Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with state

Why won't the lineman move?

RajahKing — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:58:42 -0800

Can anyone explain why the linesman in this video clip of the Florida/FSU football game last Saturday did not move as the play unfolded? I am no football expert, but I do waste a lot of time watching it. But in the video, you will see a lineman on the right side (tackle? guard? I don't know) not even leave his stance as the play unfolds - every other player on the field is engaged in the play, while this guy sits there frozen. The quarterback even runs right past him.

I can think of no strategic reason for this to happen - has anyone out there heard a full explanation?

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of..

xdeliriumx — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:56:37 -0800

How is a contract's governing state determined? Is it where it's drafted? Or is it something else? "This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of.." I am drafting a contract in PA but the recipient is in another state. Should the governing state by mine or the recipient.

I spy a mullet and a TO jersey!

SNWidget — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:14:36 -0800

ScavengerHuntFilter: My friends and I are attending the excellentness that is the Texas State Fair sometime in the coming weeks. Last year, we enjoyed simply taking in the craziness and consuming the large quantities of fried foods. This year, we want to do a scavenger hunt - that is, taking pictures of certain things that are often seen (and perhaps not so often seen) at a state fair. Any ideas as to what should be on the list? We've come up with a few things, such as:

1. Kid on a leash
2. Tony Romo jersey
3. Fanny pack
4. Mullet
5. Someone barefoot.
6. Someone not wearing enough clothes.
8. Baby drinking Coke.
9. Someone carrying too many stuffed animal prizes.
10. Kid having a tantrum.
11. Someone eating fried butter.
12. Someone vomiting.
13. Vomit on the ground.
14. Someone wearing high heels.

We're also looking for suggestions on superlatives - take a picture of the largest pig, the largest child, etc. etc.

Note that while we're sort of taking in the craziness that is the fair, the suggestions don't have to revel in the tackiness, and can include more positive aspects as well. As long as they can be photographed, covertly or otherwise.

Can you prove what someone's blood alcohol level would have been two hours ago based on what it is now?

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:10:59 -0800

Can you prove what someone's blood alcohol level would have been two hours ago based on what it is now? Pulled over and arrested then charged with DUI in the State of Vermont. Refused the roadside breathalyzer test. Took the roadside evaluation for shits and giggles (I think I did okay).

After much processing, asked to talk to public defender on call. Advised to consent to breath test, so I did. After much more processing, I finally took the breath test. I didn't take the test until two hours after the time of the stop.

My test results: 0.059%

Point at which it is a DUI: 0.080%

Charges dropped right? Not in this case. They are trying the case and the arresting officer claims they will bring in a chemist/scientist/whatever to say that based on my test results my blood alcohol level would have been above 0.080% at the time of the stop.

You are innocent until proven guilty right? Can they possibly "prove" this?

Several civil citations were given as well. One for not stopping at a stop sign (I did stop) and one for going over the yellow line (I may have). Also, a third was mailed to me for being two months out of inspection.

And to preempt the lawyer up advice. Of course I will be hiring a lawyer to represent me in this case, but I would like to know as much as I can going in, while I have plenty of time to get myself informed.

Publicly-traded by state?

jefficator — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:43:22 -0800

Where can I find a list of public companies, sorted by headquartered state? I'm sure I'm going to feel like a moron when someone replies with www.stocksbystate.com or something, but a person I'm helping with research has asked me to find a list of all the publicly-traded companies headquartered in a handful of given states. The only lists I can find are at least three years old. I can parse the bankrupt ones, but not the new IPOs.

Does anyone know where to find a quick list sorted by state?

If I can cross-reference by profitability, then I'll dance at your wedding.

Bonus points if you preserve my ego by talking about how unimaginatively difficult my request it.

Credit against what taxes?

smackfu — Wed, 13 May 2009 13:31:36 -0800

Help me understand tax credit incentives for filming movies in a particular city/state. How would the production company get enough taxable state income to make a credit worth it?

No rest for the weary

levijk — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:41:57 -0800

How serious an offense is it when your employer refuses to give you a meal break? I live in the state of Washington and have reviewed Washington Administrative Code Sections 296-126-002 and 296-126-092. Today a friend of mine told me that he was explicitly denied by his supervisor a meal break during a shift that lasted more than five hours (he not an agricultural worker).
I suggested he follow protocol and take it up the chain of command but he believes his supervisor's superiors will "close ranks" and only make life difficult for him.
What should he do and what are the consequences for breaking the law?

Additionally, several incidents of rudeness and public condescension which began suddenly last month make him suspicious that he has been outed as a homosexual.

He has not asked for my advice but I'd like him to know his options because he is ready to quit. Thanks.

Give me some advice regarding jumping into a gorge safely.

Sully — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:45:38 -0800

Anybody have any advice regarding jumping into gorges in New York state? Safety-wise - what would be the upper limit of height I might try?

Where do I learn to pick an ear and keep it?

parmanparman — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 05:29:10 -0800

I need to learn state-level and/or federal-level lobbying. Where can I find classes, events, or seminars to study and observe this? I am in the Washington, DC-area, but I'm willing to travel 1,000 miles or less.

Tax exemption online?

CFMartin — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:18:56 -0800

How do I file an out of state sale that I made online. I know that I do not charge tax to out of state customers but is there a exemption form that I need to fill out or somewhere I can get more information on this process. I run a company in Connecticut and we have been making more and more out of state sales and I need to figure out how to go about the exemption process. Thank you for your help.

When did we get to start voting for voters instead of voting for legislators who voted for voters?

phrontist — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:30:48 -0800

I'm looking for a listing, preferably something with citations of the actual state laws, of when each state changed it's laws to allow for the direct election of electors in the electoral college.

Is it becoming the norm for people to work more than one (or even two) jobs just to stay afloat?

msposner — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:21:57 -0800

Is it becoming a more acceptable trend for individuals to work more than one job just to maintain a certain standard of living? I work three jobs (my wife also works full-time) and yet it seems as if we barely can keep ourselves afloat on a monthly basis. Help me from going crazy here! Background information: I work three jobs. Job number one is a state employee (CT) for a position that requires a master's degree (I actually will be finishing up my second one in a few months). Job number two is working as an independent contractor for a technology company (10-15 hours/week). Job number three is a teacher for an adult education program (5 hours/week).

My wife is a full-time teacher.

Together, we have little debt (<$5k) and we are hardly reckless with our spendings. Most of our purchases are related to the upkeep of our home and cars (2). We rarely eat out but we do have a house and all the associated bills. With me working all these hours, we've been able to be afloat in terms of our bills and expenses.

However, I am seeing more and more people, including colleagues in state employment looking for second (and sometimes, third) jobs just to "stay afloat." They too, claim that they don't have any really "out of the world" bills.

I am wondering what other people are experiencing, especially in the state of today's economy and whether this trend is related to the fact that I live in CT (a very, very expensive state) or if this is something we need to expect to become the norm just to maintain normal, decent standard of living.

Or it could be that I don't make enough money with my primary job ($50k/year)...

Any thoughts? Feedback? Insights? All would be greatly appreciated.

Trying to identify Washington State bird by sound heard at night.

DCTapeworm — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:03:34 -0800

Please help me identify this bird in Washington State (nocturnal). I didn't see it, but I heard it. It was a long screech, starting at a low pitch, and ending at a high pitch. The screech lasted a full second or so. There was one right in front of my house, and another in the backyard. If it helps for region, I'm out in Snohomish where there's tons of pine trees around.

state of illinois traffic ticket

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:51:10 -0800

A few months ago, I was stopped by the IL State Police, and I received a ticket. I need to go to court to obtain my drivers license back [not that I didn't go the DMV office, that day, and get a new one]. Nonetheless, I want to get it cleared up however; I've washed my ticket. Is there a website or helpful phone number to call - to either pay it or find my court date. Moreover, the ticket was issued in the Chicago district. Thanks for help!

Moving to State College

billysumday — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:16:04 -0800

Advice, suggestions, recommendations for a couple looking to rent an apartment or house in State College, Pennsylvania (Penn State). 30 year old Ph.D. candidate and her 28 year old boyfriend are moving to State College at the end of this month/beginning of August. Where is the best place to live? House or apartment? We don't want to be next to all of the undergrads but we also don't want to live too far from campus.

Any insight into cool places/areas to live would be helpful. We are hoping to spend $600-$800 for a two bedroom - is this reasonable?

What protections does a state trademark provide that a federal trademark does not?

Mr_Crazyhorse — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:24:34 -0800

What protections does a state trademark provide that a federal trademark does not? I am currently applying for a federal trademark to provide protection to certain products that I intend to produce and distribute nationwide. I understand that IN ADDITION TO a federal trademark, I can obtain a state [CA] trademark.

Is it worth the time and money to obtain the state trademark in addition to the federal trademark I am currently applying for? Does the state trademark afford me any additional protections?

Is it worth my time and money to apply for a state trademark in the primary state that I will be doing business in? Since I will be doing business in several states, should I also obtain trademark protection in those states?

Thanks.

Generating shaded maps of India with state-level data series.

matthewr — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:31:29 -0800

What's the easiest way of generating a map similar to this? I have several state-level data series I want to display on maps of India. I assume this blank map of India in SVG format is a good starting-point. Now, what program(s) do I use to link areas on the map to my data series and hence automatically shade states by a variable x?

My data looks like:
[state code] state x [jm] jam 1.93386 [hp] him 1.74945 [pj] pun 1.90247 [uc] utt 2.13038 ... 33 more states ...

I have Windows, Stata, Excel and zero budget.

How to verify state-issued sales certificate/tax ID?

boygirlparty — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:18:41 -0800

How do you verify a state seller's permit/resale certificate and/or tax ID for US businesses? I know you can verify some state issued certificates online (like CA, TX and MN) to make sure that declared resale certificates and/or Tax IDs are legitimate, but is there a site or place where you can do this for any/every US state?

Having a hard time navigating Michigan's gov website in particular.

looking for texas wedding venue

madmamasmith — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 07:35:37 -0800

I live in Austin Texas and just got engaged. I am trying to find a venue that offers an outdoor ceremony site and an indoor or covered reception area. My budget is no more than 2,000 dollars. Our ideal setting offers seating for 80 people, allows us to bring in our own vendors and use decorations. I would also like something that either offers camping, cabins or is close to lodgings. We really want a country or hill country setting and recently I thought how cool it would be to have it in an old train depot or church or even abandoned old building with great architecture. There are alot of places listed online, but I am looking for something more unique, less fancy, less run of the mill. Does anyone have any ideas about cool buildings or locations that might be open to hosting a small wedding???Or know of any state parks with cool event halls? Thanks!

wonkish question about Washington state civil procedure

Capri — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 15:46:51 -0800

[Washington State Law question] How do the following differ? Motion for Summary Judgment. Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. Motion for Judgment as a Matter of Law. Ideally I'd like to see a reference to a source that explains how these differ. Timing? Oral argument? Burden of proof? Evidence considered? I am studying for the Washington state bar, so federal procedure is interesting, but only if you're sure it's the same in Washington.

Also, Washington doesn't have a JNOV or a Directed Verdict, does it?

Thanks. Sorry this is so boring to non-lawyers.

Nearly ruined an awesome road trip...

lou — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:49:34 -0800

On a road trip across the midwestern United States. Out of state driver, small town speed trap. Can I ignore the ticket? and other questions. I got pulled over passing through Foristell, MO, in what is apparently the worst speed trap in Missouri. Also, I have an out of state license (California), driving a rental car with out of state plates (Texas), which means I'm a big flashing dollar sign for them. I don't take too kindly to being extorted, so I'm wondering if a small town in Missouri will actually report this to California and have my license suspended if I don't pay up, or is that just an empty threat by the cops to make sure I fill their tiny city's coffers. I've heard that they could issue a warrant for your arrest but you could avoid that as long as you never plan on returning. On a similar note, do out of state moving violations count as points on your driving license in your home state and will it raise insurance premiums? I know this would differ between states (and which combinations of states) so any specific experiences with California drivers in Missouri would be appreciated.

Please to be voting for me?

sarcasticah — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:42:38 -0800

How can my newbie-politician husband stage an effective campaign against more well-known candidates for State Rep in Massachusetts? Our local State Representative, Mike Festa, left his post recently for a job higher up in the state government. My husband has decided to run in the special election for Festa's post. He's a Democrat, passionate about politics, and a complete unknown. He's got an interview set up with our local paper tomorrow night, and tonight went door-to-door to try to get signatures so he can be on the ballot. He's also ordered bumper stickers, and has a handout to give people stating his position on the various issues in Massachusetts.

He's well aware that he hasn't much of a chance of winning, and that's fine -- he's really looking to get his foot in the door, in hopes of a future in politics. Of course, if he did win, that would be excellent...

So. What can we do to attract more attention to his campaign? What creative, original things should we do? What annoying things should we not do?

Script Ohio viewing

Jesco — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 19:12:30 -0800

Where can I take my kids to see Script Ohio for free? I've got 4 children, three of which are 100% dedicated to watching Script Ohio. Unfortunately I can't afford 6 tickets to the game to watch it live. So, my question is where does the band practice, and is it open to the public?

Also, does anyone have any tips on attending the Skull Session - Where to park? How to get the best seats? What time to show up? I figure this is a good back-up plan, and we can go to COSI afterwards.

if (a || (b and (c or d)) and (not e or (f and g and h))) then ???

grumblebee — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 19:24:44 -0800

Comp Sci: What's the best Design Pattern or structure for dealing with a complex relationship between many booleans? I'm working on an app that has a zillion configuration options. I need to deal with situations in which the user choses Option A and (Option B or Option C) but not (Option D and (Option E or F)). That sort of thing.

Using tons of if/then/else's is clearly wrong. It's totally confusing. The State Pattern seems like the right direction, but unless I misunderstand it, it's too simple. It assumes that an app is in State A, State B or State C. What about apps that are in States A and C? In other words, there are 50 options and any combination of them can be on/off.

What's the best way to manage this?

I'm an Actionscript Programmer, but I'm pretty comfortable translating concepts from C-family languages.

PO Box Business Out of State

rougy — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:09:27 -0800

PO Box Businesses I'm starting a webservice business. I'd like the address and the bank account to be in Wyoming, for tax reasons, but I myself do not personally want to live in Wyoming.

The business may allow me to travel extensively and live almost anywhere in the world, which is a perk I'd like to take advantage of.

Is it legal, possible, or even wise to establish a business in Wyoming when the only thing that is really associated with the business is an address and a checking account for online transactions?

I've just heard about "registered agent providers" but I'm not sure how to get one or if the cost would off-set the savings in state tax.

Thanks much.