Americans: if you had to represent the USA with only three things, what would they be? [more inside]
posted by lapsangsouchong on Oct 22, 2009 - 95 answers

Is it possible to use my Japanese Toshiba 810T in the States? [more inside]
posted by greasepig on Oct 16, 2009 - 5 answers

I'm making a lightweight replica of Captain America's shield (the modern-day circular one), most likely with PVC in a laser router machine. The only dimensions I can secure online are that it's 30 inches in diameter, but I can't find any info on thickness and concave depth. Anyone know the missing dimensions I need? Bonus points if there exist specifics on the width of the color bars but I'm pretty sure that part I can eyeball during painting. Thanks!
posted by XQUZYPHYR on Oct 3, 2009 - 1 answer

Help me send my friend in Ireland some very American things. [more inside]
posted by cobain_angel on Sep 27, 2009 - 31 answers

Does anyone know a good source for the size of the informal sector by country in Asia and Latin America? [more inside]
posted by andoatnp on Sep 16, 2009 - 1 answer

My favorite site is hiring developers and I'm qualified. I'm American and they're in the UK. Possibly assuming they're willing to sponsor me for a work visa, what do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by theraflu on Sep 16, 2009 - 3 answers

I have a friend about to move to Manaus, Brazil for a two year work related stay. Any hive members have experience there or in Brazil in general that can help him be ready for the good the bad and/or the ugly?
posted by Freedomboy on Sep 14, 2009 - 5 answers

Where can I find a list of the smallest things (and for that matter) the biggest things in America? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 on Sep 2, 2009 - 7 answers

A few months ago I read about French-Canadian immigration into the U.S. from the 1840s to 1930s. Evidently, some of these immigrants established "Little Canadas." I'd like to learn more about them. [more inside]
posted by Korou on Aug 31, 2009 - 17 answers

My first trip to the US is coming up; having been brought up with American films and American TV shows, I am compiling a list of all the things we just don't have in the UK (mostly food) to try. Only my list isn't too long at the moment. Can any MeFites help? [more inside]
posted by Nufkin on Aug 29, 2009 - 122 answers

How would a more qualified person refute my dumb legal theory regarding the death penalty? [more inside]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 on Aug 27, 2009 - 18 answers

Time Travel Filter: I grew up in the USA but have been away since 1998. What have I missed? [more inside]
posted by stuck on an island on Aug 26, 2009 - 41 answers

Another "where to go in America" question (who needs a travel agent when you've got Mefi?). This time, it's a road trip - I want to get away from the cramped little island I'm living on, and the Southwest seems like the place to go. Where should I go and what should I see? [more inside]
posted by The Shiny Thing on Aug 19, 2009 - 20 answers

I am looking for an essay by Wendell Berry where he talks about urban America's dismissive biases toward rural America, and critiques this attitude. [more inside]
posted by jeffmshaw on Aug 7, 2009 - 7 answers

Are there any websites that pair up lone backpackers/travellers with others who are also looking for companion(s) to travel with? [more inside]
posted by pixxie on Jul 30, 2009 - 9 answers

What is a good hotel that is right next to or connected to Mall of America? And what are the "must go to's" for a five year old? [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh on Jul 25, 2009 - 12 answers

My girlfriend received $506 in fees for overdrafting about $40 from Bank of America. Is there anything we can do about this? [more inside]
posted by GrooveStix on Jul 24, 2009 - 54 answers

Trying to track down the source of a very early ('82) Minsitry song. [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon on Jul 22, 2009 - 1 answer

My current volunteering gig is standing still, how do I search for a new one and be able to travel? [more inside]
posted by pixxie on Jul 12, 2009 - 6 answers

My Australian friend sent me a lovely package of Australian goods (Marmite, Vegemite, Aero, Tim Tams, Jaffa, Violet Crumble, Chokito...), and I'd like to reciprocate. But I'm clueless as to what American things are rarities in Australia. Any suggestions of what I can send? FWIW, my friend is in Newcastle, I'm in Los Angeles.
posted by Xere on Jul 11, 2009 - 60 answers

I have a 20-something friend who's leaving on the 22nd of this month, he plans on traveling for a whole year throughout Europe and South America. I want to get him something that is useful/meaningful for the journey, any ideas? For example: A watch? A Compass? (good or bad?)
posted by pixxie on Jul 5, 2009 - 33 answers

Need interesting questions for Miss America local pageant interview. [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse on Jun 18, 2009 - 30 answers

Nursing in New Zealand vs. nursing in the US? [more inside]
posted by supercrayon on Jun 14, 2009 - 2 answers

Please help me decide whether to spend the summer in south america or in central america. [more inside]
posted by Acari on Jun 4, 2009 - 6 answers

My husband and I have a longstanding dream of driving cross country on the small highways and byways of America. As we inch closer to this reality (we're now fairly firmly looking at doing this in five years, when our son is old enough to remember the trip), we've started doing the financial planning for it. My question to you: What is the best car (type or brand) for a very tall family of three to drive across America in? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav on Jun 2, 2009 - 32 answers

What does writing a sponsor letter for someone to visit the US entail? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on May 28, 2009 - 1 answer

Is it worth it for a foreign parent to squeeze his budget to manage very expensive undergraduate educations for his children in elite American schools? [more inside]
posted by Mo Nickels on Apr 17, 2009 - 28 answers

Any ideas on a route (and some great points of interest) for some Italian visitors to take from Mt. Vernon, Ohio to Fargo, ND? It'll be their first time in the U.S. and would like to see as much as possible. [more inside]
posted by whiskey point on Apr 6, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm too ignorant to properly evaluate a historical claim that I just read. [more inside]
posted by prefpara on Mar 28, 2009 - 34 answers

Individual health insurance and sti. What to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 22, 2009 - 5 answers

Looking for recommendations to travel to Central America or the Caribbean in late April. Sunny weather and beach a must. Hiking possibilities also appreciated. [more inside]
posted by groovekiller on Mar 4, 2009 - 5 answers

What was a "Modern European Hotel" in the US in 1920? [more inside]
posted by tnygard on Mar 2, 2009 - 6 answers

I am writing a fictional story about someone who lives in the slums of some small South American country. When he was ten, during a fever, an angel appeared to him and told him that he would become an FBI Agent. He may have seen a movie with FBI agents, so he has some sense of what that means. Step by step, what does he have to do to fulfill that prophecy in a real way? [more inside]
posted by Sully on Feb 8, 2009 - 11 answers

Lived in DC for thirteen years, visiting my parents, and my Romanian friend may be visiting me this summer. In any case, what can I do to make sure he has the best time possible in America? [more inside]
posted by kldickson on Jan 22, 2009 - 7 answers

help me decide on a country for my gap year! [more inside]
posted by freddymetz on Jan 18, 2009 - 6 answers

Why are there so few Italian-Americans on the West Coast? [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet on Jan 16, 2009 - 20 answers

I'm looking for a recommendation on a bank that I could access from both South and North America. [more inside]
posted by mcarthey on Jan 8, 2009 - 7 answers

My wife has recently expressed an interest in moving from Australia to America to work for a year (possibly longer). Can anyone provide some advice on how to make this possible (visas, employment etc)? [more inside]
posted by ranglin on Jan 5, 2009 - 6 answers

I'm looking for a good book that will help me learn more about how the American government actually works. Specifically, how lobbyists influence Congress, how House committees work, etc. Now that a new administration (that I'm really happy about) is coming in, I want to really understand what's happening in Washington (or at least how its worked in the past).
posted by minicloud on Nov 22, 2008 - 15 answers

Me and my friends would like to go somewhere warm this February. We don't care where, and we would be fine with booking at the last minute. How do we get a great deal? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus on Nov 6, 2008 - 13 answers

Where is that particular political map of America that shows a county by county breakdown of party and population via 3D extrusion? [more inside]
posted by Brandon Blatcher on Nov 5, 2008 - 6 answers

Can you recommend a good historical atlas of the United States? [more inside]
posted by BradNelson on Nov 3, 2008 - 1 answer

Freemasons and the Founding Fathers of America/ links to early American history?! [more inside]
posted by Funky Claude on Oct 27, 2008 - 8 answers

Immigration Law! Help me get my bagged Aussie into the U.S. and A. [more inside]
posted by metalheart on Oct 26, 2008 - 14 answers

Is it worth it to keep paying my American bills while permanently overseas? Much more after the jump. [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul on Oct 17, 2008 - 20 answers

I'd like to drive from Texas to Tierra Del Fuego. How do I pull this off? [more inside]
posted by Scientifik on Oct 16, 2008 - 10 answers

How does projecting the winner of the US presidential election work? And what is the earliest time at which the election may be called? [more inside]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane on Oct 15, 2008 - 23 answers

Please recommend books (not overly scholarly, but in-depth, if possible) dealing with the causes and issues surrounding the rise of the American Independence movement prior to July 4, 1776. [more inside]
posted by Chrischris on Oct 13, 2008 - 10 answers

My friend found this strange fruit somewhere in or around Oaxaca, Mexico. What is it?
posted by phrontist on Oct 11, 2008 - 6 answers

I'm looking for the origin of a quote attributed to Marcel Mauss for a friend. [more inside]
posted by cachondeo45 on Sep 24, 2008 - 7 answers