there seem to be so many conservative books at book stores? [more inside]
posted by glaucon at 5:32 PM PST - 33 comments

Temporary workspaces in Cambridge/London/Paris?

Places to hang out and get work done in Cambridge/London/Paris? [more inside]
posted by yarrow at 5:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Vet's closed but my dog needs help now.

My beagle has an ear infection. I'm taking him to the vet tomorrow. He's scratching to the point of bleeding. is there anything I can do for him tonight to ease his pain/itching?
posted by JV at 4:55 PM PST - 6 comments

My husband is depressed and wants to kill himself. He refuses counseling. How can I stop him?

My husband has convinced himself that his life is worthless and the world is better off without him. How can I help a man who refuses help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:54 PM PST - 31 comments

How do I learn to be a better talker?

People tell me I'm a good listener, but that's only good for half a conversation. I want to learn how to be a good talker. Where do I begin? [more inside]
posted by archagon at 4:53 PM PST - 8 comments

How to give medical/genetic news to family?

I found out information through a genetic screen that could impact my dad's heart treatment. How do I clue him in? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:46 PM PST - 9 comments

How to coexist with past partner in an overlapping social circles?

Suggestions/help on dealing with a break up and mutual friends. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:46 PM PST - 8 comments

How can Google see password-protected areas of my website?

I've password-protected part of my website so that I could put up some info about a project that a friend and I are working on, without anybody else seeing it. I have a vanity search saved on Google for my name. Today I got a Google Alert for one of the new password-protected pages. How is Google able to read my password-protected pages?
posted by joannemerriam at 4:09 PM PST - 12 comments

Hold the pickle==hold the coffee?

Food Preference Filter: Do you hate pickles? Do you hate coffee? Do these taste aversions always co-occur? [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 4:05 PM PST - 78 comments

Overly complex question about overly complex federal hiring process

Federal job application filter. I see that the federal hiring process is going to be simplified by November, but I'm hoping to get a job before then! I'm new to this process, and I understand that federal job applications are different from others. I have a few specific questions about making sure I don't let anything essential slip between the cracks. [more inside]
posted by Jaltcoh at 3:56 PM PST - 4 comments

I want brass and I will alliterate to get it

What are some big, bombastic brass bands that will blow out my brains? [more inside]
posted by Rory Marinich at 3:45 PM PST - 28 comments

How to solder electronic components?

I'm trying to pick up this Arduino project, but I do not know how to solder. I bought this temperature controlled Weller unit, and leaded solder (63% Sn / 37% Pb). What temperature do I need set the unit to? How exactly does "tinning" work? How do I prevent the board from burning when the tip gets close? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 3:19 PM PST - 17 comments

Who wants to make me some clothes?

How much could or should I expect to pay for the following service (and does this even exist): I walk up to someone and hand them a skirt and some fabric. I say "Please do the following: Rip up the skirt and make it into a pattern. Make one skirt." How much for 3-4-more skirts? What if it was a simple sundress? [more inside]
posted by amethysts at 3:16 PM PST - 19 comments

Looking for a good wireless network antenna

Wireless Network antenna: Anyone use one/can recommend one? [more inside]
posted by mreleganza at 3:12 PM PST - 5 comments

Why are my eyes so itchy?

Why are my eyes so itchy? [more inside]
posted by Ryogen at 3:06 PM PST - 17 comments

Please help me with a car problem

Doing 60mph on an incline, I pressed down on the accelerator and nothing happened. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by zarq at 3:03 PM PST - 16 comments

Dresser drawers wont open. Help!

My dresser is designed to only open one drawer at a time, but now, none of the drawers are all stuck closed...how can i fix this? [more inside]
posted by NotSoSiniSter at 2:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Is a compost pile ever "done?"

Newbie composting question: How is your compost ever "done" if you keep adding new kitchen scraps and material to it? [more inside]
posted by mamessner at 2:15 PM PST - 15 comments

This is not the right side of the bed.

What are some good strategies for fixing things when you started out on slightly bad terms? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 2:01 PM PST - 19 comments

How can I transfer colleges with a fresh start?

Is it possible to get accepted at a community college or university without submitting prior college transcripts and still get financial aid? [more inside]
posted by isopropyl at 1:40 PM PST - 7 comments

Everyone slept until noon.

I'm looking for books about life in New York City in the 1970s; nonfiction preferred. [more inside]
posted by Riverine at 1:24 PM PST - 16 comments

Will the oil well run dry at some point?

Wont the BP oil well run out of oil at some point? How long could it possibly keep spewing? Don't wells run dry? (Sorry if I am hopelessly naive. I've never thought about oil wells in my life before this.)
posted by Sully at 1:21 PM PST - 11 comments

Simulacrum and Simulation

I want to know about the best simulation games out there. Preferably regular (Steam/disc-based) rather than online games - if you know of a farming game that isn't Farmville - or Agricola - I'd be up for that. [more inside]
posted by mippy at 1:15 PM PST - 16 comments

Where to find a database of all movies made?

Is there a relatively complete movie database in csv or other Excel-friendly formats? [more inside]
posted by AmitinLA at 12:47 PM PST - 3 comments

Screwy behavior from Facebook like buttons

I'm trying to put Facebook "like" buttons on my blog posts. Some of them work. Some of them don't. I can't discern any pattern. [more inside]
posted by veggieboy at 12:46 PM PST - 10 comments

How to calculate orifice diameter for laminar flow from a nozzle

How to calculate nozzle orifice diameter for a given fluid flow rate to have a laminar output stream rather drips (orifice too large/ flow rate too small) or turbulent flow (orifice to small / flow rate too large)? [more inside]
posted by Long Way To Go at 12:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Minnesota Furniture Removal

Getting rid of old furniture. Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota. [more inside]
posted by gimonca at 12:26 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm sorry, I can't understand you

You're at a loud party, or you have a bad phone connection, or the other person has a thick accent. Whatever the culprit is, you're having trouble understanding what the other person is saying. You've already asked them to repeat what they were saying, but still, no dice. How do you handle this politely and gracefully?
posted by estlin at 12:20 PM PST - 21 comments

Purchase Mini Blinds Online Or Local?

There is about a $200 difference between the online price of mini blinds for six windows and the estimate of a local merchant -- same manufacturer, same specs, etc. Have you ever made this choice? [more inside]
posted by partner at 11:39 AM PST - 11 comments

Can you recommend some indie/hip African or Reggae bands?

Can you recommend some indie/hip African or Reggae bands? [more inside]
posted by wordsmith at 11:32 AM PST - 21 comments

If Elliot Carter had a radio smash hit it would be...

My ears, they are bored (music recommendation filter): I am looking for badass, virtuosic, intricate, musically interesting, preferably contemporary pop/rock music. [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 11:24 AM PST - 54 comments

Can I tell if oil has already been added to gasoline?

Is there a way to tell if I have already added the oil into the gas can for my two-stroke trimmer? [more inside]
posted by BleachBypass at 11:22 AM PST - 11 comments

My Thinning Lips Want a Boyfriend.

What does it feel like to kiss someone who has had cosmetic lip injections? [more inside]
posted by Toto_tot at 11:22 AM PST - 3 comments

DVD to iPad?

DVD ripping newbie wants to know: how easy and legal is it to rip DVDs so they can be watched on an iPad? [more inside]
posted by hhc5 at 11:09 AM PST - 22 comments

Caroline?

Who sings the song in the new, French, "my dad doesn't know I'm gay" McDonald's commercial? [more inside]
posted by january at 10:32 AM PST - 1 comment

Help me make a get your butt swingin' dance music (pop, house, nu disco) playlist!

Help me make a get your butt swingin' dance music (pop, house, nu disco) playlist! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 10:19 AM PST - 2 comments

subconscious run amok?

Do you know the name for this psychotherapy technique: the symptoms come from some element in your routine which seems harmless but something in your subconscious freaks out about it. So you randomly omit items from your routine and if you are lucky you pick the right one for the first or second trial and your symptoms go poof. Also if there was an original inventor of the technique I would be interested in knowing that. [more inside]
posted by bukvich at 10:17 AM PST - 5 comments

Honey, I shrunk the property.

A neighbor has built a retaining wall that extends a few inches into my property. What action should I take? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 9:46 AM PST - 21 comments

Max out my Roth IRA or diversify first?

Should I max out the contribution to my Roth IRA before beginning to diversify? [more inside]
posted by bengalsfan1 at 9:40 AM PST - 14 comments

Please help me understand these protest signs

I saw a protest in Hong Kong, and took some photos of the signs. I've never been able to read them, and always wanted to know what the protest was about. Can you help me read the signs or understand what the drawings depict? [more inside]
posted by Houstonian at 9:29 AM PST - 3 comments

Need Help Finding a TV show location

Please help me identify a bridge as seen on Justified the TV show. In the first episode of the FX network show Justified, there is a large green suspension bridge featured quite prominently. According to Wikipedia the pilot episodes were shot in Pittsburgh and suburban Kittanning, Pennsylvania and Washington, Pennsylvania. [more inside]
posted by Faintdreams at 9:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me get rid of these weird black lines on my Mac

My Macbook's been acting strange recently. I'm getting weird straight, black lines around open windows. (screenshot inside) Help! [more inside]
posted by mordecai at 9:14 AM PST - 10 comments

TWC DVR needs TLC

Question about the on-screen guide on my Time Warner Cable DVR. [more inside]
posted by mkultra at 9:02 AM PST - 3 comments

Not so easy rider

How do i need to train? [more inside]
posted by djduckie at 8:40 AM PST - 13 comments

I need some ants to temporarily move out of their home.

I need to put a railroad tie post exactly where a red ant colony is. I don't mind that they are there, except that when I stand there, in seconds my shoes are covered with red ants, and a couple minutes, they'd be all over me and the bites hurt. I need them gone for a couple days. I don't want to use insecticide because I don't like such things in general and because it is very near an irrigation ditch. Ant suggestions?
posted by allelopath at 8:37 AM PST - 16 comments

autoCAD or manual drawing, which should I go for?

autoCAD or manual drawing, which should I go for? [more inside]
posted by sockpim at 8:22 AM PST - 12 comments

Better the second time around?

Can you think of any re-makes that were superior to the original (or even just as good?) The originals of The Browning Version, The Winslow Boy, ...just as examples, were superior to their re-makes. The first Sabrina was wildly better than the later version. Any suggestions for films whose remakes are well worth watching--or actually better than the original?
posted by uans at 8:21 AM PST - 47 comments

Beach house rental, minus oil

Looking for an alternate beach house rental in late August. [more inside]
posted by shinynewnick at 7:29 AM PST - 8 comments

What OS X Bit Torrent client is best for working with remotely?

Help me decide on the best bit torrent client for use on a remote machine... (OS X Leopard). [more inside]
posted by Biru at 7:15 AM PST - 13 comments

Why won't Acrobat/Distiller save my file?

Adobe Acrobat/Distiller query: I choose Adobe PDF 9.0 from the print dialog of Word 2008 on my Mac, and choose PDF/X-1a:2001 from the PDF Options. I click Print, am asked for a filename/location, the printing queue window opens, but NO FILE IS SAVED! What am I doing wrong? If I try and open the Word doc from within Acrobat, to output it there, it tells me it can't be outputted as a PDF/X-1a file.
posted by humblepigeon at 6:42 AM PST - 12 comments

If you tell me just go with "queer" I'll know you're messing with me.

Is "LGBT" the official designation for any particular organization or group, or is it simply an accepted social convention, like saying "white people" or "ball players?" [more inside]
posted by snapped at 6:36 AM PST - 16 comments

Quick and easy scheduling solution recommendation?

Employee scheduling solution? Our in-house staff is big enough to require something better than a manually updated Excel file, but not big enough to warrant the time and expense of a full ERP... [more inside]
posted by Zinger at 6:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Chordian Knot

Help me get my head around chords in music. I think I understand the basics, but then get confused when thinking about progressions, inversions, root movements etc. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 5:35 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm moving to Vienna for the summer. What do I need to know?

I'm moving to Vienna to work for nine weeks this summer. What do I need to know? How can I get the most out of my stay? [more inside]
posted by henryaj at 5:26 AM PST - 14 comments

advice on moving very heavy

I need to move this very large round stone object onto the bed of truck using only man power without a hoist. It is probably 500kg. Is rolling it up a ramp the best way? Can two people roll a very heavy round object up an incline? I only have one chance to do this. How to go about it?
posted by Infernarl at 5:11 AM PST - 17 comments

A coutnerintuitive idea to plug the gusher

Please tell me why this idea about stopping the unstoppable gusher will not work: I remember vaguely learning of something called Venturi's law in science class - that if you restrict the flow of a fluid, the pressure goes up. Thus to lower the oil pressure enough to allow the mud to push it down, perhaps they should actually open it up rather than try to plug it. [more inside]
posted by Astragalus at 2:30 AM PST - 10 comments

How to get Japanese iPad apps on my US iPad?

What exactly do I need to do to be able to download a Japanese exclusive iPhone/iPad app? (I am in the US, and the app in question is Puyo Pop Fever Touch.) [more inside]
posted by raygan at 1:54 AM PST - 5 comments

I need songs to be happily sad to, please. Or sadly happy, if you prefer.

Please help me build a playlist around a strangely narrow thematic framework: I need music suitable for bittersweet, fond farewells. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeek at 1:41 AM PST - 59 comments

Navigating across a cultural divide

RelationshipFilter: Hints requested on communicating across nuances of different cultures without constantly worrying about hurt feelings, treading on eggshells and overwhelming fears and doubts. [more inside]
posted by The Lady is a designer at 12:15 AM PST - 16 comments

May 30

Where does Fireworks store image map hotspots?

How can I edit or update an image map in Adobe Fireworks CS4 or CS5? I've saved the .png that contains "hotspots", I have the HTML that Fireworks exports, with all the hotspot coordinates, but if I move these files to a different folder, then reload the .png into Fireworks, all the hotspots are gone :( [more inside]
posted by flutable at 10:56 PM PST - 4 comments

How to go about buying a used car in Sydney?

I need help in figuring out how to go about buying a used car in Australia. [more inside]
posted by vidur at 10:54 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me fill out my old-timey, romantic playlist

I'm trying to build out a playlist of old-timey, romantic songs. The two that I've started with: Guilty by Yann Tiersen (Amélie soundtrack) and Moon River by Audrey Hepburn (Breakfast at Tiffany's soundtrack). Which songs would you suggest I add?
posted by charmston at 10:23 PM PST - 29 comments

Interesting budget places to stay in Berlin?

I'm going to be staying in Berlin for nearly two weeks in the summer. I need to pay hostel-style prices (10-40 euro/night), and would like to stay at a great location in a space that attracts and makes it easy to chat with interesting people (writers, artists, or just an eclectic crowd...). Don't want a heavy party atmosphere. Any hostel recommendations? And are there non-hostel accommodations I should consider?
posted by shivohum at 10:23 PM PST - 9 comments

We need a good, fun, intelligent two player board game!

I want a game that is intelligent and very fun for two people that can be played in someplace like a cafe. [more inside]
posted by tweedle at 10:07 PM PST - 59 comments

Who is the mystery-writer equivalent of Terry Pratchett?

I'm looking for the mystery-writer equivalent of Terry Pratchett. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 9:40 PM PST - 24 comments

Starting a startup?

What do you wish you had known before starting your...startup? [more inside]
posted by gacxllr9 at 9:09 PM PST - 10 comments

Text to wav without limits?

How can I change text into playable .wav files for minimal cost? [more inside]
posted by candasartan at 8:41 PM PST - 6 comments

I need places to get off the train or I'll spend all day staring out a moving window (which could be fun anyways)

What cool things are off the Metra? (Chicagoland filter) [more inside]
posted by Arbac at 7:46 PM PST - 11 comments

Had Airplane Ear for 5 days. Anything serious?

I have had airplane ear for five days, and have tried everything. Any final suggestions? [more inside]
posted by torpark at 7:26 PM PST - 17 comments

Help me to appreciate the Rolling Stones.

Help me to appreciate the Rolling Stones. I love classic rock and I practically worship Led Zeppelin and the Beatles, but I've never really delved into the Stones. I like music that is quirky and keeps me guessing, whose harmonies or arrangements take me by surprise. When this doesn't happen, I like music that is just unquestionably awesome (for any reason). Where should I begin (album-wise) to appreciate the Rolling Stones?
posted by Alabaster at 7:23 PM PST - 32 comments

Green apps

App Filter: I'm looking for a plant identification/database app for the ipod touch. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by pulled_levers at 7:20 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me find a gift for my techie nephew!

Are there any computer games that teach programming to teenagers? My nephew just turned 13, and he's a budding techie/robotics whiz. I'd like to get him interested in programming, but he'll probably be interested only if there is some game involved. Any ideas?
posted by adverb at 7:15 PM PST - 18 comments

Sitting Ducks

Trying to help a family of ducks trapped in an empty swimming pool. [more inside]
posted by mustard seeds at 7:07 PM PST - 17 comments

Who can get JR Linear tickets?!

Tokyo: In-laws are in town, planning a mini-break, and if NOT Hakone, then where.... [more inside]
posted by lundman at 6:58 PM PST - 8 comments

literature of the Lower Manhattan melting pot

Bookhelp: I'm looking for memoirs or fictional works that are set in Chinatown or Little Italy, NYC, and deal with cultural exchange between Chinese and Italian immigrants. [more inside]
posted by ms.codex at 6:45 PM PST - 2 comments

Who is publishing funny writing?

Where should I go to read laugh-out-loud humour writing? People talk about the golden days of Mad Magazine and National Lampoon... where can I find funny writing nowadays? It can be online, a blogger or tweeter you find funny, or it can be in print. Bonus points for a collection of writers grouped with a similar aesthetic (like Mad Magazine), but I'm open to anything that's making you laugh. I'm loving Shit My Dad Says, Overheard in New York, The Bugle. Thanks.
posted by surenoproblem at 6:30 PM PST - 39 comments

En danseuse jusqu'au sommet / Pedaler en grand braquet.

SoCal Cycling: What's the best way to continue through Palos Verdes from Torrance Beach? [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 6:18 PM PST - 2 comments

How many shares in how many hands?

Is there a way to find out how many people own a stock? [more inside]
posted by philosophistry at 6:11 PM PST - 6 comments

Find an elsewhere to be, roaches.

Urban dwellers with concrete yards: Have you had any success repelling cockroaches? I'd prefer less creepy-crawly company in the summer when I'm relaxing in my garden, thanks. [more inside]
posted by desuetude at 5:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Washer only wants to spin

I just closed on my house a few days ago, moved in this weekend. I thought the inspector had checked the washer and dryer, but apparently he hadn't. No matter what settings I choose, all it does is the spin cycle. What causes this, and is it fixable? Also, how likely is the seller to be receptive to rectifying the problem? [more inside]
posted by litnerd at 5:26 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I shut down poor me?

Tips for not complaining about a relatively minor physical issue? I'm beginning to suffer from hereditary osteoarthritis. I stand up funny and people ask what's wrong. I have stiffness and pain and tend to complain. I've listened to family complain about it and found it tiresome. How do I shut up and not burden people with a thing they can't do anything about and can't relate to, and isn't ultimately, that horrible? In twenty years, should I live so long, I'll freely complain about my hip replacements, but until then? We all find our own ailments fascinating, but other people's, not so much. I've read related asks, but this is specifically about a physical/health issue.
posted by rainbaby at 5:16 PM PST - 11 comments

It's been YEARS since they lost a kid, right?

What tips does the Hive Mind have for sending my 7-year old off as an unaccompanied minor on a cross-country airplane trip? [more inside]
posted by QuantumMeruit at 4:35 PM PST - 33 comments

Critters make my skin crawl

How do I assure myself that I did not just bring in ticks to take over my house? [more inside]
posted by wending my way at 4:25 PM PST - 9 comments

She's running the distance, she's running for speed

What is the correct way to run at interval speeds for weight loss? [more inside]
posted by unannihilated at 4:19 PM PST - 17 comments

Laptop as a DVR

Can I turn my Dell D620 into a DVR? [more inside]
posted by Admira at 4:19 PM PST - 1 comment

A t-shirt - that's a cardigan?

Help me find a short sleeved t-shirt that is also a cardigan! [more inside]
posted by pinky at 4:13 PM PST - 16 comments

NYCfilter, hotels in brooklyn

[NYCfilter] Cheapish Brooklyn hotels or hotel-oid situations? [more inside]
posted by You Can't Tip a Buick at 3:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Moving from Orlando to Seattle. Where to find a pickup with a hitch so I can tow my car and motorcyle?

I'm moving from Orlando to Seattle and I need to move a small pickup truck and a small motorcycle. Is it possible to rent a decent sized pickup truck with a hitch so I can tow my own pickup and put the motorcycle in the bed of the truck? I need to move in about two weeks and it's sort of an emergency. [more inside]
posted by zorro astor at 3:14 PM PST - 6 comments

Wine Question...

Wine Question: I've got a bottle of 2003 Radford Dale Gravity, Stellenbosch, South Africa. Is it still "good"?
posted by shoe478 at 3:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Airvideo for MacBook Pro?

What's the best way to replicate the Airvideo app on a MacBook Pro? [more inside]
posted by newfers at 3:01 PM PST - 12 comments

Recover a Three-Ring Binder

Anybody know of a tutorial for recovering a three-ring binder? [more inside]
posted by Srudolph at 2:48 PM PST - 6 comments

The Most Awesome Quiz Event

Help me devise a quiz show type event for the final session of a study group I lead. [more inside]
posted by atmosphere at 2:08 PM PST - 4 comments

Need some name ideas of African origin

I need some African name suggestions. [more inside]
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 1:53 PM PST - 18 comments

British Columbia Law Filter: Power of Attorney.

Help my (elderly) mother take care of her (even more elderly) sister. YANML, and we will be consulting one soon, but in the meantime . . . [more inside]
posted by Slugette at 1:23 PM PST - 5 comments

How can I stop feeling these pointless feelings?

How can I truly be happy for someone when they married someone I strongly dislike? (Oh, and I happened to have feelings for the married guy) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:13 PM PST - 11 comments

Which Singapore retail bank has the best transaction account for expats?

What Singapore bank offers the best transaction account for an expat Australian who travels to the UK and USA? [more inside]
posted by m1ndsurfer at 12:59 PM PST - 3 comments

Also, bookstores with especially friendly cats

Bookstore recommendations in London, Paris, and Barcelona? [more inside]
posted by Casuistry at 12:54 PM PST - 27 comments

Moving Nightmare

Any ideas about my moving nightmare? [more inside]
posted by malhouse at 12:35 PM PST - 11 comments

How to get tickets to EPL game on Boxing Day?

Best way to secure Boxing Day EPL tickets? [more inside]
posted by scooterdman at 12:10 PM PST - 9 comments

advanced internet sharing

Advanced internet sharing: I want to share my MacBook's wireless internet connection via ethernet to a Netgear router, which will then act as a wireless access point for other computers. [more inside]
posted by 6550 at 12:10 PM PST - 10 comments

iTunes headaches!

iTunes/Networking Filter: Cannot see a shared library that resides on my Windows XP desktop on iTunes on my Windows 7 laptop... [more inside]
posted by ganzhimself at 12:02 PM PST - 1 comment

How do I find information about cat personality research?

Librarians? Anyone? I'm looking for information on describing and/or predicting cat personality characteristics. I've been trying to find a library (or otherwise borrowable) copy of the ASPCA's "Meet Your Match Feline-ality guide" somewhere, or science/research/articles about it. No hits in WorldCat. Is it hopeless? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 11:56 AM PST - 6 comments

Differences in US/Euro temps and carbon footprint?

How much of the difference between US and European carbon footprints is due to differences in climate? [more inside]
posted by vim876 at 11:00 AM PST - 9 comments

How can I find a nice apartment in Cordoba, Argentina?

My girlfriend and I are moving to Cordoba, AR in October, and we're having trouble finding a way to search for apartments online from where we are (Austin, TX). Was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on websites or rental agencies in Cordoba. Any links help. Thanks!
posted by Eddy at 10:59 AM PST - 8 comments

Trying to locate a first-person essay I once read.

Trying to locate a first-person essay I once read, back in the '90s mebbe. Situation: white English dude makes friends with/seeks to interview a ditzy, goofy, elliptical Arab dude. [more inside]
posted by GrammarMoses at 10:41 AM PST - 2 comments

Unreleased movie scripts: where are they hiding?

What's the best way to get my fix of unreleased movie scripts? [more inside]
posted by jaffacakerhubarb at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments

Seeking eerie, haunting music recommendations

Recommend more eerie, haunting music for me! [more inside]
posted by grayber at 10:21 AM PST - 61 comments

Organizing photo files stored in and out of Aperture

I need help! I'm trying to get all of my photos organized and consolidated in my Mac Pictures folder - but they're strewn everywhere after using various programs to try to keep them organized... [more inside]
posted by fracturing at 10:02 AM PST - 2 comments

Taking my kitties and getting the hell out of Dodge

So, I got a promotion and will be moving from Dodge City, KS to Grand Forks, ND in about three weeks. I've moved many times in the past, but this is my first one with professional movers. And with cats. Please help. [more inside]
posted by weathergal at 9:47 AM PST - 11 comments

$500 to spoil myself. What should I get/do?

$500 to spoil myself. What should I get/do? [more inside]
posted by cosmic osmo at 9:29 AM PST - 40 comments

Internet

Sometimes I'm browsing on my laptop and as soon as the page loads it turns blank [more inside]
posted by notned at 8:49 AM PST - 1 comment

Worried about Mint

I love the idea of Mint.com, but I can't get over the idea of handing my online banking passwords to a third party. Am I overly paranoid? Am I underly paranoid? Convince me either way.
posted by soy_renfield at 8:37 AM PST - 22 comments

How much to charge for on-call web dev

Reasonable rates for on-call tech support/web development cover? [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 8:12 AM PST - 2 comments

Locking folders in place?

Is there a way to lock folders into place on my MacBook Pro desktop so I can't accidentally move or delete them while manipulating surrounding files? Thanks.
posted by dgaicun at 8:02 AM PST - 8 comments

What happened to the 70mpg car I was promised as a child?

Does anyone else remember the textbook I am thinking of from the late 1980's? [more inside]
posted by Yellowbeard at 7:47 AM PST - 8 comments

I'd like to become Mary Kay

I'm looking for a company that can produce/manufacture custom nail polish for me, ideally in the US. [more inside]
posted by cestmoi15 at 7:38 AM PST - 2 comments

Help with T-Mobile sim card in Germany

How can I add money to my T-Mobile Sim Card in Germany without knowing German? I'm in a little town where there doesn't seem to be a T-Mobile store or any other obvious place to add funds. I can call a number but it's all in German! Is there an easier way to do this? [more inside]
posted by Raichle at 7:29 AM PST - 10 comments

Music identification

Can someone identify the song running through this trailer?
posted by freud at 6:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Buying Opportunity?

The stock price of BP is at about $42/share. When the US Market opens after Memorial Day, the price will have surely fallen because of the company's failed "junk shot" and "top kill". [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 6:47 AM PST - 40 comments

Term for these color combos, other than "Agh, my eyes!"?

Is there a technical term for these problematic color combinations? [more inside]
posted by SuperSquirrel at 6:32 AM PST - 11 comments

How to hide/block all text in firefox

Is there a way -using greasemonkey or adblock plus in firefox- to hide/collapse all text in a webpage, but leave the images, etc. alone?
posted by subarctic_guy at 4:03 AM PST - 4 comments

Bookfilter: cult of the super mechanics

Help me identify this book or short story: A man accidentally creates a cult of super-mechanics when he recruits a native tribe to help him fix his plane. They mix religion and an obsession with mechanical detail. I might have seen this on MeFi, but I can't find it. [more inside]
posted by atrazine at 3:41 AM PST - 2 comments

What kind of work is out there for a person with severe muscular dystrophy? Need about $200/mo. extra money.

What kind of work is out there for a person with severe muscular dystrophy? Need about $200/mo. extra money. I have extensive general computer knowledge, sort of a jack of all trades, master of few. [more inside]
posted by MrFish at 1:24 AM PST - 14 comments

Most of my allergies are of the sneezing variety...

Doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals: is this a drug allergy, or am I needlessly worrying? [more inside]
posted by Hakaisha at 12:42 AM PST - 5 comments

May 29

MyStickies functionality for sites requiring login

I need something like MyStickies (http://www.mystickies.com/) that works for sites behind logins. If it ran locally on my machine, that would be fine, but isn't a requirement. [more inside]
posted by dblanchard at 10:35 PM PST - 1 comment

Advice for my website: timelines and comprehensiveness

How can I improve my political action site? [more inside]
posted by boo_radley at 8:11 PM PST - 20 comments

How to care for lizard eggs?

What do lizard eggs need to hatch? [more inside]
posted by whatisish at 8:09 PM PST - 12 comments

Backpacking in the Northeast

Where to backpack for a week in Maine/Vermont/New Hampshire in September? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane at 7:51 PM PST - 4 comments

Lost finale church?

What church was the Lost finale filmed in? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 7:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Why no easy way to barter personal services with others?

Why isn't there a good way to trade/barter services with other people via the web? Craigslist is too local, and it takes too long to find an acceptable trade. Various barter sites suck and don't have enough people. Google or Ebay has a great opportunity here. Ideally such a service would also suggest/arrange multi-party trades. Such a website would not need to be very complicated, and would be incredibly socially valuable and fun. Golf lessons for Mandarin tutoring, anyone?
posted by blargerz at 7:26 PM PST - 20 comments

Vegetarian grilling quandary.

I'd like to throw an outdoor grilling-type party, and I'm a vegetarian who won't cook meat amongst a salivating crowd of non-veg types. What do meat-eaters think of a no-meat outdoor summertime gathering? [more inside]
posted by nevercalm at 7:15 PM PST - 108 comments

Is this Cello restorable to playable condition?

Is this Cello restorable to playable condition? [more inside]
posted by marxchivist at 7:04 PM PST - 13 comments

What is the best/cheapest way to move from Toronto to Alabama?

What is the best/cheapest way to move from Toronto to Alabama? [more inside]
posted by skwt at 6:13 PM PST - 17 comments

Fun With Real Estate Agents

I just learned that in NY State, real estate brokers are allowed to represent both buyer and seller. As a buyer, I don't want the seller's broker for my agent! But it may be too late.... [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 5:58 PM PST - 22 comments

1970s modern outdoor furniture?

Recommendations for 1960s-1970s "California Modern"-compatible outdoor furniture? [more inside]
posted by Señor Pantalones at 5:35 PM PST - 3 comments

Does a Canadian citizen need a visa to do an unpaid apprenticeship in the States?

I am doing an apprenticeship program at a non-accredited institution (building bikes) in the USA. I am a Canadian citizen. I pay them for this privilege, but will earn no money while I'm down there. I will be in the US for approximately 6 months. Do I need a visa?
posted by seagull.apollo at 5:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Will the iPad keep my parents from becoming senile?

My 65-year-old parents just purchased an iPad. They've never owned Mac products before and are learning a new language of interacting. It got me wondering whether this modern era, with greater access to information and new technologies to discover, will ward off dementia, and if so, to what extent. Any research or experience in that regard?
posted by Josh Coe at 5:22 PM PST - 13 comments

buy me a present

Help me buy myself a present. [more inside]
posted by defenestrated at 5:05 PM PST - 27 comments

How to mail sensitive electronics (e.g. RAM)?

How to mail sensitive electronics (e.g. RAM)? [more inside]
posted by mazniak at 4:53 PM PST - 4 comments

I need a special buckle

Anyone know where I can find a five-point harness type buckle? the kind you find on a high chair or such? [more inside]
posted by hollyanderbody at 4:46 PM PST - 5 comments

It's not "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer"!

Help me identify a poem mentioned in Alan Moore's graphic novel "From Hell". [more inside]
posted by ollyolly at 4:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me find cheap flea medicine!

Cheapest online source for Advantage Multi or Frontline Feline. And yes, I do have a prescription from my vet. [more inside]
posted by jenfu at 4:32 PM PST - 6 comments

How did you survive the economic turbulance of the 70's & 80's?

If you or someone you know sat in hour-long gas lines in the 70's or graduated without a job in the early 80's, I want to hear your stories. I'm looking for anecdotal information on stagflation, not textbook definitions. [more inside]
posted by clarkstonian at 4:29 PM PST - 21 comments

Suggestions for beginner BarBri bar exam taker who cannot attend live lectures?

Suggestions for beginner BarBri bar exam taker who cannot attend live lectures? [more inside]
posted by anthropomorphic at 4:26 PM PST - 10 comments

Can anyone recommend a good vendor for secure internet voting?

I am the secretary of a minor political party in Oregon. We need to do secure remote internet voting of about 55,000 members for elections by district. I have a voter file which is basically a flat file with voter information plus information about the legislative districts plus a unique ID. Our idea is to send each member a card with the unique ID that, once a person logs in, will enable them to vote in all races associated with the districts they live in. Can anyone recommend a good system?
posted by salp at 4:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find my parents in Suggestion for a meeHelp me find my parents in Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris, Terminal 1

Suggestion for a meeting point at Charles de Gaulle airport, Paris, Terminal 1? I'm meeting my parents at this airport in a few days. We arrive on different flights and different airlines around 1/2 hour from each other, both flying in from the US. [more inside]
posted by jeff-o-matic at 4:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Pinhole camera time?

Google-fu fails: I built a plasticam pinhole camera last year. I then printed out a guide of how long to expose the film. Then I lost it! [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 3:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Who likes Rugby?

What are the cultural milieux for the various national rugby fraternities? [more inside]
posted by wilful at 3:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Accessorize my laptop

Help me properly accessorize my ThinkPad. To get: bag, external drive, fingerprint reader (?) etc. [more inside]
posted by Miss Mitz at 3:21 PM PST - 10 comments

Elephant Straws

What should I do with 30 10-foot, 1-inch diameter PVC pipes?
posted by scose at 3:14 PM PST - 16 comments

What kinds of things did education focus on then?

In 1920, what would every well-educated British man be expected to know? [more inside]
posted by Ashley801 at 3:12 PM PST - 8 comments

Best route to snorkeling for a poor swimmer

I'm not a very good swimmer. I can tread water, float on my back somewhat, and do a mediocre backstroke. But in a few months I'm going to Hawaii, and I'd like to have some fun snorkeling. What swimming skills should I focus on trying to learn? Should I start with learning finless swimming things first, such as the front crawl, or jump right into using fins and snorkel? [more inside]
posted by Hither at 2:27 PM PST - 22 comments

Can I get my data back? Or am I asking for a rainbow pony?

My 9 month old Macbook Pro flashed the gray screen of death. Is there any way to recover the data? [more inside]
posted by ladypants at 2:14 PM PST - 20 comments

no, why don't YOU have a blessed day.

Why is everyone wishing me a blessed day? [more inside]
posted by camdan at 1:54 PM PST - 36 comments

Best Eastern Shore Crab Shack?

Best crabs this weekend on Eastern Shore around Ocean City and Chincoteague, maybe a little further south along Rt. 13? Other road trip suggestions for the area? [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 1:49 PM PST - 1 comment

Lisfranc Injury: what will my mobility be like, and how do I move to NYC?

I fractured my second, third, and fourth metatarsals, my medial cuneiform bone, and I have what is called a Lisfranc injury in my left foot. How much mobility will I have as the healing progresses? How can I prevent gaining weight and stay in shape? How the heck am I going to move to Manhattan? [more inside]
posted by kscottz at 1:44 PM PST - 18 comments

What are some good self-reminders to be generous and compassionate?

What are some short quotes or sayings that can be used to remind yourself to treat others with compassion and generosity? I'm looking for quick reminders (maybe one-liners) to be used on the fly during the day. Thank you!
posted by jenmakes at 1:31 PM PST - 53 comments

help me get my fat cat slim

Fat cat needs to lose weight, but can't afford special foods or diets, um, help? Special snowflake story inside. [more inside]
posted by patheral at 1:28 PM PST - 62 comments

Give me my guillemets pls.

Is there an HTML code for a downwards/upwards pointing guillemet? [more inside]
posted by media_itoku at 1:23 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me keep the scum of the earth out of my email

My Ipod Touch was stolen last night. Boo Thieves. Help me protect sensitive information the thieves now have access to, please. [more inside]
posted by Term of Art at 1:09 PM PST - 12 comments

Downloading music on MP3 palayer

How do I download music on Curtis MP2012UK MP3 Player [more inside]
posted by page123 at 1:06 PM PST - 1 comment

How can I buy this house?

I can't buy the house because it isn't up to code and I can't fix it up because I don't own the house. Is there a way to resolve this? [more inside]
posted by stinker at 12:44 PM PST - 12 comments

I want to learn about marketing on the web — the right way.

I am interested in learning more about legitimate old-school marketing applied to the web, including how it relates to SEO, web analytics, usability testing, email campaigns, social media, etc. I'm looking for books and other resources to help me learn the basics of both technology and philosophy. [more inside]
posted by joshrholloway at 12:31 PM PST - 2 comments

How can hon-handy types get a TV installed in Boston?

How do embarrassingly non-handy people in Boston buy a flat screen HD TV and affix it to the wall? [more inside]
posted by mozhet at 12:11 PM PST - 2 comments

How can I get this jacket clean without damaging it?

How can I remove the stench of sweat from a wool jacket? [more inside]
posted by eeby at 12:02 PM PST - 12 comments

Do tax refund checks expire?

I just found my US tax refund check that was mailed to me in 2009, and never deposited. Last year, I filed my taxes on time, was mailed a refund, lost the check and never followed up. If I take this to my bank, will they let me deposit it? If not, what's the next step? (Anonymous because I'm ashamed of being so disorganized and so bad with money. I'm working on it.)
posted by anonymous at 11:57 AM PST - 11 comments

sad and blue

I have just inherited a Samsung LCD tv and I have a question about color calibration. [more inside]
posted by janepanic at 11:27 AM PST - 11 comments

Effective glucose monitoring for an elderly diabetic

Wearable glucose monitors? Do they exist and if so, are they worth it? [more inside]
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 10:28 AM PST - 6 comments

I need advice on that final trip to the vet.

Our poor cat is slowly dying. When it's time to go to the vet for the last time, what do I do? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 10:06 AM PST - 38 comments

blam. all over the wall.

Please help me identify the make / model and place to buy this shower component. [more inside]
posted by jeffamaphone at 10:00 AM PST - 7 comments

What is the cost of living for a Masters student in Amsterdam?

What is a realistic estimate of living expenses for a money conscious international Masters student in Amsterdam who wants to live on the cheap, but also be able to have a good time? [more inside]
posted by tumples at 9:46 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I enter HR?

I'm a stay-at-home mom. I think I've developed an interest in HR. How can I position myself to enter that field when I return to work? More resume-type info inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:42 AM PST - 6 comments

My eyes, they are a-changin'

Help me read my contact lens prescription. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:42 AM PST - 3 comments

I've got piles.

Should I use Minwax Wood Hardener or tar on the pilings of my flood-prone house? [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya at 9:28 AM PST - 1 comment

it really puts the "succ" in "succinate"

Is there anything I can do to offset the side effects of beta blockers? [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:26 AM PST - 12 comments

Performance question: Macbook Pro 2.66Ghz i7 vs. Mac Pro 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon

Hi there, I need a machine to do some heavy raw image editing on Adobe Lightroom. I am debating whether to buy a new Macbook Pro 2.66Ghz i7, or a 2year old Mac Pro 2.8GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon, which would be about half the price of the Macbook. Each have pros & cons for me in related to their form factor, but how would they compare in pure performance terms...? Thanks for any advice.
posted by wildatheart at 8:30 AM PST - 10 comments

How to be the best Best Man

Advice for being a Best Man. [more inside]
posted by no bueno at 8:15 AM PST - 24 comments

Help me water my square foot garden!

I've built my first square foot garden, and I'm looking for tips on how I can automate (or at least make easier) the watering process. [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 8:15 AM PST - 8 comments

My overactive puppy is voracious and undiscerning!

My 13-week-old puppy eats everything, and a lot of it. How can I teach him some taste discrimination? How can I figure out how much to feed him? [more inside]
posted by mondaygreens at 7:43 AM PST - 14 comments

Why preformed taco shells in the south?

Why do restaurants, even sit-down Mexican food restaurants, in the American South/Mid-Atlantic region, use preformed taco shells? [more inside]
posted by artlung at 7:43 AM PST - 36 comments

How to fix gap between residential door and door frame?

Handyman filter: we hired someone to install a new door in our rented house, but there is a gap between one side of the door and the frame. How to fix? [more inside]
posted by halfguard at 7:30 AM PST - 12 comments

A respectable small power source?

Respectable generator? [more inside]
posted by Nish ton at 7:21 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I regain access to my Enhanced USB storage device?

How can I repair / access an Integral/Courier 4GB USB memory stick? When I plug it in Windows 7 [Home Premium, 64bit] says the "Device needs to be reset before it can be used", then "Failed to reset the device to factory default". [more inside]
posted by n3rt at 7:20 AM PST - 2 comments

Vegetarian food near the Roundhouse

I'm going to a gig tonight at the Roundhouse in London with some friends. We'd like to go somewhere to get some food beforehand and I'm wondering if any users here have any suggestions. Most of us are vegetarian and none of us have much money so ideally we'd want a cheap and cheerful little café or something. Anywhere within walking distance of the venue would be great. Thanks!
posted by sandig at 7:19 AM PST - 3 comments

How to check for identity theft?

How does one check if he's a victim of identity theft? [more inside]
posted by cavedirt at 6:48 AM PST - 9 comments

Distance meter

Is there a range finder / meter that is particularly good for photography? [more inside]
posted by eurandom at 6:43 AM PST - 3 comments

Future linebacker in the making?

Will my big baby be a big adult? He 9 months and is in the 80th+ percentile for height and weight and his head is (literally) off the charts big. I am just kind of curious as to whether he is likely to be super tall/big as an adult and my googling of this question has let me down. [more inside]
posted by murrey at 5:43 AM PST - 32 comments

Books for Bhutan

YANM teacher, YANM parent, but which english textbooks would you recommend for grades K-6? [more inside]
posted by Suciu at 5:14 AM PST - 2 comments

Yawning innoculation?

I am in India at the moment. When I yawn, nobody else does. [more inside]
posted by devnull at 4:20 AM PST - 14 comments

help me attach my kayaks to my car

Best roof rack for kayaks on a 2003 Toyota Echo? [more inside]
posted by crazylegs at 4:06 AM PST - 4 comments

Booking a domestic flight on the heels of an international one...

How long should I allow to collect baggage, clear customs, find the correct terminal, etc on (international to domestic) flights into and out of LAX? [more inside]
posted by dawson at 2:30 AM PST - 6 comments

Taking the Family to Tijuana -- Nuts or Not?

Visiting Mexico from San Diego -- safe or not for a family? [more inside]
posted by fourcheesemac at 1:47 AM PST - 13 comments

Freelance writing websites similar to textbroker and demand studios?

Are there any other freelance writing website similar to Textbroker.com and Demandstudios.com? [more inside]
posted by Tres at 1:03 AM PST - 1 comment

Nachos would be nice, too.

Where can I get cheddar cheese or queso blanco in Sweden? [more inside]
posted by annathea at 12:34 AM PST - 7 comments

How common is/was Alice?

Do/did people have Alices? I'm referring to The Brady Bunch's Alice -- a combination maid/cook/nanny who lived on site and was treated as a much-loved member of the family (with no outside life of her own aside from a mostly chaste relationship with Sam the butcher) while doing almost all of the real work of maintaining the household. Does/did this kind of role really exist in real life? [more inside]
posted by amyms at 12:13 AM PST - 52 comments

May 28

26 year old college graduate looking for first job

I am 26 years old and just graduated from college with a B.A. in Anthropology. I am looking for my first job. [more inside]
posted by pamela123 at 10:52 PM PST - 29 comments

Article about the Transformation of a Middle Eastern Family

Looking for a magazine-style article where the author recounts how his middle eastern family changed over the course of a generation from modern secularism to religious/political conservativism [more inside]
posted by dephlogisticated at 10:42 PM PST - 5 comments

Help with addressing itunes buttons with applescript.

In iTunes 9.1, what is the applescript button number for the "Save Genius Playlist" button? [more inside]
posted by pompomtom at 9:18 PM PST - 3 comments

Up the street without a paddle, or is it 'down' the street?

Grammar filter: When do you say "up the street" versus "down the street"? [more inside]
posted by thisisnotbruce at 9:05 PM PST - 36 comments

Spoilers in the Mad Men season 3 DVD special features?

Are there spoilers in the special features on the Mad Men season 3 DVDs? [more inside]
posted by NortonDC at 8:47 PM PST - 11 comments

transportation planner post-college

what jobs are out there in transportation planning for the liberal artsy type just out of college + wandering back home to Boston? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 8:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Build me an emergency car-kit

What item or knowledge has saved you in a car-related bind? [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:19 PM PST - 47 comments

Recording of "RENT: The Musical" opening night?

Does anyone know if there is a recording of the original opening night of the "RENT" Musical; from the night after Jonathan Larson passed away, and if so, where I might find it? [more inside]
posted by linzenoonoo at 7:03 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I grow a giant cabbage?

I should have paid more attention at 4-H camp. I want to grow a giant cabbage and a giant pumpkin. How do I help them get huge? [more inside]
posted by tr0ubley at 6:27 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I convince the temping agency that I am working for to let me reduce my work hours, but not fire me altogether?

How do I convince the temping agency that I am working for to let me reduce my work hours, but not fire me altogether? [more inside]
posted by Year of meteors at 6:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Used crossover suv under 20k?

Please help me pick a used car. [more inside]
posted by dpx.mfx at 5:41 PM PST - 21 comments

Looking for "New Media" Masters programs in a warm climate, preferably west coast

Back to school filter: Looking for "New Media" Masters programs in a warm climate, preferably west coast. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by rampy at 5:31 PM PST - 18 comments

WiFi Poltergeist

My laptop can only connect to my girlfriend's wireless with Ubuntu, not Windows and it's driving me crazy. Tech problem or ghosts? [more inside]
posted by quietfire at 5:16 PM PST - 12 comments

How much of this moolah should be mine?

I work for a small (<40 people) specialized consulting firm. What should I be paid? My time is billed to clients at $150/hour. How much of that should I be seeing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:34 PM PST - 16 comments

Subscribe to Consumer Reports for Baby Stuff?

Is it worth getting a Consumer Reports subscription to research baby stuff? [more inside]
posted by TEA at 4:13 PM PST - 20 comments

Music database

Are there small databases for music and (less importantly for me), books and movies that are available as sql dumps or flat txt files? [more inside]
posted by rainy at 4:03 PM PST - 2 comments

help me haul my lazy ass around town

Folding bike or Electric scooter? Help me choose! [more inside]
posted by jak68 at 4:00 PM PST - 14 comments

How do mortgage broker comissions work in Canada?

A 2-part question about mortgage brokers in Canada: How do their commissions work? How do they source their deals? [more inside]
posted by graytona at 3:58 PM PST - 1 comment

How can a college student make $30K a year to pay student loans while attending school?

Trying to pay for the college of my dreams: Are there any legitimate part-time jobs (hopefully on the internet) that a college student could do to make $30,000 per year? [more inside]
posted by melancholyplay at 3:38 PM PST - 75 comments

Help my treadmill time fly by

I spend most mornings before work with 45 minutes on the treadmill at my gym. To pass the time and not stare at the damn TV bank, I read. Help me find the best quality, most creative, intelligent, and engaging short-form non-fiction reading on the internet. Help me strengthen my mind as I strengthen my heart and not get captured by the boob tubes in my line of sight. [specifics inside] [more inside]
posted by cross_impact at 3:37 PM PST - 14 comments

Oh, I don't want a bad hair day!

From Chicago, but in Denver for 6 weeks for training....who's a good gentleman's barber in Denver? [more inside]
posted by rtodd at 3:24 PM PST - 3 comments

Does no one make portable CD/mp3 players anymore?

Where can I buy a high quality portable CD/mp3 player? [more inside]
posted by figTree at 3:17 PM PST - 6 comments

Where does one train to be a collision estimator in the Greater Vancouver Area?

Greater Vancouver area filter: Where can my husband learn to be a collision estimator? [more inside]
posted by burntflowers at 3:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Where to download classic video game wav files?

I am looking for classic video game sounds and songs to download in wav file format without much luck. Can it be that hard to find these?
posted by Odinhead at 2:58 PM PST - 8 comments

Moving from regular employee to contractor

The short: I've been laid off, but the company wants me to come back as a contractor to finish up a few projects. And I want to finish them. How much money do I ask for as a contractor? Of course, the details are inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:49 PM PST - 17 comments

How to get unicolor, gradient t-shirts

How can I get my hands on unicolor, gradient t-shirts? Where to buy, how to dye? [more inside]
posted by oxit at 2:11 PM PST - 5 comments

How Can We Both Be Right When We're Both Wrong?

Marital Discord filter: After a 30+ hour power outage I open the freezer and touch the ice cubes and discover the ice cubes are still completely frozen on top with no moisture. I declare all the items in the freezer safe to eat. Is this correct? [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 2:00 PM PST - 37 comments

Help me find a very specific kind of bag.

Another very specific search for the perfect bag. [more inside]
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 1:39 PM PST - 19 comments

Save me from having to hire a data enterer.

Bah! Help me deal with my difficult excel data! [more inside]
posted by masterscruffy at 1:20 PM PST - 12 comments

News on pacaya damage/spanish translation?

Has anyone got information on the extent of the problems caused by volcano Pacaya in Guatemala erupting today ASAP, or would someone be prepared to look for articles on Spanish sites? I have friends there I can't get through to.
posted by Not Supplied at 12:51 PM PST - 11 comments

How can I make my Wordpress blog [import] Delicious like Tumblr?

Is there a plugin or other way to import Delicious.com bookmarks (and their excerpts, headline and tags) as individual blog entries into a hosted Wordpress installation? [more inside]
posted by jkl345 at 12:46 PM PST - 3 comments

Ford Econoline Safari rack recommendations

I have a 2005 Ford e150 van. I am going camping tomorrow and it would be nice to throw the clothes and sleeping bags on a roof rack. Yet the Yakima and Thule options seem terribly overpriced, and given the vehicle it should be obvious that fashion is not an issue. Is there a functional rack that I can get from a bricks-and-mortar retailer that costs <$300 and doesn't involve suction cups? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 12:39 PM PST - 6 comments

Floating wagon?

I work in the marsh and we need to carry some pretty heavy equipment soon; we have been trying to think of some way we can carry it all. We are thinking of some sort of sled/wagon that could handle diverse ground going from firm ground to puddles/ponds to very muddy, soft ground. Does anybody have good ideas? [more inside]
posted by Rustbeard at 12:35 PM PST - 6 comments

Google Apps vs Exchange server ?

Looking for someone to summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of going with a premier Google Apps account versus Hosted Exchange Service versus in-house Exchange (where we are now). We are a small non-profit 150 users with 1.2 FTE IT support. Why the desire to move? Recent experiences with worm have brought the cots of in-house to the fore in downtime and support time to fix things..
posted by dougiedd at 12:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for "Swimming Lessons"

This morning, I took my two daughters to the pool. One is 4.5, the other is almost 3. I thought it might be a fun project to see if I cannot, on my own, teach them to swim. I was wondering if there were any online, pre-designed "swimming lessons for 3 and 4 year olds" that people could recommend. Something thorough, and that you think is grounded in good practice.
posted by scunning at 12:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Is this zoo statement about tree branches (and apes) true?

What's the real reason apes evolved to move through trees using arms rather than legs and a tail; why do they swing rather than jump? Surely not because "a tree branch can hold more weight above than it than below it" (as purported by a suspect sheet of "fun facts" at the zoo). [more inside]
posted by theDTs at 12:23 PM PST - 21 comments

Portable multi-sample recorder and player?

Does anyone make a portable multi-sample audio recorder and player? [more inside]
posted by satori_movement at 12:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Would a terabyte be terrible?

Am I limited as to the capacity of a second hard drive to be added to my PC? [more inside]
posted by longsleeves at 12:19 PM PST - 7 comments

Ginger-lime-sake cocktail help :)

[Cocktail filter] Please help me re-create Sei's "Liquid Wasabi" cocktail, which is wasabi-free, has sake, ginger, lime, and habanero. [more inside]
posted by Neekee at 12:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Hey, look over there. Whap.

Why did this bird attack me? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 12:05 PM PST - 27 comments

Help me a wild man, canoe style.

I would like to plan my own canoe trips, especially in whitewater. I've gone on a few trips with my old college, but never been the leader. How can I get started in planning fun, safe trips? How would you suggest gaining more experience? And is it a bad idea to go solo? [more inside]
posted by abkadefgee at 12:00 PM PST - 7 comments

What should I do if I'm taking photos of people doing illegal things?

What are some good practices for taking photographs of people doing illegal things, for "documentary" sort of work? [more inside]
posted by ejfox at 11:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Any hope to salvage my 2nd Gen iPod Shuffle?

Any hope to salvage my 2nd Gen iPod Shuffle? [more inside]
posted by yeloson at 11:47 AM PST - 7 comments

This has nothing to do with your high school

Is it St. Louis or Saint Louis? [more inside]
posted by dyobmit at 11:33 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I bike to Sarah Lawrence from Brooklyn?

What is the best bike route to get from North Brooklyn to Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY? I'm trying to plan a trip and I'm not sure I trust google maps' bike route feature yet, and ridethecity.com doesnt go outside of the city limits. I'm looking for the safest route possible, but I also wouldnt mind going a little out of the way for a more scenic ride.
posted by minicloud at 11:18 AM PST - 5 comments

The business side of freelance photography.

So I'd like to start an art day camp out of my apartment, but I've heard I may need a license or something like that. Does anyone know what kind of steps I need to take legally before I start this project? [more inside]
posted by wild like kudzu at 11:05 AM PST - 8 comments

Will I make it as an MPA?

Were you a Liberal Arts undergrad who got an MPA and ended up in government? I need your help. (Snowflakery inside) [more inside]
posted by griphus at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments

Roussel Flesch: Russian/Hungarian Meat Mystery

My dad remembers his mother making him a dish he loved as a child in the 1930s called "roussel flesch." What is it? [more inside]
posted by symbebekos at 10:37 AM PST - 7 comments

How much does a medium/large agency charge for creating animations?

How much does a medium/large agency charge for creating animations? [more inside]
posted by b_thinky at 10:23 AM PST - 2 comments

YA Time Travel -- wish I could recall book

Help me find the title of this YA book I've been searching for for 30 years! Two female friends time travel back to old New York. Published in the late '60's or early '70's in hardcover. That's all I recall, except that I loved it. Thanks!
posted by kidelo at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments

Bored in the Bay

Bay Area filter: Fun things to do solo over Memorial Day weekend? [more inside]
posted by mingodingo at 9:57 AM PST - 13 comments

Brain Cyst? WTH?

How serious is an arachnoid cyst in my brain? [more inside]
posted by Mimzy at 9:55 AM PST - 16 comments

Best traffic-less route to Cape May, NJ from Madison, NJ

I have at least two options of going to Cape May from Madison, NJ. Everyone tells me traffic will be insane no matter when I leave. Anyway, it looks like I have at least two routes. 1) I can take the parkway all the way down. 2) I have the option of taking 206-S and then getting on the GSP right after Atlantic City near exit 38. I'm thinking 206-S I'll hit less traffic. Where do people usually hit the brunt of the traffic heading down the shore? Thoughts on which route to take? Thanks!
posted by paulyballs at 9:43 AM PST - 9 comments

Road trip with two 13 year old girls – need audio book recommendations.

Please share your suggestions for short and fun middle-school audio books. [more inside]
posted by kbar1 at 9:30 AM PST - 16 comments

Microsoft SharePoint - ability to file-share with outside companies/collaborators?

Microsoft SharePoint - ability to file-share with outside companies/collaborators? [more inside]
posted by beammeup4 at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm going to be let go--now what?

I've recently found out that I'm probably going to be let go from my job in the next week or two. Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:16 AM PST - 16 comments

How to handle multiple job offers.

Please advise me on how to handle this delicate work situation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:16 AM PST - 13 comments

Fiance's Mother... oy!

Is it wrong to ask my fiance to find an assisted living facility for his Mother? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:16 AM PST - 45 comments

Why, yes, I'd love to buy an undamaged, uncorrupted used I-touch.

Buying a used 8gb 3rd gen I-touch from Craigs List. What do I need to check out before handing over the cash? [more inside]
posted by HeyAllie at 9:00 AM PST - 10 comments

A little Vespa help

[Classic Vespa Filter] Calling all scooterists! Need some help. '64 VBB: I have gas in my carb box, a wet and black plug, and more smoke than typical. [more inside]
posted by kaseijin at 8:45 AM PST - 10 comments

Things to do in Newport when you're not dead

Things to do in Newport, Oregon (and environs) this weekend? [more inside]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 8:45 AM PST - 13 comments

Could I transfer my iPhone from AT&T to a carrier in France if I move?

Could I transfer my iPhone from AT&T to a carrier in France if I move? [more inside]
posted by scazza at 8:39 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me find a hot male stripper who's ok with gays!

I'm helping plan a gay couple's bachelor party that is happening TONIGHT, and the male strippers just cancelled on us. Ugh. I know that the couple will be disappointed if there's no nudity involved in the shenanigans tonight. We were hoping to not have to go to a strip club, but rather have the strippers come to a house in the 'burbs. Help me find 1 or 2 gay friendly male strippers in the D.C. metro area [more inside]
posted by Gonestarfishing at 8:25 AM PST - 10 comments

How to get past the nervousness and have fun?

Good suggestions for calming first-date nerves? [more inside]
posted by photo guy at 8:14 AM PST - 28 comments

Getting rid of a gas stove in good condition

I have a gas stove in good condition that I want to get rid of. Salvation Army's donation pickup line in my area (Boston) never answers my calls and never returns my messages. What other options do I have? Also, I was told by the stove salesman that selling the stove wasn't a good idea because I'd be liable if the purchaser hooked it up wrong and poisoned or exploded themselves. Is this true, or was it just FUD?
posted by Plutor at 8:07 AM PST - 14 comments

So testosterone boys and harlequin girls...

Looking for high-energy songs about lust and/or sexual jealousy. [more inside]
posted by randomname25 at 8:02 AM PST - 60 comments

Woodworking/Cabinet making on a budget

I've recently got really into woodworking, but, as I don't know if my first project was just a one off in terms of how fun it was and how well it went, I don't want to splurge on LOADS of equipment before I know I *really* like it. [more inside]
posted by dance at 7:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Maintaining unoccupied home?

Tips for maintaining unoccupied home? [more inside]
posted by John Borrowman at 6:42 AM PST - 14 comments

Should I replace my composite filling?

Should I ask my dentist to replace my composite (white) filling with something stronger, so my chewing sensitivity is eliminated? [more inside]
posted by blake137 at 5:53 AM PST - 13 comments

please fence me in

Our Portland OR house from 1924 is on a double lot, so we don't have a 'back' yard, we have a 'side' yard. The neighboring house from 1925 was built directly on the property line, as verified by surveyor and plat maps. That side of their house contains a window that can't see anywhere but into our yard, and a gas meter that the gas company needs access to. We're in fence building mode, and aren't sure where to put the fence, or how high it can be. [more inside]
posted by foobario at 5:38 AM PST - 11 comments

Can I trust this website selling cheap software?

Is this software sales site safe? [more inside]
posted by bakerybob at 5:24 AM PST - 17 comments

Am I willfully ignoring signs that he's lost interest: reading tea leaves and SMS?

Am I on the receiving end of an early-stages dating "fade-out"? Or am I just neurotic? Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by Lisitasan at 4:52 AM PST - 8 comments

BayAreaDrivingFilter: help me get from 237 Westbound onto Central Expressway Northbound without getting lost in Mountain View.

BayAreaDrivingFilter: 237 W to Central Expressway without getting lost in Mountain View. [more inside]
posted by metaseeker at 4:35 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me create the best online store for my buck?

How do I successfully build an online store and what online tools do I use? [more inside]
posted by modoriculous at 4:24 AM PST - 2 comments

I think Aunt Flo is trying to kill me

After 20 some years of having my period, everything hurts and aches so much more. I can't sleep because of it either and am averaging 3-4 hours of sleep a night. Suggestions for eliminating pain immediately (please please) when regular remedies aren't working? [more inside]
posted by anniecat at 3:47 AM PST - 26 comments

Hosting webpage translations: Legal?

I want to translate some pages and make the translation available to other people. Can I do that? Google apparently can, without asking permission of the original author. What happens to the copyright of (Google-) translated web pages? [more inside]
posted by Zarkonnen at 3:42 AM PST - 8 comments

NYC => DC: Train or plane?

I heard the Oil Barons destroyed trains in the 70s in the US. Should I let this get in the way of a trip by train from NYC => Washington DC and back (just one night in DC)? Or are flights + security + not-dodgy company better? I have no idea. A previous AskMeFi thread suggested that in 2008 trains were slow but reasonably enjoyable. What's the Q2 2010 view?
posted by kiwi.es at 2:49 AM PST - 31 comments

How do you drink? Judging healthy drinking.

How do you drink alcohol? How do you judge healthy drinking? [more inside]
posted by aTrumpetandaDream at 1:34 AM PST - 41 comments

Random Late-Night Grammar Question

I know this is a silly question, but I've never been able to figure this out. If my sister and I have a favorite song, how would I describe that fact in a sentence? "That's my sister and I's favorite song", "that's my and my sister's favorite song", "that's my sister's and my favorite song?", or some other permutation I may not be seeing? [more inside]
posted by Buddy-Rey at 12:02 AM PST - 31 comments

May 27

Prednisone Problems

Am I coming off my temporary use of prednisone too fast? [more inside]
posted by boots77 at 11:32 PM PST - 9 comments

May need immediate help for out of state friend

I have no phone and little contact information on a friend who may be suicidal right now. I need quick answers - I am very concerned. [more inside]
posted by deacon_blues at 11:23 PM PST - 18 comments

Looking for a few words about letters.

What are good resources for the history of letterforms? [more inside]
posted by thebestsophist at 10:15 PM PST - 8 comments

Good Living Along the Georgia Coast

This summer, I'm temporarily leaving Atlanta for the Georgia coast, working for a month in Brunswick and for another month in Hinesville. I'm used to ... a substantially more urban lifestyle. Any advice on living in either of these areas? [more inside]
posted by SpringAquifer at 10:13 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me buy a sweet 4x4 truck/SUV.

I’m considering buying a used truck/SUV but I’m confused by the dizzying array of options. [more inside]
posted by fieldtrip at 10:04 PM PST - 29 comments

How to find out transaction counts for credit cards used in restaurants

Been trying my best google-fu to no avail... so perhaps someone here might know where to point me.I am trying to determine the number of credit card transaction count and dollars annually that are used in the food industry, optimally broken out by fast food, restaurant and if possible restaurant bar by credit card type by year. Knowing this info for other countries would be helpful too. thanks so much for any help you can provide. smiles to all.
posted by wildpetals at 9:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Broken mower blues

Why is my lawnmower engine suddenly racing? Can I fix it myself? [more inside]
posted by Camofrog at 9:15 PM PST - 10 comments

Should I move to Boise?

From Oakland to Boise? Liberal, hipsterish dude contemplating a move to attend BSU. Will I hate it? and yes, I saw this post, but it's from 5 years ago and I've heard the city is changing (for the better?) I'm thrilled about the rent prices I'm seeing. I've lived in Idaho before (Moscow), so I have a general sense of the culture, but haven't spent any time in Boise. What are the coolest, most convenient neighborhoods? Are there good (non-douchy) bars? Can I see relevant bands play? Any advice on transferring to BSU as an undergrad would be appreciated as well. Thanks!
posted by ryaninoakland at 9:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Don't Know how to ease my mom's burden

I feel bad giving tough love to my mom when she is feeling depressed about breaking up with her asshole boyfriend. I don't know how to make her situation better for her, or to ease her pain. All I can do is lend an ear but its annoying that my privacy is invaded constantly because shes totally out of it. I never had a private moment to myself all my life, that's a different story. How can I make light of the situation without losing my own sanity?
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 8:29 PM PST - 25 comments

You are not my doctor, which is partly why I need one.

Looking for a new doctor in central or west end Toronto. [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 8:14 PM PST - 5 comments

What was visual art like in 1560AD Astrakhan?

What visual artistic style(s) would have been popular in the port town of Astrakhan near the year 1560? Links to sample images would be ideal. [more inside]
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 8:01 PM PST - 2 comments

Seeking damage control ideas for pot smoking parents

What can a mom do to ease her 12, 13 & 15 year old's heavy hearts and worried minds after they discover that she and their dad like to smoke pot? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:52 PM PST - 46 comments

Hallway with a View

Is there an architectural principle along the lines of "put your best window view in a hallway"? [more inside]
posted by typography at 7:45 PM PST - 6 comments

Folder, i hardly even...

How can I change the view of EVERY FOLDER on my computer (vista 64) to the same view, sort by and group? [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 6:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Experience with Flexi Drive Vacation?

Has anyone taken a flexi drive vacation? Is this kind of thing safe? [more inside]
posted by ejames at 6:48 PM PST - 5 comments

THEY ARE CRAWLING ON ME AS I TYPE THIS.

My house is completely infested with brown marmorated stink bugs, and I can't take it any more. Are foggers a possible solution? And how bad are they for people, pets, and the environment? [more inside]
posted by ixohoxi at 6:35 PM PST - 5 comments

What is the ultimate toddler cup?

Help me find the ultimate toddler cup! [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp at 5:57 PM PST - 10 comments

CV of life experience?

42 year old man applying to college for the first time. What to put on a resume or CV to reflect life experience as well as work experience? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 5:34 PM PST - 10 comments

A mysterious Thai amulet

Any ideas on the story behind this Thai amulet? [more inside]
posted by gomichild at 5:14 PM PST - 8 comments

Where Oh Where For Temporary Healthcare?

Where do I apply for the new Temporary High Risk Pool? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 5:13 PM PST - 8 comments

What do do on a rainy day in Tokyo?

Help me find something fun to do on a rainy day in Tokyo. [more inside]
posted by farce majeure at 4:50 PM PST - 19 comments

Arts council seeks examples of effective marketing materials.

[Nonprofit Filter] Small-town arts council needs your help! We seek effective examples of 1) an "ask package" or a "leave behind" to use as a guide when creating our own, and 2) an affordable and duplicatable example of a simple artist's database/registry. [more inside]
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 4:46 PM PST - 4 comments

Pinball Wizard?

Are there any good pinball games for Windows PCs out there? [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 4:38 PM PST - 11 comments

Frieght to Norway

AskInternationalFreightFilter: How can I find the best way to ship a bunch of heavy big boxes from San Diego to Norway. [more inside]
posted by notnathan at 3:45 PM PST - 6 comments

Fake landlords

My friend, renting a room in a house, has found that the people he was renting from didn't actually own the house. He came home to find an eviction notice on his door and the locks changed. The fake landlords have moved all of their stuff out, changed their phone number, and are gone without a trace. Now my friend can't get to his stuff. [more inside]
posted by XMLicious at 3:41 PM PST - 20 comments

But will you do windows?

We find it exceptionally hard to find and hire people who are not only good at management, strategy and planning, but who are also exceptional at the hands-on tasks that are in their field of expertise. Most people we speak with, or even hire, tend to only be good at one or the other, or are only willing to do one or the other. How do we figure out if someone that we want to hire will truly be decent at both? [more inside]
posted by I EAT TAPAS at 3:26 PM PST - 18 comments

Anyone switching back?

Why do Macbooks cost so much more than Windows notebooks? Now that Microsoft has gotten it right with Windows 7, is the Macbook still worth it? [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 3:25 PM PST - 61 comments

How to find the up to date text of an Act of Parliament?

How do legal professionals obtain up to date texts of statutes? This is for lawyers in "common law" jurisdictions--The former British commonwealth and the USA, basically. [more inside]
posted by Logophiliac at 3:22 PM PST - 21 comments

Famous translators?

Who were the most famous and interesting modern-day translators of ancient texts? Are there any interesting articles or books about the personalities who translated the Dead Sea Scrolls in the 60's, the Mayan codices, etc? [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 3:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Any good downhill runs for land paddling in SE Michigan)

Land Paddling in SE Michigan looking for some good downhill runs. Clawson/Royal Oak area is like an MC Escher painting, all uphill all the time. Would like to do some good carving.
posted by mrflibble at 3:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Blogs Curating the Craft of Music Making?

There are so many wonderful visual design websites/blogs where designers are discussing cool things that inspire them. What about music or audio design blogs that do the same thing? [more inside]
posted by jnrussell at 2:27 PM PST - 7 comments

Anti-white noise?

How can I keep the white noise from the AC unit from zoning me out all day at work? [more inside]
posted by thekilgore at 2:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Portland pubs & garb

Pub and shopping suggestions in Portland? [more inside]
posted by bamassippi at 2:14 PM PST - 10 comments

Driving a new car into the US with non-matching registration?

Driving a new car into the US with non-matching registration? [more inside]
posted by northernsoul at 2:07 PM PST - 3 comments

Fun outdoorsy things around Portland, Maine?

Hiking, kayaking around Portland, Maine? I'm visiting this weekend and I've read many of the previous threads but I have a few specific questions: [more inside]
posted by exhilaration at 2:07 PM PST - 9 comments

It's like a sauna in here.

What's the most effective and efficient way to keep our small apartment cool? [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 2:03 PM PST - 12 comments

Band vs. Jersey vacation hordes

Driving on a tight timeline from NYC to Philadelphia on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend: are we screwed or really screwed? [more inside]
posted by otolith at 1:58 PM PST - 17 comments

What to do in Heathrow Airport for 12 hours?

We have a 12 hour layover (10am to 10pm) in Heathrow airport on a saturday. don't have visa to go out. - Looking for thing's to do - a place to rest (or better yet sleep) - restaurants to eat on a budget
posted by WizKid at 1:46 PM PST - 11 comments

Which high-quality bike lock has the smallest keys?

Which high-quality bike lock has the smallest keys? [more inside]
posted by activitystory at 1:39 PM PST - 9 comments

What's a good tech/computer book swapping site?

Is there another online book swapping service (like Paperbackswap or Bookmooch) that is better/best for tech/computer books? [more inside]
posted by kjhosein at 1:25 PM PST - 3 comments

Am I depressed or just unlucky?

I have had a rough year and my husband thinks I may be depressed, but I think it may just be a rough patch. There are a few things that have happened in my life over the past year or so that are making me bummed out and exhausted almost constantly. What does your experience with depression tell you about my situation? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:07 PM PST - 22 comments

Might have bought a stolen camera?

How would you play this? I think a camera I bought (and paid for with Paypal) may be stolen. The sellers name does not match the name of the copyright owner (saved in the camera). I have tracked down the person's name in the same city the camera came from... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:07 PM PST - 14 comments

Should my fiancé and I move in with my Mom to help her out?

Should my fiancé and I move in with my Mom to help her out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:07 PM PST - 31 comments

Fourth anniversary gift ideas

I want to buy my wife a flowers or fruit themed gift that is more permanent than flowers or fruit and I'm drawing a blank. [more inside]
posted by IanMorr at 1:05 PM PST - 25 comments

Watching Eurovision in Chicago?

Where in Chicago can I watch Eurovision? [more inside]
posted by LSK at 1:00 PM PST - 1 comment

mmmmmmmm coffee

Best coffee shops in San Francisco for hanging out and reading for a few hours? [more inside]
posted by MillMan at 12:47 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me value what Waitrose shares out to me

What's the deal with skin-on UK fish fillets versus skin-off Everywhere Else fish fillets? [more inside]
posted by Namlit at 12:05 PM PST - 7 comments

We all want to change the world

Asking for a friend: "I have a week off in July and I want to spend it volunteering in Asia. Ideally, I want to help save the sea turtles, but I'm open to other ideas. Do you have any advice on this matter?" [more inside]
posted by aniola at 11:58 AM PST - 5 comments

How to get good sound without annoying neighbors?

Do you have any recommendations for a sound system / speaker layout that will get good sound to my ears, but not to my downstairs neighbor? [more inside]
posted by TimeTravelSpeed at 11:53 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I edit a compiled .cgi program/script?

How can I edit this compiled .cgi file without breaking its functionality? [more inside]
posted by mrbarrett.com at 11:47 AM PST - 13 comments

Tattoo N00b

[TattooFilter] I've finally decided to lose my tattoo cherry, and have a pretty good idea of what I want, but specific questions remain. [more inside]
posted by Halloween Jack at 11:40 AM PST - 26 comments

Does great decaf exist?

Inspired by this question, anyone have recommendations for great decaf coffee beans?
posted by The Dutchman at 11:18 AM PST - 15 comments

Air Conditioner Question

My girlfriend and I live in an apartment on the 10th floor of our building. It gets very hot during the summer. However, we have an air conditioner in our bedroom. We're wondering how to keep our room as cool as possible. [more inside]
posted by Proginoskes at 11:03 AM PST - 21 comments

Artist/Activists

What contemporary artists or arts organizations are using art to address major global issues? [more inside]
posted by Miko at 10:51 AM PST - 10 comments

I just want my reading to flow again

I used to read a lot. Those days are gone -- and the "to read" pile keeps getting higher. Help me become an efficient reader again! [more inside]
posted by Opal at 10:14 AM PST - 37 comments

Naughty music needed

Imagine a party à la Madonna's Justify my Love video. What music would you play?
posted by Dragonness at 10:11 AM PST - 31 comments

Embeddable, Real-Time World Cup Scores for Any Site?

Are there any good embeddable World Cup Soccer / Football schedules and scores tools for websites? [more inside]
posted by metajc at 10:09 AM PST - 1 comment

Verdigris in bathtub drain?

How to treat the bright green deposit in my bathtub drain? [more inside]
posted by Iridic at 9:58 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm teaching courses I've never taken - do I tell my students?

I'm teaching courses I've never taken, in a department that's not a department of what my degree's in. Do I come clean with my students? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor at 9:54 AM PST - 51 comments

Help me archive my T-shirts

I want to properly archive a large collection of T-shirts. What's the best way to store these, considering that the most important part is the print, which is made of Plastisol, a PVC-based ink? [more inside]
posted by Devils Rancher at 9:52 AM PST - 6 comments

I now pronounce you Nerd and Nerd.

Help me come up with a nerdy inscription for my cousin's wedding present. [more inside]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 9:41 AM PST - 22 comments

Are there ever do-overs in life?

What's the likelihood that, upon withdrawing from a PhD program at one institution, you would be admitted later into a similar program elsewhere? Is there a reason to believe one would be effectively blacklisted or disregarded for failing to succeed on his/her first attempt? [more inside]
posted by afabulousbeing at 9:25 AM PST - 17 comments

EC Book, you'd be well advised to at least list the price in EUROS.

I'm hoping one of you knows something about EC Book software. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 9:25 AM PST - 2 comments

Is my mom an alcoholic? What do I do?

I'm planning on moving in with my parents at the end of August, but I think my mom might be an alcoholic. I don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:10 AM PST - 30 comments

He lives on the west coast. I live on the east coast. Do I try or do I move on?

He lives on the west coast. I live on the east coast. Its the most passionate relationship I have ever been in, except we never talk when we're apart. Do I try or do I move on? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:10 AM PST - 14 comments

Where's my child's money going and can I get it back?

YANML (You are not my lawyer) I live in the state of South Carolina and am the divorced noncustodial dad of a 7 year old girl. I have visitation and access to any records on my child and so on. My ex-wife is required by our Divorce Agreement / Court Order to maintain health insurance on our daughter. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:10 AM PST - 9 comments

What would be the best wireless outdoor security camera for me?

What would be the best wireless outdoor security camera for my needs? [more inside]
posted by texas_blissful at 9:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Do HD movies look as bad as I think they do?

Film geeks.. I'd like to know if I'm really in the minority here, since nobody else I've talked to understands. I find myself being able to quickly tell whether a major motion picture was shot on traditional film cameras or HD.. And it really bothers me. [more inside]
posted by hanoixan at 8:57 AM PST - 26 comments

sugar craving

How do I control crazy-strong sugar cravings that come only after dinner? [more inside]
posted by luvmywife at 8:53 AM PST - 15 comments

is Apple's word = law?

Flash is going to be dead? My job is based almost solely in flash development. I love it. Am I going to be out of a job (soon)? [more inside]
posted by royalsong at 8:53 AM PST - 31 comments

What eye cream should I use?

I'm looking for a hypoallergenic (or at least non-irritating) eye cream that will reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. I'm in my late 20s, and I usually wake up in the morning looking like someone has punched me in both eyes. The skin under my eyes is very thin and very sensitive, and many of the eye creams I've tried have only made the puffiness and dark circles worse. Any suggestions?
posted by zembla3 at 8:27 AM PST - 11 comments

too [blank] to f**k

Argh, I'm too uptight - or something - to get it up. HELP. [more inside]
posted by jetsam at 8:01 AM PST - 9 comments

Where to find insurance for a music booking agent?

I'm a music booking agent. I need liability insurance... Why can't I find it anywhere? [more inside]
posted by vilolagrl at 7:38 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to crank my freelancing up a notch

I am looking for tips on becoming a successful freelance writer. I have a degree in English, and I currently write for Textbroker. [more inside]
posted by Ostara at 7:14 AM PST - 9 comments

Emergent Phenomena

Looking for a good book on "Emergence." [more inside]
posted by Lord Fancy Pants at 7:07 AM PST - 11 comments

What are the questions in the Elementary Division Toronto District School Board (TDSB) interview this year (2010)?

What are the questions in the Elementary Division Toronto District School Board (TDSB) interview this year (2010)? [more inside]
posted by nothingsconstant at 7:06 AM PST - 1 comment

How do I buy a generator for my house?

Help me buy a generator! Degree of difficulty: 5-ton AC. [more inside]
posted by neilkod at 6:40 AM PST - 9 comments

How to add photos to a site and not allow them to be downloaded

How to post photos on a web page so that they can't be downloaded and saved? [more inside]
posted by alternateuniverse at 6:23 AM PST - 33 comments

What is this glass container?

What is this? [more inside]
posted by FlamingBore at 5:45 AM PST - 12 comments

Dustin' off my clogs

99.9% certain I'm going to accept a new job that will involve my moving back to the Netherlands from Germany. I'll be based in the Hague (Scheveningen, actually,) which I don't know well at all. Looking for help from the hive mind on areas to consider living in (roughly 1000 - 1200 / mo budget for rent) along with restaurant, bars, gyms, food shopping and all the good stuff that makes up a life. [more inside]
posted by Expat at 5:41 AM PST - 10 comments

That sounds familiar...

I found a passage in a novel that directly takes material from a popular email forward. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by fantine at 5:37 AM PST - 63 comments

Can I Tumbl by myself?

I like Tumblr. Is there blogging software out there that can do the same thing on my own hosted space? [more inside]
posted by teraspawn at 5:30 AM PST - 7 comments

Does anyone know what this medal is?

A friend of mine found an old military medal in New Hampshire. It appears to be made of tin or some other light metal and handmade. The first part is a twig attached to a decoration, and the second part is arrows in a pouch. I put video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlPqFhq6xdY . The audio is from Lost, which was playing when I did the video. Does anyone know what these medals are?
posted by nathanrudy at 5:19 AM PST - 4 comments

Juvenile Fiction ID?

Young-adult fiction about the barest survival of a family in rural Appalachia? [more inside]
posted by Pamelayne at 4:57 AM PST - 6 comments

Job interviews from the other side of the desk

Any tips for holding a successful job interview? [more inside]
posted by Navek Rednam at 3:52 AM PST - 9 comments

Can you point me to a good GPL user account management system?

Ok, so, i'm looking for a user account management system that's: open source, web-based, LAMP-based would be best -but if there's a good IIS solution i'd go for it- and reasonably modular/extensible. [more inside]
posted by vivelame at 3:40 AM PST - 4 comments

How do you address your mother-in-law in your own culture?

How do you address your mother-in-law in your own culture? [more inside]
posted by mchow at 2:32 AM PST - 60 comments

Gateau douze points

I am making a cake for a Eurovision party for somewhere between 10 and 20 people, but I'm struggling for design ideas. I'm looking for crowd-pleasing, not-seven-hours-and-$50-worth-of-equipment recipes...and I have no cake decorating experience! Also: I'm in Poland. [more inside]
posted by mdonley at 1:44 AM PST - 9 comments

May 26

Should I clip my turtle's nails?

Should I clip my turtle's nails? Its beak also looks a bit long. [more inside]
posted by KimikoPi at 11:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Wireless headphones under $40

Recommendations for cheap wireless headphones? (Under $40) I've just destroyed my latest pair of headphones by tripping over the wire. [more inside]
posted by Charmian at 10:55 PM PST - 8 comments

Please help me realize my pinball dreams

Pinball wizards help me find a modern version of a unique pinball computer game. [more inside]
posted by digividal at 10:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Running hacks, anyone?

Running hacks? [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 10:21 PM PST - 29 comments

Gourmet Backpacker

I'm going on a 7-day backpacking trip in about a month with three friends and I need your best lightweight meal recipies. [more inside]
posted by talkingmuffin at 10:07 PM PST - 13 comments

A Master's in Waitressing.

I've just graduated with my Master's in Social Work and am waiting to be approved to take the licensing exam in my state. Getting a job without a license is veeeery difficult. Also difficult: paying my bills when I have no income. I know opportunities will present themselves once I'm licensed but...any ideas as to what I can do to make money for a few months in the interim? So far it's babysitting and the food service industry... but is there anything even slightly social service-related I can do part-time? Or just easy, temporary gigs? Get rich quick schemes? Thanks all!
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 9:46 PM PST - 9 comments

How to make perfect vodka watermelon?

Any tips on making the perfect vodka watermelon? [more inside]
posted by ShortHairyMan at 9:22 PM PST - 14 comments

Calling police over loose dogs in a public park: crossing the line?

As I have a dog phobia, how can I feel comfortable in a park on the edge of town where people frequently let their large dogs run loose? [more inside]
posted by datarose at 9:06 PM PST - 63 comments

This tiny little problem is turning my hair grey.

Help me figure out this Wordpress sidebar problem. [more inside]
posted by shopefowler at 9:00 PM PST - 3 comments

How itchy is too itchy?

Help me convince my husband that we shouldn't wait to see the vet... [more inside]
posted by mrsshotglass at 8:57 PM PST - 20 comments

Leak inside kitchen wall, water appears in basement

Leak in basement whenever water goes down kitchen sink drain, probably leak inside wall since under sink I cannot find any drips. Please prepare me for how bad this may be ($$$) and how to deal with plumber. Many details inside. [more inside]
posted by forthright at 8:36 PM PST - 9 comments

Ooh, you smell nice!

I recently went to Nags Head, NC and encountered a super fragrant bush. It had super green leaves and little yellow flowers that didn't look like flowers, but more like little berries. What was that plant?
posted by MayNicholas at 8:11 PM PST - 15 comments

Georgia Tech Savannah

Daughter applied to Georgia Tech--got wait-listed then got accepted at the Savannah campus. Is this for students who can't make it at the main Atlanta campus of for 2nd or 3rd tier students?
posted by sandra194 at 8:11 PM PST - 9 comments

Non-profit payment service

I am working with a non-profit co-op that would like to take payments from its members online. However, the co-op is not a 501(c)(3) organization, but has a very small budget and can't afford to shell out for a merchant account and all the associated widgets. They already tried PayPal and their account got "restricted" there because PayPal wants a 501(c)(3) letter. Are there any other choices? [more inside]
posted by fireoyster at 7:57 PM PST - 5 comments

Where can I buy the longest bread in Chicago?

I'd like to buy the longest loaf of bread I possibly can, in Chicago. [more inside]
posted by juniperesque at 7:26 PM PST - 6 comments

What happened to my car battery?

Yesterday my car started fine, but today the engine wouldn't crank even once. What caused my car battery to fail so suddenly and without warning? [more inside]
posted by cosmic.osmo at 7:26 PM PST - 18 comments

Baseball business question

Baseball biz question: Can you help me decipher the following news item? [more inside]
posted by Ike_Arumba at 7:15 PM PST - 2 comments

What's the best Linux web hosting control panel?

What's the best Linux web hosting control panel? I have a client who's hosting a few hundred websites on a homebrew Apache virtual hosting setup. It's a mess. I'm looking at migrating them to proper control panel software. [more inside]
posted by signalnine at 7:13 PM PST - 9 comments

Is a reported lost passport still valid as proof of citizenship?

Is a declared lost but then found passport still valid as proof of citizenship? [more inside]
posted by jng at 7:01 PM PST - 9 comments

Could Gorilla Glue save my lamp?

How can I repair chips on a 1950's cast plaster lamp to prevent further deterioration? [more inside]
posted by stewiethegreat at 6:41 PM PST - 3 comments

The Book of Eli

Am I reading the move the Book of Eli correctly? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:35 PM PST - 12 comments

Boy meets girl

New roommate filter: As a woman who may live with a male, what are your tips and tricks for me to make the transition smooth and make things work? I have only had female roommates. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:52 PM PST - 34 comments

How to cope with my mom's death?

My mother, a long term alcohol/prescription drug abuser, died last week. She was in her 50s. I'm a wreck and need help coping. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:52 PM PST - 13 comments

What should I do with wild ramps?

What should I do with wild ramps? How should I cook them? Recipes? [more inside]
posted by hazyspring at 5:31 PM PST - 20 comments

Bubbly bubbly bubbly boo.

I opened a bottle of prosecco today to make a couple of cocktails, and now I have a 3/4 full bottle of prosecco. Aside from drinking it all tonight (not really an option), what can I do with it? I'm assuming it won't keep until tomorrow.
posted by missuswayne at 5:10 PM PST - 21 comments

How to be more productive while I turn my brain off?

I want to be more productive while I turn my brain off. I seem to get good thinking done if I can occupy my hands and a very small part of my brain on a task, while the rest of my brain is free to wander. Right now I do this with mindless iPhone games, but I get headaches and this is not good for me and I want to do something useful if I can. [more inside]
posted by heybearica at 4:31 PM PST - 29 comments

Chicago Chef Who Stole the Secrets

Which Chicago bars have cocktail menus curated by mixologists who used to work at The Violet Hour? Which Chicago restaurants have head chefs who are veterans of Rick Bayless' Frontera empire? [more inside]
posted by Juliet Banana at 4:21 PM PST - 7 comments

What tipped off the credit card company for fraud?

Just got a call from my bank, Chase, for credit card fraud. Got it all taken care of, card canceled, new one on the way...no worries. I'm just wondering, what tipped them off? [more inside]
posted by Caravantea at 4:08 PM PST - 58 comments

Help make my cross country trip great

Additions, suggestions, and general information for my Cross Country (USA) Trip. Help me make it awesome please! [more inside]
posted by zephyr_words at 4:01 PM PST - 6 comments

Where is the best climbing tree in San Diego county?

Where is the best climbing tree in San Diego county?
posted by booknerd at 3:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Movie palying in China

Looking for a movie . Location: China / Time: Not sure, maybe around 2nd World War / Topic: A westerner and a Chinese guy live in China and try to run a whiskey business. [more inside]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 3:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Can you tell me how to get to Gothenburg?

Travel Filter - Santa Barbara - Gothenburg, Sweden - Detroit - Santa Barbara. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 2:59 PM PST - 5 comments

US pre-paid plan for HTC Tattoo phone?

Where, if anywhere, can I get a short-term pre-paid plan for a HTC Tattoo (Android) phone in the US? [more inside]
posted by wiskunde at 2:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Skeletons in a closet

NYC/bioloogy/education filter A home for the skeleton in my closet and other biology supplies [more inside]
posted by Wolfster at 2:51 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I cook an ostrich, or should I even bother?

How do I cook an ostrich, or should I even bother? [more inside]
posted by _cave at 2:43 PM PST - 15 comments

Play local, think global.

Hey, the theater I am part of is going on tour this September. In order to make this possible we need to book some dates around the nation and Canada. Can anyone recommend some of the great DIY venues [warehouses, galleries, theaters, infoshops, communes] that we might be able to perform at on tour? [more inside]
posted by cloeburner at 2:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Hyper reaction to Benadryl?

Does anyone else have a "feeling hyper" effect when taking Benadryl [diphenhydramine, also in sleeping aids, etc.], instead of the usual sleepiness? [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte at 2:03 PM PST - 29 comments

Happy kids mean happy parents

I need a/some fun easy to prepare bbq appropriate food that the kids will love. [more inside]
posted by OHenryPacey at 2:01 PM PST - 14 comments

XBMC

What can I use to synchronize multiple music libraries on one computer without overlap? [more inside]
posted by fizzzzzzzzzzzy at 1:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Can You Read This Handwriting?

I'm currently working on my family tree and managed to track down a marriage certificate for my great grandfather. The problem is I can't decipher the handwriting. Can anyone help identify these addresses? [more inside]
posted by gfrobe at 1:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me find the right bike.

Help me find the right bike. [more inside]
posted by pinkbungalow at 1:38 PM PST - 22 comments

Tips for running with Morton's toes?

What are the methods and products you've used to deal with a Morton's toe? [more inside]
posted by punchtothehead at 1:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Why does my USB port now only work with one device?

My USB port works with my printer, but has stopped working for all other devices. [more inside]
posted by Flying Saucer at 1:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Fun hobbies at home?

Fun activities for a couple at home (part II)? I'd love your suggestions for fun things to do together at home in the evenings after the kids have gone to bed. Difficulty: see within. [more inside]
posted by widdershins at 1:22 PM PST - 24 comments

Need help creating a media center PC setup

Need some advice on creating the ultimate media center PC setup [more inside]
posted by deeman at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Why do I keep gaining weight?

Why do I keep gaining weight? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:21 PM PST - 48 comments

Bad for me, good for...

I think I accidentally got a job for someone I really don't want to work with, at my company. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:20 PM PST - 12 comments

Is this job awful? Or am I crazy?

Determining the difference between self sabotage and glutton for punishment with a job that's great on paper? (Way too much inside.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:20 PM PST - 9 comments

New to gluten-free diets!

I was just diagnosed with celiac disease. Help me wade through the information overload and figure out how to construct a new diet. [more inside]
posted by runaway ballista at 1:11 PM PST - 19 comments

I need a piece of software that will disable my internet connection?

I need a piece of software that will disable my internet connection? [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 1:03 PM PST - 9 comments

How can I work as a registered nurse in U.S.?

I really would like to get some help from somebody who knows about the regulations for international nursing in U.S.. I have ten years of nursing experiences as an registered nurse in Japan. I just graduated from a nursing program in the U.S. and would really like to work as a registered nurse. I am not a U.S. citizen and have only a student visa (F-1). I would like to apply for H1-b visa if I can find a hospital that is willing to become a sponsor. However, I have had a hard time finding a hospital and some say it is almost impossible with current immigration situations to receive a working visa for nursing. [more inside]
posted by Yasu at 12:55 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I learn to be more flexible? with Yoga? Without a TV?

I would like to learn yoga, but I failed recently due to be extremely inflexible. How can I learn how to stretch and also from their bounce into yoga? I don't have the money or time to take a class, and DVD's are also out. Are their books that are a good beginner primer on this? A website I can print out? [more inside]
posted by lakerk at 12:41 PM PST - 14 comments

Help needed in switch from Blackberry to Motorola Droid

My wife is about to switch from Blackberry to Motorola Droid. Couple questions after the jump. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by eebs at 12:34 PM PST - 7 comments

Vintage Jazz in Spanish?

I'm looking for a good sampling of 40s, 50s, and 60s Jazz in Spanish. I know Spain wasn't producing a lot of Jazz throughout those decades but there was obviously a lot of Cuban influence in American Jazz and I assume Latin American influence as well. Who were the Sarah Vaughans and Louis Primas who performed in Spanish, and more importantly where can I get my hands on their music?
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 12:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Unusual alphabets needed!

Where can I get unusual alphabets to type and a Nepali translator? [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 12:21 PM PST - 8 comments

How I can give one page of a WordPress site different header content than the rest?

How I can give one page of a WordPress site different header content than the rest? [more inside]
posted by chudmonkey at 12:18 PM PST - 5 comments

What are the best tools to create dialog trees, as seen in adventure games?

What are the best tools to create dialog trees, as seen in adventure games? [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 12:16 PM PST - 4 comments

Where to host a social event for a conference in Washington DC?

I am hosting a small professional conference in Washington DC in September. Where is a good place to hold an evening social event for 50-75 people? In or near Georgetown is good, but something uniquely DC elsewhere can work as well. [more inside]
posted by procrastination at 12:02 PM PST - 3 comments

how to deal with terrible neighbors (xenophobic edition)

I'm living overseas, and recently moved into a new neighborhood. My neighbors have the obnoxious habit of congregating outside on the footpath and talking smack about the local foreigner-me. The things I hear are always heart sinking, and sometimes mindbendingly scary. What should I do - if anything, and how can I stop it from getting me down? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:45 AM PST - 42 comments

How can I get past my scars?

Self-conscious about my facial scars [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:44 AM PST - 48 comments

Online-only Digital Info Management programs?

Does anyone know of other online-only digital information management certificate programs similar to the one offered by the University of Arizona? I already have an MLIS, so I'm not interested in another Master's unless it's very in-depth and in a different field.
posted by jrdixey at 11:39 AM PST - 2 comments

Which Shakespeare works should I read next?

Which Shakespeare works should I read next? [more inside]
posted by cranberrymonger at 11:38 AM PST - 21 comments

Young adult/kids' book featuring death of everyone over age 12?

Help me find a book I read as a kid so I can give it as a gift to the kids in my life. Premise, as best I can recall: Everyone over the age of 12 dies of a disease, and so all the kids on earth are in a post-apocalyptic, quasi Lord of the Flies situation. Except they're not on some random island. They're in their own homes, in cities and wherever they live. Children must learn to drive cars. A girl is the protagonist; she's the leader (of her local group?). I vaguely remember conflict and danger but not the details. My copy was paperback, and the cover might've featured the girl standing in front of some ruined looking stuff and scared kids behind her.
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 11:28 AM PST - 12 comments

An embryo grows in Brooklyn

Can you recommend a midwife in Brooklyn? Or anything else about being pregnant and planning care in NYC? [more inside]
posted by chelseagirl at 11:11 AM PST - 8 comments

If anyone knows what this is, you're ahead of me.

Asking for a friend filter: does anyone know the filing fee and proper form of payment for a PAN Application in India? [more inside]
posted by bunny hugger at 11:01 AM PST - 2 comments

Move along... No rule 39 here.

Is it a good idea to run a race in a zentai suit? [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 10:50 AM PST - 19 comments

Please show me exactly how hairs are removed by "threading"

How exactly are hairs removed via threading? Looking for detailed close-up photos or diagrams if possible -- or is that knowledge a trade secret? [more inside]
posted by Rash at 10:40 AM PST - 7 comments

What are your favorite fiddlehead recipes?

Okay, the fiddleheads in my local market looked so delicious -- so green, so fresh, so inviting -- that I bought a whole bunch. Now I realize: I have no idea what to do with them. Help me make something wonderful out of all these fiddleheads, please? [more inside]
posted by .kobayashi. at 10:38 AM PST - 21 comments

Canon 7D/Final Cut video editing workflow: How to do it?

Canon 7D/Final Cut video editing workflow: How to do it? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:38 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me find this lost song!

Help me find this song! It's barbershop-style, and the line I remember for sure is "I just want to go to your house, and spend some time with you." More details after the jump. [more inside]
posted by KathrynT at 10:30 AM PST - 4 comments

3g for my mother.

I'm looking for an easy to use 3g phone that my mother can use. All she needs is the ability to make/recieve phone calls & texting. Touch screens are a no, no. And the phone should be under £100. 3g is a must as we need to get her on the 3 network in the UK.
posted by nam3d at 10:29 AM PST - 4 comments

Vhost problem with any non-localmachine request

What am I doing wrong with this virtualhost setup that's preventing requests from other machines from using it? [more inside]
posted by nerhael at 10:06 AM PST - 7 comments

I rather like this person, let's not accidentally curse her..

Help me not bungle up some esoteric part of this dreamcatcher crafting project! [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 10:01 AM PST - 3 comments

Non-irritating dog harness for pup with sensitive armpits?

Can you recommend a dog harness that won't irritate my little dog's sensitive skin on her armpits? [more inside]
posted by Pax at 10:00 AM PST - 9 comments

check engine light

Can a used car dealer reprogram the engine computer to suppress error codes from the check engine light? [more inside]
posted by buzzv at 9:44 AM PST - 4 comments

Recommend me a radiation oncologist in New York with an open mind

[medicalfilter] Looking for radiation therapy for early-stage Dupuytren's in New York - can you recommend someone? I'm a 30 year old recently diagnosed with Dupuytren's in both hands. It's progressing somewhat rapidly (not surprising, given my age) but has not yet interfered with functionality. I am looking for radiation oncologists who can offer the radiation treatment for this in the New York area. I'd love to hear from patients who've had this treatment, but will take any oncology recs you have! [more inside]
posted by mccn at 9:09 AM PST - 6 comments

help me help my kid like daycare!

how do I get my son to like daycare? [more inside]
posted by katers890 at 9:03 AM PST - 25 comments

Suggestions on a better VOIP provider?

What is the best provider for telephone service for a small office? We are looking for a VOIP solution that allows forwarding of 800 numbers, allows everyone to have their own VM box, and call holding, forwarding, everyone to have their own extensions, etc.? [more inside]
posted by banished at 8:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Delete records from every table with a certain column in SQL Server 2005?

SQL Server 2005: How do I create a script to delete specific rows from every table that has a certain column, deleting from the tables with foreign keys first? [more inside]
posted by DakotaPaul at 8:46 AM PST - 11 comments

Coffee Free Benefits?

Former Coffee Drinkers: What Benefits Did You Experience After Quitting Coffee? [more inside]
posted by Spurious at 8:37 AM PST - 49 comments

Why do academic/business people in certain countries use personal email addresses for work purposes?

Why do I see people from emerging or developing countries use personal email addresses rather than official addresses for work-related correspondence? [more inside]
posted by elgilito at 8:32 AM PST - 11 comments

Stop! In the name of Love...

Song Suggestions for a Quitting Smoking Mix [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 8:22 AM PST - 32 comments

Sounds like "You will be killed, you will be murdered..." but Idk about all a dat.

What is the Creepy Airport Announcer voice saying at the end of the John Lennon song "Starting Over?" [more inside]
posted by tylerfulltilt at 8:12 AM PST - 7 comments

Raising an independent kid

How can I help my toddler get better at amusing herself? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 8:03 AM PST - 18 comments

Searching for filetypes in spotlight

How do you search for file types in Spotlight (OSX 10.6) ? [more inside]
posted by four panels at 8:01 AM PST - 6 comments

Beyond Burgers and Dogs. Or: over-thinking a plate of barbeque.

What’s the best / easiest way to feed 50ish people at a cookout? I’d rather not just do burgers and dogs. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 7:57 AM PST - 32 comments

A spoonful of xanax helps the vitamin go down...

What is your favorite brand of multivitamins? See potential catches inside: [more inside]
posted by Lizsterr at 7:50 AM PST - 23 comments

Hiring manager flakes out?

How should I handle it when a hiring manager flakes out on a phone interview? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:49 AM PST - 20 comments

Third wheel woes...

This girl (20's) and myself (guy in my 20's) have been planning this trip for her to come visit me for some time. I go to an east coast graduate school and she goes to my old college in the Midwest. She wants to check out the school for graduate potential and we've been pretty close friends for a few years (we were in the same major, took many classes together, hung out frequently). The plan was for her to come here and sleep at my place. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:48 AM PST - 30 comments

teenage mutant ninja turtle trivia question

this question is going to seem absurd but here goes...i'm looking for a "closest to" type trivia question related to the teenage mutant ninja turtles - specifically the 1989 NES game. i was going to use the following: "in level 1, how many bombs must the turtles defuse underwater?" the answer is 8, but i think that may be too easy. does anyone have any other ideas related to the game? maybe how many sewers are in the game or something similar? thanks for any ideas....
posted by matt755811 at 7:41 AM PST - 4 comments

Food for the tongue

What foods are most enjoyable even with a severely diminished or completely absent sense of smell (anosmia)? [more inside]
posted by caaaaaam at 7:39 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me reconfigure my CV for a possible escape from academia!

CV help requested: I'm an academic who's currently looking for jobs both inside and outside of academia. My CV is currently in "academic form". This means 6 pages. How long should a CV be (tech jobs, UK)? What should I cut? What's the general consensus on "straplines" starting the CV? [more inside]
posted by handee at 7:29 AM PST - 9 comments

short leg cast

Short leg casts, why 90 degrees? Will variance in the angle of the cast cause the bones to heal improperly? [more inside]
posted by MechEng at 7:24 AM PST - 7 comments

Why isn't gmail highlighting new messages?

Why isn't Gmail highlighting new messages? [more inside]
posted by gene_machine at 7:16 AM PST - 7 comments

Tell me where to move

Looking to move on to grad school, hoping for input from the hivemind on livable cities. [more inside]
posted by sotonohito at 7:06 AM PST - 34 comments

Help me measue current.

Can I install an amp meter in the positive side of a circuit? [more inside]
posted by Climber at 7:05 AM PST - 7 comments

scad

I got into artschool in the US, the scholarships not great, now what ? [more inside]
posted by sgt.serenity at 6:56 AM PST - 7 comments

Well, I won't be dipped in chocolate. . .

Is "I'll be dipped" a New Haven regionalism? [more inside]
posted by dlugoczaj at 6:44 AM PST - 31 comments

What's a good way to label keys?

What's a good way to label keys? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 6:35 AM PST - 21 comments

Will a Taiwanese 3G cell phone work in the United States?

Will a Taiwanese 3G cell phone work in the United States for data? [more inside]
posted by chengjih at 6:27 AM PST - 2 comments

Suggestions for things to do to learn about Hawaii's native cultural history while in Maui.

What are some things I can do/see on my upcoming trip to Maui to best learn about the island's native cultural history? [more inside]
posted by TheManChild2000 at 6:24 AM PST - 4 comments

Can word choice unconsciously reveal your state of mind?

Outside of Freudian slips, is there any scientific evidence that people's word choices unconsciously reveal states of mind that they are trying to conceal? [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 6:22 AM PST - 10 comments

Get Back To The Group Free Cards

English to Italian/Greek Translation [more inside]
posted by mmmbacon at 6:01 AM PST - 7 comments

Am I singing an offensive song to the children?

Is this children's song offensive and should I stop singing it at our playgroup? [more inside]
posted by taff at 6:00 AM PST - 65 comments

What non-fictional substance can I use to kill off a fictional character?

I know how to dispose of the dead body, but how do I make it dead in the first place? I have a story idea and I need a substance to kill my victim. [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 5:44 AM PST - 28 comments

Withdrawal.

I'm in Beijing and my trusty VPN, Hotspot Shield, has not been connecting since May 17th. Is anyone else having this problem? It just will not connect and assign an IP. I am on a Mac using Snow Leopard, HS Shield Version 1.341. I need Facebook and Youtube!
posted by Zé Pequeno at 5:22 AM PST - 2 comments

Pressing onward, and upward, with WordPress

What can I do for 30 minutes a day to improve my WordPress skills from "intermediate" to "advanced"? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 5:02 AM PST - 8 comments

Why is my Mac acting like these programs are running for the first time?

Why is my Mac acting like these programs are running for the first time? [more inside]
posted by and1 at 5:01 AM PST - 9 comments

P*LAYING M*OVIES N*SYNC

Anybody know a way of playing two movie files simultaneously, in sync? [more inside]
posted by Silky Slim at 4:32 AM PST - 13 comments

How do I connect wirelessly to my external harddrive?

Help me connect wirelessly to my external hard drive! [more inside]
posted by Philby at 3:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Basic and not-so basic excel questions

Excelfilter: Okay, I'm confident that this can be done in Excel, but I don't know how. Basically, I have a set of samples for which a value (size) was measured at various days. I need some formulas to tell me when the first and last values were measured and what those values were (for each sample). [more inside]
posted by kisch mokusch at 3:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Toughen up a thirtysomething.

Toughen up a weak and lazy thirtysomething. I'm looking for a lasting way to toughen up. Are there bootcamp/military-service equivalents for men in their early thirties? [more inside]
posted by meantime at 3:06 AM PST - 20 comments

Multiple DHCP scopes on one server

Multiple DHCP scopes on one server for the purpose of assigning a reservation to one MAC. [more inside]
posted by m3thod4 at 3:01 AM PST - 9 comments

Baby-friendly Scottish holiday

Great ideas for a baby-friendly short break in Scotland. [more inside]
posted by Blackwatch at 2:03 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I restart my career in IT while drowning in anxiety?

How do I restart my career in IT while drowning in anxiety? In a nutshell, I burned out on IT last year in about August, after the second incredibly toxic work environment I'd had that year. [more inside]
posted by ysabet at 1:09 AM PST - 9 comments

An aussie in St. Louis

I'm moving to St. Louis to do my PhD at Washington University. What should an aussie know? [more inside]
posted by butwheresthesushi at 12:06 AM PST - 13 comments

May 25

Please help me find business cards that carry a logo of an owl, falcon or a bird, etc..

Please help me find business cards that carry a logo of an owl, falcon or a bird, etc.. [more inside]
posted by ruelle at 11:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me identify two beats from The Game - 400 Bars (Skeemix)

Help me identify two beats from The Game - 400 Bars (Skeemix), in which The Game raps 400 bars over 50 beats. [more inside]
posted by JamesJD at 11:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Who's that Lady?

Help me identify this figure from the Eastern Woodlands and Plains Indians hall at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. [more inside]
posted by Dilemma at 10:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for great examples of organizing developer documentation

Which software projects' Web sites stand out as having really well-organized documentation? [more inside]
posted by tomwheeler at 10:47 PM PST - 17 comments

How Should I Fix My Body Menstrual Clock?

I had to delay my period by a week, so I started the next pack of Loestrin. Now a week has passed - can I go back to last month's placebos? [more inside]
posted by howgenerica at 10:34 PM PST - 8 comments

Trapping pregnant feral cat - good idea or not?

Is it a bad idea to trap a pregnant feral cat so that she can give birth indoors, the kittens can be socialized, and she can be fixed so there's no more kittens? This seems like a no brainer, but recent events have me worried. [more inside]
posted by korej at 10:13 PM PST - 15 comments

Are there any dangers or health-related reasons one shouldn't go on and off Wellbutrin this

Are there any dangers or health-related reasons one shouldn't go on and off Wellbutrin (as opposed to "you shouldn't do it because your moods will vary")? [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 10:08 PM PST - 9 comments

Hair Salon in Barcelona

Looking for hair salon recommendation in Barcelona, Spain. [more inside]
posted by pinkkitty at 9:44 PM PST - 3 comments

What is the best way to break bad news at work?

What is the best way to break bad news at work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:36 PM PST - 25 comments

San Francisco in July

Family of four adults, vacationing in San Francisco in July, looking for the perfect lodging. I've spent hours reading previous questions, but you just know I'm a special snowflake... [more inside]
posted by raisingsand at 8:58 PM PST - 15 comments

When should I go to and where should go in Argentina and Chile?

When should I go to and where should go in Argentina and Chile? [more inside]
posted by grouse at 8:52 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me be the next Dr. Horrible...or at least Mr. Terrible. Oh, did I mention the zombies?

Help me be the next Dr. Horrible...or at least Mr. Terrible. Oh, did I mention the zombies? [more inside]
posted by markblasco at 8:42 PM PST - 16 comments

What does this calligraphy say?

What does this piece of Arabic-script (Persian?) calligraphy say? [more inside]
posted by Gordafarin at 8:25 PM PST - 3 comments

Starfleet-Fu

What's with the awkward two-fisted punching in Star Trek? [more inside]
posted by fatbird at 8:19 PM PST - 10 comments

How to quit grad school and start a career?

I want to quit grad school and start a career. I'm 25 with a BA in English. I know times are tough, but this PhD program -- and the quality of life that accompanies it -- are even tougher. I can do this, right? [more inside]
posted by earlofrochester at 8:17 PM PST - 16 comments

Mommy's all right. Daddy's all right. They just seem a little weird...

How do I deal with family jealousy and grandparent's rivalry? [more inside]
posted by No Shmoobles at 8:14 PM PST - 22 comments

It's getting hot in here.

How much of a pain is it to get central air installed in a home with no ductwork. What's involved financially and otherwise? [more inside]
posted by dayintoday at 7:34 PM PST - 14 comments

How do used car loans work?

I have some general questions about financing a used car [more inside]
posted by pete0r at 7:15 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm aware the real best answer is to just ignore them

Is it possible to hide someone's comments from my facebook feed? [more inside]
posted by Chrysostom at 7:14 PM PST - 10 comments

Biking through New England

We're biking south along the Connecticut River from Orwell VT to New Haven CT in two days (give or take some east west variation). What should we see or do along the way? [more inside]
posted by puckish at 7:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Blues Harp in the Fog

Where in San Francisco can I find a harmonica teacher who can help me learn to play; and more importantly improvise. (blues and rock specifically) [more inside]
posted by elationfoundation at 7:00 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me plan my first trip to Europe!

I am heading to Europe on Sunday, specifically Spain, France and Italy. I will be backpacking and it will be my first time doing this sort of thing. My bag is packed with the basics, but what extra things should I bring? I'm looking for some kernels of wisdom that only previous trips can give.
posted by punch_the_mayor at 6:57 PM PST - 26 comments

What are the best used record and book stores between Tampa and D.C.?

Drawing a curved line from Tampa, FL to Washington, DC, what are the best used record (vinyl preferably) store and the best used book store along that route?
posted by the sobsister at 6:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Looking for the low-down on Cal Poly Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona - need some pointers! [more inside]
posted by doh ray mii at 6:28 PM PST - 3 comments

I just hope the question isn't "What is a research test?"

How can I prepare for a "research test" in a job interview? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:02 PM PST - 2 comments

getting hot, let's keep it cool

My house is very poorly insulated, and the Texas summer is about to attack in full force. What's my course of action to fix this, and what can I do in the meantime to mitigate costs? [more inside]
posted by Willie0248 at 6:01 PM PST - 12 comments

Russian Music + Tablature = Failure

I'm looking for a guitar tab for the song Zhdat by the Russian band Marakesh, but I cannot navigate the murky Russian internet waters. Help?
posted by Askiba at 5:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Can anyone identify this character or symbol?

I need some help identifying a character, I think it's Chinese but I'm completely unsure. Can anyone help? image here
posted by reverendjim at 5:35 PM PST - 11 comments

searching for the perfect printer...

In search of a printer with fantastic photo-printing capability... for not so much money... [more inside]
posted by unlucky.lisp at 5:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me show them who I was

I just found out that I have a very serious disease. I may have only a couple of years left, probably no more than five. I have two very young kids. How do I archive stuff on the Web so I know they'll have access to it, whenever they want, for at least the next 40 years? [more inside]
posted by 0BloodyHell at 5:29 PM PST - 26 comments

It's a good thing this never came up on a test

I think I heard a lie from a cave tour guide as a kid, and it's only recently that I realized I took it for granted as a property of optics. Can you confirm this? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 5:27 PM PST - 19 comments

Help an NYC comedian put on a PGH show, pleaaase!

Pittsburghfilter: Help me help my favorite comedian put on a show here! [more inside]
posted by thisisnotkatrina at 5:21 PM PST - 2 comments

option: full-time student, part-time dealer

How do I finance my education when my university of choice isn't approved by the US Department of Education? How do I take on loans for this venture while causing myself the least financial damage? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:19 PM PST - 4 comments

RSS: Really Simple Smut-getting?

What are good resources for pornography that have RSS features? subscribing to specific searchterms, tags, or latest updates? I'd be generally happy with porn sites that have better webapp features. feel free to drop a line to: prawnrss@gmail.com [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:19 PM PST - 2 comments

How can I just get a tax id?

I need a tax id so I can open a bank account for my band in Michigan. [more inside]
posted by Baby_Balrog at 5:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Podcast/Twitter recommendations for World Cup 2010?

Which Podcasts/Twitter Feeds are most worth my time in the run-up to (and during) next month's World Cup? [more inside]
posted by Ufez Jones at 5:03 PM PST - 5 comments

The real Kung Fu Panda?

Help me settle a bet. I saw this video and thought it was a fake, but after I saw the unedited version I think it's real. My husband is sure it's a fake. Who's right? [more inside]
posted by TooFewShoes at 4:53 PM PST - 11 comments

Edith Wharton House of Mirth

Edith Wharton, House of Mirth Interpretation [more inside]
posted by Kevin S at 4:41 PM PST - 7 comments

School's out for summer! Now what?

Where can a new librarian find a freelance work with an online reference service this summer? [more inside]
posted by Junie Bloom at 3:26 PM PST - 1 comment

Six weeks of volunteering?

My new job starts August 1. From about June 13 to July 28, I'll be in Boston with nothing to do. It's a big block of time, and I have money saved from past jobs, so I've been thinking of volunteering in Haiti or on the Gulf Coast. Is there a good way to do either of these things? Is there cool stuff for me to do locally instead? (I do know about Boston Cares, but they would send me to a different place every day and I'd prefer more committed work if it's available.)
posted by shii at 3:19 PM PST - 6 comments

¡USA! ¡USA!

I'm looking for English-language blogs written by international students attending school in the United States. [more inside]
posted by roger ackroyd at 3:18 PM PST - 2 comments

Who knows where these bowls came from?

So, we bought a large lot of yellow ware bowls at an auction. Included in the group were these two bowls. [more inside]
posted by Old Geezer at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments

What can we do to improve this bad home rental situation?

The proud new renters of the main floor of a very nice house settle in to discover that there is absolutely no sound barrier between the main and basement suite. They signed a long lease and feel duped. Now what? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 2:44 PM PST - 24 comments

Relative bond energies of common organic bonds

Looking for a chart or table that broadly summarizes/compares the relative bond energies of the most common intramolecular bonds found in organic molecules (think single and double bonds among C, H, O, N, and maybe S too). [more inside]
posted by killdevil at 2:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Would you terminate an 11-week pregnancy where the embryo has a serious genetic but somewhat correctable defect?

Would you terminate an 11-week pregnancy where the embryo has a serious genetic but somewhat correctable defect? We are trying to decide which route to take for our next pregnancy. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:29 PM PST - 49 comments

Do I choose the possible future baby or the awesome present relationship?

Do I give up love now in favor of a future I may not even want? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:29 PM PST - 16 comments

Which university is more prestigious, Georgetown or University of Washington?

Which school, Georgetown or University of Washington, do you think has more name recognition and prestige? I got into the Masters program for Computational Linguistics for both universities but I'm not sure which one I should go to. It's okay if you don't know anything about the actual departments or linguistics. Just want your overall impression of both schools. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by w84rav at 2:18 PM PST - 27 comments

I'm not going to mock videos from the 90s in a blog... honest.

I want to record from a VCR. What is the best Video Capture card for a PC? Specifications inside. [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 2:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Mount Fail, help me climb it.

I installed a program on my Recently Upgraded Ubuntu OS to help me manage mounting/unmounting various drives plugged into the computer. Big mistake; I've royally messed things up. Now my computer won't mount anything, and so cannot reboot properly. Please help! [more inside]
posted by carsonb at 2:14 PM PST - 6 comments

Dates of the 1964 Presidential Primaries?

What were the dates of the early Presidential primaries in 1964? I don't need them all, just the first few - New Hampshire, Illinois, Texas etc. [more inside]
posted by bagadonuts at 2:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me be the best caseworker possible!

Help me be the best caseworker/social worker possible! Could you recommend resources--or share some tips--that will help me prepare for my new job as a direct, on the ground, social service provider? [more inside]
posted by cimton at 2:06 PM PST - 10 comments

What song is this, and where have I seen it?

What is this song and where has it been used in popular visual media, especially the movies? I know it's not Raymond Scott's Powerhouse but I feel it's been used in similar factory / assembly line situations. [more inside]
posted by komara at 2:02 PM PST - 7 comments

Area Computer Takes Scheduled Break

My computer reboots itself every 2 hours like clockwork. What's up with that? Minutia under the fold. [more inside]
posted by Freyja at 1:51 PM PST - 14 comments

suprise my sweetie at the airport

[hive.love.mind]: picking my sweetie up from the airport after many days away. [more inside]
posted by anya32 at 1:12 PM PST - 21 comments

Rome Alone

I plan to visit Rome during the end of June primarily for a wedding and to meet up with an ex-girlfriend. I am on a very tight budget and with about 4 days alone, I would like to use the time to partake in some interesting (albeit cheap) activities. I plan on staying at Hotel Taormina due to it's location and reasonable price (43 GBP a night) although I'll take suggestions. Cheap watering holes relative to the hotel and advice on getting from Ciampino airport to the hotel (or one you suggest) would be helpful. Grazie.
posted by asharchist at 1:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Stick some stamps on top of my head/I'm gonna mail myself to you

I am a lazy butt and hate going out of my way to mail things. USPS ClickNShip works perfectly for my needs, but now that I'm doing BookMooch I want to use a cheaper postage method, like media mail. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by Madamina at 1:01 PM PST - 7 comments

This is not my beautiful house

I am really lucky. I have a beautiful house, a good job, a smart, talented kid, a devoted, responsible husband. My life, by all objective measures, does not suck. Except it kind of does. Marital woes question: Should I stay? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:46 PM PST - 104 comments

Help me help myself and my alcoholic girlfriend.

Help me help myself and my alcoholic girlfriend. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:46 PM PST - 11 comments

San Luis Obispo??

What are your favorite experiences in or around San Luis Obispo, CA? [more inside]
posted by private_idaho at 12:37 PM PST - 17 comments

Radioactive Tennis, anyone?

I'm heading to Chicago this weekend. What science/geeky/historical places should I check out? [more inside]
posted by benzenedream at 12:25 PM PST - 16 comments

Is Jersey City to Somerset a reasonable commute?

Want to know about how long (and how bearable) it would be commuting from Jersey City, NJ to Somerset, NJ 5 days a week for work. Has anyone done it? Any thoughts on how 'sustainable' a commute it is? I am mostly concerned with the day-after-day effects of driving this distance. My commute now is via subway and is about 30 minutes each way, including walking.
posted by dvjtj at 12:11 PM PST - 18 comments

Help me identify this large Asian tapestry

Help me identify this large Asian tapestry. It's 128 inches long and 75 inches wide, and belonged to my great-grandmother (who lived in Germany, if that helps) so must be at least 100 years old. Any information you can glean from the linked pictures would be really helpful -- what language is the writing? What might this thing be?
posted by plantbot at 12:10 PM PST - 11 comments

What is this shooting pain down leg from car accident?

What is causing this shooting pain from my right gluteus down my leg? [more inside]
posted by gibbsjd77 at 11:37 AM PST - 23 comments

Seeking old Sierra Club ads

Seeking old Sierra Club ads: Back in the Seventies, the Sierra Club used to have a pro-nuclear power stance and had an ad campaign called "Atoms, Not Dams." Their focus was on saving rivers, as might be inferred. It was only later that they had an ideological split and took on an anti-nuclear stance. I'd like to find some of their literature from those early days of the "Atoms, Not Dams" era, but evidence of that seems to be wiped from memory (and from the Internet, as far as I can tell). I'd give my eyeteeth for an "Atoms, Not Dams" T-Shirt with "Sierra Club" on the back.
posted by Tom Blees at 11:33 AM PST - 6 comments

How can I truly get back on the health wagon, once and for all?

What tips and tricks do you use to avoid falling off the diet wagon? [more inside]
posted by sonician at 11:17 AM PST - 52 comments

Why does my Windows partition hate the Internet?

The Windows partition of my PC is no longer able to connect to my home network. How do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by Electric Dragon at 10:50 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I setup 120 blogs?

What is the easiest way to setup 120 children with their own individual blog? They're all 10 and 11 year olds and they'll be used solely for a 2 week unit of work at school.
posted by mooreeasyvibe at 10:48 AM PST - 8 comments

What would YOU want to hear in a coffee shop?

Tell me your favorite compilation albums! The more eclectic, the better! The catch: I want to play them at the coffee shop where I work, so they can't be too loud or have any cursing in them... [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:42 AM PST - 44 comments

Can "a break" be a good thing or are we doomed?

My partner of almost two years and I are "taking a break." Is it possible that this could be a period of growth and not just the death rattle of our (up until recently) happy relationship? Have you ever taken a break successfully? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:38 AM PST - 29 comments

I've defaulted on a loan.

I've defaulted on a loan. How do I arrange to pay it back? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:37 AM PST - 4 comments

Too bad this doesn't fit into Grab Bag...

I'm going off to college this fall and need some great panniers... [more inside]
posted by 47triple2 at 10:35 AM PST - 20 comments

Movie Or Television Show with Same Comic Sensibility as "The Onion" Videos?

Movie Or Television Show with Same Comic Sensibility as "The Onion" Videos? [more inside]
posted by Jon44 at 10:33 AM PST - 24 comments

Two WRT54G routers - Am I doing this right?

Optimizing my home network, using a pair of Linksys WRT54G wireless routers + Tomato. Best practices? [more inside]
posted by caution live frogs at 10:29 AM PST - 7 comments

iPhone/Windows file manager advice?

Looking for recommendations for a iPhone media file manager running on Windows XP [more inside]
posted by mojohand at 10:23 AM PST - 5 comments

Honda Accord Throwdown

Should we take the Accord LX, or the Accord EX? [more inside]
posted by SlyBevel at 10:12 AM PST - 25 comments

Extra Mile?! I Just Want ONE Mile!

Why aren't I making any progress in running a measly mile? [more inside]
posted by Sassyfras at 10:06 AM PST - 51 comments

How do I order a power adapter from China?

Several years ago we bought a small HD tv manufactured in China, from e-bay. The power adapter plug, the end that inserts into the tv, is now physically broken, beyond repair. How can I find a Dajing DJ-U485-12? Google search turns it up, from various Chinese companies, and translates the pages for me, but when I email I am directed to "Globalsources.com," apparently a brokerage firm. I registered with them but haven't heard from any Chinese companies regarding the adapter. I have tried to buy it in the US but can't find any sources here. Any ideas would be much appreciated! Thanks, metafilter contributors.
posted by ragtimepiano at 9:57 AM PST - 19 comments

Is my rusted gas grill safe?

Is my gas grill toast? How much rust is too much? Can I still use this without blowing up my face? [more inside]
posted by smelvis at 9:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Am I being paranoid about emails?

Am I being paranoid about Outlook email, Microsoft and privacy? [more inside]
posted by aqsakal at 9:49 AM PST - 9 comments

US freelance translator working for a foreign client?

Two parter about freelance translation: What do I charge and what do I do about (foreign) taxes? [more inside]
posted by squawk at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Where should I move to in southern CA?

This fall I'm starting a graduate program that requires me to be in Santa Barbara for 3 days/month. I currently live on the east coast. Where might I move to within driving distance of Santa Barbara that is not insanely expensive but still a "nice enough" place to live? [more inside]
posted by tacoma1 at 9:30 AM PST - 27 comments

ipod backup with playlists?

I am about to backup my ipod on my mac and want to do two things: first, preserve my playlists and, second, merge tracks on certain compilations and mix-cd's I also need to use my ipod on both mac + pc, and use it for data storage, so I know I'm off the prescribed path. Is there an app for this? :-) [more inside]
posted by cgs at 9:26 AM PST - 2 comments

Men's haircut in Toronto - 2010 edition

Having viewed the previous threads from 2008, I thought it might be time for an update. Where do gentlemen get their scalp shorn in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by Apollo's Favorite Mistake at 9:20 AM PST - 5 comments

News/information for creative people

What are the best news or link sites for writers/creative people? [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 9:19 AM PST - 3 comments

Itch around the collar

I am literally allergic to nice clothes. When I wear collared button down shirts (with a stiff collar), I get red itchiness all around my neck, and if my hands touch it and then my eyes, my eyes start to burn. What am I allergic to? What can I do to stop it? [more inside]
posted by Mach5 at 9:12 AM PST - 18 comments

how to keep cat from opening latchless door durin ghte day

Please help me figure out how to keep the cat from opening the latch-less bedroom door during the day when we are gone and/or not paying attention. [more inside]
posted by Jenny is Crafty at 9:11 AM PST - 16 comments

Tri-Level HVAC

My part of the house is never comfortable! Help us with our tri-level home heating/cooling issues. [more inside]
posted by thorny at 9:09 AM PST - 5 comments

Basic Video & Audio equipment needed for an office! What other accessories would an office need along with a Canon 7D and a Zoom H2 portable audio recorder?

Basic Video & Audio equipment needed for an office! What other accessories would an office need along with a Canon 7D and a Zoom H2 portable audio recorder? [more inside]
posted by bostonhill at 9:04 AM PST - 5 comments

Cell phones for simpletons

Please help me pick out a cell from AT&T [more inside]
posted by troywestfield at 8:52 AM PST - 8 comments

Could I have ADHD despite my general togetherness?

I am generally calm, happy, and successful, but lately I am very unfocused. Could I have ADHD? [more inside]
posted by Duluth?! I Hardly Know Her! at 8:41 AM PST - 12 comments

QuickBooks retail/inventory guru in the hive?

Any retail QuickBooks gurus in the hive? Need to set up summary sales & inventory transactions in QB for a coop grocery trying to get its accounting systems in order. We're processing many sales through Google Checkout. Anyone who can help? If you're in the SF east bay and want to come by, I'll offer food & drink in exchange for your wisdom, and you'd be helping out an idealistic young coop. [more inside]
posted by quinoa at 8:37 AM PST - 1 comment

Conflict resolution strategies for romantic relationships

Tips for conflict resolution in a romantic relationship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:34 AM PST - 11 comments

Good Melbourne haircut

Best place to get a quality haircut in Melbourne? [more inside]
posted by kid A at 8:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Self-defense options for the home?

Someone's repeatedly trying to gain entrance to our condo complex. We're working with the police, but in the meantime I'd like to get something for stand-off personal defense. The catch: no firearms. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:17 AM PST - 44 comments

How do I deal with knowing my true love is as mortal as the rest of us?

I have found "the one" I want to spend the rest of my life with and I cant stop thinking that one day she will die. How to deal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:17 AM PST - 37 comments

Cooling a large room

What are some ways, other than air conditioning, to cool a large room (~6,000 square feet)? [more inside]
posted by yerfatma at 8:11 AM PST - 16 comments

How do you add meaningful page views to a web site?

WebContentAndAdvertisingFilter: How do large content sites generate more page views to fulfill ad requirements? You're running a huge web site. You're running low on promised page views to a certain advertiser, and you certainly don't want to give the $$ back. What do you do to generate more, but still good quality, page views? [more inside]
posted by twiki at 8:01 AM PST - 5 comments

Can I have a fun summer without becoming a Facebook developer?

I need to figure out the best format/logistics for a “summer fun challenge” for my friends. What's the best way to do this, probably on Facebook? [more inside]
posted by thebazilist at 7:54 AM PST - 3 comments

Name That Plant!

What fungus/mushroom/something is growing in this mulch? (link inside) [more inside]
posted by kraigory at 7:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Something between crossing your fingers and the animal ER

Is there a "bible" of home pet diagnostics, treatment, and general health? [more inside]
posted by hayvac at 7:24 AM PST - 8 comments

Sloped car crates in the US?

Where can I find a sloped car crate for my dog in the US? [more inside]
posted by specialagentwebb at 7:18 AM PST - 6 comments

Can you tell me how many people in the U.S. live at 3,000 feet or higher?

Can you tell me how many people in the U.S. live at 3,000 feet or higher? I'm asking, because I'm interested in the size of the market for high-altitude baking advice.
posted by markcmyers at 7:04 AM PST - 16 comments

What would you do in this situation with ex therapist?

What would you do, if anything, in this complicated situation with ex therapist? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 11 comments

How to be an adult in the aftermath of a bad breakup?

I just got dumped. I'm devastated and she's happy. How do I handle this in an adult fashion in today's internet dominated world? Snowflake details & three well-defined questions inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 27 comments

What do I do about my inappropriate boss?

How do I handle my first real job with a boss who is highly inappropriate and unprofessional? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:53 AM PST - 48 comments

baseball's antitrust exemption vs. every other national sport

Please explain to me why Major League Baseball is exempt from antitrust laws while no other sports leagues are. [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 6:47 AM PST - 10 comments

I've lost too much weight, and I can't seem to gain it back.

I've lost too much weight, and I can't seem to gain it back. [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 5:15 AM PST - 27 comments

This weekend in Ireland

Fun things to do in Ireland this weekend? [more inside]
posted by patrad at 4:58 AM PST - 6 comments

Where can I buy plain white old style Chinese t-shirts?

Some years ago I bought a pair of Chinese t-shirts from a charity shop. Plain white short sleeved with a slightly scooped neck. The neck and sleeves where sewn (felled) rather than knitted and the fabric was thinner than the usual western t-shirt. The small label was woven and stated something like Two Chickens Brand. They were ubiquitous in the Mao cap era of China but, try as I may, I cannot trace an internet supplier or a bricks and mortar in the UK/London.
posted by Dr.Pill at 4:44 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a UK IMAP host

Looking for personal IMAP/web hosting; must be UK (and not Google) [more inside]
posted by Luddite at 3:17 AM PST - 10 comments

The end of Lost in a paragraph?

Could somebody summarise the end of Lost in a paragraph? I can't wade through the post on the green; it appears to be all reaction and not a lot of content. Assume the Wikipedia article doesn't do it for me. Take this summary of BSG (Spoiler!) as a benchmark:
[more inside]
posted by obiwanwasabi at 1:31 AM PST - 56 comments

Who is this vaguely described author?

Know an author whose later writings were considered/known to be parodies of the genre they worked in earlier? [more inside]
posted by mdrew at 12:09 AM PST - 9 comments

May 24

What search terms should I be using?

Sometimes the correct search term or phrase can make a huge difference! Help me jump start my research by knowing which terms to use. Topic: decision making and integration of information (psychology) [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 11:25 PM PST - 15 comments

Writing online for money?

I found a review of Constant Content. I feel like writing online for this site. Anybody thinks this is profitable?
posted by susanharper at 10:23 PM PST - 4 comments

I think I've become one of those New Yorkers who calls everything outside of the city "the country."

Inexpensive getaways near New York City? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 10:14 PM PST - 11 comments

What is it called when you remember forever where/whatever you were doing when you first heard of a world-changing event?

What's the term for a never-to-be-forgotten memory of an important event (e.g., when the space shuttle Challenger exploded), when you remember when/where/what you were doing when you heard of the event? [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 10:00 PM PST - 21 comments

Introducing Cornel West

What books or articles should I read to introduce me to the theology of Cornel West? [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 9:55 PM PST - 5 comments

What novel is this quote from?

I'm trying to find a quote from a book I read way back in my English Lit. days. The general gist of the quote is that the best or only way to avoid the angry fist of God is to make sure that you remain in the palm of His hand. It is a quote from a book written by an African American. I'm thinking Zora Neale Hurston or Toni Morrison maybe. I can't remember the actual wording of the quote, so google is not helping. Sound familiar to anyone? Thanks much.
posted by Zendogg at 9:54 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I get cockroaches out of my car?

I think I have a cockroach infestation in my car. I've only seen a few of them so far, but I want to stop this before they multiply. I've had a look at other threads dealing with cockroaches in houses, but has anyone had any experience with them in cars before? I could bug bomb the car, but I'm worried about overdoing it, as a car is so much smaller that a house, and also, would it be dangerous from an explosive point of view? Also, should I be worried about cockroaches hitching a ride from the car into my apartment when I carry shopping, etc around and then bring it inside? [more inside]
posted by Piroska at 9:43 PM PST - 14 comments

Help me Help Them

Complicated question involving hoarding, ad/hd, and a disabled relative. [more inside]
posted by alltomorrowsparties at 9:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Can you recommend a DVD onJudaism?

I am searching for a DVD on Jewish religion. I intend to show the DVD in a Protestant college to students who have little or no awareness of Judaism. Do you know of a good documentary from PBS, BBC, or History Channel, or another responsible source? I would be especially interested in a DVD that explained fundamentals of faith, practice and ritual, and ideally did so in a historical setting. Any ideas?
posted by lwren at 8:41 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I get my microphone to work?

How do I make the microphone in my computer headset work? [more inside]
posted by lazy robot at 8:38 PM PST - 6 comments

Recipes for making fruit brandy?

I am interested in trying to make fruit brandy. I have searched on the internet but have come up with many different (and conflicting) recipes so would like to hear people's suggestions and experience. [more inside]
posted by CTORourke at 8:37 PM PST - 12 comments

How to choose a big and tall ergonomic desk chair?

I'm looking for an ergonomic chair for big & tall folk. [more inside]
posted by mttwtsn at 8:37 PM PST - 8 comments

Should I buy this refrigerator?

Our heirloom (hah!) refrigerator is dying. I'm thinking of purchasing an Electrolux ICON Professional 16.5 cu. ft. refrigerator, with plans to buy the matching freezer later (I have an upright freezer already that will suffice for the time being). Does anyone have any experience with this product? Something similar you think might be better or might want to warn me away from? My biggest concerns are for quality of construction and reliability, but I'd love to hear any/all thoughts you might have about this appliance. Thanks!
posted by miss patrish at 7:53 PM PST - 1 comment

sadly, there is no app for this

App development for idiots. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:41 PM PST - 5 comments

Those three little words.

How unusual is it for parents not to tell their children they love them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:40 PM PST - 78 comments

drumroll your own

Help me "make" a "DIY" "drumkit"! [more inside]
posted by threeants at 7:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Carbs & calories in Korean alcoholic drinks?

Does anyone know the amount of carbs and calories in a bottle of the Korean alcoholic drinks soju and Baekseju? (Just the regular soju in the green bottles, for example "Cham i sul Fresh" or "Choeum chareum".)
posted by seoulpenguin at 7:17 PM PST - 5 comments

Do the Acer Aspire One netbooks support desktop spanning across two displays when connected to an external monitor?

Do the Acer Aspire One netbooks support desktop spanning across two displays when connected to an external monitor? [more inside]
posted by waxboy at 7:11 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me keep track of my home when I'm away.

I'd like to set up a couple webcams in my house with a couple stipulations. [more inside]
posted by sepsis at 6:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Avoiding mealtime awkwardness.

You're out to eat with another person, or a group of people. You're not hungry or are a light eater, so you've finished your meal before everyone else. During the natural pause when everyone takes a bite/chews, where do you look/what do you do to avoid the awkwardness of watching everyone else eat? [more inside]
posted by biochemist at 6:06 PM PST - 33 comments

Is my neighbor, my thief?

If I suspect that the upstairs neighbor is the one who broke in and stole my laptop, do I call the cops and tell them my suspicions? [more inside]
posted by khaibit at 5:56 PM PST - 20 comments

What textbook will guide me through my own muscular system?

Which textbook will guide me through my own muscular system? [more inside]
posted by chickenandwine at 5:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Check, mate! Help ID this illustrated chess book for beginners

Help me identify this very dramatically illustrated beginner's book about chess. [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 5:49 PM PST - 7 comments

Other career options for a public librarian?

My public library system is preparing for massive layoffs; how can I transfer my librarian skillset -- research, customer service, computers -- into a new career? [more inside]
posted by Jeanne at 5:37 PM PST - 12 comments

Fridge cooling woes

We just moved into a new apartment, and our cat promptly decided to hide behind the fridge (~20 year old Inglis System 2000, freezer on top). When we pulled it out from the wall to get her out, we decided to give the back a vacuum. I'm not sure when or how the condenser coils popped out like this but now they won't lie flush with the back again. I'm assuming this is why our freezer is no longer freezing and our food has thawed (as we just moved in, we had nothing in the fridge). Any ideas? Thanks in advance?
posted by avocet at 5:17 PM PST - 6 comments

MacBook to VGA Projector

How to get an aluminum MacBook (2.4 GHz) to recognize a VGA Projector? [more inside]
posted by Danf at 5:00 PM PST - 12 comments

Golftec lessons

Has any beginner tried the Golftec lessons? How would you compare this with a traditional coach? [more inside]
posted by harigopal at 4:58 PM PST - 1 comment

I need help finding great lighthouses to visit!

VacationFilter: Planning on going for a 4 day road trip to see lighthouses on the coast of Maine. Any suggestions for unique things to do? [more inside]
posted by SharkLangasta at 4:29 PM PST - 14 comments

I just want even eyebrows!

[SeattleFilter] Please recommend the best place in Seattle to have my eyebrows groomed! [more inside]
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse at 4:23 PM PST - 3 comments

origami how-to

What's the best resource for teaching myself how to do origami? [more inside]
posted by fso at 4:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Baby Love

How long did it take for you to love your baby? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:04 PM PST - 47 comments

is she spying with her iphone?

did she secretly record our conversation? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:04 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I sell a shogi set I designed?

I have designed a new type of playing pieces for Shogi, and I would like to either sell my design, or find an inexpensive way to produce them and sell sets myself. I am also worried about how much I should show my designs around, in case someone steals them. [more inside]
posted by rebent at 3:59 PM PST - 2 comments

Must see between Tucson and Denver?

What are some interesting places roughly midway/equidistant between Tucson and Denver? [more inside]
posted by unmake at 3:50 PM PST - 7 comments

Should I watch Lost?

Is it worth it to now watch all of Lost? (No spoilers please) [more inside]
posted by Uncle at 3:31 PM PST - 46 comments

Weird allergy question: why would a rash only ever appear on one finger of my left hand?

Weird allergy question: why would a rash only ever appear on one finger of my left hand? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 3:30 PM PST - 10 comments

A Year in Solo, Indonesia

Living in Java (Surakarta - Central Java) for a year. What should I know? [more inside]
posted by ageispolis at 3:29 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me print my photos!

I am looking for the easiest and cheapest site to print photos from online! I have used both kodak and walmart.com, but I was wondering if anyone else has any other suggestions? [more inside]
posted by luckyme793 at 3:24 PM PST - 5 comments

Why shouldn't I move to Hawaii?

I'm considering moving from Saint Louis, MO to Hawaii, probably near Hilo on the Big Island. What is bad about this idea? [more inside]
posted by Kemayo at 3:02 PM PST - 20 comments

What is going on with this lease?

Real-estate filter: Landlord tries to push us to break our August 2010 lease after sabotaging our roommate-finding efforts. Tells us we can't break our lease without forfeiting our $1700 security deposit. Now, they've put the house back on the market BEFORE anything was discussed about breaking the lease. What now? [more inside]
posted by kro at 2:37 PM PST - 8 comments

Quick Pick-Me-Up

What are some ways to "feel better fast"? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 2:27 PM PST - 54 comments

To cut or not to cut (my grass)

We have thin and bare spots in our lawn so I had a professional reseed it using "slit" seeding. The problem is the old grass is at least eight or nine inches tall and really needs to be cut, but the new grass still looks too fragile to walk on. So how long should I wait before I mow it? I'm concerned that letting the older grass get too long will make my lawn become coarse or cause other problems.
posted by 14580 at 2:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Need translation of my mother's Japanese scroll

I have in my possession a scroll, approx 6 ft long, relating to my late mother's hobby of Bonkai (Japanese Tray Gardens). I shall be very grateful if the Japanese speaking MeFites can look at these pix on Flickr and give me a translation. "B. E. Wollen" is my mother's name, is it possible it is her own writing? Thanks in advance! [more inside]
posted by lungtaworld at 2:19 PM PST - 10 comments

Studying in Baltimore

What are some great study spots in Baltimore City, MD? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 2:13 PM PST - 8 comments

Looking for tasty cholesterol-free protein shake

I've started lifting weights with protein supplements, and noticed most are very high in cholesterol - 10-15% DV per scoop, and you're supposed to have 6-8 a day. Can someone recommend a supplement that is cholesterol-free? [more inside]
posted by lrodman at 2:13 PM PST - 21 comments

How do I learn what it takes to do health policy?

I fell into a job as a policy analyst. What can I do to show that I'm good fit over the next few months, when my position will be posted as a permanent one? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:12 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I sell a website idea?

I have an idea for a web-based business. How do I sell it? [more inside]
posted by attercoppe at 2:02 PM PST - 12 comments

A Sexless Love Life?

How do I face feeling essentially bereaved over the fact that I feel only a meager sexual spark for my boyfriend, who I love and respect and adore and have fun with? I have every intention of staying together with him, in a monogamous relationship. Any advice or book recommendations or outlandish concepts are welcome. A longer explanation to follow. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:57 PM PST - 17 comments

How does divorce really work

My husband and I are going through counseling after 12 years of marriage. It's possible that we won't make it. What are the practicalities of divorce, and how does it really work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:57 PM PST - 11 comments

Help! I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up!

An inconspicuous emergency call button on a bracelet or something for a spry 70-year-old? [more inside]
posted by curiositykilledthelemur at 1:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Will Work For Happiness

Help me not let depression make my life stand still? Or worse? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Should I pay cash for a house?

Under 30 with a 16-month-old. Getting $750k from insurance settlement. Have $65k in a money market from previous settlement, $10k in my Roth IRA, and $13k in my 16-month-old's 529. Should I pay cash for a house? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:49 PM PST - 19 comments

Suggestions for interesting non-fiction about Germany in the Middle Ages

I'm interested in reading some non-fiction about Germany (or The Holy Roman Empire) in the Middle Ages and I'm looking for suggestions. [more inside]
posted by picea at 1:45 PM PST - 12 comments

Video cameras that give me video files

I am looking for a decent hard-disk-based video camera for home use that doesn't record video on its hard disk in some proprietary format. I just want to be able to copy / move / delete the video files in Windows Explorer. [more inside]
posted by blue_wardrobe at 1:27 PM PST - 3 comments

How to help my ego recover after my boyfriend comment ?

My boyfriend said today while talking about some bad experiences about his ex girlfriends that he wrongly used to look for the wrong type of girl based more in their physical attractiveness. I feel hurt and resentful as obviously his comment implies I am not physically as attractive then, as he is with me . He's very handsome and quite often look /glances other girls when we are together. Should I said to him that I want to be with someone who thinks I am the most beautiful woman in the world and he also should stop looking other girls? That sounds pretty insecure and for sure it will push him away. But then how to deal with these feelings? I don't know what to say or how to react when I next talk to him, as I my ego is hurt and I feel very upset. please some advice. thanks.
posted by anonymous at 1:23 PM PST - 33 comments

Limerick contest brainstorming

Help me brainstorm a limerick contest. [more inside]
posted by Astro Zombie at 1:16 PM PST - 8 comments

How to clean seriously smelly Birkenstocks?

I have many pairs of Birkenstocks, about 25 or so, and I can no longer wear some of my favourites due to their funky odour. I've tried using the Birkenstock brand footbed cleaner, and other mild detergents, but haven't had great success getting the funk out. Looking for suggestions for how to clean old smelly pairs, and also how to prevent the funk from settling into new pairs. Natural solutions preferred, please.
posted by laura_carter at 12:59 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me buy a birthday present for my F 150 truck

I want to buy my F150 truck a birthday present: a good polishing inside and out. [more inside]
posted by looknevada at 12:58 PM PST - 1 comment

Where can I find AOL (circa 1994) screenshots?

I am looking for a depository of old AOL/Compuserve/Prodigy screenshots, ideally from 1993-1998. Even better -- I'd love to find & run these actual programs on a modern computer. Where can I get screenshots, and where can I find the old versions of these programs/a way to run them?
posted by Damn That Television at 12:54 PM PST - 7 comments

Can anyone recommend a good cheap second-hand DSLR, please?

I've offered to take some photos for a friend's website, and I need a good cheap DSLR. I know what I'm doing with a camera, but have never bought a digital SLR. I'm on a budget (say $200), so I'm going to look at the second-hand market (mainly eBay). I don’t need masses of megapixels or fancy extras, but I do need high-ISO capacity for indoor shots (hence a high-end P&S won't do). Does anyone have any recommendations, please? Perhaps something that was hot two or three years ago? (I'm in Greece so US-only offers are no good to me.) Thanks in advance.
posted by kitfreeman at 12:41 PM PST - 21 comments

Will a spare receiver work with a different remote?

HTPC aficionados, I have a question about infrared remotes. Can a USB receiver be used by any other remote or is it "locked" to the one that came with it? [more inside]
posted by ChrisLSU at 12:40 PM PST - 4 comments

put me out of my cell phone misery

Boston Cell Phone Filter: Please help me with this seemingly simple cell phone decision. [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 12:34 PM PST - 4 comments

That right there is BADASS.

What are some things I can learn to do in order to become more of a badass? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 12:28 PM PST - 76 comments

Did round stereotypical bombs exist?

Did the stereotypical round bomb exist in real life? And if so then what is it called and where can I get info about it? By "stereotypical round bomb" I mean a black spherical bomb with a small flat cylinder cap top out of which a fuse sticks out. Did these things exist IRL?
posted by I-baLL at 12:24 PM PST - 15 comments

Baking for the Vegan Hordes

I am looking for large quantity vegan baking recipes (cornbread, oatmeal cookies, brownies, coffeecake, etc.) designed for 50 servings or more. [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 12:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Please help me identify this song, so I can buy it from Amazon and listen to it a thousand million times and maybe someday put it on a mix cd!

Hivemind, can you help me identify this song? Beat : strong, very danceable. Vocals : female, thick (like honey). For part of the song, she ends each line with "uh huh." I feel like it's a (recent) popular song, but every time I hear it, there's too much ambient noise for Shazam! to identify it.
posted by Afroblanco at 12:11 PM PST - 48 comments

Name that cartoon dog!

Name that cartoon dog. My (relatively) new French Bulldog reminds me of some cartoon dog, and I can't for the life of me figure out which cartoon dog I'm thinking of. [more inside]
posted by ill3 at 12:08 PM PST - 28 comments

How do you lead a bad team?

You're thrust into a leadership position. Of a bad team. What do you do? [more inside]
posted by NoRelationToLea at 11:50 AM PST - 20 comments

"Nick Clegg"

I DESPERATELY need jokes about politicians for a speech tomorrow. Can anyone help me with some (relatively clean) and hopefully snappy material? [more inside]
posted by marmaduke_yaverland at 11:48 AM PST - 16 comments

Has Your Therapist Fallen Asleep during your session?

Has your therapist fallen asleep during your therapy session? [more inside]
posted by ChicagoTherapyConnection at 11:24 AM PST - 41 comments

Seeking least offensive light beer

What's the least offensive light beer? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 11:14 AM PST - 37 comments

Do I write back?

Another pregnancy and friendship question, tl;dr special snowflake edition. [more inside]
posted by different at 11:05 AM PST - 37 comments

Design comp____?

Is "comp" in "design comp" short for something? If so, what?
posted by scottreynen at 11:04 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me have fun at the Salton Sea.

What should I do at the Salton Sea for one or two days? I've checked out this previous post, but need more specifics on this area itself. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 10:59 AM PST - 6 comments

Asked to photograph a wedding, need help with pricing

I need help setting wedding photo pricing. [more inside]
posted by saffronwoman at 10:58 AM PST - 10 comments

Exercise Away A Double Chin?

How do I get rid of a double chin? I am in good shape, not overweight, but I noticed in pictures taken at a wedding this week end that I have a double chin that really bothers me. I remember my father had one, too. Is it just DNA or can I exercise this away? I'm 65, male, if that helps.
posted by captainmickey at 10:47 AM PST - 9 comments

How to handle meeting my stepson's mother?

I am step-mother to a charming fifteen-year old. His father and I have been together for 7.5 years and we have a six-year old. My step-son's parents are currently unable to hold a polite discussion about his life, and his mother has asked to meet with me as "you are more occupied with him" at our house. Part of me is glad, part overwhelmed. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Self-Injury in a 5yr Old. DO NOT WANT.

Starting self-destruction young: What methods are best to re-direct problem behavior in a self-harming five year old? [more inside]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 10:35 AM PST - 25 comments

Received someone else's medical bill

I received someone else's medical statement with lots of personal information to boot. What do I do next? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Help living with a wimmen hatin' husband with Asperger's

My husband has Asperger's Syndrome and a lot of unresolved anger towards his ex-wife. These two things are horrible together, as he is frequently mean to me, punishing me for things she did to him, but then he is unable to grasp how upsetting this is for me. I've been trying to get him to go to therapy to try to work out his anger about her, but in the meantime I need strategies to cope with living like this, as it is making me lose my mind with frustration, anger, and sadness. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:19 AM PST - 29 comments

Old Friends Old Flames

Does anyone know of any research into social media platforms and the phenomena of looking up people from one's past? Surveys? Sociological Research?
posted by elis at 10:15 AM PST - 3 comments

Can I beat the heat in the dessert in July?

How can I beat the heat on a summer road trip through the southwest? [more inside]
posted by slow graffiti at 10:06 AM PST - 13 comments

When and how did you realize you were bisexual?

Sexuality seems to be a very fluid and complex matter, and perhaps bisexuality even more so. My question is, when and how did you realize you were bisexual? And on a side note, I'd like to hear some opinions on a unrequited love situation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:04 AM PST - 12 comments

Where can I send my mini-shampoos?

I'm in hotels all the time (about 16 nights a month), and it just occurred to me that those little bottles of shampoo and stuff could go to a better cause than just hanging in the room after I leave. Should I donate them to a homeless shelter or some other organization, or would they rather just have a check? Any specific places that are in need of toiletry supplies?
posted by jnaps at 9:56 AM PST - 29 comments

We don't need a cheap dorm room...what else is there discounted for students?

We're in our mid forties and my wife is going back to college (well grad school actually). What student discounts should we be on the lookout for now that she is officially .edu ?? [more inside]
posted by teg4rvn at 9:44 AM PST - 20 comments

Need to party in Orlando

Need to host a party in Orlando. I don't live in Orlando. Need help finding the perfect location. [more inside]
posted by arniec at 9:44 AM PST - 7 comments

American TV series on DVDs in French?

What addictive TV series are available on DVD dubbed in French, with French subtitles? [more inside]
posted by sdis at 9:41 AM PST - 9 comments

My series of tubes needs plunging

I currently have a finicky DSL connection. Is there a utility that will give me near-instantaneous status (like a green light/red light on the task bar) on whether I truly have an Internet connection? I use Windows 7. [more inside]
posted by crapmatic at 9:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Baby needs new games!

Netbook games? There's got to be at least a few... [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:23 AM PST - 20 comments

Where can I learn to teach science using the outdoors?

I'm looking for college-level courses that focus on instructing teachers (either preservice teachers in training, or active teachers) how to use the outdoors in their science teaching. [more inside]
posted by franc.o.bolos at 9:11 AM PST - 3 comments

Cat poop fight!

Another cat question, concerning multiple cats and their poop. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 9:09 AM PST - 5 comments

cardiology/mitral valve prolapse questions

Recently was hospitalized for acute bacterial endocarditis. The follow-up cardiologist visit is summed up as follows; "..had his echo/doppler study performed today. It shows mitral valve prolapse, which is quite severe. There is a suggestion of ruptured chordae involving the posterier leaflet. There is thickening of the posterier leaflet and a very severe mitral regurgitation. His left ventricular systolic function remains normal and his left atrial dimension is only mildly dilated. At this point, we are going to manage him medically and further management will depend on his progress". There is no medication yet, and I am due for a follow-up visit soon. Have been researching; and also want to ask advice of hive, for areas/questions to prepare. Subjects include his mention of future possible replacement; exercise and diet for heart health; anxiety related to MVP. Help me focus on a valuable discussion with the doctor.
posted by ebesan at 9:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Can anybody help me find the song, "Kenny G is not jazz"?

Can anybody help me find the song, "Kenny G is not jazz"? [more inside]
posted by 4Lnqvv at 9:02 AM PST - 6 comments

Hip hop CAN'T be dead.

I need recommendations on some good/great/exceptional hip hop produced in the last 2-3 years. [more inside]
posted by Tenacious.Me.Tokyo at 9:00 AM PST - 28 comments

Virus virus everywhere

I think our network as a virus, but virus scanners say no. [more inside]
posted by eas98 at 8:53 AM PST - 19 comments

Help me feed a crowd of hungry wedding goers.

We're hosting a small, casual wedding reception for about 30 people and I need some ideas for food. Ideally, the recipes will be make-ahead (some reheating or finishing touches are ok), easily expandable, relatively simple, and will hold well room temperature or in a crock pot. [more inside]
posted by Kimberly at 8:50 AM PST - 20 comments

What was life like in the 1980's?

Looking for movies that evoke how it is to live in the time in which they are set. [more inside]
posted by reenum at 8:18 AM PST - 35 comments

Exercise for the freshly hobbled

Can you suggest some exercise for the freshly hobbled? [more inside]
posted by bicyclefish at 8:05 AM PST - 5 comments

Rockhounding and fossil hunting in the American Plains

Where should we rockhound and fossil hunt on our road trip through the Midwest and Great Plains states? [more inside]
posted by arabelladragon at 7:58 AM PST - 6 comments

What makes for a great online course?

I've been hired to teach on online course next semester. What makes for a good online course? [more inside]
posted by agent99 at 7:56 AM PST - 21 comments

Tips for passing road test.

Help me ace my road test next week (and boost my confidence). [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 7:42 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me decide whether to get out of a convoluted relationship.

Help me decide whether to get out of a convoluted relationship. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:33 AM PST - 38 comments

all work and no play...

How do I answer the "Why do you want to leave your current job" question during interviews? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 23 comments

How to respond to fat talk

What is the proper response to people who constantly make comments about how fat they are -- and they are normal weight? I am overweight. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:31 AM PST - 29 comments

Classiest Thursday night dancing in Boston?

Where can I get dressed up and go dancing in Boston on a Thursday night? [more inside]
posted by modernserf at 7:30 AM PST - 1 comment

Breaking Load of 1"x12"x30" marble

Breaking Strength of Marble. How much weight can a sheet of Tennessee pink marble support? Sheet is 1"x12"x30". It and two others like it will be the base of an octagonal plinth which will support a concrete urn weighing about 200 lbs empty, maybe 400 lbs when planted. Plinth is entirely built of this marble and hollow inside. I am open to suggestions for interior supports, currently thinking of gluing a rod to underside of marble and extending it below ground surface.
posted by fkeese at 7:17 AM PST - 12 comments

There But for the Grace of Clergy Leadership or Congregation, Go I

A friend of mine is a candidate to be a UU minister at a particular church. He had to go through a hiring process similar to that of faculty interviewing for professorships. The chaplain at the university where I work is Methodist, and she told me yesterday that every year she has to write a letter to those in charge asking to stay here at the university because any given year they could tell her she'd have to go to this community in this place, and she'd have to. She's been doing this for twenty years. Now I am curious, which religions have a more traditional hiring process where an ordained minister or priest has to interview for their position and which religions have a leadership that tell their priests and ministers where they are going? What are the details of how this process works for the religion you mention?
posted by zizzle at 6:55 AM PST - 11 comments

How do I get my dog to take a pill when I can't hide it in food?

How do I give an anti-nausea pill to my dog when he won't eat? [more inside]
posted by emumimic at 6:52 AM PST - 7 comments

What songs have a military sounding snare drum in the background

What songs start with a snare drum (like a military parade) or have a snare throughout the song? [more inside]
posted by birchhook at 6:52 AM PST - 35 comments

USAA is screwing me over, what can I do?

USAA is screwing me over, what can I do? They've kidnapped my money and while telling me I'll get it back, won't give me anymore information. [more inside]
posted by bindasj at 6:45 AM PST - 24 comments

How not to burn down the house?

How do I stop my hearthless fireplace burning down the house? [more inside]
posted by Silentgoldfish at 6:24 AM PST - 9 comments

Doctor Who stuck in a time loop.

Please identify this Tom Baker-era Doctor Who episode. I saw it once when I was a child. All I remember from it was the Doctor fixing K-9 and time becoming a loop around him. [more inside]
posted by Sticherbeast at 6:15 AM PST - 8 comments

Dressmaker, Dressmaker, Make me a Dress!

[LA Filter] Dressmaker and stretch silk fabric near Santa Monica, CA? [more inside]
posted by 2003girl at 6:05 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm interested in streaming sports from around the world in Canada; what are my options?

I'm interested in streaming sports from around the world in Canada; what are my options? [more inside]
posted by Hiker at 5:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Help keep my dog sane while he recovers

My dog had a severe laceration to his paw yesterday. He's been stitched by the vet, but paw stitches are fragile and require a dog to be kept inactive. What can I do to keep him from going insane? [more inside]
posted by fremen at 5:38 AM PST - 13 comments

So, my kitchen is collapsing...

UK (Scotland) tenancy issues. How long should I expect major kitchen repairs to take, and what are my rights as a tenant while the work's being done? [more inside]
posted by Catseye at 5:24 AM PST - 4 comments

Birthday girl

Birthday Filter - What to get a 7 year old who is not a material girl- she loves books, music, her flute - so a book right? But I want something awesomely special- maybe where the occasion is more than the gift.
posted by the noob at 4:27 AM PST - 16 comments

I Mead Help!

Where to find good mead in the Atlanta area? [more inside]
posted by dortmunder at 4:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me get a better earphone seal!

Will these triple-flange sleeves work with Shure SCL2 earphones? If not, does anyone know of a third party vendor that makes compatible triple flange sleeves for the SCL2? I'm having a hard time getting any of the included sleeves to form a seal with my elfin ears.
posted by mattholomew at 4:06 AM PST - 7 comments

edundant switchmode power supply

Where are some redundant switchmode power supplies with dual 240 AC inputs and a 12V DC output... I am looking for some models but google is not working for me. [more inside]
posted by gttommy at 4:02 AM PST - 5 comments

Looking for a good quality noise cancelling neckband headset

What's the best noise cancelling neckband headset that's adjustable and similar in sound/noise cancellation quality to the Sennheiser PXC 150/250 series? [more inside]
posted by ponystyle at 3:36 AM PST - 0 comments

Keeping the RATINGS when moving iTunes stuff to a new Mac

Helping my father re-create iTunes on his new iMac—AND keep all of his song ratings. [more inside]
posted by blueberry at 3:27 AM PST - 10 comments

Looking for an HTML editor.

Looking for a basic WYSIWYG HTML editor that doesn't add all kinds of code that I don't ask for. I'm still pining for Netscape Gold.....
posted by Framer at 3:23 AM PST - 7 comments

Recommend independent or well-treated Astoria cleaners

Recommend a cleaning person or service in/near Astoria, Queens? If a service, one that treats its workers well. [more inside]
posted by brainwane at 1:57 AM PST - 5 comments

sundress + sportsbra-like thing?

brafilter: I am looking for something that acts like a bra but doesn't look like one in the back... [more inside]
posted by lalalana at 1:56 AM PST - 11 comments

where to study science and mathematics online?

What are the best places to study science and mathematics subjects for university credit online? [more inside]
posted by compound eye at 12:26 AM PST - 3 comments

Long lost friends or finally making a move???

Is he asking me out to hangout and catch up on old times or is he asking me out on a real date? [more inside]
posted by penguingrl at 12:14 AM PST - 18 comments

Ask a stranger for more money to fix my scooter?

When my scooter was damaged after someone backed up into it, I spoke to the driver of the car and we agreed on an amount. Later I discovered there was much more damage than I thought. Should I go to the trouble to ask for more money? [more inside]
posted by greasepig at 12:02 AM PST - 9 comments

May 23

Which songs have the singer's full name in the lyrics?

Can you think of any songs where the singer includes his full name in the lyrics? [more inside]
posted by voronoi at 9:50 PM PST - 71 comments

pimp my home network

I found an (relatively) old usb adaptor in my basement. I no longer need it for basic wireless, but can i use it to make my home wireless networking really really cool? [more inside]
posted by bellbellbell at 9:39 PM PST - 1 comment

How to get information on someone given what I already have

I have some information about someone; I want more. What's the best way to get it? [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 9:31 PM PST - 8 comments

Need an easy, cheap, automatic way to keep ~8GB of files backed up.

I need an easy, cheap, automatic way to keep a few gigs of files stored in various folders around my computer backed up. [more inside]
posted by nmaster64 at 9:30 PM PST - 9 comments

What's a reasonably priced way to sell large files online?

What is a cost-effective solution to sell collections of large files (~500MB each totaling ~4GB per collection) online? [more inside]
posted by jaden at 9:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me not have to jump through one more logistical hoop nightmare

What is the safest and cheapest way to ship 4-7 boxes (and possibly an iMac) overseas? [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 8:26 PM PST - 8 comments

How much are my basketball cards worth?

Just came across a bunch of basketball cards, looking for tips on getting proper valuation and the best way to sell these cards. [more inside]
posted by mealticket at 8:24 PM PST - 3 comments

seeing many types of blind through a new lens?

Can I get contacts if I have presbyopia (needing progressives) AND astigmatism? [more inside]
posted by kch at 8:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Biking with a baby in the city

What's the best set-up for biking with a toddler in the city? [more inside]
posted by sandor at 8:06 PM PST - 19 comments

No Cars Go

EMERGENCY! My car is about to go kablewy (as in any day now), and I have to commute 30 miles a day to work. I can't live without a car, and seeing as hubby and I just moved, we have no savings or nest egg to fall back on. We are looking for an affordable, fuel efficient, used car around $6000ish. IYHO: Who's the best used car dealer in town? [more inside]
posted by evilcupcakes at 7:49 PM PST - 9 comments

Peace, Hearts, & Music Festivals: I want these pants!

I'm trying to find these pants or fabric. They are made of light fleece and are a simple low-rise, elastic waist, woman's yoga/pajama pant. They were bought at a Bealls outlet in Florida and the label says Feathers. [more inside]
posted by ourroute at 7:38 PM PST - 2 comments

Over Worked Marine Biologist Filter

Asking for a friend. He's a marine biologist who usually does ecological impact studies prior to any kind of construction work along coasts or out in the oceans. He works world wide and constantly. He spends a great deal of time out in the field and it's becoming detrimental to family life. [more inside]
posted by snsranch at 7:23 PM PST - 5 comments

OSX Open With Menu Problem

I'm having the same problem as stated in this question from 2006. [more inside]
posted by moosedogtoo at 7:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Modern vs bygone home building techniques

Have US home construction techniques improved since the 1920s? [more inside]
posted by zippy at 6:46 PM PST - 34 comments

How should I handle this somewhat awkward dating situation?

How should I handle this somewhat awkward dating situation? [more inside]
posted by freem at 6:33 PM PST - 31 comments

Help me figure out why I seem to be undatable, except when I'm not.

Help me figure out why I seem to be undatable, except when I'm not. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 PM PST - 37 comments

Netflix for the deaf?

Is there any way to search Netflix for subtitled/Closed Captioned material? [more inside]
posted by furiousxgeorge at 6:10 PM PST - 9 comments

How > Why

They say that science takes care of the "how", and religion takes care of the "why"... What I want to know is, do "how" and "why" have equal philosophical footing? [more inside]
posted by klanawa at 5:58 PM PST - 9 comments

Where buy Jim Wilson's Big Fat Mama - rockabilly song

where can I buy a recording of Jim Wilson's "Big Fat Mama" - a hilarious hillbilly song from sometime in the 1950's or so that I just heard on WFMU 91.1 on the way through NYC. [more inside]
posted by 8699oriel at 5:42 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me deal with previously learned material.

Help me deal with previously learned material. (More Inside) [more inside]
posted by gregb1007 at 5:30 PM PST - 4 comments

Is the instant tent a camping nightmare?

Do you, or does anyone you know, have a Coleman Instant Tent? What do you, or they, think of it? [more inside]
posted by wg at 5:08 PM PST - 9 comments

Is it socially acceptable to leave a small wad of clean-looking toilet paper in the bowl after flushing?

Is it socially acceptable to leave a small wad of clean-looking toilet paper in the bowl after flushing? I've noticed that a number of people do this on a fairly regular basis.
posted by trevyn at 4:45 PM PST - 38 comments

gameboy music making...

just got an original gameboy and i'm wondering what the better music making cartridges/solutions might be. any ideas or suggestions? thanks!
posted by artof.mulata at 3:43 PM PST - 7 comments

well-developed literature of skeptical criticism of Islam

Where can I find some well-developed literature of skeptical criticism of Islam in general and Shia or Sunni philosophy specifically? Scholarly criticism would be preferred.
posted by clueless22 at 3:37 PM PST - 3 comments

Something fishy?

Where can I learn more about a recurring motif of images of acquatic life in Werner Herzog's films? Jellyfish, fish, etc?
posted by fixedgear at 3:35 PM PST - 1 comment

I Wanna Rock!

What are some community-based online radio stations? [more inside]
posted by Kippersoft at 3:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Photo-thwart. Uh-huh. Flash, flash, flash.

Grrr. I'm trying to capture these photos and having a heck of a time. Help? [more inside]
posted by Vavuzi at 2:56 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I find my dead father?

Can you help me find out information about my dead father? [more inside]
posted by ajarbaday at 2:51 PM PST - 24 comments

A digital guitar neck, customizable by me…

I'm not a programmer and don't really want to try to become one, but I'd like to build a little graphic app/utility and am wondering if it might be possible using something like Flash or HyperCard or some other similar no-coding program. Details within… [more inside]
posted by dpcoffin at 2:41 PM PST - 12 comments

Word art

Hi I have a list of words i'd like to print them on A4. I'd like them to be differnt clours, hight, font i'm looking for a program that will allow me to do this easily. Any ideas? Kinda like this Thanks!
posted by lpoulter at 2:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Learning by doing

Short group activities or mini-workshops to use in an adult educational setting? I hesitate to say "teambuilding" exercises, but I am thinking in terms of the marshmallow challenge or Abigail and the boatman. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 1:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Shade grown organic porn?

I'm looking for "organic" kinky porn in which I know the models are not being exploited. (NSFW) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:45 PM PST - 13 comments

Is it coming from inside the house?

A rhythmic click (every n seconds) is coming from my living room window. What could it be? [more inside]
posted by werty at 12:44 PM PST - 19 comments

Help me root my Droid!

I think I'm ready to take the plunge and root my Motorola Droid to install a custom ROM. But I still have a few niggling questions. [more inside]
posted by malthas at 12:38 PM PST - 6 comments

Has the sun set on these?

[JapaneseTranslationFilter] Can I still eat this? [more inside]
posted by bardophile at 12:17 PM PST - 9 comments

The Fungus Blob versus the Weeping Fig

I replanted my indoor ficus benjimana/weeping fig about two weeks ago, putting it into a much larger pot, and using some Home Depot gardening soil. A few days ago, a thin-foam-like, white substance appeared over portions of the soil. Today, I notice I have large, blobby, mushy, fungus-looking things growing on the top of the soil. The tree, however, looks fine. What is this gross stuff, and should I do anything about it? [more inside]
posted by not_on_display at 12:12 PM PST - 10 comments

LOST in San Jose

Where can I watch the LOST finale at a bar/venue in the San Jose area? [more inside]
posted by special-k at 11:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Tap water question

This morning while cleaning the crock pot, I noticed that the baking soda I was using was foaming up, as if i had added an acid like vinegar. So, I poured some baking soda in a clean bowl, to see if it was the water. It foamed! Is there a reason my tap water would be so acid? The only thing I found on the internet was a vague suggestion the chlorine can cause acidity in the water. [more inside]
posted by annsunny at 11:19 AM PST - 16 comments

Why do people use Celsius when the weather is cold and Fahrenheit when it's hot?

Why do people use Celsius when the weather is cold and Fahrenheit when it's hot? [more inside]
posted by Spamfactor at 11:18 AM PST - 40 comments

Help me identify this Nike watch.

Help me identify and find a manual for this Nike watch. [more inside]
posted by bgrebs at 11:15 AM PST - 2 comments

Looking for good rock acoustic guitar music, no vocals

Looking for good rock acoustic guitar music, no vocals [more inside]
posted by colecovizion at 11:12 AM PST - 11 comments

electrical energy from your car

How can you run a large appliance (e.g. a washing machine machine) off of a running automobile? What's the best way to convert the huge amount of power generated by the car into 110V A.C. at a high wattage? [more inside]
posted by grizzled at 11:11 AM PST - 5 comments

Don't be a fool, wrap your tool...but not with that!

New girlfriend, we're talking about sex, doing it safely, but she's allergic to latex. What to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:59 AM PST - 18 comments

How will global warming affect the nature and prevalance of clouds?

How will global warming affect the nature and prevalance of clouds? [more inside]
posted by Sully at 10:54 AM PST - 2 comments

Fly poop --> compost?

Compost question: can I turn this gloopy wet black soldier fly manure into usable compost? [more inside]
posted by malhouse at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments

What food should I make for a LOST finale?

I am having a party tonight to celebrate the finale of LOST. I have never seen LOST. What foods should I serve? (At my disposal: Trader Joe's, SuperFresh, Reading Terminal Market, the dollar store.) Budget = 40bucks. People = 10. Difficulty level = 6.
posted by melodykramer at 10:37 AM PST - 17 comments

Open operating system

I have a laptop that Microsoft should have never approved for vista it wheezes and struggles under vista and is close to useless. I was wanted to install some open operating system and use it basically as a netbook. What options do I have and how do I go about it?
posted by ExitPursuedByBear at 10:33 AM PST - 16 comments

Are you my mommy, puppy edition.

What shelters in the Baltimore City area will give a pit bull type puppy a chance? [more inside]
posted by QIbHom at 10:16 AM PST - 15 comments

What's the etiquette for ending a short-term relationship?

What is the decent method for calling things off with a woman after a month of dating, sleeping together, but never defining the relationship? In person? Over the phone? Via e-mail? [more inside]
posted by lamprey at 9:20 AM PST - 56 comments

Evening/weekend therapist in SF?

An evening/weekend therapist in San Francisco? I'd like to talk over some family and personal issues with a professional. But I can only swing regular appointments via late evening or weekend hours - not easy to find. Any suggestions?
posted by anonymous at 8:58 AM PST - 3 comments

Please don't ask me on a date.

I know a guy in person that I've been chatting with online. In person, I'm not attracted to him at all. But I am intellectually turned on by the conversations we have. (Anon because I talk to this guy on the internet.) I don't want this to go any farther. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:58 AM PST - 15 comments

She should have looked into the future and just gotten still pictures in the first place

Asking for my dad, although I'm interested too. What's the best way to essentially get a screen shot of a DVD playing on an XP machine? [more inside]
posted by theichibun at 8:44 AM PST - 7 comments

Cat vet in Ypsilanti?

Please recommend me a vet in the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor area. [more inside]
posted by r_nebblesworthII at 8:37 AM PST - 5 comments

Hello Pregnancy, Goodbye Friendship?

Being pregnant led me to losing a close friendship with Jane, feeling left out by my circle of friends, and generally feeling guilty about being pregnant in the first place. I'd really appreciate advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:36 AM PST - 25 comments

Does my family suck, or do I?

Do the items in my deceased mom's home belong to me or the new owners of the house which happen to be my family? How to accept the fact that this house, which I've always considered home, isn't anymore. [more inside]
posted by phox at 8:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Are foreign vs. domestic car brands statistically more reliable?

Are foreign vs. domestic car brands statistically more reliable? [more inside]
posted by Dr. ShadowMask at 7:08 AM PST - 18 comments

Looking for Karen Finley

Help me find cool performance artists, performers, and festivals... [more inside]
posted by metametababe at 7:05 AM PST - 6 comments

It's Not That Big a Deal

I feel like my girlfriend gets too worked up over trivial annoyances. Am I overreacting? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:56 AM PST - 43 comments

Help me get through a customer service job and transition into freelance writing.

How do I leave my grinding, soul-crushing technical support job? I want to be a freelance copywriter and copyeditor, but I don't know how long it will take to build a solid business. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:55 AM PST - 11 comments

Emergency trade show display in Las Vegas by Tuesday morning?

Emergency trade show display in Las Vegas by Tuesday morning? My colleagues just went to Las Vegas for an important trade show. We had a lovely display background made for our booth - a Skyline Mirage. Unfortunately, our guys forgot to take the display on the plane! :/ We need the booth to be ready by noon on Tuesday. Can we get a similar display made in Las Vegas by that time? Any ideas most welcome! [more inside]
posted by krilli at 6:38 AM PST - 13 comments

It's not a tumah! I just weedwhacked!

Swollen hands after manual labor. Ways to treat/mitigate? [more inside]
posted by datacenter refugee at 6:32 AM PST - 13 comments

Out with the cold, in with the waves.

What are the best beach havens in Mexico, Central and South America with a relaxed, laid-back vibe and low tourist development? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 5:58 AM PST - 20 comments

Great iPad Apps for Kids?

iPad apps for kids? Especially for 4-10 year olds. [more inside]
posted by Toekneesan at 5:29 AM PST - 8 comments

Survival Hobby Communities

Blogs And Forums About First Aid, Survival, Worst-Case-Scenario Etc... Etc... [more inside]
posted by LudgerLassen at 5:17 AM PST - 8 comments

DLP for JS?

I'd like to learn Javascript for free (or very low cost), online, as part of a distance learning course. [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 3:33 AM PST - 10 comments

May 22

Hoping for another Askmefi Mystery Machine Victory

Anyone know what city this is? [more inside]
posted by mreleganza at 11:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Mailing a hard drive in a cardboard envelope?

Will Samsung refuse to replace my defective hard drive if I mail it in a flat-rate envelope instead of a big box with bubble wrap? [more inside]
posted by jrockway at 11:23 PM PST - 11 comments

Wher to buy patchouli in or near Seattle

Where in or near Seattle can i find a shop that sells patchouli perfume/cologne? I purchased my last bottle in Kansas and have no idea where to find some here. I don't want to buy it online so any advice would be very much appreciated.
posted by saran-han at 10:49 PM PST - 5 comments

How can I make my memory more exact?

Homo sapiens can memorize The Iliad, and I can't be that far removed from my ancestors, right? How can I improve my ability to remember things very precisely? I'm particularly interested in textbook definitions, chemical formulas, and mathematical formulas. [more inside]
posted by edguardo at 10:29 PM PST - 24 comments

Where do bootleg concert shirts come from?

I saw Pearl Jam the other night in Boston (incredible show!), and as we spent 45 minutes waiting to get out of the garage, we saw the bootleg shirt sellers drop prices to the point that one guy just gave them away. It got me wondering about the actual process and distribution system of these shirts. Like start to finish, how does it work? [more inside]
posted by speeb at 10:03 PM PST - 15 comments

Where in the world should I go?

I just graduated from a U.S. university and I have the whole month of June to go anywhere and do anything before I start working. I need ideas! Especially travel abroad. [more inside]
posted by ista at 9:13 PM PST - 23 comments

What is this stuff René?

What do Marion and Belloq drink at Tanis in Raiders of the Lost Ark? [more inside]
posted by ish__ at 9:09 PM PST - 9 comments

Harnessing/shaping/using stress to your advantage

Stress. How do you balance/manage/harness it for your benefit? [more inside]
posted by sharingideas at 9:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Cook my Coconuts!

How to make an island "Lost" coconut appetizer. [more inside]
posted by Unred at 8:28 PM PST - 9 comments

What is the best external storage option for a PC running XBMC?

What is the best external storage option for a PC running XBMC? [more inside]
posted by zcow at 8:17 PM PST - 3 comments

Follow-up to previous orthopedics question

I'm looking for personal anecdotes or data, either positive or negative, about triple arthrodesis. This procedure has been recommended for my 15-year-old brother as a salvage procedure to eliminate pain resulting from an unsuccessful tarsal coalition surgery (also including a lengthening of the Achilles tendon.) [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 7:44 PM PST - 1 comment

Do they have a Bigfoot Museum up the road?

Does anyone have any parks, roadside attractions, and Must-Sees for a Saturday day-trip from Portland to Mt. St. Helens? [more inside]
posted by haplesschild at 6:54 PM PST - 7 comments

Russian address decipherment

In a Russian address, what do the abbreviations д., кв., and Ст. м. stand for? [more inside]
posted by oracle bone at 6:42 PM PST - 8 comments

One luminary clock

Help me understand the phases of the moon. Why is it that a New Moon is visible at all? [more inside]
posted by doubtless at 5:23 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me remember this kid's book about WWII

What book is this? Kid's fiction set in WWII Britain, featuring a crashed german plane and a salvaged machine gun. [more inside]
posted by werkzeuger at 5:06 PM PST - 9 comments

Turns out selling a car is a nightmare.

How do I ditch my old car without taking a bath? [more inside]
posted by zvs at 4:52 PM PST - 18 comments

Intro to IPAs for noobs

BeerFilter: I usually like bitter things, but I can't get into IPAs. Please explain them to me in very small words. (Bonus points for recommending interesting ones to try in the New England area.) [more inside]
posted by dorque at 4:20 PM PST - 38 comments

How to swap caregiving chores

Elderly father-in-law is coming to live with us (my husband and me). Sister caring for our elderly mother, lives nearby. Sister is fabulous cook, and likes to cook. I hate cooking, and always eat out. Elderly father-in-law's presence will end that. Sister and I want to swap chores, doing for each other what we're good at and like to do. How in the world can I compensate her for cooking for us? Besides buying the food. I can do the shopping, and even pay for the food, but what else? My only talents are hand sewing, crocheting, making quilts. Has anyone done this community type of thing? Any suggestions?
posted by readsew at 4:13 PM PST - 19 comments

Is Windows 7 the next XP?

I'm an advanced computer user and would like to know how Windows 7 compares with XP Pro. I'm clinging to the latter like Dagon to an emaciated villager but I know the time will come when I'll have to move on. Basic info about install size, resource hogging, software compatibility (particularly MS Office versions) and tweakability in terms of Windows' always annoying "security" functions will be greatly appreciated. I have tried Vista, only to run away from it screaming. I'll be sitting round the fire in the trashcan, looking forward to reading your thoughts.
posted by New England Cultist at 3:53 PM PST - 27 comments

Best practice file management in Windows 7?

I have: A clean install of Windows 7, an external hard drive full of documents, music and video files, and zero understanding of how the new-fangled folders and libraries are meant to work. Please help me understand best practice file management in Windows 7. [more inside]
posted by embrangled at 3:36 PM PST - 6 comments

CraftFilter: How to attach applique with embroidery, for dummies.

Crafters, please help. What I'm trying to do is apparently called "applique" and "embroidering," as part of a quilt project. I'm totally clueless and kinda need to finish today. [more inside]
posted by slidell at 3:20 PM PST - 10 comments

Learning languages is fun! No, really!

What are the most interesting, fun, unusual, ridiculous, bombastic, affentoll, and/or funkadelic ways to learn a language? [more inside]
posted by ElectricBlue at 2:59 PM PST - 25 comments

Should I call his mom?

Should I contact my boyfriend's mother because I believe he needs help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:56 PM PST - 15 comments

Helping my friend with Cancer

How do I go about appropriately and respectfully helping my friend with cancer? [more inside]
posted by pennstatephil at 2:53 PM PST - 20 comments

Culture in Chicago - Show me it

I'm going to be in Chicago in late July, and was hoping some locals could tip me on finding the best Lebanese food, jazz clubs/events that I shouldn't miss, interesting art galleries maybe even local theater if they're doing something fun. [more inside]
posted by dejah420 at 2:47 PM PST - 8 comments

Why fail, cookies?

Why did our cookies get all burned and fail? [more inside]
posted by emperor.seamus at 2:44 PM PST - 11 comments

Looking for an attractive, appropriate skirt

How can I find a pencil skirt that will flatter my figure? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 2:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Save us from breakfast at Tim's

We are in Edmonton for the long weekend and would like to go for brunch tomorrow morning. We are staying in the Mettera so something walkable would be great but are willing to hop in a cab for some fabulous brunch.
posted by sadtomato at 2:17 PM PST - 7 comments

Slip-sliding away

How do I make [someone else's] wood floor less slippery? [more inside]
posted by MtDewd at 1:48 PM PST - 13 comments

Serenity Now! Help me calm down.

I’m suffering a bad reaction to a family crisis. It’s either PTSD or a general freakout, but I need advice on how to deal with this. Long, sad, family drama to follow….. [more inside]
posted by The Light Fantastic at 1:17 PM PST - 25 comments

Searching for the name of the band

I once listened to a CD of an american band a couple of years ago. I can't remember the name, but I know some details of the album. [more inside]
posted by madcow20 at 1:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Do you get grade(d) to post?

How can I effectively use a blog in my class? [more inside]
posted by solipsophistocracy at 12:56 PM PST - 17 comments

Same job, different location

In how many countries could I practise law? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:47 PM PST - 7 comments

Password recovery or doom?!?

PasswordBuffooneryFilter: I've had a Hotmail account for eons, don't use it a ton, get a couple things sent there on an ongoing basis. Had the password stored via Firefox and it has disappeared from the remember-password feature. It's been long enough that I don't remember the password-recovery info (favorite pet, etc.) and I didn't register an alternate e-mail (that they would use to send me the means to access the account). Based on the Microsoft info I've slogged through and Internet searches, it seems I'm sunk. Or am I?? Much gratitude for any help folks can provide.
posted by ambient2 at 12:23 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for Eggselent Restaurants

NYC restaurant filter: Looking for restaurants in the city which prominently feature egg dishes, or just have excellent egg-based dishes on the menu. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 12:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Best Hair Dryers For Black Hair?

What are some really good blow dryers for African American hair? I am on the market for a blow dryers that straightens really well with a comb attachment. The one I currently have, is okay but when I keep forgetting to ask what kind my stylist uses because that one seems to get it straighter and dryer. While t would be great if it is a model that is relatively travel friendly, I'm just looking for the best best hair dryer for black hair. Thanks!
posted by Waitwhat at 11:35 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me enjoy this gorgeous summer!

I would like to walk to work, but my nice work pants are all tailored to the length of my nice work shoes, which have enough of a heel that I can't wear the pants with flats. If I walk to work in my heels, I'll wear out the shoes really quickly. Plus, they're not as comfortable as sneakers or flats. I would really appreciate any ideas you guys have, because taking the subway two stops is such a waste! Thanks in advance.
posted by prefpara at 11:28 AM PST - 25 comments

Russian to English translation cost?

How much should we expect to pay for Russian to English translation services? [more inside]
posted by macfly at 11:01 AM PST - 10 comments

Computer repair in North Carolina?

Recommendations for computer repair in the Chapel Hill/Durham/Raleigh area? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 10:59 AM PST - 4 comments

Staying put and still having lived in many countries

Looking for the quote about a man born in Austria-Hungary, growing up in Germany, coming of age in Poland, dying in Russia, who always lived at the same place. [more inside]
posted by Eltulipan at 10:34 AM PST - 10 comments

How to make sure a business idea has merit before running with it?

How do you make sure a business idea has merit before running with it? [more inside]
posted by gacxllr9 at 10:34 AM PST - 6 comments

Songs about zoom.

Songs on the theme of transportation? [more inside]
posted by millipede at 10:31 AM PST - 88 comments

fox & dog

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog [more inside]
posted by raphael19 at 10:31 AM PST - 10 comments

Recommendations for a good antenna.

Any suggestions for an antenna for my desktop wireless networking card? [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 10:27 AM PST - 6 comments

Where can I buy a hula hoop near (or easily accessible from) SOMA?

Where can I buy a hula hoop near (or easily accessible from) SOMA? [more inside]
posted by puffin at 10:15 AM PST - 10 comments

Why can't I hear lyrics?

Why can't I "hear" lyrics to songs? I know they're there, but I don't notice them the same way other people do. [more inside]
posted by circular at 9:48 AM PST - 26 comments

The cold is gone but the symptoms remain and are MAKING ME CRAZY.

How can I get rid of this lingering congestion and cough? [more inside]
posted by TochterAusElysium at 9:37 AM PST - 12 comments

What is the quickest, surest, safest way to delete my Facebook account?

What is the quickest, easiest, but especially most thorough way to delete my Facebook account? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 9:28 AM PST - 3 comments

Should guys stay alone in their unsuccessful social situations?

Relatively unfriendly guy, exceedingly caring and friendly with good-looking girl. Help me understand this social behavior -- and should I do anything? [more inside]
posted by knz at 9:24 AM PST - 21 comments

What's a good fit?

Looking to leave my job for a new line of work - what would be a good fit given these conditions: combination of indoor/outdoor work, engaging, varied, $40k/year, ... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:17 AM PST - 10 comments

Idiosyncratic retirement location question

Please give me some advice on where to go to retire at a relatively young age. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:17 AM PST - 21 comments

How can I attempt to get my novel published?

Is there anything I should be doing to try to get my novel published? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:09 AM PST - 16 comments

How important is a kitchen anyway?

Should we move into this apartment, or stay where we are? [more inside]
posted by kerning at 8:41 AM PST - 22 comments

How to make a stop-motion video in Windows 7

How should I make a stop motion video using a free program on Windows 7? [more inside]
posted by kylej at 8:09 AM PST - 6 comments

Quitting with class

I work for a company which may be failing, and I think it's time to leave. How do I know when it's time to bail out? And how do I exit gracefully without potentially hurting the company further? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:46 AM PST - 10 comments

Sleepwalking horrors

I live in a high-rise condo and have recently been plagued with the idea of hurtling myself off the balcony during my sleep. Is there any simple cures to unfounded phobias? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:46 AM PST - 9 comments

It's Like Achieving Nirvana, Only In My Pants.

Help me stop obsessing over having an orgasm with my partner (because if I can do THAT, I might actually stand a chance of having one - d'oh! Obsessing again...) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:46 AM PST - 15 comments

When you wake up to this, there's no way to come up with a witty title

Kinda gross dog question about the stain my dog left last night... [more inside]
posted by radioamy at 7:40 AM PST - 13 comments

How does my girlfriend get a credit card if she has no credit?

How does my girlfriend get a credit card if she has no credit? [more inside]
posted by stevechemist at 7:14 AM PST - 21 comments

Mount a tv to a brick wall.

Any issues to be aware of when wall mounting a flat tv to a brick wall? [more inside]
posted by covert7 at 7:14 AM PST - 6 comments

Recieving Packages in NYC inexpensively

Downtown NYC: Are there any inexpensive package receiving services around? I'm in a doorman-less building and have an Amazon Prime subscription that I'd like to take advantage of. [more inside]
posted by theDrizzle at 6:54 AM PST - 10 comments

I need some sleep!

Is my cat insecure or just bossy? [more inside]
posted by WowLookStars at 6:50 AM PST - 13 comments

Magpies mobbing cat

Magpies mobbing my cat - is there any danger? [more inside]
posted by biffa at 6:21 AM PST - 12 comments

How to address a conflict of interest in a dissertation study?

Seeking advice for an issue with my dissertation and how to address a problem in my research protocol. [more inside]
posted by archimago at 6:14 AM PST - 6 comments

Washington dining?

Vegetarian Washington, DC, fine dining? I'd like to get some friends a gc for a great restaurant for their anniversary. They're foodies and vegetarians. Can anyone recommend a place? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 6:05 AM PST - 10 comments

My carpet stuffed up my vacuum!

How do I clean out a vacuum hose that has been blocked by light carpet fibers left over from carpet installation? [more inside]
posted by khelvan at 4:56 AM PST - 10 comments

HypeBeast.

Explain to me the phenomena known as Joss Whedon. [more inside]
posted by the NATURAL at 4:12 AM PST - 34 comments

How can I make a felted boulder?

How could I make a felted rock cushion like those made by Ronel Jordaan? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 1:08 AM PST - 5 comments

"All extraordinary men, who have accomplished great and astonishing actions, have ever been decried by the world as drunken or insane"

Books for/about disaffected, disillusioned young men? [more inside]
posted by prufrock at 12:57 AM PST - 37 comments

If my student loans are going to be forgiven ... I might as well go all out, right?

I'm expecting a financial windfall in the next month or two in the very low five figures. I'm also in the middle of law school, and I'm going to have a great deal of debt when I finally get out (several times that windfall). But should I put that windfall toward not having to take out any additional loans? Normally, the answer would be to take on as little debt as possible, but ... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:42 AM PST - 6 comments

May 21

Don't wear a shirt with your name on it?

Do you remember seeing a public service anouncement about not wearing shirts with your name on them in the early 90s? [more inside]
posted by pemdasi at 10:16 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I best be supportive of my mother as she's experiencing medical issues?

My still young-ish mother is having some health issues. I'm far away, but want to help and be supportive. What can you recommend? [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 8:29 PM PST - 5 comments

How to choose a reputable outsourcing company?

I need an outsourcer that I can trust not to steal my business secrets. What are some reputable companies I could work with? I have tasks that I would like to delegate that require access to some website logins and personal information. I want to work with a virtual assistant that is hired through a reputable company that would involve paperwork that would keep me safe. I don't know who to try besides brickwork. What companies should I look into?
posted by Tres at 8:23 PM PST - 5 comments

Why is my picture staring back at me from this webpage?

Facebook privacy question. Today I visited a site I'd never been to before and to my consternation found, at the bottom of the page, a comment field with my FB name and my picture. I was at the time logged into FB in another tab (I was playing Lexulous). What just happened? And how did the site get my info? [more inside]
posted by jokeefe at 7:14 PM PST - 23 comments

the way forward with a broken heart

How do I approach friendship with a (formerly?) broken heart? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 6:56 PM PST - 10 comments

Blog Hosting for Animations?

Are there any (hopefully free) blog hosting services that allow posting flash, or at least canvas+javascript? [more inside]
posted by iconjack at 6:22 PM PST - 4 comments

The Best CMS

Tell me about the latest and greatest in content management systems. [more inside]
posted by lunalaguna at 6:13 PM PST - 21 comments

Why is my laptop's webcam light flashing on and off, sporadically? (Is someone watching me?)

Why is my laptop's webcam light flashing on and off, sporadically? (Is someone watching me?) [more inside]
posted by anthropomorphic at 6:09 PM PST - 14 comments

Help me remember this song!

The song is called something like Callie's 'Song' (or Kallie, Kylie, Caylie etc.), or possibly Callie's Boat instead of 'Song'. I think it's Irish & it's lovely. It's about a boy who takes his little boat out on the sea - the only refrain I can recall is 'Callie loves the sea'. Thanks!
posted by jsslz at 5:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Health or health insurance? That is the question.

I have a medical issue and not so great insurance; should I get treatment for my problem and risk being labeled with a preexisting condition? I know YANAD. But can you give me advice anyway? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:36 PM PST - 8 comments

What's the best customer service or help desk ticket software available?

What is the best customer service tracking (help ticket) type software out there right now? [more inside]
posted by eleyna at 5:22 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I know which wheelchair/rollator to choose?

Is there anywhere that has reviews of wheelchairs, wheeled walkers, and other disability aids? I'm looking into purchasing a combination wheeled walker / transport wheelchair for myself, but I'm really overwhelmed. [more inside]
posted by happyturtle at 5:20 PM PST - 7 comments

AT&T raises the ETF. Can I say buh-bye for free?

AT&T is raising their early termination fee. Does that mean I can get out of my contract for free? [more inside]
posted by Silvertree at 5:19 PM PST - 10 comments

DTS audio on a media player?

Help me choose a new media player - one that will hopefully decode DTS, because my old reciever does not. [more inside]
posted by kaudio at 5:08 PM PST - 4 comments

Complete invasion of privacy?

How much information can I get about Planet Money's toxic asset? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin at 5:06 PM PST - 5 comments

How to save a metafilter answer?

I want to save or print out the answers that were given to a Metafilter question that was asked yesterday. I tried highlighting and copying to word but nothing showed up except the poster's names. What do I need to do to be able to save this information for the future?
posted by Flacka at 4:55 PM PST - 13 comments

How to CrossFit while recovering from injury?

I love CrossFit, but I'm recovering from a lower back injury (herniated disc + sciatica). How can I stay active and strong without making my back worse? [more inside]
posted by buckaroo_benzai at 4:40 PM PST - 13 comments

What is life like for an FBI analyst?

What do you know about life as an FBI analyst? I would like to find out general information, but I would also like to know two specific things: (1) what are the hours like and (2) what type of business attire do female analysts normally wear?
posted by anonymous at 4:40 PM PST - 3 comments

Mr. Good Boy the Dog is Not a Good Boy at the Veterinarian

Chinese herbs for dog anxiety? [more inside]
posted by futz at 4:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Can lightning hurt a person in freefall?

I'm an amateur skydiver, on my last jump at around 9000 feet I saw a lightning bolt in a cloud a mile or two away. In 170 jumps I've blown through plenty of clouds, sometimes with rain, without ever giving lightning a thought. Although ungrounded, am I likely to be struck in freefall? Would being struck in freefall damage or melt tightly packed nylon?
posted by mewmewmew at 3:57 PM PST - 10 comments

What's a young commie to do in San Francisco?

Going to San Francisco with SO June 11 - 14. I'd really like to learn about the history of the city while I'm there. What should we do & where should we go? [more inside]
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth at 3:50 PM PST - 9 comments

U R O S C I U

What are some non-English word games? I was playing Scrabble in Asia and wondered if there are similar games in languages that don't use the Latin alphabet. [more inside]
posted by acidic at 3:48 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me Macguyver better WiFi reception at work

I am trying to pick up the new WiFi network at work with my laptop but the reception at my desk is just not quite there. [more inside]
posted by dino terror at 3:36 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me merge storytime with playtime on my kids' computer

I am looking to add some variety to story time and want to combine story and video game in a way that will help my kids with reading skills. There's a jungle of stuff out there, but it's a wide range of quality, formats, etc. So please help me identify the best digital interactive fiction/adventure games for use with school-aged children. (specifics inside) [more inside]
posted by cross_impact at 3:25 PM PST - 9 comments

There's gold in them thar backyards.

Is there a name for the flaky, layered clay/soil deposit with a striking metallic sheen found in my childhood neighborhood in Northern Virginia? [more inside]
posted by jocelmeow at 3:05 PM PST - 13 comments

What is the skinny on tax lien sales?

What can you tell me about your experience with tax lien sales? [more inside]
posted by kookywon at 2:59 PM PST - 2 comments

lens me a hand.

Anybody have experience with the Philly Lens Library? [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 2:50 PM PST - 3 comments

Please sir, may I have my pages back?

When I create a new page on my Wordpress blog, it's unaccessible via the permalink (i.e. "www.mydomain.com/pagename"). All I get is a 404 error. I can only access pages using the "www.mydomain.com\?page_id#" link. What gives? [more inside]
posted by chara at 2:23 PM PST - 5 comments

Reconciling my submissive feelings

I am looking for advice about or stories of coming to terms with submissive feelings in bed. I'm a lady in my mid 20s and I like dudes. I've seen a few questions like this one and this one, from the perspective of guys who want to be more dominant with their girls, but are finding it hard to get in the head-space. I'm interested in the opposite angle. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:11 PM PST - 35 comments

Which browser should I use?

Which browser sucks the least for OSX? [more inside]
posted by aloiv2 at 2:09 PM PST - 34 comments

Hair salon recommendations in Vancouver?

Women of Vancouver, where do you get your hair cut? [more inside]
posted by just_ducky at 2:08 PM PST - 9 comments

...and a nice Chianti, yeah yeah

We have fresh baby artichokes. We have fresh fava beans. Help me make them delicious. [more inside]
posted by rtha at 2:00 PM PST - 12 comments

It's either me or the door!

Can I withhold rent until my landlord installs a door on my second bedroom? [more inside]
posted by kmtiszen at 1:59 PM PST - 15 comments

You were in Boston and you didn't see _____?!

I've been to Fenway, The Commons, and Harvard. I'm going back for a week's training (staying at Boston U Dorm with no car). I'm not the most excitable or prolific tourist, so I'm just looking for a few must see things. Just to give some random samples of myself: I like Indie Rock, Modern Art, and if Pax was in town I would have loved to check it out.
posted by Pertz at 1:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Perl is making my head explode

Script-filter: I've been tasked with finding out who at our company is synchronizing to their home folders on our fileservers, and how often. Although initially it was recommended I do this in perl, my head is blowing up trying to get it to work. Lots of blundering attempts to ask for help inside. [more inside]
posted by routergirl at 1:55 PM PST - 15 comments

Acquiring industrial design skill

What's a good way to start learning about industrial design? [more inside]
posted by ignignokt at 1:49 PM PST - 2 comments

Changing careers within the company?

I work at a large company, in a department I like but am not passionate about.  There are other departments in this company that do things I'm much more interested in, but I have no experience and no contacts in those areas.  How can I make the move? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:45 PM PST - 6 comments

Getting out and getting in

No .. really ... how can a US married couple without family ties to Europe move to a Western European country and live/work there for an extended period (at least 5 or 6 years)? Must you be ignorant of the "can't be done" thing in order to pull it off? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:45 PM PST - 27 comments

Which grad school?

Got into grad school for education! woo hoo! now which do I choose - La Salle or St. Joseph's university? [more inside]
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 1:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Name that fuse!

Can you ID this fuse given the black/red/black/red/blue stripes on it? [more inside]
posted by bhance at 1:35 PM PST - 6 comments

Two writers better than one?

In a feature film screenplay, how do writing collaborations work? [more inside]
posted by rocco at 1:34 PM PST - 4 comments

Makes Learning Fun

Name a movie (fictional, so no documentaries or historical retellings) that gave you some factual insight into the world. [more inside]
posted by soelo at 1:18 PM PST - 26 comments

Multiple Calendars on one Outlook Account

I need to find a way to let someone on Exchange Server A edit a calendar on Exchange Server B, in a different organization. [more inside]
posted by GJSchaller at 12:56 PM PST - 2 comments

Wireless Switched Outlets?

Is there any easy, non-invasive, relatively inexpensive way to turn a wall outlet into a switched outlet? [more inside]
posted by alms at 12:56 PM PST - 9 comments

Mission Impossible: Student Loan

Student Loans! Which ones are the best at the moment? [more inside]
posted by freddymetz at 12:49 PM PST - 6 comments

To switch or not to switch, that is the question.

How do you turn most of your lamps on and off: from the wall switch or on the lamp itself? [more inside]
posted by woodjockey at 12:36 PM PST - 16 comments

If you had 6 months to travel the world, and loved street artists and performers, where would you go?

I am massively interested in street art and artists. At last, I've retired, and think it's time for a little hedonism; a street-art world tour. There are lion dances in China, snake charmers in Morocco, hip hop acrobats in New York, soccer jugglers in Barcelona...where are some great places to travel to see local street talent? All types of art (music, dance, painting, mural, sculpture, performance and so on) are welcome! [more inside]
posted by ingridbroad at 12:36 PM PST - 12 comments

How do I shut off the interior lights in my Jeep when the tailgate is open?

How do I turn the interior lights off in a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee when the ignition switch is set to accessory and the tailgate/liftgate is open? [more inside]
posted by tckma at 12:26 PM PST - 6 comments

Oh My Goth Gift! Subject Me To Your World.

GiftFilter: The daughter of a high school friend is graduating from 8th grade; I'm her Rebel Idol (poor deluded kid). Help me represent! [more inside]
posted by _paegan_ at 12:21 PM PST - 17 comments

Good photography magazine wanted

Best magazine for highly enthusiastic amateur photographer? Or suggestions for other photography related gifts at similar price point for a recent college grad? [more inside]
posted by IndigoJones at 12:14 PM PST - 5 comments

How Does Cleverbot Work?

Where does Cleverbot's cleverness come from? [more inside]
posted by redsparkler at 12:09 PM PST - 24 comments

Peru by train or Peru by bus?

Another question about an upcoming trip to Peru: we are thinking of taking either the train or the bus between Cusco and Puno and Puno and Arequipa. Any thoughts or recommendations??
posted by graventy at 12:00 PM PST - 8 comments

KCRW bumper song ID needed

Song identification needed for the music in a couple of the station ID bumpers on KCRW's online music stream. Difficulty level: no lyrics. MP3 snippets inside. [more inside]
posted by zsazsa at 11:59 AM PST - 2 comments

How can I make the most of language immersion and the experience of spending a month in Guatemala?

What can I do (before, during and after I go) to make the most out of a month of language classes and immersion? And what else should I know about traveling alone for the first time and/or about Xela, Guatemala to help me enjoy my time there? [more inside]
posted by EmilyClimbs at 11:54 AM PST - 14 comments

Train Trip to the Pacific Northwest

My husband and I are planning a railway vacation from Chicago to Seattle in mid-July; I've never been there, and my husband has been once. Tips on train travel, fun things to do along the route, and unique things to do once we arrive would be greatly appreciated! [more inside]
posted by iceprincess324 at 11:23 AM PST - 23 comments

Cheap car insurance in KY

Hi I am planning to change my Car insurance in KY. Please suggest a good auto insurance with reasonable premiums. It will be for two cars with two drivers for my BMW x3 and Toyota Camry. Both vehicles at same location in Kentucky. Any opinions? Thanks
posted by drmojoo at 11:20 AM PST - 8 comments

textbook inside front cover blurb

Where did the thing on the inside front cover of many school textbooks originate? [more inside]
posted by oonh at 11:06 AM PST - 27 comments

Nice desk you've got there next to the fireplace

Are there good ways to set up a semi-private office space in unconventional areas in a home? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 11:03 AM PST - 10 comments

How Much Pain is Too Much?

How much pain is OK to run through? [more inside]
posted by PhatLobley at 10:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Please help me find the source of this animated gif!

What film is this animated gif from?
posted by johnnybeggs at 10:53 AM PST - 3 comments

Can the cool kids park in the back?

Where can I park a schoolbus, registered as a motorhome, for free or cheap in New York City? [more inside]
posted by Jon_Evil at 10:33 AM PST - 9 comments

Who can help me with this?

Where is the best place to look for help with Access? I like and trust the answers I get on AskMetafilter but they are expensive (1 per week etc.) I have a programming question that I need help thinking through. [more inside]
posted by amethysts at 10:25 AM PST - 6 comments

Historical sources for the Passion narrative of Christianity?

What are the best historical sources for the Passion narrative of Christianity? [more inside]
posted by tnygard at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments

Getting off my own lawn

I've been accepted for an MA programme starting in October but I'll be relocating as a mature student if I take the full-time route and I'm worried about about culture-shock. Any tips? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:23 AM PST - 2 comments

planning for data/privacy safety

He's angry at me and he's got serious tech resources. What should I be thinking about in terms of data/privacy safety? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:23 AM PST - 26 comments

Cheap Fun Chicago

Cheap, fun date ideas for tomorrow night in Chicago. [more inside]
posted by Colonel_Chappy at 10:16 AM PST - 12 comments

"Unknown" caller id calls my cell twice a day. How do I stop them?

Once or twice a day, I get a call on my cell with a caller id of "Unknown". How can I get them to stop? [more inside]
posted by Calibandage at 10:09 AM PST - 12 comments

Too poor to buy a stats package!

Free stand-alone stats programs for Mac and/or Windows that have (at a minimum) two-way ANOVA and linear regression capabilities? Barring that, good resources for learning R? [more inside]
posted by kataclysm at 10:08 AM PST - 15 comments

Oh, hey, GUHNETTE.

Does my car's Bluetooth have something against my friend? [more inside]
posted by InsanePenguin at 10:03 AM PST - 6 comments

How can you encourage music skills and appreciation in little kids?

How do you encourage the development of musical skills in a 3 or 4 year old? [more inside]
posted by Quizicalcoatl at 9:56 AM PST - 19 comments

the amaaaaaaaaaaaaazing race!

i've become hooked on "the amazing race". how can i become the best possible candidate to kick ass on this televised RACE AROUND THE WORLD? [more inside]
posted by raw sugar at 9:53 AM PST - 18 comments

The more the merrier or Hey! Stop Trying to Steal My Social Life!

I'm a grown adult who seems to have blundered into a situation straight out of the 6th grade - a casual friend met through another friend seems to rapidly working her way through several people's social networks. When is it "the more the merrier" and when is it compulsive friend poaching? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:37 AM PST - 20 comments

That's some threesome!

It's pretty likely that I'm soon to be involved in some sexy-time with a man and a woman who are married with an open relationship. I'm really excited and a little nervous because I've never done this. Very slightly NSFW details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:37 AM PST - 16 comments

Good online source for aquarium fish, plants, and supplies?

What is the best online store in the US to buy aquarium fish, plants, and supplies from? [more inside]
posted by mortaddams at 9:31 AM PST - 6 comments

The 8 glasses seem half-empty to me

How can I get more comfortable with health science findings when they seem to be constantly shifting and/or contradicting one another? [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 9:23 AM PST - 12 comments

opera browser 10.53 compatible with mac OS 10.4.11?

i use mac os 10.4.11. i recently upgraded my opera browser to 10.53. the documentation says it's compatible with os 10.4 as well as a power pc processor. now each time i open the browser i get an "application unexpectedly shut" message. i hit retry, get the same message, hit retry again and it opens. i've re-installed 10.53 twice, with no different results. any ideas, please? thank you.
posted by holdenjordahl at 9:21 AM PST - 4 comments

Here are some tech questions that I don't really understand

No one here knows anything about databases or web stores, and our current ones are very bad. Do you know things? [more inside]
posted by quadrilaterals at 9:03 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me put together a cinematic music mix for my Colorado mountain roadtrip.

Help me put together a cinematic music mix for my Colorado mountain roadtrip. [more inside]
posted by muirne81 at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments

"Yeah, but I think punctuality is slightly different from rhythm."

[HobbyFilter] Help a guy with a demonstrated inaptitude for music make some. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 8:27 AM PST - 10 comments

Making reports more easily

[LaTeX-Filter] Are there latex document styles that can be used for professional reports? [more inside]
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 8:23 AM PST - 8 comments

What to do now that my internship fell through?

What can I do here over the summer since I couldn't do my dream internship? [more inside]
posted by kuju at 8:22 AM PST - 8 comments

What's the best truck for my baby seat?

Tell me about your good experiences with a pickup truck and a LATCH car seat. [more inside]
posted by willpie at 8:21 AM PST - 5 comments

Anyone in Seattle want to make their own pajama pants?

Now that I'm freshly unemployed, I'm thinking about teaching sewing lessons out of my apartment. I'm in Seattle, and my target demographic would likely be young adults on the hipster spectrum, like myself, and perhaps kids 8 and above. What do I need to consider about 1. the business side of an enterprise like that (bookkeeping, taxes, advertising, setting prices, etc.), 2. keeping things safe and pleasant while inviting basically strangers into my home. Bonus item 3. what would you want your lessons to be like if you were my student? [more inside]
posted by doift at 8:20 AM PST - 14 comments

What does it feel like to have anxiety?

Inspired by this post, about what it feels like to have ADHD - what does it feel like to have an anxiety disorder? What goes through your mind, and how would you describe it to someone without anxiety? [more inside]
posted by downing street memo at 8:13 AM PST - 26 comments

How do I protect my book library with renter's insurance?

How do I protect my book library with renter's insurance? [more inside]
posted by ollyolly at 8:05 AM PST - 8 comments

HElp my wife's birthday weekend be awesome!

What is the nicest (or your favorite) restaurant in Klamath Falls, OR? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 7:55 AM PST - 2 comments

Reading materials on foster care and adoption?

mr. desjardins and I are planning to adopt a child from foster care and I am looking for reading materials. [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 7:32 AM PST - 12 comments

help a know-nothing with Word Press

Need help with WordPress [more inside]
posted by Postroad at 7:19 AM PST - 6 comments

Questions about the Voyager Records

How did they put images on the Voyager golden records? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 7:18 AM PST - 5 comments

Is this peach leaf curl?

Do my plum-nectarine trees [flckr] have peach leaf curl? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 7:09 AM PST - 6 comments

HD or not HD.

Is it worth getting an HD TV subscription if my television is only 720p? [more inside]
posted by afx237vi at 6:53 AM PST - 20 comments

Help us not become a marriage statistic

Help us find affordable non-religious pre-marital counseling in the Boston (his) or New York City (my) areas. Please? [more inside]
posted by The Biggest Dreamer at 6:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Did Obama do better among African-Americans or Prius owners?

Did Barack Obama recieve a higher percentage of votes in the 2008 presidential election from African-Americans, or from Toyota Prius owners? [more inside]
posted by box at 6:15 AM PST - 15 comments

Name that tune

I saw Akira Kurosawa's Nora inu [Stray Dog] for the first time last night. In the climactic scene, Murakami has finally cuffed Yusa, and they are lying on the ground together. In the background, a group of singing school children walks by. What are the school children singing?
posted by Shoggoth at 4:58 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me see the rain...

When I'm at work or at home and I want to concentrate on coding I often plug my ears into the sound of rain and thunder (usually courtesy of http://www.rainymood.com/). I'd like to extend the experience of immersing myself in a rainy day even further - so I thought I'd ask the hive if it knows of any screen savers / other apps that package a realistic visual and audial experience of rain together. In my mind, I'm imagining a viewpoint across a park with heavy rain falling on trees, wind whipping through leaves, branches swaying, thunder and lightning in the distance -- but anything that brings the experience at looking out at a rainy day would be welcome. I'm open to suggestions about video files, streaming cameras, screen savers, anything else, as long as the rain is the major theme. Bonus points for lack of relaxation / pan pipe music in the background. What say you, Hive? Can you help?
posted by planetthoughtful at 4:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Can't advance book?

Is there any clever way to get cheap tickets (Boston/Providence>Chicago) on the same day you fly? My first grandchild won't give me a firm date of arrival and I want to start my trip as soon as his mother's labor begins. For some selfish reason she's not willing to 'hold him in' until I arrive.
posted by Pennyblack at 4:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Need French Assistance for my Old Moulinex Juicer

Vintage Moulinex Juicer - Can it be salvaged? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 4:28 AM PST - 4 comments

Using Mumble as a Jukebox?

This should be fairly simple. I use Mumble, and I'm looking to have music piped over my server, sort of a juke box sort of thing. The more features (other people queueing songs, play lists, etc) the better, but at a minimum just playing my music without having to buy any extra hardware (something like this, but for mumble). Any ideas? There must be SOME software that does this... right? Thanks in advance!
posted by TrueVox at 4:16 AM PST - 1 comment

It's lonely here, there's no one left to torture

I love collaboration and teamwork and I need your job and career suggestions. [more inside]
posted by mleigh at 2:55 AM PST - 6 comments

Quick 2 player games are teh best!

I recently discovered a fun two player game similar to paper rock scissors (which I also love) involving guessing the total number of raised thumbs thrown between the two people playing. My roommate and I are having a lot of fun playing and trying to beat each others mind games. What are some other quick similar games that don't need much more than our physical bodies?
posted by razzamatazm at 1:39 AM PST - 20 comments

What rules can I take advantage of before I turn thirty?

Thirty seems to be an age that lots of government and other organisations use as an eligibility cut-off. What rules, loopholes, terms and conditions should I be taking advantage of before my birthday next month? [more inside]
posted by une_heure_pleine at 1:30 AM PST - 4 comments

How much money is spent on communications in International Development?

Can you help to quantify the annual global spend on international development communications as part of a campaign to get NGOs, IGOs and Governments to adopt Creative Commons licenses in international development communications work? [more inside]
posted by johnny novak at 12:58 AM PST - 1 comment

May 20

How to make a local apache (joomla) site live on a windows 2003 server by assigning an ip address.

How to make a local apache (joomla) site live on a windows 2003 server by assigning an ip address. [more inside]
posted by therubettes at 11:54 PM PST - 28 comments

Help me figure out a costume! What's a costume? I have no idea…

Help this costume-newb be amazing. [more inside]
posted by fishmasta at 11:44 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me find a psychiatrist in NYC

Yet Another Shrink Search Question: Help me find a great psychiatrist in NYC. Bonus if they take Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Double bonus if they have experience with ADHD or PTSD. [more inside]
posted by dantekgeek at 11:04 PM PST - 1 comment

Chill Wind Blows Through Europe...

So is the Euro currency about to collapse? [more inside]
posted by Muirwylde at 10:23 PM PST - 20 comments

Tom Haverford's new girlfriend

Who plays Tom Haverford's new girlfriend on NBC's 'Parks and Recreation' ?
posted by shortbooks at 9:53 PM PST - 4 comments

Book Me Quickly

Need something engrossing for about 14 hours of travel, pronto. [more inside]
posted by rokusan at 9:51 PM PST - 34 comments

ANOVA or t-test???

[Stats-filter] Is there any reason to use ANOVA rather than a t-test when there are only 2 groups and 1 dependent variable? [more inside]
posted by beccyjoe at 9:33 PM PST - 9 comments

You would think this list would exist SOMEWHERE

I need to find a list of every current secessionist movement. Catch: I really don't want to use wikipedia. Is there any legitimate source I could use? [more inside]
posted by elsewhen at 9:13 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I make this chart in Excel 2007?

Can you help me turn this data into a graph that looks like this in Excel 2007. The chart is from SPSS, but the formatting is awful and you can only export the file in picture format. Thank you.
posted by Blacksun at 9:06 PM PST - 3 comments

You can call me any time you wanna grind

I want to brush up on my Hawaiian Pidgin. Are there any movies or books that contain a *lot* of good dialogue for me to soak up?
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 8:57 PM PST - 5 comments

You gotta be kidding me...

Fragged my computer registry the other night. I must've turned off the computer at the wrong time. Either way, wouldn't boot, and I used the factory disc to get *a* registry up and running. Problems inside [more inside]
posted by Spyder's Game at 8:43 PM PST - 10 comments

Flaaaaaaaashdriiiiiiiiiives

Help me make computer zombie costumes for my drama class students. [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 8:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Fun things to do in Norway & Finland

Fun things to do in Scandinavia in June. Itinerary inside! [more inside]
posted by Raichle at 8:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Can I haz a gud metronum?

Hey AskMefi, could you help me find a metronome? [more inside]
posted by GrooveStix at 7:04 PM PST - 8 comments

If you poke around looking for trouble, eventually you're going to find something.

Short and sweet: Can anyone help me find statistics on the chances of a brain aneurysm rupturing, given it's size? [more inside]
posted by cgg at 6:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Dare I say it...eh?...I'm lost! (oh god...it's been done too, too many times))

Help me catch up on Lost before Sunday (Spoilers inside, I assume) [more inside]
posted by lizjohn at 6:10 PM PST - 17 comments

Help, I feel like poop!

Question on feeling like I have low blood sugar. [more inside]
posted by TheBones at 6:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Snow in late May. What global warming?

Help salvage my family's trip to Reno/Tahoe this weekend! [more inside]
posted by ardent at 5:46 PM PST - 11 comments

I want to expand my business. But where do I begin?

I own a retail store, and want to open a second location in another city/state. I need help from people, but I'm not even sure what people. Help! [more inside]
posted by CommonSense at 5:43 PM PST - 4 comments

Computer Fan

If I bought a computer fan with 2 wires coming out, what do I have to do besides hook up power to those wires to make it spin? [more inside]
posted by jjbb at 5:43 PM PST - 11 comments

I'd like to give this teacher a D-

How do I complain about a bad instructor? [more inside]
posted by lekvar at 5:33 PM PST - 21 comments

How to record radio baseball games.

I want to record baseball games which often take 3~4 hours. I've tried a Radio Shark to record directly into my computer, but I can't seem to get the reception that I can get with a tuner and a cassette deck. I've tried to find a dual cassette deck that records in auto~reverse on BOTH decks~they used to be common but it seems they're no longer made. Can you help me?
posted by davoid at 5:30 PM PST - 8 comments

I need a LOST costume!

I'm going to a Lost-themed costume party and need a costume! [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 5:10 PM PST - 34 comments

Vancouver All-Ages Venues

Can anyone recommend any good all-ages venues in Vancouver for an electronica/dance show? [more inside]
posted by CarrotAdventure at 4:56 PM PST - 8 comments

A grape idea?

Can I eat the grapes (?) that are growing on my building? [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 4:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Music remakes that could be a different song

Can you recommend music remakes into completely different genres? [more inside]
posted by Danila at 4:44 PM PST - 83 comments

How do I handle a mutl-herbal pill regiment?

How do you handle a multi-herbal pill regiment and is it okay to do? [more inside]
posted by modoriculous at 4:10 PM PST - 9 comments

to blink or not to blink, that is the question

are new (beginning) drivers taught to use turn signals? if so, is turn signal use required by law? [more inside]
posted by msconduct at 3:50 PM PST - 35 comments

House Full of Scorpions

House full of scorpions: how to live (sort of) normally? [more inside]
posted by devilsbrigade at 3:18 PM PST - 16 comments

Go West! ... then north.

What should I see and do on a roadtrip to northern BC? [more inside]
posted by ouchitburns at 3:14 PM PST - 6 comments

I don't have enough lumps on my head.

Help me find this "launch weighty ring; try to catch ring; try not to catch unconsciousness!" toy bought in the early '90s. [more inside]
posted by opossumnus at 3:11 PM PST - 7 comments

Do. See. Go.

What should I do/buy in Kenya? [more inside]
posted by allymusiqua at 2:30 PM PST - 7 comments

Once you see my sweet moves you're gonna stay amazed, my fingers movin so fast I'll set the place ablaze

Teach me some great Mac keyboard shortcuts. Nothing is too obscure. [more inside]
posted by Herschel at 2:28 PM PST - 63 comments

What are the best "green" cleaning supplies?

What are the best healthy cleaning supplies? [more inside]
posted by rglass at 2:18 PM PST - 22 comments

I like to drink wine and play with my dogs.

Please help me find a dog friendly place to stay in Wine Country: Napa, Sonoma or Paso Robles [more inside]
posted by jeffamaphone at 2:12 PM PST - 8 comments

Why do some web sites fail to load when I'm using a VPN?

Why do some web sites fail to load when I'm using a VPN? [more inside]
posted by subpixel at 2:10 PM PST - 3 comments

Dedicated server vs Google App Engine for a Django site?

Is it worth converting Django data models to Google App Engine Datastore API? [more inside]
posted by ckohrman at 1:55 PM PST - 5 comments

Older laptop: upgrade memory?

I inherited a barely-used 2004 Dell laptop, Pentium M 1600 MHz, 30 GB hard drive, Windows XP, Mobility Radeon 9000, 512 MB RAM. Is it worth reformatting and upgrading the RAM to its 2 GB max (at $100), for a few more years of basic internet and Open Office, or as a whole will it forever lag in current-and-near-future contexts? It could be a decent tool for my commuter days as an undergrad, though it is currently far too slow going to be productive or entertaining. Thanks for ideas!
posted by methinks at 1:29 PM PST - 17 comments

Should I leave my wife?

Should I leave my wife??? I have doubted my feelings for her from day one... story below... This is lengthy, sorry... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:16 PM PST - 68 comments

difference between bush/pole beans

I planted some dry beans I bought in grocery store. They all sprouted. There were 5-6 varieties, big white ones, black ones, yellow etc. Is there any way for me to know are these going to be bush beans or pole beans? I would like to grow them on my balcony (to cover my wall) and I don't have much space. I would prefer pole or climbing beans, I don't have space for bush varieties. Would I be able to tell the difference when they grow into seedlings?
posted by leigh1 at 1:16 PM PST - 6 comments

A few volts here, a few amps there, and before you know it there might be nothing left!

Does leaving my phone's car charger plugged in to the car at all times significantly drain my car's battery? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks at 1:07 PM PST - 22 comments

Rock and roll all night, party every day? Seriously?

I'm being romanced by a wonderful man. Problem is, he's a super-social extrovert, and I am your classic introvert who needs lots of alone time. Communication is good about this, but I am worried that I am somehow "holding him back". [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:49 PM PST - 14 comments

The blogosphere thinks I'm ugly...

A few months ago I started getting press and now I'm what you'd call perhaps a "public figure," though a minor one. The problem is that I "read the internet" and come across comments about me being ugly, unattractive, etc. I'm letting them get to me... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:49 PM PST - 61 comments

Cheap DNS Registrar with mail forwarding?

I've been using Joker.com as my DNS registrar for the last decade, and it's always been a little shady looking, but gotten the job done. However, just in the last few months emails to the domain have slowed to a crawl or dropped altogether! To where should I transfer? [more inside]
posted by Squid Voltaire at 12:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Hungry in South Kensington

I would like your recommendations please for restaurants/cafés in South Kensington/Knightsbridge. [more inside]
posted by sid.tv at 12:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Because it's the phone I deserve. Just not the one I need right now.

Do I really want an Android phone? [more inside]
posted by Busoni at 12:01 PM PST - 20 comments

How do I read this astigmatism prescription?

Does this glasses prescription even make sense? [more inside]
posted by RajahKing at 11:57 AM PST - 4 comments

Why track bowel movements?

Why would someone want their roommate to track their bowel movements? [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty at 11:53 AM PST - 15 comments

Ultimate Portable BabyStuffList

Babyfilter: What are the most essential and portable baby things to buy for the first year? [more inside]
posted by pick_the_flowers at 11:49 AM PST - 37 comments

Evening DSL slowdown: where to start diagnosing?

Evening DSL slowdown: best way to measure & compare speeds, and advice on whether to start with my ISP or my DSL provider? [more inside]
posted by barefoot at 11:39 AM PST - 2 comments

Memory like a steel trap. With a big gaping hole in it.

Help me find this contemporary artist's name and/or website. I had it, I forgot to bookmark it, and now it's driving me batty. [more inside]
posted by DestinationUnknown at 11:18 AM PST - 5 comments

where to buy inexpensive sunglasses in Chicago?

Ack - I lost my sunglasses just before I leave on vacation! Where should I go to find a selection of inexpensive (<$75) polarized men's sunglasses in Chicago?
posted by davidM at 11:00 AM PST - 9 comments

Yeah, I know I sound funny!

How can I break up the monotony of first conversations? (+strange accent situation) [more inside]
posted by schmichael at 10:54 AM PST - 13 comments

How much more would computers cost if they were manufactured entirely in developed countries?

How much more would computers cost if they were manufactured entirely in developed countries? [more inside]
posted by miyabo at 10:49 AM PST - 6 comments

How shall I waste my time?

Should I watch all of X-Files or all of Battlestar Galactica? [more inside]
posted by 3FLryan at 10:41 AM PST - 40 comments

What are your experiences using microblogging for work

How are you using microblogging in your company? I am particularly interested in the experience of employees of Microsoft or other beta testers of Microsoft's Officetalk - Secondarily: companies that are using other intranet microblogging platforms. -Thirdly: companies that are using Twitter. What are Advantages? Disadvantages? Best practices? Thanks Frodo the 13th
posted by frodoxiii at 10:23 AM PST - 3 comments

Can I get a side of huitlacoche?

Which foods am I mispronouncing that I don't know about? [more inside]
posted by Diagonalize at 10:22 AM PST - 62 comments

12 people, 1 phone message

I'm looking for a way for a dozen people to call the same phone number at the same time and get the same message, which I have as an mp3 or wav file. [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 10:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Dog bite compensation

Our dog just bit his groomer. [more inside]
posted by davcoo at 9:54 AM PST - 52 comments

It was the most awesome thing, or something like that.

I believe this was on the blue in the last month or two, but my Meta-fu is failing me. Head-to-head challenge of two randomly selected items. I think it was called something like "Most Awesome Thing in the Universe," but of course that's not especially helpful as a search. You voted on one and another two popped up. I think "the internet" was winning at the time. I found it strangely addicting -- mostly because of the in-your-face sound effects -- but some Mefiers were all "meh." I need to find it again and can't. Hope me!
posted by Work to Live at 9:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Transcoding video. Lots of video.

I have a huge pile of video that needs to be transcoded. And it needed to be done yesterday. [more inside]
posted by schmod at 9:36 AM PST - 13 comments

Mad-town Medicine

Can anybody recommend a great GP in Madison, Wisconsin, USA? [more inside]
posted by rbs at 9:30 AM PST - 6 comments

Please recommend "big picture" history books.

Please recommend "big picture" history books. [more inside]
posted by Mid at 9:28 AM PST - 27 comments

Things to do in Paris in May

I'm going to be in Paris next week. I'll be alone for three days, and with a friend and her 2 year old daughter for four days. I'd like suggestions for the non-obvious things to do, for restaurants and cafes to go to (by myself and with my friend), for nightlife (there will be a babysitter at night), for places to shop, and for restaurants and activities that adults can enjoy that will be acceptable to a two year old. [more inside]
posted by Kololo at 9:00 AM PST - 19 comments

Wanted: Illustrations of My Trees

I recently acquired 1.6 acres in Vermont and want to decorate my house with botanical illustrations of the trees on the property. I've found historic drawings by Michaux, Jaume Saint-Hilaire, and Bessa, but it seems as though I can only by prints from one website, and they are around $140 each. There must be a less extravagant option. They need not be historic, but they should be legible and help identify what can be seen through a nearby window. [more inside]
posted by billtron at 8:48 AM PST - 9 comments

Spirits of the ordinary audiobook

Where can I find an audiobook of Spirits of the Ordinary? [more inside]
posted by jModug at 8:31 AM PST - 1 comment

Techniques of Standing Sex

Techniques for Standing Sex [more inside]
posted by inquisitive at 8:25 AM PST - 18 comments

How did you get out of debt?

What are your success stories for getting out of credit card debt? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:20 AM PST - 25 comments

Help my depressed teenaged brother.

How can I help my possibly-depressed teenaged brother? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:20 AM PST - 4 comments

Where should I live?

I'm thinking of buying an affordable apartment somewhere in Europe. The question is where can I get the best trade off between being affordable and being awesome? [more inside]
posted by xammerboy at 8:11 AM PST - 20 comments

CakeFilter: Help me be your ideal bake-sale-stall.

Help me have the bestest cake stall at my work's charity fundraiser! Difficulty: I would like to raise a ton of money AND win the (completely imaginary) prize as Coolest Baker Ever. Suggestions for both cake ideas and aesthetic stall aesthetics welcome. [more inside]
posted by citands at 7:44 AM PST - 15 comments

Change is good. But how does it work? In hockey.

Change is good. But how does it work? In hockey. [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 7:37 AM PST - 12 comments

Post-baby, friend's behavior has been awful. How do I deal?

Friend has changed significantly after having a baby. Is this normal? How can I continue to be supportive when she's difficult to be around? [more inside]
posted by pecanpies at 7:25 AM PST - 19 comments

if i start crying at my desk again, i am ... well, i don't know what i'd do.

What if it's not ADHD, bipolar, depression, or anxiety? What if I just am not made for this stupid cubicle, 401k, 9-5 crap? I know that many people do it and that sometimes you have to suck it up, but when I keep having freak outs and get more and more depressed and meds don't help and i just feel like i am fighting myself all the time, isn't it time to try a new plan? [more inside]
posted by inmyhead at 7:25 AM PST - 37 comments

help me find a book about football

Help me find this book filter: juvenile fiction, chapter book, about an inner city African American kid who is trying to join a football team in order to emulate his hero, a professional football player. [more inside]
posted by Sara Anne at 7:18 AM PST - 4 comments

Tall, blond and pretty Canadian citizen

[Canadian citizen vs non-resident status filter] Hi Metafilters! A good friend of mine, an immigrant who became a Canadian citizen few years ago, returned to her home country, got married there, got a child and wants to stay there for indefinite length of time. She wants to keep her Canadian citizenship though. What problems she will face here in Canada if she became non-resident? What are the ramifications if she does not? [more inside]
posted by ivanka at 6:17 AM PST - 11 comments

Talk me through the downsides, please.

Is this real estate deal too good to be true? [more inside]
posted by Chrischris at 6:03 AM PST - 8 comments

I want to begin plus size modeling. How do I start?

I want to begin plus size modeling. How do I start? [more inside]
posted by metakiwi at 5:36 AM PST - 5 comments

How to help a rescue dog overcome its past

Help my family learn how to raise a great dog that was saved from an Amish puppy mill. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 5:30 AM PST - 7 comments

I want a fake rothko painting. how do I go about it?

I want a fake rothko painting. how do I go about it? [more inside]
posted by krautland at 5:29 AM PST - 19 comments

Unzipping multiple zips from multiple folders?

I have a large folder on my iMac which contains several subfolders, and every subfolder contains one or more .zip files. How can I unzip all of those files at once and output everything (from every single zip file) to yet another, separate location? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 5:23 AM PST - 6 comments

Short in my internet

My internet access is driving me crazy. Sometimes pages load and sometimes they don't. Https pages seem to be particularly inconsistent. I recently had to buy a new Zoom DSL modem which has a Linksys wireless router and Vonage running out of the back of it. What tools and troubleshooting techniques can I use to trace down the problem? I have performed an infinite ping on google and the connection is consistently up. My Bittorrent downloads are working just fine. My Vonage which is plugged into the back of the DSL modem is working just fine. Sometimes I can get Gmail, sometimes I can't. Help me track down this problem before I go and buy a new modem / router combo. Help me become a wireless / connectivity sleuth.
posted by jasondigitized at 5:12 AM PST - 13 comments

Timeshare managing solution.

I need to set up some kind of simple shared calendar for a group of four families that share a summer cottage. We need it in order to sort out who has booked what weeks and to book the free weeks. [more inside]
posted by FidelDonson at 4:29 AM PST - 4 comments

I don't want to starve my vegan friend

Help me accommodate the lone vegan guest at my party. [more inside]
posted by ellieBOA at 3:55 AM PST - 23 comments

What is the outside diameter of a regular 35" film canister?

What is the outside diameter of a regular 35" film canister such as this one? [more inside]
posted by sveskemus at 1:34 AM PST - 12 comments

question about noether's theorem in QM

Noether's Theorem states that if a system is invariant (degenerate/symmetric ) with respect to a certain variable, it has an associated conserved quantity - the best example is that if you can rotate the axis of a system without changing it, then angular momentum is conserved with respect to time. If you can translate your axes along a line, linear momentum is conserved in that direction. [more inside]
posted by physicsphil at 1:02 AM PST - 5 comments

Bruschetta + trousers = :(

Stainfilter: I spilled a tasty-but-volatile cocktail of bruschetta topping (raw tomato, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, ground pepper) on a pair of gray 97% cotton/3% spandex trousers. I threw them in the wash immediately (cold water, Woolite Black and vinegar) but the stain is now even worse. Can you save my favorite pants? [more inside]
posted by mdonley at 12:44 AM PST - 13 comments

May 19

Donde es el wire?

Where to find electroluminescent wire in Los Angeles? Burners, hope me! [more inside]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 10:52 PM PST - 5 comments

Fair Trade Cars? Computers? iPods?

Can you think of examples where a firm tried marketing a more expensive "fair trade" version of a standardized manufactured commodity in parallel? [more inside]
posted by eagle-bear at 10:50 PM PST - 13 comments

Instead of Bangkok?

Help me and my mom to decide where to go instead of Bangkok. [more inside]
posted by Suciu at 9:48 PM PST - 25 comments

I'd like to recognize more languages

Okay, so I was waiting at the train station and I realized that two people a short distance away were speaking in a language I didn't recognize. And it got me thinking. I can probably recognize fewer then 10 languages by ear (note this doesn't necessarily mean I can understand what's being said, just that I know what language it's in). I'd like to be able to recognize many, many languages so when I hear people talking I'll know what language they're speaking even though I won't have a clue what they're actually saying. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 9:44 PM PST - 20 comments

Who will plan the global vacation that I'm too stressed to plan for myself?

What are the best reputable Web sites for booking packaged, affordable global travel from the U.S.? Not looking to actually travel until 2011. [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak at 9:43 PM PST - 10 comments

HOW high-speed Internet?

How fast do I need my Internet connection to be? [more inside]
posted by escabeche at 8:31 PM PST - 29 comments

Was My Cat Abused?

Last week, my cat ran in through his kitty door and jumped onto the back bedroom windowsill all in a rush. He had a bunch of those weeds that look like wheat stuck to him throughout his fur, and worse, he smelled very strongly [warning: strong stomach required!] of diarrhea! [more inside]
posted by SociologistTina at 8:24 PM PST - 21 comments

I can't find my PAF Factor loadings < .3

Statistics Filter: After performing factor analysis (PAF) using R, how do I display all the factor loadings, not just the ones above .3? [more inside]
posted by bingoes at 8:14 PM PST - 2 comments

Right now, I am attracted to some fairly specific looks in women. I worry that if their looks change, my feelings will change and I won't know what to do. Have you ever been in a relationship where your partner's looks changed? Can you give me advice on how to get beyond my initial reasons for being attracted to someone?

Right now, I am attracted to some fairly specific looks in women. I worry that if their looks change, my feelings will change and I won't know what to do. Have you ever been in a relationship where your partner's looks changed? Can you give me advice on how to get beyond my initial reasons for being attracted to someone? (thanks to d.g. for helping me by writing the question)
posted by abbat at 8:04 PM PST - 46 comments

San Francisco Plumbing Nightmare

San Francisco Plumbing Nightmare [more inside]
posted by twiggy32 at 7:56 PM PST - 14 comments

What should we do for memorial day weekend?

I'd like the take the out-of-state girlfriend on a weekend trip for Memorial Day weekend, any suggestions for destinations/activities? [Central KY] [more inside]
posted by all the kings men at 7:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Locking doorknobs - can default settings be changed?

My 8-yr-old house has Schlage doorknobs, of the type with a lock in the middle of the knob. When the lever in the middle of the knob is pushed and turned, door is locked. (Vertical position = unlocked, horizontal = locked) When you turn the knob, even if the door is locked, you can still get out (good for emergencies). Problem is, when you do that, the door does not unlock permanently. So visitors are sure to lock themselves out! In other words, it works like a hotel room door. Is there a way to change the default setting, such that even if you lock the knob, once you turn the knob to open the door the latch UNLOCKS? (I tried to find a picture online but cannot find one)
posted by Kentucky at 7:45 PM PST - 6 comments

She's not my BFF

Is she clingy, controlling and manipulative, or am I cold and withholding? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:41 PM PST - 19 comments

Musicians covering themselves?

I'm interested in examples where musicians have recorded very different versions of their own original material. [more inside]
posted by scody at 7:30 PM PST - 85 comments

To burp, alas...

I can't burp (manually or otherwise) and so frequently feel awful/bloated/nauseous after meals. What is this? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre at 7:28 PM PST - 8 comments

Game of Hearts and Human Psychology

I have played the game of hearts for years. I've noticed my performance comes in waves. I can go for days with excellent performance, and then without explanation, the total opposite, and I don't accept that it's just a matter of "luck". Looking for sources that have delved into the psychology of hearts (as opposed to strategy), does anything like that exist? That go to the mindset of human performance when it comes to challenging tasks (ok, so guess I'm not focusing purely on Hearts, but that certainly is one focus of my inquiry)
posted by shoe478 at 7:10 PM PST - 11 comments

Cheap Traveling Bastard

I've thought about taking an extended break. How long could $75,000 in savings potentially last me? [more inside]
posted by Despondent_Monkey at 7:05 PM PST - 21 comments

Does the German Embassy in the US keep your passport when you apply for an Employment Visa?

Does the German Embassy in the US keep your passport when you apply for an Employment Visa? [more inside]
posted by christy at 6:48 PM PST - 3 comments

More social awkwardness!

How do you grieve a friendship breakup when you work with the person? And how do you then get over the chronic hopelessness with being lonely? [more inside]
posted by bookwibble at 6:35 PM PST - 13 comments

A topical treatment to help relieve my cat's seasonal allergies (and the associated chewing/licking of fur on stomach and legs)?

Is there anything that can be applied topically to relieve my cat's seasonal allergies? He chews/licks the fur off his stomach and legs, and it's too hard to administer oral medications on him. [more inside]
posted by wannaknow at 6:31 PM PST - 16 comments

Books and films about leadership.

Suggestions for narrative books and films that study the dynamics of leadership. Was tipped off to "Ender's Game." Leadership is a frequent subject of "Lost." What else should I check out? [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 5:35 PM PST - 37 comments

Best Chemistry Review Book

What's the best review/refresher book for high-school level chemistry? [more inside]
posted by cosmic.osmo at 5:17 PM PST - 3 comments

Can you help me find a reliable taxi service in El Paso Texas?

Can someone recommend a reliable taxi service in El Paso, Texas to ELP airport? [more inside]
posted by Carius at 5:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Never been to Chicago. What Can I Do There?

Will be in Chicago next week. Staying in the Chicago River North area. What interesting things should I do in Chicago? Is there any chance of getting Oprah audience tickets this late? Are there casinos close to where we will be or are they accessible via the L? What are the best restaurants to try in Chinatown and Greektown and where can I find a square pizza which I think is just the coolest looking thing?
posted by MsKim at 4:47 PM PST - 13 comments

Charlotte's Web of boredom

My meeting got flooded out of Nashville and moved to Charlotte, NC. Help me salvage my disappointment? [more inside]
posted by acrasis at 4:40 PM PST - 21 comments

Cake decorating air brush in Minneapolis

Any cake decorating stores in the Minneapolis area that sell and stock decorative air brushes? [more inside]
posted by gfroese at 4:19 PM PST - 13 comments

What can I do to keep from getting sick again, and to have enough energy to do my job?

What are some strategies for coping with a busy fulltime job, when I have physical fatigue? What can I do to keep from getting sick again, and to have enough energy to do my job? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:17 PM PST - 17 comments

Persian Blues in/near DC?

Looking for a Persian Blue breeder near Washington, DC. [more inside]
posted by Summer Glau at 4:10 PM PST - 4 comments

How to ask a prickly question about wedding gifts?

Prickly wedding etiquette question: We got married a little ways back, had a wonderful wedding, an unforgettable honeymoon, and are now back in the real world again. We're ready to sit down and write our thank-you cards, and have run into a slight... hiccup. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:01 PM PST - 43 comments

Need the Name of a Rhetorical Device

What is the rhetorical term for the literary device where a sense of mystery is heightened by having characters talk about something that has not been revealed to the reader? [more inside]
posted by Short Attention Sp at 3:54 PM PST - 10 comments

France has one. Who else?

A Fleur de lis is a symbol readily associated with France. Are there other such symbols for other countries?
posted by wwartorff at 3:52 PM PST - 29 comments

Mocking and Celebrating Chicago's Hoods via Slang

Please help me research and invent nicknames for the neighborhoods of Chicago. Examples include Wrigleyvile, Hans Christian Andersonville, The Crotch, Wes Andersonville, and El Crotcho. [more inside]
posted by Juliet Banana at 3:49 PM PST - 15 comments

Converting HTML5 Apps to Market Apps

Can I convert an HTML5 app to be able to sell it in the Apple & Android markets? [more inside]
posted by vertigo25 at 3:32 PM PST - 13 comments

How do you work efficiently when you work at home?

How do you work efficiently when you work at home? [more inside]
posted by peetle at 3:29 PM PST - 16 comments

nature, red in tooth and claw, green in turgid stomate.

Please to be giving me your most awesome wild animal/plant videos on the internets. For the Children. [more inside]
posted by Maude_the_destroyer at 3:19 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me help my friend in DC.

A Russian friend of mine may be in a dangerous situation in Washington, DC. [more inside]
posted by fake at 3:09 PM PST - 268 comments

Bummed about my low hormones

I have low hormones and am not sure what to do about it if I should do anything at all before my intrauterine insemination June1st. I could use some advice if anyone knows about hormones and IUIs and supplements. [more inside]
posted by grablife365 at 3:06 PM PST - 6 comments

My new job is business casual. Where to shop?

My new job is business casual. Where to shop? [more inside]
posted by Avenger50 at 3:05 PM PST - 15 comments

Employment repercussions of having a criminal record

If I get arrested in an anti-logging protest, will I never be able to work as a teacher/engineer/doctor or any other professional organization? (in Canada specifically) [more inside]
posted by figTree at 2:53 PM PST - 8 comments

What can I expect from my mom's DUI charge?

My mom got a DUI in New Jersey today. My parents are getting a lawyer, but what can I expect will happen? Lots more detail inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:51 PM PST - 3 comments

What should I cook with all these veggies?

What should I make out of the contents of my crisper? [more inside]
posted by toodles at 2:37 PM PST - 8 comments

How do you digitize a research notebook?

How do you digitize your research notebook? I've got a small notebook that I carry around with me with about 2 years' worth of notes, ideas, references for papers or books, and scribbles from various meetings, conversations, etc. I had a heart attack moment today when I thought I'd lost it. What's the best way to organize all this stuff digitally? I'm on a Mac, if it makes a difference, but general advice is appreciated. [more inside]
posted by one_bean at 2:31 PM PST - 15 comments

Do military training tv shows need recruits' permission?

Do reality tv shows about military training etc. needs the trainees' permission? [more inside]
posted by ticketmaster10 at 2:22 PM PST - 5 comments

Hive-Mind vs. Munch-Colony

Do I need a preventative termite treatment? [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle at 2:21 PM PST - 4 comments

how many resumes should I submit to one organization?

One organization has several job vacancies in different departments but all have skillsets that I can handle - should I submit an application for each? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:15 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I stay motivated and dedicated?

How do I break a cyclical lack of motivation and determination and actually move forward in my life? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:15 PM PST - 9 comments

B-A-G-P-I-P-E-S

Recommend me your favorite bagpipe-centric music. [more inside]
posted by Rory Marinich at 2:03 PM PST - 25 comments

Trying to avoid "Are you OK?"

How can I clean myself up after a proper crying and get back in the office? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 1:56 PM PST - 15 comments

What is the earliest canonical work of literature written on a typewriter?

What is the earliest canonical work of literature written on a typewriter? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese at 1:48 PM PST - 16 comments

Gross!!!

I came home from work this afternoon to find a dead rat lying in the spot where my cat likes to leave his 'catch of the day' for my approval. Usually he catches small squirrels, moles and birds, and this is the first (wild) rat I've ever seen in my life, alive or dead. I am super grossed out and horrified, and now I'm worried that there are rats around that could get in my house! (Although, I am a bit less worried than I would be if I didn't have a cat that can catch them!) [more inside]
posted by cottonswab at 1:45 PM PST - 17 comments

And for my next trick, I'll make this balloon disappear!

My post-term wife is getting a foley catheter tomorrow in an attempt to increase dilation and induce labor. Advice? Experiences? [more inside]
posted by siclik at 1:27 PM PST - 15 comments

Memorization is Not Our Strong Suit

I am looking for an artistic way to present a recipe that my spouse and I use pretty regularly. I would like to create (or, more likely, commission) an artistic representation of the recipe suitable for framing. [more inside]
posted by Xalf at 1:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Get a therapist: how?

"Get therapy" seems to be a common decree around these parts, but that's usually where the suggestion begins and ends. Okay: but how? Can I get the Baedeker Guide to Seeking Therapy? [more inside]
posted by gavagai at 1:02 PM PST - 20 comments

I want to review something!

I want to start a review site. What should I review? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:48 PM PST - 27 comments

CSS tutorials?

Best CSS tutorials that is not w3wschools.com. Ideally, it would be in the format of something like Adobe Classroom in a Book, where there are actual exercises of increasing complexity. I have a basic understanding of CSS, but need to delve more into using it for positioning.
posted by Unnecessarily Sarcastic Bitch at 12:38 PM PST - 5 comments

Using Filemaker for a Not-So-Pro

My dad has inherited an old Filemaker Pro 7 (Mac) database. He needs to access and update the data... from his Windows machine, without Filemaker. Help! [more inside]
posted by nkknkk at 12:16 PM PST - 9 comments

Some fresh games for my n64

What Nintendo 64 games are worth seeking out on eBay? [more inside]
posted by sarahj at 12:13 PM PST - 37 comments

What's the going rate for book cover design?

What is an approximate going rate for freelance book cover design in the US? [more inside]
posted by kickingtheground at 12:12 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm upset, but not for the reasons you think.

My grandfather died today. I am glad that he's dead, but I have to deal with my family grieving and I don't want to pretend I'm grieving too. Ugly explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:10 PM PST - 55 comments

Is Cursive Faster?

Is cursive handwriting faster than print handwriting? (Inspired by this question.) [more inside]
posted by k. at 12:05 PM PST - 31 comments

Dinner recommendations in Towson MD?

Mrs COD and myself will be in Towson MD Friday night for a concert. (Rechert Theater for you locals). Since we live on the south side of the DC area, the plan to beat traffic is to head up Friday afternoon and find someplace for dinner before the concert. I'm not looking to spend a lot of money on dinner...$30-$40 for dinner for 2 is about the right range. Any recommendations in the area? A local brewpub with good food would be ideal. I'm not completely opposed to the idea of dining in the Inner Harbor area, but traffic and parking hassles don't make it my first choice. Thanks!
posted by COD at 12:04 PM PST - 11 comments

Vouch for a Disney appraisal service?

I'm looking for a reliable Disney appraiser. [more inside]
posted by theredpen at 11:58 AM PST - 5 comments

Missoula Travel Suggestions

We'll be in Missoula, Montana for a couple of days this July. Where should we stay? Eat? Drink? Play? [more inside]
posted by Nothing... and like it at 11:57 AM PST - 3 comments

Unexplained Fever

A friend of mine at work has an eleven-year-old son who, about once a month, comes down with a fever of between 102 and 104 degrees that lasts for about 2 days. [more inside]
posted by Evangeline at 11:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Uploading/attaching files to web using iPad

How can our students submit files to webpages using iPads? [more inside]
posted by davextreme at 11:38 AM PST - 13 comments

Moving out of state, negotiating with girlfriend.

Moving out of state, negotiating with girlfriend. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:35 AM PST - 27 comments

Special combo: extreme anxiety, impending breakup, and financial meltdown. How do I deal?

Extreme anxiety, perhaps for good reason. What resources should I be seeking? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:35 AM PST - 7 comments

Should I take a job or get a free masters degree?

I'm graduating this semester with a license to teach secondary history. Help me decide whether to take a one-year teaching job or a fully-funded MA in history. I want to ultimately teach high school, but full tuition + a monthly stipend seems too good to pass up, and I can't do both. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:17 AM PST - 17 comments

Help me get un-stuck?

I feel stuck. Here's the facts as I understand them (insert usual apology for length of personal issues/relationships-type post and redundancy of "what do I do with my life" question here). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:17 AM PST - 10 comments

how can my absent friend sign a tenancy agreement?

Question about flat rental in England. A friend and I will soon be moving out of our current places and sharing a flat together. I'll need to sign a contract for a flat while he's out of the country. How can we end up in a situation where we're both on the tenancy agreement with equal status, as if he'd been present to sign originally? [more inside]
posted by metaBugs at 11:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Stalling on a hill climb

What does it mean if my manual-shift car is having trouble taking off in first gear, up a steep hill? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:10 AM PST - 34 comments

How to keep my bed from vibrating?

What can I put under the feet of my bed to dampen/eliminate low-frequency vibrations? [more inside]
posted by BT at 11:06 AM PST - 10 comments

How do I join people and groups to specific events?

Looking for an open source solution to keep a small community, up-to-date and connected online. [more inside]
posted by thedoctorpants at 11:02 AM PST - 7 comments

Moving grass

Does mowing grass promote outward growth? [more inside]
posted by allelopath at 10:59 AM PST - 5 comments

Ja, ja!

Swedish translation help? [more inside]
posted by halogen at 10:55 AM PST - 2 comments

BUYING CAR INSURANCE FOR UNUSED JUNK CARS

OUCH! I just learned the hard way that donating my junky used vehicle made my car insurance go up by 50%. Should I go buy another junky used vehicle just to lower my car insurance rates? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 10:19 AM PST - 25 comments

Name that shrub

Hi, can anyone please identify this flower/shrub? It's in Northern Virginia, and I took the picture a few days ago.
posted by bonsai forest at 10:06 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me help wordpress newbies

I've set up some clients with fairly complex Wordpress sites and now I have to teach them how to use the Wordpress back-end. I'm looking for any good tutorials and print-outs that would help someone with zero wp or CMS experience to do simple things like write/edit Posts and Pages, add images or youtube videos to a Post, enter data into custom keys. Basically, equip them so they can maintain the site on a day-to-day basis. [more inside]
posted by dripdripdrop at 10:03 AM PST - 5 comments

Where should I have my birthday drinks?

I'm having birthday drinks in a few weeks and am looking for a lower Manhattan bar that tends to attract a crowd of people in their mid-20s and older. I'm not interested in dive bars, extremely upscale bars or bars with DJs/musical acts. Just a relaxed venue for me and my friends to spend a few hours on a Saturday night. Ideally, the bar should be below 14th St. Any suggestions?
posted by zembla3 at 10:01 AM PST - 15 comments

Translation Software for small Legal Dept

Translation Software (that you pay for) - Has anyone found reliable translation software? e.g. Babylon VIP? We are a small Legal Dept. and need something better than Google or Bablefish, but we don't want the expense of paying a translating service. Any recommendations or testimonials?
posted by nancoix at 9:35 AM PST - 9 comments

MotorcycleRepairFilter: Why does my engine struggle to get above 5500rpm?

MotorcycleRepairFilter: Why does my engine struggle to get above 5500rpm? [more inside]
posted by lholladay at 9:24 AM PST - 12 comments

Sleepy's Mattress Box Spring Not Singing Me To Sleep???

My Sleepy's mattress & box spring make creaking noises when I make the slightest movement in bed, help me successfully return or exchange them! [more inside]
posted by thankyoumuchly at 9:18 AM PST - 3 comments

Not a dummy, but I feel like one when it comes to investing

Looking for a good intro to investments book to get the basics. [more inside]
posted by TravellingCari at 9:17 AM PST - 11 comments

My sister's boyfriend was holding hands with someone else, what now?

Ran into my sister's boyfriend holding hands with another woman. She's trying to figure out what to do now. Advice on setting new limits and ground rules? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:51 AM PST - 64 comments

Overcoming shyness in dating

Can't make a move... should I just talk to her about it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:42 AM PST - 46 comments

Please help us begin to navigate DC

We're beginning to organize for a cross-country move to Washington, DC with a toddler. Please help us. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:42 AM PST - 12 comments

How can I estimate the total savings from a specific tax deduction?

How can I estimate the total savings from an $1850 tax deduction? [more inside]
posted by JacksonEsquire at 8:40 AM PST - 15 comments

Healthy beautiful European place?

Healthy, fresh, delicious food; stunning beauty; pleasant, not-too-hot summer weather: where in Europe am I?
posted by shivohum at 8:40 AM PST - 13 comments

Why would shirts get too small in the sleeves?

Why would my Oxford shirts be tight at the shoulders all of a sudden? [more inside]
posted by ShadePlant at 8:30 AM PST - 3 comments

BASCBLES

Is there any way to tell if your facebook scrabble opponent is cheating (using an online scrabble solver)? Is there any way to call them out? My wife is playing a friend of ours and doesn't like the way his skill level has risen lately. [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat at 8:29 AM PST - 31 comments

Help me feed the bozos on this bus

I need hors d'oeuvre-y ideas for a company party this Saturday. Details and caveats inside... [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 8:27 AM PST - 21 comments

Have paragraphs. Want just the hyperlinks. In Excel.

Need list of trade publications. Found huge one on Ulrich's web. How can I remove all information except for the (hyperlinked) titles, ideally in a way that keeps the titles on separate lines so I can then paste them into Excel? [more inside]
posted by randomname25 at 8:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Luxury resort secrets

I'm honeymooning at a luxury resort next week. What are some insider tips for getting the most out of the experience? [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:07 AM PST - 11 comments

Shipping Benadryl from the US to Scotland.

What's the best way to ship 5-10 boxes of Benadryl from the United States to Scotland? [more inside]
posted by soplerfo at 7:58 AM PST - 7 comments

Zoomable GPS

Zoomable GPS: my last car had built in nav that I never used for finding locations, but found real useful for exploring & driving in unfamiliar areas - I'd just turn it on and use it as a live moving map. Now I have a new car with no nav so I'm shopping for a system, but the ones I've seen in Target appear to be more oriented to route finding and don't have a very good perspective/ too high a zoom level for assessing the surroundings on the move. Is there one available that I can use for exploring in this way?
posted by forallmankind at 7:58 AM PST - 12 comments

How are rushes created for 70mm film

I recently saw Cleopatra in 70 mm, and this question came up: How did they do rushes/dailies for 70mm? [more inside]
posted by Omon Ra at 7:54 AM PST - 3 comments

Are Sharpies sharp enough for cedar?

What is the best easy way for me to make permanent marks on cedar, as a child's growth chart? [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:19 AM PST - 17 comments

Delete Word Built-In Styles

Deleting Word 2007's Built-In Styles [more inside]
posted by KRS at 7:11 AM PST - 2 comments

"P" Party! Please Provide Proposals

I'm having a "P" party, please provide possible provisions, participations, and presentations. [more inside]
posted by theRussian at 7:03 AM PST - 40 comments

What is the best way to set up a Windows 7 Media Center?

This weekend I'm going to be setting up, installing and configuring Windows 7 Media Center as a DVR. Do you have any recommendations on things to do or not do in order to get the most out of this? [more inside]
posted by mr_silver at 6:48 AM PST - 4 comments

Is telecommuting just another "let's live under the sea!" solution?

Have telecommuting jobs helped anyone's personal projects gain momentum? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:47 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me publish a calculus textbook.

I want to eventually publish a high school / college level math textbook, but I have no idea what I'm doing. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:47 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me plan a sexy vacation!

My husband doesn't know I've booked us a week without the kids in a beautiful, sexy hotel on a beautiful, sexy island, where we'll be spending most of our time at a beautiful, sexy nude beach. What should I bring to make this an unforgettably hot experience? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:47 AM PST - 41 comments

strange Firefox problem

Using Firefox 3.6.3, Windows 7 Ultimate Edition. I have noticed over the past several days an error that makes reference to a script that is failing to run. I'm not sure how to replicate the error, but it essentially freezes Firefox, and I have to go into Windows Task Manager and kill firefox.exe and re-open it. Unfortunately I don't remember the exact wording of the error message. [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 6:45 AM PST - 5 comments

Quickbooks solution - custom columns that calculate?

Simple way to track invoices overdue (or, days of sale) in Quickbooks Pro? [more inside]
posted by keasby at 6:45 AM PST - 0 comments

The Yeast Beast

Tell me everything you know about baking your own bread. [more inside]
posted by mippy at 6:38 AM PST - 50 comments

Arabic Alphabet

What are some good online and offline resources for learning Arabic as a beginner? At this point I'm really just trying to focus on learning the characters and script and it would be great to find some online exercises or a good workbook to start with (I'm trying to learn Levantine Arabic). [more inside]
posted by minicloud at 6:15 AM PST - 8 comments

Make the most of free presents.

Help us fill our registry! [more inside]
posted by mittenbex at 5:54 AM PST - 19 comments

That Will Be $2.00, Exact Change Only

Did transit workers let people ride for free on September 11th, 2001 in NYC? [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 5:31 AM PST - 38 comments

Equipment Hire Web Software Suggestions

Is there a good web-based equipment hire system available, and if not, how would I go about making one? [more inside]
posted by Magnakai at 5:28 AM PST - 1 comment

Songs for Sex Ed

Songs with a safe(r) sex message? [more inside]
posted by Stewriffic at 4:34 AM PST - 38 comments

Bad bicycle... bad touch...

So, I've cycled to work. And I really want to do it again. The problem is, I feel like my saddle and I have been rather too intimate... [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 4:31 AM PST - 24 comments

Brooklyn vs. DC

Benefits of living in Washington, DC vs. Brooklyn, NYC? Work-related caveat involved. [more inside]
posted by brynna at 4:17 AM PST - 19 comments

Cleaning tips for "leather"

A great way to clean vinyl upholstery? [more inside]
posted by Jazz Hands at 4:10 AM PST - 3 comments

Questions on the effectiveness of the vaginal contraceptive film

Questions on the effectiveness of the vaginal contraceptive film (VCF) and how the effectiveness of contraceptives is measured. maybe NSFW [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied at 4:00 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me remember title of a sci fi time travel book

Anyone remember this time-travel sci-fi book? [more inside]
posted by Wroksie at 3:47 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me solve puzzles

Any guides on what to look for when solving puzzles? [more inside]
posted by thesailor at 3:19 AM PST - 1 comment

Crisitunity

What's the most interesting thing to do in Vancouver (or the vicinity) for four to six months? [Longer explanation inside] [more inside]
posted by awenner at 1:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Can you identify this insect?

Can you identify this creature? Each wing was approximately 2-3" long. Found in central New Jersey, USA. Thanks!
posted by null terminated at 1:12 AM PST - 3 comments

May 18

Pre-teen/early-teen acne solutions?

Pre-teen/early-teen acne solutions? [more inside]
posted by lilywing13 at 11:06 PM PST - 35 comments

How to vacation in Mackinac inexpensively?

Help plan an August vacation in Mackinaw City/ Mackinac Island, MI relatively inexpensively. [more inside]
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 9:36 PM PST - 10 comments

The last days of Wordpress MU

Why are image uploads behaving so strangely on my Wordpress MU installation? [more inside]
posted by thelastenglishmajor at 9:35 PM PST - 6 comments

How to get stuff from MA to TX

I live in Austin, Texas. I have books and music equipment in Easthapton, Mass. I will be up there in June and have looked for rental vehicles to drive back to Texas. The cost for a one way U-haul is about $1400. Avis charges $1200. I-Pod shipping cost over $2000. Is there any other way to get my stuff to Texas without the cost of a used car?
posted by flyfsh_peter at 9:27 PM PST - 12 comments

Restless legs and I can't sleep

Help me deal with restless legs syndrome. [more inside]
posted by Camofrog at 8:19 PM PST - 29 comments

Short Boxed Beard & short hair?

I have a "Short Boxed Beard" (as per this pic), which I like, and long hair which just isn't working. Can anyone point me to some photographs of short hair that works well with this style of beard? Thanks.
posted by krisjohn at 7:54 PM PST - 19 comments

Help us fix our softball field!

We're finally getting our act together and doing some maintenance work on our recreational softball field. Help me pick the right dirt/clay to invest everyone's money in! [more inside]
posted by yom3ts at 6:55 PM PST - 1 comment

Why doesn't this potato battery work?

Why isn't my son's science fair project working? His classic potato battery isn't producing any electricity. [more inside]
posted by LarryC at 6:23 PM PST - 25 comments

what's the deal?

Does anyone know anything about the Boston nonprofit Corporate Accountability International? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:16 PM PST - 4 comments

A question about the Russian soccer league

What happens in Russia to the soccer league when the national team qualify for tournaments? I know the league runs throughout the summer, but does it continue despite the World Cup/European Cup, even if Russia qualify?
posted by Monkeymoo at 6:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me leave my luggage in the city without being bomb-squaded

Where can I stash my bags in Brooklyn? [more inside]
posted by Juicy Avenger at 5:51 PM PST - 13 comments

I know there are lots of 'recent immigrant' resources for my husband, but can anyone help me get through this?

I knew this would be a hard time, but I had no idea how hard it would be. Please, help me get through it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:48 PM PST - 17 comments

"Internet royalty" website in the late 1990's?

Sometime between 1997-1999, I remember there being a website where you could declare yourself to be the Duke or Duchess of a real city (I chose Texarkana). And then if you paid money, you could upgrade (e.g. Prince/Princess). I can't remember the backstory though (was it after the singularity? was it in case of apocalypse?). Does anyone remember anything more about this?
posted by unknowncommand at 5:42 PM PST - 3 comments

How to become as Asker?

How can I change from being a Guesser to an Asker? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:20 PM PST - 17 comments

How do I stop feeling so mercenary and unconsenting in my relationships?

How do I stop feeling so mercenary and unconsenting in my relationships? Right now my issue is primarily in romantic situations. I think that I know why I'm like this and have figured it all out mentally, but I need some practical strategies for avoiding situations that trigger my weirdness. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:19 PM PST - 10 comments

I need advice for and help with the self-publishing process.

Writing a book that will be self-published at the end of the summer. I have questions about writing, layout, self-publishing and more. [more inside]
posted by zenja72 at 4:58 PM PST - 2 comments

Well, this sucks a bit, but I'm wondering what it really means...

When you were involuntarily recalled, what was the process? Did they tell you right away, or did they call you in from the IRR (individual ready reserve) for 'annual training' and then break it to you there? Marine Corps, if it helps.
posted by _cave at 4:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Best Background Check Website?

Best background check site for small businesses? [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 4:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Song for Guitar and Piano?

What songs could me and my friend play for a summer party? It needs to be for Piano and Guitar...Suggestions? :/ [more inside]
posted by NotSoSiniSter at 4:22 PM PST - 8 comments

I suppose that I could just use Safari, or something...

On Firefox, youtube only gives me the message "An error has occurred, please try again later". [more inside]
posted by vernondalhart at 4:07 PM PST - 13 comments

Take this job and...

I was just given a pay-cut as a disciplinary action. This action came with no warning. Time to quit, right? [more inside]
posted by Jon-o at 4:07 PM PST - 51 comments

How to report an illegal public viewing/screening?

I have reason to believe that someone is staging unauthorized, illegal public viewings of various films. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:31 PM PST - 27 comments

Help me find help!

Another alcohol treatment question in Southern California. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:31 PM PST - 8 comments

My mother just wants her damn vase.

Last November, my mother ordered a decorating piece online. It never arrived. We have been trying to reach the distributors with very little success. My mother seems unable or uninterested in disputing the credit card charges. If she continues to refuse this route, can I pursue any other options that will compel this company to deal with us? [more inside]
posted by Viola at 3:12 PM PST - 16 comments

Proposals/Marriage: Does the subsuming feeling of "I'm lying to myself" mean something's wrong?

Proposals/Marriage: Does the subsuming feeling of "I'm lying to myself" mean something's wrong? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:48 PM PST - 24 comments

Crash course in promoting visual artists

How can I get the inside scoop on the business of selling art? [more inside]
posted by crackingdes at 2:37 PM PST - 10 comments

Branching out from cigarillos...

Looking to branch out from flavored cigarillos, any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by AngryLlama at 2:33 PM PST - 7 comments

Which poets/volumes should I read to my newborn?

Which poets/volumes should I read to my newborn? Requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 1:59 PM PST - 20 comments

Why isn't Spain called Espanya?

Why do we rename countries in our native language? [more inside]
posted by reductiondesign at 1:49 PM PST - 42 comments

We can't decide where to move. Please help us.

My (soon to be graduated) girlfriend needs a job. Where should we move so that she can get one? [more inside]
posted by vakker at 1:38 PM PST - 22 comments

How can I wring a refund out of our local newspaper?

I want to cancel my pre-paid newspaper subscription. What can I say to maximize my chances of getting a refund for the remainder of the subscription? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 1:37 PM PST - 5 comments

I want my two computers to have identical e-mail files.

Please help me synchronize the e-mail on my two Macs, using short words and helpful illustrations. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 1:13 PM PST - 9 comments

Medical Supplies Need Direction

Where can I donate unused medical supplies? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 12:46 PM PST - 5 comments

Help us get away!

My boyfriend, my father, and I are going to take a trip together in September. My boyfriend and I are in our early 30s, fairly active, and are interested in beaches, ruins, rainforests/jungles, white water rafting, and possibly scuba diving. My dad is in his late 50s, quite overweight (like probably 150-200 lbs overweight), and enjoys luxury hotels, relaxing, and fun stuff that's not TOO physically taxing. I haven't seen him in a few years, but he may be interested in white water rafting and scuba diving, if his weight isn't an issue. We're looking at somewhere in Central America, most likely Belize or the Yucatan, but we're also considering Costa Rica and are open to other suggestions. [more inside]
posted by odayoday at 12:41 PM PST - 17 comments

Hanging by a thread...

I have a lousy home situation and my work situation isn’t much better. I am really at my wit’s end and I don’t know what to do. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. (Very long description follows...sorry in advance!) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:30 PM PST - 15 comments

Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics: is there an online version with the Bekker numbers? Or at least some way to match up Bekker numbers with book/chapter numbers? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Should I convert CAD to EUR this early?

I'll be traveling to Ireland in the fall of next year. Is now a good time to get a bunch of Euros for cheap? [more inside]
posted by ODiV at 12:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Too old for this.

This is my second semester back after a 4 year “break”. I’ll be 30 very soon and really want to earn my degree. I really enjoy the classes and the discussions on the readings. When it comes to writing the papers I completely shut down. I always underestimate the difficulty of a task and the amount of time it will take to complete. It’s not that I forget. I do a lot of thinking about the paper and the topics – in my head. I have never in my entire life, completed anything before it was due. I have never written a draft. Now that the assignments are for more than 5 pages I am really struggling. I’m drinking way more caffeine, smoking more, sleeping less, completely discombobulated. My grades have been good – when I hand in the work. [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 12:21 PM PST - 25 comments

Found a baggie of white powder, so how do I identify it?

Found a baggie of white powder, so how do I identify it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:21 PM PST - 53 comments

Resources for being positive and understanding the ego

Looking for a "how-to" guide with scenarios on EXTREME positivity in situations where normally you wouldn't be positive or forgiving... [more inside]
posted by MrBCID at 12:04 PM PST - 13 comments

Do you need anything dampened, or made soggy?

I have hyperhidrosis and could use some wardrobe recommendations to help me get through the summer. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Grappling with consumerism

What are specific and attainable things I can do to lessen my participation in the consumerist aspect of our world? Related, how can I justify the degree of 'necessary' participation? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:04 PM PST - 25 comments

Should I stay or should I go?

Should I fly the family coop? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:04 PM PST - 41 comments

Ripping the CD collection to MP3, the lazy way?

What's the best way for me to rip all my CDs to mp3 and ensure that the files get named the way I want, and everything is tagged the way I want? [more inside]
posted by antifuse at 11:55 AM PST - 19 comments

Where to live in Dublin 1?

Dublin-Filter: What parts of Dublin 1 are safe and quiet? I live in Dublin now but a move is impending. [more inside]
posted by Logophiliac at 11:52 AM PST - 5 comments

What's the best, old Dragon Movie I've never seen?

I just got back from a Science Fiction (Fantasy, Horror) convention and one thing we did was "Movie Night". We got Metropolis and showed it. The movie was great. It stimulted conversation, and the members liked it. They want to do it again next year. With a different movie, of course. But next year's theme is "Here Be Dragons". So I need a great old (so I can afford to license it) Dragon Movie. [more inside]
posted by davereed at 11:51 AM PST - 17 comments

Weather proof a window after A/C Window Installation?

Weather proof a window after A/C Window Installation? [more inside]
posted by dolemite01 at 11:49 AM PST - 2 comments

Skills-based volunteer web designers: tell me what it's like!

Have you done web design or development as part of a local "skills-based volunteer" or "pro-bono consultant" program? What were the projects like? Was it challenging? Are folks generally trying to move the technology and design forward, or get more life out of decrepit sites? [more inside]
posted by cowbellemoo at 11:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Guess which keypad disables the alarm. 10 seconds, MacGruber!

Is there any reason I shouldn't rip this ADT alarm system keypad out of the wall and patch over it like it never existed? [more inside]
posted by awegz at 11:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me buy bikes for me and my brother.

Two old dudes want some bikes. [more inside]
posted by ColdChef at 11:35 AM PST - 13 comments

Make Firefox spell check a name

I find that I am consistently misspelling a certain proper name when sending mail to a friend who bears that name. I need a way to force the spell check built in to Firefox to flag the improper spelling. This is the exact opposite of the Firefox personal dictionary, which lets you prevent the spell check from flagging uncommon words you use that you know are spelled correctly. I've Googled extensively, and cannot find a solution. Can anyone provide an answer? I am running Firefox 3.5.9 on Ubuntu Linux 9.10 (Karmic Koala).
posted by zainsubani at 11:09 AM PST - 3 comments

Help solve a Noir mystery!

Help solve Noir mystery! Looking for info on P J Wolfson author of the noir novel Bodies are Dust (1931). [more inside]
posted by Zipf at 11:01 AM PST - 5 comments

Why do your boots leave t-rex prints?

What shoes should I get for dinosaur-hunting (and hiking in general)? [more inside]
posted by jma at 10:59 AM PST - 12 comments

Searching for legislators by ZIP code

I'm working on a project that, among other things, lets you look up contact info for your representatives in Congress by ZIP code - since I only require a 5-digit ZIP to keep things simple, the results sometimes includes more than one House district. I can have them refine the results by entering address or ZIP+4, but I was wondering roughly what percentage of people will have this problem. About how many ZIP codes span more than one Congressional district?
posted by OverlappingElvis at 10:54 AM PST - 7 comments

"When I'm washing windows"

Any recommendations for songs for a Ukulele songbook to be used in schools in Kenya? A friend of mine got asked to to help make suggestions for the songbook.
posted by Artw at 10:25 AM PST - 4 comments

Divided by a common language

A question for native speakers of UK English: With formal writing, can you readily distinguish between US and UK English? If you were reading something that supposedly targeted a UK audience and an Americanism cropped up, would you find that distracting? [more inside]
posted by adamrice at 10:23 AM PST - 53 comments

Get my ducts in a row, please.

Old frame farmhouse, may or may not have firestops. Old octopus-style gravity furnace has ductwork to first floor only (but has floor registers in upstairs rooms). When installing a new furnace and ductwork in this situation, if upstairs ductwork is desired, where/how does it typically get routed?
posted by bricoleur at 10:16 AM PST - 5 comments

Should this be my summer project?

Should I buy a 1972 Volvo that needs work? I'd be doing it as a DIY project, as well as to gain a new source of transporting myself. How feasible is a restoration project for someone with no experience working on cars? [more inside]
posted by Candide at 9:20 AM PST - 21 comments

Interesting Websites

I work as a librarian and am on desk for 25 hours a week. I spend much of it on library sites but am interested in sites you find as interesting reads whatever they might be. Anything decent for the workplace. And I know interesting is subjective...I'm all ears!
posted by snap_dragon at 9:17 AM PST - 20 comments

leave my leaves alone.

What are these strange, meandering white lines on leaves in my garden? [more inside]
posted by dozo at 8:49 AM PST - 3 comments

Resources for homeowners-to-be

What are your favorite resources for homeowners? [more inside]
posted by Tu13es at 8:31 AM PST - 11 comments

Rusty? This ain't no love shack!

HVAC Advice. I have a six year old house with a Goodman AC system. Three years ago the evaporator coils rusted like crazy and leaked out -- replaced under warranty. Three years later, low and behold, the coils have started to rust up like crazy. Techs and I are stumped -- "This shouldn't happen." Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by cavalier at 8:29 AM PST - 13 comments

What if the held an interview and no one came?

I am going to Portland, OR from the 26th-1st to look for work with the intention of moving there at the end of the year. I have been applying to jobs for the last month and so far no interviews have been scheduled. What can I do in PDX to help get employment if none are scheduled? [more inside]
posted by munchingzombie at 8:26 AM PST - 21 comments

Once-happily married man comes to find out he's a selfish jerk!

I'm married. I left. Intellectually I think this is a mistake. I KNOW I'm being selfish and short-sighted. That doesn't change how I feel right now though. I could really use some perspective. Some advice. Let me bore you with my story..... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:14 AM PST - 83 comments

How do I get women to check me out?

Help a girl attract women on OKCupid. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:14 AM PST - 20 comments

Not another year of no tomatoes!

[Tomato Help] Baby tomato plants are turning bronze or yellow on the leaves. What is it? Pest or disease? Visual here. [more inside]
posted by Etta Hollis at 7:54 AM PST - 9 comments

cant remove header

need html help to remove the header on mr site and more... [more inside]
posted by sgt.serenity at 7:51 AM PST - 18 comments

Why do my sinuses shut down at night?

Too frequently, my sinuses ambush me at night. I'm fine throughout the day, then as soon as I hit the pillow--bam--something inside stuffs my nose for no decent reason other than to give me a headache that keeps me up half the night. Doc's X-rays show no abnormalities in my sinus cavities, but if I take his prescribed Allegra D too late in the day, the pseudoephedrine prevents me from sleeping. Do I need to move to a drier climate, or is there some miracle home remedy that I'm missing?
posted by jackypaper at 7:33 AM PST - 29 comments

What would Brian Boitano do?

This is a question about data recovery following a partition and reinstall, and about customer service. Your input is welcome. [more inside]
posted by TomMelee at 7:31 AM PST - 17 comments

I need to find some new PCs for the small business I work for.

I need to find some new PCs for the small business I work for. [more inside]
posted by unreason at 7:24 AM PST - 10 comments

Help me move on.

I need to move on after a relationship with this guy for two years. He was the best thing that could happen to anyone. He brought me lost of gifts, treated me well, painted a portrait of me, made me laugh, listened to my problems, etc. In short it was enough to make all of my girlfriends totally jealous. The thing that nobody else knew about was how serious this was really getting. We talked about getting married sometime in the future, about having babies, once we even fought about whether we'd send them to boarding school or not. He had fought with his mother over me(she didn't approve cz my dad is rich and thought he'd never approve). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:08 AM PST - 19 comments

Motivation and expectations.

How do I motivate myself when studying for my college exams, when all I can think about is not disappointing people? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:08 AM PST - 7 comments

Lonely Lonely that is me.

How do I meet new people when I am embarrassed because I have had no friends for a while? I'm afraid I'll come across as desperate. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:08 AM PST - 19 comments

Getting back to normal

How can I get myself back to feeling normal after having bronchitis? [more inside]
posted by Anthro girl at 7:06 AM PST - 2 comments

What is the font used for the headings at www.viceland.com?

What is the font used for the headings at www.viceland.com?
posted by FuckingAwesome at 6:55 AM PST - 7 comments

Dear Facebook Pop-up: Never darken my doorstep again.

Occasionally when opening pages that have the Facebook "Like" sidebar box thing (usually Wired or ThereIFixedIt), I get a pop-up that looks like the sidebar (like this--pictures and names blurred to protect random strangers). The address for this pop-up is usually in the form http://www.connect.facebook.com/widgets/fan.php?api_key=... I'm using Firefox with about a million extensions, none of which specifically apply to Facebook, Wired, etc. I have pop-ups disabled and neither Facebook nor any of the sites I'm getting the pop-up from have any exceptions in my pop-up preferences. I want to never see that pop-up again, what do I need to do to make this happen?
posted by anaelith at 6:50 AM PST - 4 comments

It's only 3 more weeks of my life - but what if I get hit by a bus? I want to enjoy myself but am trying to be sensible

I am 3 weeks away from finishing my first on-campus semester of university. After much though, last week I decided that I will definitely not be continuing my studies - and now I am struggling to motivate myself to finish the semester. How can I get motivated? Or should I just not bother (secretly want to hear this but know it's not sensible, and I should at least try to pass so as not to burn bridges) [more inside]
posted by Chrysalis at 6:31 AM PST - 11 comments

Free, online learning opportunities

Where can I get free training and/or certifications? [more inside]
posted by fvox13 at 6:06 AM PST - 8 comments

When is therapy a good idea?

Is therapy still a good idea for me? [more inside]
posted by photo guy at 4:58 AM PST - 19 comments

Is Atlanta a Good Place for a Budding Music Career to Flourish?

How does the Atlanta music scene (for musicians AND for fans, but mostly for musicians) compare to that of other well-known music cities? [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 4:52 AM PST - 10 comments

Is it possible to connect to a Cisco VPN using OpenVPN?

I'm a freelance contractor, and I'm having trouble connecting to a client's VPN. The problem is that I'm a contractor for a client of a client, so no one really seems to know what's going on, and I myself just barely understand how to set up a VPN to begin with. Google is only proving more confusing. Can the hive maybe point me in the right direction? [more inside]
posted by roscopcoletrane at 4:50 AM PST - 15 comments

Are my spelling mistakes out there for all to see?

Are the changes I made to my Word document accessible? [more inside]
posted by InkaLomax at 4:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for beautiful one day walks somewhere in the world

Where else in the world is a place like Cinque Terre? [more inside]
posted by zaebiz at 3:35 AM PST - 8 comments

Best pockets

What is the optimal distribution of objects in my pants pockets? [more inside]
posted by twoleftfeet at 3:13 AM PST - 36 comments

Why is my wireless adapter slow with only one particular access point and not others?

Why is my wireless adapter only slow with one particular access point?? I have an Acer Aspire One netbook connected to my home wireless router. For some reason, they don't like each other. Internet access is extremely slow only when i'm connected to that particular router. [more inside]
posted by postergeist at 3:09 AM PST - 3 comments

Power up my PowerBook so I can Get Rid of It!

How do I charge a broken PowerBook G4 with a dead battery (because of bent outer casing)? [more inside]
posted by dzaz at 2:54 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I use an affiliate network to sell my software?

Should I use an affiliate network to sell my software? [more inside]
posted by primer_dimer at 2:35 AM PST - 3 comments

Good running programs?

I want to start running again, having not run for 18 months. I've kept fit though, with cycling and other things. Last time I did Couch-to-5K, and it was great. But I'd like a more aggressive schedule this time. Any suggestions or recommendations?
posted by ascullion at 1:49 AM PST - 16 comments

Reality check, only ten years late

I dreamed up this hash function during a manic episode ten years ago. How good is it, really? [more inside]
posted by flabdablet at 1:16 AM PST - 24 comments

May 17

Know anything about mid-century California Impressionism?

I'd like to find out more about this painting I inherited from my great grandfather. I think it was likely painted sometime in the 50s or 60s in Southern California. [more inside]
posted by maniactown at 10:34 PM PST - 12 comments

Uninspired AskMe Title

We really want some good scary movies to watch. [more inside]
posted by turgid dahlia at 9:33 PM PST - 71 comments

Buffalo nickel goes 'round the outside

What can you tell me about this WWII-era altered nickel coin? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 9:31 PM PST - 5 comments

Power skating in Chicago?

Can anyone point me to a rink or someone in the Chicago area who would give power skating lessons to a couple of college players? [more inside]
posted by astapasta24 at 9:12 PM PST - 3 comments

Name That Other Tune

I've heard this pop song a couple times on the jukebox, full of bass guitar. The vocals sound like Steve Winwood and the chorus phrase I think I hear is "hearts on fire", but this song is nothing like Steve Winwood's Hearts On Fire. Hep meh?
posted by jayCampbell at 8:56 PM PST - 5 comments

Curiosity killed the cat, but damn it tasted good!

Should I eat it? Seared beef cubes, put in crock pot, forgot to plug it in ... [more inside]
posted by wobh at 8:52 PM PST - 28 comments

I hope every delicious bite was tainted by the shame of what a selfish person you are

A woman caused a scene and walked out with a significant amount of food at my parents anniversary party. Should I write her a scathing email? [more inside]
posted by yellowbinder at 7:57 PM PST - 81 comments

I am not acting type A anymore. This bothers me. Is it a problem?

Has anyone taken an extended break of from ambition and life? Was this a good thing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 PM PST - 32 comments

Should I try Vipassana again if it wasn't beneficial the first time?

Should I give Vipassana meditation (a 10 day course) another go? Second time lucky maybe? [more inside]
posted by Elysum at 7:45 PM PST - 17 comments

BBC I-Player Time Ending Soonest

I want to see what BBC I-Player programs will be unavailable to watch the soonest. [more inside]
posted by oggusfoo at 7:42 PM PST - 1 comment

Ok I know I said that Scrubbing Bubbles is my BFF, but I guess that makes my AC my blood brother

Portable air conditioner works fine, but now developed a rhythmic thrumming noise. Tilting it to the left, and only to the left, by raising the right side ~2cm/1" alleviates problem and gets better airflow... [more inside]
posted by porpoise at 7:41 PM PST - 5 comments

Teddy Bear's Picnic weirdness?

Does anyone else recall a creepy version of the Teddy Bear's picnic from the 80's? (it was a cartoon) I think I may have seen it on Nickelodeon. [more inside]
posted by iabide79 at 7:37 PM PST - 11 comments

False hope would suck.

ControversialFilter: is acupuncture a load of bunk? [more inside]
posted by Hakaisha at 7:32 PM PST - 67 comments

Need a venue to practice those smoke rings

Best places to smoke a pipe indoors in NYC? (Easy access to the Q line and/or excellent cocktails would be ideal, but we're not feeling too picky.)
posted by Narrative Priorities at 7:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Ignore, and maybe it'll go away.

Accident and Car Insurance Filter - the other party is stalling, what recourse do we have? [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 7:16 PM PST - 17 comments

Someone's a cheatin' thief.

Do we ask for our money, even though it may cause marital strife or do we wear the $70 that was stolen from us? [more inside]
posted by Kerasia at 7:04 PM PST - 23 comments

Have I ruined my chance?

I am an undergrad double majoring in Ancient History and Classics at a well known Classics department. I am about to start my senior year in the fall and I would like to enter into either an Ancient History or Classical Archaeology program following my senior year, but I believe I may have ruined my chances with some poor marks. [more inside]
posted by Carnifex at 7:02 PM PST - 3 comments

What disco song does "Bulletproof" by La Roux sound like?

Does the song "Bulletproof" by La Roux sound exactly like a cover of a disco song, or is it just me? [more inside]
posted by kpht at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments

Dear Self: Stop panicking. You're not dying.

My anti-anxiety (wellbutrin and zoloft) meds are finally working! I feel an intense calmness I've never felt before. But because of a near-death experience, I associate that feeling with dying and it triggered a panic attack. When it happens again, how can I talk myself down from it without sacrificing the relaxed feeling? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 6:53 PM PST - 16 comments

What kind of bike should I buy?

Should I get a new bike, or a used bike? (Bonus points if you are in the Tremont area of Cleveland!) [more inside]
posted by starvingartist at 6:37 PM PST - 20 comments

"War of Internet Addiction" by the numbers.

How many times has the Chinese video "War of Internet Addiction", 网瘾战争, been viewed on Chinese video web sites since its released in January 2010? [more inside]
posted by woot at 6:35 PM PST - 4 comments

UMass People's Market rice & beans recipe?

UMass Amherst - between '90-'94 - People's Market: I used to get a plate of rice and beans for lunch almost every day for a couple of years from People's and I am CRAVING that exact dish hardcore. I remember brown rice, red wine vinegar as a condiment - but what type of beans and what was in them, if anything? IIRC, it was like $1.00. [more inside]
posted by tristeza at 6:14 PM PST - 12 comments

Buscando libros en espanol para ninas

Busco libros en espanol para nina de ocho anos. [more inside]
posted by alcahofa at 5:58 PM PST - 4 comments

TMB a Derby Girl...

I'm running out of time (and ideas) for my roller derby name. Please help me put a TMBG spin on it! [more inside]
posted by meindee at 5:43 PM PST - 37 comments

Reply today! Don't delay!

I get overly anxious when someone takes too long to respond to my email. This happens on a weekly basis with work, dating, family, etc. If you have this problem too, what has helped you? [more inside]
posted by cheesecake at 5:39 PM PST - 28 comments

Things to do in Fredricton (and Saint John)?

What are some fun and inexpensive things to do in Fredricton or Saint John? [more inside]
posted by Proginoskes at 5:18 PM PST - 2 comments

Internet Marketing: Analysis/insight/opinions/comments/views

Is anyone here an "Internet Marketer" or has anyone here got any analysis/insight/opinions/comments/views they would like to share on "Internet Marketing"? [more inside]
posted by samengland at 4:58 PM PST - 11 comments

How to disable iPod e-mail?

Is there any way to disable (or even delete) the e-mail app on the iPod touch? [more inside]
posted by richmondparker at 4:53 PM PST - 11 comments

Progressive Mix

If you were creating a "work mix" of public background music on Pandora or Last.fm or Slacker for a laid back, progressive retail environment, what artists would you include? [more inside]
posted by netbros at 4:49 PM PST - 13 comments

Recommend a Brief Overview History of India

Can anyone recommend a brief overview history of India? Preferably something with a bit of personality rather than a History of India 101 textbook. I picked up a nice copy of John Keay's India: A History some time ago, but my preference when diving into something I know nothing about is to first give myself a bit of context.
posted by justcorbly at 3:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Should I attempt to ask my boss to give me a raise?

Should I attempt to ask my boss to give me a raise? [more inside]
posted by decrescendo at 3:53 PM PST - 16 comments

UK theme party... for kids

If you were to throw a British-themed party weekend for a 9, 6, and 4 year old – something both fun and (relatively) educational – what activities would come to mind? [more inside]
posted by allisonrae at 3:42 PM PST - 39 comments

Tonsils are bothersome.

Some questions (and some of them are kind of gross) about getting over tonsillitis. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 3:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Shattered Glass in an Ice Storm

FilmFilter: What artistic quality might Shattered Glass and The Ice Storm have in common? Where can I find more of it? [more inside]
posted by sallybrown at 3:33 PM PST - 12 comments

It's kind of like...

I'm trying to write something about how "once I started researching this project, I realized how the subject was infinite: One revelation opened up a new line of research, which opened up another line of research..." What is the metaphor/simile I'm thinking of? [more inside]
posted by pipti at 3:23 PM PST - 33 comments

brief question on cases

Shop like a grownup filter: Please tell me about the best ladies' briefcase you've ever seen. Parameters inside! [more inside]
posted by motsque at 3:23 PM PST - 3 comments

Amatuer online community manager wants to go Pro.

Aside from Metaverse Mod Squad blog, what are good sources of learning re: Forums, Community Management, & similar topics? [more inside]
posted by dvorak_beats_qwerty at 3:18 PM PST - 1 comment

Are the Nationals Hot Stuff this year?

I'm planning on going to a Washington Nationals game on Thursday with a group of about 10 people. Should we buy tickets ahead of time? We just want the cheap $10 seats. [more inside]
posted by bluefly at 3:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Let them drink Stevia!

How can I get rich off of Stevia? [more inside]
posted by my homunculus is drowning at 3:12 PM PST - 19 comments

What kind of hat is this?

What kind of hat is this? [more inside]
posted by Dick Laurent is Dead at 2:59 PM PST - 10 comments

Please recommend a good computer maintenance/support company in London for parents' computer?

Can you recommend a good computer maintenance/support company in London that can give my parents' probably ~decade-old Windows PC a thorough checkup - clean out any malware, unnecessary toolbars and startup items that are slowing their computer down - for a reasonable price? (Around how much would it cost?) [more inside]
posted by catchingsignals at 2:56 PM PST - 8 comments

I understand gestures and pointing but not sure if everyone else will.

Should I enroll my non-verbal child in kindergarten in September? [more inside]
posted by Sallysings at 2:55 PM PST - 30 comments

local boston moving help!

Suggestions for local Boston-area movers? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 2:55 PM PST - 12 comments

A text based pivot table

Excel Assist/I don't believe I couldn't figure this one out: I have a table with unique text values. How can I have it act the same way as a pivot table? Sample inside. [more inside]
posted by yoyoceramic at 2:25 PM PST - 9 comments

Windows 2008 Tape Backup?

Apparently, Microsoft has declared tape backup dead. Is there freeware or reasonably priced software that allows tape backup on Windows 2008. [more inside]
posted by kjs3 at 2:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Music in current season Doctor Who Confidential

I'm looking for a listing of the music used in the episodes of the current season (S5) Doctor Who Confidential episodes. I can't find a list on the BBC's Doctor Who site, although I've found lists for S4. An unofficial list would be OK; I'm just looking for a better route to ID the songs than Shazam.
posted by immlass at 2:16 PM PST - 4 comments

confused in Montreal

I was startled and amused in Montreal by strangers coming up, saying "Mon chapeau est plus beau que le votre!" Can anyone add some context? [more inside]
posted by Phatty Lumpkin at 2:14 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I Play Warcraft Against Computer Opponent?

Which is the version of Warcraft 2(?) where I can play different maps against computer opponents? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 2:03 PM PST - 9 comments

How would an apocalyptic event actually play out

What are some books / comics that explore how an apocalyptic event would realistically play out on earth? Or: how do you think it would go down? [more inside]
posted by TimeTravelSpeed at 1:57 PM PST - 35 comments

My bookshelf is kind of like a cursed land...

I desperately and deeply love ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. Can you recommend other works of art with that same feeling? [more inside]
posted by tylerfulltilt at 1:49 PM PST - 13 comments

Embarassing la embarazada.

Okay, put on your thinking sombreros, mefites. I need ideas for Mexican fiesta themed baby shower games. [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 1:44 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me find an awesome present for my niece's 8th-grade graduation

Ideas for an eighth-grade graduation gift for my funky YouTube-obsessed niece? I'd like to get my niece a little something special for her eighth-grade graduation in two weeks. She's obsessed with making short films for YouTube, but already has a Flip camera and uses iMovie to edit. She likes electronic music. She's not a huge reader though, of course, I would like her to be so. I want to find her something that is a bit more special than the clothes she always wants (and will get in two months for her birthday), something that will be more of a keepsake. Any ideas?
posted by faunafrailty at 1:42 PM PST - 13 comments

Mystery Box

I am applying for a job, and the online application has a place to separately attach a resume, a cover letter, and a list of references. It also has a space labeled "Message," where one can type directly into the box provided. What should go in this space, and how should I format it? [more inside]
posted by wondershrew with a helping of potato salad at 1:40 PM PST - 6 comments

Indian visa for UK citizen

My girlfriend is about to explode with rage trying to apply for Indian visas for our upcoming holiday. I thought I would ask MetaFilter for help before I offer to take over the process. Has anyone here (ideally a UK citizen) applied recently for an Indian visa? [more inside]
posted by alby at 1:39 PM PST - 17 comments

Can you recommend a reproductive endocrinologist in San Francisco?

Can you recommend a reproductive endocrinologist in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:37 PM PST - 1 comment

How did Stella get her geekiness back?

How can I stop being so self-conscious about my geekiness? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:35 PM PST - 33 comments

How do I keep erectile dysfunction from ruining any more of my relationships?

How do I keep erectile dysfunction from ruining any more of my relationships? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:33 PM PST - 15 comments

What is the good of being a genius if you cannot use it as an excuse for being unemployed?

I became unemployed in February of this year, and I am currently receiving the maximum weekly unemployment benefits from the state of West Virginia. I think I can attend university full-time while drawing unemployment, but I need your help finding specific laws, policies, etc. about this. All I can find is very vague information. [more inside]
posted by teatime at 1:33 PM PST - 5 comments

remix website

Are there any websites dedicated to tracking remixes of songs? I recently found this website who sampled , and was wondering if there was something similar for tracking best remixes for songs...
posted by MechEng at 1:19 PM PST - 6 comments

Wireless Carrier/Service Fine, Phone Needs to Go

I just realized, after calling ATT's tech line, that I cannot send pictures using my 3-yr old bottom of the barrel (then/now) Samsung flip mobile because of some damage done to it after taking a pretty nasty spill on my bike while the phone was pocketed. So, I'd like to regain this functionality and possibly upgrade. My budget is $500, for simplicity's sake. One of my options will hopefully give me.... [more inside]
posted by fook at 1:15 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me help them to stop drinking the Microsoft Kool Aid!

Help me convince my team of the superior-awesomeness of Macs! [more inside]
posted by Fuzzy Dog at 1:12 PM PST - 27 comments

Cinema Santurce

What do I need to make an awesome indie movie theater. [more inside]
posted by octomato at 12:54 PM PST - 28 comments

Introductory books on Ancient Rome.

Looking for good introductory books on Ancient Roman history. [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 12:54 PM PST - 16 comments

Tell me how to build my political skills!

I'm involved in some pretty intense student organisations that revolve entirely around politics – not politics in the sense of political ideologies and left v right, but practical political behaviour. Success (i.e. ascending to the top) is based around who you know, who you can sweet-talk, manipulate or backstab rather than what you've done. At the same time, the UK general election has meant a lot has been said about the 'dark arts' of ladderclimbing, careful negotiation, positioning and politics within an organisation. The combination of the two has made me wonder - are political skills things you only pick up with experience or by being born with them? Are there any books, papers or other materials that I should look at if I want to learn how to become a canny political operator?
posted by emergent at 12:42 PM PST - 11 comments

My digital camera stole my hard drive space!

How can I lower the size of a batch of huge videos that my camera took, while minimizing loss of quality? [more inside]
posted by newfers at 12:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Does iPhone drop more calls after jailbreaking?

I have an iPhone 3g. I jailbroke it pre-OS3 and had tons of dropped calls, so I un-jailbroke it.. I jailbroke it and once again at OS3.13, and after months of no dropped calls, no "no service" and no missed voicemails, suddently I'm getting all three once again right after jailbreaking with spirit. does jailbreak cause more dropped calls?
posted by lrodman at 12:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Cutting a perfect circle.

Cutting an 8" circle? [more inside]
posted by Sreiny at 12:25 PM PST - 14 comments

I've never experienced this kind of grief.

How do I help my boyfriend through a death in his family? (Longish, apologies) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:19 PM PST - 7 comments

In a plain brown wrapper, please.

Who will discreetly ship sex toys and not sell my name and address to everyone? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:18 PM PST - 23 comments

Does tiling cost more based on tile size?

Does the cost for laying tiles vary based on their size? [more inside]
posted by devnull at 12:07 PM PST - 8 comments

Applescript Guru to write simple, seemingly easy short script

I have two mirrored hard drives, B and backup_B. I'm looking for an applescript that will identify the location of an open window on the B directory and will then open the same mirrored directory on the backup_B. All I can offer you is to become the successor of my vast empire. Thanks a million.
posted by captainscared at 12:07 PM PST - 4 comments

What to do about a frog?

Whilst spring cleaning the large light well in front of my house (inner London UK) I came across a 2½ inch frog perched atop some leaf litter. I have no idea how long it has been there or how it got there but it looks healthy enough. I am a little concerned as to its future though. It is a barren environment with a concrete floor, an adjacent coal store, glazed brick on the head hight walls, a mesh covered drain, the aforementioned leaf litter and a few potted ferns. Should I leave it where it is and keep it damp over the summer or move it to the small but leafy back garden where he will have the neighbours cat to contend with?
posted by Dr.Pill at 11:59 AM PST - 6 comments

What are some great one-season TV shows?

What are some great one-season TV shows? [more inside]
posted by 1awesomeguy at 11:59 AM PST - 104 comments

I'd like to trace a route on a map & get its mileage

Is there an app / website / service (?) that allows me to trace a route on a map and then works out the distance for me? [more inside]
posted by ClarissaWAM at 11:56 AM PST - 11 comments

Chicago transit data art

Do you remember this? A Chicago artist collected data on his commute on the CTA for several months — I think the time the train came, maybe some other details like where it stopped on the platform — and then created a visualization of the data. The final chart was done by hand with paint, not on a computer. [more inside]
posted by enn at 11:50 AM PST - 2 comments

TV without cable.

I want to ditch cable and opt for things like the Xbox360 and/or AppleTV for the kids to watch the equivalent to DisneyTV, Nik and Cartoon Network. [more inside]
posted by Hands of Manos at 11:46 AM PST - 10 comments

...and then we'll take it higher.

Why do I feel electric currents? [more inside]
posted by kaseijin at 11:41 AM PST - 22 comments

I need to find an RA with a specific background- where do I look?

I can use some help figuring out where to find a research assistant, for a project where some specialized knowledge is needed (Mefi Job post is here, for reference). I need to find people who understand the iPhone jailbreaking scene, and would be willing to spend part of the summer researching it. I can find reliable RAs, I can find sites devoted to hacking iPhones, but am not sure how to combine the two. [more inside]
posted by blahblahblah at 11:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Breakfast of (20) champions.

I seek nifty breakfast and brunch recipes that will easily serve 20 people. [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic at 11:33 AM PST - 21 comments

Filtering an Excel Spreadsheet

Problems filtering a large Excel worksheet that resides on a shared drive. [more inside]
posted by rhapsodie at 11:07 AM PST - 7 comments

Inspire my inner vegetarian

Help me find some delicious (vegetarian) recipes! [more inside]
posted by torisaur at 10:57 AM PST - 27 comments

How do I make this thing? (video-editing mystery)

I need to edit a series of basic videos together within the next 24 hours. I have no idea what I'm doing! Please help me. [more inside]
posted by SebastianKnight at 10:55 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I read a JSON object in Python?

I'm mostly a front end guy, but I have worked with Django and Python before, so I thought it would be perfect for a web app idea I had. I actually understand it pretty well (or maybe not!), but I'm having an issue with an Ajax call I am trying to make. [more inside]
posted by lovetragedy at 10:55 AM PST - 7 comments

Pump us up

Please recommend your most favoritest exercise videos. Bonus points for videos that aren't hosted by cheesy spandex-clad gym rats. [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 10:50 AM PST - 17 comments

Cat vs. Gerbil Cage

How can I keep my cat from sitting on my gerbil cage and freaking out my gerbils? [more inside]
posted by beandip at 10:36 AM PST - 31 comments

Am I a crazy person from crazytown?

My Get It Done is different than everyone else's Get It Done: If I tell somebody I am going to do things (file my papers, go to the store, clean up kitchen..etc) it will not get done. if I write it down , it does not get done. But I keep my mouth shut and just keep the plan in my head, it gets done. What is going on here? Do other people do this? Is there a name for it? [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 10:35 AM PST - 27 comments

Needed: _A Catracho's Guide to Fishing_

Need some great, beginner-level books on fishing. Bonus points if they're in Spanish. [more inside]
posted by Ys at 10:17 AM PST - 2 comments

What color of clothes would best fit my complexion.

FashionFilter: Apparently I have a 'winter' complexion. What colors should I be wearing? [more inside]
posted by bstreep at 10:03 AM PST - 9 comments

Careers for Pure Mathematicians

What are you, as a graduate of pure mathematics, doing? [more inside]
posted by jpcooper at 10:02 AM PST - 28 comments

Help us turn Manhattan into an island of joy (with a four-month old).

Mr. Brunette and I are headed to Manhattan this week with our four-month old for a three-day excursion. We've already seen this so we think we've got the car seat/cab thing sussed but we're still seeking tips for making the most of a hot, long weekend. Considering the kid won't remember any of this, we're aiming to do things that we'll enjoy but that also are suitable for carting around the baby and snap and go stroller. We're staying on the Upper West Side and are keen to visit the MoMA, Museum of Natural History and the Guggenheim. Debating the Circle Line cruise and wondering how this is best done (if at all) with long lines, car seat, etc. Also, any tips on vegetarian, baby friendly restaurants? Thanks!
posted by thenewbrunette at 9:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Ever fallen in love with a parking spot you shouldn't've?

Where to park near the Paradise in Boston? [more inside]
posted by otters walk among us at 9:44 AM PST - 7 comments

If 2 planes are flying in opposite directions at 400 mph, one leaving Rome on a Saturday...

Remember those word problems in math class that you loved? I've got one involving (gulp) checked baggage on international flights with domestic layovers. [more inside]
posted by letahl at 9:31 AM PST - 6 comments

A world beyond that Star Wars Kid...

Over the weekend, I discovered the genius that is Alex Day, aka Nerimon. What else have I been missing out on, YouTube wise? [more inside]
posted by litnerd at 9:25 AM PST - 11 comments

What is this painting?

Can anyone identify this painting about colonialism? [more inside]
posted by Baldons at 9:25 AM PST - 3 comments

Like one computer, with two terminals

Help me achieve complete and total sync between my sick dad's laptop and the desktop PC in his home office, as seamlessly and invisibly as possible. [more inside]
posted by patnasty at 9:14 AM PST - 9 comments

The best place to pick a basket of strawberries?

A friend and I would like to go to a "pick your own" farm to get some strawberries in the next couple of weeks. Do you have a favorite place to do this in the Philadelphia area? [more inside]
posted by Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld at 9:04 AM PST - 4 comments

Need an online store that allows fax and phone orders only.

I am looking for a turnkey solution, like shopify, that would allow me to make an online store with about 15 - 20 products. The catch is that for the immediate future I only will be selling items via phone or fax. So for now I guess it's really more of an online catalog, but I would like to use a solution that will allow me in the future to easily add web checkout and shopping cart. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by travis08 at 9:03 AM PST - 6 comments

I need to learn to write more better

What are the elements that make a magazine or online article sound professionally written? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments

86ing 2666?

Help me read 2666. Or, y'know, not read it. [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 8:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Searching for the elusive animated JPEG

Somebody figured out a way to put animated images on facebook. I'd like to use this feature but I don't know how. [more inside]
posted by Silky Slim at 8:31 AM PST - 8 comments

I like blue, but not that much blue.

How can I clean the blue toner that is apparently spilled inside my (HP Color LaserJet 2605dn) printer? All of my color prints are smeared with blue ink. It does not seem to affect grayscale printing.
posted by Breav at 8:12 AM PST - 5 comments

Online meeting management for a board of directors.

What's the most user-friendly online meeting and document management software? [more inside]
posted by jz at 8:08 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me reassure someone that they don't need to evacuate from Niagara Falls.

I live in Niagara Falls, NY. This year, the city is resurfacing Lewiston Road -- which, allegedly, has nuclear waste buried under it. Someone I know is very, very concerned about this and wants to evacuate for the duration of the work. [more inside]
posted by bitterpants at 8:08 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for Pretty Things You Don't See Every Day

So I'm looking for a place to take cool photos in DC this week, and I don't want any more photos of the national phallus. [more inside]
posted by tmcw at 8:05 AM PST - 21 comments

iPhone app, create thyself.

Where can I go to pay someone to create a basic iPhone app? [more inside]
posted by 2legit2quit at 7:36 AM PST - 3 comments

Apps for German and Italian

Are there any good iPhone apps I can use to help me understand a little bit of German and Italian as I travel to Europe this summer? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 7:30 AM PST - 2 comments

Advice on good books to learn japanese by myself

What set of books do you recommend to learn japanese? My options are (at the moment) Minna no nihongo and Genki. I´ve already access to Pimsleur japanese CDs, but I need to have a solid grammar understanding, aside of speaking and understanding. [more inside]
posted by Matrod at 7:27 AM PST - 25 comments

Please don't make me call FIFA

You're going to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Have you received your "FIFA Official Ticket Confirmation" via postal mail? [more inside]
posted by dyobmit at 7:16 AM PST - 2 comments

College student can't pay off his debt

I'm 21 years old and can't pay my credit card bill & have some questions... [more inside]
posted by ascetic at 7:10 AM PST - 25 comments

Preschool, newborns, and immunizations: beyond here be dragons controversy

Thought I found the perfect preschool for my son. Then I learned the preschool has accepted a couple of not-fully-vaccinated kids. We will have a newborn in the house this fall. Is that a dealbreaker? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:42 AM PST - 43 comments

Non-profit financial blues

What happens to a new part-timer if non-profit employer goes under? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I build an emotional life boat with 6 months provisions, yesterday?

Help me cope with multiple major life stressors in a situation where I can't seem to see many choices, at least in the short term. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 AM PST - 10 comments

Ugh.

Thanks to a disaster haircut, I have no idea what to do with my short, curly, messy hair. In particular, how do I make it look presentable for professional occasions? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 6:39 AM PST - 16 comments

Recommend me a mouse!

I'm looking for a really quiet mouse (computer).. can you recommend any? [more inside]
posted by Bacillus at 6:30 AM PST - 6 comments

We've all made bad choices, right?

Help me support my wife when I don't really support her decision. [more inside]
posted by Valuev at 6:29 AM PST - 39 comments

How to find new media events in NYC?

I’m looking to get hooked into information about any and all electronic or new media arts and cultural events happening in and around New York City. This includes games, video installations, small time hobbyist classes. What mailing lists and blogs should I be subscribed to and/or following? (I'm aaware of True Chip Till Death, Eyebeam, Figment NYC Resistor and 3rd Ward.)
posted by edbles at 6:28 AM PST - 2 comments

Recommend some travel-related shows.

Recommend some travel-related shows. [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 5:58 AM PST - 10 comments

Awesome ABA reinforcers for kids (i.e., toys / games / activities)

Yippee, I have a new job as a junior ABA therapist with an atypically autistic boy. I'd like good ideas for 'reinforcers' -- since these come in the form of little games, tickles, stickers, toys, imaginative play, puzzles etc., I figure all parents can help with this question rather than just people who have experience with Applied Behaviour Analysis and autism. I'd like ideas of quick little fun things that make kids laugh. I'm not a parent so I need to build my repertoire! [more inside]
posted by KLF at 4:43 AM PST - 25 comments

Trapped while drilling a hole.

Should I give up a very high paying job that I despise? [more inside]
posted by converge at 4:34 AM PST - 40 comments

Only step where I step...

How should I refinish my doug fir floors for maximum durability? [more inside]
posted by fshgrl at 12:49 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking for a way to repost ads on kijiji without spamming.

kijiji ad reposting is getting somewhat monotonous is there a greasemonkey script or anything similar to help repost my old classifieds for things that take forever to move? I also dont want to spam kijiji so if it can delete my old listings that would be beautiful.
posted by Chamunks at 12:02 AM PST - 2 comments

May 16

Is this fair use?

Does Google enter into agreements with content providers to show aggregated data on their restaurant information pages? [more inside]
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 11:13 PM PST - 5 comments

evaporator leakage problem

i have an aluminium tube evaporator with a fault, and want to use a vision or test system to find the fault. any good ideas? realistic ones.. [more inside]
posted by edtut at 11:02 PM PST - 7 comments

BAD KITTY!! So, how do I resurrect my Macintosh?

I blew up my Macintosh trying to upgrade from Leopard to Snow Leopard. How do I get it back to retrieve a few files before I blitzkrieg it all in a disk repair and OS reinstall? [more inside]
posted by spinifex23 at 10:59 PM PST - 14 comments

Need to find a SPECIFIC laugh track

LaughTrackFilter: Trying to find a specific laugh track featuring this annoying little boy's giggle, which seems to be prominent in all commercials featuring children at play. Does anybody know what I'm talking about?
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 10:47 PM PST - 9 comments

Translation Help~

I need the Japanese and French equivalents of this sentence, please~ [more inside]
posted by joyeuxamelie at 10:42 PM PST - 14 comments

Flash cookies have always been a bad idea.

For the past few weeks, I have not been able to access my flash cookies to delete them. Can anyone clue me in as to why? [more inside]
posted by 517 at 10:34 PM PST - 4 comments

Run, forrest, run!!

Looking for people's experiences training for their first triathlon, experiences w/ Team in Training NYC would help [more inside]
posted by swngnmonk at 10:32 PM PST - 5 comments

Good Argument/ Topic for an Essay on St. Augustine?

Good argument/ ideas for an essay on St. Augustine's work? [more inside]
posted by howgenerica at 10:27 PM PST - 10 comments

Ophthalmic migraine is killing me!

Help, I'm in the middle of a nine hour migraine and need some drugless therapies. Meditation? Breathing exercise? Advil and Tylenol aren't helping. [more inside]
posted by Miss Mitz at 10:27 PM PST - 32 comments

Is this sculpture still in the Hong Kong international airport arrivals area?

Is this sculpture still in the Hong Kong international airport arrivals area? Would it be a good place to meet? [more inside]
posted by upc_head at 9:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Simple Audio Content Delivery/Store

I'm looking for a small-scale audio e-commerce software with PayPal or other payment integration. [more inside]
posted by al_fresco at 9:28 PM PST - 6 comments

Even my scans are odd

Is there a free or cheap tool that will allow me to combine two pdf files, one of which is a scan of the even numbered pages of a document, and the other being a scan of the odd numbered pages? [more inside]
posted by soy_renfield at 9:28 PM PST - 9 comments

Good time travel books and movies

I have just got the time travel bug. After watching this movie, I realized I wanted to read more books and watch more movies on time travel. Please recommend some good ones; the more screwed up/paradoxical/complex, the better, as long as the explanations are reasonably rational.
posted by dcrocha at 9:28 PM PST - 64 comments

Oh! my back

Help me find a doctor in Seattle to go to about my back pain. Difficulty: someone covered by my Premera Blue Cross insurance. [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 9:08 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm willing to sell my soul, but which violin should I ask for?

MusicTeachingFilter: Simple plan was to learn an under chin bowed string instrument. Didn't realize they were all so different [you-tubes]. Which to start with? What method of teaching? Want to eventually do folk/improvise, seeking sympathetic string sound, but still love classical. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 8:38 PM PST - 12 comments

Help a Mother Out

Searching for experiences: Tell me what happened when you or your wife took "D Class" drugs during pregnancy. [more inside]
posted by esereth at 7:30 PM PST - 10 comments

PDF Filter: How can I split a 100 page PDF document, where each PDF page has two book pages, into a 200 page PDF document?

I have many scans of books in PDF format. The problem is that each PDF page has two side-by-side book pages and I want to optimize them for reading on a kindle. Because the scans are pretty regular, I am hoping it would be easy to automate the slicing of one page into two and then recompiling the halfpages into a single document. Does anyone know of any open source programs to do this? Perhaps a python library? A feature of Adobe Acrobat?
posted by refractal at 7:28 PM PST - 11 comments

Obscure words combine to form common phrase

There are certain obscure English words that are rarely used alone, but show up in more commonly used word pairs - the best example I can think of is "miasmic fug". I am trying to write about this phenomenon, so if anyone can suggest other word pairs like this I would be very grateful!
posted by csg77 at 7:27 PM PST - 60 comments

How do I get there from here?

Moving to New York. How? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton at 7:24 PM PST - 14 comments

Minneapolis Pho

Minneapolis pho, and some general pho meat questions. [more inside]
posted by IndigoRain at 7:19 PM PST - 12 comments

Should we still teach children to write in "script"?

Why should children learn to write in cursive (script)? Or, rather, shouldn't they not? [more inside]
posted by emhutchinson at 6:53 PM PST - 84 comments

Will my weed torch cause an underground fire?

I bought a 100,000 BTU weed torch to kill the weeds in my driveway and etc. Can I safely use it to burn weeds in my lawn and other dirt areas without starting an underground fire that will spread for miles and burn uncontrollably forever? FWIW, I'm in Seattle.
posted by carterk at 6:30 PM PST - 15 comments

Resources on rural-urban cooperation in early Soviet Union?

In the book A People's Tragedy, there was a very slight mention of early economic structures that appeared in Russia before the enforced collectivization. This structure was centered on local levels, around rural-urban cooperation. Farms outside city limits would send in food, and the city would send out necessary industrial goods. [more inside]
posted by SollosQ at 6:08 PM PST - 8 comments

I am an introvert and the recent stimulation is making me miserable. How do I approach my boss for an office?

I am an introvert. The situation/stimulation at work has escalated to a painful level. What is the best way to approach my boss to get an (available) office? [more inside]
posted by Prairie at 6:02 PM PST - 29 comments

How bad did I screw up my hearing?

How bad did I screw up my ears last night? [more inside]
posted by ZaphodB at 5:58 PM PST - 13 comments

Dancing with an Object

What sort of performances (dance, music videos, etc) involve a solo dancer dancing with an object as their lover? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 5:43 PM PST - 17 comments

Should I get implants?

A different kind of breast implant question.. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:55 PM PST - 35 comments

Should two divorced women and their kids move in together?

Is it a good idea for two divorced women and our (total of three) little kids to move in together for safety, companionship and financial savings? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:55 PM PST - 22 comments

Pretty Poison?

TaxonomyFilter: What is this flower? [more inside]
posted by Kronos_to_Earth at 4:51 PM PST - 6 comments

✡?

YANMRabbi/IDHAR. I have been wondering about this for a long time, and I don't have a Reform rabbi available to ask. Reform Judaism (US) accepts patrilineal descent only with present "timely Jewish acts"—right on...but what are those? [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 4:35 PM PST - 23 comments

Do cats lose their baby teeth?

Should I be worried that my older kitten/young cat has lost two teeth in the past week? [more inside]
posted by mesha steele at 4:21 PM PST - 10 comments

I think he's upset, but how can you tell?

International tormented musicians wanted: I'm looking for artists who sound like Vladimir Vysotsky but who perform in other languages. [more inside]
posted by monocultured at 3:40 PM PST - 6 comments

The Happiest Story Ever Told Is. . .

Please help me think of cheerful novels, plays, or even short stories suitable for an advanced high school freshman curriculum. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:22 PM PST - 29 comments

Can I get my money back?

How do I approach the prickly subject of money owed to me with someone who doesn't want to have anything to do with me? A couple of years ago I was heavily involved in a "I'm in love with my best friend but she doesn't love me" scenario and I lent her some money. We now don't talk, I'm in a new, great relationship but she hasn't paid me the money. What are the most effective tactics to get it back? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:21 PM PST - 25 comments

Tell me why?

I liked "Robin Hood," so why didn't the critics? [more inside]
posted by fifilaru at 2:51 PM PST - 25 comments

Good, cheap and recent crime dramas?

What are some successful* low-budget** American crime dramas and-or action films from the last five/six years? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse at 2:42 PM PST - 21 comments

Easy MP3 wedding mix?

Friend's having an iPod wedding. How to export playlists as single, crossfaded (possibly beatmatched) files? [more inside]
posted by meadowlark lime at 2:32 PM PST - 7 comments

On the methods of phenomenology. How do you define, operationalize, measure "X"?

ScholarFilter: Does anyone know of a scholarly article that goes from defining a construct (say, for example an attitude of some kind) to operationalizing it to measuring it in a somewhat succinct way? I'm trying to understand this process better. [more inside]
posted by tybeet at 2:03 PM PST - 10 comments

Movies About Writers

I'm looking to develop a comprehensive list of movies about writers. I have a pretty good list that includes the likes of 'Wonder Boys', 'The Hours', 'Mrs. Parker', 'Capote' and the like. However, I know there are many small indie films that fly under the radar every year, some probably about writers. Even if you think I already have it on my list - tell me your favorite movies about writers. Thanks!
posted by Gerard Sorme at 1:35 PM PST - 67 comments

Centro won't sync

My Palm Centro will not sync with a pc. Originally thought that the cable was bad so I bought a new one. However it still will not sync. I have found several fixes on the web, and tried most, but none have worked. The one solution I have not tried yet is a hard reset of the phone. I am afraid that if I still can not sync after a hard reset I will need a new phone. I took the phone to Sprint and their answer was you it will not sync, we can sell you a new phone. Has anyone else had this problem and been able to fix it?
posted by tman99 at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me a specific dslr tutorial website!

Help me remember the website for new dslr owners, in which a woman narrator takes you step by step until you are in manual mode. [more inside]
posted by kgreerRN at 12:55 PM PST - 2 comments

The art of moped maintenance

I want to spring-service my motorbike, help me put together a list of what I need to do and the best youtube or other tutorials to follow. More details and a confession inside.... [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 12:33 PM PST - 9 comments

Need advice on how to accept my daughter spending so much time with her father, his family and his new girlfriend.

I had posted a question a little while ago on how to finally move on after ending the on again off again relationship I had with my daughter's father. I received great avice, thanks. I cannot say that I have yet fully moved on, but I am now having more good days than bad. However, one thing I am having such a hard time dealing with is the fact that my daughter is now spending so much time with either his family or his new girlfriend, who he began seeing again only 3 weeks after we broke up. (he dated her briefly during one of our separations) [more inside]
posted by aprilc34 at 11:36 AM PST - 20 comments

Working for American clients in Ecuador

I'm going to be living in Cuenca, Ecuador this summer with some travel to Quito, Guayaquil and other cities. I'm a software developer and plan to work for my American clients from Ecuador. Any tips or advice on receiving payments? Or tips on my working from Ecuador in general? I plan to have clients deposit money into my American bank accounts and just using an ATM to retrieve it in Ecuador. Any better solutions ?
posted by jason9009 at 11:18 AM PST - 5 comments

Where's the report filter value?

Excel2007EmergencyFilter: Is there a way to get my filter value on a Pivot Chart to show up on the actual chart, like it did back in good ol' Excel 2003? [more inside]
posted by undercoverhuwaaah at 11:15 AM PST - 1 comment

Civli War era grave accessory

Anyone know anything about this Civil War era gravestone decoration? [more inside]
posted by ambulocetus at 11:15 AM PST - 18 comments

Why won't Google Voice pick up calls made from landlines?

Why is it that calls made to my cell phone from other cell phones connect to my Google Voice inbox, but calls made to my cell phone from landlines go to my carriers voicemail? And how do I make GV the default for *all* calls, irrespective of their origin? [more inside]
posted by .kobayashi. at 11:12 AM PST - 13 comments

Where to buy Canon CB-2LW Battery Charger in Orlando?

Where to buy Canon CB-2LW Battery Charger in Orlando? [more inside]
posted by bostonhill at 11:06 AM PST - 1 comment

Make my flighty resume look more solid, please!

Help fix the resume of a slightly flighty person to make it look less flaky. [more inside]
posted by troublemenot at 10:44 AM PST - 10 comments

Transfer from a so-so undergrad history program or finish with a 4.0: the grad school prospects.

I'm going to be graduating from a small 'top 25 private university in the West', not the best, not terrible, with a 4.0. I'm interested in pursuing History as a career and want to get into a great Ph.d program. (Interests include American, Post-Modern, historiography, historical memory.) Recently, I've considered transferring to a top private university with more prestige: will this benefit me in the application process or will my glowing recommendations, independent research and grades equally impress from my middle tier school? At this point, it seems like a gamble either way. [more inside]
posted by robox at 10:25 AM PST - 16 comments

Help my waterlogged iPod

Yet another iPhone/iPod Touch in water question. But wait, this one is different! [more inside]
posted by rossination at 10:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Statistics help?

Is there an internet forum that is especially good at discussing strange problems in statistics? [more inside]
posted by DavidandConquer at 10:08 AM PST - 5 comments

What is this Tchaikovsky piece called?

What is the name of this Tchaikovsky tune? [more inside]
posted by tunestunes at 9:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Mercedes Thompson in Blood Bound

This question contains spoilers for the second Mercedes Thompson novel "Blood Bound" by author Patricia Briggs. [more inside]
posted by ayc200 at 9:31 AM PST - 2 comments

Getting rid of those images in email signatures

I receive a lot of emails that include a small image as part of the signature. These emails show up as having attachments. How could I automatically delete these images or change the attachment indicator to not trigger on files <10kb? (using mail.app on Snow Leopard)
posted by kingfisher, his musclebound cat at 9:19 AM PST - 9 comments

My mind is telling me yes... but my body--my body--is telling me no.

Help me feel good about grad school. [more inside]
posted by ropeladder at 9:10 AM PST - 14 comments

Shitty situation.

Last night, at the restaurant I help manage, a drain pipe clogged. Raw sewage flooded the back rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and half of the seating area of the first floor of the restaurant. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Save your European money, boys....

I've read a few articles that mention the collapse of the Euro. Any idea what that would look like? Could a country like France or Germany simply walk away? Could the currency survive that? What would they do until they had fresh DM or francs or whatever?
posted by codswallop at 9:06 AM PST - 13 comments

Why are my pipes howling? It's not a ghost. I checked.

My pipes are making an awful howling / whining noise some of the time (lately more often than not). Why? [more inside]
posted by ydant at 8:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me save my passwords on Chrome!

Why won't Chrome prompt me to save my passwords on some sites, despite having the Autocomplete = On extension? [more inside]
posted by runaway ballista at 7:26 AM PST - 4 comments

I messed up Ralph's computer-help!

You know that false antivirus software virus? Yep, that one? It's on my husband's computer and it has totally taken over. HELP!!!!!! [more inside]
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:55 AM PST - 36 comments

How do I go about making a database app for the iPhone?

What is the best way to go about creating a simple iPhone database access application? I'm looking to create an application which, although it could be very easily done in a web-based manner through the combination of php and mysql, I'd like the data to all be stored locally on the iPhone, in the app itself. [more inside]
posted by Biru at 5:45 AM PST - 6 comments

Shakespeare quote in French

Looking to identify a passage from Shakespeare that someone gave me written in French. [more inside]
posted by anonymous78 at 5:40 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I optimize having 2 flats for a week?

I need advice on moving between apartments within 5km of each other. [more inside]
posted by bardophile at 5:24 AM PST - 22 comments

Who studies us and our systems?

What breakthrough researchers- with their methods & fields- are examining interactions between behavior and social structures. [more inside]
posted by elationfoundation at 2:37 AM PST - 9 comments

One click facebook friend requests?

How can I simplify someone adding me as a friend on Facebook? [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 2:07 AM PST - 4 comments

Software/sites to create easy, viewable multipanel cartoons

Good simple tool for blogging sequential images as one post/entry? [more inside]
posted by Gucky at 1:35 AM PST - 7 comments

The only connection between vaccines and cancer is HPV, right?

What evidence is there, of any sort from any time, which links vaccines, either human or animal, to cancer? [more inside]
posted by mad bomber what bombs at midnight at 1:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Is Wubbo Ockels a crank or a genius?

Wubbo Ockels blew up my brain. Does anyone who actually understands physics have an an educated take on his theory of time and gravity? [more inside]
posted by evariste at 12:50 AM PST - 11 comments

May 15

Apple 101

I have been given a Power Mac G4 running OS X 10.4. I have no Mac experience whatsoever. I'd like to try out cool things and programs not available on Windows, but not beyond the computing power of a G4. What are these things? Please enlighten a noob.
posted by Xere at 11:56 PM PST - 9 comments

Suggestions on configuring a MacBook for an elderly person?

Ideas/suggestions for configuring an older MacBook for an elderly, non-Mac user? [more inside]
posted by Napoleonic Terrier at 10:56 PM PST - 6 comments

You made me miss my marathon, so you can pay for it

What liability do you have if someone is injured in front of your house due to an obstruction you caused? [more inside]
posted by elisabethjw at 10:24 PM PST - 20 comments

Do I need to disclose near-term plans?

What are the ethical implications (if any) of taking a job with no intentions of staying with the company long-term? [more inside]
posted by ista at 8:54 PM PST - 21 comments

My iPhone's frozen...and otherwise broken...

How do I unfreeze my iPhone? Difficulty: the power-down/sleep button doesn't work, so I can't do the manual reset by holding down the two buttons. [more inside]
posted by mingodingo at 8:23 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm just sure it's called "Still Life with Bottle"

Can anyone identify this still life? Spotted on another site today, but no attribution was given. I really like the colors and would like to find a print of it. Tineye and revimg were no help.
posted by jferg at 7:24 PM PST - 2 comments

I decided that I needed less. not. more.

What have you given up that you haven't missed? [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 7:23 PM PST - 141 comments

What can I get some more freelance work?

What are good sites to bid on freelance design and web development work? [more inside]
posted by cuban link flooded jesus at 6:49 PM PST - 5 comments

9, 10, something, something, boo!

My best friend is watching the new Nightmare on Elm Street right now... can you help me creep him out later? [more inside]
posted by simplethings at 5:38 PM PST - 10 comments

Cooking for glory

Chopped Chef Challenge party tomorrow! Help me find my "secret ingredient" for main course and dessert on the grill. Bonus question: ideas for the cocktail contest using my pineapple infused rum. [more inside]
posted by purenitrous at 5:10 PM PST - 10 comments

ID a piece of Tibetan pop music

Can you help ID a Tibetan pop music song from 2007 with hardly any hints? [more inside]
posted by leafwoman at 5:07 PM PST - 4 comments

Will I still be able to see films on film if I move to the country?

How hard is it to see a movie in a movie theater in rural areas? Is the experience significantly different from seeing a movie in a theater in a city? [more inside]
posted by bubukaba at 4:59 PM PST - 58 comments

South beach eating

Am I doing phase 1 of the south beach diet correctly? [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 4:45 PM PST - 17 comments

Reading what you play

I need a list of video games adapted from books (or graphic novels). [more inside]
posted by ndicecco at 4:40 PM PST - 23 comments

Japanese auto parts into America?

Is it possible for a US American to buy a part from a Japanese junk yard? How? [more inside]
posted by Marky at 4:04 PM PST - 4 comments

steak done slow

How to cook steak (slow) on a grill? I heard a call-in segment on the Splendid Table about cooking steaks at a very low temperature on a grill but now I can't find the instructions online. [more inside]
posted by ubermuffin at 3:40 PM PST - 13 comments

Mac Mini = Old gaming PC?

Mac Mini users, I need to know if a current-gen Mac Mini system is roughly equivalent to a 3 1/2 year old PC in regards to gaming. [more inside]
posted by ChrisLSU at 3:02 PM PST - 6 comments

I want to be like a squirrel putting away nuts for the winter.

Twenty-something Canadian girl would like some financial and investing advice. [more inside]
posted by catburger at 2:03 PM PST - 15 comments

Anti-depressants and the quest for Zen

How do chemicals (alcohol and anti-depressant medication) impact meditation? I am wondering if taking anti-depressants would impacts one's ability to meditate? I know dreams are impacted by taking anti-depressants, so does that mean that vivid dreaming (under the influence of seritonin re-uptake inhibitors) has no spiritual meaning whatsoever? (obviously those who believe in lucid dreaming should address this question). Please shed some light (even if just anecdotally) on the impact of taking these medications on one's ability to still the mind. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:58 PM PST - 13 comments

Please tell me about ocular herpes.

Please tell me about ocular herpes. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:58 PM PST - 9 comments

Vehicular woes

Our 2005 VW Diesel Golf needs a timing belt replaced. It has 111k miles on it. They suggested that they replace the water pump at the same time, even though it is perfectly fine. Is it worth it? [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 1:46 PM PST - 21 comments

Welcome to the club, now go away!

What should I do about The Cabal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:42 PM PST - 43 comments

Start School Now or Later

Should I go ahead and start school while I’m here and transfer? Or should I wait for a year doing my job (and looking for a new one) and waiting to see what happens with my girlfriend’s job opportunities? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:42 PM PST - 6 comments

How long is too long: Is this wine still good?

How long can one keep an unopened bottle of quality white wine past its vintage year? [more inside]
posted by MelanieL at 12:45 PM PST - 11 comments

How to sell images online in 2010?

Stock Photo for beginners 2010 (re do) [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 12:40 PM PST - 1 comment

Help out or hold out?

My friend is trying to raise money so that his college group can go to Haiti to help earthquake victims with this Hands On Disaster Group. I am opposed to and skeptical of this concept. How do I reconcile my biases and support him? Should I? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:31 PM PST - 23 comments

Do you know the way to San Jose with an expired passport?

Can I travel within the US using an expired Canadian passport? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:31 PM PST - 18 comments

Help finding new books for a high school English class.

What books have you read since high school that you wish you had read in high school? [more inside]
posted by trojanhorse at 12:26 PM PST - 22 comments

Kilns for hire in San Diego?

Where can I glaze and fire my pottery in San Diego? [more inside]
posted by notnathan at 12:26 PM PST - 5 comments

What is best way to organize a sports team?

What is the best method or tool for organizing, scheduling and communicating with an amateur sports team? [more inside]
posted by kellyrickert at 11:59 AM PST - 6 comments

What's the origin of this Eastern-sounding melodic style that I often hear in Goa trance?

What's the origin of this Eastern-sounding melodic style that I often hear in Goa trance? [more inside]
posted by ixohoxi at 11:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Is there a Firefox extension that will let you hover over keywords on the page and have it show a quick summary from wikipedia?

Is there a Firefox extension that will let you hover over keywords on the page and have it show a quick summary from wikipedia? I'm using a Firefox Extension from evri.com that does this, but it also comes with an ugly toolbar. If you hide the toolbar, the functionality goes away, but I really like it. (Example.) Is there anything like this? That maybe does it better? Most importantly is it bringing this data in dynamically without me having to spawn a new window or leave the page.
posted by dep at 11:31 AM PST - 6 comments

How to honor a pet?

Our family dog (beagle/fox terrier mix) died this morning after 12 healthy years of life. Obviously, we loved him madly and are very, very sad. What's a decent, graceful and private way to honor his life?
posted by davebush at 11:23 AM PST - 17 comments

Rent burden for cohabitation?

Is there a standard rent rate for cohabitation when one partner already owns the destination home? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:07 AM PST - 24 comments

Birth control woes!

Birth control woes! My girlfriend suffers from migraines with auras, has rather heavy periods that sometimes leave her anaemic and require opiate painkillers, which means she is basically screwed for all the birth control options I can find. Ladies in this situation, have any tips? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:07 AM PST - 40 comments

What does this writing say?

What does this apparently Asian writing say? I found it chalked on a wall last night in DC.
posted by yarly at 11:02 AM PST - 5 comments

Desire to constantly date new women...(books, thoughts, ideas).

Is it wrong to want to continually date new and interesting women? I'm almost 40 (male). Do I just need to grow up? Looking for book recommendations/advice/etc. [more inside]
posted by sharingideas at 10:59 AM PST - 43 comments

Healing time for a peeled blister?

How long does it take for new skin to form on a peeled blister? [more inside]
posted by side effect at 10:49 AM PST - 7 comments

What's the name of this song from This American Life #405 "Inside Job"?

Trying to find the name of the song that was played in episode 405 "Inside Job" between the opening story about Ira's friend who was ripped off by her bookkeeper and act one. Tried to Shazam it, but to no avail. I made a clip of it, which can be downloaded here: http://sean.dwyer-personal.s3.amazonaws.com/TAL-Unknown-Song.mp3
posted by psyckboy at 10:41 AM PST - 2 comments

What information can website owner track about visitors?

This is going to be a super-broad question: What kinds of information can the owner of a website glean about its visitors? For instance, can they see where you were just prior, or where you go when you leave? Under what circumstances would you be individually identifiable? Etc.
posted by HotToddy at 10:33 AM PST - 7 comments

Don't worry, we'll put a tarp down

baby-led weaning: yay or nay? [more inside]
posted by oh really at 10:24 AM PST - 19 comments

Safe OTC and Homeopathic treatments for use after wisdom teeth removal.

You are not my doctor or my dentist, but what over the counter and homeopathic products are reasonably safe to use after wisdom tooth extraction? [more inside]
posted by kscottz at 10:05 AM PST - 11 comments

How can I be an environmentally conscious furniture buyer?

I'm interested in buying a bed that's made of "tropical hardwoods" and Mindi wood veneer. Am I likely to be supporting rainforest destruction? More generally, how I can make environmentally conscious buying decisions regarding furniture? [more inside]
posted by serathen at 9:47 AM PST - 3 comments

How can I be who I want to be?

How can I be who I want to be? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:43 AM PST - 24 comments

Where in Portland should I look for both entertainment and a career boost?

Where is the best play to stay (neighborhood, hotel) for a long weekend in Portland? Time will be split between business and pleasure, scoping out job prospects (electrical/computer engineering) Friday and Monday, and seeking out good local music and beer Saturday/Sunday. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for literature of life

Recommend me fascinating, intelligent and neutral reading regarding biology, biochemistry, or medicine. [more inside]
posted by Bleusman at 9:09 AM PST - 21 comments

Using a Blackberry with Google.

I'm a former Blackberry user who hasn't used one for over a year, but who may have to switch back. I need to know if anything has changed/improved in how the Blackberry works with Gmail, Gcal, and Google's Contacts, specifically the Curve 2 (8530). [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 8:55 AM PST - 12 comments

Park in Boston or take the train?

Heading down to Boston Monday night to see Pearl Jam at the Garden. Don't want to take the train (from Portland, ME) since the last one will likely leave before the show ends. What is my best parking option for like a 7 hour stretch (6p-1a)? [more inside]
posted by speeb at 8:45 AM PST - 8 comments

What is that cylinder?

On the side of truck cabs, there is often a metal cylinder about a foot and a half high and maybe a foot in diameter. What is that? [more inside]
posted by Frasermoo at 8:10 AM PST - 10 comments

INSTRUMENTAL ID: What is the instrumental in this video?

INSTRUMENTAL ID: What is the instrumental in this video about the 'Impossible motion' trick? [more inside]
posted by dgaicun at 8:06 AM PST - 4 comments

can't they just blow it up?

The NYTimes has an article this morning about the next trick to stop BP's oil spill in the Gulf: the "junk shot" (basically stuff a bunch of junk in the pipes to clog it). Looking at the left half of this picture I'm wondering why they can't do that dynamite trick used in There will be blood (1:14 in the clip) ... just drill down a couple hundred meters to the pipe, send some explosives in and let the earth stop the leak. Anyone know why not?
posted by pjenks at 7:46 AM PST - 12 comments

Giving away several thousand (possibly valuable) items from an Upper East Side brownstone - what's the best way?

Removal of a s^!t-ton of stuff from an Upper East Side Brownstone (New York, NY). What's the most charitable, or generous, or easiest, or cheapest way of doing this? Or some combination of all four... [more inside]
posted by omnigut at 7:24 AM PST - 12 comments

Where should I host a video for schoolchildren?

What's a good video-hosting solution for a primary (elementary) school context? [more inside]
posted by klaatu at 7:04 AM PST - 6 comments

Searching for ancient Antarctic Moss

Trying to find detailed info on 5,000-year-old Moss living on the Antarctic Peninsula for my "Oldest Living Things in the World" project. [more inside]
posted by OLTW at 7:00 AM PST - 6 comments

School Gouge

My child attends a local school and is in year one. Recently the kids gave their mid-year concert. All was lovely and cute, except the school’s attitude which has left me feeling like I’ve been - well gouged, and somewhat annoyed. [more inside]
posted by the noob at 2:32 AM PST - 31 comments

INDIE SONG ID: What is the song in this video?

INDIE SONG ID: What is the song in this video? The song starts playing at 3:06 in this video by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
posted by ialas at 1:01 AM PST - 5 comments

May 14

ICT for dummies

Where can I learn - in a hurry - the technological basics of the telecommunications/internet infrastructure? [more inside]
posted by moorooka at 11:21 PM PST - 5 comments

Living Kidney Donation Questions

I have some general questions about living, anonymous kidney donation. [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 10:41 PM PST - 14 comments

Is there an excellent Android calendar?

Is there an excellent Android calendar app? I'm in the market to ditch my Blackberry and pick up an Android phone (HTC Incredible, I'm lookin at you!), but I need to know if there's a calendar that will work for me. [more inside]
posted by jasper411 at 10:25 PM PST - 11 comments

Writer needs fund of useful verbs.

Looking for the right verbs, idioms, and metaphors to spice up my writing. [more inside]
posted by ms.codex at 10:19 PM PST - 10 comments

Who is this wonderfully dress woman?

Help me identify this [possibly movie still] photo. Pictured: gun-wielding early 20th[?] century woman. [more inside]
posted by shesaysgo at 10:17 PM PST - 7 comments

What's happening in San Francisco?

What should I do in San Francisco tomorrow (5/15)? I'll be there all day and night.
posted by Number Used Once at 10:14 PM PST - 10 comments

newborns in movies

How do movies find real newborn babies for birth scenes? [more inside]
posted by fso at 8:51 PM PST - 22 comments

The Pickle Book Starring Metafilter Meerkat

Where can I buy full-sour pickles in the Bay Area this weekend?
posted by eschatfische at 8:32 PM PST - 3 comments

What was the source of this disturbing Clowes Eightball comic?

I used to own a Daniel Clowes "Eightball" comic back in the 1990s (I think it was the "Nostalgia"-themed issue, or maybe Eightball 16), where he retold a really creepy Irish folk tale. What book did he use as a reference? [more inside]
posted by KokuRyu at 8:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Teabagger conspiracy theory fodder: Arabic on a Google Map of Alabama?

Go to Google Maps and search for Montgomery, Alabama. Now look due northeast of the city, to an intersection between 2 highways, just above the Lagoon Park Golf Course. Do you see something that appears to be labeled in Arabic script? Can anyone who reads Arabic verify this, and if so, translate what it says? [more inside]
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 6:43 PM PST - 26 comments

Chicago is a city with lots of deliveries, right?

What can I get for my younger brother, to be delivered and used in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 6:23 PM PST - 7 comments

Help with bathroom design concepts

We're re-doing our old (master) bathroom. It's small-ish, not that that's here nor there. This weekend we need to pick out tile for the bath, light fixtures, vanity, and paint for the walls and ceiling. I have some design skills but am finding myself bereft of inspiration. Any good sites out there focusing on cool interior (esp. bathroom) design?
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 6:02 PM PST - 11 comments

Please to mentor me, HiveMind?

Rotational program in a huge company: what kind of experiences should I look for? [more inside]
posted by universal_qlc at 5:38 PM PST - 2 comments

Does the way my friend's wife (mis?)treats her dog validate my dislike of her?

Does the way my friend's wife (mis?)treats her dog validate my dislike of her? [more inside]
posted by Jon44 at 5:27 PM PST - 49 comments

Hyphens in fractions?

When writing fractions as words, under what circumstances do you hyphenate them? [more inside]
posted by stenoboy at 4:48 PM PST - 6 comments

I don't want to eat sushi but I have to

Can you teach me to love like tolerate sushi? How did you learn to like sushi? [more inside]
posted by granted at 4:39 PM PST - 60 comments

How can I make sure that I brush my teeth every night?

How can I make sure that I brush my teeth every single night? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:12 PM PST - 42 comments

Help me pick a wicking shirt

Help me find a shirt to wear on the Appalachian Trail this very hot summer. [more inside]
posted by looknevada at 4:10 PM PST - 25 comments

US Copyright Office borked?

Is the U.S. Copyright Office's Online Copyright Office borked with Safari? [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 4:03 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I sell my books, and maybe make a little money in the process?

How do I sell my books, and maybe make a little money in the process? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor at 4:03 PM PST - 20 comments

Should I suck it up or cut my losses?

Is it worth it to finish my Master's degree? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:26 PM PST - 16 comments

I Accidentally Played with the Big Boys and Won

I did something extremely stupid in the stock market and got extremely lucky. Please help me sort through the consequences. I apologize that this is very long. Hopefully it is interesting. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:26 PM PST - 40 comments

FerritinFilter: YAN my doc, but I'm supposed to have septoplasty & turbinate reduction on Monday, and my ferritin is back to the very low end of normal. Ok to go?

FerritinFilter: I know YAN my doctor, but I'm supposed to have a septoplasty & turbinate reduction on Monday, and my ferritin is back to the very low end of normal. Ok to go? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Bumblebees: so cute, but so ouchy

I just found an underground bumblebee nest in the yard, in a location with unavoidable foot traffic and curious dogs. Please help me chase them off rather than harm them! [more inside]
posted by bunji at 2:54 PM PST - 28 comments

Starting a math minor. Any advice?

I'm half way through college and am about to begin taking courses for my math minor. However, the last time I took an invasive course on mathematics was during high school. I am looking for a couple textbooks/methods that will help me get up to Calc II proficiency by the end of this summer. Specifically, I need to tune up my Precalculus and Calc I skills. If anyone could recommend problem sets, online tools, and/or their favorite textbooks I would greatly appreciate it. I'd like to keep it under $100. Thanks. ~Stephen
posted by Steve073190 at 2:53 PM PST - 6 comments

iguazu falls

Seeing the Iguazu falls from both sides: is the Brazil-side town better, or the Argentina-side town? [more inside]
posted by swimmingly at 2:45 PM PST - 12 comments

Tell me all you know about breast reduction surgery.

Breast reduction surgery filter: Have you had it done? Do you know someone who has? [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte at 2:44 PM PST - 35 comments

Are there cheap and decent places to stay near OSU (Ohio State Univ) in Columbus?

Are there cheap and decent places to stay near OSU (Ohio State Univ) in Columbus? [more inside]
posted by 1001 questions at 2:36 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I hide a wordpress post from direct traffic, but not from linked traffic?

How can I hide a wordpress post from direct traffic, but not from linked traffic? [more inside]
posted by bingo at 2:23 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm not buying him socks!

Help me come up with a fantastic birthday present for my father! [more inside]
posted by gumtree at 12:58 PM PST - 30 comments

I don't want to end my font addiction, just make it manageable.

Okay I've got WAAAAY too many fonts in photoshop. Is there any sort of organizer plug in for it that can keep them grouped by genres or something? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 12:56 PM PST - 8 comments

What's the next Nabokov book for my book group?

What's the next Nabokov book for my book group? Not Pnin, Lolita, or Ada. [more inside]
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 12:51 PM PST - 32 comments

Fixed rate vs. variable rate mortgages

After years of renting I'm planning on purchasing a condo. I've gone to a couple of banks to get approval, but I don’t know if I should stick with the ‘traditional’ 5-year fixed-rate mortgage or go with a shorter term. Which one will cost the least? Is the threat of spiking interest rates considerable or overstated? (This is in Canada) [more inside]
posted by The Lurkers Support Me in Email at 12:48 PM PST - 22 comments

Vintage Local News Clip Of Mucus-Inhaling Anchor

Trying to find a vintage video: 80's local news TV anchor engaging in banter with co-hosts, laughs, causing his nose to release a large bolus of mucus - which he then accidentally inhales into his mouth in one fell swoop. Cameras keep rolling, while the horror of the reality sets in on his face (and the faces of his cohosts). Been looking EVERYWHERE. Anyone know who it was, where I can find a link?
posted by MaxVonCretin at 12:47 PM PST - 5 comments

Obnoxious loud drunk teen neighbors

Loud, annoying neighbors: what to do? Our next door neighbor's (19ish? maybe 20?)-year-old spends all summer out in the Party Garage with ALL his friends, making noise til all hours of the night. [more inside]
posted by bitter-girl.com at 12:44 PM PST - 51 comments

Well, that's funny.

In Donald Westlake's "What's So Funny", the macguffin is a jeweled chess set that weighs 680 lbs. This doesn't seem possible! [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 12:40 PM PST - 15 comments

Solar path lights

Do they actually make and sell solar garden/path lights that aren't total crap? [more inside]
posted by crunchland at 12:33 PM PST - 9 comments

I can haz Indian mangoes?

Does anyone have any experience ordering fresh Alphonso or other good Indian mangoes online? [more inside]
posted by peacheater at 12:29 PM PST - 2 comments

Fontina is the worst cheese.

Why does fontina cheese give me a stomachache? [more inside]
posted by shamash at 12:27 PM PST - 12 comments

Online travel planners?

Any great online travel planners? [more inside]
posted by ShootTheMoon at 12:18 PM PST - 2 comments

What's a passport cover for?

What travel products do you actually use? [more inside]
posted by donajo at 12:01 PM PST - 54 comments

What are the "critical numbers" on "Open Book" management?

What's it like to work in or own a business that uses the "open book" financial management system? [more inside]
posted by webhund at 11:11 AM PST - 2 comments

Mystery Disease

What Is WRONG with me, for God's sake? Last Wednesday night I was struck with a stiff neck, and really swollen knee joints. By end of work Thursday (driving 300 miles) I was wholly incapacitated with a low grade fever, upper back pain and lumpy knees. Now, much of this is not new, as I already have blood cancer and fibromyalgia, but this is way beyond the scope of these diseases. (I am immunologically compromised) [more inside]
posted by ~Sushma~ at 10:47 AM PST - 17 comments

Baby can't eat yogurt. Now what?

What things can I feed a toddler while (temporarily) excluding dairy? [more inside]
posted by leahwrenn at 10:42 AM PST - 18 comments

How do I keep my landlord from further screwing me?

Can I expect my difficult-to-work-with landlord to use my security deposit as my last month's rent? [more inside]
posted by Hoenikker at 10:40 AM PST - 26 comments

A ghost terrorizing my children is one thing; ...it's another thing entirely when he starts playing my Theremin!

My wife is turning 50 next month and, as is the tradition, I was thinking I'd buy her a Theremin. Is this a good gift for my wife? You know my wife, right? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 10:21 AM PST - 37 comments

Why is my VPN so slow?

Comcast and L2TP VPN tunnels: One location works great, the other not so much. Where am I going wrong? [more inside]
posted by tmt at 10:09 AM PST - 5 comments

What to do with all these almonds?

I bought a very large bag of slivered almonds at Costco, and I've come to accept that there's no way I'm going to work my way through it before the nuts go bad. What are your favorite recipes that use sliced almonds? I'm especially interested in things that your average food-wary child would be willing, if not eager, to eat.
posted by bibliowench at 9:30 AM PST - 43 comments

Help my mom select low-hassle, shady plants?

What are the best shade-tolerant, ultra-low-maintenance plants for my mom's terraced flowerbed? [more inside]
posted by oblique red at 9:30 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me be the wacky sidekick from an 80s prom movie.

I'm looking to buy a tuxedo t-shirt today in New York City, preferably in Brooklyn, and preferably cheap. [more inside]
posted by Ash3000 at 9:24 AM PST - 5 comments

One Day I'll Be in New York City!

AnecdoteCyclingFilter: What are your experiences cycling in downtown Minneapolis/Saint Paul? [more inside]
posted by 47triple2 at 9:18 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me find this Rilke poem?

Help me find this Rilke poem? [more inside]
posted by zotterdas at 9:11 AM PST - 3 comments

a crushing dilemma

My coworker has a huge crush on me. What I can I do to put him off without causing a bunch of office drama? [more inside]
posted by sidewinding at 9:11 AM PST - 45 comments

Possible to rescue data from a Mac hard drive that was partially overwritten?

Accidentally started overwriting a Mac's hard drive with a Leopard network-install system image. Stopped it after just a few seconds (the progress bar had gotten maybe 2-3% along). Any chance of rescuing any data that was on the hard drive before? [more inside]
posted by bcwinters at 9:10 AM PST - 5 comments

How can I redirect iTunes to a new podcast RSS feed?

My website's podcast needs to change the RSS feed URL that iTunes picks up. How can I redirect iTunes to the new feed? I don't want to lose our current subscribers during the changeover.
posted by Servo5678 at 9:09 AM PST - 8 comments

Lake Michigan (Chicago) Parking

What are the best places to park near Lake Michigan in Chicago? By best I mean free (or very cheap) and not far away (don't want to spend the dog walking time walking to the Lake). The area I had in mind was south of the loop to Hyde Park maybe. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
posted by blairsyprofane at 9:05 AM PST - 4 comments

Bizarre use of typewriters by US cops in the 2000s

I started watching The Wire. The first episode depicts the Baltimore narcotics division spending much of their day writing paperwork on typewriters. When they make a mistake they use white-out. In 2002. What the hell? [more inside]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 8:48 AM PST - 41 comments

Is Santa Claus A Religious Figure?

Is Santa Claus a religious figure? I'm interested both in your individual personal opinions and any judicial opinions that might be out there from a church/state standpoint.
posted by nickmark at 8:18 AM PST - 45 comments

Pop Idols and Lolitas - I need a list

I'm looking to generate a cross-cultural list of famous young talents (singers, actors, dancers younger than ~20, from any time in history) that are/were widely considered to be precociously charming. Idols and starlets, if you will. Is/was there a Russian Donny Osmond? An Indian Justin Timberlake? Who's the quintessential Morning Musume girl?
posted by xo at 8:07 AM PST - 18 comments

Where to stay in Portland, Oregon?

Where should we stay in Portland, OR, for 3 days after a conference? (specific details inside) [more inside]
posted by darsh at 8:05 AM PST - 10 comments

I think my elderly father is thinking of taking his own life...

My father recently intimated without saying outright that he was thinking of ending his life. He's 77, has been living with the after effects of strokes for about 15 years or more and has lost his ability to enjoy pretty much all of his passions. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:04 AM PST - 34 comments

Help me understand which home A/C unit to purchase!

Help me understand which home A/C unit to purchase! Our 27 year-old a/c unit failed in out house, blowing out it's 3rd motor in as many years. We've decided it's time to finally get a new one. We've gotten several bids from local companies are simply quite confused. [more inside]
posted by damiano99 at 7:55 AM PST - 6 comments

How do I make sure the Macbook I may purchase is good to go?

I am looking to purchase a used Macbook Pro on Craigslist. What should I be on the look out for to ensure a proper and honest transaction? Are there certain parts I need to look at? Obviously I will boot up the laptop, but beyond that what should I be testing?
posted by helios410 at 7:51 AM PST - 7 comments

Is there a Filtered/Sorted Ipad App List?

Where can I get a filtered, sorted, list of Ipad (or IPhone) lists? [more inside]
posted by peteshaw at 7:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Vacation ideas for late August/early September

Where to go on a beach vacation (but with other options) in late August/early September? [more inside]
posted by kat518 at 7:42 AM PST - 6 comments

Lefties looking for a place to call home.

Lefties looking for a place to call home. [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 7:39 AM PST - 30 comments

How to cope with divroce proces when I'm a mess before the divorce even began?

Seeing a lawyer today for divorce information. How do I cope if there is no option but divorce? [more inside]
posted by stormpooper at 7:32 AM PST - 22 comments

Yo dawg we heard you don't want to die, so we put a _____ in your cube so you can gyrate while you collate

Help me find some alternatives to normal desks and chairs! For health! [more inside]
posted by Work Related MeFi at 7:29 AM PST - 6 comments

*&^*!@* Sound Problems Again!

Does anyone remember a downloadable bios patch to fix sound problems on an HP Pavillion PC? I need it! [more inside]
posted by Eicats at 7:27 AM PST - 1 comment

How can something look BETTER at 110%?

Why do these clips look great in the Final Cut Pro viewer at 110%, but interlace-y at 100% and upon export? How is this even possible? [more inside]
posted by 235w103 at 6:41 AM PST - 7 comments

Google analytics data ninja training

How can I become a Google analytics data ninja? [more inside]
posted by diode at 6:13 AM PST - 5 comments

How can I get this year back?

What do I do if I feel like I wasted a year of my life in grad school? I just read the requirements for a job I should be qualified to get and just realized I haven't done any of it. I'm just about to graduate with a Master's in a field I have nothing to say about. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 AM PST - 9 comments

Who is Fafsa, and will he give me money?

Where does an American start to figure out how to fund a graduate education abroad? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 AM PST - 4 comments

I trust you as far as I can throw you

Help me get over my trust / love issues I feel with my current boyfriend. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 AM PST - 19 comments

Where do coffee shops come from?

My dad plans to open up a small coffee shop -- how can I become more knowledgeable about such an endeavor so that I can be a better resource and support for him? [more inside]
posted by ohruaidhri at 5:42 AM PST - 18 comments

deliver us from evil

Long winded question about new computer, internet, and anti virus programs [more inside]
posted by crazylegs at 5:34 AM PST - 10 comments

Why moisturize?

I'm a guy. Do I really need to moisturize every day, or do anything to my skin apart from wash it? [more inside]
posted by dontjumplarry at 5:33 AM PST - 37 comments

How is my academic history going to be treated as a prospective law student in Canada?

How is my academic history going to be treated as a prospective law student in Canada? [more inside]
posted by Hiker at 5:25 AM PST - 3 comments

I need help with translating a biological term from French to English

My colleagues are working in animal science and are often using the term "loi de réponse de l'animal" to describe how biological parameters (e.g. milk production in dairy cows) change in response to a stimulus (e.g. modifying the diet). Potential English translations such as "animal response law(s)" do not seem correct. The concept seems pretty simple, so is there an obvious English translation that would cover this?
posted by elgilito at 5:04 AM PST - 13 comments

Twin Dommes Seek Advice

Two of my best friends are twin sisters, gorgeous, and 24/7 lifestyle Dommes. They've recently decided to go professional, probably via a website involving webcams and such. I'm helping them investigate the possibilities. Any suggestions? Who should they use as a host? What should they expect for initial expenses, etc.? Thanks in advance.
posted by Chasuk at 3:49 AM PST - 8 comments

How to set up a political party in Australia?

What are the requirements to set up a political party in Australia to run in the next election? I'm presuming we would need to get 10^n signatures, and pay a fee, but does anyone know the specifics? [more inside]
posted by tomargue at 3:19 AM PST - 24 comments

Fixing fonts in Opera and Chrome

Argh! What's happened to my fonts in Opera on linux? [more inside]
posted by salmacis at 1:09 AM PST - 8 comments

Are iPads and tablet PCs viable substitutes for speaking notes?

Could a tablet PC or a device like an iPad feasibly be used instead of paper notes in public speaking? [more inside]
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 12:16 AM PST - 10 comments

May 13

They say it used to cost $5,000 to fly from NY to Paris

Help me learn what travel was like back in the day! [more inside]
posted by blazingunicorn at 11:41 PM PST - 26 comments

Zooming through the air at 800k's is SO boring

I'm about to embark on a long flight... how can I keep myself entertained? [more inside]
posted by Admira at 11:03 PM PST - 19 comments

What should I eat before a climbing comp?

Help me eat like an athlete for a week. [more inside]
posted by Fireland at 10:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Dark Beatles Covers

Help me find interesting, dark Beatles covers. [more inside]
posted by nat at 10:58 PM PST - 23 comments

Where can you find money for artists to study after college?

My daughter is interested in possibly studying art in Italy for 3 years. Her other choice is an graduate program at an art institute in NYC. It looks like both programs are quite expensive with limited financial aid. What are the best resources for fellowship funds or grants for artists after college?
posted by lfeather at 10:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Attention Fox News: don't fuck with Canada

I'm having trouble tracking down Troy Hurtubise's "Don't fuck with Canada" YouTube response to Fox News host Greg Gutfeld's inflammatory commentary about the Canadian military on Red Eye. I'm sure the numerous violent threats that pepper the video might have something to do with why I can't find it anywhere, but I've never had this much trouble tracking down something that got a fair bit of press when it first aired... Can you help me out, hivemind?
posted by avocet at 9:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Is there a Tongan "Just Watch Me?"

Wikipolifilter: Looking for interesting, primarily non-US political articles on Wikipedia. [more inside]
posted by mreleganza at 9:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me find Russian folk music.

Help me find more of a very particular type of Russian folk music. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 9:03 PM PST - 4 comments

Fucking internet, how does it work?

Weird internet blockage—problem resolved, but mystery remains. Macintosh and Time Warner cable internet inside… [more inside]
posted by klangklangston at 8:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Tee time

"Best" print on demand services for t shirts? [more inside]
posted by shownomercy at 8:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Creating a parody college application

Quirky or unusual application/interview/survey questions? [more inside]
posted by itesser at 7:37 PM PST - 21 comments

What should I stash in my cubicle to make workplace meals awesome?

What are some useful and cool products that I can keep in my cubicle to make eating breakfast and lunch in the office easier and more pleasant? Edible (i.e. food) and non-edible (gadgets, cleaning products, etc) ideas welcome. [more inside]
posted by tastybrains at 7:05 PM PST - 44 comments

Freshly fried feet, 3 months a year!

Roof-top balcony, concrete, with kids. Looking for DIY sound-proofing ways, that can handle Tokyo Japan climate... [more inside]
posted by lundman at 6:59 PM PST - 3 comments

iPod + ?? = :)

I feel stupid for wasting a question on this, but what's the best way to get my iPod to connect to the speakers in my 2005 Toyota Corolla? [more inside]
posted by pecknpah at 6:52 PM PST - 20 comments

Is "Web design degree" still an oxymoron?

A friend is considering going to the Academy of Art University in San Francisco for "Web Design and New Media" with the goal of becoming a web designer. Questions are (a) Is this school well-regarded by potential employers and (b) is it a good value for the tuition? They have zero interest in doing straight programming without design work involved.
posted by benzenedream at 6:40 PM PST - 17 comments

Pimp My Android

Generic question about what cool apps I should put on my new Android phone? Help me parse the techblog noise and get to the meat and find the ultimate performance- and life-enhancing applications for my phone. [more inside]
posted by saysthis at 6:32 PM PST - 17 comments

Mellow songs sung in Spanish?

What are some mellow, dreamlike songs sung in Spanish? [more inside]
posted by kylej at 6:27 PM PST - 28 comments

Can I wait now instead of later?

Oakland, CA DMV: The next available appointment isn't until June 3rd. But years ago I went for an "appointment" and it didn't seem to mean anything - I still waited forever. Can I just show up without an appointment and wait in line forever now instead of on the 3rd? This is for a lost driver's license replacement.
posted by jenmakes at 6:08 PM PST - 12 comments

What should I do to stave off DVT?

My genetic test from 23andme revealed that I have a substantially elevated risk of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis)--about triple the normal risk. What kinds of preventive measures, including diet, exercise, medicine etc., should I take? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:07 PM PST - 16 comments

Oh what to wear, what to WEAR!!!!

What to wear the regional Emmys? [more inside]
posted by MayNicholas at 5:56 PM PST - 10 comments

Android word games for Scrabble nerds?

What Android word games use the Scrabble Official Tournament Word List (TWL / OWL)? [more inside]
posted by 0xFCAF at 5:40 PM PST - 3 comments

The Second Time Around

What can I get my friend as a present for her second baby? I don't want to get the usual baby stuff, but something special and yet useful. Give me your best suggestions! Baby is a girl.
posted by Leezie at 5:36 PM PST - 11 comments

How to make the best crab cake dinner ever

[CrabCakeFilter] Help me improve the menu for a rapidly expanding welcome home dinner [more inside]
posted by bessel functions seem unnecessarily complicated at 5:18 PM PST - 16 comments

Considering hiring a personal assistant, looking for guidance and expereinces.

I'm considering hiring a part-time personal assistant to help with research, lightweight QA, and various smaller tasks. I'm an independent developer and technology consultant. I have a general sense of how I would like this to work: how much I would like to pay, what my expectations are, etc. But! I'm having a hard time finding good specific info. What should I expect to pay? What sort of person should I look for? Where should I look? Are their legal or tax implications I'm not aware of? Is this just a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by chasing at 5:18 PM PST - 5 comments

How is babbysitter formed?

What do you look for in a babysitter? What specific skills or traits do you consider to be most important? [more inside]
posted by lowlife at 5:08 PM PST - 12 comments

How can I open a specific already-opened tab in Chrome Mac?

How can I open a specific already-opened tab in Google Chrome for OS X using a keyboard shortcut? [more inside]
posted by Mo Nickels at 5:03 PM PST - 4 comments

New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of....wait....what?

Driving to NYC from Philly this weekend and could use some help navigating in, around and out of the Big Apple. [more inside]
posted by NoraCharles at 4:44 PM PST - 19 comments

Phone Lost!

Phone forgotten in public transport! What now? [more inside]
posted by bruinbruin at 4:30 PM PST - 13 comments

Help, why are games so complicated?!

What do I need to set up Rock Band/GH3 from scratch? [more inside]
posted by katrielalex at 3:57 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I sell my car?

Should I sell my car? [more inside]
posted by Aizkolari at 3:57 PM PST - 15 comments

Show me the best wooden toys

Seen some delightful, charming wooden toys? I want to make some... [more inside]
posted by bystander at 2:50 PM PST - 33 comments

How do I set my Toshiba RD-XS235 manually to record?

We have a satellite provider rather than cable tv. I recently bought from e-bay a Toshiba RD-XS235 which comes with a "TV Guide" feature built in, unlike my previous Toshiba recorder, an RD-XS32SU (the drive of which is giving out after extensive use). The reviews say that there is a "manual recording" feature, and I looked up the owners' manual online and found the relevant page, but the directions do not seem to work. Is that because I need to allow a few hours for the TV Guide feature to attempt to "kick in"? The manual says to "turn it off overnight for the TV Guide programming to take effect." It WON'T take effect because we no longer use a cable provider. I prefer the manual programming anyhow. Does anyone in the hive mind know how to manually program the RD-XS235? My frustration is running high right now! Any and all advice is welcome! Thanks, techies.
posted by ragtimepiano at 2:36 PM PST - 2 comments

Best way to catalogue the records of a small nonprofit.

What is the best way for me to catalog our organization's files? [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 2:34 PM PST - 4 comments

Please help me to not be a celebrity.

How can I go about getting myself removed from IMDB? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:29 PM PST - 16 comments

head + wall = headache

Desk to Warehouse: Thinking about leaving desk job for warehouse for 1-2 years as I pursue my MSW. My desk job is sucking my life away. Benefits for warehouse job start on day 1. It's at an Amazon distro facility near me. I've done that work before as a temp and liked it. What am I not thinking about? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:09 PM PST - 12 comments

How to print out E-mails from Outlook without my name on it.

How to print out E-mails from Outlook without my name at the top. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:09 PM PST - 8 comments

How do other places define their heritage?

In the Appalachians, it's hip to be old-timey. Not so much other places. What's the deal? [more inside]
posted by ajarbaday at 1:52 PM PST - 16 comments

Virtual or Artificial Cup?

I just finished reading Pat Cadigan's Tea From An Empty Cup which is one of the texts of my Lit and Tech Hons course. I started thinking about why the author refers to her world as AR (Artificial Reality) as opposed to VR (Virtual Reality), and that raised all kinds of questions about identity, real, fake and simulacra. So I'm curious to know what people see as the difference (if any) between VR and AR.
posted by New England Cultist at 1:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Will I regret getting Wind Mobile?

Is there any reason not to get a Wind Mobile voice plan, if I'm almost always in Toronto (a 'Wind Zone') and prioritize not having a contract? [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 1:35 PM PST - 8 comments

So, what can you tell me about this Fulper piece?

Can anyone tell me about this piece of Fulper Pottery. And, yes, I'm curious about price and history. I picked it up at a thrift store today. Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3. [more inside]
posted by toddst at 1:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Word I find software that can get to the root of this problem?

How do I obtain a list of all words associated with a list of word roots / stems? [more inside]
posted by hooves at 1:06 PM PST - 6 comments

Getting some on the side

What's the best way to reassure my boss about my various part-time freelance projects? [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 12:58 PM PST - 12 comments

I want my ipod touch playlists to "think different"

From what I can tell smart playlists on the ipod touch are still broken, and the 'on-the-go' feature requires you to sync with your computer to save them. Is there any software that handles playlists the way Apple apparently can't? I want to be able to make playlists on the touch, save & rename without having to sync back to my PC. Some way of making smart playlists work would be a nice bonus too. I have a jailbroken 3rd Gen, FWIW.
posted by mattholomew at 12:33 PM PST - 3 comments

East Bay fun!

Where should I go that's near a BART station not in SF? [more inside]
posted by radicarian at 12:28 PM PST - 30 comments

Why do my internet options work in IE 6 but not IE 8?

Why do my internet options work in IE 6 but not IE 8? [more inside]
posted by AllieTessKipp at 12:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Lessons Learned

What are the most important and valuable things I can teach my new granddaughter? What endeared you the most to your grandmother?
posted by SoftSummerBreeze at 12:08 PM PST - 60 comments

Flight Limbo Hell

What are our options? Thirteen days ago my wife and I flew to Canada from Birmingham UK using tickets booked via Canadian Affair ( a British travel agency). There was a bit of confusion checking in regarding our pre-assigned seats that appears to have resulted in them mistakenly thinking my wife didn't make the flight. So they canceled her return ticket without notifying us. [more inside]
posted by srboisvert at 11:43 AM PST - 16 comments

How do I sync the calendar and contacts between two computers?

How do I sync the calendar and contacts between one computer running outlook 2007 and another running windows live mail? [more inside]
posted by nickhb at 11:20 AM PST - 4 comments

Mighty Morphing Power Vectors

I'm looking for a screen saver/program that generates completely symmetric, full screen evolving vector shapes. Not fractals, not 3d rotating objects, just symmetric lines/areas that continually morph shape, change color, etc. [more inside]
posted by parallax7d at 11:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Brooklyn, get in mah belly!

Food-tourism-filter: I'll be staying in Brooklyn (Park Slope) for about a week in June and I'm looking for interesting, affordable can't-miss delicious foods that I wouldn't normally find at home in the Midwest. Here's whats on my list already: [more inside]
posted by chara at 11:12 AM PST - 44 comments

cover me

Where's a good BRICKS & MORTAR place to buy a nice vinyl tablecloth in central CT? [more inside]
posted by dlugoczaj at 10:53 AM PST - 13 comments

Multicolumn Google Results

I like the new Google search results layout, but it has killed the Greasemonkey script I use to display results in multiple columns. Is there another script or plugin I can use that is compatible with the new layout? [more inside]
posted by Aanidaani at 10:52 AM PST - 2 comments

Damn the Torpedoes!

I need your favorite badasses of history and science! [more inside]
posted by Turkey Glue at 10:45 AM PST - 143 comments

Where can I get a stuffed moose head (also: other crazy decorating suggestions)?

Where can I get a stuffed moose head (also: other crazy decorating suggestions)? [more inside]
posted by kryptonik at 10:44 AM PST - 26 comments

Miracle Fruit!

Where can I find miracle fruit in Central NJ? Does it have to be fresh, or will dried miracle fruits or tablets be nearly good? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 10:44 AM PST - 16 comments

To roll or not to roll.

What should I do with this IRA? [more inside]
posted by The1andonly at 10:42 AM PST - 7 comments

'96 Toyota Camry isn't doing so well

My daughter's car ruptured a radiator hose. I replaced it, and now it's not running properly. Help! [more inside]
posted by doh ray mii at 10:40 AM PST - 19 comments

Healthy diet plan for pregnancy?

What are your favourite books/plans for eating during (late) pregnancy? [more inside]
posted by different at 10:40 AM PST - 5 comments

Thousand of books

I am looking for creative suggestions for the thousands of book our library system is disgarding. [more inside]
posted by haikuku at 10:27 AM PST - 21 comments

Keeping the public in public process

Planners, Social Media Experts, and Community Activists: Have you encountered any really great uses of the internet for keeping a community informed and engaged in a public planning process? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments

When do I add oil to the car?

Should I add oil to my car? [more inside]
posted by tweedle at 10:24 AM PST - 17 comments

Odd music video

Looking for help finding an old music video from around the early '90s. My memory is a little sketchy but think the entire video is shot from the back of a moving vehicle at night on an empty street. [more inside]
posted by chugg at 10:21 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me love working with Latex

I'm using Latex to write my Master's thesis. I love how pretty everything looks in PDF, but there has to be an easier way to do the actual writing, right? [more inside]
posted by snoogles at 10:12 AM PST - 16 comments

The Ideality of Organic Foods

Discussing the "New Spirit" of Capitalism, Slavoj Žižek says that we buy commodities not (just) for their utility or to evoke status, but rather to "get the experience provided by them" and to make life "pleasurable and meaningful". He then uses organic foods as an example of this: "Who really believes that half-rotten and overpriced 'organic apples' are really healthier than the non-organic variety?" [more inside]
posted by ReWayne at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments

maintenance for 2 yr old bike

My bike is going to get its last free tuneup from the shop where I bought it. What in particular should I ask them to check or do? [more inside]
posted by slow graffiti at 9:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Portuguese speakers in SLC?

Where can I take a continuing ed/community ed Portuguese class in Salt Lake City, Utah? [more inside]
posted by timpanogos at 9:50 AM PST - 1 comment

Insulating an antique attic

Help me save money and the planet by telling me about attic insulation? [more inside]
posted by tyllwin at 9:47 AM PST - 7 comments

Cheap Afghanistan US calls?

I have a friend who is in Afghanistan. He has a local cell phone with the prefix 793, which I think is through Roshan. What is the cheapest way for him to call the US? [more inside]
posted by ChrisHartley at 9:45 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me find an IT host/solutions provider specializing in high-level security

Looking for recommendations of hosting/IT solutions companies specializing in above-average security precautions, especially those who have experience with federal standards compliance and/or who can assist with security policy development and implementations. [more inside]
posted by Herkimer at 9:36 AM PST - 0 comments

Should I just get another car?

What factors do you consider when thinking about getting rid of your old car and buying a new one? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 9:33 AM PST - 17 comments

Suspended on a Student Visa!

A friend who is studying in the US on a student visa has just been suspended (for academic reasons) for a year. What can she do? [more inside]
posted by The Lamplighter at 9:28 AM PST - 14 comments

Cat + drool + couch = stain?

Love my cat. But my cat drools on my couch. How do I clean these stains? [more inside]
posted by jennyhead at 9:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Intensive Sharepoint Training

At my office we are preparing to deploy Sharepoint 2010 Enterprise-wide and I'm the lead architect. What training will best prepare me for this role? [more inside]
posted by arniec at 9:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Art history for a total beginner

I love going to museums and galleries and looking at art, but somehow never got around to taking an art history class in college. I'm looking for a book that will give me a good basic grounding in art history. Suggestions, please?
posted by Messily at 8:52 AM PST - 21 comments

No skin? No sweat!

How can I keep cool while covering up? [more inside]
posted by Gordafarin at 8:18 AM PST - 16 comments

My Airport card has disappeared. What next?

A few days ago, I woke up to the sound of my MacBook fan on full and a totally unresponsive UI (as in I couldn't even turn up the brightness to see the screen, which I'd dimmed overnight). I rebooted, and everything was fine, except the Airport menu bar item said "No Airport card is installed". I've booted from the previous day's backup, I've run System Profiler from the OS X install DVD, and I even replaced the Airport card with a new one (bought from eBay, fitted according to the instructions on iFixIt). All report that I don't have an Airport card. What next? [more inside]
posted by caek at 8:10 AM PST - 9 comments

Is sleeping overnight in the Hamburg Airport a Good Idea?

I have seven hours between flights in the Hamburg airport -- 11pm until 6am. Is getting a hotel worth the cost? Should I attempt to sleep at the airport? [more inside]
posted by Peter Petridish at 8:02 AM PST - 19 comments

Help us consume more health care!

I am on a high-deductible health care plan and have maxed out my plan year out-of-pocket expenses. Our plan year ends in 2 months. Since it won't "cost" us anything more out-of-pocket, what additional elective procedures or tests does it make sense for me and my family to get in the next 2 months? [more inside]
posted by QuantumMeruit at 7:58 AM PST - 15 comments

adventuring out of tokyo

1.5 months in Japan and I'm loving it. Now that I'm used to the neighborhoods, and had a few great mini-travel experiences, I want to push myself and my time here more. Help me plan adventures? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 7:23 AM PST - 7 comments

Please help me create a mapping macro?

Is to possible to map several addresses from an excel spreadsheet on Google earth, Google maps, etc. using a macro? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 6:56 AM PST - 4 comments

Through-hiking alone: reasonable or reprehensible?

Should I hike the 500mi Colorado Trail by myself? [more inside]
posted by jehsom at 6:32 AM PST - 25 comments

Can the spouse of a British citizen request a divorce hearing in British courts?

Can the spouse of a British citizen request a divorce hearing in British courts? [more inside]
posted by gadha at 6:17 AM PST - 6 comments

Are there good jabber gateways for AIM and MSN?

I've realized that jabber gateways are the only realistic option for AIM and MSN support on my phone. Any recommendations for good stable jabber gateways to AIM and MSN? I'd imagine it's best using a jabber account actually on the gateway's server rather than going through google talk, no? Any other caveats about jabber gateways? [more inside]
posted by jeffburdges at 5:57 AM PST - 2 comments

Interferon Interferin': Anonymous Adventures in Hepatitis-C Help

Help/Suggestions with starting interferon treatment for Hepatitis C. (much much much more inside; first time anon who is always a poor editor once he finally starts talking about himself) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:56 AM PST - 5 comments

ADHD without medication?

Uninsured, unemployed and in the middle of nowhere without transportation means that for the moment, I can't just go get screening and medication. What non-medical means can I use to deal with adult ADHD long enough to get employment/insurance and proper treatment? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:56 AM PST - 20 comments

Should I change my long stagnant thesis topic?

Should I change my thesis topic... LONG after I should have been done with it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:56 AM PST - 12 comments

How to save for mutliple goals and where to put that money?

Financial/Savings Filter: How do I save for multiple goals at once and do I keep it all in the same savings account? [more inside]
posted by modoriculous at 5:33 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me move a treadmill from online to my basement.

Help me move a treadmill from online to my basement. [more inside]
posted by ollyolly at 5:31 AM PST - 13 comments

iPod App for the Apartment Hunt?

Looking for an iPod Touch database app to collect observations when we visit potential rental apartments. [more inside]
posted by miriam at 5:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Boyfriend and I miles apart

How to make long distance relationship work after high school? [more inside]
posted by xopaigexo at 4:19 AM PST - 25 comments

Help me fake good health.

What's the best cold medicine I can take that will prevent me from either falling asleep or wiping my nose throughout a two hour meeting? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:53 AM PST - 19 comments

Health System Research Help

Health-Research-Filter: Citation Describing Health Systems As Keeping Endemic Diseases In Check? [more inside]
posted by chrisalbon at 3:48 AM PST - 0 comments

How to fix a tooth?

Can anyone recommend a good dentist in Melbourne, Australia? We live in Seddon and don't have private health cover. Not horribly expensive preferred but quality of work is more important.
posted by Wantok at 2:45 AM PST - 2 comments

Meeting people online before a festival

Right, I’m heading off a festival where I don’t know anyone. Any places online where I can get to know people beforehand? [more inside]
posted by litleozy at 2:42 AM PST - 7 comments

Garden snail behavior-- how far and fast do they travel (etc.)?

Garden snail behavior-- how far and fast do they travel (etc.)? [more inside]
posted by pracowity at 2:39 AM PST - 1 comment

contact lenses at Boots Opticians

The same 3 months' worth of supply of lenses at Boots costs twice as much as at Specsavers. [more inside]
posted by noztran at 2:14 AM PST - 8 comments

Are my employers paying us correctly?

I'm trying to find out what is and isn't legal about how my employer keeps track of my hours, when they pay me, and and a couple other hours/pay issues. [more inside]
posted by gally99 at 12:00 AM PST - 15 comments

May 12

Who's got the focus?

On MacOS, I can say osascript -e 'set myapp to name of (info for (path to frontmost application))' to print the name of the program that currently has focus, in a way that's useful for shell scripting. How can I get the same information in a graphical session on Linux?
posted by fantabulous timewaster at 10:53 PM PST - 21 comments

You got a real purty neck, boy.

What is this parrot behavior?: they slowly arch their neck backward and hold the pose, then repeat. I've seen it in other birds as well. [more inside]
posted by Nattie at 9:48 PM PST - 4 comments

Fresh activities for a University's Frosh week.

I have, for various reasons, been put in charge of creating activities for a university's frosh week. They will take place outdoors, on a large grassy field, mostly during the day, but evenings are a possibility. There will be a beer tent, and possibly a hot dog stand on the side, but these should not be the focus. Traditionally, frosh have just sat around, drinking and eating. But this year, we are hoping to come up with some activities that are innovative. Can you suggest some? [more inside]
posted by Sully at 9:17 PM PST - 18 comments

After everything she's done for me, I just want to do something for her.

How do I make my mum feel better? Today. (And I'm broke.) [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 at 9:03 PM PST - 14 comments

Don't Learn Japanese.

I'm looking for a humorous essay about why one shouldn't learn Japanese. It gave equal attention to the cultural and grammatical frustrations involved. I think I saw it two or three years ago, on Reddit/Slashdot/Mefi or the like.
posted by phrontist at 9:03 PM PST - 6 comments

What does the UK Home Secretary do?

Please explain the UK's Home Secretary Cabinet position to an interested American. [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 8:34 PM PST - 19 comments

Why can't I buy $4 OPI anymore?

Why is it illegal for retailers to sell below retail price? Or is it? [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 8:32 PM PST - 14 comments

Give me information relating to Linguistics and Environmental Analysis as it pertains to my education.

I am a high school senior, about to go to a liberal arts college, and am wondering a few things about a few 'intended fields of study' (Linguistics, Environmental Analysis, and more?). [more inside]
posted by makethemost at 8:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Video Message from Grandpa for Wedding

My dad is planning to visit my Grandpa this summer to record a video to play at our wedding, because he's too ill to make the journey and won't be able to attend. I've read the StoryCorps DIY interview stuff and other questions on interviewing/oral history, so there's that. But if any of you have done this or can offer tips, I'd love to hear your ideas and experiences. Thanks!
posted by emkelley at 8:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Problems burning a CD

I'm running into problems when trying to burn some edited mp3 files to an audio CD. [more inside]
posted by Deflagro at 8:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me learn about Turkish carpets?

Please help me learn about buying Turkish carpets? [more inside]
posted by Morrigan at 7:54 PM PST - 10 comments

Creating a small site where users upload videos

Just got asked to do web project. It will be a video submission contest: people submit a 20 sec or less video of why they should get to go to gala-event as the guest of this quasi-celebrity (it's for charity). Have a question on how best to design microsite. [more inside]
posted by kelechv at 7:53 PM PST - 2 comments

PHP book recommendations?

I need to know more about PHP than I do. What book(s) can I buy that will help me do this? [more inside]
posted by Xany at 7:47 PM PST - 7 comments

Shady online flight booking?

I booked a flight and a car rental through CheapOAir.com. I have since read reviews for that site- and it seems they are quite shady. What can I do to make sure things go without a hitch? [more inside]
posted by kraigory at 7:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Weird MTV animated short from late 90s

Does anyone remember this weird animated short video that aired during MTV commercial breaks in the mid-late 90s? [more inside]
posted by monguin61 at 7:38 PM PST - 5 comments

What was the name of this damn book?

Can anyone identify this children's book? It was a large picture book all about sea life, starts at the surface and goes into the abyss, hardcover-one page had a big scary picture of a great white shark coming out of the water with its mouth open. [more inside]
posted by supercapitalist at 7:29 PM PST - 6 comments

Out on a limb

Trying to track down a kid's sci-fi short story about a girl whose neighbour was an alien who could detach and 'fix' body parts. [more inside]
posted by Paragon at 7:29 PM PST - 6 comments

Unexpected and unwanted parent's sudden appearance

Estranged parent crisis: I came home to my father -- whom I have not seen in the last two years for reasons of his alcoholism and emotional abuse -- looming in the hallway, waiting for me to return. How do I deal with this? [more inside]
posted by Aleatoire at 7:25 PM PST - 19 comments

Recommendation for movers from Philly to NYC

Movers to go from Philadelphia to New York? [more inside]
posted by chengjih at 7:20 PM PST - 8 comments

What is the universe expanding into?

What is the universe expanding into? [more inside]
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 6:52 PM PST - 32 comments

Host-to-host megatransfer

I have a client with 8GB of data I need to transfer from old web host (Powweb) to new one (Dreamhost). Old web host has no shell access and kills single FTP transfers at ~500MB. There are tons of files in tons of folders. Both hosts allow php and perl. How should I do this? [more inside]
posted by circular at 6:23 PM PST - 11 comments

Work and money? Technology? Religion and Philosophy?

Is there a bank or credit union with branches/ATMs in Cleveland, OH that meets the following criteria?
  • Has all the expected features of online banking: see your balance, pay your bills, transfer, etc. Super great online banking, with features/interface similar to Quicken Online or Mint.com would be a big big plus.
  • Allows its customers to use either Quicken Online or Mint.com -- or another free online service -- to track their spending?
  • Since I freelance and am paid by paper check, it would be nice if they didn't sit on checks forever for no reason.
[more inside]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 6:06 PM PST - 5 comments

What makes someone a good dancer?

What makes someone a good dancer? [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 5:55 PM PST - 31 comments

Make the voices stop!

How can I get rid of RF Interference in computer speakers? [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 5:38 PM PST - 14 comments

analog, not digital, phone service in Austin, TX

Who, other than Grande, can provide me with analog phone service in Austin, TX? [more inside]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:37 PM PST - 8 comments

Free Mac Games

Can you recommend some free (or very, very cheap) puzzle/trippy/adventure-type games for a non-Intel Mac running OSX 10.4.11?
posted by lukievan at 5:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Translation help: Japanese water bottle cleaning solution instructions

Are there any speakers (well, readers, technically) of Japanese who would be so kind as to translate the instructions on my water-bottle cleaning solution? I know it's basically "add water" but I'm look for specifics. Links to photos inside. [more inside]
posted by DenOfSizer at 5:25 PM PST - 3 comments

Recommendations for a visually-pleasing, uncluttered start page that will give me a good summary of the day's current events?

Recommendations for a visually-pleasing, uncluttered start page that will give me a good summary of the day's current events? Not looking for stuff like Netvibes or iGoogle. I don't want to futz around with adding my own RSS feeds. I don't need games or weather modules. The ability to customize is not desired.
posted by anthropomorphic at 5:19 PM PST - 5 comments

Female bike sizes

5'4" to 5'7" female bicyclists, what size frame / gear ratio do you ride? [more inside]
posted by nathancaswell at 5:09 PM PST - 18 comments

Editor for syntax coloring code fragments?

Is there a text editor for Mac OS or WinXP that can syntax color (a.k.a. fontify or syntax highlight) C and C++ code fragments for my daily journal? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 4:43 PM PST - 10 comments

What is it?

What is this? [more inside]
posted by Chrischris at 4:40 PM PST - 9 comments

What was the show about teens trying to stop an alien that lived inside a volcano from blowing up the Earth?

Live action teen TV show, pretty sure it was Australian, about a group of youngsters trying to stop an alien that lived inside a volcano from ending life on Earth. I remember the alien being humanoid and vaguely similar to the Predator. I saw it on Icelandic television in the early to mid 90s. It was set in modern times. Does this ring a bell for anyone?
posted by Kattullus at 4:34 PM PST - 16 comments

How do I automatically unfollow all the users I blocked on Twitter?

How do I automatically unfollow all the users I blocked on Twitter? [more inside]
posted by friedbeef at 4:06 PM PST - 1 comment

West with the Night, or East or North or South

Posting for brand-new user mdonnahoo, who will answer any queries in the thread: I am writing a program to determine how much time in a flight from Point X to Point Y occurs at night for pilot logging purposes. Is there an elegant way to calculate this? [more inside]
posted by Quietgal at 4:00 PM PST - 10 comments

Cash for My Crapster

Selling my car to FastCash4MyCar.com. Since my car isn't drivable, they will bring a tow truck and hand me cash. Thoughts? [more inside]
posted by alice_curiouse at 3:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Exercise: am I doing it wrong?

Help me fix my rudimentary exercise program. Also, help me not hurt my neck. [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 3:48 PM PST - 7 comments

Films featuring shots with a gun pointed directly at the screen?

This question is for cinephiles: A filmmaker friend of mine is putting together a montage of film clips featuring shots or scenes where a gun is pointed directly at the screen. One example that immediately came to mind was the scene in GOODFELLAS where Lorraine Bracco is pointing a gun at Ray Liotta's face, and there are shots where she is pointing at gun at the screen. Does anyone know of other films featuring such shots? Thanks.
posted by chicofly at 3:29 PM PST - 34 comments

Online Rifle Purchasing?

Where's the best place to legally buy rifles online? Specifically, I am looking to purchase a used .22 rifle.
posted by zzazazz at 3:26 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me find a masculine canopy bed!

I want a masculine canopy/4 poster bed. If I can't find one that matches what I'm looking for, how do I hire someone to build one? I'm in Portland, OR. [more inside]
posted by 2oh1 at 3:03 PM PST - 19 comments

Can I be a writer/lawyer?

On-the-side writing opportunities? That are paid? I'm a lawyer working in global health. My interests are wide-ranging. [more inside]
posted by ihavepromisestokeep at 2:46 PM PST - 12 comments

Will High School Politics Make Me Hate Coaching?

High School Dance Squad Politics - I'd be the new coach & would like to know what I can expect. [more inside]
posted by TauLepton at 2:42 PM PST - 5 comments

I need help finding this book: The World's Best Fairy Tales.

I need help finding this book: The World's Best Fairy Tales. I think it is a Reader's Digest Anthology, but I'm looking for a specific cover that I remember vividly from childhood. [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 2:35 PM PST - 9 comments

What is that hold music that's driving me crazy?

Name that (hold) music, please! [more inside]
posted by kookywon at 2:01 PM PST - 2 comments

Why is my phone possessed by the devil?

Why is my new Android phone acting as if possessed? (Audio issues if you read on.) [more inside]
posted by kbanas at 1:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Backpacking in California's Trinity Alps??

Please recommend some 30-to-60 mile backpacking trips in California's Trinity Alps [more inside]
posted by mosk at 1:40 PM PST - 2 comments

Graduation gift ideas in the $100 range?

Graduation gift ideas in the $100 range for someone getting her BA this week and starting law school in the fall? [more inside]
posted by jalexei at 1:14 PM PST - 31 comments

stick figures wanted

I'm trying to make a web-based app that involves, among other things, letting the user draw a simple sketch. These do *not* need to be high quality sketches - I'm talking a paintbrush function at minimum, and a sort of pared down microsoft paint (draw circles! straight lines! spray paint!) at most. Is this doable? [more inside]
posted by shaun uh at 1:05 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me smell like me, only better

FragrantButFrumpyFilter: Help a middle-aged family man select a fragrance that would put a smile on his wife's face. [more inside]
posted by cross_impact at 12:56 PM PST - 38 comments

Need a small loan to help pay for a summer graduate course

Need a small loan to help pay for a summer graduate course. I'm fortunate that I did not have to ever apply for/take out a student loan at any point during my education. Now, I need 3 summer credits to complete my Master's degree, and I'll need a loan. [more inside]
posted by rbf1138 at 12:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Dance/voice lessons for adults in the Twin Cities

Recommendations for dance/voice lessons for adults in the Twin Cities. [more inside]
posted by Zosia Blue at 12:50 PM PST - 4 comments

How to be a teacher when neither of my degrees is in education?

Dissatisfied with my current job and want to go into teaching. Is it for me? And how do I do it? [more inside]
posted by buckaroo_benzai at 12:43 PM PST - 16 comments

Travelling with an iPhone in the Canadian mobile dinosaur age.

Is mobile prepaid data available in Canada? My friend is looking for options to use with his unlocked iPhone while visiting Montreal. [more inside]
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 12:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for games that offer competition btw iPhone and Adroid users

iPhone vs. Android Games anyone (where we play against one another - driving, flying, basketweaving, anything)? [more inside]
posted by Jiff_and_theChoosyMuthers at 12:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Thin blood? Sorry to hear it. Wish we could help.

Does a medic alert bracelet always help me? Is it possible I'm actually communicating, "Don't bother with this one?" [more inside]
posted by 0BloodyHell at 12:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Your emergency cannot be completed as dialed...

Why doesn't 911 work on my imported cell phone? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments

see what iphone apps i've purchased?

How do I find out what iphone apps I've previously paid for from the itunes store? [more inside]
posted by shmegegge at 12:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me plan out a fun graduation present vacation for my gf and I!

My girlfriend is about to graduate undergrad this coming July. We want to take a vacation and live in New Jersey. Budget is about 2500-3000. Doable? Suggestions?? [more inside]
posted by PetiePal at 12:17 PM PST - 10 comments

wearable electronic drum set

How do I make an electronic drum kit for wearing on the body? [more inside]
posted by rodkimball at 12:03 PM PST - 7 comments

Studying a Masters in Amsterdam. Help me move in like a pro.

Do you have any advice, tricks, tips or anecdotes for someone going to study a Masters degree in Amsterdam, whether advice and tricks about living in Amsterdam or advice concerning studying a masters degree? [more inside]
posted by tumples at 11:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Home Security Recommendations

Please recommend Home Security companies for burglary monitoring [more inside]
posted by onich at 11:58 AM PST - 6 comments

How do you decide whether to move across country with a significant other?

My long-term boyfriend is nervous about what will happen if I relocate with him. How do you decide whether to move across country with a significant other? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:47 AM PST - 27 comments

Credit Nebulous

Credit Report shows a negative collection on a checking account I had closed 5 years ago. I called the collection agency and they agreed to dismiss the account. Is this cleared up? Am I missing something? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:47 AM PST - 4 comments

This salary calculator does not compute...

How reliable are the online calculators to determine salary adjustments when moving from one cost-of-living area to another? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:47 AM PST - 5 comments

Cat with a limp

When to go to the vet? [more inside]
posted by Pocahontas at 11:32 AM PST - 10 comments

Work while you whistle

What things can I do while listening to music? [more inside]
posted by Rory Marinich at 11:22 AM PST - 23 comments

Web Ad Management Software

Seeking a web ad management solution that doesn't suck. [more inside]
posted by kmel at 11:02 AM PST - 2 comments

Need a high school chemistry tutor

Chem tutor in Manhattan? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 10:57 AM PST - 9 comments

help my student get a working laptop

Why can't I get into the BIOS on this Thinkpad? Alternately, how can I get this machine working? [more inside]
posted by jessamyn at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments

Paris on a long layover?

Paris on a long layover? [more inside]
posted by bookdragoness at 10:31 AM PST - 16 comments

Baby Zizzle Disapproves of Living with Lead!

[Boston filter] In a follow up to this question asked by my charming husband about renting in Salem, I'd like to further ask, how does one find a deleaded apartment either in Salem or the greater Boston area? [more inside]
posted by zizzle at 10:29 AM PST - 10 comments

Looking to store a stack of cards

I really like this $4.50 ABS card case from Muji. I would like to buy it. I wouldn't like to pay $5.95 shipping for it. nor do I want to buy a bunch of other things I don't want to justify shipping costs. I live in Chicago; I've checked the MCA which does have Muji, but not this case, in their shop. Container Store has nothing similar. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick at 10:26 AM PST - 17 comments

Not entirely buying The Dream.

I just finished reading The Dream by Gurbraksh Chahal and something isn't adding up. [more inside]
posted by quadog at 10:09 AM PST - 1 comment

Looking for a specific wallet I bought in Miami

I'm looking for a specific wallet that I bought in Little Haiti in Miami in 2008. [more inside]
posted by pbeans at 10:03 AM PST - 5 comments

Why can my wireless card not stand movement?

Why does my wireless card blow out every time I move my laptop? And what can I do about it? [more inside]
posted by j.s.f. at 10:00 AM PST - 2 comments

If they want to drink Merlot, we're drinking Merlot...

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Santa Barbara, CA in June for our 2 year anniversary (whoo hoo!). We's love some suggestions on where we should stay and what should we do... Help? [more inside]
posted by veronicacorningstone at 9:55 AM PST - 23 comments

Loosely clinging to reality. How do I sort my life out?

Loosely clinging to reality. How do I sort my life out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:49 AM PST - 11 comments

How best can I garner support for my beleaguered UK academic department?

How best can I garner support for my beleaguered UK academic department? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Get financial planning internship?

How can I as an "economist" make the most of an extended internship interview with a financial planner? [more inside]
posted by handle_unknown at 9:46 AM PST - 3 comments

Has anyone already designed a litter box cabinet/platform for human accessibility?

Best practices for setting up an accessible litter box cabinet that's easy to maintain for an elderly or disabled person? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 9:29 AM PST - 8 comments

Mr. Postman, look and see, is there a client, a client for me?

I really like the gmail interface and the way it's organized, but I also like having a desktop mail client to manage multiple accounts. Is there a sollution that lets me have it both ways? [more inside]
posted by Jon_Evil at 9:26 AM PST - 11 comments

Looking for wordy bands

I'm a person who likes words more than anything else, even when I'm listening to music. I'm looking for indie bands to check out who are known for writing clever, literate, narrative-driven lyrics. I'm thinking of bands like The Mountain Goats, The Weakerthans, The Magnetic Fields, and the Hold Steady. Hell, I'll even throw The Decemberists in there for good measure. Have you MeFites got any suggestions?
posted by WStraub at 9:24 AM PST - 85 comments

Vacation conundrum

Hotmail vacation filter problem [more inside]
posted by Postroad at 9:22 AM PST - 2 comments

How can I support a person who wants to self-harm?

My girlfriend tells me she's getting the urge to self-harm, something she last did years ago. Read on for vital info before replying, but the question is: what can I do to help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:10 AM PST - 15 comments

Dealing with negative responses to 3rd pregnancy

What's the best way handle negative responses to the news that we are expecting our third child? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:10 AM PST - 51 comments

What are some good summer activities for first time parents adopting a 5 year old girl?

What are some good summer activities for first time parents adopting a 5 year old girl? [more inside]
posted by quodlibet at 9:04 AM PST - 15 comments

How to discourage my puppy from biting?

How do I discourage my new puppy from biting? [more inside]
posted by LittleKnitting at 8:54 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me build my perfect home media machine.

Help me build my perfect home media machine. It must play blu-ray discs, browse the web, and stream HD video from internet sources. I have no interest in video games, and little interest in cable TV. Is this something I can buy? If this is something I must build myself, what kind of computing muscle will I need? [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco at 8:43 AM PST - 15 comments

The Engrish Arphabet

Is there a word for foreign "accents" in handwriting? [more inside]
posted by peachfuzz at 8:33 AM PST - 25 comments

Help me plan for planning!

I think urban planning could be my dream profession. I also have no experience whatsoever, all the introductory jobs want experience, and I don't want to go to grad school without KNOWING this is for me. [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 8:32 AM PST - 11 comments

Red wine for white wine drinkers

Winefilter: Help me find a red wine my mom will like! [more inside]
posted by elsietheeel at 8:30 AM PST - 21 comments

Duke Ellington biography?

Can anyone recommend a good Duke Ellington biography and/or the standard biography? I'm particularly interested in one that takes his later work seriously.
posted by OmieWise at 8:15 AM PST - 6 comments

Moving to DC. How do I find a place to live?

How does one find an apartment with a roommate in a different state? I am moving to the Wash-DC area, and I need to find a place to live. I've never been there, I don't know anyone there, and I will not be going there before my relocation. What's the best way to handle this situation? [more inside]
posted by alligatorman at 8:09 AM PST - 21 comments

Ideas for donations to music programs for kids?

Looking for suggestions for making donations to a music program for kids, especially those in lower-income areas. [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 7:57 AM PST - 10 comments

Literally an Airhead

For some time now, I have been experiencing light headedness, mostly in th AM. I have gone to cardiologists and nuero from recommendation of my primary Dr. Could this be allergies?? I do have allergies but have never had the lightheadedness with it. I also do notice it seems to be mroe present after a night where I have had some drinks.
posted by MDK at 7:34 AM PST - 21 comments

Looking for a desktop speakphone with bluetooth, inc camera.

Looking for recommendations for a desktop webcam/microphone unit with the capability to be the handfree speakerphone for my phone (over bluetooth) [more inside]
posted by daveyt at 7:30 AM PST - 1 comment

Canyons and dinosaurs, ho!

[Road Trip filter] My wife and I are going on a road trip through SW Colorado and SE Utah. We could use some advice! [more inside]
posted by elder18 at 7:25 AM PST - 12 comments

Where can we drink on the cheap and nice?

Which wineries in Napa and Sonoma are the friendliest and most reasonably priced? [more inside]
posted by supramarginal at 7:09 AM PST - 15 comments

Yeah well we're Americans and that's the time off we get.

My SO and I are planning on taking about 9 days for a vacation and would like to spend about 3 days in London and 4 in Istanbul (plus travel time to and from New York). [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 7:02 AM PST - 16 comments

Can't remember this cereal from the 1980s.

Does anyone remember this cereal from the 1980s? The commercial was for a hot cereal so gross-looking that the kids had to wear paper bags on their heads, but they said it was really great-tasting and chocolatey. Is this just my own imagination at work, or did it actually exist?
posted by blake137 at 6:47 AM PST - 9 comments

Don't want to be a wimp anymore

Help me get better at doing stuff [more inside]
posted by lemur at 6:42 AM PST - 14 comments

[Help me Find a Book Filter] Children's book about a monkey/chimpanzee "family" that sleeps in trees and eats ants using a stick?

[Help me Find a Book Filter] Children's book about a monkey/chimpanzee "family" that sleeps in trees and eats ants using a stick? [more inside]
posted by FergieBelle at 6:08 AM PST - 2 comments

Plunging into the refi ocean.

Tell me your refinance success stories. [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 5:44 AM PST - 4 comments

he was a good outlawe, And dyde pore men moch god.

How would a modern-day "Robin Hood" type character do their work? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherSide at 5:33 AM PST - 24 comments

Help me repay my debt from abroad

Help me repay my debts from abroad: My considerable student loans are in CDN, but I am earning in EUR - can/should I move my debt? [more inside]
posted by molecicco at 4:34 AM PST - 8 comments

Tips for Miami & key West

What to wear to an academic conference in Miami? (plus other advice for Miami & Key West) [more inside]
posted by Wilder at 4:06 AM PST - 11 comments

Which Whip should I Wish for? (Help me choose my next car)

My car was totaled, (totally not my fault) and I'm in the market for a newer car (yipee!). I was in a 2003 Mercury Sable and found it was too much car for me, now I'm leaning towards a coupe or smaller hatchback. Help me decide! [more inside]
posted by Advocate, I at 2:44 AM PST - 24 comments

I need a chemist

Na2CO3·1.5H2O2 + NaClO + H2O --> ??? Or, what actually happens when you mix bleach and oxyclean? [more inside]
posted by sentient at 12:51 AM PST - 4 comments

How much does this cost? Ca combien?

I would like to find recordings of French phrases and their translations. I've gone through the other AskMe questions but I want something a bit different. [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 at 12:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Further reading on microbial diversity?

Books or articles about microbial diversity for the non-specialist? I was fascinated when I read this article a couple of years back. What books, articles or papers covering similar ground (that would be intelligible to a curious layman) can you recommend regarding microbial genetic diversity, taxonomy, & the discovery of micro-organisms in extreme environments, etc.
posted by misteraitch at 12:06 AM PST - 3 comments

May 11

Undergraduate psychology major with a low GPA

Has anyone here graduated from college with a really low GPA, far below a 3.0? If so, did you apply to graduate school or look for a job? [more inside]
posted by annalem at 10:34 PM PST - 31 comments

Something Something Books are awesome

Quotefilter: I know, I know, two in a row, but there is a fantastic quote about fostering a love of reading that I am looking for now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 10:26 PM PST - 2 comments

Is this as illegal as it sounds?

News.com.au today had an article about a site in Britain selling pubic lice for... revenge purposes. How is purposefully giving someone crabs not breaking the law? [more inside]
posted by disillusioned at 10:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Why doesn't the law of supply and demand seem to apply to certain professionals?

Why doesn't the law of supply and demand seem to apply to certain professionals? For instance, there seems to be an abundance of lawyers. I've never met a lawyer who was too busy and had to turn down work. Yet they all seem to charge $250-500 or more an hour. I've also looked for programmers and designers. It's extremely difficult to find anyone good, and when you do, they're almost always too busy to take any additional work. Yet they still charge much less than lawyers. What factors are causing this?
posted by lsemel at 9:59 PM PST - 34 comments

Tucson too soon?

Moving from the Los Angeles area to Tucson, Arizona. Will I die of boredom? I'm a nerd who doesn't get out much any way, though. [more inside]
posted by mnemonic at 9:32 PM PST - 18 comments

Is soy cheese bad?

What's a healthy substitute for cheese? [more inside]
posted by acoutu at 9:09 PM PST - 24 comments

Please help identify this medieval painting

Please help identify this medieval painting from the Museum of the Middle Ages in Paris (Musée de Cluny) [more inside]
posted by Kateruba at 9:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Canadian Culture. In a box.

Suggestions needed for small, inexpensive items that can represent Canada to children ages 3-6 around the world. [more inside]
posted by Abbril at 8:47 PM PST - 16 comments

T.V. for the ipod

Streaming t.v. on the ipod? I recently discovered Justin.tv and have been watching news with their ipod app. Recommend me some other apps (or roundabout ways of viewing shows) for the (jailbroken) ipod [more inside]
posted by Sufi at 8:38 PM PST - 2 comments

Can you triple stamp a double stamp on TV?

Are there no take-backsies when it comes to consenting to a television interview? [more inside]
posted by vorpal bunny at 8:21 PM PST - 6 comments

RI to MN roadtrip with 4 kids: so not the Griswolds

We're planning a drive from RI to MN with four kids and need some logistics suggestions (e.g., lodging ideas, construction warnings, etc.). [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Where can I find this dress from RENT?

Have you seen this dress? My wife loves it. I would love to see her in it. Win squared. [more inside]
posted by duckus at 7:03 PM PST - 6 comments

AskMorgageFilter

I am a young person looking into buying real estate. My income is considered very variable but I have lots of assets. Can I get a loan? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Diabeetus!

Should I be worried about a higher-than-normal fasting glucose level (117) on my last blood draw? And if so, what should do about it? [more inside]
posted by wholebroad at 6:43 PM PST - 13 comments

How can I get from Montreal to Eastman and back, on a budget?

I'd like to take a short trip from Montreal, QC to a spot near Eastman, QC. How do I do this without breaking the bank? [more inside]
posted by avidreader at 6:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Alexander the Great's lost tunnel

I'm interested in Alexander the Great's tunnel through the chalk grottoes of Rosh Hanikra in 333 BC. Whatever happened to it? [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 6:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there a free COLLADA spline viewer?

Are there any free programs that support viewing COLLADA splines? [more inside]
posted by that girl at 6:15 PM PST - 3 comments

So, um... what's up with your teeth?

I really like this guy and he's interested in me, but he has bad teeth. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:58 PM PST - 48 comments

Am I guilty of cheating?

I have received and studied a year-old key to a test that I am taking tomorrow, am I guilty of cheating? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:58 PM PST - 28 comments

Should I have unprotected sex with a girl with HPV?

I am a man. Should I have unprotected sex with a girl with HPV? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:34 PM PST - 20 comments

Just want some peace and quiet.

How do I tell my bosses that my coworkers are making it impossible to do my work because they are essentially goofing off 50% of the time without getting my coworkers in trouble? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:34 PM PST - 16 comments

More than a Hawk?

Can anyone I.D. this bird? [more inside]
posted by Max Power at 5:10 PM PST - 16 comments

What can I make from beef stock?

Help me come up with a hearty, wintry, delicious meal I can make with 2 litres of frozen beef stock.. [more inside]
posted by Philby at 5:10 PM PST - 9 comments

Last-minute undergraduate summer plans

What are some good last-minute summer activities for an undergraduate college student to do? [more inside]
posted by LSK at 4:57 PM PST - 4 comments

Hooray for free stopovers.

LiteraratureFilter: this summer, my travels will take me to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Reykjavík. Please recommend fiction (either historical or contemporary) that is set in these cities and conveys the local atmosphere well. [more inside]
posted by halogen at 4:53 PM PST - 13 comments

does melbourne have a crucible?

what is there like the crucible in melbourne? [more inside]
posted by compound eye at 4:43 PM PST - 3 comments

What themes are associated with the number five?

For an art project, I need a theme for the number five. What are there five of? [more inside]
posted by giggleknickers at 4:41 PM PST - 54 comments

Can I create expandable volumes on my setup?

I have a server with a Perc5/i RAID controller and 8 drive bays. I'd like to use it primarily as a storage server, with the idea of buying 4 drives now and expanding later. I'd like to put ESXi on the server and OpenFiler (or FreeNas) ontop of that. I don't need any drive redudancy (there's an attached tape controller), but I'd like to be able to pop in a new drive and expand it like you'd be able to do with LVM. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 4:33 PM PST - 7 comments

Advice on a ceiling leak/damage issue?

Advice on a ceiling leak/damage issue? We own a condo on the 2nd floor of a building. A few weeks ago, we noticed a stain on the bathroom ceiling, getting bigger. We called the property manager, and he sent the groundskeeper up to have a look. The guy looked at the ceiling and was like "yep, it looks like there's a leak." Then he reached up and pushed on the ceiling with his fist, and it left an indentation in the ceiling because the ceiling had become soft. That was about 2 weeks ago. Since then we heard nothing. [more inside]
posted by treehorn+bunny at 3:59 PM PST - 10 comments

Where can I find the entire history of Forbes magazine back isues?

I would like to read a copy of every Forbes magazine ever published. Where can I find a collection of them? [more inside]
posted by Mjolnir at 3:33 PM PST - 9 comments

What little things impacted your college experience significantly?

"It's the little things that make or break experiences." With that in mind, what are some little things that had a surprisingly large impact on your college experience? I'm not looking for the things that go in the glossy admissions brochures; rather, I'm looking for things I might not even consider asking about - for instance, maybe it was a really nice perk that you were able to check on your laundry via the Internet? Include the name of your college if possible, please.
posted by estlin at 3:32 PM PST - 53 comments

Help me put together a espionage themed mix cd!

Help me put together a espionage themed mix cd! [more inside]
posted by bluloo at 3:31 PM PST - 69 comments

Side effects of Cymbalta and Wellbutrin SR taken together.

asking for a friend: looking for what side effects may happen (mainly weight gain or slow metabolism) when taking cymbalta and wellbutrin SR together.
posted by elle.jeezy at 3:22 PM PST - 19 comments

How can I hire someone to develop a software idea for my personal use while protecting my rights to the idea for future development as a commercial program

I have a need for a software program that I do not believe exists. I am not a programmer and am considering hiring someone from elance to code a simple version of it for my personal use with neither bells and whistles nor a pleasing interface design. In the future, I might be interested in paying for this person or someone else to develop a professional version that I could then sell. Is there a means by which I can protect my ownership of this idea so that a programmer I might hire won't take the idea and create a professional version and sell it himself?
posted by frodoxiii at 2:30 PM PST - 13 comments

Can you actually distract a guard dog with meat?

Can you actually distract a guard dog with meat?
posted by mrgrimm at 2:26 PM PST - 24 comments

Can anyone with the knowledge help me figure out what key my song is in?

Working on this dark whimsical carnival-esque song for a local compilation. Can someone help me find the key? (Tried the usual Googling until my head exploded)... Link to streaming song included in extended description. [more inside]
posted by raintheory at 2:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Typical Sysadmin Salaries in Silicon Valley

What are typical Silicon Valley or South Bay Area Help Desk, Tech Support, Desktop Support and Sysadmin Salaries? [more inside]
posted by cnc at 2:08 PM PST - 3 comments

Any insights about car accident related pain?

Any insights about car accident related pain? Disclaimer: (I am NOT getting serious medical advice online) It always seems like someone scolds me for that. I was in a car accident 2 weeks ago. We were going 40 and hit someone who pulled out in front of us. I went to the hospital to get checked out and they did xrays and whatnot and diagnosed me with "Severe Chest Trauma". I felt better progressively for the next few days, but then my chest (and lower back) started hurting slightly more each day up till now which is 2 weeks later. [more inside]
posted by gibbsjd77 at 1:55 PM PST - 14 comments

Custom dress shirts in/near NYC

There used to be a chain called The Custom Shop (or maybe Shoppe) that had stores in Manhattan. I got a number of shirts there about 10 years ago and they were very nice quality for a reasonable price, but they seem to have disappeared now. Does anyone know a place in or near NYC that does custom shirts for not too much money (I know it will be more than most non-custom shirts)? Also, I don't want to have to get my own measurements and send them somewhere -- I want the place that's making the shirts to be who measures me. Thanks!
posted by The Dutchman at 1:55 PM PST - 7 comments

How Much to Charge Hourly for Archives/Collection Digitization Advice?

Hourly Billing Rate for Archives/Digitization Work [more inside]
posted by green_flash at 1:32 PM PST - 1 comment

What the hell is going on with me

Followup to an earlier health-related question. Kind of long; more under the cut. [more inside]
posted by Merzbau at 1:22 PM PST - 10 comments

How do Post Office Workers Handle Stamps?

How do post office workers handle the insane amount of special stamps? [more inside]
posted by Bugbread at 1:11 PM PST - 15 comments

Less Schlub, More Superhero, No Sports Team Logos

Question for the ladies: Looking for the "killer app" look in guy's casual and athletic wear without the sports team logos. What's the male version of Lululemon or Athleta? [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 12:46 PM PST - 16 comments

Freelance job during full time masters program?

What freelance skills should I cultivate to support myself during graduate school? [more inside]
posted by emily37 at 12:37 PM PST - 20 comments

Can one lawyer or law firm take care of multiple traffic tickets in multiple states?

What’s the best way to take care of multiple traffic tickets in multiple states? [more inside]
posted by willie11 at 12:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Combination city/hiking vacation ideas?

Looking for destination ideas for a five-day vacation in September, with a mix of city and outdoors activities. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 12:10 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me find news I can use

What blogs and publications are good readin' for someone in the media/publication industry? [more inside]
posted by geekchic at 12:09 PM PST - 5 comments

Text Length in InDesign

This seems like it should be simple, but I'm not sure how to search for it: after placing images into an InDesign file, the text flows around it, but it isn't automatically extending the pages at the end of the document to make up for it. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by interrobang at 11:38 AM PST - 19 comments

Medical situations in which restraints are used?

As a claustrophobic person, I'm really dislike feeling trapped. One topic that always grabs my attention is stories of people being restrained in medical situations. While Googling tells me that restraining patients is rare, I find some anecdotes: arms strapped down before surgery, thermoplastic masks attached to tables for radiation treatment, vacuum pillows, wrist restraints while on a ventilator... So, to satisfy my odd curiosity, can you help me compile a list of situations in which a person might find themselves physically stuck?
posted by specialfriend at 11:38 AM PST - 31 comments

And, no, not Ayn Rand

So, what were your big life-clarifying books? [more inside]
posted by rtimmel at 11:12 AM PST - 92 comments

Ideas on promoting stand-up comedy shows?

Can you share any suggestions on promoting an open-mic comedy show throughout the traditionally-very-quiet summer months? [more inside]
posted by chudmonkey at 11:09 AM PST - 6 comments

What's the best way to RAID my Mac Pro?

I'm looking for answers and advice about configuring an internal RAID array in a Mac Pro. [more inside]
posted by Mr. Anthropomorphism at 11:05 AM PST - 8 comments

Jet Li's lethal outfit!

What is Jet Li wearing in Lethal Weapon 4? [more inside]
posted by Uther Bentrazor at 10:56 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm moving to the bay area in July and am struggling to decide where to live.

Has anyone moved to the east bay and commuted into the city via bart? Is it really as bad as people say it is? [more inside]
posted by amycup at 10:50 AM PST - 33 comments

suggestions for new site?

Need help finding some examples of easy-to-use, informational, and interesting websites. I am in charge of helping redesign a website for my community. I plan to suggest that we have multiple types of content (articles, podcasts, videos, etc) all separate feeds, but aggregated for our main page. Please send me some links of attractive, interesting websites. Thanks!
posted by fozzie33 at 10:39 AM PST - 3 comments

Need ideas for diary and gluten-free mac-n-cheese, please.

I have a friend with a 6 yo who cannot eat foods with either dairy or gluten in them. The daughter desperately misses macaroni and cheese. They tried one mix (don't know the name) that dog even refused to eat. Ideas? Suggestions? Recipes?
posted by not that girl at 10:28 AM PST - 31 comments

Personal Bail-Out Plan

Which Foundations based in Germany will give me a scholarship to go to a prestigious US College? [more inside]
posted by freddymetz at 9:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Holiday plans with friends?

My girlfriend and I loved to travel, and for a couple of years we had vague plans that we would go to America. Now we're on a break, and I have the opportunity to go with friends. Should I take it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:49 AM PST - 38 comments

Poofy hair

Any way to tame my poofy hair? [more inside]
posted by fizzzzzzzzzzzy at 9:28 AM PST - 24 comments

It is, in fact, all about the dress...

Where can I buy a dress similar to this? [more inside]
posted by somanyamys at 9:28 AM PST - 14 comments

Who owns the rights to this painting?

I am trying to find a print of the painting Knight with Child (image on this page, near the bottom) by Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale, but am striking out. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 9:24 AM PST - 4 comments

i am in love with my straight best friend

I am in love with my best friend...but I am gay and she says she's not. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:21 AM PST - 35 comments

Politicians Suck. I Don't Want To.

After months of behind-the-scenes work, I'll be running for U.S. Congress and announcing next week. My question to you: what is it that you've always wanted to hear a politician say or do?
posted by anonymous at 9:21 AM PST - 67 comments

Do some animals show similar cognitive biases as ours?

Is cognitive bias blindness peculiar to humans? [more inside]
posted by bleary at 9:14 AM PST - 8 comments

Quickest way out with no consequences?

If a company tries to charge me fraudulent charges and I've cancelled my credit card so they are unable to charge me, can they otherwise impact me or can I ignore them and consider the matter closed until they stop trying? [more inside]
posted by Ricket at 8:35 AM PST - 7 comments

Studios for artists in Philadephia?

Ideas for affordable artist studio space in Philadelphia? My fiancee and I are moving to Philly so that I can attend a grad program at Penn. She needs access to some kind of affordable studio space so that she can work on her master's thesis (costume construction). Can you help us look? [more inside]
posted by thumpasor at 8:19 AM PST - 8 comments

favorite notebook

Favorite notebook that's not a Moleskine? [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty at 8:13 AM PST - 40 comments

Ghost Riiiiiiide

My car has died. I live in New York City (Queens) and I need a car. Should I lease? Should I buy? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by orville sash at 8:03 AM PST - 23 comments

I am definitely tall enough to ride.

Where are the best (and ideally most inexpensive) roller coasters around Orlando, FL? I'm not overly interested in Disney World, however. [more inside]
posted by ChrisR at 7:55 AM PST - 10 comments

Plywood floors for our kitchen?

Are plywood floors a good choice for our kitchen? [more inside]
posted by iconomy at 7:44 AM PST - 30 comments

Avatar DVD - Canadian - Bilingual?

Will I be getting subtitles and French on this DVD I just ordered? Is it English with an accent? Can someone explain what this is and if there is an option to turn the subtitles off - in case they're there? Thank you
posted by watercarrier at 7:39 AM PST - 10 comments

Can I record internet radio using OSX Terminal?

Is there a way to record mp3 audio streams (and ideally schedule such recordings) using Mac OSX Terminal? [more inside]
posted by subpixel at 7:27 AM PST - 5 comments

What hand-crank, capacitor-based LED lanterns have you liked, and why?

What hand-crank, capacitor-based LED lanterns have you liked, and why? [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 7:23 AM PST - 1 comment

What's with Ticketmaster tickets?

Please explain Ticketmaster ticket policies for me, re:I have a ticket to sell. [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 7:04 AM PST - 11 comments

Drinking water container safe for staying in the car?

I'd like to store a smallish container (not more than 2 liters) of drinking water in my car throughout our ~6 non-freezing months. The goal is to leave it in the back seat most of the time, which means it will get hot. Seeking advice for safe practices (best container type to avoid leaching crap, how to clean it, how long can I go without cleaning it, etc.). Would my all-metal WWII canteen (with stuffed-canvas cover resembling this) do the trick?
posted by AugieAugustus at 6:38 AM PST - 17 comments

Kava Kava questions

How dangerous is it to take Kava Kava supplements while also imbibing alcohol (but not at the same time)? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:16 AM PST - 6 comments

If it takes two pens to draw a pattern, which one's out of kilter?

My boyfriend feels he can't trust me. I want him to, and I want to make things work, but we need to break this pattern. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:16 AM PST - 26 comments

She love museum mile

Museum mavens! How do I get back into museum work - specifically interpretation - after a two-year hiatus? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:16 AM PST - 5 comments

Email: in-house or cloud?

Email: in-house or cloud? [more inside]
posted by Finder at 5:07 AM PST - 13 comments

Eco light grant for small business

My boss' small business, an exhibition, spends a lot of money on electricity due to all of the display cabinet's lights. Is there a grant or loan we can get to change over to low power lights? We are in England.
posted by By The Grace of God at 3:47 AM PST - 2 comments

Spruce up my grammar (no tree diagrams, please)

Looking for a handy reference book on English grammar. What would you recommend and why? [more inside]
posted by moody cow at 3:06 AM PST - 24 comments

Emotional effectiveness: theater setting vs. home setting

How does one scientifically test for the emotional effectiveness of a movie between a big screen theater setting versus a home viewing setting? [more inside]
posted by querty at 1:14 AM PST - 10 comments

May 10

Where to find obsolete part for a Nord Lead?

Where to find obsolete Clavia Nord parts? [more inside]
posted by twinkles2sf at 11:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Personality textbook?

Any recommendations for a good (undergraduate) Personality Psychology text book? [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 10:19 PM PST - 3 comments

Installing an SSD on a HP netbook

I have a HP Mini 110 with a 160 GB HD running Ubuntu. I'm pretty happy with it, but I don't really need all that space (currently I'm filling a tiny portion of it) and would prefer a faster boot time. What kind of improvements in speed should I expect if I swap out the hard drive with an SSD? What is the level of expense and difficulty involved in the install? Would I be better off just getting a newer notebook with an SSD already installed? What is the best source for a suitable SSD?
posted by Artw at 10:03 PM PST - 15 comments

How long must a driveway to a basement garage be?

How long does a driveway leading down to a basement garage need to be? You can assume that the path of the driveway starts at the edge of a level sidewalk/pavement, and that the vehicles entering the garage will be up to two metres high and four metres long. I'd appreciate any numbers you can provide that will help me calculate variations on your result.
posted by Joe in Australia at 10:01 PM PST - 7 comments

I Can't Wait to Construct Additional Pylons

I'm going to buy a new desktop computer. My budget is up to $1,000. My basic requirement is that it must play Starcraft 2 on high settings at 60fps. Where do I start reading / from where do you recommend I buy? How do I learn to distinguish between the seemingly millions of similarly named video cards, ram configurations, Phenoms and i7s, and more importantly how I can maximize the gaming bang for my buck? A friend of mine said that at my price point, I'm best to go with a Dell, getting Dell to install a better video card if possible? [more inside]
posted by demagogue at 8:57 PM PST - 23 comments

Mary Mary Quite Contrary - Indoor Plant Palooza!

Recommend some house plants! [more inside]
posted by thatbrunette at 8:51 PM PST - 22 comments

"Plugging Holes", with your host Bob Vila

How to deal with somewhat large holes in a wooden floor? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 8:41 PM PST - 10 comments

Help with Access 2007--selecting multiple items to be the value of a field.

How do I construct a field in Access 2007 that selects one or more of a group of items from a list to be the value of that field. TRICK: I can't use a look-up field. More inside. [more inside]
posted by odragul at 8:28 PM PST - 7 comments

And there ain't no nothin'...

Please point me to the weekly prime time schedule for every network, from the beginning of television to now. (someone simply must have scraped this together into one chart somewhere on the interweb) [more inside]
posted by herbplarfegan at 8:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Hotel compendiums

I'm looking for online examples of hotel compendiums and directories of services (the one that you usually find in your hotel room). Photos would be great.
posted by drea at 7:43 PM PST - 0 comments

Feldenkrais NYC?

Recommend a good Feldenkrais place/practitioner in Brooklyn or metro NYC? [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 7:18 PM PST - 2 comments

Replacing the kitchen sink

What sort of kitchen sink should I get? [more inside]
posted by sulaine at 7:13 PM PST - 31 comments

Myspace Music Account Access

How can I get back into my Myspace Music page without e mail or password? [more inside]
posted by ilovehistory at 7:04 PM PST - 2 comments

My boyfriend needs a job in Seattle

SeattleFilter: I'm probably moving to Seattle for law school, and my boyfriend wants to come too! He's gonna need a job, obviously. So tell me, Seattleites: Are there pharmaceutical plants nearby? Other clean room type manufacturing jobs? Details inside! [more inside]
posted by aliceinreality at 7:02 PM PST - 11 comments

Seeking advice on an unsupported SQL Server upgrade

Can I switch the SQL Server inside a VMWare appliance to a license-fee-free edition without undue pain? [more inside]
posted by flabdablet at 6:30 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm shipping up to Boston.

I'm going to Fenway Park to see a ball game next week, and want to get the most out of the experience. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 6:24 PM PST - 21 comments

Jobs for English Majors (that don't involve English majors.)

A question on behalf of my wife. She wants to change careers. Her text begins below the cut. [more inside]
posted by Scattercat at 5:28 PM PST - 21 comments

Where to live north of Boston?

Where to live north of Boston? [more inside]
posted by Tu13es at 5:10 PM PST - 21 comments

How can I shoe-shop with Pantone color specificity?

Can I find shoes in a specific Pantone color (without waving around a swatch book in a department store)? [more inside]
posted by gingerbeer at 4:35 PM PST - 13 comments

dating for dummies

I have almost no dating experience, mainly due to my social anxiety and fear of intimacy. How can I pursue this relationship...? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:05 PM PST - 25 comments

real love music mix

so we all know lots of songs about love and relationships. but what about songs that approach relationships in a healthy and not creepy way? [more inside]
posted by anya32 at 3:33 PM PST - 86 comments

Sagging gable ends

I'm planning on re-roofing my house and I'm reasonably comfortable with most aspects of the work. One thing that I'm not sure about though is how to repair the sagging gable ends of the roof. [more inside]
posted by Ickster at 3:27 PM PST - 10 comments

Brimming HD

80 gb macbook HD... using ~10GB for stuff I care about. Constant "startup disk is full" message. I'm operating at capacity and constantly burning CDs to free up operating memory. Can I delete all of my local mail (I use gmail through the mail app) or something? Any way to just reclaim a massive amount of space?
posted by muscat at 3:06 PM PST - 19 comments

Investment china vs paper plates

Inspired by Captain Samuel Vimes: what items are worth buying cheap, and which are worth buying better quality? Household, clothing, kitchen and otherwise - all types welcome.
posted by mippy at 2:40 PM PST - 32 comments

Room for Rent in Scranton, PA.

I need to find a room for rent in Scranton, PA. [more inside]
posted by Dick Laurent is Dead at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Kids and internet safety

Looking for examples of things on the Internet that may be hazardous/dangerous/negative/upsetting for children, as well as any pertinent real-world examples. [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 2:24 PM PST - 25 comments

Cleaning -- yeah, not my favorite thing.

How much would it cost to have a 1400 square foot condo in the Los Angeles/Orange County area thoroughly cleaned? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 2:09 PM PST - 7 comments

Parking near Capitol Hill?

Washington DC residents: Can anyone suggest Saturday night (overnight) parking near Capital Hill? My hotel is charging $50/night and I'm looking for a cheaper alternative. [more inside]
posted by exhilaration at 1:51 PM PST - 14 comments

commitment ceremony vs. gay marriage

do canadian gays get commitment-ceremonied to each other anymore? [more inside]
posted by crawfo at 1:33 PM PST - 10 comments

Security and authentication on the telephone

Two prominent, famous or 'important' people talk on the telephone. How does either the caller or recipient know they're actually speaking to the real person ? [more inside]
posted by selton at 1:30 PM PST - 9 comments

opening a macro file on a mac

Any way to open a file with existing macros in Mac Microsoft Office 2008? [more inside]
posted by eggerspretty at 1:00 PM PST - 6 comments

Is this room available?

Looking for a Conference Room Sign / Room Wizard for our company. [more inside]
posted by GJSchaller at 12:59 PM PST - 3 comments

Calculus

A college Calculus Question about definite integrals, (pretty basic) please look inside if you think you can help. Getting ready for tomorrow's midterm :( [more inside]
posted by Benzle at 12:48 PM PST - 12 comments

Need a shiny new card

I need a second credit card, where do I go about finding a good one? [more inside]
posted by French Fry at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments

Tips on renting out a condo in Chicago?

Tips on renting out a condo in Chicago? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by cuando at 12:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for new post-punk in the same fashion as Sleater-Kinney, Bloc Party, Les Savy Fav

Looking for bands/songs that incorporate jagged, angular post-punk riffs in the same fashion as Pretty Girls Make Graves “This is Our Emergency” or Sleater-Kinney’s “Ironclad” or Bloc Party’s “Staying Fat” (Or pretty much their entire self-titled EP) [more inside]
posted by windbox at 12:34 PM PST - 26 comments

Oh, Brother.

My Brother MFC-290C all-in-one gives me the following error almost every time I scan something: "The image data size is too large for the computer memory." Help! [more inside]
posted by nosila at 12:34 PM PST - 4 comments

Say 'no' to the dress

We got engaged! Hoorah! But now.... a wedding? [more inside]
posted by kestrel251 at 12:26 PM PST - 46 comments

looking for a contact management system

I am looking for an inexpensive contact management solution. I am on a PC and would love to use FileMaker Pro, but it is too expensive. Any ideas? Thanks
posted by cg1 at 12:23 PM PST - 6 comments

Cheap personal laser printers?

What is a good bare-bones black-and-white laser printer for home use? [more inside]
posted by fatty magoo at 12:12 PM PST - 21 comments

Dogs as antidepressants.

Should I get a dog? If so, should I get a rescued greyhound? [more inside]
posted by rosethorn at 12:05 PM PST - 39 comments

Look on my sandals, ye Mighty, and despair!

When a manly man absolutely must wear a skirt, there's Utilikilts. When a manly man absolutely must wear a purse, there's the messenger bag. When a manly man absolutely must wear sandals there's... what? [more inside]
posted by lekvar at 12:04 PM PST - 58 comments

widdershins' cocktail test kitchen

I want to create my own signature cocktail and I'm looking for suggestions/tips/advice for how to go about it... [more inside]
posted by widdershins at 11:48 AM PST - 16 comments

Was I presumptuous with him?

Dating Filter: was I presumptuous? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:46 AM PST - 57 comments

How to make the most of Brighton Festival and Fringe?

How to make the most of Brighton Festival and Fringe? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:46 AM PST - 2 comments

Jack Fletcher

I am looking for information about an artist named Jack Fletcher. He was a pop artist working in aluminum in the 70's and 80's in Seattle. He died in approximately 1990.
posted by allelopath at 11:42 AM PST - 5 comments

To maintain my health I have to practice abstinence. Do I indulge occasionally or never?

To maintain my health I have to practice abstinence. Do I indulge occasionally or never? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:37 AM PST - 10 comments

Please to make smaller file!

Why doesn't the compress feature on my Mac actually compress the files? It creates a .zip file but it's usually only a couple hundred k smaller than the original. [more inside]
posted by amanda at 11:23 AM PST - 19 comments

Boo Hiss

Bringing a "cat of a certain age" into the home of a much younger cat. [more inside]
posted by Kloryne at 11:22 AM PST - 4 comments

Do you know this symbol?

Does anyone know what this symbol / icon? [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 11:17 AM PST - 1 comment

Ideas for my best man/brother's wedding speech? PS He's severely hearing impaired.

Ideas for my best man/brother's wedding speech? PS He's severely hearing impaired. I can't believe I didn't think to ask this here earlier. My brother/best man is having a tremendously hard time thinking of ways he can deliver his speech at my wedding (in 12 days!). I always say he doesn't have a very thick deaf accent. But I've been hearing it for 20 some years, so I'm a bit biased. In all honesty, people at the wedding would probably have a hard time understanding him. He's really nervous...for good reason. Any ideas?
posted by sredefer at 10:28 AM PST - 29 comments

How to get contractors to do a good job

Over the past few years I've hired a few people here and there to do various projects around the house. In general, it always comes down to me not being satisfied and having to fight to get things done correctly/compromising when it's just too much effort. I find it emotionally draining. Help me do a better job hiring people and managing their work. [more inside]
posted by shew at 10:16 AM PST - 21 comments

Whare are the very best online resources for learning foreign languages?

What are the very best free Web-based resources for learning foreign languages? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by jingzuo at 10:08 AM PST - 15 comments

Places to work like academia, but not

Places to work in or around Boston that feel like an academic environment, without actually being in academia? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:06 AM PST - 10 comments

Ear plumber?

Where in NYC can I get my ears suction-cleaned as in this [rather icky] Youtube video? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:06 AM PST - 8 comments

Borked!

How does one score tickets to Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan's Confirmation Hearings? [more inside]
posted by Hurst at 10:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Possible to Install Flash Debug Player on Google Chrome (dev channel)

Now that Google Chrome auto installs (the vanilla version of) Flash player is it possible to install Flash Debug Player? I'm running the dev channel version of Google Chrome.
posted by drinkspiller at 9:57 AM PST - 2 comments

How difficult is it to find work as a professional indexer?

How difficult is it to find work as a professional indexer? [more inside]
posted by Daily Alice at 9:25 AM PST - 8 comments

What's most important in a job?

I need help deciding between job opportunities. Should I go for the one with less interesting work but at a small start-up, working from home? Or should I turn it down for the one that has more interesting work but for a huge company? [more inside]
posted by JacksonEsquire at 9:13 AM PST - 8 comments

Does pain while chewing mean I need a root canal?

Pain when chewing with a composite filling. Will I need (yet another) root canal? And what's up with my teeth, anyway?! [more inside]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 9:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Can antibiotics cause depression?

Is it possible tetracycline is responsible for these shaky crying jags? Just started both - coincidence? [more inside]
posted by Toto_tot at 9:02 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me generate an IP address for my computer!

NetworkGuruFilter: I am having a heck of a time trying to get my computer to generate an IP address. Please help! Details inside.. [more inside]
posted by SharkLangasta at 8:52 AM PST - 8 comments

Help plan our Asia trip.

Bali or Malaysia (or the neighborhood) for a week in June with a toddler. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 8:42 AM PST - 4 comments

A magical experience awaits you

What are some careers where I can provide magical experiences for other people? [more inside]
posted by danceswithlight at 8:29 AM PST - 37 comments

New to Kiaser HMO in Los Angeles. Pick my doctor and my shrink.

I just joined Kaiser in Los Angeles. My primary facility will probably be the complex at Sunset and Vermont. I need a primary care physician, and I need a shrink. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 8:16 AM PST - 3 comments

Trip planned... now what?

We're going to spend a week in Washington! What are some good sights to see in the Bellingham area? We'll also drive to Seattle at least once during the vacation. We don't know anything about the area! [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 7:54 AM PST - 15 comments

What's alive in NY later this month?

What's alive in New York later this month? [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 7:44 AM PST - 7 comments

Soupy Sales meets Fight Club

We are all so demoralized that if we don't get new jobs soon we're going to bring cream pies to work and run amuck throwing them at people as part of a massive collective nervous breakdown. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:39 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I tell interviewers that I'm suing my ex-employer?

I'm suing my former job. Should I (How should I) tell folks I'm interviewing with? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:38 AM PST - 15 comments

Oh to Bee a Fly in the lettuce!!

Insect Identification: Is this a bee or a fly? What kind? [more inside]
posted by SLC Mom at 7:15 AM PST - 10 comments

What's that thingie do?

How do I fake classic car knowledge and say intelligent things about what's under the hood at a car show? 50s-60s American cars in particular. [more inside]
posted by smackfu at 7:09 AM PST - 16 comments

Is our home a hostel?

Is it fair to ask our room mate to cut back on the weekend house guests? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:04 AM PST - 35 comments

Curious about paid sex

Curious about using paid sex as a temporary respite for my current situation...multiple questions within [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:04 AM PST - 47 comments

Dog goes to heaven in Toronto, what now?

Our twelve-year old dog is very ill. Soon, we'll have to make some hard decisions. When the time comes, what are the resources in Toronto for handling her remains. Burial, cremation, anything else?
posted by Apollo's Favorite Mistake at 7:00 AM PST - 5 comments

Phentermine. Not phentarmine, fenteramine, or viagra spelled with a 1.

Ordering Rx phentermine online: why has this changed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:43 AM PST - 3 comments

How do you know if your relationship is right?

Am I beanplating or can a relationship with these "issues" last? How can I deal with my relationship anxiety? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:43 AM PST - 14 comments

Where should I take the in laws to dinner in Boston, with a view?

Nice Boston area restaurants with a view of the ocean? [more inside]
posted by n'muakolo at 6:37 AM PST - 17 comments

What are the major book publishers in Shanghai, China?

Just wondering what the major book publishers are in Shanghai. I'm especially interested in presses that focus on literature, history, politics, serious non-fiction... I've been doing some research but was hoping someone more familiar with the media scene in China might be able to clue me in on the major or up-and-coming houses. Thanks.
posted by jng at 6:36 AM PST - 1 comment

What are the best organic food places in New York?

A budding entrepreneur friend of mine is making a 6 day trip to New York end of May. She is looking for inspiration on and exposure to the organic & slow-food movement in the area. She is passionate about honest food and has built a small business around this passion. Do you have any recommendations on restaurants, shops, conferences and hang-outs that would give her a good impression of what is happening in New York with regards to conscious eating / slow food / organic food? [more inside]
posted by eeeeeez at 6:03 AM PST - 14 comments

So I'm an ingrate, right?

How do I ask my awesome husband for gifts on special occasions? I am a little disappointed that he did not get me anything for my first Mother's Day (other than a very thoughtful and loving and personal card and flowers he added to the basket the day before when we were shopping together). I hate to sound like an ingrate, but I was a bit disappointed that I didn't get a little gift-wrapped something. Should I say something or should I accept this is the way he is? [more inside]
posted by bigwoopdeedoo at 5:08 AM PST - 87 comments

Good books on Augmented Reality?

Are there any good books on augmented-reality/mediated-reality for the interested layman? [more inside]
posted by 256 at 4:43 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I set up a good mp3 player sync scenario?

How do I set up an effective sync scenario with Media Monkey and my Philips mp3 player? [more inside]
posted by Unhyper at 4:42 AM PST - 3 comments

Can your bass player do that?

Do I have perfect pitch? [more inside]
posted by cronholio at 3:16 AM PST - 34 comments

Pasta Madness

London: Where can I buy a quality italian pasta maker in The City (or central London), and what brand would you recommend? [more inside]
posted by mary8nne at 3:11 AM PST - 5 comments

What is the name of this haunting story?

Help me find a short story which I read when I was a kid. It might be a Hans Christian Andersen story, but I am not sure. [more inside]
posted by GrooveStix at 2:00 AM PST - 4 comments

Help for a Growly Doggy

Have you successfully curbed/managed/retrained the aggression out of your dog? Please tell me your success stories! What did you do? How long did it take? [more inside]
posted by The ____ of Justice at 1:50 AM PST - 11 comments

The ideal

Comfortable and safe doggie harness? Extra points for multifunction/simplicity/unique/coolness factors. [more inside]
posted by hedonic.muse at 1:19 AM PST - 16 comments

May 9

Mother of arts and crafts

I need arts and crafts ideas to do at home with young children. [more inside]
posted by sammyabdu at 10:32 PM PST - 19 comments

How to Succeed at Business While Trying Rather a Lot, Actually

How can I prepare for work situations that affect me materially, like salary negotiations, requesting a promotion and/or raise, asking to work on particular projects, etc.? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 10:11 PM PST - 10 comments

What's with all the plays about plays?

What's with all the plays about plays? Theater related question inside. [more inside]
posted by derivation at 8:48 PM PST - 18 comments

Non-fiction books about disease.

I'm looking for good, non-fiction books about epidemiology and the history of disease (or of one outbreak of a disease). I'm especially interested in the intersection of social history, epidemiology, and intellectual history (like in Steven Johnson's fabulous The Ghost Map). Think "Erik Larson, for microbes." [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 8:06 PM PST - 40 comments

Best Alternative to Flickr?

What is the best website for photo sharing that isn't Flickr? Alternatively, convince me that Flickr is great. [more inside]
posted by joan cusack the second at 7:59 PM PST - 27 comments

Bulk Domain Transfers

I'm considering jumping ship from GoDaddy to a registrar that sucks less. The catch: I have over 40 domains. Can you recommend a registrar that's especially good at handling bulk transfers? It would be especially cool if they also offer bulk pricing.
posted by signalnine at 7:54 PM PST - 20 comments

Josh Harris strongly believes that the Technological Singularity will be reached and the human being will cease to be an individual, while the machine becomes the new king of the jungle.

Is Josh Harris a media stunt? [more inside]
posted by brinkzilla at 7:45 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me survive...

The complexities of my "family" business and it's dynamic is driving me crazy. Help me survive. [more inside]
posted by Bacillus at 7:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Hey, I'm buying that house. Please stop changing it!

I made an offer to buy a house, it was accepted, contracts signed and earnest money paid. The sellers just changed the appearance of the house without any warning. Should I have been told about it beforehand? [more inside]
posted by Brody's chum at 7:12 PM PST - 20 comments

Sharing music with bandmates, but not paying for another service.

I'd like to share recordings with bandmates. So, an HTML5 or Flash player, and comments. Optionally private. And not SoundCloud - but I have 50 gigs of Dropbox space and also an S3 account. [more inside]
posted by tmcw at 6:57 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I wrap my head around university?

How do I prepare myself mentally for university? What did you do to make the experience smoother and less stressful? Alternatively, what did you do that I should avoid? [more inside]
posted by Miss Mitz at 6:53 PM PST - 23 comments

Will a good college take me?

I need to understand where i place among the crowd of college bound kids. [more inside]
posted by NotSoSiniSter at 6:07 PM PST - 28 comments

Sounds like a FSM to me.

Looking for a flash game about a robot assembly line... [more inside]
posted by Precision at 5:59 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I prepare myself and my child for her general anesthesia?

How did you prepare your young child for general anesthesia? How did you prepare yourself? [more inside]
posted by Knowyournuts at 5:49 PM PST - 20 comments

Should I take this job with no deposit?

I've been trying to get a software consulting gig with a medium-sized engineering firm (think rods and gears), and we're hung up on a portion of my contract: the deposit. Namely, they refuse to agree to one. Should I take this job? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:45 PM PST - 14 comments

How to publish my French teaching materials?

Publishing options for French teaching materials? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 5:36 PM PST - 2 comments

Tricky ways to get property

I've heard that a person can acquire a property for which the property taxes are in default by paying the back taxes. This seems fishy, and morally questionable, but is it true? In Los Angeles? Are there other tricky ways to acquire property?
posted by gilgamix at 5:29 PM PST - 12 comments

Oil Spill Hands...

How do you get work as an 'oil spill hand' ? How many general laborers were hired to clean up the shoreline after the Exxon Valdez disaster? What will the potential employment scenario be for oil spill hands (general labor) in the unfolding disaster in the Gulf. [more inside]
posted by Muirwylde at 5:15 PM PST - 2 comments

Cargo's Cargo

Ever heard of the Cargo Collective? How many portfolios are registered with them? Anyone?
posted by lipsum at 5:01 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me put baby to sleep.

My 15-month-old still won't sleep through the night. How can I change this? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 4:53 PM PST - 63 comments

The boys and their Wii

We love "A Boy and his Blob" for Wii. Can you suggest other Wii games we might like? [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 4:46 PM PST - 9 comments

What should I read to prepare myself for Speech Pathology classes?

What books or other resources would you recommend for someone interested in pursuing a career in Speech Language Pathology? I have a degree in Communication and I am thinking of going to grad school for Communication Sciences and Disorders to become a SLP. I would like to know what I can do to prepare myself for the CDIS prerequisites I must take to qualify for admission to graduate school.
posted by javsgotyournose at 4:38 PM PST - 4 comments

Is DVDrare.com selling bootlegs or "test releases"?

I was trying to find out when the legitimate release of The Larry Sanders Show on DVD was dropping, when I came across a site that already had the show for sale. I assumed this was just a bootleg (since Shout! Factory has the actual home video rights), but I came across something odd... [more inside]
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 4:33 PM PST - 7 comments

How to make a Blackberry backup file transfer to an iPhone?

How do I get a Blackberry backup file (.ipd extension) onto a new iPhone? The Blackberry itself has up and disappeared. [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 3:42 PM PST - 5 comments

Hut One, Hut Two, Hut Three

Is anyone experienced with arranging a hut to hut trek in the Dolomites in Italy? Is there an easy way to reserve space in the huts? [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 3:21 PM PST - 3 comments

Smoking in the boys (or girls) room?

Back in the days when people commonly smoked inside their offices, and everywhere else, was it common/acceptable/possibly even polite? for people to smoke while sitting on the toilet? If so, was there a gender divide? [more inside]
posted by Ufez Jones at 3:10 PM PST - 23 comments

Anime like Claymore?

Hey Guys, I just finished watching an awesome anime called Claymore and I was wondering if anyone knew of any other anime similar to that one. In other words something pretty violent with a conflicted hero and strong story.
posted by AngryLlama at 3:07 PM PST - 11 comments

Crafty Recyclables not so Recyclable?

What is the long-term impact of reusable art/craft projects (e.g. school "environmental" arts projects or Etsy-esque recycled jewelry & knickknacks)? Do they really help the environment or do they just delay the impact? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 2:52 PM PST - 12 comments

Girl next door and marriage viability.

Several years ago I read a small stack of relationship books. I swear it was in Maggie Scarf's Intimate Partners, but having re-read that one cover to cover looking for the precise blip it is not in that one. Do you know of any anthropology or psychology or sociology academic study which (perhaps famously and/or authoritatively) concludes: the best prediction of relationship success is you grew up in the same (or very similar) neighborhoods? Google pulls up a million results but not the one I am looking for. [more inside]
posted by bukvich at 2:43 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me leave office hell, find non-office contentment

I am an introverted, nerdy, smart, middle class guy who wants to stop working in offices. What are my best options, and how do adjust? (yes, think Office Space) [more inside]
posted by MetaMonkey at 2:34 PM PST - 23 comments

How can I avoid my coworkers after work?

How can I avoid my coworkers after work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:28 PM PST - 35 comments

flea-like bugs in the guinea pig cage

I haven't been taking very good care of my pet guinea pigs. They are well-fed and get plenty of hay and water, but I have slacked off horribly with upkeep of their cage. Now there are some sort of bugs - tiny dark ones. [more inside]
posted by luftmensch at 2:15 PM PST - 24 comments

Kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts and the parents who love them

Family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in NY/NJ/PA? [more inside]
posted by lexfri at 2:05 PM PST - 4 comments

Non-Americans tourists to NYC: what was the hightlight of your trip?

Non-Americans who have visited NYC: what was your favorite and most memorable thing to do/eat/see? [more inside]
posted by CunningLinguist at 1:56 PM PST - 22 comments

Resources for primary caregivers -- what can I do for my mom?

My grandma has dementia...but it's my mom I'm worried about. How can I help a caregiver from afar? [more inside]
posted by harperpitt at 1:21 PM PST - 9 comments

Chicago School References

Please suggest concise references on the Chicago school of sociology, that are relevant to planning. [more inside]
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Lazyreaderitis

After tracking myself for a few weeks, I learned that I have very, very bad reading habits. Help me improve myself. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:06 PM PST - 11 comments

How to abbreviate multiple degrees

What is the best practice for listing two degrees after a name in an email signature, when the degrees weren't earned as a joint degree? For example, if the degrees are JD and MPA, should it be JD/MPA, JD+MPA, or some other combination? Maybe just a comma between them? JD/MPA would be the obvious choice for a joint degree, but these are from different universities and earned at different times. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:03 PM PST - 16 comments

Kitty Cone Head

New Kitten Filter [more inside]
posted by supermedusa at 12:50 PM PST - 16 comments

Preventing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis in dogs

How can I prevent my dog from getting hemorrhagic gastroenteritis again? [more inside]
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 12:49 PM PST - 4 comments

Who made this clock?

Help me identify this old clock! [more inside]
posted by lockestockbarrel at 12:33 PM PST - 9 comments

Where to get a tat in Des Moines?

What is the best tattoo shop in Des Moines? [more inside]
posted by PhatLobley at 11:45 AM PST - 2 comments

Can I undo the tide of history?

Can anyone think of a way to hack in podcast XML from Youtube? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin at 11:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Good dog!

Which webcam do I get to go with the icam app? [more inside]
posted by cestmoi15 at 11:36 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I not go crazy under exam pressure?

I've had to miss two weeks of university lectures due to health reasons and now have a lot of catching up to do before my exams. How do I not go crazy? [more inside]
posted by teraspawn at 11:25 AM PST - 5 comments

Adapting boyfriend's hobbies, is it a good or bad thing?

Adapting boyfriend's hobbies, is it a good or bad thing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:07 AM PST - 29 comments

How do I stop feeling like roadkill when I wake up?

Dear AskMe: Help me get out of bed in the morning. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:06 AM PST - 28 comments

Debt collector asking for Social Security card

I have received a letter from a debt collection agency, dunning me for an account opened in a city where I have never lived. They have provided account information that indicates the account was opened with someone bearing my name (I have a very common last name) and with a Social Security number matching the last four digits of my own. They have demanded a copy of my Social Security card to confirm that I am not the person who opened the account. I am reluctant to provide them this information on privacy grounds. Is their request legal? How can I require them to fully document the identity of the creditor?
posted by zainsubani at 11:02 AM PST - 14 comments

SurfingNewbieFilter: Where/how should I spend one week learning to surf somewhere on the East (US) coast?

Surfing Newb Filter: I want to spend a week learning to surf, sometime this month, somewhere on the US East Coast. Where/How? [more inside]
posted by sninctown at 9:53 AM PST - 7 comments

How to Finance a Personal Trip to Israel?t

I want to travel to Israel over the summer - visit family, explore the country, see the holy sites, etc. I intend it as a learning experience, however I won't be participating in an organized program because I want the freedom to determine how I spend my time. I know there are programs that help finance trips to Israel, however I don't know if any of them apply to personal trips. Additionally, my parents are secular, and I am not affiliated with a regional Jewish community or synagogue who could help support the cost of my trip. [more inside]
posted by howgenerica at 9:44 AM PST - 15 comments

How can I get I/O stats for a particular disk in OS X?

How can I get I/O stats for a particular disk in OS X? [more inside]
posted by mpls2 at 9:31 AM PST - 11 comments

Rohypnoled

Rohypnol Recovery? [more inside]
posted by plungerjoke at 9:13 AM PST - 15 comments

vanishing sockets

What the hell is clobbering my ssh-agent and screen sockets in /tmp and how can I make it stop? [more inside]
posted by enn at 9:02 AM PST - 7 comments

It's a pretty good song!

I'm trying to identify a song which has the main lyric of "chocolate kisses". Unsure of pretty much any other detail. [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 8:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Quick and easy digital genealogy.

How should I organize my family heritage digitally? Quick and easy methods needed. [more inside]
posted by mortaddams at 8:39 AM PST - 3 comments

Terrible Textbooks

I am teaching a class next semester called "Implementing Web Services." The book I was given this past year was overpriced, error-filled, and oddly GUI-centric. Help me replace it, please! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:11 AM PST - 4 comments

Is 200 miles too far?

So, I've met this girl who I really like. The issue: she lives 200 miles away and is super busy most weekends. I'm not really sure whether it is worth pursuing or not. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:09 AM PST - 16 comments

Sound advice for audio organisation.

OS X software for cutting, organizing and editing audio? [more inside]
posted by monocultured at 6:54 AM PST - 9 comments

Get a life.

Where can I buy Alife products in the UK? They make credit card holders and things like that, here's their website. I've Googled my backside off and can't find anywhere. I bought my now wrecked card holder in France nearly 3 years ago in some little stationery shop.
posted by mooreeasyvibe at 5:14 AM PST - 1 comment

"So, Rama -- Do you come here often?"

Slumdog Millionaire: Late to the party, I watched this movie for the first time (and second time, too) this past week. [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 4:50 AM PST - 17 comments

Which SSD for booting my old-ish laptop off its PC Card Slot?

I have an old-ish laptop that I love, and I want to give it a new lease of life. I have thought booting off an SSD in the PC Card slot would make it run snappier and go easier on the battery. [more inside]
posted by kandinski at 4:44 AM PST - 4 comments

East London movers

Best movers in London? [more inside]
posted by CRM114 at 2:53 AM PST - 12 comments

He lives vicariously through himself.

Have there been any good, scholarly studies on the "Chuck Norris" style of one-liner joke/folklore? How old is this style of joke? [more inside]
posted by samthemander at 1:20 AM PST - 12 comments

May 8

Help me move from DV to HD

Anyone know a review site for camcorders, or have a recommendation for semi-pro level camcorders? Also a lot of file format and storage questions included. [more inside]
posted by sanka at 9:47 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a specific Italian word

An Italian friend of mine once taught me a word that means, essentially, "being lazy in a way that actually creates more effort for yourself in the long run." Since this so often applies to me, I really want to know what this word is again.
posted by zachawry at 8:53 PM PST - 7 comments

Songs for slide guitar

Please recommend good songs for slide guitar + singing. [more inside]
posted by signal at 8:29 PM PST - 7 comments

HELP! Need flowers to save my mom's mother's day

I need Instant mothers day flowers (delivery) that are reliable, nice and that I can pass off as my brother's. Please help. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 8:19 PM PST - 22 comments

How to create a massive Photoshop image?

Photoshop help? Making an extremely large image. What size/dpi should I work with? [more inside]
posted by Liquidwolf at 7:37 PM PST - 12 comments

Cute Pics of People Playing with Food!

Funny/cute/silly pictures of people with food to please my toddler??? (SFW options only please!) [more inside]
posted by curiositykilledthelemur at 7:37 PM PST - 9 comments

You gotta be kidney.

AmateurMedicalOpinionsFilter: I've been experiencing mild to moderate pain in my mid-back (and occasionally my right-lower-quadrant abdominal area) for four days now. It feels a bit like a bad backache. I'm worried that this may be a kidney issue, although I have no significant medical history. [more inside]
posted by speedgraphic at 7:17 PM PST - 15 comments

Which method of teaching should I be trained in, Montessori or Waldorf?

Which method of teaching should I be trained in, Montessori or Waldorf? [more inside]
posted by nothingsconstant at 7:16 PM PST - 12 comments

Is it safe to drink out of a 15 year old water filter?

Is it safe to drink water filtered by a 15 year old Pur hand-pump camping filter that I haven't used in a decade? I rarely used it even back when I originally got it. I'm going camping tomorrow and just wondering if there's any reason to believe that chemicals in an old water filter may somehow become unsafe or ineffective over time.
posted by dziga at 7:15 PM PST - 12 comments

Before it all melts away....

Things to do in Greenland in August [more inside]
posted by seawallrunner at 6:28 PM PST - 3 comments

Need Information On How to Come Off Dexamethasone

How does one come off Dexamethasone? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 6:23 PM PST - 7 comments

MP3 player for audiobooks, podcasts, and lectures with variable playback speed?

What's a good MP3 player for audiobooks, podcasts, and lectures? It has to support variable playback speed, and it would be nice if it's small and cheap. [more inside]
posted by suncoursing at 6:16 PM PST - 7 comments

Rome to Florence, are we cutting it too close?

So we're arriving in Rome at 6:50PM, is it reasonable to expect to get to Florence that same night by train? We're also considering a side trip to Stockholm, any secrets to getting there and back? [more inside]
posted by advicepig at 6:12 PM PST - 15 comments

Why does my temple throb and hurt during vigorous exercise?

What explains the throbbing pressure and pain at my right temple and right eye socket area during physical exercise? [more inside]
posted by mizrachi at 5:52 PM PST - 10 comments

What sort of coping methods or strategies helped you deal with social anxiety or agoraphobia

What sort of coping methods or strategies helped you deal with social anxiety or agoraphobia? [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 5:49 PM PST - 9 comments

I can never come up with a title.

I've been given the opportunity to write a weekly tech/computer/electronics column for my local paper and although I have plenty of column ideas I can't for the life of me come up with a name for it. So I'm asking the Hive Mind: what should I call it? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by Bango Skank at 5:44 PM PST - 10 comments

What's up with PayPal?

Is there a problem with PayPal right now, or is it just me? [more inside]
posted by marsha56 at 5:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Need to feel better after whole blood donation.

I donated blood almost a week ago and still feel weak. Has this happened to anyone else? When will I start feeling better? [more inside]
posted by rainygrl716 at 5:02 PM PST - 19 comments

Charles Schwab: y/n?

The Schwab High Yield Checking account sounds too good to be true. Is it? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton at 4:58 PM PST - 20 comments

Find me a successor to Sky Odyssey?

One of the favorite games of all time is Sky Odyssey, which was (if memory serves) a launch title for the Playstation 2. It was what could best be described as an "adventure flight simulator", in that the player piloted his aircraft (the default, and first in an eventual large roster of craft, was a bi-wing prop) through somewhat fantastic environments such as canyons and caves, and performed improbable tasks like refueling from a moving railroad, or piloting a plane with floats along an incredibly rapid, treacherous river. Can anybody suggest a flight sim (non-combat is preferred) for Windows PC with a similar focus as that?
posted by The Confessor at 4:52 PM PST - 6 comments

Do Brits sound American?

How do British Actors playing Americans sound to Americans? [more inside]
posted by Biru at 4:47 PM PST - 117 comments

bbc iplayer in usa

how can I watch BBC's iPlayer in the US? A one-step solution is ideal, without having to install and configure a system-wide proxy (which is the current way I can think of doing it). Some software or plugin custom-setup for iPlayer?
posted by lrodman at 4:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me figure out what to cook for mothers' day!

What should I cook for my mom for mothers' day? [more inside]
posted by fvox13 at 4:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Flower House

Last spring or summer I heard a spot on NPR about a couple in Madison, WI who plant thousands of flower bulbs in their backyard every year. It became a bit of an attraction in the neighborhood as they allowed people to wander around the yard to see the flowers. Does anyone know where this house is or can someone point me to the radio spot?
posted by fixedthefernback at 3:35 PM PST - 2 comments

Forrest can't run.

Why can't I run anymore? [more inside]
posted by allymusiqua at 3:28 PM PST - 8 comments

chinese writing system for the mac

i'd like to install a system for writing chinese on my mac and learn how to use it. i am just beginning to learn chinese. I know about 200 characters. what is the best system to learn? which one would be easiest for a someone just beginning chinese? which one would be most useful for learning the language? [more inside]
posted by alcahofa at 3:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Intermittent RCA audio connector

RCA audio connector - I'm getting intermittent sound from my left desktop computer speaker that is connected via an RCA connector to the main (right) one. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 3:17 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a church surrogate

Are there communities of people similar to religious communities but without the baggage? [more inside]
posted by Triumvirate at 3:12 PM PST - 20 comments

Digitizing family photos while balancing time investment and quality.

I'm planning to digitize my family photos foregoing the scanner route and opting for the snap with a digicam route. I've done some tests and am satisfied with the quality, but before I start the assembly line I'm looking for photography tips to make this work nicely as I know little about photograpy. [more inside]
posted by GleepGlop at 2:42 PM PST - 11 comments

Where can I get plain tickets cheapest?

Where can I get plain tickets cheapest? Specifically, round trip from Memphis, TN to San Diego, CA. [more inside]
posted by mdpatrick at 2:17 PM PST - 6 comments

My autistic daughter won't poop intentionally.

My 6-year-old mildly autistic daughter won't poop while she's awake. [more inside]
posted by musofire at 1:53 PM PST - 10 comments

[insert taters joke here]

My boyfriend of 14 months has asked me to move in with him. Yay! The problem is, we haven't had intercourse yet, and I feel sort of weird/bad about that. (NSFW, long, snowflakey) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:51 PM PST - 38 comments

Help me stay out of debtor's prison!

For the past 6 years, I have lived in an expensive NYC apartment (that I love), sharing the rent with my boyfriend -- but I can't carry alone since my relationship has ended. I was rocked by the breakup, didn't immediately move and managed to miss 4 months of rent as I struggled to figure out what to do. I have now found a new, affordable place and am feeling stronger. My current landlord is ok with releasing me from the lease, holds a month security, but the 4 open months add up to a lot -- more than I can pay AND move. I have emailed with my current landlord and said as much, asking what we can work out but I'm losing a lot of sleep/am a wreck over this as I wait to hear back. The landlord is decent and typically ok working with me on things -- but it's a lot of money. What scenarios might play out here? By the way, I don't have the option of tapping savings, borrowing money or going to the ex for help.
posted by anonymous at 1:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Knife and Spooner

Please help me sleep (just sleep) with my girlfriend better. She craves space, I cling on to her like a deflating life-raft in the ocean. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:51 PM PST - 21 comments

Things to do in Aurora, Colorado?

A friend and her 19-year-old daughter are going to be in Aurora, Colo. for a medical procedure next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. What fun and distracting cultural activities can they do while there? They probably will not have a car.
posted by Prairie at 1:19 PM PST - 5 comments

That Harmony is Poison

What do Bel Biv DeVoe and Les Triplettes de Belleville have in common, vocally? [more inside]
posted by andromache at 1:17 PM PST - 6 comments

What can I do with this...hunk of junk?

What to do with an old iPhone? [more inside]
posted by InsanePenguin at 1:06 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me locate some l-o-n-g tracks on amazon.com's mp3 store

Got a $5 credit from Amazon.com's mp3 department. What are some l-o-n-g cuts (or albums comprised of lengthy tunes) that will give me some serious bang for my buck? I'm particularly partial to lengthy ambient/drone classics like Terry Riley's In C, Manuel Göttsching's E2-E4, Brian Eno's Music for Airports and other extended outings.
posted by porn in the woods at 1:03 PM PST - 19 comments

Apple, meet pear.

It's wardrobe revamp time for me and the gang! Recommend me some resources for choosing clothes to suit body shape. We are mostly lady-type people, but advice aimed at men is also welcome. [more inside]
posted by stuck on an island at 12:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Best librarians/library science people to follow on Twitter?

Who are the best folks to follow on twitter as a librarian or library science person? - or related fields? Information organizers?
posted by specialk420 at 12:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Undecided about how to progress with my life ambitions, relationships and career. Please advise? Thank you!

I feel like I am at a cross-road and need to decide soon what actions to take for the future. Please help me decide! [more inside]
posted by servix at 11:54 AM PST - 11 comments

What did I learn ?

I've recently had some tough relationship experiences, and I'd like to have some feedback on this. I'd like to focus on what I have learned, and then move on, which is why I need your precious help. [more inside]
posted by Fillus at 11:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Is selling other people's junk on eBay a good idea?

I want to start an "I will sell your stuff on Ebay" service in my town. What should I know about this before proceeding? [more inside]
posted by Wanderboy at 11:29 AM PST - 9 comments

Legality of fanfic auctions

Can anyone point me to legal articles or cases relevant to fanfic auctions where the proceeds go to a third party? To what extent are such auctions considered 'selling'? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:28 AM PST - 6 comments

Don't tell me what to do!

How can I deal with a wonderful boyfriend who has the tendency to boss and nag? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:27 AM PST - 25 comments

how do I get my mac onto my corporate network? (complications galore inside)

how do I get my mac onto my corporate network? (complications galore inside) [more inside]
posted by krautland at 11:27 AM PST - 29 comments

Create a mini 'classmates.com'

I want to create a web page that would allow alumni of my little public elementary school to a) see a calendar of evening events they'd be welcome to attend b) browse a list of opportunities to volunteer, and, most importantly c) 'register' with an email address to join a mailing list and receive notices of the above. Since these are children, everything has to be moderated and likely a parent will be in charge of checking to make sure kids are who they say they are. I'm somewhat social-networking challenged and know that there are 'groups' for this sort of thing on yahoo and elsewhere- is there an obvious choice for this?
posted by carterk at 11:08 AM PST - 6 comments

Who makes gray soled, gray calfskin, sneakers?

Who makes gray soled, gray calfskin, sneakers? [more inside]
posted by Jimmie at 10:14 AM PST - 4 comments

How To Help High School Students Have A Fun, Safe, and Educational Trip Abroad

I am chaperoning a high school trip to Europe this summer. What are your tips and suggestions to making this trip a great experience for everyone involved? [more inside]
posted by mmmbacon at 10:03 AM PST - 20 comments

What is the benefit of "double red" blood donation over whole blood donation?

What is the benefit of "double red" blood donation over whole blood donation? [more inside]
posted by Nothlit at 10:01 AM PST - 6 comments

How to preset crossfades in a playlist?

Is there a music player software that lets you preset different kinds of crossfades for each track in a playlist? (Mac) [more inside]
posted by pablocake at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments

1989 Bimmer good idea?

1989 BMW 3 Series Coupe for under 3 grand. Good deal? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 9:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Mystery meat

What did we eat? We went for banh mi (Vietnamese hoagies) and they had other goodies in a deli case. We bought some kind of small squares, about one inch per side, and maybe 3/8" thick. Each was topped with a slice of onion and a slice of jalapeño. Inside each was a whole peppercorn. It was weirdly pink - at first we thought it was some kind of sweet bean dessert. Ground, pickled(?) pork. What are they called?
posted by fixedgear at 8:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Laying over in Jakarta

Jakarta is always thrown out as a major Asian city which elicits excitement along with Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok... but exactly what is there to look to do? What to do to with a layover or extended weekend in Jakarta? [more inside]
posted by peachtree at 7:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Website for making a 'pic a day' slideshow?

Is there a website where I can take a picture of myself every day and put it into a slideshow? Like the infamous video by 'Noah K.' [more inside]
posted by ascetic at 7:33 AM PST - 6 comments

Staying with a family in Nanjing

I might possibly be going to Nanjing in July of this year and would love to stay with a family instead of a hotel. I will be there for two weeks and would be fine with paying or trading a service (perhaps teaching English or Spanish) for the stay. Does a site exist that might have listings like this or is there another way to seek this out? [more inside]
posted by yfatah at 7:30 AM PST - 3 comments

Selling Artwork: Too expensive for ebay, too cheap for Sothebys

How to sell moderately valuable ($1k-3k) art prints? [more inside]
posted by sdis at 7:19 AM PST - 3 comments

How can I fix this wireless router problem?

Is it Windows 7, or my wireless router, or something else that is the problem here? [more inside]
posted by chocolate_butch at 7:16 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me set up my own server

I'm fed up with Google and I don't trust them to protect my privacy. I (technical novice but curious and willing) want to set up my own systems. (long) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:59 AM PST - 13 comments

I feel like I'm in over my head.

I found out that I'm (rising 2L) most likely underqualified for a position (legal internship in a small firm) I'm interviewing for next Tuesday. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:58 AM PST - 15 comments

Can I 'split up' one gmail account which contains work and personal email?

I have my work and personal email in one gmail account. I may change jobs in the not-too-distant future. How can I separate the two? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:58 AM PST - 6 comments

Buying pepper spray in Canada

Where can I buy pepper spray online in Canada? [more inside]
posted by torisaur at 6:57 AM PST - 14 comments

Music Video Synesthesia

What are some music videos that push the relationship between the music and the video? [more inside]
posted by TheRoach at 6:37 AM PST - 12 comments

Trees and churches...they used to coexist!

Romantic-era-art-filter: help me find the most beautiful painting that I've only seen once? [more inside]
posted by deep thought sunstar at 2:37 AM PST - 10 comments

What coat do I want?

What coat do I want? [more inside]
posted by djgh at 2:10 AM PST - 6 comments

I need a man watch

I need a manly watch for my 21st [more inside]
posted by schmichael at 1:53 AM PST - 28 comments

May 7

Companies that transfer you to London office?

How do I get one of those magical jobs where the company will transfer me to London? [more inside]
posted by KimikoPi at 10:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Who is this bearded dude flicking us all off?

Who is this bearded dude giving us the finger? And why?
posted by yaymukund at 10:14 PM PST - 14 comments

I don't want for it to be over, but it might be over.

RelationshipFilter: After about a year of dating weirdos and loons, I met someone really neat. The problem: He's unemployed. Has been for a while. We've been dating for several months, and it's getting to the point at which I'm realizing that I really dig him. He seems to be pretty irresponsible, which makes me anxious. Is this relationship doomed? [more inside]
posted by kittenplease at 10:10 PM PST - 33 comments

How do I build a recycling shower?

Calling water purification gurus! Help me with an off-the-grid water recyclin' shower! [more inside]
posted by cr_joe at 9:02 PM PST - 6 comments

Who marks up their art on purpose?

Is there an Asian practice of placing dots in the corner of paintings to show imperfection / humility? [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle at 8:50 PM PST - 15 comments

How to make the most of doubling my salary?

My salary just doubled. How can I make the most of it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:39 PM PST - 26 comments

My stained beater, trackpants, cigarettes and three days growth - why can't I find a date?

Why can't I meet someone who shares the same interests that I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:38 PM PST - 8 comments

How to find new books

How do you find new books to read? I just finished another book, and need advice about the best way to find others I'll enjoy reading. [more inside]
posted by gacxllr9 at 8:23 PM PST - 40 comments

Two great tastes that taste terrible together

What are some terrible flavor combinations? [more inside]
posted by molybdenum at 8:18 PM PST - 92 comments

Toilet Shredder

Toilet poop shredders - my friend is convinced they exist but I have never heard of them. Is there really such a thing? [more inside]
posted by Danniman at 7:23 PM PST - 8 comments

Books that vividly describe a city or town?

I'm looking for fiction that vividly describes the physical and social atmosphere of a city or town, the way Dickens captures Coketown in Hard Times. [more inside]
posted by cirripede at 7:00 PM PST - 36 comments

You can check out any time you like...

How do I completely, quickly and thoroughly delete my Facebook account with the least possible amount of hassle? [more inside]
posted by Despondent_Monkey at 6:19 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me pick a new mobile provider

Related to this question I am ditching AT&T and, sadly, my iPhone. Is there any way I can know which mobile service provider will give me the clearest reception where I live before I buy? [more inside]
posted by hapax_legomenon at 5:36 PM PST - 20 comments

Looking For Beads

Looking for a source of 3-4mm straight tubular glass beads to finish the exposed edge of a row of wall tile. The length of the beads should not be over 15mm. I have been searching jewelry beading supply houses and have only been able to find .02mm diameter bugle (straight tubular) beads which are too small to cover the exposed edge of the tile. I am willing to consider other materials (SS hypo tubing?) if glass is impossible to find. Any ideas?
posted by Raybun at 5:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Jury deliberation on demand

Jury deliberation was utterly exhilarating. Help me find more situations like this. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 5:10 PM PST - 26 comments

Stop a Java app from stealing my screen

Hideous misfeature-filter: how can I stop a Java application I am running (via the JRE on Windows 7) from resizing its program window so that it takes over my whole screen, thus blocking me from seeing or accessing other programs or the Windows desktop until I quit the thing? [more inside]
posted by killdevil at 5:08 PM PST - 2 comments

A challenge for engineers?

Can anyone identify this screw/bolt head and tell me what type of tool I need to remove it? The screw head has 5 radiating flanges/splines, with a raised central hub. It does not appear to be a (security) Torx head. Photos: bolt closup and bolt in situ. The bolt/screw in question is located in a Braun coffee grinder (model KMM30, 3045). The grinder was made in Mexico and sold in the USA.
posted by Susurration at 4:50 PM PST - 16 comments

The black part moves like this, but the blue part moves like that.

Is there CAD software that will allow me to build a mechanical linkage, and then manipulate it? [more inside]
posted by Netzapper at 4:48 PM PST - 10 comments

From Tech to Mech

Help me transition from being a system administrator to being some flavour of mechanic or tell me if I shouldn't bother. [more inside]
posted by talkingmuffin at 4:41 PM PST - 5 comments

How old was Icarus?

How old was Icarus? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese at 4:40 PM PST - 11 comments

Help us plan our first trip to big bear!

Our family and friend's family plan to go to big bear during this summer (mid June weekend). We both have 1 small kid each (3 & 4 yrs old). Our objective is to have a nice picnic together, relax, barbeque, enjoy jacuzzi. We want our kids to enjoy, run around, play, bike. We also want to take our kids on their first hiking expedition (one which they can tolerate) if possible. We are interested in renting a private home/cabin/cottage with minimum 2 bed/2 baths with full kitchen and hot tub/jacuzzi. [more inside]
posted by tvjoshi at 4:21 PM PST - 1 comment

Not the religious kind, the kind with pork.

I need a great pastor recipe! Anybody got one? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 4:16 PM PST - 7 comments

Is this a bait and switch?

The first edition book that I bought on Ebay matches the seller's description but not the photograph. Should I complain? [more inside]
posted by susanvance at 3:55 PM PST - 7 comments

Famous Live Songs?

What are some examples of live versions of popular songs that are more well-known than their studio counterparts? Perfect example of this is Cheap Trick's "I Want You to Want Me," which is most often heard as the At Budokan live version. [more inside]
posted by Ike_Arumba at 3:42 PM PST - 47 comments

Objective: To, like, get a job? I guess?

Freelance writing resumes: do you have one, do I need one, and if so how do I make one? [more inside]
posted by DestinationUnknown at 3:37 PM PST - 2 comments

Interdental Toothbrushes

My dentist told me that I should start to use an interdental toothbrush once a day. Are their any particular brands I should look out for or are the generics just as good? Also, any tips when it comes to using one?
posted by nam3d at 3:30 PM PST - 2 comments

Open Sesame?

The future Mrs. and I recently came into possession of a Hi-Steam SVP-24 Steam Iron, unfortunately I can't figure out how the blasted thing works. Any mefites have any experience? [more inside]
posted by nulledge at 3:16 PM PST - 3 comments

What's in a (grad school) name?

I'm in a masters of health administration program offered by a local, not-too-prestigious university that holds classes at the hospital where I work. I would like to be a hospital administrator some day. Will this degree help me get there, or just be a waste of time? [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 3:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Help him do his duty.

What should I ask my husband to get me (for mother's day!) from the duty free shop in Mexico City before he flies home tomorrow?
posted by maloon at 3:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Hentai Recommendations

Recommend some hentai targeted towards women (probably NSFW at some point) [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 2:53 PM PST - 6 comments

Steel is strong, but flesh is stronger...

Could we make better swords today? [more inside]
posted by fatbird at 2:51 PM PST - 21 comments

Landlord Discovered Error in Billing, Now We Owe 10 Months of Parking Fees

The management company at our apartment building just discovered that they had not been charging us for parking 10 months into our lease. We had been paying the rent amount and the parking amount for the first two months, but kept getting overpayment notices telling us to reduce our monthly payment, so I thought our number was in error. Now they want all 10 months paid back though they admit the error was on their end. Are we liable for the back fees even though we were told by them to lower our monthly payment? This is in Washington, DC.
posted by jules1651 at 2:43 PM PST - 10 comments

What are some shows we can watch sporadically without having to follow the story arcs very closely?

My fiancee and I need a recommendation for a TV show that fits the following criteria: (1) Can be watched sporadically without really needing to follow the story arc or characters all that well and (2) is really, really good. [more inside]
posted by ORthey at 2:38 PM PST - 48 comments

iPhone thinks it's docked. It isn't.

My girlfriend "may" have got a "tiny" amount of water on/in her iPhone. It thinks it is docked all the time, even though there's nothing plugged in. How do I convince it that it's not? [more inside]
posted by alby at 2:23 PM PST - 10 comments

Flying to Cleveland...no, I mean Columbus!

Airline ticketing question: what happens to our return ticket if we get off the plane a stop early? [more inside]
posted by DandyRandy at 2:17 PM PST - 10 comments

Which should I get: a faster CPU, or more memory?

I'm ready to buy a new desktop PC with Windows 7, and I can't decide whether to spend more money on a faster CPU or more memory, if either. Which would be better in the long run: i7-860 (or even i7-920) with 6 GB RAM, or i5 with 8 GB of RAM? Considering the CPU alone, is an i7 instead of an i5 worth the extra money? [more inside]
posted by Tin Man at 2:08 PM PST - 12 comments

unique | magnets | : | poet | ry | please | !

MagnetPoetryFilter: stupendous words, please! [more inside]
posted by teremala at 2:07 PM PST - 26 comments

Did you, personally, come and pee on my rug?

Why are these rugs staining my floor, and how can I get rid of the stain? [more inside]
posted by Fui Non Sum at 2:01 PM PST - 2 comments

How do you get your reume higher in Monster's search results?

What are some tips on how to make your resume show up higher on Monster's search results? [more inside]
posted by rooster416 at 1:59 PM PST - 6 comments

Simultaneously update my facebook, twitter, and blog?

Is there a way to simultaneously update my facebook, twitter, and blog with an update? I am new to doing social media for an organization, and we want to be accessible in multiple formats. Any tips for how to do that effectively would be most appreciated.
posted by tnygard at 1:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Do you remember "She Stole My Boot"?

Can you help me remember a site from quite some time ago that featured a story named something to the effect of "She Stole My Boot"? [more inside]
posted by cCranium at 1:45 PM PST - 10 comments

Recommend nature / geography / anatomy quiz games!

Can you recommend any XBOX 360 (or PC/MAC/Linux for that matter) games that are more quiz / education oriented (not counting Trivial Pursuit). Specifically, I'm thinking of games that involve things like: naming / identifying countries / capitals / rivers / mountains etc; naming / identifying species of animals or plants; anatomy / medicine type stuff; physics simulators like Phun. [more inside]
posted by tkbarbarian at 1:40 PM PST - 7 comments

Seeing a flashy spot when I blink at night

A few months ago, I noticed that sometimes before I went to bed after watching an LCD screen, I saw a flash in the center of my vision while blinking in the dark. It just looked like it could have been the aftereffects of viewing the bright screen so I didn't think too much of it, but I've noticed it recently also. YANMD, but is there anything I should be doing right now? [more inside]
posted by Earl the Polliwog at 1:35 PM PST - 13 comments

Photo scanning service near El Paso, TX

Photo scanning business in El Paso, Texas, or nearby? [more inside]
posted by artifarce at 1:29 PM PST - 2 comments

3 pearls

An older family member has given me 3 pearls that have great meaning to her and asked me to have them made into jewelry to be given to another family member (a 22-year-old woman). What form of jewelry should I have made? Any tips on how to deal with local jewelers to get something that will yield a beautiful and valued gift?
posted by Alizaria at 1:25 PM PST - 20 comments

A Design for Life (with apologies to the Manics)

Software for requirements gathering/SDLC - there has to be something out there, right? [more inside]
posted by rmm at 1:17 PM PST - 1 comment

"It's gonna be clamp this, clamp that. Bada-climp, bada-clamp!"

Hardware question: is there a common sort of clamp for holding a round/tubular object? [more inside]
posted by supercres at 1:09 PM PST - 16 comments

What are the best episodes of Star Trek?

What are the best episodes of Star Trek? Except I don't care so much about the mythology, I'm just looking for good acting, good writing, and universal subject matter. Any series is fine, though to give you an idea Deep Space 9 is my favorite. [more inside]
posted by malapropist at 12:37 PM PST - 53 comments

How do I get this off of my concrete floor?

My rug gripper has fused to my concrete floor. Please help me clean it off. [more inside]
posted by AtomicBee at 12:37 PM PST - 7 comments

FurnitureFilter: Please help us find a stylish, compact computer desk-like thing that hides all components.

FurnitureFilter: Please help us find a stylish, compact computer desk-like thing that hides all components. [more inside]
posted by ezekieldas at 12:17 PM PST - 8 comments

Mom Needs Pampers Too

What are some indulgent gifts to give a brand new mom? [more inside]
posted by missmary6 at 12:08 PM PST - 20 comments

Name this visual artist, based on a very sparse description?

I need help identifying/remembering a visual artist who work(s|ed) with text. Shortish, punchy phrases; female; I first saw her work around 2000-2002. Anybody? [more inside]
posted by penduluum at 12:06 PM PST - 5 comments

the city...! the lights! the bustle! ...the traffic?

how do you keep your cool driving in crazy city traffic? (i'm looking at you, los angeles and san francisco!) [more inside]
posted by raw sugar at 12:01 PM PST - 39 comments

It was you all along!

Please, recommend some board games which feature the "secret traitor" mechanic. [more inside]
posted by Zaximus at 11:55 AM PST - 21 comments

Help me shock my tongue again!

Help me find a replacement for Stewart's Ginger Beer! [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 11:53 AM PST - 16 comments

Kissing on the 2nd Date

Is this moving too fast? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:51 AM PST - 21 comments

Expect 1/x of you salary to go to taxes.

Please fill in the following advice: "Expect 1/x of your salary to go to taxes." [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:50 AM PST - 23 comments

How are Saturdays in the park?

Sweeping ChicagoFilter. [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 11:25 AM PST - 25 comments

Should I be flattered, or worried?

I thought I was about to get a job offer. When I went in for the final interview, the boss told me another boss at the company was interested in me, too. What happens now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:21 AM PST - 14 comments

Intimidation: how to deal with it and how to deal it.

I need to deal with intimidation and be intimidating myself. I am, alas, of an accommodating nature. How do I do that? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:21 AM PST - 24 comments

Alternatives to running while recovering from peroneal tendonitis?

I've been forced to take a break from running due to peroneal tendonitis (developed during week 6 of the Couch to 5K program). Can you give me some ideas for alternative types of exercises that will not aggravate the peroneal tendon? I plan to try biking, but I'm wondering what other options are out there. I do not have access to a pool. Thanks!
posted by pitseleh at 11:18 AM PST - 4 comments

Watching Television

Rounding out my summer syllabus: Favorite studies, statistics, theories, essays, short stories, comics, poetry and other short readings about television? [more inside]
posted by gerryblog at 11:02 AM PST - 9 comments

What's the cheaper alternative to Apple's 24" Cinema Displays?

What's the cheaper alternative to Apple's 24" Cinema Displays? [more inside]
posted by bartleby at 10:52 AM PST - 10 comments

Where to buy chopsticks?

Where should I buy chopsticks, and what should I look for? [more inside]
posted by reductiondesign at 10:52 AM PST - 16 comments

My flash photos suck. Please help.

Help me with tips on better flash photography, please? [more inside]
posted by chitlin at 10:48 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me identify this female R&B/Pop artist.

I heard a retro song by a female R&B/Pop artist on Pandora and now can't remember any identifying details. Help? [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 10:24 AM PST - 12 comments

Small is beautiful

Biochemistry filter: Looking for databases about bioactive peptides and their processing. Help me, hive mind! [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 10:15 AM PST - 2 comments

mysql fail

Either I don't know as much MySql as I thought, or I'm trying to do the impossible. Which is it...? [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 10:05 AM PST - 11 comments

UK SIM part 2

UK Mobile Phone Filter: I'm going to be in London for a week and I have a Nexus One (unlocked) with no SIM. I'd like about 30 minutes talk time, 15 texts, and 100mb of data/web. I'd like to spend between £5 and £10 on a SIM/Plan and I want to do this as easily as possible. Basically, I want to be able to walk into a shop and say "Give me the XYZ sim." place £5/£10 on the counter, then walk out in less than the time it took you to read this question. [more inside]
posted by xotis at 9:54 AM PST - 6 comments

So I guess what I want is ASKMEFI for pants

Is there a website somewhere that you can post a pair of pants and say "What goes with this?" [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 9:49 AM PST - 5 comments

What does this postcard mean?

I recently received these antique postcards from a friend (with no explanation) and I'd like to know what exactly they are. They're of Soviet/Eastern European origin and seem to relate to radio somehow. [more inside]
posted by hafehd at 9:36 AM PST - 6 comments

Shakes for a shocked intestine?

Girlfriend diagnosed with diverticulitis two days ago, admitted into hospital for IV antibiotics, hopefully being released this afternoon. Still awaiting discharge instructions, but anticipating she'll be on a low-residue, liquid only diet for a week. Looking for ideas/recipes on soups/juice/smoothies to prepare for her so it's not the same old chicken broth and orange juice every day. She may be advised to limit dairy intake (milk/yogurt) to under 2 cups a day.
posted by de void at 9:30 AM PST - 9 comments

A world without straw men

Inspired by this question-- what are some liberal writers who start from a position of comprehension of, and respect for, conservative viewpoints? [more inside]
posted by yersinia at 9:25 AM PST - 14 comments

Please show me your first sketchbook, mighty artist!

Are there good online resources for examples of the early work of a modern illustrator or comic artist? [more inside]
posted by swrittenb at 9:15 AM PST - 3 comments

How to promote my weird noise and improvisation workshop/event in San Francisco?

How to promote my weird noise and improvisation workshop/event in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 9:11 AM PST - 15 comments

120-128 BPM songs, emphasis on the B?

I'm looking for songs 120-128 BPM (ish) that have a really pronounced beat. Basically songs that make you naturally tap your feet or clap your hands. Double points for songs that start strong and get you super pumped. Like these! Bamboleo | Die MF Die | Look Good in Leather | Seven Nation Army
posted by ictow at 9:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Short story told through communications to Mission Control?

I'm looking for a short sci-fi story that has eluded me for some time. [more inside]
posted by divide_by_cucumber at 8:59 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me decide where to live!

Should I move? I just accepted a new job. An opportunity to live in a sweet condo 5 minutes from my new job has presented itself. I'm trying to decide If I should move or not. [more inside]
posted by cgg at 8:43 AM PST - 23 comments

Life Advisor: A lawyer for my grownup answers (similar to a Dad for my childhood answers)

Is it possible to find a good "renaissance man/jack of all trades" Legal adviser for my real-world questions/grown-up decision making? [more inside]
posted by WhereAmI at 8:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Is there a relationship between the length of a marriage and the length of its preceding relationship?

Where can I find statistics on how long a marriage lasts depending on how long the couple has known each other before tying the knot? Do rushed marriages last any less time than those of couples that have already lived together for a couple of years? Is the length of engagement a relevant factor as well? [more inside]
posted by omnigut at 8:14 AM PST - 16 comments

Can you help me brainstorm ideas for small items to import for resale?

Can you help me brainstorm ideas for small items to import for resale? [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 7:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Prepare to hurtle through the cosmos!

Looking for the best non-Kennedy Space Center location to watch the STS-132 launch. [more inside]
posted by elizardbits at 7:46 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I get my old GarageBand files to open in the updated version of GarageBand?

I had a PowerBook G4, now I have a MacBook Pro. How do I get my old GarageBand files to open in the updated version of GarageBand? [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 7:27 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me find a Brooklyn nursing home for my grandfather

Help me find a Brooklyn nursing home for my grandfather. (asking for a friend) [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 7:27 AM PST - 4 comments

Suggest for me some SciFi short stories.

I'm looking for some Sci-fi to read, but I have some pretty specific requests: Short stories, bold endings. More inside. [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 7:20 AM PST - 31 comments

[About to be] just a small town girl, living in a lonely world!

Help a city/suburban gal feel content living in the sticks! [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 7:20 AM PST - 11 comments

Do Ikea Expedit shelves need wall mounting?

I have purchased four Expedite shelves from Ikea for my library. They all come with a wall mount fixture. The problem is I have baseboard so the shelves don't sit against the wall. I have also stacked two shelves on top of each other. They sort of look like these: So back to my question: Are they safe without being mounted to the wall or do I need to remove my baseboards and mount the shelves? I can mount the second shelves (the ones stacked above) because they rest against the wall. But do I really need to? I had regular shelves from Staples and they were fine i.e. they didn't tip over.
posted by alshain at 7:10 AM PST - 11 comments

“Weigh your… pancakes… move your… pancakes…”

Why are ATMs and similar machines (gas pumps, self-serve checkouts) so damn slow? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 6:56 AM PST - 34 comments

Blackberry PW Manager to iPhone PW App?

How can I automatically transfer my Blackberry Password Manager contents to my Windows laptop or iPhone 3Gs [more inside]
posted by thankyoumuchly at 6:48 AM PST - 3 comments

Does Crossover Office actually work?

Have you used CrossOver Linux (the Codeweavers version of Wine)? Does it work well with MS Office 2007? I've installed regular Wine and MS Word on my (Fedora 12) computer, and it works like crap. I was curious if the commercial version worked any better. Thanks. [more inside]
posted by bluefly at 6:39 AM PST - 10 comments

Squeal little puggy, squeal!

The brakes on our new (to us) Pug are squealing. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by sodium lights the horizon at 6:32 AM PST - 11 comments

Pimp My Bed

How can I make a very hard mattress softer without buying a new one? [more inside]
posted by kpht at 6:17 AM PST - 12 comments

Should I defer law school?

Should I defer law school? The aftermath of this question. [more inside]
posted by Sakura3210 at 5:43 AM PST - 19 comments

The death of a king

Thomas Mallory's La Morte D'Athur has a french spelling for its title. Was Mallory's story originally written in french, old french, or middle english, or something else. If it was written in middle english, as we suspect, why does it have a french title?
posted by Sparx at 5:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Google, what are you doing!?

Online searching has revealed that many many people hate the changes that Google has made to their page and I'M ONE OF THEM. HELP. [more inside]
posted by crazylegs at 5:12 AM PST - 18 comments

Seeking YA fiction about special-needs student

Seeking YA book - Main character is special-needs student enrolled in BOCES... [more inside]
posted by SillyShepherd at 5:09 AM PST - 8 comments

feeling guilty about a car purchase

I recently replaced my early nineties Honda Accord with a 2005 Infiniti G35. Now I'm having buyer's remorse - not because it's a bad car, because I've always bought cars for a utilitarian purpose and I'm thinking it's a bit more of a car than I need. [more inside]
posted by waylaid at 2:38 AM PST - 19 comments

Is it possible to track where a PDF file goes once in the wild?

How easy or possible is it to track when/where a PDF file is transmitted or opened once it goes out into the wild? [more inside]
posted by MuffinMan at 12:59 AM PST - 12 comments

Mystery molecule!

What's this molecule? An antibiotic of some kind, I think? I've tried Google'ing based on its IUPAC name, no luck.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 12:45 AM PST - 2 comments

I LOVE UMBRELLAS AND POPCORN!

Please help me find two of my favorite child lit books. [more inside]
posted by psylosyren at 12:41 AM PST - 8 comments

Six Feet Under and Falling

I watch tv on Netflix, so I'm always a bit behind. It's worth it - I love spending epic weekends with great tv. And I loved Six Feet Under ... for two seasons. I couldn't finish the third. Each disc would sit on my table for months. I finally threw in the towel. It was just too dull and monotonous. But I keep hearing how amazing the final season was. And so my question is, when does the series get good again? How far forward can I skip?
posted by kanewai at 12:27 AM PST - 24 comments

How do I install Android 2.1 on my HTC Hero?

Help me get an unofficial Android 2.1 ROM on to my HTC Hero. As an increasing number of Android apps now require version 2.1, and because HTC have dragged their heels so much about making an official update for the Hero available, I'm considering installing an unofficial ROM on my phone. Trouble is, I'm not entirely sure how to go about it. [more inside]
posted by chorltonmeateater at 12:08 AM PST - 13 comments

Un 'tasty meal' s'il vous plaît

Where is a good place in Paris for a solo dinner? [more inside]
posted by sien at 12:02 AM PST - 13 comments

May 6

Most phonemically diverse language?

What language has the most phonemes? [more inside]
posted by holterbarbour at 11:14 PM PST - 6 comments

Leash-crazy dog

How do I get my 5 month old puppy dog to stop biting her leash? [more inside]
posted by malhouse at 9:08 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me understand Walden

What is Thoreau saying in this sentence from Walden? [more inside]
posted by Suciu at 9:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Fix my weird Firefox scrolling issue?

Ugh. My cat walked on my keyboard and now Firefox scrolls funny. Can you fix it? [more inside]
posted by jinjo at 8:29 PM PST - 4 comments

Should this be a chargeback or a small claims suit?

Should this be a chargeback or a small claims suit? [more inside]
posted by jeff1010 at 7:55 PM PST - 8 comments

Teaching grad school AND K-12? Possible?

Looking for some advice on possible career vectors. I wonder if there are any positions available where you can teach or work with a combination of college/graduate students and K-12 students, teaching research/information literacy and other skills? [more inside]
posted by eleanna at 7:31 PM PST - 13 comments

New monitor, looks poopie.

My beautiful CRT finally died today. The replacement LCD is NOT plug and play. Help! [more inside]
posted by Marky at 7:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Jiminy Jillickers, will my friend develop superpowers?

How long after you get irradiated does it take to develop superpowers? [more inside]
posted by Cody's Keeper at 7:27 PM PST - 19 comments

I wish I had enough time to see the Smithsonian.

Twofold question: I have a 4 hour train layover at Union Station in Washington DC Saturday morning. What can I do while I'm there and how can I do it? [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:25 PM PST - 19 comments

Love it, want it: Phantom Techno Piece

MusicFilter: Techno version of Phantom of the Opera, please? [more inside]
posted by Ys at 7:19 PM PST - 6 comments

Help Me Prep for a Rally For California Education!

I'm going to participate in my first protest/rally here in San Diego with local teachers to make a statement about California's educational budget cuts. I need help with my signage...more inside... [more inside]
posted by snsranch at 7:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Questions about a Canadian taking a Post-Doc in Orlando

I was offered a post-doc position in Orlando, Florida today (yay!). As the fantasy of employment after a PhD becomes a (potential) reality, I'm overwhelmed with figuring out what I would need to do and the associated expenses will be required for me take this position. Those who have tread before me, please help steer me in the right directions. [more inside]
posted by gavia at 6:45 PM PST - 9 comments

What does "liberal" and "conservative" mean to you?

What does it mean to colloquially say "That city is so liberal" or "That school is so conservative"? [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 6:24 PM PST - 16 comments

How to set a better example for a controlled 10-year-old girl?

A friend's 10-year-old daughter is being controlled by her boyfriend (yes, the 10-year-old's boyfriend!). Crazy, I know. How can we help? [more inside]
posted by justonegirl at 6:23 PM PST - 63 comments

Is the magic supposed to disappear from life?

"When I was young, it seemed that life was so wonderful..." Help me get excited about the future. I'm watching the once-magical parts of the world turn into cold rationality, and I fear for my ability to enjoy life if this trend continues. [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 6:12 PM PST - 25 comments

I need a good backpack

I'm looking to get back into backpacking in a serious way, and right now I'm working on getting my gear together. I have reached the point where I want/need advice on a good backpack and have whittled the field down to three choices. So I need to choose wisely. [more inside]
posted by zombieApoc at 5:56 PM PST - 20 comments

"Oh my God. This is just...this is just...so...good...I can't...describe..."

Musicfilter: Looking for songs that elicited one of two reactions from you. [more inside]
posted by mreleganza at 5:25 PM PST - 110 comments

What is the best way to find a new home for adult cats?

You have a friend with two well-behaved adult cats. He does not want the two cats any more. You want to give them to the Best Home Humanly Possible (not a rescue organization, ideally) and so far can't find any friends or family who can take them in. You posted your Craigslist ad with the adorable picture of them grooming each other, and now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:23 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me learn chess

What Mac, Linux or Web based resources are there out there to help me learn chess? [more inside]
posted by jontyjago at 5:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Amazon book sales tracking...

Amazon book sales tracking: are there any sales rank trackers that break down amazon sales by geographic location, not just countries but specific regions, i.e. states, zip codes, etc.?
posted by Mrs. Buck Turgidson at 4:51 PM PST - 1 comment

Hegel in Hollywood's Hands

Hegelians, gather round and join in the greatest waste of an AskMeFi question since the previous greatest one. Did Hegel leave us with two very important concepts or just the one? [more inside]
posted by bryon at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments

how to I become a shipping ninja?

I'm in a fairly new job where I'm preparing packages to be shipped, perhaps hundreds in a week. I hand them off to people who send them out via Fedex and US Mail, both domestic and international. I have to assess the best price to ship, get it packaged and hand it off. I'm getting blowback from not getting this right. What can I do to learn to be a shipping ninja? [more inside]
posted by diode at 4:21 PM PST - 14 comments

Are close, one-on-one, opposite-sex friendships a good idea?

Are close, one-on-one, opposite-sex friendships a good idea; or is the risk of one-sided romantic feelings and other problems too great? [more inside]
posted by dogcat at 4:21 PM PST - 34 comments

Help me be a guest on Restaurant Wars

How do you get to be a diner on Top Chef's restaurant wars? [more inside]
posted by Flamingo at 4:17 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm out of sorts. Help me find some sorts.

I don't work or go to school. I have no friends. I live with/off my parents. Interacting with people – especially people I don't know – makes me very nervous. It's been like this for years. How do I turn my life around? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:02 PM PST - 25 comments

Is it time to worry about a late crawler/walker?

ParentFilter: Is it time to worry about a late crawler/walker? [more inside]
posted by Joh at 3:49 PM PST - 23 comments

Non-Emergency Medical Transportation service in New York City

I'm looking for a Non-Emergency Medical Transportation service in New York City to take my 83-year-old father to appointments for radiation treatment. I've done some searching on the web, and based on some recent information, many of them seem to be a bit scammy. Does anyone know of a reputable service he could use? He's ambulatory, but moves slowly due to serious arthritis. [more inside]
posted by ljshapiro at 3:47 PM PST - 6 comments

It's the thought that counts?

NewbieLawyerFilter: I'm about to be called to the bar... what would be an appropriate gift to show my appreciation to my principals? [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 3:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me not let an A- ruin my day...

Help me not let an A- ruin my day... [more inside]
posted by amileighs at 3:32 PM PST - 26 comments

Can/should I use a different ssh keypair for each remote host?

How can I use a different ssh keypair for different remote hosts? (Or, alternatively: is this overkill?) [more inside]
posted by weston at 3:22 PM PST - 8 comments

Where can I learn more about cross domain or third-party JavaScript?

Where can I learn more about cross domain or third-party JavaScript? [more inside]
posted by pbh at 3:08 PM PST - 3 comments

How many hours of your workday do you actually spend working?

How many hours of your workday do you actually spend working? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 3:01 PM PST - 44 comments

You probably wanted the news, not the weather.

I spit when I talk. I think I spit more than other people. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:58 PM PST - 10 comments

Career change, grad school, debt, and you. I mean me.

I am a web developer with decent abilities but a growing frustration with the work. I have identified an area that I would like to pursue - Human-Computer Interaction. I've been struggling with how to proceed with what seems like the inevitable next step in my working life and I'm hoping MeFi can be my surrogate mentor. I'd like to ask anon for employer-related reasons, which means more information than you may require inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:58 PM PST - 4 comments

Where to find a timed bell for a factory?

Where to find a timed bell for a factory? [more inside]
posted by colecovizion at 2:42 PM PST - 4 comments

Who's the big enigmatic private dick who's a puzzle machine to all the chicks?

According to this PDF (previously on the Blue), in 1934, Martin Gardner said in an interview that (prior to himself) the only puzzle collector he'd ever heard of was fictitious, a detective character "in a series of short stories that ran many years ago in one of the popular mystery magazines." Who was the character (and author)? [more inside]
posted by Zed at 2:35 PM PST - 9 comments

Houston art car parade?

Houston art car parade- how to? [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 2:32 PM PST - 4 comments

Stuck on vinyl.

I need a crash course in ordering large (2'x4' or larger) vinyl decals for outdoor display. [more inside]
posted by SamuelF at 2:30 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me save an old CD drive!

HELP! Is it possible to repair/replace the spindle-hub in my Plextor CD drive? [more inside]
posted by peewinkle at 2:15 PM PST - 10 comments

Is physical strength required to pull an aeroplane out of a nose dive?

Is physical strength required to pull an aeroplane out of a nose dive? [more inside]
posted by beniamino at 2:09 PM PST - 10 comments

Suit or sport coat?

What to wear to a $75/plate charity dinner/event? (Male.) [more inside]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 2:08 PM PST - 12 comments

Stinky Shampoo Stinks

What is the best way to mask the smell of all of those stinky shampoos for psoriasis/eczema/seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff/etc? [more inside]
posted by amylicious at 1:57 PM PST - 13 comments

Is there an easy, automated way to receive PDF's of financial statements (bank statement, credit card bill, etc)?

Is there an easy, automated way to receive PDF's of financial statements (bank statement, credit card bill, etc)? [more inside]
posted by stilly at 1:47 PM PST - 6 comments

Need cheaper drugs!

My prescription drug costs are $700 every quarter. I'm looking for an online pharmacy (based in Canada) that will fill my prescription at a more reasonable cost. I have tried PharmacyRxWorld.com (based here in Toronto) but they won't sell to me, because I live in Canada! [more inside]
posted by HarrysDad at 1:47 PM PST - 11 comments

ugly pic, no date

Why do so many men put terrible pictures up on Match.com, and how can I keep from being their female equivalent? How do I select a photo that looks like me, but isn't ugly? [more inside]
posted by yarly at 1:22 PM PST - 35 comments

What was the price of posting to Craigslist "erotic services" before the May 2009 switch to "adult services"?

I am an academic economist who studies the economics of underground markets, particularly methamphetamine markets and (separately) commercial sex markets in the United States. One of the things I'm currently studying is various aspects of Craigslist's entry into the commercial sex markets in US cities over time. In November of 2008, Craigslist adopted a new rule that required everyone to pay $5-10 per advertisement posted to their "erotic services" section. This article supports this claim: [more inside]
posted by scunning at 1:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me get back my life.

How do I ask for a prescription for Klonopin without sounding like a drug addict? I was on it five years ago, and need to get back on it for crippling anxiety. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:55 PM PST - 16 comments

Achieving minimal maintenance on a web site with a database backend

What are some good practices for making a website with a database backend easy to maintain? [more inside]
posted by millions of peaches at 12:55 PM PST - 11 comments

Broken TV stuck to wall, send help.

My tv broke. How can I replace it and not spend much? [more inside]
posted by ehamiter at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments

Smartphones improve Cell Reception?

cell phones-- is reception related to the phone itself (I'm assuming the antenna/transmitter within the phone?) or only the physical location of the caller? Help me pick a smartphone & carrier please! [more inside]
posted by travertina at 12:34 PM PST - 6 comments

ET, Loan Home

Buying a house before starting a new job? [more inside]
posted by MsMolly at 12:31 PM PST - 11 comments

How to clean residue off lcd screen?

Somebody apparently tried to clean my laptop's screen with something inappropriate, and the result is something of a very thin, marbled film across the entire thing. How can I get this crap off my screen? [more inside]
posted by dvrcthewrld at 12:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Boyfriend not interested

How to talk to my partner about sexual fantasies when he’s avoiding the subject? (Kinda NSFW, I guess?) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:16 PM PST - 31 comments

Dupe Freezes Windows Mail

Windows Mail opens two identical windows and freezes. Why? [more inside]
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 12:16 PM PST - 2 comments

Who decided dancing until 3:00 am was not good enough?

I'm interested in learning more about the origins of all-night dance clubs and parties, the type of which are now standard practice in most underground nightclubs in Europe and in some bigger cities in North America. Can any one particular scene (dance music or otherwise) be credited for developing the idea of dancing through the night and into the next morning? [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 11:56 AM PST - 13 comments

Show me the (foreign) money!

What's the best way to get my hands on foreign currency from the around the world and especially from pre-Euro times/countries. [more inside]
posted by FlamingBore at 11:36 AM PST - 8 comments

What to wear?

I just received an invitation to interview at a large software company. The invitation specified a dress code, can you help me parse it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:12 AM PST - 38 comments

Do I have bugs? How can I tell? What should I do?

Something is biting me. I think it might be bedbugs. But last time I thought I had bedbugs it turned out to be something else entirely. So, how can I figure out for sure what it is? What precautions should I take? And, perhaps more importantly, how do I notify my roommates in a timely fashion without unnecessarily freaking them out if it turns out to be a non-problem? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:12 AM PST - 9 comments

How can I change the SMS alert tones on my iPhone?

How can I change the SMS alert tones on my iPhone? [more inside]
posted by prior at 11:12 AM PST - 12 comments

Nonfiction for hipsters?

Good non-fiction books similar to Sarah Vowell? [more inside]
posted by hilaritas at 11:03 AM PST - 19 comments

Spreadsheet software app for iPhone/iTouch recommendation needed.

I am very disappointed with the way Google Docs Spreadsheet works on my iTouch; it's virtually useless because of it's rendition of the SS and poor editability. Any recommendations for replacement apps or work arounds?
posted by Rad_Boy at 10:55 AM PST - 4 comments

How to deal with giving up a beloved pet?

Help me deal with having to give up one of my dogs... [more inside]
posted by unlucky.lisp at 10:41 AM PST - 14 comments

Something something quantified self something something

Hello MeFites. Lately, I've become interested in the idea of "Quantified Self", essentially, self tracking. A diary of daily events, such as when I woke up, how much coffee I've had, my productivity level and so forth. I'd like to collect some of this data to see if I can deduce some patterns. Maybe when I drink coffee, I go to bed later, and I'm not as productive for example. To achieve this, I think I need a piece of software. [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 10:31 AM PST - 13 comments

I think they hate me?

I am always suspecting that people secretly hate me, or they are secretly mad at me, or they are generally acting towards me in ways that conceal their inner (potentially manipulative) emotions. What could cause this, and how do I stop? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:27 AM PST - 28 comments

How to move past feeling like a shitty teacher

I feel awful. I adjusted my grading practices and now I have all these emails from angry students. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:27 AM PST - 65 comments

Why it is easier to switch to a Mac than from one.

I have a large number of iWork Pages files that I would like to convert to MS Word format. Is there a way to do this that is easier/more expedient than opening each one individually in Pages and saving it as a Word file? [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 10:23 AM PST - 7 comments

He wants a break, and my world is falling apart.

About handling a relationship "break". [more inside]
posted by Everydayville at 10:13 AM PST - 37 comments

This should not be slow.

MySQL issue: Even though my desktop should blow my server away hardware wise, it's struggling for some unknown reason on a set of similar queries suddenly, where it didn't before. Details inside: [more inside]
posted by nerhael at 10:13 AM PST - 10 comments

A place to call a reasonably priced hotel in Toronto.

Toronto hotels filter: I'm coming to Toronto at the end of the month for a week and need to find a (very?) nice hotel no more than two blocks away from Bloor Street (at about Yonge or so - I think the area is called Yorkville but I'm not sure) at a reasonable price. We're two adults, one shopping and one working, and one baby and the prices we've found so far are quite insane ($500+ per night). Thanks!
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 10:13 AM PST - 10 comments

Don't Panic!!!

I have my doctoral oral examination in 2 weeks and I am really freaking out. Please help! [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 9:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Banzai Daniel-san! Banzai!

I want a Bonsai Tree. Where do I go to find the best information on care and feeding of these little gems? And is there somewhere online I can order one from? [more inside]
posted by TooFewShoes at 9:46 AM PST - 11 comments

Good, cheapish headphone recommendations please!

A simple question that has led me down many dead ends: what cheap-ish headphones would you recommend for someone (in the UK) who primarily wants to listen to music and recorded songs? [more inside]
posted by jhighmore at 9:45 AM PST - 13 comments

You already got my leg, you want my arm too?

I'm scheduled for major surgery. Fortunately, I have insurance. Unfortunately, I don't understand it. What's this really going to cost me? What does it mean for my other medical expenses for the rest of the year, both routine and emergency? [more inside]
posted by acorncup at 9:36 AM PST - 10 comments

In need of old fashioned, unassuming recipe books!

In need of old fashioned, unassuming recipe books! [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 9:21 AM PST - 30 comments

West in our West

Help us plan our road trip out West [more inside]
posted by bluefrog at 9:18 AM PST - 8 comments

What are the hidden gems in Pittsburgh near Pitt?

I'm moving to Pittsburgh to start graduate work at Pitt in a few weeks and I'm looking for the hidden gems of the city near where I'm living. [more inside]
posted by stevechemist at 8:42 AM PST - 27 comments

Suggestions for Backpacking in the Cache Creek Wilderness Area in Northern California?

Suggestions for a weekend backpacking trip to the Cache Creek Wilderness Area in Northern California? [more inside]
posted by fdhidalgo at 8:38 AM PST - 2 comments

Should I pay off my student loans in full now while I have the cash to do so?

Should I pay off my student loans in full now while I have the cash to do so? Are there any potential downsides to doing this? [more inside]
posted by jjno at 8:36 AM PST - 25 comments

Brainstorming the creative potential of a certain device.

Making the most out of an iPad for creative/business use-- help me see its true potential. [more inside]
posted by actionpact at 8:31 AM PST - 17 comments

reformatting post by e-mail entries in wordpress

Technical Wordpress question. I want to post machine-generated e-mails to a Wordpress blog via e-mail, and reformat them before they go live. [more inside]
posted by adamrice at 8:21 AM PST - 2 comments

Unlock iphone 3G with firmware 3.1.3?

Unlock iphone 3G with firmware 3.1.3 or downgrade to 3.1.2? [more inside]
posted by jassi at 8:16 AM PST - 3 comments

The Theory of Knowledge over Time

Is there a theory or law (formal or otherwise) that postulates that given enough time, "truth" or "knowledge" is more likely to be understood? [more inside]
posted by verevi at 8:13 AM PST - 8 comments

Apple II's/Mac's and unusual accessories. Collectors or those in the know: Recycle or internet gold?

Apple II's/Mac's and unusual accessories. Collectors or those in the know: Recycle or internet gold? [more inside]
posted by sisquoc15 at 8:11 AM PST - 10 comments

Help make these 14-yr-olds worldy!

What are some short questions that will assess 9th graders' knowledge on differences in culture? [more inside]
posted by robstercraw at 8:05 AM PST - 16 comments

Origins of the term "teabag party" and/or "teabaggers"?

Help me find an interview or article that quotes someone from the Tea Party movement calling themselves the "teabag party" or "teabaggers". I would also accept a Tea Party website that has an old page using those terms. [more inside]
posted by Librarygeek at 8:01 AM PST - 20 comments

Driven crazy by telemarketers

My cell phone has been exploding with calls from Indian pharmacy telemarketers in the past couple days -- as in, upwards of 20 calls a day. The numbers are all either "Unavailable" or "000-000-0000." I've asked a few of them to take me off their lists but, as expected, that was totally ineffectual. Do I have any recourse but to change my number if this keeps up?
posted by decoherence at 7:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Does Lady Gaga do her own grocery shopping?

What day-to-day things change when one becomes a celebrity? [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 7:51 AM PST - 34 comments

original quote

QuoteFilter: Who is the original source of the quote "If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention"?
posted by esnyder at 7:51 AM PST - 4 comments

What are the legal implications of a liability release?

What are the legal implications of a liability release? Specifically, my daughter will be attending a park summer camp as she has for the last few years. One thing that has always stuck in my craw is the liability language in the release form; specifically the bolded: [more inside]
posted by Kskomsvold at 7:18 AM PST - 13 comments

Bat House Filter

Bat House Filter: Can I install a swallow house on the same pole as where my bathouse is installed? [more inside]
posted by jek at 7:04 AM PST - 4 comments

That Blacklight Sound.

Electric Day-Glo Acid Music? Looking for songs that invoke a feeling of hot pink and neon fantasia that isn't largely electronic (analog synth is oky. Moody is okay but upbeat preferred. Bonus points for songs that reference color in the lyrics.
posted by The Whelk at 6:36 AM PST - 36 comments

Please help me help someone else to help someone else.

Sending cash to Cuba from Canada, with limitations-- help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:14 AM PST - 4 comments

Please help us plan our move.

Please help us complete a cross-country move efficiently and cheaply. How? Keep the cars? Keep the stuff? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:14 AM PST - 29 comments

Where to find a teaching jon in Texas?

Elementary teaching in Texas: where is the most likely place to find a job? [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 5:41 AM PST - 15 comments

How to be a not-horrible boss?

I really, really dislike bosses, managers, and supervisors. All of them. And I think it’s impeding my career, because I am about to become one, and I don’t know how to act. [more inside]
posted by Wroksie at 5:30 AM PST - 22 comments

I want to watch this part of this episode of The Simpsons. Where can I find it?

Where can I find a copy of Citizen Kang (part of The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror VII) by 10pm tonight? Streaming will be fine, TV-resolution preferred. I'm in the UK. [more inside]
posted by Cantdosleepy at 5:27 AM PST - 7 comments

Because on top of everything, I need a heaping helping of rejection.

How do I tell the guy I'm dating that I had a mastectomy in March and a hysterectomy in October? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:11 AM PST - 12 comments

Flying while pregnant?

Is it unreasonable to expect someone who is 2-3 months pregnant to fly? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:11 AM PST - 31 comments

How do I get off journalism's sinking ship?

Get me out of journalism. Please. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:11 AM PST - 11 comments

Where have all the boxes gone?

Where can I find these blank game boxes in the US? [more inside]
posted by Jezztek at 3:01 AM PST - 5 comments

Are there cheap hot plates with precise controls?

Is there a hot plate or other portable cooking product with precise controls that I can set to an exact temperature, but doesn't cost an arm and a leg? [more inside]
posted by Menthol at 1:55 AM PST - 4 comments

May 5

college is ending and the real world is closing in

I'm about to graduate college. I am torn between computer science and the arts. What should I do next? [more inside]
posted by 200burritos at 11:55 PM PST - 34 comments

Ham not Spam

Best way to promote a video or short film online? [more inside]
posted by sycophant at 11:09 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me mistranslate things with remarkable efficiency! (Please.)

I fell in love with the goofiness inspired by this thread about computer speech recognition on the blue, and I was wondering if there was a way to produce these things more easily, without using, um, my brain. [more inside]
posted by gern at 10:45 PM PST - 6 comments

Finding affordable professional liability insurance for independent consultants?

I have some upcoming consulting work (report preparation, technical writing, some systems architecture -- all for work related to a planning grant), and a large research university is handling the contract. In filling out the institution's "supplier information form," they requested information about liability insurance. I don't quite know where to start in following up on this, so I suppose I'm looking for recommendations about affordable options from currently insured independent consultants doing similar work. [more inside]
posted by anarchivist at 10:07 PM PST - 3 comments

Looks like I'll be eating my hat...

It seems likely that I will be literally made to eat a hat, sometime in the next week. How can I do this in a clever way that is (a) feasible; (b) funny? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:19 PM PST - 52 comments

Help me pick a phone that isn't an iPhone...but is kinda like an iPhone.

My boyfriend wants a smartphone for his birthday, but he doesn't know which one. Can you recommend one, based on the criteria inside the fold? [more inside]
posted by lwb at 9:11 PM PST - 24 comments

What to see and buy in Oslo

I have about 10 hours spare in Oslo as part of my itineray for my friends wedding. What should I see in Oslo in that time? Also, I want to buy a present for my awesome wife who is letting me go, and who I will miss terribly while there. Any recommendations for some Norwegian presents for her? [more inside]
posted by Admira at 9:04 PM PST - 9 comments

Tax question re net loss carry forward

If one lives in State A and sustains a business loss and has an eligible net carry loss forward that will run over several years, and then one moves to State B the next year after the year in which the loss is sustained, is it accurate that none of the net carry loss forward can be used in State B, eg although one still retains the benefit for federal tax purposes, moving to another state effectively loses the opportunity to use the net loss carry forward for state tax purposes since you're now living in a state in which the loss was not originally incurred?
posted by shoe478 at 8:35 PM PST - 1 comment

What are some dishes, recipes, and foods that use up condiments?

So many condiments, so little normal food: Please help me clear my kitchen of all my condiments. I'm looking for recipes, dishes, meals, etc. that feature one or more condiments, so I can use them up. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 8:10 PM PST - 26 comments

I needed a new stereo anyways...

Twofold question: Is it possible to directly connect my ipod to the stereo wiring in my car? And how common is it to break into a car by forcing/punching the lock cylinder into the door panel? [more inside]
posted by shinyshiny at 8:07 PM PST - 9 comments

Why are NY subways so annoying?

Why are New York subways so infuriating? --Frustrated Subway Traveler [more inside]
posted by shivohum at 8:01 PM PST - 20 comments

Nice, but not cringe-inducing expensive restaurant in L.A.?

Help me find a restaurant in Los Angeles for an upcoming birthday dinner! [more inside]
posted by corey flood at 7:54 PM PST - 8 comments

Semi-romantic lodging on the Oregon Coast?

Great, semi-romantic lodging *anywhere* on the Oregon Coast? [more inside]
posted by ibechase at 7:42 PM PST - 13 comments

"Hello, Pope Is Dead" clip?

Are there any clips preserved on the Internet of the "Hello, Pope is dead!" announcement which was transmitted during a live TV broadcast a few years back? [more inside]
posted by fogster at 7:37 PM PST - 4 comments

Wiring multiple quartz clocks together?

I'm an artist trying to wire 30 quartz clock mechanisms together so that they run off a single power strip. They each originally take 1 AA battery. I'm having trouble getting it to work. It's important that the clocks start simultaneously because the piece involves precisely planned movement. [more inside]
posted by davidriley at 7:17 PM PST - 18 comments

Mercury safety in a shop making neon tubes

Mercury safety in a sign shop making neon tubes... [more inside]
posted by buzzv at 7:09 PM PST - 5 comments

My brother came out. I'm gay too. This is a problem.

My brother just came out to me as being gay. I'm gay too. The problem here is that I'm clueless about how to deal with this. Also, I hate to say it, but my overwhelming feeling right now is sorrow. [more inside]
posted by Avenger at 7:05 PM PST - 24 comments

How do I fix the color on my smart board?

When I use my smart board to display what is on the computer monitor the colors are "off". [more inside]
posted by Flacka at 7:04 PM PST - 1 comment

Hard wearing handbag required

What sort of materials and construction should I be looking for for longevity of a handbag? Is a good full-grain leather handbag going to last a significant period of time? I have had a series of moderately (cheap?) priced leather handbags (Jag, Diana Ferrari). As quickly as I am pleased that I have found a bag that suits me, it seems to commence disintegration - not necessarily the leather itself, but all the non-leather trims quickly become ratty looking. [more inside]
posted by AnnaRat at 6:45 PM PST - 13 comments

Verifying the claim that the Best Fish Taco in Ensenada is actually in Los Feliz

I'm planning a roadtrip for my 30th birthday. Origin: Los Angeles. Destination: Seattle or Cabo? [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 6:17 PM PST - 12 comments

There must be something in the water

Does the phrase "there must be something in the water" predate The Stepford Wives? [more inside]
posted by donajo at 5:53 PM PST - 12 comments

You are not my therapist but...

Internal drama filter: I am moderately successful and very grateful for my life as it is. I have an awesome marriage and a beautiful home. I made it out of a fairly seriously abusive childhood with a pretty decent perspective and ways of coping EXCEPT..... [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 at 4:41 PM PST - 23 comments

Name My Company

What should I call my company? [more inside]
posted by croxpow at 4:25 PM PST - 8 comments

What's it like to have a seizure?

What's it like to have a seizure? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:04 PM PST - 20 comments

Underwear and a bite to eat

What are the best lingerie stores in Seattle and why? Also looking for good midpriced sit-down restaurants that aren't chains, within walking distance of the lingerie store.
posted by anonymous at 4:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Alcohol doesn't solve your problems, it compounds them.

My mother is depressed, and I suspect she's abusing alcohol. I'm doing the best I can, but looking for suggestions as to what I should actually be doing to help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Why do people become gynecologists?

Why do people become gynecologists? I don't understand why gynecologists go into their profession. They look at women's vaginas all day. How do they explain that one to family and friends? Do they brag about it? Are they embarrassed? Why don't they go into a more respectable branch of their profession, like a surgeon or a family doctor? Why would they specifically choose gynecology?
posted by abbat at 3:52 PM PST - 102 comments

How can I share a printer from two different Airport Extreme networks?

I have two Airport Extreme networks. One is connected to a cable modem and is used for family activities such as web browsing and Netflix/Roku access. The other Airport Extreme is connected to DSL and is used in my home office for work related tasks. How can I share an ethernet-ready printer between both networks? [more inside]
posted by fjb at 2:40 PM PST - 7 comments

Short Lain Translation, Please?

NotHomeworkFilter: I am looking for a Latin translation of the following sentence: "It always rains where we live". "It always rains on our home " would work, as well. I am designing a flag for a fictional country, and the above motto will appear on it.
posted by DWRoelands at 2:30 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me choose a name for my Etsy store.

Help me name my Etsy store. As far as words are concerned, I'm completely lacking in the creativity department and I look to you guys for help. [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte at 2:29 PM PST - 25 comments

It's kind of like a random encounter table but with more driving and fewer monsters.

Any ideas for randomly generating a road trip? [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 2:20 PM PST - 15 comments

Sign me, I hate insurance.

Is it reasonable to search for an alternate for private family health insurance to replace my corporate sponsored plan? What are decent alternatives in Wisconsin? [more inside]
posted by mcarthey at 2:17 PM PST - 8 comments

How to re-shelve a medicine cabinet?

The medicine cabinet in the bathroom of my new apartment is missing its internal shelves. This limits its usefulness pretty significantly. Any ideas where I could look for thin, lightweight shelves to replace the missing ones? [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg at 2:17 PM PST - 4 comments

I feel drawn back into depression, is it like an addiction

I feel drawn back into depression, is it like an addiction? Are people really happy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:11 PM PST - 20 comments

I'd like $250,00 plz.

Are we crazy to think that someone will give us a mortgage at an un-outrageous rate in this climate and considering our circumstances? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:11 PM PST - 12 comments

How can I rise above the level of the office bully?

I share an office with a bully, and things have come to a head. How do I keep cool and not resort to hollering? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:11 PM PST - 38 comments

Property management company withholds deposit (and charges extra) at insane homeowner's instruction. What now?

IKYANAL/IKYANML. But I would appreciate opinions from anyone who has dealt with a messy landlord situation like this, especially in Oregon. [more inside]
posted by subclub at 2:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me landscape without killing my dog!

We have some huge overgrown Holly bushes out back that we want to replace with something more manageable. Help us find something that won't kill our dog! [more inside]
posted by RobotNinja at 2:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Influences in Ariel Pink's "Round and Round"

What influences do you hear in Ariel Pink's "Round and Round"? Can you point me to more songs that sound like it? [more inside]
posted by naju at 1:44 PM PST - 6 comments

How do registrars figure out which students have met graduation requirements?

How do registrars figure out which students have met graduation requirements? My hypothesis: It's mostly a by-hand, labor-intensive process where: 1.) the student fills out appropriate paperwork 2.) taking it to a department head, college head (at a university), etc. 3.) a registrar checks it over [more inside]
posted by gregglind at 1:41 PM PST - 21 comments

Oh, what??

When did the word "what?" first appear as a repeated lyric in rap songs? [more inside]
posted by smilingtiger at 1:38 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to sit on the floor in style.

What are some good solutions for sitting comfortably while working on a surface that is coffee-table height? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse at 1:28 PM PST - 24 comments

install shield... :(

Install shield error! Can't install any programs! [more inside]
posted by Kudos at 1:27 PM PST - 7 comments

Thai Curry Pastes

Any good uses for Thai curry pastes, besides the usual red/yellow/green curry? [more inside]
posted by k. at 1:25 PM PST - 17 comments

How to start life-modelling in the UK?

UKfilter question: is starting life modelling the same here as it would be in the US? [more inside]
posted by kalimac at 1:05 PM PST - 2 comments

Multi-language web-site templating system?

What's a good system to use for working on a site that needs to be localized for two or more languages? [more inside]
posted by RobotHero at 12:47 PM PST - 10 comments

Cooking 101: Curriculum Ideas Please

What are some interesting and non-typical food/cooking/culinary workshops that you've attended? Looking for ideas different than the usual "Foods of [insert country]" and "Great Brunch Ideas." [more inside]
posted by webhund at 12:24 PM PST - 12 comments

Is the use of an HSA for a dental crown allowed?

Is the out-of-pocket cost for a new dental crown an acceptable expense for an HSA, if I already have dental insurance? If it is "denied" as an acceptable expense, what happens? [more inside]
posted by tckma at 12:22 PM PST - 9 comments

Who can connect my apartment to the building's phone box?

Rented a brand-new apartment, but it's not wired for the kind of phone and internet service we already transferred to the address. The result is that our phone line is active in the basement phone room, but someone has to connect that line to our 4th floor apartment. Every party is declining responsibility. Whose responsibility is it, and how much would it cost to get an outside electrician to do it? [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 12:11 PM PST - 25 comments

Help us plan our Europe roadtrip.

Requirements for travel on European highways (payment, etc.)? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 12:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Would being a patent agent be bad for working as an IP expert witness?

I am an academic and have an advanced degree in science and I am interested in doing work as an expert witness in intellectual property litigation. Would being a registered patent agent help or hurt me in pursing work in this area? [more inside]
posted by procrastination at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments

the sheep that never sleeps

Can I disconnect/modify the timer on my baby's Sleep Sheep so that it plays indefinitely? [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 11:33 AM PST - 9 comments

Need a new hair stylist somewhere between Watertown, MA and Lowell, MA.

Need a new hair stylist somewhere between Watertown, MA and Lowell, MA. [more inside]
posted by disaster77 at 11:31 AM PST - 3 comments

Linguistic Identity Crisis: A country girl divided by a common language.

I'm moving to the UK for the next three years and have some questions about my identity and language use. [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 11:27 AM PST - 41 comments

God is still about 73% angry with us.

"It's a myth that Noah's flood ever ended- two thirds of the world is still covered by it." Almost certainly a paraphrase on my part, but I can't find the original quote or its source. It probably came from a book about sailing- Meville? Slocum? Bueller?
posted by zap rowsdower at 11:25 AM PST - 2 comments

I need a telephone solution for client-side support

I need to dedicate individual phone numbers to each client, but want centralized control over where each individual phone number ends up ringing. It's not Google Voice I'm looking for, it's...? [more inside]
posted by GamblingBlues at 11:23 AM PST - 7 comments

Recommend a cleaning lady in Columbus, OH!

In search of an awesome cleaning lady in Columbus, OH. [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 11:08 AM PST - 3 comments

Graduate studies - now or later?

About to have a second bachelors, in embedded systems design. Graduate studies now, or later? [more inside]
posted by Horizontally a Champion at 10:49 AM PST - 5 comments

Lisa Simpson would know exactly what to do!

Help me better negotiate in the sale of a saxophone with surprising worth. [more inside]
posted by greekphilosophy at 10:46 AM PST - 14 comments

Do I have to give a salary history?

Interviews for a potential new job have gone well, but the process can't proceed unless I provide a salary history. I don't want to because I believe I'm underpaid and don't want that to affect the salary at a new job. [more inside]
posted by croatoan at 10:40 AM PST - 32 comments

Something fresh, for fresh chickpeas?

What recipes are best suited for fresh chickpeas? (aka garbanzo beans) [more inside]
posted by fontophilic at 10:29 AM PST - 13 comments

Mint Chocolate Chip, mmmmm.

What is it with New England and ice cream? I've heard it as a stereotype that loving ice cream (to the extent that it towers above other dessert options) is a defining feature of New England. Have you found that to be the case? Do other regions have defining desserts?
posted by dame at 10:22 AM PST - 107 comments

Where's a good spot to eat in central London tonight if I'm eating alone?

LondonSoloDiningFilter: Quick! I'm in London and my dinner date has bailed on me. Where's a good spot to eat in central London tonight if I'm eating alone? [more inside]
posted by girlgenius at 10:16 AM PST - 5 comments

What do "businessmen" really wear in London?

What do "Businessmen" really wear to work in London? Obviously, this will vary from company to company, industry to industry, but I'm looking at a week-long business trip to London, in the pharma industry, and I have no idea what to pack. [more inside]
posted by bluejayway at 10:13 AM PST - 10 comments

Where should we sleep?

Where should we stay for vacation in the Halifax area? PEI area? Please help us plan our last 1-child vacation (before #2 arrives). [more inside]
posted by rabidsegue at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments

Many plants, few square feet.

My backyard lawn is 18 by 27 feet. There is a 12 by 10 foot concrete area. There are two footlong garden boxes, 35 potted plants and 80+ seedlings in cups. [more inside]
posted by doteatop at 9:58 AM PST - 10 comments

Do I need to be trained?

Weight loss going good, workout not so much. With money tight, do we need a personal trainer? [more inside]
posted by arniec at 9:55 AM PST - 21 comments

Help me find this used games website!

I'm looking for a website that sells used videogames. It had a really interesting model and I can't find I site that does things the same way. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by The Devil Tesla at 9:46 AM PST - 12 comments

ClubbingFilter

What do 30-somethings wear to go out to a club in Las Vegas? [more inside]
posted by the_shrike at 9:46 AM PST - 7 comments

Lost Memories

Lost photo memory card, and photos were deleted from computer hard drive. They're on flickr, so I can order prints, but is there any way to get the digital images back? [more inside]
posted by odayoday at 9:40 AM PST - 5 comments

Supplements that work?

What workout supplements do you have experience with and have worked for you? Looking for strength/endurance supplements. [more inside]
posted by ShootTheMoon at 9:39 AM PST - 9 comments

Break ups before marriage - does it ever happen?

Breaking up before getting married - does it ever happen? [more inside]
posted by spaceandtime30 at 9:15 AM PST - 29 comments

Access database design help

I need to create an Access 2007 database to confirm tuition payments for students and I am not sure how to set up the tables. Details within. [more inside]
posted by jeather at 9:10 AM PST - 2 comments

Is this place in Philadelphia safe?

I'm about to move to Philadelphia and I'm looking for a place to live. I'll be renting. Can anyone tell me if this area (intersection inside) in University City is safe to move to? Area listed inside. [more inside]
posted by sociolibrarian at 9:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Not going digital, but...

Considering buying a negative scanner, and looking for recommendations. [more inside]
posted by JoanArkham at 8:58 AM PST - 15 comments

Kids, I can feel the spring coming up in my finger.

I fractured my right index finger about 9 months ago when a table-saw kicked a small square of plywood at high velocity into the end of the 'metacarpal' near the first joint. I taped it up and after about six weeks it felt basically normal. It is straight and I have full mobility however, with the coming of spring, it has started to ache, sometimes distractlingly so... so what's going on?
posted by ennui.bz at 8:52 AM PST - 10 comments

Can you reccomend me a good Excel 2007 Book?

Can you reccomend me a good Excel 2007 Book? I'm currently studying a foundation degree in Renwable Energy in the UK, and am struggling with Excel 2007. A general book would be handy, but the main topic I'm really struggling with is 'visual basic', so it would need to include detailed information on how to use that and the coding system of Excel. Can anyone reccomend a good book to get that would include information relative to that?
posted by sockpim at 8:52 AM PST - 9 comments

Where to stash 15 undergrads for 6 weeks? Camping is not an option.

Trying to locate housing for a group of 12-15 students working on a project in Evanston, Illinois between Aug 1st-Sept 15th. Need to think of some creative alternatives and I'm coming up short on creativity. [more inside]
posted by jeanmari at 8:43 AM PST - 9 comments

My mic is muffled on my Mac, how can I fix it?

My iMac built in mic sounds muffled again, after visiting a karaoke website. How can I correct this issue? The website was thekaraokechannel.com.
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 7:54 AM PST - 6 comments

Guilt over lost photo

I lost a photo and now I am wracked with guilt. How do I get over it? [more inside]
posted by Juicylicious at 7:25 AM PST - 10 comments

Definite symptoms of a hoarder?

Is my wife on the way to becoming a hoarder...or is she already there? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:19 AM PST - 56 comments

Help me deal with increased anxiety.

I've read a lot about anxiety and other mental issues on AskMeFi, I went and talked to my doctor about it. He's prescribed Cipralex for me, and I started taking it last week. I'm having a hard time with a side effect though. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:19 AM PST - 6 comments

I kissed my off-again boyfriend's roommate—what now?

I got drunk and kissed my on-again-off-again boyfriend's roommate. Help me salvage my relationship of nine years as best I can. (Special snowflake.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:18 AM PST - 16 comments

New York City area Union Printer?

The New York City-based non-profit I work for is looking for a new print shop for business cards, letterhead, and other normal print collateral. We'd prefer a local union printer. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by piro at 6:48 AM PST - 4 comments

Is my iPad protecting me from the non-commercial use of my own content?

Can I use an iPad for something I haven't purchased? Specifically, do the ebook apps only work on content I've bought or obtained through either Amazon or the iBookstore? [more inside]
posted by Toekneesan at 6:47 AM PST - 11 comments

Learning about Italy in the 1930s

Happily defying the basic convention of "write what you know," I'm working on a long piece of fiction about Italy in the 1930s. Predictably, I need to know more. Help! [more inside]
posted by entropone at 6:46 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I put my bobbin case back in my Singer 403A?

How do I put the bobbin case back in my Singer 403A? [more inside]
posted by Ylajali at 6:31 AM PST - 1 comment

How to initiate love making?

nsfw: how can i be more dominant in bed? i don't mean violent/aggressive. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:23 AM PST - 7 comments

Tab A in ... uh ...

My long-term partner and I are both exclusive tops, and to make matters worse, I used to bottom but am now pretty close to stone. Help a stone top re-learn how to be ok with bottoming. (Conceivably NSFW) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:22 AM PST - 2 comments

How to prevent queefing?

How to prevent air from entering my vagina during rear-entry sex? (NSFW, obvs.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:22 AM PST - 5 comments

MLB.com recap videos in my RSS reader?

I can't catch every local baseball game, so I really love the MLB.com recap videos. Is there any way I can get them in my RSS feed? [more inside]
posted by Plutor at 6:11 AM PST - 4 comments

Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool.

The time has come to leave my job and go back to school. What should I expect? How did you deal with going from work back to school? [more inside]
posted by charmcityblues at 5:33 AM PST - 4 comments

LCD Monitors with an Elegant Rear

Are there any LCD monitors still being made these days with a clean & elegant rear? [more inside]
posted by gttommy at 3:59 AM PST - 7 comments

Pack recommendations for a two-week backpacking trip?

I'm going to be backpacking around the EU for a couple weeks. I've got my trip all planned out, but I lack one thing: a good backpack! I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for a backpack. List of criteria inside: [more inside]
posted by -1 at 3:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Who should get the job painting my house?

I'm having my 200 year old house in New England repainted, and some significant carpentry work done, mainly to replace wood that has rotted. I have narrowed several bids for this job down to two. How do I decide which bid to accept? This is a very big job, is going to cost a significant amount of money (five figures), and will have a very large impact on the value and integrity of the house, especially if its done wrong. The job is complicated by flaking, alligatory lead paint on many parts of the house, which will require special handling. [more inside]
posted by mneekadon at 3:31 AM PST - 19 comments

The Go Go's Had it Right: "Vacation, Had to Get Away!"

Where to spend a tranquil beachfront week in July (coming from Rocky Mount, NC)? [more inside]
posted by dzaz at 3:06 AM PST - 10 comments

How to spend 10 hrs in tokyo

I have a 10hr layover in Narita airport on Tuesday, May 11, from 8am to 6pm. Ideas for interesting things to do? 20 and female here if that's a factor.
posted by Xianny at 2:30 AM PST - 8 comments

Irish Songbook

I'd like to sing some good Irish songs with a bunch of kids (I play the guitar) to have them learn something about Irish culture. Could you point at some meaningful, beautiful, traditional Irish songs ? (Tabs, melody, lyrics and background resources welcomed).
posted by nicolin at 1:41 AM PST - 11 comments

Write a history thesis or learn Chinese?

Should I major in history or learn Chinese? [more inside]
posted by flawsekno at 12:31 AM PST - 37 comments

May 4

Making icecubes.

Should I use warm or cool water when I fill an ice cube tray to freeze? [more inside]
posted by Kilovolt at 11:39 PM PST - 22 comments

Tell me true stories of the intentionally famous

Help me find true stories of the intentionally famous -- who are they and how did they get there? [more inside]
posted by metametababe at 11:01 PM PST - 16 comments

What tools/methods make regular cleaning of hardwood floors quick and easy?

What tools/methods make cleaning hardwood floors a breeze on a regular basis? It's taking too much time and effort right now! [more inside]
posted by wannaknow at 10:50 PM PST - 22 comments

Best Breakfast in San Francisco. Go!

Best Breakfast in San Francisco. Go!
posted by exceptinsects at 10:04 PM PST - 32 comments

A child's thoughts on the death of his dog.

QuoteFilter: Looking for a quote about the death of a dog from the perspective of a small child I read a few months ago on these here interwebs, but I can't for the life of me remember where, and my google-fu is failing. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 9:32 PM PST - 5 comments

Chasing the white dog

Is there any place to buy raw whiskey in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by Felicity Rilke at 9:06 PM PST - 10 comments

Help my little boy sleep!

Help my little boy sleep! My 4 year old has never been a great sleeper, but this is ridiculous. [more inside]
posted by emjaybee at 9:02 PM PST - 23 comments

Beautiful summer socks for the indoor Oxford, UK, climate?

I have a vague idea about making a friend in the UK a birthday present of some hand-decorated (by me) socks. Where can I get some perfect, already-beautiful but understated, socks to enhance? What kind of socks would a feminine academic in Oxford, UK, find wonderful? Do you know your online sock options? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 7:55 PM PST - 13 comments

Searching for name of a radical yogi from the '70s?

Does anyone know the name of the radical yogi (O_ _ _) who said to follow your desire because repression leads to obsession? [more inside]
posted by melancholyplay at 7:38 PM PST - 3 comments

Stand up comedians

Please recommend some current stand-up comedians. [more inside]
posted by AceRock at 7:37 PM PST - 54 comments

Affordable summer archictural drafting courses in NYC?

Does anybody know of an entry level architectural drafting course or introduction to architecture course being given in New York City (or near NYC) during the summer for a reasonable price? [more inside]
posted by RobertFrost at 7:32 PM PST - 8 comments

What edition of Faust should I read?

What's a good translation of Goethe's Faust? Possibly with annotations or commentary?
posted by sonofslim at 7:10 PM PST - 5 comments

Calling all creative cats!

How can I keep our cats from jumping a 6 foot wood privacy fence? Is there a way to attractively do this? I have some ideas, but hate to waste the time and energy if the cats are going to get over anyway. Any thoughts? [more inside]
posted by murrey at 6:37 PM PST - 14 comments

Do I actually like the things I say I like?

How can I learn to not rely on critics? [more inside]
posted by lakerk at 6:36 PM PST - 19 comments

This is a thread-thread.

How do I measure the thread pitch of a mason jar? [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 6:34 PM PST - 6 comments

Will work for shelter!

Are there any off-the-cuff ways of finding a job and a place to stay that I'm missing? [more inside]
posted by biochemist at 6:15 PM PST - 33 comments

At least I didn't leave it to the last week

5k in 5 weeks for the physically unfit? [more inside]
posted by lizjohn at 6:12 PM PST - 13 comments

Thoughts on the North Park neighborhood of San Diego?

Any thoughts on the North Park neighborhood of San Diego? [more inside]
posted by xmutex at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments

I WILL rule Britannia, thanks very much.

UK Politick Filter: I want to be a candidate for Prime Minister in the next election. How do I do it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:59 PM PST - 15 comments

Condo Foreclosure

My wife and I own one unit in a large condominium complex. Four of the units were owned by a man who died earlier this year. Now his units are in foreclosure. How will this affect our property values? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:59 PM PST - 9 comments

Apophis game? Anyone?

Trying to remember the name of a game that dealt with you being a character in a world where Apophis struck and devastated the world. First person, I think. A Fallout 3-style of things if I remember decently.
posted by ZaneJ. at 5:48 PM PST - 2 comments

Can I use heavy machinery?

How hard is a backhoe loader to operate? [more inside]
posted by wilful at 5:13 PM PST - 19 comments

Help with iPhone recording applications

Which iPhone application is best at recording telephone conversations? [more inside]
posted by Lillitatiana at 4:57 PM PST - 10 comments

How to say "Cheap compost here" in Spanish?

Can you help me convey a gardening-related message to my Spanish-speaking downstairs neighbors? [more inside]
posted by mediareport at 4:27 PM PST - 12 comments

Is it harmful to leave my iPhone in the Sounddock all the time?

Will keeping my iPhone in the charger reduce the overall battery quality and life? [more inside]
posted by ptsampras14 at 4:15 PM PST - 9 comments

Swollen uvula=no diovan?

So, my uvula swelled up. Do I really have to stop taking Diovan? [more inside]
posted by doubtless at 3:36 PM PST - 4 comments

I want my fellow commuters to see my beautiful camera work.

How do I add m4v movies to my iphone from my work computer? [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon at 3:08 PM PST - 5 comments

How to support a friend whose spouse is in hospital?

I have a good friend who lives in a different city to me (a 8 hour-plus drive away from me.) His spouse is currently in hospital due to an unexpected episode of mental illness, and is not expected home again for several weeks. I want to provide both emotional and practical support to my friend, but I am limited in what I can do due to distance. What can I do to make my friends life easier and/or happier during this difficult and sad time? My friend is comfortable as far as medical bills and living expenses go (we live in Australia, which has free hospital care, so so the Government will be paying all the medical bills), but he is obviously very emotionally distressed by his wife's unexpected ill-health.
posted by anonymous at 2:48 PM PST - 9 comments

Please don't let me ask something inane...

Please help me formulate a great question (or two) for a panel on Afghanistan/Pakistan/Iraq! [more inside]
posted by HopperFan at 1:58 PM PST - 14 comments

trying to identify an Hermes scarf

Long shot: I bought an Hermes scarf about 20 years ago that I want to sell. I'm trying to figure out its name. It is of a large open book.
posted by Lizzle at 1:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Repair of cracked brass

I have a brass gas line manifold for a draft beer system that has developed a hairline crack. To fix it, I'm contemplating one of the following: (a) fill/wick with solder using a plumber's propane torch; (b) JB Weld epoxy; or (c) asking a friend to weld it (hi MrMoonPie!). Thoughts?
posted by exogenous at 1:36 PM PST - 17 comments

lack of sex with fiance

What should I do about the lack of sex with my fiance? [more inside]
posted by ljs30 at 1:33 PM PST - 51 comments

Scat, cat!

How can I best protect the baby birds in my backyard from a prowling neighborhood cat? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 12:58 PM PST - 26 comments

employer conflict

Employer uses email to distribute work schedules, all memos and notices. Most staff, me included, do not have company email accounts and take time to read and print emails at home off the clock. Supervisor emails a lot, sometimes 10-15 emails at a time, often several days a week. The work schedules come color coded, for her convenience, not mine and to print properly I need to buy color ink which otherwise I do not want or need. Question: is it proper for employer to require employees to use unpaid time to read, and have to pay out of pocket to maintain internet service, printer and paper and ink to receive the schedule, memos and administration information? If not, what can should one do about it?
posted by NorthCoastCafe at 12:49 PM PST - 35 comments

How to keep leather gloves looking nice?

My lovely leather gloves need to be put away for the spring. [more inside]
posted by pickypicky at 12:20 PM PST - 6 comments

Know anything about Cajun/Chinese fusion cuisine?

Cajun/Chinese fusion cooking? Anyone tried this or know anything about it? [more inside]
posted by jfwlucy at 12:12 PM PST - 16 comments

Transatlanticism

If you wanted kids and decided to have a serious relationship with someone who didn't want them (or vice versa), how did things work out? Did you regret it? [more inside]
posted by spinto at 11:55 AM PST - 32 comments

WHERE DO THEY DISCUSS QUIET COMPUTERS?

Where can I find a good article or discussion about quiet computers / quiet cooling fans? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 11:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Give me more 70s funk-soul

Suggest some 60s-70s funk-soul for a fan of Roy Ayers. Instrumental preferred but not necessary. [more inside]
posted by rubadub at 11:53 AM PST - 24 comments

Why invest in a company before a merger?

I'm curious about investor behavior with regards to merger announcements. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 11:44 AM PST - 11 comments

Footie For Me? For free?

Where can I watch live online streams of World Cup matches? Note: I am in Canada. [more inside]
posted by joelhunt at 11:39 AM PST - 8 comments

Make Vox work or recommend a new site?

I need a simple blog interface that ideally I could upload pictures and video to and only allow certain people to comment. [more inside]
posted by moosedogtoo at 11:38 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me set up a facebook fan page that is NOT tied to me.

How do I create Facebook fan pages that are NOT linked to my personal account? [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 11:35 AM PST - 8 comments

Closet component system similar to Ikea Stolmen?

Are there similar closet organizing systems to Ikea Stolmen? [more inside]
posted by yoga at 11:26 AM PST - 1 comment

NYC noob hopeful for honeymoon hotel help!

I'm planning a surprise New York City honeymoon for this summer and I'd like some advice as to where we should stay when we're there (and also any of your secret "must-do's") [more inside]
posted by davey_darling at 11:24 AM PST - 22 comments

Really, I want only the Not-So-Great Binoculars

Binoculars for watching birds on my feeder? What magnification is most appropriate for 30 feet? [more inside]
posted by dreamphone at 11:16 AM PST - 8 comments

How can I stream my music library to my iPhone?

How can I stream my music library to my iPhone? [more inside]
posted by criticman at 11:11 AM PST - 12 comments

Horrifying doll-house murder

What was this creepy old movie I watched as a kid? [more inside]
posted by diocletian at 11:06 AM PST - 5 comments

What is normal?

Statistics-filter: Two relatively (I think) simple statistics questions. [more inside]
posted by activitystory at 11:01 AM PST - 8 comments

Exile in FarmVille

Recommend a farm-themed simulation game. NOT THAT ONE. [more inside]
posted by trunk muffins at 10:42 AM PST - 24 comments

How do I get the best color on my printer

How do I get the widest possible range of colors on my Epson Stylus Pro 4880 printer? [more inside]
posted by ChloeMills at 10:34 AM PST - 10 comments

I want Facebook to only know about when I visit Facebook!

I want to block any Facebook/OpenGraphProtocol content ("like" buttons, javascript etc) from any website I visit, but I still want to be able to visit the Facebook site directly. How can I do that? [more inside]
posted by TheyCallItPeace at 10:05 AM PST - 17 comments

Why did so many (specifically) 80s computer games offer Afrikaans as a language option?

Why was Afrikaans so widely available as a language option in computer games of the late 80s and (maybe) the early 90s? [more inside]
posted by colinmarshall at 9:58 AM PST - 9 comments

"How old is your dog?"

"How old is your dog?" I recently adopted a pit bull. In the couple of weeks since she was adopted, I have had no less than 5 guys on the street ask how old she is. They always ask only that question, and have no further questions or comments or anything. What's up with that? Possibly related: I live in a part of DC where dog fighting happens.
posted by picapica at 9:51 AM PST - 26 comments

How do I legally loan my friend my car?

How can I loan/lease a car to a friend for a short period of time without being liable if he/she gets in an accident? [more inside]
posted by pianohands at 9:46 AM PST - 10 comments

I am 26 and want to continue my education

Is it too late to start college again at 26 years old? [more inside]
posted by annalem at 9:32 AM PST - 50 comments

What's wrong with "friend."

When, why, and how did "buddy" become the default word a certain type of guy uses to refer to his friends? [more inside]
posted by millipede at 9:23 AM PST - 33 comments

Seeking English words with meanings hidden in plain sight

Help me find English words that have meanings hidden in plain sight. For example, it only recently occurred to me that a "quart" is a quarter of a gallon. [more inside]
posted by alms at 9:22 AM PST - 145 comments

Bay Area Equivalents...

What Bay Area City Is Most Like Baltimore? Like New York Like Boston? Like Philadelphia? Like DC? [more inside]
posted by LudgerLassen at 8:59 AM PST - 40 comments

Pedestridance?

What is the word for the thing that happens when two people are walking toward each other from opposite sides of the lane and one goes left to let the other pass, but the second goes left too and then they both go right together and left again?
posted by Lucubrator at 8:57 AM PST - 16 comments

Locked in an Open Room

How can a wheelchair-bound lady get through doors with heavy springs? [more inside]
posted by Acari at 8:50 AM PST - 13 comments

Class of 2010, I'm sorry you have to listen to me talk ...

What to say at a graduation speech? Complication: It is the last class to graduate from this institution before it closes. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Montessori vs. Traditional classroom for very social child

Montessori vs. traditional kindergarten for an extremely social, spirited, yet sensitive child? [more inside]
posted by Ostara at 8:41 AM PST - 17 comments

Where can I find Firefly Vodka in New York?

Where can I find Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka in New York (especially near Union/Madison Sq Park)? [more inside]
posted by jamnbread at 8:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Is there a way I can get Seattle TV channels from DirecTV even though I live in the Portland, OR market?

Is there a way I can get Seattle TV channels from DirecTV even though I live in the Portland, OR market? [more inside]
posted by jorlando at 8:17 AM PST - 5 comments

Best method of recording spoken word on my computer?

Best method of recording high quality spoken poetry on my Macbook Pro? Not in performance, but with somebody reading, sat down with the mic in front of them. [more inside]
posted by humblepigeon at 7:55 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me land my dream job, part 2!

You may remember me from this question about getting my dream job at a nonproft. Well, the story hasn't ended! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 AM PST - 17 comments

Strategies for acute, embodied stress?

I recently received a diagnosis which I have every reason to think will end well. After getting the news, I quickly became lethargic and dyspeptic--gnarly food-burps and no appetite. I am pretty convinced this is a stress reaction. Nothing my fore-brain says is helping, much, and this lack of control over my body is new and unpleasant for me. What have you done in such situations that's helped? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 AM PST - 2 comments

The tax man's taken all my dough

Do higher rates of taxation for high-earners kill entrepreneurial spirit? [more inside]
posted by northerner at 7:02 AM PST - 34 comments

Based on a True Story (but not a major motion picture!)

Japanese Book Filter: Crime novel based on a true story about a gruesome murder involving women who worked in a factory [more inside]
posted by rtodd at 6:51 AM PST - 6 comments

Recommend Live Radio Shows

Does anyone have any suggestions to some live radio shows ala Live Wire Radio or Praire Home Companion ? [more inside]
posted by TuxHeDoh at 6:31 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me rid this school of Google Buzz

How do I keep students from abusing and bullying each other through Google Buzz while they're at school? [more inside]
posted by jehsom at 6:26 AM PST - 30 comments

I want to speak Spanish ... again ... while driving

Spanish was my minor in college (4 years high school + 3 years college) and I was able to speak pretty fluently for a non-native speaker. However, 12 years later and with little opportunity to speak Spanish, I find my skills are pretty bad. Though I can still speak Spanish I find I am very slow and need people to talk slowly. Also my Spanish reading skills are quite diminished. I remember a lot of vocabulary though my verb conjugation is pretty bad. I now find myself commuting 1.5 hours a day (each way) so I was thinking this might be a good time to bring my skills back up to par. How effective are "Learning Spanish" audio books from the viewpoint of someone who used to be able to speak fairly good Spanish (like me!)? Any recommendations? Thanks.
posted by mountainfrog at 6:25 AM PST - 9 comments

How much do you depend on your extended family? How much do they depend on you?

How much do you depend on your extended family? How much do they depend on you? [more inside]
posted by jtfowl0 at 6:03 AM PST - 28 comments

Blogging while bulletproof - well, bullet-resistant.

Are my security/safety precautions for my secret-ish blog reasonable? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:01 AM PST - 16 comments

How to verify/falsify PETA's claims?

How to verify/falsify PETA's claims? [more inside]
posted by Eiwalker at 5:13 AM PST - 22 comments

Why is my heart so audible?

Why does my heart, at rest, feel like it's about to jump out of my chest? [more inside]
posted by gadha at 5:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me identify this Australian university-set movie.

I saw this movie on TV at least 10 years ago, maybe more. The main character was a female university student. I think she had long dark hair. I THINK that the cast were primarily Australian, but not sure - probably American if not Australian. [more inside]
posted by Kirn at 4:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Fat is a fatherly issue

My father is getting lapband surgery. How do I be supportive when I'm scared shitless? [more inside]
posted by geek anachronism at 4:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Help with random iTunes "smart playlist"

How can I make an iTunes smart playlist with randomly selected songs including no repeats from any one artist? [more inside]
posted by tractorfeed at 4:34 AM PST - 7 comments

Arabian Farm Airport?

Why is the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport titled "Arabian Farm Airport" in Google Maps?
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 4:10 AM PST - 25 comments

Best portable projector?

Best portable projector? For traveling? By bike? [more inside]
posted by beerbajay at 3:41 AM PST - 3 comments

Diagnose my sick laptop?

Please explain to me exactly what is going wrong with my laptop, why doing a particular thing fixes it, and what I need to do to keep it from continually happening, or getting worse. [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 3:26 AM PST - 10 comments

You're a mean one, Mr Grinch

I am a whiner. I get easily irritated by things and complain a lot. It doesn't bother some people, but it bothers others who are close to me. I don't want to stress them out, so I'm asking for ways I can tone down that aspect of my personality so it doesn't alienate others. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 3:11 AM PST - 26 comments

A way to test the fat content of mince/ground beef at home?

Is there a way to test the fat content of mince/ground beef at home? i.e. (semi-)scientific procedure [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied at 2:53 AM PST - 29 comments

Need a fix for floury chowder

I've just made a big pot of chowder, but it tastes really floury - I presume I must have undercooked the roux. Can anyone suggest a way to rescue it? The best that googling can do is suggest I add something to mask the taste - any suggestions for what might work to do that?
posted by une_heure_pleine at 2:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Need heavy guitar intros for ringtones \m/

Looking for a short & sweet hard rock / punk / metal guitar intro to use as ringtone. Bonus points for non-4/4 time. [more inside]
posted by querty at 12:46 AM PST - 31 comments

Where can I find these great pants?

Looking for a very specific kind of men's pajama pants. Or, barring that, men's pajama pants recommendations. [more inside]
posted by Night_owl at 12:34 AM PST - 8 comments

what can I do to pass this course?

I'm in a bit of a bind for a physics midterm. The professor's notation is idiosyncratic to the point of incomprehensibility, he's gone far afield of the recommended textbook, and his posted lecture notes have only the math (not the physical insight). What can I do? Bonus: the exam is Wednesday morning. (long) [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang at 12:10 AM PST - 10 comments

May 3

Obscure music/video identification needed

Help me ID this (likely obscure) song from a half-remembered music video. [more inside]
posted by melissa may at 11:52 PM PST - 7 comments

Non-fluoro, 20th C World Map?

Help! I would like to do a jigsaw puzzle that has the side benefit of educating me about world geography. Where can I order a world map puzzle with an image that is neither c. 1600, nor cartoonish-looking in lurid colours? [more inside]
posted by Weng at 11:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Can you be a good sister to someone you don't like?

How do I be a good sister, when I don't like her? So much more inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:28 PM PST - 29 comments

Another file disappears into the ether.

Long-shot filter... recovery of an AbiWord file that has disappeared while being transferred to a flash drive? [more inside]
posted by Savannah at 11:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Hypothetically speaking...does this work on cops?

Hypothetically...on some police shows and movies, there are scenes where the police are questioning some person, usually a "known" crook. The crook is smart enough to not provide any info, but is coerced into being helpful, and instead of telling what he knows, insists that all the info he's providing is "hypothetical." e.g. "hypothetically, if so and so wanted to rob the bank, he would've done A, B, C." Does insisting that what you're saying is "hypothetical" really work in real life to stop law enforcement from using what you say against you?
posted by edjusted at 10:50 PM PST - 16 comments

She's Japanese, you see, and has magic powers over shadow and darkness.

Short and sweet: what's the best way to translate "girl of darkness" to Japanese as if it were someone's formal title? I need it romanized, not in katakana or hiragana. Thanks. [more inside]
posted by Caduceus at 10:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Flying the friendly (safe) skies..?

Is the TSA going to be relaxing security at airports? Help settle a disagreement.. [more inside]
posted by loquat at 10:40 PM PST - 13 comments

Finding my dream apartment (or close enough) in Somerville (or nearby) from a distance

Incoming Tufts grad student looking for lots of advice on long-distance apartment-hunting in Somerville/Cambridge area (or beyond?). [more inside]
posted by naoko at 10:37 PM PST - 19 comments

Playing the stock market... again

Is skype going public? [more inside]
posted by TheBones at 10:17 PM PST - 7 comments

How can we get California citrus back in New York?

How can we get California citrus back in New York? [more inside]
posted by Brian Puccio at 10:15 PM PST - 3 comments

Moving into an apartment with no lease?

Please offer advice regarding a bizarre rental situation--my prospective landlord wants me to sign as a cosigner rather than signing a lease. [more inside]
posted by dubitoergosum at 10:07 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I become a better writing tutor/coach for my coworkers?

How do I become a better writing tutor/coach for my coworkers? [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 9:47 PM PST - 7 comments

Statistics Filter: Help me determine whether I can predict B from A.

Teach me - like you would a second-grader - enough about statistics, correlation, and/or regression analysis to solve a specific problem. [more inside]
posted by aberrant at 9:00 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me mold our no tv life

I think I'm ready, I've done the research but I need support. Especially of the people who have done it before me. Will you give me Your best Tip and trick? I have young chIldren and they are going to be ....very troubled. [more inside]
posted by pearlybob at 8:58 PM PST - 30 comments

Movie ID filter: a schoolgirl and her teacher have an affair and plan a murder.

Please help me identify this Canadian film about a schoolgirl having an affair with her teacher. [more inside]
posted by janekate at 8:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Can I scrub a sea turtle too?

I want to take my Memorial Day weekend and use it to help with wildlife cleaning/rehabbing in the Gulf. Is this doable? [more inside]
posted by inmediasres at 8:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Access and Replication

Sharing an Access database among several small groups using replication. Doable? Am I on the right track? [more inside]
posted by Simon Barclay at 8:21 PM PST - 20 comments

Did I have a lame superpower?

Did I used to have a lame superpower? [more inside]
posted by WickedPissah at 8:05 PM PST - 12 comments

May Day Baskets?

Have you ever heard of giving "May Day baskets" in the US? [more inside]
posted by Morrigan at 7:47 PM PST - 52 comments

Know any sources for beni imo (purple sweet potato) powder or flakes?

Know any sources for beni imo (purple sweet potato) powder or flakes? [more inside]
posted by elder18 at 7:34 PM PST - 3 comments

Cambridge, MA Water Supply

Why does Cambridge, MA have a separate water system from the rest of the metro Boston area? [more inside]
posted by 6550 at 7:21 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me figure out this puzzle

I have in mind a particular sort of puzzle. The problem is, I don't know if it a physical puzzle or mathematical or something else. I can only describe the general concept and it feels like it's on the tip of my brain. [more inside]
posted by resiny at 7:04 PM PST - 8 comments

What to do in or near Asheville NC from May 19-24?

What to do in or near Asheville NC from May 19-24? [more inside]
posted by Kensational at 6:06 PM PST - 13 comments

Yes I said road trip and no we don't have a car

East Coast Road Trip!! Caveats: Medium amounts of luggage, and no car. [more inside]
posted by mokudekiru at 6:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Save me from Culture Shock!

Moving to a small town in NW Pennsylvania in a couple months. What the hell is there to do?! [more inside]
posted by Saxon Kane at 6:02 PM PST - 14 comments

What happens in EAP?

What happens when you go to EAP? (Or other low/no-cost therapy programs in Maryland.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:56 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm jealous of my friend's relationship.

My long-time single friend finally has a boyfriend. I'm jealous. How should I deal with that? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 PM PST - 25 comments

Could BP Oil Spill in The Gulf of Mexico result in Subsidence of Ocean Floor ?

Can anyone address the possibility/ likelihood of ocean floor subsidence in the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent continental shelves due to the rapid depressurization of pockets of hydrocarbons as a result of the BP Oil Disaster/ Spill? Will the ocean floor open up to allow sea water to fill the ever-growing vacuum/ void? [more inside]
posted by mickeefynn at 5:51 PM PST - 20 comments

Highly intelligent, highly sensitive, socially withdrawn child: is there a term for this?

Highly intelligent, highly sensitive, socially withdrawn child: is there a term for this? [more inside]
posted by ladypants at 5:07 PM PST - 36 comments

How do they figure out where the asteroids are going?

How much information is needed to calculate the orbit of, say, an asteroid or a comet? Is it a simple, automated process? [more inside]
posted by Jimbob at 5:02 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me rage in Charlotte!

Driving to Charlotte from Philadelphia this weekend, looking for things to do en route, and while in Charlotte. [more inside]
posted by fonzie at 4:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me brainstorm names for my brother and his wife's new real estate team!

Help me brainstorm names for my brother and his wife's new real estate team! [more inside]
posted by Sully at 4:38 PM PST - 10 comments

What films have identical or very similar shots?

What films have identical or very similar shots? [more inside]
posted by jonnyploy at 4:11 PM PST - 29 comments

Where do sunglasses come from?

Where is a good place to shop for a decent pair of sunglasses (specifically, in Chicago)? [more inside]
posted by gueneverey at 4:10 PM PST - 4 comments

laundry room etiquette

When using a shared laundry room if someone puts a basket with clothes and whatnot in front of the washer you are using do you have to let them have the next wash even if you are not finished with all of your laundry? What if your other loads are in the apartment and therefore not visible to the person? Is it even polite to set your basket down like that? What if there are very few washers? Or only one? I googled all around to try and find a satisfactory answer to this but I am not finding it, so I am asking for a collection of opinions!
posted by missmle at 4:07 PM PST - 34 comments

there's no clever title for a pet loss question.

Pet loss: how did you handle it? how did your pets? [more inside]
posted by itsacover at 3:52 PM PST - 24 comments

Re-used text in Zizek's How to Read Lacan

Which of his own books did Slavoj Zizek "cannibalize" when writing How to Read Lacan? [more inside]
posted by twirlip at 3:44 PM PST - 3 comments

Auto insurance company is being shady.

Auto insurance company is unfairly trying to charge multiple deductibles. What is the best approach for solving this problem? [more inside]
posted by rjacobs at 3:12 PM PST - 10 comments

This could hurt worse than the 40 Year Old Virgin

How to remove hair from a very sensitive spot? (Warning: TMI, NSFW) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me prepare for a young houseguest who might be a bedwetter.

Help me be an awesome aunt: how can I prepare for a young houseguest who might be a bedwetter? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 PM PST - 24 comments

Have toddler, will fly?

Have kid, will travel? Hey parents, what airline tips do you have for your toddler's first trip on a plane? [more inside]
posted by fijiwriter at 3:00 PM PST - 22 comments

How do I support my friend who is scheduled for an oophorectomy Friday?

How do I support my friend who is scheduled for an oophorectomy Friday? [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 2:55 PM PST - 18 comments

Question about life and grad school (or lack thereof)

Is a Masters degree necessary for success in life? [more inside]
posted by AndGee at 2:41 PM PST - 53 comments

How to make my electric guitar sound more electronic.

Help me make my electric guitar sound electronic. (Please dissect these Daft Punk and Justice songs with me.) [more inside]
posted by jalexc at 2:35 PM PST - 10 comments

What size iPod Touch for a 12-year-old?

iPod Touch for a 12-year-old: More memory, or more buying power? [more inside]
posted by ferociouskitty at 2:34 PM PST - 21 comments

Best way to give away free tickets to a very-NSFW play?

Best way to give away free tickets to a very-NSFW play? [more inside]
posted by nomisxid at 2:25 PM PST - 11 comments

Cell plans that work in Canada AND the US?

Is there a cell phone carrier in Canada who doesn't charge crazy $$ for calls to the US? [more inside]
posted by jezemars at 2:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Mediterranean holiday ideas...

So, my father, sister and I are planning a trip to Europe in mid-June. We need to work out quite where. I need to be able to fly in from London, the others to train or fly to wherever from Lyon. We need to go somewhere where we can stay for about 6 days, and there will be enough to entertain us there or in nearby town. I was wondering about Malta, my sister thought Genoa, my father thought St Tropez (our budget is not endless so perhaps not) Any suggestions?
posted by curious zoe at 2:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Best way to ship a home server overseas

What's the best way to go about shipping a home server overseas? [more inside]
posted by sun-el at 2:16 PM PST - 10 comments

How can I pass the URL of the current page to mailto?

Can I construct a mailto link that puts the URL of the current page in the message body? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 2:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Extremely Loud and Illuminated by the History of Love

I really enjoyed Nicole Krauss' The History of Love and both Jonathon Safran Foer novels. Can the hive mind recommend anything simliar for me to read?
posted by anoirmarie at 2:11 PM PST - 9 comments

Pimp this minivan!

Hubcaps that don't fall off? [more inside]
posted by toastchee at 2:11 PM PST - 6 comments

Villainy

Is Disney evil? [more inside]
posted by painquale at 1:56 PM PST - 36 comments

les newlyweds, eh?

What are some interesting, rural-ish places to honeymoon in Quebec? [more inside]
posted by RingerChopChop at 1:36 PM PST - 15 comments

Kidney stones and numbness in back?

I probably, but not definitely, passed a kidney stone at the hospital Wednesday night. Is that what's causing the numbness in my back? How long can I expect it to last? [more inside]
posted by amro at 12:57 PM PST - 10 comments

Wavy Bridge. No, not that one...

Does anyone recognize this bridge? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 12:51 PM PST - 13 comments

English words that don't travel well

We've asked about "untranslatable words" that "do not exist in the English language" or at least lack a "close English equivalent." But what are the words in English that defy easy translation? [more inside]
posted by Iridic at 12:34 PM PST - 73 comments

Teach me about my Stuttgart Taxicab!

Just bought a 77 Mercedes 240d - my first Diesel... What should I know? [more inside]
posted by stenseng at 12:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Once they pop, I can't stop

Constant pop-ups on Internet Explorer, even though Firefox is my default browser. Something's making them happen. How do I stop it? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 12:31 PM PST - 17 comments

Goetta in Portland!

Where can I find goetta in Portland, OR? (Cincinnati-style, I suppose, though I haven't tried Kentucky or other regional variants ever.) Premade sausage things, bulk, restaurant, etc. I've tried making it before, but it didn't quite turn out (not to mention the hours and hours of time investment isn't my cup of tea).
posted by Ky at 12:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Scanner for family photographs

Help me pick the right scanner for scanning family photos. [more inside]
posted by shamash at 12:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Why is the System process spiking to 50-100% of the CPU?

The "System" process on my work PC is intermittently causing the CPU utilization to spike to 50-100%, freezing the computer for a few seconds each time. Why, and is it fixable? [more inside]
posted by gemmy at 12:16 PM PST - 7 comments

Send my truck to truck heaven

Is there a CarMax equivalent in the Pacific Northwest? [more inside]
posted by zvs at 12:06 PM PST - 2 comments

First movie to feature "Kill me. Killll meeee..."?

In what film did this scene originate? The protagonist comes across a character that is suffering immensely. The character pleads, "Kill me. Killl meeee..." [more inside]
posted by puritycontrol at 12:06 PM PST - 35 comments

Flavours of the Indian Subcontinent

Help me understand the differences between Pakistani, North Indian and Hyderabadi (Indian) curry flavours. [more inside]
posted by xm at 11:47 AM PST - 7 comments

Proton + Photon = ???

We've all heard about what happens when an electron absorbs a photon (it jumps orbits) but what happens when a proton absorbs a photon? I googled it to no avail.
posted by enamon at 11:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Dateless and frustrated.

How do I make guys like me without compromising what I like about myself? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:23 AM PST - 33 comments

Where to buy red-blue 3-D glasses in NYC?

Where to buy red-blue 3-D glasses in NYC? [more inside]
posted by progosk at 11:19 AM PST - 4 comments

Familial assassinations in the "burnt-out forest."

Kindly provide me with real-life examples of dictators or tyrants whose family members have attempted assassination (preferably successfully). [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 11:07 AM PST - 15 comments

Why do guys wink at guys?

So I originally thought that winking was part of seduction... [more inside]
posted by PowerCat at 10:40 AM PST - 16 comments

Hoping for the best, expecting the worst.

What are the chances of someone with a 6 on the Glasgow coma scale waking up? Has anyone on here ever experienced a coma, or had a loved one in one? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:40 AM PST - 12 comments

Travel and return to the UK for non-British spouse without ICFN?

I'm a British native, and my partner is Asian - we've been married for some years (Asian more in the sense of 'outside the EU', which would have made this easier). At the weekend, a wallet containing their ICFN (Immigration Card for Foreign Nationals) was stolen. They urgently need to fly on family matters this weekend, however we're not sure what the status of their return will be without the ICFN [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 AM PST - 5 comments

Nice Glasgow coffeeshop needed for maths research.

Good coffeeshops/study spots in the West End of Glasgow? [more inside]
posted by number9dream at 10:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Sharp Monitor out of wack

Older LCD monitor looks Horrible on new Dell Optiplex? I have a Sharp LCD monitor (LLm17w1u), which works great on my old computer, but looks like crap on my new one. I have tried every combination of settings, (Yes, all the different resolutions, color settings etc.) but still has a VERY pixilated look. It works but, heres an example, (Notice the bookmark bar words?) http://tinypic.com/r/160q15e/5. I think I need a driver, but sharp doesn't have one (Sharp Japan had one but didn't work) and every google link just makes me download a worthless program that donsn't end up doing anything. Can anyone help? Thanks so much. -Kyle
posted by Benzle at 10:27 AM PST - 25 comments

What uses less energy? Fan vs A/C?

What is more efficient: a fan or a window air conditioning unit? [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 10:19 AM PST - 8 comments

Places to check out in Venice / Santa Monica

Walking in Venice/Santa Monica... so I'm in CA for another week. I'm a big walker... where should I walk? What are the great shops for music, books, film, sights, eats, drinks? Any great concerts, readings, plays I shouldn't miss? Or if there's something a single bus ride will get me to that you can recommend, please do so with specific boarding instructions. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 9:52 AM PST - 16 comments

The right camera for use in an archive

Digital camera recommendations: for use with archives and manuscripts. [more inside]
posted by Sonny Jim at 9:51 AM PST - 15 comments

Teetotalers need sommeliers too

Pairing food with non-alcoholic beverages: what can non-drinkers drink to make meals more awesome? [more inside]
posted by phisbe at 9:38 AM PST - 23 comments

African mangos in DC

The mangos I ate in West Africa had a powerfully piney overtone, a scent like cotton candy mixed with turpentine. None of the blandly sweet mangos I've eaten in the US have even come close to that incredible flavor. Is there anywhere in the DC area I can find those pungent African mangos?   [more inside]
posted by itstheclamsname at 9:33 AM PST - 11 comments

Central CA Adventure

What are some awesome stops along the way from LA to SF for a weekend road trip? [more inside]
posted by ijoyner at 9:17 AM PST - 18 comments

How to vallet park my little oceangoing skiff?

What are innovative moorage ideas for a small skiff, if I can't afford to build a dock? Rocky intertidal/occasional surge/ocean cove. [more inside]
posted by iiniisfree at 9:15 AM PST - 7 comments

22 and balding. Help!

22 and balding. Help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:57 AM PST - 41 comments

What happens to a dream derailed?

My lifelong dream and driving force has turned into a source of bitterness and disappointment for me. Not sure what happened, how to fix it, or if I should even bother. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:57 AM PST - 25 comments

Can this yard be saved?

How do I transform my patchy, lumpy and weedy Texas yard into a more pleasant space that requires little maintenance and not too much water? [more inside]
posted by theexpgen at 8:39 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me find a fashionable hat.

[HipFilter] I need an anti-sunshine hat for the summer. The problem comes with my pretensions toward fashion. Sartorial details within. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 8:33 AM PST - 19 comments

New house has old damage

We just closed on our house 3 days ago but just found some old water damaged walls. What options do we have? [more inside]
posted by covert7 at 8:30 AM PST - 18 comments

Choosing Internet Provider

Getting my home internet hooked up for the first time in a couple of years and seeking advice. [more inside]
posted by kristymcj at 8:23 AM PST - 5 comments

Looking for a video about drugs

Looking for a video showing various common drugs, their appearance, how they're taken and their effects. [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 8:16 AM PST - 6 comments

iSCSI san for a small business

Looking for recommendations for a cheap(ish) small business iSCSI san device. [more inside]
posted by daveyt at 8:14 AM PST - 12 comments

An awesome vector geometry teaching website

I'm trying to find a website that teaches vector mathematics in lesson form. [more inside]
posted by giggleknickers at 8:10 AM PST - 2 comments

ottawa umbrellas

Umbrella-shopping in Ottawa: where to go for quality? [more inside]
posted by fso at 8:07 AM PST - 3 comments

At least it's not lockjaw

YANMD or dentist: Sometimes my jaw sort of gets stuck closed. I know how to sort of manipulate it to get it open, so it doesn't seem like a big deal, and there's no pain at all. Do I need to see my doctor or dentist? [more inside]
posted by insectosaurus at 8:02 AM PST - 11 comments

Becoming a board-certified card-holding databasolologist?

So I've got this pretty sweet gig doing data management for medical research, and my employers have said that they'll be very supportive of any efforts to train or educate myself in this field. This seems like a great opportunity. What should I be looking at? What, in general, should I be trying to learn, and where should I be trying to get from here? More details, possible ideas and a touch of commitment-phobia inside. [more inside]
posted by Acheman at 7:44 AM PST - 9 comments

...but don't call it Charm School

"Charm School" and "Finishing School" searches only seem to pick up negatively-charged uses of the name, from its quaint anachronism, to porn, to 'Flavor of Love' spinoffs...but they must still exist in some capacity, right? [more inside]
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:41 AM PST - 8 comments

Screensaver that's useful.

Is there a screensaver for Windows 7 that doesn't hide or freeze the desktop? [more inside]
posted by lemonfridge at 7:23 AM PST - 4 comments

Will you be here all the time?

Looking at a potential house to rent. We really like it. However we are not sure how intrusive the landlord will be. We want to find a polite way to ask if he plans on being around all the time. [more inside]
posted by MayNicholas at 7:20 AM PST - 4 comments

Pale, bruised, scuffed stems

It's almost "show some leg" season and I have a problem. [more inside]
posted by pointystick at 7:17 AM PST - 33 comments

Are these Spanish text messages I'm getting just a spammer or is it safe to respond that they've got the wrong number?

Do these Spanish text messages I'm getting (which I have crudely translated for you) sound like a spammer fishing for valid numbers, or does it sound like a lovesick teen who has just gotten the wrong number? I want to tell them they've got the wrong number so they'll stop, but don't want to respond if it's a spammer. Language barrier and inexperience with text spam leave me unsure. [more inside]
posted by Askr at 7:10 AM PST - 5 comments

When things dry out, will I still be able to afford to buy in Nashville?

What will the flooding in Nashville do to the housing market over the next two to three years? [more inside]
posted by kimdog at 7:02 AM PST - 4 comments

Get My Ask MetaFilter On

Where did the phrase "Get my x on" originate? I hear people say "get my drink on" and want to jump out of a window. I'd just like to know who was originally responsible. Thanks!
posted by itchylick at 6:59 AM PST - 12 comments

Cinco Dolares - The Best Thing Ever

What's the best thing you ever got for Cinco Dolares, $5? (I'm collecting funny, unusual answers for Cinco De Mayo!)
posted by Laughing Lion at 6:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Those who can't teach, do what?

Burnt-out teachers: What did you do after you quit teaching? [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 6:18 AM PST - 21 comments

Rape or cheating?

My girlfriend confided in my yesterday that she cheated on me with an exboyfriend almost exactly a year ago and kept it secret from me. This explains a lot of her overemotional behaviour and the tumult in our relationship over the past while, I think. But when she elaborated on the circumstances what happened sounded more like rape than anything. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:14 AM PST - 46 comments

How to reignite the spark?

I love my husband but I am having trouble loving my husband. (probably NSFW) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:14 AM PST - 23 comments

Tightpants = pain

Why did I get sharp shooting pain in my stomach all day after wearing tight pants? [more inside]
posted by bunny hugger at 6:09 AM PST - 14 comments

Why do people read fiction?

I don't understand human behavior. Why do people read and watch fiction books and dramas? It seems like a waste of time.
posted by LastOfHisKind at 5:58 AM PST - 52 comments

Great Uncle Luddite needs enlightening

My old and frugal great uncle needs a music and audio book set up. He's recovering from a heart procedure and needs to walk 2-4 miles every day. He's thinking Walkman. I'm thinking Apple. [more inside]
posted by Pennyblack at 5:55 AM PST - 8 comments

H2Oh my god there's a frog in my coffee.

Second full day of the Boston Waterpocalypse, and I have to go to work. I NEED to know: can I use a Steripen to sterilize the coffee from the contaminated coffee machines at the office? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:46 AM PST - 23 comments

Table of contents (scenes?) for video

I have a collection of avi and mpg video files, and I'd like to add a "table of contents" or "table of scenes" to individual and collections of these files, a bit like a DVD menu. What software could I use (Windows only)? [more inside]
posted by flutable at 4:42 AM PST - 3 comments

Am I being bugged?

I am a British national living in Beijing, China. I know of no reason why I would be deemed interesting enough to spy on, but something weird is happening here. Has my cell phone been bugged? [more inside]
posted by Zé Pequeno at 4:19 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me rediscover some childhood books.

Can anyone help me identify a series of children's books? UK, late 70s. When I was about 7 - 9, I was hooked on a series of books. I read them compulsively and frequently got into trouble for neglecting other studies. All I can remember, is there were these two brothers who went on all sorts of adventure, in jungles, south seas, and such. I think their father collected animals for zoos or something. I wish I could remember more details. I don't think they were part of the reading scheme, just in the school library.
posted by matholio at 3:56 AM PST - 7 comments

How to compute curvature?

MathFilter - Help me understand this equation. [more inside]
posted by cali59 at 3:44 AM PST - 2 comments

May 2

Aubrey-maturin on iTouch?

How can I read the Aubrey-Maturin series (Master and Commander, etc.) on my iTouch? I searched Kindle and Stanza apps but got nothin.
posted by circular at 11:35 PM PST - 3 comments

Coming apart at the...joints?

YouAreNotMyDoctorFilter: Having issues with "benign hypermobility." [more inside]
posted by hoperaiseshell at 10:32 PM PST - 10 comments

A cheesemonger's cap?

Looking for a certain type of hat. [more inside]
posted by Hey Dean Yeager! at 10:13 PM PST - 8 comments

YANMDerm

You are not my dermatologist, but what are these and how do I treat them? As SFW as any close-up shots of skin can be. [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 9:42 PM PST - 14 comments

A year exploring

I want to spend a year or two of my life going across the United States on foot or on bike, and don't know where to start or how to finance such a trip. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 9:42 PM PST - 20 comments

Chew Chew Chew

How should I catch / educate / shame / communicate with an inveterate gum bandit? [more inside]
posted by stratastar at 8:47 PM PST - 43 comments

She's got a carburetor tied to the moon

How do municipal water treatment facilities ensure that water is safe? [more inside]
posted by at the crossroads at 8:31 PM PST - 15 comments

If you can't hang with the big dogs...don't offer them a lease?

Why do landlords set limits on the sizes of dogs that tenants can own? [more inside]
posted by ignignokt at 8:18 PM PST - 15 comments

Which blogging platform should I use?

Which blogging platform should I use? [more inside]
posted by kdern at 8:15 PM PST - 7 comments

Fathers and Suns and Gerunds

In his book "Fathers and Sons", Alexander Waugh quotes an essay written by his grandfather Evelyn Waugh that includes this sentence:"He would have liked to do the same with me, but my school was less conveniently placed for visiting (sic) and the hard times of the First World War made hospitality difficult." Why the (sic)? What was Evelyn Waugh's error here?
posted by davidjmcgee at 7:54 PM PST - 11 comments

Suffering Safari

I have a new iMac, and common web content that displays fine in Firefox isn't working for me in Safari. [more inside]
posted by bonsai forest at 7:06 PM PST - 16 comments

Export gmail message subjects?

Can you export filtered gmail message subject headings? I want to analyze e-mails sent to a list serv and looking through them on gmail is cumbersome. Can this be done on Outlook or Thunderbird?
posted by sandmanwv at 6:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Crawling back to cable

Does Rogers Canada's high-speed Internet service currently engage in traffic shaping? If so, what exactly does it do? (i.e. what caps does it set, and at what times?) An easy question that is surprisingly difficult to find an answer for. [more inside]
posted by hiteleven at 6:47 PM PST - 8 comments

Optimize my cardio, Hivemind Trainers

I've been fairly successful with my diet/exercise plan since mid March, but I know I could be doing better. Tips? [more inside]
posted by TravellingCari at 6:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Sensi was found pon Solomon grave, to burn sensimilla mi could not be 'fraid

I'm a big fan of reggae and Jamaican music (to say the least), and have heard many references in songs to marijuana being found growing on King Solomon's grave in reggae songs and writings by and about Rastas. Where does this legend come from? How old is it, does it predate Rastafarianism or not? Is there an actual location where Solomon's grave is supposed to have been found? [more inside]
posted by DecemberBoy at 6:05 PM PST - 7 comments

How should we schedule/handle the London-Amsterdam round trip within our Europe trip?

How should we schedule/handle the London-Amsterdam round trip within our Europe trip? [more inside]
posted by Perplexity at 5:50 PM PST - 8 comments

How bad is the water in Boston today?

How bad is the water in Boston today? [more inside]
posted by Jasper Fnorde at 5:37 PM PST - 15 comments

this is a new dawn

Help sought in identifying the song. Trip-hoppy, moody backing track with a male spoken sample saying: "Don't cry. You're gonna be a big man someday. This is a new dawn!" [more inside]
posted by threeants at 5:31 PM PST - 3 comments

Keeping up with the conversation on facebook

Facebook question: I often see that people make posts on Group pages and other people respond to them. I'm talking about regular members of the group, like me, not the administrator. I want these posts to show up in my news feed. I can't figure out how to do it. [more inside]
posted by amethysts at 5:15 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to hang in my room

Where can I obtain a floor-mounted overhead frame to allow me to hang things overhead in my room? [more inside]
posted by jinatrix at 4:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Losing confidence in therapist who subscribes to alternative remedy

My therapist plans to use thought field therapy (TFT) on me. I've been researching it online, and I don't think it's legitimate. [more inside]
posted by jejune at 4:41 PM PST - 34 comments

Backpacking with steel-toe boos?

I have a pair of Wolverine Steel-Toe work boots that I like and have gone hiking several times in. However this summer I'll be going on a week long backpacking trip and was wondering if there are any major downfalls to long term hiking in steel toe boots. [more inside]
posted by Deflagro at 4:01 PM PST - 22 comments

WWII movie identification

Help me identify this black and white WWII movie [more inside]
posted by luvmywife at 3:56 PM PST - 8 comments

I want more bechamel

I want a milk substitute, but it should still be milk based. [more inside]
posted by nestor_makhno at 3:49 PM PST - 25 comments

What is the title or artist of this modern art piece?

Does anyone know the title or artist of this modern art piece? [more inside]
posted by aatreya at 3:45 PM PST - 14 comments

Is there a way for a guy to flirt with men who aren't in a gay bar?

How do I flirt with men without upsetting straight ones? [more inside]
posted by beingresourceful at 3:44 PM PST - 30 comments

What could have been removed from the engine compartment?

What part could you remove from a car engine that would suddenly limit power to 3000RPM? [more inside]
posted by lovejones at 3:30 PM PST - 19 comments

Greasemonkey to Chrome. How do I make it work?

How can I make this greasemonkey script for Firefox work in Chrome? Alternatively, is there a Chrome extension with the same functionality (searching Wikipedia, Flickr, and Youtube for each google query)? I'm on a PC. [more inside]
posted by Captain Cardanthian! at 3:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Lyrics? We don't need no stinkin' lyrics!

Looking for upbeat, uptempo acoustical pieces without lyrics.. any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Kattiara17 at 2:55 PM PST - 35 comments

What Rights Do Employees Have During an Emergency?

What protections do employees have, if any, if they call in to work during a city emergency? What actions can they take against an employer who pressures them to come to work even though the metro authorities are insisting that people not leave their homes? [more inside]
posted by Toothless Willy at 2:48 PM PST - 34 comments

$700 on the publishing industry roulette wheel...

I have written a literary science fiction novel. I am confident that it is salable, but I am so far having difficulty finding an agent. I am considering going to the Backspace Writer's Conference but am uncertain as to whether the $700 cost would be a good investment. [more inside]
posted by 256 at 1:54 PM PST - 12 comments

Reasonably priced walking shoes that don't look like trainers?

We're going to Ireland for two weeks in early June, and while its not exactly a walking/hiking tour, I'm sure there's going to be quite a lot of walking through cities. I usually just go to Payless and get something that looks roughly like loafers, and wear them into the ground, but it has occurred to me that I may want something a little more sturdy for this. Any recommendation for shoes that are reasonably priced, comfortable, but don't look like I've just come from the gym? Or can I just by a cheaper pair of shoes and put in some sort of insert? Or any other recommendations? Possibly relevant details: I'm female, late 30s, live in the US, don't wear heels, my feet tend to run a little wide, and tend to wear things either like loafers or flats.
posted by korej at 1:46 PM PST - 23 comments

Should I have my ovaries out when I have a hysterectomy?

If uterus out, then: ovaries: keep, or toss? [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 1:31 PM PST - 18 comments

Can I fix my own washing machine?

Can I fix my LG front loading washing machine on my own today, or do I have to wait until a technician can come to my house? [more inside]
posted by junipero at 1:19 PM PST - 7 comments

What is it I'm looking for?

I want to paint with my computer. I want a pen interface, a new laptop and the latest Photoshop which I'm VERY excited about. [more inside]
posted by madred at 1:19 PM PST - 15 comments

How now brown cow?

I need tips and tricks to get the most out of my new raw milk supply. [more inside]
posted by raisingsand at 12:43 PM PST - 4 comments

Which laptop should my friend get?

Is this the right laptop for my friend to buy? [more inside]
posted by jaffacakerhubarb at 12:42 PM PST - 13 comments

Give A Dog A Bone, Or Don't

Are raw bones healthy or harmful for you dogs? Will my dog end up the hospital if I give him raw bones? [more inside]
posted by The ____ of Justice at 12:35 PM PST - 28 comments

Seeking college financial aid advisor in New York City

Does anybody know of a good college financial aid advisor in New York City? That is, someone who can help with the financial aid application process?
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments

Aromas of cassis, cloves, and roasted almonds? What?!?

Long-shot wine snobbery filter: Has anyone out there had both the 1997 and 1999 Opus One, and if so, can you give your opinion about the two? [more inside]
posted by bolognius maximus at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments

What are these mysterious black specks?

What are these alien black specks all over my desk? [more inside]
posted by Conductor71 at 11:45 AM PST - 8 comments

Audio Fidelity?

Is there an objective way to measure audio fidelity? If so, what is it? In other words, what quality of headphones and speakers makes the differences in sound quality?
posted by fizzzzzzzzzzzy at 11:28 AM PST - 7 comments

YouTube Channel Design Question

On the White House's YouTube channel, the content area is pushed down to make room for a graphic at the top. How do they do that? I know how to add a background image, but I'm not sure how to push the content or player window down to get out of the way.
posted by willnot at 11:10 AM PST - 4 comments

That's how they got Capone...

What is the best path for me to get a job doing forensic accounting for the IRS or a similar EU body? [more inside]
posted by Work Related MeFi at 10:01 AM PST - 8 comments

Wife is pregnant, wants new mattress, doesn't want nasty chemicals from fireproofing, etc.., what are our options in San Francisco?

Wife is pregnant, wants new mattress, doesn't want nasty chemicals from fireproofing, etc.., what are our options in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by bottlebrushtree at 9:49 AM PST - 12 comments

Volvo

Anyone own or have owned a 2008 Volvo C30 or any other model year? I'm curious about pricing discrepancies I'm seeing for the 2008 model as opposed to the 2009. [more inside]
posted by spicynuts at 9:47 AM PST - 2 comments

Regular tessellations of Euclidean spaces

MathFilter: Is there a relationship between the number of dimensions in a Euclidean space and the number of regular tessellations of that space? [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 9:39 AM PST - 10 comments

Gross.

Is there any way to change (lighten?) grey armpits? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:36 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I at least get a date with a shy guy when I am shy and full of self-doubt?

I like shy boys and grumpy boys. I am shy. How to approach? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:36 AM PST - 24 comments

Gee, this OS changes fast.

I just installed Ubuntu 10.04 Lucid Lynx on my MacBook Pro. What are the first things I should do to make it more usable? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 9:33 AM PST - 15 comments

T.O. fitness fun

Martial arts or dance classes in downtown Toronto? I'm more interested in quality/atmosphere than any specific activity. [more inside]
posted by scribbler at 9:17 AM PST - 3 comments

Ride or Die

I live in NYC, but I am getting married in Pennsylvania, about 2 hrs away. I wanted to organize an online ride sharing solution for my friends travelling from the city. Is there an online service that would make this easy to do? [more inside]
posted by orville sash at 9:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Addict me.

What are the most enthralling, addicting 360 games (aside from Fallout 3 or Modern Warfare 2)? [more inside]
posted by Ouisch at 8:33 AM PST - 28 comments

Where can I find Rit dye in NYC or Brooklyn?

Where can I find Rit dye in NYC or Brooklyn? I'm in Prospect Heights and would like to not travel epic lengths. [more inside]
posted by Viola at 8:10 AM PST - 6 comments

Happily ever after. Until taxes, that is.

An American guy and a Dutch gal met in Europe, got married in Vegas and now live in the UK. Looking for first person information from other multinational couples residing in a third country regarding taxation. [more inside]
posted by Mutant at 7:53 AM PST - 9 comments

Expat wedding gift registry - Alternatives?

The wedding is in Europe. Most of the guests are coming from the US. What to do about a registry? Alternative registry ideas? [more inside]
posted by meantime at 6:59 AM PST - 10 comments

Help me OWN this shiny box.

I want to become a little more badass at using my computer and dip my toes into the command line and eventually a little programming. I've identified some benchmarks / goals. Any advice on how to start? [more inside]
posted by jlowen at 6:37 AM PST - 13 comments

Diagnosis by meds

Is there a general term for a medical diagnosis "you have disease X" mainly because you responded to treatment T? [more inside]
posted by gregoreo at 6:01 AM PST - 17 comments

I think there's a killer outside

What's the monster outside my bedroom window? [more inside]
posted by Gilbert at 3:30 AM PST - 24 comments

a piano in a house with no room for a piano

a piano in a house with no room for a piano? [more inside]
posted by compound eye at 2:50 AM PST - 18 comments

I've optimized my Wordpress permalink. Does it hurt/help me when it comes to SEO cos all my backlinks are to the old URL?

I've optimized my Wordpress permalink. Does it hurt/help me when it comes to SEO cos all my backlinks are to the old URL? [more inside]
posted by friedbeef at 1:45 AM PST - 3 comments

Tell us what UK polling workers do?

UK election filter -- what does "manning a polling station" entail? [more inside]
posted by Mrs Mutant at 1:32 AM PST - 10 comments

Is there a style of martial arts to help me get fit and defend myself fast?

Need advice on martial arts - both for fitness and self-defense. [more inside]
posted by heartofglass at 1:00 AM PST - 17 comments

Overclocking my PC makes games run too fast!

When I overclock my CPU, modern games run a little too fast. [more inside]
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 12:51 AM PST - 3 comments

May 1

How do I cobble together a ripoffreport.com clone?

How do I cobble together a site like RipoffReport.com using free (preferably Open Source) solutions? [more inside]
posted by Elminster24 at 11:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Who are the most innovative bassists?

Which bass players really redefine the instrument? [more inside]
posted by tomwheeler at 10:17 PM PST - 62 comments

Oh, I love this song? What's it called? You don't know? Damnit.

What's this song I have stuck in my head? Doo-wop female singer with male rapping... [more inside]
posted by too bad you're not me at 8:59 PM PST - 14 comments

Wie heißt dieses Blog?

I am looking for a particular German web comic drawn on one or two pages of a moleskine notebook in colored pencil or crayons with topical/political humor. [more inside]
posted by vkxmai at 8:53 PM PST - 3 comments

Philly bicycle training

What are some good cycling routes in Philadelphia? I'm looking for places to train rather than scenic rides. [more inside]
posted by swbarrett at 8:46 PM PST - 7 comments

What is mysterious metal object?

What is this? [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 8:38 PM PST - 15 comments

A good tattoo school?

Any advice on tattoo school? [more inside]
posted by simonemarie at 8:34 PM PST - 14 comments

Dog-friendly backyard

What is the best backyard rock for our 3 dogs that will work for our house in Arizona? [more inside]
posted by chillax at 8:09 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me find an off the shelf video system for documenting a technical process.

Help me find an off the shelf video system for documenting a technical process. [more inside]
posted by jackofsaxons at 7:53 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I move to NS?

I'm moving from Edmonton AB to Antigonish NS and need to ship some boxes (clothes, small furniture, etc). What're my options? [more inside]
posted by Miss Mitz at 7:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Is cutesy female singing a genre?

The Pee wee's Playhouse theme song...as performed by Cyndi Lauper (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pee-wee's_Playhouse#Soundtracks)...Cyndi's voice in that, to me, harkens back to music of the 20s. Is there a name for this sort of cutesy style of female singing? Is this a genre that I can actually seek out?
posted by swimming naked when the tide goes out at 6:52 PM PST - 18 comments

Hoboken Sublet

Resources for finding a 2-3 month sublet in Hoboken, NJ in June. [more inside]
posted by mtheshark at 6:49 PM PST - 1 comment

What's on my credit report?

My wife and I, proud parents of a new baby, need a new house, asap. I had, as recently as last month, significant credit card debt related to setting up my solo law practice and funding a couple of contingency fee cases. The previous debts would have messed up the debt/income ratios required for a mortgage. I've managed to zero out the debt through a settlement I've recently closed. Question is this: will the previous balances show up on the credit report viewed by the lender? (For example, March 2010 -- 30,000, April 2010, 30,000, May 2010, 0). Or will the report just show the high balance and credit limit without reference to when the balance was paid? Should I be prepared to document the basis for the quick payoff of the debt? My credit score is good, 750ish, and my wife's is better, 800+.
posted by seventyfour at 6:48 PM PST - 5 comments

DIY plastic for making small prototype

I'd like to make a prototype, from plastic, of a small invention idea I have. It would be about the size and shape of one of those old small square hand-held plastic games where there are a bunch of letters on tiles that slide around, and you had to move one to be able to move another. [more inside]
posted by atm at 6:35 PM PST - 16 comments

locked room mystery?

Short story help: Mystery where suspect flushes himself down the toilet? [more inside]
posted by chairmanroflmao at 6:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Tell me about your awesome home appliances!

My husband and I are currently under contract for a home that, according to the seller's disclosure, does not come with the refrigerator, washer, or dryer. We may need to buy these things. If you love yours, what are they, and why? [more inside]
posted by litnerd at 6:24 PM PST - 24 comments

Help my impending parties not suck

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be hosting a cocktail hour and a semi-fancy dinner for 50 people. I'm looking for your best simple-yet-elegant recipes for cold hors d'oeuvres and little desserts, as well as general cocktail-hour/party planning tips. [more inside]
posted by pluckemin at 6:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Pregnancy + gallstones

Pregnant amd suffering gallstones... your experience with this? [more inside]
posted by Brodiggitty at 6:05 PM PST - 6 comments

My mind just went kaput

I'm craving thrilling music in the vein of free jazz and I don't know where to start. [more inside]
posted by Rory Marinich at 6:01 PM PST - 44 comments

when did video recording become common on cell phones?

How common was it for a cell phone to have video/audio in Oct.2007? Need to know if it would have been reasonable to assume that capability if someone was pointing there phone at you (vs. Just still photo). It seems reasonable now, but when did that come about?
posted by dorcas at 5:52 PM PST - 16 comments

Looking for yodeling album suggestions

Can please someone recommend a good Yodeling album i can buy off itunes ? [more inside]
posted by Ponzimoon at 5:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Aretha Franklin and . . .?

60s Filter: My husband has an upcoming reunion for his high school and is putting together a long playlist of the songs on AM radio in the late 60s. (Yeah, we're old-ish.) He's looking for more female artists. Name and song suggestions, please?
posted by bearwife at 5:32 PM PST - 19 comments

Are berries good for you?

How healthy are cherries, raspberries and other berries to eat? Is there a significant downside to eating a lot of this type of fruit? [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft at 5:20 PM PST - 22 comments

Where can I find a replacement bread machine blade?

Where can I find a knead blade for my Mister Loaf HB-210/215 bread machine [more inside]
posted by mbatch at 5:00 PM PST - 4 comments

What is this symbol on my new US passport?

What is this symbol on the front of my U.S. Passport? [more inside]
posted by aloiv2 at 4:45 PM PST - 13 comments

Where can I get my hair cut cheaply, yet stylishly, in NYC?

I am in NYC and would like to get my hair cut. I do not want to pay the GDP of a small country for it. Where can I, a woman with long hair, find a good stylist who listens, knows how to adapt a style to fit a face, and above all, isn't expensive? [more inside]
posted by cmgonzalez at 4:43 PM PST - 16 comments

How to prepare delicious halibut cheeks?

Please help me decide how to cook these wonderful halibut cheeks. [more inside]
posted by tr0ubley at 4:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Freelancing and COBRA

Can I take freelance or contract jobs without losing my COBRA health insurance? [more inside]
posted by truth1ness at 4:37 PM PST - 3 comments

to crop or not to crop ?

Do newspapers/magazines specify 12x10 inch photo submissions ? [more inside]
posted by sgt.serenity at 4:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me find cello music

Another "Help me find cello music" question, but this one is pretty specific in sound, and hasn't been supplied in depth by the other question's answers. [more inside]
posted by thatbrunette at 4:02 PM PST - 13 comments

The worst Trojan Mallware ever?

Can anyone help a layman deal with a Virtool:Win32/Ursnif.A - TrojanSpy:Win32/Ursnif.gen!H infection? [more inside]
posted by Huplescat at 3:34 PM PST - 3 comments

Free Email Security 2010

What is the best email provider for security and privacy? Requirements and more info inside. [more inside]
posted by Aya at 3:23 PM PST - 11 comments

Stove/Oven Substitute

What's the best small appliance substitute for a stove/oven? [more inside]
posted by Diplodocus at 3:13 PM PST - 21 comments

Re-rucksack me.

Beyond JanSport: another "tell me about backpacks that meet my absurdly precise specifications" question. This involves a 17" MacBookPro, a bicycle, unpredictable weather, and my lower back. [more inside]
posted by escabeche at 3:13 PM PST - 17 comments

Are CableCards swappable?

Are CableCards swappable? [more inside]
posted by drpynchon at 3:13 PM PST - 1 comment

Should I just gnaw on a head of lettuce?

I've had insulin resistance and PCOS for about 8 years now. I've been on metformin off and on for most of that time. My lab results this week show elevated liver enzymes, which means I have to stop the metformin. But it also showed elevated blood sugars over the last 3 months, which means I have to get the sugars better controlled. Since I can't take the metformin right now, I have to try to manage this with diet. I have no idea what to eat. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by MultiFaceted at 3:07 PM PST - 21 comments

Does Titan drink coffee or tea?

AskingForANovelFilter: Which would be easier and more economic to grow in a domed colony on Titan or to import from Earth: coffee or tea? [more inside]
posted by daisyk at 2:47 PM PST - 9 comments

What's the famous painting of a woman lying down on a prairie?

What's the name of the famous (American?) painting of a woman lying face down (slantwise?) on a prairie?
posted by espertus at 2:15 PM PST - 12 comments

Bands that did better after lead singer left?

Are there any well-known bands that became more successful after their lead singer left? [more inside]
posted by UrineSoakedRube at 1:58 PM PST - 57 comments

Creating editable forms in Microsoft Word/Adobe Acrobat?

How do I create editable forms in Microsoft Word? (And since I'm asking...in PDFs as well)? [more inside]
posted by MrningLight at 1:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Another do-it-myself disaster in the making

Is there a reason I shouldn't change the color of some bricks in my house with Rit dye? It seems to work fine, and doesn't smell nearly as much as wood stain does. [more inside]
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 1:15 PM PST - 7 comments

Multiyear contract

Any K-12 school administrators out there? I've got a question about multi-year contracts... [more inside]
posted by rryan at 1:09 PM PST - 3 comments

where can I find the worst examples of coporate design

Where can I find some archetypal examples of corporate promotional material, either parody material like Idiocracy that is funny or real life examples that are bad? Ideally, I'd like something like the Photoshop Disasters blog but just focus on examples of bad design?
posted by clockworkjoe at 1:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Are cigar samplers a good deal?

Are cigar samplers a good deal? [more inside]
posted by tdischino at 12:12 PM PST - 3 comments

Sociopathy

Borderline sociopathy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:05 PM PST - 12 comments

Let's beat this commercialized system - this time lingerie

Looking for reasonably priced lingerie. Fine with buying in bulk. Any brick-and-mortar or online store that anyone could recommend? [more inside]
posted by zaxour at 12:00 PM PST - 3 comments

How much do websites cost?

How much does it cost to have a full website designed? What are some specific figures for popular websites? I seem to recall that reddit.com was made by a freelancer for $5,000, and I'm interested in finding out the "price" of other websites.
posted by matkline at 11:33 AM PST - 17 comments

Monitoring electricity usage

What are the options for monitoring our household electricity usage using Google's PowerMeter service? [more inside]
posted by SueDenim at 11:29 AM PST - 2 comments

WHICH tech lab?

I'm looking for a specific "craft center" sort of business in or around San Jose, California where one can use industrial and high-tech machinery. [more inside]
posted by agentofselection at 11:29 AM PST - 5 comments

Touring on a Trek 1.2?

Is it possible to do fully-loaded bicycle touring on a Trek 1.2? [more inside]
posted by pmdboi at 11:27 AM PST - 13 comments

Where to move family outside South Boston?

Considering family move to Boston suburbs after 15 years in the Bay Area. Seeking towns to research that meet a few basic criteria...any advice appreciated. [more inside]
posted by gmania at 11:12 AM PST - 15 comments

Apartment Rental in Santa Fe for Summer?

Need help finding an apartment to rent in Santa Fe for the summer... [more inside]
posted by terrapin at 10:58 AM PST - 4 comments

What would be the gross salary offered in UK(Northern Ireland) for 7 year experienced person?

I am having 7 years experience in Embedded S/W, DSP, Multimedia Codecs in India, after Masters(M.Tech); What is the approximate annual gross salary can one expect if he is in negotiations with a permanent employment in UK(NI)?
posted by goldenmean at 10:47 AM PST - 1 comment

How do I reallocate a key function?

Mac question: How to I get the F10 button to work as an F10 button and not turn the sound levels on and off? I'm running Windows on a Mac and using a program that will only let me use the F10 button for a specific function, but it's already allocated to sound control. [more inside]
posted by ask me please at 10:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Cost to pray by the Bay

How much does it cost to house and feed a (nun, monk, priest, etc) of various religious groups in the SF Bay area. [more inside]
posted by elationfoundation at 10:35 AM PST - 3 comments

How Do I Get My Fearless Kitten to Fear Nearby Road?

How Do I Get My Fearless Kitten to Fear Nearby Road? [more inside]
posted by Jon44 at 10:24 AM PST - 14 comments

Goin' to the chapel...

What helped you most when you were getting married -- or helping someone else get married? [more inside]
posted by alynnk at 10:21 AM PST - 24 comments

Holland-American

Simple Amsterdam/Holland question: Not looking to work there just hoping to stay as a tourist, rent a flat and see Europe from there for a year and a half and come back to the US. Does anyone in the Netherlands offically even care?, we have retirement income to cover expenses while there. All the sites seem devoted to work permits and bringing in the kids type needs, we just need to know we are able to stay, spend and leave. Anyone of the mifi hive ever do that?
posted by Freedomboy at 10:19 AM PST - 16 comments

Quiet/Meditative Organ music?

I recently picked up a Naxos CD called Organ Meditation, liked it quite a lot, and realized I'd like to hear more in the same vein. Can you recommend some other recordings of quiet and meditative organ music? The bits I liked best were 19th century or earlier, but I'm open to more modern/contemporary suggestions too. Thanks!
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 10:14 AM PST - 4 comments

Can I use Google Voice for voicemail without a real phone number?

Another ditch-the-cell-phone-bill/Google Voice question: Google Voice made me give them my cell phone number (800-OLD-CELL) when I signed up, and then assigned me a new number (800-GGL-VOIC). However, I don't have calls forwarded from the Google Voice number to my actual cell phone - Instead, everything goes to voicemail. What happens if I cancel my old cell phone number? [more inside]
posted by lizzicide at 10:03 AM PST - 8 comments

Movie ID Filter: A murderous truck driver obstructs a young woman's vision of traffic with his truck and tells her it's safe when it isn't.

Movie ID Filter: A murderous truck driver obstructs a young woman's vision of traffic with his truck and tells her it's safe when it isn't. [more inside]
posted by EtzHadaat at 9:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Please help me raise a geeky child

I'm planning on taking a trip to the Comic book store for free comic book day. Can anyone recommend some titles for my 7 year old son that are funny rather than crazy violent? He likes magic, knights, star wars, greek gods (we're reading Percy Jackson now). I'd be happy with some superhero suggestions, but I don't want anything approaching Dark Knight style storytelling. Any suggestions for me?
posted by saffry at 9:01 AM PST - 17 comments

Should we look for birthparents?

Trying to find the birth mother of our internationally adopted DD: good idea or bad idea? [more inside]
posted by texas_blissful at 8:50 AM PST - 12 comments

I would also like a Christmas bonus, but that's not on the table.

First time nanny employer: Share your words of wisdom. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:42 AM PST - 17 comments

Do I prefer not to?

I have trouble doing the normal every-day stuff people just do without complaining. What is stopping me from getting it together? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:42 AM PST - 18 comments

What's a fun toy to take on a commute?

What electronic gadget would make my commute the most fun? I have fun listening to music, playing games and using linux on my computer. [more inside]
posted by martinX's bellbottoms at 8:01 AM PST - 13 comments

My poor English ability will continue to hold me back professionally and life in general if I don't find a way to improve it.

Poor English is holding my American Dream hostage. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:59 AM PST - 58 comments

Buying a pole in Chicago?

Any options for buying a dance pole (stripper pole) at a brick and mortar store in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:59 AM PST - 1 comment

A question about sexual abuse and friendship

A question concerning sexual abuse (no details) and friendship [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:59 AM PST - 14 comments

All dressed up and nowhere to go.

I have a few semi-semi formal dresses taking up valuable closet space. What are some interesting ways to get some use out of them? [more inside]
posted by avidreader at 6:53 AM PST - 13 comments

How many VW Bugs = 1 coulomb?

PhysicsTeacherFilter: Where can I find a good reference for various units and what they practically mean. (As in, 2mA feels like a slight shock, 30mA feels like an extremely painful shock, 75mA will kill you, ~10A in a toaster, 30kA in lightning, etc) [more inside]
posted by sdis at 4:01 AM PST - 7 comments

Good places to busk in Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison?

I'll be visiting Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison soon and was hoping to earn a bit of extra cash busking. I play unamplified cello, mostly classical music. I'm not very familiar with any of those cities, so I'm looking for recommendations for places that might be good to play with my case open-- and also places i should definitely avoid, if any. Also note: I'll probably be taking my chances and doing so without a permit, so somewhere with lower probability of being hassled is a plus.
posted by mingo_clambake at 3:10 AM PST - 15 comments