What single book is the best introduction to your field (or specialization within your field) for laypeople? [more inside]
posted by limon at 5:40 PM Sep 8 2007 - 237 answers [1300 favorites]

What cooking secrets take your food to the almost-pro level? [more inside]
posted by chalbe at 8:34 AM Aug 24 2009 - 134 answers [648 favorites]

Life-altering experiences. Can you point to a single experience in your life, as a child, which you can define as having contributed to the person you are today? (+) [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 4:41 AM Feb 2 2005 - 215 answers [593 favorites]

Can you suggest some replacements for standard, everyday household items that are far superior in terms of usefulness, luxuriousness and quality? [more inside]
posted by Balonious Assault at 9:03 PM Dec 2 2008 - 100 answers [494 favorites]

What do I need to do in daily life that I don't realize I need to be doing? [more inside]
posted by phoenixy at 8:46 AM Feb 21 2007 - 58 answers [460 favorites]

What clever relationship "hacks" have you come up with? I'm looking to build up my mental catalogue of examples of non-obvious solutions to relationship difficulties. Help me think out of the box better in the future! [more inside]
posted by wyzewoman at 10:48 AM Nov 3 2009 - 56 answers [400 favorites]

What are some of your absolute favourite online essays, articles and other pieces of non-fiction writing? [more inside]
posted by turgid dahlia at 4:21 PM May 1 2008 - 54 answers [359 favorites]

What podcasts will make me more intelligent just by listening to them? I enjoy the BBC's "In Our Time", which features serious discussion of historical events and people by academics working in the field, and also quirky, thought-provoking programs like WNYC's "Radio Lab" and "This American Life". I'm not so keen on some of the podcasts I typically get from newspapers that gloss over the surface of a subject with little analysis. What other highbrow podcasts are made by people who really know their shit?
posted by nowonmai at 9:01 AM Nov 20 2007 - 59 answers [351 favorites]

What $10-$20 item improved your lifestyle? [more inside]
posted by HeyAllie at 10:12 AM Dec 1 2009 - 85 answers [334 favorites]

My son is graduating from high school in a week. I want to make him a Best of Ask Metafilter book with all the best advice from the hive mind. [more inside]
posted by katyjack at 5:21 PM May 17 2009 - 21 answers [330 favorites]

I'm looking for examples of insanely overbuilt, reasonably-priced consumer goods: "Cheap, bombproof...XXXXX" [more inside]
posted by oalocke at 9:27 AM Jan 13 2008 - 96 answers [310 favorites]

I want a badass skill. I want to know how to do something that people will see and think "wow, that is badass." [more inside]
posted by Autarky at 8:36 PM Jun 29 2009 - 106 answers [310 favorites]

It's that time again.. What are some good online stores to buy cool, unique Christmas gifts? [more inside]
posted by carpyful at 9:56 PM Nov 9 2009 - 31 answers [307 favorites]

What are the best minimal (2-6) ingredient recipes you have? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 7:56 PM Oct 27 2007 - 66 answers [296 favorites]

Weird-in-a-good-way-filter: I need suggestions for online stores/catalogs for Christmas Shopping! [more inside]
posted by deedeep at 1:08 PM Nov 14 2006 - 46 answers [290 favorites]

Please tell me a book you think everyone should read and why. [more inside]
posted by pasici at 9:48 PM Jul 20 2006 - 134 answers [288 favorites]

What are some good, somewhat dirty jokes suitable for telling to my Grandma? [more inside]
posted by sciurus at 2:52 PM Jun 26 2007 - 53 answers [284 favorites]

What is the iconic (or just "your favorite") dead-tree product catalog (listing of merchandise for mail-order sale) for your hobby, industry, or trade? [more inside]
posted by cadastral at 9:23 AM Apr 1 2008 - 74 answers [282 favorites]

What have you learned through your career, major, or specialization that you wish the general public knew? [more inside]
posted by Earl the Polliwog at 11:27 PM Jul 2 2009 - 212 answers [277 favorites]

How do you develop focus, drive, and personal discipline? [more inside]
posted by Saxon Kane at 8:26 PM May 11 2008 - 28 answers [258 favorites]