I'm trying to remember the name of a sci-fi book. I read it like 10 years ago, so my memory of it's a bit fuzzy. One of the major topics was something about the religion of science. I remember a guy who was able to trick people, a traveling salesman of sorts, who sold someone a machine that turned lead into gold. The machine actually worked, but would stop working after he got away with his money. I don't *think* I'm imagining this book, but who knows...
posted by Political Funny Man at 9:34 PM - 2 answers

I absolutely LOVE the idea of the walnut advent calendar that was mentioned here. Help me figure out what to put in them! [more inside]
posted by Kattiara17 at 6:21 PM - 6 answers

Book Collectors: Is my new signed collector's edition book more or less valuable with a cutting machine error? [more inside]
posted by trixare4kids at 5:57 PM - 3 answers

Are there steadfast constitutional rules - like birthplace - for those who seek political office in the Palestinian Territories?
posted by parmanparman at 4:11 PM - 5 answers

Can anyone Identify this print? [more inside]
posted by saxamo at 9:16 AM - 3 answers

Why is my energy company asking me to cut back on energy use? The grocery store doesn't try to get me to buy less food. The gas station doesn't try to help me get better mileage. [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 8:08 AM - 33 answers

What non-food item should I put in my wooden advent calendar? [more inside]
posted by crazycanuck at 5:28 PM - 14 answers

As a follow-up to this post on the Blue, where might I purchase poster-size (and preferably laminated) maps in that historic, hand-drawn style? (example)
posted by aheckler at 4:30 PM - 3 answers

ForgottenSongTitleAndArtistFilter: the song: bouncy and loud, sung by a solo female. The lyrics equate love with physical abuse. (Like being hit with love, or our hearts beating one another, something like that. It reminds me of the Cardigans "And then You Kissed Me.") the video: a mostly white backdrop, and said female vocalist cavorting around, dancing and shadowboxing. Possibly things are on fire? There is a bed, and pillows, and maybe even streamers. That's all I have. Please help.
posted by inging at 11:11 AM - 3 answers

Costume Party Filter : Going to a "Dead Celebrity" costume party in a couple weeks and am having trouble coming up with any good ideas that aren't going to be done 100 times over. [more inside]
posted by gwenlister at 9:32 AM - 31 answers

I want to make a fancy image along the same lines as Feltron's annual reports, where do I start? [more inside]
posted by nostrich at 10:15 AM - 7 answers

For Christmas Card art--what are some inappropriate workplace party behaviors that can be portrayed in a single drawing? [more inside]
posted by arniec at 7:29 AM - 25 answers

MarvelFilter: please identify the angry head with the tiny arms and legs flying behind Dr Doom in this Fall of the Hulks poster. [more inside]
posted by Rash at 10:12 PM - 6 answers

What is this mystery gunk that bleached my pants? [more inside]
posted by lalalana at 7:29 PM - 11 answers

Taylor Swift Filter: Did anyone catch Taylor Swift on last nights SNL? [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 2:51 PM - 6 answers

Does anyone know anything about Powell Janulus, the polyglot? Part academic question, part mystery... [more inside]
posted by stray at 9:55 AM - 3 answers

[Chicago Filter] Does anyone know anything about the "Less Than Perfect" ads running on the CTA? [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 3:57 PM - 12 answers

I'm working on an art project, and I need to get a copy of the official MTA NYC subway map (the one you get for free in the subway station), and an expired metrocard. I am in the UK. How can I get a hold of these things outside of New York?
posted by spockette at 12:23 PM - 8 answers

Can vampires enter the houses of other vampires without being invited in?
posted by violetk at 9:29 PM - 29 answers

How much does it cost to ship a Guitar Hero controller? [more inside]
posted by IndigoRain at 8:07 PM - 8 answers