February 2011 Archives

February 28

Longbox longboat

Hit me with your favourite, most cherished, most exhilarating, and downright best comic book runs of the past 30 years (Preacher, Watchmen, Y, Invisibles, Dark Knight-free zone). [more inside]
posted by tumid dahlia at 9:20 PM PST - 82 comments

Content farm blocking?

Firefox version of Chrome's Personal Blocklist extension. [more inside]
posted by fifilaru at 9:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Have you seen this hat?

My partner left her favorite hat on the subway last week, and despite her valiant attempt to search the same train on the next run, she couldn't find it again. Have you seen this (style of) hat -- or any advice for finding it? Is there such a thing as an image-search for products? [more inside]
posted by rdn at 9:10 PM PST - 21 comments

One Up

CellPlanFilter: What is the total cost after taxes, fees, etc. of adding an iPhone or Android device to a family plan on Verizon?
posted by 47triple2 at 8:59 PM PST - 6 comments

How to find companies within an industry?

I'm doing market research and am looking for companies like Gore Tex and eVent, developers of functional textiles for outdoor apparel. Where can I find such information?
posted by pakoothefakoo at 8:58 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me shop, please

I'm female, US ~size 12, ample in chest and hip area, relatively smaller waist, and I want to shop for clothes that are flattering and professional. [more inside]
posted by bearette at 8:02 PM PST - 14 comments

Camping our way to Maine (with a small dog)!

We are going camping this summer though upper New York state, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. 2 adults, 1 senior citizen, 1 small, well-behaved dog. We are looking for dog-friendly campgrounds that might also have a cabin option. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by cows of industry at 7:59 PM PST - 2 comments

What kind of massage should I ask for?

What kind of massage do I want to ask for? [more inside]
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 7:46 PM PST - 10 comments

How can I increase the screen resolution of the TV I'm using for a Monitor

How might I resolve my resolution confusion? [more inside]
posted by sarastro at 7:39 PM PST - 14 comments

There goes the credit score

Can you strategically default on student loans and credit cards like you would a mortgage? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:36 PM PST - 22 comments

I am terrified I am going to lose my husband.

I don't know what to do. Is my marriage doomed? My husband loves another woman and says he loves me too. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:36 PM PST - 79 comments

"I'm Gettin' Gray From Bein' Blue"

Recommend me a salon or hairdresser that excels at semi-unnatural hair coloring in Cambridge/Medford/Somerville/Boston Metro North-West! My life has been the stuff of bad country-westerns the past month - [more inside]
posted by noxetlux at 7:25 PM PST - 3 comments

Microscope image of an organism with sticky filaments?

I'm trying to find (I think) electron microscope images of a certain type of organism. I know basically what it looks like, but I have no idea what it's called. [more inside]
posted by Joakim Ziegler at 6:55 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me find a photo of a cat.

I'm looking for a specific photo of a cat that I found on Flickr a few years ago. It was an orange cat with a lion cut, sitting up. He may or may not have been sticking out his tongue. It was a scanned Polaroid, with a blue background. Does anyone remember seeing this? [more inside]
posted by hooray at 6:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Guy looking for painting/decorating advice.

Just bought my first home! Looking for resources for masculine painting and decorating examples/tips. I have scanned through the old posts on decorating/painting and have found them either too feminine or with old/broken links. [more inside]
posted by Stryke11 at 6:47 PM PST - 15 comments

What is the right replacement tweeter for my passive nearfield monitors?

Passive nearfield monitor speaker repair filter. I need to replace a blown tweeter. I know the kind of tweeter but it's no longer manufactured and I need to select a compatible alternative. Please help. [more inside]
posted by galaksit at 6:15 PM PST - 3 comments

ConferenceFilter

Are some professional conferences scams / wastes of money? [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 6:11 PM PST - 10 comments

What do I do with my life?

Please help me figure out what to do with my life [more inside]
posted by LarrenD at 5:59 PM PST - 23 comments

Dead Man's Seed?

Are there anonymous torrent seeding services suitable as dead man's switches for dissidents and reporters in dangerous locations? [more inside]
posted by jeffburdges at 5:48 PM PST - 8 comments

Failing that... what features in a bathroom make you want to take a bath?

Pimp my bathroom! Help me transform my smallish shabby chic/cottage chic bathroom into as dreamy (and manly man-friendly) a bathing space as possible, on a budget. [more inside]
posted by semacd at 5:41 PM PST - 8 comments

No fly zones?

what does establishing and enforcing a "no fly zone" entail?
posted by BadgerDoctor at 5:39 PM PST - 11 comments

London hotels - why is it so hard to search for you?

LondonHotelFilter: Looking for the perfect place to stay in London - super cheap, grungy is okay, free wifi, access to a printer (one can dream), near Paddington/West London... [more inside]
posted by metametababe at 5:06 PM PST - 14 comments

Between 0 and 10 inches

Competitive Googling: Is there such a thing? [more inside]
posted by curuinor at 5:01 PM PST - 21 comments

Gluten-Free Baking with Rice Flour Gone Gritty

What is up with the grittiness in rice flour and how do I make it go away? [more inside]
posted by a robot made out of meat at 4:55 PM PST - 5 comments

Famous children in history

I'm looking for examples of children that have played pivotal roles in history. [more inside]
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 4:54 PM PST - 40 comments

Experience with vacuum coffee brewers

I'd love to hear anything you know about vacuum coffee brewers. I watched this video, and it just looks sweet and fun to make. I've looked a bit online, but I live in Portland, Oregon in case anyone has bought one here in town. [more inside]
posted by Corduroy at 4:53 PM PST - 14 comments

Sitcom Science

The sitcom Mork and Mindy is a spinoff from the sitcom Happy Days. What makes Mork and Mindy seem unique among spinoffs is the fact that it, or more precisely its central character (Mork), is spun off from a single episode of the original program. Can you think of other examples of spinoff sitcoms that derive from a single episode of another show?
posted by Morpeth at 4:33 PM PST - 21 comments

Rabbot

Tell me about having a pet rabbit. [more inside]
posted by Tiresias at 4:24 PM PST - 27 comments

Not as fun as picking real blackberries.

Blackberry-filter: do I pick the Curve 3G, Bold 9700, or Torch? [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime at 4:22 PM PST - 11 comments

I am not a Google-Fu Master.

I need to find published articles about a certain educational topic and am coming up empty-handed. Please help me craft some more productive search strings. [more inside]
posted by hapax_legomenon at 4:18 PM PST - 14 comments

A $50 history of everything?

Give me an entertaining history of the world for $50! [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 3:58 PM PST - 16 comments

A friend in need

How to politely bring up money to a friend before I work for free? [more inside]
posted by blazingunicorn at 3:41 PM PST - 14 comments

Batch file to create files using a file containing file names

Windows batch file help: I have a file containing a list of files, I want to generate a new file for each of the files in the list. [more inside]
posted by DakotaPaul at 3:38 PM PST - 10 comments

Photo processing / Flickr toolchain for Mac?

I have a bunch of photos I haven't uploaded to Flickr. Why? Because it's a pain with the tools I have now. I want to be able to color-correct, title, caption, tag, and upload photos from my Mac as fast as possible. [more inside]
posted by tellumo at 3:36 PM PST - 7 comments

Overqualified? How can I figure this out?

I work for a services solution company. Recently, I've been interviewing heavily within that company at other units/accounts that are not my own. The other day, I had an excellent interview with a District Manager and she made many comments about me being exactly what they were looking for. Since then, I received an email from her saying that she had not selected me for that position, however, there is another position within her district she would like me to apply for. [more inside]
posted by ps_im_awesome at 3:31 PM PST - 5 comments

Can this waterlogged mini-bar be saved?

On a walk through the alley behind my apartment building, I discovered a beautiful vintage vinyl-upholstered bar next to the dumpster, abandoned by some craigslist-averse neighbor. Unfortunately, it appears to have absorbed several gallons of this morning's downpour. There are a few tears in the vinyl, and the foam beneath is saturated- ditto for the plywood shelves. Is it salvageable? Should I try to use a hairdryer, or will that only hasten the development of dry rot?
posted by t(h)om(as) at 3:27 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a good credit union in Portland Oregon

We've recently moved to Portland Oregon and are looking to ditch our bank for a credit union. There seems to be a good few out there and are looking for recommendations. Who's worth going to check out in further detail?
posted by TheDonF at 3:00 PM PST - 30 comments

How to set iPhone bookmark to radio stream?

How do I make an icon-based bookmark to an online radio stream on my iPhone? [more inside]
posted by karizma at 2:54 PM PST - 2 comments

Agony in the recovery room.

Yesterday I woke up from an operation in terrible agony. Is this normal (details inside), and if not what should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:25 PM PST - 35 comments

My tap is faster, but is my stove more efficient?

Which wastes more energy, heating water at the tap, or on the stove? [more inside]
posted by Ys at 2:25 PM PST - 21 comments

Rabbi with a hat

Searching for a rabbi to officiate a wedding in the Boston area. Both specific recommendations and pointers to general resources are welcome. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:12 PM PST - 3 comments

Business or Pleasure?

I'm about to start a 5 month internship in France, I'm leaving next week, and my visa hasn't been processed yet. What should I tell customs? [more inside]
posted by Groovytimes at 2:02 PM PST - 8 comments

Cigarettes and CO2

How much CO2 emissions result from cigarette smoking? Could aggregate cigarette smoking worldwide be considered to have an effect on global warming?
posted by beisny at 2:01 PM PST - 12 comments

How to passively track outbound clicks

I've used MyBlogLog.com's statisitcs service for years to track outbound clicks on my sites, but now Yahoo is killing the service. MyBlogLog was never especially great, but it did allow me to see the top out-clicks each day, and run reports for how how many times a given URL had been clicked in a set period of time. How can I passively track outbound clicks now? [more inside]
posted by arielmeadow at 1:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Examples of environmental (in)justice in Mexico, Cuba, and/or northern South America?

Looking for examples of environmental (in)justice in Mexico, Cuba, and/or northern South America. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 1:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Using a camera in the archive?

I'm visiting a special collection/archive in a university library. Will a digital camera offer a viable means of capturing data? [more inside]
posted by rockstar at 1:14 PM PST - 15 comments

What, if anything, do I say to my friends about their daughter's urgent need for braces?

What, if anything, do I say to my friends about their daughter's urgent need for braces? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:00 PM PST - 61 comments

I need help with sex and gender issues.

Please help me deal with issues regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, and either assure me that I’m not a bad person or tell me how to stop being a bad person. A lengthy, detailed and NSFW explanation follows. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:59 PM PST - 19 comments

Do they actually *make* Blu-ray carousels?

My beloved CD/DVD player (a five-disc carousel model) conked out last night after eight years of faithful service. I'd like to get one with much the same functionality to replace it, but apparently things have changed drastically in the home video market since 2003. Who knew? Help me figure out what kind of machine I need to buy. [more inside]
posted by Johnny Assay at 12:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Best travel experience of your life?

Best travel experience of your life? [more inside]
posted by midnightbarber at 12:24 PM PST - 64 comments

Limiting kid's computer use

I'd like to limit my daughter's time on the computer, not only by hours (as Windows offers in its parental control system), but also by session (so she could use it for, say, only an hour at a time, with a break between sessions). Ideas? Suggestions?
posted by dw at 12:08 PM PST - 9 comments

Watson! Komdu hingað! Ég þarf þig!

Balto-Slavic, Germanic, Italic: help me select which Indo-European language(s) I should learn next! [more inside]
posted by vkxmai at 12:03 PM PST - 19 comments

Know the Song, Don't Know the Artist

Last night on the way home from work I was listening to Cosmic Commander's Sonic Radio on Faction. I heard a song and would really like to find out who did it. [more inside]
posted by theichibun at 11:59 AM PST - 6 comments

When free wi-fi is a bug, not a feature.

Seattle cafes WITHOUT free wi-fi? [more inside]
posted by shaun at 11:53 AM PST - 16 comments

Can anyone recommend a good medical alert system?

Can anyone recommend a good medical alert system? [more inside]
posted by freakazoid at 11:40 AM PST - 8 comments

Windows hardware recognition problem

My computer doesn't seem to recognize attached hardware in Windows XP mode under Windows 7. [more inside]
posted by medusa at 11:19 AM PST - 6 comments

Need a non-greasy moisturizer/sunscreen option

Help me find a moisturizer + sunscreen that won't make my face greasy! [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg at 11:15 AM PST - 25 comments

Vacation Destination Help

Need vacation ideas for a group of 22! [more inside]
posted by Ezrie at 11:04 AM PST - 9 comments

Where to vacation this summer?

Should we go to PEI or Nova Scotia and what areas would be excellent summer vacation spots? [more inside]
posted by sadtomato at 10:56 AM PST - 12 comments

Is there an etiquette for reclining in the air?

Is there an etiquette for reclining in the air? [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 10:56 AM PST - 85 comments

Motivation 10, Experience 0

I've never ice skated in my life. In a week, I'm starting lessons, in the eventual hope of learning how to play hockey and joining a club league down the line. I am 39, 6'3" and around 250 pounds. My exercise regimen is walking/running 4-5 times a week, 3-5 miles at a time. I have questions, as a total novice to on-ice sports of any kind:
  1. What is going to frustrate me the most?
  2. What is going to hurt the most (and how do I treat it?)
  3. What's the most important thing to remember, so I don't get frustrated?

posted by scrump at 10:55 AM PST - 34 comments

Can you recommend products for a sun kissed look for a freckle face?

Help me get a healthy glow without getting skin cancer. [more inside]
posted by sutel at 10:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Did any company in SF ever sell out and have to share profits with their landlord?

Back in the year 2000 during the tech boom, business space was in HUGE demand and landlords in San Francisco's SOMA district used to ask for very long leases and even a % ownership stake in your startup. I'm wondering, ten years later, did any property owner rent out their space to a successful startup and end up getting a payday when they flipped? [more inside]
posted by mathowie at 10:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me navigate the Poppy Field to business ownership

I want to open a small flower shop. What flavour of business management course should I be looking into? (in NS, Canada) Caution: some snowflakes ahead [more inside]
posted by Carlotta Bananas at 10:27 AM PST - 9 comments

Help a potential future basement dweller

Considering moving into a basement apartment, just can't get over the basement-ness of it all. Any strategies for making it feel more welcoming? [more inside]
posted by kmtiszen at 10:21 AM PST - 18 comments

ofcourseican+yayforfilters@gmail.com

Gmail-like "+anything@gmail.com" in cPanel? [more inside]
posted by ofcourseican at 10:20 AM PST - 5 comments

When should I preorder the next book in the series?

How does it affect an author’s first week sales if you preorder their book and it ships/is delivered before the release date? [more inside]
posted by jeather at 10:19 AM PST - 8 comments

Economics for Dummies

How much does the corporate tax rate really affect jobs? [more inside]
posted by jpdoane at 10:17 AM PST - 15 comments

How would you build a Zen Art Deco book harem?

Ton of books + unused corner in totally sweet loft = book harem! I'd like to put together a space for up to 4 people to hang out, read, write, meditate, or generally just relax. Help me design & accessorize it! [more inside]
posted by susoka at 10:14 AM PST - 14 comments

Ambition and the unambitious fiancé

On ambition and potential married bliss... or hell... [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 9:19 AM PST - 66 comments

Should I cut the cord?

Talk me in to (or out of) ditching my landline... [more inside]
posted by JoanArkham at 9:10 AM PST - 52 comments

Keep calm and carry on.... studying?

I'm graduating from college, hooray! Now help me announce it in the most amusing, unique, and creative way possible. [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 8:47 AM PST - 7 comments

Keeping squirrels from digging up my garden

Squirrel Wars: Can I lay down a layer of chicken wire or hardware cloth directly on top of my raised beds to keep the squirrels from digging up my plants, and then let my veggies grow through the wire all season? [more inside]
posted by yarly at 8:33 AM PST - 13 comments

How can we dance when there is no sound!?

We're getting married on March 19th, and it turns out our DJ friend does not have the speakers required for DJing. No big deal, but how and where do we rent something like that? We're in Philadelphia, PA. [more inside]
posted by two lights above the sea at 8:32 AM PST - 7 comments

Life after art school

Hey art school grads, what industry did you end up in? [more inside]
posted by Fluff at 8:32 AM PST - 26 comments

My office smells like a casino.

The group that works right outside my office are chain smokers. After the first smoke break of the day, my office reeks of menthol cigarettes. Any ideas on how to solve this? I'm willing to try anything at this point. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 8:21 AM PST - 23 comments

Under Armour for tall but not big guys?

Under Armour doesn't make tall sizes, but yet lots of pro athletes wear it. My problem is I'm tall but not very big, so what are my alternatives? [more inside]
posted by tommasz at 8:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Help a fat guy buy a new car!

After putting 176,000+ miles on my 2005 Ford Taurus, I'm in the market for a new car. My 2 previous cars have been a Mercury Sable and another Ford Taurus. I think I'm done with sedans for the time being and want something different. What kind of car should I buy? [more inside]
posted by skitchen at 8:14 AM PST - 12 comments

We want to buy something new and shiny, but a direct to dvd camcorder from 2005 seems like the best solution. Do you have any better ideas?

We want to buy something new and shiny, but an ancient direct to dvd camcorder seems like the best solution. Do you have any better ideas? [more inside]
posted by abirae at 8:12 AM PST - 1 comment

No perhaps you should not give his name as a reference

Why, exactly, would it be terrible to announce that he is a child molester? [more inside]
posted by jenlovesponies at 8:12 AM PST - 33 comments

I don't need caller ID because it's always my MIL

Sorry if this seems repetitive of other threads about home phone, VoIP, etc. I've read those, but my special snowflake situation is this: [more inside]
posted by randomkeystrike at 8:03 AM PST - 16 comments

Is there a standard history of the Philippines in English?

Is there a standard history of the Philippines in English? [more inside]
posted by ThisIsNotMe at 7:58 AM PST - 2 comments

Pyjamas? Check. Alarm set? Check. The fear? Check.

Am I having panic attacks while I am sleeping? Is that possible? Is this something else to get all anxious about? Or is it merely the onset of normal, adulthood worries? [more inside]
posted by sock puppet of mystery! at 7:48 AM PST - 19 comments

Help me learn about the neighborhoods in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

I want to move to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Can someone map out the area in a way that I can understand the neighborhoods and squares? [more inside]
posted by modoriculous at 7:31 AM PST - 20 comments

Doing the Web Stuff So You Don't Have To: Who Am I?

Content manager? Social media consultant? Help me find this job title, so I can (most efficiently) learn more about this job. [more inside]
posted by Rykey at 7:22 AM PST - 19 comments

Let's touch base again offline about that next deliverable...

I'm a computer science and biochem major about to start a software development internship at a high-frequency trading firm. What are the classic mistakes you see inexperienced geeks make in a professional environment, especially a financial-sector/"business" place, and how can I avoid them? What can I do this summer to impress my supervisors and maybe get my foot in the door for a full-time job after graduation? [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang at 7:08 AM PST - 20 comments

Layover in Las Vegas

I've got a 6 hour layover in Las Vegas today. What can I do with my carry-on bag and how can I get to the strip and get a meal relatively cheaply? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer at 6:50 AM PST - 9 comments

Lost bedtime story book from the 1980's

Calling all Librarians! I am in need of your superpowers. :-) I can not remember the title and author of my favorite childhood story book. I have a one-year-old son who absolutely loves reading. It would mean so much to me to share these with him. Please help! [more inside]
posted by JJMOM at 5:55 AM PST - 19 comments

Mardi Gras Parti

I'm throwing a Mardi Gras party this weekend. What should I make? [more inside]
posted by madred at 5:51 AM PST - 14 comments

Dawn of man movie with no dialogue

Help me think of the name of a film I'm not clear about because I didn't see it: I think it came out in the 70s or 80s, and contained no dialogue because it was set around the dawn of humanity before speech developed.
posted by strangeguitars at 2:43 AM PST - 15 comments

I'll take half a dinner, please!

Putting together a menu for a dinner themed "half." [more inside]
posted by copperbleu at 1:28 AM PST - 34 comments

Facebook: Taking choice away, bit by bit

OK, facebook started doing this thing where every time I click the Like button on any website, it generates a facebook post on my behalf, complete with wrongly selected thumbnail. Anybody know how to deactivate this?
posted by Silky Slim at 12:45 AM PST - 13 comments

February 27

Big group in the city

I have a bunch of friends coming to visit me at the bay area. I want to be the perfect host and I've done my research on what fun things to do to make sure they have a good time. I have two remaining doubts though: how to get all of us around in the city using public transportation, and the nightlife. [more inside]
posted by just_another_one at 11:49 PM PST - 14 comments

Help me help my players.

I've played every version of D&D and am wondering, is there an RPG that doesn't take 3 hrs to make a character, where combat can be resolved in less than an hour and doesn't require a dozen books? I'm flexible on the genre, but fantasy or scifi is what I'm most interested in, something that can be used over the longterm, not just for a few games (RISUS and it's pals appeal but doesn't seem durable enough), with enough flexibility for me to mash things together but without me having to design my own homebrew from 2 or 3 systems. I've done that. Lots more inside... [more inside]
posted by fiercekitten at 11:47 PM PST - 33 comments

Soaked Mattress a Goner?

The roof leaked, thoroughly soaking my (conventional, not foam) mattress. It took quite a while to dry out, and, after a quick inspection, it doesn't look or smell bad. An experienced handyman friend said I should throw it out and buy another. Is that necessary?
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:36 PM PST - 4 comments

I was in a motorcycle accident. What will I get?

I had a motorcycle accident (I hit a car). The other driver is at fault. My bike will most likely be totaled, I went to the hospital, and some of my other stuff is broken. What will happen, and what should I be doing to make sure I recoup my damages? [more inside]
posted by aaronbeekay at 10:08 PM PST - 23 comments

How do I rent a sag-wagon?

I'd like to rent a sag-wagon, and a sag-wagoneer, for a bike trip inside a national forest. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by daver at 9:59 PM PST - 6 comments

Screen Printing On Plastic- Nightmarish?

Is it possible to screen-print directly onto plastic, or am I bound for a world of trouble? [more inside]
posted by ThePantsAvenger at 9:34 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I get my neighbours to stop putting non-recylable food rubbish in my yellow recycling bin?

How can I get my neighbours to stop putting non-recylable food rubbish in my yellow recycling bin? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:17 PM PST - 12 comments

brb, getting my life together.

You've met someone who could, in many, many ways, be the person you're going to spend the rest of your life with. What do you do if the timing is off? [more inside]
posted by patronuscharms at 9:13 PM PST - 28 comments

Kansas City, here I come

What do I need to know about moving to Kansas City, MO? [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 9:09 PM PST - 9 comments

Installing countless fonts—each in its own folder—onto WinXP machine

Mass-installing fonts onto an XP machine when each font is enclosed in its own folder. [more inside]
posted by alexandermatheson at 8:54 PM PST - 3 comments

First time home buyers without a clue as to how it all works.

We are thinking about buying a home but have no idea how one goes about that sort of thing. What kinds of things should we be considering as first time buyers? [more inside]
posted by drbalderas at 8:51 PM PST - 19 comments

LandUseFilter

Are you a lawyer? A Michigander? A farmer? Or just someone who knows about zoning? Come in, come in! [more inside]
posted by Leta at 8:15 PM PST - 6 comments

In need of some happy tails...

Dog Filter: If you have a really awesome dog that you adopted when they were around a year old- tell me about it. Specifically, the journey from crazy wily pup to well mannered dog whom you can take anywhere and not have to worry about a thing.
posted by MayNicholas at 8:14 PM PST - 15 comments

Please leave alone, you stone!

Another kidney stone question... from a female [more inside]
posted by KogeLiz at 7:34 PM PST - 11 comments

Show me people moved by music.

I want to see moments where people are moved by music. [more inside]
posted by ajarbaday at 7:32 PM PST - 50 comments

♫ The dream of the ’90s internet pricing is alive in Portland... ♪

What’s the cheapest internet package in Portland, Oregon? (Can I go cheaper than Comcast's $47-a-month Xfinity?) [more inside]
posted by blueberry at 7:27 PM PST - 9 comments

is my husband an idiot or am I a worrywart?

Please talk to me about dealing with the symptoms of trapped wind (gas). My husband is really suffering and I'm bewildered. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 7:05 PM PST - 33 comments

How do I bundle cardboard boxes most efficiently?

What's the trick to flattening cardboard boxes of varying sizes/thicknesses and bundling them together with twine? I handle the recycling for my building, and I can't figure out how to manage the boxes most efficiently. [more inside]
posted by unknowncommand at 6:55 PM PST - 10 comments

It's bikini butt season...

Butt Filter: Please share your best exercises for lifting and tightening of the female glutes. I am going to Mexico in 6 weeks and I look ok, but have always been cursed with a disproportionately flabby/droopy/flat ass. I am determined to do something about it finally. I have been doing the "ultimate butt and thigh" workout on Your Shape: Fitness Evolved for the Kinect, but I really am hoping for some advice for my specific, er...problem. I do not have access to a gym, so I am looking for things to do at home. I am mid 30s, 5'2, 125lbs, and yes I know you cannot spot train :)
posted by virginia_clemm at 6:15 PM PST - 30 comments

Grad-school-Filter-Again:

I've been accepted to PhD programs in neuroscience at NYU, University of Chicago, and into an MSc program in medical biophysics (with a heavy neuroscience focus) at the University of Toronto (most people reclassify into PhDs). The difficulty: 1) No one program is exactly perfect. 2) My partner-in-crime is a med student in Toronto, and she will be in Canada for minimum the next 6 years. So what's my best move, considering 1. I hope for a career in research (academia/industry) or science writing. 2. I could see myself spending my life with this girl (but that said, I am 25, for what it is worth) 3. I am concerned that staying in Toronto will limit my career opportunities [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:52 PM PST - 24 comments

How to get inappropriate fellow volunteer banned from our historical archives?

How to get inappropriate fellow volunteer banned from our historical archives? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:52 PM PST - 11 comments

Cost to build a website

I am planning a website for a not for profit. We will be linking high school and college students from all over the US. At most we will have 10,000 connections on the site. How much will this cost to build and maintain?
posted by ao680 at 5:39 PM PST - 9 comments

How to network

I'm in the final months of my university degree, and several companies (finance related) who I'll be applying for work with are holding 'networking' events on campus. How exactly does one 'network'? [more inside]
posted by moorooka at 5:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Want a good air filter for home.

I am looking for a recommendation re: a great air filter for my home. I am really most interested in cutting down on dust. Any suggestions?
posted by ae4rv at 5:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Method to get wedding photos from friends?

I am getting married soon, and for my reception I'd like to set up an easy system for my friends and family to send me all of the photos that they took during the day. My friends in the past used a shared flickr account, giving the password away so everyone could log into the account and upload the photos. I'm wondering if any mefites have a better solution out there. [more inside]
posted by ajackson at 5:08 PM PST - 19 comments

It's an Irish dilemma

So, we wrote a song that got a few million views on YouTube. [more inside]
posted by Bighappyfunhouse at 5:01 PM PST - 17 comments

Whistler Day Trip?

Ski-ing/ snow-shoeing Whistler as a day-trip from Vancouver - is this do-able or crazy? Is Cypress Mountain a reasonable alternative? [more inside]
posted by forallmankind at 4:56 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me create a scatterplot that isn't ugly and bad

Better-looking scatterplot using data from an OpenOffice calc spreadsheet? [more inside]
posted by RobotHero at 4:51 PM PST - 4 comments

Is an ice creme cone in the category of a pastry: that is, is it like a cookie or is it more like a cracker or is it neither?

Is an ice creme cone in the category of a pastry: that is, is it like a cookie or is it more like a cracker or is it neither?
posted by Tziv at 4:46 PM PST - 12 comments

It's NOT the mayari, cozumel, or tabora. What is it!?r

I've been searching for these Birkenstock sandals everywhere online beyond that QVC link bc I would prefer to buy them in non-dayglo colors. But I can't even figure out what they're called. HELP? [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 4:42 PM PST - 2 comments

Today is the first day of the rest...

What techniques do you use to affect positive change in your life? [more inside]
posted by Kronur at 4:40 PM PST - 17 comments

Automated Adding to iTunes

OSX automation. Broadly speaking: I have a folder where all my music torrents go. How can I get these automatically added to iTunes. [more inside]
posted by karmaportrait at 4:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Music for God to play before creating the universe

Everybody recognizes the THX deep note sound. Last night, at Nuit Blanche here in Montreal, and just before the fireworks, they were playing recorded instrumental music (with no percussion) featuring long drawn out notes that were as "rich" and exciting as the deep note sound. The music filled me with a thrilling anticipation of something powerful. What music could I have been hearing? What songs do I want to get?
posted by niccolo at 4:16 PM PST - 8 comments

Techniques to bar thoughts from your mind or fend them away?

"Shield your mind..." I don't expect to be mentally attacked, but are there actual techniques to bar thoughts from your mind or fend them away? [more inside]
posted by nrobertson at 4:00 PM PST - 11 comments

Wordpressing Question

Looking for a method by which one could automatically add content to a wordpress sidebar, I dont even know what to search for. [more inside]
posted by BobbyDigital at 3:54 PM PST - 3 comments

Quality of Trader Joe's versus Whole Foods

Quality of Trader Joe's versus Whole Foods [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 3:22 PM PST - 34 comments

ugh

What happened as your dog died of cancer? [more inside]
posted by Ashley801 at 2:47 PM PST - 28 comments

Keeping kosher and looking like you are

Judaism Filter: Is there a principle or law that Jewish people who keep kosher must also avoid appearing not to keep it? What is it called? [more inside]
posted by daisyk at 2:26 PM PST - 10 comments

If I purchase the negatives of photographs at a thrift store, do I own the rights to the photos?

If I purchase the negatives of photographs at a thrift store, do I own the rights to the photos? [more inside]
posted by monkeystronghold at 2:10 PM PST - 14 comments

Need a home in Orlando!

Moving to Orlando for about 6 or 7 months for a short school program. I'm trying to figure out where and how to live during that time! [more inside]
posted by firei at 1:53 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me add to my booklist.

I want to challenge my preconceived notions. [more inside]
posted by petiteviolette at 1:26 PM PST - 44 comments

Mr. Status Quo Need Not Reply

What are some boutique dating websites, other than OKCupid? Also, do men really like it when women contact them on dating sites? [more inside]
posted by oceanview at 1:22 PM PST - 40 comments

"She won't go away and she doesn't even speak English!"

What lanuage is the annoying Number 58 speaking in Free For All?
posted by Rash at 1:17 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I ask my uncle to hurry up dividing up inheritance?

My maternal grandmother passed away 5 months ago and my uncle has taken charge of handling her inheritance with her lawyer. He hasn't given any updates or information on how the process is going since his initial email 5 months ago, in which he told me that my grandmother had passed and that I would receive inheritance. How can I ask him to hurry up? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:08 PM PST - 18 comments

Should I lie on a visa application?

Should I lie on a visa application? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:53 PM PST - 12 comments

How do I get feel good about going to sleep?

Whenever I finally turn out the lights and get in bed, I immediately get a bit upset and sad over the things I could be doing. Perhaps not quite sad, but this feeling of emptiness. What do you do at night before bed to feel good about going to sleep when you could be doing so many other productive things? [more inside]
posted by lakerk at 11:33 AM PST - 25 comments

I got a halo 'round me...

A quick one for a friend: which goddess is this? [more inside]
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 11:16 AM PST - 9 comments

Can I do anything except submit to my skin's yeast intolerance?

I am on a self imposed yeast free diet after I realised it really triggers the seborrheic dermatitis-like condition that I have on parts of my face. Am I going to have to eat like this forever? [more inside]
posted by tumples at 10:54 AM PST - 10 comments

Too much choice!

How can I figure out which characteristics of a person are deal breakers vs. things that I can learn to live with? [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 9:29 AM PST - 17 comments

What to do with my (US) off-contract iPhone 3GS?

I switched/upgraded to a Verizon iPhone 4 and now enjoy reception even in obscure places, like my apartment. What should I do with the (slightly cracked screen but still completely usable) iPhone 3gs? Fix/don't fix the screen? Sell it? Unlock it and sell it? Unlock it and keep it for traveling/guests? (I'm in the States). [more inside]
posted by Salamandrous at 9:05 AM PST - 19 comments

Food and Hiking in Coastal DE and NC in March.

Traveling during March to North Carolina, Crystal Coast/Southern Outer Banks region, from NYC metro area. Instead of inland, though, we're taking the coastal route (Rts 13/17 south of Philly) with an overnight stay in Delaware. Looking for non-chain restaurants, hiking, history/science, and the cheaper end of antiquing. [more inside]
posted by cobaltnine at 8:58 AM PST - 5 comments

my eyes hurt now...

Looking for a video of David Cameron's (UK PM) recent announcement that private companies would be helping to reform the NHS/public sector. [more inside]
posted by Neonshock at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments

Yes you are awesome but how did you get there?

Type A Filter: For those of you who have big ambitions and plans for your life, how did you arrive at them? How did you go about creating a vision for yourself? [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 8:25 AM PST - 31 comments

Stupid standby timer being all standby-y

I'm trying to interrupt a standby timer on a DVD player for a homebrew projector dowser project and I need some help with capacitors and resistors. I've wired a momentary switch across the eject switch terminals to pop the cd tray from a distance. [more inside]
posted by edbles at 7:46 AM PST - 11 comments

I have (camera) baggage

Please help me find the perfect camera bag for my Nikon D40. The ideal solution would be something with enough room for both photo and personal stuff, so I don't have to carry my purse. Or, are "camera bags" a dumb idea if I already have a somewhat-padded messenger bag? [more inside]
posted by catlet at 7:17 AM PST - 17 comments

CAN COMPUTERS READ POETRY PROPERLY?

If there are "poetry generator" engines available on the Web, is there anything that comes close to reading input of (English) poetry which then computer-generates the scansion pattern that might result from somebody reading it? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 6:46 AM PST - 6 comments

How do I keep from messing up my neck & shoulders in my sleep?

How do I keep from messing up my neck & shoulders in my sleep? [more inside]
posted by Caravantea at 6:31 AM PST - 22 comments

Mystery dreamy music

Do you recognise the song playing in the background of this radio trailer? [more inside]
posted by sleepcrime at 6:17 AM PST - 5 comments

Where can I stream the Academy Awards tonight?

Where can I stream the Academy Awards tonight? [more inside]
posted by anthropomorphic at 5:57 AM PST - 8 comments

bookmarklet for a random link in a new tab

In Firefox, how can I get my bookmarklet to open a link in a new tab? [more inside]
posted by maqsarian at 5:06 AM PST - 6 comments

How to overcome feeling lost, aimless, confused, and alone?

How to overcome feeling lost, aimless, confused, and alone? Thirty years into my life, I feel like I haven't accomplished anything, and I'm not sure how to go about achieving the things I want from where I am (physically, mentally, and emotionally) right now. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:52 AM PST - 21 comments

Can someone recommend me some science philosophy please..

Can someone recommend me some science philosophy please.. [more inside]
posted by sockpim at 4:46 AM PST - 20 comments

my cat's breath smells like Drakkar Noir

Our extremely friendly outdoor cat came inside reeking of cologne. This was two days ago, and it's still across-the-room strong. How do I clean this off? [more inside]
posted by Prince_of_Cups at 3:39 AM PST - 16 comments

amtrak long distance routes

Amtrak long-distance routes: optimal combination? [more inside]
posted by swimmingly at 3:39 AM PST - 4 comments

Meyer's Dark Rum--how to drink it?

I received a gift: a bottle of Meyer's Dark Rum. How do I drink it? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 3:39 AM PST - 39 comments

Can you explain what it means exactly to be "fully funded" in a Ph.D. program?

Can you explain what it means exactly to be "fully funded" in a Ph.D. program? [more inside]
posted by colfax at 3:39 AM PST - 15 comments

February 26

Which animal would win a race between a cheetah or a utahraptor?

Which animal would win a race between a cheetah or a utahraptor? Please help my six-year-old son learn even more about dinosaurs. [more inside]
posted by MighstAllCruckingFighty at 11:46 PM PST - 27 comments

closet hoarder.

what do you do with your old clothes? [more inside]
posted by violetk at 11:19 PM PST - 31 comments

Sorry, but I'm not giving anybody any money until there's campaign finance reform. Also, I'm saving up money for a new humidifier.

Do you throw $3 at the Presidential Campaign Fund when prompted by your tax filer? [more inside]
posted by therewolf at 9:52 PM PST - 34 comments

Understanding Ohio's SB 5 legislation

Help me edumacate myself on Ohio SB 5! As a former resident of WI, I could find news easily enough because the internet already existed when I lived there and I was familiar with online sources. In my attempts to read more about Ohio, I just don't know where to turn. Obviously national media is out as it's been crap at covering recent events in the midwest. Is there an Isthmus equivalent? A few possibly wonky blogs that are right on? [more inside]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 9:32 PM PST - 4 comments

best snorkel bang for buck within 7 hour radius of California?

Help me plan my next multigeneration family trip for a bunch of enthusiastic snorkelers, toddlers, and demophobes! [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:12 PM PST - 5 comments

iPhone Contacts Sync : my way or the highway

Looking for recommendations for a *private* "sync-your-iPhone-contacts/PIMdata-to-the-cloud" solution. [more inside]
posted by armoir from antproof case at 9:04 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I end up in a decent group of people for group assignments?

Group work at University: How do I maximise my chances of ending up in a group with people who possess at least medium-to-high intelligence / conscientiousness? When who you sit next to determines what group you end up in, what "cues" can I look for when deciding who to sit next to? [more inside]
posted by mjao at 8:52 PM PST - 31 comments

Help me save my iPhone!

Help! I broke my iPhone 4 screen, and it's locked! The phone turns on, but the screen is completely destroyed, so I can't enter my password to use iTunes to back it up. Any chance of getting at my pictures before my new screen comes in? [more inside]
posted by mhp at 7:59 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me find the Latin phrase describing my position on a religion/government issue...

Government/History/Religion question: is there a Latin phrase for a doctrine of belief in secular government (vs. theocracy or other religious governments) amongst a plurality of beliefs? [more inside]
posted by brownrd at 6:51 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me help my neighbors dog!

Is there anything I can do to help this dog? [more inside]
posted by iabide79 at 6:12 PM PST - 20 comments

Time to kick my foundation up a notch?

Seeking a makeup refresh and can't decide what to get with a budget of $100. [more inside]
posted by Mertonian at 6:07 PM PST - 17 comments

Lack of oxygen when still breathing

Can a heart arrhythmia cause brain damage even if you're still breathing? [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 5:57 PM PST - 10 comments

Is it really necessary to get teeth cleanings and dental checkups?

Is it really necessary to get teeth cleanings and dental checkups? [more inside]
posted by eeby at 5:46 PM PST - 40 comments

What are the best RPG engines?

I want to write a text-heavy story-based RPG. I'm familiar with scripting languages like python and ruby, but I have no art talent whatsoever, so i'd prefer that whatever I use have art assets available, and I don't want to write an engine from scratch so I'd like to build off of an existing framework. What are my options? Free or paid, doesn't matter. It might be an RPG engine or an adventure game engine, or even a 3d engine, but whatever I use, I'd want something that would let me focus on writing and designing and less on programming the framework.
posted by empath at 5:28 PM PST - 6 comments

I don't want to write back on an empty soda bottle

How should I set things right with my neighbor when their communications to me have been slightly crazy? [more inside]
posted by missmary6 at 5:25 PM PST - 31 comments

Looking for a vacation rental research recommendations. Florida, mostly.

Recommendations for a Florida vacation home/condo/etc search. What resources do people use? I know about HomeAway, VRBO, Flipkey, and, ahem, craigslist. I have never booked anything but hotels before, so am a little worried about just going the craigslist route. The other 3 sites look legit, but maybe there are other, hidden, gems :) thanks in advance
posted by webwesen at 5:22 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I pay off all of my loans before I try to buy a house?

I need some house buying help, and advice about whether to pay off my loans now or save more for the down payment. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:12 PM PST - 16 comments

Preventing social anxiety

I want to stop using alcohol to mediate situational social anxiety. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:12 PM PST - 16 comments

How to help a hoarder and his wife in Henderson, NV?

How can I help my female relative who lives far away from me (NV) and is married to someone who is becoming a hoarder? [more inside]
posted by Kalatraz at 4:09 PM PST - 10 comments

How long is a Maltese dog pregnant?

How long is a Maltese dog pregnant? [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 3:11 PM PST - 4 comments

portland psych

any recommendations for a psychiatrist in Portland? [more inside]
posted by Griffinlb at 3:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Why does my ipad say it's not charging?

Why does my iPad say it's not charging when it is, in fact, charging? [more inside]
posted by KathrynT at 3:06 PM PST - 13 comments

song ID help

[song ID help] partial lyrics: "we can name our kids after my favourite hockey players... if you'll let me..." [more inside]
posted by cheemee at 2:59 PM PST - 4 comments

What's the best way to proceed with the interview process when I like the company but I'm increasingly unsure that I want a job right now at all?

What's the best way to proceed with the interview process when I like the company but I'm increasingly unsure that I want a job right now at all? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:58 PM PST - 8 comments

wearable waterproof materials

I always wear/use leather in rain but they always tell me it's wrong for the material. This is a bit naive but I'm wondering what high quality good looking materials work for coats and bags in rain? I don't mean plastic or nylon looking stuff (although if they're technically the best I'd like to know) but more stylish.. let's say upto $1k/coat
posted by the mad poster! at 2:56 PM PST - 12 comments

Book Club for Life

I'm 30. Each year until I'm 60 I want to read a masterpiece by an author the same age as I am when s/he wrote it. Help compile my list. [more inside]
posted by grrarrgh00 at 2:39 PM PST - 41 comments

Hush don't cry

How do I stop crying at work-related criticism? [more inside]
posted by Hakaisha at 1:47 PM PST - 27 comments

am i supposed to wear black for a year?

How soon is too soon to adopt another kitty after the death of the first one? [more inside]
posted by apostrophe at 1:37 PM PST - 34 comments

Am I selfish for asking for more input in our financial decisions?

Help me understand financial partnership in marriage. Snow flurries within. [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 1:17 PM PST - 94 comments

keep hands & arms in the vehicle at all times

Have you ever jumped out of a moving car? What's it like? [more inside]
posted by Hoenikker at 1:02 PM PST - 26 comments

What should I display on a dedicated dashboard screen at my desk?

I have an extra display at my desk connected to a Mac Mini which I use to watch Netflix/Hulu. I'd like to use it for more useful purposes, as some sort of informative display that will be up as I work. I need some help figuring out some applications that could show handy information, as well as your ideas as to things to display if I were to build something myself. [more inside]
posted by ejfox at 12:44 PM PST - 7 comments

North of 49 Party Rockers, please

CANADIAN CONTENT FILTER: What are some recent (released in the last six months) cool kickass CANADIAN party rockers? (Music, that is) [more inside]
posted by philip-random at 12:37 PM PST - 14 comments

Fire in the Fireplace

Please help my S.O. and I settle a debate about the fireplace. [more inside]
posted by The ____ of Justice at 12:26 PM PST - 25 comments

We don't have cameras.

Please help me choose a digital camera that does what I can't make my itty-bitty Canon ELPH do but is still reasonably portable. [more inside]
posted by palliser at 12:24 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me feed my tiny dog

What should I feed my 3 month old toy poodle? [more inside]
posted by crapples at 12:03 PM PST - 13 comments

Famous songs, performed by jazz or classical musicians

Looking for jazz and classical covers of popular/famous songs. [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 11:52 AM PST - 33 comments

Micro-distilled goodness in PA?

What great small batch, artisinal liqours are available in Pennsylvania? [more inside]
posted by youarenothere at 11:40 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I disassemble a Samsung HD501LJ hard drive?

I am trying to disassemble a Samsung HD501LJ hard drive to destroy the platter, but the top cover will not remove from the casing. Help? [more inside]
posted by helios410 at 11:39 AM PST - 13 comments

43% body fat. What the hell?

43% body fat. Am I about to drop dead, or is my scale wrong? [more inside]
posted by Sijeka at 11:38 AM PST - 19 comments

How to fix corrupt fonts?

Windows 7 sfc (System File Check) cannot repair certain files. What are my options (short of re-installing Windows)? [more inside]
posted by smallbunny at 11:35 AM PST - 5 comments

You Asshole!...Um, I'm sorry I called you an asshole.

Help me stop apologizing for my own assertiveness. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:26 AM PST - 26 comments

Recommend something for me to read, please?

Book recs? I love stories about f'ed up families in the south (ala pat conroy). Darker and more screwed up the better. [more inside]
posted by crankyrogalsky at 11:23 AM PST - 31 comments

What should I eat?

I'm 22, male, 184 centimeters (~6ft), 70kg (161 pounds), 11% body fat (as judged by one of those imprecise electrical gadgets), and, until recently, fairly sedentary. I'm now running three times a week and plan to start lifting weights another three days a week. For the past two weeks I've been assiduously tracking everything I eat with this software (note: I'm not at all interested in "caloric restriction") and a gram-precise food scale. I'm trying to become generally fit - increase cardiovascular endurance, gain muscle, start fencing again. With all that in mind, how do I decide on nutritional targets? [more inside]
posted by elektrotechnicus at 11:01 AM PST - 8 comments

Detailed historical account of a Chinese tea ceremony please

What is the historical origin and cultural significance of the Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony? [more inside]
posted by |n$eCur3 at 10:29 AM PST - 2 comments

Why doesn't imgur work for me?

Images hosted by imgur won't load for me. [more inside]
posted by interrobang at 9:56 AM PST - 29 comments

It's not a zero-sum game, guys.

My partner is very liberal and effusive with compliments. I am generally much more reticent. When I realize that he has said the same things to others that he has to me, I can't help but feel like those compliments are now devalued, and that his esteem of me can't possibly be as high as he says it is. [more inside]
posted by Be cool, sodapop at 9:48 AM PST - 15 comments

My bag smells terrible.

I managed to spill clam chowder in my beautiful new purse. It smells awful. How do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by chichimimizu at 9:13 AM PST - 8 comments

Where are all these flight deals?

People always tell me they found cheap flights by not buying direct from the airlines... however, when I search all the sites they recommend and the ones I find via google, they're always about the same price as buying direct from Air Canada. Sometimes AC is cheaper! The same thing happened last year. What am I not understanding here? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 8:52 AM PST - 11 comments

How can I stop my 7 yo daughter from picking her scabs?

How can I stop my 7 yo daughter from picking her scabs? [more inside]
posted by Tallguy at 8:45 AM PST - 30 comments

You are likely to be eaten by a grue

What kind of therapy or self-help can I do to stop picturing all sex taking place in a room where I was abused? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:28 AM PST - 7 comments

What documentaries for a 2-year-old, like Babies?

Documentaries/movies like Babies for 2-year-old? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 8:14 AM PST - 7 comments

Multiple Therapists: Okay or Outlandish?

I recently asked a relationship question, and came to realize that the main problem was actually my debilitating anxiety and the fact that I need to sort that out before being able to seriously wrestle with my relationship. In one week, I met with 2 different therapists who are very different in their styles, and I have an appointment set up with a psychiatrist for next week (my primary care doctor recommended I see an actual psychopharmacologist.) I am very serious about getting help now that I realize I have been wasting so much time denying the severity of my problems and the genuine abuse I grew up with. My question is, can I see two or even three doctors about these issues? My main fear is getting only one or two perspectives on my problems, and I think I can trust the process more if I feel like I have a diverse set of views, perspectives, and mental frames. Is that outlandish or within the realm of normal behavior? [more inside]
posted by wombat stork at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments

Did my masturbation style overwork my vaginal muscles?

I am female. Someone whom I slept with complained that it was difficult to do the missionary position with me. Did my masturbation technique cause this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:12 AM PST - 37 comments

What's next?

So, what's next? How have you made significant career changes after investing in specialized skills and knowledge? [more inside]
posted by Jon-o at 7:11 AM PST - 6 comments

The Poison is Fictional, but My Brain Needs an Antidote.

I'm under the impression that I have some sort of clinical, WAY beyond rational fear of being poisoned. My food, my drinks- even the air itself seems to be conspiring to kill me day in and day out. It's begun to interfere with my normal daily life. Is there anything I can do to overcome this? Anything to keep me from staying up half the night on account of panic attacks? [more inside]
posted by Krazor at 6:55 AM PST - 13 comments

marriage separation

Differences with wife. [more inside]
posted by jassi at 6:53 AM PST - 14 comments

How can I find a vacation rental for people who are under 25?

How can I find a vacation rental for people who are under 25? [more inside]
posted by Hexidecimal at 6:35 AM PST - 5 comments

(Homework filter) Snappy genetics poster title needed

My poster group needs a short, snappy title (preferably with a terrible newspaper style pun). And we've got nothing. [more inside]
posted by stillnocturnal at 6:20 AM PST - 15 comments

Sales tax collecting?

In business - Is it true that if you pay sales tax on your materials you do not have to charge to your customers? [more inside]
posted by Snackpants at 5:47 AM PST - 8 comments

Where too after Rome in March for beach holiday

I am going to Rome for a weekend mid-march. After that I want to go for a week's holiday somewhere warm and with things to do (history, shops, etc). [more inside]
posted by trashcan at 4:47 AM PST - 5 comments

The lazy man's approach to water kefir

I acquired some water kefir grains and I am maybe taking a lazy approach to caring for them, is it safe? And if not what should I be doing? [more inside]
posted by molecicco at 4:44 AM PST - 2 comments

Can I compete with his ex girlfriend?

Can I compete with the ex? [more inside]
posted by queens86 at 4:20 AM PST - 37 comments

Help us choose a dog breed!

My girlfriend and I are interested in getting a dog. We've talked about getting a Golden Retriever, which is the breed of dog I grew up with. We're interested in recommendations for breeds we may not have considered. [more inside]
posted by studioaudience at 12:22 AM PST - 56 comments

Pen Party! Obsess with me and recommend writing & drawing implements..

I am always and forever on the quest for better pens for writing and drawing. I'll tell y'all what I like to use now, what I've tried and kinda liked, and what I'm just not into. Then you will unleash your inky obsessions upon me, and I will have great new pens to try. [more inside]
posted by D.Billy at 12:17 AM PST - 31 comments

February 25

Purchasing strategy for New MacBookPro (with bonus iPhone problem)

The new MacBookPros just came out, and just in time, as I have encountered an issue with my iPhone 3GS (constantly disconnects from the 3G network) that, obnoxiously, seems to require me to upgrade my computer (a June '04 12" Powerbook G4 1.33ghz, OS 10.4.11).* My question is whether, as a long-term investment, it makes more sense to buy the 2.7ghz 13" MBP vs. the $300 cheaper 2.3ghz. [more inside]
posted by neko75 at 11:48 PM PST - 13 comments

help me track down this glow in the dark shirt

last-minute-birthday-present-filter:help me find this glow-in-the-dark shirt! [more inside]
posted by addelburgh at 9:27 PM PST - 3 comments

the right computer-based DAW

Help me choose the right computer-based digital audio workstation. [more inside]
posted by past at 9:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Where to find English-speaking jobs in Berlin?

Help! Where should I look for work as an English-speaker in Berlin? [more inside]
posted by exquisite_deluxe at 8:38 PM PST - 7 comments

How to search Hule and Netflix at the same time?

Is there a site that searches all the flat-rate streaming sites (Netflix, Hulu, and now Amazon prime) for a particular movie/tv show? Or, better, that's like Instant Watcher for more than Netflix? I realize I can search all the sites separately.
posted by loulou718 at 8:16 PM PST - 4 comments

Is it normal to get this freaked out?

In situations where I am stressed, both minorly and majorly, I sometimes get totally overwhelmed by the things I hear and see. It makes my heart race and I become unable to speak or think. Is this normal, or could it be indicative of a psychiatric disorder? I know, you are not my doctor. And I plan to see a therapist once I can afford one, but that won't be for a few months.
posted by Night_owl at 7:59 PM PST - 12 comments

What can I do with an unecpected, 4 lb. bag of Sesame Seeds?

Through a bizarre set of circumstances, I have come into possession of an extremely large bag of sesame seeds. What interesting or appetizing things can I do with these seeds? [more inside]
posted by EvilPRGuy at 7:44 PM PST - 23 comments

Mental Illness and becoming a USCG Licensed Mariner?

How is diagnosed but treated Bipolar I viewed by the US Coast Guard and Dept of Homeland Security when seeking MMC and TWIC? How about maritime employers? [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 7:32 PM PST - 4 comments

Kingdom of Plaice?

Lawrence Durrell's "Kingdom of Plaice" - does this novel about the independent nation of Redonda exist (perhaps under another name)? [more inside]
posted by Yiggs at 7:09 PM PST - 4 comments

If the answer is rsync, then I need to be told what the question is.

Help me choose a file synchronization solution to keep a set of RTFs up to date between two computers, must be able to operate both over wifi and via a usb thumbdrive. Must also be free and work on all of Win XP, Win 7 and Linux. [more inside]
posted by 256 at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments

Animal actors for fair pay

I have a trained animal about to appear in national commercial. What should I be looking for in my contract? Residuals /one off / both? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:58 PM PST - 8 comments

Need specific inspiration images for shabby chic bathroom.

I need inspiration for an impending South Florida master bathroom remodel. I like a shabby chic style, and I understand the principles, but desperately need specific images for a bathroom that totals 45 sq feet outside of the shower stall, and probably more like 30-35 sq feet once you subtract the water closet. [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 6:51 PM PST - 9 comments

What I'm looking for is the Mario Andretti of everything.

How would I track down someone who holds the most or at least multiple licenses for driving? Ideally someone who's legally cleared to drive anything from a motorcycle to a locomotive. [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 6:49 PM PST - 12 comments

How to fix my inappropriate semi-infatuation with a historical figure?

How to fix my inappropriate semi-infatuation with a historical figure? [more inside]
posted by tamagogirl at 6:47 PM PST - 25 comments

home science filter: Why is my water is singing!

I just microwaved a mug of water. And after about a minute it started making a loud humming noise, like what happens when you run a wet finger around a champagne glass. It sounded like there were aliens landing in my microwave. What happened? [more inside]
posted by chocolatemilkshakes at 6:45 PM PST - 13 comments

Stuck in Cincinatti

I'm stuck in Cincinatti for the weekend. Help me stay sane and find something metafilter-worthy to do? Sights, food, bars. I know little to nothing about the place. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by jabberjaw at 6:31 PM PST - 20 comments

How to control all data being sent/received from Win 7

How do I control all data that my computer is sending/receiving? [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 6:10 PM PST - 5 comments

Music suggestions for a 12 yo girl

Music suggestions for a 12 yo girl's birthday party? [more inside]
posted by Tom-B at 5:57 PM PST - 12 comments

How much pain after cornea surgery?

I am scheduled for a superficial keratectomy mid-March. What can I expect as far as pain after the procedure as well any insight anyone can give me regarding going through the actual procedure. [more inside]
posted by bodgy at 5:42 PM PST - 4 comments

Hair on my chinny chin chin, but my head, not so much.

Why is my hair falling out? I stopped breastfeeding my 2 year old almost 6 months ago. Can it be related to that? I've noticed the hair loss for the past month or two. (I think it's all growing back as chin hair. Sigh.) Sorry, long details to come. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:19 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I make sure that I will have a job to come back to after checking into a psychiatric hospital?

How do I make sure that I will have a job to come back to after checking into a psychiatric hospital? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:18 PM PST - 12 comments

Sticking it to Big Tickettaker

I can't make a concert, and I'd like to sell or even give away the tickets. Here's the problem: the venue claims that tickets must be picked up night of, that they can't be transferred, and that one must present ID and the credit card used to buy the tickets when picking them up. The tickets aren't Ticketmaster or a similar service. Am I screwed? [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 4:53 PM PST - 6 comments

Help satisfy my curiosity about how e-mail announcement lists work!

Why do e-mails sent to a mailing list look like they're sent to me and CCed to the mailing list? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor at 4:47 PM PST - 5 comments

Surely there is hope?

Has anyone here ever suffered from chronic migraine, and ended up overcoming it? [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 4:43 PM PST - 31 comments

Differing values for LFO depth for Peak and Trough?

Is there a way to change LFO depth so that it isn't one number that applies to both peak and trough, but that you can have the peak be one value and the trough at another? [more inside]
posted by symbioid at 4:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Do my dancing feet need a pedicure?

I have just started dancing again after a long break, in a style that's very hard on the feet. Is it better to remove hard skin or leave it? [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 3:04 PM PST - 7 comments

messiah studio 5 on a tibook?

Is there any way to get Messiah studio 5 to run on an oldish ppc mac powerbook? [more inside]
posted by macadam9 at 3:03 PM PST - 2 comments

Car Bye Bye

Which-car-to-get-rid-of-Filter: Car A) Ford truck, 97K or Car B) Soobie Legacy formerly 4WD, 140K. Complicating details follow..... [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 3:01 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me find a shirt

How could I find some exact duplicates of a Faconnable shirt that my wife and I like a lot? Would you get alerts on ebay? Are there vintage clothes sites that you would recommend. Is there a website at which I could post its picture? In general, if you know exactly what you want in the way of clothing that is a couple of years old, how do you find it?
posted by Mr. Justice at 2:38 PM PST - 3 comments

How Private is the Download Option?

Does downloading a photo on Facebook leave any indication that you have done so? [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 2:35 PM PST - 11 comments

how to make sushi with long grain rice work out as well as possible?

I know it's a sin, but I have to use long grain rice to make sushi. No short grain of any kind in my area, I promise. So, any cooking tips for how to make it turn out as good as possible? Should I skip washing it so it is stickier? Should I tweak the cooking time? etc.
posted by dahliachewswell at 2:19 PM PST - 16 comments

Do I need a driver's license to re-enter the US from a visit to the UK

Do I need a driver's license to re-enter the US from a visit to the UK? [more inside]
posted by eustacescrubb at 2:03 PM PST - 12 comments

Hi guys I'm in Hungary and I just got married. Ttyl.

Help me figure out what I need to prepare for my trip around the world. [more inside]
posted by jstarlee at 1:03 PM PST - 16 comments

What makes lemon bars tart?

What makes lemon bars tart? [more inside]
posted by scazza at 1:01 PM PST - 26 comments

An App to Keep Track

app filter -- I am finally getting on the smartphone wagon, and it will be a droid (probably a used G1 if that matters). Lots and lots of my job involves talking on the phone. I want an app that will automatically time my outgoing and incoming phone calls by contact and/or by info that I type in. I want to transfer that information on a monthly basis to my computer, to sync that information with my billing program. [more inside]
posted by freshwater at 12:51 PM PST - 7 comments

We Need a New All-in-one Printer!!

It's time to (massively) upgrade our home printing capabilities. We are looking for a color laser all in-one-device. Wireless printing capability would be nice, too... Recommendations?
posted by Irontom at 12:43 PM PST - 4 comments

What are some good seeds to give as gifts?

This is for all of the green thumb mefites out there. I am looking for unique seeds to give as a gift to a friend who lives in southeastern Alabama. She is an advanced gardener with a degree in horticulture, so it should be something rewarding, but with a bit of a challenge I think. She enjoys interesting flowers as well as food goods. Any good suggestions?
posted by ozomatli at 12:41 PM PST - 13 comments

Festivals / must sees within an evenings train ride from Amsterdam?

Festivals / must sees within an evenings train ride from Amsterdam? [more inside]
posted by mnology at 12:30 PM PST - 4 comments

How high the temperature?

I can't believe I'm asking this, but I couldn't find an answer anywhere: what do the daily high and low temperatures provided with weather forecasts mean? I always thought they put a boundary on the range within which the temperature is predicted to fluctuate, with no particular assumption that those temperatures would be reached; however, I've recently had a few friends tell me that those numbers represent the predicted maximum and minimum temperatures that will actually be reached in the course of the day. Which is it?
posted by invitapriore at 12:26 PM PST - 21 comments

You have dancing shoes with nimble soles.

I've gotten super into Zumba, but wearing my clunky running shoes to class isn't working too well for me. What's a good shoe alternative? [more inside]
posted by anderjen at 12:13 PM PST - 13 comments

Help my career as a stripper (of PDF background images)

How to strip background images from a PDF? [more inside]
posted by Zed at 12:06 PM PST - 5 comments

Inception inspired dessert ideas - go deeper

This weekend we're hosting an Oscar party where everyone is invited to bring a dish inspired by one of the Best Picture nominees. I've decided to base a dessert (it's kind of like a parfait I guess) on the movie Inception and I'd like some suggestions for the 7 separate layers. Especially for the final "kick" layer. [more inside]
posted by ssmith at 11:55 AM PST - 27 comments

What's a good/cheap external microphone for my Kodak Zi8 camera?

What's a good/cheap external microphone for my Kodak Zi8 camera? [more inside]
posted by rinsemedown at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments

Finding a job civic

I am graduating university next semester. I would like to get involved in civic engagement at some capacity. Can I get recommendation of companies / foundations to apply to for jobs and internships. i.e. See Click Fix, Code for America. I have no programming experience (as of yet) but I am extremely sociable, have been selling all my life so I do have something to offer. I am intrigued by the idea of individual initiative to solve problems in the community
posted by happydude123 at 11:40 AM PST - 2 comments

What are some movies with strong messages?

Movies with strong messages? [more inside]
posted by prenominal at 11:23 AM PST - 56 comments

My glass is weeping?

Is "my glass is weeping" a real Italian expression? What does it mean? [more inside]
posted by hapticactionnetwork at 11:15 AM PST - 6 comments

Does my termination violate the notification clause of my contract?

I am currently working in the NY area for an employer that hired me a few months ago as an independent contractor. This employer just notified me that my position has been terminated (without cause) due to budgetary reasons, with termination effective in one week. According to my contract, either party is supposed to give 30 days notice prior to termination or resignation. There is no indication within the contract regarding payment in lieu of notice. Do I have any recourse or reasonable expectation of some form of compensation considering that I have been given only one week's notice? [more inside]
posted by whitedoor at 11:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Can I get files from the IRC via my android phone?

IRC N00b. Can I get files from the IRC via my android phone? [more inside]
posted by sisquoc15 at 11:05 AM PST - 3 comments

email marketing and getting responses

How to deal with rejection when marketing myself via email in the entertainment industry? And how can I have more success? [more inside]
posted by ljs30 at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Why 'Mark Antony' and not 'Marcus Antonius?'

Why do we say 'Mark Antony' and not 'Marcus Antonius?' His name seems unique among Romans in the way we name them now - is it?
posted by tomboko at 10:46 AM PST - 25 comments

How do I "Let Go" and let life go at its own pace?

How do you "Let Go and Let God"? Or how do you just "Let Go" without believing in God? I'm struggling with sitting back and patiently letting life and relationships take their natural course. I always feel like I need to be "doing something" to control the situation and it's driving me insane. I know I want to stop this behavior, I just can't seem to figure out how. [more inside]
posted by MultiFaceted at 10:43 AM PST - 28 comments

I want to out on dates, not sit at home and write emails

Online dating question for the women of Metafilter : if a guy asks you out in the first email, do you automatically assume that he's a player, a creep, or otherwise undesirable? What if you email him first, and he asks you out in his first reply? [more inside]
posted by Sloop John B at 10:42 AM PST - 48 comments

I want to learn, not get a degree

How can I get a comp sci education without all the BS that goes along with getting a BS? [more inside]
posted by ElDiabloConQueso at 10:26 AM PST - 18 comments

2011 Cost of Living Increase for NYC

I am meeting with my boss for my annual review. I have not have a raise almost since I started four years ago. Is there an easy way to determine the NYC cost of living increase for 2011? I've tried to use teh google but no luck. Thanks.
posted by captainscared at 10:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Very simple affiliate tracking for Mom and Pop online store

Is there a dead simple way to track affiliate links for dead simple online stores (literally a list of Paypal links on a page)? [more inside]
posted by letitrain at 10:03 AM PST - 4 comments

Unexplained sore throat that won't go away

Extremely sore throat for last four days. Not strep. No other cold/flu symptoms. What is going on? [more inside]
posted by Wroksie at 9:59 AM PST - 30 comments

Where to buy lots of loose leaf or easy to peel Clairefontaine?

Paper Nerds - Where to buy lots of half sheet sized, loose leaf (or easy to peel) Clairefontaine? [more inside]
posted by 10ch at 9:40 AM PST - 1 comment

Car Crash = Insurance screwing me over

My beautiful car was destroyed in a crash, someone turned in front of me and it's totally their fault. But their insurance made me an offer for about half of my car's replacement value. And I'm injured too. Now they want to cut off my loaner rental car, to pressure me to settle. How can I get justice? [more inside]
posted by charlie don't surf at 9:33 AM PST - 47 comments

Help identify this murder method from a short story

What is this short story (maybe by Asimov?) ... [spoilers] [more inside]
posted by bleary at 9:29 AM PST - 9 comments

Skincare 101

It's time to come clean... literally. I'm 26 years old, and I don't really know how to take care of my skin properly to keep it clean, breakout free, and hydrated. Please teach me Skin Care 101, so I can have a daily routine to make this happen. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 9:25 AM PST - 48 comments

Pinto Toe

Without a podiatrist, how do I fix my big toe? I do not think it is a hangnail, and it looks normal to the eye. But I could bump it on a down pillow and it will be so painful I want to chop it off. And it's a delayed pain. [more inside]
posted by cashman at 9:23 AM PST - 19 comments

Jewelry (earring) repair in Austin

I need to have a post earring repaired. The setting (with the stone intact) has broken from the post. I'm looking for a local Austin jeweler to repair it. I prefer an independent shop, and locationwise, south Austin is more convenient. Thanks!
posted by immlass at 9:22 AM PST - 1 comment

Don't touch the plumbing?

Why do vacant homes that are for sale often have tape over the plumbing fixtures? I assume it's to prevent use when the water is turned off? [more inside]
posted by de void at 9:19 AM PST - 4 comments

If you wouldn't mind, suck my peepee, woman of ill-repute.

How do I act more controlling in bed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:14 AM PST - 13 comments

Communication Hacks: I know I need to communicate more. It's the remembering to do so that I have a problem with.

I persistently forget to keep my colleagues informed on my work progress. Please help me with your actionable, communication hacks! [more inside]
posted by Tall Telephone Pea at 9:01 AM PST - 10 comments

Instant energy boost, please!

I need an instant boost of energy to get through this work day.(Female, low energy related to iron-deficiency). Please help. [more inside]
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 8:57 AM PST - 19 comments

I barley know her!

Give me your best barley recipes! [more inside]
posted by Kimberly at 8:54 AM PST - 15 comments

The opposite of zombies minds without bodies

Can you recommend stories of disembodied minds? [more inside]
posted by SpaceWarp13 at 8:39 AM PST - 44 comments

How do I bulk my shoulders when I have a rotator cuff injury?

Thanks to a previous post I've been able to get back to the gym and get a great workout going. Now I have a snag. I hurt my rotator cuff years ago (due to a poor benchpress technique or lack thereof). I do the advised exercises for it but regardless, I am unable to lift above my head without injury (and the doc advised against it). Eventually surgery may help. Shoulder presses prior to injury would really bulk up my shoulders but because of this injury I cannot do them anymore. I do dumbbell front and side raises which help but is there any other exercises that might bulk/round the shoulder? I am not going for extremely heavy weights. Just enough to continue to challenge the muscle. Any thoughts?
posted by snap_dragon at 8:30 AM PST - 7 comments

I need more than just banging on pots!

Ever been to a chivaree? Need help planning a music-based post wedding party. [more inside]
posted by raisingsand at 8:16 AM PST - 6 comments

How long, o lord?

Going gluten free: how long to really tell a difference, if gluten intolerance is really a problem? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:05 AM PST - 17 comments

13yr old does small town Conneticut

13yr old boy going to live with US host family: advice needed [more inside]
posted by Wilder at 7:48 AM PST - 43 comments

Looking for recommendations for leather shoes in London, UK.

UK Filter: I want to buy a nice pair of leather shoes, budget about £250 - recommendations? [more inside]
posted by TrinsicWS at 7:36 AM PST - 9 comments

How to keep the daily grind from grinding you down?

As a creative person working a day job completely unrelated to your chosen form of expression, how do you cope when the urge to create comes up while at work? [more inside]
posted by anthom at 7:36 AM PST - 16 comments

A (safe) additive to whiskey

Little rock-like addition to whiskey - what was it? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 7:26 AM PST - 15 comments

Moving on up (off the floor)

How can I elevate a tri-fold futon frame, currently resting directly on the floor, to the height of an actual bed (and have it still be stable)? [more inside]
posted by josyphine at 7:13 AM PST - 5 comments

From the "duh" files

I'm looking for a certain study online, or just an abstract. Scientists at a British (?) university apparently did a study years ago that revealed -- news flash! -- that cookies and milk are a good combination. [more inside]
posted by trillian at 6:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Too terrified of needles

Blood test failed due to needle phobia - what to do now? [more inside]
posted by Gordafarin at 6:30 AM PST - 43 comments

Adventure/speculative fiction writers who have Lived.

I would like to read speculative and adventure fiction by authors with lots of life experience related to the stories they tell. Oh, they also have to write well. For bonus points: the experience shouldn't be in technology or military. [more inside]
posted by jetsetlag at 6:02 AM PST - 18 comments

Do contractor light bulbs last longer?

Why do the light bulbs my builder installed last so much longer than the ones I replace them with? [more inside]
posted by magicbus at 5:46 AM PST - 9 comments

Pumped up.

Two months ago, I replaced my well pump, but my domestic water still shows light traces of brown. Will this diminish over time? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 5:12 AM PST - 5 comments

Professional offroad driving for power-chair user in UK?

I'm looking for a professional offroad driving facility in the UK that caters - well and without fuss - for disabled people and particularly for power-chair users. [more inside]
posted by vogel at 3:04 AM PST - 6 comments

Windows just doesn't like tunnels

What's the easiest way to implement a Windows SMB redirector? [more inside]
posted by flabdablet at 2:58 AM PST - 3 comments

In desperate need of dastardly deeds.

Please me think of villainous crimes that villainous villains might do! [more inside]
posted by piato at 2:25 AM PST - 29 comments

Is a ticket home required?

I'm leaving for Australia next week from Thailand, I have my tourist visa & will be staying with friends. What I don't have yet is my return ticket home to the US. Am I going to have any problems (with the airlines or AU immigration, or - ?) because I'm not yet ticketed?
posted by jsslz at 1:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Poorly misinformed character

Name book and character, where character associates being ill with being interesting. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 12:27 AM PST - 24 comments

all of the sinning with none of the guilt!

i need some help with some convention swag that relates to the seven deadly sins. [more inside]
posted by koroshiya at 12:06 AM PST - 14 comments

February 24

Help me listen to the radio on my computer!

How do I get my computer to live-stream radio stations without giving me a big black screen with the message 'waiting for video'? This happens whether I click on 'High Quality Live Audio Stream', 'Unmetered Content' or 'Low Bit Rate Live Audio Stream' It also happens when I try to listen to audio files from my university webpage. I have a PC with Windows 7.
posted by lazy robot at 11:19 PM PST - 3 comments

What companies/businesses do you know about that are reliable that will provide emergency replacement passports reliably?

Passport emergency - My sister's passport seems to have gotten lost in the mail, and she needs to get a new one immediately - like, within the next day, or on Saturday. What companies/businesses do you know about that are reliable that will do this service for her? [more inside]
posted by jabronimus at 10:26 PM PST - 13 comments

Infant seat in front seat? How bad?

Apparently apnea monitors aren't reliable in moving vehicles, and I may have to put my 11-day-old in the front seat to be able to see that she's still breathing. Anybody have experience or expertise? [more inside]
posted by wjm at 10:25 PM PST - 24 comments

What's Romania's Amazon.com?

In the US, I like to use Amazon to send gifts directly to the recipient. What similar service could I use to send gifts to people elsewhere in the world? [more inside]
posted by thehmsbeagle at 10:16 PM PST - 9 comments

Is it worth paying to have my iPod Touch fixed?

2nd generation iPod Touch isn't syncing properly. Is it worth fixing or should I just look into buying a refurbished one? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 9:53 PM PST - 8 comments

What was that song?

Trying to find a song from the 90s. [more inside]
posted by Panjandrum at 9:49 PM PST - 7 comments

I need an easy campaign for total D&D n00bs.

I'm being asked to DM a D&D game for a bunch of completely new players. These are people who aren't even really into gaming. This could be fun! But we have 2 roadblocks: One, I haven't DMed in like 10 years. Two, I need a pretty set campaign to run. Is there a resource somewhere for easy to run, complete scenarious/campaigns for total n00bs?
posted by GilloD at 9:36 PM PST - 17 comments

Un-distorting a "jewish" sound clip.

I need help un-disorted a sound clip. There is a sound in Civilization 4 that plays whenever you discover Judaism. I could not place it--and I know my Jewish prayers--so I dug in the install folder and found the full file. It is heavily distorted in a way I cannot quite figure out. Could someone help me see if this was ever a prayer to begin with, or was just random vocalizations approved as being "Jewish enough" in order to avoid offending people with actual prayers? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 9:05 PM PST - 8 comments

Unstick my seatbelt.

I have a dog seatbelt harness stuck in a seatbelt buckle. Help me get it unstuck. [more inside]
posted by zamboni at 8:40 PM PST - 7 comments

Please help our poor, sad dog.

Any idea what is causing my dog to chew her back feet, all of a sudden? [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat at 8:22 PM PST - 12 comments

space shuttles

I cannot find out where the space shuttles were physically built; gave up on WIKI. They were built by Rockwell International (?), but plants are located all over the US.
posted by broadmargins at 7:54 PM PST - 10 comments

Make us feel better about the bar exam

My husband just finished taking the Tennessee bar exam and just found out that they changed the way they grade it - and it's in opposition to his test taking strategy. Help us down off the ledge! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:51 PM PST - 12 comments

Best Wiccan blogs?

What are the most interesting, influential Wiccan sites and blogs? [more inside]
posted by musofire at 7:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Is it ok to ask for time to consider a job offer?

Is it ok to ask for time to consider a job offer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:26 PM PST - 17 comments

How to indulge my inner snoop?

I love doing research to uncover things that are hard to figure out--or, better, that I'm not supposed to know about. The sort of thing that investigative reporters and detectives do. How can I find an outlet for this interest? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:26 PM PST - 12 comments

No more unencrypted emails! EVER!

Looking for an open source, self-contained and webpage-based file lockbox program where my clients can upload sensitive files I don't want them emailing to me. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by plaidrabbit at 7:02 PM PST - 11 comments

How to sow seeds properly?

I am planting a container garden for the first time. I am planting herbs and vegetables that require 36" of space when mature, but I'm wondering if I need to give them that much space when I am sowing them and growing seedlings? [more inside]
posted by luciddream928 at 6:56 PM PST - 22 comments

Rory only recently realized how cheap yarn is when you buy in bulk

I want to cover a room with yarn, including ceiling and floor. How can I best estimate how much yarn this will take? And are there methods of attaching vast amounts of yarn to walls that will make it easy to remove when I eventually have to?
posted by Rory Marinich at 6:53 PM PST - 18 comments

say yes to the dress!

Where can I find a unique, non-fussy, non-traditional wedding dress in Los Angeles? [more inside]
posted by annie o at 6:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Video to dvd..How to

I have several Hi8 video tapes from years ago. My camera is broken so how do I watch them? I want to watch them to decide which ones to transfer to dvd. [more inside]
posted by mikedelic at 6:28 PM PST - 5 comments

Everyday hacks for a colostomy wearer.

What things should I know as someone who has just received a colostomy? [more inside]
posted by Felicity Rilke at 6:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Was it really Secret?

Herod The Great had a “secret police force” or network of spies. What would he have called them? [more inside]
posted by clavdivs at 6:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Vegas - Senior Style

I'm taking my 65 year old Grandma to Vegas. She's never been. How can I make this the best trip ever? [more inside]
posted by Marinara at 6:14 PM PST - 20 comments

I rock in the affirmative! I rock in the negative!

Please help me find the most life-affirming "Yeah!" and devastating "No!" in all of rock n' roll history. [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 6:13 PM PST - 45 comments

How do I keep my flatware from turning brown?

How do I prevent brown spots on my new flatware? [more inside]
posted by Four-Eyed Girl at 6:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Connect Four? No, just one.

Please -- please! -- help me troubleshoot a vexing wireless connectivity problem. Just to put this front and center: I am not knowledgeable about computers. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:49 PM PST - 8 comments

creepy eye

My boyfriend burst a blood vessel in his eye while doing an inverted weightlifting exercise today. Is this something to worry about? [more inside]
posted by you're a kitty! at 5:45 PM PST - 16 comments

Is there such a thing as whole grain paella?

Can I make paella with whole grains? I've found a paella recipe that I love, but I generally try not to eat white rice. So I'm wondering if I can make it with spelt or farro instead. I would just experiment with the recipe, but the ingredients are kind of expensive, and I don't want to end up throwing the whole thing out because the grains didn't cook up right. Anyone cooked this sort of thing or had it in a restaurant?
posted by 912 Greens at 5:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Looking for user and designer friendly ecommerce software

I'm looking for recommendations for ecommerce software that is easily customizable for a fairly code savvy designer which provides a very user friendly interface for my clients to add new items to the store. [more inside]
posted by ljshapiro at 5:36 PM PST - 5 comments

I want to buy some German insect power!

What Volkswagen (old) Beetle model/year/feature set is right for us? [more inside]
posted by RolandOfEld at 5:32 PM PST - 33 comments

Where should I put the Do Not Bend labels?

I'm about to send out about 100 envelopes (6 inches high by 9 inches wide) that I don't want bent. I'm going to have "Do Not Bend" labels printed, and plan to request that the envelopes be hand-stamped at the (U.S.) post office (and/or ask whether I can hand-stamp them myself at that location). The question: Where is the best place on this size of envelope to put a "Do Not Bend" label?
posted by limeonaire at 5:31 PM PST - 10 comments

Need a moving company and less stress

Moving a short distance on the east side of the Sound (Seattle area). Any recommendations for a moving company? [more inside]
posted by rainygrl716 at 5:17 PM PST - 6 comments

America on film

I teach ESL to new refugees and they have expressed a desire to see movies that tell them about or show America. They want to know about the different landscapes, accents, lifestyles, etc. I'm looking for suggestions for simple, visually descriptive films that feature a wide variety of geographical locations and Americans. Can you think of any? [more inside]
posted by swingbraid at 5:05 PM PST - 26 comments

I need the bizarro Martian version of Galileo.

Martian Astronomer Filter--when Mars moves like this in the sky from our point of view on Earth, how does the Earth appear to move from Mars' perspective? [more inside]
posted by JMB1138 at 4:36 PM PST - 3 comments

Is not the headbutt somewhat pyrrhic?

Help me understand the efficacy of a headbutt as an offensive opening gambit in a bout of fisticuffs... [more inside]
posted by dougrayrankin at 4:32 PM PST - 27 comments

Need a good wireless headset for a land-line

Need a good hands-free, wireless head set for my land line at work. I'm on the phone all day at work, and for the past few years I've used the Plantronics CS-50, but there are a few things about this model that are annoying... [more inside]
posted by 89gl at 4:22 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking to buy a chair.

Unique chair from TV series. [more inside]
posted by JohnE at 4:06 PM PST - 11 comments

Go Team!

What are some things that I can do to prove to my boss that I am a team player? Of course, there are special details below the cut! [more inside]
posted by splitinfinitive at 3:51 PM PST - 10 comments

Tips/Etiquette on driving safely in the US

First time US Driving Filter: I have been driving for about 5 years now, but not much in the US. I need tips on driving safely. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by theobserver at 3:43 PM PST - 35 comments

Hiking in Israel

Good places to hike in Israel? [more inside]
posted by j1950 at 3:09 PM PST - 3 comments

How do tax deductions for donated goods work?

How do non-monetary tax deductible donations work? How is the value of the donated items determined? Is there a special receipt needed? Can any 501(c)(3) provide donors with a tax deductible receipt? Any and all information related to this topic would be appreciated! [more inside]
posted by covercash at 2:40 PM PST - 11 comments

How to burn many unique CDs?/

Are there cd duplicators that can burn many unique images (as opposed to identical images) simultaneously? [more inside]
posted by BleachBypass at 2:19 PM PST - 12 comments

Lower abdominal pain. What to do?

Lower abdominal pain and tenderness. What do do? [more inside]
posted by rollbiz at 2:19 PM PST - 24 comments

Would it be smart to buy/sell a new Mac laptop every year?

Spurred by today's announcement about new MacBook Pros, I have a quick question about owning a Mac. Specifically, I'm wondering whether it would be wise to just buy a new 13-inch Mac laptop (~$1300, after I upgrade the RAM and hard drive) every year, and sell the old one. [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 2:18 PM PST - 22 comments

to buy a bench

Where on the Internet, or in the Bay Area, can I find a small bench (@ 3' wide x 1' deep) for my front stoop? [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 2:11 PM PST - 4 comments

Midwife recommendation in Vancouver, BC?

Midwife recommendation in Vancouver, BC? [more inside]
posted by branparsons at 1:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Google Apps and Sites

Please break down Google Sites and Google Apps (standard or education version). I want to start a uni. department wiki site but I'm confused by my options. [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 1:51 PM PST - 3 comments

which vacuum would I enjoy?

I'm in the market for a vacuum that uses bags and is inexpensive, reliable, not too powerful and not too big. Help me pick the right one. [more inside]
posted by wondermouse at 1:36 PM PST - 13 comments

What do you mean, "Don't use the checklists as checklists"?

I have approximately 3000-5000 baseball trading cards (and a few hockey and football cards) from 1978 through 1983. What's the best way to sort through them, figure out the quality, identify the more valuable cards, and sell them?
posted by not_on_display at 1:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me be less patronising and condescending

Tips on how to be less patronising and condescending [more inside]
posted by choppyes at 1:13 PM PST - 25 comments

iPhone App Access to Contacts

iPhone security question: My employer is considering allowing the use of iPhones (and possibly Android phones) in place of our traditional Blackberries, but is concerned about ensuring security of our confidential information. We already know how to turn off the ability of apps to access location data on the iPhone, but I'm also looking for a way to prevent apps from accessing the contact list. Perhaps my GoogleFu is failing me--is there an easy (or not so easy) way to do this?
posted by monju_bosatsu at 1:01 PM PST - 7 comments

Pimp my iPad!

Pimp my iPad! I'm going to be using an iPad for business trips in the near future. Can you help me find all the best apps for wandering through a strange city? [more inside]
posted by chatongriffes at 12:48 PM PST - 8 comments

No, this isn't a smoker's cough, its a nonsmoker's cough!

Quitting smoking filter: Of all the things I expected, this horrible scratch in my throat is seriously bumming me out. How can I fix it? How long might this last? [more inside]
posted by stormygrey at 12:34 PM PST - 17 comments

Where can I find this salad dressing?

Can anyone help me find a way to buy this salad dressing which is only sold for foodservice use? [more inside]
posted by LaurenIpsum at 12:33 PM PST - 13 comments

My girlfriend has a shitty, shitty cat.

My girlfriend's cat has a tendency to become REALLY active at night, most often between the hours of 4 and 6 in the morning. Loudly running around the bedroom, knocking things off of tables, clawing furniture, whatever she can do to make noise. How can we curb this behavior? [more inside]
posted by incomple at 12:22 PM PST - 47 comments

Science Fiction book title

Name that Science Fiction book title! [more inside]
posted by Brocktoon at 11:55 AM PST - 3 comments

Text editor for Chrome

Is there an equivalent plugin for Chrome that duplicates It's All Text for Firefox? I use a browser a lot to enter complicated text into things like wikis and I need a full featured text editor for Chrome. I currently use It's All Text which lets me use vim to do everything that vim can do to the text in a text box but there doesn't seem to be an equivalent for Chrome.
posted by octothorpe at 11:51 AM PST - 4 comments

Easy Oscar Party Meal

Help me plan a menu for a small dinner party that I can cook during the Oscars this Sunday. [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 11:44 AM PST - 16 comments

Tablet advice for Lightroom

I'm thinking of getting an Intuos 4 tablet for my photo work (Lightroom, Photoshop). Obviously, it's the bees knees for Photoshop--anyone using it with Lightroom (where I do most of my editing)? Which version to get? Thinking the medium or the slightly smaller wireless version--do they have enough real estate for effective use with a 23/24" Apple Cinema Display? Lastly, are there any rumors about an impending refresh? The wireless version was released over a year ago, and the wired versions were released almost two years ago. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:28 AM PST - 8 comments

Calling all kids and kids-at-heart

Help source photographs and ideas for the design of a maximally creative schoolyard play space for grades K-8. [more inside]
posted by tidecat at 11:26 AM PST - 6 comments

What is the best thing to do for my cat?

What is the best thing to do for my cat? [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 10:43 AM PST - 24 comments

Can you identify this vintage design chair?

Can you identify the yellow chair in this photo? Here's another picture, and here is one more. I contacted the photographer, who said the chair had been purchased used in an antique store in the US, and that it has no markings to identify its maker. It's similar to the Vernon Panton S chair, but it ain't it.
posted by gentle at 10:42 AM PST - 2 comments

Moving out of state -- what do I do with my bank account?

I'm moving from Washington State to Southern California in a few weeks. My primary banking is with Bank of America. What do I need to do with respect to my bank accounts when I move, to cause the minimum possible disruption? [more inside]
posted by sharding at 10:40 AM PST - 21 comments

Morph a FB personal account into biz account (not a page)?

Can I convert my Facebook personal account into a business account (not a page)? [more inside]
posted by IzzeYum at 9:33 AM PST - 9 comments

Alternatives to laundering a stuffed animal?

How to clean a Very Important stuffed animal: the baby edition. [more inside]
posted by oh really at 9:05 AM PST - 22 comments

Vague description and sketchy timeline for game I played once

Biology-based learning computer game in the earlyish 90's, with an amoeba? [more inside]
posted by Heretical at 9:02 AM PST - 2 comments

Veggies for breakfast

Vegetables for breakfast? How is it done? How do you have breakfast this is not focused on meats, dairy and grains? Please share your ideas and recipes.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 8:59 AM PST - 62 comments

And the winner is...

My friend is holding her annual Oscar betting pool. Last year I got fewer picks right statistically than if I had just chosen randomly. How do I win this year's Oscar pool? [more inside]
posted by JimmyJames at 8:57 AM PST - 12 comments

Three's Company Too

Need financial/legal info about buying a house with someone else. I know YANML and YANMA but wanted starting points, advice, and any stories from people who have been through this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:46 AM PST - 5 comments

rebuttal for The Spirit Level

Please recommend a good rebuttal to The Spirit Level. [more inside]
posted by metaBugs at 8:45 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me find a fantasy book in which the ex-king is turned into a deformed midget court jester.

Help me find a fantasy book in which the ex-king is turned into a deformed midget court jester. [more inside]
posted by bindasj at 8:34 AM PST - 3 comments

500 kcal nutrient cube BID

I'm a vegetarian, I'm starting to work out with weights, and I'm looking for specific ways to add 1,000 calories per day to my diet. I'm very confused about how to accomplish this healthily. Halp! [more inside]
posted by Maximian at 7:43 AM PST - 31 comments

World Financial Group scares the heck out of me...

Please share your knowledge of and/or experiences with World Financial Group. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 7:36 AM PST - 2 comments

Pictures of a deceased ex

A little over two years ago, my ex-boyfriend broke up with me. A couple of weeks later, he passed away unexpectedly. The whole situation, the break-up and his death, was incredibly difficult for me. For almost the past two years, I have been in a relationship with someone else; this relationship has gotten really serious over the past year and a half or so. We were friends when my ex-boyfriend and I split, so he has been with me through this whole situation and knows how hard it has been for me. Generally, over the past couple of years, he has been very supportive and understanding of what I am going through. Since my ex passed away, I have had pictures of him and me together in my apartment and as my facebook profile picture. [more inside]
posted by CuriousJoe at 7:25 AM PST - 74 comments

Daredevil killed in the 1970's - help me find articles about this...

Please help me find articles, about a daredevil who was killed doing a stunt in the late 1970's... [more inside]
posted by thermonuclear.jive.turkey at 7:07 AM PST - 4 comments

Examining 300 MS Word documents, looking for shortcuts

How would one go about the task of recording the word-counts of hundreds of MS Word documents? Is this something that could be automated? [more inside]
posted by cac at 7:03 AM PST - 4 comments

Secular choral music

Can you recommend some secular choral music? [more inside]
posted by monkey closet at 6:42 AM PST - 18 comments

Surviving Aix-en-Provence for two weeks

I have to go to Aix-en-Provence for work for two weeks. I would like to hear some restaurant recommendations in the "cheap and good" category. [more inside]
posted by hariya at 6:34 AM PST - 9 comments

Fortunatly, it wasn't a tramp stamp

Where can I get some stamps mounted in NYC? [more inside]
posted by shothotbot at 6:12 AM PST - 1 comment

How does one build a supercomputer?

Computer Theory Filter: In short, what are the major reasons/roadblocks stopping someone from gathering computer processors and parts that are going to be recycled etc. and building a larger and larger supercomputer? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by Busmick at 6:09 AM PST - 28 comments

I want to be more stylish. Help? Looking for both general style tips and specific clothing recommendation.

I want to be more stylish. Help? Looking for both general style tips and specific clothing recommendation. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 5:01 AM PST - 40 comments

Supernatural themed outdoor games and activities

Looking for summer camp-like activities that could be played by adults... with a creepy or supernatural twist. [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 3:37 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to check some predictions

I'm looking for a short film I saw in a computing class about 10 or 15 years ago. It was set in the "close future" demonstrating the use of computer technology by a disaster recovery team after an earthquake in California. Notably, all the computers and devices like printers were wireless. [more inside]
posted by WhackyparseThis at 3:21 AM PST - 2 comments

Books for Anxious-Preoccupied Attachment Style

What books will help me fix my anxious-preoccupied attachment style? [more inside]
posted by cheesecake at 1:41 AM PST - 6 comments

Taking night classes while accepting unemployment

A friend wishes to take night classes while accepting California unemployment insurance checks. He's scared that he'll be caught, because of question 5 on the EDD grid: Did you begin attending any kind of school or training? [more inside]
posted by goofyfoot at 12:27 AM PST - 16 comments

February 23

Smoking in L.A.?

Is the show Californication's representation of smoking in a bar in Los Angeles complete fabrication or are there still some bars in L.A. that have grandfather clauses? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 11:55 PM PST - 13 comments

Los Angeles Nightlife for College kids

Los Angeles Nightlife [more inside]
posted by AMWKE1984 at 11:08 PM PST - 10 comments

Short-term vroom

I've had my driver's license for less than a year, and I want to have a car for a couple months so I can practice driving every day and get really comfortable- I think it'll make me a much safer driver in the long run. What's the best way to get a car for just a couple of months? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:22 PM PST - 10 comments

What gender do newly-invented things have in languages where things have genders?

What gender do newly-invented things have in languages where things have genders? [more inside]
posted by AmbroseChapel at 9:38 PM PST - 16 comments

How to manipulate "12 = x - (square root of x)" into "x="

The solution to 12 = x - (square root of x) is 16, but how do I manipulate the equation to show that? [more inside]
posted by Wanderboy at 8:56 PM PST - 47 comments

What was your best learning vacation?

What was your best learning vacation ever? I'm open to all ideas - I'm interested in great teachers rather than any particular subject, I'd like it to be a minimum of a week long and a max of a semester. Europe, North or South America or Asia, preferably when the weather is cool.
posted by storybored at 8:48 PM PST - 7 comments

Jam Sessions at Jazz Fest

I'll finally be going to Jazz Fest in New Orleans this year. Does anyone know if there are open jam sessions around the city during the festival? I don't have any illusions about playing with famous folks, but it would be nice to get together with some other musicians and play jazz. (I'm a vocalist, if that makes any difference).
posted by gteffertz at 8:18 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me bounce back from an emotionally abusive relationship.

I just left an emotionally abusive relationship. And I feel... off. Help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:17 PM PST - 24 comments

Help me identify this piece of comic art.

Help me identify this piece of comic art. [more inside]
posted by xtine at 8:13 PM PST - 4 comments

I've lived here far too long.

What should I do this summer? I have four months, no job, little money, a beat-up car, and I live at home. I'm a twenty year old female. Points for recommending free Judaism classes. [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 8:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Throat clearing

Why is he always clearing his throat? My boyfriend is constantly clearing his throat, multiple times a day and I'm really concerned. What's wrong with him? He won't see a doctor and just says he's phlegmy.
posted by grak88 at 8:04 PM PST - 33 comments

Name that song, Google Maps edition

Where is the music in this Google Maps for Android demo video from? It seems really familiar, especially starting at about 0:18. I've already run it through Shazam with no luck. [more inside]
posted by teraflop at 8:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Bring music back into my life!

I'm in the market for a keyboard that is as piano-like as possible for around $1000. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by slide at 7:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Veal-entines?

Help me feed people delicious and February-themed food! [more inside]
posted by citywolf at 7:29 PM PST - 11 comments

My electrons are party poopers.

How do you stay with and build upon those "moments of realization/inspiration?" [more inside]
posted by thorny at 7:21 PM PST - 5 comments

We have gerbils

How can we contain our gerbil population? [more inside]
posted by torticat at 7:15 PM PST - 31 comments

How to write an acting resume?

How to write an acting resume? Or rather, how to make my bare-bones resume not look so embarassingly empty and bare? And a sorta ethical question.... and much anxiety... [more inside]
posted by lovelygirl at 7:05 PM PST - 15 comments

How much is he worth?!?!

What's the asking price for a web developer in the Baltimore/DC area? [more inside]
posted by Lobster Garden at 7:04 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me control my furnace's blower

How can I reconfigure my Goodman GmH950703Bx furnace so that it doesn't blow all the time? [more inside]
posted by ChrisR at 6:28 PM PST - 3 comments

Can the wrong emergency contact written in ink in a passport be crossed out?

Is this something I should call the State Department about or is it just a tempest in a teapot? I just got my renewed passport. In the back, where it plainly says to write in pencil, I wrote the wrong name in pen. I'm thinking I can't white it out (or whatever the 21st century equivalent is) because that would raise all sorts of red flags at customs. It would, right?? And what about just crossing out the wrong name and inserting the right one, in pencil, above? Anyone have any experience in this? Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl at 5:46 PM PST - 7 comments

Do linguistics grad students have time to breathe?

Lifestyle of a Linguistics Graduate Student? I am starting a Ph.D. Program next fall, and I want to have an idea of how much time I will be spending on campus, working, studying, etc. Will I have time to sleep? Will I be burnt out and hating myself after one semester? What about money? [more inside]
posted by lettuchi at 5:35 PM PST - 15 comments

So, my therapist broke up with me. Is it worth trying to find another one?

So, my therapist broke up with me. Is it worth trying to find another one? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:34 PM PST - 25 comments

Can you suggest resources for a cancer survivor who works with cancer patients?

My SO is a speech therapist/speech pathologist at a major hospital, and her department specializes in cancer patients. This can take a quite a toll on her, but the impact has worsened following her own skin cancer diagnosis last year. I was wondering if there were any books, websites, programs or resources designed to help healthcare providers deal with working with these kinds of cases, and perhaps also ones to deal with dealing with cancer diagnoses. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Tampa

What are some great novels that are set in Tampa? [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Earth, cut in half.

Is anyone aware of an image that's been generated depicting the whole circle of the earth in section view, showing the topography of the relevant land masses and sea floors? [more inside]
posted by brightghost at 4:30 PM PST - 15 comments

Why would someone slip "reddit" in a craigslist ad?

[Craigslist filter] Asking for a friend: Why would someone slip "reddit" at the bottom of a Craigslist room for rent ad posted in San Francisco, CA? SEO? Magic keyword?
posted by aGee at 4:18 PM PST - 10 comments

I need a Big Book of Bugs for toddlers

My toddler loves bugs and books. Obviously, a bug book is needed. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 3:44 PM PST - 15 comments

Is there a dead rodent in my wall?

Bad house smell has come on strong and suddenly. What is it? It's giving me a headache but my dogs don't even seem to notice it. [more inside]
posted by Buffaload at 3:40 PM PST - 22 comments

How to recover page-ranking in google after being pharmahacked?

SEO Fliter: My blog recently got pharmahacked and my page-rank has died. Anything I can do to hasten recovery? Or am I permanently hosed? [more inside]
posted by jlunar at 3:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Am I overreacting?

Am I overreacting to my boyfriend's behaviour? Very confused about recent events and trying to work out what to do. Details and back story under the cut. Anonymous due to private details. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:16 PM PST - 50 comments

Best certifications and online courses for a new database administrator?

Best certifications and online courses for a new database administrator? [more inside]
posted by anonnymoose at 3:04 PM PST - 3 comments

I mean, other than annoying?

Does this style of of oft-viral video actually have a name? Do you have a favorite? [more inside]
posted by RockyChrysler at 2:55 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for books with daily essays or tasks for the entire year.

Help me find a book I saw years ago which had a different healthy habit for every week of the year. Also, I am interested in more books with daily/weekly essays/thoughts/meditations/tasks, so can you recommend me any? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 2:45 PM PST - 7 comments

In a new relationship, she has a daughter who is not comfortable with the divorce ...

In a new relationship, she has a daughter who is not comfortable with the divorce ... [more inside]
posted by allelopath at 2:45 PM PST - 13 comments

How do I be the parent and scientist I want to be?

Can I take 2 or 3 years off after getting my PhD to be a parent full-time without seriously reducing my ability to be a researcher (not necessarily a professor) in the hard sciences? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:31 PM PST - 15 comments

Lose Your Shirt European Vacation

Going to Europe this summer. Do I really have to spend $1500 to get there?! [more inside]
posted by shew at 2:27 PM PST - 18 comments

To Dyson or Not To Dyson?

I'm having trouble vacuuming the carpeted stairs in my new home with our upright vacuum (for obvious reasons). I've finally convinced my husband that we need a canister vacuum to do the job. What's the best option on the market, in terms of a happy balance between quality and price? [more inside]
posted by litnerd at 2:15 PM PST - 19 comments

Equality Now! BBall Substitutions dilemma

MathStoryProblem: I coach youth bball and need help with equal playing time substitutions with a line-up that varies week to week. I think some kind of formula or counting trick should help, but my math skills are failing me. Up to 15 kids, 10 substitutions per game (25 min halves - subs every 5 min). As close to equal amount of floor time as possible (obviously, this can't always be the case). [more inside]
posted by ten year lurk at 2:11 PM PST - 6 comments

Why does white on TV make noise?

Why does white on a TV screen cause audible buzzing noise? It's obvious more on an all-white screen, but even small amounts like captions. It seems like it's been this way for decades, through CRT and on to plasma HDTV screens. [more inside]
posted by davebug at 2:04 PM PST - 10 comments

How to design an after-school program for teens?

I have a chance to start an after-school program for teens in my rural community. I have no experience designing this sort of program. Help! [more inside]
posted by luckynerd at 1:58 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I add a listing to EAP directories?

How do I help a small, non-profit day care get into directories for Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)? [more inside]
posted by mingshan at 1:56 PM PST - 2 comments

What small projector will work with Macs?

I just bought an Optoma Pico PK301 to use in our (Mac-based) office and also when we travel. Unfortunately I didn't realize that it won't work like a normal projector - i.e. just letting me project what is on my screen. Can I hack it or should I return it and get a different one? [more inside]
posted by sabotagerabbit at 1:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Best bag for 8 weeks of travel?

I'm going to be traveling in South Africa, Southeast Asia and Australia for 8 weeks this summer. I am very much a minimalist, but still, 8 weeks is 8 weeks-- what's the best bag that meets carry-on requirements? [more inside]
posted by phaedrus441 at 1:15 PM PST - 20 comments

Be a dentist, you'll be a success...?

Should I go to dental school? [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 12:49 PM PST - 17 comments

But what if I don't want to?

This video clip from the TLC leaves me wondering what should be done. I know to never allow the police to search anything and to not answer questions. But what if the request is not a question but a demand rationalized by the officer as a safety issue. Bonus question: does the door being opened count as consent to search? YANML YANAL TINLA apply [more inside]
posted by Felex at 12:38 PM PST - 16 comments

How to approach a job review when I'm likely to leave the company?

How do I handle a performance review when I'm likely to leave the company in the next month or so? [more inside]
posted by designmartini at 12:36 PM PST - 9 comments

It slices, it dices?

I am looking for video editing software very similar to programs used by college sports teams to make 'cutups' of game footage. [more inside]
posted by jopreacher at 12:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Games to play in the background

Looking for good games to play in the background. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 11:43 AM PST - 18 comments

How to make the best out of my first meeting with a web designer.

Help me organize this website idea I have, being technologically impaired. [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 11:38 AM PST - 10 comments

My new favorite dress is too small.

Is it possible to get this dress let out a little (made larger) without it looking obvious? Or should I send it back? Bonus points for good-but-inexpensive seamstress/tailor recommendations in NYC/Brooklyn! [more inside]
posted by Viola at 11:34 AM PST - 14 comments

Good bluetooth stereo (noise canceling?) headphones?

Good bluetooth stereo (noise canceling?) headphones? [more inside]
posted by Uncle at 11:27 AM PST - 5 comments

Pecking Cat has turned into Gobbling Cat

Pecking Cat has turned into Gobbling Cat [more inside]
posted by New England Cultist at 11:23 AM PST - 6 comments

law_process_advice

YANML. My son is being charged with 4th degree felony. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:05 AM PST - 30 comments

Immediate gratification SQL learning?

For professional development, I would like to take a college-level statistics course over the next few months. I am also looking into learning more about SQL. What online programs are best for me? [more inside]
posted by QuantumMeruit at 10:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Exercise: how do I push myself without damaging myself?

I strain a muscle too frequently when I exercise. How am I supposed to get stronger? [more inside]
posted by jessicapierce at 10:35 AM PST - 25 comments

A little bit of southern charm to the northern tundra.

I want to to purchase a tacky-ish tube dress like you see at college football games in the south, but for a team in the north that definitely doesn't have anything like this commercially available, as a gift. Where do I get this done? [more inside]
posted by SNWidget at 10:32 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me name that diva!

Help me name that tune! [more inside]
posted by donblood at 10:14 AM PST - 4 comments

How to ensure documents moved to a shared folder have the same permissions as documents created in the shared folder?

Looking for a setting in Windows XP to ensure that all users (or all users in a certain group) will always be able to access documents in a shared folder. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 10:11 AM PST - 13 comments

Should I abandon my half-assed fitness regimen on the second day?

After a lifetime of indifferent body maintenance I am engaging in a fitness regimen of sorts. One day in and I am extremely sore. What am I in for? What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:11 AM PST - 19 comments

I fell in love again all things go, all things go drove to Chicago

Honeymoonfilter: Chicago in late October. Good idea?
posted by holdkris99 at 10:07 AM PST - 12 comments

The 'what ifs' are getting to me.

How much would a 3.4 college gpa limit me in terms of grad school? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 10:04 AM PST - 23 comments

Fear of the glaucoma test

How can I learn to tolerate glaucoma tests? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:30 AM PST - 33 comments

Primary-Secondary School Teaching Jobs References Through Applicant: Is this Stanard?

Is it standard for applicants to primary/secondary school teaching jobs to submit their own recs (US)? [more inside]
posted by vincele at 9:29 AM PST - 5 comments

New bike commuter with questions!

This past weekend, I purchased my first road bike. My long term goal is to cycle to/from work every day. I’ve taken the bike on a few exploratory rides, been humbled by my general fitness level, and came away with a number of questions I hope you all can answer. (Many more details inside. (This ended up much longer than I thought it would.)) [more inside]
posted by Barmecide at 9:25 AM PST - 42 comments

To Montessori or not to Montessori?

How would you describe the difference between a Montessori preschool and a 'regular' preschool? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 9:15 AM PST - 25 comments

Krasny Oktyabr (Красный Октябрь) Д8, Д8e or Д6 engines?

Any MeFites know anything about Krasny Oktyabr (Красный Октябрь) Д8, Д8e or Д6 engines? [more inside]
posted by ZenMasterThis at 9:01 AM PST - 2 comments

Bang bang

When a hairstylist offers a complimentary bang trim between haircuts, do you tip them for this? I would assume yes, but how much?
posted by angiewriter at 8:51 AM PST - 8 comments

QuoteFilter: what did Feynman say about "Godel, Escher, Bach"?

What did Feynman say about Hofstadter's "Godel, Escher, Bach"? I recall a quote, something like "The book is 90% brilliance and 10% crap, and no one knows which is which" but I can't find the source.
posted by sninctown at 8:41 AM PST - 3 comments

Flying with a Newborn

Logistics of traveling solo with an infant. Looking for tips regarding carriers, going to the bathroom, changing a baby on the plane. I'll be flying Alaska Air and I'd love any special tips for flying these small planes or even Alaska in particular. [more inside]
posted by amanda at 8:40 AM PST - 29 comments

Need DJ's in Ranchi

Need DJ in Ranchi [more inside]
posted by harigopal at 8:39 AM PST - 0 comments

How can I make the BBC liveblogs update?

How can I force the Ajax/jQuery style pages on the BBC website to update on the user end? [more inside]
posted by proj at 8:11 AM PST - 3 comments

What are the best examples of stylized visual resumes?

I'm looking for the best examples of stylized visual resumes. [more inside]
posted by Juniper Toast at 7:58 AM PST - 3 comments

How good is "good enough"?

Should I settle for mediocre grades? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:56 AM PST - 48 comments

What if it's not ADD?

What was your adult neuropsychological evaluation like, if you've had one? What should we be looking for in the process? I'm not sure my SO is getting the sort of evaluation he needs. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Thermostat for new Lennox gas furnace

This is pretty specific, but we have a new Lennox G61-MPP gas furnace and aren't all that happy with the thermostat the contractor installed for it (Pro1 IAQ). Does anyone have any experience with other thermostats compatible with this furnace? Should be able to provide 7 day schedule, advance recovery, and multi-stage heat calls. Thanks!
posted by aught at 7:37 AM PST - 5 comments

refreshments that don't leave crumbs and aren't sticky?

Which refreshments can I serve that won't leave crumbs or sticky fingers? [more inside]
posted by ThiefOfSweets at 7:35 AM PST - 15 comments

What should we know about vacationing in Ireland/Scotland in late spring?

Planning in two-week vacation with the wife in Ireland and Scotland. We've never been to either before, what should we know? [more inside]
posted by Nelsormensch at 7:19 AM PST - 24 comments

Looking for the artist who did the illustrations in The Orphanage

Shot in the dark illustrator search: who actually did the drawings on the wall of Thomas's sealed off room in The Orphanage, 2007? [more inside]
posted by everydayanewday at 7:12 AM PST - 2 comments

Does PowerPoint 2010 run lag-free?

PowerPoint 2010 is running slow on my system. It takes a long time to redraw thumbnails every time I go to slide sorter (up to 1/2 second per slide), lags a lot when moving objects on a page or when flipping from one page to the next. Seeing as I do PowerPoint for a living, this is not so good. Before I shell out for a new computer, I wanted to make sure this is my computer and not a problem with PowerPoint. So, my question: Do you find PowerPoint 2010 to be nice and snappy on your system? [more inside]
posted by The Dutchman at 7:04 AM PST - 13 comments

Intermittant rewards are frustrating

Do you have the Epson NX420 printer/scanner? Does it work? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 6:01 AM PST - 4 comments

La di da-OH GOD

I absolutely shot myself in the foot, academically, with an email intended for my boyfriend gone awry to the wrong recipient -Admissions at the school I applied to. Is there anything I can do to remedy the situation? (Caution, this is a trainwreck) [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 6:01 AM PST - 20 comments

How to plan a career to accomodate having a child?

I know that life is what happens when you're busy making plans, but how do you (as a woman) build a career that can survive having a child? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:14 AM PST - 31 comments

Inhomogenous classroom.

Have you ever been in a (college-level) class with students very different in abilities ? What did the instructor do right / wrong? Also, what are good tips on keeping people engaged when teaching them on a block schedule (8*45mins training a day)? [more inside]
posted by mathemagician at 1:26 AM PST - 14 comments

How to do Internet radio without umbrella licensing

What is the best way to get rights to play music on your own Internet Radio station for an artists work that is not shown on BMI, ASCAP, or SESACs repertoire? If you have rights to a song, then do you have rights to the songs remixes as well? Also, is it possible to get rights to play artists material without using an umbrella licence, even if the artists work is listed by BMI/ASCAP/etc... [more inside]
posted by digdan at 1:14 AM PST - 2 comments

February 22

Cracked Crown

2 years ago I had a root canal performed on my second molar. Today the crown cracked and a piece fell off. Could this be cause by excessive grinding? [more inside]
posted by Tenacious.Me.Tokyo at 11:57 PM PST - 4 comments

must be something in the water...

This is a question for anyone who knows about houses from the inside out: Do homes ever use aluminum pipes for plumbing? We just had our water tested by the national center for water quality at Heidelberg University using samples from two separate faucets in our home. One sample came back totally normal; the other had double the rate of acceptable aluminum per billion parts. Readings for all other substances were fairly close to each other between the two faucets (and except for the aluminum, no other concern.) Why could one faucet have a higher aluminum rate than another in the same home? [more inside]
posted by Tylwyth Teg at 11:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Seattle area battery dealers, DC UPS

Seattle area telecom: Can anyone suggest a battery distributor/warehouse that stocks deep cycle lead acid batteries of the type suitable for a DC UPS? Shipping costs on these are very high so we would prefer to buy from a dealer somewhere along I-5 in the area from Bellingham to Olympia. We're looking for 6V 220aH T105 (golfcart type) and AGM 12V 120aH batteries.
posted by thewalrus at 10:56 PM PST - 1 comment

How do I stick with a name I'm choosing for myself?

My parents gave me a hard-to-pronounce name, and when I got to grade school my classmates started calling me something similiar for pronunciation ease. I picked a new name for myself in Highschool, but I haven't been able to stick to any name since then. How do I stick to whichever name I choose? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 10:18 PM PST - 29 comments

No one gossips about other people's secret virtues.

How do you deal with rampant gossip in an academic context? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:32 PM PST - 13 comments

New England Road Trip Hiking?

The breadth of Long Island up to Connecticut, then over to Cape Cod, then up to Boston, and then back to NYC. Where are the best hikes? What do I have to stop and see (and eat) in between the cities? Where can I stay on the cheap? [more inside]
posted by ztdavis at 8:26 PM PST - 7 comments

I lost my commands or whatever you call them

I lost my line of commands on the top of Firefox! The line that includes View with all the toolbars. I have the navigation toolbar still there, but I'm talking about the one over it, that says "File Edit View etc." It's just gone. I've rebooted the whole laptop, etc. Any way to get this back? thanks.
posted by DMelanogaster at 8:12 PM PST - 4 comments

how do I link to a shared playlist in itunes?

iTunes playlist publishing, ping, yikes, help, this shouldn't be so difficult right? [more inside]
posted by dpx.mfx at 8:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Oh woe is me no mobile me :(

I didn't activate mobileme. My iphone was stolen from my bag in a yoga studio change room a few hours ago. Called Rogers to freeze service, called apple, and called police to file report. No one seems to be willing to do anything to track it down. Is there ANY way I can track its whereabouts?
posted by anewnormal at 7:58 PM PST - 9 comments

I built a Windows 7 HTPC / Media Server. It worked beautifully for a few months, but now it's f-ing up. Any ideas?

I built a Windows 7 HTPC / Media Server. It worked beautifully for a few months, but now it's f-ing up. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by bradn at 7:58 PM PST - 11 comments

Low Cost Health care resources in LA? (warning ickyness inside)

Can you help me find health care resources in the LA area? (warning, some icky content inside.) [more inside]
posted by RampantFerret at 7:36 PM PST - 5 comments

Illegal price fixing or good business?

Supplier wants my company to sell a 'combined product' at a specific price in order for my company to get his best price. In the relationship, his company would be a supplier to me, and I would sell to the end user. There's a potential recurring revenue stream on the other end of this deal that could be big for the supplier. [more inside]
posted by dyerfr at 7:21 PM PST - 11 comments

Moisture, thou art mine enemy!

I'm going to build a camper shell for my truck and need advice on how to seal/paint it to protect it from moisture. [more inside]
posted by gregg at 7:06 PM PST - 14 comments

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...

What's the best transportation option for visiting NYC, then going to Long Island for a wedding, and then getting back to La Guardia? [more inside]
posted by Terriniski at 7:05 PM PST - 16 comments

Article about how "The Crucible" has stood the test of time?

Looking for any peer-reviewed article about modern critical response to Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" (No, I'm not asking you to do my homework, trust me.) [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 7:02 PM PST - 5 comments

From the heart...to the head. How?

How do you INTs (Introverted Intuitive Thinkers on the Myers-Briggs) like to be shown appreciation, affection, acceptance, and attention and allowed to be yourselves? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:28 PM PST - 59 comments

Home recording 101

Help this musician get started with home recording. I've written lots of music and its time to get it recorded. I have basically zero equipment and zero knowledge, so start me from the beginning. [more inside]
posted by Khalad at 6:26 PM PST - 15 comments

Figuring out transportation in Melbourne

Help me figure out transport in Melbourne for a conference. [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 6:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find this book that is about a drug addict who steals bikes in Amsterdam to feed his drug habit. It is a diary-style of book.

Help me find this book that is about a drug addict who steals bikes in Amsterdam to feed his drug habit. It is a diary-style of book. [more inside]
posted by darkgroove at 5:32 PM PST - 5 comments

Should I try a back saver handle or just break down and get an ergonomic snow shovel?

Have you ever tried one of these: #1 or #2. Did you like it? Hate it? And if so, why? I can't afford a good ergonomic snow shovel and thought one of these might do in a pinch. Is there another model you liked better? Did it matter if the handle was perpendicular to the shaft like #1 or parallel like #2?
posted by marsha56 at 5:29 PM PST - 7 comments

How do White Noise machines work? Are white-noise sleep machines really made up of a mosaic of tiny repeating patterns?

How do White Noise machines work? Are white-noise sleep machines really made up of a mosaic of tiny repeating patterns? [more inside]
posted by Senor Cardgage at 5:26 PM PST - 11 comments

Cairns - Tell me where to find the fun

In a few days I'm moving to Cairns, Queensland. What cool and fun things should I look out for in particular to distract and amuse my toddler in our new environment? [more inside]
posted by gomichild at 5:26 PM PST - 5 comments

Feel my pane.

Apartment rental. Subdivided house circa 1910. Help us tweak these original single-pane wood frame windows so as not to freeze. [more inside]
posted by deludingmyself at 5:15 PM PST - 13 comments

Electric power for the little guys

I am looking for quantitative information on energy demand for mobile devices with low power requirements, such as alarm clocks, book lights, TV remotes – things that usually require batteries to run (but not devices with higher power requirements like smartphones or laptops). Does anyone know where I can find such information? [more inside]
posted by Rickalicioso at 5:12 PM PST - 4 comments

User Interface Design 101

Calling all UI designers: What are your favorite books/resources? What is "required reading"? Where should I start? [more inside]
posted by eleyna at 5:01 PM PST - 18 comments

Massage Table Recommendations

My wife loves massages (I understand most people do) but I have trouble with my back and knees "doing it" on a bed. I'd like to get her a massage table for her birthday so I can "do it" staqnding up. Any recommendations on brands, features, options, etc?
posted by aspenbaloo at 4:34 PM PST - 10 comments

PLI Patent Bar Homestudy Course: Was I scammed?

Has anyone ever used a PLI Patent Bar homestudy course? I was a bit uneasy about my purchase of the course on eBay, and now that I've received the materials, I can't figure out if I have a legit copy. Considering the high price of copies of the course, I find it possible that someone would indeed go to great lengths to fake a copy. [more inside]
posted by SpringAquifer at 4:30 PM PST - 4 comments

Building Up An Immunity to Assholes

When someone yells at me, or tells me I've screwed something up (oddly, in my profession these two events seem to be somewhat mutually exclusive) I get a physical reaction. My throat constricts to the point that it becomes sore. I get dizzy. My brain turns into jello. What's going on and can I train myself out of this?
posted by Saucy Intruder at 4:18 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me plan my Scottish walking tour!

I am planning a Scottish walking tour this summer (around the middle two weeks in July). Do any of you fine Mefites have any recommendations for companies or don't miss routes? [more inside]
posted by shrabster at 4:04 PM PST - 9 comments

Evil care bears

Does anyone remember evil care bears with a care bear glare? As I recall it, they were shadows in disguise.
posted by leotrotsky at 4:01 PM PST - 3 comments

Calculating Inflation Accurately

There is a branch of economic theory concerned with the calculation of inflation. It has a name. The name is something like "hexanomics"--but that's not it. Please help. [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 3:44 PM PST - 5 comments

Recording loud concerts with minimal gear?

I've got a good video-capable DSLR camera, and a good external microphone for it. But when I'm at concerts, the audio is blown out. Help? [more inside]
posted by verb at 3:41 PM PST - 14 comments

You're coming through loud and clear, unfortunately.

My boyfriend's across-the-hall neighbor loves to talk on his CB radio at all hours. We don't love hearing it through every speaker in the apartment. What can we do? [more inside]
posted by Captain Cardanthian! at 3:31 PM PST - 15 comments

How can I get back into academia?

Repositioning myself for academic career success. Help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:21 PM PST - 5 comments

If simply eating too many calories caused me to gain weight then I should be permanently gaining weight every time I eat a pizza and feel stuffed.

If simply eating too many calories caused me to gain weight then I should be permanently gaining weight every time I eat a pizza and feel stuffed. Yet, I don’t. What factors decide a person’s natural weight? I was watching a documentary about Rocky (the most recent one) and how Sylvester Stallone got in shape for it and did the last part of the movie first while he was still in good shape. It sounded as if his body was going to just lose shape the moment he stopped training. That made me wonder if even people like Stallone have a natural weight that they must fight against every second of every day. [more inside]
posted by HappyEngineer at 3:09 PM PST - 25 comments

Exchange - privatize my meeting details!

Scheduling resources in Exchange - how do I make things private? Please let this be much easier than I'm thinking it is. [more inside]
posted by routergirl at 2:43 PM PST - 5 comments

need to fix up my little art studio

No good deed goes unpunished: Gave my lovely little Greenwich Village basement art studio to someone for a few months. I got it back in the most atrocious shape...with my beautiful plaster walls completely hacked to bits from him incompetently drilling screw after useless screw into my wall, taking huge chunks of plaster out, and making occasional giant gouges with long anchoring screws (and even incomprehensibly applying adhesive spray insulation to glue wood boards to the wall. *sob*) The wall is about 11x9 feet. How much should I expect to pay to get this fixed? I'm handy, but know nothing about plaster and feel gutted about letting someone treat this super-old plaster wall so badly. [more inside]
posted by thegreatfleecircus at 2:24 PM PST - 20 comments

TervisTumblerFilter

I have a 20-oz Starbucks Tervis tumbler. I want to replace the lid/straw with a "travel lid" since I'm trying to go straw-free. I see travel lids for the 24 oz. Tervis tumblers and I wonder if the 24 oz. lid would fit. Anyone got the 24 oz tumbler? What's the lid diameter/circumference (my cup diameter is ~9.5 cm)? Anyone else find another lid for the special-snowflake Starbucks 20 oz. tumbler?
posted by answergrape at 2:14 PM PST - 5 comments

WidgetFilter

If I know the number of widgets, number of days, and total budget, can I break down a per widget price? [more inside]
posted by pencroft at 1:53 PM PST - 10 comments

How to sell EPUB books for programmers

Selling EPUB e-books, adding on to a custom shopping cart app: handle like any downloadable file? DRM? If DRM is a bad idea, good layperson-accessible article explaining clearly why not? If DRM is a good idea, how is it implemented? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 1:37 PM PST - 14 comments

RSS to Blog

Blog Help Filter: I am looking for a way by which I can have an RSS feed (consolidated from various sources and filtered - using Yahoo pipes) end up into a blog as draft posts. I would then edit, delete, modify these entires and post them in real time or at a predefined time. I am open to most blogging platforms such as: 1. Tumblr 2. Posterous 3. Blogger 4. Wordpress Does something like this exist for those of us who cannot program? And, is there a way to do this with twitter? I know I can post on twitter when I update a blog but is the reverse possible? I know it is a weird request. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks
posted by london302 at 1:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Youtube videos with strong accents?

What are Youtube videos with strong, classic, interesting, funny accents to imitate? [more inside]
posted by schmichael at 1:31 PM PST - 14 comments

original reporting on the partition of india

Where can I find original footage or news clippings covering the partition of India? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 1:28 PM PST - 5 comments

If a transmission costs $1600, surely something on this car is worth $?

My husband's car needs a new transmission. How do we get rid of this car and get some money for it? Also, advice on buying cheap car helpful, too. [more inside]
posted by threeturtles at 1:13 PM PST - 17 comments

Brazil or Bust!

Any good recommendations for using Facebook to handle a wedding in 9 months in South America with North American attendees? Hoping to deal with flight ideas, share travel tips etc. Anyone used the site in this way lately?
posted by Freedomboy at 1:08 PM PST - 2 comments

Phoning home from Indonesia?

Mobile phone for Indonesia? [more inside]
posted by brokeaspoke at 1:04 PM PST - 3 comments

Keeping a distributed group on task in real time

I am looking for real world experiences using video conferencing software (WebEx, Elluminate, Connect, EVO, etc) to hold a working meeting (not a presentation) with multiple people on multiple sites (20 people in 15 locations in my case). [more inside]
posted by cgk at 1:02 PM PST - 6 comments

My partner has both Sinus and Digestive issues... could they be linked?

My partner has problems with IBS, her bladder and her sinus. Could they all be linked? Slightly worried it could be something very serious. [more inside]
posted by informity at 12:57 PM PST - 14 comments

Kayaking coastal Georgia

Coastal Georgia - kayaking and camping. Does anyone have any experience? I'm looking for suggested paddle routes, campsites, etc. [more inside]
posted by DizzyLeaf at 12:46 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me program a YouTube commercial avoidance mechanism

I want to make a Firefox extension that helps multi-tabbing users circumvent annoying YouTube ads. Looking for advice. [more inside]
posted by JamesJD at 12:43 PM PST - 5 comments

Is there a "Miss Manners" attachment to this thing?

Plate o' wedding beans: We're starting to receive early wedding gifts, both from people attending and not attending the ceremony in 3.5 weeks. Should we open them? Acknowledge their receipt? Send proper thank-you notes? Help me, Emily-Post-i-fites. [more inside]
posted by supercres at 12:42 PM PST - 19 comments

Cord-cutting

I want cable TV without the cable! I'm nearly there, but I want the most efficient way to accomplish this. Help me round out my setup make it more efficient! [more inside]
posted by sourwookie at 12:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Business change

Can I change my LLC in video editing to a music publishing company? What forms do I need to fill out and who would I need to notify?
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 12:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Will they ever call?

Do health departments actually contact potentially infected former partners? [more inside]
posted by No1UKnow at 12:28 PM PST - 5 comments

Something fishy in the kitchen?

[sushi at home] can i do it without poisoning myself? [more inside]
posted by anya32 at 12:12 PM PST - 23 comments

Random whiteheads and breakouts in strange places

Random body acne after a swollen lymph node - YANAD but does anyone have any idea what is going on? [more inside]
posted by shoreline at 12:07 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I sort out this confusing work/education history?

I've got a slightly confusing work history as a defense contractor, and a 4 year gap in my career when I went to school full time. I'm not sure how to best list this information on my resume. [more inside]
posted by skintension at 11:51 AM PST - 6 comments

We're a small office - what's a good platform to use for shared checklists?

We're a small office - what's a good platform to use for shared checklists? [more inside]
posted by Seeba at 11:44 AM PST - 6 comments

In general, how much money do you make doing quality control work for a biotech company?

In general, how much money do you make doing entry level quality control work for a biotech company? [more inside]
posted by BasileusPY at 11:23 AM PST - 4 comments

it's silver and gold

My wedding band is plain and made of yellow gold. My watch is stainless steel. I wear both on my left side. I haven't worn my watch since the wedding because I'm (perhaps unduly) bothered by the clash between the gold ring + silver watch. [more inside]
posted by seventyfour at 11:05 AM PST - 29 comments

I need to find a transcription service that can transcribe ~10k very short recordings.

I need to find a transcription service that can transcribe ~10k very short recordings. All different speakers calling from various places. I know of Casting Words and am trying to find out if they can do this. Each recording may be from one to a few words. Perhaps a date. Can you recommend any other resources I can pursue? Thanks.
posted by reddot at 10:41 AM PST - 13 comments

"I love you." "Thank you". D'oh!

Told the boyfriend that I loved him and he said "Thank you". Now what? [more inside]
posted by floweredfish at 10:37 AM PST - 45 comments

Foreskin cleaning? (possibly NSFW)

How do I insure hygiene under my foreskin? [more inside]
posted by marcin_zissou at 10:27 AM PST - 12 comments

Which authors are known for their places?

What authors write about particular places? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 10:23 AM PST - 64 comments

How do I stop hyperventilating during masturbation?

Help me figure out how to orgasm without hyperventilating! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments

So now what do we do?

So we are in an icky situation involving a friend dying of AIDS. Advice? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:18 AM PST - 41 comments

Clumpy Coffee Mess

Coffee grounds in my french press—disposing of them. Am I missing something? [more inside]
posted by dame at 10:10 AM PST - 34 comments

Used Car Newbie

I'm interested in a used car I saw on the side of the road, and I have a test drive scheduled this afternoon. If I decide to go through with it, this will be my first time buying a used car from a private seller that wasn't a friend or family member. What should I know, ask, or do to protect myself and get the information I need? [more inside]
posted by Willie0248 at 10:05 AM PST - 13 comments

When was the apex of American power?

When was the apex of American power? [Or: When did American power begin to decline?] [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese at 10:05 AM PST - 35 comments

Vile poetry virtuous poetry for which my mind aches and soul groans lol

Poetry that's not emotion based? [more inside]
posted by parallax7d at 9:52 AM PST - 33 comments

gimme a break

Recommend a nice (but not necessarily fancy) part of the South for a spring getaway. Details inside! [more inside]
posted by thinkingwoman at 9:16 AM PST - 15 comments

Get me some temporary cheap space with an incredible view!

Those high-rises in center city, Philadelphia: Are there coffeeshops in any of them? I want to spend less than $5 on a drink and then do some programming for a couple hours with an incredible view. In lieu of that, other ideas?
posted by zeek321 at 9:15 AM PST - 1 comment

Cheap in-state long-distance?

Cut-rate, in-state long-distance, sans internet? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 9:06 AM PST - 9 comments

I know this phone will do more than just let me play Angry Birds.

How do I get my computer to talk to my husband's phone. Specifically calendar and address book functions. Use small words please... [more inside]
posted by TooFewShoes at 8:59 AM PST - 8 comments

Blacklist for Radio DJs?

Music Industry question: Is there such a thing as a "Do-Not-Send-Download Links-or-Free-CDs" blacklist for radio DJs? Many Details Within. [more inside]
posted by dunkadunc at 8:58 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me throw one hell of a going away party for man's best friend

For those of you that have said goodbye to your dog, how would you spend one more week with your pet if given the chance? [more inside]
posted by siclik at 8:35 AM PST - 26 comments

Can you translate this beautiful Portuguese song?

Can a man get a Portuguese to English non-machine translation of the lyrics to 'Assinado Eu' by Tiê? [more inside]
posted by felix at 8:32 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking to move into geopolitical and economic strategy consulting. Suggestions for firms?

I'm looking to make a rather significant career change into the field of geopolitical and economic strategy consulting, and I'm trying to identify top-tier firms to pursue. I was wondering if the Hive Mind had any suggestions for suitable firms and guidance for how to best approach the process? [more inside]
posted by Imhotep is Invisible at 8:19 AM PST - 3 comments

How to get my neighbors to STFU?

The Super and his family in the apartment next door are way too loud. Three kids in a one bedroom, running, screaming, jumping. The apartment and his salary is paid for by the coop. What recourse as an owner/share holder in my coop do I have? [more inside]
posted by ranunculus at 8:14 AM PST - 2 comments

How do handle feeling patronized?

How do I let someone know I feel patronized without putting them on the defensive, especially if that person may not realize that they're being patronizing? [more inside]
posted by starpoint at 8:12 AM PST - 22 comments

Help me find a compact video camera

I'm looking for a compact video camera to capture the activities of my 3 month old. Currently I have my eye set on Kodak Zi8. If you have suggestions, advice on the Kodak or any other camera please let me know.
Would a regular Class 10 SDHC be enough for video recording or do I need a 15mbps one or a 30mbps one.
posted by WizKid at 8:11 AM PST - 7 comments

Words with friends rule variations?

Words with Friends rule variations? [more inside]
posted by travis08 at 8:07 AM PST - 4 comments

Woodstock Info

Attending Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble outside of Woodstock, NY in April on a Saturday night with a group of eight and looking for recommendations on nice places in the area to stay for the night, eat before the show and have a drink after (+/- 11pm). I've never been to Woodstock and would appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you.
posted by mbx at 8:01 AM PST - 3 comments

Places to stay for the Cherry Blossom Festival

What's a good place to stay in D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Festival? [more inside]
posted by ashirys at 7:57 AM PST - 12 comments

A donut divided against itself cannot stand

Why is there a split along the top of an old-fashioned donut. [more inside]
posted by bamassippi at 7:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Details on Gov Walkers Pension?

Does Wisconsin Gov Scott Walker receive a pension and if so, are the details of that pension public? [more inside]
posted by patrad at 7:02 AM PST - 3 comments

Shoud I use an unlicensed electrician?

I might hire an unlicensed electrician to work on my home. Is this bad? Worst case scenario? [more inside]
posted by thisisdrew at 6:59 AM PST - 31 comments

Show an 8 year old how Africans evolved into Asians over time

Evolution: What would be a simple and clear way of explaining to an 8 year old how African people with dark skin, big eyes and curly hair turn into Japanese people with lighter skin, smaller eyes and straighter hair over X amount of years? [more inside]
posted by querty at 6:42 AM PST - 29 comments

Stranger In the House

How do I move into a squat? [more inside]
posted by apophenia at 5:10 AM PST - 16 comments

Find a frame

I need new glasses. Sadly, my choice of frames (RX5226 or RX5150, both Ray-Ban frames) are not available on the UK high street. Are there any trusted online retailers where I can get these frames, either with or without lenses? Or very similar? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 4:36 AM PST - 9 comments

What's the easiest way to transfer files off of a corrupted Windows XP install?

What's the easiest way to transfer files off of a corrupted Windows XP install? [more inside]
posted by meta.mark at 12:16 AM PST - 11 comments

February 21

Waffle Fries!

FriedPotatoFilter: Where can I find the best waffle fries within an hour's drive from Boston?
posted by weaponsgradecarp at 10:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Does Sofia Coppola appear in Hiromix's photobook "Girls Blue"?

Does Sofia Coppola appear in Hiromix's photobook "Girls Blue" (1996)? [more inside]
posted by Sneutrino at 10:03 PM PST - 2 comments

What video/singer is this?

Music video filter: Relatively recent video with a youngish, light-skinned black woman who seems to have a 70s-esque flair (hair, clothes, etc, at least to this uninformed viewer), trying to organizing some dancing and partying in what seems to be a mental institution. Video and song have a fun and funky vibe but I know nothing about the artist other than that she's got an amazing voice. Driving me crazy that I can't find it, help plz?
posted by adrianna aria at 9:53 PM PST - 4 comments

Which song am I sucking snot to?

We have a Graco Nasal Clear Nasal Aspirator that, as a peripheral function, plays 12 little melodies to distract kids as they're getting their sinuses suctioned. Eleven of them are ones I recognize but the twelfth is driving me nuts. [more inside]
posted by camcgee at 9:27 PM PST - 12 comments

Upbeat Denver song?

Is someone were moving to Denver and having a celebratory party, what would be a good Denver-themed song to play at the climax of this party, i.e. as the cake is being brought out? Rocky Mountain High by John Denver is an obvious choice, but it's kind of slow, not exciting. Something like Elevation by U2 or Gold Digger by Kanye West are better, more upbeat and indirectly related to Denver, but I'd prefer something a bit more obviously connected to Denver. It should also be a song a group of 20-40 year old American geeks would enjoy.
posted by scottreynen at 9:00 PM PST - 12 comments

What to say to a parent who suddenly loses their child?

I just found out that a coworker lost her daughter today in an accident. What on earth do I say to her when I see her later this week? [more inside]
posted by bookmammal at 8:47 PM PST - 34 comments

Danger's my middle name.

Someone I met once mentioned to me that her name, Judy, meant "catastrophe" in Russian, her mother's native language. Is this true? Do I have the details wrong? What Russian word was she talking about?
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 8:31 PM PST - 4 comments

College search: city universities that aren't too big or too urban?

College search: city universities that aren't too big or too urban? [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 8:20 PM PST - 73 comments

What is the first radio signal sent by humankind?

What is the first radio signal sent by humankind and could it be understood by an alien race? [more inside]
posted by smithsmith at 8:08 PM PST - 16 comments

Help us fight price gouging in a natural disaster

How should we address an incident of price gouging at the motel we're staying at? (Longish, despicable details below). [more inside]
posted by tangram1 at 7:42 PM PST - 23 comments

words, words, words, words

I'd like to read some sharp, simple fiction writing to improve my academic essays -- what would I like? [more inside]
posted by LeeLanded at 7:36 PM PST - 26 comments

Calling all biochemists!

Biochemistry filter: What do you consider the best evidence that would show a direct protein-protein interaction? [more inside]
posted by nasayre at 7:36 PM PST - 17 comments

Your Best Electropop Reccomendations

Dragonette, Little Boots, Annie, Frankmusik - help me find more music like this! [more inside]
posted by rossination at 7:28 PM PST - 14 comments

one third long distance relationship

my boyfriend goes out of town to deal with difficult things, I miss him: I need to keep these feelings 'normal and healthy' as opposed to 'irrational and demanding' [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:13 PM PST - 18 comments

How are you? I'll be fine when I can remember what language to reply in.

What language is this? The two things I remember sounded like "nazoor sun" and "sollaar sun" for how are you and fine thanks, or similar. The guy who taught me speaks several languages including Farsi, Arabic, Azerji and Turkish, but googling hasn't worked for me. What was he teaching me? I'd like to learn some phrases in that language to surprise him with next time I see him.
posted by Chrysalis at 7:11 PM PST - 5 comments

Seeking the perfect motorized stand-up desk

Where can I find an adjustable-height desk that meets my needs? [more inside]
posted by jehsom at 7:08 PM PST - 9 comments

What should my hardwood floor stairs look like?

May I please tap the Hive Mind for some advice about hardwood floor stairs? I'm not sure how to identify what I want. [more inside]
posted by mccxxiii at 6:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Start your guessing engines! This time about the Bar-Kays.

NameThatSongFilter: Looking for a 90's song that used the horns from Soul Finger by the Bar-Kays [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 6:34 PM PST - 5 comments

Enable Ableton for me

[AbletonLiveFilter]Is the fact that many of my samples/wavs/VST plugins are on an external hard drive the reason that Live is quitting on me? [more inside]
posted by kuanes at 6:21 PM PST - 5 comments

I need broomball shoes that aren't broomball shoes.

Cheap tennis shoes with good traction for playing broomball? (In broomball you are on ice in tennis shoes. We aren't allowed real broomball shoes.) [more inside]
posted by tweedle at 6:19 PM PST - 6 comments

How Much Does It Cost To Be Big In Japan?

How much to charge for video licensing? I've licensed photos before, but never a video so I don't even know an appropriate range. The video in question is a minute and a half YouTube video featuring me and an invention of mine which has some modest interest (100K views). [more inside]
posted by Ookseer at 6:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Pretty eyed, pirate smile

Seeking long-lost interactive dancer webpage. [more inside]
posted by TAP at 6:13 PM PST - 2 comments

What drives ticket site pricing mechanisms?

Do airplane ticket sites (Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak, etc.) increase prices between successive browsing sessions, as well as manipulate prices so that they are in agreement with each other? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:52 PM PST - 19 comments

Can anything in N.S. compare with the Hopewell Rocks?

Dreaming of a maritime summer - Is the Nova Scotia side of Bay of Fundy as awesome as the New Brunswick side? [more inside]
posted by scrute at 5:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Where'd Snoop go?

Why do radio station eventually stop playing versions of songs that feature two singers in favor of those that feature only one? [more inside]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 5:40 PM PST - 9 comments

I want to moon the moo-cow

I'm looking for work skirts for farm work. A cross between a tool-belt, utilikilt, and A-line or flip skirt. [more inside]
posted by Kerasia at 5:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Winter getaways near Boston

Looking for a guest house/B&B/inn with a fireplace 2-3 hours from Boston. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:22 PM PST - 12 comments

Surely they can't claim me as a dependent against my will...can they?

In order to establish residency for grad school, I have to file my taxes independently as a resident of my new state. This weekend, I discovered my parents have already filed, claiming me as a dependent. Please help me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:22 PM PST - 21 comments

Did anyone predict the Middle Eastern revolts?

Are there any political scientists or Middle Eastern scholars who predicted the recent protests? I.e. in the way that these people predicted the Great Collapse of 2008?
posted by r_nebblesworthII at 4:53 PM PST - 6 comments

Cash vs. Loan from Bank's Perspective

I'm looking at some foreclosed homes in the front-range area of Colorado. There is no shortage of "bank owned" homes in this area, and I happen to have a pretty good chunk of cash and I want to buy a home "outright" with cash, no loan. I was wondering if I could low-ball the asking price of the house, and what would be a reasonable, realistic amount to offer. [more inside]
posted by rougy at 4:51 PM PST - 10 comments

You killed the yellow mold!

My new house appears to be taking "it never rains but it pours" just a wee bit too seriously. Runoff from lots of melting snow + ancient sump pump = kaput sump pump and flooded basement. And, of course, mold. Because there's too much for me to handle, plus drywall that clearly needs to be yanked, I'm starting to ask for estimates from pros. But what should I ask them? Major red flags (hard sells, etc.)? Any advice appreciated.
posted by thomas j wise at 4:38 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me Do it Wrong

Ok, here's a stupid-sounding idea: can someone point me to a guide to how to manipulate an Access database client-side on a web page? [more inside]
posted by ctmf at 4:37 PM PST - 14 comments

Not a scrapbook lady.

I have two large shoeboxes of keepsakes and souvenirs from travels over the past five years, including event tickets, hotel key cards, tourist maps, pub coasters, receipts, photo booth pictures and banknotes in about a dozen different currencies. I don't want them to live in a shoebox any more. What's a good way to organize them into an album of sorts? [more inside]
posted by halogen at 4:18 PM PST - 19 comments

If I'm going to spend 24 hours flying there, I might as well stop somewhere on the way

If you had five nights to spend on stopovers en route to Australia, and your options were Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Auckland, how would you apportion your time?
posted by smackfu at 4:07 PM PST - 20 comments

How to recover money from my landlord after they failed to live up to an oral agreement?

After months of pestering our landlord about cracked walls (from foundation shifts), we reached an oral agreement that as compensation, I would not be required to pay for the last two weeks of rent. After moving out, they sent me an itemized bill for those two weeks of rent, and deducted it from my security deposit (bringing our recovered deposit to essentially nil). What are my options? [more inside]
posted by chrisamiller at 4:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me plan a special dinner

Looking for a nice place for an anniversary dinner in Chicago. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 3:53 PM PST - 21 comments

Resume entry relating to death of family

Need assistance for a resume entry to recognize taking care of deceased parents affairs. [more inside]
posted by sandpine at 3:47 PM PST - 14 comments

Android PAYGo That Doesn't Suck?

I want a good Pay As You Go phone on the CDMA network. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by 47triple2 at 3:39 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there a spanish-speaking engineer in the house?

A question about (I'm assuming) Cuban engineering/hydropower slang. [more inside]
posted by pullayup at 3:28 PM PST - 1 comment

Vitamins for mostly-vegetarians?

Please help me through the vitamin labyrinth. I have some idea of what I would find ideal, but finding it is rather hard. Please suggest vitamins that meet my criteria. [more inside]
posted by MrFish at 3:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Get my head in the game

Weight loss motivation - I got a lot of great tips on a question I asked a little while ago, but I'm still having trouble getting my head together to make progress on my weight loss goals, so I'm looking for books on weight loss plans/motivation. [more inside]
posted by odayoday at 3:12 PM PST - 7 comments

need help sourcing material!

Where to source cheap LED strands? [more inside]
posted by puckish at 3:04 PM PST - 3 comments

So many phones!

What t-mobile smartphone should I get? [more inside]
posted by Arbac at 2:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Are there any Cable Modem/Wireless Router combo devices that support DOCSIS 3.0 and N-band wireless?

Are there any Cable Modem/Wireless Router combo devices that support DOCSIS 3.0 and N-band wireless? [more inside]
posted by manuelw at 2:50 PM PST - 4 comments

Bigscreen-friendly Mac apps for HDTVs?

I love my HDTV hooked up to a Mac Mini, but I want it to look like more than a computer desktop with icons. Any recommendations for bigscreen Mac apps that will bring the TV to life with Twitter updates, news feeds, ambient phantasmagoria, you name it? [more inside]
posted by teedee2000 at 2:41 PM PST - 10 comments

Bollywood golden goose

Looking for a recent Bollywood movie title [more inside]
posted by Akeem at 2:04 PM PST - 3 comments

A ToDo list for Android?

What is the best "ToDo" application available for Android phones? [more inside]
posted by Funky Claude at 2:02 PM PST - 17 comments

Help my inner geek: Find books to "go deep", learn new things/actively learn

Nonfiction book recommendations for books that both 1) explain the why behind things and 2) list specific things that you can do to learn the idea (not just “read along with me). [more inside]
posted by Wolfster at 1:42 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I, as a habitual snooze-button-hitter, become a morning exercise person?

I am trying to get back into a regular exercise habit, but I seem to always have things that I have to do right after work. How do I, as a habitual snooze-button-hitter, become a morning exercise person? [more inside]
posted by zoetrope at 1:31 PM PST - 43 comments

I know this song! ...just not by name.

Please help me identify this song, from a Humans vs. Zombies video. [more inside]
posted by cp311 at 1:21 PM PST - 3 comments

Name my cocktail blog

What should I name my cocktail video blog? [more inside]
posted by sveskemus at 1:19 PM PST - 23 comments

How do I get started in silent film solo piano accompaniment, as a hobby?

What are some good starting points on the study and performance of period silent film piano accompaniment? My end goals are modest, possibly to do a small show of classic comedic shorts or a famous feature for friends. I'm interested in both generic cues and full (piano) scores, as long as they're of the period. I've only just begun the research, so any introductory tips would be appreciated. [more inside]
posted by dan_of_brainlog at 1:09 PM PST - 10 comments

Finding the Escher Waterfall diecast sculpture model?

Where can I purchase this diecast sculpture of the escher waterfall? [more inside]
posted by flexiverse at 1:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Did best-selling novels have more sex a generation ago?

Are modern best-selling novels less likely to have sex scenes than the best-sellers of a generation ago? [more inside]
posted by Clambone at 12:44 PM PST - 18 comments

Computing Menages a Troi

After fifteen years of using a laptop and monitor as my desktop, I'm strongly considering switching over to dual-computer life, trading in my trusty MacBook Pro for a Mac Pro at work, and a MacBook Air at home / on the road. Are there non-obvious (i.e., beyond Dropbox and MobileMe) services, software, or best practices that would make wrangling two computers less of a disaster?
posted by thomascrown at 12:38 PM PST - 8 comments

I can't think of a good pun involving webkins. Maybe you can.

Asking for a friend: Need names for junior roller derby teams. [more inside]
posted by dinty_moore at 12:21 PM PST - 27 comments

Why does my friend smell like beef jerky?

Are there any dermatological/gastrointestinal issues associated with a smell similar to beef jerky? [more inside]
posted by Lord Force Crater at 12:01 PM PST - 7 comments

Alternative whiteboard in Canada

I'm looking for alternative whiteboard solutions (like Whiteyboard) from a Canadian retailer. Any thoughts on where I can get something? [more inside]
posted by tomcochrane at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Moving up in teaching, advice on applications

I'm an adjunct lecturer at a community college, and I'm looking to move on up. Some of the positions I'm looking at require recommendation letters. How exactly should I go about this? [more inside]
posted by Sexy Question Bot at 11:35 AM PST - 38 comments

Has anyone here changed his/her personality from a pessimist to an optimist?

Has anyone here changed his/her personality from a pessimist to an optimist? I am talking about a lasting personality / attitude change. If so, how did you do it?
posted by bbxx at 11:32 AM PST - 36 comments

Can we find an old friend?

Is it possible to locate a person when the only information you posses about them is their name? [more inside]
posted by noella at 11:30 AM PST - 19 comments

Is there a shrink who can get me off my ass?

Recommendations for a therapist in NYC to help me address self-sabotage, procrastination, and other behaviors that are making my life shitty. [more inside]
posted by Jon_Evil at 11:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Solar energy

Sun Run Solar energy experiences? Good ones, I hope? [more inside]
posted by citygirl at 11:24 AM PST - 0 comments

Webcam text overlay needed

What Windows software can I use to display a text overlay (or graphical) on a live webcam feed? [more inside]
posted by ostranenie at 11:21 AM PST - 1 comment

Plastic free single serve espresso

Single serving espresso maker that is plastic free? [more inside]
posted by mbird at 10:30 AM PST - 9 comments

upgrading computer/IT skills

whats the quickest way i can learn how to run an active directory server? [more inside]
posted by jak68 at 10:30 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for "The-birth-of-[field of science]" and "The-X-that-changed-the-world" stories.

Looking for "The-birth-of-[field of science]" and "The-X-that-changed-the-world" stories. [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 10:23 AM PST - 27 comments

My Nice Menu is sad

I've got a drop-down Nice Menu at the top of my Drupal site. Suddenly, instead of highlighting menu parents as active when visiting a page in the submenu, it goes ahead and calls that submenu item active. How can I get it to only keep the menu parent set as active no matter where you are in the submenu? [more inside]
posted by setanor at 10:18 AM PST - 1 comment

How do I return this item and be a good citizen in the process?

I bought a "new" comforter at Target that is really a used Bed, Bath, and Beyond comforter. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by sarahnade at 10:09 AM PST - 15 comments

iTunes Song Options Without Opening iTunes

I'm looking for an Apple script or (preferably) Automator or Quicksilver action that will allow me to set a song to "Skip When Shuffling" while I'm listening to it on iTunes, so I can mark songs I don't want to hear when they come up without switching windows.
posted by moviehawk at 9:58 AM PST - 17 comments

It's 2AM and I'm leaving the scrollbar...

I am stuck again and need help. I am tasked with creating a web page that displays information in a grid format. The data is static in that the user cannot change the values, but they can reorder the column and/or row order. [more inside]
posted by Drasher at 9:52 AM PST - 14 comments

Mobile phone options for Africa to US calling?

Help me stay in touch with my baby while in Africa. [more inside]
posted by smelvis at 9:41 AM PST - 16 comments

Big Apple vs Capitol Hill?

Help a first-time visitor to the US decide how to split her trip between DC and New York. [more inside]
posted by Tamanna at 9:31 AM PST - 38 comments

Is the news about Wisconsin Democratic Senators being forced to leave the state accurate?

Is the news about Wisconsin Democratic Senators being forced to leave the state accurate? [more inside]
posted by Non-Prophet at 9:26 AM PST - 12 comments

Too soon?

Should I begin dating again or force myself to take some time off? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:19 AM PST - 18 comments

On collision course with self-prescribed therapeutic imperative

Almost 30, filled with hang ups and doubt, on collision course with self-prescribed therapeutic imperative. [Abridged Autobiography Inside] [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:10 AM PST - 17 comments

Desktop Computer Decline

I'm looking into the decline of desktop computer sales and would like the latest percentage figures vs laptops and if possible mobile devices like the iPad.
posted by nam3d at 8:59 AM PST - 4 comments

How to fix a flat

What's the cheapest (safe) way to take care of a leaking car tire? [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:57 AM PST - 25 comments

Resetting a ring in Boston?

Can you recommend a jeweler in Boston to reset a stone on a tight deadline? [more inside]
posted by sarahmelah at 8:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Probate probate, who's got the probate?

Probate mysteries? [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 8:24 AM PST - 5 comments

Including Video in an Online Powerpoint?

Easiest way to incorporate videos into a Powerpoint for online viewing? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 8:23 AM PST - 5 comments

Help these teen girls

Help a mom and two teen girls plan a trip [more inside]
posted by Postroad at 8:09 AM PST - 3 comments

Is there any hard evidence that washing your car is better for the finish than not washing your car?

Is there any hard evidence that washing your car is better for the finish than not washing your car? Isn't washing hard on the finish? Wouldn't a coat of dust protect the surface from sun damage? I think you can see where I'm coming from here.
posted by markcmyers at 8:01 AM PST - 32 comments

How to write an intriguing magazine pitch?

Writing magazine pitches: help me as though I were a child. [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 7:59 AM PST - 4 comments

modern songs that sound like 80s songs?

Help me assemble a mixtape of contemporary songs that sound like 80s songs, won't you? [more inside]
posted by Shadowkeeper at 7:53 AM PST - 62 comments

Need advice to best approach ridiculous electric bill.

Ridiculous electricity bills: what is our best next step? [more inside]
posted by CharlieSue at 7:28 AM PST - 27 comments

Contacting retailers and restaurants

How to contact large and small retailers and chain restaurants to open in Puerto Rico? [more inside]
posted by octomato at 7:28 AM PST - 2 comments

How many Chinese characters are shared between Mandarin and Japanese?

How many Chinese characters are shared 1:1 between Mandarin and Japanese? [more inside]
posted by Senza Volto at 7:23 AM PST - 12 comments

I can haz appointment?

How can I get evaluated for ADHD in New York City with out-of-state insurance? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:52 AM PST - 4 comments

Online history texts?

Are there any non-American history texts available online, similar to Howard Zinn's A People's History Of The United States? [more inside]
posted by Polychrome at 6:45 AM PST - 6 comments

Art Fundamentals 101 for a quilter

I need Art Fundamentals 101 -- what books should I get? I need to learn more about color (mixing, harmony, schemes), value, composition, and perspective. The trick is that I will not (primarily) be applying what I learn to any particular painting medium but rather to quilt art. What books can help me study me the fundamentals of art? [more inside]
posted by LittleMy at 6:37 AM PST - 11 comments

You have food, find it yourself!

How can I get my cat to realize he has food in his bowl and quit bugging me? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad at 6:30 AM PST - 30 comments

Is dragging bugged in CorelDRAW?

CorelDRAW X5 Bug/Feature: Sometimes, dragging objects will copy them instead of move them. What's up with that? [more inside]
posted by Harry at 6:16 AM PST - 3 comments

lightweight laptop fullsize keyboard?

The lightest possible laptop with a full-size keyboard? [more inside]
posted by mono blanco at 5:41 AM PST - 16 comments

Subtitling Videos - Need Help!

Need a simple subtitle solution for videos. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 4:52 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I collect on a law suit judgement?

How do I collect on this lawsuit? [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:50 AM PST - 8 comments

Don't mind me, I'm just reading your retinas here...

How did I develop such an aversion to looking people in the eye, and how I can overcome it? It was recently pointed out to me that I unconsciously avoid eye contact in all but the most intimate circumstances---one on one conversations, with friends, etc. Apparently, this makes me look "shifty-eyed" or even like I'm trying to peek down a woman's shirt, so I'd like to stop, but it's very difficult. Not only do I do it unconsciously, but making eye contact with strangers or more casual acquaintances actively feels wrong. [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang at 4:34 AM PST - 24 comments

PhD retrospective

PhD filter: What do you wish you had done or known, as you started your PhD? [more inside]
posted by metametababe at 4:31 AM PST - 35 comments

Polyface-quality eggs in the Bay Area?

In The Omnivore's Dilemma, Michael Pollan pays a visit to Polyface Farms, where he discovers chicken eggs of an unusual consistency. Please help me find similar eggs in the Bay Area, if they exist! [more inside]
posted by archagon at 4:17 AM PST - 28 comments

Copy-right free hip-hop beats and loops?

Where can you find copyright free high-quality hip hop beats and loops to be used for rapping over? Something that could be used in an iPhone application that will be submitted to the appstore. Prefereably high-quality wav format and fresh!
posted by EricBrotto at 3:45 AM PST - 3 comments

Cool My Jets

I have a system with a Microstar K8N Neo4 Platinum motherboard. It's got an NForce4 Ultra chip on it. This has a fan on top of it which has become annoyingly noisy (and so I'm worried it's going to fail altogether) . What can I use as a replacement ? [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 3:22 AM PST - 8 comments

What's this building?

Can anyone identify this building? I'm at a loss...
posted by cromagnon at 2:42 AM PST - 4 comments

plumbing misadventurs

I caught my hot water heater dripping almost as soon as it started... so why is the ceiling below dripping water now? [more inside]
posted by deadweightloss at 12:36 AM PST - 11 comments

February 20

What is Modern Monetary Policy?

Reading about the current fiscal hullaballo, the idea of "Modern Monetary Theory" keeps popping up. I get the basic gist of it but I was hoping to learn more. Will you explain Modern Monetary Theory, aka Neo-Chartalism, to me? [more inside]
posted by daniel striped tiger at 11:38 PM PST - 8 comments

What suspenseful music can I find?

I'm looking for instrumental, soundtrack-type (but not necessarily a soundtrack), and suspenseful/eerie/dark music. I'm interested in music that sounds something like Clint Mansell's Lux Aeterna and The Inception Dream is Collapsing, but in more of a suspenseful, even creepy tone. Think of Alfred Hitchcock-- that kind of drawn-out, building tension. [more inside]
posted by lockstitch at 11:17 PM PST - 21 comments

What happened to Amazon's requirements for their textbook buyback program?

Last semester, I purchased a few textbooks brand new from Amazon. The deal was an amazing buyback if they were purchased brand new. Was I dreaming?? [more inside]
posted by phox at 10:45 PM PST - 5 comments

Years of Travail: The Birth of Labor and Radical Politics in the US 1870 - 1945

Good Books about history and personages of the American Left from post Civil War to WW2? [more inside]
posted by MasonDixon at 10:45 PM PST - 8 comments

where's the flush?

You are not my plumber: toilet water supply goes real slow [more inside]
posted by M Edward at 10:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Freeloaders Live Fake Orgasm

ObscureMusicFilter: I am trying to find a copy of a song by a band called The Freeloaders. The song was naughty. Hope me MeFites in finding me a copy of this! [more inside]
posted by Mister Fabulous at 10:16 PM PST - 1 comment

Lapsed sci-fi reader looking for a new literary love in all the wrong places.

I'm getting back into reading for pleasure after years of avoiding it during college. I've found fantasy books easy to get back into, but have no idea where to start with sci-fi! [more inside]
posted by Logic Sheep at 9:11 PM PST - 40 comments

I need to tone it down a bit...

Sometimes some people tell me that I think too much and that I over think things. Is there a way that I can become more of a feeling person and less of a thinking person? [more inside]
posted by antgly at 9:03 PM PST - 20 comments

Mom and Pop Conundrum

A husband-wife freelancing team has decided to become "official" in the eyes of Uncle Sam. It's just that the poor old guy doesn't make sense some times. Any mefites out there familiar with starting a business with their significant other? [more inside]
posted by shiggins at 8:28 PM PST - 11 comments

I am looking for a cover of a Bad Religion song "Give you Nothing"

I am looking for a cover of a Bad Religion song "Give you Nothing" [more inside]
posted by Ekidnagrrl17 at 8:24 PM PST - 3 comments

How to shower with a busted hand?

Hack my hygiene! Yesterday I fell, hard, and broke 3 fingers on my left hand. (It's now wrapped in a stiff splint, with only my index finger and thumb operative, waiting to see the doc this week). I also have large abrasions above and below my left eye. How the heck am I supposed to shower, wash my hair, &c. without use of both hands? Complications inside. [more inside]
posted by That's Numberwang! at 8:22 PM PST - 24 comments

What is wrong with my Calengoo!?

What happened to my iPad Calengoo?!?! [more inside]
posted by junipero at 8:17 PM PST - 1 comment

wiring in my walls (in the key of D)

Can anyone help me identify the sounds that my house makes? [more inside]
posted by palacewalls at 7:34 PM PST - 6 comments

A great life for my elderly Pekingese

How to give my new 9-year-old Pekingese the healthiest, happiest life possible. [more inside]
posted by Zosia Blue at 7:27 PM PST - 18 comments

Who retains legal rights to the logos of long defunct companies?

Who retains legal rights to the logos of long defunct companies? [more inside]
posted by Jamesonian at 6:52 PM PST - 8 comments

Should I call the auto insurance companies?

Very minor car accident. The other party exploded with anger even though I thought he was at fault. After he took down my insurance info, he sped away without exchanging more information. That was 2 days ago. I have not heard back from either his or my insurer. Should I call the insurers myself? What should I do? [more inside]
posted by ccl6yl at 6:48 PM PST - 35 comments

Changes in Police Hiring Practices

I am trying to find changes in the hiring policies of Police, especially changes in policies that allowed more women to enter the police force. For instance, I know there have been gender discrimination suits that have forced police forces to change height requirements and similar potentially discriminatory measures.
posted by bucksox at 6:46 PM PST - 1 comment

What is this song?

The chorus (sung by a woman) went something like: "Affair, affair - J'taime I love." Searching for those lyrics doesn't seem to help. I heard it often on JWAVE in Tokyo in about the early '90s, but it wasn't from Japan. Anyone?
posted by ecourbanist at 6:27 PM PST - 3 comments

Allergies cure?

What are the chances that I could conquer my seasonal allergies if I threw everything modern medicine has at them? [more inside]
posted by whoaali at 6:05 PM PST - 25 comments

The beautiful Mad Max dog that got away

I met a dog once. He was large, sturdy, and brindled, with a basically friendly demeanor. Other than a mohawk-like crest at the top of his head, he was hairless. What on earth was he? [more inside]
posted by palmcorder_yajna at 5:20 PM PST - 15 comments

Traveling from NYC to Chicago via Memphis - Suggestions? Warnings?

Traveling from New York to Chicago for a wedding and taking a major detour... [more inside]
posted by lieberschnitzel at 5:17 PM PST - 7 comments

Why is this so hard?

We are looking for a small, used diesel car in the U.S. What are we doing wrong? [more inside]
posted by Leta at 5:15 PM PST - 15 comments

Friends with your ex?

Why is being friends with your ex supposedly a good sign to future dating prospects? [more inside]
posted by DisreputableDog at 5:07 PM PST - 66 comments

Audio-only line out on dock?

How come I can use my ipod classic with an A1256 Apple Universal Dock to play video with audio (iTunes movies) on my stereo tv, but i cant do the same with audio-only (iTunes podcasts)?
posted by skidoom at 4:58 PM PST - 1 comment

is $20k enough for a wedding today?

In you opinion how much of a wedding can you get for $20,000 in Chicago and the southwest suburbs? [more inside]
posted by irie1972 at 3:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Do you remember these?

Hoping someone can help identify 2 movies from my distant past. It's been bugging me for a long time because I can't find the titles on the internets. [more inside]
posted by Mittenz at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments

Need to stalk down these jeans before the ones I have wear out

How can I find more jeans from this obscure clothing company? [more inside]
posted by Ashley801 at 2:45 PM PST - 6 comments

Mac Monitor Calibration Conundrum

Monitor Calibration Nightmare - Macbook Pro 13" ->DVI -> DELL 2407WFP - Did my Starcraft 2 installation screw up my color calibration? [more inside]
posted by j03 at 2:40 PM PST - 8 comments

Encontrando podcasts

Spanish podcasts for intermediate/advanced speakers? [more inside]
posted by bluejayk at 1:07 PM PST - 8 comments

How to get replacement passports for my parents?

How to help my parents get new copies of their passports so they can re-enter the US at the end of a Caribbean cruise? [more inside]
posted by Pocahontas at 12:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Multi-State Tax Fiasco

I am having some major tax issues and can't find the right way to go about filing for 2010. I left to travel abroad in January 2010. However, I was finally paid my last part of a bonus in March 2010. I forwarded my address to my parents house in Illinois - but officially I don't really have proof that I actually lived in IL (No lease, no driver's license etc.). To make things more complicated I lived in NYC and worked in Connecticut. Therefore, I have NY State, NY City and CT state taxes taken out of my pay check. Then I moved to Wisconsin in August of the same year. What do I do/What state should I claim I was living in when I was received my final pay check? 1. Claim I was living in IL? 2. Claim I am not a resident of any state when I was last paid? 3. Claim I was living in WI? 4. Another option I am not thinking about? Any advice would be appreciated/I know you aren't a tax professional!
posted by nanhey at 12:19 PM PST - 8 comments

This is worse than finding a needle in a haystack.

Did you ever meet two potential Significant Others with whom you felt an equal level of physical attraction, shared interests & common values over the course of several dates? How did you end up deciding which one was the Right One? How many dates did it take? What questions did you ask yourself? Did your thought process center mostly on emotions or practical concerns, and how did either approach (or both) help you choose your partner? [more inside]
posted by invisible ink at 12:09 PM PST - 46 comments

What are the best techniques for learning languages?

What are the best mnemonic or other methods for learning a language? [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya at 11:58 AM PST - 12 comments

'99 Corolla...worth it?

'99 Corolla CE, 120,000 miles, $4700...help me decide if this is a good deal. [more inside]
posted by shinyshiny at 11:57 AM PST - 20 comments

Which camera should I buy?

Movin' on up filter: Nikon D3100 or Panasonic DMC-G2? [more inside]
posted by Gringos Without Borders at 11:57 AM PST - 14 comments

Hey, that isn't a real city!

Why can I tell the difference between an aerial shot and a picture of a model? [more inside]
posted by shesaysgo at 11:33 AM PST - 17 comments

How do I replace both drives in a RAID 1 configuration?

How do I replace both drives in a RAID 1 configuration? [more inside]
posted by inbetweener at 11:26 AM PST - 7 comments

Circuit for headlight LED works, but I don't know why

It's been cold recently (-15C) and I burned out two bulbs in my dutch bike's headlamp in a short time. Since the bulbs are hard to find, I thought this was a good time to replace the bulb with a 1-Watt LED light. What I built works, but I don't quite know why. [more inside]
posted by kamelhoecker at 11:22 AM PST - 9 comments

travel-agent like website?

Is there a website where I can say "I want to go somewhere warm for 10 days with family" and the search results will be all over the place? [more inside]
posted by H. Roark at 11:15 AM PST - 2 comments

What's the longest sentence you can make in English using only three letters of the alphabet?

What's the longest sentence you can make in English using only three letters of the alphabet? [more inside]
posted by Kattullus at 11:13 AM PST - 22 comments

Who's that shouty guy with the mustache from the home shopping channel?

Does anybody know the name of the shouty guy with a mustache who was on all those home shopping channels in the 1990s, the one who is parodied in this Saturday Night Live sketch?
posted by jonp72 at 10:30 AM PST - 6 comments

What kind of wheel chair would work inside a home that is not built to be accessible?

What kind of wheel chair would work inside a home that is not built to be accessible? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:20 AM PST - 9 comments

Nuclear War! Giant Mutant Vegetables! The Comic Pages?

Does anyone remember this newspaper comic strip from the 1970's? It focused on life after a nuclear war, complete with sentient mutant vegetables. [more inside]
posted by JohntheContrarian at 10:05 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me get my anachronistic snake oil business off the ground

How can I make new glass look like old, buried glass? [more inside]
posted by small_ruminant at 10:01 AM PST - 15 comments

How much extra salt?

Chemistry, math nerds, and smart people please help me with this cooking question involving salt. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:57 AM PST - 13 comments

Why oh why do you not work, fantastic washer of garments?

Did I break my washing machine? [more inside]
posted by bolognius maximus at 9:31 AM PST - 13 comments

Amy Pond. Mad, impossible Amy Pond.

Doctor Who themed party at a local bookstore next weekend. Need ideas for costume for a little girl. [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 9:14 AM PST - 33 comments

How do I import food from the US?

To import food from the US to Europe, where do I start? [more inside]
posted by tvdveer at 7:46 AM PST - 12 comments

Who's number 2?

According to Representative Mike Pence, Planned Parenthood is the largest recipient of federal funding under Title X. Who's the second largest? [more inside]
posted by garlic at 7:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Canada + US + marriage = messy?

Talk to me about same-sex marriage in Canada between a citizen and a non-citizen. Rights, responsibilities, etc. [more inside]
posted by geckoinpdx at 6:59 AM PST - 15 comments

A life-guard for my dog?

Where should I leave my puppy in my house? Swimming pools and dogs. [more inside]
posted by Flood at 6:28 AM PST - 26 comments

Help us save energy so that we can help you save your $.

I run a medium sized (70 room) hotel with my family. The cost of our utilities is a continuing concern for the hotel. Guests routinely check-out of their rooms and leave all of the lights on, heater/air-conditioning on, television and radio playing. There are also incidents where the tap water is left running. We realize that there is a mentality that once the cost of the room has been determined, the guest assumes that they may "use" as much of the room/utility as they can. My question: is there a way for the hotel to place a small sign by the light-switch or the door that advises guests to help us conserve energy without being perceived as rude or cheap? Additionally, how would the wording on the sign read? [more inside]
posted by Fizz at 6:27 AM PST - 46 comments

Managing anxiety and depression in a stressful job

How do those of you with depression and anxiety manage demanding professional jobs? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:44 AM PST - 11 comments

For never was a story of more woe than Juliet and her security cleared Romeo...

How do you best go about a relationship when you can't be honest with your partner? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:44 AM PST - 42 comments

Portland, OR after Beijing, China?

Should I move to Portland, OR after years abroad? [more inside]
posted by so much modern time at 5:35 AM PST - 14 comments

concentrated adblock?

A disgusting Google ad is popping up on nearly every website I visit. Is there any way to make it stop? [more inside]
posted by acidic at 4:09 AM PST - 9 comments

Good vegetarian food in Brussels?

I'd like recommendations for vegetarian dining/drinking in Brussels; not necessarily vegetarian-specific restaurants, but any bars, cafes or other sites with a reasonable selection of non-meat/fish based dishes. [more inside]
posted by AFII at 3:49 AM PST - 1 comment

Singing lessons on CD or DVD?

Are there singing lesson courses on DVD, CD or mp3 that are any good? They don't have to be perfect. I'm not going to be a professional singer; I'm just a guy who would like to learn a few basics about breathing, etc so that it's more fun singing in my car and shower. Thanks!
posted by surenoproblem at 12:18 AM PST - 4 comments

February 19

Pup pup and away!

I need to get from LA to OBX in May .... with my ~100 lb German Shepherd. Hive, give me your wisdom! [more inside]
posted by milqman at 10:30 PM PST - 8 comments

My name is Laura, and I am not afraid.

Late '90s, '98-2001, Boston, local band. A female vocalist, and the lyrics: "My name is Laura, and I am not afraid!" - "You can crush my spirit, yes, you can crush my spirit, I am not afraid!" Google has failed me, now you are my only hope...
posted by Slap*Happy at 9:54 PM PST - 9 comments

How can I find a cheap undeveloped forested property in Western Washington (State)?

How can I find a cheap undeveloped forested property in Western Washington (State)? [more inside]
posted by ethulin at 9:41 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me find a song about making coffee

What song's lyrics contain a reference to a "#4 Melitta filter"? [more inside]
posted by AngerBoy at 8:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Where can I get a king cake in San Francisco?

Where can I get a king cake in San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by bradbane at 8:32 PM PST - 9 comments

STRONGER AND STRONGER STRAINS OF COMPUTER VIRUS

A Google search for my latest problem, the "AntiVira AV" Windows PC virus, pulls up an actual Sponsored Result from "wiki-security.com", which itself looks like a HOAX WEBSITE, suggesting that I purchase SpyHunter to remove the virus. How large is this conspiracy? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 8:16 PM PST - 20 comments

How to balance family and boyfriend?

I don't know what to do about my relationship with my parents anymore. Or whom to spend spring break with - this is a weightier issue than it seems. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:10 PM PST - 50 comments

Help me name a Hispanic employee network group

Help me name a Hispanic employee network group [more inside]
posted by jseven at 7:10 PM PST - 17 comments

How do you viewing photos on your tv from a burned DVD?

How do you viewing photos on your tv from a burned DVD? [more inside]
posted by Joseppi at 7:10 PM PST - 5 comments

similarsites.com but no similararticles.com

Can anyone point me to a URL that performs a "find similar articles" function? [more inside]
posted by jpeek345 at 6:35 PM PST - 4 comments

Keeping the home fires burning - frequent business travel

I travel frequently for work (at least one week/month domestic, plus regular international trips of up to 10 days and other short haul domestic trips, which often results in being away every second week). I am well set up for what I need on the road, but would welcome tips and hacks for preparing my home for while I am away and having it set up for my return. [more inside]
posted by AnnaRat at 6:27 PM PST - 15 comments

Single male seeks single female spy/assassin/action-heroine. Must love kids!

I get the feeling there's a lot of movies that feature an ordinary, plucky, independent single-mom, and her son, and the male hero who enters their life and serves as a father figure of sorts for the son (Terminator 2, Witness, The Day the Earth Stood Still). Are there gender-reversed examples of this, ie, single-father + daughter + heroine? And I'm thinking more of action/adventure type stuff, and not straight dramas.
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 6:22 PM PST - 22 comments

What considerations should I make when looking for a software job in San Francisco if I want to continue living in Fresno?

What considerations should I make when looking for a software job in San Francisco if I want to continue living in Fresno part-time? [more inside]
posted by farmersckn at 6:22 PM PST - 8 comments

what is this webcomic

Webcomic, drawn in a typical newspaper cartoon panel style, sort of raunchy, with a douche-bag main character who is sex obsessed. Ongoingstories, not gag panels Every weekend there is a retro strip, of the same character as a boy. What is it?
posted by PinkMoose at 6:20 PM PST - 4 comments

What should she be when she grows up?

What can a 27-year old with a BFA do for a semi-stable career? [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 6:17 PM PST - 22 comments

What does "FER-MAY-GHEN" mean?

German speakers, please tell me what this word means (and how it's actually spelled). [more inside]
posted by Srudolph at 5:47 PM PST - 29 comments

What would you ask your dog's birth mom?

My family and I have been approved to adopted a standard (short hair) collie. We were approved by the New England Rescue organization after a visit over the summer. They have found a potential dog for us. What should we ask the owner? [more inside]
posted by beachhead2 at 5:35 PM PST - 8 comments

Did Steve Jobs ever publicly comment on jailbreaking iPhones?

A shameful failing of my Googling ability leads me to ask: Did Steve Jobs ever make a public statement about his feelings on "jailbreaking" iPhones? I see second hand quotes, but couldn't find anything solid.
posted by blahblahblah at 5:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Says she likes me but doesnt want to hurt me.

We dated, broke it off. Met again yesterday, she says she likes me but is scared of hurting me. Case of paralysis of analysis. [more inside]
posted by gunners at 5:13 PM PST - 14 comments

Caribbean Advice

The Mrs. & I are looking for a 25th anniversary Caribbean vacation in late summer or fall and, never having been, are kind of overwhelmed. Advice? Experiences? See inside... [more inside]
posted by Pressed Rat at 4:30 PM PST - 4 comments

Do you want a sandwich? Something open faced?

How are you supposed to eat an open faced sandwich? [more inside]
posted by bluefly at 3:39 PM PST - 32 comments

I want to spend a romantic weekend in a cabin near Washington DC with my girlfriend in March. Any recommendations?

I want to spend a weekend in a cabin within 3 hours of Washington DC with my girlfriend in March. I need something private with a hot tub and a fireplace and being a student, my budget isn't very high. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by libbrichus at 2:59 PM PST - 11 comments

Career options for the passionless

I've been through four majors and I'm no closer to figuring out a career. Now what? [more inside]
posted by Roman Graves at 2:50 PM PST - 15 comments

I can't look like Prince Valiant!

What should I do about a bad haircut? [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 2:49 PM PST - 17 comments

PS3

PlayStation3 has stopped playing with Netflix. I have done the fixes I found on internet and set a help request to Playstation. However, if y'all have the solution, it would saving me waiting for Playstation to get back to me. [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick at 2:43 PM PST - 4 comments

Shouting fire in a crowded internet

I am a strong believer in free speech and a free press, but I work in a field where news coverage is used as rock-solid evidence with serious, even deadly consequences. I am looking for resources on how to reconcile free speech and responsible journalism...and what the limits of both ought to be, if any, both legally and morally. Canadian/American/British academic articles or books and examples or cases would be particularly welcome. [more inside]
posted by sarahkeebs at 2:43 PM PST - 7 comments

Brain Biopsy?

Have you ever had a brain biopsy? How was it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:38 PM PST - 6 comments

Vegetables I'd like to meat

Besides coconut, what non-animal foodstuffs have "meat" in them? [more inside]
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 2:25 PM PST - 18 comments

Should I get an MA in Anthropology?

Considering a Masters in Anthropology... curious about which programs are worth applying to and job/graduate options afterwards [more inside]
posted by faeuboulanger at 2:11 PM PST - 17 comments

I swear it was not a dream.

Warning: extreme long shot searchfilter. I am trying to find a video I saw online a number of years ago, and despite best efforts, have not been able to locate it. [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 1:41 PM PST - 13 comments

Epic/Emotional Soundtrack Music?

I want more soundtrack music like Hans Zimmer - Time and Gattaca - The Departure -- really emotional, sweeping orchestral songs that tug at the heartstrings...
posted by empath at 1:38 PM PST - 23 comments

Who could actually make weed legal in the US?

How exactly would marijuana be decriminalized in the US? Who would effect its removal from Schedule 1? Is that something Obama could do? [more inside]
posted by Rash at 1:34 PM PST - 16 comments

Everyday life at the time of Christ

Looking for information about daily life for everyday folks in the Middle East around the time of Christ. [more inside]
posted by apparently at 1:18 PM PST - 7 comments

Do you use the same adjectives (high/low) for space and pitch in languages other than English?

LanguageFilter: A friend of mine was asking her various polyglot friends this question, and I thought I could help her get a wider scope: "In English, we describe high pitch and low pitch sounds with the same terms we use for things that are high and low in space ("high" and "low" could describe space or pitch). Is this also a convention in your language(s)?"
posted by tumbleweedjack at 12:44 PM PST - 24 comments

Scottish duel movie ID?

Movie ID Filter: 2 Scottish Clans make a circle and pit a representative of their respective clans for a duel. One huge guy with a broadsword and one regular size guy with a foil. The foil guy dances around cutting the big guy to ribbons until big guy finally grabs the foil with his off hand and cleaves the other guy in two.
posted by GleepGlop at 11:56 AM PST - 8 comments

Fired at work and I now need to get back on track

How to get my life back and remove the stigma after wrongful dismissal? [more inside]
posted by penguinkeys at 11:41 AM PST - 23 comments

Does Alaska have a huge surplus or huge deficit?

Can somebody explain to me how Alaska claims a budget surplus, yet is scores low nationally on deficit rankings? [more inside]
posted by Raichle at 11:37 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for Netflix or similar in Japan.

Does anyone know of a Netflix or Hulu type streaming video service that is accessible outside of the U.S., in Japan specifically? No doubt Japan has its own such services, but I am considerably less than fluent in Japanese, so I am looking for English and English subtitled films/television. Also, I wouldn't be able at this point to navigate the Japanese services' websites, so I probably am looking for a U.S based service that allows overseas access. Thanks a lot.
posted by dmvs at 11:26 AM PST - 13 comments

These shoes were make for walkin... for 8 months

What's the average expected lifespan of a shoe, given daily wear? [more inside]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 11:14 AM PST - 24 comments

Which deck is this High Priestess from?

Does anyone know which Tarot deck this High Priestess card is from? (Ignore the yellow text over the card--it's a screen capture from a Youtube video.)
posted by overglow at 10:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Inception Parkas

Any ideas what the winter parkas are in the ski fortress scene in Inception? This is the only decent picture I can find. [more inside]
posted by adamdschneider at 10:39 AM PST - 1 comment

Dealing with death...as an atheist.

How can I help my wife deal with the death of a loved one? I am an atheist and I find it hard. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:25 AM PST - 28 comments

I don't know why there are separate titles, honestly.

Does stretching (before/after exercise) actually help in any measurable way at all? [more inside]
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 10:14 AM PST - 18 comments

Well it's not the oil level (check engine light question)

First my check engine light went on. After checking the oil I saw it was getting low, refilled it. I took it to jiffy lube cause it was time for all that. Then, a few days later, the light came on again. I'm going to take it to a repair shop, but I want to know what to expect. [more inside]
posted by The Devil Tesla at 10:07 AM PST - 16 comments

Quatre jours a Paris

Can you help make a four day solo trip to Paris extra awesome? [more inside]
posted by dayintoday at 9:53 AM PST - 27 comments

What to do in San Miguel de Allende?

Going to visit San Miguel de Allende in March. What to do? [more inside]
posted by fivesavagepalms at 9:42 AM PST - 10 comments

Where can I find link histories?

Is there any website that allows you to see the history of linking and traffic driven to a particular website? Explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by prunes at 9:07 AM PST - 4 comments

I want to buy a really boring car.

I have about $9k to spend. What car should I buy? And where should I buy it? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 9:01 AM PST - 13 comments

How to A-record DNS redirections work?

Some DNS registrars offer a service where they redirect anybody landing at http://yourdomain.com to http://www.yourdomain.com. What do they do to the DNS record to make this happen, particularly if the www is a CNAME record (that is, not an IP address)?
posted by deeper red at 8:21 AM PST - 13 comments

Boston North End Apt Search

Hey everyone... I have the dreaded task of looking for an apartment in Boston this spring. My boyfriend and I are looking for a 1 bedroom in the North End for no more than $1200 with heat and hot water. I know this will be pretty difficult to find, but I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find apartment postings by landlords themselves in stores in the north end, a website, etc. [more inside]
posted by beachlove2006 at 8:10 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for Gursky Schiphol Airport Poster.

A similar question has been asked before but I am looking for a Gursky poster for my apt- ideally (one of) the Schiphol airport series. [more inside]
posted by bquarters at 7:55 AM PST - 1 comment

Resolve this Paradox

Resolve this paradox! I'd like to combine the following: volunteering, nature&fresh air, and the New York City environs. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by enzymatic at 7:35 AM PST - 10 comments

Alternate YouTube interfaces

What alternative, userfriendly interfaces to YouTube exist? [more inside]
posted by lord_yo at 7:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Aviation Shutdown?

If the fools in Washington end up causing a shutdown of the federal government, would all commercial flights be canceled?
posted by R. Mutt at 6:16 AM PST - 12 comments

My former employer leaked my ss number!

Can I sue my former employer for leaking my social security number, email address and physical address? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 5:41 AM PST - 15 comments

Python for beginners

Python noob alert... Looking to write a mood tracking program in python. I am definitely a noob programmer. I had one required class in college (mumble years ago). I know what I want to do, but I'm wondering if there's a more elegant way to do it. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 5:34 AM PST - 21 comments

Austin Here We Come

My wife and I need an itinerary for our Austin scouting trip. We are coming with high hopes next week, without the kids ( 2 and 6 months ), to scout out Austin as a potential place to live. [more inside]
posted by jasondigitized at 4:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Weird nails

Are my nails going to fall off? [more inside]
posted by sockofdreams at 3:32 AM PST - 6 comments

Bloody dilemma

How can I (should I) talk to my roommate about leaving the toilet seat bloody during her period? [more inside]
posted by pluot at 2:51 AM PST - 35 comments

February 18

I saw someone famous from the 70's when I looked at my friend's photo.

What actress or famous person from the 60's/70's does my friend resemble? [more inside]
posted by mtphoto at 11:47 PM PST - 13 comments

Protect Kindle DX from drops?

What's the best bet to protect my Kindle DX from my accidentally dropping it? A hard-shell case? Some kind of case with wrist straps? Any particular recommendations?
posted by shivohum at 11:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Why so much leakage?

As a test, when I have music on loud, I take my earbuds out, hold them a few feet away from myself, and I can't hear it. Yet, I can clearly hear the words in the songs of people wearing headphones 20 feet away from me in the subway. Do their headphones have terrible leakage? Do they have their music on earsplitting levels? [more inside]
posted by Jagz-Mario at 10:01 PM PST - 15 comments

Good foam or bad foam?

Is a green foam on steel cut oats normal? [more inside]
posted by queseyo at 9:23 PM PST - 20 comments

Reliable flat shoes: DO YOU HAZ THEM?

Recommendations for good quality ballet flats? [more inside]
posted by jaynewould at 9:18 PM PST - 18 comments

RomanianInterjectionFilter

How do you say "oh God!" in Romanian? [more inside]
posted by dontjumplarry at 8:33 PM PST - 2 comments

Wikipedia might be a reliable source, surely.

Help me agitate my course facilitator and change his opinion of wikipedia: What are some wikipedia pages that are edited by authoritative professionals or recognized field experts?
posted by boo_radley at 8:21 PM PST - 30 comments

What are some objects that a patient in the hospital can safely "fiddle" with?

What are some objects that a patient in the hospital can safely "fiddle" with? [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 7:17 PM PST - 31 comments

Can you make my brain my screenshot?

I'm diagramming the history of visual arts in my city. I need a "database" -- I use the term loosely -- to help me keep the connections straight. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by fritillary at 6:58 PM PST - 9 comments

Where can I find furniture hardware like in this picture?

Where can I find furniture hardware like in this picture? [more inside]
posted by gummo at 6:39 PM PST - 6 comments

"Everything has gone from me but the certainty of your goodness."

I just received a grant to conduct original research on Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Yay! Now what? [more inside]
posted by rabbitbookworm at 6:08 PM PST - 5 comments

It's just a crush, why do I feel so anxious?

How can I manage my situational anxiety when the situation is being attracted to someone? Part of the problem is that I'm used to a particular romantic scenario, but I think it's an unhealthy one and want to avoid it in future. Not sure how to act when it's not fast and furious. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:17 PM PST - 5 comments

how can i commission a little painting?

my friend has a photo (not this one, but one that's similar in that there are lots of different characters doing zany things) that she wants turned into a mini painting. etsy alchemy is 'being phased out,' apparently. how could she find an artist who is willing to paint this for her? [more inside]
posted by andreapandrea at 5:11 PM PST - 4 comments

Tell me about chiwalking

Do you have any experience with ChiWalking? Has it helped you prevent / recover from injuries? Helped you get fit? Made your life awesome? [more inside]
posted by angiep at 4:57 PM PST - 3 comments

What is the world worth these days?

Ecological Economics filter: Is there a more current estimate of the global value of ecosystem services than Costanza's 1997 estimate of $33 trillion? [more inside]
posted by just_ducky at 4:53 PM PST - 4 comments

How to recognize the best mangoes?

How to recognize the best mangoes? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 4:42 PM PST - 13 comments

New to Crohn's

My boyfriend was just diagnosed with Crohn's disease. What questions should we ask his GI doctor at his next appointment? [more inside]
posted by _cakes at 4:11 PM PST - 14 comments

What name should I pick?

I've joined a roller derby league, and the time has come for me to pick a name. Help me come up with something nerdy and awesome! [more inside]
posted by zug at 4:07 PM PST - 54 comments

Where to have a work breakfast near Lincoln Center/John Jay in NYC?

My boss and I are meeting in NYC next Monday morning and I need a place for breakfast near the 59th Street/Columbus Circle/Red Line Subway Stop. [more inside]
posted by victoriab at 3:54 PM PST - 14 comments

Quality TV Shows?

Recommendations for good shows and/or podcasts for me? I do not like reality tv, sitcoms or cooker cutter serial dramas i.e. CSI. [more inside]
posted by tessalations999 at 3:35 PM PST - 22 comments

Inner-city Batting Cages in Houston, TX

Can anyone recommend a batting cage *within the 610 loop* in Houston, TX? [more inside]
posted by JPowers at 3:23 PM PST - 2 comments

Overcoming the cultural divide

How to tell my Muslim parents about my white boyfriend? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:50 PM PST - 19 comments

How can I have confidence in a professional setting?

I will be attending an industry conference for the purposes of networking and I need to find the right mindset in order to create the best impression. This includes networking when I have little to no initial contacts, trying to impress industry professionals, and keeping it together through the week. Success is going to be tantamount to me appearing confident, how do I get in the right mindset? [more inside]
posted by hellojed at 2:48 PM PST - 8 comments

Will there be a new high capacity iPod soon?

My trusty 60gig iPod finally bit the dust. Capacity is crucial to me. Should I buy a new 160gig iPod Classic, or is there a general consensus that Apple will be releasing something new soon for the high-capacity iPod crowd?
posted by inweaknessbe at 2:44 PM PST - 12 comments

Where to have a desert bonfire near Santa Barbara?

What's a good place to have a bonfire in the desert near Santa Barbara? [more inside]
posted by yoz420 at 2:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Seeking intelligent books on food/health

Hello everyone- I wish to learn more about the different types of food and the effect they have on the human body. [more inside]
posted by waleedjameel at 2:18 PM PST - 10 comments

She's a good cat.

My cat's left eye is weepy and shutting. Her inner eyelid looks like it might be infected. What can I do for her? [more inside]
posted by aniola at 1:41 PM PST - 21 comments

Just Like Mom Used To Make, But Snobbier.

What homemade or "real food" ingredient can I substitute in recipes that call for Cream Of Whatever soup? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 1:30 PM PST - 32 comments

Trying to go to McMurdo Station in Antarctica for a drink and then leave after about six hours

I would like to go from Chicago to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, have a drink at the local bar, hang about for about six hours or so, and then leave. Any ideas on how I would go about doing that?
posted by dabradfo at 12:52 PM PST - 13 comments

A lie that speaks the truth

On balance if you were to take all the rumors that are published in blogs, newspapers, etc. about business news, celebrity happenings, etc. would the trend be that more rumors end up being true or false? [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 12:47 PM PST - 5 comments

Am I just using these laundry detergent bottles incorrectly?

Why are these push-button laundry detergent bottles so messy? Is there some secret to dealing with push-button nozzle laundry detergent bottles that I'm just missing? [more inside]
posted by cmm at 12:44 PM PST - 24 comments

Movie (memory) fragments

Help me remember a movie where part is live action, part is comic book drawing and the guy is trying to get over a relationship. [more inside]
posted by johnn at 12:42 PM PST - 15 comments

Change Reading Font in Outlook

Please help me increase the font size of Outlook. [more inside]
posted by 2legit2quit at 12:38 PM PST - 6 comments

I'll be your mirror--but I'd rather not

I've realized that I mirror people's emotions back at them way too much, especially at work. I have a lot of trouble dealing with an accountant who is very nervous and fussy because I get nervous and fussy along with her; I also mirror the tone of another accountant who is very aggressive and accusatory over routine no-wrongdoing things. In each case, I escalate behavior that is already upsetting. How can I stop? [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 12:37 PM PST - 7 comments

Who carries witch hazel gel?

Looking for witch hazel gel. Help! [more inside]
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 12:29 PM PST - 4 comments

Puzzled by Elusiveness of Puzzle Game

Looking for mid-90s Windows-based puzzle game. [more inside]
posted by tetralix at 12:12 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me with mortgage tools

Are there any good tools for visualizing mortgage options? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 12:03 PM PST - 2 comments

CAT scan for kitty?

Cat is getting an X-Ray tomorrow in search of a tumor. Is this the correct procedure? If you went through cancer with your cat please find more info inside... [more inside]
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 11:52 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me identify a bit of sound

Could someone please tell me the original song that features the breath sound with delayed effect that you hear in this sample (check at about 0.06). This is a snippet I recorded from a recent mix by MJ Cole. Perhaps it's even one of Mr. Cole's songs.. but which? And if it is do you think the breath sound was created by him or was it sampled from older material? I'm almost certain I've heard it elsewhere.
posted by concourse at 11:51 AM PST - 5 comments

Music for a Time Cube Infomercial.

Updated for Spring 2011: Please recommend your most oblique, sideways, unsettling, and unusual dance music. [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 11:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Do YOU know any "formula recipes"?

I'm looking for simple recipes which follow a set procedure, but whose ingredients can be easily changed up. [more inside]
posted by purplecrackers at 11:38 AM PST - 33 comments

Help me find this resume template

Help me find this resume template [more inside]
posted by nathanm at 11:30 AM PST - 4 comments

Help my students see!

The lecture section of my Human Bio class is in a roughly 25x50 ft computer lab. The class is packed, I barely have enough seats for everyone, and better than half of my students can't see what is going on in the front of the classroom. Help me modify my teaching style and technology so my whole class can see my notes, videos etc. [more inside]
posted by a22lamia at 11:24 AM PST - 11 comments

Need used car recommendations

Need recommendations for a used car that meets certain conditions, snowflake inside. [more inside]
posted by _DB_ at 11:23 AM PST - 13 comments

Tool you need that doesn't already exist

What is the one tool that you need or would love to have at work that doesn't already exist (but that you've found an unideal workaround for)? [more inside]
posted by AceRock at 11:09 AM PST - 26 comments

Flushed

I'm looking for a good plumbing supply store, preferably in lower Manhattan. [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 11:06 AM PST - 3 comments

Raise the (Fiscal) Roof

How much will requesting a credit limit increase hurt me? [more inside]
posted by spamguy at 10:54 AM PST - 27 comments

I am not a tourist.

In Orange Country, California for a few days. What tourist spots would be appropriate for a "right winger" tour? [more inside]
posted by benzenedream at 10:45 AM PST - 19 comments

Colorblind and 3D vision?

Can people with red-green colorblindness see depth in 3D comic books where you look through red-blue glasses? Personal testimony from my colorblind readers would be most compelling to me, as the optics are complicated.
posted by tnygard at 10:38 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me be less paranoid about getting fired.

Help me be less paranoid about getting fired. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:31 AM PST - 12 comments

Bar Hopping Puzzle Hunt Ideas

I'm planning a bachelor party in a few months. As a surprise for the "bar hopping" part of the evening, we plan to have a puzzle/scavenger hunt from bar to bar. Starting at our dinner location, there will be some puzzle or task that the bachelor has to perform to figure out where to go next (and maybe what to do there). For example: At one bar, he will have to try to buy a drink with Monopoly money. The bartender will know to give him his drink and also an envelope full of scrabble tiles, which he then has to unscramble into a name of another bar and.. well.. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments

Shirts vs Skins

Do people that play pick up basketball in your area do shirts and skins(i.e. one team plays with shirts off, one keeps their shirts on)? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 10:21 AM PST - 17 comments

It's a real....fixer-upper....

Where do I begin with home renovations? [more inside]
posted by sprezzy at 10:15 AM PST - 16 comments

Is human-level intelligence only possible in land-based mammals?

Given enough time and the right circumstances, would it be possible for non-land-based mammals to develop human levels of intelligence? What about non-mammals, land-based or otherwise? [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco at 10:02 AM PST - 42 comments

Help me identify this bug

Help me identify this bug. [more inside]
posted by hgcrpd at 9:55 AM PST - 10 comments

name that tune: an ancient transmission from Mars...

So... nineteen years ago I recorded the top 30 countdown on Mars FM, a radio station in L.A. Four years ago I dumped those cassette tape recordings to MP3, and in the process I found this song that I've been wondering about all this time. The end of the tape comes right as the announcer is about to say what it is. All I can tell you, which I highly doubt will help at all, is that it was #16 on the Mars FM Top 30 for January 4th, 1992. I asked some friends about it at the time, but nobody knew what it was, and Tunatic wasn't able to decipher it, so I forgot about it for a while, but just the other day I remembered it for some strange reason, so now I'm posting it here to Ask MeFi. Can anyone name this early-90s rave anthem?
posted by luvcraft at 9:51 AM PST - 12 comments

What movie is this from?

I vaguely recall a scene from a movie where an apartment building raises and lowers to let people off/on at the ground floor. I'm thinking it was a comedy. Does anyone know what movie this was in?
posted by itchylick at 9:43 AM PST - 4 comments

buffering...

It would be rad if my iPhone could stream podcasts instead of downloading them to the hard drive. [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Is 'Duck' a place or an instruction?

Help two Londoners plan a road-trip to the Outer Banks - we have no idea where to start! Advice from Americans is needed... [more inside]
posted by Encipher at 9:27 AM PST - 34 comments

Risks of aldosterone suppression test?

Aldosterone suppression test, AKA oral salt loading test - how dangerous is it? [more inside]
posted by chez shoes at 9:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Is my TomTom spying on me?

Why does my portable GPS power on of its own accord? (conspiracy theories welcome) [more inside]
posted by jack.tinker at 9:24 AM PST - 8 comments

Can we whitelist some NR films on our otherwise PG-13 Netflix account?

My wife and I set our Netflix account to show only PG-13 and below, but now we can't watch shows like The Rockford Files or Sherlock Holmes or even Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries (!), because they're not rated (NR). Is there a whitelist feature we can use, or something like it? [more inside]
posted by circular at 9:21 AM PST - 8 comments

How can I increase the brightness of a color without increasing perceived saturation?

I'm working on a website that lets users set their own page colors. They only pick a handful of colors, then I'm offsetting the brightness (converting to hsv, add/subtract v) for things like shaded boxes, lines, faded text, etc. The problem is that in HSV, when you decrease brightness, the perceived saturation decreases (and when you increase brightness, the perceived saturation increases). How can I create these offset colors while making the saturation appear the same as the original color? Is there a formula for this? Should I be using a different color space?
posted by the jam at 9:18 AM PST - 2 comments

What's Food? I need FOOD

What happens that results in business women not eating lunch, or anything throughout the day? [more inside]
posted by cashman at 9:05 AM PST - 43 comments

Help me be a Cricket Hero

Where can I go to watch the Cricket World Cup in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by repoman at 8:53 AM PST - 7 comments

Level up, Super Me 3

I want to gamify (see Gamification) my current fitness routines. Tell me what tools to use and suggestions for fun times! [more inside]
posted by telegraph at 8:29 AM PST - 13 comments

Does Anyone Put On A Show Like Tom Waits?

When Tom Waits plays live, he really puts on a show- with banter, jokes, stories, etc- as you can hear in the opening to "Nighthawks at the Diner". Does anyone else perform in this style- in the sort of jazz bandleader/comedian role? [more inside]
posted by 235w103 at 8:18 AM PST - 37 comments

Computer says no one more time, it's going out the Window^W Linux

Why can't I delete these files from my Linux server? [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 8:11 AM PST - 27 comments

Milk baths?

Amazing skin forever? At my ritzy gym I constantly see older gentlemen with the most amazing skin quality: smooth, clear, even tone, even lightly tanned. What have they done to get/keep this peternatual skin quality and what can I do now as a younger man to get it?
posted by The Whelk at 8:09 AM PST - 28 comments

Best Camera/Video for New Parents?

Best camera/video device + software for new parents who want to take artistic photos of their baby? [more inside]
posted by citystalk at 8:02 AM PST - 8 comments

Advice for PE test?

Any advice on taking the Mech. Engineering PE test, beyond taking the refresher course? [more inside]
posted by notsnot at 7:49 AM PST - 2 comments

Phrases about machines.

Do you know (un)common phrases about machines? [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 7:35 AM PST - 25 comments

Overwhelmed and Seeking Perspective

Is it automatically wrong to stay with someone if you have doubts regarding the ultimate strength of your compatibility and ability to stay together for the long-haul? For once I want to try to relax and see where things go, but I don't want to be hurtful to this wonderful woman. It is a bit complicated, since we broke off our engagement 2 months ago, we are both women in our early-to-mid 30s who each want a child at some point, and I have serious anxiety problems which paralyze my thinking, and which make me feel extra immature when faced with overwhelming questions like this. [more inside]
posted by wombat stork at 6:47 AM PST - 23 comments

Dog Chewed Through Exterior Cable TV Cable

My dog chewed through my exterior Cable TV cable (provider is Shaw Cable). A service tech is coming this afternoon to repair. Any idea what its going to cost to repair? Thanks.
posted by Minos888 at 6:22 AM PST - 12 comments

Looking for quality British "reality" programming

Looking for quality British "reality" programming.... [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 6:02 AM PST - 34 comments

How do I get tested for a hedgehog allergy?

How do I get tested for a hedgehog allergy? [more inside]
posted by Bobby Bittman at 5:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Help me use Gu for the first time.

Please advise me about using Gu for the first time while running. [more inside]
posted by Rudy Gerner at 5:38 AM PST - 18 comments

How to develop and Ipad app with no programming skills.

I'm not a programmer so what tools/resources should I pursue to make an Ipad application? [more inside]
posted by modoriculous at 5:12 AM PST - 11 comments

Excel template for a great database of the world's religions

So let's say hypothetically that I decided to make a database of the world's religions and that I wanted to organize the data by a few properties ... [more inside]
posted by mateuslee at 4:50 AM PST - 17 comments

renting out your house

Homeowners who own a single family house - I wanted to ask your experiences renting out a single family house? I own an older SFH in the DC area, and I was thinking (potentially) about the possibility of relocating for work in the future. [more inside]
posted by waylaid at 4:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Unusual American History 101.

American history nerds: What are your favorite unusual, quirky, or unique events in American history? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 4:48 AM PST - 58 comments

Where can I find a chiropractor willing to adjust me the way I want?

I have a chiropractic question but I don't want to hear about whether chiropractors are all quacks, etc. [more inside]
posted by analogue at 4:41 AM PST - 8 comments

Where is this place?

I came across this picture on a pic dump site and was curious to know where it is. Can anyone identify the location?
posted by essexjan at 4:13 AM PST - 8 comments

Any recommendations for a good psychiatrist in Las Vegas?

Hi all! A really good friend of mine is looking for a psychiatrist out here in Las Vegas, Nv. She's had bad experiences with them in the past, and the one good one she found ended up retiring some time ago. She's currently on foreign medication and wants to transition to US drugs, so wants to find a new doc to help with figuring out what she should be on, etc (basically, high anxiety issues and some other things, but a lot of it stemming from some really rough events in her past). Any recommendations?
posted by Driph at 1:20 AM PST - 1 comment

Hockey stick similar to TPS Tricore 3?

I'm looking to purchase a new hockey stick. My favorite shaft is the Louisville TPS Tricore 3 but they've been discontinued for a while. Do you know of a stick similar to the Tricore? I want a composite shaft and I particularly enjoy the wood outer shell on the Tricore composite. There are pictures of the Tricore on this site: http://hockey.inlinewarehouse.com/showthread.php?t=10557 As for me, I play forward, 5'7", 150lbs. I take the occasional slap shot but I'm more of a stick handling, dangling, deking, wrist shot type of player. I realize stick choice is a personal preference but I'm really hoping there's something similar to the Tricore out there somewhere.
posted by sallyseashore at 12:34 AM PST - 1 comment

"I think I got half of it, which got me through the half I didn't." "Like the first season of The Wire."

What are the pop culture references cited in Season 1 of the TV show Community? [more inside]
posted by pleasebekind at 12:10 AM PST - 16 comments

February 17

What to ask Brian Greene?

I get to meet a celebrity physicist next week! How do I be an interesting ignoramus? [more inside]
posted by VelveteenBabbitt at 11:20 PM PST - 11 comments

Cat boarding. Slightly less traumatic than water boarding.

Where is an excellent place to board my cats for a week and a half in Philadelphia. [more inside]
posted by millipede at 10:37 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me find this New Yorker cartoon.

Help me find an electronic version of this New Yorker cartoon. It was published within the past couple of years and is an illustration of a teacher receiving an apple from one of her students; she says something like, "Billy, I don't want an apple. I want money." Thank you!
posted by hapax_legomenon at 10:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Sourdough, pukey but delicious!

Why does all sourdough bread leave me feeling nauseated? [more inside]
posted by nadawi at 9:40 PM PST - 14 comments

Should I go to SE Asia this summer or is it too rainy?

I want to travel this summer - in the "backpacking" sense - and I'd love advice on where to go. I'm leaning towards ~6-7 weeks in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Burma..but I'm worried about the rainy season. Should I go somewhere else? How many countries should I hit? Any other advice? [more inside]
posted by User7 at 9:01 PM PST - 14 comments

Design book Part II

A design book to follow Robin Williams' book? [more inside]
posted by raheel at 8:53 PM PST - 3 comments

TiVo to iPad via Mac?

Has anyone copied TiVo's recorded shows to their Mac and, if so, how? [more inside]
posted by Mertonian at 8:00 PM PST - 11 comments

Synth solo in Led Zep's "All My Love"?

Led Zeppelin's "All My Love": where else has that synth solo been used? [more inside]
posted by nonmerci at 7:49 PM PST - 7 comments

Anonymous Jellyfish

Asking for a friend - can anyone tell me exactly what type of jellyfish this is?
posted by mannequito at 7:44 PM PST - 5 comments

Satan drives a Ford

Songfilter: Cover/parody of The Devil Went Down to Georgia, but Johnny has a Chevy and Satan drives a Mustang in a race for a bar (or Johnny's soul of course). I think one line was "this here Chevy's my last hope." Help me find the artist & title and even better the song somewhere on these intertubes.
posted by ish__ at 7:43 PM PST - 2 comments

Six weeks in China...

Hi Mefis, This is an open-ended question about taking a long trip to China. My boyfriend and I will be spending about six weeks traveling throughout China from early March through mid April... [more inside]
posted by infinityjinx at 7:30 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me make an ass end of a unicorn of myself.

There's a con at the end of March that I'll be attending, and I only just thought of the costume I'd love to be part of. I think it would be hilarious and incredibly fun for my friend and I to go together as a pantomime unicorn. I would welcome suggestions to make it clever... hopefully with a bit of style. [more inside]
posted by tomboko at 7:24 PM PST - 9 comments

How should we split this travel bill?

How should two sisters split the benefit of gifted frequent flyer miles when they have different sized families? [more inside]
posted by Nickel Pickle at 7:09 PM PST - 21 comments

Finding IT jobs in (K-12) education

For various reasons, I've decided to find an IT job at a school, preferably NOT at the college level, though I'm somewhat open to the idea. Let's just say that my credentials/resume/references are not the issue. The issue is finding job openings in educations! [more inside]
posted by MeProxy at 7:08 PM PST - 6 comments

Teenage Girls and Black Swan

I mentor a 13 year old girl who someone saw the movie Black Swan (she downloaded it illegally, I suppose), and she really wants to talk about it. I'm kind of at a loss as to how to even begin this conversation. [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 7:00 PM PST - 22 comments

Is splitting HDMI out into HDMI video + RCA audio possible?

Hi hive mind, hope you're well. Here's hoping one or more of you might be able to help me out with an A/V setup question. I've been (slowly) building a fairly decent setup piece-by-piece around an Optoma projector. Trouble is, I now have an issue splitting an HDMI combined A/V signal into HDMI video + RCA audio. A little help here, please! [more inside]
posted by junebug at 6:42 PM PST - 2 comments

Visiting Iceland - where to go?

Visiting Iceland - where to go? [more inside]
posted by lpcxa0 at 6:35 PM PST - 18 comments

Mens no show socks in earth tone colors

I'm looking high and low for men's no show socks in earth tone colors, but coming up empty. The ones I've found are either not really no show (like they're not truly below the ankle - and I'd like them to be below shoe-top level), or they're too expensive. I need some for about $7 per pair, max. And non-white and non-black is a must (earth tones are what I'm really hoping for, but I may have to settle for gray.). Please help! Thanks!
posted by atm at 6:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Childproofing hacks for traveling?

Childproofing hacks for traveling? I'll be traveling in Mexico with my 2yo and 5.5yo, staying in a variety of places (rental houses, condos, B&Bs, and hotels). Given my experience with hotels in general, I think I'll need to childproof on the spot without knowing in advance what the trouble spots are and without having access to lots of supplies. Will the traveling parents of MeFi lend me their hacks? [more inside]
posted by Yoshimi Battles at 6:28 PM PST - 6 comments

Bettering an Experience

"What can I use to paint a low temperature thermoplastic splint that is being worn by a five year old? [more inside]
posted by vansly at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments

concert listings for major us cities?

Are there any other good concert listings sites for major metro areas like http://stevelist.com/list provides for the bay area? [more inside]
posted by miles at 6:18 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm sure I have relatives...somewhere.

[biogeography filter] Both of my parents are adopted. How can I find out more about my ethnic heritage? Complicating factors inside. [more inside]
posted by easy, lucky, free at 5:41 PM PST - 13 comments

Safely remove popcorn ceilings?

I recently purchased a condo and it comes with popcorn ceilings. I want them removed but I had an asbestos abatement company come to look at them and they determined that they contained a "trace" amount, or less than one percent, asbestos. They provided me an outlandish quote for safe and sanitary (as well as legally up and up) removal. Doing some web research, I find their quote to be about standard for what similar companies charge. [more inside]
posted by Stryke11 at 5:38 PM PST - 20 comments

How can I make the pain due to bruxism stop?

I've been grinding my teeth for a while now. I have a fancy mouth guard, yet I still have constant jaw pain and headaches. Anyone have any advice on how I can make this stop? [more inside]
posted by carmel at 5:36 PM PST - 20 comments

What on Earth is this?

What is this? I've had it hanging on my wall for a year or two. It was found on the sand below the water line at the Fire Island National Seashore/Wilderness. It's lightweight and friable, like a sea creature. It's 24 cm (9.4 inches) long by 11 cm (4.3 inches) wide. 24 cm is 1.7 monkey skulls, if that helps.
posted by jcrcarter at 5:35 PM PST - 13 comments

Quirky little places of inspiration in Seattle

Please point me towards quirky little places of inspiration in Seattle
posted by palegirl at 5:33 PM PST - 15 comments

I Have a Real Estate Tax Question...

A real estate/math/tax question. I sold my house for $210,000. The buyers wanted a new roof but wanted that included in the loan so the sale price was changed to $217,000 and the $7000 for the roof was paid out of escrow. When I do my taxes next year do I need the receipt for the roof or do the buyers? I believe that since I technically paid for the roof, the cost of the roof could be used to offset the capital gains on the house. What do you think?
posted by MsKim at 5:00 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I get decent healthcare w/o insurance and somewhat limited funds?

My husband used to love his IT job. Things changed, now he hates it, because his new work is boring and his new boss is a bully. So he might have found another job... but it has no paid vacation and no health benefits. I am a (secular) homeschooling stay-at-home mom with several chronic health problems. Can I somehow manage to deal with my physical symptoms w/o insurance, because I know it would be mentally better for both of us for him to not work for the bully. [more inside]
posted by Shoeburyness at 4:59 PM PST - 29 comments

Games That Talk About Their Own Buttons

I know that some fairly recent video games, at least as recent as Ocarina of Time, have moments where characters (or physical signposts) inside of the game talk about the buttons that the player has to hit. I have a vague memory of this occurring in much older games, maybe characters in NES games saying "make sure you equip your weapon on the start menu" or things like that , but I can't locate them. Can anyone verify times where this happens?
posted by pacmanides at 4:22 PM PST - 20 comments

Nokia 2730 not working.

Today I bought a Nokia 2730; stupidly, I took the battery out before taking it home. Now, even though it says the battery is charged, the phone won't work. Help! [more inside]
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 4:21 PM PST - 8 comments

This is my book, in Korean. How can I buy it?

My book was translated into Korean. How can I buy a copy? [more inside]
posted by musofire at 4:04 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me find an orthopedist in the Bay Area!

Can you recommend a great orthopedist in or around San Francisco? [more inside]
posted by mingodingo at 3:27 PM PST - 1 comment

Porsche 911 or Boxster or...?

Porsche 911 or Boxster or...? Please help us choose our next car! My wife and I are getting a second-hand car and are looking for something fun to drive on the New Zealand B-roads. What we are looking for: - A fun and quick driver’s car. Practicality is not a major concern, but… - A reasonably comfortable and luxurious car (ruling out a Lotus for example!) - A reliable car. Neither of us knows anything about fixing cars - Price in US$ maximum $30,000 Which car would you choose? [more inside]
posted by sinbarambam at 2:58 PM PST - 48 comments

Good online loose-leaf tea vendors?

Good online loose-leaf tea vendors? [more inside]
posted by GlassHeart at 2:57 PM PST - 40 comments

Need help selecting an upgrade from Apple Earbuds.

Need help selecting an upgrade from Apple Earbuds. [more inside]
posted by kdern at 2:34 PM PST - 23 comments

How can I contact the South Korean post office?

As an English-speaker in the US, how can I contact a South Korean post office to resolve a delivery problem? [more inside]
posted by brain at 2:22 PM PST - 1 comment

New email notifications for Facebook Pages

New update to Facebook Pages gives email notifications to admins. I'm one of the admins but don't want these; how do I personally opt out? [more inside]
posted by naju at 1:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me find this data visualization blog.

Good Data and Visualization Blogs? In particular, I recall one based out of an analytics company in Chicago (that maybe uses Python?) that discussed an automated dimensionality reduction using some sort of regression technique.
posted by gregglind at 1:56 PM PST - 9 comments

Which box to choose?

I've decided that I want to get an Internet TV box of some sort. I'd like to stay under 150 dollars, and would probably be using it to watch Netflix Instant mainly, but would be interested in other features as well. What can you tell me about the different models on the market, and which would be the best value?
posted by codacorolla at 1:52 PM PST - 31 comments

I-95 Eats

Any worthwhile pit stops along I-95 in the Northeast Corridor? [more inside]
posted by mkultra at 1:43 PM PST - 26 comments

Guidance Councilor for Adults?

Are there guidance councilors for adults? I never learned how to find a job or advance within career paths. [more inside]
posted by lekvar at 1:36 PM PST - 11 comments

Awesome online shopping in Australia

Awesome online stores in Australia? [more inside]
posted by KLF at 1:31 PM PST - 13 comments

Where do I look for cheap wireless earphones?

I'm looking for an inexpensive set of wireless earbuds/earphones. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by malusmoriendumest at 1:29 PM PST - 5 comments

How to retrieve precious text messages from Nokia 2610?

Need to somehow retrieve SMS text messages from old, low-end Nokia 2610 cellphone. Please, someone save me from hours of mind-numbing thumbery. Details, including things I've tried, follow. [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 1:22 PM PST - 17 comments

Non-profit tax help in NYC

Recommendations for an NYC accountant familiar with non-profit business and personal (freelance) taxes? [more inside]
posted by crookedneighbor at 1:17 PM PST - 1 comment

Help me hope my brother.

I'm looking for an inpatient rehab center in Northern California for my brother. He is early 30s, extremely depressed, and mainly has a problem with alcohol but also cocaine to a lesser extent. [more inside]
posted by sacrifix at 12:59 PM PST - 5 comments

Exercise makes you fat.

I started exercising and eating less, and I'm gaining weight. I highly doubt I'm building muscle. Is this going to stop eventually? [more inside]
posted by timory at 12:56 PM PST - 51 comments

It's my sink and I'll move it if I want to.

I have a sink in my basement I would like to relocate. I would like to do this with a minimum amount of plumbing. I shall explain my intentions with a few pictures and way too many words inside. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 12:50 PM PST - 8 comments

In Wisconsin We Say Forward?

Some time ago I heard a metal/hardcore song with the lyrics "In Wisconsin we say Forward!" as the shouted chorus. What song was it? [more inside]
posted by ChrisHartley at 12:39 PM PST - 6 comments

En route to zoom

Best place online to find free/cheap Massachusetts DMV's permit test questions and answers for practice? [more inside]
posted by mooselini at 12:34 PM PST - 3 comments

Astrowoman

Can anyone give me more information about this photo, or a link to a high-res version? [more inside]
posted by Capa at 12:28 PM PST - 11 comments

Next time, call your mother when you need bailing out.

How far to go for semi-estranged relative in big legal trouble due to their own foolishness? Anonymous because I need some plausible deniability. More inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:27 PM PST - 53 comments

How export list of sent emails?

Outlook filter: How can I export a list of sent emails to Excel? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 12:21 PM PST - 3 comments

Is there something that will detect/count circles in a photo?

How can I detect circles/ovals in a photo, and ideally count them automatically? [more inside]
posted by swimming naked when the tide goes out at 11:49 AM PST - 11 comments

Muscianship at work?

What can I do when I am away from my instruments to be a better musician? [more inside]
posted by Silvertree at 11:37 AM PST - 13 comments

What's the best way to donate a timeshare?

Does anyone have any good advice/experience for donating a timeshare? [more inside]
posted by KirTakat at 10:59 AM PST - 0 comments

How can I manually backup/restore an entire WHM/cPanel account?

I'm looking for a manual alternative to the WHM's built in "Copy an account..." function. [more inside]
posted by ofcourseican at 10:54 AM PST - 0 comments

Wet House

I just read this article and I'm curious about this place. A little searching brings up proposed sites elsewhere but I am wondering if any exist, specifically in the North East. Has anyone ever heard of such a place?
posted by Shanachie at 10:54 AM PST - 11 comments

How many branches does each bank have?

Where can I download a list of how many branches each bank and credit union in the United States has?
posted by Kalatraz at 10:48 AM PST - 3 comments

"volunteer" engineering positions with a stipend?

How do I find engineering or science research positions abroad where I can help communities and will cover my living expenses? [more inside]
posted by lacedcoffee at 10:19 AM PST - 3 comments

What Power a Paper Towel Holds in the Microwave!

Why does the addition of a layer of paper towel make such a big difference when microwaving certain foods? [more inside]
posted by curiositykilledthelemur at 10:02 AM PST - 18 comments

Help me AskMe, you're my only hope...

What alternatives are there to IO9? What are the cool review and news sites for science fiction and fantasy? For comic books? For sf&f tv and movies? [more inside]
posted by bonehead at 9:56 AM PST - 17 comments

WHY YOU DIE ON ME NOW?

Have I killed my HP dv6700 dead? Whenever I plug in the AC adapter, the LED panel lights up like this, with the speaker LED flickering purple. Hitting the power button makes the screen flash intermittently. No response beyond that. [more inside]
posted by Throw away your common sense and get an afro! at 9:17 AM PST - 5 comments

What to do about a possibly dead dog?

A family I know of, but do not know personally, has been looking for their lost dog for two months. Today on my way to work, I saw a deceased dog on the side of the expressway that matches the general description of the lost dog. What do I do next? [more inside]
posted by SuperSquirrel at 9:11 AM PST - 15 comments

Please give me some hope.

Please give me some hope. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:08 AM PST - 57 comments

2 questions for those experienced in working from home

2 questions for those experienced in working from home [more inside]
posted by PepperMax at 9:01 AM PST - 19 comments

Convection, subduction, confusion

How can I visualize geological phenomenons? [more inside]
posted by Echobelly at 8:56 AM PST - 5 comments

Trouble streaming Amazon VOD while watching it through my TV

Everytime I watch Amazon streaming video on my TV (via my laptop) my internet connection goes away. If I watch Amazon streaming on my laptop and don't connect it to the TV, I'm fine. What's the deal? Tech specs and more detail inside. [more inside]
posted by stevedee at 8:19 AM PST - 11 comments

What's causing my sudden headaches?

YANAD - What could be the cause of a recurring headache on the back of my head? [more inside]
posted by IzzeYum at 8:14 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me transfrom my suburban yard into a patch of Texas.

I would like to populate my yard with native plants that would grow on their own in my local climate (read: no extra watering, very low care). How can I, a gardening novice, successfully transfer cuttings of live plants I encounter on my hikes around the area to my yard? What should I look for? What should I avoid? [more inside]
posted by cross_impact at 8:00 AM PST - 9 comments

neighbor toddler tantrums

My new neighbor's toddler throws constant tantrums. Can I say something? [more inside]
posted by soy_renfield at 7:45 AM PST - 39 comments

Great TV Shows on Netflix?

What are the best television series that are available on Netflix Watch Instantly? [more inside]
posted by crapples at 7:44 AM PST - 84 comments

Chaining Up A Dog--How Can I Stop This?

My parents have a guard dog that they chain up, all day and all night. How do I stop this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:28 AM PST - 35 comments

EVIL is the way to go, but you must show me the way

I would like a new camera. Please help me find the perfect one for my needs. [more inside]
posted by zombieApoc at 7:23 AM PST - 9 comments

Need MacBook advice.

Looking for advice on 1) which Mac laptop to buy (yes, I know the rumors of a MacBook Pro refresh in early March; we'd wait for the new models) and 2) how to integrate a happy home network of Macs. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:15 AM PST - 11 comments

How to deal with looting and mismanagement after an apartment fire?

A large group of friends recently lost nearly everything they owned in a devastating apartment fire last month. Since then, the building - and their lives - have sat in limbo while looters have been free to ransack the building at their leisure. What options, legal and otherwise, do my friends have to hold somebody accountable for this gross mismanagement? [more inside]
posted by deafmute at 7:14 AM PST - 9 comments

Less Verbal Top Hat, More Verbal Hankerchief

I want some new verbal affectations or expressions that I can use to express my personality without looking either anachronistic or a jackass. [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 7:05 AM PST - 66 comments

What's a great 1 or 2 week adventure on the West coast?

I'm looking for a great retreat to do in late March/early April in Northern CA, Oregon or Washington state. I'm going to be in Portland, OR at the end of March and then in San Francisco and LA mid-April. I'm thinking that instead of returning to Vermont in the meantime I could stay on the West coast and find something fun to do (really? ya think?). [more inside]
posted by bumpcat at 6:45 AM PST - 4 comments

"Remember to buy eggs, milk, piano strings."

At a chamber music concert I attended on Monday evening, the pianist came out and, just as he was sitting down to start, used a pen to write down a couple of things at the top of his score. What and why? [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 6:42 AM PST - 9 comments

Mappoint Alternative

Looking for a free Mappoint alternative GIS program... any suggestions? I'd prefer not to use Google Earth, so something else... [more inside]
posted by fozzie33 at 6:25 AM PST - 6 comments

Please help me with my fear of being in a car...

Please help me with my fear of driving - either as the actual driver or even in the passenger seat. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:16 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me keep my house.

My bank informed me a couple of months ago that the refinance of my home under Making Home Affordable is a no-go. Help me work something out anyway. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:16 AM PST - 2 comments

Is being an administrator for a games designer a bad idea if I want to become a games designer myself?

If my ambition is to become a creative techy person, am I likely to be negatively typecast if I work for a tech-company in a non-tech, non-creative job? (Special snowflake details inside) [more inside]
posted by talitha_kumi at 5:59 AM PST - 8 comments

Help My Friend Kick it to the Next Level

(posting for a friend): My friend, a small business owner, has a delightful store but realizes that she needs a web presence. She has neither the cash nor the know how to make it happen. Is there help for her? [more inside]
posted by aimeedee at 5:06 AM PST - 21 comments

Teach me how to Tighten Up!

The song is The Tighten Up and the band is Archie Bell & the Drells, but the dance????? This song is the bomb and I know there was an associated dance, but after a fair amount of internet research, I've got nothing. [more inside]
posted by killerinsideme at 4:46 AM PST - 14 comments

Forgotten feel-good poem

Long forgotten poem filter: do you know who wrote this poem? [more inside]
posted by londonmark at 3:28 AM PST - 3 comments

Contemplating the ethics of using a job prospect as leverage with my current employer

Is it bad form or unethical to use a new job prospect as leverage for a raise/promotion at the existing job? [more inside]
posted by bigtex at 2:59 AM PST - 19 comments

Song ID filter. Japanese/Chinese female vocalist, accompanied by cello/violin only, in the late 90's.

Song ID filter. Japanese/Chinese female vocalist, accompanied by cello/violin only, in the late 90's. Phonetic attempt at the only line I can remember inside. [more inside]
posted by therubettes at 2:15 AM PST - 6 comments

February 16

Beautiful film poster

Where can I get this beautiful poster? [more inside]
posted by motown missile at 11:51 PM PST - 3 comments

Eldritch Horrors, Please!

SeattleFilter: Where can I buy weird old stuff? [more inside]
posted by Because at 11:51 PM PST - 10 comments

War & Revolution Tactics 101

Can you point me at some resources where I can learn more about revolutionary tactics? I'm looking for books describing strategies and tactics used in historical revolutions, or instructional books, perhaps in the vein of Clausewitz's On War. Basically, imagine your town is being defended by a guerilla platoon made up of the local teenagers. What books / blogs / etc would you have wanted the guerilla leader to have read?
posted by ejfox at 11:11 PM PST - 12 comments

What are some good poems for Young Adults?

I need to find some poems for Young Adults. They have to be by published authors, and they should fit into the theme of "heroes".
posted by LaCapitana at 10:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Would my forum work?

Would my forum work? [more inside]
posted by Bacillus at 9:40 PM PST - 10 comments

No law saves the Queen?

Is there a mechanism enshrined in law by which the British monarchy could be removed by a popular vote?
posted by vapidave at 9:30 PM PST - 19 comments

Fruit and Veg

Help a Fruit and Veg Newbie! [more inside]
posted by freddymetz at 9:26 PM PST - 18 comments

For young Tam-Lin is there.

Can you recommend me songs, bands, or compositions that evoke moods similar to those of nursery rhymes or fairy tales? [more inside]
posted by Rory Marinich at 9:08 PM PST - 36 comments

Quick Translation Help with European Languages for a Balloon Project?

I need to know how to write "Hello! I'm HARMLESS!" in every language from Norway to North Africa! Want to help? My friends are sending a robot balloon across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, and I'm designing a label for it tonight. Sound fun? I'd also love to have a couple of sentences about the project translated into French, German, and Spanish. [more inside]
posted by sunnichka at 8:51 PM PST - 28 comments

Looking for a bargain on a Dell UltraSharp

How should I go about getting the best deal on one of the Dell UltraSharp monitors? [more inside]
posted by Ryogen at 8:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Where do I click from here?

Where do the really smart people hang out online, and discuss varied topics? [more inside]
posted by Savannah at 8:06 PM PST - 20 comments

Food delivery in Portland, OR

Food delivery as a gift in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 7:42 PM PST - 7 comments

eMac, meet G3

[AncientMacintoshFilter] Is there a way to get an eMac to fileshare with a G3 (blue-and-white tower)? In the good old days, I would have whipped out an AppleTalk cable and called it done, but the eMac does not have an AppleTalk port. [more inside]
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 6:46 PM PST - 15 comments

So first I'd google and use someone else's implementation.

I have an interview that includes an algorithm test with a financial services firm. This is for a "Senior Developer" type of position. Perusing through GlassDoor's interview questions for a lot of firms (Amazon.com in particular) has me nervous. What's the best way to prepare for this? I've been out of school for awhile and never use the language "breadth-first search" or "find the intersection of a linked list" in my day-to-day life. [more inside]
posted by anonymous unit 4000 at 6:36 PM PST - 7 comments

Term for Efficient Pathfinding

What is the term that describes pathways out of trampled grass made by animals or humans navigating the most efficient route? [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo at 6:29 PM PST - 16 comments

Designer to Plumber - Crazy?

I am 35, live in Vancouver, Canada and currently work an office job doing design work. Recent events have prompted me to review my career direction and becoming a plumber has kept coming up in my head. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:25 PM PST - 21 comments

Time management with young children?

I have two months to put a book proposal together. How on earth do I manage my time? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:53 PM PST - 11 comments

What kind of adrenaline-filled experience can I get as a gift?

Looking for places in the US where you can race a car, sail a boat or do some other adrenaline-filled activity for a weekend. This is for a birthday gift in April. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:53 PM PST - 13 comments

If not kids then what

If you know you aren't going to have kids, what would you do to make your life awesome in other ways? Looking back, what would you recommend someone do in your 20s, 30s, and 40s, to happy later on in life (50s, 60s, and 70s) without having a family? [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 5:34 PM PST - 57 comments

Someone is using our mailbox to steal money...

Someone is using our address to take out loans and not pay them. It continues to go on, despite marking the letters "Not At This Address" and sending them back. Is there anything more we can do? [more inside]
posted by Jimbob at 5:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Internet writer romance scandal

I need help remembering a story/internet scandal thing! Details inside. [more inside]
posted by little_c at 5:20 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for arctic horrors

Looking for more arctic horror in the vein of The Thing (and the offshoot X-files episode Ice) and Mountains of Madness. [more inside]
posted by melissam at 5:19 PM PST - 28 comments

Movie title? Man attacked by demons, etc.

I am trying to remember the title of a movie. The plot is that a man is being attacked by demons wherever he goes. At some point he realizes he is in purgatory and the demons are actually angels working to free him from his attachment to the material plane. Anyone?
posted by mutrux at 5:06 PM PST - 7 comments

2011: The Summer of Brazil

Looking for information, tips, and suggestions about an upcoming extended trip to northern Brazil. Details within! [more inside]
posted by hansbrough at 4:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Some questions about the NSW, Australia public school system.

Some questions about the NSW, Australia public school system. [more inside]
posted by AmbroseChapel at 4:47 PM PST - 18 comments

Life: punching me in the face over and over and over again

I broke up with my boyfriend last week. How do I focus on a mountain of academic obligations when all I want to do is crawl into bed and sleep forever? [more inside]
posted by flawsekno at 4:35 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm out of the loop...

What audio editing software should I use if I want loops to be automatically detected? This seems like a fairly simple task - all the program would have to do is identify repeating waveforms. [more inside]
posted by matkline at 4:28 PM PST - 4 comments

Written and illustrated doubly

I'd like examples of a certain kind of work, which surely must exist: a nonfiction narrative, either typeset or handlettered in columns, set against, or surrounded by, artwork in the margins which tells a parallel story (not the same) in graphic-narrative fashion. The closest thing I can think of is Lynda Barry's What It Is. [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 4:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Best Study Guide for Miller Analogies Test (MAT)?

Best Study Guide for Miller Analogies Test (MAT)? [more inside]
posted by Twoapennything at 4:09 PM PST - 2 comments

Sell or lease a /24 IP block?

I have a /24 and I want to put it to use as income either leasing it, or selling the company they are allocated to. Where would such a thing be advertised, or sought by potential buyers? How much of a pain in my @$$ is leasing them really going to be? [more inside]
posted by mr.anthony337 at 3:53 PM PST - 3 comments

Possibly illegal rental lease

Is it legal for a landlord to make a tenant pay an inspection fee, even though the landlord-tenant code says that the landlord must pay it? [more inside]
posted by Frobenius Twist at 3:44 PM PST - 10 comments

Help find Sartre quote!

Jean Paul Sartre's thoughts on love? [more inside]
posted by robotot at 3:42 PM PST - 4 comments

Books like this little-known book

Bookfilter: I want to read books that are similar to "Saturn is almost invisible" by Vasily Ardamatsky. [more inside]
posted by vidur at 3:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Is it really a binary decision?

Are my relationship demands unreasonable? [more inside]
posted by Turkey Glue at 3:12 PM PST - 80 comments

Anyone know how to to book meeting rooms for Outlook AND Entourage?

Hi MeFites :) My current workplace has a mix of PC's and Macs and I need to find an easy way to book a meeting room that will work for everyone (some on Outlook 2007, some on Entourage Mac 2008). [more inside]
posted by katala at 3:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Being ill & undiagnosed. Ramifications on health care coverage as preexisting condition?

I'm ill but will be leaving my job (with medical insurance) for another one (with different medical insurance coverage). Should I hold off on getting a medical diagnosis since it's not life threatening just chronic? [more inside]
posted by loquat at 3:07 PM PST - 12 comments

Atul Gawande of business writing

Is there an Atul Gawande of business writing? Recommend some good business writers!
posted by shotgunbooty at 3:04 PM PST - 10 comments

It's their party. I don't want to make them cry.

Good gifts for a couple sharing a birthday party? Especially an "experience" gift located in or around Toronto? [more inside]
posted by oohisay at 3:03 PM PST - 4 comments

Books about world politics, conspiracies, and espionage.

Bookfilter: I love world politics, conspiracies, and espionage; TV shows like Alias and Rubicon really do it for me. What books would I like? [more inside]
posted by reductiondesign at 3:01 PM PST - 16 comments

Can I use a tiny desktop computer?

How small can a usable desktop computer be? [more inside]
posted by monkeymadness at 3:01 PM PST - 17 comments

Dog breed of this beautiful, strong, attentive guy?

Just been following the 2011 Westminster Dog Show and stumbled across this beautiful guy. Love his (or her!) eyes. Can anyone identify what breed he (or she) is? Thanks!
posted by vizsla at 2:31 PM PST - 15 comments

What movie starts with Jesus killing himself disgustingly?

What blasphemous, disgusting black and white movie did MeFi possibly introduce me to a few years ago? [more inside]
posted by two or three cars parked under the stars at 2:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Need disposable all-cotton post-surgical underwear

Disposable cotton underwear for post C-section -- where to find? NO LATEX! [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 2:15 PM PST - 22 comments

Using speech recognition in an open-plan office?

I have a medical condition that is making it more difficult for me to type, due to muscle pain. So, I am thinking of trying a speech recognition app like Dragon Dictate. The problem is that I am in an open plan office, and I am concerned that it might not work with background noise and me whispering so as to not annoy my neighbors. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Food miles from nowhere!

Surprise food hamper. Help me fill it... and quick! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:53 PM PST - 14 comments

How can I make meeting new people easy and advance in my career when I have an unusual name?

My name is unusual in the US, and the associated hassle is inconvenient. Should I use a nickname, change my name or keep it as-is? If I keep it, what strategies can I use to wear it better? [more inside]
posted by zelot at 1:44 PM PST - 39 comments

How to get Google Checkout to give us our $$?

Google Checkout: No payouts, frozen bank account info, and Google seems to be ignoring all messages sent via their help form. Any advice on how to proceed & how to get our payouts? [more inside]
posted by soleiluna at 1:39 PM PST - 1 comment

I have allergies, not a drug problem

Is my wife going to get arrested as a meth maker? Anything I can do to stop it? [more inside]
posted by arniec at 1:22 PM PST - 31 comments

Is our garden safe?

Please help me decide if we should replace the pressure treated wood foundation of our raised-bed garden. [more inside]
posted by lilgoyl at 12:59 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I get a loan for cheap/free?

How do I get a loan with no interest? I was thinking that I could buy an item on my credit card and then turn around a sell the item. As long as the credit card was 0% for 12 months then it seems to me that would be a free loan. The only question then would be 'What item could I buy that could be sold for as close to the purchase price as possible?' Also, are there any other ways I could get a no interest loan? I was thinking I could put the money into a brokerage account and earn interest off the money - then pay it back at the end of the year.
posted by locussst at 12:48 PM PST - 17 comments

Where did this site disappear to?

I briefly had a link to a web site that sold packages of different sample men's colognes. They were packaged by similarity and were sold in 5 ml. And slightly larger sizes. There were usually 5-6 different per package but the packages could be bigger. Does anyone know of this site?
posted by malhaley at 12:48 PM PST - 4 comments

"If we ever create a sport whereby monkeys fling poo at one another, and there's one dedicated supporter, there's a solid chance that shit will hit the fan."

What are some things you like to tell or remind yourself about when you have "woe is me" moments to steer yourself out of self-pity/moments of weakness and back into awesomeness?
posted by Christ, what an asshole at 12:43 PM PST - 55 comments

You shall not... forget the light on.

I want to convert a wall switch into a door switch (for a wardrobe light). Is this easily feasible? [more inside]
posted by ddaavviidd at 12:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Is the "nos" in "nostalgia" of the same origin as the "nos" in "nosotros"?

Spanish etymology question: Is the "nos" in "nostalgia" of the same origin as the "nos" in "nosotros"? [more inside]
posted by 6and12 at 12:08 PM PST - 7 comments

Car selling scam?

Why would someone steal a credit card number to setup a Vonage phone number and buy a Cars.com advert? [more inside]
posted by geonags at 12:02 PM PST - 8 comments

Make our calendars play nice with each other.

My girlfriend and I need a shared calendar for events we're going to together, days one of us will be out of town or in a conference, etc. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by (The Rt Hon.) MP at 11:56 AM PST - 11 comments

The Liberal Education ideal is ruining my life. Please help disabuse me of it (or at least temper it.)

The Liberal Education ideal is ruining my life. Please help disabuse me of it (or at least temper it.) [more inside]
posted by Homo economicus at 11:55 AM PST - 27 comments

Scraping the web

I keep hearing about web scraping. What tools are used to scrape content from the web? [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 11:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Are there stand-alone .srt players for OSX?

Hulu is often great with the closed captions, but sometimes they're a day or week behind on adding them, or there's a set of bad captions. Is there some sort of .srt player for OSX that hovers over whatever video app you're using? [more inside]
posted by matrushka at 11:47 AM PST - 4 comments

Inhalt vs. Gehalt

Germanfilter: could a fluent German speaker please help me, a non-German speaker, understand the difference between the word inhalt and the word gehalt? Both are translated as "content" in online dictionaries. Is there an easy way to grasp the distinction?
posted by Morpeth at 11:28 AM PST - 11 comments

Can a predatory live with its prey?

Can I keep a kitten, three birds, and a mouse all in one apartment? [more inside]
posted by wansac at 11:15 AM PST - 22 comments

Mr URL Redirection & Mrs Search Results

Client requested a single page website. Same client has bought himself a shiny new domain name - www.client.com. Given likely very low volume of hits, I propose hosting that single page under my existing Apache-enabled webspace - www.existing.com/client. How do I set things up such that Google results show client's domain and not my own? Thanks!
posted by freston at 11:06 AM PST - 13 comments

English Novel Study

What is a great pre-1980's novel to read and write about for English class? [more inside]
posted by Dmac_rocker at 11:00 AM PST - 38 comments

You can take this job....

Job boards and resources, paritcularly government and non profit sector. [more inside]
posted by handbanana at 10:59 AM PST - 6 comments

What time is it? It's BABY TIME! ...we hope!

Has anyone here had experience with conception post-IUD? Is there anything I should know ahead of time, or start doing a few months in advance to smooth the transition? How long after removal will fertility return? [more inside]
posted by kitarra at 10:48 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me find these 80s PSAs

Elephant with stuff in his ears, villains plotting to dirty a PI's teeth, and a man crawling under descending cardboard smoke: help me find footage of these early-80s PSAs. [more inside]
posted by longtime_lurker at 10:42 AM PST - 1 comment

Suggestions for books about dungeons and dragons and awesome heroines.

Bookfilter: I need new stuff to read! Really enjoy fantasy where the hero is female.. bonus points if she's conflicted in some way. [more inside]
posted by royalsong at 10:28 AM PST - 68 comments

How do I compare rents w/ or w/o utilities included?

Is there a way to estimate the cost of utilities (heat, electricity) in a given city or region? [more inside]
posted by arveale at 10:25 AM PST - 4 comments

One cable to rule them all ?

Cabling help please! All our video sources (and internet cables) are currently in the living room. Is it possible to run a single cable to the other rooms to share the video and data ? [more inside]
posted by madeinitaly at 10:24 AM PST - 4 comments

LA Car Chases...

Have there been any books/papers/movies/theses/etc. done on the pathology of high speed chases particularly as they relate to Los Angeles? [more inside]
posted by speedgraphic at 10:01 AM PST - 4 comments

When is the best time to travel to Tokyo?

When is the best time to travel to Tokyo? [more inside]
posted by *lostatsea* at 9:46 AM PST - 11 comments

How should I report road rage

I have witnessed road rage and I want to complain about it. How should I go about this? Or should I just leave it? I live in Vaughan, Ontatio (a suburb of Toronto). I witnessed a man get out of his car (I didn't get the plate number but it was a company van with the company address and logo on it) and yell at the other driver, hit his window repeatedly and then opened his door to yank the driver out of his car. Luckily the other driver managed to let go of him and shut his door. Then the aggressor went on to kick his driver side door. It was a traumatic to witness this incident for me. I wonder what the poor driver of the other car must have gone through. All he did was block a lane to get into a lane from the gas station that would make a left turn. The other driver obviously angry that his man blocked the lane (mind you the light ahead was red). So how should I go about this? I have never reported such an incident. Should I call 911?
posted by alshain at 9:45 AM PST - 23 comments

Travel Sweden

Any good stopovers when traveling between Malmo and Stockholm in Sweden? [more inside]
posted by ChloeMills at 9:43 AM PST - 5 comments

I give you the money, you give me a car. Please.

I have $3000 cash. You have a car. Help me make this transaction go smoothly. [more inside]
posted by sonika at 9:14 AM PST - 14 comments

Seeking Personal Recommendation for DC Tax Preparer

Can you personally recommend a reasonably priced tax accountant in Washington, D.C.? I'd like to keep the cost under $500. Also, I think I'd prefer an accountant in a solo or small practice, for the personal touch, but if you've had a great experience with a big firm or chain, do tell. Finally, I'm looking for someone with an office that's Metro accessible and not too far outside the city. [more inside]
posted by bigboggle at 8:58 AM PST - 4 comments

iTunes Error

Recently, I have new (weird) problem with iTunes. (9.0.2.25 on XP) After starting the app, the music store show-up and vanish.. Link to Video. I didn't made any critical changes to my XP machine recently.. (Firewall, Hosts file..) What can cause this issue.. ?
posted by nagalr at 8:46 AM PST - 4 comments

planning for a pekingese!

Planning for a Pekingese! Future lion-dog owner seeks advice and information! :) [more inside]
posted by lovelygirl at 8:46 AM PST - 9 comments

Advice or resources for dealing with guilt/fear in a divorce?

How do I stop myself from second-guessing my decision to get a divorce? Does the little bit of doubt mean that I'm doing the wrong thing? Are there any books or resources for people in my situation? [more inside]
posted by catfood at 8:45 AM PST - 44 comments

Is it easy to transfer music files from an iTunes on an old computer to a new computer?

I have a lot of music on my old computer's iTunes (which I didn't back up) which I'd like to transfer to my new computer's iTunes. Is this easy to do? Please treat me like a complete n00b and step me through this. [more inside]
posted by h00py at 8:32 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I (hire a GC to) build a new house?

So, after an exhaustive house search, not finding what I want, I'm debating building a new house. Er, hiring people to build a house. I know what I want, I know where I want it, I think I have the budget. Where do I go from here? [more inside]
posted by cavalier at 8:19 AM PST - 14 comments

Wire wire go away!

There is a wire hanging in my yard. It appeared about 2 months ago. I have not had any new services installed in my home. It runs from a telephone/ electric pole at the corner of my property and is draped over my bushes then runs down the alley out back. I have a dog now and worry about him chewing on it. Who do I call to have it removed? I called Comcast (we don't have cable) because they had been doing work in our neighborhood about the time it appeared but it is still there. I looked at the wire up close. It reads commscope F677TSVV Xpress Prep. Any clue what it is for? I have touched it and didn't get shocked- but I worry the dog will eventually notice and find it a fascinating tug of war toy. I am on the verge of cutting it, but don't want to get electrocuted. Ideas on who to call?
posted by MayNicholas at 8:18 AM PST - 24 comments

Buckle my swash in the 19th century....

I love the Great Game. What books capture the adventure and romance of this historical period? [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 8:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Weird-eye kitty

We have a cat that sometimes visits our garden that has short legs and very strange eyes. They are big, dark brown and flecked. The cat seems healthy and affectionate, but I'm curious why it looks like this.
posted by Zarkonnen at 7:57 AM PST - 19 comments

Do you know this song?

Song lyrics filter: help me remember this song from my childhood! "The sun is up, the sun is shining bright, it fades away the moon and the stars of night." Then something about birds and butterflies? Google failed me. Can you tell me how the song goes on?
posted by phisbe at 7:32 AM PST - 2 comments

Faking it

I need to learn how to fake my feelings better around people I dislike. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 7:30 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm selling a photo, do I prepare the legally binding contract/quote?

I'm an amateur selling a photo to a professional publisher for a single run in a brochure. How do I prepare a quote that ensures that everything we've agreed upon is legally binding? [more inside]
posted by lyam at 7:21 AM PST - 1 comment

Electronica/dubstep that sounds similar to classic burlesque

Looking for electronica/dubstep that sounds similar to classic burlesque. [more inside]
posted by kyrademon at 7:16 AM PST - 6 comments

Am I being extorted?

I've a question about apartment rental in Germany : Am I being extorted? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:14 AM PST - 3 comments

Where does this laptop connector go?

The screen of a friend's HP Pavilion DV1000 no longer turns on after he dropped it. My dad is currently having a look at the laptop to see if he can fix it but upon reassembling it he has found a loose 3 pin connector that he can find no obvious place for. I have taken a photo of it and indicated whereabouts on the laptop it is located. Anyone got any ideas?
posted by Ask Ives at 7:12 AM PST - 4 comments

Can this Minestrone be Saved?

Can I Eat It: Part 7,934 in an ongoing series. In a fit of industriousness, I made Cannellini Minestrone this morning! I put part of it in a container for my lunch, and part of it in a container to store in the fridge. I realized once I got to work, however, that the container to store never made it to the fridge, and is still sitting on the counter in my apartment. The soup was made at 8am, and I won't be getting home until 8pm. Can anything be done to salvage the soup into something edible, or at least usable?
posted by ocherdraco at 7:00 AM PST - 27 comments

Badass Kitty

Would you like to name another survivor cat? [more inside]
posted by galadriel at 6:46 AM PST - 43 comments

How to book musicians in a new space

How do you get started booking musicians in a new venue? We've just opened a new event space and one of the things we want to do with it is book music. But I'm nervous about making a bad first impression. [more inside]
posted by yerfatma at 6:44 AM PST - 8 comments

I can haz storiez?

What are the best stories you know? Any kind of stories, written or unwritten. (Examples: the story of the founding of Australia, as written in the book The Fatal Shore; Orpheus and Euridice; Matty Groves (the folk song); [interesting stories here]). [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 6:25 AM PST - 7 comments

Find us a Kings Cross pub

What is a great pub to watch football in Kings Cross, London? [more inside]
posted by mooreeasyvibe at 6:17 AM PST - 1 comment

Can I put a SIM card in my PC?

Is it possible to make/receive calls and send/receive texts using my PC, rather than my phone? [more inside]
posted by jeatsy at 5:59 AM PST - 5 comments

Which arabic dialect?

All this revolution stuff is making me curious about this whole middle east and north africa place I hear so much about. So much so I'm half thinking of learning Arabic, or at least trying and failing. Oh God's of Mefi which dialect should I go for? Whats easiest to learn or most understood by most people: Egyptian, Classical,Standard, Gulf, Syrian, Maghreb or waa?
posted by Damienmce at 5:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Why are video cameras used for still shots by news channels (and not digital cameras)?

Why are video cameras used for still shots by news channels (and not digital cameras)? [more inside]
posted by ascetic at 4:29 AM PST - 10 comments

Financing hell

My friends bought a new car in Canada, moved to the States, and just discovered that they violated their financing agreement by taking the car abroad for over 30 days. Nissan Canada's financing people say they have a month to pay the whole car off--$18,000--or it gets repossessed and their credit is ruined. They don't have that kind of money. What would you do? [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 4:17 AM PST - 20 comments

Help me find a good river near Melbourne...

Does anyone know any sections of rivers or creeks not too far out of Melbourne (Australia) that are very wide yet quite shallow? You know the type, like something you see in a documentary about Alaskan bears with pebbles on the bottom and crystal clear water. After swimming in an amazing river in West Virginia may years ago I've dreamed about finding a similar one over here.
posted by soymilk at 3:18 AM PST - 8 comments

Breaking out of Rome airport in the middle of an indirect flight?!

I am taking a trip to Japan from London, my flight is via Rome (both ways). On the way back I'd like to just get out at Rome and take another flight which I will book separately. I don't want to pay anything extra. Is it possible without changing my booking? What's the worst than can happen? I will only have carry-on luggage. I am an EU citizen. [more inside]
posted by tomw at 3:09 AM PST - 14 comments

February 15

Don't deport her!

How long can EU citizens stay in the United States per year?  My girlfriend would like to stay with me for two-three months, then return home to work for a month, come back to the US for a couple months, etc. Will homeland security break up this arrangement after a while? Is there a limit to how many days per year she can stay in the US?  To be clear, she won't be working here. 
posted by pollex at 11:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Is this job a scam?

I can't tell if this job is a scam or not. Help please! [more inside]
posted by moomootown at 11:04 PM PST - 14 comments

Brittany or Aussie? Woof!

Brittany or Aussie? Which dog is the right dog for me? Bonus highlights if you have owned or have experience with both breeds! [more inside]
posted by thatbrunette at 10:16 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I make high quality .gif images?

What programs do I need to design high quality .gif images? [more inside]
posted by apip at 9:53 PM PST - 7 comments

How can my friend find a job in programming?

How does my friend overcome the catch-22 of needing experience in programming, but being unable to get a job because he doesn't have any? [more inside]
posted by biochemist at 9:44 PM PST - 16 comments

Ze rrrrain in Spain...

Physical exercises for English as a second language? [more inside]
posted by zadcat at 9:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Where to stay in Santiago in May?

Hubby and I will be in Santiago, Chile from approximately May 16 to June 4. Hubby wants to drive east to check out the wine harvest but we'll be spending a fair bit of time, at least a week, in the city proper. There are ample and cheap options for apartment rentals in the period (it's off season) but I don't know the city at all and would like to find an area, if possible, that's like Barrio Norte or Palermo in Buenos Aires: Characterful (not all glass highrises and superhighways that seem to dominate so many photos of Santiago I've seen), walkable, with lots of street-level shops and restos but not a party atmosphere. Think more cafe culture than Ibiza. [more inside]
posted by ethnomethodologist at 9:06 PM PST - 7 comments

Possible 3 part-time jobs, or 1 fulltime job. What should my strategy be?

Possible 3 part-time jobs, or 1 fulltime job. What should my strategy be? [more inside]
posted by Like its 1997 at 9:03 PM PST - 20 comments

Tell me about your elbow surgery

Tell me about your experiences with heterotopic ossification excision, ulnar nerve transposition, or, best of all, both. [more inside]
posted by escabeche at 9:02 PM PST - 1 comment

Apples to delicious apples.

I overheard about a recipe, in which an apple is halved and cored, baked in an oven for a bit, then the core areas are filled with pretzels, the apples are baked again, and voila, you have the cheapest, best desert in the world. Can you help me figure out the recipe? [more inside]
posted by Philipschall at 8:26 PM PST - 13 comments

Out of the way travel wonders?

Any out of the way amazing small/medium towns that nobody talks about but are really worth visiting? While I am hoping for more exotic locales any place is fine by me. What makes these places so interesting to you? I am planning a trip starting from East Africa and heading up to the Middle East and then to either Eastern Europe or Asia. [more inside]
posted by tarvuz at 8:26 PM PST - 12 comments

Hungarian/US dual citizenship. Why not?

My wife (a US citizen) is considering becoming a Hungarian citizen (this would make it easier for us to move to the EU if we choose to). This is possible because her mother's parents were born in Hungary. What are the downsides of this, excluding (a) security clearances (we don't care) and (b) social/reputational consequences (ditto). Does she have to then file Hungarian tax returns every year (even if we continue to live in the US)? Anything else we need to know?
posted by novalis_dt at 8:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Stalker Tromboner

Looking for a short film where a woman is harassed by a trombone player who follows her around for a long time. [more inside]
posted by mrgroweler at 8:07 PM PST - 5 comments

What is it? Television Edition

I saw this while thrifting this weekend, I'm assuming it's a television perhaps? I didn't get the chance to open it or look at the model # since it was already sold. Does anyone have more information on this?
posted by nulledge at 8:00 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I gain a reading knowledge of Dutch on my own?

How do I go about gaining a reading knowledge of Dutch on my own, and what is important to emphasize when doing so? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 7:25 PM PST - 12 comments

Halloween's biggest communities?

What are the top American cities or regions for Halloween? (or how can I find a way to measure this?) [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 7:24 PM PST - 19 comments

Misplaced aggression and Cat Crazies - What to do?

Yet another cat question. I recently moved to a new place, and now my cats hate each other. Help, please? [more inside]
posted by backwards compatible at 7:24 PM PST - 16 comments

US tariff for Panama hat gift?

Will two Panama hats sent as gifts from Ecuador have exorbitant tariffs through US customs? [more inside]
posted by ayc200 at 7:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Should I provide a W-2 to a potential new employer?

Should I provide a W-2 to a potential new employer? A job offer was made to me pending a background check. The background check is delayed because my current employer has not replied to the new employer(I do not know why). I was given the option to verify employment using a W-2 form. Do I want to give all of this information to the new employer? I didn't lie about salary but never gave a direct amount. The new job is a 15% increase and I feel like I should not make that obvious to the new employer. If I never stated or lied about a my current salary am I worried about this for no reason? Is 15% going to be perfectly acceptable to them if I am the right candidate?
posted by anonymous at 7:05 PM PST - 14 comments

Tutoring 101: A Crash Course

Tutoring 101: A Crash Course [more inside]
posted by New England Cultist at 6:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Can I hope for future government employment after failing an SF85P?

Having failed an SF85P investigation, have I wrecked any chances of future government employment? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:37 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I quit wasting my life on online escapism?

Please tell me how to break my stupid addiction to fandom and fanfiction. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:37 PM PST - 44 comments

Can't save an Automator script

Why can't I save an Automator script? [more inside]
posted by yclipse at 6:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Tabletop for my mom

I am looking for short easy Table-top system for a one shot game. [more inside]
posted by Jaelma24 at 6:26 PM PST - 9 comments

How to use a translator on a budget?

Lost in Ukranian Translation: How can I best utilize a Ukranian to English Translator for only portions of a trip? [more inside]
posted by VT@MU at 6:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Please help me to figure out if any library catalog entries were lost during a file transfer from an old to a newer computer.

Please help me to figure out if any library catalog entries were lost during a file transfer from an old to a newer computer. [more inside]
posted by dancingfruitbat at 6:13 PM PST - 5 comments

My tools make you better, you used to rent them, now I work for you...I'm still using my tools.

Contractor turned full time employee. Still using my own laptop and other tools. How should I be compensated? [more inside]
posted by Fuzzy Dog at 6:11 PM PST - 5 comments

How to get the most out of Sydney's Gay Mardi Gras?

What's the best way to experience Sydney's Mardi Gras parade on March 5th? When does the parade start, where should I watch it from, and what associated events are worth going to? [more inside]
posted by fermion at 6:11 PM PST - 12 comments

Should I put radio to bed?

I seem to have found myself occupying the realm of professional fundraising. I don't like it although I am outstanding cultural activist according to everyone I am a great cultural activist. I want to be a journalist and work in media as a program producer. But, I enjoy fundraising and took a career leap to learn major giving a few years ago. I am finding it very difficult to get back into radio now, even though I have offered myself for lower salaries. I feel like I will be forced into politics. Is there any hope for me?
posted by parmanparman at 6:07 PM PST - 5 comments

What the hell did I hear?

This is definitely a long shot, but I'm looking for a weird reggae-ish song I heard on a radio a few months ago. The only things I remember about it are that it was pretty long, and the lyrics included something about "a piece of leg" and taking off your clothes. [more inside]
posted by Venadium at 6:06 PM PST - 8 comments

That dirty feeling...

Say you wank a lot in a single session, so much so that you end up feeling kind dirty and icky. Do you know that feeling? I hope so, otherwise I'm a weirdo. Well I've been getting that feeling randomly throughout the day without a trigger that makes sense to me. What is it and how can I stop it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:34 PM PST - 13 comments

Import Lastfm playlist?

How do I import my 3,000 item list of Last.fm "Loved Tracks" into iTunes (for Windows) as a playlist? [more inside]
posted by swlabr at 5:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Get me away from Train

What songs sound like Train's "Hey, Soul Sister" but definitely are not "Hey, Soul Sister"? [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 5:24 PM PST - 15 comments

Where can I demo a whole bunch of skis?

I've heard tell that there are some ski mountains that are particularly well set up to, for a single price, spend the day trying a whole bunch of demo skis. I'm in the NYC area. Know of any within a 5-hour driving distance which either has this all the time or on one specific day per year? [more inside]
posted by The Dutchman at 5:22 PM PST - 4 comments

Why do you lose weight when you go overseas and feel hungrier and fatter in the US?

When I go overseas from the US, I almost inevitably lose weight. When I return to the US, my appetite increases a lot and I gain weight. Anyone know why this happens? [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 5:19 PM PST - 48 comments

Because I said so is a better argument

Help me formulate a response to the "personal responsibility" argument. [more inside]
posted by TorontoSandy at 5:08 PM PST - 20 comments

What would you ask if you had just one question?

What question should I ask my favorite musician, or at least propose asking so that I can meet him? [more inside]
posted by supramarginal at 5:08 PM PST - 12 comments

You know where you hope this train will take you, but you don't know for sure.

Around Thanksgiving, I was given a temporary full-time staff position at a well-known university research lab. (See this question.) Well, I've been officially offered a job as a proper member of the lab, tuition benefits and all. This is quite literally the best opportunity I've ever had. I'm extremely interested in the field of clinical psychology and eventually becoming some kind of therapist. Where do I go from here? [more inside]
posted by two lights above the sea at 5:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Limited Liability Company

I want to drop one member, pick up a new member, and change the name of my limited liability company. Is that possible? [more inside]
posted by gtothep at 4:58 PM PST - 4 comments

Office Politics-Book

Books on dealing with office politics [more inside]
posted by pakora1 at 4:57 PM PST - 12 comments

How can I more quickly redeem my credit score?

Another US student loan question: how can I best mitigate the damage to my credit score from a defaulted Perkins loan? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:55 PM PST - 3 comments

How do you come up with pitches for your magazine articles?

You're a freelance journalist. You make pitches to magazines. How do you come up with ideas? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:55 PM PST - 7 comments

Help us find the blue tickets!

Leapster 2: Calling All Engines! Help us find a blue ticket! [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 4:47 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a critical work on Tolkien

Looking for an essay/other view of Tolkien's Middle Earth depicting Sauron as a liberator. [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 4:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me remember the underwater headlights...

Help me remember a book: artificial lake, main character keeps seeing headlights under the water, turns into a murder mystery [more inside]
posted by planetthoughtful at 4:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Shhhhh....

Cube-dwellers: I need recommendations for music that is enjoyable at very low volume. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 4:19 PM PST - 25 comments

Looking for a Mac program (or some other way) that will monitor my MacBook's battery and turn off another program when the battery gets really low.

Looking for a Mac program (or some other way) that will monitor my MacBook's battery and turn off another program when the battery gets really low. [more inside]
posted by Ephilation at 4:19 PM PST - 3 comments

Can't find this yarn.

I'm looking for two skeins of discontinued yarn, the Noro Kureyon #92. It's not on ebay and being a new knitter, I don't know where fellow hobbyists hang out on the internet to ask instead. Any pointers are greatly appreciated.
posted by squirtle at 3:24 PM PST - 12 comments

Can I go to an independent garage or is dealer service the way to go?

I'm looking to have maintenance done on a 2.5-year old Nissan (40,000 mile tune-up and addressing a little tire/front-issue that probably stems from my wife running over curbs recreationally). Is a dealer absolutely my best option? If so which one? [more inside]
posted by Mayor Curley at 3:11 PM PST - 7 comments

Need a Boston area women's tailor

Recommendations for a Boston / Cambridge area tailor focused on women's clothing? [more inside]
posted by darsh at 2:46 PM PST - 2 comments

Does landlord registration help?

Landlord registration. Is it working for your community? Why or why not? What steps has your community taken to address rental housing that's in poor condition? [more inside]
posted by pappy at 2:25 PM PST - 15 comments

Best app for tracking spending?

Best app for tracking my daily expenses? [more inside]
posted by meerkatty at 2:18 PM PST - 14 comments

The long and winding road

Is an ostensibly better job worth a longer commute? [more inside]
posted by Pomo at 2:06 PM PST - 36 comments

Help me buy a sub-$200 digital camera

Looking for a point and shoot camera, best I can get under $200. [more inside]
posted by efalk at 1:55 PM PST - 10 comments

Who got angry at Space Ghost and had to leave?

Who got angry at Space Ghost and had to leave? [more inside]
posted by Judith Butlerian Jihad at 1:46 PM PST - 6 comments

Beantown Activities

Mefite Beantowners: Wife and I are heading to Boston for a week in May. What to do? [more inside]
posted by SugarFreeGum at 1:43 PM PST - 20 comments

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a journalist

Can an introvert be a journalist? If so... how? [more inside]
posted by Acey at 1:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Dance-Club Book Club

ISO works of fiction about disco/techno/dance music! [more inside]
posted by taramosalata at 1:39 PM PST - 8 comments

Is my boyfriend looking at porn every day ok when we haven't had sex in almost three weeks?

My boyfriend and I have been fighting/bickering quite a bit the last couple months, but he says he has never loved anyone like he loves me. That being said, we haven't had sex for almost three weeks, and have only messed around twice in the shower. I initiated both of the shower incidents, and I've made my concern about the lack of sex known. He blames it on stress at work and being tired after work and then the gym. But, I can see that he's looked a porn almost every day for the last 10 days. Am I being sensitive by being upset by this? I feel like if he's horny enough to look at porn, why shouldn't he be saving that energy for me? [more inside]
posted by yummywaffles at 1:31 PM PST - 23 comments

Histories of the Viking Age

Can you recommend an accessible history of the Viking Age to complement a vacation to Iceland, the Faroes, and Norway? [more inside]
posted by Nelson at 1:23 PM PST - 14 comments

How do I get an iPhone, T-Mobile and Google Voice to play nicely?

I've got a T-Mobile prepaid account on a jailbroken 1st generation iPhone and I'm using Google Voice. Is there any way to get my voicemail to work the way I want it to? [more inside]
posted by gfrobe at 1:08 PM PST - 4 comments

Should I leave New York City before I turn into Christmas cake?

Should I leave New York City before I turn into Christmas cake? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:03 PM PST - 44 comments

What makes something a medical device?

What are the regulations around being a medical device or not for product sales in Canada and the US? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:03 PM PST - 3 comments

Hotel for Lollapolooza?

Whats a good hotel to stay at in Chicago for Lollapalooza 2011? [more inside]
posted by NotSoSiniSter at 12:51 PM PST - 10 comments

Is there interactive fiction out there?

With the invention of eReaders and iPads I thought I would come across more fictional books online that are more interactive. The latest example of this that I read was Corey Doctorow's free PDF of Little Brother, which I loved becuase it hyperlinked to maps, destinations and really brought the neighborhoods and events to life. It also was great for reading at work, since I was viewing a PDF. I also saw this type of merging of fiction and references with our own Mefite Dobbs, who back in the day had a amazing email communication called Victory Shag, which were these weekly emails he would send that were about "his" fictional love life that often times had musical tracks and maps and neighborhood references embedded in the interactions. There must be more options out there. I don't own a eReader or an iPad, but just thought that that I would come across more talented writers that use more interactive oppurtunities. I might be out of the loop though, so suggestions would be much appreciated.
posted by brinkzilla at 12:39 PM PST - 5 comments

Surrendering to dark circles. Well, kind of.

No amount of hydration, sleep, cucumbers, teabags, fancy gels and creams will get rid of the very dark circles under my eyes. I have made peace with the fact that they will never ever go away, but I would love some makeup solutions for covering them up. Is it possible to do so fairly minimally, without layers upon layers of caked on makeup and products? What products have you had success with? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 12:38 PM PST - 33 comments

What do students want from a freshman composition course?

I'm a freshman composition instructor who wants to rock the evals. But how? If you've taken a first-year college writing or rhetoric course, what teaching practices made for a good (or horrible) experience from the student's perspective? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:30 PM PST - 12 comments

Am I being too sensitive? Valentine's Day stupidity inside.

How should I be interpreting this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:30 PM PST - 65 comments

The Canadian Arctic

Nunavut, Nunavik and the NWT: What's it actually like living and working there as somebody from "the south"? For positions in various fields that require 10+ years of experience and educational qualifications, the salaries seem high, but I'm aware the cost of living is also high. [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 12:30 PM PST - 10 comments

Help for a kid with anxiety and distorted thinking

Resources to help a perfectionist/anxious kid with distorted thinking. [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 12:27 PM PST - 18 comments

car insurance. how does it work?

How and where do I get my car repaired? (or, please explain to me how car insurance works) [more inside]
posted by genmonster at 12:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Eindhoven for 2 weeks

Have you ever been to Eindhoven? [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 12:16 PM PST - 11 comments

Mac External Keyboard & Mouse

Mac peripherals filter: Just bought a MacBook Air. Looking for an external mouse and keyboard when I want to use it at my desk (plugged into my external monitor). What are your favorite Mac mice and keyboards? USB or Bluetooth are options. Thanks.
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 12:13 PM PST - 18 comments

If I give in, I'm giving in to all the cute, fuzzy bunnies in the world.

All of the places I trust to provide comfort and security, in any form, are imploding. I've already been existing in coping mode; what can I do now (particularly day-to-day)? [more inside]
posted by Madamina at 12:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Can my hardware store also be my jewelry store?

Where can I find a machine part that would make a good wedding ring? [more inside]
posted by albrecht at 12:05 PM PST - 17 comments

Songs by women about parts of women.

This song and also this one are men singing about the (their?) penis. Are there songs where ladies sing about lady-parts?
posted by Lorc at 11:51 AM PST - 31 comments

Wedding Venue in Bay Area?

I am looking for a wedding venue in the SF Bay Area (ideally San Francisco or the Peninsula/South Bay. The twist here is that we will have just four guests, so I don't exactly need a ballroom. Rather, a more intimate outdoor or indoor venue will do great (shooting for July, on a Saturday). For example, are there any nice public buildings or spaces open on a weekend? I don't want anything too remotely located, unless there is something else to do in that location, like have lunch afterwards. Thanks for all your suggestions.
posted by Atrahasis at 11:46 AM PST - 8 comments

I don't blab any drab gab-- I chatter hep patter

"I don't blab any drab gab-- I chatter hep patter." What is the source of this odd picture/phrase?
posted by Taft at 11:37 AM PST - 2 comments

Should I bounce my stalker's emails?

Should I bounce my stalker's emails? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:54 AM PST - 30 comments

Limited form of regirlfriending?

I have a crush on my therapist. My therapist has a crush on me. Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:54 AM PST - 41 comments

Security over a public wireless network

How can you know if someone is capturing information that you are sending over a public wireless network? [more inside]
posted by dancesquad at 10:48 AM PST - 14 comments

High Quality Super Short Run Printing in New York

Seeking NYC print shop recommendations for nearly one-off prints. I have about 20 pieces of different, mostly standard sizes -- nothing larger than 11 x 17 and B4 -- that I'd like to make a very limited number color prints of (1 - 3 each). I have an approximate budget of 10 dollars per print I'd like to hew closely to and a number of quality and care requirements. [more inside]
posted by safetyfork at 10:36 AM PST - 7 comments

Where to buy Pellon Peltex #70 in Manhattan?

My wife is working on a bead project and needs to procure a yard of white pellon peltex 70 ultra-firm stabilizer. She would like to get it from a brick-and-mortar retailer in New York City. [more inside]
posted by Joey Bagels at 9:53 AM PST - 6 comments

pornmusic.metafilter.com

What is this 70s styled porn (or funk) song? Content marginally SFW. The clip is from a 2003 Phil Hendrie radio show sketch. I searched around on YouTube under "porn music" but didn't find anything that sounded this steamy.
posted by crapmatic at 9:51 AM PST - 2 comments

Astrowheel?

What is astrowheeling? [more inside]
posted by satori_movement at 9:32 AM PST - 8 comments

How do you solve a problem like Roberto?

Should I just give up? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:16 AM PST - 47 comments

Back rooms in Center City?

A "back room" that you can reserve in Center City, Philadelphia? (Non-alcoholic venue extremely preferred, like a coffeeshop.) [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 9:09 AM PST - 3 comments

Does my daughter's name actually mean something in Scottish Gaelic?

Can anyone tell me if my daughter's name means something in Scottish Gaelic? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 9:07 AM PST - 21 comments

Facebook: How to change my music page to a music page!

How can I make my facebook "Musician/Band" page show up under people's "music" (you know, the area under "info" where it lists people's favorite music)? [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 9:00 AM PST - 10 comments

I need an android navigation program that is more suited to my biking needs

I need an android navigation program that is more suited to my biking needs [more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks at 8:57 AM PST - 9 comments

You Say Daily, and I Say Goodbye

I am subscribed to too many financial daily newspapers and need to switch to 3-4 weekly magazines. Which should I read to get a complete (but not excessively detailed) picture? [more inside]
posted by AlbatrossJones at 8:53 AM PST - 8 comments

Other Sites Besides Craigslist for Listing Part Time Jobs?

Where can I post a job listing for a part-time (20 hours a week) temp-to-perm personal assistant in Santa Monica/LA? This is for the entertainment industry, and we're looking for something beyond Craigslist. [more inside]
posted by 2003girl at 8:52 AM PST - 8 comments

Trying to promote a local group on facebook.

I can't believe I'm wasting my question on this: Is there any way to make a facebook page (NOT profile) public? I mean a page promoting a not for profit, not a person's profile page. [more inside]
posted by By The Grace of God at 8:51 AM PST - 10 comments

Does anyone know of a petting zoo / farm in London which keeps 'micro pigs'?

Does anyone know of a petting zoo / farm which keeps 'micro pigs' in or near London?
posted by FuckingAwesome at 8:49 AM PST - 1 comment

Smart Phone Browser Emulator

I want see how various sites will look on various smart phones. Is there an online emulator that can do this? [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 8:49 AM PST - 5 comments

Watson buzz-in

How does Watson know when to buzz-in during this week's Jeopardy? [more inside]
posted by jaimev at 8:43 AM PST - 31 comments

How do I achieve this 'rays of light' effect in Photoshop?

In Photoshop, how do I achieve the 'rays of light' effect you see in places like Campaign Monitor's masthead? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 8:37 AM PST - 5 comments

Ski clothes in Philly?

Can I rent ski clothes anywhere in the Philadelphia area? I'm going skiing this weekend and the resort I'm visiting doesn't offer clothing rentals. I just need a jacket and ski pants--any ideas?
posted by Aanidaani at 8:32 AM PST - 9 comments

Adventures in the Lower 48

Where should we go on vacation in the contiguous US (with credit-card-reward conditions and preferences inside)? [more inside]
posted by ghostbikes at 8:30 AM PST - 8 comments

Hiking for the month of June - where to go?

I'm looking for some assistance in planning a month-long hike in June of this year. [more inside]
posted by jpziller at 8:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Should I be the bad cop?

Is good cop -- bad cop a bad idea as a parenting tactic? [more inside]
posted by teg4rvn at 8:06 AM PST - 29 comments

A Box of Wine, a Loaf of Bread-and Thou, Metafilter

For the holidays, I was given a 5L box of Franzia Cabernet Sauvignon (the guilty party has already been punished with a houseful of sick toddlers). I'm not a wine snob, but I tend to reserve my drinking for social occasions and I've yet to find the right moment to drag out this behemoth. What do I do with this wine? [more inside]
posted by annaramma at 8:04 AM PST - 21 comments

Need a name for an abandoned survivor cat

I am adopting a cat who needs a good name. I found him at the shelter where I volunteer; he'd been left outside and abandoned, and suffered from frostbite. He's losing part of his ear, all of his pawpads (which will grow back), and several teeth, and half his whiskers have broken off. He was so anemic and dehydrated when he got there, the higher-ups decided he should be euthanized, but the shelter manager intervened, treated him with meds, and he survived. [more inside]
posted by flyingsquirrel at 7:49 AM PST - 50 comments

Crossword Publishing help

hi, i am a beginner to creating crossword puzzles (i have only created 4) but i am wondering about some strategies to try and get published. i have emailed a number of newspapers and magazines but not sure what else i can do. i know i don't have enough puzzles at the moment to start a blog and i work full time so can't really dedicate a lot of time to creating daily puzzles. does anyone have experience with publishing crosswords and any tips on how to possibly do it as a part time gig? thanks for any advice.
posted by matt755811 at 7:49 AM PST - 2 comments

I love Excel... when I know what I'm doing

ExcelFilter: I have Worksheet1 and Worksheet2. Both worksheets contain PersonName on the X-axis, ClassName on the Y-axis. I need to run some comparison between the two. Thinking of doing this on a 3rd worksheet. Here's where it gets tricky: 1. There are several thousand PersonNames. 2. There are about 100 CourseNames. 3. There is volatility in the PersonNames and CourseNames; they will be constantly changing, especially, the PersonNames. [more inside]
posted by demagogue at 7:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Help: American Express Never Cancelled My Card and Now a Collections Agency Is After Me

Last year I cancelled my American Express card after almost 20 years, just before it expired. It just didn't seem worth the annual fee anymore, and it doesn't contribute to your credit score. I then went out of the country for several months. When I got back, I was greeted by a collections agency (Allied Interstate) who told me I owed American Express several hundred dollars, all of which seem to be late fees accrued on the annual fee. I explained the situation to them, and they suggested I contact Amex, which I just did. More details below, but Amex just told me I had to call the collections agency - how can I get them to talk with one another so I can at least talk with someone at Amex about this? [more inside]
posted by betsbillabong at 7:06 AM PST - 21 comments

Antiquities catalogues online

Britain's Portable Antiquities Scheme database is a source of endless fascination. Are there similar (non-English language) databases available--online, for browsing?
posted by Chrischris at 7:03 AM PST - 3 comments

Make it Pretty

Where can I find more creative examples of status charts dashboards like the Panic dash(only web based)? [more inside]
posted by sweetkid at 6:59 AM PST - 13 comments

courting the tallest companies on earth

What do I need to learn, and what experiences do I need to attain to get a top software development job? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherSide at 6:58 AM PST - 7 comments

What kind of tool(s) should I use to cut this thin metal ring?

What kind of tool(s) should I use to cut this thin and flat metal ring? [more inside]
posted by hazyspring at 6:51 AM PST - 10 comments

The power of my position is intoxicating

What is the easiest way to collect money from a group of people? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy at 6:50 AM PST - 9 comments

One two three one two three VIC-TO-RY

Please provide me with powerful, cinematic, orchestral waltzes. [more inside]
posted by timshel at 6:40 AM PST - 11 comments

Smartphone + app to use with the autofocus/GTD system with multiple lists

I'm looking for a smartphone + application to use with the autofocus system for todo list/productivity. I want to have context dependent lists like GTD. Can you help me make sense of the hundreds out there? [more inside]
posted by Not Supplied at 6:23 AM PST - 6 comments

An ADHD coach in Los Angeles?

Looking for an ADHD coach based in Los Angeles. [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 6:17 AM PST - 8 comments

What should I explore in New England?

So, I am moving to Philadelphia from Toronto. What are things I absolutely should do while I explore New England over the coming spring, summer and fall? [more inside]
posted by quirksilver at 6:16 AM PST - 13 comments

What do I need to do to bring my website into the age of Facebook and Twitter?

Facebook and Twitter are passing me by. It's no longer enough to know how to rank very well in Google, by providing good material that people want to read and that is easily indexed by Google. Now, we're told, Google is passé. Small businesses must switch to using Facebook and Twitter to reach their audiences. But how? [more inside]
posted by Ery at 5:47 AM PST - 17 comments

Lunch and music in Nashville this Saturday?

Where should I get lunch in Nashville this Saturday? [more inside]
posted by Glendale at 4:12 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for work in Amsterdam and can't seem to find any.

Looking for work in Amsterdam and can't seem to find any. [more inside]
posted by gonzo_ID at 3:37 AM PST - 3 comments

Crystal Reports

Help with using Crystal Reports to report on an Oracle database [more inside]
posted by toenail at 3:32 AM PST - 3 comments

Name the sappy, instrumental tune, whose basic melody I'm humming.

Can you name this slow, sappy, mostly-instrumental song (and its artist) from the last decade? [more inside]
posted by purefusion at 3:24 AM PST - 14 comments

What is to Comcast as phreak was to AT&T

Is there a contemporary equivalent to phreaking? Are there (dis)organized groups that steal bandwidth? [more inside]
posted by solipsophistocracy at 2:17 AM PST - 15 comments

I'm not a 12-year-old boy -- So walk me through Nintendo DS Lite?

I think I want a Nintendo DS Lite, but I'm totally ignorant. → I'm in Greece ←, and don't want to spend the money (this money, it is tight) only to find out that it was a bad choice for me in terms of game level and types of games, acquisition of games, country specific restrictions, and if the one I have my eye on (via EBay) is the right choice. Can you hold my hand? [more inside]
posted by taz at 1:50 AM PST - 12 comments

February 14

Is it time for our group massage yet?

What's this kind of group massage called? It involves a small group of people simultaneously performing the same massage stroke on a different part of the massagee. [more inside]
posted by exphysicist345 at 11:57 PM PST - 2 comments

What do you do when someone accidentally causes you minor injury or damage to your personal property?

What do you do when someone accidentally causes you minor injury or damage to your personal property? [more inside]
posted by lunchbox at 11:10 PM PST - 21 comments

Are we less violent than we were before?

My friend has commented that the world is getting less violent as we progress. He states that that the 20th century is less violent than all the previous centuries. My question is this. Considering all forms of violent action against humans in the Western world is the 20th century less violent than previous centuries. Are we becoming more peaceful as a species as we evolve?
posted by terminus at 9:33 PM PST - 53 comments

New room for a nine year old

We want to help give a nine year old girl a new start, by making her room more habitable and homelike for when she returns [more inside]
posted by Blasdelb at 9:11 PM PST - 50 comments

What is my legal responsibility when allowing users to either transfer online images to my server, or creating hotlinks to online images?

What is my legal responsibility when allowing users to display images on my site that are sourced by the user either transferring online images to my server, or creating hotlinks to online images? [more inside]
posted by ben5757 at 8:50 PM PST - 1 comment

My thesis needs a power-up.

I'm looking for feedback from grad students who have used a thesis or dissertation coach. How did it work out for you? [more inside]
posted by analog at 8:23 PM PST - 10 comments

Please help me find the ultimate black leather messenger bag

I'm looking for the ultimate black leather messenger bag. I love the everything about this one, but I've read mixed reviews of the brand's quality. Can you help me find similar bags from other manufacturers? [more inside]
posted by embrangled at 8:22 PM PST - 13 comments

Unclimbable

Is there any mountain on earth that is considered unclimbable? [more inside]
posted by Camofrog at 8:21 PM PST - 38 comments

Slow Macs, iPhone. I'm stumped.

All 3 of my primary Apple machines have sudden, inexplicable slowness. My Quad G5, my PowerBook G4, and now even my iPhone suddenly have serious performance problems for no reason I can determine. I know there are some Mac guys on MeFi, I thought I'd ask for additional angles to investigate. [more inside]
posted by charlie don't surf at 8:08 PM PST - 12 comments

Tet Offensive and the Viet Cong

Was the purpose of the Tet Offensive to destroy the Viet Cong? [more inside]
posted by Brocktoon at 7:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Possibly Moving to Atlanta

I'm thinking of leaving New York for Atlanta. [more inside]
posted by suburbanbeatnik at 7:16 PM PST - 21 comments

What is this "treposa" really called?

"Dan, one of my patients, attended a retreat where he engaged in treposa, a meditation procedure in which two people hold hands for several minutes, lock gazes, meditate deeply upon one another, and then repeat the process with new partners." The author of this passage seems to have gotten the name of this meditation practice wrong. Does it actually exist at all? [more inside]
posted by CutaneousRabbit at 7:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Last Second President's Day Long Weekend Trip - NYC area

Last minute long weekend holiday getaway, Doable? Advice needed on taking a belated Valentines long weekend with my sweetie. We're in NYC and would prefer to drive. (Or take a train if the place is really acessable). A very nice hotel in the country would be great, we don't need a bunch of outside entertainment - beautiful scenery a plus. We're looking to leave late Thursday or early Friday and return early/mid-Monday. [more inside]
posted by Great Swell at 7:10 PM PST - 4 comments

Apple wireless network -- how many nodes?

Providing WiFi to a small "campus" from a single source? Lots of Airport Expresses? Anything cheaper but robust available? [more inside]
posted by peripatetic007 at 7:04 PM PST - 16 comments

I can't work under these conditions

I'm a web developer. I feel like I'm not living up to my potential, not getting the opportunity to apply my abilities, and drifting into a career dead end—and it's bumming me out. [more inside]
posted by ixohoxi at 7:03 PM PST - 14 comments

APN? What? I did that.

How do I set up an iphone to use 3g data from Laotel? [more inside]
posted by pompomtom at 7:02 PM PST - 0 comments

Looking for a 70's Sci-Fi Short story collection...

Random 70's SciFi Bookfilter: Mid to late 70's science fiction short story collection, lots of cool ship art, and one story in particular about two individuals hunting each other, one using all the latest tech, and his opponent taking a more primative approach. Story ends: "And the laser hummed and cut him in half." Ring any bells with any one?
posted by HannoverFist at 6:58 PM PST - 4 comments

How much to expect for a car with no transmission?

How much can I expect to get for a car with no transmission? [more inside]
posted by sanko at 6:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Future famous crossing paths

Looking for examples of future celebrities or public figures crossing paths when both were unknowns. [more inside]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 6:53 PM PST - 32 comments

How serious is salmonella, really?

How flexible are y'all with expiration dates on food? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 6:42 PM PST - 32 comments

Where did this unclaimed money come from, and how do I find it?

I received a letter from an "independent refund processing agency" stating that I have a fairly significant amount of unclaimed money from the government, which they offer to send me for a 25% fee (I pay them after I receive the check). Since I'm aware that there are real agencies (such as Keane) that do pretty much the same thing as what this agency is doing, I'm wondering if it might actually be legit, and if so, where on earth can I find this info on my own and avoid the 25% fee? [more inside]
posted by covert werewolf at 6:26 PM PST - 16 comments

Dead Fish: Make It Yummy

How do I cook half a (dead, frozen) fish? [more inside]
posted by DU at 6:12 PM PST - 18 comments

How to get chocolate delivered to Leiden this week for cheap?

How can I get a small amount of chocolate or similar delivered to a friend in the Netherlands this week? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 6:11 PM PST - 6 comments

Wherever I have my dogs, that's my home

How do people find rent houses - actual houses, single-family dwellings - in the US? [more inside]
posted by Lyn Never at 5:48 PM PST - 24 comments

winter fishing on Cape Cod?

So how's the fishing on Cape Cod this time of year? [more inside]
posted by xbonesgt at 5:48 PM PST - 6 comments

Vintage Digital Multieffects Pedal

What is a cheap, crazy sounding vintage multi effects unit? [more inside]
posted by bigspoon at 4:48 PM PST - 6 comments

Be back in 5 years...

I've got $50k -- help me run away for 5 years. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:15 PM PST - 29 comments

How do you transport pavlova? And do you pre-assemble it or not?

I need advice from experienced bakers, pavlova makers, or Kiwis/Aussies. How do you transport a pavlova? And do you pre-assemble it or not? I'm making a pavlova for a birthday dinner & I'm concerned about cracking & sogginess. Help! [more inside]
posted by scazza at 3:57 PM PST - 18 comments

Entertainment at wedding reception

Any exclusive ideas for entertainment at wedding reception [more inside]
posted by page123 at 3:57 PM PST - 15 comments

Recommendations for hosted business email (excluding Google Apps and Exchange)?

Could you please recommend a reliable email hosting provider (non-Exchange) that provides excellent customer support? This will be for a business in the US with about 25 users, and we'd be switching over the mail server for an existing domain. We've looked into Google Apps for Business, but the support area comes up short. Here's a list of the things we're looking for... [more inside]
posted by macguffin at 3:53 PM PST - 6 comments

chop chop chop! -shwing!-

We'd like to buy my mom some really good kitchen knives for her birthday. However, we don't really feel like paying $55 for a 4.5 inch knife. [more inside]
posted by joyeuxamelie at 3:49 PM PST - 40 comments

Where can I find a kickass keyboard tray I can firmly attach to a desk made of glass?

Where can I find a kickass keyboard tray I can firmly attach to a desk made of glass? [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 3:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Artificial sweetener is my vice and I think it is gross

I use artificial sweetener. I think I shouldn't. Help me not. [more inside]
posted by gwenlister at 3:42 PM PST - 30 comments

Office chair for under $200?

Had this office chair and it royally fucked my back. Which office chair should I get for under $200? [more inside]
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth at 3:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Effect of a small mass at 'near light speed' in atmosphere?

Science of Science Fiction - What happens when a small mass at 'near light speed' enters the atmosphere? [more inside]
posted by anti social order at 3:27 PM PST - 14 comments

So I'm an impostor.

I've written the standard textbook about a topic. I'm teaching a regular class at a college (in summer) and at a research university (winter term), as well as some summer school courses. Instructor of record, giving exams, all those things. I'm rather good at it, or so I think - at least for being hired as a so-called outside expert. Yet I'm incredibly anxious about this and feeling like an impostor. One of the reasons? Well, nobody knows, but when I'm not a lecturer, I'm still a freaking undergrad who is failing most of her classes. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:13 PM PST - 30 comments

Books that suck you in... TO REALITY

Recommend me some immersive, journalistic non-fiction books. [more inside]
posted by eggplantplacebo at 3:10 PM PST - 53 comments

Gateway laptop won't boot

My Gateway MT3422 laptop suddenly won't boot. Please help me figure out what to do. [more inside]
posted by Anatoly Pisarenko at 2:53 PM PST - 7 comments

Anyone know the best way to go about finding a private rental (not through a estate agent) in Melbourne?

Asking on behalf of my brother, who has just moved to Melbourne with his girlfriend. They are looking for a house to rent, and have been going through the usual real estate agents, etc. They were talking to a couple of friends of theirs, who were also looking for a place to rent, and who just found a private rental property (ie. through the landlord, not through a real estate agent) on Gumtree. My brother was wondering if there is some sort of website or centralised place to find private rental properties in Melbourne? [more inside]
posted by Piroska at 2:44 PM PST - 6 comments

cheap herpes antiviral medicine

I live in NYC and do not have insurance. I am having an especially painful herpes outbreak. What is my best bet for getting affordable/generic Valtrex? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:30 PM PST - 8 comments

30 year old man dating 20 year old woman?

My 20 year old younger sister is dating a 30 year old man. Is this a cause for concern? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:29 PM PST - 62 comments

What's a good fluoride mouthwash for adults?

Tom's of Maine has taken my beloved spearmint "Natural Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash" off the market. What can replace it? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:27 PM PST - 5 comments

Best Media Streamer for Playing Back Ripped DVDs?

What is the best choice currently for a media streamer to play back ripped DVDs and other content on your network? [more inside]
posted by willnot at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments

Dispelling Brain Fog

How do you quickly dispel post-illness brain fog? [more inside]
posted by charmcityblues at 2:03 PM PST - 12 comments

Can an actor who only acts once in a while make a living as an actor?

HollywoodFilter: Can Demore Barnes, actor on The Unit, one of my favourite TV series, make a living as an actor? [more inside]
posted by Sully at 1:48 PM PST - 15 comments

Keeping my business and pleasure separate on my cell phone?

Can I set up separate voicemail greetings on my phone using google voice? [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 1:43 PM PST - 3 comments

Animal Non-Grata

How do you enjoy your pets? My interactions with my animals of late has been them asking for lots and me giving them lots but it doesn't seem like there's much in the other direction. How do you get past the gimme, gimme, gimme needs of your animals and just enjoy them? [more inside]
posted by Leezie at 1:34 PM PST - 26 comments

Looking for high quality image of painting in Mexico City

My dad is collecting images of paintings of "the miracle of the black leg" as supposedly was performed by the Saints Cosmas and Damianus. He's looking for a good color photo of one that's in the Cathedral of Mexico City. Right now he only has a black and white image. Does anyone have a really good quality color image of this painting or has the ability to make such a photo? [more inside]
posted by hz37 at 1:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Conference Advice

Help me attend my first industry conference! Need advice on asking permission/presenting my case to mgmt. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:56 PM PST - 5 comments

Getting from where I am to where I want to be.

You know those people whom you admire - those people who are confident, smart, funny, humble, kind and a gazillion other qualities besides? Those people who have had a lifetime of experience and are sagely, and take troubles in their stride calmly. Those people who have fortitude and courage. Those people whom others wish to emulate. I want to know how I can be like them. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:55 PM PST - 34 comments

Where can I buy orange marshmallow

Where can I buy orange marshmallows for s'mores? [more inside]
posted by jazon at 12:39 PM PST - 16 comments

I used to love this lens ...

My Sigma camera lens stopped working - what's causing it and what can I do? [more inside]
posted by komara at 12:06 PM PST - 10 comments

My name is not Bruce Banner, I want pants that don't rip.

I need durable khakis and slacks. Where to get? (US, Bay Area, will order online) [more inside]
posted by yeloson at 12:04 PM PST - 19 comments

What happens when I correct the deed to my home?

What are the possible consequences of correcting the age of my house on the deed? [more inside]
posted by look busy at 12:03 PM PST - 6 comments

Japanese gameshow help

Need help identifying this Japanese game show... and hopefully finding a clip online. [more inside]
posted by kaseijin at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments

What can my friend do about an unknown animal in his ceiling?

What can my friend do about an unknown animal in his ceiling? His apartment maintenance people said they'll look into it in "a few days"... [somewhat time-sensitive] [more inside]
posted by katybird at 11:43 AM PST - 19 comments

How can we buy a fully foreign-language laptop in the US?

My mother is visiting a friend abroad, and wants to bring her an inexpensive windows laptop as a gift. Her friend speaks fluent russian & german, but not english. How can we buy, in the US, a laptop with keyboard and windows localization settings appropriate to one of those languages? [more inside]
posted by kickingtheground at 11:39 AM PST - 6 comments

Weekend Zoot Suit: ENGAGE

My lady friend and I will be in DC this coming weekend (the 18th to 21st), which DC jazz club should we go to? [more inside]
posted by thebestsophist at 11:37 AM PST - 7 comments

Etsy for your thoughts.

Is it worth it to make an Etsy account for this kind of craft? Considering that they charge for listing items and shipping would be somewhat expensive ($15-20~) as I live in Chile. [more inside]
posted by Memo at 11:29 AM PST - 12 comments

Window sill question

There is air coming under the window sill. [more inside]
posted by devnull at 11:19 AM PST - 13 comments

Help us find a house in Denver, for two weeks.

We (Mr. Mrs. + 4yo + 2yo) want to spend two weeks in Denver this summer. Where do we start looking for accommodation? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:17 AM PST - 3 comments

"Strong like bear"... from where?

Where does "strong like bear" come from? [more inside]
posted by codger at 10:59 AM PST - 15 comments

I would like to clone Lois McMaster Bujold...

I would like to clone Lois McMaster Bujold... [more inside]
posted by jb at 10:49 AM PST - 27 comments

Dining room carpet protection from my little slobs?

My dining area is carpeted and I have two young children who are experts at landing their food on the floor. We've been using plastic sheeting/vinyl table cloths under the kids, but I'm looking for a more elegant solution that wipes up easily. [more inside]
posted by Bushmiller at 10:40 AM PST - 13 comments

How many times was I re-tweeted (RT'd)?

What's up with Twitter and the Re-Tweet? [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments

Should I report and/or sue this doctor?

I know…YANMD, YANML. My daughter was born with an odd head shape and no fontanel. At three months our GP set up an appointment with a paediatric specialist. His diagnosis was, “that's just the way she was positioned in utero.” He did not schedule a follow up. [more inside]
posted by trigger at 10:35 AM PST - 16 comments

Which SharePoint power user training should I take?

Which SharePoint power user training should I choose? Please give me your recommendations about good training companies and courses, thoughts on aiim.org, and any thoughts or advice about training remotely--is there any reason I shouldn't do it? [more inside]
posted by Herkimer at 10:25 AM PST - 1 comment

Where can I find kava (aka kava-kava) in Sacramento?

Where can I find kava (AKA kava-kava) in Sacramento? [more inside]
posted by lovableiago at 10:23 AM PST - 8 comments

What's it Worth to You?

Art Enthusiasts... an experienced artist asks: Help me price my work & tell me about your art buying proclivities... [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 10:14 AM PST - 2 comments

Keylogging my son's mac

I suspect my young son is carrying on an ongoing discussion with a stranger he met on the internet. My wife and I are going to approach him, but we would like some evidence so we know what questions to ask. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:01 AM PST - 45 comments

Is NOLS a safe place for LGBTQ folks?

I'm a trans-man looking into a month-long NOLS course. Is NOLS a safe place for LGBTQ folks? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:00 AM PST - 7 comments

Notes on a powerpoint picture

I have a group picture, I want to add hidden flickr style notes on to the picture within a powerpoint presentation so I can mouse across faces and show information. Is this possible? [more inside]
posted by biffa at 9:41 AM PST - 3 comments

Weighty lamp issue

Looking for a way to repair a floor lamp. The weight in the base broke and fell out. [more inside]
posted by Apollo's Favorite Mistake at 9:40 AM PST - 4 comments

Need recollections, tips and inspiration for a dinner party themed around the Oscars Nominees for Best Picture

Foodie Cinephiles, help us pair foods with the 10 Best Picture nominees for our Academy Awards dinner. Need help especially remembering food in the films and, secondarily, thinking of other possible connections. [more inside]
posted by Mngo at 9:06 AM PST - 30 comments

Why do I feel worse after getting enough sleep?

Why do I feel worse after getting enough sleep? As the physical symptoms of exhaustion recede, my emotional state goes to pieces. [more inside]
posted by Karmakaze at 9:02 AM PST - 16 comments

What to see in Key West?

Going to Key West this coming weekend. What should I absolutely not miss out on? [more inside]
posted by citizngkar at 8:45 AM PST - 16 comments

Where can I get recommendations for the 'greenest' house cleaners and personal care products?

Where can I get recommendations for the 'greenest' house cleaners and personal care products? [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 8:21 AM PST - 7 comments

I can just ignore this, right?

How important is the big piece of plastic that goes across the bottom of the front of my car, under the engine? Because mine fell off.
posted by smackfu at 7:46 AM PST - 22 comments

Help me figure out the algorithm to solve a maths problem

Need help from Math and IT geeks :-) Long question inside. [more inside]
posted by WizKid at 7:01 AM PST - 21 comments

Who painted this picture of a crowned cat?

Please identify the source of this painting of a cat being crowned and robed by cherubs. [more inside]
posted by zamboni at 7:01 AM PST - 9 comments

It shouldn't be this hard to find d6s.

Di(c)eFilter. I need help finding old dice! [more inside]
posted by InsanePenguin at 6:50 AM PST - 21 comments

We have the idea, the place, and the workforce. We just need the money to get it rolling.

Through my work I've become aware of a gaping hole in available high-dollar products. I've got access to all the personnel I need to make this A Really Big Deal, what I don't know is how to go about funding it. [more inside]
posted by TomMelee at 6:44 AM PST - 22 comments

Software for local history?

How are people using software and the net to gather and write local history? [more inside]
posted by pracowity at 5:38 AM PST - 10 comments

No spam please. We're American.

Oh, dear. It seems my WordPress blog has decided to randomly insert visible links to an online pharma company. What's going on, and how do I stop it? [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 5:36 AM PST - 17 comments

Why doesn't the paint touch the corners?

This recent post on MetaFilter on pour painting and this comment about how the paint, when poured slowly on to the top face of a cube, does not run down the corners of the cube, got me thinking about why it didn't ... but after a day thinking about viscous liquids I'm still completely stuck for a scientific explanation. Can anyone enlighten me?
posted by KirkpatrickMac at 5:21 AM PST - 7 comments

Comic Book Communism

I'm looking for the name of a book I read back in the late 60's or early 70's. It was an illustrated, I'd almost say sequential art (that'd be comics to you and me...) book all about the Chinese Communist revolution. [more inside]
posted by jpburns at 4:28 AM PST - 10 comments

Hello dendrologists!

I'm trying to identify a type of tree that I remember from when I lived in upstate NY. It had needles (rather than broad leaves) which were a little longer and much "softer"-- less prickly, anyway-- than most coniferous trees I've seen/felt. Most strikingly, they would turn a gorgeous scarlet in the autumn-- the only non-broadleaf tree I've seen to do so. Has anyone out there seen these beauties?
posted by samac at 3:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Customers who bought these rabbits also bought...

Books like Watership Down? [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime at 3:33 AM PST - 27 comments

Help us navigate the large corporation world!

Looking for the best route to contact large corporations for sales of an R&D solution. If I were a small company with a patented product that could revolutionize how certain industry giants could do business, how would I find the right contact inside the company that would take the time to listen to me? [more inside]
posted by wile e at 12:53 AM PST - 6 comments

How to send multiple HTML files as one?

A way to send multiple HTML files without having to use something as complicated as ZIP. [more inside]
posted by mahershalal at 12:09 AM PST - 9 comments

February 13

"Breakup" anxiety

Help me alleviate post-"breakup" anxiety. Not as complicated as some situations of this sort, but I'm still confused. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 11:47 PM PST - 21 comments

What I really need is a friendly robot who wouldn't mind watering my plants while I'm gone.

I'm going away for 2 months. How do I keep my plants watered? [more inside]
posted by colfax at 10:35 PM PST - 17 comments

albums for when the party's over

God, how I love Roxy Music's Avalon. Can you recommend other albums from that era that have a similar laid-back, late night glamorous feel?
posted by roger ackroyd at 10:04 PM PST - 31 comments

because putting "Maybe Sprout Wings" on repeat isn't really a valid coping strategy

I've been having short, intense feelings of overwhelming despair, particularly at night. I need advice on dealing with this. [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 9:45 PM PST - 16 comments

black-eyed peas and fried stuff

Traditional Southern food (southeastern U.S.): why has it remained so popular within the region? Is it just history, or 'comfort food'? [more inside]
posted by cp311 at 8:33 PM PST - 33 comments

Cheer up, kids.

[Subculture Filter] What is emo all about anyway? [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 8:00 PM PST - 21 comments

I need to find sources for my Croatian roots.

My husband and I are both a quarter Croatian. Both our respective families hail from around Dubrovnic, on the Dalmatian coast. Being from such diverse backgrounds, we appreciate this cultural heritage that we share in common. As such, we would very much like to be put into contact people who can provide us with fabrics, traditional musics, religious traditions and the like. [more inside]
posted by msali at 7:45 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me fix my corrupted Eudora mailboxes.

Help me fix my corrupted Eudora mailboxes. [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:27 PM PST - 4 comments

Beer in Sacramento

Looking for good bars in Sacramento who focus in quality beer. [more inside]
posted by bamassippi at 7:19 PM PST - 14 comments

Does septic tank your home's value?

Does having a septic system negatively impact the value of a house? [more inside]
posted by crazycanuck at 7:05 PM PST - 20 comments

Gin, please.

Where can I find the best gin and tonic in downtown Toronto? [more inside]
posted by Gin and Comics at 6:51 PM PST - 9 comments

How can I view my webcam from my Android-powered mobile device?

How can I use my Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 as a baby monitor? I want to view the video on my Android phone. [more inside]
posted by seinfeld at 6:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Not Your Beck And Call Girl

Help me understand modern dating. Why do guys think that endless/pointless txting is how they build meaningful relationships. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:07 PM PST - 43 comments

Kicking the bucket, one console at a time

I kicked the DVD tray while it was open on my roommate's xbox 360 slim. Now it won't close. It feels like the gears are off track or broken. Does the warranty cover that? If not, what should I do to fix it? Home repair? Take it to the local console repair shop? Can it be fixed, or should I replace the dvd drive?
posted by rebent at 5:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Slim-fitting hiking/travel pants

Do slim-fitting men's hiking/travel pants exist? [more inside]
posted by brozek at 5:31 PM PST - 12 comments

Your fridge's secret ingredient made by you

Do you have food preparation tricks for transforming simple ingredients? Do you take foods to a new level before they sit in the fridge, waiting to be used in a dish? Please share your special alterations to grocery store fare, and also how you use them after! [more inside]
posted by to recite so charmingly at 4:57 PM PST - 43 comments

Mucho macaroni

What do I do with an excess of macaroni? [more inside]
posted by sputgop at 4:39 PM PST - 27 comments

how to calculate fence shadow

Is there an easy way to calculate the length and time of the shadow cast by my fence this spring and summer, for gardening purposes? Specs: 8 ft tall solid wood fence running almost exactly east to west, located in Washngton, DC.
posted by yarly at 4:08 PM PST - 20 comments

Document formatting systems for collaborative work

We're trying to set up a collaboration on a textbook-like document, but we're not sure what formatting system to use. Considering LaTeX, but would appreciate some perspectives on how to make it easy for people to make contributions. [more inside]
posted by Maximian at 3:55 PM PST - 5 comments

The Ivy League Survivor

What is the name of this (old) reality TV show? [more inside]
posted by Orange Pamplemousse at 3:50 PM PST - 3 comments

A book to make the miles fly by…

I have recently discovered the joys of reading my Kindle while running on the treadmill. I'm looking for well-written, super-engrossing books to put on my Kindle to make the miles fly by… [more inside]
posted by Bella Sebastian at 3:50 PM PST - 29 comments

La da de dada dede dada dee dee dee dee, uh-oh SpaghettiOs

What are the full lyrics to the SpaghettiOs song? [more inside]
posted by Toekneesan at 3:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Have I missed anything?

How to revive old Dell XP machine ? [more inside]
posted by Kevin S at 3:45 PM PST - 14 comments

Why does my chest flush so easily?

My chest and neck are very prone to flushing. Emotional stress, itchy sweaters, and just about everything else cause bright red patches to appear. How can I control this? [more inside]
posted by lockstitch at 2:51 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm a girl with boy underwear envy

I'm a girl with boy underwear envy. Where can I buy (online) some skivvies that have a fun pattern or design, but that are in a cut for a girl? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 2:50 PM PST - 25 comments

How can I survive my mother's death?

How can I survive my mother's death? [more inside]
posted by thelastgirl at 2:14 PM PST - 36 comments

I have no idea

I keep going through brief bouts of suicidal ideation. I won't carry these out, but obviously it is very distressing. What should I do? Frustration with mental health services also included as a bonus... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:11 PM PST - 12 comments

How is Brazil helping Haiti right now?

What aid/help is Brazil doing in Haiti today? [more inside]
posted by maxg94 at 1:59 PM PST - 2 comments

What are these bugs on this plant and how do I get rid of them?

What are these bugs on my sister's plant and what should she do about them?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 1:57 PM PST - 10 comments

Replacing porcelain lampholder

Did I wire this new porcelain lampholder correctly? Replaced an old one in the basement that was slightly different, and want to make sure i did OK. [more inside]
posted by leticia at 1:51 PM PST - 7 comments

I like you and you're awesome and I am so lucky you talk to me even though I am so weird as to tell you this

Should I send mash notes for Valentine's Day, or will that freak everyone out? [more inside]
posted by jenlovesponies at 12:33 PM PST - 43 comments

What are some nicely-designed podcast websites?

What are some nicely-designed podcast websites? [more inside]
posted by Alt F4 at 12:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Plug it in, Plug it in...

Do these Firefox addons exist? 1) something to allow you to manually control the width of tabs and 2) something to show the title of a destination page when you mouseover a hyperlink? [more inside]
posted by carlh at 12:23 PM PST - 6 comments

Vampires with Tentacles?

Vampire fiction series from the seventies - with tentacles? [more inside]
posted by cinemafiend at 12:17 PM PST - 7 comments

Score some bonus points!

Women of Reddit! Mrs. Funmonkey1 is looking for new pc or internet based games. Difficulty level: PopCap has been exhausted and farmville facebook type stuff not interested in. [more inside]
posted by Funmonkey1 at 12:00 PM PST - 25 comments

Why call now, after all these years?

WTF... is it my imagination or is there likely something else behind my SO's ex-wife calling to give him news of the passing of someone he used to know? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:58 AM PST - 32 comments

Should I sue Bank of America for mishandling my account and improperly sending me to collections?

Should I sue Bank of America for mishandling my account and improperly sending me to collections? [more inside]
posted by stuehler at 11:50 AM PST - 14 comments

How do Icelandic surname conventions work for same-sex couples?

Icelandic naming conventions and same-sex couples' children. [more inside]
posted by rodgerd at 11:30 AM PST - 8 comments

Where's a cheap place in Milwaukee to have stitches removed?

Where's a cheap place in Milwaukee to have stitches removed? [more inside]
posted by Slinga at 11:26 AM PST - 7 comments

SQL Query help in Access 2000

I have a MS Access 2000 table with approx 300,000 records. I need help with constructing a query. [more inside]
posted by selton at 10:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Setting up a debating club at my university

I need advice on setting up a debating club at my university. [more inside]
posted by MighstAllCruckingFighty at 10:48 AM PST - 6 comments

state tax returns - argh!

Taxfilter: what's the right method for computing your taxable income in NYC if you only lived there part of the year? [more inside]
posted by bpdavis at 10:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Color printer quest

I'm looking for a color printer which can compete with designer and scrapbook papers-- designer papers are the computer paper with preprinted color backgrounds. [more inside]
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 10:34 AM PST - 0 comments

japan gift for a 12 year old

Japan-themed gift for a 12 year old boy. He's interested in anime, video games, and all things Japanese (even though he doesn't really know that much about Japan). A book with lots of photos would be great, but adult ones have too many words, and kids ones have too little real info. This book looks perfect, but it's not releasing until this summer.
posted by Snower at 10:21 AM PST - 14 comments

Visualizing my computers data

How can I visualize the file structure of data on my computer? [more inside]
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 10:16 AM PST - 11 comments

Name this font

Typography nerds: I need to ID this font [more inside]
posted by klinefelter at 10:06 AM PST - 4 comments

Drinking too much Snapple?

Am I going to overdose on Snapple? [more inside]
posted by dcrocha at 9:42 AM PST - 28 comments

Therapeutic, non-recreational cannabis

I need to know more about therapeutic use for marijuana, specifically for menstrual pain and vulvodynia. Snow flurries inside! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:40 AM PST - 25 comments

Find me a non-stuffy ballet class in northwest Philadelphia

Does anyone have suggestions for a high quality dance studio in northwest Philadelphia (especially Chestnut Hill/Mt. Airy area)? I'm a twentysomething who is primarily interested in ballet, although I've enjoyed tap in the past as well. [more inside]
posted by DeucesHigh at 9:26 AM PST - 1 comment

Pimple-ish looking thing on the outside of my shin. What is this? (Pic inside)

Pimple-ish looking thing on the outside of my shin. What is this? [more inside]
posted by Evernix at 9:16 AM PST - 15 comments

Condense a few thousand years of history into a few hundred pages?

Is there a good overview or history of China to read? Or a few books together to read on the various eras of Chinese history? It's one of the areas of the world that I know surprisingly little about but really should. Ideally, I would love to find some books that are available for Kindle. This prior AskMefi question targeted Early Chinese History. I'd also like some suggestions on 19th and 20th century Chinese history and the Communist revolution, in particular, too.
posted by andrewraff at 8:41 AM PST - 14 comments

Gah facebook do I have to delete you again

Facebook Question: Finally got back onto the facebook bandwagon a few days ago. But why don't I show up in searches? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 5:55 AM PST - 11 comments

What happens when I eat a bunch of sugar and then go to bed?

Are there any nutritionists that can weigh in on what exactly occurs when I eat a bunch of sugar immediately before going to bed? [more inside]
posted by GooseOnTheLoose at 5:22 AM PST - 3 comments

Need tips for relating to fellow countrymen and making new friends!

Need tips for relating to fellow countrymen and making new friends! [more inside]
posted by heartofglass at 4:50 AM PST - 6 comments

Recommendations for the 2011 Berlinale

Which movies should I watch at this year's Berlinale film festival? [more inside]
posted by coraline at 4:24 AM PST - 3 comments

Who might want my compost?

I'm moving interstate and don't want to take my compost + worms with me, but I don't want to just throw it away. Any suggestions for how to find people who might want it? [more inside]
posted by Joe Chip at 3:43 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I transfer to complete my cs degree?

UT Austin vs. UT Dallas computer science. [more inside]
posted by bookman117 at 2:08 AM PST - 17 comments

Moving against the technology tide

Migration from Linux to Windows. What do I need to know in order to make this bumpy transition smoother? [more inside]
posted by jaymzjulian at 12:31 AM PST - 17 comments

February 12

Photo of "Nobody's Twisting Your Arm"?

What is the background of the photo on the Wedding Present single "Nobody's Twisting Your Arm"? [more inside]
posted by pravit at 11:46 PM PST - 1 comment

Can I Spell Check an Entire Folder?

I’ve amassed a fairly large collection of documents over the years. Among other things, I keep text files, MS Word documents, PDFs, HTML files and a few other formats. Many of these contain my own writing. I am a terrible speller. I was wondering if there was some sort of application that could recursively spell check all documents within a folder, similar to how MS Windows can search for a text string in all documents within a folder. For the past few days, I’ve been opening every document in my collection (that I wrote) and pasting the text into MS Word to spell-check it. At the rate I am going, this will take months. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
posted by Gusy at 11:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Which college or university for which academic department?

Does anybody know of a resource that ranks American colleges and universities by academic department? For example let's say I want to know what institution of higher learning has the best undergraduate physics department.
posted by AElfwine Evenstar at 10:43 PM PST - 15 comments

Mapping software that can count addresses within an arbitrarily bounded area

I’m looking for mapping software that will let me import addresses from a spreadsheet, plot them on a map, and then allow me to draw arbitrary boundaries on the map and give me the count of addresses that fall within the bounded area. Also, is there a name for this functionality?
posted by Jasper Friendly Bear at 9:43 PM PST - 6 comments

What is the lowest median age of any human population group?

What is the lowest median age of any human population group? How low can it go? Is there a theoretical lower limit? [more inside]
posted by Corvid at 8:13 PM PST - 27 comments

I need the ottomans to nest.

I want to buy this awesome adjustable height table/nesting ottomans. They have it at Macy's here in NYC, but the catch is I'd really like to have it tomorrow and they can't deliver for another week. [more inside]
posted by nosila at 7:40 PM PST - 7 comments

the shoes on my feet

quick! low-maint. costume for destiny's child themed party? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 7:35 PM PST - 11 comments

Where to find photos of people at a specific age?

Where online can I find a variety of pictures of men or women of a specific age? [more inside]
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 7:18 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me figure out "interesting" beer!

Beer of the Month club or a variety of beers? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 PM PST - 14 comments

Help me lern 2 blog?

How do I let people know that I even have a blog, once I get it started? [more inside]
posted by Heretical at 6:11 PM PST - 18 comments

"Amazingly odd and oddly amazing" - is there a name for this kind of phrase?

What are these phrases called? Examples: "amazingly odd and oddly amazing"; "terribly basic and basically terrible"; "embarrassingly hot and hotly embarrassing". I could swear I came across a name for this type of word pairing once before (quite possibly on this very site, in which case sorry), but my searches to find it again have been hopelessly awful and awfully hopeless. [more inside]
posted by d11 at 6:09 PM PST - 18 comments

Jumpsuits and Solenoids?

Totally failing at finding a series of videos of a Japanese man in a jumpsuit and hardhat who has invented several musical instruments based on solenioids. Anybody know what I'm talking about and/or where to find them?
posted by TheCoug at 5:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Valentine's in Detroit

What are some things to do and places to go for a Valentine's day in Detroit? Art or science related a big plus! [more inside]
posted by white light at 4:56 PM PST - 6 comments

Sites to find sites like the ones you like?

Are there any sites out there that work on a principle similar to gnod, but for finding web sites you might like? i.e. You input sites that you like, and it gives you a list of other sites you might also like.
posted by paul! at 4:37 PM PST - 6 comments

INFJ seeks ENt/f? ENp/j?

What does it mean when you come out completely even on half of the Myers-Briggs/Kiersey temperament sorter indicators? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:18 PM PST - 19 comments

So do you come here often?

She wants my advice, my empathy, my help, and my attention. I just want to date her. What is my next move? [more inside]
posted by Es ist Zeit, dass es Zeit wird! at 4:08 PM PST - 62 comments

Disco motown.

What are some disco and/or funk remakes of motown songs/oldies, in the same vein of "Heaven Must Have Sent You?" Making a playlist. Help!
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 3:53 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me get tied up in SF!

I'd like to get tied up somewhere in or around SF either tomorow or Monday. This needn't be a sexual encounter, but it need be professional and discreet. [more inside]
posted by 17564 at 3:38 PM PST - 4 comments

A series of series and serialized sub-serials. Seriously, basically help me make some mini-series - there will be spoilers.

*Spoiler Alert*Never Read This Thread (but none within the question itself): I am hoping to create a set of custom original miniature series "arcs", highlighting various things; characters/topics/ story-arcs/plot-arcs... any sort of "shortening of a longer series" that you love, or like or know. [more inside]
posted by infinite intimation at 3:34 PM PST - 4 comments

I love sushi. I don't love crazy cults. Now what?

Do the Moonies actually supply that much of the sushi market, and if so, do my favorite sushi restaurants in Madison,WI (Takara) get their sushi from them? [more inside]
posted by a snickering nuthatch at 3:16 PM PST - 7 comments

penny for my thoughts?

I know what my problem is. I know why it was happening. Question is: how do I CHANGE my knee-jerky negative subconscious? [more inside]
posted by littlesq at 3:04 PM PST - 7 comments

How to set up LAN-only SSH on the D-Link TM-G5240?

I have a D-Link TM-G5240 wireless router, and I want to set it up to allow SSH traffic strictly over the LAN; i.e., no access from outside. (I don't envision ever needing to SSH into our home network from anywhere else, so I'd like to keep anyone else from being able to do so.) What's the best way to go about it? Keep in mind, I'm a networking novice.
posted by gabrielbenjamin at 3:02 PM PST - 7 comments

Patrick Stewart's best ST:TNG performances?

Patrick Stewart's best ST:TNG performances? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese at 3:02 PM PST - 33 comments

How long should you keep makeup brushes?

How long should you keep makeup brushes? [more inside]
posted by dayspteh at 2:29 PM PST - 7 comments

NPR special on a certain eccentric pioneering biologist...

Trying to find an NPR program about an eccentric pioneer of genetics who insisted on black laboratories? [more inside]
posted by brownbat at 2:20 PM PST - 5 comments

What to do about social anxiety?

Orlando adventure update and please share some tips for loneliness [more inside]
posted by srbrunson at 2:04 PM PST - 6 comments

A poopy cloth diaper by any other name would still smell like a poopy diaper.

Help me brainstorm names for a friends South Florida natural mothering store, with online presence, eventually transitioning into a brick and mortar location while maintaining the website. [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 12:59 PM PST - 18 comments

I have a webcam. Now what?

I recently acquired a nice webcam (about $100) that I didn't have any particular use for. What should I do with it? [more inside]
posted by secretsecret at 12:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Where best to look for cheap short-term accommodation in NYC?

I want to rent a room in NYC for 3 months between June - August, pay a maximum of $700 monthly, where should I look? [more inside]
posted by mushuu at 12:35 PM PST - 27 comments

Where to register a .rs domain?

Where should I register my .rs domain, so I don't get ripped off? [more inside]
posted by eduke at 12:34 PM PST - 1 comment

What should I do next?

I'm 20 years old and in college. Wondering about what I should do regarding a person who I'm interested in. [more inside]
posted by antgly at 12:24 PM PST - 19 comments

Too late for Lili's tee?

Several years ago I saw commercials for a movie featuring Lili Taylor. In one scene, she was wearing a t-shirt that caught my eye. I managed to find it via Google, but I never bought it. Now, I want to know if still exists, so I can get it! [more inside]
posted by pinky at 12:13 PM PST - 3 comments

What to do about putting a previous job that I was fired from on my resume?

I just went through an extended period of depression and ended up getting fired for missing work. What to do now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:02 PM PST - 6 comments

Need advice on leaking roof.

I noticed water spots in the ceiling a few days ago. Obviously the roof is leaking. The roof is fairly new, put in fall 09. But we've got a lot of snow, and what looks like an ice dam on the roof. I'm not sure what it all means or where to begin. Seeking advice. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 11:58 AM PST - 15 comments

Mr. Crowley, what went down in your head?

Recommendations for books about Aleister Crowley himself or his influence. [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 11:38 AM PST - 16 comments

How can I keep predators out of my small container pond?

How can I keep predators out of my small container pond? [more inside]
posted by aldebaran at 11:33 AM PST - 10 comments

Now what do we watch?

What (non-SFF show) should a friend and I watch together? Long story arcs and funny, not murder-of-the-week shows. [more inside]
posted by jeather at 11:19 AM PST - 42 comments

How can I conveniently text message from all my devices?

Are there ways to do my text message correspondence from my Mac and my iPad? I would greatly prefer a solution that does not require me to switch phone numbers or send from different phone numbers/addresses on different devices, I don't want my recipients to have to know different addresses/numbers for texting me. Ideally I would like my texting to be like my IMAP email, the same no matter what device I check it from.
posted by shanevsevil at 11:15 AM PST - 5 comments

Internet in Winter Garden

What are good options for Internet in Winter Garden FL? [more inside]
posted by jseven at 11:06 AM PST - 1 comment

I will not resort to cheap brake puns.

My wife's car's rear brakes need replacing. I'm not a car guy. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 10:56 AM PST - 18 comments

Valentine's Day gift ideas for my pregnant wife.

Valentine's Day gift ideas for my pregnant wife. [more inside]
posted by wordsmith at 10:52 AM PST - 14 comments

[MidlifeCrisisfilter] Help me help my friend who is turning 40 and is very upset about it.

Please help me think of new ways to help a friend cope with turning 40. This friend is really upset about it, especially because she is single, has no prospects, regardless of how hard she tries, and feels despondent over it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Mystery female on Destroyer's Rubies.

Who is the female backup singer on Destroyer's Rubies? Her voice is very familiar, but I just can't place it. She sings a short phrase here at the 3 minute mark, and again at 4 minutes. I've read the liner notes, scanned the reviews and read the Destroyer Wiki, but cannot find a name.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 9:36 AM PST - 8 comments

Where can I get this screensaver?

Does anyone recognize the screensaver being used in this picture? Searching Google for "Mac clock screensaver" and variations thereof was unsurprisingly unhelpful.
posted by hafehd at 9:25 AM PST - 3 comments

How to cope with a fear of death? I

I'm terrified at the thought of dying and don't know what to do. I am not actually dying or sick in any way but sometimes I can't stop worrying about it. How can I stop, or feel better about it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:52 AM PST - 40 comments

Dealing with bisexuality

Being bisexual in a relationship... How do you deal with being attracted to the other sex? How do you know you're supposed to be with the sex you're with? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:51 AM PST - 15 comments

Soul chorus.

SongFilter. Super sweet soul tune: does it have a twin? [more inside]
posted by sucre at 8:44 AM PST - 6 comments

Something stoped these Tranes

I have 2 Trane XV 90 furnaces in my house the upstairs one has been unused for the season and is now not igniting. The downstairs unit has been running fine but it appears the blower motor is not coming on. [more inside]
posted by jmsta at 8:15 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me identify this short story based on the plot!

Help me find the name/author of a short story with the following plot: human children are the work slaves of gremlins (goblins?), and made to do manual labor underground. Those with good behavior and who are getting older are "graduated" and told that they're being freed, but after a gremlin-only "ceremony," are killed for food instead. [more inside]
posted by NucleophilicAttack at 8:06 AM PST - 3 comments

It's the perfect template!

I have a template I use for my grocery lists that I've made in my spreadsheet program (Numbers). Is there somewhere online that I can send it (say, as a PDF) to be printed in the form of a pad of paper? Staples doesn't appear to do this. I am in Canada.
posted by torisaur at 8:03 AM PST - 5 comments

Realtor recommendations for the East Bay?

Can anybody recommend realtors who could help us find apartment rentals in San Francisco's East Bay? [more inside]
posted by cyrusdogstar at 7:34 AM PST - 8 comments

my toes are burning. what gives?

my toes are burning. what gives? [more inside]
posted by krautland at 7:27 AM PST - 8 comments

Can I stop my newly-single friend from self-destructing?

Can I stop my newly-single friend from self-destructing? [more inside]
posted by greenish at 4:20 AM PST - 19 comments

Ya wanna grabba cuppa cawfee?

In the United States, is a strong regional accent a class marker? [more inside]
posted by dave99 at 3:55 AM PST - 73 comments

February 11

Shining waterproof shoes

How do I shine "waterproof" leather shoes? [more inside]
posted by sharding at 11:21 PM PST - 9 comments

Given $1000, where should I go?

I'm getting about $1000 from my tax return and I'd like to take a vacation from April 16-25. Where should I go? [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 10:34 PM PST - 20 comments

Cloning a hard drive...how?

Using clonezilla, I cloned my 80gb Maxtor SATA hard drive. Now my new Western Digital 500gb SATA hard drive reads as identical but only 80gb. What did I do wrong?
posted by Mike Mongo at 10:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Knock me out

Can you help a night-owl go to sleep early just this one time? [more inside]
posted by Rora at 9:44 PM PST - 40 comments

What's your favorite inspirational story?

What's your favorite inspirational story? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 8:15 PM PST - 10 comments

Stinky, jumpy car needs fixing

Help me figure out what's up with my gimpy car. It reeks of sulfur, has no power and bucks like a sad, old donkey. [more inside]
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 8:10 PM PST - 20 comments

Is it too soon to shack up?

How soon is too soon to move in with your significant other? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:28 PM PST - 38 comments

Short range on a RC vehicle

RC toy car (a remote-controlled Tyco Stunt Psycho) has very short range. Is there any way to troubleshoot the problem? [more inside]
posted by russilwvong at 7:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Want: Not Dickhead Nor Snakehead but Nailhead

Lost my beloved Mountain Hardwear Nailhead Pullover. Desperately want/need another one. But it was discontinued 3 years ago. [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 7:09 PM PST - 8 comments

Potstickers on a bbq

I've been challenged to make potstickers totally on a bbq (wrappers are purchased, filling made separately). Suggestions on technique????
posted by america4 at 7:02 PM PST - 8 comments

Oddly, I miss Facebook

A friend asks: "My facebook account was hacked by 419 scammers, and is now disabled. I have gone through all the hoops facebook says to go through to reinstate it, and I get NO response. Is there any way to get them to respond and reinstate my account?"
posted by DMelanogaster at 6:56 PM PST - 1 comment

Take Me Out To The Ball

How can I be the best event planner possible? [more inside]
posted by DisreputableDog at 6:08 PM PST - 7 comments

refinishing oak cabinets

I have a 20 year-old house with decent-quality stained oak cabinets (built by a cabinet builder on-site during the house's construction). I love the layout of my kitchen and the cabinets are very functional, but the finish is looking a little worn and chipped these days. How can I refinish these cabinets? [more inside]
posted by Ostara at 6:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Central LA Neighborhoods?

Where to live in Central LA? Been away for a long time and looking for input on neighborhoods. [more inside]
posted by wildcrdj at 5:57 PM PST - 14 comments

Gigabyte Doubling Trouble

The case of the missing Mac HD space, and symlink shenanigans. [more inside]
posted by brightghost at 5:55 PM PST - 15 comments

Happy Valenhog Day to you, too! Now, what to eat?

I need an idea for a dish to bring to the work Valenhog potluck lunch on Monday! (Valenhog Day is Valentine's day and Groundhog's day, of course.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:52 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a Group

My wife is looking for a group to join in San Francisco with some particular characteristics. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by SamFrancisco at 5:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Anyone know a good rosacea Dr?

I'm 32 and in the past year have developed pretty serious rosacea. Can anyone recommend a good dermatologist in the NYC area?
posted by gbentz at 5:22 PM PST - 3 comments

Marketing an internal website

Launching a global internal website...how best to market it? [more inside]
posted by heigh-hothederryo at 5:11 PM PST - 4 comments

What's the name of this very scary picture book from the 80s or 90s?

Does anyone have any idea what 1980s or 1990s children's picture book this was? (very scary, about monsters). [more inside]
posted by Geameade at 4:44 PM PST - 8 comments

Attention Cottagers: Help us find our dream summer cottage rental in Ontario

What's a good method to find a summer cottage rental on Lake Huron or Georgian Bay? [more inside]
posted by durga at 4:24 PM PST - 6 comments

How much for parts?

Help - quick! Someone has offered to buy our 1991 Volvo 240 wagon for parts but we are being required to set an asking price instead of him making an offer. Anyone have any advice? The mechanic kind of scoffed at $500.
posted by krikany at 4:19 PM PST - 14 comments

How do I go about hiring an artist??

How do I hire an artist to create concert poster style wedding invitations? [more inside]
posted by holdkris99 at 4:08 PM PST - 12 comments

iJust want iPhotos on my iWall.

I can't *possibly* be the only person who would like to pull photos wirelessly from my iPhoto library and display them on a reasonably-priced wifi picture frame -- am I? [more inside]
posted by liquado at 4:02 PM PST - 3 comments

Etymology of "once and for all"?

What's the etymology of the phrase "once and for all"? What's the earliest known attestation?
posted by topynate at 3:59 PM PST - 5 comments

Dictators, Despots, and Wealth, how do they get away with it?

Mubarak is estimated at being worth between $40 to $70 billion, how can he hide that type of money? [more inside]
posted by InvestorMD at 3:57 PM PST - 19 comments

Daily Show and Colbert Report blocked ?

Has Comedy Central blocked the Daily Show and Colbert Report for viewers outside the US ? I live in the Netherlands and I watched the show for years on their site and now I get a black screen. Is there another way to watch the shows ?
posted by Pendragon at 3:37 PM PST - 12 comments

How can I have a good time around someone I'd rather never see again?

What's the best way to deal with being around a guy who really hurt my feelings (not romantically), without killing everyone's good time? [more inside]
posted by Ashley801 at 3:20 PM PST - 38 comments

What goes in my "Publications" section?

Journalist with academic aspirations has a CV question. [more inside]
posted by Buffaload at 3:02 PM PST - 5 comments

How Do I make a very simple map to help my friend hawk their wares?

I want to make a simple USA map showing the 15 nationwide locations of a friend's stores. Besides making it by hand in photoshop or using the overly detailed google maps (or google earth) how do I do it? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 2:10 PM PST - 5 comments

ADHD Seeking Personal Assistant?

ADHD Seeking Personal Assistant? I'm 35 years old, married with children, and an assistant professor on tenure track with relatively high research and teaching expectations. I was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder (predominantly inattentive) in the summer of 2010. [more inside]
posted by scunning at 1:57 PM PST - 33 comments

Hilarious blog that debunks/critiques New York Times articles about new social trends

There is a hilarious blog that debunks/critiques various "OMG NEW TREND!" society / lifestyle / etc. articles in The New York times. I think I may have originally found it via a link in one of the comments here. But my Google-fu is failing me. Help? Thanks.
posted by Jacqueline at 1:42 PM PST - 4 comments

dinner time blues - how often to cook

I'm wondering how often people cook dinner from scratch versus prepared foods. [more inside]
posted by dublin at 1:38 PM PST - 79 comments

Is there any Mac (OSX) Contact Management Software specifically focusing on sales?

I need to keep track of my clients and the homes they purchased so that I can provide the best level of service to them after I have worked with them. Is that possible with any OSX software? (More inside!) [more inside]
posted by darkgroove at 1:05 PM PST - 6 comments

This might have been the book that sparked my love for all things fantasy

Another forgotten YA book title. I would have read it in 1985 or so - elementary school. Two kids from modern times are led through a portal (maybe?) or time travel (??) into a medieval/fantasy setting with (or possibly, where they meet?) a ranger type character. [more inside]
posted by lilnublet at 1:02 PM PST - 9 comments

I Before E Except After Huh?

Does anyone know the background behind this song, or the origin of its lyrics? Is it just random texts? [more inside]
posted by Koko at 1:00 PM PST - 1 comment

Where can I watch the Grammy's in Portland, OR?

Where can a friend and I watch the Grammys on Sunday in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 12:24 PM PST - 2 comments

How do you turn a bad therapy session into moving forward and continue to find help?

How to I convince spouse to find another therapist when their first encounter was so bad? [more inside]
posted by stormpooper at 12:21 PM PST - 33 comments

Help me flush my toilet replacement worries down the drain

I'm considering replacing the toilet in my oldish house, and I'd like to be prepared for any trouble I might run into. [more inside]
posted by mollweide at 12:16 PM PST - 24 comments

Cabbages and... conveyor belts

Help me figure out what this YA science fiction novel was! It had very deep cities, an escape having something to do with cabbages, and some kind of rural life outside. Maybe. [more inside]
posted by hought20 at 12:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Let's Just Be Friends?

I have had a few fledgling relationships that have gone from awesome platonic friendship --> sexual tension ---> hook-up (instigated by the guy)--> awkward, painful attempt at going back to friendship (also instigated by the guy). I'm really confused and bitter and angry. Can you help me decipher what's going on and figure out if these friendships are salvageable? [more inside]
posted by calcetina at 11:44 AM PST - 37 comments

Looking for Serious Bowling Online Resources

I need serious bowling resources. (online forums, buying guides, technical discussions, SCIENCE!, etc) [more inside]
posted by johnstein at 11:42 AM PST - 0 comments

"Oh, so you already know all the old science?"

Quip identify filter- Reporter: "What's the newest thing in science?" Scientist, feigning surprise: "Oh, so you already know all the old science?" Does anyone recognize this? Who said it?
posted by RobotHero at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments

The right vehicle insurance for traveling musicians?

Do traveling musicians in the US need to have commercial vehicle liability insurance? If so, what should we expect to pay and where should we get it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:14 AM PST - 5 comments

Groping stepdad vs. little kid

How do I resolve this awkward family situation involving a groping stepdad? More info after the break. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:14 AM PST - 52 comments

How do I collect dictionary definitions for ~350 words to put into a database?

I have a list of about 350 words that I'm putting into a database that I'm building from scratch. For each word in the list, I'd like to include its American English dictionary definition (preferably American Heritage Dictionary), UrbanDictionary entry, and Wikipedia page link (I realize that entries may not exist for some columns for many of these words). Is there some way to streamline or data-mine this process, so I don't have to look up each word individually in 3 separate sources x350+, not to mention all the copying and pasting? [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 11:12 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to be the next Terrance Dicks.

I desperately want to write for Doctor Who - not the show, but the tie-in novels and audiobooks. Do I have a snowball's chance? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 11:09 AM PST - 4 comments

Trying to follow the light. But failing.

Bookfilter: something something FANTASY something something BLUE LIGHT something something BIG SNAKE. [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 10:47 AM PST - 7 comments

Flavorless chewing gum?

I'm looking for sweetener-less, sugarless (and yes, flavorless) chewing gum. [more inside]
posted by Robson at 10:15 AM PST - 14 comments

Existential Angst, Party of 1

I made a turn in my life about 7 years ago and it was a wrong turn. Now I need some assistance backing out, turning around and figuring out a new path. (possible tl, dr) [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 at 9:41 AM PST - 24 comments

In search of a project note organization system for Windows

I'm looking for a Windows-based (or online/multi-platform) program to organize my various notes, with the ability to sort by contact name, contact phone number, project name, and date(s). More thoughts inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 9:25 AM PST - 6 comments

wok, don't run

How (un)healthy is stir fry, as a cooking method? [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco at 9:21 AM PST - 30 comments

Is a big trip to the big rock worth the expense and effort?

Is a trip to Uluru/Ayers Rock worth it? [more inside]
posted by mathowie at 9:17 AM PST - 35 comments

How to get Firefox and Winamp to mesh well?

Is there any way to get Winamp's controls and playlist window to open upwardly? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 9:13 AM PST - 2 comments

Why would one of my RAM bays be okay with a 512MB stick but not a 2GB?

I got some new RAM for my Macbook, but it's causing some really weird freezing issues. [more inside]
posted by jenmess at 9:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Goodbye and don't let the rain of shoes hit you on your way out

Now that Mubarak has stepped down after weeks of protests, is any other authoritarian governments in the region on the brink of similar civic uprising? [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 9:07 AM PST - 16 comments

What's the name and origin of the "long Noooooo" shot in film?

Is there a name, please, for the now-clichéd and much-satirized film shot in which the camera pulls rapidly out of a close-up, often moving back and up, while the subject, having just had bad news or seen something dreadful, goes "noooooooooo" rather a lot? We are meant to gather that they are somewhat alone, and not at all happy. Where/when did this shot originate? [more inside]
posted by vogel at 9:06 AM PST - 20 comments

Got African Tribal Singing?

Where can I download recordings of African "tribal" songs? [more inside]
posted by meadowlark lime at 8:55 AM PST - 10 comments

The wrong kind of hat-hair.

How, in Flash AS3, would I implement a sort of forced-transparency? [more inside]
posted by piato at 8:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Ride, Sally, ride.

Help me plan my trip to Sasquatch! 2011. [more inside]
posted by elder18 at 8:32 AM PST - 4 comments

When is a .pdf not a .pdf? When it's scanned.

Ipad filter: highlighting and annotating scanned .pdfs? [more inside]
posted by vitabellosi at 8:05 AM PST - 4 comments

Nicotine + birth control - the same risks as smoking + birth control?

I know you're not supposed to smoke on the pill, but what about nicotine replacement therapy? [more inside]
posted by mylittlepoppet at 7:59 AM PST - 4 comments

Pre-ordering Kindle books

A book that I want to read on my Kindle will be released soon. Is there any advantage in pre-ordering it? [more inside]
posted by Dr. Eigenvariable at 7:49 AM PST - 11 comments

CSA-Approved Doc Martens in Ottawa

Where can I find CSA approved steel-toed Doc Martens in Ottawa, ON? [more inside]
posted by meowf at 7:46 AM PST - 6 comments

negotiating up

I made the mistake of telling them my exact current base salary at the interview. How to negotiate? A spreadsheet, good/bad idea? Measures/conditions to ask for to prevent being overwhelmed in understaffed situations/persistent unpaid overtime work? [more inside]
posted by hedonic.muse at 7:29 AM PST - 16 comments

Another book title search.

Science Fiction identification: In high school (the 80s) I read a scifi book in which (I believe) a fat despondent boy's family is wiped out, and he is sent to either a school or a prison. Someone there makes him run around the perimeter for a long time, until he's in great shape. He goes from fat and soft, to lean and hard. He may subsequently become a soldier. That's all I remember. Can you help me find the name of the book?
posted by OmieWise at 7:24 AM PST - 10 comments

Recommend me some funk albums!

I've discovered that I really like funky music. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 7:20 AM PST - 38 comments

Where are the gourmet Chinese restaurants?

Why are there so many Chinese restaurants in America that serve really cheap, low quality food, compared to, say, Thai restaurants, which seem to always have fresher ingredients? I've seen what really good, genuine Chinese food looks like from shows like Iron Chef, and I'd love to try some, but every restaurant I eat at always seems like they serve reheated food out of vats. How can you find the good Chinese restaurants in your town? I know they must be out there.
posted by empath at 7:04 AM PST - 62 comments

Crafting a successful dental insurance appeal

Help me craft a successful dental insurance appeal. [more inside]
posted by grouse at 7:02 AM PST - 2 comments

Two Winter Trees to Identify

Identify these two trees in Winter? For planning a spring landscape. [more inside]
posted by franklen at 6:18 AM PST - 5 comments

Why do I wake up feeling achy and sore?

I wake up feeling achy and sore, and can't figure out why. Do you have any ideas? [more inside]
posted by gadha at 6:03 AM PST - 23 comments

Cardiologist in NYC?

Tested, consulted and faced with imminent surgery for repair/replacement of valve. Male, 60, congenital MVP, a problem since contacting bacterial infection. Severe mitral regurgitation, enlargement, familial thrombocytopenia, fatigued, otherwise good health. Looking for 2nd opinion, Doctor recommendations in NYC.
posted by ebesan at 4:41 AM PST - 4 comments

Old Route 66 Postcards

I'm looking to buy around 150 postcards from the 50s - 70s that feature attractions from Route 66, or that highlighting Route 66 generally or the states along the way. Are there any stores in either New York City or Washington DC that sell that sort of thing? I've looked around on eBay a little, but I haven't found anything but single postcards here and there -- but I'm hoping to buy them in a lot. Is there somewhere better online I should be looking into?
posted by buriedpaul at 4:30 AM PST - 7 comments

Hello World. How are you?

I run into people I know and they say "Hello, how are you?" and I say "Fine". This is getting boring. I understand that there really isn't a question-answer thing happening, but I want something more interesting than "Fine". What else could I say? [more inside]
posted by twoleftfeet at 3:10 AM PST - 123 comments

Forgotten craft article

Half remembered craft article - a cute gift made with an egg. You pricked a normal egg, sucked the contents out, then bored a little hole in it. You could then roll up a nice little note or something, slip it in the hollow eggshell, then conceal the hole by making the egg spotted - sticking circular stickers on the egg including one covering the hole. I think the egg was also spraypainted gold. It was a pretty cute idea, anyone remember this? [more inside]
posted by oxala at 2:25 AM PST - 7 comments

women's clothing sizes

How do women's clothing sizes differ in different stores, especially in comparison to H&M? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 2:21 AM PST - 25 comments

Help me become a public intellectual

I may know what I want to do with my life. Yay! But how the heck do I get there? [more inside]
posted by metametababe at 1:22 AM PST - 18 comments

Recommend a PA real estate lawyer

I need a recommendation for a real estate lawyer in the Easton, PA area. I'm the buyer. It's a short sale and I'd like to find a lawyer with some experience. I don't want to pick someone out of the phone book. Ideally you have actually worked with the attorney but any reliable advice would be appreciated. Responding here is best but MeFi mail is good too. Help? Thanks in advance!
posted by gdf at 12:20 AM PST - 2 comments

Small differences in the U.S.A (international people)

What are some small differences you've noticed about the US? Examples: My Japanese friend says that in Japan, large buildings have multiple public entrance/exits. My Dutch friend says that in the Netherlands, women shower in the gym showers. Specifically, I'm interested in things that could imply some theory (elaborate or not) of US culture, of some region of the US.
posted by oneous at 12:16 AM PST - 120 comments

The Switch Back

ComputerBuyingFilter: My beloved iBook is on his last legs. I haven't owned a Windows computer in nearly 7 years, but I'm considering buying one as my next computer. What would you tell a longtime Mac user who's considering going Windows? [more inside]
posted by kagredon at 12:08 AM PST - 19 comments

February 10

Home Electronic Music Studio - DA signal paths and other questions.

Re-building my electronic music home studio with a new computer at the heart of it. Have lots of pieces but not sure of optimal setup/signal path. [more inside]
posted by erebora at 11:36 PM PST - 6 comments

Baking soda and apple cider vinegar for your hair?

Anyone use baking soda instead of shampoo to wash your hair? [more inside]
posted by HonestAsian at 11:22 PM PST - 28 comments

sax hook

What is that 80s sax song that goes "do dwee do dododo?" [more inside]
posted by kittensofthenight at 10:40 PM PST - 14 comments

How can 6 people split 6 season's tickets equitably?

Help me design a good strategy for splitting a seasons ticket pool. [more inside]
posted by salishsea at 10:39 PM PST - 6 comments

Stoney Tangawizi in NYC?

Stoney Tangawizi is sweet sodafied deliciousness. You owe it yourself to try some. If you tell me where I can buy it in New York City, I'll get you a bottle.
posted by jorgej at 10:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Staying home for our second honeymoon - where to go in San Diego ?

My wife and I are finally ready for a vacation. We're leaving the kids with the grandparents and will have 3 days to ourselves. Except we're not ready to travel so we'll be staying local in San Diego. What interesting places can we visit in San Diego ? [more inside]
posted by neofite at 10:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me locate this Victorian pulp fiction!

Another book-locating question: help me locate this Victorian pulp fiction! [more inside]
posted by pavane at 9:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Dating/socializing 101 for introverts

An introvert in an extrovert's world - Teach a perennial shy guy how to navigate dating and relationships [more inside]
posted by photo guy at 9:20 PM PST - 23 comments

A good view of sunset + buildings in Philly?

I need a good look at the sunset in Philly tomorrow. With the skyline and the sunset at once. This is for a ~1hr time lapse photo shoot. Any locations in mind? [more inside]
posted by phrygius at 9:01 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me - my boss is trying to screw me out of worker's comp and I'm a statutory employee!

I work for a club in the San Fernando Valley and recently broke my ankle on the job. I am classified as 1099 but am actually a misclassified statutory employee and I think the the guy who owns the club and/or his insurance company is/are trying to cheat his way out of paying me worker's comp. and covering the cost of my pending operation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Please, no tiny puddles of pee for my feet to discover in the dark.

I'd like to get a dog. I think a small breed would be best based on my specific situation and I have only had past experience with large breeds. Can you provide some guidance about the housebreaking difficulties I'm reading about everywhere? [more inside]
posted by tinamonster at 8:56 PM PST - 15 comments

My roommate, for the "most generous, altruistic reasons," is making my possessions disappear and become disfigured.

Help me find a new strategy with my "good-hearted, altruistic, generous" roommate who lends out my belongings to neighbors, damages and uses up my stuff. Please. [more inside]
posted by sleeping beauty at 8:54 PM PST - 52 comments

Timekeeping for Virtual Assistants, and Complicated Cell Phone Questions.

How can I best keep track of my time when working remotely for another party? I'll be responding to inquiries by cell phone, and double-checking to make sure insurance information is kosher. But I have a problem: I have no idea how to keep track of my time. [more inside]
posted by thelastcamel at 8:41 PM PST - 5 comments

English essay help!

What are some representations of gay, uniformed (police, military, etc) men in television and film?
posted by Saebrial at 8:35 PM PST - 33 comments

Cross Border Rx Shopping: The Canadian Edition

Is there a online pharmacy in the USA that will ship prescription medications to Canada? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:31 PM PST - 1 comment

help me bend Mailman to my will!

How do I enable people on a Mailman list to send common (MS Office, PDF, etc) attachments in their email to others on the list? [more inside]
posted by canine epigram at 8:22 PM PST - 1 comment

What's an amazing cocktail to serve with pho?

I need the perfect cocktail recipe and and beer to serve with phở! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 PM PST - 16 comments

twin cities adhd doc

Good psychiatrist for adult ADHD in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:53 PM PST - 1 comment

Science: Sound, Percption, MP3, and Beyond

I'm in need of graduate level schooling on psychoacoustics and audio compression on the cheap. What are the latest and/or most used textbooks on these topics? [more inside]
posted by waxboy at 7:50 PM PST - 3 comments

3.1 don't fail me now

I taught myself Python 3.1... But, Django only works with 2.x. What are the alternatives for a web application framework for a complex data driven website that work with 3.1? [more inside]
posted by elationfoundation at 7:49 PM PST - 7 comments

What was that music webapp I had on my iPod?

What was that music webapp I had on my iPod? Help me remember the site I had saved to my homescreen a while ago. I'm fairly sure it was a webapp and not a proper app. I seem to remember the name for the icon was shortened to a two-letter acronym; I thought it was DI for digitalinspiration.com but googling that shows I was wrong. I'll try to describe it anyway: the app had a series of square, colourful icons down the left-hand side, not unlike the style to the iTunes gift card drawings. Each icon represented a category; I definately remember 'lounge', and the others were mostly dance/electronic music related genres like house, groove etc. probably hip-hop stuff too. Definately a cool and groovy site.
posted by Deor at 7:26 PM PST - 2 comments

Should I pursue my interest and study college physics more?

Should I pursue my interest and study college physics more? Specifically, should I take a year-long calculus-based program, until I get comfortable that I'm on top of it-- and can really judge my level of interest and aptitude fairly? Considering I'm a Junior English major. Also considering that it's been 15 years since HS algebra and I've never been good at math. But I want to be. [more inside]
posted by reenka at 7:19 PM PST - 31 comments

Bully on the lose and there's nowhere to hide.

I am being bullied at work by my supervisor and there is no one to go to for help. I have four more months of a one-year contract but I feel like I may be nothing but a grease spot by the time I reach the end of this. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by Ventre Mou at 6:49 PM PST - 47 comments

It *is* hard to stay up, it *has* been a long, long day

Is there a way to automatically add YouTube videos to a personal playlist as they are posted? [more inside]
posted by Lucinda at 6:45 PM PST - 2 comments

1Password/Lastpass confusion.

I have severe 1Password/Lastpass confusion. Does one supercede the other or are they meant to be used concurrently, in an ideal situation? I'm confused whether they perform the same function or not. Please help me organize my stuff! [more inside]
posted by damiano99 at 6:29 PM PST - 10 comments

What type of flooring should I install in my home gym/dance studio?

I'm building an addition to my home which will include a dance studio/gym area. Looking for advice on what sort of flooring to install. Activities will include pole dancing, might include ballet, yoga, tae kwon do and falling down a lot. I want cushiony floor for the falling, but floor that I can spin around on and slide across for the actual "moves". Do you have any experiences/advice to share on flooring?
posted by Hobbit at 6:22 PM PST - 9 comments

iPod Charger/Tuner with International Mode

I need a new iPod charger / FM Tuner for a 6th Gen Nano with International Mode. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Caravantea at 5:56 PM PST - 0 comments

Need a good chair

Any suggestions for "office chairs" that aren't technically office chairs, but that let you keep your feet up or feel similarly relaxed? [more inside]
posted by amethysts at 5:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Can you get sick from your own germs?

Is it possible to reinfect yourself with your own germs when sick? [more inside]
posted by JJkiss at 5:17 PM PST - 13 comments

Trying to find two books from my childhood

Please help identify these two books (fiction) from the 70s (possibly earlier), each with an aviation motif. [more inside]
posted by phliar at 5:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me show that this Evian for your face is bunk, with science

Is this this Evian spray bottle of water for your face is just bunk? Seeking cites one way or the other based on the science of skin moisturization. [more inside]
posted by paddingtonb at 5:09 PM PST - 26 comments

Please help me find a kosher deli/caterer in the San Jose area.

South (San Francisco) Bay Area: I need a kosher deli/caterer ASAP! [more inside]
posted by dogmom at 4:58 PM PST - 8 comments

Helps up plan our first real vacation!

Hooray, we're taking our first "big kid" vacation to New York City for a week! ...um, what now? (March 13-19 edition) [more inside]
posted by joshuaconner at 4:47 PM PST - 20 comments

photochemical etching supplies in nyc?

Photochemical etching supplies in NYC? [more inside]
posted by suedehead at 4:44 PM PST - 0 comments

I see my doctor more frequently than I see some friends and I feel mostly fine.

Is pain during intercourse and a swollen cervix, resulting from a specific position, worth going to the doctor for? Probably NSFW. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Is an interactiv whiteboard purchase a good investment for a school?

My school is contemplating an interactive whiteboard purchase. I think this is a bad idea. Convince me that I am right (or wrong) please! [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 4:35 PM PST - 27 comments

What's the copyright law on postcards from the early 1900's?

Can I publish really old postcards in a book free and clear? What are the rules around doing this (i.e. are there copyright concerns? do they every expire?)
posted by joshuamcginnis at 4:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Why did my bank call me about a wire transfer?

Why did my bank call me and ask if I'm expecting a wire transfer? [more inside]
posted by medusa at 4:22 PM PST - 4 comments

Not even a vampire could tap me.

Is there a lancet-based or bloodless herpes, hep-c, and/or syphilis test? [more inside]
posted by Netzapper at 4:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Why doesn't google help with the REALLY important stuff?

Thanks to some fabulous advice here, I have been invited to apply for a staff writer position. Woo-hoo! But they want to know my rate per 100 words. How do I figure that out? [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 at 4:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Bedbugs on trash day?

How dangerous, bedbug-wise, is picking up discarded luggage off the street? [more inside]
posted by Jonathan Harford at 4:07 PM PST - 20 comments

How was anything this ugly ever created?

Suggestions for covering a god-awful Formica sink counter-top? I'm a renter, so the solution needs to be removable if I move. [more inside]
posted by amycup at 4:03 PM PST - 6 comments

What kind of hat is this?

What do you call the kind of soft-looking, somewhat pointed, one-piece hat typically shown on the head of the stereotypical "hillbilly?" [more inside]
posted by rahnefan at 4:01 PM PST - 8 comments

Saké

Can you recommend a decent bottle of saké, and why you chose it. [more inside]
posted by uni verse at 3:59 PM PST - 16 comments

Hotels for Austin Scouts

Looking for hotels in Austin. My wife and I are coming to Austin on a scouting trip with my parents. All research is telling us Austin would be a great place to raise our kids. Kids won't be with us. We are coming on March 9th - 13th. We realize SWSX starts on the 11th. I am not concerned about staying near all the action. I actually wouldn't mind staying out in the hill country or any location where we can hop in our rental car and get a good feel for the metro area. We don't mind paying $150 - $200 a night. Where can we stay that will be a good launching point for checking out all that the Austin metro has to offer?
posted by jasondigitized at 3:58 PM PST - 7 comments

No American Pie, thanks.

Help me find some movies to watch... I'm beginning to think I don't like watching them. List of requirements inside... [more inside]
posted by KogeLiz at 3:57 PM PST - 33 comments

Japanese girl travels country with griddle TV show?

Once upon a time I saw a few episodes of a japanese TV show about a girl who runs an okonomiyaki restaurant (I think?) in Japan who travels the country with her cast-iron griddle looking for her father. Every episode ends with her in a cook-off against some random person. It was on TV in the Bay Area and subtitled. What the heck was this show? It has defeated even my powerful google-fu.
posted by GuyZero at 3:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Griddle me timbers, matey!

What's your favorite use for a cast iron griddle? [more inside]
posted by letahl at 3:32 PM PST - 20 comments

Heretical Handiwork

Alternative (non-religious) rosary bead activities? [more inside]
posted by MangyCarface at 3:18 PM PST - 9 comments

The Human Soul vs. General Anesthesia...

The Human Soul vs. General Anesthesia: I'm looking for reading material on how general anesthesia is viewed by people who hold spiritual beliefs that include the existence of an immortal soul/spirit/energy that is independent of ones physical body. [more inside]
posted by the jam at 3:18 PM PST - 14 comments

Can anyone recommend good stargazing community sites for new stargazers?

Can anyone recommend good stargazing community sites for new stargazers? [more inside]
posted by missed at 3:17 PM PST - 3 comments

Where to find successful survivors of childhood sexual abuse?

Asking for a friend: How can an adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse meet other survivors who have ended up happy and successful in spite of their childhoods? [more inside]
posted by eisenkr at 3:14 PM PST - 1 comment

Sci-Fi Stumper: Post-apocalytic future; evil evolved rats?

Help me identify this book: It's science-fiction; it's set in some kind of post-apocalyptic or generally bleak future; and most memorably it features evolved rats that can do people-type stuff and may have been the "bad guys" of this book. I read it in 1980 at the latest. I suspect it was pulpy. And I most clearly remember a dramatic chase/action scene where either a human protagonist or one of the rats jumped in a big truck and, although it started, the tires began disintegrating because of its age (so the entire book couldn't have taken place more than a decade or two after something bad happened).
posted by bassomatic at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments

Reading fun.. out of the library!

How to have fun in Reading, UK? [more inside]
posted by midnightbarber at 2:44 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me find my possible dynamic IP range.

How do I determine the range of possible addresses that my ISP might assign me? [more inside]
posted by joecacti at 2:29 PM PST - 5 comments

XBOX 360 setup help followup

I'm still trying to connect my upcoming XBOX 360 to my computer monitor. The monitor has only VGA and DVI-D inputs and no audio output, however, so I'm having issues tracking down what needs to be done. Currently I'm fairly sure I've got what I need for video, but I still need help figuring out how to connect audio. [more inside]
posted by flatluigi at 1:54 PM PST - 14 comments

How can I extricate myself from a tricky work situation?

Help me stay out of trouble at work! [more inside]
posted by queens86 at 1:47 PM PST - 26 comments

Building Communities As Alternative Lifestyles

For a long time now I've been aching to feel part of a larger community. Have you ever felt this way? How did you handle it? Have you ever built or been a part of a tight-knit social circle or community that lasted? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:46 PM PST - 31 comments

Student loan hacks

Student loan hacks? Going to grad school (MBA) this fall most likely, and will be taking out loans for tuition and some living expenses. Any pro-tips or tricks of the trade for doing this most effectively? Also anything I should be aware of so that I don't screw myself over in the future?
posted by AceRock at 1:31 PM PST - 13 comments

Please tell me everything I need to know about the Sasquatch Music Festival!

I think I may be going to Sasquatch this year! I've never been - for that matter, I've never gone to any sort of music festival or even a concert bigger than a hundred people or so - so can any kindly souls out there give some tips or advice to a first-timer? I'm pretty clueless as a general rule so even the most basic of suggestions would be gladly appreciated, whether it's "if you hitchhike you will die" or "you will need to bring toilet paper" or "don't bother with a cell phone cause there's no reception out there" or "make sure not to miss this artist!" or anything else of the sort. My (pretty rough) plans and specific questions are under the fold... [more inside]
posted by daelin at 1:24 PM PST - 13 comments

Play video or Power Point with motion sensor activation.

Need to find a way to activate a Power Point show via a motion activated sensor. [more inside]
posted by Jackie_Treehorn at 1:20 PM PST - 3 comments

I got the job...but did I maximize my potential earnings during the interview?

I got the job...but did I maximize my potential earnings during the interview? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:15 PM PST - 9 comments

STI Testing in Chicago?

Need STI testing in Chicago. Where should I go? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:14 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I use a running machine without breaking a leg?

Whenever I've tried to use the running machine at the gym, I feel like if I make one false move I'm going to fall or slip. How do people nonchalantly run on these things? [more inside]
posted by oceanview at 1:09 PM PST - 22 comments

Sound familiar...

What are the songs that make up the intro music to this Classic Game Room youtube video? [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 1:02 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I allow another person to post to my tumblr account?

How do I allow another person to post to my tumblr account? [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 12:59 PM PST - 3 comments

Essential books on branding?

What essential, comprehensive book (or other resource) on branding would you recommend? [more inside]
posted by wretched_rhapsody at 12:51 PM PST - 3 comments

Advice or Experiences with UK Immigration?

I am a Canadian that has been living in America for 8 years as a permanent resident. I currently live with my English boyfriend, who is here on an L1 visa (which is being transferred over to an H1B). We are in the process of getting my paperwork together so that he can sponsor me as a common-law unmarried partner to move to England. As I've done this before (Canada to America) I do know that one of the best ways to get some insight into the underbelly of immigration is to ask people who have been through it. [more inside]
posted by knitfreak at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments

How much do I charge as a writing consultant?

How much do writing consultants charge? [more inside]
posted by Ylajali at 12:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Stylish investments

Help me build a better, more cost-effective wardrobe! What's the one clothing/bag/accessory item that give the most bang for your buck? [more inside]
posted by sprezzy at 12:26 PM PST - 36 comments

Did the Great Brain ever have his palm read?

Can you think of any children's books in which palm-reading is a plot point? I'm looking for books for kids about 7-12, so not primers, but not young adult, either.
posted by pipti at 12:13 PM PST - 7 comments

I Need All the Help Ever: Calculus Edition

Help me arm myself for a future-determining showdown with calculus. [more inside]
posted by geneva uswazi at 11:59 AM PST - 28 comments

Looking For Companies Who Use Statistical Process Control

Investing money. How do I find out about if a company/business uses Statistical Process Control systems [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 11:59 AM PST - 11 comments

Let's all share.

Pinko-filter: If all wealth in the US were completely evenly distributed how much would a given person have? [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 11:57 AM PST - 19 comments

Um, didn't we bail you jerks out???

Sallie Mae decided out of the blue to take my husband's student loans out of deferment. We are both three years into a PhD program (kind of the definition deferment is based on, no?) and truly cannot afford the $700 a month payments on these. What can we do? [more inside]
posted by sickinthehead at 11:44 AM PST - 14 comments

Do you remember this movie I can't remember?

I remember seeing a movie as a kid and I'd like to see it again but I don't know what it was called or who was in it. [more inside]
posted by notmydesk at 11:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Trying to find the Green Machine

In the late 1970s the Australian Army made a recruiting film called "The Green Machine". I remember it having some fairly spectacular flying footage by the Army Aviation Corps as well as the usual other stuff. For reasons I'd probably not want to examine too closely I'd like to see it again. Does anyone know of an on-line source? It's not on Youtube as far as I can tell.
posted by Logophiliac at 11:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Philly Hotels in City Center?

Philadelphia-Filter: I'll be heading to Philly at the end of March for business and will need to stay within walking distance (or easy transit) of City Hall. Recommendations for inexpensive hotels? [more inside]
posted by stellaluna at 11:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Can I eat umami without raising my blood pressure?

Is the umami flavor, although distinctly different, intrinsically tied to saltiness? [more inside]
posted by analogue at 10:57 AM PST - 20 comments

How to protect a startup idea

A friend wants my advice on a secret project, but has been burnt before for sharing and wants some protection from it happening again. How can he share his idea and be sure I'm not going to run away with it. [more inside]
posted by Static Vagabond at 10:46 AM PST - 13 comments

covariances versus covariation

Okay, stats mavens: What's the difference between covariance and covariation? [more inside]
posted by internet_explorer at 10:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Wants to join the military but not physically capable

I want to join the military but am not physically capable. I want to help out, but since strength and fitness are not my strong points, I am thinking of contributing other services that won't require those. But I heard that everyone, even the people not in physically demanding jobs like medical and intelligence force, must pass physical tests and training. I am willing to train myself beforehand if it's required, but I need to know what I must do and how everything works. Thanks.
posted by kopi at 10:42 AM PST - 12 comments

Does anybody have Maynard James Keenan's phone number

I need some help compiling a list of resources for troubled teenagers, particularly teenaged boys. International (particularly the UK) resources are also required. [more inside]
posted by pazazygeek at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments

The Best Library Programs

Friends, librarians, patrons, lend me your eyes. What are your favorite library programs in your area? Links and pictures are appreciated. [more inside]
posted by cashman at 10:21 AM PST - 8 comments

Used to be confident, got the girl, now I'm a wreck. Why?

I was confident and had loads of self esteem right up to the moment I actually started a real relationship. Now I'm a mess. How did I lose it all? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:02 AM PST - 23 comments

SWF seeks the right trousers.

Trousers for curvy girls going down into "straight sizes". Please hope me cover my curvy butt! [more inside]
posted by pointystick at 9:42 AM PST - 26 comments

Milnacipran?

Antidepressant question: Milnacipran? I'd never heard of it, but I'll likely transition from venlafaxine (Effexor) to milnacipran (brand names Toledomin, Savella, Ixel etc.) soon due to an upcoming move (from US) to Japan. Venlafaxine is not available in Japan. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:41 AM PST - 1 comment

How would you go about finding real friends on the internet?

How would you go about finding real friends on the internet? Facebook is where I go to find out I have nothing in common with my friends. I'm looking for a few people I can really connect with, though we may never meet in person. What would your strategy be?
posted by markcmyers at 9:32 AM PST - 23 comments

Thoughtful, emotionally real Batman stories for a newcomer

Help me to find Batman trade paperbacks for my housemate to read! I really, really want her to appreciate how awesome Batman can be at its best. She's not read many comics before, but just read and enjoyed 'Bruce Wayne: Murderer'. She liked the focus on moral reasoning and personal dilemmas, as well as the fact that nothing supernatural happened. I don't think she'll like Frank Miller. [more inside]
posted by Acheman at 9:29 AM PST - 17 comments

Meth addicts have terrible skin

I'm not a pharmacist or organic chemist or pharmacologist, so I'm confused by the difference between methamphetamine and Adderall, and the side effects it may wreak on the body long-term. I've tried to figure it out using Google, but it's all sort of over my head, and I don't know if the people on those chatboards are reliable sources of information. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:22 AM PST - 15 comments

Help us plan our honeymoon!

We're planning our Italian honeymoon and would love your advice! [more inside]
posted by Chris4d at 9:14 AM PST - 11 comments

Please help our SMB finally go paperless!

What paperless solution would you recommend for a manufacturing company with ~60 employees? (please chime in with comments about your employer's paperless solution) [more inside]
posted by siclik at 8:43 AM PST - 6 comments

Help a completely inexperienced CS grad find his first job!

I'm a fairly recent and very inexperienced computer science graduate from a great public university, and I need some job advice. At the moment, I'd like to get into game development (specifically on the iPhone side of things), but I'm also interested in music and composition, mathematical art, animation, photography, and cinema, as well as archiving to some extent. What's a good job for me, and how do I get it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:24 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me build up a Jack Vance book collection.

Help me build up a Jack Vance book collection. [more inside]
posted by GlassHeart at 8:16 AM PST - 13 comments

wedding invitation questions

Need some advice on wedding invitation related stuff. [more inside]
posted by janelikes at 8:02 AM PST - 17 comments

Roses are red, violets are blue...

Roses are red, violets are blue...where in Philly will deliver only two? [more inside]
posted by Kattiara17 at 7:58 AM PST - 10 comments

Cheap accommodation in London

I just got offered a Work Experience placement at a big publishing firm in London - but it starts on Monday, and I live in Derbyshire. I need two weeks' accommodation for ideally around £300 or less. Help!
posted by Fen at 7:42 AM PST - 9 comments

A creative director is you!

I've been tasked with finding and hiring a professional freelance photographer for my company. I've never done this before, so I'd be grateful for some basic guidelines. [more inside]
posted by shiu mai baby at 7:41 AM PST - 8 comments

Should I consider a Christian preschool for my kid when I am a non-believer?

Religious preschool options. We are not religious. Am I overthinking this? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 7:35 AM PST - 44 comments

Dispatch, we have a problem.

Is there a standard protocol (or best practices) when an emergency responder (PD, FD, EMT) gets into an accident en route to or from a call? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:11 AM PST - 3 comments

...and then the stork dropped you off. The end.

My son's birth was not a good experience. How can I make it into a positive, kid-friendly story? (I tried to leave the details out, but some traumatic birth story stuff inside.) [more inside]
posted by devotion+doubt at 7:06 AM PST - 55 comments

Looking for a House of non-Worship

I would like to belong to a church. Except, you know, without all that annoying God stuff. Where do I find one? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 6:53 AM PST - 42 comments

Switching to windows by title on Windows?

I want to switch to windows by title on Windows. [more inside]
posted by themel at 6:49 AM PST - 4 comments

Help my find my Wiki!

Where can I find a private/personal (just me) type Wiki Database to organize my writing projects? [more inside]
posted by modoriculous at 6:38 AM PST - 11 comments

What determines the gender of a neologism?

In languages where nouns have a gender, how is the gender determined for neologisms or loanwords? [more inside]
posted by roofus at 6:34 AM PST - 25 comments

What are the yellow grids on telephone poles?

What are the yellow grids on telephone poles? [more inside]
posted by fixedgear at 6:29 AM PST - 7 comments

[book filter] Audran, Marîd Audran

Just finished George Alec Effinger's Marîd Audran series, please point me to similar reads.
posted by moody cow at 3:46 AM PST - 9 comments

How do I know which sources to cite for a book I'm writing?

I’m in the process of writing an English education book, and I’m going to be using a lot of information: maps, lists, etc. I need to know how I should cite my sources. [more inside]
posted by eggrollover at 2:50 AM PST - 7 comments

February 9

Who are you and what have you done with my mother?

Over the past two years or so, my mother has undergone a complete, total and sweeping personality shift. She's gone from June Clever to Lizzie Borden. Can I get my real mom back? [more inside]
posted by Avenger at 11:28 PM PST - 28 comments

How to cut veggies so they're totally cut?

When trying to cut vegetables with my new, sharp Shun santoku knife, I find that a simple chop is not cutting through all the way through the skin. So for example, I'll have slices of diced bell peppers that are diced 97% of the way through, but still hang together. I think it's a problem in my technique. After I push down all the way, am I supposed to slide the knife backward to complete the cut? Or wiggle the knife a little left and right (though this produces an unpleasant screech as the knife grates against the cutting board)? Or just slice harder? Or get a different cutting board? Thanks for helping an amateur.
posted by Malad at 10:27 PM PST - 25 comments

How to find housing in Madison from a distance?

[Badger-filter] We have specific questions about renting in Madison, WI from across the country. [more inside]
posted by juliapangolin at 9:50 PM PST - 13 comments

iPad not synching iTunes movie rentals

iPad/iTunes help needed--rental movie not transferring to iPad and I'm leaving on a jet plane in just a few hours. Please help avoid an entertainment meltdown! [more inside]
posted by donovan at 9:34 PM PST - 5 comments

What's your favorite travel expense app?

What's a good solution for tracking travel expenses while on the road? [more inside]
posted by Addlepated at 8:56 PM PST - 8 comments

What do I actually like?

How do I know what hobbies I like and things I want to do? [more inside]
posted by lakerk at 8:43 PM PST - 21 comments

How to go about getting foodstamps

Asking for a friend: can you still get food stamps if you work under the table? Her bf no longer qualifies, but she still needs them. [more inside]
posted by Betty_effn_White at 7:33 PM PST - 25 comments

Can you identify this movie?

I saw a trailer for a movie, in about 2007-2008(?), that seemed to be shot to look like a 1970s education film/horror movie, and in the trailer it featured men and women running around an abandoned middle school as paranormal events happened, specifically file cabinets and envelopes moving around by themselves... I thought the movie was called "End of the Season" but I can't find any info on it. Can anyone help? [more inside]
posted by Enigmark at 7:10 PM PST - 7 comments

PC games that have public servers?

I'm looking for PC games that have public servers. [more inside]
posted by Sufi at 7:03 PM PST - 8 comments

the great recession

Why has the world economic crisis hit some countries - USA and UK, but especially Ireland, Iceland, Greece and Spain - so much harder than others?
posted by moorooka at 6:57 PM PST - 14 comments

And I have had 'Beauty School Dropout' from Grease in my head ever since.

I dropped out of college with one class to go. How do I go about taking that one class four years later? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:51 PM PST - 11 comments

Name that font?

Could someone please help me name the font that is on this label from some non-dairy creamer at work?
posted by c0nsumer at 6:39 PM PST - 2 comments

Online surplus stores that aren't just electronics or army/navy?

Online surplus stores that aren't just electronics or army/navy? [more inside]
posted by Wossname at 6:38 PM PST - 6 comments

PhD committee blues.

I had a rough PhD candidacy exam with a provisional pass. I have three months to "make things more specific and do an experiment." Some of my committee comments were constructive, but something seems off. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:29 PM PST - 11 comments

a pane in my a$$.

should i keep my renter's deposit fee to pay for a broken window? [more inside]
posted by violetk at 6:25 PM PST - 15 comments

Where to Find This Bicycle Lamp?

Does anyone know where to buy this bicycle lamp? Maybe it is a custom job.
posted by rmmcclay at 6:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Can I script a Wacom Tablet command?

How can I trigger the "Display Toggle" for a Wacom tablet from the command line, an executable script, or by a keystroke combination? [more inside]
posted by goodsignal at 6:15 PM PST - 0 comments

So much to do, so little time

Help me navigate Las Vegas this weekend! [more inside]
posted by sabh at 6:02 PM PST - 14 comments

Nutrient values for raw juices?

I'm looking for nutrient data for raw fruit & vegetable juices, such as those produced at home with juicers (Champion, Omega, Breville, etc.) [more inside]
posted by woodman at 6:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Hotel in downtown New York City?

Hotel in downtown NYC? [more inside]
posted by kdern at 6:01 PM PST - 13 comments

Google Checkout on eBay?

I purchased an item on eBay via Buy It Now. I just now noticed that the seller's only accepted payment method is "Visa/MasterCard, Amex, Discover." PayPal isn't accepted. The seller sent me an invoice via Google Checkout. Is this legit? [more inside]
posted by SpringAquifer at 5:41 PM PST - 19 comments

Help with finding a 3d gaming/virtual reality engine

I’ve been tasked with finding a suitable 3D system to power a VR platform we are thinking of building, and I’m having a hard time finding one that seems to be usable, let alone suitable. [more inside]
posted by Old'n'Busted at 5:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Who said this?

Who really said "You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth." The quote seems to be attributed to 3 different people: H. L. Mencken, Evan Esar and Shira Tehrani. Bonus points if you can tell me when, where and why they said it.
posted by someonesomewhere at 5:26 PM PST - 7 comments

In search of a multiplayer PS3 FPS

Can you recommend multiplayer co-op shooter games for PS3? [more inside]
posted by LouMac at 5:23 PM PST - 7 comments

Work for the right to keep a tie on.

Help me use a college career fair to my best advantage! [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 5:16 PM PST - 5 comments

Why does my text editor keep inserting ^M

Why does my Smultron text editor for Mac insert unwanted ^M characters into my files, and what settings can I check to make sure it doesn't? [more inside]
posted by Victorvacendak at 5:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Should I add fuel to the (now-banked) fire?

A fellow manager left me an offensive cartoon. What to do? Details inside [more inside]
posted by Mom at 5:01 PM PST - 40 comments

Custom LED lights without burning down the house

I've been looking around at lighting options for my bedroom, and my geeky self decided that custom LED strip lighting would be awesome. Then I read previous AskMe's and want to make sure I can do this without burning down my house! Questions and a search for the easy way inside! [more inside]
posted by Mister Fabulous at 4:55 PM PST - 4 comments

Construction at work making me sick?

I think the construction in my workplace is making me sick. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Marital Aids: Where to buy?

Online sex toy vendor recommendation? Difficulty: must be located in Canada as I'm not willing to sign for this kind of package sent through customs irregardless of the discreetness of the labelling. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:40 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I launch my webapp?

How to launch a webapp that derives its value from a community when it has no community? [more inside]
posted by tempythethird at 4:39 PM PST - 9 comments

What hourly rate for a 10+ year UNIX (Linux) admin in Bay Area?

What hourly rate for a 10+ year UNIX (Linux) admin in Bay Area? This is for maybe 2-3 visits a month, each 3-4 hours in duration. [more inside]
posted by uhom at 3:32 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me feel better about leaving my baby for a business trip

I am going to be away from my baby for five days. Help me know that he will be OK without me. [more inside]
posted by bq at 3:09 PM PST - 18 comments

Undo my click

Is it possible to 'unrespond' to an event on Facebook? [more inside]
posted by Kurichina at 3:02 PM PST - 3 comments

What is this autism book?

Looking for a book I read about a decade or a little more ago about a boy with autism. There was a dog that helped him communicate with the world, and it might have been from either his perspective or his mothers'. Any ideas what it is would be appreciated.
posted by daysocks at 2:54 PM PST - 10 comments

Allergy Issues

Allergy Question. My new puppy. Help. [more inside]
posted by Flood at 2:39 PM PST - 8 comments

Are explosives really as unreliable as they appear in the media?

I've been watching a lot of Mythbusters. Why are their explosives unreliable? [more inside]
posted by burnfirewalls at 2:34 PM PST - 10 comments

Brain freeze, dont know why, hopelessly dissapointing

Help me with this brain feeze? No one visits me, I have no friend or I can get along with anyone socially great first few times. So I decided to let everything go. I cant ask help to anyone in person so this post. I do have a good job, good credit, somewhat healthy, good education {May be I never learned :) } Couple of days in a week I think as follows... I am living a life, lifestyle thats truly less than the true potential. Selling myselves less so called "plucking the low lying apple" Not stretching my comfort zone. Some people have said that may be I get depressed. The problem is I dont always try to change it. Instead I just think about all the chances I screwed up and all the people, relationships I have pissed off. Its like my brain freezes to come up with solution and want to just watch TV and eat pizza(comes later though). For few days I live a very lethargic , lazy life. Dishes lie unwashed, no laundry, no bath, no gym, exercise. I live alone, so need to be ashamed of someone might say something. I am 31 years old, live alone, never been in a relationship, no gf(as I piss off everyone in some way I cant understand). I do have a good job, good credit, somewhat healthy, good education {May be I never learned :) } Help me with this brain feeze?
posted by daveg02 at 2:30 PM PST - 9 comments

Help with writing an email for an update on a job, post-interview?

It's been a week since I interviewed for a position, and I've not heard back yet. I need help drafting an email asking for an update, and also help on using one offer against another. [more inside]
posted by gchucky at 2:19 PM PST - 17 comments

Help a soon to be homeless blogger?

I need to move a couple years of archived blog posts from Wordpress to another host that doesn't suck. [more inside]
posted by timsteil at 2:17 PM PST - 6 comments

80s CGA Cat Breeding game?

There's this quasi-educatainment game that I had in the 80s. It was CGA graphics, on MS-DOS... The idea was breeding cats with dominant and recessive genes. The only cat game I can seem to find online is Alley Cat, but that's nothing like it. This game is a grid of something like 4 cats across, and 2 down. I don't remember what the exact point of the game was.
posted by symbioid at 2:16 PM PST - 4 comments

Do I need to be in a union?

I've been contacted by a union organizer regarding the potential formation of a union to represent administrative staff at the large public university where I work. What does this mean? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:16 PM PST - 18 comments

I need help with my boogers.

I need help with my boogers, please. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:14 PM PST - 14 comments

Pre-need question about giving a eulogy.

Pre-need question about giving a eulogy. [more inside]
posted by PepperMax at 2:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Long Shot, Name that Childrens Book from my Childhood

The book I'm looking for was a juvenile chapter book. If I remember correctly part of a series, possibly involving space travel. I remember a Giant Pickle and a Giant Chicken (that may or may not have been ridden), and possibly fried chicken. I think the cover of the book was probably mostly blue. I realize it's a long shot, but AskMe has certainly come through for others, why not me?
posted by TuxHeDoh at 2:03 PM PST - 7 comments

Need help finding a home for a VERY high-energy dog in Virginia.

It is clear that my friend has the exact wrong dog for her. How can she find a good home for him in Northern Virginia (or anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic). Special circumstances described inside. [more inside]
posted by arco at 2:00 PM PST - 20 comments

Help supply our windowless office with a little dose of nature

What images or video should we play on our office TV as a pleasant background? Basically, we want a fake window to a nicer world. [more inside]
posted by you're a kitty! at 1:56 PM PST - 17 comments

How can a JD get a job as a paralegal?

What can I say in a cover letter that would convince someone to hire me as a paralegal even though I have a law degree. I'm specifically looking at in-house jobs. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:49 PM PST - 14 comments

Where can I find other kindred spirit exobese people on the internet?

I lost about one hundred pounds a few years ago. While I've mostly dealt with it on my own, I'd love to know of any online support groups of previously obese people. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:49 PM PST - 6 comments

Suzanne takes you downtown train

Calling all music nerds: has Tom Waits ever covered Leonard Cohen? Has Leonard Cohen ever covered Tom Waits? [more inside]
posted by Mender at 1:35 PM PST - 10 comments

lawyer recommendations?

Looking for a good lawyer to deal with a landlord/tenant issue in the Chicago North Shore area. [more inside]
posted by january at 1:34 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I contact somene I don't know and not come off like a weirdo?

I recently went to a film screening and Q&A. I didn't go to the mic to ask one of the panelists my question. How would I ask it now? [more inside]
posted by droplet at 1:17 PM PST - 15 comments

Your garden's a mess, how do you look for help?

I'm trying to optimize my Adwords campaign. What search terms would you use if you were looking to hire a local person to take care of your garden, or someone to give you ideas for your yard, or someone to plant a tree for you or some other garden based service? Off the top or your head, what words would you type? [more inside]
posted by recurve at 1:17 PM PST - 11 comments

Am I eligible for my bonus after a resignation?

I have just resigned from my job and I need to know if I am eligible to collect my bonus payout for 2010 under Quebec labour law [more inside]
posted by notcostello at 1:11 PM PST - 1 comment

shave it off

What are your best practices for preventing tangled hair? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 12:13 PM PST - 35 comments

Kan I Haz Household Budget Manager???

Looking for this type of service.... [more inside]
posted by littleredwagon at 11:44 AM PST - 6 comments

How to deal with a jerk when you live with him?

How do I deal with my inconsiderate roommate when ignoring isn't an option? (kinda long) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:42 AM PST - 53 comments

:(

I'm a bit lazy, and a bit irresponsible. But most of all, I'm scared. Hope me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:41 AM PST - 19 comments

Comma usage in a subject/verb/object sentence.

Why is the sentence "Let's read, Freedom by Jonathan Franzen." incorrectly punctuated? [more inside]
posted by rinosaur at 11:41 AM PST - 36 comments

Good fingerstyle resources

Recommend me some good, comprehensive online resources for fingerstyle techniques, please! [more inside]
posted by millions of peaches at 11:29 AM PST - 3 comments

Does the DMV remember?

Repercussions of unpaid Michigan speeding ticket from 30 years ago? [more inside]
posted by bardophile at 11:10 AM PST - 17 comments

Not being chased, just making a break for it.

I'm looking for examples of well-drawn TV characters (from multi-season shows, preferably) for whom a major--but not solely defining--aspect of their personalities is a struggle with the desire to run away from difficult situations. Two I have in mind already: Nate Fisher (Six Feet Under) and Nancy Botwin (Weeds).
posted by kittyprecious at 11:08 AM PST - 34 comments

Where to watch the News Online

Need a good source for watching news online. Usually miss news on tv so would prefer to watch it when i can...Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by matthelm at 10:58 AM PST - 7 comments

skype + wifi + iphone = the ultimate threesome?

can i use skype over wifi on my iphone without getting hit with data/phone charges? googlefu has failed me - now i'm more confused than ever. [more inside]
posted by crankyrogalsky at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Increase router range

Hi I have this router http://www.netgear.co.uk/pdfs/wgt624.pdf I would like to increase the range of the wi-fi. I have brought this. Can i combine the two to increase the speed or range? I've had a look on google be must admit i'm a little confused. Thanks.
posted by lpoulter at 10:46 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for documentation about what Robert McKee says about Rick and Ilsa’s love at the end of Casablanca.

Looking for documentation about what Robert McKee says about Rick and Ilsa’s love at the end of Casablanca. [more inside]
posted by ImaginaryFriend at 10:44 AM PST - 4 comments

Different Pregnancy is Different. This Different?

This pregnancy is so different from the last one, and I feel weird. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:40 AM PST - 11 comments

Post-acne red spots

Post-acne red spots and discoloration - YANMD but do I have to see a dermatologist or is there another solution? Pic included [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:40 AM PST - 5 comments

Comox Funsplosion?

What can a 2 1/2 year old do for kicks in Comox? [more inside]
posted by joelhunt at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments

unplugged: again

How much current does an AC adaptor draw when it's plugged in but not powering anything, or the device to which the adaptor is attached is powered off? [more inside]
posted by RockyChrysler at 9:49 AM PST - 18 comments

Why do my Grado headphones cause me ear pain?

Why do my Grado SR325 headphones cause my ears to hurt? If I wear them for over half an hour, I get pain from my earlobe around to the jaw joint. It's not related to ear infection or anything specific, because I've experienced this a number of times. I read in a related question that some suggest the headband be bent out, but I don't see how to do that on this model without breaking it--its flexibility wouldn't seem to support it. The weird thing is they don't feel tight when I wear them; it's just that, after a while, I start feeling persistent pain.
posted by the sobsister at 9:30 AM PST - 11 comments

Worth Replacing Speaker Wire on a HTIAB?

Is it worth switching out the wires on my home theatre system? [more inside]
posted by modernnomad at 9:29 AM PST - 21 comments

Mama's secret recipe

Does a typical east-coast independent neighborhood pizza place do anything to its tomato sauce (or other ingredients) between the can and the pie? [more inside]
posted by These Premises Are Alarmed at 9:25 AM PST - 19 comments

drummer's headphones

I want my son to protect his ears while drumming, but he wants to listen to music. [more inside]
posted by wisekaren at 9:13 AM PST - 8 comments

How to edit video into 4 way split screens

After searching and coming up empty, does anyone know the best method and software for editing video into a four way split screen? I admit I am just starting to get my feet wet to editing so if it will be tricky thanks for the pre warning. Could it be done in Premiere Pro 5? Also might have access to Final Cut Pro if it calls for it. Similar to this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r28LLqyXBKs
posted by gregjunior at 9:08 AM PST - 3 comments

foolproof skillet pizza recipe

recipe filter: anyone have a foolproof skillet pizza recipe? [more inside]
posted by mirileh at 9:05 AM PST - 12 comments

What are my feet trying to tell me about arch support

I am trying to experiment with arch support to assist in alleviating a long term heel pain issue. I have been under a podiatrists care for a couple of years now and have tried almost all of the well known recommended therapies, including custom orthotics, which were way too rough on my feet. We are really at the stage of trying anything that might work, as the definite source of the pain is not spelled out in MRI results. My specific question here regards over-the-counter arch support. While participating in physical therapy last year, one of the exercises was to stand on a hard foam roller for a while. When I did that, I felt a profound ache in the arch of my affected foot. Generally the heel pain injury didn't involve any symptoms in the arch. [more inside]
posted by shimmer at 8:58 AM PST - 9 comments

Am I overreacting?

Am I justified in bringing this is issue to HR, or is it something I need to just suck up and deal with? [more inside]
posted by SquidLips at 8:55 AM PST - 30 comments

German family tree research?

I'm tracking down my grandparents' backgrounds in Germany. Point me in the right direction? [more inside]
posted by cgs at 8:51 AM PST - 10 comments

What's playing in NYC?

Looking for some NYC theater recommendations. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 8:41 AM PST - 23 comments

Where can I download Incendies?

Where can I download the movie Incendies? [more inside]
posted by msk1985 at 8:38 AM PST - 7 comments

Long-distance first date in Miami.

I'm looking for recommendations for first-date ideas in Miami. The catch is that the first date is with someone who lives 2000 miles away from me, and we're both traveling to Miami from elsewhere. I want to spend time getting to know him in a low-key way, but also see a little bit of Miami while I'm there. Suggestions for places we should see/those we should avoid? [more inside]
posted by splendid animal at 8:02 AM PST - 9 comments

Membership database

Looking for a membership database for a small nonprofit. [more inside]
posted by Framer at 7:50 AM PST - 11 comments

Tool to create an iPad application/interactive publication

I want to create something similar to the Martha Stewart iPad application. It's a little more interactive than a straight e-book. It has similarities to other applications (wired, etc)... Enough similarities that I thought there must be a tool that would let you create something without having to create and code something unique each time. [more inside]
posted by rdurbin at 7:49 AM PST - 1 comment

Recommendations for men's wedding rings in New York

Need recommendations on good men's jewelry store in Manhattan for engagement rings. [more inside]
posted by reticulatedspline at 7:44 AM PST - 5 comments

F- this, we're going three blades. Uh, four? Five? Six? Seven? Thirty?

Help me find examples of parodies, jokes, and satirical pieces that eventually became real. [more inside]
posted by Ndwright at 7:38 AM PST - 70 comments

How do you accept that some things will never change?

How do you accept that some things really won't change? [more inside]
posted by juniperesque at 6:17 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me keep track of all the machines.

Recommendations for a server inventory tracker? [more inside]
posted by chengjih at 5:56 AM PST - 7 comments

The grass is greener at the other houses nearby

My partner and I bought a house last month and although you would think I'd be over the moon right now, I'm actually a bit depressed about it. How can I come to terms with maybe not having chosen the best house to buy? [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 4:19 AM PST - 36 comments

ISO Backgammon software

Searching for a free computer version of BACKGAMMON. [more inside]
posted by RavinDave at 4:14 AM PST - 8 comments

Tracing the origins of American English.

I'm interested in learning more about the history of American English. What books will help me get a grounding in this subject? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 3:31 AM PST - 14 comments

How to help friend pick up her life after losing her spouse

How can I help a friend who has lost her spouse at a very young age get on with life? A dear friend passed away in august last year after a long sickbed. He was only 32, and leaves behind his girlfriend, who is just 23. I'm worried about her. [more inside]
posted by charles kaapjes at 3:14 AM PST - 25 comments

Drinks with pungent pickled garnishes

If you wanted a martini (or other cocktail) with a garnish of a pickled garlic clove and/or a pickled tiny onion, what would you tell the bartender? [more inside]
posted by HMSSM at 2:00 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me identify this song from South America

Help me identify a song which appears on this webpage from French Guiana. The words Indien Yanomami appears below the music player, but I'm not sure if there's any connection with the song.
posted by lahersedor at 2:00 AM PST - 5 comments

Save okcupid messages in bulk?

Is there a way to save one's okcupid messages? A grease monkey script perhaps? How about a way to save your questions/answers? I've invested a lot of energy into the site and I'd like to have a backup in case the match.com people ruin everything.
posted by Popcorn at 1:44 AM PST - 9 comments

Clean, no hassles, beautiful scenery.

What's the best tour company for a trip to/within Halong Bay, Hanoi, Vietnam? [more inside]
posted by bardic at 12:37 AM PST - 9 comments

February 8

Latex paint = waterproof?

Interior latex paint: Is this waterproof? [more inside]
posted by sdis at 11:43 PM PST - 9 comments

Dry Corks in Wine Bottles

Dried out corks in wine bottles come apart in pieces - what to do? [more inside]
posted by MPenguin at 10:56 PM PST - 15 comments

I want to go, but I'm afraid...

I want to go overseas. I'm terrified of the prospect. Um, help? [more inside]
posted by patheral at 10:51 PM PST - 18 comments

Where do people go to socialize in the mornings?

I'm a single mid 20's male who's taken up working part time evening shifts (4-9 pm). I'm pretty introverted and have most of the common geek interests. I lack a car and am limited by trimet scheduling. How do I develop a social life? [more inside]
posted by 0bs01337 at 10:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me find the best gps for my car

GPS for my car first time buyer: Please help me select the model you think will give me great service [more inside]
posted by Upon Further Review at 10:27 PM PST - 14 comments

Etymology/definition of "shit-eating grin?"

What does the phrase "shit-eating grin" mean? And what is its etymology? (Please no random guesses on the latter question, not looking for 'folk etymology')
posted by jcruelty at 9:15 PM PST - 24 comments

Can you get onto a Kyoto townhouse roof from inside the building?

How do you get onto the roof of a Machiya? [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities at 9:05 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm being stalked - his name is Silvy and he's a cat. Help?

The cat came back the very next day... and everyday after that, too. [more inside]
posted by Bron-Y-Aur at 8:58 PM PST - 14 comments

Turning Without Direction

Help me convince my husband that using a turning signal while drive is a good thing. [more inside]
posted by Mertonian at 8:57 PM PST - 86 comments

How to handle a great situation?

What do you wish you'd known before your job/company began to seriously take-off? [more inside]
posted by NoRelationToLea at 8:50 PM PST - 4 comments

Help Hire Hub Headshrinker

Can anyone recommend a good therapist/psychologist/counselor who deals with motivational issues in downtown Boston? (I work very near South Station.) I'd prefer it if they accepted health insurance. I'm in Providence the same day every week as well, if you know someone really, really good there, too. By motivational issues, I mean a very heavy and intense inertia, affecting my home and work life, probably tangled up with depression and ADD or something like it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:06 PM PST - 1 comment

Do-it-yourself online weight loss programs?

What would be useful about weightwatchers online: the fact of having committed to tracking your weight and being more conscious about what you're eating each day -- being forced to acknowledge the program you've set for yourself, instead of just letting it slip away like most good intentions. But. The recipes and points etc. are not for me. I want to eat my own things, not their version of "banana bread" or low fat chicken recipes or whatever. I know *how* to lose weight in terms of food choices. I just want a support or tracking system. Does this exist?
posted by Tylwyth Teg at 7:24 PM PST - 30 comments

Help me find a job in the UK, please!

I am having real trouble finding a job. I'm in the UK. Any tips/pointers greatly appreciated. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Is there a path out of this job I'm not seeing?

I made a big mistake, and took a job I now realize was an extremely poor fit. I'm having a hard time keeping out of tunnel vision of despair - help me think of more options than I can by myself. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:16 PM PST - 12 comments

How to move to the West Coast

Moving to the Bay Area… How can a recent college grad find a job on the West Coast when they live in the East Coast? [more inside]
posted by carmel at 7:00 PM PST - 7 comments

SONG! By ARTIST! By BAND!

How many bands have a song with the same name as the band, on an album named after the band? [more inside]
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 6:56 PM PST - 27 comments

Help me figure out what people are trying to tell me

Help-with-my-life-filter. I have a psychological issue that several boyfriends and friends have pointed out, and I'm not sure what it adds up to. [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 6:55 PM PST - 19 comments

Good places to study at odd hours?

Best study spots, particularly late-night, in and around Chicago? [more inside]
posted by GastrocNemesis at 6:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Will an international unlocked smartphone work with Fido? Which one to buy?

A two-parter on smartphones: 1. Can I buy an unlocked smartphone on Amazon and use it with Fido? 2. Help an iphone user pick a non-iphone smartphone. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 6:28 PM PST - 2 comments

thicker than a snickers

I suspect that my boyfriend likes women who are 'thicker' than me. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:54 PM PST - 34 comments

Why do my genius mixes keep disappearing from my iphone 4 when I sync?

Why do my genius mixes keep disappearing from my iphone 4 when I sync?
posted by grak88 at 5:51 PM PST - 2 comments

How to plug a water leak, food-safe?

My stovetop espresso maker has a small leak. I don't think returning it will help me. Are there any recipes for food-safe 'stop leak' compounds? [more inside]
posted by anthill at 5:46 PM PST - 10 comments

Where can I find spoken French with word for word transcripts?

Where can I find spoken French with word for word transcripts? [more inside]
posted by AlexanderPetros at 5:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Stay silver, Ponyboy.

According to the S.E. Hinton wikipedia page, The Outsiders is the second best-selling young adult book of all time. What's the first?
posted by donpardo at 5:24 PM PST - 10 comments

What is your alibi

I'm looking for songs about people being put to death for crimes that someone else committed. [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 5:05 PM PST - 28 comments

What's a good small, light, pen-powered digital notetaking machine?

Help me find the ultimate electronic notetaking device? [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 5:02 PM PST - 12 comments

Building a PVC Upright Bass

Where can I find PVC Upright Bass plans other than the one posted here?
posted by drezdn at 4:50 PM PST - 1 comment

emergency ski rental

Emergency ski rental filter: I'm staying in South Lake Tahoe soon. I would like to rent a pair of demo/performance skis and a snowboard setup from somewhere in Sacramento and take them up from there. Yelp and Google are failing me. Halp? [more inside]
posted by annie o at 4:43 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there such a thing as a US network TV almanac showing when it's all in reruns?

CuttingCableFilter: Is there such a thing as a (US, OTA) network TV season calendar that indicates premiere/new eps/hiatus status? [more inside]
posted by bartleby at 4:36 PM PST - 6 comments

i need help with my own homophobia, and i'm queer.

i'm a queer with some serious internalized homophobia. how can i move forward without my insecurities hurting me more? (nsfw?) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:16 PM PST - 18 comments

I like my lizard brain

How do I emphasize the lizard part of my brain, and deemphasize the relationship part? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Movie Memorabilia Collecting

How to collect movie memorabilia (posters, lobby cards, etc)? Collecting gurus wanted! [more inside]
posted by easilyconfused at 4:13 PM PST - 1 comment

Crime & iPunishment

My iPhone was stolen while I was on vacation. But then the police and I began tracking it with the phone's GPS. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:52 PM PST - 12 comments

What is "roll for initiative" and should I do it?

I have never played D&D before, but last week's Community looked super fun and interesting (not to mention, what a great episode) I've hit up some friends who used to play and there's some interest about getting a game going. But I literally know nothing, and don't know if I'm going to like it. How do I proceed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:49 PM PST - 29 comments

Dating Pickle.

Please help me sort out my emotions and this dating situation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:47 PM PST - 16 comments

SRI resources for Europe?

What are some definitive online and published print resources on socially responsible investment fund ownership in Europe?
posted by parmanparman at 3:39 PM PST - 1 comment

What's a cheap, reliable A/V laptop?

Help me find an inexpensive laptop for my DJ/VJ gigs. [more inside]
posted by jtron at 3:36 PM PST - 3 comments

How, exactly, is a share price decided or dictated?

Explain to me the stock markets... [more inside]
posted by dougrayrankin at 3:27 PM PST - 17 comments

What can my pregnant self do for my future post-partum self?

I'm giving birth in a few weeks. What can I do for myself now that my husband and I will appreciate later? I'd love to have recipes, things I can order and whatever else you can think of. [more inside]
posted by Alison at 3:19 PM PST - 33 comments

Music Filter : was it a real song?

Please help me find this song! I was in Cosco the other day and a video was playing in the electronics section. I was sure the name of the song was Naomi. It matters that as I was at Cosco when I heard this as it was on their in-house video channel. [more inside]
posted by Weaslegirl at 2:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Moved states. Which taxes do I pay?

YANML, YANMA(ccountant). I moved from Arizona to NYC in mid-November (of 2010). Where do I need to pay taxes? [more inside]
posted by !Jim at 1:22 PM PST - 8 comments

Where can I buy a Macbook Pro charger in Cusco, Peru?

Where can I buy a Macbook Pro charger in Cusco, Peru? I think my charger crapped out on me and I need a new one. I can´t really wait for my family to mail one down from the States, so I´m venturing to Cusco, the closest big town from the one that I live in, to find one. Does anyone have any idea where i can find Apple products such as this? It´s the magnet kind :)
posted by badish at 1:04 PM PST - 8 comments

Cleaning Service Trust Procedures

What should I do to increase my trust of my house cleaners? [more inside]
posted by Phredward at 1:03 PM PST - 8 comments

What the duck?

Mysterious duck is mysterious. Help me ID this bird! [more inside]
posted by wowbobwow at 12:54 PM PST - 13 comments

Give me apps for AP.

What can a high school AP English teacher use an iPad for in the classroom? [more inside]
posted by po822000 at 12:54 PM PST - 15 comments

Looking for a rap video.

I'm looking for a hip hop music video I saw once that takes place entirely through the viewscreen of a stolen camcorder. [more inside]
posted by hughbot at 12:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Proposal in Napa Valley

I have a friend who wants to propose to his girlfriend in Napa Valley, CA in the spring. Any suggestions as to location? He is open to all ideas. Thanks!
posted by serunding at 12:50 PM PST - 11 comments

Good thank you gift for newborn supplies?

Parents who have given away kids stuff: What would you appreciate in return or consider an appropriate thank you? [more inside]
posted by vignettist at 12:44 PM PST - 27 comments

No Regrets, Really?

What do people mean when they say they "have no regrets?" [more inside]
posted by The ____ of Justice at 12:39 PM PST - 32 comments

Why did I suddenly go all VGA?

How did my laptop's display driver suddenly cease to exist? [more inside]
posted by thehandsomecamel at 12:36 PM PST - 4 comments

Scenic seattle drive

Good scenic/fun limo route from Lake City into downtown Seattle? [more inside]
posted by bjrubble at 12:33 PM PST - 5 comments

ha ha ha realplayer ha ha whew no seriously

132 GB of music, a new computer, and iTunes mandatory thanks to iPad. What are best practices with iTunes and/or the best music software for 2011? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 12:20 PM PST - 22 comments

Help me find this Swedish trance musician.

Trying to remember a trance artist from back in the MP3.com days. [more inside]
posted by circular at 12:18 PM PST - 9 comments

Freelance writer's toolkit needed

How can I quickly get my presentation skills up to speed for use in general freelance writing roles? (white papers, marketing pieces, newsletters, etc.) [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 12:18 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to register a .an TLD

I'd like to register a .an TLD but there are a couple of issues. One, I don't live in the Netherlands Antilles and two, the Netherlands Antilles don't seem to exist any more. [more inside]
posted by KirTakat at 12:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Longshot filter - appliance part

How can I find this recently discontinued part for my GE Range hood? [more inside]
posted by slagerst at 12:08 PM PST - 3 comments

I want all my iMacs to be exactly the same!

I want to set up netboot images for my small iMac lab. Should I run Snow Leopard Server on the iMac that I use Apple Remote Desktop on, or should I buy a Mac Mini Server? [more inside]
posted by rockindata at 12:03 PM PST - 7 comments

not that marriage theorem, another one

A friend in college once mentioned a theorem for deciding the number of people to meet before deciding on the person to marry. Was it just a joke, or is there really such a theorem? [more inside]
posted by bleary at 11:46 AM PST - 17 comments

How can someone with these mental health problems be a part of our community?

Mental health/safe space question. [more inside]
posted by lover at 11:27 AM PST - 24 comments

Do broadcasters *have* to tell the truth in the US?

Where is a definitive source (& BTW Mefi post) for the widely held belief that recently the US Supreme Court ruled that a news organisation does NOT have an obligation to tell the truth? [more inside]
posted by dash_slot- at 11:11 AM PST - 10 comments

This mouse is losing its tail.

Replacement USB cord and repair guide for MS Trackball Explorer? [more inside]
posted by mkb at 11:08 AM PST - 7 comments

Details on a Drug Trafficking Ring

When the DEA or FBI makes a major drug bust and the arrested parties go to trial, how would I find the trial or deposition records to understand how the drug trafficking ring worked? [more inside]
posted by bucksox at 11:02 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm in the Navy, now???

Armed Forces filter: What do you wish you had known before enlisting? Close family member considering joining the Navy, and I want to provide as much info as possible. [more inside]
posted by raisingsand at 10:58 AM PST - 30 comments

Help me find this book

Hello Hive Mind, I'm looking for the title/author of a non-fiction book I read in the last few years. Here's what I remember: Retired professor returns to college as a freshman... Goes to a school that teaches a "Great Books" curriculum, where practically every class is a seminar/discussion group. The school encourages every student to participate in intramural athletics, so the old "freshman" joins the rowing team. The book is the story of his year at the school. Thanks for your help!
posted by takenRoad at 10:47 AM PST - 9 comments

Does magnetic poetry work in Korean?

KoreanLanguageFilter: Would magnetic poetry work in Korean? I want to make a set as a Valentine's Day gift with Korean and English words. [more inside]
posted by dammitjim at 10:44 AM PST - 6 comments

Will drinking kill this new relationship?

The person I’m seeing drinks frequently, and sometimes their drinking annoys me. It’s only a month into this relationship – what is the best way to either bring this up as a topic of conversation or to decide whether this is worth it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:16 AM PST - 55 comments

Please Help She Bop

I can only orgasm in one specific way. I blame a decade and a half of one type of masturbation. I’m 27, female, and a special snowflake. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:15 AM PST - 16 comments

In the banking jobhunt world, AVP does not mean Alien Vs Predator

What are the best job hunting sites/resources for an AVP level bank officer looking for a new job? [more inside]
posted by rmd1023 at 10:06 AM PST - 4 comments

Wanna go out for coffee? In Eastern Queens?

Non-bar first date ideas in (mostly eastern) Queens? [more inside]
posted by ThisIsNotMe at 9:54 AM PST - 13 comments

hypnosis program for cold call selling

Can anyone suggest an effective, powerful hypnosis program to improve cold call selling?
posted by tangyraspberry at 9:32 AM PST - 13 comments

The Times They Are a-Changin'

In order to prepare a competitive examination, I've got to delve deep into North American counterculture history. What should I read ? [more inside]
posted by nicolin at 9:25 AM PST - 26 comments

20,000 leagues of awesome.

Does anyone have any info on today's google art? Or maybe even where I can view the whole image, not through google-shaped portholes? [more inside]
posted by shesaysgo at 9:09 AM PST - 11 comments

Job interview with CEO. Help!

[Job Filter] So I've got a job interview with the CEO coming up. What can I expect? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 9 comments

To tell or not to tell?

I'm an Assistant Professor with an upcoming job interview at another institution in the state where my spouse lives (we are currently long distance). My question: do I tell them about my spouse, and if so, how and when? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 24 comments

How do I help my daughter be as successful as possible?

Yesterday my daughter was diagnosed with Asperger's. I know a little, my husband knows next to nothing. Can you help? (Yeah, this is going to be pretty long.) [more inside]
posted by TooFewShoes at 9:05 AM PST - 24 comments

I need newspapers. Lots of them.

Where can I get a big stack of newspapers for free/cheap? Or other garden mulch substrate. [more inside]
posted by Big_B at 8:39 AM PST - 14 comments

I want a clean couch.

I need helping cleaning this filthy couch. Give me your best cleaning tricks! [more inside]
posted by ddaavviidd at 8:34 AM PST - 12 comments

radiator hose leaking after radiator replacement

I just replaced the radiator on my 2002 Ford Crown Victoria. I filled the coolant reservoir to the cold fill line. Now, if I let the car warm up for 10 minutes, coolant starts leaking out from under the upper radiator hose where it meets the radiator. The hose looks solid, and the hose clamp is on pretty tight so I assume the pressure is just getting really high. Also, if I open up the coolant reservoir cap, liquid coolant starts coming out, not steam. The coolant isn't even that hot. I can stop the radiator hose leak by reducing the amount of coolant in the reservoir, but the coolant level needs to be way way below the cold fill line for that. What is going on? What should I do?
posted by racecar at 8:33 AM PST - 12 comments

How can I help someone I my physical presence probably hurts?

Met a girl who seemed to like me. As an aspie virgin, this is unprecedented: she's sending huge-massive signals. Long story short, it turns out she's fallen really, really hard for me, is probably depressed and tells me she's self-harming. Tried being friends, didn't work. Can I help her? Is that even possible? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:19 AM PST - 17 comments

Who is singing in the Bebe McDonald's commercial?

Who is singing in the McDonald's' commercial.? [more inside]
posted by travis08 at 8:19 AM PST - 1 comment

Dear Slutty Abby

What's the general opinion on "morning after" etiquette? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:19 AM PST - 59 comments

Paid VS Unpaid Design Internships

I'm a graphic design student. Members of an agency came to our class to recruit for their unpaid internship. Their work is great, they seem nice, but is it a bad sign that the internship is unpaid? [more inside]
posted by buriednexttoyou at 8:14 AM PST - 14 comments

A simple problem with a complicated solution

In ColdFusion 7, how do I find every URL in a string containing HTML, and replace them with root-relative versions? [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 8:05 AM PST - 9 comments

How to create multiple local users on multiple remote servers?

Our company has 5 Windows 2008 Standard (non-R2) servers - none of them set up on AD. I have to create usernames individually each time for each one of them when we have new employees. What would be the best avenue to pursue in order to make this process less terrible? [more inside]
posted by Mali at 8:03 AM PST - 13 comments

Hello IT, have you tried turning off and on again?

Hello IT, have you tried turning off and on again? I'm in need of a short extension cord, with a separate, big button toggle switch. Extra difficulty: It needs a short time delay before it powers back on. Any ideas? [specifics inside] [more inside]
posted by chambers at 7:51 AM PST - 18 comments

Why can't I meditate?

Why can't I meditate? What do I just not get about meditation? [more inside]
posted by tr45vbyt at 7:39 AM PST - 37 comments

How can I politely rebut "Everything happens for a reason"?

People always say, “Things happen for a reason,” or, “It was meant to be,” or, “God has a plan.” But I don’t believe any of those things, and I don’t know how to respond politely when people say them. [more inside]
posted by tatiana wishbone at 6:55 AM PST - 93 comments

The future of work

Will unemployment soar as machines do more and more of our work for us? [more inside]
posted by dontjumplarry at 6:34 AM PST - 40 comments

Leave academia for K-12?

My partner is doing her Ph.D in English but is starting to think she wants to teach elementary or high school. We're in Canada. We've got questions about the job market, location, and the benefits and burdens of getting the Ph.D. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:24 AM PST - 7 comments

Strange doings in State College, Pennsylvania

A man sitting on a park bench notices something odd. A police officer drives up to a stop sign at an intersection of two streets in a residential section of a medium-sized college town. The police car stops at the stop sign, then moves forward, clears the intersection and, once on the other side, stops again, opens his car door, waits a few seconds, closes the door, and moves on. A few minutes later a different police officer approaches the intersection from the other direction. This time the police officer stops at the intersection, opens the car door, waits a few seconds, closes the door, then moves through the intersection and drives off. The person on the park bench notices this occurring throughout the morning, day, and night. The pattern is the same but the players change. Different police officers routinely drive down a particular street. They routinely stop on the north side of an intersection only, but in either lane. Sometimes they will stay parked/idle for up to a minute. Whenever they decide to move from their fixed position, they open the driver's side car door, wait a few seconds, close the door, and move on. What's going on?
posted by (Arsenio) Hall and (Warren) Oates at 6:19 AM PST - 19 comments

Make my fish yummy!

Feeding the Family Challenge! What to do with one single piece of perch & 3 hungry mouths? [more inside]
posted by Ys at 5:49 AM PST - 11 comments

Best little known or obscure love songs?

Kiss Kiss Kiss Fun Fun Fun: What are your favorite little known or obscure love songs? The stuff that makes you go "Oh you have to hear this it is great?" Funny is nice, catchy is better, catchy and lively is bestest. [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 5:30 AM PST - 49 comments

mothballed

We are visiting my in-laws. Lingering mothball fumes permeate their guest rooms, despite MIL's insistence that they were removed months ago. Aside from fresh air, how can we *quickly* abate the odor from the air, closets and bedclothes?
posted by gnutron at 4:10 AM PST - 3 comments

Where can find I data for TV ratings and/or newspaper sales before, during and after September 11th, 2001?

Where can find I data for TV ratings and/or newspaper sales before, during and after September 11th, 2001?
posted by FuckingAwesome at 3:18 AM PST - 1 comment

Mobile Home Eviction

Just curious: A friend is behind on his land rent in a mobile home park, where a (fairly nice) double-wide mobile home he owns outright is parked. They're talking eviction, and they're definitely within the law to do so from my read of relevant WA state code. My friend cannot afford to move the home. What happens next, generally? [more inside]
posted by maxwelton at 3:02 AM PST - 18 comments

How and when to replant young grape vines?

I think I've failed in my first test as a backyard gardener by planting some grape vines in a stupid place. What can I do to save them? [more inside]
posted by A Thousand Baited Hooks at 2:39 AM PST - 9 comments

Where should the spacing go?

Where should you put the space in function defs/callls in C-like languages? [more inside]
posted by knz at 2:01 AM PST - 29 comments

Letters to the Departed

(Canadian Detectives!) What is at PO Box 4585 Stn "A" Toronto ON M5W 4W7? [more inside]
posted by coffeefilter at 1:33 AM PST - 14 comments

But I don't WANT to be a California Girl!

Why SHOULD I be excited about moving to Pasadena? Based on not much more than TV, I think that life in the greater LA area would be pretty much the opposite of my current, wonderful lifestyle. Is there a way to live in So Cal AND have what I love about my current life? [more inside]
posted by munichmaiden at 1:24 AM PST - 23 comments

Streaming video of public meeting. How do I download for offline viewing?

Video pirates, ahoy. All I want to do is save .wmv streams of some Seattle-area public meetings to my computer, for offline viewing. Simple, right? [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 12:34 AM PST - 6 comments

February 7

Asked by a fellow teacher, hasn't got a clue.

In need of help with grammar, again. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 11:24 PM PST - 21 comments

Has DVR killed the commercial star?

Have businesses suffered since DVRs became popular and everyone stopped watching commercials?
posted by easy_being_green at 10:15 PM PST - 12 comments

Rail connection at MIA?

How can I get from Miami Int'l Airport to the Space Coast region of Florida without renting a car? [more inside]
posted by pandabearjohnson at 10:04 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I deal with my alcoholic parent?

My alcoholic parent is causing me stress and keeping me from living my life as well as focusing on my college work... What should I do? [more inside]
posted by tommyboy at 9:38 PM PST - 23 comments

How can I immediately preview on my Macbook the picture I just took with my SLR?

Please help me use my Mac as an immediate preview/proof window for the picture I just took with my digital camera. This has to be doable right??? [more inside]
posted by jwhowa at 8:50 PM PST - 13 comments

Best Simple Time Tracking App for iPhone?

Can anyone recommend a streamlined time tracking app for the iPhone? I'm looking for something that will let me set up a few general categories — desk work, studio work, commute, gym, etc. — and basically lets me pick one and hit a big start/stop button. Export functionality in some way (even dirt-simple) is needed, fancy stuff like invoice generation / project management is not. The goal is to get a rough statistical overview of how I spend my days, not to get obsessive granularity or handle timesheets, so the ideal app would be about two taps to pick a category and start the timer.
posted by sixswitch at 8:30 PM PST - 2 comments

I would like my brain back, please

I had symptoms of hypothyroid that went away when I started taking vitamins; now they've returned. Is this hypothyroidism or something else? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:19 PM PST - 15 comments

Email Forwarding help - domain level.

Multiple domains- I know how to forward them. I could start a Google account for each. But I'd really like to get the email to forward instead? I want it to be that you send an email to (anything) foo@filmgeek.com and it ends up going to my main domain/email account.
posted by filmgeek at 8:14 PM PST - 7 comments

This book may only exist in my head.

I'm looking for the title of a book about sci-fi film from my youth. [more inside]
posted by Cassilda at 7:40 PM PST - 2 comments

Tired of playing everyone's favorite game, Bitch about the MBTA (aka my line sucks the most)

Is there any empirical evidence out there about which MBTA subways/buses are actually most reliable? [more inside]
posted by leedly at 7:35 PM PST - 4 comments

Identifying a poem and a poet

PoetryFilter: I am looking for the poet and title of a poem I read yesterday. [more inside]
posted by Prairie at 7:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Any tips for finding out the meanings of out-of-the-ordinary names?

Etymological/genealogical question--tips or tricks for finding the origin of a very elusive family name when Googlefu, Ancestryfu and all other manner of -fus fail? [more inside]
posted by nonmerci at 6:38 PM PST - 21 comments

Seeking 40-plus female film kick-assness

Non-romance/drama/comedy movies co/starring (not in support cast) an actress the age of 40 or older (at the time of filming). [more inside]
posted by Ky at 6:30 PM PST - 29 comments

Costume Ideas for Emma Peel from The Avengers?

I'm helping a friend with an undergraduate film school remake of The Avengers. I've been cast as Miss Peel, and I'm searching for the perfect costume to fit the character. Unfortunately, my school is in the middle of nowhere - shopping in person isn't really an option. Any thoughts for how I can assemble or where I might find a hip 1960s-looking catsuit on the internet? Thanks!
posted by howgenerica at 6:24 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me figure out how to pay taxes in Ontario.

It's income tax time in Ontario, and I've never filed before. Help me get through this as cheaply as possible, won't you? [more inside]
posted by AAAA at 6:08 PM PST - 17 comments

Does this mean I am going to the Spanish consulate?

FMNT digital certificates from the Spanish Government [more inside]
posted by cnanderson at 5:57 PM PST - 3 comments

How to differentiate two similar papers when both are supposed to be general surveys?

Academic (social sciences) filter: How do I make chapters about my research that are destined for two general handbooks different from each other, or does it even matter? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 5:56 PM PST - 2 comments

Interesting War Museums or Memorials?

A friend's 16 year old son has picked up an interest in history, particularly war memorials. She'd like to take him on a trip over spring break to encourage him but is lacking choices other than Civil War sites in VA/MD and the Pearl Harbor Memorial, both of which they've visited before. Places in the United States are preferable but she'd consider other English-speaking countries (she doesn't want to hire a tour guide). Where can they go to get a real sense of history and blow this teenager's mind?
posted by nuala at 5:55 PM PST - 51 comments

Help me find a new and better daycare please!

Need daycare recommendations in Woburn, MA or Cambridge, MA (though in Cambridge needs to be on the cheaper side) or in between the two. [more inside]
posted by katers890 at 5:31 PM PST - 9 comments

Promoting TV shows during the Super Bowl

Why do TV networks do promos for their shows (like for Glee or House last night) during the Super Bowl? [more inside]
posted by John Frum at 5:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Fired for pregnancy?

EmployerFilter. My soon-to-be wife is around four months pregnant. Our due date is the first week of July, which at that time will be employed with her current employer for eleven months time. She currently is covered under their group insurance. Today they informed her that they will give her seven (unpaid) days of maternity leave. They informed her they will be terminating her if she takes anything longer off. To me this sounds rotten, possibly illegal. We are the state of Florida, USA. Can they really fire her for taking more than a week of maternity leave?
posted by AdamOddo at 5:10 PM PST - 27 comments

I wanna be street(sign)wise

Why did they stop posting street signs on the sides of buildings in the U.S.? Everywhere I've been in western Europe, at least anywhere marginally urban, street names are posted on the sides of buildings. In the U.S., though, they're pretty much universally stuck on a post or hung over an intersection on wires. There are still remnants of the side-of-the-building practice throughout NYC, so the switch must have been relatively recent. Why did this happen? Does it have something to do with American conceptions of property rights? NOMBism (Not On My Building)? Legibility for motorists? Any idea?
posted by dixiecupdrinking at 5:08 PM PST - 22 comments

Looking for a good read now.

I have a $20 gift card to Barnes and Noble. I want to go and pick something amazing up to read. What should I be reading now? [more inside]
posted by ieatwords at 4:51 PM PST - 20 comments

Gay for a day?

I consider myself straight, but am interested in having sex with a girl just to see what it's like. I am under the impression that lesbians are not big fans of people like me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:50 PM PST - 23 comments

What's the best development tool/framework to create my specific iPhone app idea?

What's the best development tool/framework to create my specific iPhone app idea? [more inside]
posted by AmbroseChapel at 4:15 PM PST - 17 comments

I won't call it the Brizzle.

Where do I go to enjoy the seedy-chic indie scene in Bristol (UK)? [more inside]
posted by apophenia at 4:11 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I get my personal profile to "like" something on a Facebook for which I'm the admin?

When I "like" something on my a Facebook page where I'm the admin, it shows the page itself as the "liker." How can I get my personal profile to "like" something on my own page? [more inside]
posted by Flying Saucer at 4:03 PM PST - 20 comments

What is the most effective way, in approaching a family member about sponsoring a non-profit group you've recently gotten involved with?

What is the most effective way in approaching a family member about sponsoring a non-profit group you've recently gotten involved with? [more inside]
posted by UsagiBride at 3:45 PM PST - 8 comments

laptop hard drive choices

I'm planning a laptop replacement purchase; I think I know the one I want, but am having trouble deciding whether to go standard hard drive or SSD. [more inside]
posted by epersonae at 3:41 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I get businesses for sale marketed to me?

I am interested in buying an existing business. How do I find businesses for sale, and how do I get taken seriously? [more inside]
posted by prunes at 3:23 PM PST - 11 comments

What are the ins and outs of a short code (sms) texting system with billing

TelcoFilter: What are the ins and outs of a short code (sms) texting system with billing? [more inside]
posted by schindyguy at 3:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Time to get our trade marks.

Needing recommendations for a competent, reasonably affordable intellectual property attorney in the US. [more inside]
posted by dacoit at 3:11 PM PST - 8 comments

help me lessen the stink

What scents are good at minimizing/masking/neutralizing cigarette smoke? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 3:04 PM PST - 21 comments

Can't sleep without daytime

My spouse has having problems going to sleep and staying that way for as long as we've been together. We've found a few things on Dr. Wikipedia, but wanted to get the hive mind's opinion. [more inside]
posted by fireoyster at 3:02 PM PST - 15 comments

How do I keep specific parts of the Firefox history?

Is there are Firefox addon that will allow me to keep the history for specific sites, while removing the history for every other site? [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 2:55 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me discover some new podcasts

Can you recommend me some clever, funny podcasts to occupy my slow work day? [more inside]
posted by pilibeen at 2:53 PM PST - 27 comments

Richard Scarry pig book identification filter...

Richard Scarry pig book identification filter... [more inside]
posted by Dali Atomicus at 2:51 PM PST - 12 comments

Did we do that?

I hooked up with my friend but she doesn't remember doing it, what is going on? (NSFW possibly) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:47 PM PST - 26 comments

[crappy software filter] How can I speed up ESRI ArcMap?

[crappy software filter] How can I speed up ESRI ArcMap? [more inside]
posted by buckaroo_benzai at 2:21 PM PST - 24 comments

Wait, maybe I SHOULDN'T blog about this

What are some things, either from your experience or that of others, that one should avoid or at least think twice before sharing on the internet (namely through blogs, twitter, etc.)? [more inside]
posted by Busoni at 2:17 PM PST - 28 comments

I need to identify a plant to figure out if it is bird safe.

I need to identify a plant to figure out if it is bird safe. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Calzephyr at 1:54 PM PST - 11 comments

Useful and or edible party favor

Nice, useful, inexpensive baby shower favors? I'm helping to plan a baby shower for my younger cousin. I've been to tons of baby showers and hate favors because I never know what to do with them. So I put them in a draw for a while and then throw them away, feeling guilty about the whole stupid thing. [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 1:40 PM PST - 20 comments

Help Me Customize my Droid 2 Global (please)

What does Droid (2 Global) Do for me? [more inside]
posted by smithmac_99 at 1:36 PM PST - 6 comments

What perks can I get working at a non-profit?

So I just signed up for membership to TDF! Awesome! What other benefits can I get as a worker in a non-profit (NGO) organization?
posted by pinksoftsoap at 1:33 PM PST - 1 comment

One-Eyed Shrinks?

I cannot for the life of me remember the name of a particular social psychologist (personality psychologist? plain old psychologist?) who I learned about in a Psych 101 class. All I remember is he had an eyepatch and an unusually colorful or bizarre personal life. [more inside]
posted by StopMakingSense at 1:13 PM PST - 9 comments

I hate asking anyone for help.

Should I ask my Godfather for help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:08 PM PST - 23 comments

Help me find small vitamins!

Recommendations for daily multivitamins that are reasonably sized? [more inside]
posted by amro at 12:56 PM PST - 25 comments

More Information Than You Require

Being a compassionate, generous man, I will keep my pooping-related medical question off of the main page. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:52 PM PST - 23 comments

how to talk to a woman somewhat scorned

A (once?) good friend has been flipping out after I started dating someone. How do I go about talking to her without feeling like I'm talking to a wall? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:51 PM PST - 38 comments

Study strategies for parents

Parents who had/have to study with young children around: what strategies did/do you use to help integrate the kids into your study sessions? [more inside]
posted by angiep at 12:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Putting together a hip-hop/rap playlist containing artists from St. Louis, MO. HELP.

Putting together a hip-hop/rap playlist containing artists from St. Louis, MO. HELP. [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 12:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Facebook Privacy Settings

Will changing privacy settings on Facebook cause something to appear in my (or other's) News Feed? [more inside]
posted by daboo at 12:27 PM PST - 5 comments

Offering a settlement on a credit card - how did it go for you?

I'd like to call my credit card company and offer to settle my $10K account for $5K, but circumstances extenuate - how has this worked for those of you who have tried? [more inside]
posted by DandyRandy at 12:02 PM PST - 17 comments

What is the process for quickly selling a car willed to me?

What is the process for quickly selling a car willed to me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:01 PM PST - 8 comments

Actress Identification Filter

A soap opera actress lives in my neighborhood and I see her every day walking her dog. We exchange friendly hellos, and it's driving me crazy that I don't know her name. Halp! [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:57 AM PST - 38 comments

Where should we live within driving distance of NJ?

My husband's adventure in grad school didn't work out and now we need to find a place to move next. Help us figure out where to live! [more inside]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 11:47 AM PST - 48 comments

Help me find an old website about a paranormal-related black book.

I'm looking for a site that I saw probably a decade ago - it was a personal site about a book with a paranormal story behind it. What was it called? What happened to it? Did it even exist? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Senza Volto at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments

What should I do as my brother's Best Man?

Could you guys help me out with some pointers on being Best Man in my brother's wedding? [more inside]
posted by AndrewShortComedy at 11:28 AM PST - 14 comments

I don't want blonde roots!

I've asked how to keep my red hair from fading, and those products definitely help, but I've returned to my old standby for touching up my roots: Schwarzkopf Igora toning mousse in Light Copper Brown (5-7). I've finally mastered the art of applying it evenly without staining my fingers. Only problem is, I'm out of the stuff now, and it appears to have been discontinued. What can I use in its place? [more inside]
posted by katillathehun at 11:08 AM PST - 4 comments

Pants!

Pants! I want men's pants that are not jeans, not khakis, don't need to be ironed, can be worn to a casual office with a nice shirt, and cost less than $50. [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:55 AM PST - 34 comments

Trying to find a song to see if I like it.

Trying to find a song but don't have much to go on. [more inside]
posted by Danila at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments

We really should have said something earlier

How do we tell his relatives that we got married...one year ago? [more inside]
posted by cobain_angel at 10:52 AM PST - 24 comments

A fight for my rights!

Please help me retain administrative rights on my work PC. [more inside]
posted by Crotalus at 10:35 AM PST - 36 comments

English-language journalism jobs abroad?

Is it possible to find English-language journalism jobs in Asia? Or anywhere else? [more inside]
posted by sureshot at 10:18 AM PST - 5 comments

Pretty, personalized DIY baby gifts?

Please recommend small, pretty gift ideas (preferably personalized!) that I can hand-make as new-baby, birthday or Christmas presents for small children. [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 10:04 AM PST - 21 comments

Recommendations for an orthodontist in Chicago?

ChicagoFilter: recommendations for an orthodontist in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by fuzzygerdes at 10:03 AM PST - 1 comment

How to get a Business Bank Account when your credit is shot

I need a UK Business Bank Account, but I have a terrible credit rating. Anyone managed to open one with a High Street Bank? [more inside]
posted by garius at 9:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Blackberry Bold Internet Browser problems

Why does my Blackberry Bold internet browser insist on remaining set on the essentially useless "MEdia net" browser rather than the one I want, "Internet Browser"? [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 9:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Why does my rabbit put poop on his foot?

Rabbit owners: I have a rabbit with a very strange habit and I need some help figuring it out! Involves poop and a foot. [more inside]
posted by Salmonberry at 9:17 AM PST - 9 comments

What is going on employment-wise with me?

I'm moving from being employed to being a contractor...but things are not going as planned, at least so far. What are my options in case things don't go according to plan? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:15 AM PST - 6 comments

Gimme dem points

Starting a new traveling sales job. At what hotel chain should I throw all my business to? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:14 AM PST - 20 comments

How to relax in dreamland and wake up feeling good?

I'd like to hear from anyone who has overcome excessive tension in the jaw, neck and upper back during sleep. I wake up feeling very stressed and tense and it's a drag. [more inside]
posted by FormerMermaid at 9:08 AM PST - 19 comments

Solution is null

How can I explain this software bug to management? [more inside]
posted by eas98 at 8:51 AM PST - 14 comments

Who are some doctors who are renowned for their work outside the field of medicine?

Who are some doctors who are renowned for their work outside the field of medicine? [more inside]
posted by edguardo at 8:49 AM PST - 59 comments

SLP client's behavior interfering with therapy

Hi all, I'm an SLP grad student doing language-phonology clinic this semester and one of my client's behavior is getting in the way of therapy. She's 5.5 years old and is home schooled. It's quite clear there's no discipline at home and now I get to look totally incompetent for it. Any ideas about what I could do? This child spends most of the one-hour session mouthing off, spending 10 minutes on one sip of water to avoid work, pounding on the two-way glass (mom taps back, oy), and falling on the floor and telling me, "Me died." I've tried rewards but it seems she doesn't associate the rewards with anything. Just takes them and demands more. [more inside]
posted by RyG at 8:33 AM PST - 19 comments

Football Manager 2011 is causing me to need a valium

I recently downloaded Football Manager 2011 from Amazon.com and my saved games are often corrupted and lost causing me to get extremely frustrated. What can I do to prevent this from happening in the future? Also, why is the software so buggy? I have never had seven saved games become corrupted in any game I've had previously.
posted by josher71 at 8:24 AM PST - 5 comments

44 days of Christmas?

Are houses in your neighborhood still decorated for Christmas? On purpose, with the lights turned on, wreaths with red bows, Christmas flags, etc? Or is my new neighborhood just weird? [more inside]
posted by martianna at 8:13 AM PST - 39 comments

Votre salon préféré?

Parisian mefites! Need your recommendations for good hair salons that speak English. [more inside]
posted by hampanda at 8:01 AM PST - 1 comment

Hey, I just bought a lot of new bookshelves.

I'll be attending a conference at Boston University next Friday, and (barring some sort of apocalyptic weather) will have nearly all of Thursday to myself. This means...I need to go to some academic bookstores. (Yes, I'll do other things. But, really, I need to go to some academic bookstores.) I've checked online reviews, etc., and while I know about the Harvard area, where else should I go? If it helps, I'm always looking for stores with good stocks of history of religion, literary criticism, and British history. Home base while I'm there will be in the immediate vicinity of BU.
posted by thomas j wise at 7:21 AM PST - 18 comments

Which out of copyright children's books have death scenes?

What are some out of copyright children's books with touching death scenes? [more inside]
posted by the latin mouse at 7:16 AM PST - 19 comments

Connect Computer to TV?

How do I connect my Dell Inspiron 6000 computer to my Toshiba Cinema Series HD - Model 51HX84 TV to play movies that I have on my computer?
posted by Minos888 at 6:55 AM PST - 4 comments

StickFigures, High Impact Presentation

Trying to find a video about a young woman (editor?) from a major publishing house who did a really great, to-the-point stick-figure-simple powerpoint about ... how a book gets published? I can't remember if I saw it here, You Tube, mediabistro, Facebook -- oy. Searching has failed. Thanks!
posted by thinkpiece at 6:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Getting a mortgage without a job?

We have liquid assets that total over 85% of the cost of the house we want to buy, good credit (each of us has a credit score over 730) and a strong employment history. The house we want to buy is in Massachusetts and we are currently employed in California. We've been pre-approved by our bank (in MA) for a mortgage that is $50,000 more than we are interested in borrowing. We are concerned that the fact that we will have given notice on our jobs in CA during the time we will be closing on the house will result in the mortgage falling apart at closing. We've got a call into the loan office of our bank but we are looking for suggestions and experiences from people in similar circumstances. [more inside]
posted by a22lamia at 6:50 AM PST - 8 comments

Inexpensive software for printing ID badges for a small/mid-size non-profit?

Any suggestions for inexpensive software for printing ID badges for a small/mid-size non-profit? [more inside]
posted by John Kenneth Fisher at 6:32 AM PST - 5 comments

What is the cheapest way of getting my bike to Germany?

What is the cheapest way of getting my bike to Germany? [more inside]
posted by jonesor at 6:17 AM PST - 7 comments

Hope me with a .docx document !

Can some kind Mefite please open and send me a .docx document as a Word doc, or PDF ? I've tried two online services with no luck, and since I'm running Chrome, I can't download the MS fix. In addition, I'm too inept to figure out the workaround. It's only a letter from the GSA covering the Art In Architecture application process for artists, and since it IS a government agency, I want to make sure I haven't missed something stupid. My email is in my profile. Thanks in advance !
posted by lobstah at 5:42 AM PST - 8 comments

need professional help with tax debt in Toronto

I'm looking for professional help with settling an old tax debt. I would like to know what kind of professional I should be looking for and recommendations for an individual or firm in Toronto would be most helpful. [more inside]
posted by Occam's Aubergine at 5:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Work in Patmos for a month?

Hi I'm considering remote working from Patmos or another Greek Island for a month or so either in spring or late summer. I hear from Negroponte's initiative the island has free wifi -- what's coverage like? Does anyone else know of a sweet spot of affordable + great internet connectivity in Greece? Free isn't necessary; reasonable is. If so, recommendations for sites offering short term apartment rentals in your recommended area would be most awesome! Let's say, 4-6 weeks.
posted by kiwi.es at 5:24 AM PST - 2 comments

Taxes are problematic, but this is ridiculous.

Help me get rid of the "Windows Could not Connect to the System events notification service" error. (Warning - you will need to dumb down your answers a little.) [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:56 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me manage my multiple interests and hobbies, aside of my personal and professional life

How can I manage multiple personal interests without going crazy? [more inside]
posted by Matrod at 4:17 AM PST - 15 comments

Bundt cake blunders and how to avoid them

Cakefilter: Bundt cake blunders and how to avoid them. Or, help me make the best birthday cake ever! [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 3:17 AM PST - 19 comments

The best calendar to manage a group of people

Any suggestions for a daily, non-online calendar to manage 60 people for 2011? Like an offline (Excel?) version of Tom's Planner. [more inside]
posted by mateuslee at 2:40 AM PST - 0 comments

Road bike clothing online discounter?

Unbranded & weirdly branded road cycling clothing: About four years ago I came across a website that was a clearance center for major road cycling clothing manufacturers. It sold a lot of jerseys and shorts that appeared to be excess items from custom-design production runs printed for odd cat2/cat3 teams in different countries around the world, printed with sponsorships for things like Colombian soda-pop companies, German pneumatics firms, etc. They had a lot of jerseys that would normally be $75-100/ea going for around $30 a piece. I lost the URL and am not even sure if the company is still in business (iirc it was a Yahoo! storefront). [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 1:26 AM PST - 3 comments

Calling all people who really like the way they've decorated their homes.

What are your favorite decor ideas that you use in your home? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 1:13 AM PST - 13 comments

February 6

One more hill's as far as I can go

What is this song I heard today? It's a slow folkish bluegrass song with the lines "Lately I've been moving kind of slowly, one more hill's as far as I can go" as the chorus. [more inside]
posted by Captain Cardanthian! at 11:52 PM PST - 8 comments

Recommend an Autocad System Build?

An architect friend has asked me to build her a PC for autocad. $1350 is her price cap, including monitor but she'd love to come in under. [more inside]
posted by Manjusri at 10:28 PM PST - 17 comments

How do education researchers design experiments?

How do education researchers design experiments? [more inside]
posted by SouthCNorthNY at 10:13 PM PST - 15 comments

how to nip it good?

I need new nail nippers (not clippers), since the last ones from Target were never really satisfactory and finally broke. Recommendations?
posted by Lizzle at 9:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Relaxing, Cheap Weekend Getaway Near Seattle

We are looking for an inexpensive getaway for 2 couples within a few hours' drive of Seattle. We want to sit around, read, play board games, drink, etc -- and we're trying to find a good place to do it. [more inside]
posted by rossination at 9:43 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me plan the quintessential Cancun Spring Break

Help me plan the quintessential college spring break [more inside]
posted by AMWKE1984 at 9:27 PM PST - 1 comment

Should a 4 year old with a new cast be allowed in gym class?

One of my 4-year old students broke his arm on Saturday, and is now in a cast. The parents, and school directors, are encouraging him to still come to gym class (which I teach), and play soccer and run around. Am I alone in thinking this is a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by hasna at 9:21 PM PST - 21 comments

Help me find this video on working your whole life in order to be able to go barefoot again

There once was a video... it talked about how we were born barefoot and then put on shoes so that we could go to work to earn enough money to retire on the beach and go barefoot. My Googlefu is weak tonight. Does anyone know where I can find it online?
posted by JParker at 9:05 PM PST - 4 comments

Half-baked Cake filter

Is it healthy or sensible to half bake a cake, cool it, freeze it, thaw it, and finish cooking it? [more inside]
posted by tabubilgirl at 9:04 PM PST - 11 comments

What are your favourite science experiment themed music videos?

For my latest video project, I'm creating a presentation that's science themed (think sexy girl in lab coat performing science experiments with a catchy music track). I'm looking for inspiration but my youtube and vimeo search fu can't seem to find anything. [more inside]
posted by simplesharps at 8:15 PM PST - 11 comments

Finding an isolated vacation cabin in Michigan

How can I find a nice, but isolated, Michigan cabin to stay in on vacation? Everything I find online is both 1) not isolated, 2) unnecessarily large for me and my wife, and 3) doesn't allow us to bring our dog. [more inside]
posted by quam6246 at 8:05 PM PST - 11 comments

Favorite Fairway Coffee?

What are your favorite Fairway coffee beans? We shop at Fairway regularly, like their coffee but haven't settled into a handful of favorite choices. Opinions?
posted by moedym at 7:57 PM PST - 4 comments

I don't care whose status you commented on

Facebook filter: Can I hide friends' comments on other people's status? [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 7:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Health, Healing, and Nutrition resources for the average human

Please help me find good sources for health, healing, and nutrition information online. [more inside]
posted by Neekee at 7:36 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I see if I'm being coerced into belief?

What should I do if I suspect I'm being indoctrinated? [more inside]
posted by malusmoriendumest at 7:32 PM PST - 46 comments

Woke Up, Got Out of Bed, Dragged a Comb Across My Head

For those of you who work outside of your homes (especially single people without loved ones or kids to pay attention to in the morning) what's your morning routine? What have you been able to stick with that leaves you happier and healthier for the rest of the day? [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 7:28 PM PST - 31 comments

iGoogle and Google Talk Issues

I use iGoogle as my homepage and use Google talk from there as well but in the last few months I noticed with a few contacts, I can only chat with them in gmail. When they send me a message on iGoogle it flashes orange but the chat box is blank, I have to then go into chat history and see what they said and reply in gmail. I tried searching for answers, even reset my whole iGoogle yet this still persists. If anyone can provide any assistance it would be much appreciated.
posted by thenuts at 7:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Pantry Pile Potluck: What should we make with all of this food?

My boyfriend and I have a cooking puzzle for you: we rather wildly underestimated the price of our groceries when we went shopping this evening, and as a result we decided to try to raid the current contents of our pantry to accommodate two weeks of meals rather than just one. Well, it turns out we have way more stuff than we thought, but we have no idea how to put it all together. Assuming that we can buy $10 or so more groceries if we need to make recipes work, can you tell us how to make the enclosed list of ingredients into 5-7 tasty vegan dinners that are more interesting than just five nights of beans and rice? We know we've got lots of food, we're just not very good at improvising. [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 7:19 PM PST - 26 comments

Where are these old buttons from?

I have these old buttons from my grandmother. They look like they are from the military but I'm not sure. Does anyone know where these are from?
posted by hrhcc at 6:27 PM PST - 6 comments

SWF crashes when unloaded in IE7 and IE8; non standard code and iframes?

A colleague is finding that a page on a server that includes a SWF can load smoothly and be viewed in its entirety, but it generates a JavaScript error message whenever that page is unloaded, but only in IE7 and IE8. (Line 1, Char 1, "Access is denied", Code 0, URL=SWF file name). Firefox 3.6 and IE6 have no problems at all. For some reason, the page has been designed to load the SWF directly into an iframe's src attribute instead of using the usual OBJECT and EMBED tags and associated parameters within a separate HTML page. Is this unloading problem simply IE7 and IE8 being extra-vigilant about security with non-standard code? [more inside]
posted by The True Wheel at 6:24 PM PST - 1 comment

Geocache puzzle?

Suggestions for geocache puzzle? [more inside]
posted by Sissinghurst at 6:19 PM PST - 7 comments

c'mon iTunes - quit being such a PITA

Does anyone know a good way to sync multiple devices on the same iTunes account on multiple machines easily? [more inside]
posted by emjay at 5:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Genre for Max Martin-written songs?

Is there a name for the genre that Max Martin's pop hits from the late 90s - early 00s fall into? (You've probably heard them, even if you haven't heard of him.) [more inside]
posted by LSK at 5:21 PM PST - 6 comments

I want to run DeluxePaint II on a Mac, how do I do it?

I have a Mac laptop with Snow Leopard. I have experience with mid-1980s Amiga graphics app DeluxePaint II I want to run that piece of software. I have tried to futz with Amiga emulators but have not been successful. [more inside]
posted by artlung at 5:08 PM PST - 11 comments

But...where will I get my latte fix now?

How do I rediscover my city before it makes me scream? [more inside]
posted by vivid postcard at 5:04 PM PST - 28 comments

MySQL Self-Referential Table Problem

Can't find any reference to this on Google. I'm writing a MySQL query for a self-referential table using an EXISTS clause. [more inside]
posted by Electrius at 5:02 PM PST - 5 comments

Weird rash after taking antibiotics

This very localized rash appeared on my left side after taking some antibiotics. Then, two months later, it reappeared in the exact same location after taking a different antibiotic. What is it? [picture included] [more inside]
posted by fatty magoo at 4:43 PM PST - 11 comments

V-Day in LA

I'd like to do something cool with my wife for Valentine's Day. Difficulty: we'll be away from our home base in Riverside, CA (near Los Angeles). [more inside]
posted by gerryblog at 4:40 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I convince grad schools I'm not a 2.6 student?

I'd like to go to grad school. I have my eye on one or two programs, but there's a catch: My Undergrad performance is, uh, spotty and I need to become more competitive. What's the best way to do this? More inside. [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 4:29 PM PST - 10 comments

no 1099 for you!

1099 form issuance refused. what to do? [more inside]
posted by mwhybark at 4:11 PM PST - 10 comments

I am looking for a ventriloquist's plush toy cat.

I am looking for one of those plush toys that you can put your hand up and make talk, like a ventriloquist's doll. Specificially, I am looking for a cat. Is there a particular brand that caters to such things? Years ago I seem to remember there were places where you could go in, choose the "skin" of the plush toy, then stuff it yourself, name it, that sort of thing.
posted by Sully at 4:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Recommendations on synth DIY

I am looking for recommendations for DIY synth kits. I recently built the Weird Sound Generator and Voice of Saturn kits and am now looking for more to build. Does anyone here know of any similar noise-making PCB kits, or something else in general I should look into? Thanks.
posted by archivist at 4:01 PM PST - 11 comments

Am I stuck with an expensive paperweight?

[Possibly NSFW] What to do with pricey but useless adult toy? [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 3:53 PM PST - 15 comments

Is my friend's psychosis temporary?

What signs can I look for to help me determine whether my meth-addicted friend's paranoid behavior stems from amphetamine psychosis, or something more permanent, like schizophrenia?
posted by t(h)om(as) at 3:48 PM PST - 6 comments

What movie is this?

What movie am I thinking of? [more inside]
posted by Esefa at 3:28 PM PST - 11 comments

Hack 'n Cheese

Help me hack my Kraft Dinner/macaroni and cheese! [more inside]
posted by the dief at 3:21 PM PST - 55 comments

Pickup BBall in Hoboken?

Pickup basketball in NJ? [more inside]
posted by mtheshark at 2:21 PM PST - 1 comment

Help me find a place to live for 6 weeks near Simon Fraser University!

I'm trying to find a place to live in Vancouver for 5-6 weeks this summer. It needs to be someplace that I can take transit to Simon Fraser University each day, and preferably someplace a skinny male will not be scared to walk alone at night. [more inside]
posted by Canageek at 2:07 PM PST - 14 comments

Cell to cell

Cheapest way to text / call to California cell phone from Canada? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 2:03 PM PST - 8 comments

USB picture frames as secondary display?

I've heard that some digital picture frames are addressable over USB and can be used as a secondary display with Windows. It doesn't appear that most vendors make this information easy to find, however. Is there a list, or something better I should be searching on to find out which can be used this way?
posted by adamwolf at 1:57 PM PST - 4 comments

I want to ride like an old-timer!

How can I ride a penny-farthing bicycle? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad at 1:54 PM PST - 5 comments

How can I maintain a good supply of new running songs?

Suggestions for running songs and ways to collect them? [more inside]
posted by eeby at 1:29 PM PST - 14 comments

Horror set in space

Looking for recommendations of horror stories set in space - movies, TV shows/episodes, books, comics, games etc. Bonus points for 'ghost ship'/'haunted house' story constructions. [more inside]
posted by slimepuppy at 1:13 PM PST - 43 comments

So what social networks do (UK) kids use?

I work in health communications and have spend a couple of years now engaging with adult patients and the public using Facebook and Twitter. Now I need to understand how to communicate with a much younger age group using social networks - but have no idea where to start... [more inside]
posted by ozgirlabroad at 1:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Where can I develop 35mm film directly to digital?

Any recommendations for places that will develop 35mm film and just return the negatives and a CD/DVD (or even just a download link) of the prints for a reasonable price? [more inside]
posted by Badgermann at 12:58 PM PST - 15 comments

Is there a word or term to describe my aesthetic?

During a recent conversation with a co-worker we tried to figure out a term to describe her personal style, and when I came up with “artsy bohemian”, she agreed to it promptly. Now I’m wondering how to describe my aesthetic. [more inside]
posted by orange swan at 12:45 PM PST - 31 comments

french revolution history

Which Historian said of the French Revolution: "...it was not the product of poor people but of poor lawyers." [more inside]
posted by clavdivs at 12:30 PM PST - 7 comments

urghhhhguhh.

In the middle of a pretty crippling psychiatric/depressive break. what do i do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:19 PM PST - 36 comments

Books about betrayal - for middle school readers

Need a book recommendation for my middle schooler. She just finished reading The Gadget by Paul Zindel, and is interested in other books or movies, for that matter, that involve betrayal by a friend. [more inside]
posted by kbar1 at 12:10 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I write "From Life" in Latin or French?

I'd like to add a Latin or French phrase meaning "from life" (i.e., short for "painted from life") to my signatures on paintings to differentiate my work from artists who rely on photos and video monitors instead of live models for their work. I'd like it to be pithy and idiomatic, and so I'm somewhat reluctant to rely on Google Translate . . .
posted by Toecutter at 12:06 PM PST - 17 comments

Like two peas in a pot

Mathfilter: Antiderivative explained? [more inside]
posted by mooselini at 12:01 PM PST - 15 comments

Running shoes that look cool too (cool like a rapper)?

Running shoes that look COOL? Like if Jay-Z had to go run a 5k. [more inside]
posted by defmute at 11:47 AM PST - 16 comments

Friendly Seattle sports pub to watch the super bowl?

Trying to figure out where to watch the super bowl this afternoon. I'm in North Seattle. Any recommendations for bars where I can have a little unironic enjoyment of the game without getting beer spilled on me? [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 11:42 AM PST - 7 comments

Clever attire for a "Golf Pros and Hos" Birthday

What funny or clever costume could I wear to a Golf "Pros and Hos" themed party? (I'm a girl) [more inside]
posted by shortyJBot at 11:39 AM PST - 23 comments

Best tasting whey protein powder?

Best tasting whey protein powder? [more inside]
posted by Kalatraz at 11:35 AM PST - 13 comments

Where to go in Mexico

Where should I drive to specifically, going from Atlanta to Mexico? [more inside]
posted by barbudo at 11:26 AM PST - 6 comments

Weird game from the past is nagging at me...

Help me find this weird little game where you control the productivity of a creature working in a cubical at a science lab... [more inside]
posted by mingodingo at 11:20 AM PST - 3 comments

"Western Wind" set to music.

Who did it and where can I find their music? 25 years ago in an Irish coffeehouse in the Bronx, I heard a band perform a rendition of "Oh Western Wind, when will thou blow? The small rain down can rain. Christ if my love were in my arms, and I in my bed again". It was sung by a beautiful brunette woman. Lately,I've had it stuck in my head again. This is my first question to askmetafilter and I've got faith in the hive mind...
posted by Jandoe at 11:09 AM PST - 4 comments

How can we remove ancient tarpaper?

How to get tar paper off a hardwood floor? We've tried paint remover, paint stripper, adhesive remover, dry ice, fabric softener, GOOP, and so on... [more inside]
posted by Atom12 at 11:00 AM PST - 15 comments

Soup kitchen near Las Vegas strip

ISO soup kitchen near Las Vegas strip. [more inside]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 10:39 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I toughen up to succeed in the corporate world?

How do I toughen up? I want to be successful in my career but I wonder if I have the necessary ruthlessness. [more inside]
posted by quirksilver at 10:06 AM PST - 21 comments

B-A-R spells Bar, B-E-R-S-H-O-P spells Bershop

Barbershop quartets. I want the strangest, most delightful, most reality-shattering, most unlivewithoutable barbershop quartets. I want the barbershop quartets that play in your mind during the best and worst moments of your life.
posted by Rory Marinich at 9:51 AM PST - 10 comments

Desperately seeking quote..

Looking for a quote about traveling. Something about the purpose of traveling the globe over is to come back to the place you came from and see it with new eyes or anew. Does that ring a bell to anyone? Much thanks in advance..
posted by ruelle at 9:41 AM PST - 8 comments

I hate ruining good food.

What would be the best way to cook unshucked, frozen corn? It's been in the deep freezer since June, mostly because I'm not sure the best way to cook it now. [more inside]
posted by Talia Devane at 9:36 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me find an article about the TSA!

The google-fu fails again: help me find an article by a guy who got tons of stuff past the TSA and wore, like, taliban t-shirts and stuff and proved the ineffectiveness of the system? [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 9:32 AM PST - 8 comments

Wanted: Super pain in the neck non-allergen dog treat needed. Apply Within.

Help! I need an easy inexpensive dog treat/cookie recipe without any common allergens. Is this really as impossible as it seems? [more inside]
posted by magnoliasouth at 9:30 AM PST - 17 comments

How do I deal with a mother who has been in and out of an abusive relationship for years?

How do I deal with a mother who has been in and out of an abusive relationship for years? She'll leave him for a few months, but always goes back. Can or will this ever stop? And how to I support her while not condoning her behavior? [more inside]
posted by Delfena at 9:13 AM PST - 10 comments

How can I tell if my 3 y.o. grandson was molested?

My three year old grandson made a statement that suggested he was molested at his daycare. Earlier, he told his parents a different version of the story that doesn't suggest molestation. How can we get to the truth? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:04 AM PST - 33 comments

What do I do at Sudanese wake?

How do I pay respects to a Sudanese coworker's family? [more inside]
posted by Gringos Without Borders at 9:03 AM PST - 5 comments

not your typical rsi question

I clean houses for a living. I'm getting RSI. A lot of the usual advice doesn't seem to apply to me, and I don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by streetdreams at 9:01 AM PST - 8 comments

Just got a job after 7 months of unemployment. So why do I still feel like a giant loser in life?

Just got a job after 7 months of unemployment. Yay! Why do I still feel like a giant loser in life? [more inside]
posted by Sal and Richard at 8:50 AM PST - 13 comments

Why did the ticketing police officer recommend I plead not guilty to a moving violation?

I just ran a red light in Brooklyn and was pulled over by police. I was given a ticket and the officer urged me to plead not guilty and to attend the scheduled court date and pay the citation otherwise I'd be hit with 6 points to my license. Why did the officer recommend pleading not guilty? And what should I expect in a Brookly TVB court? [more inside]
posted by ranunculus at 8:26 AM PST - 11 comments

Need a catchy phrase

I'm offering an adult self esteem improvement group in my community. Need ideas for a great title, that would spark some interest while marketing it. Any ideas?
posted by Jandasmo at 8:12 AM PST - 7 comments

Mass (and volume) murder. How to compute the "body" count?

Help me write yet another science fiction story. I need to figure out the environmental damage resulting from an accidental sewage spill. [more inside]
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 7:39 AM PST - 13 comments

Bring out Your Dead, so that we may read about them

My sister and I enjoy a well written obituary. After reading the post yesterday about the Ghislaine de Polignac obit, I wonder if there's a good repository on the web of obituaries? [more inside]
posted by readery at 7:17 AM PST - 12 comments

Occupations for 40+ yr old, new BSME grad besides designing?

Occupations for 40+ yr old, new BSME grad besides designing? (Details inside.) [more inside]
posted by atm at 6:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Counting the corners in a new (to you) room

I'm curious if this is something my mother made up, or if it's actually a cultural practice/superstition from somewhere? Counting the corners in a room that you've never slept in before the first night you sleep in it. [more inside]
posted by Salamandrous at 6:41 AM PST - 14 comments

Graphic Novels Without the Graphics, Please

I love superhero fiction. I love stories that look into what superhero powers would be like--its psychological and social ramifications. I love the mythology that has developed around superheroes. I love the darkness and moral complexity many modern superhero stories involve.... But I just cannot get into comics or any visual storytelling of that sort. So, can you point me to any good novels about superheroes? [more inside]
posted by meese at 6:19 AM PST - 34 comments

Please help with your suggestions for a home theater notebook/netbook. Details inside.

Please help with your suggestions for a home theater notebook/netbook. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by st starseed at 6:15 AM PST - 1 comment

Why ask to have something notarized?

What is the purpose of having something notarized? Do notaries have any legal responsibility for the authenticity of the documents they sign? [more inside]
posted by brynnwood at 6:07 AM PST - 11 comments

Where the heck was this floaty grasslandy thing?

What was the location for this poorly remembered Ripley's Believe It Or Not exhibit of a floating grassland I saw as a kid? [more inside]
posted by hegemone at 6:03 AM PST - 7 comments

Snowshoe me please

Tell me what snowshoes to buy! [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 5:27 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me make sure I don't buy redundant audio equipment, please

I just moved and am trying to figure out the most elegant network audio solution. Most of the equipment I think I need is already here [below the fold], and I want to figure out if I need to buy anything else, or if what I have already is enough to suit my needs. [more inside]
posted by billtron at 5:22 AM PST - 2 comments

Augmenting NFL Broadcast Coverage with the Web

What should I have open in my browser during the Super Bowl today? [more inside]
posted by klarck at 4:57 AM PST - 6 comments

Help an American overseas watch the SuperBowl!

Anybody know of any live streams of the Super Bowl tonight that will be available online? [more inside]
posted by wile e at 4:43 AM PST - 8 comments

train keeps a-rolling

I love this 7+ hr video of the Bergensbanen in Norway. The scenery is amazing and the fact that it's just one shot means that I can just leave it on on the background as a kind of moving landscape. I'm looking for your recommendations for something similar to play via computer on a pc, tv or flat panel monitor. [more inside]
posted by thecjm at 12:35 AM PST - 7 comments

help me identify this British movie about elderly cannibals

I saw the very end of this color movie on TV when I was in grade school in Illinois between '76 and '80. Now whenever the White Cliffs of Dover are referenced I think of elderly cannibal ladies. [more inside]
posted by smartyboots at 12:26 AM PST - 2 comments

Printing services for personal Coffee Table Book

Printing services for a Coffee Table book with my own photos and text. Details inside... [more inside]
posted by theobserver at 12:18 AM PST - 23 comments

February 5

Not the Battle of Helm's Deep

Where can I find a video clip of an old city defending its walls against an enemy (with axes, battering ram, catapults, towers)? [more inside]
posted by jayne at 11:51 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you help me find the title of this novel?

Can you help me find the title of a novel (probably Young Adult) I read sometime between 1979 and 1981? [more inside]
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 11:50 PM PST - 7 comments

NYS Thruway poster: Where?

Where can I find this poster? [more inside]
posted by Marky at 10:39 PM PST - 3 comments

30 reasons to shake up the status quo . . .

Help me generate a list of experiences I should have before I turn 30. [more inside]
posted by WaspEnterprises at 10:33 PM PST - 35 comments

To Online Date, or Not to Online Date, that is the question

Should I try online dating or stick to hoping to meet someone in the outside world? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by Polgara at 10:24 PM PST - 29 comments

"I endeavor to give satisfaction, sir."

Your best British comedy suggestions, please. [more inside]
posted by joyeuxamelie at 9:14 PM PST - 79 comments

Old school children's books with audio?

I'm curious to know anything about some books I had as a child. The books were from the 70's or early 80's and had small phonographic records embedded on the pages. There was an apparatus you would put over the disks that would play the audio.
posted by tresbizzare at 9:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Bra removal champion???

What is this half-remembered VHS tape of very-low-production-values, very short sketches, that my friend and I rented in the mid-to-late 80s? [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 9:01 PM PST - 7 comments

College student new to the world of investing...

Should I go with the stock market? Or perhaps something less risky such as a CD? How much knowledge do I need to thrive in the stock market? Halp! [more inside]
posted by RaDeuX at 8:59 PM PST - 24 comments

I want to make a DIY wine rack

I want to make a DIY wine rack, preferably holding at least 10 bottles. I invite you to tell me your best DIY wine rack ideas, bonus points if you've actually built it. Hanging on the wall is a possibility, but I'm slightly more interested in racks that would sit on a table or on the floor against the wall.
posted by agregoli at 8:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Somebody come play with me...

Forgotten book filter: A girl ghost (or imaginary friend) is luring other girls to their death. [more inside]
posted by annathea at 8:31 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I find a reliable mover in Vancouver?

I need recommendations for reliable movers in Vancouver, BC (or recommendations about how to find reliable movers). [more inside]
posted by registered at 8:30 PM PST - 5 comments

I Need This Bear

Long Shot: Help me locate this bear for a friend's birthday! [more inside]
posted by astapasta24 at 7:34 PM PST - 2 comments

How Can I Get Around Graduate School GPA Requirement?

I'm 41 and I want to go back to school - how do I get around the GPA requirement? And a few other questions as well. [more inside]
posted by Twoapennything at 6:50 PM PST - 12 comments

Looking for unpretentious dance spots in SF

What are some awesome, unpretentious places to go out dancing in San Francisco on a Saturday night? [more inside]
posted by emily37 at 6:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Is there any way to contest deferred interest on a "same as cash" store credit card?

Is there any way to contest deferred interest on a "same as cash" store credit card? [more inside]
posted by freecellwizard at 6:31 PM PST - 13 comments

Having kids in New York if you're not rich: how do people pull it off?

Having kids in New York if you're not rich: how do people pull it off? [more inside]
posted by falameufilho at 5:50 PM PST - 20 comments

Community Group Website

My community group needs a website and I've been given the job of setting it up. We need to sell tickets to events, keep track of membership dues/renewals, have some basic info pages, photos, etc. Right now we've working with Paypal, some spreadsheets, and a very out of date website (has a geocities era look to it). I have 20 hours to devote to this project, and have some very rusty coding experience. I know I can't build this myself. Are there ready to go solutions out there?
posted by Snower at 5:03 PM PST - 10 comments

Çatal Höyük to The Anger in Egypt

Can you suggest great, chronological, world history documentary series? [more inside]
posted by Sustainable Chiles at 4:57 PM PST - 18 comments

K-NEX-filter

The box for the "K'NEX Thrill Rides - Light-Up Ferris Wheel" says that there are instructions for assembling the "Comet Chaser" (using the same parts) on their website. Can't find them. Anyone found them?
posted by answergrape at 4:34 PM PST - 3 comments

Please help me figure out who made my socks!

I received one pair of socks from my mother-in-law this Christmas. She doesn't recall where she bought them. Here are two pictures - one of the sock, and one of the logo (Looks like an EL - extensive Google searches aren't helping). Any idea who makes them? Thanks! Sock Logo
posted by EduTek at 4:33 PM PST - 7 comments

Lithium-Ion battery care

Talk to me about Lithium-ion batterys on my iPhone and iPad. Seems to be many vague opinions on care and maintenence, 'discharge fully once a month, but charge frequently', etc. I currently aim for charging when it hits near 40-50% if I'm near a outlet. What's your take on how to best make these batterys live longest?
posted by BVB at 3:59 PM PST - 19 comments

Help me help someone get their sculptures exhibited in Toronto.

How does an established professional but not well known artist best go about 'exhibiting' a collection of beautiful metal sculptures in Toronto? Would they have to rent their own space and throw an event? Do they pitch/apply to various galleries? Which ones? Asking for a friend! Thanks in advance...I love the green.
posted by anewnormal at 3:58 PM PST - 10 comments

Legal set-up for a commune in Canada?

Legal set-up for a commune in Canada? [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb at 3:42 PM PST - 13 comments

Suing an LLC building contractor?

Suing my contractor. Insurance companies want to enter mediation to settle, but contractor won't supply them with necessary info for them to investigate and move forward. Now what? [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 3:19 PM PST - 11 comments

Cable modem/wireless router combo with EASY set-up

Please help me choose an easy to use, reliable cable modem/wireless router combo: [more inside]
posted by Corvid at 3:16 PM PST - 4 comments

Love will tear us apart

Valentine's Day gifts for people who hate Valentine's Day. [more inside]
posted by ghost dance beat at 3:09 PM PST - 22 comments

Tied, Untied, or Doesn't Matter?

Should my biodegradable compost bags be tied or untied when they go into the compost heap in order for the contents to break down fastest? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 2:29 PM PST - 9 comments

PhD Failure - What next?

Where next after failing my UK PhD at the viva stage? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:23 PM PST - 11 comments

Identifying a design aesthetic.

What art/design style/aesthetic would these sci-fi pictures be classified as? [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 1:46 PM PST - 6 comments

I need rehab for depression.

I need rehab for depression. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:28 PM PST - 16 comments

How to get Contacts into iPod Touch

How to import my Contacts from Palm Desktop ver. 4.1.4 to my iPod Touch ver. 4.2.1? I have looked at Apple Support , and PdbConverter without success. and the AskMefi 91 posts tagged with ipodtouch. I have Win XP SP3 and iTunes 10.
posted by lungtaworld at 1:21 PM PST - 3 comments

2001 VW Golf caught in flooding - now difficult to change gears

My 2001 VW Golf (1.6l manual) was caught in flash flooding on Friday. The car stalled in water that came up to a couple of inches past the level of the bottom of the doors. The car was in the water for about 15 minutes before some local residents helped me push the car out of the water. Luckily, the car started and I drove home. The next day I found it was (intermittently) difficult to change gears. Is it possible that water could have got into the transmission or some other part of the car effecting the transmission? Or is this just a coincidence and the well know problem with the Mk4 transmission has happened? Any advice is appreciated.
posted by hithere at 1:15 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a movie title

There was a movie from about the 80s, I think, about researchers who had invented a helmet of some kind that allowed its wearer to record their experiences and then the helmet could be used by someone else to experience what had been recorded. The lead-up was putting the helmet on a person who was dying. Can anybody tell me what that movie was called? Thanks!
posted by Tom Blees at 1:11 PM PST - 10 comments

Scenes From a Marriage

What are some novels in which the plot primarily revolves around a marriage? [more inside]
posted by Nixy at 1:05 PM PST - 46 comments

Is this Motorcycle Academy being unreasonable?

I signed up for a Motorcycle RiderCourse through a local academy and realized I was not able to make the date I had signed up for. They offer no course changes (even for a fee) and if you miss your scheduled date they give you 90 days to get in a class via stand-by. I've tried more than ten times to get in a class via standby and I wasn't each time. Their policy says no refunds, and even politely e-mailing the academy owner, she offers no sympathy and says getting into stand-by is not a guarantee. Are they being unreasonable? If they won't accept my request for a refund should I go through the chargeback route? [more inside]
posted by xtine at 12:45 PM PST - 12 comments

Large water bottle storage furniture needed!

Help me to hide my 5 gallon Arrowhead bottles! [more inside]
posted by bluesky78987 at 11:48 AM PST - 7 comments

Civet-Filter! Where to buy?

I, a huge coffee fan, have a bag of Kopi Luwak that I was given as a gift. I cracked it open today, and can't help but think that it's a tad on the stale side. Probably because it was pre-ground. Okay, whatever, I'm sure you can buy recently roasted beans, right? The edible store only seems to carry pre-groud! At 24gdp for about fifty grams, this strikes me as a total sin. So tell me meta-folks, where can I order the beans, without the grinding? (Preferably with some reasonable guarantee that I'm actually getting what I pay for.) Humor a coffee snob.
posted by Stagger Lee at 11:31 AM PST - 7 comments

knock wood will never be used

What should I put on my medic alert bracelet? [more inside]
posted by kestrel251 at 11:26 AM PST - 13 comments

Multifaith alternatives to Sunday school and/or catechism?

Are there "multifaith" alternatives to Sunday school and/or catechism? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:19 AM PST - 14 comments

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

Where is the best place for a scared 30 year old woman to learn to drive in the DC area? [more inside]
posted by decathecting at 11:05 AM PST - 3 comments

Physics II for grown ups

Contemplating a return to school to complete those last few credits I need for a particular Bachelor's degree (while working full time). The classes I need can be done through distance learning or night school for the most part, with one exception. [more inside]
posted by gazole at 10:56 AM PST - 12 comments

Did this really exist?

Does anyone remember a Boston Celtics poster from the 80's featuring only the white players? [more inside]
posted by DTHEASH1 at 10:33 AM PST - 3 comments

What useful skills can be learned in an hour or less?

What are some useful skills one can learn in an hour or less? [more inside]
posted by tomwheeler at 10:31 AM PST - 24 comments

Stopping ripped knees in Women's pants

My pants keep ripping at the knee. Looking for prevention and repair ideas! [more inside]
posted by xo at 10:18 AM PST - 7 comments

I want clean teeth, not receding gums.

Homemade dentifrice? Please weigh in. [more inside]
posted by Leta at 9:47 AM PST - 14 comments

Superbowl in Portland: where would YOU go?

Australians in Portland, OR for Superbowl: where can we go to experience this national cultural event? [more inside]
posted by nothing too obvious at 9:29 AM PST - 13 comments

Odd after-death arrangement: how to?

Two questions. How do I write a last will and testament when it involves those I know across the internet? And, how do I ensure that certain...eccentric requests involving my funeral and/or body be carried out? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:08 AM PST - 29 comments

Why am I under investigation? How worried should I be?

Why would a private investigator be investigating me or my car? I just recieved a letter from the WA state Department of Licensing notifying me that they have disclosed my vehicle licensing information to a private investigator called Melendez & Associates, Inc. Investigations. It does not state the reason for the investigation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Sending out a daily photo email. What's the best way to organize the mailing list?

I want to charge people to receive one of my photos everyday via email. What's the most efficient way to set this up? [more inside]
posted by grayber at 8:59 AM PST - 3 comments

A/S/L...and?

I've agreed to participate in a speed networking event. I'll be chatting with 20-30 people. How do I keep it fresh and not ask each person the same question? What can/do I want to know about someone in 3 minutes? How do I use this to improve my own 'elevator speech'?
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 8:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Please help me identify a Parisian restaurant I once visited!

Help me to identify the place I ate in Paris years ago. (More information is below.) [more inside]
posted by laskagirl at 8:28 AM PST - 5 comments

It's a bit tricky to search for "book cover design book."

I want my books to be judged by their covers. [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy at 8:12 AM PST - 13 comments

Please Array A Path For Me

Does anyone know anything about the song snippet at the end of The Decemberists' song "Why We Fight" (which starts at about the four and half minute mark)?
posted by El_Marto at 7:58 AM PST - 4 comments

Help with Dog Tags

Does anyone know if Vietnam era Pilots carried Dog tags, and if so, did they have the same info on as their Army counter parts?? I know that Army service guys, carried (amongst other things) their service number proceeded by RA for regular Army, so would Airforce guys be proceeded by AF?? And What about Marines??? I tried to search the web, but cannot really find the answers to my Questions, any help appreciated
posted by maxmix at 7:24 AM PST - 11 comments

Crash Helmet Diva

I think stage fright is causing me to lose consciousness while singing. How can I stop this from happening? [more inside]
posted by prefpara at 7:23 AM PST - 13 comments

Do Pólya's constants prove my cat will come home eventually?

We have lost a cat. Ignoring obstacles like trees, roads and houses, I am assuming he has gone on a random walk. Me and my fiancée have been out every night since he left, also walking randomly, hoping to find him. But I know a random walk in two dimensions always returns to the origin eventually, so are we actually any better off searching for him than just staying at home? [more inside]
posted by hoverboards don't work on water at 7:01 AM PST - 20 comments

Help me eat!

Help me eat without a refrigeration or microwave. [more inside]
posted by frnzks.a at 6:50 AM PST - 40 comments

Bring me my news! Very customized!

How do I create an RSS feed to filter news items based on about 300 keywords? [more inside]
posted by adverb at 6:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Whatever happened to band logos?

While some bands still have logos|symbols, they do not seem to be as essential a part of the band identity as they were in the seventies. What was it about the seventies music culture that encouraged the extensive use of band logos and symbols? [more inside]
posted by timepiece at 6:44 AM PST - 13 comments

All my bags are packed.

Making a mix tape: Need songs about moving away from home for the very first time. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by gypsyhymns at 5:48 AM PST - 39 comments

Proximity calculation on facebook

Can you find how "close" you are to any specific person on facebook using an API (e.g., something very similar to linked-in where it shows how many degrees you are away from someone?) [more inside]
posted by mtstover at 5:45 AM PST - 3 comments

The Beginners Guide to Theatre Acting

Thespians of Metafilter: What should I, a humble stage acting newbie, expect when auditioning for a role with his local theatre company? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherGuy at 5:13 AM PST - 7 comments

Physical fitness benchmarks?

What are canonical physical fitness benchmarks specific sports, occupations, and other activities? [more inside]
posted by asymptotic at 3:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Name of French Film?

Does anyone know the name of a recent French movie( well maybe 2005) about three gangsters in Paris and a girl who gets involved with them...they ask her to video a heist for them then she becomes one of the gang. They go to Cannes, etc and have a gangsters holiday, then the big robbery they have planned goes wrong at the end (where she dresses as a high class prostitute in a blonde wig) but she ends up in a large apartment by the sea America with a piano full of bank notes
posted by sparkle55 at 3:42 AM PST - 8 comments

Finding breadfruit in Oregon

Does anyone know where I could find breadfruit to buy between Salem and Portland, Oregon? [more inside]
posted by codswallop at 12:34 AM PST - 4 comments

February 4

seeking name for giant streak in the sky that doesn't sound as stupid as "giant streak in the sky"

People are living on an Earthlike planet with rings like Saturn a la this youtube video. What would they call this streak in the sky? [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 11:23 PM PST - 47 comments

Name for Speech Therapy Practice

CreativityNameFilter: A friend of mine is starting a speech therapy practice, and has called on me for genius ideas. Um. I'm no naming genius. [more inside]
posted by liss at 10:50 PM PST - 15 comments

Too much rice pudding?

Is there a reason why eating so much rice pudding is making me want to barf? [more inside]
posted by antgly at 10:19 PM PST - 19 comments

Dress like an adult, in Houston

Where to shop in order to dress like an adult, in Houston. [more inside]
posted by bumpkin at 10:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Patch my panic-addled brain.

YANMD: Please help me with immediate methods of managing a panic attack. [more inside]
posted by Heretical at 10:09 PM PST - 28 comments

A child's history of racism in the US

Looking for a young adult reader that focused on the history of racism/oppression in America published in the 1990's. [more inside]
posted by dinty_moore at 9:09 PM PST - 7 comments

I'd like the liner to actually form some manner of line

How can I make my eyes hold! damn! still! when I'm trying to put on eyeliner? [more inside]
posted by little light-giver at 9:09 PM PST - 26 comments

Can I stop thinking mean thoughts without saying them?

I keep writing devastating (and true!) letters to her in my head. This makes me sad, because I don't actually want to be mean to her. I want to stop being sad. [more inside]
posted by peripatetic007 at 9:02 PM PST - 35 comments

Top quality pin punch?

I need to buy a 1/16th inch pin punch, but I'm lost telling between cheap Chinese shit and top quality. [more inside]
posted by NotSoSiniSter at 8:42 PM PST - 11 comments

It's my 29th birthday. Again.

What should my family get me for my momentous 30th birthday? [more inside]
posted by santojulieta at 8:22 PM PST - 13 comments

Burn that disc

Ten hours to burn six DVDs. Really? [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 8:11 PM PST - 16 comments

Small, powerful, and cheap - can I really only pick two?

My Hitachi Magic Wand can get me off like nothing else, but it's a bit intimidating in partner sex. Is there anything smaller that can come close? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:39 PM PST - 19 comments

What's the pay for a software architect in the S.F. area?

What's the going rate for a software architect in the San Francisco area? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 6:54 PM PST - 8 comments

where can I buy PowerUp Rewards PRO "online"?

where can I buy PowerUp Rewards PRO online? [more inside]
posted by omaralarifi at 6:19 PM PST - 0 comments

Escaping from BART? (Or, oh crap, I have to go back to Oakland now?)

What happens if I don't have enough money on my farecard to get out of BART? [more inside]
posted by madcaptenor at 6:05 PM PST - 23 comments

Searching for the writer of a half-remembered short story

Trying to find an author that wrote at least one story for the New Yorker perhaps 20 to 30 years ago, about being in the Marines, not fitting in somehow, getting a rifle butt to the temple, being discharged and suffering brain trauma. [more inside]
posted by $0up at 5:57 PM PST - 5 comments

Tell me where to go on vacation

Recommendations for All-Inclusive Caribbean Resorts? [more inside]
posted by lpcxa0 at 5:10 PM PST - 12 comments

Long form Law and Order episode guides

Is there a website/blog that has fairly detailed summaries of episodes of Law and Order? [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 4:44 PM PST - 3 comments

Rank ignorance.

Do human beings as a species, homo sapiens sapiens, have a strong body odor in their natural state? Anthropologists, biologists, informed laypeople, any way to get at the truth? [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 4:39 PM PST - 25 comments

Free to Air satellite feeds on cable access

What Free-to-Air satellite feeds should I consider having run on my local cable access stations? [more inside]
posted by wcfields at 4:18 PM PST - 5 comments

Italian Vacation

Suggestions for an Italian Family Vacation? [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 4:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Preferably without electrocuting myself...

All of the electrical outlets in my bedroom—except for one—are switched. The single unswitched outlet is in a useless location. How can I convert one of the switched outlets to unswitched? [more inside]
posted by ixohoxi at 3:34 PM PST - 29 comments

Snack Dome

What is the purpose of the dome on this vending machine? [more inside]
posted by Tube at 3:30 PM PST - 6 comments

My car is far away, uphill, in the snow. How can I make this easier?

My driveway isn't going to get plowed anymore this season. How do I make the trip up to and down from my car at the top easier? [more inside]
posted by The Dutchman at 3:20 PM PST - 12 comments

Lady Tux Fashion

Snappy but reasonably priced women's tux in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by crawfo at 3:13 PM PST - 1 comment

iWannaThrowItOutTheWindow

iPhoneFilter: Pictures/videos in my "photo library" on my iPhone (NOT camera roll)...how do I delete them? [more inside]
posted by shortskirtlongjacket at 2:55 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find this photo blog

Help me find this photo blog I used to follow: I don't remember the name, but it always presented a single photograph that was updated infrequently (maybe once a month?) ... the guy who took the photos had an Asian name, but to my knowledge never appeared any photos. His girlfriend was also a frequent subject of the photos and she was white. He also listed the lens, camera and other information at the bottom of the photo. Most of the photos were shot digitally, but a few were vintage cameras. The domain was also short and catchy. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 2:41 PM PST - 6 comments

What looks good with #AFC398?

Programmers: know any good algorithms for picking colors, modifying colors or choosing colors that go well together? This is specifically for code. I'm NOT looking for apps that let you choose colors. [more inside]
posted by grumblebee at 2:40 PM PST - 15 comments

Trip Insurance with expensive camera equipment?

Two Brits and one American are taking a ten month trip around the world (inc. America) to document street performers. We need to insure ourselves for the standard backpacking trip, but we are also carrying expensive camera equipment - WHAT IS THE BEST VALUE-FOR-MONEY INSURANCE? [more inside]
posted by smythe82 at 2:36 PM PST - 2 comments

housing crisis and income tax in florida

Article (very possibly by Matt Taibbi) dealing with the housing crisis and how it affected Florida's state revenues. [more inside]
posted by fso at 2:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Eugene Onegin in English

When discussing Eugene Onegin, how do English speakers typically pronounce the protagonist's first name? [more inside]
posted by mr_roboto at 2:28 PM PST - 17 comments

How Do I Wire My House for Sound?

I need to split the audio signal outputs (CD, tuner, Computer etc) to different amplifiers in my house, what do I need to do this? [more inside]
posted by misterpatrick at 2:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Defer or Default?

I have $33,000 in subsidized federal student loan debt. This past year my loans have been in deferment, which means that accumulating interest has been capitalized. I earned approximately $6000 last year. My annual income has never been above $18k. Between the job market and child care for my kids, the future doesn't look much better. What happens if I default on my loans? Is there a better option for me than deferment?
posted by anonymous at 2:19 PM PST - 12 comments

How to keep a chunk of money safe in the UK?

How do I safely look after a large chunk of money for a short period of time? Difficulty - I'm in the UK, and some of it isn't mine... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Best Plutarch Translation for the Uninitiated?

Which version of Plutarch's Lives should I read? [more inside]
posted by herrtodd at 2:12 PM PST - 5 comments

Romantic, vegetarian, and not swamped?

Need recommendations for decently classy, vegetarian-friendly restaurants in DC that might still take a Valentine's Day reservation. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 2:03 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me name my Etsy shop for my crafts!

Help me name my Etsy shop for my crafts! I mostly make ribbon & fabric flower pins, needle-felted animals, and sew simple bags & purses. I need a clever little name for my humble Etsy shop; this name would also be used on labels for the items, and as a general identity for my crafting persona. [more inside]
posted by lychee at 1:57 PM PST - 22 comments

Something happens and I'm head over heels

MorbidCuriosityFilter: I just saw this on my friend's blog, which is an odd coincidence, because only the other day I was wondering: How many people have jumped or fallen off of the spiral walkway at the Guggenheim Museum in NYC? [more inside]
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 1:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Hands are either cold/dry or warm/sweaty. How can I get dry/warm?

Maybe its because I have poor circulation, maybe it's because of something else, but my hands are often cold to the touch. They're also often dry, or other times just very sweaty and moist (when warm). How can I find a happy medium where I can have dry yet warm hands? I'm not sure of the cause, but if it is poor circulation to my extremities, how can I improve this naturally?
posted by Vexir at 1:17 PM PST - 12 comments

My Girlfriend Wants To Go Back To School For Design...and I'm a lousy guidance counselor.

So my girlfriend wants to get into a design field and go back to school for it. What's the fastest and most affordable way for that happen in a meaningful way? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 1:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Rental House Headaches

Can my landlord require that I mail rent checks to a USPS Post Office Box instead of delivering them in person or sending them Certified Mail with Signature Confirmation? [more inside]
posted by ElDiabloConQueso at 12:49 PM PST - 27 comments

Cartoon soundtrack billionaire?

Billionaire who made his money with cartoon soundtracks? [more inside]
posted by zeikka at 12:47 PM PST - 2 comments

What happens to bone fragments left in the body?

What would become of my spinous process if it broke off? The doctor told me it would eventually dissolve inside my body but I hear about people needing surgery to remove bone fragments so I wonder if it could still be there contributing to my pain 10 years later. [more inside]
posted by dino terror at 12:46 PM PST - 6 comments

We got wars going down in the middle western states, kevlar vests against the crystal flakes.

I want raw, dingy music about shady characters navigating the dark corners of American society. [more inside]
posted by clearly at 12:36 PM PST - 71 comments

Cardboard to plastic

What's the best way of turning a cardboard art project model into plastic? [more inside]
posted by devnull at 12:14 PM PST - 4 comments

Could I ever wear this outside an SCA event?

Could a young man ever wear this cape outside an SCA event? I have a mild fascination with winter outerwear and I've wanted a cloak for a long time, but they cost more than I can afford for a toy. Between the hood, the length, and the woollen material, I think I could actually wear this as functional garment, but, as a matter of mores and fashion, would I ever get away with it?
posted by d. z. wang at 12:09 PM PST - 108 comments

Better lighting for photographing machine tools

I need to take better pictures in my home machine shop. I have a decent camera (Nikon L100) but my workshop lighting is poor (mostly florescent lights) and my camera's flash is too directional and too harsh. I think I need to invest in a small umbrella light but I'm not sure and I could use some advice, including what to buy. I take a lot of close-ups, I don't have a lot of room to work in and I'd like to work with a continuous light rather than flash. The photos are for my blog.
posted by 14580 at 11:58 AM PST - 11 comments

What do athletes put under braces (tennis elbow brace) to prevent them from slipping?

What do athletes put under braces (tennis elbow brace) to prevent them from slipping? [more inside]
posted by GleepGlop at 11:55 AM PST - 2 comments

RAID Madness! (Well not really)

Please help me get my RAID 5 disks organized. I have two RAID 5 arrays that I feel I could make better use of. [more inside]
posted by santaliqueur at 11:54 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me document my big day for cheap!

Help me document my new england wedding for cheap! See details inside. [more inside]
posted by tessalations999 at 11:54 AM PST - 9 comments

How should I address the RAID problem on my new computer?

I recently bought a computer with two drives in RAID 1 configuration. After a couple of weeks, I started recieving the message "RAID 1 LD 1 goes critical." [more inside]
posted by nequalsone at 11:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Where should I watch the Superbowl in Milwaukee (Mayfair mall area)?

Where should I watch the Superbowl in Milwaukee (Mayfair mall area)? [more inside]
posted by alygator at 11:12 AM PST - 8 comments

How do I prep for a talkshow?

What resources are useful for prepping a webshow? [more inside]
posted by IzzeYum at 11:11 AM PST - 4 comments

Recommend instrumental Renaissance music to me

Please recommend to me more music like this track by Thomas Tallis, performed by The King's Noyse. I'm finding it a little tricky to find entire albums by this Consort or that Ensemble that are exclusively instrumental. What I'm looking for is: 1) Instrumental, without vocals; 2) 16th century-ish; 3) similar, not-too-lively tempo; 4) Available from Amazon mp3 or iTunes. [more inside]
posted by everichon at 10:19 AM PST - 6 comments

Be vewy vewy quiet, I'm hunting wabbits

My girlfriend asked me to purchase a rabbit vibrator for valentines day gift. What rabbit vibrator should I get her? NSFW [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:14 AM PST - 14 comments

Repackaged images

Help me find where (or if) people have talked about the practice, seen on tumblr and in wider visual blog culture, of completely forgoing citation when posting other people's visual work. [more inside]
posted by theefixedstars at 10:04 AM PST - 6 comments

I just want to go to sleep, dammit!

How can I make the best out of an upcoming meeting between myself, my landlord, and my noisy downstairs neighbors? [more inside]
posted by valkyryn at 9:57 AM PST - 42 comments

Retirement Should Not Be This Hard

Please help me help my mother's retirement crisis from across the country. [more inside]
posted by haplesschild at 9:55 AM PST - 6 comments

Part Time Job in Boston?

I would like to pick up a second job. I've got a salaried 9-5 job and would like to earn some extra cash.. but I'm not sure where to look. [more inside]
posted by pwally at 9:54 AM PST - 14 comments

What are these Wild Card women dancing to?

Can anyone help me identify the song used in this tribal bellydance performance? [more inside]
posted by Suimeikai at 9:41 AM PST - 4 comments

veteran players and team performance

Does this paper topic sound interesting? Looking at the effect of veteran players on team performance in baseball. [more inside]
posted by forsukssake at 9:31 AM PST - 20 comments

Good fences make good neighbors?

What are my obligations as a neighbor with a shared driveway? I really don't want to be a special snowflake. [more inside]
posted by mearls at 9:28 AM PST - 17 comments

looking for children's book about dolls

Looking for a children's book about a girl with six dolls... [more inside]
posted by SymphonyNumberNine at 9:17 AM PST - 2 comments

Days to recharge?

"Mental Health" days? Is this a proper use of sick days? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:14 AM PST - 40 comments

How to contact a newly-discovered half-sibling?

How should I go about contacting my half-sister whom I've never met? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:14 AM PST - 5 comments

Can you recommend an adult ADD doc in DC?

ADD/ADHD adult treatment recommendation in Washington DC. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:12 AM PST - 2 comments

how to make a digital photo look like exposures or film

easy formatting photos on the pc to get the lomography effect with the film-like holes on the top ad bottom of a photo. [more inside]
posted by femmme at 8:55 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me find a good PR media monitoring service

Currently my office, a media relations outfit, uses a news monitoring service called Meltwater News. I have found the interface clunky, slow, and we have consistently had problems with the newsletter feature. Any suggestions for a replacement? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 8:54 AM PST - 3 comments

Books like 'Unbroken'

If you've read Laura Hillenbrand's, 'Unbroken' what other books would you recommend for a 16 year old who loved it? [more inside]
posted by nnk at 8:51 AM PST - 7 comments

What can we do outside in the American Southwest in March?

Spring break in the desert southwest (definitely Death Valley and probably some combination of Bryce/Zion/Grand Canyon and environs, or whatever else we discover is awesome)- what should we do and how should we budget our time? [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 8:22 AM PST - 13 comments

An Apple Store with Exposed Brick?

What cities have successfully integrated the yuppie lifestyle with the historic urban core? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 7:51 AM PST - 82 comments

I don't even like long drives, so how can I make it easiest for her?

Bringing our new puppy home this weekend-- she's a 10-week old Husky (and a little bit Malamute). The drive home is going to be long (10 hours-- we live in a really remote location) and I'm looking for some tips to make her as comfortable as possible. [more inside]
posted by mireille at 7:30 AM PST - 15 comments

There's a mobile site for that.

Smartphone apps - what's the fuss all about? Why use them? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 6:42 AM PST - 33 comments

Tumblr 'likes' via RSS

I want my tumblr 'likes' to be readable via RSS. Tumblr does allow you to export your data (including 'likes') by xml or json via their API. Unfortunately I have no clue how to get started and would appreciate any help. Thanks.
posted by nam3d at 6:22 AM PST - 4 comments

Can a (possibly stray) cat make my dog sick?

Can a (possibly stray) cat make my dog sick? [more inside]
posted by geeky at 5:33 AM PST - 8 comments

Give me examples of web services that make something happen in the physical world

Give me examples of web services that make something happen in the physical world (e.g. send a letter, make a phone call) [more inside]
posted by primer_dimer at 3:35 AM PST - 29 comments

Do things get spoilt?

Is "gets spoilt" proper English? [more inside]
posted by pick_the_flowers at 2:39 AM PST - 18 comments

Advice Needed!

Advice needed!: Hi everyone, thanks to a friend letting me use her account. I'm a 25year old college graduate currently returning to school to do undergraduate prereqs to go into medicine. I live in Arizona and have a pretty serious situation. I've been pounding the pavement looking for work, part time or full time for over a year now, tailoring my resume for each application I make out. [more inside]
posted by Alias Unknown at 1:05 AM PST - 18 comments

Underground tour and Theo factory tour, really?

How do I entertain two Texan friends over a long weekend in cold, dreary Seattle (and vicinity)? [more inside]
posted by halogen at 12:31 AM PST - 24 comments

February 3

Long-Johns just don't cut it.

I bundle up with jackets, sweaters, and scarves during the Winter, but my legs are always cold under my jeans. I've bought two kinds of thermal pants. One doesn't do much, the other makes me colder. [more inside]
posted by brenton at 10:38 PM PST - 43 comments

Could this design be a stylized cross?

Do you think this design would be perceived as a stylized Christian cross? [more inside]
posted by sparrows at 10:24 PM PST - 54 comments

Whats up with my yogurt?

I'm making my own Greek yogurt. Its worked well before, so why is it so thin now? [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 9:50 PM PST - 12 comments

The car, it is hot in the wrong place

My temp gauge suddenly went to the max and the heater died. I was a couple miles from home (downhill) so I limped home. No water leaking from anywhere. I assume this is coincidence (??), but I very recently had the serpentine belt replaced. In recent days, the car's been a bit stumbly at low RPMs, maybe a bit more in the last couple days. It's a 2000 Crown Victoria (police model), 4.6 V-8. Water pump? Thermostat? Thanks for any thoughts you have to share.
posted by ambient2 at 9:42 PM PST - 10 comments

I need a necklace that I can hang a ring from that looks nice and not trashy. Help me find it!

Where can I find my SO a nice necklace chain to hang a ring from? [more inside]
posted by mister-m at 9:08 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me add truthiness to this fictional anecdote involving the military.

I want to write a short, not-very-detailed fictional anecdote about a soldier who gets separated from his unit during a (short) firefight and winds up lost for a few minutes in a Middle-Eastern city, before his fellows find him. This will be just a few paragraphs in a larger story. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 9:05 PM PST - 8 comments

Tortilla baby, you are messing with my lung feng shui!

I was starting to get a pretty nasty cough from my SO. My tonsils are HUGE on a normal day, but when I get throat-sick, they swell up and sometimes bleed. Great! To complicate matters, I was eating the smaller bits of a bag of tortilla chips and accidentally inhale a piece or two. I nearly choked, and I could not cough up the piece(s). Now I'm having (what I think are) lung spasms every 30 secs to 5 minutes, and it's freaking me out and causing some serious pain. [more inside]
posted by two lights above the sea at 9:00 PM PST - 29 comments

America-India Relations

Sparks are flying between myself and a workmate/friend from India. Help me get my head around the cultural aspect of this. [more inside]
posted by dogcat at 8:34 PM PST - 13 comments

Art

Young art lover. I want to buy more art. How should I proceed without offending anyone and also having good taste?? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:07 PM PST - 9 comments

When can I take a pregnancy test?

Clueless and confused: when can I take a pregnancy test? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:06 PM PST - 17 comments

Bizarre Foods

I finally tried balut! I don't think I'll be trying that again, but I'm so thrilled that I could get past the gross (for me) factor and actually think about the taste and texture... So, what's next, and available in grocery stores or preferably restaurants near San Mateo, CA?
posted by hammurderer at 7:45 PM PST - 20 comments

U-nanny-muss

Help me understand unanimous consent (In the US Senate) [more inside]
posted by orville sash at 7:27 PM PST - 4 comments

How to safely remove monster icicle

Giant icicle mass on a wire and over a walkway: how do I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by Signed Sealed Delivered at 7:23 PM PST - 20 comments

Something special for my special someone

Valentine's Day gift: what to give someone who has almost everything? [more inside]
posted by cp311 at 6:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Dude, you're totally harshing my network connection.

I feel like a dick asking this, but is there any way to tell if my neighbors are throttling our shared internet connection with downloads? And if they are, is there any way to partition the connection so my connection's not affected? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:24 PM PST - 24 comments

Help me find an economical laptop!

My Macbook died and I'd like to get a new Windows laptop. I'm a bit overwhelmed. I'm looking for an economical laptop, mainly for basic computer work and some image editing (with gimp). Help! [more inside]
posted by bittermensch at 6:08 PM PST - 10 comments

It's 17 o'clock somewhere -- I just wish that wasn't here

My alarm clock/iPod dock has decided to display 24-hour time, and I'm really much more at home in the 12-hour format. (I may have desperately hit a lot of buttons when it was beeping...) [more inside]
posted by cranberry_nut at 6:07 PM PST - 4 comments

Big Head Hat Yet Again

The other day I lost my black acrylic/wool Nautica knit beanie-style hat. I lost it in a train station, so I don't expect to ever find it again (the station staff had not seen it). Help me find one like it! [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 5:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Old TV Commercial Filter: "Bluuuuueberry! Straaaawberry!"

Old TV Commercial Filter: A man walks around an orchard (or somewhere) with a pack of stuff shouting "Blueberry! (or Blueberries!), Strawberry! (or Strawberries!)" in a sing-song voice. Possibly for Smuckers? What was this an ad for and can I find it on the internet?
posted by Temeraria at 5:08 PM PST - 9 comments

American Revolution Rock?

OK, so for a history project, looking for (modern rock/pop) songs that would be relevant to the American Revolutionary War, in the same kind of vein that "Run to the Hills" by Iron Maiden is about the American-Indian conflict. [more inside]
posted by rich at 4:52 PM PST - 17 comments

What is the best way to seal a hole through stucco?

What is the preferred way to waterproof/seal a hole through stucco for the purposes of mounting lighting and the like? [more inside]
posted by RikiTikiTavi at 4:47 PM PST - 3 comments

My godfather has offered me a partnerhip, help!

My godfather has offered me a job in his company. I am unsure what to do and need help! [more inside]
posted by mikeanegus at 4:43 PM PST - 9 comments

Twin Cities Olives without the Garden

Is there a restaurant in the Twin Cities metro that serves up awesome olives? [more inside]
posted by soelo at 4:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Please help me make chili hot chocolate!

Please help me make some delicious chili hot chocolate! [more inside]
posted by Pademelon at 4:25 PM PST - 12 comments

Cool storylines involving Eberron's industries/politics/economic disparities?

Eberron veterans! Help a DM (new to Eberron, not to DMing) out. I'm looking for intriguing plot hooks that specifically exploit two of the setting's distinctive characteristics: the treatment of magic as everyday technology, and the huge rich/poor gap (i.e., the extent to which the dragonmarked houses dominate). Share your stories, unused campaign hooks, or idle musings. Our preferred focus is role-playing, not roll-playing. [more inside]
posted by AugieAugustus at 4:23 PM PST - 5 comments

What do you do with a baby who's interactive but pre-crawling?

I never feel quite sure about how my 5 month-old daughter should be spending her awake time. I'm looking for parents to chime in on what's normal and appropriate in terms of both quality and quantity. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 4:07 PM PST - 54 comments

How to segment the market for services by lawyers in a region?

Where can I find accessible market research on the American legal services market by practice area within certain markets, regions, states, or cities? In particular, have studies been done on the size of legal markets by city or region? [more inside]
posted by jackfruit at 3:57 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me find a quote about a bad dad from tv/movies?

Sorry for the fuzzy details... I'm trying to find the source / remember a quote. It was a story told by a character about when they were a kid. They had been riding their bike, got hurt and was hiding between two cars. The dad finds the kid eventually and doesn't know what to do with the crying child... so he bends down and smacks the kid.
posted by slactoid at 3:17 PM PST - 4 comments

I just want my name back, particularly since I never changed it in the first place.

I never changed my name after I got married, but I signed my name with my husband's last name on several legal documents. Now we're getting divorced, and my lawyer tells me that I have to request in my MDA that my name be restored to my maiden name. I live in Tennessee. Help me understand this please! [more inside]
posted by mudlark at 3:07 PM PST - 19 comments

Have you been to Beirut?

Should I go to Lebanon in April? What do I need to know if I go? I have a chance to attend a conference there, and need to decide quickly if I'm going, and if so, how long I want to spend there and if I want to go anywhere else in the area. [more inside]
posted by gingerbeer at 3:03 PM PST - 14 comments

Advice on primitive text recognition to beat Yahoo! Text Twist?

Dear Hive, please give me pointers on making a text-recognition algorithm in Java for a program that wins at Yahoo! TextTwist. [more inside]
posted by JamesJD at 2:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Movies and books to expand vocabulary

In what English movies or books would I most likely be exposed to new words? Any genre and time-period.
posted by keith0718 at 2:28 PM PST - 34 comments

I'm over 30 and lost...what am I doing wrong?

I'm 33 years old. I obtained my BA in English from a respected college in 2001. Since then I have worked in nonprofits, retail, education, and in an administrative capacity. I have never made more than 32,000 a year. Currently I make 12/hour in NYC metro area as a temp, doing data entry. All of my previous jobs lead to nothing...the one promising job fell apart because I was suffering from major depression at the time and I quit so that I could be hospitalized. [more inside]
posted by urania at 2:25 PM PST - 27 comments

How to convert videotapes to digital video?

What is the cheapest and easiest way of taking 10 videotapes and turning them into digital video on my computer? Note: I do not own a VCR.
posted by joshuamcginnis at 2:20 PM PST - 10 comments

MLB home run leaders on April 29, 2003

How can I find out who the MLB home run leaders were on April 29, 2003?
posted by mikeand1 at 2:16 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm being evicted and need fast advice.

I'm being evicted and need fast advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:59 PM PST - 37 comments

Consumer bennies are only good for the consumer if you are a good consumer.

Who offers a credit card without rewards? [more inside]
posted by 10ch at 1:33 PM PST - 17 comments

Cheapest phone with wifi tethering.

I'm looking for the cheapest, unlocked GSM phone that will let me wifi tether to my locked iPhone so I don't have to pay the obscene AT&T roaming charges outside the US. [more inside]
posted by birdherder at 1:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Do usb and firewire outlets exist?

Can I set up usb connections, dvd/cd drives, and other computer stuff in separate rooms? Do usb and firewire, and dvd/cd drive outlets exist that can be mounted in wall-boxes? [more inside]
posted by Tchad at 1:01 PM PST - 11 comments

French Pronunciation

French pronunciation: Schwa at the end of words that end in consonant plus final 'e'? [more inside]
posted by Paquda at 12:18 PM PST - 15 comments

Quick and dirty cassette to mp3?

Best Windows free/shareware software for recording analog cassettes to mp3? [more inside]
posted by werkzeuger at 12:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Please Kindle my Blog Reading

I am the proud owner of a new Kindle 3, and am already loving the many things it does, including the early AM delivery of the NYT to it every day. So now I'm eying the blogs that can be e-delivered to te device too. Which, if any, does the hive mind recommend?
posted by bearwife at 12:17 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me get my VS2008 "go To Definition" back!?

"Go To Definition" Greyed out in VS2008...help get it back?! [more inside]
posted by gnomicPerfect at 11:49 AM PST - 8 comments

How to deal with a relationship gone wrong at work?

Where do I turn now that things have gone disastrous at work? [more inside]
posted by nurgle at 11:30 AM PST - 17 comments

Want to print my very own chapbook, is there a freeware printing app for the occasion?

Want to print my very own chapbook, is there a freeware printing app for the occasion? Am using an ancient version of Word, so it needs to be standalone if possible - on and it needs also to be smallish - like paperback size. Any leads, help and suggestions, please list them. Thank you!
posted by watercarrier at 11:26 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me choose my next keyboard

Recommend me a new keyboard (/mouse combo) for my PC [more inside]
posted by quaisi at 11:18 AM PST - 7 comments

The spouse and the house

How to deal with the guilt of leaving a spouse with a house they can't afford? [more inside]
posted by catfood at 11:04 AM PST - 42 comments

Looking for a song that goes ding

I heard a song in a bookstore today. I went and asked at the counter but it was playing off a mix-cd an employee had left in the store a while ago. There was no information on the cd. The song had minimal instrumentation, the most distinctive part of it was a high-pitched 'ding' sound, higher pitched than a triangle. It was a duet, I could barely make out what I think was a woman singing. The lyrics I remember from the louder, male voice were something about "the palm of my hand" (or "your hand") and the word "no" repeated. Anyone know what song this is?
posted by Kattullus at 10:53 AM PST - 21 comments

I see your shotgun and I raise you a zombie creeper.

The girlfriend and I are going to Hawaii in a few weeks and have a 10 hour flight. I'm looking for a fun, nerdy card game to bring with us to kill some of that time, something that would be fun for two people. We both like the Fluxx variants, but they tend to spread out which seems inconvenient for the plane. Also probably things that require shouting or slapping (a la Spoons) would be bad. Bonus points if it's readily available at The Compleat Strategist in NYC.
posted by edbles at 10:24 AM PST - 31 comments

Help my friend wear David Ruffin's glasses?

Can you help me identify these glasses, like David Ruffin used to wear? Or, failing that, lead me towards some decent replicas/lookalikes? [more inside]
posted by penduluum at 10:21 AM PST - 7 comments

sous vide suggestions

I now can SOUS VIDE. What should I SOUS VIDE? [more inside]
posted by AceRock at 10:19 AM PST - 11 comments

I need book learning for Ubuntu LTSP

I have searched the web, the AskMe mind, and asked a couple of local LTSP experts about a good, printed resource that will take me step by step through setting up an Ubuntu server and eight to ten clients. I know where to find most if not all the install info online, which is where most experts have pointed me, but my mind works better if can can see it in a book. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by beelzbubba at 10:04 AM PST - 3 comments

How warm are Hudson Bay point blankets?

I'm considering buying a Hudson Bay Point blanket (4 point, full/double size) but how warm would it actually keep me? [more inside]
posted by Joey Joe Joe Junior Shabadoo at 10:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Jalopnik alternatives?

What are some fun car blogs? [more inside]
posted by Tom-B at 9:45 AM PST - 17 comments

Eureka! Or not.

Help me learn how to read and watch movies critically/more deeply. [more inside]
posted by elder18 at 9:42 AM PST - 25 comments

Help me understand the current political situation in Egypt.

Help me understand the current political situation in Egypt. [more inside]
posted by iftheaccidentwill at 9:25 AM PST - 23 comments

Printing company recommendations for food packaging labels

I'm looking to have a small run (a few hundred) of labels printed for a food package. This package is a frozen plastic bag with one flat side that has room for a sticker about 2 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches. We would like to get the labels printed and then hand apply them ourselves. [more inside]
posted by solmyjuice at 9:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Person with possible cognitive disabilities keeps calling me, may need help

A person that possibly needs help keeps calling me asking for his parents, likely has cognitive disabilities. [more inside]
posted by jasonhong at 8:50 AM PST - 8 comments

Is 10,000 texts a month crazy?

Looking at my phone bill, I see my daughter, 18, is averaging over 10,000 texts/mo over the past five months. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:46 AM PST - 75 comments

Who is Hipolito M. Wiseman?

Who is Hipolito M. Wiseman, and why is he leaving all those spam comments? [more inside]
posted by Horace Rumpole at 8:46 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I turn Gmail into a database?

Is there a way to turn my Gmail account into a database? I have tons of valuable information in my 15 gigabytes Gmail box...can you recommend exciting ways of extracting it? [more inside]
posted by skylar at 8:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Optimizing an external hard drive

Let's say I want to buy a new external hard drive. I can pick a case with a particular interface (USB2/USB3/FW400/FW800/eSATA) and a mechanism with certain performance characteristics (RPM, latency, transfer rate, etc). Is there a straightforward heuristic that will tell me "if you're using interface X, don't bother buying a mechanism faster than Y."? [more inside]
posted by adamrice at 8:13 AM PST - 3 comments

Help! I'm Alive.

My mind is a very dark place at the moment. Please help me find the light switch? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:02 AM PST - 22 comments

Hourly editing help?

Another "what do I charge" question, magazine editor edition. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:02 AM PST - 6 comments

Sparky woodstove

Strange woodstove question: Occasionally, there's a little shower of sparks that flies off the back surface of the stove. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by beagle at 7:48 AM PST - 5 comments

Fall back plans

What are some "different" things to do when my original plans fall through? [more inside]
posted by justkevin at 7:43 AM PST - 22 comments

What are some good sci-fi omnibuses?

Sci-fi omnibus recommendations? [more inside]
posted by GlassHeart at 6:47 AM PST - 14 comments

Should my art museum put some of our collection on Flickr?

I'm working on a proposal that the art museum where I work should put images of some of our collection onto our Flickr account. Are there downsides to this that I'm missing? [more inside]
posted by COBRA! at 6:45 AM PST - 13 comments

How can we get our cats to give us more love?

How do we get our two cats to love us more? [more inside]
posted by deeper red at 6:14 AM PST - 46 comments

Multi cultural childrens crafts?

I am looking for inexpensive, multicultural, childrens crafts to use with the summer reading program at our library. Any suggestions?
posted by haikuku at 6:09 AM PST - 10 comments

What's the current best-in-class calorie-tracking website?

What's the current best-in-class calorie-tracking website? [more inside]
posted by The Michael The at 6:05 AM PST - 16 comments

Why is shadowbox (in wordpress) redirecting people to the video page?

Shadowbox redirects people to the Vimeo page instead of just opening up in a...shadow box. Here's the page. The "promo video" is in the sidebar, under "The Busking Project Promo". Here's the code I'm using. [more inside]
posted by omnigut at 5:56 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me sell my antiques without getting ripped off!

How do I sell antiques and get a fair price? [more inside]
posted by brownrd at 5:10 AM PST - 11 comments

House-cooling advice for fraidy cats

It's really hot. I need to let the breeze through my house while minimising risk of invitin burglars. [more inside]
posted by 8k at 4:22 AM PST - 15 comments

repairing 5 year old macpro

when starting up my 5 year old macpro, grandprix flag style graphics have appeared. Could this be a warning of graphics card failure? it is not N vidia so will be costly. The hard drive also needs replacing so is it worth the gamble on such an old model?
posted by King_Wang at 2:05 AM PST - 2 comments

XBOX 360 setup help: Using a monitor & getting audio

I'm getting an XBOX 360 shortly, but I have a few questions about setting it up. For one, my television is very bad, so I'd like to use my computer monitor for it - should picking up a VGA cable be fine? Secondly, I'm not sure how the XBOX's audio ports are set up - can I just plug my headset with a standard headphone and microphone plug into it, or do I need adapters? [more inside]
posted by flatluigi at 12:53 AM PST - 11 comments

Portable running shoes

Portable (possibly fold-up) running shoes for a female? [more inside]
posted by metametababe at 12:19 AM PST - 18 comments

February 2

Can threats be privy to self-destruction?

Are there any examples from history in which a government has ended a "war" against a specific threat that has resulted in the self destruction of said threat? [more inside]
posted by AlliKat75 at 10:48 PM PST - 11 comments

Sun over the yardarm?

Is the sun over the yardarm earlier when one is closer to the equator?
posted by pompomtom at 10:33 PM PST - 14 comments

I want this to be a triumph.

Internet quest: I'm looking for video of a full playthrough of the game Portal, available to download. I want to be able to watch it like a movie. Google fails me. [more inside]
posted by threeturtles at 9:31 PM PST - 7 comments

German potty humor

Sauber? Sauber! Help me find this German toilet ad. It's been cracking me up for twenty years. [more inside]
posted by dmvs at 9:09 PM PST - 3 comments

OpenSourceMusicGeekProjectFilter question

I need some advice on how to build a database-driven site around an archive of ephemera (mostly flyers). Essentially, I want to build an online archive of scanned rave flyers from the Toronto-London-Detroit rave scenes (plus some Midwest US flyers). Here's what I have: [more inside]
posted by LMGM at 8:56 PM PST - 9 comments

Psychological Conditioning in the Real World

What are some practical ways to implement classical and operant conditioning in the real world to change people's behaviour? [more inside]
posted by Knigel at 8:50 PM PST - 23 comments

Game recommendations for a Monopoly-obsessed 5 year-old

What games, puzzles, and activities would you recommend for my almost 5 year-old son who is currently obsessed with Monopoly (real life version) and Plants vs Zombies (iOS)? [more inside]
posted by alms at 8:21 PM PST - 21 comments

What should I do on the Big Island?

I'm on my way to Hawaii. Looking for interesting things to do. Will be mostly around Kona and South Point, but have a car so the whole island will be accessible. Particularly interested in unique or somewhat physically demanding ideas. Prefer non-touristy, although I do plan to do a mantaray snorkel tour. Cost is not a major issue, I'm willing to pay up for things that are worth it. I was there and hit the major attractions last year (Volcano, Waipi'o Valley, various waterfalls, etc.) and don't need to repeat. The types of things I *would* like to repeat from last time are kayaking out with the humpbacks, and taking the trail down to Captain Cook's Cove. Thinking of trying some geocaching. Please submit your ideas and recommendations!
posted by LowellLarson at 8:09 PM PST - 8 comments

Can you name this movie for me?

Can you name this movie for me? The film is a romantic drama (or comedy?) where the basic premise was a boy and a girl who were friends and sort of are meant to be together but travel along their own paths for a while until, presumably, the end when they end up happily together. [more inside]
posted by christian at 8:04 PM PST - 4 comments

Where in the world is this weird traffic circle?

Where is this traffic circle? I saw it in one of those ambient videos of scenes from around the world, but I couldn't figure out where it was from. [more inside]
posted by albrecht at 7:55 PM PST - 9 comments

How to survive in Orlando

Almost to Orlando and I don't have a job, savings or a place to live- what now? [more inside]
posted by srbrunson at 7:33 PM PST - 21 comments

Keep it weird, my Gaelic friends

I need some Dublin pointers. I'll be there for a short stay, and since I'm going over on St. Patricks day (as well as my birthday), there will be no historical touring for me. So, I'd love to know about any unique Dublin sites (for instance the torture museum in Amsterdam), including any day trips - bonus points if any of these include drag queens! [more inside]
posted by Unred at 7:26 PM PST - 10 comments

What are my chances for landing a teaching job in the UK?

What are my chances for landing a teaching job in the UK if I have a related BA but little experience? [more inside]
posted by custardfairy at 7:25 PM PST - 9 comments

Oven cleaning = evil

Help me clean my gas oven. [more inside]
posted by Salieri at 7:13 PM PST - 7 comments

Failure + Redemption = Success?

Does my (big, big, big) failure from 4+ years ago preclude my getting into a good business school? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:08 PM PST - 14 comments

How to reboil the oil?

How can I safely reuse cooking oil? [more inside]
posted by ignignokt at 6:36 PM PST - 15 comments

Why am I so damn itchy?

What is making me itch... [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 6:34 PM PST - 43 comments

Is this connector readily available?

Is this electronic connector (pics: 1, 2, 3, 4) easily available, or is it a custom part? [more inside]
posted by scruss at 5:52 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I start having healthy relationships as a female introvert at college?

I'm a female eighteen-year-old in the middle of my freshman year at college. I've been having trouble making friends and meeting new people. [more inside]
posted by athenadanae at 5:18 PM PST - 36 comments

Facebook de la Majuscules

Why doesn't Facebook allow uncapitalized names? [more inside]
posted by sunshineunderground at 5:04 PM PST - 21 comments

what should I know about teaching?

Should I be a teacher? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 4:59 PM PST - 17 comments

looking for the perfect large desk mug

There's been a few great threads on travel mugs, but what I need is the perfect large desk mug. [more inside]
posted by TayBridge at 4:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Tisker, Tasker

Help me learn how to use Tasker effectively. [more inside]
posted by oflinkey at 4:39 PM PST - 5 comments

I bless the rains down in Africa.

My boyfriend will be in Sierra Leone this summer conducting research for his dissertation. He's looking for recommendations for satellite phone and/or internet service. [more inside]
posted by eunoia at 4:39 PM PST - 3 comments

Recording & Networking At An Academic Conference

Two questions about an academic conference: (1) voice recording at a distance and (2) networking at said conference as an undergrad. [more inside]
posted by SollosQ at 3:35 PM PST - 10 comments

Where do I set the Transfer Function in Adobe Photoshop CS5?

Where do I set the Transfer Function in Adobe Photoshop CS5? [more inside]
posted by cccorlew at 3:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Need to amend taxes for a three word change?

TaxFilter: Received a 1099-MISC after filing, but I reported the income on 1040 Line 21. Do I need to amend? [more inside]
posted by jeversol at 3:17 PM PST - 10 comments

Seasonal tasks in RTM

Can any of you Remember the Milk aficionados out there tell me how to create a seasonal task? I.e one that appears in my inbox on a specified day and disappears once completed until the same date next year. Repeat after next September 1?
posted by skidoom at 2:46 PM PST - 4 comments

Comes over one an absolute necessity to move

Recommendations for somewhere within a two-hour plane or train trip of London (not including time to get to LHR, LGW, LCY, KGX, etc.) for a three-day personal retreat. Ideally, self-catering or B&B. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by nickrussell at 2:36 PM PST - 4 comments

How Dry I'm Not

Help me get out of the pool: Strategies for post swim workout re-entry to the dry world. [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 2:23 PM PST - 23 comments

Name that pot

What did I just buy, stoneware edition. Another thrift store find. [more inside]
posted by WickedPissah at 2:18 PM PST - 6 comments

[job filter] How can I fight to keep a job that I love now that the higher-ups have decided that my girlfriend and I can't work together?

[job filter] Should I bother to / How can I fight to keep a job that I love now that the higher-ups have decided that my girlfriend and I can't work together? [more inside]
posted by sarastro at 2:03 PM PST - 26 comments

help- being foreclosed on

Help, I'm being foreclosed on... [more inside]
posted by TheBones at 1:58 PM PST - 9 comments

Has anyone used quizzle for free credit score and report? Are there any catches?

Has anyone used quizzle for free credit score and report? Are there any catches? [more inside]
posted by zaxour at 1:57 PM PST - 8 comments

Macro, Meso, ??, Micro, Nano

I need help with some terminology of scale. Is there a term for something on a scale between "meso" and "micro"? Alternatively, I'd be happy with something higher than "macro" or between "micro" and "nano" (but I'd rather avoid that one if possible). [more inside]
posted by Eumachia L F at 1:50 PM PST - 12 comments

Tunes in The Cloud

How can I listen to my music, anywhere? [more inside]
posted by bkudria at 1:41 PM PST - 12 comments

Wordpress Multisite Tools?

Is it just me, or is displaying cross-network data from a multisite installation of Wordpress bizarrely hard? Can you recommend some non-Wordpress solutions to overcome my hurdles? [more inside]
posted by crickets at 1:29 PM PST - 2 comments

When is a Vehicle Identity Check needed?

UK-Car-Insurance-Write-Off-Filter: My car was declared an insurance write-off after an accident. Since the accident it has passed an MOT, and has new road tax. Do I need to take it for a Vehicle Identity Check before driving it? [more inside]
posted by roofus at 1:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Devolving into chaos

How do I fix two audio recordings that should be in sync, but aren't? [more inside]
posted by monospace at 1:23 PM PST - 9 comments

Ballin

In basketball, why do west coast teams score more in general? NBA, NCAA, recreational - why is that? [more inside]
posted by cashman at 1:23 PM PST - 9 comments

...and don't forget to write!

Another gift-filter: our friend is moving back to China! [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 1:22 PM PST - 3 comments

one couch too many

My beloved is leaving her apartment in Oakland, which means getting rid of her couch. She arranged with a local thrift store to pick it up, but upon inspection they were unwilling to do so, citing "sun damage". Now she has only about 48 hours to get the couch out of her apartment and get rid of it. Any suggestions? Goodwill no longer does pick-ups. [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire at 1:17 PM PST - 20 comments

Cheating is apparently a virtue.

My husband recently told me he wants to be cuckolded. While I'm up for flirting and creative exaggeration to make him happy, actually having sex with someone else is not remotely an option for me. Unfortunately, it seems that anything less is not an option for him. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:55 PM PST - 47 comments

Does an artist need to get permission to sell art of famous people?

If I create an original piece of artwork based on a famous person and then sell prints, do I have to get that person's permission? [more inside]
posted by thebwit at 12:48 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I wipe a hard drive on an iMac with a dead display?

How do I wipe a hard drive on an iMac with a dead display? [more inside]
posted by frenetic at 12:36 PM PST - 6 comments

Slouching towards Wall Street

Career change time: help me leave my interesting job to become a finance drone! [more inside]
posted by oneaday at 12:14 PM PST - 10 comments

How to sell/recycle a used computer?

How do I easily rid myself of a busted Powerbook and still make a little bit of money back? [more inside]
posted by hangingbyathread at 11:53 AM PST - 14 comments

He's sensitive about his hair.

Long shot: my coworker in NYC saw someone carrying a pink umbrella the other day that had the words "don't look at my hair" printed in large letters on it. We want to buy one of these umbrellas for another coworker. Anyone know where we could find these in New York City?
posted by otolith at 11:49 AM PST - 0 comments

Not a *white handbag*!!!

What's inappropriate about wearing a white handbag to a job interview? [more inside]
posted by raspberry-ripple at 11:49 AM PST - 52 comments

What do you use to design an Apple?

I have a guest staying with me who suggests that Apple uses PCs and PC-based CAD software for doing the mechanical design of their products. I'm skeptical, and consult the mighty and infallible Oracle of Metafilter for first hand verification. Anyone know what they use... for real?
posted by FauxScot at 11:32 AM PST - 12 comments

Need quotes about lying and deception and ethics to convince a Mormon to do the right thing

Help me fight back against a swindler by appealing to his religious convictions. [more inside]
posted by vito90 at 11:20 AM PST - 21 comments

She's got feet like mountain peaks

Foot-filter: My feet are... tall? High-boned? Help me find a term for this, and maybe even some boots. [more inside]
posted by nicodine at 11:20 AM PST - 20 comments

An interesting story about a nobody

Writer anecdote filter. Who was the writer in this little story? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 11:17 AM PST - 7 comments

How to fight seasonal depression with online memes

How can we fight seasonal blues with a meme? [more inside]
posted by gusandrews at 10:50 AM PST - 16 comments

SFX in the US

What would be the American equivalent of SFX Magazine? What would be the major sources of science fiction and other genre media news, online and off, in the united states?
posted by Artw at 10:49 AM PST - 7 comments

Incapacity insurance claim denied due to lack of objective proof of chronic pain

About to have an incapacity insurance claim denied due to lack of objective proof of chronic pain in the UK. What are our options? [more inside]
posted by richb at 10:30 AM PST - 5 comments

comparing sentence structures to death

good web resources that compares english sentence structures to death? [more inside]
posted by figTree at 10:19 AM PST - 1 comment

Sweet Shots

As a hobby, my friends and I create alcoholic-infused cupcakes inspired by cocktails and shots. Friends, family members and relative strangers have been egging us on to start selling them. We've been reluctant to do so, for all the obvious reasons, but now we're considering a very, very small-scale word-of-mouth/online ordering business. What do we need to know in order to avoid getting sued, fined, or going bankrupt? [more inside]
posted by chara at 10:18 AM PST - 16 comments

When should I ask for a raise?

My company doesn't do yearly reviews so when should I ask for a raise? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:17 AM PST - 5 comments

Need easy low-carbohydrate meal and snack ideas

Those of you who keep your carbohydrate intake low: what are your go-to simple meals and snacks? Even better if it's easy to make ahead, to take to work, or to find when you're on the road. [more inside]
posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy at 10:17 AM PST - 35 comments

Frozen pipe: is the damage done?

Frozen water pipe: call a plumber or wait it out? I've tried all the ehow-type articles I can find online, but the spot where my pipe is frozen is not very easy to get at. [more inside]
posted by partylarry at 10:09 AM PST - 11 comments

Does law school make sense for me?

As a general proposition, law school is a losing investment. But I’m a specific proposition. Should I go to law school? Lengthly, probably annoying specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by alleycat01 at 10:04 AM PST - 47 comments

XML me

Is my dream of an XML file builder merely a dream? [more inside]
posted by wocka wocka wocka at 10:01 AM PST - 4 comments

We want some education, justice and some damn peace.

Good books on black Civil Rights activists, particularly the Black Panthers? Looking for you smart people to recommend well-written, engaging, thoughtful analysis of the struggle for racial justice in the U.S. for someone born in the 70's. [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick at 9:53 AM PST - 15 comments

Not not hungry

How have you successfully decreased or suppressed your appetite? [more inside]
posted by hellboundforcheddar at 9:48 AM PST - 63 comments

My lunch is nuking Sirius

Why would a microwave oven in the next room ( approx 15 ft from the antennae) kill my Sirius reception? [more inside]
posted by Gungho at 9:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Spectrum Lasso?

What is the spectrum lasso tool being used at 4:00 in this video?
posted by phrontist at 9:00 AM PST - 6 comments

How can I have more sex with my boyfriend?

I hope this isn't bratty, but I want to have more sex and I don't get why my boyfriend doesn't. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:53 AM PST - 31 comments

Is there anything in the Bible that can help one justify the estrangement of an abusive parent?

Is there anything in the Bible that can help one justify the estrangement of an abusive parent? I know that not speaking to my mother is the right thing to do, but what does the good book say? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:53 AM PST - 23 comments

Not breaking the law

I’m looking for an old, rare mp3. iTunes is a no-go. Help? [more inside]
posted by bhb at 8:44 AM PST - 12 comments

"portlandia" ... satire or not-so-much-satire-actually?

how accurate is the show "portlandia"? i get the satire part ... but that doesn't mean it's not spot on. [more inside]
posted by crankyrogalsky at 8:44 AM PST - 33 comments

computer game does not compute

Trying to remember the name of (and possibly get) an old DOS video game I used to play in the mid 1990s, and probably featured a woman as the lead character. [more inside]
posted by yonation at 8:41 AM PST - 2 comments

Caesarean preparation, gastroschisis and small babies

What should I be doing now to prepare for a c-section in approx. 10 weeks' time? And please share your experiences of having a baby with gastroschisis and/ or who is very small. [more inside]
posted by goo at 8:03 AM PST - 24 comments

Paris Cat Bar

In December 2002 I went to Paris and found a really strange, ramshackle little bar. Does it sound familiar to anyone? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 8:03 AM PST - 7 comments

Cherrying Shelves to Newcastle

I want to buy some Scandinavian modern furniture with a cherry finish, but it just doesn't seem to be available here in the northeast of England. Can I order it somewhere? [more inside]
posted by klausness at 7:55 AM PST - 11 comments

Can you recommend a headset that doesn't pick up ambient noise?

Is there a computer headset that has a very limited range of pickup to avoid ambient noise leaking into my Skype calls? [more inside]
posted by burnfirewalls at 7:10 AM PST - 7 comments

direct recording from digital piano to SD memory card

record live digital piano with sd memory card [more inside]
posted by gingercoffee at 7:03 AM PST - 4 comments

I bought myself a liarbird, things got more and more absurd.

(JobFilter): Help me work with a university career center. [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 6:41 AM PST - 2 comments

Oh no, not my EVO!

I broke my EVO, new one is on the way. What should I do to make the transition to the new phone as seamless as possible? [more inside]
posted by grrlaction at 6:05 AM PST - 1 comment

Help me make an online TV channel for user-submitted content a reality.

Attempting to create an online "television" for a massive online course that would rotate through content created by the course participants. Similar idea to betamaxmas but will probably include static visual content like Flickr feeds as well. Hoping to not have to build this completely from scratch but coming up blank on all searches. Read on for the dirty details [more inside]
posted by genial at 5:36 AM PST - 3 comments

Pittsburghers need Superbowl fix while in New Zealand

A few months back, I said to some friends "would't it be great to watch the Steelers in the Superbowl while we are on vacation in New Zealand?" I didn't really expect it to happen given we were losing to the Pat's at the time... now I need to figure out where to watch it. [more inside]
posted by buttercup at 4:52 AM PST - 8 comments

drummers complaining about tuning. lol.

Half remembered anecdote from a music class I took long ago: "A great German percussionist(?) travels to India in the 20's(?), and on returning says that the trip was a complete waste of time. Not only were the musicians always out of tune, but - most infuriatingly - they were always out of tune in exactly the same way!" Can anyone peg an attribution onto this story? [more inside]
posted by kaibutsu at 2:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Street view for library stacks

Inspired by this recent post on MF, wherein Google now offers us access to some of the great museums, can I set up some sort of home-grown 'street view' for library patrons to have a look through closed stacks? Would it be super tough to do?
posted by aesop at 2:10 AM PST - 4 comments

What is the scope of this category?

How broadly do we define technology in today's world? What do we understand it to refer to when using the word? What are the assumptions we are making? [more inside]
posted by infini at 2:08 AM PST - 8 comments

February 1

All worked up, and nothing to show for it

I'm getting worked up and freaked out about nothing, have you done this before, have any solutions? [more inside]
posted by chocolatemilkshakes at 10:09 PM PST - 22 comments

Note to self: try this in ten years

Has Google changed the structure of the web? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin at 9:56 PM PST - 10 comments

2 devices, 1 headset.

Is there any sort of headset I can get that I can use both with my PC and my 360? Bonus for wireless setups. [more inside]
posted by deezil at 9:43 PM PST - 2 comments

How to record youtube videos

Is there any way to record or download youtube videos for free using some software? Thanks.
posted by da_wump at 8:57 PM PST - 18 comments

Name this spider, please!

What is this spider? (1,2,3,4) [more inside]
posted by pemberkins at 8:46 PM PST - 14 comments

Daisy... Daisy...

Need help recovering data on a dying Macbook from Ubuntu [more inside]
posted by fishmasta at 8:08 PM PST - 9 comments

What sort of pro can help us manage inheritance across US and UK?

Unexpected inheritance of $100,000 - $150,000 complicated by move from the US to the UK in the next year. My wife and I have never dealt with financial matters beyond credit cards and a moderate paycheck before, who do we talk to in Los Angeles/Southern California to make sure we don't screw this up? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:58 PM PST - 18 comments

strange monitor distortion

Any idea what might be happening to my monitor? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 7:58 PM PST - 9 comments

Cheapest way to ship jewelry from India to US (Jaipur to Boston)?

Cheapest way to ship jewelry from India to the US (Jaipur to Boston)? [more inside]
posted by cotesdurhone at 7:33 PM PST - 1 comment

What should I bill for as a contractor?

I recently took on some hourly contract work. I'm running into some grey areas about what I should and should not be billing for. [more inside]
posted by Diplodocus at 7:21 PM PST - 17 comments

Can pregnancy hormones create sexual compulsion?

At what point does it go from typical pregnancy hormones to a physiological/psychological concern? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:00 PM PST - 14 comments

Mesh Networking on Wifi cards?

GeekFilter: Is it infeasible to wirelessly mesh/ad hoc network computers together a la MIT's Roofnet using integrated/inexpensive wireless cards instead of dedicated routers? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Is it 6pm or 6am?

Is this kind of time/day disorientation a normal sign of aging or should I be concerned? [more inside]
posted by IndigoRain at 6:50 PM PST - 13 comments

Please spoil Nier for me

I don't want to play this video game any more, but I want to know what happens. Where on the Internet can I find a plot summary of Nier? [more inside]
posted by aparrish at 6:02 PM PST - 9 comments

We're working together, alone, again --- no no no

How to deal with no-go work infatuation [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 PM PST - 30 comments

Catalog application(files,folders & media)

Catalog application: I'm looking for a lite or open source app, to Catalog all files,folders & media on my PC & Mac ,that can be saved in pdf. I can search , store on my PCs and Macs,so that when I create a backup volume, I can know what is on it. I have tried a few lite and open source apps, but dislike ones I tried ( PixDiskat 1.08 ,Media Catalog Studio Lite 5.9, MediaMonkey because it conflicts with itunes)
posted by pcmactech at 4:44 PM PST - 8 comments

How to keep a Room

I will have to be out of town for a few months. How can I persuade my landlord to keep my room at very small or no charge for four months until I come back? [more inside]
posted by easilyconfused at 4:03 PM PST - 16 comments

pout for me baby

photographer_filter: what do you say to make people at ease in front of the camera? [more inside]
posted by jak68 at 3:53 PM PST - 27 comments

What size is the average movie download in gb?

Netflix streaming movies - What kind of load should I expect on my service (in gb) for an average movie? I have Comcast and have a pretty healthy limit, but I don't want to start pushing it.
posted by lampshade at 3:32 PM PST - 14 comments

Best online flash card program for studying?

Best online flash card program for studying? [more inside]
posted by LaurenIpsum at 3:29 PM PST - 8 comments

Oh, Savannah!

My husband-to-be has suggested Savannah as a honeymoon location. He has a friend down there; we enjoy exploring and going to cool places and eating good food and being near the ocean. (Not sunbathing, just dunking our feet and hanging out, maybe riding a boat.) Tell me more, MeFites! [more inside]
posted by Madamina at 3:20 PM PST - 14 comments

Who will deliver a lot of food and drink in Pittsburgh?

I need to have a large quantity of drinks and snacks delivered to a hospital in Pittsburgh (for a non-profit). Usually when I do this kind of thing in NYC it is easy to use Fresh Direct, but I haven't had any luck finding a service in Pittsburgh that will take care of it for us. [more inside]
posted by telegraph at 3:13 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I (or do I) express anger/hurt to significant other?

How do I (or do I) express anger/hurt to significant other? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:10 PM PST - 17 comments

Spinning a yawn.

Why aren't yawns contagious to infants? [more inside]
posted by nasayre at 2:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Cloud based backup freeriders?

How do the economics of cloud based backup services work? [more inside]
posted by ChrisHartley at 2:53 PM PST - 16 comments

Sterling Hayden Films

I'm planning to draw a picture of Sterling Hayden everyday for the next month so I want to watch as many of his films as possible. I've seen Dr. Strangelove, The Godfather, The Long Goodbye, The Killing, and Asphalt Jungle. What are some other great Sterling Hayden performances?
posted by Chenko at 2:44 PM PST - 10 comments

What's the video for Bijelo Dugme's Đurđevdan about?

Bijelo Dugme's Đurđevdan - what's going on in the water ceremony? [more inside]
posted by zippy at 2:37 PM PST - 4 comments

Is it okay to widen the f-hole of a violin?

Is it okay to whittle a violin f-hole a sliver bigger to fit a rattlesnake rattle in there? Will I break my fiddle? [more inside]
posted by circle_b at 2:37 PM PST - 14 comments

Blackberry 9700 case

My 17-year old son is on his third Blackberry 9700 screen. At $130 a pop to repair it, it's getting rather expensive! Can anybody recommend a case, armour or force field that will protect it? He doesn't want a holster. [more inside]
posted by HarrysDad at 2:27 PM PST - 17 comments

How to get demographics on the New York State 10th Senatorial District?

Any idea where I could get semi-recent demographics on the New York State 10th Senatorial District? Got some on the the 10th Community District, but their boundaries don't, of course, match up. Thanks much.
posted by Football Bat at 2:14 PM PST - 3 comments

does it make sense to avoid canned tomatoes?

Am I being silly about BPA and tomato products? I have small children and am under the impression that I would do better to eliminate as much BPA as possible from our household diet. Am I doing any good by avoiding canned tomato products? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 2:03 PM PST - 13 comments

Good neighborhood near BART?

Where to live in San Francisco that is close to BART? [more inside]
posted by bajema at 1:49 PM PST - 28 comments

Excel 2003 Page Break/Print Area Q

Microsoft Excel 2003 Question: Can I manually set the Page Breaks in Page Break Preview, and THEN print the document so that each manually set page will fill the entire printed sheet of paper? [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 1:18 PM PST - 3 comments

I have the worst teeth you have probably ever seen. What can I do about this?

I have the worst teeth you have probably ever seen. Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:09 PM PST - 28 comments

Cut down a tree that is messing with my sewer line?

A mature sidewalk tree is growing through our sewer line and has already caused disgusting explosions of sewage. Yet the city says we can't cut it down. What can we do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:09 PM PST - 22 comments

I wish I could quit you, Mozy

I've been a faithful Mozy backups user for 3.5 years, but they changed their pricing structure such that it is no longer unlimited. Looking for new remote backup services. [more inside]
posted by sararah at 12:45 PM PST - 27 comments

What current video card will work in a six year old Mac Pro desktop system?

What video card currently available for sale could replace the dead ATI Radeon X1900 XT in my six year old Mac Pro tower? [more inside]
posted by Jamesonian at 12:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Professional boundaries for an adult education environment

I am seeking information (website/blog/journal article/etc) that will help me talk about the need for professional boundaries & role definition for staff working in an adult learning environment. Bonus points for info that talks about both the teacher-student relationship, and relationships within the staff team/whole organisation.
posted by MT at 12:37 PM PST - 1 comment

Help me write a short piece of copy for my website explaining photo calibration.

Help me write a short piece of copy for my website explaining photo calibration. [more inside]
posted by Thin Lizzy at 12:30 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I reuse a Query Builder query?

Is there any way to save a query in MS Office 2011's Query Builder that isn't tied to a specific spreadsheet? [more inside]
posted by mph at 12:08 PM PST - 0 comments

Decently priced Pilates studio?

I'm looking for a decent Pilates studio in NYC, that doesn't cost a billion dollars. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 11:44 AM PST - 2 comments

How can I become a professional computer literacy tutor?

Recently, I've found that I enjoy and am good at teaching people basic computer literacy and helping them with other technical issues. Is there any way I can turn this into a job in Austin? [more inside]
posted by xenophile at 11:37 AM PST - 7 comments

To register or not to register?

We're getting married! We're young and sort of poor, but so are most of our friends. Do we still get registered? What are the pros and cons? Married peoples, did you regret having a registry or not having one? What are the alternatives to traditional registries? [more inside]
posted by Hwaet at 11:25 AM PST - 66 comments

Who will train me?

[career filter] I am looking to start a third career and looking into medical lab technician. I am having a hard time finding programs in Atlanta, Ga believe it or not. [more inside]
posted by shaarog at 11:21 AM PST - 11 comments

Who is this "The Phantom" comic artist?

Help me identify a comic artist of an old "The Phantom" comic. I've got this old issue from my childhood, maybe the 70s or 80s. It's a spanish translation for the South American market by Editorial Novaro. [more inside]
posted by jgwong at 11:21 AM PST - 8 comments

What dance classes should a single 35 year old man take?

As a single 35 yr old guy living in Los Angeles, I want to take a dance class to meet people, improve posture, and gain self-confidence. I am totally clueless as to what style to learn. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Conductor71 at 11:18 AM PST - 17 comments

From cohabitation to nohabitation

I have lived with my boyfriend of 4 years for 2 of those years and now I am moving out. How can I make this transition smoothly? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 11:12 AM PST - 9 comments

All my life I've been good, but now, whoa oh oh oh oh I'm thinkig "What the hell!"

Help me get my gay groove back, or find it in the first place! [more inside]
posted by Ceci n'est pas un sockpuppet at 10:53 AM PST - 6 comments

The Science of the Music Keeping You On Hold

After sitting on hold with United for a few hours during this latest travelpocalypse, I've become deeply curious about the science of the music used when a caller is placed on hold. For example, at United, the hold music is "Rhapsody in Blue". Rather than being a lovely full recording of the piece, it is an incredibly scratchy partial recapitulation of the main theme that sounds as if it is being played on a phonograph. It skips, stops and starts, and sounds just terrible. But I found myself wondering, is the annoyance to keep the caller on edge? Are those sometimes looong skips and stops designed to keep me paying attention? While these observations come from United, I've noticed the same thing at other companies. Is there a real reason behind this?
posted by redbeard at 10:44 AM PST - 29 comments

Typing out the wrong words

I keep switching words out that sound alike or are similar in the number of letters as the word I was trying to type. Am I just typing faster then my brain thinks, or is something else going on? [more inside]
posted by royalsong at 10:38 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm just a shy introvert in need of a job

Networking - how long until I'm "one of the gang"? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Tape me out?

Best pocket camcorder for low lighting/garbage sound conditions? [more inside]
posted by SassHat at 10:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Pahk the police cah in Futurah Blahk

Does anyone know the history of Boston's use of Futura Black as its "official" municipal font? Examples inside. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 10:05 AM PST - 12 comments

Yes, Virginia, it is possible to know both Os Sertões and the financial leverage equation.

Does having more than one graduate degree really make you look bad on the job market, if they're not related? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:02 AM PST - 11 comments

I already saw Dogtooth and OMG, that was weird

I want to beat my friend in a race to see all (or as many as possible) of the Oscar nominees. [more inside]
posted by jenlovesponies at 10:00 AM PST - 11 comments

help me find the right wireless audio setup

Please help me pick wireless computer speakers. [more inside]
posted by subtle-t at 9:22 AM PST - 4 comments

Tree-style hyperlinks in Word?

I need to show/hide a separate list of hyperlinks that in turn can also be clicked on to show another list of subheadings or text. Like a tree, I guess? The problem: I have to do this in Word. [more inside]
posted by meesha at 9:05 AM PST - 6 comments

What is a DVD Plus?

We're getting a nuchal translucency tomorrow, and the doctor's office said that we can bring a "DVD Plus" (sic) to record the ultrasound. We have a call in to the doctor, but they haven't gotten back to us yet. Is a "DVD Plus" just a DVD R+, or is there some something else that goes by that name? [more inside]
posted by griseus at 9:00 AM PST - 5 comments

I am almost 20, gay and tired of being a virgin. Should I hook up online?

I am almost 20, gay and tired of being a virgin. Should I hook up online? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:59 AM PST - 20 comments

Should I continue to date while struggling with depression?

Should I date/continue to date someone while trying to deal with my depression? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:51 AM PST - 24 comments

So, I have delusions of being the next Derek Jeter...

I need a baseball/softball mitt and the last time I played was more than 20 years ago... [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 8:49 AM PST - 11 comments

Looking for Good, Drawable Discs

I would like to buy some blank CDs that are just white on top—completely blank, no brand or logo (it might be OK if it's very, very small) and with a surface that can be drawn on with permanent markers. Can you please recommend me a brand?
posted by interrobang at 8:44 AM PST - 9 comments

Stenosaurus

[Stenofilter] I know that stenotypes are useful for the transcription of speech, such as on-the-fly close-captioning, court reporting and similar. But is there any benefit in using a steno-type or other similar chorded keyboard for, say, writing your next novel? [more inside]
posted by ultrabuff at 8:40 AM PST - 8 comments

I have lots of pretty, old junk. Some of it needs to go.

I am looking to sell some "antique" items and I am not interested in doing so online, for various reasons. I am looking to sell them at one of the many "antique malls" in southeastern Pennsylvania and am looking for recommendations. [more inside]
posted by godshomemovies at 8:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Paris - iPhone, iPad questions

Two US families going to Paris for 8 days. Between us we have two iPhone 4s and one iPad. Would like to use data on the iPad and be able to keep in touch via our iPhones on a local network. Can we buy “pay as you go” sim cards for the phone and the iPad? Where and what would be the likely price?
posted by jjcurtis at 8:19 AM PST - 10 comments

Microwaved food safety question

Microwaved food safety question - help me argue with (or gracefully capitulate to) my hippie friends! [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 8:19 AM PST - 26 comments

drug bust examples

I am looking for an example of a drug bust for which the police uncovered a pattern of drug shipments not just uncovered one shipment. I am interested in looking at a pattern of drug transportation in which I can know approximately when drugs where delivered over a period of time. [more inside]
posted by bucksox at 8:19 AM PST - 2 comments

How do you properly "age" a new ball cap?

How do you properly "age" a new ball cap? [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 8:09 AM PST - 13 comments

Baby bulge

Help me brainstorm postpartum exercise! [more inside]
posted by amanda at 8:08 AM PST - 11 comments

What do I need to know about leaving my job on disability in the US?

What do I need to know about leaving my job on disability in the US? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:49 AM PST - 8 comments

Meow, Meow, How?

How do I help our newly adopted older cat to adjust to our other cats' dry-food diet? [more inside]
posted by mneekadon at 7:49 AM PST - 14 comments

An odd way to reimburse

Strange (to me) accounting practice for a work benefit. Is what my company doing legal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:48 AM PST - 18 comments

DAMNED STUPID TACO ALWAYS BREAKS APART WHEN I'M TRYING TO EAT IT

How do you prepare crunchy taco shells so they don't shatter after the first bite? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 7:26 AM PST - 19 comments

Google mispelled or knot

The story that "Google" was a typo for "Googol": repeated many times. Is it true or not? Have the Google founders ever commented? This is probably an old hoary question [insert hoary joke here] but I haven't found a reliable source/answer.
posted by cogneuro at 7:01 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me become a SAN expert

I need to quickly become an expert in SAN technology. [more inside]
posted by patrad at 6:56 AM PST - 4 comments

One of those, "but you don't look sick" situations.

How do I explain to people the aftermath of what is probably due to mono? People (family, cute girls) keep brushing off my physical symptoms when I try to concisely explain that, even though I'm infinitely better than I was a couple months ago, my energy fuel tank still empties suddenly and unpredictably, and then I feel awful, freezing, aching, dizzy, and extremely sick until I sleep it off? [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 6:54 AM PST - 16 comments

Help Teach My Comedy Class

Help create my Intro to Comedy Writing syllabus! I'm teaching a comedy writing class for teenagers this semester for the first time. What assignments/ readings/video/audio should I include? [more inside]
posted by enzymatic at 6:42 AM PST - 25 comments

To Market, to Market (Do you have a public one?)

Does your area have a public market? Please tell me about it. [more inside]
posted by librarianamy at 6:33 AM PST - 43 comments

Long distance writing courses

I'd like to take a long-distance writing course. It'd be particularly cool if it were about food writing or travel writing. Wondering if anyone here has experience with a particular course, ideally one that doesn't have fixed hours (in the case of a virtual classroom). Please share your experiences with me!
posted by saraindc at 6:12 AM PST - 5 comments

A better iPad audio scrubber?

I'm trying to find an ipad app that'll allow me to replay small, short sentences from a recorded screenplay. [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat at 6:03 AM PST - 5 comments

What can I do to deal with my boyfriend's bad memory?

My boyfriend has the worst memory I've ever encountered. Can we hack it? If not, what are my coping mechanisms? [more inside]
posted by pineappleheart at 5:46 AM PST - 53 comments

Safety tips without pop-ups/unders

Please recommend good websites and blogs about computer/internet/social media security issues, someplace where I can find out about the latest scams, phishing attempts, malware, etc. I don't really like Snopes, due to the pop-under ads (what is up with that, anyway?). Thank you.
posted by SillyShepherd at 5:43 AM PST - 4 comments

i'd like a universal usb power cable plz.

i'd like to make or buy a custom usb cable that takes different power adapter tips. [more inside]
posted by sammich at 3:04 AM PST - 21 comments

Florence Italy

Hey everyone, Going to Florence Italy in the end of March to early April. Anyone have any idea of the weather at that time? Also going alone so any advice on crucial things to take? Cheers
posted by mark25 at 1:26 AM PST - 8 comments