February 2013 Archives
February 28
Will the hospital let me keep my hip after it's replaced?
I realize this is an incredibly weird question. I'm having a total hip replacement, and I would like to keep the bones they take outta me. Is it possible the hospital will let me, or are there laws against this? I live in the U.S.
Providing care for a disabled woman without getting sued please!
I have the opportunity to work a 4-month part-time (approx. 26h/week) contract providing in-home support for a woman who is in the early stages of Parkinson's disease, starting next Friday. I have provided intimate care like this for a family member before, but have no professional experience otherwise in this field. What should I keep in mind in terms of covering my ass with respect to liability in the contract? [more inside]
Looking for a great travel camera.
Looking for a compacter-than-DSLR camera to take traveling for a couple of months. I really like my Nikon D90 for its low-light and manual capabilities, but I don't think I'll enjoy bringing it around with me the whole time. I really want a camera that can handle low light and takes good video, without being as bulky as an SLR. I think the NEX-6 satisfies these requirements pretty well. Do I want a NEX-6? Or something else? [more inside]
Need a tool for walking users through my website
The idea here is that I have a product for a specific niche (construction management), that is well designed and (I think) very intuitive. But the target users are not very savvy in terms of WHAT they should be doing. I need to walk them through various processes step by step. [more inside]
Tips for good restaurants in south Dallas?
I'm going on a first date tomorrow with a girl who likes Chinese and sea food. She lives in south Dallas, an area of Dallas I'm not too familiar with. Does anyone have any recommendations for good restaurants in the area? Extra info: max of around $25 for two people, we'll be going in the afternoon. Thanks!
posted by bookman117 at 11:04 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by bookman117 at 11:04 PM PST - 3 comments
Traveling with me, myself, and I
What should I know or consider before vacationing alone? [more inside]
Securing Various Electronics in the South Pacific
What would be the best ways to secure multiple laptops, smartphones, cameras (physically, and also to catch thieves) in a "rustic" foreign country... keeping in mind I need to fit everything in luggage or fashion it out of raw materials in country. [more inside]
Finding a job in marketing (digital) in CA (SF/Bay Area, San Jose etc)
What are the best resources/avenues/contract agencies to get hooked up with regarding getting a marketing job (digital/online) within the Bay Area (California). [more inside]
Hard drives of Aaron Swartz
According to The Economist, before Aaron Swartz died he expressed his desire that all the contents of his hard drives were made publicly available.
Are they available online anywhere? BitTorrent?
Where to start: Kingsley Amis and Alan Bennett
I was reading this week's NYRB when I came across this: “The talent for these sorts of small-bore social observations is peculiarly English—it kept Kingsley Amis in business for years, and still makes Alan Bennett’s diaries feel like required reading. Maybe it’s the bad weather. (All those hours trapped indoors, watching one another.) Or maybe it’s the literary side effect of a middle-class culture in which people are expected to be painfully self-conscious, clammy in their own skin, and alert to their own folly and deceptions, lest they be spotted first by others. Whatever the reason, the English really are just better at this sort of thing than anyone on the planet."
What books would you recommend to someone who has never read anything by these authors? (I'm not really interested in poetry.)
posted by jtothes at 7:31 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by jtothes at 7:31 PM PST - 14 comments
Short, simple videos of craftsmanship
I want to see more well-shot video of traditional crafts/trades-people who are excellent at what they do. Links? [more inside]
posted by pilibeen at 7:13 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by pilibeen at 7:13 PM PST - 29 comments
Another hotel question
Looking for family friendly hotel or airbnb flat for May in NYC, for visiting pals. [more inside]
Rent a sim card in Israel?
Can anyone recommend a good company in Israel from which we can rent a prepaid sim card? [more inside]
Help me figure out this very perplexing stomach bug
YANMD, and I understand that the internet cannot diagnose a medical issue. However, I am wondering if anyone has experienced the same symptoms in regards to a stomach bug, whether viral or bacteria. I am just trying to get some perspective on what my body is doing, and whether or not this seems in-line with something that will likely clear on its own. I'm not in severe pain, but will definitely see a doctor if things take a turn for the worse. I've had SEVERAL unhelpful, or frankly harmful, doctor visits in the past year, so I am (justifiably so) wanting to wade this out for a bit longer. [more inside]
Turn off Google Drive Preview "Feature"
Google Drive (formerly Google Docs) has just unveiled a new "feature," that makes Google Drive open most files in a "preview" mode when you click on them, instead of just opening the file for editing/saving/etc. I would like to turn this "feature" off so that my files actually open. How can I do this? [more inside]
is Writer's Market dot com worth the subscription cost?
I'm a freelance writer in the second year of my career, as well as a lifelong creative writer with several published works. I've done a lot of performing arts blogging and local news writing and I'd like to build on that and get into more paying work as well as increase my publication credits. I've been recommended to join Writer's Market. Have others had worthwhile experiences with the service? Also happy to hear about other options.
Thanks!
posted by letstrythis at 5:54 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by letstrythis at 5:54 PM PST - 5 comments
Reverting to Java 6 from Java 7 (Mac)
Asking for a friend:
There is an online grading platform that apparently only runs on Java 6, but he has a mid-year 2012 MacBook Pro unibody (13") and it came with Java 7 installed. He needs to be able to enter grades at home, which means he needs Java 6. Both of us are good with technology (and searched Google for information), but the links we found often referred to computers where Java 6 was installed, and then was replaced with Java 7. Help? [more inside]
posted by guster4lovers at 5:43 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by guster4lovers at 5:43 PM PST - 3 comments
Should I Ignore My Impersonator?
Someone is creating accounts using my name and work email address on offensive sites. Looking for guidance on what to do. [more inside]
Help me find this thermometer.
For many years I had a thermometer I bought in an outdoor store. It consisted of a glass mercury tube thermometer about 5 inches long with a metal top. The thermometer fit into a metal cylinder that acted as a carrying case and protection. The metal top had a hole so that the whole thing could be suspended by a cord into a stream or a lake, or hung from a tree. It measured from -40F to 120F. Alas, it's gone and I can't seem to find anything like it. Ideas? Thanks.
posted by Jackson at 5:35 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Jackson at 5:35 PM PST - 8 comments
Rollecoaster + Glasses
Is there a way to tell whether one can wear glasses on a rollercoaster, so that the glasses will not fall off midway through the ride? Is it a simple case of upside-down means don't-wear-glasses? (No, I am not talking about Google Glasses.)
posted by applesurf at 5:15 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by applesurf at 5:15 PM PST - 13 comments
Highly sensitive person — legit category or vanity diagnosis?
My therapist has suggested that the concept of a highly sensitive person might be a helpful way for me to frame my understanding of myself, but I am very torn. On the one hand I recognize myself in a lot of the description; on the other hand it feels like a very uncomfortable kind of "I am not awkward, I am special!" kind of thing. [more inside]
Tell us about cornbread
I am at a meetup in Boston at a German restaurant (Jacob Wirth) and we have been served cornbread as an appetizer, but none of the mefites present thinks of cornbread as a German food. Can anyone tell us if there is some Germanic cuisine connection we are missing here?
Hope us, please -- a half-dozen curious mefites are baffled.
posted by ricochet biscuit at 4:28 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ricochet biscuit at 4:28 PM PST - 12 comments
Lost in Death Valley
Driving from Vegas to Death Valley and back on a day trip. GPS or no GPS? [more inside]
posted by essexjan at 4:21 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by essexjan at 4:21 PM PST - 22 comments
Is continuing to sleep with an ex ever not a bad idea?
TL;DR: The guy I'm dating non-exclusively is still sleeping with his ex. I can't decide if this is a red flag or not. For the record, I have been the one insisting we keep things open. [more inside]
posted by krakenattack at 4:01 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by krakenattack at 4:01 PM PST - 36 comments
From garden to Eden
Is there a gardening tool that changed your life? Looking for a gardening-themed gift for a talented home gardener. The garden is suburban, mostly just plants and lots of flowers (no veggies or fruit trees). In S. California, if that helps. Alternately, which of your favorite gardening tools would you upgrade to a nicer one?
What's the mid Florida coast like for winter rentals?
We are looking for a way to get out of the cold for at least two months during the northeast winter and have been trying to figure out if its possible to rent a small ( one bedroom) place in the coast of Florida. But not near the hustle and bustle of Miami or Boca. We are looking for a laid back sleepy and affordable spot to be and stay warm during Feb/March, any ideas?
!Help us deal with this troublesome renter!
In British Columbia - my mother has a tenant that regularly withholds rent for non-essential repairs (shower heads, faucets) and then charges us exuberant amounts of money for service. My mother asked me to speak with her and I did. The tenant wants to take us to court now and I want to be prepared. How do I do this? [more inside]
What should a creative yet technical person study?
What kind of academic path (from the undergraduate level and beyond) prepares one for developing or working on interesting, innovative projects like Steve Mann's EyeTap (or Google Glass), or other cool interdisciplinary digital projects (e.g. medical cybernetics, space elevators, wearable computing, smart home devices)? [more inside]
The Calligraphic Representation of Muhammad's Name
Do you know the importance of the calligraphic representation of Muhammad's name in the Muslim world? [more inside]
posted by slowlikemolasses at 2:17 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by slowlikemolasses at 2:17 PM PST - 10 comments
Plastic surgeon vs Maxillofacial surgeon for stitches on the face
if you get a cut on your face that requires stitches and you go to the ER is it better to ask for a plastic surgeon or a maxillofacial to stitch you up? And is the hospital required to give you one if you ask for it?
How bad is that rumbling pipe?
I got a water softener and when it goes into recharge mode it drains all the water from my water heater. This happens about once a week and it causes the water heater to try and fill. Of course as there is no water being provided this just means it is sucking air. The pulling of air is so violent that it shakes the intake pipes and creates a thundering racket. [more inside]
posted by M Edward at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by M Edward at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments
Name This Synthesizer
Can anyone identify this pad synth? In my sample collection, I have a sample of a pad synth playing a chord. I would like to either find a VST or sample bank that will replicate this synth's sound. Here is a recording of the sample playing at C5, followed by a short chord progression.
Useful social network, or waste of time?
What is FacultyRow.com? [more inside]
How is interest that is calculated daily accrued on large loans?
Making student loan payments stirred this question. I am trying to figure out a few things, specifically surrounding 3-day loan payoffs, payments that are scheduled but not withdrawn immediately, and interest that accrues in the meantime. [more inside]
posted by occidental at 1:30 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by occidental at 1:30 PM PST - 7 comments
Give Fudge To A Diabetic?
My mother in law has traditionally made and taken big bags of fudge to her friends and family for the holidays. I was startled to learn that she continues to take gallon-sized bags of fudge to a family friend who is a diabetic. My husband sees nothing wrong with this. It shocked me that anyone would do that. Is it just me, am I over-reacting? [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:17 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by WalkerWestridge at 1:17 PM PST - 48 comments
A better word for 'most valuable customer'?
I'm looking for a better word or term of art for the most important customer of a company, in particular one that provides the most revenue. [more inside]
posted by heliostatic at 1:04 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by heliostatic at 1:04 PM PST - 22 comments
How do you talk to someone who interprets everything as an attack?
Help me Metafilter! I need cognitive and/or behavioral hacks to better deal with someone whose anxiety/self-esteem issues tend to make every conversation into a battle. [more inside]
Endocrinologist in DC area to treat subclinical hypothyroidism?
After asking this question, I am looking for a new doctor within an hour or so of the DC area who is willing to treat hypothyroidism with medications that aren't T4-only, and treat based on symptoms. [more inside]
posted by picapica at 12:24 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by picapica at 12:24 PM PST - 9 comments
Where to stay, what to do with kids in Denver.
My kids (ages 12, 9, and almost-6) and I will be in Denver for two days and one night this coming July. I am looking for advice about where to stay and what to do. [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 12:23 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by not that girl at 12:23 PM PST - 12 comments
Want to buy a twitter account from a complete stranger.
How to succesfully buy a twitter account from a faraway stranger? [more inside]
posted by signal at 12:14 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by signal at 12:14 PM PST - 3 comments
DIY Waterproof Toymaking
I want to make a floating castle for my kids to play with in the bath. How can I do this? [more inside]
posted by Doleful Creature at 12:09 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Doleful Creature at 12:09 PM PST - 10 comments
Dinner suggestions in Greenwich Village near the IFC Center?
Simple question this time around!
I’m searching for a quick, unique and especially delicious dinner in New York around The IFC Center.
The theater is located just off the A train’s West 4th stop in the village just blocks away from Washington Square Park, near parts of Bleeker street. We’ll have less than an hour before the film starts and want to try something tasty and unique. Also, cheap-ish is a plus!
posted by dr handsome at 11:36 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by dr handsome at 11:36 AM PST - 19 comments
What was your experience getting off the pill after many years on it?
A lot of people experience intense moods and emotions while their body transitions off the hormones. After that, some people notice that their personality has changed one way or the other for good.
I've real some studies that show hormonal birth control also has an effect on the kind of person you are attracted to when you are on it. Does this mean you might not be as attracted to the person you're already with?
What was your experience?
How dangerous are middle-of-the-night acid reflux attacks?
My partner's middle-of-the-night acid reflux attacks are scary for both of us because he wakes up unable to breathe due to aspirating acid, and he's worried that one night he might not wake up. How concerned do we need to be? [more inside]
What Southern goods should I bring back from Kentucky?
I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, and am flying back from New York for a short visit for the first time in a while. I've recently become really interested in Southern housewares and goods, like Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., and I was wondering - what things can I only get in the South that I should bring back North?
Investing with HSBC?
I recently read this question about the high cost of investing with HSBC and met with my investment advisor there to see if we can knock the fees down (unlike the poster of that question, I did not pay an initial fee.) Unfortunately, they can't, so I'm stuck paying 2.25% (that's all fees, total) annually if I stay with them. Here's the thing though: after fees, I got a ~10% gain on my investment 2012-2013 (so ~12.25% in total.) [more inside]
I want to help you with your pain but it makes my pain hurt, too.
I'm four months into a fairly intense relationship, and drama and mental health issues have reared their ugly heads. As someone who has had recent mental health problems of my own, I'm feeling a little shaky about the whole thing; can the hive mind give me another perspective? [more inside]
Annapolis in April: activities?
Looks like I'll have one day free in Annapolis (work trip) in early April. Anything cool to do? There are heaps of museums, any favorites? Anything doing on Chesapeake Bay that time of year?
Thanks in advance.
How can I make money from my casual photography?
I'm a photographer by hobby and by interest, but not for money. I'd like that to change, but just a bit. What are some good ways to sell my photos? [more inside]
Disagreement at work about best photography practices!
When shooting and preparing an image file for print, I've always tried to set things up so that the highlights are bright, the shadows are dark, and everything else is in the middle. At work, I've occasionally been told by my immediate superior that I'm overexposing my images, and that the highlight detail is, in their words, 'blown away'. Checking my files, the highlights in the images in question cut off around 245, sometimes as low as 240! Is there a reason why they'd want the highlights even greyer? [more inside]
I'm up and down on this whole roller coaster thing...
I'm about to go on a much needed vacation and am heading to California. While there, I'm planning on hitting the Disney parks and am contemplating experiencing my very first roller coaster. I also have problems with anxiety and nervousness. Is it possible for me to enjoy this (terrifying) experience? [more inside]
posted by BrianJ at 9:10 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by BrianJ at 9:10 AM PST - 27 comments
Fabulous Shoes for an Interview?
I have a very exciting interview Wednesday and realized that my footwear is completely not up to the task, because I normally select workaday shoes that I can walk miles in and don't care if they are destroyed. I need a work-fabulous (i.e., no open toed) celebratory pair of heels for a special occasion. [more inside]
posted by *s at 9:07 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by *s at 9:07 AM PST - 20 comments
Can I rent an apartment in NYC with this on the credit report?
I've paid my back taxes for New York State as of last year, but the judgment is still on my credit reports, although marked "paid". This is my only ding. Will landlords refuse to rent to me anyway? [more inside]
London Charging
Heading to London in the next two months, and am ignorant in the ways of electric converters and chargers, etc. Please help! [more inside]
How much of a faux pas is it to wear a backpack in business casual?
I am attending a two day long event at a graduate program in International Affairs in my local area. It is for students who have made it through the first round of admissions. Interviews and some other assessments will be conducted at this event, but there will be many opportunities for them to try to sell their graduate program to us. The event is this Friday and Saturday, and the dress code called for is simply business casual. For what it's worth, this program is in the South.
The problem is that since I am a local candidate, I will be biking to the event. I don't fancy biking in my dress shoes, and somehow carrying my leather portfolio along the way. I imagine I'll be bringing my backpack in order to switch out my shoes and carry my portfolio. How much of a faux pas do you imagine this might be?
Car Buying 101
I need a car. I'm poor. I've never bought a car before, and it's been a long time since anyone in my family has bought one. Need guidance. How do you buy a car? [more inside]
Mechanical Filter: Follow-up question: '93 del Sol won't start
A few weeks ago I asked this question. Consider this a follow-up question.
I have a 1993 Honda del Sol 5-speed Si that has a "mystery" problem of sometimes starting and sometimes not starting. It's always a cold-start problem. I put the key in the ignition, switch it to ON until the check engine light goes on, the fuel pump pressurizes, and the main relay clicks, and then crank it. Sometimes it will fire up right away. Other times the engine will turn over but not ignite. Once it is started, it will start up fine for the rest of the day. It only gives me trouble when the engine has gone completely cold and has been left untouched for upwards of four hours.
A new issue has developed since I first posted my question. Even after getting the car started, sometimes just a few minutes later during a sharp acceleration (approaching 4000rpms or more) the engine stalls out. I have to pull the car over and start it up again. It always starts up fine after that and will usually not stall out again. I had this issue looked at by several mechanics, most of whom hadn't the slightest clue what it was or willingness to investigate. The last mechanic I took it to said it was a faulty ignition switch and replaced it . . . but that has done no good whatsoever. Also, just FYI, the spark plugs are relatively new.
Any thoughts are appreciated!
posted by fignewton at 8:45 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by fignewton at 8:45 AM PST - 10 comments
Basic PowerPoint question re: speaker's notes
How does the speaker's notes function work in PowerPoint? [more inside]
posted by sardonyx at 8:44 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by sardonyx at 8:44 AM PST - 8 comments
Small Business Bath & Beauty
I love bath stuff (fizzies, melts, bubbles) & lotions & scented oils. I'm looking for small or independent sellers so I can discover more great stuff! [more inside]
posted by pointystick at 8:42 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by pointystick at 8:42 AM PST - 28 comments
Renting. It's freaking me out a little.
After years living in flatshares, MrMippy and I are moving in together. That part's fine - it's dealing with estate agencies and huge sums of cash that scares me. Help me calm down about it so I can think about how to furnish our flat in peace! (We are in London.) [more inside]
Dull bloated pain in my gut. What is happening?
You're not my doctor, but perhaps you can give me some insight into what is happening... [more inside]
Moral hazard thought experiment, furniture edition.
Can a hypothetical furniture buyer ethically keep this hypothetical dining table?
Say someone you know ordered a dining room table and chairs from a major furniture retailer (think Pottery Barn). The table was delivered by a third-party furniture delivery company and the chairs were sent, a week later, via UPS. Once it's all together, the buyer decides that it's not what he wants and calls the retailer to arrange a return.
"No problem," the customer service agent says. "Repackage the chairs and send them back via UPS. The third-party delivery company will contact you to arrange pickup of the table within five days."
Chairs go back the next day. Seven days elapse and no call from the delivery company. The buyer calls the retailer and explains the situation, and the customer service agent refunds the entire order price to the buyer's credit card and says that the third-party delivery company should call one of these days to arrange to pick up the table.
"What if they don't?" asks the buyer. "Well, you've received a full refund for the order," says the agent, "so you're not really responsible for the table anymore." [more inside]
Convert to another car?
Should I buy this car, or find another one? [more inside]
Suggestions for outdoorsy destinations in north-east of North America?
Partner and I are planning to visit family in Michigan (Lake Huron) & Philadelphia in August. Since we are going all that way (from London), we thought perhaps we should also try and do something just ourselves for say 4-7 days but have no ideas. Is there anything like "Grand Canyon" level must-see in that area? [more inside]
How can I locate pharmaceutical sales or use data for individual drugs?
I am hoping to locate present and historical sales or usage figures for various prescription drugs, and I am not sure where to start. I'm trying to use the data to get a sense of how many people were using a particular drug at different times; I just figured sales volume would be a good indication. For me, rough numbers would be fine.
Paying for the data may be an option (especially if it is not too expensive), but I was hoping to find some good free resources. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Market share data for different drugs in a particular class would be similarly useful, especially to the extent that I can also find overall sales or use volume for the overall drug class.
How difficult is it to open a liquor store in an ABC controlled state?
I recently moved to an affluent, food obsessed city and am surprised by the lack of a well-stocked liquor store downtown. There's a growing microdistillery movement throughout the state and many well established local craft beers. Appealing to tourists would be a hook, but with more than 150,000 residents (many of whom work in high-end restaurants) there is a sizable community to serve.
Similar music to the Heat soundtrack?
Asking for my husband: I just got the Heat soundtrack, and it is intense and moody. I am looking for other soundtracks, or actual albums, that fit that bill. Obviously Blade Runner, and I am imagining a lot of Friedkin films, but the mix of dark and strong is something I would like to hear more of.
Talk to me about paternity leave
My wife and I are expecting our first child in June. We're talking about me taking paternity leave. Talk to me about your experiences with this, pro or con. [more inside]
posted by Mayor West at 7:18 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Mayor West at 7:18 AM PST - 21 comments
Diplomatic speak for "No, I don't want to be friends with you"?
Glenda thinks because we met up a few times outside work, we can now be besties. Problem is, this time spent together made me realize Glenda is not someone I want to be friends with. [more inside]
What to do about merchant sending bogus charges to debt collection?
A local business charged my credit card about $18 eight different times over the last three months without authorization, interspersed with another eight or so legitimate charges. After a month of back and forth over e-mail, they refused to explain, refund or reverse the charges, so I initiated a charge back. They got really angry, and now say they want all the money plus $25 per chargeback or they'll send the debt to collections and make reports to all the credit reporting agencies. What to do? [more inside]
posted by skewed at 6:51 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by skewed at 6:51 AM PST - 15 comments
Someone wants to buy my 4-letter domain. What's it worth?
For a decade I've had a 4-letter English word domain at .be and a law firm contacted me about buying it. [more inside]
YANMD/YANML, but can you offer advice on my osteoarthritis situation?
Following some intense pain I felt back in August, I began going to doctors to figure out the cause. I've been diagnosed with osteoarthritis. I am in my mid-twenties. I could use some help figuring out my next medical and legal steps. [more inside]
Lose a good friend or try to fix it?
Is a man who pretends to be friends with a woman when he is actually interested in more than friendship doing something shady?
Should said woman (myself) drop him as a friend or give him a chance to adjust? He’s a good friend and generally a positive, interesting and charming friend to have (smart, insightful, witty, capable of deep conversation, trustworthy with secrets, understanding…). I’m simply not interested in dating him (for many reasons, the most glaring of which is that he’s sexist in subtle ways that I couldn’t tolerate in a partner), but I value and love his friendship and conversation. I do not want to date him, ever. I don’t know if I should salvage our friendship or let it go, for his sake and mine...I've included the details below but I think this summary captures what I am trying to intellectually and emotionally figure out. [more inside]
posted by grassbottles at 6:12 AM PST - 57 comments
posted by grassbottles at 6:12 AM PST - 57 comments
No, this isn't about EVE Online.
I need help taming a very long list of numbers into useful tabulated data, in Excel. [more inside]
posted by 256 at 5:59 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by 256 at 5:59 AM PST - 10 comments
I'm turning 25 tomorrow. 5 years away from 30.
So what are 30 things to do before I'm 30? (practical & non-practical) [more inside]
Butter me up
Help me find a rich body lotion/cream to help me transcend my winter lizard skin and smell pretty like a girl. [more inside]
posted by elizeh at 4:44 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by elizeh at 4:44 AM PST - 30 comments
Cleaning lady inflating work hours
Our cleaning lady, who otherwise seems to be pretty honest and is regarded like a family member, has been inflating her billable hours. We know this for sure. How should we deal with this? [more inside]
posted by lost_lettuce at 1:29 AM PST - 68 comments
posted by lost_lettuce at 1:29 AM PST - 68 comments
February 27
Sequential Eating, Metabolism, and Digestion
I was researching sequential eating and would like some advice, here are my thoughts and questions: It seems that it takes (on average) 2-4 hours for foods or beverages to leave the stomach.
I was wanting to eat/drink something specific every two hours.
I have 8 hours to sleep every night, and I like to eat right before sleep as well.
This leaves me with 16 hours in a wakened state. Or, 9 segments of eating/drinking. (I drink water right when I wake up)
On the basis of sequential eating, what are some useful tips/advice I could keep in consideration while putting together snacks of 1-3 things?
It's looking like 4 meals a day, 5 drinks a day, alternating every two hours. OR, what I would rather prefer, is eating 9 meals a day (fruit in the morning with my water), and drinking 6oz of water every hour on the dot. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cell phone repair trouble
I'm trying to fix my phone. How do I deal with a very tiny, hard to get at screw with a stripped head? [more inside]
Help me not owe a bazillion dollars in taxes next year.
Somewhat unexpectedly, I find myself working as a full time freelancer. Help me anticipate the tax situation. [more inside]
How can I find consistent freelance copywriting work for 5 cents a word?
I'd like to get more into freelance copywriting. It's something I can do from home, and I'm pretty good at it. I have a money and time goal for it.
Money: 5 cents a word
Time: 15 hours a week
Total: About $1,500 a month.
I'm on Textbroker, but they rarely pay more than 1.5 cents a word. I'm open to pay-by-project too, if they're consistent. How would I go about finding regular clients/websites that could help me reach my goal?
What was this Sri Lankan Peppercorn?
At a local Sri Lankan festival a few months ago I had what I thought was a fresh black peppercorn - it was a small black ball, smooth on the outside with a bit of salt coating it, and distinctly juicy. A guy was selling little glass jars of them. I think he recommended I put one in my Lion beer. I tried looking up fresh black peppercorns, but apparently they turn black as part of preparation and I can't find anything like this online. I did find peppercorns in salt in a bottle, but they were definitely green. Am I misremembering this, or is this standard food item of some kind?
posted by 23 at 9:04 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by 23 at 9:04 PM PST - 14 comments
How DO you find out your sex chromosomes?
Is there a test adults can get to tell them what their sex chromosomes are, e.g. to know if they're an XX despite having male genitalia, or if they're XXY women, or any other non-binary possibility? [more inside]
How do we avoid screwing over a coworker's health insurance?
My husband got a new job and it looks like his health insurance will be better and cheaper for us than what we have through my employer. Problem is, my office is tiny and if we drop off our insurance, only one person in the office will remain on the group plan and a group of one is not eligible for a group plan. If we drop off the plan, I want to ensure she doesn't get screwed over. Can you help me figure out what questions she and I need to ask the owners and our insurance broker and/or come up with creative solutions to pose to the owners of the company? (I realize that this is really the coworker's issue but we're a very tight-knit office and my coworker wants this help.) [more inside]
posted by adorap0621 at 8:49 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by adorap0621 at 8:49 PM PST - 9 comments
Too much growth hormones in the chickens?
Our 9 year old daughter is maturing alarmingly fast physically. Should we be concerned? And is there any way it has anything to do with our habit of eating roast chickens from the supermarket? Could it have anything to do with growth hormones in the chickens?
posted by musofire at 8:38 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by musofire at 8:38 PM PST - 30 comments
How do you abbreviate the word 'because' when typing or text messaging?
Whenever it comes up while I'm texting I come to an impasse. I know that I don't want to type the whole word because I have a dumbphone and I want to minimize thumb-wear. If I were writing a novel I would write it as 'cause, but I'm not so it's still too long. The phonetic cuz is clear and concise but somehow doesn't fit my personality or the tone of most of my communications. I started using cos but for some reason I associate that with UK English and I'm from the states and it doesn't quite feel right. What do you use and why, if there is a why.
Attaching a safety clasp lapel pin?
I have this safety clasp lapel pin that I want to attach to my lapel. However it looks like on my suit the buttonhole is just stitching instead of a real hole. The actual pin part slides through easily enough (and I don't have problems with normal butterfly clasps), but how to I get the closing part through without destroying the buttonhole?
posted by Deflagro at 8:12 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Deflagro at 8:12 PM PST - 4 comments
Did Godel and Wittgenstein ever meet?
Wittgenstein met with members of the Vienna Circle on a few occasions. So did Godel. Did the two ever meet, in Vienna at that time or otherwise?
posted by phrontist at 8:10 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by phrontist at 8:10 PM PST - 1 comment
Online discussion forums for BDSM?
I'm looking for websites that have discussion-areas for people who are into BDSM. [more inside]
Apple Keynote Rehearsal Mode
I'm trying to use Keynote for my MBP in 'rehearsal mode...' Works fine except I notice that it doesn't seem to play the movies, etc. that I have as slides. Rather, it just shows the static first frame. When I try to press the 'space bar' to start them, as I usually do in straight play mode, it actually advances the slide (not what I want).
AS I don't have a second screen handy I'm not sure if the movies and animations would actually be appearing per usual on the second screen.
Anyone have any tips/experience on this? Anything I can change?
Help my wife choose a Patisserie School
My wife has recently been given the chance to follow one of her dreams and go to school to learn how to make pastries and cakes via a generous financial situation, so we are seeking the hive minds help to find a good patisserie course that she could take. The only limitations are that I want to go with her and due to my job, she can probably only do a maximum of 2 - 3 months, so a course that's longer than that would be a no-go. However, she is willing to travel (and relishes the idea), so please suggest any school you like, regardless of the location. Related to this, she is currently considering going to Paris (obviously), but is worried about the language barrier, so any comments on that side would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
posted by ranglin at 7:26 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ranglin at 7:26 PM PST - 8 comments
How can I achieve a state of creative flow as a writer?
When I'm racing to meet a writing deadline, I feel a sense of exhilaration, momentum, and flow. How can achieve that state on a regular basis so I can make steady progress on my writing? [more inside]
posted by incandescentman at 7:24 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by incandescentman at 7:24 PM PST - 17 comments
What To Do In Seattle This Weekend?
Looking for local's tips on some fun stuff to do in Seattle this weekend. [more inside]
Do you recognize any of these places
This video was released as part of an ARG. We're trying to identify the locations in the video (some of it is stock footage but some was probably custom made). [more inside]
I'm curious about how this works in other families
What is the name of your child's favorite stuffed animal? I just wanted to know what kind of names kids come up with for the little characters that inhabit their bedrooms. Curiosity is all.
Wanted: A Win-Win Winter...
As a competent and responsible couple who will be available for a long-term housesitting or caretaking job (anywhere in the American West, BC or SE Alaska) throughout next winter and beyond, what are the best venues for us to both search for options and advertise our skills and availability? [more inside]
Modern Motel in Mitte?
Looking for the current trendiest, most happening hotel in Berlin? [more inside]
Should I buy a pico projector now?
Does anybody have any experience with recent pico projectors? Which should I buy?
I'm looking for something that will fit in my tiny daypack (with room to spare for all my other crap) that is at least 100 lumens and that has a battery. [more inside]
Help figuring out whose in the right about a prorate move out date
Moving out this weekend, management company wants to charge me until new tenet moves in - whose in the right? [more inside]
ESL language resources for a 7-year-old?
My Bulgarian nephew speaks no English and just enrolled in the first grade of a public school in the United States. He will be staying here until June. So far, he is handling it well and is proactive about learning English. Everyone at home has become a makeshift, round-the-clock ESL tutor and he is constantly provided with opportunities to pick up grammar and vocabulary, but his teachers don't really know what to do with him before he can communicate. What additional resources can we provide for him to help him pick up the language faster? He already has a bunch of library books, so we're looking for apps for iPad, Android, Chrome, Nintendo 3DS and other things a computer-savvy 7-year-old might enjoy. Thanks!
posted by halogen at 5:40 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by halogen at 5:40 PM PST - 12 comments
Acne scarring and online dating
It doesn't show up in pictures. I don't want to make a big deal out of it, but don't want it to seem like I'm trying to hide something. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by mermily at 5:27 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by mermily at 5:27 PM PST - 25 comments
Coincidence, subliminal message, subconscious symbolism, or what?
I've noticed some recurrent patterns in music videos (use of numbers, colors, etc.) that have piqued my interest. I'm wondering if any industry insiders can shed any light or if anyone has explored this concept academically or otherwise. [more inside]
VERY BRIEF 1940's German/English Translation Help Requested
Hello, Hive.
I'm working on a historical graphic novel and a portion of it involves four sentences in German. I've made an effort to hammer something out by testing Google Translate's gibberish against some German language textbooks and grammar sites. I'm sorta confident about them, but would love for any bilingual native German speakers to give them a once over. Particularly, if you have any insights into generational differences in the German language, as this piece is supposed to take place during WWII.
Posting them after the jump. [more inside]
can i eat it: grey pickled eggs
I made some pickled eggs for the first time. I just opened the jar, and: all of the eggs are varying shades of greyish- brownish. Most of them still have white spots and stripes. They smell fine (for hardboiled eggs soaked in vinegar I mean), but will I die if I eat them?
Why is this item suddenly appearing in Yahoo Mail?
All of a sudden a little link thing pops up in the lower left corner every time I open Yahoo mail. It has a brown background and has links to Yahoo Mail and Y! Confidential. It also has button links with a megaphone symbol and a bug symbol. What is it? Can I get rid of it? It happens in both Chrome and Firefox.
VEGAS, BABY!
Next month, I will be travelling to Las Vegas. For the very first time in my life. I have a whole bunch of Vegas-newbie questions. I’d like to ask you for your help. [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet at 4:11 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by jason's_planet at 4:11 PM PST - 28 comments
Does this weird animated CGI music video description ring any bells?
I'm looking for a bizarre animated music video, possibly originating from Korea or Japan, which I've spent an hour googling fruitlessly. [more inside]
How Do I Invest In Foreign Currency?
It was suggested to me to make a small investment in foreign currency. What are the basics? Would it be best to go through broker or to invest on my own? Help!
What should I call my new space blog?
If all goes well, I'll be writing a bi-weekly blog about spaceflight and astronomy, with a particular emphasis on manned and unmanned spacecraft -- what's up on the ISS, what satellites will be launching soon and what they'll do, what interesting discoveries ongoing missions have made, that sort of thing. But I have NO IDEA at all what I should call it. [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities at 3:12 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Narrative Priorities at 3:12 PM PST - 19 comments
Warranty providers show earlier purchase dates for Amazon electronics?
I've had this problem twice now: I purchase an electronic item from Amazon and when I call in for service under warranty, I'm told that their records show a different, much earlier purchase date. [more inside]
Resources for giving constructive criticism to employees?
I work with someone (technically an assistant, but in reality does work for multiple people in the office, with most of their consistent work coming from me), and need to have a conversation regarding accuracy, timeliness, etc with them. Any suggestions or links to resources for the best way to approach this so they don't get defensive? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 2:32 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by needlegrrl at 2:32 PM PST - 15 comments
Can I contest a medical bill that's due tomorrow?
I had surgery in October of 2010, paid all of the expenses past insurance, etc., and haven't heard from the hospital in 2 years. I've since moved, and received a bill yesterday for $138 that is "leftover from my surgery." The bill is dated February 13, but since the mail was forwarded, I just received it yesterday. I have no idea a) why I'm receiving this bill now or b) what it's actually for, and my contact with the hospital has yielded absolutely nothing. The charges it lists are nearly identical to those that are on the bills I (thankfully) saved post-surgery. I've called their billing department a couple of times, to no avail. The gist of the conversations: "It's for the surgery. Pay it." What are my options?
Where do we go on our honeymoon in Spain?
Help me choose three places in Spain to go for our honeymoon. [more inside]
Whose salary depends on him/her not understanding something?
Can anyone point me to a video demonstrating the Upton Sinclair quote, "It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it"--but in a non-political context? [more inside]
posted by underwater at 2:17 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by underwater at 2:17 PM PST - 18 comments
Name the "Name The Fish" Source
Help me identify the source of this parody game show. [more inside]
What Are Some Tips on Doing Quality Phone Interviews for Publication?
I'm starting to get bids to do phone interviews with touring artists and have never done this kind of thing before - can the Mefiverse give me good tips on how to capture/get quality quotes, ask non-stupid questions and frame the lede/narrative? [more inside]
Talking: How does it work?
I've been seeing my boyfriend for about three months, and just about everything is great. We see each other almost every day and sleep at each other's houses so often we practically live together. We have everything in common, and I've never met anyone I click with that much. One thing we have in common that's not so great, though: we're both shy, and sometimes we don't know what to say to each other! How can we overcome this? And, while we're on the subject, what are some good conversation starters? More info below. [more inside]
posted by Gee, June! at 1:39 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by Gee, June! at 1:39 PM PST - 39 comments
Word Freak for Chess?
Can you recommend a good chess book with as much history, context, stories, and culture as strategy? [more inside]
posted by suprenant at 1:28 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by suprenant at 1:28 PM PST - 10 comments
More Money
How much money is the US government losing, and how much revenues are US exporters losing, due to the US government assessing import custom duties at FOB value instead of landed (CIF) value like the rest of the world does? [more inside]
Old MS Word Easter Egg?
I dimly recall a MS Word dictionary (or thesaurus) Easter Egg (I think) that I stumbled upon in college a million years ago. Does it ring a bell with any of you? [more inside]
Become a Neuroscientist, Medical Doctor or both?
Warning: Long ruminating monologue ahead. I would sincerely appreciate any input.
I am 24, from Germany and have been running my own online business which I founded right after school for the last couple of years. As the business is location-independent, I travelled a lot lately but would like to do something else now. I have always had a keen interest in all things science ('brain science' specifically) but up to this point I have never really considered actually persuing a career in science or medicine. But now I do. [more inside]
posted by capgrassyndrome at 1:15 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by capgrassyndrome at 1:15 PM PST - 12 comments
How do I honour my friend?
My friend died last week. We had been living in different countries for the past few months; we were still in contact up until a few weeks ago. His death was sudden and unexpected. He was far too young to die. I can't go to any of the memorials (he was one of those people who knew like, thousands of people, so people seemingly everywhere on earth are doing stuff) and I won't be going to the funeral. I didn't know his family and even though we were roommates, we had very few friends in common. [more inside]
Find this diatribe against a scientific journal's correction policy
A couple years ago I remember seeing a pretty damn hilarious itemized list of things a professor/researcher had to do to correct/update an article for publishing in a journal. It was 100 some odd items long, starting with inane requests, then veering into how some other author had disagreed with the original one and now the original had to prove it out. Research could've been related to frogs or physics+light - can't recall.
I think it was on Scribd or another one of those sites that makes stuff look like a pdf/paper document.
Anyone remember this?
posted by ish__ at 1:12 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ish__ at 1:12 PM PST - 3 comments
Single Page Daily News Brief - name that site
I have a specific site in mind, and I can't find it for the life of me. It's a consciously minimalist design, about 5 stories per day, summarized. The stories are all in a single column, on a single page, black text on a white background. Clean as clean can be. [more inside]
posted by scamper at 1:01 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by scamper at 1:01 PM PST - 7 comments
Individually wrapped fair trade chocolates in bulk?
I have a booth at a trade conference a couple of times a year and I have spent time and money curating a reputation as someone who gives away very good chocolate at my booth. To date I have given away Lindor Chocolate Truffles. Then this year someone popped along and asked me if they were fair trade. No, dammit, they are not fair trade. But owing to the nature of my business, they probably should be. Please suggest some fair trade chocolates that I can substitute for Lindor truffles. [more inside]
Do rewards work on anhedonics?
I want to reward myself for getting things done, but my depression poisons everything fun. Depressed Mefites, have you found any ways to self-reward that break through anhedonia? [more inside]
posted by cortisol at 12:42 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by cortisol at 12:42 PM PST - 16 comments
Marginal Revenue, Residual Demand Curves, Quotas and Monopolists
How do I calculate the differences in welfare for a state when an import quota is applied to an industry that is controlled by a monopolist at home, vs an industry that is perfectly competitive at home? [more inside]
Would Amazon Let Me Publish Semi-True Erotic Fiction?
I want to anonymously publish sometimes-true Kindle singles of hookup stories. Some will be true, some will be fiction. But I want to use a real name for each, a la Marie Calloway's Adrien Brody piece. Are there legal repercussions? Would Amazon take my single down? [more inside]
Can I contest a thousand-dollar parking ticket?
Last week I was visiting San Francisco and using a borrowed car. I got a $996 fine for parking briefly in a handicap spot in front of a store on Hayes St. The spot was marked in blue on the ground, and there was a sign in front of it, but the sign was obscured by a tree. I didn't know blue indicated the spot was off-limits, I live in MA. I saw the sign too late, and it indicated the minimum fine was $250. [more inside]
posted by Dragonness at 11:43 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by Dragonness at 11:43 AM PST - 31 comments
Where to Lounge after the Meyerhoff?
Hey Baltimore Mefites! I need your recommendations for a chill place to grab a drink after a show at the Meyerhoff. [more inside]
Birthday Discounts in Calgary?
We will be in Calgary this weekend for personal business, and I got to thinking, since it's also birthday of one of us, are there any restaurants, coffee shops, attractions that have birthday discounts? We will be staying in the SE, but anything is game. If it matters, older couple with mobility issues. Thanks!
How did you let go and forgive after a loss and a breakup?
Death of a parent and a breakup- how to disentangle the two, get a virtual lobotomy regarding the breakup, and for heavens sake just fucking move on regarding the breakup. [more inside]
posted by xm at 11:24 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by xm at 11:24 AM PST - 20 comments
Help me throw a cool Ms. Pac-Man party for 30-something suburbanites!
For a charity auction, my family "donated" a Ms. Pac-Man party for 16 people. The winners are 8 couples in their mid- to late 30s who each paid a decent bit of money to come to our house and be entertained for a night. We have an old-school Ms. Pac-Man cocktail table and a tournament will be the centerpiece, but I want to put on a great party and give these good people their money's worth. What great ideas - whether general grown-up party ideas or specific Ms. Pac-Man ones - will make that happen? My budget is not unlimited but assume it is large. [more inside]
How to help out a struggling teen with a complicated family situation
My 14-year-old niece is having trouble in school and has very few, if any, resources among her immediate family. Compounding the problem, her guardian is not family and seems to prioritize her own son's needs over hers. We want to help but we live a thousand miles away. What can we do? [more inside]
I want to see what my code is doing
I am taking an entry-level college class in programming. We are using Javascript "playground" that works within a web browser. I am a visual learner and the textbook and exercises are useless to me. We're only six weeks in and I'm in the weeds. Is there a tool that shows what exactly is happening at each step in the Javascript code? [more inside]
posted by crosten at 9:43 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by crosten at 9:43 AM PST - 15 comments
Where can I get CFLs that aren't orange or blue, but just white?
I'm apparently part of the minority that really dislikes warm colored light. I used daylight incandescent bulbs back in the day, and I'm looking for an equivalent CFL. All I've been able to find are either pink/orange (supplied by the apartment) or blue (the GE bulbs at the grocery store). Isn't there a good, just, white? Like the tubes in an office building?
posted by hishtafel at 9:15 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by hishtafel at 9:15 AM PST - 11 comments
Can you collect meteorite dust in your backyard? How?
I've been told recently that collecting micrometeorites is as easy, basically, as placing a clean surface outside and picking through the debris you collect because thousands of tons of space dust and debris fall to Earth every day. That can't be all there is to it, can it? How do you know whether you're looking at Earth dust or space dust? [more inside]
posted by Sleeper at 9:10 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Sleeper at 9:10 AM PST - 4 comments
Storing circular knitting needles
Knitters, how do you store your circular knitting needles? [more inside]
iphone 4S microphone weirdness
I can suddenly no longer be heard on calls using my iPhone 4S. [more inside]
posted by modernnomad at 9:00 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by modernnomad at 9:00 AM PST - 8 comments
Learning a neutral accent and DIY speech therapy
I teach for a living but have a lot of linguistic baggage that I'd like to get rid of. Specifically, I have some weird pronunciation/accent issues and would like to speak "General American" or newscaster English. Is this something I can do on my own? What resources should I use? [more inside]
How to replace non-ascii characters with HTML entities?
I’m currently working on an international project and need to format documents written in German, Polish and Croatian for use on the web. What is the quickest way to convert all the non-ASCII characters into the relevant character entity? Some sort of web form would be my ideal solution, but I’d settle for a freeware program.
Cold Feet or Reasonable Doubts?
My boyfriend treats me wonderfully, like I'm the most important thing on the planet. Now, we are taking our first steps down a very quick path towards Full Lifetime Committment: moving-in, with the understanding that marriage and kids will follow shortly. (Why the speed? I'm 37 with some history of ladytroubles that require maximum time to try and get pregnant.) I was feeling very ready for all this 2-3 months ago, but now am having doubts. Help! Are these standard cold feet, or do you spot any red flags here? [more inside]
An 18-year-old girl who I'm interested in dating's parents want my info
An 18-year-old girl I met online who I'm interested in dating's parents (who, I should note, are still financially supporting her) want all sorts of my info before they'll let her meet me and I believe they want it regardless if she meets me here or if I meet her there. Her parents want, among other things: My address and addresses and phone numbers of various family members of mine; scans of pieces of my ID; to check if I have a criminal record.
Is it wrong of me to want to withhold this info from them? [more inside]
How old are video game players?
Looking for recent, substantive, data on the demographics of video game players that does NOT source back (as so many do) to the ESA. There must be some others out there? Yes? [more inside]
What are the dos and don'ts of talking to a literary agent?
An agent from a very large, well-established literary agency contacted me to say he liked my self-pubbed sci-fi, that he'd seen all the glowing reader reviews, and to ask about my future plans and if I had taken on representation. I answered those questions directly (plans for new books and no, I don't have representation). Presuming he writes back... what do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by scaryblackdeath at 8:25 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by scaryblackdeath at 8:25 AM PST - 6 comments
tell me your experiences with housing court in nyc
I would like to take my landlord (really, management company, I guess?) to housing court because I haven't had heat for ten days (and counting) and hot water for ~five, and I would like a rent abatement for the days of this month in which my apartment was not inhabitable. Have you taken someone to housing court in NYC? Please tell me your experiences and any advice you have. [more inside]
Birthday delivery ideas beyond flowers?
For work reasons, I'm spending this week far from home, which means I'm going to miss my girlfriend's birthday tomorrow. Boo! We're going to make up for it when I get home, but I still want to mark the occasion by having something delivered to her at work. The obvious choice is flowers, of course. But can you suggest something else romantic and sweet that would be less obvious? Something I can arrange remotely and have delivered to an office in Herndon, Va. tomorrow?
posted by Naberius at 7:45 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Naberius at 7:45 AM PST - 13 comments
How can I allows clients to preview a website before it goes live?
One of our clients has a WordPress site running on our IIS Windows server. They want to be able to preview and edit the site before it goes live. How can this be accomplished? [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 7:31 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by cirrostratus at 7:31 AM PST - 9 comments
Need a Tennis Ball Gun/Shooter/Slingshot
For a High School youth Group i help moderate, we are creating an American Gladiator style event. One of the games we are going to do is the favorite/famed Assault. If anyone can help me brainstorm the following questions:
What should I use for launching Tennis Balls, a Sling shot, or something else? It needs to be fairly quick.
Any cheaper alternatives to Tennis balls, need to launch something in a gym (it has a stage to shoot from)? I think i can get some tennis balls on craigslist, but open to any alternative. [more inside]
posted by fozzie33 at 7:24 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by fozzie33 at 7:24 AM PST - 12 comments
Name this fashion video: model, meadow, carefully aimed wind machine
I'm trying to track down a viral fashion video that featured a model in a meadow of flowers at golden hour, with a wind machine following her gestures, flattening the grass and flowers. I can't remember what it was advertising — maybe perfume?
posted by sixswitch at 7:12 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by sixswitch at 7:12 AM PST - 3 comments
Long term parking at JFK
I'm catching a morning flight out of JFK next Saturday and I need to leave my car at the airport for a few days. I would like to use the on-airport long term parking lot because it looks like there's AirTrain access, but I don't think you can reserve those spots. So I've got two questions:
1) is the parking lot (on Lefferts Boulevard) hard to find?
2) what are the odds that there won't be any spots when I show up?
Thanks!
posted by reformedjerk at 6:53 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by reformedjerk at 6:53 AM PST - 5 comments
Driving from Seattle to Whistler. Anything I need to know?
Tomorrow night, I'll be driving from Seattle to Whistler, BC. What's the drive going to be like, and is there anything that I should know? [more inside]
posted by schmod at 6:23 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by schmod at 6:23 AM PST - 12 comments
Safe storage of clothing in under-stair cupboard with fuse box
I learned today that it's dangerous to store combustibles such as clothing near the fuse box or electrical intake. I keep my off-season wardrobe under the stairs, and the electrical intake/fuse box is also under the stairs. How far away do I need to keep this stuff? What is a safe distance?
Is it feasible to use compact-o-stuff vacuum bags to reduce the crowding in the understair cupboard? [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 5:48 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by tel3path at 5:48 AM PST - 13 comments
Clinginess mode: Activated
The age-old "crush on teacher" dilemma: I'm getting too attached to my TA and it needs to stop. How can I dial it back while maintaining a friendly, professional relationship? [more inside]
Credit card for small business
Need credit or charge card for a small business that has outgrown its President's ability to cover its obligations. [more inside]
February 26
Having a hard time getting erect
I'll try to keep this short and thorough. I'm a 25 year old male, I've been dating my girlfriend for 3 months, and I'm still a virgin. I've never had a ton of sexual experiences in my past (oral), but this one has me a little confused and stressed out.
About 4 days ago I was with my girlfriend and we were giving each other oral, (we haven't had vaginal sex yet) I always go down on her first and then she does down on me. Now normally I get incredibly turned on, very easily, and with anything from hugging and cuddling, to kissing and foreplay. It always gives me a very full and hard erection, and in the past I've never had any problem at all about having an orgasm. However on this night while my girlfriend was going down on me, right in the middle I suddenly became soft and completely lost my erection. This has never happened to me before, and in the last 4 days, everything that normally turns me on and gives me that full erection, has barely even given me a "chubby" so to speak. I'm finding it very hard to get turned on, and its making both my girlfriend and I quite upset. [more inside]
How soon is too soon to plan a family?
Lately, I have been thinking a lot about having babies, like this random thought that keeps popping up over and over again. But the career path that I am planning to embark on will probably lead to me being an older mom. How can I know if I'm making the right choice and how can I find out more before getting committed to one path or another? [more inside]
Where can I buy compressed air in Hyderabad, India?
I'm researching air pollution here in India, but one of my instruments has broken, and I need a can of compressed air to fix it. In the US most big computer shops carry this, but here no one has heard of it. Where in Hyderabad can I buy compressed air? Do you have a specific shop with contact info? Can I pull this off today so my collection season isn't ruined? My God, why is this so hard?
Looking for a blog post about gender pronouns & dogs
I remember reading months ago (could have been as long as 1-2 years ago) a blog post written by (I think) a man talking about the assumptions people make about gendering dogs. [more inside]
posted by citywolf at 10:02 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by citywolf at 10:02 PM PST - 5 comments
Between tooth grinding and canker sores...
I grind my teeth at night. This has already worn down my canines and causes stress on my teeth and gums. I have been repeatedly dentist-recommended to wear mouth guards at night. Shortly after I start wearing a guard (two-five days) I develop canker sores in my mouth and stop. Please fix this cycle. [more inside]
Looking for a play
Looking for a play. It's about the writing staff of a fictional TV show, I think a sitcom. The protagonist is female. (And I think the playwright is too, and possibly the protagonist is the playwright's stand-in). Other characters: a Norman Lear-esque showrunner, and an ex-NCAA basketball player staff writer. [more inside]
posted by world b free at 8:50 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by world b free at 8:50 PM PST - 1 comment
Siri's Limits (not the sky..)
Siri is touted as an advanced piece of engineering technology, but as far as I know I can open Apple made apps and run a command. Very helpful if you figure it out (it's worth it), but limited indeed.
What are its limits? Can this be extended?
Note: There is no Siri API, or god forbid, SDK, to speak of.
posted by tenstairs at 8:32 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by tenstairs at 8:32 PM PST - 4 comments
babysitting a cracking up father with abusive thoughts
Helping my boss' husband out with their 2 little kids while she's away. He snapped and pushed them away roughly (imagining hitting them, he told me later) and left me alone with the 2 inconsolable children.
What can/should I tell my boss? HOW?
Any good resources I can recommend to a couple with 2 terrible twos and many more meltdowns to come? [more inside]
posted by chrysanthemum at 8:25 PM PST - 46 comments
posted by chrysanthemum at 8:25 PM PST - 46 comments
Should I keep dancing?
Should I keep dancing (at a club)? By dancing, I mean topless dancing, lapdances, typical men's club activities. [more inside]
Denver recon visit: neighborhoods, music scene?
Last-minute trip to Denver starting March 6. I'll have wed-fri and then monday for me-time in the city and I plan to do my usual routine whenever in a new city: investigate it as a possible future home. [more inside]
posted by myriad gantry at 7:57 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by myriad gantry at 7:57 PM PST - 21 comments
Informational Interview
What is the best way to approach somebody in a career field about the possibility of arranging an informational interview? This is assuming you do not have a connection to a person.
Where can I see flowering trees in the Bay Area?
Cherry and plum trees are blooming in the Bay Area right now. Where are some amazing places to see them? I am interested in both volume and variety of trees. [more inside]
A play: Queen Elizabeth & Shakespeare & fart jokes. Ring any bells?
My friend's mom is trying to find a play that might be called "1601." Probably has as characters: Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh, Shakespeare. She read it in the late 1960's, and it was full of many fart jokes, sexual allusions, etc. Was supposed to be set in Queen Elizabeth's drawing room...
We're having no luck, turning to the hive mind.....
posted by kestralwing at 7:10 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by kestralwing at 7:10 PM PST - 4 comments
Pinched nerve, Tokyo: physical therapist or Alexander technique teacher?
I'm asking this for a friend, A. A has a pinched nerve in the neck that isn't getting any better. He has bad posture and sits in a cubicle all day. He would like to see a physical therapist for this, but has also heard good things about the Alexander technique for correcting posture. Which would you recommend? [more inside]
A Day and a Half in San Francisco
Mr. Liet and I have a day and a half in San Francisco. What should we do? [more inside]
Shmoke and a Pancake - ECig Style
Hello Hive Mind!
A few years ago I quit smoking cigarettes And I have absolutely no desire to smoke them again.
But on the other hand, I miss the social aspects of smoking and enjoying it.
Enter Ecigs.
Mrs. NiumX and I are thinking it might be fun to get an ecig system that offers fun and interesting options with no (or low) nicotine. Flavors, whatever. Older Asks seem a few years old. What is new?
So any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
posted by PlutoniumX at 6:44 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by PlutoniumX at 6:44 PM PST - 10 comments
Is There a Replacement for FrontPage's old "Navigation View"?
When I was in college, and first learning to build websites, I began by using Microsoft FrontPage. It definately had it's shortcomings and I'm glad it has been retired. I've long since moved on to better tools and methods myself, but there's one feature I did enjoy called "Navigation View". This was a way to view your site as a tree-map, but it was also a way to build out a large and somewhat complex web of pages. I found it to be a useful outlining tool, for later building complex sites. Is there anything like that now?
For those of you who might not be familiar with the feature, try a google image search for frontpage navigation view
I tried looking on another forum for an answer, but the conversation there was not helpful to me at all.
.gif%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Ftechnet.microsoft.com%252Fen-us%252Flibrary%252Fcc750834.aspx%3B515%3B452){kind=link}
Help me identify a video game
I remember an RPG... I think it was for DOS or Windows. It was a kind of puzzle/mystery genre game, and it was like all video? Like your character walking around was sort of a mortal kombat video captured sprite walking around realistic (also kind of grainy video-y) backgrounds. The main character was a woman, I think she was asian, pretty sure she had long black hair. Can you identify the game?
posted by signsofrain at 6:16 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by signsofrain at 6:16 PM PST - 7 comments
What are good reasons for quitting a job?
I'm depressed and overwhelmed. I think this is primarily due to work pressures. Are these reasons to quit a job? What are some valid reasons? What should I be asking myself? [more inside]
How to find short but not too short term accommodations in Iowa City?
I'll be in Iowa City from March 25 to the end of April. I'll need a place to stay for a month and a week. Do you all have craigslist out there? If not, what are the best resources for finding lodging for this duration at something more like rental rates than hotel rates? Thanks!
posted by eviemath at 5:49 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by eviemath at 5:49 PM PST - 9 comments
How far do you need to be from a busy highway to grow edible plants?
Looking around at houses for sale in a high-traffic area (NYC suburbs). I-95 runs through all of the towns. What's the minimum distance I'd want the property to be from 95, in order to grow an edible vegetable garden (in raised beds)?
Insurance Brokers in NYC
Seeking insurance broker recommendations for a new family in NYC. Co-op, Auto, and now with progeny, Life. Obviously want a person/office that we can trust, and will look out for our interests in the long haul. We live in Queens, and work in Manhattan. Bonus question: are any brokers fee-based, or do all work on commission-type arrangements?
Tax Luddite
Should I e-file my taxes? Specific computer phobia (or phobia of the IRS) is involved. [more inside]
Alternatives to antidepressants?
I am male, 17, with decent physical health but struggling with depression and anxiety. What should I try before going back on meds? [more inside]
Stubbornness as a virtue / character flaw
So from time to time I get described as stubborn, or very stubborn, from my friends and peers. I've accepted that I am, but I have a hard time wrapping my head around when exactly it can be bad, when it can be good, and how to deal with it without sacrificing my principles. A lot of the times when I'm stubborn I feel there's nothing wrong, that I'm right, that I'm just sticking to my principles or to my strongly held beliefs. I'm not the best at debating, so sometimes I wonder if this is a compensating mechanism, but dammit I know I'm right (I'm really not arrogant, honest :) ).
How do I unpick this? Should I unpick this? I'm curious for opinions from other people, both stubborn ones and ones that have to deal with stubborn people from the outside. When is it good? When is it bad? How to dial it down? How do you talk it down from the inside? How much do you accept that's just how someone is, how much do you try and change? [more inside]
posted by Elfasi at 5:30 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Elfasi at 5:30 PM PST - 21 comments
Book recommendations for 13 year-old girls
I run a once-a-week book club for 8 grade 7 girls. We likely have funding and time to read one more book and I'd really like to make it something special. [more inside]
Where to go dancing in Chicago?
We like a range of music: house, soul, funk, techno, some of the recent top40, nuwaveglitchhopstep, daytime disco(?). Emphasis on the beat and getting down. The other patrons, similarly, should have a pro-dancing agenda and friendly vibe. [more inside]
posted by mai at 5:08 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mai at 5:08 PM PST - 3 comments
How to fight a ticket for blocking your own driveway in San Francisco?
i've been living in an apartment building in san francisco for 10 years and have a one-car garage. for much of that time i parked my car on the street, parallel to the curb, blocking my own driveway to some extent. i also had friends park there cars there, and when i had a rental car, i parked it there on and off for several months. no one ever got a ticket.
a couple months ago i parked a friend's car there overnight and got a ticket. apparently someone had called in a complaint, although the car was extending only into my own driveway, and by a small amount at that. i protested the $98 ticket, saying that i was the driver and the only one authorized to call in a complaint, but it was denied. i have no idea who called in the complaint, and DPT will not give out that information.
i plan to do an in-person hearing. has anyone successfully fought this sort of ticket? [more inside]
Where can I find these rocketship glasses from Target?
Last summer, my partner was in Pittsburgh, and at a Target store she bought two plastic rocketship glasses, pictured here. Where can we get more? [more inside]
WHAT on EARTH is our dog doing??
So here is the traditional routine: I get up in the morning or I come home from work. I get dressed or change out of work clothes. Here is what happens... [more inside]
posted by michellenoel at 3:51 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by michellenoel at 3:51 PM PST - 13 comments
stripper shoes / boots in Orlando Florida... In Stock?
looking for a costume or shoe store or some place that has stripper boots and shoes in stock. specifically pleaser brand and seduce 2000.
The perils of applying for a lot of things!
Question about the Peace Corps and withdrawing acceptance of an invitation—is this possible? Will it make me look bad if/when I apply for other government things? [more inside]
My first poop askme!
How do I deal with my SO's depression?
My SO has depression, and he's about to start taking medication for it. Seeing him depressed makes me upset, and sometimes I show this in front of him, which makes him feel worse. How can I deal with this better, and how can I help him deal with this? [more inside]
Past medical history and health insurance
I'm in the United States and will be working for myself for the first time. This is exciting, but I have a pre-existing health condition, ADHD, and I take medication daily. Will this still be covered if I go on my own health plan or will this be out of pocket? I'm male, non-smoker, mid-20s with no other pre-existing conditions. The whole new health care initiative is confusing, I was under the impression that this sort of thing is now covered.
Biopsy Now?
The situation: My work-related insurance coverage for my daughter ends May 1. She has found a lump, which the docs want to watch for 6 months and then decide about a biopsy. She is 22 and our first thought, before this news, was to allow her to be uninsured through the Summer. [more inside]
Delicatessen for Dilettantes & Greenhorn Cuisine
Please recommend outstanding recipe books and resources for clueless cooks! [more inside]
posted by byanyothername at 2:59 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by byanyothername at 2:59 PM PST - 11 comments
jon secada falling in a hole
Been looking for this video for a while
My wife several years ago saw an episode of Oprah where Jon Secada was on. They were reviewing a video of where Jon was singing and ended up falling in a hole.
I would love to find the video because it cracks her up to watch.
Can anyone find a link?
Help with Tumblr - Can I install this plugin?
I have a tumblr. I wanted to use this plugin on it, but I am a relative newb in terms of HTML/Javascript, etc, so I don't really even know if this is possible. I asked a friend and he told me tumblr might be "too lightweight" to do this. Is there a tumblr veteran who could walk me through how to do this? [more inside]
How to best hang this piece of art?
I have a large (but not terribly heavy) wooden shield that I'd like to hang. Yesterday I used two eye screws, wrapped wire around the handle, and tried to suspend it.
Pic of the back of the shield here: http://tinypic.com/r/34ffwbk/7
Unfortunately there's no stud, it needs to hang in a very specific location, and the eye screws were too short. To be honest it was a little sub-par as a solution anyway. All the grip clamps (like you'd use to hang a broom) at the hardware store are either too big or too small.
How would you mount this? With the handle on the back, the piece extends about four inches from the wall. I'm willing to trudge back out into the frozen wasteland and hit up the hardware store again, but not if I don't have to. Thank you!
What's a good normal lens for a Canon Rebel T4i?
I'm used to working with a Nikon film camera and a 50mm f/1.8 lens. What normal or close to normal lens would you recommend for a camera with a 1.6x crop factor like the Canon Rebel T4i? The kit lens is an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II, which works, but I miss being able to take photos in low light without a flash.
posted by topoisomerase at 1:59 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by topoisomerase at 1:59 PM PST - 14 comments
What would you do with 8 hours in Chicago?
What would you do with 8 hours in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 1:57 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Cosine at 1:57 PM PST - 24 comments
Real Estate & Mortgages in Boston
I'm having a really hard time finding a reputable mortgage broker. The property is in Boston, MA, but I'm willing to work with someone in another state. The most important thing is that they're not slimy or condescending. Can you recommend someone in my area? Anyone to avoid?
Seattle restaurant for 20-30 fancy fellows?
Calling all Seattle foodies. I am totally at a loss, as I've never been there. But I'm looking for a nice, classic restaurant that serves good seafood. I'm looking to book a place for our main dinner honoring the residents/post-doc fellow students who will present at a conference. [more inside]
How do I follow up with companies that accept resumes electronically?
I've been submitting applications for jobs in the retail sector, and most of the those applications are accepted electronically. If I follow up a resume submission, how should I make the approach? [more inside]
When was the designation "S. en C." first used in Mexico?
When was the designation "S. en C."after a company name first used in Mexico, as in 'Cia. Abarrotera "El Cisne" S. en C.'? An answer of the type "was used at least as early as" would also be helpful.
Stun guns and dogs
Are civilian-grade stun guns effective on dogs? [more inside]
Have you ever danced with the Kindle in the pale Moonlight?
I recently bought a Kindle Fire and want to use Silverlight on it (or some analogue, such as Moonlight). All my google searching indicates that there are a whole host of technical difficulties involved, and there is all sorts of unconfirmed speculation like "Well, maybe if you sideloaded Firefox and then installed Moonlight... that might work... possibly." I don't like messing around with new device software based on random people's hypotheses. Has anybody successfully managed some way to do this which you can personally confirm worked on your Kindle device?
posted by wolfdreams01 at 1:07 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by wolfdreams01 at 1:07 PM PST - 6 comments
I got an IUD and now they tell me I have a bicornuate uterus... Options?
First of all, I got an IUD inserted last week. I was planning on paying out of pocket (I'm under my parent's insurance but for religious reasons didn't want to utilize it for fear of discovery), but is there any way to make it cheaper? Second, I went to a check-up appointment today and they told me that I have a bicornuate uterus (heart shaped, not totally split), something they didn't check for before they inserted the IUD. I was told the IUD wasn't in the correct location and would therefore be less effective. What are my options? [more inside]
How do I handle my previous employer who is asking me for unpaid help?
My previous employer is asking for unpaid help with web design issues. At first I gladly helped, but now it's turning into a regular thing. The cherry on top: I'm unemployed and using her as a reference so I don't want to burn any bridges. How do I professionally handle this? [more inside]
posted by daisies at 12:53 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by daisies at 12:53 PM PST - 15 comments
Need advice on co-ownership of a house
My partner and I are looking into buying a house Do we need to get married in order to have protections relating to said house (including inheritance of the house if one of us dies + the ability to sell the house and divide the money if we break up)? [more inside]
How do I get my doctor to pay up?
Short version: Outpatient facility acknowledges they owe me money but has not paid up. Their eternal answer is "The check will go out Thursday. We know it was supposed to go out last Thursday but it will go out this Thursday. Promise!" It's been over a month now, and I've called several times a week. How do I get my money back? More details inside if you want them. [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 12:48 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by rednikki at 12:48 PM PST - 10 comments
How to word a party invitation without sounding tacky?
My husband mentioned to me some years ago that he'd never had an actual, cake-and-candles, friends from the neighborhood invited, hats and horns birthday party in his entire life. I'd like to give him a small surprise birthday party for his upcoming birthday in late March, but I have questions about how to actually word the invitations. [more inside]
posted by Oriole Adams at 12:45 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Oriole Adams at 12:45 PM PST - 14 comments
To stay [gone] or go [back]?
My wife and I separated a few months ago (which was my choice, not hers) and it seems that many of the things that I left over may have been addressed, but I still feel cagey about it all. How do I square this circle in my head and in my heart? Blizzard inside. [more inside]
Quiet venue for a Wednesday night date in Tempe?
I asked out a cute person, and he said yes, but... where do I want to go tomorrow night?
Looking for someplace quietish (not too crowded, quiet enough so we don't have to yell at each other, and could maybe play a game of Scrabble), pretty casual (not overly-romantic), and pretty cheap. Could just be a drink or coffee, doesn't have to be a restaurant.
posted by emumimic at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by emumimic at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments
Maui High-speed Internet
Any high-tech work-from-home Maui residents?
If you work from home on Maui and absolutely definitely depend on having rock-solid high-speed internet access... where do you live and where would you avoid moving? Is there a single company that offers access? Related question... are power-outages a regular occurrence that would affect location too?
mahalo.
Wi-Fi and cell service drop out intermittently at our apartment. Why?
First, let me state that I have no idea if these two things are interrelated, but it seems like they could be, so I'm going to go ahead and conjecture here: our AT&T cell phone service drops from nearly full 3G to one bar from time to time (usually during calls, of course) and our wi-fi does the same thing. I've tried timing it and I can't seem to nail it down to anything. Could these service drops be related? [more inside]
posted by summerteeth at 11:21 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by summerteeth at 11:21 AM PST - 5 comments
There must be some kind of way out of here, said the joker to the thief
I want to migrate in five years' time. What skills/qualifications can I pick up now that would allow me to get a fairly OK job offer? [more inside]
posted by swimmingly at 10:52 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by swimmingly at 10:52 AM PST - 9 comments
Now you have n problems.
"Some people, when confronted with a problem, think 'I know, I'll use %s' Now they have %d problems." How many variations on this joke do you know?
posted by ecmendenhall at 10:25 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by ecmendenhall at 10:25 AM PST - 19 comments
My digestive tract is FRACKED
YANMD: Looking for tips to maintan my health until my doctors figures out why my body has decided to stop digesting food. GROSS DETAILS WITHIN (but not many). [more inside]
Why does this cable splitter screw up my modem? What can I do about it?
Wall<>Cable Modem = Good. Wall<>Splitter<>Cable Modem + TV = Intermittent failures where the modem goes off line. What can I do to improve this? Is there such thing as a lower power splitter? Better cables? And did my cable company make a mistake? More details below! [more inside]
posted by bluelava at 10:04 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by bluelava at 10:04 AM PST - 14 comments
Master's in Medical Science? Is there use beyond med school?
I'm considering getting a master's in medical science, slow route. I work at a university in publishing, so my classes are free. But I want to know if it's relevant or useful if I don't go to med school after. [more inside]
What's the best mobile internet setup?
Is there any advantage to using a Verizon (or equivalent) 4G Hotspot over tethering a mobile phone? [more inside]
New glasses: progressives or single?
My near-sightedness is getting worse, and now I'm getting presbyopia, so I have to take off my glasses sometimes for reading or other close work. I can go progressive now or "next time." What should I be taking into consideration when I make my decision? [more inside]
posted by epersonae at 9:47 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by epersonae at 9:47 AM PST - 20 comments
My dream wedding is a courthouse ceremony
We've decided to get married. Yay! I am the female half of a straight couple, if that matters. In the near future, we want to go to our local (US) courthouse and have a civil ceremony with just a judge and our immediate families present: his parents, my parents, his sibling+partner, my sibling+partner+child. Later this year, we'll throw an informal party and invite our extended circles to that as a larger celebration/reception. Our immediate families are supportive of this plan and just want us to be happy, but I have already gotten some pushback from friends and it gave me pause. So I guess I have questions about the practicality and etiquette of our plan and... whatever else we haven't thought about. Neither of us has been married before. [more inside]
Tips for learning advanced vocabulary and grammar in a foreign language?
What are your tips and techniques for learning advanced vocabulary and grammar in a foreign language? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 9:31 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by kristi at 9:31 AM PST - 15 comments
Bought a house with a cistern, any ideas on using it succesfully?
Recently purchased a farm property with a Cistern, It currently is filled from the eavestroughs. Any suggestions for starting it up and keeping it running smoothly? [more inside]
posted by vidarling at 9:30 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by vidarling at 9:30 AM PST - 8 comments
Dogs killed by unknown predator - can a necropsy determine the predator?
My friend's two shepherds were recently killed by an unknown predator. The vet thinks they may have been killed by coyotes. Is it possible for a necropsy to determine what type of animal killed them (eg. coyote, bear, cougar, bobcat)?
one laptop for E.T. please
tech-savvy mefites: please help me find a laptop! (somewhat snowflakey) [more inside]
What are the best inexpensive, unlocked Android options?
A friend would like to switch to a cheap, unlocked Android phone and a prepaid plan within the next month. [more inside]
Pipe dreamin'
A studio or one-bedroom in a desirable* part of Brooklyn for less than $1200/month. Is this even slightly possible anymore? [more inside]
"Everybody who's currently intestate, MAKE SOME NOIIIIIISE!"
I want to host a "will party", which will feature yummy snacks, refreshing drinks... and access to all of the resources needed for end-of-life planning. Is this doable? HOW? Intestate-rrific details inside... [more inside]
Type font for numbering on old post office boxes
I'm looking for a type font that was used for the numbering on early-to-mid twentieth century post office boxes. The font is brass or gold in color, with slight shadowing or some other contrivance that gives it some dimensionality or relief or shadowing. It's sort of the same font that you see from the 1950's on lawyer's office windows or doors in cities, although that's a fleeting impression I have. [more inside]
How to navigate the tricky waters of possible multiple job offers?
I'm a UI/UX designer who is flat broke and unemployed. I'm independently interviewing for 2 positions at the moment and have 3-4 other positions that I have or am about to interview for through a recruiter. Some are temporary, some are temp-to-perm, and some are permanent. Some are also more interesting to me than others, including one that I'm most interested in which I've been waiting to hear back from for the past week or so. However, the temporary positions (2-4 weeks) have more immediate needs and are more likely to lay something on the table in the next few days if they end up giving me an offer.
My question is: If I get a call that says "We'd like to offer you the position", how do I respond without an immediate yes and still be in consideration? [more inside]
Book on Papal History (on Kindle)
Can you recommend a good book on papal history that is solid on facts and theology, honest about blemishes, but doesn't revel in scandal? Oh, and I hope I can find it in a Kindle version. [more inside]
posted by OrangeDisk at 8:26 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by OrangeDisk at 8:26 AM PST - 6 comments
Am I entitled to wear The Purple Heart?
I was diagnosed with P.T.S.D by V.A. doctors 19 years after I was discharged from the Navy in WWII. My discharge reads that I am entitled to wear The Asiatic theater ribbon with 1 star, The American theater ribbon, The Victory ribbon, The China liberation ribbon and The Japan Occupation ribbon. Since P.T.S.D. had been included in "wounds received as a result of combat," many years later, Am I entitled to wear the Purple heart. The sweeping of mines was considered, "combat with the enemy."
WORMS IN COKE: So gross I can barely look at the photo.
My Mom drank a can of coke. She discovered after drinking there was a mass of live worms in the can. She probably ingested some of these alive. I AM VERY CONCERNED. Photo below. [more inside]
posted by instead of three wishes at 8:20 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by instead of three wishes at 8:20 AM PST - 33 comments
A New Door to Kick Open?
We started off with Munchkin, then picked up Munchkin Zombies. Which Munchkin expansion should we try next?
posted by dragonplayer at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by dragonplayer at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments
Can I buy a car out of state (CA) without changing my driver's license?
I am a Rhode Island resident. I'm in San Francisco, CA for several months, working. I've decided to buy a car from a friend here, and today I'm going over to give him the money (I've been driving it for a week or two, since he already bought a new car and we trust each other). [more inside]
posted by betsbillabong at 8:03 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by betsbillabong at 8:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Has copyright EVER helped the little guy?
I am of the firm belief that the copyright system in the US is broken, and in need of great reform. But I'm wondering if anyone has examples of copyright actually helping a small artist retain control of their work and/or get compensation from their work. [more inside]
How do I stop a christian page in my facebook timeline?
How do I stop a christian page in my facebook timeline? [more inside]
posted by dash_slot- at 7:41 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by dash_slot- at 7:41 AM PST - 8 comments
Should I get a part time job?
Before I start, I'd like to point out that I'm not spoiled or lazy. I've been dealing with the very real problems of depression and anxiety for most of my life, and for the past five years I've been working from home. [more inside]
posted by Cybria at 7:30 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Cybria at 7:30 AM PST - 9 comments
How can we trust open source software?
Open source software is considered trustworthy because anyone can validate the source code and hold the developer accountable. Usually developers will also make compiled binaries available for convenience. How can we know that these binaries are compiled from the same source code the developer published, and not a malicious variant of it? [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 7:18 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 7:18 AM PST - 17 comments
Is there a service like ReadItLater/Instapaper for videos?
On the heels of my request for lectures, are there any services out there that would let me queue up videos and then download them to my phone, Instapaper style, for watching on the train?
Ack!
I have a job interview this afternoon and I'm more nervous than is healthy. Is taking a Klonopin a good idea? [more inside]
Quality Temporary Tattoos
Is it possible to buy affordable temporary tattoos online? [more inside]
Supporting a partner in an ongoing, arguably abusive relationship
Looking for resources for supporting a partner (and my own mental health) in an ongoing, possibly abusive relationship with a family member. [more inside]
How/when/should I tell a potential new beau that I used to be obese?
I used to weigh 150 lbs more than I do now. My body looks like I used to weigh 150 lbs more than I do right now; when is the appropriate time to discuss this with someone I just started dating? Is it necessary to discuss? How do I bring it up? [more inside]
Is there a really basic computer user test out there?
After having to show some production employees where the SHIFT key is and why you would use it, I'm starting to wonder if there's a test out there, preferably web-based and cheap or free, that would put a potential hire through some paces and test for speed and accuracy on doing basic tasks. [more inside]
posted by randomkeystrike at 6:13 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by randomkeystrike at 6:13 AM PST - 9 comments
Help me identify a neighbourhood to stay in Manhattan for a vacation
My family is going on vacation to New York in june for 9 days. We want to find a nice apartment in airbnb, but we have no clue on what would be an appropiate neighbourhood. My parents are over 60, don't speak the language, and want to do all the tourist-y things, so location is very important. My brothers and I are laid back and want to enjoy city life so we are looking for a neighbourhood with interesting things to do. [more inside]
posted by valdesm at 4:26 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by valdesm at 4:26 AM PST - 25 comments
Considerations for choosing a solar panel provider
If I buy solar panels for my home, what are things that I need to consider in the supplier and product? [more inside]
posted by gttommy at 4:19 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by gttommy at 4:19 AM PST - 10 comments
help me remember to eat and sleep during convention weekends
I go dancing at event weekends where there is fun stuff happening 20 hrs/day. I want to do all the things, but if I try, I wind up exhausted by day 3. How do I keep myself on track for basic functions like eating and sleeping while doing as many fun things as possible? [more inside]
posted by tangaroo at 4:07 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by tangaroo at 4:07 AM PST - 11 comments
February 25
Are there any George Nakashima documentaries online?
Are there any documentaries about George Nakashima available to view online? I would like to know more about his life and his work. I am particularly interested in the architecture of his studio.
Best white noise solution
What is the best white noise app or machine for a workplace that requires a more sound proof solution to normal ambient noise in an office. [more inside]
posted by MT at 9:04 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by MT at 9:04 PM PST - 14 comments
Cat is allergic to Merrick--what should I try next?
Are there non-prescription simpler, yet awesome cat food to try to alleviate his allergies? [more inside]
posted by rawralphadawg at 8:47 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by rawralphadawg at 8:47 PM PST - 17 comments
Time to talk, or time to move on?
Is it better to just break up with my SO, or tell them how anxious I am about moving in together? [more inside]
Eye troubles -- should I worry? and what to do?
For the past two weeks, I've had a big noticeable distracting "floater" right in the middle of my field of vision in my dominant eye. Since it first showed up, it hasn't moved, grown, shrunk or done anything else exciting. But it's driving me batshit — it's distracting as hell when I try to read, for instance — and I'm vaguely worried it might be a symptom of something nasty. What should I do? Is there anything I can do?
Plan a Trip Around the World!
Starting in mid-April, I'll be taking a 9-12 month leave of absence from my job to travel the world. I spent a year back in 2002 travelling Europe and living in Ukraine/Russia, but I was 20 then, and did it on very little money. A lot's changed since then - technology, my age, my funds - but I'm ready for another run. Over the next month or two, I plan to ask a variety of questions, seeking tips on specific issues. But my first question is broad: what do I need to consider? What should I be thinking about now? What should I plan for? More details and my thoughts inside... [more inside]
Looking for a website/blog about bad gyno experiences.
I recall being directed to a site/blog which had short anecdotes, submitted by users, about bad experiences with gynos/doctors/nurses, often focussing on hospitals/childbirth etc. A similar interface to fmylife.com
On a specific day of the week they showcased the opposite, good experiences and health professionals who went out of their way to provide care.
Does anyone know which site this is? I think I may have even found it through AskMeFi, but a search turned up nothing. Thanks.
posted by Youremyworld at 7:39 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Youremyworld at 7:39 PM PST - 4 comments
Cripple Facetime and Skype 'Cuz Vid-Chatting Makes Me Anxious
I have an extreme aversion to video chatting. I'm not looking to AskMeFi to fix that. I'm just looking for help in: 1. setting my iPhone 4 so I'm not invitable to FaceTime (it's too easy to accidentally hit the "accept/answer" button), optimally while maintaining the ability to invite others (in case of some sort of emergency need), and 2. figuring out how to make audio-only Skype calls (incoming and outgoing) using my iPhone's SKype or Skype-WI-FI app. [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 7:06 PM PST - 6 comments
Just a bunch of woo?
Do nutritional supplements for dog cancer work? [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 6:46 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by ablazingsaddle at 6:46 PM PST - 16 comments
Fight a Mandatory Arbitration clause in new employment contract?
Looking to start a new job that looks otherwise awesome. But the employment contract has an arbitration clause in it and I'm hesitant. Ontario. [more inside]
posted by Imperfect at 6:14 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Imperfect at 6:14 PM PST - 13 comments
yet another laptop question
I want a new Internet provider. I have a new laptop. I am not froze to the idea of using this laptop if a new different laptop will serve me better. I want to run Ubuntu linux and I want decent speed and bandwidth caps. Currently I am accessing the Internet through a six year old IBM Thinkpad running Windows XP and I have an ISP account with Verizon. Please tell me your favorite low maintenence solutions. [more inside]
How can I tactfully tell my internship they are asking too much?
I'm working at an unpaid internship two days a week and I've been asked to commit to a one-time, extra stint of work, including actually traveling to another location and staying there (overnight, including the weekend) for a four day period. I think this is too much to ask of someone who is not being compensated, but I don't want to burn any bridges. How can I tactfully tell them I need to either get paid or pass on this commitment? [more inside]
Question regarding coming off of anti-depressants
What was your experience coming off of anti-depressants? When you were on them, did you experience blunting of feelings and emotions and when you were tapering or went off cold turkey, did you feel a return to your former self/return of your personality? [more inside]
Looking for sofa bed
I'm looking for a sofa bed to put in a small bedroom. [more inside]
Getting to sleep the night before a big event?
Lately I've been having this horrible anxiety/insomnia the night before important presentations or other work events. How can I fix this? [more inside]
Books about Vermont
We just got back from a lovely weekend in Vermont. I like reading about places I visit. Your favorite non-fiction books about Vermont, please!
Young adult books about or starring characters from Laos?
[Book Filter] Does anyone have recommendations of books that are either about Laos, or starring characters that are Laotian? [more inside]
Help me go on vacation this fall!
In November, I will be flying to Paris, then going to Barcelona and taking a cruise from there to New Orleans with my husband and our 12 month old girl and possibly two other adults. What are your tips for a successful vacation with a young child? [more inside]
Fill me up, buttercup
I am starting a new corporate job in the city next week after working in a casual semi-rural office for the past 2 years, where I could make toast for breakfast whenever I felt like it. I can't eat within the first hour of waking up so am looking for some great breakfast smoothies/drinks I can make that I can drink on the train to work that will actually fill me up until lunch time. [more inside]
Where can I find this awesome notebook?
I have a perfect notebook, left over from college, and would love to find more just like it. But it has no branding -- I have no idea who manufactured the darn thing. My school doesn't seem to sell them anymore.
It's 7" by 10", double-wire bound, cloth hardcover, with nice lined pages. Each page has a little recycling triangle symbol on it (indicating 100 percent recycled).
Pics inside. Anyone know who could've made it, or where to find the same?
Many thanks! [more inside]
posted by dgrobinson at 4:20 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by dgrobinson at 4:20 PM PST - 13 comments
Car is shaking
A good place to work remotely in Las Vegas?
I have to go down to Las Vegas for a tradeshow at the Wynn, but the first two days I have a LOT of downtime. There's not a lot I'm interested seeing in Las Vegas, but I do have a fair amount of work I need to get done. Is there a nice or interesting place to squat and get work done? The Las Vegas equivalent of a nice coffee shop for remote workers? [more inside]
Windows 7 remote desktop annoyance.
Windows 7 remote desktop won't reveal the name of the user logged in. [more inside]
Something Fun to Do in Chicago on Sunday?
What's a good place in Chicago to take 5-7 people in their early 20s for dinner/some sort of entertainment on Sunday? Note that not all are over 21. [more inside]
Looking for Customer Service Type Headset for iPhone.
Looking for a headset to use with iPhone, but with specifics... [more inside]
posted by Vaike at 3:21 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Vaike at 3:21 PM PST - 5 comments
Hoarders: Crazy cat lady edition!
Mom is a hoarder; house is making her sick. Adult children worried about her and grossed out. What can we do or say to her that might help? Snowflakes inside...
Tl;dr: What, if anything, can be done or said to reign this situation in? [more inside]
posted by jrobin276 at 3:16 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by jrobin276 at 3:16 PM PST - 19 comments
Does moisturizer even work?
I was wondering if there is any scientific basis to the idea that using moisturizer improves the texture of skin to the point that it prevents aging. My thoughts are that if moisturizer did what it claimed to do, no one would ever need an acid peel or botox. Does spreading emollient on your face actually really do anything apart from line the pockets of cosmetics companies?
posted by abbagoochie at 3:01 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by abbagoochie at 3:01 PM PST - 23 comments
Experiences with NOAA Corps?
I'm looking for more information on what it's like to work on NOAA Corps ships (as corps members proper, or as ancillary ship staff). Anything more than what's on their official pages would be very helpful (culture, day-to-day life, etc). I've seen this question, but it's 5 years old and didn't get any real answers.
Mac->Windows migration for a small office: tips and suggestions?
I've been the all-around IT guy for a small office of 30 for a few years now. We've been primarily a Mac shop this whole time, but new business requirements mean that we'll probably be buying more windows machines going forward. I've been tasked with a pilot program to migrate 1/3 of our office over this year, with the assumption we'll bring everyone else over next year. Details inside: [more inside]
posted by Oktober at 1:59 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Oktober at 1:59 PM PST - 9 comments
Restraining order ramifications question, and a long sad story . .
Asking for a shell-shocked friend who was threatened and attacked last week by her adult son. She barely managed to escape, by running into the street and stopping a passing car. She is convinced he would have strangled her if she'd not been able to get away, and she's the most level-headed person I know. He tore her clothes and bruised her, but she is OK physically (she did take photos of her bruises). He has a long history of opiod use, and has been on suboxone, which she had been paying for, since he is unemployed and uninsured. He's been using Xanax for a high, binging she thinks, and has had two seizures in the past 6 weeks when he ran out of Xanax. (Long story there, but peripheral to this question). [more inside]
posted by citygirl at 1:59 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by citygirl at 1:59 PM PST - 19 comments
Help with a 12 month attention span?
I seem to get 'bored' with everything in my life - friends, relationship, job, country - every 1-2 years. I then make major life changes and it is starting to seriously affect me. Has anyone else experienced this situation? Does it get better? If not, do you have some good coping strategies? [more inside]
Impulsive trip to CA. Suggestions?
I'm traveling to California for a week-long solo vacation. Suggestions on unique places to check out? [more inside]
Do we have any recourse for being evicted from an illegally-zoned unit?
I and several other tenants across three different Live/Work loft properties in San Francisco were recently informed that the new building owner discovered discrepancies in the zoning of our building, and that we are essentially being evicted. [more inside]
Brotforms: Yay or nay?
Well, our wild yeast sourdough starter was a raging sucess. We're keeping it in the downstairs fridge, feeding it once a week. But it does it need a special brotform bowl come baking time? [more inside]
Yet another font identification question
I tried this on both WhatTheFont and Identifont, but I've only got the three letters to go on so I wasn't surprised when neither had an answer. But maybe the designers of MetaFilter can help! Please ID this font.
posted by bricoleur at 1:02 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by bricoleur at 1:02 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me turn all my photos into a movie
I have 30,000 photos of Things and Stuff from the last seven years, and I'd like to turn them into movie. Specifically, a movie where each photo is a frame, so you'd be seeing like 10-20 photos per second. Ideally this would work by just pointing the software at a folder where the photos are stored and saying GO TO WORK (then clicking a button, I guess, voice control not required). What software should I use?
East Coast travel optimization: trains, cars, and planes.
I a (mostly) West coaster, and will be on the Eastern seaboard next week for some travel. Here's what my plan is:
(1) Thursday - Washington DC to West Point (by train and rental car)
(2) Sunday - West Point to NYC (by rental car, need to drop someone in NY at an airport)
(3) Sunday - Stay overnight in NYC are thereabouts in prep for (4). Nice to have would be within striking distance to do something in NYC that night, but this is optional
(4) Monday - Fly out from LaGuardia in the afternoon [more inside]
posted by artlung at 12:38 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by artlung at 12:38 PM PST - 17 comments
Minor car accident - question about insurance claim & responsibility
I was in what I think was a fender bender on Saturday, and have a question about the insurance process / responsibility. This was near Boston, MA if it matters. [more inside]
posted by darsh at 12:28 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by darsh at 12:28 PM PST - 13 comments
How Can I Remotely Restart a Program on a Windows 7 Computer?
Any ideas on how I could have one PC listen for a specially formatted packet/etc., and when it detects that packet/etc. shut down a program? [more inside]
posted by Bugbread at 12:10 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Bugbread at 12:10 PM PST - 11 comments
Website for good focused daily workout routines
Need a website or book that has daily workout routines. What I'd like is one that has a time for cardio and then a daily focus on arms, legs, or core, etc. Sort of like you'd get from a trainer but something you can do at home. We have an elliptical, awesome weight bench, and other assorted exercise equipment. Suggestions? (Woman, btw). I'd love it if it somehow tied into the BodyMedia Fit or Spark People, but it doesn't have to.
posted by Raichle at 12:09 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Raichle at 12:09 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me buy my first house!
My partner and I have saved a deposit of $50,000 to put down on a house. We're looking for a one bed flat around the Gastown area of Vancouver BC, which we may end up renting out while we move to the US for a couple of years for work, but I have no idea how to go about this. [more inside]
posted by everydayanewday at 12:08 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by everydayanewday at 12:08 PM PST - 9 comments
Clothing recommendations for -16C Toronto
I live in London. I am going to Toronto on Sunday where, according to the weather forecast, there will be lows of -16C. I have literally never *been* in weather like that before, and do not own, or know where I should purchase, clothing which will deal with it. Special circumstance to note: I am a large person. I'm a woman, but men's XXXL does well by me . [more inside]
posted by acalthla at 11:43 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by acalthla at 11:43 AM PST - 37 comments
User interface design - what's it actually like?
What I would like to know is for those of you actually in the field who work in UI/UX design what the day to day is actually like. [more inside]
30-day e-tox
going without smartphone & computer post-work for 30 days, and am mostly wondering... so, what do my fellow solo-dwellers DO in the evenings, if not internet-related? have you done this before/how did you stick with it? [more inside]
posted by crawfo at 11:33 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by crawfo at 11:33 AM PST - 31 comments
Networking with the local coding community when you're female
I'm really interested in learning to code (Python in particular), but my forays into the local community have been frustrating. Is this a typical experience for a woman? What can I do differently? Having this coding experience is crucial to getting where I want to go in my career. [more inside]
posted by fantoche at 11:32 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by fantoche at 11:32 AM PST - 24 comments
Books about mathematics for the interested layman?
So, physicists like Brian Greene, Lisa Randall, Kip Thorne, and others have written books aimed at an interested lay audience.
What are similar books written by mathematicians?
I'm aware of Godel, Escher & Bach. And that's about it.
posted by dfriedman at 11:30 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by dfriedman at 11:30 AM PST - 23 comments
Quick! Release this tube.
I need an easy, sturdy, quick release method for connecting two parallel pieces of aluminum tube for a bike trailer rebuilding project. I haven't been able to come up with the right design by myself and I'm hoping someone out there can help me. [more inside]
What are example of no confidence votes by college students?
What are examples of college students holding a vote of no confidence for their college president? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp at 11:25 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by andoatnp at 11:25 AM PST - 6 comments
I want to play the guitar but don't want creepy nails.
Can you point to me some acoustic guitar players who play fingerstyle with their skin rather than their nails? [more inside]
NO CARRIER
Let's say you have a global disaster where the traditional web is no longer available (all ISPs are down, or a virus/cyber-attack incapacitates the web for entire regions of the world). What are the data communication alternatives in this sort of context? Is anyone still running a BBS? Does anyone even have a dialup modem anymore? Is there something better than this? [more inside]
Why am I attracted to men who don't seem attracted to me?
Even when they are guys who I think are amazing, when they show that they're really into me, I'm not attracted to them as much. I still do find them attractive, but just not as much as I would if they weren't. Why do you think this is? I can't figure out the reason myself. Is this some sort of unconscious self-esteem problem (he likes me and everyone who likes me are weird) or what? It sucks because sometimes he's such an amazing guy but just because he's showing an interest in me, points drop a little, and I wish it wouldn't but I don't have control over it (as no one has complete control over their feelings).
Keep it down up there.
Is there anything to be done about (probably unintentionally) loud neighbors? [more inside]
posted by sucre at 10:35 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by sucre at 10:35 AM PST - 10 comments
Hey Zoltar, how will our house will apprase?
How likely are these particular conditions of our home to affect an appraisal? Additionally, is there a significant benefit to addressing these condition concerns prior to appraisal for the purposes of a refi? Very long winded details inside… [more inside]
posted by waterisfinite at 10:03 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by waterisfinite at 10:03 AM PST - 15 comments
Sturdy carrier for 6-month-old
We're about to embark on a vacation to Telluride with our 6-month-old son. While we're not harboring any delusions about bringing him skiing, we'd like to take him hiking, possibly snowshoeing. What's a good, structured carrier that can accommodate him comfortably? He's fairly small for his age, just now able to fit in his "6" clothes.
Podcasts about trends in mobile
What are the best podcasts that focus on current and potential future trends in mobile (smartphones, tablets)?
What to say to a dying relative with a fractured relationship?
My uncle is dying - the doctor says days or weeks. I haven't said anything to him, or his wife, or his kids, since they got the cancer diagnosis a few months ago. Our families have had a historically fractured relationship, so it all feels very awkward to me. Please help me figure out what to appropriately say to them. [more inside]
Yes but how do you WEAR the clothing?
Help me to wear the things I own without looking like a Wilson Phillips video! [more inside]
posted by like_a_friend at 9:24 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by like_a_friend at 9:24 AM PST - 16 comments
Using Excel conditional formatting to do a name/ID data check?
I'm hoping there's an easier way to do this than my current manual process: I want to highlight text cells in Excel 2010 that are a duplicate of ONLY the cell below. Specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by bibbit at 9:21 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by bibbit at 9:21 AM PST - 4 comments
Us: med students, our OB-GYN attending: blatantly misogynist...
...and it's affecting our learning environment.
Basically it's not one big thing, rather an endless pattern of small things that make it fairly unpleasant to be a female student. Only calling on male classmates in rounds/lectures, only learning the names of male students and using inappropriate nicknames for female students, making comments about female bodies (that are irrelevant to the teaching or practice of medicine), etc.
He is a highly respected physician and academic, and my assumption is that the school administration will not be particularly understanding or receptive to complaints (although we have not tried this route yet). We would rather not confront him directly about this situation. What to do? (More examples inside) [more inside]
Recommend some adventure movies.
Can you recommend the awesomest outdoors/adventure movies that have blown your mind? [more inside]
posted by htid at 9:10 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by htid at 9:10 AM PST - 27 comments
(Wedding) dresses for n00bs; where online to look and what search terms?
I am looking for a non-traditional wedding dress but am not finding a ton that I love in my city. When I looked at Nordstrom, which was the best of the available brick-and-mortar options, I found this, which I loved and looks good on me, but the navy is way too dark a color. If I want to find something with a similar fit and/or look online, what "dress words" do I search for, and where should I be looking? [more inside]
In search of
I have a GoogleBooks library with 2650 books in it. This is good. For several months now, I have been unable to perform full-text searches on it. This is not. I've ascertained from other users that this is not a system-wide problem, so the bug is somewhere in the library. [more inside]
Need help with technology in China (and Japan).
I leave for a two week stay in China (Beijing), on Friday. I would like to take a laptop with me. I have heard however, that there is a significant risk of becoming infected with malware or spyware. Is this true? I will not have the laptop on me at all times. [more inside]
The care and feeding of lumpy breasts
A recent scare has made me aware of breast cancer, but my boobs are hopelessly lumpy. Is it even worth doing self exams? [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 8:52 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by nerdfish at 8:52 AM PST - 15 comments
Madison needs more rest
How many Sirius XM shows are prerecorded repeats? I'm a big fan of Sirius DJ Madison, for example, who has a show on First Wave weekdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. but also is on Alt Nation 6 p.m.-midnight. While I heart Madison, I really hope she's not working 12-hour days. How much of that time is actually live radio?
posted by Shoggoth at 8:37 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Shoggoth at 8:37 AM PST - 6 comments
I'm making videos from screen captures and I'm lost!
I've been tasked with creating YouTube-quality videos using clips generated by the screen capture software applications (Camtasia and Snapz Pro X. I have to bring these clips into Adobe Premiere for editing and to add titles and audio. I can't get my head around the various resolutions at play here and how best to match them up, so rather than more rambling narrative let me ask a few direct questions; [more inside]
Russian (or Allied) accounts of Berlin, April 1945 to Potsdam
Looking for memoirs or histories (or fiction, if necessary) of Berlin from the period between the April/May 1945 collapse to the Potsdam conference told from the Russian perspective. Also interested in the first Americans to show up and how they were or were not accommodated. [more inside]
Name for the phenomenon when all the numbers on a clock are identical?
Often I look at the clock when all the digits are the same, such as, 11:11 or 4:44. Is there a name for this? Do you have your own name for this?
Sick of being single, unsure of where to start
21 year old college student with past relationship experience, but I can't get a date to save my life. I believe I know the problem(s) but I'm unsure how to get started in term of solving things. [more inside]
Recommendations for lead testing labs needed
I need to test several pieces of furniture and some toys for lead paint, and want to have a lab confirm the home tests I plan to run. I need recommendations for reliable (and hopefully affordable, too) options.
posted by ryanshepard at 7:31 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 7:31 AM PST - 2 comments
Perfect sandals sought!
I need the perfect sandals. [more inside]
Timeline of a counterofffer
How long must you wait before making a counteroffer during salary negotiations? [more inside]
How can I have more nightmares?
I would like to have more nightmares. Sure, they are disturbing, but only for the first 30 minutes or so after waking. After that, I find I can use their irrational flavor and sense of dread in my creative work. Hence I am looking to have more. Does anybody know what I can do to increase their frequency (short of committing or suffering atrocities)? [more inside]
"It work." or "It works". Which is correct?
Alright all your grammar masters. My wife is foreign and she announced "It work." when I rubbed her shoulder and fixed her pain. I corrected her by saying "It works." to teach her well. She then proceeded to explain to me the English of "plural" with adding an "s" to the verb. Is this correct?
Ski town without ski bum?
I'm becoming enamored with the idea of moving to a ski town for a while. I'd like to know more about what it's really like. [more inside]
Does the world need another web developer?
I have a close friend who works as a php programmer who is interested in mentoring me. I have good reason to think that web development is the sort of work that I'd be good at. But is it really a smart move to devote time to learning these skills at this time? Is the market for web developers expected to be strong in the near future, or is it starting to wane? [more inside]
posted by MrOlenCanter at 12:41 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by MrOlenCanter at 12:41 AM PST - 21 comments
I guess I COULD walk 500 miles.
Interview in a city I don't live in-- what to do? (College graduate edition.) [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 12:04 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 12:04 AM PST - 14 comments
February 24
Are there any good movies about the Cold War from the Russian viewpoint?
I've been watching some great Cold War movies like Thirteen Days. The aesthetics are terrific and the tension spectacular. I'm wondering, though, whether there are any films that show the conflict from the Russian perspective? I would especially like to watch (or perhaps read?) accounts by true believers who felt they were defending the people from capitalist imperialism.
What is it like to call NPR?
What happens when you call a radio show like NPR's "Talk of the Nation?" What does the screener ask you? Do you give a summary of your statement? What if they don't like it - do they reject you? What do they say? Do you have to wait a long time? Is it hard to get through? How do they pick who gets on the show?
Why is my Verizon DSL so slow?
My Verizon DSL is peaking at about 1 mbit/s. Our plan should be providing 1.1-15. Why is my internet so much slower than expected? [more inside]
posted by mnemonic at 7:46 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by mnemonic at 7:46 PM PST - 7 comments
Keep making progress in a shrinking field, or switch gears?
Lawyer getting great experience in a shrinking subspecialty. Work environment has flaws. Have the opportunity to move. Worried about grass being greener, frying pan/fire, etc. Special details inside. [more inside]
what's the best way to cover my windows?
just moved into a new apartment, yay! but the windows are bare, and i would like them to be covered. no where i've been looking carries the sizes of my windows, so i think i have to order custom blinds/shades/whatever? [more inside]
Please help me pick out a bike for myself
I'm looking for a three wheel bike for various reasons, but I'm getting conflicting advice, so I'd like even more advice. [more inside]
posted by patheral at 7:05 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by patheral at 7:05 PM PST - 13 comments
I don't want to look like I'm ready to abandon ship any given moment.
How do you respond to people who want to hire you or people who are looking for someone with your skills and qualifications while you're on duty for your current employer? [more inside]
James Bond, women, fleeing death
How many times has James Bond used a woman's body to prevent himself from getting killed (blocked a bullet from hitting him with a woman, etc)?
posted by aaanastasia at 6:31 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by aaanastasia at 6:31 PM PST - 15 comments
Questions about the ending of "Sound of my Voice"
Just watched the awesome indie sci-fi/thriller "Sound of My Voice," and have questions about the ending, and the film itself. Massive spoilers inside. [more inside]
One Year Anniversary and San Franniversary
What to do for a one year anniversary with my SO that is also a San Franniversary? Bonus points for photographer expertise and relaxing suggestions. [more inside]
posted by mokudekiru at 6:15 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by mokudekiru at 6:15 PM PST - 8 comments
Reliable Transportation
What are the arguments for and against method of transportation as a protected class? [more inside]
Free Streaming the Oscars?
Is there any way to free stream the Oscars tonight on Firefox OSX?
How do you occupy your time with a migraine?
I've been having a lot of migraines lately, and in the grand scheme of things, I'm dealing. However, the photophobia is driving me crazy, mostly because sitting around in the dark is boring. How do you spend your time when you can't use lights? [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 4:52 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by gilsonal at 4:52 PM PST - 28 comments
My 1st year of marriage is tough. Wife may be a workaholic. What do do?
My [possibly workaholic] wife works seven days a week as a ski instructor. I live and work two hours away during the week, and then I drive up to see her on the weekends.
When I'm there on the weekends, I spend an average of four hours a week with her. Usually she is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted from working so much. Needless to say, it does not feel like she is there for me.
When I tell her I would like to spend more time with her, she tells me I'm too needy and dependent on her.
I would like her to take off a Saturday or Sunday every week so we can spend time together. Is that asking for too much? What other requests/things can I do to make life more manageable?
Thanks for your help.
P.S. You get bonus points if you have worked in the ski industry and can explain how difficult it is to ask for weekends off! :-)
posted by speedoavenger at 4:48 PM PST - 53 comments
posted by speedoavenger at 4:48 PM PST - 53 comments
Sports Medicine Doctor Filter: Twin Cities Recommendations
My friend, who is a serious runner and has been having intense and un-fixable leg pain connected with running for the last few months, needs recommendations for high caliber sports medicine physicians in the Twin Cities metro area. She will likely be paying for appointments out of pocket (high deductible on her health insurance plan), so bonus points for more affordable or financially accommodating providers/practices. She is NOT looking for recommendations for a physical therapist, chiropractor, acupuncturist, or anything else similar to that, strictly sports medicine folks. Who should she see?
Who ya gonna call [to fix an oven]?
I have an old kitchen with old appliances. The oven has suddenly died, and I realized I have no idea what to do about it. [more inside]
posted by JanetLand at 3:45 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by JanetLand at 3:45 PM PST - 16 comments
Old timer New Orleans Jazz - trumpet
Trying to remember a jazz musician. He went commercial way back in 60's I think.
He played trumpet I think.
One tune I recall was "Elephant Walk"
He was a very big man. He was on TV for quite a while.
Can anyone remember this?
Tips for finding full-length movies on Youtube
Youtube has turned into a repository of full-length movies of late. How can I improve my google-fu for finding both obscure and well-known titles? [more inside]
How many women are citizens of Vatican City?
I'm interested in the citizenship of Vatican City -- does it include any women? if yes, how many, and what are their roles? and what is the age range of citizens? Since citizenship is granted according to official status, I assume there are no children? How about residents, as opposed to citizens? Are there any spouses or children of citizens living there? [more inside]
Turntable just making a crackling sound!
I bought a turntable and the sound is a disaster. I think I should just buy a new stylus but is there anything else obvious I might try first? [more inside]
posted by cincinnatus c at 1:44 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by cincinnatus c at 1:44 PM PST - 18 comments
Moving on from a relationship when you can't do No Contact
I decided to end my "relationship" with someone I saw for nine months. We both have the same hobby, and seeing him there has been stirring both negative and positive emotions. I don't want to give up the hobby. I could handle the negative emotions - because that's what you're supposed to feel - it's the positive ones that are doing me in. How can I get past them? [more inside]
posted by hungry hippo at 1:31 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by hungry hippo at 1:31 PM PST - 20 comments
best dramatized audiobooks?
I've been recovering from a brain injury and find reading very hard, so I've really enjoyed listening to audiobooks. But not books just read out loud: dramatized adaptations of them, with a varied voice cast, background music and sound effects -- the lot. I've listened to the BBC dramatization of the Hitchhiker's Guide and a wonderful version of the Foundation Trilogy. What other fantastic dramatized audiobooks can I feed my temporarily defective brain with? Happy to consider both free and paid suggestions. Thanks in advance!
What to do about stress and work?
I've been very stressed for a few months. I've tried managing it, however on Thursday I almost snapped and became quite teary to the point a co-worker mentioned it to my team leader. My team leader was great and told me not to worry. Unfortunately after a stressful weekend I still feel very weepy and have a very tight chest. I think I may need to take a few days off work in order to recover. I haven't got any holiday left so would need to take it as sick. How should I go about getting some time off to recover and get myself straight again? [more inside]
Which kitten should we adopt?
We are thinking of adding another cat to our household, and need help choosing the right one - shy or outgoing? [more inside]
Do you know of a lifeguarded beach in North Carolina?
We're considering a family vacation at one of those mondo multi family homes at the shore in North Carolina, but would prefer a lifeguarded beach. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Journals
I used to buy these large Noto Journals from Paperchase at Borders when they went on sale. But now Borders has gone! What are my options for large (6" x 8" or so), softcover, ruled journals? I know I can still get Paperchase online but the shipping (to US) would kill me, and I've never really liked Moleskines.
Subletting dispute: what are my options?
I recently subleased a place in NYC for three months. I put down a $2000 deposit and paid $3200 for the first month. I’ve been there for two weeks. The lease specified that I’d pay for each remaining month on the first of the month. I've been told "you’ve lost your fucking money, get out". What next? [more inside]
posted by suncoursing at 12:16 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by suncoursing at 12:16 PM PST - 28 comments
Toronto computer repair
I have two things that needs to be fixed, although it's not super urgent. first, the usb jack on my external hard drive came loose, and I can't access data inside. I'm fairly sure all I need is a re-soldering job.
I also want to get rid of my old laptop. It's an HP pavillion dv4, and it works mostly fine but occasionally blue screens. I was going to sell on craigslist, but I don't want all of my data in there when I sell. But every time I try to clear out everything, the computer blue screens on me.
Where in Toronto (downtown or Annex) can I get these two things done as cheaply as possible?
Un-tuckable long sleeve shirts
This has some echoes of my question from about a year ago, but I'm looking for some more help. I've found that the "long sleeve shirt untucked" look works well for me on weekends, but I am having a heck of a time finding appropriate shirts. [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 11:37 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by primethyme at 11:37 AM PST - 14 comments
Macbook Pro will not connect to Thunderbolt display
MPB late 2011, Thunderbolt native running 10.8.2 will not light up Thunderbolt display I bought today at the Apple Store. [more inside]
Books on immersive experiences
Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus and Robin Sloan's Mr Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore describe immersive artistic experiences that echo Alternate Reality Games or events like the All Worlds Fair. What other books describe events and experiences like these? [more inside]
Evelyn Waugh was a man...
How does it work when people check into a hotel under a pseudonym? [more inside]
posted by Chorus at 11:21 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Chorus at 11:21 AM PST - 15 comments
How can I be less nervous during the lecture I'm giving tomorrow?
I'm giving an hour-long lecture tomorrow before a class of 50 college students. This is something I've never done before (although I've given shorter presentations to smaller audiences). How can I minimize nervousness/stage fright? [more inside]
posted by zeri at 11:15 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by zeri at 11:15 AM PST - 14 comments
Help finding an apartment in Seattle
I have a list of neighborhoods I'd consider living, a list of amenities that I consider necessary and/or negotiable, and a $ amount in mind per month. How can I make the selection process move along more quickly than the Craigslist Method? [more inside]
Public relations when closing shop?
I am interested in hearing personal experiences with deciding to end a project. How did other people react to the news? How did that make you feel? What did you do? What do you think you should have done differently? [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 10:35 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Michele in California at 10:35 AM PST - 14 comments
What is a good reading list to bring me up to speed in modern feminism?
I am a white gay dude. My goal is to bring myself up to speed on feminism (and important streams in gender and whatnot).
What books should I read?
What blogs should I be reading?
I want to be able to speak more coherently to these issues with an understanding of the history, and of the current theory.
Tip that!
I serve tables at a restaurant (California), and management (large corporate chain) insists we declare 18% tips on sales (whatever the outcome of the night) or face reprimand... [more inside]
What are the rules for drawing from a reference photo that is not yours?
Lets say I found an amazing macro photograph of a flower or of an old building and I wanted to do a very detailed graphite drawing of the photo. Am I able to claim this drawing as 'my' artwork? Can I use it in a painting to sell? Does the photographer need to be credited? Do I need permission in the first place to use the photo as reference or should I just avoid all the potential hassle and take my own darned photographs for reference from which to draw?
New Parentsfilter: What's the best and easiest way to share photos?
Earlier this week, Mrs. Zooropa gave birth to our son, Elias (we call him Eli). He is our first, so of course, we are taking all sorts of photos and video on our phones, and have received a ton of requests from grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.
Here's my question: what's the best and easiest way to share photos and videos with all these folks? [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 10:05 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by zooropa at 10:05 AM PST - 30 comments
Please help me with my Ableton recording tracks.
Please help me route my Ableton tracks. [more inside]
How can I find information about a building?
I have been obsessed with this building in Alexandria, Virginia for years. I want to know more about it - who designed it, when it was built, past tenants, and so forth. Should there be public records available somewhere and if so, where can I find them? [more inside]
Recommendations for a naturopath and/or acupuncturist in Toronto?
I am looking for recommendations for a *good* naturopath and/or acupuncturist in Toronto. Want to potentially get a full workup for lifestyle changes I can make to be healthier, and go away with an action plan I can follow... [more inside]
Mountain Lion, New SSD - what's destroying my battery life?
So, I've made the fatal mistake of performing several upgrades at once, and I could do with some advice on where to go now... is my problem with charging time and battery life my new SSDs, my new OS, or something else entirely? Generic snowflake details to follow: [more inside]
posted by running order squabble fest at 8:53 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by running order squabble fest at 8:53 AM PST - 7 comments
Ideas for leftover chateaubriand besides sandwiches?
I have a huge portion of leftover chateaubriand from a top-notch steakhouse I went to last night and I'm trying to decide how to morph it into dinner tonight. I saw this thread but nothing really stood out at me so I'm looking for other ideas. I don't really want to turn it into sandwiches but I will if the collective wisdom tells me that's the best way to go. Also, the meat is a little more rare than I'd prefer so is there a way I can cook it a bit more without ruining it?
How to help a partner in crisis?
About 6 months ago my partner told me he had stopped taking his Prozac. He was on a low 'maintenance dose' and had been feeling better. Now things have gone belly up and going back on the meds hasn't helped. He's drinking heavily and can barely function. How can I find him the help he needs and also help him myself with little money and no support network whilst looking after our young daughter? [more inside]
Wellness Recovery Action Plan
Does anyone have any experience with a mental health program called WRAP, Wellness Recovery Action Plan. It was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland and it looks like groups exist all over the English-speaking world. [more inside]
The supposed tech savvy daughter has failed.
My parents would like to get a Roku box so they can cancel their insanely expensive DishTV subscription. How do I do this? Can I get them these specific channels? [more inside]
electrician / HVAC recommendation for Derby, CT?
Hi there,
My mom needs a new furnace & hot water heater. Both are super old and and need to be replaced. Both will be electric, she lives in a condo and doesn't have gas or propane. Can anyone recommend an electrician or HVAC company in the area? I'm checking our Sears and have a recommendation for Aire Serve from an acquaintance.
Thanks!
Need help restoring bricked Verizon Galaxy Nexus
My rooted verizon galaxy nexus won't boot and I need help recovering it (more inside) [more inside]
I got it! I got it! I got it! I don't have it!
Following the numerous recommendations here for Starting Strength, I've been at it for a month or so, and have joined a proper weight lifting club as well. But is there a similarly simple program for grip strength? [more inside]
Any good depictions of Women in the military/police service?
Just wondering if anyone knew of some depictions of women (either TV or film) in uniformed roles that pass the Bechdel test. Bechdel test being where two named women have a conversation about something other than a man. I'm racking my brain but can't think of any.
How to record audio from a sound card?
Hi,
How to record audio as it passes through a sound card? [more inside]
What's that "blerk!" sound the BBC uses in their night-time thrillers?
In Sherlock, and in Midsomer Murders, there's a night-time sound which I presume is either a recording of, or meant to be some kind of night bird. What is it? [more inside]
posted by nonspecialist at 4:45 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by nonspecialist at 4:45 AM PST - 7 comments
Should I start to worry about identity-theft/phishing?
I recently started in a new job and got a used laptop for my desk. I have utilized this with my Chrome/ Google account. Then, after a few weeks, I got a warning in gmail, telling me that a foreign state might be trying to hack my account or computer. My question is, should I start to worry about being tageted by hackers? Or is the alert from google and the phishing attempts a coincidence?
[more inside]
How do I deal with a recalcitrant Internet radio?
I've recently acquired a Denon CEOL N-8 compact stereo. The main reason for my choice is its integrated WLAN and networking capabilities. There's one tiny spot of trouble, though: the WLAN turns out to be utter crap. [more inside]
Info about Nan Goldin photograph
I have this Phaidon Nan Goldin monograph written by Guido Costsa, and there isn't any info or even title/date of the (NSFW) cover photo. It is the same photo as you see here: link.
I would like any info available about this photo. Does anybody know who the model is, what her relationship was to Nan, when the picture was taken? Any other interesting info?
Thank you.
posted by mermaidcafe at 2:00 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 2:00 AM PST - 2 comments
Why does Busted magazine get featured at the front counter?
How does Busted magazine get to be featured at the front counter of stores? [more inside]
posted by Rich Smorgasbord at 1:01 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Rich Smorgasbord at 1:01 AM PST - 15 comments
February 23
To Smudge or not to Smudge?
Recently started wearing eye glasses, and whenever I kiss my partner, his nose smudges my glasses. How can I avoid this? [more inside]
posted by horizonseeker at 11:39 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by horizonseeker at 11:39 PM PST - 19 comments
Relative Dead -- What to do with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
My step-brother died unexpectedly Friday evening. He was in his early 40's. Hoping someone can walk me through what to do with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. [more inside]
How much fuel did we use?
How much jet fuel does it take to get from Vancouver to Beijing? [more inside]
Low vibration hair/beard clipper
I'm looking for a beard trimmer / hair clipper that vibrates less than my 20+ year old Oster. [more inside]
Help me cover a wall in 11x17 color copies
I would like to cover an entire bedroom wall in color photocopies. I have put this off for years, for fear of destroying my rental suite bedroom wall with whatever adhesive I used, but recently learned that some people have had success affixing images cut out from color copies (though not necessarily entire 11x17 sheets) to their walls using aerosol starch, and later being able to remove them without leaving any traces; others have failed to get the images to stick at all using this method. Have you experienced success or failure in attempts to do something similar? What are my other options here? [more inside]
posted by tenderly at 10:07 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by tenderly at 10:07 PM PST - 14 comments
Looking for sites and organizations for amateur underwater vehicles?
Quadcopters are cool and everything, but I find exploring the ocean a way more interesting proposition. I want to start making autonomous underwater vehicles.
Are there forums for people who are doing this? I've googlebinged for sites and people that are into this, but no dice. It seems like everyone involved is a closed academic research project, or a government body.
Basically looking for a forum of people to discuss ideas with.
posted by hanoixan at 10:06 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by hanoixan at 10:06 PM PST - 8 comments
What blogs focus on new technologies?
I am looking for a list of blogs that concentrate on a subject matter similar to the "87 cool things" presentation from google creative labs (slideshare link here).
I keep seeing things like the Tupac hologram or arduino-controlled light or even stuff like the nike chalkbot and wonder what blogs to look out for technical possibilities over a wide area. I am aware of gizmodo, laughing squid and boingboing, all of which do these things every now and then but not all the time.
Thanks for your input!
Recommendation for travel tracking apps/sites
Please recommend to me your favourite app/website for tracking all the travel places you have already been to and the places you plan to go to on a map. Would also help if it already has lists like World Heritage sites so that I can just tick the relevant places.
How do I travel?
Travel veterans of MetaFilter, please help a foreign travel noob figure out how foreign travel works. [more inside]
posted by jraenar at 9:34 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by jraenar at 9:34 PM PST - 31 comments
Google Screen goes blank on many common sites
I was having trouble with my iMac computer lagging and one of the things I did was restart in Safe mode (holding down shift). It now seems to be ok. I also have mediocre vision so have resolution at 1280 x 800 as my usual preference. The Issue: since the safe boot, Chrome pages go to a white screen after a few seconds on most sites such as Facebook and Amazon among others. I see old posts on Google but no real fixes. I looked at many google help links like this among others. Has anybody else had this problem? (Chrome does this when I change the view back to a more usual setting like 1344 x 840, for example. Any thoughts?
Freeeeeee Fallin'
How do I fall off the face of the planet for a few days? [more inside]
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 9:11 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 9:11 PM PST - 12 comments
Help me understand slang from Southern Brazil
I'm trying to understand the meaning of the phrase "te aprochega." I have seen it used as part of a parade celebrating southern Gaucho pride in Porto Alegre, near Uruguay. I understand that the "te" is kind of like our "y'all" because it's this southern vernacular that's not used so much up north, but what does the "approaching" part mean? I've only been able to find references on the Web to "te aprochega living," in the sense that someone might say "Gangnam Style."
posted by steinsaltz at 8:38 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by steinsaltz at 8:38 PM PST - 4 comments
I want to understand what this musical entry on wikipedia means.
I am also looking for the easiest way to hear (or generate) these sounds online. [more inside]
Save our NY Saturday night
My friend and I are at 48th and 5th Ave in NYC, at 11pm. Where can we grab a cozy hot chocolate, sit on an oversized couch and continue to chat?
posted by Karmacane at 8:08 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Karmacane at 8:08 PM PST - 4 comments
Songs by the month
Recommendations for (love) songs that mention one of the months in its lyrics? [more inside]
My manager always teach a specific individual within my department?
My manager always teach a specific individual within my department.
I find this unfair and annoying at random times. Am I too sensitive/jealous about this situation? What advice do you have for me? Anyone experience the same situation? Anyone here know what my manager is planning to do? Is it time for me to look for a new job? [more inside]
posted by Mountain28 at 7:46 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Mountain28 at 7:46 PM PST - 2 comments
Can I use the work of a German artist (d.1908) w/o licensing it?
I love the work of Wilhelm Busch and I want to use a couple of images from "Hans Huckebein" for commercial purposes. I live in the United States, and I don't anticipate any international business transactions. So what I want to know is, can I assume Busch's work is in the public domain (he died in 1908), like, for example, John Tenniel's illustrations for the original "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"? Or might Busch's work still be under copyright in Germany, and, if so, how do I find out? I'm pretty sure that if it's under copyright in Germany, I can't just use it in the USA. I am not interested in cheating anyone out of licensing fees! But naturally I would rather not pay them if I don't have to.
The murderer within us all
[novel filter] I'm searching the recesses of my mind to locate a half-remembered passage from a fictional novel which provides a beautiful meditation on the fact that all humans are essentially the same; and not getting very far. What I can remember is that one of the characters is projecting themselves into the shoes of others (or one particular 'bad' person? I can't recall) - murderers, rapists, etc - and noting that there is little that separates him or her personally, or good people in general, from those we deem the evil. Any ideas? [more inside]
How Long Should I Wait To Text a Potential Friend?
So I know it's suggested that when you're beginning to date someone, you wait awhile afterwards before you text them. Does that wait also apply when you're trying to make new friends? [more inside]
posted by dean_deen at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by dean_deen at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments
quote about going home
I am looking for a quote along the lines of, "you leave home to search for what you are looking for, only to come home and realize it was there all along".
I remember reading a specific quote around this idea, but I can't remember the wording well enough to look it up. I would also be interested in any quote along these lines and expressing a similar idea.
thanks.
harshing my buzz
Please recommend me an electric razor, available on Amazon, for buzzing my head. [more inside]
posted by threeants at 4:39 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by threeants at 4:39 PM PST - 13 comments
Need help with conditional lists in excel
I'm creating a workout training program in excel, and I want to show a range of data based on certain conditions. Using Excel 2010 More after the jump. [more inside]
posted by FireStyle at 3:06 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by FireStyle at 3:06 PM PST - 9 comments
Is cold compression therapy actually effective?
I'm curious how strong the empirical evidence in support of cold compression therapy for acute injuries truly is. [more inside]
posted by prunes at 2:59 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by prunes at 2:59 PM PST - 3 comments
How to sell a broken iPhone 4?
I have a broken iPhone4 on AT&T (the home button does not work). I just ordered a Nexus 4 to replace it, so I'd like to sell the broken iPhone to offset the cost of the new phone. Googling for places to sell a dead iPhone brings up a lot of options, not all of which look legit. Does anyone have a recommended place to sell a dead iPhone to?
What is the best way of mailing postcards to a neighborhood?
I want to mail a few hundred postcards to a neighborhood to inform them about a particular issue. How should I do this? [more inside]
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 2:53 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 2:53 PM PST - 11 comments
How to get to Cuba on short notice (as Americans)?
We're Americans in Mexico and want to get to Cuba but don't have tickets. How does this work? [more inside]
Seeking suitable plants for an awkward flower bed, zone 8a.
My flower bed gets full sun in Summer, full shade in Winter, and plenty of dog pee. What can I plant? [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle at 1:45 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by reverend cuttle at 1:45 PM PST - 8 comments
I think i need to talk to my boyfriend about his drinking - help me
I am at home visiting family this weekend, I’ll be back at the rented house I share with my boyfriend of 6 years in less than 24 hours. In a phonecall today I heard pretty much the last thing/piece of evidence I need to make me realise that I need him to properly address his problems with alcohol. Or maybe I need him to address my problems with his alcohol behaviour. Please read the extended story inside and tell me how to frame this in my mind and how to talk to him. [more inside]
posted by moreteaplease at 12:57 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by moreteaplease at 12:57 PM PST - 42 comments
mail a fig tree?
I want to mail-order a fig tree to Florida. Can you recommend a nursery that will do this? [more inside]
Small Deli wants to allow online ordering, needs advice
I'm helping a small local deli with a website redesign using Joomla, and they're really interested in online ordering. I'm familiar with setting up standard shopping carts, but this is a bit different. Does anyone have advice on what cart to use (one that's fairly customizable) and how to best receive and process orders? [more inside]
posted by klinefelter at 12:37 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by klinefelter at 12:37 PM PST - 6 comments
Ideally, what should I be earning to live "comfortably" in Portland, OR?
Hello, people of Portland! Is $50,000 a year enough to live on comfortably in your city? [more inside]
posted by Young Kullervo at 12:31 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Young Kullervo at 12:31 PM PST - 16 comments
Beautiful, high-quality women's shoes for double-wide feet?
I sometimes read about shoes that look fabulous, are reasonably comfortable, and that (with proper care) can last for many years. Although they may be expensive, their durability make up for it. I want shoes like this. [more inside]
posted by yonglin at 12:17 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by yonglin at 12:17 PM PST - 12 comments
What combination of these materials will create a cool reaction?
Chemistry-buffs, please help! I'm trying to figure out how to create as destructive a chemical reaction as possible (something along the lines of an acid eating through a base) using only limited materials. For story purposes, this reaction has to be created by using some combination of the following materials only: [more inside]
posted by np312 at 12:13 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by np312 at 12:13 PM PST - 7 comments
How to effectively search Android apps?
Is there a way to search for Android apps that have "appropriate" permission requests? [more inside]
posted by unlaced at 12:12 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by unlaced at 12:12 PM PST - 3 comments
Backup software copying entire contents of laptop *twice*!
I backed up the contents of my ASUS UL50VT laptop in 2011 to my Seagate external hard drive using their Memeo software. In 2012, I connected the Seagate again and ran a second backup, and it created a separate folder where it stored all the new files I'd gained since the previous time. So far, so good.
Now when I try to back it up again, it has started from scratch--duplicating the entire contents of my 450 GB laptop to a third folder. I'm gonna use up all my hard drive space this way, stat. Any way to make it back up only the new files again, like it did before?
posted by manzanita at 12:08 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by manzanita at 12:08 PM PST - 2 comments
What brand of toilet paper doesn't leave bits stuck to your bits?
I tend to end up with little bits of rolled up toilet paper stuck to my labia after I wipe. I have to try to pick them all off by hand after nearly every time I pee, and I'm always afraid I may have missed some. What brand(s) of toilet paper can I buy that're sturdy enough to avoid this problem?
We have a date -- now what?
I followed your overwhelming advice and gave this guy my number. It worked! He immediately texted me back and we have a date tonight. Trouble is I'm a bundle of nerves because he intimidates me. I need advice on how to keep my cool tonight. :) [more inside]
How can I help my parents, who are in over their heads financially?
I am worried about my parents, both of whom make a decent living, but are overwhelmed by debt. I cannot help them financially (and neither can my siblings, really), but I am looking for suggestions as to what direction to point them to be able to help themselves. [more inside]
recommend me some books!
I enjoy memoir-style books written by people who have lived in interesting places/cultures and provide a political and historical perspective of the events in their lives. I have a gift certificate for Barnes and Noble that's burning a hole in my pocket. I'd like some recommendations. [more inside]
Rec. needed for NYC doctor knowledgeable about antipsychotics & metformin
Can anyone provide a recommendation(s) for a primary care doctor(s) in NYC or the Jersey City/Hoboken area who is knowledgeable about using Metformin to help with weight gain associated with antipsychotics use? [more inside]
In Russia, Travel somethings You!
We're thinking of travelling to Tula for our honeymoon. How hard is it to travel in Russia these days, if you're not going to a usual travel destination? [more inside]
posted by small_ruminant at 10:39 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by small_ruminant at 10:39 AM PST - 3 comments
Sign Painting Class/Resources in Portland, OR?
Since learning to sign paint is one of my biggest dreams, what's the best way to get some on-the-ground instruction here in the Pacific Northwest? I have a great library of resource books for traditional sign design and showcard layout, but I really want to take a basic hands-on class/tutorial that will teach me the nitty gritty of equipment and process. [more inside]
Is reduction of rent warranted in this situation? If yes, how to proceed
I'm asking this for a senior citizen friend. Does he have a right to ask for a reduction in rent for a situation wherein he warned management of criminal activity......but was ignored? [more inside]
posted by naplesyellow at 10:23 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by naplesyellow at 10:23 AM PST - 16 comments
Full-size digital piano or compact (inexpensive) keyboard for kid?
My young daughter (kindergarten) will be starting piano lessons soon, and the teacher wants us to buy an 88 key digital piano with weighted keys - that seems to be about $500 minimum. However we're not sure the lessons will stick, and as a bonus we are space-challenged in our small house. For about $160 we could get something that is still big but not 88 key big, touch-sensitive keys instead of weighted keys (i.e. Yamaha NP11, open to other recommendations). We are piano ignorant, so don't know how to judge the trade-off. Should we suck it up and buy the big boy, or will it not matter at this stage of learning?
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 10:15 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 10:15 AM PST - 16 comments
Offroad biking clothes for the large and temperate
Looking for offroad biking clothes that don't make me look like shrink-wrapped tripe or some kind of junior-high skater dude. What does the middle-aged country gentleman wear on a bicycle hack through the shrubbery? [more inside]
iPad/digital guestbook for wedding?
My wedding is this week. I'm terrible with names. I am looking for some way to have a guestbook that allows pictures of guests (or even audio and/or video) along with their names and addresses (and any other message). [more inside]
grocery shopping from across the ocean
Are there any online retailers of snack foods (cookies, candy, pretzels) that will deliver to Norway? I don't understand customs regulations very well, but I think these may have to be stores actually in Norway. I would be paying with a US credit card and am willing to muddle about the site with Google translate and squinting at the pictures.
posted by segfault at 9:56 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by segfault at 9:56 AM PST - 3 comments
Narrow hallway makeover!
Looking for some help making my narrow hallway a little prettier and more interesting. Bonus bookcase wood finishing/painting question inside! [more inside]
Can't see a doctor until Monday. Could this be a panic attack?
Having classic "panic attack" symptoms; don't know if it's a panic attack, or due to a reaction from medication I'm taking? [more inside]
How do I replicate Spanish cafe con leche at a US cafe?
How do I order a Spanish-style cafe con leche at a US espresso bar? I can't seem to get the proportions right. What I'm looking for is a high ratio of espresso to milk, but not too high. The milk should be hot, not frothy at all. Cappucicinos, cafe au laits, and lattes all have too much milk. Today I tried to describe what I wanted and they gave me a "short cappuccino," which was not enough milk, and the milk was foamed instead of flat. A specific name for this drink would be great, if it exists, but what I really want is the exact ordering instructions -- because I find that in most cafes, ordering anything slightly unusual (like an Americano) usually gets very inconsistent results.
posted by yarly at 8:56 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by yarly at 8:56 AM PST - 35 comments
I can't seem to find a good organizational/calender app for my mac.
I have sampled so many I can't even remember the names of them all. I have scoured the web for suggestions. You'd think this would be a basic thing. But honestly, I can't seem to find a calendar/organizational app for my mac that is 1) inexpensive, 2) not annoying and 3) broad-based enough to handle both notes and calendar dates.
Evernote is terrific, and I use it all the time, but it is also a dumping ground for everything I think I may ever need to refer to in life. What I'm looking for is something that will enable me to make lists of short-term (up to a year) deadlines and projects, along with note-making capabilities and, of course, a basic calendar function. Nozbe is perfect, but not at the price point of $10 a month. Is there anything else out there that's as good or almost as good as Nozbe that doesn't cost $90+ a year?
posted by zagyzebra at 8:55 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by zagyzebra at 8:55 AM PST - 3 comments
I need to hide the sausage, literally
I strongly dislike meat, but eating it is good for my health. What are some tasty recipes which include meat but don't taste strongly of it? Difficulty: complex dietary restrictions. [more inside]
Getting back into film in LOUISIANA!
How do I get on film crews in Louisiana. Lots of experience. Know basically no one. [more inside]
There's No Such Thing as a Free Lunch/Haircut
This question is specific to NYC. I'm wondering what people's experiences have been getting free haircuts from the various schools around town - Aveda, Bumble and Bumble, Arrojo. Often, people offer free haircuts on craigslist and elsewhere, in order to get models for class projects. FWIW, I'm a male, 29 yo "hipster," although I'd also welcome opinions from women.
posted by outlandishmarxist at 8:35 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by outlandishmarxist at 8:35 AM PST - 17 comments
How do operatic singing techniques optimize for volume?
Someone once told me that a lot of the distinctive "sound" of opera developed as a way to be heard without amplification. Two specific claims I remember: diphthongs are separated into multiple monophthonic syllables, and phonemes which are hard to sing loudly are replaced by easier ones (which sometimes don't even exist in that language). There were others relating to actual singing that I forgot. Does anyone know of a good discussion of this topic that talks about biomechanics and acoustics? Not to ignore artistic and historical considerations, but I'm looking for a somewhat technical discussion. In particular, I'd love to see a comparison with singing styles developed for amplification and recording.
too embarrassed to get a haircut.
In the last couple of months, my scalp has escalated from 'a bit dry' to 'disaster area.' What the hell is going on? [more inside]
Dell Monitor Power Saving Will Make Me Mental
I have a 23" Dell ST2320L monitor that is quite nice in all respects but one. It goes into Power Saver mode when playing games. Hope me. [more inside]
posted by kuanes at 6:48 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by kuanes at 6:48 AM PST - 4 comments
Best free&easy online social database program/site?
I'm a member of a writing group and I'm trying to create an easily sharable database of who knows who for networking purposes. [more inside]
Ending a friendship over friend's unethical behavior?
I have realized recently that I have a few friends that behave in ways, in other areas of their life, that I think is unethical. How do you draw the line, when someone's behavior is not directly affecting you, on what is acceptable for your standards of friendship? [more inside]
posted by abirdinthehand at 6:22 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by abirdinthehand at 6:22 AM PST - 34 comments
KVM for MBP and Mac Pro (DVI and Mini Displayport)
How can I best share a monitor, keyboard and Magic Trackpad between a Mac Pro and a MacBook Pro? [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 6:20 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Joleta at 6:20 AM PST - 16 comments
Advice for someone transitiong to freelance consulting and software dev
I would like to do some consulting in the area of software development for Engineering firms.
I would also like to develop my own software products and sell them.
How do I go about this from a legal standpoint? I plan to alert all my potential customers that I am also working on my own products and that any software I build for them can either remain proprietary for their company (assuming of course it is not the exact same thing as what I plan to create and sell on my own) , or that we can enter an agreement where if I sell the software developed on their dime we would split the profits - assuming they don't want to keep it proprietary which will be the most likely scenario.
YANAL, but is there a way to draft this in legal terms? S
uch that if obvious small classes or libraries appear both in my product and the product I develop for them - and any programmer knows there are only that many ways to skin a code and overlap is inevitable - I won't get sued.
Japanese Cooking?
I am in Japan. I can not read or speak Japanese. I am a beginner cook. I have a limited budget; I can experiment but my first attempts better be stupid proof & edible. I am also a goat in that I am willing to eat just about anything (squishy squid, large amounts of raw egg, & crayfish that stare back seem to be at or near my limit; however, I love raw fish of many types & I often eat mystery meat on the streets of Asia).
Help me master a few Japanese recipes? [more inside]
Possibly a dumb question about Alien/Aliens.
On a recent rewatch of the original Alien and Aliens films, I realized something puzzling. [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg at 4:44 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by orrnyereg at 4:44 AM PST - 12 comments
Furniture blocking wifi signal?
Is it possible for furniture to block a wifi signal? Or at least make it drop regularly.. [more inside]
Multi-input external audio interface recommendations?
I want to buy an audio interface for home recordings. Specifically, I want to record onto (most likely) a Mac, and I need more than 2 simultaneous inputs, since I will often be recording drums. I would prefer to spend under 200€. Give me your opinion and experiences! [more inside]
posted by molecicco at 4:32 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by molecicco at 4:32 AM PST - 8 comments
I wish to profit off of a Facebook fan page.
I started a facebook fan page five years ago. I hadn't looked at it in a while, and upon seeing it again I find that it has accrued over 120,000 fans. I am the sole administrator, and I never posted as the page. I am not above selling the page, or getting paid to post ads as this page. How would I go about doing this?
How can I find a good home for my cat in NYC?
My family and I were "displaced" by hurricane sandy. We were without a place to live for 10-11 weeks. We finally have a place to live and it's going ok, but we need to find a home for one of our cats because he can't stay with us. It's sad, but we need to find him a good home. How do you do that? He's the sweetest cutest thing. I can't have him be in one of those cages. However I really need to find him a home fast. I'm freaking out about this an don't know what to do. Please help. [more inside]
How to Anonymously Send Grandmother Money?
How to anonymously send my Grandmother money? I love my Grandmother to pieces. She's one of my favorite people. She's the most charismatic woman I've ever known.. she just has a way with people. I watch her engage others in awe; she can disarm an utterly rigid stranger in a few seconds by simply bestowing her beautiful aura upon them. Pathetically, people have taken advantage of her throughout her entire life. I won't go into details because it's irrelevant, but her story is a sad one.
Anyway I'm an adult now and I'm making a good living. I want to help her out without her knowing it's me, and for the rest of her life. She would never accept financial assistance from me so I have to be stealthy. [more inside]
posted by OneHermit at 12:46 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by OneHermit at 12:46 AM PST - 18 comments
February 22
Looking for a "song", maybe created by scientists, required headphones?
I am looking for a "song" and I believe it was created by scientists. About 10 min long. Headphones were required. It begins with an industrial, pulsating sound like taking a kitchen faucet and spraying it into a stainless steel bowl around and around. After a few minutes, it bursts into loud but clear music with harps and strumming of various instruments. There are no human voices. [more inside]
I'd like to listen to some hopeful and reassuring songs
I want to create a playlist that has themes along the lines of 'everything is going to be all right.' [more inside]
Help me find media that romanticizes physical rehab after injury
I am looking for media (films, books, tv shows) that romanticize, and put in a positive light, the slow, painful steps of physical rehabilitation and strengthening after injury (from sports preferably). [more inside]
The plane is a time machine
I act childish and feel patronized whenever I go back home from university to my parents and (much) older sister. I think this is a known phenomenon. What can I do to minimize this? (Snowflake details inside.) [more inside]
Where to stay in Oaxaca - baby and in-law edition
Hi All,
We'll be travelling to Mexico with our baby to see my wife's family, and then going on a short trip to Oaxaca with my parents in law. Somehow its come to me (the only non Mexican) to find accommodation in Oaxaca. Please help! [more inside]
Should I just not talk about online dating with white people?
Every once in a while, I (a minority) have a conversation with a white person about online dating in which it becomes clear that they do not and cannot understand that being a visibly non-white person on a predominantly white dating site is often a very different experience than being a white person on the same site. These conversations usually leave me completely frustrated and upset, and the person I'm talking to usually thinks I'm just bitter and negative (which is then, of course, the reason for my bad experience, and if I just "had a more positive attitude", then I would be having the same great experience that they've had). Should I just avoid talking about this with white people entirely? [more inside]
posted by rhymeswithcheery at 9:40 PM PST - 50 comments
posted by rhymeswithcheery at 9:40 PM PST - 50 comments
How can I practice coding? (PS How can I tell if I suck at it?)
I'm pretty much a Kindergarten level Python learner. Basically, I'm on Exercise 41 in Learn Python the Hard Way (and confused), and I'm in a 100-level class learning Python. I am not a math person, although I do like formal logic (if that means anything). My biggest problem is that I think I try to solve problems too creatively, i.e. I always try the most complicated/convoluted solution possible, which is usually wrong. [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 9:15 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 9:15 PM PST - 17 comments
Can the (federal) government take everything Armstrong owns?
Re the Justice Department joining the lawsuit against Lance Armstrong--can the federal government force the sale of assets to pay off a judgment?. That is, hypothetically, if Armstrong has $8 million in non-cash assets (houses, land, cars, etc), and he's being sued for $15 million and loses, can the government liquidate all of his assets to at least pay off a part of that amount? Armstrong is a disgrace and a jerk, but could he also become a pauper?
Top 5 and Why
What are your top 5 websites and why? Excluding metafilter (of course). [more inside]
I handled electrical tape and now my throat really hurts. WTF?
I was taping an ethernet cord over my doorframe with vinyl electrical tape. I can't find the label, but I remember it had a warning saying that the tape contains chemicals that the state of California recognizes to cause cancer. After maybe ten minutes of futzing with it (and breathing), I have a minor headache, my throat hurts a lot, and breathing feels weird and cold. Page 2 of this document warns about fumes from molten electrical tape, but I didn't heat it. Was the warning label accurate? I can't find any scientific info online. Should I take this stuff down from my walls, or will it be OK now that I'm no longer actively handling it?
posted by randomname25 at 8:26 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by randomname25 at 8:26 PM PST - 20 comments
Is the winter harder for recovering substance abusers?
Happily one year and a few months sober, after close to a decade of progressively heavier drinking and self-destructive tendencies. After the first three months or so last year, dealing with the day to day of people having alcohol around me started to become much, much easier, until the past month or so, where the urge has hit me substantially harder. Seasonal? Just part of the territory? [more inside]
Getting a dogwalking gig with no dog experience
I often wish I had a dog to take with me on solo Friday hiking jaunts, but a dog is not possible for me right now. Today I got thinking that, hey, I live in an absurdly wealthy part of the country: perhaps one of these rich people would be willing to pay me to take their dog on a hike. Problem is, I have walked a dog exactly once in my life and don't have much experience with them beyond that. I'm wondering how likely it would be that someone would be willing to hand their precious doggie off to me given that lack of experience, and if they are, how I should go about finding 'clients' and how much would be a reasonable amount to charge. I am in the North Bay area.
posted by imalaowai at 7:55 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by imalaowai at 7:55 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me sort out what I should say to my aunt -- family drama.
Background: When my father learned I was gay, he disowned me. Think radical old-world "you are dead to me." This was many years ago -- well over a decade. He was very serious and cut off all contact with me. Made it clear I was out of the will and all of that -- very dramatic. I did try to initiate contact a few times many years ago, but was rebuffed. This is not what my question is about though -- I am at peace with this. I know I am a worthwhile and lovable person and I have many people in my life who care about me/love me. I had therapy when all this happened and I really feel I dealt with the emotions then. I know I am lovable and valuable person. Also, my relatives on my late Mother's side -- who are also quite old-world -- surprised me with their acceptance... [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 7:35 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Lescha at 7:35 PM PST - 14 comments
PS3 game recommendation for 15-yo girl and her old lady
A trip to Game Stop tonight looking for a PS3 game that I can enjoy with my 15 yo daughter was less than satisfactory. My daughter is pretty open as far as genre goes but I would prefer something not too graphic, and ideally would like a game that doesn't focus on killing at all. I'd also prefer something that doesn't require special equipment. Must have a 2 player mode but either cooperative or competitive is fine. Any great titles with these specifications?
What card game is this, which I know as 9 Card?
A friend introduced me to this game, but now that I've googled around and not found anything under that name, I'm wondering if it goes by a different name. [more inside]
posted by thetruthisjustalie at 7:01 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by thetruthisjustalie at 7:01 PM PST - 7 comments
Is he trying to soften the blow or is he telling the truth?
A guy I've been dating for 3 months seemed to be withdrawing for about two weeks (such as me having to initiate contact first, and not making plans to meet me, and not following through), although he never stopped showing interest. I asked him what's wrong and to tell me if he doesn't want to see me anymore so I can move on. He said he didn't lose interest, it's that he has been having a few personal problems lately and has been distant even with his friends. He says he doesn't expect me to wait.
Is he just trying to soften the blow because he's not interested in me anymore or is he telling the truth? [more inside]
I filed an incomplete tax return by accident
I did not file US taxes in 2011 because I thought I didn't owe. I just got a letter saying I did need to file, so I rushed around to do this and now I have filed. Unfortunately, I just found a document that I should have included - a K1 form. My deadline for filing is February 27; it will be virtually impossible to refile by then. I can easily get this refiled in a couple of weeks though.
What should I do?
posted by Surprised By Bees at 6:14 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Surprised By Bees at 6:14 PM PST - 8 comments
Sell or rent? Estate question.
Should I sell or rent an inherited house? [more inside]
Here come those tears.
I have to have a relationship talk tonight with a new person in my life. It's going to be stressful but I think it's going to be okay. How do I not cry? I have a tendency to get choked up and cry during certain types of discussions where I feel vulnerable. (It even happens at work, but that's another AskMe.) What do I do? Should I just issue a warning before we talk?
Arggghhh
What are your best insomnia remedies? [more inside]
Brick and mortar stores that carry best friend necklaces for two?
One of my closest friends is moving away, like tomorrow. I'd like to get her one of those silly heart necklaces that split in half, one for each friend. No time to order online. I have all day tomorrow, but don't really want a wild goose chase. If I can find such a thing, I would like to spend about 50 bucks., but I'm not firm about that Anybody?
posted by functionequalsform at 3:33 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by functionequalsform at 3:33 PM PST - 18 comments
Plastic protective covering for 17" Macbook Pro (not unibody)
How to Deal with Maybe-Possible-Impending Marriage Proposal
My boyfriend and I have been together for a little under 3 years, and we have lived together for over one year. We are in our late twenties. We are extremely compatible 90% of the time, have so much fun together, are mutually supportive, generally very communicative, and love each other deeply. We get along with each others' families, we travel and live well together, and we share so many interests. I am ready to marry the man, and he is maybe/kinda/sorta ready to marry me. Ouch! [more inside]
posted by tentwentythirty at 2:54 PM PST - 59 comments
posted by tentwentythirty at 2:54 PM PST - 59 comments
Buy a house from 3,000 miles away as a first-time buyer?
How (Should?) we buy a house on the other side of the country? We know we want to move there, but we can't go yet. [more inside]
Am I overreacting to proxy invites?
I work in the head office for a hotel chain and know hotel managers all over North America. I travel quite a bit for work and because of my job, I stay free. Occasionally with my accumulated air miles I will go somewhere for a getaway and as long as I am careful to avoid peak times, I can usually stay at one of our facilities free as a professional courtesy. If the room is going to be empty, I feel no guilt at hanging my hat there for a night or two.
Often I invite someone along for company and to share in my perk. The problem is when someone invites someone else along. And occasionally that someone invites someone else along as well. [more inside]
I need a theme for a non-gift wedding shower
One of my dear friends wants to throw me a wedding shower, but I don't want people to bring me gifts. What could we ask them to bring instead? [more inside]
posted by erloteiel at 2:13 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by erloteiel at 2:13 PM PST - 17 comments
Make my kitchen fan-freakin'-tastic!
I am getting ready to do a kitchen remodel. I've been thinking about this since before we bought the house 6 years ago, and am finally ready to take the plunge. Give me your best kitchen ideas! [more inside]
posted by msbubbaclees at 2:05 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by msbubbaclees at 2:05 PM PST - 27 comments
Safe, legal, convenient way to carry around ADHD meds?
I'm an adult with ADHD. I need to have my meds with me in the daytime and early evening at work/school, etc. How do I do this conveniently, securely, and legally? I can't figure out how to do all three. Snowflaky details inside. [more inside]
What play is this?
In high school theater class, two of my class mates performed a dialogue which, if I remember correctly, involved a street hustler telling his roomate "You get a cold ass from sitting in the fuckin' tub!" For the life of me I can't figure out what play/movie this is from. Any suggestions?
posted by ladypants at 1:38 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ladypants at 1:38 PM PST - 3 comments
Rhino renderer help
Puzzler of a problem...Any Rhino experts? And I don't mean the four legged kind... [more inside]
posted by Calzephyr at 1:32 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Calzephyr at 1:32 PM PST - 2 comments
How to troubleshoot intermittent drops in my internet connection?
How to troubleshoot intermittent drops in my internet connection? [more inside]
me want magic screen box
I would like to purchase an off-brand tablet computer from a discount electronics website. I know nothing about components or specs or anything- the only info I have to go on is bigger number is good. Please help me. (sorry but this post got way too long, you've been warned.) [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 12:28 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by FirstMateKate at 12:28 PM PST - 9 comments
Fluevog Alternatives?
I used to have a pair of John Fluevog Gibson Swirls in black, and I loved them. I rode 'em into the ground. I'm once again in the market for a kinda-funky, kinda-dressy men's shoe, and I would just grab another pair of Fluevogs... only recent customer reviews call out a sharp decline in their quality. [more inside]
posted by D.Billy at 12:23 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by D.Billy at 12:23 PM PST - 14 comments
Upgrade my expletives!
What do the classiest people you know say when they stub their toe, get cut off in traffic, or otherwise need a short noise more important for it's sound than it's meaning? [more inside]
A lady with hairy arms
How can I not be self-conscious about the hair on my arms? [more inside]
La-la-la-la-what song is this?
EarwormFilter: '80s New Wave-ish song, male vocalist, with a part that goes "la-la-la-la la la, la la la-la-la-la la la." Alas, I don't know any of the other lyrics. [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:20 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Metroid Baby at 11:20 AM PST - 15 comments
Vectoring from Cairo to Kinshasa.
I'd like to produce an offset-print-quality map, modeled after airline flight path maps, which graphically reproduces hundreds of point-to-point connections: in this specific case, between radio transmitters and reception locations. What software is capable of producing some variation on this, perhaps by putting in GPS coordinates? (OS X please.)
Oh crap, he escaped!
Fiction help: Name scenes from movies where characters realize or discover that their prisoner has escaped. [more inside]
Honeymoon in Turkey
My fiancee and I are considering Turkey for our honeymoon next October. Should we take a pre-arranged tour or book all our own hotels, in-country travel, etc.? Our considerations are money and how much effort it will be to plan a long trip to a new place in addition to a wedding. [more inside]
Project scheduling software with cascading dates
I need to schedule a lot of sequential tasks that have a set time limit (ie, Task A is allotted one week, Task B one week, Task C three weeks). Unfortunately some of these tasks run over (or occasionally, under) budget on time and I am looking for a program that will easily reassign due dates for all the following tasks when one task falls off the original schedule. [more inside]
posted by apparently at 10:57 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by apparently at 10:57 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm getting a puppy for my birthday (no, really ...)
I'm getting a puppy! Would love some advice about the first few days/weeks, especially in terms of bringing him to my office. [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 10:55 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by lunasol at 10:55 AM PST - 21 comments
Laid Off Spouse
My husband just got laid off from his position today. It's with a large company and he had excellent reviews but their revenue stream has not been up to par. They told him his position has been eliminated. However, he is welcome to reapply if and when blah, blah, blah... My concern is what is the right way to help him. He has never been laid off before and for the most part never thought this could happen. He is very optimistic by nature. He does seem a little shell shocked. My job is not going to be able to support our family. What are the first things we should do? I am also concerned about his mental well being and being a supportive partner while he looks for a new job. To make matters worse (or whatever) we have one in college, one applying to colleges, one getting ready to apply, and one freshman in high school.
Let us drive in circles for a few hours
My fiance likes to watch the Daytona 500 every year and likes to make a day of it. NASCAR and racing is all pretty foreign and weird to me. Help me! [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 9:57 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 9:57 AM PST - 25 comments
Tell me what you see!
I am looking for more information on "audio description" for a blind friend, in the US. It seems that many movies in the UK come on DVD with an audio description track, but not so many in the US. Need help sorting through all the information to help my US-based friend enjoy recent movies on DVD at home. [more inside]
Help me diagnose my automatic garage door opener weirdness
I have a two-car garage with a LiftMaster automatic garage door opener that is misbehaving and it's driving me crazy. It seems to be randomly just opening the door long after it is closed and I can't figure out why. I've seen the other questions about garage door openers but was hoping for some advice specific to my situation. [more inside]
posted by misskaz at 9:47 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by misskaz at 9:47 AM PST - 15 comments
Looking for "useful" sites such as Instructables, Lifehacker, CoolTools
I am preparing a blog post for my library's in which I am going to review several websites that I consider "useful" for our patrons in improving the quality of their lives or help them keep a little more money in their pocketbooks. [more inside]
posted by cinemafiend at 9:40 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by cinemafiend at 9:40 AM PST - 20 comments
Soft shell jacket for a 6'5" guy
Soft shell jacket for a slender 6'5" guy that doesn't fit like a garbage bag? [more inside]
Tools for better sightsinging
I've done a little sight-reading in the past but it's never been my strong point.
I do understand the basics - the intervals, time signatures, etc. I'd like to get better at this by using an online tool or iPhone app. Something that presents you with a bar that you sing to yourself and then plays it for you would be good, but I'm open to hearing about other options.
So far I've looked at Singsolatido - which is good for practicing intervals but I want to work on more than one note at a time.
How do we do it and who gets the money?
A two part question about selling a sibling's car in Texas. Logistics of the owner/title holder being out of state and also a consensus of opinions on who gets how much money out of this deal. [more inside]
WIEDEMANN TURRET PUNCH PRESS problem- work clamps not working
We have an old turret punch (1528 Wiedematic) & the work clamps aren't functioning. Have plenty air pressure. Foot micro switch makes clicking sound when you press it to release solenoid. Suspect it is the solenoid switch itself, but can't find where this switch is located. Can hear it, can't find it. Any ideas?
Suggestions for a Two-Year-Old and an 80-Year-Old in Portland, OR today?
My mom and grandfather are visiting Portland to see me and my two-year-old. We're planning to go to the zoo, but it looks like rain all day and we may decide it's too much. I'd love to have a backup plan, preferably indoors. My grandfather is 80, and while he still has a lot of physical stamina, he can't hear well when there's a lot of ambient noise. This rules out places like the Children's Museum and Playdate PDX. Any ideas of places where my toddler could be a toddler and the adults can hold a conversation?
Backing up my old emails
At work I'm using a Macbook Pro with OS X 10.7.4, running Outlook 2011. Today, I have to ship off this computer to get an upgrade and security update, and they will be wiping out the contents of the hard drive. They've left us very minimal instructions to back up any files we need. For me, the absolute most important thing is having access to all of my old emails and their attachments. So, QUESTION: how do I backup all of my emails in Outlook so that I'll be able to access them on my newly-wiped computer? Where are email files stored on my computer? How can I back up the attachments on the old emails? How do I avert total disaster?
posted by naju at 8:34 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by naju at 8:34 AM PST - 11 comments
CMS recommendation
Best CMS for a feature-heavy website on a budget? My go-to content management systems are Wordpress and Drupal, but here's the clincher: this website must integrate with Microsoft Access. [more inside]
posted by meghosaurus at 8:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by meghosaurus at 8:33 AM PST - 6 comments
Courtship/Marriage in the U.S. during Victorian Era
Do you know of any websites, textbooks, regular books, podcasts, magazine articles, movie clips, etc, having to do with the multitude of rules that couples during the Victorian era were subjected to? Have to be at least somewhat credible. More details inside. [more inside]
Consistently connecting to an external monitor
Is there a correct sequence for turning on, and plugging in, my MacBook Air, to make it play nicely with a generic HP external display? [more inside]
Whitewater rafting in West Virginia
Does anyone have a recommendation for white water rafting excursions in West Virginia. Planning for the upcoming summer, with 2 parents and 4 teens, all beginners, but thrill seekers.
How can I minimize my contagiousness as I travel while sick?
I woke up with a stuffy, sneezey nose this morning. I fly across the country in four days to a conference I can't afford to miss. Is there anything I can do now to minimize the likelihood of making everyone else sick on my plane and at my conference? [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak at 7:58 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by croutonsupafreak at 7:58 AM PST - 23 comments
How can I relax, immediately after a hookup?
I definitely don’t want, and am not ready for, a relationship. I do want a bit of fun now and then, except insomnia and overstimulation mix with a bit of post-coital anxiety and mess everything up. What are things I can do to soothe myself to sleep, so I can enjoy the evening I had? [more inside]
I want to not need this validation.
I think I have a problem with self esteem. Objectively, I know that I am a physically attractive person. This has been confirmed by plenty of people throughout my life. I want more than anything to be told by my husband that I am beautiful in certain ways, but he can't or won't. I don't want to need something from him that he is unable to give. How can I either stop focusing on this, or learn how to validate myself without his input? [more inside]
Living in Boston vs. living in Philadelphia?
I've got the chance to spend two years doing research work at a university in either Boston or Philadelphia. I've never been to either city, and I can't visit them before deciding. I'm looking for general impressions of what life would be like in each place. (I've posted some other details inside, but because I'm so ignorant of both places, this is pretty free-form...) [more inside]
What's the best way to find kittens good homes in Northern California?
Rescued some stray kittens from the street in South America. How to find them a good home? [more inside]
I have a 250 gig MacBook Pro with only 40 gigs of free space left...
I have a 250 gig MacBook Pro, which is about 3 years old.
I have approx. 115 gigs of music stored in my Itunes library. All duplicate MP3 files were deleted.
That leaves 135 or some odd gigs of space.
I keep a large majority of my documents and files in a cloud service. I maybe have 5-10 gigs of random files I keep on my HD. That leaves approx. 125 gigs of space...
I know that the computer uses (and I'll guestimate 25 gigs for the OS & random program files I have on my system)...
That still leaves about 100 gigs worth of space un-accounted for....
When I open my 'finder', it tells me I have approx 50 gigs of space available.
I have downloaded Disk Inventory X which is suppose to give you a break down of where all the space is being used. I have also read about a program called DaisyDisk. Both seem to be reputable and popular. I d/l'ed DIX first cause it was free..It did the analysis....
But....While I have somewhat of an idea of computers, I am not sure what is safe to delete, what should't be touched....What if I delete something that has specs attached to files that shouldn't be deleted...Neither utility really gives me an idea of what is safe to delete and what should not be touched.
I know I must have a large cache of files and stuff that could be deleted....Image previews, etc....
I just don't know where to look. What is safe to get rid of.....Not sure what to do.....
Thanks!
Is there a text version of Thoreau's Jornal? (the entire journal)
Walden.org offers his complete journal as PDFs, which I'm reading, but the scans are terrible and it is hard to slog through them. I have googled and amazoned looking for better versions without luck. I can find excellent quality examples of selected items, but I'm looking for the entire thing, all 14 volumes for my ereader.
Work Productivity as a Game
Is there software that allows you to treat work productivity like a game? [more inside]
NFL Football w/o 57 Channels and Nothing On
What are my NFL Sunday Ticket options in Canada? [more inside]
Advice for a (probably) pinched nerve? Good physiotherapist? (Tokyo)
I've had a tingling/burning sensation in my left shoulder/hand for about a week. A doc that I saw in Tokyo thinks I have a pinched nerve and told to come back in a week, but was rather vague about what to do in the meantime. I have no health insurance so I would prefer to not go back, but I just noticed the tingling starting up in my right hand as well. [more inside]
Old shoulder dislocation + new strength training = ?
Now that I'm lifting heavier weights, how should I tailor my strength training regimen given that I have a four year-old shoulder dislocation? [more inside]
posted by MaddyRex at 5:52 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by MaddyRex at 5:52 AM PST - 7 comments
We Need to Talk About Kevin
When you read Lionel Shriver's We Need to Talk About Kevin what did you know, and when? And also, can you recommend books with similar techniques?
Spoilers inside. (Presumed Innocent and Defending Jacob are also mentioned in a way that may be spoiler-y to some.) [more inside]
posted by BibiRose at 5:42 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by BibiRose at 5:42 AM PST - 34 comments
Camelbak + Vodka + ??? = Raising Money for Charity
Leaving for the Deep Creek Dunk in a few hours, and I'm looking for mixed drink recommendations to get through standing outside in the cold for 6 hours... special requirements: mixes with Grey Goose (I'm not a huge fan of it, but it was a free bottle, so mixing can overpower the vodka)... is not carbonated thusly cannot go "flat" when sitting for a few hours nor can it get "shaken up" while sloshing around inside a Camelbak for a while... tastes good cold, but doesn't taste bad when it warms up a bit... and is something I can drink through a straw all afternoon.
Last year, I mixed a Bay Breeze (Vodka, Cranberry juice & Pineapple juice), so I was looking for something different. Thanks.
How to know if the drawbridge in East Boston/Chelsea is up or down?
Asking for a friend: is there a website or webcam that shows whether the P.J. McArdle drawbridge connecting East Boston to Chelsea, MA is up or down at any given moment? [more inside]
Black Thumb + Cold + Bad Light = Super Easy, Right?
What are some hardy, pretty, or useful houseplants for a small space in the Pittsburgh/Western PA/Northeast region? [more inside]
When will my personal startup bubble burst?
I'm working for a start-up and I don't think it's going to succeed. Am I right, and if so, how can I salvage something useful from this situation? [more inside]
posted by Encipher at 3:59 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Encipher at 3:59 AM PST - 15 comments
Where can I get posters/flyers printed in or near Heidelberg, Germany?
I live in Heidelberg, Germany and I need to print a number of posters and flyers for an upcoming show. But I've been having a lot of problems doing so. Where can I get large posters and double sided flyers printed in Heidelberg (or deliverable to there within a reasonable time frame)? [more inside]
Your favourite recipes for my new cast iron casserole pot please!
I recently bought a 5 litre casserole dish, which I love, but I'm a bit stuck on what to make with it next. [more inside]
Sliced finger in LA...ER or Urgent care? Need ideas.
I'm almost certain I just severed the tendon in my pinky...the bleeding is under control but I cannot bend it. I have severe fear of ER costs due to bad past experiences that cost me lots and lots of money. How bad is this, and can it wait for an Urgent Care place? [more inside]
February 21
Resources that might explain why people treat each other badly?
I'm looking for resources to help me understand why it is that people treat each other badly. Specifically, I'm thinking about large-scale injustices that people in power either create or refuse to fix. Whenever I try to understand the roots of these issues, I try to put myself in the shoes of the people who created them and/or those who refuse to use their power to fix it - but I just cannot understand it. I think it's important for me to get a better handle on this, because I want to work toward making the world more just, so I would love any help you can give me to gain some understanding of their mindsets and perspectives.
Apparent static coming from microphone
People I talk to on Skype claim to hear static coming from my end. I ran a test in Audacity and I could hear the static as well. The microphone I'm using is an MXL 990 and I'm using and Icicle Preamp (This thing) to connect the mic to my laptop through USB. I'm copying over any and all specs that would help. Here is the link.
I've tried disabling my internal mic and that didn't work. Before I got this laptop, I was using a laptop that had XP on it and it worked fine. I did spray febreeze in the room and on the mic so that everything would smell nice (I was trying to clean up the room). I tried using both my internal mic and another USB one and they worked fine. I also tried using a different USB cord to hook up my mic to my laptop and I was told there was static.
What should I do? I've been having this problem for a while now and it's starting to get on my nerves. Thanks in advanced.
posted by Flamzeron at 11:15 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Flamzeron at 11:15 PM PST - 13 comments
Is there a Mac application available to convert .mp4 files to AVCHD?
Is there a Mac application available to convert .mp4 files to AVCHD format? I'm trying to load videos on a USB stick to play on my blu-ray player. It is a Panasonic DMP-BD65. I seem to be running into the problem discussed in this thread, but the conversion software listed does not appear to have a Mac version and I can't seem to Google up a mac converter to do the same thing. Is there any way for me to make this happen?
posted by Drinky Die at 8:33 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Drinky Die at 8:33 PM PST - 10 comments
Love it / Hate it - Tobacco
How typical are my mental states when using nicotine / withdrawing? [more inside]
US passports and privacy
I'm considering getting a US Passport Card (the kind that is only good for land and sea travel between the US, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda) and am concerned about my privacy. [more inside]
posted by IndigoRain at 7:48 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by IndigoRain at 7:48 PM PST - 23 comments
Sculpted (not printed) Han Solo in carbonite iPhone 4 case?
Are there any iPhone 4 cases that feature Han Solo frozen in carbonite that are sculpted/3d, and not printed?
The only one I've managed to find is this, which seems a little dicey.
like him but not attracted to him. what to do?
I met a guy through an online dating website who I like but am not attracted to. I'd like to meet with him again, but how do I manage this without leading him on? And is online dating always going to be like this? [more inside]
What backstory do I need for Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance?
I love the game developer Platinum Games, and buy everything they put out. Their new game, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, is the latest in a long-running series with a famously incomprehensible backstory? I've played a bit of Metal Gear Solid 2 and didn't really enjoy it. I'd like to know a. if anyone who's played MGR: Revengeance knows what backstory I need to enjoy it or b. if anyone can provide a summary or a link to a quick summary of Metal Gear Solid's backstory.
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 7:10 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 7:10 PM PST - 2 comments
Is there a good reason to renew our home warranty?
My boyfriend and I bought a house together last April, which so far has proven to be pretty good idea. Along with the bazillion other really expensive things involved in buying a house, we purchased both homeowner's insurance and a home warranty shortly before the close of escrow. I might have been misunderstanding the legalities of everything, but I remember somehow arriving at the belief that both homeowner's insurance and a home warranty were required for the first year; however, renewing the warranty was optional. [more inside]
posted by jesourie at 7:04 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by jesourie at 7:04 PM PST - 18 comments
Should I pay my credit cards off completely, or keep a small balance?
Due to a family thing, I have received a one-time windfall, and I would like to pay off my credit cards, improve my credit, and buy a new car (getting a loan for most of it). I just want to know if it's good to keep a small balance or pay them off completely. [more inside]
App/Filters that made my digital signature look hand written and pretty
I just filled out a tax form with a signature app where I "drew" my signature in the field (with a mouse) and it applied filter "smoothing" and other things to make it look like a real ink signature... It actually looked BETTER than my real hand written signature.
Where can I get something like that to make my own ink looking images? [more inside]
Neat stuff to do around Squaw Valley / Lake Tahoe
Looking for suggestions from Cal. and Nev. locals or travelers: interesting things to see and do around Lake Tahoe, early April. (Previous questions are re lodging and skiing - got that.) [more inside]
How do I make people respect my wishes regarding my apartment?
I recently got a new dog, a new apartment and new friends. I've asked new friends to a) not wear shoes on the carpet and b) not feed the dog table scraps. Nobody is listening. Help! [more inside]
posted by Pericardium at 5:35 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by Pericardium at 5:35 PM PST - 56 comments
Two Cows walk into a bar...
The Game of Thrones Drinks question reminded me of a drink question of my own. I had a favorite drink in college and would like the recipe. The Googles do not help. Perhaps Metafilter can? [more inside]
How can I use my product key to validate W7 on a replacement HDD?
How can I use my product key to validate W7 on a replacement HDD? I need W7 for work. [more inside]
posted by KokuRyu at 5:06 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by KokuRyu at 5:06 PM PST - 15 comments
Connecting from Mac OS X 10.8.2 to Windows Server SMB file shares
I'm trying to connect a Mac running OS X 10.8.2 to an SMB share in Windows Server 2008 R2 over a site-to-site VPN but I'm having issues. A Windows XP computer that is in the same network as the Mac does not have a problem mapping a drive to the share. [more inside]
Mid-Atlantic woodwind tech
Help me find a great saxophone/clarinet repairperson within basically any radius of Baltimore. [more inside]
Best 4-5 day ski trip in (probably) Colorado in late March?
3 coworkers want to plan a 4-5 day ski trip, probably to Colorado, in mid-to-late March. Convenience is key (we want to spend more time skiing and less time traveling), budget is roughly $1,000-$2,000 (including airfare, transit, lodging, ski/board+boot rentals, and lift tickets). Where do we go? [more inside]
posted by xiaolongbao at 4:42 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by xiaolongbao at 4:42 PM PST - 12 comments
Grad school application without GRE score? What are they looking for?
I'm toying with the idea of getting a Masters program in the next year or two in a specific field within my current career path. Since the program is fairly unique, the school isn't requiring a GRE score for the application (although it's a top research university in the US on the West Coast). So what are they looking for in my application? How does not needing a GRE score change things? Lots of questions! [more inside]
posted by carmel at 4:38 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by carmel at 4:38 PM PST - 4 comments
Multiple-self games?
I'm trying to place the names of a number of games where you have multiple characters that you control in sequence. One was a cursor puzzle type game, the other was a side-scrolling actioner. [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 4:36 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 4:36 PM PST - 10 comments
What does "Gaddyne" mean?
A couple weeks ago I wrote down "gaddyne" on the page in my notebook where I write down artists and musicians and albums and the like. I now trying to find out what the hell I meant. I can find nothing on Google as to what this would be. I have fairly good handwriting and this was written in all caps. as I often do (I do not think it is initials/anagram for something). Probably dub or electronic music related.
Please, tell me what I was trying to tell myself.
posted by J0 at 4:22 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by J0 at 4:22 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me translate a phrase into Quenya
[TolkienFilter] A friend of mine would like to translate the phrase "'plans to give you hope and a future' Jeremiah 29:11" into Quenya. Please help me help her do that. [more inside]
LASIK vs. PRK Anecdotes?
I have all the details set, but I'm looking for personal stories about laser eye correction, particularly LASIK and PRK. [more inside]
I have 30 minutes to do something nice for my wife. Can you help me?
My wife has had an awful day. I mean awful. She is stressed, upset, feeling pretty depressed about it. Between the kids having a rough day and one of her clients cheating and taking advantage of her, her short term self-esteem and resiliency are shot. Wow... she has every right to feel this bad. I've got 30 minutes to try to do something nice for her before she gets home. What little things would make you feel better after a rough day? [more inside]
posted by Nanukthedog at 3:59 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by Nanukthedog at 3:59 PM PST - 41 comments
GFS-like store on Oahu?
Are there any restaurant supply stores on Oahu like GFS, in that they are open to the public and sell dry goods and spices in bulk? [more inside]
A Song of Ice and Liquor
What would you name a cocktail specifically concocted to drink while watching Game of Thrones? [more inside]
posted by mcstayinskool at 2:57 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by mcstayinskool at 2:57 PM PST - 44 comments
Hip to be square. Except not.
How do I deal with my boyfriend's love of marijuana? [more inside]
Cardiff or London? Life choices!
Mr Jujulalia and I have the option of moving to London or Cardiff. Seeking advice from colleagues/friends/the Guardian isn't filling our advice needs. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by jujulalia at 1:18 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by jujulalia at 1:18 PM PST - 17 comments
Can't have weck for every meal.
This weekend in Ess Eff
I'm going to be in The City aka Ess Eff aka San Francisco this weekend. Are there any must-see events, exhibits, performances, etc. going on? Where would I look to find this information in the future? Are the Bay Guardian and SF Weekly even still published?
Neutralize ammonium sulfanylacetate smell
This morning Mr. Smuna dropped a bottle of iron remover used for auto detailing, breaking it and spilling on our wood floor. It's this stuff: IronX
Here is the MSDS: IronX MSDS
The smell could curl your hair; how can I neutralize it? [more inside]
posted by smuna at 12:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by smuna at 12:52 PM PST - 9 comments
Confusion about Vitamin D and Calcium for kids
Kid BlahLaLa's pediatrician wants him to take a calcium supplement, because he's never been into milk and doesn't eat very many milk products. But Kid BlahLaLa, who is almost 10, refuses all children's calcium supplements as too gross-tasting. (He's not ready to swallow pills.) He will accept a particular adult supplement, but when I combine that with his usual daily multi-vitamin I'm worried that I'm overdosing him on Vitamin D. There's so much woo on teh internets that I can't seem to get a straight answer about how much is too much. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:50 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 12:50 PM PST - 32 comments
The World According to Someone Other Than Garp
I recently read and enjoyed John Irving's The World According to Garp and The Hotel New Hampshire, and was wondering what other novels, by other authors, people have enjoyed that have a similar subject matter and vibe to Garp -- specifically, birth-to-death stories of writers or creative individuals, with leisurely, meandering plots and profound things to say about living, loving, and learning. This thread had some good suggestions, but I was looking for something more specifically Garp-y -- set in the 20th/21st century, with a middle-class male protagonist in fairly mundane circumstances (nothing fantastical or on the fringes of society), and spans the entire life of the protagonist. Mood should be melancholic but not overly bleak. Thanks for any suggestions.
Smoke that bird!
I have a lot of barbecue experience (low and slow smoked meats), but I've never been happy with my smoked poultry. Need to please some non-mammal-eaters, so I want to get it down this time. Veteran bird-barbecuers: Help? [more inside]
posted by supercres at 11:55 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by supercres at 11:55 AM PST - 13 comments
How do we best show our (financial) support for a movie?
There was a movie that came out last fall that we spaced about and missed during its theater run. We want to pay to see it now to support movies of this type and by this filmmaker. Within reason, what is the best way to do it? [more inside]
posted by getawaysticks at 11:51 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by getawaysticks at 11:51 AM PST - 7 comments
San Francisco -----> Halifax: Parcel Edition
What's the cheapest way to get a large box from San Francisco to Halifax, NS? [more inside]
How must/can I modify my basement to legally use it as a bedroom?
I am planning to convert my basement into a bedroom for one of my brothers to use. I was thinking all that was needed was carpeting and paint, but one of my friends recently told me that I may need to have some kind of modification to the basement windows or walls so that there's a fire escape route apart from the stairs. Is this the case? I've had a hard time finding a definitive legal reference as to what I need to do to have someone legally sleep in my basement. [more inside]
posted by Vorteks at 11:44 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Vorteks at 11:44 AM PST - 13 comments
Edmonston B, Measles, Vaccination?
I just finished reading an article from the New York Times Magazine about controversial anthropologist Napoleon Chagnon. One thing in particular about the article struck me- there is a claim (at least that's how I read it) that measles vaccine caused a breakout of measles in a group of isolated indigenous people that did not have measles exposure or immunity. I'm confused because I'm pretty sure you can't get measles from vaccine. Is there something different about the Edmonston B vaccine? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 11:43 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 11:43 AM PST - 10 comments
Airports -- Los Angeles (LAX) versus Santa Ana (SNA)
I will be travelling for business in May, and I am being given a choice of flying into LAX or SNA. While Santa Ana is closer to the venue, LAX is giving me a better choice of flight schedules. I will be picked up and dropped off at the airport, so I don't have to worry about transportation. Is there a reason I should avoid one or the other? I recall flying through LAX on my way to China, but I don't think I've ever flown into either of these airports. Any horror stories out there that can help color my decision?
posted by blurker at 11:12 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by blurker at 11:12 AM PST - 27 comments
Have humans always sought privacy to defecate?
My friend and I had a heated argument last night about human and animal attitudes to privacy when defecating. He argued that all humans and all animals seek privacy while defecating. I know that certain animals, like cats, do seek privacy while defecating, but I feel like lots more animals, especially pack animals and herd animals don't worry about finding a quiet spot. For example, cows. I suggested that perhaps the human need for privacy may be a cultural phenomenon - is there any evidence that humans have ever been much less worried about privacy in this area? Also would like examples of animals that might defecate in groups. [more inside]
posted by drunkonthemoon at 11:00 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by drunkonthemoon at 11:00 AM PST - 44 comments
What's the best way to tweet from China?
A team from our office is heading over to a number of China cities and they want to be active on social media the whole time to promote it. But given that China blocks twitter and Facebook, I need some workarounds. Is there a client like Hootsuite or tweet deck or buffer that ISN'T blocked? And what are my other options? Does instagram work? What about Linkedin?
How can I get Home Sharing in iTunes to stay connected?
I can Home Share via iTunes (from PC to laptop), but can't get the connection to stay. [more inside]
posted by Twicketface at 10:54 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Twicketface at 10:54 AM PST - 5 comments
That’s all, folks!
Asking for a friend who needs help (FAST!) finding a home for 200 to 300 scenic backdrops from film and television. [more inside]
Looking for a men's shirt made by a company called "Golden Star"
I bought a beautiful long sleeve men's shirt on Hautelook.com. It was all black with contrast saddle stitching. The site said the size was true, meaning I bought a medium because I wear a medium. Boy, were they wrong. It was way too small. So, unfortunately, I have to return it. I called them to see if they had a large but they don't keep stock on the things they sell.
So, I'm trying to see if this shirt is sold any other place. But when I google/bing "Golden Star" nothing remotely close comes up. To be honest, I've never heard of that label.
Does anyone know how I can find this shirt or, at least, the company that makes it?
New to America. How to build credit?
I moved to America about a year and a half ago. My credit score is between 600 - 640 depending on the agency. I don't need credit now, but I want to buy a house later this year. How can I improve my credit given that I have no use for credit cards beyond the one I already have, and I pay cash for everything? Details inside. [more inside]
Fatal Attraction, how to break free?
I’m Male in my late 20s; I need help figuring out what to do about my relationship, I’ve tried breaking up a few times, but every time I get to it something in my head stops me... What can I do? [more inside]
Easy AND interesting plants?
I am looking for easy and interesting house plants. Please help. [more inside]
Looking for a Mpls Mortgage Broker
Looking for a local Minneapolis Mortgage Broker. Anyone have someone they would specifically recommend? [more inside]
Should I buy a Music Production Center and Make Electronic Dance Music?
I want to start making electronic music. I'm thinking about buying maybe an MPC type of device but not sure where to start. Novation Launchpad? Maschine? Any recommendations for a total, total beginner? Or should I really get a copy of Ableton and figure out if I'm truly into it first? [more inside]
Where should we (a couple in our early thirties) spend the summer?
Hello! We are both academics, and have the summer to spend pretty much anywhere in the world. (We're going to be writing most of the summer; location is not important, but internet is.) We've spent a fair bit of time in the US, England and Ireland, and have travelled but not lived anywhere else for a substantial amount of time.
Considerations would be money (cheaper would be better, but we feel we could live on a budget in say, Paris); season (Paris may not be so great in the summer if it's hot and touristy); good internet (see above); and healthcare (one of us has a minor health condition that may need occasional treatment -- we're not talking Mayo Clinic but a place where there are some reliable doctors. Our insurance covers us outside the US.) Weather -- i.e., not crazy hot, or if it is hot, AC -- is a smaller consideration.
We like both cities and country -- no obvious preference. Oh, and we don't have any kids.
Any ideas? Thanks!
Is this friendship worth saving?
I have a problem. I have a friend. They're mutually inclusive. Let's call him Greg. [more inside]
posted by piratesriding at 9:38 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by piratesriding at 9:38 AM PST - 32 comments
Web-based survey/evaluation software?
Googling for any sort of survey software that's NOT subscription-based was frustrating. I need something that can be used to evaluate and provide reports for businesses in the hospitality industry. [more inside]
posted by davebush at 9:33 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by davebush at 9:33 AM PST - 2 comments
Human male social etiquette question.
I've asked a couple questions about building a richer social life on AskMeta, and a few times I've gotten the suggestion that I should be spending more one-on-one time with friends and acquaintances. My observations suggest that women socialize this way more often than men do. Tell me I'm wrong, then share tips. [more inside]
Why do old people have a hump in their back?
Can someone explain why old age or bone loss causes older people to have a hump in their upper back or neck? I think its called dowager’s hump.
Where can I get a classic Mac desktop theme for my new MacBook Air?
I recently got a new MacBook Air and I love it. Sometimes, however, I'm struck by an overwhelming sense of nostalgia for the Apple II I had as a child. Are there classic Mac desktop themes that I can download to rock my Air old skool style?
posted by Avenger at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Avenger at 9:23 AM PST - 5 comments
Remedial Laundry Study
The thing I want to wear is always in the hamper. I can't see my dresser under mountains of worn-once clothes. I never have enough kitchen towels. I have somehow made it to the age of 30 without really understanding how to stay on top of laundry. Please help! [more inside]
Cultural shifts in Oakland
Oakland MeFites: What are the most interesting cultural manifestations of Oakland's two-decade-long demographic shift? [more inside]
Wanted: WordPress website tutorial
What are the best online resources to guide me in developing a website using WordPress? [more inside]
Possible to Repair Dress Shirt Sleeve?
I got a tear in my dress shirt sleeve today, and I'm wonder if it's something that a tailor could repair. [more inside]
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Bulgaroktonos at 8:39 AM PST - 7 comments
Who owns my work, and who's responsible for it?
I'm not a professional photographer, but I did some photography work (unpaid) for my company... is that work for hire or is it something else? [more inside]
One beard enkemptening, please.
I have a rather unkempt winter beard and I'd like to shape it into an actual (but still thick, long and luxurious) beard. Every time I try to do it myself, I fuck it up. I love my barber, but there's a bit of a language barrier and ever since this little mishap , I'm not yet willing to put my beard back in his hands. So I need some YouTube videos or sites or books or salon manuals or something that will allow me to work on my beard without reinventing the wheel. [more inside]
Looking for the perfect iPad 4 case
I just bought an iPad 4, and (since I rarely spend this much on myself) I'm really paranoid about taking care of it. All the special snowflake details inside... [more inside]
posted by JoanArkham at 8:20 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by JoanArkham at 8:20 AM PST - 12 comments
Rremote control for a Sony BDP-S490 BD player to control my LG tv?
How do I use the remote control for a Sony BDP-S490 BD player to control my LG tv? [more inside]
Need help locating missing persons traveling in South America.
I just found out that some friends of mine from Oakland, CA have gone missing while traveling through South America and I was hoping that there might be someone here that can help, either with resources or connections in South America. [more inside]
Needed: pomade or gel that smells good but also has hold
So hair technology has changed since the nineties and my last product-requiring hairstyle. I now have a perfectly standard irritating men's style-blogger/Talented Mr. Ripley haircut and I require something to keep the damn thing out of my eyes. But since my hair is not quite long enough to stay back really well (it's at that stage where it's too long not to use product, but not quite long enough to be easy to style) and my hair is very straight, thick, coarse and willful, I require a hair product that has some hold. [more inside]
What to make with a Le Creuset 3 qt. saucier? caveat: vegetarian
I recently recieved as a gift this beautiful 3 quart Le Creuset saucier. It's about 10 inches wide and 3 inches deep. It's enameled iron. It seems too fancy to use like any old pan. Are there specific dishes I can prepare only with this type of cooking tool? Vegetarian only please.
Defaulted loan/Pell Grant eligibility
My daughter has a long-defaulted student loan. I am thinking of using my tax refund to pay off this loan, but I am wondering, will paying it off restore her eligibility for a Pell Grant right away? Or is there some kind of waiting period? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 7:41 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 7:41 AM PST - 3 comments
[citation needed]
According to a study women talk more than men. Which study? [more inside]
posted by zinon at 7:12 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by zinon at 7:12 AM PST - 7 comments
Whats the harm in giving out my DNA results?
I recently had my DNA analyzed by 23andme, and now a friend wants to write about my results as part of a story in a popular national magazine. Normally I'd be fine with this, but I have some concerns about future insurance effects, especially considering one of the results. What, if any, is the real danger in having my name being used with my real results? [more inside]
Help me find a certain vibrator?
I am looking for a certain type of vibrator. [more inside]
How can I merge only the relevant results in SQL
I have a table in my database.
It has a bunch of 4 digit codes representing a location (as well as other data).
The problem is that some of these locations need to be replaced with an updated code. I have a second table with the substitutions that need to be made, but it is only a small minority of codes that need updating.
How do I format my SQL statement to produce me a list of all records, with the new location code if it has a new code and the old code if there is no update needed. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 6:29 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 6:29 AM PST - 13 comments
Great Coffee Blogs
Help me find some great coffee blogs. They could be practical how to type blogs, coffee shop reviews or straight up coffee porn.
Bonus points for anything with a UK focus.
Vancouver - nice shop to send wine or another a business gift?
I would like to have a business-type gift sent to someone in Vancouver. Have a wine shop or something else to recommend? [more inside]
What task/project management tool am I looking for?
I'm looking for a tool to help me manage my projects and tasks. The main requirements are: 1) easy to add tasks and subtasks (like Workflowy), 2) online (so I can work from different computers), and 3) tracks time estimates (how many hours left, how many spent). What should I look at? [more inside]
posted by justkevin at 5:37 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by justkevin at 5:37 AM PST - 9 comments
Tips on hiring digital assistant for 1-2 hours a day
What are good places to look for a digital assistant? I know there are services who act as the middleman in the transaction, has anyone used those successfully? Are there ones I should avoid? What questions should I ask a potential digital assistant? [more inside]
Who gets paid what in a seminar, workshop or speaking engagement?
I'm starting to get a few requests for speaking engagements and seminars, and I'm not quite sure what to expect on the business side of things. At the moment, these are private individuals who have a little experience with event planning, and know that I could draw a decent audience to a workshop. I'm a little unsure about how profits should be split between me and the organizer. I don't have a problem with the organizer making some money, but I'm the one providing the content, and I want to be fairly compensated. How does this generally work? [more inside]
posted by sdis at 2:59 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by sdis at 2:59 AM PST - 8 comments
Can my atheist family find community as Elks or Masons?
I have a pretty terrific wife and kid, but we have a kind of hole in our lives socially. We don't have a support network locally and since moving to the 'burbs we've struggled to make new friends. I envy the sense of community my dad got from his "church family." We're atheists, but isn't there some avenue besides church that could provide my family with a similar real world social network? Could joining a fraternal organization be the answer? [more inside]
What not to miss in Beaver Creek, Colorado?
My boyfriend is taking me on my first ski trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado. This is my first time both skiing and seeing the Rockies. Besides skiing and relaxing sore muscles in a hot tub afterward, what else is a must see or must do in this area? Thanks!
posted by gardenbex at 12:46 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by gardenbex at 12:46 AM PST - 11 comments
What is the repartee in response to?
If the repartee is a quick, witty response, what would you call the "opener" that it's responding to?
I'm thinking along the lines of witty banter that invites a romantic/sexy response rather than verbal smackdowns or Dorothy Parkerisms, something like a "come-on" but implying wit and intrigue.
February 20
How are commercial breadcrumbs made?
You know those fine breadcrumbs you buy in a box from the supermarket? How are they made? Do they bake bread specifically for it then blend it up, or do they use the leftover scraps from the bread factory? Or use bread that's past its sell buy date?
posted by dontjumplarry at 10:45 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by dontjumplarry at 10:45 PM PST - 4 comments
Is This Anemia?
I have very low RBC and WBC yet my hemogloblin is normal. Can I still be anemic? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 10:18 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by watercarrier at 10:18 PM PST - 7 comments
What kind of company name is Internet Brands, anyway?
Need some career advice: Internet Brands has had me for a few interview for a Project Manager, but Glassdoor has some really bad things to say (and good, but those can be phony placements). Has anyone ever worked or know someone that worked there? What's it like? [more inside]
I'm looking for a vanilla PHP-based walkthrough of using oAuth.
I understand the basic concept of oAuth, but I don't understand how to implement it, from a line-by-line standpoint. I'm looking for a basic walkthrough of how to leverage oAuth to authenticate a PHP-powered application to access a user's data. I'd highly prefer the walk-through not explain how to use oAuth to work with any particular service (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, FitBit), but rather that it keep the walkthrough pretty vanilla. I would classify myself as being an intermediate PHP developer.
Does such a walkthrough exist?
posted by JPowers at 8:03 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by JPowers at 8:03 PM PST - 4 comments
I promise I'm clever...
I somehow cannot figure out how to make the water switch from bath to shower in the place I'm housesitting. Please help me determine what incredibly obvious thing I'm missing. [more inside]
posted by c'mon sea legs at 8:03 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by c'mon sea legs at 8:03 PM PST - 18 comments
Looking for the perfect press
Hi, all.
This should be fairly short, so here goes:
While suffering through the Influenza of 2013, I ended up watching a ton of episodes of Danger Man on DVD, only to become entranced with this particular object, which I've made a screenshot of. [more inside]
posted by Minus215Cee at 7:58 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Minus215Cee at 7:58 PM PST - 15 comments
How to ask questions?
I read the esr article, and thought that was pretty good advice about asking questions. Then I realized I don't get enough advice about asking questions.
So are there any considered texts, resources, etc about asking really good questions? Any direct advice? Edificatory anecdotes?
posted by curuinor at 7:44 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by curuinor at 7:44 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me start a Roger Corman-focused wiki
How can I dump data from Wikipedia and IMDb to make a new movie-related wiki, specifically for Roger Corman movies? [more inside]
Troubles with the DMV after lapse of ins coverage. Advice sought.
Hi all, longtime reader here, new poster. While dealing with multiple personal hardships (more inside), I had a lapse in insurance coverage for 10 days. This has snowballed into a major issue for me, and I may lose my driving privileges for 3 months, which means losing my job. Any and all advice/anecdata appreciated. [more inside]
posted by cardinality at 7:12 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cardinality at 7:12 PM PST - 7 comments
Help me help my husband get his mojo back.
My husband is suffering the sexual doldrums of early middle age. Unfortunately, it's a catch-22: you have to be motivated to seek help...but when your sex drive is that low, you really don't care. How can I help him even want to have sex again? [more inside]
how do you balance a relationship with the rest of your life?
In my first relationship where I'm spending significant amounts of time with a boyfriend and need some guidance on how I can balance 'him' time and 'me' time. [more inside]
Please talk to me about yoga!
I'm considering taking a beginning yoga class. What should I expect? [more inside]
Should I call the person that interviewed me?
I had an interview today for a sales job and agreed to do a 5 hour training course today. I decided against it not long after. I left a message with the main company should I call the actual interviewer person? [more inside]
Need Help Shaping Nails
What's the secret to trimming & filing your fingernails? I can't seem to do it right. [more inside]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:50 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:50 PM PST - 11 comments
Advance planning for a move to San Francisco...
This is actually more like a two part question so bear with me. We are very likely moving to the bay area in the near future and could use some guidance. Also, we are heading there in about 10 days as my wife has never been and I want to make sure she falls in love with it. [more inside]
posted by nsomniak21 at 5:42 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by nsomniak21 at 5:42 PM PST - 17 comments
Sorrell v. IMS Health Inc. -- Should there be a comma before Inc.?
Sorry for the esoteric legal question, but I'm intrigued by this case name. I thought that "Inc." was always preceded by a comma in a party name. Yet this case doesn't seem to include the comma:
Sorrell v. IMS Health, Inc., 131 S. Ct. 2653 (2011)
http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/10-779.pdf
A quick Googling shows a mixed bag of comma use. Does anyone have any idea whether the comma belongs or not?
Thanks!
posted by travisf at 5:30 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by travisf at 5:30 PM PST - 6 comments
Can a bank refuse to cancel a bank draft?
My former bank refuses to give me a refund on an un-cashed bank draft. [more inside]
posted by fiTs at 4:45 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by fiTs at 4:45 PM PST - 5 comments
I want to see more dancing like this:
I love all the dancing feauted in Sean Paul's music video for 'Get Busy', but particularly the men's part @ 1:46 and 2:47. Can you point me towards more videos with dancing in this style?
Help me find some podcasts in Hebrew!
Hi, I'm looking for help in finding podcasts in Hebrew. When I google "podcasts in Hebrew" I get a lot of listings of language learning sites, but not much help finding actual podcasts... [more inside]
Bobcat traps and human urine
What effect would a human peeing on a bobcat trap have on the efficacy of the trap. Would it tend to repel the bobcat, attract it, or neither?
What's the best way to tell men about my unusual sexual limits?
I have some sexual limits or preferences that I've been told are pretty weird. Both male and female friends have told me that they are really weird (I am female). But it's just the way I am and it's not going to change. I have been having dating problems because of it. I need some advice on the best way to tell men about my limits, and the best way to find that rare person who would be fine with them. [more inside]
phone interview follow up?
My son had a phone interview for an internship at a STEM center a couple of weeks ago. It went well and the person told him she would follow up with an email about setting up an in person meeting. [more inside]
posted by jvilter at 2:52 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by jvilter at 2:52 PM PST - 7 comments
Can I travel from Canada to USA on a Portuguese passport?
I'm a dual Portuguese - Canadian citizen, living and working in Canada. Can I travel to the USA for a business trip on a Portuguese passport? [more inside]
Another remove duplicates from Excel Q: Find the dupe, remove the ROW
So, Excel 2011 has a handy function for removing duplicates. Neat! Except that when it removes the dupe, it shifts all the cells UP, thereby ruining the relationship between the columns in the row.
What I need it to do is this:
-Look for dupes
-IF it find a dupe, delete the WHOLE ROW that dupe exists in
-Profit. [more inside]
Can one bad person ruin a career?
Job Filter: What am I getting into?! [more inside]
Traditional Cremation vs Resomation/Bio-cremation
Have you had experience with resomation, aka bio-cremation? The mortuary taking care of my pet's body offered me the choice of cremation methods, with a gentle push towards resomation (a chemical bath that dissolves the remains), and ... while I don't want to overthink this, I just want to know if the end results are basically the same, and if there's anything else I should consider.
posted by roger ackroyd at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by roger ackroyd at 2:35 PM PST - 5 comments
Can my stalker buy a gun?
So, this guy who has been stalking me for several years is not Brady-disqualified because we never had a domestic relationship, and he's not a felon. I already have a protective order. I'd like to know if he's disqualified from owning and buying firearms for some other reason related to his mental health or criminal history. Is there an easy way to find out whether or not somebody else is allowed to buy guns in the United States? I'm a lawyer but I don't know this.
posted by steinwald at 2:29 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by steinwald at 2:29 PM PST - 15 comments
How to save create a Photoshop action to that saves files to server
Previously we used a Photoshop cs5 Action to save images that were already on our Windows file server to another folder on the server. We got a new server. The Action now longer works, seemingly because the path is different, though the drive letter is the same. I've attempted to record a new Action, following the steps in the old Action, but there's a problem. The new action records the name of the file, so all new files saves with that Action are saves names of the file used to record the action. The original action did not save the name of the file used when recording the action. We would like the new action to do what the old Action did
How can I get Photoshop to record this action and not save the name of the file, so it can be used by multiple people on different Windows 7 machines? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:17 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 2:17 PM PST - 1 comment
Muffled ears won't go away days after trip!
Any tips on how to get rid of muffled ears? [more inside]
posted by hellameangirl at 2:05 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by hellameangirl at 2:05 PM PST - 8 comments
Finding a home for a cat in Wisconsin for disabled friend
My friend may have to go into a group home due to severe problems with self-injury and other aspects of mental health. She has a lovely older cat who she is afraid to leave behind. What should she do with her cat? [more inside]
Can you find this?
I'm asking this for a friend in neuroeconomics. She says:
A man is looking outside a window at the 13th floor and see another man is falling. The former asks the latter "How are you doing". The latter answers: "Fine so far".Can you help her find this comic? If not the exact comic, could you suggest any other comics that "illustrate people's ignorance to the incoming risk or uncertainty?"
Botox me?
I have a wrinkle (or whatever this particular skin condition is called) that is very similar in position and depth to this one on Ethan Hawke (mine doesn't go up that high but curves a little bit at the top). I'm trying to educate myself a bit before I consult with a dermatologist so that I can be an informed patient. Does anyone know if this is treatable with Botox? Are there any other effective treatments?
Skiing with 3-4 year olds near Boston, the impossible dream?
So I have volunteered to coordinate getting a bunch of 3-4 year olds (ok, like 3 of them) to the slopes for a day trip/morning ski lesson, but not being a 3 year old, I don't know the best place to take them. I need a place that has group lessons that take 3 year olds (and that the 3 and 4 year olds can be together in a class) and that is near enough for a short day trip from Boston, MA. I could just search the web for all the mountains around, but I thought MeFites might know the better places to go. Thanks!
posted by katers890 at 1:09 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by katers890 at 1:09 PM PST - 7 comments
a powerful antidote to love
Is the dietary advice the doctor gives the captain to help his hemorrhoids in the novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin good advice in the real world for this condition? [more inside]
Help me find a word in Infinite Jest
While reading Infinite Jest, I looked up a word in the dictionary only to discover that the example sentence in the definition on my Kindle was exactly the same sentence I had just read in the book. [more inside]
posted by :-) at 1:02 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by :-) at 1:02 PM PST - 5 comments
Removing paint/ink logotypes from bare aluminum w/o damaging the finish?
Paint Removal/Solvent Experts: Looking for solvents/methods for removing paint (ink?) logos from semi-glossy aluminum bicycle parts, without damaging or changing the finish. Detailed pics inside. [more inside]
posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj at 12:47 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj at 12:47 PM PST - 14 comments
What should a shared man cave have?
Inspired by this article I wonder how feasible it might be to start organizing a shared man cave for me and my suburban buddies. Most of us have no room to commandeer a room in our respective homes for such purposes. We get together 1-2 times per month to play poker and maybe 1-2 per month to watch a sporting event. Sometimes both at the same time. Since none of us are country club types (with country club money), this shared man cave idea might have some legs.
Assuming a studio apt could be rented in a local apartment complex, what would you put in it?
TV, cable, internet, bi-weekly cleaning, poker table all come to mind. What else? Also any logistical or legal considerations would be appreciated.
Disclaimer: No need to banish the wives; they could use it for their get togethers, too. Just using the term "man cave" because it is familiar to most.
Where can a 34-year-old dude with a bad knee learn to defend himself?
I would like to take some kind of self-defense or martial arts class. Only problem? I'm a dude, I'm 34, and my left knee is not-so-great. Bonus points for resources in San Francisco. [more inside]
Make a three-year-old very happy!
Okay, you know that "On Top of Spaghetti" song? Can someone cleverer than me think of a second verse for that song that involves the poor meatball and A TRAIN? [more inside]
Which certified pre-owned sedan would you prefer - 2008 Mercedes C300 or
I'm in the market for a pre-owned sedan with a budget of about 20k and the 2 options that I have come down to are a 2008 Mercedes C300 and a 2007 BMW 335i.
Being a total newbie about cars, I have very little idea which one should I go for. They are both certified pre-owned hence I am hoping there should not be a major problem with either one's condition.
Please advise as to which one would you prefer and what are some things I should watch out for while buying them?
What can I serve at a pre-event reception
I am producing a TEDx event this Saturday and am having a pre-event reception before hand. I am looking for simple, easy to prepare, fun and inexpensive food to serve with wine. Something different than cheese, bread and carrot/celery sticks
I don't understand how to use bifocals! (and other eye issues)
I spend most of my work day looking at a computer screen, and several of the "off" hours as well. I have been having major league headaches during the day that I think is related to my vision and the (prescription) reading glasses I've had for a couple of years. [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 12:12 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by dukes909 at 12:12 PM PST - 13 comments
Am I overthinking follow-up for a job interview?
Last week I had an interview at a very small (less than 10 people) start-up. I had previously had a phone interview with the scientist who is doing hiring for the position, which is fairly entry level, and which I think I'm well-qualified for. The person who did the phone interview thought I might be a bit *over*qualified for the current job, but as a small company they have a lot of people filling a lot of roles. I really, really want this job, but I'm stressing over some things, and I was hoping AskMeFi could give some guidance. [more inside]
posted by sockpuppetofexistentialconfusion at 11:52 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by sockpuppetofexistentialconfusion at 11:52 AM PST - 9 comments
How can my wife start networking for real estate leads?
My wife is a new RE agent in the L.A. area and is looking for ways to meet people who may be interested in buying/selling a home.
Does the community have any ideas on how she can go out and meet this group of people, network with them, and start to generate leads?
Thanks.
posted by mistermc at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by mistermc at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments
Radar generator to impersonate police radar
I would like to have an inexpensive unit in my car that puts out a radar signal. I don’t want to spend a lot because I don’t want to measure the speed of anything. I just want other drivers on the highway with radar detectors to think there is police radar in the area, so that they slow down.
I don’t know much about this, and I am afraid that a cheap radar gun puts out a signal in one direction only and won’t activate radar detectors all around me. Also, if there is a less expensive way to generate the appropriate radar-like radio waves, that would be better.
Does anyone know of a method of fooling people with radar detectors so that they slow down?
On the brink of divorce, don't know what the hell to do about our cat
I think my marriage may be irreparably broken. The idea of splitting up is agonizing, but if things don't turn around soon, I can't stay.
But. I don't know what to do about our cat, and it's tearing me apart. [more inside]
SF85 - Please calm me down.
I have accepted a job through a contractor and start next week. I have just been sent the SF85P-S and SF85P to fill out and bring with me the first day of my job. I am freaking out. I figure if it was a super huge deal and not just a formality, they would have had me fill out this stuff a while back, right? I had no idea I would be filling this out or that the job was a federal agency, I thought it was just for the state, like civil service. [more inside]
Help me teach an informal ESL class on writing?
Hi! I often eat in a certain restaurant, and one of the people who works there asked if I would help her with her writing in English. I am very happy to help, but I have no idea how to do this. She speaks very good English, but she said her writing is very bad. (Her first language is Spanish.)
I am meeting with her (and maybe a few of her co-workers) for the first time this week -- any ideas on what we should do?
I thought I'd start out with dictation, but any ideas would be much appreciated!
Name that spooky book, please!
A friend asked me to help her find a book she enjoyed about 10 years ago. This what she remembers: man flies home to southern US to visit family; his father picks him up at airport; they get into a bad car accident; they wake up in a house where a woman takes care of them; she has a dog; she and dog turn out to be ghosts or spirits or something.
UK immigration - Tier 1 extension refused - need to appeal urgently
I applied last year to extend my Tier 1 (General) Visa and it was refused last week. The Home Office's refusal letter said the evidence to support the income claimed did not meet documentary requirements. I need to appeal by Tuesday next week or lose my right to appeal and face deportation.
Panicking and wading through masses of contradictory advice. Please help... [more inside]
How do you go about finding copyright information for old computer game?
Trying to find out copyright information on 20 year old game. (more below) [more inside]
My skin has decided to start hating me
I recently turned 40 and my skin, which has previously been happy under my tender loving care, has decided to rebel. I've always had dry skin but this winter is the first I've experienced flaky patches on my face. My usual moisturizer does nothing. HELP! [more inside]
How can an inexperienced-for-his-age guy find NSA sex?
Early-30s straight guy here. Shy with women, by no means a social butterfly (social moth?), so have little sexual experience - I lost my virginity relatively late and have only had a handful of very brief relationships and one-night stands since. I'd like to have some casual sex as a way of gaining confidence and learning the ropes (oh, and for fun), but haven't had any success finding it so far. Ideas? [more inside]
Speeding up Lightroom on Mac Pro
I use a mid-2009 Mac Pro for photo editing / cataloging in Lightroom. Performance has been increasingly unsatisfactory. Looking for your advice re: upgrades to the Mac Pro, or perhaps getting a new Macbook Pro. Specs inside. [more inside]
Examples of percussive maintenance from film/tv/games.
Percussive maintenance is hitting an electronic or mechanical device to get it to work. I'd love to hear about any movies, tv shows, games or commercials where you've seen a character do this (not necessarily successfully). TV Tropes of course covers this pretty well but the more examples I can get, the better. It's for a supercut project. [more inside]
Looking for black powder, white powder
Somewhat of an odd and hard to Google question: I'm looking for materials. Specifically, some kind of white powder, some kind of black powder. Specs for black: grain size would be just fine until about the size of salt/sand, ideal weight would be somewhere in between salt and flour (needs to have a short momentum in the air, but not as volatile as, let's say, ground up charcoal). Specs for white: salt could work out, but something slightly less heavy would be even better.
Anything you encounter in your life/hobbies/work that would fit those specs? [more inside]
You see a Facebook friend has commented on a post. So have 1,894 others.
On that scroll that runs on your left-hand side of your Facebook page, you see that a friend has made a comment on a post.
The first few words of their comment are visible, but unless you can find the actual full comment they posted, you can''t figure out what they said, and you don't want to scroll through 1,894 comments looking for that one person's thoughts. There must be a simple way to get to their posting, right?
Help on a building an audio experience to accompany a photo
For my job, I'm looking for some material to create an audio soundscape for this photo. I don't know much about hip hop or what might have been associated with hip hop culture in 1993 coastal Texas. What songs, ambient sounds, interview snippets, or other (very short) sound experiences would enhance your viewing of this photo?
How do I build a support system?
Hey mefites, how did you build up your friendship group and support system? [more inside]
posted by dinosaurprincess at 8:03 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by dinosaurprincess at 8:03 AM PST - 12 comments
North Londoners - tell me your back/neck pain witchdoctors
I've had recurring severe pain in my upper back and neck for the last four years. I don't know what to do next. Several years ago my brother saw a physiotherapist-type dude (other side of the country sadly or I'd be beating his door down) who cured his crippling shoulder pain. Do you know of someone in North London who can do this for me? [more inside]
Who's the kid here?
My mom has what seems to be undiagnosed borderline personality disorder. For the last many years, she's burned bridges at work and let her self-loathing get the best of her, to the point that she's chronically unemployed, has alienated most of her friends, and has exhausted all her financial resources. She's hit rock bottom, with $0 in the bank and debts to pay. And she's turned to me for help, saying she doesn't know how to take care of herself. I'm 26. I'm struggling to pay back my own student loans. Please help me help my mom. This is in Canada. [more inside]
And if you don't kink then you're no friend of mine.
I'm kinky, but only sometimes. He's kinky, all the time, and more so than me. He also displays a focus on certain specific sex acts that I find worrying and is interfering with our sex life - not the things we do, but the things it seems he has to do to come or be happy. How do we deal with this? What do these desires of his mean? And if I'm not into the things he has to do, does it mean he's not into me? (Insecurities abound) [more inside]
Drawing showing bonus FAR on a real building.
In New York, and many other cities, developers can build bigger buildings than would otherwise be allowed, as long as they provide amenities such as parks, schools, affordable housing, etc. I want to show students how this works by providing a photo or drawing of a real building, annotated to show how much of the height is due to these bonuses.
For example, a drawing of a 50 story building, where the first 30 floors are unannotated, but then 30-35 are labeled "plaza," 35-40 "affordable housing units," 40-45 "subway entrance" and so on. I want it to be from a real building, and clear enough to show via a projector. I'm surprised this doesn't already exist, but I've done plenty of searching and can't find it.
Slow, original, mellow/sad songs featuring ukulele?
I was listening to Local Natives - 11:11 and was hooked on the opening chords played on the ukulele, so now I'm looking for other original, slow, mellow/sad tunes with the ukulele. [more inside]
Strangers in strange Or-land-o
What's fun to do on a Friday night in Orlando, and so easy to get to that even a tourist from overseas could do it? [more inside]
free-wheeling cross country trip on a budget.
I want to spend two or three weeks driving across country this summer, then probably fly back to the east coast. I have a decent amount of money, but I'd like to spend as little money as possible on travel costs and accomodations (so I can spend money on activities and siteseeing) [more inside]
Online collaborative work space
The other members of a group activity I'm involved in are geographically spread out and we need an online space to store documents, contact details and a calender. Google groups isn't really going to cut it as there's no calender function and we're currently communicating via Facebook, which is limiting in terms of the document storage side. I could use a combination of dropbox/google calender/facebook but I'd like to keep to one single system if possible, particularly one that doesn't require people to set up additional accounts.
Any recommendations?
posted by fatfrank at 1:42 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by fatfrank at 1:42 AM PST - 11 comments
How can I buy a copy of this Annigoni work?
This picture is a framed clipping from a magazine that dates back more than 30 years. The original is by Pietro Annigoni, I believe. I am looking for a copy of the original that is better quality than a magazine clipping. [more inside]
posted by MuffinMan at 1:34 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by MuffinMan at 1:34 AM PST - 2 comments
read the labels
I have a seemingly never satiated appetite for new, interesting, original music. In the past when I've felt starved for something new, I've looked at the latest releases from record labels I trust that consistently put out exciting albums - think Thrill Jockey, Warp, Ipecac. What other labels should I be monitoring?
Searching For Art
My husband and i love the works of derek hess, steven kasner, etc. Can you name any other artists that work in the same vein/style/feel?
I am also searching for someone who can make me a really beautiful pendant of a cicada. *fingers crossed*
Thank you!
February 19
Parents! Please evaluate our recent pediatrician experience....
We've had two, um, interesting experiences with a new pediatrician. Our son is now 22 months old, and the experiences occurred about 3 months apart. I've been advised after both troubling visits by friends that we should provide feedback to this doctor, even though we will not give them a third try. I don't know how to do this, or if it is even my place. More after the jump. Mostly, As a first time parent, I want to know if my issues with these visits are valid. Thanks in advance! [more inside]
posted by jbenben at 11:16 PM PST - 77 comments
posted by jbenben at 11:16 PM PST - 77 comments
Heart broken & snubbed
How can I stop thinking and worrying about this problem? I was going out with a women for 8 months (5 months long distance, she moved for a school), she was great except she never apologize for anything, unless I bring up. And we broke up after we had a disagreement on a topic and she said the following "may be you need to find somebody else if you need more sympathy on this."
That really hurt me, still does and the insult or harsh words keeps me up at nights. I am in
depression. Few weeks later I decided to put it all behind and we spoke and started out saying dont need your stupid apology, I tried to underplay my heart break, after few minutes of conversation she said you sound like you need the apology. I am just shocked how when some one can talk about apology without apologizing after saying unpleasent things earlier. [more inside]
Hostess gift for a lunch tomorrow?
A coworker who I don't know all that well has invited me to lunch at her house. There are only going to be the two of us. She is not a drinker to the best of my knowledge so I think my standby bottle of wine is out (is it?) She is in her early - mid 60s and fairly formal and reserved. Failing wine, what else should I bring? Flowers? A plant? Would cookies be okay? She has been having a rough time lately healthwise and is I think rather lonely and down. I asked her what I could bring and she said "Oh nothing! Just yourself!" but let's ignore that.
How amazing of an experience would a quick trip to Mexico City be?
I have a relative who will be on a business trip to Mexico City for about 10 days in March, and I am very tempted to go down there for a few days and visit. However I am also concerned about the number of vacation days I will be burning up as I already have two other short trips on the books for March. I've been curious to see D.F. (Mexico City) for a long time. We would be staying in the heart of downtown, in the shopping/financial district, close to the huge urban park and a bunch of museums. [more inside]
Gay Celebrity Gamers
Please help me compile a list of openly gay video game players who are celebrities, influencers, or otherwise successful in their own industries. [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 9:10 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 9:10 PM PST - 14 comments
ISO adult birthday party ideas in the SF Bay Area
My birthday's coming up soon and I'd like to have a party-type thing with 10-15 of my closest friends. Previous years I've done group brunches, group dinners, and a picnic at Crissy Field, but I'm kinda stumped for ideas this year. Can you recommend any awesome birthday party venues in the SF Bay Area? Details of what I'm looking for below the fold. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 8:56 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by rhiannonstone at 8:56 PM PST - 12 comments
Mindless Knitting
Hi all, I think I want to knit something again! I am trying to watch more movies but I need something to do with my hands. What should I knit?
Particular requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 8:23 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by exceptinsects at 8:23 PM PST - 28 comments
Why are wine bottles named after old, dead, semitic men?
Why are large-format wine bottles predominantly named after biblical figures (e.g. this reasonably comprehensive Wikipedia page)? The answer is not easily forthcoming on either the internet (although Google has been asked "why do wine bottles have biblical names?" before) or in my collection of food-studies books. Any ideas?
posted by scrim at 8:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by scrim at 8:13 PM PST - 8 comments
Ack! I have references, they just aren't ready!
I found a job I want to apply for. It closes at midnight. I had not planned to apply, so don't have references ready to go. What to do? [more inside]
How to create a simple review/rating website?
I want to create an intra-company website for my co-workers to rate/review widgets. It will not be a commercial venture. Is there is a free or free-ish way to do this? [more inside]
posted by vidur at 7:59 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by vidur at 7:59 PM PST - 4 comments
Where can I find used versions of Premiere that are legit?
I have been using Premiere Pro 2, the really ooooold version, but I just upgraded to a new Mac Mini and it isn't compatible with my hardware.
Some dude on Craigslist was going to sell me the full CS6 suite for $30, but after looking at prices from Adobe, I realized it was definitely illegal and probably malware. [more inside]
I want to bring something interesting/attractive/appealing to the table
Help me process my post-foursome thoughts about being less interesting or sexy than the other participants. [more inside]
posted by A Special Kind of Weird at 7:38 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by A Special Kind of Weird at 7:38 PM PST - 24 comments
Best portable MP3 Player for audiobooks
So, I'm an audiobook junky and my current mp3 player is starting to go. My past few MP3 players have been various models of the SanDisk Sansa lines (e260, Fuze) which I've been moderately happy with. I'm not confident that the new Fuze+ models are particularly good based on the reviews. So I turn to the green for advice. [more inside]
posted by pyro979 at 6:37 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by pyro979 at 6:37 PM PST - 11 comments
Is it safe to report illegal pr0n to the FBI?
I'd like to report something to the FBI but I don't know if it would be dangerous to me to do so. [more inside]
How big of a scam is Dean Graziosi
Give this technically-not-a-librarian a job title!
I was hired nearly two years ago at a University Library when starting my MLS program but I was never given a job title. [more inside]
Help me find the right bedside light?
I'm looking for a light that is not very bright, to be used in a room with a sleeping husband. Something between a nightlight and a regular lamp. [more inside]
posted by treehorn+bunny at 5:25 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by treehorn+bunny at 5:25 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me organize my digital photos!
Pretty much all of my photos exist on my laptop, a networked hard drive and Flickr. I am looking for a good way to keep the three locations synced with each other. [more inside]
What's wrong with my Macbook Pro?
I have a 13" Macbook Pro that I bought in late 2010. Lately, it's been doing some odd things. Occasionally it makes a sound that I can only describe as an "electronic fart". Like a short buzz that lasts less than a second. The second thing is that sometimes parts of the screen go black. These things only happen once every few days. [more inside]
History is divided into two roughly equal parts -- source for quote?
Can anyone give me a original source for this (almost certainly garbled) quote?
"History is divided into two roughly equal parts -- that which probably never happened and that which doesn't matter much anyway". [more inside]
posted by unSane at 4:07 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by unSane at 4:07 PM PST - 2 comments
Microsoft employee (fte) question
Curious if anyone is/was from Microsoft, I had an employee based question. [more inside]
Help me wrap my head around iTunes and its kin
Where can I find a good, clear explanation of the functions of iTunes and its offshoots (the App Store, Music, Podcasts, iTunesU, etc.) and how to use them correctly? [more inside]
posted by not.so.hip at 3:15 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by not.so.hip at 3:15 PM PST - 2 comments
Did I inadvertently tell my beau that I love him?
I gave my boyfriend a surprise gift of a list of one hundred things I loved about him for valentines day. He found it after I left his house and called to say it was the most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for him. I don't want to be the first to say "I love you" because I never have with any of my previous relationships and prefer a guy say those words first, but upon further reflection I am wondering if the list would count as the inadvertent equivalent of saying those three heavy words. [more inside]
posted by soooo at 2:54 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by soooo at 2:54 PM PST - 35 comments
How can I use 2 microphones with only 1 input?
I use a wired lavalier mic that plugs into my camera with a mini-plug input. I'd like to use 2 mics for interviews - preferably on seperate channels.
Is there a small box/mixer than can be the middleman between the mics and the camera? These aren't fancy XLR mics... they just have a basic mini-plug.
Any help would be mucho appreciated!
posted by smelvis at 2:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by smelvis at 2:03 PM PST - 6 comments
The Japanese Flag of *The Mysterious Island*
Which Japanese flag is described in the first chapter of part three of Jules Verne's *The Mysterious Island*? [more inside]
Site or application for logging text and photo messages?
For a research project, we’re asking ~24 high school and college students to log their experiences with homework by sending us text messages and photos over the course of about two weeks. Is there a site where they can send those messages so that we could see them from a computer? There are particular features we’re seeking... What comes closest to satisfying them? [more inside]
Yogurt Par - Fait Accompli
Instead of buying individual yogurt cups in artificial dessert case flavors, I buy a large container of greek yogurt once a week and make parfaits in these containers for a grab&go breakfast. I need more ideas for delicious things to mix into plain yogurt. [more inside]
Headphone recommendations: give me the sound without the research
I was at some live classical music the other night (Philip Glass, if it matters) and the experiencing was life-changing. I've got the music from iTunes but it doesn't sound that great over my normal cheapo headphones. I have never cared about audio quality before and it's not something I'm likely to get seriously into. But say I had up to 250 euro or so to spend on getting the sounds that's closest to what I heard in the concert hall - what should I buy or do?
Is there a catch to MVNOs?
Are there any drawbacks to using an MVNO/prepaid cell carrier? [more inside]
posted by Aizkolari at 1:08 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Aizkolari at 1:08 PM PST - 19 comments
Volunteer Teaching in NYC
I am looking to do volunteer work in New York and was hoping to do something that would engage me like teaching. This could include tutoring, GED classes, SAT classes, job hunting, etc. I have a BFA and an MBA so I think I could be fairly versatile. I am hoping for specific suggestions I could pursue. Thanks!
Why do people get divorced after many, many years together?
It seems to me that if you've been fairly happy for many (10 - 25) years, this trend would continue. For many people that doesn't seem to be the case. I am interested in hearing theories or experiences regarding that.
How can something that worked for so long cease to work so suddenly?
petite jeans
My daughter spilled permanent glue all over my last pair of jeans that fit -- they were from Lands' End and have long since been discontinued. Please help me find new jeans that fit! Here's what I am looking for:
(1) I wear a size 6 or 8. The jeans must come in petite or "short" length, as I have very short legs. I prefer straight leg to flare or boot-cut.
(2) I don't want high-waisted mommy jeans, but I also don't want the really low-slung ones all the kids are wearing (I'm 50). I have some Old Navy "Diva" jeans that fit OK, but I really don't like the low rise -- even with a belt, I feel as though they'll fall down, and some of my tops aren't long enough to cover the gap. Is there such a thing as "regular" rise anymore?
(3) I don't want ultra-skinny jeans, but I also don't want baggy.
(4) I don't want to spend a fortune. I realize that I might need to be spend $75, but even that sounds outrageous to me for "just jeans."
The closest I've come is a pair of J.Jill "authentic fit slim-leg" petite jeans, which are pretty good but have a bit more stretch in them than I'm used to. Any other ideas?
posted by wisekaren at 12:14 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by wisekaren at 12:14 PM PST - 41 comments
Boost my in-law's WiFi signal (from 1500 miles away)
My father-in-law needs help connecting his Windows 7 laptop to a WiFi network; he is apparently dealing with an interference issue that stops him from connecting while at home. This is complicated by the fact that I am 1500 miles away and will not be able to help in person. He is not tech savvy. Suggestions? [more inside]
Crock pot beef stew. Easy. Filling. Boring. Can you help?
I like to put cubed beef and chunked potatoes, onions and carrots in the crock pot and end up with dinner. I've tried lots of variations on liquid: water, broth, wine, coffee, beer. They all end up tasting meh, although the meat and veggies are usually delish. I'm tired of experimenting -- what do you use? One thing: I'm not going to dredge the meat in anything and sear. If I were up for that it wouldn't be a crock pot dinner. We have no food limitations except No Cilantro.
Thanks!
posted by kestralwing at 11:56 AM PST - 53 comments
posted by kestralwing at 11:56 AM PST - 53 comments
Is there such a thing as a hip hip bag?
I'm looking for a bag that may or may not exist: a stylish hip bag that won't make me look either like I'm wearing a waiter's apron or like I'm on my way to a Renaissance Faire. [more inside]
posted by tomorrow at 11:43 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by tomorrow at 11:43 AM PST - 21 comments
Even the biscuits are gross.
I need to eat at Red Lobster. What is there on the menu that a relative food snob like myself might enjoy? [more inside]
posted by sparklemotion at 11:33 AM PST - 64 comments
posted by sparklemotion at 11:33 AM PST - 64 comments
What do I listen to Next?
I just finished all of the lectures for the MIT Open Courseware Differential Equations course, and they were exceptional. What other MIT (or other school) courses really stand out? [more inside]
posted by wittgenstein at 11:25 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by wittgenstein at 11:25 AM PST - 8 comments
How can I own a horse stable without being overly wealthy? Creative ids
I LOVE horses. When I am around a stable I am my true self- calm, peaceful, happy- it is what I day dream about. When my life is crazy, I close my eyes and imagine being in a stable or riding. I know that I want to have a stable. I am by no means a wealthy person. I am still in grad school so ....and I am not planning to be a Dr or lawyer. I am wondering how can I own my own stable. I don't want to just own a horse and board it, or just take lessons on the weekends. How much would it cost to own a stable? I guess that I could board other's horses to defray cost. What else could I do to make the horses earn their keep? I'm thinking I want to own 3 of my own horses- for myself and my family. Is there any $ in selling horse manure? What about running a lesson program or an equine therapy program with PTSD vets, youth? Could I own the stable but NOT run the programs? What are the start up and yearly costs of owning horses and a stable?
Is There Ever A Chance After You're Rejected?
Do people ever reconsider after rejecting someone? Or is that a pipe dream? I asked someone out and got rejected...but things seem to remain unclear. [more inside]
posted by christiehawk at 10:29 AM PST - 50 comments
posted by christiehawk at 10:29 AM PST - 50 comments
What's a nice thank-you trinket for a former Angeleno?
My friend, a former Los Angeles resident, was kind enough to have me stay at her place in New York City for several days recently, while I was visiting. As a token of my gratitude, I want to send along some kind of LA-specific trinket - you know, something you'd put on your desk at work or your bureau or fridge or whatever, that says, "Hey: Los Angeles" to someone who knows the place. Ten bucks or less is the range. What would you get, if you were in my position?
I need more juice, maybe?
I'm looking into getting an extended battery for my smartphone. The only OEM extended battery for my phone isn't dramatically larger than the stock battery. Are non-OEM batteries safe/reliable? [more inside]
I have to provide wifi. Tonight!
I set up an event tonight where we need wifi. I thought there was wifi but turns out there isn't. How can I get 5-7 people's laptops connected to the internet without spending too much cash? Is this even possible on short notice? I know you can turn smart phones into hotspots but mine is a dumb sprint phone. Changing the venue is possible, but I want to avoid it. Halp!
posted by hot_monster at 10:02 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by hot_monster at 10:02 AM PST - 8 comments
Please help me light up my life.
I have converted the top half of our hall closet into a little standing dressing area that holds my jewelry box and mementos. There is a mirror over my jewelry box on the back wall of the space. How do I light it? [more inside]
posted by michellenoel at 9:52 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by michellenoel at 9:52 AM PST - 6 comments
Career Ideas
I am finishing my associate of arts degree. I am trying to think of possible career paths. The careers I am thinking of are related to librarian work, academia, reading/literacy teacher, speech language pathologist. Some of my interests/strengths are clerical work, very creative, research/writing, counseling/teaching, art layout, health, the outdoors. I like working with children. Are there any careers along these paths that I should consider ?
Getting 12 people from NYC to Montreal and Back?
Early May revelry-filled weekend excursion from NYC to Montreal for a group of roughly 12 20-somethings. We see time advantages to flying (provided all goes smoothly) but cost disadvantages. We see cost advantages to driving ourselves, but would like to minimize our personal stress and maximize fun. We see personal stress and maximum fun advantages to being driven, but have no experience with long-distance transporation charter and are unclear on whether this would be cheaper than flying. Any suggestions / experiences?
I pray to myself, for myself: but did I pray for the bill to pass?
Just finished watching "House of Cards" and there's one thing I don't get... (more details, and almost certainly spoilers, inside) [more inside]
posted by handful of rain at 9:32 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by handful of rain at 9:32 AM PST - 17 comments
Classicists: How to find key secondary sources on ancient Greek authors?
I'm a librarian helping a patron. She's written an essay that, in part, discusses a piece of ancient Greek literature as the origin of a particular theme.
She's received feedback from a reviewer that was very critical regarding the omission of several specific secondary sources. There seemed to be an assumption that the author overlooked or neglected these sources, when in fact she hadn't come across them in her research.
The reviewer provided a list, but the author would like a way to avoid this kind of criticism in the future. Is there a way to identify key secondary sources on ancient Greek authors? [more inside]
posted by Boxenmacher at 9:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Boxenmacher at 9:16 AM PST - 5 comments
How do you know if you are a good programmer?
I was a comp sci major in college. That was 12 years ago. I graduated and as careers often do, I never programmed seriously again since... until now. I've spent the last 2 years teaching myself LAMP and jquery. It was like riding a bicycle. The data structures theory and other small things I managed to retain from my comp sci courses proved useful and in a very short amount of time I was able to rebrand myself a programmer. It's much easier and faster to create powerful, useful software these days than it was 12 years ago.
Thing is though, and I imagine a lot of developers do this, the internet has made me more of a code aggregator than a programmer. I have 4 windows open at all times: coding window, app window, the jquery API and stackoverflow.com. Whatever I don't know how to do, I find very quickly on stackoverflow. I copy and paste the code directly and modify it as needed. Done.
But I want to be better than that. I follow the general rules of good programming practice as much as I can... don't repeat yourself, be efficient, make your code neat, clean and easy to read. Without having a mentor or a guru around you, how would you know whether or not you are a good programmer or if you are a total hack???
Great tunes to code to?
Hello, I'm trying to get a playlist for my hubbie for him to code to - ideally electronica, drum and bass, EDM or even modern classical like Arvo Part. Only caveat is that there must be no lyrics - I'd love to hear your favourite picks! I've got a bunch up already at blip for him - he listens to my radio station there - user name - emilybear - to give you an idea of what I've got there currently but I need more, so much more as there's a whole lot of coding to be done.
Thanks!
posted by ebear at 9:12 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by ebear at 9:12 AM PST - 28 comments
Looking for a person to talk about domestic violence
I am looking for someone who has expertise or personal experience with domestic violence. This person should be comfortable with public speaking. Possibly a survivor of domestic abuse either as a victim or a child witness.
There are many organizations who deal with education/resources for victims or potential victims. I am looking for someone who includes potential abusERS in their ideal audience and talks about how to recognize controlling behavior in oneself, how to avoid becoming an abuser for people who grew up witnessing abuse, etc.
Geographic location does not matter. I was hoping to get a list of resources, experts, organizations.
best places to visit in Spring on Long Island?
We brooklynites want a long weekend getaway in early April. We're thinking Long Island, romantic bed-and-breakfasty but we have a couple of needs and hopes. Can you recommend any specific hotels or b&bs in specific towns that you enjoyed. [more inside]
How can I deny an android app permissions it claims to require?
Android apps seem to grab permissions that I have no desire to give them. My understanding is that the permissions per app are all bundled together: it's all or nothing. At least officially. Is there another way? Also, is there a privacy watchdog site that will help me find apps that actually respect my privacy and support/purchase them over those that do not? [more inside]
Do I leave, and if so what do I say?
Not an original story. I love my husband but I love someone else too. What do I do? Looooong explanation to follow, apologies. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:17 AM PST - 57 comments
posted by anonymous at 8:17 AM PST - 57 comments
A brick-and-mortar store in NYC where I can purchase nose moisture.
Well, here's an extremely specific question in 2 parts. 1) I am currently the emergency houseguest of a gentleman who is getting a cold. I asked him if there is anything I can pick up for him. He has requested "ponaris nasal emollient." [more inside]
Load Runner for modern Mac OS?
Hi all,
I have a project I'd like to do that involves the use of Broderbund's Load Runner game. I have a 4 year old Macbook Pro running Mountain Lion. I have found various sites to download the game, but so far none of the downloads work. [more inside]
What framework/engine should I use for iOS/Android games development?
I have been looking around for a framework or engine for games development in iOS and Android. Preferably I don't have to do my own memory management, so cocos2d-x is out of the time being. There are a few I am considering - Stencyl, Moai and Gideros. Anyone have any personal experience with those and wish to comment on them - in terms of performance, workflow and flexibility?
Any thoughts/comments are welcomed! [more inside]
Muffin problems
What's the best way to store freshly baked muffins for, oh, about a week? [more inside]
Looking for a shower bag/caddy for the gym
I recently started going to the gym in the mornings before work. Looking for a convenient shower bag/caddy to help. [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 6:29 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by dbirchum at 6:29 AM PST - 10 comments
I'm an idiot episode 672: how to handle a cover letter mistake
I applied for a job in my field recently at company B and just noticed that I left in a sentence from a previous application in my cover letter that mentions the name of the company I'd previously applied to (company A). Whoops. I'm in a fairly small field and company A is one that people have mixed feelings about mainly because they have lots and lots of money and publicity.
Should I drop the company I'm currently applying to an email acknowledging my error or not? If I do, any suggestions on how to phrase it other than "I'm an idiot, please forgive me.) [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 5:27 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by sciencegeek at 5:27 AM PST - 23 comments
Science Demonstrations for 5-12 Year Olds
Do you have any ideas or resources on creating exciting and interesting science demonstrations for kids 5-12 years old? [more inside]
Aussie Mefites, your advice is sought
My brother just moved from the UK to Perth, WA, and I'm planning to buy him a birthday present in the form of a voucher for something he can do out there. What would you recommend? [more inside]
The mom of my ex wants to get in touch... what now?
Out of the blue, the mom of my ex-boyfriend (whom I thought I was just starting to get over with) wants to reconnect, but without his knowledge (we haven't been keeping in touch since Christmas). She wants to have "a little chat" -- when I pressed for details, she said only to keep in touch whenever I find myself in town. As well-intentioned as she may be, I feel this is quite manipulative of her due to the context of our breakup and I'm not sure how to respond, if I should, and if I should go ahead and meet up with her (I'm half-scared of being ambushed and reprimanded -- because she wants his sister to tag along on this chat, too -- plus I feel I'll be complicit in the mother's going behind my ex's back, whatever the outcome). [more inside]
Hidden Treasure Playlist
Silver Linings Playbook...when Pat and Tiffany first sit together in her studio and listen to music, it's Dylan's 'Girl From the North Country'. To me that was a curious choice. The song has a very personal resonance with me, but I can't really imagine Tiffany, a mid-twenties woman, loading that on the ipod. What do you think the purpose of using 'Girl From the North Country' in that particular scene was?
posted by j_curiouser at 4:31 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by j_curiouser at 4:31 AM PST - 20 comments
February 18
London: for fun, how would I go about getting cast in tv shows or movies
I'm moving to London soon and I have a freelance job (totally unrelated to entertainment) which lets me schedule my week however I like. I think it might be fun to get cast as an extra or even get a speaking role in random tv shows or movies filmed in London. How would I go about doing this? Are there websites to register at or do I need to get an agent? I have zero acting experience.
Who should get master bedroom in apartment with roommates?
I live in a three bedroom, two bath apartment. Roommate A (current occupent of master bedroom) is moving out. Roommate B and I are trying to decide who should get to move into master. [more inside]
Virgin Sacrifices Optional
I have a lava rock fireplace. Let's make it erupt! [more inside]
Is that me in the photograph?
Someone mentioned to my mother that a photo in this week's (2/22) edition of The Week magazine is likely me. The article is about people using computers and smartphones on airplanes and is called, I think, 'Please turn off your electronic devices' (p. 11). [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 8:49 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by yellowcandy at 8:49 PM PST - 8 comments
Best floor seating?
I have an apartment where adding in more seating is needed but I don't want another couch, but do want couch-density seating. I want something that makes sitting yoga-style on my hardwood floors more comfortable. What should I buy, and where should I buy it?
posted by Exonym at 8:43 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Exonym at 8:43 PM PST - 8 comments
The Standard Hotel & Spa in Miami. Let's Talk Parking
So I will be staying at The Standard Hotel in Miami next week. I will only be staying there on weeknights. From what I read on the internet, valet is $37 and takes sometimes an hour to retrieve your car. Thus I have several questions: [more inside]
posted by jennybento at 8:18 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by jennybento at 8:18 PM PST - 8 comments
Design Filter: Do I need to use these colors in a layout?
Posting for my wife, a graphic designer who is tasked with doing a website layout job for a client. Here's the rub: The company has an existing logo that's red and blue, but she doesn't necessarily want to use red and blue as the dominant colors in this particular layout, but someone from the company is convinced that they MUST use red and blue as the primary colors throughout the site. I've had no luck coming up with any kind of evidence to support my wife's point, and so now I'm here to query the hive. Do any of you design-minded folks know of any articles or collections of layouts that might help my wife make her case? Sorry if the question is very vague.
I am not a snob!
I feel as though my classmates and friends think that I'm a snob that silently judges them based on their intellect. However, I love my friends and classmates so much because they are wonderful, warm, hilarious, dedicated and intelligent people! How do I let them see this? [more inside]
posted by krakus at 7:36 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by krakus at 7:36 PM PST - 29 comments
Buying a car right before buying a house
How much of a bad idea is buying a car a month or so before buying a house? [more inside]
Timer app with random durations
I'm looking for a timer app, for either iPhone or iPad where I can set a series of random alarms according to certain requirements. [more inside]
Getting outside DC wiring onto a constantly rotating surface
For a research project, I have several pieces of equipment mounted on top of a large metal rotating circular surface. At the moment, all equipment is battery powered. I would like to come up with an inexpensive way of getting DC power and signal wires to a computer off the surface to analyze data in real time. Besides that constraint, going down thru the center isn't really an option since the rotating shaft is solid metal. [more inside]
posted by gzimmer at 7:17 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by gzimmer at 7:17 PM PST - 8 comments
Is my partner's shouting unusual?
I have a good husband who treats me well. But he shouts in arguments every once in a while -- once every couple of months, maybe -- and I don't have a good sense of whether I'm overreacting to this. I'm curious: Is there an appropriate way to shout in an argument or is it always inappropriate? And do you or your spouse shout? [more inside]
Eye pain from long computer usage
An IT co-worker is having problems with eye pain. Specifically, they are experiencing light sensitive pain waking up in the morning and at night, so much so that driving in the dark can be dangerous. What can they do to improve this so they can get to work safely and work their desired hours? [more inside]
Best iTunes Alternative for managing music on iPhone?
Is there an iTunes alternative that will easily allow me to drag and drop files back and forth from my PC to my iPhone? My old computer died, and iTunes is being ridiculous, not allowing me to sync to another computer. Should I use MediaMonkey? iFunbox? What's the standard that everyone uses? Thank you.
Where is the real life Rancho Relaxo?
My 40th birthday present to myself is to run away for several days by myself to indulge in restful solitude, nature walks, spa treatments and room service. I live in Oregon and am considering the coast, but could also be talked into Washington/California, or places other than the beach. Price is no object, but would prefer it to be within driving distance of Portland. Requirements and preferences within... [more inside]
posted by lilnublet at 6:07 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by lilnublet at 6:07 PM PST - 7 comments
Apparently this internet thing is a great big intevention?
Help me refine searches to find awesome websites to visit everyday. [more inside]
Novels about model trains destroying the world
A friend has bet me that there are no novels in which model trains or model railway enthusiasts are portrayed as villains or otherwise threaten humanity.
Is this true? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 6:00 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by lollusc at 6:00 PM PST - 18 comments
Examples of print newspapers that use photographs particularly well.
I'm looking for examples of newspapers that use photographs particularly well -- for both quality storytelling images and strong design that showcases/utilizes news photographs well. [more inside]
How to find an affordable Austin Hotel during SXSW?
Can't find an affordable hotel for SXSW, where else to look? [more inside]
posted by touareg at 4:41 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by touareg at 4:41 PM PST - 14 comments
Coming out & Overseas Relationships
I finally came out to myself, my therapist and my mom. And I am in a deep overseas relationship with a guy that I met online from South America. Where do I go from here? Lots of details inside. [more inside]
posted by mrdexterous at 4:22 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by mrdexterous at 4:22 PM PST - 11 comments
Question about projector aspect ratio and resolution
I recently purchased this Acer projector and am wondering what aspect ratio I should get for the screen. [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 3:32 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lattiboy at 3:32 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me define some specific social skills-- which skills are necessary?
I see a lot of people refer to 'social skills' as an amorphous entity that encompasses being 'good with people', or apply extraverted-individual standards to define them (such as 'mingling at parties' or 'engaging in small-talk'). What I'd like to see is a set of actual skills, something like 'the skill of knowing how to write longhand', or 'the skill of tuning a piano': really specific and concrete, with broad applications regardless of one's lack of desire to mingle at parties or in bars. I guess I'd like to know what the hive mind thinks are the specific skills necessary to succeed in college (that is, with professors and/or fellow students) or with professionals in a semi-informal working environment. Bonus for specific skills needed for a teacher. Bonus-plus for breaking down any skill into aspects or components. [more inside]
How to fix tags for bookmarks imported from delicious into Pinboard?
I need to know how to fix tags on links I imported from Delicious into Pinboard. [more inside]
Diners and pizza place suggestions for a specific NYC area & schedule
So we're taking our kids (6 & 8) on an overnight trip to NYC and we need diner and pizza restaurant recommendations near Grand Central, the Empire State Building and the American Natural History Museum. [more inside]
Carpentry 101: Help me upcycle my chairs
Looking for how-to guide to replace seat and back of metal framed chairs. [more inside]
posted by sconbie at 2:33 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by sconbie at 2:33 PM PST - 5 comments
Home Media Nightmare?
I'd like to play blu-ray discs and stream Netflix. It shouldn't be this hard. [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:29 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:29 PM PST - 13 comments
Free parking on or near Stanford campus?
I will need to park a car on or near Stanford campus this week this evening through Friday evening. I would prefer to park the car as close to Campus & Bowdoin as possible, preferably within a mile. Worst comes to worst I can use visitor parking ($12 a day), but I would prefer something cheaper or ideally free. Are there are any streets in Palo Alto without parking restrictions near the eastern side of campus, for example?
posted by dd42 at 2:14 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by dd42 at 2:14 PM PST - 6 comments
this test best before MM-DD-YYYY
GRE scores are supposedly valid for five years after the testing year in which you tested. Such is the case with the GMAT and LSAT also. MCAT scores are valid for 2-3 years.
My question is, has anyone ever had to retake a test because their scores were too old, even though the scores hadn't reached their "expiration date"? Has anyone encountered an academic / grad admissions department that encouraged a test retake because previous scores weren't fresh / recent enough?
(Admitters and admittees are both welcome to respond.)
Help Me Find My Perfect Boots!
I'm looking for replacements for my starting to wear out knee-high boots, and having no luck.
I would love to find something like these or these. [more inside]
posted by dotgirl at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by dotgirl at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments
Is there a Fresno gay community - open-minded churches, gyms, etc.?
A dear female friend of mine, mid-30's, recently moved to Fresno. She is a professional with a good, solid job who isn't into the bar scene, and is having trouble locating a liberal and/or gay community within Fresno. She is looking for churches, gyms, cycling or running groups, bookclubs- anything to connect with like-minded people. Any suggestions?
Intrusive thoughts after terrible dream
I've been experiencing what I think are intrusive thoughts after a horrible nightmare and I don't know what to do. [more inside]
Should my sister's boyfriend be paying rent to my parents?
My parents are now asking my sister's new live-in boyfriend to pay rent while he lives in her house, which they co-own and are paying the mortgage on. Is this right? [more inside]
How do I find out if the ODOT wants their pound of flesh?
I have a car registered in IL, but I've lived in OH for 2 years now. How do I find out if there are any outstanding tickets on my plates? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 1:01 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Tehhund at 1:01 PM PST - 7 comments
Why is everyone I’m attracted to depressed?
I’ve realised in recent months that everyone I’ve been in a relationship with had/has a mood disorder - depression, or in a couple of cases, cyclothymia with crushing lows. This seems like more than coincidence. What can I do about it? [more inside]
posted by Someone Else's Story at 12:51 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Someone Else's Story at 12:51 PM PST - 22 comments
Where can I find newsreels and films from the 1910s?
Calling film historians and conservators! I am working on a historical novel set in the 1910s and I would like to get more of a feel for the time and place. Are there any high-quality online archives of films and newsreels of that era, from the likes of Vitagraph, Essanay and other studios? [more inside]
Why is ice skating torture on our feet?
Wife and I would really like to enjoy skating. But damn, it hurts! [more inside]
What to do about developer's damage to my property?
I need help choosing the best course(s) of action to remedy damage done to my property by the developer next door. [more inside]
posted by lost_cause at 12:35 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by lost_cause at 12:35 PM PST - 14 comments
What ideally would a "juicing" produce box contain?
You like to juice! Say you were to purchase a box of seasonal produce to juice for the week, what proportion of greens/fruit/veggies would you want this box to contain? [more inside]
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:31 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by mandymanwasregistered at 12:31 PM PST - 6 comments
How can I make dry, flaky halva at home?
I need a tried, tested, and true recipe for making proper, dry, flaky sesame halva. [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 12:18 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jedicus at 12:18 PM PST - 5 comments
Book Pose
What are the most popular travel guidebooks/websites around the world
I'm trying to find out the most popular guides to NYC (in particular) that people around the world use. In the US, this would include guidebooks like Frommer's or Fodor's. People can also check a site like tripadvisor to find hotel or attraction recommendations.
What books or sites would people in Germany, France, Italy, China, India, and countries all around the world use?
Should I join the Air Force if I want to break into Diplomacy/Intel?
I am 27 years old, and now considering whether I should join the Air Force on an intelligence track in order to improve my chances of getting a job at State, or just improving my career options in general. Is this a wise decision? [more inside]
What is this? A kitchen for ANTS??
I'm 6'5". It recently dawned on me that the reason I hate doing the dishes isn't due to my fundamental laziness, but because scrubbing dishes while bent over for half an hour really does a number on my back. What have you, fellow tall person, changed around your kitchen (and the rest of your home) to make it more accommodating to the vertically advantaged? [more inside]
Open Facebook share links to iOS app from email?
Work has had me start building responsive html emails to send to our member list with Facebook share links inside. I know you can open links to iOS native apps from emails and websites within the iOS environment, but is it possible to have those "share to your wall" links work correctly? I've googled around a bit, but not having any luck finding a clear answer.
Tracking user activity on a Wordpress blog
Wordpress question: Is it possible to generate a report on which users are the most active on the site in terms of interactions, click-throughs, and time logged-in? I see a few plugins which claim to do this, but it seems like something you'd have had to have installed since the time you wanted to start keeping track. Is there something I can use which will find this information automatically?
What's the best audio recording app for iPhone?
I'm working on a project that requires me to record a couple dozen interviews (two speakers max). Each interview is 45 minutes to an hour and a half in length. I have an iPhone 5 and want to use it to make my recordings. I need to send the recordings to a transcriber. I'm looking for a simple, reliable app that will make clean recordings. I'd like to avoid using an external mic if I can. Any favourites you can suggest? No preference for free or paid apps, I just want something that works well and is foolproof. [more inside]
Shooting incident involving poachers and film crew?
I'm trying to recall a shooting incident involving a documentary film or news crew, a conservationist/conservation group, and some wildlife poachers in Africa. [more inside]
posted by broadway bill at 10:47 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by broadway bill at 10:47 AM PST - 2 comments
Help me identify this comedian.
In the 90s there was a comedian, or at least a comedy show host, on Comedy Central, who always wore a knit cap. He was very deadpan and may have shared shows with Dave Attell. I could have sworn he was also a guest on Dr. Katz, but he doesn't appear in the cast list. Slim man, white, with an angular face. I can't find him in any lists of U.S. standups or Comedy Central specials. Who was this guy?!
Company has my cv. I changed parts concerning the past. Send it again?
Should I sent a potential employer and updated version of my cv, when the difference concerns the past?
In the version they have, I didn't include one project I was working on, but I would include it now. [more inside]
posted by Triton at 10:21 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Triton at 10:21 AM PST - 5 comments
Getting control of bank account from parent?
Hi MeFi,
I have a friend who is having trouble getting access to the money her dad left her when he passed away. Her mother currently has control of the money and won't let the friend manage it herself despite the fact
that she is 21. The friend wants to know how she can find out her account information so she manage her own money.
Thanks,
zscore
Not-OK Cupid
I've slept with a lot of guys and only enjoyed it with like 10% of them. Are my standards too high, or too low, or what? [more inside]
How do I start giving 150% at work?
I recently started at a new job that's going very well, and there is tremendous room for growth here in the next year or two. In order to get where I want to be, I need to start working a lot more and a lot harder. Difficulty level: I'm in grad school part-time and have an active social life. [more inside]
My sister has joined AA. How can I support her?
My 20 year old sister has finally decided to get clean. She is currently doing the 30 meetings in 30 days, and is 2 weeks into it. Her problems are more with drugs than alcohol (she did not abuse alcohol), but as part of this she has also quit drinking. What can I be doing to help her? [more inside]
Any precautions needed in soldering to a millivolt gas control system?
A gas stove in our family room uses a thermocouple, millivolt valve and manual switch to control the gas to the stove. I need to solder a new switch to the leads that go to the old switch (the total wire length is about 4 feet). What precautions do I need to take to ensure that I do not blow out the millivolt gas valve when I do the soldering? [more inside]
How to sync oracle calendar with iCloud?
I have a Mac with OSX Mountain Lion. My university uses Oracle Calendar 9.0.4. In the past, I have set up syncing to my iCloud calendar using my iPad with SyncML pro, so I know I can do this, in principle. What I'd like to do is find a way of syncing to my iCloud calendar without an iOS device - preferably an OSX application. Why is this so hard to figure out how to do? [more inside]
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 9:39 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 9:39 AM PST - 4 comments
Excel auto-fill form on web page
I have an excel file with a list of phone numbers and someone requested that links be added, so that when you click on one, our text paging web page is opened and the "To" field is auto-populated with the pager number. Is this possible?
I have no control over this text paging web page, but the input field for the form does have a name. This is the page: http://www.myairmail.com/
Thanks!
posted by jjbb at 9:33 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by jjbb at 9:33 AM PST - 4 comments
Spring Break College Tour to Seattle/Portland area
We're going to be flying into Seattle and out of Portland the first week of April with Saturday arrival and departure. We'll be traveling in a van with two families comprised of 2 high school Juniors and an 8th grader. Both Juniors are interested in Architecture majors, though one is quite academic and the other may be looking at community college close to home for the first couple years. The goal is to combine college tours with sightseeing. A side trip to San Juan Islands for a couple days would be of interest if it's not too much to try to cram in. Suggestions for colleges/universities to explore, places to stay, things to do would be greatly appreciated!
posted by ms_rasclark at 9:24 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by ms_rasclark at 9:24 AM PST - 12 comments
What are the best things to order at bad chain restaurants?
What are the best things to order at bad chain restaurants? [more inside]
posted by swift at 9:12 AM PST - 75 comments
posted by swift at 9:12 AM PST - 75 comments
Is there something like a MiFi that will accept a SIM?
I'm looking for something like a MiFi that will accept a SIM. [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 9:03 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by aeighty at 9:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Frameable topo/geo map of France?
I want to purchase a frameable map of France, done in a similar manner to this one of Oregon.
My Google powers are letting me down, even in French. All I'm able to find so far are 3D, molded-plastic relief maps, and then regional, folding topo maps.
Any clues welcome.
posted by sandettie light vessel automatic at 8:45 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by sandettie light vessel automatic at 8:45 AM PST - 7 comments
How much could this 50 dollars' worth of free advertising cost me?
Facebook has sent me a code for $50 in free advertising to use in promoting my blog and/or its page on FB. Is it worth bothering to set up a $50 advertisement on Facebook when I'm not willing to spend anything at all on advertising over and above that? And it makes me nervous that they want my credit card info up front — are there pitfalls to avoid in making sure nothing gets charged to my credit card?
Want to use nice new sunglasses more often than a fancy parlor room
I can't believe I'm using a question on this but please school me on something very basic, again.
For the first time as an adult, I own sunglasses that did not come from the drugstore and cost $12. Not very expensive, but expensive enough, especially for me, if you know what I mean. (And medically necessary.) I'm too cheap to even want to think about having to replace these in the next few years. [more inside]
Sorry to inflict this on you.
My question is disgusting and primarily about my butt. Details below. [more inside]
Best available bourbon in Atlanta
I am flying to an event out of state in September. I am morally obligated to bring the best bottle of bourbon that I can. It must be bourbon and it must be top shelf.
What excellent bourbon can I be assured of getting in the Atlanta area between now and then? Cost is really no object. If I thought I could score a bottle of 23 year old Pappy Van Winkle, I would.
posted by donpardo at 8:10 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by donpardo at 8:10 AM PST - 11 comments
How to stage a Privilege Intervention
I have a friend who has a long history of saying hurtful things based on stereotypes to his friends. I want to gather his friends and stage an intervention. How to go about this? [more inside]
I didn't envision walking down an aisle to the sound of jackhammers
Is there really no ipad rss reader app with pinterest access?
All the reader apps I've found don't have pinterest support, and the pinterest app browser is a super cumbersome way to use google reader, as is safari for ipad. The only workaround I've found is to copy the web address within the RSS feed of any post I want to pin, then paste that address in either the pinterest app or safari, then pin it, rendering ipad virtually useless for reading blogs. There has to be a better way, right? [more inside]
posted by Acer_saccharum at 7:35 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Acer_saccharum at 7:35 AM PST - 6 comments
Suggest me some great (but not overt) combinations to read together.
Last week I read David Foster Wallace's "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again" (thanks to this FPP), while in the middle of reading Moby Dick. I found them resonating together so well: the high tragedy mixed with low comedy, the elaborate descriptive asides, the playing with formatting, the casual authorial self-hatred, the obsession with morality, to say nothing of the mechanics of the ship and the sea. All this without a single over reference back to Melville.
What are some other great co-reads (or movies/TV/opera/album/etc.) to get that enriching resonance? Subtle is good: think tone, theme, shape more than plot or character. If you've caught Laurence Weschler's McSweeney's series of Convergences (published in book form here), that's more what I mean. The reader/viewer makes the connections without being led by the author (So, for instance, King Lear & Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres are too overtly linked).
Bonus points for something that goes well with Cloud Atlas (the book, not the movie).
Get off the floor Mr. Harman.
How historically accurate is the portrayal of the interaction between the worker/labor class and the sales/middle class in the British sitcom 'Are You Being Served?" [more inside]
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:50 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:50 AM PST - 19 comments
Article written completely of borrowed sentences from other authors?
Awhile back (3, 4, 5 years? not sure), I read an article that was composed completely (and intentionally) of borrowed/plagiarized sentences from other works. It was brilliant. I lost my copy and am trying to track it down again. Can anyone point me to the article?
Help me diagnose this bra-fitting issue? Pregnancy edition.
Having problems getting a comfortable bra. Trips to Nordstrom or other fancy bra-fitting places are out of forseeable time range. Can anyone give me advice on what I should be looking for? [more inside]
What is this particular behavior called?
What is this particular behavior called? [more inside]
High deductible health insurance plan question, Rx without insurance
Purchasing meds without insurance coverage, what could be the implications? [more inside]
New Car Maintenance Checklist
So for my old car I had this fantastic maintenance checklist, but I just bought a 2013 Honda Accord Sedan Sport and I can't find anything like this checklist. I've asked the dealer, I've searched websites but I just can't find it. I don't want to only depend on the system to tell me when to do maintenance, can you help me out?
Honey, You Look Cold
I'm years late to the party but I have just started playing Dragon Age: Origins. I am having a problem with Morrigan. [more inside]
What is the pattern used to make all the Triominoes fit into one unit?
Never play Triominoes with a statistician. My partner and I played just a few games before she became obsessed with making all the pieces join, (match), together to form a whole unit. Is there diagram of how this is done? I would like to get back to playing the game. Thanks!
posted by haikuku at 5:40 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by haikuku at 5:40 AM PST - 4 comments
"What movie did I see?", episode 1374
My google-fu is failing me, and this is beginning to bug the shit out of me. Hivemind, you're my only hope.
What was the Iranian (I think) film I saw, made around five-to-ten-years ago, about a community living aboard a derelict oil-tanker beached in the Arabian gulf..? If it's any help, the screening I attended at the Filmhouse cinema in Edinburgh was followed by a Q&A with the director (and was probably presented as part of the Edinburgh International Film Festival).
posted by kxr at 4:45 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by kxr at 4:45 AM PST - 2 comments
Is more memory the answer to my problems?
I've got a four-year old PC running vista. It's got 4gb Ram and a 1tb storage. It's never been a high performer, but lately its been running really slow, especially on start up and getting really clunky when I have, say, four of five applications running. I've been considering buying more RAM to speed things up a little. Is more memory the answer to my problems?
February 17
Toyota Prius owners- what should you've known when you bought your car?
We're likely going to buy a used (2006 or 2007) Prius soon. Any advice from Prius owners would be appreciated! E.g., problems you've had that we can ask our mechanic to check on before buying; unexpected likes or dislikes about the car; your experience with aging batteries; regrets you didn't buy a different hybrid instead? Thanks all!
Rap To Kick Back With
1990s Rap Music Question: Lately I've been thinking about "Without a Doubt" by Black Sheep and "Big Poppa" by Notorious B.I.G... They both use Isley Brothers samples that feature that same "whining" instrument that gives them a sort of nostalgic, laid-back, almost melancholy feel. And they're both about chilling and being happy instead of thugging out or getting violent. What other songs have that same non-gangsta, nostalgic vibe? I'm thinking there must have been more in the 90s that I haven't heard. Seems like the West Coast had a similar "whine" in their sound but it always sounded different than the examples I mentioned, and they were repping thug life more out west? I admit, I honestly don't know...take me to school, brothers and sisters. Thanks in advance.
My apartment is stifling my productivity!
When I am drinking coffee at (insert random coffee shop name here), I get SO. MUCH. DONE. And feel great afterwards.
I cannot get anything productive done in my apartment. Please help me trick my brain into thinking that it is in a cafe. [more inside]
How do I prevent shingles?
Old dos gold mining game
I'm trying to remember an old gold mining video game (probably mid to late 80s). I think it was dos. It was similar to Miner VGA, but after playing that a few times it was definitely not that game. [more inside]
Helpful Books/Links for Drawing with Wacom?
I am a decent artist but very rusty, have intermediate Photoshop skills but draw quite well on my cheapie SB Pro app on my Kindle. (I even sold prints using just that.) Now, I have a new Wacom and besides the usual adjustment to using a wacom stylus, am finding that all three applications on my Mac have pros and cons (as a beginner with this wacom tablet), with the biggest con being the user myself. Can you recommend any books or links on doing drawings and paintings using the Wacom Bamboo (Splash) besides the applications' websites? Any brushes you favor or have downloaded and so forth? As an aside I note that pics I do in Art Rage at 300 dpi saved as psd don't open on my SB Pro application but this may be a future question.)
posted by snap_dragon at 8:59 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by snap_dragon at 8:59 PM PST - 3 comments
Take me home, concrete roads.
Watched Studio Ghibli's Whisper of the Heart several days ago, and am now obsessed with introspective movies/TV series about young students living in Tokyo. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 8:48 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 8:48 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me not be bald!
I am a fat woman and my hair is thinning dramatically. What can I do to stop becoming a bald fat woman? [more inside]
To rescind or not to rescind...
I’ve agreed to a job offer that I would now like to turn down. How do I best handle this situation? [more inside]
Suggestions for cocktails to make with maple vodka
We've got a bottle of this vodka produced from 100% maple sap and we need some ideas for delicious cocktail experiments. [more inside]
posted by paddingtonb at 7:03 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by paddingtonb at 7:03 PM PST - 12 comments
What soldering iron should I buy?
I'm starting to mess around with electronics as a hobby and need to buy a soldering iron. But which one? Bonus question: a cheap, effective multimeter? [more inside]
Do astronauts play just games in space or do they actually work?
What is the best book to introduce pre-teens to how science works in space? [more inside]
Time Travel With An Insulin Pump
My wife, who has had an insulin pump for almost 18 years, has somehow never traveled more than one time zone with it. Next week she has 5 day business trip to the West Coast, and we live on the East Coast. Any diabetic MeFi's have experience crossing 3 time zones with a pump? [more inside]
posted by COD at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by COD at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments
Sick and elderly father is not competent, has crushing debt. Now what?
My father had a profound stroke. He now has severe dementia and delusions. Sibling and I need to get power of attorney and also speak with a lawyer to determine long-term issues and help get rid of his crushing debt. Do I need an elder law attorney or an estate planning attorney, and what else might I need to know? [more inside]
We're both subs (dumb label though it may be)
How do I persuade my long-term partner to do what I need about half the time? He is not, I repeat not, a good American progressive who's been through therapy. He loves me and wants to satisfy me, but is not a willing participant in the "hey, let's have an open discussion" approach. What are some alternative tactics? [more inside]
When was the printer Oliveau & Fils graveur in Bordeaux in operation?
I have an olive oil label printed in France by A. Oliveau & Fils graveur in Bordeaux for a grocery store or outfit in Mexico City, Cia. Abarrotera. The label looks like it is from the very early 1900s. I would like to know when Cia. Abbarrotera and/or A. Oliveau & Fils graveur was in operation.
posted by kirsti at 5:09 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by kirsti at 5:09 PM PST - 10 comments
Specific word for "they set aside differences"
Not harmonize... not concur... not compromised...
is there a specific word for when two living things set aside differences?
I need a specific word... not a list of synonyms...
I'm looking for something that lacks connotation within the general public.
posted by JamesBlakeAV at 4:54 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by JamesBlakeAV at 4:54 PM PST - 32 comments
Hiking and trip advice for Argentina
We will be spending 3 days in El Chalten and 3 days in El Calafate, Argentina in March. What hikes and tours would be most recommended or must sees? [more inside]
posted by graventy at 4:48 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by graventy at 4:48 PM PST - 6 comments
How many people alive today have lived through war at home?
Is there any way to estimate the number of people currently living who have experienced ongoing war on their own home soil? I'm thinking of people living in Gaza now or London during World War II, civilians directly affected by ongoing bombing and military conflict, rather than soldiers or one-time terrorist-attack survivors. (I realize it may not be possible to separate that out.)
Quick NYC Jaunt this Weekend: What to do?
I use to work in nyc in mid-town by the MoMA but that was more than a few years ago and I am out of practice getting around/what to do in nyc but I've been put in charge. [more inside]
posted by Carialle at 4:22 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Carialle at 4:22 PM PST - 2 comments
help with name of 1990s single-player game of spaceship combat
Hello,
I was hoping that someone could name the turn-based space strategy game I played as a demo on my PC back around 1995. I offer these sketchy details:
--it was a turn-based game where you piloted and battled using one or more spaceships
--the game offered the intriguing feature of allowing you to design new spaceships
--I remember learning the word "chassis" from the game, since you could choose what type of chassis you wanted in ship design, among other choices
--the GUI was predominantly a gray-colored menu with text and options that you could interact with using the mouse, along with some more-or-less static images of planets and spaceships
--I don't recall much in the way of storyline or even characters
--I think you didn't see faces of characters much at all, or much of them otherwise.
Thank you for trying to help me penetrate the obscurity.
posted by Perifferol at 4:21 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Perifferol at 4:21 PM PST - 18 comments
Suggestions please for lighting my long narrow 7 foot ceiling basement
Until a few weeks ago my 25 foot long by 12 foot wide by 7 foot high basement was being lighted by three 48 inch fluorescent shop lights (these). They decided to all stop working in the course of the last 3 weeks. Replacing the bulbs hasn't helped. A similar question on AskMeFi suggests that the ballast is probably the culprit in situations like this, and that it's often cheaper to replace the fixture than the ballast. Before I go tomorrow and buy 3 ballasts or 3 new shop lights, I am wondering if my choice of fixtures is inappropriate. This is a laundry, exercise, pantry, hobby area so the lights often are on a large percentage of the time. This is New Jersey and it's cold right now, though it is an indoor space, it's certainly not as warm as the rest of the home. And basements are somewhat damp. It seems like switching to incandescent bulbs would be simplest, but between regulatory changes and "green" political correctness, I suppose that may not be the best. I just want the space to look bright, and for whatever I buy and put in tomorrow to last a reasonable time. Thanks in advance for your advice!
What games would I love?
PC game suggestions only, please. I'm a stay at home mom, and my laptop is pretty much glued to my side.
Civ IV is my all-time favorite game. I usually play the Rise of Mankind/A New Dawn mods. I'm not great at it, as I find it hard to beat on Noble level, but I can consistently beat it on Warlord level.
So what else would I love? I like turn-based games because I have little kids. I need to be able to drop my game whenever and come back to it as I left it. I've always enjoyed the exploration aspect of Civ, and I've liked playing Sim City in the past.
Fire away!
Repurposing your Facebook backup
It's now relatively easy to backup your Facebook account. I'm wondering if there are any apps or scripts that allow one to manipulate that data. [more inside]
Where do I get universal 4x5 ground glass?
I've got this image of a piece of ground glass mounted in a standard 4x5 film holder. I've googled all sorts of things to try and describe what this is, but I cannot find where I can buy this. I've seen tons of pieces of ground glass that are for specific cameras, but that's not what I want. I want a piece of ground glass in (and sold with) a frame that makes it the exact size and thickness for putting into any sort of large format camera. Basically, what that picture shows. What is this and where do I buy it? Thanks!
posted by Brian Puccio at 1:42 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Brian Puccio at 1:42 PM PST - 27 comments
Where do I find foreclosure auctions in NM?
Where does the foreclosure auction when the title transfers from the owner to the bank actually occur and how do I get information about these auctions. I live in NM, but foreclosure auction practices in other states will probably help me figure this out. Also, does anyone have any experience to share on approaching banks regarding properties in pre-foreclosure. Finally, are there forums out there dedicated to these topics. [more inside]
Do I need a CPA/CA to prepare my taxes?
I moved back to Canada in November 2012 after living in the US for the past five years. Last year I had a CPA prepare my 2011 US and Canada returns and was shocked when I was billed $2,200 for what I see as a relatively simple tax situation. (W2, 1099-INT from the bank, statements of 401K and RRSP contributions and charitable donations)
I still haven't recovered from paying so much last year and well, it's that time of year again.
What are my options of having my US and Canadian returns prepared for a more reasonable amount? Can I get a US tax preparer in the States and a different one in Canada or is there some sort of connection that's required? Can I do the taxes myself using a TurboTax package from the US and one from Canada? I have my 2011 returns to use as a guide. I'm scared I'll miss something or do something wrong, but it's awfully tempting under the circumstances.
What publications give you an advantage in your line of work?
What publications give solid advantages in which lines of work when read regularly? A few examples might be McKinsey when read by HR managers, A List Apart when read by designers, Hacker News when read by programmers, and Poynter when read by journalists. What else is there in these fields and in others that puts a person ahead?
Why do editorials have such irrelevant and circuitous introductions?
On a cold and New York winter afternoon, I sipped at my coffee and wondered at how to best phrase my question. I decided a direct approach would be best: when did editorials start to feature such long-winded and irrelevant introductions? What happened to the "reverse pyramid" I was taught in elementary, where you put the most important features first? Why is it not until the middle of the third paragraph that I usually find out what I'm reading? And do most readers actually like this style? [more inside]
Stressing about tenant breaking lease early.
My tenant in my CA condo recently had his motorbike stolen. The condo's garage gate was under repair before he moved in and this was disclosed to him at the time of move in. It took a few months to have the gate repaired because of a part that was no longer available and the hoa had to install a new gate. What was supposed to be a few weeks of repair turned into a longer process because the old gate had to be removed and the new gate needed to be put in.
But my tenant now wants to break his lease term because of the theft of his motorcycle and the distress it has caused him. He says that thieves have staked out and noticed his whereabouts and his family feels unsafe.
He has emailed me a 30 day notice. There are 6 more months remaining on the lease term. Can you give me any advice on how to handle this situation carefully. Any attorney recommendations in Northern CA is much appreciated.
posted by gadget_gal at 12:49 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by gadget_gal at 12:49 PM PST - 30 comments
Broken Screen, Broken Heart
Cracked screen on a Kindle Fire HD. Can it be repaired? [more inside]
posted by Fairchild at 12:03 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Fairchild at 12:03 PM PST - 8 comments
Nursery rhyme movie, help me find it!
This movie is a straight-to-VHS, released pre-1990, and features live-action reenactments of nursery rhymes with occasional use of illustrations for the more animal-based rhymes (though I do remember Humpty Dumpty being portrayed in live-action). [more inside]
posted by itchie at 12:01 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by itchie at 12:01 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me choose between two good options
I was recently added to the list of potential hires for the foreign service. Great! I can expect a call anytime. The same day I got another solid job offer that's tempting but causes some logistical and financial complications. Do I take the bird in the hand? [more inside]
How to get pregnant at 38 with a sterile partner?
I'm 38. My partner is 53 with a 20 year old vasectomy. I spent ten of my most fertile years in a lesbian relationship and I feel like I've missed my chances to conceive. What are my options? How much is it likely to cost? And what can I expect my insurance to cover? [more inside]
posted by dchrssyr at 11:27 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by dchrssyr at 11:27 AM PST - 12 comments
iTunes Music Store on Android
Last year I bought a new Android device that replaces a long string of iPods. I just now noticed that a couple things in my music library are not playable on it because they were purchased from the iTunes Music Store! What to do? [more inside]
posted by mkb at 10:14 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by mkb at 10:14 AM PST - 10 comments
Head of Household filing - simple question for someone who knows tax law
My divorced sister has a 24 year old son (23 in 2012) who lives at home but does not go to school, he has a part-time job. She did pay for all the expenses at home. Using Turbo Tax and it recommends she should file as Head of Household, but I want to be sure this is correct. I checked and I did put her son did not go to school in 2012. Can she file as Head of Household?
posted by just asking at 10:10 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by just asking at 10:10 AM PST - 7 comments
Job as Online test-scorer?
My husband is considering doing online test-scoring as a side job. What do we need to know? [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 9:31 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by PussKillian at 9:31 AM PST - 16 comments
Will we ever witness the perfect drug in our lifetimes?
From a medical/science standpoint, what are the limiting factors that make it difficult to produce pharmaceutical drugs that do not have negative side effects?
Online dating and rejection - is it uncool to ask 'why?'
Don't worry, I'm not about to ask anyone 'But whyyyyy don't you like meeeee??'. I totally get that someone can be not-into-me for the colour of my t-shirt if they want: no harm, no foul. But I would like to know how much follow-up is normal after a first date, and also if anyone has any idea how I could get this so wrong? [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 9:11 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by Salamander at 9:11 AM PST - 39 comments
Looking for different media sources
After reading this article, I'm interested in varying the way I get my media more. Aside from places mentioned in the article, Ebony, Latino, PODER, Essence magazines, what should I be reading that will give me more perspective from people of color? [more inside]
why do men spit in urinals and keep flushing while pissing?
OK, weird question this week, but I have wondered about this for a while. I've noticed in public bathrooms there are a lot of men who either 1) spit in the urinal continuously while peeing or 2) keep pulling the flush handle while standing there pissing or 3) do both of these at the same time. I'm sure there are multiple reasons for why to do this, but I am curious as to your speculations about why they are doing it. Is the spitting some way of being macho? Is the constant flushing some way of disposing that which is "dirty"? the "normative" behavior is to piss and then flush, so why this variant (which also wastes a lot of water BTW)? Why the combination of both spitting and flushing? I think we may reveal something about male psychology or social ideology here.
posted by cmp4Meta at 8:44 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by cmp4Meta at 8:44 AM PST - 21 comments
When Will Texas Execute a Corporation?
In light of this FPP about Elizabeth Warren grilling some regulatory flunkies about how they never take banks to trial, I was wondering:
Has anyone ever made an Equal Protection argument that their prosecution / conviction / sentence for some crime is discriminatory in light of the slap-on-the-wrist that corporations get away with? Has anyone ever succeeded with such an argument? [more inside]
My wife died. Is it OK if I *don't* want to talk about it all the time?
My wife died. Everyone keeps telling me I should have someone to talk to - a counselor or someone from hospice or whoever. I don't really feel like I need or want that, though. Am I harming myself by handling this on my own? [more inside]
Was this punishment over the line?
Last week, my son (9 years old) was punished by his teacher (for trying to elbow his way back into a lineup). The punishment: the teacher made my son stand in the same spot for 1 hour (the duration of the class).
I think this type of punishment is over the line, and I'm pretty angry about it. Am I over-reacting? [more inside]
posted by thisclickableme at 7:51 AM PST - 59 comments
posted by thisclickableme at 7:51 AM PST - 59 comments
Getting back to sleep
How can I get back to sleep quickly after being awoken in the middle of the night? [more inside]
Interview tomorrow and am a total wreck
Hi I have an interview tomorrow and am in a total mess. [more inside]
What anti-bullying measures work?
Today I saw the 2012 film “Bully” and thought it was very disturbing, so I decided to start an anti-bullying campaign on facebook in collaboration with parents of bullying-victims. To help me understand the subject further, my question is: If you were a bully at any given point and had a moment when you stopped, what made you stop? Was it something someone said?
I hate the camera I bought two years ago. Is there any way to like it?
I bought a Nikon D90 with the 50-105mm/f3.5 kit lens and a 55mm/f1.8 fixed lens. I liked it at first, but now I hate it. Is there any way now to like it even a little bit? [more inside]
posted by smallerdemon at 6:44 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by smallerdemon at 6:44 AM PST - 14 comments
Lifting a Washing Machine onto Pedestal
My dad built a proper pedestal for our new washing machine and dryer. It is 19 inches high. The challenge is getting the washer up onto the pedestal. The washer weighs 232 lbs. It is just the two of us today. I don't want to throw my back out. Neither does he. What equipment or physics tricks can we employ to get this thing up on the pedestal?
Gender, sexuality, and mental health.
Gender, sexuality, and mental health. Help me design a workshop? [more inside]
posted by whalebreath at 6:09 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by whalebreath at 6:09 AM PST - 12 comments
How do I learn to Grab This Day by the Neck and Kiss it?
How do I move towards starting each day feeling grateful for the day and eager to get out and embrace the day (instead of wanting to burrow further under the covers and hope the day just passes me by, day after fucking day)? I know that on my death bed, be it tomorrow or 50 years from now, I will *profoundly* regret a life wasted feeling sorry for myself. I know that, and yet I can't stop feeling sorry for myself. [more inside]
Help me entertain my friend in Oslo for the next 3 days
I just moved to Oslo, like, last week. My friend is visiting. I live near Carl Brenner Square. How should we spend our time, get around, etc? Assume that I know nothing about Oslo! I've seen other threads about Oslo, but I need a little bit more location specific help and instructions on HOW to get to places etc. because I'm not even sure where I am. She'll be here until Wednesday. HELP!!!!!!
posted by anonymous at 4:43 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by anonymous at 4:43 AM PST - 8 comments
Article about listening to all works in the Mozart catalogue
I'm trying to find an article I once read about someone's experiences of listening to all of Mozart's works in chronological order, downloaded onto his iPod, over the course of a week, or something to that effect. Can you help me find it?
February 16
Oven accidentally left on broil, then beeping, now what?
Tonight while cooking I thought I had turned the oven off but it was accidentally set to broil.
It was on maybe just <1 hr. It had a light on saying it needed to be turned off and I did that. Then it started beeping non stop which has finally stopped. Have I killed the oven? Should I be on the lookout for weird behavior from the stove now?
Help with London vacation lodging
Family of four adults spending ten days in London in June. We usually prefer apartments/flats and have used VRBO very successfully in the States. My first question (of many to come) concerns what part of the city to stay in. [more inside]
posted by raisingsand at 8:32 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by raisingsand at 8:32 PM PST - 13 comments
Looking for better airline seat back pocket organizer or portfolio
When flying, I use a plastic accordion-style file portfolio to keep a number of things (listed inside) easily accessible in the seat back pocket (or other pocket in a bulkhead row). This makes taking these things out of my carry-on much easier and makes it less likely that I will forget something in the seat back pocket when I leave. It works well for document-shaped things, although the smaller more irregularly shaped things end up getting mixed up together. Is there a better solution? Or even a particular accordion-style organizer you would recommend? I am looking to get a new one. [more inside]
And the award for "Most Sploosh-Inducing Situation" goes to...
Quick, blush-inducing question: remember the diner scene in Silver Linings Playbook? I would like more scenes from movies/TV like that (basically, a conversation which plays out like an impromptu tango, and in which one/both parties finds themselves unexpectedly/uncomfortably/obviously aroused).
Driving a Car in the UK
We're headed to England for Christmas. The plan is to fly into Birmingham and then use Stratford-upon-Avon as a home base (there are two productions that we want to see at the RSC). Are we crazy to consider renting a car and driving in England?
Pros = We'll be able to drive to other locations we want to visit; we'll be able to get to supermarkets to stock our vacation rental.
Cons = December weather (snow? ice?)? Driving a manual (will renting an automatic be cost prohibitve?)? Most importantly: driving on the left?
Thoughts? Advice?
posted by tmharris65 at 5:07 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by tmharris65 at 5:07 PM PST - 25 comments
Mast cell tumors in a dog
The cytology showed up that my dog's tumor has mast cells. [more inside]
posted by kamikazegopher at 4:50 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by kamikazegopher at 4:50 PM PST - 7 comments
How to handle being a job reference for someone not sure I'd recommend?
Briefly worked with someone in a galaxy far, far away. They want me to recommend them. I'm not convinced this person is the droid the job is looking for. [more inside]
What is your favorite recipe for making seitan (from scratch)?
I have finally made seitan from scratch (rather than just buying Field Roast), using one of the baked seitan methods. It was GREAT and astoundingly easy! I am now contemplating the many, many flavor profile possibilities that seitan has to offer. Do you have a special spice mix, marinade or preparation method? I'm all ears! (Er, eyes, I guess, since this is a text-based medium.)
Safety When Selling Things
I (mid-20s female) just sold a chair to someone in my apartment complex after posting signs up in some common areas. The guy saw me posting the signs and asked to buy the chair so I made him wait outside my apartment so I could wheel the chair out. He was very nice but he gave me the creeps a little and now I am worried that I put myself in a vulnerable position by allowing him to see where I live. What can I do to keep myself safe now that he knows where I live, and how can I handle transactions like this in the future so I don't endanger myself again? I did take a picture of his license plate just because it felt like the right thing to do.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 3:02 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 3:02 PM PST - 42 comments
How much did I mess up in this situation?
Basically got very drunk at a party and became a sleazeball. Trying to gauge the appropriate course of action. [more inside]
posted by lethologues at 1:54 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by lethologues at 1:54 PM PST - 31 comments
New (old) house with the worst possible kitchen floor.
Help us figure out how to cover up or replace this god awful kitchen floor. We just purchased a farmhouse that was renovated in the mid 50s. The mudroom and kitchen have 9" asphalt tiles that are all coming up (so not level), and on top of that, the prior owner used these rooms as a kennel for his incontinent daschund. [more inside]
How to informally implement a sliding scale for tutoring services?
I am a math tutor in the walk-in tutoring center at the community college and I get asked by a lot of students if I do private sessions off-campus. I ask $20/hr, which I am told by my colleagues is a perfectly reasonable rate. However I realize that $20/hr is prohibitively expensive for a lot of people at community college, and I know that a lot of people I tutor could afford $30/hr or more. How do I tactfully offer a discount to someone who needs it while charging a higher rate to those who can afford it? [more inside]
posted by triceryclops at 1:43 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by triceryclops at 1:43 PM PST - 18 comments
Help me make our websites not suck
I am now responsible for the content of several large websites. There is no CMS; I have to email updates to offshore contractors. The UX design is...not good. What workflow practices should I adopt to make the best of this situation? As a word person, not a visual designer, how can I equip myself with the necessary UX design and information architecture skills to nudge future versions of the websites towards actually meeting our users' needs? [more inside]
posted by embrangled at 1:21 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by embrangled at 1:21 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm good for it, I promise!
Should I attempt to buy a home with my poor credit (if it's even possible) or work on rehabing my abysmal credit? [more inside]
posted by youandiandaflame at 1:10 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by youandiandaflame at 1:10 PM PST - 12 comments
What are Court of Appeals Judges' "duty stations"?
The wikipedia page for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lists duty stations for all of the judges and googling suggest that these are where the judges have their chambers. But the same wikipedia article says that the Ninth Circuit meets only in San Francisco, Pasadena, Portland, and Seattle, while there are duty stations in several other cities. I know the judges have to travel some, but why would they have chambers in places where they never meet? And how are these duty stations decided? ie If a new judge is nominated, are they automatically assigned to the same duty station as the vacating judge or is it possible to move to a more desirable location by accumulating seniority? [more inside]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 12:57 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 12:57 PM PST - 7 comments
Hitchhiking through Argentina
I'm in Santa Fe, Argentina. My girlfriend and I are planning to leave tomorrow afternoon to hitchhike toward Mendoza. Neither of us has ever hitchhiked before, our Spanish is fine but not ideal (we've been in Argentina and Uruguay for a few weeks and have been getting along fine, but no one would mistake us for native speakers), and we are both fairly nonthreatening white Americans in our 20s. [more inside]
Best Home Web Streaming Setup
I'd like to create a great streaming setup for my living room. Exact requirements inside [more inside]
Help me learn advanced French food and restaurant vocabulary.
Please recommend books, websites, and other resources to learn more advanced French food and restaurant vocabulary, so that I can read menus and cookbooks, navigate restaurants, and describe food ("salty," "sweet," etc.). [more inside]
Give me songs that count
What other songs feature a series of numbers, either in or out of sequence? [more inside]
posted by MsMolly at 11:36 AM PST - 91 comments
posted by MsMolly at 11:36 AM PST - 91 comments
Now that I'm an adult (ha), how do I bank, invest, & budget?
I'm starting what feels like my first "real" job soon, so it's time to straighten out my good but messy financial situation. Need advice on: credit cards, banks, brokerage accounts, & budgeting. [more inside]
how to find a user for that place ?
Trying to remember a scene from a music video
What is this scene from a music video? It's driving us crazy ... it was a little skit that (we think) happened at the beginning of a video. It was set in a grocery store, was funny, and the only line we can remember is "you're the (something)est green grocer I ever did see" ... which we think was punctuated by a loud, "Honey!" Thought it was David Lee Roth, but might be misremembering the opening of the "Yankee Rose" video, which is not it.
posted by jbickers at 10:29 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by jbickers at 10:29 AM PST - 2 comments
How To Ensure a Phone is Logged Out of Google
I have a broken cell phone that I dropped. I have insurance, so they will replace the phone. However, the phone was logged into my Google account, so once it gets fixed, I am afraid that somebody might get it and be able to do bad things to my account.
How do I handle this?
posted by Irontom at 10:26 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Irontom at 10:26 AM PST - 7 comments
Should we give/sell back our site name? Are there legal repercussions?
Short:
Guy let his domain name expire, we won it at auction after the one-month grace period, 1-2 weeks later we get an email from him saying "B-b-but..." [more inside]
Help me begin my study of German on a firm footing.
I would like to know, when one is studying German, what do you have to learn with nouns? With verbs?
I think with nouns you must learn the gender and the plural form, but that's it. Should you also learn declension?
With verbs, what must one memorize in addition to the root word? [more inside]
The dog ate my video game!
The puppy decided that the 3DS version of Nintendogs was a suitable chew toy. The plastic housing is damaged beyond repair. The circuit board inside is slightly bent up. Before tossing the game and having to buy a new one, is there anyway to buy a replacement plastic cartridge housing and try the game out?
posted by Apoch at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Apoch at 8:10 AM PST - 4 comments
will it sound warm or cold?
I think it's possible to put digital music onto vinyl albums at home with some device I saw advertised somewhere. But will doing this produce an anologue sound or a digital sound? Will it sound as rich as if the album had originally been on vinyl or will it sound emptier the way digital music does? I guess I'm basically asking if it's worth doing. I don't know technical stuff about stuff, so I hope my question makes sense!
posted by windykites at 7:03 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by windykites at 7:03 AM PST - 15 comments
Windows 7 and the unseen wireless router
I've been blessed with the task of finding out why my father's windows 7 laptop can't connect to his new Virgin Media Broadband router. The laptop can't find the router, and I can't find a fix... [more inside]
Above my pay grade
I will probably shortly be expected to take over the work of my immediate superior without receiving a bump in pay or title. Please help me negotiate for a promotion! [more inside]
posted by neilb449 at 6:21 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by neilb449 at 6:21 AM PST - 10 comments
In kneed of gift suggestions
What can I get my mom, preferably thematic, as she's on bed rest for knee surgery? [more inside]
posted by casualinference at 6:09 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by casualinference at 6:09 AM PST - 6 comments
Looking for awesome alternate theories about the plots of movies
What are some of the most interesting theoretical models for understanding the plots and themes of movies that were not designed to generate them like Inception was? [more inside]
Marketing 0.101--targeting a small population
Finance guy failing horribly at marketing. I'm trying to figure out the best way to market a service to a small, geographically diverse population and would love your recommendations for: 1. books on targeted marketing in general; 2. ideas on how to reach AP Spanish Juniors and Senior and 3. ways to evaluate whether this is too targeted a population and we need to broaden out. [more inside]
When your feet hurt, you hurt all over...
I have fibromyalgia and it makes the bottoms of my feet ache, especially my arches. I'm a teacher, so sitting down is not an option. My feet are bothering me so much that I've almost reached the point where I'd buy these. [more inside]
How do I hold onto my own identity and goals while in a relationship?
I'm in a three-year relationship. Recently, I've had a chance to spend more of my time with my own friends and relatives, and independently of each other four of them have said a variation of the same thing to me: that I am ignoring my own needs/goals in favor of my boyfriend's. [more inside]
posted by chaiminda at 4:21 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by chaiminda at 4:21 AM PST - 22 comments
Please help me with my serious mosquito problem!
I have a serious mosquito problem in my house, there are literally 10 or so in every room almost all the time. Every night before I go to bed I have to lay there and spray each one as it flies by me, it takes about 5 minutes and the spray smell lingers for ages. In the morning they are in the bathroom where the door has been shut and no windows are open, I have no idea where they are getting in. I leave my back door open a crack for my dog at night and I have a mozzie zapper in the laundry where the door is. It doesn't seem to be helping. I also have those plug in mozzie repellers but also not helping and very expensive. I don't have a pool or pond and don't know of any neighbours that do. Please help, this is really getting me down, not only the killing of them but the 30 or so bites I have right now. I am in southern Australia where it's hot now, but not humid.
posted by Youremyworld at 3:40 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Youremyworld at 3:40 AM PST - 21 comments
How can I be more zen about driving, when everyone wants to kill me?
I've had a particularly awful experience on Friday that made me pull over and cry for a few minutes. LA freeways are a nightmare, and I really need ideas on how to internally deal with assholes on the road, and repeated incidents of dangerous aggression. I don't know how everyone else does it! [more inside]
February 15
Homebrew 3D video projection
Can I use polarizing filters with two aligned video projectors to make a 3D image that then can be viewed with Real3d / IMAX polarized eye-glasses? [more inside]
What children's book of horror stories am I trying to remember?
When I was in third grade, I read a book of scary stories. It was certainly a book for children. On the cover was a humanoid monster with black and blue fur. It was snarling in front of a green sky over a green field. The field may have been a graveyard. One of the stories was about a house in which a murder occurred. I don't remember the title. Does the description sound familiar to anyone else?
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 10:59 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 10:59 PM PST - 4 comments
Identify this awesome coat!
In Montreal for vacation. Saw man on subway wearing an awesome winter coat. He had a shaved head, and his coat looked a bit monastic. It was long (down below his knee) and a bit baggy at the bottom, very warm looking, almost as if he were wearing an old-fashioned sleeping bag. Also distinctive, it had a very high collar, almost to the top of his ears, all around. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
Jesus says no!
Roomies' religious convictions are colliding with my lifestyle. They're saying no sex in the house, period. They want overnight guests to sleep in a separate room. I really need the house. How do I manage this? [more inside]
Help me choose between 5 Vanguard Funds
Help me choose between 5 Vanguard Funds [more inside]
What English Language TV Comedy Should We Watch Next?
I'm running out of ideas for TV comedies to watch. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 at 7:46 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by Effigy2000 at 7:46 PM PST - 52 comments
Cat ate fleece ribbon
Yesterday morning, I woke up to my cat chewing on the remains of this cat toy. Noooooo. What do I do? (I have called the vet.) [more inside]
posted by perryfugue at 7:30 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by perryfugue at 7:30 PM PST - 15 comments
Medical term for a feeling you get when you are stoned or have a fever?
Maybe you've felt this before. You are either running a fever or you are stoned on pain meds or cannabis. You're seated or lying down. You feel long, as if the distance from your head to your hands is maybe ten meters. Meanwhile you are anchored and somewhat paralyzed because it takes so long for signals to travel that vast distance of the nervous system.
I'm searching for a medical term for this. Any ideas? Am I just asking what the medical term for "stoned" is?
I am tracking symptoms for a doctors visit.
Thank you.
Dude.
posted by No Shmoobles at 7:08 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by No Shmoobles at 7:08 PM PST - 5 comments
Introducing kids to classic comedy
Can anyone suggest clean, funny classic comedy -- video or audio -- that I can use to introduce my kids to the idea that "funny" doesn't have to be ironic or mean? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:57 PM PST - 47 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 6:57 PM PST - 47 comments
Herpes: A Grammatical Question.
When talking to a coworker I offered the phrase, "hey kid, go ask your Mom what herpes are.". My coworker responded with "herpes is.". We then started a discussion of the proper use of is/are and could not come to a conclusion. Any insight? [more inside]
posted by JakeEXTREME at 6:48 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by JakeEXTREME at 6:48 PM PST - 21 comments
Why is this episode of Criminal Minds so familiar?
Spoilers within. I just finished Season 8, Episode 10 "The Lesson" and I swear I've seen this plot before. What show was it? [more inside]
Has anyone had the experience of 'helping a man along' to readiness?
Recently I've met several young men who said they're not ready for a relationship. Generally, they would like to date, even "long term," meaning months, or even a year or few, but they state that they don't feel ready for finding a person to settle down with. I am, however, ready for that. My response so far has been to not date people who state this, either on OKC (e.g. "how long would you want your next relationship to last?" "a few months to a year") or in person (e.g. a guy recently asked why I don't date younger and I said it's because they're usually not ready for something serious, he said 'yeah, I'm not'), but I'm wondering if this is a mistake I should not repeat if it comes up again in the future. Please advise me. [more inside]
Frosted Birthday Brownies: Mail-able?
I want to make brownies for my son's birthday and mail them to him. This is not a problem. What might be a problem, however... [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 5:05 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 5:05 PM PST - 11 comments
Is home-etching of vinyl records possible in any manner?
I have a very clear memory of part of an interview in the film Hype! wherein a member of.. some band.. I can't remember. And frankly, my mind might be fabricating this whole memory for want of such a thing to exist.. but he was talking about pressing vinyl LP's at home, recording them OVER other records that were bought from a store. Then taking the sleeves and pasting new art over the old.. I remember a clip where he seems to operating some sort of home version of a vinyl lathe. The record looking smooth and blank up until the point of the needle, where you see grooves being made as the record spins past.Then taking the sleeves and pasting new art over the old.. I remember a clip where he seems to operating some sort of home version of a vinyl lathe. The record looking smooth and blank up until the point of the needle, where you see grooves being made as the record spins past.. [more inside]
posted by mediocre at 4:45 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by mediocre at 4:45 PM PST - 14 comments
How can I become a better progressive?
I am not as good of a person as I would like to be. Is there anything like a social justice life coach to help me figure out how? Probably not. I don't want a therapist, because even though I hate myself, I want to be a better person rather than a happier one. Plus, and this is why I need to not talk to my friends about it, it's really gross to whine about how it's so hard for me as a privileged person to deal with the fact that I can never be a good or trustworthy friend. I read a lot of blogs, and while I have improved, I also cry over what a worthless creep I am and that is gross, useless and also no fun either. Not terrible like actually suffering, but I don't like it and it interferes with my ability to have friends what with how annoying I am. So: no life coach ( I think), no bothering friends, blogs aren't perfect, what do I do? [more inside]
Die Aufgabe des Übersetzers
I'm looking for places, either online or in person, to workshop literary translation and exchange knowledge/resources. [more inside]
posted by outlandishmarxist at 4:41 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by outlandishmarxist at 4:41 PM PST - 1 comment
Loud pipes after flushing toilets
I have a three bathroom house (one on the first floor, two on the second). Recently in the past two weeks I've noticed a very loud rushing of water sound in the bathroom on the first floor after flushing any toilet in the house. The sound is centered in the ceiling above the bathroom and I'm assuming our pipes filling up.
Why the change from minimal noise I didn't notice to loud, rushing sounds of water now? What could be the problem and the fix?
Laptop was stolen, what should I do?
My Macbook Air was stolen this afternoon, with my gmail accounts open in browser windows. I logged out of all locations and changed passwords, requested a new credit card, and am planning to open new bank accounts (because I'd downloaded bank statements on a couple of occasions). What else should I do? Is there anything I can do remotely to track or wipe the computer if I (stupidly) hadn't installed anything to do that? What should I do to protect my work computer from the same fate? Thank you for your help!
Internet access on the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal?
Handling bidness at high altitude. [more inside]
Where's my meal in a cube?
I'm terrible at eating. I'm not bad at cooking, but I'm lazy, and the benefits (tasty food) don't balace the effort (preparation, and cooking and cleaning). If sci-fi meal cubes existed, I would be very happy. What is the easiest way to ensure reasonably complete nutrition? [more inside]
posted by platypus of the universe at 3:49 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by platypus of the universe at 3:49 PM PST - 28 comments
Why don't you get a job?
Some people say, "don't quit your day job." I want a day job not to quit. This has turned recently into "I need a day job not to starve." Employers don't agree. [more inside]
Spaghetti-itis
What are all the words to the song about spaghetti by Dapper O'Neil? Extra points if you can find an online recording. [more inside]
Paranormal documentaries
I grew up watching Leonard Nimoy's In Search Of... and later, Ancient Mysteries. I recently watched Chariot of the Gods? on Netflix. I also enjoyed the similarly styled promo videos for the new Bioshock game (part I, part II). What else would I enjoy? [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 3:02 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by 2bucksplus at 3:02 PM PST - 8 comments
How much can my body realistically change during a 5-month fitness plan?
The good news is, I have a summer job. The bad news is, I have to go into a swimming pool for it. In a bathing suit. Every day. Yikes! [more inside]
Is it wise to replace the dead battery in my MacBook?
I have an older MacBook I use when travelling (four or five times a year), and then the odd occasion when I am away from my office desktop. The battery on the MacBook died a few months ago, and I am guessing partially because I haven't been using it frequently enough. I am hesitant to replace the battery, figuring the same thing will happen again, is that right? Is there a downside to not having a working battery on the computer itself? And lastly, is there a problem with leaving the dead battery in the computer?
Which is the best website to purchase a new phone battery from?
I have a Orange San Francisco smartphone. It's also sold as the ZTE Blade. I'd like a new, more powerful battery for it. Where is the best place to purchase one from? I can find lots of sites selling them, but I'm having difficulty picking out the non-sketchy one(s) from the sketchy ones.
Help Me Reduce Friendship "Churn"
I have a system to develop new friends while simultaneously measuring whether they're worthwhile, allowing me to toss users and losers into the discard piles. However, I worry that the intensity of this filtering process may inadvertently be eliminating some perfectly decent people. Snowflake details below. [more inside]
posted by wolfdreams01 at 2:17 PM PST - 55 comments
posted by wolfdreams01 at 2:17 PM PST - 55 comments
How do I listen to music without the lyrics?
In a bid to learn some bass riffs, I am looking for software that will strip lyrics from songs and give me only the instrumental version of the song. That, and I've always wanted to listen to my favourite songs in their vocally stripped incarnations. Any suggestions?
Should I bail out of my current job or stick it out?
New boss decides, retroactively, I have been doing a bad job. I'm starting to suspect I'm being targeted for firing. Should I bail out of my current job or stick it out? [more inside]
Atlanta, GA - Emory residence/child care filter
I am starting grad school at Emory U in Atlanta in the fall and am moving there from the northeast with Spouse and 1.5 year old toddler. I am wondering where is best to look for non-university housing (which neighborhoods are best) and child care (child care being our main concern). Thanks in advance, hivemind!
Is this configuration of street names unique?
This recent question on street names brought to mind something I have wondered about for years: in my old hometown, there are three consecutive parallel streets called Tuxedo, Huxley and Wexford. As a word-obsessed kid, I reflected on the relative rarity of the letter X in English and guessed there was likely no other place on the planet where three adjacent streets all had names with an X in them. Can anyone think of away to confirm or deny my childhood suspicion?
posted by ricochet biscuit at 12:21 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by ricochet biscuit at 12:21 PM PST - 20 comments
Your recommendations, please, for hiking trails outside of Dallas.
Hello, we moved to East Dallas a little while ago, and while the city itself is proving to be a veritable cornucopia of delights, we are missing going on long walks on a Sunday surrounded by nature. [more inside]
PowerPC G4 OSX-native kids games
What are the available OSX native educational kids games that will run on an iMac G4 (I have the 400mhz one)? I bought the Jumpstart games off ebay, but those seem to be ClassicOS games that they just slapped a wrapper on, and as such they don't work very well. 640x480 in a tiny window not-well, for instance. [more inside]
Looking for Podcasts on Video Games
Looking for some podcasts that focus on video games. I already listen to the Giant Bombcast and The Indoor Kids. What am I missing?
What is the street in Michigan with the longest name?
What is the street in Michigan with the longest name? Or, how would you find this out?
Assume I'm too cheap to spend any money on a commercial map database or the like.
posted by kc8nod at 11:22 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by kc8nod at 11:22 AM PST - 5 comments
Google Earth is hard for tablets
I have a project on Google Earth I created on a PC and want to show off on a tablet, but things are not going smoothly. Have I missed something? Do you know how I can make my project better on a tablet? Specific questions outlined inside, but I welcome other suggestions that may help me in ways I had not even thought about yet. [more inside]
NYC with a 2 year old - fun activities?
I'll be spending the day with my two year old son in New York (staying in Cobble Hill, probably heading into Manhattan) on Sat. 3/2, and am looking for suggestions for fun, reasonably-priced activities that we can do together. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 11:18 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 11:18 AM PST - 14 comments
How should I best prepare to discuss headaches with my doctor?
I have been experiencing horrible headaches that I believe to be migraines. Any type of exercise (even mild) is the only potential trigger that I am able to identify. Exercise has been an important part of my life, but for the past few years I am not able to enjoy it as much because in the hours after I stop exercising headaches slowly creep in, and I am then sometimes in debilitating pain for 2-3 days. [more inside]
Portable turntable with a decent tonearm?
Having spent years spent listening primarily to MP3s and Internet radio, we've been thinking about taking the big, clunky, 90s-era stereo components off of our living room shelves. However, one of those components is a turntable, and we'd like to have the option of occasionally playing our vinyl. We were thinking of a retro-styled portable turntable like this Crosley, but it looks like the non-weighted tonearm and styli aren't so hot. Are there any portable, suitcase-style turntables out there with decent tonearms that we can fit with a good cartridge? Our primary concern is that our records stay in good condition.
Inaugural vs First Annual?
My wife has organized a 5k as a fundraiser for her school. The event website lists it as the "First Annual" race. She got a nitpicky email chastising her her about it, complaining that it should be the "Inaugural" race. What do you think, and how should she respond? [more inside]
posted by RevRob330 at 10:48 AM PST - 64 comments
posted by RevRob330 at 10:48 AM PST - 64 comments
This is a hair question.
For 9 or so months, I've been dying my usually light brown hair pink and blue after bleaching it. I bleach it every 3 months or so, and use manic panic every month or so. How can I keep my hair as strong and healthy as possible? [more inside]
posted by kpht at 10:46 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by kpht at 10:46 AM PST - 22 comments
What is Miami International Airport's new Rental Car Center like?
I'm flying into MIA late tomorrow night and renting a car from Alamo before heading to my hotel on the FL turnpike. Can you tell me what this process will be like? [more inside]
Advice about ventilation to air shafts in historic apartment buildings?
Have you lived in an apartment in which some rooms are vented only to an air/ventilation shaft? What was your experience? [more inside]
posted by analog at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by analog at 10:31 AM PST - 7 comments
Post-Valentine's Day Reading
Just too late for Valentine's Day, recommend me some awesome fantasy novels with satisfying romances. [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:10 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by WidgetAlley at 10:10 AM PST - 18 comments
Looking for tech off the beaten path.
I keep hearing about cool and cheap new gizmos obtained from Asia via ebay and other online sources out of the mainstream - inexpensive IPS monitors, Android set-top boxes, etc. Is there a good resource that covers these no-name wonders shipped to your doorstep from abroad? Articles, posts or blog entries about what's out there, how they actually work, and where to order them from would help... as would a guide to how to tell a scam from a steal, and dangers in ordering stuff this way.
What are the "beginner pianist" cliche songs and melodies?
I'm looking to compile a list of those piano songs that "everybody" learns because they are simple, memorable, or good skill builders. Any genre is acceptable. [more inside]
Recommend an iPhone App for Recording Ambient Sound
Is there a good app for recording actual unfiltered/ambient sound on the iPod? There's a chronically but intermittently reoccurring high-pitched sound that I'm trying to record, but all the sound recording apps aimed at recording voices or music seem to filter it out. Video recording captures it, but the resulting file is too large for my purposes (attaching to an e-mail).
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 9:29 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Lentrohamsanin at 9:29 AM PST - 7 comments
Sell, Donate, or Junk My Car?
I've got a '98 Subaru Legacy Outback with 138k miles that I need to get rid of. It runs, but would need a fair amount of work done to continue running for long. It is safe to drive, but I wouldn't want to take it on a long trip. Trying to determine the best option: Selling, donating, or junking. In Philadelphia. [more inside]
Compassionate but not boring fiction?
Help me find non-boring media that wraps you in a warm (or fierce) blanket of compassion or simply leaves you with a sense of gentle warmth, safety, or contentment? [more inside]
Find a reference!
Please help me track down the source of a quote by Germaine de Staël [more inside]
Could we hear the speaking voice of a six-inch-tall human?
I am considering writing a novel/story that involves the idea of people living among us who are somewhere between three and eight inches tall, but I don't know enough about the physics of sound to know if normal height humans would be able to speak to these tiny people. Would their voices be too high-pitched to hear at all, or just very difficult to understand? Would our voices be understandable to them? [more inside]
posted by Rock Steady at 8:29 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Rock Steady at 8:29 AM PST - 18 comments
I'd like advice on where to post my resume, SF legal tech.
I'm in the Bay Area legal tech field. I'd like a job in SF proper, as my commute to Mountain View is brutal. My skills are legal tech, meaning mostly managing projects and programs related to the legal field in the tech industry. However, I feel that I have management chops for any industry, and I've worked in the start-up atmosphere before. Where should I post my resume? My LinkedIn is beefy, I've posted on Monster and Indeed. Any other ideas?
How to introduce our scaredy cat to our new apartment?
Should we bring our cat to our new and currently empty apartment while we paint and assemble furniture, to let her get used to it - even though we are not actually moving for another week. [more inside]
posted by rawrberry at 8:23 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by rawrberry at 8:23 AM PST - 17 comments
Can't we just be happy the way we were?
Girlfriend pushing relationship faster than I'm comfortable with, any way to hit the brakes? [more inside]
posted by el_yucateco at 8:16 AM PST - 104 comments
posted by el_yucateco at 8:16 AM PST - 104 comments
Delicious DC dining with desserts; difficulty: Sunday night.
DC/Northern Virginia experts: The other half and I have our first kid-free date night since, uh...too long. We're flexibile on dining options but I would like to find an awesome dessert place. We wouldn't mind driving someplace separate after dinner. The wrinkle is that this is for Sunday night (with a late start due to babysitting scheduling), and we'd like to avoid cupcakes. Hope us?
Running a gaming convention: How do deal with vendor competition?
I help run a medium-sized gaming convention (~1000 attendees). Part of our convention this year is a vendor hall where people buy space to sell gaming-related products (dice, magic cards, board games, etc.). When our event was smaller, vendors had exclusive rights to sell certain kinds of products. Now we are growing and competing vendors want to attend. Has anyone dealt with the issue of how to handle competition between vendors at a convention? [more inside]
posted by Kolath at 7:46 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Kolath at 7:46 AM PST - 9 comments
apartment living: is this noise a legit reason to complain?
So I have a wonderful apartment in an old Victorian house. My landlord lives below me. He plays horrible trance-type music frequently but usually not at late night or early morning hours. It's just loud enough that the "waaa waaa waaa" of the bassline is audible in my apartment. It makes me crazy, however hasn't kept me awake (...yet). But, I am a superquiet person who lived for a long time in the country and maybe I do not have realistic ideas about how quiet an apartment should be. Am I in my rights to politely ask them to turn their bass down?
Works of literature or film featuring taxidermy or taxidermied animals?
References both great and small are welcome. [more inside]
What to do with a 4 year-old in Toronto this weekend?
My wife and I are taking care of our out-of-town niece, who is a month short of her fourth birthday, this weekend (and possibly our nephew, who is six months younger). We don't have kids of our own, so we're kind of clueless about how to entertain children that age. What are some fun and not-too-expensive kid-friendly things to do in Toronto this weekend? [more inside]
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:13 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by The Card Cheat at 7:13 AM PST - 13 comments
Well hell, my eyes have been opened...
This question opened my eyes up.
I now realize that I'm an alcoholic. Yeah, I'm highly functional, but an alcoholic nonetheless. [more inside]
Small claims in the US from the UK?
How can I file a small claims court claim in Philadelphia when I am in the UK? [more inside]
We have lots of questions about choosing a donor egg agency in Thailand!
Asking for friends: We need help finding an IVF/egg donation agency in Thailand, and just looking at agency websites is unhelpful [more inside]
posted by msali at 6:35 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by msali at 6:35 AM PST - 1 comment
He's got the shakes
Can an employer force you to use your insurance (and obviously pay the co-pay and everything) for a test they will probably use as fodder to fire you, especially if the medical condition could possibly be related to the chemicals you have to use for job. [more inside]
posted by timesarrow at 6:17 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by timesarrow at 6:17 AM PST - 10 comments
Using patent illustrations as game art - copyright issues?
I'm considering making a game that uses USPTO patent illustrations (from Context-Free Patent Art) as graphics. I've read the answers to Patents.Stackexchange: Are text and images in the patent copyrighted?, which suggests that if a graphic is not explicitly copyrighted, it can be freely reproduced. However, I have some concerns: [more inside]
Bored with my town. Would you recommend moving to London?
I am bored of my small town, and considering a move to London. Is this a good idea? [more inside]
New York Theatre District deli/restaurant shout-outs?
Taking an older relative to see a Broadway matinee this Saturday, on 45th between Broadway & 8th Ave. We'll be hungry for lunch, but the selection of restaurants is overwhelming and I'd love a few suggestions. A good deli is ideal, but mainly looking for a place we can sit without too much waiting, with reasonably pleasant surroundings and good food. Thinking restaurant rather than lunch counter, someplace with table seating. Price is not the most important variable, so this need not be a rock-bottom bargain. As my relative is not able to walk quickly, I'm looking for something within a block or so of the theatre. Thank you!
Have you ever tried Sophrology? Was it useful?
What can you tell me about sophrology? [more inside]
Help me prevent a stress-related piano injury! (Shoulder pain/tingling)
YANMD, but: I have been practicing a bit of piano as of late. Maybe too much, as I started again out of the blue, and am working on a song that is relatively difficult for me. i noticed recently that my left shoulder is starting to tingle while playing. At first I thought it was just a one-day thing, but the problem is persisting and seems to be getting worse. [more inside]
Recurring dream
I keep having the same dream over and over. Has anyone else had this? [more inside]
Waterproofing a hand shower mounted on a bath enclosure?
I'm renovating my bathroom, and want a hand shower mounted in the tile of the batch enclosure, on a hose, like in this image.
But it seems like water can get into the hose hole and then collect under the bath. There will be a shower over the bath, although at the other end of the bath to the handheld. My plumber is a bit worried about how to waterproof it. How are these type of retractable hand showers normally waterproofed?
Create online, password protected form template.
Help me create a condition report template online for our gallery. [more inside]
Three countries, two brides, one wedding
We've each left our home countries to be able to be together in a third country. It's working out wonderfully, and we want to get married eventually. But how - or rather, where on earth? [more inside]
posted by harujion at 2:26 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by harujion at 2:26 AM PST - 22 comments
Who does the best milkshake in London?
It's my girlfriend's birthday this weekend, and she wants a milkshake. So I need to get her a milkshake. Where in London should I take her for a really, really good one? Preferably I'd like some kind of burgers-n-shakes kinda place, but any recommendations are gratefully received!
Is it possible to record Skype calls?
I would like to know which program is a really good one to record Skype calls. I have tried some but not sure which one to purchase. Maybe you could recommend a free one.
posted by VincentLee at 12:05 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by VincentLee at 12:05 AM PST - 11 comments
February 14
I have too much anxiety in the mornings. Help me make it stop.
I wake up too early every morning. When I wake up, I immediately start to worry about the Stressful Thing in my life. Then I get the tingly feeling in my skin and my heart starts to pound. And then I can't get back to sleep. And because I'm waking up too early, I haven't had enough to sleep. The sleep deprivation is compounding the anxiety. How do I stop this pattern? [more inside]
posted by (F)utility at 9:12 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by (F)utility at 9:12 PM PST - 24 comments
Thoughts on casual dating without getting into a serious relationship?
I was wondering what is considered leading someone on. I'm looking for sexual intimacy with a woman. Usually involves private dating and only the two of us knowing about it. Is it misleading to hangout with them in groups and meet each others friends, even though I don't want to enter the serious boyfriend girlfriend stage. I just gernaly enjoy spending time with someone and going on dates. So basically, have you and any casual dating experiences I can get ideas from.
posted by mrfawcet at 8:20 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by mrfawcet at 8:20 PM PST - 12 comments
Trying Hard To Try Hard Drives
What's the scoop on high capacity hard drives these days - questions about RAID and OSX 10.6.8. [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 7:28 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by VikingSword at 7:28 PM PST - 8 comments
How can I spend time with the elephants?
The Thai elephant tourism industry advertises itself as pro-conservation, but according to reports, it is more often cruel and exploitative. Are there any legitimate opportunities to spend time among elephants in Thailand or elsewhere in a way that benefits them and fulfills my desire to see them up close? I am looking for information on short term visits, not long term volunteer gigs. Knowledgeable replies would be most appreciated. I've already done my own Internet searches on the matter.
posted by Wordwoman at 6:51 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Wordwoman at 6:51 PM PST - 13 comments
Progestin pill side effects (especially dizziness/spotting ) duration?
I've been on a progestin-only pill to prevent pregnancy for three weeks, and I am unhappy. Wondering if anyone experienced similar symptoms, especially dizziness/hypotensive episodes and irregular bleeding) and how long they took to go away for you. (details within) [more inside]
my cat, my cat, my claw-y claw-y cat.
one of my cats claws up furniture. I've tried a huge list of fixes, with no luck. I'm considering that he's bored. I'm on my last thread here, and the options are maybe now he goes outside and hope that being less bored helps, or that he gets declawed, which I'm totally against. help me with more creative ideas? [more inside]
posted by euphoria066 at 6:08 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by euphoria066 at 6:08 PM PST - 34 comments
Sorry for being gross
I think I have athlete's foot. How do I stay clean and keep my shoes clean? [more inside]
A drag-and-drop front end for data
One of my colleagues in a school thinks I'm a wizard. Thus she thinks I can make this interface. I told her it sounds terrifyingly complicated and that no off-the-shelf product does what she wants. Am I wrong? [more inside]
posted by argybarg at 5:10 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by argybarg at 5:10 PM PST - 12 comments
Decent garden center south of Pittsburgh?
I'm going to help my brother install a raised bed and some fruit trees/bushes in a couple of weeks. We're probably going to be putting in some raspberries/blackberries, blueberries, and maybe a few fruit trees. I do not want to purchase diseased/generic junk at a big box. Is there a decent garden center in the West Newton area? Bonus points for tipping me off to somebody who can deliver a yard or three of garden soil/compost. Many thanks!
What are the odds? Is intelligent design more plausible than chance?
I'm a cataloging librarian who works a couple hours a week on the reference desk. This morning I had a patron come in to ask me for sources that back up the claim that the probability that life on earth formed by random chance is so small that some kind of divine intervention is more likely. [more inside]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 3:46 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by rabbitrabbit at 3:46 PM PST - 34 comments
Have a locked myself out of Facebook for all eternity?
Is my Facebook screw-up fixable? [more inside]
More than just a birthday thing, right?
I have a question about the average frequency of a particular sexual act... NSFW to be sure. [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 3:29 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 3:29 PM PST - 37 comments
Suggest porn video for audio only
Can you please suggest full length movies or porn clips that have great audio that are Internet accessible. Not looking for music, but noises made from the sex. I'm also not looking for descriptive porn clips ala pornfortheblind.org. Thanks!
posted by bleucube at 2:45 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by bleucube at 2:45 PM PST - 14 comments
How is PMI on a loan calculated?
How is PMI on a loan calculated? [more inside]
Are you amazing at Acrobat Forms? Please help me calculate something!
I'm stumped: A client has a form that evaluates employees, and there's a rating system of 1 through 4 and then the option to say that the question is N/A. I'm all set with adding up the total score based on the rating chosen. However, the client asked if I could add up, separately, how many times "N/A" is selected. I don't know how to tell Acrobat to do that, though it seems so easy. [more inside]
Non-Toy Toys for Toddlers
For kids under the age of three, what household objects have been the most entertaining for your kids? I'm looking for household objects that your kid discovered and ended up being a cherished play item, not things bought in a toy store (e.g. buckets, bags, boxes, dead remotes, phones, etc.)? No electronics please.
posted by benzenedream at 1:58 PM PST - 71 comments
posted by benzenedream at 1:58 PM PST - 71 comments
Dammit, I freaking need to start cooking some stupid low carb recipes.
Doctor's orders, sadly. Does anyone know of any low carb cookbooks or websites (or just individual recipes) that would take the sting out of giving up my precious carbs? If there was a Cook's Illustrated low carb cookbook that would be perfect, but there isn't.
posted by malhouse at 1:43 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by malhouse at 1:43 PM PST - 32 comments
Refinancing fees
The good faith estimate for my refinance included government recording charges $X, and title services/title insurance $Y. In the settlement statement, it turned out that the government recording charges were less than estimated, so the lawyer's office just increased the other fee so the total amount is still $(X+Y). Is this standard practice, or kind of a dick move? [more inside]
Well-made walking shoes with repairable soles?
Well-made walking shoes with repairable soles? This is kind of in line with cooking with cast iron, shaving with a straight razor, etc. I want well made comfortable walking shoes that will last for a decade with some upkeep and repair.
I'm looking to make an investment in some shoes that I can walk in all day that also look like normal shoes. Black/brown leather, no loud branding or insignias. I have Keen shoes similar to these & love them, but Keen doesn't repair soles as I'm led to understand.
Are we now in a world where good walking shoes can't be repaired, is this a fool's errand? Not looking to exceed a couple hundred. Go!
posted by letstrythis at 1:06 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by letstrythis at 1:06 PM PST - 14 comments
Give me happy
I'm looking for some of the best books/articles/podcasts/videos about positive psychology. Self-help books are fine, as long as they are well-founded in research. [more inside]
Worst. Bike thief. Ever.
What to do with an abandoned, probably stolen, bike? [more inside]
I get a check on Friday, but it's already spent.
I'm desperately trying to become an adult (finally!), but I can't wrap my head around 'classic' budgeting software. Suggestions and tips to find what I really need? [more inside]
posted by hanov3r at 12:44 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by hanov3r at 12:44 PM PST - 28 comments
Midwest Stasis and What to Do Next
My wife, little guy and I just moved to a Midwestern city from the East Coast for my wife's job promotion and family and now she is having major second thoughts. Details of the special snowflake variety to follow. [more inside]
posted by extraheavymarcellus at 12:26 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by extraheavymarcellus at 12:26 PM PST - 29 comments
H2O + CO2 = Solid?
What's that white, soluble solid coming out of my SodaStream's nozzle while I carbonate? [more inside]
What should my idle phone be showing me?
While I am working, my phone is sitting idle on my desk, but within my field of vision.
What are some interesting things it could be doing or displaying?
Middle of What?
How have sociologists and/or economists historically defined or measured "middle class" in the United States or the developed world generally? I mean over the last 100-200 years. [more inside]
posted by Wretch729 at 11:51 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Wretch729 at 11:51 AM PST - 6 comments
Is it possible to ask a flight attendant to give a gift?
I have a friend flying in today from out of town. I was wondering whether its possible to have a flight attendant bring him a drink during the flight as a gift from me. Is there any way to do this sort of thing? How would I contact the attendant?
My house smells like death.
Last weekend, my parents gave my wife and I their old 10'x12' rug and the rubber pad that goes beneath it. It really ties the room together. But there is a problem: the rubber pad is emitting a horrible, disgusting, rubbery smell. [more inside]
Not Barbie, BHARATI. Or maybe Bluebi if I feel like it
I want to change my Barbie doll's skin tone and paint her face to give her different eyes. How? [more inside]
posted by discopolo at 10:47 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by discopolo at 10:47 AM PST - 8 comments
Changes in Google Hangout Chat Window
I want to know why in Google Hangout it no longer says "Theirname is typing..." when the other person in the hangout is typing in the chat window (or "Theirname has entered text" when they've written something but haven't sent it). It's gone, and I miss it and want an explanation so I can move on with my life. [more inside]
posted by guster4lovers at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by guster4lovers at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
How to find enterprise software reviews, or Enterprise software.
Does anyone have a good way to filter out the best enterprise software products?
I am looking for an enterprise software deployment tool and cant seem to google product reviews without someones inadvertant, or advertant twist on the product. Dont want a websearch. Came here hoping to hopefully find an answer(s).
Thanks
Explain the Riemann-Christoffel curvature tensor
Greetings Ask Metafilter:
Can anyone suggest a book or article that provides a simple, yet comprehensive explanation of the Riemann-Christoffel curvature tensor? I've studied the explanation provided by Lillian Lieber in her book The Einstein Theory of Relativity, but for several reasons I am suspicious of the validity of her derivation, and her claim that the tensor can be used to distinguish between Euclidean and non-Euclidean space.
Lieber gives the Rieman-Christoffel curvature as follows:
{σρ,ε} {ετ,α}- ∂/(∂x_ρ ) {στ,α}+∂/(∂x_τ ) {σρ,α}-{στ,ε} {ερ,α}
Lieber derives the curvature tensor from a covariant tensor of rank one that has undergone two different sequences of covariant differentiation. This supposedly produces two different versions of the second, partial, covariant derivative of a covariant tensor of rank one. [more inside]
Presence of mind... machines.
I've always wanted to try an eyewear-based mind machine, but the number of options are dizzying, and it's not clear what's best. There's closed-eye, open-eye, different LEDs, and options go from $25 kits to being quite pricy. I'm aware of this previous AskMe, but it's quite old. If you've used mind machines recently, what's the lay of the land? Also, is there somewhere I could go in the Bay Area to try them out?
To pacify or not pacify.
When should we dispense of the pacifier for our almost 9 month old? [more inside]
posted by statsgirl at 8:20 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by statsgirl at 8:20 AM PST - 27 comments
Could this dizziness and vertigo be alcohol-related?
Asking for a friend who is suffering from bouts of vertigo. She's wondering if it could be alcohol-related, if maybe you've experienced anything like this, or if you have any advice. [more inside]
Dishes without sesame
What dishes could I order that are unlikely to have sesame/sesame oil, in a Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese or pan-Asian restaurant?
posted by xo at 7:53 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by xo at 7:53 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me not go to Mars and get more candy bars
Help me eat well during a conference! I'd like tips for food that travels well on airplanes, as well as anything specific to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago. Many picky eater details within. [more inside]
Trippy device
So years and years and years ago at some hippie festival or other there was a guy hawking these goggle things. The gimmick was this: you'd close your eyes, look towards the sun or other bright light, and blow into a little tube that would spin fans built into the eyepieces which caused a strobe effect which was had a surprisingly psychedelic effect.
Anybody else remember these? Do they still exist? What are they called? Are they for sale anywhere online? Relevant search terms have been taken over by a pricey Nike product which is not at all what I'm looking for. [more inside]
posted by ook at 7:49 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by ook at 7:49 AM PST - 13 comments
iTunes, seriously, not an option.
I have a 2nd generation ipod shuffle (the kind that's about 1 inch by 1 1/2 inches and is just a giant clip) which I would like to start using again. However, there is not a single computer nor human in our house which will tolerate iTunes. It's not an option, really; never using the shuffle again will happen before installing iTunes will.
I have seen a couple apps on the internet for using this type of shuffle without iTunes, but I haven't found any reviews of them or clear instructions for them. Thus, I am asking y'all. Anybody know a good, easy way to get songs off my vortexbox and onto my little shuffle? I don't need playlists or synching or stats or anything, just the ability to move files from one place to another and listen to them on the shuffle. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by crush-onastick at 7:34 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by crush-onastick at 7:34 AM PST - 14 comments
Books for the Divorced / Divorcing Man
So my divorce took a crazy turn for the worst and all hope of reconciliation has flown out the window. Can anyone recommend books for a man in his late 30s / early 40s going through and recovering from a divorce? Any books for either dealing with the divorce itself or dealing with life after and re-entry to dating world would be great.
Small Quickie Games for Android
I'm looking for some quick games I can play on my android phone, for when I'm waiting five minutes or dozing off at night. Ideally these will be more like puzzle or card games rather than action games (and even more ideally, free, but I'll pay a couple bucks for something great). Examples of games I've liked and disliked inside. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:06 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:06 AM PST - 31 comments
Looking for bibliographic sources for a Thesis on Biometry and Privacy
Lookin for bibliographic sources fomr Biometry/Privacy thesis. [more inside]
Weekend break near Austin, TX?
I will be visiting Austin, Texas for work in April. I'm thinking of taking a weekend break before I return to Europe. I'm looking for suggestions for somewhere relaxing to spend a few days near the city, preferably Texan in flavour.
posted by Grinder at 7:02 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Grinder at 7:02 AM PST - 16 comments
Why should I use Adobe's applications?
Why should I use Adobe's applications? Of course, I realise I don't have to if I don't want to. However, I'm a subscriber to their Creative Cloud programme, primarily for Photoshop / Indesign /Illustrator. I already use the competitors to many of the other applications in the bundle. Are there any pressing reasons for me to use the Adobe versions? Please explain to me, but please: without denigrating the applications I already use. [more inside]
It's yo' cat / It's yo' problem!
CatLivingFilter: One of my roommate's two cats has become very attached to me, probably because my roommate (by his own admission) inherited the cat from an ex relationship and never really liked it that much. That's cool--I like cats, and cats like me. What I don't like is that the cat has become so attached that it will yell inconsolably outside my door, scratch at my door, and sometimes even bash into my door in despair of not being in my room. This has become a major sleep disrupting problem for me. What can I reasonably expect my roommate to do to respond to this situation? [more inside]
How do I keep motivating myself to do medical treatments?
How do I keep motivating myself to do medical treatments when I'm so tired, physically, intellectually and emotionally? [more inside]
Where can I get some of Claire's dress from House of Cards?
I really like some of Claire (Robin Wright)'s dresses from the new Netflix drama House of Cards, particularly the black dress she wears in the first episode (1,2,3). It is a simple black dress with a modified boat neck. Bonus points if you can ID her dress from the inaugural ball in the same episode, an architectural strapless white dress (which I couldn't find better pics of). Thanks!
What goes well with Coq au Vin?
I'm having dinner with some lovely friends who I haven't seen for ages. Coq au Vin will be the main course. What can I bring that will complement this dish in an amazing way? Wine, side dishes, hors d'oeuvres - all suggestions appreciated.
posted by h00py at 5:03 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by h00py at 5:03 AM PST - 21 comments
What happens if a cell phone alarm goes off while it's in the mail?
So I broke the screen on my new Nexus 4 and just mailed it off yesterday to be repaired, and I realized too late that the daily alarm clock may go off while it's in transit. What will be done with the package if that happens? [more inside]
posted by pete_22 at 2:55 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by pete_22 at 2:55 AM PST - 11 comments
What Else To Improve Dating Prospects?
A year ago, I posted about whether I should have any plastic surgery done to improve my dating prospects as an "ethnic" gay man in a major US urban area. Six months ago, after a lot of introspection and a commitment to psychological counseling to help me build my self-esteem, I decided to pursue primary rhinoplasty. Here is what I've learned in the time since I last posted about how to improve my dating prospects: [more inside]
posted by cscott at 2:48 AM PST - 62 comments
posted by cscott at 2:48 AM PST - 62 comments
Or should I just keep quiet?
Help me navigate a clash of political ideals without losing my friends. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 2:42 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Ziggy500 at 2:42 AM PST - 19 comments
Hawaiian holiday accommodation recommendations
I'm going to Hawaii with 2 friends in May and am looking for recommendations for hotels. We will be staying in Kapaa for 3 nights, Kona for 3-4 nights, Hilo for 1-2 nights and Honolulu for 2 nights. [more inside]
posted by Kris10_b at 2:12 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Kris10_b at 2:12 AM PST - 10 comments
What was that Sugar sound-a-like on the radio?
There's this song that was played on the radio and I need to know what it was. Yes, another one of those. (I do not have a vaguely remembered book from my childhood to ask about, unfortunately) [more inside]
February 13
Boyfriend hates Valentine's Day
Boyfriend hates Valentine's Day and doesn't want to celebrate it. He is super loving in other ways. What should I do? Questions about your experiences inside. [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 11:41 PM PST - 78 comments
posted by 3491again at 11:41 PM PST - 78 comments
Germany intern visas
Can / how can a US American get a visa to work a specific paid internship in Germany? [more inside]
posted by threeants at 11:35 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by threeants at 11:35 PM PST - 2 comments
How to go from good software engineer to God of the Code?
(Java-flavored question) I have work colleagues who can explain how and when the JVM inlines code, or when implicit constructors are made / called based on the access level of global variables. They can think through code like the compiler thinks. How do I get to that level? [more inside]
Difficult cooking techniques or recipes
I'm a curious amateur chef looking for some challenges. What's given you the most trouble in the past? [more inside]
Free reads--Best free books to download?
I have to travel very light. It's going to be a boring trip. I have an iPhone. I'm looking to read on the cheap. What are the best free books to download to my iPhone? [more inside]
Questions to ask before an acquisition?
My small company is very likely about to be acquired by a larger corporation. I've been invited to submit any questions I might have regarding the outcome - what should I ask? [more inside]
Recommendations for romantic movies
I need some suggestions for romantic movies released in the last 5-6 years. Something evocative of Love Actually or Bridget Jones' Diary would be ideal, although a British setting isn't necessary. Ensemble casts are appreciated. Romantic comedies in general are fine, but explicitly not looking for anything Judd Apatow, Adam Sandler, Steve Carell, or Seth Rogen have any involvement with.
Any ideas?
Can I keep a plant in my car?
I would like to keep a plant (alive) in my car, possibly in a cup holder. Is there a plant that could handle my car's interior environment, isn't too fussy about watering, and is not covered in needles? [more inside]
posted by mnemonic at 8:07 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by mnemonic at 8:07 PM PST - 12 comments
Help me find this book I remember from my childhood, episode 4395812...
Trying to remember the name of a book from my childhood. It was a colorful kids book of short stories that included one about an egg named Percy who sat out in the sun too long. [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:34 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by needs more cowbell at 7:34 PM PST - 5 comments
Share Google Drive documents with my group or share the account itself?
I am in an informal workgroup that shares a Google Drive account– that is to say, we all have access to the account along with its password. This arrangement has worked fine. Now I'm starting up a new workgroup with a different set of folks (incidentally, this is not paid work and the folks I'm working with are not colleagues in a strict sense). I created a Google Drive account for this new group and started to mail out the name and password to the group but suddenly thought– "Hey wait, why aren't I just sharing these documents?" I'd be grateful if you could talk me through the relative benefits and disadvantages of both approaches.
posted by carterk at 7:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by carterk at 7:18 PM PST - 6 comments
Non-spotty Notebooks
Please recommend the best notebooks (lined/graph, margins, bound on the side, 8.5" x 11") you've used that DON'T have random spots and things on the pages. [more inside]
How can I get paid to write and protect my privacy from clients?
I want to only share my identity with the tax man when I write, and allow people to pay me online. How do I do this? [more inside]
City X has the largest Y population outside of country Y -- examples?
I've heard that DC has the largest Ethiopian population of Ethiopia, and an answer to this question mentions that Staten Island has the largest Sri Lankan population outside of Sri Lanka.
What are some other examples of a city/state having the largest population of a particular group outside of that group's native country/region?
Books of my youth filter
Name that young adult fantasy novel: Two boys who are enemies at school are transported to some magical scenario where they have to work together. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 5:41 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by latkes at 5:41 PM PST - 4 comments
Halifaximiles? Savannahoos? Knoxvillains? Minneapolice?
If people living in Laos are Laotian, then are those in Taos Taotians? [more inside]
posted by heyho at 5:31 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by heyho at 5:31 PM PST - 35 comments
Not Blue Enough to Be a Smurf...
Does anyone recognize this Schleich PVC figurine? [more inside]
posted by Knappster at 4:52 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Knappster at 4:52 PM PST - 4 comments
How can I make my chocolate chip cookies come out flatter?
I made the same recipe multiple times, and have gotten different results every time. How can I maintain consistency?! [more inside]
WiFi connectivity problem at work
At work I have a laptop (running Windows XP) that connects to the Internet via WiFi. Two other coworkers sit next to and across from me, and they connect the same way. About a year ago, we started experiencing connectivity problems. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 4:36 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by zardoz at 4:36 PM PST - 8 comments
What's the latest word in bluetooth keyboards?
My Mac's 10-year-old bluetooth keyboard is acting up, and I'm pretty sure that it's death is imminent. I'd like to find a replacement, but Apple long ago stopped making full-sized wireless keyboards -- what are some good alternatives that exist in 2013? [more inside]
I need the Anne Sullivan of hair in NYC
I'm looking for an excellent women's hair stylist in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Definition of excellent inside. [more inside]
It was a K-turn, not a U-turn
I got my first traffic ticket (boo) and not sure whether to fight it or pay it. It's for an illegal U-turn in PA. I think it's BS (no, really), but not sure if it's worth fighting. I also don't want to get points on my license. [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 4:01 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by DoubleLune at 4:01 PM PST - 15 comments
1860s Safe Deposit Box?
When did American banks first offer safety deposit boxes? If they were used in Civil War times, how secure were they? Got a great source on the topic? (Don't nobody worry, I ain't plannin nothin.)
I'm going to thailand. I bought a used ATT iPhone 3GS. Now what?
I'm heading to Bangkok in ten days for about two weeks. I looked into using my iPhone 5 overseas and the answers from ATT made me think twice about it. So for 100 bucks I bought a used Iphone 3GS. I figure I'd just buy a sim card there and I'd be all set. But then I thought I should check. Do I need to unlock it? or jailbreak it? Is there anything specific to Thailand and Iphones I need to know? What's the process here?
Help me find a tablet PC to buy!
My Thinkpad X61 tablet is dying. Work will replace it, I just need to tell them what fancy new machine I want. But I don't have much time - the new machine needs to be ordered and delivered by March 31! Which doesn't give me enough time to research my options. Thus I turn to you for help. [more inside]
posted by eviemath at 3:12 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by eviemath at 3:12 PM PST - 11 comments
A manager I work with - not MY manager - is....odd.
I work closely with another team and their manager in my job. The manager has started some weird, what feel like, personal attacks on me.
In case you want to skip the long explanation inside, basically the question is how to deal with a manager who is not my manager (but I am expected to work with anyway) and has a very abrasive style which is kind of offensive. [more inside]
Tell me of the training montage equivalent in a book you've read.
I've just read a section of a novel where the main character trains in a martial art and becomes mildly proficient in it. I realized that I LOVE reading that sort of thing, maybe more than I love a movie training montage (bring on the Mulan and the Dirty Dancing)(the learn how to dance montage is just a subset of the training montage, am I right?). Help me find more of these. [more inside]
Where To Go From Here With My Business?
I am self-employed in the creative arts with one main client. Recently I have begun to enjoy some success for myself. My main client is unhappy. I am unhappy that they are unhappy. Career and business advice needed. [more inside]
Where can I try out ukuleles in Houston?
I am considering taking up the ukulele and I would like to get the feel for various brands and sizes to see which I would prefer. I think I would like a concert uke, but I'd like to feel one in my hands first. [more inside]
Terrier Time Training
Is it possible to teach a dog the concept of time, or at least to read a clock?
Dealing with Windows 7 and a partitioned hard drive
I have a new Dell XPS computer that has a partitioned hard drive. Apparently, (pre-installed, no disc) Windows 7 is running on the 256 GB portion, not the 2TB partition, which is much too small for all of my documents and music. I've copied some files on to the partition and, not surprisingly, Windows 7 does not see them via My Documents, My Music. How can I make this work as it should? Or is it possible? [more inside]
posted by kthanksbai at 1:21 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by kthanksbai at 1:21 PM PST - 7 comments
How many WiFi access points can co-exist in the same space?
Local cable internet company wants to blanket my condo tower with WiFi APs to provide universal WiFi access for their subscribers. Will this degrade reception or throughput for existing private WiFi networks belonging to residents? [more inside]
It's gardening catalog season and I need help!
I'm looking for suggestions for a flowering groundcover for my garage-side garden to fill in the spaces between the dwarf reblooming lilacs and Widow's Tears already growing there. The current groundcover is Snow in Summer which has pretty flowers and foliage, but is oh-my-god too invasive and fast growing. I feel like I'm constantly ripping chunks of it out so it doesn't climb up the lilacs or spill over onto the lawn. I'd like to put in something that is either white or some shade of purple, doesn't require much maintenance, but is far better behaved than the Snow in Summer. We live in USDA zone 5 and the garden in question gets afternoon sun. (I know nothing about the Ph or the type of soil; I'm hoping that it will be apparent to the cognoscenti from my location and the other plants that are thriving in the same garden.)
Flooring from Lumber Liquidators
Will we regret buying engineered hardwood or bamboo flooring from Lumber Liquidators? [more inside]
Essure, Paragard, or other?
Considering long-term, permanent birth control options. [more inside]
Ancient greek origins of separation of powers?
Somewhere I read an interpretation of the development of democracy in Ancient Greece that went something like this: A king died and three princes struggled to seize power. No one prince was strong enough to defeat the others. They made a deal that one would be responsible for military matters, the second for administrative matters, and the third for religious. This system proved relatively effective and was continued, eventually on a non-hereditary basis, and is the original source for the separation of powers between different branches of government. [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 12:32 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 12:32 PM PST - 6 comments
Where can I get a wired cell phone speaker?
I'm having trouble finding a cell phone speaker that can connect without Bluetooth / by plugging into the phone. [more inside]
What would be a good reading, poem or ritual for a women's group?
Friends are starting a women's group and are looking for a ritual or a reading as a way to begin each meeting. It's a group that includes their teenage daughters so it needs to appeal to both. Any ideas? [more inside]
"I know this awesome _________ place."
I grew up in New York City with an open mind toward cuisines of other cultures, so I've got both a broad palate and (reasonably) broad experience. Which cuisines do I stand a chance of not having encountered and where can I go to try them? [more inside]
Some metal with your meal?
I often see chefs/cooks sharpening knives right above food or above food prep surfaces. Does that mean that small metal particles are getting into the food? If so, do those people not realize that's happening, or do they think it's innocuous?
Recommended online reading about the lifespan of single cells?
What is the longest amount of time a single cell (whether on it's own or in an animal/plant) can live without either splitting or dying? [more inside]
posted by xarnop at 11:31 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by xarnop at 11:31 AM PST - 11 comments
Help me accessorize this dress.
I would like to wear this Betsey Johnson dress to the symphony this Saturday and ruffle some fuddy-duddy feathers, but I'm not sure how to accessorize it. [more inside]
I'm going to a German soccer (football) match. What should I know?
The match is Stuttgart vs. Gladbach and it's in Stuttgart on April 14th. I'm pretty familiar with soccer, thanks to Football Manager 2012 (it's a computer game) but I guess I'm curious if there's anything I can do between now and then or on the day of the match to improve my experience, or if anyone has a good English-language source for following Bundesliga happenings. The American sports websites are okay, but I'd like to get more in-depth information.
Thanks!
Buying a House ... Without My Agent?
I engaged a realtor - the brother of a friend - as I embarked on a home search. I have not signed a binding agreement with this realtor. So far, he has set me up with an online search site and arranged for me to visit 4 properties. I loved one of these properties and was prepared to make an offer, but before I could do that, the property went under contract to another interested buyer. Meanwhile ... the seller contacted me saying that she really liked me and felt good about selling to me. She wants me to ditch my agent and deal directly with her (she's acting as her own agent) and her closing attorney.
1) Is it legal for me to ditch my agent in order to make this deal happen?
2) How can I be certain that the deal is legit and that I'm not being duped?
3) I LOVE the property, so it's totally worth it to deal directly with the seller if that's what it takes to make the purchase.
My anxiety about my anxiety about your drinking
So. Either my boyfriend's drinking or my anxiety about his drinking is going to ruin our (extremely awesome, otherwise very solid) relationship. I can't tell if I'm being crazy or not. [more inside]
How can a person give themselves cancer?
Hypothetic/literary filter: Book character is looking for ways to die that are self inflicted, but would like it to seem like a deadly disease, but one that kills over a period of about 6 months. All I can come up with are nitrosamines but I don't think that is a sure thing. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by htid at 11:05 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by htid at 11:05 AM PST - 26 comments
Prepare me for NYC!
Boot recommendations for New York winter? [more inside]
These thumbs weren't made for typing
Suggest a portable keyboard to use with my iPhone? [more inside]
please help me find/ID an older book about 'sideshow freaks'
Another fantastic round of "AskMe, Name That Book!" Although I cannot remember the title, author/editor, or what the cover looked like at all, I do remember a great deal of detail about what is contained therein. The book I am looking for gave brief, factual descriptions and synopses of the lives of people who were commonly referred to/treated as 'sideshow freaks' in the late 19th/early 20th century, many of whom were also circus performers with P.T. Barnum. [more inside]
posted by divined by radio at 10:05 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by divined by radio at 10:05 AM PST - 7 comments
Travel options starting in the UAE in late spring?
I'm working in Abu Dhabi until late May. At the end of my contract, I'll have a number of visitors staying with me. We are interested in travel destinations for a 7-10 day trip leaving from Abu Dhabi or Dubai at that time. Currently on the list is India (but what part?), Sri Lanka, and Turkey. I will be doing some short, weekend-length trips on my own the next few months including Jordan, Oman, and Qatar and while we have discussed those as places as possibilities to visit, they aren't necessarily where we could see ourselves spending a week and a half.
What was this "Game"?
When I was in college in the mid-90s, I had a "game" (broadly defined) for my Macintosh Quadra 650 (aw yiss!) that was labeled ITA Choco. Here's what seems to be a site by the creators (partially in Japanese, partially in 404 errors). What was the point of it? And what does the site say? [more inside]
I'm a good secretary, but help me be awesome
I'm an administrator and I have lots of different systems to handle - Google docs, calendar, Outlook, 2 different email accounts, multiple "bosses" / sets of people to confer with, and 3 separate programs I work for that I'd like to keep separated and organized. If this sounds like your job, what are your organization hacks, from physical files to electronic stuff? [more inside]
Bionade for yanks?
Is it possible to get Bionade in the USA? I am intrigued by their products and understand that they are very popular in Europe, but my google-fu fails me trying to find a U.S. distribution source. Can anyone hook me up?
Website updates without RSS
How do I monitor changes to a website when the results vary based upon a selection from a drop-down menu? How can I find where they are pulling from? [more inside]
posted by gagoumot at 8:16 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by gagoumot at 8:16 AM PST - 8 comments
Anti-semitic lizards. But why.
What's up with the swastikas on my watch? [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 8:16 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by phunniemee at 8:16 AM PST - 37 comments
I can SEE that this is a burned disk.
DVD-R data archives from an old computer are showing up as blank disks on all the new computers I've tried them with. What can I do to get my data? [more inside]
There's learning additional skillsets. And then there's my ethics.
Want to up my game as a vegan baker, but feel weird about going to a pastry school that doesn't use ingredients common to my chosen field. A few snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 8:05 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Kitteh at 8:05 AM PST - 14 comments
Take me to the library ...
I am working on a short translation and I need to access some already-published texts on the subject of the piece. I've exhausted the libraries in my city, as well as the bookshops and friends, and I want to know if there is some kind of online "library" service where I could post what I was looking for -- copies of specific page numbers in a book, or copies of index or contents pages that I could then follow-up with a request for copies of certain pages.
Does such a thing exist? Thank you.
Ace plays for table readings
Week-long cottage holiday with friends coming up. We're planning a table reading. Last year's "Macbeth and margaritas" night was a roaring success, but we want to branch out. Recommend us some great plays! [more inside]
Building a house to accommodate pain and disability
Everything I do, all day, every day, hurts. The more I do things that are painful, the more the pain snowballs. We're going to build a house that we hope will help reduce the accumulation of pain, and maybe even let me recover a little. Help me make sure I'm covering all the bases in house design accommodations. [more inside]
Cervical adenocarcinoma in situ; what can I expect?
Pathology after a recent colposcopy found "suspected endocervical adenocarcinoma in situ" in my cervix. I am trying hard not to overthink this but am having a hard time not flipping my lid here while I wait for an appointment to follow up on this. What can can I expect? What do I need to ask the oncologist when I see her? [more inside]
posted by My Top Secret Sock Puppet Account at 7:30 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by My Top Secret Sock Puppet Account at 7:30 AM PST - 14 comments
Tips for a trip to Mexico?
I'm headed to Mexico - tomorrow! We're driving, and will be headed for Rocky Point (Puerta Penasco) and San Felipe. There'll be a mix of camping and hotels, and it's just me and my SO going. Besides sunscreen and reading material, what should I take to ensure maximum awesomeness? Any great places you've been to in either city that you'd recommend? My Spanish is at about the level of a 3 or 4 year old kid, the SO is fluent, if that matters.
What is this godforsaken pop song stuck in my head?
Female vocalist similar to Stefani; mellow tune, but with fast, pluck-y strings; a descending "Oh-oh-oh-oh." Do you know this song? [more inside]
posted by sarling at 4:52 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by sarling at 4:52 AM PST - 16 comments
Book recommendations for the housebound
I need to get some birthday gifts for someone who is off work and stuck at home for weeks due to surgery. This person has no hobbies and doesn't really do much other than shop and watch TV and tends to get depressed easily, so I'd like to get him some things to keep him busy and engaged. He used to really enjoy reading so I think if I got some books he'd get into them while he's stuck at home. Previously enjoyed authors are Edgar Rice Burroughs, Louis L'Amour, Stephen King, Anne Rice and Conan books. So old Sci-Fi, Westerns or Horror. He doesn't like Zane Grey. He also enjoys history, particularly WW2 and Civil War eras. Could I please have your recommendations for riveting books that might be enjoyed by someone with these tastes? Am also happy to hear non-book recs that might fit in.
Help me be gracious about my art
I have some talent at drawing, but I'm awful at accepting compliments about it, and paranoid about coming off as arrogant (...I could barely type the word 'talent' just then). Help me be less awkward and accept compliments with more dignity! [more inside]
Visual references for armor?
I'm looking for visual references for medieval / faux-medieval armor. Bonus points for something lightweight / leather and I'm really looking for rear views but anything would be useful. I've tried a bit of googling but haven't really found what I want.
Does Perth have a Compton?
Are there any bad parts of Australia that compare with the bad parts of the United States? [more inside]
posted by johnpowell at 1:17 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by johnpowell at 1:17 AM PST - 25 comments
How do I get this sticky residue off my microwave plate?
There is a sticky residue on the glass plate for my microwave. It's orange and kinda greasy, but the common sense ways of cleaning it (soap, rough sponge, all-purpose cleaner) are not working. Anyone have any ideas on what to use to get it off?
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 12:30 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 12:30 AM PST - 20 comments
Lewis and Clark's Luggage
I'm looking for information on the various bits of furniture and storage boxes that Lewis and Clark took with them on their voyage of discovery but am not finding much. This isn't really my period of history, so I suspect I'm looking in all the wrong places using all the wrong search terms. Please point me in the right direction. [more inside]
February 12
Car title transfer, from several states away, when the title is lost?
Pretty please, help me! I sold my car in California in the middle of a move. We completed a bill of sale to be as official as possible, and I told the buyer that I'd mail her the title once the dust settled from my move. Now that I've unpacked, I can't find the title anywhere. The California DMV website lists some guidelines for replacing a lost title , but I'm still confused. Who's technically the legal owner right now? Would it be easiest for the buyer to fill out this form and check that the title was "not received from prior owner" and get on with it? Or would that incur some sort of penalty for either of us? [more inside]
Is it possible to mount a flat screen tv above our pass-through?
In our one-bedroom apartment, we have a pass-through window between our kitchen and living room. It would be the perfect spot for us to hang a flat-screen tv but the surface it would have to be mounted on is a piece of 1/4" plywood abutting the back side of our kitchen cabinets. Is it possible? [more inside]
posted by palegirl at 10:02 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by palegirl at 10:02 PM PST - 13 comments
Adjustable bed for side/stomach sleeping
I need to sleep on a bed with an elevated head-end, while my wife needs to sleep on a bed with her feet elevated. I'd like to find an adjustable bed that lets us do this. Difficulty: I must sleep on my side or stomach, but all adjustable mattresses seem to fold in the middle (for example, like this), making sleeping on anything but your back uncomfortable or impossible. Surely there's a power-adjustable bed that keeps the mattress planar but tilted, allowing you to adjust the degree of tilt with the press of a button? If there is, I can't find it. [more inside]
Best way to transport a bike?
What is the best/most economical way to transport a bike without driving it? I am trying to move a bike from LA to SF.
Looking for software to catalog work notes
I write a lot of notes for my work, which I type up to keep for my records. My current way to organize these notes is as separate files per day, labeled with the date and a descriptive title. This is decent, but doesn't allow me to easily reference old notes by topic, especially when there are numerous individual references under a single broader topic. Are there programs to help catalog notes and journals by themes, or cross-reference topics, in a vague database format? I'm working in Windows.
Dipping Our Toes Into Real Estate
My brother and I would like to buy a four-bedroom house, furnish it, have him live in one room and rent the other three rooms. Neither of us have any experience with real estate, renting rooms, or being in business with one another. We're looking for advice as to how to fairly structure this investment, advisers we should consult, issues that we need to consider up front, and so on. More details inside... [more inside]
posted by slide at 9:04 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by slide at 9:04 PM PST - 14 comments
What are the 3 most important criteria in selecting a seller's RE agent?
If you were looking for a real estate agent to list your house for sale, what would be the three most important things you would look for in that agent?
For example, one list might be:
1. experience selling houses in your price range.
2. Promised amount of feedback from potential buyers who view your house.
3. Commission rate. [more inside]
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:11 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by JohnnyGunn at 8:11 PM PST - 12 comments
Science Fiction Short Stories About Personal Identity
I'm a graduate student about to propose a college writing class on science fiction and personal identity. The stories need to be short and brand name authors are preferred. I've got a prospective syllabus (see inside), but I bet there's a lot of good stuff that I'm missing that you know about. [more inside]
constant contact + membership management == ??
Hey there,
I'm on the board for an org that uses Constant Contact for our mailing lists. Our homegrown membership management system is busted and we're looking for a replacement. We'd love to find something that integrates with Constant Contact so that people who purchase a membership of various types will get added to a mailing list. When the membership expires, they get removed. An integrated payment solution would also be beneficial.
Any advice? Thanks.
Help me find/remember the film I watched for intial few minutes.
I was watching this film on my previous laptop via TV-Tuner card and right then my laptop had crashed. I didn't check channel name and newspaper for the film name at the time, and now I can't remember it. It was at least before May 2010(I was watching the film in college and this when I left college - jic it helps though I am not sure if the film released recently at the time)... It was a train scene in the wilderness. [more inside]
Valentine treats in NYC
I'm spending Valentine's Day on a business trip to Manhattan instead of home with my sweetie. What little treat/gift can I pick up to take home that says "I went all the way to NYC just to get this for you"? [more inside]
Tell me about your experience at an early college program.
Did you attend an early college program or just plain go to college early? What was that like? More detailed questions inside. [more inside]
All I got was his phone number-- how to thank him?
What generic thank-you gift (between $10-20) can I give to someone working in SF when the only contact information I have is their iPhone number? [more inside]
posted by samthemander at 7:03 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by samthemander at 7:03 PM PST - 9 comments
Mulled wine vs mulled death
I have a bottle of this glogg concentrate mix. Its been opened for a few weeks, at least. Its not alcoholic, but nothing on the bottle says it should be refrigerated after opening. [more inside]
Help me remember this Lego knock-off brand circa 1980
This thread has just dug up a memory for me and I'm going crazy trying to remember the brand name of the Lego knock-offs I had around 1980. [more inside]
Favorite Gel Color Combos
I'm designing a show this week (Iolanthe) which is far from my first lighting design, but I've never really gotten to experiment much with different gel color combinations. Which are your favorite combos (front, fill, back, side, etc.) for different set-ups. I'm looking for both the classic standards and less common combinations you've come across and enjoyed. I'm going to have a bit of free reign with this, so I'm curious to see what new (to me) things I might want to try. Rosco colors preferred.
Help me find a non-sucky but affordable nursing home in NYC for my dad.
My dad is 78 and his body is breaking down due to a long bout with Parkinson's. He's been in a rehab facility for the last month and his time to stay there (that is covered by Medicare) is running out. He wants to go home, but he will need 24 hour care and I'm not sure that's a feasible option for many reasons I'd rather not go into (not the least of which is that "home" is a 4000 square foot loft with plenty of places to fall, which is a real danger with Parkinsons patients)
He and I are not (nor have we ever been) particularly close, and I do not live in the area anymore, nor am I particularly inclined to go care for him myself (not that I would have the expertise anyway). I do want him to be somewhere that he can be cared for and comfortable, though. [more inside]
posted by softlord at 5:56 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by softlord at 5:56 PM PST - 6 comments
How soon is too soon to vacation without baby?
How soon is too soon to vacation without our 1-year-old baby? And what tips can you give us if we have the guts to go? [more inside]
How to ask my roommate if I can break the lease before it ends?
I live in Cambridge, MA and share a two-bedroom apt with one roommate. We are women in our early 30's. I've been in the home for 2.5 years, with a different roommate each year. I loved my first two roommates. I invited my current roommate to move in this past Sept (met her through Craig's List) and we're a good fit. I have a sudden, burning urge to move into my own (1 bedroom) apt. Do I ask her permission, or just tell her I'm moving? [more inside]
Is it better to avoid visiting San Francisco during Outside Lands?
We are hoping to spend a long weekend in San Francisco in August and get married on a Monday at City Hall. We were looking at the weekend of August 10-11, but it looks like the Outside Lands festival is going on that weekend. Is the city going to be crazy that weekend? Will it be hard to find hotels & make restaurant reservations? Will the hotels be more full than usual with partying people? Should we do it the weekend before (August 3-4) instead, or is it likely that there's something else going on that weekend that will make things just as crowded? Any other logistical advice? We are doing a small family wedding - probably 11 people, including us and two small kids. Thanks very much!
Ideas for a sewing party?
My friends were interested in my recently acquired sewing machine and brought up the idea of a craft/sewing party. I have no idea how that would work. Help? [more inside]
posted by Durin's Bane at 4:54 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Durin's Bane at 4:54 PM PST - 13 comments
looking for website with curated news headlines only, for end of day
a few months ago someone I follow tweeted a link to a website that curates and displays only the latest news headlines and top stories. I found this thread (http://ask.metafilter.com/192456/A-better-newspaper) on MF but the site is not listed there. This is a fairly new and probably still obscure site, but I loved the look of it and would like to find it again and seemed to have lost the bookmark. I cannot find it on google because the search terms are so generic.
This was an extremely CLEAN site, black on white (i believe) with attractive type, no (or very few/discreet) ads, and nothing fancy going on in terms of media or anything like that. Similar to "theweek.com" in terms of content but nowhere near as busy visually.
any help would be appreciated.
posted by denaps at 4:51 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by denaps at 4:51 PM PST - 2 comments
holiday, it would be so nice
Bloomsday, Festivus, Pi Day, Caturday, Diwali, Poisson d'Avril--what are some other less traditional (or less familiar to a USian) holidays that might be fun to mark on the calender to celebrate? [more inside]
posted by ifjuly at 4:16 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by ifjuly at 4:16 PM PST - 48 comments
Why do I keep having problems with the iPhone 5 camera?
I'm on my third iPhone 5 since November, due to blobby specks appearing in my pictures. Am I the only one having this problem? Is this a known defect? And if it persists, will Apple just keep replacing the phone? [more inside]
Chicken wings--- chinese takeout edition
How do you make the stuff? I've been searching for years trying to figure out how to recreate the flavor of the chicken wings that I'd get from the Chinese takeout/delivery place.
I've tried lots of recipes online, but nothing seems to come close to the flavor.. I don't know what is it, but I can't do it. I've tried using Accent and MSG powder and it doesn't work. I've got a wide a selection of spices and easy access to aquire more spices. I also have a deep fryer and a wok for preparation. Ideas?
Help me find a new match 3 iPhone game!
Can you help me find a new timewaster? I'm looking for a fun, addictive match 3 game, like Candy Crush or Bejeweled, but please no spammy social game stuff or near-impossible levels that encourage to you buy cheats (see: Candy Crush). For iPhone. [more inside]
posted by peep at 3:31 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by peep at 3:31 PM PST - 18 comments
Modern 'Platonic' dialogues?
Which works published anytime in the last century are Platonic-style dialogues on philosophical themes?
What is the best way to insulate the floor of my cold flat?
We live in a first floor flat with an empty space (the entrance to the under-flat car park) below us. Although it's a modern flat with supposedly high insulation, the floor in the lounge seems very cold and draughty and the heating takes ages to warm the place up. [more inside]
Long-distance relationship or debaucherous partying?
As a 22-year-old woman with zero real relationship experience, I'm turning to AskMe in this time of indecision. One of my best friends wants to date me, and I like him, but I also want to make out with boys I might like more. Does that make me a bad person? Should I forget about the other boys? Details inside, naturally. [more inside]
posted by jouir at 2:30 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by jouir at 2:30 PM PST - 34 comments
How can I cope with a toxic parent while I work to get free?
What can I do to better cope with the mounting stresses of completely cutting ties with an emotionally abusive Mom? I have severe depression, anxiety and other issues. I'm seeking help, but currently inbetween doctors. When things get stressful, I start to crumble. Suggestions very much appreciated. [more inside]
What makes feces sticky?
What causes feces to sometimes leave excessive, difficult-to-remove residue on the perianal area or on toilet paper? What causes it not to leave any residue at all? Is it related entirely to macronutrient intake (fat, fibre, water)? Or are other factors involved? [more inside]
Can I leave a bag at the Ambassador Transit Hotel at Singapore airport?
I have an overnight layover in Singapore, staying at the (airside) Ambassador Transit Hotel. After checking out of the hotel, may I leave a bag there for several hours, as you can at most regular hotels? [more inside]
posted by oliverburkeman at 2:02 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by oliverburkeman at 2:02 PM PST - 6 comments
Cape Cod trip with kid... tomorrow.
Cape Cod trip with kid... tomorrow. What's great AND open? [more inside]
Arduino time alarm without an external interrupt alarm pin on the RTC?
I want to program my Arduino to go to sleep at 6 pm and wake back up at 5 am, and then execute a few simple functions once every hour while it's awake. I have a DS1307 real-time clock, but it doesn't have an alarm interrupt pin, so I can't just set up an external interrupt to tell the Arduino to wake when the alarm pin is set to high. What's the best way to do this without an alarm pin? [more inside]
Where can I order customized red envelopes online?
It's Lunar New Year time and now that I'm hitched, I'm on the giving end of the 利是 exchange. Looking for recommendations for websites that will let you make your own customized red envelopes. I'm in the USA. [more inside]
vacation planning to anywhere nonstop
i'm curious which travel website might allow me to see all non-stop flights from my local airport with open seats on a given weekend. there are a couple of airlines i try to avoid, so filtering on a specific airline would also be nice. basically, i want to browse possible vacation destinations using only direct flights from my slightly mid-sized Virginia airport. (i thought kayak would do this sort of thing, but haven't found a way to do it.)
Reminder/alarm program for windows?
Are there any good programs that I can set up to always run in the background that will allow me to schedule an alarm/alert that will pop up on my niece's computer? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 1:30 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by needlegrrl at 1:30 PM PST - 6 comments
Recommendations for a resume writing/editing service?
It's been almost 10 years since I last changed jobs and it's also been that long since I've written a resume. I'd like to get some (hopefully) expert opinion and editing to bring my resume up to date, both to reflect the skills/experience I've gained and ensure that it is in a format that will be acceptable to recruiters/companies. Has anyone used a resume service recently that you've been pleased with? (I'm located in the NYC metro area if that makes a difference).
posted by de void at 1:08 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by de void at 1:08 PM PST - 2 comments
What are some movies about adult women "finding themselves"?
I know of Eat Pray Love, Under the Tuscan Sun, How Stella Got Her Groove Back... any others? Bonus points if they involve travel.
posted by Anonymousness at 12:58 PM PST - 49 comments
posted by Anonymousness at 12:58 PM PST - 49 comments
neonatal nurse side income jobs
Asking for my wife, who is a neonatal nurse that is taking some time off to spend at home with our kiddo. She's interested in what kinds of side jobs might be available for someone with a neonatal nurse's experience. [more inside]
Script for Krokodil Gena
I'm learning Russian right now. I wonder if there's a website that has the whole script for the 1971 Soviet cartoon, Cheburashka. I've been using Yandex and Google and I didn't get any result for the past few days. Thank you.
how many truly equal relationships really exist?
Is there more truth to "treat them mean keep them keen" than people will admit? In my observation most guys seem to be drawn to women who are a bit less invested than they are. I hate to generalize but I don't know how to square what people tell me is true with what a lifetime of experience and observation has born out. Is this just an essential part of human nature that I should learn to accept? [more inside]
LaptopFilter: is this ASUS ultrabook the machine I want?
I'm getting a new laptop. A new variant of the ASUS UX32VD Zenbook (model: UX32VD-R4010P) seems to tick all my boxes. But I'm good at talking myself into things, so please help me sanity-check my choice. Many details inside. [more inside]
posted by pont at 12:00 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by pont at 12:00 PM PST - 8 comments
Where should I go for pharmacy school? UF, UPitt, UW-Madison
I'm trying to decide what Pharmacy school to go to and I'm very stuck. I've already been accepted to UF, UPitt, UW-Madison. I'm waiting to hear back from UT-Austin, and Chapel Hill, but deposits are due and I need to make a decision ASAP. [more inside]
posted by LaunchBox at 11:55 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by LaunchBox at 11:55 AM PST - 14 comments
How to transition from commenting on blogs to "real" writing
In the last 9 years, I've written a Russian novel's worth of blog comments. Can you help me channel this energy into personal writing projects? NOTE : I am NOT interested in blogging. [more inside]
Giving Notice, Being Asked to Leave Early, and Unemployment.
I'm in MA. I'm about to give my two-weeks, but I'm guessing they're going to tell me to just leave. Could I apply for unemployment to fill the gap between the job I'm leaving and my new job? [more inside]
Looking for good carpet cleaner in the LA area
We need a good carpet cleaning service in the LA area. Affordable and industrial strength would be good (we have an off-white carpet with three children six and under...). Three rooms and a couple of stairways need to be done, with a little bit of furniture moving. Anyone that you can recommend?
Medical/travel insurance SNAFU outside my country. Am I liable?
I was in an minor accident in the U.S. last September (broke my foot). At the time, my workplace travel insurance seemed to have covered everything just fine -- I went to the clinic, gave them my paperwork, they made some calls, said I was covered and I didn't even need to provide a credit card. Just today, I got a call telling me I owe the clinic $500. Do I care? [more inside]
Help me pick the best seats for this concert at Wrigley Field!
So, I managed to score 3 pairs of tickets to the Pearl Jam concert at Wrigley Field in July. I'd like to keep the best seats for myself, and I need some help! I've never been to Wrigley Field, or to a concert at a baseball field, so I'm struggling to decide which tickets are the best. [more inside]
Help a single mother work, to make things work.
Hello, I am a divorced single-mother and US Army National Guard veteran. I am currently living in a bad situation and need to move away from it. [more inside]
How can I get a SAD therapy light that is visually appealing?
Most SAD therapy lights are somewhere between utilitarian and ugly in terms of design. I want one that is beautiful, such that you could actually design a room around it. I think I would probably need to have it custom made, but I don't even know what sort of person I would begin trying to talk to. Let's ignore the question of cost for the time being, where would I find a person with the requisite skills (lighting, electrical, design, etc...) to build this for me?
posted by mmmmbobo at 10:49 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by mmmmbobo at 10:49 AM PST - 5 comments
Cheap way to do DVI/VGA capture from a PC to MacBook?
I need to figure out a cheap way to take a DVI or VGA signal from a PC, and capture it to a MacBook Pro to stream video to the internet. Situational constraints inside. [more inside]
posted by chambers at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by chambers at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments
[Personality filter] She is driving me crazy!!!
Help me figure out what is going on with this person and feel some empathy. [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 at 10:34 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Sophie1 at 10:34 AM PST - 19 comments
Upgraded to Snow Leopard and CS6...Why So Many Unsupported Fonts?
After switching to a different (and recently upgraded) Mac at work, FontDoctor is finding bushels of "Unsupported Fonts." We're talking big name fonts, too: some of my NeutraText weights, a bunch of Futura and Helveticas, Times CY, and many others. When I try to add the unsupported fonts to a set in Suitcase, the problem pops up as "Missing Printer File."
Is there a reason that upgrading from 10.5 to Snow Leopard would have rendered so many fonts unusable? Did I transfer over the wrong font files or something? How the heck are the fonts working on one Mac, but not the other? [more inside]
Multi-preset kitchen timer recommendation?
Can you recommend a kitchen timer with adjustable volume, pleasant alarm sounds, multiple simultaneous timers, and multiple presets? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 10:03 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by kristi at 10:03 AM PST - 3 comments
How to increase reading fluency?
An adult friend needs help becoming a faster reader. She's not interested in speed-reading classes because she doesn't want to learn how to skim: she wants to learn how to read more fluently. How does she learn to do that? [more inside]
posted by colfax at 9:30 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by colfax at 9:30 AM PST - 21 comments
What can you tell me about custom orthotics?
I have seen a podiatrist and have been diagnosed with hallux limitus. I wore an aircast for about 6 weeks starting in December, and felt improvement upon my return visit, but my doctor warned that it was likely my original pain would return and it has. I understand it will get worse with age. The doctor recommended custom orthotics, and told me to schedule a follow-up to get the mold made if I decided to pursue that course. Before I do, I want to understand a little more about what this means and how it will help. [more inside]
Moving from a small office to a very, very big one. Tips?
What should I know before starting my first job at a large, corporate company that I may not be prepared for coming from a tiny, flexible office environment? [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 9:08 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by the foreground at 9:08 AM PST - 28 comments
Contract programming position questions.
I interviewed for a remote programming gig recently, and they requested a trial contract before making a final offer. I'd be hired as a long-term remote contractor (year+, 100% telecommuting), not an employee. I have some questions: [more inside]
Why can't I charge my GoPro with a portable charger?
I have an imaxpower IMP880 portable charger. I would like to use it to power my GoPro Hero 2, but it doesn't work. The output on the device claims 5V/0.6A. Does the charge not output enough power? Should I simply look for a device that outputs 1A?
Help me put these things I did into resume language
Pimp My Resume: Mommy Edition. How can/should I describe these volunteer things I've done at my kid's schools on my resume? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:54 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 8:54 AM PST - 6 comments
Posting polish, potions and pongs
I found out at the post office today that it is no longer possible to ship nail varnish or perfume (containing alcohol) from the UK to overseas. What are the rules the other way around? I asked at the counter but the lady selling me my stamp didn't seem to be sure. [more inside]
How can I make my marriage work?
Need advice to sort out my marriage after a very stressful time - very extended explanation inside. [more inside]
Is this conference high-value/legit?
I supervise an administrative team of four people at my workplace, and one of my goals as a supervisor is to foster professional development in my employees, so I'm encouraging all of them to find learning opportunities, trainings, conferences that are relevant to either their current positions or where they'd like to go in their career.
One of my staff has asked if the National Seminars Training Conference for Women would qualify. I'm a big fan of feminist-oriented networking, but looking at this, I worry that it's a lot of talk without anything particularly concrete.
Does anyone know more about this conference in particular or National Seminars Training more broadly that might help me get some insight into the quality of this?
Does this ever get better?
I am having a very difficult time dealing with PTSD, especially as it relates to having close relationships with men. I am in my early 40's and for most of my life I didn't realize why I had such a hard time being able to trust others and allow myself to get close to people. Over the past couple of years, I was diagnosed with PTSD stemming from emotional, verbal, and physical abuse during my childhood. I have to say that it was good to discover why I have been screwed up emotionally for so long. At the same time, I am able to see that the kind of men I tend to gravitate toward are either abusive or emotionally not present (just like my parents). I have been in therapy ever since my diagnosis, and am working on building my self-esteem too. I am an awesome woman with a lot to offer and I have come a long way over the years. I can't seem to stop attracting men who hurt me in some way.
I want to find a life partner and I know that I deserve to be in a loving and nurturing relationship. But love equals pain even after years of therapy and working on myself.
Is there life after PTSD and how do I break this cycle? How can I find a man who loves me for me and wants to be supportive, PTSD and all? Thanks.
What makes a conference memorable and fun?
I would like to hear about the little things that really stood out and details you still remember to this day from conferences or conventions in any field. [more inside]
Best travel SIM in Japan (speech + data)
I'm searching for the best SIM card for a one month stay in Japan. I've already found e-connect (1 GB/30 days, only data @ 4100 Yen), but I would prefer an option including SMS/speech.
What tool is used to create graphs on the market data page in the WSJ?
The market data page of the WSJ is incredibly dense and filled with interesting graphs. I've been trying to figure out what must go into the creation of such an item on a daily basis, and by perusing the careers page for Dow Jones, i've gathered some information, namely that there is extensive use at the WSJ of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and MATLAB. What I haven't figured out is what the workflow looks like for the latter part of creating those graphs. [more inside]
Help me find weird medical/human stuff!
I like weird/creepy (but not "boo" scary!) stuff. Do you have that itch too? If so, help me scratch it! What are some good books or sites on the internet that I haven't seen with weird stuff? [more inside]
posted by agress at 7:51 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by agress at 7:51 AM PST - 37 comments
Suggestions on spot cleaning an acrylic on canvas painting?
Suggestions on spot cleaning marks off an acrylic on canvas painting? I recently bought a painting on eBay, not terribly expensive, not terribly valuable either, but it's nice and I like it very much. It needs to be cleaned up a bit. [more inside]
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:27 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Capt. Renault at 7:27 AM PST - 6 comments
How does one buy a house in a semi complicated situation?
Fell in love with a house. Currently own a house. Want to grab this potential house fast yet as of today, didn't prequalify yet, didn't put up current house for sale, don't have a broker to look for mortgages, etc. I have bonds to cash in for a down payment on the next house but just don't know how to get the ball rolling so fast. What steps do I need to take to make sure I'm not getting over my head too fast? I'm bad with change (esp. involving money) and am freaking out on what to do, how much to cash in, were to find a broker, etc.
Anything I need to know regarding selling? My home is my first home (been there 11 years). Worse case scenario, will probably break even with sale. I have zero clue if a seller is responsible for closing costs on both houses, just the one we're buying or selling, what percentage does a realtor get? Do I have to pay the realtor who showed the new house?
The potential house is absolutely perfect and don't want to lose it with the process taking up time. But also feel odd making such a huge move, so fast, when current house didn't sell. Do banks look bad upon 2 temporary mortgages? This is only going under my name so I'm freaking about 2 mortgages along with other costs for moving, living, etc.
posted by stormpooper at 7:27 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by stormpooper at 7:27 AM PST - 15 comments
How to repair my Sigg water bottle?
A few months ago I finally found the water bottle I'd coveted for so long. A few weeks ago, I lost it, along with everything else that was in my bag. And the bag itself. And my BLACK BELT. Anyway, after searching online for days, I finally found a shop in Poland that still had one. I ordered it immediately. I have it now.
It's leaking.
The hole is *tiny*, invisible to the naked eye. I'd say it leaks about one drop of water a minute. I'm sad and angry and disappointed, but as this bottle is apparently the last of its kind that was on sale, I'd really like to fix it. Any ideas how to go about it? Note: I'm in the Netherlands, so I'm kind of hoping for a miracle cure that will be available to me here...
posted by Skyanth at 7:18 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Skyanth at 7:18 AM PST - 19 comments
Dealing with family when someone is dying
It appears my Dad is in the process of dying - I'm mostly okay with that, but really struggling with the rest of my family. Could use some words of wisdom. [more inside]
Stick it out or move on from this unequal relationship?
I'm in a relationship with wonderful woman (4 months) who I am falling for but should I break it off now because it's unequal? [more inside]
OK, I was wrong. But YOU were wrong, TOO!
Marital quarrel where both partners were equally at fault (in different, unrelated ways). What are some frameworks/techniques for talking this out evenhandedly without the conversation shifting to be mostly about only one person's concerns, ignoring the other's? [more inside]
Tile Under Appliances in Kitchen?
The cabinets are already installed at floor level. Do we tile under the range and dishwasher or up to them? Also the dishwasher is already installed, but if we have to, we can take it out and tile under it. Opinions?
Artisanal ham: From where, and then what?
Can you teach me what I need to know about artisanal ham? I feel like I've got the eating part down already. [more inside]
posted by troywestfield at 6:40 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by troywestfield at 6:40 AM PST - 7 comments
Professional certificate in Project Management or Green Belt in 6 Sigma
Professional certificate in Project Management or Green Belt in 6 Sigma, which one is better for the resume or the career in general? [more inside]
Low-cost talk therapy in Houston
What are my options for low-cost talk therapy in Houston? I'm quitting my current job that has good health insurance, but low pay and not the greatest for overall body health. I'll be out of insurance for 2 months until my new job (much better, not a grocery store, and it's in my field of IT) insurance kicks into effect. [more inside]
posted by isoman2kx at 6:30 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by isoman2kx at 6:30 AM PST - 5 comments
Need help for my University's Battlebot competition
Looking for ideas for different obstacles to overcome or a point system for the competitors. [more inside]
Looking for a free video conversion software program
Looking for a recommendation for any free video conversion software programs... [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 6:11 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dbirchum at 6:11 AM PST - 7 comments
Awesome Arkansas Adventures for a six year old
What are a dozen (or more) fun adventures for a six year old in and around Fayetteville? [more inside]
posted by dismitree at 5:39 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by dismitree at 5:39 AM PST - 5 comments
What's that coming over the hill, is it a-FINALS!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
Your tips and tricks for overcoming procrastination and revising for essay based exams please! [more inside]
Stats: is a set of values within a normal range?
I'm trying a analyse a set of biological data for a research project and I'm having trouble finding the appropriate statistical tests to use. [more inside]
Yahoo accounts under attack
This last month, three of my family/friends had their Yahoo accounts hacked into with all sorts of unpleasantness ensuing. I'd like to save all my important info elsewhere. [more inside]
posted by miorita at 3:24 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by miorita at 3:24 AM PST - 19 comments
Is it Fuzzuary already?
Homemade bunny-themed calendar seeks bunny-related alternatives to standard month names. Bunuary and Fuzzuary have already come (and gone), but we've got 10 months to go and more than a few particularly ill-tempered months to rename. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Arrrgyle at 2:39 AM PST - 41 comments
posted by Arrrgyle at 2:39 AM PST - 41 comments
Interesting blogs about weird technology?
I'm looking for blogs that cover old and/or niche technology, in the vein of Something Awful's "Obsolete technology" thread or JWZ' "retrocomputing" tag. Suggestions?
Can you identify this Sanskrit character?
Can you identify a Sanskrit character? It's the first photo in this post. Thanks!
Whither aliens without food?
Just finished watching the Alien series (again). I've always been curious, what did they live on for sustenance? Their awesome power and quickness suggests a significant need of caloric intake, but how this was handled was never clear. [more inside]
posted by psmealey at 1:14 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by psmealey at 1:14 AM PST - 19 comments
February 11
Help me avoid unnecessary hormones
What are my best options for hormone-free or low-hormone birth control? [more inside]
Experienced Social Worker looking to jump ship in the UK - ideas?
My husband is a very experienced social work manager specializing in elder care. We live in the UK and are moving to another part of the UK (Northern England) for my job. He'll be leaving the job he's held for over 10 years to come with me. He'd like to use this opportunity to change careers but isn't sure what he might be able to do in this economy. Details after the break. [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 10:32 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by hazyjane at 10:32 PM PST - 4 comments
Best semi-pro sewing machine for heavy fabrics?
What pro or semi-pro sewing machine would be best for a home sewer opening an Etsy store that sells denim, canvas, and Cordura (1000 denier) luggage and other bags? Ability to sew lighter fabrics as well would be a plus, as would overlock capability (a separate overlock machine would also work). This is for a class project and hypothetical, so price is no object.
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 9:30 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 9:30 PM PST - 5 comments
Extreme eczema
My partner suffers from a bad case of eczema. She is itchy on her neck, back, and arms nearly all of the time. She has tried every dermatologist, creme, lotion, potion, out there. The main culprit seems to be lanolin. We use fragrance free dryer sheets, laundry detergent, shampoo, etc. If you suffer from a bad case of eczema, do you have some wonder potion/idea/helpful hint we could employ? [more inside]
Hotel in Portland - Walkable, Not Too Expensive, Near Powell's Bookstore
Looking for a place to stay in Portland on a weeknight near fun destinations like Powell's. [more inside]
What Should Be In A Fully-Wired Twenty-Something's Will?
Recently, several friends and acquaintances in their 20s have passed away. Their online accounts -- particularly their Facebook accounts -- linger, as memento mori, covered with "miss u" wall posts and that sort of thing. Which has got me thinking about what will happen when people who are now in their 20s and early 30s die. Especially if they die young. [more inside]
posted by Miss T.Horn at 8:31 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Miss T.Horn at 8:31 PM PST - 8 comments
What's wrong with this dog?
I adopted a dog on Saturday, a Silky Terrier mix. He had just gotten to the pound the day I adopted him, having been dropped off by a family who said they couldn't afford him. He's a very sweet dog and hasn't made a peep since I got him (seriously, not even a whine). Thing is, he won't eat. He's eaten maybe five tiny pieces of Kibbles and Bits and hasn't relieved himself in solid form, despite many walks. I finally gave in and gave him canned food and he took a bite, then ran off with the remainder, dropping it in the middle of the hallway and not touching it after that. [more inside]
posted by amiableamy at 8:22 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by amiableamy at 8:22 PM PST - 36 comments
Make me light ash blonde again
Absolute haircolor disaster at the salon happened, perhaps somebody can help me pick up the pieces? [more inside]
What are the technical fundamentals of dance I should practice?
What are the "Hanon Piano Exercises" of dance? That is, what are technical drills I should do briefly every day to become better at dancing? [more inside]
posted by losvedir at 7:42 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by losvedir at 7:42 PM PST - 7 comments
Curating an rss for my parents
We are web junkies, the parents are hip but have some issues adopting multi-step tech solutions, can we cut the lessons and just curate their readers? All of them are on flipboard, but rarely add new material, Is there an easy way for me to subscribe them or do I have to make additional google accounts for them and subscribe them that way? What am I not thinking of? [more inside]
Looking to buy a Pi Yao
Looking to buy a Pi Yao but need some input [more inside]
Need a story on the importance of asking questions
Tomorrow I'm leading a session for college freshmen on the importance of asking questions. The canned curriculum we've been given introduces the session with me reading a story (!) to the students. Unfortunately, the moral of the story seems to be why NOT to ask questions. [more inside]
Help me sort out my messy digital media/device issues
Should I get a new iTouch? Or ditch iTunes and start fresh with something else? Get an Android tablet? New phone? Plus a new OS for my laptop? Feeling overwhelmed! [more inside]
Looking for a specific description of John Bonham's drumming
I once read a paragraph-or-so-long review of a Led Zeppelin song that I'm almost completely sure is "When The Levee Breaks" that talks about why it's so incredible from the very first drumbeat, how it has a heavy sound and comes in behind the beat. I'm trying to find it. [more inside]
Make Me A God Of Fire!
Can you help me make more of my Kindle Fire? [more inside]
Ski Boot Fitting - Process and Shops Near Westchester County, NY?
I'm looking for a good ski boot fitter no more than three hours away from northern Westchester County, NY. Do you know of any? How about any other tips concerning boot fitting? [more inside]
posted by Opposite George at 6:09 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Opposite George at 6:09 PM PST - 9 comments
Please recommend poems about the beach / the sea / the ocean.
I'm looking for poems about the beach that have some nostalgia to them. I'll be pairing them with some photographs of a woman on the beach looking mostly wistfully (think prenup photos!). Quotes are also appreciated. thanks!
Where to spend an extra week in Cambodia?
I am currently on a month long trip in Cambodia and have seen most of what I want to see. I'll have about a week left at the end and am looking for recommendations. What did I miss? What should I see before I leave?
. [more inside]
Andy Cramed's boots
There's a scene in Deadwood and I can't figure out entirely what it's doing there. It's spoilery, so details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by invitapriore at 4:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by invitapriore at 4:31 PM PST - 7 comments
How to go from zero to TV?
We haven't had a proper TV in over a decade. I would like to have something other than my laptop to watch streaming media, DVDs, Netflix, etc. Can you explain how this works in 2013? I imagine we'd buy something like this Samsung LED HDTV and some kind of speakers. Then what? Do we plug it into a laptop? What exactly is Apple TV and how does it stack up against Roku? This seems like it should be a simple question, but I feel like a caveman emerging from the dark, and am fairly bewildered at all of the options and variations out there. [more inside]
posted by barnone at 4:31 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by barnone at 4:31 PM PST - 27 comments
Could/should I find the man whose psychosis was directed at me?
About a decade ago I started University in the UK. Towards the end of my first year a friend I made began to become paranoid. His behaviour towards me was particularly troubling, and eventually rumours circulated that he had been institutionalised. I have always wondered what happened to him, and if he is OK. My concerns linger these many years later, but tracking him down online has achieved nothing. Is there any way I can find out if everything turned out alright for him, preferably without causing too many ripples? [more inside]
Why is my MacBook losing hard drive space so fast?
Lately I have noticed that my MacBook (5 years old) seems to be losing hard drive space without me adding any additional files to it. What's going on? [more inside]
baseball has not been very very good to my wallet
Is it legal to pay ballpark groundskeepers less than minimum wage on a "per-game" basis? [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 4:13 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by headnsouth at 4:13 PM PST - 5 comments
YANMD, but you *are* affordable. Is mild circulation cut-off damaging?
For known medical reasons, I have recently starting to see swelling around/above the ankles. I know why - and the implications - so I'm good there. However, I have also started to notice that the tops of the low socks I wear leave a moderate impression in the swelling, suggesting that I am indeed cutting off some the circulation in the skin. And I believe I am seeing moderate discoloration in the top of the foot (and some times much more visible veins) as a result. Do I need to be concerned here? Am I doing damage worth avoiding? Do I need to look into a looser sock that does not grip as tightly (and therefore probably falls down more :-( ) ?
posted by Cardinal Fang! at 4:12 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Cardinal Fang! at 4:12 PM PST - 8 comments
Why would a SATA drive work in a SATA>USB dock, but not via SATA cable?
I've got a 3tb Seagate SATA drive, formatted NTFS, that I bought along with this Thermaltake SATA docking station. It's the kind where the naked drive just kinda chunks down vertically into the dock, which then connects to the PC via USB. Works great in the dock, but at a certain point, I thought I should just install the drive, not freak out about accidentally bumping it, and I'd get better throughput via sata cable to my mobo. Unfortunately, when I connect via sata, the disk shows up as uninitialized in Windows (Win7 x64)
If I plug the drive back into the dock, it mounts just fine and there's all my files. I am very confused.
I seem to ask a lot of questions about photos lately
Can you recommend some scanning software for me? I need to scan a whole bunch of older photos, and I'd like to do it relatively quickly. [more inside]
I need to learn the basics of APIs
I'm a web developer who is very capable with HTML and CSS, but that's about it. I am fairly comfortable with SQL, but now I need to learn to develop an API. I'd like to read a good book on the subject. Is there such a book? All I can find are things that explain why an API is useful, or things that assume you already know what you're doing in order to build/use an API.
posted by dylan_k at 3:42 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by dylan_k at 3:42 PM PST - 11 comments
Need a good Science experiment for a Kindergarten class....
Tomorrow is our day as Mystery Scientist in my son's kindergarten class. My husband is going, he planned the experiment, bought the stuff and just informed me that it doesn't work.....Arrrrgh!!! [more inside]
posted by pearlybob at 3:36 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by pearlybob at 3:36 PM PST - 17 comments
YANMD, but am I being ridiculous?
YANMD: I have pain in my left shoulder blade, I can feel a muscle "knot", and I'm convinced I have cancer. [more inside]
How to I find a good electrician?
I am prepping a whole-house restoration in Los Angeles. Walls are coming down; new electrical is going in. My electrical needs will include the usual lights and switches and outlets, but also low voltage stuff like security, audio/video and wifi/internet.
My question is twofold: 1) What is the best way to source a good electrician? (I would like to meet with at least a few at the property before making a selection.) 2) What is the best way to verify an electrician is good?
How do (or should I) find out how a classmate died?
Someone I went to high school with died a year or so ago. I never learned what the cause of death was, and I'm curious. I drive by an adopt a highway sign dedicated to their memory often, and it confuses and bums me out. [more inside]
Men's underwear for weightlifting
Looking for recommendations for men's underwear - comfortable, supportive, but keeps your package tucked back so you don't bash 'the boys' on the bar when doing deadlifts.
Can a lawyer help us get this nightmare transaction done with?
We paid $4000.00 for a service, and now we're having trouble getting what we wanted. It's been 3 months and we need a resolution to this nightmare! [more inside]
Please give me a name to this song I just heard
I just heard this on the local NPR station. Lyrics were about the opening of the seven seals and in the chorus, the singer sings "I'm the Revelator, I'm the Apostle John." And no, the song was not John the Revelator. The singer was pretty gruff, on a level with Tom Waits but I don't think it was him. I did lyrics searches on Google and found only a dozen versions of "John the Revelator".
posted by Ber at 1:12 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Ber at 1:12 PM PST - 4 comments
where is my baby bump?
Trying to get preggos AND also trying to be patient. But, would like to prepare just in case. When should I go in to a doctor to discuss fertility, and who/what kind of a doc should I discuss this with? (OB/GYN? A reproductive specialist?) [more inside]
posted by Rocket26 at 12:59 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Rocket26 at 12:59 PM PST - 21 comments
Squicked by real gore, fine with fake gore...why?
Have there been any actual studies shedding light on the disparate reactions of (most?) adult humans to real versus fake scenes involving blood, guts, injuries, etc.? More to the point, is there any sort of evidence that as a species we're good at identifying simulated blood, etc., at a glance despite it superficially "looking real", and what physiological markers might indicate this? [more inside]
posted by aecorwin at 12:34 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by aecorwin at 12:34 PM PST - 18 comments
Does my ideal purse exist?
I'm on the market for a new everyday purse/bag, and I'm having trouble finding exactly what I'm looking for. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Phire at 12:21 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by Phire at 12:21 PM PST - 32 comments
Why does PayPal and/or Photobucket want a credit card?
Why does PayPal/Photobucket seem to insist on adding a credit card now? What if I have no credit card? What if I want no credit card? [more inside]
How to cite a source within a source?
I'm creating an MLA bibliography. I've accessed the author's writings through similar links like here, but am not sure how to cite them. [more inside]
posted by flying_trapeze at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by flying_trapeze at 12:06 PM PST - 6 comments
What program should I use to create an image map?
I need to learn to make interactive image maps. I know HTML and Photoshop, but I've never used a pagemaking program before. What one should I learn? Thanks!
How much harm can a past-it wholemeal tortilla wreak?
We have cooked a fab Indian meal for friends coming this evening. However, to our dismay the 'Discovery' brand wholemeal tortillas which we were going to use for rotis, turn out to be one month past their sell by date. They taste ok.
Can anyone get sick from eating an out of date wholemeal tortilla?
(Ingredients: Wholemeal wheat flour, water, veg oil, glycerine, raising agents (diphosphates, sodium bicarbonate), dextrose, salt, acidity regulators (malic acid, citric acid), preservative (calcium propionate), mono-anddiglycerides of fatty acids)
posted by Marzipan at 11:29 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by Marzipan at 11:29 AM PST - 29 comments
Historical teacher salaries from 1800 till today
I'm trying to track down the average US teacher salaries (at a national level) from the various US censuses, from the post-revolutionary period till today. [more inside]
I need a Print Portfolio!
I need a portfolio to carry 12x16" artwork on paper. All the portfolios I see are cheap looking and cheap or great looking and expensive. I'm looking for cheaper portfolios that have the look of a more expensive portfolio. [more inside]
Zombie Adobe Reader 9.5.3 Updater will not die!
Zombie Adobe Reader 9.5.3 Updater will not die! Please help me kill it with fire. (Max OSX 10.6.8) [more inside]
posted by mosk at 10:54 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by mosk at 10:54 AM PST - 7 comments
I'm traveling to India (New Delhi), for business in a week. Need advice!
It's my first time out of the USA, and I don't know what to pack! [more inside]
Kids Programming on Netflix Instant
Kid-friendly Netflix / Hulu ideas for elementary school indoor recess? [more inside]
Clarification on writing a Statement of Interest
Hello Hivemind,
I will be entering grad school this fall and am in the process of applying for a research fellowship. The application states that you must submit a statement of interest that includes primary and collateral research interests, as well as career objectives. It should not exceed 3 pages. I am very aware that this is different than my statement of purpose, which I used when applying to grad school. However, I have several questions. My first question is, what are collateral research interests? Is this like a secondary line of research interests? If I had more research experience and was published, etc, I could see making the three pages. But, I only have a senior thesis and junior thesis. So I was thinking that I might explain why I am interested in the fellowship and mentors I might like to work with, as well as answering the above questions. Thanks
posted by TRUELOTUS at 10:11 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by TRUELOTUS at 10:11 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me get my DVR recordings onto my computer somehow please!
I want to save my DVR recordings on my computer. The problem is that, from the googling I've done, my DVR model encrypts the files in such a way that I can't transfer the recordings directly onto my computer, even if the USB ports on the DVR did work. I am wondering if maybe I can play the recording on my TV and just "capture" the playback on my computer so I can save it. If there's a way to get the raw recordings unencrypted, that'd be great, but I doubt it's possible. More inside. [more inside]
Independent contractor - quandary re: asking for/demanding higher fee
I'm technically an independent contractor but essentially an employee without benefits for a small company. How do I renegotiate a higher fee when I've gone over hours on projects these past 6 months ? I am underpaid for the services I provide - my fault for not being more savvy at the start. [more inside]
posted by faraasha at 9:24 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by faraasha at 9:24 AM PST - 11 comments
Has anyone been prescribed Topamax purely as a sleep aid?
My pdoc prescribed me Topamax as a sleep aid. I do not have epilepsy or migraines, which Topamax is usually prescribed for. I have searched Crazymeds and a couple other drugs forums and no-one has ever mentioned it being prescribed purely as a sleep aid. Oh, and it doesn't even work. [more inside]
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 9:13 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 9:13 AM PST - 24 comments
Which kitchen appliances/gadgets do you keep on the counter?
Which kitchen appliances/gadgets do you keep on the counter, and which do you store away in cupboards or a pantry? [more inside]
Be my bridesmaid, but don't go broke
How can I tactfully let my bridesmaids know I'm happy to help them pick up the tab? I'm getting married this summer, and have asked seven close friends to be bridesmaids. They're all wonderful, good friends, and they all like each other and me and everything is harmonious, except that there is a SERIOUSLY WIDE income disparity among them (everything from full-time student working part-time at a coffee shop to a stay-at-home wife of a zillionaire). I am definitely on the higher side of the spectrum, but it is very important to me that I be mindful of my friends' bank balances. [more inside]
Paying a fee to get published in an illustration yearbook: worth it?
I am an illustrator and have been recently contacted by the magazine Uppercase, who offered me an opportunity to be part of the third edition of Work/Life, an annual book dedicated to the work of 100 international illustrators.
While surely nicely curated and distributed, Uppercase Work/Life asks their applicants to pay a CDN $500 fee to have a two-page spread.
Is it worth it? [more inside]
I need new cuss words
I need new swear words. The old ones aren't doing it for me any more. The more offensive, violent, bizarre, and onomatopoetical, the better. [more inside]
posted by goethean at 8:51 AM PST - 88 comments
posted by goethean at 8:51 AM PST - 88 comments
Should I buy a new or refurbed MacBook Air?
Time for a new (to me) laptop! I know this isn't that complicated, but I hate computer shopping. Please give me your wise advice on what to get and where to get it. [more inside]
Please help me plot my escape from Retail!
I need help focusing my job search, finding something decent with a degree but very little relevant work experience, and keeping from getting too discouraged in the process. [more inside]
posted by seraph9 at 8:09 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by seraph9 at 8:09 AM PST - 10 comments
Water supply for a fire hydrant
On my drive to work, I pass a power-line-trail. On the side of the road at the gate to the powerlines is a blue fire hydrant, and a little sign saying "non-potable water" by it. Why ? [more inside]
posted by k5.user at 7:28 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by k5.user at 7:28 AM PST - 15 comments
Alzheimer's: strategies to help caregiver cope
Dad has Alzheimer's. His wife is his 24/7 caregiver. I'm out of state. How can we help her cope? [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 7:13 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by ecorrocio at 7:13 AM PST - 12 comments
Wall a town to keep out the wind?
Mad science/weather physicsfilter: I live in a small town in the Midwest right at the moment. It gets very, very cold, and most of the actual suffering part of the cold is due to high winter winds. Why can't towns like this just build city walls, ancient Athens-style, say 20 feet high or so (more?) to keep the wind out? There must be some obvious physics/ecology reason why this wouldn't work, someone explain it to me?
posted by paultopia at 6:44 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by paultopia at 6:44 AM PST - 21 comments
Pitching Help! (Journalism)
I work as a journalist. However, I only get articles in publications due to my personal relationships with the editor(s). I've never been able to send in an unsolicited pitch and have it accepted. [more inside]
Which tax software for our particular situation?
I'm looking at tax softwares and not finding one that suits our particular need, which is, specificially: run all these scenarios and figure out what's best. [more inside]
Jazz recommendations please!
Lately, I can't get enough of the sound of McCoy Tyner's piano from the recordings he did with that great Coltrane quartet. I'm wearing those grooves thin. What else should I be listening to? [more inside]
posted by .kobayashi. at 5:22 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by .kobayashi. at 5:22 AM PST - 7 comments
What species is this spider?
Found this guy while cleaning out my shop, and, for the Pacific NW, it was a fairly impressive beast. I'd say, across the legs, it was roughly the size of a 50 cent piece. Here's a photo. [more inside]
Resources on Polynesian myth.
For a friend: I’m writing about a fictional, Polynesian-inspired trickster god for a game. What are some resources I can consult so my storylines are respectful and grounded in authentic myth? Ideally, these sources will be fun to read as well.
February 10
How many viruses could we eradicate?
This may end up in a story, it may not... But this occurred to me the other day. We all learned in school that viruses need a host, bacteria do not. Therefore if we all voluntarily quarantined ourselves for two weeks, how many potential viruses could we wipe out? [more inside]
How did they do the camera move in this old Cabaret Voiltaire video?
Ever since I saw the video for Cabaret Voltaire's Sensoria a gazillion and nine years ago, I've wondered how they accomplished that freaky, vertiginous camera move. You see it at the beginning of the video, with lots of quick little inserted shots to break it up, but then it turns up again a few times later without any cuts. It seems like the camera is on an overhead track, but you never see a track as the camera is swooping around. Was it on some sort of a crane? The shot's wide enough that it would seem like you would see the crane off on one side or the other.
(If you've never heard the song, plan to spend a good part of your work day tomorrow muttering, "Do right... Always work... Go to church.")
posted by Ursula Hitler at 10:33 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Ursula Hitler at 10:33 PM PST - 11 comments
The Paranthetical Voice
Is there a word for the change of tone of voice used to express a paranthetical phrase? [more inside]
Appropriate discipline, boundaries for a 14-year-old
My son, 14, splits his time between my house and my ex-husband's house. About two years ago, my son's bed at his dad's house was taken away - he's been sleeping on the floor ever since. I am increasingly upset about this but unsure whether or how to intervene. [more inside]
posted by webwench at 10:18 PM PST - 112 comments
posted by webwench at 10:18 PM PST - 112 comments
Looking for readings to impart a sense of current academic urban studies
Long-term, I'm thinking of going back to grad school but I'm unsure what subject I'd want to do it in. In parallel, I simply have an itch to know more about urban studies that I'd like to scratch. Given this is a long-term goal, I thought it would be nice to get to the point where I am at least quasi-fluent in modern urban studies. I'm looking for any suggestions towards this end, though I was thinking about just compiling a list of influential works and papers, read those, then follow any particularly intriguing citations and so on. My goal is to at least have a critical (ideally not shallow but not super deep) understand at the level of a masters student, let's say.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
posted by wooh at 10:03 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by wooh at 10:03 PM PST - 10 comments
Non-American Apparel undies with similar styling?
I quite like American Apparel's boy briefs for their unisex-ish retro styling and ginormous variety of vibrant colours. However, I am not at all a fan of Dov Charney and so I am looking for non-AA alternatives. Suggestions? [more inside]
Embarrassing evidence?
Is there a name, poetical or scientific, for the outline left behind when a bird collides with a window? I have this vague remembering of there being such a word, but I can't find it online.
A threesome with a not-so-happy ending...
Does the description of this gay porn video ring a bell? [more inside]
Can I weaken a neodymium super-magnet?
I got a bunch of neodymium super-magnets to put up heavy stuff on the side of my refrigerator and hold music to a steel music stand. I made the mistake of ordering the maximum-strength (N50) ones, which are so strong I can't handle them, even in the small size (1/4" x 1/2"). [more inside]
Simple, yet tasty.
Simple question: What's the best Vanilla ice cream available in New York City? [more inside]
posted by Aversion Therapy at 8:30 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Aversion Therapy at 8:30 PM PST - 14 comments
How did you find your first "real" job that led to your career?
I don't know how to find a job. I made good grades in college. I've done some good internships. Usually once I get to the interview process, I get offered a job. I just don't know where to start with my job search.
Looking for anecdotal advice. How did you get your first break into the career you wanted?
Forgot to apply for my Chinese visa, how screwed am I?
I am traveling to Shanghai for two weeks soon (Feb. 20th). In one of my finer moments, I completely forgot about the visa until this weekend. I have all the necessary documents but I need a visa ASAP and the embassy is closed on Monday and Tuesday. I'll be using a visa service since I really have no idea what I'm doing but is it possible to still get my passport back in time for my flight?
posted by Loto at 7:50 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Loto at 7:50 PM PST - 5 comments
I do, he does: who marries us?
Please talk to me about your experiences with interfaith wedding ceremonies (specifically, Catholic/non-Catholic.) [more inside]
Put my name on parent's bank account or power of attorney?
My father would like to add my name to his bank account in case of his medical emergency or death. I'd prefer to just take power of attorney as he has a lot of debt. Thoughts?
What will fit into this oddly shaped bathroom space?
We're redoing a bathroom in a house we plan to sell. It's a very old house, so nothing is quite standard. Between the new sink cabinet and the stacked washer / dryer there is a space that's about 10 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 80 inches high. We'd like to make it functional in some way. It also should look nice. [more inside]
How can I be more assertive at work without being a jerk?
A new person started at work recently and has been trying to get the company to change course and use the tools they're used to. I've been taking the brunt of it and have ended up being really defensive. How can I be more assertive with this person, but also not end up coming off like a jerk? And how do I learn to work with this person? Snowflake stuff inside. [more inside]
Help a Returning Noob Navigate the Graphic Novel/Comics Universe!
I'm starting to get back into reading comics and graphic novels again after an absence of nearly 30 years. I'm hoping the cool kids of the Mefiverse can assist me in choosing some titles. [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:26 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:26 PM PST - 29 comments
I'm told that my hair sucks. I live near Atlanta. Help?
A couple of weeks ago, my wife took mercy on me and told me that my hair looks ridiculous. The words she used were "it's dated" and "sometimes I cringe when you go out like that." OK then, message received. Here's the problem: I have no clue what I would want it to look like. I can fit what I want into three very broad parameters: [more inside]
posted by deadmessenger at 5:50 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by deadmessenger at 5:50 PM PST - 24 comments
Season 2 of The Walking Dead: Watch them all, or watch selectively?
My boyfriend and I have just finished Season 1 of The Walking Dead. We have heard that Season 2 really drags, but Season 3 (so far) is amazing. So now we are torn: should we watch all of Season 2, or should we skip some episodes so as to reach Season 3 faster? If the latter, which episodes should we skip, and which are must-watch? SPOILERS INSIDE. [more inside]
Picking Yourself Up By Your Boostraps
Greetings All: Well, it's February and the weather is pretty crummy which is appropriate for this time of year. For those of you reading this post, I don't have a lot to add to what is going on in my life right now. To make matters simple, I would say this that I have lived in a very closed off world for most of my life. I have made some pretty bad life choices, and that I have tried to see the positive of the things that have gone my way. Unfortunately, things are not going the way that I would like right now which makes me me feel as thought I am in the same boat as everyone else. [more inside]
ISO comfortable, non-bulky, water-resistant shoes
I'll be traveling to the northeast next week and I've realized that I don't own any shoes that are remotely suitable for trapising about on the cold, potentially snowy or slushy sidewalks of Boston. When I lived there I wore my Dr. Martens everywhere and they were great, but I've since learned that they don't play nicely with my issue-prone feet, and anyway I need something that will be comfortable to wear for long periods of time and not particularly bulky, which puts most snow or combat-type boots out. I know this is kind of a silly question, but I'm really stumped as to where to start looking. So, residents of similar climes, what do you wear on your feet that keeps them relatively warm and dry but still fairly comfortable? Suggestions for specific models and brands or general types welcome.
posted by rhiannonstone at 4:33 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by rhiannonstone at 4:33 PM PST - 24 comments
Songs that say "Hey!"
Please help me thrill my 4 year old daughter with suggestions of songs that have the singer saying "Hey!" more than once.
She told us awhile back that she loves songs that have "Hey!" in them, so I want to make a playlist of "Hey!" songs. The "Hey!" should be punctuated and repeated at least once - preferably more than once. The songs don't have to be songs for children, but should be at least semi-appropriate for 4 year olds (i.e. profanity is out, but innuendo that they won't understand until they are much older is ok).
Some examples of stuff that we already have: "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" by the Beatles, "She" by the Monkees, "Get Off Of My Cloud" by the Rolling Stones, a couple traditional Greek songs. Any genre or time period is fine!
ULTIMATE FOUR YEAR OLD HEY! PLAYLIST - GO!
I Refuse to go to Mayberry
My debit card was skimmed when a local eatery was hacked into. The total take may be over a million dollars. Can my bank force me to file a police report as a condition before returning my money ($104) to me? [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 3:57 PM PST - 46 comments
posted by Xurando at 3:57 PM PST - 46 comments
Outdated web design
I used to have a lot of fun doing some web design a few years back, and wanted to have some fun with it again. [more inside]
posted by readygo at 3:53 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by readygo at 3:53 PM PST - 9 comments
What to expect when I'm expecting to be expecting soon?
My husband and I think we may start trying for our first child within the next year. I'm looking for books and other resources to help inform myself about the biological and health side of the equation, as well as psychological, relationship, and general life consequences of having a baby. [more inside]
Is there such a thing as an "anti-cancer" diet?
A good friend of mine is working in a field that involves a lot of radiation. It's just sort of an occupational hazard. Just wondering, are there foods or a specific kind of diet that is healthy/has a proven ability to reduce the risk of getting cancer? I have heard anecdotal stuff, but am wondering if there is any proven (scientific) work out there on this. I want to protect my friend and I am curious for myself too!
All the happy people in relationships will be busy that night
What can I do to make the evening of Valentine's Day in an online chatroom suck less for everyone involved? [more inside]
How do I remove white stains from driver side car window and mirror?
How do I remove white stains from driver side car window and mirror? [more inside]
posted by Frank Grimes at 3:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Frank Grimes at 3:02 PM PST - 4 comments
Best practices for scanning slides
My Dad has a collection of nearly 12,000 35mm slides, which I want to digitize. They've been out in the garage for years, and many of them are 30 to 50 years old. I'd like to make them look as good as possible after scanning. Early results are not what I'd like. [more inside]
posted by zompist at 2:53 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by zompist at 2:53 PM PST - 14 comments
Best comic book blogs?
What are some of the better comic book blogs, with reviews, retrospectives, analysis, etc. [more inside]
Feeling responsible for friend's sobriety--need help with boundaries!
(Asking for a friend)
I have been sober for nearly a year, and attend AA meetings regularly. Recently, an old friend has moved to my city and has confided in me that they are concerned with their own drinking habits, think they may be an alcoholic, and asked for my help. I am happy to support my friend, but some boundary issues have come up that I would like metafilter's advice on. (Sorry in advance for length.) [more inside]
posted by dysh at 2:28 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by dysh at 2:28 PM PST - 18 comments
Finding a lost finding (Jewelry)
I'm seeking a specific silver hook and eye clasp for a fisherman bracelet I lost. The hook piece has a swordfish embossed on it. I have looked high and low on the big jewelry, jewelry and beading supply sites and etsy but no luck.
Picture of clasp
Immense sentimental value! I've seen Ask MeFi work some crazy magic in the past, I'd be eternally grateful for your help!
Do global markets promote global peace?
I am interested in conducting some preliminary research on this topic and am looking for the key thinkers and arguments on either side of this debate. [more inside]
posted by ageispolis at 1:46 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by ageispolis at 1:46 PM PST - 7 comments
Wall Wart Voltage.
Are wall wart output voltages load dependent? I am testing out a salvage piece of electronics (Sanyo micro cassette transcriber). The 9 VDC power supply is missing. I have a 9VDC, 1200 MA, class 2 wall wart in my salvage pile. When polarity tested after soldering on a new connector, I got an unloaded voltage reading of 12.34 VDC. Should this voltage drop down after it sees a load?
Joint credit cards and my credit score
Credit experts: When I enrolled in college, my father added me onto a new credit card to have at my disposal. Now it's becoming an albatross. [more inside]
posted by drpynchon at 12:49 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by drpynchon at 12:49 PM PST - 11 comments
Borrowed nostalgia for the unremembered eighties?
Hey, music geeks! Can someone please explain the recent retro-fetishization of the cassette tape? When and where did this trend begin? [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet at 12:47 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by jason's_planet at 12:47 PM PST - 28 comments
Experience using services that report rental history to credit bureaus?
Rebuilding credit a few years post-divorce and home ownership, does anyone have experience with services like rentreporters.com that will report rental payment history to credit services? [more inside]
Let's Work Wherever We Are Traveling
Where can I find other people like myself who can work wherever they happen to be? (Not talking about the oldest profession here!!!) I can do my regular work wherever I happen to be since I deal with computer programming. I am trying to find other people who might want go to a place, say, for a month, and live there and split costs. Anybody know of any online communities of people that do this?
I'd like to be more curious about people & enjoy social interaction more
Looks like "social interaction for introverts" is the theme du jour here on MeFi, so here's another question along similar lines as two recent ones. [more inside]
posted by zeri at 11:59 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by zeri at 11:59 AM PST - 7 comments
US Verizon iPhone 5 on Italian vacation?
I've Googled this, and asked at both the Verizon and Apple stores, and am getting conflicting information, so I turn to you. Have any of you taken a stock (not jailbroken or unlocked) Verizon iPhone 5 which is under contract (not purchased at full price) to Europe and used the GSM SIM slot with a prepaid European SIM? [more inside]
posted by outfielder at 11:54 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by outfielder at 11:54 AM PST - 7 comments
How can I rebuild my college social life?
College freshman here. Friend from high school has, for lack of a better word, ruined my college social life. Looking for outside opinions on the situation in general. I'd truly appreciate any insight, advice, anecdotes, etc. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by metacognition at 11:47 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by metacognition at 11:47 AM PST - 20 comments
Awesome gift ideas for my favorite almost nine year old?
My cousin, who also happens to be my favorite little dude on the planet, is turning nine in a couple weeks. For most of his life, I've lived on the other side of the country so he really only knows me through infrequent holiday visits, but for the next few months we're going to be in the same city and I'm super excited for us to get to know each other better during this time. Because I've been a deadbeat cousin, I don't know specifically what he's into (although he likes typical high energy 8 year old stuff like wrestling his friends, reading books, video games, and exploding coke bottles with mentos) but I'd like to get him something completely awesome anyway. [more inside]
posted by justjess at 11:26 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by justjess at 11:26 AM PST - 16 comments
Jobs/professions separated by taste, and income, but not skills?
Those who can, do; those who can't, teach. But it seems to me -- as a teacher discussing possible careers with young folks, in which some focus on maximum expected income per skill set -- that there are jobs or professions in which the average participant could excel at another, and earn (on average) more money, but chooses not to. This is helpful in illustrating that income isn't allocated by talent, and those choosing professions value many different things.
Can you help me think of airtight examples in the following form? "Many/most Xs have the skills to succeed as Ys -- and they could earn more money, on average, as Ys -- but they choose not to." Speculation about why they might make that choice (including, e.g., love of doing X, distaste for Y, risk averseness, etc.) also appreciated. Please set aside factors that don't really relate to choice, such as scarcity or ignorance. Thanks!
Apple Mail w/ multiple accounts
I use Apple's Mail app with three mail accounts and I would like somehow to differentiate emails other than the tiny little label they show. [more inside]
posted by xmutex at 11:23 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by xmutex at 11:23 AM PST - 5 comments
Trying to locate/confirm David Foster Wallace quote about life/honesty
Something about the importance or value of living honestly/doing something good while never being rewarded for your actions or even recognized for them. [more inside]
posted by fartknocker at 11:21 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by fartknocker at 11:21 AM PST - 8 comments
Take me home, country (or city) roads
Please help my spouse and I find a new city. We currently live in Northern Virginia and are looking for a change of scenery. [more inside]
posted by timetoevolve at 11:09 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by timetoevolve at 11:09 AM PST - 36 comments
CMS VS POD
Content Management Systems allow users to manage/publish web content. A Print on Demand system allows users manage/publish print content. I need a single system that does both. [more inside]
The best (non-academic) periodical text-search engine?
Dunno if it exists - I'm looking for a searchable periodical database that will let me scour say, all magazines put out by X publisher, for a particular phrase. I see Google Scholar, but not something that lets me search typical magazines (Like Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Wired, etc). Does it exist? If so, point the way!
(I realize I could try going to sites of each individual magazine and seeing if they will let me search all their online back issues).
Thanks mefiters. : )
I will not render unto Caesar
Help me communicate better with my sons' barber. It's time for haircuts and I don't want to regret the results. [more inside]
posted by ambrosia at 10:29 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by ambrosia at 10:29 AM PST - 21 comments
What happens if we march in March?
My union may be going on strike. What does that mean? Assume a naive mid-career professional with limited understanding of labor relations. [more inside]
Which home NAS with online backup for 2013?
I have a mess of ad-hoc backup systems, none of which “just work”. I would like to have a NAS that quietly backs up the cross-platform content I have, and also mirrors it online securely. I should probably budget for about 1-2 TB. I have no problem doing geeky setup stuff, but the less routine stuff I have to remember, the better. System details follow. [more inside]
posted by scruss at 8:58 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by scruss at 8:58 AM PST - 10 comments
Puerto Rico Travel Advice
So my partner and I have ~ 3 days in puerto rico and want to make the most of it! Help us plan it - we'll be visiting the first few days of march and would love some advice on places to stay & sights to see. [more inside]
Positive religious spin on Katrina
There's a quote from Criminal Minds that has stuck in my head:
Gideon: After Hurricane Katrina I read some essays by religious scholars. One writer said God was punishing America for its immorality; New Orleans was a wicked city, like Sodom and Gomorrah. Another one, a priest from New Orleans, he thought the hurricane was proof of God's love. Those levees didn't break until after the storm was over; if they'd broken sooner, thousands would have died.
Sooo...is there any truth to that quotation? [more inside]
I don't trust myself with the $1000...health savings account question
Had a medical procedure that cost $3100. Paid for it in full with money in my HSA. Provider will now bill insurance for me and according to benefits schedule I will get a check back for $1000 from insurance company. I would have been perfectly happy to have only paid out $2100 and have left the $1000 to accrue tax-deferred. But the provider insisted on payment in full at time of service. Can I put this money back in the HSA? I see that there is an entity called a "Mistaken Distribution" for instances when you use your HSA debit card by accident. The language surrounding this "mistaken distribution" warns of potential tax consequences. But in my instance I did not make a mistake. I already contribute maximally to the account so I can't go over. What should I do?
Please help me understand iCloud & Dropbox for storing vacation photos.
Please help me understand iCloud, Photostream & Dropbox for storing vacation photos, and maybe a better workflow. [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 6:54 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by deern the headlice at 6:54 AM PST - 5 comments
what works when zoloft does not?
I am getting very discouraged dealing with anxiety disorder (not social, general) and depression. I am taking Sertaline (zoloft) which does not seem to be touching it although it had worked in the past. I am seeing a psychiatrist as well as my GP. This has been several months altogether, two weeks on the higher dose plus an anti-anxiety drug that does not do much either, low dose. [more inside]
posted by mermayd at 6:25 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by mermayd at 6:25 AM PST - 23 comments
Tirana, Albania - what to do with a few extra days there?
I'm going to be in Tirana for work and will be sticking around for and extra 3 or 4 days before flying home. What can I do with this time? [more inside]
Cotton Anniversary ideas
Last year my wife and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary (paper anniversary) by writing a joint academic paper and delivering it at a (enormously fortuitous) conference which spanned our two very different disciplines.
In a few months (Late June) it is our cotton anniversary. What can we do that is similarly themed and awesome? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:09 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:09 AM PST - 14 comments
February 9
How to unlink Google/YouTube w/o signing out?
How can I stay signed in to my Google account (just using one browser) but not have my login automatically show up when I'm browsing videos on YouTube (bonus points if it doesn't track embedded video watching)? [more inside]
Where can I sell my watch online and/or in Sydney or Melbourne?
I have inherited a watch that was purchased a few years ago for about $2000. It has rarely been worn and I think it has all of the box/paperwork with it (from what I can see from similar watches online), including the purchase receipt. My question is where/how can I sell it? Either by listing it online, but there seems to be so many websites, or in person via a second hand dealer or similar?
I've seen lots of watch websites, but are some better than others? Especially considering I don't have a profile or history on such sites. Thanks
posted by MT at 10:23 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by MT at 10:23 PM PST - 1 comment
Can you tell me whether this used car seems like a good deal?
Can you tell me whether this used car seems like a good deal? I'm currently out of the country, but I'm looking to buy a used Toyota 4Runner. I would like to buy a truck/SUV that will last me FOREVER. In other words, I want to keep it as a second car even when it has 200k+. I think that the 4Runner might be good based upon what I know. [more inside]
What 'diversity in pop culture' resources are out there?
I'm applying to teach an honors composition course with the theme 'diversity within pop culture'; what interesting/cool/new resources are out there? [more inside]
Feeling like a cog in a wheel...
I'm almost fifty and it's just dawning on me that my days are almost entirely consumed by the minutiae of my interests. I enjoy these activities but I feel I'm not getting anywhere. There's a big writing project I long complete, yet all my time is spent with the practical details of "making ready." For example: I'm forever making our technological tools ever smarter and more streamlined but I'm noticing that, instead of using these resources to get things done, they're sort of using me to perform the physical tasks of updating, debugging, etc. Not having any models for self-directed, executive functioning I'm wondering what it looks like to break out of this pattern toward more personal fulfillment and real productivity.
posted by R2WeTwo at 9:13 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by R2WeTwo at 9:13 PM PST - 11 comments
I've made a huge mistake.
I drink (alcohol) too quickly during a night out, and it is becoming a problem. I need advice/tricks on how to slow down my drinking pace and not binge. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 at 8:46 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by Kamelot123 at 8:46 PM PST - 39 comments
Looking for origami paper in a specific color combination: purple/silver
For our wedding, we've decided to go with origami flowers for the bride's bouquet and the groomsmen's and bridesmen's boutonnières. I'd like to be able to buy a bunch of origami paper with the wedding's colors: purple and silver. I've seen plenty of origami paper that's metallic on one side and solid on the other, but I haven't been able to find a way to buy just this one particular color combination. Any ideas?
posted by ErWenn at 8:36 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ErWenn at 8:36 PM PST - 12 comments
Personal loan gone bad - what to do
I've just found out from my wife that she lent a party $2k who was wanting money for their day trading enterprise. I don't know the details of the arrangement, all I know is that the money never came back, my wife is mortified and been unable to tell me this until now. [more inside]
posted by diode at 8:04 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by diode at 8:04 PM PST - 39 comments
Name that film! Post-apocalyptic 80s Sydney
I am seeking the name of a film, set in post-apocalyptic Sydney (Australia). I could have sworn it had Cassandra Harris in it, but IMDB disagrees. It was filmed and was set in in the early- to mid-80s, and had a bunch of people running around trying to escape the nuclear fallout that hit the Opera House and ended up in the northern beaches. The film wasn't necessarily good, but it resonated. Can you name the film? Thanks!
posted by goo at 7:30 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by goo at 7:30 PM PST - 7 comments
How do you navigate safe sex with new partners?
I'm getting back into dating after a long hiatus and I realized I have no idea how to protect myself from STDs without seeming like a crazy, overly-cautious prude. Help! [more inside]
St Louis Tax Preparer
I'm looking for a recommendation for someone in the St. Louis area (or Metro East) who prepares taxes. [more inside]
W2 vs 1099 insurance write-off
Please help me understand whether I can write off my health insurance premiums. [more inside]
posted by mhz at 6:34 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by mhz at 6:34 PM PST - 14 comments
Dog Ownership 101
What's it like to be a first-time dog owner? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 5:56 PM PST - 54 comments
posted by Sara C. at 5:56 PM PST - 54 comments
He needs a good home, but should it be OUR home?
Everybody recognized that it was a bad idea for Mr. and Mrs. X to get a dog except for them. Now they've figured it out and their dog is living a mostly crated, resented, crappy life. The Breav family already has a dog, a 10 year old territorial hound mix who only has one canine friend in the universe. Is there a way for me to make space in this old canine crank's heart for a younger adopted brother, or would we be moving Dog X from one crappy life to another? [more inside]
Dog book recommendations : Later life first time dog owners
Recommendations for dog books seem a common request here, but this one is going to be a little bit more specific:
I'm after a kind of dog book that involves a person getting a dog for the first time, only in their adult life. Meaning, they didn't grow up with dogs, or didn't have any meaningful experiences with dogs as a child, but as an adult, from a cold start, got a dog. Examples - My Dog Tulip, he gets the first dog of his life, the dog who changes his whole life, in his 50s. Dog Man - The guy who was instrumental in saving the Akita breed from extinction, got his first dog only in his 30s. Counter-examples - Marley & Me, they both had dogs as kids. [more inside]
I want an app to manage my contacts on my iPhone
Please recommend your favorites. It needs to be able to be backed up to my computer and I want to be able to divide contact info into categories (work, school, etc...) and vary the ringtones associated with them (if it can be done by category, so all my work numbers automatically ring differently, that would be awesome). I want warnings if it is going to delete any contacts as well, as this has been a problem in the past.
End of the world by snow?
Apocalypse-by-blizzard-book-filter: What is this book that I read back in the '80s? [more inside]
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 4:00 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 4:00 PM PST - 10 comments
Sled hills within driving distance of Seattle?
I want to take my little brother sledding. Where's the best place to go within a couple of hours of town? [more inside]
posted by Sauce Trough at 3:44 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Sauce Trough at 3:44 PM PST - 4 comments
Fiction help: Name something a math genius could do to improve a bar.
Writing a script, need a few believable, throwaway lines for a character. A guy running a TGI.Friday's-like bar praises his bartender, a math genius, for giving him an idea that saves money and improves the business overall. An example of outside-of-the-box thinking that enforces that our math-genius-in-disguise really is a genius. Bonus points if the idea skirts the line of legality -- something funky with accounting, maybe? [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 3:32 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 3:32 PM PST - 22 comments
How to bulk download files of one type from the WordPress Media Library?
Is there a quick (or a quicker) way to download all files of a given type from the Media Library of a self-hosted WordPress site? The site in question has about 200 MP3s. I can easily sort out the MP3s by selecting "Audio." But how can I download them all at once? Is there a plug-in? FTP looks like a big pain, too, as these files are organized in folders by year and month, and there are several years here -- and many months with no uploads at all.
posted by houseofdanie at 2:56 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by houseofdanie at 2:56 PM PST - 9 comments
What do you consider a healthy dynamic between parents and a grown son?
I know every family is different, however I'd like to know what people consider to be a healthy idynamic between a grown (41 years) adult living at home and their parents and what would be considered unhealthy. [more inside]
posted by Ranting Prophet of DOOM! at 2:39 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by Ranting Prophet of DOOM! at 2:39 PM PST - 32 comments
Software phenonenon where bogus features are added intentionally?
When you intentionally add bogus features that are expected to be struck down, what is this called? The features are added to serve as a target for criticism and preserve the rest of the software. [more inside]
posted by WCF at 2:05 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by WCF at 2:05 PM PST - 9 comments
Is it possible to develop conversational skills later in life?
I grew up as a painfully shy, socially anxious extrovert. No friends that weren't online, could not talk to anyone. This was not a fun combination, so after Highschool I worked on fixing it and I've gotten better. I can make small talk, break the ice, carry on a general conversation. But this is not what I want. [more inside]
posted by Pericardium at 1:54 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Pericardium at 1:54 PM PST - 10 comments
Siege War movies like Fetih 1453 ?
Recently I watched Fetih 1453 and enjoyed it. I want to know a list of similar epic siege war movies. I saw troy and Kingdom of Heaven.
posted by Ahmed_Nabil at 1:49 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Ahmed_Nabil at 1:49 PM PST - 5 comments
Offensive YouTube "Recommended for You" - Pass the Eye Bleach!
Really disturbing things keep showing up on YouTube "recommended for you". I'm not logged in, and all I watched recently were car reviews and animations of DNA replication. Why is it here, and how can I get it out of here? [more inside]
Find the structure of nucleic acid from proportions of nucleotides
How can you tell the physical and chemical structure of a nucleic acid based on a sample's proportions of nucleotides? [more inside]
Kids find fox, angst ensues
[BookFilter] Help me find this children's book about a fox that turns out to not be a fox after all! [more inside]
posted by anaximander at 1:02 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by anaximander at 1:02 PM PST - 7 comments
"Past misunderstandings, second chances, next years' projects."
I was used as a scapegoat, demoted and put on a performance improvement plan due to a toxic PM. Half a year later, the tables seem to have turned, and his boss wants to talk. I don't know what to say. [more inside]
Job offer situation is stressing me out. How do I handle this?
Job offer situation is stressing me out. How do I handle this? [more inside]
How can I become more extroverted?
Have you successfully made an intentional transition from introversion (socialization = draining) to extroversion (socialization = sustaining)? If so, please step inside and share your insights with me. [more inside]
posted by Scientist at 12:29 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Scientist at 12:29 PM PST - 24 comments
mini cooper warning light question
Any mini cooper owners have any experience with the warning light that looks like a mini on stilts? [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire at 12:03 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by fingers_of_fire at 12:03 PM PST - 6 comments
how can i fancy up this simple board?
i'm trying to hang guitars and basses on a brick wall. i have instrument hangers already, but drilling a million holes into brick seems like A BAD IDEA so i thought i would hang a board (cedar, i ALSO already have it) on the wall (many fewer screw-holes) and then just screw the guitar holders to the plank. the plank is 5.5" wide and 1 1/4" deep (and 6 feet long) and really pretty, so i'm ALMOST happy. The ends are really roughly cut though (despite my best sanding job), and i was hoping to cover them up with something (copper? silk?) so it looks a bit less like i, um, hung a plank on the wall, and more like i'm incredibly crafty and awesome. what should i use for the ends of these boards? google is not helping, but maybe i'm searching using the wrong words(?). thank you!
Starfire Against Drugs!
The New Teen Titans, back in the 80's, had an anti-drug comic which was absolutely horrifying/scarring/probably did what it intended to do WRT drugs and NOT DOING THEM. At least for me. [more inside]
Swap two Nexuses for a Note II? Pros and Cons?
I love my Nexus 4 and Nexus 7. I hate carrying two devices around and have been considering switching to a Note II. What are the pros and cons? What would I be gaining or losing? My major uses inside. [more inside]
Charlie don't surf (but needs to ship a board)
I am in San Francisco for a few days visiting a friend. My friend has a board that needs to be shipped to Texas. I have called the local surf shop (Wise Surf), but they don't have any board boxes at the moment, and won't have any until well after I leave.
Is there a service (UPS, FedEx, etc) that will take a board, package and ship it for us? I can't find any such on the Googles.
Cost is not a huge issue, we just want to get this done.
posted by drfu at 10:13 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by drfu at 10:13 AM PST - 15 comments
Where should I live if I work in Woodland Hills?
I just got a job offer in Woodland Hills. I live too far away so I need to move. I would like to live in a leafy, beautiful, walkable neighborhood with lots of young professionals (I'm in my 20s), although I suspect that is a pipe dream. [more inside]
Help me pick a name that doesn't rhyme!
I am expecting a baby boy, and we have a slight problem when it comes to giving this kid a name. Our last name, Hadley, rhymes or sounds sing-songy with the only names we like. Help! [more inside]
Reusing and/or recycling drywall for soundproofing ceiling project
I am planning to attempt to soundproof my ceiling of my condo. I plan to use a method that includes adding drywall/green glue between the floor joists and then adding additional drywall below. (example)
I was wondering if there were any problems in carefully tearing down the drywall that is there and using it for the smaller areas between the floor joists (i.e., taking down larger pieces out, cutting them to size, and using them for the inner floor joist area). I'd have to get new drywall for the outside, but I am trying to minimize cost and waste.
Is this reasonable?
posted by lccslug at 9:58 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by lccslug at 9:58 AM PST - 4 comments
Images not showing in site using Google Drive
I uploaded a folder containing a basic website to Google Drive and shared it publicly. Everything works except the images and I haven't been able to figure out why. [more inside]
posted by perhapses at 9:22 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by perhapses at 9:22 AM PST - 4 comments
Does talking with your friend/partner trained as a therapist suck?
My partner is a new psychotherapist and I think his training is getting in the way of how we communicate. Is there some way to make it clear that I'd like him to knock it off, or Is there some other way I ought to be thinking about this? [more inside]
posted by It's a Parasox at 9:21 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by It's a Parasox at 9:21 AM PST - 25 comments
Stacking, storing, eating, lidded bowls
Does this exist? Bowls for eating (like, cerealish size) that stack reasonably well and come with lids (and/or plates made to fit neatly on top of the bowl) so you can use the same bowls to store food - in place of Tupperware?
Back on the workforce horse
I'm someone who's been struggling off and on with PTSD and depression for about 12 years. The last couple of years have been particularly challenging, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel and am looking at venturing back into the workforce. I'm a bit nervous about how it'll go and am hoping for advice! [more inside]
Still trying to visit Austin, having trouble finding an affordable hotel
So our planned January trip got bumped to March. I knew enough to not try to book anything around SXSW, but even 2 weeks after, there is very limited hotel availability and very high prices. [more inside]
posted by JoanArkham at 7:24 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by JoanArkham at 7:24 AM PST - 22 comments
How do I secure comparable bids for a new home construction project?
I am building a new house and would like to secure three bids for the construction of the dwelling (see more below). One of the prospective contractors expressed concern that the bids be comparable - that the contractors are all bidding on the same aspects of the project. Lacking a better plan, I am planning to develop a spreadsheet describing in as much detail as I can the aspects of the project - what parts I want to hire out and what parts I intend to do on my own, the specific make and model of windows and doors, the specific flooring stock, etc. In doing so, I will create a single bid sheet that each contractor can bid on their own terms. Is this a reasonable approach? Are there existing spreadsheets that can be used for this type of thing? [more inside]
posted by eirelander at 7:16 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by eirelander at 7:16 AM PST - 4 comments
Nuts. My Nexus 7 was lost/stolen. Any way to trace? remote wipe?
My Nexus 7 was lost/stolen. I've changed my google, facebook and amazon passwords. Is there anything else I can do? It does not have 3G networking; only wi-fi.
Style for addressing a formal letter to multiple people
When addressing a formal or business letter to multiple parties, say, A, B, and C, is there a rule for the order, e.g. by how important people are? I.e. if A is more important than B is more important than C, is it:
Dear Mr. A, Ms. B and Dr. C: or
Dear Dr. C., Ms. B and Mr. A:
and are there style guides that I can reference for this? [more inside]
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 5:51 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 5:51 AM PST - 5 comments
I have no blood relatives
What do I need to do to feel connected to people who don't have any "obligation" to be in the world with me? [more inside]
Regular bowel movements and my lack thereof?
Why am I not pooping or am I overreacting? [more inside]
posted by xicana63 at 5:22 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by xicana63 at 5:22 AM PST - 26 comments
What's the new Fjallraven Kanken?
East London filter: who makes backpacks practical enough for the gym but cool enough for a Hackney bar? Fjallraven is the obvious answer but literally everyone I know has one and it's getting out of hand. [more inside]
posted by citands at 4:08 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by citands at 4:08 AM PST - 13 comments
How do I make a large eBook collection (25000 titles or so) searchable?
Looking for solutions to make a 25,000 title eBook collection of different file types searchable. I use Calibre to manage this monstrosity but I want to be able to run searcheswwithin these books. Wishful thinking? I don't code and I have no time to plod through learning it.
February 8
Tinker Tailer Soldier ... Poor Man
Question about how Smiley investigates the role of Esterhase in both the book and film versions of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
Spoilers within (plus a bonus request for similar movies). [more inside]
posted by arha at 11:58 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by arha at 11:58 PM PST - 13 comments
What are the electronic music maestro guys using nowadays?
Which programs do the current batch of electronic music wizz kids use? Any pointers for getting started, forums, etc would be awesome! [more inside]
What is CURRENTLY the best method for removing viruses on Windows?
I assume the tools have changed in the past 5 years or so, despite Windows' better security, but back in my day it was Avira, Symantec and CCleaner. What's changed in the world of viruses and malware in the past 5 years, and how can I best impress the powers that be with thoroughness and efficiency? [more inside]
posted by hoborg at 10:35 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by hoborg at 10:35 PM PST - 19 comments
Why are leafy greens (kale, spinach, et. al) so often oversalted?
Asking for a friend, although I'd love to know if anyone has a revealing insight. Why do cooked greens from chefs who otherwise salt their food moderately often arrive at the table too salty? Why do I oversalt my greens at home!? [more inside]
posted by alexandermatheson at 9:27 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by alexandermatheson at 9:27 PM PST - 22 comments
Do childcare centers in your area pay staff for yearly education hours?
In Washington State childcare workers/teachers have to take 10 hours a year of classes as "continuing education." Is there something similar in your state? Do quality centers in your area tend to pay their staff their hourly wage for the classes they attend? Thank you!
Where could I buy (possibly traveling) an Inuit Bear Sculpture
I visited Quebec City last summer and saw a gorgeous art gallery displaying some large (1.5-2' long) bear sculptures out of serpentine by Inuit artisans from Baffin Island. I loved them. I really like to buy art from artists or artists collectives rather than from an art gallery. How can I do that? [more inside]
There's no crazy killer behind the shower curtain, so why do I look?
This might sound silly, but it's been bugging me. Why, even though we know there's most likely no killer behind the shower curtain, do people still peek behind them before using the restroom? Have there been studies? Is it a world wide thing? What's the psychology? Google was not helpful.
posted by patheral at 6:47 PM PST - 50 comments
posted by patheral at 6:47 PM PST - 50 comments
Who should I invest with--HSBC or Edward Jones?
I have a sum of money that I'd like to invest. I currently bank with HSBC, and a friend of a friend works for Edward Jones. I have talked to both HSBC and the Edward Jones guy, and the spiels I got were fairly similar--they suggested 80/20 stocks/bonds, generally mutual funds and that sort of thing. Both advisors intimated 10% average returns over 5-10 years, and both are looking at about a 2.5% initial fee and then a little over 1% yearly.
Basically, what I'm looking here is to park my money and watch it grow. What I want is a totally hands-off approach. I don't want individual stocks or commodities, I don't want to do this myself, I don't want to be constantly asked what I want my money put into. I just want to put my money into a fairly diverse portfolio and have it get bigger without giving me the chance to mess around with it and screw it up. [more inside]
Help us eat healthy and save money with an infant
Mrs. Thabombshelter and I have a four month old son and would love to eat more meals that aren't takeout. Plus, with a baby, money is obviously a valuable and precious commodity. Easy prep and inexpensive ingredients are a priority. So please, help us with some suggestions for easy-ish, healthy-ish, cheap-ish meals that can help us avoid Papa Johns or Chinese takeout. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 6:44 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 6:44 PM PST - 25 comments
How to be a camgirl
I need to animate a tetrahedron
I have Illustrator and intend to make an animated GIF. A tetrahedron is a pyramid with a triangle base. I can't make the 3D extrusion on CS4 agree that I want a pyramid shape. It gave me a triangular prism, though I followed an online tutorial (but that had a square base - which might be part of the problem, and it was for CS3). (No, I don't want to use Flash or download a trial version of Maya but thanks for the thought)
So, online free 3D software where I can capture a number of positions of a tetrahedron, and redraw them from within Illustrator? I will need to also place text on each face, so if I can do it in one program only, I'll be happier.
posted by b33j at 5:56 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by b33j at 5:56 PM PST - 8 comments
Likeable characters with lives I might want to live vicariously
I've been reading a lot of bleak books lately, often with antiheroes. Now I would like the opposite of that. I don't mind if some bad things happen, of course, or if there's conflict - usually that's kind of necessary for a good story. But I would like it if at least one of the main characters were someone I would want to be friends with. And if some of the stuff that they do or that happens in their lives makes me smile. [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 5:38 PM PST - 53 comments
posted by lollusc at 5:38 PM PST - 53 comments
How do I approach non-profits about substantive volunteer work?
I'm between jobs and looking to spend some of my time volunteering with a non-profit to do substantive work that involves my professional skills. How do I best approach them to propose this? [more inside]
posted by Colonel_Chappy at 5:09 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Colonel_Chappy at 5:09 PM PST - 10 comments
Egging!
My family's house was egged. What can I do, and how should I react? [more inside]
Another "I hate my job"
Job has become a huge headache... [more inside]
What's wrong with my orchid?
My mother managed to keep this orchid alive for years, but now it looks like it's sick.
Help!
http://t.co/FHtd0Ke
Happy to provide more pics and info.
What is the best speed for a fan used with a wood stove?
Is heat transfer and room heating better with a low or high speed fan? [more inside]
posted by Leenie at 4:25 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Leenie at 4:25 PM PST - 8 comments
Why do ABS systems work so much better than traction control systems?
Why do anti-lock brake systems [seem to] work so much better than traction control systems on modern sedans? [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup at 4:15 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Juffo-Wup at 4:15 PM PST - 15 comments
iOS App to Associate Voice recording With a Photo?
Looking for an iOS app to associate a still photo with an audio file. Video isn't the answer. [more inside]
Why are 10kg heavy?
We carry about 1,000kg of air on top of our shoulders. Why do we feel noticeably heavier when adding a fraction of it, like 10kg? Are our muscles just finely tuned?
posted by Spanner Nic at 4:04 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Spanner Nic at 4:04 PM PST - 8 comments
Songs that climax
I'm looking for songs that build to a climax or erupt into loudness and are also purely spectacular. These songs are epic. My best example is Dance Yrself Clean by LCD Soundsystem.
Rental situation in Newark?
Asking for a friend: Are car rental desks at Newark Airport (specifically National, in P3) in heated areas or are they out in the parking garage? Flying in later in the weekend so probably don't need snowpocalypse warnings but could someone more familiar with the airport help out? Thank you.
Other driver suggested settling outside insurance, now ignoring me.
I rear-ended someone last month while on vacation and the other party, an elderly couple, suggested not involving insurance. The police were not called. After supplying an initial estimate that I agreed to pay, they suddenly realized that they are entitled to a car rental, too, and after I agreed to that they stopped answering their phone and email. What now? [more inside]
Vodavi Starplus STS phone system and Cox digital phone service help.
My uncle has a Vodavi Starplus STS / system and KSU with 6 CO lines / which is 6 different phone #s can be used on the system. He recently changed 2 of his three lines to cox digital service. He still has one line with CenturyLink/Qwest. His phone system will not connect with the new digital lines. Cox says it's a Vodavi problem. The Vodavi guy says that there isn't enough voltage on the Cox lines.
So, who's right? Will my uncle's Vodavi system work with the older CentruyLink line as well as the newer Cox digital lines?
posted by Jackie_Treehorn at 3:05 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Jackie_Treehorn at 3:05 PM PST - 4 comments
90s alternative song about looking at the stars / stargazing
In the mid-90s, an ex-boyfriend (if we can call him that) made me a mixed tape. There was this fantastic song on it. It was kind of a slow ballad (sorry don't know music terminology). All I can really recall was that there was a line about looking at the stars. [more inside]
posted by Milau at 3:02 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Milau at 3:02 PM PST - 12 comments
My boyfriend drinks a lot, should I be worried?
My new boyfriend of about a month and a half drinks a freaking lot! We have dated for 8 months and while I was aware he drank, I was never as alarmed as I am now.
I don't know if I just didn't notice it before or if it's because we spend so much time in social situations with his other friends now or what. He doesn't get sloppy drunk or get a temper or anything - though he does become a bit thoughtless, but it makes me uncomfortable how he will just throw back the alcohol. His friends encourage him by buying a round and then he'll buy them a round and so the cycle continues all night or they invite him out to specifically get drunk/drink. I do not drink but the occasional sip/glass of red wine probably like twice a year - only at special events. (more inside) [more inside]
It's not their fault they think that way, right..?
What is the most moral way for me to treat or respond to someone who acts in a way informed by less progressive values, given that they may not have had the opportunity, resources or upbringing to learn how to question their own thinking and biases? [more inside]
posted by Conspire at 2:48 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Conspire at 2:48 PM PST - 21 comments
Ongoing problem with vagina / sex
Please share your insights as to why my vagina might be so temperamental. [more inside]
Origin of Hotta-San hunting knife at Best Made?
I've been looking at this knife at Best Made for a while, and I can't seem to find its provenance. Many other products at Best Made are rebranded or what have you versions from known suppliers, but I cannot for the life of me find a knife that resembles the Hotta-san — after looking at hundreds online. Everything I find refers back to Best Made's info. Can anyone unravel this mystery? [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 2:19 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 2:19 PM PST - 8 comments
Therapist recommendations in Vancouver, BC
I'm interested in finding a therapist in Vancouver for help with anxiety issues. Specifications are below the fold. [more inside]
How can I find people to share a boat charter?
For years I've been promising myself I'll spend New Year's Eve on Jost Van Dyke, in the British Virgin Islands. This is that year. I can fly out and book a hotel, but what I'd love to do is share a sailboat (or even a motorboat) with a few other people. How can I go about finding other interested people to share a bareback or captained charter?
Me: comfortable assisting on boats (when told what to do), great cook, happy scuba diver.
Is there some sort of matching service for wannabe sailors or cruisers? I'm not interested in a big boat, and I can't afford to charter the whole thing alone and then just hope that I can get other people to share. Thanks for your suggestions!
Is there any hope for me?
I thought Outlander and Kushiel's Dart were stupid. Is there any romance novel I might enjoy? [more inside]
Laminate vs. Bamboo vs. Hardwood flooring
Should I install "bamboo hardwood," hardwood, or laminate floors? This is for a rental unit in a not-that-upscale neighborhood in Oakland, California. I'm most concerned about long-term maintenance costs and potential resale value. [more inside]
Zappa sampled in Futterman's Rule?
I've only recently started listening the the Beastie Boys' Ill Communication (after picking it up damn near two decades ago), and in the track Futterman's Rule, I'm hearing what I swear is a Zappa theme, but I'm darned if I can figure out which one. I thought it was Apostrophe, but it doesn't seem to be, and Google is offering no evidence that I'm hearing what I think I'm hearing. Anyone able to identify the Zappa theme, if there is one in there? I'm going nuts.
A subscription service for classical and opera that beats Rhapsody?
Rhapsody's catalog is pretty good, but poor search and spotty album info are making me unhappy. I want to be able to choose albums and tracks to stream, so I'm not looking for radio. Opera is my priority. Can you help?
posted by markcmyers at 1:26 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by markcmyers at 1:26 PM PST - 7 comments
Is New Orleans in March nuts?
I'm considering going to New Orleans with my girlfriend for vacation the third week of March, and wondering if it gets crazy enough with spring breakers to make that a bad idea. [more inside]
posted by transient at 1:22 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by transient at 1:22 PM PST - 12 comments
Can a doctor diagnose someone with dementia just by looking at them?
My dad went to a doctor; the doctor told him, out of nowhere, he had early-onset dementia. What gives? [more inside]
posted by orangutan at 1:21 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by orangutan at 1:21 PM PST - 16 comments
Good magazines for young teenage women?
What to do when your daughter has outgrown New Moon Girls, but you don't want to buy her a subscription to Seventeen or Teen Vogue? What magazines would you recommend for young teenage women that have fun quizzes (and probably sell stuff) and that aren't too heavy on literature or academic rhetoric? (Not that she can't read them, it's just that I know that's not what she's looking for, and she's smart enough to know when I'm pushing "school" stuff towards her.)
What to do when someone leaves a big, messy, painful hole in your life
She was somewhere between best friend and lover to me...but this person is like someone I've never met before. I loved her more than anyone I've ever loved in my life and she's done this ugly 180 on me. I need to know how to get past it. My heart is seriously shot. What should I do? How am I suppose to feel? I just feel so disoriented....what do I do? [more inside]
posted by Cybria at 1:00 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Cybria at 1:00 PM PST - 15 comments
Help me relax and enjoy a bagel again in NYC
After an extended illness that involved a severely limited diet, I'm finally on the mend and able to eat my old favorite foods. With that in mind, I want to treat myself and a friend to a fantastic bagel in New York City. However, I'm still recuperating and am pretty low on energy, so the standard "go to Murray's and then walk to the High Line/sit on a bench/walk around" type advice doesn't work for me. I'm looking for a restaurant that combines extremely good bagel with a comfortable seating area, with a strong preference for table service. If I have to compromise, I'll compromise on quality of bagel and accept suggestions for places with a nice environment that serve acceptable bagels. I'm happy to travel to anywhere in the city to do this.
posted by telegraph at 12:40 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by telegraph at 12:40 PM PST - 13 comments
What vaginal infection is this?
Embarrassing and unusual symptom has been plaguing me for months now. Your insight, experience and advice appreciated. [more inside]
How to compare and merge a large number of text files?
How can I automatically compare and merge a large number of text files? [more inside]
Please help me diagnose my wifi problems
I'm having problems with my home wifi network. I'm seeing sporadic periods (a couple of hours a day) where websites load slowly, partially, or not at all. How can I diagnose this problem? Are there router settings to try setting differently? Should I just get a new router? [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 12:19 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ottereroticist at 12:19 PM PST - 9 comments
Who to host our small biz services on the interweb and stop SERVER DOWN!
What would be the best type of provider (web-hosting, hosted exchange, cloud storage) for a small business with less than 20 employees? Would a company like Godaddy.com or our current phone and internet provider. We are currently with Cbeyond. It seems like it may be simpler to go with our phone provider but I feel like they are not really specialized in this type of thing and therefore maybe not as good or reliable.
Also, we would like no more, "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! WE HAVE NO EMAIL ACCESS. SERVER DOWN, I REPEAT SERVER DOWN!" [more inside]
Shaky/Jittery/Flickering Monitor: Bad monitor or bad graphics card?
Shaky/Jittery/Flickering Monitor: Bad monitor or bad graphics card? [more inside]
I'll Grind Their Cereals-and-Grains to Make My Bread!
Quick question for the food science-y folks out there: lately, I've been pulverizing a lot of my baking ingredients in the spice grinder before using them in recipes (oat bran, wheat bran, wild rice, wheat germ, buckwheat groats, etc.). Does reducing these ingredients to a fine powder change any of their caloric/nutritional properties? Obviously, they'll be denser and more caloric cup-for-cup, and I'd imagine they'll have a higher glycemic load (not that I especially care about that). But does super-fine fiber still ACT like fiber in the body? Is super-fine buckwheat just as healthy as the un-pulverized stuff? I like the finer texture of powdered ingredients, but if I'm making them less-healthy, I'll suck it up and leave 'em whole.
posted by julthumbscrew at 11:40 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by julthumbscrew at 11:40 AM PST - 3 comments
Voice lessons in northeast Ohio?
How can I find a vocal teacher in my area? [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 11:25 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by DeltaForce at 11:25 AM PST - 8 comments
Who should be responsible for my ex-wife's birthday gift?
I've been divorced for several years now. My ex-wife and I get along amicably. I am single and she has been involved in an LTR since the divorce became official. Everything's fine, everyone's happy. Our kids are thriving.My ex-wife's birthday is in three weeks and up until now I've been the one to coordinate helping the kids get her something for her birthday. It occurred to me that it's probably time for the New Guy to take this over, right? They're not engaged, he still has his own place, but he does spend a lot of time there in your standard domestic situations. I have no problem discussing this with my ex, I'm just looking for a sanity-check on this idea before I bring it up. Am I missing something? Is this even a good idea? (For the record, I am single and she will probably be responsible for my birthdays (vis-a-vis the kids) for the forseeable future.)
posted by Setec Astronomy at 11:10 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Setec Astronomy at 11:10 AM PST - 20 comments
Help breaking a cycle of destructive thinking and behavior?
I have some very poor ingrained behaviors that center around low self-esteem. Has anyone been successful in interrupting the chain from emotional reaction->saying stupid things->causing upset and hurt? If so, how? [more inside]
How do I find a psychiatrist?
I have had a lot of trouble finding a psychiatrist to help with ADD issues. I am in Northern NJ, USA and have insurance but it has been surprisingly hard to find a competent person to consult. [more inside]
Help my friend use her new ASUS300T
New owner of an ASUS 300T tablet needs help. Can you point to some elementary user documentation in English or Chinese? [more inside]
posted by Rash at 10:24 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Rash at 10:24 AM PST - 4 comments
Marriage on the rocks, but the rest of my life is a disaster too
My marriage is in bad shape and I feel a lot of anger and resentment toward my husband for his lack of initiative, follow-through, and logistical/emotional support within our household, especially during times of crisis. But right now I feel like I'm dealing with the mother of all crises, and on a practical level it would be folly to leave for at least a year, nor will I be in a position to focus on giving him one last honest shot at fixing things for months. What tools/attitudes/approaches can I adopt or employ to keep from making things worse and even more unsalveagable over the next few months? [more inside]
another weight loss question
In which I ask questions about optimizing minor weight loss (and maintaining weight loss); Very low calorie diets and exercise; Set points and starvation; Am I doin it rong? [more inside]
What's the salary of a rural doctor in the National Health Service Corp?
Sorry for the anonymous post.
I am a pediatrician finishing my residency in July. I am interested in doing the National Health Service Corp in a rural area. I have looked at dozens of job posts on the NHSC website, but none of them list their salary. Instead they only mention that it is "competitive." It is frustrating because I don't know what the industry range for "competitive" salaries is. What is a "competitive" salary for a young pediatrician working in a rural area? $60k? $100k? $150k?
Thank you so much for your help!
Dot Net development tools?
Any suggestions for good Dot Net development tools? I'm interested in suggestions for a wide range of tool types, for example (but not limited to) unit testing, code coverage, style enforcement, bug finders, profiling, code/API documentation generation, installer/distributable packagers, continuous integration, build systems, report generators, static code analysis, decompilers, IDE enhancements, etc., etc. [more inside]
Buttery, crispy, golden fish?
Is there a secret to a perfect piece of fried (but non-breaded) fish? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 8:15 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by Ollie at 8:15 AM PST - 28 comments
Co-Habitation Tips. General Advice and A Teenager is Involved.
The long-distance boyfriend and I have decided to get engaged and he's moving in. Yay!
Me: 40's, divorced, sole adult in household for over 11 years, raised three kids, with youngest (14 yo son) still at home. Have friends and a happy life here.
Him: 50's, never married but has a son in his 20's with whom he has a great relationship, has friends and interests he can continue to explore here. (He also has a job ready for him here.)
To anyone who has experience of this type of situation, what advice do you wish you had been given to make this as painless (and ideally, actually fun!) as possible? [more inside]
posted by kinetic at 7:52 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by kinetic at 7:52 AM PST - 13 comments
Help me get help
How do I start getting treatment for my mental health problems, specifically, in Austin, TX? [more inside]
posted by hrj at 7:25 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by hrj at 7:25 AM PST - 8 comments
How do I forgive myself for being a pothead?
I started smoking weed in my early twenties, when I moved away from my hometown to a larger city in a different country. It's enough to say that I wasn't adapted well to being on my own; that, combined with the stress of a new job, a language barrier, and a few health problems that chipped away at my self-esteem, led me to take comfort in marijuana, on and off, for ten years. How do I forgive myself for the feelings of shame I have? [more inside]
Career ladder positions in the Federal system.
I am in a career ladder position in the Federal government. I'm approaching the end of my first year on the job. I have heard from colleagues/friends in government, that going up to the next GS-level in the ladder is almost automatic (requires sign-off from supervisor). Is this true? How do I request this increase from my supervisor? Also, can you help me find documents online which show that one is eligible to go up a grade after one year? [more inside]
Name That Manga
I ran across a manga a while ago, and now I can't remember what it was called. Help me remember. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by dortmunder at 7:19 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by dortmunder at 7:19 AM PST - 2 comments
what to buy for 2yr old girl, premature baby boy + due-soon nephew???
Being without children myself and not that well versed on what they need/want or the big trends right now, i need suggestions for the following gifts i need to buy in the next month or so:
gift for a premature baby boy (or his mum);
gift for a 2yr old girl;
gift for my soon to be arriving nephew [more inside]
posted by moreteaplease at 7:19 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by moreteaplease at 7:19 AM PST - 10 comments
Is private health insurance with maternity coverage in DC even worth it?
Healthy 26-year-old woman in DC with private health insurance, planning to start trying to get pregnant at the end of the year. [more inside]
posted by crunchysalty at 7:04 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by crunchysalty at 7:04 AM PST - 16 comments
New job selling laboratory equipment, but have no lab/science experience
I recently accepted a sales position within a company that sells laboratory equipment. (i.e. centrifuges, GC's, HPLC's, Thermal Cyclers, etc) I have no previous lab or science experience, so learning about a myriad of highly technical products/methods is a quite challenging. My main challenge comes from the fact that I need to engage in conversations with scientists, chemists, biologists on a daily basis. With no previous lab experience, I've been having a hard time talking to them on technical level. [more inside]
posted by AMWKE1984 at 6:40 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by AMWKE1984 at 6:40 AM PST - 11 comments
Power outages and furnaces
Hi I am house sitting and Nemo is bearing down on us. I have a oil furnace in the basement. If the power goes out, then comes back, or I use the generator, are there any specific steps I need to take with the furnace?
What about water valves, etc?
Thanks much!
How Do I Write My First Book?
How Do I Write My First Book? I'm a bit shy and uncertain about the whole process and need some help in understanding how to just let the words and story gel into something readable. [more inside]
What was the name of that well-funded mobile app that flopped?
A year or two ago there was a heavily funded mobile startup out of Silicon Valley - I think it had $100 million or more in funding - that never quite got off the ground. I feel like it had a simple one-word name. Anyone remember?
posted by mark7570 at 6:22 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by mark7570 at 6:22 AM PST - 3 comments
How private is a private domain?
When buying a web domain, one is given the option(for an additional fee), to make the domain "private" where the owner of the domain is hidden from public view.
Then the question is, how private is a private domain? Can a web smart person or internet ninja find out the information?
The desire is to hide the domain and completely non-work related blog from my employer.
Black Party Etiquette
My boyfriend and I are thinking about going to the Black Party at the Roseland for the first time. Our best friend, a girl, REALLY wants to go with us.
Do other girls attend or is that a buzzkill to see a girl there? Do lesbians go? Or will she get sneers for being the only girl at a big, gay circuit party?
The expo seems a lot more co-ed, but she's more intersected in the main event.
Has anyone been that could share the vibe?
What would a lawyer call this?
Is there a legal principal here, and if so, what is it called? YANML. Question about paying for a service that is impossible to benefit from. Explanation and example inside…. [more inside]
posted by otto42 at 5:33 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by otto42 at 5:33 AM PST - 23 comments
I'm 36 and immature in love. How can I get some grown up perspective?
I am happily married but have fallen in love with someone else. I think the intensity of my feelings for this other man is due to the fact that I’ve only ever been in one relationship before; I think I am experiencing this the way a teenager would.
How do I get over this ‘in love’ feeling? [more inside]
posted by Lollie1974 at 5:14 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Lollie1974 at 5:14 AM PST - 14 comments
How on earth do you stick to a diet?
I'm looking to lose some weight and tone up, but I'm having a really hard time with the drastic diet changes that will be required. I think I have entirely the wrong attitude towards food in general. Snowflake inside [more inside]
posted by nickhb at 4:43 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by nickhb at 4:43 AM PST - 24 comments
Live streaming town council meetings - what do I need to know?
I'm looking to get our town's council meetings streamed to the web, or at least recorded digitally (video - the audio is already recorded)...what's involved? [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 4:30 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by dukes909 at 4:30 AM PST - 5 comments
150 years, 10 people
The London overground is celebrating 150 years. There are these posters hanging around. Can you help me identify the different decades that each person is supposed to represent? [more inside]
posted by like_neon at 3:22 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by like_neon at 3:22 AM PST - 21 comments
Photo of junction for East Africa's (formerly) sole internet connection.
Sometime in the last few years, I saw a photo of a very humble-looking cable sticking out of an old stone wall. It turned out to supposedly be the point where the only hard line connection to the wider internet entered East Africa. Can anyone help me find this photo, or info on which cable it was?
posted by EnormousTalkingOnion at 2:18 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by EnormousTalkingOnion at 2:18 AM PST - 6 comments
Linking Social Networks
I have been combing the social networks I use trying to find a way to link two of them. It's not a big list; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Soundcloud, and Wordpress. I know about IFTTT and Hootsuite, but I'd prefer to not use third party apps if possible. Facebook and Twitter of course, connect to almost everything. But I'm also trying to figure out how stuff I upload to Soundcloud can be posted on LinkedIn. And likewise, I can't get LinkedIn posts to show up my Facebook business page. Is it just not possible w/o 3rd party apps that will make posts I don't need? If there is a way, can somebody tell me?
Art as a Second Career
I'm looking for stories from people who became artists at a later age. [more inside]
February 7
Roller Derby Name Nominations?
I am looking for a hilarious/punny/sassy/yet menacing roller derby name!
My fresh meat teammates and I are having our first scrimmage this weekend, and I need to come up with a name, post-haste! [more inside]
posted by NorthernAutumn at 11:32 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by NorthernAutumn at 11:32 PM PST - 36 comments
More movies that are like Living in Oblivion
I loved the movie Living in Oblivion. What should I watch next? [more inside]
posted by mtphoto at 11:06 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by mtphoto at 11:06 PM PST - 16 comments
What software will let me simulate building construction?
I wonder if there's a game or a program that simulates building construction. I am interested in something like STARCRAFT or LEMMINGS for building-construction simulation. [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 10:24 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by shipbreaker at 10:24 PM PST - 15 comments
How do I handle a hoarder in my apartment building.
What should I do about the hoarder who lives in my apartment building? Things seem to be getting worse. [more inside]
Why are baby animals cuter than baby humans?
Why do kittens, bunnies, puppies, and their ilk seem so much cuter than human babies? This is something I've always wondered, and I am surprised that it doesn't seem to have been asked here. I've seen some idle speculations about the reasons in various places around the Web, but nothing resembling evidence. Is there any actual research related to this topic? Or is the question based on flawed assumptions somehow? [more inside]
Moving from a PC laptop to a desktop, the file transfers -
Moving games and files from a working laptop to a new desktop. Both will be WIN 7... [more inside]
Changed ISP unable to send email with e-mail account of old ISP
I have a friend who has become totally reliant on an e-mail account, which was provided by an internet service provider which she has just left to go to a new ISP. She uses Outlook 2003 as her e-mail client program. Unfortunately, she is now finding that after moving to this new ISP that although she can receive e-mails absolutely fine, she cannot send e-mails. [more inside]
posted by conrad101 at 7:35 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by conrad101 at 7:35 PM PST - 16 comments
What to do when Life's a Gas
You've got insane gas but you need to keep working. What do you do? [more inside]
How do I get these fallen leaves out of my decorative stone flowerbeds?
My new house has some nice flowerbeds that are covered in decorative white stones. They have been a bit neglected, and a lot of dry fallen leaves have accumulated in the flowerbeds and mixed with the stones. I tried gently raking the leaves out, but I couldn't get all of them. I can't seem to rake them out without removing the stones too. I think it looks messy like this. What's an easy way to remove the leaves?
posted by (F)utility at 7:21 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by (F)utility at 7:21 PM PST - 12 comments
Blizzard Road Trip
Is driving from southern Massachusetts to central Maine tomorrow an extremely bad idea? What is the latest time I can safely set out on my journey? (Note that I don't have four wheel drive or a death wish). Will all that snow be cleared away for an easy return on Sunday?
Communicating in the Workplace
Whenever supervisors/hr/management walk by my desk and greet me, I always reply with a "hi! how are you?" It's the go to question, but it seems like an automatic response now and it seems like the people involved and myself included are annoyed of this question being asked (and understandably so). But, it just seems like the easiest thing that I can ask to someone who greets me, yet walks towards their desk as we're talking. Keep in mind that their desks are very far away from mine. But, with that being said, what are some other questions that I can ask them while they're walking past my desk? I'm looking for questions that are polite, friendly, and hopefully conversation starters. I'd really like to know these people better considering I've worked there for over two years and yet we don't know anything about each other.
Internet, you're being weird. Stop it.
Trying to set up a new wireless network and running into all kinds of strange problems. Connections dropped every few hours! Some machines work, some don't! Can connect to internet, can't connect to router! DOGS AND CATS LIVING TOGETHER (literally). Please help. [more inside]
Fancy dress suggestions for a Baptist Minister
I'm going to a party dressed as a Baptist Minister. I've got a suit, white shirt, and am going to gel my hair down in a slick side parting. But other than a Bible (which I'd feel weird carrying around with me all night), are there any small touches that would make the costume more obvious? [more inside]
Help me learn to play with my daughter
I have a beautiful, curious, 8 month old daughter. I love her, but I don't know how to play with her. Help! [more inside]
Best practices for software focus groups
I'd like to start running focus groups on the software I design, and I'd love it if any of you lovely people have experience/resources/best practices you can share. [more inside]
posted by renderthis at 4:28 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by renderthis at 4:28 PM PST - 6 comments
Noooooo! Not my bike!!
My Cervelo P2 has a puncture on the top bar/tube. Will I further damage it if I ride it on a trainer for a few hours? [more inside]
posted by floweredfish at 4:24 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by floweredfish at 4:24 PM PST - 12 comments
Where to go in Chile and Argentina between Bariloche and El Chaltén?
I am in Bariloche and I´m going to do the Nahuel Huapi Traverse the day after tomorrow (taking either 3 or 5 days if I have the time.) I want to get to El Chaltén and spend 5 days trekking around Monte Fitz Roy and Laguna Torre. I would also like to spend a day at Parque Nacional Los Glaciares near El Calafate. Then I have to get to Punta Arenas to fly out March 1st. That leaves me with a little less than a week to work with. [more inside]
posted by saul wright at 4:22 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by saul wright at 4:22 PM PST - 6 comments
Name that record: dinosaurs edition
I'm trying to find the name of a dinosaur record that I listened to endlessly as a kid in 1980 or so. It was a 2-record set, I recall the covers (or the records?) being one red and one green. Songs and maybe some narrated info on various dinosaurs. I'm nearly certain it wasn't The Dinosaur Record.
Anyone here happen to remember it? And if not, anyone with a tip on a shop that specializes in long-ago children's music that might be able to help me identify it?
posted by genug at 4:17 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by genug at 4:17 PM PST - 5 comments
Breakup ambivalence - how to feel out the best choice?
I think my relationship is bad for me but I'm so deeply in love that the notion of ending it seems unbearable. I can't figure out how to decide which way to take it. [more inside]
posted by hungry hippo at 4:04 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by hungry hippo at 4:04 PM PST - 48 comments
Can you recommend a meal delivery service in Australia?
In a few month's time, I will be recovering from a c-section whilst wrangling a newborn and a toddler. We don't have family here in Sydney so Mr Jubey and I will be coping alone. I'll be freezing meals in advance to help there but our freezer is only small so I'm looking for a meal delivery service for 4 weeks or so til I recover. Endless takeaway doesn't appeal, nor is it healthy long term. I know of Lite & Easy but that's geared towards weight loss and while (hopefully) breast feeding I will need more calories. Can you recommend a good meal delivery service? No special dietary requirements.
posted by Jubey at 4:02 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Jubey at 4:02 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me not feel guilty about being sick.
I am home sick. I have about a year of accumulated sick leave. I feel guilty about being home and missing work. Help. [more inside]
posted by fifilaru at 3:50 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by fifilaru at 3:50 PM PST - 21 comments
Two houses, one lot
I've noticed something kind of unusual in many of the residential houses in San Francisco. Often times there's a primary residence facing the street (for example a three-story Victorian) and then a second, more modern building in the back yard (like a one- or two-story cottage). There's a second street number and usually a little gate to access the back building. It seems like a different family occupies the back unit than the front unit (and the front unit is sometimes further subdivided into what I assume are condos). A bunch of naive questions: [more inside]
posted by 2bucksplus at 3:42 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by 2bucksplus at 3:42 PM PST - 19 comments
What are the (French) lyrics to this song?
Can you help transcribe (I guess) a few lines of French from Lafayette Blues, by the White Stripes? [more inside]
posted by Nabubrush at 3:41 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Nabubrush at 3:41 PM PST - 6 comments
What are the top PR websites to submit my new product?
I need to market my software and my friends told me about a couple of PR websites but I can't recall them now. [more inside]
How do I check in on the Pitch Drop Experiment?
I'm interested in checking out the Pitch Drop Experiment. I've tried on a couple of computers and browsers and I can't see the web cam - which is supposed to be viewable on this page. Is it just me or my computer or is it disabled? Hurry, it could happen any moment now! [more inside]
Will I wake up with two tongues tomorrow?
I cut the tip of my tongue vertically about 2 to 4 mm deep, right down the center. Will it heal, or spontaneously split in half, or what? [more inside]
posted by 256 at 2:20 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by 256 at 2:20 PM PST - 13 comments
How to "copy on drag" text in Windows 7?
I need to copy text between a commercial text editor (TextPad 6.1.3 by Helios) and a home brew program used by my company. When I try to do this now, the highlighted text is moved/cut rather than copied. Is there a Windows 7 or TextPad setting I can use to force the behavior to copy rather than cut the text? [more inside]
posted by moxiequz at 2:10 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by moxiequz at 2:10 PM PST - 5 comments
What to do about cramster.com?
I'm seeking suggestions for dealing with the existence of internet cheating sites that provide answers to university homework problems. [more inside]
Have legal fees ever been awarded from a motion that was withdrawn?
I am looking for some memorandum of law wherein attorney fees were awarded in a subsequent motion for costs that were incurred in a previous motion that was (involuntarily) withdrawn. Has this ever happened? [more inside]
posted by doomtop at 1:54 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by doomtop at 1:54 PM PST - 10 comments
Sonographers, do you enjoy your job?
I have been looking into cardiac sonography as a career change, and would love to hear from any of you that work in the field and can comment on your job. Do you feel like there is opportunity for advancement? Do you see your job as something that you could do your whole life, or will you get bored? Does sonography segue into other paths within health care (ie. administration, public health, non-profit work, etc.)?
Southern California Vacation w/Kids Ideas
Looking for a good spot in Southern California for an August vacation with kids. Specific criteria inside. [more inside]
How to age gracefully, or how do the elderly transition into retirement?
As I assist my recently retired parents, I'm finding I know very little about the practical parts of traversing this phase of life. How do I help them manage their financial future, particularly with life insurance? I've read previous posts but special *elder* snowflake.. [more inside]
Need an employments right lawyer STAT
A friend works overseas for a US-based defence contractor. He's been involved in a somewhat work-related incident in his country of work and his employer is, long story short, refusing to advise him, maybe even turning against him. Lots of details we don't want to put on the internet. Need to find a good attorney in the US that has specialization in working with employment rights, particularly in international situations for US based entities (not sure if the defence contractor part is relevant or not). If state matters, pick Texas.
Remote audio in 2013
I have two sets of speakers on opposite sides of a room, connected to Windows boxes, that I would like to stream music to. AirPlay isn't working out too well. What's the best alternative? [more inside]
posted by neckro23 at 11:49 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by neckro23 at 11:49 AM PST - 3 comments
What is your perspective on the "ideal" child custody arrangements?
While recognizing that I'd like your advice on the principles and best practices of a shared child custody agreement.
I currently share both joint and physical custody with my daughter's mother, and things are going just fine, but wondering if you know of any resources (online, written, or your own experiences) to help me consider what is best for my daughter now and in the future, and maybe it can serve as a general resource for other parents' looking to establish positive custody agreements. [more inside]
posted by RajahKing at 11:38 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by RajahKing at 11:38 AM PST - 21 comments
Quick help with very basic german
We have this "German translation" of a template, which is obviously incomplete: Sie haben einen Termin mit Dr. [DOCTOR'S NAME] on [DATE] at [TIME].
I don't trust google translate, so I come to you, German speakers of metafilter. Can you please finish the translation? Thanks.
posted by [@I][:+:][@I] at 11:17 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by [@I][:+:][@I] at 11:17 AM PST - 12 comments
It's hard to cook when you're busy crying
My uncle is in the hospital, and may soon be in hospice for end-of-life care. My aunt has been carrying the weight of both their worlds, as well as his care, for too long, and she's exhausted and bereaved. Please help me find a way to take the small responsibility of feeding herself off her to-do list. [more inside]
What's the most popular music among 5 year old (Serbo-Croatian) girls?
I want to fill an old i-pod mini with pop music for a 5 year old girl. What kind of music do kids this age like? If the answer is Justin Bieber I'm okay with that. [more inside]
posted by vincele at 10:36 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by vincele at 10:36 AM PST - 19 comments
R Statistical Computing for Semi-Dummies?
StatFilter: Would anybody be able to recommend a good introduction to the statistical computing language "R" that a reasonably quantitatively-adept psychologist might be able to work through on his own? Something like a step-by-step book or textbook with exercises would be great to help me become more fluent in R. (My colleagues at work who use R are primarily computer scientists who either first learned MatLab or are brilliant autodidacts when it comes to learning different scripting languages, and thus don't have any suggestions; Googling has mostly proferred a somewhat obscurely structured guide from the R authors and lots of invocations to just learn on my own, somehow...). I've become familiar with how to do many individually useful tasks in data structuring and analysis, but I feel a bit like a very high-functioning tourist who has learned a lot of phrases to get around but who would be lost and mugged in an alleyway if I strayed off the beaten path.
posted by Keter at 9:54 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Keter at 9:54 AM PST - 16 comments
What's cool from PIT -> ILM?
Considering driving from Pittsburgh -> Wilmington, North Carolina in early July. What neat stuff is on the way? (any way!) [more inside]
So creamy!
My Google-Fu has utterly failed me on this. Can anyone help me find this specific blog post about baking steel-cut oats? [more inside]
posted by mon-ma-tron at 9:40 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by mon-ma-tron at 9:40 AM PST - 7 comments
"Lazy" software
When programmers say that good software is "lazy," what exactly do they mean?
posted by thecolor12 at 9:32 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by thecolor12 at 9:32 AM PST - 16 comments
Viral, Art, or otherwise "Cool" Video Project
My creative brain is itching to try my hand at recording and making a short video of sorts ... and I'm looking for ideas! [more inside]
Bookkeeping business--can I make a living?
Accounting degree, experienced bookkeeper working for other folks, already know Quickbooks, etc. A small amount of capital ($5-6k) and a current part-time job that pays just enough to cover my expenses, but it's only going to last another year or so. I could go get another bookkeeping job, but I'm sick of making next to nothing and having next to no control over my work. How can I make myself viable as a business? [more inside]
Is 3 months in South America long enough? (& other travel questions)
Next month, I'm off to South America for three months. I'll be flying into Colombia and flying out of Buenos Aires--already booked my flight, and all should be good, except for my fear that it won't be enough time to see everything I want to see! Details inside. [more inside]
posted by lightgray at 9:14 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by lightgray at 9:14 AM PST - 8 comments
What to do about an unwanted critter living in our house?
About three years ago, my wife was visiting her mother when they discovered a cute puppy running around on the property. The mother took the puppy home and there was great rejoicing. Flash forward one year. [more inside]
What superpower or quirk have you picked up because of your 9-5 gig?
Please tell me about the habits and skills you've picked up as a result of your profession. It might be something you don't even notice because it's second nature to you, but others have pointed it out to you, or it could be something you've noticed about others. [more inside]
Ideas for time-release secret messages and surprises?
In a few weeks I'll be traveling for the last time to a remote place that my young kids will continue to visit for the rest of their lives. I'd like to leave some thing(s) behind for them to find over the next few years that will be fun, secret, and remind them of me. Difficulty level: humid/salty conditions, and other visitors who I don't want to find the items. [more inside]
posted by Yoshimi Battles at 9:03 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Yoshimi Battles at 9:03 AM PST - 16 comments
Window Pane Style
What do you call this style of window, broken up into panes by dividers? I read an NYT trend piece on its popularity in loft apartment architecture a few years ago, and they used a very specific term.
posted by phrontist at 8:25 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by phrontist at 8:25 AM PST - 12 comments
Sample in Sweet Nothing by Calvin Harris vs Hotline Miami
What's the origin of this sample from Sweet Nothing? Is it original to the song? I swear it sounds so much like something from the soundtrack of Hotline Miami. Is there a name for this type of beat/sound?
posted by gzimmer at 8:18 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by gzimmer at 8:18 AM PST - 1 comment
The DaVinci Quote
Help me track down the origin of this Leonardo Da Vinci maxim, of which I can only find a French translation. [more inside]
How do I use my compost?
I have a 3-year old, ~28 cubic ft. compost pile in my backyard that is contained in an uncovered chicken-wire cylinder. I do not touch it aside from adding compostable material to it, but I haven't added anything for several months. What I can see on the top of the pile is not broken down. I don't know anything about using compost in gardens other than what I've Googled, and it all seems to be tailored for people who put way more effort into their compost than I do. What do I need to do to get it ready to put into my raised-bed vegetable garden this spring, and how, specifically, do I actually use it in my garden? Should I mix it in with a particular kind of soil, or should I put a layer of compost and a layer of something else? I have a shovel and some other very basic gardening supplies, but I don't have a pitchfork, and I cannot afford additional equipment like a tumbler. I've seen this previous question.
THAT OCTOPUS LOOKS LIKE A PLANT!
Help me make my step son's brain explode with some amazing/cool/unbelievable videos on the internet! [more inside]
Should I convert to computer science?
I have an opportunity to enter a computer science program with the fees waived, though with difficult pressures in covering my (low) cost of living during it. On the other hand, my current field has terrible employment prospects and the income difference within a few years might make up for the debt incurred to do this. Please hope me – is this a good idea? [more inside]
It's time to make the skirt work. Difficulty: Dude.
So a couple of friends are putting on a night called Skirt, and in the progressive / queer-positive spirit of the event, guys are being encouraged to come wearing one. I'd like to do it, and I'd like to make it look damn good. Skirt-wearers of MeFi, please help me. [more inside]
Turkish Delight?
It's my birthday this weekend (hooray!) and I've just found out from my wife that my present is a trip to Istanbul. Tomorrow morning.
Ordinarily I'm kind of an obsessive travel planner but since I only just found out I haven't spent the past month digging around and I'm fairly clueless about the city. I know MrsPerkins has done a lot of planning so I'm not worried about being stuck for things to do but I'd love to hear any general advice, suggestions for things we really shouldn't miss and anything else about the city it would be cool to check out (restaurants, cafes, aquariums, bakeries...that sort of thing). [more inside]
posted by VoltairePerkins at 4:23 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by VoltairePerkins at 4:23 AM PST - 32 comments
International travel is a great excuse for an upgrade!
What fast Android phone can I use in the US and Costa Rica? [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 4:14 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Tehhund at 4:14 AM PST - 9 comments
How do I encourage my dad to get a hearing aid?
I live with my parents. My dad is in his early 70s and he's going deaf. This started a few years ago. Now, he often isn't aware that my mother or I are speaking at all unless he's looking right us, and even when he is, it's clear that he's only pretending to hear a lot of the time. [more inside]
February 6
Can you start a new business ( private cooking classes) in Asheville, nc
I am considering moving to Asheville and hear a lot about how hard it is to make a living there and how over saturated it is already with entrepreneurs. I am in my mid 50's and have been a successful private chef who is now teaching cooking in various small schools and in private homes. I am not thrilled with the northeast weather and thought of Asheville as a relocation spot. Having just visited there it seemed there is a lot of food buzz going on- I know it's a "foodie" town and think I might be able to succeed there.
I am concerned about the rising cost of buying a house in the area and that I could find enough work there. Any input?
posted by privatechef at 11:46 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by privatechef at 11:46 PM PST - 16 comments
Summer research grants / scholarships for science undergraduates?
What are some non-institution-specific scholarships or grants for someone who wants to do primate research this summer? [more inside]
Where to eat in LA, super specific edition
Where should I eat this pizza? [more inside]
Light weight foldable wheel chairs
Need a bare bone light weight fold able wheelchair - But with the normal size wheels. Not the little casters qll round.. My wife uses a wheel chair 30-50% of the time, other wise she walks with crutches. I see beautiful chairs with great construction AND DESIGN , and lightweight products like this for $4k that perfectly fit the bills. problem is this is isn't an acceptable price for us (if that what we have to pay so be it )but i bet there is a minimalist wheel chair maker out there (coming from a guy who put almost 5K into fitting up a Tommasin sintesin bicycle Frame) its hard for me to believe there isnT a high quality wheel chair out there with some degree of the workmanship for less thaN $2k [more inside]
posted by Carbolic at 9:24 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Carbolic at 9:24 PM PST - 11 comments
Shopping for used and/or new engagement ring in Paris
Looking to propose to my girlfriend imminently(!!!) Part of the proposal is an adventure overseas in order to find the perfect engagement ring (and have a good time). I'm looking for tips on which shops to visit. I'm hoping we'll find a nice antique ring that suits her perfectly, but am open to new rings as well. [more inside]
Can I be responsible for my parent's debt?
My dad is horrible with money. He has lots of debt and for some reason, banks continue to give him loans. He never makes payments and he's always in the red. I've tried my best to keep him from getting credit cards and taking out loans but he's an adult and if the banks keep doing it, there's nothing I can do to stop them. My mother says that I'm going to be responsible for his debt but I have never co-signed anything with him or gone to the banks with him. Is it possible for me to still be responsible? Are there any steps I can take to make sure I won't be responsible? [more inside]
A Canticle for Leibowitz halfway done--what's my next read?
I'm halfway through A Canticle for Leibowitz and am enjoying it so much that I'm doling it out slowly. It reminds me in a lot of ways of another favorite book The Name of the Rose. I'd love recommendations for books that have that combination of erudition and imagination/fantasy. [more inside]
Overpaid my Roth IRA by an astounding $1300. What to do?
Not sure what happened, but I have a Simple Roth IRA through Fidelity that I overpaid accidentally. I'm in my 40s, so as I understand it, can put in up to $5,000 per year. Last year, I overpaid my maximum by something like $300. I didn't worry too much about it. Starting to do my taxes this year, I looked at my Fidelity statement and it looks like this year I overpaid by $1300. What are my options? How does this affect my taxes, if at all? [more inside]
Swag Swag Swag
My friends and I are trying to find a way to purchase the 'Swag' hat in Miami colors that 4-star recruit Stacy Coley is wearing here. Can you help us? Money isn't an issue, within reason. [more inside]
Help me strip my laptop down to an ancient email checking machine
I have a six year old hp pavillion laptop. It is slow and often infuriating. However, I don't use it for anything too demanding so I figure there are better things I could spend my money on than a shiny new computer. Help me figure out how to make my computer spend it's energy doing what I need it to do and nothing more. [more inside]
I want a new belly button ring.
I got my belly button pierced about 10 years ago, and have gone from wearing a ring in it everyday to only wearing one for luck. I'd like to go back to wearing one everyday. [more inside]
posted by spunweb at 7:12 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by spunweb at 7:12 PM PST - 6 comments
Best way to designate who will handle an individual's affairs?
I'm looking for the best way to get a document drafted that will allow an unmarried woman with three children designate that only two of her children will have the ability to handle her affairs should she pass on or become incapacitated. (NY State specific) [more inside]
Is it me or my job?
I recently began my first job six months ago at a creative agency. Now, I'm unsure if I should continue. [more inside]
Removing Diatomaceous Earth from...papers (and my room)
I have some documents that have been sprinkled with diatomaceous earth. How do I get the diatomaceous earth off so I can use the documents without breathing any in? [more inside]
Help with minor accident.
My car slid into a pole on a slippery street. What now? [more inside]
Can we track our inheritance?
We had some money in Switzerland, we don't know where it is. Now what? [more inside]
My sister has a hobby my spouse finds offensive. How to set boundaries?
I need to set some boundaries with my spouse about my sister's new passion, which is something he finds offensive. [more inside]
Help me travel to Japan!
My sibling, mother, and I want to go to Japan (Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Kyoto) in late July. I am getting overwhelmed by trying to book tickets. Help! [more inside]
Custom portrait in old masters style?
I'm interested in getting a modern painted picture in the Old Masters style, probably oil but open to other mediums, probably a portrait of someone (either custom or just a generic portrait). Any suggestions? [more inside]
What kind of writing sample are public policy jobs looking for?
I'm applying to a few policy / research jobs and they all want a writing sample. Since I've been out of college for five years now, I don't really have anything from then and I haven't been published. I'm assuming I'll have to do this from scratch, but don't really know what they're looking for.
posted by youcancallmeal at 4:35 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by youcancallmeal at 4:35 PM PST - 5 comments
Help me choose a web camcorder
I'm making some videos for the internet on a very low budget and am having trouble finding a suitable camera. I need something a step up from a webcam or a Flip HD. [more inside]
posted by brenton at 4:27 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by brenton at 4:27 PM PST - 3 comments
Big Bang for the Young
Can you recommend a book on how the universe was formed that is geared toward a 4-5 year old? Big Bang, etc, not creationism. I'm being bombarded with questions.
posted by rabidsegue at 4:22 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by rabidsegue at 4:22 PM PST - 7 comments
Meteorite on a collision course with earth-- how to NOT see it coming?
What are some reasonably-realistic scientific scenarios in which, assuming all the current technology we have at the moment was in working order, scientists might miss seeing a potentially catastrophic meteorite on a collision course with Earth until it was actually entering the atmosphere?
I assume that astrophysicists see potentially threatening asteroids/meteors coming months, if not years, in advance. But could there be a circumstance in which that might not be the case? Thanks!
posted by np312 at 4:08 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by np312 at 4:08 PM PST - 18 comments
How best to improve my written and spoken Spanish skills in 6 months?
Ayudeme a decir a la gente que tienen alta presion arterial. [more inside]
iPhone data service w/o paying for the phone part? (Seattle)
My ideal situation would be basically an iPod Touch with unlimited 4G connectivity for $50-60/month. I'd love to figure out a way to still have all of the features I love with my iPhone, while simultaneously ditching the cost of making calls. Seriously. I have so many anytime minutes banked it's nuts. I'm grandfathered on unlimited data with AT&T (which means nothing really), except that I have a AT&T iPhone 4S to use once my contract is up next year. (Thought it might be pertinent for scenarios.) Not interested in carrying around a second device (e.g. mobile wifi). Thoughts?
posted by letstrythis at 3:13 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by letstrythis at 3:13 PM PST - 16 comments
Proper Mounting Techniques
After years of renting, I can finally (finally!) mount my TV and speakers to the walls. Help me not screw this up. There is plaster and lath involved. [more inside]
I just want to look good naked
I am new to both New York City AND gym membership. Can you recommend a gym? I'm particularly looking for one that doesn't require a year-long contract. [more inside]
posted by unannihilated at 2:15 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by unannihilated at 2:15 PM PST - 9 comments
Recommendation of Books for 5yo Being Snubbed by Classmates
I am looking for some suggestions of book titles for books that a 5 year old girl can understand though not necessarily be able to read. She's encountering cliques in her kindergarten class, being snubbed, and the teacher is offering no help. I realize this is temporary but in the meantime surely there are books letting her know it happens sometimes and maybe some suggestions of how she can work it out. Thanks for any help.
For what purpose was enterprise push email designed?
Would you agree that enterprise push email technology was primarily designed to push email from a single enterprise mailbox (unless you happen to work for multiple enterprises)? [more inside]
Company law question (merger/LLP) from a noob
I was DLA Piper's wikipedia page and came across this sentence:
"It is composed of two partnerships, the United Kingdom-based DLA Piper International LLP and the Untied States-based DLA Piper U.S. LLP. The two partnerships share a single management board but are not financially integrated." [more inside]
FinnAir baggage weight policy
Does FinnAir (in your recent experience) enforce its 8kg/18lb weight limit for carry-on bags in economy class? [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 1:03 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by kalapierson at 1:03 PM PST - 5 comments
What kind of indoor plant do I want?
I have always been one of those "I have no green thumb" type people, but now I want an indoor plant for my NYC apartment. Specifics inside. [more inside]
How to escelate this too cool pool problem?
My gym is lying about the temperature of the pool. The manager is consistently unavailable. I'm tired of being lied to / being given the run around. How can I escalate this? [more inside]
posted by OsoMeaty at 12:45 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by OsoMeaty at 12:45 PM PST - 17 comments
Where in SF proper can I go to find nice art to put up on my walls?
The walls of my apartment are seeming a little bare as of late, and I'm wondering where in the city I could go to pick up some nice art or prints to put up on them... [more inside]
What's the best time to buy Super Bowl merchandise?
How long should I wait -if at all - to get the best deal on Super Bowl merchandise? [more inside]
Lawyer's Sloppiness May Have Screwed Up My Case...Recourse?
The lawyer I hired to negotiate a settlement for injuries suffered in an auto accident sent a letter to the other driver's insurance company that contained the name of another client copied and pasted into my letter, plus an incorrect and inflated amount of damages (possibly from the other client's case). Has this sloppiness jeopardized my case? What can I do about it? Bonus question: After pointing out these errors, the lawyer will not return my calls. [more inside]
How do I deal with my anxiety-ridden partner?
My partner of three years has some pretty fierce obsessive anxiety issues, and I would like some help to deal with this. [more inside]
I need to learn to write!
I need to learn to write with my other hand. How do I do this? [more inside]
Do mental health therapists typically seek therapy
I'm asking for one of my sons. He's looking into the psychology program in college and thinks it would be interesting. He was wondering if therapists/psychologists typically seek therapy for themselves after or before practice. He was wondering if it would cause him to burn out or need help to deal with clients. I'd like to add he's thinking of adolescent kids and young adults. He was tossing that up with another career in the health field and I have no idea how to answer this for him. We've looked online and the answers seem to be all over the place, with mostly yes, they do seek therapy - but is it because of the work or because of other issues?
Kitchen Idiots, lend me your unfuckupable recipes.
I need to make one (1) simple meal a week for two (2) people. This is not something I'm necessarily good at. Details inside. [more inside]
Mutant skate shoe / dress shoe
I'm looking for a good pair of sneakers that split the difference between "casual" and "work." Mostly this is for casual Fridays at my office, when I want something cool/relaxed on my feet to go with some jeans, but my ratty Converse sneakers might come off as too informal. I like the Vans Ludlow and Pritchard collections, but the shoes in those links are limited edition and appear to be gone. The newest models in those collections don't fit my aesthetic tastes all that well. Is there anything along those lines - sort of a hybrid skate sneak / dress shoe, with a playful hint at formal classiness - you can recommend?
posted by naju at 11:16 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by naju at 11:16 AM PST - 17 comments
So pretty! But do they actually work?
Friends are in the beginning process of thinking about a kitchen remodel, and are wondering if anyone has good or bad things to say about the stoves, fridges, or dishwashers from The Big Chill. [more inside]
PhD that keeps on giving
Did you do a PhD that you are proud of? That you loved working on? That has helped you in your career going forward? [more inside]
Need strategies for dealing with classroom disruptions
OK wise teachers, can you help me with tips and tricks? Issue: Student talking disruptively. [more inside]
Temperamental garage door
Starting a couple of weeks ago, our automatic garage door sometimes goes down about 1/5 of the way and then goes back up. [more inside]
Marlin sinks sport fishing boat.
Yesterdays Vancouver Province had a story about a marlin sinking a sport fishing boat in Honduras. This is a hoax, no?
There's no way I can see the physics of a 220Kg. fish being able to exert enough leverage to capsize a 9M. boat. Plus the fact that implies the fishing line/pole/person holding the fishing pole are strong enough to capsize the boat.
Is this possible in any conceivable way?
posted by Keith Talent at 10:23 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Keith Talent at 10:23 AM PST - 6 comments
How can I sync free/busy data between my multiple calendars?
I have several different calendar accounts that I use on my iPhone, 1 personal Google Calendar, an Exchange account for my primary job, and another GCal that my part time job uses to dispatch technician jobs to me. My part time job uses this calendar to schedule calls, so as it stands now I have to manually block out anything that I schedule on my other calendars so that they don't double book me.
How can I create a setup where if I enter something on one of my calendars it will mark me as busy during that time? I don't want to have to create every event 3 times, and I don't want full synchronization as I don't want personal details and business information where other people can see it.
What if the 1859 Carrington Event happened again tomorrow?
The 1859 Carrington Event triggered the largest Geomagnetic Storm in recorded history, crippling the relatively small-scale telecommunications systems of the day and causing widespread electro-magnetic disruptions around the globe. If another EM event on that scale occurred today, what would be the likeliest impacts to our telecommunications systems, electrical grids, and magnetic storage media? [more inside]
posted by saulgoodman at 9:31 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by saulgoodman at 9:31 AM PST - 5 comments
How can I make this homemade movie big enough to show at a party?
My parents are celebrating their 50th anniversary. I have made a slideshow in iMovie with images, video and audio to show at the party. What is the cheapest, best-quality way that I can show this to an audience of about 20 people? [more inside]
Oh drat! I spilled vinegar on my polished concrete floor!
I broke a very large bottle of apple cider vinegar on my floor -- my polished concrete floor. I managed to clean up the spill quite quickly, but it ate away at the surface. You can see the horrid results here. (You may also see some of my tears on the floor.) [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 9:05 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Lescha at 9:05 AM PST - 16 comments
ISO iPad PDF organizer...
I'm trying to find an app for organizing my PDFs on my iPad mini. Ideally, this app would enable me to sort my PDFs into folders *and* allow me to open the PDFs either within the app or in another application (such as Note Taker HD), *and* I'd like there to be a companion desktop application (for Mac) or website or whatever so I can organize things on my computer when I want. [more inside]
How can I thank parents for doing a fantastic job?
How can I (should I?) thank parents for doing a fantastic job? [more inside]
posted by brynna at 8:23 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by brynna at 8:23 AM PST - 18 comments
Help me plan a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
A friend and I want to get to the Harry Potter theme park at some point in 2013 (I guess during March/April or September/October when it isn't so hot, though the fall is hurricane season so maybe that is a bad idea?). Neither of us has ever been to Orlando theme parks and we're kind of at a loss. And is there a way to do this that isn't so crazy expensive? [more inside]
Getting 70% Isopropyl Alcohol down to exactly 50% based on a 32oz bottle
For one of the steps to a science project, I need to take a 32oz bottle of drugstore 70% isopropyl alcohol and reduces down to 50% by adding distilled water. Can anyone tell me how many ounces of water I would need to add to the 32oz bottle of isopropyl to make it 50% alcohol? The mathematical formula would be helpful if it's easy enough to calculate in the future. Thank you.
posted by orehek at 8:10 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by orehek at 8:10 AM PST - 20 comments
Going to the doctor like a Real Adult
I've never really had a regular doctor as an adult and I'm thinking I should change that. Should I? How do I go about it? [more inside]
Are Orcs copyrighted?
If you look up "Orc" on Wikipedia, it says that, rather that coming from, say, German folklore (as I assumed), they first appeared in Tolkien's works. But if that's the case, how can Orcs appear in all sorts of fantasy books and video games? Or am I just naive, and royalties are being paid to the Tolkien estate, such as by the creators of Dungeons and Dragons? [more inside]
posted by gnossie at 7:52 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by gnossie at 7:52 AM PST - 11 comments
Trans Siberian railroad
I am looking for a series of blog posts and photos on a website of a major newspaper (maybe WaPo or NYT, but maybe another) that interviewed families/communities along the Trans Siberian railroad. Published in 2007ish, give or take a year, and an earlier series was done in late 90s/early 2000s.
Thank you for your help.
posted by photodegas at 7:44 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by photodegas at 7:44 AM PST - 3 comments
According to the Kensey report, every average Joe you know...
I'd like dating advice that's more research-based (more details within) [more inside]
WinXP Debug, Difficulty: Korean
What does this Korean localized WinXP error dialogue say and how can I fix it (optional). [more inside]
posted by roue at 6:53 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by roue at 6:53 AM PST - 6 comments
Am I a bad person trying to control my partner?
Am I a terrible person? My partner and I have been dating for 3.5 years, living together for one. In that time, he's cut off contact with two of his friends who were also significant exes. [more inside]
How do I say "No thanks, I'm taken?"
I'm a bartender in a major city, and after having lost a few pounds, the ladies won't leave me alone. How do I handle this? [more inside]
The princess who kicked ass and took names
Good picture books that feature princesses/fairies who are conventionally feminine but also have agency and are valued for things other than selflessness? [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 6:11 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by ActionPopulated at 6:11 AM PST - 37 comments
Los Angeles Loves Love
Half a day to be tourists in LA. What can I do with my parents and SO? [more inside]
Trees. What's up with those?
We live in a rural New England house on a wooded lot and we don't actually know a whole lot about taking care of trees. Other than 'you should call someone and learn about taking care of trees' what will be useful for us to know? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:52 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:52 AM PST - 14 comments
Can you help me, I'm loved up over someone Down Under?
How to bring a Melbourne woman a little romance from half a world away? [more inside]
posted by Callicvol at 4:47 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Callicvol at 4:47 AM PST - 10 comments
ID this game/toy/edumawhatzit from the 70s or 80s
I had a toy/game/math thing when I was young that I'd like to identify and possibly get a replacement or alternate version of. It was a plastic box that taught basic math skills. I hope my fuzzy memories spur your fuzzy memories into a resolution. [more inside]
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 4:13 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Clinging to the Wreckage at 4:13 AM PST - 12 comments
Basic Latin translation
Can someone, please, confirm or correct the following translation from English to Latin:
Light and Shadow = Luci atque umbris
Why is it not 'lux atque umbris'?
Thanks!
February 5
Google Japanese Input
I have just started using Google Japanese Input on Windows 7. It works fine, but I would like to be able to switch input modes (i.e. between direct input, hiragana, katakana etc) using a shortcut key. Currently I have to click on the language bar to switch, which is a pain. I looked in the properties and can't see an option for shortcuts. I tried googling but can't seem to find an answer either. [more inside]
posted by theyexpectresults at 10:56 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by theyexpectresults at 10:56 PM PST - 4 comments
I hate my job and I can't leave. How do I cope?
I am currently working long hours in a job that in a number of ways is driving me absolutely insane. I can't easily leave until mid year. How do I not go mad? [more inside]
Loud neighbor help
I have a loud neighbor with a TV who lives below me. I've tried multiple things (try to ask them, tell the manager, bang on the wall) to no avail. Any other options? [more inside]
also knowing the past tense of "jailbreak" would be cool
I just jailbreaked (jailbroke?) my iPod Touch. What are the must-have apps, modifications, etc that I should get for it? I'm running iOS 6. I'm particularly interested in good Notification Center widgets, since that seems to be the biggest thing that can't be done through the regular App Store. Recommendations for good themes would be swell too. [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 9:27 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by NoraReed at 9:27 PM PST - 6 comments
How to stop random keyboard input lag in Windows 8?
How to stop random keyboard input lag in Windows 8? [more inside]
Help save my grapefruit tree
This is my grapefruit tree. It is sad, and I'm not sure why. Please help me make my grapefruit tree not so sad and nearly dead. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 8:37 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by filthy light thief at 8:37 PM PST - 16 comments
Easy jams for keyboard and bass
I've played classical piano for years, but I'm just starting out with jazz and blues. A friends is learning bass guitar from scratch. Can anyone recommend some easy riffs or chord progressions we could play together?
How do I find a meow-chiming wall clock?
For some time I've desired to own a wall clock which plays a cat (or cats) meowing the tune to the Westminster Chimes, as well as one meow for every hour. How can I purchase or make this? [more inside]
Is a root canal necessary before a crown?
So, I cracked one of my lower molars and it now needs to be crowned. My dentist is planning to perform a root canal on the tooth before crowning it, but I'm not sure if it is necessary. [more inside]
posted by defreckled at 6:41 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by defreckled at 6:41 PM PST - 12 comments
Is there any hope for smooth skin, post-depilation?
Brazilian wax has revealed unattractive skin issues. Is there anything that can be done to solve it? [more inside]
Last minute Valentine's Day dinner in Manhattan!
I'd like recommendations in Manhattan for an off the beaten path Italian restaurant that would likely still have tables available for a Valentine's Day dinner. We are in our mid 20s and price isn't an issue. Just something romantic and delicious. Many of the famous restaurants are all booked and that's fine with me - I'd prefer something a little less known. Please, any recommendations or personal experiences!
Looking for Advice on Dealing with Animal Control
How to best deal with animal control taking away family dogs after an incident? [more inside]
posted by ldthomps at 5:05 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by ldthomps at 5:05 PM PST - 8 comments
Tell me about investing as a hobby!
I've always had an interest in the stock market and investing but have only given it a small amount of attention. I was recently trying to come up with ideas for a hobby and realized that (a) investing is something I have had a long standing interest in and (b) it's something that people can do as a hobby! What are some resources/guides/books for learning as much as possible about this? [more inside]
posted by averageamateur at 5:02 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by averageamateur at 5:02 PM PST - 24 comments
Selling rental property. Have some questions
I am selling a rental house and I have some questions about taxes etc. I know YANMCPA, but if you could point me to a place I can read some clear information, I would appreciate it. [more inside]
Hotels with jacuzzi driving distance from Long Island
I want to take my awesome boyfriend away from a relaxing weekend in a hotel with an in-room jacuzzi tub. We are in Long Island, but location is less important than the hotel itself, so I am interested in anywhere within a couple hour's driving distance from NYC. Budget is $200/night, although I would spend a bit more for something really nice. [more inside]
Data-getting programming for noobs
Can you help me get an idea of what this personal programming project of designing a "data-getting" program (details inside) would involve, given I would be starting from noob level? Alternatives? [more inside]
Fiction: Fatal encounters between therapist and patient
I am looking for any stories that include a fatal encounter between a therapist and his/her patient. [more inside]
Encrypted chat between mobile devices?
The best and simplest way to communicate between a smallish number of (known) people, on a few different devices, with encryption? [more inside]
Dental Tourism- Where is best?
Can anyone give me a recommendation for a specific dental office you have experience with in another country? Thailand, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic are all good options I have found but I'd love to use a proven office someone liked a lot. If not the exact office, maybe just some advice and/or cautionary tales?
I have a couple crowns to do and instead of going broke and being mad I figured: Free Vacation. Happy to fly anywhere since the ticket price is saved in the cheaper dental cost.
What techniques should be used to find the already written future of me?
Let's say that certain phases of my life were already written in a book 70 - 100 years ago by someone, who was either a futurist of a scifi-writer. Let's also say that there are people, who want to make sure - for some yet unknown reason - that I live through those phases and that my personality gets developed similarly to some character's personality in that book. The book would have been written a long time before I was born. Now, what kind of search engines and what kind of search strategies I should use to become sure that there actually is such a book? There might exists traces of revitalizing of the book, if the original writer didn't make good enough guesses about the future.
Where to go on a first date in Pittsburgh?
27 year old straight male living in Pittsburgh.
I'm doing the OkCupid thing. I would like to go on a few dates, but I don't know where to go for a first date. Elsewhere on AskMe, people have said that a first date with someone you met on Okcupid should be brief compared to a first date with someone you've known in person for a while. Makes sense. I could put together an awesome date that was three hours long, but when I try to think of something short and sweet, I'm at a loss. [more inside]
posted by UrbanEye at 2:39 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by UrbanEye at 2:39 PM PST - 18 comments
Restaurant recommendations in/near Gilbert, AZ?
Will be visiting for Valentine's day, any dinner/date recommendations would be appreciated!
Finding out where a cell call is coming from
I have been getting annoying and possilby disturbing calls from an old friend. I looked up the number and it's registered as a cell phone with an out of state area code. However, since it is a cell, the person could still be placing those calls from the local area. I called my phone provider and unsuprisingly, they couldn't help. Is there another way to find out the physical location of the caller?
Mechanic filter: 1993 Honda del Sol sometimes starting and sometime not
About six weeks I purchased a 5-speed 1993 Honda del Sol Si. Overall, I'm very pleased with the transaction. It's in great shape and runs very nicely.
However, ever since a few days after I bought it, I've had a very frustrating recurring problem. [more inside]
Brain Art Dance Thing Seeks Name
Help name this event:
It's a day long event starting with an art show, leading into an evening of music and experiential art, and it's aim is to celebrate the creative works of those with mental illness. The higher goal is to destigmatize mental illness and educate attendees about the services available in the community.
I like Revisionary Ball but someone else has claimed "Revisionary". Any ideas out there?
posted by Gusaroo at 1:57 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Gusaroo at 1:57 PM PST - 7 comments
Good, current ambient drum-n-bass?
I'm looking for recommendations for contemporary, ambient drum-n-bass. Or, if the genre names have shifted, something that does the same for me as the less bombastic output of LTJ Bukem.
I have Chrissy Murderbot's mix, and that's also a good benchmark, though I think that comprises older stuff, too.
Low-profile doorknob?
I need a low-profile (sub-2" on the inner side) entry doorknob. Can you recommend one? [more inside]
posted by vorfeed at 1:36 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by vorfeed at 1:36 PM PST - 8 comments
Does this kanban iOS/web app exist?
I'm enjoying KanbanFlow, but I need something where I can enter stuff into my iPod Touch offline and have that go to a web-based Kanban board next time my iPod has a wireless signal. (Something like syncing in Remember The Milk. In fact, if you can write a Kanban app/extension for RTM or even just tell me of an existing one, I will spouse you.) Does an app with my desired characteristics exist? [more inside]
posted by BrashTech at 1:28 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by BrashTech at 1:28 PM PST - 7 comments
how to increase strength/endurance with weak ankles & wrists?
I'm looking for suggestions about strength- and endurance-building exercises -- general types or specific motions -- that will either engage my super-weak ankles and wrists in order to strengthen them or avoid using said weak bits entirely in order to avoid exacerbating the existing problems.
Preceding that, I am not even sure which route to take in the first place: activate/try to strengthen these weak areas, or avoid/leave well enough alone? [more inside]
Bitter about carrots
I made some carrot soup. It has a slightly bitter after taste. Why is that, and can I fix this? [more inside]
How much do successful, but not megasuccessful, musicians make?
I'm curious about the real-world economics of being a musician who "made it" but is not, say, Sir Elton John or Bruce Springsteen or Jay-Z. For instance, how's James McNew, bassist of the incomparable Yo La Tengo, doing? Is Ken Bethea, guitarist for the Old 97's, comfortable? Ian Matthews, drummer for Kasabian, are you sorted for a comfortable retirement? [more inside]
Are there pitfalls to premature domesticity?
After a long period of not dating -- partly volitional, partly circumstantial -- I met somebody I really like and who really likes me (yay!) and we've been seeing each other for a couple of months. It's going really well. Although we have been on a few traditional dates -- live music and movies and dinners out -- we have the best time hanging out at each other's places, cooking dinner together, reading together, playing board games, and watching movies at home. Is this a problem? We are still getting to know each other. Are there good reasons to avoid what looks an awful lot like domesticity in the early stages of a relationship?
I once read a poem about "being the rock and the water around the rock"
"but am both and neither, being human". Or something.
I saw it once on a bus in Santa Cruz years ago, one of those PSAs some public agency ran with a couple of poems each month. I quite liked it, and have never again been able to track it down with a yearly poke at google. It occurs to me that AskMe might be a better place to try, especially since I remember it so poorly.
posted by freebird at 11:53 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by freebird at 11:53 AM PST - 4 comments
SAN Solution- what the heck am I looking for??
What options and features or solutions should we be looking for in a SAN solution that will need to last 7-10 years. [more inside]
My dog is afraid of people who are afraid of dogs
My shy 4 year old rescue pit bull/shepherd mix and I live in a large apartment building. A couple recently moved in next door to me, and they are terrified of dogs. [more inside]
Bacon of the month club?
Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with bacon of the month clubs? [more inside]
Anyone know an awesome Ophthalmologist around Lantana, TX area (Dallas)?
Long story short: Grandma needs cataract surgery and knows no one to get a personal recommendation from and I don't live in the area. Any help or personal experience is incredibly appreciated.
How does one go about selling their hair? Advice needed!!!!
I've googled this, and suggestions include using online sites where you actually pay for an ad or using ebay (which I am unfamiliar with). I've seen reports that for quality hair you can get up to $1,000 for 10+ inches.
Before you start lecturing me about donating- I have donated my hair in the past!! I am getting married in the fall and because we are living pay check to pay check, I am trying to find ways to pay for things. [more inside]
Subscription service: how to price it? What to avoid?
I have an opportunity to develop a CMS-type web service for a franchise where I will charge ongoing monthly subscriptions instead of an upfront development fee. They have been burned by two failed projects already; I have no interest in selling my hourly labor beyond my day job; hence the subscription idea. I am excited about this opportunity (yay residuals!) but I want to be really careful not to bite off more than I can chew. [more inside]
How do I buy a fast internet connection in Dallas / Fort Worth, TX?
How do I buy a fast internet connection in Dallas / Fort Worth, TX? [more inside]
Suggestions for HIIT exercises using the upper body?
I'd like to incorporate HIIT into my workout routine but I would like to focus on my arms, chest and back. [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 10:26 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 10:26 AM PST - 19 comments
I'm looking for firsthand experiences with leech or maggot therapy.
Have you or anyone you know ever tried leech or maggot therapy? What was it like--did it work?
Help me find books on film history by decade.
I'm looking for good books detailing the history of film by decade-- as in a book on 1940's Hollywood, the 60's and the French New Wave, 1970's New Hollywood (in that case Easy Riders, Raging Bulls might be a good suggestion). [more inside]
posted by dr handsome at 10:10 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by dr handsome at 10:10 AM PST - 6 comments
Navigating a lesbian triad
About 4 months ago, my partner and I (together about 7 years) started dating another woman. We are starting to hit a few roadbumps in this process, and I'm having trouble finding analogous experiences or resources to help us navigate. Snowflakes, of course. [more inside]
Take-out / Foodcart tacos in Chula Vista?
We're staying in Chula Vista for a month. Please suggest a good Mexican style take-out for lunch?
Wordpress site, built in English, for Chinese readers
Tell me what you know about building a Wordpress-based site in English, but with Chinese-language content. Or any other language, really, if it applies to this situation. [more inside]
A knock-off of a knock-off?
Hey, Metafilter. I missed out on getting this dress last year at H&M. It also came in yellow. I've been looking for similar sleeveless, A-line, chiffon shirtdresses ever since. Can you help me find one? [more inside]
posted by topoisomerase at 9:38 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by topoisomerase at 9:38 AM PST - 13 comments
Is this just a minor success, or a real turning point in my life?
I just published an indie sci-fi novel and it's kicking serious ass on Amazon. I have also just been offered a career assignment that may or may not be a big leg up in teaching, but it would eat up a lot of my writing time. I'm not sure how dedicated I am to teaching anymore. Am I letting short-term success run away with me? I'll try to keep the special snowflakes short. [more inside]
posted by scaryblackdeath at 9:35 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by scaryblackdeath at 9:35 AM PST - 21 comments
Replacement lids for Bormioli Rocco glass pitchers?
I have a few Bormioli Rocco Frigoverre glass pitchers with hermetic lids like this one and these, but one is missing a lid and the other lid is beginning to crack, after long wear. It seems like the factory does not sell replacement lids. Anyone else able to get replacement lids? If not, what have people done for a replacement?
Easiest way to get decent-looking affiliate site online?
I want to get an affiliate site running without spending a huge amount of time or money on it. What I want is a pretty standard shopfront with a grid of icons, and some text explaining why I think you should buy these items, running on my own domain. All the actual sales will be done on the affiliate end, so a shopping cart is not required. [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 8:59 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by StephenF at 8:59 AM PST - 6 comments
Strictly speaking, I'm never supposed to do this.
I like movies that mostly reflect reality (er...let's say enhanced reality) but have a pop of wtf-was-that. Like the square that Mia draws in Pulp Fiction. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 8:49 AM PST - 90 comments
posted by phunniemee at 8:49 AM PST - 90 comments
How do I download a folder of emails in Hotmail to my mac?
I've been using Hotmail for ages and I have a bunch of important emails going back two years which I need to organise and print out. Hotmail isn't very good at opening up multiple emails or printing them out so I'd like to download them to my macbook. They are currently sitting in their own folder in my Hotmail account. How do I download this folder and what software should I use?
Ethics or not
When the AIDS crisis showed up, I literally put my education on pause. I figured I would spend the next 5 years caring for friends until they all died, and then go back to school. 23 years later, I have 23 years of experience in HIV research and social services and a B.A. in religious studies. Snowflaky details.... [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 at 7:59 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Sophie1 at 7:59 AM PST - 19 comments
looking for articles on the depopulation of US cities
I'm looking for articles on the depopulation of US cities, I've seen some on detroit & chicago and the renewal efforts for sustainability, but am unable to find them through google, and help would suffice!
posted by xcasex at 7:56 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by xcasex at 7:56 AM PST - 6 comments
Perils to Baby in a Household With an Unvaccinated Older Child
Confirm my understanding of the perils to a baby in a house with an unvaccinated child, and recommend an article explaining those perils that I can forward to my niece who's about to have another kid. [more inside]
How to get ahead in copywriting
I'm thinking about attempting to land an entry-level copywriting position, after working for over ten years in an unrelated field (public librarianship). I'm wondering if I currently have enough relevant experience to start sending out resumes, or if I need to beef up my portfolio a bit. And any general advice on copywriting careers would also be welcome. [more inside]
How do I stop getting buried in unwashed sweaters?
I have a lot of sweaters. They're not particularly great sweaters (no wool or cashmere), but I like them and I would like to wear them more. However, I don't have a lot of room in my laundry room to lay them out to dry, so they just end up in a laundry basket and sit there for ages because I can't figure out how to efficiently wash and dry them. How do you handle laundering a lot of sweaters with limited space for flat drying, and how often do you do it?
posted by ashirys at 7:08 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by ashirys at 7:08 AM PST - 35 comments
Dental recommendations for west of Chicago
I'm looking for a personal recommendation (i.e. not a yelp listing) for a great adult dentist in the near west burbs of Chicago or even the southwest burbs. So anywhere from Oak Park to Oakbrook and south to Tinley Park. Important: weekend hours, experience, knowledgeable staff, a dentist who won't scold or up-sell. Not important: flat screen television, high tech equipment.
Tried a "Car Concierge" to buy a used car. Didn't go well. Now what?
I need to buy a used car. I hate the process, am afraid of dealerships, and am easily talked into things — so I hired a "car concierge" buying service to do this for me. But it didn't work out like I thought and I felt pressured to spend more than I wanted. Should I give up? If so, how do I deal with buying a used car, when it completely freaks me out? [more inside]
posted by amoeba at 7:04 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by amoeba at 7:04 AM PST - 10 comments
Need overview for a proposed audio/visual, security and computer layout
Looking for a good overview for a proposed audio/visual, security and computer layout in an urban residence. e.g. list of equipment, layout, controls, outlets, wiring, speakers.
This is new, not retro-fit, the walls are open, all the wiring and controls can be neatly coordinated.
Help me see this in plan; as a well-tuned clock; not a mish-mash.
How can I shingle or surface my scale model house?
My daughter and I are building a birdhouse that is a scale model of our real house out of 1/4" plywood. I have the pieces cut, and could assemble them now if I wanted to. I'm waiting because I want to reasonably replicate the siding, and I'm not sure how to proceed. [more inside]
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:04 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Mayor Curley at 6:04 AM PST - 13 comments
Hand Washing Sports Jersey's
Looking for a better alternative to cleaning jerseys in a washing machine. [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 5:52 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dbirchum at 5:52 AM PST - 7 comments
What's the best running app?
I just got a new iPhone. I used to have an adroid and had a favorite running app. Unfortunately, that app is not available for the iPhone. So, MeFite runners, what works for you? I'd like something what won't seize up or shut down in the middle of a run, that will let me listen to music or a podcast, and that will track my runs for me. If possible, I would also like an app that lets me record cross-country skiing and time on the elliptical machine (my winter and non-running day activities). Thanks.
Is it over already?!
Over the weekend, I turned down an invitation to a birthday party (from a man I've been seeing for 3 months) because I wasn't actually invited to it by the girls who held it. It just so happened to be one of several incidents in which I have turned him down for weekend festivities. Now he seems to be ignoring me...or am I going crazy? [more inside]
posted by 01080591 at 5:07 AM PST - 59 comments
posted by 01080591 at 5:07 AM PST - 59 comments
Is there a healing power in the sun?
I live in northern New York where we have short hot summers of about 2 to 3 months and long cold winters. I have a variety of health problems, including joint problems, and hormone problems including low testosterone and higher than normal estrogen (I am a male) . I have noticed that in the summertime If I sit outside for one to two hours every day to absorb the sun I feel healthier, my joints hurt less, my hormones seem better, and I have more energy. Also if I have a cut or a twisted ankle It seems to heal faster then in the winter.
Assuming that it was the vitamin D from the sun that was causing this , I took vitamin D pills every day in the winter. However, I did not experience any of the benefits that I experienced with regular sunshine exposure.
This leads me to believe there is something else, some sort of other healing power in the sun that either science is not aware of yet or that I am simply not aware of. Is this possible?
What's for dinner with Andre?
Can anybody who's seen the film please tell me what the actual dinner was in the movie My Dinner With Andre? Do you see the protagonists actually order and eat their food? What was the food? Do they comment on it? Does it look nice? Thanks a lot.
posted by Ted Maul at 4:28 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Ted Maul at 4:28 AM PST - 6 comments
February 4
Help with simple plumbing question - how tight should it be?
Installing a new dishwasher, and the elbow fitting that connects the hot water hose to the dishwasher ends up facing the wrong direction when tightened as far as it will go by hand. How many more times should I turn it with a wrench? [more inside]
Immediate PHP programming interview prep.
I have a programming job interview TOMORROW. Can you help a fellow out? [more inside]
Asked Out A Friend. Rejected. Now What?
About a month ago I asked about how to flirt with a friend. Well, I asked her out, and got rejected. Now I want to know how to deal with it. [more inside]
posted by christiehawk at 11:02 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by christiehawk at 11:02 PM PST - 27 comments
Quiet room on demand?
In NYC: Want to get 10-30 people in a quiet room for a discussion (in a place that's not someone's apartment) for about 90 minutes. What's free (or quite cheap), and easy to obtain on short notice? This is a noncommercial thing, if that would help.
I thought the hard part was over...
I left my abusive ex four months ago. So how can I actually move on now that I've moved out? [more inside]
posted by sockermom at 9:39 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by sockermom at 9:39 PM PST - 22 comments
Is it really smart to move an old house rather than build a new house?
So I've read multiple times about folks moving historic houses from their original locations to new locations. Is this a good idea financially? [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 9:20 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Grandysaur at 9:20 PM PST - 21 comments
Proven techniques for reponding to the Help Rejecting Complainer?
We all have one in our life. They come to us, over and over again, with a particular problem or quandary. Yet they don't seem to want to address the problem. Trying to be helpful, we offer suggestions or ideas, each of which is shot down. The process repeats itself again and again, you feeling more frustrated each time.
Surely there must be a better way.
Friendships after relationships
I'm trying to figure out the best way to understand and handle the relationship between myself and a good friend who is also my ex. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by jlibera at 8:18 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by jlibera at 8:18 PM PST - 20 comments
I wanna be French.
Help me find an army green and furry-hooded coat like the one pictured! [more inside]
I have a back yard, but no barbecue...
I want to buy a barbecue/grill, but that's about all I know. [more inside]
Should interview reference information be kept confidential?
I found replies from my references on an intranet site (posted over a year ago), which is available to more than just the group who interviewed me. I'm pretty upset about this since some of the information given was very personal. I'm going to find out about getting it removed, but this is a site that is backed up nightly, so it has also been archived. I'm not sure whether I should go to HR also to ask about the policy.
What should we, as a company, do about insane customers?
Our store occasionally has customers who appear to be mentally unstable and who would benefit from medical help. What, if anything, should we do for them? Is it any of our business? [more inside]
Facewart Funtime
I have a little wart on my face next to my nose. It's only pimple-sized but has been there for almost a year or so and won't quit on its own. It's not very noticeable but I want to get rid of it and as far as I know freeze-burning in the fastest way to get these things off. But sometimes they are stubborn and need multiple hits of the nitrogen gun. Will doing this freeze-burning thing leave me with noticeable marks on my face the next day, or even scars?
How do I fight City Hall and stop the building of a casino?
How do I fight City Hall and stop the building of a casino? [more inside]
Environmental engineering
You graduated from an environmental engineering program, bachelor's or master's degree in hand. What was your first degree-related job, and was it what you expected? [more inside]
My new student loan servicer is boggling my mind
My loans were recently transferred from Direct Loans (the government) to a private servicer (VSAC). I am almost sure that someone somewhere made an error, because my new bills are blowing my mind. I was silly enough to throw away my old payment receipts. Who do I call to get my old records of payments and to make sure the new people aren't messing up my account? [more inside]
Alcohol = burny burny heartburn. Why? How can I fix it?
I understand you are not my gastroenterologist. I'll settle for input from a personally knowledgeable fellow MeFi'er. Has anyone suddenly become unable to drink alcohol, maybe after a GI illness? Does this condition go away? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments
Any way to speed up mp3 loading to audio player?
Any way to speed up mp3 loading to audio player? My computer says it will take 13 hours. Is there any way to speed this up?
I'm running Windows 7 with 2.0 USB connection.
Thanks so much, hive mind peeps.
posted by ragtimepiano at 4:30 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ragtimepiano at 4:30 PM PST - 12 comments
"Letting you go" still is too harsh.
What do I need to know about if I'm fired? [more inside]
What do I tell my psychiatrist about trying drugs given by friends?
Is it safe to admit to a new psychiatrist that I have tried some anti-anxiety drugs given to me by friends who were trying to help me out? [more inside]
Switching between low/retina resolution on Preview?
I spend a lot of time reading academic PDFs, and have found that using a retina Macbook Pro has significantly reduced eyestrain. However, many papers have complex vector images which cause Preview to hang/crash. A workaround is to run Preview in low resolution mode, but I have to constantly close the program and check/uncheck the box for subsequent PDFs in a reading session. Is there a way to set the resolution on a file-by-file basis, or a terminal command/script I can run to change Preview’s resolution?
A guide to Christian theology?
I grew up in an atheist household and have never read the Bible. I would like to tackle that beast and start wandering through various branches of Christian theology, with my main goal to start in on Barth's complete works.
Can you recommend a good Academic primer or companion to the Bible and general theology that doesn't try to convert me? I am interested in the topic in a scholarly/philosophic sense. I do have a good understanding of the Old World and its various empires and wars, but I am still in the shallow end as far as biblical knowledge is concerned.
posted by Think_Long at 2:25 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Think_Long at 2:25 PM PST - 25 comments
What's the "bless your heart" of your field?
I've noticed that a few professions seem to have a semi-common veiled insult specific to their field. These tend to be used in the same way that many southerners say "bless your heart" in lieu of calling someone stupid. For example, certain academics will say that a colleague is a gadfly (like Socrates...in an annoying way), and I've known nurses to say that another nurse "really should have been a doctor" when they think that colleague is full of it. What are some others?
Help me be a busy bee in the Beehive State
Looking for fun places to go on and off the beaten path in Utah and the Arizona Strip. [more inside]
How frequently to refresh two data sources for optimal user experience?
I'm finishing up a web reporting solution and am configuring the data-retrieval and data-caching parameters. There are three time variables involved - how often to retrieve new data, how long to cache that data on the server, and how long to tell clients to cache the data for.
Help me figure out the optimal values for caching based on a set retrieval frequency. [more inside]
Friends found out about our alternate lifestyle and they want in.
My husband and I are open and enjoying playing with couples either together or apart. We have established rules and it seems to be working for us. Recently, friends of ours who are also a couple found out and are incredibly interested in joining in. This past weekend, drinks were had and they initiated some light play and touching (mainly my husband and the other wife). Neither my husband or I are attracted to the couple and we don’t want to engage with them again.
Problem? Since Saturday the wife has been messaging my husband none stop. How do we let them down gently without hurting their feelings. Also: the wife is INCREDIBLY sensitive and has a lot of self esteem issues.
Google+ pros/cons
My department is being mandated to start using Google+ and some other Google apps. Please help me think through the security and privacy implications of what I am afraid might become a real mess. [more inside]
What can I/should I do with my new-to-me used Kindle DX?
I've had an e-reader, but never a Kindle and never one with 3G. I understand the reading PDFs and mobi file part, but what else should I know about: what the 3G is good for; apps; hacks; subscribable Kindle-optimized content; the Kindle ecosystem? Besides Instapaper, are there other convert-stuff-to-read-on-your-ereader things I should know about? [more inside]
Looking for a particular quote about spread of viruses, memes
Several weeks ago, I saw an intriguing quote about how if something spreads person to person, it's a virus or a bacteria, but if it's everywhere at once, it's a meme. I want to include the quote in my intro to epidemiology course but can't find it. Help? [more inside]
help a layman understand money and price
If a bucket of bolts (BOB) costs $10 today and $23 a month later, is the BOB worth more or is money worth less? How do I know when money is worth less or more, or the thing it's buying is worth more or less. Or am I saying the same thing?
Arghhhh.
Please be gentle.
Two professionals working together; who do I tip?
Getting a photo shoot that is a package deal; photographer has let me know that I should be ready to pay her and the makeup/hairstylist separately. Do I tip the stylist? [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 11:39 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by not that girl at 11:39 AM PST - 8 comments
Should I find an apartment without seeing it in person?
I am trying to find an apartment in a city across the country in the U.S., before moving there. I am unable to see the apartment/roommates in person before moving, because I am trying to leave my abusive family and can't let on to them that I am leaving (Here is that backstory.). So, I will be doing the one-way ticket plan. I am having difficulty finding an apartment without seeing it first, as people prefer to meet potential roommates in person and when I mention to them that I can't see it in person (and suggest Skyping or videochatting to meet each other/see the apartment) I have had limited success so far and am wondering if I am coming across as a Craigslist creep. Is this the right strategy? Is it a numbers game, and I should just keep trying? Or, should I just fly there first and then find a place? Thanks for any advice. [more inside]
posted by new_horizons_new_life at 11:37 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by new_horizons_new_life at 11:37 AM PST - 38 comments
Brainstorming gift ideas for a soon-to-be expat friend.
San Francisco centric, useful, relatively non-perishable gift ideas for a friend moving to Singapore? [more inside]
posted by tealcake at 11:36 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by tealcake at 11:36 AM PST - 13 comments
Detective fiction set in Colonial Africa 1930s-1950s?
I'm looking for examples of detective stories, or stories set among the Colonial police force, in Africa during roughly the period 1918-1955. Short stories, novels, even films. [more inside]
Cannot see remote computer's full screen in LogMeIn
I'm trying to remote control a Windows 8 PC with LogMeIn. The end user is not there and would not understand anything I told them to do anyway. I can connect, but I can only see the upper left corner of the screen. The PC is set at some large resolution (for her poor eyesight) but I cannot change this since I cannot see the entire dialog box for the graphics properties. I cannot scroll around. I cannot zoom in or out. I need to be able to view the whole screen. [more inside]
An Aquarium without Electricity
I love fish. I don't like buying electric components and spending the money on electricity to maintain a fish tank. I am also slightly paranoid about mixing water with electricity. So I'd like advice/stories/speculation on setting up an aesthetically pleasing aquarium without using electricity at all. Realistically, I'll be living in an apartment, and looking for a 0.5 to 12 gallon aquarium, but I'm interested in stories of aquariums elsewhere and/or in other situations. [more inside]
posted by ethidda at 10:37 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by ethidda at 10:37 AM PST - 8 comments
Youtube userscript or add-on recommendations?
I love YousableTubeFix for Firefox, which sets global preferences for things like preferred resolution (the most important feature to me), default player size, and whether to autoplay videos on channel pages. The problem: it's still blocking ads even though I told it not to. Could you recommend any other Youtube-preference-modifying Firefox userscripts or add-ons that have a similar purpose but without accidentally blocking the ads? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 10:33 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 10:33 AM PST - 4 comments
green geek gift
As a gift, I am looking for an "off-the-grid" charger thingy. I have read a bunch of posts and reviews on these things, but I'm a little in the weeds. Plus, it seems like this stuff is developing and changing rather quickly. Hoping you can help! Specifications after the jump. [more inside]
Help me, and my team, strengthen our non-fiction writing skills
I lead a team of podcasters. They're all great people--intelligent, articulate, and very good speakers. We now wish to translate our spoken success to the page, and our early attempts have shown that despite the successes we have as speakers we're finding our writing skill (specifically in regards to concise, clear, engaging, and personable communication through the written word) is in need of honing. I need suggestions how to do that. [more inside]
posted by arniec at 10:25 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by arniec at 10:25 AM PST - 4 comments
Tell me about an essay that flows really well.
Hello! I am teaching a writing class, and am now teaching students about flow.
I would like to do an exercise where I take an essay (preferably, somewhat academic) and cut it up and give it to them to rearrange to show how well the author transitions between paragraphs.
The problem is, I can't find one that works in particular! If anyone has a good example, I'd be grateful.
How do I cause the creation of a Chinese mnemonic guide?
Hello,
I'd like some info on how to create a Chinese menmonic guide to make it easier to learn vocab. [more inside]
How to ensure US browsers can see a Scandinavian char in a blog post?
A friend of mine is a blogger in the US. We're thinking about a blog post in which he would use the Scandinavian letter Ä a few times ( & a u m l ; ). My concern is whether his primarily American readers will see the letter on their screen, or something entirely different. [more inside]
posted by Unhyper at 10:16 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Unhyper at 10:16 AM PST - 8 comments
Difference amongst aseptic, ultra-clean, and clean in food packaging?
Quality & Food Science Experts: What's the difference amongst "aseptic", "ultra-clean", and "clean" in food packaging technology? I've always thought it was the same darn thing, but apparently not. I've googled like crazy, but I'm just pulling up sites selling me 500 ton hunks of stainless steel rather than explaining what the differences are.
I want to do the splits.
So let's say that, initially as a joke, you and your husband made a New Year's Resolution to become able to do the splits. You are in your mid-30s, at healthy weights, and you both do moderate exercise almost every day (walking, light jogging, elliptical, what have you), but your flexibility is average. My questions are: [more inside]
SPSS problem
I just bought SPSS for my macbook and I can't make it find my syntax file. Why? [more inside]
posted by dgaicun at 9:47 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dgaicun at 9:47 AM PST - 7 comments
Please help me unclog my toilet of shame
Please help me unclog my toilet of shame [more inside]
Can I sue ETS for not mailing my GRE scores ?
I know your not my atty but.. OK, my dad thinks I might have a legal case. Is he right, should I pursue this issue or just let it go? And, if I should pursue it...how?
Long story short, I am applying to graduate programs. To do so, along with applying directly to the university, some programs also require that you apply online with an application service. This is a real $ maker because you most likely pay $60 to Mega University and another $45 to Application Service. [more inside]
Valentine's day boxes for adults in the workplace
Do you have any suggestions for a group of graduate students doing Valentine's Day boxes at our desks at school (like we did for our elementary school Valentine's Day parties)? I need help with both box design, as well as suggestions for the Valentines themselves! [more inside]
Where can I find JUST a replacement brushed nicke shower faucet control?
We are doing a little bathroom remodeling. Replacement floor and shower stall are set, but the installation people told us it would be cheaper if we bought our own shower heads. So I ordered this. I forgot to also order a shower faucet control. Help! What is what I need called, exactly, and where can I get it?
posted by bearwife at 9:01 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by bearwife at 9:01 AM PST - 8 comments
What's a trustworthy online store where I can import goods from Japan?
I live in Europe and I would like to import some Japanese products as a Birthday gift for someone. What I'm looking for is traditional food/spices and things like pillows or bedding (two very different categories). What is a trustworthy online store I can use? [more inside]
posted by Lazer at 8:59 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Lazer at 8:59 AM PST - 4 comments
Best mobile data provider in Montreal?
I want to replace my cell phone with a mobile data plan and VOIP client. What's the most cost-effective option in the Montreal, Quebec area? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by signsofrain at 8:53 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by signsofrain at 8:53 AM PST - 1 comment
Can you recommend a good device detection approach for Wordpress?
Not sure I want to use Twitter bootstrap for the mobile versions of my Wordpress site. What alternatives do I have? [more inside]
posted by radiocontrolled at 8:51 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by radiocontrolled at 8:51 AM PST - 2 comments
Can you change insurance plans after an injury is partially diagnosed?
I don't have employer-provided insurance and purchase it directly. Is it possible to increase coverage to deal with a new health issue? [more inside]
Need non-racist-affiliated Viking jewelry and traditions for a wedding
My fiance is half-Norwegian, and all the family he's in contact with are pretty Norwegian. We're having a wedding and trying to honor each other's heritages. I need touches and customs that can be added to said wedding. Problem: while googling on the internet for Viking stuff and/or meaningful runes, I'm finding a ton of racist stuff. My fiance has done antifa work and I just plain hate Nazis. How can I find cool customs that have not been appropriated by horrible people, and how can I buy jewelry (particularly ring-type) that isn't going to racist pockets? [more inside]
What to read?
Seeking recommendations for fiction that features matriarchy / female led societies.
Who, oh who, will finally save my poor teeth?
Chicago MeFites: please tell me of your glorious dentists! Or warn me off of the terrible ones. I need a dentist for cleaning, probably at least one filling, and no doubt a referral to an oral surgeon (impacted wisdom teeth.) North side or Loop vastly preferred, as I have no car. [more inside]
Help me upgrade my green tea experience.
In the last month, I've become a tea drinker. I'm new to this, but I'm ready to do it right. A few questions inside. [more inside]
Help me move my blog from Blogger to WordPress.
Should I try to move my custom-domain blog from Blogger to WordPress using the WordPress "import blog" feature, or is it worth hiring a professional to be sure I don't mess it up? Also, WordPress template questions. [more inside]
posted by The Girl Who Ate Boston at 7:35 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by The Girl Who Ate Boston at 7:35 AM PST - 5 comments
Examples of sayings or idioms based on a misunderstanding?
When Bugs Bunny referred to Elmer Fudd as a "nimrod", he was sarcastically comparing the dim-witted Fudd to a biblical king who was known as a mighty hunter. However, the intended sarcasm of that reference seemed lost on the public, and over time, "nimrod" has come to be used to simply mean dull or dim-witted. Can you point me to other examples of sayings or idioms created via a misunderstood reference or saying?
Don't judge me, just tell me what apps to "download"
So I am now an owner of the Samsung Chromebook 3 (yup, "The $249 laptop from Google"). It fits, well enough, what I need, and it's definitely what I can afford. (I have access to a laptop at work.) [more inside]
posted by availablelight at 6:48 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by availablelight at 6:48 AM PST - 3 comments
Please help me decide my next step
I have been feeling discouraged with my life since the last half of 2012 but this year I resolve to make definite changes. I am 25 and earning my living as a part-time software tester. I have been on food stamps since August. I make *just* enough every month to pay rent, pay bills, and save a little bit. I have been aggressively and earnestly looking for full-time work. I have an undergraduate social science degree from a good university but I have a terrible, terrible GPA. I have internship experience with policy research and analysis, and held jobs in nonprofit administration and development. My references are excellent but my resume is pretty patchy. [more inside]
What is the best way to go about finding a therapist?
I think I have a personality disorder (not an illness or condition) that few therapists ever deal with. How can I find a therapist up to the challenge of helping me with this? [more inside]
How to make the softest, most chewable ice
How do I make the softest, cloudiest, most chewable ice at home? [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 6:08 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by rachaelfaith at 6:08 AM PST - 16 comments
iDidntAskForThis
My wife's iphone is sending SMS (sometimes) to my ipad's "imessage" app instead of to my phone! Please halp! [more inside]
posted by jozxyqk at 6:02 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by jozxyqk at 6:02 AM PST - 31 comments
Accidental polyamory: is this how it's supposed to work?
Should I be worried about the direction my casual relationship with a married guy is heading in? If so, how do I tactfully deal with it? [more inside]
posted by houndsoflove at 4:06 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by houndsoflove at 4:06 AM PST - 37 comments
I never want to have another cavity in my teeth.
I never want to have another cavity in my teeth. Help make this dream a reality. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 4:06 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by Ziggy500 at 4:06 AM PST - 34 comments
Gmail Reply to All
Does anyone know of an extension for Chrome that will change the default behaviour of Gmail or will add a new button to Gmail in Chrome for Reply to All without having to use the Reply drop-down? I need to Reply to All almost always; reply to only the sender almost never. [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 3:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by DarlingBri at 3:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Seeking advice about amalgam filling removal
Should I go to my regular dentist or seek a holistic/biological dentist? Does anyone in Vancouver, BC, have a recommendation? [more inside]
posted by branparsons at 1:43 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by branparsons at 1:43 AM PST - 5 comments
Salted rice
Is it common to add salt when cooking plain boiled or steamed rice? Specifically, is this widely done in India, China or Japan?
February 3
What's the newest/bestest way to sync browser data across browsers & PCs
What is the best (non-keyboard based) way to evolve my amalgamation of browser installs, saved passwords, bookmarks, and maybe settings/extensions into a cohesive, probably exclusively Chrome-based, install? [more inside]
Where are all the writers hiding?
The writing workshop I attend might end up dissipating soon. How can I find a replacement group? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 11:23 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by deathpanels at 11:23 PM PST - 3 comments
Sarcastic, clever characters in recent films (2000-2013)
Looking for sarcastic, clever, witty characters like Winona Ryder's in "Beetlejuice" or "Heathers", or Parker Posey's in "Kicking and Screaming"* (the Noah Baumbach film, not the one with Will Ferrell), films made around 2000-2013.
Ideally there will be YouTube clips for the best scenes. [more inside]
Where do all the cool kids in NYC Polka?
I have a friend who grew up going to polka festivals and said she would be willing to teach me, so where can two people in their mid 20's go to polka in NYC without standing out like a sore thumb? [more inside]
CPA in Minneapolis?
Looking for a CPA in Minneapolis for a fairly straightforward tax situation. [more inside]
How to file a complain for an independent contractor?
I'm looking to file a complaint about an independent contractor who was hired to do house work. They are not listed in the better business bureau.
Recommendations of books about unconventional defectors
I've been listening to 'Escape from Camp 14' on audiobook for the past few days, and I was struck by a brief overview of & reference to the story of Charles Robert Jenkins, an American defector to North Korea. I found the concept as mystifying as it was intriguing, so I would like to know if any of you have heard of any non-fiction books about other defection stories that involve citizens of democratic nations obtaining residency in nations that would be deemed objectively totalitarian and renouncing their countries of origin. I'm on the lookout for his book, 'The Reluctant Communist,' but I'd like to hear about other stories of this type as well.
posted by Selena777 at 8:20 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Selena777 at 8:20 PM PST - 13 comments
Parents of MeFi, share your day to day!
My daughter is home from the hospital (yay!). Now what? I'm looking to hear from stay at home parents of infants up to toddlerhood. Can you give me an idea of your daily routine at various ages and how you developed it?
I adore him, but find his health problems a turn off. Is there a fix?
I love him deeply, miss him terribly. He loves me more than anyone he's ever met. We go together like peas and carrots. But I broke up with him over one health problem that he can and would fix if I told him how much it bothered me. Am I nuts? [more inside]
Pimp my instagram
the perils of being good with people
I am the person at the party or the bar who can win hearts and minds, leave with everybody's contact info without asking for it, introduce like-minded people who are unable to hook up on their own, draw shy people out, etc. I'd like to learn how to do this in other areas of my life, without alcohol. I'd also like to learn how to better deal with some of the negative aspects of this kind of sociability. [more inside]
posted by par court at 6:04 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by par court at 6:04 PM PST - 11 comments
How do I learn to be an effective tutor?
If I know the material that I'm teaching well, but don't have any experience with tutoring or teaching, how do I learn the skills and techniques that will help me be an effective tutor? [more inside]
I basically cannot get down with the sickness.
Help! I'm starting my new job tomorrow and I think I'm getting sick. YANMD. [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 5:56 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by woodvine at 5:56 PM PST - 18 comments
Is it looked at as unprofessional to not have mobile internet?
My career in web design is progressing and I'm wondering how long I can get away with not shelling out for a data plan before it makes me look bad. [more inside]
A British A.V. Club?
I'm an American who loves British television but am tired of discovering shows only after they have finished. Is there a UK-centric equivalent of The A.V. Club—i.e., a site that covers currently airing British television series?
Cultural Revolutions and Cultural Heritage
What have, and do, politically-motivated writers say about the drinking and drug use in important, nationally lauded works when a new political era is not as accepting as previous eras? [more inside]
Fake a lipstick treatment
We're doing a show that requires a character to write on a laminate surface every night with what is supposed to be lipstick and are looking for some work-arounds to deal with expense and time. [more inside]
posted by edbles at 4:20 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by edbles at 4:20 PM PST - 15 comments
How to choreograph a yoyo performance for an upcoming fundraising event?
So I am entering a talent show in the next few weeks to help raise money for the non-profit with which I volunteer (we mail books to prisoners, and postage isn’t free).
I plan on performing with my response–less yoyo.
It makes sense to perform to music, but how can I choose the right song? I know a decent number of tricks ranging from beginner to intermediate level in difficulty, but how do I put em all together and make it werk? How does one make this look good? Any tips or suggestions would be fantastic.
How to make an email survey to identify people in a photo?
I have a good scan of the group photo from my grandparents wedding. I know who several of the people are in the photo, and I know that all my grandmother's eight brothers are in the group, but I do not know which brother is which. My Dad has made his best guesses, but he's not sure about many of them. I have recently made contact with several second cousins in the family while doing my genealogical research, so I thought I could get each of them to give me their best guesses in some sort of online survey, and compile the answers to get a sort of family crowd-sourced opinion. But how best to do this? [more inside]
posted by Joh at 3:39 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Joh at 3:39 PM PST - 8 comments
Non-lame books for starting a business?
There are about a zillion books on starting a new business, being a manager, etc. My base assumption is that they're all lame, and the few I've flipped through didn't make a good impression. Any thoughts? [more inside]
posted by jragon at 2:49 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by jragon at 2:49 PM PST - 10 comments
Help me make better day-to-day impression with the small things
So this last week I've started realizing I care more about my... appearance? Demeanor? Presentation? Than I have in the past. I suddenly have motivation to kind of get my act together and act like a grown-up, I guess. What do you do, or see people do, that makes that impression on you? [more inside]
posted by dubadubowbow at 2:30 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by dubadubowbow at 2:30 PM PST - 34 comments
Victim's rights resources
I'd like to read more about the victim's rights movement and its impact on law, sentencing guidelines, and other matters. Bonus points: California. Bonus bonus points: a critical examination of the victim's rights movement that is comprehensible to a non-lawyer. Any suggestions?
Inkjet duplex printing - How does it work?
I just got a cheap-o HP printer that features two sided printing. It seems to print on one side, suck the paper back in, and print on the other side. Does anyone know how this works? Does it flip the paper over? My guess is that it loops it back in (back facing down), probably raises the heads, and "prints upside down" the other side.
But I'd love to see a diagram or video. Can't find one, though.
Help me quantify just how safe the sex I'm having is
I know the basics, but how can I find out more detail about my personal STI risk so that I can make informed decisions? [more inside]
High-Res Betty Boop
I'm making a documentary by editing together clips from old cartoons. I want to use part of Betty Boop's Ups and Downs, but I can only find crappy low-res versions. Does anyone know where I can find a high-res version either online or on DVD?
Comparison of Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines for UK -> USA
For the flights that I'm booking between London (UK) and Boston (US), Virgin Atlantic and American Airlines have effectively identical flight times and prices. Can any seasoned pond-hoppers recommend one airline over the other, and tell me why? [more inside]
A question about DSLRs and taking my photography to the next level
Do I have to own a DSLR to be a real photographer? [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet at 12:43 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by jason's_planet at 12:43 PM PST - 24 comments
Sudden, odd case of insomnia--help me sleep!
My doctor's office is closed today but I am in desperate need of a good night's sleep tonight. Weird adrenal "fight or flight" response kicks in every time I'm about to hit REM. [more inside]
Help obtaining scores for tests privately-administered during childhood?
During elementary school, my parents had me tested with a private psychologist in Fairfax County, Virginia, so that I could be admitted to the public school district's Gifted and Talented program. I took the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Stanford-Binet, and Otis-Lennon between 1992-1993. Would anybody be able to guide me in obtaning copies of these test scores as an adult? [more inside]
Hokis - Armenian slang?
Trying to find out more about what the word Hokis, which seems to be a slang term, means in Armenian. Not very googlable, or not for me. Any help would be much appreciated.
posted by jitterbug perfume at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by jitterbug perfume at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments
Can we be forced to keep my mothers house?
My mother recently passed away leaving a substantial debt. The bulk of this debt is in the form of two houses that she remortgaged. One is underwater in a very flat housing market, the other is the family house that we grew up in that my younger brother is currently living in. [more inside]
Car Rental -- My Own Insurance or Hertz's?
I am going to Kona (yay!) and renting a car for just under two weeks. When I get to the counter, I want to avoid my usual confusion, and random behavior, when dealing with insurance coverage. [more inside]
Do you have to dig a trench for gravel paths?
We would like to install a gravel path in the front yard of our house from our concrete entryway to the street (a distance of about 35 feet not including curves), and have received conflicting advice about the need to dig a trench for the path. We were told by a nursery that we could use 4" metal edging, bury 2" of it (leaving 2'' above ground), add landscape fabric (after clearing the grass and weeds, though it's mostly dirt), then fill it in with 1.5" of gravel sitting above the ground, with no need for a trench. Everything we've read online says that you need to dig a trench, then bury the edge flush with the surface of the ground. On one side of the path will be gravel xeriscaping, but most of the path will be surrounded by the level yard. Will edging that sticks out 2 inches above the ground look bad or weird? [more inside]
How to make happy time for my reproductive organs?
What can I do, as a mid-twenties female, to ensure my reproductive organs will be as healthy as possible by the time I want kids? There is also history of problems in my family. [more inside]
Twitter Feeds In The Style Of ... ?
After reading @JennyHolzerMom and @AuthenticWmGibson, I'm interested in other twitter feeds "in the style of" famous people. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by the man of twists and turns at 9:43 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by the man of twists and turns at 9:43 AM PST - 17 comments
Resources and reference material on the Old West
Need resources and references on life on the frontier in the post-Civil War Period. [more inside]
posted by ronofthedead at 9:20 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by ronofthedead at 9:20 AM PST - 8 comments
Is this "Four on the Floor" music? I'm making a playlist...
MusicFilter time....So Dwight Schrute listens to Vixxen in his Camaro to psych up, I use these certain kind of songs with a propulsive beat in 4/4 time do to the same thing. I have no idea what it's called, but I heard someone mention it's sometimes called "four on the floor." [more inside]
posted by JoeZydeco at 9:14 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by JoeZydeco at 9:14 AM PST - 19 comments
How do I buy a business? I have an opportunity, but not a f*cking clue.
Hi, metafilter. Been a long time. I find myself in a very weird position, because I have a potential chance to buy a business that already has a very successful foothold in my industry. The weird position comes from not having a single clue as to where to start. [more inside]
Communication in the early days of dating
What are your tips to keeping the lines of communication open in the first few weeks of dating someone new? [more inside]
VPN to the US?
I need recommendations for a good VPN that terminates in the United States. This is for security as well as the ability to access US-based content (Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc.) [more inside]
Marijuana use and procreation
Should I stop smoking weed while trying to conceive? [more inside]
Did I shock myself out of a functioning sex drive?
I am worried a recent decision I made caused psychological damage to my libido. What are my options for recovery (if needed)? [more inside]
Russian tourist visa--health insurance
Traveling to Russia-what kind of medical/health insurance is it that is required for a visa? How can I get it? [more inside]
Is a career change into finance realistic for me?
Over the last year or so, my interest in Finance has been building steadily, to the point where I’m considering the possibility of a career change. [more inside]
Did I ruin the collar on this coat?
I forgot to remove the fake fur collar on this coat. It made it through the washer OK, so I then stupidly put it into the dryer after that. The fake fur came out of the dryer all matted, curled up and locked up. Can I undo the damage? [more inside]
posted by Neeuq Nus at 7:26 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Neeuq Nus at 7:26 AM PST - 9 comments
Help! I can't stay asleep.
Here's what a typical night looks like for me:
1. Go to bed between 10pm and midnight. Fall asleep easily.
2. 3-4 hours later, wake up for no apparent reason. Turn over and (usually) fall asleep again.
3. An hour or two later, wake up again. If lucky, fall asleep again; if unlucky, toss and turn for a while first.
4. Repeat step 3 several more times until morning.
5. Get out of bed at 9 or 10 feeling tired and unrefreshed.
The awakenings happen for no discernible reason. I don't have nightmares, need to pee, etc., I just find myself awake. On an average night I wake up 4-5 times. [more inside]
Help me start losing weight again
So a couple months ago, I started dieting, and I ended up losing about 20 pounds. Which is great. I was hoping to lose about 20 more, but in spite of taking in fewer calories and exercising more, my weight loss seems to have basically stopped cold. [more inside]
How can I keep my mailchimp list private
I am new to this so this may be a very basic question. I am starting a mailing list of about 1000 people with 3-4 subgroups. I want to structure it so that people working for me can design and send out campaigns but I want to find a way by which they can't download the mailing list and share it with others or use it for purposes other than my campaigns. Is there a way to do this?
If not in MailChimp can I do it in another software?
Dessert loaf recommendations?
I like making relatively easy loaf-cake desserts that aren't overly sweet, or too rich/heavy, and would like to expand my recipe file for these, so looking for your personal recommendations. [more inside]
Simplest ever Podcast downloader
I am looking for THE simplest ever podcast downloading software for Windows 7. I will add the feeds manually. [more inside]
posted by therubettes at 3:35 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by therubettes at 3:35 AM PST - 11 comments
In love with an ex (in a LDR) I dumped when I was confused about dating
While experimenting with polyamory, I met someone great (who's not into poly) who I then pushed away and now love. Do I stand a chance? [more inside]
February 2
Economics of online glasses sellers
I am looking for background on the means of production for the well known online glasses retailers (Zenni, 39dollarglasses, etc.)
How are orders fulfilled, from placement to delivery in stores such as these? It is an intriguing business, but there is little background information available for the curious. [more inside]
What is the best electric toothbrush today?
What is currently the best electric toothbrush? Why is it the best? [more inside]
They told me the first year of marriage would be a tricky one...
This is a question for those of you who are married (or have an SO): When it comes to things like personal correspondence, is there still such a thing as privacy? [more inside]
posted by Telpethoron at 10:05 PM PST - 68 comments
posted by Telpethoron at 10:05 PM PST - 68 comments
How to reduce psoriasis?
Tell me your non-prescription methods for reducing psoriasis. [more inside]
Cold sore vs. zit (gross, sorry)
How do I tell the difference between a cold sore and a zit? [more inside]
Wedding planning for the clueless
Mr. Panda and I are making it official and getting married in April 2014, woohoo! However, I've got no idea how to plan a wedding. [more inside]
Kennel cough? A dog version of the flu?
My friend's dog is hacking / coughing and she'd like to know whether it's serious enough to see a vet. (Obligatory photo of an adorable boxer inside!) [more inside]
posted by youandiandaflame at 8:36 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by youandiandaflame at 8:36 PM PST - 13 comments
Developing the next generation of food and food-like products
Is it possible to get a Veridian Dynamics mug like the ones used in Better Off Ted? There are plenty of Zazzle designs, but none that look like the ones used on set. [more inside]
posted by freshwater at 8:14 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by freshwater at 8:14 PM PST - 1 comment
Long-shot filter: is there a "family tree" for the book City of Dreams?
Based on AskMe's recommendation, I'm reading City of Dreams. I like it a lot, but would like to see a family tree to help me keep the plot. Anybody got one? [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 8:02 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by functionequalsform at 8:02 PM PST - 2 comments
What are the title and author of this awesome, sexy prose poem.
In college, I read a really fabulously sexy, funny prose poem, that I think may have been called "This Condition". The first line may have even started "In this condition..." It was basically a collection of allusions and metaphors to sexual arousal that sort of built to a rhythmic climax at the end. I recall a reference to the shape of Florida.
Oh, poetry lovers of AskMe, can you help me hunt this poem down? I'm desperate to read it again.
posted by mostlymartha at 7:01 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by mostlymartha at 7:01 PM PST - 5 comments
Google hits and arrest records
I have a close friend who ran into some trouble with the law a couple of years ago. Now, when her name is Googled, her mug shot is pretty much the first hit. Is there a way to make this suck less for her and her young family?
posted by Optamystic at 6:05 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Optamystic at 6:05 PM PST - 14 comments
Should we take our toddler to Kenya, if not, where?
I have a great opportunity to go to Kenya in June, the question is, does my partner and daughter (20 months by then) come with, or do I meet them somewhere on the way back to Australia? [more inside]
posted by smoke at 5:02 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by smoke at 5:02 PM PST - 21 comments
Puppy bowl, NYC?
Is there a bar (or other public venue) in NYC showing the puppy bowl tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by three_red_balloons at 4:31 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by three_red_balloons at 4:31 PM PST - 1 comment
Safe to eat turkey bacon left unrefrigerated?
We left a Tupperware tub of turkey bacon on top of the refrigerator for about 12 hours. One package still sealed, one already open. Safe to eat or am I making an early morning run to the grocery store tomorrow?
posted by marxchivist at 4:28 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by marxchivist at 4:28 PM PST - 13 comments
How to release suppressed emotions? I need to express my sadness.
My ex-boyfriend recently broke up with me. I am normally a very emotional person but I feel... nothing. I would like some advice about how to release my bottled-up emotions over this. [more inside]
Should I do the next-day call after sex?
My boyfriend and I went out with another couple last night. She and I ended up having sex. What do I do? [more inside]
How do I install a curtain right next to a window?
How do I install a curtain between my apt's paper thin vertical blinds and the window to block out the light? [pic inside] [more inside]
How to refinance my house?
My mortgage rate is 4.375%. I know that I should refinance because I can get a way better rate. I feel overwhelmed by the idea of figuring this out. Treat me like a small, small child and walk me through what to do?
posted by corn_bread at 3:15 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by corn_bread at 3:15 PM PST - 13 comments
Recent New York assault weapons law: I need clear information.
New York enacted the Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement Act. Where can I find some clear, non-looney, information on how this effects me and my firearms? [more inside]
When is it Time?
Our Golden has been the subject of several past MeFi questions and now we're facing down the final question of when he is ready to go. I need help asking the right questions about whether it is really time. [more inside]
posted by Leezie at 3:05 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by Leezie at 3:05 PM PST - 23 comments
Am I living with a racist?
I'm Indian, living with a white roommate for the past few months. Most of my friends and previous roommates are white, and this is the first time that I'm feeling uncomfortable, so I don't think I'm being oversensitive. But perhaps I am, and I thought people can shed some light. [more inside]
Getting added to a rent controlled lease in SF
I've been living in my rent controlled apartment in San Francisco for about 10 months, and would like to be added to the lease (currently, only one of the three of us is on the lease, and she may be moving out soon). Is there anything I need to know before asking the company we rent from whether I can be added? My fear is that they'd use this as an excuse to void the old lease and increase the rent more than what would be normally allowed under rent control. Are my fears justified?
What should I do with this extra NOOK Color?
So, I recently got a NOOK Color hand me down from someone who didn't want it. The problem is I already have other far superior tablets for daily use. So, what cool, totally superfluous things can I do with the Color? [more inside]
Friendship and hospitality norms with Russian/Jewish/Israeli couple?
My North American husband and I are at the beginning of a friendship with a couple who have kids at the same daycare as we do. We live in Canada. They moved to Canada 1.5 years ago and were born in the Ukraine/Soviet Union, moved to Israel at early ages where they lived for about 18 years and subsequently moved here. I am having trouble understanding how to build this friendship, partly, I think, because of cultural differences. [more inside]
A Question About Renting a Car
I am supposed to be traveling later in the month, and I will need a rental car. However, I cannot afford to pay for the car myself... [more inside]
Men are just intimidated by you? Come on really?
Give me your tough love criticism of why I'm single! [more inside]
How should we listen to music at home?
The last time I bought a stereo, Reagan was president. I don't know if they're even called stereos any more. Please help me figure out what I want and how to set it up. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:18 PM PST - 6 comments
Whats it really like, an adult relationship... minus the fantasy?
Because I am prone to bouts of idealization and sometimes don't have my feet rooted in reality, I want to hear from those who are happily married or in a committed relationship with someone with whom they plan to build a life with.
I have *not one* real life example of a healthy functioning adult relationship, and although I have periods of loneliness, I can't imagine living like any of the people around me do.
Are all relationships just people fitting into each others dysfunctions? Are there real ones out there that work, or is that the fantasy ideal that we all chase after and never achieve? [more inside]
Post-norovirus diet
A week ago, I enjoyed the typical 24 hours of norovirus symptoms, followed by another 24 hours of slightly less awful symptoms. Since then, I've been existing on crackers, toast, applesauce, soup, and other bland diet staples. I feel like not eating well is part of what's making me still feel gross. But I'm also getting heartburn now when I try including fruits and vegetables. [more inside]
posted by gladly at 2:08 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by gladly at 2:08 PM PST - 9 comments
Gossip: Collateral damage - do I speak up or only talk if asked?
I'm caught up in the gossip, but not the main character of the story. Should I go out of my way to tell my coworkers that I also deplore my "friend's" actions? [more inside]
Talk to me about being married, but choosing to live apart.
Talk to me about being married, but choosing to live apart. It sounds... awesome, for so many reasons. And I have heard that people do this. But I don't know any real people who have done it. If you or someone you know has this type of relationship, i'd like to know more about your experience. Examples of the type of stuff I want to know is: [more inside]
posted by windykites at 1:48 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by windykites at 1:48 PM PST - 10 comments
Looking for room reservation/booking program with particular fetures
I need something that will allow me to reserve rooms from a variety of different requests that are often competing for those rooms, all at the same time. Here's my situation. [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 1:44 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by SpacemanStix at 1:44 PM PST - 3 comments
What to do with my last month on maternity leave?
I don't want to miss out on things in my last month of being home with my daughter before going back to work. Is there anything you wish you did before starting work full time? Anything that you wish you didn't do? [more inside]
Best Anatomy/Physiology Videos on Youtube?
I have to learn anatomy and physiology on my own in a very condensed period of time. I find that I learn best by watching a lecturer or fantastic video. Do you have any recommendations for fantastic lecture series on YouTube detailing the anatomy and physiology of various organ systems?
i'm so over academia
Typical senioritis/quarter life crisis question. I'm at the end of a degree that I no longer want; should I just put the blinders on and keep aiming for the grad school route or use my extra time/credit hours to focus on my own interests? I don't really know which option would have better career prospects. [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:23 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:23 PM PST - 13 comments
Can I fix my Elna?
I have an Elna Supermatic (Beige, Type 722010) that worked great last time I used it (two years ago...) and now runs incredibly sluggishly. Or doesn't run. I tried oiling it with 3 in 1 and waiting, but that didn't help. I'm not entirely sure it is worth fixing, though this is an early, all steel-parts, Swiss-made machine so it is theoretically a keeper. [more inside]
How to make smaller versions of puppets or find two sizes of puppets?
When the DSM-5 comes out, are you automatically given a new diagnosis?
The DSM-5 is coming. I have a diagnosis that is being revamped in the new edition, the name is totally different. Does my doctor do a new evaluation and converts it over, or just converts it himself by clicking some things in a computer, or does the wording/paperwork/dx code stay the same? Also, does everything have to be reevaluated since there are minor changes to many things? [more inside]
posted by lettuchi at 11:39 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by lettuchi at 11:39 AM PST - 5 comments
Suggestions for online jobs given ~600 hours to prepare before starting
In six months, I will enter a new living situation in which I will need to make an income of at minimum US$1000/month solely from online work. Before then, I will have generally two, sometimes three hours every weekday and six to eight hours every weekend day to devote to doing whatever preparation might be necessary to be able to do this. In six months, I will have unlimited time to devote to working, but I would hope to work not more than 50 hours a week. I would like suggestions as to what sort of work would fit the bill given a starting point of no skills/connections, and what sort of approach I should take during the preparatory period. Specifically wondering about web design/development, but interested in all suggestions/possibilities. [more inside]
Mugshot causing employment problems
A family member was told by a co-worker that the boss had come across his mugshot on line and there are thoughts of firing him. This family member is in his late teens and the job is part-time and entry level, but the mugshot may keep him from being hired anywhere else. Two main problems: [more inside]
Palm Springs, Palm Desert or Joshua Tree?
We're planning a getaway weekend and we're trying decided between Palm Springs, Palm Desert or Joshua Tree. What do we do, where do we stay? [more inside]
posted by biscuits at 10:50 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by biscuits at 10:50 AM PST - 14 comments
Pen cursor jumping in Intuos5
Wondering if anyone else who uses the Wacom Intuos5 drawing tablet knows how to deal with this problem. My Intuos3, which I loved, had a big dead space in the middle of the drawing pad because I used a cleaner on it that messed it up. Two new versions had been released since I bought it, so I figured it was time to get the latest and greatest. [more inside]
posted by cartoonella at 10:41 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by cartoonella at 10:41 AM PST - 4 comments
What is the title of this old Japanese Superman record?
I collect Superman memorabilia and recently bought a Japanese Superman children's story record, but I can't actually read Japanese beyond vague recognition of the characters that make up the name Superman. What is the title of this record?
posted by MegoSteve at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by MegoSteve at 10:18 AM PST - 4 comments
How to help a friend who suffers family criminal from her husband?
My friend is a very nice person and married to her husband three years ago. They got along well with each other. And then they had a baby two years ago. So this family looks like a happy family at first glance.
But problem came gradually, when her husband beat her several times without reasons. They quarreled even with very tiny and trivial controversies, followed with beats. Then she tries not to quarrel with him or confront him, but the same happens.
There were two times that she called police and he was forced to leave the family for a period of time. Now the same thing happen.
As a friend, what kind of comforts and suggestions should I give my friend for her best interests?
posted by caladesi at 9:28 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by caladesi at 9:28 AM PST - 20 comments
Breakfast Buffets in the Bay
Please direct me to Saturday morning breakfast buffets in the Bay Area. [more inside]
Games to be played over the internet at the same time?
My husband is away for work for the next few weeks. I'm having a few friends over this afternoon to play boardgames/drink beer. Assuming he can take care of the beer himself, how can we replicate/include him in this afternoon? [more inside]
Am I wrong for getting a bad feeling about my boyfriend's dating coach?
Started dating a great guy, he became my boyfriend probably a month and a half ago. A few weeks into the relationship we were talking and it turns out that he has a "dating coach" and he still meets with her in weekly phone calls because he enjoys her advice. This rubbed the wrong way and googling her, I found she's also totally hot. It just creeps me out that this totally hot woman has so much impact on my boyfriend's life. [more inside]
posted by ponytime at 9:12 AM PST - 51 comments
posted by ponytime at 9:12 AM PST - 51 comments
Debt collectors? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I have started getting calls from a debt collector. I only answer my phone when I recognize the number, so I only know these calls are from a debt collector because of the voicemail transcriptions. I have no idea what the debt is. I am absolutely terrified of debt, irrationally so. My instincts are telling me "IGNORE! IGNORE!" but I know that's not the right course of action. Help me figure out what I need to do. Throwaway email at terrifiedofbeingindebt@gmail.com. [more inside]
How to make dark background professional catalog photographs ?
Hi,
My wife wants me to take professional catalog photographs for her blog (she builds earrings) where the objects are seen over a black background with a similar effect to this one: sample photograph
After asking google and going through lots of info on catalog photographs I believe I know how to more or less get this done but for the mirror effect on the floor. If you see the image they get the product reflected on the floor. How could I get this same effect?
Thanks
Should I hire a CPA for my taxes this year?
Should I hire a CPA for my taxes this year? 1. I relocated for my job this year and received multiple relocation benefits. 2. I sold off stocks that were gifted to me and I do not have any cost bases for them because they were purchased so long ago. [more inside]
About to throw in the throw
During the Missoni for Target craze a few years ago, I managed to score the most coveted item--a quilted fleece throw. I only got one. There are three inhabitants of our house fighting over it, including the cat, who is usually the one who gets to use it. Help me find or make something similar. [more inside]
posted by payoto at 7:33 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by payoto at 7:33 AM PST - 7 comments
Going for Gantt
Would becoming a project manager be an opportunity for growth, or an exercise in frustration? [more inside]
posted by freya_lamb at 6:43 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by freya_lamb at 6:43 AM PST - 5 comments
YANMD, but.. does it have to be Thyroxine, forever?
I have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I've been tested for this annually over the last five years ( standard health MOT tests, its not something I've been anticipating although my maternal granny has hypothyroidism since her 60s) In January it emerged that my TSH tests are borderline abnormal and the antibodies test actually gave a strong positive . My GP explained that this indicates it may not be a big problem right now, but that it is something I will inevitably have to deal with sooner or later.
Frankly the thought of having to take medication every day is really depressing me and I'm reluctant to start it now if I can put it off till later in life. May not seem like a big deal to some folk to have to take one pill every day but for me to be dependent on any type of medication is such a grim thought. I plan to go overseas at the end of this year to Asia and last thing I want is to have to be worrying about a daily medication. [more inside]
posted by kudra23 at 5:39 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by kudra23 at 5:39 AM PST - 35 comments
Pinterest lets me save pages quickly, but I need more organization!
Looking for a way to save and organize webpages in a fashion similar to Pinterest, but with more organization. I want to be able to click a button to save the page, select the image I want to use, then go back later and sort the saved pages while keeping them in the same folder. [more inside]
posted by Circumstands at 3:49 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Circumstands at 3:49 AM PST - 9 comments
A Productive Hobby
I need a new hobby but it has to be something that produces something useful/cool and/or teaches a useful skill. [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 3:28 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by missmagenta at 3:28 AM PST - 23 comments
Brass, brass or brass, no one rides for free.
How can I contact Willi Watson the English brass player? [more inside]
posted by bendy at 1:14 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by bendy at 1:14 AM PST - 4 comments
Where can we volunteer for Valentine's Day in SF?
I'm looking for a one-off volunteering opportunity in San Francisco on V-Day evening. Why is this so hard to find? Do they just think no one will want to volunteer that night? [more inside]
posted by iadacanavon at 12:49 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by iadacanavon at 12:49 AM PST - 7 comments
February 1
Portland, OR restaurants for a soy- and corn-free vegetarian?
We are going to Portland, Oregon next week. I am a vegetarian. I am allergic to corn and soy. My partner is an omnivore who eats everything except marzipan and raw animal/ocean flesh. What (aside from Natural Selection) are our can't-miss restaurants? Bonus for desserts! A few more details after the cut... [more inside]
I'm looking for a copy of "Two Faces of Floral Design"
I would really like a copy of this book, but I cannot find it for sale in the USA, either new or used. Help?
What is this awesome wall treatment?
I was watching THIS video that someone posted on Facebook the other day. I was really struck by the brown wall treatment in this guy's home. Best examples are at :40sec through 1min. I have been looking for it for some time. Pretty sure it's NOT Venetian plaster, as the texture is right, but Venetian plaster is glossy and slick looking. This look is textured, but matte finish, not glossy in any way. Can any of you interior decorator/designer types help me identify it? I would love to get this look in my house.
Anonymous Blogging Tools
I would like to start a blog to write about topics which I do not want to be traced back to me personally. Is it possible to do this, and what would be the most effective way of protecting my identity and more importantly my family's identity? [more inside]
Help me find good design ideas for my business publications
What are some good sources for layout and design ideas for professional but interesting business documents/presentations? I have access to a full Adobe Creative Suite, Thinkstock library, etc. My previous job doing these had almost no design in it, and my earlier design experience was several years ago and with a very different audience. [more inside]
StreetView Glitch In The Matrix
Ahhh. My wife was trouncing around Google Street View in Brooklyn and noticed this totally weird building that has 'Google' inscribed over the doorway in a very post-production sort of way. What is it?
posted by zackola at 8:00 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by zackola at 8:00 PM PST - 14 comments
Replace a Mac MD313LL/A 12" Macbook Pro keyboard
Replace a Mac MD313LL/A 12" Macbook Pro keyboard for a handicapped neighbor and I know very little about recent Mac tech. [more inside]
posted by Samizdata at 7:31 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Samizdata at 7:31 PM PST - 4 comments
Why did my iPhone's wifi range become terrible? Can it be fixed?
Why did my iPhone's wifi range become terrible? Can it be fixed? [more inside]
posted by Winnemac at 7:16 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Winnemac at 7:16 PM PST - 7 comments
Need Boston area marriage counseling
Hello. The other Boston area marriage counseling posts are several years old. I hope metafilter can help me find a good marriage counselor.
My husband and have been together for 17 years, married for four years. He is at his wits end dealing with my depression (which I'm currently in treatment for).
We need to talk to someone soon. Please give me some recommendations of good couples counselors.
How can I make my dormitory hallway's sound activated light stay on cons
How can I make my dormitory hallway's sound activated light stay on constantly? [more inside]
Combining 2 iTunes Libraries
Two macs, one old, one newer. Trying to combine to distinct iTunes libraries into one, without losing playlists. [more inside]
Website that showed 'Street Style/OOTD' of people with similar bodyshape
I am trying to remember a website I vaguely remember. It was like lookbook.nu but everyone had their height/weight/body shape in their profile, so you could search for fashionable style posts/outfit of the days with people with a similar body type to you? [more inside]
posted by Huck at 6:23 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Huck at 6:23 PM PST - 6 comments
Glass placemat exploded on my kitchen table. What the heck happened?
A couple of days ago, one of the placemats on my kitchen table exploded all over the table and also onto the ground. It's made of a glassy/plastic-y material. Meaning, it looks like glass, but it won't cut through skin unless you really dig it in. We found shards of it up to 5 feet away from the table. This occurred randomly in the early evening. No one in my house witnessed it. Nothing was placed on the placemat for that entire day. No one went near it. There were no sudden temperature changes in the house, although it has been colder than normal in the evenings here in Northern California. We've had the placemats 10+ years. The table is a glass table with a clear, plastic covering on top. [more inside]
Is my HD SOL?
I recently built a new PC and wanted to incorporate my WD green 1tb hard drive that contains my film collection. Many of these films were hard to obtain and would take a lot of time to replace.
It is recognized in BIOS, but listed as 0GB? It is not recognized in Windows and I've tried all the standard troubleshooting methods...changing sata cables, ports, etc. It's definitely the drive :( [more inside]
Are My Credit Score and I Screwed after a Debt Cancellation?
Was negotiating with the lender (credit card) and was prepared and arranged to pay the full amount this spring. Today I received a 1099-C IRS form notifying me that the debt has been cancelled. [more inside]
Nasty brands. Name them for me.
I'm doing an international presentation about rebranding, and I need to educate the audience about how logos are not the brand, but just a representation of how the public views them. I want to do a little exercise showing a bunch of brands with negative associations and ask them to think about how they feel about them. The first logo I've thought of is the swastika, but I don't want to Godwin myself. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 4:58 PM PST - 49 comments
posted by b33j at 4:58 PM PST - 49 comments
How likely is it that cockroaches feel fear?
From Googling it seems to be unknown as to whether or not cockroaches are exhibiting fear when confronted or some more basic instinct. Even if it's not 100% known, is there strong evidence either way? [more inside]
posted by Danila at 4:50 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Danila at 4:50 PM PST - 18 comments
Peer-to-peer bike rental SF
Oh no! Liquid went down for a winter break! Just as I arrived in SF and was hoping to put in a few rides next week... is there another way to ride a decent (does not have to be pro) road bike for less than $60/day? Have helmet, safe night storage, but no lock, no lights. Rides planned for Tue/Wed/Thu next week. Any suggestions? TIA!
Valentine's Day gift ideas for husband, imminent baby edition
Our first child is due in a few weeks and I would like to give him something extra romantic and special (maybe even a bit pampering) for V-Day before the big event. Desperately seeking suggestions, romantic gifting for men is hard! [more inside]
posted by annekate at 4:25 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by annekate at 4:25 PM PST - 5 comments
I have two questions related to my mental health.
I'm 24, and I live in the suburbs a half-hour north of Boston. I'm about to get health insurance that includes mental care. I don't know how the private healthcare system works. How should I get a mental-health diagnosis? What doctors and therapists in the area could help me with whatever problems I may have? Details inside. [more inside]
The new employee is sketchy, and only I know it.
I just started a new job as a researcher. They hired a few people around the same time as me and we all have start dates around now-ish. I've been there a week. There is a new guy starting in my department in a more senior position than me, but not supervising me, on Monday. I just got his name today and looked him up, and... there are some things about him that a little bit of digging uncovered that are sketchy. (It's definitely him, please give me the benefit of the doubt here.) His job is not likely to be impacted by these revelations about his recent past, but if it were to get out that his history includes these things, it could endanger my company's reputation if a competitor or journalist found out. Nothing he did is illegal. [more inside]
Where to buy a website template?
Where can I buy a fully functional working website template for my business with all rights. [more inside]
Do they need to go to court?
A colleague may have hired an illegal immigrant to work for her. This employee will not sign a W9 form. What is there to do? [more inside]
posted by jadegenie at 3:52 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by jadegenie at 3:52 PM PST - 11 comments
How do I keep a low profile while applying for jobs in my industry?
I work in a legal specialty where everyone knows everyone else. If I apply for a job at a competitor firm, or as in-house counsel at a client company, does the interviewer have any obligation to keep it confidential? Or can they just call up my boss and say, "Hey, guess who interviewed for a job today?" [more inside]
What movie did I see?
I saw a movie an indie movie a few years ago and I can only recall certain details. I'd like to know what the title is. [more inside]
What do you put on plain white rice?
I have seen people put several things on plain what rice to add some flavor, what do you use? [more inside]
Does ambivalence in a relationship = no go?
How do you deal with intense ambivalent feelings in a relationship, especially when they may be colored by a mood disorder? [more inside]
Two Recruiters, One Job
Yesterday I spoke with two different recruiters and they both ended up sending me information on the same job. One of the recruiters actually had an additional job opportunity for me; however, the recruiter offering only the one job seems more competent. Which recruiter do I go with and how do I tell the other recruiter of that decision?
like leapforce or no?
I am considering applying for this temporary telecommuting job and have some questions / concerns. [more inside]
Is a facebook message a bad move for contacting the elusive lady?
I don't want to breech the fb borders yet, as I feel it could kill some of the mystery and magic of getting to know her in real life, but we may never cross paths again. Do I exercise my limited patience for a moment that I can't wait for or just send a msg and start the ball rolling? [more inside]
posted by talljamal at 1:39 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by talljamal at 1:39 PM PST - 28 comments
I saw an incredible vocalist at Passion 2013 - who is she?
I attended the Passion 2013 event in the Georgia Dome last month, and one of the vocalists was this woman. I have not had any success in digging up who she is but I am interested in checking out her music. Does anyone know her name?
Help me brainstorm a name for a horror / Halloween convention
Trick or Treat! Hey, creative minded Mefites... please help me brainstorm names for a potential horror / Halloween convention. Location would be LA, which could be included in the name somehow, but not necessary. Those are brilliant. [more inside]
Should I tear out the walls and start over?
I live in a one-floor condo unit that was, to put it mildly, poorly built. I, and all my neighbors, have dealt with too many issues to count regarding insulation, wiring, and even window and door frames. I'm no longer satisfied fixing things one at a time... [more inside]
posted by trivia genius at 12:10 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by trivia genius at 12:10 PM PST - 24 comments
Experiences with essential oil to get rid of mold?
Our wooden baseboards and wooden furniture have mold on them from being too close to the outside walls of a 1913 house. [more inside]
Can I send myself to a professional conference?
There are a couple of professional conferences in the next year or so that I would like to attend, but due to a tight budget situation, my employer probably won't pay for me to go. Would it be strange or somehow inappropriate for me to just pay for it myself? [more inside]
posted by jeoc at 11:52 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by jeoc at 11:52 AM PST - 19 comments
Scholar trying to get Chinese visa for academic conference on religion
I'm from the U.S. and I've been invited to an academic conference on "Religion in Modern Society" at a university in PRC. I need a visa. [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle at 11:23 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by reverend cuttle at 11:23 AM PST - 8 comments
Fun, writing games?
So I'm having some friends over tonight. We're all writers and we're going to play some writing games. Do you have any that you might suggest? [more inside]
Are the comedy clubs The Stand NYC & The Stand in Edinburgh affiliated?
The Stand has been a long-running comedy club and Edinburgh Fringe Festival venue, first in Edinburgh, Scotland, and with later-opened branches in Glasgow and Newcastle upon Tyne. I noticed that there is now a New York City-based comedy club and restaurant called The Stand NYC. I didn't see any indication on the websites of either club that there was a connection. Is this an example of the use of a trade name in another national jurisdiction?
What are some good books on post-revolution Libya?
I'm considering an offer to teach English in Libya. And I'd like read as much as I can about all aspects (political, economic, cultural) of it's new society. I'm consulting articles (especially those in The Economist) as well as books. Has anyone read anything along these lines or can anyone otherwise provide me with suggestions? Thank you.
we call it a women's college, not a girls' school
I'm looking for books like Anne of the Island and Daddy-Long-Legs. [more inside]
posted by chaiminda at 11:00 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by chaiminda at 11:00 AM PST - 16 comments
Superb Owl Sunday Party
I'm hosting a football-free celebration of man's finest feathered friend, this Sunday. What owl tributes and puns do I need on the menu, on the television, on the stereo, and as decor? [more inside]
posted by enfa at 10:59 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by enfa at 10:59 AM PST - 23 comments
World class fantasy / sci fi miniseries?
Last night I watched "World on a wire," and I was completely blown away. Are there any other foreign world class scifi / fantasy miniseries of exceptional quality? [more inside]
posted by jalitt at 10:31 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by jalitt at 10:31 AM PST - 16 comments
How to send text messages to a mobile phone Australia from the US.
I need to urgently contact family in Australia. [more inside]
Please explain Ron Jeremy to me.
This question is about Ron Jeremy and porn, so I guess I'll put it below the fold. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:19 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 10:19 AM PST - 32 comments
The most fabulous albums
As a mini-resolution, I am going to take a month and listen to one new-to-me album every day. The genre is totally unimportant- I just want them to be good! [more inside]
Tire chains needed between Sacramento and Spokane?
Should I carry tire chains on a late-February drive from Sacramento to Spokane? [more inside]
posted by Arthur Vandelay at 10:07 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Arthur Vandelay at 10:07 AM PST - 14 comments
Information on an Italian Folk Song
I'm looking for any information on an Italian folk song "Tutti Mi Chiaman Mario"
The song:
1, 2.
I'm looking for anything from personal reminiscences, to a copy of the lyrics, information about its origin, to academic analysis - anything at all.
Numbness? Difficulty Swallowing? Shortness of Breath?!?!
Numbness? Difficulty Swallowing? Shortness of Breath?!?! [more inside]
Help me prepare for a complete reinstall of OS X
I need to do a complete reinstall of OS X on my iMac, and I'm looking for advice on how to back up to make sure that I don't accidentally lose anything in the reinstall process. I'm running Lion 10.7.4, and I have an external drive doing Time Machine backups. What should I check before going back to square one? And do I need to do anything special with apps that required online activation (I'm thinking specifically of Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Suite)?
How useful is a professional MA in publishing?
As a specific example, this one at Napier University in Edinburgh.
This is for someone in the UK, who would likely be more interested in running their own small business than looking for work with a big publisher—but would be happy to gain useful skills (and connections) in all areas of the business. The cost of the course at Napier is about normal for an MA in Britain, and doing it would not involve taking a loan.
Have jittery feeling in throat. Have seen 3 clinicians, now what?
Medical Issue: I have a subtle jittery/ticking sensation in my throat and I've seen a doctor and 2 PAs and no one seems to know what is going on. What should be my next steps? Important details inside. [more inside]
Science is beautiful
Looking for beautiful books of microbiology for my 5 year old. [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 9:21 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by beccaj at 9:21 AM PST - 8 comments
How to remove an oil stain from a canvas bag
I just noticed the stain recently but it feels set-in. It's roughly 3 inches around. What's the best way to go about removing the stain?
Tips for staying motivated in Grad School
Two years into a Ph.D. program in the biological science (in the US) and I am in a lab doing research. The lab I'm in takes a hand-off approach to our research, so much of the motivation to do projects must come from me. Unfortunately I'm the kind of person who needs deadlines and strong guidance, and without these two things I've begun to drift a little. Any tips for keeping my eyes on the prize and staying immersed in my field? [more inside]
posted by Archibald Edmund Binns at 8:42 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Archibald Edmund Binns at 8:42 AM PST - 8 comments
I Never Want to See A Sunrise Again
Parents of MetaFilter, I need your wisdom. My 9 1/2 month old son has always been an early riser, but for the past two months, we've been struggling with extremely early wake-ups. We're all exhausted, and I'm desperate to get back to a semi-sane schedule. Please help. [more inside]
Font pairing for Handmade Dropshadow JNL
A project I'm working on uses Handmade Dropshadow JNL for the main title. Obviously, that's not a typeface you can use anywhere other than in the title, so can you recommend a secondary display font for subtitles, headings, and so on? Another web-font would be a plus, but not a requirement.
Cooking with alcohol--how much alcohol is absorbed?
Can anyone point me to reliable sources that can tell me how much alcohol actually gets absorbed in your system when you eat food cooked with it? [more inside]
posted by dysh at 8:29 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by dysh at 8:29 AM PST - 24 comments
Is there a good way to respond to assumers as opposed to questioners?
In my day to day life, I often have to deal with people who, instead of asking questions, make assumptions aloud at you about what you're going to be doing despite the fact that these assumptions may not be accurate. A lot of the time these techniques are used along with someone pretending to be so hopelessly helpless that they could not possibly take care of their own workplace problems.
Basically, it's a technique used by weasels.
For example:
"I know you're going to be very helpful during this process because..." or "I don't know x from z so it's a good thing you are here to handle that part"
They will also make assumptions about what you would and would not do. "I know you wouldn't want x or z to happen because..."
These things are usually in no way true. In fact, the weasel in question often knows they're not true, they're just testing boundaries.
So my question is generally, how does one push back against these behaviors without being rude, jarring and literal? Especially if you're dealing with a weasel -- they're better at this than you. I tend to shut down in the presence of weaselry, giving them very little the work with, but this doesn't seem like the best solution.
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 8:25 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 8:25 AM PST - 20 comments
Help me remember young adult novel that I think took place in Pittsburgh
All I remember is that it was a "young adult" book, it took place in Pittsburgh (I think... I remember that there were three rivers that met together in the town), and that there was like a big funicular type thing featured prominently in one of the suspenseful parts. Possibly this was the Duquesne Incline. The protagonist was a teenage girl, possibly visiting relatives? She was chased by a guy on the cable car/ funicular thing. Any ideas?
VPN that works reliably with Linux
I am running Ubuntu 12.04 w/Gnome - I use proXPN for Windows machines, but have never been able to get it to establish a connection w/the Ubuntu laptop I have.
I'm looking for recommendations for VPNs that work reliably with Linux where set-up is basic enough for a Linux novice to understand.
posted by ryanshepard at 7:38 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 7:38 AM PST - 4 comments
Is this a legitimate reason to seek therapy?
I'm pretty happy. Some amazing things have been happening in my life lately. One of the amazing things is a new relationship with someone who might be the love of my life. Here's the rub: I'm in my early 30s, a virgin and have never had a relationship longer than 3 months. I usually run away when relationships start to get too close. This new relationship feels perfect, easy and safe, but I'm afraid I might repeat my old patterns eventually. We have just passed the 3 month mark.
If my happy, falling in love self goes to therapy and tells this as my reason for seeking treatment, what will the therapist think? Do I Need therapy///or can it help me?
HPV: Do I stay or go?
The woman I'm dating has HPV. What now? [more inside]
It's a letter. It's a book. It's a floor wax. It's a dessert topping.
Is there an official term to describe this style of correspondence, essentially a single long letter written in segments over months and years? [more inside]
On the timeliness of relationships, on overcoming sexual trauma
Please share your knowledge about the customs of dating, my question being from the point of view of a sexual abuse victim, and of the reactions of men who go on dates with her. [more inside]
posted by Jireel at 5:26 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by Jireel at 5:26 AM PST - 37 comments
Digital edition of a small arts magazine - the best way to do this?
I work for a small literary magazine. The incoming managing editor wants us to have a magazine app for tablets that appears on those virtual magazine racks. Is this a good idea, and if so what's the best way to do this? [more inside]
Why is anger the most problematic emotion?
My theory is that, of all the emotions, people find anger the hardest to deal with. I know people don't like strong emotions in general, but they seem to be worse at coping with others' anger than in the case of other strong emotions. Why is that? [more inside]
Castor oil for both ends? Neither?
I accidentally bought 250ml of Castor Oil instead of Cod Liver Oil. What do I do with it? [more inside]
What's the word...
What's the word for words that have more-or-less stopped being pollitcally correct? [more inside]
posted by aniola at 12:41 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by aniola at 12:41 AM PST - 20 comments
How to take notes in CS classes?
I find taking notes in my Computer Science classes challenging. Can you share with me your techniques for taking useful notes that are specifically helpful for CS courses? [more inside]
posted by estlin at 12:35 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by estlin at 12:35 AM PST - 15 comments