I (26/male) am leaving Los Angeles in January for at least one year of backpacking solo around Australia, NZ, SE Asia, and possibly some other places! Other than enjoying my remaining time before I leave (going to favorite restaurants, hanging with friends, etc.), what pre-trip activities should I be thinking about, and what preparations should I be making (especially while I have good insurance)? What do you wish someone had told you before you left for a trip of this length and scope? [more inside]
posted by adamk on Oct 7, 2009 - 11 answers

I'm interested in starting an after-school ACT test prep program for the high school students that I work with. I'm not an educator, so I don't have a clue where to start. What are the best techniques, from start to finish to organizing and operating a successful group test preparation workshop? How can I help my students acquire the techniques they need to do well on the test? [more inside]
posted by chara on Sep 21, 2009 - 7 answers

How do Olympic gymnasts (and other gymnasts at the elite level) train for their routines? Do they break their choreography into segments? Is there a set, systematic schedule or program used across the sport? A way to measure their progress? How might this compare (or apply) to the way a musician might prepare for an audition or a competition? [more inside]
posted by Busoni on Jul 30, 2009 - 4 answers

How do I prepare good cigars for maximum delight? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah on Apr 21, 2009 - 5 answers

How do I make the tuna sandwich from sandwich places? [more inside]
posted by hal_c_on on Apr 6, 2009 - 31 answers

How should we prepare for a 10 mile/8 hour guided hike through the NJ Pine Barrens? [more inside]
posted by ginagina on Mar 7, 2009 - 9 answers

CFA Filter: Ok, I just registered and signed up for June 09 CFA test. I am looking for information on supplemental study guides and hints for better preparation. [more inside]
posted by icollectpurses on Feb 12, 2009 - 4 answers

Me and the Mrs. will be having our first child in late March. We've already bought a few clothes and miscellaneous items, but I'd like to know what should we get now? Parents, what are some things (like bottles, strollers, bouncy seats, etc.) that you wish you had had on Day One but didn't? [more inside]
posted by zardoz on Jan 12, 2009 - 42 answers

I need recommendations for consumer tax preparation software, other than TurboTax. [more inside]
posted by elfgirl on Jan 10, 2009 - 6 answers

Looking for a good tax preparer in the Boston area. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 9, 2008 - 6 answers

Need help finding resources for Network+ certification prep. [more inside]
posted by wabashbdw on Nov 6, 2008 - 3 answers

I need to be famous for other things. So I would like to make my own blend of coffee. At home and cheaply how can I get started? [more inside]
posted by parmanparman on Oct 12, 2008 - 7 answers

Right now, the 2008-2009 US medical school application cycle is substantially underway. I've submitted applications to a number of allopathic programs, and in the hopes of receiving interview invitations and then making a positive impression, I'd like some recommendations on books to brush up on commonly asked topics. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 19, 2008 - 2 answers

What food should I buy in preparation for Hurricane Ike, and how should I eat it? [more inside]
posted by jschu on Sep 10, 2008 - 23 answers

Help me find a 35+ year-old text about the science and myriad other whys/wherefores/and hows behind all kinds of cooking endeavors. [more inside]
posted by mumstheword on Aug 15, 2008 - 8 answers

In about six weeks I expect to have a technical interview for a graduate position with MS. What can I do between now and then to be as well prepared as possible? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 22, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm going to have anal sex, for the first time, on Saturday night! What do I do on Friday night or Saturday morning? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 9, 2008 - 29 answers

How do I clean turbot? [more inside]
posted by romakimmy on Dec 24, 2007 - 10 answers

I have a year before I am eligible to work for a big consulting company. What should I do during this year to maximise my chances of success, or bump up starting salary? [more inside]
posted by gttommy on Nov 30, 2007 - 10 answers

RunningFilter: Half Marathon on Sunday. How should I spend Saturday?
posted by I_Love_Bananas on Oct 19, 2007 - 11 answers

Best way, other than walking a lot (too time-consuming), to prepare for walking a lot, in a city, carrying a substantial bag? A recent walking-intensive two-week trip nearly killed my poor feet. I don't have a walking-intensive life most of the time. Should I try specific conditioning? Or would that make it worse, "using up" the mileage I have left on my feet? Should I just resign myself to babying my feet when traveling? [more inside]
posted by amtho on Sep 3, 2007 - 11 answers

I'm starting a new job on Monday - it's in the same company but at a different location. I've been with the company quite a while and I know my new boss is a bit of an ass, so I want to get off on the firmest best foot - if it's possible I want to position myself as someone he doesn't need to be an ass to/ competative with. What suggestions do you have for good pre-emptive or early actions/ behaviors? [more inside]
posted by The_Partridge_Family on Jul 12, 2007 - 6 answers

Personal experiences with SAT course preparation? [more inside]
posted by Flakypastry on Feb 7, 2007 - 33 answers

Should I introduce myself to potential graduate school advisors at the earliest opportunity, or wait until I'm better prepared and less indecisive? [more inside]
posted by fermion on Feb 1, 2007 - 11 answers

1. Is there free tax preparation software? 2. If not why? when so many people have to file taxes every year.
posted by antisocialiting on Dec 29, 2006 - 16 answers

How can I best prepare for interviews with potential advisers for Grad school? [more inside]
posted by one_bean on Oct 31, 2006 - 11 answers

In February, my boyfriend of a few months will be leaving to do a two year stint with the peace corps. We're emphatically in love with each other, and the thought of him leaving my life is absolutely dreadful and deeply saddening. How can I best prepare myself for what is to come? [more inside]
posted by virga on Oct 11, 2006 - 24 answers

I'm going on a spur-of-the-moment 1½ day trip to Manitoba to visit relatives I have never met before and do genealogical research. How can I make the best of such a short time? What preparations should I make beforehand? [more inside]
posted by rinkjustice on Jun 7, 2006 - 6 answers

How do I clean and prepare a crab and its parts so that it becomes edible? [more inside]
posted by Jon-o on Oct 7, 2005 - 15 answers

I have a gifted and motivated nephew who wants to take the MCAT. What resources would you recommend to help him prepare?
posted by Floydd on Aug 2, 2005 - 10 answers

So I'm going to be interviewing with a major Internet company in California sometime within the next few weeks, and I'm excited, but also scared to death. I've heard that several of the "big name" companies have very rigorous interviewing processes, and I've done a ton of Googling on the subject, but only seem to find information relevant to interviewing at Microsoft (which I'm not). Certainly some of you have who read MeFi have been through this a few times. What should I expect? How can I best prepare? HELP! [more inside]
posted by superboy422 on Jun 5, 2005 - 5 answers

That most hallowed of foolish holidays is upon us, minus one. So you've got time... What's the best April Fool's Day joke you've ever heard or been a part of? I need some ideas. [more inside]
posted by airguitar on Mar 31, 2005 - 18 answers

The US Department of State Foreign Service Written Exam is coming up in just about three months. For those who have taken it in the past, any suggested readings or study tips? For anyone planning on taking it this year, how are you preparing?
posted by NotMyselfRightNow on Jan 24, 2005 - 8 answers

So I would like to start a test prep mini-business in an area vastly underserved by test prep companies. Is my idea feasible? [+] [more inside]
posted by u.n. owen on Jan 18, 2005 - 14 answers

Civil service exams. Anyone ever taken them? What did you do to prepare? This is in Illinois, if it makes a difference.
posted by sugarfish on Jan 12, 2005 - 5 answers

I'm going to be taking a proofreading test on Thursday, for a job. Does anyone have any advice about this? I've never had a proofreading job before, but my own writing is usually very typo-free, and I notice spelling and grammatical errors in books all the time. [more inside]
posted by interrobang on Aug 3, 2004 - 24 answers

What kinds of things are smart to eat before exercise? (more) [more inside]
posted by konolia on Dec 20, 2003 - 11 answers

Law school final exams are here! The key is analysis and clarity rather than rote memorization, so rest and concentration are ideal. But I'm a complete insomniac. What's the best way to ensure 8 hours of sleep before a 9 AM exam? Chemical solutions (over the counter), while not preferred, are OK unless there is a chance that they will interfere with mental ability the next morning.
posted by PrinceValium on Dec 10, 2003 - 26 answers