October 2013 Archives

October 31

What can I expect while taking oral steroids?

I just had a complicated detached retina repaired. Now my eye doctor has prescribed oral steroids (prednisolone). I don't know how long the overall course is planned to be but I'm tapering down from 60mg/day to 7.5 mg/day over about 8 or 9 weeks, when I see the doctor again. I'm freaking out about side effects and withdrawal. Please tell me your personal experiences with oral steroids and suggest what I should do (without giving me medical advice). Thanks
posted by mgrrl at 11:49 PM PST - 28 comments

ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) and knee braces / tape

So, I have been training for a marathon which will happen in a couple days. On my last longish run (10 miles) which was this past Sunday, had a little (very mild) pain on the lateral part of my knee, and I'm reasonably certain it's ITBS. I have a knee brace and I also have tape. [more inside]
posted by samoa at 10:33 PM PST - 10 comments

poetry recommendations for the broken-hearted, please

Mefites: will you please recommend to me memorizable poems that I can use as a salve when I find myself slipping in to destructive thoughts as I wade my way through the aftermath of this break-up? [more inside]
posted by fingers_of_fire at 10:01 PM PST - 34 comments

Do I have to use our wedding photographer's online gallery?

A month ago, we got back our wedding photographs - the photographer gave us an online gallery with all the pictures (some I like, so I don't) and a drive with all the pictures on them. Our photographer has asked us to only share the photos with others via the online gallery (though this is not in our contract). Do I have to do this? Meaning, is this the ethical thing to do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:29 PM PST - 13 comments

I need monitor nipples? What are they called and where can I get 'em?

My monitor uses a DVI port. Plugging in a DVI cable works perfectly except for one flaw: the 2 screw nipple thingamabobs are missing on the sides of the port on the monitor, which means the screws on the DVI cable have nothing to screw into to lock the cable in place. If anything bumps the DVI cable at all, it can fall out of the socket. So, I'm desperate to find a pair of those little nipple doodads, which should look like the nut looking things with screw holes to the sides of the blue VGA port in this image. Instead of those things, my monitor has holes where those used to be screwed into. What are they called and where can I get them?
posted by 2oh1 at 8:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Throttle Application bandwidth by Process, not by port or host

I'm using Bitcasa to back up things, but it doesn't have builtin bandwidth upload throttling. So consequently it sucks up all the bandwidth and the entire houses network comes to a stop. This also happens to make browsing the web impossible. This would be easy to do if Bitcasa used a nonstandard port, but it uses 433 to upload to Amazon's EC. I have other applications that also need full bandwidth to EC (intermittently), so throttling those domains won't work either. What I really need is an application specific throttling App . Help? (OS X ML).
posted by Brent Parker at 8:08 PM PST - 7 comments

Wanted: Erudite, epigrammatic writers of easily-digested essays.

Who are some erudite, epigrammatic essayists? I'm not just looking for "good" essayists: self-consciously "refined" diction is a must, as is the propensity for epigrams. Examples of who I'm looking for include G. K. Chesterton, Mark Twain, Pauline Kael, Christopher Hitchens, Will Self, and Theodore Dalrymple.
posted by Sticherbeast at 6:43 PM PST - 24 comments

Skinny jean tailoring for the short girl

Please help me find a tailor that can alter skinny jeans properly. So far, I have had bad luck with the two I've tried. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 6:32 PM PST - 13 comments

What are the long term costs of a 110k mile 2004 Mini?

I have been offered a 2004 Mini with 110k miles. What should I expect for future costs, if I take the car and use it as a daily driver? [more inside]
posted by Slothrop at 6:11 PM PST - 17 comments

Sheet snob seeks advice ...

I tend to like high thread-count cotton sheets (at least 400). Of course, they're usually pretty pricey. Looking for alternatives. [more inside]
posted by jrchaplin at 4:54 PM PST - 23 comments

Should I tell her?

A friend's ex-husband confessed a number of sins to me. Should I tell her? Drama below. [more inside]
posted by Josephine Macaulay at 4:09 PM PST - 61 comments

Cheap car! Expensive scrape?

My no longer able to drive grandparents recently gave me a great deal on their low mileage car. However, they got into a few scrapes before parting with it... [more inside]
posted by heliostatic at 3:21 PM PST - 10 comments

In stitches...

So, I learned how to do basic crochet last year, and of course launched into a couple of blanket projects...(I also made a few scarves for xmas last year, which were pretty well received). Anyway, now that I am finally getting close to finishing the blankets, I'm wondering a few things. [more inside]
posted by PlantGoddess at 2:40 PM PST - 14 comments

can you live in a dorm without going to college?

After I recently left college I missed have neighbors my age can I move back into a dorm if I dont go to college anymore?
posted by john123357 at 2:27 PM PST - 37 comments

Reverse-geotagging: Where is this furniture store in LA?

A friend recently posted pictures from a fairly-fashionable (potentially used?) furniture store "somewhere in LA," but won't spill the beans about where it is! I'd like to find it and pick up some of this goodness. Hoping that one of you might know where it is. Thank you!! Pictures: 1 2 3 4 [more inside]
posted by raihan_ at 2:04 PM PST - 7 comments

What is this strange Halloween guest?

Anyone able to ID this critter? Tried to get in just now, think it wants my Almond Joy.
posted by vrakatar at 1:58 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me find a recording that scared the hell out of me as a kid.

So, it's Halloween and I'm thinking about ways to frighten my child. I've just recalled a recording my parents had when I was young that made a strong impression on me. I don't even know how I'd start googling to find it, so I'm hoping a description will jog someone's memory. [more inside]
posted by R. Schlock at 1:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Playing Bridge Online?

After doing some research, I can't seem to quite find an answer to this. A friend and I would like to play bridge together online, and would like the two other players to be computer-generated. Anyone know of where we can do this? The sites that I have looked at seem to be all live players, or else you can play against the computer alone.
posted by nanook at 1:22 PM PST - 4 comments

Best gift for 56 yr old stroke survivor?

A very dear friend of mine (female, 56, was very physically active, runner, professor, etc.) had a stroke in late August. [more inside]
posted by Ideefixe at 1:00 PM PST - 6 comments

Switching jobs, states, and insurance...while pregnant.

We just found out I'm pregnant. Yay! My husband also just started a new job, which is requiring us to move states sometime between now and early spring, which means I have to quit my job and we have to change insurance. I'm not sure how best to handle this. [more inside]
posted by sockon at 12:57 PM PST - 13 comments

Objection on behalf of the kids

A legal question for the family law attorneys of AskMeFi [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 12:44 PM PST - 22 comments

LePockmarQuet: fatal kitchenware failure?

So I heated my trusty 24cm LeCreuset frying pan for pre-frying some eggplant today, and now there are some moon-like craters on it... [more inside]
posted by Namlit at 11:55 AM PST - 12 comments

productivity tips for grad student with ADD and tech for learning

Hi All! I have ADD and I came across and cannot find a website- I'm a PC- that can block you from sites, like checking my email- so that I can stay on task. Can you tell me what it is? Any other tips and technology I can use to be successful, as a stressed out, procrastinating ADD grad student ? [more inside]
posted by TRUELOTUS at 11:39 AM PST - 18 comments

Feels like a longshot, but you did find that other person's cat...

I'm ruining my shirts. For the 6th time in the last few months, I was sitting at my desk at work today and felt like my elbow was cold. I reached down and discovered a tear in the left elbow of my dress shirt. Every time this has happened, it's been on the bottom of the left elbow, and it's always happened on a work day. Why is this happening to me? [more inside]
posted by DynamiteToast at 11:36 AM PST - 14 comments

Arcade Fire costume

What's the best way to make a fire costume? What kind of store should I go to buy what I need? [more inside]
posted by esprit de l'escalier at 11:15 AM PST - 9 comments

Why labor induction if everything is going well?

I will be 39 weeks along tomorrow. All of my OB appointments have basically amounted to urine test, weight, blood pressure, various forms of checking stuff with the pronouncement, "EVERYTHING'S GOING SO WELL." (I imagine Ziegler from Moulin Rouge.) Which, yay. Very grateful. However, she made a surprising comment today. [more inside]
posted by emkelley at 10:19 AM PST - 48 comments

How can I characterize locations in the NY/NJ area by urban/suburban?

I have about 400 address in the NY/NJ metro area, and I'd like to characterize each address as urban or suburban based on some standard definition. What is a good way to do this? I'm willing to use a paid service to code my addresses. [more inside]
posted by scottso17 at 10:09 AM PST - 11 comments

Getting my Numbers to Stand up Straight

I am using styles in Word 2010 in order to automatically generate a table of contents. I have modified the TOC styles give the Table of Contents the look it needs to have. However, I don't want these style changes to apply to the page number at the end of the dot leaders, just the text. [more inside]
posted by instead of three wishes at 9:54 AM PST - 2 comments

Gift ideas for my mom, Pittsburgh edition

I know there's a strong 'burgh contingent here, so I'm hoping you can help me brainstorm a birthday present for my mom. She has had a busy year as a caretaker - she started the year on the west coast with me welcoming her new granddaughter & helping me recover from a c/section. There's been a few trips back to the midwest to help my grandmother with health issues and then cleaning out her parents house of 60+ years. On top of that my dad had surgery about a month ago. If that isn't enough on her plate she and my father have spent the last 3 years renovating a house, they finally moved in this summer but I don't think she's been there more than 2 weeks at any time. A lot of unexpected travel, some assorted business issues, trips getting extended due to unforeseen circumstances, etc. It obviously hasn't all been bad (new house! new grandbaby!) but I think she needs some time to recharge herself. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by snowymorninblues at 9:50 AM PST - 5 comments

How to support a relative post-bariatric surgery during the holidays?

I have a relative with some long-time food and weight issues who just underwent bariatric surgery. Making meals with her, cooking and eating out have always been kind of fraught. We'll be having a family Christmas holiday at her house and I'm worried that the heavy emphasis on food will be stressful. Any tips? [more inside]
posted by amanda at 9:41 AM PST - 8 comments

What is this glass object?

It's made of crackle glass and is a foot high. Placed next to a pepper mill for some kind of perspective. Other than a butt plug for giants, what might this be?
posted by uans at 9:35 AM PST - 18 comments

UK: "Standard" deposit deductions for cleaning a newly-fit carpet?

This is a UK question! I just left the UK along with my old rented flat. My landlord is suggesting some "standard" deductions for cleaning the carpets "because they were newly fitted just before checking in". Can they base this on anything?! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:34 AM PST - 8 comments

Bankruptcy attorney near Lynchburg, VA?

My mother is in between work right now, with very sporradic temp gigs that don't pay enough. I think she needs to talk with a bankruptcy attorney, but she's ashamed and intimidated. I'd like to help her by giving her actual referrals. Difficulty: I'm long-distance from her. She is located in Lynchburg, VA. General advice would also be welcome--for example, how long might she be able to drag out the foreclosure and still live in her home? Details inside! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Do memorization highlighter/sheet sets exist in America?

Apparently in Japan, there are these popular memorization aids that consist of a red highlighter pen and a translucent green sheet. You highlight a phrase in red on your notes, then cover the piece of paper with the green sheet. With the green sheet in place, you can read your notes except for the red bits, allowing you to test your ability to recall the occluded information. I've Googled around and found a few manufacturers: Pentel (no longer available for sale), Zebra, and this eBay listing with a Japanese brand name that I can't parse. Does anyone know of any other manufacturers or brands? Does this product exist in America, or will I pretty much have to import it?
posted by lizzicide at 9:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Best practices: awesome brunch edition

I am hosting a brunch at my house for...a bunch? probably at least 30? people on Sunday. What are your favorite reliable recipes and tips for this situation? Assume above-average baking/cooking abilities and a desire to do as much 1-2 days ahead as possible. [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 9:14 AM PST - 21 comments

How to Display Instructions?

I have to write several instructions manuals with screenshots. (Step-by-step documentation.) What's the easiest way to do this? Any hacks or software recommendations? I want it to look nice and be easy to make. I don't have access to Photoshop or Illustration; free or very low cost would be ideal.
posted by melodykramer at 8:51 AM PST - 14 comments

Exercise Bands recommendation

I know that not all exercise bands are made the same. I want to get some while traveling and snowed in to do curls, pushups, squats, etc along with body weight workouts. I am not expecting a super workout but do want some decent bang for my buck. Can anyone recommend any less than $50? I would be happy with a set or buying individual bands. Amazon gets good reviews for these, but am open to your suggestions. If the info is the same as this 2010 AskMefi post, feel free to let me know.
posted by snap_dragon at 8:50 AM PST - 2 comments

I Only Have So Much Brain Power

For the overwhelming bulk of my adult life, I've had the "creative-thing-with-a-day-job" model. I've been in the market for both opportunities recently - and just made some great headway on the "creative thing", but not on the "day job" bit. Help me make sure that I don't worry so much about the day job problem that it takes away from jumping on the new creative opportunity. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:14 AM PST - 6 comments

Holey Grail?

Mens trouser socks that will not disintegrate in less than one year - do they exist? [more inside]
posted by melissasaurus at 8:05 AM PST - 24 comments

My apartment's radiators are loud and letting out steam. Is that normal?

We've just moved into a new place and it's now gotten cold enough to turn on the heat. Two of the radiators are really loud with air escaping, and often have visible steam coming out of the valve on the side. I've never seen radiators do this. Is this normal? Is this safe?
posted by msbrauer at 7:59 AM PST - 9 comments

Buying Life Insurance and Supplemental LT Disability

My husband and I are looking to purchase term life and supplemental LT disability insurance, but we're really not sure what terms to look for (and look out for), which companies are reputable, and how the process works overall. Do you have any experience here? [more inside]
posted by 5845(f)(1)(D) at 7:56 AM PST - 3 comments

College student son depressed and unmotivated.

My 19 yr old son has decided to drop out of college after this semester to find himself. The problem is he is without a plan and I believe very depressed. He has been to a therapist in the past and has an appt to see the therapist next week. In the meantime he has called us sometimes crying and saying he doesn’t understand why he is in college. snowflake inside [more inside]
posted by lasamana at 7:24 AM PST - 55 comments

Recipe ideas for people who don't enjoy cooking

About 70% of the time, I do not enjoy cooking. The prep, the process, the cleaning up (oh God, the cleaning up). I feel like I have exhausted my repertoire of minimal-prep / minimal-cleanup weekday evening meals. Can you help me come up with some new ones? And it would be great if they were actually tasty and heavy on the vegetables as I am trying to get more of those into my diet. Bonus points for food that I can make ahead in bulk and take to work for a few days. [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 7:23 AM PST - 35 comments

Good reads about Canadian politics.

What are some good reads about Canadian political history? [more inside]
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:25 AM PST - 5 comments

Tell me about living in Leeds or Cardiff!

My husband and I are considering a temporary relocation to the UK from Canada - he plans to apply to various MA programs at UK universities in the next year or two. We’d love to learn more about life in Leeds and Cardiff as they are two cities with programs he’s interested in. We’ve read previous AskMeFi threads on Cardiff here and here. [more inside]
posted by champagneminimalist at 5:48 AM PST - 11 comments

How do I repair this bracelet?

Part of the metal on this bracelet is cracked..I'm trying to save it before it cracks all the way through... [more inside]
posted by bellastarr at 5:31 AM PST - 2 comments

Different background color for each WordPress category?

Just like it sounds above - for some reason this has been much more difficult than expected. More inside, naturally. [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 4:55 AM PST - 5 comments

Simple Folk wanted.

Can you recommend any contemporary folk artists producing uncontemporary folk music? [more inside]
posted by Caskeum at 4:12 AM PST - 36 comments

Please help track down the fabric used for my premie twins in the NICU

(Metafilter long shot special) My two MCMA twin girls were born at 32 weeks and were in the NICU for a while. They are big bouncing babies now and doing really well, but I would very much like to find the fabric used on the quilt that they were given while they were in intensive care. [more inside]
posted by Augenblick at 2:12 AM PST - 6 comments

Finland around New Years Eve - Will there be natural ice ice-skating?

We are going to be in Berlin for Christmas and thought perhaps we would get a cheap flight to Helsinki and hang out in southern Finland for a week after Christmas. a) where should we go around there and how? (car, train, buses?) b) what is the likelihood of natural ice ice-skating in late-Dec (or failing that cross-country skiing)? [more inside]
posted by mary8nne at 1:57 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I spend more time with my girlfriend?

My girlfriend is amazing, and I just want to spend all day with her. All. day. all. the. time. The problem is, we are in an industry that is incredibly stressful and demanding and low-paying, although relatively mobile (I can work from basically where ever I want). I am perfectly happy just sitting by her and we both do work, but then I get distracted. What are some ways to spend more time with her?
posted by redwaterman at 12:23 AM PST - 7 comments

October 30

Good "owners manuals" for new dog owners?

What are good "owners manuals" for new dog owners? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:35 PM PST - 13 comments

What can I do about my painfully cold feet?

I have moved to a tropical climate for the past 5 years in order to avoid cold, but I am in Finland for the next few months, and I forgot how painfully cold my feet get. Even when my body is warm, my feet can be painfully cold. Usually my feet are sweaty and my socks are damp. I change socks rather often, and I soak my feet in hot water a few times a day. These things all help but about an hour later they're cold again. I am about 10 lbs overweight, and I walk a few miles a day. Wiggling my toes and flexing my ankles and calves helps a little bit. I considered buying electric socks but the reviews were poor. I read this similar question but it didn't seem to help much. Any advice?
posted by crawltopslow at 11:22 PM PST - 38 comments

How do you know if a counsellor is a good fit?

How do you know if a counsellor is a good fit? [more inside]
posted by Year of meteors at 10:30 PM PST - 8 comments

Unsavory colleagues: How do you deal?

I'm in a specialized graduate program and I love what I do, but I have a difficult time dealing with some of the strong personalities in my class. I have one year left, but the dynamics are toxic and draining, and it's affecting my well-being. Seeking suggestions and strategies for survival! [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 10:26 PM PST - 13 comments

Are my days numbered because of lup chong?

Will uncooked Chinese sausage end my life? [more inside]
posted by turbid dahlia at 9:09 PM PST - 19 comments

What is the best bed for an arthritic dog?

About three months ago I adopted a rottweiler mix, about 7-8 years of age. He's delightful and charming and basically the best dog ever, but he has arthritis. He's under treatment for this (meloxicam) and is still pretty mobile, but he does love to sleep. And sleep. And then sleep some more. So I'd like to buy him the best bed possible to ensure he gets to enjoy his favourite pastime. What would you recommend? I've heard about magnetic beds, memory foam, and so forth, but am not sure what I should get. My price limit is $500.
posted by lesbiassparrow at 8:53 PM PST - 16 comments

My cat is taking out its frustration on the carpet. How do I stop it?

This didn't used to be a problem, but my cat vigorously attacks the carpeting. I have cardboard scratching boards all over, which she has been happy to use in the past, especially where she likes to scratch. She doesn't care, she scratches right next to them, even after I spray her with water and yell 'no!', and pet her when she does actually use the boards. [more inside]
posted by Hither at 8:42 PM PST - 15 comments

How to cope with a major life change?

As someone with Asperger's Syndrome (and a few anxiety disorders), I find change, especially sudden change, difficult to cope with, but I could have a chance at a fantastic job if I am able to move across country in the next week. [more inside]
posted by 8LeggedFriend at 7:59 PM PST - 10 comments

Yar, I need to flirt with a pirate.

Tomorrow I (a single dad) will be volunteering at my child's Halloween Party. I have been flirting with a cute single mom for a while now and I have advance knowledge that she will be coming as a pirate. I'm in need of a good pirate/nautical opening line that can be delivered in a kindergarten setting. [more inside]
posted by unixrat at 7:03 PM PST - 42 comments

Looking for Mandarin-speaking school psychologist or speech pathologist

Does anyone know of a Mandarin-speaking school psychologist and/or speech pathologist anywhere in NYS? Asking for a health care colleague in western NY -- but it's a statewide question.
posted by vitabellosi at 6:49 PM PST - 2 comments

When can babies or children be taught bad eating habits?

I am feeding my infant on demand. Said infant gets no sleep whatsoever. Friends are pointing me to various methodologies, many of which schedule discrete eating times (such as feeding all of the calories in a 12 hour period and none in the remaining 12 hour period). I do not wish to do this because I think that this doesn't respect a baby's hunger and worry that, down the road, the child will not be able to recognize hunger/satiety clues. On the other hand, of course I would love to try scheduling like this because it's pretty miserable getting no sleep. All things being equal (the merits of on demand vs. scheduling), is there literature out there in psychology or any other field that has looked to this? Where should I go to find out whether scheduled feedings may have a long-term impact on children?
posted by juliagulia at 6:35 PM PST - 32 comments

Maintaining fitness and sanity on a low-calorie diet

I'm an overweight (technically obese) triathlete who was recently put on a calorie-restricted (1200-1400/day), moderately carb-restricted (100-130 g/day) diet by my doctor(s). They also have me front-loading my calories into breakfast and lunch at the expense of dinner. It's been hard on me in various ways, physically and psychologically -- my training is suffering, and I really miss being able to share a normal dinner with my partner. I'm also on seriously non-optional medication that makes it hard for me to lose weight and, relatedly, has probably made me insulin-resistant. Help me cope. (Psychological beanplating as well as gory metabolic details for nutrition nerds within.) [more inside]
posted by dorque at 5:53 PM PST - 31 comments

Show me the most money possible?

I have a small freelance business, and for convenience's sake many of my clients choose to pay me via PayPal. What are the best practices I can implement to reduce the fees I pay? Or just general best practices where this is concerned? Or...other ways to accept payments? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 5:05 PM PST - 17 comments

What plant is this?

My neighbour threw a biggish one of these out in a pot; it was half dead, but I noticed this small pup at the edge of the container and rescued it. I'm thinking Agave? Maybe Aloe? Image 1 Image 2
posted by New England Cultist at 4:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Serious pain, a cancelled job interview, crappy doctor. Help.

Posting for boyfriend. He's in serious pain and had to cancel a majorly major job interview. His doctor is useless right now. Boyfriend has a very high co-pay/co-insurance plan and is looking for an affordable way to get a diagnosis + treatment started ASAP...and perhaps some tips on salvaging the job prospect. [more inside]
posted by space_cookie at 4:22 PM PST - 27 comments

What's an adequate symbol?

For Halloween this time, my wife, kids, and I will don our alter-egos as made-up superheroes and villains. I will be the acceptably nefarious Dr. Adequate. What would be a good symbol to put on my shirt? I thought maybe an equal sign or a standard distribution curve. Any other ideas? Is there a simple symbol of pictogram that screams "Adequacy" to you? Thanks!
posted by Shohn at 3:40 PM PST - 43 comments

Good guided meditations for surgery recovery/pain?

Looking for guided meditations/mindfulness practices specifically for help with post-surgical pain, besides Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief. [more inside]
posted by scody at 3:17 PM PST - 8 comments

Green Tortoise to Burning Man

Attending Burning Man was been on my bucket list for decades - mostly for the epic scale of the art, and the experience of creating a city in the wilderness - but the logistics & cost of trying to organize a trip form Hawai`i have always deterred me. Next year I'm thinking of foregoing "radical self reliance" in favor of letting Green Tortoise take care of the basics. I do, however, have a few reservations, and I was wondering if people here had any experiences they could share. [more inside]
posted by kanewai at 3:11 PM PST - 15 comments

My fiancé dislikes my mother..,

My fiancé dislikes my mother. How big an issue will this be? What can I do to mitigate any future issues regarding this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:00 PM PST - 29 comments

What is the best way to get cheap milk?

We go through a lot of milk in my household. Like, a gallon ~ every two days. How do we find cheap milk? [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 2:26 PM PST - 32 comments

Help me find new clothes for going out!

I've outgrown cheap, sparkly, skin-baring clothes from Express. A floor length ball gown would probably be overkill. What does a classy 27-year-old female wear on the weekends? [more inside]
posted by therumsgone at 2:23 PM PST - 16 comments

Where can I source a (nice!) replacement vent grill for my bathroom?

I live in a co-op building (built in 1960) and the bathroom has a metal grille covering the bathroom vent. I'd like to replace the old, nasty grille with a nice stainless steel or brushed nickel version, but my google-fu is not turning up a suitable replacement. Anyone know where I can find one or have one made? [more inside]
posted by dudeman at 1:55 PM PST - 12 comments

Will the new iPad Mini be a good replacement for a netbook?

After 4 years (!!!), my trusty Acer Aspire netbook has finally stopped working. I need to replace it with something, but a comparable netbook nowadays costs about the same as the upcoming retina display iPad Mini (16 GB). I'm attracted to the idea of the Mini, but I don't know if it would fit my needs: 1) accessing and quickly searching through multiple 50-100 page pdfs during meetings and 2) taking meeting notes. (I have a spare bluetooth Apple keyboard I can bring with me for the notetaking, so I would not be stuck using the virtual keyboard.) So, would the new iPad Mini be a good netbook replacement, given what I'll be using it for? [more inside]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 1:35 PM PST - 17 comments

Can I offer to help this person (without being condescending)?

I teach at a night school. One of my coworkers is a reserved 45 y.o. Literature teacher with whom I share my 10-minute walk back home once or twice a week, plus conversations during breaks. Although this man seems very well-read and intelligent, for some reason he does not have a cell phone or e-mail address and does not use the internet. I feel that he might gain access to a wealth of resources which could be very interesting to him by learning the basics (google, youtube) about the web. I would like to offer him some help to start surfing, but I understand that my suggestion-although well intentioned-might conceivably be perceived as condescending and even intrusive. Should I try this? [more inside]
posted by Basque13 at 1:33 PM PST - 32 comments

Can anyone help me out w/ the guitar chords & tuning used in this song?

It's called 'Empty Handed' by Michelle Branch. What tuning/chords are used, or what is a reliable website I can use to find out? [more inside]
posted by ethelwulf at 1:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Where do you keep semi-clean clothes?

I know I should throw my dirty clothes down the laundry chute so that I can wash them later. I also know to bring clean clothes up from the laundry room and put them in my dresser or hang them up in the closet. But where do I put the clothes that have been worn at least once but that don't yet need to be washed? I'm talking about jeans, sweaters, and certain shirts, not underwear, socks or undershirts. Putting the semi-clean clothes back in the dresser doesn't seem ideal because they have some dirt or dust that I don't want to get on the unworn clothes. Right now, I fold up the semi-clean clothes and put them on the floor next to my side of the bed, but my wife objects to my clothes pile. How do other people handle this? Is there some standard system that I've missed out on?
posted by Area Man at 12:00 PM PST - 70 comments

How do I inspire a hungry imagination?

I am a relative to a youngster (aged 6). I want to inspire them. Feed their imagination, help them to discover the endless possibilities that exist in all corners of the world. My question is how best to do this? [more inside]
posted by 0 answers at 11:41 AM PST - 17 comments

Dogs were barking, guests were parking...

I'd like some tips for managing capital-a Anxiety and interacting well during a non-traditional, cross-cultural wedding. Difficulty level: I'm the groom. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 11:25 AM PST - 31 comments

How to get schengen visa fast from US with expired H1b visa

Hello All, I'm in a complicated situation and I need some serious help on this one: I'm a Chinese citizen with China passport. And I work in the US on H1b visa. My visa is expired. And my 1-797 is about to expire on 11/23/2013. My company is working on my extension which filed in premium but delayed by government shut down. And this should be all done before 11/23/2013. But I'm planning on an urgent trip to Finland for a couple of weeks to see a friend. And to apply for Schengen visa, I need valid H1b visa. I'm on a tight schedule here, I need the visa ASAP. [more inside]
posted by lijiaxiaoniu at 11:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Examples of phrases in the "[VERB] your [NOUN]" form?

Follow your Dreams. Chase your Passion. [VERB] your [NOUN]. What are some common or novel encouraging phrases that fit this mold? [more inside]
posted by chudmonkey at 11:23 AM PST - 63 comments

Any one know of any on call Server Tech Support Services?

Can anyone recommend a service to be able to do simple windows server support on as needed basis, who are available on call round the clock?
posted by naveed at 11:22 AM PST - 5 comments

"You a cop? No? Then please sign these documents."

So, by now everyone knows that it is not entrapment if a police officer lies when asked if they're a police officer. It's just an urban legend, probably spread by police officers themselves. But what if you ask them to sign an affidavit swearing to the fact that they are not a police officer? Would that work? [more inside]
posted by gkhan at 10:33 AM PST - 22 comments

Fictional characters who cook

I'm looking for examples from literary fiction where characters cook something or describe a cooking process or technique within the narrated text. I'm not looking for an entire recipe detailed. Rather, which literary characters have taught you how to hold a chef's knife, how to deglaze, how to spread icing on a cake. Example below of fire-roasting a bell pepper from John Irving's "The World According to Garp." [more inside]
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 10:18 AM PST - 43 comments

Help me find this website about marketing and demographics?

My googlefu is not up to snuff. I used to have this interesting website bookmarked on my computer at a previous job, and now I can't find it. [more inside]
posted by terrierhead at 10:09 AM PST - 1 comment

Ski lessons for a 3 year old in Vermont or New Hampshire

My daughter just turned 3 and is ready to learn to downhill ski. We live in Norwich, VT, and can head west to Vermont or east to New Hampshire for beginner lessons. I'm fine sitting and watching while she learns, and we're fine with the lesson being the only reason to make a drive. If we can only choose one place for the first ski lesson, where should we go?
posted by billtron at 10:08 AM PST - 10 comments

So I bought these tights....

I bought these awesome tights from ModCloth and I have no idea what to wear with them. They are grey and teal and it's just a bit of an awkward color combination. Can you recommend specific pieces or colors for me to pair with them?
posted by bq at 10:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Where do I find financial advice for low income earners?

I understand there isn't much money in providing it, but where is the advice for people who make an income lower than 30k that doesn't involve pooling income with a partner with similar goals and income (Dave Ramsey), or assuming that this period is merely a temporary bump on a road that leads to eventually becoming solidly middle class (Suze Orman's YB&F)? [more inside]
posted by Selena777 at 9:39 AM PST - 18 comments

Keep the beater car, go without a car, or buy a (new to me) car?

My boyfriend has a 2002 Ford Taurus with 300,000 miles on it. It burns oil and has some impact damage on the front so that you have to remove the plastic grill to open the hood. It needs an inspection sticker and getting one will require a new windshield and possibly some other repairs. He has just purchased a new vehicle and wants to wash his hands of the Taurus. He says I can have it if I want it. [more inside]
posted by domo at 8:51 AM PST - 28 comments

I think I've given home to Audrey III

I have a cactus which I believe to be an ostropuntia subulata monstrose (pic of one that looks just like mine). It didn't grow for years, and now it's growing astonishingly quickly. Why? And what can I do to help it along? Any tips? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 8:46 AM PST - 10 comments

Help me save this plant!

I have a very sad Peace Lily. Help me save her! [more inside]
posted by Perthuz at 8:16 AM PST - 8 comments

Good skin moisturizer for men?

I'm in Canada, and I was wondering if there is a good skin moisturizer for men. I cannot stand scents (I have asthma). I used to use something ten years ago called "Face Protector" from the Body Shop, and it was perfect. I find that many moisturizers out there are either scented, or have a waxy residue (Skin Protector melted in after about 2 minutes and was great). The Body Shop's newer products are too "watery" and also burn my skin (!) I have sensitive skin and also suffer from ingrown hairs after shaving or when my skin is dry.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:09 AM PST - 33 comments

How do I stop being so paranoid in my relationship?

Damaged by a previous infidelity, I find it hard not to read every ordinary, innocent thing as a Sign. It's hurting an otherwise loving relationship with a wonderful woman, and I hate being this way and feel I am committing my own kind of betrayal. Looking for advice on strategies to stop, deflect, lessen. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 AM PST - 32 comments

Obamacare Penalties: Why?

What is the logic behind the financial penalties that individuals in the U.S. could face if they don't purchase health insurance?
posted by Monkey0nCrack at 7:22 AM PST - 23 comments

Get rid of review panel in word on mac?

I know this must be very obvious, but I can't figure it. How do I totally and permanently get rid of the review panel (and all inserted comments) on a word document on a mac? Word is 14.1.2. I've tried nearly everything, and each time the review panel comes back again. I manually deleted all the comments but there is still the lavender review panel on the right. THANKS!!
posted by third rail at 7:03 AM PST - 7 comments

Bookkeeper for small NYC non-profit?

A friend is looking for a bookkeeper for her very small non-profit: there's one full-timer (her) and four regular contract workers. She wants someone to come in once or twice a month and keep accounts up to date. Office is in Brooklyn. Any recommendations?
posted by neroli at 6:22 AM PST - 3 comments

Studying for the A+

How can a computer novice study most effectively for A+ certification? [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 6:08 AM PST - 6 comments

How do concussions work? Does this sound normal?

My father is suffering from a severe concussion. He was making great progress but all of a sudden, things have worsened. I have researched/googled concussions but everything is so clinical. I'm looking for real experiences/anecdotes so I can understand what's happening to him and what we can expect. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 5:11 AM PST - 17 comments

seek and ye shall find

How do I ask my new doctor for tranquilizers without seeming like a crazy drug addict? [more inside]
posted by mittens at 4:47 AM PST - 25 comments

My new roof is leaking (I think). Who do I call first?

My roof was replaced a year ago, due to hail, paid for by my insurance company and performed by a local contractor. This morning, in heavy rain, I see fresh water-tracks down a wall of my bathroom. I'm not sure who to call, or how to get all my ducks in a row prior to calling. [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 3:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Is there a great, free alternative to Ad Aware?

Is there a great, free alternative to Ad Aware? [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 2:56 AM PST - 15 comments

How does an isolated person heal from a breakup?

I need tips on how to handle/distract myself from a break up when I'm low on the friend count and the money count and don't really leave the house. Ever. [more inside]
posted by biochemist at 2:24 AM PST - 25 comments

October 29

Patent protection: what should I do first?

I have a design for a new construction product, and I'd like to protect my interest in it while I develop and try to sell it. I know very little about searching patents, but my casual searches haven't found any prior art. What should my first steps be? I'm in Australia, but I have family and funds in the USA so I could probably file a patent in either country.
posted by Joe in Australia at 10:29 PM PST - 8 comments

Tiny Spotify

I want a teeny tiny music player to take along when running. All it needs to do is do Spotify in offline mode. [more inside]
posted by 26.2 at 10:17 PM PST - 6 comments

Make my home a factory for living

I figure, at this point, somebody has done exhaustive operations research on pretty much all of my daily chores. Assuming I don't care about hominess or aesthetics, what does industry have to teach me about getting through all the little maintenance work of life with less time, effort, and attention? [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang at 9:55 PM PST - 25 comments

Hired based on a phone call and one copy draft alone - is Google crazy?

A friend of mine was just offered a temp-to-hire content writing job with Google without ever meeting actual people. Is this not unusual? [more inside]
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 8:55 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I make my "red tape menace" costume theme more clear

11th hour costume question: how can I make the theme behind "red tape menace" (bureaucratic Russian, with literal red tape) more apparent? As I'm in charge of reviewing public applications of sorts, I have been called a "red tape machine" by family members, and I like the general idea/joke, especially as this is a costume to wear to work. The elements of my costume can be seen here. [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 8:21 PM PST - 15 comments

Which mini tablet should I get?

I will soon be gifted a tablet of my choosing for my birthday, and I have no idea which one I want. [more inside]
posted by madonna of the unloved at 7:43 PM PST - 22 comments

Should I tell my boyfriend about my ex who is dying?

My boyfriend (lets call him Mike) does not know about my ex boyfriend's existence (Lee). I found out his brother died a couple of months ago, and now he has the same disease and may or may not survive as well. I am quite upset about this, should I tell Mike about him or just keep it to myself? [more inside]
posted by lovisa91 at 7:25 PM PST - 30 comments

My partner has a child, he's feuding with the mother, I can't handle it

I'm stuck in the town where I just finished university, because I'm engaged to Jake, who has a child here, Finn. Jake had Finn with Kaitlyn when she was 16 and he was 18. Finn is now 4. I could move anywhere I want and make a living. I'm happy with Jake, but I'm unhappy with life as a whole, depressed, have low self-esteem. Jake has only limited contact rights to his son and a whole lot of trouble with Kaitlyn, who hates me. We live together and I am the sole-earner in this household, in the awful UK economy. I haven't left the house all year, I've just been working yet I'm still in debt and I want to get away. On the other hand I love Jake, we have so much in common and we never even argue, even though the year that we've been together life has been very difficult. We really love and respect each other. I have great hope in him, I'm excited to meet his son and I think we could make a life together. Except it would all take years. And I'm at the end of my tether and want to leave now. [more inside]
posted by mangoprawn at 5:54 PM PST - 73 comments

Recommendations for credit counselling

I am in financial difficulties because my wife and I are unable to work. The debts are mounting up, and I need some help. Can you recommend a credit counseling agency? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:51 PM PST - 5 comments

How to manage debt with a finite amount and some qualifiers.

Say you are an idiot, me, for example. How would you manage this debt and a loan? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Fall in California - how does it work?

I'm writing a little thing set in fall in California, and I'd like to get a sense of what the weather is like in the Alameda/Contra Costa area in October and November. I lived nearby - in Santa Cruz - for about a year, a long time ago, but my only memory is that it did eventually get cold - just not very. (Comparatively - I live in New England now, my cold scale now goes right on up to 11.) [more inside]
posted by kythuen at 3:01 PM PST - 19 comments

IFTTTT&T, TTTTTT&T. And also that other thing.

I'm looking for a way to capture decision processes as repeatable, adaptive heuristics to guide people in making situational assessments. Difficulty: not testing software. [more inside]
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 2:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Are arguments normal in new relationship or am I with a wrong girl?

Is it normal to have these kinds of arguments in a 5 month relationship? I'm Indian and she's white and we're both 23. Am I with a wrong girl? (Details Inside) [more inside]
posted by Parh6512 at 2:41 PM PST - 37 comments

Ideas for Noisemakers to Get the Attention of a Loud Classroom

Hey folks! I am a high school biology teacher in Chicago Public Schools. I am trying to find a small, creative noisemaker I can use as a signal to get the class to quiet down so I can give instructions. Some teachers raise their hands - however, this doesn't really work when they are busy peering through microscopes. [more inside]
posted by thelastpolarbear at 2:03 PM PST - 43 comments

Is there an elegant name for a square but with convex, curvy sides?

Is there an elegant name for a shape that is a square but with convex, curvy sides? [more inside]
posted by Tallguy at 1:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Where to buy a parasol in Portland?

I am going as a Victorian character for Halloween and need a black lace parasol by tomorrow night. I'm looking for something in this style. As usual, I've left it too late to order online. Halloween pop up shops don't have this. Any idea where else can I find this type of parasol in the Portland, OR area? I've already been to Cargo and Uwajimaya without success. Thanks!
posted by Tiye at 1:32 PM PST - 11 comments

Noisy men’s shoes as a status symbol?

In my workplace, it seems that for males, the higher up you are in the hierarchy, the noisier are the shoes, almost as if it’s in the job description. Middle managers shoes tend to make a bearable noise level, but when a male VP walks by, I could swear he’s wearing high heels. Are quality men’s shoes noisier? Or is this just that executives tend to prefer noisy loafers by design?
posted by racingjs at 1:20 PM PST - 18 comments

How do I make my amp less bassy?

I own this amp. It works fine except for one thing: the sound is tremendously bassy. Currently, I have the bass turned all the way down and the treble all the way up and it is STILL too bassy. I only play distorted/high gain. What are my best options for getting a treblier sound?
posted by josher71 at 1:07 PM PST - 18 comments

You want to change your newly signed 12 month lease to 6 months?

How much more should I charge my tenant to change from a 12 month to a 6 month lease at her request after just signing the agreement 2 months ago? [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 12:52 PM PST - 23 comments

Help me make my own wall-mounted zine boxes

I have several boxes of zines that I'd like to get off my floor and display more publicly. I love the idea of modular boxes like these, but of course I have some particular snowflake storage needs and limitations. Help me modify this system! [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 12:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Why this role? (anticipating this question in interview tomorrow)

I am interviewing for a middle management position with a less than thrilling division, for a major company I really want to work for. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 12:23 PM PST - 9 comments

Urban Gardening: Artificial Lighting

Last week, I asked MetaFilter about growing a tree indoors. This week, I have a question about aesthetically pleasing artificial lighting solutions. [more inside]
posted by prunes at 12:14 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me decide when to have a baby.

Should I work on getting a new, hopefully long-term job before getting pregnant, or should I stay in my not ideal but okay current job? Snowflakes inside... [more inside]
posted by coupdefoudre at 12:00 PM PST - 28 comments

Interesting Stuff About the (Literal) Human Heart

Researching the human heart for an essay. The real heart. not the metaphorical one. I'm having trouble finding interesting articles online that go beyond 10 FACTS ABOUT THE HEART-type-things that get repetitive. I have already done a good bit of research into transplant history and fetal heart development, and I have a story about NASA growing cardiac cells in a bioreactor. But I still need more! Can you either tell me interesting true stuff or link me to it?
posted by mermaidcafe at 11:54 AM PST - 13 comments

How to Talk to a Guy, Awkward Home Edition

I'm awkward, and I want to approach this guy that I know, but I'm not entirely sure how to do it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:40 AM PST - 18 comments

Which Mac Mini to buy?

I am buying a Mac for the first time. For budgetary reasons the Mac Mini is the only option on the table. Having convinced myself that the increased outlay for an Apple device over a generic desktop PC is worth it, I am now stumped on the question of which Mac Mini to buy. Please help me decide which model to choose. [more inside]
posted by jonnyploy at 11:37 AM PST - 18 comments

downtempo with an Indian, Middle Eastern, or Gypsy jazz influence

Looking for some downtempo/chillout music with an Indian, Middle Eastern, or Gypsy jazz influence.
posted by evil otto at 11:35 AM PST - 9 comments

Ideas and advice for a DIY electric bike on the cheap.

For a long time I've thought that it would be a fun project to put together an electric bicycle. However I've been stymied by the cost and questionable quality of the existing kits, and the complications and compromises of the various DIY methods that are out there online. I have some ideas for how to go about making a cheap and simple electric bike, but I'll be the first to admit that I'm nobody's idea of an engineer so I thought I'd run some things by y'all and see what insights you have. [more inside]
posted by Scientist at 11:03 AM PST - 12 comments

Where to buy an advent calendar in Germany?

I will be in Germany soon, and would like to buy a wooden advent calendar for my daughter to use for years. Once I was in Germany around this time of year, and a department store had loads of disposable ones with chocolates behind little paper/cardboard doors. But what kind of store would have nicer, more permanent ones? Bonus points for specific store recommendations in Mainz (or the Frankfurt airport). I know I can probably buy one online, but I'd like to buy it on my trip.
posted by kestrel251 at 10:38 AM PST - 11 comments

Things To Do In Paris Over The Holidays?

I will be in Paris for a week and some change between Christmas and New Years. I've been before so I know all the standard tourist spots- but I know the holiday season will mess up openings and closings so I'm interested in fun, interesting things and places ...that will be open. Ideally looking for performances, music, English-language theater, etc. I'll be traveling with a classical musician with a fondness for opera, so looking for things along those lines. Any seasonally specific events or things I shouldn't miss?
posted by The Whelk at 10:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Sony RX100 or Panasonic Lumix LX7?

After being disappointed in yet another set of vacation photos because I didn't want to lug my dSLR around and ended up relying on my phone's mediocre camera, I've decided it's time for a high-end point-and-shoot. I've spent a couple weeks researching and have narrowed it down to two: the Sony RX100 and the Panasonic Lumix LX7. But I'm having a hard time deciding between the two! Do you have experience with either/both that can help me decide? I don't mind spending the extra money on the RX100 if it's worth it, but is it? [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 9:55 AM PST - 11 comments

How can I get synctoy to work or find a good alternative?

I'm having problems with microsoft synctoy and would like advice on how to troubleshoot it or find an alternative. [more inside]
posted by medusa at 9:38 AM PST - 3 comments

Pacific Northwest Travel to see Orcas--Preschool Edition

Where is the best place to stay in the Pacific Northwest for one month with easy access to (1) orca watching (2) day or overnight trips to Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, Olympic Peninsula (3) nature. We want to spend the month of August 2014 to escape the heat of Austin. Cost is somewhat of an object but I will only camp in limited circumstances. Here are more details about what I am looking to find: [more inside]
posted by murrey at 8:55 AM PST - 8 comments

How do you change iTunes account name?

I received a class action notice at my home re: an iTunes settlement. It had my maiden name on it. This was a couple of years after I changed the name on my account (maiden to married name). It was about six months after I changed the billing address, so iTunes clearly updated my billing address but not my name. How do I change this? Correct name is showing up in iTunes, but again, it doesn't appear to have been updated in whatever the "real" database is. Sounds like a silly question but I'd really like to have all areas reflect my married name.
posted by trandolph at 8:34 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm sad.

So, I've had depression issues off and on for the last 25 years or so. [more inside]
posted by jen14221 at 8:32 AM PST - 25 comments

Help identify a musty smell in a bathroom?

Our small main floor 2-piece bathroom has had a musty smell for the last couple of months. We can't seem to identify the source and aside from the smell there is no sign that anything is wrong. We had a plumber in and he spotted a very small amount of (orangy coloured) mould inside the toilet tank, but even after cleaning that up with MoldEx the smell has not abated. What could it be? [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 8:32 AM PST - 15 comments

Unemployment options in Virginia?

How exactly does unemployment work? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Gubernatorial Race 2013 - Forgot to Update county residence; Same State.

I moved from Fairfax County (VA) to Arlington County (VA) and I've been dragging my feet with updating my voter registration card. Just now, I updated it online but it seems that it will be too late to process. My DMV license is updated to reflect my new residence in Arlington. Can I vote here in Arlington for the 2013 VA Gubernatorial Race? What are my options?
posted by driedmango at 8:07 AM PST - 11 comments

Condom doesn't cover entire penis - aids virus risk?

I always practice safe sex, but the condom doesn't cover my entire penis and some of it is in contact with the vagina. Does this seriously increase my risk of being infected with HIV? (I use XL size condoms, but they don't cover everything, and as I tend to go deep, some of my skin is touching the vagina; but the most important parts are covered)
posted by anonymous at 8:02 AM PST - 11 comments

Catalogue and Track My Life!

Is there a (preferably online) tool that will track how much time I spend on learning a language? [more inside]
posted by chainsofreedom at 7:44 AM PST - 2 comments

He's a great guy, I swear

My boyfriend is a wonderful person, but apparently a lot of people find him creepy and off-putting. To be honest, I've been around him enough that I don't entirely disagree with them. I'm wondering what, if anything, I can do to help. [more inside]
posted by girlmightlive at 6:58 AM PST - 23 comments

Which US bricks & mortar stores have the cheapest name brand candy?

Halloween procrastinator getting ready for a flood of children - what bricks & mortar stores U.S. have the cheapest name brand candy? I'm trying to get desirable candy (no, not King size candy bars, but also not the crappy stuff that looks like it is on its third holiday while it is still on the shelf) for the lowest price. Thanks!
posted by arnicae at 6:54 AM PST - 13 comments

Another Twenties costume question

Unusual 1920s costume ideas wanted/ how to '20s-style a kimono [more inside]
posted by runincircles at 6:35 AM PST - 11 comments

Career Change Options for a Subdued Business Analyst?

Hi All, I am suffering from major career burnout and I hope you can help. I am a 31 yo chick who has been working in IT for the last 8 years. The first 4 years were ok, since I worked in software consultancy and did not get involved in politics and silly meetings. I was never planning to work in IT, I just fell into it, working in support and working my way up to Consultancy. I have made the dumb but financially viable choice of becoming a Business Analyst 4 years ago. I hate every single minute of it; the politics, the lack of career prospects, the boredom, the lack of creativity and constant role playing. I am a creative person at heart; but I have no idea how to branch the hell out of IT. Hope someone has gone through this and can provide some advice? Thanks!
posted by superscribe at 6:02 AM PST - 5 comments

Does learning chess (as an adult) help you become better at life?

Ok, so someone told me that chess is a lot like life in many ways and that becoming better at the game will also therefore make you better at seeing opportunities in life. Is this true? I'm no spring Chicken and I just learned how to play this game. I'm not ashamed to say it- This game literally hurts my brain. It is really hard and I feel so stupid when I play this. I suppose that makes sense since my life sucks from bad decisions I've made... assuming there's any truth to what this guy told me.
posted by manderin at 5:53 AM PST - 29 comments

Good biographies

I need recommendations for good biographies (or autobiographies)! [more inside]
posted by mrfuga0 at 5:27 AM PST - 25 comments

ID this novel: Group of people wake up at remote snowbound house?

I read this book in the late 80's but it might have been published earlier than that. More scattered details inside. [more inside]
posted by 99percentfake at 4:43 AM PST - 3 comments

It's Complicated (But Not Really)

What would you call this type of relationship? [more inside]
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 3:55 AM PST - 43 comments

Music to stay alive to

Looking for songs that make you want to stay alive. About how wonderful life is, how fleeting and how it should be cherished. [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 2:54 AM PST - 56 comments

Extra-applicational extraction of Excel form

I have an MS Excel spreadsheet which uses drop-down menus which affect the content in multiple fields. It's used for buying inventory, so you'd change the "category" menu to "paperware," upon which the fields "account number" "responsible admin" etc. would all populate depending on what I've chosen in "paperware." Now we're redoing the form and I'm tasked with mapping all available functions and how they are related [more inside]
posted by monocultured at 1:56 AM PST - 5 comments

What does it mean to have a gender?

I've been wondering about this for years. I have no concept of what it means to be female, apart from the body parts (which, as I've learned, don't, by themselves, mean a lot). All I can think of is a lot of cultural stuff, which doesn't seem to be universal all over the world, so surely that's just what we've learned? I get the impression that there is such a thing as a female or male identity, as inborn gender. If you have one, what does it feel like? How do you know what gender you are? [more inside]
posted by Too-Ticky at 1:36 AM PST - 57 comments

October 28

Help me find a short story about mind control graffiti

This thread and this hypnotic diagram reminded me of a science fiction short story premised around the idea that breakthroughs in psychology and applied mathematics had made it possible to design two-dimensional black and white images that would produce extreme effects in anyone who looked at them. The result was a society in perpetual counter-terrorism lockdown. An image like "The Parrot" could cause immediate seizures and fatal strokes, and one terrorist sneaking a placard of it into the Superbowl could not only kill everyone in his immediate area but also viewers at home. Our main characters in the story are tweens who attend a school with translucent windows. They've gotten their hands on a low-powered nausea-inducing image and they've formed a secret club to take turns looking at it. Where can I find this story? [more inside]
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 11:53 PM PST - 13 comments

Rap snacks in NYC?

Has anyone seen rap snacks chips sold in Manhattan recently? I need to get some for tomorrow and have never seen them in NYC, but maybe I am looking in the wrong places.
posted by rmless at 9:12 PM PST - 1 comment

Mental hacks needed, please.

Please share your mind hacks/mental hacks/stories you tell yourself to make things in your life easier. [more inside]
posted by triggerfinger at 8:36 PM PST - 76 comments

I feel unappreciated - how to deal?

I feel really undervalued and unappreciated in every arena of my life. I'm already in therapy. What can I do to quiet these feelings? [more inside]
posted by sockermom at 8:21 PM PST - 26 comments

13 or 15 inch macbook for Ableton Live?

I want to buy a new Retina Macbook Pro for live performances with Ableton Live. For all other purposes I'd go with the 13-inch model because it is more portable, but I'm worried that 1) the screen will be too small to see all the tracks, or 2) the dual-core processor won't be fast enough compared to the quad-core in 15-inch models. Can anyone speak from experience? Was a 13" good enough?
posted by scose at 8:03 PM PST - 12 comments

What does a typical five year old's drawing look like?

Please help me find examples of drawings made by children at ages three through seven. I have found many unlabeled images, and many lengthy written descriptions of what drawings "may" or "should" include at certain ages. Why do the writers not post some examples? I have found lots of vanity posts, "look what my precocious little darling drew!" This is not what I am looking for. I want drawings typical for the age group, labeled with the age and gender (secondary importance) of the child. I am not looking for art class products, but just drawings that kids draw on their own.
posted by woman at 7:46 PM PST - 10 comments

I'd like to do something nice for an Ex-GF is this idea nuts or unwise?

I dated a girl for a bit over 2 years - our relationship was insanely tumultuous and emotionally exhausting for the both of us. We both had deep insecurities and emotional issues and it was a seemingly never ending saga of heartache and tears. It was absolute total insanity on pretty much all levels. While the relationship officially "ended" 6 years ago, we've remained off-and-on friends over the years. She's currently dating someone else and we talk relatively infrequently. I'd like to do something over-the-top nice to honor the time we spent together and let her know how much our time together meant to me. She has serious dental issues (one of her front teeth is missing a portion and several are falling out) I'd like to pay to have this fixed. [more inside]
posted by ninepin at 7:21 PM PST - 57 comments

Google Calendar Sucks

I really hate google calendar but use it so I can share a calendar with my partner. Can you help me figure out how to use it better? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 6:44 PM PST - 19 comments

I got your Charms.

How best to get Windows 7 on a new laptop? [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 6:35 PM PST - 10 comments

"I've been searching, searching," for a soul-funk earworm...

I'm usually pretty good at name-that-tune, but... CHFI-FM's Funky Friday Mix last week had a random song from the 70's with the polished shimmer of a Philly Soul production and a funky mid-tempo beat which hinted at disco, a burbling synth which teased the bass player, and a rousing conclusion where a chorus of backing singers chants: "I've been searching, searching, searching..." or "I've been working, working, working..." intertwined with the lead vocalist in an interesting complex harmonic style. This would have been on AM radio in the 70's, maybe not a big hit, but on the charts. (On Google, "I've been searching" & soul/funk/disco just leads to the record bins. Not the Vandross/Change song).
posted by ovvl at 6:09 PM PST - 9 comments

What should I do with a forced 6 months off work?

After suffering a potentially career ending injury, and a year of failed rehab I have now been signed off from work. This injury had been personally devasting for me, I am in quite severe pain and as a direct result I have lost my hobbies (sports), friends ( team mates) and my girlfriend (I'm not fun to be around when I'm in pain) and potentially my career. I am exhausted. I need to make the most of these 6 months, options below. [more inside]
posted by JIMSMITH2000 at 5:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Move into a house with many (now) vacant rooms without knowing roommates

I looked at this really nice, huge, new house for rent, but the landlord is renting out each room individually, and now they are all vacant because the house's new, so I don't know who's gonna be my house mates!!! Even men or women - I don't know!! [more inside]
posted by pelu at 5:12 PM PST - 23 comments

Best options for a new HDTV

I have a new (to me -- it's about 10 months old overall, I think) HDTV that, unfortunately, doesn't have an Ethernet port nor does it have wireless connectivity. It was a gift, of sorts, so I'm kind of stuck with it. Since I had a very old standard set, it's still an upgrade. Now, I'm looking at options for HD television content, like maybe the Roku, AppleTV or any other neat solutions that I don't know about yet. [more inside]
posted by juliebug at 4:40 PM PST - 11 comments

Kids! How do they work?

Help! My new job involves making sure that little kids are entertained. [more inside]
posted by The River Ivel at 4:33 PM PST - 10 comments

fun, messy crafts for an 8 year old birthday party?

My girl is turning 8 and we're having her party at the local Michael's. Unfortunately the sales people there haven't been real helpful in terms of making recommendations for what crafts the girls can do; and I'm completely overwhelmed when I look on the Internets. So here's the question: what are some really fun crafts that can be done in an hour and a half, and are messy? (Because that's the whole point of having it at the store instead of in my house, right. Otherwise I'm wasting that $50.) Is marbling paper fun? Is tye-dying fun? What else haven't I thought of? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 4:28 PM PST - 18 comments

Excel 2010 - combining spreadsheets

How do I combine two Excel spreadsheets that have one common field? I know what I want the end result to be, but I don't know what the solution is called or how to get there. [more inside]
posted by dtp at 4:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Still Frame + Music = Video

I regularly want to make videos for YouTube consisting of a single still album art image + audio track. I use OS X. I'm still looking for the best solution for this seemingly trivial task. [more inside]
posted by Wolfdog at 4:13 PM PST - 3 comments

Used car price weirdly low -- what to look/ask for?

I'm in the market for a used car, and I've found one that looks great (on paper). I have not seen it in person yet. It's being sold by a new/used car dealership that seems to have positive reviews (or at least, no negative reviews that I can find). The only thing is, the asking price appears to be too low, based on what I'm finding online, by something like $2,000-3,000. Carfax report comes up clean except for a fender bender, and the mileage is kind of high (190k for a 2005 car). I plan to check it out in person and ask questions about it, but (1) what should I be looking for -- especially non-obvious things? and (2) what are some good questions to ask about it? Also: if the car is in decent condition, should I try to haggle, or just take the car at the listed price?
posted by Mo' Money Moe Bandy at 4:07 PM PST - 27 comments

Why is there so much controversy surrounding the DSM-V?

Please point me to some resources (interviews, news articles, opinion pieces, etc...) so I can better understand why the DSM-V has generated so much controversy, and what the major points of contention are. The more gristly it is for my milling, the better.
posted by tybeet at 3:52 PM PST - 7 comments

Database Administration/Development Career

What can I do to become a database administrator or developer if I'm starting basically from zero? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:07 PM PST - 5 comments

How can I get my preteen son out of his head?

I have a bright, funny middle schooler who now has little interest in anything or anybody. He has no behavioral problems but can't focus on anything or connect with anyone, and it's affecting his home, school, and social life. If he was happy to live in his head, I could understand that, but he is frequently bored and lonely, and he seems incapable of making connections, both to other people and to new ideas. Can anyone give me some strategies or guidelines for working with him? [more inside]
posted by bibliowench at 2:51 PM PST - 47 comments

Access to direct US deposit accounts in London

Contemplating living in London for six months, what is the best, cheapest way, to access my direct deposit Social Security and pension funds. Currently using a credit union bank card, one Mastercard, one Visa. Fees at the ATMs plus exchange rates dollars to pounds hurt. Is there one single bank w/o fees that would make this reliable and inexpensive?
posted by NorthCoastCafe at 2:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Fun with LEDs

I want to start messing with LEDs; I have two (similar) projects in mind. I want a strip of multi-colored LEDs to respond to music. And second, inspired in part by this thread, I'm interested in learning about turning sound-responsive LEDs into a costume. I imagine those two projects are pretty similar, other than needing a portable power supply for the latter, right? So, can anyone help me figure out what I should get to start with? [more inside]
posted by inigo2 at 2:26 PM PST - 10 comments

Ideas for an inexpensive and simple "bed" ?

can you give me some ideas for an inexpensive and minimalist "bed area"? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 2:25 PM PST - 21 comments

Happy endings, the second time around

I'm seeking fictional stories of second chances at love that work out successfully, but not the standard Act II breakup with a happy Act III resolution. [more inside]
posted by The Wrong Kind of Cheese at 2:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me un-SAD my bathroom

I recently moved. The only light in my bathroom is from five of these bulbs (with the smaller bases -- I don't know exactly what they're called) over the medicine cabinet. I'm wondering if there are nice, bright, LED (full spectrum?) SAD-fightin' bulbs, ideally with warm white light, that I could screw in in their place. Any additional brightness would be welcome to help my brain as I get ready for the day and the year gets darker (I have to get up very early for work). Thanks very much!
posted by the brave tetra-pak at 2:17 PM PST - 5 comments

How to discuss my past abusive relationship?

About five months ago, I left a verbal abuser and moved back to my hometown. I've managed to recover from most of the issues I posted about in my last AskMes. I'm seriously looking for work and have made some healthy friendships. If I'm pretty close to someone, I feel that disclosing my relationship history is part of getting to know them. Especially since my relationship and recovery have led me on a markedly different life path. [more inside]
posted by Rainflower at 1:49 PM PST - 20 comments

Are tumors more dense than surrounding tissue?

If two people are the same height and physique, yet one weighs 20 lbs more than the other, could the difference be explained by one having a tumor? [more inside]
posted by (bb|[^b]{2}) at 1:49 PM PST - 9 comments

Catching Up on "The Good Wife"

Everyone is raving about The Good Wife this season. I hate to miss out, but unfortunately I don't have time to view the previous 90-something episodes. So if I want to join in, what's my best minimal-effort strategy?
posted by Quisp Lover at 1:39 PM PST - 8 comments

Speed up my macbook pro?

My macbook pro is old (2009) but i've upgraded memory and all that, which helped. but not enough. any recs for (preferably free) software that will clean up my hard drive some? i imagine after all this time, it's pretty bogged down with stuff i don't need. [more inside]
posted by sockpuppet plots an escape at 1:29 PM PST - 15 comments

Can you recommend a shampoo for my special-snowflake hair and scalp?

Can you recommend a shampoo for a scalp with excess sebum BUT also dry, frizzy, curly hair? [more inside]
posted by shortyJBot at 1:27 PM PST - 10 comments

Can I shrink an Icelandic sweater?

I have a traditional Icelandic hand-knit wool sweater (or "jumper" in European parlance) which I purchased when I was wearing a size XL. I am now wearing a size M and I miss my beautifully warm sweater. Is it safe to attempt to shrink it, or will that totally destroy it? If it's worth trying, does anyone have any guidance on how to do it? Explain as though you were talking to a 5-year-old - I have no experience in the fiber arts.
posted by matildaben at 1:23 PM PST - 12 comments

How do I add chapter and section numbers in MS Word 2007?

Is there an easy way to add chapter and section numbers as they correspond to a document in MS Word 2007? [more inside]
posted by nurgle at 1:14 PM PST - 2 comments

Style me just a wee bit Thronesy.

I just finished my first paid storytelling gig and have been invited back for more, which technically makes me a professional storyteller. OBVIOUSLY this means I'm now officially entitled to buy and wear that long romantic dress with wide sweepy skirt I've wanted since preteen girlhood. Help me find it! Pickiness inside. [more inside]
posted by stuck on an island at 12:33 PM PST - 8 comments

advice on purchasing an old beater pickup truck

How is purchasing an old pickup truck different than purchasing a late-model used car? [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 12:28 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for a good, fast Wordpress host for 25k+ visitors/month

I have a Wordpress site with ~25k unique visitors/month, and I'm looking for a new host. I've been on Dreamhost for the last year, and have run into serious problems they can't seem to resolve (takes 60+ seconds for uploaded images to appear in Wordpress's media manager, any non-cached content has a 3 second time-to-first-byte). So I'm looking for a webhost that's fast, reliable and ideally, cooperates with a CDN like Cloudflare. Any suggestions?
posted by sdis at 12:24 PM PST - 15 comments

Alternatives to Meetup.com, maybe free ones?

I'm interested in starting a regular craft night event in a town which I have only recently moved to. I'm on my local MeetUp but I'm curious if there are other platforms like this I should explore before plunking down my money. Anyone had any luck gathering interested folks through another method? [more inside]
posted by dahliachewswell at 12:19 PM PST - 8 comments

Could you speed that up a little?

I would like to ask a particular YouTube lecture video creator to enable their videos to play back in HTML5, so I can use the variable speed toggle. Currently, all the videos in this channel are flash only. I'd like to include specific instructions in my email, so that if he wants to do this, he doesn't have to go hunting to find out how. But all the instructions I can find are on how a viewer can view videos that already have HTML5 enabled, not how to enable it in the first place. How can one change previously published flash videos on YouTube so they will play back in HTML5?
posted by ocherdraco at 12:06 PM PST - 4 comments

Authentic Southern accents in "Friday Night Lights"

How did "Friday Night Lights" get Southern accents so right when no one else can seem to do so? [more inside]
posted by Punctual at 12:05 PM PST - 19 comments

online communities in Spanish and French

Are there any online communities conducted in Spanish or French that are kind of like Metafilter? [more inside]
posted by threeants at 12:03 PM PST - 1 comment

Don't want to go crazy on bed rest

I will have to spend between one and two months on bed rest, not in my own home but in a hotel. How do I not go crazy? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade at 11:44 AM PST - 43 comments

Photo Printing in Chicago

In NYC I'd get photo prints made at the 117th Costco, which had better quality (and yes, ICC profiles are available) than some of the photolabs where I've worked. Looking for my options in Chicago. [more inside]
posted by Sophont at 11:37 AM PST - 0 comments

David or Bruce?

So at a Halloween party and I say to a kid dressed as the Hulk, "Hi there Bruce." And he says "it's Dr. David Banner." I'm not up on the comics and films, but wasn't it originally Dr. Bruce Banner? Why the change?
posted by three blind mice at 10:59 AM PST - 16 comments

Who is in this painting?

Who is in this painting?
posted by czytm at 10:52 AM PST - 3 comments

How can I make my shoes smaller?

I have two pairs of leather ballet flats that I purchased off the internet. I've worn each of them a couple times, but unfortunately, I've realized that they are both about 1/2-size too large. Is there a way I can make them smaller? Can I put an insole or something in them? Is this something a shoe repair place can fix? I paid about $110 for each pair, so If I can fix them for something under $40 a pair, I'd consider that worth paying (less would be better of course). Otherwise, I'll consider this a lesson learned.
posted by OrangeDisk at 10:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Therapist in Tucson

I need a recommendation for a marriage/couples counselor or therapist in the Tucson area. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:23 AM PST - 1 comment

UK Disability Law - venues inaccessible to performers?

What laws apply to music/performance venues in the UK in terms of providing reasonable access to disabled artists? Example: a band with a member in a wheelchair, where the venue may not be equipped to allow a wheelchair user onstage or in the backstage areas.
posted by greenish at 10:11 AM PST - 3 comments

What is the differences between Karma Kagyu and Shambhala?

I've been practicing with a Karma Kagyu group, but I know Shambhala was started by Trungpa Rinpoche, a lineage holder of Kagyu. What are the differences between the teachings?
posted by swizzle_stik at 10:07 AM PST - 2 comments

Can you figure out why my car is slow to start in the mornings?

My car has been slow to start in the mornings for a year or two now. I've been ignoring it since mechanics couldn't seem to figure it out and it always eventually started. But this morning it was so slow to start that the battery died and I had to have it jump started, so I'm hoping someone here might be able to shed some light on it. [more inside]
posted by JDHarper at 9:54 AM PST - 17 comments

Good source for men's short-sleeved button-down shirts?

Husband's birthday is coming up and I want to get him some new shirts, but I have always had trouble finding the exact kind he likes. Searching online hasn't gotten me very far either. So hivemind, do you know where I can find: button-down short-sleeved shirts, good quality fabric, preferably solids or plaids in interesting/vibrant colors (not just the same old going-to-work blue), not slim fit, not hawaiian or skater style. Budget: $50-$100 per shirt. [more inside]
posted by annekate at 9:53 AM PST - 19 comments

Fill in the Blanks on our New Zealand Trip

Help us fill in the blanks (restaurants, things to see and do) during our trip to New Zealand in November! Our itinerary is set- we have flights, hotels, and rental cars already booked. [more inside]
posted by aabbbiee at 9:17 AM PST - 6 comments

Which health insurance plan makes the most sense for me?

For the first time, I have a choice of health insurance plans at a new job. I sort of understand the differences and benefits of each, but am feeling some serious choice paralysis. [more inside]
posted by andrewcilento at 9:01 AM PST - 21 comments

How to find other bad singers?

What sorts of nice online communities exist for amateur/bad singing sharing? [more inside]
posted by xarnop at 8:57 AM PST - 11 comments

What's the likelihood of getting on a White House tour?

Good news: White House tours are being offered again. Bad news: availability is so limited that tours can't be confirmed until two weeks beforehand. [more inside]
posted by serialcomma at 8:44 AM PST - 3 comments

Did any events (other than MJ dying) break Google's search page?

When word started spreading that Michael Jackson had died, I remember searching Google for his name and getting back an error page. Apparently so many people searched for him at the same time that Google's computers thought it was a DDoS or similar attack. Here's my question, which has been surprisingly difficult to Google: had this ever happened before, and has it happened since? If so, when and for what event(s)? To be clear, I mean a legitimate worldwide search being improperly seen as an attack (as opposed to Google properly detecting bad guys or Google just plain crashing).
posted by AgentRocket at 8:43 AM PST - 4 comments

My eight year old is dying! (Laptop that is..)

My eight year old laptop is about ready to bite the dust. For the last year and a half it has had permanent residence on my desk as it cannot function if it is not plugged in. The screen must be at the correct angle or it completely cuts out. It struggles to download documents and music. She has been good to me, but it is time to begin thinking about purchasing a new computer. Problem is, I’m fairly out of touch with the market now. Here are my needs with regards to a laptop. You tell me what I should be looking for. [more inside]
posted by Driven at 8:36 AM PST - 15 comments

Seeking good 2014 calendar. Difficulty: year-at-a-glance

I am looking for a good year-at-a-glance paper wall calendar/planner for next year. I have found a completely boring version and I am wondering if I can do better. I am bad at online shopping and also I hate it. Help? [more inside]
posted by jessamyn at 8:33 AM PST - 16 comments

Email weirdness: Prelude to a scam?

I've got two strange emails in a row where someone is using my email as the contact to set up accounts. Could this be some kind of scam? [more inside]
posted by Diablevert at 7:41 AM PST - 12 comments

Can I learn to cope with possibly permanent lack of a sex and love life?

I'm a straight guy, late thirties. I have little sexual experience and have never been in a romantic relationship, for reasons of social anxiety and body image which I won't get into here. It's coming to seem possible that this will never change, and that thought is extremely painful to me. How can I learn to live with it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:27 AM PST - 38 comments

Getting the job offer

Been in a long interview process and now I'm waiting... how to seal the deal without looking desperate [more inside]
posted by jseven at 7:00 AM PST - 10 comments

Jobs and anxiety- my conundrum, please help!

Anxiety disorder has left me with the following work related conundrum - what would you do? [more inside]
posted by niruniru at 6:19 AM PST - 11 comments

Motorcycle Racing - Why Don't The Bikes Tip Over On The Corners?

Just curious why the motorcycles don't completely tip over when they corner in the motocycle races? [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 5:10 AM PST - 32 comments

Projects/Activities for 3-year-olds

I've recently come to the conclusion that I need to spend more time with my 3.5-year-old boy/girl twins, and looking for some structured activities/things to do to help drive it and get them excited, as they generally prefer my wife over me... [more inside]
posted by um_maverick at 5:07 AM PST - 31 comments

Fizzy yoghurty stuff! Yay!

I love Kefir. Not only is it delicious, I generally feel better when I am drinking it. My stomach problems are generally better when I am drinking it regularly. I have been a big fan and drinker of the Liberte Kefir, but I would really like to try making my own because the store bought stuff is pricey. TELL ME ALL YOU KNOW ABOUT KEFIR! [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 4:34 AM PST - 10 comments

difference between an Ambassador Extraordinary and an Ambassador?

I noticed that sometimes instead of an ambassador embassies have what they call an 'Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.' (I came across this in german: 'Außerordentlicher und Bevollmächtigter Botschafter' — I hope I didn't mangle the english translation.) [more inside]
posted by krautland at 3:48 AM PST - 2 comments

How do I make fake braces for my teeth?

I am dressing up as Ugly Betty for a friend's birthday party. I have everything sorted except how to create some fake braces for my teeth. I don't want to cause any damage to my teeth or gums, nor do I want to be impeded from drinking (it is a party after all!). The only option I have been able to find so far involves paper clips and dental wax and appears to be somewhat painful looking. Any other ideas for how to make fake braces for a night?
posted by MT at 2:53 AM PST - 5 comments

What's a real GPS with a big screen?

What's a powerful GPS with a nice big screen? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 2:34 AM PST - 8 comments

TV + Computer = disaster?

I just realised that I am looking to get a 27" computer and a 32" TV. Is there a sensible way to combine both? Has anyone tried to use a HD TV monitor as a computer screen or a 27" iMac as a TV? Isn't there a way we can not buy two screens? Please, hivemind, let me know the practical issues that are worth considering. Thanks
posted by london302 at 2:03 AM PST - 13 comments

Constantly tired: like depression without the hopelessness. What gives?

I'm constantly tired to the point of not being able to get out of bed until early afternoon, napping frequently and generally feeling lethargic, apathetic and kind of nauseous. I finished a contract job 5 weeks ago & assumed my tiredness was a result of wrapping up the project. Then I went on a very chilled 3 week holiday and put the exhaustion on return down to jet lag. I've seen my doctor and my bloodwork is fine. My diet is decent, minimal alcohol, one coffee a day, so I'm fairly sure this is a psychological thing. I take an SSRI for anxiety but was actually talking to my doctor about tapering off as I've been really well for the past year. Physically, it feels like the bout of depression I had four years ago, but my mood isn't low (more flat) and I don't feel hopeless, just like everything's a massive effort, even helpful things like exercise and socialising. Obviously, YANMD, but has anyone else been there? What can I do to shake this?
posted by rockpaperdynamite at 1:37 AM PST - 21 comments

Where can I find some like-minded people in RL and on the internet?

Lately I've been feeling pretty isolated because none of my friends really share my views on civil rights or social justice. The people I know who are more progressive are really militant and extreme and they're not very helpful to be around either due to their rather harsh approach to their various causes. Where on the internet and in real life can I as a white girl go to be part of a community that is proactive and progressive towards intersectionality, feminism, LGBTQ rights, and similar topics? [more inside]
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 12:45 AM PST - 16 comments

What to tell gossips about my husbands psych admission

My husband is spending some time in hospital to deal with his depression. This is a good thing and means he will be getting help. But I need help in framing how, and what, I tell different people. In particular gossipy people who ask what hospital he is in. [more inside]
posted by t0astie at 12:12 AM PST - 16 comments

DropBox to Blog

I'm looking for an app that allows me to copy any file to a DropBox folder and have that file posted as a blog post. [more inside]
posted by tomargue at 12:07 AM PST - 4 comments

October 27

In the Presence of the Lord

I used to hear a very unplugged version of In the Presence of the Lord by Eric Clapton. It may have been accompanied only by acoustic guitar. If there were other instruments they were very restrained. Very plain vocals. Nothing like the drama and emoting in the Blind Faith versions. I can't find it on Google or YouTube. Anybody have an idea where to look next?
posted by Bruce H. at 10:42 PM PST - 2 comments

Calf has been hurting for months - what kind of doctor can help me?

What could be causing this pain in my calf and what kind of doctor should I see? It's not blood clots and I am not an athlete. I'm wondering if this is something I should be worried about, or if maybe I (unbeknownst to myself) changed the way I walk and that's caused it? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by AppleTurnover at 10:12 PM PST - 10 comments

I look ugly in webcam what to do with Skype interview?

I look very ugly in webcam, but I have a Skype interview tomorrow. I'm frustrated. Id rather go to a face to face interview. At least I look normal in mirror. Can anyone give any practical advice for Skype interview? How can I look better instead of like a criminal? Thanks. [more inside]
posted by pack2themoon at 9:57 PM PST - 14 comments

Good pop music internet radio

I listen a lot to Radio Paradise for a nice general music radio station but since I stopped driving I've been missing the trashy top 20 radio. Of course I could stream one of those stations on the computer, but listening to that many adds would seem silly. Pandora is fine, but it tends to be too limited in its scope. So does anyone know a good, human curated radio station that mixes in all of the new pop music?
posted by Buckt at 7:39 PM PST - 5 comments

Online Email with Seperate Read Only Access

Is there an online email service that allows for multiple access accounts? I would like to give family/friends read-only access to my email, especially while traveling to help keep tabs on bills or urgent messages. Also this would allow for slightly more security while reading email from internet cafes. The simpler the better, but a POP service may work.
posted by garboils at 7:34 PM PST - 7 comments

Can you name these two films?

I remember glimpses of these two films from my childhood (they're most probably 80s movies, but I'm not sure). #1: I remember some dark scenes set in a morgue, with bodies lying down under the sheets (I think) and they slowly come to life. I remember the bodies looking like cyborgs or robots. They then continue to hunt down the protagonist I think. #2: Some scenes of a huge cage in some sort of backyard, which sort of makes things bigger or older. There's a scene where the kid protagonist enters this cage and turns it on (there are these electrical waves all over the place I think), and as he gets older/bigger, his feet grow out of his tennis shoes. There's also a shot of a little pumpkin growing into huge one. If you can name one of them, it would be great.
posted by omar.a at 7:03 PM PST - 6 comments

Windows 7: copy or output folder, subfolder and filenames as text?

I have a large folder containing dozens of folders, each of which contain multiple subfolders, each of which in turn contain several files; folders, subfolders and files all have unique names. In Windows 7 I can expand all the folders to view the folders, subfolders and files; what I need is a copy-able version of that nested organization of data that I can "paste" or otherwise output into Word or even notepad. Possible? [more inside]
posted by resurrexit at 6:03 PM PST - 3 comments

How does a 20 yr old healthyish student get back in shape without dying?

The fact I never liked the "traditional" forms of exercise never bothered me before. That is, until it recently dawned on me activities like going to the gym or running might be the only options I have left. But, with sensitive knees and shins from growing quickly and the residual effects of childhood asthma still occasionally inhibiting my ability to do cardio, these activities seem more foreign than ever. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by intelligentfool at 5:33 PM PST - 26 comments

Unlink picasa albums/picasaweb albums from G+?

I would like my friends & family who are not G+ members (and do not want to be) to be able to view my Picasaweb albums as in the past. I have searched several forums like google's downgrade, but find no definitive answers. If I delete my Google+ profile can I email the link to my friends/family? I do not want to lose my Gmail account.
posted by lungtaworld at 5:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Have self, will travel

Where are some good, safe places for a single woman to travel by herself? [more inside]
posted by easy, lucky, free at 5:13 PM PST - 43 comments

I need to update my hair care regimen

I used to be able to shampoo, blow dry, and curl my hair and then sleep on it for a day or two at a time to spare my ends daily heat damage. Then I got bangs. My bangs get oily mere hours after I get out of the shower, forcing me to shower, dry, and style my hair every day and accumulate the repercussions of constant heat contact. Dry shampoo makes my hair look even oilier. So how can I keep my roots/bangs oil-free and my ends healthy? [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic at 4:41 PM PST - 20 comments

How can I print high-quality screen caps?

I'm trying to create a book of tweets.

I've screencapped images of tweets as both jpegs and pngs, and uploaded them to four different "make a book" sites (Picaboo, Mixbook, Snapfish, and Shutterfly) and each time, the site warns me that the image is too low-quality to print well. The image preview does not look good. [more inside]
posted by Flying Saucer at 4:32 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me find a book: crab fishing

Back in the late 80s/early 90s, I read an excerpt of a book about a man's experience as a crab fisherman in the Bering Sea in The Reader's Digest. I was only around ten years old, so I wasn't exactly thinking about taking notes of the title and author. Help me now find this book, please! Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Fukiyama at 4:17 PM PST - 2 comments

New to freelance writing and need help with taxes.

I am new to the world of freelance writing. I have a regular full time job but have started freelancing on the side a couple months ago. Right now, I make about $400 a month from various jobs. Still a small number but I'm expecting to ramp this up a bit so I'd like to learn more about taxes and how/when I will need to start paying. When should I start reporting my taxes? I assume I will need to pay quarterly, how will I go about this? What forms? I'll consider hiring a tax advisor if I start making more from writing but for now, I'm just trying to get my feet wet and understand my tax obligations. Thanks!
posted by cm1088 at 3:56 PM PST - 10 comments

HSV-1 blood test?

If I got a blood test that said I already had HSV-1 antibodies, could I presumably then not worry about getting it from my girlfriend? I poked around on the CDC website, but nothing really jumped out at me as an answer to this. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 3:55 PM PST - 6 comments

Hope and Change vs Fear and Loathing - going from OSX 10.6.8 to OSX 10.9

What to expect, what to watch out for, does upgrading make sense at this iteration, is it going to be a disappointing hassle or a marvelous new world? [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 3:31 PM PST - 16 comments

Poetry Filter: Challenge Level, Romantic Gay Wedding

I may or may not have to present during the wedding ceremony and the following dance and performance numbers, but I'd at least like to have a great poem to present as a framed gift with some photos. [more inside]
posted by snsranch at 3:20 PM PST - 10 comments

Looking for a Good Job

I'm a 30 year old living in the Cleveland area looking to get out of a dead end job, and would appreciate some good resources or advice on how to find something new. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Thanquol180 at 3:05 PM PST - 6 comments

What could I do if I leave pre-med?

What other options are there besides pre-med? [more inside]
posted by JYuanZ at 2:49 PM PST - 21 comments

How much does quality cost?

Since moving cross-country several months ago, I've been gradually furnishing a small studio apartment. I decided that, for once, I'm not going to buy Ikea everything, and maybe try paying a little more for higher-quality quality items. Almost every one of my purchases has backfired. How much more should I be prepared to spend before I see reliable improvement in quality over Ikea and other lowest common denominator options? [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 2:45 PM PST - 53 comments

When to take leave of absence for depression?

I am in a depressive episode and my symptoms are getting worse. They manifest themselves almost exclusively at work or when thinking about work. Should I ask my psychiatrist for a leave of absence to get my symptoms under control? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:00 PM PST - 12 comments

How to get Premier league tickets (West Ham vs Aston Villa)?

I'll be in London soon and wanted to see the West Ham vs Aston Villa Premier league game. I could not seem to get tickets through either team, and the only other options I see are websites that have lots of reviews that people got bad tickets and no refund. Are there any suggestions from people in London or premier league fans on how to get tickets?
posted by bucksox at 1:52 PM PST - 3 comments

Can I visit Al-Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount on a Saturday?

Can I (a non-muslim) visit Al-Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount on a Saturday? [more inside]
posted by nanhey at 1:44 PM PST - 3 comments

Help with New Orleans piano

I have become obsessed with New Orleans piano. What CDs are the best place to start for the following: Jelly Roll Morton Professor Longhair Dr. John. Plus, any names I should add to the list? Thanks.
posted by captainscared at 1:41 PM PST - 9 comments

Help identify this sofa

Came across this sofa and loveseat at a consignment shop last week and wondering if it's worth ~$1000 that the owner is asking for them. Pic 1 Pic 2 [more inside]
posted by eatcake at 12:37 PM PST - 6 comments

I somehow got red wine on this rented tuxedo. Help?

On Friday, I rented my first-ever tuxedo for a black-tie wedding. On Saturday, I went to said wedding. On Sunday, I noticed that there's somehow red wine stains on the tuxedo shirt, despite not drinking red wine and not having stains on any other part of the tuxedo. On Monday, I'm supposed to return the tuxedo. Help? [more inside]
posted by Ash3000 at 12:26 PM PST - 10 comments

Fitness gizmo for swimming

Trying to find the perfect birthday present for my husband, and I'd really like to get him something like my Fitbit Flex, as we are both working on being more active and losing some weight. However, his major form of exercise is pretty hardcore Masters swimming; I'd love a gadget that will track his swimming plus all the other activity in a day-chasing kids, playing soccer, walking, etc. Any thoughts? Any experience with the new Misfit Shine, for instance?
posted by purenitrous at 11:47 AM PST - 8 comments

What can I do to use this heating vent under my 7" record collection?

We live in a house with central heating. There are floor vents all around the place. It sounds awesome, but we haven't been willing to turn the heat on just yet because one of the vents is right under one of my record shelves. How can we have a hot room but not melt my hot tunes? [more inside]
posted by kendrak at 10:31 AM PST - 15 comments

Singing lessons in Northern Virginia

Does anyone have recommendations for a voice teacher in the DC area, preferably Northern Virginia? I'm a 58-year old male lead singer in a band. The band does mostly rock and country, with bluegrass and Great American Songbook stuff thrown in for good measure. I'm interested in extending my baritone range (I don't have a head voice or falsetto at all) and increasing power and volume. A couple of years ago I bought Roger Love's Set Your Voice Free, and I practice the vocal exercises daily, but that's the extent of my formal practice.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 10:26 AM PST - 4 comments

What should I do with this big bag (potentially larva infested) of tea?

I was making a morning cup of tea when I noticed a little white thing in my tea strainer. Upon further inspection it looked a bit like this larva/maggot thing but with a blacker front end. So I'm pretty grossed out that this was there and my first instinct was to toss the whole bag (it's from Tea Gschwedner if anyone is curious). Is there anything else to do? First inspection I don't see anything else in the bag, but I haven't sorted through with a fine tooth comb either.
posted by Carillon at 9:53 AM PST - 16 comments

How can I look for digital media design/production/development jobs?

How can I look for entry level digital media production/development jobs in a city I don't even live in?? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:52 AM PST - 2 comments

How much can "tech" at work see of what I am doing?

How much can "tech" at work see of what I am doing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:52 AM PST - 11 comments

Trees and snow

Trees in deep snow often have a gap around them where the snow is lower (see here and here). Why is this? Do trees give off enough warmth to melt snow, or do they absorb the snow as water, or is it because falling/blowing snow is blocked by the tree trunk, leaving a kind of shadow?
posted by oulipian at 9:41 AM PST - 11 comments

Tablet shopping, endless options.

I've been researching tablets with detachable keyboards (hybrid tablet/laptop) and want to see if I'm missing anything. [more inside]
posted by onecircleaday at 9:34 AM PST - 4 comments

when I use a discount code for online delivery, what happens?

When I use a discount code on a food delivery website (seamless/grubhub/delivery.com) does that money get taken out of the website's cut, the restaurant's payment for food (or the delivery guy's tip?), or is it split somehow, or what? [more inside]
posted by yeoz at 8:49 AM PST - 6 comments

What are some fun things to do in Los Cabos that I won't read in Fodor's

I am travelling to Los Cabos via San Diego this winter and am planning to stay for just over a week. Apart from the obligatory surfing, whale watching, snorkelling, and cuisine, what are some things I can do in that general vicinity that I won't find in a guidebook (including La Paz for a day or two)? What did you enjoy the most?
posted by Clementines4ever at 7:31 AM PST - 4 comments

Reading suggestions for a friend who has never read a book

I have a friend who wants to read something. He is a 40 year old black male who grew up on the streets of south central. He has a high school education, but has never read a book in his life (his words). He is very open minded and interested in a lot of different things and he sees me and his girlfriend reading all the time and wants to join in on the fun. He says he is mainly interested in nonfiction but open to reading fiction also. [more inside]
posted by R.F.Simpson at 7:20 AM PST - 79 comments

Phun in Phoenix: Time to Burn

The Corrocio family is, this very moment, headed to a Phoenix resort for some much needed R&R. But, we arrive there around 9am and can't check in until 3pm. Dear MePhytes, what would be a phun way to spend our 5 or so hours?
posted by ecorrocio at 6:26 AM PST - 7 comments

Android replacement for Wapedia?

Wapedia is going away. Looking for an Android app to replace it. I use it to view pages from many wikis, not just Wikipedia. [more inside]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 5:50 AM PST - 2 comments

What Hand-Held Device Will Cut Shapes from Fibrous Clay?

I need to make circular shapes - consistently and regularly - from a material that can only be described as fibrous clay with some waxy residue. I need to find some kind of hand-held device/gadget that will make these circular shapes without breaking. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 5:26 AM PST - 18 comments

Tablet or e-book reader with remote page turn?

My mom had brain surgery a few months ago and has difficulty controlling her hands, so she can't hold books steadily enough to read. I'm trying to come up with a relatively hands-free solution that will let her read during recovery. [more inside]
posted by relucent at 5:01 AM PST - 10 comments

Prepping for the SATs!

Three-part question: 1) what is the most effective way to prepare for the verbal section of the SAT test, 2) what are some good prep books to buy, and 3) where would I find them cheap? [more inside]
posted by dragonfruit at 12:19 AM PST - 15 comments

October 26

Psychological Stages of Development

I am looking for a description of a theory of psychological/moral stages of development that was from a somewhat obscure psychologist/sociologist. I can't remember the name of the author of the theory but I can tell you that it wasn't: Piaget, Erikson, Maslow, Freud, or Kohlberg. The theory described multiple levels of awareness of others thinking and emotions, moral reasoning in regards to others, and very few people reached the final level of development. I know it's a vague question, but any help is appreciated. Thanks!
posted by 517 at 8:36 PM PST - 8 comments

Seeking the perfect Tumblr theme

Google-fu has the flu. Need a Tumblr theme with the following characteristics: responsive design; minimal (aesthetically); single-column layout; no sidebar; supports tags; displays tags on homepage; supports tag pages; supports google analytics; has searchbox; has social media sharing on posts (including minimally twitter, facebook & tumbler); has section somewhere for "about site owner--brief bio, site owner's social media follow icons (minimally twitter, but fb, linkedin, & pinterest would be grand) & an email contact link; customizable color palette. Love the look of Firefly, Footnote, & Simplist as aesthetic examples but both are lacking a few key things. Sadness. Most of the posts will be text, so a site geared toward photogs isn't ideal as there is usually so much white space. That's an issue with Simplist. Thanks for using your noodle on my behalf. Appreciate the suggestions.
posted by Kalatraz at 8:15 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I kill this weed?

Living in an apartment building and the hallways are smelling like marijuana. Like strong enough to choke on it. This is not the first time. [more inside]
posted by Flashbullzeye at 8:05 PM PST - 33 comments

Lights on wind turbines - all in sync, but how?

The Biglow Canyon Wind Farm in Oregon, south of the Columbia River, has around 200 wind turbines operating. A while ago I drove past this installation at night time and I noticed that all the lights on top of the turbines - to indicate their presence to aircrafts, no doubt - were blinking in a totally synchronized manner. How is that possible? [more inside]
posted by nostrada at 6:15 PM PST - 10 comments

How to keep getting a runner's high?

Is it normal that the more I exercise, the less great I feel afterward? [more inside]
posted by queens86 at 5:32 PM PST - 17 comments

Looking for an upbeat but melancholic song for a crush who's gone

for when you just met someone and are totally crushing but the timing means it just won't work [more inside]
posted by chrysanthemum at 5:08 PM PST - 39 comments

School full time, working part time?

My question is how does one go to college full time and make ends meet working part time? [more inside]
posted by Attackpanda at 4:22 PM PST - 17 comments

Is there an app for that?

1. Highlight section of web page 2. Right-click 3. See selected source code. Firefox does this. Is there an add-on or technique for doing this in Chrome? Windows.
posted by maggieb at 3:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Best streaming service for randomized playlists/"radio"

Is one of the streaming services really great for a radio-like experience, with randomized and/or curated playlists? I don't want to have to build playlists myself -- it takes forever, and I can just do that in iTunes if I want (and in fact I have done that for years, but am sick of it). I would like to be able to pick a genre, mood or event, and have it be able to play songs for many hours. The ones I've tried so far have fallen short. [more inside]
posted by primethyme at 3:10 PM PST - 10 comments

Similiar books like "The first 90 days"

Are there books such as this to help with gaining traction in your career? [more inside]
posted by ladoo at 3:06 PM PST - 3 comments

Anyone Remeber History program with Graeme Garden??

Does anyone know the name of a early/mid 80'sTV UK program which starred Graeme Garden in which (in one episode) he visits one of the Portsmouth area Napoleonic Forts??
posted by maxmix at 2:48 PM PST - 1 comment

Need more dirge, please

A fiddle, a guitar, and a body in the woods. What's this style of music called and where can I find more? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 2:28 PM PST - 14 comments

Fireplace rehabilitation in CA

Mr G and I are considering removing the wood-burning stove that inhabits our fireplace. I mean, we want to convert the thing back to a regular fireplace. The first step in attempting to beautify the whole ugly mess. We rarely have a fire. [more inside]
posted by goodsearch at 1:49 PM PST - 9 comments

Who wrote this bon mot about sleep and where?

Someone once wrote (paraphrased), "I have done two things I hated every day of my life: woken up and gone to bed." Who said this, and where can I get the rest of the piece in which it appeared? I seem to recall it was Samuel Johnson, but have had no success tracking this quote down.
posted by rwhe at 1:47 PM PST - 8 comments

Which websites are best for posting casting calls for Seattle actors.

Yes, I can Google, and I see there are a lot of websites for casting calls out there. Some of the more polished ones charge for making posts. I don't mind paying to post an ad. But which websites have a lot of actors looking at them and are likely to get results? My production is in Seattle. [more inside]
posted by ErikH2000 at 1:29 PM PST - 6 comments

Insider articles about music production?

I'm really interested in the insides of music production and I would like to read some insider accounts of what it's like working in the industry, but not from an artist's point of view. [more inside]
posted by litleozy at 1:16 PM PST - 18 comments

Inbetween Days

What tasks should I accomplish during a week off in between jobs to improve the state of my soul? [more inside]
posted by thenewbrunette at 12:50 PM PST - 13 comments

Transfer contacts, LG flip to Samsung, should be easy, is not

I need to transfer contacts between an LG flip phone and a Samsung Android phone. [more inside]
posted by sleevener at 12:45 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me get an asymmetrical haircut that doesn't look awful

I'm a guy with fairly long hair (between chin and shoulder length) who wants to try something a little daring and, yes, possibly very stupid. I've been thinking about getting one side buzzed short- not shaved- while leaving the rest long. How should I request this? What is that even called? Details and stuff inside. [more inside]
posted by Merzbau at 12:37 PM PST - 10 comments

If they exist, looking for a bag of plastic crows

I remember going into almost any toy store or even drug stores and being able to buy a big bag of the little green plastic army figures for 2-3 bux. I am looking for something in the same vein. I am looking for little plastic crows. Anywhere from 2-5" in size. I figure with Halloween season abound, that it would be easier said than done. If they even exist? I have done all sort of google searches with different combinations of words and can't find anything even remotely close to what I want, again, if they exist. For a project of mine, really looking to stay within 50 cents to a dollar each at most. any shoppers out there can guide me in the right direction? thanks
posted by TwilightKid at 12:34 PM PST - 13 comments

Beyond the Berlin Trilogy

Seeking recommendations on media--books (novels and nonfiction), movies, music, maybe even documentaries--on life in Berlin during the 1980s and 1990s. I'm especially interested in the punk scene and any other counter cultural groups through this time period. [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 12:32 PM PST - 12 comments

Stain to Match Ikea Table

We just bought an ikea dining room table with the brown laminate, and we'd like to stain the plain wood ikea chairs we got to match. While we realize it will be difficult to replicate exactly, what stain or combination thereof can we use to get close to this color? The table looks a bit darker than what the product photos show, here's what it looks like in real life.
posted by Mach5 at 12:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Where to get a suit for an athletic build in boston?

My boyfriend is attempting to leave the ivory tower and get a job as a scientist in industry in the Boston metro area. He has been applying for jobs and is starting to get some phone interviews, so we are trying to get him some acceptable clothes for an eventual in-person interview. His current wardrobe consists of thrift store t-shirts and REI space-fabric pants. I have no experience with men's fancy clothes. The problem is that he has an extremely athletic build. [more inside]
posted by permiechickie at 11:39 AM PST - 8 comments

Multivitamin dosage question? Can it be bad?

Ok, this won't be long. Anyway, I'm not too crazy on the supplements department, usually just taking multivitamin along my normal diet, and fish oil. I decided to buy a higher quality one, and got a "Highly Dosed Max Vit-Min" recommended by the lady at the supplement store, because I excercise on a fairly regular basis recently. I'm not too scared anything can happen, but I'm confused by the amounts on the label and recommended daily value (RDV in the US, I guess?) percentages. For example, Thiamine (Vitamin B1) is 80mg, 7273% RDV. Riboflavine is also 80mg, 5714% RDV. Isn't that overkill to take daily (seriously seven thousand percent above the RDV )? Can I get hypervitaminosis from this stuff, or does the fact that I excercise somehow modify my requirements? For reference on the low end, Calcium for example is 8mg, 1% RDV. Or am I just being silly and not understanding labels??
posted by ahtlast93 at 11:10 AM PST - 16 comments

And the sailors say, "Brandy, you're a fine girl..."

Can you recommend ways for me to use up this brandy? [more inside]
posted by Dr. Wu at 10:14 AM PST - 19 comments

Deciding if to turn a "breakup" into a friendship

Someone who I bonded with decided we had no spark, but wants to be friends. I am having trouble dealing with being rejected and my lowered self-esteem from the rejection but I feel like he is such a special person that I want to keep him as a friend. We had an intense online relationship for three months and dated for less than 2 weeks. Reading all these posts on MetaFilter has really helped me deal better with my breakup, but I still feel a inner turmoil about how I should handle my own situation. I don't feel that I trust my judgment so...here I am. Help on the matter is appreciated or just some advice or words would help me get through this. [more inside]
posted by LadyAerin at 10:08 AM PST - 47 comments

What's inexpensive that I can buy in London that I can't buy in America?

Going to London on a very quick and dirty business trip next week. I'd like to acomplish two things. 1) Bring my friend, a French foodie living in Brixton, something from America that she might find difficult or can't get there (value up to $50-$100) and 2) pick up some thing(s) for myself as a cool souvenir that I can't get over here. [more inside]
posted by HeyAllie at 9:25 AM PST - 39 comments

Shopping Detectives, find this boot or one similar? (Shipping problem)

So, I found a short boot I'd love to get, but nowhere that's stocking it will ship to Greece. Can you either find someplace that will (highly doubtful; I've searched a lot), or help me find one very, very, very similar? [more inside]
posted by taz at 8:44 AM PST - 6 comments

Computer monitor connection to a DVR/VHS, what cables do I need?

I'm trying to save money and use an old computer monitor to display what I'm transferring on my DVR/VHS combo machine and need some help. [more inside]
posted by NoraCharles at 8:43 AM PST - 5 comments

Black turtlenecks, cigarettes, red wine, and Derrida

I'm defending my dissertation next week and the process has wrung all enthusiasm for academia right out of me. The whole enterprise has come to seem like nothing but an anxiety-ridden grind. In my small amount of free time before the defense and during the break I'm allowing myself afterwards, I'd like to read some novels that will delude me into thinking that being an intellectual is kind of, well, hot. Examples and extended description below. [more inside]
posted by pretentious illiterate at 8:14 AM PST - 19 comments

How can I dye the skin of a cheap plastic doll?

Warning: Crazy offensive Halloween costume description inside. [more inside]
posted by unannihilated at 8:14 AM PST - 12 comments

Identify the mysterious ripped song

I found this song kicking about on my computer, and while I'm sure I took it off a record years ago I have no idea what it is. Nothing on Google searches or song identification software; anybody here know?
posted by solarion at 7:32 AM PST - 2 comments

Exciting Times in SLC

Suggestions for adventure and outdoorsy fun- on a tight budget, and without a car- in Salt Lake City this weekend? [more inside]
posted by GastrocNemesis at 7:17 AM PST - 3 comments

Escalator at Leicester Square tube station

I have escalophobia (vertigo related) and so as a rule avoid the extra long escalators on the tube network (namely Angel, Holborn and Leicester Square) as I've previously had panic and vertigo attacks on them. This evening I need to get to Goodge Street and TfL recommends I change from the Piccadilly line to the Northern line at Leicester Square. I'm struggling to find out from google whether this change involves using the very long escalators. Do you know? [more inside]
posted by litereally at 4:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Is Office 365 university for mac able to be bought by teachers?

Hi, I am a high school teacher in the UK (11-18). Can I buy office 365 for mac at (£54) and be eligible to install it? It is unclear about the installation process. I have my school email, bank slips etc. but it is not a .ac address so do I need to get the home and student addition instead? Don't want to waste money either way! Thanks
posted by starrjenny at 3:12 AM PST - 2 comments

Giclée printer in the uk

I need to get 4 roughly A3 sized giclée prints produced from my own digital artwork for an art show and I'm looking for a printing company in the UK. I really need them by the end of the coming week. I live in a rural area so I need somewhere that does mail order. There is a general print shop in my nearest town but I don't think they'll be able to do the quality I'll need from an ordinary print (although I could be wrong I've done this before) I've tried a couple of companies with other things but I was not happy with the quality of one and the other has still not delivered a week after their quoted turn around time. Does anyone have any recommendations?
posted by fearfulsymmetry at 2:16 AM PST - 3 comments

October 25

Help me plan an outdoor scavenger hunt for five 13 year old boys

I need help planning a scavenger hunt for five 13 year old boys. I'd say they are all aspiring Metafilter members - they fit the profile! [more inside]
posted by salishsea at 9:12 PM PST - 11 comments

I have trouble talking about myself sometimes.

How come? How can I be more comfortable with this? [more inside]
posted by mermily at 9:02 PM PST - 6 comments

Broom Holding and Handedness

The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory claims that the hand placed on top of the broom is the dominant hand and the hand on the bottom is the non-dominant hand. However, my sister and I are both right handed and hold brooms the opposite way. We can't imagine holding it the other way because the dominant hand should go on the bottom to control the broom better. Does anyone have any data on which way a broom is held for people of either handedness? Also, which way are other stick objects like spears and hockey sticks supposedly held?
posted by starfishprime at 8:17 PM PST - 16 comments

Godzilla birthday party playlist - above and beyond Blue Oyster Cult!

You guys did so great with last year's Dr. Who party playlist! This year, our six year old is having a Godzilla birthday party, and we need tunes. [more inside]
posted by Wavelet at 8:06 PM PST - 21 comments

How can I resolidify (temper?) pure cocoa butter?

How can I get liquified cocoa butter and candy to reharden? [more inside]
posted by sunnychef88 at 7:39 PM PST - 4 comments

Every 20 years, one comes along...

I remember reading a passage about (I think) the art & science of surgery, in which a professor or older physician remarked that every once in a while, a medical student would come along who was an immediate standout in their class and a natural in surgery. What book/article was this from? Bonus question: what are some other instances of this "trope" in different careers/skills?
posted by averageamateur at 6:22 PM PST - 5 comments

Replace or repair

Where can I find a Moller model 78 rosewood chair or get one mended? [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 5:34 PM PST - 10 comments

Strange reaction to Epsom salts?

Took 2 Epsom salt baths recently: one made me totally relaxed and the other completely stressed me out bigtime. Is that even possible? [more inside]
posted by wildflower at 4:11 PM PST - 7 comments

Textbook return after 2 months?

Today, I received a refund request on my Amazon seller account for a textbook I sold two months ago on Amazon. Should I accept the request? [more inside]
posted by horizonseeker at 4:10 PM PST - 22 comments

Should I maintain a separation of Health and State?

I will need new health insurance as my insurance company is dropping individual policyholders in my state ahead of the new Affordable Care Act. I do not qualify for any subsidies under the new law and have no reason to think that will change. A friend suggested that I avoid buying insurance through our state exchange and buy straight from an insurance company to keep the IRS and government out of my health business. Is this a valid argument?
posted by cecic at 3:25 PM PST - 19 comments

Need help downloading drivers for my Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Nexus and I'm trying to install drivers other than the ones Windows 7 auto-installs. I've unchecked auto-install drivers, but from the googling I've done it appears this solution only prevents Windows from downloading drivers. It will still auto-install ones previously existing on the computer. [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 2:56 PM PST - 4 comments

Is this creepy?

I'm on a very painful apartment hunt in the Bay Area, and having no luck finding anything (I've applied four times now). It's a terrible market for a renter and there's a lot of competition. Early this week, I finally found a place I liked and that the landlord seemed willing to rent to me-- but then he sent a series of text messages that made me question his sanity. He lives on the property, so I want to feel comfortable around the guy. I told him I wasn't interested anymore, but now I'm second-guessing myself. How strange do you think these messages are, and should I be worried? [more inside]
posted by three_red_balloons at 2:26 PM PST - 54 comments

Short answers only please.

What are some short documentary/news pieces I can show to high school students? [more inside]
posted by soy_renfield at 2:11 PM PST - 10 comments

The naming of chairs is a difficult matter.

I have an old photo that has two chairs in it; I'd like to know what you call this kind of chair. [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 1:58 PM PST - 13 comments

I have 4 hours to de-stink a carpet and medium sized apartment

If you had 3 hours, how would you de-stink an apartment with SEVERE pet odor? [more inside]
posted by anonymousme at 1:19 PM PST - 28 comments

Were my relationship expectations unrealistic?

Having been in a nigh 4 year relationship, it's ended and I'm left wondering did I just expect too much? [more inside]
posted by Junghans at 1:14 PM PST - 30 comments

I need to destroy all life...on my deck. Help?

Recently moved into a new house, and the deck has greenish stains all over it (I assume mildew or moss of some kind since it keeps getting bigger). How do I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by the artless dodger at 1:09 PM PST - 9 comments

Why do some US states put county names on their license plates?

Some states print the full county names on their plates and I know a few other states indicate counties by letter or numerical codes. Why is this necessary? [more inside]
posted by theory at 1:02 PM PST - 13 comments

Caregiver take two

My mom and I spent the past two years as full-time caregivers for my dad until he died this summer. We were just getting back on our feet when she was diagnosed with a terminal disease two weeks ago. What now? [more inside]
posted by lharmon at 12:46 PM PST - 10 comments

Cobalt 60, Vaughn Bode and Cheech Wizard

Help me choose Vaughn Bode books. [more inside]
posted by Ignorance at 12:33 PM PST - 1 comment

Trading In A Car Purchased Last Year with 4-Year-Loan

So my girlfriend and I broke up. And the car I purchased last year was for us- larger than I would need myself, more expensive than I would purchase on my own. Can I get rid of this or trade it even though I still owe on it for three more years? [more inside]
posted by tunewell at 12:33 PM PST - 10 comments

Device to tell whether someone's entered my apartment?

I live in a rent-controlled apartment in San Francisco, and have been enduring some landlord harassment of various types. (I'm paying a fortune, but rents are so high right now that even what I pay is well below market.) For my peace of mind, I'd like to install some sort of reasonably priced device to ensure that no one's entering my apartment when I'm not there. A huge bonus would be collecting evidence if it does happen. [more inside]
posted by roxie110 at 11:29 AM PST - 18 comments

Sometimes a Great List

What are some lesser known film adaptations of good/great novels? [more inside]
posted by perhapses at 11:21 AM PST - 34 comments

20th Century Syllabus

You're teaching a massive survey course on the history of the 20th Century. What books are on the syllabus, in what order? [more inside]
posted by grrarrgh00 at 11:16 AM PST - 20 comments

Leave now and never come back - email edition

For some time now, I have been receiving occasional, but unwanted emails from an ex. For the most part, they're completely harmless reports from their life - might as well start with "Dear Diary" - but I'm a little creeped out nonetheless. How should I proceed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:12 AM PST - 28 comments

Sharp Microwave touch sensitive button broken

I have a Sharp microwave, which is in good condition, except the 'Start' button has recently broken. It's the soft touch type button, and it won't start the thing no matter how I try and press it. [more inside]
posted by derbs at 10:04 AM PST - 9 comments

A comprehensive source for buying things sweetened with aspartame alone?

My 7 year old daughter has Fructose Malabsorption Disorder and can't tolerate very much sucrose, or more than a negligible amount of fructose, sucralose, or sugar alcohols (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, or stevia.) The only sweeteners she can tolerate ad lib are aspartame and saccharin. I'm having a lot of trouble finding things that are sweetened ONLY with aspartame or saccharin -- anyone know of a comprehensive source for such items? [more inside]
posted by KathrynT at 9:28 AM PST - 24 comments

Understanding political party accomplishments without spin

I live in Canada. Every now and again I try to understand what's happening in federal or provincial politics. Every time I look I only seem to find information on the current scandals or vote-grabbing hot-button issues. Is there somewhere I can understand more without the rhetoric and spin? [more inside]
posted by Naib at 9:06 AM PST - 11 comments

Starting a new food project..but which medium is better: Tumblr or blog?

I've been working on an exciting food project near and dear to me. But I'm unsure which platform would be better suited to its needs. [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 8:57 AM PST - 15 comments

How common is it to wear thermals under dress clothes in cold climates?

I live in Michigan, where ave winter temps range from 20 to 40F with wind chill or actually temps often ducking below 0 in the deep of winter. During the coldest months, I typically wear a base layer under my clothes -- not just when doing outdoor activities, but every day, i.e., in office, at home, running errands, etc. I thought this was common practice as well as common sense. One day last winter I had a doctor's appt., and when I rolled up my sleeve the physician's assistant mentioned that she thought it was really "neat" that I had thought to wear a "second" shirt. I related the story to my coworkers who then acted like I had grown a third head. [more inside]
posted by lolo341 at 8:30 AM PST - 89 comments

Do you think Hannibal ever slobs out in sweats?

My Halloween party is tomorrow. Yay! My workload is much heavier than anticipated. Boo! I need all your suggestions for fast, impactful, and easy costume and party favor ideas. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by tel3path at 8:30 AM PST - 9 comments

How long is too long for my dog to be in his crate?

What is the maximum duration a dog can be left alone in his locked crate? I've been maxing it out at 3 hours (and I still feel terrible) and wondering if on the odd occasion I can push that to 4 or 5 or if that's really not a nice thing to do. [more inside]
posted by BlerpityBloop at 7:38 AM PST - 27 comments

Tailor Etiquette

Obviously I can bring my wool coat back to the tailor who originally made alterations to the sleeves. I'm just wondering if I will look like a jerk for doing so. Also wondering what I'll be charged. $0 doesn't seem right, but paying $80 again feels wrong, too. [more inside]
posted by little_dog_laughing at 7:36 AM PST - 12 comments

What costumes could make use of purple hair?

Which Halloween costumes could make use of purple hair? [more inside]
posted by Polychrome at 6:27 AM PST - 34 comments

Mercury Power, Make Up!

I have a blue Nintendo 3DS XL. Sailor Mercury has a blue flip-top Super Computer. The difference (apart from magical powers) is a gold symbol decal on the back. How can I get that onto mine? This is not for cosplay. It is for playing games in public and feeling supremely cool. [more inside]
posted by Mizu at 6:23 AM PST - 9 comments

Occupy Philly documentation

Occupy Philly: most interesting poems, blog posts, articles, other verbal documentation? (Relating to Philly specifically.) Very interested in poems and other 'literary' documentation.
posted by kalapierson at 6:12 AM PST - 0 comments

Annual lists of bestselling laptop and desktop computer models?

I'm looking to gather data on the top selling laptop and desktop models for each year (preferably over the past 20 years and with total units sold each year in U.S. and in world). Does anyone know of a source or would be able to point me in the direction of one? Is there an industry newsletter? Ideally, I want something like "2003's Top 10 Bestselling Laptops: 1) Gateway 450: X million sold; 2) Dell Inspiron 8500: x million sold" etc, but I'm not too picky, any leads would be better than what I got now.
posted by jng at 4:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Almost Universal Standards

Inspired by this thread, where it was stated by the DHS that '"international standards are not necessarily applicable" to the US' I was wondering, what things have international standards which are ignored by one country. I'm thinking of things like the metric system, famously used by everyone except the US and Burma. Are there other similar cases?
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 3:24 AM PST - 31 comments

October 24

mmm vampire blood

I am a big fan of the Vampire Blood incense sticks - I love the dark, musky, smoky, very erotic and animalistic deep smell. What else smells like it (and what is Vampire Blood really the smell of anyway)?
posted by divabat at 11:15 PM PST - 3 comments

can i get the data from wavespectra software?

i can save my WAV file, use wavespectra and get an FFT. this is all easy. but i want to see the data, frequnecy vs noise. is there some way to get that from wavespectra?
posted by edtut at 11:03 PM PST - 5 comments

What are some other notable "semi-walled" communities on the Internet?

Metafilter is an interesting community in that it is open to anyone to join, but it is semi-walled in that you have to pay $5 before you are allowed to post. I'm very interested in observing how various communities operate and I was wondering if there were any other notable (reasonable active) communities that have a similar "semi-walled" model. What I mean is that there is some kind of restriction on joining (like Metafilter's $5 payment or submitting an application), but anyone can apply. [more inside]
posted by casebash at 10:41 PM PST - 31 comments

Is PV solar more cost effective locally produced or at a remote "plant"?

ASU (Arizona State University) as made a huge investment in PV solar: https://cfo.asu.edu/solar My friend and I are arguing about the costs of ASU's solar program. [more inside]
posted by cowmix at 10:19 PM PST - 16 comments

large scratches on rental car

I'm not very good at parking, and wound up brushing my rental car against a support pole. Now there are several big, white scratches against the dark gray of my car's paint. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by segfault at 9:28 PM PST - 22 comments

Hourly Pay Reduction in South Carolina

My pay got cut. For the paycheck starting October 13. I sort of just found out today. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:37 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm not on this diet to alienate you, I promise!

I'm on a diet that many (most) people would consider very restrictive if not downright odd. It's for health reasons, though I don't have any visible health or weight issues. I'm going to be spending several days with my boyfriend visiting his family over the holidays, and I'm dreading trying to navigate the weird food issues that will likely arise. If you are on a specific diet, how do you get around not eating various things that people are expected to eat (especially around the holidays)? [more inside]
posted by whistle pig at 8:10 PM PST - 51 comments

Viewing Embedded Powerpoint Slides Without MS Office Installed

I'm trying to help a friend (via phone) who is unable to view some content on web pages for her chemistry class. From her description, I'm pretty sure that the content is an embedded Powerpoint slide. [more inside]
posted by gimli at 6:48 PM PST - 10 comments

Can I change TV's Picture Format w/o Original remote?

I bought a Magnavox 32MF301B 32" tv, but it doesn't have its original remote. I have a programmable remote here, set it up. Changes channels, volume, mute. Anyway, I need to adjust picture format, and the manual says to do so by clicking "format" on the original remote. I have no such function on my programmable, and strangely, the on screen menu using the TV buttons is quite basic and does not include a function to change format. Is there any way to do this without buying the original remote for $40??? Am I missing something?
posted by Salvatorparadise at 6:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Am I being scammed? If so, how does it work?

A solicitation telephone call from a long distance number leaves a message saying I've qualified for blah blah blah. This happens literally twenty times a day from 10 - 12 different numbers. I was out of town for a few days and my voicemail box filled with these messages. They're not calling any more (more or less), but I think/worry that in getting them to stop, I somehow played into their hands. Did I? [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 6:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Best way to add additional layers when using a down comforter

I use a medium-weight down comforter with a removable cotton duvet cover in all but summer. I sleep with just a bottom sheet and the comforter, no top sheet. Most nights this is plenty of warmth for me. (I tend to run very hot and often sleep with one foot outside the covers to regulate my temperature.) Sometimes, though, on the coldest nights (I live in the Boston area), I need another layer. I would normally just throw something (usually a thin hand-made quilt) on top of the comforter, but I'm wondering if this actually diminishes the effectiveness of the comforter. I know that it's the layer of air that provides the insulation and therefore the warmth of a comforter. Does the added quilt or blanket on top crush the air out of the comforter, making it LESS warm? Because this is only an occasional need, I don't really want to remake my bed, with a top sheet (which I would feel like I needed between me and a blanket) and the additional layer under the comforter, since I'm afraid I will be too hot except for the very coldest nights. Or I am overthinking all this and should just go ahead and thrown the quilt or blanket on top of the comforter as needed?
posted by primate moon at 6:21 PM PST - 14 comments

Question about Bluetooth security and speakers.

I am about to buy some bluetooth speakers to be used in conjunction with a Windows computer and Itunes. I have heard vague rumblings to the effect that bluetooth has security issues that regular wifi devices do not. Ordinarily, I would buy wifi speakers but the few I can find are awfully damned pricey. Would I be putting myself at risk of compromising my computer's security if I set up a pair or two of bluetooth speakers in my apartment? In general, are there any bluetooth security issues I should be aware of, as a new user of this technology? Many thanks for your time.
posted by jason's_planet at 6:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Rain, rain go away...

I am installing some gutters in my house. I hate gutters, but need to divert the rain water due to issues we have had with mold and moisture under our house. The gutter along the back of the house will have a single downspout. It comes to a corner where a cement patio starts and "can" drain onto that area, which has a gentle slope towards the front of the house and the street. But we are thinking about the following as alternatives plans: Using a rain barrel for collection, but I hate the black pickle barrels I see everywhere and not sure what the best options are. If we use a barrel, I would imagine it fills very quickly, like one storm would overfill a 50-60 gallon barrel? Am I completely off on that? (I live in central Los Angeles) The other option is that we are pulling out a large tree that is right where the downspout is going to be and I thought why not dig a big whole and back fill it with gravel and turn it into a leech pit, is that a crazy idea, any thoughts on the best way to do that? And lastly, do people ever run there rain water into their sewer line, is that legal? Thanks MeFites
posted by silsurf at 5:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Coffee meeting with a potential employer... the aftermath?

Following a coffee meeting with a potential employer at a major company, I've been asked to complete a research proposal. I've also been asked to submit a vendor registration and will be filing a nondisclosure agreement. If the proposal goes through, it looks as though I'll be completing this project through the company's market research department, but not necessarily as an employee. I'm just wondering if any others have had a similar experience, and if it's a common pre-hiring process. [more inside]
posted by ScarletLark at 5:28 PM PST - 5 comments

How do I look for a job in NY without living there?

I'm trying to move to Brooklyn by December 1st. I have some money saved up, but I'll need to find a part time coffeeshop job (4 days a week) to support myself while I intern the other 2-3 days. Right now I live in Boston and I have no clue how to go about looking for a job from afar. Considering that I may have to go on several interviews before being offered a position, that I currently have a part time job here so I can't be staying in NY for long periods of time while I look, that I have no friends in the city to stay with and that my funds are limited, what should I do? [more inside]
posted by timsneezed at 5:04 PM PST - 3 comments

How to not live in the suburbs.

My husband and I are at an impasse. Please help. [more inside]
posted by snarfles at 4:52 PM PST - 49 comments

My mom put bills in my name. How can I clean up my credit?

First, I understand that no one here is my lawyer. I recently ordered my free credit report for the first time. When I looked at the information, I discovered that my mom had put several utility bills and even credit cards in my name when I was a minor. Because she didn't always pay the bills on time, or at all, my credit is pretty bad. I'm not interested in pursuing criminal charges against my mom, but I do want to get these marks off my credit. What can I do to fix my credit? Who should I contact and what should I say?
posted by Chuck Barris at 4:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Bee-doo-doo-DWEE

I love epic rock guitar solos. I don't like it when singers scream rather than sing. Can you help me build a Pandora station built around these two preferences? [more inside]
posted by meese at 4:24 PM PST - 16 comments

Email, check. Now, calendar?

I've replaced Gmail with Fastmail, thanks to AskMe. Now, do you have a calendar suggestion? Preferably something with an Android app, that I can import events from my Google calendar, and with similar ease-of-use. thanks!
posted by Josephine Macaulay at 3:51 PM PST - 2 comments

How to get three different routers into one cohesive network?

I have three different wireless routers on my home network, and they are not inter-operating well... [more inside]
posted by Fidel Cashflow at 3:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Getting to know Munich through words

I want to read about Munich to get a feel for the city and its inhabitants before I go there next year. What books are out there that a) feature Munich as the setting and a character in its own right, or b) interestingly detail Munich's history? Fiction and nonfiction are both welcome as long as they're awesome.
posted by goosechasing at 3:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Is polyurethane safe around kids?

I'm working on a small wooden rocking horse that I've been painting with what is labeled as kid-safe and non-toxic acrylic paint. So far, so good. I've been planning to finish it off with a couple coats of clear polyurethane, but now I'm not sure. The cans' warning labels talk about not breathing the fumes, using it in well-ventilated areas, don't get it in your eyes.... all the standard warnings, in other words. [more inside]
posted by easily confused at 3:31 PM PST - 5 comments

What should I wear in Spain/Morocco in the fall?

I am going to the South of Spain and Morocco for my honeymoon, starting November 5th. I have only been to Europe once before, and never to this area. I was wondering - what should my fiance and I bring, clothing-wise? [more inside]
posted by 235w103 at 3:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Affordable online GIS classes/certificate programs?

I have a master's degree in urban planning but I've been out of the field for a few years and want to come back with really strong skills. I'm not very good at self-guided learning, since I need the discipline of having assignments and deadlines. I struggle with ADHD, so just staring at an iTunes video will not work. I'm also low on cash right now. Please tell me about the online courses and/or certificate programs out there that are easy on the wallet. [more inside]
posted by mirepoix at 3:01 PM PST - 7 comments

Was it ever possible to record cable TV shows with a VCR?

I never had cable TV growing up, so I'm curious if cable TV subscribers back in the (70s? 80s? 90s?) were able to schedule VCR recordings just like OTA users? Was it as "simple" as plugging your VCR into a cable set top box and programming the channels into the VCR so you could schedule a recording for HBO shows (or whatever paid cable show you wanted)? Or were HBO shows blocked from recording on VCRs somehow? (I remember you couldn't record just anything on a VCR -- there were ways to prevent a VCR from copying movies to prevent copyright infringement.) [more inside]
posted by mhh5 at 3:00 PM PST - 29 comments

How can I merge bulleted lists in Word spread across multiple files?

Is there a software tool or script for Word (2003 or 2010) that will allow me to combine bulleted lists spread out over multiple files, such that the sub-bullets with the same parent all show up together in one file? [more inside]
posted by ArgentCorvid at 2:00 PM PST - 2 comments

I need the perfect headphones.

I have some Sennheisers. They're nice, but not enough. I want wireless around-ear headphones with active noise cancellation. They should be extremely comfortable. The pair of headphones should have a long battery life, good sound, and an easy-to-use charger station that I can just set the headphones down on at the end of the day. It should be portable in my messenger bag. If it cannot both be good and portable, then it doesn't need to be portable. I have a Mac, which it needs to work with, and a Ubuntu desktop (with Bluetooth) I would like it to work with. I would like to spend anywhere from $100-$500 on this. I'm willing to wait a few months if something new and awesome is coming out, but probably not longer than that.
posted by ethidda at 1:53 PM PST - 2 comments

Help! I'm surrounded by books!

What kind of professional do I need to hire to build me affordable bookshelves? [more inside]
posted by cheerwine at 1:53 PM PST - 7 comments

What food is only good when done the "right" way?

What food is only good when done the "right" way? I don't really like store tomatoes, but fresh garden tomatoes are AMAZING. I don't like store-bought packaged chocolate chip cookies but know that nothing beats a warm homemade chocolate chip cookie. What other foods are like this?? (I got to thinking about this when thinking about yucky canned baked maybe they are good when they are homemade)
posted by beccaj at 1:46 PM PST - 77 comments

I need a projector for my business.Is a "home theater" projector ok?

Are the high-resolution home theater projectors good for spreadsheets? [more inside]
posted by colecovizion at 1:40 PM PST - 5 comments

East Bay bars to watch the Series for people who don't like sports bars.

Back when I lived in Boston and the Sox were in the playoffs, I would occasionally go to this bar around the corner from my apartment to watch the games. It was kind of the perfect New England neighborhood bar, and I'm looking for a similar place in the East Bay. [more inside]
posted by jesourie at 1:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Your best oatmeal bar recipe, please

I know there are tons of recipes out there, but I’m looking for tried-and-true oatmeal bars. Specifications inside. [more inside]
posted by yawper at 1:21 PM PST - 6 comments

Reverse engineering Wordpress functionality

I've been working on making a mirror of a site that we're using for another project. The original site is working fine, but a few of the custom tweaks that the former webmaster made aren't carrying over. One of these is a box on the post creation screen that allows / disallows others to remix (pictured at the link) your work. We're working off of a BuddyPress framework. Any ideas about how to find the template file that's calling this? More details inside... [more inside]
posted by codacorolla at 12:46 PM PST - 6 comments

Need a mnemonic for "probation" vs "parole"

What's a mnemonic I can use to remember the difference between probation and parole? [more inside]
posted by chefscotticus at 12:25 PM PST - 16 comments

Captain Planet's John Hancock?

I have this poster of Captain Planet that I want to frame to put in my office and I am thinking of "autographing" it. However, I do not seem to find any evidence of Captain Planet being able to either read or write, despite having a great spoken vocabulary. This could be because the earth does not have its own written language or alphabet. I am thinking the best thing to do is punch a hole in the poster and then hang it. Do you have any better ideas?
posted by parmanparman at 12:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Local Postmaster on American frontier: What kind of gig was it?

I want to learn more about the job of Postmaster in small, rural settlements in 1830s and 1840s America. So, I have some questions ... [more inside]
posted by John Borrowman at 11:55 AM PST - 6 comments

Lazy Halloween filter: Where to buy a Luchador mask in chicago?

So of course I've left this to the last minute, but I've hit upon a good costume for my build: Luchador in a suit. . I've got the cheap suit covered, but I can't imagine walking around for hours in an ill-fitting luchador mask, so I'd much rather go somewhere where I can try a few on. Where can I get an authentic-ish Luchador mask in chicago that'll let me try a few on?
posted by Oktober at 11:50 AM PST - 5 comments

What should go in my mini-inventor's box?

If you were to fill a 4' x 3' x 2' box with awesome and fun and mostly not messy things for a five year old to invent with, what would you fill it with? [more inside]
posted by Nanukthedog at 11:33 AM PST - 18 comments

What should my elderly parents do with their only asset, a liquid $250K?

I'm seeking as many opinions as I can get from people with knowledge of financial advising and/or trusts & estates and/or estate planning, about what my parents (in their 80s) ought to do with their $250,000 in liquid assets. I'm NOT looking for the kind of detailed plan we'd get from an advisor whom we hire; I'm looking for short, quite general, common sense answers (such as "These ONE OR TWO types of instruments are good/bad; all others are to be avoided/considered.") I'm also looking for as many answers as I can get. In order to get that assortment of answers, I want to disclose only a very few specific things about the folks: 1. they currently rent an apartment; they do not own a home. 2. they are in their 80s--relatively healthy and can drive, shop, take care of themselves, but I'm not sure how long that'll last. I'd like to see them in a retirement community within a couple years. 3. Their only income (which doesn't amount to much) is social security. 4. They lose about $2,100 in total expenses every month. That's just about equal to what they take in each month. 5. Their one and only significant asset is a liquid $250,000. Okay, at their age, and considering all the above, WHAT IS/ARE THE MOST PRACTICAL THING(s) THEY SHOULD DO WITH THAT LUMP OF LIQUID MONEY? THANK YOU from their worried adult child with a family of my own!
posted by losdavos at 11:30 AM PST - 14 comments

Software architecture optimized for sharing?

This is very video-game centric. I've worked on lots of games in a half dozen studios, and I've noticed that the architecture of game code with respect to sharing between projects is often ad-hoc and unplanned... [more inside]
posted by hanoixan at 11:05 AM PST - 3 comments

Illustration for effective communication?

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to find a picture or a scheme of some kind that illustrates effective communication techniques - or, alternately, pitfalls that should be avoided. [more inside]
posted by duvatney at 10:42 AM PST - 5 comments

Chimney repair: repoint, rebuild, or remove (and replace [boiler])

The flashing around my chimney isn't doing its job, and I'm getting a little bit of water in my attic during very heavy rains. I'm in the process of getting bids to fix this. Both guys I've had out so far have noticed that the brick is deteriorating - one guy proposed repointing and the other guy thought that the chimney needed to be rebuilt from the roof up. But since the chimney only vents the boiler and the water heater, I got to thinking - should I seize this opportunity to replace these aging appliances with a combi boiler and do away with the chimney for good? [more inside]
posted by ndg at 10:22 AM PST - 5 comments

Music from the Northern Lattitudes sought.

Every other year I throw a Nordic-themed winter solstice party to welcome the return of the sun. In addition to Nordic foods like Herring, meatballs, and Swedish fish I like to play music from the north. I want to branch out from Bjork, Sibelius and Abba. I have already downloaded the album from Árstíðir which was featured on metafilter. Can you suggest musicians/songs/bands/composers from Nordic countries (or from Arctic regions) that are sung in their native language rather than English?
posted by vespabelle at 10:10 AM PST - 38 comments

iGoogle is on its way out. I need a new portal.

I am reminded of Google retiring GReader... the way that it changed my online life and the uproar that came along with it. Except this time there is no uproar or teams of companies try to market their competitive offerings to me. Where do I go now? [more inside]
posted by milqman at 9:54 AM PST - 11 comments

pleuritic chest pain - really bad

Yes, I know you are not my doctor. Yes, I have been to see a doctor. To date, no diagnosis and no drugs prescribed, a lot of pain that shows no signs of going away. [more inside]
posted by puckish at 9:46 AM PST - 17 comments

Seeking free program attendance software for non-profit.

I'm looking for a free way (either a plugin / module to an existing CMS or a standalone program) to track youth attendance at our after-school drop in program. [more inside]
posted by youcancallmeal at 9:13 AM PST - 4 comments

How can I get Excel to create multiple averages from a single table?

I have a table of data that I need to average, but I need to come up with averages using multiple different rows. For example average A=row 1, row 2, row 4: Average B= row 1, row 2, row 3: Average C= row 2, row 3. I would like to add a column that has the names of each average I need, (A, B, C) and then let excel average them based on which set they belong to. I have been looking around at other excel related forums, but I am not sure what this process is called, so I don't know how to find it. Right now I have been copying rows for each time they show up in a set I need averaged. It would be nicer to have column that says, this row belongs to set A and C, next one belongs to set A, B, and C.
posted by djpuddings at 8:42 AM PST - 11 comments

Classy Cubones

As an American that does not read Japanese nor has any Japanese bank accounts or credit cards, how can I order a set of these Pokémon hanafuda cards?
posted by ignignokt at 8:25 AM PST - 12 comments

Any ideas for stylish winter boots? Difficulty -- pregnant lady.

I need a new pair of stylish, warm boots that can also carry me through late pregnancy. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by caoimhe at 8:19 AM PST - 19 comments

Sending personalized attachments with Exact Target - possible?

I have a client who uses Exact Target, and they have asked us to look into a project they would like to do. They have a database of 5,000 names they would like to send an email to, but they want to include a PDF for a $200 coupon in each email that has the recipient’s name on it. So in essence, they would be sending 5,000 individual PDFs, not one universal document. Is this something that is even remotely possible?
posted by starvingartist at 8:14 AM PST - 3 comments

What was this comic I saw as a child?

Alien blood parasites grow inside of people and then suddenly burst out once they've reached full size. What the heck was this comic book I saw in the late 80s? [more inside]
posted by neckro23 at 7:57 AM PST - 9 comments

Is there an app for this? Collecting Annual Membership Dues

Is there an online service that will help me streamline the process of once a year collecting a couple hundred bucks from 500-600 residents? And help automate the process of reminding people to pay up? [more inside]
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 7:43 AM PST - 5 comments

What interesting blogs discuss design and technology thoughtfully?

I enjoy thoughtful but not overly academic discussions of users' experiences with technology and/or design, particularly analyses like this or this. What blogs or other stuff should I be reading? [more inside]
posted by R a c h e l at 7:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Unlocking AT&T iPhone for eBay buyer?

Overseas eBay buyer wants me to fill out a "Request to Unlock" on att.com. This wasn't part of the auction; should I do it? [more inside]
posted by electric_counterpoint at 7:31 AM PST - 10 comments

Librarianship > IA / UX work - how did you make the transition?

Librarians - and ex-librarians - of Metafilter: Have you made the transition from librarianship to working in information architecture or user experience research and design? If so, what were some concrete steps that you took - networking, professional development, coursework - to make this happen? [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 7:28 AM PST - 3 comments

Who is this guy?

Who is this person? I have glossy stickers of this face on surfaces all over New York city. Who is he?
posted by to sir with millipedes at 7:18 AM PST - 8 comments

Where should I live?

The stars are aligning and I feel like maybe its best for me to move to a new city..where do you recommend. Snowflakes inside! [more inside]
posted by xicana63 at 6:55 AM PST - 14 comments

Recommend media that is dark, sad, and beautiful

I love the theatrical, haunting, sad, yet, beautiful music of Lana Del Ray. Can you recommend any similar music, or accompanying literature and cinema? Thank you!
posted by blithecatpie at 6:01 AM PST - 38 comments

Tourist Shoes that don't Scream TOURIST

Help me find shoes that a tourist can wear for long days of walking, but could also look nice with nicer outfits. [more inside]
posted by nakedmolerats at 5:50 AM PST - 34 comments

Meme generator generator

I have a little web app I cobbled together that plops a few graphics on top of and next to each other and displays the result on the page. Think "Y u no...", etc. Works a treat. But, although it displays nicely, it is still just the constituent parts lumped together using HTML. It would be more effective if it were distilled into a single distinct image file that was savable in some way. Some way more friendly than "take a screenshot." How do I make that happen? [more inside]
posted by dirtdirt at 5:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Readings in relief and development for the college freshman

When I was sixteen, I said I wanted to be a doctor and work in humanitarian relief. A few years on I'm not so sure - but I want to read all about relief and development! Specifically, the economics and politics of international development, as well as aid workers' experiences. Memoirs, essay collections, academic treatises, etc are welcome. [more inside]
posted by undue influence at 5:44 AM PST - 10 comments

disorganised co-workers

How best to work with people who are scatty and disorganised? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 5:31 AM PST - 8 comments

Suggestions for activities and accommodations in Madrid and Granada

Help me plan a trip to Granada/Madrid for early December! [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 4:57 AM PST - 14 comments

How can I hack this teaching while disabled situation?

Community college. Some students are sitting so I can't see them from my wheelchair. They're getting away with stuff in significant part because I can't see them. What are some strategies here? [more inside]
posted by angrycat at 4:10 AM PST - 30 comments

Complicated Death, Complicated Grief

In mid-May, my mother, who was the primary caregiver for my father with Alzheimer's, died suddenly. We spent weeks trying to get my father into a suitable situation, which quickly ended up in his death (a long story, so please bear with me). I'm looking for ideas on how to cope with uncertainty amid tragedy. [more inside]
posted by carrienation at 2:41 AM PST - 21 comments

Japanese (and Korean?) Home Cooking Techniques

Looking recently at home-cooked Japanese (and to some extent, Korean) meals, I notice again that they tend to be composed of several separate parts. I have trouble cooking multiple, separate pieces to a meal without creating exponential work for myself. I'm looking for videos demonstrating typical and/or efficient Japanese or Korean home cooking. Any language, with or without subtitles, is fine. [more inside]
posted by WasabiFlux at 12:46 AM PST - 15 comments

October 23

Does Lodge go the distance?

Do you have an enameled Lodge dutch oven? Do you use it a lot? How has it held up? Can it compare to Le Creuset? [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 9:27 PM PST - 30 comments

My hands and feet are peeling and I have no idea what to do about it.

My hands and feet are peeling, and I am at a loss for what to try, and my dermatologist can't see me for weeks. Halp! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:12 PM PST - 21 comments

Use of basement space

I have a finished basement in Brooklyn with nothing to put in it. For what uses could I rent it? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 8:10 PM PST - 29 comments

Embryology Multimedia

I am taking an embryology class online and I don't feel like I get it even after doing the readings and assignments. The textbook is Moore and Persaud's Before We Are Born. Right now we are learning all of the details of the development of the human embryo from conception to three weeks. What I need are animations, videos, and other multimedia resources since reading alone isn't doing it for me. I haven't been successful with google. Can anybody direct me toward resources? Thanks!
posted by long haired child at 6:42 PM PST - 6 comments

Need a Friday Night Lights-esque song for middle school broadcast intro

My middle school students produce a broadcast news show. For the intro/titles, we need help coming up with a song to use. Songs we like have minimal vocals, maybe slightly downbeat at first and then pick up in tempo-- almost slightly wistful but upbeat in nature. Two examples inside. [more inside]
posted by elliss at 6:25 PM PST - 11 comments

First Video Game Where You Saved at Campfires?

In TOMB RAIDER and DARK SOULS, you save your game at camp fires. My stepson claims that Tomb Raider took the idea from Dark Souls. This seems really unlikely, but I haven't played earlier Tomb Raider games, and I can't recall where you save in other games, so I can't back it up. What's the earliest game you've played where you save your game at campfires?
posted by Native in Exile at 6:25 PM PST - 14 comments

Pick my therapist, please

I'm looking for someone to help me with my social anxiety issues. I met with two therapists. Help me pick one, please. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:49 PM PST - 28 comments

Why clear plastic vent piping in a laboratory building from 1968?

My firm is designing a re-roof for a laboratory building owned by a college - nothing too toxic going on, it's a "Marine Extension Service". All of the labs and a couple other rooms were equipped with fume hoods originally. We're just naturally curious . more inside. [more inside]
posted by rudd135 at 5:46 PM PST - 7 comments

Did My Friend Steal From Me?

My friend helped herself without asking to a lot of guest soaps/shampoos etc. when she stayed at my house. Lots of soapflake I mean "snowflake" details inside. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 5:15 PM PST - 65 comments

Transformer in basement ceiling buzzing--what is it?

I heard this weird buzzing sound coming from my basement today, and I eventually opened up the ceiling and traced it to this transformer or something that's up in there. I tapped it with a piece of non-conductive material and it stopped buzzing. Tapped it again, it started buzzing more quietly, and then I tapped it again and it was silent. Anyone have any idea what this is, and why it's there? The house is from 1952 and doesn't have any electrical issues that I know of. Pictures: Pic 1 Pic 2 Pic 3
posted by Slinga at 4:54 PM PST - 7 comments

Accounting as a second job or eventual career shift?

Could I undergo a training program and be an "accounting assistant" on evenings and weekends during the upcoming tax season? Is there another way to become a part-time accountant? I'm also considering a career transition and wonder if accounting would be a good long-term direction for me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:28 PM PST - 9 comments

New wool blend coat. Color rubs off. ACK! Can I do anything about it?

The label on the coat says dry clean only. Will dry cleaning do anything about the excess dye that keeps rubbing off? Can I do anything about this problem, or is it hopeless? If so, back to the store it goes.
posted by 2oh1 at 4:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Clothing-related skin irritation

Wearing anything that touches my midsection irritates my skin like crazy. Since there are very few things that I can wear in the winter that do not touch my middle, this is becoming a problem. [more inside]
posted by quiet coyote at 3:41 PM PST - 19 comments

Roadtrippin' to a New Life

We're moving to Minneapolis on Monday after seven bad years in DC. We'll be making the drive from DC to MPLS over two days and need a soundtrack. Help us put together a playlist to kick off this new chapter in our lives properly. [more inside]
posted by playertobenamedlater at 3:16 PM PST - 27 comments

Please help me optimize Black Friday shopping

So... Black Friday is coming up in a few weeks. Can you teach me how to figure out where the best deals will be, in advance? [more inside]
posted by vignettist at 3:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Since I can't read that cassette...

What is the name, and who is the composer, of the music in this scene from Pirates of Silicon Valley?
posted by michaelh at 2:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Using Ubuntu to clean up my music library

I have an ubuntu powered fileserver that I primarily use as a media server these days. There are many files on the machine that (for various reasons) I no longer have a license to play.* What is the best way to scan through all the songs in my library (about 30k) and filter out those that will not play given that they do not all have an exclusive filetype? *Example: a song that was bought by a roommate with a license shared through iTunes that is no longer shared.
posted by stuboo at 2:27 PM PST - 9 comments

How to ask for a raise?

I've been in my (professional, middle management) job for nearly 6 years, and I've never had a raise. I would really like one. In fact, I've decided that if I don't get a salary increase this year, I'm going to have to start looking around, despite the fact that there are a lot of things about my job I really like and I'm generally pretty happy in it. So I call on the massed wisdom of MeFi to help me ask for a raise. [more inside]
posted by meronym at 2:25 PM PST - 20 comments

Suggestions for fantastic monopod/walking stick for the recently injured

Ok, I'm healing up very nicely post a bad knee injury. I do a fair bit of travel, including an upcoming trip to Japan that may involve quite a bit of walking. My physician suggested a walking stick when I saw him last (3 weeks ago.) I haven't even needed it, nor the knee brace much. I do some photography (DSLR, Raw) and figured why not use this as an excuse to get a good monopod that will behave as a good walking stick. I'd buy Gandalf's Staff, but I'm sure I'll have problems with TSA if I had that.
posted by Towelie at 2:11 PM PST - 11 comments

I desperately want to be who she needs: emotion control advice

I'm caring for my sick and declining wife, but my own anger issues have made me a terrible caregiver at times, let alone partner. We both love each other deeply, and want to spend our final years together, but if I can't stop making her miserable I have to go. I'm already pursuing therapy, have a psychiatrist, etc. I am not ashamed to seek help; the stakes are so high. I will be devastated if I have to walk away because I am a toxic presence, and so I'm determined to address my problems and be the husband she needs. I'm seeking ideas and advice on how to eliminate the bad so we can enjoy the good. More below... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:10 PM PST - 55 comments

Snowflake Salary Requirements

I've never held a full-time job, but I've held lots of positions that paid hourly or at a part-time rate during the last several years. How do I turn this into an honest figure for an automated application system that won't accept a blank or non-numerical response? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:10 PM PST - 13 comments

An embarrassment of birth control riches.

Thanks to Planned Parenthood, I get free condoms. More condoms that I could ever even dream of using. What do I do with them? [more inside]
posted by koucha at 12:44 PM PST - 28 comments

What glue to use in this application?

I have great old speakers with peeling wood veneer. How should I go about fixing them? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 12:44 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I get permissions to use YouTube videos for my own work of "art"?

How do I go about getting permission/releases to use YouTube videos like lectures by Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, Noam Chomsky, Alan Watts, and other personages for my own video project? I would be using them for a fictional movie. One of the characters watches these a lot. Is this just something I have to research on an individual basis, or are there any shortcuts I might benefit from knowing about? Thanks. (I feel like I'm always asking the same question in different forms.)
posted by DMelanogaster at 12:10 PM PST - 9 comments

How to deal with sleeping alone when a spouse works the night shift.

My husband frequently has to work overnight, leaving me alone in the house. I've been having a lot of trouble and worry over sleeping at night when he's gone, and it's eating into my day. What else can I try? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by sciencemandan at 11:46 AM PST - 48 comments

iOS to Mac development

I'm currently doing iOS development (junior level) as part of my employment as well for personal app development. Is there a guide out there that can help me expand into Mac development using my knowledge of iOS development as a starting point?
posted by antgly at 11:41 AM PST - 1 comment

Need Hotel Recommendations for a Business Meeting in Midtown Manhattan

I have been charged with organizing a 2-day meeting in NYC for approximately 23 people, all coming from out of town so I will also need sleeping rooms for about 4 nights. Can you recommend a nice hotel? [more inside]
posted by miaou at 11:33 AM PST - 8 comments

How to keep condensation from forming on shed ceiling?

This is the first question in what will become my WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! series. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!! It comes with a good-sized aluminum shed. The seller told us that condensation forms on the ceiling during the winter (we have cool, rainy winters), so he kept everything in there covered with a tarp. I inspected the shed yesterday (WE GOT OUR KEYS!!), and did see some mildewy spots on the ceiling indicative of condensation. Is there anything I can do to prevent the condensation from forming? [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 11:28 AM PST - 13 comments

The Stuff Their Website Won't Tell You

I am interviewing for a job tomorrow with Edmentum. Have you worked there or used their products? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:26 AM PST - 3 comments

Diminishing returns on mobile devices?

With the news of the iPad Air and it's wonder 64-bit A7 processor, my curiosity is up again. Will mobile devices, phones or tablets, hit a point of diminishing returns in regards to processing power and/or RAM?
posted by trogdole at 11:22 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me find a wired alternative to Apple's Magic Trackpad

I'm a Mac user who prefers touchpads over mice. I'd love to use Apple's Magic Trackpad, but I can't use wireless peripherals where I work. What else is out there that's comparable to the Magic Trackpad that doesn't have bluetooth/RF? [more inside]
posted by tonycpsu at 11:10 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me find the name of this movie or possibly tv show?

A friend of mine has a very hazy memory of a film or possibly tv show which she saw in the UK in the 80's. Here is the description - "It might be post apocalyptic and I seem to remember that everyone is vegetarian. There is a scene where a group of kids are camping away from the main village and they kill a rabbit (or find a dead one?) and dare one boy to eat some. He goes into a trance I think, or gets ill. There is something about monster people living in caves and they have very pale faces. There might be something about the moon in there too." Any ideas?
posted by gnuhavenpier at 11:07 AM PST - 4 comments

How many people can I keep track of?

I'm astonished by the sheer number of people with whom I interact in my life. How many of them can I realistically expect to keep track of in the years to come? Are my experiences normal? Does the rate of establishing new connections, as well as deepening existing connections, stand to slow down over time, or will it keep going at something like the present rate? [more inside]
posted by cheapskatebay at 11:01 AM PST - 8 comments

If It's Tuesday, I Must Be Wearing The Heather Grey V-Neck

Ladies: what are your sources for cool and/or geeky t-shirts these days? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 10:47 AM PST - 28 comments

Did religious cults of Archaic Greece interact with Lydian religions?

Is there evidence of either Orphism or the Eleusinian Mysteries in archaic Lydia? Do we have knowledge of the religion practiced by, say, Croesus, and whether or not the Lydian kings of that time were especially pious? I read somewhere that Dionysus had Anatolian roots, and I am wondering where I can learn more.
posted by jwhite1979 at 10:45 AM PST - 1 comment

Children's books that include biracial families?

Inspired by an earlier question, are there any books for young children that show families of mixed race?
posted by ChipT at 10:07 AM PST - 13 comments

Reverse Phone Search For US Address?

I want to do a reverse phone search on a US cell number... In the past I have used intelius.com for this purpose but lately my experiance with them hasn't been very great. How else can I do this? Thanks!
posted by audio at 9:59 AM PST - 3 comments

typing score per word

Given a word, is there anyone who has come up with a metric for type-ability? Like "feed" is easier to type than "quit"? Is there some term I should be googling?
posted by mgogol at 9:56 AM PST - 4 comments

Mefites with periodontal disease: Your experience, please

If you have had periodontal disease where the infectious process was controlled but prior disease resulted in bone loss and therefore a loose tooth, was it painful? I.e., is the condition of a having a loose tooth due to minimal bony attachment painful in itself, in the absence of inflammation?
posted by HotToddy at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments

What to do tonight so everybody feel better about opening next week?

We're in the final week of rehearsal for a play that opens next week -- public dress rehearsal is on Thursday (unless it's cancelled due to lack of interest because Halloween) -- Real opening night is November 1. Most of us are in over our heads, line-wise. [more inside]
posted by Infinity_8 at 9:27 AM PST - 17 comments

Business trip to Belgrade. What should I know?

My girlfriend is going to Belgrade in a few days for a 10 day business trip. Is there anything she should know? [more inside]
posted by rbf1138 at 8:37 AM PST - 3 comments

How can I vet a 1989 Chinook long-distance?

There is a 1989 Chinook for sale in Sacramento, CA. I live a few hours away, cannot make the drive up unless I'm going to purchase, and do not have the knowledge necessary to actually understand whether the vehicle bits or the RV bits are in acceptable condition. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 8:27 AM PST - 5 comments

large retreat venues

I'm planning a retreat for my team for 2015, and I'm seeking venue suggestions across the continental US. [more inside]
posted by spindrifter at 8:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Chrome on Windows: hotkey to open a specific bookmark while in Chrome

Is there a way to open a specific bookmark in Chrome using a hotkey (e.g., Alt-1)? I do not want to use a bookmark keyword or Windows shortcut's shortcut keys. I've found some extensions, more inside, but each has some sort of limitation. [more inside]
posted by n81acc at 8:15 AM PST - 6 comments

I want to measure things! For science, and thrift!

I want to measure and test things in my life (home, car, etc.) for maximum efficiency, thrift, and measuration, which is a word I just made up to combine measurements and data wankery. What measurements can I make and what fun tools do I need to buy? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 8:06 AM PST - 20 comments

Who has stood alone to say no?

On a recent trip to South Africa, I was fascinated to learn about Helen Suzman, "the sole parliamentarian unequivocally opposed to apartheid for thirteen years from 1961 to 1974." It reminded me of Barbara Lee's solo "no" vote on the post-9/11 war powers authorization in the U.S., and I'm now curious: What other examples are there of legislators or similar figures who have taken a deeply unpopular stand and (I know this may be contentious) been borne out by history?
posted by psoas at 8:03 AM PST - 19 comments

Remapping Mac right alt --> Windows right ctrl

Running Windows 7 in VMware Fusion on OS X Mountain Lion. Is there a way to remap my right alt/option key so that it behaves like a right ctrl key in Windows, especially in Office? In other words, can I remap my Mac right command key to be an alt key in Windows and the Mac right alt/option key to be a ctrl key? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 7:51 AM PST - 5 comments

Ancient magic?

What's the odd square in the middle of this? [more inside]
posted by BadMiker at 7:26 AM PST - 19 comments

Should I get discrete graphics option on a new MacBook Pro?

I'm in the market for a new 15-inch MacBook Pro. I'll be maxing out the RAM and flash storage. Should I spend an additional $100 to get the model with discrete graphics? Would there be any benefit at all from doing that? Or will the integrated Intel Iris Pro Graphics be sufficient? The discrete graphics option is an NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M with 2GB of GDDR5 memory. [more inside]
posted by alms at 7:24 AM PST - 11 comments

What brand of chewing gum is best for one's teeth?

I want to start chewing gum. Help me pick a brand. [more inside]
posted by colin_l at 7:17 AM PST - 18 comments

Simple, tasty recipes for a nomad

For the next 8 months I'll be moving cities every 4 days or so and I'm doing a lot of couchsurfing. I like to prepare a meal for my hosts as a thank you and I'd like some suggestions for meal ideas. I can't travel with a fully stocked pantry, so meals that have few ingredients (preferably things readily available in South America, Europe, and Asia) are important. Advise me, culinary geniuses of mefi! [more inside]
posted by horizons at 7:04 AM PST - 16 comments

User submitting Editorial Cartoons?

My fiancee had an idea to create an editorial cartoon (liberal bent) and submit it like one does to a letter to the editor. Is this a thing? She's not really an artist (she will paint or draw like once a year), but it's about the level of local paper's cartoon. The message is topical and decent. Do you have any ideas of places that she could get it published (at minimum, on the Internet)?
posted by sandmanwv at 6:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Are my high-pressure dental hygienists the norm?

My dental hygienists are extremely high pressure. I like my dentist but interacting with them makes the experience awful. Should I find someone new? Or is this just how going to the dentist is when you're an adult? [more inside]
posted by almostmanda at 6:41 AM PST - 43 comments

Is there any difference between the three sentences?

1)I should be going. 2) I shoud get going. 3)I should go. Please tell me the difference of the nuance between the three. Thank you.
posted by mizukko at 6:36 AM PST - 25 comments

MySQL what? Can any PHP computer people or OpenFuego users help me out?

I want to use a seemingly simple MySQL/PHP open source...thing called OpenFuego and have no idea what I'm doing. Can someone take a look at this and tell me what I need to get it up and running? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 6:35 AM PST - 7 comments

How to find a good paralegal in the Phoenix area?

Trying to find a good paralegal in Phoenix, AZ but not sure where to go. I checked Angie's list but there is only one service rated and it's not good. What other sources can I check to get ratings/recommendations?
posted by mattholomew at 5:51 AM PST - 5 comments

Photo Gallery software that can *sync* with Amazon S3?

Is there software that I can run on a LAMP server that will periodically poll an Amazon S3 Bucket and build a photo gallery based on the "folders" it finds within that bucket? Even better if it's something that generates a static HTML site and a RSS feed. Help me out AskMefites! [more inside]
posted by your mildly obsessive average geek at 3:01 AM PST - 5 comments

Paging Dr Seuss

I need to craft a Seuss-like ditty for the gift portion of a baby shower invitation, but my rhyming skills have deserted me. Could you, would you, with a goat? Would you, could you, on a boat? [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 2:38 AM PST - 14 comments

How to clean the grease off my cabinets?

Can someone please PLEASE help me figure out how to clean grease/oil drips off my cabinets? These are splatter drips that come from sauteing, deep frying, etc. [more inside]
posted by torticat at 1:29 AM PST - 39 comments

October 22

Complicated spicy

Lately I've been craving spicy as a flavor (rather than an overwheling punch-to-my-mouth sensation) beyond adding Siracha or chili flakes. What spice combo can I add to my repertoire that will deliver a complex, unfolding, flavorful, tear-inducing heat? Sometimes Thai food hits this note, but I'm not sure how it is made.
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 10:51 PM PST - 33 comments

What have I done to my eyes?

This afternoon I was running some errands. Much of the time I was driving directly into the sun, and now I have a blue smudge in the middle of my vision. What's happened? What should I do? Wait for it to get better, walk around with a mask over my eyes, rush to the ER, start planning for a life of semi-blindness? [more inside]
posted by kestralwing at 9:30 PM PST - 11 comments

Awkward shy dude would like to sing.

I sang once with a group in college because I was walking down the hall and piped up when I heard a bad note, so they brought me on. Back then, the lead told me I should never stop singing and that I had a gift, but I did - because I was embarrassed by the attention. [more inside]
posted by matty at 9:21 PM PST - 17 comments

Need automatic diarization of audio files of tutoring sessions

I'm flirting with the idea of having science tutors that I train audio tape their sessions and upload them to an audio analysis site, or use analysis software that counts the minutes spent each person spent talking. Apparently this is called diarization. [more inside]
posted by contemplativenapper at 9:10 PM PST - 1 comment

Addicted to food?

I used to be around 40 lbs overweight. I've lost weight gradually over the past couple of years and am down around 30 lbs. People say that you are supposed to feel great after losing weight like this. But I don't feel great. I feel like I have to be constantly vigilant. I've always had issues with anxiety, but now the anxiety is almost overwhelming and I have a lot of trouble sleeping. Tonight I just caved and made brownies and had a mini-binge. And... I feel good. The constant headache is gone and I have a pleasant buzz. I feel relaxed like I haven't in awhile. Are these signs of food addiction? If they are, what can I try as a healthy substitute? (I already walk about an hour a day - it's ok and I look forward to it, but it doesn't make me feel like I do right now.)
posted by jenh526 at 8:05 PM PST - 35 comments

Sporadic loss of wired internet, while wifi works fine

My Win 7 desktop computer sporadically loses internet connectivity for hours at a time every 1-2 days, while wifi continues working fine. I think there's something wrong with the software that drives my Ethernet card. Can you help me fix it? [more inside]
posted by pH Indicating Socks at 8:04 PM PST - 21 comments

How can I get an XBox One at launch?

I'm not a gamer but I sort of want to geek out and play with an Xbox One at launch. Besides going to auction do I have any options? It seems like buying a console at launch is meant to be for people who follow the industry or are really into gaming. Do I have any options at this point or will I have to wait? If I did have to pay a premium, what kind of premium over retail should I expect?
posted by geoff. at 7:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Women's loose/flowing tank tops needed!

I'm looking for loose women's tank tops that are work appropriate, help me find them! Special snowflake details below. [more inside]
posted by skycrashesdown at 7:18 PM PST - 18 comments

Food stylists, halp! Difficulty: truffle.

I'm going to be getting 2 truffles (one ginger and one peanut butter) in the mail by Friday. I need to photograph them, ideally each as a whole truffle and then the same truffle cut in half to show the ganache filling. Please help me not screw it up. [more inside]
posted by asranixon at 5:56 PM PST - 18 comments

Does anyone have info on events like Comic Con?

My brother loves going to events like Comic Con, and I'm looking for resources to help him find other similar events, more inside [more inside]
posted by handbanana at 5:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Is it worth it to insulate our apartment?

2.5 bedroom apartment, top floor, in Texas. Would any simple, DIY insulating tricks help? If so, what, how, where to get them? Difficulty: Can hammer, can drill, probably shouldn't be allowed to use power tools. [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 4:59 PM PST - 11 comments

JavaScript Design Pattern for Text Input

I'm writing a simple game in JavaScrip that needs to occasionally ask the user for text input. I don't want to use the JavaScript prompt() method. I want to display an HTML textbox and have my JavaScript code display the textbox and wait for the user to fill it out and hit ENTER. This seems like the sort of pattern that someone would have devised, but my Google-Fu is weak on this. Any help would be appeciated. Not looking for external libraries if they can be avoided, although JQuery would be acceptable. Thanks!
posted by DWRoelands at 4:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Plus Size Style 101, USA Female Edition

Help me reinvent my style! I need fashion inspiration. I need shops that will outfit plus size me without breaking the bank. Difficulty level: tall, too! Bonus question: calf boots for big feet and fat calves. [more inside]
posted by booksherpa at 4:18 PM PST - 43 comments

About State Grants

Do I need to be a resident non profit of a state to be eligible for a grant from that state to do a project about or for that state? Are there general guidelines regarding residency or eligibility requirements all states tend to follow or do I need to dig into each state humanities organization to find out. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 3:58 PM PST - 4 comments

"How're your lady parts?" Help me fend off TMI questions from colleagues

I’m returning from maternity leave next month and I’m already fearing the questions from coworkers about my labor and delivery. [more inside]
posted by juliagulia at 3:52 PM PST - 35 comments

Relativity and time dilation ... how's that work again?

I am writing a story with science fictional elements, and I am finding whatever practical knowledge of time dilation I ever had has dissolved into the mists of time. Help me out? [more inside]
posted by kyrademon at 3:50 PM PST - 4 comments

Priority 1: Don't blow anything up!

I would like to use my house's water heater to fill a small outdoor soaking tub. Can I do this while the unit is running? [more inside]
posted by Mr.Me at 3:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Leather soles

What specific type of leather is used for dress shoe soles? [more inside]
posted by pengale at 3:19 PM PST - 1 comment

Adult ADHD Treatment

So, after long suspecting that I had some kind of medical condition that was keeping me from being as awesome as possible, I went to a psychiatrist today and was diagnosed with ADHD. But the treatment he prescribed is a bit odd. [more inside]
posted by downing street memo at 3:03 PM PST - 38 comments

Can these jeans be re-altered and still look normal?

A friend of mine gave me a couple of pairs of new "Gap 1969 Long & Lean" boot-cut jeans that she got altered before she decided they didn't really fit. She's an inch or two or more than two shorter than I am. I'm wondering if I could get them re-altered into a straight-leg (or maybe slightly tapered?) cut that I can roll up a little, but I don't know anything about sewing. [more inside]
posted by Room 641-A at 3:02 PM PST - 14 comments

Need recommendations to make/buy custom military-style campaign ribbons

I help run an annual game convention in DC and I am looking for advice on acquiring some awards for people who participate in one of our tournaments. The event has a wargamming theme and I would like to give people a custom, military-style campaign ribbon for participating. I see lots of websites for ordering actual U.S. service ribbons, but does anyone know of a place that might make custom ribbons? Or suggestions for making about 30-60 of them by hand? [more inside]
posted by Kolath at 2:55 PM PST - 4 comments

I seem to have a real problem remembering the names of books.

And Google's not helping me! It's a children's book. I read it when I was 10, so in 1995, and I think it was relatively new (like, it's not a book from the 60's.) The protagonist was an elementary or middle school kid who found a dragon. (I can't even remember if it was a boy or a girl, although I'm leaning towards boy.) I remember that he found the dragon before summer vacation, and was excited that he'd have the dragon until Midsummer Night's Eve, because he thought that meant the middle of summer, and was really upset to find out that Midsummer Night's Eve was on June 23rd. Those are the only real details I remember. Please help!
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 2:45 PM PST - 5 comments

iDad

Please recommend specific resources to help my technophobic parents get more enjoyment and use out of their iPad. [more inside]
posted by payoto at 2:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Girlfriend stranded...

Ok, so my SO has the 2003 Jeep Renegade, and evidently this afternoon it started "spewing water and then quit working" To me this says water pump...and I am inclined to have it towed to a place (about 8 miles) that has done car work for us in the past. [more inside]
posted by PlantGoddess at 1:53 PM PST - 19 comments

A Life, Truncated.

I'm having a devil of a time getting my long Wordpress pages to print properly. [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 1:37 PM PST - 4 comments

Flickering Monitor

I have my Macbook hooked up to a monitor, and within a few minutes of connecting the two, the monitor starts flickering more and more. Help! [more inside]
posted by nanook at 1:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Which Home Theatre Receiver should I get?

Help me pick a modern home theatre receiver that can switch video and audio for a pretty big variety of devices. [more inside]
posted by signsofrain at 1:17 PM PST - 4 comments

What could be causing my constantly sore and tight legs?

Fitness (I think?)-Filter: for the last couple of years, I very frequently find my legs (both thigh and calves) sore and tight enough it's distracting. I started doing yoga, and that helped tremendously. But sometimes even that is not enough, and I am more interested in knowing what could be causing the sore legs? I don't really ever go to the gym, but I bike everywhere, walk a lot, and sit on my butt all day (I am a desk job person). The soreness gets worse when I am stressed out or when I am PMSing. [more inside]
posted by redwaterman at 1:12 PM PST - 14 comments

Compatibility with OS X Mavericks

Tell me from your own experience if any of the following software has compatibility issues with OS X 10.9 Mavericks. [more inside]
posted by Null Pointer and the Exceptions at 1:03 PM PST - 16 comments

How can I find out when the circus/carnival is coming?

Is there a service that will notify me when a circus or traveling carnival is coming to town?
posted by bac at 12:08 PM PST - 2 comments

Are there any subscription-based news aggregators?

I'd love to see something like a cross between Zite and Flattr -- I'd pony up a monthly subscription fee, which would be distributed to news sources based on my likes. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by bjrubble at 11:50 AM PST - 0 comments

Help me buy good quality, fashionable women’s boots!

Winter is around the corner and I’m direly in need of a new pair of boots. In the past few years, I’ve bought a few different styles but never “invested” (all under <$200) and I have destroyed every pair. How do I find a good quality boot (with the necessary snowflakes)? [more inside]
posted by Paper rabies at 11:43 AM PST - 23 comments

Sort of Short Soup Recipes

I've about an hour, maybe 90 minutes worth of patience, above-average kitchen competence, and access to most ingredients. I'd like to eat soup for dinner at the end of this 60-90 minutes, and I don't like shrimp. Share your favorites?
posted by ersatzkat at 11:42 AM PST - 26 comments

I wanna do bad things with you.

A friend of mine is looking for "awesome, sexy, scary, dark, Halloween-type songs that [she] can do burlesque to." She's thinking along the lines of the theme song from True Blood, although she's already done a routine to that song. So please, you masters of mixes, give us your scary-sexiest songs.
posted by woodvine at 11:15 AM PST - 55 comments

how to cope with an omnipresent ex-girlfriend?

my SO's ex-girlfriend is pretty much always around. i thought i was cool with it, and philosophically, i want to be cool with it... but it's seriously starting to grate on my nerves. how to deal? [more inside]
posted by humiliated_grape at 10:41 AM PST - 27 comments

Mind if I don't call you Doctor?

When is it correct to address a doctor as Dr? [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 9:58 AM PST - 60 comments

GOOD MORNING

My wooden desk at work has some sort of highly-reflective protective coating. This makes for very bright sun glare in a ~16"x16" area, which is reflected directly into my face for half the day. I've tried putting assorted office supplies in that spot and nothing seems to cut it down. What can I put there that will cut the glare but also looks at least sort of neat?
posted by griphus at 9:52 AM PST - 22 comments

First world problem: my well paying job is boring. Should I keep it?

My job is fun... when there's work to do. Which is never. Is this normal? Is this a reason to leave? Should I leave? [more inside]
posted by lup badik at 9:49 AM PST - 26 comments

"You are currently reading Quarksec 1456756 of 129457894."

What is a nice e-reader app for Android that incorporates actual page numbers? [more inside]
posted by joelhunt at 9:46 AM PST - 12 comments

There's Only So Much Wisdom I Can Impart In Between Their Fart Jokes!

I'd like to convey as much wisdom/advice as possible to my kids before they become feral teenagers drenched in Axe and scorn. Please share the best lists/essays/articles you've ever seen on the theme of "Teaching Your Kids About ______". [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew at 9:36 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I get air freshener smell out of my car?

I just bought a 2002 Honda Civic, and either the previous owner or the dealer who sold it to me was apparently a big air freshener fan. I hate the smell of synthetic air freshener - it makes me feel really nauseated. [more inside]
posted by terretu at 9:26 AM PST - 20 comments

What is the best way to get twitter feeds in an rss reader?

Once upon a time it was pretty easy to access twitter feeds in an rss reader. But a few months back ( in June I think ) twitter stopped supporting the rss api so now it's not so simple. What options are available for accessing twitter through rss? In the extended explanation I'll list what I have tried so far. Thanks. [more inside]
posted by metadave at 9:24 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I make my own cross-stitch pattern?

There is a quote I'd like to cross-stitch for my aunt for Christmas. I have lots of experience with doing cross-stitch from patterns, but zero artistic ability when it comes to creating something from scratch that looks the way I want it to. Is there an easy way for me to generate a pattern? Like, something where I can choose a font and maybe some little accent details and put it together and it gives me a pattern? Mine is a Linux/Android household, but I could probably borrow something from a friend if there's a great Windows/Mac/iOS application. [more inside]
posted by rhiannonstone at 9:24 AM PST - 8 comments

Where did Little Susie fall asleep?

In the song "Wake up Little Susie," Susie and friend fall asleep watching a movie. Friend then wakes up and realizes what has happened, and proclaims that their reputations are now shot, their goose is cooked, etc. Where did they fall asleep? [more inside]
posted by Sheppagus at 9:22 AM PST - 22 comments

Sleek Digital Watch

I'm starting to look at watches, and I think I'd like something sleek and digital. Something that looks like a FitBit, perhaps (I hear the FitBits don't always display the time, which is why I'm ruling it out). Please point me toward sleek digital watches!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 9:10 AM PST - 7 comments

I'd like to learn more about programming education

I've recently started a new career in tech publishing, and I'd like to do some deep and broad study of programming education. Looking for recommendations for resources. [more inside]
posted by fishhouses at 9:06 AM PST - 3 comments

How to stop printing e-mails from "save as" in pdf format?

When I'm on my gmail account and want to print an e-mail, I click on the printer icon and the e-mail goes into "save as" and a PDF format. This didn't happen before I tried removing any other printer documents and setting my main printer as the default. Can someone help? What question whould I be asking or what should I change to stop the print settings to changing documents to the pdf format and then having me save them on my computer? I want them to print directly into a word document as they did previously before. Thanks
posted by proficiency101 at 8:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Attending My First Professional Convention For Dummies

I volunteer for a local advocacy non-profit and I will be accompanying the director to a statewide convention next month. I have never attended a convention in my life. I need any and all advice you may have for a first-time attendee.
posted by entropicamericana at 7:44 AM PST - 24 comments

Resources on healthy relationships

I want to give my niece some resources on what healthy relationships look like. Help me find them. [more inside]
posted by not that girl at 7:39 AM PST - 19 comments

Indie rock / ambient lullabies

I like to listen to music while I fall asleep, and I'm in need of some new material. I don't care if there are lyrics or not, but preferably nothing prone to making one rather emotional. I'd rather avoid New Age (no Enya, please!) and "space music." Here are some things I often sleep to: -Brian Eno's "Music for Airports" (this is my go-to) -Olafur Arnalds -Pop by Gas -Nepenthe by Julianna Barwick Sometimes I'll try Sigur Ros, Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, or Global Communication, but those can be a bit distracting. When I'm really, really tired and need coddling, I listen to Hafdis Huld singing Icelandic lullabies. Any suggestions?
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:36 AM PST - 33 comments

I want to read tales of business fraud and failure

I love to read books about real life business frauds and failures. For example, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is a favorite as is The Informant. Fraud can be fun to read about, but it isn't necessary. Hubris and poor judgment can be enough if the story is told well. Can you recommend books I might enjoy?
posted by Area Man at 7:34 AM PST - 17 comments

Recent Entry-Level Science Fiction

In search of accessible contemporary SF—help! [more inside]
posted by xenization at 7:30 AM PST - 24 comments

Coping with frustration

I get frustrated with my roommate easily (sometimes fairly, sometimes unfairly), and need some coping mechanisms to remain civil. Roommate and I are friends, and generally have fun when we spent friends time together outside of the apartment. But we have some living differences... [more inside]
posted by Chaussette Fantoche at 7:27 AM PST - 34 comments

How do state income taxes work when you work in a different state?

My husband and I just switched our legal residency to a state with no income tax (South Dakota). This is very common amongst full-time RVers because SD recognizes a full time travel status. However, we're neither working nor living in South Dakota, so how do state taxes work? [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 7:11 AM PST - 9 comments

Economics 101: How to read national accounts

I'm trying to reconcile two numbers from the same national statistical agency. I'm looking for a dummy's guide for what defines the difference between the two numbers and how to use one to estimate the other. [more inside]
posted by MuffinMan at 6:40 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm not interested in dating or being your friend. Thanks and goodbye.

How do I tell somebody I recently met that I'm not interested romantically or even as a friend? The problem is that I'm not exactly sure whether she is looking for just a friend or something more? [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 6:16 AM PST - 26 comments

Vegetarian seeking meat.

How do I cook the best turkey (and) and fixings meal for just myself (for a whole weekend)? I'm basically going to put on some Abba, and eat like crazy this weekend. So tell me how I can make the best Thanksgiving turkey and sides! Oh, this is anonymous because I am a vegetarian for moral reasons. Also, I prefer to limit it to just one type of animal, so no bacon wrapped shrimp. Probably no bacon wrapped shrimp. Recipes of good sides preferably not using just turkey.
posted by anonymous at 5:39 AM PST - 19 comments

well, hell

I have been dating a guy for a couple of months. He told me recently that he's got a genetic mutation that makes it much more likely that he'll get cancer, and that is making me really sad. [more inside]
posted by swamp rocket at 4:18 AM PST - 22 comments

"They all ate the mushrooms, and died." In the novel, that is.

A bunch of years ago I read the first chapter of a French novel. It was funny. In that first chapter the narrator's family spends a day picking mushrooms, then eats them for dinner and they all die. The writer was French (possibly Belgian), with a 'punchy' name as I remember it. The novel was 'comic' (I think), and not especially long. I want to say it was written between the 50's and 60's but don't remember why I think that. There's a chance the author is also known for some other, non-writing endeavor (a la Nick Cave). I never wrote down the name of the novel or the writer because both had lodged in my head. Well, they've become dis-lodged and recently I went mushroom picking and spent the whole time trying to remember this novel and/or its author. Please. I've googled to no avail.
posted by From Bklyn at 3:28 AM PST - 6 comments

Just fix the damn thing and leave my personal life out of it

Eight years or so we bought a fixer upper. Then things went sour. Now I'm feeling like I'm at the end of my rope. Help me figure out how to get this place fixed up. [more inside]
posted by Sid and Marty Krofft's HR Sockpuppet at 3:02 AM PST - 13 comments

FX show Archer: What hairstyle does Pam have?

On the animated show Archer, Pam Poovey has her hair up in some kind of pseudo-bun apparatus (possibly a french twist?). What is her hairstyle and where can I find instructions for recreating it? [more inside]
posted by mikurski at 12:46 AM PST - 4 comments

Cooling baby's bottle?

So we have started giving our baby some formula feeds (after advice from medical professionals. We are well aware of the benefits of breast feeding, and still do it as much as possible). [more inside]
posted by Cannon Fodder at 12:01 AM PST - 27 comments

October 21

I don't know how to google for the car stereo features I'm looking for

I want to buy a new car stereo, but have no idea how to google for the features I'm looking for. What I really want is a double din stereo that has a usb port on the front where I can plug in my iphone 5 and play it through the stereo. Now comes the hard part, I want to control the iphone from the iphone. Not through the stereo interface. In otherwords, I want to use the USB port as an Aux out. [more inside]
posted by bswinburn at 10:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Is there a word for how Josh Clark talks?

Josh Clark, famed podcaster of Stuff You Should Know, has a very distinctive vocal timbre and set of pronunciation habits. Here's a video of him talking. Is there a word for the strange and particular way he pronounces things? I'd like to know, because my speaking voice is eerily similar to his, and he and I are the only people I know who talk like that. Is this a documented phenomenon?
posted by insteadofapricots at 9:24 PM PST - 13 comments

I need more easy stuff to watch right before sleep.

So, I have about an hour before bed that I use to fold laundry or do the dishes. I like to listen/watch dumb procedural/medical/light scifi dramas, as I do so. Or, science/history documentaries that I can listen to, and not have to actually watch. [more inside]
posted by ulfberht at 7:53 PM PST - 43 comments

What should I be looking for in a comfortable, relaxed city bike?

I've been thinking for a while about getting another bike. I have one bike that I like very much, but it's not as comfortable as I'd like for longer rides and so I tend not to ride as often as I otherwise might. I'm looking for a more relaxed and comfortable bike that will get me out on the road more often without too much sacrifice in speed. Requirements inside, recommendations appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Scientist at 7:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Audio editing software to easily and efficiently export brief MP3 clips?

Which OSX application will allow me to most efficiently set up the beginning and endpoints of MP3 files in order to extract brief audio clips? [more inside]
posted by incandescentman at 6:54 PM PST - 7 comments

Help Me Learn to Cook!

I want to learn to cook. I'm looking for a podcast or a web series or something along those lines that will teach me the essentials of cooking, along the lines of a beginner's cooking class, but available for free online. [more inside]
posted by meesha at 6:44 PM PST - 18 comments

What is the best advice you would give re: rediscovering yourself/life

Or, more suitably... your best advice to someone trying to learn more about themselves (become stronger, learn what I want/need/wont settle for) to prepare for dating in the distant future. [more inside]
posted by BrandNewMe at 6:43 PM PST - 13 comments

Nintendo DS / 3DS games to local multi-play with my non-gamer partner?

My partner and I just got shiny new Nintendo 2DSs (which can play all DS and 3DS games) and would like suggestions for story-driven, not-too-difficult games that can be fully enjoyed via local multi-play. [more inside]
posted by The Minotaur at 6:19 PM PST - 10 comments

How can I get my four month old to like going to sleep?

My four month old cries when we are putting her to sleep, she doesn't like going to sleep. How do we get to her to go down to sleep quietly (we're not ready for cry it out)? [more inside]
posted by echo0720 at 6:18 PM PST - 16 comments

Can I stop my former startup co-founder from stealing my idea?

So I had this idea for a tech startup. I found somebody that I thought could help me make it real. We developed a pitch for investors. Then he decided he didn't like the equity arrangement we'd verbally agreed to, and informed me that he intended to move forward with my idea without me. Can I keep him from doing so? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:14 PM PST - 12 comments

How to deal with hours worked on my days off

I work full-time in an office of a half-dozen people (in Ontario, Canada if it is relevant). One of the duties in my current job is to reply to general emails to my company's main address and to check the general voice mail... if someone calls after hours or chooses not to be put through to an individual, they can still leave a voice mail on the main number, and the main email is info@[business].ca which gets maybe five or ten questions a day. At the request of my boss, I do these things a couple of times a day, including on weekends and holidays. I am fine with this and I understand the reasoning - sometimes people write or call with a time-sensitive question. This usually takes me ten minutes a day tops (once in while there is a bigger thing and it may be an hour on those days), but it seems not entirely fair that I do this with zero compensation for having to be available for work on my days off. How best to negotiate what might be a better arrangement for this? Or should I even bother? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:13 PM PST - 10 comments

What practices does Trader Joe's use to make their employees so chipper?

Without fail, every time I go to Trader Joe's and check out I'm consistently greeted with a barrage of enthusiastic questions about my food selection, what I've been doing that day, what my plans are for the rest of the day, if I've tried a particular flavor of X product, etc. These questions aren't necessarily pushy because they are delivered in such an upbeat, friendly way that you can't help but respond in turn. How does TJ find employees like this and how do they train them to be this way? I am so curious about this because I've never encountered it anywhere else. [more inside]
posted by timpanogos at 6:04 PM PST - 33 comments

Why does my old scar do that???

I have an old scar on my knee. When something scratches, bumps, or hits it, it swells up! It's done this the whole time. Why? {photos inside} [more inside]
posted by Crystalinne at 5:49 PM PST - 8 comments

A medical bill was sent to collections. What do I do?

A medical bill was sent to collections. I am 25 and have no credit and no money. What do I do? Is it even possible to fix my credit? [more inside]
posted by dekathelon at 5:32 PM PST - 13 comments

How screwed is my cast iron?

I've got mold in my skillet. Not a euphemism. [more inside]
posted by kafziel at 5:09 PM PST - 13 comments

Where can I report insurance overbilling fraud?

I had surgery in a private surgery center. I found out that they billed my insurance company $139,000 for an outpatient procedure (wtf???!! absurd amount). They then threatened me by email that I may be liable for the amount if I don't okay the the charges to the insurance company. I'd like to report the activity to someone who investigates this stuff, or talk to a lawyer. It's in San Jose, CA. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by htid at 4:35 PM PST - 14 comments

Please explain the difference....

What is the difference between a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology vs. a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering? In job description, duties, salary, etc? [more inside]
posted by PrettyKnitty at 4:34 PM PST - 7 comments

Dating Woes

My partner has an abundance of free time. I do not. This is a constant source of conflict for us. I thought I had a practical solution, but it's not working. Can you help me figure this out? [more inside]
posted by chara at 4:33 PM PST - 53 comments

How to correct a Google Maps address marker?

No matter how hard I try, Google Maps will not move its incorrect marker for an address of mine. [more inside]
posted by bruceo at 4:31 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I edit the "About Me" on my Amazon Wishlist?

It's quite possible I'm just being unusually stupid here, but I've put in three attempts of a half hour or so each and cannot figure out how to edit the "About Me" text that shows up to the left of my Amazon wishlist. It's not that there's anything urgent'y awful there. It just lists my hometown as 6 years out of date and my job as eight years out of date. It's driving me nuts and I'd like to kill it with fire. Where in hell is the page where I edit this?
posted by DirtyOldTown at 3:58 PM PST - 7 comments

two tickets back to the friend zone, please.

A friend recently confessed that they have Seriously Distracting Feelings for me. Nothing remotely more-than-friendly has ever occurred between us, and they've been married for as long as I can remember. My only option is to pretend like it never happened, but I'm struggling with disappointment and resentment because the introduction of this dynamic frequently changes the foundation of the accompanying friendship and I don't want that to happen. What are some tactics I can employ to make sure that I'm able to move forward respectfully, privately, and (most importantly) at arm's length? Can I take steps to ensure our friendship will mostly go back to how it was before, or is trying to do so an exercise in futility given the circumstances? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:58 PM PST - 18 comments

female-filter: how to track hormonal cycles without your period

I'll be having a hysterectomy soon. I'll be retaining my ovaries. I'm looking for apps or sites that help to track hormonal cycles that *don't* depend on the date of menses to predict PMS. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:57 PM PST - 6 comments

How does USA's new debt ceiling affect property owners in Australia?

What should Australian property owners and potential buyers be wary of in regards to USA's credit rating going down? [more inside]
posted by gttommy at 2:56 PM PST - 11 comments

What is the point of a rose chart?

When is it more appropriate to use a rose (or radar) chart vs. a bar/line/pie chart? Bonus points if you can point to studies showing why some types of charts are better than others for understanding information. [more inside]
posted by nushustu at 2:44 PM PST - 11 comments

Focused classes on ethnic food in bay area? (Or anywhere in US/world!)

I've taken cooking classes at some local places in the bay (tante marie, kitchen on fire), and in general I am a decently proficient cook. Definitely need to keep practicing and honing my taste and technique, but that comes with time. What I am interested in now are focused classes that dive deep into "ethnic" cuisine (I hate that term but I think it gets the point across). Cuisines I'm particularly interested in: Japanese, Argentinian, Peruvian, Vietnamese, French, Southern, Indian (all regions, esp. southern), Chinese... In the bay it'd be great to find a regular class or some weekend classes that dive deep into topics, but in general, I'd be interested if there are 1 or 2 week-long classes. For example, I'd totally be willing to go to city X for a week-long intensive course on stir-fry or something like that. Is this a thing? Does this exist, outside of culinary school?
posted by wooh at 1:52 PM PST - 1 comment

How to track business inventory location? Cloud based, no POS, iOS.

Trying to help a friend find a solution. They need a simplistic solution to tracking some office items. They have several demo kits (15) that their team uses. They need a way to see where each kit is at, without having to contact each employee that's out in the field to see who has what. [more inside]
posted by peripatew at 1:52 PM PST - 4 comments

desperate for competent Web Hosting Provider

Asking for a friend ... I need recommendations for a web hosting provider who handles listservs as well as website hosting. I’m the administrator for a professional association which has a WordPress website and a group email list. [more inside]
posted by intermod at 1:43 PM PST - 5 comments

High school literary magazines: What do I need to know?

I'm going to be doing on-site critiques of high school literary magazines at an upcoming conference. I've worked as a reader and editor for several literary journals; what do I need to know about high school publications? [more inside]
posted by roll truck roll at 1:14 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I find direct MTA numbers? [NYC-filter]

Despite the MTA's new "helpful" consolidation of all numbers into 511, I've found it's actually much more helpful, and fast, to dial the numbers directly - especially because disconnects mean going through the whole list again. However, when I updated my phone, I lost all the direct numbers to the bus depots and such. Where can I get them back? [more inside]
posted by corb at 1:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Do I need professional help?

Setting up an LLC for the first time. Do I need an attorney or accountant? Or both? [more inside]
posted by kdern at 1:01 PM PST - 6 comments

Wuv! Troooo wuv!

Help me add nerd cred to a wedding speech. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:00 PM PST - 13 comments

Halloween Hair Humectant? Soggy Samhain Strands?

Remember The Wet Look? Well, I need The Drowned Look. For this year’s Halloween costume contest, my buddies and I are going as the ladies of Shakespearean tragedy, and I drew Ophelia. I’m not doing Sad or Mad Ophelia, though; I’m doing recently-fished-out-of-the-creek Ophelia, and I need some advice. [more inside]
posted by The Underpants Monster at 12:38 PM PST - 19 comments

Alternative to coffee?

I am quitting coffee; too intense on my stomach. Is it the caffeine? Does caffeine in tea operate differently? Looking for some good alternatives, besides the usual Green Tea. But getting a health benefit is always good.
posted by ebesan at 12:31 PM PST - 25 comments

Help my partner find this SF story!

So I told my partner you guys were amazing at locating obscure SF stories. Can you help him find this one? About 1970-72 I read an SF anthology with a story I've lately been trying to find on the Google with no luck. Said story involved a protagonist asked by friends to accompany them on a night out playing a game/sport he'd never heard of called, if I remember right, "torming." He said yes though he was too embarrassed to admit he'd never heard of it. It turned out to involve (avoiding potential spoilers here) tech well beyond the 1970s. Ring any bells? Googling "torming" is less than helpful. I may have misremembered the sport's name. Thanks!
posted by Space Kitty at 12:14 PM PST - 5 comments

Getting preg, and the sperm donor I want to use only has IUI vials left

Mefi, can you talk me through this? I have another appointment with my general practitioner tomorrow and she's probably going to refer me to a reproductive endocrinologist for the procedure but is there any way my GP could help me with this one? I have a great relationship with her and love her to bits and she has helped me sort through my options thus far with me and my partner. I would love it if she could do the IUI procedure. Is this a possibility? More questions inside. [more inside]
posted by rabu at 12:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Key West and snorkling

Hi, all. My sister and I would like to take some time together for a trip this January. We need some help planning things out. [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 11:58 AM PST - 7 comments

Where can I buy 12" wheels for a balance bike in and around Toronto?

Where can I buy 12" wheels for a balance bike in and around Toronto (or online)? [more inside]
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:54 AM PST - 4 comments

YANMD: Now can I get some surgical supplies?

Where might one find disposable surgical prep sponges on a stick? [more inside]
posted by sarajane at 11:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Fiction about the War in Heaven

I'm looking for books (or movies/tv, though I'd prefer written media) that deal with the War in Heaven, the fall of Lucifer, and the fallout from that. Basic, garden-variety conflicts between angels and demons would also be very welcome. Things along those lines I've liked and special snowflake details under the fold. [more inside]
posted by darchildre at 11:35 AM PST - 39 comments

Are my cheap running shoes hurting me?

I use throwback Saucony Jazz as my primary running shoes. They're inexpensive, seem to have adequate cushioning, are light, and are free of unwanted motion control features. But no one else runs seriously in these shoes, and they're marketed for walking around and fashion. Is there something about the construction that makes them significantly inferior to more expensive running shoes? [more inside]
posted by bepe at 11:34 AM PST - 15 comments

What did or would Walter Sobchak's dog tags say?

I'm working on a costume of being Walter Sobchak from The Big Lebowski. I want to get dog tags made up. What's on them? [more inside]
posted by artlung at 11:23 AM PST - 14 comments

Is it Felicide or Caticide?

What's to be done about a healthy, happy adult cat who just started peeing on my bed? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:16 AM PST - 39 comments

Find that Pratchett quotation

Does anyone know the Terry Pratchett quotation I'm trying to remember? I think (but am not certain) it's in one of the City Watch books, possibly Night Watch. It was a great concise expression of how people are not good or bad, they're people, and how most people want tomorrow to be the same as yesterday with maybe a tiny bit of improvement to look forward to. Or at least that's how I remember it. I can't for the life of me nail down the details of the quote and Pratchett is so popular and prolific that trying to Google it is not working. Hivemind, help me!
posted by Wretch729 at 11:02 AM PST - 7 comments

How to get voter records for small towns in Massachusetts

I'm working on a personal project mapping political signage across two small towns in Massachusetts. I'd like to compare my personally gathered data with voter records over at least the last few years. Is there any chance that this data is publicly available? Seeing as the project is quite local, I'd like to get data on the scale of households. [more inside]
posted by taromsn at 10:43 AM PST - 5 comments

How to transfer files between PCs in the new remote PC app in win 8.1?

Is there a way to transfer files using the remote PC app in windows 8.1? If not, what is the best way to transfer files flawlessly and fast? Thank you. [more inside]
posted by omaralarifi at 10:06 AM PST - 4 comments

Salary Question

I am currently applying for new jobs. At my current position, I am salaried but am compensated at the same hourly rate for any hours I work over 40. I have consistently worked 40+ hours a week for the entire year, and am on track to make about $8,000 more than my stated base salary for the year. When discussing current compensation with potential employers, how much detail should I go into? Can I just say "I make around (number I made this year) in total compensation, or should I explain the salary + OT deal? Thanks!
posted by cccp47 at 10:05 AM PST - 12 comments

Can a small employer choose who is eligible for group health insurance?

Under the new Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare), can a small employer (under 25 FTE) choose who is eligible for a group plan based on merit or as an incentive? Basically, not have a set guideline as to who is eligible and who isn't?
posted by Snackpants at 9:59 AM PST - 15 comments

Law Apps?

What are your favorite legal research apps that you use in your legal practice? [more inside]
posted by *s at 9:49 AM PST - 5 comments

Is it common for bluetooth wireless headphones to produce a faint click?

I bought a pair of Kinivo BTH240, and they've been great, but every once in awhile they'll start clicking and popping over the audio. When I notice it, I can close the audio-producing app, reopen it, and the clicking is gone. Has anyone else experienced this with bluetooth headphones? [more inside]
posted by bjork24 at 9:41 AM PST - 4 comments

Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?

Exclusively breastfeeding my 4-month-old daughter and my joints have been hurting every day since a few weeks after her birth--particularly my hands, wrists, and ankles. My hands and wrists are also noticeably bigger. Everything hurts worse in the morning. I know prolactin is a pro-inflammatory so maybe that's why, and maybe I can expect things to get better when I wean her? I have a history of other autoimmune diseases so I am worried about RA. I have an appt with a rheumatologist but couldn't get in for several weeks so, in the meantime, is this something others have experienced? In other words, so that I can sleep at night without worry, did others have achy joints that went away after weaning? I'm hoping this can be chalked up to the prolactin and not RA that has been triggered...
posted by trandolph at 9:41 AM PST - 7 comments

Removing a ribbon from a circuit board.

Trying to swap-out circuit boards between a couple of really old Quantum Fireball CXs in attempt to retrieve data from failed unit. Cutting to chase; how do I disconnect this, without damaging it. Muchos thankos!
posted by JABof72 at 9:34 AM PST - 11 comments

Uphill challenge? fail.

How can I learn to run uphill? I'm a new runner. I have a 5k in about a month, that goes over an overpass (twice). I cannot run up the overpass without stopping 10 steps in. How can I get better at running uphill in 4-5 weeks? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 9:28 AM PST - 24 comments

Help name our baby!

Baby Mr. Fuga will be appearing in March. We'd like to name her some form of a name that can be shortened to Charlie. Charlotte is out, for various reasons, as is Charlene. Any ideas?
posted by mrfuga0 at 8:58 AM PST - 49 comments

Boston Needs: 1) courthouse, 2) gamers, 3) car service

My husband and I will be in Boston the first week of November. I am coming for a conference, the husband is coming along so we can get a federal government recognized marriage. I am originally from the Boston area, but have not be back in 15 years. We have a few questions. [more inside]
posted by hworth at 8:58 AM PST - 9 comments

Travel Filter: Heading to San Francisco in January... what can I do?

My time will be somewhat limited, but I'm wondering what I can do in San Francisco that will make for a memorable experience in a couple of afternoons/nights in January? [more inside]
posted by MMALR at 8:53 AM PST - 6 comments

Cat sitter recommendation: Chicago edition

Hello sage MeFites! Due to the usual vagaries of life (moving, grad school, etc), my usual wonderful cat-sitters are no longer quite so readily available to coddle the whims of my neurotic, adorable kitteh (SLYT of her torrid love affair with my humidifier). Do any Chicago MeFites know of a reliable, friendly cat-sitter who would be available for a north side kitty in November? [more inside]
posted by like_a_friend at 8:35 AM PST - 2 comments

kick the cans

I'm looking for new headphones or earbuds. Sound quality isn't that important. Long-term comfort and build quality are. [more inside]
posted by theodolite at 8:21 AM PST - 14 comments

A newish form of a lack of social skills

I no longer know how to end a phone call. I feel like an idiot. How do I gracefully get off the phone like a normal human. [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:34 AM PST - 28 comments

Learning to Contribute to Software Projects

How can I bridge the gap between knowledge of basic programming and actually contributing to software development? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 7:33 AM PST - 4 comments

OpenOffice 4 vs LibreOffice 4.1 for Mac

I noticed there's a new version of OpenOffice out and was wondering if the hive had determined what the best choice for a free, Microsoft compatible office suite for OS X is: Open Office, LibreOffice, or something else [more inside]
posted by gwint at 7:28 AM PST - 9 comments

Where can I find more small dining/bar tables that look like branches?

I really like the wooden branch-like table (with a glass top) by West Elm called the John Vogel table. I'd like to look at more tables like it, but "branch table" yields little online - anyone seen anything else like this? Definitely looking for a smooth/more stylized table than something like this. Bonus points for tables my cats can't hurt themselves on. Thanks!
posted by stewiethegreat at 6:51 AM PST - 2 comments

Data entry tool for photos of power meter

In order to get a better idea of our power usage, I have been taking photos of the meter on my mobile phone, and then manually adding the meter level and photo's timestamp to a spreadsheet. Is anyone aware of any software that can help with this data entry? [more inside]
posted by spongeboy at 6:35 AM PST - 7 comments

Ultra-short short story filter

Help me find an ultra-short short story assigned in a fiction writing workshop circa 1987. One-page story, 3 sections, takes place in an apartment building or possibly hotel. The sections are, I believe, not in chronological order, are described from different perspectives, and one of the sections describes the view of a piano falling outside the building from an upper floor. The title may be something like "Room XXX".
posted by drlith at 6:24 AM PST - 0 comments

Can you have sometimes OCD, or is it something else?

I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in undergrad (say 11 years ago), and it has been mostly controlled with a medium-low dose of SNRIs. Lately I've been having problems with what I think of as OCD-type symptoms, but sort of randomly. I'm looking for insight into whether this is a change in how my anxiety presents (i.e. am I developing OCD?) and if so, should I change treatment? If NOT, and this is a breakthrough GAD symptom, what are some more coping strategies? I'm usually pretty good at researching actual solutions/strategies for what I havem but since I'm not sure what that is, I'm having trouble figuring out what to research... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 AM PST - 8 comments

Whipped cream, or should I see a doctor?

I recently started working at a cafe. Since I started working there (and it may or may not be related), I've noticed a few rough patches on my scalp, right where I part my hair. [more inside]
posted by jb at 5:19 AM PST - 16 comments

Short story about a boy, a window and his sister who never exists

I'm pretty sure I came across this through the blue in the last few years: a story by an American author about a boy who becomes fascinated by a window he can see on the outside of his house (round? high?) that doesn't correspond with a window on the inside, and he cajoles his sister into touching it, and when she does she and the window don't vanish, they cease to have ever existed. What is it? [more inside]
posted by Hogshead at 4:59 AM PST - 7 comments

A camera bag that I won't lose

I have an Eastpak Delegate messenger bag which I tend to use as my day bag when on holiday/out with my camera. What kind of padding can I get that would fit it well to protect my lenses? Preferably something that can fold flat for storage/luggage. [more inside]
posted by mippy at 4:50 AM PST - 5 comments

Moving to Belgium. What do I need to think about?

This is a pretty big question but there are two essential parts to it: the things I need to think about when moving, and those I need to consider for living there for a reasonable length of time (18 months probably). [more inside]
posted by fearnothing at 3:43 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me with my advent calendar woes!

Christmaszilla filter: this Christmas ALL I want is an advent calendar that has little nativity figurines in the little slots so that you take one out each day and build a nativity set. Help! [more inside]
posted by low_horrible_immoral at 2:40 AM PST - 8 comments

Integrity 101

I want and need to have more integrity with myself. [more inside]
posted by mugitusqueboom at 1:12 AM PST - 8 comments

October 20

How can I get started as a freelance writer?

I'm looking to make around $300-$700 a month doing freelance writing to supplement my income. So far I have been overwhelmed with the resources online and still have no idea where to start. I have no experience writing professionally but I am an English major and have been writing almost all of my life. I'm mostly interested in the "Elance" platform but I'm open to other options. How do I get started? [more inside]
posted by dargerpartridge at 11:29 PM PST - 23 comments

Misbehaving fonts in Office 2011 Mac

So the long and short of it is, I'm pretty sure that Meiryo UI is messed up or missing or something, and instead Office 2011 on my Mac has decided that it'd be totally cool to use Mart Futomaru Gothic instead for most Japanese text display, including all over Excel. Is there some way to reinstall just the font(s) or maybe clear the Office font cache?
posted by DoctorFedora at 11:14 PM PST - 3 comments

Many a name I know, But never a name like this.

Is there a recording online or perhaps on CD of Ticonderoga, Robert Louis Stevenson's ballad about a curse on a Scottish highlander that is realized years later during a battle of the French and Indian War? [more inside]
posted by Francolin at 9:45 PM PST - 2 comments

The pro/con list just isn't cutting it

I have an amazing-on-paper/tough-in-reality job, and now an offer for a new position that is a total unknown. I am panicking about this decision. [more inside]
posted by sabotagerabbit at 9:21 PM PST - 17 comments

We're Going to the Mattresses

We're upgrading from an old Ikea queen-sized mattress to ... we don't know what. We know very little about proper mattresses. What should we look for in a mattress? [more inside]
posted by musofire at 9:14 PM PST - 20 comments

Gravity. Fact check. Potential Spoilers.

I just saw Gravity this weekend... [more inside]
posted by mazola at 8:58 PM PST - 16 comments

How to fix large patches of scar tissue?

I have large patches of raised scars and broken blood vessels across huge areas of my body. (I'm an adult in my twenties.) None of this was ever self-inflicted, nor desired in any way at any time. Can any of this be fixed medically/surgically if I save up the money? What about the purple/red marks crisscrossing my flesh? I know that laser surgery is possible for single scars, and to remove tattoos, but as for improving skin quality, I have no idea. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
posted by quiet earth at 8:20 PM PST - 12 comments

Resources on organisational memory

I'm looking for resources, anecdotes and best practice around how organisations remember, especially public sector organisations. If you can point me to strategies so that information doesn't get lost, research about what works, case studies about what can happen when they don't remember what's been done in the past, that would be great. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:22 PM PST - 3 comments

Can I set up a payment distribution service without a license?

YANML-filter: Some colleagues and I are thinking of starting a service that distributes incoming payments amongst multiple recipients. So imagine something like Flattr, but instead of splitting a monthly budget between several people, you pay several people at once with a one-off payment. My question is: What do we need to do to avoid needing a Financial Services License? The answer might be 'nothing' but I'd rather not pay $$$$ to find that out, at least while other options are on the table. [more inside]
posted by cogat at 7:11 PM PST - 2 comments

One week (or so) retreat in the US to learn or do something. Ideas?

Tell me about awesome 1 week (or so) classes, courses, workshops, retreats, festivals, tours, activities, etc. I'm looking for a solo vacation in the continental US for 2014 (active but not super fit 40s single female here) where I can learn something or do something. Like I went to surf camp once, went to a dude ranch, rafted the grand canyon, took canyoneering classes, took photoghraphy workshops, etc. Mefi collective brainstorming session? All ideas welcome! [more inside]
posted by bluesky78987 at 6:26 PM PST - 23 comments

Namethisplantfilter

A friend took this picture this weekend in Berkeley Park, in Portland, OR. What is this awesome plant?
posted by mollymayhem at 6:21 PM PST - 5 comments

I've listened to this song too many times. Help me get off the loop.

The world is full of great music, I know that on a rational level. But on an instinctive level, on an animal level I have slipped into a rut where there is only one true song. [more inside]
posted by compound eye at 6:15 PM PST - 13 comments

Coffee-Table University

I adore The Philosophy Book from DK Publishing - it collects a bunch of concise, plainly-written overviews of the work of many major philosophers, and has a cool design with interesting sidebars and diagrams and tidbits of info all over the place. (The style is a lot like Jon Stewart's America: The Book, but I'm not looking for humor stuff). I'm going to check out DK's equivalent books on Religion/Psychology/Economics, but does anyone have recommendations for coffee-table books like this? Specifically: cool overviews of academic subjects/disciplines with a great visual design, easy to pick up and read for a few minutes at a time. (I know the ...For Dummies books are out there, but their design is nowhere near as nice as these/not what I'm looking for.)
posted by UncleBoomee at 5:37 PM PST - 7 comments

Housetree?

This is a really silly question but whatever. I would like to get a small tree for my apartment. What are my best options? [more inside]
posted by prunes at 5:22 PM PST - 20 comments

I'm an intense, extroverted, energetic lady - I want dates!

I want to date. I'm 21 and the last time I had a boyfriend or a guy I dated for more than 2-3 dates was when I was 16 and totally-in-love-oh-my-god (for a 16 year old, anyway). I don't mind asking guys out, and I sometimes do online. But no matter what people say, it feels emasculating and guys seem to think I'm desperate... How can I encourage guys to ask me out, as an intense, energetic kind of awkward girl? [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen at 5:22 PM PST - 28 comments

How to get generic meds when doc said "no substitutions"?

In California, is there a simple way to get the pharmacy to fill my "no substitutions" name-brand prescription with a generic instead? I am temporarily without health insurance and can't afford the very expensive name-brand drug; I can't ask the prescribing doctor to change the scrip because they're no longer my doctor and I'm in a different state. [more inside]
posted by unreadyhero at 5:15 PM PST - 8 comments

I need life direction. Should I go to grad school now or later?

I've been at my non-profit position for 4.5 years. I am passionate and devoted to the work I do. They place where I work has allowed me grow as a professional and human being and I love my co workers. The problem? I do not get paid enough. And I won't for a really long time. (pay freezes, money issues, etc.) So I'm going to grad school. The problem: Should I go now or later? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:10 PM PST - 6 comments

What's the best way for a UK company to pay American worker bees?

About a month ago, a British company hired me to work 25+ hours a week for three months, with the possibility to go full-time after that if my coworker and I land a certain number of clients. (We're opening its New York office.) Payment is a clusterfuck. [more inside]
posted by jessca84 at 4:47 PM PST - 3 comments

All the jeans are skinny. Where are the nice trouser or bootcut jeans?

Spent some time in looking for new jeans today and the shops only had very skinny or still rather skinny jeans. Was told that was just what was in style now. Looked at many nice brands: Joe, Paige, Fidelity, JBrand...but none suited me because I am looking for a slightly looser fit. I want high quality nice jeans that do not squeeze my calves/legs/cling. What brands should I look for? Am in Toronto and would prefer to try them on.
posted by Lescha at 4:06 PM PST - 19 comments

How to stop a klepto dog

My dog is a kleptomaniac. Anything left in his reach he will steal and chew on and hide. Paper goods, remote controls, anything. He's a freaking 5 lb Chihuahua but nothing is safe if he can reach it or climb to it. After 3 years of being terrorized by his ways I'm wondering if there's any training that can make it so we can trust him to have free reign of the house. [more inside]
posted by arniec at 3:19 PM PST - 17 comments

Any worthwhile CV/Resume services online?

I'd like to send my CV/Resume out to a service but I don't know of any good ones. Do you know of any and is it even worthwhile? [more inside]
posted by satine at 3:18 PM PST - 6 comments

Studying the masters, not their pupils (budget edition)

I am a frequent buyer of <$5 books on Amazon. Lately I am interested in math treatises but have been unable to find any that aren't way out of my price range. Am I being way too demanding? [more inside]
posted by myitkyina at 3:18 PM PST - 9 comments

Warm clothes for an older lady

My mother is in assisted living, so she's inside much of the time, but has no control over the temperature of the building, and likes to walk outside when she can. She's asked me to find warm clothes for her to wear. I got her some fleece cardigans, but I'm having a hard time finding warm pants which are simple: pull on, no buttons or zippers. Difficulty level: petite, and not too expensive or fancy. She does have long johns, but simpler is probably better. Other suggestions of warming clothing are welcome, too.
posted by Riverine at 3:02 PM PST - 23 comments

Accounting/bookkeeping question

With the help of an accountant, I'm trying to teach myself bookkeeping for our small business. Our business is set up so that we collect *x-amount* when a client reserves our services, then *x-amount* six months before we provide the service, then finally, *x-amount* 30 days before we provide the service. Our accountant is advising us to accept these amounts as prepayments and not generate an invoice until we've received final payment. Basically, even though this money is going into our bank account, it's not showing as income on our income statement until we've received final payment/generated the invoice. Is this the best way to do this? [more inside]
posted by okay-quiet-time at 2:59 PM PST - 10 comments

Speed up my photograph library!

Netgear Stora MS2110 -> Router -> Picasa on my PC. Which bit is slowing the whole thing down? [more inside]
posted by almostwitty at 1:56 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find this painting

Years ago I saw a painting in a newspaper with an accompanying article. I really liked the painting and made a vague mental note to look up more online but never actually did. As I recall, the painting was called something like "The Pioneers" and it was very detailed semi-futuristic buildings on the side of a cliff. I'd like to find it or the artist again. [more inside]
posted by raeka at 1:51 PM PST - 4 comments

I look like my mother. How do I deal with this?

Many facial features I have are very similar to my mother's. She's not ugly or anything, but I don't have a good relationship with her. I am having self image problems because of this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:12 PM PST - 13 comments

Seeking guidance on tricky slipped condom issues.

Is this a job for the morning after pill? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:11 PM PST - 26 comments

Can I automatically send an email based on a Facebook page update?

The restaurant Next in Chicago sells tickets rather than taking reservations. The tickets sell out months in advance, but the restaurant will occasionally have same-night cancellations. They post these on their Facebook page. If you're quick (and lucky!) you can score a table for that night. I'm neither quick nor lucky, but I have an important special occasion to celebrate. Is there anything like an IFTT recipe that will help me? [more inside]
posted by jefficator at 1:04 PM PST - 4 comments

Recommendations for fine art facsimiles and artist books?

I am interested in buying some beautiful facsimiles of illuminated manuscripts and artist's books. Do you have any recommendations, particularly for affordable ones? I can pay up to about $100 / book, but not the thousands of dollars that some facsimiles cost. Any leads would be most appreciated.
posted by mortaddams at 1:00 PM PST - 6 comments

Inserting Windows Media Video into Power Point

I have spent the last 3-4 hours trying to embed a video from Windows Movie Maker into a power point (yes, I am that inept at computers!). I keep getting this message when I try to insert it: "Power Point cannot select a video from the selected file. Verify that the necessary codec for this media format is installed and try again." I've followed link after link and am really tired. Help! [more inside]
posted by boots77 at 12:44 PM PST - 3 comments

What is this song about ghost towns, trains, and murderous barbers?

Last year, I was at a Hallowe'en party and heard a song that I liked. Unfortunately, it was playing on a seasonal streaming radio station and hasn't proved easy to Google, so I never did get an artist or title for it. A year later, it's still haunting me - or my inability to look it up is. The song was in English, likely recorded in the 21st century, and sung by a man. I think it had an acoustic Americana sound. From what I can remember, it involved a traveller arriving in an unsettling town by the railway tracks, upon which ran a ghost train. The man goes to the local barber's for a haircut and a shave, and the song culminates with the barber cutting his throat just as the train blows its whistle. I believe the final implication was that the traveller was now riding the ghost train, or was now a resident of the ghost town. Despite the involvement of a barber, there were no explicit references to Sweeney Todd. Does this ring a bell for anyone?
posted by northernish at 11:48 AM PST - 3 comments

19th century "magic squares" from India. What?

I went to an exhibit of historic swords today and read the following inscription: . . . the blade also carries the name of the craftsman . . . a magic square for protection, and blah blah. The sword in question is from the Talpur rulers of Sind[h], in what is now known as Pakistan, and is from the 19th century. I'm just really curious about these protective magic squares, and am hoping there is someone out there who can tell me something about them and/or show some examples. [more inside]
posted by craniac at 11:45 AM PST - 6 comments

Mystery Object

I found this object in a cigar box: Mystery Object views 1, 2, 3, 4. It weighs about an ounce according to my kitchen scale. It seems to be broken off of something or a piece of it was broken off (image 3). [more inside]
posted by backwords at 11:43 AM PST - 10 comments

Who is the subject of this painting?

My great aunt recently passed away, and I was given this painting that she made. I know this is probably a wild goose chase, but I would love to figure out who is the subject. [more inside]
posted by jpdoane at 11:29 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I make a kickass powerpoint for college

I have never made a powerpoint before. I have to make 6 slides for class. How to I get a nice background and make charts- pie charts, etc? Either explain like your are teaching your mom, or links to a sites that will literally walk me through it! Thanks!!!
posted by TRUELOTUS at 10:54 AM PST - 9 comments

my thumb is hurting and the doc said nothing was wrong. what do I do?

my right thumb has been hurting on and off for years. it's at the basilar joint. I have gotten xrays and I was checked for rheumatism (which has occurred in my family) but was cleared. eventually, the doc gave up, stating some things just couldn't be explained. this is not good enough for me. [more inside]
posted by krautland at 10:31 AM PST - 15 comments

DIY DSL shell?

I'd like to build a domain specific language for analyzing fantasy football data. Preferably, with a shell like interface. Something analogous to Jira's JQL or python. Or maybe something like the visualization scripting in Graphite? [more inside]
posted by butterstick at 10:01 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for Gaia, Tellus, Mother Earth, etc.

I need recommendations for gendered representations of nature (e.g.: Gaia, Tellus, Terra, Mother Earth/Nature, etc.) in literature, media, art, children's books, or anything else. [more inside]
posted by still bill at 9:59 AM PST - 13 comments

How to buy a new iPhone 5 (not 5s or 5c)?

Is there a way I can buy a new iPhone 5 (not 5s or 5c), white, 16GB, unlocked, unsubsidized, with support for the T-Mobile's AWS band (some early iPhone 5 models didn't have this, model A1428 added it). [more inside]
posted by bluecore at 9:58 AM PST - 9 comments

Burgled!

I was burgled again this week. Sigh. I need help asking my landlord for specific safety interventions. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 9:53 AM PST - 17 comments

Print to FAIL on trying to figure this out on my own.

How to save gmail emails and attachments to Dropbox sub folder on iPad? [more inside]
posted by letahl at 9:22 AM PST - 1 comment

What to do with 4lb of unfrozen strawberries

In an attempt to clear up freezer space, I took out a 4lb bag of frozen strawberries, and promptly forgot about them. I left them on the counter for a few hours, now they're thawed. The bag was a bit leaky, so I put them in a ziplock bag and put them in the refrigerator. Question 1) are they still OK to eat or use in a recipe, and if they are still OK, 2) what do I do with 4lb of unfrozen strawberries? Thanks!
posted by filthy light thief at 9:05 AM PST - 15 comments

How do I deal with this work situation?

How do I deal with someone who spends all their time "managing" what doesn't need to be managed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:34 AM PST - 18 comments

Disability questions

I am applying for disability and just received mail that informed be that I would have to have a mental and physical exam. I understand that this is the usual procedure. What I am not happy about is that my "mental exam" is taking place in a mega church. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:34 AM PST - 11 comments

Gerrymandering: having it both ways?

It seems to me that there are two different things you can accomplish with gerrymandering that are not mutually compatible: 1) make "your" districts safer by concentrating your side's voters in them, or 2) win more districts by inducing relatively narrow victories in as many districts as you can. But the references to gerrymandering in the US House of Representatives seem to imply both things are happening. Which is it? [more inside]
posted by dfan at 8:25 AM PST - 13 comments

Help Me Put Exercise In My Exercise So I Can Workout While I Workout

Thanks to following the advice from some previous AskMeFi threads, I have finally gotten back into a regular workout routine. I am still working to find a set of exercises I can alternate between that make the best use of the time I have and that I do not dread doing. I've found that I really appreciate exercises that work multiple parts of the body simultaneously (I think it keeps me from focusing on how unpleasant the strain on any one body part is), especially ones that work my core without having to do situps. For example, squats combined with overhead press. Googling hasn't been that fruitful. What are some other exercises or combination of exercises that I can use to maximize my workout? I do not have a gym membership, but I have a good set of free weights and resistance bands at my disposal.
posted by C'est la D.C. at 8:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Rain jacket recommendations

Anyone have recommendations for a men's, black, medium-weight, hooded rain jacket that has no logos? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 7:23 AM PST - 9 comments

Child Choir or Children's Choir/ Adult Choir or Adult's Choir?

What is best accepted usage for the use of apostrophe in descriptive titles such as for choirs made up only of children or adults. What is better Child Choir or Children's Choir? [more inside]
posted by foleypt at 7:19 AM PST - 18 comments

Past abuse and trying pegging, BDSM with the new boyfriend

The new boyfriend would like me to be more switch-y (and peg him, too) and I'd like to be able to provide that to him but past abuse makes me very adverse to causing people pain even if I know they'd enjoy it and also puts me off being the penetrative partner. How do I enjoy being the dominant/penetrative partner? I love it when the BF dominates me and causes me pain (a not-insane amount and he's always very respectful of my boundaries and comfort) so how can I become more comfortable reciprocating pain to him and how can I become comfortable with being the penetrative partner? [more inside]
posted by code_n_cakes at 6:36 AM PST - 9 comments

I want you to be successful, but...

How to manage a relationship with my former protege at a job from which I just got fired? [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 5:57 AM PST - 14 comments

The Zone

Does anyone remember the title to the Radiolab episode they speak with a couple track athlete's about "the zone" during their running?
posted by danep at 4:37 AM PST - 2 comments

The music of Hello Ladies

MUSIC FILTER!>> I have discovered that I love the sort of music that features in Stephen Merchant's HBO show, Hello Ladies. I want to listen to every song that sounds like it. According to the NY Times "the soundtrack chips in with gems like Hall and Oates’s “Alone Too Long” (1975) and Exile’s “Kiss You All Over” (1978)." I love Hall and Oates. GIVE ME MORE!
posted by mooza at 4:15 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I buy a Ukranian folk artist's print - Maria Primachenko?

I fell in love this week with Maria Primachenko who is just so so good, like staring at the pictures on my screen in wonder and delight, and I badly want a full-size or at least reasonably large print to frame - I love them all, so any of her works would do. All I can find are some dubious quality replicas at Wahooart, but I'll settle for postcards at this point. I can't find any of the books or albums about her on my usual book source searches either. Any ideas?
posted by viggorlijah at 3:45 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I improve my "offensive game" in the sport of socializing?

I just got back from a party, and I noticed one major problem I have with socializing. I'll try to describe the problem here. It feels like I am bad at directing the flow of conversation back to the person. It's as if the person is oppressing me with his/her words. Instead of bouncing the conversation back, I simply bear it, and respond weakly with an answer that suffices. [more inside]
posted by wuMeFi at 3:37 AM PST - 14 comments

High school sweethearts turned college breakup

Is it possible to love someone and want to "explore your options" at the same time? [more inside]
posted by xxxsweetambitionxxx at 2:29 AM PST - 10 comments

October 19

Tell me about your skinny jeans that actually STAY skinny

I'm tired of buying skinny jeans only to find that they bag out around the knees and shins after wearing them for a couple of hours. Are there skinny jeans out there that actually keep their shape? [more inside]
posted by figaro at 8:57 PM PST - 26 comments

Song ID Filter

What artist/song is playing at the 27 minute mark of This American Life Episode 76: Mob ?
posted by 12%juicepulp at 8:04 PM PST - 4 comments

Autobiographical writing moonlighting as instruction manual

Have you ever read any autobiographical writing that has since helped guide how you make decisions or choose to live your life? Any length is good - particular passages, articles, or even full books. [more inside]
posted by estlin at 6:32 PM PST - 13 comments

Need a cheap necklace that resembles ice cubes

I'm going as a Singapore Sling for Halloween. I'm looking for a necklace that resembles ice. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Zosia Blue at 6:15 PM PST - 9 comments

How to grieve for somebody who is living?

My sister was in a car accident two months ago, sustaining severe brain injuries. She is out of danger and is making good progress in rehab but the nature of her injuries means that the brilliant, unique girl I once knew is most likely gone forever. [more inside]
posted by Naanwhal at 6:03 PM PST - 17 comments

Pixel Measurements in CSS Considered Harmful?

Are (or should) web designers move away from pixel measurements in style sheets? [more inside]
posted by spacewrench at 5:49 PM PST - 3 comments

Where should I put the prime meridian?

So I've just sent a probe to map a new Earth-like planet, and I'd like to establish a latitude-longitude standard for the planet. The poles are pretty easy to spot since the planet is rotating, so I plop down the equator halfway between them and boom, I've got my latitude lines laid out. But now it's time to lay out the longitude lines and I need to find somewhere to put the prime meridian. How do I decide where to put it? [more inside]
posted by ErWenn at 5:48 PM PST - 22 comments

name that vulgar gesture

Left forearm is horizontal, with left hand touching right elbow, right forearm is vertical and the right hand raised in a fist held above shoulder with the palm facing inward. The motion of inserting the left hand into the right elbow while raising the right fist is important. [more inside]
posted by kickback at 5:27 PM PST - 19 comments

What society is this?

My wife found a pin in an antique store. It looks like it's to indicate membership in some sort of group. What is it from? http://i.imgur.com/iRIRLx0.jpg
posted by ckolderup at 5:20 PM PST - 10 comments

The land before infomercials...

It is the late eighties or early nineties and you are watching a late night movie on UHF. It features a "wanderer" type person with big religious/philosophical ideas, set in the modern US, and loopily incoherent/incompetent. Is this a trope, what are the examples? What are examples of seminal bad late night movies which aren't scifi/horror?
posted by ennui.bz at 4:50 PM PST - 4 comments

Please help me make a playlist for a "classic New York" cocktail party"

What are some NYC-related songs you might recommend for a "classic New York" themed cocktail party? [more inside]
posted by socks are for puppets at 3:46 PM PST - 30 comments

Help me find a bidet/diaper sprayer that works and doesn't leak.

I'm looking for a diaper sprayer for my toilet. I've looked around at diaper sprayers and handheld bidets, but they all have ominous negative reviews about leaking. [more inside]
posted by Salvor Hardin at 3:40 PM PST - 18 comments

How is an "induction interface disc" different from a magnetic fry pan?

I am thinking of buying a portable induction burner. (A built-in or gas unit is not an option.) Several of my cookware items are not induction-compatible, and I don't want to replace them. Must I purchase an "induction interface disc" or can I just get a cheap induction-compatible frying pan and put non-magnetic pans on top of that instead? How are these items different? Why is this a specialized product? What am I missing about cooking with induction? Nobody in my household is much of a cook, so we're not looking for incredible performance-- we just want hot food. If the burner heats the interface and the interface heats the pot, I get that there will be heat loss, but why is a special interface disc a $50 product?
posted by blnkfrnk at 2:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Help us plan a minimal marriage—somewhere!

We want to get married this fall, but need help planning. We want it to just be the two of us, in a civil ceremony (no wedding, no religion, no guests). We live in DC, and are open to doing it in DC, or in another state like New York or Vermont (making it into a long weekend trip). Help us decide on the location and a few other details. [more inside]
posted by RedMapleWhiteOak at 2:28 PM PST - 13 comments

What are these things that came with my laptop bag?

I bought this laptop bag on Amazon, and it came with a couple of accessories that weren't advertised: a small pouch with a plastic ring attached to it, and some colored Velcro straps. (Photos here.) I've never bought a laptop bag before, so I have no idea what these are for (the packaging has no explanation, and I can't find any info on the manufacturer website). My wife is similarly stumped. What the heck are these things and what are they for?
posted by Mo' Money Moe Bandy at 2:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Best programming language to make a fill-in map?

How would I go about programming a map which would fill-in an area with color when a question was answered correctly? [more inside]
posted by Diablevert at 1:04 PM PST - 7 comments

Email current page as attachment?

I need a bookmarklet, preferably, that will send an email with the current page as an attachment -- not just the link, the actual file. Bonus if you can pre-specify the email address (or otherwise make it 1-click). [more inside]
posted by tintexas at 12:55 PM PST - 9 comments

Here's everything I did at my last job

If you work a job where you're expected to provide "samples" in your job search, how do you deal with the confidentiality aspect? I feel like if I was an employer, I would find it similar to the taboo against saying anything in negative in an interview. "Well if you're willing to say this about them, what are you going to say about me?" = "If you're willing to show me everything they're up to, how can I trust you to keep my information private?" But presumably people get jobs in this field every day, so there must be a lot of this going on? So there must be some expectation this is acceptable? Nobody I asked has been able to give me an answer to this other than a shrug.
posted by bleep at 12:32 PM PST - 12 comments

What's the better weight-loss strategy, Weight Watchers or MyFitnessPal?

I'm currently on a campaign against the 20 pounds I've put on over the last 2 years (stress eating, sedentary lifestyle, post-30 metabolism drop, you name it). I hear great things about Weight Watchers, but my buddy also introduced me to the MyFitnessPal app, which is free. Weight watchers is all about "points" (carbs, fat, fiber, protein), while the app focuses exclusively on calories in, calories out. Which is better, for weight loss? [more inside]
posted by airguitar2 at 12:02 PM PST - 23 comments

How do I care for this wooden art mask?

I have a nice hand carved wooden Boruca mask from Costa Rica that I got in 2011. Unfortunately, I've noticed that the wood seems to be drying out, and in some places, even cracking. I know it is authentic (e.g. not tourist crap from China) as it was bought at an indigenous reserve/cooperative and I saw them being made, but was not able to learn what kind of wood it was carved from (though likely balsa or cedar?) or get any instructions on care. It is unpainted, just solid wood. Any idea how to care for this piece of art? Does it need oiling? How would I do that?
posted by juniperesque at 11:57 AM PST - 4 comments

What older computer should I buy?

Hi, I want to get a refurb PC running Windows 7 (for occasional use), get one of the beefy, business-use laptops that cost crazy money about 3-4 years ago. Now I see these machines for $200-$300. I near good things about the Lenovo t400 & t61, but I'm open, also wonder if people can suggest places like Newegg, etc., that are good or to be avoided. Thanks!
posted by ambient2 at 11:56 AM PST - 7 comments

Podcasts that Persuade

Please recommend specific episodes of podcasts that make a clear, logical, and sustained argument. I'm looking for podcasts in the This American Life, Radiolab, and 99% Invisible genre that attempt to persuade, rather than just inform. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Hoenikker at 11:39 AM PST - 11 comments

Service Contract Advice Needed

I have a business selling widgets and I want to hire a similar business in another state to distribute my widgets. I want to put a very simple service agreement but I have once concern. [more inside]
posted by otto42 at 11:18 AM PST - 4 comments

Where can I find good drum machine programs to download?

In search of a good drum machine program to download. What are some good recommendations? [more inside]
posted by morning_television at 11:05 AM PST - 3 comments

Really, my stove does not need wifi

I'm going to have to replace my kitchen appliances at some point, so I browse the interweb late at night to see what is out there. I'm dismayed at the universality of high-tech interfaces on mid- to high-end appliances, by which I mean panels with LEDs and buttons that beep, and are both fragile and expensive to replace; kosher fridges that I just know will malfunction and leave my food in the dark every Saturday; programming functions on my dishwasher that will require me to go back to school to understand. What other options are out there? [more inside]
posted by Capri at 10:52 AM PST - 21 comments

More reading material, please

My partner keeps rereading the Phrynee Fisher series. He likes them because they're on his E-reader, detective stories, and they pass the Bechdel and Russo tests. He likes the characters in these novels: these are relatively happy people for the most part. Please, O MetaFilter. He's ready for a new series. What else is out there?
posted by aniola at 10:51 AM PST - 13 comments

$50 at Pottery Barn?

Received a $50 gift card to Pottery Barn. What's the most useful thing I can buy from there in this approximate price range?
posted by corn_bread at 10:44 AM PST - 8 comments

Do I have to purchase Minecraft 1.6.4?

We have a Minecraft subscription. My son wants to upgrade to 1.6.4. I downloaded the "new launcher" and pressed "play demo" to install 1.6.4 on our machine. However, it's just a demo. If we already have a Minecraft subscription, do we have to pay an extra $20 or whatever to upgrade? Minecraft 1.7 is supposed to come out soon, so would I have to pay again to upgrade again? But the fundamental question is, do I have to purchase 1.6.4 if I already have a Minecraft subscription?
posted by KokuRyu at 10:08 AM PST - 7 comments

I finally made some decisions, but I'm pretty sure i was wrong. Help?

I recently switched to part time at work and moved back in with my parents so that I could attend grad school full time and I'm beginning to think that I made a horrible mistake. Would it be a terrible idea to leave school and try to figure out another direction? (details inside) [more inside]
posted by aka_anon at 9:52 AM PST - 17 comments

How to get a traumatised Labrador to like water

Friend rescued a five-year-old sick Labrador from the streets and adopted him, but he absolutely hates water and can't be bathed because of this. What can we do to get him over his fear? [more inside]
posted by madman at 9:27 AM PST - 16 comments

How to ask for more work at a new, mid-level position?

First mid level position, due to some turnover and changes, my boss has no idea what my team does and I need work since mentoring/shadowing isn't providing enough. [more inside]
posted by lpcxa0 at 9:18 AM PST - 3 comments

Cheating and Freak Dancing

Is it considered cheating if you “freak dance” or “Bump and Grind” at the club with someone who is not your significant other? (long but necessary story inside, possibly nsfw)) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:06 AM PST - 85 comments

Help us find an apartment in Amsterdam

So we made this happen. Now all we need is a place to live for the first of November. And are having a heck of a time of it.. [more inside]
posted by dobie at 7:43 AM PST - 8 comments

London accommodation tips

So, after leaving her job to pursue another degree in a field that she loves and having been out of work (or studying) for nearly 3 years my other half has been offered the job of her dreams. Yay! Unfortunately we're in Yorkshire and the job is in South West London, and the job is (initially at least) a 7 month short term contract. So she needs accommodation. [more inside]
posted by hardcode at 6:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Help us choose *short* books for a book club

What are your favorite books under 300 pages? More criteria below the fold. [more inside]
posted by pete_22 at 5:30 AM PST - 64 comments

Help me track down components for a "Korean Braised Beef" sandwich

A local food on wheels truck makes a sandwich with "Korean braised beef". This seems like an overly generic label that will net quick results on About, etc without getting anywhere near the right neighborhood. Maybe you've had the Mustang and can describe it better than all these folks on Yelp (who do pretty well in bits and starts). I'll summarize below. [more inside]
posted by Ogre Lawless at 3:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Something that's lasted for a long time will continue to endure?

Is there a word to describe the idea that something that has proven its value for a long time (for example the music of Mozart) is likely to endure into the future? I remember reading something to this effect in Nassim Nicholas Taleb's Antifragile, but my a search of the index and my google fu fail me. TIA
posted by quidividi at 3:12 AM PST - 18 comments

Ideas for a solo sun vacation from Europe in January?

I will be in Europe for work during the first week of January, and have two weeks off after that. I would like to travel somewhere, anywhere warm and sunny. Ideally, I'd like to spend the bulk of the time on a quiet beach resort where I can read and hide out from my Blackberry, but I'm also up for a couple of layovers in interesting cities on the way there and back. My budget for the trip is about USD 3500. Where should I go? (Departure airport doesn't matter, since I can make it to any major centre.)
posted by rpfields at 3:02 AM PST - 13 comments

How to make machinema in GTA V

GTA V is such a rich platform. Some people have figured out how to make movies with it. E.g. here is some nice time lapse footage that demonstrates the passing of time. It's only available on Xbox 360 and PS3 as yet. So how do people make this kind of footage? It's clearly not the luddite method of pointing a camera at the screen. Any means by which screen footage could be captured would suffice. But my search fu is failing. Anybody know how to capture footage of in-game play for making machinema?
posted by stonepharisee at 2:57 AM PST - 2 comments

October 18

Roommate thinks I'm dirty but it really isn't me...

I recently moved into a place with three other girls. They've all been there for a while - I'm the new one. We have a bug problem in the kitchen which was there even when I moved in. However, recently, we've seen an increase in fruit flies. Turns out, someone was throwing trash into the garbage can and I'm fairly certain the girl who cleaned it out thinks it's me. She left a note. How do I tackle this? I'm innocent! [more inside]
posted by cyml at 11:39 PM PST - 14 comments

Is it bad to have HPV in your body?

I'm on my fourth consecutive abnormal pap smear and resulting colposcopy. I know HPV is super common and I am fine with it being in my body, but am I just going to test positive and have abnormal cells forever? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 8:56 PM PST - 14 comments

My coworkers are brushing me off, is there anything I can do?

Two months ago I started teaching at a small community college, a 90 minute drive away from home, two afternoons a week. There are two other teachers who live in the same neighborhood as me who also work at the same college. Actually, it was one of them who alerted me about an opening position there and told me it would be a good opportunity for me. Only one of the three of us owns a car and the three of us carpooled a few times when I started work there. Then, one day I stopped receiving texts saying "We'll pick you up at X". [more inside]
posted by Basque13 at 8:43 PM PST - 33 comments

Please indulge me in my 100% hypothetical work situation

I know, what good is worrying about something that hasn't happened yet? Well, I am anyway. I am fairly certain that my supervisor in our very small office will be leaving her job soon. I am also fairly certain that when this happens, I will be offered her job. Our boss is lazy and this has always been her way of doing things (maybe I am giving myself too much credit?). While I sometimes like my work, I am also sometimes miserable, and I have been sending out applications for other jobs for a while now. I really, really, really do not want my supervisor's position for many reasons, not the least of which is that it doesn't align with what I want to do with myself career-wise anymore. I know there would also be no significant pay raise. What would you do in this situation? Decline and stay in your current position? Accept the new one and then jet when the time comes? I realize there are a ton of ifs involved, but I feel like I need to think about it.
posted by sandwiches at 7:44 PM PST - 10 comments

Feed Me - But Just Not That

Baby Taffeta is 11 months old now and has a great appetite. The problem is she also has a great gag reflex, enlarged adenoids and difficulty with textured foods. We're finding it harder and harder to find foods for her that help her transition to solids that she won't gag on but that will help her get full enough so that she can hopefully sleep through the night. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 7:34 PM PST - 14 comments

Pension lump sum payment

I have the opportunity to take a retirement plan lump sum … [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:45 PM PST - 11 comments

Can we negotiate on Mortgage Modification?

Good news: after months of fun, our mortgage provider has presented a mortgage modification trial agreement. Bad news: the payments are just $150 less than they are on the original mortgage. Can we negotiate with them? Do we run the risk of losing even this concession? [more inside]
posted by Kalatraz at 4:56 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I Google for this kind of "quick release" keychain clasp?

What is this type of keychain clasp called? Is there a specific "industry lingo" name for it? [more inside]
posted by melorama at 4:44 PM PST - 5 comments

My daughter is allergic to my fiancee's dog. Now what?

RelationshipFilter, more detailed: My asthmatic daughter is allergic to my fiancee's daughter's dog. Now what? [more inside]
posted by ZakDaddy at 4:39 PM PST - 31 comments

What to get the man who's building a road bike?

A lawyer I was referred to just did a pro bono deal for me and I would love to get him a gift since he told me his work would be free. I would love that gift to have something to do with his building of a road bike, but I'm clueless. [more inside]
posted by buzzkillington at 4:16 PM PST - 15 comments

Should I adopt this kitty? Not sure this is the right one...

Sorry for a kitty adoption question, but I need the power of the hivemind. I'm trying to decide if I should adopt this particular cat, or look for another one! Need to make a choice quick - snowflake issues beneath the fold. [more inside]
posted by jrochest at 3:34 PM PST - 13 comments

Help me hipsterize my office.

Looking for cool hipstery, geeky office decorations, posters, furniture, office supplies, etc. Gimme your ideas Mefites! [more inside]
posted by hamandcheese at 3:20 PM PST - 20 comments

Pay attention to me, my body says. But do I listen?

In the years since I've been working on being an emotional eater (i.e. stuffing myself with a whole pizza in order to avoid feeling sorry for myself), I've come to a better, more mindful relationship with food. However... [more inside]
posted by softlord at 3:05 PM PST - 4 comments

The Mystery of the Blue Spots: Why do my clothes get stains in the wash?

In the last few weeks, blue stains have shown up on my daughter's shirts after washing them. They weren't there before I washed the clothes. They don't show up on anyone else's clothes. I can't get them out. Any ideas about how to get the stains out and how to prevent other shirts from getting stained? [more inside]
posted by TEA at 3:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Best options for airbender temporary tattoos/clothing in LA?

I'm trying to create an pretty good airbender/air nomad costume for halloween. In particular I'm looking for advice on people I might turn to in Los Angeles to temporarily give me the iconic arrow tattoos. Do I want body paint? Henna tattoos? Something else? What do I need to be aware of if I've never done anything like this before? Also interested in any tips for putting together the red/yellow outfit -- either pieces I could buy off the shelf (over the internet or locally) that are close, or people I could go to.
posted by weston at 2:29 PM PST - 2 comments

Like Virginia Woolfe... But happier!

Bookfilter: Books that are beautifully written but funny, feel-good (at least at the end) and preferably with some female characters that are cool. [more inside]
posted by dinosaurprincess at 2:21 PM PST - 22 comments

Should I move here?

I'm moving to a new apartment, and looking for a place that will be quiet and peaceful. I've found an apartment I like—based on the description on Craigslist, at least—and I just drove by in advance of the open house. The market where I live, in the Bay Area, is so tight right now that I'll probably have to apply immediately at the open house if I want a chance of getting it. When I drove by, I noticed that the house across the street was literally falling apart-- the roof had holes that were visible from the street, shingles were falling off, and the whole thing looked like it might eventually collapse. I saw someone go inside, so it looks like people are living there. The rest of the block looks ordinary enough. Having never lived near a place that looked so bad, I'm just wondering if there's anything I should be worried about. Other than the fact that it looks bad, and I feel bad for the people who have to live there (and for the house itself, which clearly was once very nice), does it matter that this place is across the street?
posted by three_red_balloons at 2:06 PM PST - 10 comments

PS3 or PS4 couch-to-couch trivia games?

My husband and I used to LOVE playing Buzz Quiz World on PS3 against random folks online. This was a few years ago before we had kids. Recently, we tried to resurrect the fun, only to find no one else playing online. Upon doing a little research, we see that they're shutting down the Buzz Quiz World servers completely! My question is this: Does anyone have an online multiplayer "couch-to-couch" quiz or trivia game they love? Does anyone even know of a single one that exists anymore? I just read through a comprehensive list of all games expected to come out on the PS4, and... NOTHING. Am I just an old, old lady? Buzz Quiz World was so much fun...
posted by nationalj at 2:03 PM PST - 4 comments

How does testosterone increase energy?

Testosterone helps my fatigue, but I have difficulty with the side effects. Explain to me the mechanism by which testosterone increases energy levels so that I can think sensibly about options and understand what this tells me about the cause of my problem. [more inside]
posted by Clay201 at 2:01 PM PST - 2 comments

Treating ADHD in high-functioning adults - coaching? Self-help?

I am a high-functioning adult who recently got diagnosed with ADHD. I have started taking medication, but am also considering therapy and coaching. However, I'm feeling skeptical about a recent referral for an ADHD coach. Does anyone have experience with these folks? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:11 PM PST - 10 comments

Essays about Alternative Currencies?

A reading group I'm in is interested in learning about alternative currencies. For example, a good overview of something like Bitcoin. Bonus points if it's coming from a Marxist or left political position.
posted by matkline at 12:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Why can't I get group texts originating from iPhones?

Hi, my band members have iPhones. Since last month, I am not getting group texts from the other members. They can see my texts sent to the group, but their responses never reach my phone. Texts to and from the individual members work just fine, but I never get any of their texts to the group. Any idea what causes this and what can be done to fix it? I don't know the models they are using. I'm using a Blackberry Curve. The internet is filled with questions about this problem, but not specifically related to group texts, which are the only problem for me. The other issues are apparently related to iMessage.
posted by Ironmouth at 12:23 PM PST - 14 comments

Trustee won't distribute funds from the trust, won't even return calls.

A relative of mine died a over two years ago, leaving a very small estate and a small trust. There were various delays, so the trust was in stasis for nearly a year. The delays have been resolved, but I cannot get the trustee to pay out the funds. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by ROTFL at 12:07 PM PST - 19 comments

I'd like to know more about my phone's shuffle algorithm!

When on shuffle mode, do phones try to play songs which sound better next to each other? [more inside]
posted by goethean at 11:22 AM PST - 13 comments

Can Software Help Me Keep Track of What I've Assigned My Interns?

I'm a first-time manager of three student workers. I'm doing a pretty good job, I think, of keeping them occupied with things to do and providing guidance where needed. But I have a lot on my own plate, and I've lost track once or twice of who I've asked to do what and how much I've asked each to do. Is there a software solution that can help me keep track of all these balls in the air? [more inside]
posted by moviehawk at 11:20 AM PST - 8 comments

I think my boyfriend is toothless.

So, I've been dating a guy since March, and despite a few hiccups, things are pretty great. There's one thing that's been bothering me though - I'm 99% sure he doesn't have any teeth, at least in the front. There's a whole list of evidence I've assembled in my brain over the last few months that makes me believe he is almost certainly toothless, and I can no longer stand not to know. I've decided to try to bring it up this weekend, but I haven't a clue how. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:50 AM PST - 95 comments

We are "on a break". How long should it last?

My fiancee and I have been together for seven-and-a-half years, owned a house together for three, and in the spring of this year she agreed to marry me. Last week she told me, quite out of the blue, that she wanted a break from our relationship. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:46 AM PST - 42 comments

Call for anecdotes that support the use of standard processes

I do systems redesign work with clinicans/health care workers who have no experience in formal operations theory and I'm having difficulty convincing them of the importance of developing standard processes. In solving systems problems, they have little practice in abstraction and modeling, so appealing to them on the basis of first principles is usually not effective. [more inside]
posted by klarck at 10:16 AM PST - 16 comments

Should I settle for comfort or keep looking for that connection?

I haven't had much luck with long-term relationships. I want a partner who is observant and can keep up with me on a conversational level, but those guys tend not to like me. I never like the people who like me back. Should I change my expectations for a connection or should I hold out for the kind of guy I'm looking for? [more inside]
posted by tuberose at 9:54 AM PST - 32 comments

Would this Halloween costume be offensive to trans* people or allies?

I have an idea for a costume for our Halloween party that involves my not only dressing in drag but also explicitly calling out the fact that a guy dressing in drag shouldn't be as big a deal as it often is. Seems like a good idea to me - but as a white, cis, straight male I want to be sure I'm aware of any offense I might give to less privileged groups before making a final decision on whether to go through with the costume. [more inside]
posted by solotoro at 9:13 AM PST - 36 comments

bitten by dog, what next?

One of my family members was just bitten by a neighbor's dog on a walk. The family member is elderly with a baby, doesn't speak the best English. The dog is not large, but did bite the elderly lady's leg and scared them half to death (she already thinks they have a weak heart...). Apparently the woman owner did not run to get the dog but just called him. The baby was scared too. I'm going to go home and try to take a picture of the bite. What's the next step? Police? Animal control? Even if just talking to them, I need to know my options. [more inside]
posted by friendofstone at 9:05 AM PST - 22 comments

Hate hair dryers. Should be drying my hair. Solution?

It's getting cool again and I'm thinking that maybe I should start drying my hair before work so I don't show up with wet hair. But I hate hair dryers. Can I use something like this instead of a hair dryer? How do I do that without ruining my hair? [more inside]
posted by kat518 at 8:46 AM PST - 45 comments

Optimal Desk Chair and/or Mattress for a Bad Back

If you are someone with disc problems, have you found that a certain desk chair and/or mattress has made a significant difference in your level of discomfort? [more inside]
posted by something something at 8:17 AM PST - 9 comments

Save me From Tim McCarver & Joe Buck

My Comcast feed and the MLB.com audio feed are about 30 seconds off. Unfortunately, the Comcast video is running 30 seconds behind the MLB.com audio. When I had DirecTV the audio was always about 1 minute behind, so it was easy to simply pause the TV until the audio caught up, then watch it off the DVR on a 1 minute delay synched to the audio feed. How can I achieve the same result pausing the audio stream via MLB.com? Linux solutions are best as my laptop runs the latest Ubuntu LTS. Android ok too if there is an app that does this that I haven't found. Please help, I just can't listen to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver for another game, let alone the entire World Series.
posted by COD at 8:08 AM PST - 10 comments

Upgraded my laptop to Windows 8.1, now it's stuck in a reboot loop!

I upgraded my Samsung laptop to Windows 8.1. It is now stuck in a reboot loop. I cannot enter recovery mode. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by Tevin at 7:47 AM PST - 5 comments

Balancing blood loss with blood transfusions

How long / how well would a person survive if they were being regularly drained of blood but receiving blood transfusions of the same volume? What health complications might arise? [more inside]
posted by daisyk at 7:20 AM PST - 17 comments

Help me find this Christmas decoration!

I found a 9" painted clay/ceramic bird Christmas statue at thrift store in the Milwaukee area, and it's so fantastic that I another one. Unfortunately I haven't been able to find anything on Google so far. Can you help me out? [more inside]
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 6:56 AM PST - 6 comments

What kind of turtle is this?

What kind of turtle is this that my friend found crossing the street in Manila? He brought the turtle to me knowing that my house is practically already an animal sanctuary, and not wanting it left in traffic, but I know nothing about turtles. It has a pointy nose and a relatively soft, tapered shell, and I assume it's a freshwater turtle? But it was found in Manila, in the street, nowhere near any ponds or lakes.
posted by ferdinandcc at 6:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Lions, oh my!

My SO and his mother want to go on safari in Africa next year, there are lots of tours. Not sure where to start. Help? [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 6:45 AM PST - 11 comments

Can I wash this? Biohazard edition

I want to use the washing machine at my office, which happens to be a doctor's office. We occasionally wash towels with blood on them. If I run a load of just hot water and a lot of bleach before washing my clothes, am I sanitizing it enough to not be getting Potentially Infectious Body Fluid Remnants on my stuff? I realize the actual infection risk here is infinitesimal, this is more about assuaging my feelings of ick.
posted by tatiana wishbone at 6:38 AM PST - 10 comments

Your thoughts on the Power Quadrant?

Hi, I'd appreciate advice on whether or not I should buy the "Power Quadrant System" to help me through a brief period of unemployment. [more inside]
posted by Musashi Daryl at 5:39 AM PST - 33 comments

complications from being sedentary in brisk fall temperatures

What kinds of health/ bodily complications can arise from being sedentary for 8-12 hours a day in temperatures in the high 50s - low 60s Farenheit? [more inside]
posted by WeekendJen at 5:26 AM PST - 24 comments

Should I take lessons from a classical singer if I want to sing folk?

I'm a violinist who wants to learn to sing folk/rock/blues. The problem isn't the notes, but technique: my range is limited and I just don't sound that good. Can I/should I take lessons from a classically trained tenor even though I don't want to sing opera/bel canto?
posted by Busoni at 4:41 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me pick an entree for a curry dinner

We will be hosting a dinner and the main dish will be a curry (thai red), with rice as a side. I'd like to serve a salad for the entree, but I would like something light and interesting, not just an ordinary mixed greens salad. I am drawing a blank here... [more inside]
posted by lost_lettuce at 3:19 AM PST - 17 comments

Why do linux GUIs look like they do? (like shit)

I've got some old laptops I want to breathe new life into by installing linux on them and choosing a performant window manager. Whether its GNOME or KDE or any other GUI though, theres something very je ne sais quoi about the way they look that I can't get over. Even ubuntu's unity interface has it.. I can't quite put my finger on what it is exactly. Its the way the text looks, the way the buttons and windows look.. menus.. its kind of everything. Does anyone know what I mean? help me understand what it is exactly i'm referring to.. in other words, why can mac os and windows look so slick but linux always kind of looks like shit?
posted by postergeist at 1:28 AM PST - 27 comments

How are these tricked out Thinkpads selling so cheaply on Ebay?

I'm thinking of getting a Lenovo Thinkpad x230 to replace my aging laptop and noticed that Ebay had sellers with seemingly good ratings offering machines with higher specs than you can get in the Lenovo store for much cheaper. Is this too good to be true? [more inside]
posted by col_pogo at 1:14 AM PST - 7 comments

Where would I source a tree trunk slice like in this advert?

Anyone know where I could source a tree trunk slice (is that the correct phrase?) like this one http://www.etsy.com/listing/116524377/mid-century-cats-cradle-coffee-table?ref=shop_home_active in the UK?
posted by toocan at 1:00 AM PST - 6 comments

Can you help me remember this book from my childhood?

I was given this book in the early 80s. It was a large, hard covered book with beautiful illustrations. It was about a girl who visits her grandmother. While there she sees another girl outside. She takes a pram out and goes for a walk with this other little girl. [more inside]
posted by batonthefueltank at 12:43 AM PST - 3 comments

October 17

How does one become an emergency services/medical dispatcher in London?

I am looking for a new career direction and am curious about UK emergency services/NHS dispatcher jobs. I have found a little bit of information about these sorts of jobs online, but never seen them advertised. Have you ever done this sort of job? Can you point me towards any information? I am particularly looking for information about pathways into this sort of career, and what the work itself is like. (I already know about the sadly defunct Nee Naw blog.) I am based in central London. Thanks!
posted by EXISTENZ IS PAUSED at 11:08 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I best support a family member coming out?

My wonderful nephew is thinking about coming out, but the rest of the family is very religious & conservative. How can I help? Avalanche inside. [more inside]
posted by aviatrix at 10:42 PM PST - 19 comments

What to see, eat, and do in southwest France / southeast Spain?

I'm head to Europe from the US for a week with my brother. We're visiting a friend who lives in Toulouse, France, who will be driving with us for a week through southwest France and southeast Spain. Looking for ideas of fun, exciting, and beautiful things to see, eat, and do -- while avoiding bigger cities and exploring the countryside/towns. [more inside]
posted by agog at 10:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Calendar solution for scheduling shared space

I need an online calendar that can be shared by numerous organizations. It must be printable (where class titles can be clearly read with a month on a page). I have tried Outlook and Google Calendar without success. [more inside]
posted by fieldtrip at 9:23 PM PST - 2 comments

Looking for resources on autism

My 5 year old nephew was recently officially diagnosed with autism, as a two on the three-level scale. I know next to nothing about autism and am seeking resources that will help me become more educated about the disorder. I would love recommendations on books, blogs, magazine articles, documentaries, etc. [more inside]
posted by imalaowai at 8:44 PM PST - 21 comments

I want a job/community I love - but I have trouble staying passionate.

I graduated from college a year ago without a community I was passionate about, and without many friends. In the last year I coached a high school debate team, and I've been working as a math tutor for the current semester. Thing is, I never really enjoyed para-education, and would rather take a job in something I can make a happy, extensive career out of. But therein lies the rub: I'm decent at a lot of different things - but I'm not excellent or all-encompassingly passionate about any of them. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 8:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Cross cultural communication catastrophe clips?

I am looking for video clips of a specific kind of cross cultural communication gone bad: ones where a cultural outsider participates in a ceremony or ritual not understanding its full significance. [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 8:19 PM PST - 12 comments

How do you show yourself that you love yourself?

I've pretty much always hated myself. I'd like that to change at some point, and am willing to go the "fake it til you make it" route. How do you show yourself that you love and value yourself? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:53 PM PST - 41 comments

At least mold won't grow...?

I just noticed what appeared to be a large water leak on the drywall of the ceiling. Upon further inspection, we discovered that somehow a large bottle of industrial strength bleach had leaked in the attic (please don't point out what a bad idea it is to store large bottles of industrial strength bleach in the attic... we had no idea it was up there and have never seen the bottle before tonight). [more inside]
posted by raspberrE at 7:06 PM PST - 9 comments

Where in the US is like Barcelona?

Last year I spent some time in the Eixample district of Barcelona. We really liked the scale, the feel, the streets there. Are there places in the United States like that? [more inside]
posted by the man of twists and turns at 6:38 PM PST - 4 comments

Leaping into the action: good examples of in media res in short fiction?

I'm teaching a workshop on in media res (starting a story at the height of the action and then revealing backstory later) this weekend, and I'm looking for a short story (fairly short, short enough that students could read it in under 5-10 minutes) that illustrates in media res well. After the students read the story, I'm going to ask them to write an in media res story of their own. Does anyone know of any good short stories that would resonate with 13-16-year-olds? Thank you!
posted by DeusExMegana at 5:19 PM PST - 19 comments

For the first time I'll have to commute to Sacramento during rush hour.

I will probably have to spend the entire month of November commuting into Sacramento from Davis. I will DEFINITELY have to travel during rush hour periods. I only got a car a few months ago and I've never had to do the job-type-commute-out-of-town thing before. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 4:54 PM PST - 10 comments

American vegetarians: what are your favourite types of candy?

I have an acquaintance in the UK who sends me "essentials", such as Jaffa Cakes, that I can't get here in the States. In return she's asked for some good American candy. The catch is that she's vegetarian. Rather than spend ages looking through lists of off-putting ingredients, I was hoping I could get some recommendations here. Bonus points for Halloween-themed candy (I'm thinking of candy corn, etc). Thanks!
posted by TheDonF at 4:46 PM PST - 42 comments

Wordpress Slider with Scheduling/Log?

I know there are dozens of Wordpress plugins that handle sliders, but I have a couple of specific requests for corporate use: namely, scheduling and logging. [more inside]
posted by Hot Like Your 12V Wire at 4:34 PM PST - 1 comment

Help Me Brainstorm the Planning of a Music-Swapping Party

I'd like to invite a bunch of my music-loving friends over to bring, listen to, talk about, and trade music. My idea is to set up stations in different rooms in my house that people can use to introduce people to music they like, with the option of dubbing/downloading/otherwise sharing. [more inside]
posted by Rykey at 4:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Is there a way to upload to Box.net through automator?

I would like to upload a file to Box.net through either automator or applescript and have that function (action) return the shared URL for use later in the script. Is there an easy way to do that? [more inside]
posted by Brent Parker at 3:41 PM PST - 3 comments

Tall women of Metafilter: where do you buy your athletic T-shirts?

I'm looking for T-shirts or tank tops to wear while exercising. I'm 5'10" but wear regular length pants; my above-average height is all in my torso. I haven't found any tall-sized workout clothes. Please advise. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:23 PM PST - 24 comments

I know, I know... another Halloween costume question

I am completely stumped this year for Halloween, and my fall back idea has been commandeered. Slightly nerdy ideas are encouraged, and while I am usually okay with being completely unsexy and going as a dude, I'm kind of burnt out on that route this year. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Quincy at 2:56 PM PST - 18 comments

Songs about the early years of HIV/AIDS

What are some songs about the early years of HIV/AIDS in the US and the politics surrounding it? Think musical equivalent of something like Angels in America. [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 2:46 PM PST - 34 comments

Help me buy a Japanese label printer

I want to buy a label printer, the kind that prints on rolls of colored tape. Like this one. Difficulty: under $50, and able to print in Japanese. Bonus question: do any label printers (Japanese or non) support generic rolls of tape, or do they all use their own proprietary cartridge systems? [more inside]
posted by homodachi at 2:28 PM PST - 2 comments

Am I terrified of commitments? Or is this not a good fit? Or both?

I am queer woman in my late 20s. I have never been in a functional relationship in my life (details in the extended version), and no long term relationships. I recently started seeing a woman, and I find her very attractive and things are going quite well and she digs me a lot and all that. Part of me wants to keep doing this and have a relationship with her. The other part of me, though, is freaking out and is focusing on the one or two little thing that she does that I am not particularly fond of. Part of me really badly wants to keep seeing this amazing woman; the other part of me just wants to run away and live my awesome single life. At this point, I've lost sight as to whether this is about me being scared, or about her being not a good fit. Any suggestions on what to do/ what to read/ who to talk to, would be great. I want to keep dating her, I just don't know how to stop the part of my head that's screaming "break up with her and run!" [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:18 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me find this comic about depression/anxiety

Can y'all help me find this comic about depression or anxiety. Three stages that I can recall: the first part is the narrator talking about how depression (or anxiety, can't remember which it was specifically) is like a devil on your shoulder and it follows you around telling you lies and falsehoods. In the middle the narrator talks about how he/she finds other people to share things with - I remember specifically "watching shows" and a picture of Heisenberg. Last panel is the narrator at a bus stop (or similar) with the anxiety/depression devil much smaller and the text something like "and now it isn't so loud" or "and now I can ignore it." [more inside]
posted by ish__ at 2:13 PM PST - 11 comments

What would be dumb to miss for a person on business travel to NYC ?

I have never been to NYC. I'm on business travel next week to NYC (Manhattan financial district to be precise). I won't have a lot of touristy time, but my evenings are free, Monday - Thursday. With that limited time, and a hotel in the financial district, what sort of things would it be dumb for someone to not checkout? [more inside]
posted by garlic at 2:02 PM PST - 22 comments

Hiking boots with wide toe bed and good arch support and...

After a lifetime of wearing out hiking boots prematurely (blowing out the toe beds mainly). I found a brand (keen) and style that worked great. But... Now those boots are coming to their lifetime end and I need to replace them. Keen no longer makes that style and the only other Keen Hiker I've tried and liked they don't make a size that fits. [more inside]
posted by edgeways at 1:50 PM PST - 18 comments

Please help me run in the rain without horking my phone!

I've recently been bitten by the running bug. Yay! I live in Portland and we're entering into our rainy season. I'd like to run listening to music on my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S3) and not worry about it getting ruined by water damage. Can anyone recommend an armband or other solution? [more inside]
posted by funkiwan at 1:49 PM PST - 7 comments

What to do in Tasmania?

I need travel advice so I can plan my next trip to Australia. [more inside]
posted by special-k at 1:46 PM PST - 12 comments

Let me know and I'll Blade Run out and buy it

Going as Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford in Blade Runner) for Halloween. I found a trenchcoat and toy blaster on Ebay that are close enough. Can you help me find something similar to his shirt and tie? [more inside]
posted by supercres at 1:42 PM PST - 3 comments

Party games suck, right?

My experience has been that party games are usually pretty lame. We're having a Halloween party for about 40 people, though, and I like the idea of having miscellaneous "areas" set up throughout the house (it's a big house) with various activities to help keep things light and entertaining... [more inside]
posted by richmondparker at 1:42 PM PST - 17 comments

When is it smart to dump the rulebook?

I'm asking for examples of situations where you have had better, or just as good, results by not following the commonly held 'right' way to do something... [more inside]
posted by 0 answers at 1:13 PM PST - 30 comments

Mom went to hospital with difficulty moving legs, was berated by doctor

Hello everyone, my mom was taken to a hospital by ambulance a few mornings ago when she couldn't move her legs and get out of bed. This stems from a previous issue with nerve damage and spinal problems which she's had surgery for before. She met the same doctor from her previous surgery, whom she couldn't pay, and was berated and threatened by him. [more inside]
posted by FireballForever at 12:58 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me get the best deal when I (maybe?) buy-out my leased vehicle!

I am 35 months into a 39 month lease with a 2011 Nissan Maxima. This is the first vehicle I have ever leased/owned on my own so would like any hints/tips that will help me in the next few months as I prepare to either buy out my lease, or go in another direction. [more inside]
posted by OuttaHere at 12:26 PM PST - 5 comments

How to send money from my Japanese bank account when overseas?

I was living in Japan for a while, and have some cash stuck in my Japanese post office bank account (Yuucho Ginkou) - not an exorbitant amount, but enough for me to care about - that I did not withdraw when traveling home to America since I was planning to return to Japan soon anyway. My plan to return fell through, and I will be staying in America longer than planned - I would like to reclaim said money, but am unsure as to how I can do so. [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 at 12:17 PM PST - 6 comments

What does a jack of all trades, master of none major in?

I'm making it my goal this year to pick a major for Spring 2014 and actually see it through the end. The problem is I can't seem to stick with anything. I'm interested in almost everything. What do/have you done in this situation? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 11:45 AM PST - 54 comments

Should I go along on this interview trip?

My husband is going for an on-site interview in the next couple weeks. The organizational e-mail he got from HR today included questions about his dietary preferences, home airport, etc, etc, and in the list of questions it said, "Will you be traveling alone or do you have a significant other who would like to join you?" [more inside]
posted by gerstle at 11:44 AM PST - 10 comments

She cuts my hair, I look less disheveled. It works out. Kinda.

My wife cuts my hair but it's never quite as good as a good barbershop haircut. What are some things she and I may not be doing properly or can do differently/better to improve the results? Many [non-dandruff related] snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by RolandOfEld at 11:20 AM PST - 15 comments

An awfully big adventure ahead, hope us navigate

Husband just landed a new job a few hundred miles away. We now have to pack, sell our house, get him out there while I stay behind and finish up, and still care for a 9 month old. My head is about to explode. Multiple questions and we don't know what we don't know, so give us some insight. I know this isn't at all uncommon, but it's new to us. [more inside]
posted by MayNicholas at 11:13 AM PST - 16 comments

Well Crap

I live in Brooklyn with my wife. We were planning on moving to New Jersey to buy a house, and we found a lovely place, made an offer that was accepted, and started visualizing ourselves in this beautiful new house...and then the other shoe dropped. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:12 AM PST - 46 comments

How can I best learn from critiques of my short stories?

I've been having my short stories critiqued by various people (some from literary magazines) and I've gotten lots of different advice that is all over the place and at times contradictory. As someone who wants to improve my writing, I must admit I am kind of confused by the suggestions I've been getting. [more inside]
posted by gregb1007 at 11:09 AM PST - 21 comments

Biceps tenodesis for a torn labrum? Tell me about your recovery

If anyone here has undergone a biceps tenodesis as treatment for a torn labrum, I would be very interested to hear about your experiences in surgery, rehab and how it ultimately worked out for you. Especially if you do regular weight training and/or active sports like basketball. At age 43 I'm a little nervous about this and would appreciate hearing from someone who's had this done.
posted by Alaska Jack at 10:51 AM PST - 3 comments

Adobe Creative Suite: Long-term plans?

So, Adobe has abandoned retail versions of Creative Suite (and its component apps) in favor of Creative Cloud. This terrifies me. [more inside]
posted by xedrik at 8:46 AM PST - 17 comments

Is there any man-made object so long that it won't lie flat?

In other words, something, like a pipe, that is so long and straight that it can't be laid flat on the earth because of the latter's curvature?
posted by gnossie at 8:23 AM PST - 26 comments

Help me find a new perfect purse!

Did you ever own the perfect purse? I did, until it tore. I know it could potentially be repaired, but I am going to have to face the fact that one day I'm going to have to replace it. Problem is that I am in love with the open giant pockets on the front. Help me find a new purse! [more inside]
posted by royalsong at 8:13 AM PST - 16 comments

Examples of essay/articles without a character or main person

Hello, I'm looking for examples of good essays/articles/long form journalism (2000-5000 words) that aren't told through profiling a person or based on the author's experience somewhere. I received advice that you don't pitch an idea or a subject, but a character, and I've stuck to that, but I'd like to try a few shorter articles and essays that don't depend on framing it around a person or a trip somewhere (my essays that hang off a person's story take over a year to get the material because I follow the person's journey). I hope that makes sense.
posted by cimuir at 7:41 AM PST - 9 comments

How to reasonably evaluate risk after a broken condom

I am a woman on hormonal birth control and in a mostly monogamous relationship with a guy. My boyfriend recently had sex with a woman who's been having unprotected sex with multiple partners, and the condom broke (pregnancy is not a concern). What's a reasonable course of action from here? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 7:31 AM PST - 11 comments

When new guitarist rewrites old guitarist's parts, who owns what?

A founding member of my 5 piece band was kicked out this summer, and we are going to rewrite 80% of his parts when we rerecord. We didn't like the old guitar parts and helped him write some of them, which is the main reason we wanted to part ways. He is now asking for equal ownership of the composition of songs originating from his tenure, and claiming that it is industry standard for the new guitarist who contributes new guitar compositions to get nothing. This seems very bizarre to me, but is he right? We all own an equal share of publishing and masters on songs that are already released.
posted by qzar at 7:28 AM PST - 15 comments

Life without a motor?

I've never had much motivation to do anything, or much ability to persevere, and this makes life a chore. I feel like I was born without a motor - like other people have some source of energy inside that drives them towards their goals, while I tend to just drift passively and hope the things I want come to me (they don't). Talk therapy hasn't helped much, and I'm not sure what to try next. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:03 AM PST - 27 comments

Jokes about charred bones: not exactly reassuring!

How should I deal with a co-worker who won't evacuate when a fire alarm sounds? I am particularly concerned because his mobility is limited. Added complication: he is my boss. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:02 AM PST - 38 comments

Marketing niche counseling service?

Suppose you wanted to market a high-end and unusual, therapy-like (but not therapy), niche consulting/counseling service. How would you get the word out to the existentially dissatisfied on the cheap?
posted by shivohum at 6:25 AM PST - 1 comment

Tech Filter: Who manufactures a fiber optic zip cord w/ these qualities:

I am looking for a fiberoptic zip cord, 2 Strand, armored, with the armor inside the actual jacket. I've never seen anything like this... Hoping somebody can point me in the right direction... [more inside]
posted by cheechman85 at 6:08 AM PST - 7 comments

Will a long run of VGA cable and/or using a splitter damage VGA card?

We've cooked a video card that was 1) supposed to be at least somewhat high end and 2) was hooked up to a VGA splitter, with one leg going 100' to a monitor. Coincidence, or did we overload/cook the video card? [more inside]
posted by randomkeystrike at 6:07 AM PST - 10 comments

Open source projects with names similar to existing projects

I'm looking for examples of open source projects whose names are a spin on the name of an incumbent software, particularly a commercial/proprietary one. [more inside]
posted by lunchbox at 5:38 AM PST - 18 comments

Why is my stomach angry all the time?

I've been having gastro problems on and off for the past few months (more on than off). I finally have an appointment with a specialist, but it's not for another month. In the meantime, I'd like to try to do an elimination diet & see what's what, BUT most of what I'm finding online about elimination diets is very broad and don't explain enough. I'm looking for guidelines of how they are typically done as well as recipes and food ideas for the first stages of said elimination diet. [more inside]
posted by firei at 5:06 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me nurse myself back (sorry) to health.

I have been suffering for some time with an extruded disc in my lower back, and am scheduled for surgery (discectomy) on Monday morning. I'll be off work for 6 weeks, and will be staying with my Mum in my hometown until I'm well. I am hoping for suggestions on how to best help my physical recovery, and also to stop myself being bored out of my brain. [more inside]
posted by outoftime at 4:58 AM PST - 4 comments

Best way to get an iphone 5s for a pre-paid plan?

I want what I think should be simple: I want to buy an unlocked, no-contract iphone. I want a fast data plan with high or no limits. I don't care about voice calls or texting, since I rarely use either. What are my best options? (It would be best if I can use the verizon network, but I'll take any). Bonus points if you personally tried it and it worked.
posted by empath at 4:57 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm having coffee with a potential employer... What should I know?

I'm scheduled to meet over coffee with a potential employer. What's considered good etiquette in this situation? How should I be prepared? [more inside]
posted by ScarletLark at 1:06 AM PST - 11 comments

Anniversary party/the abuser run in edition

Forty years ago, my parents founded a literary society together. (They subsequently divorced). The organization is having its fortieth anniversary party. Both my parents will be there and they are generally very happy/excited to see old friends, read old poems, and remember friends who have passed away. I am going to support them. Here's my problem: my mother dated and lived with one of the other members for years. And one day he went psycho, broke her ribs and put her in the hospital. She called me bleeding and crying from the hospital. It wasn't safe for her to go back home obviously, so she had to go into a domestic violence shelter before staying with a friend and then getting her own apartment. This was 15 years ago and she hasn't seen or talked to him since. She didn't press charges to my knowledge. [more inside]
posted by bananafish at 12:18 AM PST - 26 comments

October 16

Recommend fiction featuring the decline of a global superpower, please!

What novels or short stories grapple with the decline of a superpower? I'm thinking waning-British-Empire stuff, primariy, but the decline of other global powerhouses is fine too. Must be fiction. Decline-of-Empire can either be primary to the plot or a backdrop against which other key aspects of the story unfold.
posted by croutonsupafreak at 10:31 PM PST - 16 comments

Cat used our vegetable garden as a litterbox.

Can we still eat it? The vegetables, I mean. [more inside]
posted by casarkos at 9:04 PM PST - 17 comments

Things to do at a hospital?

My SO's grandmother is in the hospital, and he has sort of vowed to stay with her during his free times for as long as she's there (they are very close). He's the kind of person who can't sit still for too long, and is most likely to find himself bored in this kind of setting, especially if he's alone. Besides just being with him, what activity/thing can we do to pass the time/make this ordeal less painful for him? [more inside]
posted by bigasthesky at 8:45 PM PST - 17 comments

Molnija Mainspring Hunt

I have a Molnija watch with a busted mainspring (picture of front). I've taken it to my local watch repairman and he couldn't find a replacement through whatever channels he had, but maybe RussianWatchFilter knows more? [more inside]
posted by 23 at 8:22 PM PST - 4 comments

What to write on notes to family members who are ill / recuperating?

I have 2 family members on a different continent who are recovering from major (different) surgeries. One is an aunt in her 70s, the other is a cousin in her late 20s. They're both bed-bound and will be for a while. I can't do much from where I am, but do want them both to know I am thinking of them, and do something to brighten their days, even if briefly. I've been writing and mailing postcards or cards every 2/3 days, but am running out of useful/interesting things to say.... [more inside]
posted by darsh at 8:08 PM PST - 14 comments

How can I revive my sex life with my girlfriend?

My girlfriend and I have lived together for about a year and a half. We're a solid couple, we love each other a lot and generally communicate well, but our formerly awesome sex life is just non-existent now. We've talked about it, but she's just withdrawn and apologetic whenever I try to initiate things. Help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:59 PM PST - 28 comments

Urgent family illness and academic deadline

I have a complicated relationship with my family. An elderly relative is dying in the next few weeks. I have an extremely important deadline coming up. I need help in coping. [more inside]
posted by 3491again at 7:17 PM PST - 8 comments

What are some good technical podcasts?

I'd like to listen to some podcasts about something technical. I am picky, however. [more inside]
posted by ignignokt at 7:15 PM PST - 9 comments

...and my father's father before him.

How far does genealogy go back in different countries/cultures? [more inside]
posted by Thing at 6:49 PM PST - 30 comments

What would you do?

My brother needs a bit of an advice as he is faced with two job offers one of which he has accepted.But... [more inside]
posted by ladoo at 6:39 PM PST - 14 comments

What does a non-leather guy wear to a fetish ball?

Need some ideas for a simple costume I (male) can wear to a Fetish Ball this Halloween that isn't so BDSMish. [more inside]
posted by Octoparrot at 5:25 PM PST - 17 comments

Maintaining healthy friendships while struggling with a mental illness.

Trying to figure out how to manage both a mental illness and a set friendships at the same time - balance between opening the can of worms that thoughts of a depressed mind can be and closing in, keeping things to myself appears to be incedibly hard to strike, and being unable to figure it out for 4 years now has been costing me plenty of sleepless nights and otherwise good friendships along the way. All input appreciated; more backstory inside. [more inside]
posted by 9080 at 5:19 PM PST - 6 comments

Tips for assisting w/ a job search for someone who can't do it alone

I've offered to help a relative with a job search because it isn't going well on her own. She is qualified (with a 2 year degree) for the job she wants to find (and is not interested in entry level retail or the sort) but doesn't have the experience or skills to go about finding it. She also may have a diagnosis of Asperger's, and whether or not that's certain, I can at least say that she is stymied by technology (forgets how to do things, forgets logins, avoids it where possible), isn't likely to search out new career listings online much less apply, and gets weary and forgetful of the search easily. I would like some help from AskMe trying to make this is as easy as possible for her while hopefully still teaching her a few tricks. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:14 PM PST - 5 comments

Where Can I Get This Black Wig?

Where can I get a black wig similar/the same as the ones shown in the link? Either locally (Phoenix, AZ) or via online? I'd need it in time for October 26.
posted by Sassyfras at 4:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Puff pastry over two evenings - perform butter step tonight or wait?

I'm completely self-taught on pastry (and baking/cooking in general), so please forgive my ignorance. I'm making pasties (like small savory pies) for Friday evening, and as I don't expect to have the time to do everything in one evening, I decided to make the pastry and the filling tonight, then bake the pasties tomorrow (also with the idea that they'll taste better after only having been refrigerated one day rather than two). I've made the flour/salt/water & splash of lemon juice part of the pastry, which is now in the fridge resting (the recipe calls for 1-2 hours). I've also prepared the filling (which will be fine to sit in the fridge overnight). Should I perform the butter step (rolling out the pastry, adding the butter layer, rolling out & turning several times) tonight or tomorrow? Will that affect the taste/consistency of the pastry? And am I better off doing the whole shebang tonight, or am I right that holding off on baking will result in tastier pastries Friday evening?
posted by pammeke at 4:22 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me sneak around.

It's getting chilly in my neighborhood, and my feet tend to get very cold. I have a new baby and am up nursing her a lot at night. I'd like to be able to sneak away after putting her down without my slippers immediately waking her up. [more inside]
posted by town of cats at 3:53 PM PST - 19 comments

Experiences of females that started weightlifting?

I switched from doing cardio to lifting weights at the gym, mainly because I LOVE IT. However, despite every website telling me that, as a woman, I won't get "big and bulky," I think I might be. I've gone up 1-2 clothing sizes, my butt has exploded, jackets now seem narrow in the chest ... It would be one thing if, standing nude in the mirror, I saw a 6-pack staring back at me, but I don't. It doesn't "look" like I've lost much body fat at all (but I can definitely tell that I've gained muscle - I've got a bicep! For the first time ever!). So, my question: will one day my muscle mass get large enough that my metabolism will rev up and my body fat will melt away? What are other ladies' experiences with beginning weight training and that effect on their body? (and I mean REAL weight training - bench presses of over 100 lbs, for instance - not lifting a 5 lb weight)
posted by athena2255 at 3:29 PM PST - 31 comments

Aftershave befuddlement

What kind of aftershave product should I be using? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 3:23 PM PST - 15 comments

Bottlecutting gift

My boyfriend loves cutting bottles to make glasses, but he has limited success in making clean cuts. I'd like to give him a present to improve his success at it. Can you help? Budget is around $100. Tips for other cheap cutting methods are not needed; he's tried all of them (seriously). [more inside]
posted by deus ex machina at 3:22 PM PST - 15 comments

Ideas for dessing up as a cranky old lady for halloween?

I'd like to be that stock cranky old lady with the horned-rim glasses for halloween. She's often in cheesy comics/cartoons, but I don't know where she originates from. Anyhow, suggestions for how to do this? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 2:42 PM PST - 15 comments

looking for a Cantonese song

It's a rather famous song but I haven't figured out what it might be. [more inside]
posted by ditto75 at 2:35 PM PST - 2 comments

When does postpartum dizziness go away?

I am ten weeks postpartum and dizzy. I don't think it was this bad at my six-week checkup, or I would have said something to my OB. Googling around tells me postpartum dizziness is common, but my question is: When is it going to go away? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 2:25 PM PST - 9 comments

iPhone 4s or Galaxy S2

Do you live in an area with limited cell phone providers due to all the mountains in the way? Do you use either an iPhone 4s or Galaxy S2? Can you share your knowledge with me, please? [more inside]
posted by Epsilon-minus semi moron at 1:46 PM PST - 5 comments

Kid having visual hallucinations at night?

So, our five year old climbed into bed last night because she was seeing things: butterflies, then puff balls, then crickets everywhere. She said that she knew they weren't real, but she was sufficiently freaked out that she was afraid to put her feet on the bed, and got very upset. Turning on the light helped them go away, and so she eventually fell asleep with the light on. She seemed awake the whole time this was happening. Is this something to be concerned about? Should I take her to a doctor?
posted by anonymous at 1:43 PM PST - 25 comments

Sex Info Books and probably therapist needed.

Trying to find resources to help female with a large knowledge gap and issues. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:42 PM PST - 11 comments

Duet Suggestions

A friend and I, who work as teachers in Chile, are singing a duet for our school's benefit dinner next week and we would really like to hear your suggestions for any fun and upbeat English songs that you think would be a hit with our Chilean crowd. [more inside]
posted by luciernaga at 12:43 PM PST - 12 comments

What camera would Leonard Shelby use in 2013?

I was thinking about dressing up as Leonard Shelby from Memento for Halloween. The stumbling block is trying to find the right camera to complete the costume. Does anyone know if any of the films that are still being produced are compatible with any camera that still looks roughly like the old style of polaroid camera* and wouldn't cost more than $50 for the camera and $2 per photo. Alternatively, does anyone have a suggestion on a good way to make something that looks like a convincing fake polaroid photo? * i.e. not like the new 300 series polaroid cameras.
posted by vegetableagony at 12:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Endless Loop

Can code quality be brought in to a fast and loose web shop? [more inside]
posted by j_curiouser at 12:21 PM PST - 9 comments

2 weeks in Turkey - how do we use our time wisely?

The DingoWife and I will be honeymooning in Turkey this 2-16 November, and based on inputs to our last question, we'll be doing it on our own, sans-tour package. Now we would love input as we pin down our itinerary. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by DingoMutt at 12:04 PM PST - 13 comments

You're Dressed as The Who?

Suppose that strangers and friends tell you, on a semi-regular basis, that you bear a noticeable resemblance to a young Pete Townshend of The Who. Further suppose you want to capitalize on that resemblance by going as Pete Townshend for Halloween. What do you do for a costume? [more inside]
posted by gauche at 11:58 AM PST - 22 comments

Please recommend a workflow for recording interviews.

I need to record one-on-one interviews for a few of my methods classes and potentially, more research in the future. Please suggest equipment and/or software to make this as easy as possible. [more inside]
posted by Silvertree at 11:52 AM PST - 5 comments

Best Area for Small Press and Tech Jobs?

In February/March 2014, my roommate and I will be free to move almost anywhere within California. She graduated last year with a BFA in Writing. I write code. Where should we move in order to find a job for her, preferably in small press? [more inside]
posted by WasabiFlux at 11:44 AM PST - 12 comments

'Tis the Season for Plaids, Browns, and Tweed...

It is autumn in the U.S., but I am visiting New Zealand next month, where it will be spring. This is my first time to the southern hemisphere, and I'm wondering what I will encounter! Do they even know that it's pumpkin spice latte season there? [more inside]
posted by aabbbiee at 11:28 AM PST - 14 comments

How to turn up the good and turn down the suck with Nexus 4 audio?

I used to have an iPhone. You could listen to music with it. You could plug it into my basic USB car stereo and it would play music. I now have a Google Nexus 4. It will play for about 30 minutes, and then stop. If I'm lucky, it might deign to play a few songs in the car. I must be doing something wrong, right? [more inside]
posted by scruss at 11:13 AM PST - 12 comments

What am I on the hook for after breaking my apartment lease in Seattle?

I recently moved cross country, and had to break my apartment lease 3 months early in order to do so. I gave my landlords a month and a half notice, and they immediately began showing my place. When the time came for me to turn in my keys, I told them the date of my departure and gave them my forwarding address, and in their reply (via email), they did not indicate that they had not leased my apartment yet (otherwise I would have left an additional check for the month of October). Today I received a bill from them for the remainder of the rent on the lease, plus additional cleaning fees that were not subtracted from my deposit. The bill indicates that my deposit has been forfeited as well. I'm finding the whole thing a bit fishy though, because Craigslist does not indicate that my apartment is for rent (that's how I found the place initially), and they waited to SNAIL MAIL this bill until October 11th, when the rent was due on October 5th (they also have my email and phone number). As it stands, if I am on the hook, I will have to call them regardless, because a mailed check will not make it back to them by "within 7 days of the date of this notice (October 11th)". What can I do to address this situation? [more inside]
posted by pianohands at 11:02 AM PST - 10 comments

Novels without protagonists

I'm looking for examples of novels without protagonists. See inside for details. [more inside]
posted by naju at 11:00 AM PST - 31 comments

Can raw garlic cure my stomach ulcer and remove H. pylori?

I'm starting a garlic treatment for my stomach ulcer, and have some concerns about whether this will work. My doctor has prescribed antibiotics, but my naturopath has recommended raw garlic (3-4 times daily) and I want to try that approach first, along with other supporting herbs. However I'm worried about the ramifications if this fails, because stomach ulcers are pretty serious from what I hear. Am I taking a big risk of perforation, cancer, internal bleeding etc. by not taking the medication? And is it possible that the garlic could eradicate H. pylori bacteria? [more inside]
posted by TreeHugger at 10:53 AM PST - 35 comments

What do I do with years-old equipment that belongs to my old cable ISP?

What do I do with years-old equipment that belongs to my old cable service provider? Equipment dates from 2009. Furnished by Verizon FIOS, which then switched to Frontier FIOS. A cable modem, DVR, and set-top box. We moved house in 2010, and cancelled Frontier service. Attempted to return the equipment. This involved them shipping empty boxes to us. We never got the boxes. Attempts failed. I have no documentation of those attempts. Equipment is sitting in our garage, and I need to get rid of it. Which option is best? The easy way: Donate the equipment to a recycler. The hard way: Contact Frontier and try to return their equipment. This is likely to be time-consuming, and annoying. I recall their CS was incredibly awful. I couldn't find any helpful info on their web site. And what if they want to charge me a "late return fee"??? Do big cable providers care about their old equipment?
posted by valannc at 10:07 AM PST - 14 comments

Where should I go to stretch after swimming?

I'm having a terrible time figuring out where to do my 10-15 minute full-body stretch after swimming. I feel like an alien visitor to Planet Gym, and I have been trying determine where it is culturally acceptable to do this activity, but remain unsure. [more inside]
posted by BrashTech at 9:59 AM PST - 16 comments

Removing login info from Google Maps on iPhone?

I have an iPhone 4 running iOs 7 and I decided to sign in to the Google Maps app to see what the benefits were. I changed my mind and signed out, but the app seems to have retained my login info (and will login without entering a password). Is there any way to remove my info completely?
posted by cozenedindigo at 9:59 AM PST - 3 comments

What's your favourite travel website for booking a vacation package?

We want to go somewhere sunny this winter. There are a bewildering number of travel websites hocking flight+hotel deals. Did you have a good experience with any of them? [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 9:55 AM PST - 7 comments

Affordable Care Act: What if you are broke?

I have less-than-no income (under $5000 a year) and I always get Federal tax refunds and "Earned Income Credit" refunds. I have heard that Obamacare will charge people a fine, based on their income. What if my income is sub-poverty? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 9:52 AM PST - 16 comments

Heating contractor in the Twin Cities

Who is the absolute best heating contractor in the Twin Cities? [more inside]
posted by miyabo at 9:37 AM PST - 7 comments

Need a new receiver, with some specific requirements

Our 2.5 year old Onkyo receiver has died. Again. At this point, I'm looking for a replacement, with some requirements, some wishes, and some thoughts, and an awful lot of confusion. I'm hoping some of you might have thoughts. [more inside]
posted by JMOZ at 8:32 AM PST - 5 comments

How green is my web host?

I am looking for resources and information on "green" web hosting. [more inside]
posted by jammy at 8:30 AM PST - 4 comments

Ticket printing?

A local non-profit I'm with holds monthly events and sells tickets. Right now the tickets are printed in bulk. We have full price tickets, student/senior tickets, and comp (free) tickets. We'd like to have more flexibility to introduce different price points as test runs and easily track how they go. We'd also like to be able to keep better tabs on the comp tickets, by differentiating tickets given to volunteers versus comp tickets given to sponsors, for example. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 8:09 AM PST - 6 comments

As far as internet connections go, bigger is better, right?

I am looking at changing our company's asymmetrical Internet connection (Uverse) to a dedicated fiber 20x20 connection. Will this be enough? more details inside [more inside]
posted by dukes909 at 8:07 AM PST - 9 comments

optimum number of tracks for an iTunes playlist?

I want to leave iTunes randomly shuffling through a given playlist for as long as possible so I don't have to futz with it, but I also want to actually hear *all* the tracks in the list, not just those that the random shuffle always seems to favor. How many/few tracks should I put in a playlist? [more inside]
posted by 5Q7 at 8:04 AM PST - 6 comments

House building advice?

The Mrs. and I are planning to build a house next year on some land that we bought recently. What should we know about house building before undertaking this massive endeavor? [more inside]
posted by LouMac at 7:57 AM PST - 23 comments

Travel in NYC during Thanksgiving?

We will be travelling to the US from Europe next year, and I'm interested in the Macy's parade. Is it worth timing our trip so we can see it - particularly as hotels seem to be cheaper in November - or is it a bad idea to visit the US during Thanksgiving (and maybe the chaos of Black Friday)? Possibly relevant: neither of us have driving licenses so would be reliant on public transport, and would plan on spending a few days in NYC before travelling on or flying home.
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 39 comments

DANGER ZONE!

Help me find a Lana Kane dress for my Halloween costume? Snowflakes inside.. [more inside]
posted by xicana63 at 7:29 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for a gift suggestion for my Father

I am hoping to get him something EDC (Every Day Carry) related as he is always prepared and likes to have little tools and gadgets for when something pops up. I am searching for suggestions. [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 7:17 AM PST - 35 comments

Why won't you do any washing up?!

How do we ask our housemate to do more around the house without sounding like a douchenozzle? [more inside]
posted by Trexsock at 6:54 AM PST - 35 comments

Yes, thinking about Christmas already. Sorry.

My brother and I would like to give my parents a large chunk of cash this Christmas with the intent that they use it to travel. How do we do this most effectively? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 AM PST - 18 comments

Renting with roommates... can things de-escalate?

Ok, so I'm living in Chicago with a few of my SO's old roommates from college. We've known them for less than a year and I can admit maybe we jumped into a year lease too soon. However, what recourse do we have right now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 AM PST - 11 comments

Will I sound insecure if I ask my boyfriend if he likes someone else?

Will I sound insecure if I confront my boyfriend about his feelings for another girl? [more inside]
posted by Lillypad331 at 6:20 AM PST - 21 comments

No really, I don't want to do that... ever...

I am a 31 year old woman and newly married. I have a kick ass husband who also came with a kick ass stepson that I love to death and with whom I have a great relationship. I have no desire to have a bio-kid, especially now that I have a step son. I have had many comments from people about how I am going to change my mind about not wanting more kids, a lot of “Uh huh…” comments with ‘knowing’ smug smiles, sort of like when a 6 year old boy says that he will never ever kiss a girl, eww that is gross. Are they likely right, or are they being assholes? How do I deal with this? [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 6:10 AM PST - 66 comments

writing scenes that are roughly but not completely contemporaneous

Help me understand how, in suspense fiction, to transition between scenes that are happening at roughly the same time, but extending for different timespans. [more inside]
posted by mittens at 6:03 AM PST - 6 comments

Pooh is an unusual choice of name

"Pooh" seems to be a poor choice for a name, particularly for a childrens' book. I've read the Wikipedia page which mentions a swan, but would like to know more about it: where is this name is popular, and why didn't the editor of the first book suggest another name?
posted by devnull at 5:37 AM PST - 13 comments

Canadian contributions to meteorology?

What are some contributions that Canadians have made to meteorology as a science? I'm looking for technologies, theories, whatever you can come up with. Even Canadians that were involved in the development of something to do with a technology or meteorological finding. I've spent most of my evening on Google with little success, yet I'm required to teach this to my students.
posted by sarae at 5:33 AM PST - 11 comments

October 15

SSAS cubes on iPads?

What is the best way to enable people to access SSAS cubes on iOS? [more inside]
posted by pompomtom at 10:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Health insurance while changing jobs?

Would I be penalized for not having health insurance in the US for three months while changing jobs? [more inside]
posted by lewedswiver at 10:11 PM PST - 15 comments

ID Theft Victim. Cleanup has begun, what am I missing?

So, it would appear that I am the victim of identity theft. What am I forgetting to do? [more inside]
posted by SquidLips at 9:27 PM PST - 1 comment

What pre-interview questions can I use to effectively screen jobseekers?

Calling all hiring managers / people who hire people! I run a small business in the creative / advertising world with around ten staff, and we are about to embark on hiring one of the most crucial people you can have in this business, which is a receptionist / office manager. What are some effective and/or magical questions we can ask as part of the application process that will separate the wheat from the chaff? [more inside]
posted by sxtrumpeto at 8:29 PM PST - 26 comments

He was kinda cute, in a bug sort of way

What is this really, really stupid bug? [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 8:18 PM PST - 2 comments

What are the most exciting Eastern European cities? In August?

Partner and I are getting a head start on planning a two week trip for August 2014. What cities and sights should we make sure to see? [more inside]
posted by munyeca at 6:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Do I tell my job why I'll be traveling?

My relationship just turned long distance. My natural reaction is to not tell my work anything because 1. Personal life and 2. I don't want them to assume I'll be leaving to follow (I might, but that'll be around a year from now). Is that paranoid? [more inside]
posted by platypus of the universe at 6:21 PM PST - 19 comments

Glamorous Cairo of the 1920s. Visual references, please?

Help! I need to know what high society Cairo looks like in the 1920s - the sophisticated, opulent, and fashionable - people and settings. More parties and interiors than architecture. It's really important that the references be of Egyptian people, not travelers visiting from abroad bringing their own style with them. But, if it was fashionable for the well-heeled to import furniture and clothing styles from Europe, that's important too. What does a party look like, and how would it differ from a party set in Paris or London? The things that are different are the things that are important. My best resource so far is the Egyptian Royalty pool on Flickr. That and Indiana Jones is all I've got. It's for a painting. Thanks!
posted by Lou Stuells at 6:02 PM PST - 6 comments

What's the best paint color on my wall?

I'm horrible at color matching and I envy the HGTV shows that color board everything so you can see what it looks like ahead of time. I've just finished decorating my living room with a couch and I think the walls are too bare. Should I do an accent wall or some wall pattern? [more inside]
posted by pikaboy202 at 6:02 PM PST - 14 comments

Hacked Twitter Account

My old, dormant Twitter account recently started sending out direct messages to everyone on my list with spammy stuff. This happened within the last hour, and I just deactivated the account. The password for the Twitter account is different than the password for the email account that I set it up with. The password on the Twitter account hadn't been changed, and no tweets were sent from it (only DMs). Is this likely a third party app jacking the Twitter account (and therefore isolated) or should I be concerned about the establishing email account as well? I ask because this is my primary gmail account.
posted by codacorolla at 6:00 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me name my new cat?

I adopted a new cat today and need help naming him. There's history here, so please check inside for details and pictures of existing cat and new cat. [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup at 5:54 PM PST - 62 comments

Why is my jacket being held up in Frankfurt?

I ordered a jacket from Taiwan on Oct 2. According to the tracking ID, it arrived in Frankfurt on Oct 5. There have been no further updates on the "foreign information" tab since then. Why is it stuck there for 11 days now? [more inside]
posted by MinusCelsius at 4:59 PM PST - 6 comments

Flat Broke and Out of Options

I lost my job, am having trouble finding a new one, am running out of freelance jobs, have $60 in my bank account, and don't know where to go from here. What on earth is my next step? Please help me think. [more inside]
posted by pineappleheart at 4:55 PM PST - 42 comments

The grass is always greener, but how to get over the fence to see?

A little over a year into a post-PhD, non-academic research job, I am starting to look for greener pastures. There's a company that I've had my eye on who has one a "submit your resume" link but is not actively advertising any positions. How can I best approach them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:40 PM PST - 2 comments

Help me find some job prospects in SF in neuroscience/psychology?

Hello, I'm a recent Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, and it appears I'm not massively employable. I live in San Francisco and am not able to relocate. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:40 PM PST - 8 comments

How to best short the for-proft college industry?

I believe at some point in the near future (e.g., the next three years) the revenue model of for-profit colleges will collapse. I would like to take a short position and profit from their failure. What are some creative ways of doing this? [more inside]
posted by quadog at 4:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me drive a car in Massachusetts

I live and work in Massachusetts, but my car is owned by another party and registered in another state, and my license is also in that state. What do I have to do to make right with the MA RMV, and how much will it cost me? Snowflakes inside [more inside]
posted by permiechickie at 4:14 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I begin to figure out how to get into my old website?

Hi! I have a website, which contains a blog. I haven't posted to this blog in ages and ages. I would like to start updating the blog again and do some stuff to the website, but embarrassingly, I don't know how. [more inside]
posted by peachfuzz at 4:07 PM PST - 7 comments

How do I create healthy boundaries with this crush?

I happen to still really like a guy-- he doesn't like me back-- but I'm still managing to step over all sorts of boundaries-- any advice on how to reel myself in and act more maturely? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by Ocellar at 4:06 PM PST - 6 comments

Does perfect email exist?

I want out of Gmail/Yahoo/Hotmail and the like with their ads and control of everything in my online life, but I still want all the excellent email functionality: lots of space/storage, powerful search/organization, strong spamcatchers, great usability and reliability, etc. I'm willing to pay a small fee for such excellence. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted by Josephine Macaulay at 3:46 PM PST - 12 comments

send a resume now or later?

I've been looking for an casting internship in NY. Most of the places I've called up have said that they're currently fully staffed but I'm more than welcome to email them my resume. When I've asked if they have a sense for when they might be looking again they've usually responded that they don't know. Would it make more sense for me to send my resume and cover letter to them now so they have it on file or wait a couple of months and call again to see if they have a vacancy later? [more inside]
posted by timsneezed at 3:28 PM PST - 4 comments

Outwitting Facebook spam

Over the last week or so, I've been getting private messages on Facebook several times a day. Each of the conversations involves exactly 199 other people (presumably 200 is the maximum number you can contact through Facebook Messenger). They solely consist of people leaving the conversation, or spam. How do I stop them? [more inside]
posted by dontjumplarry at 2:50 PM PST - 3 comments

What's the coolest thing I can buy on Amazon for $50?

Got a gift card from my company and want to buy something that will... [more inside]
posted by jseven at 2:35 PM PST - 16 comments

How to grind dried Reishi mushrooms

I have a huge bag of dried sliced reishi mushrooms. I'm hoping to grind them into a powder so I can make capsules out of them. [more inside]
posted by Blitz at 2:26 PM PST - 8 comments

What kind of doctor for the whole body?

For the past few years I have been giving myself tendon injuries in quite a few of my joints... elbow's, knee's, and achilles mostly. I'm been slowly becoming more active for several years now, following an achilles injury that didn't quite heal up for 4 or 5 years. In my late 30's... I know, I'm shedding quite a bit of my invincibility at a steady rate now. As I said, I keep hurting myself. Mostly when I ramp-up the rigor, or try something slightly different at the gym. I have a pretty long and gentle warm-up and stretching routine, I don't think I really go for an increase too quickly, and only work out every other day or so... but various tendons disagree, at different times, and for different reasons. Based on the frequency and degree of pain/discomfort/etc, and how careful I am about not doing too much too quickly, I think frequency of injuries are out of the norm. Here's the nut of what I really want to know: What’s the best kind of doctor (already tried my GP) to see about this? It's hampering some of my hobbies and reasonable ambitions quite a lot, so I want to start finding more aggressive help/tests/advise. Who can help from a whole body perspective? Yes to yoga, and learning all kinds of stretches. Looking for more than a PT at this point. Thanks all!
posted by shimmer at 2:22 PM PST - 13 comments

Weird & Wonderful Excellent Esoteric Nightmare Narratives

Please recommend as much artsy, intelligent, literary horror fiction (in any medium: books, stories, films, whatever) as you can! [more inside]
posted by byanyothername at 2:05 PM PST - 45 comments

Do we stay or do we go now? (DC edition)

My partner and I live in Capitol Hill in DC. She's been offered a job in Annandale. With our lease set to expire at the end of November, we're trying to figure out where we should live. Please help us decide! [more inside]
posted by cheeserk at 1:46 PM PST - 17 comments

Stupid Facebook Tricks - Extensions and Feed Managers

What extensions or settings do you use to keep everybody else's comments and activities out of your Facebook feed? And this is after having gone through and changed your feed to a Friends list and deselecting activities such as "Comments and Likes" from your Friends. [more inside]
posted by gov_moonbeam at 1:41 PM PST - 5 comments

Ad Hoc pub quiz locations in Richmond VA?

I need to organize a pub quiz in Richmond VA for next February in advance of a wedding. Can you recommend venues that might welcome the crowd? The pub quiz would be open to the public.
posted by parmanparman at 1:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Make iTunes album view go away!

iTunes-filter: I would like to nuke the albums view from orbit. [more inside]
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 1:30 PM PST - 1 comment

Dancing in Boston this Saturday night (10/19)

My housemate wants to go dancing for his 40th birthday this weekend. We're looking for a venue with high energy danceable music. It should also be friendly to both queer and straight folks. A place popular with burners or other countercultural sorts would be ideal. I almost never go out dancing, so I have no ideas; maybe you do?
posted by spindrifter at 1:08 PM PST - 7 comments

One large flat rooftop, ah ah ah...

How would you go about getting an accurate count of the number of flat 3,000+ square meter rooftops in a city? [more inside]
posted by 256 at 12:49 PM PST - 8 comments

Learning Basic Accounting from Home

I'm looking for inexpensive or free resources for learning basic small business accounting from home. [more inside]
posted by moira at 12:46 PM PST - 6 comments

The Nile: It's not just a creek in Colorado

This year for Halloween I was going to be Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile. But then the Colorado floods happened. [more inside]
posted by cyndigo at 12:40 PM PST - 10 comments

Switching cell phones from Cincinnati Bell to another carrier

My wife and I got HTC Sensation cell phones from Cincinnati Bell in Nov 2011. The contract will expire shortly, and I'd like to find alternatives that would save us some money. We're generally happy with the hardware, so I see little incentive at this point to get rid of the phones. Does anyone have any experiences, good or bad, that they can share regarding switching from Cincinnati Bell to a prepaid or other budget carrier? We would both need voice and data (though not a huge data plan), and my wife needs SMS messaging (I use Google Voice). Thanks!
posted by zainsubani at 11:57 AM PST - 1 comment

Nashville - Should We Stay Downtown?

Should we stay at Opryland during this conference, or should we stay downtown and commute? [more inside]
posted by ldthomps at 11:52 AM PST - 17 comments

Seeking an Android calendar app with task management

I'm looking for an Android calendar app with specific functionality when it comes to creating and marking off tasks. In short, I want to be able to create a task and have it repeat each day or weekly (and preferably still allow me to mark the task as complete each day or week). This is to facilitate making and meeting daily and weekly goals. Does such an app exist? What is it called? [more inside]
posted by wansac at 11:44 AM PST - 5 comments

How Are Talk Shows Organized?

Interested in hearing from the Mefiverse about how big-time talk shows are organized behind the scenes, i.e. do they prep the stars on questions before-hand and if so, how? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 11:37 AM PST - 8 comments

Suicidal ideation support group?

Do you think starting a suicidal ideation support group (in the flesh, not chat groups or hotline numbers) would be helpful or detrimental? [more inside]
posted by mingo_clambake at 11:31 AM PST - 13 comments

Profs of MeFi et al, help me ask for recommendations for grad school?

I'm in the process of applying to graduate school. I need to ask for recommendations. I am really nervous and concerned about this and I have a few questions. [more inside]
posted by Lutoslawski at 11:26 AM PST - 11 comments

How much and what music can I "appropriate" for my own compositions?

When Puffy Whatever uses e.g. Kashmir as a background for his own rap, or Kanye uses Ray Charles' music in Gold Digger, do they pay them? What are the guidelines about this, if I want to make some raps with pre-existing background music and put them on YouTube? Why isn't it like buying the rights to use a song in your movie? (Or is it?) Do you at least have to ask permission?
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:23 AM PST - 8 comments

Fungal toenail infection

I have toenail infection and I feel my feet also have a bad smell. I am seeing tommorow a podiatrist but I am reluctant to accept antiviral treatment cause it affects the liver. What is your experience? Did you remove the nail?
posted by barexamfreak at 10:57 AM PST - 24 comments

I'm (no longer) hot for teacher, can I attend his class?

How bad of an idea it is to attend a university class given by a lecturer I've secretly dated? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:52 AM PST - 33 comments

Oncology therapist in Chicago?

I need an excellent talk therapist who specializes in working with cancer patients in Chicago. [more inside]
posted by deliciae at 10:37 AM PST - 3 comments

How do people upgrade their iPhones every year and find them?

I've noticed that a number of people have been upgrading their iPhones (less so with other models) every year without paying anything out of pocket. How does this work? [more inside]
posted by touareg at 10:37 AM PST - 17 comments

Help me kludge a shower

My wife and I are buying an old house in which the bathroom just has a tub, not a shower. We'd like to redo the bathroom and put in a proper shower before too long, but in the meantime we'd like to set up an all-around shower curtain and rig up a shower as inexpensively as possible. [more inside]
posted by Rallon at 10:33 AM PST - 7 comments

Quick question about Medicare and Medicare Part D

Does my mom have to renew her Medicare and Part D coverage? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 10:01 AM PST - 3 comments

Student loans sent to collections after no contact?

My friend thought the money she owed a university was being taken care of by her current payments. This weekend someone in her family gets a call from debt collectors. Apparently the financial aid office has been sitting on a lump of debt for a full year, but has only attempted to contact her during that time at a single email address, her old school one. They never sent any letters to her home address, nor called her at the number she's had for years. Now instead of setting up a payment plan she'll have to negotiate with a predatory collections agency. Is there any way out of this mess? [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 9:53 AM PST - 16 comments

Overnight weekend parking at or near eastern BART terminus?

Have you ever parked overnight at the Dublin-Pleasanton BART station? Do secure lots exist within walking distance? Maybe Pittsburg/Bay Point the better station for this? [more inside]
posted by Rash at 9:34 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I find a therapist who doesn't suck?

I want to go back to therapy, but the last two people I tried were just terrible, and I am sick of blowing my outrageous copays on people who seem incapable of relating to me. How do I find someone who will actually help me? [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:21 AM PST - 31 comments

Are these surveys (A) very useful (B) somewhat useful (C) ignored?

Is there any point to filling out surveys from non-profits? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 9:06 AM PST - 15 comments

give me perspective on the date I just went on.

I went out with the kind of guy I thought I'd never meet but always wanted to. I really like him but some self-sabotaging behavior may have screwed this up for me. Help me do damage control and tell me what I need to ask myself to know if I really like him or just the idea of him. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:52 AM PST - 35 comments

Should I let my children visit their father?

My ex and I recently divorced after a 16-year marriage. The divorce was mostly amicable, and we had been planning on living in the same area after the dissolution of the marriage in order to be able to have shared custody of our two children, aged 6 and 7. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:52 AM PST - 31 comments

Nerdy couple costumes

Help my boyfriend and I figure out our 2013 Halloween costumes. He's tall, muscular, buzzed hair, glasses. I'm short, athletic/curvy, brunette, glasses. Both nerdy. Both crafty, but with limited time. Photos inside for inspiration. [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 7:49 AM PST - 35 comments

Online multiple choice survey with customized email feedback/report

I need to build a web-embedded, multiple choice survey that sends an email with text customized based on each respondent's answers. Some (limited) coding experience. [more inside]
posted by viewmastr at 7:38 AM PST - 3 comments

Who said "culture is the rulership of the dead over the living"?

Who said something like "culture is the rulership of the dead over the living"? Is is Zizek? Looking for an exact quote please. [more inside]
posted by esprit de l'escalier at 6:49 AM PST - 7 comments

Bedside tables for a drawer-filled captain's bed with no space

I'm looking for bedside tables for a Captain's bed with drawers all around. I have about 2-3" space between the bottom of the drawer and the floor. I think we're looking for tables shaped like [ but don't know how to describe them. Any advice, either on tables or terminology? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 6:29 AM PST - 8 comments

How great is a pumpkin?

I need to order a container today that has to be big enough to hold 95% of jack-o-lantern type pumpkins. I'm in an office and I have no access to actual pumpkins to verify their typical size. Help? [more inside]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 6:18 AM PST - 14 comments

Applying for a new job- but what to do about a planned vacation?

After years of being on the fence about leaving and gritting my teeth while putting up with a shitty work environment, I'm ready to start applying for jobs. It's taken me a long time to get brave enough to do this, so I'm pretty happy that I'm going to pull the plug! But I feel like I can't start applying for positions because of an upcoming vacation, and I'm not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:20 AM PST - 29 comments

clinical trial - what questions should I be asking?

I'm considering joining a clinical drug trial. What should I be thinking about? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:19 AM PST - 4 comments

Fresh air in the winter, please

Mr Uans is convinced that even cracking the window an inch to bring in some fresh air on a cold day allows ALL the heat to escape the bedroom. He says why run the furnace if you are going to open the window? I, on the other hand, very much appreciate a little fresh air and think the heat loss is marginal. Which one of us is right according to the facts, not anecdata? Can you point us to some helpful links that will end the arguing? Thanks!
posted by uans at 1:41 AM PST - 15 comments

What's this D&D box set in the film Labyrinth?

So, I might have skipped work on Monday to see Labyrinth on the big screen. I've seen it a million times, know where all the little easter eggs are...except this was the first time I noticed that Sarah has a D&D box set in her room. But which one? [more inside]
posted by obiwanwasabi at 12:29 AM PST - 7 comments

Help my computer take me beyond the blue start-up screen

I have a HP Elitebook 8530p and recently after I have logged on it just sits there with a blue, slightly floral but otherwise blank screen and nothing else happens. I am able to start in safe mode, which is what I'm in now and I've done a system recovery which worked once, but I don't want to have to do that every single time I start the computer. So what do I try next?
posted by lazy robot at 12:06 AM PST - 2 comments

October 14

Nutrition and health aspects of white versus wheat bread

Most people have heard the mantra that wheat bread is "good" but white bread is bad. However, virtually all commercial wheat breads contain added sugars in some form (molasses, etc.) while it is possible to obtain commercial white breads with zero added sugars (e.g. scali or Italian bread) and sugar is meant to be "bad" for us, contributing to cancer, obesity and diabetes. From a scientific or evidence standpoint, how do the relative merits of sugarless white and whole wheat breads stack up assuming one buys the best quality option from each category?
posted by mintchip at 10:13 PM PST - 17 comments

I need to make a clean break. I'm ruining my health for this job I hate.

How can I cut and run and survive? I'm having trouble finding a lab job in the field I have my degree in (biochem) despite good credentials/resume and willingness to move almost ANYWHERE. Ideally I would have a position lined up before I quit but I don't know if I'm going to survive that long. I usually pride myself on my professionalism but I had a nervous breakdown in front of my boss today for no good reason except accumulating stress and a crippling anxiety disorder. This is a shot in the dark but...are there any good volunteer programs that provide basic food and lodging in exchange for work? Not interested in TFA. I think Peace Corps takes a long time to even have a chance at getting accepted. And I don't know if my health problems would disqualify me. [more inside]
posted by WhitenoisE at 10:06 PM PST - 15 comments

What's Cork, Ireland like?

I'm considering applying for an academic job in Cork, Ireland. What is the city like? What is University College Cork like? I'm from the US, and I know very little about the city, but I'm curious. [more inside]
posted by umbú at 9:34 PM PST - 15 comments

Who are some artists that play traditional Chinese or Japanese music?

I would like to build a Pandora station around traditional-sounding Asian music. Flutes, harps, shamisen, koto, guanzi, erhu, etc. Basically, I want to create the kind of setting that you might find in a quiet tea house. Or the ambient music you might hear watching a movie where a monk silently tills the monastery grounds. But, to get started, I need to provide some particular songs or artists from which I want to build the station. My practical knowledge of music from that area of the world is practically nil, so I could a helping hand. Thanks!
posted by JimBJ9 at 9:27 PM PST - 5 comments

Mass Special Senate Primary and the NSA, who thinks what?

Ok, so I have not been following the MA primary as close as I would like for the last couple of months since Markey resigned. I am doing as much research as possible prior to the primary tomorrow but one issue in particular I have not been able to find much on despite my googling around. [more inside]
posted by sendai sleep master at 7:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Changing manual timetabling to electronic

I receive timetabling data in Excel spreadsheets and want to map it out automatically, rather than working out the timetable/grid by hand every time because the data changes, and I'd also like to filter it to show certain groups - teacher for example. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 6:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Monitor size, resolution issues, with special snowflake

Finding the right monitor setup - prefer lower rez! [more inside]
posted by 4midori at 6:33 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me understand what scar tissue on my muscle is exactly? IKYANMD

I am a runner, and soccer player. I have had 3 surgeries over the past 2 years to try to repair my right hamstring muscle from chronic tendionosis, hamstring syndrome, and I had a tenotomy. Now according to my MRI:"At around mid part there is a scar tissue formation of approximately 3 to 4 cm in the biceps femoris muscle which ís the lateral side of the hamstrings. Both above and below the scar the muscle looks perfectly normal." I currently have pain in any jogging, or specific use of my right hamstring muscle. I did rehab for 6 months post surgery in USA, but now I had to come to a small town in China, where there is no rehab. Is scar tissue capable of being my main culprit for me have pain during jogging? How easily is scar tissue removed through foam rolling, deep massage, Active Release Therapy? Is 3 to 4 cm a lot of scar tissue? How long will it take me to remove that much? (ballpark). How can I educate myself on what is going on with my body? Thanks
posted by crawltopslow at 6:28 PM PST - 4 comments

How to get breastfed baby taking bottles??

I am back at work 2 days a week, and my 3 month old will not take a bottle. Have been googling non-stop, and feel like we have tried everything. What worked for your baby?? [more inside]
posted by dil.emma at 6:21 PM PST - 21 comments

Out of Memory Nightmare

My PC has about 1.5TB of HD memory, and about 75% of it is free. And 2GB more of RAM was recently installed, increasing total RAM to about 6GB. But I am discovering that has little effect on why a program would display an out of memory message. I access the program, which is a website builder, from my desktop. Each time the program crashes, I find changes to work most recently done. And now, I am afraid to continue working on one of the saved versions because of the possibility of more crashes. I tried the Microsoft Fix It for OOM errors, but it didn't seem to help. And I've been exchanging messages with Serif, but the answers haven't been as helpful as I've hoped. Why is this happening and what, if anything, can I do to find out what is stealing the memory and stop it?
posted by CollectiveMind at 5:44 PM PST - 15 comments

Heading to Maya Riviera (Playa del Carmen) next week - help us plan!

I'll be heading to Playa Del Carmen for a 5-day vacation with my brother and mom (all adults). We have three full days with nothing planned, and would like to make the most of them. Please give us ideas on where to travel along the Maya Riviera and Yucatan Peninsula! [more inside]
posted by Thanquol180 at 5:16 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me date myself

I went through a pretty wretched breakup of a long-term relationship earlier this year and am still dealing with the ill effects. I'm not interested in dating anyone, or rather don't think I should date anyone, for a while. But I'm getting really into the idea of dating myself. Please help me come up with ideas to do that! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:34 PM PST - 21 comments

Should I reply to this email?

I received a message from my property manager complaining about cigarette and pot smoking in my building/near my apartment. I live in a mid-rise building in Chicago, and 2-3x a week will partake in the latter activity (do not smoke cigarettes at all). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:33 PM PST - 47 comments

Optimal OGG to MP3 encoding for quality vs. file size?

I'm preparing to revamp my digital music library, including re-encoding a lot of high-bitrate OGG tracks as MP3 to increase portability and cut down on file size. What are the best LAME encoder settings to maximize appreciable quality for the future without taking up too much space? [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi at 4:17 PM PST - 15 comments

Clever solutions to sharing EV chargers in the workplace?

My workplace is experiencing a surge in electric car ownership, which is awesome. The company has put in four EV charging stations, which have been swamped by the increased demand. Are there any clever suggestions or ideas for how to share the available stations efficiently? [more inside]
posted by handful of rain at 4:05 PM PST - 17 comments

Place to read and talk all afternoon in London

Where can my girlfriend and I sit down, relax, read, and talk for a long while during our visit to London? When weather is good, we love parks. When it's raining, we're at a loss. Are there any especially good libraries or other places for this kind of thing? Thanks!
posted by honest knave at 3:53 PM PST - 14 comments

Careers in School Psychology

What's it like to be a school psychologist? And should I become one? [more inside]
posted by oiseau at 3:01 PM PST - 10 comments

I need blinking red eyes

How can a non-electrically-inclined person give their GIANT HOMEMADE OUTDOOR SPIDER (aka Halloween decoration) blinking red eyes? Easy/cheap ways preferred. [more inside]
posted by Kronur at 2:10 PM PST - 7 comments

Ideas for a solo trip in North America in early December?

I scheduled a week off from work in early December and am interested in suggestions for solo travel. I'm in Chicago, and I have enough airline miles for a round trip in the US or Canada, and would be looking to go somewhere for 4 or 5 days. I'm not much of a beach person, and I am most comfortable in an urban setting, though I wouldn't be opposed to a day trip for hiking or some sort of outdoorsy stuff. I'm from Chicago so cold weather doesn't phase me. I love museums, architecture, walking tours, casual (but awesome) restaurants, and bars; I would prefer somewhere where I don't have to rent a car to get around. Thanks in advance for the suggestions!
posted by bdk3clash at 1:45 PM PST - 18 comments

How can I postpone a job interview?

My mental health took a crash and I need to postpone a job interview I have scheduled this week. How can I do it / how should I word it? [more inside]
posted by htid at 1:29 PM PST - 13 comments

Cleaning up the mercury from a broken thermometer...

I broke a thermometer by knocking over the container it was sitting in. That container was filled with a pretty acidic solution (~ph 3). There are no visible mercury pools or droplets. I put on gloves and sopped up the liquid, which was probably not the best idea, but I was worried about my kid. Short of hiring an expert cleaner, which I am willing to do if necessary, what should I do now. Cleanup sites tend to assume that the mercury is the only liquid present, and I'm not sure how breaking into the acid might affect things.
posted by OmieWise at 1:10 PM PST - 14 comments

Looking for a large insulated stainless steel travel mug

I'm trying to stay more hydrated and I often find myself out about without water. I'm looking for a LARGE (preferably > 20 ounce) insulated stainless steel travel mug with a leakproof or leak-resistant sippy top. [more inside]
posted by entropicamericana at 12:26 PM PST - 11 comments

Cut down your android phone memory usage with 1 weird old tip.

Please help me free up RAM on my Android Froyo (2.2.1) phone. [more inside]
posted by Zed at 11:59 AM PST - 10 comments

Seeking reading suggestions to help me find my calling

I'm seeking some non-hokey things to read or to listen to in order to nudge me to find my next career calling in life. I'm in my early 30s, and I've been in the same industry for the last 10 years. It's an industry that seems very glamorous from the outside, but I stopped giving a shit in a big way a long time ago. I'd love to get some suggestions of books that helped you jumpstart a new career or made you think about your career possibilities in a different way. [more inside]
posted by emily37 at 11:25 AM PST - 19 comments

What goes with yellow and oatmeal gray?

I have this dress which I like. I would like to still wear it even now that the weather is getting cooler. What color leggings/tights would look good with it? [more inside]
posted by bluefly at 11:14 AM PST - 30 comments

Being forced to use Windows DVD maker. New software is not an option.

Windows DVD Maker squishes 16:9 videos to 4:3. Please make it stop. [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 11:12 AM PST - 7 comments

Wedding Gift: Creative Guestbook Ideas

My best friend is getting married in June and I'm a bridesmaid. I've offered to put together a guestbook for the couple as part of the big day. I've heard of so many creative ideas - books with photos, framed signed photos, puzzles, etc., but some of them seem impractical. I want this to be something they can potentially display in their home as a reminder of the ceremony. I need ideas, links, personal anecdotes (what made your guestbook special?), to help me put together the best guest book for a lovely couple! It can be DIY or for purchase.
posted by brynna at 11:11 AM PST - 19 comments

Please make this pregnant lady cry

Can you recommend me some fiction, comics, and movies that are parenting positive--especially mom-positive? [more inside]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 11:01 AM PST - 39 comments

A question about sperm banking and long-distance relocation

I will be banking sperm in the next few months. Right now I live in Texas. When it comes time to use that sperm, Partner and I will be... well, wherever the job market takes us — probably hundreds or even thousands of miles away. [more inside]
posted by Now there are two. There are two _______. at 10:38 AM PST - 5 comments

Replacement for GTalk with similar functionality?

Ideally, I need a windows client and/or browser interface, an android client, and an iOS client. I would like synchronization (to be able to change devices and continue conversation cleanly). I need a standard chat log. I would love the chat log to be on an online platform so it can be easily downloaded/forwarded/searched. [more inside]
posted by erisraven at 10:11 AM PST - 10 comments

Birds! What are they good for?

My loving husband gave me a pair of birds. I was able to quickly google how to take care of them, and am doing fine in that regard, but am wondering: how do bird people enjoy them? Bonus question: how do I get my cats to not want to eat them? [more inside]
posted by corb at 10:02 AM PST - 33 comments

adventure novels about french trappers/explorers in america

This is a long shot. When I was a wee child in the 70s, I remember reading an old adventure novel about a French explorer in the 1700s or 1800s, having adventures in the American wilderness, making allies with native americans, living off the fat of the land, escaping from British soldiers, etc. It was written in English though I suppose it could have been a translation. Anyone have any ideas as to title or author?
posted by jak68 at 9:58 AM PST - 14 comments

Sous vide sousgestions (Ugh, apologies for the worst title ever)

We cook a lot with our sous vide machine but it is invariably: meat (beef/chicken/pork) seasoned with salt and pepper in the bag, then into a hot pan to sear, possibly with a sauce added after. The results are great, but we've fallen into a rut, and it would be nice to mix it up a bit. Can you share your tried and true sous vide recipes--particularly for recipes that can be prepped and then frozen for later use?
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:52 AM PST - 13 comments

Soup for Dummies

I love soup but stink at making it from scratch. Hit me with your best recipes and tips for making soup! [more inside]
posted by fox problems at 9:48 AM PST - 47 comments

Do you feel like swimming?

I would like to start swimming laps as part of a fitness regime. Special snowflake details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 9:30 AM PST - 7 comments

Letter of recommendation from department graduate?

I'm considering applying to an MS program in statistics at a competitive school. A guy I've worked with holds a PhD from the statistics department at that school, and I think he'd give me a pretty good recommendation if I asked him for one. But I'm unsure whether or not that's a good thing to do, as this fellow isn't a professor. [more inside]
posted by mf_ss at 9:28 AM PST - 8 comments

Namefilter, gift economy edition.

I´m currently designing (on paper, while I look for a person with the tech skills to build it) a web platform for an alternate, moneyless economy. I have a working name for it, but some people have read into it something different from what I intended, so I´m looking for a new name. More details after the jump. [more inside]
posted by Fermin at 9:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Mordernkainen's Eleven

My D&D 3.5 campaign is going to have a heist coming up and I'm in a bit over my head. If anyone has good reference materials, interesting mechanics and just anything else to make this be both fun and workable, it would help a lot. [more inside]
posted by griphus at 9:03 AM PST - 15 comments

Riding a motorbike in the UK on a US license: What are the rules?

I moved to the UK earlier this year for work, and have recently bought a Vespa scooter. I had an unrestricted motorcycle license in the US (Illinois, specifically). I'm in the process of getting the Vespa insured, and am applying for my provisional license (with the aim, of course, of taking CBT and getting a full license down the road.) As I understand it, I'm technically allowed to ride on my US license for the first 12 months I'm here. I also understand that, were I a British citizen acquiring his first motorcycle license, I would not be allowed to carry a passenger until I'd passed the test for a full (not provisional) license. Does that rule apply to me as well? Also, do the 'L' plate restrictions change at all for my situation? [more inside]
posted by mattstan at 9:00 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I shop for enterprise-grade servers and storage?

I need to buy several servers with 24+ cores and 100+ GB of RAM, as well as storage for slightly over 100TB of data. Where (and how) should I be looking? [more inside]
posted by antonymous at 8:40 AM PST - 10 comments

Can I sell my small IT business?

I run a small Mac support business in NYC. Most of my clients are small businesses, and are repeat customers going back several years. Customer loyalty is high. Expenses are low. Profits are reliable. Physical assets are few. I'd like to sell it, but I can't figure out if it's an asset — or if I'm the asset. [more inside]
posted by thejoshu at 8:28 AM PST - 10 comments

Visiting Anaheim for work, need strong dinner and afterparty recos

I'm visiting Anaheim from out of town and need to host the CEO of my company as well as several other companies will be joining us for a dinner and drinks. Urgently need recommendations for excellent dining experiences and / or nightlife places to go. [more inside]
posted by omidius at 8:13 AM PST - 14 comments

How should I be saving for retirement?

As a lower income person, I feel like my retirement planning should be simple, but it still fills me with anxiety and uncertainty. Tell me what, if anything, I should be doing differently. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:11 AM PST - 16 comments

Alice Munro-filter: What on earth does "b.t.m" stand for?

I've been devouring the Alice Munro stories that have been popping up online since her big win. In one, "The Beggar Maid", a character says, in reference to tight clothing, "“You wouldn’t want your b.t.m. to show, now would you?” What does this refer to? [more inside]
posted by ZaphodB at 7:55 AM PST - 8 comments

My son's biological father has friended me on Facebook. What next?

My 8 year old son has never met his biological father and would like to do so. I don't want his heart to break if his bio-father doesn't want contact. I'm only assuming that he doesn't want contact because apart from the befriending we haven't actually said anything to each other via voice or email for about 6 years or so. What is the best way to approach this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:05 AM PST - 25 comments

Who should write my letter of recommendation?

Two of my recommenders are obvious choices. Who should write the third? [more inside]
posted by Polyhymnia at 6:21 AM PST - 7 comments

Where should I live?

Looking for a home in a gay marriage state. [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 5:44 AM PST - 50 comments

Help me get one of these ESL positions!

Right, calling all ESL teachers! Help this former teacher become a teacher again! I need your best 20 minute beginners English sample lesson plan and some resources I can use to brush up on my rusty grammar! [more inside]
posted by misspony at 5:08 AM PST - 4 comments

Teaching My Money To Sit Up And Beg Comes Next

I had two orphan 401(k) plans from old jobs that I rolled over into my (traditional) IRA this year. When I do my 2013 taxes, do I count those as part of my IRA contribution for the year? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:37 AM PST - 8 comments

Roman Holiday (kid friendly version)

Next week, my 10 year old daughter and I will be in Rome for 3 days; what should we see? [more inside]
posted by oclipa at 4:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Why is my keyboard being contrary?

I've had a new computer set up for me at work and the keyboard is being a pain. For some reason it is reversing the keys I need to strike to get @ and " as well as a few others. I've asked around and other people here have the same problem, but have just got used to reversing the keys. However I am too impatient and lazy and I want it to work right. Apologies for all the stupidity to follow but I know nothing of techy things. [more inside]
posted by billiebee at 3:53 AM PST - 7 comments

Is there any way to read .atom files?

Google Takeout allows one to export a blog from within Blogger, in the form of a .atom file. Opening the file in a web browser produces the message "This is an Atom formatted XML site feed. It is intended to be viewed in a Newsreader or syndicated to another site. Please visit Blogger Help for more info" My goal is to convert this file to a standard html bookmarks file, but I can't find any apps that can parse it so I can export it as html. Thanks for any suggestions. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 2:41 AM PST - 7 comments

Trying to identify lady painter of intricate naive/psychedelic pictures

About 20 years ago I was shown an album by a female painter. I would like to find out who she is, but I am having remarkably little success searching on the web. [more inside]
posted by holist at 1:54 AM PST - 5 comments

What is inside a bath tub's pipes?

I've just snaked my first tub. It went great. Now, just out of curiosity, what lives in a bathtub's pipes? [more inside]
posted by kettleoffish at 12:54 AM PST - 4 comments

Great, free, 2d mapping software (CAD style?)

Howdy Mefites, I'm currently trying to map my property, for landscape design purposes, and I'm seeking a software solution to creating the map. I'd like something free (or almost free...), something that allows me to input measured distances, something with layers, and something fairly intuitive. Pipe dream? I've tried to use Sketchup, and the ability to input line distance directly is brilliant! However, being a 3D rendering product, Sketchup lacks functionality for 2D landscape mapping and design. I've used Campaign Cartographer for years when creating RPG maps, however, it seems to lack the ability to easily create real world maps, and input measured distances (unless I'm missing something). Is there any software that I can use to accurately and intuitively map (for landscape design purposes) my 5 acre property, with layers, various symbols... and which won't cost hundreds of dollars?
posted by Sustainable Chiles at 12:31 AM PST - 7 comments

October 13

Need help locating a mysteriously vanished package

I ordered a package last winter and just realized that I never received it. I was out of town for a bit and traveling so it slipped my mind and I just assumed my partner had brought it in. Now, over six months later, I contacted the company that shipped it to me, and they were able to track down the USPS routing number, but USPS' website is not helping. How can I track this down? [more inside]
posted by deathpanels at 11:29 PM PST - 7 comments

What to do about a friend who is becoming a hater?

Someone close to me (a man) is developing an increasingly conservative, even bigoted, viewpoint on a number of topics. Please help me figure out what the hell is going on and what I can do about it. [more inside]
posted by switcheroo at 11:08 PM PST - 38 comments

Did I get blown off? Should I make attempt #2?

Asked someone to hang out casually, but got the last minute something came up thing. Mixed messages, etc. Do I try again? [more inside]
posted by christiehawk at 9:20 PM PST - 11 comments

Name this melody, hard mode

Here is a MIDI file of a melody that is stuck in my head, from deep recesses of old memories. I'm not sure why it came back up today. Please tell me where it came from. Difficulty level: pretty sure it's a fairly famous Chinese or other East Asian language pop song, but I can't remember any lyrics.
posted by Hollywood Upstairs Medical College at 8:09 PM PST - 2 comments

How to make a room less creepy?

This is a design question, not a paranormal one: how can I make the creepy end of my house less creepy? [more inside]
posted by xo at 8:00 PM PST - 28 comments

Help me help my son get into college

My son is currently applying to a service academy for college. This is all he has ever wanted since he was a small child. He has worked his tail off so far and is now frozen on the essays. I have no idea how to help him. [more inside]
posted by davenportmom at 7:37 PM PST - 28 comments

Research on the decline of voter engagement and participation

Calling political science people: I want to read solid, evidence-based work that tries to explain why voters are voting less and less in Western democracies over the last few decades. Which writers and what works do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 7:07 PM PST - 2 comments

There must be something I can do to help

Is there anything I can possibly do or say to ease my Dad's emotional suffering caused by his terminal prognosis? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:22 PM PST - 25 comments

Cable television or like alternatives in Toronto?

With the change from the default broadcasting of cable signals in analog to digital, my mom has fallen into a terrible television conundrum and would like some advice on what the better/best alternatives are to Rogers Cable in Toronto. Can you help us out? The saga of what has been tried is inside. [more inside]
posted by machine at 6:19 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for information on Organizational Behavior.

I am looking for recommendations for books on Organizational Behavior. I have a textbook that I picked up at a yard sale, and it got me hooked. I am overwhelmed by the choices recommended by Amazon. I am interested in all aspects of OB, so organization theory and the human elements like decision making, motivation, psychology, etc. I just do not know what other books/sites/journals are worth reading, either because of my newness to the material and concepts or because they are just poorly written.
posted by awesomelyglorious at 5:27 PM PST - 7 comments

replacing igoogle/chrome themes

This is a little silly but is still trufax: The thing I will miss the most about iGoogle going away is the Tea House. [more inside]
posted by spunweb at 5:24 PM PST - 7 comments

What is the best colour for a beamer in a not-sufficiently-darkened room

I'm preparing a presentation and I know that the projector available is quite bad, and the room where I will give this presentation doesn't have proper blinds so it's relatively bright. My slides are very simple, white background, black text, and a third colour for some highlights. I wonder: does the hive mind know what this colour should be in order to be really visible and actually highlight my stuff, given the aforementioned conditions?
posted by buck:fuller at 5:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Logistics and advice for digital/physical improv skit?

Help me think through a smart/simple/clean way to project text from two different sources onto a screen. And - have you seen/been in any shows that mix digital/physical worlds? I'm all ears for advice about how to make this an especially delightful experience. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by red_rabbit at 4:24 PM PST - 4 comments

What is the cheapest video camera around?

I'm looking for the most bare-bones video cameras that money can buy. I've been searching among security cameras, but what are some other possible searches? Imagine a security camera without the LED lights. As in, I would prefer an analog as opposed to USB output, but cost is more important than anything. The current cheapest security cameras I can find are $28 or so. Do any exist that are perhaps less than $20? [more inside]
posted by neil pierce at 4:21 PM PST - 1 comment

What's causing these mysterious round stains on my clothing?

An unexplained ring stain has appeared on 4 of my shirts. I'm very afraid it will ruin more. What could be causing this? [more inside]
posted by graytona at 3:26 PM PST - 19 comments

Does Robert's Rules have anything to say as to who run's our meeting?

The monthly meeting of our quilt guild is this Monday. There's a big chance both our President and VP will be unavailable to preside. Does Robert's Rules cover this situation? [more inside]
posted by pibeandres at 2:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Help, I suffer from chronic bitchface

How do I seem more approachable in social settings without being a total fake? [more inside]
posted by thank you silence at 1:38 PM PST - 41 comments

SE Asia Tips for Solo Lady?

I'm a solo female traveler with 3 weeks free in Dec/Jan. Thinking of checking out SE Asia - maybe Laos + Cambodia. Do you have other suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Solon and Thanks at 1:19 PM PST - 10 comments

You know where you want to go, but you don't know for sure...

[Book filter] Please recommend stories about people who find out (through trail and error) what they really want, and eventually get there (after a bunch of detours). [more inside]
posted by fix at 12:12 PM PST - 24 comments

weightloss medication

hi forum, I'm checking to see if any of you have any experience using Belviq or other weight loss medication. I'm overweight, and while I do try to get exercise, it seems it's not enough to make much of a dent, and now I'm having knee and back problems when I try to job (for the above mentioned exercise). Someone recommended that I look at Belviq or other weight loss medication. Do any of you have any experience with this or similar medication? kind regards, -matt
posted by earthwalker7 at 12:03 PM PST - 16 comments

Should I dump money into my retirement index fund if the market craters?

I have a bunch of money I've been wanting to dump into a low-fee index fund all year. (It's my retirement account.) I've been holding off because of the whole budget/debt ceiling business that's been going on all year. It looks like events will be coming to a head this week. If the market totally craters, would that be a good time to buy? [more inside]
posted by evil otto at 11:38 AM PST - 16 comments

Can a programmable thermostat be hooked up to a old furnace and ac unit

My mother-in-law has a old furnace in her basement and a air conditioner unit outside, can these be hooked up to one of those new programmable thermostats?
posted by just asking at 10:31 AM PST - 9 comments

¿Como se dice "space ship"?

I am re-re-re-embarking on my periodic quest to actually develop competent Spanish skills. (I'm Hispanic, it feels obligatory.) Something I've never had previously--books I actually wanted to read for fun that were not translated from English. So: Are there Spanish-language authors to look for who're writing science fiction and fantasy? Especially of the YA variety? [more inside]
posted by Sequence at 10:04 AM PST - 11 comments

How many Ask MetaFilter readers does it take to change a lightbulb?

I've recently moved into a new apartment and found that two of the three bulbs in the bathroom vanity lighting are burnt out. The problem? I can't figure out how to actually get at the bulbs to replace them. Can you help? Images and description inside... [more inside]
posted by Rewind at 9:41 AM PST - 15 comments

Got any late-breaking news or tips on live music in Austin tonight?

This last day of ACL Fest was just cancelled due to flooding... and surely some last-minute shows are being set up at bars, hotels, homes, schools, for today and tonight! Know of any gigs today or tonight, with some of the bands that were set to play?? [more inside]
posted by swlabr at 9:30 AM PST - 5 comments

My Job As A Sex Worker and British Naturalisation

I am an American national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK and have been here since 2005. I am registered self employed as a dominatrix - yes they seem to have a category for this at Inland Revenue - and it seems that in order to naturalise as a British citizen, I will need to send the Home Office a statement of accounts with my application! So there's no hiding it (not that I would want to). My question is - will being an out sex worker make them pause at granting me citizenship, because of the good character requirement?
posted by Mistress at 9:08 AM PST - 4 comments

External HD > Ubuntu > iPod - best media player?

I'm running Ubuntu 12.04, have all of my music on a portable hard drive, and ideally want to dump some of it onto an iPod. Is there a media player that will let me do this relatively painlessly? [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 9:00 AM PST - 5 comments

Kitchen floor is seeping water. Please help me sort this out.

My tiled kitchen floor seeps water about 2 feet from the sink when we run the faucet. Please help me think through possible questions for the plumber and keep me from freaking out that this will cost thousands of dollars to fix. [more inside]
posted by _Mona_ at 8:26 AM PST - 18 comments

What does Atul Gawande read?

What comes next after popular medical non-fiction? [more inside]
posted by telegraph at 7:58 AM PST - 18 comments

An IRA in the hand is worth 2 401ks in the bush?

I just started a new job at a small business that does not have a company-funded 401k plan. I have 3 old 401k accounts of various amounts from previous jobs. What should I do with that money, and how should I fund my retirement now? [more inside]
posted by thirdletter at 6:25 AM PST - 7 comments

Where can an adult learn to backflip?

For a long time, I've had a personal goal of being able to do a backflip. Now I'm getting serious about learning how to, and I realize I have no idea where to go. I'm looking for a place that has instructors I can pay for private lessons that will help me achieve this goal quickly. I'm in reasonable physical condition (male, 6', 195 lbs, and I swing kettlebells a lot). I'm in Milwaukee, WI.
posted by philosophygeek at 4:02 AM PST - 9 comments

Can you pull a leg muscle - while sleeping?

This has happened once or twice a year for a while. I'm asleep, and awake to find my leg (either one) feels really tight, strained and overtense, in the thigh and calf, like there are muscles there that are on the verge of ripping. It's very painful for a very short while - usually wakes me up screaming, and painful to walk on for an hour or two onwards, but then subsides during the day. [more inside]
posted by Wordshore at 3:19 AM PST - 31 comments

Rags soaked with sunflower oil will spontaneously combust?

How can I prevent a bunch of cotton rags I soaked in sunflower oil from spontaneously combusting? [more inside]
posted by fan_of_all_things_small at 3:17 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me fix an intermittent monitor fault

My husband and I bought two monitors a little over 12 months ago. They worked just fine for 6 months when his developed an intermittent fault. Essentially, the screen abruptly goes static-y and weird, and horrible noise comes out the speakers - I guess it should be described as interference. None of the controls work and it has to be powered down and back on again. Two months after his started going wrong, mine did too - exactly the same way. [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 at 2:12 AM PST - 8 comments

October 12

What else should I ask my doctor tomorrow morning?

I'm anemic and have PCOS, and have been feeling increasingly crappy. I have been taking over the counter iron that includes zinc, vitamin c, and B vitamins (FabIron) for over a year; clearly, it is not enough. I have a doctor's appointment first thing tomorrow morning. What else should I ask my doctor, or ask her to do? [more inside]
posted by jrobin276 at 10:46 PM PST - 16 comments

Can I make a gluten free orzo analogue by pummeling other gf pasta

I'm wondering if anyone has tried making a gf orzo type thing by taking a bag of rotini or some type of other gf pastas and whacking it with a mallet into little pieces. Will they stick together? Will you get the same effect? Will it suck? Failing that, anyone have an Orzo substitute? White rice? Brown Rice? Forbidden Rice?
posted by WASP-12b at 9:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Why was the baseball player Clyde Raymond Barfoot nicknamed "Foots"?

I would like to know the origin of major league baseball player Clyde Raymond Barfoot's nickname "Foots". Can you direct me to a source of information (e.g., a book or website)?
posted by kirsti at 8:59 PM PST - 7 comments

Stop iPhone ios notifications for shared calendar

I subscribe to my boss' Mac calendars so I can keep up with his schedule at work, but I don't want to receive those calendar notifications on my phone. I just want to receive my own calendar notifications. Is there a way to turn off just the subscription notifications? We're using the built in Mac and ios calendar app.
posted by captainscared at 8:20 PM PST - 3 comments

New Shimmer is a dessert topping AND a floor wax!

What "natural" cleaning products actually work? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 8:06 PM PST - 29 comments

Pokeweed in Michigan - keep or remove?

I live in southern Michigan, and am the new owner of an old garden. The gentleman who owned our house previously was ill for about 2 years before he passed away, so the gardens have been untended for somewhere between 3-5 years. I have 9 pokeberry plants. I think they're pretty, the birds like them, and the neighbor with whom I share the fence likes them fine. I'd like to keep 2-3 of the plants. Am I an idiot for not pulling them all? (Info about kids and pets under the "more inside.) [more inside]
posted by RogueTech at 7:21 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me build a PC to edit HD video in real time

What hardware specs are needed to edit HD video in real time? [more inside]
posted by mtphoto at 6:33 PM PST - 15 comments

Timeless Wisdom

Recently, a light bulb went off in my head. I've begun to appreciate a lot of classic works of non-fiction due to the timeless wisdom that they contain. I'm looking for more books that I might like. [more inside]
posted by prunes at 6:28 PM PST - 23 comments

Can you identify this animal or insect sound?

The sound of this animal or insect was captured a few nights ago. I live in the Northeast, this was at night and the noisemaker in question was clearly high up in a tree. [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 6:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Oh sticky, sticky, oh naughty, sneaky.

I want to attach a suction-cup soap dish in the shower. Suction cups don't work on my tiled bathroom walls. [more inside]
posted by Nomyte at 4:33 PM PST - 12 comments

If I had wanted Google+ I would have joined it in the first place

I am unable to log into my Gmail account until I sign up for Google+. I have no desire to belong to Google+, can you help? [more inside]
posted by NoraCharles at 4:20 PM PST - 20 comments

Extra source of income

I'm currently a junior level mobile developer for an air travel .com company. It's a full time job. I'm also working on developing an iPhone app which is a Foursquare client (currently free, but developing it more until paid features can be added once I reach a reasonable point of development). [more inside]
posted by antgly at 4:11 PM PST - 4 comments

It'll be ONE sweet party!

My daughter's first birthday is coming up in two weeks, and we're having a party. The invitations emphasized "one", so that's the theme. What "one"-themed things can I do, for food or decorations? [more inside]
posted by Liesl at 4:10 PM PST - 9 comments

Can fink and macports be friends ?

Can the OS X package managers fink and macports be installed at the same time on the same machine ? [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 4:08 PM PST - 7 comments

Portland: Is there a bar where Detroit Tigers fans gather?

My husband is a Detroit native looking for a place in Portland to watch the Tigers game. He can see it at home, but he's looking for a room full of other Tigers fans. Does this place exist? Is there an unofficial Michigan bar that we don't know about?
posted by ohisee at 3:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me update my bedroom to maximize calm and sleep

I'm sometimes an anxious person. Most times it doesn't really bother me, but it does affect my sleep, thereby indirectly affecting other parts of my life. I'd like to improve my bedroom layout and decor to maximize my calm and relaxation when I enter bed. I'm hoping to give my sleepy time a little boost so that I can set aside life's worries for at least 8 hours a night. [more inside]
posted by cman at 2:33 PM PST - 17 comments

Citing Presidential Address from GPO Access Page

I'm trying to figure out how to cite a presidential address that I retrieved from the GPO Access Page using Chicago Style. I can't find examples that seem correct and the Chicago Manual of Style Online is not being helpful either. What all do I need to include? I will post below some of the data I think goes in the citation. [more inside]
posted by Original 1928 Flavor at 2:01 PM PST - 3 comments

Is Kickstarter not the best place to crowdfund software apps?

I'm working on an iPad app (in the mental health/wellness space) and am self funding much of the design, but want to look into a Kickstarter or similar for the development phase. I did all the UI myself. I've mostly seen Kickstarters to fund physical design projects like pens, picture frames, etc, or albums, webseries, stuff like that. The technology section seems very hardware focused too. [more inside]
posted by sweetkid at 1:51 PM PST - 11 comments

Can we handle the non-profit incorporation process ourselves?

We're creating a national non-profit based in New York City. We're new and poor and considering tackling the process of incorporation ourselves. Is this a bad idea? Do we really need to lawyer up? If not, any advice as we embark on this? [more inside]
posted by vecchio at 1:26 PM PST - 14 comments

Can anybody identify this novel?

I'm trying to remember the name of a novel I read when I was in school. I believe it was Canadian, and the main character was a goodhearted but simpleminded, somewhat overweight female prostitute living in a small town. I also believe the title was her nickname; I thought it was "Sweetie," but that has proven to be incorrect.
posted by The Card Cheat at 1:17 PM PST - 4 comments

Go No Contact Or Try Again - Can We Become Whole People Together?

After loosing ourselves in each other, my girlfriend and I broke up. Is it possible for two people who still get great along splendidly to recover from dual co-dependency and love loss? [more inside]
posted by GoneWhere at 1:10 PM PST - 23 comments

Czech lines

Czech speakers: are these 3 lines sensible to you? (They don't have to be perfect or poetic; I just wanted to make sure they're understandable.) They're google's Czech translation of an ancient Latin text. [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 1:06 PM PST - 5 comments

how to get pants to fit properly?

Almost every pair of pants I've ever worn has had the same problems, except one pair I found in a thrift shop a couple of years ago. I'm starting to wonder whether my proportions are just outside the range served by most stores: should I be shopping at some sort of specialty store for the misshapen? I'll give my measurements and describe my fit problems inside. I'd appreciate any advice on how exactly I'm deviating from manufacturers' expectations and what I can do to wear normal clothes. Minor alterations are within my budget; made-to-measure and bespoke are not. [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang at 11:33 AM PST - 20 comments

Where did these photos of Soviet space programs come from?

I found these two mini-portfolios of two (Mir and Buran) Soviet space programs at a thrift store, but I'm having a little trouble figuring out where they're from. On the front they both have Russian words, but inside, the list of photographs is in English. Who was the audience? Are they souvenirs? If so, why English when it seems highly unlikely that english-speakers were touring Soviet space complexes in the Eighties? If you can tell me what the covers say, that might help clarify what these are. Propaganda, souvenirs, spy stuff? [more inside]
posted by Toekneesan at 10:28 AM PST - 12 comments

How do I learn to hear sonatas and symphonies as unified works?

I enjoy classical music a lot, but at a superficial level (I don't play an instrument). I'm realising that part of my frustration is that I don't hear what makes the various parts of a piece (such as the movements of a sonata or symphony) belong together in a whole. How did you learn to do this? [more inside]
posted by muhonnin at 10:14 AM PST - 9 comments

Best way to book a ticket to Southeast Asia

A number of questions about planning a longish trip in Southeast Asia [more inside]
posted by You Can't Tip a Buick at 10:10 AM PST - 9 comments

The first instance of a journal written by more than one person?

Does that exist, historically or theoretically, as a thing? A personal account that expands to a personal account of more than just one person? I assume that would be the structural mother of everything from ultra-niche zines to high-gloss fashion mags that retain a personal tone, or like a high-context culture. Or even of things like scientific journals incarnated as blandly academic rags. Clearly I need someone to point me in the right direction.
posted by legospaceman at 9:31 AM PST - 7 comments

A fruitful pastime for a retired teacher

How can a retired teacher (in her 60s) spend her time wisely? Keep in mind she has difficulty walking (she uses a cane because of her hip). She likes to watch old movies but it isn't very healthy sitting around all day. She likes to write poetry and short stories, but she feels down most of the time and doesn't feel like writing much. I really want her do something that would make her feel better without compromising her delicate health situation. [more inside]
posted by omar.a at 9:22 AM PST - 19 comments

Space heaters and home automation help

I have just put in a SmartThings home automation system, which is supercool. Unfortunately, our living room is also supercool - the heat there doesn't work well. I want to be able to turn on a space heater remotely and I need to figure out how to do it... [more inside]
posted by blahblahblah at 9:02 AM PST - 11 comments

Unusual APIs

I have become obsessed with cool and unusual web APIs, especially those that interact with the real world (read or write). Help me find some more. [more inside]
posted by LiteOpera at 8:58 AM PST - 6 comments

Trying to find a song...

Years ago on some local radio station I heard a silly jazz song with a guy singing about being surprised to encounter a bald woman. The chorus went something like, "Well, looky there. She didn't have no hair.....no hair up there." [more inside]
posted by SarahBellum at 8:43 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for local cooperative games for any system, any genre.

I could really use suggestions for lengthy fun games that my gf and I can both enjoy together. Obtaining the games shouldn't be too difficult (I have most the systems besides current gen). Some examples of games we liked/didn't like inside. [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 7:47 AM PST - 13 comments

Heavy Excel user ISO work-from-home setup

I'm looking for recommendations on a home-office setup that will eliminate the need for going into the office on weekends. [more inside]
posted by undercoverhuwaaah at 7:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Mediation blues

MINML (metafilter is not my lawyer, but oh man, that would be one kick ass lawyer) Have you even been thru mediation with an ex-spouse over parenting plan stuff? If so, I have some basic quesitons...brief background below... [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 7:21 AM PST - 14 comments

MP3 Player For Hospitalized Mum!

My 80 year old mum is in palliative care in the hospital. She is physically failing but mentally still 100%. I would like to get her an MP3 player to let her easily listen to music and audiobooks. Difficulty level: must be EASY TO USE, must have BIG BUTTONS, must have a BIG SCREEN, and must ideally not be so expensive that if it went walkies it would be a disaster. I have an iPod Nano I could give her, but the screen and controls are very small, and I think she might have trouble working it.
posted by biscotti at 6:15 AM PST - 17 comments

Serving Mediamonkey

How can I use an old laptop and a MyBook NAS drive to develop a music setup suitable for my modest needs? [more inside]
posted by tavegyl at 4:34 AM PST - 1 comment

Motion stabilization in After Effects?

I have a few dozen short .mov files that want to edit together. Before I do that, though, I want to apply image stabilization software and then edit together the stabilized clips. I have Premiere Pro CS5.5 and After Effects CS5.5, but can't figure out what my workflow needs to be. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 3:45 AM PST - 2 comments

ABC, 123, ...

What sequential counters are there, besides alphabetically and numerically? [more inside]
posted by zinon at 3:04 AM PST - 39 comments

Dealing with disappointing friends.

I have a really hard time putting a positive spin on people, friends especially, that under-deliver. I'm worried about overreacting and burning bridges. How do I deal with this situation? [more inside]
posted by phaedon at 12:50 AM PST - 35 comments

How do I know if this hack warning from gmail is authentic?

Tonight I got this email: "Someone recently used your password to try to sign in to your Google Account myname@gmail.com. This person was using an application such as an email client or mobile device. We prevented the sign-in attempt in case this was a hijacker trying to access your account. Please review the details of the sign-in attempt: Saturday, October 12, 2013 5:50:42 AM UTC IP Address: ##### Location: Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan If you do not recognize this sign-in attempt, someone else might be trying to access your account. You should sign in to your account and reset your password immediately." It had a link to what looks like a real Google Help Center page which talks about two-step verification. Has anyone ever had an email like this? How do I tell if it's authentic? Has anyone ever used this two-step verification process as outlined on the alleged help center page? Thank you.
posted by holdenjordahl at 12:18 AM PST - 11 comments

October 11

Looking for an amazingly campy dance sequence from an old movie.

I saw an old clip on cable a while back and can't find it again. It featured what I think was a young Buddy Ebsen, though it could have been another actor who was later famous as an older man. The clip was in black and white, I believe the principal dancers were in sailor suits, and the song was something like "keep it gay" or "make it gay" but it was definitely not the song/dance sequence from The Producers. Does this ring a bell for anyone?
posted by bink at 11:31 PM PST - 9 comments

Guitar help for the aimless picker

Give me songs to play my guitar to [more inside]
posted by fishmasta at 9:49 PM PST - 10 comments

Oaxacan cooking class for an expert cook?

What's a good cooking class to go to in Oaxaca, Mexico in December, for people who can already cook? Or other food-related Oaxacan suggestions? [more inside]
posted by andreapandrea at 9:27 PM PST - 1 comment

When is it imperative to out yourself to someone who hits on you?

I'm lesbian. My tennis instructor hits on me. I really respect him/think he's a cool guy/want us to be friends. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by thelivingsea at 9:08 PM PST - 42 comments

Our puppy arrives tomorrow! Help.

We have been planning on bringing a Bull Terrier puppy into our lives for a year. Well tomorrow is his arrival date and I'm stressed. We live in a townhouse with a fenced yard. No kids. Our work schedules will allow somebody to be home at least every 5 hours. I have only owned puppies when I had my parents to take on most of the responsibility. I have the crate, leash, collar, bowls, two types of food and some toys. Now what? What advice can you give to a new puppy owner? I felt like I did all the research, but now I feel lost. How have you raised your puppy so he is a joy and not a terror? What three things do you wish you had known when you brought your puppy home?
posted by Coffee Bean at 8:34 PM PST - 18 comments

My church, my taxes and me

I think my employer is doing something shady. I think it affects me. I am really upset and I don't know what to do. It's a tax question with an emotional backstory. [more inside]
posted by Biblio at 8:03 PM PST - 20 comments

Some questions about adderall.

I recently started on adderall for ADD-type issues, and I've got some questions about the effects it's having. I intend to bring them up with my psychiatrist when I see him next, but that won't be for a few weeks and I think it would still be valuable to get some outside perspective, especially from people with first-hand experience. A lot of this has to do with sexuality. Questions and details within. A bit long-winded. [more inside]
posted by Scientist at 7:57 PM PST - 14 comments

Help me remember an old board game about a haunted house

At a recent meetup, we played a cool game called Betrayal At House On The Hill. It reminded me a lot of a similar board game we used to have when I was a kid, but I cannot remember the name of it. [more inside]
posted by jpdoane at 7:54 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm no longer vegetarian and I can NOT stop craving meat. Help me.

I was a happy and successful vegetarian for over 15 years and I recently gave it up. I slowly began introducing fish and chicken into my diet over the last year or so, and only recently have I begun eating red meat again. And now I can't stop. [more inside]
posted by Hey Dean Yeager! at 7:14 PM PST - 22 comments

Did I violate a social norm in helping this homeless person?

What's socially acceptable in terms of giving food assistance to homeless people? What should be socially acceptable? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:29 PM PST - 29 comments

He loves blowjobs, I'm disgusted by them ... How do we resolve this?

My SO wants blowjobs, to the extent that this issue may be a deal-breaker for him. I'm repulsed by the very thought of giving or receiving oral. Am I a total weirdo? Is there a strategy I can use to suppress my visceral reactions? Are we doomed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:28 PM PST - 47 comments

How do we get simple cellphone service on an old iPhone?

I have an iPhone (an AT&T 3GS in the United States) that I no longer use. My husband wants to use it as a cellphone for very occasional outgoing and incoming calls. He is willing to find a wifi hotspot in lieu of having a data plan. We took out a 10-cent per minute, 20-cent per text plan with AT&T for $100 a year, which seemed like a good deal but he is receiving dunning calls for whoever had the phone number before, as well as advertising text messages, and we want.it.to.stop. Before we call AT&T and raise holy hell, do we have any alternatives? We would love to find a plan where we prepay a fixed (relatively small) amount, then replenish it a few months or years down the road, when he's used enough minutes/texts to require it. Y'know, something like an EZPass. Does such an animal exist?
posted by DrGail at 5:49 PM PST - 7 comments

Vegatarian diet for a Type 2 Diabetic

Asking for a friend... [more inside]
posted by Samizdata at 4:40 PM PST - 7 comments

UK IT Job search

What's the "go to" job search site for ICT jobs in the UK?
posted by Mario Speedwagon at 4:34 PM PST - 2 comments

What kind of tie is Hilbert wearing?

I'm considering dressing as the mathematician David Hilbert for Halloween. I'm using as reference that one famous photo of him in the Panama hat that shows up every time someone talks about him. But I can't really tell what kind of tie/cravat/neckerchief he's wearing. What is that, and where can I find one?
posted by ErWenn at 3:52 PM PST - 9 comments

If there's a bloodstain on the carpet, what can you learn from it?

Say someone broke into your house and dripped some blood on the carpet. What does the forensics guy do with it? How long would the tests take? And what information could be gleaned from it? [more inside]
posted by hishtafel at 3:31 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me find the name of this cheesy movie

My friends and I watched this super-cheesy 70's movie on late night TV, broadcast not cable, but of course we turned it on after the opening credits and 16-year-old me didn't think to check the TV listings later. This was around 1995-96. Plot details below. [more inside]
posted by amapolaroja at 3:24 PM PST - 5 comments

Background behind "Oh, the Humanity!"

I am aware that the phrase "Oh, the humanity!" came from Herbert Morrison's reporting on the Hindenburg disaster, but if there are any Mefites who are highly knowledgeable about the language of the 1930s, what did it actually mean? Was this an accepted use of the word "humanity" at the time?
posted by Bugbread at 3:16 PM PST - 10 comments

How best to respond to anti-science, nonsense-loving folk.

What are some good, persuasive (and good natured) ways to respond to folk who have zero faith in the scientific method but who happily follow every scam and pseudo-scientific nonsense that cross their path? [more inside]
posted by newfers at 2:22 PM PST - 47 comments

How do I level up in Cooking?

I am a moderately skilled cook, I rarely make mistakes or destroy meals and there are few dishes I do really well ( mostly roast related). I know my around around knives, understand the basic chemistry and flavor profiles going on, and can keep a large amount of things going at different speeds and heat until everything is ready. Since I've come into some free time, I'd like to up my game, go from moderate to skilled home-cooking of weekday staples to more difficult, labor intense, fussy, and visually appealing cooking. How do I go from " Beef daub served with fresh bread" to "slices of brandy soaked pears and quince elegantly arranged around applewood smoked tenderloin in a lavender sauce."? What should I be looking at, reading, listening to, and practicing? [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 2:13 PM PST - 25 comments

Rare/remarkable wine in Europe

A friend of mine is a red wine connoisseur currently located in the Southern U.S. I am located in Europe and am searching for a great Christmas gift. I don't know much about wine, except the kinds I like and not spending more than $10/bottle on one for myself. Are there any great, rare, or otherwise exceptional wines to which I may have access, that he would not? (Or, at least, that would have some significance coming from here) I am happy to travel basically wherever within Europe as long as it makes a good story. [more inside]
posted by ista at 2:05 PM PST - 16 comments

Being assertive bothers me

Trying to practice being assertive, and it is backfiring. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by raintree at 1:49 PM PST - 13 comments

Tasty no-fridge, no-cook shelf stable meals

In the past few months I have found two different brands of shelf-stable meals that I love: GoPicnic and St. Dalfour's Gourmet on the Go. The key things for me are: these meals don't require refrigeration, they don't require cooking, they taste good, they're usually less than 400 calories per container, and they are both healthier and cheaper than the fast food near my school's campus. Do you know of any other brands like this? I didn't even know these existed until earlier this year, and googling keeps getting me things that require cooking and/or are not tasty.
posted by ocherdraco at 1:47 PM PST - 14 comments

Can I reglue this vintage compact mirror?

I've been buying a few vintage compacts from the 1950s and 1960s on Etsy and eBay. I just received one in the mail whose mirror came completely loose in transit. Luckily it wasn't damaged, but how do I glue it back in safely? Details below. [more inside]
posted by sister nunchaku of love and mercy at 1:34 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for light pink dress flats for a wedding...

I'm a bridesmaid in a wedding in two weeks, and I desperately need pink flats! The dress looks like this. I did find shoes that I like (these) but the eBay seller mislabeled them as size 41 and they were actually 39.5, so they didn't fit. I very much liked the style of them, however. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by ancient star at 1:28 PM PST - 16 comments

Windows 8 lockout predicament

On my Win 8 Pro box, I had just one user: sandettie. That was in the Administrators group, of course. I made a new user, sandettieadmin, to split off admin privs to that user. I then took sandettie OUT of the admin group. I logged out, and now it only shows sandettieadmin as an available user. Problem: I immediately forgot the password for sandettieadmin. There is no <-- arrow next to the sandettieadmin user in the login screen. How do I force windows to let me log on as the other user?
posted by sandettie light vessel automatic at 12:48 PM PST - 6 comments

Am I crazy or is he?

My husband's behavior towards my children worries me by episodes (frightening nastiness superseded within minutes by normal, loving, even patient fatherly behavior). I think I've gotten used to a little too much. The kids love him and vie for his attention, but one day after I'd shouted at him to cut it out during one of his displays one of them said to me "can you please keep him away from me when he's like that?". She's 5. I think that if I told him that I want a divorce he would be genuinely hurt, astounded, incredulous, etc., and would probably suggest all sorts of ways I could amend my own behavior to correct the situation. He did that last time I told him I'd had it, and a hurt, puzzled "are you MAD at me?" is something I hear every time I show a shortening of patience around him. What's driving me crazy is that he says, and believes it himself, that he is in love with me, that we're happily married, and the kids are great. I want to raise my kids in some kind of peace; is there any hope?
posted by esmew at 12:44 PM PST - 55 comments

Can Men's Underwear be "Fitted"?

Women can usually go to a good women's underwear store and be 'fitted' for underwear by someone with some training who understands support issues that apply, using two basic metrics plus some variables (strap size/position). Are there any similar services for men? Or even DIY instructions? A ratings system? Explain underwear engineering and design, please. [more inside]
posted by skermunkil at 12:09 PM PST - 29 comments

Walking around downtown Pittsburgh?

My partner and I are very excited about our trip to Pittsburgh next month! But I have a question about walkability. We'll be staying downtown on Penn Avenue and it looks like we can walk to a lot of places quite easily, but should we? We are big walkers and our city is very residential downtown, but it seems Pittsburgh's downtown gets pretty empty at night...is that a concern re: safety or for any other reason? [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 12:09 PM PST - 15 comments

I need new sauces, veggies, dips now that tomatoes are a no.

I'm vegan, and have recently developed an allergy to tomatoes (when I eat them, or broccoli, I get hand ezcema, which may be related to chromium.) I need ideas for new toppings for pasta (I like goddess dressing but need variety) and tortilla chips (guacamole is good but not all the time) as well as suggestions for ways to incorporate other vegetables into my diet. I miss tomatoes very much and feel a little lost.
posted by juniper at 12:06 PM PST - 25 comments

Why are we so bad at estimating our time?

I am looking for informed opinions and articles on why we are so bad at estimating our time on projects, specifically from an IT project management-perspective. [more inside]
posted by Tooty McTootsalot at 11:57 AM PST - 16 comments

Please help me help my boyfriend with his social anxiety.

My boyfriend and I, both in our mid twenties, have been together for two years and living together for one. We have a very affectionate and loving relationship and are generally very happy together. We've had one major recurrent issue, however, and that is the difficulties that stem from his extreme social anxiety and insecurity. [more inside]
posted by Emms at 11:53 AM PST - 17 comments

How do I handle the contract work

I have been recently out of job since july, and now have an opportunity to get a contract work for an NGO. [more inside]
posted by jassi at 11:49 AM PST - 1 comment

How can I help my parents with their retirement planning?

I am helping my parents plan their retirement by looking into possible cities and/or communities for them to settle. My father has worked in NYC for the duration of his professional career and wants to retire somewhere in the Northeast. After much internet research but very little progress, he wants to spend Sun-Tues (Oct. 13-Oct. 15) driving around DE, MD, PA, and northern VA to scope out possible areas. I have been asked to accompany him on this trip but I want to create some structure around the trip to avoid simply driving around aimlessly. [more inside]
posted by allthingsconsidered at 11:24 AM PST - 7 comments

Collegefilter: Well-Rounded Schools

My scientifically-inclined little brother is looking for a college where he can be an engineer if he wants to be, but won't be forced to. [more inside]
posted by Spiced Out Calvin Coolidge at 11:04 AM PST - 47 comments

I would like to download a particular Facebook Chat session.

Been communicating with a family member who prefers Facebook Chat to other forms of chat, and I would like to download the entire conversation to have the text at my disposal. I can scroll up and laboriously copy/paste, but this is tedious. Difficulties: 9 months of a pretty much every day conversation, going back to March of this year. Mac OS. [more inside]
posted by Devils Rancher at 11:03 AM PST - 3 comments

What is an embeddable video player for multiple short videos?

Do you guys know of any plugins or sites that allow you to display videos in a way where there is 1 short video playing and has a bunch of short videos cued up next in line? Sort of like how on Youtube you are watching one video but there are a bunch of little thumbnails of the next videos to the right, but something you can take out of a site like Youtube and embed into another site, without the ads hopefully.
posted by emflr at 10:44 AM PST - 1 comment

Should I give my title to my car loan company?

The DMV sent me the title for the new car I bought through a dealer loan. Now the loan company says the DMV shouldn't have done that, and that I have to give it back. Is that true? [more inside]
posted by Pacrand at 9:51 AM PST - 23 comments

How do you help people have an epiphany about difficult concepts?

How do you describe the basic concepts of a difficult subject you know a lot about that makes it "click" for a beginner? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 9:47 AM PST - 18 comments

internet problem/yellow exclamation mark/DNS pickle/woe is me

After a recent change in routers by my service provider it's taking a depressingly long amount of time to connect to the internet. I need a fix explained to me like I'm your grandmother's less computer savvy friend. Details henceforth. [more inside]
posted by hugandpint at 9:47 AM PST - 4 comments

Depressed people who ask for advice and angrily shoot it all down: Why?

A question for those who have suffered severe depression: Did you have circular conversations where you asked for help and then shot down all suggestions/offers? What did you get out of those conversations? What were you really trying to achieve? What did you really need to hear? [more inside]
posted by ROTFL at 9:25 AM PST - 61 comments

Can I use a keyboard with my first-gen kindle running 4.2?

I'm running hashcode's Android 4.2 ROM on a first-generation kindle. Is there anyway to hook up a keyboard? It does not have Bluetooth, and I haven't had any success with OTG cable and USB keyboard ... Any ideas? While I'm at it, is there any way to take a screenshot on 4.2 without a volume button?
posted by mrgrimm at 8:12 AM PST - 2 comments

Efficient paper feedback surveys

I want to give paper surveys to a number of people and then use a computer to compile the responses. My thought is to use a camera or scanner to enter the evaluations into the computer, and then run some sort of OCR (which i know nothing about) or other program to highlight which boxes have X's in them or which items are circled, and then throw all that into an excel spreadsheet for further analysis. From a technology standpoint, (a) is this possible? (b) is this possible to set up in a week? (C) is this possible in such a way that tech-illiterate people can do it swiftly once it's been set up?
posted by rebent at 8:04 AM PST - 7 comments

Answer this question, and I may send you a stupid t-shirt.

What is the origin, or the earliest known example, of the "X went to Y and I all got was this stupid T-Shirt?" t-shirt?
posted by Shepherd at 7:20 AM PST - 12 comments

What's this cultural studies/sexual diversity studies idea? Foucault?

I'm trying to remember where this idea comes from and who put it forth. It is basically the idea that previously identity was seen as something inherent, in the blood and that who you are is predetermined by that VERSUS the idea that your identity is something that you choose or select through your actions and that you can modify your identity throughout your life. It might have something to do with an act vs. identity based society but I forgot where that idea came from, too? Any ideas about these ideas? [more inside]
posted by pick_the_flowers at 5:58 AM PST - 11 comments

software for tracking spending

I have approximately 75 line items in a budget that I need to track spending of. My excel sheet is growing too big for its britches. [more inside]
posted by slagerst at 5:53 AM PST - 7 comments

Video Violin lessons?

You can learn piano, guitar, and even the ocarina on YouTube. So, are there any good violin lessons out there? I'm looking for anything, but especially beginner violin (from, this is how you hold the bow to "caring for your violin" type videos.) [more inside]
posted by DisreputableDog at 1:21 AM PST - 5 comments

And that desk area will be a squat rack?

Am I allowed to rent an office and turn it into a small personal training studio? I have zero understanding of how commercial zoning works and don't know where to start. I am in Melbourne, Australia [more inside]
posted by lifethatihavenotlivedyet at 1:18 AM PST - 7 comments

October 10

How can I find English-language info on Japanese Pro Bowling/Bowlers?

I'm doing research on bowling and bowling pros, and I've had a hard time finding info on bowlers from Japan/JPBA (Japan Professional Bowling Association). Does anyone know any English sources that cover (or covered) the JPBA or any of their top bowlers? [more inside]
posted by lankford at 11:12 PM PST - 2 comments

iPhone iOS7: How can I fake my location for apps that use it?

I have a security concern related to using app's such as Grindr that pull location data. I've had a couple people "stalk me" to my specific location in the past. I would like to meet people in my "area" on these kinds of apps - but I want to set my actual location to somewhere else in the city. I had this working on my old jailbroken 3GS. But now that I have a new phone (IOS7) it would seem I'm screwed. Any ideas?
posted by audio at 10:02 PM PST - 9 comments

How Can I Text by a Phone Call w/ Speech-Text?

I still miss Jott. It was my most-used web service. Of course as most know, the service was shut down in 2011. The most-used feature of Jott that I used (and I am now actively needing a replacement) was their high-quality speech-text service where you simply make a phone call, speak your message and send as an SMS text! It's much safer while driving, was very easy to text from a 'dumb' phone for an elderly member of my family, etc. (more inside) [more inside]
posted by Gerard Sorme at 9:32 PM PST - 6 comments

There was a small fire in my microwave and it still works. Safe to use?

A paper bag caught fire in our microwave and charred the insides while it was burning for about a minute. The microwave shut off during the fire, but now it seems to work normally. Safe to use? [more inside]
posted by Defenestrator at 9:02 PM PST - 16 comments

Is anyone here familiar with NJATC? Worked for/with them?

I'm examining possible new career paths (29, failed grad student, three years of uncertain and unpleasant jobs under my belt) and am presently considering a local National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee apprenticeship - I know nothing more about them than I could find on their website and Wikipedia, and I'm looking for anyone who might have personal experience going through an apprenticeship or working with them. [more inside]
posted by AdamCSnider at 7:36 PM PST - 6 comments

Wonder Woman for beginners?

My seven-year-old has recently become interested in learning more about Wonder Woman. She knows almost nothing about her, but has heard of her and is intrigued by a strong female superhero. I was never much of a comics/superheroes person myself, and don't really know what good stuff is available on her level. [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 7:33 PM PST - 13 comments

How am I not myself?

I've been aggressively single for a while now and I'm ready for a change. Step One: rewrite my OkCupid profile? [more inside]
posted by modernserf at 6:44 PM PST - 20 comments

Math game that featured Bach and Mozart

Around 1995 I played a game on the Mac in school that was for educational purposes, supposedly for the purposes of drilling math skills, and had Mozart Symphony no. 40 (1st movement and but I think 3rd as well), Bach BWV 999, and possibly some Paganini as well, as background music. Do you know what it was?
posted by Busoni at 6:36 PM PST - 4 comments

A backpacking backpack for laptops?

I want the benefits of a backpacking backpack with the benefits of a laptop backpack. Shoulder and waist straps, tall and able to fit lots of stuff, but with a laptop sleeve or something that would make it easy to take my laptop out and put it back in. Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by melissam at 6:35 PM PST - 11 comments

Searching for an essay about dust

I'm looking for an essay I read several years ago (circa 2002–2007) that is an appreciation of dust, especially dust gathering in the home/not dusting. Its author is female. It may be part of a book/collection of essays by this author. A detail I remember from the essay: the author writes that it's not necessary to clean your cups very well, except when you have company at your home. [more inside]
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 6:19 PM PST - 3 comments

Where to see stars near lake Geneva

We are going to be in Lake Geneva this weekend where can we get away from light pollution and see the Milky way? [more inside]
posted by dstopps at 6:07 PM PST - 7 comments

Government shutdown, need help with a witty sign, thanks!

Government shutdown consequences. This is definitely a 1st world problem relative to others I've read about ... but the government is shut down and my snowbird parents are shut out of their campground (that's run by the Army Corps). So ... they're moving into my front yard. Can y'all help me with a witty sign? [more inside]
posted by Dave. at 5:51 PM PST - 19 comments

Dead ends everywhere I look

That I've posed this question more than once before in various forms doesn't say very many good things, but the circumstances being what they are, I have to hope the answer is yet to be found. That's all I've got really- hope.I'm a 23 year old recent college grad ( in May, with a BA in psychology from Stony Brook University in NY), looking for love, a job, a journey and a purpose. I'm also in a wheelchair, unable to speak fluently in an increasing percentage of life situations, grossly overweight, unmotivated and uninspired. Help me build a life away from my couch and outside of daytime TV, Facebook and lies. [more inside]
posted by marsbar77 at 5:10 PM PST - 25 comments

I want to make music but I can't play an instument. Help?

I'm looking for software or something that has sounds on it that I can mix together to make songs. Bonus points if I can add tracks from outside that I record myself/find, etc. I have a PC and I'm looking for something that's high-quality and intuitive but not too pricey, say in the $100-$200 range. And also, a pony. Thanks!
posted by Fister Roboto at 4:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Which health plan should I choose?

I'm allowed to choose a health plan through my employer. Out of the nine options, I've managed to narrowed it down to five. Scanning through the comparison chart, they all look about the same. They all make you choose a primary care physician and coordinate everything through her or him. Copays are about the same. Premiums vary within $20/month or so. Does anyone have any experience with any of these? Any strong recommendations or dire warnings? [more inside]
posted by trevor_case at 4:23 PM PST - 14 comments

Bad to Worse

I asked for advice regarding a meeting I had coming up. Well, the meeting has come and gone and it wasn't good. I don't know what to do or think. [more inside]
posted by young sister beacon at 4:12 PM PST - 29 comments

How do I get rid of my leased car?

I want to get rid of my leased car, I have about a year and a half left. I'm way under my miles, what's the easiest solution where I'm losing the least amount of money.
posted by geoff. at 3:50 PM PST - 6 comments

Which LED light bulbs do I want in my bathroom?

My bathroom has six light bulbs in it and, to my shame, they're incandescents. I'd like to replace them with LEDs so I never have to think about them again. Which LED bulbs are most like your standard 60W incandescents? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 2:47 PM PST - 17 comments

How to record every Knicks game on my Time Warner DVR

DVR question: Is there any way I can automatically have my DVR record every New York Knicks game? I have a DVR from Time Warner and the software is very clunky, especially the abysmal search function. More details within. [more inside]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 2:32 PM PST - 2 comments

Why is Blue Foam on the Ceiling?

Does anyone know the purpose of the light blue foam sprayed on the exposed ceiling beams at the Powell subway station in San Francisco? Is it acoustic? Rust prevention? Fire retardant? Decoration? Something else?
posted by Jeff Howard at 2:28 PM PST - 7 comments

Laid-off database admin in search of marketable skills ASAP

After an unexpected departmental shuffling last week, I was laid off from my database admin job of four years. My DB knowledge is largely self-taught, and pertains mostly to a number of niche applications that have little direct use to your average employer. I need to learn how to translate my skills into those that are actually in demand in today's job market and I need to do it quickly. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by a box and a stick and a string and a bear at 2:28 PM PST - 12 comments

Abuse resources near Jacksonville

I'm looking for resources for a young woman looking to leave her abusive household near Jacksonville, Florida. The woman in question is a distant relation of legal age, but still living with her parents.
posted by mkb at 2:09 PM PST - 5 comments

How to cheer up a friend long-distance

My best friend just got laid off from her new job and gave birth to premature twins. The twins can't come home for a month and she is understandably really depressed about that. She lives about 3,000 miles away from me so I'm trying to think of some ways to brighten her day and let her know I'm thinking of her. Some of her likes: movies, acting, makeup/beauty stuff, Dave Matthews.
posted by trillian at 2:05 PM PST - 17 comments

Macbook to media server.

What's the best way to utilize this busted up macbook (and other bits and pieces from the house) as a media hub/server? [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 2:05 PM PST - 2 comments

how do i get this ghost out of my computer?

My conputer has its own ideas about what I should be typing. For the love of sanity, please help. [more inside]
posted by windykites at 1:28 PM PST - 9 comments

miss manners: government shutdown edition

How can I, a government employee, tactfully field ribs about being furloughed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:57 PM PST - 38 comments

How can I make my own silent unboxing videos?

I discovered ASMR on Metafilter and now am a devoted fan. What equipment and techniques would I need to make silent unboxing videos like this one? Talk to me like I'm a five year old. I know nothing about video and sound recording.
posted by Wordwoman at 12:49 PM PST - 10 comments

Looking for an ADHD Coach/Psychologist in New York

I need help finding someone to help me with ADHD issues in New York City. Specifics (Sodium Acetate Crystalline Structure Details) below. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:42 PM PST - 3 comments

Very very old lost US passport - can an immigration lawyer help?

Technically I have dual Canadian/US citizenship as my father was a US citizen living in Canada when I was born. I had a passport in the mid-1980s as a small child, but it's long gone now. Who should I talk to about getting another one? (details inside) [more inside]
posted by jess at 12:25 PM PST - 8 comments

Songs about selfharm?

I'm looking for songs which mention/ can be interpreted to mention self-harm, but in which SH isn't their focus. Examples of what I'm looking for inside. They don't have to be any specific genre or mood, it's the lyrics I'm interested. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Braeburn at 11:42 AM PST - 24 comments

Imagine an 8-pound botfly emerging from your abdomen

Tips for managing pain in childbirth? [more inside]
posted by pompelmo at 11:30 AM PST - 38 comments

Hard drive encrypted with Ubuntu, forgot password. Oops.

My netbook is running Ubuntu (11?). I set up hard drive encryption when I installed Ubuntu, and gave my hard drive the same password as my user account. Then I didn't use the netbook for several months and forgot the password. Help me make netbook go. [more inside]
posted by momus_window at 11:13 AM PST - 7 comments

It Never Rains In Southern California

First of our annual 4 rainy days in San Diego came yesterday and we learned all sorts of fun things about the new house - one of which is, as there are zero gutters, the rain just cascades directly off the angled roof on to our patio, and patio furniture, and things left on the patio because it never rains. Looking for a minimalist, easy DIY gutter solution. Pic and slightly more info inside. [more inside]
posted by BlerpityBloop at 10:46 AM PST - 14 comments

Rel=canonical and WordPress

You have two sites - site1.com and site2.com. Site1 has been around for years, and you've merged it with another site to become site2.com. Site1.com has accumulated years worth of links, backlinks, domain authority, and so on - and you want to pass that one to site2.com in the best way possible. More inside, naturally. [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 10:28 AM PST - 4 comments

Trailer brake controller

Hello Metafilterites, I'm trying to buy a small trailer and that requires a brake controller for my truck. Currently it doesn't have one. I have an option to go with the OEM Ford brake controller ($350+) or an aftermarket one ($100+). Do you know what the difference between the two might be? [more inside]
posted by aeighty at 10:23 AM PST - 4 comments

Jude Kelly's Othello

In 1997 Jude Kelly directed a production of Othello starring Patrick Stewart in the title role. Is a recording available? [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 10:12 AM PST - 4 comments

Authors who sell ebooks in website form?

I have a client who wrote a very unique book. We think the digital version would work best as a website rather than e.g. Kindle or epub or PDF. How do we get people to pay for a book in website form? Are there other authors that do this? [more inside]
posted by circular at 9:56 AM PST - 10 comments

Career Change in Mid Life - International Development

Am I employable at 46 years of age in the area of International Development/Public Policy if I get a Masters having had no prior experience in the 'industry'? [more inside]
posted by spicynuts at 9:54 AM PST - 15 comments

Model of Boat Needed

I'm looking to buy my friend a gift for his boat but don't know the model number. Here is a picture of the boat. It's a Super Natique and I think it's year is late 2000's. [more inside]
posted by shew at 9:34 AM PST - 4 comments

iPhone controlled Bluetooth Home Speaker system with multiple zones

Are there any good alternatives to the SONOS system that would let me control music across my entire house from my iPhone? [more inside]
posted by ZackTM at 9:24 AM PST - 8 comments

We're totally going to eat these if you don't stop us.

Our new apartment comes with a garden that contains a mix of both edible plants and decorative plants. There are a few plants that we're pretty sure are edible, but we'd like to be 100% sure before we, you know, eat them. Help us out? Pictures inside. [more inside]
posted by kyrademon at 9:08 AM PST - 8 comments

Video games that leave you with less and less

What are video games in which your decisions rob you of resources or options, leaving you with fewer and fewer possibilities as the game goes on? [more inside]
posted by Rory Marinich at 8:51 AM PST - 47 comments

How to accept non-exclusivity in a new dating relationship?

I'm in a new, nearly-perfect dating relationship, with one caveat: I'd love to be exclusive, and he's not ready (and may never be). I'd love some advice on accepting this and not sabotaging myself with insecurity. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:51 AM PST - 38 comments

Help me with a fun craft project!

Hi all, I've been tasked with creating a funky mailbox for our office mailroom. It's for employees to submit anonymous feedback for our director. She wants something irreverent and cheeky, so I am hoping to make something medieval-inspired, like this misericord carving. [more inside]
posted by duvatney at 8:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Half-assed costumes?

We have two events on a single Saturday: one is a costume party in the middle of the day, and the other is a concert that evening. Costume-to-street-attire ideas needed! [more inside]
posted by functionequalsform at 8:00 AM PST - 11 comments

Omega tips wanted

Have you played the old rogue-like game Omega? I re-discovered it recently and remember enjoying it a long time ago, but nowadays I can't get past the first five minutes. All of my games go like this: give a bit of charity to be lawful, join the paladins to get a weapon, go to the arena to make some money, die in the third or fourth round. Any tips would be appreciated. A mini-walkthrough that would actually get me out of the city as a half-viable character would be great!
posted by ubiquity at 7:55 AM PST - 4 comments

Tilt, tilt, sweet plane of existence! Exactly 0-90° please.

I need to build a cheap drafting desk that is sturdy, free-standing and fully adjustable. Let's say a 48" x 36" surface, 35-48" range of height and 0-90° motion. How can I make this happen for under $100? [more inside]
posted by fritillary at 7:27 AM PST - 4 comments

The fan above my stove broke. Is inhaling cooking smoke dangerous?

The fan above my stove broke. I cook on the stovetop often, I've heard that the smoke from cooking could cause health problems down the road - but it's all anecdotal evidence. I've tried looking up some concrete information online, but what I can find is sparse. I'm opening the windows at the moment, but it's going to be too cold to do that soon. Is a fan necessary, or is cooking smoke not as bad as it's cracked up to be? Anyone else not using fans?
posted by BuddyBoo at 7:16 AM PST - 25 comments

How to gracefully not attend a wedding this weekend?

I said I would go to my cousin's wedding this weekend. I am on my second day home sick with a massive cold and just don't think I'll be up to it... [more inside]
posted by JoannaC at 6:29 AM PST - 60 comments

How to use 40,000 sheets of letterhead paper?

Instead of ordering one set of 200 sheets of letterhead writing paper (with mine & my husband's names and our address), I ordered 200 sets of 200 sheets of paper. That means I will now be receiving 40,000 sheets of letterhead... how can I make this less wasteful and use it all up? [more inside]
posted by ladybird at 6:15 AM PST - 22 comments

Looking for a Unicorn Tumblr Theme

Tumblr Themes: I am looking for a theme with specific features - one photo post at a time, with prev/next buttons. Would also like: rare layout. Help! [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 5:10 AM PST - 1 comment

The Cone of Shame

Our 18-week-old male puppy was just neutered, and I am puzzled by the vet's advice to my wife. [more inside]
posted by kuanes at 5:09 AM PST - 30 comments

Game of Thrones Filter: Ygritte and Jon

Mr. HoLoG and I have been cast as Ygritte and Jon Snow in a Game of Thrones themed costume dinner party on Saturday. We have never watched Game of Thrones, although I have read the first book. Our hosts have been gracious enough to lend us the entire series on DVD, but we don't have time to mainline the whole thing. Can you suggest selected episodes that will help us pick up characterization and catchphrases?
posted by House of Leaves of Grass at 4:45 AM PST - 12 comments

Exercising on autopilot

What are some fun cardio workouts I can do while watching TV? [more inside]
posted by dinosaurprincess at 3:40 AM PST - 10 comments

Have I been a "continuous" resident of the UK?

Five years ago I immigrated to the UK on the basis of ancestry. I am now applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. Since my visa status changed partway through this period, I am worried that my residence may not be considered "continuous". Has anyone applied under similar circumstances? Alternatively, can anyone recommend the best forum on which to ask such a question? [more inside]
posted by Pre-Taped Call In Show at 1:45 AM PST - 12 comments

October 9

Detective relationship charts

On cop shows, especially older shows, the detective(s) would often come up with a big chart involving thumb-tacking pictures of the suspects and victims, places of crimes, etc. to a big board in the "war room." They would often have yarn or string stretching from one picture to the next showing a relationship. After all the pieces were in place, they would circle their suspect with a black marker and cut to commercial. Is there a formal name for this type of chart or technique that is depicted in these cop shows? In general, where could I learn about how to organize complex sets of people, places, and relationships into an easy to digest chart? Many thanks!
posted by DB Cooper at 11:42 PM PST - 12 comments

Hydrating a Hospice Patient with Esophageal Cancer

My father is a terminally ill hospice patient, who has esophageal cancer. I and his wife (my mother) want him hydrated and I want to know, from those who are medically knowledgeable, what a good level of hydration would be for him. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:07 PM PST - 19 comments

How do you end a friendship when you're eleven?

I'm all about the slow fade for friendships that aren't working, but I'm 34 and my daughter is 11. It doesn't work that way in middle school. [more inside]
posted by Ruki at 10:47 PM PST - 22 comments

Need help with A/V components

I have a planned A/V setup to add a receiver to my existing system, but I don't have the proper connectors to hook my existing equipment to a receiver. [more inside]
posted by elvendude at 9:55 PM PST - 9 comments

How does a modern 1/2.3" sensor camera compare to a 10 year old D-SLR?

My 2003 EOS 300D / Digital Rebel with the kit lens still beats my teenager's 2012 smartphone for noise in shadow detail. He's interested in still photography and wants a point & shoot. [more inside]
posted by morganw at 9:31 PM PST - 7 comments

When did laptops become a standard purchase for college?

That is, when did the vast majority of US college students/their families start seeing laptop computers as a necessary purchase before going to school? [more inside]
posted by andrewesque at 9:06 PM PST - 100 comments

I need pants to fit a curvy, no-butted snowflake!

I'm on the hunt for pants that fit. I have skiers' thunder thighs, love handles that are slightly larger than my hips and no butt. I'm on the lookout for skinny jeans in dark, unadorned washes, for under $100. The closest fit I've found is Target's fit 3, but it aint great. Suggestions? More hip-shaped snowflake details inside... [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur at 8:34 PM PST - 8 comments

Calorie counting app for iphone that doesn't require weight input

I'm searching for a calorie counting app that doesn't require me to enter my weight to use it. This rules out myfitnesspal and lose it. I've downloaded and deleted a dozen apps because every single one won't let me bypass the "weight" screen. It seems like it really shouldn't be so hard to just track calories/nutrients/vitamins without doing it for weight loss. Can anyone suggest an app that does what I want?
posted by Violet Hour at 7:53 PM PST - 19 comments

Get Me Over the Hump

I have by all conservative measures the perfect life: two healthy, beautiful children, a wonderful husband and a good job. The problem? Neither job is making me happy right now. I can't change either, so I need some tips on how to find meaning again. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:27 PM PST - 15 comments

Why do electric fans lose their effectiveness?

Something I've noticed with the two electric floor fans I've had in the past few years is that, over the course of many months, the air flow becomes dramatically weaker. Why is this, and can it be remedied? [more inside]
posted by Mo' Money Moe Bandy at 7:15 PM PST - 11 comments

Anyone else for the Victoria Cross?

My father used to talk of a scene from a movie, I assume World War One but who knows. At the front under heavy fire the commander tells his men that anyone who gets across the line will be awarded the Victoria Cross. A young soldier jumps up saying he'll do it and as soon as he lifts his head up he is shot dead. The commander then turns to the remaining men and asks "anyone else for the Victoria Cross" I have heard this story all my life and would love to know the movie it came from.
posted by InkaLomax at 7:12 PM PST - 3 comments

I want to learn about electronics, not plumbing.

What are some books (or other resources) that would help me understand electricity and hobbyist electronics without a hydraulic metaphor? [more inside]
posted by ddbeck at 7:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Process launchers

What are the go-to systems these days for launching and managing a whole bunch of processes? [more inside]
posted by spbmp at 7:00 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me buy a new computer

I would like something the size of a Mac Mini, that runs Ubuntu (server), can contain at least 1.5TB of storage and 12GB of RAM. What should I be looking at? [more inside]
posted by xmutex at 6:39 PM PST - 15 comments

Help us (kindly) lie to our drinking buddies

Just found out we're pregnant - hurrah! Our dear friends throw a smasher of a Halloween party every year - ack! We're looking forward to shouting the news from the mountaintops, but feel that the 9 weeks along I'll be come Oct 31 is too early to shout. What are some legitimate reasons why a normally social drinker can't have alcohol that won't raise a lot of eyebrows? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 PM PST - 49 comments

Entropy; or, Everything Happens

Poetry quote recommendations! [more inside]
posted by chainsofreedom at 6:24 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I get this infection to go away and stay away?

I have had a recurring bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection for over a year. I treat it, it goes away, and a few months later, it's back. To make matters more complicated, I don't have the typical symptoms. What originally lead me to think something was up is that I have to pee constantly, so I thought I had a UTI (which I have never had before). Turns out, I had a vaginal infection, and no UTI. It's been a year of this and I'm getting really frustrated. I'm seeing my ob/gyn next week about this, so I am not looking to metafilter as a substitute for medical advice. I want to know if there's anything I should be discussing with my doctor that I haven't already, or if I should be pushing for a referral to a specialist. More details and TMI below. [more inside]
posted by inertia at 6:02 PM PST - 25 comments

Removal of a Facebook page of unknown provenance...

How do I remove or find the administrator of a Facebook page for a client's business, when they don't know which of their ex-employees set it up and no-one responds to in-page messages? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:01 PM PST - 3 comments

Why do the flies hang around *my* head?

When out walking, I notice that I seem to attract more flies than anyone else around me. Assuming I maintain acceptable personal hygiene, why do flies choose me? [more inside]
posted by paleyellowwithorange at 5:35 PM PST - 9 comments

Which survey tool will show previous responses, in-line with questions?

I'm sending out a survey to a group of people, and it would be great if they could see how others (before them) responded to each question. Google Forms and Survey Monkey allow respondents to see past responses after they've completed the survey, but not while they're filling out the survey. Is there a tool out there that embeds past responses in-line with questions? [more inside]
posted by mahoganyslide at 5:15 PM PST - 3 comments

Personal experience with "non-surgical wrinkle procedures'?

So, over 50, and noting facial cheek and neck wrinkles that make me feel like I look over 60. I've heard about fraxel, laser, collagen. But it's all from advertisements or promotions. Has anyone ever tried these and have good or bad personal or best friend-type experience to share? I wear sunscreen every day and stay out of the sun, I have very pale and somewhat sensitive skin.
posted by mmf at 4:42 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm a woman. What do I do while on the bottom during sex with a man?

What do I do on the bottom during sex with my boyfriend? [NSFW] [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 4:26 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me pass my "technical interview" with KAPLAN

I'm applying to work for KAPLAN as an instructor of their LSAT prep course. I've passed the initial stages, done an audition tape where I presented to my webcam, and done a general phone interview. Apparently the next step is to do a "technical interview" with someone who is already an LSAT instructor to test me on "the nitty gritty" of the LSAT. [more inside]
posted by Tiye at 4:07 PM PST - 0 comments

a melange of mystery

I've just been put in charge of the mystery section at my bookstore. I enjoy reading mystery, but I haven't read a lot of contemporary stuff. What authors/books/series would you suggest to give me a good survey of the past 10 years? And what mysteries can you suggest for my tastes (after the break)? [more inside]
posted by wintersonata9 at 3:30 PM PST - 31 comments

Why are there so many cars without license plates in Arizona?

We're on this trip, and in the Arizona part of it, we're seeing a lot of cars that don't have license plates (neither front nor back), on the road. What gives? Is there some exception? Is this a tea party thing? [more inside]
posted by benbenson at 3:29 PM PST - 9 comments

Can I restore accidentally deleted texts/iMessages?

Like a moron, I just accidentally deleted a bunch of texts/iMessages from my iPhone 4 (not 4S). Is there any way to get them back? I'm backed up with iCloud. I've googled and looked at old AskMes but don't understand what I found. I need simple explanations.
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 3:12 PM PST - 3 comments

Phooey on the Flu-y

Can I get a second flu vaccine if the first one I got is not what I originally wanted to get, and if so, is it worth doing that? [more inside]
posted by Dansaman at 2:58 PM PST - 3 comments

They're not sending us back, are they?

Two plainclothes detectives showed up tonight at our door. They claimed that a lewd picture had been sent from one of our cellphones to another person. We truthfully told them we knew nothing about it. They asked very few questions, mostly to confirm our identity, said "no one's in trouble but no-one should be sending stuff like this" and left. What should we do/expect now? Details inside. (Ontario, CA) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:37 PM PST - 24 comments

Do I not understand Facebook standards?

I feel ridiculous for even asking but...I have a very happy and satisfying relationship with my domestic partner of several years. Seriously...everything's fine except for this one little thing...it's about how we both approach Facebook (we're both in our late 30's). He and I don't communicate, like or comment on each other's walls and we never have. But he does comment in a somewhat flirty manner with his exes (and I mean these are women from MANY years ago), and I've asked him, "What's up with that?" and his response has been, "It's nothing. Just being chatty." [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:37 PM PST - 11 comments

Why do some college degrees have specialized names and others don't?

I have always wondered why some degree programs have a specialized degree name (MPA, MBA, MM, MSW, MLS, etc.) while other degree programs are just an MA in ____ or an MS in ____. Who decides these distinctions and why? [more inside]
posted by Librarypt at 2:08 PM PST - 7 comments

Waiting puts a Weight on my Mind

I just mailed off a Very Important Application. How do I remain calm in the weeks or months before I hear back? [more inside]
posted by Gordafarin at 2:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Memory blackouts

Memory blackouts. My memory has never been great, but it has gotten much worse in the past few years. It's progressed from locking my keys in the car once a week to "blackouts"--periods of time where I'll forget whole conversations, whole dinners, where people will talk about me doing something the day after I did it and I'll not know what they're talking about. Today I found out I had an entire conversation with my boss that I'd forgotten within a few hours of it occurring. It's not even that I can't remember details, I can't remember that the conversation even happened. What the heck is going on? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:40 PM PST - 18 comments

I need a new immersive game to play

I want to find an adventure game that's easy to become obsessed with and has tons to discover and explore. [more inside]
posted by good day merlock at 1:25 PM PST - 23 comments

Well known companies with a corporation/brand name that contains "One"

I'm looking for examples of well known corporations or marketing brand names that are some variant of, or conceptually related to "One": [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 12:46 PM PST - 55 comments

How to improve memory issues

I am really forgetful. I have always been really forgetful, but as an adult with many balls in the air, my forgetfulness is starting to cause problems. [more inside]
posted by sutel at 12:32 PM PST - 15 comments

Eating damaged fruit

I want to use more fruit and make it easier to process. I have composted a couple hundred pounds of fruit this summer. I hate the waste. We have a pear tree from which a certain squirrel eats half of each unripe fruit and throws the rest on the ground. Later in the season the fruit from the upper branches (30-40 feet) falls, impaling itself on twigs, or smashing on the ground, pulping a quarter of the fruit into the dirt. Some fruits have worms or slug damage after sitting on the ground. I pick what I can reach with a picker and if I am present when a ripe, un-bitten fruit falls and smashes, I eat that. But is there a better way? [more inside]
posted by SandiBeech at 12:30 PM PST - 13 comments

When is E85 worth it in a FlexFuel vehicle?

Our vanpool just switched to a 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan. It's a FlexFuel vehicle and we'd like to know when/if it makes sense to use E85 fuel. We live in Minnesota. Our typical commute is 40 miles at highway speeds. Environmental concerns will be weighed, but so will economical ones.
posted by advicepig at 12:05 PM PST - 9 comments

How can I finish my MAT graduate degree in another school?

I'd like to know what options I have for finishing a MAT (or MIT) graduate degree in and around Boston when basically I'm missing the practicum and student teaching but have acquired almost all required academic courses aside from that. I'd want to transfer something like 70-90% of my credits. I can no longer stay in my program (thanks to my advisor's say-so: it's not that I'm failing), and transferring 2 classes within the institution (to another Education degree) is possible, but I'd have to reapply, and basically take 70% of the new (general M.Ed) degree. I do like this degree. However, at this point, I've been in school so long I can't take it anymore, but I do want to teach (in an alternative school, granted). Yes, I know I can teach without a degree; at this point I would really rather not simply quit, though. [more inside]
posted by reenka at 12:02 PM PST - 12 comments

What are your lesser-known, but still deeply-loved, children's books?

I'd like to give a few books as baby shower presents, while avoiding the books that are really well-known. Please share your under the radar gems! [more inside]
posted by LittleFuzzy at 11:44 AM PST - 108 comments

Easy-to-digest, tasty smoothies

My wife seems to be on the leading edge of a particularly intense Crohn's disease flare-up, and is trying to manage it in part by drinking more of her meals. In order to keep this palatable and painless for her, I'm trying to put together a menu of smoothies and suchlike that will be filling, reasonably nutritious and digestion-friendly. Difficulty level: no dairy or fresh vegetables. [more inside]
posted by Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish at 11:44 AM PST - 17 comments

playing the field, doggy edition

My husband and I are in the process of adopting a dog. Based on online profiles and email conversations with foster families, we've got it narrowed down to two pups that have been fostered through two local rescue groups. Now we are scheduling in-person meetings with the dogs and "home visits" where they send a volunteer to make sure our house is ok for a dog. Should we be telling each group that we are deciding between two dogs, which we're meeting on Thursday and Friday? [more inside]
posted by vytae at 11:23 AM PST - 10 comments

MX Servers / DNS Zone File question

I have a domain name hosted by GoDaddy. For a year or so now I've not had a website, I've just had some DNS settings which 1) routed my email to gApps using MX records and 2) allowed me to use Jabber through the domain name by pointing the XMBB [more inside]
posted by dance at 11:20 AM PST - 5 comments

Seeking Recommendations for Reliable Automatic (or Human) Transcription

I am a medical writer working on a large project. Part of this project will involve posting videos of physicians along with a transcript of whatever the speaker is saying. The topic tends to be fairly technical - the physicians will be using Technical Medical Terms that could confuse the average layperson. Length of the videos varies from three to twenty minutes. [more inside]
posted by Schadenfreudian at 11:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Looking for glossy, self-leveling, resin-like one-part arylic clear coat

I'm looking for a product comparable to Ranger's "Glossy Accents" but cheaper and/or sold in larger quantities. I use it between paint layers to get a deep glaze effect on a playing-card-size panels. [more inside]
posted by blnkfrnk at 11:04 AM PST - 6 comments

So wait. People can hold farts in?!?

I have made it to middle age without realizing that other people are capable of holding in their flatulence until a time and location where it can be expelled without offending greater society. My body does not work this way. After a small window of warning, they just. Come. Out. Am I a freak of nature? How did my bowels never learn this marvelous trick? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:01 AM PST - 56 comments

Looking for couples friendly see clubs in Manhattan

Vacation in The Big Apple... Where can two sexually adventurous people find fun? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:00 AM PST - 3 comments

How much cleaning should I do before the cleaning person arrives?

I'm becoming irrationally anxious about the housecleaning service that's happening at my apartment this afternoon. I don't know what's reasonable to expect, how much prep I should do beforehand or how much I should manage the person they're sending over. [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 10:49 AM PST - 20 comments

Worth correcting ER documentation?

My friend took their child to the ER for a psych evaluation. There are mistakes in the report from the hospital. Should they bother to address them? [more inside]
posted by Chaussette and the Pussy Cats at 10:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Breast reductions questions!

I'm scheduled to have a breast reduction next Tuesday, and am hoping for tips, advice, and any other information other Mefites who have undergone this procedure would like to share. [more inside]
posted by Squeak Attack at 10:24 AM PST - 12 comments

Are there an isolated, self-governing English-speaking communities?

I'm looking to do my PhD research on a small community that speaks English and doesn't have a larger government controlling it/making decisions for it/policing it. I was thinking first about Tristan da Cunha, but it turns out that the British government has officials on there that are a bit controlling. I've also been thinking about Lasqueti Island, but I don't know much about it. Small tribes would also work - I'm pretty open. I want to study how people prevent other people from bossing them around or dominating them, while still making group-wide decisions.
posted by mrmanvir at 10:03 AM PST - 15 comments

Blue Ridge Parkway trip probably ruined - suggestions?

With the government shutdown, everything but the road itself is closed. Wife has declared that just driving without stopping at the parks and attractions is stupid and a waste of time, so has nixed the idea. [more inside]
posted by Old'n'Busted at 10:01 AM PST - 24 comments

Would you eat it?

Ice cream left unrefrigerated for 8 hours. Opened and eaten from.
posted by cairdeas at 9:33 AM PST - 36 comments

Streaming Brazilian radio with good music AND Portuguese speech?

As part of my quest to learn Brazilian Portuguese, I'd like to listen to Brazilian radio at least some of the time (preferably streaming through iTunes). However, what I'm finding online has lots of bossa nova (good) but pretty much no Portuguese (bad). Does anyone have pointers to stations that have both good music (my tastes are eclectic, so samba and forró are great but baile funk is great too) and DJs speaking in Portuguese in between?
posted by rednikki at 9:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Applying to grad school, not sure who to ask for the recommendation.

I am currently in the process of applying to grad school. I was counting on my former advisor (who wrote a glowing letter of support for me when applying for my previous job) to write me one, but am not getting a response. I would like suggestions on what to do/what other types of people qualify to write a graduate school recommendation. [more inside]
posted by Kamelot123 at 9:23 AM PST - 9 comments

Where should I go backpacking in Minnesota this weekend?

I want to go backpacking in Minnesota or western Wisconsin this weekend. Where should I go? [more inside]
posted by miyabo at 9:18 AM PST - 6 comments

What's the Latest Oolongs are Belong to Me?

This Threadless contest got me wondering: What are the cool, fun mêmes now? Are there any? They just can't be as cool as Oolong and AYBABTU and such from the day, and Know Your Meme seems to confirm this. [more inside]
posted by Shane at 9:15 AM PST - 13 comments

Spanish Translation App Recommendations

I'll be spending much of November in South America and would like a Spanish translation app on my iPhone. I'm overwhelmed by the choices, and would be grateful for recommendations. Free is best, but I'm willing to spend some money (up to $10 or so). I know un poco Spanish and will have a paper dictionary as well.
posted by Pineapplicious at 9:14 AM PST - 3 comments

Like "The Fifties" but for other periods?

I read "The Fifties" by David Halberstam awhile back and loved the interconnecting of chapter-focused-vignettes with the decade as whole, coming together to provide some similar themes. Do you know and recommend any similar non-fiction books for other periods of time or even events?
posted by sandmanwv at 9:03 AM PST - 9 comments

Central America backpacker travel porn thread.

With a month, a thousand bucks, Puerto Vallarta as a starting point, and a hot travel partner, what's our best backpacking travel option? Cross-Mexico drive? Hop down to Costa Rica/Panama? Something else? [more inside]
posted by letahl at 9:00 AM PST - 4 comments

Long term tattoo care

After my tattoos are healed, what skin care (besides the obvious sunblock) should I use for long term skin/tattoo care? [more inside]
posted by y6y6y6 at 8:35 AM PST - 5 comments

Ethical Offsetting

I would very much like to see the film Enders Game. I liked the book and I expect it would make an excellent movie. However I find Orson Scott Card's views abhorrent. I'm aware that he already got paid for the rights and so boycotting the film would do nothing. Is there a US pro gay rights charity (or any other charity in direct contravention to Mr Card's views) that I can donate to? This is basically carbon offsetting, but for ethics.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 8:23 AM PST - 31 comments

Getting more data from an email address?

I've inherited a list of approximately 5000 email addresses from people who subscribe to a quarterly newsletter. I only have their email addresses, nothing else. Most of the email addresses are from their work/company/school and the rest are generic ones (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc). I would like get more information from these addresses, such as first name, last name, job title, industry, country, etc. Of course, from some emails, I can already figure out their name and company, but would like to have this done automatically and also add more data, such as industry. Can the hive recommend a service that would allow me to do this quickly? I don't need to have all of the information, just as much as possible. I'm willing to pay to have it done. Thanks!
posted by JiffyQ at 8:16 AM PST - 4 comments

'We like you fine, but we're not buying dinner for you.'

We met with a potential wedding reception venue today to get a quote, and the owner suggested that we can invite some people just to the party after the ceremony and dinner. From a cost cutting perspective that sounds awesome. But is it just too squicky, etiquette-wise? [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 8:08 AM PST - 42 comments

Have you had a NYC Apartment Wedding Reception?

Hey all, My partner and I recently decided to get married this May, and as we are both strapped for cash and not into the whole wedding-industrial-complex thing, we've decided to have a small ceremony at the Marriage Bureau with close friends and family on our anniversary (a Wednesday), go out for lunch afterwards, and then have an open house/cake, punch, and appetizer reception at our apartment over the weekend. We'll be moving before May, likely into a fairly small (no larger than 1.5 bedrooms, certainly, as this is NYC) apartment. [more inside]
posted by dysh at 7:58 AM PST - 16 comments

Old computer running XP - Windows Task Manager shows 100% CPU usage.

Does flash show as flash in Windows task manager in XP? - It's invisible even when I play videos which are obviously using flash. Are the resources consumed by flash 'lumped in' with the CPU utilization consumed by my browser as I see it in Task Manager? [more inside]
posted by vapidave at 7:30 AM PST - 5 comments

What is this I feel?

Please describe to me what jealousy is. What is the difference between the feeling of jealousy and the feeling of injustice. I am accused of being jealous, I am not sure that is what I am, If I am indeed jealous, I want to correct it. Help. Oh, I'm in my mid-40s, not a kid so I need a more clinical description.
posted by Yellow at 7:30 AM PST - 37 comments

Buying a WiFi Router

Help me find an online tool for selecting a wifi router, or at least help me find reliable reviews or a buying guide. [more inside]
posted by nickhb at 7:13 AM PST - 5 comments

Is it my place to be the one telling people about what this guy did?

I came across a news article that revealed that someone I used to be acquainted with was convicted for production and distribution of child pornography. He toured the churches of his denomination with a music group for many years. As a former member of that faith, with friends and family members still active, and someone who was not directly effected by what he did, is it my place to be the one let people people know about this? If so, what is an appropriate way to do that? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:04 AM PST - 18 comments

How to figure out which news story is trending the most at a given time?

Twitter and Tumblr feature trending or hot tags/news. But is there a way to find the most read/shared news story associated with a certain tag/news topic? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 7:03 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I tell my friend to stop checking her phone while driving?

My friend checks her email constantly while driving. How do I get her to stop? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:02 AM PST - 33 comments

Is it worth it to leave Moscow (SVO) airport during 17 hr layover?

I will be transiting SVO (Moscow) airport during a round trip from NYC to Bangkok... [more inside]
posted by bunky at 6:45 AM PST - 6 comments

Adopting a dog with IBD. What should I expect?

We are considering adoption of a dog who was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Seeking advice from people who have experience caring for a dog with IBD. I am concerned about: Scavenging. We live in a dense suburban neighborhood with no fenced area. Doggie gets walked 4 times a day. As hard as I try, he grabs mysterious food items off the ground. Sometimes I can pry the food away from him. Scavenged food is bad for IBD maintenance. Progression of the disease. Can dogs live normal healthy lives with IBD? Or is it a string of crises? Our last dog had a serious heart condition. He lived a long, reasonably comfortable life. But it was costly, time-consuming, and we worried a lot. We grew attached to this dog before we knew about the IBD. I wonder if we should decline to adopt him. [more inside]
posted by valannc at 6:39 AM PST - 8 comments

Moving forward after making a mistake, costing you a great opportunity?

I made a mistake that resulted in me missing out on a great opportunity to build a decent support group in my new city, which I have been struggling to adjust to. I feel so much pain and regret at losing what was sure to be a great thing. How can I move forward? Any advice much appreciated. [more inside]
posted by independence under the radar at 6:35 AM PST - 13 comments

Trust vs. Control

I posted a pervious question regarding dating a man who wasn't forthcoming about a detail in his life (a 2nd child with a different woman) and my creeping suspicions that learning about him hiding this child was an indication of a future of lies and trust issues. I have let this man go, not because of the child, but because I am unable to trust him for many other reasons and now I want to learn a healthy balance between Trust and Control in relationships and dealing with insecurities. How do you move past insecurities and know when to just trust someone and recognize if your insecurities are causing you to control and sabatoge. [more inside]
posted by BrandNewMe at 6:28 AM PST - 8 comments

Allow me to lull you in to trance-like state of relaxation

I have a very busy, hard to shut up brain and falling (and staying) asleep has always been a problem for me. A few months ago I came across the guided relaxation/hypnosis/meditation programs by Andrew Johnson in the google play store and started listening to them in bed as I fall asleep. They are wonderful. I want more, and I want to be able to do this more comfortably. [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:58 AM PST - 8 comments

What are these aerospace vehicles in storage at the Boneyard?

What are the 13 aerospace vehicles in storage at "the boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base? [more inside]
posted by Rob Rockets at 5:44 AM PST - 13 comments

If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out

Looking for songs about doing whatever you want and feeling free. Help me get inspired! [more inside]
posted by carolinaherrera at 4:35 AM PST - 49 comments

Short, stick in your head word or phrase for an vintage Etsy shop?

I'm opening an etsy shop to sell vintage stuff I've collected and weird stuff I hope to find along the way. Names I liked like VintMint or Junk and Disorderly (which would have been great for a dwi: def worth it section) are taken. Any ideas happily appreciated. [more inside]
posted by katinka-katinka at 4:23 AM PST - 13 comments

Old wisdom about beauty

I'm looking for books featuring old wisdom about skincare and haircare. Recipes and advice. I'm thinking orris root powder, muslin cloths and buttermilk, brush your hair 100 times before bed. From the English-speaking world or otherwise. Either written in previous centuries, 20th century, or recently. Even 1950s-60s if they don't rely too much on commercial products. There were a lot of books about grandma's beauty routine printed in the 1970s. Can anyone suggest some classics or particularly good ones? Similar to this. Note: there should be absolutely no mention of Dr Bronner's or the oil cleansing method.
posted by inkypinky at 3:59 AM PST - 4 comments

So...is it my turn to ask him out now?

Online dating (*sigh*). Two successful dates with the same guy. Is it okay to wait for him to contact me, or should I be more proactive? [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 12:54 AM PST - 21 comments

October 8

Crooked mobo ports

Three ports on my computer's motherboard are crooked. Is this easily fixable? [more inside]
posted by Zelos at 11:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there such a thing as a Mini-CMS?

I have a client who needs to change all of like 2 paragraphs on a big webpage. Wordpress/Drupal et. al. are massive overkill for a project like this. Is there a tiny, reliable CMS that'd allow me to just markup the code for blocks that should be changeable and leave everything else set in stone?
posted by GilloD at 10:48 PM PST - 5 comments

Recommend me a long-sleeve t-shirt with a high, tight, snug collar

Hi everyone. It gets a little chilly up here in the winter, and I like to layer up with a long-sleeve t-shirt. I'd like them to come up snugly right around the base of the neck (without being a turtleneck, obviously), but this has proven more difficult than you might think. [more inside]
posted by Alaska Jack at 10:35 PM PST - 14 comments

What things cannot be made by machine?

For example knitting can be duplicated by machine, but crocheted items can only be made by hand. I'm curious, are there other things that cannot be duplicated by machine?
posted by patheral at 10:03 PM PST - 25 comments

Making the very 1st move on online dating sites please help!

I'm looking for insight into what is a reasonably good first message to send someone on an online dating site. I've been online for a few months and still feel lost. Successful online daters please enlighten me as to how you do it! Snowflakes inside... [more inside]
posted by outdoorslady at 9:23 PM PST - 17 comments

Boosting Cell Signal in Cave

I've searched ask, and other than this question, I'm not really seeing my issue. Even that question doesn't have all the twists mine does, and it didn't really have satisfactory answers. Basically, I work in a blast-hardened cave, and I need to get a cell phone signal to preserve my sanity. [more inside]
posted by ereshkigal45 at 9:21 PM PST - 8 comments

Preparing for an interview at public high school

I am a US university instructor who has an hour-long phone interview with an inner city public high school. Please help me prepare for the questions they might ask. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Her Cats Were Named...

A female detective had two cats, which she'd named Onanoff and Offanon. Some variation in the spelling is likely. This was Sci Fi radio program in the 80's. Anybody remember her, or her kitties? Super bonus points for a link to the archives, if it exists. Google won't even discuss it with me.
posted by mule98J at 8:42 PM PST - 4 comments

Can you give me suggestions for an Italy itinerary from Oct 19-27?

Hi Italy experts - I've scored a great fare from JFK-MXP in just a few weeks for an upcoming anniversary. I've been to Italy a few times, but for some reason - either the season, the occasion, or just the area - I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities. [more inside]
posted by anelsewhere at 8:26 PM PST - 7 comments

Debt ceiling implications for personal finance

As the debt ceiling looms, financial markets are a bit down. How do we capitalize on this? Buy low, yes, but what sectors? What will suffer the most if the ceiling is reached? What will hold its value better? What could see a rise out of the ashes, so to speak?
posted by elizeh at 8:07 PM PST - 10 comments

Who Can Hack My Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse?

I recently had to retire my malfunctioning M$ Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000. I bought the M$ Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse, which works beautifully but is missing essential button functions. The "Back" button is tiny, stiff and hard to reach, and the "Forward" button is gone completely. I can set the "Click Roller" button to "Forward," but I'd much rather reset the "Horizontal Scrolling" functions (nudge roller left and right) to "Forward" and "Back." Is there a way to do this? Where else should I go to ask this question?
posted by KRS at 7:58 PM PST - 5 comments

Tool kit for treating mental illness.

You are familiar with what things are effective in treating someone who is bipolar, paranoid, and/or schizophrenic. Please tell me about these things. If the person is willing to accept help, what type of help are they likely to receive? If medications help, what is the nature of the medications and where could one go to learn more about them? If there are behavioral options, where can one begin to learn about these? What else is out there? [more inside]
posted by sock me amadeus at 7:30 PM PST - 15 comments

Why do I always look like hell by the end of the day?

I start the day looking and feeling bright and bushy-tailed-- I put on my makeup in my well-lit bathroom, and feel pretty perky and great in the morning. At some point mid or late-aftenroon, when I check the mirror in the bathroom at work, I leap back in horror. Somehow, over the course of the day, I have gone from looking gorgeous and fresh to tired, droopy, and ICK. What happened? It could be partially that my eye makeup has started to bleed into my under-eye area... but is that all? How can I make this not happen?
posted by airguitar2 at 7:27 PM PST - 32 comments

What should we do in San Juan for New Year's Eve?

We're going to Puerto Rico for a week after Christmas. We have hostel-type places booked in Vieques and Old San Juan for the first part of our trip, but we don't have plans for the 31st and 1st yet. What is the most awesome thing to do in San Juan on New Year's Eve? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 7:17 PM PST - 1 comment

Looking for a hotel or rental in Paris in the 6th arrondissement

In Paris, we are looking for a recommendation for a 6 day apartment rental by owner or a hotel in the 6th arrondissement. We would like to pay a maximum of $200 Canadian per night. Though we are looking at the 6th, If you have a place to recommend in the 5th arrondissement, we would also be interested. if you can add a few details about the place,that would be appreciated.
posted by Tziv at 7:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Where should I live around Hartford, CT?

Please give me and update on what, if anything, is fun and exciting in the suburbs of Hartford. [more inside]
posted by slateyness at 7:04 PM PST - 12 comments

Weird Bruising

This evening a terrible long "bruise" showed up on my leg. It looks like the sort of veins you usually see in your arms, but this suddenly popped up down my right leg along a vein. It is about 7"-8" in length. I am a healthy 28 yr old woman. I know you are not my doctor- but does anyone know what this could be. Should I be concerned? [more inside]
posted by KMoney at 6:55 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I become more assertive and avoid being an easy target?

I feel that I am generally somebody who ends up being taken advantage of. What can I change about myself to avoid this? [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit at 6:37 PM PST - 7 comments

Questions regarding PMI...

I'm investigating reappraising our house to get rid of PMI. We meet the conditions for application, which involve bringing in an appraiser. The appraiser we would pay for is hired through the mortgage company — we have no control over the appraisal process. Do appraisers who are hired to get rid of PMI do a fair and honest job in calculating the true market value, or, alternatively, do their valuations fall close to online appraisals on average, within some percentage? (Are online estimates close to market value, within noise? Two online estimates suggest we are over the required valuation by roughly 40-50k.) Finally, are there downsides or gotchas to getting rid of PMI, other than a smaller federal deduction at tax time? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 6:25 PM PST - 9 comments

How to deal w being around people/things that remind you of nightmares?

I feel ashamed and uneasy about being around people that remind me of my nightmares. How do I cope with it? [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 5:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Why don't laundry detergents rinse clean?

If I spill tide laundry detergent on my hand it doesn't just rinse off with water like it should, you have to actually wash it off with hand soap or dish soap to get it off. Why is this?
posted by john123357 at 4:59 PM PST - 17 comments

Has this meta/experimental theater concept been done?

Well, it's rather self centered of me to think that this is an original idea in any sense. Particularly since it as a whole is inspired by a musical concept/experiment done by The Flaming Lips. So I guess the question is moreover has it been done in a manner resembling my own idea? Basically, it would be the story of one especially dramatic night in a house full of young creative types age 21-32 in Portland. [more inside]
posted by mediocre at 4:53 PM PST - 10 comments

Best newbie fish for a ten gallon aquarium?

I have a ten gallon aquarium I am soon going to stock with fish and I am looking for advice on what to get. [more inside]
posted by Drinky Die at 4:45 PM PST - 27 comments

Flying to Chiapas (airport tgx) in Mexico

We need some travel tips on our upcoming trip to Chiapas (Mexico) for this week. Mostly your input on how to find the best flight and what cities can we visit on a 9 day tour. [more inside]
posted by ladoo at 3:57 PM PST - 3 comments

Can this work if one partner does not find the other attractive?

My boyfriend and I were so happy together, up until two nights ago. I discovered that he had been harboring feelings of how he doesn't find me attractive. He hates this about himself. He feels shallow and secretly hoped this would change over time. Is this relationship over? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:37 PM PST - 74 comments

Cargo van options with decent gas mileage?

I'd like to find a newish, reliable cargo van with under 100,000 miles, good gas mileage (at least 15+ city, 19+ highway), and a high top. The first two are strongly preferred, the high top could go either way I suppose. My budget is under $18K. [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 3:14 PM PST - 2 comments

Strategies and Methods for Coping With a Sucky Volunteer Position

How can I better cope with being treated as an undervalued employee when I am only a volunteer? [more inside]
posted by Fairchild at 3:06 PM PST - 20 comments

Is my phone cursed or is this normal?

I just moved over to T-Mobile US from Sprint to take advantage of their $30 prepaid plan. I bought a used iPhone 5 from a reputable reseller of phones on eBay. So far, I've had incoming calls go straight to voicemail, had my data connection suddenly stop dead, accompanied by "No Service", and my signal level seems to vary wildly just while sitting at one location. Is this par for the course with T-Mobile or is this phone a dud? [more inside]
posted by zsazsa at 2:44 PM PST - 11 comments

How is life in San Francisco different from life in New York City?

I'm a late 20's native New Yorker - grew up in Brooklyn and lived in Manhattan and Brooklyn for most of my life. I've lived in San Diego for the past year. Lovely place, but it's not for me. Got a job offer in San Francisco and I'm excited and ready to make the move. I've always loved my visits to San Francisco and its walkability, culture, food, shopping, and diversity have always made it comparable to New York in my mind. I love New York, but I don't want to move to San Francisco expecting it will be just like living in New York. I've already noticed some big differences that I embrace (and some I dislike.) People who have lived in both cities (especially as a young person): what are some of the differences you found between life in New York and life in San Francisco? Thanks!
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 2:35 PM PST - 17 comments

Feasible to live in Morocco for a year?

Here's my question: Is it feasible for someone like me to spend a year in Morocco, and possibly find work, even if it's just tutoring English? [more inside]
posted by thankyouforyourconsideration at 1:56 PM PST - 14 comments

I think I hit a nerve...

The other night, I think I suffered a Halloween-decorating injury. I was using an unfriendly pair of scissors to cut out silhouettes of bats to stick on my front door; my grip on the scissors hurt, but my room mate (whom I regard as wholly responsible for this) wanted TONS of bats, so I pushed on. Later that night, I realized my index finger was kind of numb along the outside, below the first joint - right where the grip of the scissors pressed against my first knuckle. I decided to go with the "wait and see" cure, only waiting and seeing didn't cure it. It's now been almost 48 hours with no change. What next? [more inside]
posted by kythuen at 1:45 PM PST - 13 comments

In Issue 214 of Action Comics, Clark Kent is seen ordering bourbon

Is there a comic book character with a signature alcoholic beverage? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 1:39 PM PST - 17 comments

Got a good reason...for taking the easy way out...he was a Day Trader...

How many of my hiveites currently work as a Day Trader? What is your day like and if you were doing it all over again, would you still trade? How about schools like Online Trading Academy? Any thoughts? [more inside]
posted by keep it tight at 1:35 PM PST - 15 comments

Best faux cat for nursing home friend?

I want to buy a fake cat for someone who loves cats but can't have one because she lives in a nursing home. Here's what she's looking for (cribbed from a newspaper column she writes): "I just long to hold a cat and enjoy their softness and purring. So, this is my solution: I’m going to look in Walmart for a stuffed cat that talks and meows and purrs. It must be softer than soft and I’ll call him Sammy." This seems like it would be purr... well, you know. But it's out of stock. Are there any MeFites out there who can advise me on the best fake cat for grown-ups?
posted by drzz at 1:31 PM PST - 25 comments

How do I quickly hire someone to sketch a line drawing from my photo?

I'm heading up a committee for a new book award. We want to create an embossed seal to place on the winning books, very much like the Newbery or Sibert seals. The thing is, we are honoring someone with the name of the award, and would like to create embossed seals with an image of his face. I've been working with a designer who has converted my photo to a line drawing in Photoshop but the results are not great. She suggests getting someone to draw a picture from my photo. [more inside]
posted by carterk at 1:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Daily digest for passive research on multiple topics...

I want to track a variety of topics passively using services on the interwebs. Google Alerts, RSS Feeds, and IFTTT are not solving the problem (or rather, I am not sufficiently solving the problem with them). Help me use available services to get to this promised land. [more inside]
posted by milqman at 12:58 PM PST - 6 comments

ZagrebFilter: What should we do in Zagreb?

My wife and I are going to be in Zagreb for two weeks and we're looking for recommendations on things to do, places to see, and where to eat! [more inside]
posted by smitt at 12:55 PM PST - 7 comments

Should We Move to Escape Water Radiation?

We rent a house in a subdivision with its own (well-based) water supply, which isn't that uncommon where we are. But apparently there is radioactivity in the water supply. Details below. [more inside]
posted by emjaybee at 12:37 PM PST - 14 comments

How can I eat more ethically?

I'm not ready to become a vegetarian yet, but I would like to eat more ethically. What meat products are the worst to consume from an ethical standpoint? What are the most ethical to consume? [more inside]
posted by helloimjohnnycash at 12:33 PM PST - 41 comments

Looking for resources to teach group-work skills to law students

What teaching resources would you recommend to help law students improve their group-work skills? [more inside]
posted by awenner at 12:17 PM PST - 0 comments

Descriptions of Dancing in Literature and Poetry

Need examples in poems or literature of a female dancer's movements. The catch: the passages need to be more objective/technical, and less romantic/sexual/beauty-loving in their descriptions. The way a straight female dance teacher, as opposed to a straight male layperson, might describe the dancer's movements.
posted by Rykey at 12:14 PM PST - 7 comments

Please share your experiences with alternative sleeping cycles.

So I've had sleeping problems for the last five years or so. Not in the sense of being an insomniac, but that I'm always tired and feeling drained. I've done tons of research over the last few years and have done several things to improve my sleep. For example exercising more and eating organic and healthy food. Lets just say I've done a lot of things (including going to the doctors) regarding my sleep and have not been successful so far. Sleep-wise, I know that I'm ok-ish on eight hours and crap on anything plus or minus 30 minutes of that figure. I came across this: recently and wondered if trying an alternative sleeping method/cycle might help or be worth a try. Can anyone who has tried or uses any of the alternative sleeping cycles share their experiences on them with me please.
posted by sockpim at 12:07 PM PST - 12 comments

Potato experiment

I have frozen apricots, (unfortunately frozen whole, including the pits!) and leftover boiled potatoes in the fridge. I would like to try to make apricot dumplings with potato dough. [more inside]
posted by Omnomnom at 11:39 AM PST - 8 comments

Can you recommend a fantastic San Francisco Bay Area speed-dating event?

Speed-dating in San Francisco / Bay Area: Do you know of an active/reliable/recommendation-worthy speed-dating event in San Francisco or North Bay? More specifically, I'm man-seeking-woman and looking for an event demographically strong in 20s & 30s childless professional women. It would be nice if it was an environment where we didn't need to raise our voices to be heard, but the people are the important thing. (My speed-dating experience so far has been arriving to discover that my friend and I were the only people who showed up for it.) [more inside]
posted by anonymisc at 11:38 AM PST - 1 comment

Graduating Mechanical Engineer career advice needed!

My son graduates with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in May and is asking for advice on the most efficient method of finding a full-time engineering job. He wants to work for an employer where good product design is valued, and where new engineers are supported while they learn the ropes. He thinks grad school in Industrial Design is in his future, but he'd like to gain work experience and emerge from the cocoon of full-time college. He's not picky about location and would relocate nearly anywhere for the right opportunity. I've heard that engineering is one of those lucky-ticket grads, but the trick is finding a job you'll actually like! He's got a solidly good GPA and good recommendations - but he's in a small ME program at a highly rated school specializing in a different engineering specialty, and most of the employers are seeking graduates of this other engineering discipline. [more inside]
posted by citygirl at 11:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Ultrasonic toothbrushes: Which has least noise/vibration?

Which ultrasonic toothbrush has the least noise and vibration? This is for my 12-lb dog, who has a correspondingly small head. He's already great about letting me brush with a manual toothbrush, which I do nightly, but still had some periodontal pockets at his recent dental cleaning. I think I can get him to accept an ultrasonic one if I introduce it very gradually, but I want to get the gentlest one possible. Related issues inside. [more inside]
posted by HotToddy at 11:17 AM PST - 10 comments

To get involved or not to get involved?

Our new project leader is making my staff miserable and threatening the professionalism and success of the project itself. Both project and staff are dear to my heart, as well as my professional identity. No one wants to make waves while on the project; I've recently transferred to a different project. Is there anything I can do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:17 AM PST - 17 comments

Should I note honors earned by an org I am a member of on my resume?

(How) should I note honors/awards earned by my organization on my resume? I contributed to the projects that resulted in the honors, but everything was very much a team effort. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:16 AM PST - 3 comments

Cheapest way to convert Japanese Yen to US Dollars?

Someone is going to be sending me money - they live in Japan. What is the cheapest way to send the money? The amount is going to be somewhere between $1500-6000, probably closer to the 1500. I have an account with xetrade and they have worked well in the past for UK/US money transfers but I notice that Japanese residents cannot sign up on that site. Where can I get the best rate possible? I also have a forex account with my broker but 'hedging' is probably too complicated for this transfer unless someone here thinks differently. I will also be visiting this person in December so there is the possibility they could give me some cash and I could convert once I reach the US again, although I'm sure there are limits on the amounts of money I can take overseas.
posted by locussst at 10:59 AM PST - 5 comments

How will a 20-week ultrasound change what we do?

Is there anything that will show up on a fetal anatomical survey that will materially influence what we do for the rest of the pregnancy and/or delivery? We don't care about things like missing fingers or feet, or cleft lips and we don't want to know the child's sex before birth. There's a blood test for spina bifida and the early risk assessment showed a very low risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Can we just skip this ultrasound?
posted by santry at 10:58 AM PST - 25 comments

Cliffhangerless TV shows

I enjoy watching TV before bed. I especially enjoy watching TV Netflix style preferring to watch a show from beginning to end one or two episodes a night. It can help me relax and make me ready to fall asleep. It can also wire me and keep me up all night. I've figured out that it's the shows with cliff hangers that wire me. Can you recommend TV shows that typically end with the story wrapped up nice and neatly at the end of most episodes. I have access to Netflix, Amazon Instant, and Dish Network. More details below: [more inside]
posted by jmsta at 10:35 AM PST - 59 comments

Good designer to convert PDF to ebook?

I have a PDF that I'd like to convert to ebook format. It's straightforward - body text with just a handful of images - but the ebook needs to have the same font and style of the PDF. (I also have it in InDesign, if that helps.) I'm looking for a designer, or design agency, who has worked on ebooks before, who can take this on. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by mark7570 at 9:27 AM PST - 5 comments

Yet another Portland question

We will be hanging out in Portland (Oregon) for three days over next weekend and are looking for a few types of activities downtown or easily accessible by public transit/walking from downtown. One of us has spent a little time there in the past and has done Basic Touristy Portland, the other has not. [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 8:58 AM PST - 13 comments

Jokes that only work as a series of jokes?

I'm looking for jokes, usually bad jokes, that work as a series of short jokes where the punchline is in the final joke of the series. Example inside. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 8:33 AM PST - 35 comments

Smartphones for couples - same OS?

I'm planning on getting my very first smartphone pretty soon. One of the ways that people seem to use phones (a lot? sometimes?) involves syncing info between couples: schedules, grocery lists, to-do lists, tracking the other person's phone to tell that they're stuck in traffic, etc. Is this really useful? Does wanting this mean I should get an iPhone (like my husband) or can I do Android? [more inside]
posted by aimedwander at 8:23 AM PST - 29 comments

Estimating the value of charitable donations

What rules do you use for estimating the value of things you give to charity? The organizations we donate to ask us to estimate the value for tax purposes ourselves, rather than doing it for us. I know we obviously should not use the full price that we paid for the item. I am wondering if it is okay to value items at, for example, what we might get for them off Craigslist (sometimes say 1/3 to 1/2 or in rare cases even 2/3 what we paid, depending on the item and condition), or whether we should be valuing at more like what I'd use for a yard sale price of like 1/10th or lower. Does it matter? And is there a corresponding tax consequence for the recipient organization, such that if I declare the higher value on our taxes that organization realizes some proportionate tax or penalty? If so I should probably just estimate lower in order to further benefit the charity. Thanks!
posted by onlyconnect at 8:22 AM PST - 13 comments

How to support a spouse when you don't agree on their plans?

My spouse wants to quit their current job. I want to be supportive, but I find it difficult when I don't understand or agree with the decision to walk away. [more inside]
posted by jade east at 8:17 AM PST - 33 comments

How Do I Take in Better Stuff?

How do I practice better taste - in my art, music, and other kinds of cultural consumption - without being a prude or curmudgeon or elitist? [more inside]
posted by Apropos of Something at 8:15 AM PST - 19 comments

Help get my head in the cloud

My company has about 40 employees and five Windows based in-house servers. About half our staff work remotely (using a terminal server) and we have redundant Internet connections. Over the years we have built up a decent data center involving battery backup and tape archival. As I look to the 2014 budget, which would involve upgrading two servers, I have been asked if we should go to the cloud. I'm honestly finding it hard to evaluate this and hope some others may be able to help me improve my pro/con listing. Extra credit for suggestions to evaluate the costs. [more inside]
posted by dgran at 8:08 AM PST - 5 comments

Legal CBD without THC? Really?

What the heck are these CBD/Hemp Oil products? A scam? Illegal? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:56 AM PST - 1 comment

How do I ensure this project is taxed properly?

I'm doing a website project for a local musician, but I need to make sure it's "above board" as far as the IRS is concerned. How do I proceed? 1099 forms, etc? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 7:49 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for good Japanese podcasts/listening material

I'm planning on taking the JLPT N1 this December, but unfortunately between work and sleep I haven't been able to squeeze much study time in. Since I have a 2-hour commute every day, and sometimes an hour or two of travel during work as well, I reckon I can put it to good use by listening to spoken Japanese on my iPod. Can you recommend some interesting podcasts or radio programmes (downloadable/accessible without internet) that have a good coverage of N1 vocabulary? [more inside]
posted by monocot at 7:42 AM PST - 7 comments

Is the United States Postal Service under attack?

I read somewhere that the United States Postal Service does not receive any federal or state funds from taxes, that they do all of their own accounting. [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 6:44 AM PST - 14 comments

Trauma, Food and Money...oh my.

How would one erase or get past a childhood trauma and its effects on one's relationship with food and money? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:43 AM PST - 8 comments

How should a couple with disparate earnings divide costs?

My fiancé makes 200,000 a year while I make 116,000. He has an annual bonus potential between 300,000 and 600,000 in addition. My bonus potential is between 2,000 and 11,600. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:42 AM PST - 44 comments

Should I buy this house, or not?

I'm looking at buying a house on the bayou, but am unsure whether the flood and flood insurance issues mean I should offer less, or just run. [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya at 6:14 AM PST - 12 comments

Fish oil - or snake oil?

Recently I was talking to someone about health related issues and she mentioned that she took fish oil ending with the broad statement that it helps with about everything. I have read over the years about how fish oil helps with menopause (which I'm beginning) and ADHD (which I have) and just about every kind of condition known. I saw a previous mefi about the inefficacy for fish oil on depression but wondered how it relates to other conditions. Googling shows all sorts of results, both positive and negative and as I am not medically inclined I'm wondering if there is any benefit to it or is better to steer clear? Anecdotal evidence too please.
posted by lasamana at 5:50 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me find a short piece of metal for a document tray

I bought some document trays like these, but they only come with 4 of the metal rods for a pack of two. I'd like to stack them higher, but I can't find the metal rods alone anywhere. Aside from stealing out of another package, what do I even begin looking for? [more inside]
posted by sarae at 5:44 AM PST - 11 comments

Resources to help parents to support children during a divorce

What are some good resources for helping a parent to support a young child, while that parent is getting divorced? [more inside]
posted by life moves pretty fast at 5:21 AM PST - 2 comments

3 days in Genoa

My husband and I are going for a long weekend in Genoa, Italy. I've been really lapse in my planning and now I turn to the hivemind! I've done a bit of homework, but not enough, can you help? [more inside]
posted by like_neon at 5:03 AM PST - 3 comments

Dealing With Strangers (Other Parents and Kids) As A Parent and Father

As a parent and father, how do I, or how can I or should I, deal with parents of other children whose badly behaved kids do something mean or nasty to my own kid? [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 at 4:32 AM PST - 22 comments

Do small towns typically not list rentals online? Or am I out of luck.

I will be moving to Douglas, Arizona from across the country for work. It is a small city of 14,000 people. I want to rent a house, but (at least online) there appears to be very few rental options. Zillows and Trulia have only three rental listings for the whole city. Three rental listings for 14k people seems way too low to me, which makes me wonder if people there typically just don't advertise their rental properties on those sites. Am I right?
posted by Spurious at 3:46 AM PST - 17 comments

Help me find the name of this poem!

I woke up this morning thinking about a poem that I really liked in high school about a close friendship between two boys. I remember bits of it, but not enough for Google to help to identify the poem! Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Ocellar at 3:43 AM PST - 2 comments

Show me more Anime like "Clannad"

I just watched "Clannad" and "Clannad: After Story" (the tv series) and it was amazing. Please tell me about more things like that. They can be tv or movies, anime or not anime, as long as they have the same feel. [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 12:05 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to trust the hospital, but I don't . . .

Last week, my 85 year old father suddenly began to experience weakness in his legs and severe pain in his lower back. His PCP couldn't fit him in but recommended the ER if he was in a lot of pain - he was, so Friday afternoon, my brother took him to the ER of the nearest hospital (which looks more like a resort). They wanted to check him out with an MRI, but their machine was not available (could they really only have one?) The hospital "admitted" him - or so we thought . . . [more inside]
posted by kbar1 at 12:04 AM PST - 12 comments

October 7

Ideas for helping elders get access to Internet music

Are there any good resources for helping a low-income senior get Internet access? [more inside]
posted by steinsaltz at 11:22 PM PST - 4 comments

Studying in Romania?

I want to study abroad in Romania, but none of the organisations I know about (e.g ISA, CEA, IES) have programs in Romania. Are there any programs out there? [more inside]
posted by acthelight at 10:28 PM PST - 9 comments

Bugs Bunny title

Trying to find the title of a Bugs Bunny cartoon. [more inside]
posted by jenh526 at 9:34 PM PST - 1 comment

Where to buy large-diameter latex surgical tubing near Atlanta?

Due to demands of a random engineering project, I find myself needing to buy large-ish inside diameter (7/8" or greater) latex surgical tubing, hopefully tomorrow. I'm in Atlanta, and don't know the area well, having just moved here a few weeks ago. Home Depot, Lowes, and Wal-mart all seem to sell something like this which is unfortunately nowhere near wide enough for my needs. Does anyone have any leads or suggestions for a brick-and-mortar store where I might be able to find something?
posted by ubermuffin at 8:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me fill our gym with music!

I'd like to set up an awesome DIY sound system so our entire (huge) gymnastics facility is all listening to the same music source at once. The size of the facility (about 600' by 100') is my stumbling block, and the technological specifications and suggestions I get from Google are making my head spin! [more inside]
posted by denimflavored at 8:32 PM PST - 8 comments

If your baby liked "Feliz Navidad," they may also like...

My 9 month old baby likes it when I sing to him, but I am horrible at remembering song lyrics. He's a fan of "Feliz Navidad," which is cool because it has about 20 words to remember and the Spanish keeps him interested. What other happy, easy-to-remember songs should I learn the lyrics to and sing? English, Spanish, and German are all in my wheelhouse.
posted by Maarika at 8:30 PM PST - 31 comments

Getting More MPG (Miles Per Glucose)

Is there a way to make my brain more "fuel" efficient? [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo at 8:26 PM PST - 11 comments

Salvage These Bones

A long-planned long weekend visit to DC to check out Harper's Ferry and Antietam in a few days has been infuriatingly stymied by the shutdown. The plan had been to go see a lot of stuff related to John Brown's Raid, Civil War battlefields, and African American art housed at the National Gallery. The trip was in part to do research for a creative writing project about Mr Brown, and part for some general shenanigans. Now what? [more inside]
posted by sestaaak at 8:06 PM PST - 18 comments

Visiting Des Moines & Omaha this weekend - recommendations?

This weekend, a friend and I are going to spend 48 hours visiting Des Moines (Iowa), Omaha (Nebraska) and the places in-between. Do you have any recommendations for events this weekend we shouldn't miss? Or spots to visit? And any recommendation for the best steak restaurant along the route? Thanks!
posted by apennington at 8:01 PM PST - 11 comments

Help With The Creeping Seep

Hi all. I'm a relatively new homeowner in Brooklyn, NY. A creeping seep is attempting to devour our basement. It started two weeks ago, and seeps whether wet or dry. The plumbing has already been investigated. What to do next? [more inside]
posted by drapatz at 7:57 PM PST - 4 comments

What's the best way to get from Dublin to Giant's Causeway?

I'll be visiting a friend in Dublin in a few days, and we'd like to go see Giant's Causeway. Is there a good and easy way to do this that could get us there and back in a day? Or if you've done it spending the night somewhere, is there an in-between place you'd suggest? [more inside]
posted by Charity Garfein at 6:56 PM PST - 9 comments

Crowd Activations for Event

Hey, Hive-minded: Please help me brainstorm a list of large scale, crowd activated activities for an event/concert/festival setting. Twitter walls, dynamically color changing beach balls, kiss cams... the more interactive the better, but anything that brings the audience together with a unified activity they could be part of or featured in.
posted by Unsomnambulist at 6:44 PM PST - 5 comments

Help a newbie get started with photography.

I'm purchasing my first DSLR and I'd like to take full advantage of it. I have a lot of experience with scientific imaging (I run a microscope lab) but I don't have much experience with aesthetic photography or how best to take advantage of a DSLR. I'd like your advice on books, websites, and other resources to help me get the best photos. All aspects of photography are helpful: operating the camera, composing photos, and post-processing. [more inside]
posted by pombe at 6:36 PM PST - 30 comments

Recurrent mouth canker sores

Has anyone battled with recurrent canker sores in the mouth? They hurt like crazy and I get them sometimes as often as 2 times in a month. I discussed with the dentist and general doctor but I don't think they have a cure to stop getting them other than ease the pain when you do get them. What is your experience?
posted by barexamfreak at 6:19 PM PST - 48 comments

Career Switch: Restaurant Management Edition

My SO has years and years of stellar restaurant management experience. How can he parlay this into a career outside of food service? [more inside]
posted by youandiandaflame at 6:13 PM PST - 7 comments

looking for kung-fu film with underground temple with boiling pool

OK, this is deep in the level of cheezy memories. In the 1970s or early 1980s they used to broadcast totally rotten kung fu movies on television on Saturday mornings. I'm trying to remember a specific one. I know there are like millions of these that were churned out, so this may be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but here goes. It should limit the search that it was 1) in color 2) probably made between 1960 to 1981 3) included an intense fight scene that took place in a kind of underground temple (maybe?) that had as its central feature a pool of water (or acid?) that was boiling and had a kind of statue or something in the middle of it 4) there was a kind of dwarf or midget who had a prominent role. Can anyone remember this crazy film?
posted by cmp4Meta at 5:45 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for a video clip of a ghost prank.

There was a tv show that had various hidden camera type pranks. One involved a couple eating in a diner and a woman dressed as a ghost enters the diner and freaks out the girlfriend. The whole diner, waiter, and boyfriend are in on the prank and pretend not to see the ghost. Any ideas what this way or where I can find it?
posted by jmmpangaea at 5:31 PM PST - 0 comments

Aborted bike theft or malicious prank?

Someone messed with my parked bike today, and I'm not sure if they were just extremely incompetent thieves or if they were some jerk trying to make my bike surreptitiously unsafe. [more inside]
posted by caaaaaam at 4:59 PM PST - 10 comments

How can I help my depressed friend when he's keeping it a secret?

Hi all, I need your advice. My friend Todd recently told me that he's suffering from depression, and that he has been for many years. He says sometimes it's not too bad, but sometimes he feels so rotten that he doesn't even leave his room to get food and goes hungry for days. That sounds like a dangerous level of depression to me, and I am afraid for him. Todd is a really close friend and super important to me, and I want to help him as much as I can. We live thousands of kilometers apart these days. How can I help from so far away? Snowflakey complications inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:57 PM PST - 11 comments

How to negotiate with floor contractor who damaged my table

Contractor is doing a pretty good job on a floor repair. Unfortunately, his guys picked up my beautiful ceramic tabletop by its ends, it cracked in the middle, and it is now trash. [more inside]
posted by JimN2TAW at 4:32 PM PST - 17 comments

How to help young child with anxiety/fear of fire

Precocious 6 y.o. daughter has suddenly developed an intense fear of fire. If the stove is on, she is sobbing or screaming or fretting. Same thing with the (outside) grill and my neighbor's fire pit. Logic, reason, discussion are all fruitless; as long as there is visible fire, she's terrified. How to help her cope? [more inside]
posted by disconnect at 3:57 PM PST - 22 comments

Looking for a specific Halloween song

Back in the day, Zacherle had an annual Halloween radio special in NYC; in my day—late 80s to early 90s—it was on WCBS-FM. There was one song he played that I haven't found anywhere else. It featured a vampire (who was very likely Zacherle himself, but I can't swear to that) with several cheerful backup singers, speaking/singing about being "overdrawn at the blood bank." Anybody recognize this and know where to find it? [more inside]
posted by Shmuel510 at 3:51 PM PST - 16 comments

Am I a crazy hypochondriac or just a careful person?

Last night I consumed some Marijuana, which upon further inspection, seems to be rather moldy. After researching the types of mold that it could be, and the effects of that mold, I am rather worried that I may have given myself a rather dangerous fungal infection. I do not have health insurance. I need to try to figure out what to do, please help! Anyone who knows about medicine or fungi would be especially appreciated! [more inside]
posted by ejfox at 3:34 PM PST - 17 comments

Halloween in Maine/NH/MA

I'd love to hear suggestions for fun Halloween activities in the New England area - particularly haunted houses, horror film fests, etc! [more inside]
posted by noonday at 3:23 PM PST - 8 comments

Animal/plant found ONLY in Illinois/midwest

Need a QUICK answer. I need animals or plants found ONLY in Illinois or immediately surrounding areas. Have tried Google and am really struggling with the ONLY part of that. Anyody who knows one or more, PLEASE let me know. Thank you!
posted by odragul at 3:23 PM PST - 10 comments

Good headphones (nothing more, nothing less)

I (project manager) work together with my wife (film editor) in a shared office. I like music while I work and she doesn't. One of us needs to be able to hear and respond to the real world, while the other needs not know it even exists. What headphones would be best placed to provide a high level of audio isolation, given the nature of sound in film editing (sometimes quiet), be comfortable for long periods and have a good audio range?
posted by a non e mouse at 3:23 PM PST - 25 comments

I wish I had a cat I could blame this on

I broke my tea mug and I need a new one. [more inside]
posted by villanelles at dawn at 2:48 PM PST - 33 comments

Universal assent for a scent?

I've noticed that my female friends almost universally love it when guys wear Old Spice deodorant. Is there an equivalent scent for girls that nearly all guys go crazy for? I'm really looking for deodorant, but lotions or perfumes or other scented things could also be taken under consideration. [more inside]
posted by estlin at 2:43 PM PST - 18 comments

Best way for New Yorker to have a cell phone when in London for a week?

I'm going to London from November 1st to November 7th and I want to be able to make and receive a few phone calls... [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 2:39 PM PST - 6 comments

What do I do about long forgotten abuse?

The short version: I was sexually abused as a child and my abuser recently tried to get in touch with me. I declined contact but I'm worried that he'll try again. So I'm wondering about my recourse. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:38 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me apply for this news reporter job

I plan to apply for a job that I'm overqualified for but need desperately...and I've been out of the journalism field for several years because of the economy and some personal issues. I need help to not look like a desperate failure when I apply. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:36 PM PST - 6 comments

Your slogan here.

I run a program that directs people with HIV and at risk for HIV infection to research they might qualify for. We are co-sponsoring an event for providers in the HIV field. We would like to hand out swag mugs, but we have no idea what to say in such a small space. [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 at 2:18 PM PST - 14 comments

Any viable alternatives to Summify?

Summify (not to be confused with Summly) was purchased by Twitter and shutdown almost two years ago. I still miss it. News.me was touted as a viable alternative, but it no longer seems to be in active development and none of the alternatives seem to offer Summify's top-notch filtering/curation. [more inside]
posted by ajr at 2:16 PM PST - 1 comment

Need an alternative hike to Old Rag in VA

Because of the sequester, my plans for a birthday hike of Old Rag are out. Looking for something within a 2 or 3 hour drive of the D.C. area for Monday, October 14th. Have extensive hiking experience so would like something with a fair amount of miles and am not afraid of difficulty. No climbing, though!
posted by sparringnarwhal at 2:09 PM PST - 4 comments

How do childless people deal with the challenges of aging?

My partner and I have been thinking about aging recently, as various relatives reach the phase of their lives where they're moving into nursing homes and retirement facilities. Our examples are mostly of people with children, but as most of our friends reach middle age without children, we were wondering: in the US, where we don't have ingrained cultural obligations or socialist structure, how do people go through older age without kids to take care of them? If you're in that group, what are your plans for your old age? [more inside]
posted by linettasky at 1:27 PM PST - 31 comments

Managing missed dose of Effexor?

Does anyone have any strategies or OTC medications for dealing with the day after missing a dose of Effexor? [more inside]
posted by en forme de poire at 1:26 PM PST - 11 comments

Money confusion.

Will the government shutdown affect a military dity move for ETS? [more inside]
posted by magnoliasouth at 1:23 PM PST - 4 comments

how did you learn to accept kindness and positive feedback with grace?

I have an awful reaction to being on the receiving end of compliments, gifts, and expressions of gratitude: visceral discomfort followed by impotent self-directed rage at having failed to insulate myself against any/all kindness. Ideally, I would love to be able to do things that other people consider to be nice without ever receiving any sort of thanks or even acknowledgment, but I know this is not a realistic goal. What are some concrete steps/resources I can use to learn how to change this overwrought bad attitude, and start meeting others' generosity, kindness, and gratitude with equanimity and grace rather than petulant rejection and destructive anger? [more inside]
posted by divined by radio at 1:18 PM PST - 15 comments

Comprehensive, customizable wellness tracking and visualization

I need a holistic personal wellness tracking system and application. Details/requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by hapax_legomenon at 1:16 PM PST - 3 comments

How are these any better than Liefeld?

I'm just getting back into comics now that I've moved near a friendly local shop, but I'm having trouble finding ongoing series that I would want to have in my subscription pull. I'm not against superheroes per se, but it seems like everything from the big 2 is just full of cocks and guns and gritty art direction. Could you help me find some current comics that fit my bill? Preferences below: [more inside]
posted by Think_Long at 12:41 PM PST - 31 comments

I would still like to be able to escape from a fire

I need to attach a window screen to my fire escape window. Obviously I'd like it to break away when necessary (and also so I can water my herbs strapped to the bars on the upper half of the window). How can I do this most effectively and with materials I already have? It needs to cover both the top and bottom half of the window, and there's no existing screen frame. [more inside]
posted by mgar at 12:28 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I best replace my dead PS3 without losing all my stuff?

My beloved 60GB "Fat" PS3 has kicked, after many years of faithful service. I'm trying to figure out how to replace it with minimal hassle and without losing anything from the hard drive. Google search turns up conflicting advice. Long-ish explanation follows. [more inside]
posted by churl at 12:23 PM PST - 8 comments

Networking advice please

Business Networking for a nervous nellie who wants to be a natural [more inside]
posted by Kitty Cornered at 12:05 PM PST - 8 comments

A reputable tattoo shop in Ottawa?

Looking for a spot to get a cover-up of an existing tattoo done. [more inside]
posted by gohabsgo at 11:38 AM PST - 2 comments

Searching for a recently heard swinging French language kid's song.

I heard a kid's song that I would describe as French swing (a bit like the style of the Triplettes of Belleville). I didn't get a good listen to the lyrics, but two things stood out: a chorus that started with the words "Click, Clack...," and a couple of spoken interludes to someone named Michel(le), who may have been a cat. Can you name this song and artist? [more inside]
posted by OmieWise at 11:29 AM PST - 4 comments

Wireless Barcode Scanners w/ on-board memory

I need to (with some urgency) select a wireless barcode scanner that our inventory guys can use to grab codes from a pallet of worth of small boxes. It's got to operate without a constant USB connection, and preferably store the scanned codes locally on the scanner for later transfer to a laptop (USB for that later transfer is fine). Has anyone got similar devices working right now that they're happy with/happy to recommend? I'm in Canada, so bonus points if Newegg or similar sells it up here.
posted by Kreiger at 11:15 AM PST - 8 comments

What are the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Vancouver?

I will be visiting Vancouver, BC for a week. Where should I eat that I might not find on TripAdvisor (or similar websites)? I won't have a car, and I will be staying here. I am open to all kinds of food (in fact, the more obscure the international cuisine, the better!).
posted by torisaur at 11:12 AM PST - 14 comments

Looking for an album

Where can I buy "Life after the so-Called "God Lives Underwater Age" by David Reilly? [more inside]
posted by cmcmcm at 11:01 AM PST - 9 comments

Employer liability insurance + individual coverage= Necessary?

I am a clinical social worker (Therapist/supervisor) and I'm covered by my employer's liability insurance. I've been told it can be helpful to have additional liability coverage. I'm not sure if I need it, and the NASW (Nat'l Association of SW'ers) policy feels scam-my. To get NASW insurance, (the most common insurer for sw'ers), you need to be an NASW member, which is approx $180, on top of paying the policy premium. I don't trust google results because anything could pop up, regardless of quality. Practicing in MN if that's relevant; I also have an adjunct teaching position. IDK if that college has social work liability coverage for clinical staff. 1. Do I need two liability policies? If so, why? 2. Can I get good malpractice/liability coverage independent of NASW?
posted by ShadePlant at 10:59 AM PST - 3 comments

To Whom Can I Promote a Forum on Life Extension?

I am producing a forum that deal with Life Extension issues. Presentation will run the gamut from Ray Kurzweil to tissue and organ growth to the ethical and moral issues now being face by the medical and scientific communities as they continue with moving forward with their research and applications. I have contacted futurist, sci-fi and life extension groups here in Los Angeles. What other options do I have beside rejuvenation clinics. I have thought of local universities. To which department do I direct event information
posted by goalyeehah at 10:28 AM PST - 7 comments

Self-help books that will help me make peace with being single?

I'm tired of feeling bitter about being single. Are there any self-help books that will help me get over this? [more inside]
posted by tumbleweedjack at 10:18 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me craft a Google ngrams query

I wan to make a Google ngram showing the history of the term "spoiler" as it is used in popular culture to mean the reveal ahead of time of an important piece of plot information. Problem is, "spoiler" has at least two other meanings and I don't know how, or even if, I can craft a query to separate out those other meanings. [more inside]
posted by gauche at 10:10 AM PST - 10 comments

Jewelers and Small Business People - Discount for a replacement?

How should one frame a request for a discount on a replacement ring? [more inside]
posted by elmonobonobo at 9:56 AM PST - 11 comments

How are google search results created, programmatically or manually?

Does Google manually adjust search engine results? [more inside]
posted by humannaire at 9:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Timesheet Software

My small nonprofit needs a solution to track salaried employee time, vacation, and hourly worker wages. Like most places it seems, we've been running off of an Excel spreadsheet which does all these things…badly. I'm looking for—and not finding—a solution that keeps track of these things and is easier for staff to use. And suggestions for whats out there or should I stick to my Excel sheet? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Science at 9:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Integrative oncology? Does that mean it involves calculus?

Fucking integrative oncology: How does it work? I have questions about integrative oncology and whether it's a valid area of research and treatment or the shiny new woo-woo thing dressed up with medical-sounding words. [more inside]
posted by rmd1023 at 9:33 AM PST - 24 comments

GI BOS

Please recommend a gastroenterologist in the Boston area.
posted by Behemoth at 9:24 AM PST - 4 comments

Is it worth building an HTPC?

After reading this Coding Horror post and seeing some news about Dolphin emulator releasing 4.0, I've been pondering building an HTPC for media & gaming purposes, but I keep getting a lot of mixed signals as to ease of use & software quality. Is it really worth the time, money, and effort? [more inside]
posted by zempf at 9:20 AM PST - 5 comments

TV optimised web pages.

I'm looking for tv optimised web pages for streaming and similar like the YouTube TV browser or the BBC iPlayer's Big Screen. [more inside]
posted by feelinglistless at 9:16 AM PST - 1 comment

Is it possible to separate the art from the artist?

Please recommend me good writing (preferably academic but well written blog posts or whatever are good too) that explores the controversy around problematic creators and whether or not one should support their work. PLEASE DON'T try to answer the question itself, that would be chatfilter. (Though I welcome anyone's thoughts on this via memail.) [more inside]
posted by Wretch729 at 9:15 AM PST - 10 comments

What houseplants can survive in this planter/lamp?

What (if any) sorts of houseplants can survive being planted below a table lamp in a low-light bedroom? [more inside]
posted by macrowave at 9:10 AM PST - 7 comments

What's the current best ipad app for sending, receiving & signing faxes?

What's the current best ipad app for sending, receiving & signing faxes?
posted by mattholomew at 8:59 AM PST - 1 comment

Driving into the sun but avoiding the flames?

I recently moved. My new commute has me driving directly into the sun in both the morning and evening; as winter approaches, it is getting more and more hazardous. I slowed to a crawl this morning as there was so much glare I literally couldn't see the road/cars/anything in front of me and if a child had darted out into the road in front of me I honestly don't know that I would see. I tried rolling my window down and sticking my head out but maybe I didn't stick my head out far enough because it didn't seem to help the front view (it did make it easier to see what was going on leftwards though). I wear sunglasses and pop the visor down. I had my car's defrost on. What else can I do? [more inside]
posted by vegartanipla at 8:58 AM PST - 26 comments

How do I practice swimming freestyle if I'm alone?

I'm an adult learning to swim for the first time. I had a fear of water at first but now I'm able to put my face in the water and swim. In between my swimming lessons, I like to come to the pool and practice the freestyle stroke but I haven't been able to do it because I'm alone and I'm afraid that I'd start flailing and lose my control. What would be the best way to practice my arm strokes and using what equipment? I've tried using the kickboard but every time I let go of one arm, the kickboard goes into the water diagonally so I'm scared to let go of the kickboard. There's a lifeguard at the pool I go to but I still haven't gotten over the nerves. I really appreciate all of the advice!
posted by missybitsy at 8:57 AM PST - 14 comments

Looking for bracelets with a lot of cool, funky beads

Someone recently sent me a bracelet from MiaLena. Who else makes stuff like this? [more inside]
posted by BibiRose at 8:49 AM PST - 7 comments

How do Adult Human Beings get shit done after work?

I have an intense 9-6 office job that is mainly editing fiddly details in legal paperwork and talking on the phone about fiddly details in legal paperwork. I'm also in charge of two people. When quittin' time rolls around, I am brain-fried. I'd rather not be so I can do things after work that are at all productive. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by griphus at 8:11 AM PST - 52 comments

How much anxiety is too much?

My 4 year old son has recently upped his anxiety related behaviors, and I'm not sure whether this is a common occurrence for this age, or whether we need to start changing things to help him out. [more inside]
posted by katers890 at 7:59 AM PST - 10 comments

How is the US Civil War taught in schools not in the USA?

I was watching the excellent Ken Burns documentary about the Civil War last night, and found myself wondering how this particular conflict is taught in schools outside the US. If you were raised outside the United States and remember learning about the US Civil War in school, what do you remember? I would love to hear about your experience.
posted by juniperesque at 7:39 AM PST - 47 comments

Help Me Find Trees & Plants for a NYC Terrace.

I'm looking for a referral to a supplier of quality and reasonably priced evergreen type trees and plants in and around NYC (also LI, NJ, Conn., etc.) This would need to be a store, nursery or garden center that offers delivery to Manhattan. I've been to the "plant district" in the city but I'm interested in researching other alternatives. Looking to purchase in the next two weeks. Thank you.
posted by mbx at 7:32 AM PST - 2 comments

Funding for PhD student attending an overseas academic conference?

I am a criminology PhD student based in London and have been invited to present at a conference in Tampa, Florida next year. The conference is perfect for my area of research; the only thing is neither my university nor the hosting institution can provide funding to cover my travel expenses. Are there any other bodies that might be able to provide some funding?
posted by PhDStudent at 7:26 AM PST - 6 comments

The Once and Future(?) Friend

What are some good resources on interpersonal communication that I can direct people to that they can read on their own time? [more inside]
posted by eviemath at 7:17 AM PST - 11 comments

Gifts from a "birdie"

My partner (m) and I (f) are celebrating our fifth-year anniversary this month. I am looking for inexpensive gift suggestions (or suggestions for romantic experiences) inspired by my pet name "birdie". [more inside]
posted by kiki_s at 6:42 AM PST - 15 comments

You've got that autumn feeling.

Autumn/fall is my favorite season and I love the feel and experience of the leaves changing color, the chill in the air, and traditional fall activities. The episode "Kiss and Tell" from Gilmore Girls, for example, centers around an autumn festival and has this sort of atmosphere. Could you give me some movies/documentaries/tv shows/episodes that also embody autumn?
posted by holmesian at 6:37 AM PST - 14 comments

seeking sober match who Has It Together (mostly) - where to look?

by virtue of an unlikely series of events in the last several years, i'm looking for a certain type of person to date. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:57 AM PST - 29 comments

Football Manager...Should I Buy? (Soccer Video Game)

Just wondering if I should invest my time/money into this game (having NO experience with it in the past). [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 5:37 AM PST - 22 comments

Separation, Australian Version

Asking for a friend..... Trying to keep to the relevant details. For a while now my friend and his wife have been struggling (married 19 years, three kids, oldest 17, youngest 10). It all came to ahead two weeks ago and my friend left (was forced out?) the family home and went to stay with his parents. They are trying counseling and its early days I know but it isn't looking very positive and he would like some advice if the worst does happen..... [more inside]
posted by Lesium at 4:05 AM PST - 9 comments

English speaking countries history

I want to get a firmer grasp of the English-speaking countries history. [more inside]
posted by nicolin at 12:59 AM PST - 15 comments

October 6

How to get good Financial Advice - Expat edition

Hi, I'm an Australian living in Asia temporarily. I've been looking for financial advice for my needs for a while, most of my cash is in a bank account in Australia and I figure I could do more with it than just have it sitting in a bank earning 3.5% interest (say for example around $30k ior so in the bank). [more inside]
posted by Admira at 11:25 PM PST - 10 comments

Photography activities for high schoolers.

I am teaching photography to a bunch of 16 and 17 year olds. Most of them are novices. What kind of activities can I do with them during the months between now and March when it's pouring rain in Vancouver? [more inside]
posted by figaro at 9:55 PM PST - 15 comments

What TV has good sound?

I finally upgraded my Direct TV service, the old Tivo bit the dust. So naturally I'm looking to upgrade the television... [more inside]
posted by Marky at 9:22 PM PST - 12 comments

Label my nightstand with something amusing

I got this slightly card-catalog-ish nightstand for my bedroom, and the drawer labels being empty is driving me crazy. Help me think of an amusing way to label them? Further details within. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:57 PM PST - 24 comments

How do I get over a co-worker I have a crush on?

I am a lesbian with a crush on a male co-worker. That, however, is only the beginning of my troubles. At first I was willing to just laugh off my crush to myself as something silly and unimportant (I mean, I understand human sexuality is weird and fluid, whatever), but recently my crush went out of town for a week and I found myself missing him a lot more than I thought I would, so much so to the point that I ended up texting him something innocuous and then crying when he didn't write back. I've decided that this is getting ridiculous and I need to get ahold of myself. So how do I get over someone I see almost every day? Fuller explanation inside. [more inside]
posted by gypsyroseme at 8:47 PM PST - 13 comments

Installing the drawer slides from hell

I'm at a total loss as to how to install these drawer slides...please help! [more inside]
posted by janerica at 8:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Halloween-costume making tips for the non-crafty

My son would like something like these fuzzy pant legs for his Halloween costume, and I'm wondering if I might be able to make something instead. However, I'm not especially crafty. [more inside]
posted by bluedaisy at 8:02 PM PST - 8 comments

Help me get some basic Linux experience using my Win 7 laptop.

What's the best way to get some basic hands-on Linux experience as it applies to corporate environments using my Windows 7 laptop? I know there are some variants of Linux that can be booted from a CD, but I don't have an optical drive. I do have an external USB hard drive with lots of space available. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by iamisaid at 7:56 PM PST - 15 comments

Was I sexually violated?

Was I sexually violated? I keep obsessing about this, I don't know if the other parties care or have declared me a pariah [more inside]
posted by Jewel98 at 7:35 PM PST - 43 comments

What is Caribbean food and how do I cook it?

I recently moved to a neighborhood that is predominantly West Indian, and I see all sorts of new-to-me ingredients in my local grocery stores that I'd love to learn how to use. But I don't know the first thing about West Indian/Caribbean cuisine, so I'm not sure I trust myself to just pick out a cookbook and start. Can you recommend any resources like websites or cookbooks, or specific recipes, that will allow me to start investigating all these mysterious roots and jars of red-dyed lard and interesting spices?
posted by showbiz_liz at 6:36 PM PST - 10 comments

Why are all my eBay items selling for awful prices?

This only really started to get on my nerves lately, but i realized that every sale i've made in the past few months are closing for mostly depressing prices. Occasionally i get a great price, but it's mostly crap... [more inside]
posted by emptythought at 6:12 PM PST - 27 comments

What simple, self-hosted blogging platform do I want?

I'm sick of Wordpress and all it's cruft. What self-hosted blogging platform should I be looking at in 2013? Details within. [more inside]
posted by chrisamiller at 5:40 PM PST - 14 comments

MP3 Players for the nearly blind (with a budget!)

I have a large collection of audio books that I would like to send to a relative in a format that is easy for her to listen to while in recovery. [more inside]
posted by studioaudience at 5:25 PM PST - 7 comments

Is it ever ok to lie to your partner?

My job requires me to work away often with female colleagues. My girlfriend gets quite jealous and we argue if she knows I am away with girls. I have in the past confided in detail with one female colleague about problems in my relationship and I think this is where the aggravation comes from. There has never been anything romantic. To avoid an argument while I'm on the road I've started lying to my girlfriend about who is on these trips. So as far as she knows I only go away with men. So my question. Is it okay to lie to your partner if it saves stress and worry for both parties? Examples of similar situations would be useful...
posted by JIMSMITH2000 at 5:01 PM PST - 69 comments

Vegas with a cane

Over the past 5 years, my Mom, who is still working but of retirement age, has had both hips replaced and major surgery on her knee. She's been keeping up with the physical therapy, and while things were looking bad for a long time, she is now able to walk with a cane and is able to go places around town by herself again. She's also, understandably, stir crazy from not having been able to walk or go out by herself for so long. She suggested the possibility of meeting her in Vegas over the holidays. [more inside]
posted by eschatfische at 5:00 PM PST - 11 comments

One stereo speaker works off and on. I think it's the receiver. Any fix?

About half the time when I turn on the stereo the left channel speaker doesn't work. If I turn the balance all the way to the left on the receiver, and increase the volume sharply, the speaker comes on. Then I can lower the volume, adjust the balance, and everything works fine till I turn off the stereo. It's the same with all sound sources. [more inside]
posted by lockedroomguy at 4:37 PM PST - 10 comments

What light fixture is this?

Some enthusiastic home dance party moves caused me to shatter one of the glass lampshades on this light fixture. I'd like to replace the shade, but I have no idea what lamp's brand or model is. Do you? [more inside]
posted by esd at 4:17 PM PST - 3 comments

A Double Espresso and a Pickled Gherkin, Please.

What savoury snack-foods go well with strong, black coffee? [more inside]
posted by Jabberwocky at 3:36 PM PST - 25 comments

Where can I find a replacement cabinet pull for these cabinets?

We are missing a pull/handle for one of the cabinets in our apartment. The landlord doesn't know anything about manufacturer or the source of the hardware. The inside of the drawers is labeled as "G* Grass" as a manufacturer but it looks like they make the inner mechanisms not the external hardware. Photo album here. Any ideas on how I can find a replacement? Thanks!
posted by brbmaroon at 3:30 PM PST - 7 comments

Does This Technology Exist?

It's fund drive time, and I have been a contributor and a host promoting fund drives for public and community radio. But a common complaint I hear from people is public radio encourages them to do their part, meaning contribute. The promise is the sooner you do, the sooner the drive will end. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 2:29 PM PST - 15 comments

Short people need jeans, too!

It seems like every time I find a pair of jeans I like, they stop selling them. Most recently, I found these at Target, and they were perfect! Just the right length, bootcut, dark wash, with some stretch in the material so I can move (very important), and NO obnoxious glitter or weird stitching or fake whisker marks. Of course, they are not currently available. So, short mefites, where do you go to buy your jeans? I'm not willing to buy pants that I can't try on first, so the internet is out, but I'm in Phoenix, AZ so we have most of the stores. I work, so I'm hard on jeans and don't really want to spend more than $30 or $40 a pair. Oh, and I usually wear a 14P or so (the Target ones are "fit 4" designed for people with curves and that's perfect) so places that only have tiny people sizes are out. Please give me some suggestions so I'm not driving all over the place wasting my whole day trying on pants! (I've seen previous questions, but what's available seems to change on a weekly basis...)
posted by Weeping_angel at 2:24 PM PST - 23 comments

Getting to the Computer History Museum from San Francisco without a car

How can I get to the Computer History Museum from San Francisco without a car, and is it worth it? [more inside]
posted by robintw at 1:43 PM PST - 21 comments

Why does my bathroom sink smell?

My bathroom sink smells after I take a hot shower, any ideas why? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 1:05 PM PST - 4 comments

Can I buy an iPhone and use it only as a camera?

Can I buy an iPhone and use it only as a camera without having to sign up for a service plan? I don't really need nor want a smartphone, however, I'm now wondering, with Instagram, etc, if I should start shooting some stuff on a smartphone? The only downside is that I like having big, canvas prints up around the house am under the impression that the phone's image quality is still pretty crappy.
posted by tangyraspberry at 12:44 PM PST - 17 comments

Where can I swim laps in Seoul?

Can you recommend a clean, reasonably priced pool for lap swimming in Seoul? [more inside]
posted by KevCed at 12:23 PM PST - 6 comments

How much can someone make with $150mn?

Miley Cyrus is worth $150 million. Supposing she had that all in cash, if she wanted to retire today, how much could she count on making a year on investments, indefinitely? That is, given current conditions/interest rates/etc. I have the impression that people with that much money can do a lot better than your average rube like me with a 401k, but I'm not sure that's correct or by how much.
posted by ftm at 12:05 PM PST - 24 comments

Final-year Marketing student Worries

I am fourth-year student, soon graduating with a Marketing Management (BComm) degree from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. This University doesn't exactly have an amazing reputation, especially for its Business Management program...It isn't bad, but it isn't great. I think the institution is good and I enjoyed (for the most part) my years here. I'll probably be graduating with a 3.5 GPA. Tell me mefites, how can I improve my chances for meaningful, successful employment when I'm graduating from a university with a lame reputation, a less-than-amazing GPA? [more inside]
posted by rhythm_queen at 12:04 PM PST - 10 comments

Books on stopping domestic violence....for abusers or potential abusers?

I know there are a lot of great books out there for survivors of domestic violence. Are there any good books out there for survivors who end up abusive themselves, but would not like to be? In particular, I'm thinking adult children of domestic violence, who because they witnessed awful stuff growing up, think that anything not-that-awful is okay. [more inside]
posted by corb at 11:57 AM PST - 4 comments

Tell Me More About Good Fences Making Good Neighbors

The fence between my neighbor's house and my house has been damaged by a tree on their side of the fence growing larger and starting to push the fence down. The fence is further weakened by the fact that my neighbor's dog (a very large German Shepherd) often jumps on it when she barks at things in my yard. For the safety of my family I want to get the fence replaced. I would like the owner of the next door property to pay for half. The problem is the property is a rental and the tenants wont give me the landlord's contact info. How can I find out who owns the property? [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 11:37 AM PST - 16 comments

Netgear genie, I despise you

I'm staying in a house with Wi-Fi and the connections look fine, but I can't get past a Netgear genie page, apparently for a WN2500RP -- on an aging PC running XP or an iPad2. Exactly the same thing happens with both machines. I get to a screen with five large-ish vertically stacked tabs on the left: 1 Select Network 2 Apply Security 3 Configure Extender 4 Finalize Settings 5 Review Settings. On both machines, the "Review Settings" tab is highlighted, but it and everything else on the page cannot be clicked/tapped/etc. on. It looks like there's supposed to be information to the right of the tabs, on the bulk of the screen, but it's blank. I've tried refreshing, just loading another page, etc., etc., etc., etc. I'm flummoxed. Huge thanks for any help anyone can provide.
posted by ambient2 at 11:37 AM PST - 1 comment

Help me pass my library shelver test

I'm looking to get work as a library shelver in a county library. I've passed the minimum requirements and have moved onto the next phase- basically- the library shelver test. I have no idea what this test will require other than them handing me a stack of books and telling me to go shelve them properly. Besides being versed in the Dewey Decimal System.... what do I need to know to pass this test and not have anxiety about it going in? I realize every library system is different but I would very much like your input. [more inside]
posted by rabu at 11:25 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a window into the mind of old time carpenters. Or a door.

So, I have a pane of glass in a wooden frame. If I call this wooden frame a door, the pane of glass is held in place with some pieces of wooden trim tacked down with some finishing nails. But, if I call this wooden frame a window, the pane of glass is held in place with glaziers points and putty. Why is this?
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 11:18 AM PST - 4 comments

THIS IS THE SECOND WEIRDEST STAR WARS BOOK EVER

What are some exceptionally weird tie-in novels and comics? I'm looking for books which are especially weird as a result of not fitting the tone or form of the source material, or of the usual tie-in product. Preferably in fantasy, sci-fi, & horror. [more inside]
posted by Sticherbeast at 11:08 AM PST - 15 comments

How much meat does a non-meat eater need?

I don't enjoy eating meat, but I am worried about getting enough b12. I eat b12 enriched nutritional yeast a few times a week, but I don't know if that's really enough. [more inside]
posted by fruitopia at 11:03 AM PST - 17 comments

Pimp my iPad/iPhone/Macbook with £70

I bought a new macbook and it came with a £70 ($110) gift card for use in iTunes, iBookstore, and Mac App store. I have a Macbook air, iPad 3 and iPhone 4, and I'm definitely not making full use of any of them, especially the iPad. I know I can sell it but I'd rather see if there's anything I could use it for first. What should I use the gift card for? [more inside]
posted by pikeandshield at 10:58 AM PST - 3 comments

What bugs are bugging us?

Yesterday my partner and I drained and moved a 275 gallon water cistern that has been sitting stagnant, probably for several months. Shortly afterward she started getting itchy, raised red spots that look like some sort of insect bite. What may be causing this? What is the best strategy for eradicating it? [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 10:17 AM PST - 6 comments

How to add some silly embroidery to a pillow?

My husband needs a husband pillow. I would like to embroider, stencil, or otherwise embellish the pillow with the slogan "probably the best husband in the world" a la Carlsberg. I would prefer a font resembling the original, but it doesn't have to be. I have very basic sewing skills but I am open to paying someone to do this. Any ideas?
posted by chaiminda at 10:14 AM PST - 3 comments

Seeking information on illuminated manuscripts online

I am interested in learning more about illuminated manuscripts--from ancient times to today, both sacred and secular. I also want to look at some of them in their entirety. What are the coolest illuminated manuscripts that have been digitized and made available online? What makes them so great? Also, are there any great videos about illuminated manuscripts? Any leads would be most appreciated.
posted by mortaddams at 9:52 AM PST - 19 comments

I have abandonment issues. I need reading material.

My story is unique, but my experience is not. I have abandonment issues. I need reading material. [more inside]
posted by squirbel at 9:41 AM PST - 17 comments

iPad app for reading PDFs

I have been trying out different iPad apps for reading PDFs, but haven't found one that really suits my needs yet. [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 9:40 AM PST - 10 comments

High Quality Copies for Framing?

I have a handful of hand-written recipes from my beloved late grandmother. I have been considering having some framed for my mother and sister, but we all treasure being able to hold them in our hands, and I am somewhat hesitant to lose that ability. I have done some searching about the possibility of having high-quality copies made and framing those, but I haven't been able to find anything like this. Does any one know if this is a service that exists? If it exists and exists in NYC, all the better, but I would be willing to work anywhere reputable. Many thanks.
posted by MeadowlarkMaude at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments

How do we retrieve something that went down a chimney.

So what happens when something falls down a chimney? Our morning of soda rocket launching ended when it went down our neighbors chimney. We climbed on the roof and can't see it. What do we do now? I don't care about the rocket, just worried about my neighbors' chimney and future fires.
posted by beccaj at 9:04 AM PST - 6 comments

Congressional Press Release data online?

Where can I find historical data on US congressional press releases? [more inside]
posted by Ndwright at 8:55 AM PST - 1 comment

How to break big career change to the parents?

I want to get a PhD in clinical psychology and be a therapist (or maybe an MSW or other similar degree). I'm very well informed about this decision and have already learned a great deal about the field through personal study. Here's the catch: I don't know how to explain it to my parents. I scored very well on the LSAT, and my lawyer dad loves the idea of my being a lawyer. Plus, I've become interested in psychology through my personal therapy, which they know nothing about. Any advice on how to break it to them that I want a different career that seems to come out of left field? How do I explain WHY I want to be a therapist? I'm 27, they think I'm settled on becoming a lawyer, and they are entirely unaware that I have any interest in psychology. Help?!
posted by anonymous at 8:48 AM PST - 16 comments

Repair Master Boot Record?

I have a Windows 7 HTPC that serves as our family's TV/entertainment hub. Recently, the cooling fan on it died a slow death while I wasn't home. The other folks in my home kept re-sarting the machine frantically, until I ended up with multiple drives with (I believe) damaged Master Boot Records. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:33 AM PST - 3 comments

How to find a very old Japanese animation series

In the mid to late 1960s, early morning Saturday television included -- I believe in the very early morning, before the regular Tom and Jerry etc -- a Japanese animated series that looked nothing like contemporary anime. It was all set in a regal Japanese past with women wearing kimonos, ornate animation of detailed old-fashioned Japanese houses, etc. The only possible detail we have is a faintly remembered character name that was something like "Shushan." Is there any possible way to find out what this show was? Any suggested googling hints?
posted by third rail at 8:32 AM PST - 14 comments

Our house appears to be in the Twilight Zone. Any idea why?

It appears to be raining only in in 20-foot circle on the street in front of our house. Yes, I know how weird that sounds. It's going on right now. Hoping someone can think of some reason why. [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 7:45 AM PST - 22 comments

help me find this artist/architect studio blog

For a number of years, I followed a blog (from LA?) that featured photos and work- mostly of the studios themselves- of early to mid-century American and European artists/architects. Nothing trendy. There was a direct and simple spareness to the site; no distractions, no text, just photos down the middle, interspersed with occasional 'ads' for their own Jean Prouve lamps. I have lost the feed, and searches don't help. Any ideas?
posted by ebesan at 7:04 AM PST - 5 comments

Any thoughts on the safety of giving cats Sleepytime Tea?

Sleepytime Tea gets my cat high, I found out accidentally after dropping a tea bag. I mean, catnip high. Any thoughts as to whether it would be dangerous to cats? Is this a just say no to drugs situation or a pass the pipe situation?
posted by angrycat at 5:57 AM PST - 14 comments

I Am Sooooo Stuck On You

Went out in the woods yesterday in my new Patagonia fleece jacket. Noticed the dog was covered with tiny black burrs and then noticed I was covered with them too. The jacket is covered with masses of them and they are impossible to pull off as they are clumped together. Duct tape and packing tape do not work. Help me to be wear my new jacket again. Suggestions please?
posted by Xurando at 5:51 AM PST - 11 comments

Create an RSS feed from a web page

I would like to create an RSS feed from a Peanuts cartoon web page, specifically http://www.gocomics.com/peanuts My RSS reader can't find a feed there. Is there a way to get one anyway or "construct" one? Thanks.
posted by feelinggood at 5:45 AM PST - 4 comments

android hotspot filtering and blocking

I want to be able to treat my android wifi hotspot like a router and moderate the content that I can access through it. Is there something like a hosts file I can use? I want to block distracting websites. [more inside]
posted by titanium_geek at 3:42 AM PST - 3 comments

October 5

Tatoo nightmare - eyeliner version

My partner got an eyeliner tattoo today and it didn't go well. Needless to say she hates it, refuses to go out in public, and is edging pretty close to depression over this. It doesn't look that bad to me, but I'm the first to admit I'm fashion blind. Basically, the technician overdid it on one side resulting in the liner extending past the eye with a slight curl up, it's not a style that's unheard of, but it's not my partner's style at all. [more inside]
posted by forforf at 8:18 PM PST - 21 comments

How do I tell my friends my relationship has ended?

(Asking for a friend.) My long-term relationship just ended, and I'm trying to figure out how to tell all of my friends and acquaintances about it with a minimum of drama. I'm thinking a mass email is the way to go (Facebook seems like a horrible plan) but I can't deal with the thought of composing that email right now. Help, please! [more inside]
posted by restless_nomad at 7:26 PM PST - 33 comments

ceramic tile in shower stall with steam

I am redoing my bathroom, which will have a stall shower with steam. One tile store said that I have to use porcelain tiles because ceramic can't withstand the high heat of the steam. Another tile store said that ceramic tiles would be OK for at least many years to come, since the steam feature will likely be used only a couple of times a week. The reason I don't want to go with porcelain is I can't find a single one I like -- they're all icky shades of tan and gray with a faux marbling look, and most are really big or funky modern shapes. I just want plain old white subway tiles for the walls and something colorful (like blue mosaic tiles) on the floor. So ... does anyone know whether I will be OK with ceramic?
posted by wisekaren at 7:07 PM PST - 10 comments

How do criminals obtain large amounts of cash?

Watching Breaking Bad and wondering, where do criminals come up with gym bags full of cash? Assumptions and potentially faulty reasoning inside. [more inside]
posted by ga$money at 6:39 PM PST - 23 comments

Over-the-range microwave...works?

We need to replace the over-the-range microwave that came with our house. Do the vents actually work well? [more inside]
posted by klausman at 6:31 PM PST - 10 comments

Zoom! Enhance!

What does this say? Trying to make out the characters in the second line of text here: Stoneware Jar. Also, is there a third line?
posted by cjorgensen at 6:20 PM PST - 6 comments

iPhone 4S suddenly needs activation. Help?

This evening, suddenly and without warning, my iPhone decided it required activation. However, I can't get it to activate properly. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 5:52 PM PST - 7 comments

this codex kills fascists?

What are some Biblical characters (OT or NT) whose deeds might be considered inspirational by a contemporary, secular, social justice-oriented audience?
posted by threeants at 5:51 PM PST - 20 comments

How do I approach organizations about researching them/their clients?

I'm working on research related to a specific immigrant population and I'm not sure what to do to get to know people in that community, but I figure organizations that work with them might be a good place to start. Unfortunately I'm really shy and I need guidance or a script on how to do this so I don't avoid it forever. If you've worked at an organization like this or have done similar research, how do you start? [more inside]
posted by Papagayo at 3:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Where does the "gratitude" symbol come from?

Does anyone know where the gratitude symbol resembling a lower case "g" comes from? [more inside]
posted by dubhemerak3000 at 3:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Can someone who speaks Russian please identify this song

I've made the post that this links to public so you can view it. Captured this today in St. Petersburg (hello any mefites in St Petersburg! I'm here till Monday!). It's so haunting and beautiful and I'd like to identify the song so that I can find it complete online. HALP.
posted by TestamentToGrace at 2:49 PM PST - 5 comments

What are the best web development companies to work for in Toronto?

I'm a front-end web developer (HTML, CSS, jQuery) just starting out. I have a good portfolio from doing work for friends and a few businesses. I'm self-taught and therefore lacking some of the confidence that comes with the feedback you get in a structured learning environment or working tightly with other developers. I want to get in with a web development company/agency that has a great work environment. What would you say are the best web dev companies in Toronto in terms of great work/life balance, great (bright, comfortable) office space, and mentorship/on-going learning opportunities? (Opportunities to work abroad with the company would also be welcome!). Thanks for the info!
posted by nibbip at 2:13 PM PST - 5 comments

Google Changes Their Search Preferences - I Need Alternatives!

Well Google changed their search preferences - finding news, books, videos or anything else for that matter from the search result page is impossible. [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 1:44 PM PST - 9 comments

Tracking down a Michigan local band when you're not in Michigan?

Is there any way to listen to songs from the local/regional Michigan band Ad Hoc Troubador? My mixtapes from the early nineties aren't going to do it. [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 1:01 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for program for video montage / randomly creating video on PC

I have a 2yr old and lots of video I take almost daily: I love how the iOS apps Qwiki and FrameBlast automatically/randomly cut and assemble videos on my iPhone to make a video montage - sometimes it lands on a really nice selection and I feel wonderful sense of serendipity. With little or no effort, I have a great video to share with friends and family. What are some PC desktop equivalent software programs that will make a very busy guy's family video montage creation easier?
posted by cha4 at 12:38 PM PST - 0 comments

What might cause pain in only one breast? Scared of "IBC" - help!

When I google the fact that I have pain in one of my breasts, I get two things. a) Mastitis, a breast infection associated with breastfeeding, or b) inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer that is unusual in that it presents with no lump and pain is a symptom. I don't have the visual characteristics of these -- both those conditions have the same symptoms -- but I can't find any other reasons for my pain online. I've never been pregnant, which would implicate mastitis and now I am worried have cancer. What would cause you to feel like you are PMSing in one breast with it's not time for PMS? [more inside]
posted by AppleTurnover at 12:36 PM PST - 32 comments

Accessorize this dress, s'il vous plait et merci!

How does a fashion-challenged (...that's putting it mildly...) and budget-limited gal transform a cheap (but cute!) white dress into the perfect outfit for a fancy/stylish Parisian-themed "black and white" party? Details, photos, snowflakes, and Bonus Questions inside! [more inside]
posted by Dorinda at 11:40 AM PST - 28 comments

Good RPG for kids who like Minecraft

Looking for an RPG for a couple of kids (9 and 10) that ADORE Minecraft but want more role-playing elements (quests, a story, upgrades) in their gaming experience. We've tried mods, but that only gets you so far. We have a PC and an XBOX 360. What do you recommend?
posted by rosary at 11:29 AM PST - 9 comments

DIY granite repair

How do I fix a small dent/depression in my granite countertops? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 11:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Fun little amp for synth!

I've been given a Bolsa Bass synth (which is rad). It's kind of an art piece by itself, so I wanted to have it out at parties, when people came over, etc. But! It needs an amp. Can you recommend a good little amp for a bassy synth like this? Something that also looks cool on its own (and complements the hot pink + wood of the Bolsa Bass) would be a major plus. And something easy. Doesn't need to deafen anyone, just sound good in an apartment-sized space. Thanks!
posted by chasing at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Dramatic Green Bean Casserole?

Help me make Green Bean Casserole, for "accidentally" dropping on the floor in a play. [more inside]
posted by lizbunny at 10:24 AM PST - 18 comments

My back hurts and I like firm mattresses

My husband and I both started having back pain in the last year. My problem is pretty clearly related to soft, cushy beds like fancy hotel beds with gigantic pillowtops. I sleep best with no pain on cool, firm mattresses. Is a Tempur-pedic Contour Select (their extra firm mattress) something I should even consider? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 9:48 AM PST - 21 comments

MP3 jukebox?

I have like 500gb worth of MP3s on my computer. My computer is about 6 years old. I just bought a replacement and I don't want to transfer all my music. I want to have my music in my living room, but I don't want a computer set up in there. Instead, I was wondering if there was some kind of high capacity storage device that I could plug into, say, my TV, and control with a remote. Does such a thing exist? How much is it? Where can I get one?
posted by to sir with millipedes at 9:47 AM PST - 11 comments

What are some useful directions for grad school?

I'm an engineer with a career in software and I recently finished an MBA from a good school. I'd like to keep the learning going, preferably in something that complements my background, but I don't have any specific direction in mind. I guess I'm hoping that someone might suggest something that's entirely off my radar. What should I be thinking about? [more inside]
posted by mf_ss at 9:42 AM PST - 7 comments

Going from Finance to Tech

Tell me about switching from a career in finance to a career in tech. Lots of special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by prunes at 9:37 AM PST - 4 comments

Weaning new puppy from raw meat diet

My sister is taking home a new puppy from a breeder who feeds her dogs raw meat purchased from a local butcher. Sis does not want to continue this practice but is concerned the transition to commercial dog food might be hard on the pup. Does anyone have advice for weaning the dog from raw to conventional dog food without causing significant distress?
posted by jamjames at 9:20 AM PST - 13 comments

Slowing down the pace

After a successful 20-year career in IT and hitting middle age, I find myself ready to slow down to a potentially unrelated job which has a more leisurely pace and does not require on-call work. While I've resisted burnout over the years, the late nights, bug fixes and fire drills inherent to many different types of DevOps positions like I've been in - spanning hands-on, project management and department management positions at different employers - have really started to get me down. I could afford to take a pay cut, and maybe, in a few years, move. If you've successfully moved from IT or software development into a job that guarantees your phone won't ring late at night, what have you done?
posted by I EAT TAPAS at 9:11 AM PST - 8 comments

Nothing but net

Help me find netting to partly enclose a basketball court. [more inside]
posted by LonnieK at 9:08 AM PST - 6 comments

What are some scary numbers?

I'm thinking about setting up a tongue in cheek project for Halloween that involves showing numbers that are scary. What numbers (with the context of a description) make you anxious, or at least spook you a bit on first glance? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 8:13 AM PST - 47 comments

Lingering ankle pain weeks after overuse injury. What do I do?

Lingering ankle/foot pain after suspected overuse injury. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by crunchysalty at 7:07 AM PST - 9 comments

Renter's Rights

Tonight I came home from a messy day's work and had to take a cold shower. Again. Because there was no hot water. Again. I'd like hot water. I really don't want to move. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:57 AM PST - 9 comments

How would recruiters describe my job?

I love what I do at work. I hate my company. What sort of job titles do other companies give my job, so that I can make sure I'm applying for something similar (but hopefully at a better place)? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:56 AM PST - 11 comments

Phone for a 9 year old

Looking to get a phone for our 9-year-old son for use in case of emergency. Several factors precipitated the decision, but most recently, he was left sitting alone outside school for an hour waiting to be picked up early. [more inside]
posted by fogovonslack at 5:16 AM PST - 14 comments

Just got engaged. Problem, I still think about the one that got away.

I just got engaged to an amazing guy. He's funny, smart, interesting, stable, settled in his career, and is going places...basically, a "10" by any and every objective measure. The problem is that ever since we've gotten engaged, I keep thinking of the first and only guy I've ever felt was "the one" I was destined to be with, and the problem has only exacerbated since my fiancé wants to drop his life for a year in California to be closer to me as I finish up college. Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:16 AM PST - 104 comments

October 4

How best to record class lectures

How can I record my class lectures so they are not painful to hear when replayed? [more inside]
posted by Blitz at 11:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Am I going temporarily deaf in the evening?

I constantly find myself turning the sound down in the morning - then turning it back up as the day goes on. It's particularly noticeable in the car: on the morning after a night out, I invariably find the volume of the radio is set way too high for my taste - even when a night out is just board games with friends instead of loud partying. Is this just confirmation bias, or some known physiological or psychological effect?
posted by Dr Dracator at 11:35 PM PST - 11 comments

How to use voice commands to page up and down on Android?

I often cook with a recipe open on my phone. If my hands are messy, I don't want to touch my phone. It seems like there should be an app or a built-in way to use voice control to page up or down. I am happy to use Tasker, Autovoice, or to install a specific app to do this, but I can't figure it out. Any suggestions? My phone is a Nexus 4 running the latest version of stock Android.
posted by lollusc at 10:39 PM PST - 9 comments

Supporting partner after layoff?

My partner and I used to work at the same company. My partner was laid off this week. I was not. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:04 PM PST - 8 comments

What amazing item did you buy at Brookstone?

I have a $50 gift card to spend at Brookstone. The choices are overwhelming! Help me decide based on criteria inside. [more inside]
posted by Zosia Blue at 8:00 PM PST - 16 comments

nitroglycerin causes vasodilation--why doesn't it cause erection?

Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina by causing vasodilation of the blood vessels around the heart. Flushing is one of the side effects, indicating that vasodilation is not specific to only the heart. Do people use nitro to treat erectile dysfunction? Can erection be a side effect of nitro? Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors (viagra) cause vasodilation and are not supposed to be used in combination with nitroglycerin for risk of severe drops in blood pressure. This made me wonder how these drugs are specific. Why couldn't nitro be used for the penis in addition to the heart?
posted by chrysanthemum at 6:35 PM PST - 11 comments

What software do people use to make animated videos these days?

The Internet! Full of fun, narrated explainer videos that usually involve some kind of simple 2D animation (sometimes hand-drawn, sometimes cobbled together from other images) with a voice-over. But how are people making them? If Flash is in terminal decline, as I keep hearing, what are the most popular software tools for piecing together 2D online animation?
posted by bicyclefish at 6:17 PM PST - 5 comments

Old animated movie with a baby dragon?

We're trying to place an oldish (probably 90s or pre-90s) animated movie with a baby dragon in it. It's definitely fully animated, and takes place in a castle, where the main character has to raise a baby dragon. At some point, the dragon runs away, and the main character packs a bag with toys and blocks and goes after it. That's as much as we can muster! Any idea? [more inside]
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 5:27 PM PST - 2 comments

Applied Stats vs. Biostats

How flexible is a master's degree in biostatistics compared to one in applied statistics? Is this even what I want to do? [more inside]
posted by Comet Bug at 5:16 PM PST - 4 comments

What are Mike & the bots singing in Outlaw of Gor?

There's a song Mike & the bots half-coherently sing a couple of times in Mystery Science Theater 3000 episode 519 "Outlaw of Gor." What is it? [more inside]
posted by prize bull octorok at 4:56 PM PST - 4 comments

Is my SSRI working? Too much or not enough to increase the dose?

I was just prescribed Zoloft for anxiety and possible depression. After I've been taking it for 1, 2, 4 weeks or whatever milestones make sense, how can I determine whether it's actually working., and how do I decide whether a dose increase might help me more? I'm looking for specific challenges - exposure exercises, though experiments, daily logging maybe? - to attempt and compare with previous results to quantify my improvement. [more inside]
posted by mock muppet at 4:48 PM PST - 13 comments

How to name things?

I would like journal articles, books and other serious treatments of how to name things. [more inside]
posted by curuinor at 4:38 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me focus less on my fears and more on my dreams.

I'm struggling with a lack of self-confidence and undercurrent of doubt, and hoping that I might be able to shift my attention more towards what I hope for the future than what I fear from it. What are some simple techniques that I can use to gradually move the spotlight over to the positive? Looking for very concrete exercises or practices. Something like: “start each morning writing a vision of what you want.” Would that actually work? I'd think it might just freak me out more, make me feel guilty that I'm not there yet. But something concrete like that. Thanks. [more inside]
posted by Calicatt at 4:08 PM PST - 11 comments

Hacks for bathing with a broken water softener

While I am waiting for the return of the plumber, what can I put in my very hard water bath to make it not feel like a hard water bath? [more inside]
posted by kmennie at 3:46 PM PST - 5 comments

Hey Albany mefites! Outdoor adventures in the area??

I'm in Albany, NY for two months and I would love some outdoor adventure ideas for this weekend (there are so many destinations to choose from - HELP!) [more inside]
posted by foxhat10 at 3:45 PM PST - 9 comments

ID this pepper

I received a wonderful present the other day of a pepper plant, but in order to fully appreciate it I'd love to know the specific species. I do know it comes from the jungle in Vietnam, but that's about it. [more inside]
posted by zombieApoc at 3:21 PM PST - 2 comments

Left dirty dishes in dishwasher before month long trip, covered in mold

Ugh, I left a load of dirty dishes in my dishwasher but forgot to run the cycle before a monthlong trip. Now it's full of mold and I'm not exactly sure if it's dangerous and how to clean it up (assuming I can still use the plates). [more inside]
posted by mxmm at 3:05 PM PST - 21 comments

We have termites on our property what do we do?

I was gardening today when I noticed that an old treestump in our garden seems to have a small termite colony in it. The stump is about 10 foot or 2.5 metres from our wooden framed unheated garage which connects to our house how worried to I have to be? Is it time to call the pest control guy and get some baiting stations set up? [more inside]
posted by wwax at 2:20 PM PST - 7 comments

Music for kids to paint to

I need to choose excerpts from different types of songs for children to paint to. They need to be different in tone, tempo and mood. It doesn't matter what genre they are from, but instrumental is probably best. The idea is that the children will have a paper divided into parts and as each song excerpt plays they can paint with colors and strokes that reflect the mood of the piece. [more inside]
posted by Biblio at 2:17 PM PST - 18 comments

Creative uses for old cut stones (blank tombstones)?

My house was built in 1890. When I had foundation work done several years ago, the workers dug out a lot of dirt from under my house, and in that dirt they found a bunch of cut and carved stones - pure white marble, limestone, and granite. [more inside]
posted by caryatid at 2:11 PM PST - 14 comments

How do I invest in quantum computing?

I would like to invest money in emergent technologies that may be a little further down the road. [more inside]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 1:10 PM PST - 6 comments

Software for creating a software gallery/"app store"-like system?

Our academic software project needs a self-hosted software gallery or "store", not to sell anything but rather to let people find and download software. I think what would work well is a store/gallery system similar to http://apps.usa.gov and http://apps.shopify.com (except our software is not mobile, but rather desktop software). Does anyone know of an open-source "app store infrastructure" system that we could use as a starting point? [more inside]
posted by StrawberryPie at 1:09 PM PST - 9 comments

What's a good email checking-and-handling program for Windows?

I use Digsby for checking a bunch of old and secondary email accounts on my Windows system, but that program seems to be defunct and several email accounts no longer work with it. Anyone know a good alternative? [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 1:08 PM PST - 10 comments

Which online ID badge service is best?

I need to make ID badges for 45 employees at my office, and I would like to use an online service. Does anyone have firsthand experience with a company that is worthy of a recommend? I don't need anything fancy, just a company that won't send me a crap product or sell my credit card number to the Russian mafia.
posted by mccxxiii at 12:50 PM PST - 3 comments

Black Currants and Licorice

I like two flavors that are not terribly popular in the US, but are liked abroad: black currant and licorice. I load up whenever I travel, and I have import sources for each (think of Ribena and Icelandic salt licorice). I've got imports covered. Are there US (not import) products that have these flavors that I'm not thinking of? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 12:44 PM PST - 35 comments

Light me up

Winter has come. Because of my schedule and the late sunrise/early sunset, I find my daily run is happening in the dark morning or dark night. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 12:40 PM PST - 5 comments

Massachusetts employment Finder

What are the websites you use to find a new job? Is Monster still relevant? Do you use Boston.com? [more inside]
posted by jrc at 12:40 PM PST - 7 comments

Feel bad about going to strip club, Help!

So I went to a strip club when I was pretty intoxicated and feeling lonely and depressed. Long story short I got a series of lap dances where you were allowed to touch the strippers. I feel tremendous guilt and shame about going there and objectifying women. [more inside]
posted by mrdrummed at 12:37 PM PST - 45 comments

Looking for romance novels where "still waters run deep".

Looking for well written, character-driven romance novels or romantic novels where the hero is in fact alpha/dominant/protective/whatever but also smart enough to realize that it's not always the most useful thing to be. Specifically, looking for heroes that are introduced as unassuming, "normal" characters or introduced as unable to harm/control the heroine (e.g. because of a spell) where it later turns out to be untrue. [more inside]
posted by ethidda at 12:29 PM PST - 9 comments

What's wrong with chicken nuggets?

The top news this morning on my Google news health section were exposé s along the lines of Just what is in that chicken nugget? - the scandal being that they are made of an "artificial mixture of chicken parts" rather than all white meat chicken. Nuggets included fat, skin, cartilage, organ parts, tendons, and blood vessels. And where I'm confused is: isn't it more environmentally correct, more "my people use all parts of the animal," possibly even healthier, to use the whole chicken? [more inside]
posted by kanewai at 12:21 PM PST - 23 comments

Interior design for the weird?

I have a small home office which also houses several varieties of exotic animal. How do I maximize my space usage and minimize the bending and lifting? [more inside]
posted by Nyx at 12:16 PM PST - 3 comments

How to provide some support from afar?

What are some ways that I can provide support from afar for friends dealing with illness? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 12:08 PM PST - 5 comments

How to clean scunge off of enamelled cast iron?

How can I most effectively clean an enameled cast iron pot? [more inside]
posted by leahwrenn at 12:02 PM PST - 15 comments

How is this song title pronounced?

[PronunciationFilter] The title is: Crathadh 't 'Aodaich & Zbadba from the album Mo-Di by the band Mouth Music. I think the title is Gaelic but I'm not sure. How would I say the title? Or what is a close approximation of the true pronunciation?
posted by zorm at 11:14 AM PST - 4 comments

Yet another request for a dog name...

So I've now had this awesome dog for 8 days. For the life of me I can't find a name that sticks. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 10:52 AM PST - 156 comments

Which uniform number has hit the most home runs?

A question that came up in discussion with my baseball-loving son: which uniform number has the most career home runs? In other words: which N gives the maximum value of the number of home runs hit by players wearing uniform N (at the time of the home run?) I was hoping one of the tools at baseball-reference would be able to compute this for me, but I didn't find it there. Some contenders are #44 (Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson), #25 (Bonds as a Giant, Thome, Palmeiro) and #3 (late Ruth, pre-Yankee A. Rodriguez, Foxx, Killebrew)
posted by escabeche at 10:51 AM PST - 6 comments

Italian Emigration/Immigration Data

In advance of the World Cup, I plan on writing an op-ed that would benefit from emigration/immigration data. [more inside]
posted by lhtw90 at 10:43 AM PST - 1 comment

Fictional accounts of therapy

I am looking for fictional depictions of therapy, preferably ones where it's taken seriously. More along the lines of In Treatment and The Sopranos than What About Bob? and Analyze This! [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic at 10:29 AM PST - 53 comments

USGS Layers

Because of the federal government shutdown, the USGS website has been shuttered and all the data that I use regularly has been taken offline. I need to find a source for the "Official Soil Descriptions" [google cache works now, but I anticipate this will last a while, so I need all of them] and the soil survey layers for the state of Texas. Any idea where I can download these?
posted by Brent Parker at 10:15 AM PST - 14 comments

How will the government shutdown affect a trip to Maui?

I'll be traveling to Maui next week and just realized that there will be some closures due to the government shutdown. It looks like Haleakala will be closed - does that just cover visitor centers and bathrooms and such, or will the entire park be physically inaccessible? Any portions of the Road to Hana affected? What else should I be aware of, either on Maui or about air travel in general during this time? Thanks!
posted by mshrike at 10:14 AM PST - 4 comments

What's the optimum length for one side of a long playing vinyl record?

Asking for a friend who's planning to press some old recordings to vinyl. He knows that album sides can range from 15-25 (even 30) minutes, but he wants to know what the optimum is. In other words, at what point does overall sound quality suffer and/or production challenges start to occur? [more inside]
posted by philip-random at 10:10 AM PST - 5 comments

Where can I get announcements of iOS jailbreaks?

I am interested in being alerted if and when jailbreaks to iOS 6.1.3/4 and iOS 7 are released, but I have no interest in the daily news about jailbreaks on the legitimate sites like iphonehacks.com or developers' twitter accounts. Is there an RSS feed or email service that will alert me if and only if a legitimate jailbreak is released? [more inside]
posted by crazy with stars at 10:10 AM PST - 3 comments

Carole King Compillation Creation!

Carole King-based mixed tape. [more inside]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 10:09 AM PST - 9 comments

Getting married in US - we don't want a green card!

I’m a US citizen engaged to non-US citizen. After the marriage, we’re planning to live in his home country, not the US. In other words, he will not be applying for a green card. However, we would like to get married in the US. Our thought was for him to enter the US on a tourist visa, get married, then he’ll return to his home country and I’ll begin the process for applying for the equivalent of a green card in his country. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:08 AM PST - 16 comments

Is there a name for this migraine symptom?

I periodically get migraines (headache, neck pain, nausea/vomiting, light/sound sensitivity). I don't get auras, but I do get an odd visual symptom. One of the ways I can tell the difference from a tension or general headache during onset is that I will want to take my glasses off. As the attack progresses, I find it uncomfortable to look at things. It's a bit hard to describe, but it's as though the act of focusing my eyes, especially on anything close, exacerbates both the nausea and the light sensitivity. It feels related to, but separate from, the light sensitivity symptom. Is this an observed phenomena in other people, and does it have it's own medical name? (Note, I'm not asking for treatment options, just the proper diagnosis/name for the symptom.)
posted by Karmakaze at 10:07 AM PST - 8 comments

Off-lable uses for everyday products?

Today I discovered that Mr. Clean Magic Erasers -- which are meant for cleaning scuffs and dirt off of floors and walls -- effortlessly worked on some clean-but-stained melamine bowls I own. What new ways have you discovered to use common household goods and items?
posted by Room 641-A at 9:39 AM PST - 50 comments

Android htpc on a stick options

The recent post of an android stick htpc on cool tools (out of stock before I even saw it) got me wondering what the best choice would be for a reliable android based stick that could plug into my tv and let me run xbmc with a large file of music and video collection. [more inside]
posted by srboisvert at 9:06 AM PST - 14 comments

More Bugs. What else is there to say?

Previously I asked about bugs in our rented townhome - specifically about drains. The drain issue ended... but now we're getting all different kinds of insects in our home again. Roaches in various colors and sizes, nasty ass camel crickets, slugs, lovebugs, stinkbugs, etc. [more inside]
posted by KogeLiz at 8:56 AM PST - 14 comments

Is my Macbook dead?

Without any warning, my Macbook froze and now won't boot. I'm trying to determine whether it's fixable or a total loss. (Technical details inside.) [more inside]
posted by Kadin2048 at 8:46 AM PST - 11 comments

Add Variety To Home-Baked Bread

My bread tastes great, but Mrs. Partner is clamoring for some variety. Can you share ways that I can add flavors to my bread without much change to the basic recipe? (Which is: half and half whole wheat to white flour, salt, yeast, and a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup.) Thanks in advance!
posted by partner at 8:42 AM PST - 21 comments

Wine gift recommendation related to the number 3?

I'm looking to buy a nice wine for someone who has done three things for me. Could you recommend a good wine that ties into the number 3 somehow? [more inside]
posted by IanMorr at 8:36 AM PST - 13 comments

NYC Event PR, what do we look for?

We need Event PR. So... where do I start and how do I tell if they're a decent firm? [more inside]
posted by Blisterlips at 8:28 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me be less frustrated!

My default emotion seems to be a mixture of annoyance and frustration. This is itself frustrating. I don't want to be like this. [more inside]
posted by beerbajay at 8:15 AM PST - 32 comments

Please recommend a TV stand for a 60" TV

I just got a new 60" TV and am looking to get a stand to go with it to replace my current rickety setup. Any help or recommendations appreciated! [more inside]
posted by Carillon at 7:54 AM PST - 13 comments

Why doesn't Gmail have a block button?

Why don't gmail or other webmail providers have a simple "block sender" button, which not only archives/deletes a message but automatically does this for any future messages from that sender, so that you don't even see them? [more inside]
posted by pete_22 at 7:01 AM PST - 8 comments

How to prevent divorce when travelling the world with one's spouse?

My husband and I are about to embark on an extended period of travel together. It has been our dream for many years to do this, and now the time has arrived: we've quit our jobs, rented our house, and we leave the country on a one-way ticket to warm climes in about 2 weeks. We're going to be together A LOT for the next several months. What can we do to prevent strangling one another (figuratively speaking, of course) or causing a huge crisis in our marriage with so much (too much?) togetherness? [more inside]
posted by Halo in reverse at 6:40 AM PST - 35 comments

Anti-depresssants after many, many years of depression

I'm interested in people's experiences with medication for very long standing depression, especially positive ones, but I'm curious about negative attempts too. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:28 AM PST - 32 comments

Collectable Collecting - what's going on?

There's been some discussion recently about what a bad investment Beanie Babies turned out to be - but what about other products sold as 'collectables'? Have there been any studies or articles on these products and those who buy them, or has anyone here done so? I'm curious as to whether people primarily collect them because they like them or because they see them as an investment. Is anybody getting rich from selling their old Franklin Mint plates or Ashton Drake porcelain dolls? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 6:16 AM PST - 19 comments

Can I bring my 18+ year old friend to this Chicago B.L.U.E.S club?

Will someone under 21 but older than 18 be allowed in this Chicago bar with me, called B.L.U.E.S., on Halstead? [more inside]
posted by swlabr at 6:01 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm too lazy to shave every day....Solutions?

We can put a man on the moon. We can turn a woman into a man and a man into a woman. We can create computers that are smarter than us. We know what the middle of the earth looks like...And so on and so on and so on...... We are a pretty much technology advanced race of humans. How close are we to inventing a 'Nair' like product for the head? I'm bald and a bit lazy and tired of the routine of shaving my head 3x a week to maintain an appearance that isn't so 'gruff'. My wife likes me smooth! Every hair removal product I read of is not recommended for the head, because our skin on top is too thin and the hair removal chemicals could do more damage then good. So anyway, is there a solution on the horizon? Any miracle head hair removal gel, cream, mist coming out soon? Life must be pretty good if this is what concerns me at the moment...... Humor me?
posted by TwilightKid at 4:58 AM PST - 16 comments

Creative wedding toasts

I have searched the archives and have a pretty good handle of what it takes to make a good standard wedding toast. But what about a creative wedding toast? [more inside]
posted by halfsorry at 4:15 AM PST - 5 comments

Premade metal lattice box to protect water piping from theft?

A very simple question -- how can I buy a pre-made "cage" to cover my exterior water piping? I would like to find a supplier that sells boxes like these. I see those around the city, likely installed by the Public Works Department. What can I buy as an individual? I've had no luck googling these, for lack of the appropriate term. Thank you for any recommendations.
posted by slidell at 12:59 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me find a similar skirt.

I'm obsessed with this skirt. Unfortunately, I discovered it after my size sold out, and now it's completely sold out. I'd like to find something similar, but I am not sure how. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 12:53 AM PST - 8 comments

October 3

Classics library ebook Kindle?

Somewhere out there is an ebook that allows a Kindle user to download free classics. When you open the book, it connects to a library with tons of free ebooks, and you can download them, bypassing the Kindle store altogether. I saw this on Metafilter a few months ago (and FPP or comment) but can't remember the name.
posted by zardoz at 11:12 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me find a Denver area home inspector

The good news is that my wife and I are preparing to make a big move to the Denver, CO area. The better news is that we've found a great house and they've accepted our offer. Now we just need a home inspector. Can you recommend one? [more inside]
posted by fremen at 9:00 PM PST - 4 comments

Is this a normal thing when friends get a girlfriend?

I have a guy friend i've known since 1st grade (we're both 26), we went to school together all the way through high school. We had a kind of mutual unspoken, understanding/agreement over the years that we were friends, but we just didn't see each other often around school after a certain grade to be really good friends. Last year, we started talking a lot more on a pretty regular basis (about every day/night). [more inside]
posted by earthquakeglue at 8:42 PM PST - 21 comments

Ideas for a 2week inspirational break excluding sitting on a mountaintop

I'd like to take two weeks off of work and come back with a new sense of direction in life. I have been in the same job for almost four years and find little fulfillment there, yet also haven't found the motivation or made the time to move on. Maybe some semi-structured time off work to think, mark next steps, and break patterns will help? How and where should I spend my time? [more inside]
posted by AlmondEyes at 7:50 PM PST - 9 comments

Switching bike forks back and forth: doable?

I have a commuter bike with no suspension and light tread tires. i have taken it on light mountain bike trails, and it handles well, but the jarring caused by a lack of suspension is killing me. i was wondering how practical/possible it would be to buy a second suspension fork and knobby(er) tire and switch the forks depending on whether i want to ride on concrete or a trail. [more inside]
posted by camdan at 7:50 PM PST - 15 comments

Ride the Lightning in a TDCPP Chair?

So this Office Chair I bought has the flame retardant Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCPP) in the cushion. Which appears to have cancer implications. Should I keep the chair? Wait, wait, hear me out. [more inside]
posted by rakim at 7:01 PM PST - 10 comments

inversions of common sayings in specific subcultures/fields?

Cyclists say, "What goes down must come up," meaning if you have a nice long downhill going out, you'll have to climb the same height to get back home. Contra dancers say, "Better never than late," meaning if you don't have enough time to do a figure properly then just skip it and make sure you're ready for the next. What other subcultures or fields have domain-specific inversions of common sayings?
posted by d. z. wang at 6:45 PM PST - 34 comments

Should we stop being annoying neighbors?

Is hanging laundry in the front yard inconsiderate? How about children playing in the front yard? How about kids leaving their toys in the front yard? [more inside]
posted by mearls at 6:35 PM PST - 102 comments

How do I make a hail storm costume for a Toddler?

My brother calls his daughter, Hailey, HailStorm. He wants her (she's 20 months) to be a hail storm for Halloween. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by SuzySmith at 6:27 PM PST - 21 comments

Hey, wake up. Now!

What is the gentlest, kindest way to wake someone up who is in a deep sleep? [more inside]
posted by Youremyworld at 6:11 PM PST - 33 comments

It gets better. It really does, right?

A friend's 13 yo son has been having serious mental and behavioral problems and they haven't fully figured out why. They discovered by accident (shared electronics) that he is now identifying as bi and has expressed romantic interest in another guy his age. I'm also queer but I'm not a parent (and I grew up before the internet gave me access to Dan Savage, in a very different cultural climate). I totally know how hard it is to be a GLBTQ teenager and want to help them alleviate as much of the sexual identity stress on him as possible/appropriate. What do you feel are the best resources or advice for a parent of a gay teenager with mental health issues? [more inside]
posted by sweltering at 5:32 PM PST - 11 comments

Movies/Television: Stories with a recurring person/object in background?

I am looking for movies (or related) that contain an unusual twist: At the end, it is revealed that unbeknownst to everyone there was a person or object repeatedly appearing in the background. [more inside]
posted by 99percentfake at 5:02 PM PST - 31 comments

Good backpack for under $60

I carry a lot of books. tablet, mishmash of pens and phone around and am looking for a nice backpack or rucksack. The key is that the shoulder straps have to be nice and padded. A friend recommened the Bag of Holding but reviews have said the straps can be a bit sketchy. (I don't know.) Not interested in messenger bags. If you have one you would recommend that sits nicely on your back and doesn't dig in, please let me know. I hope to find it via Amazon/SuperSaversShipping but beggars can't be choosers.
posted by snap_dragon at 4:07 PM PST - 15 comments

Honey, we need a family car

Hi all. Mrs Professorpotato will be giving birth to our first child in late November. We need to upgrade from a 2012 Chevrolet Sonic to something suitable for a baby + all its stuff (seat, pram, accessories), a small dog, and two loving parents. We're looking at a 2013 Jetta in the 17K range as we don't drive much but need reliable transportation. The Sonic has about a 12-14K trade in value and about 22K owing (debt consolidation + depreciation). We can comfortably afford payments of $400-500 per month. Anyone been in a similar situation? Tips? Thanks. PP.
posted by professorpotato at 3:53 PM PST - 20 comments

How can I get my Chromebook microphone to work with Duolingo?

I am happily working my way through the Spanish lessons on Duolingo.com, but I am disappointed to find that I cannot get the "record" option to work on the lessons. I can click the button to record, but once I stop it, it always says that Duolingo couldn't hear me / couldn't understand what I was saying. I have an acer Chromebook and I am using Google Chrome to access the site. I've tried using the microphone on the computer and also a microphone attached to my headphones, but nothing works. I can't find anything helpful through web searching. What steps can I take to fix this issue?
posted by soundproof at 3:44 PM PST - 3 comments

I am looking for ideas in teaching children spanish

I am new to teaching, and will be teaching spanish once a week for one hour to 8 or less children who are in reception and year 1 (4 to 6 years old). Do you have any ideas to what I can do? I have looked online and have some ideas but more are appreciated, I am quite nervous! [more inside]
posted by lovisa91 at 3:12 PM PST - 8 comments

Why are hotel towels so good at drying? Why are other towels not?

Hotel towels look like the ones I have at home and that are in everyone's bathrooms - terrycloth, etc. - but most of the time they are much more effective at drying. They practically suck the wetness off my skin! Typical bathroom towels, even plush/fancy ones, suck at drying by comparison. So this is really strange: the technology exists for towels to do their job very well, and presumably at relatively low cost (there's no way these hotels are shelling out big bucks for their towels); but as far as I can tell ALL of the commercially-available towels are mediocre at best at doing their job. What is that all about? Why are hotel towels so good at drying? Why are other towels not? Are there commercially-available towels that dry as well as hotel towels? If so, where can I find them?
posted by Mechitar at 2:49 PM PST - 47 comments

A Potentially Electric Question

What is "electric potential"? I've dug through the internet, gone to tutoring, asked my teacher, and nothing has helped. [more inside]
posted by runcibleshaw at 2:40 PM PST - 26 comments

Help my parents find a place to live in Florida

My parents have decided to relocate from Long Island, NY to Florida sometime in the next year. They will be taking a few trips down to try to get a sense as to where they might want to be, but are pretty clueless about the different areas/cities and what would work for them. Can you help me narrow it down for them? More details inside... [more inside]
posted by msjoannabanana at 2:18 PM PST - 13 comments

Making a single mega-image site with jQuery navigation?

I've got limited HTML and CSS skills, and I'd like to make a Web site that's basically one really, really, really gigantic picture and uses jQuery to jump around from point to point inside it. What's the easiest way to do that? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 2:03 PM PST - 10 comments

How should I start from ground zero with exercise at home?

I'm in decent shape, but I don't exercise at all, and I have no clue where to start. I'm 40, 5'10" and 140 pounds.. I'm neither looking to lose or gain weight. I'm not trying to get ripped abs or anything like that. I just want to be healthy and fit, and if I could gain some strength along that way that'd be a nice bonus. [more inside]
posted by Mr Ected at 1:29 PM PST - 29 comments

401K semi panic

We will need to be cashing out a 401k in the month of October and... [more inside]
posted by Chrischris at 1:18 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me beat my head against the wall of beauroucracy more efficiently

My student loan company lost a very large payment. Nine months ago. They don´t seem too concerned about finding it and I am at my wit´s end. Help. [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 1:15 PM PST - 13 comments

Two websites become one?

I've spent the last six months building a new website for my workplace. I'm building it in Wordpress (through Bluehost) in a separate addon domain so the current site isn't affected. What are my steps for bringing this all together? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by altopower at 1:13 PM PST - 8 comments

Casually selling my old clothes on Ebay: fool's game, or viable option?

I'm cleaning out my closet, and I've got a small number (~30pcs) of garments and shoes that seem of saleable quality. Do I have any chance of getting these things sold on Ebay without inordinate amounts of hassle and time? Or is the used-clothes auction business strictly for high-volume, full-time pros? If anybody's done this, I'd love to hear about your experience. [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 1:05 PM PST - 17 comments

Road songs similar in arrangement/style to Joni Mitchell's Hejira?

This is probably my favourite Joni song. I especially love playing it during long trips on the road. I was wondering if anyone here could recommend me anything similar in melodic arrangement or narrative? It doesn't have to be from the exact same same genre. Thanks.
posted by ethelwulf at 1:00 PM PST - 6 comments

KaijuFilter - Attacked by Power Rangers

Can you help me track down a (Japanese?) film about a guy who doesn't know he's the villain until a Power Rangers-type team starts attacking him? [more inside]
posted by qbject at 12:58 PM PST - 4 comments

Being a responsible neighbor, DUI edition

My next door neighbor's friend drove away drunk last night (waking me up in the process -- it was not a quiet event). After making sure my neighbor was okay, I ended up just going back to bed. Now, though, I'm wondering if I should have called the cops myself, and in general how to respond appropriately to this sort of thing. I don't want to be a busybody, but I also don't want to perpetuate the "bystander effect" when I might actually be able to help! [more inside]
posted by aecorwin at 12:39 PM PST - 24 comments

At what point do you tell your parents you have a SO?

I've been dating my boyfriend for a little less than 5 months. We have radically different approaches to how much we tell our respective parents (for what it's work, we're both in our late twenties). I talk to my parents a few times a week and let them know a few weeks in that I was dating someone. He hasn't let them know he's dating someone yet. At what point do folks generally start telling parents they're seeing someone? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:11 PM PST - 48 comments

Recommend exciting stories, simply written

I'm an intermediate ~ advanced German student, and my instructor recommended native language-to-German translations for extracurricular reading. Her idea is to make it easy to find stories/authors/genres you already know you like, and just get you reading in German. I really like crime thrillers - serial killers, gruesome murders, etc. I'm looking for recommendations for authors and novels that have good, engaging stories, but aren't written in especially sophisticated English. I remember quite liking Cody McFadyen's stories, but being very underwhelmed with his use of language. This is perfect. I'm lucky as a native English speaker, as it's pretty likely that anything written in English that was even slightly popular has been translated into German. So, any recommendations? Vielen Dank!
posted by dmvs at 11:53 AM PST - 5 comments

Can I make it as a freelance mechanical engineering consultant?

I have a BS in mechanical engineering and a couple years experience performing FEA simulations for a company in the US military/aerospace industry. I recently found out that there are consulting firms out there charging a lot of money for the same type of services I perform. If possible, I'd like to get my PE license and begin offering my services on a freelance basis. If I can do that successfully, I'd like to form my own consulting firm. My main concern is that I won't be able to find clients. How can I find my way into this market? I've heard that a lot of CAD work is being outsourced and I'm not sure if the demand for these services is really there. I've searched for mechanical engineering listings on freelance sites but I've mostly found low paying odd jobs. My ideal customers would be legitimate companies that need reliable FEA services but are small enough to not have their own mechanical engineer. How can I find these customers? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
posted by PeterKlayton at 11:47 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me handle doing a programming interview in an unfamiliar language!

I've been invited to interview for a software development internship at a company I would really like to work for. However, after I'd said yes, I received the detailed outline of the interview, including a test partly in a language I have yet to learn. How can I best prepare in a short amount of time? [more inside]
posted by carbide at 11:43 AM PST - 8 comments

Negotiating salary when you're not precisely what they wanted

A young person I know has applied outside their current employer for a Senior Program Officer position at a non-profit, advertised at a specific salary. The job would be a big step up for the applicant, both in responsibilities and (they hope) in compensation. [more inside]
posted by mojohand at 11:10 AM PST - 9 comments

To Grad School or to Not to Grad School?

I can't afford to go to graduate school. I also can't afford not to go to graduate school. tl;dr galore inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:40 AM PST - 20 comments

Laptop not connecting to WiFi in only one location?

My laptop connects to every wireless WiFi signal I ask it to, except for one in a single particular office, where I do some volunteer work. The signal is strong, everyone else's laptops connect, but mine doesn't. Or sometimes it does, and then gets kicked off after just a few minutes. Is there a way to troubleshoot this? Why might this be happening in only this one location, with only this one signal? It's a mystery to me.
posted by franklen at 10:31 AM PST - 8 comments

I need a desk clock without an alarm

I have a mentally ill child who compulsively sets his alarm clock for the wee hours of the morning to do things he shouldn't be doing. His mental illness is such that having a clock in his room is very beneficial. I want to buy him a desk clock that does not have alarm clock functionality and I can find none. Where can such a clock be acquired? I would rather not debate my course of action. Thank you.
posted by DWRoelands at 10:09 AM PST - 32 comments

Professional jobs that require night or shift work?

My parents have always worked night shifts as a nurse at a geriatric support centre, and as a mail sorter for the post office. They make enough money. They've made their schedules work for them, and also raised 4 kids while doing so. Because of their shift work, they do get a lot of time off-- maybe working double shifts sometimes, or three 12-hour shifts in a row, but then they get 3 days off. They also tend to know their schedules a month ahead of time. I do not work well in a 9-5 M-F schedule, so I'd like to know what are other similar jobs to this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:56 AM PST - 29 comments

Recommended color printer for mid-fidelity medical imaging?

What is the best color printer for the following use case: photos up to 5x7 of patients pre/post operation. The images will not be used for diagnosis so there is no requirement for ultra-high-quality, but the images must still be decent. Must be Mac compatible. We cannot use a professional lab as the images will be confidential. Not sure what kind of spend is required here but I'd be surprised if there wasn't something suitable under $500.
posted by hoverboards don't work on water at 9:44 AM PST - 2 comments

NYC Bakery Filter

I'm here in NYC and searching for a bakery that I came across on a previous visit while wandering around the city right before a hurricane. I'm pretty sure it was in Midtown or the UWS. What's special about this bakery is that everything they sell was made that day, and what's left over at the end of the day is always donated. Based on that description, can you help me? All my extensive searching has yielded no matches.
posted by signondiego at 9:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Where to donate because of WIC shutdown?

What is the best nonprofit to donate to who will reach the same population as the WIC program? [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 9:30 AM PST - 4 comments

To Self-publish, or (try) to Publish... and I'm a snowflake

I am writing a guidebook for my industry and while I want to catch some of the increase in reputation that comes from going through a real publisher, I also pretty much want to give it away (electronically but also in hard copy as gifts for clients etc) to as many people as possible. Is there a way to achieve both of those goals? Published by an independent, real publisher, printed for those that want to pay, and those I am willing to pay for, and free for me to distribute as much as I want?
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments

It's a flying visit - but I want to make it count! Vegas Edition

I am off to Vegas for a long weekend with my Mum this weekend. What are the Top Things we should see and do? [more inside]
posted by JenThePro at 8:58 AM PST - 11 comments

Microsoft Publisher Woes Plaguing A Temp

I've hit a wall with something I'm doing at a temp job, involving Microsoft Publisher 2007 - I'm trying to save my document as a PDF, but it is cheerfully ignoring 75% of the document when doing so. Please help. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:46 AM PST - 16 comments

How to get started in freelance technical training

My day job involves teaching a particular subject to people working in a particular field at a large university. How can I get started doing the same thing on a freelance basis? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:34 AM PST - 1 comment

Catalog site cataloging niche catalog sites?

Is there a site that catalogs catalog websites? I'm thinking of sites such as Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields, Misericords of the World, and Bridge Hunter. I could swear I once saw a site listing such sites. I want them all!
posted by sandettie light vessel automatic at 8:29 AM PST - 6 comments

Medieval scholarly costume on the cheap.

Halloween is coming, which means it's costume time. This year I've decided to go with a medieval theme, so that I can also have something to wear to the Renfaire which comes around in November. I have a vague idea that I'd like to dress as some kind of wandering scholar or scribe (it would allow me to wear glasses and is a nod to my academic real-life persona) but I don't really have a lot of ideas for how to make that awesome (or even really recognizable). I would like to keep the costume more on the realistic/historical side of the costume continuum than the funny/cheesy side, as much as is reasonable. I also am pretty broke, so I want to keep the Buying of Things to a bare minimum. I am happy to scrounge and to craft -- my main handicap there is that I do not have access to a sewing machine, nor do I even know how to use one, but I am otherwise pretty resourceful. How can I build a good costume around this?
posted by Scientist at 7:05 AM PST - 9 comments

October 2

Asking someone behind a food service register out for coffee?

There is this woman/lady/girl/gal who's often behind the register at a Chipotle I'm at 2-3 times per week after work. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 10:30 PM PST - 42 comments

Wikipedia is not resolving on home computers

Wikipedia is not resolving / loading / displaying on home computers. Any suggestions? This just happened today. [more inside]
posted by KokuRyu at 10:17 PM PST - 13 comments

Activist filter: What is the cause with the most leverage/greatest need?

One day I googled "what is the most effective way to help the world" and found a link that told me to "identify a cause with lots of leverage".
posted by defmute at 9:34 PM PST - 10 comments

Federal Direct Loan repayment & the IRS

What are the potential consequences or complications of paying off your student loans all at once, "in cash"? [more inside]
posted by désoeuvrée at 9:29 PM PST - 10 comments

zero dollars

I have no money in my bank account and zero income. I have 29 days to come up with $800. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by dekathelon at 8:57 PM PST - 129 comments

Pain relief for toothache please

Help me manage this toothache pain while I scout about for a dentist I can afford. [more inside]
posted by joyeuxamelie at 8:50 PM PST - 19 comments

Quit smoking, can't sing

Why did my singing voice get worse when I quit smoking? How can I fix it? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 8:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Was walked in while doing #2. Feeling violated. Any ideas what to do?

I have anxiety when it comes to doing #2. I was recently walked in when doing so at a previously safe spot. Now, I don't know if I can feel comfortable going poop again at the university. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:25 PM PST - 39 comments

Ethical favela tours in Rio?

I would like to see the favelas while I'm in Rio. I'd also like to not engage in poverty tourism. Is it possible to ethically and safely tour favela neighborhoods? [more inside]
posted by whoaali at 8:13 PM PST - 9 comments

Is this workable?

Complicated work politics job application question: [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:11 PM PST - 2 comments

Origin of Los Angeles street names?

I'm looking for a resource that lists Los Angeles city street names and their origin/namesake. There's an old Angelfire site that does exactly what I'm looking for, but only for a few major streets. Where can I find information similar to what that site offers, but for lesser-known streets?
posted by averageamateur at 8:09 PM PST - 11 comments

Why isn't my Roku XD letting me stream in Hi-Def with my new HDMI cable?

I bought a Roku XD a couple of weeks ago. It did not come with an HDMI cable, that was sold separately. It said to purchase one if you wanted to watch "in the best picture quality". Today, I finally got around to buying a standard 3ft HDMI cable and hooking it up to my high definition TV HDMI port. I'm trying to stream Netflix or Amazon movies on it though and it's still standard definition fuzziness. The connection setting says my Wi-Fi is "Excellent" and I have high speed cable internet wi-fi at home. What gives? [more inside]
posted by timpanogos at 7:52 PM PST - 16 comments

When living with others, what are unreasonable requests?

And what to do when someone blows up at you for what you believe to be a reasonable request. [more inside]
posted by eq21 at 7:36 PM PST - 52 comments

Where to stay in Hawaii in November?

We are two busy guys who need to blow off a bit of steam, but mostly relax in the sun, and want to go to Hawaii (or somewhere) but have never been and need advice! So, in November, where is it best for two (straight-ish) dudes to go in Hawaii who like to dance, drink, swim, meet new people and also really want to take photographs of beautiful things? Thanks team!
posted by ouchitburns at 7:30 PM PST - 6 comments

I dou't kuow what this is abont

There are 2 people on my Facebook feed who will consistently mix up the letter "n" with the letter "u" such that "cousin" looks like "consin" and "don't" looks like "dout". I was wondering if anyone else has noticed people doing this, is this was a common thing in Northern Ireland (where both are from, but they were not raised together) or some weird idiosyncrasy? My pattern-seeking brain is seeking relief. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 7:16 PM PST - 17 comments

Favorite non-scene-y bars or lounges in Manhattan with ambient music?

What are your favorite quiet (on a Saturday or Sunday night!) Manhattan bars or lounges that play ambient music, and are good for hanging out? [more inside]
posted by ArgyleGargoyle at 7:13 PM PST - 3 comments

Best & most cost efficient way to scan pics for eventual shutterfly book

I want to have photo books of old printed photos. My current plan is to scan in old photos onto my computer. I have a fantastic crisp and fast scanner, though I may need to crop or turn some of the photos. I then want to upload these photos to shutterfly or snapfish or similar to make a photo book. Is this the best and most cost efficient way to do this? As for the "best" part of my question, I would think my scanner would take care of this; with the exception of one of the books I want to make, I'm not picky about the photo quality. But as for the efficiency part, I would think sending out the photos to be scanned would be quite efficient (little work for me!), but do not meet the "cost efficient" part of my question...but perhaps I'm wrong about this and it's not too expensive to send photos out to be scanned?
posted by juliagulia at 6:48 PM PST - 3 comments

Help ID a scifi story about aliens and a quarantined Earth

Can you help my friend identify this scifi short story about aliens and a shield around the earth? [more inside]
posted by mediareport at 6:48 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a quote about Ulysses

Joyce fans: I'm having trouble remembering/finding a quote I once read about Ulysses. The gist was that the novel is so thematically rich that it seems to somehow anticipate new interpretations from its critics. (I want to say it was in the context of discussing a feminist reading of Penelope, but I could be wrong about that.) Does this ring any bells?
posted by danb at 6:42 PM PST - 4 comments

An older version of Gone Daddy Gone?

My wife is obsessed with finding a song she remembers that uses the starting riff from Gone Daddy Gone. [more inside]
posted by Eddie Mars at 6:23 PM PST - 10 comments

How quickly could I launch something out of the solar system?

In an aside for a short story I'm writing, a vanity billionaire notices the news about Voyager leaving the solar system, and decides she wants to make her mark on the Universe by 'shotgunning' some things out into interstellar space. [more inside]
posted by jjderooy at 6:13 PM PST - 25 comments

Help me find the perfect place to escape for a couple days!

I have a few days off following the holiday crazies and I'm planning a mini road-trip to escape for these few days to unwind, hide from life and work on some personal projects. I really don't care where I go, but I'm looking for 4 things: an awesome private jacuzzi tub, a solid internet connection, and a walkable location -- all within 6 hours drive of Vancouver. [more inside]
posted by cgg at 5:46 PM PST - 5 comments

Why do I often sleep better when slightly hemmed in or confined?

I often find that I sleep way better if my body is slightly confined? For example I might put my arms in the waistband of my pajamas or more often I will push one arm against the nightstand while lying on my side. Does this maybe have some connection to infants enjoying being swaddled? Something more primal? AmI just a weirdo?
posted by Senor Cardgage at 5:38 PM PST - 30 comments

Thought starters for guided meditation

What words and images mean "patience" to you? [more inside]
posted by sweetkid at 5:38 PM PST - 17 comments

Insect species database?

Is there a database of insect scientific names and their taxonomy available somewhere for free? For example Streptocerus speciosus - Family: Lucanidae - Order: Coleoptera. I'm hoping to avoid downloading wikipedia and crawling through it.
posted by Memo at 5:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Frozen ground meat in the crockpot... how long do you cook it?

A question for crock pot pros. I put about 3 lbs of ground turkey in the crock pot (I have the original name-brand crock pot) and cooked it on high all day while I was at work. It's a total of about 11 hours. It's a loaf- but when I stirred it just now, it turned out pretty evenly pinkish (undercooked) throughout. Hmm... Even if not totally cooked, it is still safe, right? I'm never quite clear on how hot crock pots really are, and how the food doesn't spoil... Bonus: Can I take it out and cook it regular style?
posted by kettleoffish at 4:38 PM PST - 25 comments

USB plugin soundcardish thingie

Has anyone ever tried one of the USB plug-in things sold as "soundcards"? Last night's lightning storm ate my motherboard sound ports and I have no alternative. [more inside]
posted by jfuller at 3:38 PM PST - 12 comments

Where can I find reliable economic data for Iran?

I'd really like to write a paper exploring the macroeconomic effects of the Iran sanctions for a grad-level class, which requires some analysis of raw data. However, official data sources are obviously unreliable and I'm not having much luck finding unbiased unofficial data, gah. Does anyone have any ideas of potential data sources? I have access to a good academic library. Thanks!
posted by superquail at 2:48 PM PST - 4 comments

Google Analytics: _linkbypost() on non-form cross domain links?

I'm just curious is it possible (or advisable) to use _linkbypost() instead of just _link() on cross domain links with Google Analytics to avoid the problems I'm having with the long query strings that _link() produces. [more inside]
posted by Jezztek at 2:28 PM PST - 3 comments

As a resident alien, where can I donate against the Tea Party?

I think the far right House representatives causing the current shutdown deserve political consequences, which I would like to take the form of losing their seats. As a non-US citizen, I cannot give money directly to any politician or campaign or related group (right?). So what's the next best option? [more inside]
posted by jacalata at 1:35 PM PST - 17 comments

How can I use a .csf file?

Color management! How can I get Adobe Creative Suite (5 and 6) to recognize a .csf file? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 1:25 PM PST - 7 comments

How to construct a wicker man?

A friend of mine wants to build and burn a wicker man for his harvest party. Strangely the internet seems lacking in instructions or guidelines. Do you have any tips, resources or experience to share? [more inside]
posted by luftmensch at 1:02 PM PST - 6 comments

Identify this font?

Can you identify the font used in this image? [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 12:26 PM PST - 9 comments

Getting cable to watch the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special at home

We would like to watch "The Day of the Doctor" in our home on our TV during its initial broadcast on Nov. 23. We have a television. We do not have cable television. The only way we will be able to watch in our home during the simulcast is to get cable TV. (Optimum is the provider in our area; they provide our cable internet.) Is it possible to get cable TV for just one month? How simple is it to do? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 12:09 PM PST - 24 comments

What are some fun activities a couple can do together in an apartment?

My partner and I work thirds, so we often find ourselves hanging out in my apartment at ungodly hours like 3-6am. We're running out of things to do, or at least I feel we are, because things are getting boring. What are some quiet, not-costly activities I can have around for us to do? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 11:53 AM PST - 24 comments

What do ya'll know about starting a business?

I am finally about to graduate from a program to be a professional dog obedience instructor. I am completely clueless about what steps to take to start a business, legally at least. You are not my lawyer... but do I need one? [more inside]
posted by Quincy at 11:44 AM PST - 7 comments

Iconic music videos of the 80s and 90s?

One of my good friends had very little interaction with pop culture through childhood and most of college, and so missed out entirely on the now-classic music videos that were airing on MTV and VH1 up through the mid-90s. They're interested in improving their music video literacy, so I'd like to put together a playlist for them. Help me make sure I don't miss anything!
posted by Narrative Priorities at 11:43 AM PST - 49 comments

What are some great ongoing fantasy and science fiction book series?

A while back I stopped reading any book series that was not completely finished. I have now decided to ease up on the rule and I have realized that I am a little bit out of touch with the state of the field in fantasy/science fiction. So please recommend your favorite recent books and series in this area. [more inside]
posted by bove at 11:30 AM PST - 40 comments

Looking for a sane file storage/versioning system

My company's current system for managing/versioning files/documents is horribly broken. Please point us toward sanity. [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 11:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Microfilm readers - on the cheap

A friend works for a not-for-profit archive, that needs to replace microfilm reader printers and microfilm scanners, for not much money/free. [more inside]
posted by devonia at 11:22 AM PST - 3 comments

Fatty, fiber-full, and filling foods

What are your favorite recipes that fulfill the following criteria: low in carbohydrates, lots of good fats, medium to generous on the fiber, and filling/hearty? I'm thinking veggies, soups, and sides, mostly, since that's where my recipe book is weakest. [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 11:04 AM PST - 29 comments

Rocket fuel from dirt... Let's cook!

For a book I am ghostwriting, I'm researching how a Mars colony might support itself. Perchlorates in the martian soil can be refined out to produce solid rocket fuel. My question is -- how would the stuff be manufactured? [more inside]
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 11:03 AM PST - 9 comments

What's a car for a tall dad, with two carseats and two dogs?

I'm the dad of a growing family - a two-year-old, a baby about to be born, and a wife. And two small dogs. We need a family car, and are looking for something that will accommodate: * Dogs in the back (a wagon or hatchback) * Two rear-facing carseats. * A tall (6'3") man in a front seat. [more inside]
posted by YoungAmerican at 11:01 AM PST - 34 comments

Sync Outlook with iPhone/Gmail/iCloud. Difficulty level: IT-Managed PC.

I want to do something that seems like it should be straightforward. My company uses awful, awful, awful iOS email/calendar/contacts software called "Good For Enterprise." It syncs with Outlook over-the-air and displays the synced info in a separate (terrible) app. There is no syncing with native email/calendar apps in iOS. How can I get my Windows 7 Outlook calendar onto my iPhone? [more inside]
posted by RobotNinja at 10:35 AM PST - 2 comments

Spooky ghost menus in Windows~~~

WindowsExorcismFilter: Seemingly out of the blue, I've started having an issue wherein elements from dropdown/contextual menus in Windows 7 sometimes graphically "hang around" like little Windows ghosts (see bottom right corner). I haven't been able to determine any clear pattern that explains why they sometimes appear. For some reason, they go away if I switch between my monitor and my laptop screen. I've tried installing newer graphics drivers, updating Windows, checking for viruses/trojans, et cetera, but have obviously not solved the issue yet. What's going on here, and how do I get rid of it?
posted by Keter at 10:33 AM PST - 7 comments

I Lack a Back Pack

I'm shopping for a new backpack. Criteria: I'd like it to have some style and polish so as to go with nice casual clothes; to be at least big enough to hold a 15" laptop; to be brown, olive, or khaki in colour; and to cost $100 or less. I love this one but the site that carries it is apparently untrustworthy. Super shoppers of MeFi, what can you recommend?
posted by orange swan at 10:07 AM PST - 17 comments

To wait or not to wait a year to begin school

My son will turn five next year at the end of August. Our plan is that he'd start elementary school next year as well. The question of whether we should wait a year or not for him to start has come up. I'm looking for advice on how to answer that question. [more inside]
posted by vega at 10:00 AM PST - 21 comments

How can I help young boys see value in playing with "girl stuff"?

I had a group playdate yesterday--2 female 5yos (one being my daughter) and 2 male 5yos. All good friends. My daughter's friend (the girl) was building a house with the legos, while the other three were assembling lego figures. After a while I realized that the two boys would ONLY assemble male figures. Any figure with a flower shirt, or with longer-than-boy-cut hair, they wouldn't even touch it. They were especially on the lookout for any figures that could hold weapons. This made me thing about the well-known fact that most boys won't play with girls toys or have female heros (e.g. wonder woman / princess merida) while girls are happy to admire batman, superman, and play with guns or other toys that could be considered as being for boys. The other day, I offered my 3yo son a choice of t-shirts, including a gray shirt with 3 disney princesses on it, which he previously loved to wear. This time, he told me that if he wore that shirt, kids would laugh at him. I have no idea where he got that from. I guess some kid laughed at him at the playground while I wasn't looking, or maybe at preschool. What can I do? I hate the idea that my son and my daughter's male friends think that girls, and girl things, are not worth their respect or affinity. Any idea for how to change their attitude on this without being obnoxious or didactic?
posted by tk at 9:05 AM PST - 25 comments

Dinner near Chicago Symphony Center?

What's a good dinner spot within reasonable walking distance of the Symphony Center in Chicago? Ideal price range would be, say, $12-25 entrees. I don't care if it's Asian or seafood or Italian or whatever as long as it's tasty. [more inside]
posted by pdq at 8:55 AM PST - 11 comments

What to do in Austin when you're breastfeeding?

There's a conference I'd like to go to in Austin at the beginning of November, but Minipenny is still breast feeding which complicates things. Misterpenny and I talked about making it a short family trip. A couple of days (well, day and a half) on our own and then a day and a half (and at least one evening) of him being on full childcare duties and me at the conference. I used to have the conference travel down, and enjoyed getting to see a bit of a new city, but it's a whole new ballgame now...we've never traveled with the baby, and have never been to Austin, so I'm having trouble knowing how to go about the planning, or if this is even a good idea. [more inside]
posted by pennypiper at 8:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Cleaning A Mid-Century Seabag Without Damaging It?

I came across my late father's Navy seabag in the garage, where it has been sitting for at least 40 years. It was issued to him in the late 50s or early 60s and appears to be plain canvas. (I understand newer ones are plastic-lined.) I'd like to clean the bag and bring it inside the house for use. How can I clean 40 years of garage dust and crud from the bag without damaging it, particularly his stenciled name on the exterior?
posted by entropicamericana at 8:16 AM PST - 11 comments

What do you mean there's no dinner?!

We're in the process of planning out a wedding, and we've decided to go with a full-on cocktail party instead of a sit-down dinner. The caterer we spoke to was very hesitant about this idea. Help us not fuck this up. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 7:47 AM PST - 126 comments

Quiet place to drink, write, and read in Cambridge/Somerville MA?

I like to have a glass of whisky and read and write on weekday evenings. I'm looking for quiet bars (or licensed cafes) where I can hole up with a laptop and/or book. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by Beardman at 7:25 AM PST - 11 comments

Can you recommend good books on developing assertiveness?

I've spent nearly all my life people-pleasing and recently have become aware of some very serious consequences affecting nearly all my relationships. I have been discussing this with a therapist, and in short, I need to learn to stand up for myself at home and at work. My therapist said that there are a gazillion books on the subject, and I thought I'd consult MeFites for your recommendations. [more inside]
posted by angiep at 7:08 AM PST - 12 comments

Google apps email sharing between coworkers. Difficulty Level: MSOutlook

Like most impossible things, it seems like it should be simple. Basically trying to figure out a way to do project management via email with Outlook which is syncing from Google apps via MAPI / Google Apps Sync. I get an email, I put it into a folder, which then gives my colleague access to read and respond to that email in the same folder, and vice versa. Can it be done? All the juicy details inside. [more inside]
posted by sxtrumpeto at 6:59 AM PST - 1 comment

Why move from black to white?

Why did the humans who came to Europe switch from dark to light skin pigmentation? Did they lose skin colour...? [more inside]
posted by sodium lights the horizon at 6:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Techno/Rock mixes?

I'm trying to please a group of friends who have different musical tastes and coming up empty. I'm looking for mixes or DJ sets that blend rock and techno. [more inside]
posted by newpotato at 6:49 AM PST - 11 comments

How do I stop being so negative and pessimistic at work?

Management told us that we need to be positive and upbeat at work. I can be fairly pessimistic and jaded. How do I reconcile these two things? Lots of snowflakiness inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:40 AM PST - 27 comments

Should I ask my landlord for money off rent?

My landlord and I have a previously discussed arrangement where if I am able to save him a call to a handyman by dealing with an issue myself, I can ask for "whatever's fair" off of rent. Yesterday, a visit by the utility company took up a large part of my day. Not sure if I should ask for money and if so, how much, and how to phrase. [more inside]
posted by SpiffyRob at 6:24 AM PST - 13 comments

How often do votes in the Senate or House fall along party lines?

That is to say, how often will Republicans overwhelmingly vote one way and Democrats vote the opposite way, and how often do majorities within both parties vote the same way? Do Democrats and Republicans agree on most things, but the news outlets only report on the disagreements? Or do they indeed disagree on everything? Where might I go to get such numbers?
posted by jwhite1979 at 6:17 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me find the kind of recipe that sticks in your memory for decades.

What are your favourite simple recipes that make "guests plead for the secret"? [more inside]
posted by Vrai at 5:12 AM PST - 61 comments

Book recommendations for an 11-year-old girl available on Amazon.ca?

My niece celebrates her eleventh birthday soon. She loves to read. She lives in Canada; I live in the UK: for convenience’s sake I’d like to buy her books from Amazon.ca as a gift. Besides reading, her previous interests have included princesses, ballet and cupcakes—the latter leading me to order to some volumes from The Cupcake Diaries as last year’s gift. What’s new and cool in the world of books if you’re Canadian and eleven?
posted by misteraitch at 4:04 AM PST - 8 comments

How to buy sensibly priced, pre-assembled bedroom furniture? (London)

I would like to to like to buy some IKEA-style furniture, and I'm willing to pay a premium of around £60-£100 so that I don't have to build it myself. But I can't find any way to buy any! Surely this must be possible? [more inside]
posted by piato at 1:43 AM PST - 14 comments

Principal and Interest versus Interest only.

Please confirm or otherwise guide me about the distinction between a principal and interest versus an interest only home loan, in the important context of 100% offset. [more inside]
posted by wilful at 12:14 AM PST - 7 comments

October 1

data acquisition for a small sized test lab

in my previous job i worked with an emerson data acquisition and control system that was completely integrated and customisable. all facility control and data gathering was from the same software, with a customised faceplate gui. i am now at a new job that is using stand alone data takers with 30m long cables to get data. it is unstable and prone to interference and limited amount of data channels, plus no discrete outputs. is there an ideal mid strength solution, that wouldn't cost the same as the emerson system, but would be more robust and effective than a datataker?
posted by edtut at 10:25 PM PST - 1 comment

What's the most significant rider tacked onto an appropriations bill?

Appropriations bills can be amended to add pretty much anything as a "rider." So, what's the most significant legislation that was enacted as a rider? The Wikipedia page on riders lists the Real ID Act, which would have created a de facto national driver database, as being attached to a defense appropriations bill. Any other examples? [more inside]
posted by wnissen at 9:39 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me turn my cat into a beautiful unicorn

One Inflatable Unicorn Horn for Cats purchased. Only problem is I can't figure out how to get it on my cat's head! [more inside]
posted by timsneezed at 9:31 PM PST - 19 comments

Please help save our road trip!

So, the National Parks are shut and husband and I are on a US road trip of a lifetime, during which we were due to visit/camp at many of those National Parks. Boo! Please help us salvage our trip and tell us about your favorite State Parks/hikes/non-NPS camping spots in OR, CA, AZ and southern UT! [more inside]
posted by atlantica at 9:00 PM PST - 27 comments

How do I buy a high quality necklaces (or should I buy them at all)?

Help me buy pretty necklaces. [more inside]
posted by joeyjoejoejr at 7:29 PM PST - 17 comments

We have the punchline - what's the joke?

My friend and I are stumped: we have the punchline for a joke he liked in highschool. However, we can't for the life of us come up with joke. Google hasn't helped, neither text nor image searches. So we turn to you fond MeFites, for your good knowledge: what joke ends with the punchline, "I must be a past participle." [more inside]
posted by Galen at 7:27 PM PST - 3 comments

Fun, flat gifts!

What fun goodies can I put in a flat rate envelope headed for Japan? I'm sending my friend a care package and I want to cram it with as much happiness as possible. [more inside]
posted by chatongriffes at 5:05 PM PST - 21 comments

Need help with a difficult professor

I'm a first-year masters student taking a course that is supposed to be the core curriculum of my discipline. My program is in systems ecology. I find myself increasingly frustrated with this professor and increasingly unable to hide it, and now he wants to "meet with me to talk about student-instructor dynamics". I need some help coming up with some strategies to deal with this professionally. Difficulty level: I'm a new graduate student, and he's the director of my program. The program is brand-new (just started spring semester of last year) and this is one of two core courses, both of which are taught by him. His course is so terrible that I'm considering transferring to another program within the university. Excruciating detail inside. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:26 PM PST - 45 comments

How can I dye my dark blue flight suit to light blue?

I'm trying to go as John Glenn for Halloween (I work someplace with his name on it). Specifically I'm trying to go as this picture. The suit is apparently a light blue as you can see here. I got a navy colored flight suit, but the color is really dark - it looks almost black in some light. Is there a way to make the suit a lighter color of blue? [more inside]
posted by SeeTheTurtle at 3:06 PM PST - 10 comments

Follow-up after a wedding gift was sent - is six weeks too soon?

Is it too early - or is it a jerky move - to ask friends if they got a wedding gift I sent six weeks ago? [more inside]
posted by handful of rain at 2:54 PM PST - 36 comments

Help Me Format 1300+ Word Tables

I have a Word 2010 document with over 1300 tables in it. I would like to update them so that they all have the same basic properties. I would really like to not do all this by hand... [more inside]
posted by The Blue Olly at 2:01 PM PST - 7 comments

Overcoming loneliness...

I've been dependent for most of my life, and I now find myself in a situation where I'm completely alone for huge spans of time. It's depressing. How can I overcome this? Any good resources, means to helping? [more inside]
posted by MMALR at 1:55 PM PST - 11 comments

Negative Celiac blood test, but positive need to give up doughnuts?

I love doughnuts--and never turning down a host's refreshments--so hard. And I don't want to be "that person." But I need to feel better, so I'm looking for experiences (and help cutting through the science and the woo) on giving up gluten (or not) even with a negative Celiac blood test. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:41 PM PST - 25 comments

407 Blues

At the end of July I visited Canada for the first time. I took my car with me. While driving through Toronto I got onto 407 ETR. Thinking better of it I got off after going one or two exits. So what now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:41 PM PST - 6 comments

(Baby) Sleeparama

I want to eliminate some of my son's nighttime feedings and start sleep training him. Am I going about this right? [more inside]
posted by Kitty Stardust at 1:30 PM PST - 19 comments

Good host for Wordpress

Who would be good to host a Wordpress site, for someone with moderate technical grasp who wants an easy transfer? [more inside]
posted by Segundus at 1:24 PM PST - 17 comments

Yo Vlad wassup it's Barry. Hit me on the hip.

How do presidents call other presidents? With last week's phone call between President Obama and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, it got me wondering how do heads of state call other heads of state? I imagine that one executive suite's switchboard calls the other's, but what's the diplomatic protocol for who picks up the phone first? Do they have super-secret phone numbers, or even phone numbers in the way we think of them? Are the calls private, or are is there an entire entourage listening in? Do they just hang up when they're finished, or is their an entire protocol for ending the conversation? What are some of the other "hidden" aspects of executive diplomatic communication and behind-the-scenes goings-on are there that the rest of us commoners never see?
posted by slogger at 1:13 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for Disastrous or Cursed Performances

I know that Macbeth is a cursed play. I know there were riots at the first performance of the Rite of Spring. I know that when you read the script for the King in Yellow you go insane. Are there any more examples of performance art that has a disastrous, cursed, or otherwise spooky reputation? Theater, dance, opera, paintings, etc all okay.
posted by hishtafel at 1:08 PM PST - 32 comments

very, very difficult, and very, very fun

What's the most virtuosic catchy music you know? Or, alternatively, what's the catchiest virtuoso music you know? [more inside]
posted by Rory Marinich at 12:35 PM PST - 97 comments

Should I take paid or unpaid leave during the government shutdown?

I am a contractor and am required to take leave due to the government shutdown. I have the choice of taking paid or unpaid leave. Given that I'm young with no dependents, my savings are in great shape right now, and my unused vacation will roll over into the next year, I am inclined to take leave without pay and save my paid vacation. Are there any drawbacks here that I'm not seeing? (I probably don't need to officially declare my choice until the end of the month, so long term advice in case this drags on is also helpful.)
posted by anaelith at 12:06 PM PST - 19 comments

How do I get the music from my iPhone to my car?

Is there any good way to get audio from an iPhone's lightning connector to the 1/8" audio in plug in my car, short of upgrading my audio system to add USB in? Or will the quality of bluetooth be better than I fear, and I should just get a bluetooth receiver instead? [more inside]
posted by SeanCier at 12:03 PM PST - 17 comments

How badly did I screw up my hot water heater?

My gas hot water heater's pilot light has been going out regularly. I replaced the thermocouple in an effort to solve the problem, but I seem to have botched it: Not only does the pilot light still go out after the tank is heated, but now the gas continues to flow after the pilot goes out. [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 11:41 AM PST - 6 comments

Homemade Peppermint Ice Cream Pops?

This has been the Year Of Learning How To Make Ice Cream And Ice Pops. With certain holidays looming on the horizon, I have been searching to no avail, for a recipe for peppermint ice cream pops. I made a successful peppermint ice cream with crushed candy canes...but not sure if shoehorning the product of an ice cream maker into pop molds would really work properly. Do any MeFi Ice Cream Mavens have tips for me?
posted by dorgla at 11:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me find a specific Japanese-language travel/food tv show

Last winter when I was in Seoul, Mr. Holloway and I found ourselves watching some TV in our hotel room. I don't remember if we were on a Japanese station or if it was a random occurrence, but we came across a travel/food tv show episode featuring two hilarious Japanese women (maybe in their early 30s?) who were visiting an onsen in a snowy environment. I would love to find it again and watch more, if they have done other episodes. More details inside! [more inside]
posted by joan_holloway at 11:34 AM PST - 5 comments

point me to underground contemporary hip hop!

Please turn me on to excellent hip hop tracks produced in the last few years, but not released on any major label -- I'd love to hear stuff you can only get on bandcamp, or soundcloud, or on some scrappy self-produced website. I'll be hosting a 90-minute hip hop show on my local community radio station in a couple of weeks and I need sweet tracks! Suggestions of tracks by hip hop artists from elsewhere than the U.S. also more than welcome. Muchas gracias, amigas y amigos!
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 11:10 AM PST - 24 comments

What's the verdict on bluetooth multicasting using Windows 7?

Mrs. Van and I enjoy watching movies at night using XMBC on our HTPC (which runs Windows 7)... But in a Manhattan apartment with two kids under the age of 2, we're usually stuck watching foreign subtitled films, using bulky headphones with a splitter, or turning the volume up and down constantly on a Hollywood blockbuster. I bought a couple of bluetooth headphones and an adapter a while back. I got one of the headsets to pair, and while that works beautifully, I don't think there's a way (using the normal Broadcom drivers) to pair two at the same time. Is there a software product or workaround that would allow us to pair *multiple* bluetooth headsets, allowing both of us to listen to audio coming from the computer? Thanks.
posted by BobbyVan at 11:05 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me make bugging people fun!

I send a monthly e-mail to my department at work, reminding everyone to update their records in our project tracking system. I've been trying to make this fun and get everyone's attention by using jokes or funny pictures in my messages. However, I'm running out of ideas! [more inside]
posted by LolaGeek at 10:47 AM PST - 17 comments

INEEDTOSLOWDOWN​SOPEOPLECAN​UNDERSTANDME

How do I teach myself to speak more slowly? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 10:35 AM PST - 19 comments

Keeping the mousies out!

Where can I buy copper mesh/wool in NYC? [more inside]
posted by droplet at 10:33 AM PST - 12 comments

Racism and China in Science Fiction

Is David Wingrove's Science Fiction series Chung Kuo Sinophobic? If so, why? And is it so racist that one should not buy or read the novels in order to avoid supporting Wingrove's point of view? [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:15 AM PST - 12 comments

Canadian paid in US dollars- how can I maximize exchange rate losses?

Long story short, I'm basically a freelancer in Canada that's about to be taking on a long-term gig with a US client. I'm getting paid in USD and I'm trying to figure how to minimizes any losses due to fluctuation in exchange rate. [more inside]
posted by Nelsormensch at 10:11 AM PST - 6 comments

What assistance is available for a single mom in a difficult situation?

I have a good friend who has gone through a very rough 16 year marriage/divorce - experiencing both verbal and physical abuse. She currently has four children living with her, 3 of them are under the age of 18, 1 is 19, and 1 infant grandchild. As a friend I would like to provide all the help and information that can be offered. But I have no idea were to start... She resides in Arizona - she has a minimum wage job and works around 30 hours a week. Her 17 year old son works part time at a fast food place. (Her ex-husband does not pay any child support). She said that she checked on housing assistance but that there was a one year waiting list (I have a feeling she really has not checked). And advice or links will be greatly appreciated...
posted by strongdad at 10:02 AM PST - 16 comments

Your Rocksmith is so unlike your Rock.

What open source games and learning resources are available similar to the game Rocksmith? [more inside]
posted by munchingzombie at 9:19 AM PST - 1 comment

Academics: Explain open-access publishing in your discipline!

I'd like to know more about SSRN, Arxiv, PLOS, and other open-access publishing platforms and how they work in your discipline. Do you publish in them? Do they keep you from publishing in other (more prestigious) journals later? Etc. [more inside]
posted by carolinaherrera at 9:17 AM PST - 9 comments

What's your favorite credit card?

I am (finally) shopping for a credit card and I want something with cash back and/or airline rewards. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 9:07 AM PST - 26 comments

I'm looking for Trivial Pursuit-like cards, in Spanish.

Where can I find Spanish Trivial Pursuit cards (or something like it?) [more inside]
posted by AlisonM at 9:02 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for temporary, simple, affordable housing south of Boston/Quincy

I'm taking a temporary job near Duxbury, MA. I'll be working there for 3 months, potentially renewing for another 3 months. I'm starting next week. I really don't need anything more than a place to sleep, but I'm having a hard time coming up with something temporary and affordable <=$1000 a month. [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 8:55 AM PST - 4 comments

Disney movies on Netflix streaming?

What is the timeline for Disney movies appearing on Netflix streaming? [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Pterodactyl at 8:38 AM PST - 4 comments

I need girly birthday gift help for a 26-year-old.

OK, here's the deal: My sister's birthday is Saturday and I need to get her something awesome and fun because her birthday happens to be the day of my grandmother's funeral. Awful, I know. [more inside]
posted by mzwz at 8:38 AM PST - 19 comments

Name that reincarnation novel

Trying to name a novel where a couple finds each other throughout different lives/reincarnations by placing newspaper ads. [more inside]
posted by Flannery Culp at 7:45 AM PST - 6 comments

How do I get myself to love running and physical activity?

I've been on a bit of a health kick lately--excercising, moving around, and trying to really improve the life I've been leading. I've also begun to run as well and even though I know it is good for him, I always balk, delay, or procrastinate when I know I should do it. After exercising I feel great. Awesome. Amazing. However, it is the initial thought of getting out there, that effort, that strain that prevents me from breaking inertia and actually getting out there. [more inside]
posted by RapcityinBlue at 7:38 AM PST - 34 comments

Atlantic City for Kids?

Is Atlantic City fun for non-gamblers the way Vegas is? I was thinking of taking my 12 year old daughter there on a day trip (it's about a two-hour drive one way). She'd love all the shopping and fantasy buildings of Vegas, but my impression of Atlantic City is that's it's less about fun and more about the single-minded pursuit of gambling. Opinions, anyone? If there are decent beaches nearby, that could make it more worthwhile too.
posted by ubiquity at 7:33 AM PST - 19 comments

When was the Italian printer Carlo Belloni in operation?

I have a paper advertising item which, I am told, was printed by Carlo Belloni in Milan, Italy. The item appears to be from around 1920 to 1940 or perhaps earlier. For dating purposes, I would like to know when this printer was in operation. TIA
posted by kirsti at 6:57 AM PST - 6 comments

Did your back get better?

So I've been at least preliminarily diagnosed with a herniated disk at the L5-S1 level. This is after a couple months of back and leg pain and an attempt to treat it with oral Prednisone. The Prednisone worked for a few days while I was on it but the pain came back after the course was over. Yesterday, I went back to my GP and he gave me the diagnosis and referred me to a neurologist and is arranging for an MRI. My question is: have you been through this, what was your treatment and how did it go? [more inside]
posted by octothorpe at 6:47 AM PST - 27 comments

Modify/hack a Google Hangout "feature": Press to Talk

I want to use a Google Hangout "On Air" for a project, but a tiny limitation is getting in the way. I would like to bypass the 'Press to Talk' functionality with a tiny browser script/hack/modification. My programming knowledge is tiny, but I am sure this could be done super super simply with a script loaded in the browser. Perhaps there's better solution. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious at 6:22 AM PST - 4 comments

2D CAD software for Mac. Cheap or free.

This is my need: 2D drawing software for Mac that can output in a format suitable for commercial laser cutting devices. [more inside]
posted by tim_in_oz at 4:42 AM PST - 5 comments

Holiday recommendations for mixture of relaxation and culture

My girlfriend and I are looking for a holiday that will allow us to have a mixture of chilling out in a nice hotel or resort, but also put us in range of museums and galleries and restaurants and interesting day-trips. [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 4:08 AM PST - 13 comments

Why is my MacBook screenlocking on unlocking?

My newly obtained MacBook has a minor but annoying behaviour. I have it set up to lock when the display goes to sleep. But when I unlock it, it relocks again. What gives? [more inside]
posted by outlier at 3:29 AM PST - 14 comments

Have you found the ascii for an Info roundel?

There are ascii roundels for copyright © and registered ®. Try as I might, no ascii roundel can be found for Info, or Information. Please... have you spotted an info ascii roundel? Thank you, says Richard
posted by Schroder at 2:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Argentina in 2 weeks - where to go and what to do?

I'm going to Argentina for 16 days in November, starting in Buenos Aires and ending in Ushuaia, where I'll be getting on a boat to the Antarctic. But Argentina is massive, and I'm bewildered by the choice and distance. Can the hive mind help me work out an itinerary? [more inside]
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 1:26 AM PST - 6 comments