September 2012 Archives

September 30

Help me tell daughter Santa Claus truth

Help me tell 8 year old the truth about Santa [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 11:39 PM PST - 34 comments

Are there any private tour companies you recommend in Jordan?

Are there any private tour companies you recommend in Jordan? I'm Going from Aqaba -> Wadi Rum -> Petra -> Amman in a single day, morning to night. My plan is to enter Jordan in the morning at the Aqaba border crossing, then traveling to Amman in the course of a single day, seeing Petra and Wadi Rum on the way. I'll have a plane to catch out of Amman airport in the wee hours of the night, so I don't want to rely on Jordanian public transportation, I want privately hired transport to take my wife and I there. [more inside]
posted by Televangelist at 10:25 PM PST - 9 comments

RV rental recommendations in Las Vegas?

RV rental recommendations in Las Vegas? [more inside]
posted by colecovizion at 9:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Sigh, It hurts.

Rheumatoid arthritis onset after seve infection? Possible? [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 9:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Can I go back to Effexor?

I was on Effexor (venlafaxine) at a low dose of 50mgs/daily for 6 years. It worked for years until I started to have extreme symptoms of fatigue, short term memory loss, and concentration problems. But I was happier on it, I am very anxious and depressed in winter. I have been off Effexor for 2 years. If I went back, would it work again without the worst side effects?
posted by ElisaOS at 8:52 PM PST - 7 comments

More songs like this

Please help me find other songs like this one. [more inside]
posted by spork at 8:28 PM PST - 13 comments

help a baby out - eating and sleeping shouldn't be mutually exclusive

Babyfilter: At just over five and a half months, baby machine is starting to try solid foods. So far what this seems to mean is that about 4 hours after he goes to bed at night he wakes up crying due to gas. I'm looking for suggestions or anecdotal experience around how to help the little guy out. [more inside]
posted by machine at 8:19 PM PST - 17 comments

There's no place like home...

How did you decide where to live? How did you find the perfect place for you? [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 8:13 PM PST - 21 comments

Not that I'm complaining, mind you...

Over the past year, I've notice that I've been approached almost exclusively by noticeably younger guys. What's up with that? [more inside]
posted by gohabsgo at 7:50 PM PST - 22 comments

Giant Albino Squirrel?!

Mystery animal: fluffy white thing with squirrel-esque mannerisms: Go! [more inside]
posted by cheerwine at 7:49 PM PST - 8 comments

ID this Spider?

Just curious, but what is this spider? It's thorax/abdomen/head is altogether the size of an almond.
posted by MansRiot at 7:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Women's Charities?

Women's charities, federations, or other groups I can donate to that will actually accomplish things with the money I send? [more inside]
posted by DisreputableDog at 7:30 PM PST - 12 comments

Quote, Poem, Song Lyrics, or other text for holiday card

I am designing my own holiday cards, with pictures of my family on the front. They are awesome looking so far, and I am really excited. A blank space on the back of the card is what I'm trying to fill; a 5" wide area, about 4-5 lines in 10-12 pt font. [more inside]
posted by saragoodman3 at 7:25 PM PST - 3 comments

Happy birthday to me, I'm a hundred and three....

My son, a first-grader, sings a song to the tune of "Happy Birthday" that goes: "Happy Birthday to me / I'm a hundred and three / I still go to preschool / and I miss my mommy / my mommy's at work / she fired a jerk / she hired a monkey to do my homework." Most kid-culture folk songs my son brings home are well-known to me from my childhood, but not this one. What is the origin of this song, if it has an origin? How old is it? [more inside]
posted by escabeche at 6:41 PM PST - 14 comments

My perfect bag is too expensive for me!

I need a new bag. I think the L&S O.M.G is almost perfect, but it's more than I want to spend. Is there something similar available somewhere for $150 USD or less? (Snowflake details inside) [more inside]
posted by OrangeDisk at 6:28 PM PST - 10 comments

On the road to nowhere.

Ka-rear? What is "ka-rear"? I graduated with a BA in 2006. I'm 28 and 30 is on the horizon. I'm still on the ground floor, which also seems to be the only floor. [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 6:27 PM PST - 26 comments

Are one-year-old pickles safe to eat?

A question about a jar of pickled onions I found in my fridge: will it be the cause of my untimely demise? [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 6:25 PM PST - 9 comments

what sort of maths do the aliens have?

Are some areas of maths inherently central and others as more peripheral? Or is any sense of centrality just a human experience, a cultural artifact arising from: what has had greater application, what has been studied more, what produces a greater sense of the sublime in the human mind? Are some parts of mathematics inherently a more fundamental description of what is going on in the universe, or is it as silly (or correct?) to talk about maths that way as it would be to talk that way about a classical ballet? [more inside]
posted by compound eye at 6:24 PM PST - 6 comments

Maintaining Inner and Outer Beauty : How Have You Women (&Men!) Done It Over The Years?

Attention all gracefully aging/aged people: what practical beauty/fashion/makeup/skincare/LIFE tips can you offer me, a 20 year old woman, who also wants to age beautifully (Inside and Out?) [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen at 5:59 PM PST - 47 comments

I'm a little daft.

Attention sewers of AskMe: Can you help me with this Daft Punk/vintage swimmer costume? [more inside]
posted by too bad you're not me at 5:09 PM PST - 4 comments

How much should I sell my website for?

How much should I sell my website for? [more inside]
posted by JamesAtMidnight at 5:03 PM PST - 18 comments

Video conference with several people at once

Video conference with several people at once [more inside]
posted by jseven at 4:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Was this experiment about emotions actually done?

I was recently in an Emotional Intelligence course where the facilitator discussed the "Three Chair Experiment," where three people sat beside each other without saying a word for 10 minutes. The result was the experiment was that all three people would eventually take on the emotions of the "emotionally strongest" individual - ie if someone was really happy, the other two would end up being happy too, even without talking. Or if someone was really angry, the other two would end up also being angry after the 10 minutes. I thought it was really interesting so I googled it, but couldn't find any more information. Has anyone else heard about this experiment? Are there any sites or papers out there that provide more information about this?
posted by ajackson at 4:52 PM PST - 13 comments

Life Is But a Stream

Looking to stream some public talks/events. [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 4:49 PM PST - 1 comment

Help me make a forest in Manhattan.

What are the best candles out there for making my home smell like a forest? [more inside]
posted by oinopaponton at 4:38 PM PST - 18 comments

Does the 11th amendment prevent you from suing public universities?

Does the 11th amendment prevent you from suing public universities? [more inside]
posted by instantfail at 4:22 PM PST - 8 comments

What size is this bike?

Can you tell me (or make an educated guess) from these photos what frame size mountain bike this is? [more inside]
posted by lost_cause at 4:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Better study resources for understanding ELISA chemically?

Better study resources for understanding ELISA technology? [more inside]
posted by sunnichka at 4:11 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for the right set of terms to describe this hairstyle.

Image link with some examples. I need help coming up with a concise description of this hairstyle, preferably using hair/fashion industry standard terminology. [more inside]
posted by Robson at 3:51 PM PST - 17 comments

My cat is a carb-junkie

I just switched to a wheat-based litter, and my cat promptly got in her litter box and started eating it. Has this happened to anyone else? Will she stop or do I need to find another alternative? [more inside]
posted by scrute at 3:48 PM PST - 14 comments

how can we stop our baby rolling in his sleep?

How can we stop our 5 month old rolling on his stomach in his crib? [more inside]
posted by Admira at 3:47 PM PST - 30 comments

Help clarify my wife's pregnancy disability situation

In July, mrs. graymouser gave birth to a lovely little baby girl. I need help figuring out exactly what our situation is with regard to her disability and family leave. [more inside]
posted by graymouser at 3:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Slide projector lens fungus worries

I have a working slide projector, Lens A with the proper plastic-only screw-on attachment but with lens fungus, and Lens B without fungus but with no attachment to connect to the projector. Can I do anything to clean the attachment from Lens A and put it on Lens B without worrying about spreading the fungus? [more inside]
posted by stleric at 3:31 PM PST - 2 comments

how do i stop this unhealthy obsession with my new boyfriend's ex-girlfriends?

how do i stop this unhealthy obsession with my new boyfriend's ex-girlfriends? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:03 PM PST - 17 comments

I badly regret this

What's not to hate about being a transactional lawyer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:03 PM PST - 10 comments

What are the benefits of re-financing my loan?

Homeowner needs advice: Bought a house one year ago, loan rates at all-time low, what are the benefits of re-financing my loan? Any disadvantages? I'm clueless... [more inside]
posted by MMALR at 2:34 PM PST - 13 comments

Toronto in December

I have the opportunity to visit Toronto from December 25 - December 29 and I have a few questions: 1) Will things (restaurants, shops, museums) be open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day? 2) Is it foolish to visit in December (weather? crowds?)? 3) What are the must-see, must-do things in Toronto? 4) What are the best restaurants in Toronto? (I'm looking for fine dining as well as local fare.) Thanks!
posted by tmharris65 at 2:32 PM PST - 18 comments

Finding a hindu priest to officiate our wedding in Cambridge MA

Indian wedding in Boston/Cambridge area [more inside]
posted by fdhidalgo at 2:15 PM PST - 4 comments

synch diaries in two samsungs

I have a samsung galaxy s3 and he has a samsung galaxy note. What we want is sowhen one of us opens his or her diary, we see a combined diary showing his and my items in the same view. We don't need to edit each other's diaries necessarily, we just want to know when a shared workspace has been booked by the other so wedont double book it. How should we do this, s calendar doesnt seem to do it, is there a google calendar way of doing it perhaps?
posted by By The Grace of God at 1:37 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I develop my skills as a poet if I cannot (currently) afford a workshop?

How do I develop my skills as a poet if I cannot (currently) afford a workshop? [more inside]
posted by hollypolly at 1:36 PM PST - 15 comments

Metaphysical, medical and media representations of the Double?

Looking for instances, whether fictional, religious or otherwise, of the idea of the "double". [more inside]
posted by Lorin at 1:15 PM PST - 33 comments

Country artists covering R&B songs?

What are some examples of country artists covering R&B/soul songs? [more inside]
posted by pete_22 at 12:11 PM PST - 16 comments

Should I consider an all-wheel-drive car?

Should I buy an all-wheel-drive car? [more inside]
posted by eeby at 12:09 PM PST - 26 comments

Triangle Textual Tattoos?

Recommendations for a tattoo artist in Durham, NC? Bonus points: super-skilled with fine detailed lettering [more inside]
posted by Dorinda at 11:36 AM PST - 2 comments

Sometimes living alone and sometimes not.

Advice for living sometimes alone and sometimes with someone I don’t particularly get on with. [more inside]
posted by sock of ages at 11:35 AM PST - 13 comments

Why wasn't my son's infected toe washed and cleaned in the ER?

Why wasn't my son's infected toe washed and cleaned in the ER? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 11:34 AM PST - 15 comments

What should I pursue in order to live comfortably and have time for my family?

What career path is primarily 9-5, makes $60,000+ a year, and involves a high amount of contact with other people? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 11:27 AM PST - 35 comments

hungry for a houseboat

How difficult is it to own/rent a houseboat in New York City or the Bay Area? [more inside]
posted by dysh at 11:10 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me find more artwork of this nature

Where can I find more art like this? [more inside]
posted by msali at 11:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Odd basement drainage feature?

We're thinking about making an offer on a house. However, it has an odd feature in the basement that may be related to drainage. Can anyone tell us what this might do or what could be behind the wall? Picture here - it's the 4" bumpout in the back left corner. [more inside]
posted by WowLookStars at 11:00 AM PST - 11 comments

Help remembering classical piano piece

Need help identifying a classical song I hum to myself,possibly a piano piece, but can't remember what the name of it is or who made it. Link: http://youtu.be/PjnX9HgWueE [more inside]
posted by LittleNami at 10:55 AM PST - 4 comments

laundromat in OKC

Does anyone know a laundromat in Oklahoma City with Wifi on the North Side/downtown?
posted by rustybikes at 10:48 AM PST - 0 comments

I'm dyeing here.

RIT dye and a stainless steel sink - now there's a line in the sink where the dye level was. How, why, and can I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by spinifex23 at 10:45 AM PST - 18 comments

Living with a food addict

I'm looking for tips and coping strategies and insight for living with a food addict. My domestic partner is now a diabetic and gets pancreatitis because of his overeating. I want ideas for how to lessen the impact on the household and to avoid obsessing about the situation. [more inside]
posted by Jane the Brown at 10:44 AM PST - 32 comments

Traveller Insurance

Has anyone had any experience with TravelGuard Insurance? Or just general advice on traveller's insurance? I am primarily interested in the medical coverage rather than trip cancellation. [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 10:20 AM PST - 3 comments

Getting the Most from a Philly Bus Tour

Best way to tour Philadelphia with an 8-year-old? [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 10:03 AM PST - 7 comments

Lenovo U410...bad idea?

Lenovo U410 for AutoCAD and SolidWorks? [more inside]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:56 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me get this linguistics joke?

Linguistics! Can you guys explain the joke in this image, which represents how different languages get from point A to point B? [more inside]
posted by Pwoink at 9:46 AM PST - 15 comments

Getting a legend in Google Map printouts

When I print out a custom map from Google Maps, it has little blue markers on the places of interest. Then at the bottom, it lists what all the blue markers are. But there's no numbering to say which marker goes with which description(????). As well the description is a single line without addresses. Is there a way to fix this?
posted by storybored at 9:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Toronto lesbian social groups?

Toronto lesbian community/friends filter: Where in Toronto can I find and join some sort of lesbian social groups? Where are the non-alcoholic local hang outs? I am single (so, the couples-only ones are out) and in my late 20's. I'm really just looking for friends. [more inside]
posted by atetrachordofthree at 9:09 AM PST - 1 comment

Should I just go to Sephora and let them have their way with me?

People close to me have been constantly making suggestions for me to put more effort into my appearance and it's starting to take a toll on my self confidence. What should I do... [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 8:37 AM PST - 81 comments

Piled High and Deeper!

How difficult is it, really, to get a post-doctoral fellowship? I'm kind of panicking about it, so any reassurance would be helpful; that said, it would also be helpful to know if this is a totally unrealistic pipe-dream at this point, so I can start to think about other options. [more inside]
posted by UniversityNomad at 8:32 AM PST - 16 comments

The Games People Play

What "games" do you play to boost your mood or help you see things in a different light? [more inside]
posted by Calicatt at 8:19 AM PST - 26 comments

Best app to create documents with marginal commentary?

I'm looking for an OS X word processing program/app that will allow me to format pages for extensive marginal comments. Pages doesn't appear to allow this type of formatting. Some years ago, I tried doing this on Word 10.x and was driven close to madness by the fact that the marginal comments would shift up, down and onto adjoining pages, apparently at will. I was wondering if there are any other not hugely expensive options out there. Thanks.
posted by the sobsister at 8:17 AM PST - 13 comments

Unicode WTF?

Why does my macbook wig out? More details within. [more inside]
posted by outlandishmarxist at 8:05 AM PST - 7 comments

Adjusting paper size for Mac "print to pdf" function"

Mac "print to pdf" function is defaulting to US Letter output, despite A4-formatted documents that print fine as A4 on a physical printer. [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 7:47 AM PST - 6 comments

French arptor for lights bought in N.A.

What (European) plug adaptor do I need for this plug (attached to a set of fairy/Christmas lights)? [more inside]
posted by kansakwens at 7:46 AM PST - 6 comments

How do I get over that my ex boyfriend is now more confident, but at my expense.

How do I get over the fact that my ex boyfriend is now more outgoing and confident, but at my expense? When we started dating, he was quiet, aloof, thoughtful. When he ended it (out of the blue), he devalued me and tossed me away like garbage. He never looked back, but is now so much more confident and seemingly happier. I'm having a hard time dealing with this. [more inside]
posted by Butterflye1010 at 6:38 AM PST - 34 comments

ID Insect nest

What kind of insect nest is this? [more inside]
posted by patrad at 6:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Miraculous Transformation!

How do I change the default language when I log into the iStore? [more inside]
posted by bardic at 5:45 AM PST - 3 comments

Name that tune: church video edition

Name that tune: this morning, the guest preacher played a video about Myanmar. He was from OMF International. I remember too little of the song in the background to do a fruitful search: something something 'what does it mean to live this life' and something about a shore, maybe. Sung by a man, sparse instrumentation. Can you help me? [more inside]
posted by undue influence at 5:21 AM PST - 8 comments

Duvet tog boggle

I could use some duvet advice, re tog and filling. [more inside]
posted by taz at 5:02 AM PST - 12 comments

What happens to stolen iphones?

I am from the U.S. -- my iphone4s was stolen in a touristy area of Barcelona earlier this week. No calls were made on the phone in the hours before I suspended my (at&t) account and changed my gmail etc. passwords. It was not passcode locked/ didn't have tracking apps, but as far as I could tell it wasn't used. My question is: What "typically/usually" happens to such stolen phones? are they wiped and used as cameras/itouch?
posted by mrmarley at 4:36 AM PST - 6 comments

What films are longer than the events depicted?

What films are longer than the events depicted? [more inside]
posted by richb at 2:32 AM PST - 28 comments

Mac or Windows?

It’s time for my husband to get a new laptop, and we’re looking at a Mac that we’d share (the alternative is Windows). Help me decide whether a Mac is for us! [more inside]
posted by asnowballschance at 2:28 AM PST - 9 comments

fish heads. soup.

help me make a soup using what's sitting around in my fridge and freezer [more inside]
posted by saraindc at 2:15 AM PST - 6 comments

What are some popular grocery store books in Germany?

Can you suggest any German language, German originated, modern novel series for light reading? [more inside]
posted by coolxcool=rad at 12:16 AM PST - 8 comments

What keeps you motivated to stay healthy and fit?

What excites YOU about your regular diet/exercise routine? What motivational thoughts do you have that you believe are uniquely yours? [more inside]
posted by Th!nk at 12:03 AM PST - 32 comments

September 29

I have a bridged router acting as a modem, and a non-wireless vpn router. I need two add one or two wireless routers...how?

I have a bridged router acting as a modem, and a non-wireless vpn router. I need two add one or two wireless routers...how? [more inside]
posted by Unhyper at 11:50 PM PST - 3 comments

Have I been phished by a hooker?

Have I been phished? If so, what do I do? I suddenly started getting phonecalls and texts from people looking for prostitutes. They're calling both my cell and home phones. I recently applied for a credit card, and now I'm afraid the site wasn't legit. [more inside]
posted by mneekadon at 11:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Reapplying to a job you're still underqualified for?

I applied for a job requiring 18 months' experience and was rejected (at that point, I had 9 months' experience). I fitted all other criteria. The same job has popped up again, and I now have 15 months' experience. I still fit all other criteria (the requirements for both positions are exactly the same) Should I reapply?
posted by glache at 11:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Harry and Jon and ____

My non-reader boyfriend enjoys Harry Potter and A Song of Ice and Fire because he easily became so invested in the characters. He doesn't care so much about literary value; he just wants characters that he can care about and journey with, and when they feel grief or happiness, he wants to mourn for them or celebrate with them. What should he read next? [more inside]
posted by goosechasing at 10:44 PM PST - 43 comments

Unsolved Mystery of the Disappearing Print Ink

What is this non-permanent printer ink I've received in a print? I didn't know that ink couldbe erased with a simple pencil eraser, but indeed the postcard-sized print I received on relatively heavy paper (possibly watercolor paper) was erasable with a pencil eraser. I only wanted to see if I could slough off a speck of dirt, and instead skin color came off the portrait. What's going on? Is this kind of ink going to fade and disappear in a couple of years even under glass? [more inside]
posted by reenka at 10:12 PM PST - 10 comments

What could this be related to?

Sex drive issues in my mid-twenties. Help! [more inside]
posted by kettleoffish at 8:27 PM PST - 25 comments

How do I stop my toiletry bottle from leaking?

I recently bought a travel toiletry kit from Target that included one screw-cap bottle and two push open style bottles. The second kind seem to be leaking, mostly because the part that you push down to dispense shampoo gets pushed down too easily and so it gets nudged by other things in my suitcase. Any suggestions for preventing this in the future? [more inside]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 8:25 PM PST - 15 comments

Kingsridge suits

I’m looking for information about the men’s suit maker Kingsridge. It was an older brand, but apparently they're still around or someone is using the name. I’m just curious about the company, history, etc.
posted by bongo_x at 7:58 PM PST - 4 comments

Solution to OCR many bank statements into excel

Need to get data from hundreds of pages of bank records into a spreadsheet. We have a scanner with a document feeder, but would love some recommendations on software/workflow ideas. [more inside]
posted by capnsue at 7:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Where to store an inheritance.

How in invest inherited money? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:53 PM PST - 7 comments

Backing up a dual-boot

Does anyone have any suggestions for backing up a macbook pro that is running lion on the mac partition and windows 7 on the bootcamp partition? I have an external hard drive that time machine backs up to for the macintosh paritition, and I use acronis true image to do the pc portion of the backups. I guess what I want to know is am I doing this inefficiently or is there a better way to back up everything? I am not sure that I understand how backups work that well nor whether cloning my hard drive would be a better solution? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
posted by nidora at 6:53 PM PST - 4 comments

What are a man's options for a signature flourish?

I'm a man who wears boring business clothes and I'd like my look more memorable. What's a good signature flourish or another way to make it easier for people who meet me to remember me at a glance? [more inside]
posted by grudgebgon at 6:30 PM PST - 42 comments

Tell me about a surfboard based on these stats, please!

Help me buy a surfboard! [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments

What does radical clothing communicate? Seeking fantastic examples.

I am interested in learning more about the idea of radical clothing as symbolic communication, and thinking about how that works today. Thus, I am looking for the most fantastic examples of communicative garments. For example, garments made from recycled materials, that might up, that are in unusual shapes, and so forth. I have found some of these already, but I don't really know what they mean--other than being novelties. Are there unusual garments that you think about a lot? What do you think they mean? Any leads would be most appreciated. If you would like to recommend books or movies about this sort of thing, that would be welcome too.
posted by mortaddams at 5:58 PM PST - 14 comments

"It's worse than childbirth!"

My sister has a dental emergency -- a wisdom tooth with a wicked infection -- and we are in a rural area with no open dentist offices. What are her options? [more inside]
posted by youandiandaflame at 5:57 PM PST - 25 comments

How to track the sources a website pulls news from?

I'm wondering if anyone could suggest a tool or website that allows me to see a list of sites that a particular website is pulling news from. I know I can do this manually by looking at articles and noting the sites that are sourced, but I'm wondering if there is an easier way to do it. Any ideas? Thanks, - Michael
posted by ISeemToBeAVerb at 5:41 PM PST - 3 comments

Complementary Paint Colors for a Limestone House

We have a limestone house that has a small amount of periwinkle blue siding. In addition, the doors (front and garage), window frames, gutters, and various trim pieces are white. Image 1. Image 2. From the street, the house doesn't look that great. Repainting the blue siding should be a relatively easy job, but what color would really look good? Should the white doors be painted to match the new siding color?
posted by steinwald at 5:40 PM PST - 26 comments

The men in our lives are split between "do it" and "dont't do it"... what would MeFi do?

My friend found a used car she wants to buy. Could you tell us whether this is a scam? [more inside]
posted by désoeuvrée at 4:33 PM PST - 24 comments

Fischer versus Kasparov

Which player is more highly regarded, in terms of skill and mastery of the game, by the world chess community: Bobby Fischer or Garry Kasparov? [more inside]
posted by mousepad at 3:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Take a little time to improve your life.

It's probably about time I go to college. I'm kind of (actually, very) confused. What do I do? (Wall of text inside) [more inside]
posted by Redfield at 3:27 PM PST - 27 comments

What does it mean to be "vulnerable" ?

"You have to let yourself be vulnerable" is too vague to be helpful. Tell me what it means? [more inside]
posted by windykites at 3:15 PM PST - 24 comments

I like Mondays fine, it's Tuesday through Friday that are the problem

How can I keep bidis fresh with little effort and cost? [more inside]
posted by troywestfield at 2:24 PM PST - 8 comments

Bard stories.

Looking for stories featuring/about bards/musicians/historians. [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 2:24 PM PST - 14 comments

Nanotech! WOOT! What?

How can I tell if a product I'm about to buy contains nanotech materials? Are there labeling requirements (in the U.S.)? Can I tell by the chemical names? For any ingredient that's listed, can I tell if it's a nano-version of that material, as opposed to regular sized molecules? What consumer products are actually using these materials now? [more inside]
posted by Corvid at 2:18 PM PST - 19 comments

[android app filter] Lock current active screen

Is there a lockscreen app which will use the current active screen as the background? [more inside]
posted by lucia_engel at 2:11 PM PST - 1 comment

Promoting a Toddler's Self Efficacy

I'd like to promote self-efficacy in my toddler, and am looking for different methods of going about it. [more inside]
posted by cardamon at 1:50 PM PST - 24 comments

How can I deal with my neighbor's cigarette smoke drifting into my apartment?

How can I deal with my neighbor's cigarette smoke drifting into my apartment? [more inside]
posted by whitelily at 1:50 PM PST - 19 comments

Food for all

I'm thinking of starting a food- blog. The idea is to provide practical advice for people without money who want to eat good food made from good produce. I have decades of experience of being a poor foodie, but not much of writing or blogging. Any advice and all referencers will be valuable The blog will be in my own language (not english), at least to begin with.
posted by mumimor at 1:44 PM PST - 7 comments

True Calm Supplement - safe?

Are any of the ingredients in Now Foods True Calm Amino Relaxer dangerous? [more inside]
posted by denverco at 1:19 PM PST - 2 comments

More videos like Gangnam Style?

I'm finding myself quite happily drawn to the Gangnam Style video. Can you point me towards the best dance/pop/crazy dance videos NOT from the U.S.?
posted by agregoli at 1:14 PM PST - 50 comments

How can I step up my kissing game?

How can I step up my kissing game? [more inside]
posted by Hot Like Your 12V Wire at 12:48 PM PST - 18 comments

Sick of getting sick!

How can I stop getting sick? I teach High School and am constantly run down. I eat healthy, go to bed ridiculously early to get up early, exercise, and wash hands as often as possible (and have wipes in classroom) but it is pretty much impossible to stay healthy in a non-healthy atmosphere. [more inside]
posted by bquarters at 12:38 PM PST - 30 comments

Wildcard e-mail forwarding service?

Online service for wildcard e-mail address forwarding for a given domain? [more inside]
posted by pbh at 11:47 AM PST - 4 comments

Hot air heater for a cold damp bathroom?

Can anyone recommend a sub $100 heater for a bathroom? [more inside]
posted by thankyoumuchly at 11:18 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I insert a separator between items in the Office 2010 ribbon?

I have finally been forced to switch from Office 2003 to Office 2010, and I am attempting to come to terms with the Ribbon interface. In the built-in Ribbon tabs, items are separated by short vertical "separator" lines, but there does not appear to be a way to insert these separators into custom tabs. [more inside]
posted by alby at 10:28 AM PST - 3 comments

"Buying" my car from my mom in NJ. What's the best/cheapest way to do this?

"Buying" my car from my mom in NJ. What's the best/cheapest way to do this? [more inside]
posted by carpyful at 10:02 AM PST - 12 comments

Creating a CAD income from home (initially)

I need to get my head around the best path to retraining myself on (nominally Solidworks) with view to (in the longer term) doing CAD piece work from home - However there are several issues relating to software types and costs that I am not sure how to approach. [more inside]
posted by Brockles at 9:09 AM PST - 9 comments

Can somebody help me track down the source claiming Leonid Kantorovich was responsible for safety on the Road of Life during the Siege of Leningrad?

Can somebody help me track down the source claiming Leonid Kantorovich was responsible for the safety of evacuees on the Road of Life during the Siege of Leningrad? [more inside]
posted by onalark at 8:12 AM PST - 7 comments

"We Reserve the Right"

In public businesses one frequently sees those signs reading: "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone," or something like that. Have you seen this principle applied in real life? I'd like to hear about it.
posted by mr. digits at 7:30 AM PST - 85 comments

Mom wanted me to be an astronaut, I wanted to be a diver.

I didn't choose the degree I am doing right now. It was my mom's wish... but I didn't realize at the time! If this happened to you... how did you cope? How did you take the best out of it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:17 AM PST - 13 comments

Is this a bedbug?

Is this a bedbug? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:16 AM PST - 17 comments

Please Explain Multitrack Recording to a Multitrack Recording Virgin

If you can only record one track at a time via audio recording software (e.g. Ableton), why did I buy an interface that allows me to record two mics and an electric guitar simultaneously? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 7:14 AM PST - 22 comments

Make a Database From a Book?

Are there examples of databases based upon a single book? [more inside]
posted by PHINC at 7:06 AM PST - 10 comments

Best cheese toastie in the world?

Cheese toastie filter: Please tell me about the best toasted cheese sandwiches in the world. [more inside]
posted by Bigbrowncow at 7:04 AM PST - 26 comments

How do I sell My Car between Canadian Provinces?

How do I sell a car between provinces? I live in Montreal, QC and my friend in Toronto, ON. She wants to buy my car. What do I have to do to sell it to her? [more inside]
posted by foxinsocks at 6:35 AM PST - 1 comment

VPN for someone w/minimal IT skills?

Secure VPN for a novice? [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 5:06 AM PST - 8 comments

Need urgent help in making gravy from scratch!!

Need urgent help in making gravy from scratch!! [more inside]
posted by heartofglass at 3:40 AM PST - 18 comments

Hush little baby....please, oh please, oh please

Why won't our 6.5 month old baby sleep? [more inside]
posted by brambory at 1:05 AM PST - 36 comments

September 28

Should I maintain this burgeoning friendship? If not, how should I end it nicely?

He's nice in some ways, but really annoying in others. Should I continue trying to build a friendship with him? [more inside]
posted by dean_deen at 10:46 PM PST - 24 comments

How do I calculate the probability of a specific sum of repeated die rolls?

I'm looking to learn how to calculate probabilities for a multi-round dice game. I've researched this question some, and it looks like I might need to know how to use the multinomial distribution, but I can't find any good introductions. Please point me to the most layman-accessible educational material on this subject, and help me to help myself. [more inside]
posted by Richard Daly at 10:16 PM PST - 6 comments

So because I have this I've got to be how old?

18+ girls 21+ guys everyone gets in free YAY... wait... what? [more inside]
posted by one4themoment at 7:11 PM PST - 28 comments

How to Manage a Job Interviewer Whose Knowledge is Outdated & Unfocused

I am presently going through interviews for an IT consulting position with a nationally known firm. I've been through two extended phone interviews. The initial call with the recruiter went great, but I just had a call with one of the main staff members and it was a train wreck. Extra library/MLIS snowflake details... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:16 PM PST - 7 comments

Neurological? Psychological? Just plain clumsy?

Why are my girlfriend's cat's back legs going out from under him? [more inside]
posted by komara at 5:58 PM PST - 17 comments

What is the new word for "awesome"?

What is the new word for "awesome"? [more inside]
posted by kellybird at 5:07 PM PST - 125 comments

Help me identify/fine a specific Honda Commercial

Help me find a specific Honda Commercial [more inside]
posted by robverb at 4:58 PM PST - 7 comments

I have no idea what I am doing.

I am looking for costume ideas which include a horse head mask? [more inside]
posted by ~Bert at 4:25 PM PST - 49 comments

Recommendations for alternatives to Lee men's Custom Fit Waistband flat front pants?

Recommendations for alternatives to Lee men's Custom Fit Waistband flat front pants? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 4:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Looking for online bankruptcy debtor education recommendations.

Can you recommend a specific online bankruptcy debtor education provider? There are a billion and the ones I've looked at don't fill me with calm reassurance. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:48 PM PST - 2 comments

I like books that make me want to hide a knife in my garter.

I love all historical mysteries, but lately, I'm especially obsessed with jazzy, stylish ones set in the 1910s-30s. I spent the summer tearing through all of Kerry Greenwood's Phryne Fisher Murder Mysteries. What should I read next? [more inside]
posted by mostlymartha at 3:46 PM PST - 23 comments

What kind of upsidedown fish wants to eat my skin?

What was this weird up-side-down swimming fish in miami? Possibly a 'cleaner fish'? [more inside]
posted by abirdinthehand at 3:35 PM PST - 5 comments

The beeping, incidentally, means he's speeding.

Tell me a little bit about this recording I made in a taxi in the UAE. I think it's in Urdu. [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 3:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Non-US radio, please

What are your favorite non-American radio stations? Bonus points for stations that are available online, and mostly play music that I am unlikely to hear on American radio.
posted by ocherdraco at 3:14 PM PST - 44 comments

Online book reviews in Brasil

Why is it that in Brazil, there are no reviews / ratings of books on any of the online book stores? Does anyone know of any stores that might have this seemingly basic functionality?
posted by mikeanegus at 3:12 PM PST - 2 comments

Phantom Earthquake

There was a large-ish (6.9) earthquake in my area on Wednesday. Since then, I've felt a number of "phantom" earthquakes (along with a number of real aftershocks). Is there anything I can do to stop feeling the "phantom" quakes? [more inside]
posted by charmcityblues at 3:12 PM PST - 12 comments

Good way to create an easy to navigate FAQ?

What is a good way to create an FAQ-type document so that it looks good and is easy to navigate on a computer? [more inside]
posted by quam6246 at 3:00 PM PST - 8 comments

Thyroid Cancer Question

Thyroid Cancer Question! Seeking advice about TSH (thyrogen) injections instead of witchdrawl/LID before RAI. [more inside]
posted by mrs.pants at 2:54 PM PST - 7 comments

How does one become a High School Russian teacher

How do I go about getting hired for a position that doesn't exist: a High School Russian teacher? [more inside]
posted by SollosQ at 2:40 PM PST - 20 comments

Hey, Apostle? Can you fill out that TPS report by Monday?

What US religion or religious sub-set uses the titles "Mother" and "Apostle?" [more inside]
posted by Stewriffic at 2:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Francois, meet Francoise

What are all of the male/female homophone name pairs? I am looking for examples of names that sound alike but are spelled differently depending on whether the individual is male or female. Examples: Don/Dawn, Erin/Aaron, Francis/Frances, Yves/Eve.
posted by bq at 2:10 PM PST - 78 comments

Does Eczema Blanch?

Do eczema rashes blanch (turn white) when you press them?
posted by brista at 1:27 PM PST - 6 comments

Help a beginner learn Java/J2EE

I need to learn Java/J2EE. Where do I start? What resources are out there? How do I become a good programmer overtime? [more inside]
posted by turniphead at 1:20 PM PST - 4 comments

the reading rainbow

I used to like reading until about fourth grade. That's when books started getting more intricate with more characters and multiple plotlines etc. I'm pretty sure I have ADD and/or a terrible capacity for that kind of thing. What books might I enjoy now? (I'm 21/F) [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:19 PM PST - 34 comments

I am also open to bids from local roofing companies.

I need help with sourcing unusual building materials for my DIY doghouse that looks like my ridiculous-looking house. [more inside]
posted by halogen at 1:18 PM PST - 21 comments

I Want my HBO ... on my Blu Ray

I subscribe to HBO. Why the heck can't I get it on my Blu-Ray? Is there some other way to get it on my TV (besides going to the actual channel)? [more inside]
posted by Leezie at 12:25 PM PST - 13 comments

How or where can I make my house concerts bigger?

I host house concerts in San Diego. I need more space. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:21 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for a smart phone for cheap.

What is the best $99 smartphone currently available from Verizon? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 12:19 PM PST - 19 comments

Phone Call

This is the land-line phone I want. But I'd rather not pay $205. Does anyone know of an similar phone at a lower price? I want only four things from my phone: Phone calls, auto-dial, voice mail, and don't be ugly -- nothing more. But, the land-line phones that are typically available in the stores have too many features and, to my eye, are ugly. Someone must know of a basic, well-designed phone.
posted by partner at 12:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a Jeanne Gang quote

I'm looking for a quote by architect Jeanne Gang I read in an article about her last year, and my Google-fu is failing me. Help me, hivemind. [more inside]
posted by dw at 11:47 AM PST - 3 comments

Simple videoconferencing for two

What is the best video conferencing setup for boss and I to talk about data remotely? More complete description of circumstances inside. [more inside]
posted by juliapangolin at 11:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Best headache-tracking app?

Recommendations needed for the best headache-tracking app. [more inside]
posted by twoporedomain at 11:39 AM PST - 4 comments

They are interested. Why don't they respond?

Someone "chose" me (rated 4 or 5 stars) on OKCupid. What should be my next move? [more inside]
posted by 3FLryan at 11:12 AM PST - 26 comments

White or black iPhone more tempting to thieves?

Is there a difference in the white or black iPhone's attractiveness to thieves-- to the point where it should influence my buying decision? [more inside]
posted by bchaplin at 11:03 AM PST - 19 comments

How to get another position at a company I'm temping at

I'm a temp/consultant at a Fortune 100 company. My project is ending soon and I to find another one. How do I do so? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 10:51 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me find a (specific) blog by an anglophone about Paris/French culture!

Help me find a (specific) blog by an anglophone about Paris/French culture! [more inside]
posted by miss_scarlett at 10:49 AM PST - 3 comments

Endocrinology anyone? Low Glucose - What do you make of this...

YANMD - I just discovered from 2 recent bloodworks that my 15 year old son’s non-fasting glucose levels are in the mid-60’s after eating what could be considered a “carb bombs” – cake, hot chocolate among other carby things. Is this some rare condition that no one has heard of? Something like the opposite of diabetes? Or does this mean nothing at all? [more inside]
posted by jamesalbert at 10:38 AM PST - 21 comments

Looking for what amounts to Apple's earpods in black.

I'm looking for non-sealing earbuds with iPhone controls that aren't white, and I can't find them. Do you have any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by unsound at 10:05 AM PST - 19 comments

I have a job interview. I'm getting sick. Help!

I have a very important job interview on Monday. I feel like I'm getting sick (sore throat, warm forehead, etc). If I'm sick on Monday, do I call and ask to re-schedule or soldier through? [more inside]
posted by Fister Roboto at 9:52 AM PST - 33 comments

Opera for Dummies?

I would really love to truly enjoy the magic and beauty of opera, but I'm a complete novice. While I have enjoyed Broadway style musicals since I was a child, opera has escaped me. Are there any books, specific productions or recordings I should read, watch or hear? [more inside]
posted by BrianJ at 9:47 AM PST - 28 comments

Looking for a cross-border Canada/US tax expert

Recommendation for cross-border Canada/US tax expert (in Bay Area, or other)? [more inside]
posted by Chaotic Bedlam at 9:34 AM PST - 1 comment

Help me ID this 60's sedan

Help me ID this car (mid-60's American Sedan) : [more inside]
posted by Rafaelloello at 9:24 AM PST - 8 comments

Gay-friendly vacation spots?

Where should my girlfriend and I go on vacation in January? We're open to pretty much anything - and that's the problem. [more inside]
posted by vakker at 9:23 AM PST - 20 comments

What should I do with these old newspapers?

Should I save old newspapers? [more inside]
posted by chocolate_butch at 9:17 AM PST - 13 comments

Special dry skin advice sought.

People with dry skin: How do you apply lotion to just the backs of your hands? Special applicator suggestions go to the front of the line! [more inside]
posted by Rad_Boy at 9:11 AM PST - 21 comments

Why is paid time off so hard to negotiate?

What is the purpose of rigid paid-time off policies? [more inside]
posted by fries at 9:04 AM PST - 39 comments

Good cell phone for a senior citizen?

Best simple cell phone for a senior citizen? [more inside]
posted by middleclasstool at 8:43 AM PST - 8 comments

What are good, routine, activities/outings for a family that do not revolve around food/drink/restaurants? Details

I won't be able to eat normally for about a year, my family is supportive, but wants to continue to meet up weekly and would like to make sure I am as comfortable about it as possible. [more inside]
posted by dadici at 8:38 AM PST - 24 comments

Sketching Apps for graphic pieces?

Recommendations for sketching apps like Penultimate? [more inside]
posted by mrfuga0 at 8:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Does the US government do background checks on your education when issuing work visas?

I lied on my CV. Does the US government do background checks on your education when issuing work visas? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:33 AM PST - 8 comments

I heard that you were feeling ill ...

I have a cold/flu thing. What can I do to speed my recovery as much as possible? [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 8:27 AM PST - 13 comments

Supporting spouse weight loss while maintaining own weight

How do I help support my husband with his diet while maintaining my own weight? [more inside]
posted by statsgirl at 8:24 AM PST - 9 comments

GOD GOD WHY

So my cat just spectacularly broke a CFL lightbulb. I've read the other Asks on this topic, but I still have a few questions. [more inside]
posted by Coatlicue at 8:22 AM PST - 17 comments

From pipets to patents

From lab tech to law office. Help me be awesome! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:08 AM PST - 10 comments

Architecture Copyright Expert Witness?

I'm looking for an expert witness in the area of architecture copyright in the US. The Northeast would be ideal. It seems like there are a million online, so any additional recommendations would be much appreciated. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:07 AM PST - 1 comment

Wiggle wiggle wiggle, yeah!

I need costume suggestions for an LMFAO themed Halloween party. [more inside]
posted by youngergirl44 at 7:26 AM PST - 14 comments

Quantifying the Effect of Gamification?

Is there good quantitative research on the behavioral effect of gamification and achievements? [more inside]
posted by jasonhong at 7:24 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I help my fine artist friend?

I'd really like to help support my neighbor, a fine artist, in her search for commissions, management and new students. Unfortunately, outside of just helping her navigate networking sites online, I have no idea where to start. Specifics after the jump. [more inside]
posted by biddeford at 7:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Eccommerce Startup Question

I have grand ideas for an ecommerce web site and am curious about how to get where I need from an inventory perspective. [more inside]
posted by kmurray24 at 6:51 AM PST - 8 comments

How can I ship perfume, nail polish etc abroad from the UK?

Is there a way to ship perfume and nail polish abroad from the UK? People are telling me there isn't but I don't quite believe them. [more inside]
posted by neilb449 at 6:43 AM PST - 10 comments

International Trade (for Dummies)

If you run a business that deals in international trade, how do you easily manage export licensing and reporting to the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security? What about getting Certificates of Compliance and Certificates of Origin? I know you have to get a cert validated by a chamber of commerce (and in some circumstances, by that countries consulate) but can you give me any sort of description that would help me streamline the process? [more inside]
posted by wolfdreams01 at 6:41 AM PST - 2 comments

Does hip-hop/rap equal rock/pop as a genre that requires true musical talent?

Help settle a contentious argument: friend argues that hip-hop/rap requires less talent than rock/pop, and that the true measure of talent is being able to stand on a stage with nothing but a guitar and microphone. This doesn't seem right to me, but I don't know hip-hop/rap well. Is this a valid position? Are there any musicians in rap and hip-hop that defy this? [more inside]
posted by Locative at 5:59 AM PST - 72 comments

Return address labels?

Can you suggest some place to buy custom return address labels, who have a good reputation and tasteful templates? Google has a thousand tacky options that all seem the same.
posted by smackfu at 5:57 AM PST - 10 comments

What is the best way to preheat a stainless steel pan enough that the food won't stick, but not so much that it warps?

What is the best way to preheat a stainless steel pan enough that the food won't stick, but not so much that it warps? [more inside]
posted by Jim Biancolo at 5:47 AM PST - 12 comments

Which books did Jerry Garcia read that helped him learn to play?

Which books did Jerry Garcia read that helped him learn to play? I'm not much of a deadhead, but I do have great respect for Jerry Garcia's playing, especially acoustically with David Grisman. In my own study of music generally and guitar specifically I've been venturing out of pentatonic scales into the major scale and associated modes, as well as trying to become a more knowledgable and lyrical improviser. I'm in a wormhole of reading tons of interviews with Jerry and he commonly refers to learning heaps about the guitar by "reading the books" that have come out since the last time he "read the books" about guitar/music. These interviews have been mid seventies to mid to late eighties. I'm wondering: What books was Jerry reading that were so valuable in helping him develop his playing? He never seems to reference them specifically. Anyone know what kind of literature was coming out and of good quality in that era? Thanks.
posted by idzyn at 5:25 AM PST - 4 comments

A song comparing her love to stars

Romantic song sung by female singer, with lyrics like, "Why do I need stars when I have you"? [more inside]
posted by catburger at 3:53 AM PST - 4 comments

We'd like that gift NOW, please

Several months ago, for my partner's birthday, my MIL decided to gift us with an electric kettle. We were happy, because we had been planning to get one, and said as much to her. But then she couldn't find the "right one" (she's quite particular about aesthetics) and now the whole idea seems to have slipped off her radar. But the winter is approaching, we're making a lot of tea, and we would really really like to have that kettle. Do we remind her, buy it ourselves, or what? [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 3:50 AM PST - 30 comments

Activities in Colorado Springs

Sunday activities in Colorado Springs? I am trying to coordinate an outing for a group of 6-8 women of varying ages on Sunday afternoon or early evening, but I really don't know the area. We will have an 80 year old and a 3 year old with us. [more inside]
posted by LittleMissCranky at 3:18 AM PST - 2 comments

o espĂ­rito eo gringo

Can I find a Unitarian Universalist-like church in Rio de Janeiro? [more inside]
posted by allymusiqua at 3:10 AM PST - 4 comments

Cheapest way to ship a bass guitar from London, England to Gothenburg, Sweden?

Cheapest way to ship a bass guitar from London, England to Gothenburg, Sweden? [more inside]
posted by FuckingAwesome at 2:33 AM PST - 2 comments

September 27

Winter's coming. Bed warming time.

Electric blanket or electric mattress pad? [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 10:33 PM PST - 16 comments

What is the recommended portable mouse and laptop backpack for an x230?

What is the recommended portable mouse and laptop backpack/bag for a Lenovo x230? [more inside]
posted by cycleback at 10:08 PM PST - 4 comments

HARP: good deal or not?

I have a mortgage that is perfectly healthy. Should/can I do a HARP refinance on it? [more inside]
posted by miyabo at 10:00 PM PST - 9 comments

Games that I can play over Skype with my blind friend?

I'm looking for video games that I could read aloud and describe as I play so that one of my friends who is blind could participate. We would be doing this over Skype. Ideally, we'd like games with multiple choices and decisions that affect the gameplay or story, less linear games and fairly complicated gameplay. We wouldn't want anything in real time, anything that requires coordination or games where the visuals are essential. [more inside]
posted by shirobara at 9:58 PM PST - 36 comments

Superman Songs

Help me fill out my geeky "Superman Music" playlist. [more inside]
posted by ronofthedead at 9:57 PM PST - 28 comments

Do people throw money at musicians?

How does one become a "patron of the (punk) arts"? [more inside]
posted by manicure12 at 8:48 PM PST - 16 comments

What might be causing round marks on an Asian or Asian-American woman's back?

At the gym over the past few months, I have seen a few Asian or Asian-American 60-something women with their backs covered with 1.5-inch - diameter circular marks. Does anyone know what may have caused these marks? Are they the result of a medical condition? A medical treatment? A common injury or abuse? The largest Asian-American population here is Korean. The marks are varying in intensity, so it looks like they occurred over a period of time.
posted by jaguar at 8:06 PM PST - 17 comments

Is the full feeling in my throat heartburn or something else?

For the last several days, I have had the feeling that something is stuck in my throat or the urge to swallow. It lasts for hours and seems to occur after eating. Is this heartburn? Is it something else? [more inside]
posted by Caz721 at 8:05 PM PST - 15 comments

What is your homebrew sanitization process?

Homebrewers, what is your sanitization process? I am stymied. [more inside]
posted by starvingartist at 8:02 PM PST - 29 comments

I can't fly to India every time I need tea. Can I?

I have the most bourgeois question ever, but damnit, tea is serious business. Where/how can I get more of this amazing tea from Kerala, India? [more inside]
posted by TheNewWazoo at 8:00 PM PST - 10 comments

I want to be a cool (weather) biker dude

Help this newbie cyclist figure out what he'll need for cool weather cycling. Bonus points for: Colorado. [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 7:50 PM PST - 18 comments

How to deal with living in a less-than-ideal place?

How to deal with living in a less-than-ideal place? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:37 PM PST - 26 comments

Carry All the Things???

How do I carry around all my stuff with grace and avoid looking stupid? I carry around a lot of stuff everyday, and it's extremely annoying. People are always commenting about how I have "so many bags" but I really am not sure how to streamline my stuff. [more inside]
posted by sweetkid at 7:37 PM PST - 46 comments

Getting invisible objects to cast shadows in Maxwell for SketchUp?

In Maxwell for SketchUp, is there a way I can get a transparent object to cast a shadow? [more inside]
posted by sakahane at 7:27 PM PST - 1 comment

Who's need, anyway?

"A friend in need is a friend indeed." [more inside]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 7:27 PM PST - 15 comments

Monogamous relationships

Is a casual, long-term mutually monogamous relationship the safest way to have sex outside of a serious committed boyfriend girlfriend relationship and preferred? [more inside]
posted by mrfawcet at 7:14 PM PST - 17 comments

Alone again, naturally

Book recommendations please: fiction and non-fiction [including (auto)biographies] of people who lived alone, and their experiences and thoughts about it. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 6:52 PM PST - 21 comments

Is there a term for this kind of punning word play?

Attention, language types of MetaFilter: The Russian word poshlost' is roughly equivalent to the English "banality" or "self-satisfied mediocrity." Vladimir Nabokov wittily rendered it as poshlust ("posh" + "lust"), and described it as "not only the obviously trashy but mainly the falsely important, the falsely beautiful, the falsely clever, the falsely attractive." Is there a specific term for this kind of word play? [more inside]
posted by easy, lucky, free at 6:47 PM PST - 4 comments

Am I being oversensitive?

Spent two days, 12 hours driving helping a friend move from Los Angeles to San Francisco. The whole time my friend seemed unappreciative of my help and didn't even go as far to pay or offer to pay for any snacks or meals. At the end of it all my friend offered thanks. Am I being over sensitive or do I have the right to be a little annoyed?
posted by nathanm at 6:26 PM PST - 22 comments

When you need food, not the best food, just food they will eat.

"Best" wet cat food available at Kroger or similar? [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven at 5:41 PM PST - 15 comments

Tell me more about Dignitas

Mr. SPA told me last night that he thinks about suicide. Knowing Mr. SPA and based on the surrounding facts and circumstances, I think he's referencing suicide in a bid to talk about escaping from the stress in his life. In other words, I think he's asking for my help. I don't know if I can help him. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by SPA at 5:25 PM PST - 20 comments

Trying to prosper in Masschusetts

How can I use Prosper.com to invest while living in Massachusetts? [more inside]
posted by IzzeYum at 5:22 PM PST - 1 comment

Expected budget for experienced lone budget traveler in West Africa?

How safe are the following (mostly) West African countries, and what can I expect my budget to be? [more inside]
posted by maya at 5:15 PM PST - 7 comments

The amazing world of science let me show it to you

I'd like science-, scientist-, or engineering-related book recommendations for a 9th grade student reading at a 6th-7th grade level. [more inside]
posted by Salvor Hardin at 5:15 PM PST - 9 comments

What should a doctor's note say so that I can acheive my morbid obesity fitness goal?

Obese and diabetic is no way to go through life son, so I want/need/have to exercise. Problem: Most entities (exercise programs, gyms, trainers) want a doctor's note from me to prove I won't drop fucking dead while attempting to exercise. I want to get a note (one singular note) from my doctor that will allow me to participate in as many different exercise programs as possible. What should the note say? [more inside]
posted by Rob Rockets at 5:05 PM PST - 28 comments

Whats the site?

Google-fu (utter) Fail. Name this website: Site owner is a guy. He tells you what the "best" product is in a variety of categories (cell phone, beard trimmer, laptop etc). The conceit for the site is basically "stop shopping and just buy this one."
posted by Vavuzi at 4:53 PM PST - 7 comments

I wanna be your super hero... of some ridiculousness

Alright MeFites, help me rock yet another themed birthday party. [more inside]
posted by Quincy at 4:49 PM PST - 9 comments

What should I eat after I get my wisdom teeth out?

What are the best, funnest, most satisfying foods to eat after I get my wisdom teeth out? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 4:48 PM PST - 34 comments

How to enable the WYSIWYG editor in Joomla...?

How to enable the WYSIWYG editor in Joomla...? [more inside]
posted by KokuRyu at 4:29 PM PST - 2 comments

my business ain't nobody's business

Help me write a funny, effective, non-shaming sign asking people to please not talk on their cellphones in the office restroom. [more inside]
posted by elizeh at 4:08 PM PST - 29 comments

How can I help my friend?

My friend is in a very bad way. She's had a painful breakup, and she has a long-term chronic illness that's tough to deal with. She's housebound, isolated, very unhappy and says she's thinking of suicide. What, if anything, can I do to help? [more inside]
posted by Catseye at 3:36 PM PST - 9 comments

Decode these Chinese characters, please!

Can you decode these hastily-written Chinese characters? Here's a picture. [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte at 3:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Mammary cannons optional

Science fiction that deals with people having the ability to download information directly to their brains? [more inside]
posted by Lobster Garden at 3:27 PM PST - 29 comments

How to locate a telephone co demark box

How do I find the telephone companies demarcation box? The telephone wire comes off the street, into a conduit on the roof and then back out the conduit pipe and under the roof. The cable box and electrical meter are both right there, the tech and I were surprised the demark box was not. Is it possible my house doesn't have a demark box? [more inside]
posted by Keith Talent at 2:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Talk me through closing a 401k

I have lost my job, and I want to use some of the money in my 401k to pay my bills, but not all of it. I would like some details about the next steps, if you have experience with this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:35 PM PST - 20 comments

I'd rather starve!

How can I make my healthy meals taste less, well...healthy? [more inside]
posted by dynamiiiite at 2:30 PM PST - 31 comments

Loading multiple xCode projects to one GitHub repository?

Loading multiple xCode projects to one GitHub repository? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 2:11 PM PST - 11 comments

Best/Cheapest Men's Hair Dye In New York?

Looking for a place in NYC where I (a dude) can get good, natural-looking hair coloring for about a hundred bucks. [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 2:07 PM PST - 6 comments

What Can I Do About Never Getting Scheduled At My Job?

What Can I Do About Never Getting Scheduled At My Job? [more inside]
posted by theichibun at 2:04 PM PST - 18 comments

Hither and thither and yon...

I am looking for interesting or weird places to stop on a once-in-a-lifetime epic cross-country road trip. I have a month to traverse the country. I'm planning on stopping at the House on the Rock in WI, the Grand Canyon, and the Jedediah Smith Redwoods Park. Anywhere along this route that I shouldn't miss, either for food or attractions? I am looking particularly for things I would never see or eat if I were not on a road trip, or wonderful places to camp. The route is inside... [more inside]
posted by jennyjenny at 1:54 PM PST - 34 comments

What is the Agent Orange of today?

Anyone heard anything about scary-powerful chemicals/biological warfare/nanotech designed to wipe out not just people, but flora and fauna as well? [more inside]
posted by MrHalfwit at 1:41 PM PST - 11 comments

Lack the inspiration for a fancy title

How can I expand my business from a 1 person independent freelance/contractor to a few people (or with an assistant?) While simultaneously maintaining high quality and being able to trust the project or parts of the project to others. [more inside]
posted by Dances with sock puppets at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments

What are my options for getting a U.K. visa?

I'm a U.S. Citizen and want to get a U.K. Visa, but I have to keep my U.S. job. What are my best options? [more inside]
posted by thepalephantom at 1:02 PM PST - 15 comments

Stopping a Freeloader

My mother is being financially taken advantage of by my freeloading uncle. This is causing massive stress in our family, and resentments are building up. Is there anything I can do to help her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:58 PM PST - 24 comments

Book Scent

What is the explanation for a particular pleasant scent that books printed in India and Pakistan seem to have? [more inside]
posted by Paquda at 12:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Movies set in another country, please.

I need some suggestions for movies made fairly recently that are set in another country. [more inside]
posted by sarahgrace at 12:45 PM PST - 21 comments

Can my local utility legally refuse to buy my surplus off-grid generated power?

Can my local utility legally refuse to buy my surplus off-grid generated power? [more inside]
posted by haikuku at 11:58 AM PST - 6 comments

Check-cashing stores are to banks as X are to Y

I was fascinated by this episode of 99% Invisible about how banks are too confusing, stuffy, and weird for many lower-income customers and how check cashing stores are taking advantage of this by offering really simple, straight-forward, more transparent (but expensive) financial services. What other institutions, businesses, services, products, etc. are designed for middle-income or wealthy people that confuse or put off lower-income customers?
posted by shotgunbooty at 11:51 AM PST - 57 comments

Looking for ideas for meals which each diner can customise at the table.

Looking for ideas for meals which each diner can customise at the table. [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 11:51 AM PST - 27 comments

Featherbed in Vietnam? Good idea?

Should I get a feather bed mattress topper? Twist: Vietnam. [more inside]
posted by p1nkdaisy at 11:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Tricks with chix

An enormous chicken with immense, disproportional legs? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 11:17 AM PST - 6 comments

What time-card should my small start-up use for DCAA compliance

Got a Government research contract - now everybody needs to start tracking their time with some kind of DCAA compliant time card system. We're a small 10 person start-up and there's a bewildering range of people and companies offering time tracking solutions. So I'm seeking the hive mind's experience. Should I just use a paper time-cards? If so, where can I find a good template or sample? Should I go with a software or web-based solution? We only have one contract and it encompasses almost everything we do so there's not a lot of complexity tracking multiple proposals. Our business is not to be a government contractor - this project is more in the line of a small business incubator grant.
posted by Long Way To Go at 10:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Which Democratic Senate candidates should I donate to?

I would like to help some Democratic candidates get elected to US Senate. Where will my money make the most difference? [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco at 10:16 AM PST - 22 comments

Are you there Google? It's me, antonymous

Why is google indexing my personal domain "better" than my work's domain - both have WP blogs, but only posts under my personal domain show up in the Google Alert I have for my name. I am responsible for the visibility of my employer's blog and I do not think it's being crawled effectively (or something). [more inside]
posted by antonymous at 10:07 AM PST - 4 comments

assistant (to the) regional manager?

What should my new job title be? [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 10:00 AM PST - 16 comments

Oh noes. I'm dead.

Last night, while playing with Find My iPhone, I erased my wife's iPhone. That's right. I erased my wife's iPhone. Apparently, it wasn't backing up to iCloud. Unless I have a good backup on her laptop via iTunes, I am screwed, right? [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 9:50 AM PST - 13 comments

I need a Wordpress registration solution

Please recommend a Wordpress plugin for event registrations. Or suggest an alternative. [more inside]
posted by beagle at 9:31 AM PST - 3 comments

So...should we sit down tomorrow at 5:30 to talk about forever, maybe?

How, exactly, did you start discussing marriage with the person you married? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:30 AM PST - 67 comments

I want the power!

My iPhone (3G)'s power/headphone/volume rocker assembly is on the fritz all of a sudden. How can I try to remedy this? (Either cheaply/locally in NYC or DIY). [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 8:53 AM PST - 3 comments

Recording "screencast" together with webcam video in Ubuntu 12.04?

Using a laptop running Ubuntu Linux 12.04, I want to record three things at once: 1) video of my desktop, 2) video from a USB webcam, 3) audio from a USB microphone. Ideally I would like some setup which simultaneously starts all three recordings, and keeps them in sync, so that it will not be too painfully difficult to mix them later -- my eventual aim is to make a kind of "picture-in-picture" screencast. Is this feasible, and if it is, what's the best approach? (Free is nice, but if I can make this process smoother by paying less than a thousand dollars, I will happily pay.)
posted by em at 8:53 AM PST - 2 comments

Is an octopus an animal?

Is an octopus an animal? [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 8:47 AM PST - 41 comments

Seeking mental health resources for young Italian man

What are low-cost or online resources for a young Italian man with anxiety disorder and/or depression in Rome? [more inside]
posted by vincele at 8:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Is there a "post-industrial Marx"?

Is there a "post-industrial Marx"? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 8:29 AM PST - 10 comments

How to deal with water damage caused by insurance-less neighbor?

Friend lives in a Philadelphia row home. His neighbor's house was sealed by the DA. Neighbor broke back in & flooded the basement intentionally. The water also flooded my friend's basement and he is now concerned about potential mold problems. Neighbor does not have insurance. How should he proceed so as to both deal with potential mold & mildew before they become a problem and not cause his own homeowner's insurance to increase.
posted by davidvanb at 8:22 AM PST - 14 comments

Least inconvenient way to get into NYC if a car has to be parked somewhere

A friend and I are heading into NYC next weekend. We are coming from Montreal and driving across the border. However, after that, we haven't decided the best way to get into the city. Should we drive to Albany and take a bus from there? (Is there long term parking in Albany?) Should we drive into a suburb and take a train in? Should we drive into the city and find a lot? (I'd probably prefer to do one of the first two unless there is some reason to do the third.) [more inside]
posted by jeather at 8:13 AM PST - 32 comments

Fuckin' Maryland Divorces, How Do THEY Work?

Asking for a very dear friend, YANAL/YANHL/TINLA/OMG/WTF: my friend wants to divorce her emotionally-abusive husband. He doesn't want a divorce and intends to fight her tooth and nail. They live in MD. What to do? [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew at 7:55 AM PST - 16 comments

When should I leave the East Village to catch a 7 p.m. flight at La Guardia?

I need good estimates on timing for a cab ride from the East Village to La Guardia on a Tuesday afternoon. [more inside]
posted by COBRA! at 7:42 AM PST - 13 comments

Who makes Bad Blake look like Marie Osmond?

This article about the Beach Boys ongoing acrimony made me wonder: who are widely considered to be the absolute worst musicians to work with/for. [more inside]
posted by Optamystic at 7:33 AM PST - 42 comments

Help us switch to Drupal

The case for Drupal? Or, why we should ditch Kintera and not choose BlueState or Expression Engine, etc. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:22 AM PST - 13 comments

Recommendations for psychiatrists specializing in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues in Boston (Financial District)?

Recommendations for psychiatrists specializing in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues in Boston (Financial District)? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:22 AM PST - 2 comments

Gluttony throughout history

Looking for examples of gluttony throughout human history. [more inside]
posted by nathancaswell at 7:17 AM PST - 20 comments

NYC Discount formal-wear

Where can I find a selection of cheap formal dresses, in a brick-and-mortar location, in NYC today? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 5:25 AM PST - 19 comments

You say scone, I say scone; let's call the whole thing off

We're resigned to our differences over the pronunciation of 'scone' (rhyming it with either 'stone' or 'gone'). The strange thing is that both of us regard the other's pronunciation as sounding 'posh'. So, does scone/scone divide along class lines, or is it more about geography or something else?
posted by monkey closet at 4:59 AM PST - 49 comments

buproprion and e.d.'s

Why is Wellbutrin contraindicated for patients with eating disorders? [more inside]
posted by lettuchi at 4:37 AM PST - 5 comments

Gauss, Escher, Bach. Give me math that doesn't read like math!

I have a very strong background in humanities but I've completed three-year undergraduate course in math. Though I passed it without trouble, I feel like traditional textbooks didn't teach make me understand a lot. What are best math resources (books, but not necessarily) that instead of trying to look like PM read more like literature or work on your intuition and talk about big picture implications instead? Something like Godel, Escher, Bach for various areas of mathematics. [more inside]
posted by desultory_banyan at 3:55 AM PST - 25 comments

Google Analytics: Best practices for tracking multiple domains?

What is the best way to set up Google Analytics to track multiple domains? [more inside]
posted by chillmost at 2:58 AM PST - 1 comment

Where is Siri?

Downloaded the new iOS 6 to my iPhone 4. The internet says that means I have Siri now. Why can't I find her? [more inside]
posted by thebrokenmuse at 2:04 AM PST - 8 comments

What To Get The Vaishnava Who Has Everything?

My boyfriend is a very spiritual devotee of Krishna (via ISKCON). Before we were dating he lived in an Ashram for a while, and has been involved with the temple since he was in early high school. I'm happily Jewish, and not personally disposed toward that sort of devotion, and I think sometimes my inability to understand comes off as skeptical or disapproving. His birthday is coming up in about a week, and I'd like to get him something, or do something for him that will demonstrate a commitment to his spirituality - or at least something that shows I'm trying. I'd love your suggestions. More details beyond the fold. [more inside]
posted by howgenerica at 12:23 AM PST - 12 comments

September 26

How do you even say Louvre???

French tv & movie recs for someone who wants to be entertained but also get used to the language? [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 10:08 PM PST - 27 comments

Help me become a man with a movie camera!

Where can I find cinematography courses in New York City? [more inside]
posted by dr handsome at 9:09 PM PST - 11 comments

I need a vacation - but where?

I need a vacation, but question is, where should I go? This Missouri 20-something is looking for trip suggestions in the western US for the week of October 22nd. [more inside]
posted by PhillC at 9:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Getting in tune with my emotions

I am seeking to understand emotional intelligence - how do those who are more emotionally intelligent see things differently? [more inside]
posted by mossicle at 8:46 PM PST - 28 comments

Roommate's work problems coming home to roost

How do I tell my roommate to get it together at work before he screws both of us? [more inside]
posted by princeoftheair at 8:16 PM PST - 18 comments

How do I avoid procrastinating on tasks that have “fallen off the radar” / are less urgent?

How do I avoid procrastinating on tasks that have “fallen off the radar” / are less urgent? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:14 PM PST - 14 comments

What are the best movie scenes involving disembodied heads?

What are your favorite movie scenes involving severed and/or disembodied heads? [more inside]
posted by Mothlight at 8:00 PM PST - 74 comments

How to be good pet owners when the situation changes?

My husband and I believe in being responsible dog owners, now the situation has changed and we're not sure how to continue doing what's best for our dogs. Complicated details (e.g., our long distance marriage) inside. [more inside]
posted by blue_bicycle at 7:50 PM PST - 17 comments

What to do in Santa Rosa?

What interesting things should I see, do, eat, and (maybe) drink in and around Santa Rosa this weekend? I'll be there primarily for a bike ride* but will have a day before the ride and a day after to do other stuff, as well. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 7:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Can I get a tip on tipping?

We frequent a wine bar that features a self-service Enomatic machine. You load up a debit card and then serve yourself. My wife usually drinks wine and I normally order beers. A $50 bill may represent $40 charged up on the card, with only 2 beers actually brought out to me by a waiter. I've been tipping based on the value of what we actually consumed, so I'm doing the math on what my wife drank, even though it is all prepaid and self-serve. If I tip the full bill, the waiter that helps us the next time, when we may not need to add to the wine card, gets screwed. Waiters of Mefi, am I doing it right?
posted by COD at 7:25 PM PST - 22 comments

Why would a store charge more for a smaller soda?

A store charges more for the smallest size of fountain soda than for the next size up. What’s a rational explanation for this? The store is a Quick Chek, for what it’s worth.
posted by Sidnicious at 7:13 PM PST - 20 comments

Second-floor toilet is leaking, can you help me figure out the best course of action regarding the floor?

Second-floor toilet is leaking, can you help me figure out the best course of action regarding the floor? [more inside]
posted by joshwebb at 7:07 PM PST - 3 comments

I need more information about advocating for myself in the American Health Care system

So this was me commenting a bit ago about how some views toward health care actually damage the lives of real people. And now I need advice, because the situation has grown so far out of my control and I think I’ll go out of my mind with worry. [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 7:05 PM PST - 57 comments

Good for a laugh?

What's the story with recreational use of nitrous oxide? [more inside]
posted by she's not there at 6:43 PM PST - 22 comments

Is this kind of professional grooming the norm?

How much say should my employer have over my physical appearance? [more inside]
posted by Saminal at 6:25 PM PST - 79 comments

Toronto transit logistics: plane to bus, wifi, lunch

Help me get from Billy Bishop airport to the Toronto bus station, with wifi and (hopefully) tasty food in between. I've got about 2 hours. [more inside]
posted by neroli at 6:10 PM PST - 10 comments

Organizing medical records for readability

How can I organize my medical records and lab tests so that they are as easy as possible for a doctor or nurse to navigate? [more inside]
posted by wireless at 5:41 PM PST - 10 comments

Can you recommend a pediatrician in Portland, OR?

Can you recommend a pediatrician in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by Specklet at 5:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Getting documents read aloud by a human being

Is there a service where I can submit articles or documents and have them read by a human being and get the result recorded as an mp3? I feel like such a service ought to exist somewhere, but I haven't had any luck finding one. Also, I'm not really interested in software that converts text to speech - it has to be read by a person.
posted by Proginoskes at 4:59 PM PST - 10 comments

tree me

What tree should we plant in our small front yard? We're in DC, and the area gets full sun. We'd like something beautiful and maybe blossomy, but that grows relatively quickly and is somewhat idiot-proof. Also, any good books or sites out there on tree care?
posted by yarly at 4:58 PM PST - 14 comments

Hold onto your butts!

Mrs. hamandcheese teaches children education programs. About dinosaurs. She needs your help with a specific crafty art activity teaching kids about bugs stuck in amber. Suggest us some amber-like glue solutions! [more inside]
posted by hamandcheese at 4:52 PM PST - 13 comments

How to become a freelancing cartoonist?

I want to become a cartoonist. Can anyone give me some helpful advice or point me in the right direction? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 4:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Emergency medical question: potential nerve damage?

After a deep cut to the hand, what are the proper precautions to prevent nerve damage? [more inside]
posted by jef at 4:20 PM PST - 8 comments

The other kind of "shipping"

What are the best books and other DIY resources for learning about logistics and supply chain management, especially with regard to international sales?
posted by Sticherbeast at 4:02 PM PST - 1 comment

Between a rock and a mugging place

I only have time to run at night. This makes me nervous. Am I just a nervous nellie, or am I asking to become the Central Park Jogger 2.0? [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 3:37 PM PST - 37 comments

How to make therapy work?

"You can't get over this unless you really want to." Do I not want to? I need to want to, and I'm a self-sabotaging ball of nonsense. Have therapist and group therapy, intake appointment for medication on two days, feeling like I'm maybe just making it all up. Or I'm using my intelligence to pull one over on either my therapist, or myself. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 PM PST - 25 comments

Lithium production of human body

How is lithium produced by the body? Is it broken from larger molecules (ionized) or supplied by the food intake in the basic element form? I know that lower than some certain concentration level in blood *may* be the result of bipolar disorder and physicians try to cure that by administering lithium tablets to patients. What I do not know is how lithium is naturally produced and maintained by the body. Wikipedia article on lithium is of little help, maybe the subject needs deeper digging. Thanks!
posted by raphael19 at 3:00 PM PST - 11 comments

TrueCrapt?

Any thoughts on recovering lost data from TrueCrypt volume? [more inside]
posted by jimmysmits at 2:53 PM PST - 7 comments

I want to be social and have fun. What do I do?

I feel like I've tried the usual suggestions...I'm looking for more ways to "get out there", meet new people and have fun. [more inside]
posted by allseeingabstract at 2:52 PM PST - 29 comments

There's a hole in the countertop, dear Liza, dear Liza

What should we do with this big 1'x2.5' hole in the top of a bathroom countertop? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 2:36 PM PST - 16 comments

Nursing shortage HA HA HA

Help a nurse find a job, please? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 2:31 PM PST - 16 comments

V1? V2? What's that all about?

I want to learn how to skate ski and I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Can you recommend any instructors or point me to some organization offering lessons? [more inside]
posted by Area Man at 2:15 PM PST - 6 comments

DIY asbestos abatement for fun and profit

Best practices for DIY asbestos-wrapped duct removal? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 2:15 PM PST - 19 comments

Recommend a family doctor in Vancouver/Burnaby? One that can deal with allergies would be nice.

Anyone recommend a family doctor in Vancouver/Burnaby? One that can deal with allergies would be nice. Or at least give me suggestions on how to get one, because I've never done this before. [more inside]
posted by Hawk V at 2:09 PM PST - 2 comments

What's it like?

I have an interview this week for an assistant volunteer coordinator position at a local organization. I've done some volunteer management before but haven't had a position like this. If YOU have, or do, what's it like? Any advice for an interview?
posted by trillian at 1:51 PM PST - 13 comments

vietnamese poet

I'm looking for a Vietnamese (?) diplomat-politican-scholar who, when asked of the French Revolution, said something like "it has yet to be seen". Do you know this is? Do tell!
posted by beshtya at 1:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Is she in to me?

Asking internet strangers if she's into me and for some advice if so. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:19 PM PST - 53 comments

Happiness, you confuse me

How do I deal with happiness during the bad times when I find it confusing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:19 PM PST - 7 comments

English catchphrases in foreign language films

Are there any famous English catchphrases in foreign language television and cinema? Think of this as the Foreign language equivalent to "Hasta la vista, baby!" [more inside]
posted by Nanukthedog at 1:04 PM PST - 11 comments

Should companies post copyrighted software on an unsecured FTP site?

A company I just interviewed with has an unsecured FTP site where their IT department posts full versions of copyrighted software, among other things. Yikes? [more inside]
posted by bloggerwench at 12:43 PM PST - 25 comments

Cheap Airline Tix?

Hello everyone, This is my first post, though I'm a longtime reader. I am trying to find out if there are any ways I haven't thought of to buy cheap airline tickets from Reno, NV to Nashville, TN and back three times a year to visit family. [more inside]
posted by michellenoel at 11:48 AM PST - 10 comments

To drop a class or not to drop a class, that is the question.

To be optimistic or realistic - should I drop this class or not? [more inside]
posted by Seeking Direction at 11:38 AM PST - 24 comments

Shakin my pirate booty! (Trader Joe's soundtrack request)

I'm stuck in a musical rut at work lately. Help me mix it up, TJs style! [more inside]
posted by meindee at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm not trying to buy your affection but here's some cash

I am visiting my boyfriend's family for Christmas. His parents and two of his younger brothers (still in school) will be there, and I've met each of them very briefly. They celebrate Christmas with gift exchanges, but I was thinking about giving them cash, partly because I feel I don't know them well, partly because I don't want to travel with lots of boxes, and partly because cash is a perfectly acceptable gift in my culture (for New Year's Day). I've asked my boyfriend and he seemed lukewarm, but not entirely against it. Is this an absolutely horrible idea? If it's not, what is a good amount that says I'm not stingy, but also also not trying to bribe them?
posted by ethidda at 11:27 AM PST - 39 comments

Is leasing a Chevy Volt a great deal?

Is leasing a Chevy Volt a great deal? [more inside]
posted by evilelf at 11:23 AM PST - 12 comments

Los Angeles Life Hacks

I'd like some every day hacks for life in Los Angeles. [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 11:13 AM PST - 59 comments

Unable to enter; unable to leave

For an essay, I need a few more examples of films where the main characters cannot enter or leave a physical space, for whatever reasons. [more inside]
posted by perhapses at 10:56 AM PST - 88 comments

Please help me find a boilerplate terms and conditions statement for my new retail website

Please help me find a boilerplate terms and conditions statement for my new retail website. I am begining a retail web venture and need some terms and conditions verbage. Boilerplate will do. Can someone point the way today?
posted by citybuddha at 10:44 AM PST - 2 comments

Ja sam student... Ja sam glup...

How can I learn to hand write in Serbian Cyrillic? [more inside]
posted by jph at 10:34 AM PST - 7 comments

Do egalitarian heterosexual marriages exist?

Do egalitarian heterosexual marriages exist as a cultural phenomenon? [more inside]
posted by Mai2k3 at 10:30 AM PST - 57 comments

Job hunting in London - where do I start?

I'd like to work in London but I have no idea where to start! I'm a British citizen, age 30, but I've grown up in Australia. I'm looking for any kind of work that pays the bills. Policy work would be especially nice (I have some experience there) but temping/office jobs would be fine too. Can you recommend me some agencies and websites where I can start, and also any other hints and tips for first-timers to the London/UK job market! Thank you!
posted by EatMyHat at 10:22 AM PST - 5 comments

Where do I go to drive through the LA River &/Or Glendale Narrows?

Where do I go to drive through the LA River &/Or Glendale Narrows? [more inside]
posted by Wanderer7 at 10:05 AM PST - 8 comments

In search of bulk drum of hand sanitizer near Seattle, WA

Where can I buy hand sanitizer in bulk near Seattle, WA? Ideal size would be a 15-30 gallon drum. Ideal price would be under $150. [more inside]
posted by reeddavid at 10:03 AM PST - 12 comments

Find vector art for symbols of accessibility

Could someone help me find open access vector art for wheelchair accessibility symbols similar to the one in this photo from a shop in Leipzig? [more inside]
posted by bleary at 9:55 AM PST - 10 comments

Examples of verbal jujitsu?

What are examples of situations--in politics or otherwise--when someone took a question or remark that would seem to corner or embarrass them and completely reframed it, turned the tables on their attacker, instantly reversed the crowd's sentiments?
posted by shivohum at 9:36 AM PST - 35 comments

Laptop shopping

What's the decent, cheap laptop to buy these days? [more inside]
posted by MrMoonPie at 9:15 AM PST - 16 comments

Chomsky and the New Mandarins?

Noam Chomsky wrote a book decades ago called American Power and the New Mandarins and I was wondering why he chose the word "Mandarin." [more inside]
posted by ReWayne at 9:13 AM PST - 15 comments

What was produced at the "Red Desert" factory?

What was produced at the factory at the beginning of Michelangelo Antonioni's Red Desert? [more inside]
posted by Egg Shen at 9:08 AM PST - 2 comments

And now she doesn't have a leg to stand on.

How to help my mother, with several health problems, from the other side of the world? [more inside]
posted by wwax at 9:01 AM PST - 5 comments

My worst nightmare in high school was becoming a soccer mom someday

I'm worried about feeling too "boring" or "domestic" in my long-term relationship. Also, how to keep things exciting on a budget? [more inside]
posted by leedly at 9:00 AM PST - 26 comments

Possible new job, help me leave the old one

References and a toxic job--Help me navigate workplace politics so's I can get myself into a better workplace. [more inside]
posted by socky mcsockerson at 8:52 AM PST - 6 comments

What movie scenes were a happy accident?

What famous movie scenes and/or lines were not in the script but happened spontaneously or by accident? [more inside]
posted by AgentRocket at 8:48 AM PST - 38 comments

Finding a new shrink to see ASAP in Greensboro, NC

How do you find a psychiatrist when you've just moved to a new place and have zero mental health or even just health contacts in the area? Or do you have a referral for the Piedmont Triad or Chapel Hill areas? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:35 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm a newbie jogger. I have questions.

New jogger needs advice: achy joints, sore feet. I'm using a jogging stroller and fairly restricted to road/sidewalk surfaces in a small geographic area. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:19 AM PST - 29 comments

Physical therapists in the DC area experienced in treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

I am looking for a physical therapist in the Washington, DC area who has experience treating Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. [more inside]
posted by alligatorman at 8:13 AM PST - 2 comments

OK, fine, the sky IS falling.

What are some good, supportive conversational strategies for dealing with someone who's catastrophizing? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 7:54 AM PST - 15 comments

Is there any software that will dynamically re-project a map as you click-and-drag it?

Is there any software that will dynamically re-project a map as you click-and-drag it? [more inside]
posted by Sleeper at 7:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Is this a new friendship or a ticking timebomb?

My ex has sneaked back into my life during a difficult time. I'm appreciative of his support but I'm nervous about backsliding emotionally. How do I set the right boundaries? Or is this just the "being friends with your ex when you're ready" thing I've read so much about here on the green? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:07 AM PST - 17 comments

Advice for someone new to crossdressing and D/s.

My husband just told me he's into crossdressing and wants to introduce D/s into our sex life. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:06 AM PST - 16 comments

Need advice on second-chance relationship that is failing miserably.

I gave a guy a second chance, but found out later that he had been extremely shady with me the first time around (details inside). I don't know how to get over it. Should I leave the past in the past and focus on us growing together or should I chalk it up to bad judgement/being too trusting on my part and leave the relationship? The explanation is pretty long. Thanks for taking the time to read. I need advice. [more inside]
posted by spooky car at 6:58 AM PST - 35 comments

Better living through chemistry?

Are there unpleasant compounds in plastic (specifically Britta filters) that are soluble in pure ethanol that I don't want to drink? [more inside]
posted by Lame_username at 6:57 AM PST - 34 comments

I'm not a fluffer, thanks for asking.

Help me, a 30 year old TV production assistant, make a career switch. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by tylerfulltilt at 6:53 AM PST - 21 comments

Time Wounds All Healers

City of Heroes is shutting down. I am overwrought with grief! Okay, not really, but I'm a little sad, and I want to find a new MMO where it is fun to play as a healer... [more inside]
posted by DWRoelands at 6:40 AM PST - 11 comments

Picture Book Publishing 101

I want to write a children's picture book, submit it to a publisher, and get it published. Now what? [more inside]
posted by booksherpa at 6:39 AM PST - 10 comments

Facebook showing private messages

Facebook showing private messages. Has anyone noticed that PMs are showing up in the timeline? I've personally seen some of my own PMs on a friend's wall. Facebook of course, denies it all.
posted by xmattxfx at 6:34 AM PST - 21 comments

Need more compassion

How do I deal with being aggravated with people you can't avoid? [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 1:37 AM PST - 18 comments

Not your ordinary fluoride

Does dentist-grade fluoride rinse ever expire? [more inside]
posted by Aliera at 1:35 AM PST - 1 comment

Meet my cousins: Jim, Jack, Jose, and Don. Jerry's out at sea.

Four college roommates and I moved into a new house in a sketchy neighborhood, next door neighbor welcomed us with a bottle of alcohol. And another bottle a couple weeks later. She now insists we make her a list of bottles we want. Something feels off. Are we being set up for some kind of scam? [more inside]
posted by Mach3avelli at 1:06 AM PST - 58 comments

September 25

Inconceivable?

Did Samuel Beckett actually drive Andre the Giant to school? [more inside]
posted by dd42 at 11:19 PM PST - 5 comments

should I learn Latin or Ancient Greek?

Early next year, I will have a lot of down time in or near places that were visited by the ancient Romans and Greeks. I am a moderate history and language nerd. If I want to read ancient source material related to some of the places I will be visiting, what language should I learn - Latin or Ancient Greek? [more inside]
posted by par court at 10:48 PM PST - 19 comments

Best stops between Montreal and Chicago?

Where to stop and sleep on a road trip between Montreal and Chicago? [more inside]
posted by gillianr at 10:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Graduate school during maternity leave: good idea, or bad?

I am 30, happily married, and in the middle of next year will be eligible for a year of paid maternity leave. Around the time I become eligible, I am also starting grad school (MLIS at U Wisconsin, Madison). I feel like I could probably manage any two things: work + school (part-time), work+baby, or baby+school.; but not all three. I am attending graduate school part time via distance education, and my work is supportive.. For those of you who've had kids in graduate school - to what extent do these two mix? What worked and what didn't? I feel like if I go to school part time (3 years or so) and then start trying for the kid, I'm pushing the age thing (I'd be about 34 - and I have mild endometriosis). If I have a year of paid maternity leave, could I use that time to attend school full time? Or just part time? This would be tricky in person, but I would have at least some additional flexibility due to it being distance education. My husband, for what it's worth, pulls his weight around the house (he's actually neater than I am) and is pretty domestic/clucky.
posted by jrobin276 at 9:58 PM PST - 16 comments

Alcohol at a club meeting

I'm on the board of a club in California. Some on the board want to allow alcohol at our events. I'm scared we would be liable if someone gets hurt on the way home after drinking too much. You are not our lawyer but what do you think our liability is? We meet at a business but after hours.
posted by pibeandres at 9:37 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I send 100 emails with custom name inserts... as personally as possible

What are my options for sending out 100-200 customized emails? Using Gmail? Using a NameCheap domain? I want it to be as personal as possible. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 9:35 PM PST - 14 comments

How to find and purchase Sony radio sold only in the Middle East and Africa?

Where can I purchase this Sony ICF-J40 World Band Radio online and have it shipped to the United States? I believe it is made in Japan, but only sold in the Middle East & Africa.
posted by Bushmiller at 9:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Square deposit limits

Experiences with getting Square to raise card-not-present transaction limits? [more inside]
posted by Salvatorparadise at 9:09 PM PST - 1 comment

Transporting Bikes From DC to Fort Lauderdale

What's the best way to get five people, their camping gear and five touring bikes from Washington, DC to Fort Lauderdale and back again? [more inside]
posted by fancypants at 8:27 PM PST - 12 comments

Foam or liqud soap?

Does foam hand soap work as well as liquid soap for cleaning purposes? [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 7:47 PM PST - 11 comments

Any way to suppress the "Windows cannot access \\machine\share" error message?

Is there any way to disable the "Windows cannot access \\machine\share" messages that pop up when a network connection disappears? [more inside]
posted by deo rei at 7:40 PM PST - 7 comments

I graduated with honors. Two different ways.

My undergrad degree was with both 'high honors' and 'highest distinction', which are different. How on earth do I put this on my CV? [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 7:16 PM PST - 11 comments

Prepared vegan food delivery in Seattle?

I have a friend in Seattle who's dealing with moving, school, work, and a relative in hospice. Not much time to take care of meals. Since I'm not in Seattle, I'd like to help by getting some food delivered. Are there any places in Seattle that will deliver prepared vegan meals? I'm thinking a few days to a week worth of meals, not just delivery from a vegan restaurant.
posted by JV at 6:27 PM PST - 5 comments

Giving Individualized Future Travel

My friend is getting married and has requested that instead of a present wedding attendees give money to facilitate post wedding travel. I would like to give them some travel related gift other than money. Is this wrong? [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 6:08 PM PST - 82 comments

Cats scratch damage to security film on glass?

Will cat scratching damage a 3M security film on a glass door? Any other opinions on this film? [more inside]
posted by exogenous at 6:06 PM PST - 3 comments

atone poem

Help this Reform-raised secular Buddhist-ish Jew observe Kol Nidrei alone! Right now! Unnecessary exclamation point! [more inside]
posted by threeants at 5:45 PM PST - 9 comments

High school track-what was that like?

What happens at high school track practices and meets? [more inside]
posted by pie_seven at 5:40 PM PST - 23 comments

How bad is amputation?

How likely is it that someone who has just amputated the end of their pinky finger will go into "shock?" [more inside]
posted by GoingToShopping at 4:00 PM PST - 49 comments

How to represent "split" family in church directory?

My wife and I are divorcing, have been separated for quite a while. We both attend the same church with our kids. Our church is getting ready to do a pictorial directory. I'm not sure how to handle this. [more inside]
posted by punocchio at 3:55 PM PST - 25 comments

Reading and driving...

Please recommend region-specific literary or fun or literary-fun audiobooks for a long road trip. Thus far I have The Great Plains by Ian Frazier, for when I'm driving across the Great Plains. And American Gods by Neil Gaiman, for when I'm headed to the House on the Rock in Wisconsin. Driving from NYC to LA to Portland, Oregon. Anything but James Michener would be very welcome! (Not knocking James Michener, he's just not my favorite)
posted by troublemenot at 3:46 PM PST - 17 comments

Thinking of relocating to the Pacific NW but I've never been. Help me decide between Oregon and Washington.

I'm thinking of relocating to the Pacific Northwest USA for the climate and scenery, though I've never been before. I have 4 days to visit next month, and am having trouble deciding between Portland and Seattle as a base of exploration. [more inside]
posted by iamisaid at 3:43 PM PST - 31 comments

How do I tell him they want to let him go

I work on a small office, my stepson also works there. He is bright but for some reason his performance is poor, he makes a lot of mistakes that costs money, and doesn't care about the job at all. The office manager told me today that they don't let him go because they hope my stepson will find another job soon and leave (he just finish a MBA) but asked me not to tell anyone. The problem is that I don't think he is looking for another job. I don't want to involve my husband. I think my stepson has a great opportunity of looking for job while he has this one. What would be the best way to get him to know it without breaking my promise of not telling anyone? Thanks!
posted by 3dd at 3:41 PM PST - 19 comments

Seeking that first-kiss feeling

I'm happily married, but it's ridiculous how much I want a good first kiss. Help me get over it! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:20 PM PST - 44 comments

Forwarding Virgin Mobile number to Google Voice?

I can't seem to forward my virgin mobile cell phone number to google voice... and I'm really confused about how this works. I can't seem to find the exact answers I need to fix this issue. Help?? [more inside]
posted by camylanded at 2:59 PM PST - 2 comments

Looking for a good small business accountant in Manchester, England

My wife's looking for a decent small business accountant in south Manchester. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by peteyjlawson at 2:51 PM PST - 1 comment

NC personal injury lawyer?

Can anyone recommend a good personal injury lawyer in North Carolina? I am trying to find someone who will not be working for the insurance company and it is proving to be a difficult task. Thanks!
posted by manaaka at 2:45 PM PST - 6 comments

What is the lowest number and what is the highest number generated by Math.random()?

JavaScript question: What is the lowest number and what is the highest number generated by Math.random()?— 0.0000000000000000 or 0.0000000000000001, 1.0000000000000000 or 0.9999999999999999
posted by markcmyers at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments

How to protest closing of a park?

Is there anything I can do about a local park closing for half a year? I have never done any community organizing and don't know where to start... [more inside]
posted by Shusha at 2:35 PM PST - 8 comments

I'd totally run for International Ms Velvet. Or International Ms Fuzzy Fabric Of Any Sort.

How did leather, latex, and vinyl get to be the most popular and celebrated materials in the kink/BDSM world - as opposed to say velvet, silk, organza, lace, muslin? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 2:34 PM PST - 24 comments

Reconfiguring Prefs After OS Reinstall (MAC 10.6.8))

My Mac (OS 10.6.8) is behaving wonkily, and I need to reinstall the system software. I'm wondering if there are any tricks for helping me reconfiguring my various prefs after the reinstall. [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 2:32 PM PST - 4 comments

How should I address wedding invitations to significant others of my friends?

How should I address wedding invitations to significant others of friends? [more inside]
posted by mai at 2:30 PM PST - 14 comments

Tips for getting a big raise at a small company?

Negotiating a large raise at a small company? Can it be done? And other related questions inside. [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 2:21 PM PST - 14 comments

Traveling to Italy

Traveling to Italy for eight days starting the evening of 12/25/2012. We'll be in Rome, Venice and Milan. Please tell me "must-sees" or "must-dos" while I am there with my husband and 8 year-old son.
posted by jen14221 at 1:57 PM PST - 14 comments

Get in my belly, bacteria filled fishcake.

Can I eat these fishcakes? [more inside]
posted by whalebreath at 1:43 PM PST - 15 comments

Dog poops in the house. Is crating the only option?

Aside from crating her, is there any way to keep our dog from pooping on the carpet while we're gone during the day? [more inside]
posted by DakotaPaul at 1:40 PM PST - 28 comments

Tax collectors crossing state lines?

My dad tells stories of New York tax collectors hanging out in the parking lots of popular New Jersey malls and Ikeas and the like, writing down NY plates and sending estimated sales tax bills or "reminders" for the voluntary portion of their bill. Is this real or apocryphal?
posted by disillusioned at 1:34 PM PST - 12 comments

Super-important-room Names

The Situation Room. Mission Control. The Batcave. Give me some more super-important-room names. [more inside]
posted by halseyaa at 1:34 PM PST - 57 comments

How much do I have to pay to get a car I actually want to own?

As a rule, what is the lowest price point at which I should buy a used car? [more inside]
posted by sockypuppeteer at 1:34 PM PST - 14 comments

What is the best, simplest customer service platform out there?

Looking for recommendations for a Customer Service online platform for a new startup. [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 1:31 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I re-establish trust my long-term relationship after a lie?

How do I re-establish trust my long-term relationship after a lie? [more inside]
posted by otempora at 1:29 PM PST - 36 comments

How do I thank a recruiter who didn't end up placing me?

I have been using a professional recruiter. If I end up taking a position that I didn't find through them, what the best way to thank/compensate them for their effort? [more inside]
posted by i am a sock puppeteer at 1:28 PM PST - 9 comments

Online contact management panacea, where are you?

Where should I be managing my online contacts so that I can use them on my phone easily and how can I get there from the mess I have right now? [more inside]
posted by cmm at 1:20 PM PST - 5 comments

Are these eggs safe to eat?

I thawed a chicken in the refrigerator and it leaked uncooked chicken juice all over the shelf. The cardboard egg carton full of eggs that was also on the shelf is now fully saturated with raw chicken juice. Can raw eggs in their shell absorb liquids like raw chicken juice? Are the eggs safe to eat? Even if soft boiled or fried over easy?
posted by ms_rasclark at 1:10 PM PST - 25 comments

Warsaw Weather

Where online can I find a record of Warsaw, Poland's weather for the year 2011, broken down by date?
posted by Parasite Unseen at 12:44 PM PST - 2 comments

My Gut Is Saying "Run" but My Brain is Scared

I posted this question a few months back but would like to... ask again with a little more details. I bit the bullet and signed up for classes again, and after my first half day back, I'm now at home having a panic attack regarding my decision. I'm a historic preservation graduate student, and after a whole year of freaking out about what I want in life, all I really want is a job that pays well, or an incredibly marketable skill. I doubt I will get either with this degree. [more inside]
posted by ohmansocute at 12:31 PM PST - 17 comments

Looking to buy or make a fighting octopus kite

I'm looking to buy or make an octopus kite, in the stunt/fighting style, like my wife had as a kid in the late 1980s to early 1990s, but haven't had any luck finding such a kite online. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 12:20 PM PST - 2 comments

I don't know how to respond to jokes my dates make about me

Last night I feel like my confidence was dismantled by my date. This has happened before, and I have an idea of what's going on here but I don't know how to correct it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:06 PM PST - 78 comments

Metal munching moon mice needed. - Help with cutting a light steel plate over concrete.

Efficient cutting of steel plate, backed with concrete-like material? Ideas? [more inside]
posted by FauxScot at 11:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Photoshop Elements or Photoshop for High Quality Printing?

The question: Photoshop or Photoshop Elements? The job: printing high-quality photographic prints on an Epson R2400. [more inside]
posted by jammy at 11:44 AM PST - 11 comments

CompSci/Programming Social Network?

So, I'm getting back into programming and am interested in comp-sci type stuff. I've been thinking about maybe rejoining G+ and socializing with various ubernerds who are into that kind of thing... I left over the nymwars, but it seems they still haven't fully fleshed out their policy yet, so I'm still hesitant to jump back onto it. Is there any other sort of social network for nerds? I mean, like, a social network, not just a question/answer site stackoverflow, but some place where you're really feel like you're interacting with others? I feel like G+ still probably has a solid set of users from the technical fields, though I could be wrong, since I haven't used it in over a year, but at the time it had plenty of geeky people. I subscribe to the /r/compsci and programming subreddits, but I'd like something more personal and less forum-y...
posted by symbioid at 11:32 AM PST - 15 comments

What projects can we do ourselves now to help sell an apartment next spring?

My boyfriend and I will be putting his Co-op in brooklyn on the market early next year. We want to sell it quickly- what are the winter projects we can take on now to help move it this spring? [more inside]
posted by Blisterlips at 11:25 AM PST - 10 comments

What did 0 say to 8? Nice belt!

Please recommend a very simple every day man's black belt that will last a very long time. [more inside]
posted by mutt.cyberspace at 11:09 AM PST - 20 comments

Should I take Yom Kippur as a floating holiday at work when I'm an atheist?

I have the option of taking Yom Kippur off as a floating holiday. (The other option at my company for a floating holiday is Good Friday.) I'm an atheist. Is it disrespectful to take this day off when I'm not Jewish? [more inside]
posted by emily37 at 10:11 AM PST - 40 comments

Tips for managing while ADHD?

I have finally gotten myself promoted to manager -- sweet! I have ADHD -- crap! Have you been in this situation before? What worked for you? Help me figure out how to not just survive, but thrive! [more inside]
posted by roscopcoletrane at 9:46 AM PST - 10 comments

Sapphires are a girl's best friend

Diamond vs. gemstone engagement rings. What are we not considering? [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 9:39 AM PST - 78 comments

Estate-filter: How to cash a check made out to a long-inactive non-probate estate?

Misterben, my husband, is the sole beneficiary of the estate of his late grandmother, who died over twelve years ago. Last month, it came to light that his grandmother had a life insurance policy, and the insurer sent a check to Misterben's cousin D (his grandmother's niece, and the executor of the estate). Cousin D was unable to cash the check because it was made out in the name of the grandmother's estate. Neither the cousin nor Mr B have a copy of the will to prove that D is in fact the executor, since it was so long ago. The estate was too small to have gone into probate court, and neither Mr B nor cousin D remember the name of the lawyer who handled it. What can Mr B and/or his cousin do that would enable them to get the check cashed? The estate was in Florida, D lives in South Carolina, and Mr B lives in Washington state. There are no personal issues between Mr B and his cousin, and the cousin is happy to pass along the money once she can cash the check. It is a not huge but not insignificant amount, so he does not want to let it go.
posted by matildaben at 9:32 AM PST - 10 comments

Help Me Cope With a Noisy Eater

I have about three weeks to come up with a game plan on how I'm going to deal with a noisy coworker's return to our shared desk space. What would you do? [more inside]
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 9:30 AM PST - 18 comments

Cat person needs help considering a puppy

I've been a cat person all my life. I don't like dogs in general--most strike me as bothersome. I've come across the occasional dog I like, but I've never had to care for one longer than four days, at its own house. Now I'm in the unexpected position of considering getting a dog. [more inside]
posted by Yoshimi Battles at 8:09 AM PST - 56 comments

How to get started with landscaping our yard?

Ms. B and I live in our first house. We'd like to do some stuff in the yard, but don't know where to start. We're in the U.S. What do we need to know? [Some details inside.] [more inside]
posted by Boxenmacher at 7:50 AM PST - 10 comments

How to find Hermann Hesse in English?

Hermann Hesse apparently published a book called Bäume: Betrachtungen und Gedichte (Trees: Reflections and Poems) and I'm trying to find a version in English, because it sounds awesome. Look. [more inside]
posted by Cobalt at 7:14 AM PST - 6 comments

Between a rock and a hard place

I have recently separated from my wife of 6 years and have moved out of the family home into temporary accommodation. It has been about a month since I left and I am in a very confused place at the moment. My wife has put forward an ultimatum that is tearing me apart and I would appreciate some perspective from the hive mind. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:02 AM PST - 80 comments

I have not had a proper period since May. I am not pregnant and don't have symptoms of PCOS. What kind of conversation do I need to have with my doctor?

I have not had a proper period since May. I am not pregnant and don't have symptoms of PCOS. What kind of conversation do I need to have with my doctor? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:01 AM PST - 25 comments

Am I required to obtain an ESTA?

I need some clarification on how U.S. Customs' ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works. Do I need to apply? [more inside]
posted by Tenacious.Me.Tokyo at 6:55 AM PST - 3 comments

Do you know of any really good American-made mens slippers?

Do you know of any really good American-made mens slippers?
posted by GuppieXX at 5:47 AM PST - 20 comments

Any books about British life during wartime?

Books about life in Britain during wartime? [more inside]
posted by bellastarr at 5:35 AM PST - 42 comments

Digital Learning in a School

Educators of MeFi, help me find some great digital learning techniques and resources. [more inside]
posted by brilliantmistake at 5:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Brand new iPhone4s with Euro SIM in the US.

Should I be concerned about cutting my SIM card into a micro-SIM card for use in the iPhone4s that I just bought? The key issue is that my SIM card is from Europe and I'm currently in the US. [more inside]
posted by mateuslee at 5:19 AM PST - 6 comments

IPad & Security

New IPad - very computer savvy - do I need to worry about security on my new IPad? I check my banking accounts everyday on my laptop and would like to use my IPad for this. Is there additional security needed (to download) or am I good to go?
posted by pamspanda at 5:06 AM PST - 7 comments

But, I need my physics notes from 1995!

I have about 3 smallish boxes of old school things from high school through university. I'd like to get rid of some of it, and keep the rest in some kind of (inexpensive) way that is compact and more or less won't fall apart. Do other people do this? (scrapbooks? photo albums? ruthless scanning?) How? [more inside]
posted by oranger at 3:37 AM PST - 9 comments

Films about discovering the truth about Germany's past

I just saw a new film called "The Dead and the Living" (Barbara Albert), about a twenty-something girl uncovering the truth about her family's history in Nazi Germany. It reminded me of Costa-Gavras' "The Music Box". Does anyone have any other recommendations for films on a similar theme, specifically about Germany, and specifically about the process of uncovering of the past rather than (as in say "Downfall" or "Das Boot") the past itself?
posted by Holly at 3:27 AM PST - 13 comments

Why do bus shelters face the way they do?

A colleague who has recently moved to London asked me why bus shelters here sometimes face towards and sometimes away from the road, seemingly at random. I guessed maybe to do with the location of under-road pipes/wiring, but couldn't find anything concrete online. Anyone know?
posted by TheTelf at 1:18 AM PST - 10 comments

September 24

Four thousand two hundred and twenty five

Help me find a consumable from 1987 in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. [more inside]
posted by Slackermagee at 11:14 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I record myself talking and listen to it later on my Android phone or Ipod Touch?

How can I record myself talking and then transfer that file to my Android phone or Ipod Touch so I can listen to it later with my other music and podcasts? I'm looking for advice on software, transfer procedures and best practices to make this an easy process. [more inside]
posted by seasparrow at 10:52 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I find an accurate detailed weather forecast for Hainan China?

How can I find an accurate detailed weather forecast for Hainan China? [more inside]
posted by crawltopslow at 10:03 PM PST - 3 comments

But I'm just so nervous!

I 'think' I want to get comfortable with not using condoms. How do I go about this? [more inside]
posted by csox at 9:20 PM PST - 32 comments

The Wombats sound like......?

Just heard this song by the Wombats. I reminds me very strongly of another song or type of sound. Can you help me identify where I've heard a song (or sound) like this? It seems very strongly eighties to me, but I can't put my finger on it.
posted by Spyder's Game at 9:14 PM PST - 11 comments

What's this white powder?

What (if any) powdered drugs, illegal or pharmaceutical, can be identified by taste or smell - you know, like how the cops do on TV? [more inside]
posted by forallmankind at 8:58 PM PST - 18 comments

Show me how music works.

Show me blogs, books, and podcasts that analyze songs and break them down using music theory. [more inside]
posted by svolix at 8:34 PM PST - 7 comments

How to get ready to return to college

25 years old and going back to engineering school next year. What can I do to get back up to shape in the meantime? I'm in the army so online coursework is out of the question, but I can get textbooks. What should I be learning and how? [more inside]
posted by jrsnr at 8:27 PM PST - 7 comments

Who is an expert in fragrance?

Many fragrances either smell wrong to me (the "raspberry" shampoo I use that smells sort of like fly spray to me), or worse, "light up" different parts of my mouth and tongue, and I can almost always taste them (from only smelling). Who can I talk to about this? I asked a hobby perfumist about the effect one of her fragrances had, but she had nothing to offer. Where do I find a scent scientist?
posted by thylacinthine at 8:02 PM PST - 26 comments

Isn't it nice to know a lot? Tell me about Into the Woods.

I have become obsessed with Into the Woods. Tell me everything I don't know. [more inside]
posted by Charity Garfein at 7:57 PM PST - 9 comments

Recommendations on books for starting in management?

I've been taking on some more responsibility at work with a slight shift towards management, but I feel like I'm in over my head. Can anyone recommend any good books or anything to help me get more up to speed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Is this place going to eat me?

I have a day or two to decide whether or not to buy a recently closed restaurant. I have tons of experience running small retail businesses. The books look good and the price is right. [more inside]
posted by Mr. Yuck at 6:22 PM PST - 62 comments

Ipads

Choosing between Ipads, how? [more inside]
posted by pakora1 at 6:14 PM PST - 15 comments

Are turbine vents (aka whirlybirds) useful for attic ventilation?

Are turbine vents (aka whirlybirds) useful for attic ventilation? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:46 PM PST - 12 comments

What did I buy?

Special snowflake thrift store furniture question! Identify our new dresser! [more inside]
posted by shesaysgo at 5:38 PM PST - 21 comments

Tell me what to draw and I'll draw it

I like drawing and photography, but I have trouble just sitting down and doing it. I enjoy art classes where I'm given parameters for assignments-- is there anywhere online that I can find drawing or photography exercises? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 5:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Your shit dont stink

Humans generally dislike the smell of feces. Is that dislike innate, or culturally acquired? [more inside]
posted by dontjumplarry at 5:22 PM PST - 25 comments

Is this an offer I'd be a fool to refuse?

I am a senior undergraduate biology student who wants to become a conservation biologist and a professor. I work part-time in a lab at my university, and my principal investigator recently made me an offer that on the face of it seems pretty great. Should I take it? [more inside]
posted by Scientist at 5:15 PM PST - 28 comments

Best practices for a plaintext resume

Best practices for formatting a plaintext resume? I am going to apply for a job where I have to paste my resume into a form, and I'd like to have it not look terrible. [more inside]
posted by marble at 4:44 PM PST - 5 comments

Vegetarian ISO romantic meaty meal

Carnivores of Mefi, please help this long-time vegetarian make a smashing dinner for her beloved's birthday! I did see this askme, but I would not consider myself an experienced cook and I really only need one knockout meal (though I will check those resources out!). If you were a meat-eater that did not like pork products or seafood, what would be a great special meal that a regular ol' girl could whip up with a few hours of preparation (and a not-huge bankroll) that would make your day? [more inside]
posted by PaulaSchultz at 4:35 PM PST - 20 comments

Plane, train, automobile? SF to LAX

Plane, train, or automobile? Which is the cheapest way to get from San Francisco to Los Angeles? [more inside]
posted by babbageboole at 4:22 PM PST - 18 comments

Looking to learn to make chocolates

I want to learn to make some serious chocolates, like the kind you buy in a heart shaped box but even tastier. I need technique and recipes to take me from learning to properly melt chocolate to making the creamy insides. Do you have books, videos, or websites that could help me?
posted by Foam Pants at 4:07 PM PST - 8 comments

90s japanese film about love in faceless corporate world

Looking for a Japanese film I saw prior to 2003. It was a dystopian picture of some people trying to have an office romance in the corporate office landscape of Tokyo - lots of shots of bleak urban concrete and highways and faceless office parks full of conformist white collar employees - in the final scene of the film one of the characters is stranded walking along the edge of a highway. It dealt with a complicated love triangle. I know this isn't the title, but it was something like "Kiss me twice, now hold me I love you" or something a little crazy like that- I believe this film was made in the 90s or the early 2000s. It was in Japanese language with subtitles. There is a slight chance it may have been Korean, but I'm pretty sure it was Japanese. This film may have been discussed by Fredric Jameson in one of his essays as it was screened in a graduate school class on Japanese cultural critique.
posted by cmp4Meta at 3:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Is he into me or is he a player?

Is he into me or is he a player? (apologies for a long-ish one, but I never posted a question before!) [more inside]
posted by bloodandglitter at 3:34 PM PST - 33 comments

Is it ok if I just eat the blossoms

What are your tricks specific to getting through tough literature? [more inside]
posted by skrozidile at 3:18 PM PST - 31 comments

Is cutting myself on a CRT going to kill me?

I cut my thumb on the glass of an old broken cathode ray tube earlier today. Is this any more dangerous than just cutting myself on broken glass? I washed the wound out and put some antibiotic ointment and a bandage on, should I do anything else? [more inside]
posted by radiomayonnaise at 3:06 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm thinking of breaking up with you because you're depressed. Yes, I am just that awful.

Oh, MeFites, I could use your insight. I'm probably going to have to call things off with my girlfriend - and it's mostly because she's depressed and out of resources to deal with things, so small things are becoming huge stressors on a near-daily basis. I feel like this makes me a horrible person, but things are so fraught, I don't know what else to do. Help? [Long, full of snowflakes and sadness] [more inside]
posted by Someone Else's Story at 2:32 PM PST - 26 comments

The princess said her bed was so cold...

Nutrition Information: If it's not listed, is it absent? Or is it just not listed? [more inside]
posted by mkb at 2:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Wax On, Wax Off

Floor wax alternative to Bruce Liquid Paste Wax with Cleaner? [more inside]
posted by sarajane at 2:08 PM PST - 0 comments

Romney's Tax Returns

According to Wikipedia the IRS has 106,000 employees. How many of them have access to Mitt Romney's tax returns? And the real question: why haven't they been leaked? Are there protections in place to not have just anyone access anyone else's tax return anonymously?
posted by Dadoes at 2:04 PM PST - 28 comments

By the way...our mothers are sisters.

I have a bunch of first cousins, aunts, and uncles whom I've never met (or if I did I was too young to remember). Both of my parents had falling outs with their siblings and haven't had contact with them for decades. How can I best connect with these folks without stepping on landmines? [more inside]
posted by teg4rvn at 2:03 PM PST - 9 comments

I already know about and use CAA/Chronicle/HigherEdJobs, what else is there?

Academics: Is there a source listing open US community college art teaching positions or sources for international art teaching positions? I already know about and use CAA/Chronicle/HigherEdJobs. I would like to broaden my open positions search.
posted by vegartanipla at 1:54 PM PST - 3 comments

Tips on tabletop RP mastering.

Game masters, dungeon masters, et. al. - lend me your wisdom and experience in constructing a cohesive and dynamic campaign storyline. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 1:37 PM PST - 15 comments

Insulin, sugar and the food pyramid

Our sugar and carbohydrate consumption causes our bodies to store the glucose as fat. Why does the food pyramid tell us to eat more of that food? [more inside]
posted by Leenie at 1:36 PM PST - 26 comments

How soon to start dating again?

How soon is too soon to start dating again? [more inside]
posted by sunshine37 at 1:34 PM PST - 17 comments

Decade-long dry streak.

This is a very difficult and embarrassing question to write. So please be kind. But essentially, I have been (involuntarily) celibate for many many years and it’s driving me CRAZY. How can I stop this decade-long dry streak? And if I can’t, how can I learn to make peace with it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:30 PM PST - 42 comments

Adopting a baby. We want to. Who should we work with?

Adopting a baby. We want to. Who should we work with? [more inside]
posted by fugitivefromchaingang at 1:28 PM PST - 4 comments

Ideas for navigating this?

Anybody know much about interstate unemployment (United States) claims? I'm in need of urgent assistance. A blizzard of special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by mreleganza at 1:24 PM PST - 1 comment

Settle this dispute - must we be literal ?

Would you feel deceived if I introduced my sister-in-law simply as a sister, at a work function dinner setting? Settle our disagreement. [more inside]
posted by hedonic.muse at 1:15 PM PST - 62 comments

Looking for no-rot baseboard corner blocks

Where do I find no-rot (PVC, plastic, etc.) baseboard corner blocks for a bathroom? I found the trim easy enough, but the corner blocks I can find are all wood. Please help me not have to miter cut. (Already tried HD and Lowes)
posted by BeeDo at 12:52 PM PST - 5 comments

Best way to share a printer?

Best way to share a printer (and/or set up a print server) in a college dorm? [more inside]
posted by nickhb at 12:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Sex in the Country

DramaFilter: I moved to a new city for boyfriend, then we broke up. Should I stay or leave? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:45 PM PST - 32 comments

Classroom management advice plz

I'm a newly certified teacher, teaching in the UK, and I'm getting eaten alive. How do I survive the year? [more inside]
posted by marcusesses at 12:42 PM PST - 26 comments

Help me listen to miserable music in Spanish.

I'm trying to revive my rather rusty Spanish. One of the green's favourite tips for language learning seems to be to immerse yourself in TV programmes/films/music in the target language. So I want to start listening to Spanish-language music, and I need some recommendations. [more inside]
posted by badmoonrising at 12:37 PM PST - 13 comments

What was going on with this speaker when we were listening to this band?

What was going on with this speaker when we were listening to this band? It was a big, round, object that would spin around fast at different times. [more inside]
posted by sybarite09 at 12:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Italy: From Rome to Florence... and Beyond!

Italy travelfilter: The girlfriend and I are headed to Italy for a late in the year vacation and need help! We've done a lot of the major cities before and are looking for something more rural, but that makes planning a challenge, given our complete lack of experience with the Italian countryside. Help greatly appreciated! [more inside]
posted by slide at 12:14 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I ship my bicycle from the US to Canada without having to pay duty?

How do I ship my bicycle from the US to Canada without having to pay duty? [more inside]
posted by Babushka at 12:12 PM PST - 5 comments

How to train a dog to come, stay, and heel on command?

I want to train my dog to stay, come, and heel (or, "come in closer, but you don't have to come right up to me"). How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 12:05 PM PST - 12 comments

Is it really so difficult to dig a large pond?

Is it really so difficult to dig a large pond? I received a quote for the construction of a rather large pond, (80 x 45). And, the quote seems high. Tell me Me-Fites about your experiences constructing large ponds. [more inside]
posted by bricksNmortar at 12:02 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me cook more

Looking for food/cooking blogs with very specific parameters [more inside]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:50 AM PST - 13 comments

Tell me about companies other than Birchbox that will send me goodies in the mail every month for a small subscription fee!

Which companies/clubs will mail me fun stuff for a small fee (or even for free)? [more inside]
posted by zoetrope at 11:50 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me drink good Arak

Arakfilter! I've happened across a little bottle of pricey Arak (El Rami, from Lebanon), welcome tips on its consumption. I've seen the suggestions about adding water followed by ice, though I wonder if it's the same with all grades, kinda like how one might not consume cheap and high-end tequila the same way. Thanks... and come by for a glass if you're in Dubai.
posted by ambient2 at 11:47 AM PST - 4 comments

I want my child to be a long haired child

My four year old son has decided he wants to be a long haired hippie child. How do I help him grow out his hair, while keeping it out of his eyes? Is there an intermediate haircut between a bowl cut and a long bob-type cut? [more inside]
posted by faustessa at 11:47 AM PST - 18 comments

how to add new dictionaries on mac osx?

Is there any way of adding new dictionaries to the system dictionary app for Mac OSX? I am learning russian and would love to be able to highlight a word and receive an english-to-russian or even just russian definition. [more inside]
posted by 221bbs at 11:10 AM PST - 5 comments

WATCH ALL THE MOVIES (on a kindle)

Can I hook up a Kindle Fire to an external hard drive? [more inside]
posted by nushustu at 11:09 AM PST - 10 comments

What are your best 20-minutes-or-less recipe ideas?

I need quick, healthy dinner options for a family of three (some restrictions apply). [more inside]
posted by po822000 at 10:47 AM PST - 27 comments

Gambling odds question

How would one (legally) take advantage of the change in odds of a given NFL team to win the Super Bowl? [more inside]
posted by glenngulia at 10:44 AM PST - 6 comments

Can I get my hands on Hachiya persimmons in NYC this week?

Even though they're not quite in season, can I buy persimmons (Hachiya persimmons, specifically) in NYC this week? Brooklyn or Manhattan, preferably.
posted by Viola at 10:28 AM PST - 3 comments

Recommend a replacement for random Notepad windows

Recommend a replacement for random Notepad windows [more inside]
posted by Capa at 10:26 AM PST - 14 comments

Specialty Bras in Bay Area

I am looking for brick and mortar lingerie shop in the Bay Area that carries extended bra sizes. [more inside]
posted by Squeak Attack at 10:13 AM PST - 8 comments

Keep my cookies fresh!

I'm looking for advice on buying a vacuum sealer. Or, if they make them, just a vacuum for food packaging? My google-fu is failing! [more inside]
posted by firei at 10:08 AM PST - 10 comments

Remote salary negotiation

New potential employer wants me to propose a salary, and I have a question about how to value the working arrangement/benefits against my previous job. [more inside]
posted by DuckGirl at 10:02 AM PST - 6 comments

Cut off.

I gave two weeks' notice at my work last Friday after over two years of committed service. The next day I received a phone call from my boss telling me I wouldn't be needed. I am paid by the hour and had these two coming weeks factored into my budget. I need the income to pay my bills. I live in Ontario and I wonder what I'm owed, if anything. [more inside]
posted by Evstar at 10:02 AM PST - 8 comments

Why, oh, why can't I just get what I see in the preview window?

[Adobe Premiere filter] I have a screencast of a Powerpoint presentation and a webcam video of myself explaining the subject. Using Premiere Pro, I have combined both so that the webcam feed appears as a picture-in-picture in a corner while the presentation runs. However, despite everything looking fine on preview, when I attempt to export the file, the Powerpoint part plays about 10X faster than it should. Help? [more inside]
posted by doctorpiorno at 9:44 AM PST - 6 comments

Me love hockey!

I just called TWC to see if they'd offer some sort of retention deal - instead, right after saying "I'd like to cancel" the rep followed with "What day would you like us to pick up the equipment?" Crap. So right now we have someone scheduled to come out in a week, and we have to decide if we're going to call back and keep the cable service or really go through with this. (Or try this again?) We wouldn't even have cable were it not for our need of NHL coverage. [more inside]
posted by Tequila Mockingbird at 9:37 AM PST - 15 comments

Not awkward family photo creepy, slenderman creepy...

Looking for the creepiest/deeply unsettling family portraits out there (or ideas about how to produce this type or portrait). Not kitschy-creepy, inappropriate-content-creepy (like families posing naked), or even outright scary portraits. I'm looking for nightmare fuel; family portraits that may seem ok at first glance, but there are horrors lurking. [more inside]
posted by Kronur at 9:36 AM PST - 25 comments

Help me get a raise!

How to negotiate a pay-rise. In an art gallery, UK based. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:25 AM PST - 1 comment

Exciting unpredictable thrillers with intelligent characters?

I just finished Gone Girl the other day and am looking for similar reads. Without spoiling anything this book features intelligent and unpredictable characters with twisty plotting, including a significant script flip halfway through. Would love similar page turners that keep you guessing without being too formulaic or lowest common denominator!
posted by yellowbinder at 9:23 AM PST - 26 comments

Recommendations for sports writers / publications?

I'm looking for recommendations for 'good' sports writing; authors and/or publications/websites. Online is preferable but print is fine. Bonus points for excellent Golf writing. [more inside]
posted by paulshannon at 9:19 AM PST - 9 comments

ToDo Today: Create a Better Checklist

Business was ... simmering ... and I was starting to let things slip. To get back on track, I created a couple of simple checklists of occasionally recurring processes and saved them as .txt files in dropbox. It works. But it's not very elegant. My lists lack an easy and satisfying way to "cross off" or "tick" finished items. I don't think the system will scale well. I'd like to have some calendar functionality. I may want to share them in the future. Do you have a better way? [more inside]
posted by notyou at 9:13 AM PST - 9 comments

PHP classes for a complete beginner

My job has offered to pay for some distance learning PHP training to help me move past my beginner-level skills. For this to work best for me, there needs to be a component of homework and accountability (I've done plenty of computer-based training, and it never sticks unless I'm actively practicing the material.) [more inside]
posted by porn in the woods at 9:03 AM PST - 5 comments

Airplane Mixtape

Help me with an airplane-themed playlist, with songs from the past decade and with lyrics mentioning “plane” / “flight” / “pilot” or any other airplane-related words. [more inside]
posted by querty at 8:45 AM PST - 54 comments

How to use the verb"want"?

I'm learning English.I can understand the sentence,"I don't want you to have a relationship with her." But I can't get these sentences grammatically. 1)He didn't want me near you. 2) He wants you around. 3)I don't want it back. Is 1) a shortened form of "He didn't want me to be near you"?How about 2) and 3)?
posted by mizukko at 8:41 AM PST - 17 comments

I need more haunting Southern Rock and Gospel music.

Playlist-filter. I've been listening to this song on repeat and I want more like it. Spooky-southern-gospel-rock type stuff. I know there are some ghost-story songs out there that would apply. Delta Rae - Bottom of the River
posted by domo at 8:38 AM PST - 20 comments

Bean, bean, the magical cat

I know, I know. Cats are weird. But can you help me manage my crazy little kitten's craziness? [more inside]
posted by peachfuzz at 8:33 AM PST - 24 comments

Looking for an online guide to a minimalist house.

I would like to have bare minimum possessions in my house. Is there a good online guide anywhere for doing this? [more inside]
posted by hazyspring at 8:31 AM PST - 7 comments

Should I use my name for my business, or make one up?

I'm a proposal writer and editor who has decided to go the independent contractor route and set up my own LLC. Should I just use my own name, or come up with some other company name? [more inside]
posted by Naberius at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments

Wow, I've finally found something that was easier to do with the twins when they were toddlers.

Help me navigate the etiquette of my twin boys' upcoming birthday party. [more inside]
posted by terrierhead at 8:14 AM PST - 19 comments

Why does my iPone suddenly have horrible battery life?

What could cause the sharp drop in battery life for my iPhone 4S? Even if fully charged, it will deplete within 5-6 hours of idle time. [more inside]
posted by Tanizaki at 8:07 AM PST - 13 comments

Eat, drink and be married - what to drink?

["wedding" drinks - need help!] my partner and i are having our commitment ceremony in 3 weeks. neither of really drinks alcoholic beverages. we're confused/overwhelmed by the options and would love some advice. [more inside]
posted by anya32 at 7:56 AM PST - 23 comments

Advice on radiator upgrades...

As part of a big upcoming pre-winter energy improvement and remodeling at Chez McMurphy (sprayfoaming, new windows, etc), we're going to have to remove the 1920s era cast iron radiators. I'd like to replace them with more modern efficient "european style" flat panels. (My first option, sandblasting and refurbishing them turns out to be considerably more expensive.) A couple of questions though.... [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 7:38 AM PST - 5 comments

Need help with child (6 y.o.) with extreme acting-out. Where to get help?

Need help with child (6 y.o.) with extreme acting-out. Where to get help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:14 AM PST - 27 comments

Baby Wants A Bad Bad Thing

PlaylistFilter: Help me make an "Unresolved Lust/Forbidden Fruit" mix-CD. Emphasis on lust. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 7:11 AM PST - 95 comments

Broken Metatarsals in Dogs 101

Fractured metatarsals in dogs. My dog has broken three metatarsals in one hind paw - the fractures are straight across in the same line. We've been advised to see an orthopedic vet to discuss surgery vs. splinting. What should we know going into this meeting? Can you suggest good questions to ask? Can this kind of injury be caused by stress, i.e. jumping on a hard surface? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:06 AM PST - 3 comments

I need some help syncing my files.

I need an alternative to Google Drive that's going to work well with all my little snowflake snowflakes. And there are a bunch. [more inside]
posted by kbanas at 7:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Looking for a breathable women's rain jacket

I'm buying a rain jacket for the first time, and I'm overwhelmed by choice. What details might I miss? [more inside]
posted by neushoorn at 6:41 AM PST - 18 comments

Stop lying - vodka isn't really tasteless/odorless...uh, right??

I've often heard the claim that vodka is required by law to be "tasteless, odorless, and colorless". Even Alton Brown, who I usually trust on these matters, makes the claim. This claim is often taken to mean that it doesn't matter what brand of vodka you buy - it's all exactly the same (Alton says this as well). How can this possibly be true? Anyone who's ever opened a bottle of vodka knows it has an obvious smell, with words like "paint thinner" describing it. Others will tell you that this just means you're buying cheap vodka, but according to the supposed law, it's all the same! Please help me get set straight. Is there a law or not? [more inside]
posted by RobotNinja at 6:28 AM PST - 35 comments

Looking for a midwife in Toronto

Looking for a midwife in Toronto. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by evadery at 6:23 AM PST - 2 comments

iphones needed for medical outreach in Ecuador

I volunteer with Cinterandes in Ecuador, a humanitarian effort that goes to remote areas and performs surgeries for people who can't access services otherwise. They use iphones for tele-medicine applications and are looking for donations of older version iphones. They could use 20 more. Is there a place where I can post a request for such donations that would reach a large number of iphone users? They have a 501.c.3 presence in Miami where phones can be sent.
posted by danascot at 4:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Looking for social drm solutions providers for epubs?

Looking for Social DRM solutions/prorgram providers for epubs. [more inside]
posted by elpapacito at 3:27 AM PST - 12 comments

Somebody MUST make jeans for boys with bellies, right?

Where can we find cool-looking jeans for a short teenage boy (he's 5') with a big belly (like 34-35")? Old Navy husky are too small, nothing at Target seems to fit, and he says Walmart jeans are completely uncool. [more inside]
posted by kinetic at 3:02 AM PST - 13 comments

Finder not defaulting to show "Name" column - OSX 10.8

In Mountain Lion opening some (but seemingly not all) folders in "List" view, shows the "Date Modified" column on the left of the window, requiring me to scroll further left to see the "Name" column. What preference did I accidentally change?
posted by roofus at 1:55 AM PST - 16 comments

September 23

Hyderabad food loves me. Why?

I just spent one week in Hyderabad, India. The food was tasty, but the effect on my GI tract was amazing, and I am desperate to emulate this back home. But how? (TMI inside) [more inside]
posted by bingoes at 11:27 PM PST - 29 comments

why do I have a sore throat?

why is my throat dry and scratchy? [more inside]
posted by thermonuclear.jive.turkey at 10:51 PM PST - 10 comments

And that's why they call me "Adjective Noun" Surname.

Can anyone think of examples of well-known fictional characters or historical figures whose names fit the format [Adjective / Number] [Noun] [Surname]? [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 9:17 PM PST - 57 comments

How to start planning building on empty land?

How do I get started building a small house on my (potentially difficultly zoned) empty land on the south coast of NSW? [more inside]
posted by trialex at 9:08 PM PST - 4 comments

How to learn photography and painting

I'd like some guidance on learning how to paint, and learning how to take photographs. [more inside]
posted by sciurine at 9:00 PM PST - 19 comments

Definitive List of Films List

Film nerd filter: I'm looking for the best film lists ever assembled, with extra points to those lists that are some what more specific and obscure. [more inside]
posted by JPowers at 8:35 PM PST - 11 comments

Conditional Admissions to grad programs--how common are they in the wild?

Grad programs--I've just heard (for the first time) that conditional admissions are A Thing. Would I have a snowball's chance with a good GRE score alone or will I have to take pre-req undergrad classes first? [more inside]
posted by wires at 7:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Help me find out how to find out who is my biological father?

Can anyone give me any information or insight into how I might find my biological father? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:02 PM PST - 8 comments

There's got to be more to life...

Resources/ideas for proving to myself that there will be new passions out there for me to love [more inside]
posted by lifethatihavenotlivedyet at 6:48 PM PST - 11 comments

but I'm drunk on love!

I'm not so into drinking these days; my new boyfriend enjoys getting drunk. How do we best manage this low-level incompatibility? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:25 PM PST - 44 comments

Can you recommend documentaries that explain world conflicts?

I just finished watching The First World War and now I want more! Can you recommend your favourite documentaries on History, particularly conflicts/war? I prefer a geopolitical focus (as in maps of the territories, graphic representations of strategies, what countries unied, what empires were divided in to what, etc.) [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 6:17 PM PST - 6 comments

Was sind paranormale Tonbandstimmen?

I fell in love with Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes," so I bought a used copy of the 1992 Rykodisc release of Scary Monsters. When the disc arrived, I sat down for an intent listening session, good headphones and everything, and immediately noticed a weird glitch at 2:23, just after the word "following" in the lyric "but the little green wheels are following me." Then things got weird. [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 6:09 PM PST - 21 comments

Ideas for optimizing my time at social events I have to attend?

I'm at business school, and we have regular social functions, mainly happy hours, promoted by the school with the aim of expanding our networks. It's not like I'm bad at them. I'm actually pretty sociable. But I'm there for a reason, and I wouldn't be there if I had a choice. Can anyone suggest ways to optimize this socialization time, for example, exercises I might practice at these events to be more witty, funny or charming? Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Borborygmus at 5:24 PM PST - 13 comments

Repairable shoes in NYC

Where can I buy a repairable shoe in New York City? I just discovered that the reason shoes are so cheap in America is, they're apparently constructed in some way that makes them impossible to fix. I'm willing to pay extra up front if it means that I can just get new soles sewn on instead of going shoe shopping every year. In terms of style, all I want are plain black leather oxfords or derbies, no pinking or toe caps or anything else that would make it harder to polish. In terms of budget, I'm currently paying $50 a pair every six to twelve months, and I'd like not to exceed that by too much (so, e.g., I'd be happy to pay $200 for shoes that reliably last two to four years). Bonus if anyone can explain why my cheap shoes are impossible to repair. If two piece of leather can be sewn together once, why not twice? It's not like thread holes wear out...
posted by d. z. wang at 5:15 PM PST - 17 comments

Help me identify this videogame

Help me identify an old videogame. ~1990, combat between different spaceship types, with gravity, momentum and orbital physics. [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 4:45 PM PST - 5 comments

New to the freelancing world (programming)

What is the quickest way I can obtain programming gigs from odesk/elance/etc? [more inside]
posted by RaDeuX at 4:43 PM PST - 3 comments

De-stinkify canvas

How can I de-stink these canvases? [more inside]
posted by at the crossroads at 3:59 PM PST - 5 comments

The Governor wants a better intro

What happened with Romney's Univision intro? [more inside]
posted by mmf at 3:38 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me find Korean pop culture

I'm starting a Korean class next week, and I'd like to get a broader exposure to modern Korean media. [more inside]
posted by Merzbau at 3:06 PM PST - 12 comments

Who gets vaccinated for smallpox?

Who, if anyone, gets vaccinated for smallpox now? [more inside]
posted by Adridne at 2:22 PM PST - 14 comments

This is the big one, 007...

I'm holding a '007 Days of James Bond' charity fund-raiser marathon, starting this coming Sunday - all of official movies from 'Dr. No' to 'Quantum of Solace' plus a few more. So I'm looking for food/drink ideas we can put together - either 'sensible' stuff connected with the movie (sushi during 'You Only Live Twice'), silly generic ideas (' Prawn Connery') or anything you can suggest... Many thanks in advance!
posted by timpollard at 2:16 PM PST - 22 comments

weird whistling noise problem, losing my mind

I can hear a faint whistling noise coming from an unknown location. What could it be and how can I stop it? [more inside]
posted by myntu at 1:04 PM PST - 27 comments

Long lost ring

Trying to find a long lost ring for my SO, but I've never seen it. Please help! [more inside]
posted by Stan Grossman at 12:56 PM PST - 6 comments

Mindy Boot Find Project

Where can I find these boots? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 11:42 AM PST - 5 comments

How often should I go to the dentist?

How often should a "regular" dental checkup and cleaning take place? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 11:16 AM PST - 21 comments

Help me get my husband tickets for the Book of Mormon in NYC.

How can I get a pair of tickets for the Book of Mormon in NYC, ideally without spending a ton of money?
posted by kat518 at 10:47 AM PST - 5 comments

Billy ISO Little Ann

Help us fine the right dog for our son and family, who has a few specific requests and a few special needs. [more inside]
posted by rumposinc at 10:47 AM PST - 39 comments

Can you freeze a milk box?

You know those aseptic packages of 1% milk? Can you freeze them so that they're merely cold by lunchtime? Or does the milk separate or the container blow up or something? Thanks!
posted by Mayor Curley at 10:45 AM PST - 10 comments

Elexener?

Can you tell me anything about the woman's name "Elexener"? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 10:39 AM PST - 9 comments

Jamaica As I Want To See It

I want to tour Jamaica and learn about the history of the country, specifically focused on reggae music & culture. I don't want to stay in Resortlandia or do some kind of BS ecotour. Also, I don't drink. Can anybody tell me of a tour company or group that can help me do this? [more inside]
posted by shushufindi at 10:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Did Rodney Dangerfield call his depression "the monster" ever

I seem to recall reading Rodney Dangerfield calling his depression "the monster," but now I can't find any reference to that fact. Did I make it up? Was it some other name? Some other comedian? Or did I imagine the whole thing?
posted by Busoni at 10:23 AM PST - 3 comments

Fancy coffee-table books as gifts.

What coffee-tableish books would you like to get for around US$300 to $400? Alternatively, what books would make good gifts? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 10:18 AM PST - 20 comments

"Authentic" pumpkin-picking in Georgia?

I'm looking for a pumpkin and apple picking experience in Georgia that allows for me to actually pick a pumpkin off the vine. I want to take a hayride out to an actual pumpkin patch and/or apple trees, without the increasingly common pre-picked vegetables/fruits. I'm in Atlanta so the closer the better, but a 2 hour drive is totally acceptable for the right experience. Thanks!
posted by rbf1138 at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments

I Just Want To Sell My House

What are the U.S. mortgage regulations on giving a gift of equity to a non-relative? [more inside]
posted by Athene at 9:19 AM PST - 14 comments

page not found

Google - Hijacked Page-Not-Found Screen [more inside]
posted by KRS at 8:50 AM PST - 2 comments

Teach me about cam modeling?

Does anyone here have any real life experience with (adult) cam modeling, and if so can you give a potential model advice/pointers/cautionary tales? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:56 AM PST - 4 comments

I need me some more Dexter!

Is there a way to catch the new, upcoming season of Dexter since I don't have Showtime? [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 at 6:09 AM PST - 13 comments

Baby, I love the way you stumbled up those stairs.

Why do I keep attracting alcoholics? [more inside]
posted by peacrow at 5:33 AM PST - 21 comments

OSX freeze on wake?

After the OSX 10.8.2 update several days ago, my laptop freezes on wake from hibernate (at least, it only does it when it has been asleep for a while). I posted on the Apple support forums here, but no one has responded. There are excerpts from my system log there. Things I've tried: fixing permissions, SMC reset, turning off my gmail calendar updates (I saw a lot of errors in the log having to do with that) but no luck. Any ideas?
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 5:31 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I calculate the diameter and strength of a helicopter's downdraft?

How low can a helicopter fly before people on the ground are affected by its downdraft? Is there a standard way of calculating downdraft strength and diameter at various heights? [more inside]
posted by embrangled at 3:36 AM PST - 7 comments

Is it normal for your girlfriend to slap you as a result of your own actions?

Is it normal for your partner to slap you if you yell hurtful things at them? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 12:10 AM PST - 133 comments

September 22

Help! Why are my blood sugar levels rising as weight falls?

Help! Why are my blood sugar levels rising as weight falls? [more inside]
posted by mmorelli at 11:36 PM PST - 37 comments

Are there any good English Civil War romances out there?

HistoricalFictionFilter: I'm looking for good-- but not too heavy-- historical romances (or romantic historicals) set during the English Civil War, preferably with a Roundhead/Parliamentarian protagonist. [more inside]
posted by suburbanbeatnik at 11:35 PM PST - 4 comments

not the brightest bulb in the monitor

My iMac is doing something weird with brightness. It's not showing up at full brightness except every once in a while for a second after the display has slept. [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 11:19 PM PST - 16 comments

schools of economic thought

Need to get up to speed on Keynesian, monetarist, Austrian, and other influential schools of economic theory [more inside]
posted by swimmingly at 10:37 PM PST - 3 comments

What is this song?

What is this song: slow, dreamy synth song with programmed drum beats that played, in the last year or so, over a commercial that I believe featured a beach and was perhaps on MTV? [more inside]
posted by stresstwig at 9:47 PM PST - 5 comments

Finding work in Asia from abroad

I'm a young Australian, and I want to work in Asia. How do I make that happen? [more inside]
posted by mxc at 9:20 PM PST - 8 comments

Oh, that's great. I'm gonna die without my hat!

Tell me about Stanley Tweedle's hat. [more inside]
posted by jozxyqk at 8:37 PM PST - 15 comments

Healing damaged curls?

I've been wearing my hair pulled back in a ponytail for probably twelve years. I want to start wearing it down, but it's gotten way too damaged for that. How do I restore it back to health? [more inside]
posted by houndsoflove at 7:08 PM PST - 30 comments

how do metro drivers get to work??

How do metro workers on the opening shift get to work? [more inside]
posted by aaanastasia at 6:55 PM PST - 11 comments

Hawaiian Cowpie song

Can you help me remember a hawaiian song? The main vocal phrase sounds like cowpie. [more inside]
posted by surfgator at 6:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Tell me what I don't know about my new iPhone.

I've just upgraded from a phone that could barely handle email to an iPhone 5. I'm psyched about this quantum leap, and I'm familiar with most of what the iPhone can do, but this feels a little bit like getting a new limb: I know it'll be great, but I probably don't yet know how great and in what ways. What do I need to know to get the best possible iPhone experience? [more inside]
posted by AthenaPolias at 6:31 PM PST - 10 comments

Swimming gear help please!

Goggles and swimming cap acquisition tips please! [more inside]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 5:40 PM PST - 17 comments

Seven = ?

Trying to identify a band logo. [more inside]
posted by Uppity Pigeon #2 at 5:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Do I quit this job or have a nervous breakdown?

I'm badly depressed and anxious. And I've got the worst job of my life - I'm 42, so that's saying a lot - complete with a boss I despise and who seems to despise me. My therapist thinks I should quit. Um, hello? Realistically, what can I do? Special flower BS inside. [more inside]
posted by Jaie at 5:08 PM PST - 27 comments

How can I access my NAS remotely?

Does anyone know how to access a Synology (or other) NAS remotely -- esp. if they seem to be behind multiple routers in a big network? [more inside]
posted by This_Will_Be_Good at 5:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Can my Kindle Be Saved? If not what do I buy?

Can my Kindle second generation be resuscitated? If not, do I take the offer of a discounted discontinued Kindle or wait and buy the Kindle Paperwhite on October 1? [more inside]
posted by Measured Out my Life in Coffeespoons at 4:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Applying to a permanent job when the longest jobs you've had were at uni

I have 14 months' of post-grad experience across 6 temp jobs (all related to each other). I'm applying for the permanent job I'm currently temping in. The longest positions (employment and extracurricular) I've held have been at uni. What do I do with my resume? [more inside]
posted by glache at 4:47 PM PST - 3 comments

FM transmitter/iPod touch woes

Can I use an iPod dock extender cable to get audio from my 4th generation iPod touch to an FM transmitter with a male dock connection meant for the iPod mini? If not, what are my options for inexpensive FM transmission from my Touch? [more inside]
posted by anthom at 4:41 PM PST - 3 comments

Drill baby drill. Or give up, hire a contractor. Whatever.

Can you take a guess why I'm having trouble drilling? Surprisingly long! [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:33 PM PST - 35 comments

How to let my kid play minecraft sans all the cursing

How to let my kid play minecraft sans all the cursing [more inside]
posted by jseven at 4:18 PM PST - 8 comments

Writers of fiction are smart peoples and they knows stuff

How does a writer like Kim Stanley Robinson, or any writer for that matter, obtain and integrate the vast amounts of knowledge necessary to create a fully detailed and realistic world on the page? [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 4:09 PM PST - 17 comments

Help me find these awesome vintage Michel Perry boots!

Brilliant shoe-finders of MeFi: can you help me track down a specific pair of shoes that probably aren't made anymore? [more inside]
posted by aka burlap at 3:20 PM PST - 5 comments

What should I watch on Netflix or OnDemand?

What is the best recent thing that isn't gratuitously violent or a documentary, that you've watched on Netflix or Comcast OnDemand this month? [more inside]
posted by cashman at 2:54 PM PST - 45 comments

Transparent notes on your desktop

I'm a big fan of Mac OS X's native application, Stickies. Screenshot here: Stickies on overkill. You can make them translucent -- but is there a way/application to make them totally transparent, so that you'd only see the text, floating on top of your wallpaper?
posted by demagogue at 2:51 PM PST - 3 comments

Stuff it, Cupertino

Any way to disable the iOS 6 update prompts and badges in the handset without a jailbreak? I have an iPhone 4 and there's no way I'm letting them remove Gmaps.
posted by mwhybark at 2:48 PM PST - 9 comments

"I bet 'the Board' is spelled b-o-r-e-d."

What is your favorite legendary, hilarious clip? [more inside]
posted by sallybrown at 2:30 PM PST - 80 comments

Handling complex business logic without if-then-else

I'm working on a web app (PHP) that generates a personalized health guide based on a few user choices. The logic behind the generator is complex enough that if-then-else statements would get too nested, having too many conditions and difficult to maintain. I've been reading about rules engines, DSLs, karnaugh maps, finite-state machine, decision trees, rete networks and behavior trees. In addition to being utterly confused, I'm unsure which of these is the best approach for my app. Which one do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 2:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Sexual Desire: Ur Doin It Rong?

Sexual desire: how does it work, in your experience? To what extent does the visual have primacy? Is my experience deeply atypical or odd, and/or should I be concerned? [more inside]
posted by UniversityNomad at 1:30 PM PST - 45 comments

Is this a terrible idea?

What can and can't you do with Android? [more inside]
posted by jon1270 at 1:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Cheap, 3G, or readable: pick two

What kind of tablet/reader is best for me? I want something with built-in 3G, but I'd rather not pay an arm and a leg for a contract. [more inside]
posted by nakedmolerats at 1:23 PM PST - 5 comments

Is consuming bottled water in restaurants anything other than snobbery?

When should I order bottled water in a restaurant? [more inside]
posted by Dragonness at 1:08 PM PST - 23 comments

Most cargo capacity for cross country move: minivan vs. SUV?

My girlfriend is moving from New York City to Miami for a yearlong clerkship. A one-way rental of an SUV or minivan seems to be our best option to move her stuff. What would have the most available cargo space? [more inside]
posted by theory at 1:00 PM PST - 10 comments

Do we have a right to break our lease?

We want out of our apartment. What is the best tactic to take? [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 12:56 PM PST - 7 comments

Am I infringing copyright by repurposing old goods?

I have some questions about crafting and copyright. If I make objects out of old boardgames and then sell them online, am I running afoul of any copyright or trademark laws? As a contrived example, let's say that I make a lamp out of a Monopoly game, using the actual game board and pieces. If I try to sell it on Etsy, would Hasbro have any kind of claim against me? [more inside]
posted by chrisamiller at 12:55 PM PST - 10 comments

How to trust myself again to believe in love?

The break up I recently is making me confused and it has shattered my confidence. I would like to know what happened, how falling in love is meant to be in reality and how to get back my confidence. [more inside]
posted by home at 12:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Reading RPG PDFs on the iPad

I'm looking for a PDF reader app for my iPad. Challenge level: RPG books. I'm experimenting with using my iPad to read the rules books for D&D, Pathfinder, etc. during the game. Key features that I need: 1) Jump to an arbitrary page number; 2) Find word/phrase within the document; 3) Renders quickly even with large files with lots of graphics; 4) Ability to add bookmarks within the PDF file would be a huge plus; 5) Ability to sort files within the app with folders would be a minor plus. Recommendations?
posted by philosophygeek at 12:14 PM PST - 8 comments

How to foil Facebook's evil plot to steal my eyes?

Is there any way to block Facebook's sponsored stories (ads) that are suddenly appearing in my news feed on my iPhone? [more inside]
posted by looli at 11:30 AM PST - 6 comments

Tired of eating plates of beans as a salad course

Can you give me step-by-step instructions on how to pick out salad ingredients after arriving at a supermarket or farmer's market? [more inside]
posted by grouse at 11:23 AM PST - 14 comments

What to do with a bumper crop of habanero peppers?

Please help me with your favorite habanero pepper recipes. [more inside]
posted by Hylas at 11:04 AM PST - 10 comments

Jealous? Of Denmark? Why, yes!

Danish bicycle superhighway. How could something like this get built in a US city? And what could an average citizen do to support such efforts? [more inside]
posted by Ndwright at 10:27 AM PST - 11 comments

Inexpensive limo service from Bronx to Manhattan

Looking for in inexpensive (if such a thing exists) limo service to take two friends who are getting married tonight from the Bronx (in the Van Nest/Morris Park neighborhood) to Midtown Manhattan after their wedding (at 1:45am). The cheapest we've found so far is about $200, including taxes and tip. Is it possible to do any better? [more inside]
posted by LLF246 at 9:53 AM PST - 4 comments

What are some low-maintenance plants that grow in the shade?

Can you suggest some plants for a shady yard? North of Seattle, brown thumb. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:37 AM PST - 10 comments

Did I just offend this landscaper?

What did I do that was inappropriate in my consultation with this gardener/ landscape designer? [more inside]
posted by steinwald at 9:29 AM PST - 30 comments

Replacements for stone soup?

I need to organize six or seven meals for fourteen people. These meals are rather unique in that everyone needs to contribute something to the main dish. Think potato bar, salad bar, nacho bar, etc... Basically, I'm looking for ways to create a modern version of stone soup. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by rapidadverbssuck at 9:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Special career snowflake needs advice.

Graduating in December. How do I market myself to employers? Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 9:16 AM PST - 5 comments

ISO free weight bone health guidance

Safe, at home free weight program for bone health? ISO recommended videos, DVDs, diagrams, etc. [more inside]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 9:11 AM PST - 4 comments

Don't underline trailing spaces?

Word/OpenOffice/LibreOffice/everything ...When I want to underline a single word in a word processing or email application I want just the letters of the word underlined not the spaces that follow it. All of the editing programs I use, when you double click on a word will highlight the word and the spaces that follow it (up to the start of the next word). So when I select underline the spaces get underlined also. I don't want that (who does?). It's ok behavior for bold and italics because you can't see if the space has gotten those attributes. But with underline you can see it and I think it's wrong and I don't want it. Why is it done this way and can I stop it? [more inside]
posted by Xhris at 8:45 AM PST - 15 comments

Japanese Houseboy - WTF?

What is the story behind the pop-cultural trope of the "Japanese Houseboy?" [more inside]
posted by Miko at 8:45 AM PST - 12 comments

Erasing hard drives without a computer?

How does one erase an internal hard drive when said drive is no longer hooked up to a computer and you don't have access to another computer? Then what's the best way to dispose of the drives? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:55 AM PST - 19 comments

Let the beat drop(box)!

Making iTunes and Dropbox play nice together; can it be done? [more inside]
posted by cooker girl at 7:45 AM PST - 7 comments

What are the most interestingly designed books?

What are the most innovatively designed books currently in print? Do you know of one that has a particularly interesting layout, perhaps using typography, photos, drawings, or layout in an unusual way? If so, what makes it so great? I am interested in learning about some fun new examples of design.
posted by mortaddams at 7:30 AM PST - 22 comments

RSS to SMS?

How can I get SMS text alerts from an RSS/atom feed? [more inside]
posted by T.D. Strange at 7:30 AM PST - 4 comments

Desperately seeking stability

How do I get a handle on what I've uncovered in therapy outside the therapist's office whilst my therapist is unavailable for a few weeks? [more inside]
posted by six sided sock at 7:30 AM PST - 19 comments

Like The Hacker's Diet for muscles?

I'm making good weight-loss progress with The Hacker's Diet. Now, I'd like to add in exercise to build and tone muscle. I'm active and decent shape already, but don't do any weights. Is there anything as down-to-earth and straightforward as The Hacker's Diet for this? [more inside]
posted by SampleSize at 7:13 AM PST - 12 comments

Can I remove the screen on my laptop?

Can I remove a laptop's screen and use it as a desktop? [more inside]
posted by lieberschnitzel at 6:06 AM PST - 9 comments

What is this Korean movie about two relationships?

What is this Korean movie I saw on TV? [more inside]
posted by Gorilla456 at 5:31 AM PST - 3 comments

New Zealand hiking?

Good day hikes in New Zealand? I'm travelling to New Zealand from the UK in November to go to a wedding. I'm taking three weeks off work and I plan on doing some hiking while I'm there. [more inside]
posted by antiwiggle at 3:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Motivational gift for PhD friend?

A motivational gift for my friend who is working on his PhD? [more inside]
posted by jstarlee at 2:53 AM PST - 16 comments

Blood donation when unknowingly exposed to Hep B

I just found out a close family member has had Hepatitis B for years. I last met them a month ago; my vaccinations are up to date. Does this mean I can't donate blood for another nine months of not-seeing this family member? [more inside]
posted by undue influence at 12:23 AM PST - 9 comments

Should I go for the really, really new car smell?

I've always heard, "Don't buy a first-run car, wait until the model has been in production for a few years." But, I'm really interested in the 2013 Subaru XV Crosstrek. Would the fact that it's essentially a jacked-up Impreza offset that rule of thumb? Or should I stay far away from being one of the first US owners of this vehicle? [more inside]
posted by weathergal at 12:05 AM PST - 16 comments

September 21

What were some great, memorable gifts you've received?

What were some great, memorable gifts you've received? [more inside]
posted by eisenl at 9:36 PM PST - 48 comments

Blood-sucking fiends

How many mosquitoes would one have to get bitten by before becoming dizzy from blood loss?
posted by Aiwen at 9:29 PM PST - 11 comments

New Year, New Home?

Bay Area Rental Filter: How hard is it to find a rental house for January 1 in the Bay Area? [more inside]
posted by saradarlin at 8:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Employee Forced To Reimburse Due To Error

What can I do to help prevent an employee I supervise from having to reimburse a ton of money due to an error in my supervisor's office? [more inside]
posted by Joey Michaels at 8:24 PM PST - 39 comments

What's the name of the PE/sports conditioning activity where you run to a point and back, then to a farther point and back, then to a farther point and back?

What's the name of the PE/sports conditioning activity where you run to a point and back, then to a farther point and back, then to a farther point and back? [more inside]
posted by Temeraria at 8:21 PM PST - 40 comments

How to unlock my front door via bluetooth proximity

Can you suggest a USB motor / solenoid / actuator that can by activated via the command line on my Windows 8 PC? I would like my front door to automatically unlock every time I approach it. Details are as follows: [more inside]
posted by thankyoumuchly at 8:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Help with teaching a baby to self-soothe (Sleep Sense program?)

Help with teaching a baby to self-soothe (Sleep Sense program?) [more inside]
posted by branparsons at 8:14 PM PST - 13 comments

Extra credit

I "paid" my bill... the credit card company goofed. Is my credit score ruined? How can I fix it? [more inside]
posted by kettleoffish at 8:00 PM PST - 19 comments

Should I update from iOS 4?

I have an iPhone 4 and am still using iOS 4. Should I update, and if so, how? [more inside]
posted by hot soup girl at 7:54 PM PST - 7 comments

What are these hand tools?

Just curious: what are these hand tools for? [more inside]
posted by aniola at 7:19 PM PST - 21 comments

can people really live in storage lockers? because that's the only application i'll get accepted.

How can I find a place to rent when I'll almost definitely fail a rental application and I'm a terrible risk? [more inside]
posted by windykites at 7:18 PM PST - 14 comments

Can I sync without updating?

I have a really stupid iPhone iOS update question. So dumb I feel embarrassed about it. I really want to avoid updating to iOS 6, but I need to get some pictures from my phone onto my computer and sync my address book. But can I plug the phone in and sync without updating automatically? [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 7:05 PM PST - 5 comments

What's a good place to order a futon from in the SF Bay Area?

Is there a company in the SF Bay Area that can deliver a futon to me without making me miserable or driving me insane? [more inside]
posted by eeby at 6:46 PM PST - 3 comments

Weddings FTW!

You were a bride, and you had an awesome bridesmaid/maid of honour who was not involved in organizing the wedding. What did she do for you that was so awesome? [more inside]
posted by jlibera at 5:52 PM PST - 16 comments

Pregnancy and Shoe Size

Currently pregnant, and wondering when I can buy shoes again. [more inside]
posted by Ideal Impulse at 5:05 PM PST - 14 comments

Keeping body and soul together with super glue

Anyone have any recommendations for using "super glue" instead of bandages on small, routine wounds? [more inside]
posted by Corvid at 4:52 PM PST - 11 comments

HIV: How likely is it to contract M to F?

I am a 20 year old Canadian female--I had a lot of unprotected sex with a very promiscuous male around 2 years ago. How possible is it that I may have contracted HIV? [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen at 4:43 PM PST - 63 comments

seeking better understanding of this island

Any recommendations on articles, books that would help me form deeper insight into UK politics, especially Scotland? [more inside]
posted by cendawanita at 4:39 PM PST - 2 comments

Don't have money for repairs to pass inspection, what do I do?

Car needs to pass annual inspection in Pennsylvania. Turns out I need $1000+ in repairs, and I paid $1400 for the car itself (valuable lessons about buying used cars learned). I can't afford this and it doesn't make sense anyway. I need a car. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:37 PM PST - 24 comments

How can a parent best motivate a 4-year-old who isn't a "pleaser"?

How can a parent best motivate a 4-year-old who isn't a "pleaser"? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 4:08 PM PST - 18 comments

How to Send Money Quickly

I'd like to send my mother a re-loadable gift card, but I'm overwhelmed with the options available. Can you help me send money instantly, with little to no fees, on a regular basis? [more inside]
posted by plaintiff6r at 4:07 PM PST - 13 comments

Feed my Kindle

What are your favorite reads from, say, the last 30 years? [more inside]
posted by sprezzy at 3:33 PM PST - 60 comments

Hey is that a mouse on the hood?

How to deal humanely with a mouse problem? We have a family of mice living in our Toyota Rav. Which is funny and actually pretty cute there are 4 babies and 2 adults (that we saw). [more inside]
posted by mrgroweler at 3:12 PM PST - 11 comments

gettin our kicks on route 66...

Ideas for gifts for a road-tripping couple? [more inside]
posted by animalrainbow at 2:58 PM PST - 15 comments

College major question

If I wanted to become an expert on Schizophrenia, and do field work on the subject, what would I need to major in?
posted by SarcasticSeraph at 2:28 PM PST - 25 comments

Looking for Mythology Curriculum Given in Grade School in the Seventies

Trying to identify the mythology books I was given over the summer in grade school in the mid-seventies. They were definitely curricular, I think even had characters like Sam (a boy) and Nip (a dog), perhaps there was a girl named Jane but I may be confusing her with the other series we all know. I'm not a teacher, just want to re-visit them for nostalgia's sake. [more inside]
posted by Mertonian at 2:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Baby's First Halloween

Geeky (or just really really cute) Halloween costume suggestions for baby. [more inside]
posted by HMSSM at 2:15 PM PST - 39 comments

Mitt Romney then and now

How was Mitt Romney able to win the election for Governor of Massachusetts? How effective was he as governor? [more inside]
posted by oneirodynia at 2:02 PM PST - 32 comments

Find me a clock

I am looking for a neat-looking clock. [more inside]
posted by bq at 1:51 PM PST - 10 comments

Identify this track based on a vocal sample

Can you help me identify a song based on a vocal sample? A female voice singing softly and slowly, "Maybe, tomorrow, I'll be..." [more inside]
posted by J0 at 1:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Old Country Wedding in the New World

Looking for a rustic wedding venue in the DC/Virginia/MD (and potentially WV) region where the soon-to-be Mrs. Oneironaut and I can take over for the whole weekend, roast whole lambs, have a county fair atmosphere, and have the music and dancing go all night. We want to be able to control the space, have a house and potentially a few cabins available, and be within 30 minutes of a town with hotels. Any leads appreciated! And, this question is similar to this one, but we're anticipating more like 150 people, and don't need to be within an hour of the airport.
posted by oneironaut at 1:48 PM PST - 4 comments

Ich bin ein frankfurter

Asking for a friend: I have a day and a half or so of sightseeing time in Frankfurt, Germany this Saturday and Sunday. What should I do and see while I'm there?
posted by ootsocsid at 12:49 PM PST - 8 comments

How long should we wait before trying to be friends?

How long should I wait before being friends with an ex? We tried going straight to being friends after breaking up, and it wasn't working so I asked for some time apart. We get along really well and could have a great friendship, but I want us to be ready and not screw up a potentially great friendship by not spending enough time apart? So how do I know when I'm really ready to be friends again? [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 12:30 PM PST - 44 comments

Any suggestions for artwork packaging?

I work for a company that ships mounted photographs on a regular basis. Can you recommend any materials for packaging that is almost as durable as plywood, but lighter and cheaper? [more inside]
posted by joni. at 11:31 AM PST - 8 comments

What's the best sewing reference book?

I would like to buy a good book on how to sew. I don't mean a beginner's instructional book, since I can already sew quite well, but a comprehensive reference book that covers everything from the basics to advanced tailoring and couture techniques. I want a sewing book that is the equivalent of Vogue Knitting, which is revered among knitters as the knitter's Bible. I've come across Vogue Sewing, and Power Sewing by Sandra Betzina. Would you recommend either one of these as the best choice, or do you know of another book you think is better?
posted by orange swan at 11:31 AM PST - 10 comments

Can I over-medicate my itchy kitty?

Quick question about big kitties and flea topical drops... [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 11:23 AM PST - 20 comments

UI/UX for wedding RSVPs!

We’re doing online RSVPs for our wedding. Help me design the best-possible online RSVP system! [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 11:17 AM PST - 14 comments

Richie Rich or O Henry?

How many millionaires are self-made? The commonly repeated statistic, apparently from The Millionaire Next Door, is that only 20% of millionaires came from millionaire upbringings - which is then used to argue that class privilege doesn't really exist in America, and if you only work hard enough... I can slice that argument up easily enough (many of those millionaires are doctors, for instance, who rarely come from underprivileged households). But how many millionaires really are self-made? I can't find a source with data to back it up (other than quotes from that book, which I don't have, and so I don't know if it backs up the claim or not).
posted by IAmBroom at 11:15 AM PST - 22 comments

Are there good iPhone 5 cases available now?

Are there any excellent iPhone 5 cases available now? [more inside]
posted by jeffmshaw at 11:04 AM PST - 10 comments

What is this crazy little thing called Twitter?

I have tried to figure out Twitter on my own for over a year. I still don't get it. I googled articles. I emailed people and asked questions. I paid attention when it came up in conversation in online forums. I finally screwed up my courage and set up an account, even though I didn't know how to use it. At some point, I asked someone I met in person about it. But I am still doing it Rong. So Rong in fact that I just stopped bothering to try. [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 10:58 AM PST - 58 comments

Web host with best security against malware?

What is the most secure webhost for a small business? [more inside]
posted by KimikoPi at 10:50 AM PST - 6 comments

Sheltered Meets Extroverts

Your friends scare you with their kindness. Now we're going on a roadtrip - advice? [more inside]
posted by Chorus at 9:47 AM PST - 17 comments

Expanding my pure math knowledge?

Can anyone recommend some advanced (pure) math books to learn new subjects? Also nonfiction books about math that are good reads? [more inside]
posted by DynamiteToast at 9:38 AM PST - 23 comments

Besides asking for a good-quality large monitor, I'm stumped

Please help a not-very-savvy computer user make a decision. I have the potential to have either a Mac or a PC purchased for my use at work, and I'm not sure how to decide between the two. The story inside. [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 9:25 AM PST - 16 comments

How to cope with mom's illness?

What are some tips to cope with mom's illness/despair? [more inside]
posted by dt2010 at 8:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Help choosing a virtualization solution

Choosing between virtualization solutions for server migration (VMware & Microsoft Hyper-V) when we know nothing about either product? [more inside]
posted by MeProxy at 8:54 AM PST - 8 comments

So. Assuming we can't reanimate Rod Serling and invite him over.

What should I get my mom for her birthday? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:50 AM PST - 23 comments

El Dentista

Dentalfilter: I have several old amalgam fillings with decay under them that I need to replace. Should I get dental insurance? What kind? Also, UK or US? [more inside]
posted by carolinaherrera at 8:43 AM PST - 16 comments

Family Secrets on Film

Documentaries about ordinary people, their secrets and inner lives. [more inside]
posted by Fairchild at 8:42 AM PST - 36 comments

No lumps, some aches, plenty of fear.

Routine mammogram yesterday, not entirely unexpected secondary mammogram and ultrasound next week. Please help me calm down about it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:38 AM PST - 16 comments

How can I separate this data column properly?

Question about splitting data into columns: I have one column of data that I'd like to split into seven separate columns. A typical, complete row in the column looks like "mefi:1,​ask:3,​meta:2,​projects:5,​jobs:5,​music:6,​irl:4" where the number values can be anywhere from 1-6. The problem is that if any one or more of the seven subsites are left unanswered, the entire value is missing (there is no "[subsite]:0" or "," as a placeholder). Consequently, separating the column into seven distinct columns using the comma as the separator causes the data to fall/shift into the wrong output columns if any one or more of the seven subsite categories are missing. How can i fix this? [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 8:30 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me find a vocal sample from an electro swing tune.

Does anyone know where the vocal sample from this song comes from? The song title mentions Bing Crosby but I don't think the first speaker is Bing at all. Is it from a movie? a song? help!
posted by merocet at 8:05 AM PST - 5 comments

Books about day-to-day operations of a small business

Book recommendations requested: I liked My Korean Deli, which went into considerable detail about the day-to-day operation of a small convenience store. [more inside]
posted by enn at 8:01 AM PST - 9 comments

Will I regret this apple cider experiment?

What is going to happen to this fermenting apple cider while I'm out of town? [more inside]
posted by sa3z at 7:57 AM PST - 17 comments

Just the list, please

I am hoping to find an Android app (or web service) to replace the list-making service I suspect may not be available for much longer. I do not want complexity; fewer features are better. I want to make lists, check items off and then be able to re-add them later (for a grocery list, for example). Surprisingly few apps can limit themselves to these functions. [more inside]
posted by timepiece at 7:43 AM PST - 18 comments

How can I track the space shuttle online today?

Would it be possible to track the flight of the Space Shuttle over the Bay Area today using flightradar24 (or something similar)?
posted by zeoslap at 7:39 AM PST - 10 comments

No, really, how do you do it?

For those of you that have to, how do you track your time at work? I'm not interested in the program you use or anything like that but what do you do if you have only 5 hours written down but you need to fill in the gap for the other three hours and you just honestly can't remember? [more inside]
posted by dawkins_7 at 7:39 AM PST - 26 comments

Travel Tips Needed

Travel for Dummies filter. I am in my early fifties and have rarely travelled. I'd love to do more of it, but have a few health/financial challenges. Can you give me your tips for how you make travelling as easy and rewarding as possible? Bonus points for suggesting possible low-cost destinations or ideas. [more inside]
posted by purplesludge at 7:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Gee, where is my Gmail?

Gmail acting mighty strange [more inside]
posted by Postroad at 7:00 AM PST - 7 comments

How do you deal with people who make insensitive, hurtful comments about your disability at school / in the workplace?

How do you deal with people who make insensitive, hurtful comments about your disability at school / in the workplace? [more inside]
posted by OrangeCat at 6:55 AM PST - 20 comments

Should I take my old job back?

I left a good job at a bigger corporation early this year to join a startup. Nine months later, I'm not sure it was a good decision. Is it a bad idea to go back to my previous job? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Midnight Cowboy Snacker

Why and I eating in the middle of the night and how do I stop? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Cheap Flights to Ireland

Can someone recommend a good site or service that will notify me of cheap flights to Ireland from NJ and when they are available? I can be flexible about when to go, am not too good at searching through sites for fares. We had a great time there this summer and want to go again. Are there cheaper flights in the winter? I would like something specific to Ireland, not cheap flights everywhere in general.
posted by mermayd at 5:14 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me become a CFO

My long-term goal is to become the CFO of a company. Would this job be a useful step in that direction, or a detour? [more inside]
posted by wolfdreams01 at 4:43 AM PST - 12 comments

How Do I Get Hired In Higher Academia?

What are some other employment resources to get noticed at a major University? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 3:35 AM PST - 12 comments

Should I learn how to fly?

I took an introductory flight lesson and liked it a lot. Now what? Learning to fly an airplane seems expensive, time consuming, and mostly pointless. Yet I liked it. [more inside]
posted by haykinson at 12:46 AM PST - 31 comments

September 20

How can I improve my vocabular for Boggle-playing purposes?

How can I improve my vocabulary for Boggle-playing purposes? [more inside]
posted by biochemist at 11:05 PM PST - 9 comments

Going abroad but staying in touch

How can I make sure I receive and can check voicemail while in Italy? [more inside]
posted by mingodingo at 10:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Yeah, yeah, yeah, PANDAmonium

Black and white or panda themed party food. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 10:24 PM PST - 20 comments

Low key home network monitoring possibilities?

Now that my kids are getting older and wanting to use more stuff online from a wider range of devices, what can I do to keep an eye on what they're doing? [more inside]
posted by singingfish at 10:23 PM PST - 8 comments

Hooded Mens Pea Coat

I just wish I could find somewhere a hooded men's pea coat such as this All Saints one that is actually in stock. No luck whatsoever. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by stroke_count at 10:19 PM PST - 5 comments

Itching for new Japanese groups to listen to!

Give me some Japanese artists/songs (based on my musical preferences) that would help me learn Japanese/impress people at karaoke! [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 at 10:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Online fantasy community

I want to discuss the (urban) fantasy genre in an active online community. NaNo is okay, but I'm looking for something a little more geared toward examining the tropes, the mechanics of creating a magic system, etc. AbsoluteWrite is cool, but its pace is a little slow for what I want. Am I best off combing through LiveJournal, or is something else out there? [more inside]
posted by goosechasing at 10:10 PM PST - 2 comments

I have absolutely no idea where to go for New Year's.

You had an unforgettable experience watching the ball drop in NYC this past NYE. The thought of staying at home this New Year's makes you feel sad and depressed. Where in America do you ring in 2013? [more inside]
posted by signondiego at 9:50 PM PST - 12 comments

The Ravonettes?

I have the opportunity to interview the Ravonettes. I am a casual listener, but they have a huge following that follows them much more intensely. I would like to know what questions would a diehard Ravonettes fan have of Sharon and Sune? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 9:38 PM PST - 1 comment

Trying to find a resource for an adult who wants to beef up their computer skills

Browser say what? Trying to find some learning material (online or books) for a 35 yo adult. [more inside]
posted by timpanogos at 9:11 PM PST - 3 comments

This is my shoe question. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

Comfortable, stylish, informal, professional, durable, RE-SOLABLE men's shoes recommendations needed! [more inside]
posted by KathrynT at 9:10 PM PST - 14 comments

You're not the boss of me...

How do you deal with rudeness from people of authority? [more inside]
posted by murfed13 at 8:44 PM PST - 32 comments

How relaxed is too relaxed?

How much does a light courseload weigh against you on a medical school application? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Yahoo Mail Be Damned!

Yahoo Mail to GMail. How? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 8:11 PM PST - 6 comments

Too large for carry-on?

How likely is it that Delta Airlines will accept my slightly-oversize backpack as carry-on? [more inside]
posted by Hither at 8:07 PM PST - 15 comments

Roleplaying websites?

Decent MUDs/MUSHs?MUCKs/Freeform text roleplaying sites/places? [more inside]
posted by solarion at 7:37 PM PST - 9 comments

Spiders everywhere, but I don't know what kind they are.

What kind of spiders are these? [more inside]
posted by patheral at 7:30 PM PST - 15 comments

Debate parties please!

Where can I find a place to watch the presidential/vice-presidential debates? [more inside]
posted by triggerfinger at 7:26 PM PST - 5 comments

School me in the art of critiques.

What are some good strategies when critiquing in a college art environment? [more inside]
posted by actionpact at 7:23 PM PST - 4 comments

My boyfriend recently lost his job, and today he found out he's ineligible for unemployment. His life is in shambles. What can I do to help?

My boyfriend recently lost his job, and today he found out he's ineligible for unemployment. His life is in shambles. What can I do to help? [more inside]
posted by anotheraccount at 7:19 PM PST - 21 comments

How do I explain why my advisor isn't a reference?

My supervisor/thesis advisor has dropped off the face of the earth as I'm applying for jobs, so I can't count on him as a reference. How bad does this look, should I explain it in writing somewhere, and how? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:44 PM PST - 12 comments

Options for grad school loan?

I'm about to bite the bullet and get a student loan. Help me out/talk me out of it/give me a better option. Special snowflake stuff inside. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 6:44 PM PST - 16 comments

It goes like: dumdumdumdumdadadDA!

What's the name of that song? [more inside]
posted by Calicatt at 6:18 PM PST - 5 comments

Double-entry accounting for non-dummies

In a modern accounting system that uses double-entry accounting, I believe each line on an Income Statement reflects one or more GL account period *totals*, correct? Does that also apply to Purchases/Cost Of Goods Sold? [more inside]
posted by edjusted at 5:39 PM PST - 10 comments

Raise or fold?

Should I exercise my time-limited stock options? I can afford it, but not without unease. I think it's a probably a good investment, but I have trouble determining how good. Details within. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:10 PM PST - 18 comments

Help me get rid of this pimple

I have a painful pimple on my inner labia. How long is this going to take to go away? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:10 PM PST - 21 comments

What's to do in Guam?

What's there to do in Guam in early October? [more inside]
posted by Aizkolari at 5:05 PM PST - 8 comments

Another package going out today? Greaaat.

Do I contact the person giving out my email address as her own? [more inside]
posted by troika at 4:30 PM PST - 18 comments

Mailman Etiquette

I order many things online and get lots of packages. I really like my mailman. Is there something nice I can do for him? [more inside]
posted by insectosaurus at 4:27 PM PST - 13 comments

Is ground beef that's packed in a tube as good as the stuff that comes in a tray?

Is ground beef that's packed in a tube as good as the stuff that comes in a tray? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 4:24 PM PST - 20 comments

Looking for the fastest cheapie digital camera I can find.

I am looking for an inexpensive point and shoot camera with the lowest shutter lag possible. [more inside]
posted by feathermeat at 4:20 PM PST - 2 comments

Do I save by moving into my apartment in the winter rather than the summer?

Apartment lease economics: I'm planning to move to a new apartment. I'm considering waiting until winter to move in, because leases are cheaper in the off season. But will my rate just go up when it's time to renew a year later? [more inside]
posted by lunchbox at 4:05 PM PST - 3 comments

What happens during iPhone activation?

AT&T/iPhone: I bought an iPhone 4 on craigslist. I plan to cut down my 3G's sim into a micro-sim and put it in the 4. However, before I got started I factory reset the 4 and now it wants to go through an activation process. What does "activation" mean, in this context? [more inside]
posted by homodachi at 3:37 PM PST - 6 comments

If you were really sorry, you'd do it!

iPhone 4S: For some reason, Siri will no longer make calls for me. [more inside]
posted by Lucinda at 3:23 PM PST - 2 comments

The Final Journey

Help me explain death to my 9 year old. [more inside]
posted by plinth at 2:47 PM PST - 17 comments

How much do they actually intend to pay me?

Salary confusion: They offered me (and I accepted) a salary of 50k. My position starts next week and is guaranteed through May. I don't remember them saying "50k/year," just "50k." So how much will I take home bi-weekly? (pre-tax and benefits, for simplicity). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:38 PM PST - 9 comments

#ReaderRage

How do I tell my dad that we need to find a better weekly news magazine? [more inside]
posted by myelin sheath at 2:29 PM PST - 35 comments

How do you try to get a musical produced?

How do you shop around an original musical? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 2:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Special order web app ideas?

I'm looking for a web (or desktop at a push) app that will help me track customer special orders. [more inside]
posted by dance at 1:53 PM PST - 1 comment

Je manque de volonte

I'm looking for online foreign language (French) courses/classes with an instructor component. [more inside]
posted by benbenson at 1:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Where should I get my car's brakes checked?

I need my car's brakes looked at. Where should I have this done, and should I expect to pay for it? How much? [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 1:19 PM PST - 15 comments

Fragrant and glycerine-free hair care tips needed!

What are some fragrant, glycerin-free options for shampoo and conditioner? [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle at 1:08 PM PST - 10 comments

How would you turn this yard into a vegetable garden?

Vegetable gardening experts of the green, please help me make the best use of my back yard. [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 12:59 PM PST - 9 comments

Shoes as durable as Dr Martens in Toronto?

Looking for every-day, unisex walking/office shoes that will last for years - also a brick-and-mortar store where I can try them on (in Toronto, Canada). [more inside]
posted by jb at 12:00 PM PST - 31 comments

Draining the Caldera

If we knew when it was going to happen could our society engineer a way to prevent an upcoming volcanic eruption? [more inside]
posted by cirrostratus at 11:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Meaningful phrases, in Italian, to express a fond farewell.

What are some phrases in Italian that convey "goodbye" in a not-so-casual, but rather sentimental if not hopeful way? [more inside]
posted by chloe.gelsomino at 11:57 AM PST - 5 comments

Seeking alphabetical naming lists

I'm looking for A-Z lists, similar to the NOAA hurricane naming system. Instead of 26 names, I would like lists that follow a theme. Geeky lists / themes are a plus! [more inside]
posted by Real.Wolf at 11:25 AM PST - 26 comments

Calling all you AOL mail experts!

How to, as the default, block html/images from *all* senders (not just "untrusted senders") when accessing AOL email via the web? Or alternatively, how to reset that trusted sender list? [more inside]
posted by mrs. taters at 11:22 AM PST - 2 comments

This title is probably irrelevant.

I am looking for histories of medieval and Renaissance Italy. [more inside]
posted by adamdschneider at 11:12 AM PST - 12 comments

five hours and 45 minutes of crappy sleep. For the last 20 years.

Last night I slept for five hours and 45 minutes. For the last 20 years. I've tried many of the frequently recommended solutions such as melatonin and environmental changes, and am not sure what my next step should be. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 10:44 AM PST - 35 comments

Sustainability in Detroit?

Going to Detroit. I need recommendations on the cool places to see regeneration, sustainable initiatives, parks, art, urban agriculture, etc. (the innovative stuff that makes Detroit awesome!) [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 10:33 AM PST - 13 comments

I have insurance goddamn it!

My doctor's office billed me up front for an IUD and told me I would be reimbursed. Today, after calling them repeatedly, I found out that they have not filed a claim for the device, and they couldn't give me a satisfactory explanation as to why. I have no idea what to do now. [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 10:20 AM PST - 21 comments

looking for a particular stock chart

Does anybody know of a free internet picture which is very close to Jeremy Siegel's (Stocks for the Long Run p. 47 of the 1994 Irwin edition) figure 3-2 "The real Dow-Jones Industrial Average"? [more inside]
posted by bukvich at 9:46 AM PST - 9 comments

Science. SCIENCE!!!!

Looking for child development milestones, with an emphasis on experiments, neural processing goobles, and mad science shenanigans! Tell me what weird experiments I can conduct with my child.... [more inside]
posted by amanda at 9:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Spoiler, please.

How does the end of 'Get Carter' differ from the end of the novel, 'Jack's Return Home', it's based on? [more inside]
posted by BigSky at 9:29 AM PST - 2 comments

Take the money and run!

My 'rents want to support me. I don't really feel like I need their support anymore. Am I being silly by not considering their offer of money? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:21 AM PST - 39 comments

Share this - Facebook sharing is going to kill me

How can I create custom content for a Facebook share? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 9:21 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I fix a Gmail/Google voice phone number on the same account

How do I force my Gmail account's phone number to associate with the same account's Google Voice number? [more inside]
posted by frodoxiii at 9:06 AM PST - 2 comments

Best OTC sleeping pill?

Is there a BEST over-the-counter sleeping pill or do I just need to find the one that is best for me? Or are they all the same? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:27 AM PST - 30 comments

any body?

Is there any positive body acceptance / Health at any Size type stuff out there geared towards a male (or even just clearly mixed- or non-gendered) audience? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:25 AM PST - 5 comments

Sleep doesn't rule everything around me...

(Chronic Insomniacs-filter) Sleep avoids me. Been doing so for years. Any tips or tricks to try and successfully sleep? Always special snow flakes.... [more inside]
posted by handbanana at 8:00 AM PST - 36 comments

What could be causing heart weirdness?

Medical advice... What could be causing extended and ongoing heart weirdness? Long-ish details inside... [more inside]
posted by Ziggurat at 7:50 AM PST - 25 comments

I thought we would talk, but not call it off.

How to deal with the end of a 20 year friendship? [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 6:55 AM PST - 38 comments

Strong mutual feelings and attraction for a close opposite sex friend who is engaged

Where is this going?! Strong mutual feelings and attraction for a close opposite sex friend who is engaged... [more inside]
posted by Vareshka at 6:42 AM PST - 49 comments

By the time I'm 40, I will be see-through!

Is-This-Normal filter : I am a few short months away from turning 30, and have noticed while looking in the mirror and at body parts I can see without one, that over my whole body my veins/arteries are a lot more visible than they were before. Is this a normal part of aging? Can it be stopped, or mitigated somehow? Deets inside. [more inside]
posted by Fig at 6:29 AM PST - 7 comments

Phone Equipment

Where can I get cheap PBX phone-exchange switching equipment? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 6:20 AM PST - 7 comments

my girlfriend seems distant. i need a womans advice

How can i save my relationship with my girlfriend? We have been seeing each other for exactly one year. We are grown, she in her 30s me in my 40s. she has a young child and my kid is in college. Since we started dating its been pretty fun and loving sometimes hard also. [more inside]
posted by tlrjr at 6:13 AM PST - 18 comments

Is it possible to get a custom field on a Wordpress post to expire or delete after a certain date?

Is it possible to get a custom field on a Wordpress post to expire or delete after a certain date? [more inside]
posted by radiocontrolled at 6:11 AM PST - 3 comments

Is is time to change to an Android phone?!!!

What did I do to my iPhone 4 that caused it to not be able to "save images" from Twitter and Facebook anymore? All the gory details inside... [more inside]
posted by Hanuman1960 at 6:10 AM PST - 3 comments

I get it, you're sorry. Now leave me alone.

I'm trying to figure out next steps in this truly stupid interpersonal relations drama I'm having. "Sarah" did something I specifically asked her not to do. When I asked her to reverse her action, she complied, but is now overly remorseful. I need to respond, and I want to do it in some way that gets her to stop apologizing while keeping her at arm's length. Details after the jump. [more inside]
posted by lesli212 at 6:08 AM PST - 20 comments

Heterosexual Civil Partnerships and UK Law

My girlfriend and I want to do that 'public display of commitment' thing, but we don't want to get married. Heterosexual Civil Partnerships are not yet available in the UK. Can we do it elsewhere with legal status? Or should we wait? [more inside]
posted by bollockovnikov at 6:06 AM PST - 31 comments

Cheap rent ANYWHERE on the East Coast

It's a bit of a wide net I'm casting here, but where's the biggest and/or nicest apartment I can rent for under $500 in fairly cool cities in the Eastern half of the USA? Say, anywhere east of (and including) Minnesota to Louisiana. I love NOLA, and I've liked everyone I've ever met from Minnesota... [more inside]
posted by omnigut at 6:05 AM PST - 22 comments

Can you translate these Japanese characters?

Can you translate the Japanese characters on this antique sake jug? [more inside]
posted by beagle at 5:38 AM PST - 11 comments

Order or Project Management System Suggestions... I am drowning!

My business is booming and it's driving me crazy! The process that worked when only a few orders trickled in isn't scaling and I am finding myself prisoner to my workflow. Email and google spreadsheet is clearly not cutting it and I need input on a project management or order system. [more inside]
posted by hellodonna at 5:27 AM PST - 14 comments

Cyprus: Larnaca > Paphos

Cyprus: Travel between Larnaca airport to Paphos. What are my options? Has anyone done this recently? Many thanks! [more inside]
posted by carter at 5:24 AM PST - 1 comment

Books on Years of Lead/Strategy Of Tension

Can anyone recommend good books on the Years of Lead and/or the Strategy of Tension in Italy ? They have to be in English. Many thanks
posted by devious truculent and unreliable at 4:22 AM PST - 1 comment

Syncing calendars - .ics conversion or another way?

How do I convert ics files? Since my work computer was upgraded to Office 2010 64-bit, I've been unable to sync my Outlook schedule with my Samsung phone (which uses Samsung New PC Studio). It will still sync with my Google calendar though. Both Outlook and Google only seem to export .ics files. NPS seems to import .nsf, .dif, .mdb and .vcs. I found a free .ics to .vcs converter online but it seems to convert a single appointment from what I've verified is a complete export of my calendar. How can I convert the files or otherwise get the phone calendar synced?
posted by monkey closet at 2:23 AM PST - 3 comments

HnT

"HnT" in the St. Louis area? [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 12:45 AM PST - 6 comments

September 19

Webcast? Webseries? Webisode?

I hate TV. I don't own one, either. I need more webseries in my life, like The Slope or It Gets Betterish. [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 9:07 PM PST - 14 comments

Invasion!

Help! We just found a black widow spider inside our house. They are endemic in our neighborhood. What do we do? [more inside]
posted by anonnymoose at 8:58 PM PST - 22 comments

Where to meet, not to eat.

You need to meet with your soon-to-be ex-husband to go over some financial issues. You've both agreed to do it without your lawyers just to get some stuff resolved without the complication of their "input". Where? Your house feels uncomfortable as a site. No way are you going to his new place. A restaurant? No. We don't want to have dinner together, just talk quietly and calmly and maybe go over some documents. The library? Feels weird. Suggestions?
posted by anonymous at 8:42 PM PST - 42 comments

Projector System Help!

Can you please offer insight into my projector system? I have questions with regards to projectors, screens, and installation. [more inside]
posted by masters2010 at 8:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Wordpress theme for software blog

Seeking recommendations for a "look what I've done" type Wordpress blog theme in the area of software development. Help me filter the Niagara of wordpress themes ! [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 8:22 PM PST - 3 comments

Am I needlessly irritated? Is this legal?

Sold my old house: is it legal for the new owners to change the locks and start working inside the house prior to closing? [more inside]
posted by bolognius maximus at 8:09 PM PST - 42 comments

I've made a huge mistake?

How can I create a web-searchable database of indexed newspaper articles? [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg at 7:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Botched Banana Bread?

Baking filter: My oven broke in the middle of baking banana bread. What to do now? [more inside]
posted by tacoma1 at 7:13 PM PST - 16 comments

Standing on the shoulders of giants

I'm looking for a list of the best (however you define it) third-party Python libraries. E.g. Django, Beautiful Soup, PIL, etc. [more inside]
posted by prunes at 7:06 PM PST - 12 comments

I'll take "Things I Should Have Learned in College" for 500

I write creative nonfiction and I'm getting to the point where I've almost exhausted myself on straight up memoir/personal essay. I have ideas in mind for essays that I want to write, but they require a good deal of research. Problem is, I never really learned how to research properly. [more inside]
posted by Modica at 6:56 PM PST - 10 comments

Best way to get paid in multiple currencies?

Asking for a friend: what is the best, fee-avoiding bank account set up for a freelancer who works internationally and is paid in multiple currencies? More details... [more inside]
posted by scuza at 6:45 PM PST - 3 comments

Wine tasting and wine tasting and...?

Can I experience Napa Valley without staying in Napa? [more inside]
posted by madonna of the unloved at 6:30 PM PST - 14 comments

...name that video game!

One of my esteemed offspring wanted me to bring this to the hive mind, so here goes: Okay, Mom, I finally remembered to write this note. This is what I'd like you to ask the Metafilter crew. So there's this really old game, and it's either Atari or just from that era. [more inside]
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:25 PM PST - 11 comments

Help us wrap our college-educated minds around our student loans.

Please school me on student loan debt consolidation. [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 6:25 PM PST - 3 comments

Functional MRI?

The fMRI (functional MRI) is primarily used in research; can I get one done for clinical reasons? [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 6:23 PM PST - 11 comments

I eat fast, maybe too fast.

I eat very quickly. I enjoy my food well enough, but I seem to enjoy it at a rapid pace, which can be a bit awkward in company. Is there an easy mental realignment to eat slower? [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 6:13 PM PST - 23 comments

Figuring out careers and jobs while working out my gender issues

Quarterlife crisis and being trans--how to optimally navigate a job/career quest while addressing gender identity issues? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:11 PM PST - 5 comments

What are the odds?

Math/probability not sports: I am not a gambler, but I am trying out a method of betting on sports with some initial success. At what point can I use the numbers to confidently assume that this is down to the system rather than luck? [more inside]
posted by cincinnatus c at 5:46 PM PST - 4 comments

Accountant/Lawyer/Financial Adviser-Filter?

I recently found myself in the middle class with none of the financial acumen needed to handle money on this scale. To be specific, my most complicated financial transaction to date has been handing someone two hundred dollars in cash and riding off on his bike. I'd like to talk to someone knowledgeable about money about my financial goals and be told my options for achieving those goals. Do you know such a person in New York City or the nearby suburbs? The two specific goals I have in mind right now are saving for retirement and paying off a bunch of debts. A possible complication is that all of the debt is in my parents' name, so it might be nontrivial to structure the repayment so that, from a tax perspective, it doesn't look like I've just started giving my parents lots of money every year. Also, it would be better, though not strictly necessary, if this person could speak Chinese to my parents.
posted by anonymous at 5:33 PM PST - 11 comments

What does the couple who has everything register for?

We live in a tiny Manhattan apartment and have everything we need. What do we register for? [more inside]
posted by alicetiara at 5:23 PM PST - 39 comments

Meatpacking district advice

Taking a last minute weekend trip to NYC. Friend booked at Dream Downtown (355 West 16th Street,). Looking for a nice restaurant and drink spot near by. [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 5:09 PM PST - 12 comments

Name that mystery tune?

Can anybody identify this Chinese language song? At least, we think it's Chinese. A friend of mine found it somewhere totally devoid of context, and now we're wondering what it is and where it's from. Any help you can give us would be just fine.
posted by KChasm at 4:24 PM PST - 6 comments

Indoor archery in/around southeast Portland.

What are my options for indoor archery in and around southeast Portland, OR? I'm only familiar with Archers Afield and that's a bit further than I'd like to drive. [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 4:22 PM PST - 1 comment

Unfortunately safe for work

What was this early type of downloaded porn? [more inside]
posted by mediocre at 4:12 PM PST - 7 comments

Hanging art without wall attachments

We're opening a small art gallery, and need a solution for hanging wall art on plaster walls, without putting holes in said walls. [more inside]
posted by klinefelter at 3:44 PM PST - 6 comments

What does the Casper suite allow Admins to see?

My office just announced that they are installing Casper QuickAdd to all of our laptops in the next week or so. I want to know what they are going to be able to see after I do the installation. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:37 PM PST - 12 comments

Help with music for 'Grand Slam' moment slideshow for work...

I am putting together a slideshow for my library system's staff day, based on grand slam moments in the lives of staff. I need help with the music... [more inside]
posted by cinemafiend at 2:05 PM PST - 6 comments

Save our surveillance

What's the best way to protect surveillance equipment from lightning? [more inside]
posted by dozo at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments

Social media: Here's how you doitright.

How can I locate someone to provide a day of social media / online presence consulting to a non-profit in the Philadelphia area? [more inside]
posted by QuantumMeruit at 2:03 PM PST - 4 comments

I am a scientist, I seek to understand CVs.

Does anyone know a good science/engineering resume editing service? Having trouble figuring out what to leave/chop. [more inside]
posted by Paper rabies at 2:03 PM PST - 3 comments

How did you act when your relationship was entering an unknown period?

How did you act when your relationship was entering an unknown period? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:54 PM PST - 32 comments

NYC lawyer familiar with Brooklyn DOB?

Seeking recommendation for NYC lawyer who is familiar with how the Brooklyn Department of Buildings really works as well as resident/condo board relations. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:54 PM PST - 1 comment

Need Help on Navigating Smart Phone Plans

I am looking for advice on finding the best smart phone deals. I have an old clamshell phone. I need very little for myself...not even texting though want the occasional use of apps. I am currently moving to Denver and may switch from AT&T though my wireless and phones are bundled and very cheap ($90/mo for our two cheap phones and wireless for home though that would change *a lot* with upgrades?). I am really confused on what the hell is a decent deal. I don't make many calls whatsoever but my wife will be calling family or perhaps using Face Time/Messaging via an iPhone if we can afford. We don't need the newest and best phones but am not sure where to start for packaging costs, especially as we may do wireless separate once we get to Denver. Any thoughts on how you would go about this, where you would buy a phone (new or refurb), deals that have worked for you (assuming you don't use the phone for a lot but still want the options of some of the apps). iPhone? Samsung? Razr? Carriers recommendations? I want to go as low $ as possible but not make a stupid decision out of pinching the hell out of the pennies.
posted by snap_dragon at 1:32 PM PST - 14 comments

Be vewwwy quiet...

I would like to hunt wild pigs. Only problem? I'm a liberal Democrat, I live in San Francisco, and I've never been hunting before. [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco at 1:30 PM PST - 30 comments

Bean plating technology for canned beans

Before I cook dried beans I sort through them usually finding and discarding a clod of dirt, a small stone, or a moldy bean. I have never found a stone in a can of canned beans. Are the canned bean manufacturers sorting the beans before canning? If they are, why can't they use that technology to clean the beans that are sold dried? The tedious sorting keeps me from cooking beans from scratch as often as I'd like.
posted by SandiBeech at 1:07 PM PST - 15 comments

Name some examples of humorous tragedies in film and literature

I need suggestions of fictional or non-fictional books or films that deal with illness or dying in relation to humor/the absurd. [more inside]
posted by Felicity Rilke at 12:56 PM PST - 23 comments

SF that starts out as realism/historical fiction and ends up somewhere else?

Speculative fiction about historical gradualism: I'm looking for SF stories which begin in the real historical world (past or present) and then gradually diverge from it, without any single decisive turning point. [more inside]
posted by RogerB at 12:44 PM PST - 11 comments

Think John Kelly Chocolates but without the sugar.

I *love* buying chocolates or candy for friends and family on special occasions. It's kind of my thing, and the fancier the better. The problem is I have a diabetic in the family, and I want to send them something to celebrate an anniversary. Is there such a thing as fancy sugar-free chocolate or candy? I need something nicer than a bag of sugar-free Lifesavers.
posted by phaedon at 12:39 PM PST - 27 comments

Should I try to start an LGBTQ organization at my middle school?

Should I try to start an LGBTQ organization at my middle school? How? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 12:38 PM PST - 34 comments

Looking for an old sci-fi book

Looking for a science fiction book that I read back in the 70's-ish. It was about a guy who was in a jungle way way into the future. A few key points that should a ring a bell are: 1. There were these humanoid creatures that were short and fat and connected to a main plant by an umbilical cord. The main actor cut one of these cords and these "tummytommies" (some weird name like that) then became irritable. 2. There were these "balloons" floating around the jungle with long ropes dragging in the trees. It turned out that these were creatures that would catch prey with those sticky appendages and begin pulling the victim up to their chattering teeth. 3. This was when the world was very old and, I believe the story ended with the world ending. That's about all I remember.
posted by SparkyPine at 12:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Where is the best place online to determine the price of a limited edition giclee print by artist Ashley Wood?

ComicBookArt(ist)Filter: Where can I find out how much a limited edition giclee print by artist Ashley Wood is worth (if such things are even worth much, not being the original art)? [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 12:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Why do websites tuen tiny and grey?

Some web content, like Tumblr and the videos on Netflix appear in greyscale, with vertical lines all over them, and smushed into the left side of the screen. If I want to click on something, I need to click on the place it would normally be, rather than where it appears on the tiny, greyscale screen. I don't think it's my browser, because it happens on both Safari and IE (I know, I know, but I can't watch Netflix on Safari). I couldn't find an answer on Google. Thanks in advance!
posted by WhathaveIdonenow? at 12:23 PM PST - 21 comments

Cepacol purchases tracked/rationed?

I bought a pack of Cepacol lozenges at my local neighborhood pharmacy here in Massachusetts, and was surprised that I was required to scan my driver's license to get it. Active ingredients are listed as Benzocaine 7.5 mg and Dextromethorphan Hbr 5 mg, none of which I recognize as chemical precursors to drugs with a high potential for abuse, like (for instance) Pseudoephedrine. Dextromethorphan does have some potential for abuse on its own, but the ingredient is common to most cold formulations, none of which are tracked or rationed. Does anyone here have a good explanation for the driver's license requirement?
posted by The Confessor at 12:18 PM PST - 5 comments

iPhone, why do you hate public transportation?

I did something stupid today and 'updated' my iPhone 4 to iOS 6.0. The new Maps app doesn't include public transportation options (as Google Maps did previously) which I use extensively here in San Francisco. What are my options? Will anything be as seamless as the Google Maps app was?
posted by 2bucksplus at 12:14 PM PST - 13 comments

Are home no-chip manicures worth the price yet?

Has anyone tried the (newish) home no-chip manicure kits? Recommendations? Tips? [more inside]
posted by crankyrogalsky at 12:08 PM PST - 7 comments

Using Paragon "Adaptive Restore"

Need help with Paragon "Adaptive Restore", part of the Backup & Recovery 2012 software package. [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 11:49 AM PST - 0 comments

How do you put past relationship "guilt" behind you and would contact after a breakup be a good idea?

The nutshell: how do you put relationship mistakes/guilt behind you? And contact with her would be a bad idea, right? (We’ve been broken up about 3 months now with no contact, except for one email exchange about two weeks after the break up). [more inside]
posted by yeahyeahyeah at 11:31 AM PST - 26 comments

Where can I buy those huge American Army duffel bags in the UK?

Where can I buy those huge American Army duffel bags in the UK? [more inside]
posted by rinsemedown at 11:09 AM PST - 11 comments

"It's all in your head." "I don't think it is." "Well you would say that."

I'm dealing with chronic pain and fatigue; after several specialists were unable to find the cause, I was referred to a pain clinic. I had an evaluation with a psychiatrist today, and at the end I asked him about his findings. Among other things, he said there was evidence of Somatization Disorder. But I don't think that is it; I think the pain has a physical cause. But if I do have Somatization Disorder, I would think that anyway. How do I determine if that is the problem or not, and if not, how do I make sure my doctors don't dwell on it. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 11:07 AM PST - 11 comments

How to recover from a very public psychosis.

How can I get over periods of psychosis and depression by putting it behind me, gaining some experiences and achievements to make the relapses feel like less of a big deal?or How can I stop thinking about me? [more inside]
posted by Erred at 11:04 AM PST - 9 comments

great gift for 1 year old?

i want to get a great gift for my friend's daughter, who is turning 1 year old next week. [more inside]
posted by akaJudge at 10:32 AM PST - 42 comments

We have a bunch of yellow larvae on our ceiling

We have a whole bunch of larvae on our ceiling only. What are they? Where do they come from? What do we do? [more inside]
posted by Brainy at 10:10 AM PST - 17 comments

Frenchbook Textbook Doesn'tSuckbook

Advanced French textbooks that aren't printed by Vistas Higher Learning? [more inside]
posted by Chutzler at 10:08 AM PST - 2 comments

How to make a TV appear broken ...without breaking it

We have a basic Toshiba LCD HDTV (2 yrs old). I want to disable it for the next six weeks so no one can use it. I.E. it needs to appear as if it is broken, but it really isn't. I need to make sure all plugged in peripherals (DVD, Wii, AppleTV, antennae, and cable TV) cannot be viewed. Any ideas?
posted by apennington at 9:38 AM PST - 29 comments

Do you have any first or second hand knowledge on the "People to People Ambassador Programs", based in Washington DC?

Do you have any first or second hand knowledge on the "People to People Ambassador Programs", based in Washington DC? [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 9:36 AM PST - 21 comments

The bass is at my place, but now needs to get in YO' FACE

I bought a bass! Can you recommend any specific online tutorials / resources (e.g., on the youtubes) to learn to play the thing? I already play guitar. Bonus: I like Britpop. What are some fun Britpop songs to play on the bass? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:25 AM PST - 16 comments

Shows with experts as the main characters

In Breaking Bad, Walter White is a genius chemist. In Prison Break, Michael Scofield is a genius structural engineer. What other shows use a main character's genius in a given field like these shows do? [more inside]
posted by dubadubowbow at 9:01 AM PST - 40 comments

High arches, low spirits.

I love the look of Frye Veronica Slouch boots. I cannot get my high-arched foot into a Frye Veronica Slouch boot. I am sad. What (high quality, brown leather, made to last, damn sexy) boot can you recommend with a similar look that can accommodate my arches?
posted by lizifer at 9:00 AM PST - 9 comments

Raise or Call?

I like my job, but I have received a more lucrative offer from another company. How do I get a raise without leaving my company? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:00 AM PST - 19 comments

What fun things should we do before having kids?

AdviceFilter: What life experiences (or fun things) should my partner and I make time for, before having a baby? [more inside]
posted by amoeba at 8:50 AM PST - 19 comments

Help with organizing my hot mess of an external hard drive!

Good ways/ideas/tips for how to organize my external hard drive (because I put it off each time I added things to it...and now it's a hot mess). And ideas for keeping it organized when I add things in the future. [more inside]
posted by PeppahCat at 8:32 AM PST - 4 comments

NYC Piano/Synthesizer Lessons?

Hi, I'm a (somewhat) experienced piano/synthesizer player interested in taking lessons in New York City. I took about 4 years of classical training in piano, violin, and voice when I was in high school, but I'm looking to grow my skillset as a musician. I'm looking for a piano teacher in Manhattan or Brooklyn who would be comfortable with teaching synth lessons. Can anyone recommend a good piano (or synth) teacher in NYC?
posted by shotintoeternity at 8:14 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me find ways to grow professionally.

I'm a general purpose Analyst at my job. I work in the marketing department, and do the bulk of my analysis on client development initiatives, but also am the sole source of analytical support on the operations of the department, like budgeting, managing people, business planning, etc. What would be some good opportunities for professional development? [more inside]
posted by undercoverhuwaaah at 8:11 AM PST - 5 comments

Ow, my perfectly-fine knees!

Non-injury causes of knee pain? [more inside]
posted by kagredon at 7:44 AM PST - 15 comments

Google Desktop Side Bar Replacement

So Google Desktop has been discontinued for a while, and while I was able to rescue some gadgets after a reinstall I have a feeling that I need a replacement. [more inside]
posted by pyro979 at 7:37 AM PST - 5 comments

The tortoise wins this one

Is there any overcoming Achilles tendonitis? [more inside]
posted by bookgirl18 at 7:36 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I stop snooping?

Please help me stop snooping. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 29 comments

How can I edit this Wordpress theme?

How can I edit this wordpress theme? [more inside]
posted by FuckingAwesome at 7:08 AM PST - 4 comments

Need a map!

Is there any kind of slick map-generation tool available online (preferably for free-ish) that I can use in my presentations? [more inside]
posted by shiu mai baby at 6:56 AM PST - 6 comments

Should I just get backpack straps for it?

How do I carry this massive smartphone around? [more inside]
posted by daboo at 6:54 AM PST - 14 comments

how to know when spending more for free shipping is a good deal

Going to purchase something online. Shipping is expensive. A larger purchase will get me free shipping, but the cost would be more than the cost of the smaller purchase plus shipping. How do you analyze decisions like this? [more inside]
posted by biwa-shu at 6:14 AM PST - 24 comments

Can I move a big tree?

Can I move a 15-18 foot tree? Best practices for something so big? [more inside]
posted by kirst27 at 6:03 AM PST - 11 comments

Are job recruiters helpful?

Looking for a job and trying to figure the role and value of recruiters. Do i find one and talk with them about what sort of job I'm after? How do you find a good one?
posted by boombot at 5:59 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I truncate .mp3 and .m4a files without transcoding?

How can I truncate (cut the end off) .mp3 and .m4a files without transcoding? [more inside]
posted by beniamino at 5:44 AM PST - 9 comments

I think I inhaled a bit of a melting plastic bag while cooking. 30 minutes later, I got a nosebleed. Should I be worried?

I think I inhaled a bit of a melting plastic bag while cooking. 30 minutes later, I got a nosebleed. Should I be worried? [more inside]
posted by suburbs at 5:36 AM PST - 16 comments

Advice on converting a python program to a web app?

Hi I have programmed on eclipse, a reasonably straightforward program in Python 2.7 that applies image filters to user selected images e.g. by turning them to sepia, black & white, negative, etc. It uses Tkinter for the graphics user interface and the program functions ok. However, I was thinking about how to turn this into a web app. So to transfer this to an Amazon cloud server, I understand that for the client side user interface I would need to convert the program by adding html and javascript to the client side while python handles the server side? Does anyone know of any tutorials or other resources that are particularly good at covering web apps like this using python, html and javascript?
posted by conrad101 at 5:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Basic steps to put some zoom in my Zumba?

I'm a dude, pushing 40, relatively uncoordinated with very little rhythm, and taking a Zumba class. Can you assign me some homework? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 4:43 AM PST - 16 comments

Home-made tatami air fresheners?

Can I make aromatic oils that will diffuse through tatami sticks myself? [more inside]
posted by evil_esto at 2:11 AM PST - 10 comments

Calculating calorie burn for unconventional sport

With all the specifics can I calculate a better estimate of how many calories I burn doing archery than online calculators (that give me figures as low as 220 and as high as 500 calories per hour) [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 12:43 AM PST - 10 comments

Fast-paced and smart audiobooks

Can you help me find some audiobooks that are relatively fast-paced and simple, but also have good dialogue, characters, and themes? Even if you don't listen to audiobooks, maybe you know page-turners or beach reads that are deeper than the normal fluff? Or maybe you know good literary fiction that is simple and fast-paced? [more inside]
posted by slidell at 12:41 AM PST - 29 comments

Cover me iPad!

What sleeve or skin is good to get for an iPad (3rd gen) in conjunction with Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover? [more inside]
posted by lirael2008 at 12:37 AM PST - 1 comment

September 18

arthritis at 30?

Is it normal to be developing arthritis in my fingers at 30, or should I be looking for a new doctor? [more inside]
posted by gally99 at 9:39 PM PST - 19 comments

fiery feet

My feet are so itchy I could punch someone. What bugs in my house could be biting me? [more inside]
posted by mnemonic at 9:22 PM PST - 24 comments

What art have you seen that addresses illness, healing, or fertility?

What great art have you seen that addresses illness/healing/fertility loss? [more inside]
posted by bilabial at 9:16 PM PST - 7 comments

Can I resole these shoes?

Can these shoes be resoled by a cobbler? [more inside]
posted by two lights above the sea at 8:44 PM PST - 8 comments

Upside-down-gardening apparatus. How did you do it?

I'm very keen to try growing my tomatoes upside down next year. Do you have any suggestions on what to hang the buckets from? [more inside]
posted by vegetable100% at 8:17 PM PST - 3 comments

Society + technology = where?

The intersection of technology and social services and policy: who are the innovators? Where and what are they innovating? Are there conferences like the recent XOXO conference for this sort of thing? [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 7:55 PM PST - 5 comments

East in the West?

Did Eastern Bloc countries do on-the-ground historical research in the USA during the Cold War? [more inside]
posted by lstanley at 7:54 PM PST - 3 comments

two yahoos

I have an email address name@yahoo.ca. Can I also get name@yahoo.com ? [more inside]
posted by thenormshow at 7:16 PM PST - 6 comments

How do I learn to play a song on guitar?

How do I learn to play a song on guitar? [more inside]
posted by iftheaccidentwill at 6:58 PM PST - 13 comments

I support you... to a reasonable degree

Your SO is a performer who performs multiple times a week. How frequently do you go to their shows? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:42 PM PST - 32 comments

Sequential Art for the Slammer

I need recommendations for comic strip collections, graphic novels, and manga that can be purchased from Amazon, don't contain drug/sex/gang content, and can enjoyed by someone in their twenties. This is very much a follow up to this question. [more inside]
posted by Juliet Banana at 6:31 PM PST - 30 comments

How do animals and humans survive extreme physical pain and physical assault?

How do animals and humans survive extreme physical pain and physical assault? [more inside]
posted by DeltaForce at 6:17 PM PST - 16 comments

Good short reading on the Occupy Movement and free speech for college freshmen.

Good short reading on the Occupy Movement and free speech for college freshmen. [more inside]
posted by rainbowbrite at 5:54 PM PST - 2 comments

Best shuttle viewing spot in LA?

Where should I try to see the shuttle fly over Los Angeles on Friday morning? [more inside]
posted by Joh at 5:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Spirit Photography Techniques

Do we know how William Mumler created his images? If not, what are the most popular theories today, and what do we know about other spirit photographers?
posted by naturalog at 4:55 PM PST - 13 comments

Good habits to habituate?

Transform-my-life filter: looking for "good habits" to build into my life. [more inside]
posted by inbetweener at 4:28 PM PST - 37 comments

How much should I charge a former employer (that laid me off) for contract work?

I was recently let go ("cost cutting") from my job as a web developer, one that I've held for well over a decade at the same employer. After they gave me the news, they mentioned the possibility of me doing work for them in the future on a contract basis and asked what I would charge them. How much is a fair amount to charge them while making sure it's worth my while? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:16 PM PST - 26 comments

Shit or get off the pot can't mean 20 minutes, right?

How long does it take you or a loved one to poop? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:15 PM PST - 84 comments

Male and Female Sexual Relationships

What type of sexual relationships do women and men enjoy? I have a question, what is healthy sex and a healthy male female relationship. [more inside]
posted by mrfawcet at 3:42 PM PST - 28 comments

Headphone repair - a better way to do it?

Headphone wire repair. Is there a better solution than cutting off the plug and splicing a new one? [more inside]
posted by wongcorgi at 3:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Invitation to a Beheading

Help me assess how much of a problem these not-so-nicely printed wedding invitations are. [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 3:30 PM PST - 20 comments

Alarm clock recommendation

Help a picky person find an alarm clock? [more inside]
posted by medusa at 3:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Feeling a little self-conscious about my current hairstyle (male). Should I keep it this way or try something else out?

Feeling a little self-conscious about my current hairstyle (male). Should I keep it this way or try something else out? [more inside]
posted by audio at 2:57 PM PST - 37 comments

What intriguing bag is this?

Looking for the creator of an intriguing tote bag (possible long shot here) [more inside]
posted by sweetkid at 2:29 PM PST - 3 comments

a source for sodium fluoride drops without sucralose or artificial colors?

Can you suggest a source for sodium fluoride drops without sucralose or artificial colors? [more inside]
posted by JamesD at 1:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Entschuldigung, ich versteh nicht: ich bin Amerikaner...

I am traveling to Europe for work, for a week. I have never been outside the US before. Please tell me about very simple, basic things which I might not know due to inexperience. [more inside]
posted by overeducated_alligator at 1:27 PM PST - 71 comments

What is it like to live in Snowmass, Colorado?

I'm going to be bartending in Snowmass for at least the winter. Aside from already being acclimated, what do I need to know about living and working Snowmass and Colorado in general having only lived as an adult in Oregon and Arizona. [more inside]
posted by efalk at 1:25 PM PST - 7 comments

How do you spot an amateur?

How do you spot an amateur in your trade, profession, or hobby? Specifically, what are some examples of things that people without experience do, while attempting what you do or know well, because they don't know any better that make their lack of experience obvious? [more inside]
posted by Blasdelb at 1:17 PM PST - 275 comments

How does Dove Nutrium actually work?

Beyond blue beads bypassing animated skin layers: how does Dove Nutrium actually work? [more inside]
posted by c'mon sea legs at 12:08 PM PST - 5 comments

tehloki and the angry inch

Somebody has decided to remove most of my door handle in an attempt to get into my car, or in a fit of rage, or something. Will getting it repaired through my insurance make my rates go up? Should I try and fix it myself? [more inside]
posted by tehloki at 11:49 AM PST - 34 comments

What was on your baby registry that you use and what was on it that you don't use?

I'm building a baby registry. a) What was your absolute most-used, wouldn't-survive-without-it thing you had on your baby registry? b) And what were you absolutely certain you'd use all the time that just gathered dust? [more inside]
posted by davebug at 11:32 AM PST - 67 comments

Need MacPro help in Austin Texas

Can anyone recommend a good and affordable Mac hardware and software tech in Austin, Texas? I've had a series of drive failures and I'm in way over my head. Need help replacing drives, reinstalling OS and, if possible, cloning from a failed drive. [more inside]
posted by a humble nudibranch at 11:25 AM PST - 5 comments

I want to replace a mortice lock but I don't know the model number

I'd like to get an id of this Chubb mortice lock so I can buy a new one on Amazon. [more inside]
posted by nevan at 11:16 AM PST - 5 comments

"Marry me" in Marathi?

Can anyone tell me more about this CD of Indian wedding music? [more inside]
posted by ditto75 at 11:14 AM PST - 4 comments

Will my beloved Google maps go away on my iPhone tomorrow?

I have an iPhone 4S with iOS 5. If I download iOS 6 tomorrow, will Google maps be replaced with Apple maps? Meaning, will the upgrade REMOVE Google maps from my phone? If so, will I be able to download a Google maps app? I already have other 3rd party map apps; I want the one that's actually from Google. [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 11:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Is there a way to not barf when dealing with CITIBANK

A week ago I got mail stating that Citi had sold half of my student loans to Discover. I went to make my loan payments the other day to find that my minimum amount had more than doubled. [more inside]
posted by misformiche at 10:44 AM PST - 6 comments

Recipes for rib eyes that aren't in steak format?

Recipes for rib eyes that aren't in steak format? [more inside]
posted by elsietheeel at 10:27 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I break my Sprint contract?

Help getting out of a cell contract because I have no service. [more inside]
posted by k8t at 10:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Should I lose wedding weight?

I'm getting married in a year, and am currently a bit out of shape. I feel I should lose weight to fit into the nicer wedding dresses, but need feedback on how realistic/rational my goals are - especially given a complicated history. Also, how to deal with a fiance who has strong concerns about this whole thing? [more inside]
posted by corb at 10:13 AM PST - 63 comments

40 acres and a huge personal liability

My friend owns a property jointly with several other family members. What are his options for 1) limiting his liability 2) optimizing the legal/tax situation for hypothetically putting capital improvements into the property and 3) optimizing the legal/tax situation for transferring ownership when a part-owner passes away or sells their interest? [more inside]
posted by Wretch729 at 9:58 AM PST - 1 comment

how to resolve a diversity conflict

A man died near our condo 7 years ago, and anonymous neighbors maintain a memorial at the relevant telephone pole by attaching stuffed animals, artificial flowers, and other stuff to it, which weather eventually turns into trash. The city has occasionally (rarely) removed it, but the mourners pile more on right away. How can we best negotiate an end to this long-running custom? [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 9:49 AM PST - 86 comments

Finding a driving partner for a very long one-way Canadian trip.

What would be the best and safest way to find a ride share on a long one-way (Toronto->Yellowknife) Canadian road trip? [more inside]
posted by jpziller at 9:38 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me throw a Hawaii-themed party in LA!

My lovely girlfriend has been throwing me fantastic birthday parties for a few years, and this year (in November, in Los Angeles) I want to return the favor in kind. She lived in Hawaii in her youth, and has visited every year except this one, so I thought I'd try to bring the big island to her for her birthday party. I'm thinking 25-30 people, suggestions for any level of fancy from not fancy at all up to very posh appreciated.
posted by thedaniel at 9:17 AM PST - 10 comments

Find me some motivation

I'm losing focus on my weight loss goals and I don't want to fall off the wagon. I have had to fight hard to lose what I have lost, and I do not want to back track. How do you get your head back in the game and really find the time to focus on it and prioritize it when your life has become extremely busy? [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 9:10 AM PST - 12 comments

Old Dog Needs New Mac

Graphic Designer asks: Can I use a laptop as my "main" computer? I've been a designer for 20+ years and have used every mac since the original, but I've always had a desktop mac as my go-to machine. Now, it's upgrade time, and I'm thinking of using just a laptop for everything. More inside... [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 8:57 AM PST - 17 comments

Help organize and streamline my work process, pretty please

Can you suggest a system that could help a group of employees manage a long, many-stepped process? We're driving ourselves bonkers in the meantime. [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:52 AM PST - 14 comments

Movin' On In

Moving in with two roommates - one friend, and one other guy the two of us just met. What haven't I thought of, and what should I be prepared to deal with? Long list of stuff inside. [more inside]
posted by Urban Winter at 8:47 AM PST - 27 comments

Family cell phone plans

Please choose a family cell plan for us. [more inside]
posted by Kazimirovna at 8:47 AM PST - 5 comments

Pagers: Are they all awful? Also, is there some other inter-office paging solution?

Pagers: Are they all awful? Also, is there some other inter-office paging solution? [more inside]
posted by elmonobonobo at 8:35 AM PST - 11 comments

Will the nausea go away?

I was prescribed 5mg Adderall twice daily, and the nausea is killing me. Will this go away? [more inside]
posted by hotelechozulu at 8:28 AM PST - 8 comments

Can my ex tell I saw his tumblr?

Can another tumblr user tell that I viewed his tumblr site? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:11 AM PST - 5 comments

Ideas for 10th wedding anniversary in midst of marital stress?

How should my husband and I celebrate our 10th anniversary given some recent marriage difficulties? I am looking for ideas that honor our years together but aren't traditional romantic gestures, which might feel a bit hollow or forced right now. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:10 AM PST - 18 comments

Brilliant Retail product search - how can it be revised to accept numbers?

Brilliant Retail product search - how can it be revised to accept numbers? [more inside]
posted by davebush at 7:56 AM PST - 2 comments

What are these tools for?

Can you help identify what trade this toolkit is from, and what it is used for?
posted by Morsey at 7:28 AM PST - 19 comments

AsthmaFilter: Medication options for the uninsured?

Current over-the-counter medication options for asthmatics? [more inside]
posted by smirkette at 7:05 AM PST - 16 comments

I get less rejection from OKCupid.

I'm looking for a doctor in Toronto. Does anyone have one they can recommend? [more inside]
posted by AmandaA at 6:38 AM PST - 4 comments

Alone Abroad: Help me cope with anxiety and flashbacks

How can I make sensible choices when I'm not feeling my best? [more inside]
posted by EatMyHat at 6:12 AM PST - 7 comments

iPad shutdown app

I watch movies when I go to bed at night. When I wake up in the morning my iPad is exhausted. I would like to have a reminder happen (that if I don't respond to) shuts down my iPad and preserves its battery. Is there a commercial or free app that does this or can I create one easily in this suggestion?
posted by unliteral at 6:10 AM PST - 14 comments

Lisbon Photographer needed

Help me find a english speaking photographer in Lisbon [more inside]
posted by MarvinJ at 6:05 AM PST - 2 comments

Spare parts for an ex-Japan Toyota Hilux Surf?

How (in the hell) do I find spare parts for my '02 Toyota Hilux Surf? Difficulty factor: car in Kenya, originally made for Japanese market, wife in US and could bring parts back. [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime at 5:46 AM PST - 7 comments

The caps lock light on my two-year-old Macbook keeps blinking back on, but yet caps lock is not actually activated...

The caps lock light on my two-year-old Macbook keeps blinking back on, but yet caps lock is not actually activated... [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 4:22 AM PST - 4 comments

How can I stop spam from my Google Apps account?

What can I do about spam ostensibly being sent from my Google Apps-hosted domain? [more inside]
posted by puffmoike at 4:03 AM PST - 8 comments

The time-traveller's advice: 30-year-old edition

My turn! Citizens of Metafilter: What advice would you give to your thirty-year-old self? [more inside]
posted by ominous_paws at 3:43 AM PST - 69 comments

Phoned in.

The iPhone seems to be available everywhere now--at Target, at Radio Shack, at online vendors. Where should I go to get the best deal on an iPhone 5? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 2:40 AM PST - 12 comments

Foreign travel query

When traveling in a foreign country, do you check in with your country's consulate? [more inside]
posted by jsslz at 2:40 AM PST - 29 comments

What sort of database for a non-profit training organisation?

I need to organise some kind of database for my non-profit training organisation, to track students, courses taken, etc in Moodle, and possibly to integrate with a Joomla site as well. I've been told that Access will not work for us. Will a Customer Relations Management thing suit us, or is something more required? If so, what should we be looking for? Requirements and constraints inside. [more inside]
posted by harriet vane at 12:51 AM PST - 4 comments

Best options for retrieving old laptop data?

How do I retrieve data from very old (one is circa 1998) laptop drives? They contain a lot of interesting history from my time in Silicon Valley before the tech crash that I vowed I would one day retrieve. [more inside]
posted by zaebiz at 12:24 AM PST - 3 comments

September 17

Help me ditch my dumb-phone.

New to smartphones; want to buy an unlocked, preferably quadband phone. Advice? [more inside]
posted by artemisia at 10:30 PM PST - 4 comments

Special Snowflake needs an Alarm Clock!

Special Snowflake needs an Alarm Clock! I have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and waking up well. If I awaken too abruptly it rattles me and it takes hours to get on an even keel. [more inside]
posted by cat_link at 10:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Good Functional Language for a Noob?

I'm looking for a solid language to work with for learning functional programming. I think Python piqued my curiosity, as has working with ANTLR and trying to get a handle on that beast of a program... Understanding syntax trees and seeing how LISP expressions are like trees... It's all fascinating to me. What's the best language for a functional newbie? [more inside]
posted by symbioid at 10:02 PM PST - 21 comments

thywhat?

Ok, so my gf has some sort of thyroid condition? Shes on a lot of natural hormone (like 18 mg a day? 3 pills, I think) and her TSH is low. She says, and I believe her, that the high thyroid is what keeps her functioning, awake, etc. However, doctors seem to find the low TSH alarming and want to lower the thyroid dose. She will have none of this, and gets upset. I have no idea whats going on. help? please? [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 9:39 PM PST - 25 comments

Drink Hard & Speak Easy

I'm throwing a speakeasy themed Prohibition party. What are some fun movies from the 1920s—that are readily available through Netflix—that I can project onto the walls to create ambiance? [more inside]
posted by Lieber Frau at 9:28 PM PST - 16 comments

More Swag Than Times Square

Where can we take the best/most interesting/most creative/most unique picture in NYC? [more inside]
posted by WaspEnterprises at 9:25 PM PST - 15 comments

What D.C. activities on a need-to-know basis?

What off-the-beaten-path activities can I do in D.C.? I would love to do something that makes me feel a bit like a VIP. I want the city to seem like it does in a spy novel. Seeing the vintage Congressional bathrooms, getting a behind the scenes tour of the Library of Congress, and unusual sights like the Pentagon's gold AK-47 are the kind of things I'm after. [more inside]
posted by Monochrome at 8:46 PM PST - 13 comments

Can my mountain bike frame be repaired?

Can my mountain bike frame be repaired? [more inside]
posted by Gomez_in_the_South at 8:31 PM PST - 14 comments

All your medical recommendations for Portland, OR

Recommend me your dermatologist, gynecologist, and GPs in Portland, OR. [more inside]
posted by ansate at 8:15 PM PST - 7 comments

What have I done to my ankle?

YANAD (or maybe you are), but a few weeks ago I suffered a fall from my horse and now there's a funny bump on my ankle. I will be going to my GP sometime soon but am still curious as to what it may be. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by sunshine arakhan at 7:42 PM PST - 5 comments

More Fun? One way to find out.

How tough/insane is it going to be to colour my hair to look like Dr. Horrible's? How do I go about it? Difficulty level: Never done this before, though my wife has some experience with hair colouring at home, and planning on doing it at home as I can't see spending salon level money on a Halloween costume. [more inside]
posted by Mitheral at 7:27 PM PST - 10 comments

Empty a parent's house fast

What's the quickest, easiest way to clean out my mom's house in San Diego when I don't live there? [more inside]
posted by Lauram at 6:58 PM PST - 5 comments

Could post-conviction collateral relief release a sexual predator from prison early?

Pennsylvania criminal law filter: How does post-conviction collateral relief work, and how often does it result in dismissed charges? Details of one particular case inside... [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 6:45 PM PST - 7 comments

the gift of charts and lists is the greatest gift of all?

How to choose a digital (video) camera? Not against photo and video capability as long as the video rocks. [more inside]
posted by prefpara at 6:39 PM PST - 6 comments

waterdamaged macbook pro battery difficulties

so i "fixed" a relative's water-damaged macbook pro, but it still has issues. [more inside]
posted by camdan at 6:22 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I make kitty jail easier for my cats?

How do I keep my cats calm while separated and waiting to reintroduce them? [more inside]
posted by MaritaCov at 6:03 PM PST - 6 comments

Front Towards Bird Feeder

Is it be possible to make a few replica [100% inert, of course] Claymore mines while also practicing my slab/ceramic skills? [more inside]
posted by RolandOfEld at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Zee German?

What is "the German" (dance? Game?) referred to in several Louisa May Alcott books? [more inside]
posted by xaire at 5:31 PM PST - 14 comments

What are some good recipes for chicken drumsticks?

What are some good recipes for chicken drumsticks? [more inside]
posted by shoesietart at 5:22 PM PST - 17 comments

I think I'm genderqueer / agendered. Now what?

I think I'm genderqueer / agendered. Now what? [more inside]
posted by Vatican Cameos at 5:19 PM PST - 19 comments

Help me figure out what to read next!

Yet another "please help me find more books to read" query [more inside]
posted by Quincy at 4:54 PM PST - 32 comments

"Nature" for humanities?

Is there an equivalent of "Nature" for the humanities and social sciences? I'm looking for a magazine or blog that curates notable scholarly papers from non-STEM disciplines (philosophy/sociology/psychology/cultural studies/etc) for a wider audience. [more inside]
posted by dontjumplarry at 4:47 PM PST - 13 comments

How to do a webinar?

How can I find an audience for a software demo webinar? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:39 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me restore a lost file! Please!

I accidentally saved in dropbox an old version of a paper I'm writing in Word. Now I can't find the updated version, either in Word or in dropbox. HELP HELP please. [more inside]
posted by goofyfoot at 4:25 PM PST - 17 comments

What to do about friend's drug use?

Uncertain about friend's increased drug use, could use some meta-advice. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:15 PM PST - 20 comments

Very comfortable elastic-waste, drawstring "yoga" pants

I'm looking for very comfortable elastic-waist, drawstring men's "yoga"-style pants for hanging around the house and for practicing yoga. Must have pockets. Most dedicated "yoga" pants seem to cost $75 or more. I'm hoping for cheaper!
posted by Quisp Lover at 4:08 PM PST - 20 comments

Do I eat this? I really don't want to get sick.

Toss or eat? Yesterday's (restaurant-made) spaghetti in meat sauce that was unrefrigerated for about 10 hrs today. [more inside]
posted by who squared at 3:52 PM PST - 35 comments

Where can I find these boots from the Sartorialist?

Where can I find these boots? [more inside]
posted by theRussian at 3:35 PM PST - 4 comments

How to discharge anger at an ex two years after the breakup?

When everything on the surface seems healed and healthy after a breakup, how do you quash obsessive thoughts and anger about an abusive ex- two years on? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:19 PM PST - 21 comments

Cheap, public transit reachable parking in the outskirts of NYC. Is there such a thing?

I live in New York City. I own a car that I only need to use 2-3 times a month. Are there any low(er)-cost parking alternatives if you don't need constant access to the car? The ideal parking situation for me would be a garage with 24-hour access that would be reachable by public transit. Something way out there in Queens, Brooklyn or even Westchester. Is there such a thing?
posted by gertzedek at 2:42 PM PST - 13 comments

How to travel between USA/Canada as a dual citizen

DualCitizenshipFilter: I was born an American citizen, the son of a Canadian mother. A few years ago I applied for and received my Canadian citizenship, and was provided with my Certificate of Canadian Citizenship. I have never applied for and do not have a Canadian passport. If I were to enter Canada now (by air or land) what do I say, what do I tell them? Can I just show them my canadian card and be done with it? What about coming back to the U.S.A.? Can it be done both ways without either passport?
posted by kjl291 at 2:38 PM PST - 15 comments

Seeking Free WIFI In Las Vegas

Hello, My family is traveling to Las Vegas at the end of September. Knowing the hotels charge for WIFI, I am asking if anyone would know of a FREE WIFI spot near Harrahs on the strip? Thanks in advance.
posted by Mckoan1 at 2:33 PM PST - 5 comments

What's the meaning of life?

What's your favorite web place for open-ended questions about almost anything? I'm basically looking for a great, engaged, smart community - like Metafilter - but with the ability to ask and answer more open-ended questions and to engage posters in conversations.
posted by st starseed at 2:01 PM PST - 5 comments

Suggest some books for me.

College senior looking for books to read before I enter the workforce and become a "real person." [more inside]
posted by Precision at 1:50 PM PST - 28 comments

Bing is up in my new tabs, hijacking my cursor

Is there a way to set my browser preferences to not automatically place the cursor in a Bing search field upon opening a new tab? [more inside]
posted by donpedro at 1:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Looking for a pediatrician for a newborn near Reston, VA.

Looking for a pediatrician for a newborn near Reston, VA. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:11 PM PST - 7 comments

Multiple applications for similar Amazon openings?

Amazon insiders, and/or HR savants: I am applying for a position at Amazon, through their "Careers at Amazon" site. I notice that there are several positions listed, with different ID numbers, but essentially similar roles in the same metro area. Is it prudent, imprudent, or a non-issue to apply for all of those? Do they all go past the same sets of eyes?
posted by anonymous at 1:11 PM PST - 5 comments

$10 at a hardware store?

What is the coolest thing I can buy at Lowe's or Home Depot for ~$10.00?
posted by reductiondesign at 1:09 PM PST - 30 comments

Henry needs large, flat, shallow tray for his bath.

I need a relatively shallow 3'x3' or 4'x4', flat bottomed plastic tray... thingy. I want to give Henry, our very large African Spurred Tortoise, a bath. [more inside]
posted by BlackBox at 12:29 PM PST - 30 comments

How does fact checking a book work?

I'm looking for information on the process of fact checking a book manuscript. What are the norms in this field? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:28 PM PST - 3 comments

Risks of Forming Babby

My partner is in her her mid-30s. We've got at least a year before we're in a position to be trying to have children. Just how freaked out should I be about the increased risk of health problems in the kids/etc? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:27 PM PST - 33 comments

Roku Grab Bag: Remote control volume? DVD solutions?

Roku Grab Bag: Remote control volume? DVD solutions? [more inside]
posted by artlung at 12:20 PM PST - 3 comments

Extended stay in Gaithersburg

I will be staying in the Gaithersburg, Maryland, area for four to six weeks and I'm looking for a decent extended stay hotel. Has anyone stayed in this area before and could you recommend a good extended stay hotel, preferably close to NIST? Thanks!
posted by Aanidaani at 12:02 PM PST - 3 comments

Brightening up a dreary corporate parking lot - what is it?

Can anyone identify this plant? It's growing on the edge of a parking lot in Largo, MD.
posted by ryanshepard at 11:47 AM PST - 7 comments

Apps, Settings, and Prefs Synced Across Multiple Macs

Macbook Pro + Mac Pro = sync everything (apps, settings, preferences, dotfiles, macports installs, etc) between the two over the internet? Both run OSX 10.8... [more inside]
posted by cmchap at 11:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Which states let campaigns keep donations and which make them spend them dollars?

In certain US states political candidates at the local and state level have to spend all of the funding they get for a certain campaign before the November election. In others, they get to keep that pool of cash for future elections. This is what I've heard anyway. But I can't find any kind of definitive list of which state has which law. Does such a list exist in an easily accessible place? How do I find out more about individual state's campaign finance laws without wading through endless Secretary of State documents? And as an aside--does this come up often? Do campaigns ever really bother to hold onto money if they are ahead or do they usually spend the dollars on the current campaign anyway?
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:21 AM PST - 9 comments

Artist ID

Can anyone help in identifying this painting and artist? [more inside]
posted by Cuspidx at 10:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Which tablet is the best (little) bang for the buck?

My beloved netbook is dying and I want to replace it with a tablet. But which one? [more inside]
posted by specialagentwebb at 10:43 AM PST - 11 comments

How to get sides of big toes completely clean?

Though I clean under them with the little hook part of my nail clipper, and though I've had pedicures which definitely help, I can't ever seem to get the side edges of my big toes completely sparkling clean. Lint accumulates, I clean it out, but the sides still always look a touch darker than the rest of the toenail. Maybe all the dirt that's been there over the years has stained them or something? Any tips on solving this?
posted by Malad at 10:39 AM PST - 7 comments

How to stay when it hurts like I'm already gone

How do you stay in a relationship when you know there's a very good chance it might end soon? [Siberian winter's worth of snowflakes inside.] [more inside]
posted by Sockmaster at 10:29 AM PST - 42 comments

lost and found

Found a wallet with a bunch of German identification (passport, drivers license, ID cards). How can I get this stuff back to him? Is there a better way than just mailing it to the address on his passport? If I do mail it should I use USPS? I'm in NYC.
posted by laptolain at 10:16 AM PST - 12 comments

Help a guy look dashing sexy cool with his collar up.

Don't guys wear the collar up on suit jackets anymore? [more inside]
posted by Eicats at 10:10 AM PST - 26 comments

Intruder Alert!

With a new neighborhood comes new neighborhood cats, and one of our indoor cats is freaking out. What do we do about this? [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 9:41 AM PST - 16 comments

Choosing Lender - 1st Time Home Buyer

My agent asked me to select a lender I want to work with to get the loan process kickstarted. She feels we're getting close to get an approval from the second lender (the first lender already approved) on a short sale single family home and wants to get my file processed and ready by the lender of my choice. I'm struggling a bit with the criteria as they seem to combine both hard numbers (interest rate, fees) and less quantifiable matters like how to I feel working with a certain lender etc. Appreciate your advice on a no-nonsense criteria and how to best choose / compare lenders. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Michal at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Sharp eyes, sharp eye exam?

Eyes 20/10 with correction, where to get the sharpest prescription in the US? [more inside]
posted by zippy at 9:27 AM PST - 12 comments

Kaiser?

Can anyone share their experiences with Kaiser Richmond/Pinole - especially in regards to pediatrics? [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 9:23 AM PST - 1 comment

Men's linen shirts in Toronto...

Where in Toronto can I buy men's linen shirts, preferably dark colors and short sleeves? I'd rather not order online due to sizing and such. Thanks.
posted by You Should See the Other Guy at 9:17 AM PST - 3 comments

Welcome to Big Brother: Office Edition.

Office Crush Filter: We work in a tiny office. Is this still worth pursuing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:13 AM PST - 32 comments

What is a good cheap netbook to run SPSS on?

Any recommendations for an inexpensive and highly portable netbook? I want to run the PC version of SPSS on it and take it to my stats class. I will also want to check email, but that's about it. [more inside]
posted by mlle valentine at 9:11 AM PST - 5 comments

Penn Jillette without the politics

I can juggle three balls, walk on stilts, and eat fire. What are some good books/resources on learning more? [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 9:08 AM PST - 12 comments

Help my dogs share the woods with bowhunters.

Please help me assess and mitigate the risk to my dogs from bowhunters during deer season. [more inside]
posted by Mngo at 9:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me be a great DM!

Help a somewhat disorganized dude be the best D&D 3.5 GM he can (hella long inside.) [more inside]
posted by griphus at 8:56 AM PST - 14 comments

What should I look for in a sub-1K mountain bike?

Which low/mid range mountain bike should I get? I'm a reasonably serious road rider, but now find myself living in an area where the road biking leaves a lot to be desired (and, frankly, the local drivers and roads have me worried for my safety). The mountain biking is supposedly fantastic, so I'd like to give that a try. I'm not looking to do jumps, but am happy ascending and doing controlled descents. This will be an off-road only bike used near Albuquerque, NM. [more inside]
posted by jeffch at 8:56 AM PST - 9 comments

Billigste

I need cheap tickets to Berlin from Durham, NC ASAP. [more inside]
posted by outlandishmarxist at 8:55 AM PST - 8 comments

Going through Grandmother's house - where to sell the items?

Where to sell items - craigslist? [more inside]
posted by needlegrrl at 8:54 AM PST - 8 comments

Recommend some female-lead rock bands

Recommend me some songs (rock or pop) with female vocalists that send a shiver down your spine. [more inside]
posted by ish__ at 8:38 AM PST - 65 comments

Hide and seek.

Laptop techs of MeFi, I present you a challenge...This laptop refuses to turn on its backlight! [more inside]
posted by TomMelee at 8:32 AM PST - 10 comments

Should I send a cover letter with this fax?

Should I send a cover letter with this faxed hard copy job application that's due today, and if so, where can I find good, quick instructions on how to do so? The special details -- I originally filled out an application through an online system but it was inactivated as of two days ago. Online system didn't require resume or cover letter, and the application is very structured in what it asks for. Do I try to save HR & myself some time by skipping a cover letter, or do I make the extra effort to type something out in the next hour?
posted by soundproof at 8:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Shine a light on NYC Real Estate Pitfalls

Tell me about your NYC apt hunting horror stories... [more inside]
posted by Hurst at 8:11 AM PST - 17 comments

Disagreeing with a Client: Graphic Designer Filter

What's the best protocol to follow as a freelance graphic designer if a client requests something not possible or a graphic element that will ruin the overall composition of a given piece? [more inside]
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 8:09 AM PST - 9 comments

"Trust me, I'm a great worker. Just don't ask my last boss..."

I was fired and now I'm trying to get hired. How can I tactfully deal with this subject in interviews? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Maid in Seattle?

Looking for a good cleaning service in Ballard, WA. [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 7:54 AM PST - 1 comment

Hel me nopt mess up my next pair of Dockers.

What is causing the mystery stain to my Dockers in the washing machine? [more inside]
posted by the foreground at 7:32 AM PST - 20 comments

Best offline iOS travel apps?

What are the best iOS apps you can use while travelling without a data plan? [more inside]
posted by smackfu at 7:18 AM PST - 11 comments

Ethanol-containing gas in a two-stroke engine - what to do?

What to do with ethanol-containing gas in a two-stroke engine? [more inside]
posted by dmd at 7:13 AM PST - 13 comments

The Search for Two-Year-Plus Pants

I finally found a pair of black, cordura cycling jeans that seem like they'll last for years. On the other hand, I've started to discover that my Levis don't last. Where else can I find indestructable pants? [more inside]
posted by tmcw at 7:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Should I cool it with my long distance friend until he leaves his girlfriend?

Divorce from abusive ex almost final, unexpectedly slept with a friend. We have loads in common but he's not (yet?) available. Cool it, or enjoy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:03 AM PST - 31 comments

Recommend a dentist in Putney, London?

Can anyone recommend a good dentist in or around Putney, London SW15? [more inside]
posted by mr_silver at 7:01 AM PST - 1 comment

There is no Jay Smooth video about this one.

I have never used "Jew" as a verb. I no longer "welsh" on debts, and I haven't used "gyp" since I was educated on the racism behind that term. Do I also need to stop using terms like "Mexican standoff", "Chinese firedrill", and "kabuki dance" if I intentionally don't want to create offense to a reasonable person in another cultural group? I grew up in very homogeneous territory and so I'm still learning. Please school me. I love words, I love colorful language and descriptors, but I don't want to be an ass. Words matter.
posted by availablelight at 5:48 AM PST - 62 comments

Looking for a pressure canner

Please recommend me a gasket-free pressure canner! [more inside]
posted by torisaur at 5:45 AM PST - 5 comments

Events ideas for an alumnus club

please help me with university alumni club events ideas! [more inside]
posted by saraindc at 5:36 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to find contact details for every library in the UK

Does there exist a list of address/contact details for all libraries in the UK (or Scotland)? Failing that, is there a way that I could acquire or build such a list without doing it manually?
posted by Kirn at 5:20 AM PST - 4 comments

What are the main cities for creative, arts and media scenes in Canada?

What are the main cities for creative, arts and media scenes in Canada? [more inside]
posted by stackhaus23 at 5:06 AM PST - 9 comments

Very long question on things to see/do in the British winter

Spending a month in the UK during winter, our first time there. Need your ideas and recommendations on interesting things to see/do! [more inside]
posted by epiphinite at 1:01 AM PST - 33 comments

September 16

Suspicious about my "new" camera

I bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ150 camera from 42photo.com. It arrived last week. It's supposed to be new, but I think it's previously-owned. [more inside]
posted by Dec One at 9:12 PM PST - 14 comments

And in Act Three, it turns out it really isn't lupus after all...

Recommend some good TV series with strong procedural elements that are currently on the air. [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 8:58 PM PST - 44 comments

Looking for a better way to alter a Tumblr theme

What is a good way to edit a Tumblr theme when I have limited experience with "modern" HTML used in tumblr themes? I have a tumblr and I picked up a decent looking free theme, but it seems to be missing some elements. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 8:50 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking for a book to last me a month

I'm going to be spending the next few months backpacking in the wilderness. I'm looking for 1-2 long books that would both be a great read and would last most of the trip if possible. [more inside]
posted by aleatorictelevision at 8:47 PM PST - 37 comments

How can I deal with my 9 year old sister?

How can I deal with my 9 year old sister? [more inside]
posted by kiralee at 8:28 PM PST - 27 comments

A different fussy suitor from those I've met before

I'm working through an explanation/derivation of the secretary problem that I've never seen before. I know the eventual answer, and I understand most of the steps, but explain this to me like I'm an idiot: [more inside]
posted by supercres at 8:28 PM PST - 9 comments

See the horn, see the horn it shines / Don't get too close or it'll burn your eyes

I'm looking for quite a few marching band/concert band covers of rock, especially punk rock bands. [more inside]
posted by michaelh at 7:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Foreign currency exchange in Gainesville, FL?

Where can I change my Sterling and Euro banknotes to USD in Gainesville? [more inside]
posted by pont at 7:24 PM PST - 6 comments

Where can a bunch of people volunteer in the Seattle area?

I need a place where 50-75 people can spend a weekday (not weekend) volunteering in the Seattle area in late October. The only unacceptable answer is "go clean up this trail / move these heavy rocks / pull these blackberry bushes." [more inside]
posted by kthxbi at 7:16 PM PST - 13 comments

And then the station pulls away from the train!

What are some films with hilarious sight gags? [more inside]
posted by meadowlark lime at 7:06 PM PST - 42 comments

What is this mystery code token?

Mystery token! What is it's use? What is it made of? When was it made? What do the numbers mean? What do the letters mean? What does the grid mean? What does the dial mean? What is the significance of AM? What does W. & H. CO. mean? [more inside]
posted by clorox at 6:37 PM PST - 22 comments

at&t vs. verizon for iphone in bay area?

Should I choose ATT or Verizon for iPhone in San Francisco/Bay Area? [more inside]
posted by roxie110 at 6:34 PM PST - 20 comments

need to learn how to shop best for the whole family

Ask advice from Moms (could be dads) who do clothes shopping for the whole family (kids, yourself, spouse). If you don't have a lot of time to shop and you want to try to find good deals, how do you do it? [more inside]
posted by akomom at 6:31 PM PST - 11 comments

Executive Function for 20-somethings

What can I do to improve my executive function as a 23 year old male? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 6:31 PM PST - 15 comments

"nothing, nothing, nothing... HISS!"?

My pressure cooker used to gradually build up to high hiss. Now it's silent for a long time and then pops to high hiss. Do I need a new pressure cooker? [more inside]
posted by nadise at 6:14 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me stop these migraines. Please.

Lots and lots and lots of migraines. Help, please. [more inside]
posted by guster4lovers at 6:06 PM PST - 37 comments

What do I do with over-dried salmon jerky?

Good use for over-dried salmon jerky? [more inside]
posted by Señor Pantalones at 5:51 PM PST - 8 comments

How to get the most out of an android device?

So I followed my own advice and I now own a Galaxy Nexus. It's my first android experience. Help me get the most out of it. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 5:24 PM PST - 29 comments

Numbers Rackets and Benford's Law

Does Benford's Law apply to Numbers Games? [more inside]
posted by Tell Me No Lies at 5:10 PM PST - 10 comments

booking a car without a credit card

Is there any place near Parma Airport, Mallorca/Majorca that you can pre-book a rental car with a debit card (not a credit card)? [more inside]
posted by By The Grace of God at 4:58 PM PST - 1 comment

do you think my new boyfriend is bisexual or gay? or maybe just a little metro?

do you think my new boyfriend is bisexual or gay? or maybe just a little metro? [more inside]
posted by happyjuice at 4:55 PM PST - 72 comments

Was this a real XKCd comic? Or am I mis-remembering?

Memory Fail: Was this a XKCD comic? [more inside]
posted by Faintdreams at 4:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Two jobs with one application?

Job number citing for two almost identical jobs? [more inside]
posted by Hakaisha at 4:35 PM PST - 1 comment

How do I stop a company from billing me for services I didn't ask for?

How do I stop a company from billing me for services I didn't ask for? [more inside]
posted by platosadvocate at 4:28 PM PST - 6 comments

Unmerge Records

How do I kill the links to an outside source in a Word document? [more inside]
posted by jimmysmits at 3:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Which tablet is best for reading many, many pdfs?

Looking for a thin, light, rectangular device on which to read scientific papers... which one?? I know nothing about tablets, except that they exist. [more inside]
posted by munichmaiden at 3:30 PM PST - 19 comments

Cell phone use in other countries

Cell phones in countries (Americas-Latin, South, Central etc.) [more inside]
posted by pakora1 at 3:02 PM PST - 9 comments

We want football but not much else.

We're moving to a new place in DC and would like to explore television that includes watching NFL games and do not include just paying for a big ol' Comcast or DirectTV contract. Are there other options? [more inside]
posted by calcetinporfavor at 2:29 PM PST - 8 comments

Once you go short you... get lazy and end up with long hair again

Help me find a new hairstylist who understands "low maintenance", in Ann Arbor, Denver, or Phoenix. [more inside]
posted by nat at 2:10 PM PST - 7 comments

can nerve blocks cause hand tremors?

can nerve blocks cause hand tremors? [more inside]
posted by unlucky.lisp at 2:03 PM PST - 7 comments

How to investigate an airline/airport go around?

How can I learn what caused an apparent aborted landing and go-around at DFW airport today? [more inside]
posted by punkfloyd at 1:32 PM PST - 11 comments

Remote app in reverse?

I have a Macbook Air and an iPad. When they're both at home I want to be able to control music playback on the iPad from the Air. What do I want? [more inside]
posted by slow graffiti at 12:53 PM PST - 7 comments

advice

As a follow up to this question about suddenly coming into a substantial amount of money - I'm wondering if anyone in the New York City area can recommend a fee-only financial advisor. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:47 PM PST - 2 comments

Best practices for post-op family support?

My husband will be having major surgery next week. As far as I can tell, I was born without normal sick-person-wrangling instincts. What helpful or comforting things should I be planning to do to support him through recovery, at the hospital and afterwards at home? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:47 PM PST - 21 comments

how did he do it?

Has this guy found a way to not pay medical bills, if so, what is it? (in the USA) [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 12:43 PM PST - 13 comments

What's in this Whole Foods prepared grain salad?

Can you help me recreate this cranberry, pecan, and grain salad from the Whole Foods salad bar? I don't need an exact formula, just help figuring out what's in it. Sad, I know but I'm going crazy missing it! [more inside]
posted by crabintheocean at 12:41 PM PST - 11 comments

Maa, maa, maa? Thai tones and beginning language learning

I'm taking a beginning Thai language class, with an emphasis on oral communication. Is it vital to learn the tones/alphabet first? [more inside]
posted by elisse at 12:23 PM PST - 6 comments

I need a functional, inexpensive DVI over cat 6 extender

I need a functional, inexpensive DVI over cat 6 extender that will handle 1920x1080. The run is about 50'. [more inside]
posted by dickyvibe at 12:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Fifty Shades of something

Please don't hate me but I am one of those soccer Moms who really enjoyed Fifty Shades of Grey. What would I like to read next? [more inside]
posted by metahawk at 12:00 PM PST - 16 comments

Does the internet contain a trustworthy loan interest rate aggregator/advisor?

How do I find out what constitutes a "good" car loan for a given set of circumstances? [more inside]
posted by contraption at 11:46 AM PST - 2 comments

Goose-like banjo tune

I'm trying to identify a bluegrass-style banjo tune that was meant to sound like the honks of geese. I seem to remember the recording I heard was by the brother of a more famous player.
posted by phrontist at 11:45 AM PST - 5 comments

Will this poster emotionally scar my little brother?

I have this NSFW poster in my room. I study sexuality and art. My mom, grandmother, and 6 year old sibling are visiting me, and will want to see my room. Should I take the poster down? [more inside]
posted by Pwoink at 11:45 AM PST - 40 comments

Questions about kegels

Should kegels be done every day or every other day for maximum effect? Is there a website equivalent to 100 Push-Ups for them (i.e., gives you a routine for doing them, including how much to increase as one's muscles grow stronger)? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:41 AM PST - 4 comments

Your stereotypical gay gym crush.

Can I approach my crush? How? What to say if I do? (slightly long) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:31 AM PST - 11 comments

Can this Pork Knuckle be Saved?

I purchased a rotisserie roasted pork knuckle at the Farmer's Market yesterday. I unfortunately neglected to pay attention to the prep instructions on the scribbled note at the stand. When I got home, I got out the slow cooker and started throwing stuff in...the meat and knuckle bone, a ham hock that I had stored in the freezer, a bunch of shredded carrots, cabbage, a cut up onion, 2 cut up apples, some seasoning, and a beer poured over the whole thing. I left it slow cooking for about 8 hours, then on warm overnight. When I got up this morning, the slow cooker was off and it was room temperature. Two questions: 1. is it safe to eat? 2. It doesn't really seem edible in it's current state. There's not a lot of liquid but what there is is mostly fat. It smells good but looks like a mushy mess. Is it salvageable for any purpose? Can I do something else to it to make it a broth base? Bonus question: I pulled the crispy skin off and stuck it in the refrigerator separately. Suggestions on what to do with that?
posted by ms_rasclark at 11:20 AM PST - 9 comments

Job-hunting for my brother

How can I help my unemployed brother find work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:17 AM PST - 9 comments

Apartment hunting with a mold allergy (Chicago)

I have a rather serious mold allergy. How should I go about finding a mold-free (or almost mold-free) apartment in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by randomname25 at 11:03 AM PST - 3 comments

Should we have a greencard wedding in Vegas?

Someone I just met has suggested getting married for me to get UK citizenship and her to get US citizenship. Is this insane? [more inside]
posted by slartibartfast at 10:35 AM PST - 44 comments

PlantFiler: Help ID This vine in Atlanta!

I just recently moved to Atlanta (yay) and have been doing some gardening (aside: fellow atlanta mefi-ers please say hi, i need friends here!) Anyway, in pruning the honeysuckle bush outside our place, i found that about half of the plant is entangled in what looks to be some kind of invasive vine whose leaves look like this. I've cut most of it out of the plant now but I'd like to know what it is and what i should be doing to keep it away. I also see it growing up the side of the house a little. Please dont tell me its poison something because i 've been rubbing my hands on it all morning.
posted by softlord at 9:04 AM PST - 18 comments

DC Cinderella needs a cheap set of wheels

Party Princess wants a shared horse drawn carriage in DC [more inside]
posted by Luminiferous Ether at 8:51 AM PST - 5 comments

Help identifying a short story

Help identifying a short story I originally read in an Isaac Asimov "Science Fiction" magazine. [more inside]
posted by dotgirl at 8:38 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me identify this drawer runner.

Help me identify these drawer runners so I can get replacements. [more inside]
posted by knapah at 8:13 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm going to South Beach and I'm as boring as Mitt Romney...

So, I'm going to South Beach, FL for the first week of October. But I don't do nightclubs, don't drink much, and usually fall asleep by 11PM. You are of course thinking to yourself "this guy is crazy!" Crazy I may be, but I'm wondering what is there to do in south Florida that does not involve (1) nightclubs, (2) excessive drinking, (3) staying up very late. [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 7:29 AM PST - 15 comments

Bento newbie seeks sensei

Help me find the perfect bento box. [more inside]
posted by digitalprimate at 4:47 AM PST - 17 comments

Family might find me using my SSN

I tried to find similar threads on google but there doesn't seem to be any. Is there a way to make my SSN information private? [more inside]
posted by kopi at 4:35 AM PST - 13 comments

What to do in an 18-hour layover in Tokyo?

Hi! On Xmas day this year, we'll be en route to Vietnam for two weeks... But before that, we'll be spending an 18 hour layover in Tokyo. Any recs on what we can do/see in that little time? [more inside]
posted by picarosado at 4:22 AM PST - 13 comments

the sound of your own voice, outside your head

Singers: how did you get over feeling so exposed singing your own lyrics? [more inside]
posted by lifethatihavenotlivedyet at 4:02 AM PST - 13 comments

Classy, sturdy, usable suspenders: buy, or make?

Need advice on finding or making a practical, yet classy, pair of button suspenders. (Y or X style) [more inside]
posted by CustooFintel at 2:23 AM PST - 4 comments

Significant stories in Other Cultures

Are there Asian, African, or Spanish speaking equivalents to the Arthurian legends? [more inside]
posted by gt2 at 12:42 AM PST - 33 comments

September 15

Flipping Through Channels-Next, Next, Next...Oh Wait, That Looks Cool!

What are some of your favourite drama television shows that focus on character development rather than settings and storylines reated to to the emergency room, court room, etc..? [more inside]
posted by livinglearning at 11:40 PM PST - 37 comments

Bathroom lighting emergency -- need a battery powered lantern!

I've lost power in my bathroom (and adjacent room) and it will be a week before it gets fixed. What's a good battery-powered lantern I could use while I shower? [more inside]
posted by Wossname at 11:26 PM PST - 10 comments

Do I have to print my Yankees tix?

I got some print at home Yankee's tickets. Can I just put the PDF on my iPhone and have them scan off that to get in? Or do I need to print? [more inside]
posted by chasing at 10:21 PM PST - 10 comments

Women's Health Services in Southern US?

Please tell me about Women's Health Services in a particular southern state, specifically access to what I will term pharmaceutical termination. Online it looks bleak. It seems this medication can be ordered online, here. Is ordering online a legit option? Is it safe? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by SockyMcSockyPants at 10:17 PM PST - 19 comments

Australian rural healthcare and a broke pregnant American girl ...

My sister-in-law is somewhere in NSW, Australia, pregnant, and a US citizen ... are we supposed to be freaking out? Links to pages of how a US citizen gets healthcare in AUS appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Risingfenix at 10:05 PM PST - 30 comments

How much does plastic surgery actually cost?

How much, realistically speaking, would I have to save up for plastic surgery in New York? [more inside]
posted by dekathelon at 9:29 PM PST - 22 comments

Help my child with Tourettes and ADD

Are there grants or financial aid for my 8 year old daughter who has Tourettes Syndrome and ADD? I need money to put her in a tutoring center and to put her in physical activity programs. [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 8:44 PM PST - 4 comments

Where to try men's colognes in Toronto

Widest selection of men's colognes/scents in Toronto or GTA? [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 8:14 PM PST - 2 comments

What's fun for groups in new york?

Looking for fun group activities in NYC - 20-50 college-age people, budget roughly $20/person. [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 8:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Legit or fake Canadian consumer survey?

Canadian filter: Consumer Research Centre survey from 2012 Consumer Product Survey of British Columbia, from Diane Simon, offering a possible $2,500 from answering a 16-page survey. Legit or fake? [more inside]
posted by Hawk V at 7:56 PM PST - 8 comments

How to take a full-web-page screenshot

How do I take a screenshot of an entire webpage (difficulty: using functionality built-in to Firefox 9+ or Windows 7, and I accidentally did it yesterday)? [more inside]
posted by pla at 7:44 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me identify this short story

What's the story where the guy talks to a bunch of dead people and then finds out he's dead? [more inside]
posted by nzero at 7:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Anyone looking to hire a tree-sitter?

Is it possible to be happy in a low-level office job if you're working for a cause you’re passionately devoted to? [more inside]
posted by désoeuvrée at 7:12 PM PST - 27 comments

How to use Pledge Music without being a computer genius?

Can someone please help me understand PledgeMusic? [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 7:06 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I cite a book chapter I wrote, but was betrayed over?

In getting ready to update my CV for a big deal application, I just learned (via the table of contents view on Amazon) that I was dropped as the co-author on a book chapter that I wrote for a professor. What is the best way to put this on my CV, now that I know "in press" is replaced by "so long sucker"? And as a junior person in academia, how do I keep this from happening again? [more inside]
posted by artdesk at 5:51 PM PST - 11 comments

Social Security Disability Applications

I'm seeking real-life experiences in applying for Social Security Disability. Yesterday I completed my on-line application for Social Security Disability. I haven't been able to work since February and have been receiving first short-term and now long-term disability payments from my prior employer (I no longer have a job to go back to even if I were able to work). My long-term disability is approved in 3 month chunks, but since there has been no improvement in my condition, I don't have any reason to believe it wouldn't continue to be approved although it's stressful to me when those reapprovals come due. [more inside]
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 4:12 PM PST - 18 comments

Please help me find video footage .

I've searched for a long time for video of George Bush's 2003 surprise Thanksgiving visit to Iraq where he comes out and the soldiers jumped to their feet and erupted with cheering.
posted by rockhopper at 3:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me pick the right email address

What email address should I choose for my personal domain? [more inside]
posted by r-senal at 3:22 PM PST - 21 comments

Becoming an awesome programmer

If I wanted to become a badass programmer, where would I start? Let's say I have no experience now, and by the end of this road, I want to be able to write code for anything - websites, iPhone apps, etc. Please map out a plan on how you'd do it - what you'd read, etc. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by rastapasta at 3:21 PM PST - 17 comments

One hunts a squamp with bait.

BookFilter: sci-fi novels with "menagerie worlds." [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 3:09 PM PST - 27 comments

Save a sock-eating Labradoodle from himself

How do you stop a year-and-a-half old Labradoodle from eating every sock in the house? He's just back from the vet yet again, and his determination to find at eat socks at any costs is racking up untenable bills and stress. Any ideas to save him from getting muzzled or crated? [more inside]
posted by bicyclefish at 3:09 PM PST - 27 comments

When you run this long we call it a dreadmill

Where is the best gym on the Las Vegas strip to run 18 miles on the treadmill? [more inside]
posted by 26.2 at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments

Their father is dying, 6000 miles away.

My partner's father is in the early stages of death. They are in the Midwest. I'm in the Middle East. Snowflakes. [more inside]
posted by femmegrrr at 2:33 PM PST - 6 comments

Can a company's offer of severance pay be withdrawn?

Will my company stop paying me severance if they learn I've already found another job? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:20 PM PST - 13 comments

Academic mefites: Did I compromise the review process?

How much of an ethical breech is mistakenly sending a request for peer-review to a group of 5 people? [more inside]
posted by Milau at 2:10 PM PST - 4 comments

Best Hotel Wifi in NYC?

Which NYC hotel has reliable and fast internet access? [more inside]
posted by bodgy at 1:54 PM PST - 5 comments

How much to hang a projector and screen?

How much should I be spending to have a DLP projector hung from a ceiling and have a motorized screen installed? [more inside]
posted by cowmix at 1:48 PM PST - 6 comments

Is an increased electrical service worth the extra cost?

Is upgrading an electrical service worth the extra expense? [more inside]
posted by smcniven at 1:46 PM PST - 6 comments

I am allergic to something in my home that isn't pollen, dander, or mold.

I am allergic to something in my home. The symptoms only show up while I'm at home. I don't know what it could be. Is there something or someone that can figure out for me? [more inside]
posted by bosco_costanza at 1:35 PM PST - 16 comments

Stuck in nostalgia; how to move forward?

Stuck in nostalgia. How to move forward? [more inside]
posted by fieldcannotbeblank at 1:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Any recommendations for a book on history of computer security?

I'm looking for a book recommendation on the history of computer and internet security. [more inside]
posted by cman at 1:18 PM PST - 8 comments

This again? I already paid you.

I got a response to a debt verification letter I sent. What's my next move? [more inside]
posted by zinon at 12:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Plant ID

Horticurious: Please help me identify this plant that was growing among the catnip. [more inside]
posted by aparrish at 12:19 PM PST - 6 comments

How to setup my HK3490 receiver with my computer?

Dear Audio-gear enthusiasts, I need help with getting my Macbook and HK3490 stereo receiver working. It kinda works, but it kinda doesn't. [more inside]
posted by muymuy at 12:17 PM PST - 6 comments

Proximity sensors, y'know, for cats!

I'm looking for proximity trigger/sensors system with triggers are small enough to be worn by household pets, possibly attached to their collar. The sensors can be stationary and plugged into a power outlet. [more inside]
posted by yorick at 12:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me buy a part that Dell doesn't want to sell me

I need to add a 3rd hard drive to my Dell Precision T1600 workstation. I want to buy this bracket to mount it in an optical drive bay. But unfathomably, Dell only sells that part in the UK and Ireland -- it's not listed on their US site. Help! [more inside]
posted by Artifice_Eternity at 12:10 PM PST - 4 comments

What do Mexican school children learn about the Aztecs?

What do Mexican children learn about the Aztecs in school? [more inside]
posted by GPF at 11:34 AM PST - 8 comments

Things to do in San Francisco this weekend with somebody that can't walk very much?

Things to do in San Francisco this weekend with somebody that can't walk very much? [more inside]
posted by TheTorns at 10:54 AM PST - 13 comments

Parenting and Privilege

Asking for a friend: any one know of popular (or scholarly) books/articles on raising feminist children that might give more than a nod to boys? [more inside]
posted by soonertbone at 10:37 AM PST - 4 comments

Pop the question please?

I want to be engaged, but I want him to propose. [more inside]
posted by nile_red at 10:11 AM PST - 46 comments

give me your tired, your poor, your huddled Swamp Things yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore

Looking for your favorite works of environmentally conscious and ecologically focused science fiction and fantasy. Obscurities preferred! [more inside]
posted by gerryblog at 10:06 AM PST - 29 comments

I like work but not when I have to.

If I feel like I "have" to do something, or that I'll get something out of doing something, I immediately lose interest. How can I learn to enjoy tasks for their own sake, even when I know that's not why I'm doing them? [more inside]
posted by jumelle at 9:59 AM PST - 9 comments

What are some songs or clips from songs that slowly build up by adding instruments one at a time?

What are some songs or clips from songs that slowly build up by adding instruments one at a time and/or by featuring one instrument at a time? [more inside]
posted by ch3cooh at 9:24 AM PST - 27 comments

I'm looking for a cobbler in Dallas, Texas

I'm looking for an excellent shoe repair place in Dallas. [more inside]
posted by hugandpint at 9:11 AM PST - 1 comment

How do I import my pre-organized photos into Aperture?

What is the best way to import my 10+ years of photos into Aperture without screwing up the existing on-disk organization? [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 9:03 AM PST - 8 comments

What is "The One", how do I know if I've found him, and how crucial is it that I do so?

What does it feel like to find "The One"? How do you know when you have found this person? How essential is this feeling for a successful and happy long-term relationship? [more inside]
posted by UniversityNomad at 8:40 AM PST - 51 comments

How many times should you hang out with friends while in a serious relationship?

My fiance and I seem to be in disagreement of how much time is "enough" to spend with friends. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:09 AM PST - 43 comments

I'm reckless, it's expensive. How do I change?

I'm reckless, it's expensive. How do I change? [more inside]
posted by lyinlion at 7:53 AM PST - 21 comments

Breaking up an LTR when your SO has no backup ?

Break-up filter - how do you end a long term relationship with someone who doesn't have anyone else or anything much to count on as back up or support? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:41 AM PST - 18 comments

Which PC laptop to buy for engineering college that'll last me at least 3-4 years?

Which PC laptop to buy for engineering college that'll last me at least 3-4 years? Coming from Apple Macbook. [more inside]
posted by Parh6512 at 6:52 AM PST - 38 comments

Teachers - is your school technology as locked down as ours?

Teachers - is your school technology as locked down as ours? [more inside]
posted by CaptainCaseous at 6:52 AM PST - 11 comments

Best way to learn Oracle Webcenter

What are the best resources for an Oracle newbie to learn Oracle? [more inside]
posted by Nugget at 6:44 AM PST - 4 comments

NO C Q

Received a old Ham Radio transceiver as a gift. Is what I'd like to do with it plausible? [more inside]
posted by werkzeuger at 6:33 AM PST - 7 comments

Mystery Date Kit Ideas?

My good friends are getting married and I'd like to give them 5 or 6 "mystery date kits." What would you put into the boxes if you could only spend about $10 per box and/or use some stuff from around your house? [more inside]
posted by smirkyfodder at 6:20 AM PST - 11 comments

Stories about affairs?

Searching for stories about infidelity. Specifically, stories about emotionally-involved affairs (not one night stands) where one party in the affair is married or in a long-term relationship and the other is single. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by houndsoflove at 6:17 AM PST - 22 comments

New roommate at 40, where do I start?

I’ve decided to get a roommate to offset my bills. What is this going to be like? [more inside]
posted by Amalie-Suzette at 5:12 AM PST - 17 comments

To smartphone or not to smartphone?

To smartphone or not to smartphone? Can I have the advantages without being sucked in by the electronic leash? [more inside]
posted by BigBrownBear at 4:12 AM PST - 7 comments

What happens if federal appeals courts give split opinions on constitutionality of a federal statute?

If multiple federal Appeals Courts issue differing opinions on the constitutionality of a federal statute (like with the federal healthcare law), what happens if the Supreme Court doesn't take the case? [more inside]
posted by denverco at 2:27 AM PST - 5 comments

A mail order bride for me

Mail order bride site that is not a scam? Does one exist? If you have successfully found yours how did you do it?
posted by digividal at 1:27 AM PST - 13 comments

Looking for classic children's literature to read to my class of five year olds

Please recommend me classic children's literature to read aloud to five-year-olds. [more inside]
posted by schmoo at 12:54 AM PST - 33 comments

SAD and Light Therapy

I'm looking to buy a "light box" to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder. I'd love some recommendations on a good quality unit. Suggestions from those who have tried and tested would be much appreciated!
posted by LivinginYes at 12:36 AM PST - 13 comments

What can tempt my siblings away from Annapurna?

Some of my siblings are talking about doing the Annapurna Circuit together next year. I've did it a few years back but would love to travel with them - can you recommend something that would provide similar adventure and excitement for them and also be new for me? [more inside]
posted by twirlypen at 12:02 AM PST - 5 comments

September 14

Do these things on windshield wipers serve any function?

Do these things on windshield wipers serve any function, or are they purely decorative? And is there a name for them? [more inside]
posted by UltraFleece at 11:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Why are delivery times for post to Vancouver so unreliable?

Why is post from Europe to Vancouver, BC so extremely unreliable in terms of delivery time? [more inside]
posted by lesbiassparrow at 10:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me make a great mayan mocha!

Recreating a recipe for a spicy "Mayan" mocha: what kind of peppers to use? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 9:26 PM PST - 10 comments

Private International Travel...The price is worth the no TSA?

[Novel Filter/Oh the 1%]: How do international flights work when flying on a private jet? [more inside]
posted by ilikecookies at 9:09 PM PST - 10 comments

Specialist for a very special illness

Gastroenterologist for brain cooties? [more inside]
posted by lunalaguna at 9:04 PM PST - 9 comments

Oh the Mysteries of the Massive Internet of Congress

Help me with this mystery document/page from the Library of Congress.... [more inside]
posted by RedEmma at 8:15 PM PST - 9 comments

And I've never been to Boston in the fall...well, Haverhill...well, Hampton.

Traveling to Haverhill, MA and Hampton, NH during the first week in October. Where are your favorite restaurants? What shouldn't we miss? [more inside]
posted by firelizard at 7:45 PM PST - 12 comments

Feline Emergency

Neighbor's dogs just attacked my kitten. What? [more inside]
posted by polly_dactyl at 7:17 PM PST - 48 comments

Dear Ms. Wilson and Messrs. Smith, Willians, Jones, and Davis,

I need to address a formal letter to five recipients of different rank and gender at once. How? [more inside]
posted by Nameless at 7:14 PM PST - 22 comments

Disabling the tuner in a TV set

How can I disable the tuner in a TV set? [more inside]
posted by Maximian at 6:38 PM PST - 6 comments

book about living chess set

Looking for the title of a YA book featuring a living chess set. [more inside]
posted by spunweb at 6:32 PM PST - 1 comment

Should I Stay in a Relationship that I Helped Ruin?

I deeply hurt my partner emotionally. I was insecure and stupid. She was there for me when I wasn't for her. Now, I've gotten all my confidence back, and she's not present in the relationship. I truly love her and want her. Should we continue? [more inside]
posted by sunogenous at 5:43 PM PST - 28 comments

What is this mystery object?

What is this mystery item I found in our kitchen? Pictures here (with a pen in the background for scale). [more inside]
posted by charmcityblues at 5:41 PM PST - 9 comments

One step solution to for a new google doc?

I like to write using google docs. I used to have a functioning bookmark that was a one-step to new doc solution, which I loved, because it was simple, and efficient. Some time ago that bookmark stopped working, and now it's a matter of several mouse clicks. This is a very small matter, but if someone has a one step solution they care to share, well, that would be delightful.
posted by letstrythis at 5:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Mountain books

I am looking for literary works about mountains. I imagine they exist, because being in mountains and climbing them and seeing everything from up high is such a powerful experience. I know there are movies about this (for instance the silent ones by Arnold Franck), and I suppose there must be an equivalent in writing. Ideally, they would be rather lyrical or poetic texts. Any ideas, hive-mind?
posted by MrMisterio at 5:10 PM PST - 21 comments

Drug Dealer Neighbors With Barking Dogs

My neighbor's dogs wake me up at all hours of the night barking. It is taking its toll on my well being and capacity to work. It's actually a big big problem that is not fixed by ear plugs and multiple sources of white noise. I am literally surrounded by white noise. The big problem? I'm fairly certain they are drug dealers. I have tried to handle the noise in a low key straightforward manner, acting as if they wer not drug dealers. Someone tipped off the landlord though about the barking and they blame me for "tattling". [more inside]
posted by KoiPond at 4:55 PM PST - 54 comments

Where can I buy battery powered chasing LED light strands?

Does anyone make battery powered chasing LED light strands? [more inside]
posted by smallerdemon at 4:46 PM PST - 7 comments

DIY dresser knobs?

DIY Dresser Knobs?: Is there some way we can avoid spending $30 on what was meant to be a free to very low cost project? [more inside]
posted by dysh at 4:16 PM PST - 21 comments

How do I deal with an oppositional child? (Child within, that is.)

There are things that I genuinely want to do and like doing, but something in me rebels. Help. [more inside]
posted by summer sock at 4:07 PM PST - 22 comments

Harmonium by John Adams. Not that John Adams.

(Classical Music Filter) Any idea what this album I listened to in 1973 was? [more inside]
posted by chocolatepeanutbuttercup at 4:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Happy New Year...er, what?

(Jew Filter) High Holy Days ideas for the unaffiliated? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:56 PM PST - 9 comments

What is the equivalent of "John Doe" in other languages?

What is the equivalent of "John Doe" in other languages? [more inside]
posted by daniel striped tiger at 3:33 PM PST - 37 comments

One of these days these boots are gonna ... be on my feet.

Brown leather, wide-calf boots with minimal bells and whistles and a comfortable foot for under $200. Is this the impossible dream? [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 3:19 PM PST - 20 comments

Does Midsomer Murders portray English country life realistically?

I know that the real English countryside is not as violent as Midsomer County -- no place is -- but how realistic are the other aspects of country life portrayed in the show? (specific questions inside) [more inside]
posted by OrangeDisk at 3:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Is mygiftee.com legit or fraud?

Has anyone used mygiftee.com? Is it an okay site to buy from?
posted by cashman at 3:12 PM PST - 1 comment

"Your incabulator is leaking, sir, and we need to realign it."

Comcast just called me and says that something in my house is feeding noise back into their system, and that I need to schedule someone to come out and look around at everything. Is this legit? [more inside]
posted by jquinby at 3:10 PM PST - 14 comments

Glowstick eating cat

So, my sister's youngest cat bit her way into a glowstick, and now we're worried. [more inside]
posted by Inner Universe at 3:09 PM PST - 8 comments

After a bunch of trips to mechanics, my car engine is hesitating/missing intermittently, and I would love a second opinion.

My 1998 Nissan Sentra GXE (1.6L) has been acting up for the past few weeks, in decreasing degrees of severity. After a varied set of problems and repairs, the engine now hesitates at random, more often when idling than when driving. It sounds like it's about to die completely and then returns to normal in a second. What the heck is going on? [more inside]
posted by summerteeth at 3:08 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me find some awesome bumper stickers.

I need some bumper stickers. There are so many to choose from. [more inside]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 2:59 PM PST - 37 comments

How do I tell my parents that I'm not having sex?

I have no idea how to talk to normal people about my not-normal relationship, particularly when it comes to parents. At what point does it become strange? [more inside]
posted by platypus of the universe at 2:53 PM PST - 34 comments

Satay peanut sauce recipe

Searching for a half-remembered peanut sauce recipe. If that fails: your favourite amazing and simple satay peanut sauce. [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman at 2:43 PM PST - 11 comments

College student friendly time management & study-skills related resources?

Can you recommend any time management and study-skills related resources for a freshman college student? [more inside]
posted by braveterry at 2:22 PM PST - 9 comments

I wish for socialized medicine.

I went to the ER. The doctor claims to not honor my insurance's discount. My insurance claims the doctor is in network and should honor it. I did not pay the difference and it has now gone to collections. The collections agency said I signed an agreement to pay all fees, so I'm on the hook for this amount. (But I obviously disagree.) How should I proceed? [more inside]
posted by ethidda at 2:14 PM PST - 10 comments

Having crossed over, unseen by most, from another dimension of the the inner mind to the outer limits of the night gallery, where do I go next?

I've seen The Twilight Zone. I've seen The Outer Limits. I've seen Tales From the Darkside. I've seen (and, puns notwithstanding, was bored by) Tales From the Crypt. I've seen Night Gallery. What else is there for me to see? [more inside]
posted by windykites at 2:09 PM PST - 41 comments

Need to finally become an Excel/Powerpoint ninja. But how?

I finally need to break down and school myself on Excel and Powerpoint. What's the best way to master them in the Bay Area? [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 1:39 PM PST - 4 comments

What are the dates for the 9th and 20th business day for the rest of this year and all of next year?

I need to quickly figure the 9th and 20th business days of each month for the rest of 2012 and all of 2013. Preferably not in a manual fashion. [more inside]
posted by reenum at 1:36 PM PST - 6 comments

short question

What are the best online communities for short story writers? [more inside]
posted by roger ackroyd at 1:17 PM PST - 6 comments

What are our choices in caring for an infirm uncle?

What alternatives exist to nursing home care for an almost senior citizen with severe epilepsy? Lots of details follow... [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 1:06 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I break out of the pen and paper to-do prison?

Can you reccomend any good Right-brained/Visual/Spatial/Kinesthetic alternatives to pen and paper, linear to-do lists? [more inside]
posted by chocolatemilkshakes at 12:59 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I handle the salary negotiation discussion to my advantage without blowing it?

AskMeFi and other say to never throw out the first number in salary discussions, yet this has backfired repeatedly. Stick to the oft-repeated advice or rework based on experience? [more inside]
posted by mcstayinskool at 12:57 PM PST - 17 comments

Where can I find affordable sheet music for the viola?

Where can I find affordable sheet music for the viola? I would like music that is interesting even when played by only one violist and is not classical. [more inside]
posted by I'myourMuppet at 12:57 PM PST - 1 comment

Which stores have trademark smells?

Which chains have trademark smells? [more inside]
posted by mikesch at 12:56 PM PST - 58 comments

What's a reasonable price range for a basic in-ground swimming pool?

What's a reasonable price range for a basic in-ground swimming pool (rectangularly shaped, 3-5ft deep, chlorine or salt water)?
posted by starkraven at 12:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Do swans really mate for life?

Will my friend the swan get a second chance at love? [more inside]
posted by superfish at 12:22 PM PST - 6 comments

What should our name be?

Help my curling team come up with a clever name for our tournament! [more inside]
posted by bluehermit at 12:02 PM PST - 23 comments

What's the most convenient way to send confidential information securely?

How can I electronically send confidential/private information to other people as conveniently but securely as possible? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 12:00 PM PST - 16 comments

In search of a motor vehicle that can take what I dish out

Help my find my dream motor vehicle: I want a durable and dependable ride that can take a fair amount of abuse and is cheap to fix. What do I need? [more inside]
posted by pupus at 11:29 AM PST - 24 comments

Losing My Namedrop Edge

Looking for namedrop/shoutout songs like LCD Soundsystem's "Losing My Edge", Daft Punk's "Teachers", and Scooter's "Hyper Hyper". [more inside]
posted by LSK at 10:59 AM PST - 21 comments

What sexy dance will an iPhone and Macbook do together?

What magic can an iPhone and a Macbook work together? [more inside]
posted by Roman Graves at 10:00 AM PST - 15 comments

What is this style of ring and what is it made out of?

Jewelry Filter: What is this style of ring and what is it made out of? Flowers made out of some seemly synthetic or plastic. [more inside]
posted by Submiqent at 9:58 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me find this lost webcomic!

[Vague Webcomic Filter] I'm looking for a webcomic from the early 2000's. It was black and white with maybe a slight anime style to it. [more inside]
posted by Danithegirl at 9:55 AM PST - 3 comments

I want to customize my house without the elbow grease and project disasters.

Are there stores/services that will DIY for me? [more inside]
posted by semacd at 9:55 AM PST - 6 comments

Best version of the Child Ballads?

I'd like to get a copy of the Child Ballads, but there is a frustratingly large selection and very few reviews of any of them. Any suggestions on the best version? [more inside]
posted by HSWilson at 9:34 AM PST - 9 comments

Schoooool

A school administrator just read me a letter listing what they say are my misdeeds and asked me to sign it. I do not agree with the contents of the letter, and I am scared that they are asking me to sign something that is factually incorrect and tht I do not understand. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by ladypants at 9:24 AM PST - 25 comments

What children's sci-fi book is this?

Book Filter: What children's sci-fi book (written for kids around 5th to 6th grade age) included scenes where the border between the parallel universe and our universe would open up and household items would travel between the two universes? [more inside]
posted by lea724 at 9:20 AM PST - 4 comments

Facetime for Android?

Is there a way to talk make a Facetime call from an Android phone to an iPad? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks at 9:11 AM PST - 7 comments

Are the 420 delivery services advertised on craigslist safe?

How safe are the "420 delivery" services advertised on craigslist in NYC? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:06 AM PST - 11 comments

What is the best Croatian-English dictionary for a Croatian student in the US?

What is the best portable Croatian-English-Croatian dictionary for a college student in the US? [more inside]
posted by vincele at 9:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Help finding a therapist. Generally or in Atlanta, GA

Help finding a therapist. Generally or in Atlanta, GA [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:24 AM PST - 4 comments

How to be a mom-to-be?

Babby formed. Help me arm myself with knowledge. [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 8:23 AM PST - 31 comments

Wow really roughing it there, tough guys

Weekend backpacking trip near Philly? [more inside]
posted by MangyCarface at 8:23 AM PST - 7 comments

MeFites in Canada: which artsy, progressive town or city should I move to?

MeFites in Canada: which artsy, progressive town or city should I move to? [more inside]
posted by oswego at 8:21 AM PST - 25 comments

Help My Marriage Survive an iPad/iPhone Transfer

My new computer arrives next week. I am giving my current computer to my wife. We both have IOS devices. Help me survive this without disaster. [more inside]
posted by DWRoelands at 8:16 AM PST - 5 comments

Housing near Lexington

I need housing for a job starting November-December Lexington, MA. Can you advise this single nerd? [more inside]
posted by tintexas at 8:01 AM PST - 10 comments

wifi phone DNS

WiFi data issues. My phone (Android) connects to the network and I can log in to the server, but I'm not getting any internet. I'm a bit lost here; I've got access to every setting imaginable, but I dont know what I'm doing. Any help very much appreciated! If I had any hair, I'd be tearing it out. [more inside]
posted by BadMiker at 8:00 AM PST - 8 comments

Where can I get cheap and delicious food in Harlem?

I work in West Harlem on 135th St. and 8th Ave. I love all types of food, but especially meaty, flavorful foods like oxtail stew. Where should I go? I'm a grad student with a 45-minute lunch break, so the cheaper and closer to work, the better!
posted by Viola at 7:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Following up after a job rejection--yes or no?

Should I follow up after being rejected for a job? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 17 comments

Lost iPad. Erased from iCloud. Now what?

I lost an iPad. While tracking it's location with the find my i-Device service, I erased the device from iCloud without realizing this would remove my ability to track the device. Now what? [more inside]
posted by areodjarekput at 7:26 AM PST - 1 comment

DIY handbag repair

The strap of my handbag broke and I'm looking to repair it but how? As you can see by this photo, the short metal bit fits into the metal cap. The metal cap holds the end of the braided strap but the strap does not fill the cap entirely; the end where the opening is is hollow. Would filling it with some kind of glue or epoxy work? But which kind? [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:00 AM PST - 13 comments

My new roommate just declared: no dates can ever spend the night here.

My new roommate just declared to me that there is a rule in our apartment: No dates are allowed to ever sleep over. Can you help me figure out how to have a productive discussion about this with her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:59 AM PST - 64 comments

I've been reading about locksmith scams

I bought a new 2012 Toyota Corolla LE. I received 2 Master keys (Smart keys with buttons) and a valet key (starts the car, but doesn't open the trunk). The dealership wants crazy $ to make more keys. They're equipped with an immobilizer, so only those keys can be used to start the car. I want a spare that will open the doors in case I lock myself out, either for a Hide-A-Key under the car or my wallet. Will a $3 duplicate from a hardware store accomplish this? If not, is there a cheap way to go about it?
posted by anonymous at 6:58 AM PST - 15 comments

Fine-tuned searching - how is it formed?

What kind of search engine is this, and is it something which one has to code themselves or which websites get someone to set up for them? How does it work? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 6:39 AM PST - 10 comments

Cooking 101: Cooking for the on-the-go student.

I need recipes for on-the-go! With the semester starting, I need things I can prepare ahead of time that will last, are healthy, don't need refrigeration, can be eaten cold, and aren't sandwiches. [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 6:27 AM PST - 19 comments

Occupy Muldoon's!

What kind of art project(s) could I create with old paperback edition of Muldoon's Handling a Criminal Case in New York (that I'm willing to take apart)? [more inside]
posted by 168 at 6:08 AM PST - 6 comments

Mystery seeds

What are these mysterious seeds? They're 2-3 mm in diameter and about 2 mm high, spherical but slightly flattened (like a small tomato) with a brown hull and a round hilum. Important: the seeds were found in the gizzards of 23 day old broilers, so the hulls have been partly removed, some elements (like hairs) may be lost and colours may have been altered The broilers are from Western France, but the seeds could have contaminated an imported feed ingredient (such as Brazilian soybean meal or Ukrainian sunflower meal). [more inside]
posted by elgilito at 5:13 AM PST - 10 comments

Too many Lemons

What to do with a large surplus of lemons and limes?
posted by Lone_Wolf at 3:41 AM PST - 32 comments

Stop taking omega-3 to prevent heart attacks?

Should people no longer take omega-3 supplements to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular events? [more inside]
posted by pracowity at 3:25 AM PST - 10 comments

How Can I Look Like A Reseach God For Future Employers?

What are the best techniques for searching the web for past news articles online? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 2:48 AM PST - 5 comments

But I am a non name knowing dork.

What is this thing called? [more inside]
posted by monkey!knife!fight! at 2:30 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a tool to generate complex CSS layout.

Looking for a tool to generate complex CSS layout. [more inside]
posted by therubettes at 2:18 AM PST - 3 comments

September 13

How to deal with an unstable ex-roommate?

My ex-roommate is refusing to pay bills and threatening to sue me for having sex. What's my best course of action? [more inside]
posted by karminai at 11:28 PM PST - 44 comments

Memes and Themes: Best bits of children's picture books?

Looking for lists of memes, themes and repeated elements in children's stories that I can use in entirely new stories I'm making up for actual children. [more inside]
posted by booksherpa at 8:42 PM PST - 8 comments

Me and my partner want to have an ANC, interested in your stories

Are you part of an Adult Nursing Couple? I'm interested to hear your experiences. (NSFW) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:40 PM PST - 4 comments

I hear the espresso's really cheap in this joint

Paying for first dates: who should do it? [more inside]
posted by Miss T.Horn at 8:29 PM PST - 90 comments

Daddies, enlighten us on paternity leave

How long do you recommend for paternity leave, based on your experience? [more inside]
posted by treehorn+bunny at 7:22 PM PST - 72 comments

Tell me everything there is to know about TV tuner cards.

What channels can I get from a tuner card in NYC using just the antenna? No cable hookup or FIOS or any of that fancy sh*t. I plug the card into the computer, I put the antenna in the window, I activate the relevant programs, and . . . . ? [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet at 7:08 PM PST - 9 comments

CLAIR in Japan

Have you been hosted by CLAIR on a visit to Japan? Looking for stories and anecdotes. [more inside]
posted by sconbie at 6:22 PM PST - 0 comments

Best way to signal a section change in an audio book?

In audio books, what's best-practice for signaling a section change within a chapter? [more inside]
posted by silusGROK at 6:08 PM PST - 10 comments

hopefully there will be some good answers!

What are some non-religious words or phrases for expressing good wishes/thoughts for the future, besides "hopefully?" [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 5:48 PM PST - 24 comments

Is there a brain chemistry boomerang effect?

Can going off and then later back on an antidepressant "do" something to your brain chemistry or is in some other way unsafe or unwise? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:48 PM PST - 16 comments

Easy to read Ulysses footnotes?

I want a version of Joyce's Ulysses with footnotes at the bottom of the page. Paper or e-book. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 5:47 PM PST - 4 comments

Should I see Godspeed You! Black Emperor twice in 3 days?

Should I see Godspeed You! Black Emperor twice in 3 days? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:26 PM PST - 21 comments

What's a good self-study program?

What's a program that will help me stop memorizing the answers to practice exam questions and actually test me on the material? [more inside]
posted by princeoftheair at 5:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Where should I spend a few months abroad?

I'm a freelance web designer in New York State hoping to move abroad for 2-3 months early next year. I'm very interested in going somewhere warm, cheap, and accessible. A few more details inside... [more inside]
posted by cvp at 5:15 PM PST - 8 comments

wellbutrin makes me feel worse

My doctor prescribed me buproprion (generic Wellbutrin) for anxiety/depression and I feel like I'm even more anxious. Is this normal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:04 PM PST - 38 comments

I'll pay you to NOT have a phone number.

El Sabor just posted an iPhone pre-order question, but I've got snowflakes. Please help! [more inside]
posted by InsanePenguin at 4:07 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me figure out the name of this poem!

My girlfriend has a favorite poem that involves a cricket (or possibly grasshopper) and a bird. I believe the bird has a red belly. Can you help me find the poem (it may also be a short story). I realize I'm being vague- sorry!
posted by razzamatazm at 3:40 PM PST - 9 comments

How can I manage "shift sleeping"?

Shift sleeping... I work standard office hours, but my boyfriend is a boozehound who works till very late (or early). What can I do to preserve my sleep/sanity - and his? [more inside]
posted by teststrip at 3:20 PM PST - 14 comments

How to get home fees status

How can I qualify for home fee status in the UK for medical school? [more inside]
posted by carolinaherrera at 2:53 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me enjoy my wedding (and keep from freaking out beforehand and the day of!)

What can I do to manage my stress and anxiety (about being the center of attention, the logistics, and getting married itself) on and leading up to my wedding day? And do you have any other advice to help me enjoy and appreciate my wedding? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:31 PM PST - 28 comments

Devices to remind my cognitively impaired mom not to remove her oxygen?

Please recommend devices/tools/strategies to help my mom—who has mild dementia—remember not to remove the oxygen she is now required to wear 24/7 for COPD. Longer story inside... [more inside]
posted by JuniorBCat at 2:13 PM PST - 12 comments

Non-crappy Android phone with decent signal/service/price??

I'm looking for a pre-paid android phone at a reasonable price (looking at the lower-end Androids since I'm new to them and I don't want to spend more than $200-$250). The only problem is that I have no signal in my apartment when it comes to Sprint/Spring-tower based carriers. AT&T Go Phones charge you extra monthly for a data package and I'd rather not spend more than $50/month. Help? [more inside]
posted by camylanded at 2:08 PM PST - 11 comments

What is this soooooong?

Please help me figure out what this song is before my head explodes! [more inside]
posted by brilliantine at 1:54 PM PST - 8 comments

Deciding whether to switch from temp to permanent employment?

For those who made the switch from temp to permanent work, what factors did you consider, what helped you decide? [more inside]
posted by glache at 1:52 PM PST - 8 comments

Please stop staring at my hot air balloon.

Help me find that travel tee shirt with all the little pictures on it! [more inside]
posted by letahl at 1:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Help Me Feel More Confident About This Super Long Presentation on Confidence (sorta)

A presentation on assertive negotiation and learning confidence: my time slot is twice as long as I expected! Can you help me brainstorm a group activity to break up the time while illustrating the concepts? Do you have any resources to share? [more inside]
posted by aabbbiee at 1:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Curling up

What should I look for in hot rollers/curlers? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 1:24 PM PST - 10 comments

What's the deal with the alien sitting on a rock?

What is meaning of the cartoon logo of an alien sitting on a rock in the MAHLI calibration image on the mast of NASA's Curiosity rover?
posted by mqk at 1:17 PM PST - 1 comment

Why do some soldiers salute like they do?

Other than the few people I know who have gone through military training; and haven't been able to give an explanation regarding this to me, I'm curious as to why some army-men/navy-men/airmen salute as they do? By that I mean what goes into the use of the two types of salutes I've seen: the vertical back-of-the-hand forwards (seems more common with British soldiers) raised to the eyebrow salute vs. the horizontal flat hand with the index touching the brow, pinky forward (seems more common with American and other soldiers)? [more inside]
posted by pyrex at 1:09 PM PST - 10 comments

Please help me destroy my own personal Clothes Mothra!

I have a MAJOR infestation of clothes moths. I've read advice on here about how to get rid of them and how to keep them away, but I still have some questions. Please help before all of our beautiful clothes are ruined! [more inside]
posted by joan_holloway at 12:59 PM PST - 17 comments

Is anyone else frightened at the apparent ineptitude, lack of transparency and otherwise confusing Direct Loan repayment system in the US?

My loans have been transferred and split at least twice, usually without notifying me. There used to be a fairly easy to navigate website, but now that they are shared between myedaccount and edfinancial, or not. They are unable to give me clear answers. And now it's impossible to even find my full payment history online. I'm not sure if I'm looking for advice or to be held. Is anyone else experiencing this?
posted by SpicyMustard at 12:39 PM PST - 6 comments

The USS Dick Cheney

Nautical reenactors/historians, help me understand this news of the weird. [more inside]
posted by 7segment at 12:31 PM PST - 8 comments

"Brain Thunder" is the closest term I could come up with

What is physically happening when I "make my brain thunder"? [more inside]
posted by waraw at 12:20 PM PST - 40 comments

Are global but think local

Are there differences between Eastern style websites as opposed to Western style sites? [more inside]
posted by heavyp08 at 12:16 PM PST - 5 comments

What-Is-This-Plant Filter

What kind of plant is this? Not-so-green thumb needs to know! [more inside]
posted by Isingthebodyelectric at 12:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for flats in all the wrong places

Share with me your go-to brands and/or stores to find good quality, cute but relatively inexpensive flats (ideally less than $50). [more inside]
posted by Leezie at 12:03 PM PST - 16 comments

Are private school loans a good option for me and my professional master's program? Any other suggestions?

Are private school loans a good option for me and my professional master's program? Any other suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 11:56 AM PST - 20 comments

to join or not to join?

Should I join SFWA? [more inside]
posted by nonasuch at 11:46 AM PST - 11 comments

Choose Your Own Smell-venture?

Need the archetypal examples of various fragrance families, as well as a place to sample 'em on the cheap. [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew at 11:43 AM PST - 19 comments

ready to read about refuse.

I want to learn about garbage removal in early New York. [more inside]
posted by DaveZ at 11:32 AM PST - 5 comments

Cop a squat?

Can a person who has had hip or knee replacement use the SquattyPotty?
posted by mcbeth at 11:27 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me understand what fool thing I did

What horrible injury have I done myself? Not-immediately-threatening bike accident injury question. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 11:08 AM PST - 9 comments

She said she has herpes - and I don't know what to do

I'm torn... I went out with a girl who was very sweet, and we seemed to hit it off really well. Things started to get a little heated and she suddenly stopped and started to cry - she informed me that she has herpes and wanted to let me know before we got intimate... Now I don't know what to do... and I feel like a jerk [more inside]
posted by strongdad at 11:04 AM PST - 36 comments

Can anybody tell me...

What exactly is an "arm chair philosopher", and how is that different from a 'philosopher'?
posted by SarcasticSeraph at 10:44 AM PST - 27 comments

Can I sell my photos of people?

Can I sell photos I took of people on the street who didn't know they were being photographed? [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 10:39 AM PST - 15 comments

iPhone Pre-Order Questions

First time pre-ordering an iPhone! Looking for tips/experiences/advice. [more inside]
posted by El Sabor Asiatico at 10:27 AM PST - 14 comments

Automated screengrabbing

I need to take regular full-screen screenshots of around 12 different webpages that all have similarly formatted URLs. Is there software that makes this easy, and preferably automates it? [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 10:27 AM PST - 3 comments

What music makes you most productive?

What music makes you most productive? [more inside]
posted by jeisme at 10:15 AM PST - 49 comments

Athletes who zigged when others were zagging

Please help me find examples of athletes who did something completely counterintuitive in terms of the sport (so seemingly wrong) and won because of it. I'm especially looking for those moments that have been captured on video. [more inside]
posted by brynnwood at 9:58 AM PST - 61 comments

Robotic morning routines in tv/movies?

Automated/robotic morning wake-up from tv show or movie... [more inside]
posted by thewumpusisdead at 9:52 AM PST - 13 comments

How do I list a necessary degree I don't have just yet?

What is the best practice for listing a degree in progress on a resume? Specific details inside. [more inside]
posted by Nimmie Amee at 9:45 AM PST - 7 comments

Is the BBB still relevant and is accreditation worth it?

Can you help me figure out if it's worth $500/year to get my small business accredited with the Better Business Bureau? [more inside]
posted by mireille at 9:44 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm looking for contemporary SF/Sci-fi/Speculative Fiction journals.

I'm looking for contemporary SF/Sci-fi/Speculative Fiction journals. [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 9:40 AM PST - 4 comments

You can assume we've already considered Of Mice & Men.

Looking for novels about or by authors from the Central Valley of California. [more inside]
posted by psoas at 9:26 AM PST - 21 comments

What's on Italian minds?

Educate me about Italian current affairs. [more inside]
posted by Gusaroo at 9:23 AM PST - 8 comments

How to research a mortgage lender and real estate developer

How do I research a real estate developer and a mortgage lender (in Brooklyn) to make sure they're trustworthy? (more detail below) [more inside]
posted by ThatFuzzyBastard at 9:18 AM PST - 7 comments

Relational database on the cheap

I'm looking for a free/cheap alternative to Access or Filemaker for simple relational database work. [more inside]
posted by philosophygeek at 9:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Is there a email service that doesn't require SSL?

Is there a email service that doesn't require SSL? [more inside]
posted by ridogi at 8:36 AM PST - 7 comments

What's it like to live next to a hydrofracking site?

I'm looking for stories about hydrofracking. Specifically, for stories about how a drilling company obtains leases and commences operation, and how it manages its relationships with the locals. Ideally I'd like stories from the perspective of neighbors and people in the local community where they have operated, but stories from the drilling company side would be interesting, too. [more inside]
posted by gauche at 8:20 AM PST - 12 comments

US Furniture Manufacturing

Can anyone recommend resources, companies or strategies for finding suitable US furniture manufacturers for a line of new designs? [more inside]
posted by beisny at 8:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Please hope me! Can I save this PDF form!

I filled out a PDF form last night in Google Chrome and saved the PDF. Then I emailed it to someone important. This morning they told me they had received a blank form (!). I opened the attachment and yes, it's blank. *@#$&@! [more inside]
posted by fiercecupcake at 8:02 AM PST - 22 comments

Looking to rent a cottage near Acadia National Park for Thanksgiving, but drawing a blank. Please help.

I am planning to make a trip with my family to Acadia national park during the Thanksgiving weekend in November. It will be a surprise gift for my family and having just graduated, my budget isn't too high, but I want to do the best I can for them. I am guessing that many of you have been to Acadia and could share some of your experience. We will be 3 adult couples (me/wife, my parents and my brother/wife) and are therefore looking for at least a 3-bedroom cottage. Since it is off-season there due to the winter, I had budgeted $500 for renting the cottage for 3 nights in Bar Harbor or surrounding areas. However, most cottages on homeaway, vrbo etc are at least $1000 for the week and most don't rent for less than a week - many don't rent at all after October. [more inside]
posted by libbrichus at 7:55 AM PST - 16 comments

It's easy: "Mom, meet Sock. Sock, this is my mom."

I have a great boyfriend who treats me really well, but we hardly ever hang out with his friends, except sometimes at parties. And even though he agrees that we're for (very) serious, he hasn't even mentioned the idea of introducing me to his parents. I have told him that I'm upset about the friend stuff. [more inside]
posted by sockity sock at 7:19 AM PST - 37 comments

Where can I find a writer to help create a band bio?

Where can I find a writer to help create a band bio? [more inside]
posted by markblasco at 6:52 AM PST - 6 comments

Is loan protection insurance a good thing?

Is credit protection insurance a good idea? [more inside]
posted by sevenyearlurk at 6:42 AM PST - 14 comments

Boobfilter: Help me get rid of my not-so-lovely lady lumps!

I know YANMD, and I'm not looking for a medical opinion. What I am looking for is your experience using holistic/folk/natural remedies to reduce or reverse fibrocystic breast disease and/or fibroadenomas. [more inside]
posted by auntie maim at 6:26 AM PST - 14 comments

Help me make an Itinerary

Help me with my travel itinerary! I want to spend 3 to 4 weeks in Central America and I have the following options! More inside. [more inside]
posted by freddymetz at 6:23 AM PST - 3 comments

I didn't cheat. SO thinks I did. What happens now?

A few days ago, I came back from a week of vacation. Despite my calm and honest reassurance, my SO is wondering and worrying that I cheated.We've already talked, but she's still very anxious about it. This is the first time I've ever dealt with this kind of situation. MeFi, what else should I/we be doing or talking about? Did I do something wrong, and if so, what should I do differently in the future? I feel terrible, even though I didn't do anything to cheat at all. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:21 AM PST - 46 comments

Should I give myself a middle name?

I have an uncommon, but very well known fictional first name. I've never met anyone else with it, but everyone knows it. I like my name and it's who I am, but I get tired of having to talk about it with everyone I meet. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:20 AM PST - 40 comments

.SUNDAY...FUCKING AWESOME I GUESS I MEAN WHO KNOWS

Is there a technical weather-related definition of the word "glorious"? [more inside]
posted by theodolite at 5:35 AM PST - 10 comments

A feral child in present day Britain

Thought experiment: would happen to a feral child like Victor of Aveyron in the present day UK? [more inside]
posted by unSane at 5:21 AM PST - 12 comments

How do make choices when it comes to aesthetics?

Designers of all sorts (clothes, industrial, visual, graphic ones, etc) how do you make choices when it comes to aesthetics? [more inside]
posted by niak at 5:16 AM PST - 6 comments

The silver tongued devil's got nothing to lose

The daughter of a family friend is being pursued by a modeling agency which we feel is using questionable tactics. We need resources to show this headstrong girl that this is not in her best interest. [more inside]
posted by Brodiggitty at 5:09 AM PST - 46 comments

everything but…?

Help me navigate "casual dating," or stop deluding myself that what I want is possible. [more inside]
posted by violetk at 2:08 AM PST - 13 comments

How do you tell someone who is cute to stop reminding people that they are cute?

I have a good friend who has a very annoying habit of reminding everyone around her that she is cute. In almost any context, she can bring out the "but I'm cute, so ..." phrase in to the conversation. It's very unattractive. She's relatively young (mid-20s) and maybe doesn't realize that that kind of thing can really be tacky. How can I help her? [more inside]
posted by peripatetic007 at 12:22 AM PST - 61 comments

September 12

I need my own TA

Can anyone walk me through the application procedure for international graduate students at the University of Cape Town? [more inside]
posted by mrfuga0 at 9:26 PM PST - 2 comments

Kinky Puns Needed!!!!!

Kinky puns needed! [more inside]
posted by becomingly at 9:15 PM PST - 12 comments

WiFi Extender?

I can't pick up my wifi in the back yard and can barely get it upstairs (my wifi router is in the basement). What is the best way to expand my signal?
posted by agog at 9:13 PM PST - 11 comments

I staked a digital claim...now what?

What's some interesting/cool/fun stuff I can do with my personal Web hosting space? [more inside]
posted by brentajones at 8:50 PM PST - 3 comments

New sewing machine for canvas and Cordura?

I'd like to upgrade from hand-stitching, and buy my first sewing machine. I'm only interested in sewing bags (mostly messenger bags), and I'll be using Cordura and natural canvas. What sewing machine will do the job? I don't want to fork out a lot for an industrial machine, because that's just too much of a commitment for something I only dabble in. And I don't have enough space for those antique Singer cabinets.
posted by Xere at 8:48 PM PST - 12 comments

There's no place like home

Please help me find a cool new homepage. [more inside]
posted by NoraCharles at 7:04 PM PST - 20 comments

How to resolve rational/emotional conflict over temporary LDR?

My serious partner and I are not going to see each other for about two months, and its causing intense depression for me. Is this period of long distance in my serious relationship an opportunity to work on improving myself and fixing the mental health issues it triggers? Or is the difficulty I'm having a sign that I'm not cut out for this kind of relationship? Help me think this through and make the right decisions! [more inside]
posted by supernaturelle at 6:50 PM PST - 15 comments

Will it be 420 again

How does an old fart in the suburbs find a marijuana dealer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:26 PM PST - 22 comments

Recommended Skyrim Mods

It's finally time to dive into Skyrim. Can AskMetafilter recommend the best mods, tweaks, updates, tips, etc? I have the PC steam version. I've already downloaded the hi-res pack from steam.
posted by banshee at 5:40 PM PST - 20 comments

Affordable Geeky/Funny T-shirts in Sydney

Where can I buy t-shirts like this in Sydney? [more inside]
posted by vidur at 5:35 PM PST - 4 comments

Am I a silly prude or is my boyfriend's dancing inappropriate?

Am I a silly prude or is my boyfriend's dancing inappropriate? [more inside]
posted by AnnaAnachronous at 5:28 PM PST - 54 comments

How To Deal With Spouse Stress?

My husband has just gotten a new job in his dream company at much higher pay/benefits after a long and stressful search. That's the good part. The bad part is this job involves a lot more responsibility, longer hours, commuting time, and a much bigger project to oversee. How can I help him deal with the increased workload and stress when he is clearly having trouble adjusting to it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:57 PM PST - 13 comments

Getting the most from my meat.

What recipes will benefit the most from using fresh ground meat? [more inside]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 4:54 PM PST - 13 comments

How can I check my references?

HR filter - how do I check my own professional references? [more inside]
posted by wolfdreams01 at 4:51 PM PST - 11 comments

Meddling landlord needs to be stopped.

My new landlord (Ottawa, Ont) is being negligent/inappropriate in a few ways. This specific question is regarding their need to set up our hydro account in my roommates name for a different address even though hydro is our responsibility and she (my roommate) had already done so. That's.. not legal, right? [more inside]
posted by Carlotta Bananas at 4:48 PM PST - 9 comments

those pants hurt my eyes dude

Is it ever appropriate to tell someone that something they wear is unflattering? [more inside]
posted by beccyjoe at 4:40 PM PST - 41 comments

I want to watch the OTHER black and gold team, please!

Where is a good place to watch a non-Steelers football game on TV in Pittsburgh? [more inside]
posted by tryniti at 3:51 PM PST - 5 comments

Cat treats: made of pure, unadulterated cat heroin?

What is the difference between dry cat food and cat treats? Why is one a dull part of the daily diet, and the other a miraculous food that is cat ambrosia? I haven't done a taste test, but they pretty much look alike, little crunchy bits. [more inside]
posted by jeather at 3:34 PM PST - 23 comments

What are the pluses and minuses of moving to Italy?

What are the pluses and minuses of moving to Italy? [more inside]
posted by davisnot at 3:25 PM PST - 19 comments

Thrills and spills in the Pacific Northwest

Exciting things to do within driving distance of the BC-WA border? [more inside]
posted by eldindeer at 3:00 PM PST - 12 comments

How to clean a TV screen?

I need a cleaning towel for my large screen DLP TV. The manual says to use a cotton towel, but I find that solution to be less than perfect, a lot less than perfect. I've considered a microfiber cloth, but I don't have any experience with them, and the ones that get good reviews (from Amazon) are too small for the task I need them for. A cleaning solution is something I've considered, and plenty of them are labeled "safe for TV screen", but words are cheap and my TV isn't. Basically, I'm hopelessly lost, and would appreciate some suggestions on a TV screen cleaning kit with a proven history of reliability and customer satisfaction. Thank you.
posted by Beholder at 2:52 PM PST - 13 comments

Should I send a follow up email for a job application?

Should I send a follow-up email for a job I applied for? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:38 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I survive jumping out of a tall building?

How do I survive jumping out of a tall building? [more inside]
posted by Mwongozi at 2:23 PM PST - 26 comments

Trying to get to my "unplugged and seated" years

I'm trying to switch my laptop from a DSL to a wireless connection. I was told this would function as the modem/router I needed, and so ordered it. Today it came and although it works perfectly as a modem it doesn't seem to have wireless router capabilities. Please tell me whether it does, and if so how to set up a wireless connection, and if it doesn't, tell me what I should buy or do instead after I return it.
posted by orange swan at 1:58 PM PST - 12 comments

I've got issues

Please recommend a virtual magazine host. [more inside]
posted by Terminal Verbosity at 1:41 PM PST - 4 comments

Thank you gift?

What should we give as a Thank You gift to someone who helped my husband rewrite his resume? [more inside]
posted by southeastyetagain at 1:29 PM PST - 14 comments

NPR podcasts/radio shows for middle schoolers?

NPR podcasts/radio shows for middle schoolers? [more inside]
posted by brynna at 1:02 PM PST - 10 comments

9-month Old Uncontrollably Crying at Gym Daycare. Concern?

9-month Old Uncontrollably Crying at Gym Daycare. Concern? [more inside]
posted by Run.Faster at 12:56 PM PST - 23 comments

Car Stereo Filter: Am I better off with a whole new head unit, or just an adapter?

Car Stereo Filter: Am I better off with a whole new head unit, or just an adapter? [more inside]
posted by bleachandink at 12:41 PM PST - 9 comments

How to pick a good memory foam mattress.

Anyone still recommend the Sleep Innovation Memory Foam Mattress after owning it for awhile? [more inside]
posted by modoriculous at 12:33 PM PST - 16 comments

Name for obscure audio connectors?

What are the connectors used for the surround speaker outputs in this image called? [more inside]
posted by Grinder at 12:17 PM PST - 26 comments

Idiopathic delayed note syndrome

I supervise a person who has enormous difficulty finishing her case notes. My efforts to remediate her so far have been unsuccessful. How can I help her finish her work? [more inside]
posted by The Elusive Architeuthis at 11:58 AM PST - 39 comments

DC Metro question

I'll be visiting DC in several weeks for 5-6 days, doing a lot of the usual tourist stuff, staying at the Hyatt in Bethesda (partner will be attending a conference there). What is the best method for me / us for getting around DC on the Metro? They seem to have several smart card-like alternatives, and I am also wondering if there is a particular pre-pay plan that might be appropriate for visitors. Last but not least, would the Bethesda Metro station (beneath the Hyatt as I understand) have the kiosk necessary to purchase whatever best solution this thread recommends (is it a major enough station)?
posted by aught at 11:34 AM PST - 25 comments

Looking for travel insurance recommendations.

Taking my US citizen husband back to Australia to visit my family in November and a question today on AskMeFi reminded me we need to get travel insurance. [more inside]
posted by wwax at 11:30 AM PST - 9 comments

Subtitled video to static HTML page software?

Is there software that will turn a subtitled video into a series of snapshots of the video interspersed between the subtitle text? [more inside]
posted by pbh at 11:12 AM PST - 4 comments

Pick me, pick me! I won't poop in your shoes.

What are we overlooking during our preparation for cat acquisition? [more inside]
posted by Asherah at 11:04 AM PST - 35 comments

Is it a good idea to talk about ADD in a cover letter?

Is it a good idea to address newly diagnosed ADD (with effective treatment) in a cover letter? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:54 AM PST - 25 comments

Does it damage your files or USB drive to edit files directly on the drive?

Basic USB drive question: Can you open and edit files for long periods of time right from the USB drive? [more inside]
posted by thesocietyfor at 10:52 AM PST - 6 comments

(I know it's a long-shot) but could someone identify what kind of videoplayer this is and let me know where I can acquire/download it from please.

(I know it's a long-shot) but could someone identify what kind of videoplayer this is and let me know where I can acquire/download it from please. [more inside]
posted by sockpim at 10:30 AM PST - 7 comments

Nice hat, random lady! ...I mean...mom.

I have a very difficult time recognizing people when they're wearing, say, sunglasses. Or a hat. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 10:27 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm bad at math.

I already know where to place my router. My question is, how do I find the exact center of my house? [more inside]
posted by PapaLobo at 10:12 AM PST - 8 comments

Stop the Insanity

Advice on preventing weight gain and fitting in exercise when your life is spinning out of control. [more inside]
posted by Fairchild at 9:55 AM PST - 30 comments

Brain based learning research and social studies classrooms.

Where can I find more academic information online about brain-based learning research? [more inside]
posted by SkylitDrawl at 9:40 AM PST - 6 comments

Whiteboard animation with no camera/from my tablet?

I want to make a whiteboard animation without a camera -- i.e. an iPad, Android tablet or, if need be, a Wacom/PC combo. [more inside]
posted by blueshammer at 9:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Breaking up with my therapist

I have been seeing a therapist for about two months now and am not happy with our sessions. I want to try to find another person, but I'm not sure of the protocol of leaving one therapist for another. [more inside]
posted by Lectrolamb at 9:00 AM PST - 17 comments

Who insures foreign drivers in the USA?

We are on a 7 week road trip through the USA. I have a California driver's licence and own the car. My wife has an Australian driver's licence. I'm having trouble putting her on the insurance as a driver with AAA and I have contacted several other insurers who won't take on the risk. Plenty of googling has come up empty? Is there an insurer who is worth calling?
posted by dinoworx at 8:55 AM PST - 12 comments

Rahm v. CTU

Help me understand the Chicago Teachers Union strike! [more inside]
posted by masterscruffy at 8:37 AM PST - 9 comments

Is Google still mostly about PageRank?

How important is Google PageRank in relation to the updates in recent months with regard to Google Panda? [more inside]
posted by MrMerlot at 8:35 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me stop being mean.

I am unnecessarily and randomly critical of people. It is worse when I am stressed. This impacts my friendships, home life, and work. I need to stop. [more inside]
posted by domo at 8:17 AM PST - 34 comments

Difference between frozen bagged hash browns and a potato/grater?

My wife loves hash brown casserole and I was going to whip up a batch this weekend for her but all the recipes I can find call for a bag of frozen shredded hash browns while I have a 7lb bag of whole potatoes. Is there any major difference between using frozen bagged hash browns and shredding up a few potatoes of my own?
posted by Captain_Science at 8:16 AM PST - 18 comments

Where do I go now, career-wise?

How does one transition out of a career in advertising (non-creative part)? What am I qualified to do? [more inside]
posted by windbox at 8:08 AM PST - 5 comments

What one book could give me a new, useful superpower?

What one book could pretty much give me a new, useful superpower if I follow it and put the methods inside into practice? In my life, I've come across a small handful of books that have really allowed me to learn to do some things that were previously unthinkable to me, and which I'm able to use all the time in my life. I'm most interested in a book that has actually worked to change your life, rather than one that seems like it would be good if you one day got around to following it. Thanks.
posted by surenoproblem at 7:54 AM PST - 80 comments

Airline change fee through the roof

$475 airline ticket change fee - really? [more inside]
posted by Dragonness at 7:49 AM PST - 14 comments

How to be a better note taker for meetings?

What do you do before, during, and after a meeting to end up with concise, but accurate and useful notes? Technical/practical and framing advice welcome. [more inside]
posted by mercredi at 7:31 AM PST - 7 comments

How have you addressed or overcome risk aversion in terms of personal growth/change?

How have you addressed or overcome risk aversion in terms of personal growth/change? [more inside]
posted by Terriniski at 7:26 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I best help my mom with her election?

My mother is running for a fairly high office. I generally agree with her beliefs and standings, but not always those of her party. I want to support her in her bid for election but I have a hard time waving a flag for those who I don't agree with. How do I support my mom who I agree with while dealing with those who I have to shake hands with and smile at while at parades, fairs, and other functions (I mean people who are working for her campaign either explicitly or not, not those who are there to heckle)? This is in the US in the midwest, but it really shouldn't matter what state we are in or what party we might each be affiliated with - I just want to know how to best help my mom.
posted by anonymous at 7:15 AM PST - 13 comments

Learn to floss

How do I *start* flossing? It's really painful... and apparently "not flossing" is my way of rebelling against society. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:15 AM PST - 62 comments

What are some activities (athletic or otherwise) that resemble the satisfying experience of training for a race?

What are some activities (athletic or otherwise) that resemble the satisfying experience of training for a race? [more inside]
posted by cymru_j at 7:08 AM PST - 4 comments

Family budgeting for people who LOVE spreadsheets.

Household finances: My SO and I have started to give ourselves "allowances" to put an outer limit on our discretionary spending. Have you done something similar? What did and didn't work? Any thoughts on the specific questions inside? [more inside]
posted by 5845(f)(1)(D) at 6:48 AM PST - 23 comments

Divorce record wanted

How can I get a copy of my divorce record? I'm in Georgia but don't know the exact year or county of my divorce - just know it was in the mid-90s. [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 6:20 AM PST - 7 comments

Advanced eBay search

How to search for a buyer's cancelled items on eBay? Reasons below. [more inside]
posted by Kiwi at 6:03 AM PST - 2 comments

Facing your Fears: Drugs, Booze and Social Anxiety

Need some advice regarding facing your fears, starting a new life, self confidence, social anxiety and self-loathing (I will be getting therapy soon) [more inside]
posted by frenchfryfrenzy at 5:58 AM PST - 8 comments

DIY Boots?

London: DIY Homemade / Handmade Leather Shoes: How difficult is it to make your own leather shoes? I"m not working at the moment and thought perhaps I could learn leather shoemaking. [more inside]
posted by mary8nne at 5:29 AM PST - 6 comments

Can I eat this? (Power outage edition)

I made baked orzo with veggies and cheese yesterday morning, thinking I had lunches covered for the next couple of days. I covered it in foil, and put it in the fridge, once the glass casserole dish had cooled a bit. It had been in there for about 2-3 hours when the power went out. The power was out for about 10-11 hours, and no one was home to open the fridge for most of that time. Please tell me it's okay to eat?
posted by peppermind at 4:14 AM PST - 16 comments

Death is away.

Hypothetical (I'm writing a story): is it okay/normal for someone to visit a cemetery and mourn, even if their loved-one wasn't buried there? [more inside]
posted by Trexsock at 4:07 AM PST - 44 comments

How to charge acquaintances for domain name and social media help?

I want to offer to handle a few acquaintances' domain management and some basic social media presence stuff, as they've offered to pay me to do it. Can I just do things in my name and have them pay me directly? I am a complete newbie to being paid for this, and I just want to see if I should look into anything. [more inside]
posted by dubadubowbow at 3:53 AM PST - 4 comments

Is it better to cut fat and then build muscle or vice versa?

What should I concentrate on first, losing the fat or building muscle? [more inside]
posted by tokaidanshi at 3:34 AM PST - 17 comments

Give me your sleep / relaxation tips

I keep having sleepless nights because I can't slow my thoughts down. What techniques do you use to help you quieten your thoughts so you can sleep? [more inside]
posted by sodium lights the horizon at 2:23 AM PST - 54 comments

September 11

About how much is it to replace a garage entry door w/ installation?

I need to replace the entry door to the garage soon, but with an extremely tight budget, limited time, an angry mother, and an asshole older brother. Help! Details inside. [more inside]
posted by HiphopAnonymous at 10:43 PM PST - 33 comments

Please help me figure out how to best stream videos to my TV

Please help me figure out the best way to stream my online content. [more inside]
posted by triggerfinger at 9:13 PM PST - 5 comments

Portland OR telephone/data/wiring brick and mortar?

Portland OR telephone/data/wiring brick and mortar? Preferably on the eastside? [more inside]
posted by dan g. at 9:07 PM PST - 4 comments

An urbanist (and friend) travel to Toronto

What urbanist/transit/maps/architecture/local history-related attractions should I hit up in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 8:32 PM PST - 14 comments

Are automatic blood pressure monitors accurate?

Are automatic blood pressure monitors any good? [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue at 7:55 PM PST - 15 comments

Running mysql server on a mac

I'm trying to install and run MySQL Server 5.0 on my Mac (OS X 10.5.8) for a class. I have no idea what I'm doing. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by sunshine37 at 7:32 PM PST - 9 comments

Does cheap AND nice even exist!?

Is a Durablend "leather" sectional from Ashley Furniture worth it? [more inside]
posted by elysenavidad at 7:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Listmaker, listmaker, make me a list...

To-do questions on here often tell you to have a daily or weekly meeting with your boss. Please help me figure out how to make a list of tasks and projects so that I can do this and keep my head on straight and not get mired in anxiety-land. [more inside]
posted by inmyhead at 7:15 PM PST - 12 comments

Too poor for new rugs - no bed bugs, please!

I bought a rug at a thrift store, and while I did some bedbug prevention before putting it in my house, I'm still a worrywart and probably should have sprung for a new rug. Anything else I can do? [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 7:11 PM PST - 5 comments

Vintage-inspired on a budget.

Who sells non-costumey retro dresses for reasonable prices? I dig '50s style dresses in particular, and have a hard time finding them aside from ModCloth. [more inside]
posted by jorlyfish at 7:05 PM PST - 23 comments

How to delete one photo from a Tumblr photoset

Help me figure out if I can edit a photo post on Tumblr once I've already posted it. [more inside]
posted by Thin Lizzy at 5:43 PM PST - 3 comments

1994 nissan rough idle and loss of power, whats up? Details inside

Having idle/loss of power problems with a 1994 Nissan Sentra. Whats your diagnosis? [more inside]
posted by couchdive at 5:14 PM PST - 13 comments

When do you know if it is an accident or an emotional expression?

My dog peed in the house today. Do I need to start over with him? [more inside]
posted by onhazier at 4:44 PM PST - 16 comments

Coping mechanisms for dealing with suicide ideation?

Coping mechanisms for dealing with suicide ideation, when there's no actual intent to commit suicide? [more inside]
posted by yeoz at 4:11 PM PST - 17 comments

Need PTSD Help in Richmond, Virginia

This newspaper article is about me. Basically, I have I PTSD and struggle with depression. I am looking for a good therapist in Richmond, Virginia. I've tried a number of them, but have never found a good match. It occurs to me that someone here might know someone, so I thought I'd ask. I found one recommendation from 2009, but would like to find more. Thanks in advance...
posted by orsonet at 4:00 PM PST - 3 comments

Peeking inside the Dewey Decimal System's history

[Dewey Decimal Filter] Looking for information about the Dewey Decimal System and its history of revisions. In particular: When and why did Mormonism get moved from Dewey Decimal classification 290 (non-Christian religions) to 289 (other Christian denominations)? [more inside]
posted by exphysicist345 at 3:57 PM PST - 13 comments

I am looking for recommendations for a Portland, OR stylist who can cut my thick, coarse, wavy, medium-length hair.

My beloved stylist has left the city. I am looking for recommendations for a Portland, OR stylist who can cut my thick, coarse, wavy, shoulder-length hair. [more inside]
posted by nanook at 3:32 PM PST - 4 comments

How much should I put in our HSA per year?

How much should I put in our HSA per year? [more inside]
posted by Specklet at 2:17 PM PST - 28 comments

Yearning for that special Yarn

I've lost my favorite scarf! I'm looking to commission someone to make a replacement for me, but finding the yarn is the first step. [more inside]
posted by DandyRandy at 2:09 PM PST - 15 comments

where are my butter beans?

I am in Northern New Jersey (Boonton) and am trying to take advantage of the fresh produce but there are not as many options as I wish. Is there any way to get fresh Lima Beans or similar beans without driving down to Southern New Jersey? [more inside]
posted by JayNolan at 2:02 PM PST - 5 comments

Book blurb: does it work?

Blurb for my new (upcoming) novel: how well does it work? [more inside]
posted by reacheround at 1:48 PM PST - 21 comments

The stars are shining tonight

When you look up on a starry night, you see more than a thousand points of light. How many of what we see with the naked eye are stars and how many are galaxies?
posted by megatherium at 1:48 PM PST - 9 comments

Distributors wanted

How to find distributors. What distributors to ask for distributing a product? [more inside]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 1:44 PM PST - 2 comments

Power's out, how long will the cold last?

Power went out... right as I'd gone to the grocery. I put all the must-stay-cold stuff away anyhow because the stuff I'd bought was worth more than what was already in there. So, it's been opened once, what was put in was still frozen/cold from the grocery. I'm not opening it again. How long can I expect stuff to still be good for? [more inside]
posted by gracedissolved at 1:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Which of these second hand Cross Trainers is most suitable?

Does anyone have any experience of the following Cross Trainer / Elliptical Machine models: York Aspire; York X730; Reebok RE3000? [more inside]
posted by typer126 at 1:35 PM PST - 0 comments

Help Me Plan My Work Party!

What would take a work party from boring obligation to kick-ass shindig? [more inside]
posted by masquesoporfavor at 1:17 PM PST - 31 comments

Tool to copy web text plus URL--in one go?

There must be a tool for this: I want to copy text from a web page, then paste into in a word processing document, with the URL of the original page somehow appended to the text--say, in parenthesis at the end. Any suggestions?
posted by largecorp at 1:04 PM PST - 10 comments

How to set up an SSH tunnel on an addon ip address?

How can I choose what IP address on a remote Linux server I pass through when I SSH tunnel that server? [more inside]
posted by ofcourseican at 12:29 PM PST - 6 comments

Employment resources for teens

The non-profit where I work runs an employment program for teens. I've been tasked with helping to come up with content for a facebook page for this program. We'll be posting info on local job opportunities, but I'm looking for more general resources on employment & education for teen audiences. Are there any good blogs or websites? Podcasts? Youtube channels? Books worth reading & recommending? Other sources for ongoing content? [more inside]
posted by nerdcore at 12:02 PM PST - 3 comments

That beautiful room? It's for you.

Name That Story/Author: Latina mother asks husband to build rooms for new babies. The last room--is special. [more inside]
posted by dlugoczaj at 11:53 AM PST - 3 comments

Baby on the way.

The baby comes tomorrow! [more inside]
posted by gocubbies at 11:43 AM PST - 45 comments

Baby coming soon! Party?

Are we crazy to throw a party a few weeks before our baby is due? [more inside]
posted by derivation at 11:26 AM PST - 26 comments

DVDs need storage

Hit me with your best storage solutions for many DVDs (in cases) that is stylish, simple, available in Canada, and appropriate for a house with small children.
posted by lizifer at 11:18 AM PST - 4 comments

Career change options for editors

Can you help me determine a new career path and the steps I need to take to get there? Currently in editorial/publishing and considering communications, education, and maybe information architecture. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:02 AM PST - 3 comments

The waiting is the hardest part

Approached for job, now silence, now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:02 AM PST - 19 comments

In search of feline harmony

I would like my two very different kittehs to get along. Help? [more inside]
posted by *s at 11:00 AM PST - 14 comments

Please eat, son!

Thoughts on how to get my three year old to eat. [more inside]
posted by zizzle at 11:00 AM PST - 27 comments

What should I look at on a 1996 F-250 turbo diesel before I buy it?

I'm in the market for a used cheap pickup truck and looking at a high mileage 1996 F-250 tomorrow. As a decent shade tree mechanic and having access to the googles, I'm building a list of things to look at. What should I add? [more inside]
posted by SpecialK at 10:58 AM PST - 6 comments

how feasible is a career shift into commercial real estate at forty?

Just turned forty and thinking about a potential career shift into commercial real estate in the Bay Area. What do i need to know?
posted by zeoslap at 10:52 AM PST - 11 comments

Ideas for music in my car?

I think my 1993 Toyota Celica will only last another few years, so I don't want to install a new stereo system in it, but the existing speakers are blown and I gotta have some decent way to play music. Can you suggest other alternatives? Mostly interested in playing music from my smartphone, not really concerned with FM radio or CDs. Thanks!
posted by thrasher at 10:38 AM PST - 10 comments

The Case of the 1.25" Butt-Weld Fittings

Where can I find 1.25" sanitary butt-weld fittings (stainless steel)? Preferably in-stock. [more inside]
posted by huckit at 10:28 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I demonstrate that gymnastics is a reasonably safe recess activity?

My children's school implemented a no "gymnastics" policy at recess, including somersaults, cartwheels, and the splits. On the grassy area where they are allowed, they can sit but cannot put their hands down. My child loves gymnastics and is devastated. The reason for the policy is that one child injured her wrist while attempting a cartwheel. I would like to have some data to take to the PTA about why this is an overreaction to one incident. Sure children can get injured by doing cartwheels, they can also trip and fall but we don't tell them they cannot walk. Any thoughts?
posted by turtlefu at 10:18 AM PST - 41 comments

How often do I really need to drive my car?

How often do I really need to drive my car? (goal: keeping the battery charged, engine happy, etc.) [more inside]
posted by dizziest at 10:10 AM PST - 17 comments

web site back end help

Trying to finalize infrastructure for my site selling software online...hoping you guys can help me understand and make some choices. [more inside]
posted by amsterdam63 at 9:52 AM PST - 6 comments

Self-help without the corporate/consumerist propaganda

Self-help without all the cheesy capitalist, CEO-worship and consumerism... does it exist? [more inside]
posted by willie11 at 9:48 AM PST - 9 comments

Finally my midlife crisis is appropriately timed - coming to terms with mediocre life prospects

I think I need to give up on my dreams and sell out. I don't feel like I can get on board with it emotionally and I think it's interfering with my chances at any kind of success. [more inside]
posted by Luke Skywalker at 9:42 AM PST - 36 comments

Podcasts to ignore

What are some good podcasts I can half pay attention to while working? While I love This American Life, The Moth, Story Collider and Radiolab, if I listen to them (or anything else with a storyline) while working, I lose the thread and can't concentrate on either the work or the podcast. A few that do work well for me: Savage Love, Jordan Jesse Go, WTF (to a lesser extent). Any suggestions?
posted by The Dutchman at 8:51 AM PST - 39 comments

Thanks for fixing my back!

My physical therapist told me that our next session will be our last--graduation! Can I get her something? [more inside]
posted by MrMoonPie at 8:50 AM PST - 15 comments

Bad Pixel

Intermittent bright spot on one-month-old new Dell Inspiron 15R laptop. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by murtagh at 8:48 AM PST - 9 comments

What is the value of a park or subway?

How do they determine the real costs/values of things like Amtrak, a subway, a highway or a dam? [more inside]
posted by ebesan at 8:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Google Fiber is only a scant 45 miles away. Jerks.

How do I find a high speed internet provider to install a line in a rural area? [more inside]
posted by annathea at 8:44 AM PST - 10 comments

Putting Names to Faces for Future Generations

Suggestions for identifying people in home movies for future generations? [more inside]
posted by entropicamericana at 8:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Books about New Jersey?

I have lived in New Jersey for over 10 years, really don't know much about it, except for the town I live in. I'm looking for books, fiction or non-fiction, that will give me a broader view. It doesn't have to be about the state, but could take place in it. [more inside]
posted by katinka-katinka at 8:20 AM PST - 27 comments

To retail or not to retail?

Retail me, or retail me not? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:13 AM PST - 10 comments

Can I publish a public domain poem?

A very simple question about public domain and publishing, specifically regarding the use of a poem in a book. [more inside]
posted by jonathanbell at 8:12 AM PST - 5 comments

What's the best way to sell a lot of stuff online?

My guy and I are digging in to all of his old stuff and we're going to sell a bunch of it off. What's the best way to do this? [more inside]
posted by patheral at 8:12 AM PST - 12 comments

Is it insane to rely wholly on condoms for birth control?

Is it insane to rely on condoms for birth control? [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 7:58 AM PST - 55 comments

What to send to someone in rehab?

Someone who I have never met personally but who has been very generous with me in the past is in an inpatient rehab facility (for alcohol). I'd like to send her a care package. What the heck should I include? [more inside]
posted by SeedStitch at 7:50 AM PST - 18 comments

Southern U.S. use of "Miss [FirstName]" -- racial or class connotations?

Southern Naming Conventions: Is there a race or class component to the Southern U.S. use of "Miss [FirstName]" (when used by adults to refer to other adults)? Which groups use this, when, and what does it connote when employed between/among races or social classes? [more inside]
posted by jjjjjjjijjjjjjj at 7:24 AM PST - 50 comments

A Canary Islands Honeymoon

Help me learn more about the Canary Islands as a possible honeymoon destination! [more inside]
posted by arveale at 7:05 AM PST - 7 comments

I'm not trying to be cheap, but our resources are also finite...

Let's say you have a friend who you can never ditch (think: sibling) who does not contribute to events/outings? What's the best approach to deal with this? [more inside]
posted by Kronur at 6:56 AM PST - 38 comments

My first relationship question! Oh, joy!

How do I minimize worry and jealousy over new boyfriend's trip for 1.5 weeks? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 21 comments

Identify a sci-fi book?

Can you identify this sci-fi book, given ridiculously few details? [more inside]
posted by kev23f at 6:40 AM PST - 17 comments

Give it all you got.

Tips on focusing during workouts, and how to push myself through the hard parts? [more inside]
posted by carmel at 6:25 AM PST - 21 comments

i before e, except after c.. and also v?

Looking for new ways to learn to spell specific words. and possibly to make it sink into my head when you use "then" vs "than". [more inside]
posted by royalsong at 6:20 AM PST - 16 comments

1-s2.0-S0958166910000443-main dot PDF

Does anyone know why academic PDF documents downloaded as full text seem to universally download as poorly documented/difficult to sort files? [more inside]
posted by infinite intimation at 6:14 AM PST - 14 comments

A first dance is not unreasonable!

A problem that isn't one but still is: my partner and I are planning on getting married next fall. YAAAY! But I feel like I'm getting made fun of constantly by my sister for it... [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:29 AM PST - 45 comments

New House Dizziness

I've recently moved into a new freshly renovated house. It has been over a week and I have been feeling spaced out, fuzzy with a slight inability to focus. Does anyone know what might be the cause of this? [more inside]
posted by ashaw at 5:19 AM PST - 13 comments

Bus-powered enclosure

I'd like to reuse a 5.25" optical drive in an external USB 2 enclosure. Are there any that are USB- or bus-powered? The ones on Newegg are all AC-powered, it seems. Do bus-powered enclosures exist?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Smaller smart card for public transport?

Possible to get/make a small version of my Dutch public transport card? [more inside]
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 5:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Should I quit before my company relocates me?

I recently started a new job that is a big career opportunity and looked great on paper, but six weeks in and it has been a total disaster -- I have a terrible boss, don't like the corporate culture, and am unhappy about the hours I've been working. In four weeks I am due to be relocating overseas for the new job. Should I cut my losses and quit before the move? [more inside]
posted by kramer1975 at 5:05 AM PST - 16 comments

Realistically, how screwed is Jimmy McNulty?

By the final episode of Season 5 of the Wire, just how screwed is SPOILERS INSIDE? [more inside]
posted by Ripper Minnieton at 4:44 AM PST - 16 comments

Home is where the 'for sale' sign is.

My flat has been on the market forever, and nothing has worked out. Advice and encouragement requested. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 4:02 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm looking for a song. Odd. Kinky.

I'm looking for a song I heard on the radio a couple of times about 6 or 7 years ago. The music was interspersed with a Spanish language lesson in it that started out seeming normal and got kinkier as it went on. Ring any bells? [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 at 3:12 AM PST - 2 comments

Your recipe is to x vegetable as Esquites is to Corn

Mindblowingvegrecipefilter: I couldn't have cared less about sweetcorn. Then I discovered esquites, one of the greatest things I've ever eaten. Please tell me all and any of your recipes that make any given vegetable(s) as good as this terrific dish makes corn. Any cuisine, any veg. Thanks!
posted by ominous_paws at 2:43 AM PST - 17 comments

What should a full physical include?

What should a full physical include for an overweight, ex-smoker, no exercise 40-year-old man? [more inside]
posted by Joseph Gurl at 1:35 AM PST - 11 comments

Trying to find specific music video with drag queen.

Does anyone recall a music video with drag queen(s) in it from the 2000s or late 1990s? [more inside]
posted by shoyu at 1:10 AM PST - 2 comments

Leaving the nest ASAP

How do I get a retail/ food service job ASAP without prior experience? (Limit: 2 weeks) [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 1:01 AM PST - 12 comments

Recipes for ground Kobe beef

I am being gifted several pounds of Kobe beef. What shall I do with it? [more inside]
posted by kamikazegopher at 12:08 AM PST - 8 comments

September 10

From which U.S. companies can an international student on an F-1 visa in the U.S. buy a legit health insurance? I

From which U.S. companies can an international student on an F-1 visa in the U.S. buy a legit health insurance? I can't use my school's because I will be reducing my course load from full-time to part-time :/
posted by MiuMiu at 11:29 PM PST - 4 comments

Housemate has B.O. and we are unsure as how to approach this subject with him.

How to approach housemate with pungent B.O? [more inside]
posted by ruhroh at 11:06 PM PST - 18 comments

My Baby Just Cares For Me

Help me find this special Nina Simone recording for the lovely young lady I'm dating. [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 9:11 PM PST - 5 comments

how to combine a ryobi battery with a bosch charger ?

what is the pin output of the bosch charger AL 1411 DV. one is obviously marked positive, so i need to know which is the negative ? [more inside]
posted by captain wibbly at 8:55 PM PST - 3 comments

discipline for on-schedule creativity

How do you set yourself up for maximum success when starting a creative project that requires consistent production? Or: I have to create multiple radio pieces a week! How do I best prepare myself to get out there and make them? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 8:27 PM PST - 3 comments

Prescription contact lenses, online, without an optometrist's OK. Possible?

Is there somewhere online that I can order prescription contact lenses from without a optometrist's confirmation? [more inside]
posted by Scientist at 7:53 PM PST - 16 comments

Clean, mesmerizing, inspiring

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is one of the most beautiful, mesmerizing films I've ever seen, can recommend others like it? [more inside]
posted by xicana63 at 7:45 PM PST - 43 comments

Did we buy the wrong sink?

Did we buy the wrong sink? [more inside]
posted by gribbly at 7:36 PM PST - 2 comments

Blind Submission

Like many people, I have A Novel... I have been working on it for a while and now have the opportunity to submit it to a friend of a friend who expressed interest. How am I supposed to act? What do people expect from novel-submitter-people? [more inside]
posted by kettleoffish at 7:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Tenant served notice may not vacate timely

You are not my lawyer. This is not legal advice. But what will I likely have to do next? [more inside]
posted by knock my smock and i'll clean your clock at 7:26 PM PST - 20 comments

Decisions & Subjectivity

What sorts of things should a person take on faith versus having to make sense of it for themselves? [more inside]
posted by nidora at 7:25 PM PST - 19 comments

In the shadow of the valley.

Major depressive episodes and individual (USA) insurance repercussions. Should I let my psychologist submit this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:08 PM PST - 4 comments

Give Tweets a Chance

How the heck do I re-enable Twitter on my Facebook friend feed? [more inside]
posted by mynameisluka at 6:30 PM PST - 1 comment

Do used Kindles with cell modems still get service?

Do used Kindles with cell modems still get service? [more inside]
posted by morganw at 5:57 PM PST - 15 comments

How do I get rid of this car that I am upside down on?

Best way to sell/trade in a car with transmission problems that I am now upside down on? [more inside]
posted by twblalock at 5:53 PM PST - 13 comments

How do I use "New Game Plus" in Arkham City

How do I use "New Game plus" in Batman: Arkham City? [more inside]
posted by TigerCrane at 5:41 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I wipe a bricked smart phone?

How do I wipe the memory of a bricked Android phone before returning it to the manufacturer? [more inside]
posted by LarryC at 5:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Advice for a solo kayak trip down the Mississippi

My 24-year-old brother is planning to kayak down the Mississippi River by himself over the next two months. I haven't been able to talk him out of it. What can I do, or have him do, to make this safer? [more inside]
posted by punchtothehead at 5:10 PM PST - 39 comments

Is there an age at which a child's skin colour becomes permanent?

Is there an age at which a child's skin colour becomes permanent? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 5:05 PM PST - 16 comments

Monkey mind

This question is probably very similar to others, but what is a normal degree of worrywarting vs. an anxiety disorder or personality disorder? [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 4:46 PM PST - 10 comments

HG Wells Refernce

So the quote "Array of spectres that once beleaguered Prague" is a quote out of HG Wells's the first men in the Moon. Any idea what the reference is?
posted by monkeywithhat at 4:46 PM PST - 11 comments

Advice for contesting a traffic ticket?

Best practices for writing a letter to contest a traffic ticket? [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 4:28 PM PST - 16 comments

What's the best way for me to make use of my IT company's tuition reimbursement and get into management?

I work in tech support for a medium-large IT company, and I'd like to move into a management position within the company. I have a bachelors degree in liberal arts. How can I best make use of my company's tuition reimbursement benefit? [more inside]
posted by iamisaid at 4:22 PM PST - 8 comments

Why do my boyfriend's ears sometimes lose their sensitivity to sexual pleasure?

Why do my boyfriend's ears sometimes lose their sensitivity to sexual pleasure? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:19 PM PST - 7 comments

Is my reason for doing a Fulbright ETA here good?

I'm applying for a Fulbright Teaching Assistantship (not the research grant) and the country that interests me is one I've never been to or studied extensively. Is that a problem? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Fun for kids

Please provide me with creative ideas for Fun but Cheap ways to entertain a gaggle of kids during a wedding weekend! [more inside]
posted by mynamemeansmoon at 4:16 PM PST - 18 comments

Is there anything I can do to get us seats together on the plane?

Tips for getting seats together on a flight that is already booked. [more inside]
posted by tacodave at 3:32 PM PST - 41 comments

Praying for an easy poo

[BM-Filter] Best strategies for dealing with really painful constipation. [more inside]
posted by trogdole at 2:50 PM PST - 30 comments

If I get too far from the wireless port, my password is suddenly invalid. Why?

I'm having wireless internet connectivity issues that even tech support seems unable to resolve. [more inside]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 2:48 PM PST - 13 comments

Bore me to sleep.

Does anyone know where (if) I can find mp3s of recordings made for museum exhibits? I'm thinking of things in the vein of Martyn Ware's Tales from the Bridge; ambient music and gentle voiceovers? [more inside]
posted by peacrow at 2:43 PM PST - 5 comments

Will a swim shirt help keep me warm in the pool?

Is there a swim shirt that will help keep me warm in the pool? [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine at 2:41 PM PST - 9 comments

MSW Questions

Interested in finding a good fit MSW program. Don't know what to look for, ask, inquire about while in the search. MeFe please enlighten me! [more inside]
posted by melizabeth at 2:30 PM PST - 5 comments

I haven't been this worried since I was a kid and afraid of heights.

I want to start doing Tough Mudders / Warrior Dashes / other types of mud runs. But a (mostly) unfounded fear of disease is holding me back. Help me figure out how (un)reasonable my fear is so I can participate! [more inside]
posted by Tehhund at 1:16 PM PST - 11 comments

Good online bank for a US non-profit?

What's a good bank for a US non-profit (501c3) to use? We need one that lets us do all our normal operations through the web. [more inside]
posted by jacobian at 1:13 PM PST - 2 comments

TMI

Is it a thing for European men to keep tissues in their underwear? [more inside]
posted by galenka at 12:39 PM PST - 47 comments

How can I work on my own trust issues without continuing to pester my SO?

How can I work on my own trust issues without continuing to pester my SO? [more inside]
posted by Pomo at 12:34 PM PST - 20 comments

Make me a master of (free) time!

How do I make the best use of my free time? [more inside]
posted by Tevin at 12:24 PM PST - 12 comments

What can Obamacare do for me?

I'm about two weeks away from the birth of my first child. I am emphatic about breastfeeding, but more importantly pumping breast milk for when I have to go back to work. Help me figure out the Affordable Health Care Act (crassly called Obamacare) and how I can get my hands on the necessary supplies and support that I'll need very, very soon. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 12:14 PM PST - 21 comments

Go(ToHell)Daddy.com

GoDaddy.com is down, along with most domains that host with them or use their DNS services. Apparently due to an attack by Anonymous or an Anonymous member. I have a few questions about DNS. [more inside]
posted by syzygy at 11:55 AM PST - 19 comments

Should I return the call from a landlord who ignored my dispute letters?

Virginia rental dispute II: Disputed their damages bill into a giant vat of nothingness, and months later they want me to call them back. Should I call them or not? [more inside]
posted by bookdragoness at 11:50 AM PST - 13 comments

Can they make money on this house?

Please explain how they're going to make any money on this rehabbed house. [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 11:42 AM PST - 22 comments

Leadership is defined by results, not attributes.

I'm looking for books about reluctant leaders who went on to demonstrate outstanding leadership. Both current and historical figures accepted. [more inside]
posted by anderjen at 11:21 AM PST - 18 comments

Resort in Playa del Carmen

Flying into Cancun for a week in October and thinking of staying at Playa del Carmen - need recommendations for a hotel or resort that can accommodate lots of energetic activities AND slothful beach relaxing. [more inside]
posted by yogalemon at 11:05 AM PST - 1 comment

What are my best private health insurance options in California?

My wife is considering a job change, and the new one would no longer provide health insurance for me and our son. I'm an independent consultant. What are our best options for health insurance in California? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:04 AM PST - 5 comments

Is there nothing to do in Paris but eat, drink & look at art?

Honeymooning in Paris, and trying to flesh out our plans (not to mention a wedding registry) with stuff other than restaurants & museums. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by chicobangs at 10:37 AM PST - 25 comments

I am here.

Geolocation. Does the internet know where I am? Can anyone get my whereabouts from my IP address? [more inside]
posted by run"monty at 10:36 AM PST - 8 comments

Games People Play

Please recommend multi-player online-adaptable games that are not MMORPGs. [more inside]
posted by bq at 10:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me write a character reference for my friend awaiting sentencing in a US prison.

Help me write a character reference for my friend awaiting sentencing in a US prison. [more inside]
posted by FuckingAwesome at 10:35 AM PST - 6 comments

How do you manage your time as a freelance worker?

How do you manage your time and priorities as work ebbs and flows during your life as a freelancer? What do you do with your days between big jobs? What portion of your time is spent on paying work, managing your business (taxes, bills, sending invoices, etc.), personal/professional development, trying to find more work, networking, etc.? Do you deal with deluges and droughts, or is your work more steady and consistent, and how much control do you have about this situation? What do you do during lulls? How long did it take you to become comfortable with your workload after you became a freelancer? [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak at 10:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Wedding Filter: How do you seat divorced parents at a wedding?

Wedding Filter: How do you seat divorced parents at a wedding? [more inside]
posted by wcmf at 10:24 AM PST - 31 comments

Recommend: black satchel bags for men

I'm looking for stylish black satchel bags, preferably made of canvas, for men. Budget: $300.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:08 AM PST - 13 comments

How to market a small internet company

I have a SaaS company, that has a product it has been selling for a while. While we have a specific niche market for this product, we have not been able to reach our customers. How to grow the company - any ideas? [more inside]
posted by peteshaw at 9:54 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to sing a song in a red satin strapless dress.

Does there exist a fancy karaoke venue in Manhattan? I'm turning 31 and I want to have a birthday party at a karaoke bar. I would also like to dress up. [more inside]
posted by millipede at 9:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Shower was fixed but now it's not

What happened to our shower? It was fixed, and now it's just a drip. [more inside]
posted by stinker at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments

Family cooking

Looking for ideas to get my kid involved in the kitchen -- prepping, cooking, clean-up! [more inside]
posted by amanda at 8:47 AM PST - 26 comments

Want iphone carrier suggestions

I got an IPhone so that I can play games while at dialysis to pass the time with. I chose AT&T because GSM network friendly phone can be unlocked and used on ANY GSM network carriers. I got mine unlocked and currently using a Simple Mobile plan which gives unlimited voice/text/data for only $40. A Verizon unlocked Iphone can only be used with international GSM networks (see this link explaining that: GSM Iphone vs CDMA. So that was the reasoning on choosing ATT. My unexpected dilemma is GSM (ATT, TMobile, Simple) does not work at my dialysis center. And I get spotty signal at work depending what part of the building I am in. So I just don't get calls when at dialysis or work. I have to forward the calls to my work phone. [more inside]
posted by udon at 8:35 AM PST - 13 comments

Please save me from my slovenly ways! Hurt the cats though and I will return the favor.

I'm a slob. I need a cleaning service. I'm totally willing to pay for a cleaning service. But I can't get over the idea that I'll have to clean before they come (which seems very contradictory and silly) and most importantly, I can't figure out how to trust random people alone on my house with my pets. How do other people do this? [more inside]
posted by cgg at 8:29 AM PST - 32 comments

What size banner do I print?

What size banner do I get printed? Laminate or not? [more inside]
posted by caveatz at 8:28 AM PST - 5 comments

There's a hole in the driveway, dear Lisa, dear Lisa...

Who should I be contacting to fix this sinkhole? [more inside]
posted by SquidLips at 8:21 AM PST - 5 comments

Relationship of modern believers and conservative religion

Can “modern” people actively believe in God? How do they integrate their believes with their “conservative” religion? How do they practice their believes? [more inside]
posted by arhammer at 8:11 AM PST - 56 comments

What's our risk of getting bed bugs?

Bed Bug Filter: my partner and I went on a road trip with friends who thought they had treated their bed bug problem. After the road trip, our friends found a bed bug on a pillow that had been in the car with us. We took preventative measures before we returned to our apartment (long details inside), but what else should we do? How freaked should we be? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:00 AM PST - 6 comments

Disposable income--for the first time ever. What's normal?

I never had disposable income, so I'm realizing I have a weird relationship with money and things.  Now that I'm making enough to feel rich (without actually being rich?), what stuff would make my life way better?  What do normal people spend money on?  I can get over this on my own, right? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:47 AM PST - 77 comments

What, when, and where -- easily updated

Looking for software/service that will let us publish an event's schedule to mobile devices. Difficulty: the schedule isn't decided until the morning of the event. [more inside]
posted by Wild_Eep at 7:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Can I buy just the end of a bike pump or just the inside of a bike helmet?

I have a 20 year old bike pump and helmet. The pump had a rubber nozzle end that is eaten away. The helmet had some felt that is also crumbling. Can I buy just these bits or do I need whole new equiptment? [more inside]
posted by cmm at 7:17 AM PST - 15 comments

Give me some beginner cycling advice.

What advice would you give beginning cyclists interested in getting exercise as a couple? Bonus points for Rhode Island specific recommendations! [more inside]
posted by LouMac at 7:14 AM PST - 10 comments

Ideas for blanket forts?

I need tips on making the ultimate blanket fort. [more inside]
posted by nikkorizz at 7:13 AM PST - 16 comments

Lookin' for some brunch.

Looking for a good place for a post-wedding brunch near the Hilton Hotel on City Avenue in Phila, PA. [more inside]
posted by amcm at 6:58 AM PST - 4 comments

What kind of apples are these?

Can you identify these apples in an orchard? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer at 5:57 AM PST - 12 comments

How do I empty the nest?

I have seen some wonderful advice & help given over the years on the Green, so now I am asking for your input - about a nest that should be, but isn’t, empty. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:42 AM PST - 63 comments

Block IP address from google analytics

How do I exclude my IP address from Google Analytics once and for all? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 5:09 AM PST - 9 comments

Electronics in St. Petersburg, Russia

I messed up my travel packing, and I now need to buy a charger for a Canon S95 camera battery in St. Petersburg, Russia. Is there any place where I could get one for a reasonable price? I'm staying downtown.
posted by Jakey at 5:05 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me find lyrics of Knee Play 4 from “Einstein on the Beach” by Philip Glass

What words are the chorus singing beginning here in Knee Play 4 of Philip Glass's “Einstein on the Beach”? Alas much googling has failed me.
posted by nfg at 4:41 AM PST - 7 comments

Draw up, draw up, ladies and gentlemen! Behold, the Amazing Human Pincushion!

What are your tried-and-true tips for having blood drawn from historically difficult veins? [more inside]
posted by catch as catch can at 4:37 AM PST - 28 comments

Why can't I see Firefox window?

I started OS X this morning and Firefox isn't visible. That is to say, I can't see a window or any tabs, though I can see the top toolbar -- the Apple - Firefox - File - Edit... row. Normally it opens at startup. What to do?
posted by partner at 4:17 AM PST - 8 comments

Finding an apartment in Copenhagen

I'm moving to Copenhagen in a couple months. How do I go about finding an apartment? [more inside]
posted by Busoni at 4:14 AM PST - 1 comment

What are some of the better educational apps and websites out there for kids?

What are some of the better educational apps and websites out there for kids? [more inside]
posted by postergeist at 2:48 AM PST - 14 comments

September 9

How to cool an area in a loft with no windows?!!

How to cool a small area of a giant loft with no windows? [more inside]
posted by JJkiss at 10:59 PM PST - 10 comments

Silicon Valley apartment hunting

I'm looking for an apartment in Mountain View. Any tips or tricks? [more inside]
posted by value of information at 10:02 PM PST - 8 comments

I think we should just be friends. Actually, I don't even think that...

I met an online suitor who's more into me than I'm into him, and I don't even really want to be friends with him. How can I tell him this? [more inside]
posted by dean_deen at 9:49 PM PST - 19 comments

Broken tooth. What are my options?

I broke a tooth I had a root canal done on. Haven't been to the dentist in years. What can they do? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 9:47 PM PST - 9 comments

Beijing Stopover

Where can I sleep, at Beijing Airport (or near by), during the day, with my two kids, without breaking the bank? [more inside]
posted by YukonQuirm at 8:52 PM PST - 7 comments

Peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, ginger, cinnamon, liquorice, cool honey, but sadly not creme de menthe. One of every kind of Altoids mints.

For a present, I want to buy one of every different flavor of Altoids mints (just the regular size mints, not the gum or smalls). The problem is that they seem to only be sold in bulk. Is there anywhere online that will sell me every variety individually? Or does anyone know a place in the Orange County, CA area that stocks the entire range of Altoids?
posted by TayBridge at 8:50 PM PST - 5 comments

Hong Kong Marks & Spencer

Which Hong Kong Marks and Spencer branch do I want? [more inside]
posted by Prof Iterole at 8:17 PM PST - 2 comments

I wish my accent was less overeducated, too

How to sound less overeducated? [more inside]
posted by curuinor at 8:17 PM PST - 72 comments

Landscapefilter - Is this a proper wall?

Landscaping - having a (basalt) stone wall built. Loose rocks on top normal? [more inside]
posted by wongcorgi at 7:57 PM PST - 10 comments

how old are these bricks?

Looking for a book describing how to date a building using physical evidence in the building itself. [more inside]
posted by sepviva at 7:40 PM PST - 3 comments

Would that be calmotic or chaolm?

What are some things that are both chaotic and calm simultaneously? [more inside]
posted by lesli212 at 7:36 PM PST - 48 comments

Sepia-Toned calligraphy video?

Looking for a video about calligraphy. [more inside]
posted by slater at 7:33 PM PST - 2 comments

How to make friends?

Angry and lost. I don't know where to find people to connect to. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by MeaninglessMisfortune at 7:20 PM PST - 36 comments

Make my hair look less bad.

What should I do with my hair (or lack thereof)? [more inside]
posted by JDHarper at 7:19 PM PST - 23 comments

What are your favorite superhero storylines?

What are some of your favorite superhero-based storylines that I can find in trade paperback? [more inside]
posted by po822000 at 7:13 PM PST - 24 comments

Guidelines for a credit card limit?

Is there a rule of thumb or guidelines for selecting a credit card limit? [more inside]
posted by Forktine at 7:04 PM PST - 7 comments

Idea for Google! That and 50 cents...

I have a serious project proposal for Google. I don't need to make money on it, but I'd like to get it looked at. I've been poking around their websites, and have found places to submit business and partnership ideas, but I'm really not sure that those are the right way to submit this concept. It's something on the order of Google Art Project, but different from that. What would you recommend or link me to? Thanks!
posted by Miko at 7:04 PM PST - 8 comments

Did the UK 19th Century Factory Acts have economic benefits

Looking to substantiate claims that introducing the 5½ day working week in the 19th century UK (the 1950 Factories Act) had the consequence of improving the economy, because those workers that had previously been working 7 day weeks could now go out and spend their (no doubt insubstantial) earnings. [more inside]
posted by NailsTheCat at 6:25 PM PST - 5 comments

help me name my online company pretty please

Help me come up with a name for my new business venture, please? [more inside]
posted by soooo at 6:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Make me salads in a dorm room

Salads are expensive eat-out fare here. What set-up can I use in my dorm room to make cheap, tasty salads? Restrictions: only microwave, limited fridge space. (Is it even possible?) [more inside]
posted by undue influence at 6:00 PM PST - 17 comments

New England spookiness!

Apropos of this thread (and this comment in particular), I would like book recommendations on New England-specific creepiness. [more inside]
posted by orrnyereg at 6:00 PM PST - 18 comments

Joy Inducing Playlist

What songs sound like joy to you? [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 6:00 PM PST - 134 comments

Promoting E-Commerce Sites

Which channels of advertisement do you use to promote your e-commerce business? Also, what is the percentage of your advertisement budget divided by your annual turnover? Some candidates that I can think of: Free subway papers, flyer distribution in the street, regular daily newspapers, radio ads, tv commercials, google ads, google products, bing shopping, facebook ads, twitter promoted ads, backlinks in other websites, SEO to raise in organic search results, word of mouth from satisfied customers. If you use several vectors of advertisement, most of which I tried to list above, do you think they are the optimum combination? Thank You!
posted by raphael19 at 5:45 PM PST - 5 comments

Is Motel Manager a Decent Job for Me Based on my Goals??

Through a friend I have been offered the opportunity to work at a "mom and pop" 60 bed motel that has a fitness center, pool, and serves meals. It averages decent ratings from guests. I'm up for the challenge but I'm no spring chicken. I lost a good paying position in the recession in 208 and subsequently had to drop out of a Ph.D program just before comps- and it looks like I won't be finishing that degree any time soon, because I currently work in a call center and can't even afford a car. [more inside]
posted by Piscean at 4:55 PM PST - 14 comments

Swallowing issues and health insurance.

Throat/swallowing annoyances, and navigating the health insurance industry. What should I say, and how nervous should I be? [more inside]
posted by tmcw at 4:01 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me with my hard-drive indecisiveness!

Which is the best way to store and access my digital DVD collection? [more inside]
posted by littlesq at 3:30 PM PST - 10 comments

What is this font?

Help! What is this font? I'm fairly certain I got it from dafont.com
posted by agregoli at 2:29 PM PST - 3 comments

What beautiful fragrance? How to use it?

I bought bottles of orange blossom water and rose water at the grocery store. What can I do with them? [more inside]
posted by lizbunny at 2:04 PM PST - 36 comments

Weightlifting-oriented gym in Boston near the FiDi?

Weightlifting-oriented gym in Boston near the FiDi? [more inside]
posted by 6spd at 12:51 PM PST - 4 comments

Movable camera dolly for iPhone?

Making stop motion animation with an iPhone: Is there an inexpensive camera dolly that will allow one to change the position of the camera (i.e. iPhone) while moving the dolly? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:14 PM PST - 4 comments

Time vs Effort at the gym

Exercise n00b here. For strength training, is it better to A) work the muscle to exhaustion, or B) work the muscle for a long time? (I have asked my physical therapists and received conflicting answers, hence this question.) [more inside]
posted by ook at 12:09 PM PST - 11 comments

My bike commute is short and frustrating.

How can I make my NYC bike commute more pleasant so that I actually want to do it? Right now my route is so short and unpleasant (heavy traffic or poor pavement) that it's just doesn't seem worth the trouble. [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang at 12:03 PM PST - 13 comments

Slideshow that plays video as well as pictures?

Looking for a semi-automatic way to create a slideshow that includes both pictures and videos, using a PC. [more inside]
posted by atayah at 11:51 AM PST - 3 comments

Need a dance song with a dramatic ending

[asking for a friend] Dance song with a dramatic ending? [more inside]
posted by Lemurrhea at 10:53 AM PST - 3 comments

Charcuterie!

Two questions about charcuterie in NYC and on the internet. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 10:52 AM PST - 22 comments

scrape web content from okcupid?

How do I extract content from a website like OKCupid for personal use? [more inside]
posted by ribboncake at 10:48 AM PST - 3 comments

If you see a few fleas does that mean there are 100's on the way?

I have seen 3 fleas, but not noticed any bites on myself. Is this an indication of some infestation that is about to explode? [more inside]
posted by abirdinthehand at 10:32 AM PST - 13 comments

How to fix facebook people search?

Facebook people search: Every time I search for a name I get the message: "No results found for your query. Check your spelling or try another term." Internet searching has found a lot of people with this problem, but not solution that I could find. What gives? [more inside]
posted by pdq at 10:28 AM PST - 3 comments

Legal requirements for firing someone from a retail job in Ontario...

I run a retail business in Toronto, Canada. It's an independently owned business--like a mom and pop store. I need to fire someone because he's incompetent and his presence actually makes more work for the other staff. I have emailed and texted with this staff member (who has worked with us for 13 months) regarding his considerable transgressions but we do not have "paperwork" or "forms" in the traditional sense. His work never improves. What exactly do I have to do to fire him without worrying about legal issues? Two weeks pay? Three? Does the firing need to be written in addition to verbal or is just verbal fine? What's the best way for me to cover my ass? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:27 AM PST - 6 comments

Stop or my dad will write

Help me figure out a way to save my dad's nonfiction book manuscript from doom. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:27 AM PST - 7 comments

Need shoes that will help me stay upright.

Help me replace my Danskos with shoes that won't make me fall over. [more inside]
posted by linettasky at 10:18 AM PST - 22 comments

bool evo_psych;

Please provide me with well-cited or "convincing" sources which argue against evolutionary psychology and its validity as a science, as well as sources which argue for its validity. [more inside]
posted by Evernix at 10:15 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me Thai one on

I'm thinking of spending the Xmas holiday week (roughly, Dec. 22 - 30) in Thailand as a single woman traveler from the US. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by Punctual at 9:56 AM PST - 4 comments

What is the best and easiest way to clean soot from inside of our wood burning brick fireplace?

What is the best and easiest way to clean soot from inside of our wood burning brick fireplace? [more inside]
posted by Tziv at 9:26 AM PST - 3 comments

What TAL episode is this?

I'm looking for a This American Life episode about a bunch of adolescent geeks/nerds hanging out in NYC. They go around pulling simple scams and social engineering pranks. I tried searching all the titles and descriptions on the TAL website but nothing rings a bell. It might have been a short segment in one of their 3 part episodes
posted by laptolain at 9:25 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I record a digital (HD?) OTA broadcast with a MBP?

The last time I watched a TV broadcast, it had rabbit ears and I was 12. How do I record (ideally in HD) this week's PBS broadcasting of the Ring Cycle? [more inside]
posted by Brian Puccio at 9:21 AM PST - 10 comments

Halloween makeup - on a scooter

Day of the Dead full face makeup for Halloween. On a scooter. Wearing a helmet. How do I keep the makeup from smearing? [more inside]
posted by raisingsand at 9:01 AM PST - 10 comments

What is the best choice for this relationship?

Should I tell the person I've dated that his time is up? [more inside]
posted by kellybird at 8:56 AM PST - 30 comments

Wanted: Great Restaurant Near Dulles

DC-VA-MD filter: My girlfriend arrives from Italy into Washington-Dulles next Friday at 8:30. I live in Baltimore, so by the time she gets through customs and we drive back, it will be well after 10pm. Do you know a great restaurant (not Italian, Mexican or Sushi*) somewhere in the vicinity of Dulles? I don't mind going a bit out of our way, but it should be no more than 15 minutes away. [more inside]
posted by ubiquity at 8:50 AM PST - 15 comments

Is it broken or just strained?

Where do you go (online) for the best and most current NFL info for fantasy football purposes? [more inside]
posted by joelhunt at 8:41 AM PST - 4 comments

24 weeks pregnant facing bedrest!

24 weeks pregnant, facing bedrest and woefully underprepared for the birth of this surprise baby. FMLA, bedrest and c-section questions inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:40 AM PST - 24 comments

Best Apple Recipes

Next Sunday is Apple fest at church with the annual apple baking recipe contest. I intend to win this year. Please help me by sharing your best apple recipes with me.
posted by Lost at 8:22 AM PST - 6 comments

My husband doesn't value intimacy

My aspie husband and I have good sex, but he doesn't seem to value intimacy. Or maybe to even be capable of it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:04 AM PST - 16 comments

No Early Voting For You

What is the Republican justification for trying to end early voting days? [more inside]
posted by pelican at 7:53 AM PST - 17 comments

T-shirts everywhere and not a thread to wear

I just want to be able to buy plain t-shirts that fit. However, this special snowflake is a guy with a 52" chest and a 38" waist... [more inside]
posted by Benjy at 7:50 AM PST - 5 comments

How can I fit the most amount of stuff into a tiny space?

Help me maximize my wall space without having to drill... [more inside]
posted by astapasta24 at 7:49 AM PST - 7 comments

Graphics and NIC problems with Win 8

I need someone to fix my pc! I am so sick of windows. My Display adapter causes my screen to go blank at random times and I loaded windows 8 and now my internet connection is at a crawl. [more inside]
posted by kmurray24 at 7:34 AM PST - 7 comments

Can I return a new car?

We bought a new car last week. I want to return it... [more inside]
posted by 3dd at 6:57 AM PST - 11 comments

Where can I sell event photos from marketing conferences & summits?

Where can I sell event photos from marketing summits? [more inside]
posted by bostonhill at 4:33 AM PST - 2 comments

Finc Car Owner from Plate or VIN

I'm trying to find the owner of a car with a siren that runs all night. [more inside]
posted by KRS at 4:10 AM PST - 6 comments

HELP ME FIND BOUNDARIES

Help me find boundaries, again (sorry)--this time with updated boyfriend and cast of characters! The long and short of it is that my ex is coming back to stay with my family in a couple days after I kicked him out, and my aunt who I live with says this is okay, and my cousin lives in my room now, and I need to move out. And I'm broke. [more inside]
posted by athenadanae at 2:48 AM PST - 17 comments

Beyond the great firewall?

What is the best way to stay connected during a trip to China? [more inside]
posted by Urban Hermit at 2:20 AM PST - 11 comments

Why should "e" exist?

Why is the number "e" so... [more inside]
posted by nondescript at 12:16 AM PST - 17 comments

September 8

How long since we invented a new way to murder our livers?

What is the youngest major liquor? [more inside]
posted by ktoad at 11:35 PM PST - 7 comments

What's the next step if you're not around?

What's my next step for this girl that I met on Friday? (Challenge: I live 40 mi away and am solidly booked next 2 weeks.) [more inside]
posted by StrictlyVague at 11:03 PM PST - 13 comments

Substitute Teaching/Tutoring in Cleveland?

My mom is a retired elementary school teacher (in Cleveland, Ohio). She is hurting for cash a little more than she expected she would, and would like to teach again on a substitute/tutoring basis. How does she go about doing so in a manner that she can earn a decent salary? [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 at 9:58 PM PST - 15 comments

Solar powered USB help?

Calling all electrical engineers! Need some clarity on how to figure out solar charging rates and consumption of a USB device... [more inside]
posted by griffey at 8:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Introduced Instruments

Help me find songs where the singer introduces the instruments one at a time. [more inside]
posted by Leontine at 8:04 PM PST - 38 comments

Foreign Grunge

Grunge and Rock outside the USA [more inside]
posted by Query at 8:01 PM PST - 3 comments

25, am I ready for you?

What advice would you give your 25-year-old self? [more inside]
posted by twentyfoursummers at 7:47 PM PST - 101 comments

The One About Weight, Jaw Clenching, and "Number Five"

Very overweight. Constant jaw clenching. Stress. Fixation with "input". Any idea if these things could be related? [more inside]
posted by skypieces at 7:29 PM PST - 15 comments

How can I get generic Propecia/finasteride?

How can I get a prescription for generic Propecia (finasteride) without a lot of doctor's visits? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:11 PM PST - 2 comments

The War on Breasts

Acne on the underside of my breasts is starting to become actually disfiguring. I don't have major acne anywhere else. Please help me manage or control this! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:10 PM PST - 17 comments

IDLE hands and the hacker's workshop

Please help me have some semi structured way to help people who show up to python office hours without any clear direction. [more inside]
posted by bleary at 6:56 PM PST - 7 comments

a woosh and a shift and the land that we...wait your car is making that noise...?

i hear cars coming up my road, and when they obviously shift to the next gear, i hear a "whoosh" of "air" or something else. what is that? [more inside]
posted by ps_im_awesome at 6:45 PM PST - 7 comments

A Swiftly-Tilting Planchette

Help me identify an optical illusion where abstract blotches of color on a page turn into words/an image when viewed from the side/edge of the page. [more inside]
posted by mikurski at 6:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Am I a freak?

I'm trying to understand my sexuality. Please help.... [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 6:00 PM PST - 27 comments

Creating online teaching videos?

Creating online training curriculum- I am trying to find a way to create curriculum that is video-based that teaches students how to use various online software applications. Are there companies you know of that create online training videos? What is the cost of creating such a video? I work for a non-profit in San Francisco. Thanks for your help!
posted by tessalations999 at 5:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Just how bad is this water damage?

Just how bad is this water damage a roofing contractor caused to my house? And what should I do about it? [more inside]
posted by BlueJae at 5:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Does an employer own all my writing?

Does my U.S. employer really own my emails, posts, Facebook updates, Flickr stream, etc? [more inside]
posted by babbageboole at 5:19 PM PST - 21 comments

Music and theater in London

Looking for recommendations for live entertainment (theater and music specifically) while we're in London. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 5:11 PM PST - 1 comment

Need "deep zoomable" iOS image viewer

an iPhone/iOS picture app that zooms "deeply" so I can read the little details of a really big diagram? [more inside]
posted by Moistener at 4:52 PM PST - 2 comments

Why do I suddenly feel SO MUCH BETTER after gallbladder surgery?

Does anyone have any possible explanations for this medical curiosity: Why do I suddenly feel SO MUCH BETTER after gallbladder surgery? There follows a long story with an (inexpliably) happy ending. Can you help explicate? [more inside]
posted by Corvid at 4:32 PM PST - 17 comments

See Beau go. Go Beau go.

Name our New Dog!! We just got a foster dog that we'll probably be keeping. Beautiful black lab. He might be a future Search and Rescue dog, or he may just be a family pet. Pictures inside! [more inside]
posted by TooFewShoes at 4:09 PM PST - 44 comments

End in sight for PPD?

New mom to an 11 week old (who was 6 weeks premature). Postpartum depression still spiraling downward. I spent the last 5 weeks convinced the PPD was caused by a lack of support and put a lot of energy into setting up that support network, but it hasn't helped. How long did it take, and what did it take, before you started recovering from your postpartum depression? [more inside]
posted by bluebelle at 3:49 PM PST - 38 comments

Where's a good tourist destination in central France?

I'm taking a holiday in the South of France soon and am planning to drive down there (there being Carcassonne). I plan to stop one night somewhere on the way - where would be an interesting place in the middle of France to spend one evening?
posted by ascullion at 3:46 PM PST - 3 comments

How do we go from design to manufactured product in China?

Guide us on getting our action figure idea from concept to manufactured product [more inside]
posted by epiphinite at 3:23 PM PST - 6 comments

Star Trek Combat... not in space.

Star Trek: Where do I find sources about the military ground forces of Starfleet? [more inside]
posted by MinusCelsius at 3:01 PM PST - 7 comments

Tell me about the history of identity.

Tell me about the history of identity. Today it's pretty easy (though not foolproof) to find out if someone was who they said they were, or to verify a communication is from who it's claimed. But what about 200-2000 years ago? [more inside]
posted by Ookseer at 2:28 PM PST - 28 comments

ML Safari vs Bob the Angry Flower

Bob the Angry Flower refuses to load in OS X Mountain Lion's Safari. Why? [more inside]
posted by davidpriest.ca at 2:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Pining for orchards, but where to go?

Suggestions for where to go apple picking near NYC? [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities at 2:08 PM PST - 5 comments

Bladder control: gone

My dog has started urinating out of control from time to time. What's wrong with her? [more inside]
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 2:07 PM PST - 9 comments

What song is this?

What song is this? [more inside]
posted by Thisispiggy at 1:56 PM PST - 6 comments

NameThatDesignerFilter

Can anyone tell me who designed this dress Christina Ricci is wearing at the Ell show at NY Fashion Week? This photo has appeared all over the web today but with no mention of the designer and I don't know enough about fashion to know where to start to look it up.
posted by essexjan at 1:45 PM PST - 10 comments

How to fix a ketchup-y bbq sauce?

BBQ Emergency! I have an hour to fix this BBQ sauce, which for the moment, tastes like a mildly spiced and more acidic extra-sweet ketchup. What do I add to improve it? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 1:45 PM PST - 22 comments

Looking for a salon in WNY/Buffalo/Niagara region

Looking for a salon in Western NY Niagara or Buffalo area that can give me a nice textured short haircut - had an awesome guy here earlier this year but he has since moved to Cleveland! I have rather thick slightly wavy hair so this person will have to have some serious skill! Any suggestions?
posted by snuffyrat at 1:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Concerns about .fm domain registration?

What are some concerns, if any, for purchasing a .fm domain versus using the standard crop of top level domains? [more inside]
posted by r-senal at 1:34 PM PST - 3 comments

It was the most extraordinary line I ever stood on.

How early should I line up for the New York Film Festival showing of Lawrence of Arabia at the Film Society of Lincoln Center? [more inside]
posted by dr handsome at 1:34 PM PST - 6 comments

Tiny Pumpkins in his Lunchbox

I recently became the owner of a large collection of unused six-cavity Wilton silicone molds. I'm aware of the craft possibilities of these, but my son really wants me to bake some tiny breads for his lunchbox. So far, we have tried two recipes, and neither really retained much of the detail of the molds. Can you recommend a cake or (ideally) a quick bread recipe that will use these molds to their greatest advantage?
posted by anastasiav at 1:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Buy my kid a watch

I would like to get a watch for my 10 year old with the following specifications: [more inside]
posted by latkes at 1:23 PM PST - 7 comments

I held the levers that guided the signals to the radio.

Budget home audio: amplified speakers ← amplifier ← DAC ← ???? [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 1:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Denial is not a river...

What do you do when the guy is In Complete Denial over his behavior with another woman? [more inside]
posted by sockerpup at 12:50 PM PST - 38 comments

Mysterious sign in East Broadway Chinatown

What is this mysterious sign written in a mix of what looks like Tibetan and Hangul in NYC's East Broadway Chinatown? [more inside]
posted by pravit at 12:32 PM PST - 3 comments

What's the source of this Faulkner quote?

William Faulkner famously said, "The best fiction is far more true than any journalism." But where the heck did he actually say this? Does anyone know the book or article or interview where this quote originated?
posted by Dr. Send at 12:22 PM PST - 6 comments

Where can I find 1960s Military Production Statistics

Where can I find information about military production by country in the 1960s? [more inside]
posted by Caduceus at 12:13 PM PST - 3 comments

Make my horn rimmed glasses look like new again!

Recommendations for horn rimmed glasses care? My rims often get this strange white discoloration/build-up --- however it doesn't wipe off or come off with water. Is this common? [more inside]
posted by molecicco at 11:57 AM PST - 11 comments

NFL Sunday Ticket on PS3?

Have you used the NFL Sunday Ticket app for Play Station 3? If so, how bad was it? I am interested in hearing both about your experience with it last year and anything you've heard about changes or improvements for 2012. [more inside]
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 11:51 AM PST - 2 comments

REcourse for fake bill from bank?

I withdrew money from Bank of America and received a fake 100$ note. What recourse do I have? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 11:50 AM PST - 35 comments

Will this RAID survive an Ubuntu installation?

I have an Ubuntu installation with a software RAID. The Ubuntu installation is on a separate disk than the RAID. If I reinstall Ubuntu, will it find and mount the RAID successfully? [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments

Sync android to outlook

Long time Blackberry user. Stuck with BB because it was so easy to sync with Outlook which I'm tied to by work. My BB crapped out last night (okay I washed it) and I went out and bought a Sprint Android Motorola Photon Q 4GLTE this morning on a whim. Sales lady says it syncs with Outlook no problem. I'm not seeing how. Do I DTMA or can you explain how I sync my Outlook contacts and calendar to this droid? I love you all.
posted by Carbolic at 11:19 AM PST - 7 comments

Waiting for short sale approval - time to clean up finances?

Already pre-approved for the amount I offered on a short sale. Is it okay to work on finances while I wait for short sale approval? [more inside]
posted by ginagina at 10:39 AM PST - 1 comment

Temping: Ur Doing it Wrong

What are the best practices for getting steady temp work through an agency? What can I be doing now to get more consistent and varied jobs? [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 10:36 AM PST - 8 comments

Can you explain why this works in JavaScript?

Can you explain why this works in JavaScript? [more inside]
posted by markcmyers at 10:19 AM PST - 9 comments

Better-security alternatives to Spam Arrest

What's a better-security alternative to Spam Arrest for challenge-response email? I received a password reminder email from Spam Arrest today. It included my full password in cleartext, and when I went to change my password to a long semi-random string of hashed characters I discovered that they silently truncate entries to 20 characters, which would have locked me out if they didn't keep everything in the clear to remind me. Frightening. Is there anyone out there who offer C/R email and knows how to store passwords?
posted by migurski at 10:19 AM PST - 3 comments

Help Me Stop Blow-Drying My TV

How can I keep my unusually moisture-sensitive TV dry in high humidity? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 10:13 AM PST - 9 comments

What is this skin problem I have that makes my facial hair turn Gray? (image included)

What is this skin problem I have that makes my facial hair turn Gray? (image included) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:31 AM PST - 9 comments

Can you search up this search company?

GoogleFu: Can you find out the name of the company behind this job offer? [more inside]
posted by Noumenon at 9:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Cook and cook and keep on cooking

Give me your tried-and-true tips on eating (consistently and healthily) when anxious. [more inside]
posted by pinetree at 9:22 AM PST - 22 comments

I'd like to do some light hiking in the south of England next week, but I don't have a car and don't want to hire one.

I'd like to do some light hiking in the south of England next week, but I don't have a car and don't want to hire one. [more inside]
posted by hannahlambda at 9:19 AM PST - 8 comments

Political science grad school: yes or no?

Political science grad school. Do you know anything about it? Liberal snowflakes. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:54 AM PST - 6 comments

What are the most versatile tops/shirts to add to my wardrobe?

What are the most versatile tops/shirts to add to my wardrobe? Please help me dress like an adult. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:53 AM PST - 16 comments

Can you help ID this siren-like thing?

Help identify this mystery item? [more inside]
posted by Borborygmus at 8:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Stretched too thin...help!

Overwhelmed with parenthood/work/life...how am I supposed to manage everything? Am I being selfish? [more inside]
posted by andariel at 7:18 AM PST - 31 comments

seeing germany in six days

Germany, seven days, mid October. Beginning in Berlin, ending in Frankfurt, but what in the middle? Also, are there any seasonal things to eat or drink at that time we should look out for? [more inside]
posted by swimmingly at 6:39 AM PST - 15 comments

Where can I get my back hair lasered off in London?

I'd like to get my back hair lasered off in (preferrably central) London, UK. Does anyone have any recommendations for places to do so?
posted by Omnibenevolent Supercherub at 5:27 AM PST - 1 comment

Recommendations for a LA therapist or psychologist?

Can anyone recommend a therapist or psychologist in LA specialized in depression? (prefer Westchester, Marina Del Ray, Santa Monica area) [more inside]
posted by lisakitty at 2:57 AM PST - 6 comments

Fetish footwear that isn't boots or heels?

I'm looking for shoes I can wear with my sexy/gothy/fetishy clothes that aren't boots or heels. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 1:50 AM PST - 20 comments

September 7

Is my spontaneous lactation a medical concern?

How long does non-pregnancy lactation need to last before it becomes a concern? [more inside]
posted by epj at 10:54 PM PST - 9 comments

NYC accessible restaurant suggestions

I am looking for suggestions for a restaurant in midtown Manhattan for a weekday lunch gathering of 3 visually-impaired folks (one with a dog) and another person (me) using a mobility scooter. We would like to find a spot between Port Authority and Penn Station. We'd like a place that's relatively inexpensive and not too noisy. I don't know what kind of food everyone likes, so having several places to choose from would be helpful. [more inside]
posted by garypratt at 10:39 PM PST - 2 comments

Your scene is shitty, man

My asshole neighbors' pot smoke is seeping into our apartment through every crack and vent. Help. [more inside]
posted by littlerobothead at 10:10 PM PST - 91 comments

Dating with a looming relocation date

Dating within a limited time frame-- okay idea or terrible idea? [more inside]
posted by sockypuppeteer at 9:37 PM PST - 7 comments

Highway to Rio

RVing to Rio De Janeiro -- is this even possible? We are experienced RVers, with nearly a decade of fulltime North American trekking under our belts. Closing ceremony of the Olympics got us talking about 2016 in Rio, then somebody said, "Why don't you take your RV down there?" [more inside]
posted by peakcomm at 9:25 PM PST - 9 comments

What should my grandfather read?

Can you recommend books for my recently-widowed grandfather? [more inside]
posted by christinetheslp at 8:03 PM PST - 18 comments

A rose by any other name...

I bought dried rosehips for tea. They were hard as rocks and didn't steep at all. What now? [more inside]
posted by luciddream928 at 7:46 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me find this one hit wonder

Spanish Guitar, moody instrumental, one hit wonder. Help! [more inside]
posted by Ironmouth at 7:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Cheaper apartment in Denver suburbs Parker, Centennial, or Englewood?

Have two days next week to find apartment/partial house on small budget in Parker, Centennial, Englewood area of Colorado (outside Denver). 2 adults, $800-850 (before utilities); 1 or 2 bedroom, washer/dryer preferred, quiet and safe....hopefully space for a mini terrier. I am looking at tons of stuff online but trust MeFites input and steeling for the fact that I am probably not going to find much. I am open for a partial house but not sure if Craigslist is safe or trustworthy to look. Any input is appreciated....truly. Excuse any naiviete on my part.
posted by snap_dragon at 7:18 PM PST - 6 comments

How Do I Plan for My Trip to South America?

I'd like to spend 2~3 months in South America and have no idea where to go or how to begin planning. I'd like some help please. [more inside]
posted by jstarlee at 6:55 PM PST - 10 comments

Buprenorphine Prescription for Treatment Resistant Depression?

Buprenorphine and Treatment Resistant Depression [more inside]
posted by Pleadthefifth at 6:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Will a Prius survive Maine winters?

Is driving a Prius is Maine stupid, crazy, both or neither? [more inside]
posted by kmtiszen at 6:09 PM PST - 30 comments

California Health Care and Insurance and What is this lump?

Does anyone have any experience with using the California health care program to treat potential breast cancer? That's my worst case scenario, and yes, I'm scared to death. I'm also without insurance at the moment. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:54 PM PST - 5 comments

Where to dine in Logan UT?

So, work takes me to Logan, Ut where I'll spend Sunday night. I need to consume the evening meal there. I have no dietary restrictions and like all cuisines I've tried. Where would I enjoy a solo dinner in Logan on Sunday night? Thanks
posted by BrooksCooper at 5:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Which cameras do war photographers use?

What sort of cameras and gear do embedded journalists and war photographers use these days? Which cameras can handle the abuse required? How do they deal with problems like power, memory, and multiple lenses? Any information would be greatly appreciated; thanks, MeFi!
posted by reductiondesign at 5:05 PM PST - 14 comments

What are the potential downsides of letting strangers post on your blog?

Friend of mine runs a small niche non-commercial blog. A stranger wrote in asking if he could write a post on it. How common is this, and more to the point, what could possibly go wrong?
posted by IndigoJones at 4:47 PM PST - 20 comments

Let me put that in writing

I can't think properly when people are looking at me! Please help. [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 4:20 PM PST - 20 comments

Civilian Review Committees for Federal Employee Decisions

How does the idea of a civilian review board for previewing the firing and disciplinary actions of federal managers against civilian employees sound? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 4:11 PM PST - 8 comments

Is it necessary to have anti-virus on a Windows 2008 file server?

Is it necessary to have anti-virus on a Windows 2008 file server? [more inside]
posted by colecovizion at 3:51 PM PST - 7 comments

More car cigarette adapter problems

How do I fix the ac adapter in my car (aka the cigarette lighter)? I already checked the fuse and it is fine. [more inside]
posted by at the crossroads at 3:34 PM PST - 6 comments

Okra?

The CSA just left a pound of okra on my front porch (among other things) and I have no idea what to do with it. [more inside]
posted by notyou at 3:27 PM PST - 40 comments

I'm going to be a complete basketcase if I ever have kids

Adopting a kitten into a house that already has a young cat. I have some questions on how to make this process as smooth and painless for all humans and felines involved. [more inside]
posted by Diskeater at 3:18 PM PST - 8 comments

Collection Agency Here: Pay! And evidence of the bill is YOUR problem!

Hounded by a collection agency - how do I gather evidence about the actual bill in question? [more inside]
posted by alex_skazat at 3:05 PM PST - 6 comments

First Lego League?!?

Could someone please help me understand the First Lego League?!? [more inside]
posted by Jamesonian at 3:02 PM PST - 7 comments

What are the best in-person experiences for aspiring writers to develop their skills?

Where are the good writers' retreats and workshops? How can I identify them? [more inside]
posted by emkelley at 2:58 PM PST - 2 comments

Internet HELP!

Internet in Boston: HELP! I'm getting weak signal in my apartment from my university internet. I bought a signal-enhancing antenna for my Macbook Pro, in order to try to enhance my laptop's reception of the university internet, but it didn't work and I'm not sure why. I'm trying now to decide whether to try again, possibly with another product, or whether to pay for a private provider and which one. Any thoughts would be most welcome! [more inside]
posted by UniversityNomad at 2:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Shirt ironing service in Toronto for male and female shirts

Toronto-filter: Is there a good place to get shirts (both male and female) washed and ironed for a reasonable price? I've tried dry cleaners but while male shirts seem to be ok from a price perspective (although still expensive), female shirts (exact same material, some form of cotton blend) are charged at twice and sometimes three times the price, even though they are, almost literally, just smaller men's shirts. Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks.
posted by apcmwh at 2:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Should I sue my landlord?

Lease break legal-filter. Former landlord's making ridiculous security deposit deductions and backing out on a written agreement to refund pro-rated rent after asking me to move out early for a new tenant. Is this worth going to court about? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:21 PM PST - 13 comments

Headphones for laptop music monitoring

I have questions about monitoring audio on a laptop using headphones. [more inside]
posted by preparat at 2:08 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm obsessed with obsession songs.

Help me make an "songs about obsession" playlist! [more inside]
posted by southpaw at 1:41 PM PST - 70 comments

Quick, get the giant space mirror!

Let's say a catastrophic cosmic event caused a ripple effect in the fabric of space-time, the first wave of which could potentially destroy the Earth. I realize that we have nothing in our current technology that could do anything to stop it, but what about future technology? (For fictional purposes.) [more inside]
posted by MrHalfwit at 1:07 PM PST - 20 comments

What games should I play?

Recommend me free (experimental?) interactive fiction-type computer games like Facade, Restaurant Game, and especially Prom Week? [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 1:05 PM PST - 9 comments

80s Chinese Secret, eh?

Help me put together a list of 1980s Hollywood films that indulge in faux Asian magic and mysticism. I'm thinking along the lines of Gremlins, Big Trouble in Little China, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Golden Child. Bonus points if the plot kicks off with a wise old shopkeeper selling weird things.
posted by roger ackroyd at 12:59 PM PST - 34 comments

Bat-less Belfry Desired

I would like to politely encourage a bat to leave my premises. Talk to me about bat-doors! [more inside]
posted by instead of three wishes at 12:36 PM PST - 10 comments

Yakima

Tourist/food/interesting things in the Yakima, Washington area. [more inside]
posted by zabuni at 12:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Sony Vegas Video Blues

Digital video editing help with Sony Vegas 11 -- 50 GB for 15 minutes of video! Yikes! [more inside]
posted by GnomeChompsky at 12:20 PM PST - 4 comments

Help Me Get Short Chic Hair in the Bay Area

I'm looking for a whiz for women's short, chic, sexy haircuts in the East Bay or San Francisco. Please share your recommendations and experiences! [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 12:13 PM PST - 11 comments

Working from Home

Are there any other people here who work from home? Care to share some anecdotes or tell us about any rituals you use to keep you motivated? [more inside]
posted by rougy at 12:11 PM PST - 30 comments

How can I get my daughter to be more relaxed about and manageable in doctor office visits?

How can I get my daughter to be more relaxed about and manageable in doctor office visits? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 11:52 AM PST - 30 comments

Who are these random "Users" at my website?

Wordpress. I have a website hosted by Dreamhost using Wordpress. I just got an email alerting me to a "new user registration". It is not a follower, so what is it? [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 11:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me better understand how WordPress handles images.

I need to better understand how WordPress works with images, how they load onto a page and the best way to automate the process to keep a WordPress self-hosted site running fast.. [more inside]
posted by bonsai forest at 11:45 AM PST - 1 comment

They gave me a short-stay visa... but I need a carte de séjour

The French consulate in Toronto gave me a three-month visa, but I was planning on staying for 9 months to a year. I don't know why they gave me a three-month visa when I clearly stated I was planning on leaving in June, but someone just told me I can't apply for a carte de séjour with a three-month visa. HELP! [more inside]
posted by kansakwens at 11:36 AM PST - 7 comments

What are some incredible self-love hip-hop anthems?

I want to collect hip-hop tracks where the message is "This MC is an incredible person and you should listen to what they're saying, doofus." I want the high-energy high-ego stuff. [more inside]
posted by insteadofapricots at 11:36 AM PST - 22 comments

No, I mean, cutting the actual physical cable

I'd like to keep my cable TV but without the physical cable. Is there any way to do this? [more inside]
posted by marylynn at 11:13 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I print to a Post-It on a budget?

I'm looking for the ability to print to a post-it. 3M wants too much. Any knock-offs or alternatives I could try? Must fit in a standard print tray. [more inside]
posted by NBJack at 11:11 AM PST - 8 comments

Excuse me, Doctor... but are All The Drugs right for me?

I've decided to actually use my medical insurance as it was intended, rather than waiting for some body part to fall off. I have my first ever physical scheduled in 2 weeks. How do I bring up health concerns with my doctor in a way that doesn't make me sound like a hypochondriac with an internet connection? [more inside]
posted by aristan at 11:10 AM PST - 18 comments

An old cartoon I saw on television

In an old cartoon clip, a rider who was perhaps but not definitely yosemite sam goes to jump on his horse again, to ride off. The horse takes exception to this and nays: "Whoooahoahoah no ya don't!" and if I remember correctly, proceeds to stand up, reach around, and yank the rider off his back. What cartoon is this? Super Friday bonus points for a YouTube link.
posted by cashman at 11:08 AM PST - 6 comments

How do you prepare for possible unemployment?

My girlfriend is feeling the heat of recent layoffs at her company. How does she save her job? How can she prepare now if it happens to her? [more inside]
posted by inTikiwetrust at 11:03 AM PST - 16 comments

Tournament software?

Looking for a website that lets me do this: For a set group of people, each submits a message. You can see who's sent a message, but not what the contents of the message are. When everyone's submitted a message, all the messages are revealed. This is for an online Magic: the Gathering tournament - we're having everyone submit an entry before anyone sees what anyone else submitted.
posted by LSK at 10:48 AM PST - 2 comments

this one time? at my mom's house?

Should I let my kids' girlfriends sleep at our house? [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 10:35 AM PST - 61 comments

Bleach... Noooooooo!

How do I negate or minimize the effects of bleach on my clothes? [more inside]
posted by outlandishmarxist at 10:28 AM PST - 18 comments

Short and Funny Poems

Do you know any short funny poems? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 10:26 AM PST - 55 comments

USB WiFi adapter?

I think I need to get a USB WiFi adapter. Any recommendations? (Bonus points if it also provides a USB port on its other end. Additional information inside, including, perhaps, a question about drivers.) [more inside]
posted by nobody at 10:16 AM PST - 8 comments

I see it every month, but I don't know what it is.

Anyone know what this is? I drive by it every few weeks, and I can't identify it for the life of me. [more inside]
posted by valkyryn at 10:04 AM PST - 17 comments

What do i need to know to pay my taxes this week?

Just started as an independent contractor - and I just got married. Self-Employed Taxes are due in ten days! Please help me figure out what I need to know! [more inside]
posted by rebent at 10:02 AM PST - 4 comments

I need a new courier bag

My Bag of Holding is falling apart after almost 4 years of daily use. This thing is constantly stuffed, so I need something that's just as, if not more spacious. Does anyone have any recommendations for a respectable courier-style replacement? Requirements: vegan-friendly materials, must have a gajillion pockets to store all of my doodads and whirlygigs. Hopefully some of these pockets will be easily accessible while the bag is closed. I tend to carry my laptop, a lot of writing implements as well as notebooks, a kindle and texts. Sometimes a change of clothes will be squeezed in. A cellphone holder/clip on the strap would be fantastic. If it's got some special thingy for putting in a water bottle, even better. Maybe an extra comfortable shoulder strap, too? Should look awesome/geeky. Am I asking for too much in a courier bag?
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 9:43 AM PST - 18 comments

What are the Cheapest areas to rent a flat in Greater Manchester?

Whats the cheapest area to rent an apartment in the greater manchester region? [more inside]
posted by rtmfeng at 9:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Tree Cutting

How sketchy is this? And how overpriced? We have a big tree in our yard from Hurricane Isaac. The apartment complex behind us has a tree cutting guy in the back with a crane to cut down that tree, as its roots are on their property. There is a tree in our neighbor's yard that has its roots on our property, so it's our responsibility. The tree cutters with the crane came and gave me an estimate of $700 to remove the 2 fallen branches of our tree or $1500 to remove the whole tree. The prices are only good now while he already has the crane back there. I am very hesitant to do this without having gotten estimates, but on the other hand, if that's a good deal, it'd be gone now. We can't afford the $1500 right now, but could swing the $700 and just be poor for a while. Run away or take the deal? Also, we hate (HATE) the neighbors with the yard that our tree is in, so not dealing with them further would be excellent. [more inside]
posted by artychoke at 9:11 AM PST - 25 comments

Please help me find legal records management resources.

Please help me find legal records management resources. [more inside]
posted by rokabiri at 8:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Finished New Rules of Lifting for Women, what next?

I just finished the weight training program from the New Rules of Lifting for Women, what should I do next? [more inside]
posted by kyrademon at 8:51 AM PST - 7 comments

First go to the courthouse, then boil water

What legal bits and bobs does it take to start up a hot dog stand and/or street vendor type business? [more inside]
posted by RolandOfEld at 8:35 AM PST - 18 comments

Can I, and should I, file a restraining order or no-contact order against my parents?

Can I, and should I, file a restraining order or no-contact order against my parents? [more inside]
posted by tckma at 8:28 AM PST - 32 comments

Retirement Hideway?

Anyone have recommendations on a hidden paradise to retire to in 10 years? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:20 AM PST - 28 comments

Hudson River valley travel help

I am headed to "Hudson River Valley" in NY for Columbus day weekend as a present for my birthday. Because I love to plan trips I get to do that, too. Help me! [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 8:09 AM PST - 18 comments

Google-Fu Failure

I need some help finding a story I heard on NPR(?) about a man that found that curing tobacco in a certain way can reduce the hydrocarbons in it. [more inside]
posted by CoinOp at 8:04 AM PST - 2 comments

Cat peeing on our couch, what could be the problem? See details.

How can I stop my cat from peeing on my couch? [more inside]
posted by AbsolutelyHonest at 7:52 AM PST - 17 comments

Next steps after quitting an okay job!

I'm trying not to freak out. I just quit an okay job. What to do? [more inside]
posted by lilacp at 6:59 AM PST - 61 comments

Where to print and bind a 500 page PDF in Toronto?

Toronto-filter: Some professors at my school are giving their textbooks to us students, free, via a printable PDF. So, I'd like to get it printed as cheaply as possible and then bound. Where's the best place to do this? Our textbook are on average ~500 pages. Proximity to Bloor and Spadina is a big plus.
posted by demagogue at 6:55 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me ID the "Puff Pastry" Typeface!

What font is this?! Tried what the font and studying it but still can't figure it out. any idea what this Puff Pastry font is? I'm sure it's customized and edited but I feel like I could find something similar. Had no luck with google or font ID sites. Thanks!
posted by anonymous at 6:47 AM PST - 4 comments

At this rate, there will be sixteen by next week.

Cool or uncool: your spouse gets a second dog from a local shelter without asking or consulting you? [more inside]
posted by fatllama at 6:43 AM PST - 89 comments

Can you hear the wind blow?

Can wind affect sound waves? [more inside]
posted by amazingstill at 6:42 AM PST - 8 comments

Racing Game Name needed

Gaming filter: Does anybody remember a racing game where you controlled human androids that were actually the motorbikes themselves? I believe it could have been for the Playstation. I'm trying to find a name.
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 6:40 AM PST - 8 comments

Is there a customer service yellow card?

Customer Service Yellow Card - How do you handle poor customer service early, in advance of the main service being rendered? [more inside]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:25 AM PST - 10 comments

Looking for a Rubber key ring.

Looking for a rubber 'wire' key ring. [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 5:58 AM PST - 5 comments

Charitable Nest-Feathering

Are there any charities I could support whose goal is to give people kitchen linens and textiles? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Perfect or almost-perfect journalling system required, please.

Asking for a friend: I want an electronic journaling system that does EVERYTHING. [more inside]
posted by malibustacey9999 at 5:25 AM PST - 10 comments

How to keep my shelf from drooping?

What would you call a telescopic rod that would help to hold up a shelf above a desk? [more inside]
posted by cincinnatus c at 5:22 AM PST - 11 comments

Where/when to watch cricket?

Help me and a friend find watch and learn about cricket in North America. [more inside]
posted by dry white toast at 4:57 AM PST - 4 comments

How can I build a playlist of snippets of songs in my iPhone music library?

iPhone: How can I build a playlist of snippets of songs in my music library? [more inside]
posted by lunchbox at 4:06 AM PST - 3 comments

Reccomend me where to start my lunchtime reading

I have never been a reader. I want to be. Recommend where I can start; online at lunchtimes at work. Bonus points for shorter stories (at first). [more inside]
posted by Cogentesque at 2:50 AM PST - 29 comments

"SD Card Unexpectedly Removed" - except it wasn't!

Weird random SD card removal error messages on Android phone [more inside]
posted by deliciae at 1:49 AM PST - 7 comments

How the heck can I 'remember' a room of singing Taxidermy...?

Does this exist: A music video or scene from a movie/ show in which a room decorated with many taxidermy animals (trophy heads and the like) comes to life and start moving and singing? [more inside]
posted by ~Bert at 1:14 AM PST - 18 comments

September 6

"At first I was worried about trapping you in a sexless marriage, but now it feels like I might be trapped in one."

My wife has been expressing concern about the long periods of dormancy in our sex life in the past 6 months or so. I don't notice it unless she mentions it. I'm trying to figure out the next step. Many more details within. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:58 PM PST - 35 comments

Portland, Oregon Food Trucks!

Where and who's good? Would love recommendations of food trucks in Portland, Oregon. [more inside]
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 10:36 PM PST - 15 comments

How much energy does a modern LCD display use?

If you have a recent 18" to 20" size LCD monitor and a kill-a-watt watt meter, can you please plug it into the watt meter and tell me how much power it's actually drawing? [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 10:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me buy some crutches

Anyone know where or how I can get a custom ordered crutches for my fiancee? She has CP and uses crutches to walk with, their standard crutches are pretty ugly, so I'd like to get her a pair in her favorite color or two, and maybe one in ivory for our wedding. Where can I order a pair of crutches in custom colors that have the cuff to prevent coming off when she falls? This style.
posted by snow_mac at 10:08 PM PST - 12 comments

Adding Titles to MOV videos inside PHOTOSHOP??

A friend of mine claims that he has "loaded a video into Photoshop CS5" and added overlaid Title graphics to his video as Photoshop layers, but now has trouble saving the video because of a problem with "Adobe Media Converter CS5". [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 8:59 PM PST - 6 comments

What is this weird symbol?

Please identify this weird symbol- white fir tree with balkenkreuz superimposed [more inside]
posted by ergomatic at 8:36 PM PST - 5 comments

Hotelzzz at Sydney Airport

What's the nearest bed to Arrivals at Sydney airport? I'll be fresh off a 24 hour journey and I can never sleep on planes. I don't mind paying, but any advice on airport hotels, especially any to avoid, much appreciated...
posted by cromagnon at 8:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Piano riff earworm

Song with Piano Riff Stuck in Head and can't get it out. [more inside]
posted by Seeking Direction at 8:26 PM PST - 5 comments

How should I compensate for something?

How do I make the most of my smaller-than-average penis? Snowflakey details follow. [more inside]
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 8:19 PM PST - 45 comments

Help me make a list of the can't miss speeches of the 2012 DNC convention.

I need help so I don't miss out on watching the best "can't miss" speeches of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. [more inside]
posted by marsha56 at 8:19 PM PST - 10 comments

Are there any guitar pieces even remotely inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses?

Does anyone know if there are any Classical nylon-string Guitar pieces (preferably decently easy ones) that were inspired or even partly based on mythology included in Ovid's Metamorphoses? [more inside]
posted by HowToBeAGentleman at 8:08 PM PST - 1 comment

I've got a door to nowhere- come on inside....

I bought a house with a door to nowhere. I'd like ideas of what to put on the other side of the door. [more inside]
posted by dogmom at 8:06 PM PST - 51 comments

PLZ HLP, MMS.

Why does this strange thing happen ONLY when a certain person sends me an MMS? [more inside]
posted by mittenbex at 7:04 PM PST - 3 comments

How do you get off a blacklist? And how do you know if you're on it?

How do you determine if you are on an employment blacklist? I have an MBA degree, and I have more experience and credentials than most of my MBA class, but I have not been able to get hired, and the only jobs I've been close to getting are at much less compensation than the average for my class. I interviewed for a position, made it past a phone screen, and went through a second in-person interview. I was told that they would get back to me in one week, but less than 1 day later I get a voicemail saying the company has chosen to go with another candidate. It's not the rejection, but the swiftness of the rejection after initial enthusiasm that makes me suspicious. If you are on a blacklist, how can you find out? And what can you do about it?
posted by anonymous at 7:00 PM PST - 41 comments

You're Too Sexy for This Party. GTFO.

Ladies: have you ever been targeted/harassed/insulted by others, particularly women, for being too sexy or attractive? Have you witnessed such a thing? Naive as I feel for asking this... does that sort of thing actually happen in the real world and not just on TV? More inside, forgive me if I'm being horribly inarticulate... [more inside]
posted by scaryblackdeath at 6:06 PM PST - 76 comments

hiking for wimps

I'm afraid of heights, and I have bad knees. What easy hikes can I go on near Vancouver, BC? [more inside]
posted by wutangclan at 5:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Subtle creepy strings.

It's time to play your favorite (maybe) Ask Metafilter game: recommend music for a specific purpose! Bonus difficulty: the specificity is really specific! [more inside]
posted by lazaruslong at 5:44 PM PST - 23 comments

What sort of mattress topper won't cause overheating in bed?

I need a mattress topper that will dampen the effect of my husband rolling over in bed without causing overheating. I like memory foam, but am worried it will be too hot, especially in summer. What would people recommend? [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 5:38 PM PST - 11 comments

Suggestions for small piece of luggage I could check

What is a small piece of luggage I could check and reasonably expect to survive the journey? Looking for brand suggestions as well. [more inside]
posted by bchaplin at 5:18 PM PST - 13 comments

ResumeCamp

What's the best way to list participation in an unconference/$Camp on an academic CV? [more inside]
posted by bryghtrose at 5:13 PM PST - 6 comments

Is it possible to exit the UK using a canceled passport, or use it to get a replacement within 24 hours?

A friend of mine is considering traveling from the UK to Spain using a canceled passport, having lost the replacement passport. Is this impossible, illegal, or might she manage it? [more inside]
posted by ajp at 5:11 PM PST - 24 comments

What do I need for indoor Macro photography that I don't already have?

Help me find the basics for indoor macro photography. I have a DSLR and Macro lens. I need cheap lighting and a set. Preferably small or easily storable when not in use. [more inside]
posted by 2oh1 at 4:55 PM PST - 6 comments

Friend's a fraud. Freak out or fly on?

A formerly close friend (with some family ties) is building a career as a seminar leader by misrepresenting himself as a business success and giving paid seminars supported by a local government agency. Should I care? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:30 PM PST - 26 comments

How to get guests from the parking lot to the wedding?

Wedding transport help. A friend of mine is getting married and I'm helping arrange logistics. We're going to have the guests all park in a public parking lot about a mile from the site of the wedding (which is at someone's house - there is no closer place than this parking lot to fit ~100 guests' cars). The question is how best to get them from the parking lot to the site of the wedding? More details below. [more inside]
posted by pineapple carver at 3:52 PM PST - 20 comments

Serif or Sans Serif on Ebook Readers?

Is there any consensus as to whether serif on sans-serif fonts are easier on the eyes when using e-ink based readers?
posted by Yakuman at 3:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Six (6) hour layover in Vienna - enough time to do anything other than wait?

This coming Saturday morning (September 8th, 2012) I have a six hour layover in Vienna. Do I have enough time to do anything worthwhile outside the airport? [more inside]
posted by Calloused_Foot at 2:57 PM PST - 8 comments

Is this another useless superpower?

Do other peoples' cellphone batteries spontaneously discharge, or is it just me? [more inside]
posted by still_wears_a_hat at 2:27 PM PST - 15 comments

When were the first successful spina bifida operations?

Does anyone know when the first successful spina bifida operations were performed (post natal). My mum had one in 1943/1944 and went on to complete recovery as a child and adult, although before age two, her legs were paralyzed. The family story is that this was one of the first successful operations and that my grandmother had to visit almost every hospital in London to find someone prepared to operate. My mum died today, and I want to check facts before perhaps including them in a eulogy this week.
posted by blue_wardrobe at 2:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Trying to find a mid 1990s crime novel I once read?

Trying to find a book from the mid 1990s. It was about a painter/criminal who gets involved with stealing high tech stuff from big wigs, rich people, and his accomplice was a cocaine addict, I believe the character's name was Annie. They would break into houses and steal hard drives, if I am remembering correctly. One time they kill a guard dog in some dudes house, and another time Annie gets shot by some thug with a zippo lighter pistol. Eventually they are confronted by I think the FBI in a hotel room. The cover was a tech Matrixy looking cover, matte black with shiny red lettering. Any ideas? I swear it was a two word title that was futuristic, computery sounding. Read it when I was in like 5th 6th 7th grade when I was about 11 or 12. Any help would be much appreciated thank you. [more inside]
posted by partial at 2:13 PM PST - 4 comments

My Nook Simple Touch changes pages on its own

I purchased a Nook SimpleTouch with glow light in May to replace my well-loved Nook Classic. I love it! Except it turns pages on its own. [more inside]
posted by kimberussell at 2:08 PM PST - 7 comments

My microwave is on the fritz. How do I know if I am being bombarded with radiation...or if it's about to explode?

My microwave is on the fritz. How do I know if I am being bombarded with radiation...or if it's about to explode? [more inside]
posted by Elly Vortex at 1:59 PM PST - 12 comments

Best gift ever for a 9 month old baby girl

My dear friend has a 9 month old daughter (who is just the most gorgeous vivacious little person I've ever seen) and as I'm pregnant with my first child who is also a little girl, we are inheriting an enormous amount of stuff from them. I would like to buy her 9 month old daughter a really fabulous gift as a thank you. Any ideas?
posted by ohyouknow at 1:39 PM PST - 25 comments

How to walk quietly in kitten heels

Meow! How do you walk quietly in kitten heels? Something like this or this? Is it a trick of sizing? Of walking a little differently? This would be my go-to style of heel for many occasions... if I can hide the slap-clack slap-clack sound which is a bit too much like $2 Walmart flip-flops.
posted by whatzit at 1:26 PM PST - 15 comments

Stay or go, having already gone?

Time to switch jobs? Remote working, role change, and the possibility of promotion inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:17 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I get rid of a spider infestation in my car?

How can I get rid of a spider infestation in my car? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:16 PM PST - 13 comments

Best of 2012 political journalism?

Where can I find the best online American political commentary and analysis right now? Looking for bloggers, columnists, reporters, websites. [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 1:04 PM PST - 16 comments

How else can I gorge myself on whole grain mustard?

I've just discovered the magic of Maille Old Style whole grain mustard and it is glorious. What are your favorite whole grain mustard recipes? [more inside]
posted by chatongriffes at 1:00 PM PST - 11 comments

This is why I can't have nice things

Hiya. I have a Transformer Prime tf201 that doesn't want to turn on. Please help! [more inside]
posted by grippycat at 1:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Man, I miss Demonoid.

Looking for a chart that lists the five defining albums of each sub-genre of electronic music. [more inside]
posted by zap at 12:58 PM PST - 4 comments

How to end a marriage with as little devastation as possible...

Question for a friend: How to end a marriage in the "best" way possible? Looking for useful advice from people who have been through it. Many details inside. [more inside]
posted by saturn~jupiter at 12:54 PM PST - 40 comments

A list of sources in a Word doc isn't gonna cut it.

I'm writing my MA capstone research paper and feel like I need to step up my game with managing citations and possibly using something other than Word. Help? [more inside]
posted by brilliantine at 12:48 PM PST - 11 comments

Garlic bread from scratch?

If you were going to make garlic bread from scratch (flour, yeast, water, garlic, butter, olive oil, salt, maybe cheese) what kind of bread would you use as the base? [more inside]
posted by sparklemotion at 12:30 PM PST - 18 comments

UKBA - spouse of Tier 4 Student Visa denied

Son (Canadian citizen) has been approved for a Tier 4 UK Student Visa to attend law school in Britain. His wife (U.S. citizen) was denied her spouse of Tier 4 UK Student Visaholder because he will be working towards an undergraduate degree and not a graduate degree. United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) is actually correct to deny her - is there any other way that she can accompany him? [more inside]
posted by Minos888 at 12:23 PM PST - 3 comments

Suddenly erratic touchpad on MacBook Pro

My MacBook's touchpad went wrong this morning. Everything I do is suddenly like fighting with a ghost. Mac forums are useless. [more inside]
posted by Navelgazer at 12:00 PM PST - 16 comments

I never grew out of fear of the dark.

I am an adult with fear of the dark, along with other anxiety problems. I hate driving in the dark, even on streets with streetlights (I even hesitate to ride in the car at night) and feel panicky in dark rooms. I sleep with a nightlight, but wish it didn't feel like a necessity, and with fall coming, I dread the long nights ahead. Beyond therapy (which I have tried for my other problems and cannot currently afford) are there any methods of coping with this?
posted by juniper at 11:26 AM PST - 18 comments

Improve my resume!

What are some classes or certifications that would bolster the resume of a sales professional besides a college degree? [more inside]
posted by cheechman85 at 11:25 AM PST - 4 comments

How to conduct an informational interview

What questions does one ask in an informational interview so as not to appear to be looking for a new job? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 11:22 AM PST - 7 comments

cool cheap gadget gifts?

What are some cool, but practical gadgets for under 100 dollars? [more inside]
posted by Jaelma24 at 11:10 AM PST - 26 comments

Where in SoCal can I find an affordable shingles vaccination?

Where in SoCal can I find an affordable shingles vaccination? [more inside]
posted by buggzzee23 at 10:44 AM PST - 4 comments

Easy salmon recipes please.

Please give me your tastiest, go-to salmon recipe worthy of serving company. [more inside]
posted by Kimberly at 10:40 AM PST - 49 comments

Recommendations for a Seattle therapist and/or resources?

Seeking recommendations for a therapist and resources for an 18 year old female in the Seattle/North Seattle (Shoreline) area (abuse, possible PTSD, and more). [more inside]
posted by sockless at 10:30 AM PST - 7 comments

I need tips on bodybuilding while going to college full time and working part time.

I need tips on bodybuilding(specifically bulking up) while going to college full time and working part time. I live on my own and have no cooking experience. [more inside]
posted by Parh6512 at 10:07 AM PST - 8 comments

Looking for an Internet video: Humanoid robot soldier patrolling a real, Third World city

Looking for an Internet video: Humanoid robot soldier patrolling a real, Third World city. It combined live action footage -- which looked like Somalia, Iraq, Yemen, etc -- with a digitally inserted, Terminator-like robot soldier patrolling the streets on foot. The robot appeared to be a motion-captured actor, from its level of fidelity. The project appeared to have a somewhat political slant about the eventual use of robots in combat.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 9:45 AM PST - 5 comments

The world's best canoe trips

What are the greatest canoe trips you’ve taken, anywhere on the globe? [more inside]
posted by scrambles at 9:34 AM PST - 25 comments

LA Harbor Filter: Is there an uncomplicated website that will tell me when the Vincent Thomas Bridge will be closed at night?

LA Harbor Filter: Is there an uncomplicated website that will tell me when the Vincent Thomas Bridge will be closed at night? [more inside]
posted by Temeraria at 9:22 AM PST - 2 comments

Relationships, am I right?

New adult relationships. How do they work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Preauthorization for prescriptions

Any other recourse when physician still has not faxed prior authorization form to insurance company? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:04 AM PST - 11 comments

Biostatistics training outside of school

What after bio-statistics software experience is most attractive to future employers? [more inside]
posted by waving at 8:40 AM PST - 5 comments

A negative novel about Nyerere?

Swahili book filter: A Tanzanian, probably Zanzibari novel about Julius Nyerere or a character based on him, portrayed in a bad light. [more inside]
posted by ChrisHartley at 8:37 AM PST - 1 comment

Get fit with das boot?

I just scheduled bunion surgery for next week after finding out I had a stress fracture caused by the bunion and was going to have to rehab that anyway. I am looking for ideas for how to exercise with a walking boot. Details below. [more inside]
posted by hrj at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments

DNC in BKLYN

Where in Brooklyn can I watch the DNC tonight? I'm looking for a bar. [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 8:10 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm in ur gamez, serving u adz

The In Game Advertising Business for Dummies - please drop some science on me regarding notable vendors and rates for this kind of thing given that Massive was killed. [more inside]
posted by spicynuts at 8:02 AM PST - 5 comments

Psychologist/Psychatrist?

I need to see a psychologist/psychiatrist to be screened for ADD and perhaps some other stuff as I've been having issues functioning. I'd been diagnosed with ADHD as a teen. I do not have insurance and work only a part time job. Help? [more inside]
posted by camylanded at 7:54 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me be awesome and supportive towards my pregnant sister!

My sister is pregnant. I am psyched. Help me be an awesome and supportive sister and aunt! [more inside]
posted by kat518 at 7:48 AM PST - 12 comments

Vet to administer euthanasia in Seattle.

Looking for a vet in Seattle who will perform euthanasia on an animal with behavioral, not physical, problems. [more inside]
posted by tristeza at 7:29 AM PST - 21 comments

IE* not co-operating with my Tumblr posting.

Scroll bar acting CRAZY in my Tumblr edit window when using IE8. [more inside]
posted by Gor-ella at 7:20 AM PST - 4 comments

My computer takes entirely too long to start up. I am sick of it.

Why does my computer take such a ridiculously long time to boot up, and what can I do about it? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 7:02 AM PST - 22 comments

Can I farm my car out to the movies?

Weird question: Is there a place I can register my newly-acquired vintage car for use as a movie prop? [more inside]
posted by mibo at 6:43 AM PST - 11 comments

VPN: sonicwall TZ170 and DD-WRT?

Office A has a TZ170, presently configured for VPN through sonicwall's desktop client software. Offices B and C have routers running DD-WRT. Can the DDWRT routers (with both OpenVPN and PPTP clients) provide an always on VPN back to office A? Might this be accomplished by creating a new VPN policy specifically for them in the TZ170? Alternately, could I replace the TZ170 with a new DDWRT, functioning not as router but only as gateway, VPN and firewall?
posted by slagerst at 6:27 AM PST - 3 comments

How is it possible that so many smart phone apps are for free?

I am relatively new to the smart phone world. But what I already learned is that incredibly many apps are for free. I wonder how that is possible. During the last month I have spent some time myself developing a financial app for Android - my preferred smart phone. The app of course could be useful not only for me but also for others. So I put it into the Google Play Store. Since I made some effort with bringing the thing to life I am not ready to give it away for free but expect getting a reasonable price paid. What I wonder is are people in general expecting apps to be free anyway? Are there other models how to finance the development of smart phone apps?
posted by matthiasw at 6:25 AM PST - 27 comments

Borrower beware

Refinancing our home and caught our lender padding their fees with questionable stuff; what else should we be on the lookout for? [more inside]
posted by werkzeuger at 6:18 AM PST - 4 comments

How to place value on having a good view out of the window from a home?

what value is to be placed on a nice view from a home? I have the opportunity to move to a new flat with very impressive direct sea views, for a 40% increase in rent. I’m just having trouble quantifying the view. The flat is below market rate probably, and I can afford it, that’s not a problem, I feel it is a very superficial thing to spend money on. But I’m not spending on anything else. If I had kids, I feel that I wouldn’t be that bothered at all about having the view . I am a male, 33, single. I look out the window, and sure it’s nice, but does it improve my life, in any real sense? I am not really sure. If it wasn't for this view, I'd probably move to a more interesting and cuturally diverse part of town. Which has different kinds of urban views. Views?
posted by molloy at 6:17 AM PST - 28 comments

My boyfriend's family is upset he's dating someone obese. How do I deal with this hurt?

My boyfriend's family is "concerned" he's dating a Fatty (me, yay!) How do I deal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:00 AM PST - 50 comments

How to support someone you are dating through tragedy

Dating someone who just had a friend commit suicide and has now gone to ground completely. How can I best support them now? They were already having a troubled time and weren't sure whether they could commit to dating, so I want to be supportive in a way that does not put more pressure on them around our relationship (if it still exists). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:00 AM PST - 11 comments

South Bay mobile carriers: which one?

Is there a "best" mobile provider/carrier in the Mountain View/Sunnyvale/Santa Clara area? [more inside]
posted by Chaotic Bedlam at 5:24 AM PST - 5 comments

should I stay or should I go now?

Should I stay in a job that makes me unhappy, but has good opportunities for future growth, or take a new job knowing that I will have to leave it I ever want a promotion? [more inside]
posted by DaveZ at 4:48 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me work out a plan for Dad's house

Advice sought on packing up, clearing out and selling my dad's home, and on experiences with aged care in Australia. [more inside]
posted by andraste at 4:43 AM PST - 7 comments

I want examples of many different fictional companies and products from literature!

I want examples of many different fictional companies and products from literature! [more inside]
posted by Cantdosleepy at 4:08 AM PST - 29 comments

What is the name of this injected glass technique?

My mum brought me back a glass pendant from Paris years ago, and always regretted not getting one herself. What is the name for this kind of pendant so I can try and find one for her? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 3:32 AM PST - 10 comments

driving into problems, again?!

My second hard drive in 6 months appears to have developed issues. What should I be looking for? [more inside]
posted by BadMiker at 1:59 AM PST - 13 comments

How can I help my dog with an itchy, licky tail wound?

My (otherwise healthy, but very itchy as of late) dog licked and chewed his tail so much today that there is now a raw, bloody spot near the base. We are going to the vet tomorrow morning. Is there anything I can do tonight to stop the itching so we can both sleep? My instinct is to trim the hair around the wound, clean it with water, apply human antibiotic/anti itch cream, and somehow bandage the tail. Bad idea? Better ideas?
posted by justjess at 12:14 AM PST - 16 comments

September 5

Remember a sex drugs rock n roll site from a few years back?

Sex, guns, drugs, rocknroll, fashion blog site from a few years back? Link please? [more inside]
posted by varion at 11:57 PM PST - 9 comments

I miss you?

How do you know when you're missing someone, versus missing what you had with someone? Or, even stranger, what you could have had with them? Snowflakes. [more inside]
posted by Bluestocking_Puppet at 11:03 PM PST - 12 comments

Guilt by association with the pickup artist community?

I have been offered a freelance writing gig and it seems pretty awesome, but the company publishing it is run by a guy who is affiliated with the "pickup artist" community. This makes me uncomfortable. Am I nuts for considering not taking it because of this? [more inside]
posted by ponytime at 10:50 PM PST - 18 comments

Okamura Leopard Chair

By any chance does anyone out there in metfi-land own an Okamura (Oki) Leopard chair? or know someone who does? [more inside]
posted by Lylo at 10:04 PM PST - 0 comments

Adderall Addiction

I am abusing Adderall and need help. I have found a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in my area and am going to attend the next one, but I think I need more help. [more inside]
posted by Francophone at 9:27 PM PST - 14 comments

Is A Nexus Card Useful For Canadians Travelling By Air In The United States?

This November, my wife and I will be flying from Winnipeg, MB to Phoenix AZ, with a brief stopover in Minneapolis MN. A week later, we'll be returning the same way, Phoenix -> Minneapolis -> Winnipeg. We both qualify for Nexus cards and I'm wondering if they would be of any use for the Minneapolis/Phoenix leg of the trip. [more inside]
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Do you really need a *certified* instructor to teach doodling?

What is the straight dope on zentangle? [more inside]
posted by Doleful Creature at 9:22 PM PST - 15 comments

Le grand événement de pomme

Can we watch the September 12 iPhone 5 announcement at the Apple Store in Paris, France? [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 9:19 PM PST - 1 comment

Exceptional bodywork/manual therapy (Egoscue, Active Release Technique, etc.) in New York City? [Ref: The Four Hour Body]

Exceptional bodywork/manual therapy (Egoscue, Active Release Technique, etc.) in New York City? [Ref: The Four Hour Body] [more inside]
posted by 4midori at 9:00 PM PST - 2 comments

A "Where should I live?!" question!

So. I need to move and live with my best friend. We are looking to move west in the USA. She suggested southern Arizona and I suggests Oregon. We thought Cali might be good, but are open to pretty much anywhere. [more inside]
posted by fuzzysoft at 8:37 PM PST - 25 comments

Cutting line and fishing

I broke up with my boyfriend when I moved across the country several months ago, because of the distance. Now I want to date him long-distance. Should I talk to him about it or wait it out and hopefully stop wanting to date him? Flurries inside. [more inside]
posted by momus_window at 8:14 PM PST - 12 comments

How do I deal with the crush-induced awkward?

Have I done something wrong, and if so, how will I know? I haven't had a crush in so long that I'm not sure whether I'm behaving normally or not, and I don't know how to deal. Long, involved, and socially awkward inside. [more inside]
posted by windykites at 7:59 PM PST - 15 comments

How do you judge how good a friend is?

How do you know if someone is a good friend to keep around? Is it judging them by their support or their company? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:55 PM PST - 23 comments

I'll be the most powerful man in Hill Valley, and I'm gonna clean up this data.

Help me find this data analysis tool, so I can process lots of cool data. [more inside]
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 7:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Resources for crossdressers and their wives?

My husband is a crossdresser. What resources/support are available to each of us? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:25 PM PST - 7 comments

I like to watch Starcraft II games, what other games should I be following, and how do I get up to speed?

I've begun to watch eSports recently (basically, competitive video game matches), and found them really interesting. For Starcraft II, I have learned how enjoy being a spectator, but it took a lot of effort: I had to play the game, gradually figure out who was worth watching, identify the right YouTube channels, learn the lingo, etc. What other competitive mutliplayer games are worth watching, and how do I get into them? [more inside]
posted by blahblahblah at 7:04 PM PST - 11 comments

daz3d and confused

I've downloaded daz3d! Ummm. Now what? Any tutorial articles, vids or whatevers in helping a rank n00b get a semi-animated storyboard off the ground would be of immense help. [more inside]
posted by Slap*Happy at 6:32 PM PST - 3 comments

Psychologically, what are the effects of benzodiazepines on anxiety.

Psychologically, what are the effects of benzodiazepines on anxiety. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:24 PM PST - 30 comments

Does history repeat itself if the players change?

Moving in with my SO - but worried that I'll end up in the unhappy situation my parents were in. What do you do when you didn't grow up with a positive example of marriage/co-habitation? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:24 PM PST - 13 comments

Asking Questions about Money and Working Hours During A Job Interview

I have a job interview coming up on Wednesday next week. I want to ask some questions regarding working hours and money. Should I, and if so, how should I frame the questions? [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 at 6:12 PM PST - 16 comments

Wistful Songs of Emotional Conflict?

I am looking for more songs similar to 10cc's "I'm not in love". Specifically, songs about attraction or falling in love but feeling conflicted over it or uncomfortable with it or questioning it. Difficulty: Must also be non-venomous, non-hostile, non-accusatory. So I am not looking for songs like "You give love a bad name" or Britney Spears "Toxic". [more inside]
posted by Michele in California at 6:02 PM PST - 56 comments

Getting tired of mandatory OCD

An annoying but necessary part of my job is logging into a company website and checking to see if a number has gone up. If it has gone up, I start working on stuff to make the number go down. Checking the website every five seconds gets boring really fast and really cuts into the time I spend working on other things. Does anyone know of some programs out there that will automate this checking and notify me if the number has gone up? More deets inside! [more inside]
posted by Willie0248 at 5:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Content Swap, Noob Edition!

I need help archiving a live domain and replacing it with a sub domain. [more inside]
posted by Brocktoon at 5:46 PM PST - 1 comment

How do I be a good partner to my SO who has a thyroid condition?

My SO has Graves disease. How do I be a good partner to them? [more inside]
posted by You Guys Like 2 Party? at 5:33 PM PST - 12 comments

Not a banshee, but a zombie

Where did the trope of the shrieking zombie come from? [more inside]
posted by arniec at 5:30 PM PST - 9 comments

Best Resources for a Trip Around the World

What are the best resources, websites, and blogs for someone who is planning a trip around the world? [more inside]
posted by smitt at 5:11 PM PST - 6 comments

City or country? I want both.

City or country? I want both. [more inside]
posted by wannabecounselor at 5:03 PM PST - 20 comments

Finding a good survival knife

A friend of mine has been getting back into camping/hiking/general outdoors-ness recently and has asked for my help locating a good 'survival' knife. [more inside]
posted by skrymir at 5:03 PM PST - 20 comments

Skinless, Boneless, Tasteless?

What are some interesting things to do with skinless, boneless chicken breasts? [more inside]
posted by charmcityblues at 4:58 PM PST - 52 comments

Help me find this comic about internet browsers.

ComicFilter: Help me find this comic comparing internet browsers. [more inside]
posted by pluot at 4:52 PM PST - 1 comment

What's a little friendly sexual competition amongst amigos?

How do I manage this potentially awkward social situation and win the girl? [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 4:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Short guy needs clothes that fit.

Where can a short guy buy clothes that fit? [more inside]
posted by Tin Man at 4:28 PM PST - 24 comments

How to avoid weight gain on Lyrica?

How to avoid weight gain on Lyrica? [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 4:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me fill my new home with crap!

I'm starting fresh decorating a new house and am after some cute, kitschy and unusual homewares (think Urban Outfitters or ModCloth, or anything rockabilly or punk inspired). Catch is they have to be able to ship internationally - or to Australia at least. Can anyone recommend me a few sites?
posted by sunshine arakhan at 3:49 PM PST - 7 comments

Spain!

Please help us with travel planning and logistics for Spain! [more inside]
posted by ohmy at 3:47 PM PST - 7 comments

Google Apps for Dummies

I want to love Google Apps for Education. On the surface it does everything we want it to do, provide emails for students, offer individual log-in, save items on the Google Server rather than individual computers, provide simple document software, etc. Except that it doesn't..... [more inside]
posted by aetg at 3:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Can you be middle class and live in Manhattan?

Can you be middle-class and live in Manhattan? What is that like? [more inside]
posted by aoleary at 3:33 PM PST - 35 comments

Phone based therapists?

Know of any phone based therapists? Seeing a lot of research based sites in my searches but no actual therapists doing this.
posted by mrflibble at 2:59 PM PST - 6 comments

Low cost bipolar ADD meds in US

Low cost bipolar ADD meds available in the US? [more inside]
posted by jchinique at 2:37 PM PST - 7 comments

iPhone to-do app with item queueing?

Is there any to-do app for the iPhone that lets you place to-do items in a queue? [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 2:37 PM PST - 7 comments

Cruptic message to decipher...please

WTH? Message in a bottle, secret admirer, or random gibberish? A friend's mom took her car to the shop (SW US) and left a whiteboard (which she uses to communicate) inside. After she picked the car up she noticed the following written on it. Any ideas as to what language it is or what it says? Thanks in advance. Mysterious message here
posted by subajestad at 2:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Inpatient gardening ideas, please!

Help me figure out what to do with my new gardening group! Indoors and out, with an emphasis is on safety. [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 2:24 PM PST - 7 comments

The only dress that I've found so far was price upon request.

Modern, stylish, but not trendy, fairly subdued/subtle formal long gown for a petite lady with lots and lots and lots of bust to contain? Added difficulty: I will have dark blue hair. [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 2:04 PM PST - 30 comments

Seeking simple four-poster beds

My wife and I really love this simple, wooden four-poster bed from the design showroom SUITE New York. Unfortunately, it costs over $8,000, which is a good bit more than we'd like to pay. Can you recommend any cheaper beds in a similar style, or stores/designers which might carry something like this? (We live in NYC.) Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 1:17 PM PST - 20 comments

Proposed a long-distance "meeting" trip with someone I've been interested in dating for several months. I agreed to pay for everything but now I'm feeling awkward about the entire thing. Details inside.

Proposed a long-distance "meeting" trip with someone I've been interested in dating for several months. I agreed to pay for everything but now I'm feeling awkward about the entire thing. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by audio at 12:35 PM PST - 31 comments

Stuck in Toronto - boat is full

Stranded in Toronto. New in town, have a job and a place (but not until Oct-1). Film-fest + returning students have filled all hostels and every half-way affordable hotel. Any other options? [more inside]
posted by philip-random at 12:28 PM PST - 14 comments

the art of small talk

I’m not naturally social, and I’m looking for tricks on speeding up my banter with aquaintances and strangers. [more inside]
posted by timsneezed at 12:13 PM PST - 21 comments

Nice Bike Rides day trips from Central NJ

Looking for Nice Bike Rides - day trips from Central NJ [more inside]
posted by MrsMGH at 12:02 PM PST - 3 comments

how is kickstarter formed?

Kickstarter advice: Have you done a successful Kickstarter? An unsuccessful one? What do you wish you had known in advance? And does my Kickstarter sound likely to succeed? [more inside]
posted by nonasuch at 11:09 AM PST - 17 comments

One Shoe to Shod Them All

I'm looking for my perfect, versatile slip-on walking shoe that is comfortable without socks and not too clunky to wear with a casual skirt/dress. [more inside]
posted by drlith at 11:02 AM PST - 17 comments

Economics for Dummies?

Looking for good resources on economic theory for the previously non-inclined? Particularly interested in New Institutional Economics (Williamson, North) and Commons Economics (Ostrom). Probably need some grounded in the orthodox stuff as well?
posted by lalalana at 10:55 AM PST - 5 comments

Where to get inked in Oly

I am looking for recommendations for a tattoo artist in Olympia, Wa. [more inside]
posted by virginia_clemm at 10:43 AM PST - 3 comments

They'd offer you the job if you didn't look like you already have one ... walking the stroll

How do I tell a friend that she looks … unprofessional … and that it’s hurting her job search? [more inside]
posted by nubianinthedesert at 10:39 AM PST - 35 comments

Found photos - not mine - find owner or forget about it?

I've accidentally happened upon a cache of someone else's photos on photobucket. Do I reach out to them, forget about it, or delete the account? [more inside]
posted by routergirl at 10:33 AM PST - 14 comments

Help a kid learn Spanish when you don't know yourself?

What is the best way to teach a child a foreign language that you yourself don't know very well, if immersion is not an option and you are limited to what you can do in your home? [more inside]
posted by Alexander Hatchell at 10:26 AM PST - 18 comments

I spent a long time looking at those empty plastic bottles, wondering if they could save me.

If I was in a life threatening crisis, how much time would the oxygen in a soda bottle buy me. [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon at 10:22 AM PST - 13 comments

Real terraforming

I want to know more about the part of forestry that explains how and why forests (any kind) are composed and developed. By "composition," I mean the relative placement of the elements of a forest, like ravines and canopies. Books, web pages, and a massive, super-detailed time lapse animation of a forest forming from nothing would all be great.
posted by ignignokt at 10:12 AM PST - 8 comments

A Cultural weekend in New York

I'll be in New York City the 21st through the 23rd and would like to take in a much art/cultural stuff as I reasonably can, but it's New York and outside of the big four (MOMA, the Met, AMNH and the Guggenhiem), I'm not really sure where to start. [more inside]
posted by Meeks Ormand at 9:58 AM PST - 23 comments

Sights/regional specialties in Lancaster, PA?

I will be taking a day-trip to Lancaster, PA for business. Anything of note to see or bring back? [more inside]
posted by Tanizaki at 9:23 AM PST - 21 comments

Help me not open a can of worms.

Can you recommend a reputable adoption blog? (for discussion and self-education) [more inside]
posted by maryr at 9:13 AM PST - 7 comments

Durable/Replaceable Cable Earbud Headphones with a Microphone?

I'm looking for iPhone headphones that will hold up to daily use while walking. Every pair I've owned has problems with the 1/8" connector after a few months, or less, of use (while walking, usually in a pocket, but often getting taken out to check an email, respond to a text, etc...). More details inside. [more inside]
posted by jeffch at 9:10 AM PST - 9 comments

Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona with a 21 month old toddler?

Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona with a 21 month old toddler? [more inside]
posted by dhruva at 8:55 AM PST - 10 comments

Creating a letterhead in Microsoft Word and need to make the header and footer graphics join seamlessly. Im currently getting a separation line between the two.

Creating a letterhead in Microsoft Word and need to make the header and footer graphics join seamlessly. Im currently getting a separation line between the two. [more inside]
posted by Senor Cardgage at 8:49 AM PST - 3 comments

How much should I charge for full ownership and rights to a font I created?

How much should I charge for full ownership and rights to a font I created? [more inside]
posted by stokast at 8:48 AM PST - 2 comments

What is this thin, elusive book called?

Need help identifying book. [more inside]
posted by mr.marx at 8:45 AM PST - 2 comments

Do I tell an old coworker that her "private" pictures are online?

Do I tell an old coworker that her "private" pictures are online? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:42 AM PST - 26 comments

Mystery Item filter

What is this tool used for? [more inside]
posted by hector horace at 8:40 AM PST - 9 comments

Where can I find more Across the Land?

I think the movie poster for Stompin Tom's Across this Land is great and I'd like to pick up a few more like it. What are some of the highlights of the genre? [more inside]
posted by Old Man Wilson at 8:38 AM PST - 1 comment

Smartphone Pay As You Go Plans in Canada

I'm currently using an iPhone 3GS in Ontario with Fido. With the new iPhone on the horizon, I'm considering buying the phone unlocked through Apple, and switching to a "Pay as You Go" service. I'm hoping the kind folks at Metafilter can help me choose the best plan. [more inside]
posted by backwards guitar at 8:36 AM PST - 7 comments

Texting on a tablet

Can I send and receive text messages with my tablet using the number associated with a feature (i.e. not smart) phone? [more inside]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 8:12 AM PST - 6 comments

Holy Basil, Batman - What is this plant?

Smells like Basil - What is this plant? [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 8:02 AM PST - 9 comments

Dial the area code or no? Why should it still matter?

Why is it that the phone company can't figure out whether or not an area code is needed when dialing - even when I can't - and just dial the number accordingly? [more inside]
posted by attercoppe at 7:33 AM PST - 29 comments

I need to find some supplies for reworking smd hardware.

I need to buy some reballing materials like solder balls and some kester 951 i believe no clean water soluble flux. I need to obtain these items preferably as close as possible to Waterloo Region Ontario Canada. I need some ideas on how to get this stuff cheaply and effectively. Also any links to the shops that I just cant find would be great.
posted by Chamunks at 7:30 AM PST - 9 comments

The Mystery of the Rusty Broken Thingamajig

What the crazy heck is this rusty antique yard implement a friend found under their house? [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 7:26 AM PST - 9 comments

We argue about arguing about arguing.

How can I help my SO and I get out of this pattern of arguing about how we argue? Additionally, am I being unreasonable in my expectations of him in such arguments? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:19 AM PST - 78 comments

Disco font ID?

Help me ID this disco font please? It's from an old flyer I'm trying to restore, the thin lines + jpg artifacts are stumping all the auto font identifiers out there. Thanks!
posted by Tom-B at 7:10 AM PST - 3 comments

How many AA batteries would it take to run a 3rd-gen iPad for one hour?

How many AA batteries would it take to run a 3rd-gen iPad for one hour?
posted by Egg Shen at 6:53 AM PST - 7 comments

Have dog, will daytrip.

Mefites, do you know of any nice, dog-friendly beach for a day trip in New Jersey or Delaware? [more inside]
posted by godshomemovies at 6:44 AM PST - 1 comment

I want to spend $5ish every few days on a reasonable facsimile of happiness

What small indulgences can I get for myself instead of snacks? [more inside]
posted by 168 at 6:38 AM PST - 36 comments

Dog Nibbles Sheets

My dog "chews" bed sheets. She leaves no holes, which is why I use quotation marks. She sits on the floor close to the bed and nibbles with her front teeth on the edge of the bed. She's done this for years; she's an eight year old pit bull. Does anyone know why she does this?
posted by Kazimirovna at 6:37 AM PST - 11 comments

application migration to work in the cloud

I am looking for guidance on migrating an application to the cloud, from both a practical perspective as well as a theoretical perspective for a project. [more inside]
posted by conrad101 at 5:46 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I stop letting the fact that I have fair skin get me down?

I have been struggling with accepting my fair skin for as long as I can remember. How can I just accept who I am, and get on with my life? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:43 AM PST - 34 comments

Our basement leaks in places during torrential rains

Richmond Hill/GTA Ontario filter: I'm looking for one of those companies that fixes leaky basements. [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 4:51 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me understand a little logic problem.

Help me understand this. Math/logic puzzle follows... [more inside]
posted by TheHollowSeasThatRoar at 4:39 AM PST - 6 comments

established restaurants/bars/cafes in Madrid/Barcelona

I will soon be in Madrid & Barcelona for a long week. I'm looking for established/trusted restaurants/ bars/ cafes in central areas that don't suck, places that aren't too touristy/a rip-off, but enjoy a good reputation for whatever reason, even if expensive. open to any type of cuisine. thank you
posted by mrmarley at 4:35 AM PST - 8 comments

Search me.

When buying or selling a house, how common is it for incorrect or irrelevant information to appear on a title search? What's the best way to prove that this information isn't legitimate--to drive the point home that it's wrong? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 4:00 AM PST - 7 comments

Apples make my tummy ache.

Can I transfer apps bought from the App Store to another person/Apple ID? [more inside]
posted by mnsc at 3:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Cosmetics 101 help needed - Australia

I need help working out what cosmetics to buy for a basic make over and how to learn to apply them. Also looking for explanations about what different products are 'for'. [more inside]
posted by JeanDupont at 3:15 AM PST - 21 comments

Does it ever make sense to settle?

Does it ever make sense to settle (even just a little bit) to find a long term relationship? [more inside]
posted by sickpuppet at 3:11 AM PST - 40 comments

Did you see me on the video, oh no

Can you identify this sports top worn by Harvey on UK Celebrity Big Brother last night (pics)? [more inside]
posted by Ness at 2:32 AM PST - 4 comments

Five year contract?

I applied for a job with a temporary agency and got a callback, which is good, but they mentioned a five-year contract with the employer. [more inside]
posted by amiableamy at 2:12 AM PST - 10 comments

My wife and I are traveling to Dublin next week and we love traditional Irish music. Where should we go to do so?

My wife and I are traveling to Dublin next week and we love traditional Irish music. Where should we go to hear the best in the city? [more inside]
posted by Nelsormensch at 12:23 AM PST - 7 comments

September 4

What do you do when the collections agency sues you?

What to do when a collections agency is taking you to court and you don't have the money to pay them back? [more inside]
posted by feets at 11:31 PM PST - 3 comments

A really really long pillow

Where can a bolster, traversin or other similar long, full bed width, pillow be obtained in Australia? [more inside]
posted by deadwax at 11:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Lodging near UW in Seattle

Please suggest a place to stay in Seattle near the University of Washington. More details follow. [more inside]
posted by anaphoric at 10:17 PM PST - 11 comments

What The Hell Happened to Me?

What the Hell Happened to Me? [more inside]
posted by biglew909 at 9:19 PM PST - 25 comments

JavaScript/jQuery Selectors

JavaScript Filter: New to JavaScript and jQuery. Need help wrapping my head around selectors. [more inside]
posted by JPowers at 8:52 PM PST - 11 comments

What am I?

I'm wondering what sort of plant this is. Anyone know?
posted by parapluie at 8:39 PM PST - 9 comments

Seeking on-line training in MS Office

Seeking recommendations for on-line training on business applications, particularly MS Office. [more inside]
posted by dg at 8:20 PM PST - 8 comments

What car dash cam to buy?

What dash cameras should I consider purchasing? There's a bunch of them out there, but I'm having little luck finding info about which are good and which aren't. [more inside]
posted by c0nsumer at 7:39 PM PST - 9 comments

What is that 60s/70s heist movie?

What's that movie? Heist film where a sharpshooter fires a metal pellet into a lock from a distance. [more inside]
posted by tomble at 7:09 PM PST - 3 comments

Work Travel Tax Credits?

Tax Credits for Complicated-ish Work Travel? [more inside]
posted by jimmysmits at 6:42 PM PST - 3 comments

Improv audition experiences

Improv class. Audition for the performance track, or take a beginners' class first? [more inside]
posted by Zosia Blue at 6:41 PM PST - 11 comments

The woods are lovely, dark and deep

In Ontario, can a person be buried in a natural way, so that the body returns to the earth? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 6:20 PM PST - 8 comments

What's cash between friends?

Loaning money to friends is a bad idea... right? [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 5:46 PM PST - 33 comments

Do we "need" love?

Do we really "need" romantic love in our lives? Is there a magical point of self-love where one just attracts love from others? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:41 PM PST - 27 comments

Search engine evaluation redux.

Is it possible for someone who previously worked for Leapforce to work for Appen Butler Hill as a search evaluator? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:40 PM PST - 2 comments

What are the most marketable computer/programming skills in the Seattle job market?

What are the most marketable computer/programming skills in the Seattle job market? [more inside]
posted by brighteyes7 at 5:35 PM PST - 18 comments

Should I sell or rent my house?

Should I sell or rent my house when I move to a different part of town? I would just about break even in either situation. [more inside]
posted by ethidda at 5:16 PM PST - 12 comments

Keep Track of My Food

Is there a good way for my family to keep inventories of our refrigerator and freezers? [more inside]
posted by EtzHadaat at 5:15 PM PST - 9 comments

This TARDIS was made for walking

TARDIS-filter: My partner and I have vaguely-substantiated plans to go as Doctor Who (10th ed.) and the TARDIS for Halloween. I will be the TARDIS, because blinky-light-headbands are cool now. [more inside]
posted by jetlagaddict at 5:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a freeform text editor

Looking for a freeform text editor for PC and/or iPad. It can be browserware. Imagine an infinite canvas that you can arrange text on. Click to type. Drag blocks of text here and there. Does it exist? [more inside]
posted by hifimofo at 5:06 PM PST - 10 comments

Best way to save song lyrics for offline usage?

What is the best app/way to download and cache lyrics for a large iTunes library? [more inside]
posted by [vagabond] at 4:52 PM PST - 2 comments

A cunning plan

I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Problem is, I just turned 45. Help me work out what to do next. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 4:46 PM PST - 14 comments

no whammy no whammy no whammy debt

Help my cousin: How does a gifted kid with middle-class parents go to an elite college for as cheaply as possible, with as close to zero debt as can be managed? [more inside]
posted by gerryblog at 4:39 PM PST - 39 comments

Mid October trip to the Riviera Maya area. Where to stay??

We need to get away! Mid to late October is the target date. Requirements: all inclusive, close to airport, excellent food. [more inside]
posted by LaBellaStella at 4:32 PM PST - 2 comments

Divorce & Disease

My mother has decided she wants to leave my Parkinson's stricken father. I need some guidance from folks with similar experience about next steps. [more inside]
posted by AloneOssifer at 4:28 PM PST - 9 comments

Who wrote this LGTBQ theory?

Help me figure out who wrote this LGTBQ theory? [more inside]
posted by obviousresistance at 4:24 PM PST - 12 comments

Tween at heart

Cute, casual pencil skirts. Where can I find these? [more inside]
posted by Rocket26 at 4:11 PM PST - 15 comments

Super basic Financial advice

I'm hoping for some information more then advice on investing in Canada. Really really basic investment information. [more inside]
posted by Dynex at 3:42 PM PST - 4 comments

Where can I buy a good knife sharpener in Boston?

Where can I buy a good knife sharpener in the Boston area? [more inside]
posted by JuliaJellicoe at 3:37 PM PST - 5 comments

There's not an app for that?

I want to plan out my work week-by-week, with each week having a straightforward to-do list of tasks structured by which project they relate to. I do not want to be forced to tie this to-do list to any particular day of the week. What app do I want? [more inside]
posted by ootandaboot at 3:02 PM PST - 4 comments

How to insert a bunch of links to an excel document?

How to batch insert links to an excel document? [more inside]
posted by Sentus at 2:21 PM PST - 1 comment

Most Boring Thing Ever Times A Million

Half-remembered quote from an author (possibly Russian) who'd spent a lot of time in prison. Something along the lines of 'it is the most boring thing imaginable---do not think about it for too long, for to do so is to give the thought too much color. Briefly think of the most boring thing possible, then extend that as long as you can.' Who said this? Who quoted it in the past five years? I think I read it in The New Yorker, or more likely Harper's.
posted by shushufindi at 2:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Suicidal friend

I am the only one who knows that my friend is suicidal. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by whalebreath at 1:57 PM PST - 35 comments

When using the cleaning cycle on an inkjet printer, where does the ink go?

When using the cleaning cycle on an inkjet printer, where does the ink go? [more inside]
posted by Caviar at 1:52 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I create a product roadmap editable by multiple parties?

How to create a new product development roadmap style document that allows people to corporate? [more inside]
posted by djfreex at 1:46 PM PST - 2 comments

What should I do about a stubborn 13 year old who doesn't care about doing well in school?

What should I do about a stubborn 13 year old who doesn't care about doing well in school? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:44 PM PST - 52 comments

Snakes aren't the only ones who shed...

[Froggy filter] What's wrong with my African Dwarf Frog and what can I do to fix it! I don't want the little bugger to die :( [more inside]
posted by DoubleLune at 1:37 PM PST - 4 comments

Career Conseling As Career?

I'm looking for pratical information on the field of career counseling. Reasons why and more specifics inside. [more inside]
posted by st starseed at 1:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Insufficient storage to update apps on Nexus S?

My Nexus S has been displaying "insufficient storage available" errors when trying to update apps for the last few weeks. The USB storage (the main partition) has plenty of space (~9gb), but I can't figure out how to move apps over there so they have some breathing room. Halp? [more inside]
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 1:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Recommend an arborist in south Minneapolis?

I'm looking for recommendations for arborists in south Minneapolis. [more inside]
posted by COBRA! at 1:20 PM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for an eyeglasses place in Portland OR with a good selection of quality frames, with friendly (not overbearing) sales people.

I am looking for an eyeglasses place in Portland OR with a good selection of quality frames, with low key (not overbearing) sales people. [more inside]
posted by nanook at 1:11 PM PST - 14 comments

Is my life FUBAR?

I've done absolutely nothing since graduating college in May 2011 due to social anxiety and other issues. The months seem to go by quicker and quicker. What should I do? I apologize in advance that my question is not that well organized. [more inside]
posted by theshire at 12:44 PM PST - 18 comments

How to remove time & author metadata from PDF edits?

Is it possible to remove specific metadata (i.e., timestamps and review/commentor name but NOT the actual edits & comments) from a PDF in Acrobat X? [more inside]
posted by alleycat01 at 12:29 PM PST - 2 comments

bipolar strikes again

What accommodations are available to people with bi-polar 2 in the grad school setting? [more inside]
posted by lettuchi at 11:54 AM PST - 4 comments

What is the best size for Flash video playback?

I am having a bit of a challenge getting through to our developers about the correct size for a Flash video player for our sites. [more inside]
posted by kilikina73 at 11:38 AM PST - 5 comments

Danger high voltage!

Another home wiring question: Old apartment, and I want to plug a three-prong plug (for a small fluorescent grow light) into the only two-prong outlet. For the past couple of days, I've been using a cheater plug, but I supposing this is not a good long-term solution. Should I just bite the bullet and use an extension cord to a grounded outlet? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:33 AM PST - 23 comments

Recommendations for good quality 3d Glasses?

I'm looking for a decent pair of 3d anaglyph glasses, mostly to look at Mars pictures like this. Ideally, a pair that work over prescription glasses and better than the paper ones. Amazon has plenty but the reviews are all over the map. Looking for personal recommendations.
posted by cosmac at 11:31 AM PST - 2 comments

Fig Newtons: Neither fig, nor Newton.

Are Fig Newtons sold in France? [more inside]
posted by raccoon409 at 11:25 AM PST - 14 comments

How to wire a ceiling light fixture?

How do I tackle this simple home wiring problem? [more inside]
posted by whatisish at 10:55 AM PST - 9 comments

How would I go about setting up a national hotline for those contemplating a mass shooting?

I think it would be a good idea to set up a national hotline modeled after the suicide hotline for angry and alienated people who are contemplating a mass shooting in the US. I'd like to collect your thoughts. [more inside]
posted by bookman117 at 10:39 AM PST - 26 comments

Help me plan the final details of our Scottish honeymoon!

My almost-husband and I are leaving for our Scottish honeymoon in less than a week. Hooray! I think I've finally nailed down most of the details—after many, many hours of scouring the Interwebs—but I do have some things I'm hoping that the Mefites over the pond or seasoned UK travelers can help me with. Mostly transit-based questions within (warning: I'm one of those people who absolutely must plan these kinds of ridiculous details in advance, to prevent myself from stressing out and becoming a complete nutjob), but also a few less-important (but more fun) bonus questions, just because. [more inside]
posted by divisjm at 10:37 AM PST - 24 comments

Stopping the midnight pooper!

He's not a puppy anymore. But he is a random pooper. [more inside]
posted by Marky at 10:27 AM PST - 5 comments

Where is a better place to sit/stand at the Allstate Arena?

I have two sets of tickets for Smashing Pumpkins at Allstate Arena and now I am trying to figure out which seats are the "better" seats in terms of having a pleasant concert experience which, for me, means being able to see at least part of the stage for most of the show and hearing the songs played loud through my really nice earplugs. [more inside]
posted by sc114 at 10:26 AM PST - 4 comments

You try to say hi to yourself, but you always interrupt.

Name The Book: scifi/fantasy, character who reproduces by budding and then has mirror-image interactions with their offspring. [more inside]
posted by cmyk at 10:24 AM PST - 5 comments

Bikini tops for a small bust

Bikini tops for small busted gals...where do I find them? [more inside]
posted by okay-quiet-time at 10:24 AM PST - 11 comments

What was surprisingly easy/hard about having a kid?

A 2-parter for parents (from a soon-to-be): 1) What did you think was going to be easy, but turned out to be hard? 2) What did you think was going to be hard, but turned out to be easy? [more inside]
posted by davebug at 10:18 AM PST - 42 comments

A recipe better than a pile of

Can you recommend a particular recipe for a gluten, soy, dairy, artificial sweetener, and corn-free cake and pizza? [more inside]
posted by shortyJBot at 10:06 AM PST - 26 comments

Sticking glass to wood

How can I stick glass mason jars to an (outdoor) wood railing without damaging the railing when I remove them? [more inside]
posted by torisaur at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments

Did James Bond always wear an undershirt?

What is the deal with undershirts? (ie wearing a white T-Shirt under your outer long-sleeve buttoned shirt). Watching Mad Men its always clear that Don Draper is wearing a white T-Shirt under his business shirt. Is is a USA thing? Here in the UK it seems less common. And its always seemed to have a kind of puritanical conservatism to me. Is it some remnant of a more conservative past? [more inside]
posted by mary8nne at 9:58 AM PST - 137 comments

Dog diarrhea is not fun for anyone (Gross details inside)

My senior German Shepherd has had a few bouts of diarrhea recently, and I'm not sure why it's happening or how to stop it. I haven't changed his food, and fecal analyses and blood work didn't turn up anything. Is occasional diarrhea just something that happens, or should I be more worried? [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 9:56 AM PST - 14 comments

Fantasy novels with enchanted guns/weapons?

What fantasy/SF/steampunk/cyberpunk novels feature guns or other modern or futuristic weapons with enchantments or magical effects on them?
posted by shivohum at 9:09 AM PST - 16 comments

Stalking is so 1975

How to handle weird notes from apartment neighbor [more inside]
posted by cartoonella at 8:27 AM PST - 73 comments

Does adding vegetables to a roast require more liquid?

I'm going to make a version of this boston butt roast recipe, but would like to add some potatoes and/or carrots to the pot. Do I need to add more liquid to accommodate the vegetables? If so, about how much/what type (water, stock, etc.)? Thanks!
posted by griseus at 8:09 AM PST - 13 comments

Maximising randomness or success probability field blog post.

Looking for an interesting blog post somewhere from a few months back about maximising your exposure to randomness or your probability of a good outcome. Think it was a geek post somewhere. [more inside]
posted by zaebiz at 8:02 AM PST - 2 comments

Paper management software with OCR

I've got a Scansnap printer and I'm ready to go paperless -- but I need the right Mac software to manage my scanned documents. None of the options I've found seem quite right. [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 7:48 AM PST - 6 comments

Employee depression

What else can I do as an employer to motivate/accommodate my depressed employee? Or, barring that, fairly and effectively end our engagement with him? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:36 AM PST - 19 comments

RPG into book, laws and etiquette

What are the rules about creating a novel from a personal RPG? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:36 AM PST - 6 comments

country life or city life?

Should I take the higher pay in a city or the lower pay in the country? [more inside]
posted by skwint at 7:35 AM PST - 12 comments

Geek seeks New York Comic Con advice

What can I expect from New York Comic Con? [more inside]
posted by sevenyearlurk at 7:32 AM PST - 9 comments

Which FMLA reason is more appropriate?

Which would be a more appropriate FMLA reason? [more inside]
posted by stormpooper at 7:16 AM PST - 8 comments

Background reading for Thomas Pynchon's Against the Day

Another book recommendation question. I'm looking for a few general history books to read as preparation for diving into Thomas Pynchon's "Against the Day". [more inside]
posted by Lorin at 6:42 AM PST - 9 comments

difference between GPS on a smartphone and a stand alone unit?

What is the difference between GPS on your phone and GPS on a stand alone unit? [more inside]
posted by waylaid at 6:39 AM PST - 21 comments

Wireless router is back up and running after password change...but now TiVo won't connect. I'm sure there's a simple fix. Please tell me what it is!

Changing wireless router password was predictably a mess, but got that fixed and now the TiVo isn't connected. Need help with something that surely is simple...just not to me. [more inside]
posted by FlyByDay at 6:34 AM PST - 15 comments

How can my daughter's boyfriend find out what his grandfather's will says. He is named in the inheritance.

How can my daughter's boyfriend find out what his grandfather's will says? He is named in the inheritance. [more inside]
posted by sybarite09 at 6:25 AM PST - 7 comments

Hack my PhD

Should I finish my PhD? I'm concerned that there are career downsides to completing it as I will likely want to move forward in another field. (snowflakes inside) [more inside]
posted by carolinaherrera at 6:08 AM PST - 14 comments

Marketing 101

What are some of the best books on marketing? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 5:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Help my not-for-profit bring about policy change online!

What is the most important thing/s my non-profit organisation can do online right now to help us influence government policy and bring about legislative change? [more inside]
posted by Acarpous at 5:09 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm so meta that my brain don't fit

Help me increase my metacognition. How can I best guess when my understanding of a task is adequate to the task? [more inside]
posted by LogicalDash at 4:36 AM PST - 16 comments

Is there a book or program that I can follow to improve my sleep habits?

Is there a book or program that I can follow to improve my sleep habits? If someone wanted to start lifting weights, Starting Strength would be a solid program. Is there something that has helped a lot of people improve their sleeping? I'm interested in getting more hours of sleep, and sleeping earlier. Thanks.
posted by surenoproblem at 4:13 AM PST - 9 comments

Where do they keep all these officials?

In a Premier League match this weekend, one of the referee's assistants could not continue after halftime (hamstring). He was replaced by the fourth official. But then Mark Clattenburg showed up to replace him as the fourth official. Are BPL games assigned 5 officials, and we just never see the fifth ref? The announcers did mention that he was local to the area (Newcastle).
posted by kuanes at 3:54 AM PST - 8 comments

Yet another "Where should we live?" post

Yet another "Where should we move?" question, unique to my family of course. [more inside]
posted by tracicle at 1:53 AM PST - 14 comments

September 3

How much notice is enough notice?

Ettiquette for inviting people over when cohabiting. [more inside]
posted by ZeroDivides at 11:50 PM PST - 50 comments

Sufficiently Advanced Technology, or Magic?

How can a virtual machine track the guest OS's use of an emulated disk? [more inside]
posted by spacewrench at 10:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Good Borgia histories?

Recommend to me biographies/histories of the Borgia Pope and family? [more inside]
posted by asciident at 10:25 PM PST - 5 comments

telepathic assassin twins from the 80's!

Asking what I always ask here... name the sci-fi novel based on tiny shreds of info: Pretty sure it was from the 80's and was about twin assassins who shared the same exact thoughts. they could communicate with each other instantly telepathically. This made them excellent assassins. [more inside]
posted by darkpony at 9:21 PM PST - 2 comments

When was Biden announced as 2012 running mate?

What was the first official announcement that Joe Biden would be Obama's 2012 vice-presidential running mate?
posted by grouse at 8:33 PM PST - 11 comments

Leaving tenure-track academia?

Should I quit my tenure-track academic job in computer science? [more inside]
posted by unhappyprofessor at 8:17 PM PST - 29 comments

Guitarmy

Why is it that when you play guitar, your fretting hand is not your dominant hand? [more inside]
posted by to sir with millipedes at 8:02 PM PST - 20 comments

Have I breathed in something bad for me?

Is my unseated toilet pipe going to kill me somehow overnight? [more inside]
posted by unixrat at 7:36 PM PST - 11 comments

new job, new dynamic

I will be starting a senior administrative role at a university. I was doing administration with supervisory responsibilities up until this point, but this is a big step up for me. I don't doubt that I can do it, but I'm feeling a bit uncertain about a few things. I need pointers or resources on "getting your act together" to operate at this level. [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 7:25 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I get my blood back?

I gave double red-blood-cells at the blood bank two and a half weeks ago and I've been having trouble running ever since then. I'm no one's elite runner but I was easily able to keep a 9.5 to 10 minute pace going for three miles and now I can't do that for a mile. How do I recover as quickly as possible? [more inside]
posted by octothorpe at 7:13 PM PST - 12 comments

Fanfiction, how does it work!?

What makes an original work particularly suited to being followed by fanfiction? [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 7:08 PM PST - 20 comments

I don't even know where to begin.

I have a really good idea for an online...website thing. Involving user submission. I don't know anything about programming or what-all. Help me figure out what tools I need to create this! [more inside]
posted by threeants at 7:04 PM PST - 15 comments

Is this a recipe for disaster?

Living with white decor - what is it really like? Is it as intimidating as it seems? Do you have tips for keeping things clean? Will all the white seem cold and boring after awhile? [more inside]
posted by yawper at 7:01 PM PST - 24 comments

iPad: How can I force PDFs clicked in Opera Mini to open in the PDF app and not in Safari?

iPad2: Clicking links to PDFs from Opera Mini opens Safari before giving the option to open with an actual PDF app. Is there any way to skip the Safari step for PDF file downloads when using Opera Mini and have the files open directly in the app?
posted by Ky at 6:48 PM PST - 2 comments

I need a history book!

I need help with a book suggestion! All my particulars found within, within, within.. [more inside]
posted by kbanas at 6:45 PM PST - 3 comments

Found a bedbug in a library book - what now?

I was reading a library book when a bug crawled out. It was paper thin, and was moving incredibly slowly. My partner captured it and killed it, and then put it between two pieces of tape. We've looked online and, yep, probably a bedbug. What do we do now? Watchful vigilance? Fumigate our entire apartment (which may not be affordable at this time)? Somewhere in between? Details inside, if you want more... [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 6:22 PM PST - 17 comments

Fizzy water without an explosion

Are there safety data available regarding the maximum internal pressure of a 2-Liter PET bottle at standard temperature and pressure? [more inside]
posted by surfgator at 6:06 PM PST - 7 comments

Neighbor text

I received this text from my neighbor this morning. I have owned my house for 7 years and think my neighbor should mind her own business. [more inside]
posted by timpanogos at 5:44 PM PST - 76 comments

who were those utopian dreamers?

in the early nineties, in the sf east bay, a group used to leave free newspapers around about the approaching cyber utopia. Maybe they had a commune, they definitely wanted the reader to come join them. I remember washy green ink on cheap newsprint, and hand drawn pictures of long haired people at computer keyboards and exploding cornucopia brain fireworks as transcendent consciousness expanded from man machine symbiosis. I also think they ran programming courses. what was that all about? [more inside]
posted by compound eye at 5:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Get Busy Livin

I'm pretty sure it's not a mid-life crisis. Help me rationalize/forget about my burning desire to quit my job and change my life. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:42 PM PST - 32 comments

Pepper Spray in NYC

How do I acquire pepper spray in New York City? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:40 PM PST - 3 comments

Scotland 101

Can you recommend a popular history of Scotland--book, documentary, TV series, whatever--that I can consume before our trip there next summer? [more inside]
posted by WorkingMyWayHome at 4:11 PM PST - 12 comments

Stupid computer! Bad computer!

My new laptop has the world's most annoying feature: for about 30 seconds after (resuming from hibernate/opening the lid/mysteriously just happens), a popup will appear in the center of the screen announciing: " Power Save > Increased Performance" This stupid popup cannot be moved or dismissed. I have no idea where it comes from, or how to alter it. [more inside]
posted by IAmBroom at 3:55 PM PST - 4 comments

Biking in Toronto in winter/ Where to buy awesome notebooks

Toronto student life filter: Two questions! 1) How likely will I be able to commute to school (only 1.5 km) in the winter months? 2) Where can I find lots of choices for notebooks that are high quality but affordable? Downtown/near U of T preferred. [more inside]
posted by atetrachordofthree at 3:46 PM PST - 11 comments

A broken bolt and a heavy mirror

The bolt head in my heavy hanging mirror's back snapped off and I'm trying to fix it but the particleboard backing is being a jerk. [more inside]
posted by jmhodges at 3:36 PM PST - 3 comments

It is especially bad at night when I am heading to the bathroom

I switched to a wheat-based litter and now it is tracking everywhere despite my best efforts. Any suggestions for combating this? [more inside]
posted by oflinkey at 3:20 PM PST - 8 comments

.rtf editor for iPhone?

I'm looking for a simple text editor app for iPhone that is able to edit .rtf files. [more inside]
posted by Yiggs at 2:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Why don't most guns have loaded chamber indicators?

When listening to the Open Yale Courses class The Psychology, Biology, and Politics of Food I learned about another public-health issue: Firearm safety. The way the guest lecturer describes it, there's no good reason why firearms shouldn't have a loaded chamber indicator, but most don't. Ever since listening to this lecture a few years ago, I've periodicallyGoogled "child accidentally shot" and every time, I've found fresh news stories of children getting shot when somebody didn't realize there was a bullet in a gun's chamber. So why don't they have these loaded chamber indicators? [more inside]
posted by Sleeper at 2:21 PM PST - 21 comments

Please help me plan a great trip on VIA Rail in eastern Canada

Help me create my ideal snow-tipped Anne of Green Gables PEI (luxury) train vacation. [more inside]
posted by kinsey at 1:57 PM PST - 9 comments

Which Scranton hospital for my son's asthma attack?

Which of these three Scranton PA hospitals would you recommend for emergency pulmonology services (asthma attack): Moses Taylor, Community Medical Center, Regional Hospital of Scranton.
posted by Breav at 1:31 PM PST - 9 comments

Help Derpina keep her reddit account

How do I keep my reddit account despite having derped my password? [more inside]
posted by zadcat at 1:31 PM PST - 17 comments

go the $(% to sleep

Can you please fill in the missing words of this old lullaby, and find a sound recording of someone singing it? it starts like this (the rest of what we know is after the jump): Sleep little babe in your nest, Silver clouds fade in the west, Flowers their soft petals close, Butterflies dream of the rose [more inside]
posted by andreapandrea at 12:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Recommend me a 'droid to upgrade to/best starter 'droid phone?

What Android phone should I upgrade to/where to buy *and* what's a good starter 'droid in the current crop? I am SIM only, partner is currently PAYG. Both in the UK. [more inside]
posted by halcyonday at 12:00 PM PST - 12 comments

Long distance Las Vegas birthday

How can I help my friend have a great birthday in Las Vegas while I'm 1,700 miles away? [more inside]
posted by viachicago at 11:52 AM PST - 4 comments

Online customer database software?

I'm looking for recommendations for online software for managing a database of customers. [more inside]
posted by rabbitfufu at 11:37 AM PST - 9 comments

Why is she talking about "baggles"?

In what regional dialect do people pronounce "bagel" as though it were spelled "baggle"? [more inside]
posted by Mars Saxman at 11:08 AM PST - 76 comments

But Grandma, a lot has happened in the last 40 years...

Can you help me improve my relationship with my grandparents? They recently moved across the country to be closer to family (my parents, my sister and me + husband). We've grown apart since I transitioned from child to adult (which I think is fairly normal) and I was looking forward to having them in the same city to get closer again. This is turning out to be more difficult than originally premised. Special snowflake details within. [more inside]
posted by pallas14 at 10:59 AM PST - 25 comments

The warehouse is gone. But the mortgage isn't.

My friend bought a warehouse in Florida. It fell down. Now he has a mortgage on a slab and some land. What's a way he can make enough money on this thing to cover his mortgage? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 10:47 AM PST - 23 comments

How to polish bright orange boots?

I'd like to polish up an old pair of orange Doc Martens. How does this work? [more inside]
posted by pmb at 10:14 AM PST - 9 comments

How Can I Silence My Gas :( ?

I'm a 21 years old girly-girl going into my junior year of college. I had a 'simple' surgery in November go horribly awry, leaving me on bed-rest for weeks, and initially fully fecally incontinent. I had to leave the semester early to recuperate, and took the spring semester off, and haven't interacted with my peers since I left. I am supposed to start school again on Tuesday. I'm largely better, and certainly out of diapers. Unfortunately though, gas still passes through me totally freely, and I'm absolutely petrified at the thought of being flatulent in quiet classrooms and lectures, etc. The noise is my only concern. Does anyone have any suggestions for ways I can silence my gas? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:14 AM PST - 25 comments

Finances or therapy?

What should I prioritize: finances or mental health? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:14 AM PST - 9 comments

Cheapest PC money can buy

What is the cheapest modern computer I can buy and where to get it? [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty at 9:50 AM PST - 16 comments

Explain car lights to me

Which car lights should I use when? On different cars: How do I select them? How do I know which ones are on? [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 9:38 AM PST - 28 comments

Help me identify this glass bottle

Please help me identify this glass bottle. [more inside]
posted by komara at 9:04 AM PST - 4 comments

Sturdy Laptop Required

Laptops with Next Business Day Warranty (on-site) in the UK [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 8:38 AM PST - 5 comments

Quotes, Tips, Facts of the Day RSS Feeds

Best sites for Quote of the day rss feeds... Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by matthelm at 8:14 AM PST - 3 comments

Fantastic art of the fantastic

Looking for examples of great science fiction, fantasy and horror illustrators and concept artists. [more inside]
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 7:30 AM PST - 28 comments

Dating, for a messed up obese guy

I was (am?) socially broken, and had (have?) crippled my self-confidence, as well as my body. Help me fix me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:57 AM PST - 38 comments

Comments as testimonials?

Do I need to get permission to post people's comments elsewhere on my website, using them as testimonials? [more inside]
posted by sunnychef88 at 5:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Nikon D5100 lens for youth sports?

I'm going to rent a lens for my Nikon D5100 for the weekend to shoot a bunch of youth (8-10 year olds) soccer games. What would be the best lens at a reasonable price? [more inside]
posted by Doofus Magoo at 5:31 AM PST - 13 comments

Cookie Dough + Cheesecake = ?

I need to create a cookie dough cheesecake with an American theme - help? [more inside]
posted by Chorus at 5:28 AM PST - 14 comments

Is this thing going to kill me?

I want to get a voltmeter. I think that is what it's called. Can you recommend one? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 5:03 AM PST - 12 comments

Recommend me some thoughtful military books

Bookfilter: Recommend me thoughtful military memoirs / journalism [more inside]
posted by xchmp at 3:49 AM PST - 24 comments

What size population is needed to maintain an accent?

What size population do you need to maintain an accent? [more inside]
posted by jjderooy at 3:36 AM PST - 12 comments

Have you used LaTeX to write your thesis, in a department/field where everyone uses Word?

I'm due to start writing my PhD thesis very soon, and am agonising over whether to use Word or LaTeX. What did you use to write your thesis, and did you come to regret your choice part way through? I would particularly like to hear answers from people who are not in one of the normal LaTeX-using disciplines (maths, computer science...), but all opinions are welcome! More info after the break. [more inside]
posted by lizabeth at 3:07 AM PST - 35 comments

Where to park at the beach?

Going to Maui. Where do people park cars to visit various beaches? [more inside]
posted by KimikoPi at 1:25 AM PST - 5 comments

Cha-cha Real Smooth...

I'm looking for songs that have dance moves incorporated into the lyrics. I'm thinking of songs like the Cha-cha slide. Know any? [more inside]
posted by ultrabuff at 1:19 AM PST - 19 comments

Sweet, lazy hipster girl music video (who is she?)

I'm teaching an online course on internet culture and of the first sections is on music videos and youth culture specificaly. To counter-point the peppy more mainstream examples like Rebecca Black, I'd like to show a specific music video of a teen hipster girl singing in a lazy cadence about her love for a boy - but I can't remember her name or the song. She sang with the song's lines running together. She had some vocal fry in there. There was a macbook on the bed. There was only one other girl in the video and they were sitting around the bed mostly. The laid back vibe and simpler subject matter of the video captured something I'd love to show. Anyone know who she was? Thanks!
posted by zwaro at 12:48 AM PST - 3 comments

September 2

What happens if you are arrive in Brazil from the US without a visa?

I have a ticket to travel from SFO to SĂŁo Paulo tomorrow. Sadly, I just discovered I need a visa. There is no time to apply and the consulate is closed tomorrow so I wonder if I should just get on the plane and see what happens. If they turn me away in SĂŁo Paulo what will they do? Put me on the next plane? Or will the airline not even board me without the visa? (I have a connecting flight in O'Hare.)
posted by Typographica at 10:12 PM PST - 12 comments

I Can't Hear You!!!

I'm attempting to watch the season premiere of Doctor Who, but the sound quality is SO muddy. I have this TV. Can I fix it via the settings? How? [more inside]
posted by jbenben at 9:28 PM PST - 16 comments

The anxiety that feeds on itself...

How does your anxiety manifest itself physically? Details about TMJ and perhaps a touch of hypochondria after the jump... [more inside]
posted by aintthattheway at 8:43 PM PST - 22 comments

Doomed to fail

How can I force myself to apply for jobs when I know I will fail at any job I get? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:31 PM PST - 15 comments

How should my sister bring her son home, across state lines, during a messy divorce proceeding?

Asking for a friend: How should my sister bring her son home, across state lines, during a messy divorce proceeding? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:41 PM PST - 7 comments

please help me hide comments in latest version of WP using a child theme of twenty ten!

I'm creating a web site for a non-profit using WordPress. I know some CSS (and can figure out most of the basics), but I'm using a child theme based on Twenty Ten and one stupid small thing is bugging me: I've turned comments off for posts and pages that don't need them, but I still get the "comments are closed" message. How do I make it go away? [more inside]
posted by canine epigram at 7:33 PM PST - 9 comments

Getting rid of spiders

Spiders! How to get rid of them? [more inside]
posted by pakora1 at 7:06 PM PST - 7 comments

Can we settle this once and for all?

Who Is The Smallest Government Spender Since Eisenhower? Would You Believe It's Barack Obama? is a Forbes op-ed from May 2012. Please help me parse this, and explain to me why, if its true, the President isn't putting this information on every billboard in the United States. [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 6:32 PM PST - 24 comments

I've just been down the gullet of an interstellar cockroach. That's one of a hundred memories I don't want.

How does one go about intentionally forgetting something? [more inside]
posted by bpm140 at 6:13 PM PST - 20 comments

How to find good information.

How do I find reputable, factual, unbiased sources of information? Anything from breaking news (global or local) to current issues to scientific studies. I'm looking for the kinds of sources that will give a good overview or analysis of a topic, and then show me their sources so that I can investigate further if I wish. Websites and printed sources are the most helpful for me as a student, but I welcome any suggestions. [more inside]
posted by gray17 at 6:10 PM PST - 16 comments

How can I become a less light sleeper?

I have always been a light sleeper. I want to become a less light sleeper. Is this possible? How? [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 5:54 PM PST - 19 comments

Mi-Fi router / prepaid mobile data in Philadelphia

Upcoming trip to the US; smartphone and pre-existing 2G US number. Does it make sense to get a pre-paid Mi-Fi router? [more inside]
posted by bokane at 5:10 PM PST - 3 comments

Help finding a symbolic anniversary/wedding ring.

Help finding a symbolic anniversary/wedding ring. [more inside]
posted by Highest_Of_Fives at 4:49 PM PST - 29 comments

Why am I jealous of everyone else's drama?

I have a happy, stable, and supportive marriage. Why am I jealous of everyone else's relationship drama and general craziness/fun? [more inside]
posted by A Special Kind of Weird at 4:40 PM PST - 25 comments

How do I rid myself of the mite infestation in my cupboard?

How do I rid myself of the white mite infestation in my cupboard? I have cleaned everything multiple times and in multiple ways! [more inside]
posted by ElliotH at 4:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Thirteen was miserable for everyone, right?

How do I help my son get through middle school? [more inside]
posted by bluemoonegg at 3:59 PM PST - 28 comments

Tips for surfing in Normandy, France

I'd like to go surfing in next weekend in Normandy, France. Haven't pinned down a specific location yet. Any recommendations on where to go, where to stay and where (if possible) to rent a board?
posted by ar0n at 3:51 PM PST - 2 comments

I've got to wear them out somehow.

Where to run in Fort Worth, TX, possibly with one or more of these dogs? [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 2:57 PM PST - 3 comments

cheapest smartphone plan with good coverage?

Three people would like to get on smartphones as cheaply as possible. We are willing to take a two-year contract to accomplish this. Any US Mefites on a plan that we would like? [more inside]
posted by segfault at 2:10 PM PST - 13 comments

Sexy Classic Rock Makout Mix

Makeout Mix: Classic Rock Edition [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 1:31 PM PST - 50 comments

Are there any wines that will still be decent after 5 years at room temperature?

Are there any wines that will still be decent after 5 years at room temperature? [more inside]
posted by kerri13 at 12:23 PM PST - 16 comments

Do Fries Go With That Shake?

George Clinton is coming to a nearby small venue (app 300 seats) in October. What songs does he play in solo concerts lately? Does anyone have a set list?
posted by wittgenstein at 12:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Chicago wedding photographers

Please recommend a reasonably priced wedding photographer in Chicago! [more inside]
posted by AceRock at 11:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Is there a non-homophobic version of the boyscouts?

Is their a non-homophobic alternative to the Boy Scouts in the USA? My wife and I think our six year-old son would love the boy scouts. He enjoys camping, hiking, and nature, and seems to thrive in structured situations and programs. However, we don't approve of the ban on gays and know that our close gay friends would be very hurt if we had him join a local troop (or pack? I don't know the lingo). [more inside]
posted by Area Man at 11:23 AM PST - 32 comments

How do I silence my alarms when my phone is silenced?

Looking for an app that will silence my cell phone alarms when my phone is on silent. Using a Samsung Galaxy SII running ICS on at&t [more inside]
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 10:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Macbook Air vrs. other ultrabooks - Am I missing something?

Macbook Air vrs. other ultrabooks - Am I missing something? [more inside]
posted by Snorlax at 10:20 AM PST - 43 comments

Couple seeking fun, young game for casual relationship. All calls answered!

Can you recommend games similar to Castle Crashers that my boyfriend and I can play together? [more inside]
posted by itsamermaid at 9:53 AM PST - 16 comments

Can I install this floor?

How hard is it to install click together vinyl plank flooring like Allure Ultra? Please assume that this is to be done by two people with a limited budget and limited practical skills. [more inside]
posted by maurice at 9:39 AM PST - 12 comments

Title and Author Unknown

Bookfilter: Please help me re-find a book about the effects of "spiritual tourism" on 1970s India. [more inside]
posted by eric1halfb at 9:19 AM PST - 2 comments

How to efficiently cool my house

Looking for best practices for a whole house fan - the loud one that has louvers that open up and blows air into the attic. Best in areas with warm dry daytime temperatures that cool off at night. [more inside]
posted by notned at 8:54 AM PST - 20 comments

save me from possible death by puppy

Help! I think I'm badly allergic to my new puppy. [more inside]
posted by elizardbits at 8:35 AM PST - 17 comments

Lard t'underin' Jeeezus b'y, is this beef good enough for a scoff?

CanIEatIt Filter: I bought 2 tubs of salt beef (aka navel beef, beef in brine, etc.) to make Jigg's dinner after a recent trip to Newfoundland (b'y!). I opened the tub and the blood is all brown and so is the meat. I recall seeing the meat and blood coming out really pink before. Did it go off? I threw it out anyways, but if the second one looks the same, maybe it's supposed to be that way?
posted by 1000monkeys at 8:24 AM PST - 6 comments

What's important to prioritize when making decisions for the good of the family

Is it so important our child grow up near her grandparents that we give up the good life we have now? [more inside]
posted by arabelladragon at 8:17 AM PST - 72 comments

Please help me find a comforting science based eulogy

I can't remember where I read it - can someone help me find a eulogy from a scientist? [more inside]
posted by msali at 7:49 AM PST - 5 comments

Better Tea Storage

Lately, I've been into tea and more interested in trying new varieties than waiting to finish off the old stuff. I don't really have any teas I want to throw away. What's the best way to store a bunch of small containers of loose tea in a space efficient and aesthetically pleasing way? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 3:53 AM PST - 20 comments

September 1

Easiest/Cheapest way to have cholesterol checked?

What's the easiest/cheapest way to have my cholesterol checked in Portland, OR? [more inside]
posted by quartz at 9:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Gold in mouth, cash in hand?

Gold dental work. Is it worth selling? If so, where do I go? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:30 PM PST - 6 comments

Music lost in translation.

Are there music blogs or Internet radio stations that feature links to reasonably recent English-language pop tracks re-recorded by foreign artists in their native tongue for those foreign markets? [more inside]
posted by eschatfische at 9:12 PM PST - 1 comment

How does one actually send money to African people in need?

I would like to donate about $20 a month to a family in Africa, can you recommend an organization or give me some info on how this would work? [more inside]
posted by Tarumba at 9:03 PM PST - 33 comments

How can I automate an SFTP file upload to my web server?

I want to automatically upload a file via ssh or sftp to a web server whenever it is modified. [more inside]
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:14 PM PST - 12 comments

What is this wonderfully primitive sounding instrument?

What is this wonderfully primitive sounding instrument? [more inside]
posted by brownrd at 7:59 PM PST - 4 comments

Phone!

What should I do to my Google Nexus S? Replace, root, or restrain myself? [more inside]
posted by rybreadmed at 7:58 PM PST - 10 comments

List of Top Best Tips for the Making of Making a Point

What's your favorite list of Powerpoint/Keynote/presentation do's and don'ts? [more inside]
posted by humannaire at 7:58 PM PST - 14 comments

How to emerge out of a deep, dark hole

How did you summon the strength to bounce back and/or change your life? [more inside]
posted by twentyfoursummers at 7:21 PM PST - 20 comments

I before E except after an odd number. Uh...

What financial rules do you follow that you'd suggest to others? [more inside]
posted by andrewcilento at 6:50 PM PST - 57 comments

Last minute labor day in SF - what to do?

What's open in SF on Monday (Labor Day)? Places for brunch? Non-super-touristy things to do? [more inside]
posted by bluelava at 6:15 PM PST - 4 comments

I want candy! (specifically Mackintosh Toffee)

Where can I buy Mackintosh Toffee in the U.S.? [more inside]
posted by Frank Grimes at 5:07 PM PST - 5 comments

"Autumn Lovin'" doesn't have the same ring to it...

Am unreasonably depressed by the end of summer. What things to do/try/look forward to in fall and winter? [more inside]
posted by kettleoffish at 4:39 PM PST - 41 comments

What to say after "Yes, that really sucks."

Help me find the right things to say to/do for my parents and their slightly terrible relationship, especially now that my mother is housebound. [more inside]
posted by brisquette at 2:58 PM PST - 11 comments

403b TPA recs?

My company is looking for a TPA for our 403b retirement plan. Anyone have any personal experience with this market and recommendations pro/con? Thanks!
posted by dougiedd at 2:47 PM PST - 2 comments

Game development events like Ludum Dare?

Recently I've discovered Ludum Dare, a game development competition where the focus is on making games based on a theme within a given time constraint. I'm curious if there are other similarly organized game-development events designed to bring together small independent game developers and hobbyists.
posted by muymuy at 2:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Name my blog (please).

What would you name a Tumblr blog featuring 'found photos' scanned from old rolls of film that were discovered in used cameras? [more inside]
posted by Venadium at 2:10 PM PST - 34 comments

Help me replace my EDC flashlight!

Help! My ARC-AAA keychain flashlight has finally succumbed to corrosion and age. I need a new keychain-friendly flashlight, but I've stopped following the field. What are your suggestions, hivebrain? [more inside]
posted by Kyol at 1:54 PM PST - 12 comments

Need hardware widget that endows phone with loud ring/alarm

I need a hardware device that endows my cell phone with a loud ring/alarm. I have bought and had to return 3 phones because they just aren't loud enough to reliably hear when they ring if they are buried under clothes, are in the other room, I am standing near traffic etc. No idea how phone designs got to this stage but there it is. [more inside]
posted by Nish ton at 1:52 PM PST - 14 comments

I have a little money. Help me save it.

I'm about to have, for the very first time in my life, total personal savings of $10 thousand. How should I save it? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 1:50 PM PST - 20 comments

Help me register a domain for URL shortening

How can I discover a short URL that is available to register? [more inside]
posted by cjorgensen at 1:26 PM PST - 13 comments

Fastest iPhone password

What is the easiest password to type on an iPhone given various rules? [more inside]
posted by cdenman at 1:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Who will scan my books for cheap?

Is cheap book-scanning available to consumers yet? I'd like to get a few hundred books scanned, to save space, destructive OK. AskMe hasn't addressed this for a couple of years, and I'm hoping folks know - and ideally have personally experience with - what the best options are these days.
posted by caitlinb at 1:03 PM PST - 4 comments

Need an electronic filing cabinet.

I'm getting a scanner. I would keep my personal files electronically. Is Evernote Premium pretty much my option, or is there some other less expensive alternative I can use if I don't need cloud storage? [more inside]
posted by gracedissolved at 12:41 PM PST - 12 comments

Won't bite the hand that bleeds me.

"How do I prevent work schedule creep?" — Academic edition. [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 12:39 PM PST - 22 comments

Where can I find information about the demographic makeup of Ivy League schools in the 1950s?

Where can I find information about the demographic makeup of Ivy League schools in the 1950s? [more inside]
posted by Lownotes at 12:21 PM PST - 6 comments

Give me your ideas and nobody gets hurt...

Creative costume ideas for a cops and robbers theme party for a plus size lady. [more inside]
posted by wuzandfuzz at 12:15 PM PST - 20 comments

Too much noise in my data

Putting on the math signal: calling the statistics-literate. Trying to change my weight/body composition and track progress in a useful way, but I'm having trouble separating normal daily variation from actual real change. [more inside]
posted by ctmf at 11:33 AM PST - 16 comments

Compartmentalized brain, compartmentalized inbox.

I have multiple email addresses associated with my gmail account. Can I make one of them show up as the default in an original email's "from" field based on the email address or domain I'm writing to? [more inside]
posted by jessca84 at 11:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me find a good hosting platform for a lit journal.

Help me find a good hosting platform for a lit journal. [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 10:12 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm gonna [pik or floss] that plaque right off of my teeth

WaterPik or floss: Which is more effective? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 9:50 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me find a good suggestion to give my art college for digital reprotext delivery.

Help me find a good suggestion to give my art college for digital reprotext delivery. [more inside]
posted by Calzephyr at 9:33 AM PST - 2 comments

Seeking some novel recommendations

Looking for recommendations for novels, short stories, or character-heavy nonfiction about life as an American adolescent boy or young man during the first half of the 20th century. [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 9:21 AM PST - 29 comments

How can I find out more about McMurdo Station in Antarctica?

I enjoyed learning about McMurdo Station in Antarctica from Encounters at the End of the World: how can I find out more about that place and what it's like to live there? Ideally I'm looking for films or TV shows but also good magazine articles, books, websites, all either fiction or non-fiction (as long as the fiction is somewhat based in reality).
posted by Kirn at 8:51 AM PST - 18 comments

Visa

Visa requirements for Turkey: For a 2-Month internship, do I need to get a visa as a German citizen? I only found information on 3+ month internships on the internet..
posted by freddymetz at 8:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Confused about US visa applications

I live in the States. A friend of mine may visit for just a couple weeks, but we're confused about visa issues. He's Italian and has an Italian(EU?) passport; he lives in Guatemala. It looks like Italy is included under the Visa waiver program and we need to apply and pay for travel authorization on CBp.gov. My questions: 1. You're supposed to pay for the application to the visa waiver program with a credit card. Friend doesn't have a credit card. Can I just use mine, or will this raise red flags? Any other options you can think of? 2. Friend visited Arizona 4 years ago via car (crossed border at Mexico) and says he did not "give back the green paper visa at the border when I left the country." is this a problem? Also, if you have any general advice about the process, I'd love to hear it.
posted by namemeansgazelle at 8:36 AM PST - 8 comments

iOS/Android Culture Clash: Music Edition

Trying to love Android but struggling to get music from iTunes to Samsung Galaxy S III. Difficulty: preserve playlists. [more inside]
posted by shortskirtlongjacket at 8:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Book Gift for a French Boy

Book suggestions for 11-year-old French boy? [more inside]
posted by mixer at 7:42 AM PST - 9 comments

Recipes for purple basil

Just got a bunch of beautiful purple basil at the farmer's market this morning. What recipes can I use it in?
posted by gudrun at 7:25 AM PST - 9 comments

Here's hoping I can do better than McDonalds

Taking a long-distance train trip with a 3.5 hour layover in Pittsburgh. Where can I eat near the train station during my layover? [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 6:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Community Survey Alternatives

The county I live in would like to survey residents regarding their preferences on specific issues. I am familiar with survey monkey type internet surveys which we will likely utilize. However many residents do not have access to internet. So we would like to make the survey available in another way like calling an 800 number, answering questions with the phone's keypad. I have searched but cannot find this kind of product. Any ideas or other alternatives are hugely appreciated!
posted by lake59 at 6:30 AM PST - 15 comments

At a crossroads of many roads

Career change into law - tips? Or alternatively, suggestions for another career path. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:40 AM PST - 16 comments

Long-distance casual dating? Oxymoron? (Emphasis on "moron.")

How to deal with "casually dating" someone I'm head-over-heels over? He's on the other side of the world, and I miss him ridiculously. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:40 AM PST - 12 comments

But I don't even have an Apple!

Why have Tumblr and Typepad got me stuck in an infinite LogIn loop? [more inside]
posted by infini at 5:24 AM PST - 5 comments

Smith Westerns are GO!

Looking for the next Indie Beatles! [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 5:13 AM PST - 17 comments

Looking for a customisable online magazine generator that gets its content from multiple Twitter users - any ideas?

I'm looking for an online tool to create a daily web-based magazine for a citizen journalism collective. Ideally, it would gather articles, links and photos from designated multiple users on Twitter, and allow an editor to lay them out and edit them to create nice, readable pages. [more inside]
posted by scrm at 2:53 AM PST - 4 comments

Lapcat: male or female?

Kitteno or Kittena? Help us decide which kitten to keep. [more inside]
posted by tweemy at 2:32 AM PST - 43 comments

Oh internet oracle, in your dusty archives

Tracking down an old story about a person who was using some sort of method to detect the impressions of sound waves in objects in order to replay old conversations. Anybody got an inkling what it might be? [more inside]
posted by solarion at 2:26 AM PST - 12 comments

What is the most effective way to improve your vocabulary (e.g. softare, book, method)?

What is the most effective way to increase your vocabulary (e.g. book, softare, method)?
posted by denverco at 1:59 AM PST - 22 comments

Good fantasy novels with female protagonists?

Try as I might, I can only think of one fantasy novel that I've ever (*ever*) read that had a girl as the main character. Can you suggest some for my 8yo daughter? [more inside]
posted by nonspecialist at 1:07 AM PST - 90 comments

Whiny men in anime?

Why are there so many whiny supporting male characters in anime? [more inside]
posted by DisreputableDog at 12:15 AM PST - 6 comments

The rest of the world has moved on to tablets, now I'm looking at netbooks.

Must every 2GB netbook have a glossy screen? Netbook shopping woes. [more inside]
posted by MeatyBean at 12:10 AM PST - 8 comments