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December 2006 Archives
December 31
Looking for the title to/author of a series of children's books. I can only remember a few details about these books. Help!
[more inside]posted by dyerfr at 10:48 PM PST - 7 comments 
Alternatives to http://www.xing.com/ and http://www.collectivex.com -- business networking services/software for groups?
[more inside]posted by pallen123 at 9:15 PM PST - 2 comments
What should be done/said when the family gathers to witness someone's passing? I need planning to distract me.
[more inside]posted by vytae at 6:45 PM PST - 27 comments
My girlfriend wants somewhere to, in her words, "detox" in the USA. But it's not drug or booze related. She wants somewhere go, chill, clear her head, be quiet for a while and concentrate on starting her life again. And she wants to do it for free. Any ideas?
[more inside]posted by rileyray3000 at 5:34 PM PST - 38 comments
Trying to keep my data around with a minimum of bother, and also looking for a long-term solution. Is there such a thing as a (slowly) growable RAID array?
[more inside]posted by printdevil at 5:15 PM PST - 9 comments
What's the perfect song to play on the radio, first thing in the morning, New Year's Day?
[more inside]posted by jbickers at 4:49 PM PST - 42 comments
How can I prove to the DMV that the lien on the car I just bought has been paid off? The secured party listed on the title (a bank) was bought by FCNB bank and then by BB&T bank.
[more inside]posted by youthenrage at 3:29 PM PST - 8 comments
SoftwareFilter: help me find a good way to view Firefox pages offline for MacOSX.
[more inside]posted by rmm at 12:58 PM PST - 5 comments
Baltimore or DC fireworks tonight? I hear the Inner Harbor fireworks are great, and so far haven't found anything indicating downtown DC fireworks. Any suggestions?
posted by nj_subgenius at 12:23 PM PST - 5 comments
The problem: I'm subscribed to 20-30 high volume mailing lists (e.g., Ubuntu, Python) and the gmail account I'm using is now 80% full! I subscribed to them to ask a question once in a while, but I really have no interest in following every post to the lists. My question is how do others handle this situation? Is there a solution to mailing lists that I'm missing?
[more inside]posted by GregX3 at 11:23 AM PST - 28 comments
Is there a word for a thing that — until it is missing — is not fully valued, but that — once gone — is seen to be invaluable?
[more inside]posted by Alt F4 at 11:15 AM PST - 26 comments
i'm going to be moving to georgia in may with my fiance. he's from augusta and would like to move back there. i personally would like to be somewhat closer to atlanta. i want to live in a town with culture and i would like to be able to have some land (acres away from neighbors). please help me decide where i should move.
posted by lilafain at 10:51 AM PST - 15 comments
In 1990 (as a non-USAnian) I visited Manhattan. At that time, SOHO was the new "up-and-coming" area: money moving in, interesting shops, galleries, bars, restaurants. What's the hot-spot now? And what's SOHO like now?
posted by TiredStarling at 9:55 AM PST - 16 comments
Alternatives to
junXion? I would like to use my cheapo Saitek P990 gamepad as a MIDI controller on OS X. junXion is not working reliably and is too expensive for my purposes.
posted by mzurer at 8:37 AM PST - 3 comments
What are some good books for people with mild ADD? By this I do not mean, books
about attention deficit disorder, I mean books that are short, or easy to read.
[more inside]posted by mjao at 8:26 AM PST - 34 comments
I think my parents are on the road to divorce. I'm away at college in another state- my younger siblings are not. Warning, much, much-
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:56 AM PST - 15 comments
I have two personal checks, both VERY large, to deposit into my checking account. This is slightly freaking me out since I've never done such a thing in my life (and I've had unusually low account balances for 6+ years). Can I just do this without making my bank suspicious or causing any problems?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:55 AM PST - 55 comments
Computer & Internet news round-up 2006. What do you consider to be the biggest or most interesting tech and web news of the last year?
[more inside]posted by MintSauce at 7:54 AM PST - 4 comments
My mother's dog (part of our family for 10 years) passed away last night of major sudden medical problems. My mother is in her late 50s, divorced, and lives alone - and considered the dog practically one of her children. How can I help her through this better?
[more inside]posted by jare2003 at 7:43 AM PST - 21 comments
Coding question: What is the best/easiest way to preserve typographical formatting (like nbsp's, line breaks) of pasted text that will be stored in a database and later displayed in boxes of arbitrary size?
[more inside]posted by shownomercy at 7:05 AM PST - 6 comments
I'm going to show up at a new year's eve party by myself. It'll be a huge party, and I will only know one person, who'll probably be too busy to talk to me all night.
[more inside]posted by peteok at 6:54 AM PST - 24 comments
What can you tell me about excellent grad schools for the fine (visual!) arts in Eastern Canada... and about the job field for visual arts professors?
[more inside]posted by flibbertigibbet at 12:57 AM PST - 4 comments
I'd like to read about the beliefs and lifestyles of denominations in the US that teach about Christ. Basically, their beliefs, history, and organization in the US, focusing on who they are today and how they got there.
[more inside]posted by freddymungo at 12:57 AM PST - 15 comments
How do I move only songs from a certain playlist from my external hard drive to my computer? The easy way, please.
[more inside]posted by evilbeck at 12:28 AM PST - 4 comments
December 30
Which is the best online retailer to buy bedding (sheets, etc) that ships internationally?
[more inside]posted by vac2003 at 11:41 PM PST - 4 comments
Can anyone suggest some savory crepe fillings for a new year's brunch. I'd also like to avoid cheese if possible. Meat is appreciated though.
posted by danb1 at 10:57 PM PST - 17 comments
Does this hip-hop song ring a bell? It was produced in the last two years. It talked talked about either dead rappers, or famous rappers. The style of music was similar to those by K-OS or Common. Please hope me?
posted by phyrewerx at 10:17 PM PST - 8 comments
I'm considering the purchase of a trailer, and more specifically a Toy Hauler like the
Wells Cargo GetAway IV.
I know nothing about these types of trailers but would appreciate brand and model recommendations.
[more inside]posted by jpozadzides at 8:22 PM PST - 1 comments
Another remembering question. Song lyric: "I think I've got blood poisoning!" An obscure band, probably in the early 90's, sparse and clanky percussive music. The vocalist is telling a story, not really singing, yelling perhaps, and repeating a lot of his sentences twice.
[more inside]posted by Area Control at 7:46 PM PST - 6 comments
when i read one book i usually read it once to enjoy it, read it a second time to pull out the bits i need to remember and then a third time to fully understand those bits. This is ok when i only have one book to read in one month but when i have 3 books per week to get through how do i make retention more effective. I would ideally prefer to just do one read but im sure id forget everything or be confused byt the end of the first read. Ive thought about using stickies to help me highlight the most important of things but not sure what i should be doing with em. has anyone got a good system of annotating or reading quiclky effectively? That may sound like a simple question but i always thought the to do list was simple untill getting things done showed how primitive it was, perhaps theres something for anotating that will speed up finding the juicy bits of info 2nd time roudn. Ive heard of speed reading but know little of the method. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
posted by thegeezer3 at 6:59 PM PST - 10 comments
I can't find this anywhere, but I need to burn some Anime episodes to a DVD using a Macbook. More inside.
[more inside]posted by stlboi at 6:53 PM PST - 5 comments
I really love the works of low-budget auteurs like Hal Hartley, Gregg Araki, and Jim Jarmusch (also, although they don't fit so much in the low-budget category, Richard Linklater and War-Kong Wei). Are there any other auteurs out there whose movies I should watch? To refine your suggestions, I'm not looking for classic directors like Godard or Bergman, or big names like Wenders or Greenaway or Tarantino or Von Trier. I'm interested in learning about directors who are not big names. Basically, I'm looking for interesting young directors whose films are available on DVD but have not emerged into the national spotlight.
posted by jayder at 6:52 PM PST - 25 comments
I'm looking for the perfect moisture-proof, quick-warming electric heating pad for my eyelids.
[more inside]posted by adipocere at 6:20 PM PST - 18 comments
I have a stalker. This young woman is 26 and we were friends at work, and became friends outside of work. I don't know what to do next... will the police help me? There is no threat of physical harm... just the mental stress from her not leaving me alone.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 6:15 PM PST - 29 comments
Is there a generic way to reference the location of a user's Windows desktop (like ~/Desktop would for OS X)?
[more inside]posted by john m at 5:02 PM PST - 21 comments
While on a road trip through Texas, I heard a song on the radio about watching the NCAA tournament on one TV while the bombing of Baghad was happening on another TV in the Las Vegas Airport. Can anyone name the artist/title of this song? It was a nice, bluesy song.
[more inside]posted by verevi at 4:26 PM PST - 4 comments
I'm thinking of a rotating platform in the floor of the stage. The platform has many partitions to make rooms, with a different set in each room. When the setting of the play changes, the platform is rotated to reveal a different set. While the actors are using one setting during the play, the partitions facing backstage are re-arranged and prepared before they are used. Is there a term for this, or is it just referred to generically?
posted by Niomi at 4:21 PM PST - 7 comments
I sleep on a futon mattress directly on the (carpeted) floor, in the basement. I think the coldness of winter seeps through the basement floor and into my mattress. How can I keep from freezing when I want to get to sleep?
[more inside]posted by DrSkrud at 4:10 PM PST - 28 comments
How long should it take Disk Utility in Mac OS 10.4.8 to update a concatenated RAID when two new drives were added to it?
[more inside]posted by rglasmann at 3:41 PM PST - 4 comments
I'm going to be visiting in Cincinnati this New Year's eve, and I was curious if anyone could suggest something fun for an out of towner to do?
posted by donabean at 3:38 PM PST - 11 comments
I've noticed that quite small radio stations, shops etc now sell compilation CD's which are badged as their own ("SmallTown FM - 20 Greatest Hits" etc). How do these deals work ?
[more inside]posted by southof40 at 3:26 PM PST - 5 comments
Should I skip learning frames in conjunction with javascript (as a newbe javascript self taught student) due to the depreciation factorof frames with correct html? I'm really new at script writing / javascript etc... and appreciate your feedback. Thank you in advance...
posted by orlin at 2:04 PM PST - 7 comments
can you help? in 1990 there was a television series called Gophers. In short it was a comedy about a common type gopher family living next door to the very prim and proper rabbit family and the characters were all life size puppets. i have searched long and hard to find any information possible on this series and so far have managed to find only a short cast list and a small snippet from the theme tune and no one i know seems to remember it at all. Is it possible anyone has any information on what happened to the series and whether it was ever released on video?
posted by angelmouse3003 at 1:54 PM PST - 3 comments
Okay, so I'm looking for a small PDA that can run Java, preferably Java SE, and has WiFi.
posted by delmoi at 1:27 PM PST - 6 comments
WIFI-Filter: My brother and I would like to build a wireless network between our two homes to create a secure network, but we have no idea about radio antennas, signal strength, line-of-sight, etc.
[more inside]posted by id at 12:58 PM PST - 13 comments
I studied philosophy in college. By my senior year I had decided that I wanted to pursue a career in academia. I had co-founded a conference. I was writing a thesis. I had intentions of applying to graduate schools. However, during my last semester I experienced a crisis of faith and delayed my thesis for six months, eventually earning a "C". I want to go back and do the job right, but I don't know how.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 11:20 AM PST - 17 comments
My father and I are looking to sell his 1969
m151a2 Army Jeep.
It's in good condition, but we're in a town that only has so much selling potential (Birmingham, AL). Putting it on Ebay seems like an obvious choice. I was also thinking of putting it on craigslist for towns that, though far, might include some willing to pay more to have the jeep transported.
I've googled about for websites selling Army jeeps but haven't come up with much.
Do you have any suggestions for selling this? Online or offline, overall, we'd just like to get the best mix of convenience in selling and price.
In advance and always, thank you for reading my question, for thinking about it, and if posting, thank you even more. This really is a great forum and I hope to be a part of it for a long long time.
posted by gbinal at 10:11 AM PST - 9 comments
I've been noting down ideas for a potential novel for over a year. Problem is, I now have so many that it's tough to keep track of it all. How can I organise and consolidate them into something workable?
[more inside]posted by Acey at 6:59 AM PST - 27 comments
It's been suggested that I take wedding pictures at my friend's upcoming wedding in February as the bride and groom are doing a nice low-key affair. What camera do I get, and how do I get
good decent at it in 2 months? 3 parts inside
[more inside]posted by 0xFCAF at 2:20 AM PST - 39 comments
Does anyone know who performs or where I can download an MP3 of the Guitar riff/song that is played on hold for HP Technical Support?
[more inside]posted by subaruwrx at 12:15 AM PST - 7 comments
December 29
In the sympathy for the devil video posted by stavros... does anybody else see John Lennon in there? Is it my imagination?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=waFOyhezIPA
posted by bukvich at 11:30 PM PST - 2 comments
I'm twenty years old, in college, and I feel like my life is standing still. Help me find something to do this summer that will change my life.
[more inside]posted by cosmic osmo at 11:30 PM PST - 24 comments
I want to make sure that the next time I rip my CD collection is the last time. What should I know?
[more inside]posted by reventlov at 10:39 PM PST - 8 comments
At a party the other day, there was a guy who lived in China until about a year ago, who was behaving obnoxiously (invading personal space, being too loud), but I felt that he meant well, and just didn't know how to behave. How to deal with this?
[more inside]posted by rwatson at 8:40 PM PST - 17 comments
January-in-West-Texas-Filter: visiting Alpine, Marfa, and Big Bend for a week. Suggestions for food, art, cultural wonders, and Big Bend trails that are particularly nice in Winter are earnestly sought.
posted by fourcheesemac at 8:35 PM PST - 19 comments
I've lived in L.A. for several years. I've just signed a year lease on a place I like very much, except there's an increase in street noise both sporadic and repetitive that's got me worried. All of my windows face the street and all but one have wooden frames with old-timey latches that don't do a great job of blocking out noise. Does noise-reduction moulding work? Heavy curtains? Any tips for dealing with street noise/apartment building noise in general?
[more inside]posted by ambulance blues at 8:29 PM PST - 14 comments
Frat boy wisdom(?) filter: When I was in college, it was common beer drinking wisdom that dropping by the lou too early in the evening was ill-advised and known as "breaking the seal", the idea being that you would be dashing to the bathroom all evening long as a result. Is there any physical or psychological reason why this would be true?
posted by B-squared at 6:20 PM PST - 12 comments
I saw a British film on TV in the early 80's
a group of criminals conspire to be in prison during the big football game in order to break out, print some huge quantity of pound notes in the royal treasury itself, and break back into prison. What was the name?
[more inside]posted by Megafly at 6:03 PM PST - 4 comments
I am studying in human science (psychology), and I'm starting university next month. I have been using a laptop running Linux to take notes and write assignments during the past two years or so, but I feel my current technique for note taking is unsatisfactory.
[more inside]posted by a007r at 4:35 PM PST - 10 comments
I have five kittens living with their mom in my backyard. They're old enough now that I want to trap them and find homes for them. But I need suggetions on traps (they're
very wary of humans) and suggestions on where to go to get the mom fixed (I plan on releasing her back into the yard and provide her with shelter and food).
I'm in Red Hook, Brooklyn, without a car, so any extremely cheap vets and/or cat rescue groups nearby would be great.
Thanks!
(Yes, I already have two rescued beasts that live with me, so I'm not keeping any of the new kittens--although I'd like to.)
posted by mixer at 3:34 PM PST - 19 comments
No two snowflakes are alike. True or false?
posted by richg at 3:16 PM PST - 13 comments
I just got a Pioneer Inno XM2Go Satellite Radio with MP3. Woohoo! But I also have a video iPod. Seems I should be able to put all my MP3s on the Inno. I have about 1000 songs and all are on iTunes. But XM likes to work with Napster.
How can I manage this? Can I transfer all the iTunes MP3s to my Inno? Will I have to use Napster from now on to download songs?
posted by miltoncat at 3:05 PM PST - 3 comments
Question for web developers/ designers/ people in the industry. I have a few questions.
[more inside]posted by 0217174 at 2:35 PM PST - 18 comments
Anniversary experience for a couple staying in Cabo San Lucas -- specifically someone to take them out on the Sea of Cortez?
[more inside]posted by blueshammer at 1:58 PM PST - 1 comments
Just wondering what weight/BMI (considering height) is the dealbreaker for most straight men when they date a woman? Mine is 25 which is overweight but sure as hell don't feel like it!
[more inside]posted by Freecola at 1:52 PM PST - 26 comments
A girl I'm dating recently revealed her secret fetish: she wants me to take a dump on her, but I have an aversion to poo.
[more inside]posted by Mach3avelli at 1:12 PM PST - 68 comments
1. Is there free tax preparation software?
2. If not why? when so many people have to file taxes every year.
posted by antisocialiting at 1:03 PM PST - 17 comments
Calling all boozers! Are there any popular brands of beer in the U.S. that come in a red can?
[more inside]posted by pootler at 12:46 PM PST - 25 comments
Where can I find Sloppy Joes in New York City?
posted by Stynxno at 12:45 PM PST - 2 comments
My aunt lied about my grandfather's will decades ago. Can my mom receive back rent for an apartment and storefront she didn't know she owned?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 12:18 PM PST - 22 comments
When is Microsoft going to put the new processor in the Xbox 360? And does anyone know of any future price-drops for the console?
[more inside]posted by Paul KC at 12:09 PM PST - 2 comments
Since all sorts of very clever people frequent metafilter I figured it would be worth a shot to repost this mootools related javascripting question here.
[more inside]posted by Grod at 10:56 AM PST - 6 comments
I have a three year old HP laptop with no hard drive. Is there some sort of cd I can pop in it to see if its working otherwise?
[more inside]posted by miniape at 10:02 AM PST - 8 comments
What interesting and nutritious meals can I make out of items regularly given out from the food bank?
[more inside]posted by arcticwoman at 9:57 AM PST - 15 comments
The best films to see while tripping?
LSD, HDTV, surround sound, on DVD?
Looking for visual effects, chromakey, 3000 miles from home, set controls for the center of the sun, etc.
[more inside]posted by klangklangston at 9:51 AM PST - 98 comments
What's a good camcorder-like device that can take video and quickly dump it to a computer to post online? I'm going abroad and want to reassure my parents that I haven't died with periodic videos of the trip.
[more inside]posted by Rictic at 9:39 AM PST - 12 comments
It's Friday evening in Madrid, I got some money cause I just got paid. Oh how I wish I had somewhere to go to...
[more inside]posted by greggish at 8:59 AM PST - 4 comments
I'm in a little bit of a bind determining the cost-of-living in European cities vs US cities...
[more inside]posted by arimathea at 8:36 AM PST - 8 comments
Help me find a good meal that I (a non-chef) can cook for my girlfriend (loves poultry, asian food, dislikes shellfish) for New Years' Eve.
[more inside]posted by Alterscape at 8:36 AM PST - 13 comments
Does Apple use poor quality disks? Does Apple's filesystem suck? How do you get a bad drive to give a smart error sooner?
[more inside]posted by jeffburdges at 8:32 AM PST - 29 comments
Looking for popular songs and movies that can be used to educate people in the system for abuse related crimes. These examples will be used to facilitate discussions about relationship boundaries, male entitlement, and inappropriate behavior.
[more inside]posted by Alison at 7:01 AM PST - 45 comments
My Western Digital MyBook has a folder on it called "iPod control." I have tried deleting it, but it always comes back. This hard drive has had this "feature" since I bought it."
As a result of this, my Rhapsody software keeps thinking I have an iPod attached to my computer when I don't.
I realize this hard drive is only trying to be helpful, but this quirk makes me want to beat it with a hose.
posted by 4ster at 6:47 AM PST - 8 comments
I've got a night in NYC on 24 January and want to take advantage of the Winter Restaurant Week USD 35.00 prix-fixe menus somewhere in town but where?
[more inside]posted by i_cola at 6:09 AM PST - 13 comments
When talking, Danes sometimes make a quick gasping noise that's very distinctive but difficult to describe. Can anyone explain this odd habit? Does it have a name? (More details inside.)
[more inside]posted by Ø at 4:33 AM PST - 27 comments
We're making the switch from POP mail to hosted Exchange mail, and it isn't as much fun as it should be.
[more inside]posted by SteveInMaine at 1:35 AM PST - 4 comments
I cannot, for the life of me, burn a DVD on my MacPro of an 8.5 minute video without 2-4 video/audio glitches. Details of everything I've tried within.
[more inside]posted by robbie01 at 1:08 AM PST - 5 comments
I’m looking for a video camera and can’t seem to find one with the features I need—a microphone input jack, records direct to digital formats and good enough quality of video for web stuff.
[more inside]posted by jkl345 at 12:06 AM PST - 9 comments
December 28
Librarian type question: how on earth can I get access to the
National Security Archive database by Proquest? I am writing some articles on the Cold War on Wikipedia and want to see some of the documents in this collection, but Proquest/Chadwyck doesn't deal with individuals. They even offer free trials, which I can't get because I'm not an individual. Am I out of luck?
[more inside]posted by zek at 11:57 PM PST - 8 comments
I'm trying to find the name of the song they play on the trailer for next weeks (Jan. 4th) episode of CSI.
[more inside]posted by slim at 10:46 PM PST - 3 comments
I'm having some really strange cookie issues with Firefox (2.01). For starters, I can't access www.google.com...
[more inside]posted by zardoz at 10:23 PM PST - 2 comments
I have two SATA drives installed on my machine. My computer works fine except for the fact that roughly every two or three weeks my computer will fail to boot with a message reading "NTLOADER is missing. Press CTRL ALT DEL to reboot." I can fix the problem temporarily by opening up my computer case and swapping the drives around on the motherboard (putting the cable for Drive 1 into SATA 2 and vice versa), at which point Windows will boot up fine and function without a problem but as I said, within the space of two to three weeks, the problem comes back. Hope me, please! System specs inside.
[more inside]posted by Effigy2000 at 9:20 PM PST - 14 comments
My mother is 94. I recently found out that she has unclaimed assets from a long time ago. The state says that in order to claim the money, she has to prove that she lived at the residence listed on the claim. We think she lived there in the 1940's. How do I go about finding records from so long ago?
posted by ellke at 8:59 PM PST - 8 comments
Can anyone direct me to a good online (or book) resource for learning basic spray finishing with an air compressor?
[more inside]posted by docpops at 8:46 PM PST - 2 comments
I am looking to apply for an entry-level position at some of the large investment banks in NYC (Goldman Sachs, Bear Sterns) as well as some smaller ones. I have friends that work in banking and are encouraging me to become a junior analyst. Do they drug test? How extensively?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:21 PM PST - 18 comments
I got, as a Christmas surprise, a betta (Siamese fighting fish) and the accompanying pet-store setup. I'd really like to keep it in conditions that are not just horrible-but-minimally-survivable -- but Wikipedia's standards seem amazingly high. What should I do?
[more inside]posted by booksandlibretti at 7:54 PM PST - 16 comments
Help me find a way into Montreal in a legal fashion. I am a US citizen and I want to live there only to write my novel but I have no idea how to get a job there.
[more inside]posted by AEM914 at 7:36 PM PST - 6 comments
My Mac Mini shut off when the powerstrip got unplugged.
Now when I power it on it loads up the "Bluetooth Setup Assistant" and keeps searching for bluetooth mice - which I don't have any. The Dock is gone and the top white menu bar is only partially painted.
[more inside]posted by ao4047 at 7:11 PM PST - 15 comments
I received a new
turntable for Christmas. I’m having a hard time following the owner’s manual and
on-line resources that explain how to achieve the best possible sound quality. If my LPs play fine, to my ears anyway, how important is it to perfectly adjust the cartridge, tracking force, azimuth, etc.? Besides offending obsessive audiophiles, do I run the risk of damaging the records or turntable?
[more inside]posted by njm at 6:12 PM PST - 7 comments
If someone wants money from a vehicle accident three and a half months after it happened, can they still get insurance to take care of it?
[more inside]posted by Count at 6:02 PM PST - 21 comments
The type of self-defense demonstrated on the Fox series 24 is quick, brutal and decisive. Although obviously make-believe TV, it strikes me that this probably an accurate portrayal hand-to-hand confrontations when somebody knows what they are doing. What style of self-defense does the character Jack Bauer employ in subduing or neutralizing his targets?
posted by quadog at 3:45 PM PST - 18 comments
I would like a definitive view of the Israel/Palestine conflict that doesn't take sides (even most of the factual histories I've read omit some facts to give a certain slant to one side or the other). This could come in the form of a book, website, documentay, torrent, .pdf, podcast, or miscellaneous other media forms I haven't thought of.
[more inside]posted by elr at 2:34 PM PST - 23 comments
I like Picasa, but I really like open source. Like digiKam, only on Windows. Can you help?
[more inside]posted by niles at 2:30 PM PST - 7 comments
After an automatic update, Thunderbird won't recognize newly created folders. Why, oh, why?
[more inside]posted by Jaybo at 2:13 PM PST - 3 comments
I want to get a large quantity of t-shirts made for my start-up company.... any recommendations?
[more inside]posted by Gankmore at 2:00 PM PST - 10 comments
I've read a few really good works on quantum physics and other cutting-edge sciences, and I'd like to know more. However, I'm coming at this topic from a decidedly non-scientific education. Can someone suggest a few titles?
posted by jackypaper at 1:53 PM PST - 15 comments
I'm interested in fitting odd lenses -- and making custom lenses -- to/for digital cameras and digital video cameras. I'm not terribly concerned with the electronic side of things, so you shouldn't be either. What I'm looking for is a crass/crash course in optics -- something (a book, a video, a class, a kit) that will teach me the basics of optics and allow me to force photocopier lenses, telescopes, and microscopes onto unsuspecting recording devices.
posted by fake at 1:51 PM PST - 12 comments
Where can I find a global network of amateur stock detectives, as used by Christopher Carey of Mark Cuban's http://www.ShareSleuth.com ?
[more inside]posted by cluelessguru at 1:32 PM PST - 3 comments
Is there a geographically accurate map of the DC metro system? Like
this London tube map?
posted by phrontist at 1:00 PM PST - 11 comments
What are the most affordable, non-touristy places to travel in Latin American for someone who has already spent considerable time there?
[more inside]posted by jk252b at 12:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Can anyone recommend easy to install, cross platform monitoring software for Mac OS X - that is, something that would allow a parent, employer or teacher to, from their PC, monitor the screen of a Macintosh? Will remote desktop do this? Is it relatively easy to install?
posted by luriete at 12:07 PM PST - 14 comments
Strange problem with a new laptop (WXGA display) and a video card that goes from 1024x768 right to 1280x1024.
[more inside]posted by saraswati at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments
Are there videos of typical sitcoms that use canned laughter without the laugh track?
[more inside]posted by destro at 10:46 AM PST - 11 comments
Stop me hitting my iPod! My 4th gen iPod requires frequent slapping to encourage it to unfreeze (try Googling 'slap+ipod' to see what I mean). What does this particular 'fix' actually do? How do I fix my iPod in a more permanent way?
[more inside]posted by Kiwi at 10:35 AM PST - 8 comments
UnderseaCablesFilter: I am in Indonesia and I cannot access my Gmail account through normal means post-Taiwan earthquake.
[more inside]posted by mdonley at 8:59 AM PST - 9 comments
I've been thinking of creating a wiki for my city. Is it worth it?
[more inside]posted by gtr at 8:51 AM PST - 9 comments
The air compressor on my 2002 Ford Ranger is making a really loud clicking sound every ten seconds when the heater or AC is turned on. The mechanic says this is normal. Is this normal?
[more inside]posted by worstkidever at 8:25 AM PST - 7 comments
Talk to me about horse trailers. I need to buy a horse trailer before horse show season starts in the spring. I'm interested in advice / recommendations from anybody that has a horse and/or trailer.
[more inside]posted by COD at 7:33 AM PST - 4 comments
What should I expect to pay for some custom millwork? Assuming, of course, that the hive mind doesn't tell me I'm an idiot...
[more inside]posted by phearlez at 7:26 AM PST - 10 comments
I need to buy term life insurance ASAP, but I'm out of shape. What's the smart thing to do?
[more inside]posted by tfmm at 7:18 AM PST - 5 comments
Recommendations for bluetooth headphones, primarily for music so not interested in the single earpiece products.
[more inside]posted by amestoy at 6:27 AM PST - 10 comments
Has anyone here been able to run OSx on non-Macintosh parts (Thereby cutting the cost of a Mac in a third)?
[more inside]posted by localhuman at 6:10 AM PST - 19 comments
My sister and her boyfriend(Jewish) are talking seriously about moving to Israel. What books, articles, ect. do I need to read to form a rounded opinion about this state.
[more inside]posted by nintendo at 3:57 AM PST - 16 comments
I'm looking for a good computer-parts store in or around the DC Metro area; 'good' meaning one that has "junk bins" of parts that can be pawed through, lots of used gear, no salespeople, etc. Specifically not a big-box store.
[more inside]posted by Kadin2048 at 12:11 AM PST - 6 comments
December 27
I bought a 348 piece tool set from Craftsman to work on my car. This is usually a group effort, multiple tool boxes involved. How can I mark my tools to insure at the end of the day, I have all of my sockets and wrenches. (more inside)
[more inside]posted by JujuB at 10:46 PM PST - 24 comments
It's a nice place to work, but do I want to live there? I'm seeking advice, stories, etc. on an issue I've been struggling with for some time now on whether it's worthwhile to keep a good job that's far away from where I grew up. It's kind of a work vs. family issue, although I'm talking about "family" in the extended sense of cousins, parents, etc, as opposed to spouse 'n' kids. Of course, this is a very individual topic, and of course, there is ...
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 9:43 PM PST - 6 comments
This is a long shot, but I'm looking to purchase shelving units that match, or at least come very close, to those pictured
here [more inside]posted by incomple at 9:36 PM PST - 8 comments
I have a home network that is working fine except for emails from one server. The problem is not the server. What else could it be? more inside...
[more inside]posted by pikaboy202 at 7:56 PM PST - 6 comments
OSX Security: I followed the instructions on
this MacOSXhints article to setup my shiny new MacBook Pro to take a picture using the built-in iSight whenever there's a failed authentication attempt. I've noticed that every night at 9:53, there are multiple failed login attempts, but it's while I'm using the computer, so I end up with pictures of me.
[more inside]posted by chota at 7:41 PM PST - 16 comments
Why would Target employees not be truthful about when they have had/will get Wiis in stock? Is there a secret handshake I can do to figure out the real story?
[more inside]posted by AgentRocket at 6:22 PM PST - 26 comments
I was hit by a bus while my car was not moving. Who do I sue in small claims court, the driver of the bus, or the private company that owns the bus?
[more inside]posted by JakeWalker at 6:18 PM PST - 16 comments
CheerUpFilter: I haven't exacty been the brightest ray of sunshine lately, and as it's 3:30am here and my mum's in the other room sleeping, I need something I can do that'll cheer me up without waking her up.
[more inside]posted by alona at 5:42 PM PST - 19 comments
I need to find a Windows based sequencer or music making program that my grandad can understand.
[more inside]posted by svenni at 5:35 PM PST - 6 comments
What should my friends do about the three guns (one possibly Russian) they found in their new apartment?
[more inside]posted by tsarfan at 4:53 PM PST - 22 comments
What are some unusual/interesting/generally missed by out-of-towners spots in Richmond, VA that I should visit?
posted by ryanshepard at 4:12 PM PST - 13 comments
My partner is being treated with antibiotics for an infected root canal but has developed a tender, golf-ball sized swelling between his jaw and his cheek. Do we need to go back to the emergency dentist before flying home?
[more inside]posted by Flitcraft at 4:07 PM PST - 13 comments
I'm applying to law school this September (after finishing school in may) and I have a question.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:06 PM PST - 13 comments
I once heard that newspapers (and/or magazines) before publishing pictures of people who recently passed, would color in the highlight on their pupils. Is this a myth or a truth?
posted by grefo at 3:14 PM PST - 9 comments
After an uncomplicated lower wisdom tooth extraction, what can you see with an ordinary flashlight & mirror?
[more inside]posted by spacewrench at 2:54 PM PST - 9 comments
What happened to Vanilla Coke/Pepsi Vanilla? I can't seem to find it anywhere any more, and I'm really missing my Cola Vanilla fix! (I live in Massachusetts, if that's important)
posted by deansfurniture5 at 1:39 PM PST - 19 comments
Christmas Money: I just got a modest check for Christmas, and am actually considering a responsible way to spend it. What should I do?
[more inside]posted by jtajta at 1:36 PM PST - 13 comments
Excel question: I'm looking to pull a months and years worth of spreadsheet information to a summary report. The days work is saved as reportxxxxxx (month/day/year)
[more inside]posted by brent at 1:12 PM PST - 4 comments
I'm looking for ideas or suggestions for some kind of ritual or tradition to do on New Year's Eve to really symbolize starting the new year off with a clean slate.
[more inside]posted by tastybrains at 12:57 PM PST - 25 comments
AlwaysPreparedFilter: What are ten (give or take a few) ingredients that are handy to always have on hand to cook a good meal?
[more inside]posted by elquien at 12:55 PM PST - 33 comments
If a mermaid were to have a scientific classification, how would I go about building the name so that it sounds half believable?
[more inside]posted by FunkyHelix at 12:48 PM PST - 24 comments
Network Security: I'm looking for recommendations for an individual or company that can come check out our network and make sure it's secure. In Sterling, VA (NoVA/DC).
[more inside]posted by sa3z at 12:29 PM PST - 9 comments
NoisyStrapFilter: I splurged on an expensive handbag last week and am now surprised to find that the leather and chain shoulder strap is surprisingly noisy. What can I do to make the strap quieter ?
[more inside]posted by AuntLisa at 12:14 PM PST - 6 comments
My brother would like nothing more for Christmas than to be able to put some or all of Wikipedia onto his 5th-Generation Video iPod. Is this do-able?
[more inside]posted by willbaude at 12:04 PM PST - 4 comments
St. Louis New Years Fireworks: I'm going to be in St. Louis over New Years Eve. Where are the fireworks? Googling has found a fireworks display at First Night St. Louis at 9:00 PM and another in Westport Plaza at 6:00 PM. Surely there's more than this (and at least one show at midnight) right?
[more inside]posted by trystero at 11:58 AM PST - 4 comments
How do I learn to ride horses as an adult? What to look for in an instructor, school, and horse? I am in the DC area.
[more inside]posted by procrastination at 11:29 AM PST - 12 comments
St. Louis Ice Skating: I'd like to take a date ice skating in St. Louis for New Year's. Where can I go? My assumption is that it's not cold enough for an outdoor rink, so I'm probably looking for an indoor rink.
[more inside]posted by gd779 at 11:25 AM PST - 5 comments
MS Excel help needed. I need to set up some sort of automated merging macro in excel and am having trouble tracking down the best way. The details, and much
[more inside]posted by chrisamiller at 11:16 AM PST - 3 comments
I received a jar of homemade pepper jelly as a Christmas present. What do I do with it? What is it good to put on?
My experience with homemade jelly is limited to what you would put on toast or peanut butter sandwiches, neither of which sounds appealling with anything involving pepper.
Ideas?
posted by lawhound at 11:03 AM PST - 25 comments
I would like to find out about good providers of photography tours and/or travel-based photography workshops abroad. Preferably, the workshops should be pitched at the level of an intermediate photographer.
[more inside]posted by matildaben at 11:02 AM PST - 6 comments
Waitressing crash course: I have the opportunity to work in a high-end restaurant/live music club but I have no previous waitressing experience. I'm taking the job to make extra money and I want to maximize my tip potential.
[more inside]posted by megancita at 9:36 AM PST - 53 comments
I have a pocket pc and gps device and i'm off to switzerland skiing over new year, is there some way that i can combine my favourite geek toy with my favourite sporting passtime?
[more inside]posted by donbing at 8:37 AM PST - 4 comments
How do you justify how much to spend on yourself when there are so many out there without? And, how much should you give to charity?
[more inside]posted by pinksoftsoap at 7:08 AM PST - 31 comments
Is it possible to break into social entrepreneurship/development without getting a MBA? Especially when you already have a master's degree?
[more inside]posted by gov_moonbeam at 12:43 AM PST - 5 comments
Gold. I'm looking for an interesting read, preferably something short, that explains why gold has the role it has in the global economy and how that role came about.
[more inside]posted by aaronwsj at 12:32 AM PST - 12 comments
December 26
How do you give a stranger warning that the new woman in their life is really a bad person?
[more inside]posted by jtoth at 8:14 PM PST - 33 comments
How can I find out relative market share of online applications? In particular, I'm curious to see how Google Calendar is faring against Yahoo! Calendar. I've found
this blog post, which shows stats from May 2006, but I'd like something that's more up-to-date, and broader (i.e., includes calendars).
posted by peterme at 8:07 PM PST - 1 comments
I have a Garmin GPS unit, I would very much like to get some maps on it.
[more inside]posted by quin at 7:54 PM PST - 9 comments
Broken TVfilter? We have a Phillips TV which keeps turning itself off. A vicegrip and more are inside.
[more inside]posted by jeribus at 7:53 PM PST - 9 comments
I have a pair of jeans. It is a normal pair of jeans. I would like to have a line of rhinestones going along the outseam on either leg. What's the best method?
[more inside]posted by SampleSize at 7:30 PM PST - 11 comments
[Iain M Banks Filter] In
The Algebraist, much is made of the lack of supralight communication with the rest of the galaxy thanks to the collapsed wormhole portal. (And now we get spoilerish.)
[more inside]posted by beaucoupkevin at 7:25 PM PST - 4 comments
How can one learn/be taught to be thrifty and to not be sucked in by advertising?
[more inside]posted by k8t at 7:07 PM PST - 51 comments
Help identify 4 legged house intruder eating birdseed in package in our basement.
[more inside]posted by cleve9 at 6:23 PM PST - 21 comments
Does anyone have first or second-hand experience (good or bad) with any drug (specifically meth) rehab facilities in the DFW area?
posted by holdkris99 at 5:59 PM PST - 2 comments
With $450, what digital video camcorder should I buy? I really like the Sony DCR-DVD 105 but I'm unfamiliar if that's the best camera for my money.
[more inside]posted by seinfeld at 5:42 PM PST - 5 comments
I want to get in to snowboard/ski photography. I'm new to DSLRs, but have a good eye and lots of time. I have a Nikon D40 and want to spend about $1200 on good glass. What do I buy? Filter recommendations? Any tips for shooting in the snow?
posted by mrunderhill at 5:25 PM PST - 13 comments
The great musical-instrument-on-plane paradox. How do you prepare (what case[s] do you buy and what strategies do you develop) when you need to travel on many different kinds/scales of airlines, with a delicate wooden instrument that MAY or MAY NOT be allowed as carry-on baggage (depending on circumstance, how full the plane is, and how much or little the inspectors care that it looks large, solid and "middle eastern")?
[more inside]posted by allterrainbrain at 4:46 PM PST - 14 comments
What muscles are used to recover from a
heelside snowboard fall? If one were bad at getting up from such a fall, which exercises at the gym would you recommend to improve?
posted by Malad at 4:39 PM PST - 10 comments
cumulative voting: so a small number of shares could affect a proposal by stacking the votes?
[more inside]posted by Izzmeister at 4:31 PM PST - 3 comments
Does anybody know anything about the 'Kolbe Index' personality classification system?
[more inside]posted by lodurr at 4:27 PM PST - 3 comments
This happened to somebody I care about, who could really use a break. I'm trying to help him figure out his options. Money is the biggest factor, the cheapest solution is best. Story: On Xmas day, a young guy is on his way home from family holiday drives a pickup truck with big tires through a snooty part of town. He gets pulled over for littering (flicking a butt out the window).
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 4:15 PM PST - 38 comments
Whats the quickest easiest way to get the serial number markings off the windshield of my recently towed car?
[more inside]posted by sammich at 4:09 PM PST - 11 comments
Since developing bipolar disorder, and subsequently being out of work since April 2005, I find my motivation and concentration has gone to be replaced by apathy and what must seem to others like laziness. Has anyone else been in a similar situation and got themselves out of it, and if so, how?
[more inside]posted by AuroraSky at 3:45 PM PST - 17 comments
Is it possible to send a postal letter (to a UK address) through the internet?
[more inside]posted by simonw at 3:28 PM PST - 7 comments
Beyond the cost of living, earthquakes, and fog, what are the cons of living in San Francisco?
[more inside]posted by bjork24 at 3:18 PM PST - 61 comments
NewYearsResolutionFilter: My husband and I want to cash in on the New Year's savings and buy an elliptical machine. Right now, we feel like we're in a little bit over our head.
[more inside]posted by theantikitty at 2:53 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me get my color photographs to look as good (or at least the same) online as they do locally.
[more inside]posted by docgonzo at 2:48 PM PST - 3 comments
I want to set up a PC as a file server for my Mac. I'll also use it for light video gaming and website testing. What OS should I run? What else should I consider?
[more inside]posted by jruckman at 2:37 PM PST - 4 comments
Electronics for dummies? I need something very simple. There is one switch and two wires. When the switch is open, I want wire A to be grounded and wire B floating, when the switch is closed, Wire B should be grounded and wire A floating. Simple as that. What's the very very easiest way to achieve this (preferably using household equipment)?
[more inside]posted by grahamwell at 2:19 PM PST - 6 comments
Older Woman. I'm 21 and she is 25. We went to high school together and I was a freshman when she graduated. Is the difference in age still as big of a factor?
[more inside]posted by eleongonzales at 2:17 PM PST - 39 comments
What is the most striaghtforward solution for setting up user accounts with quotas for printing on a small closed office network, mixed Mac OSX 10.4 (mostly, PPC and one Intel) and Windows XP (one machine), printing to a HP 3390 laser all-in-one?
[more inside]posted by spitbull at 1:47 PM PST - 3 comments
So, I'm going to a New Year's party at a club/restaraunt in NYC this year. I've never gone to a bar in a big city let alone a New Year's party, so I'm in need of some help figuring out what is appropriate to wear.
[more inside]posted by rbf1138 at 1:38 PM PST - 11 comments
Somewhere in SoHo there is a women's clothing boutique with columns in the front wrapped in gold foil. Where is it?
[more inside]posted by ChasFile at 12:21 PM PST - 3 comments
Anybody else grow up calling a pacifier, a "goots"? I'm not sure if I'm spelling it correctly, but that's how it sounds (rhymes with boots). I'm not Jewish, but that word sounds Yiddish to me. Now I've got a kid of my own, and everybody thinks I'm crazy because I call it a goots. Is it a name brand? West Michigan Polish/Italian slang? Or what?
posted by elvissinatra at 11:58 AM PST - 25 comments
I would like to find out how much a particular house was sold for and, in general, what economic conditions are like for a purchase.
[more inside]posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:47 AM PST - 15 comments
Will Mini Talk To Katana? I've got a intel mac mini with bluetooth, and a Sanyo Katana cellphone with bluetooth. Is it possible to get them to talk to each other?
[more inside]posted by willmize at 11:22 AM PST - 7 comments
I received the new Photoshops elements (5.0 I think) for Christmas but never really used photoshop (only simple things like Picasa, etc).
[more inside]posted by beccaj at 10:18 AM PST - 3 comments
I have an audio cassette tape which has been waterlogged and soaked in dirt for over 10 years. What are my options for respooling/fixing the tape with its contents intact?
[more inside]posted by 0bvious at 9:45 AM PST - 12 comments
Is it safe to use a non-Panasonic CGA-S005 battery in my shiny new Lumix DMC-FX8 camera? What if there are stipulations?
[more inside]posted by ElectricBlue at 9:27 AM PST - 5 comments
Beautiful, quiet, or out-of-the-way locations in San Diego one might go to should they want a special place to propose to someone?
[more inside]posted by Bageena at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments
A friend of mine from Taiwan (and living in Taiwan) wants to move to South Africa. She has no idea how to do it, though, and so I thought I'd ask the crew here for ideas! Read on for more info...
[more inside]posted by phaedrus441 at 9:08 AM PST - 3 comments
CatComfort Filter: We are leaving our three cats alone in the house for three weeks. At what temperature should we set the thermostat?
[more inside]posted by picklebird at 8:29 AM PST - 9 comments
I am looking for an installation guide/diagram of how to install Myron & Davis headrest monitors. The vehicle actually already has the monitors installed, but I would like to know how to get power to them. I supposedly have all of the parts that I need, just no directions. Any help would be apprecialted. Thanks
posted by prairiepmb at 8:25 AM PST - 1 comments
General questions about Bluetooth on an old Mac (400mhz g4) and specific questios about bluetooth with a Sony Ericcson Z525 phone using Bluetooth on said Mac.
[more inside]posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:01 AM PST - 5 comments
I've just been informed of some things that are going to happen in the office, and will involve several people losing their jobs. I've been given the heads-up so that I can choose if I'm to be one of those people, or if I'm going to get the jobs of 3 or 4 other people when they get laid off.
[more inside]posted by slyboots421 at 7:29 AM PST - 18 comments
Afetr years on dial-up we almost have broadband, the trench is dug, the cable guys are coming, there is only one problem. Help me get a string through 200 feet of flexible pipe.
[more inside]posted by Xurando at 7:03 AM PST - 24 comments
I need to pick up a mobile phone this week, but I plan to dump it the very moment Apple releases its mobile phone. Which plan and phone should I pick?
[more inside]posted by JamesToast at 5:33 AM PST - 11 comments
iPodFilter : In 2005, I bought her a Mini. Now, she has a Nano. Not sure how to deal with it the iTunes way.
[more inside]posted by XiBe at 4:59 AM PST - 10 comments
My sister is in her late-30s and a single mother of one little girl. She's stuck in an endless series of crummy jobs,
severely dependent on our mother, and she is incredibly defensive and vitriolic about pretty much everything. I'd like to help her somehow.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 3:58 AM PST - 15 comments
I'm looking for a book of funny drawings of cats from the 1970s.. I've been passed this question at christmas time by my mother, who was asked by a fellow librarian.. A friend read a picture book while at school at an Australian High School in the early 1970s that she loved and has never fogotten. She does not know the title or author but says it was about an artist who drew a cat every day and each day the cat was different. One day it was very thin and slid down grates and through bars, then the next day it was a completely different shape and so had different experiences. Does anyone remember this book?
posted by theducks at 1:54 AM PST - 7 comments
December 25
Is it okay (socially and legally) for a 21 year old guy (me) to date a 16 year old girl?
[more inside]posted by blackout at 11:57 PM PST - 67 comments
Is there a good place to go backpacking in January in Northern California that doesn't involve a lot of snow?
[more inside]posted by fdhidalgo at 11:29 PM PST - 7 comments
What am I supposed to tip the New York Times delivery guy? I only get the Sunday edition.
posted by tboot at 11:10 PM PST - 5 comments
We decided to replace an ugly old chandelier today. After turning off the breaker and taking off the chandelier, I noticed there are black, red, white and green wires. The house is circa 1968. From what I can tell there used to be a fan/light. So I hooked up our flourescent dome by matching the wire colors and capping the red wire. Unfortunately, it didn't work.
[more inside]posted by mecran01 at 10:43 PM PST - 14 comments
In Eddie Izzard's Dressed to Kill, he says that how people respond to you is based 70% on how you look, 20% on how you sound, and 10% on what you say. What branch of psychology studies these reactions?
[more inside]posted by The_Partridge_Family at 5:18 PM PST - 14 comments
Hi MeFi! I'm a motivated college student who wants to do more than just work for the man to earn my tuition this summer. I've decided I want to start up my own lawn mowing business but have no real business experience whatsoever. To the entrepreneurs out there, where do I start? Is this a worthy business venture? If so, how do I aim for success?
[more inside]posted by ageispolis at 4:29 PM PST - 17 comments
What is the physically smallest laptop capable of running OS X? I'm only interested in word processing and light web browsing, so I have no prejudice against old models -- in fact, I'd prefer an older model if it's cheaper.
[more inside]posted by tweebiscuit at 3:59 PM PST - 23 comments
A few months ago my grandparents bought a computer. To help them fix problems without us driving all the way out to their house every time something comes up, I'd like to install something that would allow us to view their screen and control their mouse and keyboard from home. Both systems involved would be running Windows XP Home Edition, and we both have broadband connections. What is the best, preferably free, way to do this?
posted by punishinglemur at 10:20 AM PST - 34 comments
Recently I've been fascinated with the way a good actor doing good voice acting can convey a very specific character in movies or video games. (This may seem dumb, but the Demonhunter Illidan in WarCraft III has a particularly memorable voice). What I'm really wondering about, though, is the fact that all the examples of really effective, specific voice acting seem to be English-based.
[more inside]posted by dmaterialized at 8:23 AM PST - 11 comments
What is the best laptop to run linux on? I need it to be fast and to support at least 2 monitors - three would be better.
posted by jclaborn at 7:57 AM PST - 8 comments
My answering machine/fax combo has joined its compadres in the big electronics graveyard, and I need a state-of-the-art answering machine-type thingy now.
[more inside]posted by Gordion Knott at 5:49 AM PST - 2 comments
I have a website with a small community of members. I'd like to let them upload and share videos with each other.
[more inside]posted by mordecai at 2:04 AM PST - 8 comments
December 24
I was cranking out the family christmas email, complete with links to crappy home movies, and I can't get my last little clip made in Imovie. Specifically, Imovie won't let me insert transitions. Regardless of the length of the clips I'm transitioning, the "add" button is all greyed out.
Oh, and Merry Christmas!
posted by craniac at 10:59 PM PST - 5 comments
My wife wants to know if it is safe and advisable to clean Medela breastpump parts (tubes and other plastic bits) in the dishwasher. The tubes and so on. Not the pump itself, obviously.
[more inside]posted by geekhorde at 9:51 PM PST - 11 comments
What could stop me from using an unlocked GSM phone with a Tracfone SIM card?
[more inside]posted by fujiko at 9:09 PM PST - 6 comments
what if someone who was renting a car, uh, hypothetically, ran over a curb and damaged a tire rim? would they be smart or stupid to just have the tire replaced before turning the car in?
posted by ubiquity at 7:48 PM PST - 15 comments
How can I encode a divx file into the proper mpeg format in order to play it on my sony cybershot digital camera? I have a 2gig memory stick on here and want to use it as a media player.
[more inside]posted by allthewhile at 6:11 PM PST - 3 comments
I'm arriving in London on Thursday morning and will have 9 hours to spend in the city. Unfortunately, I will have three big, heavy pieces of luggage with me. I need a convenient place to drop it.
[more inside]posted by BradNelson at 4:20 PM PST - 10 comments
Los Angeles Filter: I'm going to be in Los Angeles for the first week of January 2007 and it will be my first time there. What are some things I should definetely see/do around the area while I'm there?
[more inside]posted by deeman at 1:13 PM PST - 24 comments
I just finished an excellent book--
An African in Greenland by Tété-Michel Kpomassie-- which details an Togolese man's interactions with the Inuit. I was wondering if anyone could recommend other books which are one non-Western culture's take on another. (To me, at least, the more apparently unrelated the two cultures the better.)
posted by bethm at 12:20 PM PST - 8 comments
Anyone know anything about seismic upgrades? We own a 40 year old house in the SF Bay Area, love it, and plan to live in it for years and years to come. However, it's a 1.5 story house built against a hill, with the majority of the house sitting above a two car garage. There's...
[more inside]posted by mosk at 10:06 AM PST - 2 comments
Looking for 3-5 $5-15 gifts for a DJ girl. Optional difficulty: I'm in Amarillo and ideally could get stuff here.
[more inside]posted by davebug at 8:58 AM PST - 16 comments
I'm leaving for Bangkok in a few days. Although there's info online already , I'd like MeFi specific recommendations on good tailors. I'm looking for business & casual clothing. I am fashion-challenged, so any advice on materials, cuts, and what clothes look good on a not-very-tall guy are appreciated as well.
[more inside]posted by yorick at 7:31 AM PST - 5 comments
Here is a tough one : the girlfriend has been seeing two men simultaneously. Me and another one. Now the other man she's been seeing is dead. Should I drop her or should I forgive her ?
[more inside]posted by Baud at 3:36 AM PST - 72 comments
Question about infidelity?
My spouse recently disclosed an emotional affair with a coworker that has been escalating for the last few months. There hasn't been any sexual contact so far but there is a fear that it's not far off. She wants to end the affair and has told the lover many times to back off. He basically ignores her and continues to persue, recently telling her he loved her etc. She is afraid of repercussions if she were to file a sexual harassment claim, and she also says she doesn't want to destroy his career. Unforuntately we can't afford for her to leave her job (government employee) and she can't avoid seeing him at least for a couple hours each week. There involvement is becoming workplace knowledge so I am expecting it to get easier for her to claim harassment. It's my understanding that once she told him to back off he is legally in violation if he continues to pursue. My question is can I sue him for trying to break up my marriage and my family, if so what grounds?
posted by overweightgeek at 2:44 AM PST - 52 comments
Is there a website that will let me know when books I want go from the undesired hardcover to the coveted paperback?
posted by srboisvert at 2:42 AM PST - 10 comments
December 23
I am thinking about a visit to Kansas City one of these days. Aside from the delicious BBQ, is there anything else worth taking a look at in this fair city?
[more inside]posted by dhammond at 10:25 PM PST - 15 comments
Girlfriend has been told by doctor to have a vaginal ultrasound. He suspects either an ovarian cyst or endometriosis. We live in Seattle; she has no health insurance. Options & advice?
[more inside]posted by scaryblackdeath at 7:34 PM PST - 8 comments
Does there exist on the Mac a picture/video viewer that is as easy to use as ACDSee on the PC?
[more inside]posted by Caviar at 7:28 PM PST - 13 comments
This evening some repo guys and a Rentway truck showed up briefly asking for the people that lived here a year ago. This got me to wondering. Wikipedia only talks about the contract aspect. What I don't understand is (a) why don't repo guys take it to court, and if they did why isn't a peace officer or deputy involved in seizures; (b) what keeps them from asking for -my- ID to prove I live here; (c) and what happens if the people they're looking for say they can't enter? I just want to understand more about who showed up expecting to come in my house and how my own rights relate to them. I think they were after the plasma TV that we saw when touring the house last year.
posted by rolypolyman at 6:59 PM PST - 9 comments
Does anyone know of a research paper that states recommendations for a product/service/company are liked more? For example, if I recommend a book to a friend, they will end up liking it more. It seems to make sense to me, but I was hoping there was some research that confirmed this.
posted by lpctstr; at 6:10 PM PST - 10 comments
where is the easiest place (US or otherwise) for three guys to live off the income from an entry level job? food, shelter, internet, basic utilities
posted by jimmy at 5:43 PM PST - 31 comments
I know this almost completely defeats the purpose of administrator privilege, but is there any way to delete/edit data and cache files on an XP network without logging in as the administrator?
posted by dgbellak at 3:06 PM PST - 8 comments
Why don't fighter jets (in real life or in those classic movies) have backwards pointing guns and missiles to shoot down their chasing adversaries in dog-fights?
[more inside]posted by names are hard at 2:16 PM PST - 33 comments
Route/restaurant/attraction recommendations for a mid-20s couple on their first mini-road trip, which will be from home in Chicago to a wedding in Kansas City?
[more inside]posted by asuprenant at 1:36 PM PST - 17 comments
Can people be trained to better withstand or recover faster from sexual assault? I'm thinking specifically of people being sent into situations where being sexually assaulted is a high risk (e.g. law-enforcement undercover in the sex-trade, humanitarian aid workers in combat zones, soldiers)...
[more inside]posted by sarahkeebs at 11:56 AM PST - 14 comments
Any Woot-like on-line stores that sell/ship to Canada?
posted by porpoise at 11:52 AM PST - 10 comments
I'm considering a grill/brush guard for my mini SUV. Apart from their main purpose as off-road accessories, are there any real benefits to be derived from installing one on a vehicle mainly used in daily urban commute (collision protection, etc.) aside from cosmetic? Do they void any insurance protection or add to gas consumption? I believe form must follow function hence this query. Thanks for your time.
posted by azul at 11:08 AM PST - 13 comments
Who holds copyright to
Hearts of Darkness^, and why did they block inclusion of the documentary in the recently-released
Apocalypse Now: The Complete Dossier DVD set?
posted by mwhybark at 10:50 AM PST - 12 comments
I left my iPod in the seat pocket on a flight from SFO to IAD (I changed planes and went on to ROC) yesterday. I've made some attempts to locate it, but with the holiday travel and the huge backup due to Denver being closed, I'm having little success. I'm jumping through the hoops with the airport and airline, but having a tough time due to the heavy traveler volume. Has anyone else lost an item by leaving it in the seat pocket and got it returned? Any tips?
posted by mhm at 10:04 AM PST - 13 comments
Now that Lik-Sang is dead, where do I turn if I want to import games, or even better, electronic gadgets, computers and such. There was one big site I remember seeing (but, of course, can't remember the URL) that seemed to have quite a few laptops and cameras. Where do you import your gadgetry and games (to the US)?
posted by Merdryn at 9:33 AM PST - 5 comments
I have a old print I would like more info about. I is by Luc Oliver Merson. The name on the bottom is "Le Repos En Egypt" It has a woman sleeping between the front legs of a Spinx, man asleep on the ground, donkey standing with it's saddle on ground behind it and a fire that is buring out and just smoldering. Any info on this print woud be appreciated.
posted by Dale-Mac at 6:29 AM PST - 3 comments
December 22
Please help me make the most of my old point-and-shoot digital camera in low light situations!
[more inside]posted by the_bone at 11:35 PM PST - 27 comments
Are there any popular American actors/actresses that do mostly productions not targeted for Americans?
[more inside]posted by Brian James at 11:09 PM PST - 27 comments
How long does it normally take to get approval of the filing of a federal estate tax return? How about the filing of an Iowa inheritance tax return? eg, how long does it take to receive the tax clearances from the feds and the state authority? If it matters, the returns are being filed by a major financial institution for an estate with substantial assets.
posted by america4 at 10:13 PM PST - 1 comments
Is the Wii marketing campaign the first game console campaign to make such a big deal about its Japanese heritage? (In the U.S., anyway.)
[more inside]posted by The Deej at 8:14 PM PST - 14 comments
I want to learn the basics about urban planning, road planning, and how buildings are put together. Everything from skyscrapers to single family houses. I always wonder about the reasons roads are built where they are given the terrain. I'm always staring at high rises under construction to figure out what principles and methods go into their construction. My ultimate goal would be to create a program for generating random terrain/roads/towns/cities etc..
posted by parallax7d at 8:02 PM PST - 17 comments
A friend recently found out she owns a nativity set painted by a local priest who has been convicted of child molestation. As a victim of abuse herself, she wants it out of the house but would prefer to somehow sell it and donate the proceeds to a relevant advocacy group. Is this reasonable or should she just smash it up and toss it?
[more inside]posted by mrgoldenbrown at 7:47 PM PST - 28 comments
I was using the headphone jack on my macbook and moved it around slightly when the sound suddenly cut out. I soon realized that the very tip of the headphone plug had broken off and gotten stuck inside the jack, and the rest of the plug remained intact. I tried using a small refrigerator magnet to see if it would draw the broken bit out, but it didn't, and i didn't want to try a more powerful magnet because I don't know where the hard drive is in the computer. I was thinking maybe getting some pointy tweezers and taking the battery out so I don't electrocute myself while poking around in the jack? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
posted by hidinginabunker at 7:25 PM PST - 12 comments
I'm making chocolate-chip cookies tonight and I have no butter or shortening. Can you suggest recipes without either?
[more inside]posted by Kattullus at 6:32 PM PST - 20 comments
Is there an English word for the feeling one gets while seeing a familiar possession in an alien environment?
[more inside]posted by lauranesson at 6:25 PM PST - 22 comments
I just bought a
Garmin Forerunner 205. I love it, it's neat, wow, awesome. But I use an Apple and the software isn't compatible. Can someone walk me through how I can get my PowerBook to recognize the unit (and download the data) when I plug it in via USB and if there are any programs I can use that are similar to the "Training Center" software included?
posted by tumbleweedjack at 6:02 PM PST - 7 comments
A question for ColdFusion gurus. A guy in our company has used ColdFusion to design a password protected website, and I need to know how it works as ColdFusion is a total unknown to me.
[more inside]posted by 543DoublePlay at 5:22 PM PST - 13 comments
I'm trying to find a "lost" tweak that automatically used XP's "lock workstation" feature on boot.
[more inside]posted by Ekim Neems at 4:11 PM PST - 9 comments
Is there anywhere I can find step-by-step instructions for installing a Linux distro (Ubuntu in particular) on my PowerBook G4's external hard drive?
[more inside]posted by Aanidaani at 3:36 PM PST - 6 comments
What's it like to work in a patent law office? A law office in general? I'm considering applying for an entry-level patent secretary job in Northern Virginia.
posted by juniper at 2:30 PM PST - 11 comments
My wife and I will arrive in Stockholm on New Year's Eve, and since we don't have any friends or family in the city we're at a loss over where to go. I'm a student and she's a medical resident so the posh venues that reveal themselves on Google are out of the question. Where should a young-ish couple go in Stockholm to celebrate the New Year?
posted by 1adam12 at 2:26 PM PST - 5 comments
I am trying to find an animated musical short (possibly Italian? - it had subtitles) which I saw on television at least ten years ago. It may have been an Oscar-nominated short animation, but I can find nothing at imdb. Description inside....
[more inside]posted by tzikeh at 1:41 PM PST - 4 comments
i am a complete Linux Noob and i've decided to go a few rounds with a simple LAMP server. Where can i find helpful resources and suggestions?
[more inside]posted by Davaal at 1:34 PM PST - 10 comments
How much does it cost to phone Canada from Ethiopia? Is it possible to buy a long distance calling card in Ethiopia for calling Canada?
posted by metaname at 12:45 PM PST - 9 comments
I saw an CD yesterday in a music store, but now I can't remember the artist's or the album's name. It's electronica (I didn't listen to it long enough to be able to name the sub-genre). The album cover was bright yellow, with a photo of a guy (the artist... I assume) in the middle. He had thick black make-up under his eyes. Oh - and I think it came out in 2005. Please help!
posted by smartless at 12:15 PM PST - 8 comments
We are dragging and dropping picture files from a Windows XP PC onto a 256 MB Lexar compact flash card in a SanDisk card reader. The card no longer accepts data after around 125 MB have been transferred to it. How can we fill the card to its full 256 MB capacity to view digital photos in a digital picture frame device?
posted by hdfische at 12:05 PM PST - 14 comments
I can't find
these Birkenstock/Birki Trinidad sandals in a size 43 in black online...I bet you can't....that's a challenge. :)
[more inside]posted by wogbat at 11:17 AM PST - 10 comments
A warrant is going to be issued for my arrest in an hour-and-a-half for passing off bad checks I didn't write. That is, someone has my old checks from a bank account I closed over almost a year ago, and they're now using them. What the hell do I do?
[more inside]posted by schroedinger at 10:30 AM PST - 48 comments
I'm looking at get a Doc Johnson Pocket Rocket as a stocking stuffer for my girlfriend for Xmas. Ordinarily I'd order it online but as we're only a few days away from the holiday, can anyone tell me where, besides an "Adult Shop," I might be able to buy this?
[more inside]posted by ghastlyfop at 9:59 AM PST - 13 comments
I’m looking for films or movie trailers the feature a specific style: I guess you’d call them “freeze-frame action stalls.”
[more inside]posted by Milkman Dan at 9:48 AM PST - 8 comments
"Yippie Kai Yay Mr. Falcon!" In a censored version of Die Hard II, a dubbed over Bruce Willis exclaims these words as a final FU to the bad guys. Anyone know where I can download this tidbit?
posted by jeff_w_welch at 8:15 AM PST - 6 comments
Can helping aspiring authors succeed somehow help me, or does it hurt my own chances of being published?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:59 AM PST - 19 comments
I was fascinated by
this post about the changes made to the lyric of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" between the original and Sinatra's saccharine version. What are some other popular songs which started out with morbid or otherwise dark lyrics only to be "happied up" before hitting it big? (Not necessarily limited to Christmas Carols.)
posted by murphy slaw at 7:53 AM PST - 29 comments
A Mexican friend of mine recently used a Spanish phrase that literally translates out to, "The world is like a handkerchief." He says it means the same as "it's a small world." However, he doesn't know the origins of this phrase or why it means that. Being mathematicians, we think it's that any point on the handkerchief can be brought arbitrarily close to any other point on the handkerchief. Does anyone know the origin of this phrase?
posted by bluefly at 7:07 AM PST - 6 comments
Years ago my wife and I read a story by Heinrich Böll which I remembered being titled "Christmas Every Day," but its real title is apparently
Nicht nur zur Weihnachtszeit (Christmas Not Just Once a Year). This year we'd like to read it to our son, who is now old enough to appreciate its black humor. I thought this would be easy to find in print or online, but I've looked up web and down Foyles, and have had no luck. Can anyone tell me the name of an anthology where the story appears ... or scan it and be my friend forever?
posted by lukemeister at 5:49 AM PST - 10 comments
I met a cat in the street tonight and didn't have any ears.
I was walking down a quiet street and saw a white cat sitting in the middle of the street, it didn't move as I approached.
I got to abaout 10 ft and stopped, and called to it. It came over and was clearly not afraid.
It did not have any ears, it had holes where ears would be and the holes were clean, no flaps or raggedy bits.
We bonded easy enough, I was able to lift the creature onto my lap, it was purring.
It was skinny and I think under fed, certainly my own cats which are lean, are much fuller in body.
Why might a cat have no ears ?
Is it an act of malice or surgery ?
Disese or cruelty ?
Birth defect ?
It made me very sad.
posted by matholio at 4:44 AM PST - 19 comments
Can I use a video camera to record police officers performing their duties in public, in Illinois? I was threatened with jail tonight by a police officer if I didn't shut off the camera that was filming him. Here is the
video with his threats.
[more inside]posted by jbb7 at 2:06 AM PST - 30 comments
December 21
Relationshipfilter: My 5month girlfriend suddenly realized she needs space to grow on her own, outside of a serious relationship. How the hell do I do it?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 11:23 PM PST - 30 comments
Any resource recommendations on learning to be my own in-home barista? Where do I buy those syrups?
[more inside]posted by benjh at 10:35 PM PST - 12 comments
During Tuesday Night's CSI:NY (the one with a girl stabbed by an ice-bottle), there was a song about midway through that had a catchy, reggae/hip hop beat to it. Vaguely remembered lyrics include something about people struggling, "my feet keep hurting," and "we have had enough." Despite those sort of downtrodden words, it had a very upbeat sound to it. Can anyone help me find it? Google searching has gotten me nowhere. It sounds new and like it would be popular, but I couldn't find it in iTunes top 100 songs either.
posted by hihowareyou at 9:50 PM PST - 4 comments
What's the key-sequence to unlock my car stereo? I know the code but how do I enter it?
[more inside]posted by ninazer0 at 9:42 PM PST - 5 comments
I'm looking for a cable that has the ipod connector on one end and both a cigarette lighter adapter and two male RCA's on the other end. Does such a thing exist?
posted by joshuaconner at 8:34 PM PST - 2 comments
How do you get that rich gravy like texture in Indian dishes?
Whenever I make Indian food at home like a Dal or Masala dish I can never get that rich creamy gravy-like quality I get in restaurants. I suspect its because I dont use dairy in my cooking but I dont think they do in Indian food either (aside from the obvious like paneer). I know they use Ghee which is clarified butter but could that be what it is? I thought ghee was more like clear and not very thick.
posted by postergeist at 8:06 PM PST - 28 comments
I want to get a pair of opera glasses as a gift for my wife. There are plenty to be found all over teh internets, but I'd like to buy from a brick & mortar retailer somewhere in the DFW area. Problem is, I have no idea who would even sell something like that. Any suggestions?
posted by satori101 at 6:51 PM PST - 9 comments
Please tell: Is it worth waiting 4 whole weeks for the 2GB RAM, 500 GB HD 24" iMac I want to arrive, if Apple here in Lisbon can bring me the standard 1GB, 250 GB set-up tomorrow? Is the spec difference worth the wait?
[more inside]posted by MiguelCardoso at 6:06 PM PST - 21 comments
can i get a sweater altered? it's a beautiful piece of clothing, but bunches a bit under the arms. otherwise it fits fine. would a tailor be able to take it in or does this call for a specialist?
posted by thinkingwoman at 3:50 PM PST - 6 comments
I just recently turned 25 and have a new desire to join some type of organization. I was never part of a fraternity or any organized social "club". I feel like I missed out. I'm looking for something that is oriented towards personal growth of some type (non-religious), could possibly be service oriented, and has some kind of traditions or rituals. Having to be inducted is a plus, but not necessary. It could be for men or men and women. I would prefer that people would be people near my age as well as older. I know it's a little vague, but I want to leave my options open. What types of groups are out there?
posted by ieatwords at 3:38 PM PST - 33 comments
I'm handling a lot of the financial aspects for a small organization that would like to process credit card transactions. It's a non-profit with a small, part-year-only revenue stream. What's our best bet for avoiding insane fees?
[more inside]posted by CrayDrygu at 3:28 PM PST - 9 comments
I've heard from 3 independent sources now that there is some benefit to eating within 15 minutes after a strenuous workout. What are the benefits of this? What's the basic physiology of it?
[more inside]posted by Slimemonster at 3:26 PM PST - 15 comments
For those of you who live in Western Washington: For the last 5 years or so, I've noticed graffitied pi symbols all around the Seattle area (North to Everett and South to Tacoma). What is up?
[more inside]posted by Holygrail2 at 3:18 PM PST - 21 comments
A speeding driver just about rear-ended my delivery truck. I know how long her skidmarks are. Can I determine how fast she was driving?
[more inside]posted by jdroth at 3:03 PM PST - 19 comments
I'm watching the weather coverage on the news with envy. Can you help me make it out west after new years alone on a budget?
[more inside]posted by btkuhn at 2:53 PM PST - 5 comments
Recently (and I know its obnoxious to not be able to pin it down to a single event), I've been having an issue where my Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer USB (It's optical) will freeze up for a few seconds and then start working. It seems that my XP machine thinks it is being disconnected, as I heard the sound cue for hardware being removed, and then 5 seconds later the re-connection sound.
The thing is, I've had this issue before, and I believe it was resolved with a registry hack, or uninstalling a bit of software, I just can't for the life of me remember which.
[more inside]posted by softlord at 2:06 PM PST - 13 comments
Can Flash/ActionScript play multiple audio clips simultaneously, while maintaining sync, over a timespan of, say, 4-7 minutes? Preferably while presenting only one set of playback controls (stop, play, pause, and maybe positioning) to the user?
[more inside]posted by baylink at 1:46 PM PST - 4 comments
I'm scheduled to fly out of Seattle (SEA) tomorrow (Friday Dec 22) on my way to visit family in Ohio (columbus, CMH) for Christmas. However, my layover is in Denver (DEN), which seems to be under a couple feet of snow. They say the airport might not even open until tomorrow afternoon... What are my options to make my trip less of a headache?
[more inside]posted by johnstein at 12:18 PM PST - 24 comments
Is there any where I can buy a furnace in the DC area and pick it up today? It needs to be all electric, and not a heat pump.
[more inside]posted by juggler at 12:03 PM PST - 9 comments
Can anyone help me translate Pinyin to English or know of a site that can translate phrases? A friend of mine was sent this, 'Wo zhen de shang ni chu, yen wei wo xi huan ni pe wo de shi zhen' and he has asked my help in finding out what it means. For all I know it could be totally insulting, inappropriate, etc... so apologies in advance if its offensive. Anyone?
posted by herword at 11:52 AM PST - 21 comments
I picked-up an old, cast-iron skillet which has seen better days and needs to be stripped and re-seasoned. Problem: I can't get it stripped down sufficiently.
[more inside]posted by nathan_teske at 11:26 AM PST - 38 comments
A friend and I are going to be in Philly for New Year's Eve, 12/31/06 - 1/1/07. What should we do? Neither of us have ever been before.
posted by wabash at 11:04 AM PST - 17 comments
I made the unfortunate mistake of ordering medication from an overseas pharmacy; it was for a drug that I'd originally been prescribed in Europe, which was not available in the US (then.)...
[more inside]posted by soulbarn at 10:38 AM PST - 10 comments
What were some of the most influential novels of each decade of the 20th century?
[more inside]posted by n-clue at 8:55 AM PST - 59 comments
Why do weather forecasters say there's an 80% chance of rain when it's raining
right now?
[more inside]posted by pyjammy at 7:20 AM PST - 25 comments
Travel & Tourism filter: I've been tasked with teaching a travel and tourism course for the rest of the school year. What would you have loved to learn about in a high school travel and tourism class? Conversely, is there anything that you wish you did learn?
posted by maxpower at 7:05 AM PST - 27 comments
My company needs a miracle...and by miracle I mean a web application that can juggle 801 different things and still look nifty. As always, there is...
[more inside]posted by Smarson at 6:21 AM PST - 14 comments
I'm writing a load of content for a client and a condition I need to meet is that each of roughly 50 pages must be at least 30% unique. How can I compare them?
[more inside]posted by braintoast at 5:11 AM PST - 10 comments
I ripped a DVD with Mac The Ripper. I have a collection of IFO and VOB files on my hard drive. I want to get a movie file that I can then import into iMovie to cut up. What program do I need and what file type should I shoot for?
[more inside]posted by Mayor Curley at 4:33 AM PST - 10 comments
Linux compatible MP3 player. I would like to get suggestions for a good quality, Linux compatible larger MP3 player, and it would be nice if it also played Oggs.
[more inside]posted by jb at 4:03 AM PST - 25 comments
This year, my family is doing Christmas with ham sandwiches in lieu of the traditional dinner. What are some casual yet impressive side dishes I could bring along to go with this theme?
posted by Hot Like Your 12V Wire at 4:00 AM PST - 31 comments
I switched to Aperture from iPhoto and love it, but I miss feeling connected with my old photos like I used to. Help develop strategies to stay in touch with them in Apple's grown-up photo client.
[more inside]posted by coolhappysteve at 1:32 AM PST - 7 comments
Given an mp3 file by student. He says he wrote the music. I doubt it. Can I look inside and find if the details have been edited?
[more inside]posted by priorpark17 at 1:27 AM PST - 25 comments
December 20
Are there really no in-dash hard-drive based car MP3 players (er, under $2000) or single-DIN 6-disc changers on the market anymore? Help me with my broken changer.
[more inside]posted by I EAT TAPAS at 10:44 PM PST - 11 comments
I rescued my pup from a local animal shelter Monday and I have a few questions I was hoping someone with some puppy experience could answer for me. She seems to be a lab/pit bull mix and the shelter estimated her age at about 4 months. The vet that spayed her says she is probably closer to a year, but her small size (malnourished at 25lbs) and the small size of her teeth make me think she might be closer to 4 months (the vet the shelter was using seems to be a moron, I'll never take my pup there again).
More inside....
[more inside]posted by TheDude at 9:14 PM PST - 20 comments
I want to volunteer on Xmas in New York City, instead of sitting on my fat lazy ass. What are some good organizations I should contact to offer my services?
posted by Juggermatt at 8:01 PM PST - 5 comments
I'm trying to turn someone's blog into annual books for them as a gift (not Christmas). What's the best way to do this?
[more inside]posted by reborndata at 7:26 PM PST - 15 comments
IGN.com posted some of the original concept artwork for the new game, Elebits, and it's graphically stunning. Do you know who the artist is? What other work is he/she responsible for? (Be nice; I'm new!)
posted by santojulieta at 6:49 PM PST - 6 comments
How many sides does a circle have? I always assumed the answer was an infinite number of sides. My boyfriend disagrees with me and thinks that the answer is zero. My brother seems to think that it depends on your definition of what a side is. I have searched all over but can't seem to find a definitive answer.
posted by Inside Out Girl at 6:47 PM PST - 42 comments
I was at a business hotel a couple of days ago, sitting in the Business Center, when an employee came in with a key or something and touched it to a small metal circle on the casing for the (metal and glass) door. Then he split. What did he do and why? (WAGs are OK but knowledgeable answers preferred.)
posted by megatherium at 6:43 PM PST - 20 comments
I won a cruise to Baja, Mexico!! Now what do I do when I get there?? Help me by Suggesting things to do at the ports of call…
[more inside]posted by MathewS at 6:33 PM PST - 7 comments
Looking for things to do/see in Bogota, Colombia, over the coming holiday week.
[more inside]posted by ab3 at 5:46 PM PST - 5 comments
namemyrestaurantfilter: My husband and I have been planning on owning a restaurant for the last 15 years. Now that we are finally at the stage of getting incorporated, we can't come up with a name.
[more inside]posted by saffry at 5:10 PM PST - 100 comments
How is it that Camel has achieved in marketing a non-spit oral tobacco product when typically, that type of product has to be spit?
[more inside]posted by Jenna Roadman at 3:56 PM PST - 8 comments
I have been asked to write a database application that will be running in a storefront situation and will allow the user to enter data on what is sold (in this case, bicycles and bicycle accessories and parts) and generate basic bookkeeping reports (i.e. end-of-day sales, quarterly sales, that sort of thing.)
[more inside]posted by evisceratordeath at 3:13 PM PST - 8 comments
GiftFilter: My brother's Samsung HT-P38 DVD Home Theater receiver is broken. I'd like to fix it or replace it with something equivalent/better/the same thing. Advise!
[more inside]posted by anonymoose at 2:38 PM PST - 8 comments
I think I'm finally done with undergrad. I have no interest in grad school right now. I don't want a career in my area of study. How does one go about finding a good apprenticeship/internship in an interesting trade? I've been going to school now for around 20 years and I've yet to learn a skill that I can earn a living with.
[more inside]posted by Telf at 1:48 PM PST - 18 comments
I need a recommendation for a reliable cab company to take me from Berkeley to Oakland Airport. I do not want to use Super Shuttle or BayPorter because they make stops and pick up other people. I am traveling very early in the morning and would rather spend a few extra dollars on a cab. Suggestions?
posted by sara558 at 1:28 PM PST - 5 comments
A friend of mine always receives just a fraction of the MP3 that he is sent via email.
[more inside]posted by MNDZ at 1:20 PM PST - 7 comments
In OS X, when I mount this new USB drive, a dialog appears with "You inserted a blank CD...." How do I get this to stop showing up? Also, what Volume Format should I use to allow the USB drive to be mounted on both OS X and Windows?
[more inside]posted by gwint at 12:16 PM PST - 12 comments
We currently use a very broken system that is barely chugging along. Its server based. Due to our business, we would like to find a web-based system that does all the usual stuff- vendors, customers, inventory, shipping, receiving, etc. It doesn't need accounting as we do that separately. Ideally it would allow us to hook a shopping cart software into it later so that orders placed by our seales people or via the online store would dump into the same order bucket for processing.
I am not looking for an ecommerce shopping cart. I am looking for a sales order system.
posted by Chuck Cheeze at 11:42 AM PST - 15 comments
i am looking for any information anyone may have about the following image
posted by dont_ask at 11:39 AM PST - 18 comments
If I use a quote from an internet source (not famous, but from a blogger, etc.) in an art collage, without crediting the source (because I cannot find the source), what possible trouble could I get into? Does this sort of random, "I heard this" violate any kind of copyright law or anything like that?
posted by agregoli at 11:38 AM PST - 10 comments
I want to ship some possibly sketchy items to Suriname. How can I get them there with a minimum of fuss?
[more inside]posted by kdar at 11:37 AM PST - 9 comments
EtiquetteFilter: I had surgery last week and my lovely, sweet friends have signed up to bring a home cooked meal each night until the 29th of December. How do I get them to stop?
[more inside]posted by LoriFLA at 11:22 AM PST - 34 comments
*Sigh* I'm having trouble with a college transfer. In short: was going to transfer from a small liberal arts school in GA to GW in D.C. for the Spring. But I found out (probably should have known) that they have nothing left to give me in the way of scholarships/grants. Now what?
[more inside]posted by Land Stander at 10:35 AM PST - 14 comments
I'm thinking about installing a remote start system for my car. I'll need to buy an immobilizer bypass for it to work according to my friend...
[more inside]posted by aznhalf at 10:24 AM PST - 6 comments
I'll be in New York, staying in a subletted West Village apartment, from Dec. 27 to Jan 6. Although I have plenty of friends who I can hang out at night, most will be working during the day.
I'm looking for either some possibilities to keep busy during the day... these include finding other travelers to go to some more obscure sights, short term volunteering, info about watching taped shows, etc. If anyone has suggestions, or places I can look for activities, events, people, that'd be great. I just don't want to waste my time there. Thanks!
posted by sandmanwv at 10:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Can anyone recommend some good stops on Highway I95 between NC and Florida? I'm driving to Florida after Christmas on Highway I95 and thought I'd consult the mefi hive for some suggestions on good stops for food or other things that are worth pulling off the road for periodically. I've driven the route before but I've always wished I knew of better places to eat than the usual chains/fastfood (ugh!) that have saturated the highway offramps. Roadside attractions are welcome, too (but not Pedro's tourist trap emporium at the NC/SC border).
posted by runningdogofcapitalism at 10:16 AM PST - 10 comments
I am trying to come up with a solution to play by X-Box 360 on a TV that is downstairs while my router is upstairs. Is it possible to buy a second wireless router (I currently have a Linksys WRT54GC), set the second router near the 360, and then connect the Ethernet cable from the 2nd router to the 360?
[more inside]posted by jonshadow at 9:54 AM PST - 17 comments
We got a great deal from a car dealership. What should we get the salesperson as a sign of gratitude?
[more inside]posted by zavulon at 9:28 AM PST - 20 comments
Bumper question: It seems on many newer vehicles with plastic bumpers there is a 2.5" square that looks like a mini door somewhere on the bumper. What is its function?
[more inside]posted by premortem at 9:19 AM PST - 23 comments
My Dell Inspiron 8600 has been spontaneously powering down. Your advice: fix/replace/other?
[more inside]posted by timnyc at 9:00 AM PST - 7 comments
How did people describe "electric" experiences before electricity? I got to wondering when someone described the feeling of being pressed up against someone as "electric"...surely people had that experience (for example) before it meant "like invisible power" or "tingly all over"?
[more inside]posted by paul_smatatoes at 8:17 AM PST - 27 comments
My husband wants a handheld GPS for Christmas. HELP! I don't know where to get one, how much to spend, will it need tech support? My husband has a Lowrance GPS on his boat so he knows how to use it although he isn't good in other areas like using the computer or even his cell phone. I am thinking of getting him Lowrance, but can I go to Circuit City or Best Buy or should I go to a sporting goods store?
posted by chocolatetiara at 8:16 AM PST - 12 comments
My athiestic leanings make me feel extremely unwelcome in my workplace. It's a public school. No one there even knows I'm an athiest. I need advice.
[more inside]posted by PhatLobley at 7:13 AM PST - 90 comments
My wife's been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Other than prescribed medication (pain pills, sleeping aids, etc) what else is worthwhile?
[more inside]posted by Atom12 at 6:38 AM PST - 21 comments
If layers are better for warmth (as I have been told as long as I can remember), why isn't there a blanket made out of a bunch of thin layers fastened together?
posted by white light at 6:10 AM PST - 19 comments
Where is the best place(s) to look at christmas lights in and around the Dallas/Ft. Worth area?
posted by flipmiester99 at 5:00 AM PST - 15 comments
I have one year left on my Ph.D. and still have six chapters to write. Does anyone have any advice on writing and time management strategies to help me make sure that I don't run out of time?
[more inside]posted by Sonny Jim at 12:04 AM PST - 30 comments
December 19
I've imported photos to my iPhoto library, but left the originals on the wrong disk (external HDD). How can I move the originals to the iPhoto library without having to start over?
[more inside]posted by jcummings1974 at 11:22 PM PST - 6 comments
I'm looking for a good book about the political and economic crisis in Argentina (particularly Buenos Aires) in 2001. Documentaries would be good too.
[more inside]posted by np312 at 10:06 PM PST - 4 comments
I bought some Mexican vanilla at an import shop, but after some reading I'm sure that it's synthetic. Is there any way to tell if it's safe?
[more inside]posted by jheiz at 9:26 PM PST - 8 comments
I'm having some trouble constructing a search in the latest iteration of my favorite operating system. I love the idea of Smart Folders, and I keep coming up with cool ways to implement them. But I keep running into problems of two main kinds - not being able to use NOT logic and it not finding things.
[more inside]posted by dondiego87 at 8:03 PM PST - 3 comments
Would it be crazy for a family of three to take 4-5 months off to travel the country? What are the main issues we'd have to look out for (I know health insurance would be a big one). And lastly, if we do go ahead and do this, what should we see?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:31 PM PST - 17 comments
Sexual anhedonia is a condition where you 'cum,' but don't have an orgasm. I have it, and would like to not have it.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:31 PM PST - 12 comments
I want to teach myself 3d modeling and am looking for the easiest package to learn that is closest to Adobe Illustrator.
[more inside]posted by Hands of Manos at 7:21 PM PST - 8 comments
After running
CrapCleaner, I experienced browser crashes in both FireFox and IE when visiting certain sites (e.g. pages with videos like
this one, or when opening several MySpace profiles at a time). Also, my Windows Live Messenger shuts down by itself every once in a while. What's going on? I should mention that I've run antivirus/spyware scans.
[more inside]posted by catburger at 7:05 PM PST - 19 comments
How is it that I can always tell there is a television on in the house, even when there is no sound coming out of it?
[more inside]posted by TheOtherGuy at 5:56 PM PST - 41 comments
I recently heard a rumor that after listening to the song "I am the Walrus", Brian Wilson decided to shelve a project that he was working on. The rumor continued, as rumors are wont to do, stating that "I am the Walrus", with its intricate production, finally pushed Brian Wilson over the edge and into Crazy Town. This rumor . . . it's true? So far, the Google has failed me. MeFi music historians, please help me.
posted by billysumday at 5:55 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me choose - I want an all wheel drive wagon, leather, sunroof, navigation, etc..:
BMW 328xi Wagon
Audi A3 Wagon
Audi A4 Wagon
Volvo S50 T5 Wagon
Subaru Outback
and why?
posted by fumbducker at 5:53 PM PST - 44 comments
I want to find some art (for my wall) which has a humanist nature. It should capture that feeling you get when you realize some deep truth in physics or math, or when you're contemplating the universe. Know anything that fits the bill?
[more inside]posted by clord at 5:31 PM PST - 23 comments
Where I work we use a web-based "in/out" board to track where employees are, but people are already entering their info into Outlook/Exchange. Is there an easier way to do this?
[more inside]posted by damn dirty ape at 3:47 PM PST - 6 comments
A company has asked me to serve as a "lead generator" for them. I will be paid an hourly fee to call potential customers, and then turn interested leads over to the sales team. How do I show my employer what the potential benefit would be vs. the cost of paying me?
[more inside]posted by Kibbutz at 3:21 PM PST - 15 comments
I have been tasked with registering for hand tools. I have a general idea what kinds of tools to get, but need suggestions on what I'm missing, where to register and how much to spend.
[more inside]posted by chndrcks at 2:54 PM PST - 38 comments
Just curious. If I am sitting on my couch, or lying on my chair, sometimes my cat will come up to me and bump noses with me. I recognize this as a sign of affection or a friendly greeting. Sometimes, it is a prolonged (4-5 second) nose bump.....Now if I should happen to approach my cat who is an another part of the room, and initiate a nose bump, will my cat look at it as a greeting/ form of affection, or will she be thinking 'what is this guy doing?'... Is it a two way street? Or do they only accept affection in forms of scratching their head and behind their ears?........is the prolonged nose bump their way of being super affectionate? I have researched several websites on cat behavior, but havent found a answer close enough to what i was looking for....
posted by TwilightKid at 2:26 PM PST - 43 comments
because i hate disposables, i use a hankerchief. my current method is sloppy, and mostly inolves scrunching it up a lot... i've noted in the past that some "gentleman"-types have a method of folding hankerchiefs to allow for many blows while avoiding ever having to accidentally touch (or even see) snot. any of you have a great method for getting the most blows out of one hankerchief?
posted by lgyre at 1:55 PM PST - 17 comments
I work for a small company with less than a dozen employees. We currently have no formal hiring process, forms or other documentation. Scary? I think so, and I need some help to remedy the situation.
[more inside]posted by suchatreat at 1:44 PM PST - 4 comments
We have a large closet in our apartment that has always smelled of cat urine. Despite taking every measure we possibly could to eliminate the odor, it still smells, 2 years later. Is there anything left to try?
[more inside]posted by catfood at 1:23 PM PST - 27 comments
I have a coworker who not only
invades my personal space when she talks to me, but also tends to grab my arm or make other physical contact when talking to me. It puts me into immediate defensive 'fight or flight' mode. Should I bring it up with her directly?
[more inside]posted by PWA_BadBoy at 1:11 PM PST - 20 comments
Dream job in the wrong place at the wrong time. Previously on FlamingBore's questions: You'll remember I was looking at relocating to Portland, OR for a lucrative job being tailor made for me. Then it fell through.
[more inside]posted by FlamingBore at 12:56 PM PST - 13 comments
What is the Bola Sete song that sounds very similar to a track from one of Coldplay's recent albums 'X and Y' or 'Rush of blood to the head'? Not Kraftwerk + computer love/talk - this is certainly something different.
posted by takeyourmedicine at 12:39 PM PST - 0 comments
I'm an amateur classical pianist. I used to give solo recitals at college, and I would like to start performing again out here in the real world. But what sort of group/organisation/event do I need to get involved with to have this kind of opportunity? Could I organise a little independent recital for myself, or is that weird and too egotistical?
[more inside]posted by chrismear at 12:35 PM PST - 18 comments
IdentifyThisSongFilter: I have a recording of this song being performed by a local DJ a few years ago. He called it "The Lullaby Song" Searches for the lyrics give me nothing at all!
[more inside]posted by Syntoad at 12:30 PM PST - 5 comments
I live in Minneapolis, and I'm trying to determine how I can get the local Chicago channels on TV. I do have Direct TV, but with the Minn/St. Paul channels. Is there any way to do this through Direct TV, and if not, is there any other way to get the local Chicago channels?
posted by astorias at 12:22 PM PST - 10 comments
English majors? I'd like to read about how elements of narrative are categorized and labeled
[more inside]posted by nanojath at 12:00 PM PST - 9 comments
I need to know the cover designer for the Jeff Beck Group's album
Beck-Ola.
Please note that I do not need to know the artist of the cover image -- I'm aware that the painting on the cover is
The Listening Room by Magritte. What I need is the name of the person who designed (or art directed) the sleeve itself. Alternatively, if there is no designer or art director credited on the sleeve, that would be helpful, tpo. Thanks!
posted by scody at 11:49 AM PST - 6 comments
Where can I find a nice framed Alphonse Mucha print in the greater Seattle area?
[more inside]posted by Diddly at 11:21 AM PST - 1 comments
We've just found out that my wife is pregnant. What can I do to be a properly supportive husband?
[more inside]posted by fellion at 10:45 AM PST - 34 comments
My mother needs to clean what appears to be hard water mineral deposits from an old Van Briggle vase without damaging it. Vinegar?
[more inside]posted by dozo at 10:39 AM PST - 6 comments
I've been asked to bring the ubiquitous veggie tray to my aunt and uncle's house for Christmas Day. What can I do to pimp it up and make it more interesting?
[more inside]posted by printchick at 10:33 AM PST - 29 comments
Good recipes for food to make in a batch at the weekend then take into work?
[more inside]posted by ajp at 9:49 AM PST - 17 comments
Hauling away debris: in a recent windstorm, my old rotten fence blew down. How much should I pay to have it hauled away...?
[more inside]posted by gurple at 9:21 AM PST - 11 comments
NYCFilter: I am interested in purchasing a massage/spa package as a gift for my female roommate. Preferably located 60's east side or along the PATH route. Any suggestions?
posted by bastionofsanity at 9:07 AM PST - 7 comments
I have never seen "Babylon 5," but intend to watch the series via Netflix. However, I'd like to watch the DVDs in chronological order. I believe through a bit of research that I've sorted the discs into chronological order, but would appreciate any die-hard Babylon 5 fans' corrections. The order I'll be putting them in is in the "[more inside]" (Similarly, if said fans see any major problems in watching them in this order, I'd appreciate a non-spoiler heads-up.)
[more inside]posted by WCityMike at 9:04 AM PST - 21 comments
I just bought an insulin pump. I've been using it for about a month and would love to hear any tips, hints or suggestions from other pumpers.
[more inside]posted by lumiere at 8:53 AM PST - 3 comments
Going by the style of clothing, the age of the man, and the make/model of the bicycle can you help me date a picture?
[more inside]posted by bondcliff at 8:20 AM PST - 28 comments
How do I disable Firefox's spell check (for a specic field) in Google Docs when on right click I can only get the Google Docs' context menu?
[more inside]posted by jacobjacobs at 8:15 AM PST - 2 comments
I'm playing Santa's elf this year, and am setting up 2 computers for my siblings that Santa is bringing them. I need suggestions on software to equip it with.
[more inside]posted by charmston at 7:55 AM PST - 8 comments
Where can I find good quality dates? I recently went to a local Islamic temple open-house and they had free dates which were so good I realized I had never had a decent date before. Thanks to God I am now a date convert, but the local stores carry a pale shade of the real thing.
posted by stbalbach at 7:41 AM PST - 19 comments
IdiotFilter, Windows XP. I was trying to make it stop telling me, every single day, that my password was about to expire and would I like to change it.
[more inside]posted by scratch at 7:31 AM PST - 11 comments
Is there ANY version of Seven Spanish Angels by Ray Charles and Willie Nelson that does not fade out at the end?
posted by n'muakolo at 7:17 AM PST - 4 comments
I've recently broken off a 2-year relationship and come to New Orleans as a disaster relief worker (housing inspector). I'll be here for 6 months or might move permanently if things work out. I need help finding places to go, things to do and nice people to meet to help take my mind away from the old life and begin anew.
[more inside]posted by Jonasio at 6:51 AM PST - 10 comments
Please help me understand APY vs. interest rate on 6 month CDs so that I can stop being paranoid about getting ripped off.
[more inside]posted by spicynuts at 6:29 AM PST - 18 comments
JobTitleFilter: What would be your suggestion(s) for a job title for a quality manager + process improvement manager position?
[more inside]posted by MrToad at 6:02 AM PST - 5 comments
I'm new to Ipods. Could someone please explain how I can convert music I've bought on ITunes to mp3s playable on other type of non-Apple devices. When I backup purchased music, it comes out in mp4 format, which isn't transferable or playable in anything but Itunes or Ipods.
posted by quintno at 6:00 AM PST - 14 comments
With all the news lately about carbon monoxide poisioning on the West Coast, I've laid in bed wondering about the carbon monoxide testers we have in our house. How do I know they REALLY work??
[more inside]posted by matty at 5:33 AM PST - 15 comments
I'm going to China next year to study for 12 months. I am concerned about getting sick over there, particularly, contracting Avian Influenza (bird flu). My question is, how concerned should I be?
[more inside]posted by gttommy at 5:08 AM PST - 12 comments
I have disconnected the SCART connector between our television and PVR. I did this in part because I think Freeview sends some signal at 4am which wakes up the TV and therefore everyone in the house. Is it really a disadvantage not to use a SCART connection?
[more inside]posted by boudicca at 4:52 AM PST - 7 comments
I want a private, metafilter-like blog for a group of friends. So I installed MT. Works great, but the default install isn't the best for people who are not great with computers. All I want is for "post" to be at the top of the displayed blog and it should only allow authorized users to post. How can I do this?
[more inside]posted by about_time at 4:44 AM PST - 11 comments
Copyright-filter:
"The Public Domain status does not give you the right to resell material unless you have access to the original source and permission from the owner to reproduce the material" What?
[more inside]posted by crypticgeek at 4:17 AM PST - 13 comments
I recall (and might be wrong) that there was a recently released report on how Digital Rights Management didn't work - put forward in the UK, or possibly the EU. Any references appreciated (on behalf of a small colony somewhere in the south pacific, currently investigating similar DMCA type legislation)
[more inside]posted by Sparx at 4:12 AM PST - 7 comments
When will the UK passenger rail service, particularly journeys on Virgin Cross Country via Birmingam New Street, be quietest: Thursday evening or Friday morning? I'm getting the train home for Christmas from Oxford to Sheffield, and am keen to avoid the annual ordeal of fighting for seats and sitting on the floor outside the toilets.
posted by caek at 2:20 AM PST - 9 comments
Name that tune.
This [mp3, 100 Kb] is a shamefully crude MIDI reconstruction of part of the tune in question. I'd place it around 1975, Moog type Top 100 pop music; sounds something like Hot Butter but is not. Any ideas what it is?
posted by shannymara at 12:19 AM PST - 6 comments
December 18
I have a friend who's going to become a democratic aide on capitol hill. Any ideas for gifts that would inspire, educate, enlighten, or just plain lighten up the situation? Preferably ones that could be gotten easily in a major retail store of some sort.
posted by shivohum at 11:59 PM PST - 23 comments
I like to learn things, but textbooks are boring! I find comic books gripping in ways that normal books aren't. Can you all offer examples of educational, information-rich comic books (or, if you prefer, "graphic novels")?
[more inside]posted by Deathalicious at 11:33 PM PST - 29 comments
I need some help finding [somewhere to purchase] a piece of jewelry that was lost. It was originally purchased at TJ Maxx in Orlando.
[more inside]posted by mhuckaba at 10:35 PM PST - 8 comments
I become dull and emotionless for stretches of 3-5 hours at a time. I don't feel depressed, I just feel absolutely nothing. I can play my favorite, rock-out song and it feels the same as listening to CSPAN. I can kiss my girlfriend and I might as well be kissing my hand. It happens regularly, usually in the afternoon, but not every day. Sometimes coffee or food can snap me out of it, sometimes not. The difference between being in or out this "mode" is very distinct. When I'm not in the "mode", I experience a pretty full, normal range of emotions and I'm not what you'd call depressed at all. Have other people experienced this? Any ideas of what causes it or how I can beat it? I hate missing out on experiences while stuck in this zombie-land.
posted by anonymous at 10:22 PM PST - 19 comments
I have an iriver T10 2GB and want to find another program to sync music other than windows media player. Can anyone suggest a different program?
posted by PORTUGAL58 at 8:35 PM PST - 10 comments
OfficePolitics/Etiquette Filter: Christmas Cards - If I give out one, do I have to give one to everyone?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:26 PM PST - 5 comments
Is this the right way to write to a Los Angeles-based potential client in the entertainment industry?
[more inside]posted by amusem at 7:46 PM PST - 6 comments
SomewhatObscureGiftFilter: I'd like to buy a Darwin Fish bumper plaque/emblem, and I'd like to have it by December 24. I'm in Ontario (Niagara region). The online options I've found have slow or super-expensive shipping to Canada -- anyone know of a bricks-and-mortar source?
posted by ewiar at 7:44 PM PST - 4 comments
What stores in or near Ottawa carry Kenneth Cole's clothing lines?
posted by Jairus at 7:32 PM PST - 4 comments
My wife once threatened me with death if I ever dared present her with housewares as gifts. "I want
real gifts" said she. Fifteen great years later, she wants good bakeware for Christmas. Good is defined as "won't ever rust" and "not that floppy silicone nonsense". So, Mefites, Hope Me!
[more inside]posted by Irontom at 7:26 PM PST - 29 comments
iPod connectors: I recently added an AudioVox FM modulator to my cars stereo so I can play my iPod over the radio more reliably than with an iTrip. It works great, but now I have a new annoyance to deal with - two cables coming out of the iPod. One for charging via the cigarette lighter, from the bottom, and one from the top for the audio connection to the Audiovox. I'd like to combine the functionality of these two cables and use a single cable from the bottom of the iPod. How?
[more inside]posted by skwm at 7:25 PM PST - 5 comments
CellPhoneFilter: Moving to Austria. What do I do about my cell phone?
[more inside]posted by sdis at 7:13 PM PST - 8 comments
CatScratchFilter: My friend just got mauled by our cat when he became frightened. Help me treat her wounds.
[more inside]posted by atayah at 6:53 PM PST - 19 comments
I have a passive NHT
SW2 subwoofer being driven by an NHT
SA-2 amplifier that is supposed to control the volume. Lately, however, the volume for the sub plays at full, irrespective of the actual volume setting on the knob. When it first started, tinkering with the volume control could sometimes get the correct volume, but now it's just at max all the time.
[more inside]posted by Gamblor at 6:43 PM PST - 2 comments
Is it possible to make an AJAX request work with an HTTP authorization-protected server script?
[more inside]posted by Godbert at 6:33 PM PST - 5 comments
I’ve got a new 400gb drive heading my way, plus a free copy of Vista. What is the best way to rebuild my system, with XP, Vista sharing files etc. with maybe a little Ubuntu thrown in? There’s
[more inside]posted by nazca at 6:06 PM PST - 7 comments
For a friend: Name the heroine - similar (looking) to
She-Ra but with a purple outfit. Hair: Black/Brown with purple in it. May have ridden a white horse. Help?
posted by knapah at 6:00 PM PST - 12 comments
I have the opportunity to visit West Africa, but I do not have health insurance or a doctor. How do I go about getting the vaccinations needed, and how much will it cost?
[more inside]posted by Nothing at 5:52 PM PST - 8 comments
A number of years ago, I looked at a house in Easton, CT that included a huge barn that had been a factory/research facility for an electronics company, I believe in the 50s-60s. The technology was supposedly a competitor to stereophonic sound or something. Does anyone have any ideas about what this might have been or any brainstorms about how I might find out more?
posted by sfts2 at 5:42 PM PST - 3 comments
Can't find that song filter: There is a song that I've been looking for, from the mid 90's, something having to with bohemia.
[more inside]posted by ampersand2001 at 4:51 PM PST - 8 comments
WhereTheHellDoTheyGetAllThatData Filter: When someone wants to start a site that requires huge amounts of data like IMDB or Pandora or Last.FM, where do they get the data?
[more inside]posted by jxpx777 at 4:07 PM PST - 18 comments
Where can I find semi long-term parking in NYC and Boston (2-3 consecutive days each) without paying too much?
[more inside]posted by helios at 4:03 PM PST - 18 comments
Would a member know what is considered a reasonable and just fee acting as a legal Executor for a person's Estate in the State of Florida? Is there a web site that would provide an estimate of Executors fees handling the disposition of a Florida Living Trust? Thank you.
posted by Mckoan1 at 2:44 PM PST - 2 comments
Shopping for a cheap used laptop: What are the minimum specs I should be looking for with respect to CPU, RAM, HD? I'm planning to use WinXP (maybe I'll settle for 2K), Open Office, and FireFox (including some AJAX-heavy web sites such as gmail, Google Docs, del.icio.us), with a wifi card. And not much else. I want to avoid "I'm always waiting for this stupid slow computer!" but not spend much more than the minimum needed to avoid that.
posted by Leonard of Vince at 1:30 PM PST - 24 comments
How can I get certain non-Latin fonts to show up as display options in Firefox on a Mac?
[more inside]posted by skoosh at 1:18 PM PST - 2 comments
I use Fitday (the Windows program downloadable from Fitday.com) and I don't understand the difference between "oz" and "oz, raw, yields" in things like "Onion, mature, raw" and "Cabbage, red, raw". The "oz, raw, yields" includes "raw" a second time (redundant, right?) and what's with the "yields" as opposed to just "oz"? Anyone know? (Fitday is not the only one with the usage, I believe.)
posted by LeisureGuy at 12:10 PM PST - 10 comments
I run operations for a fairly large retail chain in Europe with shops all over the continent and beyond. I need to capture some basic data from these shops that either doesn't exist in our (incredibly complex and fragile system infrastructure,) or lives in systems that don't talk to each other. As is often the case, there's
[more inside]posted by Expat at 12:09 PM PST - 13 comments
I'm looking for very easy to use Windows backup software that backs up to a remote (FTP or SFTP) site. Essentially, something as dead-simple and friendly to use as Mozy, but that allows you to specify your own storage.
[more inside]posted by miagaille at 11:56 AM PST - 7 comments
Help, am I crazy? I am concerned over my 12 year old son. He has always been a sensitive kid, has a lot of stuffed animals in his room and cries easily, but lately he has started to become very effeminate in his mannerisms. He does play a lot of sports, but he is the least aggressive kid on the team and always afraid he is going to get hurt.
[more inside]posted by justamom at 11:47 AM PST - 67 comments
I just had a last-minute flash of inspiration for an Xmas gift for my fiancée: she is interested in making pastries and candies and has an innate knack for it. I'd like to get her some lessons from a pro. Possible?
[more inside]posted by redshifter at 11:27 AM PST - 10 comments
Who are some relatively modern (1950s+) and famous artists whose work was inspired by national parks in the U.S.?
[more inside]posted by gottabefunky at 10:47 AM PST - 10 comments
Where can I find statistics on what percentage of medical premiums are typically paid by employees of nonprofit organizations in the US?
[more inside]posted by desuetude at 10:36 AM PST - 12 comments
Are there any laws that pertain to how much time an employee is given to consider their insurance options?
[more inside]posted by wabashbdw at 9:56 AM PST - 9 comments
Where can I buy electronics online (a cordless telephone specifically) and ship directly to Canada? I tried a few websites: the US based ones don't ship to Canada, and the Canadian ones don't take a credit card with US billing address...
Obviously I am in US.
posted by raheel at 9:24 AM PST - 8 comments
How long should I expect postcards and small packages sent from Bangkok to New York and Los Angeles to spend in transit?
posted by chickletworks at 8:55 AM PST - 5 comments
Please help me find a plant-sitting nursery! I'll be unable to care for my wonderful plants for about two or three months starting in January and I would love to find a florist or nursery in or around New York City that could care for them for me (for a price, of course). My google-fu is not strong, and is failing me. Does anyone know of such a thing?
posted by The Bellman at 8:35 AM PST - 5 comments
Looking for good information (ie. a book, not a basic article) on how to start investing a little bit of money every month.
[more inside]posted by comatose at 8:34 AM PST - 20 comments
Cookie exchange in one hour! Need punny/clever name for my chocolate-covered peanut butter bars. The more political the better.
[more inside]posted by ilikecookies at 8:25 AM PST - 15 comments
We need a 0% interest balance-transfer credit card. We used to get such offers weekly -- no more. Does anyone have a source?
posted by partner at 8:23 AM PST - 10 comments
I am curious why some email chain letters exist? Why would someone feel compelled to send out an email often expressing a sad or sympathetic event only to inform you of your impending doom if you delete it and do not forward it? Is there some profit to be made for such a thing? I recall snail chain mail where you were to put a dollar in it and pass it which made sense but I am baffled by electronic version of the chain letter. If you pass this on to 10 people you will have a Merry Christmas if not WHOA!!! Good luck!
posted by scooters.toad at 8:09 AM PST - 14 comments
WorkGiftExchangeFilter: Got a gift, unexpectedly got another gift, should I return/do something charitable with the second? Of course it's way more complicated than that, so for the brave there's....
[more inside]posted by shiu mai baby at 7:58 AM PST - 13 comments
I need the text of a poem I can no longer recall, one dedicated to William Everson (Bro. Antoninus).
[more inside]posted by faineant at 2:21 AM PST - 3 comments
December 17
Can an employer enter into a contract for which the employee is responsible without his permission?
[more inside]posted by mrkinla at 10:35 PM PST - 15 comments
I work in a company that seemingly doesn't believe in pay rises. Does Australian law allow this?
[more inside]posted by paterg at 10:19 PM PST - 6 comments
I poked at a painful blemish on my forehead and now I have a big lump. What's the best way to fix this?
[more inside]posted by bonheur at 10:16 PM PST - 16 comments
I'm trying desperately to remember the name of a piece of music (and its composer). It's a twentieth-century piece, and fairly famous. It's quite soft and mournful and titled something like "Miss ______ Died Today." I've known this for years and it's just slipped out of my head.
posted by Bromius at 9:22 PM PST - 11 comments
Last Minute Gift: I need a cheap cell phone. The fact I don't need a plan is making that hard to find.
[more inside]posted by cschneid at 8:14 PM PST - 13 comments
Looking for the title of a book which I recently read a review for. Something related to algorithms for solving common problems or situations. I think it's about applying geekish logic to a non-geek scenario. Unfortunately there's no
posted by kaydo at 7:35 PM PST - 14 comments
Nicholas Mosely's
Hopeful Monsters has an extensive section dealing with the German
Wandervogel movement. Can you suggest any other novels (preferably in English, but auf Deutsch is also acceptable) deal with Wandervogeln or related themes?
posted by Chrischris at 7:21 PM PST - 2 comments
I faint all too easily at blood/gore. How do I avoid or at least cope better?
[more inside]posted by dmz at 6:08 PM PST - 15 comments
Can a black wool overcoat be made less of a lint attraction? I have a overcoat that I am about to give to the Goodwill, because it is like a magnet to lint. I can have it proffessionally dry cleaned, but in about four hours of normal use, I look like a homeless person. Is there a way to treat the fabric so it would be less likely to attrract so much lint?
posted by garyfugere at 5:25 PM PST - 7 comments
Can you help me find a book which traverses Russian history from, well, as far back as possible up to the Russian Revolution of 1917?
[more inside]posted by The Great Big Mulp at 5:15 PM PST - 10 comments
What kills people when they drive into the ditch? Is it rolling over, or just the high speeds of the highway?
[more inside]posted by dino terror at 4:58 PM PST - 21 comments
We're trying to design a choose-your-own-adventure holiday planner in our magazine. What are some examples of efficient, non-linear page layout we could use?
posted by stokast at 4:49 PM PST - 4 comments
I recently installed Adobe's Creative Suite CS2 on my MacBook Pro. Since then, I've experienced an almost unbearable slowdown in Word. There must be some connection--anyone else have this problem?
posted by bronxteacher at 4:36 PM PST - 15 comments
Cafepress doesn't make double-sided posters. Is there anywhere like cafepress that does?
[more inside]posted by Tlogmer at 3:31 PM PST - 3 comments
I am closing in on my high school graduation and I'm at a loss for the next step. I think I want to take a year off. There's
[more inside]posted by daviss at 2:40 PM PST - 24 comments
Comfortfilter: Help me sleep better- My futon is old, lumpy and I am currently too broke to replace it.
[more inside]posted by sunshinesky at 2:09 PM PST - 21 comments
Can anybody recommend a school to study intensive, intermediate-level Spanish in Cuba for two weeks?
[more inside]posted by penguin pie at 1:44 PM PST - 6 comments
I need advice for buying a new internet security suite (or individual programs).
[more inside]posted by Joleta at 12:48 PM PST - 14 comments
oh CRAP filter: I just waxed off a huge chunk of skin from my upper-lip and eyebrow. Help!
[more inside]posted by zippity at 12:47 PM PST - 15 comments
Mathematically speaking, is there an optimal strategy towards gift selection while opening gifts during a white elephant gift exchange?
[more inside]posted by 23skidoo at 12:29 PM PST - 14 comments
My daughter found this small plaque at a garage sale, and wants to know what it says on the back.
[more inside]posted by ChromeDome at 12:12 PM PST - 12 comments
Are there any books you think a smart, grieving preteen would find comforting or of use? More details inside.
[more inside]posted by Ash3000 at 12:03 PM PST - 15 comments
Mathematicians, I've always suspected there is a real opportunity to exploit the inefficiencies of the online sports betting markets and amateur bettors and make serious money. Have you felt the same way or am I kidding myself?
[more inside]posted by vizsla at 11:59 AM PST - 7 comments
How do I keep my two cats from chewing through every wire less than an eighth of an inch in diameter? They eat every pair of headphones that I buy, no matter how well I keep them hidden or protected. Please help!
posted by joshers13 at 10:51 AM PST - 12 comments
How can I automagically parse the oddly-formatted text from the body of an email so that Filemaker can use it?
[more inside]posted by bink at 9:09 AM PST - 12 comments
hey folks! I'm a new to New York-er (the city, that is), and have done some serious googling and asking around in the "real life" and have not had any luck finding smallish stationery/gifty stores that carry paper goods-- along the lines of what are fairly common on the west coast where I'm from. a little bit..
[more inside]posted by ethel at 8:58 AM PST - 9 comments
Is it possible/practical to have multiple server-side mobile messaging solutions running on our Exchange server simultaneously?
[more inside]posted by MattD at 7:43 AM PST - 1 comments
About a year ago, someone was selling a t-shirt with a red background and a white state of Louisiana with "SOS" carved out of it. Who was selling it and are they still available? EBay returns nothing and Google searches mostly bring references to the Secretary of State.
posted by kittyprecious at 6:23 AM PST - 5 comments
OS X, Netgear DG834G, "Network stalled" message in iTunes is getting rather annoying!
[more inside]posted by Mutant at 5:13 AM PST - 2 comments
I lost my keys at Ikea (Atlanta) of all places... What steps can I take to recover them or start a new set of keys?
[more inside]posted by jadanzzy at 4:43 AM PST - 9 comments
looking for the title and author of a children's book about a polar bear. i don't remember the specifics of the story except for the fact that it ends, approximately, with the line:
"polar bear, underwear."
what i remember of the story is that the polar bear is on is way to the shower and involves him stripping down to his "polar bear underwear."
i remember the artwork being somewhat strange.
posted by defmute at 12:14 AM PST - 7 comments
December 16
seattle / tacoma folks - i like to watch airplanes take off and land. Suggest a good spot to sit quietly and watch the air traffic at seaTac airport?
[more inside]posted by Tryptophan-5ht at 11:54 PM PST - 6 comments
Has anybody on the Price Is Right, when overbid by one dollar, ever won because the actual retail price was exactly the amount they bid?
posted by GooseOnTheLoose at 9:32 PM PST - 22 comments
Anyone have recommendations for some great jazz pianists that I could look into?
[more inside]posted by j-urb at 8:53 PM PST - 36 comments
What's the chemistry of playdough?
The recipe for basic playdough is:
2 cups flour, 2 cups water, 1 cup salt, 2 tsp cream of tartar. This plus a little oil and food coloruing + low heat and stir until congealed.
What's the function of thee salt and the cream of tartar? The oil is obviously for lubrication the flour and water are what make the dough through the reaction of starch + heat.
posted by singingfish at 8:02 PM PST - 11 comments
I have two DVDs with identical content, both damaged in different places. How can I combine the "good" data from each DVD to make one perfect copy?
[more inside]posted by bakerybob at 7:43 PM PST - 16 comments
name that artist filter: Who's rapping in the Neon Genesis Evangelion Symphony Soundtrack?
[more inside]posted by carpyful at 7:17 PM PST - 2 comments
Is there one database or GIS I can use to research several important features, to cull the possible cities I might want to move to?
[more inside]posted by SMELLSLIKEFUN at 6:33 PM PST - 6 comments
My fellow architects: what new buildings should I not miss in Europe this winter?
[more inside]posted by signal at 6:05 PM PST - 21 comments
Should I consider a job offer after only a month at a pretty good job? If so, how can I get them to sweeten their offer?
[more inside]posted by aerotive at 4:40 PM PST - 16 comments
Any ideas why my Dell laptop's wireless gets 'limited or no connectivity' to a new Verizon DSL wireless modem? Verizon says its a problem with the Dell computer and I need to get Dell to sort out the fault. Dell wants me to pay for the information. I figure Dell and Verizon must have encountered this problem before and hope there's some folks here who know where to get the information to change settings or otherwise set up a configuration to make it work. Suggestions?
posted by NorthCoastCafe at 4:34 PM PST - 5 comments
So I wish to purchase a Wii for a Christmas gift. However, there are problems. Taking up residence in front of Zellers might not be an option, and I don't think I have the necessary funds to negotiate a purchase on eBay, with the scarcity premiums and the "Giant expensive package" traps. I live in Canada, and thus the WiiFinder sites I've found cannot seem to help me. Is there anything I can do to acquire a Wii, or do I have to wait until they can actually be purhchased like any regular consumer product?
[more inside]posted by tehloki at 4:18 PM PST - 16 comments
As a child, I was an American expat,
growing up in Scotland. This time of year I have many fond memories of Christmas Pantomines, Christmas Pudding, Paper Crowns & Crackers, 'Cadbury's Christmas Selection Boxes,' etc.' I also remember getting copies of year-end "annuals," particularly the 'Beano Annual' and the 'Blue Peter Annual.' There were many others, but I am at a loss for remembering their titles. What are/were some of the others published at Christmastime?
posted by ericb at 4:07 PM PST - 14 comments
do car rental companies do a dmv check before you can take the car?
posted by jmarq at 3:39 PM PST - 12 comments
I have an idea that involves cell phones, a web service, and participation from OS developers and designers/printers. It would be a time saver for many people and I am sure could provide profit to major players in these industries. Who/where/how do I get my suggestion out there?
[more inside]posted by superdeluxe at 2:17 PM PST - 11 comments
What's the standard dress code for a company Christmas party? It was unspecified in the invitation. The company is a relatively small technology start-up. 60-some-odd will be attending, including some of the (wealthy) founders. Help a clueless non-girly girl who comes from very little money.
[more inside]posted by moira at 12:57 PM PST - 23 comments
I'm living in Calgary and ordered a 2007 VW GTI in October. I'm expecting delivery in February or March. I'm applying for work in BC and AB and there's a chance that I might be in BC by then. What's involved with changing dealerships?
[more inside]posted by jimmythefish at 12:39 PM PST - 3 comments
GSM cellphones: is there an easy (and legit) way to integrate two phone #s from the same provider on one SIM card so I don't have to lug around two phones?
[more inside]posted by moonbird at 12:03 PM PST - 14 comments
I am working on a documentary radio piece and I'm looking for some instrumental music to use in the background. I've stumbled across some great instrumental stuff, but most of it is incredibly sappy. The problem with this is that my story is not. I'm looking for relatively upbeat music, not music to break up to. Can anyone suggest some interesting instrumental artists or collections? Maybe a movie soundtrack?
posted by erikcore at 11:45 AM PST - 14 comments
What's the easiest way to network my Windows PC with my Xbox 360 to stream music from PC --> Xbox?
[more inside]posted by mattholomew at 10:59 AM PST - 3 comments
Stupid and ridiculous song (not main theme) that I've seen once on Baywatch that goes, "California, California, oooh yeah". The singer sounds like Bon Jovi or Brian Adams. What is it called?
posted by limon at 9:50 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm trying to identify a movie that has a plot very similar to Bourne Identity but with a woman in the leading role.
[more inside]posted by Svitlana at 9:41 AM PST - 14 comments
I have the habit of sleeping on my face, and I wake up looking like I've gone 12 rounds with Clubber Lang. How can I ensure I sleep on my back at night?
[more inside]posted by dropkick at 8:38 AM PST - 10 comments
I want to buy 20 acres in Canada so that I have a refuge and a windfall when the coming global apocolypse comes down, I'm ready. Where can I buy now that would be the best investment, esp. for not much money?
[more inside]posted by DenOfSizer at 8:31 AM PST - 22 comments
What to do about accusations / insinuations that one can't be trusted hanging out with other people's girlfriends and/or they can't be trusted hanging out with you?
[more inside]posted by dobbs at 8:24 AM PST - 18 comments
So, I've got my lady an iPod for christmas, and I'd like to preload it with some vids - help me understand Apple's way of doing things...
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:35 AM PST - 10 comments
Real-estate lawfilter: Is it possible to lend money towards the cash purchase of a property by a family member, and then be handed ownership by a quit claim deed, and then take out my own mortgage on that property?
[more inside]posted by mert at 3:04 AM PST - 16 comments
So I've got some alleged neighbors who apparently don't understand the rules of civilized society. How to deal with them?
[more inside]posted by ubernostrum at 1:00 AM PST - 37 comments
December 15
Right now, what are some good places -- in addition to ebay & Craigslist -- to sell used tech gear (such as old PowerBooks and any other excellent-condition but old stuff)?
[more inside]posted by lorimer at 11:24 PM PST - 4 comments
Please suggest a Windows or Linux tool to batch-convert ogg files to mp3.
[more inside]posted by jlub at 10:58 PM PST - 11 comments
DualMonitorFilter: What am I missing? Two-cards, two monitors to get an extended Windows desktop.
[more inside]posted by cowbellemoo at 10:47 PM PST - 6 comments
Ok, I'm a cigar smoker (no cigarettes), so I'm at a bar, got a girl in my eye, she's looking toward me--I wanna show off--so how do I shoot off a smoke ring?
[more inside]posted by uncballzer at 9:42 PM PST - 26 comments
I'm looking for a recipe for rolled / stuffed turkey breast that was published in (a Christmas edition of?) Australian Better Homes and Gardens magazine some time in the last few years (which I've since lost). Please hope me!
[more inside]posted by obiwanwasabi at 8:47 PM PST - 3 comments
Who plays the Cingular guy in the Alltel food court commercial, and why have I seen him in so many commercials recently?
posted by Xazeru at 8:38 PM PST - 4 comments
Sometimes before I fall asleep (but after I've started to doze off), a strange electric shock runs through my body and wakes me up.
[more inside]posted by archagon at 6:29 PM PST - 18 comments
RecurringBillingFilter: As a small-time hosting provider, we bill every month using ModernBill. MB Stopped working about 5 months ago, so about 12-15 clients went unbilled for that time... Where do we land re: back-billing?
[more inside]posted by disillusioned at 5:49 PM PST - 14 comments
Recommendations for historical fiction about Paris? I'll be there for a couple of weeks, and have found that historical novels can really help me sink my teeth into a place. I have no particular era in mind, so the period is less important than the setting and the writing.
posted by walla at 5:38 PM PST - 21 comments
Temporary fencing question : I'm going to foster a retired greyhound for a few weeks but have to somehow put up a fence on one side of the yard so he won't get over. The length needed is around 8 metres and runs along some hedges on the border of the neighbour's place. Probably needs to be about 5 feet high. I want to do this myself as cheaply and quickly as possible. Any suggestions?
posted by zaebiz at 5:35 PM PST - 15 comments
What are some possible career paths or jobs suitable for a helpful, problem-solving, researching, decision-making, disorganized, short-attention-spanned recent college grad?
[more inside]posted by phoenixy at 5:35 PM PST - 18 comments
I will be leaving in a month for Jaipur, Rajasthan, to study abroad. I'll spend the spring living with an Indian family, studying international development, and doing an internship at an NGO in or near the city. Afterwards, I may travel around India for a while with a friend. Please give me any and all advice you have about traveling and living in India.
[more inside]posted by bookish at 5:26 PM PST - 8 comments
Where can I find a chronological summary by month of America's Vietnam war casualites for the entire war? I've seen a few such summaries for limited years, but nothing comprehensive. Extra credit for a matching public opinion polls on support for the war.
posted by Jackson at 5:16 PM PST - 2 comments
4-month old leg injury filter: I scraped up my leg really bad 4 months ago. It healed, it scarred, it still hurts. Now what?
[more inside]posted by sirion at 4:48 PM PST - 8 comments
I'm trying to set up an non-internet-connected Windows XP computer to receive incoming connections via modem. Somewhat reproducibly, the "Incoming Connections" icon in the Network Connections dialog goes away after a reboot.
[more inside]posted by jacobsee at 4:04 PM PST - 6 comments
My 15 year old is starting to slack off at school. Help me make her understand that she needs to straighten up!
[more inside]posted by keep it tight at 3:11 PM PST - 39 comments
Is it okay to mix a dab of foundation with your sunscreen to make an ersatz "tinted moisturizer"? Or will it create a rip in the very fabric of space and time?
[more inside]posted by thehmsbeagle at 3:06 PM PST - 9 comments
My 25 year old daughter is worrying me. She self medicates with vicodin to help her through her depression. Lately she has become comatose, falling asleep at the wheel, talking with slurred speech and denying that she is doing any drugs. Her mother took her to the hospital and they advised her to see a psychiatrist. I would like to give her the benefit of the doubt and believe that she is clean but she has a history that can't be denied. My latest thought is that she is doing but is in denial. Is there a definitive test that I can purchase from the pharmacy that would be conclusive. The part about her slurred speech, can anything else be causing this (she is also bulemic). As you can see she has alot to deal with. Any suggestions? I know she needs psychological help but I can't force her and since she is an adult she would not let her mother speak with the doctor.
posted by aisleofview at 2:54 PM PST - 20 comments
Merry Christmas, Your personal laptop's been stolen at work. Now... how do you handle replacing it? But wait... there's
[more inside]posted by aristan at 2:46 PM PST - 14 comments
How come I get acid reflux from fatty foods, but not from dairy-based high-fat foods like ice cream and cheese and not from foods cooked in olive oil? What is my stomach doing differently?
posted by joannemerriam at 2:46 PM PST - 6 comments
Are the display artifacts I'm seeing in our plasma screen due to the low broadcast resolution, or due the the tv itself?
[more inside]posted by everichon at 2:43 PM PST - 8 comments
How much of a performance hit will I take if I install the 64-bit version of Vista and run, for instance, my Digital Audio Workstation in 32-bit WOW emulation rather than running it in native 32-bit?
[more inside]posted by adi at 2:33 PM PST - 5 comments
I am helping a volunteer group collect donations. I need something other than a thermometer or a mountain climber to graphically illustrate our progress. HELP!
posted by punkfloyd at 1:20 PM PST - 11 comments
I've always been a late-blooming underachiever. Is it time to get off my butt and get out of my lousy part-time job, or should I keep my lousy part-time job because it gives me time to work on my book (I'm writing a novel)?
[more inside]posted by frosty_hut at 1:11 PM PST - 10 comments
How do I remotely install a Windows xp based disc image to ~50 PC's at the same time?
[more inside]posted by griffey at 12:29 PM PST - 7 comments
I often see artists such as David Gray and Dido, or specific cd's such as Bright Eyes'
Digital Ash in a Digital Urn listed as electronica. However, when I look at
Wikipedia's entry on electronica, the stuff listed there seems to be a much different genre. How would you classify the above music, and what are some similar type artists or cd's?
posted by stovenator at 12:18 PM PST - 19 comments
Where can I find classes in San Francisco to help me become a better photographer?
[more inside]posted by Nelson at 11:52 AM PST - 2 comments
Which songs or renditions from the last 10 years have entered the "canon" of classic Christmas songs?
posted by smackfu at 11:23 AM PST - 28 comments
Help me find the name of a graphic novel, in which a naive elderly couple deal with the aftermath of an atomic bomb. . .
[more inside]posted by changeling at 11:17 AM PST - 12 comments
Novels, short stories, movies--all are welcome. I find shadow stories spooky and interesting. My fave was a kid book called "The Shades" which explains how the shadows of people live their own lives. Know of any others?
posted by largecorp at 10:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me troubleshoot my printer &/or computer, which is refusing to print! I suspect it's something simple, but there's...
[more inside]posted by soviet sleepover at 10:39 AM PST - 4 comments
What is the best small digital camera Du Jour? I know this has been asked before, but 6 months can make a big difference for these sort of things.
What I'm looking for is a smallish, light digital camera with a big viewfinder, that takes really good pictures. That isn't too much to ask is it?
[more inside]posted by heh3d at 10:38 AM PST - 21 comments
I'm now trying loose leaf green tea instead of supermarket green tea bags. It seems to be coming out weaker. Is that normal?
[more inside]posted by hodyoaten at 9:54 AM PST - 21 comments
Within the next year I will most likely be moving from Central New Jersey to Los Angeles, CA. I need a lot of insight, suggestions and recommendations in all areas. This is going to be a big big question with lots of little questionlets.
[more inside]posted by PetiePal at 9:43 AM PST - 24 comments
[LegalDrinkingFilter.] My hotstuff girlfriend lawyer wants to get an engraved flask for her firm partners. She's trying to think of something witty to engrave on it like "BB&W where it's legal to drink". (Actually more witty than that). Please help us!
posted by bitdamaged at 9:40 AM PST - 43 comments
A boyfriend of a friend of a friend claims that he cannot maintain an erection when using a condom because of a heart condition. How likely is this to be true? Or is it just bullshit?
[more inside]posted by yeoz at 9:13 AM PST - 44 comments
I am about to create a website for a university class on collaborative ethnographies. What software would suit my needs best? Right now,
ExpressionEngine and
Drupal 5 are my top two choices. If I am barking up the wrong tree, please let me know.
[more inside]posted by billtron at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments
I need to create an employee manual using only Microsoft Word 2000. Help!
[more inside]posted by ohio at 8:05 AM PST - 3 comments
I just returned from an extensive road trip through Southern Africa including many malaria-prone areas. I took the anti-malaria medication Malarone once a day but missed a dose on the plane home. I received three mosquito bites in Mozambique (a malaria-prone country) the last day of the trip. Should I worry about contracting Malaria? Will the missed dose reduce the medication's effectiveness?
[more inside]posted by yoel88 at 7:59 AM PST - 9 comments
I've fallen in love with
this rendition of "O Holy Night"[MP3] from last week's episode of
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Now I want a whole Christmas album in that style - either already made or individual songs to make a mix. Any recommendations? I particularly like how the song is still totally recognizable and pleasant, despite having lots of soul to it and cool improvisations. Thanks!
posted by rorycberger at 7:57 AM PST - 10 comments
I work for a small non profit who is looking to add a central file server to bring our non existent tech infrastructure out of the stone age. The boss is looking to drop $2,500 on a complete package from DELL, but Im thinking there must be a better and cheaper way to accomplish this.
[more inside]posted by jlowen at 7:18 AM PST - 11 comments
I really love the baked-in "Save to PDF" function that OS 10 has. I love it so much, that I often have multiple things that I want to save as PDF. It is a little inconvenient/inefficient to go through five or six pages, hit cmd-p, click "PDF", select "Save as PDF", hit return, hit return again, for each file. It would be much easier if I could punch in one key combo and have the "Save" dialog box come up, with "PDF" in the format. Please help.
Anyone know a way to make this happen?
posted by grieserm at 6:42 AM PST - 14 comments
Within the past year, I read an article about a corporation where employees set their own pay. Other functions are similarly innovative. I vaguely remember a connection to Brazil/Latin America.
What is this company? Where can I find more?
posted by Korou at 5:20 AM PST - 9 comments
Help me find industrial-strength software to catalog an extremely large CD collection.
[more inside]posted by jbickers at 5:18 AM PST - 6 comments
What pick-up lines have you used, witnessed, or been the victim of that actually worked? Please include context.
posted by Mach3avelli at 1:20 AM PST - 40 comments
December 14
Where on god’s green earth can I find a decent media player to handle my (120gb+) MP3 collection?
I have 120 gb + of music that I can’t seem to get any media player to handle adequately. Any suggestions on one to try? Or how to make the big ones actually work quickly with this many files?
[more inside]posted by jkl345 at 11:05 PM PST - 23 comments
I am looking to get into some beginner back country camping, and I need some recommendations for gear and guides.
[more inside]posted by deafmute at 10:38 PM PST - 15 comments
So I just got this super cool new watch that plays up to 2gigs of videos on it. It's like Dick Tracy minus the villains. Only problem? The program that comes with the watch makes you encode the videos into something called NXV format. And it's not working right. What can I do about it?
[more inside]posted by rileyray3000 at 10:16 PM PST - 5 comments
Within an hour or so after eating or drinking, my urine smells strongly of whatever I ate or drank. Is this an indication that there is something physically wrong with me?
posted by anonymous at 9:47 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm Chinese, and North-American hair-dyes seem to hate me with a passion.
[more inside]posted by Phire at 9:31 PM PST - 9 comments
I have washed my last load of laundry. Never again. I'm looking for a good laundry service that will pick up/drop off in West Seattle, or if you don't know about Seattle share with me your tips/nightmares for finding a good laundry service.
posted by crunchyk9 at 9:28 PM PST - 2 comments
I need to catalogue my non-profit's library of books and videos. We want it to be accessible for students and faculty to easily see what we own and what is currently available for borrowing. I have been looking at LibraryThing, and am pretty impressed, but I can't see a way to incorporate our films, to give each item an id number, or to mark what is currently borrowed or available. Are there ways for me to do this, or would another site/software be better?
posted by arcticwoman at 9:25 PM PST - 10 comments
Does anyone know the song/music/artist in L.L. Bean's Holiday commercial? It can be
seen here.
posted by camworld at 9:11 PM PST - 3 comments
Job interview in west LA, never been to LA before, am spending a few days there. What's the best stuff to checkout in the area to tell if I can be happy living in LA?
[more inside]posted by archae at 9:11 PM PST - 15 comments
Netflix: If I am a secondary account holder, can I add another secondary account holder to my friends list?
[more inside]posted by Ziggy Zaga at 8:48 PM PST - 2 comments
Is the
Mac Heist bundle worthwhile? I'd really like to get
TextMate but they're still short $37,000 and I'd hate to pay $49 for everything but the product I want most. Is there any speculation of whether they might just throw it in after all?
posted by furtive at 8:05 PM PST - 16 comments
Academics: What's your filing system for academic papers?
As I finish up my undergrad degree and enter grad school, I'm reading a lot of papers. Currently, they're just in a tall stack on my desk and in a folder in my Mac.
I'm interested in hearing filing solutions -- both hard copy and electronic -- for academic papers.
posted by pealco at 7:18 PM PST - 28 comments
My friend flung a Wii remote into my new 40" LCD TV during a heated session of Wii Sports Bowling. No, really.
[more inside]posted by tumult at 6:57 PM PST - 38 comments
How can one listen to the Ashes and/or live UK football online in a country other than UK- given that the BBC screen out people abroad?
[more inside]posted by Gratishades at 6:40 PM PST - 11 comments
My family and I will be in New York city for the holidays. My mission: to find great restaurants for Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners.
[more inside]posted by clearlydemon at 6:38 PM PST - 6 comments
Most electronics drop dramatically in price. GPS units do not seem to have dropped as dramatically. Is there a reason, or multiple reasons for this? Are GPS receivers fundamentally harder to make for some reason? Is there a licence fee? Have the volumes been too low? Does getting new information for the maps, for car guidance systems, keep the price up?
posted by sien at 5:47 PM PST - 19 comments
The NYC Chiliheads Meetup Group (http://hotnspicy.meetup.com/42/) wants to consider possible venues for its future gatherings. We're a group of individuals, drawn from a variety of backgrounds and industries, that simply LOVES fiery, spicy food. Recent outings have taken us to Cho Dang Gol and Brick Lane Curry House. Like-minded AskMeFites are welcome to join us!
What restaurants do you recommend? Why? What cuisine do they represent?
posted by NYCinephile at 5:36 PM PST - 6 comments
What is the name and artist of that incredibly bizarre music that was played 6-7 years ago at the Florida Sea World penguin and puffin house? They might be still using it today but I would not know.
I asked several employees and they claimed to had no idea what it was, and they hated it because it played over and over again all of the time!
I can't really describe the music because I have never heard anything like it in my whole life. (it was fairly abstract)
posted by santogold at 5:16 PM PST - 2 comments
I'm looking for a free (or nearly) solution for storing an existing list of media contacts.
[more inside]posted by Pacrand at 4:46 PM PST - 2 comments
FilmSchoolFilter: In terms of cinematography, what factors cause different movies to, well...look different?
[more inside]posted by zardoz at 4:27 PM PST - 20 comments
Can any mefites suggest some alternative barebones PC builders other than Monarch? Looks like they've fallen on hard times just as I'm gearing up for a new machine.
[more inside]posted by Jase at 4:10 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm in search of an application that can subscribe to mp3 blogs via rss (or even better html scrape). Any suggestions?
[more inside]posted by unformatt at 2:23 PM PST - 6 comments
Why don't more herbivores have sharp horns? Some of them do, like the Cape Buffalo and the Kudu, but most have horns that do not seem very useful for defense. Given that the cost in keratin is the same for sharp and dull horns, and that sharp horns don't seem to cause intra-species injuries, why wouldn't all herbivores have razor-sharp horns to defend themselves?
posted by turbojav at 2:04 PM PST - 40 comments
Creating a podcast with synchronized images that will pop up at irregular intervals during the podcast. I'll also be showing some very unsophisticated users how to do this in a few months. Which tool is best for the job...
[more inside]posted by LGCNo6 at 1:19 PM PST - 7 comments
What theme song does the instrumental "First Snow" by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra sound like?
[more inside]posted by daninnj at 1:17 PM PST - 6 comments
What is the most likely to succeed and equitable method of teaching my fiancee to be responsible for her finances?
[more inside]posted by sequential at 12:28 PM PST - 67 comments
I just got a new Macbook with Parallels and Windows XP pre-installed. I knew of someone who utilized the accelerometer to be able to flip between OSX and Windows by a slap of the side of the screen. How can I set this up on my MacBook?
posted by pelican at 12:21 PM PST - 8 comments
I've bought and read most of David Allen's Gettings Things Done. I've also read a ton of things on line. But I'm still having a bear of a time wrapping my mind around GTD. I feel like I understand it on one level but I don't know how to fit it into my normal daily workflow. What is it that I am missing?
[more inside]posted by dgeiser13 at 12:19 PM PST - 25 comments
Suggestions on where to look for women's cashmere "lounge" pants in Chicago? there is of course
[more inside]posted by AllesKlar at 12:18 PM PST - 2 comments
Is there a term for the close-cropped hairstyle (similar to buzzcuts, I suppose) that a lot of gang members wear? It's not a ball fade, but something like that? I'm thinking of mostly Latino gangs.
posted by tommassit at 12:13 PM PST - 18 comments
How can I get over the selfish jealousy I feel towards my ex-girlfriend who is also my best friend and her new man?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 12:10 PM PST - 29 comments
I'm preparing a course of self-study in Philosophy. I need text-suggestions and ESPECIALLY secondary source suggestions.
[more inside]posted by GilloD at 12:01 PM PST - 28 comments
Is there a word that refers to 5 year periods as decade refers to 10 year periods (besides half decade)?
posted by notcostello at 11:47 AM PST - 14 comments
We're moving to Austin, Tx and need a pet-friendly, inexpensive, and centrally located hotel.
[more inside]posted by xmutex at 10:57 AM PST - 7 comments
Regex experts: I need a regular expression to help trim some lines in a text file. I haven't done regex in some time and I'm not having any luck with this. Hope it'll be easy for a wiz.
[more inside]posted by Tubes at 10:45 AM PST - 10 comments
In one of Richard Feynman's books, he talks about solving a problem by finding that a 'fact' about (I think) the spin state of the electron was really an assumption. I recall that it could be one of two values, something like T or V, and everybody had assumed it was T without any evidence. I know I got that all wrong, so what's the reality behind it?
posted by Skorgu at 10:31 AM PST - 5 comments
Given today's global population sample, at what age are you older than the majority of people on earth?
[more inside]posted by milarepa at 9:07 AM PST - 10 comments
It's December 14th and 56 degrees here in Boston. Everyone is walking around saying, "this is global warming." Is this actually a direct effect of global warming or just part of an abnormal but not potentially life-as-we-know-it ending weather pattern?
posted by jk252b at 8:58 AM PST - 41 comments
I have a goals & objectives meeting with my boss. Lately work has been hugely unsatisfying, and I feel, moreover, that promises have been broken or infinitely deferred. I have plenty of other work opportunities, it is almost hard to keep them away.
Do I mention that I am seriously considering leaving in this meeting in hopes that it might change things, or just be quiet and leap when the time is right?
[more inside]posted by kingfisher, his musclebound cat at 8:51 AM PST - 20 comments
Can an instructor enter a student's paper into one of those paper databases without telling the student?
[more inside]posted by sian at 8:35 AM PST - 21 comments
My blackberry 7250 is not saving the contents of notes and tasks since upgrade to Outlook 2007. The only thing being saved is the title. In Outlook, everything looks fine, but once I upload the information to my blackberry, the message disappears. I have not been able to find very much documentation on this subject, and I was hoping someone here might have a suggestion. Of course, if all else fails I could downgrade again.
Second question:
Are there any opensource projects like Outlook that download to Blackberry? (This is what I would really like :) stupid Outlook, I hate you)
posted by Knigel at 7:15 AM PST - 1 comments
Any tips on San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina? I'm going next week on a last-minute trip and would appreciate any pointers/recommendations.
[more inside]posted by veggieboy at 3:39 AM PST - 5 comments
Imagine a world with no TV advertising, and no sponsorship with TV shows being view on demand and funded by pay-per-view by the viewer. How much would (or should) a TV show actually cost?
[more inside]posted by nielm at 3:20 AM PST - 22 comments
I need help redecorating my house. I am going for the "Eastern" and contemporary look (Indian/ Middle Eastern/ Asian decor mixed with West Elm-ish contemporary style). I want to have Buddha statues, silk fabric for the window curtains, silk throw pillows, artificial plants and etc.
[more inside]posted by apple at 2:34 AM PST - 17 comments
December 13
SF Bay Filter: Going to our first 49ers game Christmas Eve, looking for traffic, tailgating and general advice.
[more inside]posted by jpmack at 11:38 PM PST - 5 comments
Why are people in countries other then the U.S. mostly skinny? It can't just be the Mcdonalds. Could it maybe have to do with weather? or how we grow vegetables? I am in the middle of building a hydroponics plant system which uses nutrients (chemicals) and was wondering if we grow lots of our produce that way and thus are maybe causing more problems for our health?
[more inside]posted by Craiggy83 at 11:21 PM PST - 94 comments
Microsoft Access. An SQL "GROUP BY" query. How do I generate the
mode of the values that it's grouping, when I want averages in other multiple fields?
[more inside]posted by Jimbob at 11:04 PM PST - 3 comments
What made you quit grad school? What was the deciding factor? How did you know it was time to go? Subtle signs? Did your advisor say 'go away'? If you stayed, when did you feel like quitting?
[more inside]posted by mariokrat at 10:29 PM PST - 27 comments
I'm looking for some ideas to effectively use the Genki 1 textbook to start teaching myself Japanese.
[more inside]posted by badger11 at 10:19 PM PST - 6 comments
A client wants us to create a promotional screensaver for them. The problem is we are on a Mac platform and they are on Windows.
[more inside]posted by tellurian at 9:59 PM PST - 8 comments
My 2-year old LCD has a blue vertical line for anything not white. Can it be fixed?
[more inside]posted by bkudria at 9:46 PM PST - 4 comments
If you could buy any computer book(s) or subscribe to any tech-related journal(s), what would it (they) be?
[more inside]posted by yellowbkpk at 9:30 PM PST - 10 comments
I just brought home a big o' 21" viewsonic P815 monitor. It didn’t have the monitor cable, so I used a crappy one I had. I’m noticing a lot of odd “shadow” effects, especially with black text on a white background- the text is clear, but there’s a very light grey echo to the right of it, then a lighter echo to the right of that, and so on. It reminds me of cable "ghosting." My question: is it a cable problem or a monitor problem?
[more inside]posted by dogwelder at 8:34 PM PST - 16 comments
I am looking for a concise or idiomatic term that refers to a correct conclusion which is attained through some sort of invalid reasoning. Is there a debate or logic term for this phenomenon?
posted by aubilenon at 7:47 PM PST - 38 comments
Is there an adjective to describe a person who believes in absolute obedience to the law, as personified by Inspector Javert in "Les Miserables"?
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 7:47 PM PST - 16 comments
I want to send my sister in France an online gift certificate. She has just moved into her new country home there. What sites (useful in FRANCE) would easily redeem the certificate and would also be interesting, ecclectic, fun -- and would give her the best value?
[more inside]posted by Surfurrus at 7:34 PM PST - 7 comments
Can you split an .iso (DVD burn image) file in two? I've been ripping all of my Netflix movies into .iso files before realizing that my burning software (Nero burning rom) doesn't split an image file (.iso) that is larger than 4.7gig into two smaller files. All of these movies require dual layer blank DVDs, but since I have a 100 pack of blank DVDs I would like to try to see if I could split the movies to 2 different discs rather than buy the larger blanks.
[more inside]posted by wile e at 6:34 PM PST - 22 comments
Stranger, please pass judgment on our most intimate moments! So, my fiancee and I have been in a monogamous relationship for 8+ years, and the only method of birth control we use is condoms. Are we stupid?
[more inside]posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 4:27 PM PST - 54 comments
I'm at my wit's end. I've been trying to configure tomcat (through apache 2 using mod_jk) to automatically re-direct all traffic to HTTPS from HTTP. More boring technical details to follow.
[more inside]posted by purephase at 3:56 PM PST - 15 comments
Is there a way on Microsoft Word to alter the file properties so that
the document appears to have been created on a different time/date? [This question asked on behalf of another member.]
[more inside]posted by Arcaz Ino at 3:04 PM PST - 15 comments
Floppy Laptop Lid: Toshiba Satellite 2450 (bought in Canada, FWIW). The lid is flopping around. Are there any online tutorials/instruction manuals for how to fix this annoyance? Can it be done without spending $ or ordering parts, etc.? Thanks.
posted by rumbles at 3:00 PM PST - 3 comments
Is reddit.com down? I've not been able to ping it or load the page all day.
posted by tehgeekmeister at 2:57 PM PST - 5 comments
I'm looking for a file repository application suitable for managing a software collection plus storing metadata about each program (version, developer site, dependencies, that sort of thing - I'll need to have some custom fields also). This is for private use, I'm not recreating Sourceforge or Freshmeat, so lightweight is better. Must run under OSX or LAMP. Suggestions?
posted by scalefree at 2:41 PM PST - 6 comments
[Digital Camera N00b Filter] I took a bunch of photos on my new camera (Canon Rebel) in RAW, but when I use the software that came with the camera it uploads them onto the computer as .avi files that I can't open. At one point I managed to upload them through another program as .crw files, but I still didn't know what to open them with (photoshop didn't work). How do I make them pictures again?
posted by elr at 2:35 PM PST - 8 comments
Help! My books are rotten - as in they're covered in mould! Suggestions on anything I can do to save them most welcome... [more inside]posted by Sifter at 2:11 PM PST - 11 comments
Any advice or resources on best practices when designing printed forms in InDesign CS2? I have a registration form to design (and will have several dozen others to redesign in the new year) and would like to do things right the first time.
[more inside]posted by bcwinters at 1:54 PM PST - 4 comments
How do you learn to ask great questions like Chicago Public Radio's Gretchen Helfrich (Odyssey radio program, now cancelled ) ?
[more inside]posted by cluelessguru at 1:38 PM PST - 12 comments
I've spilled some chicken noodle soup in my car. I wiped up what I could with napkins, but some of it soaked down beneath the surface of the seat. I suspect my car will now smell like chicken broth. What can I do?
posted by ignignokt at 1:17 PM PST - 12 comments
Now that Skype is cutting off it's free service, what free alternatives are available?
posted by Sufi at 1:15 PM PST - 17 comments
Is frequently wearing hats a bad idea if you have dandruff? Some days it's cold enough to warrant a hat, but mostly I just like hats and not having to do my hair. Would styling it with hair product be any better or worse?
posted by luftmensch at 12:59 PM PST - 5 comments
work related question. A co-worker I work with very closely threatened my verbally and physically, claiming I was doing a poor job. I reported to my supervisor, and said co-worker denies it.
What should I do (other than quitting, but I like the job) I have been there 3 years and this came out of the blue. I feel now I have to resign.
Suggestions?
posted by cvoixjames at 12:31 PM PST - 39 comments
I need to ship a car from New York/NJ to San Francisco area on Dec. 15. Online info for such services seem dodgy. Any recomendations or warnings?
[more inside]posted by zaelic at 12:23 PM PST - 13 comments
(not cookies) food gifts. I'd like some recipes for not too expensive, not too hard to make, but stunning food gifts that are easy to package and give away for the holidays. Got any gems you'd be willing to share?
[more inside]posted by nnk at 12:10 PM PST - 35 comments
how can i modify an XP machine so as to allow remote program execution upon connection via windows remote desktop?
[more inside]posted by jjsonp at 12:08 PM PST - 3 comments
This question is for women who have used online dating : What are your most common reasons for breaking off an email exchange with a man who you met through online dating? Also, once you have given the man your phone number, and he calls you, what are your most common reasons for not returning the phone call?
[more inside]posted by kenoshakid at 11:42 AM PST - 43 comments
[Dental Filter] So, my gums are doing an awful lot of bleeding. It will be at least four months before I can go to the dentist. What can I do about this in the mean time?
[more inside]posted by EatTheWeak at 11:08 AM PST - 29 comments
What are the potential negative consequences for putting an alcohol treatment program on my health insurance?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:49 AM PST - 6 comments
Korean Language XP Operating System
Can I buy a "Korean Language XP Operating System" here in the USA ?
I want to get a Laptop in Korean Language. Where can I get one ? I called Dell and they did not have one in the USA. From what I understand one has to buy it from Korea itself.
Thanks.
posted by endlessknot at 10:44 AM PST - 8 comments
What video clip out on the net is considered to be the first "internet video star", rising to making international news or headlines?
[more inside]posted by randomthoughts at 10:42 AM PST - 20 comments
Ephemeral films: You know, those films by Coronet, Jam Handy, Centron, etc, that were shown in classrooms in the 1950s-1980s.... Where can I find scholarly literature / books on them? I'm really struggling on finding sources, and I'm writing a paper comparing them to Noam Chomsky's propaganda model in Manufacturing Consent. Any suggestions? I've got access to scholarly journals through the school library, but I'm uncertain as to what to search for.
posted by fvox13 at 10:12 AM PST - 10 comments
I am considering making the switch to the Mac, and I am wondering how you all convert an e-mail to a task or appointment in OSX. In Outlook, I just drag it to the Calendar or Tasks button (or use one of the ClearContext buttons). I understand this does not work in Entourage.
[more inside]posted by 4ster at 10:10 AM PST - 7 comments
Is it possible to totally or selectively disable keyboard shortcuts in Google Talk? A hyperactive F11 key likes to initiate unwanted voice calls. Irritating!
posted by pullayup at 9:52 AM PST - 4 comments
Last week, I had my second early miscarriage. In addition to a battery of tests I'm trying to convince my ob/gyn to give me, I'm also considering treatment with acupuncture.
[more inside]posted by discokitty at 9:34 AM PST - 20 comments
My teeth have been in disrepair for several years now, and I've been saving my money for nearly as long to have them extracted (and replaced by dentures) en masse. Unfortunately, I discovered yesterday that at least one tooth has grown impatient with that schedule.
[more inside]posted by The Confessor at 9:22 AM PST - 11 comments
We have a family of five;1,2&8 yr old boys and us. Can anyone recommend
a great all inclusive resort on the southern tip of the Baja? Kid friendly, beautiful, good food etc.
Thanks,
Gina et all
posted by gina at 9:10 AM PST - 1 comments
Why does my '98 Saturn SC1 have odd idling problems after more than an hour of highway driving (i.e. it sometimes revs high, sometimes it drops to nothing and stalls)?
[more inside]posted by Java_Man at 9:07 AM PST - 8 comments
What is this handheld "force sensor" Jamie Hyneman yields in the "concrete glider" episode of Mythbusters?
[more inside]posted by bluefrog at 8:50 AM PST - 12 comments
Who sings this? "I'm the jauggernaut bitch, I'll hit you with your own pimp"
posted by Jujee at 8:35 AM PST - 7 comments
Listening to
this story about hospital interns on NPR yesterday got me thinking about the practice of interns and residents working around the clock. What is the purpose of this?
[more inside]posted by Nathanial Hörnblowér at 8:28 AM PST - 44 comments
Travel filter! Researching a trip next year to Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Mideast and Iran. Any visa/general travel suggestions?
[more inside]posted by mixer at 8:11 AM PST - 10 comments
2 different cameras, 2 lenses, how can I get the closest possible recreation?
[more inside]posted by tip120 at 7:48 AM PST - 5 comments
My cousin appears to have an abscessed tooth. She's uninsured, broke, and in desperate need of a prescription for antibiotics so she can sleep and work. How can we do this as quickly and cheaply as possible?
[more inside]posted by polyhedron at 7:34 AM PST - 13 comments
New to international travel. Sonar Music Festival in Barcelona, next June. How should I start planning?
[more inside]posted by mikeh at 7:24 AM PST - 7 comments
How can I best work on my depression & anxiety on my own if I choose to stop seeing my therapist? Is this a really bad idea?
[more inside]posted by tastybrains at 7:21 AM PST - 20 comments
My '98 Honda Accord is intermittently making a rather loud clicking noise when I shift it in to reverse. Help me diagnose the problem.
[more inside]posted by !Jim at 12:23 AM PST - 10 comments
December 12
If you've been to Barcelona and if you've seen the movie Auberge espagnole, L', would you say that the movie does a good job of depicting what the city is like?
[more inside]posted by willnot at 11:38 PM PST - 16 comments
EmergencyVacationAdvice. . . Filter. Free flight to anywhere in the 48 states, but I have to decide time and place by tomorrow (Thursday) morning - including budget planning! Please lend me your wisdoms.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:53 PM PST - 14 comments
Would I be able to purchase an 80 Gig Ipod more cheaply in Mexico City than in the US?
posted by theperfectcrime at 10:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Adobe Reader: any way to have highlighted text automatically copied into the associated comment?
[more inside]posted by Ø at 10:16 PM PST - 0 comments
Recording live television onto a computer? I'm NOT looking for a HD quality picture here. Just bare minimum; choppiness in the video stream is my enemy.
I've tried a tv-to-usb adapter on a couple of computers I have, with the recording software set at BARE MINIMUM settings (ie, about a 5 inch by 5 inch picture, with audio and video settings set very low if not on the lowest settings).
[more inside]posted by jak68 at 9:57 PM PST - 18 comments
Diet&Health: Will six small meals and green tea really help my metabolism and weight loss - and what's the deal with fiber?
[more inside]posted by jesirose at 9:54 PM PST - 16 comments
At Body Art Ink in Myrtle Beach, I saw a picture I really wanted as a lower-back tattoo--a lion lying on his back with a girl straddling him. Does anyone know the picture or where I can find it again?
[more inside]posted by Cricket at 9:22 PM PST - 5 comments
TelephonyFilter: Is there any Internet telephony provider that will allow you to receive incoming calls, but does NOT require that you have voicemail service? When I spoke with representatives at Skype, they said that the voicemail feature can not be disabled. I would be more than happy to use Vonage, however, due to the way my Internet is set up, it doesn't work (a known issue with this particular ISP). All I want is some way to set up a phone number and receive incoming calls ONLY--with NO voicemail, NO forwarding, NO call waiting. Is there any such service out there?
posted by polexxia at 9:03 PM PST - 7 comments
SongFilter: I heard this song on the radio, but I don't know what it's called. It goes something like this...
[more inside]posted by zachk at 8:32 PM PST - 7 comments
What are the unwritten rules and conventions behind interviewing for a position at a different company while you hold a full time job?
[more inside]posted by realpseudonym at 8:19 PM PST - 11 comments
How can I forgive my SO for hurtful things done (and apologized for) in the past? I'm having a really hard time moving on and moving forward due to my inability to forgive.
[more inside]posted by zoey08 at 7:43 PM PST - 22 comments
I want to use the myth of Pandora's box for a project. I was hoping to find some text written out in the Greek alphabet to use as part of the project.
[more inside]posted by eggplantia5 at 7:42 PM PST - 5 comments
Looking for an iTunes-like system that permits users to access a library of assets that can be swapped in and out of preset Flash templates. Must run a local dbase containing all assets and templates...
[more inside]posted by pallen123 at 6:34 PM PST - 0 comments
In product design, how do they quantify biomechanic or ergonomic "ease of use"? Do they measure forces or torques needed to use the product, and if so, how? Do they count the number of muscles involved in its use? Do they just try it out on a lot of people?
[more inside]posted by unknowncommand at 6:26 PM PST - 9 comments
I'd like to create the definitive
musical collection of internet memes for my own personal library. I need your help finding the real gems.
[more inside]posted by c:\awesome at 5:39 PM PST - 28 comments
Looking for new acoustic guitar. Anyone have any experience with the Taylor 110, Martin DX1, or similar guitar?
[more inside]posted by tom_g at 5:03 PM PST - 12 comments
In Toni Morrison's '
Beloved', there's some part where—I think a guy gets to sleep with someone he's wanted to in a shed or something—so a motif about this guy's heart being like a closed black tinderbox or somesuch is brought up and upon that moment, he feels that there's a beating heart in there with red blood & the works. Ring a bell?
[more inside]posted by Firas at 5:02 PM PST - 10 comments
why did monitors switch to buttons with menus for controlling brightness and contrast, rather than knobs? knobs are so much faster and easier - it was like a dimmer switch for your desk!
posted by wumpus at 4:44 PM PST - 18 comments
How can I optimize the audio streaming setup that is the core of the low power radio station I work with?
[more inside]posted by autojack at 4:35 PM PST - 2 comments
As part of my Peace Corps application procedure, I have been asked to do some volunteer work with an organization that assists people with HIV and AIDS.
[more inside]posted by bryanzera at 4:09 PM PST - 6 comments
I've already got the xmas gift figured out, now I'm trying to figure out
how to give it...so what are some creative/clever/funny ways you've
given gifts?
[more inside]posted by 777 at 4:00 PM PST - 26 comments
Where should we celebrate New Years in Los Angeles?
My friends and I are coming down from San Francisco for New Years, and we're looking for something fun and cool to do on NYE. Everything we've found so far is at some big mega-club and costs like $125 to get in. Yuck.
[more inside]posted by dennis at 3:59 PM PST - 6 comments
I'm using Eclipse with Subclipse. Until recently, in Eclipse's Navigator window, there were little icons on each folder and file telling you if they had been changed since the last commit. The icons have gone. How do I get them back?
[more inside]posted by matthewr at 3:49 PM PST - 4 comments
Can somebody please help me find a free,
online English version of Julio Cortázar's short story, "La Casa Tomada" (A House Taken Over)? I had found one a couple months back but forgot to bookmark it and now that I badly need it, I can't find it.
[more inside]posted by Malachi Constant at 3:33 PM PST - 5 comments
(Thinkpad Filter) Just been given a T42 by work (thank you) and am looking for some fun stuff to do with the motion sensor
[more inside]posted by eb98jdb at 3:16 PM PST - 5 comments
Moving in together: how do you deal with a packrat (and not much storage space)?
[more inside]posted by cgs at 3:08 PM PST - 27 comments
Playlist filter: Songs TO children (not FOR children). I am looking for songs written to a child or children, whether in fact, or in your perception. What I am NOT looking for is children's music. NO Barney, The Wiggles, etc.
Example: "Fix You" by Coldplay
posted by clh at 2:55 PM PST - 90 comments
How do I burn copies of an audio CD with a .cue file on OS 10.4.8 using either Burn or Firestarter?
[more inside]posted by jack_mo at 2:26 PM PST - 5 comments
I'm trying to find a place to a really nice set of steel tipped darts/flights/case in New York City. There used to be a great store in the low 20's on the East Side. Does anyone know a place?
posted by Shanachie at 2:10 PM PST - 2 comments
Do HIPPA rules apply to health care professionals when they discuss health problems/treatments of friends and family members when they are not professionally involved with their treatment?
posted by Raybun at 12:56 PM PST - 15 comments
My (non-existent) ideal device is a Treo -- with wifi, GSM/GPRS, and either EDGE or HSDPA -- on a service plan that includes flat-rate unlimited data, flat-rate international data roaming, and a small amount of voice usage inside the U.S. (say 100 mins/month). So, in the real world, is a Blackberry 8800 on T-Mobile my best choice for a plan starting in spring 2007?
[more inside]posted by allterrainbrain at 12:47 PM PST - 15 comments
I want a free-as-in-beer way to put in a ZIP+4 postal code and get back a latitude and longitude. Unless that's more precision than I need for terrestrial astronomy.
[more inside]posted by pax digita at 12:04 PM PST - 6 comments
Calling all shell script gurus! Help me write a command that performs an action on items in a list in parallel (as opposed to sequentially).
[more inside]posted by pmbuko at 12:03 PM PST - 7 comments
I'm looking for a video I saw online a few years ago that I recall sending the message to "Make Love, Start A Revolution." There is...
[more inside]posted by infinityjinx at 11:56 AM PST - 2 comments
I've never gone skiing or snowboarding before, but I'm going on a co-worker outing in January to a ski resort for one day. I've decided to take beginner lessons in one - but which one? What would you recommend and why?
[more inside]posted by evadery at 11:34 AM PST - 34 comments
Flying With Film: I'm traveling to Vietnam next week. I've decided to leave the digicam at home and bring my ol' fashioned 35mm cam + film. Should I worry about x-ray damage to the undeveloped film?
[more inside]posted by gnutron at 11:22 AM PST - 11 comments
This is driving me nuts. I'm trying to remember the name of a site that offers general how-to information and contains the word "squid" or something like it in the URL. In content it's not unlike
makezine or
instructables, but less specifically hands-on. Am I crazy? Was/is there such a site?
posted by Pliskie at 10:59 AM PST - 8 comments
My girlfriend loved the game "Big Kahuna Reef" but now everyone is playing and creating levels for "Big Kahuna Reef 2" - which is not available for macs (our only computer). Any ideas for similar puzzle based games?
posted by guruguy9 at 10:56 AM PST - 3 comments
GiftIdeaFilter (sorry): I'm looking for suggestions for
poetry books for an 8-year old girl. She's an excellent reader and likely well above her target reading level. I thought introducing her to poetry might be a nice change of pace... preferably something she won't finish by supper. Thanks!
posted by Witty at 10:48 AM PST - 30 comments
New Year's resolution: get serious about a B2B direct (snail) mail campaign for my small biz. Recommended USB mailing label and e-stamp printer for my WinXP PC?
[more inside]posted by ZenMasterThis at 10:31 AM PST - 5 comments
USB2.0 PCMCIA card recommendations - I would like to run a USB powered CanoScan LiDE 60 scanner on an X22 Thinkpad.
[more inside]posted by forallmankind at 10:23 AM PST - 3 comments
Please help with suitable nightlife (good bars) in Monterrey, Mexico. From the U.S. and looking for something cool/funky. No dance clubs please. Will be here for three nights and located downtown. Willing to taxi anywhere. Local flavor a plus. Thanks.
posted by repoman at 10:06 AM PST - 3 comments
My Flexible Spending Account (
FSA) has about $250 left on it to be used by the end of December - it's use it or lose it, so I'm looking for ideas on the most useful things I can spend this money on within the next 3 weeks. I am potentially interested in stocking a basic medicine cabinet items that would be useful for a baby/ small child.
[more inside]posted by netsirk at 10:00 AM PST - 25 comments
LastMinuteAuditionFilter: I have less than three hours to prepare for an audition I totally forgot about until this morning.
[more inside]posted by Glitter Ninja at 9:54 AM PST - 7 comments
Where do sites like Pandora & Last.fm make their money? I use both sites and others that have no or limited advertising and I'm very curious as to how they can support good looking websites with some degree of infrastructure behind them (staff, music rights etc). Also I'm keen to find out how I would go about pricing up my idea for a site that works in a similar vein but with a twist...
[more inside]posted by mjlondon at 9:39 AM PST - 13 comments
IPOD connection to stereo through RCA - COAX - RCA plugs. Does anyone have experience connecting an IPOD directly to the stereo over a 30 - 40 ft distance using COAX and the resulting sound quality?
posted by strangej at 9:14 AM PST - 8 comments
Puerto Rican Food Recipe Filter:
I am a transplanted Boricua looking for recipes for Pan Sobao and Pan de Agua.
Google gives the wrong recipes!
I am looking for someone who:
1. Has had actual Pan Sobao from Puerto Rico. Pan Sobao from La Facciola is best.
2. Actually MAKES this, preferably in Puerto Rico, and has the right recipe.
[more inside]posted by Void_Ptr at 9:12 AM PST - 7 comments
I would love some examples of high end print design workflows, especially database driven ones. Store circulars, flyers, etc. The more complete the workflow you can describe, the better.
[more inside]posted by Brainy at 9:11 AM PST - 4 comments
My wife got into a car accident last week. I wasn't with her, The story is, someone cut her off and slammed on the breaks and she had to turn to avoid him, she over turned and someone else almost hit her so she turned again and the car started rolling. it was an SUV and that made the flipping so easy. She is unharmed, she did not hit anyone, but the car is totalled.
[more inside]posted by convex at 8:58 AM PST - 15 comments
I run AdSense on my blog, and burn my feed with FeedBurner. I would love to advertise within my feed with AdSense for Feeds (AFF) rather than the Feedburner Ad Network but AFF seems to have dropped off the face of the earth. Does it still run, and how can I get into the program?
posted by mutantdisco! at 8:42 AM PST - 4 comments
Looking for a site where I can enter a portfolio (stocks and funds) and generate an RSS feed that gives daily breakdowns of how each stock is doing.
[more inside]posted by electric_counterpoint at 8:18 AM PST - 3 comments
Help me figure out how find my perfect place to live: someplace temperate to warm, with a low cost of living and a growing population and economy
[more inside]posted by objdoc at 8:12 AM PST - 35 comments
Bit out of shape, me. Would like to fix that. Our office has a small gym. In this gym is an expected fleet of treadmills, stationary bikes, free weights and a single stair-climber. We've got shower, locker room and changing facilities as well. Given these tools available, what would be my best use of them? Workout before work? After? And which for how long?
[more inside]posted by grabbingsand at 8:11 AM PST - 16 comments
Over the weekend, I shall be building a
Shuttle SK21G Barebone PC system. Given that I've only built about 4 computers (all of which worked fine) and never a Shuttle, is there anything you can tell me or websites I should read which will make the building process go smoothly?
[more inside]posted by mr_silver at 8:09 AM PST - 16 comments
Where can I find a flash video with the music "Celebrate" (Kool and the Gang) used?
posted by cainiarb at 7:58 AM PST - 1 comments
My friend was just told she needs a "new fuel system" for a Honda Civic (1998). What should we be looking for?
[more inside]posted by Soulbee at 7:35 AM PST - 8 comments
How to calculate hardware requirements for a load balanced web server cluster? The web servers will be running Windows 2003 with a back end DB server, I want to support about 1000 simultaneous connections per server. The web application is fairly AJAX intensive. Not sure how I go about determining what sort of hardware I need for the servers, any ideas or suggestions?
posted by RedMosquito at 7:03 AM PST - 6 comments
Sushi! Having read previous questions I'm full of enthusiasm for the end of my sushi-making virginity. To help make it a joyous occassion for all, what are you favourite sushi recipes?
[more inside]posted by twirlypen at 6:40 AM PST - 15 comments
I have a SATA hard drive with all my data (yeah, I was just about to implement a backup scheme with rsync...), and my Ubuntu installation shit the bed. I'm back up, but the partition table on that drive is kablooey. It is formated ext3, and I have little reason to suspect that the data is not there.
Are there any good tools for restoring a partition table on ext3, or can this be done natively? Gparted shows the file system marked as ext3, but with a warning about not being able to open dumpe2fs.
[more inside]posted by adampsyche at 6:38 AM PST - 5 comments
I need to add a zip code proximity search to a site. I have the registration form configured so that it stores a user's zip code with his/her profile. Now I want to give the option to "Show all users within X miles". Does anyone know if there is a web API to handle this?
[more inside]posted by GatorDavid at 6:34 AM PST - 10 comments
Offline vs. online shopping - is there anything (other than services) that you can buy offline, but not online?
[more inside]posted by Chunder at 5:20 AM PST - 39 comments
At 25 (6Ft, 68KG), I suddenly developed a fat stomach that now goes a bit over my belt. This happened suddenly over 3 months, so fast that it feels all wierd, like it is not my body. I know that many guys have big stomachs, so I'm not sure if my case is normal or not.
That's my question - did you develop fat around the stomach suddenly, or did it come gradually?
[more inside]posted by markesh at 4:37 AM PST - 30 comments
I'm going to visit my boyfriend's family with him over New Years weekend, and he just casually mentioned to me that there'd definitely been some skiing involved. I've never been skiing before, ever. What should I expect?
[more inside]posted by sherber at 12:26 AM PST - 29 comments
December 11
Is Sirius going to take over XM? The fat kid that smelled liked cabbage who works in the car audio section at Best Buy said it was likely....
[more inside]posted by Dr. Lurker at 11:42 PM PST - 30 comments
Prepaid Fido (Canadian cell phone company) unlocked Treo 650 can no longer connect to the internet. There is
[more inside]posted by birdsquared at 11:21 PM PST - 3 comments
I'm an irresponsible guy with a really horrible memory dating a very responsible girl, and I keep fucking things up between us by forgetting things, screwing up schedules and things like that. It's not just things like the date we started going out, her birthday, or whatever (this sort of info is on my calendar just not in my head). It's things like the time we're going to meet, or where she's going to be at a specific time. I've always been so bad with dates and times and schedules that if I don't have absolutely everything written down then SOMETHING will be completely forgotten. I write down when dates are going to be, I copy her class and work schedules into my calendar, all that sort of thing, but I fuck some things up and it really upsets her.
[more inside]posted by shanevsevil at 10:26 PM PST - 28 comments
One feature of the New Yorker's recent 'Cartoon Issue' was a two-pager by their regular, Roz, documenting her reaction to manga. So... what
was that thing sticking out of her friend's head?
[more inside]posted by Rash at 10:22 PM PST - 5 comments
What is the best way to easily (or more easily) clean my dog's paws when she comes in from our rain soaked yard and they are all muddy?
[more inside]posted by fenriq at 10:08 PM PST - 8 comments
Dirty, gross refrigerator in garage. A bit of mold inside and lots of black stuff filling every crevice. Mechanically sound, but is it possible to get it clean enough to use again?
[more inside]posted by cleve9 at 9:02 PM PST - 18 comments
I run a community website that receives around 2 million pageviews a month. I'm finding that I don't have the time to run it these days - and I'm considering selling the site. It's in kind of a "hot" area and I think I could sell it for $2 million.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 8:55 PM PST - 15 comments
A lot of the studies I've googled indicate that there is a non-intuitive relationship between skim milk and obesity, at least in children. Does this extend to adults? Could someone explain how whole milk makes you lose weight?
posted by anotherpanacea at 8:52 PM PST - 11 comments
How do you classify the end of December? Is it Christmas time or something else?
posted by Kilovolt at 8:45 PM PST - 15 comments
How can I allow remote connections to the remote side of my ssh tunnel? -g doesn't work. Neither does GatewayPorts.
[more inside]posted by dmd at 8:42 PM PST - 6 comments
Is it possible to purchase authentic
Kvas around Boston or Chicago?
[more inside]posted by :-) at 7:56 PM PST - 5 comments
Looking for creative writing classes in the DC area. I have DC residency, so community college classes in MD/VA are out. I've taken one expository writing class before and am a voracious reader, but I havent really done much in the way of a class setting before. I'd like to take a class, also for the peer review aspect and some help getting started on writing! Anywhere that's cheap in the DC region is fine.
posted by jare2003 at 7:52 PM PST - 7 comments
When you open a .doc out of a yahoo email (just open - not downloaded) then edit it, and click the save icon, where does it go? What happens after you close that window?
[more inside]posted by amethysts at 7:36 PM PST - 11 comments
I'm looking for way to get a CD or record single of an obscure 60s Saskatoon band. They're called Witness Inc.
[more inside]posted by sleslie at 7:16 PM PST - 3 comments
Have you seen the commercial with the aliens trying to fix their ship? If so, what's the brand of the flashlight they're hawking?
[more inside]posted by PandemicSoul at 6:04 PM PST - 4 comments
I need a list of CD albums in which all the songs are great (no more than one filler).
[more inside]posted by Xurando at 6:04 PM PST - 99 comments
Does the current paradigm of Mental Illness having an underlying physical and biological basis (say, due to a chemical imbalance) negate the concept of Free Will?
Also, where can one read more on this issue?
posted by sk381 at 6:00 PM PST - 23 comments
Dateline: Oxford Blue's House, 11:59:59 31/12/2006.
You want to celebrate the new year.
Do you go with a bottle of:
A) Veuve Clicquot
B) Moët et Chandon
posted by oxford blue at 5:40 PM PST - 19 comments
Buying a laptop in the USA but giving to someone in the UK - anybody know about international warranties?
[more inside]posted by Mave_80 at 4:45 PM PST - 5 comments
New to Ubuntu. How do I completely uninstall XP after already having partitioned my hard drive.
[more inside]posted by nintendo at 4:43 PM PST - 7 comments
One of my G4 iBook's hinges has a crack and it's spreading. Should I be worried? Is there likely to be any hassle getting it fixed under warranty?
[more inside]posted by mce at 4:21 PM PST - 3 comments
What are some memorable news stories this year that could be easily turned into company contest fodder, and how can I go about doing it?
[more inside]posted by geronimo's folly at 4:00 PM PST - 3 comments
I saw on the news tonight that there was a sect of radical orthodox Jews (some type of haredim? chasids?) attending the Holocaust denial conference in Tehran, Iran. I know some ultra-orthodox groups deny the legitimacy of Israel based on Scriptural reasons, are these the same guys? Who are they and what is their reasoning for denying the Holocaust?
[more inside]posted by Falconetti at 3:51 PM PST - 18 comments
How do I POST a file using php? Not POSTing to a PHP script but using php to read a file from the file system and POSTing it to another site. The site I am working on doesnt have cURL but fsockopen is available.
posted by Pasa la bola chetu at 3:34 PM PST - 5 comments
I'm having a few people over one evening "for cocktails." In order to provide a decent repertoire of standard cocktails, what should I stock my bar with?
[more inside]posted by jacobm at 2:38 PM PST - 41 comments
Anyone know of a firefox extension/greasemonkey script that would cause all nytimes.com articles to automatically open in the "single page" format. I read the whole paper online, and it's really annoying to have to click the "single page" button for every article that's longer than one page. Alternately, how hard would it be to write such an extension/script?
posted by ericbop at 2:22 PM PST - 3 comments
I have a double sliding glass door in my bedroom that leads on to an enclosed porch. These doors are slightly bowed outward away from each other, which leaves a gap about the thickness of my finger in the middle. In Beijing, in December, with prepaid utilities and heating that's barely adequate to begin with, that's not a good thing for my wallet, conscience, or bodily comfort. So how can I McGuyver this gap shut?
[more inside]posted by saysthis at 2:07 PM PST - 17 comments
I'm looking for a young adult collection of ghost/scary stories I read in middle school (1980s). It was illustrated by Edward Gorey and contained a story about a young girl who discovers a creature of some sort living in a quarry near her home. She becomes obsessed/infatuated with the thing and frequently visits it. I remember strong sexual undertones in this story.
[more inside]posted by anonymous78 at 2:05 PM PST - 3 comments
I want to take advantage of mf my new MacBook Pro's Intel chip: what's the best way in install and run Windows Vista on it?
[more inside]posted by eustacescrubb at 1:42 PM PST - 22 comments
Do wet riding conditions increase the chance of getting a flat tire?
posted by Chuckles at 1:40 PM PST - 17 comments
SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS: David Lynch's
Inland Empire. What does it all mean? I have developed some theories and read some others, but I'd love to pick the Metafilter Brain Trust.
posted by Sticherbeast at 1:13 PM PST - 6 comments
Calling all Linux-minded MeFites: Please answer several questions related to kernels, upgrades, and Slackware 11. The last time I tried this I was left with a dead server. Help me do it right this time 'round.
[more inside]posted by caution live frogs at 12:56 PM PST - 13 comments
Phrases like 'the news about an event has become more important/more real than the event itself' are commonplace. Where did this kind of media criticism start? Who is known for having said this?
posted by Termite at 12:16 PM PST - 8 comments
Is there an online application that will take an HTML page with an external stylesheet and make the styles inline? e.g. style="color:#000000"
[more inside]posted by destro at 11:56 AM PST - 8 comments
Any way around these two (Mac) iTunes annoyances? First, iTunes apparently cannot remember my password for "Check for Purchases". Second, iTunes always jumps the focus back to the next song it's playing despite how much further down I'm browsing and adding songs to playlists.
[more inside]posted by ontic at 11:33 AM PST - 11 comments
When exporting from CorelDRAW to Adobe Illustrator, why does the file size jump from 4 MB to 50 MB? What am I doing wrong?
[more inside]posted by rare_g at 9:51 AM PST - 4 comments
What kind of pictures (photos) render best on canvas. I am trying to get a large sized photo-on-canvas frame from a night-time city shot. The picture I have in mind are night time photos of city skylines (manhattan from brooklyn) Would this look good when converted to canvas ? What other suggestions does the hive mind have when it comes to shooting digital images for framing on canvas
posted by cusecase at 9:45 AM PST - 7 comments
The other night I saw a woman with many tattoos - one of them was of a pair of worms that had the heads of a perky boy and girl. I know I've seen this image before but my searching has been in vain. Does this sound familiar?
posted by pinky at 9:29 AM PST - 17 comments
What are the various government-subsidized housing programs in New York City? For buyers and renters
[more inside]posted by beautiful at 9:14 AM PST - 2 comments
Can anyone tell me where to find erasable, colorful markers for a chalkboard? Specifically, the vivid ones you see used at Starbucks and other merchants?
[more inside]posted by docpops at 9:12 AM PST - 6 comments
I've messed up my boot loader. I have a (working, legal) XP installation, but it won't boot, and I don't have any Windows installation media. How can I fix it? Linux, Windows and general stupidity feature in the creation of the problem, and getting the computer ready to give away in time for Christmas is the aim.
[more inside]posted by handee at 8:52 AM PST - 9 comments
Calling experienced cooks: What would cause pancakes to come out dull and tortilla-like in appearance rather than a scrumptuous dark brown?
[more inside]posted by chef_boyardee at 8:33 AM PST - 27 comments
I've been trying unsuccessfully to figure out how to route a channel in a piece of plexiglass for quite a while and now, having run out of ideas, I turn to the hive mind for help.
I've tried both a Dremel and a full-size router, but since they both spin at high RPMs (even at the Dremel's lowest setting), the plastic winds up melting and burring all over my bits as well as turning opaque due to the heat. My goal is to make the channel as translucent as possible, and I believe that I can put the plexiglass sheet in an oven after routing causing the plastic to smooth out and clear up any opaque areas caused by roughness. Can anyone recommend the proper combination of tool, bit, speed and technique to achieve my goal? Note that I am not wedded to plexiglass; I just need a very translucent material that I can carve channels into.
[more inside]posted by mjbraun at 8:21 AM PST - 14 comments
How do I dress for court? I'll be a factual witness against the defendent, and may or may not be asked to answer questions, dependent on how everything goes - if I testify, my input is extremely important to the case. It's important that I appear (in both manner & dress) as respectful, calm, matter-of-fact (casually confident), honest, ladylike, etc. I am all those things, but...
[more inside]posted by LadyBonita at 8:12 AM PST - 22 comments
Does anyone have any recommendations for places to stay in Killington (VT) in January? I'm looking for house for a large group (20-25 ppl) for a ski retreat weekend. I've been looking online, but I'm not too sure where to start looking and a lot of the places I have found seem to be booked.
[more inside]posted by ruwan at 8:04 AM PST - 6 comments
I need help locating a certain brand of cologne requested as a charity gift. The request is from a 14 year old male, and who wants "Sexy" cologne for men. On-line searches just seem to turn up "Very Sexy for Him" by Victoria's Secret. I'm not sure that is the right one. Any ideas, or thoughts on possibly substitutions? I know from my teacher friends that Axe body spray is all the rage with teen boys right now.
posted by socrateaser at 7:25 AM PST - 18 comments
I'm looking for some good Mandarin Chinese online reading -- news, blogs, etc. Very simple -- no fancy academic language.
[more inside]posted by jruckman at 7:05 AM PST - 5 comments
I am leaving this job at the end of the week, and I want to get every last single one of my files off my computer and leave it as clean as possible for the next person..
[more inside]posted by By The Grace of God at 6:41 AM PST - 15 comments
What is the likelihood that I can replace the front fender on my Honda Accord all by myself?
[more inside]posted by googly at 6:35 AM PST - 13 comments
The company I work for has expressed interest in purchasing a software product I've been developing privately. How do I go about doing this so I don't get screwed?
[more inside]posted by saraswati at 6:28 AM PST - 9 comments
I've got the opportunity to do an American Exchange next Autumn from my UK University for about 15 weeks. What are the key culture changes that I'll experience? Of course, there's
[more inside]posted by philsi at 3:56 AM PST - 17 comments
My girlfriend's parents' 30th wedding anniversary is coming up soon, and we'd like to do something nice for them.
[more inside]posted by oaf at 12:18 AM PST - 5 comments
I'm trying to find some nice handkerchiefs for my lady. She uses them instead of tissues, and is often running out of them, so I'd like to shore up her supply.
[more inside]posted by breath at 12:16 AM PST - 10 comments
Mechanic Filter: Someone left me a '98 Honda Civic that has been stored for 6 years it seems. VERY low miles lol. What do I tell the mechanic(s)?
[more inside]posted by prodevel at 12:15 AM PST - 13 comments
December 10
Estate gift or sales transaction? Need advice...
I have a small condo which my daughter lives in .....
[more inside]posted by teapot at 10:30 PM PST - 4 comments
Anyone know anything about dinners at the James Beard Foundation in Manhattan?
[more inside]posted by ch1x0r at 9:25 PM PST - 5 comments
How likely is it that a woman's disposable razor, accidentally flushed down the toilet, will result in a pipe blockage?
[more inside]posted by cyrusdogstar at 9:24 PM PST - 12 comments
Looking for a Snow Globe with a stripper in it.
Preferably with dollar bills as snowflakes.
No luck on ebay so far.
Any suggestions where I could find one.
posted by govtrust at 8:36 PM PST - 4 comments
Someone is using tricky html code to vandalize Wikipedia entries. Can anyone look at a page in question and tell me how they are doing it?
[more inside]posted by pcameron at 8:16 PM PST - 22 comments
Have you ever been on a guided walking tour? What did you like about it? What did you dislike? Was the subject matter most important, or the presentation? How long was it? Was it focused narrowly (like, sites to pick up dudes in the Castro) or more broadly (like, the history of Manhattan) I would love to hear as much detail as possible about the walking tours that have bored you, thrilled you, or just made your feet hurt. Thank you!
posted by serazin at 8:03 PM PST - 33 comments
What web technology/language should I learn to make simple online apps and just generally enhance my bare-bones knowledge of HTML?
[more inside]posted by Robot Johnny at 7:23 PM PST - 18 comments
I bit the bullet and bought the hardware to create a cheap PC. Dual core and 64 bit with a decent upgrade path, but I digress. Now I need to know: WinXP SP2 or WinXP x64? I figure I'll "try" before I buy the latter, but to save headache and hassle I thought I might simply ask. It's basically 2007, here, folks. Should I run a 32bit OS on a 64bit platform? What are the ups and downs, the pros and cons, in your experience. Thanks!
posted by Grod at 6:36 PM PST - 8 comments
I need a good collection of bookmarks to help me enter competitions! What are some good repositories for jokes, wordplay, and the like?
[more inside]posted by mjao at 5:29 PM PST - 4 comments
I am taking a surf trip to costa rica. Because of the nature of the trip, I will not be able to keep important documents on my person for large chunks of time. Where can I put them so that they are secure?
[more inside]posted by |n$eCur3 at 5:06 PM PST - 9 comments
Where should we escape to? We (couple, not going to have kids) vant to be alone. We telecommute, so all we need is somewhere very quiet and safe and stable with good home Internet access. Where are the best places? I know we will have to do some travelling and check them out, but if you can give us some ideas, places, links, strategies to start on, we're grateful.
[more inside]posted by Listener at 4:28 PM PST - 21 comments
MacNetworkingFilter: Setting up a print server in a small office–Ethernet, AppleTalk, wireless, oh my… Lots
[more inside]posted by al_fresco at 3:53 PM PST - 17 comments
Why won't the bookmarks toolbar in Firefox 2.0 remain hidden across multiple sessions?
[more inside]posted by padjet1 at 3:27 PM PST - 8 comments
when a foreigner goes through customs, their fingerprints and other details are being stored. who has access to all the information?
[more inside]posted by krautland at 2:41 PM PST - 4 comments
MedicalFilter: What allergy medications work best against cat dander?
[more inside]posted by dw at 2:32 PM PST - 20 comments
If it was a planned pregnancy, how did you know when you were ready to have your first baby?
[more inside]posted by brozek at 2:23 PM PST - 14 comments
Complete database newbie. I have raw information in the form of text, numbers and photos. This stuff will eventually be fed to users on a web site. I am in the information-collection phase now. What's the best way to collect and format the data so it has the easiest possible path into a database that will serve the web site?
[more inside]posted by crosten at 2:16 PM PST - 9 comments
There's a small crack/dent in the wall by my door where it got kicked by accident. What's my best bet on fixing it? I don't need it to be perfect, but good enough to not be obvious. I've uploaded
a few pics. My initial thoughts were to throw some spackle over the crack/hole, smooth it over, and then paint. Or should I just be trying to find someone to pay to do this? Thanks!
posted by inigo2 at 1:37 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm trying to figure out how much a local dance studio should charge for hosting a 1-2 hour birthday party with dance instruction by one of our teachers.
[more inside]posted by GregX3 at 1:31 PM PST - 8 comments
I'm trying to avoid shelling out an annual fee to XE for UK foreign exchange data. The European Central Bank provides
a feed with Euro as base currency and the Bank of NZ
has one for NZD. Surely there's a GBP equivalent?
posted by Foaf at 1:04 PM PST - 10 comments
I'm visiting Morelia, Mexico this week, arriving just in time to miss the Virgin de Guadalupe fiesta, and staying about a week. Suggestions?
[more inside]posted by Wet Spot at 12:56 PM PST - 5 comments
Is thinking/fantasizing/looking at someone who is not your partner cheating? What if your partner thinks it is but you do not? What do you expect from your partner in addition to simple fidelity?
[more inside]posted by bluejayk at 11:33 AM PST - 79 comments
What ski boot brands/models tend to have the most room for people with high arches, short toes, and somewhat wide feet?
[more inside]posted by rbs at 11:16 AM PST - 11 comments
I've seen this type of personal (unpowered) watercraft, used close to shore, in the surf. I don't know what its called. Please help me identify this distinctive board/boat/flat kayak as google is not being my friend on this matter. Description within:
[more inside]posted by Fupped Duck at 10:22 AM PST - 5 comments
I am going on a trip next week to Taipei and Hong Kong, and would like leave with an empty suitcase and come back with a full one. Can you help me prepare for what to get where?
[more inside]posted by jonmartin at 9:37 AM PST - 2 comments
What are the safest African countries for a white, English-speaking visitor? What are the most dangerous? Why?
posted by stammer at 8:38 AM PST - 27 comments
I'm looking for a drip coffee maker that can make a single cup, preferably in a thermal mug, or make several cups at a time in a thermal carafe. I've searched the internets without success so far. Any suggestions?
posted by cahlers at 8:13 AM PST - 19 comments
Kinkos and other public internet terminals run software that restore the computer between log-ons. What software is this?
[more inside]posted by MotorNeuron at 7:49 AM PST - 7 comments
So, despite no one having told me this through high school, now that I'm in college I've been informed that everyone, everywhere, thinks I'm gay (and high school friends have confirmed this, now that I've asked). Men, women, doesn't matter. I am aware that I have a (very) slight lisp, which I hate because I can't control it (from birth). I am aware that I'm upbeat and tend to talk fast when excited. My body language is probably somewhat submissive, but I don't think it's THAT bad. I'm shy around a lot of women, don't make eye contact a lot, and a lot of guys don't like me because I'm not that into the "guy topics of conversation". Aside from, you know, how EFFING HOT random girl #43 is. (Cause she was!)
The point is, I'm disturbingly straight and finding out what everyone really thinks has thrown me for a huge loop--not only am I being perceived as something I'm not, but it's also been (continually) detrimental to my success with women and social acceptance by guys... and I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
[more inside]posted by dmaterialized at 7:28 AM PST - 68 comments
Half-remembered fairy tale: a kid could only draw one eye on an animal, or else it would come to life. His secret is revealed when he's forced to draw both eyes on an animal, which then.. leaps off the page. What was this story? Where did it come from?
posted by cmyk at 7:10 AM PST - 4 comments
I'm looking for a cheap (or better yet, free) software to run a simple file server in my journalism lab.
[more inside]posted by cccorlew at 6:54 AM PST - 11 comments
I just bought a new camera that I'm very happy with (a Sony DSC-H2) but there's one imporant thing that it doesn't seem to do: Put a date stamp on the pictures! This is essential for a disorganized guy like me. How can I get datestamps on my pictures in some other tricky way once the pictures are moved to my PC?
[more inside]posted by crapples at 5:34 AM PST - 8 comments
Nursing advice before I keel over? We've got an almost-two-week old here at home, and if she could she'd nurse (for comfort as well as food, I know, but there are no indicator lights to tell the difference) around the clock. If we thwart her drive to be hooked up every moment when not in deep sleep, it's howling time. We're trying every soothing trick in the many books to get her to calm down when not latched...
[more inside]posted by clever sheep at 5:28 AM PST - 21 comments
How do you fairly score a pub quiz?
The quiz I run always has wildly varying team sizes - from one guy on his own to groups of eight or nine. It seems obvious to me that a sole participant who scores 95% has done better than a group of ten who score 100%, but I'd like an algorithm that will calculate a fair score for
every team. I've tried to create one using exemplar data but I just don't seem to be able to hit the right combination of terms. My basic data set consists of (number of team members) and (score out of 100).
Any statisticians out there with a solution?
Bonus points if the algorithm is easily understandable to the general public. posted by alby at 4:05 AM PST - 20 comments
Assume space travel is currently safe, as fast as possible and comparatively (compared to now) inexpensive. How feasible would it be to start colonizing a planet in a new solar system in a self-sustaining way knowing what we know now? Is this being thought about?
[more inside]posted by vizsla at 2:11 AM PST - 15 comments
Dogpoopfilter: what to do with dogpoop on a lawn that gets no sun? Now with Mea Culpa inside!
[more inside]posted by asavage at 1:07 AM PST - 15 comments
Trying to remember the name of good French knife and also looking for suggestions for a good whittling knife.
[more inside]posted by Cochise at 12:48 AM PST - 5 comments
I'm thinking of getting a towbar and (camper) trailer, but I have two questions: How do I make sure that the trailer sits level when connected to my car, and why does the towing capacity of the car appear to have no reference to the total weight of the car
and trailer and load in
both?
posted by krisjohn at 12:43 AM PST - 3 comments
December 9
Please help! I received a foreclosure notice. I have the money, but have been having a difficult time with the lender. How do I prevent a foreclosure on my house?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 11:42 PM PST - 15 comments
Can ActiveSync be augmented?
I use the task list on my PDA extensively in a GTD-like manner. However, I would like my tasklist to be synchronized with my Outlook tasks via our office Exchange server.
My PDA is a Pocket PC running WM2003 SE. While Windows Mobile 2005 can sync tasks with a server, WM2003 cannot - instead it can only sync tasks with a PC.
So, the question is whether any third-party solutions exist to provide a conduit or some such, for Tasks for WM2003 for Exchange.
Any takers?
posted by blue_wardrobe at 11:21 PM PST - 7 comments
What's a small, free program to store a bunch of email addresses, label them according to categories, generate lists to mail different categories and eliminate duplicate addresses from the lists?
posted by Tuffy at 11:11 PM PST - 3 comments
Looking for suggestions on how to organize and promote an exchange of unused subway fare cards for travelers from Ann Arbor to DC, NYC, SF. Leaning towards a design that minimizes writing code.
I'm heading out to DC Sunday and had to dig around to find the remnants of the last fare - that should have been easy and an opportunity to socialize with the last person who came back with a partly full Metrocard.
posted by edwardvielmetti at 10:43 PM PST - 4 comments
I had a folder on my XP desktop containing some .wav files. I then deleted the entire folder, and emptied the recycling bin. For some reason, this folder has been restoring itself on my desktop (sans the files) for reasons I cannot fathom. Each time, I delete it, and at some mysterious point later, it shows up again.
[more inside]posted by war wrath of wraith at 8:59 PM PST - 6 comments
Is there a website that lets you show GIS data (i.e. standard geographical data from various sources) on Google Maps?
[more inside]posted by blacklite at 8:46 PM PST - 6 comments
How much work will it take me to change from IE6 to Firefox? Looking at the list of problems in AMF, should a person not highly computer literate make the change? I use XP and have MS office installed and am now learning to write web pages -- CSS, HTML, Java.. Thanks in advance for your advice.
posted by orlin at 8:12 PM PST - 25 comments
What's the best way to transfer money from my father's (residing in Japan) account to my own in the US for banking/investing, and what complications may there be? Or, if he's not expecting extreme rates, are there better options he can pursue himself within Japan?
[more inside]posted by Muu at 7:58 PM PST - 6 comments
After a long day in the company of others, how do you keep conversation fresh during the evening and nite?
[more inside]posted by oxala at 6:32 PM PST - 18 comments
Any idea what
this object is/was once used for? I'm fairly certain it represents an obsolete technology, but I'm curious. It's quite well-made.
[more inside]posted by trip and a half at 4:30 PM PST - 57 comments
For those mefites who have had LASIK surgery, especially those who had the surgery done with the Allegretto Wave laser, what was your NIGHT VISION like after the surgery? I had the surgery a week ago, and I'm seeing very large starbursts of light when driving at night. It doesn't give me searing headaches, but I find it very annoying and distracting. Is this something permanent that I should brace myself for now? Can night vision problems be corrected with an enhancement surgery?
[more inside]posted by speedoavenger at 3:54 PM PST - 10 comments
Flying the Trappist skies: smuggling beer in your checked luggage. Thoughts, suggestions?
[more inside]posted by wfrgms at 3:38 PM PST - 12 comments
help me find the Vietnamese grandmother i never had (digital version): i’m looking for the web’s best references to learn to cook northern-style foods.
[more inside]posted by n y my at 3:14 PM PST - 1 comments
I'd like to take my kids on a drive of the best Christmas lights in Atlanta. Can anyone point me to the best houses to include on our drive?
Feel free to
e-mail me privately if you don't want to post the address on the Internet.
posted by katyjack at 3:12 PM PST - 4 comments
Looking for examples of animation that could be described as both "beautiful" and "simple."
posted by davebush at 2:38 PM PST - 19 comments
We are going to install about 200 sq. ft. of laminate flooring in our kitchen/dining area, which is 1/2 linoleum and 1/2 ugly blue carpet.
Because the previous owners installed 1/4" subflooring before they put in the original vinyl, there is a height difference between the carpeted area and the vinyl floor area. Should I rip out the old subflooring to level it out, or add subflooring to the recessed area so everything is level?
There is *really* old linoleum underneath the carpet and the subflooring.
[more inside]posted by mecran01 at 12:02 PM PST - 13 comments
Where can I find an unlocked Cingular phone, preferably a Nokia 6030, but whatever is fine, that I can buy today for a reasonable price (not necessarily as cheap as on the internet, but not hundreds of dollars) , that I can put my SIM card into and just start using? Oh, yeah, and I know that I can get one on the internet for cheap, but I want to get it today, in Chicago, and without an additional contract.
[more inside]posted by jcwagner at 11:50 AM PST - 9 comments
Can women sense, on an intuitive level, that they have become pregnant before the normal physical signs of pregnancy are present?
[more inside]posted by jason's_planet at 11:37 AM PST - 35 comments
How can I meet people like myself: a bit older, still young at heart, and looking for friends? Hello, well guess the title pretty much explains my question. I have this problem that I look and feel like I'm 24, but I'm 33 (and a guy, btw).
[more inside]posted by 0217174 at 11:19 AM PST - 17 comments
I'd like to buy someone tickets to White Christmas at Fox Theatre in Detroit. Where are the best seats?
[more inside]posted by sLevi at 10:49 AM PST - 3 comments
Does anyone have a URL where I can download Adobe Photoshop CS (Not CS2) for Mac? I'm trying to reinstall it, but I do not have the original install package. I did find a download link for the CS trial version, but this version does not let me enter a serial number. The 'registration' menu item is grayed out.
Alternatively, is there a way that I can plug in my serial number to the trial version that I found.
Thanks.
posted by jpep at 10:20 AM PST - 10 comments
Need best practices for keeping a troubled young woman "safe" while she visits me over the holidays. Also need recs on things to do, movies to rent, books to borrow from the library, etc. Please see ...
[more inside]posted by Soda-Da at 10:01 AM PST - 17 comments
I'm a GIMP user, and I'm trying to figure out how to mimic the actions one can set up on Photoshop. Specifically, I'd like to set up a sequence that sets photos to a standard size (600 x ___), adds a standard black border, flattens the image, and saves the whole thing to a set folder. I'm not the most savvy GIMP user, so clear instructions on how to do this sort of thing would be greatly appreciated.
posted by lindsey.nicole at 10:01 AM PST - 2 comments
I've never had sex, and the guy I'm "just having some fun with" doesn't know, and though things are getting more intense I have no plans to have sex with him. Should I tell him, or will it put him off?
[more inside]posted by trampesque at 9:42 AM PST - 51 comments
I find that our kids enjoy Starfall to learn reading. Does anyone know of a similar program for French? (Ages 5 and 6)
posted by bright77blue at 8:36 AM PST - 3 comments
Just as I'm falling asleep, I regularly have a brief but powerful dream in which I experience the fear that I'm about to have or cause a car wreck, and then I wake up.
Should recurring dreams of this nature be a cause for concern, or are they quite commonplace and natural?
posted by The_Partridge_Family at 8:29 AM PST - 12 comments
My 7-year-old got a bunch of his teeth knocked out, including a permanent front top incisor that the dentist put back in a very crooked position. What should we do? What is in our future?
[more inside]posted by LarryC at 7:25 AM PST - 10 comments
How do I change my ibook g4's keyboard layout to french? Does anyone know of any specially made stickers for the g4s, or, indeed if I could purchase a replacement keyboard anywhere? It's essential that I use the inbuilt keyboard for this. Thanks.
posted by Hanni at 6:25 AM PST - 2 comments
There are a lot of coyotes in our nieghborhood this year, and they're less shy than in the past.
[more inside]posted by maryh at 5:36 AM PST - 21 comments
Help me make sense of the industrial relations reform (
WorkChoices) that has taken place in Australia since the last federal election.
[more inside]posted by teem at 4:57 AM PST - 3 comments
ArtFilter: 12 paintings of trees purchased at the One of a Kind art show in Toronto. Who painted them???
a little bit [more inside]posted by alona at 4:22 AM PST - 4 comments
Seventeenth-century history-Filter: where can I find a copy of the first and second volumes of S.R. Gardiner's
History of the Commonwealth and Protectorate online?
[more inside]posted by greycap at 2:44 AM PST - 4 comments
A friend of mine on a different continent has a similar music collection to mine. Since we have many of the same MP3s, I would like to send an iTunes playlist that she can just place into her iTunes.
[more inside]posted by jeffmshaw at 2:11 AM PST - 2 comments
Good gift/Bad gift?
So I thought that this year I'd get this same item for my son, my daughter, my adult niece and a couple of neighbourhood strays too.
I know for a fact that that they'll be tickled that it's not another flashlight or safety kit...
The item? A handheld battery operated sewing machine. (I can't seem to link it to the product)
These recipients are not handy people but I think that we can, all of us, use this from time to time to fix stuff around the house?
1: in theory, do you think it's a good idea?
2:do these things actually work? It almost has to work on it's own. Idiot-proof. Very simple for us to use - did I mention that we are not handy people?
(though not a weighty topic, I searched unsuccessfully to see if these machines had ever been discussed here)
Thanks!
posted by lois1950 at 1:11 AM PST - 14 comments
December 8
I have a set of Sony
MDR-EX71SL Fontopia in-ear headphones. Where can I trade my extra sets of earbuds for a set of large ones?
[more inside]posted by jaimev at 9:00 PM PST - 5 comments
Please help me find any and all information available about an old book about writing whose very long name I cannot recall.
[more inside]posted by Nedroid at 8:29 PM PST - 5 comments
I need help obtaining a specific NYC souvenir for Christmas. I can't find an online retailer that is willing to ship this item to Canada, and both of my AmeriFriends are already here for the holidays!
[more inside]posted by KevCed at 8:12 PM PST - 13 comments
Remedial physics and sustainability: if energy is neither created nor destroyed, why do we have an energy crisis? Much more extensive question follows:
[more inside]posted by chrominance at 4:27 PM PST - 17 comments
I'm looking for the lyrics to the song "In My Own Lifetime," from the 1970 Broadway musical, "The Rothschilds." I know lyrics sites are spotty at best, pop-up and virus havens at worst, and probably all illegal...but maybe someone even knows the lyrics? Or can give me a line or two I can search on? The title, musical name, etc, pulled up nothing useful for me. Thanks!
posted by GaelFC at 4:14 PM PST - 6 comments
Here's a NameFilter for you: I've just started a new podcast. It's a chat show, with a focus on intelligent humor. We're trying to give it a name. Any ideas?
[more inside]posted by YoungAmerican at 4:13 PM PST - 27 comments
I'm looking for a script or application that I can run on a website that will scan an image for text (OCR) or bar codes.
Know of any? Should be open source, freeware, or shareware.
posted by paulrockNJ at 3:54 PM PST - 2 comments
Anyone have any suggestions for insightful, well-written books on the history of U.S. foreign relations?
posted by Malad at 3:36 PM PST - 5 comments
Absence makes the heart grow fonder-filter: next year, I shall be starting a new job which involves spending a significant amount of time away from my wife. As in opposite coasts of the continent separated. I’m setting up some things to help us stay connected (setting up skype with video, a slingbox so we can watch TV together, a webcam so she can keep an eye on me, that sort of thing), but what other simple, practical things can we do to stay connected? How have you handled this?
posted by baggers at 2:40 PM PST - 15 comments
How do I get the best seat for a single Clippers game at the Staples Centre? Help me get a good deal...
[more inside]posted by humuhumu at 2:38 PM PST - 4 comments
Is there any way to search for specific types of web sites that use Google Adwords (or any other sponsored link service)?
[more inside]posted by Joleta at 2:30 PM PST - 1 comments
is there a grammar checker out there that will check my documents for consistent tense? I have a teacher who's a real stickler, and even if I go over my paper with a fine toothed comb, I always miss one or two. Does anybody have a program I could use to save myself some points in class?
posted by gilsonal at 1:47 PM PST - 10 comments
I could have sworn that I read something by Jeffrey Steingarten in which he encourages his readers to cook a turkey roast made of turkey breast, herbs, and possibly other meats tied together with twine, instead of fussing with a full sized bird. It's not in
The Man Who Ate Everything, however. Does anyone remember this?
Or, could someone recommend an easy to make, impressive main dish for our Christmas dinner?
posted by craniac at 10:55 AM PST - 13 comments
I am pretty computer savvy but have little understanding of networking windows PCs (for home use). Using a Linksys wireless router and the install wizard I was able to network my home computers, but if something goes wrong I'm lost. Can someone point me to a good print or electronic reference that will provide the principles and background on PC home networking and enable me (with a little effort) to understand the setup I now have. I am interested in such topics as network security, file sharing, printer sharing, adding or removing a computer from the network, and accessing my network from my office.
posted by retiree at 10:45 AM PST - 6 comments
Once I've made my sci-fi novel available via Lulu.com, will it still be viable to shop around to agents and editors for potential mass-market publication? Are there factors that influence it? For example, if it sells a lot, is it considered a good buy by a publisher, or has it basically had its first run?
posted by JWright at 10:38 AM PST - 9 comments
How do I open a new tab in Mozilla that opens up with the most recent webpage?
[more inside]posted by atmu at 10:27 AM PST - 9 comments
I'm two weeks away from escaping a bad work environment. What are some techniques for dealing with high-stress moments in my final weeks?
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 10:16 AM PST - 34 comments
Lawsuits - if you're being sued, but they have your name or title wrong, does it matter?
[more inside]posted by tristeza at 10:12 AM PST - 23 comments
Can anyone easily explain how the gyroscopic wrist exercisers/toys actually work?
[more inside]posted by mzurer at 10:01 AM PST - 2 comments
America's Top 40 is an institution, since the 1970s. The UK had it's top music charts, but around 1971 lists of 40 songs seemed to become popular. I know the 40 are a subset of Billboard's 100, but why 40? Why did 40 become more popular than 75, 50, 20 or 12?
posted by Mozai at 9:40 AM PST - 5 comments
Since this morning, nearly all emails sent to my address are not being received. I own my own domain and forward all emails to my ISP account. Domain company and ISP are both denying repsonsibility. How do I solve this?
[more inside]posted by gfrobe at 9:11 AM PST - 10 comments
Can taking Wellbutrin XL cause an occasional inability to quickly verbalize cohesive thoughts?
[more inside]posted by tarthur at 8:20 AM PST - 15 comments
I would like to build some igloos this winter for fun. I found this bad boy:
Icebox Igloo tool, but it's almost $200.
Do you know where I can find a cheaper version of this tool that works well, or any tips that you can pass along?
posted by GernBlandston at 7:42 AM PST - 16 comments
Windows SysAdmin question: I need to add a global security group to the local admin group on machines in multiple OUs. Any ideas?
[more inside]posted by Richat at 6:22 AM PST - 6 comments
What theorists have used concepts from physics (fields, forces, energy) as a way to talk about factors involved in the design process that are not literally physical (for example ergonomics/human behavior/psychology)?
[more inside]posted by teleskiving at 5:15 AM PST - 12 comments
Does anyone know what
this phenomenon is called? It's not what I'd consider to be a moon dog or halo, but it sure was striking.
posted by pjern at 1:27 AM PST - 9 comments
How can I locate a novel named 'e' about an opthamologist (eye-doctor) obsessed with Spinoza?
[more inside]posted by unmake at 1:14 AM PST - 5 comments
December 7
Help me remember the name of a show that I used to watch! It was a sort of futuristic (possibly post-apocalyptic) gladiator arena where the contestants fought in large (think gundam wing) sized battle suits that couldn't fly. I remember watching it in the 90's as a youngin. It was all 3d computer animation, around the same time (I think) as the transformers: beast wars series.
posted by KingoftheWhales at 10:43 PM PST - 8 comments
I have music in my collection that I like, but can't listen to. Whenever one of the songs start to play, a disagreeable feeling comes up in my stomach and my whole self is quickly disturbed. This is instantaneous and automatic. How do I make this go away ? I'd love to be able to enjoy that music again.
[more inside]posted by isobar at 10:19 PM PST - 21 comments
Is there anyway to recover a file that's never been saved (except maybe by autosave) in Microsoft word after you accidentally hit "don't save changes" upon closing it?
posted by Packy_1962 at 8:15 PM PST - 10 comments
Who are the writers and philosophers of today who are grounded and realistic but think outside the linear, relentless and monotonous data stream consciousness that pervades the internet and society at large?
[more inside]posted by dropkick at 7:31 PM PST - 26 comments
Hotel/Home for the Holidays? My girlfriend and I are facing a major dilemma in visiting her home town for Christmas: Stay at her parents house or stay in a hotel. Any advice or past experiences would be most appreciated. Much much
[more inside]posted by travis vocino at 7:27 PM PST - 44 comments
Our recently adopted, very sweet, very clingy male kitten is showing some signs of aggressive behaviour. Is this typical of intact males? Will his behaviour change for the better after he's neutered or should I be worried?
[more inside]posted by LeeJay at 7:24 PM PST - 19 comments
I'm employed, but looking for a new job. I'd like to apply for a job with a cool company, but my current company has a content partnership with them. Someone I work closely with manages this business relationship, and I fear it might get back to him somehow if I were to apply. Can I discreetly apply for this position without risking anyone at my current job finding out?
posted by anonymous at 6:57 PM PST - 16 comments
I just got my cast off my broken distal radius. I'm supposed to move it, but it hurts like crazy. Is that normal? Can anyone recommend a good exercise to strengthen my (sad, weenie) muscles while I wait for physical therapy? Any post-cast advice in general?
[more inside]posted by ElectricBlue at 6:49 PM PST - 8 comments
I think I may have seriously screwed up my voice. How do you know the difference between a temporary weird voice and long term damage?
[more inside]posted by rileyray3000 at 5:54 PM PST - 10 comments
Legally speaking, how do shows like NBC's "Dateline: To Catch a Predator" or COPS deal with broadcasting the faces of as yet unconvicted suspects?
[more inside]posted by StopMakingSense at 5:18 PM PST - 23 comments
I just found a job in Glendale, CA right next to the I-134 and I-5. Where would you live in the Los Angeles area if you were me and why?
posted by mrkohrea at 4:14 PM PST - 23 comments
I've just been diagnosed as having hypothyroidism (probably Hashimoto's disease, though the secondary bloodwork that would confirm that isn't back yet). I'd like to hear stories/anecdotes about having hypothyroid problems &/or Hashimoto's, especially if you've tried alternative treatments (whether or not they've succeeded). Additionally, I'm looking for resources, online or off, that consider alternative treatments/dietary changes/etc as well as standard Western medical practices.
[more inside]posted by soviet sleepover at 4:13 PM PST - 11 comments
I already have a copy of Vista through work but my PC isn't robust enough to run it. Is it possible to buy a name brand PC without Windows?
[more inside]posted by bda1972 at 3:58 PM PST - 29 comments
Have you ever seen the blue spiny shell that locks on to the leader in Mario Kart referred to as a 'Master Shell'?
[more inside]posted by ulotrichous at 3:12 PM PST - 19 comments
I'm in the process of setting up a file server that will interface with 12 windows XP workstations. I want it to be directly mountable on those workstations, and (the catch) I also want it to work with Active Directory. I'd like to install Linux on the server, but should I use Windows instead?
[more inside]posted by pombe at 2:44 PM PST - 14 comments
[Beautiful Shipwreck Filter] Two or more years ago I saw an incredible high-res 3D rendering of a ghostly old shipwreck stranded on ice. I vaguely recall seeing the pic on an online forum for 3D artists and I recall many of their comments were simply "Wow." Trying to locate that image and have had no luck. (more hints inside)
[more inside]posted by StarForce5 at 2:39 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm looking around for a simple tool to help manage file pushes to a website/web application. Is there such-a-thing as "Release Management" software?
[more inside]posted by alan at 2:04 PM PST - 9 comments
In Chinese, the meaning of a spoken word can change depending on where stress is applied. Can you think of English words which embody this characteristic? I can only think of one at the moment: invalid.
[more inside]posted by Clementines4ever at 1:31 PM PST - 37 comments
Heading to Prague and Budapest in a combined trip in a week. Have guidebooks, but what other shopping/sites should we definitely hit? Other tips?
[more inside]posted by gramcracker at 1:06 PM PST - 15 comments
What nerd-associated things am I missing from this list of unspoken visual gag/gripes found in the newish
White and Nerdy Weird Al video? Or is there an in-depth list of these already?
[more inside]posted by vanoakenfold at 12:55 PM PST - 10 comments
Canadian wants visit the bluest area of the bluest state then the reddest area of the reddest state. Have 10-14 days. Plan to spend time in one colour then go straight to the other colour. What two places do you suggest?
posted by larry_darrell at 12:33 PM PST - 50 comments
Domesticfilter: How do I get rid of 6 months of accumulated burned 'stuff' from a baking tray?
posted by tomw at 12:17 PM PST - 17 comments
I love Tellicherry pepper, but I need to find a pepper mill that can handle these extra-large peppercorns.
[more inside]posted by wryly at 11:15 AM PST - 15 comments
What's a good way of deciding if I should wait a year before applying to grad school? I'm in a surprising circumstance that my music career might be somewhat sustainable and potentially profitable, and with many of the new opportunities coming at me, I wonder if my plans of going to grad school could be placed on hold for a year. What's a good & rational way to decide?
[more inside]posted by itchi23 at 11:11 AM PST - 13 comments
So my office is overrun with old bills, receipts, letters, etc and I'm sick of it. I want to scan what I can, keep what I must, and throw away the rest. What items should I store in their original paper format and what are ok to scan?
posted by jeff_w_welch at 11:05 AM PST - 4 comments
I'm interested in becoming certified by the Board of Editors in the Life Sciences. Their
Web site is rather cryptic: apparently they only send you the particulars of what the exam entails once you have applied to take it. Has anyone taken this exam or known someone who has? What's it like? Moreover, do you have a sense of how professionally useful the certification is at all?
[more inside]posted by zadermatermorts at 10:57 AM PST - 3 comments
Hard to describe restless feeling in small of back seems to cause/be related to irritability, compulsions.
[more inside]posted by JeremiahBritt at 10:56 AM PST - 8 comments
What are the best survivalist's reference books? That is, if the power went out tomorrow for an indefinite period of town, what are the books on first aid, shelter, hunting, farming, nature, tool use & making etc. that you'd want to have and be familiar with?
posted by luriete at 9:33 AM PST - 22 comments
I'd like to develop a searchable (by tags) database of leson plans for the 20 odd teachers at my school. Any ideas?
[more inside]posted by bronxteacher at 9:00 AM PST - 4 comments
My husband is going to be tested on his page layout skills. The interviewers are looking at both speed and quality. He gets to pick either Quark 7 or (the current version of) Indesign. But there's a dilemma ...
[more inside]posted by kmel at 8:50 AM PST - 15 comments
I'm helping host a single malt whisky tasting party, potluck style. How do I ensure a wide range of choices brought from participants?
[more inside]posted by mcstayinskool at 8:50 AM PST - 17 comments
I've seen lots of posts on practical jokes, but everyone so far has been looking for ideas. I'm looking to take on a master, and am looking for professional help. Anybody know of a company that will stage REALLY elaborate practical jokes a la Punk'd et al? There are 50 or so people out to get this guy, and it needs to be HUGE.
posted by richmondparker at 8:48 AM PST - 7 comments
CMS / Project Management solution for a small web company with specific requirements.
[more inside]posted by toocan at 7:38 AM PST - 3 comments
I am planning to build some rustic furniture using Japanese Joinery. I will be using found old timber (a couple of hundred years old) that I have collected over the years as well as beautiful distressed but intact branches (limbs of trees) that I have spent time sanding down to create a beautiful texture. Anyone know of literature, classes on japanese joinery. I have some experience working rustic furniture but this I plan to make more refined.
posted by aisleofview at 7:12 AM PST - 7 comments
Ever more song identification madness. Late 80's industrial dance song with a man's voice saying "close the window, won't you darling?" (or possibly "open the window, won't you darling?"). Fairly certain the lyric "I hate the light" (or "I hate delight") was prominent. I thought it was an A Split Second song, but my attempts to track it down have failed.
posted by crush-onastick at 6:41 AM PST - 6 comments
Looking for a phone/pda combo that has a Voice Recorder button (or a programmable button). PalmOS only.
[more inside]posted by Bradley at 6:21 AM PST - 7 comments
Here in the United States, we are fond of referencing "the American Dream." I think it is safe to say that there is a commonly and widely accepted definition of the term that, each of us, if asked, could readily provide.
I've always wondered: Do people in other countries do this as well? Is there a "French Dream?" Do Swedes speak of the "the Swedish Dream?" Etc. If they do, what are they and do they differ from the American Dream?
posted by pasici at 6:05 AM PST - 29 comments
Trying to track down a town where a resident makes Christmas-light star decorations for the roof of every house in the town. Vaguely remembered details from an NPR story inside.
[more inside]posted by mikepop at 5:41 AM PST - 4 comments
Help me end office-job serial monogamy in my 30s and start building a career in broadcasting or publishing for my 40s.
[more inside]posted by auntbee at 4:20 AM PST - 6 comments
I need to find the best websites that have helpful information on how to live with someone who suffers from depression.
[more inside]posted by esilenna at 3:51 AM PST - 8 comments
Does any one know of a rental company in the US that will rent a me a 20year old a campervan? All the sites I find seem to stipulate the driver must be at least 21.
posted by Cookie Monster at 1:55 AM PST - 11 comments
I'm 23 and working as a sales assistant/helpdesk support/office admin/web designer/receptionist in my hometown. How do I go about getting a paying job as a writer, without formal qualifications?
[more inside]posted by saileyn at 12:18 AM PST - 10 comments
December 6
I was a little, little kid so the memory is a bit patchy, but does anybody remember this toy sand? Or am I just making it up?
[more inside]posted by simonemarie at 10:39 PM PST - 13 comments
Bulgarian movies, or movies with Bulgarian subtitles, available to rent either (a) in Toronto area, or (b) to buy or rent over the internet?
[more inside]posted by limon at 10:16 PM PST - 3 comments
Israeli-stamp-on-my-passport-filter: Is there any way in Canada to legitimately (or illegitimately) hold two passports for the purpose of traveling between countries without diplomatic relations?
[more inside]posted by awenner at 9:56 PM PST - 17 comments
These inexpensive flights from London to Florence - will I really find one after arriving in London?
[more inside]posted by amtho at 9:02 PM PST - 26 comments
Lately I've been reading a series of books on the 'digital divide' between certain world cultures. I'd like to do my share of narrowing the gap, but I'm not sure what route to take. Does anyone have experience going abroad to teach basic internet and computer applications, OR has anyone stayed in their native country and taught recent immigrants? What was your experience like?
posted by deern the headlice at 8:52 PM PST - 5 comments
I’ve only browsed A Brief History of Time, but in the bathtub the other day having a decent soak , I had a few overtired ideas I’d like to bounce off someone with a knowledge of the field of physics and the theory of relativity… (more after the jump)
[more inside]posted by upc_head at 8:51 PM PST - 36 comments
I don't think I'm in the right line of work and I'd like talk to people in the fields I'm interested in at the companies I'd like to work for and find out more about what they do. How do I go about this if my network/my network's network and their networks haven't been able to help?
[more inside]posted by echo0720 at 8:28 PM PST - 3 comments
I am trying to recreate a
photo taken of my father when he was my age about 30 years ago. I can't seem to find the shirt..
[more inside]posted by petethered at 8:10 PM PST - 23 comments
Is it possible to use Microsoft Visual C++ Express Edition to create a CGI program to run under IIS?
[more inside]posted by JeffL at 8:09 PM PST - 12 comments
Looking for inspiration in two kinds of books. Perhaps you've got some recommendations? 1) Novels with very short "chapters" or fragments or pieces, that combine to make a whole; 2) Books boldly written, whether that be a writer being bold with timelines, punctuation, language, etc. (examples of both types of books inside).
[more inside]posted by dobbs at 7:08 PM PST - 54 comments
I think I need to see a therapist (psychological) and I live in San Francisco. I have a history of depression, however, I have never had a therapist here in US. I would like a recommendation on a good therapist in SF as well as what to expect in terms of cost (I have a medical insurance)
[more inside]posted by grafholic at 7:00 PM PST - 3 comments
For a married (or otherwise similarly connected) couple, what are the benefits and drawbacks of keeping separate bank/savings/investment/loan accounts vs. having those accounts kept jointly? Do these benefits/drawbacks change if the couple has comparable incomes vs. disparate incomes?
[more inside]posted by gwenzel at 5:29 PM PST - 34 comments
After a long and difficult struggle and much agonizing, I have decided to leave my (small, elite, liberal arts, etc) school and take the rest of the year off, with the intention of returning next fall for a fresh start. What should I do in the interim to make sure I really succeed the second time around?
[more inside]posted by njb at 5:11 PM PST - 18 comments
How do you learn to write quickly? I have a good number of 5-15 page papers due in the next couple of days and they're killing me. I have no lack of ideas, I have no lack of outlines and notes I can create. But somewhere between holding the notes and writing the sentences down my brain sticks and I spend an hour writing and re-writing the first paragraph. What to do?
[more inside]posted by schroedinger at 5:07 PM PST - 40 comments
I want to seriously improve my football (soccer) skills. I play fairly often in a mixture of 5-a-side games and an 11-a-side team, but my skills are improving very slowly as the games don't involve any training, just playing and you only get the ball for a fraction of the game. I was hoping for suggestions to make up some kind of training plan of my own as well as getting a better understand of football tactics.
[more inside]posted by equality7-2521 at 4:15 PM PST - 10 comments
In "What Did I Do to Feel So Black and Blue," what does Louis Armstrong mean when he sings, "Cold empty bed / Springs hurt my head / Feels like old Ned"?
[more inside]posted by josh at 3:27 PM PST - 6 comments
[Fixmumscomputerfilter] I recently upgraded my mum to firefox 2.0. And now she cant open links from outlook express. Theres
[more inside]posted by gergtreble at 3:04 PM PST - 11 comments
I am thinking of visiting Iceland. Due to job assignments, I go to Finland a lot and usually have some free days I could use for travelling. Is it worth the trip? What is there to do besides dodging Bjork's music as much as I can? Last, but not least: I really need tips on the cheapest flights available, from Helsinki to Reykjavik.
posted by dcrocha at 2:58 PM PST - 5 comments
My grandpa enjoys recording TV shows off his satellite feed (DishNet, I believe). The problem is, while the VCR (heh) has a timer, it cannot change the channels and what not. So I found out that he gets up a few times a night to change the channel and what not. I think some sort of PVR is in order. What is the cheapest/simplest thing I can get?
[more inside]posted by aeighty at 2:14 PM PST - 25 comments
I'm looking to buy a microwave oven, but I want a good one. I'm looking for a combination microwave/convection oven with, and this is the tricky part, a thermometer built in.
[more inside]posted by ykjay at 1:36 PM PST - 4 comments
ChrisWareFilter: I want to read some Chris Ware, but I don't where to start and I'm worried I'll end up either duplicating work or reading stuff out of sequence.
[more inside]posted by Glum at 1:30 PM PST - 7 comments
Has Craigslist's missed connections board (or similar) ever actually worked for anyone?
[more inside]posted by raf at 1:00 PM PST - 21 comments
I would like to create a batch script that will create a new internet connection (connecting through a vpn) with specific settings. What are my options?
[more inside]posted by genial at 11:28 AM PST - 4 comments
My mother-in-law is in a contest with my wife that involves waking up early in the morning to go to the gym. Now that winter is finally starting to rear its ugly head, my mother-in-law is interested in getting a remote start setup for her car. She has a 2003 Subaru Forrester with automatic transmission, remote door locks on a key fob, and no alarm. She also has a few questions about the whole remote-start thing.
[more inside]posted by Moondoggie at 11:16 AM PST - 10 comments
My office manager just emailed me that detectives will be visiting my office mate soon. According to the message, "There has been a death. That is all I know and I was told not to say anything to her." What do I do?
[more inside]posted by apocry_phil at 11:05 AM PST - 21 comments
Is there an ideal or recommended proportion of management vs. staff salaries? I work at a non-profit, and management salaries are about 40% of total salaries. This seems high to me.
[more inside]posted by Mavri at 11:00 AM PST - 3 comments
The "okay" button is missing on my friend's laptop when trying to log into my wireless connection. Why?
[more inside]posted by interrobang at 10:40 AM PST - 2 comments
How to carry stuff hands-free without a style disaster: What is the most stylishly understated (dressy, even) backpack bag for an urban guy in his 30s, long past the schoolboy days? Is it a lost cause? Am I only deserving of fashion-police arrest? Style Mission Impossible: If a backpack seller did product-placement in The Matrix, and you were the designer entrusted to make it not terrible, what would you do? Are there re-imagined backpacks out there, like say, straps with a cut reminiscent of an open vest? Any alternatives as practical, yet (unlike laptop satchels) not equally dorky? There is also
[more inside]posted by -harlequin- at 10:36 AM PST - 26 comments
Do I need to fill out a W-9 form if I live in Canada but do consulting work for an American company?
[more inside]posted by blue_beetle at 10:29 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm trying to help out a friend /wout health insurance who needs some psych counceling in NYC. I remember hearing about something attached to a college, where it was $25 or $50 an hour. Any info?
posted by andrewyakovlev at 10:21 AM PST - 8 comments
Continuing the not-for-profit theme, my small company (full time staff of 5) is looking for an email management system on the cheap and easy.
We are looking for the following: management of multiple member lists for email blasts and newsletters, web-based sign-up, subscribe/unsubscribe services, and so forth. We'd like to be able to design a template in html and implement new text rather painlessly. RSVP lists for events (ala evite, I suppose) are an added bonus.
[more inside]posted by pinto at 10:19 AM PST - 8 comments
I work for a non-profit and am trying to come up with web-based software solutions for two problems that we face on a daily basis.
1. We need a way of sharing huge amounts of information (mostly press articles), without descending into information overload.
2. The various staff who do my kind of job around the country are also constantly looking for ways to share new ideas and strategies. For this, I'm looking for a secure way to share documents, that can be tagged with different identifiers. More below (apologies for the long question)
[more inside]posted by krudiger at 10:05 AM PST - 7 comments
4-button, single-breasted suit. Job interview. Which buttons get buttoned?
posted by sonofslim at 9:43 AM PST - 25 comments
I am applying for a job at a place where I have a professional contact who has okay'd me to use him as a reference. However, since references are at the end of a resume, I want to ensure that this fact is highlighted to the HR department (the person is very high up in the company). ...
[more inside]posted by Manhasset at 9:14 AM PST - 16 comments
Looking for recommendations for good neuro-specialists / doctors in Boston area.
[more inside]posted by Maia at 9:08 AM PST - 3 comments
Lobby slideshow, compose on Mac, run on Windows? One of my tasks where I work is to create slideshows that runs 24/7 on a large plasma screen in our lobby, which has a windows box attached to it. Previously, I did it in a Windows program called ProShow Gold. The slideshow could be saved as an executable, dumped in the startup menu, put on a loop, and I had the machine automated to shutdown at night and start back up in the morning.
My issue now is that I'm getting a mac for my computer at work. The lobby slideshow will still be run on the windows box. I know how to do create slideshows in iPhoto on the Mac (and would prefer to do so), but however I create these things, they will still have to be run on this Windows Box.
Can I generate something on the Mac that will work like the slideshows I generated in ProShow (that I can just put in the startup menu of the Windows box, and that will automatically start when the machine boots up everyday and run fullscreen all day on a loop)?
posted by purplegenie at 8:59 AM PST - 8 comments
Is there a way to back up a hard drive disk image to a single DVD for easy system restoration in Windows XP?
[more inside]posted by Willie0248 at 8:55 AM PST - 13 comments
Stats101Filter. I have (I think) a stats question, but little stats knowledge. Problem: The same library, and two different information retrieval systems - A and B - incorporating different metadata and search engines. I search the library with each IR system, using the same query. Is there a way to compare the similarity or difference between the different results sets I get from each system, and also assign this difference some statistical significance?
[more inside]posted by carter at 8:12 AM PST - 10 comments
Please, help me understand DVI, HDCP, etc., so that I can use my HDTV as a display for my MacBook Pro.
[more inside]posted by Embryo at 7:36 AM PST - 6 comments
I am trying to determine if a Truetype font called "
Angelina" is really a free/freeware font, or if it's just been stolen from somewhere else. Any advice?
[more inside]posted by chr1sb0y at 7:36 AM PST - 6 comments
I am insanely nervous for an interview I have tomorrow for what is essentially my dream job. Any advice to avoid allowing my nerves to get the better of me and screwing it up?
[more inside]posted by hazelshade at 7:25 AM PST - 24 comments
Do you know this film? A girl whose dead boyfriend's heart has been transplanted, tries to find the transplant recipient. She arranges a meeting but the recipient turns out to be a fat, middle-aged man. She stays hidden, but follows him for a while, then eventually steps off a tram/streetcar and walks off. The film might be Italian.
[more inside]posted by flutable at 3:26 AM PST - 5 comments
Can offshore companies such as neteller, firepay, various online gambling sites and other such companies that operate outside of the US, but have us based customers, tarnish or submitt negative information to US credit reporting agencies (trans union, Equixfax, etc) ?
posted by crewshell at 12:16 AM PST - 2 comments
December 5
Help!
My friend is travelling from Vancouver, Canada to London,
England(due to a death in the family) and she just lost all her id. What can she do !?
[more inside]posted by grex at 11:17 PM PST - 13 comments
Some of the long-running podcasts I subscribe to via iTunes do not list all of their back episodes in their RSS feed, although you can often still download the mp3 files from their website. If I download these files, is there a way to manually add them to iTunes so they'll show up along with the rest of the podcast feed?
[more inside]posted by tirade at 10:05 PM PST - 4 comments
I want to buy a new car - specifically, a Volkswagen Multivan (called a Caravelle in the UK). I've seen lots of good advice for people in the USA but some of it's not applicable here, especially the stuff about finding out how much the dealer pays. How can I find this stuff out?
posted by Joe in Australia at 9:54 PM PST - 2 comments
I have long very straight hair, and I want it to be wavy or almost curly. Can I do this without a perm?
[more inside]posted by jesirose at 9:24 PM PST - 19 comments
I want to learn web design. Not to be hired as a web designer but to design my own business site. I know some (a little) HTML. Is there another language that i should be focusing on that may be easier or better or do i pretty much start with HTML and get very good with that before moving on to something else...
[more inside]posted by Bjkokenos at 7:44 PM PST - 18 comments
I love my 9-5 editing job, but as a certain hobby becomes viable as a (very small) part-time job, I need a much more flexible schedule. How can I quit while guaranteeing that my fellow editors then hire me as their writers?
[more inside]posted by nevers at 7:33 PM PST - 7 comments
My Macbook kernel panicked today, and I've had a fair amount of applications crash since I switched to OS X a week ago. Is this normal? If not, how do I fix or reduce the crashes in the future?
[more inside]posted by adamwolf at 6:00 PM PST - 24 comments
What are good ways to make myself available and provide services [both online or in real life] as a Tarot professional?
[more inside]posted by hermitosis at 5:19 PM PST - 30 comments
I want to have a Word document read out by an automated voice and converted into mp3 format which I can then listen to on my mp3 player. The document could be up to a few thousand words. What is the easiest/cheapest way to achieve this? Also what is the best (most professional) way to achieve this?
posted by zaebiz at 5:03 PM PST - 11 comments
Hi, I am working in Australia for the next month, before going home to the UK, and then most likely moving out to Australia again in a few months for good. I would like to buy a Wii and get going on Zelda, but am struggling to find out if it will work back in the UK and with UK games.
So far I know that:
1) Australia runs on similar voltage to UK, so no issues there
2) Australia and the UK are both PAL, so no issues there
No-one over here seems to know anything about this - are the two countries in different 'Wii regions' (they are different for DVDs).
Thanks
Chris
posted by csg77 at 4:20 PM PST - 8 comments
While I was in Stockholm, Sweden this past August, I witnessed an odd youth event at a park. Can someone please help me figure out what event it was?
[more inside]posted by muddgirl at 3:11 PM PST - 5 comments
I would like to setup a webcam that is connected to a LAN. It takes a picture every x-seconds and sends it to a webserver. the webserver then servers the most recent picture to the world (like 300-500 users at a time, i have the internet pipe to do it) but does not delete the pics from the previous second.
posted by photodegas at 2:49 PM PST - 3 comments
OS X and large amounts of email. Recent switcher wants to mimic the current behavior of Outlook + X1.
[more inside]posted by ill3 at 2:18 PM PST - 11 comments
I love the look of the classic Pea Coat; but I have always heard that plus size women should not wear double breasted jackets or coats and all of the Pea coats that I see have the double column of buttons down the front. Does the accentuate the big-boxy look on plus size gals?
posted by sandra194 at 1:50 PM PST - 15 comments
[Cold Weather Filter]: Facial skin getting really splotchy red as New England is starting to get cold. Any suggestions or remedies?
[more inside]posted by MaverickX at 1:50 PM PST - 10 comments
I am 21 and have serious money problems, including a huge debt. The problems are turning into a depression. They affect my ability to commute to work (by car). And now, To top it off, an old friend of mine hung himself 2 days ago. Why? Because of money problems. I dont want to kill myself at all, but I am deeply depressed. Happy Stories, Life Advice, or insight .. all deeply apprecaited.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 1:38 PM PST - 59 comments
I need to convert a short VOB file into a reletively high quality, uncompressed MOV file... it's for my reel and I am having a heck of a time finding a way to convert it while keeping the sound and image quality reletively intact. I have managed to create an AVI and a MPG/MPEG... but they don't want to be good little children and convert to MOV's through the freeware I have. Help!
posted by Elle Vator at 1:38 PM PST - 9 comments
I have a question about resolving an issue with my credit that is keeping me from opening a new bank account. I was overdrawn at Washington Mutual in California. The amount is around seven hundred dollars. It went to a credit agency a while ago and now shows up on my credit report. I have moved to Pennsylvania and when I went to open a new bank account, surprise surprise was not allowed to. The bank employee told me that what I needed to do is call the credit company and tell them that I will pay the full amount, (which I want to do, and thankfully, can now), if I get them to agree to send a written confirmation that I have made good on my debt and that the matter has been resolved. He said that is the only way that I will ever get to open an account at any bank. A few weeks ago, I went through metafilter with a fine tooth comb to find advice on how to go about this, but didnt find the answers I need.
[more inside]posted by mammamia at 1:35 PM PST - 17 comments
Help me find a Zach Morris 'brick' style cell phone that acts as a working headset when attached to your current cell.
[more inside]posted by slim at 1:27 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me find the name of a Dutch sweetbread (containing small bits of dried fruit and nuts) with entire "candied" banana baked inside. a special stollen?
[more inside]posted by ernie at 1:21 PM PST - 9 comments
The Dexter opening theme reminds me of a song but I can't figure out what, it's killing me (pun slightly intended), does it remind anybody else of anything so I can maybe connect the dots?
posted by bonesy at 1:04 PM PST - 8 comments
What are good places for breakfast in the North Station area of Boston? When I go to the city on an early morning train I would like to start my day in the city with breakfast at something other than a fast food chain restaraunt or donut shop. These are pleasure trips and a walk over to the North End would be nice. I have been urban hiking in Boston for a great many years and am willing to travel a distance for a good breakfast.
posted by Raybun at 12:28 PM PST - 12 comments
How would you write an application in PHP that tracks multiple users, and the users' multiple sites?
[more inside]posted by gradient at 12:24 PM PST - 7 comments
OK, so no human sacrifice, but a new puppy in an apartment already containing a cat - advice for training the puppy and dealing with the cat?
[more inside]posted by mrhaydel at 12:02 PM PST - 6 comments
[AmIWeirdFilter] I can't do any serious reading or writing without background noise. Am I weird?
[more inside]posted by k8t at 11:56 AM PST - 12 comments
I call it 60s orchestral jazz? Did I make this term up? If so, what is this style of music called and where can I find more of it?
[more inside]posted by mostlymartha at 11:44 AM PST - 28 comments
Strengthtrainingfilter: If I have a workout comprised of 6 exercises, 2 sets each, can I do all 6 exercises in a row twice, or do I have to do each one twice in a row?
[more inside]posted by sirion at 11:38 AM PST - 11 comments
I purchased my first house about 1 month ago. It's not in a desirable neighborhood but OK - today I saw just a few houses down from mine that the city sheriff put big orange notices on the doors of 9 homes saying vacant or uninhabitable...should i be concerned about this?
[more inside]posted by Salvatorparadise at 11:36 AM PST - 12 comments
I want to stream cable television from one location to another over an ADSL connection. The "viewing" location has a computer and an ADSL connection to the "streaming" location which also has a computer and cable access. How do I make this work?
[more inside]posted by ODiV at 11:32 AM PST - 13 comments
My friend's small business requires a client-server network setup with hardware and Windows Small Business Server 2003 - what's the best combination of Server hardware, UPS, backup systems and colour network printer to use to create a reliable network?
[more inside]posted by bill-uk at 11:27 AM PST - 9 comments
Web Code Filter: Is there an excepted and conventional way to load a new HTML document within a DIV tag when a user clicks on an image outside of said DIV?
[more inside]posted by joe_from_accounting at 11:26 AM PST - 8 comments
Are there any resources out there for people who are in a relationship with someone that has a condition that causes chronic pain? Books, websites, groups, etc. I’ve only been able to find either info about the condition or support for the person who has it.
[more inside]posted by pieoverdone at 11:24 AM PST - 3 comments
Is the mixtape episode of This American Life available anywhere online? I think it was done by Sarah Vowell, I remember hearing it sometime before 2003, and probably much before. But it doesn't appear on
the show's archives. Am I going crazy? Maybe it wasn't TAL but I'm almost positive... Please help!
[more inside]posted by maniabug at 11:20 AM PST - 15 comments
DreamALittleDreamFilter: So...my girlfriend and I have this ongoing friendly debate, and it goes something like this:
[more inside]posted by AlliKat75 at 10:57 AM PST - 26 comments
Is it possible to over-breastfeed a baby? She's 6 weeks old and nurses, oh, like 10-12 hours a day at least. I think she's at the breast more than she's asleep.
[more inside]posted by DenOfSizer at 10:23 AM PST - 22 comments
Help us spend $7k on art for our office. The catch: we're supposed to finalize our choice by Thursday, 12/7.
[more inside]posted by cior at 10:03 AM PST - 20 comments
Who would you recommend to redo my roof? I'm in Des Moines, IA. Price matters. Any other advise about roofing is gladly and thankfully accepted.
posted by kc0dxh at 10:01 AM PST - 6 comments
It has come to my attention that my five year-old cousins do not have any Christmas music. Recommendations for fantastic albums, please!
[more inside]posted by Soliloquy at 9:40 AM PST - 25 comments
What good packed lunches have you made? I only know sandwiches and pasta salad, but I can cook. And what kind of containers/bags are cheapest/convenient?
[more inside]posted by tasty at 9:09 AM PST - 24 comments
Inflatable mattress or other temporary bed suggestions? My 6'2" brother is coming to visit and will be sleeping on the floor of my teeny apartment for the holidays, and I'd like to keep him from having to sleep directly on the carpet (I have a loveseat rather than a couch, otherwise that would be fine). What's the most comfortable solution you've found for temporary beds?
[more inside]posted by occhiblu at 8:49 AM PST - 25 comments
I’m going to Algiers, Algeria next week for one week. What do I need to know?
[more inside]posted by KathyK at 8:44 AM PST - 6 comments
I'm looking for a web-based to-do-list manager, along the lines of 37Signals' Backpack, that allows its users to have a to-do task recur a certain amount of time after it's been checked off.
[more inside]posted by WCityMike at 8:44 AM PST - 12 comments
mySQLfilter: How can I ignore "A, An, & The" at the beginning of book titles when sorting results alphabetically by title?
[more inside]posted by Wild_Eep at 8:36 AM PST - 10 comments
Asking for a friend: I'm looking for poems appropriate for the 4th of July, preferably non-militiristic and not cheesy, that are maybe kind of thought-provoking in a nice, non-threatening sort of way.
[more inside]posted by amarynth at 8:20 AM PST - 4 comments
Do you have any recommendations for solid creative non-fiction magazine columns or the like?
[more inside]posted by loiseau at 7:13 AM PST - 4 comments
Are Blackmans Boots & Shoes of 22 Cheshire St.London E2 still trading?Can't raise them on the phone and it will be a long journey only to find out that they have closed.
posted by Dr.Pill at 6:54 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm looking for any information on the "Writer's High" I am assuming it is similar to the "runner's high." I have heard it mentioned a few times, mostly by writer's who use it for therapeutic purposes. Have any studies been done?
posted by Gnostic Novelist at 6:33 AM PST - 5 comments
Do I need to worry about my DSL provider pulling the plug on me for bandwidth consumption?
[more inside]posted by calhound at 5:46 AM PST - 4 comments
I've just hooked up an oldish minsystem to my PC, and lo! Speaker whine that was once a few metres from the nearest thing with ears is now glaringly obvious when I'm at my desk.
[more inside]posted by Jilder at 4:32 AM PST - 2 comments
Can you recommend a car rental firm in Iceland? (Or have you travelled around Iceland using public transit? In February? How'd it work out for you?)
[more inside]posted by Marquis at 3:28 AM PST - 5 comments
Grateful Dead/Dylan/Phish/Johnny Cash/Hank Williams lovers. How do you feel about LP albums as art?
[more inside]posted by n'muakolo at 1:48 AM PST - 16 comments
December 4
What are some good books and other resources that could help me understand, to the point of allowing me to engage in reasonably intelligent debate, macroeconomics and financial markets?
[more inside]posted by shivohum at 10:12 PM PST - 13 comments
What is the best PFD (personal flotation device) for a beginner sea kayaker? Is it an essential to try on before buying and is a used PFD something to avoid?
[more inside]posted by cast4321 at 9:44 PM PST - 8 comments
In an effort to help me de-stress, one of my Christmas presents is a complete housecleaning from a maid service. Now what?
[more inside]posted by I_Love_Bananas at 9:08 PM PST - 13 comments
I remember reading an anecdote about Feynman, written by Feynman either in Surely, You're Joking or What Do You Care What Other People Think. He was describing how in his undergraduate years people were really impressed by his ability to do integrals, all because he knew this integration technique that wasn't taught very often. What was that technique?
posted by phrontist at 9:03 PM PST - 10 comments
I want to make a list of every movie and book I've ever seen/read. There are a few categorizing apps like this, but nothing I've found is very efficient. Here's my idea and tell me if it's already been done: I can search by genre, actor, director, author, etc and be given a list (preferably with the movie/book cover as a clickable icon), which I can then simply click on to go to my master list. The list then has my choices darkened (and the unclicked ones still light), so I can easily see, say, which Scorsese movie I haven't gotten to yet. Does anything like this exist? If not, it'd be a good project for me to work on (tho probably waaay over my head).
posted by zardoz at 6:54 PM PST - 8 comments
QuarterLifeCrisisFilter: I have a low-commitment, entry-level job straight out of college. I'm looking for a better job, but I'm really unsure about what I want to do with my life.. There is, of course, much
[more inside]posted by Alterscape at 6:27 PM PST - 15 comments
How can I best cope with getting back to work after an extended break due to bipolar/ depression, and how can I best explain my condition to potential employers?
[more inside]posted by AuroraSky at 6:00 PM PST - 6 comments
Looking for some mid-ized group activities/themes for new year's eve. You'll find
[more inside]posted by jtajta at 5:52 PM PST - 4 comments
So I left NYC in 2000, right around the time Coney closed. Used to go there about every week, as great bands came through all the time.
Here I am, going back for the first time in years. What's happening between 12/9 and 12/13? Anybody playing? Where are the new record stores? Is see/hear still open?
What's new in the New York Punk Rock?
posted by ImJustRick at 5:06 PM PST - 3 comments
Within the last year, I read about a particular problem with a model or line of tea presses. Now, I can't find which model or line was the problem one, and I'm afraid I'll end up buying that one.
[more inside]posted by daisyace at 4:42 PM PST - 5 comments
Coffee Filter. I'm not entirely happy with my current coffee brewer (Hamilton Beach Brewstation, 1 Year Old), and I am considering something new.
[more inside]posted by benjh at 4:38 PM PST - 31 comments
Can I use a standard HDMI cable on the Playstation 3, or does one end have a proprietary connector so I have to buy the $99 Monster PS3 HDMI cable? (the only brand in stock near me.)
posted by robbie01 at 4:38 PM PST - 6 comments
I want my XBox 360 to output to my computer monitor. Is it worth spending twice as much on the first-party VGA cable?
[more inside]posted by ludwig_van at 4:35 PM PST - 10 comments
Hardbound photo books interfaced with an API?
I have the photos and the descriptions on my own scratchbuilt gallery thing and want to use an API to generate one of them hardbound photo books -- maybe you know of a route? (a few withing)
[more inside]posted by Ogre Lawless at 4:13 PM PST - 1 comments
Help! I offended the water delivery guy! What is the most polite behavior I can show toward people doing physical labor for me? All kinds of class / race / and other social issues inside.
[more inside]posted by textilephile at 3:12 PM PST - 35 comments
Tax Free Shopping in NYC. I'm visiting New York for ten days starting Boxing Day (woo!), and I'm wondering if it's a good time to sell my black MacBook here (in the UK) and pick up a 15" MacBook Pro in the Big Apple.
[more inside]posted by armoured-ant at 3:10 PM PST - 21 comments
SanFranciscoWiFi: I currently have DSL service with AT&T. It came with a DSL modem/wireless router thingy from 2WIRE. Can I replace the 2Wire? If so, what are my options? Please speak to me as if I were a child because in the area of networking, I am.
posted by vacapinta at 3:06 PM PST - 10 comments
Cranberrysauceinthedigitalcamerafilter: I'm an idiot, and over Thanksgiving last weekend I brought a bowl of cranberry sauce to my sister-in-law's. (That's not why I'm an idiot. Read on.) I put the bowl of sauce in a plastic grocery bag along with my digital camera, and the sauce leaked, and some sauce got in the camera. Not a ton, but enough to make things kind of sticky.
[more inside]posted by printchick at 2:25 PM PST - 8 comments
Can anyone recommend a good place in Los Angeles to buy car audio components and have them installed?
[more inside]posted by lbergstr at 2:06 PM PST - 5 comments
What can I file in a file drawer... other than files? I want to store
[more inside]posted by clh at 1:53 PM PST - 5 comments
There is (or was) a design agency in san francisco with a name like "Akva" or "Akqva" or something like that (but it isn't/wasn't "Aqua"). Does anyone know the name of the agency or, even better, it's URL?
posted by stuehler at 1:33 PM PST - 5 comments
I'm having difficulties choosing a (telephone) therapist starting from a long list. Partly practical, partly mental...
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 1:24 PM PST - 3 comments
Which would more benefit humankind in general
(albeit in a tiny, tiny way): Putting my iMac to sleep to conserve energy at night, or running
Folding@Home?
posted by DakotaPaul at 1:18 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me find places to hang out and do homework\read near Tempe, Arizona.
[more inside]posted by !Jim at 1:18 PM PST - 1 comments
Elvis Costello fans, does anyone know the name of the following song? All I can remember (very vaguely) is that it's by Elvis & that the lyrics reference a closet upstairs where it's always Christmas, or something very similar to that.
posted by jonson at 1:10 PM PST - 6 comments
Are there any flights from Manchester to Gothenburg? Or, failing that, from anywhere in the north of England to anywhere in the south of Sweden?
[more inside]posted by reklaw at 12:49 PM PST - 11 comments
My brother is spending a year in Japan, and I'd like to buy him some train tickets so that he can go somewhere he wouldn't otherwise go while he's over there. The ticket options seem pretty complicated, though, and I can't figure out what to buy and how to buy it.
[more inside]posted by rachelv at 12:29 PM PST - 4 comments
How is my belief that the world is round any more scientific than someone else's belief that a benevolent deity listens to her prayers? (I know this may seem chatty or open-ended, but I have a feeling that there is a neat argument out there that would wrap up this question for me, and meanwhile I'm in a bit of philosophical crisis about it.)
[more inside]posted by CrunchyGods at 12:04 PM PST - 60 comments
My fiancee and I will be flying from New York to Sri Lanka later this month through Heathrow. We're trying to figure out what if anything we can do with the several hours we'll need to kill between flights. As you can imagine, there's
[more inside]posted by JaredSeth at 11:58 AM PST - 14 comments
New body piercings, too recent to remove safely. Want to travel by plane. What should I expect at security?
[more inside]posted by treepour at 11:28 AM PST - 18 comments
BookFilter: I had this book as a child, it contained a number of solomon-like tales, (two mothers claiming a child, true mother didn't want it cut in half, etc.) Except with an Asian flair. It was called Judge Edo, Ito? Anyone?
[more inside]posted by emptyinside at 10:34 AM PST - 10 comments
after many years in new york, i'm looking for a new home. austin, tx, is on the top of my list (a solid creative class, liberal views, easy winters, good education, good infrastructure, entertaining politics, family in houston).
so i need to find a job. i've worked in publishing for many years and am looking for a change. what's the non-tech/non-medical job market like?
fwiw: i would love to stay in a creative field, or else work at a fun store. i wouldn't mind working as an assistant to a professor at the university, but i'm sure the work-study kids get all those jobs. if anyone can recommend a good austin job search site (besides the obvious: monster, hotjobs, etc.), that would be awesome. thanks!
posted by thinkingwoman at 10:11 AM PST - 5 comments
Is this a spammer trying to circumvent my website "contact" button?
[more inside]posted by zek at 9:58 AM PST - 9 comments
I decided to move back to Europe, however I will need a job. I have about 3 years of work experience (all of which in the US) and have no idea what the job market looks like in Europe.
[more inside]posted by barrakuda at 9:41 AM PST - 6 comments
HEPA Filter, uh, filter: AskMeFi is awash with general references to HEPA filters. How about some more specific advice? My books, which really own the house, would like a HEPA filter for the main library (11 x 22). I've been looking at the various Kenmore brands, for starters, as well as the usual consumer ratings sites. Price is a moderate object--a whole-house filter is out of the question right now, but a room-size portable can be done. Any recommendations from experience?
posted by thomas j wise at 9:24 AM PST - 7 comments
I am a fourth year Computer Science Ph.D. student, ABD, and am hopefully going to graduate summer next year. I have started up on the job process in the academia for a professorship (a bit late I guess - it’s December already). I am still in the semi-early phase of application: got done with the CV embellishments and the research & teaching statements, asked everyone to be ready with my reference letters, and am on the verge of selecting and sending out applications to about 50 universities of the 100 in the list I put together from postings on
Chronicle and
ACM Jobs.
At this point I am interested in any advice I can get on this whole apping process, specially this part before the interview.
If it matters, I am specializing in multi-agent systems (though I have done work in almost every major field in CS) and hopefully move to east coast.
posted by raheel at 8:58 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm working on a research paper on 19th century American Art, more specifically Gilbert Stuart's portrait "George Washington on Dorchester Heights' done in 1806....and I've hit a wall. I'm trying to find any information on Stuart's motivation behind depicting George Washington next to a giant horse's rump and I can't seem to locate any official (or unofficial) sources that address that.
[more inside]posted by eatcake at 8:55 AM PST - 8 comments
It drives me effin' crazy when people say "um" while speaking. Yet, curiously enough, other forms of verbal static (e.g. "uhh," "like," etc.) don't bother me in the slightest. What's the deal with that? And is it possible to get past my severe distaste of other peoples' verbal static?
posted by yalestar at 8:53 AM PST - 16 comments
You met someone online, you chatted on the phone, you went for lunch, it was fine, but you're not interested. And then on parting you're asked, "would you like to do this again?" and you say, "yes," because it's too embarrassing to say "no." How do you deal with this situation, and prevent it from happening in the first place?
posted by russmail at 8:43 AM PST - 35 comments
There are many Muslims in America. Are they mostly Shia or Sunni, and do they get along better than they seem to do elsewhere?
[more inside]posted by Postroad at 8:35 AM PST - 28 comments
Is there a KDE based Linux Distro out there that will "Just Work" with my Intel 945 graphics card on my Dell Inspiron E1405? Or is there an EASY way to get, say, Kubuntu working with it? I can figure out everything else if I can JUST GET GRAPHICAL.
[more inside]posted by TrueVox at 8:34 AM PST - 9 comments
LingeringVirusFilter: I've got a cold which I haven't been able to shake for weeks. It's not bad enough to keep me off work, but it's rendering me brainless through loss of sleep and general bunged-headedness. Any suggestions?
posted by handee at 7:58 AM PST - 14 comments
LAFilter: How long would a morning rush-hour commute take from Burbank to Beverly Hills? How about evening? How about non-rush hour commutes?
[more inside]posted by JPowers at 7:54 AM PST - 8 comments
My oven burns stuff on the bottom yet is undone on top, despite using prescribed minimum bake temp/time. WTD?
[more inside]posted by jacobjacobs at 7:24 AM PST - 17 comments
My employer doesn't offer dental insurance. What sort of private dental insurance should I get for my family (wife, daughter and me)? Any suggestions?
posted by milarepa at 5:39 AM PST - 4 comments
We're planning a ten-day jaunt in Central America. Recommendations for the best scenic, jungly country to visit?
[more inside]posted by Gordion Knott at 5:11 AM PST - 14 comments
In the last 24 hours I've discovered
Keynote (no, not that Keynote) and it's pretty much revolutionized the way I organise my information and do my work. Is there a web-based equivalent?
[more inside]posted by Jimbob at 5:04 AM PST - 11 comments
Are there significant differences in the retail versions of Mac OS X sold in North America vs those sold in Japan?
[more inside]posted by p3t3 at 5:03 AM PST - 5 comments
Like many UK people, I earn some money in dollars: Adsense and Cafepress mostly. Whilst the exchange rate is poor, it would make a sense to leave this money in the US and only collect, as and when the rate changes significantly in my favour. Any one got any experience with a UK based person setting up US dollar savings account with good interest?
posted by robmanuel at 4:26 AM PST - 11 comments
I have an iPod Nano and I love the 'shuffle' feature -- except -- I can't figure out how to make 'shuffle' EXCLUDE certain types of tracks. I.E.: I have audio book chapters on the iPod, kept in playlists; but during music 'shuffle' these random chapters get thrown in to the music mix and I don't need that! Anybody got a clue? Thanks.
posted by charris5005 at 4:13 AM PST - 7 comments
Is there a price-updating ONLY program out there for selling on Amazon Marketplace? Something like the old BookGecko program?
posted by holdkris99 at 1:40 AM PST - 1 comments
Ear wiggling/waggling: what percentage of people can visibly move their ears by voluntary exertion of their auricular muscles? I am especially interested in the results of medical / biological surveys on this question, if there have been any. I have read that 'Spanish men are twice as likely to wiggle their ears (20 percent) as are women,' but don't know the source or trustworthiness of this statistic, or if the Spanish are exceptional in this regard.
[more inside]posted by misteraitch at 12:38 AM PST - 22 comments
December 3
How can I discover how to keep my laptop's hard drive powered down? Hibernating or standby states are unreliable or very slow to wake up from.
[more inside]posted by SamFrancisco at 11:36 PM PST - 11 comments
Dramatically intoned, repeated uses of the phrase
Is it safe? in movies...more inside.
[more inside]posted by cps at 10:54 PM PST - 18 comments
Electronics filter: What can I do to make a 24v PSU turn into a 18-19v PSU? It's 0.5A power supply which as far as I can tell is important to know when using, say a resistor to lower voltage. But how resistant should the resistor be? I've found information on how to tell a resistor's value, but not how it will actually effect a line's voltage or how to calculate it. Are there any good sites with this information? Also what will happen to the amount of amps the PSU supplies when I do change it to 18/19v??
Also, what can be done to increase the amperage of a power supply? What inside the circutry is actually dictating the amperage?
posted by Napierzaza at 10:34 PM PST - 25 comments
I need to join a gym, and haven't belonged to one since a Y membership in 1996. Apparently, gyms don't tell you what they charge unless you go meet a sales rep in person. This seems extremely shady and sets off mental warning bells. Can anyone tell me what to expect? Forewarned is forearmed, etc.
(Auxillary question, possibly whinefilter; how do they get away with this? Why can't I comparison shop in a reasonable manner?)
posted by Cranialtorque at 10:01 PM PST - 25 comments
I just found out (3 days ago) that I am a father. I don't really know where to begin looking for help/advice... so this seemed like a good place to start.
[more inside]posted by samurphy at 9:45 PM PST - 20 comments
Can I help two teenagers in a violent relationship when they don't seem particularly interested in being helped? One of the teenagers lives with me.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:51 PM PST - 15 comments
My roommates and I have put a deposit down on an apartment in Brooklyn. We're supposed to sign the lease (and fork over the rest of the cash) on Thursday. Idly googling our new address, I discovered that our two-family building contains an SRO (single-room occupancy) dwelling for three people who have been homeless, drug-dependent, incarcerated, institutionalized, or mentally disabled on the second floor. Was the broker or landlord required to tell us this?
[more inside]posted by miriam at 6:59 PM PST - 20 comments
How can I automate the exporting of
Keep New blog posts from Bloglines to del.icio.us?
[more inside]posted by choragus at 6:13 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me expand my paltry collection of Louis Armstrong. I have "King Oliver," "Satch Blows the Blues" and the 20th Century Masters "The Best of Louis Armstrong" (and perhaps a few other in the same vein which I cannot locate due to the general disarray in which I store music). However enticing this stuff is, it all represents sort of the big hits stuff. I would like to find some of the more obscure and personable stuff. I just saw this amazing clip at
http://www.oxfordamericanmag.com/webextras.cfm. Is there similar stuff on disc with Louis in his prime?
posted by caddis at 6:13 PM PST - 12 comments
Last minute trip to Las Vegas. Hotel options are limited at this late date. Those "in the know" could you give me comparisons between Circus Circus and Palace Station? I know Palace Station is not on the strip, but it's very close, isn't it? Pros/Cons on both? I have heard bad stories about Circus Circus being overrun with unsupervised children while the parents are in the casino. Is that an exaggeration? I certainly don't want to deal with THAT noise. Any help appreciated!
posted by Gerard Sorme at 5:43 PM PST - 29 comments
Do you know any good Brazilian desert recipes? Cookies or something similiar would be ideal-- I want something to take to Poruguese class on our last day. If you know what part of Brazil it's from, even better.
posted by bookish at 5:39 PM PST - 8 comments
Why would my Wild Blue satellite usage keep going up and up even though the modem is unplugged?
[more inside]posted by cda at 4:37 PM PST - 13 comments
As much as I'm sure Ask Metafilter is already sick of being Regular Metafilter's personal shopper this month,
gosh if I wouldn't appreciate you helping me buy a PDA.
[more inside]posted by Simon! at 4:19 PM PST - 13 comments
Anybody know of a good source for double-sided, silver-colored, cheapo cufflinks like the ones that came with my shirt?
[more inside]posted by :-) at 4:04 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm building a website that will offer some video content. Where can I find best practices/recommendations/accessibility guidelines for video content?
[more inside]posted by cadge at 3:07 PM PST - 8 comments
Are artist portfolio promotion web sites like childrensillustrators.com or portfolios.com worth getting involved with?
[more inside]posted by autojack at 2:14 PM PST - 3 comments
What is this purple nylon sleeve-thingy with chains on it? Here's a
picture. It was dug out of someone's attic for a rummage sale and no one bought it because no one knew what it was. Lots of creative guesses, though.
posted by jumble at 2:10 PM PST - 11 comments
I run a web design company, and want to set up a website based chat client so I can see when someone is perusing my site and pop up a chat window to help them with any questions...
[more inside]posted by wile e at 2:09 PM PST - 12 comments
Looking for statistics on kids and germs. I'd love to see some from a recent study on workplace absenteeism -- i.e., people with kids in daycare (or school) have X% absences more or less from work than people without kids. Even daycare- or school-worker health stats would be helpful. Specific studies, anyone?
[more inside]posted by mdiskin at 1:10 PM PST - 11 comments
What blogging software can I paste an image from the clipboard that will then automatically upload it to wordpress?
[more inside]posted by Uno at 12:49 PM PST - 6 comments
Last night, at the beginning of the Oklahoma - Nebraska game, they had a rock band doing an intro. It was a hard and fast song, with the corus of 'invincible.' It appeared to be tied into a reference for Pontiac. Does anyone know who the rock band was?
posted by lester's sock puppet at 12:40 PM PST - 3 comments
I have accepted that if I wish to preserve my reproductive organs, I will need to acquire a long coat rather quickly. but what to look out for?
[more inside]posted by krautland at 11:21 AM PST - 25 comments
I'm writing a document in Word and it has started capitalising all the words that begin in I, so I'm getting lots of Irritating sentences like this which are very Inconvenient. I've checked the autotext, autocorrect etc which all seem OK - possibly something to do with the dictionary as the I words are not being flagged up by the spellcheck? Or have I got some weird I virus?
posted by janecr at 11:02 AM PST - 5 comments
Cannot get either wireless or DSL internet connection to work in the USA on a Windows XP Dell Inspiron 6000 bought in Virginia but "changed" by an ISP in Bulgaria.
[more inside]posted by salvia at 10:56 AM PST - 13 comments
A friend is looking for references (particularly printed book references) that focuses on environmental reasons for vegetarianism/veganism.
[more inside]posted by redheadeb at 10:38 AM PST - 15 comments
I have a job interview tomorrow. The position is a supervisor in a public service government job. I know that they will ask me about my experience hiring new employees, of which I have none. Does anyone have any advice on how I can convince them that I am capable of hiring people although I have never actually done it? What would be a smart thing to say if the topic should come up?
posted by foxinthesnow at 10:21 AM PST - 4 comments
What are some some examples of how Spaghetti Western music is being used today?
[more inside]posted by gerg at 10:00 AM PST - 18 comments
I need to know everything about migration in Sub-Saharan Africa from 600 BC - 1450 AD by Friday.
[more inside]posted by watch_alot at 9:49 AM PST - 5 comments
Where do all those (American?) childhood memes come from? Who wrote the "Miss Lucy had a steamboat" song? Who was the first person to punch people when they saw VW Beetles?
[more inside]posted by one_bean at 9:37 AM PST - 30 comments
Can anyone recommend a good (preferably USB-based) hardware MPEG-2 encoder? Not a PVR, just an encoder.
[more inside]posted by ostranenie at 8:28 AM PST - 2 comments
Please help me to wisely assist my reluctant teenage son choose his future and take action to achieve his goals.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:59 AM PST - 17 comments
My girlfriend of four years broke up with me. We're stuck in the same small clique for a while. How do I manage to still see all of our mutual friends? Do I just give up on seeing "her" friends?
[more inside]posted by FuManchu at 6:23 AM PST - 21 comments
Can anyone reccommend a good place for a massage in Nashville? The closer to Hendersonville, the better.
[more inside]posted by saucy at 5:22 AM PST - 2 comments
My boyfriend needs help with AutoCAD. Part of his drawing is obscured...
[more inside]posted by mjao at 3:02 AM PST - 8 comments
Does anyone know what
this is? I found it on the ground in a casino. It is just under 1" long and .5" in diameter. It is powered by a single G3-A CNB Micro Cell battery. The battery is usually used in laser pointers and probably LED device. This thing does not emit any light, but the battery might be dead. The only moving part is the clip. More photos
here,
here, and
here.
posted by HSWilson at 2:58 AM PST - 9 comments
Recommendations on London conversions/new builds to rent come the new year
[more inside]posted by Mossy at 2:29 AM PST - 2 comments
Windows XP, Celeron 700, 384ish meg RAM, brand new Seagate 7200 400gig drive. at some point in the recent past, my pc developed a habit of spontaneously rebooting if i rapidly scroll through a folder with a large number of images in it before windows has had a chance to render all of the thumbnails.
[more inside]posted by radiosilents at 12:24 AM PST - 5 comments
December 2
I am seeking a company that offers EVDO service with coverage in Brazil.
I am also open to any other technologies that provide a wireless broadband service.
[more inside]posted by marc10 at 11:25 PM PST - 2 comments
I'm not looking for quack cures. I know there are no easy fixes. I hate to waste money. But I'd like to find a trusted website or source for recommending vitamins and supplements.
[more inside]posted by saffry at 9:28 PM PST - 9 comments
lawschoolfilter: (ducks rotten eggs). I'm a student at a very well ranked school graduating in the Spring. I'm leaning towards going to law school for Fall 08. However, this semester I decided to take a pretty high level science class because I thought it would be interesting and I usually do well in those classes.
[more inside]posted by jourman2 at 8:50 PM PST - 17 comments
German beer in Berkeley: help me find a beer called Kostriker Schwarzbier (or another similar beer) in the East Bay.
[more inside]posted by nat at 7:38 PM PST - 11 comments
Can anyone suggest films in which a main character has a close confrontation with death and as a result undergoes a dramatic change in personality?
posted by quintno at 7:01 PM PST - 46 comments
Electronics have always interested me (
see,
see,
see), especially solar power. In hopes of learning as much about it as I can, I'll be taking a few select Electronics courses at my local technical college next semester (and beyond). My question is which courses should I take to reach my goal the quickest.
[more inside]posted by bjork24 at 6:51 PM PST - 9 comments
Harley paint and exhaust. Two part question. I've decided not to sell the pig and to at least be a weekend warrior. But my loud exhaust won't work here in this neighborhood. Read more...
[more inside]posted by snsranch at 5:34 PM PST - 4 comments
I imported some mp3s into iTunes, searched for them in my music library and couldn't find them. I tried re-importing them: same thing. Finally, I found them in the podcast library. I don't want them there. How does iTunes decide to put a particular mp3 in the podcast library? I can't see any obvious tag that tells it to do this. What can I do to these mp3s to get to to show up in my main library?
posted by grumblebee at 5:03 PM PST - 9 comments
What is that movie where at the end the hero is flying a space ship and he crashes it into the main villain, piercing him with the pointy tip of the ship and killing him?
[more inside]posted by Infernarl at 4:11 PM PST - 19 comments
I have a relative who bought a new Toyota and returned it for repair. The dealership claimed it would be covered under warranty
before fixing it, but said it wouldn't be covered
after fixing it. He can't afford the unexpected repair bill, so he risks losing the entire car to a lien. Any advice?
[more inside]posted by helios at 3:56 PM PST - 26 comments
Where should I search in order to generate a list of all/most books published (in English, for the past 20 years or so) about a particular topic? I have a feeling that using Amazon plus my local library isn't giving me comprehensive results. Is there some kind of all-libraries database? Or all books that have been issued ISBN numbers?
posted by xo at 3:51 PM PST - 6 comments
Is there a way to know what songs iTunes is sharing when other users are connected? Like what specific shared songs the connected users listening are to.
posted by four panels at 3:41 PM PST - 6 comments
Water is leaking into the back seat of my '92 Toyota Camry when it rains. I suspect a clogged drain in driver's front door but I don't know how to confirm this and unclog it.
[more inside]posted by PercussivePaul at 2:44 PM PST - 2 comments
Is it possible for me to use my PowerBook G4 as a display -- meaning, can I connect some input source and view it just like I would an external LCD?
[more inside]posted by Aanidaani at 2:43 PM PST - 5 comments
Greeks and Greek-Americans: what happened with Mega Cosmos on Dish? Are they moving to cable or to a different satellite company, or are they simply not going to be available in the US any more? This sucks.
posted by evariste at 2:34 PM PST - 18 comments
How Does one go about with the generation and delivery of adult hosted galleries for website affiliates. The un-sexy side of adult website management is inside. This is a purely technical (and long) question, but be warned: questions, ideas and answers inside may be NSFW, and definitely are not NSF Children.
[more inside]posted by sandra_s at 2:09 PM PST - 10 comments
I have been searching and search for the "CHONs" movie that I saw as a student in biology class. It involved dancing molectules - Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen. The molecules were singing. Does anyone have a copy of this?
posted by djacobs at 1:47 PM PST - 8 comments
Mysterious holes are appearing in my dirty underwear where there are, ahem, juices. This is probably not lunch-safe.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 1:41 PM PST - 21 comments
Late-bloomer-filter: I was a painfully shy, geeky, withdrawn guy with almost no friends and no social life. Over the past few years (I'm 28 now), I went to therapy, got a new job, moved from my sleepy suburban town to New York, got tons of people-practice, made new friends... and then this year, it all suddenly and magically clicked. It's unreal, but instead of nights alone with my laptop, I'm out almost constantly with tons of friends, hanging out, going on dates, drinking, dancing, and generally having more fun than I ever believed was possible for me. But I need your advice before I create a monster.
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 1:41 PM PST - 22 comments
At the dog park yesterday, one of the regular dogs (let's call her Fido) attempted to start play with a dog new to the park by herding (complete with nipping). The new dog completely freaked out, screaming like crazy (and in the process attracting all the other dogs to come find out what the hell was going on). New dog's owner (an attorney, as has surfaced today) also completely freaked out, and is now threatening to file a lawsuit against Fido's owner, claiming Fido viciously attacked his dog.
[more inside]posted by adamp88 at 1:12 PM PST - 48 comments
I'm looking for an inexpensive webinar service which will also provide call-in teleconferencing. Any other good small business tools which will help with sales
[more inside]posted by Yavsy at 1:06 PM PST - 3 comments
Can anyone here recommend a good book(s) or websites about weight training. There's
[more inside]posted by reenum at 12:25 PM PST - 8 comments
Anyone have good experiences to report with all-in-one (scanner, copier, printer) *laser* printers? For additional details...
[more inside]posted by enrevanche at 11:37 AM PST - 13 comments
My wife and I are moving our household (us, two cats, lots of crap) from Seattle to Austin. Do you guys have recommendations on movers?
[more inside]posted by xmutex at 11:18 AM PST - 9 comments
Thought I'd throw another "What was that movie?" thread onto the pile. This one has been bugging me, but should be a lay up for the hivemind. INCLUDES SPOILER in premise description.
[more inside]posted by wubbie at 11:14 AM PST - 15 comments
A few months ago I received a metal cocktail shaker as a gift. The first time I used it with ice, the top and bottom became welded together, presumably because the cold caused the metal to expand. Fast forward to the present -- they're still stuck fast, and I'm sick of gin and tonics. How can I get them apart and get back to mixologizing?
[more inside]posted by tweebiscuit at 10:52 AM PST - 27 comments
I'm looking for a store in mid to lower manhattan or queens (accesible by subway) that sells nice, pretty packaged tea.
[more inside]posted by silverstatue at 10:18 AM PST - 5 comments
If Europeans were responsible for bringing chili peppers to countries renowned for their spicy cuisine(Korea, Thailand, etc.), why didn't the use of chili peppers become popular in European cuisine?
[more inside]posted by pravit at 8:53 AM PST - 26 comments
What can I do with 10 pounds of white flour? Besides making a boatload of cookies, of course. As usual, there's
[more inside]posted by zippity at 8:50 AM PST - 20 comments
My wife changed the filter on our gas furnace yesterday, and now it doesn't work. I pulled off the front cover and on the upper right is a small black pressure switch of sorts. I originally thought it was supposed to be held shut by the cover, but that is not the case, as they don't match up.
[more inside]posted by mecran01 at 7:46 AM PST - 19 comments
Is there any way to "break" a mirrored disk set in Mac OS X (that was created with Disk Utility) back into two separate -- but identical -- drives?
[more inside]posted by teradome at 7:30 AM PST - 3 comments
My wife, who is 32 weeks pregnant, accidentally took 600mg of aspirin instead of paracetamol. How bad is this?
[more inside]posted by obiwanwasabi at 6:10 AM PST - 12 comments
How can I stop an automatic adobe download? Every time I boot up my computer I get a prompt to download Adobe version 7.0. I already have it on my machine and I use windows XP. I’ve tried to initiate the download, to get rid of the prompt, and I get a message that you already have this version on your machine and the download stops. I’ve tried to uninstall version 7.0 and reinstall it and that doesn’t work either. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thanks in advance for your help.
posted by orlin at 6:02 AM PST - 8 comments
I need recommendations for affordable database solutions that provide high availability and high performance, preferably in a clustered environment.
[more inside]posted by SNACKeR at 5:04 AM PST - 6 comments
I like to listen to the AVRO klassiek Zondagochtend Concert podcast. As I speak no Dutch, I have no idea what I'm listening to. Perhaps you can help?
[more inside]posted by metaculpa at 12:19 AM PST - 3 comments
Just watched the movie Idlewild. In it is an alternate take of the Outkast song "Church" from Speakerboxxx (2003). This particular rendition is not in the Idlewild soundtrack. I'm dying to find this rendition. ...quite good. Any ideas?
posted by Chris Brummel at 12:17 AM PST - 3 comments
What are the origins/evolution of the American accent? In particular, where did they get the heavily rounded vowels (e.g. 'a' in "fan"), the long airy 'r' sounds (e.g. in "terror") the lack of the 'y' sound in words like "tube", and the flat 'a' sounds in words like "castle" and "master". Where in the UK did/do they speak like this? Are there any differences across states in the way these are spoken?
posted by vizsla at 12:05 AM PST - 20 comments
December 1
Please help me remember this movie. I think it was made in the 60's or 70's. The things I remember: It had women that had normal features but later looked really ugly either do to an operation or drugs.
There may have been a "mad doctor" involved. It may have been set near "the water".
Thanks in advance for helping me remember. I want to watch this movie again no matter how bad it was!
posted by santogold at 10:20 PM PST - 7 comments
For those mefites who have had LASIK, how long after the surgery did it take for your vision to stabilize? I had my surgery yesterday, and I had a follow-up appointment this morning. I already have 20/15 in my right eye, but my left eye is still pretty blurry. The Doctor at the followup appointment said the blurry vision in my left eye could be due to the fact that my left eye is still quite dry. I did have a stronger prescription and longer laser treatment in my left eye. He said that I may need enhancement surgery, but that we would not be able to tell if I needed it for 3 months, which is supposedly the time it takes for my vision to stabilize. The real question is did you achieve the best possible vision right away, or can it really take weeks or months before the best results of the surgery are realized?
posted by speedoavenger at 8:36 PM PST - 17 comments
I'm looking for the name a book or published journal that was titled something along the lines of Diary of a Failure/ an Insignificant Man etc., written by a guy who had wanted to lead an extraordinary life but found out he was terminally ill (his doctor and wife were already aware of this) and had only a few months to live, thus putting to waste all his plans and ambitions.
Anyone heard of it? I think it was published in the late 19th or early 20th century.
posted by sk381 at 7:50 PM PST - 7 comments
A close friend of mine has just called with a female-parts medical issue, and unfortunately I'm a male specimen. As it's approaching late Saturday night where we live, she can't make it to her doctor and is trying to figure out if her symptoms warrant emergency treatment. Any information or suggestions for me to give her along with the advice I already plan on giving ("See a doctor!") would help ease her stressful night. The more inside is only a little bit graphic...
[more inside]posted by anonymous at 7:19 PM PST - 30 comments
Where can I find extraordinarily good sugarless dark chocolate? (Extra points if it's imported; my Designated Chocolate Recipient has strong opinions regarding domestic chocolate).
posted by bac at 5:58 PM PST - 7 comments
Who was the bowler that rolled The Dude in the first dream sequence in The Big Lebowski?
[more inside]posted by cusack at 5:45 PM PST - 6 comments
I am desperately seeking a copy of the UK sitcom "Is It Legal?" - an insanely hilarious tv show from 1995-98. Does anyone know where I can get a copy of all three seasons?
[more inside]posted by catcatwomanman at 5:02 PM PST - 2 comments
So I had this strange rash on my hands- clusters of tiny little blisters, in between my fingers, on my palm, and anywhere where there's a crease. It's pretty persistent but after two months it has mostly gone away- except it jumped off my hands and went a little bit... downtown.
[more inside]posted by tumbleweedjack at 4:15 PM PST - 29 comments
Has a no-brand cybercafe SD card reader borked our honeymoon photos/video, or is there anything we can do to recover them?
[more inside]posted by Hogshead at 4:13 PM PST - 5 comments
You are an employee of a non-profit organization. You drive a lot. Your non-profit organization re-imburses you 13c per mile--no it's not a lot, but we all must suffer for the cause.
But something you hear bothers you.
[more inside]posted by lockse at 4:08 PM PST - 12 comments
Quicken, Microsoft Accounting, Studiometry, or Something Else Entirely for a freelance PowerPoint design business (Windows XP)?
[more inside]posted by SampleSize at 4:02 PM PST - 4 comments
I'm looking for a high-end home coffee/expresso machine as a gift. However, it has to be under 13.5 inches in height.
[more inside]posted by killa62 at 3:18 PM PST - 16 comments
I have a claim in with another party's insurance. What do I need to know/do to make sure my interests are represented?
[more inside]posted by jerseygirl at 2:30 PM PST - 5 comments
I am looking for more information on the features (pros & cons, price range, etc.), of various building/interior finish materials.
[more inside]posted by bove at 2:26 PM PST - 10 comments
Sleepwear during pregnancy and after delivery: I'm looking for recommendations on comfortable sleepwear/pajamas during pregnancy, and after delivery.
[more inside]posted by netsirk at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments
What are some part- or full-time experiences I can have with physics research in the bay area while still an undergrad?
[more inside]posted by authenticgeek at 1:05 PM PST - 6 comments
I just logged into a university library account by typing a 10 digit number. I have no clue what the number actually is, but I know exactly what to punch in. Similarly, I don't really know my pin code, I only know the shape it makes when I type it in, and the same goes for photocopy codes and frequently dialled phone numbers.
What's this called? In music it's referred to as "finger memory", but this seems to be music specific. My guess was "kinetic memory", but that seems to be something else entirely.
posted by easternblot at 1:02 PM PST - 15 comments
I want to learn some basic graphic design skills to design postcards, fliers and posters for the organization I work for. I live in New York City and would be willing to pay money for a good class. I see that the New School has some
"Adult Education Courses" in graphic design . Anyone have any recommednations or general advice?
posted by mfherman at 12:56 PM PST - 8 comments
Have you ever found yourself paralyzed with indecision? How did you break through?
[more inside]posted by lekvar at 12:47 PM PST - 20 comments
With a large amount of time per day (say capped at 4 or 5 hours), what improvement could you expect to see over 6 months in running 800/1500m, starting with somewhere between a 4:45 & 5 minute mile? What would the workouts look like?
posted by devilsbrigade at 12:30 PM PST - 4 comments
Looking for great vocal jazz standards sung by NOT the most obvious Jazz singers -OR- the obvious Jazz singers doing unique or non-standard Jazzy songs.
[more inside]posted by np312 at 11:58 AM PST - 38 comments
Often when I hear a description of an avalanche (or landslide, etc...), there is mention of the snow or debris falling at a couple of hundred miles an hour. From a physics standpoint, how is this possible?
[more inside]posted by horsemuth at 11:39 AM PST - 12 comments
ComputerHardwareConundrumFilter. I built my PC about two years ago. Works great, mostly. But lately, when playing one particular game, my PC performs for only 16 or so minutes before shutting down completely. As you might expect, there's a lot ...
[more inside]posted by grabbingsand at 11:36 AM PST - 17 comments
Please don't ask why, but I want to install NT on a spare box I have lying around. I have the NT4.0 SP6 disc, which includes (I believe) the NT4.0 installer. In what way should I burn the installer onto CD so that the box will boot from it?
[more inside]posted by The_Partridge_Family at 11:04 AM PST - 7 comments
I am a college sophomore who will be applying to graduate school in history from a somewhat mediocre university, and I need help with a course of action to follow in order to improve my chances of getting accepted. Much
[more inside]posted by nasreddin at 10:50 AM PST - 20 comments
Recognize this movie? Somebody asked the Onion's AV Club about it and they (I think)
got it wrong -- and it's a movie that's been bugging me for some time also. Can AskMe get it right? Details inside include a crashed WWII bomber in the desert and spooky ghost crew members.
[more inside]posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 10:41 AM PST - 12 comments
Who loves sandwiches? I do! But I'm tired of sandwichs designed in the vacuum of my mind. My question is thus: What are some great sandwichs?
[more inside]posted by TwelveTwo at 10:28 AM PST - 94 comments
Should I pay the credit agency that has hounded me? It sounds silly that way, but there's always a story...
[more inside]posted by RikiTikiTavi at 10:26 AM PST - 16 comments
I'm looking for examples of over the top service from a business. The idea being "I got way more than I paid for."
If you've had an experience that truly impressed you, please share.
posted by davebush at 10:16 AM PST - 37 comments
What restaurant has the best vegetarian cuisine on the Vegas Strip?
posted by jjg at 10:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Chicagofilter: Does anyone know of a place along the El where I can take my son to get his picture taken with Santa Claus? Thanks!
posted by cajo at 9:38 AM PST - 6 comments
How should I dye my beige leather purse a moss green color? Do it myself? Take it to a professional? (in NYC)
[more inside]posted by rmless at 9:37 AM PST - 1 comments
I'm a single 30-something guy and need some toys to fill out my Xmas wishlist. What are some fun & inexpensive gifts/gadgets/toys that I haven't thought of?
[more inside]posted by justkevin at 9:30 AM PST - 18 comments
In OSX how do I get files without extensions to be recognized by something other than Excel? Ideally I'd like them to be opened by the shell, or perhaps a new session in
iTerm but iTerm is greyed out in the Choose Application menu.
posted by Null Pointer and the Exceptions at 9:20 AM PST - 5 comments
Is there a free (or cheap) API or public database that can be used for "white pages" lookups?
[more inside]posted by Vorteks at 8:53 AM PST - 4 comments
Yet another movie question, possibly a comedy, possibly not. The trick is I only remember one snippet, darkly comic.
[more inside]posted by tomierna at 8:46 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm trying to get a job at Google. I went to the same undergrad college as the VP of People Operations (HR). Can I use this to my advantage some how?
[more inside]posted by zzztimbo at 8:25 AM PST - 12 comments
Do people with perfect [absolute] pitch find it unpleasant or uncomfortable to listen to music which deviates from standard pitch?
[more inside]posted by Songdog at 8:04 AM PST - 14 comments
Hiya, I need help. I want to plan a reunion of a large number of disparate people next spring and I need advice and maybe a tutorial on this wiki thing I keep hearing about.
[more inside]posted by CunningLinguist at 7:45 AM PST - 7 comments
ObscureMusicFilter: I have a friend looking for albums by a cellist named Joseph Luptale.
[more inside]posted by bullitt 5 at 7:21 AM PST - 5 comments
I want to throw my first major party and I need tips on fitting 25+ people into an apartment.
[more inside]posted by madman at 6:56 AM PST - 19 comments
Why does a building under construction have a leafy branch tacked to the peak of the first roof joist over the building entrance?
[more inside]posted by onhazier at 6:41 AM PST - 7 comments
I'm looking for recommendations on easy to use digital photo editing software for Mac OS X that also plays nice with gMail (or I'm looking for a way for iPhoto and gmail to get along).
[more inside]posted by jazon at 6:26 AM PST - 9 comments
What would be a good software audio PVR to record an internet stream or line-in on a PC?
[more inside]posted by phirleh at 6:05 AM PST - 6 comments
Every once-in-a-while, when I go to let my dog out first thing in the morning, or after getting home from work, there is a small corner piece of pizza or heel of bread sitting outside my back door. Who loves my dog so much that they want to leave her treats?
[more inside]posted by mrblakwell at 5:50 AM PST - 5 comments
Firefox keeps telling me "Error establishing an encrypted connection. Error code: -5990".
[more inside]posted by pablocake at 5:28 AM PST - 4 comments
Child number two will be born in about a month and a half. Any advice for making the jump from having just one kid to having multiple?
posted by taumeson at 5:23 AM PST - 18 comments
how does one go about isolating drum tracks from a recording? i'm trying and have been trying to sample and isolate drum hits from recordings (as in no other instruments on the sample). i know it's possible (mostly cause hip hop reminds me so), i just don't know how. i've tried to avoid the problem by just sampling from drum solos, but that usually only get's me so far. please, if anyone with experience in sampling is out there in filterland, speak now!
posted by defmute at 5:12 AM PST - 14 comments
I am responsible for locating from the internet and cataloguing several thousand scientific articles in PDF format in order to build a documentation library.
I am looking for the best way of cataloguing and publishing these articles for a small workgroup to be able to search and find articles by specific criteria.
[more inside]posted by empedia at 4:22 AM PST - 4 comments
I've vacationed to 'Nam and the Jersey Shore... that's about it. Now that I'm a grown-up and can afford to travel anywhere in the world, where should I go?
[more inside]posted by donguanella at 12:29 AM PST - 30 comments
What are some sites that sell PDF information products developed by the site's owner AND that are not simply in the business of selling information products that explain how to sell information products?
[more inside]posted by acoutu at 12:21 AM PST - 10 comments
