June 2013 Archives
June 30
20's American in Japan, visa expires soon. Considering Grad school.
I'm a 27 year-old living in Japan teaching English, with my visa running out at the end of August. I'm trying to decide on what to do next - work (more) or pursue a Masters in Asia-Pacific studies. I am rather scatterbrained, and have no clue where to get started logistics-wise in going for a graduate degree. If I were to go down this route, I would also like to narrow down some career paths I could take post-graduation. [more inside]
Problem with a broken window lock
We have a problem with a broken window lock. [more inside]
Help me to have harder bones without harder poop.
Friday my doctor informed me that I have osteoporosis and am at high risk for spinal fractures. I'm now taking the generic of Fosamax and my doctor has recommended that I supplement my daily diet with 1500 - 1800 mg of calcium and 2000 units of vitamin D3. While I'm not questioning the need for added calcium, I'm worried about the constipating effect it will have. I've tried taking calcium and vitamin supplements in the past (brand names like Centrum and Tums) but quickly gave them up because of problems with constipation. [more inside]
posted by kbar1 at 10:38 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by kbar1 at 10:38 PM PST - 12 comments
What was the business book I read five years ago?
I read a business book about five years ago that was about creativity and success in the workplace. It was a creative approach to business for hip young professionals. I remember it had red/pink drawings/scribbles on the cover and came out some time around 2008. It had a rather clever title. Do you know what I'm talking about? [more inside]
posted by dargerpartridge at 10:31 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by dargerpartridge at 10:31 PM PST - 9 comments
so, like, what do couples, like, do? what happens now?
I've never before been in a healthy relationship, especially not one that lasted more than about six months, and I don't really have a framework for how things go from here on out. I also tend to drift away from most friendships after about a year, so that doesn't provide much guidance. Snowflake fun inside! [more inside]
posted by windykites at 9:26 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by windykites at 9:26 PM PST - 25 comments
US equivalent of Desert Island Discs?
Please help me identify a program I heard on US public radio in the late eighties or early nineties. The choreographer Mark Morris brought some of his favorite records to play and discuss. A search for his name on the BBC Desert Island Discs site returns no results, so this must have been a different program with the same concept. TIA, hivemind!
Caring for a cloth coffee filter -- how?
How do I care for my reusable cotton (flannel) coffee filter? [more inside]
If this washer's a-rockin'...
We moved into a home that has a front-loading washer on the second floor. We hate it for a number of reasons, mostly because it shakes the whole house when it runs. (It's level and it does it every time regardless of load size.) What can we get that won't break the bank? [more inside]
How do extroverts deal with unexpected alone time?
I'm an extrovert. I can't stand alone time. At all. This may be due to a recent falling out with a few friends making me feel lonelier than usual - I don't know. But recently any large gaps of alone time has made me feel incredibly depressed, often to the point of tears. Extroverts, how do you handle being alone? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 8:50 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Autumn at 8:50 PM PST - 19 comments
The Couch to 5K of Flexibility Training
Can you recommend a "Couch to 5K"-type plan for flexibility training? [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 8:40 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by jedicus at 8:40 PM PST - 7 comments
Everything I need to know about doing an art fair booth?
So I've decided to try my hand at a booth for my photography at art fairs. What do I need to know? [more inside]
posted by notsnot at 8:20 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by notsnot at 8:20 PM PST - 14 comments
My boyfriend spent the day with his female friend, how should I feel?
My boyfriend of 5 months has a great old female friend who he never had any romantic relationship with. We hang out a lot together with her and she is great, but they also spend some time together alone as well (such as occasional dinners and drinks when I am working or in school). My BF rides a motorcycle and loves going out of town during the weekends for the day, I usually sits behind him on the bike. Today I was working and he took his female friend out of town on his bike for the whole day. They went hiking, lunch, swim in an isolated lake, and visited a nice town on a lake.
I know they don’t have any romantic thing going on, but this whole thing bothered me a lot. How should I feel about it? I feel like no other girl would be happy about that, nor he would be happy if I did the same thing with a guy friend. I feel so frustrated by this.
Where to start with an elevated hip?
My right hip joints hurt. I think it's elevated. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by so much modern time at 7:48 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by so much modern time at 7:48 PM PST - 10 comments
Is the transportation/logistics industry worth getting into?
I fell into an entry-level transportation/logistics job. Is it worth following as a career? [more inside]
Score!
So, uh, how does a late 20's professional dude score pot in a pretty straightlaced city? [more inside]
I want to smell nice. I have eczema. How can I do this?
I've been diagnosed with eczema for several years now. I'm fortunate not to have a bad case of it and I don't get many flares, but I know it's partially because I'm very careful about avoiding triggers - I use fragrance-free detergent and soap, I use Cetaphil moisturizer, I take brief, lukewarm baths, I even wash my hair with my head upside-down so the scented shampoo runs off my head instead of down my back. However, I miss using scented lotion and body spray. Is there anything out there for eczema sufferers? [more inside]
Where around Cambrigdge, MA to aquire a better physique.
For the longest time I have been doing some kind of lifting or mild strength training (benching or pushups, curls, etc. mostly free weights) and am in fairly decent but skinny shape. At the moment I am regularly running 5 to 8 miles every other day and, without access to a gym, doing my darnedest to wing it with the free weights I have and pushups. I am looking to put on a good amount of muscle and am willing to put in the time and effort if I can find an approachable and worthwhile gym. Some googling suggests Total Performance Sports might be worth a look. I am a male in my 20s and I'm hoping to do a couple weeks of personal training to help get a routine down. Any suggestions, Hivemind?
Help me live well while my father slowly dies...
My father was given a terminal diagnosis almost a decade ago. I am so lucky that he is still here. But I'm exhausted from living with the specter of his imminent death all these years. And I feel like I've been missing out on living my own life. How do I find more space for myself, even as I try to cherish the time I have with him (which now does seem to be running short)? [more inside]
posted by zahava at 4:55 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by zahava at 4:55 PM PST - 12 comments
Help Me Plan An August Trip to Scotland and Wales
A friend of mine has expressed an interest in spending 10 days in Scotland and Wales toward the end of August. However, she has no idea what she wants to see in either! I lived briefly in London and have traveled around England, but have never been to Wales and haven't been to Scotland beyond a long weekend in Edinburgh and Glasgow. What should we do? What can't we miss? What's the best way to organize the trip? [more inside]
I am Jarritos soda, destroyer of worlds
I picked up a to-go order of food, which included a bottled soda. My hands were full for the walk home, so I put the soda in my shoulder bag so I could carry everything else. When I got home, the soda bottle was empty, and my bag—containing my laptop and iPad—were full of sticky soda. Turns out the server had loosened the bottle cap, but didn't tell me. [more inside]
Best transportation between PHL and ROC?
During the last year, my long-distance boyfriend and I have gotten used to making the trip between NYC and Rochester, NY for weekend visits. Now I'm moving to Philadelphia, and we need a new plan. What's the fastest, least painful, least expensive way to get between Philadelphia and Rochester? [more inside]
Are there still car stereos with decent knobs?
How can I find a decent replacement stereo for my 2005 Audi TT roadster? One with real knobs and no laser light show? [more inside]
Delivering French canapés to a nursing home in Austin, TX: possible?
Through work, I have struck up a correspondence with an extraordinary translator and writer located in Austin, TX. Advancing age, declining health, and (from what I have gleaned) lack of local family members have conspired to put him in a nursing home. He's mentioned a craving for better food -- specifically for French canapés. Is there any French bistro or gourmet market in Austin where I could arrange for some beautifully prepared treats to be delivered to him?
Yellow Watermelon in the Boston Area?
Boyfriend and I had some wonderful watermelon salad at Stella in the south end, for which they gave us the most basic recipe. Tastes delicious, even out of my kitchen, but their version had red and yellow watermelon, and I can only find red. Anybody know of a source in the Boston or north suburban area to find yellow?
How to remove DVD encryption from ISO's
Does anyone know of a method to remove encryption from DVD (movie) ISOs?
I have OSX and Windows at my disposal, and can install any flavor of Linux if it will help solve my problem. [more inside]
Is it possible to keep the collars of white shirts clean, and if so how?
Yellowish stains on the crease and wings of my shirt collars - can they be removed, or should I kill them with fire? Yellow snowflake details inside... [more inside]
Itazura na Kiss, Zainichi Koreans, and Japan
How is the character of Kinnosuke Ikezawa from "Itazura na Kiss" viewed in Japan? [more inside]
Talk me out of law school
Career Change: Nurse or Lawyer [more inside]
How to Refuse a Loaded Request from Boss
My boss just majorly promoted me and then snuck in a weirdly punitive request at the end of what was otherwise an absolutely outstanding/stellar review. Why would he ask this of me in the first place given my promotion, and how can I say no? [more inside]
Vinegratte is kind of...thick. WTF?
I’m roasting some cauliflower, and the recipe I’m using has you make a vinegrette to drizzle on top during the roast. I mixed together EVOO & Balsamic Vinegar... I turned my back to stir the cauliflower and the vinegrette unexpectedly thickened. It's like a thick barbeque sauce consistency instead of suspended particles. What just happened? [more inside]
Can you fly with otitis externa (swimmers' ear)?
I have a nasty case of otitis externa (swimmers' ear) in both ears and am scheduled to fly in three days. The ears are being treated with antibiotics and I have some heavy-duty pain meds, but I can't imagine that it will be totally cleared up in a couple of days. Outer ear canals are swollen pretty much shut (though eardrum is fine). Can I still fly? How can I make it bearable, when just touching my outer ear makes me want to scream?
posted by agent99 at 3:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by agent99 at 3:20 PM PST - 7 comments
How do I find the best route from Seattle to Kampala?
When I say "best," I mean with the least travel time. Cost is a factor, but not the deciding one.
There are dozens of ways to get from Seattle (SEA) to Uganda (EBB), but how can I find the optimal route without sifting through hundreds of less desirable options?
This is for mid-November.
For example, United.com has Seattle > Chicago > London > Kampala, at a travel time of 26 hours and 6,000 miles. But how can I know if there's not something more direct using other airlines?
Many thanks!
posted by Short Attention Sp at 3:17 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Short Attention Sp at 3:17 PM PST - 7 comments
Non-commerical fabric softener for line drying?
I line dry, I want to make my own fabric softener. [more inside]
Is this originally a French proverb? And is my grammar correct?
"Beauty is the sister of vanity and the mother of lust". My translation in to French: "La beauté est la soeur de la vanité et la mère de la luxure."
I originally saw this phrase in French as "La beauté est la sœur de vanité, et la mére et la luxure". So that would roughly translate as "Beauty is the sister of vanity and the mother of lust". I have also seen it expressed in English as "Beauty's sister is vanity, and its daughter lust."
My translation would be: "La beauté est la sœur de vanité, et la fille de la luxure." I asked on Yahoo Answers if my grammar was correct, but one of the responses said it should be "la mère" and not "la fille".
Hence, my question. Is it originally French in origin? And if so, is it mother of lust or daughter of lust? Either way my translation would be:
"La beauté est la soeur de la vanité et la mère de la luxure." Or La beauté est la soeur de la vanité et la fille de la luxure.
Are these two translations grammatically correct?
Also, is La necessary before "beauté"?
posted by mrducts at 2:38 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mrducts at 2:38 PM PST - 9 comments
Short story collections like Skeleton Crew and Night Shift?
If Stephen King's short story collections Skeleton Crew and Night Shift are my favorite short story collections of all time, what other short story collections might I enjoy?
Where can I get three columned index cards?
I'm looking for 3"x5" index cards with a three column layout and with the first horizontal line very thick and visible. I can only find blank, ruled, and grid layouts and I'm getting a little frustrated. [more inside]
posted by Folk at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Folk at 2:15 PM PST - 8 comments
Why Shore I'd Like to Get Out of Paris for the Day!
Help two American first-timers to France choose a town for our "Get out of Paris" day. The catch: it has to be a shore town, somewhere between Le Havre and Dunkirk. [more inside]
Lost cat in Manhattan; need pet detective.
Please recommend a pet detective in Manhattan for my lost cat. [more inside]
Need help drawing human anatomy and perspective again.
Are there any good exercises online (video or otherwise) that help? Or possibly some books? [more inside]
Best option for completing two college math courses
What is the best option for a working professional to complete two undergraduate level math courses - linear algebra and differential equations - in order to bolster my graduate school application? [more inside]
posted by nowoutside at 11:27 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by nowoutside at 11:27 AM PST - 8 comments
Which is better maintaining a cool temp or cooling down a hot house
Which would take less energy - running the AC throughout the day to maintain say 75F (outside 95-100) or letting the house get to 90F+ throughout the day and then cooling it down at night back to 75F?
posted by zeoslap at 10:12 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by zeoslap at 10:12 AM PST - 31 comments
Does this profile secretly spell out "I love Charles Manson"?
I am back in the dating pool and suffering from my worst response rate ever on okc. I'm willing to accept it is just luck, or maybe age, since it's been a few years since I was last here, but I am curious if there is anything that jumps out to people who don't know me. (I've run it by friends, and they think it sounds like me, but they also already know me.) [more inside]
Does my ideal iOS reminder app exist?
I'm looking for specific functionality from a task reminder app. I'd like to be able to schedule regular chores and tasks at specific intervals, but have the next reminder time be automatically updated at the time I complete the task. [more inside]
posted by RobotNinja at 10:09 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by RobotNinja at 10:09 AM PST - 8 comments
Switch from academia to counseling?
I've been working as a non-tenure-track professor in the humanities for the last few years. I'm considering a career shift, and I'm thinking counseling might be a good fit for me. I imagine myself having a private practice where I primarily provide therapy to women. I am hoping this kind of change might offer me more career options and personal fulfillment than what I’m doing now. Still, I'm cautious. I need your wisdom! [more inside]
posted by okaynow at 10:08 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by okaynow at 10:08 AM PST - 6 comments
Going to Thailand on a a whim? Crazy?
I am writing my PhD thesis and this is my final year. I am worn out and it's winter where I am so I saw a nice holiday package for a beach resort in Phuket, 6 nights. I am single and can just take off. Is it crazy to consider this? [more inside]
posted by sabina_r at 9:56 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by sabina_r at 9:56 AM PST - 20 comments
translate this asian-character t-shirt for me?
Having now worn this t-shirt for a few years, perhaps it's time I, you know, learned what it says? It's a nike design, bought something like 4 years ago. I doubt it's anything offensive, but one never knows...flickr photo [more inside]
Caring for brand new tile and grout
When our bathroom renovation is complete this week, our house will have tile and grout for the very first time: white subway tile with light gray grout on the shower walls and porcelain faux slate with dark gray grout on the floor. How do we keep it clean? [more inside]
Google Reader replacement with feeds from folders
One of the nice things about Google Reader was that you could set up a folder and then get an RSS feed from that folder. I used this to put a kind of self-updating blogroll on a WordPress site.
Do any of the alternatives provide the same facility? I can't see it on Feedly or the Old Reader, and can't see it mentioned in earlier threads.
posted by Segundus at 8:48 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Segundus at 8:48 AM PST - 8 comments
basic personality theory textbook
I'm looking for a basic textbook on personality theory. [more inside]
What TV show should I watch next?
I'm looking for an AMAZING show to watch next. Something short-form, well written, emotional, the kind of thing I will tell everybody around me to watch. I don't care what genre it is in. [more inside]
Can I use this bike as furniture?!
I'm bike-sitting for a friend for the next 6 months. Her bike will be in my room. Is there any way that I can make it a functional part of my room? Or, barring that, a more decorative part? (Basically, is there any interesting way to make it look like this bike is intentionally here rather than just a random bike propped up against the wall?)
posted by aaanastasia at 6:24 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by aaanastasia at 6:24 AM PST - 21 comments
How do you remove a remover?
I spilled antifungal nail liquid (undecylenic acid) on the seat cushion of my fabric couch. It dried out before I had a chance to rinse it out. I searched on line for things like "remove antifungal" but just got results like "antifungal removes", "remove antifungal from cell membrane", etc. I called Sally Hansen and they said if water didn't get it out, to go someplace like Home Depot and they would know what to use. I removed the seat cushion cover and tried rinsing it, but it didn't work. Rather than making a trip and possibly finding out that they don't know exactly what to use, or getting sold the wrong thing, can anybody here tell me what to do?
Getting some static seeking this Radio novel...
A few years back, in a dusty Brooklyn used book store I found, purchased, and subsequently lost a novel I've been unable to track down since. [more inside]
posted by erskelyne at 12:32 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by erskelyne at 12:32 AM PST - 4 comments
Music sets my soul alight. How do I actually make it?
I love music and I want to be a person who makes music, but I haven't been very successful with learning an instrument so far. How do I get out of this rut, or am I barking up the wrong tree? Details inside. [more inside]
June 29
Actually, that isn't my name
My name is Stephanie*. I go by Stephanie and always introduce myself that way. People shorten or change my name a lot - I get Steph and Stephie frequently. I don't like this, but can't think of a non-rude, non-awkward way to ask work colleagues and casual acquaintances to quit it (I don't have this problem with friends). How have others dealt with this, or should I just get used to being called Stephie, which makes me feel like some sort of repugnant plush unicorn?
*Ok, not really, but something similar
posted by arnicae at 10:53 PM PST - 83 comments
posted by arnicae at 10:53 PM PST - 83 comments
Help identifying a 1970s comic book where the villain was a gas pump...
Probably early to mid 1970s, color, possible a free giveaway, likely newsprint cover, maybe ecology / gas shortage / conservation themed? Cartoony superhero style probably. I remember getting this as a kid at an outdoor public event on the west coast of BC, Canada - but I assume it wasn't a location-specific comic. It might have been a premium / advertising / educational thing.
I've been trying to identify it for years, but that's about all the info that I can recall. Does this ring a bell with anyone?
I get knocked down, how do I get back up again?
Can you help me get going again?
Over the last decade or so, I feel like I have just been stagnating and everything that was important to me (career, health) seems to be going downhill... can you help me get started again? [more inside]
posted by greta_01 at 8:59 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by greta_01 at 8:59 PM PST - 17 comments
Help me find a movie!
Please help me identify this movie. I've forgotten everything about it except one scene. [more inside]
posted by Thisispiggy at 8:40 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Thisispiggy at 8:40 PM PST - 3 comments
Just stay inside where you're safe kitties!
How can we keep our cats safe when they sneak out the door? [more inside]
Can you help me find a good book on African mythological creatures?
I've found some kids' books and some extremely brief online articles, but not much more than that. Can you help me find something more in-depth?
Books and movies/documentaries about founders/makers/rebels?
What are some great (and accessible) books/movies about people who are founders of companies, people who build things, people who purposefully or inadvertently change the status quo? (Examples after the break) [more inside]
Electric smoker safety questions - help save tomorrow's BBQ!
I just plugged in my Craigslisted electric smoker for the first time and it melted my (short, heavy duty, indoor/outdoor, properly rated) extension cord. Do I buy another extension cord and try again, or is this thing a fire waiting to happen? [more inside]
Laundry problem - any hope for food stains I already dried?
I washed some clothes (cotton-heavy colors) and dried them, and they have dark food stains on them. Is there anything that could possibly get the stains out at this point? Ideally I'd prefer to use a spray or something easy to use, but soaking is an option if I can do it in a bin in my tub. [more inside]
Should I plead guilty?
I caused some very minor damage (probably less than $100 worth) to the gutter of a storage unit building, by driving a truck in too tight a turn. The storage unit business had just had a bad experience with a similar accident, which destroyed one of their buildings. As a result, the receptionist was conditioned to respond very aggressively, and immediately called the police. The police told me that because it had been called in, they had to give me a citation for an "improper right turn." They gave me paperwork to send in, and told me I should decide how I want to plead. I said of course I'd plead guilty, since there is video footage of my mistake. The police seemed noncommittal, though, replying "Yeah, well just decide how you want to plead and send it in." So, is there any reason why I would not plead guilty to this? Is it worth talking to a lawyer about? [more inside]
Potassium Prevarications?
FDA recommends 4700mg of potassium intake per day. That translates to appr. 11 bananas or 5 unpeeled potatos, to pick two common and beloved examples among potassium-richest foods. Various other foods (dairy, nuts/seeds, fruit) also offer up to a few hundred mg per serving. But how is anyone able to meet 4700mg without overeating, especially those who are active and lose potassium through exercise/sweat? [more inside]
posted by taramosalata at 3:28 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by taramosalata at 3:28 PM PST - 12 comments
Shading in Gmail Icon
In my (Firefox) bookmark list, the Gmail icon is a wide red "M" with thin black lines continuing the inner strokes of the M over to the opposite feet of the letter. This leaves two white triangles below the middle strokes of the M.
For no reason I can figure out, the right-hand triangle is sometimes shaded gray. What does this mean? (I know that it doesn't mean i have unread messages or un-sent drafts.)
How can I get over a mild fear of heights and enjoy my balcony?
I live on the 24th floor of a highrise apartment building. I have a kick-ass balcony. Seriously, the view is incredible, and I get some amazing afternoon sun. However, I also have a mild (??) fear of heights that keeps me from really appreciating it. Now that our fleeting summer's here, I've realized I don't want to go another year not being able to enjoy my balcony! [more inside]
How to make people stop explaining simple English words to me?
I speak English with a foreign accent. Some people assume I don't speak Engish as well as them. And then speak to me like I'm a child. How can I tell them to stop? [more inside]
posted by mkdirusername at 1:50 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by mkdirusername at 1:50 PM PST - 38 comments
Cirque du Soleil tickets--now or later?
I'm going to see Cirque du Soleil Mystere in Las Vegas on July 31st. Should I buy tickets now or wait until I get there? [more inside]
Is there a history of librarian collusion and resistance to repression?
In this New Yorker blog post, Internet Archive's Brewster Kahle mentions this in an answer: "Libraries have had a long history of dealing with authoritarian organizations demanding reader records—who’s read what—and this has led to people being rounded up and killed. As a librarian, you take this very, very seriously." Is there a concise history of this somewhere?
Is a "thank you" expected for a greeting card?
If I get a greeting card in the mail, am I expected to reach out and say "thank you" right away, or is it OK to wait until I happen to come into contact with them? If I forget to say it when I see them, is this something that somebody would be offended by? [more inside]
New Router - What (else) can I do with it?
So I've upgraded my router recently (old one was 10+ years old). I also have a nice Samsung Smart TV, and a Macbook Pro laptop. I use the router simply for wireless internet on the laptop, and some basic apps on the smartTV. What else can I do? [more inside]
Can you sell the opportunity to post ads on a private facebook group?
A professional association (non-profit) of which I am a member has a private facebook group and a dead-tree newsletter. Advertising a job opportunity in the newsletter costs a few tens of dollars. The association wants to include the advert on the Facebook group as part of that fee, and prevent anyone posting a vacancy on Facebook unless they pay the same fee.
Aside from its innate stupidity (these jobs are always on mailing lists, LinkedIn, twitter and so on anyway) this feels to me like it must be in breach of Facebook's TOS somehow. But googling "pay to advertise|post| on facebook" just leads to SEO-marketing hell, and it would be a real shame if the organisation gets its group banned or closed.
Does anyone have any idea if this is a legitimate thing to do?
Leaking flat roof on relatively new house in NM => pvc membrane roof?
Our house is a six year old flat roofed house in New Mexico. Every time it rains or snows, the roof leaks in several places. We've gone up there with tar and sealant about 5 times in 18 months. Sometimes we fix it, but not before another leak forms elsewhere.
We invited several membrane type roof vendors over for estimates and they range from $20K-$26K for a roof with a lifetime guarantee.
The membrane roofing seems like a good idea. Does anyone have experience or advice with finding a permanent solution to a leaking flat roof.
posted by alcahofa at 12:29 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by alcahofa at 12:29 PM PST - 9 comments
Textbook Cross-reference for different editions
Is there some place I can find cross-reference guides to match up material and problem sets between different editions of the same textbook (specifically math textbooks) ? [more inside]
posted by marsha56 at 11:45 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by marsha56 at 11:45 AM PST - 4 comments
We're hard on food processors. Help us find a new one?
Our family has burned through two Cuisinart 11-cup models in five years. I'm trying to find something more robust in between the ubiquitous Cuisinart/KitchenAid models and $1000+ restaurant equipment. [more inside]
posted by werkzeuger at 11:39 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by werkzeuger at 11:39 AM PST - 15 comments
Moving for job prospects versus moving to your dream city
Pondering my options (kind of far in advance, it is summer I have a lot of free time to think about life and stuff) for when I finish grad school about a year from now. I feel like it would be logical to move to DC if I can't find a job in my current location, but have always wanted to live in Boston. What sort of thought processes have you gone through when making similar decisions about where to settle? How did it work out? And what are your thoughts on DC versus Boston for job prospects? [more inside]
Putting the bun IN the oven isn't so easy
He says he's on board with making babies, but can't wrap his brain around actually doing it. More inside. [more inside]
posted by coolsara at 11:29 AM PST - 32 comments
posted by coolsara at 11:29 AM PST - 32 comments
A phone smart enough to cross the Atlantic?
I am in the U.S. and in need of a new smartphone. Catch is that I am temporarily relocating to Europe in a few months, for 9-18 months. Do I sign a contract? Buy a phone and switch to a European provider when I get there? What kind of phone do I get? [more inside]
Amtrak tips and tricks
This August my best friend and I are going from Minneapolis to Seattle and then on to Oakland via Amtrak. What useful things don't we know about long distance train travel? What should we take to eat? [more inside]
Help me rig my air conditioner
My apartment has a heater/air conditioner combo-unit that looks like this. It outputs cold air via the vents along the top. PROBLEM: There's no way to direct the air flow. This means it's pointed at my desk (BrrrRRRrr!!!) but it's not sending cool air to the rest of the room (HOT!). Can you think of anything clever I can clip to the front vents to redirect at least some of that air?! [more inside]
Steering wheel on a tank?
Can a tank have a steering wheel? How does it work? [more inside]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 10:50 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 10:50 AM PST - 7 comments
Can I get this caftan cheaper?
I Want It Now Filter - footstamp mix: I want to get this caftan and swan around in it all summer, I do not want to pay AUS 500 for it. Does anybody know where I can get a dupe for it, or some similar fabric?
Should I get Comcast's new X2 DVR box?
Does anyone have the new Comcast X2 box? Can you let me know what you think of it? Is it slow as dirt? Can you forward through commercials on recorded shows with ease? Can you access content easily? Do you prefer it to their previous DVR box?
Cheapest Place to buy new MacBooks?
Looking to purchase a new, non-refurbished 13.3" MacBook Air with the following specifications:
128 gb flash storage
1.7 ghz Intel Core i7 processor
8 GB RAM
Apple store for education has it for $1279. Any website that would have it any cheaper? I've checked amazon and new egg and neither have the exact model I want. Probably can't get it any cheaper, but just wanted to check.
Thanks for your help!
posted by sunshine37 at 9:25 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by sunshine37 at 9:25 AM PST - 10 comments
Hitch hiking snails?
We have a fish tank (freshwater). We had two yellow apple snails, they died. Last weekend I found two large brown snails in a local lake. We added them to the tank. Now we have two large snails and at least 15 identically-sized small snails (just under half an inch or so in diameter). Where did they come from? [more inside]
Friend just gave birth. Leaving her husband. What does she need to know?
Not the happiest circumstances to bring a new child into this world. After years of supporting her husband, financially and emotionally, she's reached her limit. He's dealing with some addiction issues, and has become increasingly hostile with the birth of this baby. Maybe they'll work this out one day, but right now she doesn't feel safe, has filled her car with personal belongings and is staying with family. She left him a lengthy note, but does not want to talk to him in the next few days. This has been a long time coming, and while I don't imagine it will be a surprise—his family has actually encouraged her to do this—he won't react well.
What sort of legal precautions should she begin taking? [more inside]
What makes a propaganda film?
How can a film rely solely on the opinions/viewpoint of a (social, political) activist without ultimately becoming a propaganda piece? If a movie focuses on an activist, does it have to feature his/her dissidents for it to be objective? Can't the film just allow for this person to tell his/her story and still not be classified as being sympathetic towards him/her? Are there any prominent examples of films that focus on such figures, for which the filmmakers have been later praised/vilified? [more inside]
Pro-Choice Literature
Finding a solicitor in Edinburgh.
I am an American moving to Edinburgh soon from the Netherlands, and I want to begin speaking with a solicitor about what steps I need to take to prepare to purchase a home within the next year (or even sooner if possible). I need someone who has experience working with foreigners. I want to work with someone who is knowledgeable and a straightforward communicator. A personal recommendation from someone with prior experience buying or selling in Scotland would be helpful. Any agencies or individuals that you had a good experience with?
Where to get a good chop?
Bostonians/Cantibridgians/Somervillagers:
Know anywhere to get a WICKED AWESOME haircut for around 60 bucks? Bonus points for being near inman. Not looking for anything crazy-fashion, just something easy to take care of, chic, doesn't require blowdrying, bonus points if it has a slimming effect. (if you have anything specific to suggest along these lines, send me a picture!) Don't mind waiting a bit for an appointment, but probably not more than a month.
Ipad puzzlegames
My dad has an ipad 3 and he recently discovered that he can play games on it. He loves games like Machinarium and The Room, were you have to think and solve puzzles. Do you know any other games like that? He has an upcoming birthday and I want to give him a list of games he can play.
Visiting Japan -- September or October weather?
I'd like to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, somewhere between Sept-Oct. Ideally, I'd like to go when the weather is ~70F (~20C), and not raining cats and dogs. [more inside]
Career vs. SAHM
Seeking wisdom from the experienced: pros and cons of working full time vs. raising kids full time ? [more inside]
Great speeches in Spanish?
I am looking for short videos with examples of good public speaking in Spanish. I'd like to avoid English with Spanish subtitles, and I realized that I don't have many (any) examples from the Spanish-speaking world, so I've come to you for help. I don't necessarily mean grand political speeches - story-telling (Moth-like?), spoken word (would love to see this), monologues from plays, even rousing sports speeches from movies - all would work. [more inside]
June 28
How can I deal with a hostile coworker in a professional setting?
I'm currently working at a small (less than 40 people) engineering office with a former classmate. Both of us have been there for about half a year, so we're relatively new to the company/industry. This former classmate is angry at me to the extent that at a happy hour with about ten of our coworkers, she reamed me out while talking to another coworker (speaking loudly enough that she knew I could hear, and dropping enough hints that this coworker would know who she was talking about without out and out saying it). I would like to be able to leave this outside the office as the "issue" is not related to our work, and I am more than capable of still interacting with her professionally (I don't know if she is though). How should I go about dealing with this situation? Should I just ignore it/her or should I confront her quietly either via email or person to person? (see special snowflake details below) [more inside]
posted by pianohands at 11:38 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by pianohands at 11:38 PM PST - 10 comments
What to name this word game app?
My husband built an android app that is one of those word games where you are given a rack of seven letters and have to find as many words using those letters as you can. It's basically a Scrabble trainer, but he wants/needs to avoid using the word Scrabble in the name so as not to piss off Hasbro. What should he name it instead? [more inside]
How do healthy people feel in the morning?
I’m not sure what I should be expecting anymore. How I feel, energy-wise, especially in the morning, varies quite a bit depending on... well, so many factors I can't keep track of them all. I want to know what I should be aiming for as I work with my doctors (or, perhaps, hoping for at some indefinite point in the future if I can't influence it now). [more inside]
Analytic Philosophy: Word games?
Recently I've been listening to some very interesting podcasts on the mind-body problem and I've been caught up in the various different approaches that one can take to the problem. I was really excited until, upon further reflection, it seemed to me that most of what we use to attack this problem in America (analytic philosophy) is basically just word games, logic puzzles and thought experiments, with no real basis in reality. Help? [more inside]
Coworker is not taking constructive criticism well
I'm working on a group project that involves the group doing a lot of review and critique of each other's work before it becomes the final product. A coworker is not taking the criticism well and I'm trying to understand what is the best way for *me* to handle this and also what is reasonable for me to expect from the coworker. [more inside]
posted by Tandem Affinity at 9:07 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by Tandem Affinity at 9:07 PM PST - 24 comments
Roadside Visual Pollution?
I'm looking for a term to describe this - a barrage of garish commercial signage, on the roadside in suburban or rural areas - so I can find more high res, creative commons licensed pictures of it.
posted by phrontist at 8:49 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by phrontist at 8:49 PM PST - 10 comments
What are the best cities to launch a freelance career (cost of living)?
I currently live in NYC - uber-expensive. I'm planning to quit my job very soon (maybe Monday) and go fulltime with my own consulting business. Its technology related and I've had 2 clients thus far and I have evidence I can charge a sizable hourly rate and there's a market for it, but I haven't had time to really market it and the biggest problem is I am not available to make sales calls during the day. I've had inquires from Fortune 100 companies where I come off totally unprofessional unable to even schedule a call during business hours so I think its time to free up my schedule. [more inside]
Recommend me a new kitchen faucet, please
I have a four-hole sink with a gooseneck Moen. The cartridges seem to leak quickly in my experience and are expensive to replace. Is there a plumber here who agrees?
I'm sick of dealing with this endlessly leaky nightmare, and I'm about ready to replace the whole faucet. Does anybody make a good faucet with simple washers anymore? I don't mind replacing those!
Short question: I want a recommendation for the simplest and most sensible faucet there is. My absolute top price is $200. Must be gooseneck and must not be Moen. I'd prefer to pay $100.
Or explain to why Moens are actually okay and that I should just tough it out.
I'm Thinking of Backpacking in South America
I'm thinking of backpacking in South America. Does anyone have experience with doing this? [more inside]
How accurate is the white house siege in the film "Olympus Has Fallen"?
I read online that the director did a lot of research and consulted with military experts on how an actual terrorist siege on the white house could work. Of course, he also said that white house security experts have already planned for such an attack.
I'm curious what would have been done differently in real life by the white house and DC security?
posted by Wanderer7 at 7:34 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Wanderer7 at 7:34 PM PST - 10 comments
Why offer a witness who may hurt your case?
Martin/Zimmerman filter: Why did the prosecution call John Good to testify today, knowing Good would say Martin was on top of Zimmerman making 'downward motions' with his arm? IANAL, but if you are, or not -- help me understand the calculation.
posted by LonnieK at 5:05 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by LonnieK at 5:05 PM PST - 20 comments
A la recherce de temps perdu in Rockaway Beach
My dad, who has some health problems that limit his mobility and sometimes his mental acuity, asked me to investigate the possibility of spending 3 days at the beach near where he grew up, which is Belle Harbor. I live in Brooklyn but don't know anything about Belle Harbor, including exactly what it is. I think it's more or less the same as Rockaway Beach, and I've found some rental bungalows around Beach 110th Street. My question--is that where Belle Harbor is, and could my mom and dad and I enjoy three days there with no car? Given that leisure activities could basically be the beach and just my dad soaking up the nostalgic vibe of his native 'hood, could we find restaurants, simple groceries, a quiet bar and other essentials within a very limited walking distance?
Help me brainstorm presentation ideas for higher ed job interview
I have to give a 10-minute presentation as part of a job interview for a career advisor and instructor position in the career services office of the business school at a large public university. I'm having trouble coming up with ideas, and would love some help brainstorming. Details inside. [more inside]
Resources to help locate campgrounds in the PNW
You are driving through the PNW. Suddenly, you become [tired/inspired by the scenery]. You wish to find a place to camp in your vicinity.
>OPEN GLOVEBOX
>LOOK MAGIC CAMPING MAP [more inside]
Use for betel leaf/la trau (Piper betle)?
I took a risk and bought a small package of "la trau" leaves, not knowing what they were, hoping I could use them to make wraps of some kind. Research when I got home showed them to be betel leaf, the medicinal kind. I'm not going to try the traditional route of finding an areca nut and slaked lime to wrap up and chew (gross), so can I do anything else with them? [more inside]
posted by WasabiFlux at 3:42 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by WasabiFlux at 3:42 PM PST - 6 comments
Where can I find a list of accounting software that uses an SQL backend?
Doing research for an Exec about software that can integrate with SQL-based accounting software. She's going to want a list of her options. [more inside]
posted by alice_curiouse at 3:22 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by alice_curiouse at 3:22 PM PST - 11 comments
hello history wonks!
I am looking for quirky, engaging or art & music related US & world history media. [more inside]
Help me convert this graph into a table.
I have a bitmap of a chart (in polar coordinates) that I would like to convert into a format that some plotting package can recognize, and then retrieve values from the chart at specific intervals. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 2:15 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by tylerkaraszewski at 2:15 PM PST - 7 comments
HVAC hacks for a VERY large space?
The organization I run rents a large, old theater for once-a-week film screenings. Problem: the air conditioning is broken, and the theater doesn't have the capital to fix it before the summer ends. But we have screenings scheduled weekly through the end of August. Are there any good ways to keep a large space cool without a working AC system? (How did people keep cool in indoor spaces historically, pre-AC?) [more inside]
posted by bubukaba at 1:11 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by bubukaba at 1:11 PM PST - 22 comments
There are a lot of things I need to protest and I need help
Is there a website that exists that does all or most of the following:
a) bring up notices of new laws that are trying to be passed (and offers a listserv or something) and gives a timeframe for actions you should take
c) provides info on who to write to/call about the issue
d) lists any active petitions related to the issue or links to petition sites to create petitions
e) allows a system for informing people of or setting up protest times and locations
f) provides basic printable legal information as a resource for potential protesters [more inside]
Let them Eat Cake
You've got a City Market near you, and you've ordered (or eaten) their cake. How was the customer service, and, more importantly, the cake?
Text Messaging is Overrated...?
I can't find a text messaging app that does everything I want, so I use multiple apps and confuse my friends with multiple phone numbers. Is there a better way? [more inside]
staying cool on Kauai
We're traveling to Kauai next week, staying in Kekaha. I need some ideas for staying cool, especially at night. [more inside]
posted by oneirodynia at 12:31 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by oneirodynia at 12:31 PM PST - 17 comments
Best place to watch the New York City July 4th Fireworks
It's that time of year again, and ever since the fireworks moved to the West side, it's been a struggle to sort out the best place to watch them.
How far north/south do I have to go to NOT battle the insane crowds? [more inside]
Tweets with links don't show up in hashtag search.
Need twitter help. My tweets with links don't show up in hashtag searches, but my tweets withOUT links do show up. Has anyone had this same problem? How did you fix it, if ever? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 11:49 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by bluelight at 11:49 AM PST - 7 comments
Can I put something bad-tasting on my hands to discourage bitey cat?
I have an adult (5ish years old) foster cat who is very friendly and mostly trusts us (we've had her for over 2 years now). She's very loving but is very much her own cat, and would prefer her space be respected at times. I'd like for her to express her moods in non-biting ways. [more inside]
posted by amtho at 11:32 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by amtho at 11:32 AM PST - 24 comments
Analysing email for statistics
I have over 10 years of sent email sitting in a folder. Are there any tools (preferably for OS X or *nix, but anything interesting is welcome) that I can use to generate interesting statistics, or draw pretty graphs, word clouds... basically anything interesting that works on a huge number of emails.
Best hair products for short fine wavy hair
I recently have gotten a hair cut that looks best when I wear my hair wavy. In the past when I wear my hair wavy the results have been mixed. Sometimes it looks great, and others dull and frizzy. I have tried a different types of products and find most of it to be inconsistent. Since my hair is shorter now and can't go to a pony tail, I am having to suffer through the bad hair days. Are there any products or styling regimines to have this happen as little as possible? [more inside]
I think I got ripped off by contractor - need a reality check.
Is it normal for a concrete contractor to charge more than the price quoted because he needed to use more materials than he thought he would? [more inside]
Radiant Heat Effect on Global Warming
Does the mass of human construction radiate enough heat to contribute to global warming? [more inside]
posted by Leenie at 10:28 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Leenie at 10:28 AM PST - 11 comments
Buying an older diesel car (80's) for daily use
I am looking to buy an 81 VW Rabbit diesel (turbo diesel, non-intercooled) as a daily driver. I have experience with gasoline engines, and routine maintenance, but diesels are new to me. [more inside]
Calling them would be too easy
Making the switch from Verizon to AT&T and I have a few basic questions. [more inside]
posted by Diskeater at 9:27 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Diskeater at 9:27 AM PST - 9 comments
Can I get perfectly centered business cards printed?
I want to get business cards with borders. I was looking at moo, and they recommend not using a border because cropping may not be even on all sides. I'm not talking about scientific precision, but I would like my cards to appear even on all sides. Is this realistic, and are there other companies that do this better? I would also like to be able to get rounded corners and some sort of smooth matte or glossy finish on both sides.
Andy Capp Hot Fries
Was there ever an instance of Andy Capp actually eating "hot fries" in the actual comic strip either as a basis for product as a cross promotion later?
What can I use to test responsive web design?
What tool can I use to test out media queries/responsive web design with my PC? I can see that they're working on actual mobile devices, but the changes aren't showing up in any of the browser-based tools I've tried. [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van at 8:39 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ludwig_van at 8:39 AM PST - 11 comments
Speed me up!
I've noticed recently that my "natural speed" for various mundane physical tasks eg hanging out washing, folding clothes, putting stuff away, and even getting out the car, grabbing my stuff and shutting the door, is slower than average. How can I get faster at these things without feeling like I'm rushing (and slightly stressed)? [more inside]
what should i line my kitchen cabinets with?
I started moving into my apartment last night and found they had painted the insides of all the cabinets and drawers with brown matte paint. It feels gross and I know will be a pain to clean. So what should I line them with? [more inside]
posted by secretdawn at 8:06 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by secretdawn at 8:06 AM PST - 9 comments
Need to up my chicken & vegetables game.
We do chicken and vegetables for dinner at least twice a week because it's quick, easy, cheap, and healthy. But it is so BORING! I think I need seasoning help. [more inside]
House buying nightmare. How do do this when I have challenging dependant
We need to sell hour house on contingent due to my elderly father, 2 dogs, and a toddler. Sellers don't seem to like contingency. We're passing up buyers because we have nowhere to go. Need a new plan. Suggestions? [more inside]
How to make simple 3d images
Hello Graphics Minded MeFiers. How can I (ungraphics minded MeFier) make a simple 3d image like the one posted below? I have spent a week or so with several programs but all have proven too complicated or look too ugly. Isn't there a simple program out there that I can "paint" 3d ribbons with like in the linked image? thanks all!
http://imgur.com/QB3Aisg
I can't sleep. I like sleep.
I usually sleep OK. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep (mind racing, problems at work, etc, etc) but once I'm out, I'm out. I'll wake up once a night maybe to take a leak, but other than that, I'm good. Now, not so much. [more inside]
Food and cooking on a budget in Manhattan?
How does one do food shopping and eat healthily on a very constrained budget in Manhattan?
I'm looking for resources: specific stores that have 'dented' food items, websites for good local deals, etc. [more inside]
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 5:18 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 5:18 AM PST - 21 comments
What's the best short term high speed cellular data solution?
I'm taking a 10 day driving trip from Atlanta to Cooperstown (and back) in about two weeks. I want to be able to connect multiple devices, so a hotspot is needed. Where is the sweet spot in terms of initial investment, bandwidth allowance and data rate with no contract?
Adventures in Napoli
I'm heading to Napoli (Naples) from Rome in three hours. Napoli being Napoli, and apparently totally odd, a friend of mine suggested turning the 36 hours over to Metafilter, an idea I love. So please give me an adventure! [more inside]
I Do Not Want My Silence to Be Used Against Me. What's the Script?
I've only today discovered the SCOTUS ruling of Salinas vs. Texas and want to ensure I understand it and know what to say if I'm ever talking (especially informally) to the police.
As previously discussed, this ruling determined that unless a person specifically invokes the right to remain silent at any time when speaking with police, their silence can be used against them.
YANAL, YANML, and I am not looking here to critique this ruling, what I'm looking for is an exact script to say to the police whenever I'm talking to them. [more inside]
posted by kinetic at 4:51 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by kinetic at 4:51 AM PST - 19 comments
Dealing with casual bigotry?
What strategies do people have to deal with casual bigots when the situation mandates basic politeness? [more inside]
posted by Cannon Fodder at 4:44 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by Cannon Fodder at 4:44 AM PST - 28 comments
Romances like Georgette Heyer
I love Georgette Heyer's regency romances, but as I'm not regular romance reader, the signal to noise ratio when trying to find something similar is very low. My searches have yielded mixed results, can you help? [more inside]
posted by smoke at 3:15 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by smoke at 3:15 AM PST - 24 comments
How Are School Libraries Different Now than 20 Years Ago?
How Are School Libraries Different Now than 20 Years Ago? [more inside]
Looking for Durians and Fritessaus in SF Bay Area
Hi all!
I'm looking for some very specific foodstuffs while looking in the SF bay area: fresh durians and the Dutch Fritessaus. That said, I have no idea where to start looking for these sorts of things. Where are some good places to look at for these items?
Thanks!
posted by pipian at 2:00 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by pipian at 2:00 AM PST - 8 comments
UK Do I have to "register" a business name to do business under a name?
I'm in London UK and I'm working for as an independent consultant for some businesses in the UK and Overseas (non EU). Currently I'm trading under my given name but I'm wondering if I can just start using a business name instead. just for the appearance of more "professionalism".
Can I just start using "XYZ Consulting" as my business name on contracts and invoices etc? Or do I have to do I have to register something. I"m not that fussed about limited liability etc. [more inside]
June 27
My feet hurt
I am looking for good sneakers to wear while exercising. I have high arches, small (size 6 women's) wide feet, and all the shoes I've tried don't stop the pain when I do lunges, jumping jacks, or yoga poses where I stand on one foot. [more inside]
posted by k8lin at 8:46 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by k8lin at 8:46 PM PST - 29 comments
Best point and shoot camera with wireless photo upload
I just broke my point and shoot camera and want to replace it with something more modern. I have a 4GB eye-if SD card that I configured to auto-upload to my online photo storage for me, but I'd like to find a camera that has this feature built in.
A quick google (an 4 hours later), it doesn't seem like I can find such a camera -- is my google searching rusty, or is the camera market missing "automatic, easy picture upload" as a built in feature? I don't want to use my eye-if anymore. Any suggestions for a camera that does it all?
Famous cases where nobody remembers the original complaint?
Windsor v. US will be remembered as a decision on gay marriage but was originally a question of estate taxes. Griswold v. Connecticut is remembered as a decision on constitutional protection of privacy, but it was filed to challenge a statute prohibiting contraception. Capone v. US is the trial that shut down a notorious gangster, smuggler, and murderer, but the specific charge was tax evasion. What other examples are there of famous cases where the actual complaint has become kind of obscure for most laymen? Is there a term for this sort of case?
What size security deposit should I require for a 1-month sublet?
I'm subletting my room in a Capitol Hill, Washington DC rowhouse for 1 month. I pay $1250 for rent, and I'm thinking about charging $1050 in rent for a subletter to make sure I get someone for July. My security deposit with the landlord is about $1000. The landlord knows I'm subletting it and is totally OK with it, as long as I'm responsible for any potential damage. So would it be unreasonable to require a $1000 security deposit for a 1-month sublet? How about $750? $500? [more inside]
1979 HBO show Whodunit : The Greatest Unsolved Myseries
I have been dipping in and out trying to track this show down. I had previously been looking for the clip on the Zodiac killer when I posted this specific question on the Zodiac in 2009. [more inside]
posted by snap_dragon at 6:00 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by snap_dragon at 6:00 PM PST - 6 comments
Is there a free program similar to illustrator that I can use on a mac?
I'm a teacher and would like to make a few custom posters for my classroom for next year. I'm pretty decent with Illustrator but don't want to invest in it for rare projects such as this. I need something that will let me a bit more nuanced formatting than just a word doc. Any ideas?
What word-guessing game site did I go to? I can't find it anymore.
The computer I was using at the time is gone, so I don't have the bookmark. Google hasn't helped. I'm hoping someone here knows what I'm talking about. [more inside]
posted by cellura p at 5:26 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by cellura p at 5:26 PM PST - 2 comments
The reeducation of an English major
Having spent the last few years as an attorney, I am contemplating returning to school, with the goal of eventually doing a PhD in Political Science. Potential issue: my background is not in Political Science. How best to fill in the gaps? [more inside]
iMac burn-in?
Considering this desktop screenshot, am I right in thinking my iMac's screen has burned in? You can see the outline of Twitter and Mail. I have a 27" iMac (core i7). Kinda bent about it.
I want to start learning how to DJ digitally immediately
Pretty much what it says in the question title. I have no idea what the current state of software is- Serato? Traktor? Who uses what, and what's best for a beginner? Are skills learned in one program easily transferable to another, or do the workflows differ significantly between software packages? [more inside]
posted by Merzbau at 4:40 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Merzbau at 4:40 PM PST - 12 comments
How to spell "love" in Lao?
I tried google Translate and got a bunch of spellings, but many of them had different senses of the word. I want the one that means love as both a noun and a verb- like we do in English. It's going to be a tat, so I don't want to accidently be wearing something on my body that's lewd. [more inside]
Where can my wife go to be given injections in the Houston area?
My wife will be traveling in a couple of weeks to Houston, and will also be on a series of injections for IVF at the same time. Unfortunately she is unable to do the injection herself (physically and mentally) so will need someone to administer the shots. [more inside]
Are my gauged ears a lost cause?
I'm having some issues with my 2g ear holes. Perhaps you could help me address them. [more inside]
Help me not focus on my lust for a guy that's bad for me.
About a month ago, I started dating an absolutely lovely man, and I immediately called things off with my friend with benefits at the time without much in the way of closure. I'm enjoying my time with the dating guy A LOT, but the fwb is texting and calling and I feel tempted. Help me with brain hacks to let go of this lust. [more inside]
Travel videos for download
Inspired by these posts, can you direct me to other videos of train rides (or boat rides) that are available for download in high quality? I have a digital picture frame that plays videos and I'd like to find a few nice videos to play in it.
Which Selling Platform is Best?
I am working on a list since 2004 that I think would be salable. It's publicly available contact information for radio, TV, magazines, syndicates, newspapers, book publishers and agents. I'm a freelancer and I originally started it because I wanted to be able to reach these sources to interest them in my content. But I realized it could be a product. [more inside]
How can I handle a web designer working for our competitors?
I'd like to hire a web design and marketing company that is specialized in my industry. They provide the best product out there -- great sites, great logos, great marketing with super industry knowledge. I noticed that our #1 competitor in the local area has a website "under construction" and a new site coming soon from this same marketing company. How can I handle this situation? [more inside]
posted by htid at 1:18 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by htid at 1:18 PM PST - 22 comments
Dev help: Facebook invites, mobile apps, custom strings?
Calling other developers:
I've got an app right now with a problem that I'm butting my head against... [more inside]
Trampoline + uterus.
What did I just do? [more inside]
Jamaican Wedding License in Italy
I've taken an exciting job in Italy! Everything has gone well with the immigration process for me, but I'd also like my wife to get here too... [more inside]
How do we collaborate on a video online?
A number of us want to collaborate on a web video. Basically, we'd love to find a site where each of us could record a short clip via web cam and someone could edit them all together. Nothing fancy, just a video like those super cuts of a character doing a signature phrase over and over again.
Are there any sites that make this easy?
Movies/television shows: Ordering food or drinks in an outrageous manner
I am looking for suggestions where characters order food or drinks in an outrageous manner. The scene can take place at a restaurant or bar (not a private party). Their behavior can be funny, rude, or just strange. It is not about what they order, but how they do it. [more inside]
Is NYC the only city in America that is off-limits?
I've long considered New York City to be the one place in America that your normal person just can't live in. Generally speaking, is it? Can someone making very little money thrive there? Tips? Advice? Stories? [more inside]
posted by signondiego at 12:46 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by signondiego at 12:46 PM PST - 33 comments
What are some actor-friendly jobs?
Hello, MetaFilter peeps! I am funemployed (mostly unemployed, maybe had too much fun and now not having much at all) and trying to find a job that is flexible enough for me to audition and take some classes. I feel like I am doing this wrong - how do I look for a job outside of my usual network of soul-crushing, time-sucking production gigs? [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 12:26 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by ablazingsaddle at 12:26 PM PST - 29 comments
iPod stolen by a superhero
Since returning from a Palo Duro Canyon (Texas) trip, I’ve been torturing myself: How the heck was my iPod stolen from my car? Is there such thing as an alarm-disabling device? Is The Flash alive and well, phasing through car doors to swiftly swipe 7+-year-old iPod Nanos?
I’m anal retentive about the alarm/locks. I always set the alarm. It’s ingrained in me.
The storage compartment between the front seats was opened and left open, and the auxiliary cable and iPod were taken. The back armrest was pulled down and left down. Nothing else was gone from the car – not the few dollars stuffed into the ashtray, not my camping gear, not my delicious fruit and nut hiking snacks. [more inside]
posted by bakedbeets at 11:51 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by bakedbeets at 11:51 AM PST - 18 comments
Is there a good replacement for BBC Mundo Radio?
I am looking for a good replacement for a dearly-departed Spanish language news podcast, BBC Mundo Radio. [more inside]
Did I ask for too much money?
I’m being laid off, and my exit interview is tomorrow. I would like to ask the HR manager’s advice on what salary I should request at my next job. Help me work out how to phrase my question, please. [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 11:24 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Kriesa at 11:24 AM PST - 16 comments
It looks nice, but....
They finished painting my house today, and the bill is exactly as I expected. However, I didn't exactly get the service that I expected, although the house looks great. Is it too late to try to negotiate a lower rate? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 11:08 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by anastasiav at 11:08 AM PST - 29 comments
Anyone else have a sexist mom?
Looking for recommended feminist reading as well as personal anecdotes towards helpful dialogue with Mom, and to examine and deal with the crazy, effed up, sexist ideas with which I was raised and may have accepted as normal and true. [more inside]
Half-remembered children's book of creation myths
I actually am not sure if I'm asking about one book that had a few creation myths in it, or a few books, each with one creation myth. I'm hoping for the former! [more inside]
posted by spindrifter at 9:59 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by spindrifter at 9:59 AM PST - 5 comments
Cape Cod Rentals
I'm totally overwhelmed by the rental market for Cape Cod. Seeking info and/or recommendations. [more inside]
Rockets and Tubes: Why not?
Why do we not launch rockets out of tubes? If the most expensive bits of launching a rocket are the first few feet off the ground, why don't we put the rockets into a tube to make launching more efficient? [more inside]
posted by Freen at 9:45 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Freen at 9:45 AM PST - 13 comments
I am undergoing chemotherapy. It is very difficult to get marijuana.
My situation. About 2/3 months ago I happily said goodbye to a massive tumor I had apparently been gestating in my intestine. I am receiving FOLFOX chemotherapy. The primary thing that is keeping me functioning, working and being a parent is marijuana. Which I have to buy on the street to the tune of about 800 bucks a month. I have spoken to my oncologist. I have spoken to my pain management team. No one will help me get what I need: a prescription/license for pot and sufficient financial help or program to be able to afford it. Where in Ottawa can I be connected to a network or physician who can help me? And I mean now. I need someone to carry the water for me because I am somewhat shattered. [more inside]
posted by One Hand Slowclapping at 9:40 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by One Hand Slowclapping at 9:40 AM PST - 8 comments
Vegan cooling: Mirrors on the roof?
I have lots of mirrors. Put them on the roof? Y/N, Why. [more inside]
posted by SlyBevel at 9:36 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by SlyBevel at 9:36 AM PST - 29 comments
School me about ODesk
Someone just turned me on to ODesk.com. I am going to need several demo videos edited over the next month and I'm interested in using ODesk to find a video editor to do this. Having registered, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the thousands of freelancers who seemingly fit my requirements. Give me your ODesk tips and tricks please. How can I get the most from it? Have you had a bad/good experience with it?
Is Bissell carpet shampoo worth it?
We just rented a Bissell carpet cleaner and the shampoo was $22 per 32 oz. bottle. Over on the shelf they have some other brand for $10. I think I know the answer to this, but is the Bissell shampoo really better? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 9:07 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by mecran01 at 9:07 AM PST - 8 comments
House/flat rentals in Lagos, Portugal?
A friend is interested in renting a house or flat for a couple of weeks in late July or August in Lagos, Portugal. Recommendations for reputable agencies to go through/web listings/anything else that might help them find a nice place?
Spraying/misting something in the walls = terrible idea?
Will spraying a mixture of peppermint oil & water inside my condo walls cause damage in any unanticipated ways? [more inside]
posted by alleycat01 at 8:39 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by alleycat01 at 8:39 AM PST - 25 comments
What's causing Word and Facebook to break at the same time?
When I'm working, I often have Word 2010 document open and Facebook open in a Chrome browser tab. Every so often, I'll try to close a Word doc and it'll hang with "not responding". Simultaneously, I'm unable to do anything in Facebook - can't scroll, click, etc. Every other Chrome tab works fine, every other Windows application works fine. I can close the FB tab, but the Word doc is still stuck. Restarting Chrome and Word doesn't do anything. Task Manager doesn't show any unusual activity or processes running. [more inside]
Recommendation for Keylogger/Activity Monitor
I believe that my autistic/mentally ill son is using our family computer when he should not be (i.e., while everyone in the house is asleep). I need facts about whether or not he's doing it and what he's doing while online.
I'm primarily looking for screenshots/keylogs with timestamps. I'm hoping to get recommendations and anecdotes from people who've used software like this. The machine in question is running Windows 7.
I am not interested in a discussion of the ethics of it. Thank you.
posted by DWRoelands at 8:23 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by DWRoelands at 8:23 AM PST - 16 comments
Is this a kind of idiom?
In a film,a teacher says to a student who is going to fight with a classmate. "Tidd! You take one more step and you'll think you were born in detention. Get back to your seat." What does "born in detention" mean? I googled it and I only found some articles like,"Uncertain future awaits babies born in detention.." So is this a sort of exaggerated expression of "being detained"?
And is this a common phrase in your country?
Bargaining chips for buying newish used car
Is purchasing a used car outright with cash a bargaining chip for negotiations? What add-ons should I turn down from the dealership? [more inside]
How can I do... anything? with this JSON file?
So, I've found the source of all the data I need in my database, but it is in a JSON file.
MSSQL cannot read JSON and the entire internet seems devoted to telling me how brilliant and easy JSON is and then giving me 20 pages of code to deal with it.
I don't have time to implement a JSON parse in C or anything like that.
I just need to put this perfectly simple bit of data into a database.
Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 7:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 7:47 AM PST - 11 comments
My face is on fire.
I'm having problems with my skin and I can't figure it out. [more inside]
posted by hotelechozulu at 7:45 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by hotelechozulu at 7:45 AM PST - 19 comments
Help us decide where to move to in NH
Can you help me decide where in NH would be a good fit for us to live? Or possibly elsewhere? [more inside]
How to downsample quality on many .wav audio files?
I have several hundred recordings of research sessions which are .wav audio files, and they have nearly filled my external hard drive. How can I reduce the file size while preserving quality? [more inside]
posted by supramarginal at 7:18 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by supramarginal at 7:18 AM PST - 13 comments
My sister's super stole her laptop. What do I do?
My sister's laptop was taken by the super after she died. The locks were changed and he was the only person who was in and out of the apartment. Two days after she died someone started using the laptop. They used it on and off for two weeks and then it was returned to the apartment 1 day before I arrived to clean the place out. It was, 1 day before I returned, destroyed by submerging in water. [more inside]
posted by creiszhanson at 6:16 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by creiszhanson at 6:16 AM PST - 30 comments
Tips and tricks for life with a hearing aid...
My 6 year old son got a hearing aid yesterday.....I've educated myself about his hearing loss and his device....I want to shorten the learning curve and get advice about living with a hearing loss.... [more inside]
Book Filter: Dystopian/Utopian Novel with Roman Setting
Tyring to recall the title of a book: a society which follows a largely Roman style of rule. There are (IIRC) three real social classes: male Centurions, male slaves/servants and women. From the outside, it appeared that the military structure was the ruling class, but the women were breeding out aggression and seeing that all aggressive men became Centurions and the others appeared to be slaves/servants.
posted by plinth at 5:39 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by plinth at 5:39 AM PST - 1 comment
Managing multiple monitors
How do we control a secondary display when it's around the corner and out of sight? [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 4:57 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Sublimity at 4:57 AM PST - 8 comments
How do I prevent a webpage from logging me of?
There's a webpage that keeps logging me off for inactivity. Signing in again is a hassle. Is there some snazzy piece of software that anybody knows about that will periodically "poke" the page or something to keep it open indefinitely?
Thanks to any who can help.
posted by gnossie at 12:01 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by gnossie at 12:01 AM PST - 6 comments
June 26
Edible plants to grow in the shower?
I have a large bathroom/shower room. It is a Japanese bathroom where the whole room gets wet and has a drain in the middle. I am looking for edible plants that like that type of wet/humid/warm environment. The room has a large northerly facing window but does not get any direct light. Maybe some kind of tropical fruit?
Do you like your ceramic kitchen knife?
After a close encounter with a garbage disposal, my 15-year Chef's knife is now defunct. Thinking of replacing it with a ceramic , but have some concerns about durability and sturdiness. Specifically:
1) The claim is that a ceramic blade never needs sharpening. Is this true?
2) Is the blade heavy/sturdy enough to do heavy chopping? Could you de-bone a chicken with one?
Very interested in any and all other advice and thoughts from cooks that have made the switch from steel to ceramic. Thanks
The care and feeding of your supertaster
I'm the cook of the household. Husband is very open-minded about food, but really hates certain things — onions, peppers, fish, horseradish. He claims they are too strong, and ruin the dish because it's all he can taste. After a recent raspberry cobbler tasted incredibly bitter to him (and it was well sweetened with sugar), I'm beginning to suspect he might be a supertaster. If this is true, is there anything I can do or do we just have to avoid those foods forever? Are there methods of preparation to make things taste milder or less bitter?
posted by annekate at 9:02 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by annekate at 9:02 PM PST - 25 comments
Microsoft Outlook 2010: calendar reminders via email
Does this Visual Basic script do what it says? [more inside]
Superfan Twitter accounts with huge followings
I'm curious about a phenomenon I've observed many times on Twitter. In the reply threads of tweets by Justin Bieber and other pop celebrities, you see a enormous amount of nearly content-free chatter by superfans ("Follow me please", "I love you", "OMG", etc). What's puzzling is that in the majority of cases, despite their inane content, the accounts posting this stuff seem to have enormous numbers of followers (many are 5000 or 8000+, more than many actual public figures), despite only following a modest few hundred accounts themselves. Where are all these followers coming from? Is this some sort of Belieber-specific phenomenon?
I've seen her type before: scandalous Brooklyn dining
Brooklyn dining, scandalous dress edition. Boyfriend's birthday is next week and I found a great low-cut, backless dress that will look ridiculously out of place in most dining establishments I frequent in Brooklyn. Suggestions for dinner with good food (emphasis on good food), price not an issue, where I won't feel crazy for dressing in a Manhattan scene-y way? Park Slope is home base but absolutely willing to travel.
posted by paradeofblimps at 7:44 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by paradeofblimps at 7:44 PM PST - 19 comments
The mysteries of my hotel room
Where is the thermostat in my Doubletree hotel room? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 6:57 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by A Terrible Llama at 6:57 PM PST - 15 comments
SSD:OSX:SUV::
I would like to upgrade the harddrives on my dad's 2008 macbook pro and my wife's 2010 macbook to SSD. I have questions? [more inside]
posted by deliquescent at 6:50 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by deliquescent at 6:50 PM PST - 16 comments
Kite Photography/Video
I have one of the last Flip videos made. I want to send it up as high as I can on a kite, and while I'd prefer it not plummet to Earth and smash this isn't really that great of a concern (especially if I could still get the footage off this). [more inside]
posted by cjorgensen at 6:06 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by cjorgensen at 6:06 PM PST - 8 comments
How much branding is too much?
I'm looking for examples, good and bad, of corporations or institutions pushing a decorative element or motif across all of their branding. Note: this decorative element must be in addition to and distinct from the expected logo/wordmark. [more inside]
A rising HS senior is foundering in search of post-high-school options.
My younger brother is an unimpressive student who doesn't show much evidence of being able to apply himself. His grades are B's and C's pretty much across the board in both the sciences and humanities. He wasn't making much progress at sports or with a musical instrument, and after a year or two his motivation fades. I have provided him with learning tools for some technical computery stuff, but that hasn't really been paying off either. He likes drawing and sketching, but not intensely, and the complexity of 3D and animation quickly turned him off. Generally, he likes hanging out with friends, riding bikes, watching TV, and playing video games. But what the hell is he going to be doing a year from now? [more inside]
Please help me identify this comic
Can you identify this comic/graphic novel? Coming-of-age type story about a girl who is gay, Canadian, has a degree in (I think) ceramics or something else she doesn't use, and makes ends barely-sort-of meet by working as a bike messenger until some art or writing starts to pay off. It was likely autobiographical or partly so. Looked like it was written and set anywhere from the late 80s to mid 90s. I believe it was offline originally, but put online maybe ten or so years ago. [more inside]
posted by Gingersnap at 5:10 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Gingersnap at 5:10 PM PST - 5 comments
Looking for a shoe. A very specific shoe.
So, I desperately wanted these shoes...
...but I waited for them to go on sale and now they're sold out in my size. None available on Ebay either.
Help me find a similar pair, metafilter geniuses! This seems to be a hard style to find. I've looked around the internet a lot but my searches have been fruitless.
Thank you!
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 4:59 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by blackcatcuriouser at 4:59 PM PST - 7 comments
Cutting edge technology in new house
I am about to build a new custom house, and the tech side of it is causing me anxiety. I want to have cutting edge stuff in it, at least so that in 5 years it is not missing some "must have" technology that will make it hard to resell or give me tech-jealousy. It seems a lot easier to put all the wiring/infrastructure in place during the framing stage now instead of wiring later after the walls are all up. I have several questions inside about wiring, what internet setup I should try to get, etc. [more inside]
Does striking down DOMA involve immanentizing the eschaton?
What was my conservative Christian Facebook acquantaince talking about when he said that we were "grind[ing] towards the end of the first societal transition phase"? [more inside]
Direct Me Towards the Perfect T-Shirt?
Please help me, Mefi!!! I have been looking for the perfect t-shirt for years, with little success. I want those t-shirts I see all the other women wearing - soft, lightweight but not completely see-through, baggy but not boxy, loose but still flows nice on one's curves. (Pictures Inside) [more inside]
Missing persons' email accounts
I'm curious as to what the protocol is for police being able to access the email accounts of someone who has gone missing. If the person has no living relatives to grant permission, can the police still access the missing person's email? How many days does someone have to be missing before the police are allowed to read their private emails?
posted by egeanin at 4:17 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by egeanin at 4:17 PM PST - 8 comments
Waiting, waiting to feel attractive...
I'm a female in my very early twenties. I feel like I've been waiting for my entire life to "become" attractive, and this kind of thinking is becoming a drag. [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit at 4:15 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by gemutlichkeit at 4:15 PM PST - 48 comments
Would this antenna thing actually work?
I was perusing an online deals site, when I happened upon this. I live less than a mile from my office, and my home DSL is much faster than my office DSL. This got me wondering: Could I install something like this at home and use my home DSL at work? [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 4:01 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by 4ster at 4:01 PM PST - 9 comments
how about that DOMA, huh?
I went to a dinner party the other night and was totally miserable. I literally had nothing to say the whole night. I'm going to another one this weekend and I need something to talk about. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:49 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by anonymous at 3:49 PM PST - 23 comments
Looking for a site for people to share photos/comments after an event
I'm Looking for a site for people to share photos/comments after an event, in as easy a way as possible, ideally without having to sign up with a password or use facebook. [more inside]
What flooring would you want in a Miami condo?
We have inherited a dated 2 bedroom condo in Sunny Isles, Florida that we intend to sell in the autumn. The market for permanent residents and snow birds is pretty strong, and we've decided not to do a gut reno, but do want to "neutralize" it somewhat with fresh paint and flooring. White paint is easy to decide, but how to replace the 10 year old blue carpet is puzzling us.
As a Floridian, would you want / expect ceramic throughout a 2 bdrm condo or laminate "hardwood"? Why? Our realtor advises ceramic tile throughout, but as Ontarians, that seems weird for bedrooms.
I have seen this question but our situation is really focused on immediate resale in an upper middle class community - universally attractive is more important than durability.
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 3:38 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 3:38 PM PST - 15 comments
The cat is driving us crazy.
After moving to a new apartment my cat has spent nearly 100% of his waking hours HOWLING at the door. Pacing in front of it. Jumping up and batting at the knob. When we open the door he BOLTS out, down the hallway and to the stairs where he just lays down and looks pleased with himself. [more inside]
This tenant does not look good on paper
I'm trying to help a friend find an apartment to rent. She is on a low fixed income which will not meet the gross-income-must-be-3x-rent formula most landlords around here require their renters to meet, but she will be receiving assistance from family to ensure her expenses are covered. What kind of support or advice could I provide to help her find a place that will rent to her? [more inside]
Old storm window lock.. what is this called?
Does anyone know what this old storm window thumb screw lock is called? [more inside]
posted by Circumstands at 2:42 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Circumstands at 2:42 PM PST - 3 comments
Why do I get so congested after I eat?
I'm trying to figure out why I get congested after I eat many types of foods. Often after I finish a meal, I get very congested in my chest 10-15 minutes later, and my throat and chest feel somewhat tight. Not wheezing-I-can't-breathe tight, but tight like how things feel during a panic attack. When this happens I have to cough a lot and clear my throat to get the phlegm out of my chest. Then, after about 15-20 minutes, everything goes away and I feel normal. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by emily37 at 2:32 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by emily37 at 2:32 PM PST - 31 comments
Latin translation help
Trying to write "Victory Over Dragons" in Latin.
Google translate etc... keep telling me it is Victoriam Dracones which translates back to English as dragon's victory which is the opposite of what I want to say!
Any help would be appreciated, trying to make a shield for my kid and sine I keep reminding him that getting the little things right is important I would like to get this right...
posted by GrumpyMonkey at 2:17 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by GrumpyMonkey at 2:17 PM PST - 8 comments
Absolutely cheapest merchant fees?
How can I arrange for the absolutely cheapest possible merchant fees when processing a credit card online? [more inside]
posted by jsturgill at 2:06 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by jsturgill at 2:06 PM PST - 15 comments
What to absolutely get from The Body Shop?
I have a $20 gift card to Body Shop. What do I absolutely have to get? So I have a gift card thing that expires in two days. I thought I'd go down there in a few hours and use it. [more inside]
posted by discopolo at 2:06 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by discopolo at 2:06 PM PST - 20 comments
Please Help Me Decide If I Need Help
I am struggling with my relationship with my family. My parents are older (in their 70's) and things are not as bad as they were when I was young, but I still struggle with issues of blame and anger over what I consider to have been their borderline abusive treatment of myself and one of my siblings. I don't want to cut my family off, and I would dearly love to be free of these negative thoughts and feelings for once and for all, but every visit with them (and the weeks leading up to and following them) are a minefield for me. Details inside. [more inside]
Falling in love is the easy part.
I'm looking for movies about relationships that aren't about falling in love. [more inside]
Common pitfalls starting a professional services partnership?
Friend is likely to start up a partnership (specifically a Limited Liability Partnership) in the UK. Aside from the usual problems of running a business in the current economic climate what particular issues are they likely to face? I'm interested more in the softer 'issues' like the difficulties of coming to decisions between the partners if they all have an equal stake, or how to put in place good procedures for equity partners to join or leave rather than more 'harder' legal aspects of say how to incorporate at Companies House. [more inside]
What conditions can cause chronic vertigo?
What medical conditions are out there, particularly ones that do not necessarily involve the ears, that can cause bouts of long-term vertigo? [more inside]
Verizon and iPad data
Have an LTE Verizon iPad 3. Want to be able to discontinue data plan during months when I don't need it but easily reconnect if I am traveling etc. Was able to do this in the past (with ATT on an earlier iPad) but now seems only way is to cancel which may require complex dealings with Verizon to reestablish LTE sim.
Easy on and off was the attraction for getting a Verizon in the first place - now they seem to have changed policy without any warning.
Help
Help me find long-lasting, men's casual button-down shirts
Help me find men's button-down casual shirts that have breathable fabric, are easy-to-care for (and they won't crash and burn after a few washes) in solid colors, with a lighter fabric that is not transparent. A basic button-down with no embellishments, one that looks good with jeans or chinos. The cut should be average to slim fitting.
Clonazepam/Klonopin Withdrawal
I took Klonopin as needed maybe once or twice a week. I took a 1 mg dosage.
Last Thursday I decided to come off of it and I haven't taken any for 6 days.
When do I know I am in the clear and I will not go through withdrawal? I know withdrawal can be horrid.
Tomorrow it will be one week since I took any medication but I know they do have a long half life.
Anyone good at math, semi-circles and areas PLEASE HELP!!!!
So I am trying to figure out how to charge for a product that is a semi-circle. I charge per square feet.
The client ordered a product that was 25 feet in diameter and 6 feet deep (radius if it were a full circle), then changed it to 20 feet in diameter and 10 feet deep (radius if it were a full circle.
I tried to figure out the area of the space as half of 3.14 x radius squared. But there is no part of the equation accounting for the change in diameter... a little confused since this is the first time we are doing a semi circle.
I feel like the it shouldn't work out to the same price. If I were charging $1 per square foot, what would the difference in price be?
posted by soooo at 11:58 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by soooo at 11:58 AM PST - 24 comments
Chicken before the egg ?
Help me decide how to engineer a relocation and/or career change. [more inside]
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:56 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 11:56 AM PST - 3 comments
Help me watch teevee!
Looking for television shows I will like as much as Being Erica, Six Feet Under, and the Mindy Project. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Bathroom Design Color Mismatch
Bathroom renovation snafu. The adobe-colored corian stripes in the shower don't quite work with the dark brown floor tile. [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:34 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 11:34 AM PST - 21 comments
Financial planning for the poor?
I'm a formerly broke person who is beginning to become unbroke, although not without stumbling from time to time. I have a few strong goals - buy a house, get my student debt in order (not paid off - just in order), save up enough for a couple of large ($5000) purchases, improve my credit score to mortgage-minimum. I need help getting there. [more inside]
posted by Nyx at 11:13 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by Nyx at 11:13 AM PST - 24 comments
Where are images for Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 stored?
I have Adobe Photoshop Elements, version 9.03, on my Mac. I use it to resize images for posting on various blogs. I save the images to my desktop.
I've had it a couple of years and I'm wondering, are the images also stored on some Photoshop Elements file? I have to think that, if they are. they're taking up a ton of space and I'd like to delete them.
I've read the online documentation and have perused various forums, to no conclusive solution.
Any ideas, anyone?
Thanks.
posted by holdenjordahl at 10:58 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by holdenjordahl at 10:58 AM PST - 5 comments
What made 911 fail?
Yesterday, when I called 911 twice after a car accident, I got an error message both times. (I don't remember what it was because I was probably in shock.) Was it my phone (an ANCIENT LCD Nokia candybar), my location (on a major highway in the SF bay area, but surrounded by fields), or my service (AT&T)? Or other? I have a commute of about 80 miles RT, sometimes 100 miles RT, and I want to be safe! [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 10:53 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by wintersweet at 10:53 AM PST - 25 comments
Pain management program - What is normal?
Are my expectations of my pain management program unrealistic? I feel like my pain doctor is more than happy to leave me in pain for extended periods of time, and I just don't know what is normal in a pain management program. [more inside]
posted by quin at 10:33 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by quin at 10:33 AM PST - 17 comments
One job offer in the hand is worth two in the bush?
Should I take a job I don't really want, or pass it up in the *hope* that my old work hires me back in a month or two? [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 10:13 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by winterportage at 10:13 AM PST - 19 comments
Help me recover my lost package sent to me here in China from USA
My SO sent me a package via USPS (and it is EMS on this end) on June 17, from Ohio. I can include the tracking number if that would be helpful but the tracking website's latest information says "Processed Through Sort Facility
June 18, 2013, 10:29 pm
ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS)
PO to Addressee"
Inside the package were just some inexpensive gifts, nothing that I think would get stuck at the border. Is my package lost? What steps can I (or the sender) take to recover it? any advice would be much apreciated
Help me remember this webcomic/illustrated story.
I've Googled and Googled and can't find it nor any reference to it. Several years back, I read this illustrated story/webcomic (I FEEL like I found it via Metafilter but that might be wrong). I think it was about the origins of spoken language? It featured a group of cave-dwelling protohumans, scenes of sex and female copulatory vocalizations, and possibly psilocybin mushrooms. Did I dream this? If not, what is it and where can I find it again?
posted by Knicke at 10:08 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Knicke at 10:08 AM PST - 2 comments
Android Update Infrastructure
I'm thinking about replacing my current mobile phone with an Android device and I'm having a hard time understanding how the Android update / security patch infrastructure for the core system is supposed to work. [more inside]
posted by mirage pine at 10:04 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by mirage pine at 10:04 AM PST - 5 comments
This oath, I swear. Until I swear something else.
How did classical philosophers or ethicists handle the fact that attachment to oaths, creeds, promises, allegiances, etc, can (and often must) evolve and change over time? You swear an oath and uphold it until such time as you discard it for something better or more useful. Did any famous philosopher ever outline how that process should work when it's appropriate?
How to be a good interviewer
So we'll be hiring for an accounting assistant in about a month. I'll be reviewing the resumes, and conducting the majority of the interviews. I have interviewed people before, but it's been a while, and it was mostly for administrative positions. Can you suggest any resources for me to use to become a good interviewer? Books, blogs, etc? [more inside]
How can I "autocorrect" an entire document at once?
I have some large documents that are riddled with errors (I am copy/pasting from PDFs), and correcting each error is prohibitively time consuming. Is there a resource that will autocorrect the entire document in one sweep? Right now it is just a Google Drive document, but I can convert to Word, etc. Thanks for any tips.
Texas bird identification
Need to find: Article read about life expectancy vs hunger at age 10-12
I read an article about how going through a period of severe hunger during age 10-12 can lead to longer life. It was based on birth and death records crossed referenced with annual crop yields for some European country prior to the 20th century. Help me find it? [more inside]
posted by buckaroo_benzai at 9:19 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by buckaroo_benzai at 9:19 AM PST - 5 comments
How Can I Help Adult Brain Injured Son on Disability Get a Part-Time Job
My son is 36 years old, I have POA and am his advocate. Prior to receiving benefits, he was a very hard worker always fighting to do his best despite his ongoing associated issues. We've worked with brain injury groups to attain his independence and he's married now for the 5th time. (another story) They include cluster headaches with profuse vomiting, slurred speech, hand tremors and poor reading skills. (Doing better with medication now) He has permission from the state's "Ticket to Work" program to work part time and we have sought their help to no avail. (Out of funding). He's has gone to the manager of many fast food places, grocery stores, etc but his slurred speech and tremor makes him look like he is high on drugs, thus rendering him unemployable. They always tell him to go online and apply for the position but his work history *appears* to be sketchy and he has been on disability for 4 years now. How to explain all of this online??? [more inside]
posted by ~Sushma~ at 9:12 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by ~Sushma~ at 9:12 AM PST - 15 comments
Help me find passages from speculative science fiction regarding food.
Looking for sci-fi writers' imaginings of gastronomy in the future, innovative cooking techniques, haute cuisine of the year 3000, that sort of thing. Descriptions can be mundane, fantastical or technojargony. Can include imaginary or extraterrestrial ingredients. Any medium is fine (film, TV, book, etc.). Adjacent genres such as fantasy would work too.
Medium has invited me, should I RSVP?
Medium, a 'thingy' on the web, which is apparently in beta, has just sent me an invitation to come and write. Its been difficult searching for reviews or information about them due to their name. I've been recently burnt by Posterous' closure with the sudden demise of a popular* group blog I'd initiated. I would appreciate your thoughts on this medium (heh), whether I should consider writing there, particularly wrt its longevity or survival, and any other insights on its target audience, reputation and/or credibility, before investing time, effort and original content once more. [more inside]
posted by infini at 8:37 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by infini at 8:37 AM PST - 11 comments
Harnessing the power of Pinterest
Should we get straight-married in California this week?
We're a straight couple who has always said we wouldn't marry while our queer friends couldn't. We have other issues with marriage, but it's clear that there are a lot of practical and long-term financial advantages. We live in Wisconsin (boo) but we're in California for a week (yay). What are your political, ethical and practical insights about whether we should get married here this week? [more inside]
posted by Mngo at 8:14 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Mngo at 8:14 AM PST - 23 comments
Looking for a quote about Mary Shelley and travel writing.
Who wrote something like "all great writing is travel writing and Mary Shelley was the best travel writer"?
I think I read this on the Internet in the last 10 years, written by a currently living book reviewer. I'd like to read the article again. It was an article about the importance of travel writing.
How to boost a cell signal in the wilderness?
Are there any products out there that will boost a 1-bar 4G signal in the middle of the woods? [more inside]
ISO: Confit Reference
I have an immersion circulator. Confit is delicious. What's the best reference for making lots of interesting confits? [more inside]
posted by bfranklin at 7:00 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by bfranklin at 7:00 AM PST - 4 comments
Searching for history of NYC's Empire Hotel
I'm working on a story and was looking for some historical information on the Empire Hotel in Manhattan, one of the oldest hotels in the city. I'm not experienced in research, and my google searching did not produce much. Can you all steer me in the direction of how to research the history of this hotel? [more inside]
What's the best way to figure out someone's mailing address?
I'm writing a book, and I just got the following task from my editor: get a sizable (50+) list of high profile people who have written blurbs or reviews for similar books, and get their mailing addresses. Here's the kicker: I'm not supposed to contact them directly, unless I already know them personally. So! What's the best way to do this? I hear there are search engines that charge a monthly fee for this kind of information, but I'm having a hard time finding out which ones are good and which are scams. What do lawyers use when they need to track people down to serve them? [more inside]
posted by sdis at 6:51 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by sdis at 6:51 AM PST - 13 comments
Toronto Condo: York Condo Corp and Pro-House management
I am getting ready to buy a property in toronto-- it's a renovated condo. The condo is under the York Condo Corporation and Pro-House management. I am new to this market, and the internet is filled with things these companies say about themselves. So I am looking to the hive mind: do you know anything about these companies? their reputation, your experience, stories you've heard...anything.
PM is welcomed too, if you feel inclined.
thanks!
Need to buy a blazer or suit in NYC
I left my standard blue blazer on another continent and will be speaking in front of a group of 400 people tomorrow in Manhattan. I'll be there by 1pm and don't know where to get something that fits. I'm thinking of a) finding something else a bit more stylish, b) would buy a suit if necessary but doubt it could be ready in time, but I'm open to that if there is a great recommendation.
posted by carlodio at 6:09 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by carlodio at 6:09 AM PST - 8 comments
How to be a kick-ass wedding MC?
Seeking ideas for being a witty, interesting and entertaining wedding MC. [more inside]
Dear Insomniacs, please help me cope
I'm an advanced insomniac, so I'm not looking for tips on how to sleep. I just need some help coping emotionally. What do you do? [more inside]
posted by MsMartian at 6:01 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by MsMartian at 6:01 AM PST - 26 comments
Best practice for introducing two cats?
What's the best practice for introducing two cats? I have a separate room with closed door, litter box, food, but how long do I keep the new cat in there for? [more inside]
It's interview question day. Here's mine.
I have an interview in a few weeks for a Project Administrator post. But a question about prioritising work has stumped me before. Can you help me be better prepared this time? [more inside]
posted by billiebee at 3:30 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by billiebee at 3:30 AM PST - 5 comments
When people get frustrated with "human stupidity"
Dealing with an SO who thinks "people are stupid." [more inside]
posted by Cybria at 2:01 AM PST - 55 comments
posted by Cybria at 2:01 AM PST - 55 comments
"What you look for in a bag was once found in a sack"
Is there a Swedish speaker in the house?
In the Swedish film Call Girl, one of the characters utters a phrase that is translated in the subtitles as:
"What you look for in a bag
was once found in a sack."
To me it's a total non-sequitur... Any idea what it means?
Here's the clip on YouTube.
Thanks!
posted by Silky Slim at 1:45 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Silky Slim at 1:45 AM PST - 7 comments
Teach me meat science, pretty please
So, my meat business is spinning up. We've registered with the tax office, it's an official thing now. I've got a lot to learn, and a lot of things to figure out. We're going to be making and selling sausages, ham, smoked meats, all manner of things. Primarily we're going to be sending things online, as well as catering and possibly having a food truck to get the name out to drive the online sales. Special monkeywrench: this will all take place in Japan. [more inside]
posted by Ghidorah at 12:01 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Ghidorah at 12:01 AM PST - 8 comments
June 25
Audiobooks For A Person With Snowflakey Preferences
This past year, I started listening to audiobooks while driving.
I'm particularly drawn to how well a great audiobook reader can draw out the subtleties of the text. The reader who performed Gatsby was particularly amazing.
Can folks recommend some particularly well performed audiobooks I may like? They must meet my criteria: [more inside]
posted by Hennimore at 11:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Hennimore at 11:52 PM PST - 9 comments
if i liked the movie l'avventura, what books will i like?
i really like the slow/subtle treatment of ennui/cultureshock/different manifestations of love/and the engaging "nonplot"
posted by sawyerrrr at 11:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by sawyerrrr at 11:52 PM PST - 9 comments
Help, my boyfriend is a bad listener!
Need advice on how to deal with my lovely boyfriend who has trouble shutting off. [more inside]
posted by petiteviolette at 11:22 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by petiteviolette at 11:22 PM PST - 17 comments
E-books in Spanish?
Help me find eBooks in Spanish! [more inside]
Ew ew ew ew ew ew ew
What is this bug that I just found on my shoulder while laying in my bed? It's a little squished, because I slapped it when I felt it on me. It's just under half an inch long. [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 9:19 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by woodvine at 9:19 PM PST - 9 comments
What should I do to protect my neck during this roommate situation?
I moved to a new city and I'm currently living by myself in a decent sized but single bedroom apartment. I recently met a friend who's looking for a place to stay with his girlfriend for one month so they can save a little money to get on their feet again.
Raising all sorts of red flags already? That's why I love you guys. Besides "Just say no", what can we both do to protect our interests? [more inside]
posted by WhitenoisE at 8:52 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by WhitenoisE at 8:52 PM PST - 30 comments
Can a company track web usage on a company laptop not on the network?
I recently took a job for a new company and received a company laptop. However, I'll be a remote employee working from home and travelling. The company is a small independent subsidiary of a large Japanese company who hires out their IT functions to an independent contractor. I won't be googling any super-weird stuff, but hey, it gets boring in hotels sometimes.
How can I know if my company can monitor any web usage remotely? [more inside]
Ulcerative Colitis Filter: Tell me about your poop.
Am I normal? [more inside]
A big bike for a big human!
I'm 6'8, 375lbs and want to get a bike. What should I be looking for if I want to spend $300-$500? [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 6:28 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by lattiboy at 6:28 PM PST - 23 comments
Card carrying members
I need to find resources to produce a small batch of membership cards for my club. [more inside]
SF Apartmentfilter: What happens when my lease's up?
I'm a first time renter in SF and I'm not sure exactly what happens when my lease expires. [more inside]
How do I change style in Word doc based on first character of paragraph?
I have a long (260 page) Word 2010 document, on Windows, and I'd like to tidy it up a bit - it originally comes from the web. It consists of normal paragraphs, and quote paragraphs. Each quote paragraph starts with a ">". Is there a way I can automate changing the style on the quote paragraphs? [more inside]
posted by Sebmojo at 6:07 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Sebmojo at 6:07 PM PST - 2 comments
Is There A Butcher In The House?
I have received a gift of some beautiful beef and I have no idea how to break it down for cooking or storage. I don't want to freeze the whole pieces because they are huge and I'd have to thaw them before cutting them up. That's probably not the right way... [more inside]
posted by snsranch at 5:57 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by snsranch at 5:57 PM PST - 3 comments
Best food for the very old cat
Custom tote bags with custom, wrap-around artwork?
I would like to have a batch of canvas tote-bags made with custom artwork, with the following design caveat: The logo/artwork wraps around each side of the bag. What specific companies can do this for small batches (50-100, max)? [more inside]
Help me be a better interviewee
I am generally a good interviewee when I'm asked about anything other than me, but I struggle with the personal questions. One kind that often gets me is the "tell me about a time when you were X." Another would be"list three things your friends would find surprising/annoying/etc about you" or "what is a particularly stressful situation that you encountered in the last x months". My problem with these questions is in responding quickly. Once I think of a relevant example/answer I am pretty articulate, but the timing is an issue. [more inside]
The best camera is the one you have with you... unless it's an iPhone
I'm ready to up my photography game. I live in a gorgeous place with lots of interesting things to photograph-- wildlife, birds, water and mountains, abandoned infrastructure-- and my iPhone 4 can't produce pictures that are rich or detailed enough to do it all justice (or blow up for prints, or be good blog fodder). However, I'm not interested in a DSLR because I know I'm unlikely to actually have it with me when opportunities present themselves, and at this point I'm not really technically proficient enough to justify the cost. What point and shoot models should I consider? [more inside]
Insurance company denied coverage for $1300 blood work - what now?
I had a blood test done to check for a gene mutation that my family recently discovered we may have. It was just blood work from an in-network lab so I assumed it would be covered, per my "schedule of benefits." Today I received a letter from my health insurance provider saying this testing is not covered. The cost is $1300 and I definitely do not have $1300. I haven't been billed by the blood lab, but I imagine that it's coming soon and I will be fucked. My insurance company also said that these limitations on testing are available to view in their policy bulletins, of which I have obviously never checked or even knew existed -- I was going entirely off my "schedule of benefits" and I believed that in-network blood work was just my co-pay. More details below: [more inside]
Job change and health insurance coverage for the gap?
I am currently employed full time with group health insurance. I've accepted a new position at a different company starting August 1. If I put in my 2 weeks notice and quit on July 12, will I still be covered for the remainder of the month? [more inside]
Everything is regulated, thank god
My Google-fu sucks. Help me find a specific argument for government regulation of society that I came across in the past. [more inside]
posted by hamandcheese at 4:05 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by hamandcheese at 4:05 PM PST - 4 comments
Choosing the best neighborhood in Baltimore
I am moving from San Francisco to Baltimore. I've been living in the Haight Ashbury, and I like Inner Sunset, Hayes Valley, Duboce Triangle/Castro, Mission, and SoMa. Can I get a similar environment there? [more inside]
Best "white glove" cross-country moving service for a "van load"
My septuagenerian parents are moving about a van load of their belongs (computers, television, clothes, kitchen dishes, etc.) from coast to coast. Ideally, the company hired would come to their house and respectfully pack everything and then ship it across country where, once again, they would unpack everything.
Do you know of such a service?
(Related, but not exactly: do you recommend a service for moving a car – vehicle – cross country?)
Thank you!
Comfortable shoes for NYC businessman edition.
I just trudged 3/4 of a mile down 42nd street. My fancy black dress shoes (Allen Edmonds) are NOT cut out for this. My pinky toes have been replaced by blisters. What are the most comfortable shoes I can wear to work? I work in the financial industry but the dress code is business casual: slacks, button down shirt, maybe jacket or tie, rarely a full suit. Both black and brown shoes are needed, men's size 12. Must withstand walking in NYC.
posted by BigVACub at 3:40 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by BigVACub at 3:40 PM PST - 12 comments
We're getting married then having the ceremony...?
My fiance and I are signing our marriage license well before we have the ceremony. When is our anniversary? Is the exact date important? [more inside]
posted by thewestinggame at 3:13 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by thewestinggame at 3:13 PM PST - 20 comments
Pros and Cons of using a fake address for job applications
I've just kicked off a job search, and am mostly looking for jobs outside of the city in which I currently reside. I'm considering changing my address on my resume so that it shows that I'm living in the cities in which I'm applying to jobs. Is this a good idea? [more inside]
posted by tokaidanshi at 3:12 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by tokaidanshi at 3:12 PM PST - 12 comments
Electrical Enclosure CAD software on a budget?
Looking for electrical enclosure CAD software on a budget. I would appreciate your recommendations. [more inside]
Which iPhone carrier has the fastest cellular data service?
I'm looking to replace my iPhone 4s. The most important factor to me is cellular data speed and reliability -- accessing the Web, syncing iCloud data, YouTube, stuff like that. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay region), but it would be great if it worked well in New York, L.A. and other parts of the U.S. Should I go with Verizon or AT&T? Also, any pointers to websites with tools/reviews/resources to help me make the selection? [more inside]
When do you know a marriage therapist isn't right for you?
What are reliable questions that a person in marriage therapy can ask to determine that they are probably not with the right marriage therapist and should try someone else? Put another way, how can a person in marriage therapy know that the match with the therapist is a bad fit, as opposed to the problem being with the patient himself/herself? [more inside]
posted by scunning at 2:18 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by scunning at 2:18 PM PST - 14 comments
Like Rick Astley, but without the Meme
I'm getting married next week. Eeep! I've scoured the archives, but am still looking for the right song to end the ceremony. Special snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by ohisee at 2:14 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by ohisee at 2:14 PM PST - 34 comments
What are best practices / tools for non-disposal sink
I really really like having a garbage disposal, grew up having one, and have had one in most of my apartments, but I'm moving to an apartment that is great in every way but doesn't have a garbage disposal. In the past when I've used non-disposal sinks (regular sinks I guess) my main gripe is that even when I scrape off plates and pans, particulate food matter gets into the sink, into and around whatever catcher is in the drain, and is just disgusting. My question is, what do people generally do to keep their sinks pretty clean when they don't have a disposal? [more inside]
posted by permiechickie at 2:13 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by permiechickie at 2:13 PM PST - 25 comments
What are the best online resources for public domain films?
I'm starting a new project and am in need of public domain films (think MST3k worthy) to use. I know of archive.org already, but what are the best repositories of public domain films out there? Bonus if they include a brief explanation as to why they are believed to be in the public domain and if they have links to high-ish quality downloads.
posted by inturnaround at 2:01 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by inturnaround at 2:01 PM PST - 2 comments
How do I do this simple HTML/image task?
I have a lot of images for a card game I'm working on. I want to put them on a single web page in printable form. Automatically, if possible - there are a LOT of images. (They're all in one directory, though.)
Bonus points if the size of the images can be easily rescaled so they can fit the sizes of cards from other games (so they can be sleeved together, for instance.)
posted by LSK at 1:58 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by LSK at 1:58 PM PST - 9 comments
Where can I find classic pajamas?
I want new pajamas! I really love the look of the old, classic style of pajamas (example here), but I'm having trouble with search terms and finding what I want. [more inside]
posted by Flamingo at 1:46 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Flamingo at 1:46 PM PST - 21 comments
Finding an apartment/roommate at Boston-Grad Student
It looks like I am going to Boston University - School of Public Health in the fall. How do I go about finding affordable and safe housing? I am from Chicago, so I was thinking of paying $900 for a studio. I have quickly learned that will not happen in Boston. So hivemind, what is a safe neighborhood that I should look into that will be close to campus? And, how do I go about finding a roommate? I learned of a program house called Fisk house which is only 1800 a semester and is a women's grad co-op- but it is full.
A Cilantro-Hater in Thailand, China, and Japan
Asking for a friend who does not share my intense love for cilantro: "Can someone please translate some simple cilantro-avoidance phrases into Thai, Mandarin, and Japanese for me?" [more inside]
Which cool, stylish pants will help me not hate summer commuting in NYC?
Hot summer days in New York can be miserable with the heat and humidity. I feel like I'm on an endless quest to find the perfect summer pants. What should I wear to keep cool and look stylish without being over or under dressed? [more inside]
posted by andrewraff at 1:06 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by andrewraff at 1:06 PM PST - 10 comments
How does applied kinesiology work, and is it ALWAYS a scam?
I think I got scammed at the Chiropractor's office yesterday, but I don't understand how. [more inside]
posted by lmpatte2 at 12:43 PM PST - 50 comments
posted by lmpatte2 at 12:43 PM PST - 50 comments
Does anyone know of a thorough taxomony chart for Chordata?
I work in an animal related field and sometimes people ask how closely related is x to y. Is there a thorough chart of Chordata (big category I know, but my focus is on aves and mammalia) I can study or reference? I am also personally interested. [more inside]
Want to sing, but without the pain.
I've had a long term singing problem that has been difficult to solve. I have been to a medical voice clinic and had some of the fancy tests and vocal cord images, and I will be going back, but I have a new idea to float to the MD and I wonder if anyone has encountered this issue. [more inside]
Decent double entry bookkeeping accounting software?
I'm trying to find accounting software I can live with, but I'm running out of ideas. I'm looking for something that supports double entry bookkeeping, but also syncs across devices and is fully-featured. I'm happy to pay for it, just want something that works, and nothing so far has fit the bill. [more inside]
posted by antinomia at 12:06 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by antinomia at 12:06 PM PST - 20 comments
Looking for simple rules/sayings that your three-year-old knows
I'm compiling a list of simple, abstract rules that three-year olds are likely to know, along the lines of "green means go" or "a smile means they're happy". I need some more rules/patterns/abstract properties that kids this age in the US usually know about. [more inside]
Where can I read the diary of charles whitman the texas shooter
The texas clocktower shooter had a diary seen here that looks like it was published but where can I read it?
Who shops at an open-air market for dental tools?
Does New Orleans have an open-air market for dental tools? Back in the late '90s, I visited New Orleans with my parents. I have one memory from that trip that I am still bedeviled by. One afternoon, we headed to a big open-air market -- rows and rows of stalls, I think under some kind of canopy, various goods for sale. I guess this was probably the French Market, but I don't specifically remember. As we got further and further into the market, the stalls started to get a little funny. Everyone had POW-MIA flags, and I saw one that read, "KILL THEM ALL AND LET GOD SORT THEM OUT." [more inside]
Older dog won't accept puppy
I have a 9 year old pitbull female. I've owned her all her life and she is very attached to me and other members of my family. She seems to remember some past abuse and is not friendly to strangers, especially men. She did get in a serious fight once, with my son's dog who normally she enjoys playing and swimming with.
I bought a very young puppy and... [more inside]
Help me learn the French accent with speech recognition for Mac?
I am looking for a currently supported Mac product to help me improve my atrocious French accent. I would really like software that uses speech recognition for a good chunk of the lessons, because I can read well enough (despite being a rank beginner) but need all the help I can get on the conversational side. [more inside]
So, you terminated someone without cause, can you ever tell them why?
My partner had to let someone go from their job, and they were terminated without cause. This means they can't give explicit reasons for the termination. The person was not able to see their impending dismissal, despite repeated efforts by management to the rectify the situation. So, is it ever possible to reach out post-dismissal and make clear the reasons without setting yourself up for legal problems? [more inside]
No-cook main dishes for summer?
What are your favorite main-dish recipes that require NO cooking? As in, not even boiling pasta? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Informed at 11:25 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by Ms. Informed at 11:25 AM PST - 38 comments
Where to set up a development environment for personal projects?
I'm working on some personal full-stack projects and trying to figure out what my options are for setting up a development environment. For work stuff, I'm used to deploying a dev environment on a machine inside the corporate firewall and then either VPNing or SSHing in to work on it remotely, but I'm not sure what the best choice is for personal projects. [more inside]
MacBook Air (2012) freezing while streaming video?
Hi MeFi! This is My First Ask, so my apologies in advance if I do something incorrectly. My MacBook Air that I purchased Nov. 2012 from a Mac store freezes while streaming video from Netflix and Amazon. I have tried both Google and Safari, and it happens on both browsers ... [more inside]
All he did was looked at him
What should you do if you are the target of a PTSD-induced outburst? [more inside]
Now that I'm a mother I'm not sure how to be kinky anymore.
How do I bring my sexy back now that I've had a kid? Complications abound. [more inside]
Adoption in the UK
My partner and I would like to adopt, one day. We haven't figured out when yet but... should we? How long does it take, or what is the likely range of time, from the point at which you fill out the first form from the day you have a new member of the family under your roof? [more inside]
US Taxes in Canada
I need to file an amendment to my 2009 US federal and state taxes - I lived in the US (California specifically) half of the 2009 year and the rest of the year in Canada (GTA). I think this will be very simple (nothing but paycheck income to claim, no assets like trusts, property, stock, etc), but I am overwhelmed with the choices of accountants and tax people here, even the ones who specialize in cross border taxes. Can anyone recommend a decent tax person who could help with this? Preferrably someone near Etobicoke, although Mississauga/Oakville fine too. I've had numerous people warn me against the nearest chain type tax place, so I'm looking for someone independent or a small accounting type firm.
What is going on with Youtube's vote up/down icons?
What is going on with Youtube's vote up/down icons? [more inside]
Have you seen this bag?
The amazing CPAP weight loss plan?
CPAP users: Did you manage to lose weight after starting CPAP? [more inside]
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 10:24 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 10:24 AM PST - 11 comments
Scarring on lips?
Sometime last winter, I developed cracks at the corners of my lips (angular chelitis), which tends to happen to me during the colder months. It persisted for 3 months or so, healing and then re-cracking, until I went to the doctor and got a bit of steroid cream which helped clear it up for good. Now, however, I have a small amount of raised tissue at one of the corners of my lips, possibly scarring, which periodically gets inflamed if I open my mouth wide again. It's not terribly bothersome, but it's noticeable (at least to me) and I'd like it to go away or be minimized, if possible. Anyone have any suggestions for what to try? FWIW, it's been 3-4 weeks since my lips have fully healed.
Suggestions on a Workplace Splurge
What are the best purchases to improve your office space? [more inside]
Help us find a location for a family trip
11 of us from age 3 months to 67 years want to meet somewhere in the world. Help us find where that could be! [more inside]
Help me become a Cinema4D expert in a year
I have decided that in a year's time I would like to be a Cinema 4D expert-- or at least more of an expert than I am now. What are the best resources out there for me to make that happen? [more inside]
what could these creepy sensations be
This doesn't happen all the time but rather during certain periods. It often happens after spending prolong periods at home without much social interaction, things going on in my life, or connection to the outside world, so that leads me to believe it's psychological. [more inside]
Best way to sell assortment of fine vintage clothes and items?
I have a small assortment of rather choice* vintage clothes, textiles and miscellany. I would like to sell it all. I'm already eBaying a large volume of other stuff, I am an average photographer with an average camera and honestly, eBay doesn't seem like the best place to sell these things - a couple are rare collector pieces.
What are some good ways to do this besides eBay and what are your experience of them? Also, how can I figure out what is a reasonable price if I do sell to a dealer? I'd be glad to hear from you as a dealer or as a skilled amateur. [more inside]
My cat needs help eating his dry food.
My cat, Mars, recently had most of his molars removed and now he's having a bit of trouble chewing his dry food. Is there something tasty and nutritious I can soak it in before feeding him? I was thinking some kind of broth or stock but I'm curious to see what other people have done. Thanks!
posted by Fister Roboto at 9:16 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by Fister Roboto at 9:16 AM PST - 27 comments
What to do with a will where there are no assets or liabilities (MD)
The decedent was a resident of Maryland and died in Maryland. All of his assets were held jointly with his wife, or else named her as sole beneficiary, and therefore pass by operation of law. He had no real estate, no car, and no personal property of any significant value. He had no liabilities (no credit card balances, mortgages, medical bills). He left a will, naming his wife as sole legatee.
I see that filing a will with the Maryland Register of Wills is required. What's the downside to not doing so? [more inside]
iPad math apps for a 10-year-old?
My son is 10 years old and going into 5th grade in the fall (but he usually does 6th grade math). He likes Stack the States, and we're looking for a math app with similar appeal. We already have Sushi Monster and his younger sister loves it, but I'd like something more challenging for him.
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:45 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:45 AM PST - 11 comments
Where can I print from a laptop or USB drive in London?
Over the next month or so, I may occasionally need to do some printing in London (never more than 10-50 pages). Is there anywhere near the Waterloo station where I could bring a usb drive or a laptop and easily and inexpensively print out black and white documents using a laser-printer? Self-service would be preferable.
Perhaps there might be one or more chains of printing places (like FedEx/Kinko's in the US) that offers this service throughout the UK? Many thanks for any suggestions.
Things to do with tweens in London
The family I babysit for has invited me along on their vacation to London in August. I am determined to come up with the coolest possible things for the kids to do. [more inside]
Bio-Clean for chronic slow drains?
We have slow drains in both the bathroom sink and the tub - drano only improves flow somewhat. A plumber recommended Bio-Clean to us but despite the positive reviews online we are skeptical that it can help. Do any mefites have professional opinions or firsthand experience using Bio-Clean for slow drains? [more inside]
Examples of secret infrastructure?
So, I know Los Angeles has the Packard oil well that's disguised as a windowless office building (pic here about a third of the way down), and NYC has an emergency exit for the subway disguised as a brownstone (link). What are other industrial or infrastructure things hidden inside fake buildings?
So funky you can smell it
I'm making a playlist of deep in the pocket funk tracks. The emphasis here is on really great bass lines. Suggest your favourite booty-shaking songs. [more inside]
posted by wabbittwax at 8:22 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by wabbittwax at 8:22 AM PST - 35 comments
Find Yahoo Search Trends Like It's Not 1999
A freelance writing client of mine wants me to do some articles basically chasing Yahoo search trend topics. Not debating the wisdom or efficacy of this. It pays; that's all I care about. What I do need to find out is a better way to track these trends than just going to Yahoo's front page and seeing what is listed as Trending there. There are only ten topics listed there, with no indication of rising or falling activity. Try as I may, I can find no page dedicated to this on Yahoo. To complicate matters, the phrase "Trending Now" appears to be a section they have in their News that has nothing to do directly with trending search topics. All my Google-Fu ends up pointing to that.
Am I missing something? Can someone toss me a link? BONUS: an iOS app that I can see all this from!
posted by skypieces at 7:24 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by skypieces at 7:24 AM PST - 6 comments
Prepaid (micro-)SIM cards (with data) for Iceland
I'm going to Iceland for a few days soon, and am looking for a prepaid local SIM card to put in my iPhone 4S. It has to be a micro-SIM (though they can be cut down to that size) and to have a data allowance (I'll only be there for a few days so it doesn't need to be huge; I intend to use it for basic things like ). (It staying alive after I go back to the UK would be a nice feature, as I'll be back in Iceland again.) Is there a local mobile phone company who have a recommended prepaid SIM-only package, and if so, where in Reykjavík could I pick one up?
super quick passport renewal?
Is it humanly possible to renew a passport in a day? [more inside]
Abortion in the US (Canadian)
I am a Canadian in the states for the rest of the summer and I just found out I'm pregnant (Through a pharmacy pee-on a stick deal.) I don't have any real support networks where I am, and leaving isn't a viable option. I haven't been to an actual doctor yet because I'm not entirely sure HOW to see one in the states, but from what I understand false positives are unlikely. I don't want to keep the baby. What are my options? [more inside]
Tivoli, and what else?
I'm travelling to Copenhagen in August with my daughter (who's the world's greatest 8 year old ever). Looking for advice on which neighbourhood to stay & cool things to do. Also, bicycle rental for kids? [more inside]
All-day-event alarms at 11:50 PM are evil.
On my iPod Touch, I use the Calendar app, which is synced to my Google Calendar (which is Google Apps for Education, if that matters.) I like having a reminder/alert for most events that occurs 10 minutes before the event. (It has saved my bacon a couple of times when I forgot an appointment, and I find it useful for keeping me on track during the day.) However, I do not want to hear an alert at 11:50 PM before All-Day events. [more inside]
posted by BrashTech at 5:11 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by BrashTech at 5:11 AM PST - 5 comments
Is there life for an active couple in their late 50's in Sarasota Fl?
We are looking to live near the water and have tried Miami and LA and are now on the shoreline of Ct. The only problem is; we can't afford to buy a house here and the winter is a bit of a deal breaker. Thinking of moving to the West coast of Florida for the water and the warmth and would love to hear anyone's experience of this area. We have thought of Sarasota and would be open to other cities or large towns. We are both active, still working, (self employed) very liberal and interested in great food and a community of interesting people. We couldn't be somewhere where everyone is retired.
Any thoughts?
posted by privatechef at 4:59 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by privatechef at 4:59 AM PST - 11 comments
Am I slowly dying?
For the past few weeks, I've had the worst insomnia. I'm writing this at 6am, after my third sleepless night in the past week. I think I've had about six hours of sleep in the past four days. [more inside]
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 3:01 AM PST - 34 comments
posted by lhude sing cuccu at 3:01 AM PST - 34 comments
Any tips for dishwasher repair?
I have a Siemens dishwasher which has suddenly stopped working properly. It doesn't seem to be heating water. I've found plenty of ideas online about what might be wrong. I'm quite handy and would be happy to have a go at fixing it myself, but I'm not sure about the degree of difficulty here. I don't want to risk setting the thing on fire.
My question is: have you repaired something like this yourself? Or it is definitely a "call the repairer" situation?
I don't like to throw money away on things I can fairly easily do myself (eg in an afternoon), but safety is my first consideration.
June 24
Forgotten song is driving me nuts
So it's that thing again where you half-remember a song ...
It's by: I think an indie band from around 1996/1997 - I thought it was Laptop but it isn't (probably). I think British.
Singing: a man with a mid-range voice, not high, not low. Kind of Gene like. Feels like he may have a skinny suit on somehow. There are MAYBE bits of answerphone message in there (but it's not the Laptop song with the answerphone)
Video: do not recall one.
Lyric: something to do with times through the night being mentioned "it's 3.59 and I'm on the street, it's 6.15 and ..." maybe with some answerphone messages. Several different times taking you through a night which seems not positive.
What it's not: The Cure, 10:15 on a Saturday Night (ha - you all have that in your heads now); Mr Brightside (because of the narrative of an evening, but when I heard that song it reminded me of this mystery one).
Come on Hive Mind, I know you can do this!
posted by LyzzyBee at 11:46 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by LyzzyBee at 11:46 PM PST - 5 comments
Where can I access reports of surgeon/hospital/surgery success rates?
I have heard that hospitals and surgeons have to report success rates for specific surgeries. Do you know where these databases can be accessed? Thanks!
Life would be so much simpler if I just didn't like anyone.
How do you stop yourself from developing crushes on people? [more inside]
feed my ears, my eyes are busy
I need recommendations for TV shows, audiodramas and audiobooks that I can really sink my teeth into. I'm asking for both in the same question because I need to be able to listen to the TV and still catch most everything; this is stuff I want to have on while I'm doing stuff with my hands. I'm a fan of fantasy, science fiction, drama and snark. More information and a list of favorite things after the jump. [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 11:07 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by NoraReed at 11:07 PM PST - 18 comments
Weird screen glitches on Hp pavilion dv4 laptop
A friend's laptop is experiencing some strange graphical glitches within Windows, and she is desperate for help!! [more inside]
I want to put my tuition on a credit card and then pay it off.
So, I pay my surreal tuition with loan money- $15,000 at a time. It dawned on me the other day that its dumb to just let that money slide by without cashing in on it somehow. I hatched a hairbrained scheme: Put the 15k on a credit card, cash in on rewards points / airline miles, then immediately pay it off with the loans.
Two Q's below. [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 9:44 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by GilloD at 9:44 PM PST - 25 comments
Forgotten Toy Filter
So, today, for no readily apparent reason, I was visited by a very vivid memory of a toy I had as a kid, some time in the early 70's. They were these die cast metal planes with little plastic landing gear and cockpits, kind of futuristic looking, in jewel-tone colors, that you flew on a little zip line setup that involved a little gun like thing with a little deck for the plane to sit on until you released it.
Looking on Ebay reveals nothing like I remember. Anyone know what these things were called.
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 9:35 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 9:35 PM PST - 4 comments
CareerStarterFilter: What kind of goals can I set as I begin working?
What kind of goals do you suggest setting for someone starting his or her work life? Both concrete goals for the job and general motivations for earning money [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 9:34 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ichomp at 9:34 PM PST - 3 comments
Graduate School Choice!!!
So I've been debating where to take my masters for some time. I'm not here to specifically ask for opinions on schools but more so styles of school. [more inside]
Thunderbolt Display won't wake up.
I have a macbook air and a thunderbolt display and as of today, nothing happens when I plug the thunderbolt into the air-- I've tried resetting the pram/nvram and the smc on the macbook air, unplugging the display for several minutes and plugging it in with the macbook air off and on. System information says that there's nothing connected to the thunderbolt port. It worked just 3 days ago perfectly well, I've never had any problems with it in the year or so that I've had it. The power from the thunderbolt is getting to the air just fine.
Anybody have any ideas or do I need to drag the thing in to an apple store?
posted by empath at 9:17 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by empath at 9:17 PM PST - 5 comments
trying to remember the name of a childrens book about a bowl
The bowl was Spanish, and didn't want to be warrior... it just wanted to smell flowers... anyone remember or know what book this is?
Where should I tell online dates that I work?
I work for a well-known company and I'm never sure what to say when a guy I've met via an online dating site asks where I work. I don't feel comfortable giving this information out, just like I would never give someone my home address. Obviously 99% of the time it would be fine, but it's very easy to find my company's address, and there are some crazies out there who could conceivably show up at my office if things ever turned sour. [more inside]
Where to buy floor heat vent covers?
I want to replace my floor heat vent covers with solid metal plates but my Amazon-fu and Google-fu are failing me. Online shopping geniuses of MetaFilter, please hope me! I'm in the USA. [more inside]
How can I make calls that show my business name on the caller ID?
I've just started a small business that involves some calling to get new clients. I have an 800 number via an online voicemail system for which I pay a small monthly fee.
I realize now that what I want to do is be able to call people and have my 800 number and/or biz ID name show up on the caller ID.
I have a good quality land line, a personal one for our house. Is there a way for me to dial a service which forwards my call as if coming from an 800 number and also gives call forwarding and voicemail service? [more inside]
posted by diode at 7:50 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by diode at 7:50 PM PST - 1 comment
How to sell a house in Lima, Peru—from the U.S?
A close relative has been made the executor of a will that basically leaves a house to her and three siblings in Lima, Peru. Basically there is a house that must be sold and then the proceeds divided among the various children (my relative/the executor and her siblings). (More inside.) [more inside]
posted by AwkwardPause at 7:36 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by AwkwardPause at 7:36 PM PST - 4 comments
How to play cribbage
Ok. So based on answers to more than a few AskMes about good games to play for two people, a friend and I got interested in cribbage. Trouble is, neither of us knows how to play, and we don't know anyone who does know, so it's down to deciphering rules/wiki/YouTube. Not easy - I get the gist, but some specific play questions remain. [more inside]
posted by war wrath of wraith at 7:33 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by war wrath of wraith at 7:33 PM PST - 9 comments
How to make the most out of a father-daughter new driver road trip?
My 15 year-old daughter get's her driver's permit on Friday. I'm planning a road trip over the weekend to give her plenty of driving experience. I'm a bit nervous. Not so much that we'll end up in a wreck, but that I'll be spending a lot of alone time with a teenager I'm beginning to realize I don't really know. What advice do you have for driving instruction and/or understanding teenage girls? [more inside]
Porn Addiction and ED
I just found out that my boyfriend's erectile dysfunction stems from an addiction to porn. What now? [more inside]
Conservation of Heat
I read a method for making iced coffee that set off my bullshit detector. The gist of it was "if you put ice in a bunch of hot coffee it will melt and you will have warm liquid", but! "if you brew drip coffee over a pot of ice, since there is only a small amount of hot coffee hitting the ice at each moment, you will have lots of cold coffee!". That's bunk, right? [more inside]
posted by wrok at 6:02 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by wrok at 6:02 PM PST - 27 comments
Why doesn't my light fixture work?
The bulb blew out on Friday and I replaced it, and it won't go on. I've tried more than one bulb, including a bulb that works in another fixture. My boyfriend has also tried installing it (admittedly, however, after a long day at a baseball game and then bar hopping) and he couldn't get it to work. [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 5:19 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by janey47 at 5:19 PM PST - 13 comments
And one app to rule them all
Is there an iOS app that will schedule accessibility and/or block access selectively to other apps depending on the time of day? I have an ipod touch 5g. [more inside]
posted by tllaya at 5:16 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by tllaya at 5:16 PM PST - 4 comments
Most Scenic High-Rise... Trousers
I am a lady with a small waist and a generous booty. I look best in "high-rise" or "high-waisted" pants because, well, my waist is pretty high, which means that the popular "low-rise" and "mid-rise" trousers leave acres of billowing flesh exposed between my actual waist and the waist of the pants.
What brands or specific jeans or pants (or skirts) can I wear? I've had decent luck with Simply Vera for Kohl's skinny jeans with stretch. Any other suggestion from like-waisted ladies? [more inside]
How should I use my potential Rosetta Stone subscription?
I just got a new job where I will have access to Rosetta Stone for a single language. I don't need to learn any languages for work so please help me decide how I'd like to use it. [more inside]
Help for the Helper?
I'm fairly new to my career in social work and am looking for book recommendations for when the counsellor needs help moving on from a crappy situation involving a client. Everytime I try to search for this, all that comes up are the books that help clients who have been mistreated by the therapist. But what about us? [more inside]
posted by katie521 at 4:08 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by katie521 at 4:08 PM PST - 8 comments
Point-and-shoot digital camera advice.
I'm thinking it might be time to upgrade my digital camera. Is it worth it? If so, what models should I be looking at? [more inside]
Why Write for x Hours Every Day? What Then?
A number of sources suggest that writers write for x number of minutes a day. I wrote for 30min/day for 2 months, but stopped because I could not determine a benefit. In addition, I was (and remain) totally unclear on what one is supposed to do with the writing afterward: read it (if yes, soon after writing, or later)? Edit it (if yes, again, soon after writing, or later)? And for what purposes?
I hope some established writers can direct me in the proper use of this tool, or debunk it in favor of another method.
If it helps, I am writing creative non-fiction, travel narrative, etc.
No PC sync on Canon 6D? No problem!
What are your best workarounds for the lack of a PC sync port on the Canon 6D? And, additionally, I'd love to hear your experiences with the 6D vs the 5D MK III.
posted by nevercalm at 2:47 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by nevercalm at 2:47 PM PST - 13 comments
Can I leave my deck unstained?
I have a beautiful new treated pine deck and I'm confused about the finish. I've read that it is very important to stain the deck for protection and preservation. I've also read that stain is primarily for looks, and if you have no objection to the grayish color that comes with aging (I don't, I rather like it) there is no need to stain. Which is it?
Details: Deck is in mid-Michigan. Will get the full brunt of the elements (sun and rain/snow), but since it is raised a good four feet off the ground, it is well ventilated against mildew and mold and should dry quickly.
Any wisdom to offer?
fifty nifty United States-based care packages?
Help me create a list of mailable, share-able, care-package items from all the U.S. states/DC for my college student son and his friends. [more inside]
What's an attractive tree for an oversized cat?
I have two cats. The larger one is 3' tall standing, 16 pounds, and growing. He desperately wants to stand and scratch, and currently, the only available thing that's tall enough is the chair. I'd like to find him something else. [more inside]
posted by ethidda at 1:52 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by ethidda at 1:52 PM PST - 21 comments
Which zoos in NE USA/Canada offer animal encounters?
I am looking for a zoo which offers a "behind the scenes" encounter with monkeys, ideally in North East USA/Canada. [more inside]
posted by unlaced at 1:37 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by unlaced at 1:37 PM PST - 10 comments
I am my brother's keeper
What's the best way to protect my younger brother from my father, without also causing trouble with Dad? (blizzard ensues) [more inside]
Something Special from 1943
My Dad is turning 70 in a few weeks and I would really like to buy him something special that was made in 1943. I have looked around and there are a few ridiculously expensive vintage wines and some very kitschy coin collections but I have not been able to find anything that really fits. [more inside]
New to Scuba in NYC
[Scuba filter] I live in NYC and received my PADI open water certification this weekend (woo!). I'm interested in weekend dive trips for beginners. [more inside]
Furniture recommendations: simple, functional, well-made, reasonable?
I'm moving to an apartment later this summer, and I need to get furniture for it (starting from nothing). I really like a particular kind of furniture: severe, simple, anonymous, functional. Think of the Lehni Bed 1, beautiful but bare Shaker woodworking, Donald Judd's standing writing desk, Aalto's Paimio chair, and so on. All of this stuff is crushingly beyond-super-expensive. I'd love to get suggestions for alternatives, cheaper things in that style from major retailers, craftspeople who make pieces like these, and, in general, furniture along those lines that you don't have to buy from Switzerland for a million skillion dollars -- stuff that's well made but with adult-reasonable prices. (It would be great if this was available in the New York City area, as well, but I welcome answers beyond that, to make this question useful to people elsewhere with similar interests.) Thanks!
Trying to track down the source of an annoying verbal tic
The past year or two I've noticed a dramatic uptick in "I was gonna say…" as a conversational prefix. Especially when used to try to take credit or trump a previous comment. (Example below)
I think it's intended to mean "I agree", but it always comes across as "I'ma let you finish…"
Have you come across this? Did it spontaneously generate, or is there a popular culture origin? [more inside]
iOS app for my son so he can message a restricted list of individuals?
My son has an iPod touch and pretty much everyone in our family has iPhones and iPads. I would like to find a way that my son can text chat with only a small approved list of people. [more inside]
Help me find more personal anthems
I'm looking to add particular kinds of upbeat and positive songs to a current very eclectic playlist. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by booksherpa at 11:47 AM PST - 61 comments
posted by booksherpa at 11:47 AM PST - 61 comments
Is my employer legally allowed to track where I go during work?
I work a desk job in an office building. There are about 4 doors on our floor that require a keycard to access. One leads to a bathroom, the other leads to the kitchen, which has the coffee maker and water fountain. The other two go to other departments.
My employer has notified me that they have registered a very high frequency of passing through these doors. They run reports on what keycards are used to open doors, and how often they are used.
I drink a lot of water and coffee at work an urinate frequently, hence my passing through these doors.
Can they legally do this? Can they punish me in any way? Obviously, I'm in the US.
Degree in market research with no math background? Quickly and cheaply?
Could I get a master's degree in market research or market analysis, even with a poor foundation in math? How long would that take? And could I qualify for any scholarships or anything to do it for cheap or free? (It might be a wild fantasy, but I have to ask.) Basically, I want to be that person that helps organizations target their advertising and campaigns in an impactful way by analyzing consumer behavior and consumer demographics. Details below: [more inside]
A few specific questions about Sandusky, OH
I will be visiting Sandusky for a week in August, renting a house with family members for a few days. We will have 7 adults and 2 young kids (2 and 4). Hoping someone can help us out with some specific questions. [more inside]
posted by kdern at 11:24 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by kdern at 11:24 AM PST - 3 comments
Where can one watch the Stanley Cup in Stockholm, Sweden?
What bars or restaurants will be showing these last few Stanley Cup games in Stockholm? Are there any that will remain open that late?
Vertical Search Market Share
For the classical search engines the market shares are well known.
For example during April 2013 it is 66% for Google and 17% for Bing.
What about the state of vertical searching sites? Such as google shopping, bing shopping, pricegrapper, shopzilla, etc.
I read an article which stated that vertical search is gaining momentum and it may we wise to seek out the shares in this department of search market.
Any insight on this topic is also appreciated.
posted by raphael19 at 10:50 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by raphael19 at 10:50 AM PST - 1 comment
What's happening with these friend requests?
Facebook is adding friends that I've never met and giving the message saying that I've requested the friendship (as in: "So-and-so has accepted your friend request"). To the best of my knowledge, I have not. In both cases these were recently created profiles, but unlike spam profiles I've seen in the past, these are both related to some friends that I actually do know in real life, and aren't obvious scams with super model photos. This happened two days ago, and yesterday. [more inside]
Benefits of living together (either married or not) versus living apart?
I've read about Living Apart Together (LAT) relationships and I can see the benefits of this arrangement for some specific situations/couples. I can also see the drawbacks. Living together -- either as a married or unmarried couple -- also has benefits (perhaps many more) and some drawbacks as well. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 10:26 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by Lescha at 10:26 AM PST - 28 comments
Help me name my car
I will be picking up my brand new Kia Rio EX (5 door, manual transmission, black). I name my cars. Help me name this one like a boss. [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 10:25 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 10:25 AM PST - 33 comments
Best way to store a house full of stuff while we're between homes?
We're in the process of moving across town. We sold our house and close on it mid July, but we don't close on the new place until the end of that month. This leaves us 'homeless' for two weeks. My family will be staying with my parents for that time, no big deal. The question is what to do with all of our stuff? What's the best way to store a house full of stuff for a short time? [more inside]
posted by JuiceBoxHero at 10:25 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by JuiceBoxHero at 10:25 AM PST - 7 comments
We love cheese! Who will drive us around to eat a lot of it?
Mrs. Arbac and I will be up in the Bay Area this coming weekend. We had hoped to take a Cheese/Wine tour through West Marin Food and Farm Tours after reading about them in a recent newspaper article. But sadly, they're all booked up for Sunday June 30th and their tour starts a little too early on Saturday to make it up to Marin from SFO Saturday morning. Does anyone have recommendations for an alternative tour operator?
posted by Arbac at 10:18 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Arbac at 10:18 AM PST - 5 comments
Beach camping in Oregon?
I'm thinking of driving down to Oregon (from BC) this coming weekend. I'd like to camp somewhere near the ocean, preferably within walking distance of a beach. Recommendations? [more inside]
Ego pain and art: advice?
I'd like to spend more time reading serious literature or viewing art, but I find my ego keeps getting in the way. Advice, please? [more inside]
PRISM is watching you poop.
Amazon item showed up at work and at home. Please explain to me how this happened. [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 9:30 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by phunniemee at 9:30 AM PST - 23 comments
Should we be afraid of our friends' new house?
Our friends are about to move into a house that was built in or around in '60. They've had contractors rip out a lot of carpet and tile to replace it with hardwood, and the husband friend casually told my husband that there might be asbestos in the tile but he'd have to get it tested to know for sure. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 9:27 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by kitcat at 9:27 AM PST - 20 comments
My classmate, my would-be boss
I just realized that the contact person/potential supervisor for a job I'm applying for was in my graduating class at our tiny alma mater. This could obviously work very much in my favor, but I'm also afraid it might not for snowflakey reasons. What's the best way to approach this in my application? [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 9:24 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by ActionPopulated at 9:24 AM PST - 11 comments
Laying the Golden Egg: Employer unilaterally shifting my contract.
I took a job which I initially really enjoyed and was doing well at in a small company, by far exceeding standard targets across a variety of measures. Shortly after my six month review, my employer has began to play loose with the terms of a pretty weak contract, and it's impairing my performance as I weigh whether I need to shift my own priorities. Is this symptomatic of problems ahead or just a lack of business sense that I can leverage myself sufficiently to deal with? What is my next move and how do I go about it? [more inside]
posted by skermunkil at 9:13 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by skermunkil at 9:13 AM PST - 5 comments
Ow. Ow. Ow.
I'm afraid of my roommate's cat. It doesn't "play" so much as "viciously attack," and I have a body full of puncture wounds to prove it. Is there anything that can be done about this? [more inside]
Downsides of getting street address deliveries to my new post office?
My small town post office is offering a new feature I'd never heard of, street address deliveries to it, so you don't have to have anything delivered at home anymore. Given that the mailbox of the house I've been renting a room in is extremely insecure, this seems desirable. But given that every action I've taken in the last 10 months has gotten turned to the worst possible outcome, I want to know what the downsides are. Would it affect my credit rating? Would it make me look suspicious? What would be the downsides of using it as a residence address for my drivers license, which is up for renewal before I find a stable situation? [more inside]
posted by endurance at 9:01 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by endurance at 9:01 AM PST - 13 comments
I'd like to live in Provistonfansisco
Can you compare living in Boston with living in Providence? [more inside]
GF said "I love you" and we've only been dating for about a month
Girlfriend said "I love you" after only 1 month. I didn't respond with anything and now she's mad. [more inside]
To do in Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow
Help me plan a perfect day visit to Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow NY this Saturday! [more inside]
Speeding on the highway and lost my warning ticket!
Last Saturday, I was speeding on the highway leaving West Bloomfield, Michigan on my way to Cincinnati, Ohio. A police officer pulled me to the side and forgave me for the transgression by issuing me a speeding ticket warning that carries some sort of monetary penalty that my parents have to pay for. I lost the ticket stub itself and don't remember where I was on I-275/if I was even on I-275 and my Mom said that if I don't get it to her ASAP the fines will triple and I'll be grounded. Do any of you guys know if there is a central repository of tickets issued in Michigan that I can go to to see the warning ticket number since locating the exact spot on Google maps is difficult? If not, what can I do?
posted by anonymous at 7:11 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by anonymous at 7:11 AM PST - 20 comments
How do I get my guides to work across all layers in Illustrator CS6?
Is there any way that I can get guides to stay visible across *all* layers in Illustrator CS6, instead of disappearing when I turn layers off? I'd rather not replace them every time I add a new layer. My google-fu is failing due a bad combination of search terms that keeps returning tutorials. Thank you!
posted by avocet at 7:00 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by avocet at 7:00 AM PST - 3 comments
Help me start off on the right foot with my new project team.
I'm a newly hired, but experienced project manager who is taking over a project that is already underway. I've been out of work for a while so I'm super glad to finally have a job but I'm feeling overwhelmed and unsure of myself. I want to do an awesome job. [more inside]
Loan Etiquette?
When is it too late to increase the amount of a consolidation loan request? [more inside]
Do dogs like novelty?
Do dogs like to go new places on their walks? Do they get bored of the same routes? [more inside]
Didn't finish doxycycline am I effed?
Went to Southeast Asia a few months ago and just didn't finish my doxycycline (30 days 1 pill a day). I stopped about a week short. I am a fool. I don't think I have malaria or any other bacterial infection but have I effectively done myself harm in some way?
How to keep mildew at bay?
Is there a best practice for keeping my walls free of mildew? [more inside]
extreme hunger weightloss edition
Been exercising for a few months now. Lost 20 lbs. Suddenly hungry all the time, and also really tired. What is going on?! [more inside]
July 4th without a BBQ?
My mom, my brother and I will be celebrating July 4th by ourselves in my small apartment. I'd like to have a nice comfort food meal with them, but I don't have a barbeque or grill available. Here's what I do have: [more inside]
posted by nickhb at 5:33 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by nickhb at 5:33 AM PST - 18 comments
What is this mushroom?
We have a mushroom growing in the ladies' toilets at work. My abilities to identify it have failed. [more inside]
NH Specific Question: What to do in Barnstead with a dog?
Spending a day in Barnstead NH with my dog. What can we do for fun? [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:27 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Thrillhouse at 4:27 AM PST - 6 comments
I live in London and need an ISP that's not horrible.
I've just moved and need to find a good UK ISP. My priorities are reliability, good service from human beings, and refraining from shady practices like traffic shaping or overselling the network. Price, decent data allowances and not being owned by Murdoch are also desirable. [more inside]
Confusing website - what do they want?
Last week I saw an ad for what appeared to be a search engine in the London Evening Standard. I presumed it was viral marketing as the ad was pretty opaque - but the website doesn't seem to be advertising anything or indeed make sense. What's going on? [more inside]
Body positive personal training, but called something else...
What should I call my body-positive personal training business? [more inside]
Primary Source for Leonardo da Vinci Qoute
I'm looking for a primary source for this quote. "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.” The quote is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. Thanks in advance!
posted by lrnarabic at 2:25 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by lrnarabic at 2:25 AM PST - 2 comments
Leaving job after signing contract, but before starting
Hi all, I have a slight problem. [more inside]
June 23
I swear I saw the man on the moon
Following the recent 'supermoon' in Australia, it brought back a vivid childhood memory that I'd like to either confirm (which would be awesome) or chalk up to an overactive child imagination. [more inside]
BMW 1 series hatchback, Volvo V40, or Audi A4 Sportback?
Buying a car. Prices on imports are way down right now in Seoul, so we've moved up from the Hyundai i30 we'd planned on and are looking at the BMW 1 series hatchback, the Volvo V40, and the Audi A4 Sportback. (The Audi A3 Sportback would be our choice, but it's not available in South Korea.) [more inside]
posted by Joseph Gurl at 9:48 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Joseph Gurl at 9:48 PM PST - 7 comments
I'll be in Seoul for about 11 hours, what to do?
Hey! I have a long layover in Seoul (landing at Incheon, 5:20AM, departing, 4:30PM, about 11 hours) this Thursday, June 27th.
Is it reasonable to head into the city (or somewhere) for food or drink or other amusement in this short span? Can you suggest a micro-itinerary that seems fun to you? I'm also interested in other options, including walking around the city with MeFites.
Things to listen to with a minimum of futzing around
I'm working at my desk for 8 hours a day: what should I be listening to during this time? I've been listening to a lot of NPR Tiny Desk Concerts, which I like because I just click start and I'm good for the next 1/2 hour, without ads, and I like the consistency of the same artist for the entire chunk of time. I'd appreciate links to albums or performances that I can stream for free! Some specific music tastes outlined inside. [more inside]
Lost that loving feeling
I used to quite often feel love and warmth in my heart and body, in a natural way. Lately I do not feel this. I still act loving but I have been feeling somewhat cold; my "loving" comes from my head, not my heart. I want to get my heart back. [more inside]
Reading Catullus 85 out loud (in Latin)
Help me remember how to read Catullus 85 ("Odi et amo ...") out loud in Latin. [more inside]
posted by DevonKappa at 8:42 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by DevonKappa at 8:42 PM PST - 4 comments
Do actual blind dates still happen?
My wife and I were watching a recent comedy that spoofs, as many comedies do, blind dates. Discussing it, we talked about how the two of us had never been on a blind date, and how despite seeing people get together in all different types of ways in our lifetimes, we didn't know anyone - from the 80s to the present - who had actually been on a proper blind date, where both parties were entirely unfamiliar with each other before the date. Which leads us to wonder... have you? [more inside]
Anyone have an add-on like Autopager for Firefox, but doesn't suck?
Need add-on to automatically load series of pages in Firefox [more inside]
Help identify my skin issues, please? Picture included.
I've been getting open sores on my chest area that start as pimples for about five years. A few days ago, I got an especially bad one. Dermatologist says it's a "staph abscess", but I'm not so confident. Any ideas? [more inside]
Where to browse publication layouts?
The weekly university newspaper I work for is aiming to launch a print / web re-design in a few months. We're meeting next week to go over possible design elements, and we've been encouraged to contribute anything we like to the design casserole. [more inside]
posted by Chutzler at 6:45 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Chutzler at 6:45 PM PST - 6 comments
How to Purposefully Have a Bad Job Interview
I got myself into a situation where I have to go for a job interview for a customer service position at an insurance firm tomorrow. I do not want this job. For reasons I will explain inside, I cannot just say "I do not want this job." Please help! [more inside]
Help a (male) librarian dress for success....and the summer
What should I, as a new librarian working on a short-term contract at the reference desk, wear to work in the public library in the summer? [more inside]
How can I update the Android OS on a phone from abroad?
I have an unlocked(?) Samsung Galaxy S2 that was originally purchased in Saudi Arabia. I'm in the US and can't get it to update the Android OS from Jellybean to Ice Cream Sandwich. Please help. [more inside]
Please help me affix an Uno lampshade to an old lamp
So, I have this old, ugly lamp. In the hopes of improving the appearance of this lamp, while at the World Market the other day, I bought a new shade for it. Because I am a noob who has only bought cheap lamps in the past, I didn't notice that the shade was an Uno shade (in fact, the Internet tells me it's an Uno downbridge lamp shade) whereas the lamp has a harp fitting. But! The socket is also threaded, so theoretically, it should be pretty easy to turn this into a regular Uno socket, right? [more inside]
NSA collecting phone numbers: only from Verizon?
I am curious as to why the NSA would only collect phone numbers from Verizon since there are so many other carriers. I have seen no other carriers mentioned in the news. Can you tell me what I'm missing here?
Thanks.NSA
posted by michellenoel at 5:00 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by michellenoel at 5:00 PM PST - 8 comments
Heartbreaking, sad, depressing music / Redeeming music
I'm looking for music to listen to tonight while I work on some sad writing and wanted recommendations for the most heartbreaking, saddest, depressing albums you know. I've googled and read lists on music websites, but would love your opinion. (I also read a MeFi post on optimistic/pessimistic music.)
But I will also be writing coming-through-the-storm stuff, so I'm also looking for recs of albums that are redeeming, like they really make you feel like you've survived or you're a better person for having heard them.
I mostly listen to indie rock and classic rock. I like a lot of contemporary classical, but I prefer music with vocals. I am also looking for albums rather than individual songs, preferably.
Thank you!
Limiting a single OSX Application's use?
Does an OSX app exist which will limit the use of a single application? Nothing in the parental controls seems to be able to limit time spent in a given application. [more inside]
Had to move suddenly due to scary roommate. What will happen to my mail?
I had to submit a change of address at the last minute, and I'm very reluctant go back to my old address to get any mail that doesn't get forwarded. I have some questions about the mechanics of mail forwarding. [more inside]
Whats the best Headphones for my son who just joined the Marines?
My son is in Camp Pendleton in Boot Camp right now for the Marines. I'm thinking I want to buy him some awesome high quality over the ear headphones that sound great and can take a beating(because they will). A warranty would be great. What are some good sounding Marine proof Headphones. These will take lots of Abuse. He's not too picky, but I want something that will last him the next 4 years, and he can use for his music, videos, and Skypeing back home. I'm looking to spend under $200.00, that is my budget..(He graduates Sept 6th, so any advice would be awesome)
Online Vintage Ad and Fine Photography Site?
I'm looking for a specific seller of vintage ads and vintage fine photography [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants at 4:26 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Foam Pants at 4:26 PM PST - 5 comments
What is wrong with the washer?
We have a 9-year-old front-loading Kenmore washing machine that has for the last month been giving off a musty/moldy smell. We've tried everything we can think of, cannot make it go away and cannot identify the source. What's going on and what should we do? [more inside]
Baked goods that are also refreshing on a hot day?
We're looking for inexpensive, "refreshing" baked goods that we can add to cupcakes at a farmers'-market vegan baking booth for the dog days of summer. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 3:58 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by Shepherd at 3:58 PM PST - 41 comments
Help me keep the hose on my rain barrel from wandering into my roses
The rain barrel in my garden has a plastic flex clip on it to hold the hose that's attached to the barrel. Or rather it did. Half of it broke off months ago. I've checked Home Depot, Canadian Tire and Rona, and none of them carried a replacement clip. The rain barrel was installed about five years ago courtesy of the City of Toronto as part of their drainpipe disconnection program, so I don't have the option of going back to the supplier for it. Does anyone know where I can get a suitable replacement clip on the internet?
How to find day labor / packing & cleaning support in Belmont, MA?
I am looking for a couple of people to help someone pack and clean a room in preparation for moving. Little heavy lifting required, just need a couple of strong bodies to take direction for a few hours. Is there a resource for finding (hopefully inexpensive) day labor in the Watertown/Belmont/Waltham area? Out here in California, for example, I would look into a Job Center, but am not coming up with a similar resource in the Boston area. Thank you for any information!
posted by sarahparah at 3:12 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by sarahparah at 3:12 PM PST - 7 comments
How university works in the UK
I'm US-ian, married to a Brit. We live in the UK with our fifteen-year-old, who will probably want to go to university. No one in my husband's family has completed university, and I want to make sure our child has the best chance to succeed in his application and time at university.
I know how college and grad school work in the US. What might I not know about how things work in the UK? He's interested in science, if that makes a difference.
Is it a terrible idea to buy an iPhone on eBay?
My phone contract is coming to an end, and I've decided I'd rather purchase an unlocked phone and move to a prepaid plan than continue in my current cell phone contract. I have an iPhone 4 but want to upgrade to a 4s or 5. It looks like I can get one on eBay for a solid $100-$150 cheaper than I can get one from the Apple store. Having a new vs. used phone is of zero consequence to me as long as it works fine and isn't stolen. Is it a terrible idea to buy a phone off eBay? What pitfalls should I watch out for?
Fiji/New Zealand/Malaysia/Thailand/Nepal suggestravaganza
Please help us create itinerary bullet points for a massive trip to Fiji, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia! [more inside]
posted by Riki tiki at 2:16 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Riki tiki at 2:16 PM PST - 9 comments
What's the best way to catch up on 3 years of tax returns?
There's nothing nefarious about this, I got too caught up in work. What's the best way to catch up on a few years of tax returns? [more inside]
This could be a sitcom plot...if it was actually funny.
One of three mutual friends of mine (who are all roommates) has been behaving very strangely and it is making things awkward. Should I address this or hope it goes away on its own? [more inside]
posted by bolognius maximus at 2:00 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by bolognius maximus at 2:00 PM PST - 19 comments
Best sing-along version of the Star Spangled Banner?
I need to provide a recorded version (audio only) of The Star Spangled Banner for a bunch of patriotic middle-aged to elderly women to sing-along with at the opening ceremonies of a convention. Can anyone point me to a good version that isn't just an instrumental and isn't too showy? Whitney Houston's is probably way beyond the average vocal range for this group.
Best dual us/uk bank account
"What are my options for a bank account that can have deposits and withdrawals in both the US and UK, with minimal transaction fees and good exchange rates for $-£ and £-$." [more inside]
How can I get a license to teach ESL in Massachusetts?
I have several years' ESL teaching experience, but none in American public schools. I live in Massachusetts and would like to get licensed. I've seen websites that purportedly explain what I need to do, but I would love to hear from someone who has done this.
posted by chaiminda at 1:32 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by chaiminda at 1:32 PM PST - 2 comments
Compensating for lack of "intellectual stimulation" in a relationship?
Lack of intellectual stimulation in my relationship is bothering me. Projecting feelings onto therapist as a result. How can I remedy this? [more inside]
posted by raintree at 1:28 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by raintree at 1:28 PM PST - 14 comments
Audio solution for apartment: iPod + TV
I live in an apartment and I'd like some sort of speaker/sound system to plug my iPod/iPhone into for playing music. Additionally, if possible, I'd like this solution to allow me to plug my TV into it and get better sound out of that. I know next to nothing about speakers or what I'd want (soundbar? Normal speakers?) so any general information would be welcome. I'm not looking for a multiple-speaker setup but just something that would enhance both my music and TV sound. Thanks for the help.
What to do now so I can get into a top-ranked MSW program next year?
I applied to one of the most competitive MSW programs with hopes of becoming a clinical social worker. I didn't get in. I'd rather not lower my standards and go to a less competitive school. This particular school is the one where I want to get my degree.
What can I do now to boost my application for next year or the year after that? I know the obvious answer would be to volunteer. More specifically: Where should I volunteer? In what capacity? How do I write an awesome essay and get great recommendation letters?
Also: what are some resources for the MSW application process?
Driving barefoot.
Is it a bad idea to drive barefoot? [more inside]
Building a house. Don't want AV guy to know I'm a noob. Help please.
I have some pretty basic questions that I'd rather ask someone other than the man with the power to charge me out the wazoo if he senses I am clueless. They pertain to wiring the house for cable and phone and internet, and they are as follows: [more inside]
posted by malhouse at 12:07 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by malhouse at 12:07 PM PST - 8 comments
Where can I find an attorney who's familiar with my field of work?
I am a web developer in NYC who will soon be working as a contractor. How do I find an attorney who's familiar with contract matters related to this field to draft a contract and related matters? [more inside]
Kerouac's Blue Canvas Shoes
In which book of Kerouac's does somebody ask for his blue canvas shoes? [more inside]
posted by slowlikemolasses at 11:31 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by slowlikemolasses at 11:31 AM PST - 3 comments
Book recommendations in the field of psychology?
Not looking for pop psychology, but for fundamental texts that are unmissable. Work covering specific topics/subtopics (e.g., "this is the best book about borderline personality disorder") is fine too. I'm not going to be able to pursue another graduate degree for a while, so I'd like to start background and introductory reading for pleasure now (but I'd eventually like to work in the field). I have university library privileges!
I've seen this ask, but it's a few years old and answers were rather thin. Go!
posted by sevensnowflakes at 11:08 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by sevensnowflakes at 11:08 AM PST - 13 comments
Calm Cartoon, Cartoons WITHOUT LOUD NOISES.
I'm looking for some excellent mellow and relaxing cartoon suggestions à la Hey Arnold! - See, i think that show is so damn chill with the nice smooth Jazz playing in the background, soft pleasant voices and oozy coolness - it's perfect for when I'm getting ready to sleep and trying to relax after a long day (I've been in a 90s-and-earlier-cartoons-at-bedtime mood as of late) . I can't stand how many cartoons these days ARE LOUD AS SHIT with constant random bells and whistles and noises and needless yelling and shouting and noisy irritation constantly going off. So I don't want those. I'd love suggestions of mostly uniformly quietish yet still entertaining (preferably older) cartoons...like Doug, or I just watched Top Cat and it was lovely as well because no jarring sudden noises! You get the idea... I very much appreciate your suggestions, folks!
posted by slightlyamused at 10:05 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by slightlyamused at 10:05 AM PST - 39 comments
Resources for learning to learn more effectively?
I'm looking for resources for evidence-based processes, tips, hacks, improvements, ideas, etc., for learning more effectively. [more inside]
Baby bird fell out of nest.
I noticed a baby seagull running up and down the sidewalk outside my flat. It's not able to fly and the mommy seagull is flying above it, but has apparently stopped feeding it. Should I pick up the bird and move it to a park? (I'm in the middle of the city.) I've always been told that touching a baby bird will leave a human scent on it and the mother will abandon it? Is this true?
posted by three blind mice at 9:19 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by three blind mice at 9:19 AM PST - 10 comments
Where should I go in Eastern Europe?
I'm planning a trip in late August/September, for about 2 weeks, and St. Petersburg is looking very tempting but I would love other ideas! (Budapest? Somewhere in Croatia?) I am a woman who will be traveling alone. I like art and history and eating where the locals eat. I'm not much for the nightlife. [more inside]
I don't want to blow up, but I also want a cleaner oven.
I have an old, small gas oven in my new apartment that desperately needs cleaning. The problem is that it has pilot lights. Help me! [more inside]
posted by Paper rabies at 9:03 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Paper rabies at 9:03 AM PST - 9 comments
Kid-Friendly Flash Builder?
My 9-year-old daughter likes to animate things on GoAnimate.com. The website allows you to upload flash animations, and she'd like to make her own animations of, say, the Sesame Street characters.
The canonical program for building flash animations is Adobe Flash Professional. I'm guessing that is beyond her capabilities (and may be beyond mine!). Are there simpler programs that allow a patient but unsophisticated user to build very simple flash animations?
posted by musofire at 8:07 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by musofire at 8:07 AM PST - 4 comments
Why did Ed Snowden not go the Wikileaks route?
With Wikileaks reporting that Ed Snowden has now landed in Moscow on a commercial flight from HK en route to a thus far unknown 'democratic nation', has anyone seen any explanation anywhere as to why he did not involve Wikileaks from the start and instead went directly to the press?
posted by numberstation at 7:47 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by numberstation at 7:47 AM PST - 22 comments
How did we get from "tax haven" to "tax heaven" to "tax hell"?
Has anyone come across good sources on the history and evolution of the term "tax haven"? I am looking for sources detailing at least its first appearance in written or spoken English, and if possible the date in which it was (wrongly) translated into French as "tax heaven" (paradis fiscal). [more inside]
posted by ipsative at 7:40 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by ipsative at 7:40 AM PST - 6 comments
Looking for suggestions for a pair of aviator-style sunglasses.
Need suggestions for a pair of "aviator-style" sunglasses that will fit my face. [more inside]
posted by dbirchum at 6:23 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by dbirchum at 6:23 AM PST - 12 comments
Resources and advice for maintaining a koi pond?
Just moved into a house with a really nice koi pond. It has a waterfall, rock bridge...the works. But I have no idea how to do anything with it. I don't even seem to have the right language to search the web for detailed advice. [more inside]
posted by GPF at 6:18 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by GPF at 6:18 AM PST - 8 comments
How can I be more enthusiastic about my job?
I have a really great summer job that I enjoy, but I'm afraid that all my coworkers think I hate it. How can I get better at *showing* my enthusiasm for the job? [more inside]
enclosure for SanDisk SSDs?
I bought two SanDisk 480 gb SSDs. Now I realize I need to buy some sort of enclosure for them in order to connect them to my Macbook Pro. What do I want to buy here? [more inside]
posted by dfriedman at 4:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by dfriedman at 4:33 AM PST - 6 comments
good high-rise, bad high-rise
My city banned the construction of high-rise buildings in the eighties. Political winds have shifted (along with economic growth) and now city hall is set to make some permissible again in a new specific plan for the downtown.
My layman's intuition combined with some background reading tells me there is a big difference between a well-designed high-rise and one that's poorly designed. I want to be more conversant with the design issues involved so I can contribute intelligently to the civic discussion.
What key articles, reports, manifestos or monographs should I read? [more inside]
Lust, Spirituality, and Religion
Why is lust, pornography, masturbation and unregulated sexuality (i.e., sleeping around) seen as an unfavorable thing for many (if not most) of the world's various philosophies and religions? [more inside]
posted by The ____ of Justice at 2:30 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by The ____ of Justice at 2:30 AM PST - 35 comments
In Superman II (1980) does Superman kill General Zod?
In Superman II (1980) does Superman kill General Zod according to A: your memory, B: the scene?
How to communicate with someone who just lost their speaking?
My grandma likely suffered a stroke this past week. She was speaking fine before but now she tries to talk and what comes out is sometimes Yiddish, sometimes Polish, occasionally English, but most of the time gibberish. We know she's still mostly there mentally but of course she is very frustrated. [more inside]
posted by cman at 12:02 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by cman at 12:02 AM PST - 11 comments
Twitching eyes and night sweats - just my anxiety?
Are these symptoms just the usual stress-induced annoyances or potentially something else? [more inside]
June 22
Freezer meals for the summertime?
We're about to have our second baby...basically any day. We're a little late to the game, but we'd like to have some meals in the freezer for the postpartum period, like we did with our first. But our first was born in February, when things like soups, stews and lasagne make a lot of sense. This is summertime, in a house with no air conditioning. What the heck do we eat? [more inside]
Separating Twins into Different Classes at School?
My (boy / girl) twins will be entering kindergarten this September. We've been asked if we want them placed into separate classes, or left together in the same class. Need to give them our answer by Monday and frankly, I'm at a loss and have no idea what I should do. If you are a parent of school-age or older twins, can you please share what you did and why? If you yourself are a twin, how did your parents handle it? How did it work out? Other knowledgeable anecdotes and advice welcome. Links to any online resources I can read on the topic would also be appreciated.
posted by zarq at 10:15 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by zarq at 10:15 PM PST - 28 comments
Restoring double hung windows
I'm fixing up some double-hung windows in my turn of the century house, and am weighing (ha!) my options with regard to sash weights vs. spring balances. [more inside]
posted by contraption at 9:56 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by contraption at 9:56 PM PST - 6 comments
Jazz for dark, lonely nights of the soul
Jazz songs like "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat/Theme for Lester Young" by Charles Mingus? [more inside]
How do you deal with an adult bully at night school?
I teach a late evening class for young adults (aged mostly 18-20) in an impoverished school one night a week. I have recently been having trouble with one disruptive young man. He interrupts the lesson by arriving late, entering in a purposefully noisy way, shouting greetings to other students, making entirely inappropriate comments (e.g.: about sport results or his last night adventure)in a loud voice throughout the lesson and making verbal sexual advances on female classmates, everything conducted in a clear attempt to become the center of attention. [more inside]
Should I upgrade my bike's wheels?
I am a recreational bike rider and would like advice on whether it would be useful for me to upgrade the wheels on my bike. I ride a Marin Flat Bar Road Bike that I've had for a couple of years now. I'm wondering if it would be worthwhile to upgrade my wheels to a wheel set in the $300-500 range. [more inside]
posted by Edward L at 6:55 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Edward L at 6:55 PM PST - 11 comments
I'm Held Captive by Dior's Eau Sauvage Parfum! What Else Is Similar?
I'm a huge fan of Dior's perfumes, but I picked up a sample of their Eau Sauvage Parfum and I'm destroyed by it.
What else am I missing out on in the Fumiverse that is reminiscent of this group? [more inside]
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:54 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 6:54 PM PST - 8 comments
Looking for the Silver Insulation
If an absentee homeowner's property is condemned, can I take legal action against them for a loss in value of my own house? [more inside]
posted by endotoxin at 6:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by endotoxin at 6:52 PM PST - 9 comments
Other sites like American Science and Surplus?
I do quite a lot of building small music devices using DIY kits and recycled cases and parts. What are the best sites for for weird, bulk supplies? What are the other sites like American Science and Surplus (http://www.sciplus.com)? [more inside]
posted by archivist at 4:54 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by archivist at 4:54 PM PST - 17 comments
Help me find a website: mash your keyboard and lines of code appear
That's about it - it was a one-trick website with a programming version of Guitar Hero, where you would mash your keyboard and lines of code would appear in that rhythm. Help?
posted by sixswitch at 4:52 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by sixswitch at 4:52 PM PST - 3 comments
Why does a low refrigerant charge cause an evaporator to ice up?
I have read that a low refrigerant charge in a refrigeration system can cause the system's evaporator to ice up. I happen to have a dehumidifier which is exhibiting this symptom. I do not expect to be able to repair the dehumidifier but, as something of an HVAC enthusiast, I am curious as to why and how this happens. [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup at 4:44 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Juffo-Wup at 4:44 PM PST - 6 comments
What makes someone a slam dunk in a job interview?
Hiring managers, have you ever encountered a spectacular candidate who blew your mind while searching for a new employee? What did they do that made them so memorable? [more inside]
Downed tree, city in storm aftermath, what to do?
We've had a giant storm and an incredible number of trees are down including many blocking roads. One downed tree is mine, although thankfully it's not in the street. I was actually in the process of getting an arborist out here to get it taken down next week...and now it's down! Er, mostly down! And that's where I don't know what to do. [more inside]
What do you know about being management in a union environment?
I may, in the future, have the opportunity to move to a management role in a union environment at a state university. Some state universities have professional unions and some have service employee unions. Do you have experience working or managing in an environment like this? How is it different from working in a non-union academic environment? If I were to make a move like this, how could I be the best manager for both union and non-union people possible?
posted by eleanna at 3:39 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by eleanna at 3:39 PM PST - 11 comments
Cats are weird... wet food edition
Why do my cats keep losing interest in wet food they've happily eaten for weeks? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:13 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 3:13 PM PST - 16 comments
More examples of a specific type of metaphorical 'pun' in song lyrics?
I really like metaphors and I really like song lyrics. Every once in a while I run across a particular type of cleverly extended metaphor in a song lyric. I'm trying to develop this idea a bit and looking for more examples of this particular thing. I've included some explanatory examples I've found. [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 2:45 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by iamkimiam at 2:45 PM PST - 17 comments
Oh that was TODAY
Looking for an Android to-do app that manages a single to-do list (and/or calendar events) between two folks' phones. [more inside]
posted by shakespeherian at 1:15 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by shakespeherian at 1:15 PM PST - 10 comments
It'd be improper to tell him his joke made me suicidal, I guess.
I keep finding myself in a peculiar and incredibly disheartening group social dynamic. I need practical guidance on how to "fix" the latest one, and maybe some suggestions on how to head these things off before we get to Suicidal Ideation pass. [more inside]
posted by Fee Phi Faux Phumb I Smell t'Socks o' a Puppetman! at 12:58 PM PST - 58 comments
posted by Fee Phi Faux Phumb I Smell t'Socks o' a Puppetman! at 12:58 PM PST - 58 comments
Best equipment for juicing many many lemons & limes?
Say I wanted to make a huge amount of sour mix (you know, just theoretically). I would need large quantities of lemons and limes juiced. What's the best piece of equipment to do it quickly (and easily enough to not want to die afterwards)? High-quality hand press (or two)? Inexpensive lever-assisted press? Electric juicer? Budget: $100 max (pref under $50). Don't care about filtering all traces of pulp.
posted by supercres at 12:56 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by supercres at 12:56 PM PST - 14 comments
Improving reception of under-cabinet kitchen radio
I have a Sony ICF-CD543-RM kitchen radio/CD player that mounts under a cabinet. It has poor FM radio reception for stations that come in fine on other radios. [more inside]
petfilter: how to find reputable dog breeder in chicagoland?
Hi hivemind - My wife and I have been living in Chicago for a while now and just got a house (Western burbs if it matters). Now that we have space and a yard, I'd really like to help her find a puppy. [more inside]
posted by envygreen at 11:27 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by envygreen at 11:27 AM PST - 26 comments
Dealing with performance anxiety, procrastination and discipline
I've been putting off important tasks due to anxiety and a big fear of failure. What books would you recommend that teaches concepts or techniques that would help? [more inside]
I just made knitted/crocheted leggings. How do I hold them up?
I have found other questions here about garter belts and garters, but those probably apply more to the flimsy-ass tights material than what I'm talking about. Yarnie folks who have done this, let me know what you'd recommend! [more inside]
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:46 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by jenfullmoon at 10:46 AM PST - 7 comments
Finding a lost package on the weekend - USPS
Hi all, this is a far fetched question, but I'm hoping that someone here has an idea of what I can do. I shipped some fish out to Spokane, WA from New Berlin, WI Thursday afternoon, using express mail. The package did not arrive. I've contacted the 1800 number and opened a "research" case on it, but haven't heard anything. Today's latest news was nothing new. I'm hoping to try and chase the package down myself, as I or the receiver are willing to drive where ever it is stuck and get it ourselves. [more inside]
Sure, I was arrested. But what does it MEAN?
YANML. Five years ago, I was (rightly) arrested for shoplifting in New York City. A public defender pled me down from a misdemeanor to a Disorderly Conduct charge, with the (apparently fairly standard for first-time offenders) addition that if I didn't get in trouble again for 6 months, my record would be cleared. I didn't get in trouble; presumably my record was cleared. But what does that actually mean? Is it like I've never done anything at all? If someone decided to dig for dirt on me, what would they find? [more inside]
Good idea, bad idea: Leaving first job before a year's up
I last asked a question about moving or J-school. Most answers encouraged the former. I do want to move now, but should I relocate if doing so at the optimal time would mean I'd be at my first job less than a year? [more inside]
Health question - World War Z related (minor spoilers)
A question about unconciousness and bladder/bowel control. (Minor World War Z spoilers) [more inside]
posted by biffa at 9:40 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by biffa at 9:40 AM PST - 4 comments
Figurative acrophobia
How do I fight my inner self-saboteur? [more inside]
posted by dinosaurprincess at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dinosaurprincess at 9:25 AM PST - 7 comments
South Bay Area day trip?
I have a free day in San Jose, CA tomorrow. Where should I go? Especially interested in redwoods and the coast. [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 9:08 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by lunasol at 9:08 AM PST - 10 comments
Suggest some fun worldbuilding/milieu stories?
I love stories incorporating multiple settings/cultures. Think Lord of the Rings, with Rivendell (elves), Moria (dwarves), and the Shire (hobbits), all with a distinct "feel" to their societal standards. Can you suggest a book/series I would enjoy? [more inside]
Too much diet soda?
What are the health risks if a person drinks diet sodas pretty much to the exclusion of water or any other type of beverage? Average amount consumed is 3.75 liters a day, about a liter is caffeine free, brand name is any and all. [more inside]
Audio cracking in Chrome on OS X Mountain Lion
I upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion from Snow Leopard, and now all audio crackles in Chrome. YouTube, Bandcamp, SoundCloud.. everything. It starts out clear and then after about 10 seconds it begins to crackle and gradually increases until the audio is unlistenable. Crackle volume changes with volume controls but intensity does not. Audio is fine using Safari and Firefox or any desktop application like iTunes or Spotify. [more inside]
posted by alligatorman at 8:00 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by alligatorman at 8:00 AM PST - 3 comments
LLC then what?
After you've incorporated, what are the daily, monthly, and yearly behaviors and fees associated with having an LLC? [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 7:12 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by zeek321 at 7:12 AM PST - 9 comments
Quotes about secrets and confessions
Do you know any great quote about secrets and confessions? Something about bearing one's innermost thoughts and feelings to people? I would love it if the quote focused on a corporal approach to the confession metaphor, something like "giving one's heart away" or "bearing one's gut for all to see", ...
Learn Adobe in a Flash
Two part question.
1.) Roughly how much does it cost for a company to hire someone to do one on one training for a new hire in Adobe Flash?
2.) Company likes you so much they offer you a job and are willing to pay out for your training on said and/or similar software, but give that as a reason for (insert too low salary range here) being the pay scale. You want to negotiate the best salary for yourself. Is it unheard of to ask for your salary to be increased the following year because the training will no longer be a hit to the budget?
Mobile Game Development
What's the best platform for developing cross-platform (ie mac, windows, android, desktop, tablet & mobile) games these days? [more inside]
Check for a long-closed probate
How do we cash a check for a dead relative whose probate we closed several years ago? [more inside]
Deficit? We don't need no steenking deficit!
Why can't the US Government just mint 17 of the trillion dollar coins and be done with it, and just pay off the whole deficit in one go? [more inside]
posted by humpy at 12:33 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by humpy at 12:33 AM PST - 21 comments
What is the best faucet-mounted water filter?
What brand/model of faucet-mounted water filter works best? [more inside]
posted by dhens at 12:29 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by dhens at 12:29 AM PST - 7 comments
June 21
Paris on Bastille Day: Alternatives to Les Crowds & L'Oontz-Oontz-Oontz?
What are some alternatives to the large-scale celebrations of Bastille Day in/around Paris? [more inside]
Help me be a loving partner as I watch my SO throw his money away
I don't want to tell my boyfriend what to do with his money. It's his money. We don't live together so that (among other things) we can keep our finances separate. Plus, it's not like I'm some damn genius or Rockefeller. But I am seriously watching him throw money away and he's not even burning it so as to get the pleasure of watching the flames. Help me be a nice person, stop worrying about it, stop caring, and just let him have his fun. (SO many details follow) [more inside]
What kind of flower is this?
I think it's some kind of wild rose, though not sure. The photo was taken in Ireland. Photo here: http://instagram.com/p/a1USOGv3BP/ Found something called a Winged Thorn Rose on Google images - but the petals of that rose were not jagged like the one in my photo. Officially stumped!
Help me navigate my relationships with well-meaning former coworkers.
I left a toxic workplace six months ago for a new job. I'm happy with my new gig, but running into former coworkers still puts me in a funk -- and I see them constantly. How do I handle interactions with them if I work in the same field and/or travel in the same social circles? Snowflakery inside. [more inside]
posted by whenbynowandtreebyleaf at 7:16 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by whenbynowandtreebyleaf at 7:16 PM PST - 10 comments
Hospice workers and disclosure
My mom has been in hospice care for pancreatic cancer for a few months now. It's obviously at a pretty late stage at this point. Whenever either she or I talk to the hospice care nurse, the nurse really doesn't want to talk about anything in the future, though, except in the vaguest of terms. [more inside]
posted by MrVisible at 7:12 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by MrVisible at 7:12 PM PST - 21 comments
Identity Theft Victim Needs a Therapist
Very short and to the point question. A family member has been the victim of identity theft, and are doing very poorly in terms of mental health in the process of trying to cope. They have severe phone anxiety, social anxiety, etc, and this is emotionally destroying them.
I need a therapist in the Atlanta metro area, preferably Dunwoody/Norcross area that is taking new patients ASAP and who has experience with ID theft and anxiety issues. Bonus if they take Blue Cross Blue Shield GA's Blue Choice POS insurance, but willing to pay if they don't.
Get Therapy. Yeah, I'm going to need a little more help than that...
I think I might be a little depressed. Sometimes more than a little, but usually at least a little. And I know I have issues with anxiety. So, I've decided to get therapy. And I've called my insurance to figure out how to go about doing that. So my question is: now what? I don't know if I need a psychiatrist or a psycologist. I know that a psychiatrist perscribes medication, but I don't know if I need that. Knowing that seems like their job. [more inside]
posted by Weeping_angel at 4:49 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Weeping_angel at 4:49 PM PST - 14 comments
Inappropriate touching during surgery
I was touched inappropriately during my oral surgery today, and I would like to get some advice on what to do about it. Full details inside. [more inside]
Open Source GIS software for public education projects
I learned some basic mapping in ArcGIS in school, but I no longer have access to the ESRI world as an independent consultant. I would like to work on a few independent projects using publicly available data and (hopefully) shape files from school districts. What are the best open source products I can use? [more inside]
posted by frizz at 4:03 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by frizz at 4:03 PM PST - 9 comments
Wow, that's... a lot of moaning.
My upstairs neighbors have, within the last week, begun having extremely noisy sex directly above my living room in the middle of the day. [more inside]
posted by baby beluga at 3:53 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by baby beluga at 3:53 PM PST - 29 comments
Left luggage/baggage storage in Vancouver?
Where do I store my luggage, preferably in/close to downtown Vancouver, on a Friday afternoon and Monday during the day? [more inside]
What is this Game of Thrones character wearing under his shirt?
Ser Jorah Mormont of Bear Island, the knight exiled from Westeros, spends a lot of time in season 2 of Game of Thrones with his shirt half open (thank you, Gods). But one thing has been bugging me. What is the leather strap he always has on underneath his shirt? It's the piece that goes over one shoulder, across his chest, and under his other arm. Is it just a costumey accessory to make him look like a rugged medieval cowboy, or does it serve a practical purpose?
How do I get better at being in therapy?
I’ve got an appointment with a new therapist next week. I’m really excited, because wow do I have some things to work out, but I’m also wary because I’m crap at being in therapy. This new therapist seems to be a good fit, at least on paper and according to a recommendation I’ve gotten. Does anyone have any constructive ideas about how to be a good patient in therapy? [more inside]
Can I translate the live stream?
I am attempting to "cover" a conference in Italy which will be livestreamed. I do not speak Italian. Is there any automatic translation software I can use in real time to have a prayer of understanding what's being said? [more inside]
posted by QuantumMeruit at 2:25 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by QuantumMeruit at 2:25 PM PST - 10 comments
Good neighborhood to around in in Nashville (also restaurant rec)?
I'm with a few friends in Nashville for the day, we're looking for a good neighborhood to around in, also a restaurant [more inside]
posted by skwt at 2:11 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by skwt at 2:11 PM PST - 7 comments
Political science + math = ?
What can I do with a B.A. in Political Science and a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics? [more inside]
Sound of da police
Why do police cars use different variations of their sirens? Sometimes it's a full on siren, but other times it's "woop...woop...woop" with a second or two in between. And other times they don't turn on the sirens at all but just haul ass down the street with the lights flashing. I thought it was about reducing noise to the neighbors if it's late at night, but that isn't the case. I haven't been able to figure out a pattern. Is it something about the urgency of where they're going to?
posted by RabbleRabble at 1:22 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by RabbleRabble at 1:22 PM PST - 16 comments
Giving my kid a positive and realistic message about her body
My daughter is 10 and in the midst of puberty. She has noticeable armpit hair. She's also fairly naive/unaware of standard social stuff - not clued in to what's "cool" etc. She also gets teased about being weird pretty regularly. She's also going to sleepaway camp for the first time this summer, and will be wearing a bathing suit a lot... [more inside]
Too many people on the lease... what are the downsides?
I'm trying to arrange private student accommodation for next year in a smallish university town in the UK, as part of a group of four students. Decent shared accomodation for four people is few and far between -- but three-person houses are abundant and awesome. How bad an idea is it for one of us to be a permanent 'guest'? [more inside]
Authors: Do you stock up on copies of your own book(s)?
I got a book published a couple of years ago. I love being able to give copies to people once in a a while. I expect I'd like to be able to keep doing this for many years to come. Thus far, I just order new books as I need them. But is it likely that at some point it'll no longer be possible to order more copies? Should I be stocking up on the book? How to other authors out there handle this? I'd rather not have to keep a million copies around if I can avoid it (it's a small place I've got) but I'd hate to find, that, say, in ten years, I'm out of copies to give away, and no more can be had anywhere...
Why are kissing and hungry presented as opposites?
Help me come up with a funny Father's Day card based on this weird baby book [more inside]
Find standard deviation in Excel, but first develop a labor-saving trick
Help me with statistics and Excel. Especially help me if you know any labor saving methods. I want the median, mean and standard deviation for the average price of all items sold, but my spreadsheet-full-of-data doesn't tell me the price of each sale -- just the average price per store, and the number sold at that store. Something like this: [more inside]
Is "polywood" (recycled plastic) patio furniture worth the investment?
We are getting a new patio soon (woo hoo) and are looking at furniture. We are in favor of using recycled materials, and we are not good at staining/storing our outdoor stuff. Someone told us about polywood (which is made from old milk jugs?) and it looks pretty sharp. All of the polywood sales sites promise 20-year or longer warranties, say that no maintenance is required, and promise that the stuff is basically weatherproof. But I'm skeptical. So, does anyone have polywood furniture? Does it perform as advertised? Is it comfy? Does it look nice? Are there any brands that are clearly better than others?
Is today's casual groom attire tomorrow's 70's blue tuxedo?
We're holding a small, very causal, non-traditional outdoor wedding and are trying to figure out what the groom should wear. There is a trend in various combinations of vests, bowties and suspenders,. We're thinking about going with something like this, but we don't want it to look like a 70s blue tuxedo in a decade. We're excited about everything we've decided so far and we definitely don't want to go with something overly formal. If the groom wears a vest and tie or bowtie and suspenders, is it going to look trendy and terrible in 10 or 15 years?
posted by cnc at 12:40 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by cnc at 12:40 PM PST - 37 comments
The personal database of the future?
So I've been using Evernote for a while now to organize research, projects I'm working on, collecting articles, recipes, etc. I've used Backpack in the past to organize projects and plan trips. I'm curious about possibly upcoming/newer solutions that are in this similar vein that might be more robust, have better search capabilities, etc for collecting and organizing all the information in your digital life.
What do you guys use? What comes after Evernote? What is the precursor to "Computer.. pull up all recipes that involve chicken, cheese, and cilantro." or "Computer.. all articles on Ruby on Rails relating to PostgreSQL databases." or even... "Computer.. all guitar tabs I've collected by Modest Mouse" (Who knows, maybe I just have to wait for Evernote to advance) [more inside]
Book of humorous Christian short stories for men?
Can you recommend a Christian book for men, that contains a humorous collection of short stories? [more inside]
what makes for an excellent- or terrible- massage?
So you've been for a professional massage therapy treatment and something about it stood out to you as being really great or making you want to see that therapist again.
Or
You've been to a massage therapist and hated something about it, and left vowing never to return.
What did you love or hate? [more inside]
Fiesta Fiasco?
Should I leave tonight and drive 700 miles to replace my crappy, crappy dishes? The Fiesta tent sale is this weekend and I am conflicted. Durable, colorful, glazed-stoneware snowflakes inside! [more inside]
posted by julthumbscrew at 11:49 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by julthumbscrew at 11:49 AM PST - 16 comments
Wobblies?
Why is the IWW known as the Wobblies?
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:46 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by the man of twists and turns at 11:46 AM PST - 3 comments
AEDs: extreme camping edition.
Please help me find the perfect automatic external defibrillators for wildland fire crews!
These AEDs will be exposed to extreme temps and altitudes, smoke, dirt, possible water immersion, guaranteed rough handling, and then months of neglect while being stored in the 'off' season - a.k.a winter. Potential operators will be laypeople, EMTs or Paramedics, most with limited medical experience. So a simple and straightforward model, without a lot of bells/whistles/maintenance needs, is preferred.
Probably goes without saying: reliability is priority one, but the more budget-friendly, the better.
Many thanks, hivemind!
What cool and unusual things can be done with low-power community radio?
Some friends are interested in starting a low-power community radio station in my hometown.
What fun, interesting, and unusual things we could do with this? [more inside]
Do any Westerners have experience working with Singapore team members?
I collaborate remotely with a technical team who are based in Singapore; I am based in North America.
The Singapore staff all speak English as their native language (it's not a second or foreign language). However, making simple requests or explaining is usually excruciatingly hard.
Any reasons why this might be so?
Simple change requests within a document are ignored, often repeatedly. When collaborating on some simple database stuff, simple processes are ignored in favour of more complicated (but easier) processes.
We're working folks who are well-educated, and have a great work environment. They're technical, but also creatives as well (so I don't think it is a left brain/right brain conflict).
I'm wondering if there is some sort of cultural code to crack.
Struggling with anger
How do I let go of anger, bitterness, and resentment? [more inside]
New DM needs help running his first one-shot D&D/Pathfinder session.
Calling all Dungeon Masters! Help a clueless new DM run a one-shot Pathfinder session. I have a series of questions inside about basic story-pacing, motivating player action, and game creation. [more inside]
How long do things last?
When should I replace a window-mount AC unit? [more inside]
How do I get my foot in the door at a small production company in NY?
I have two dream jobs: one is working as a producer at a small independent production company in NY, the other is being a casting director. I don't want to be some big hollywood producer, but I'd love to work at a smaller media company. Whenever I've managed to get a foot in the door somewhere, I've done well. There are two problems. One is I have no idea how to land an entry level position in such a company. The other is that I'm starting out late at the age of 29. [more inside]
Deck Design Demands Deliberation
Details: I am making a low deck/platform to sit inside a screen tent. This is to be a fun summer sleeping tent for my daughter and her friends. Some moderately challenging requirements inside... [more inside]
Mindfulness without stasis.
Pardon if this misses the point entirely, but is there a guide to practicing mindfulness that does not revolve around sitting meditation? [more inside]
Deleted iPhone apps won't go away
How do I remove deleted app history from iTunes? [more inside]
Please live in my house.
My previous housemate (a decades long friend who found a super cheap place on his own) moved out and I'm not having much luck finding a new housemate. [more inside]
posted by eunoia at 9:36 AM PST - 55 comments
posted by eunoia at 9:36 AM PST - 55 comments
Anxiety Builds up at work - I quit, find another job - Rinse, repeat
I seem to be in a pattern of working someplace for 4-5 years, slowly getting more and more dissatisfied with where I am and what I'm doing. Finally I quit the job and find another only to repeat the same process. Help me break the pattern. [snowstorm inside] [more inside]
Lenovo T530 or Apple Macbook Pro Retina
Which of these laptops should I get? It is a personal preference or is one better than the other? This will be mostly used for business. But I will be taking it home with me in the evenings and it will be my main primary laptop for everyday use. Both laptops have 8 GB ram, 256 SSD hard drives. 15" screens. The Lenovo has a optical drive and more ports. The Macbook Pro doesn't have an optical drive and only two USB ports.
posted by alshain at 9:17 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by alshain at 9:17 AM PST - 25 comments
Mushy summer foods?
We have my 90 year old father in law over for dinner once a week. He suffers from Parkinson's, which has progressed to the point where he is having trouble swallowing; but we soldier on. We've had good luck with risotto, tuna noodle casserole and chicken & dumplings - but those seem like fall-winter type foods. Do you have any good summer soft textured/casserole-y recipes?
posted by sarajane at 9:13 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by sarajane at 9:13 AM PST - 24 comments
How to create a feed for feed-less websites
How can I track changes/updates to a webpage when it doesn't have an rss feed? [more inside]
posted by bluelight at 9:12 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by bluelight at 9:12 AM PST - 10 comments
Rainy days on the Olympic Peninsula?
My girlfriend and I are going to drive to Port Angeles, WA Friday night and stay through Monday. We originally planned three days of hiking and Sol Duc Hot Springs but now it looks like it is likely to rain at least one day, maybe more. We're bringing books and a board game, but what other things would be good rainy day activities in the Port Angeles area? Are there wineries or other things to see that you would recommend?
Back-to-school kit for 51-year old single mom
My mom, who hasn't been in "school" since 1980, is going back for an associate's degree. I'm super proud of her, and I think she needs some extra support. What can I put in an awesome "back to school" package for her? [more inside]
posted by nakedmolerats at 8:12 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by nakedmolerats at 8:12 AM PST - 33 comments
Need sensible criteria to choose a new filtered water solution.
We were kinda-sorta thinking about getting an undersink RO system, but now it has escalated, not to "urgent", but to "let's get this thing done". [more inside]
Enough is more than likely enough, right?
I have a client that I essentially inherited from a previous job. I left that place, and they sought me out for my services. My partner and I are now working on two large projects for them, and have agreed to a retainer on a contingency basis. More than you ever wanted to know about some stranger's consulting business inside... [more inside]
Is this unprofessional conduct, or just being generous?
Someone in a position of authority, whose professional endorsement I'm seeking, put me in an awkward position. [more inside]
self-financing a real estate sale?
What are the pros and cons of self-financing the sale of my house to the tenants? They are excellent tenants and love the house, would buy it except that their credit is wrecked from husband not paying taxes. As I understand it, if they pay me a down payment, I would transfer title to them in exchange for a promissory note for the balance of my mortgage, and they would continue to pay me monthly, payments which I continue to turn over to the mortgagor bank. [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 7:46 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by mmiddle at 7:46 AM PST - 13 comments
What should I do given all these variables (home mortgage edition)
I'm getting married! And buying a house with my fiance! And I'm so, so confused about the best plan (longish question, totally special snowflake focus). [more inside]
What's the best way to search for a good post-doc position?
I am 12-18 months from defending my dissertation. How do I find the best opportunities for post-doc positions?
Could We or Couldn't We do something? - usage
If someone wants to "go out" and says, "Mum, couldn't we go out?", is this wrong? Shouldn't they say "Mum, could we go out?". "Couldn't we go out?" sounds wrong to me, unless it's used in the past tense with "why" tacked on the front. Could it be the influence of a German-type sentence construction?
Can anyone clarify please?
posted by guy72277 at 7:00 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by guy72277 at 7:00 AM PST - 16 comments
A Google Trends question
Why are so many geographic (and other) terms trending consistently downward on Google Trends since 2004? For example, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Florida, Netherlands, Kansas City, Arizona, China, australia — or pick your own. (Or look at this 5-state trends comparison.) [more inside]
posted by beagle at 6:42 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by beagle at 6:42 AM PST - 8 comments
What should I do with my car?
I have a 2001 Honda Civic with 110k miles that I need to decide if I should keep or sell. I'm not sure how to weigh all the important factors. Can you help? [more inside]
Sophisticated Cissy
This morning I was talking to my wife about Lee Dorsey and the Meters, and we put on the tune "Cissy Strut." The Meters also have a tune called "Sophisticated Cissy." I was wondering - what does the word "cissy" mean to the Meters? Are they using it the same way i would use the word "sissy"? Or did it mean something different in 1969 than it does now?
Coffeehouse moral panic?
I'm trying and failing to find a 17th or 18th Century tirade about the deleterious effect on culture caused by coffeehouses. It's a good everything-old-is-new-again moral panic. And my google fu is failing me.
posted by colin_l at 5:04 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by colin_l at 5:04 AM PST - 7 comments
June 20
I have drama with my *gym.* Yep, gym. What to do?
Five months ago I joined a local, very expensive CrossFit box. Problems have arisen involving public scolding and, of all things, scheduling. I genuinely don't know how to proceed. [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 11:34 PM PST - 64 comments
posted by nerdfish at 11:34 PM PST - 64 comments
Looking for a modern cover of "It's Only A Paper Moon".
I was in a shop today and heard a snippet of "It's Only A Paper Moon" played with what sounded like a synth beat. Unfortunately the clerks weren't able to help me figure out the artist and sorting through the 813 versions of the song on iTunes has proven slow work.
Does anyone know of a track like this? I may be off in my description a bit, but it definitely wasn't your standard jazz cover.
What to say to my alcoholic dad
I feel compelled to say something to my dad about his drinking, after he hurt himself while drunk recently. I don't know if I should even bother. [more inside]
posted by DayTripper at 10:38 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by DayTripper at 10:38 PM PST - 29 comments
So many reasons to keep love/sex out of my life. Are they realistic?
I haven't had sex since 1999 (back when I was married) and haven't dated since 2006. I really want to meet men and date and have romance and make out and kiss and have sex, but there are so many obstacles! Are they all just manifestations of low self-esteem or are they real--or some of each? [more inside]
posted by primate moon at 10:37 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by primate moon at 10:37 PM PST - 25 comments
Ever been a concierge?
I might get a job offer for a concierge position in a high end hotel. What is that like? [more inside]
posted by vrakatar at 10:27 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by vrakatar at 10:27 PM PST - 14 comments
What are some good iPhone apps for getting around Philadelphia?
I'm visiting the city of brotherly love for a week and won't have a car, so I was wondering if there are any good iPhone apps for getting around the city either with public transit or taxi-type services.
I sync I have a problem.
I'm absolutely bumfoozled about how to manage my PC and my iPhone to be able to download library books. Confusion inside. [more inside]
Canadian Content Political Podcasts
Looking for new podcasts with Canadian content. [more inside]
Facebook feminism
A male friend just posted: "[Insert College Name Here] is a school of feminists who don't know how to be feminists. (Ladies: communicate. Gents: don't be jerks.)" It rubbed me the wrong way. Am I overreacting? If I'm not overreacting, are there resources you would recommend for explaining why statements like these are not the best way to sound like an enlightened feminist? [more inside]
Fun activities for a 12-year-old girl in Los Angeles?
My little sister -- an athletic, smart, totally awesome 12-year-old -- will be staying with me in the greater LA area in a couple weeks. I've been living here for a few years, but most of my spare time is spent on things like galleries/museums, strange, arty movie theaters, or experimental music shows (either watching or playing). This is the life for me, but I don't expect it to be enjoyable for my kid sister. So what are some fun things for a smart, conscientious pre-teen (tween? I don't know the terminology anymore) girl that likes to be outdoors or reading? [more inside]
The ball's in my court (I think). Now what?
I have been halfheartedly looking for a new job. My current position does not leave me much time or energy for searching, plus I have had a lot of illness in my family in the last year, which is time-consuming and emotionally draining.
When a supplier I work with mentioned that someone in her company had left recently, I asked her whether she plans to replace him, and she said she does.
I emailed her my résumé, and she sent me the job listing. In her email, she asked me whether I was interested, and if not, to let her know what my concerns are so they could address them because "your résumé is great!"
How do I respond in the most effective manner? [more inside]
posted by zorseshoes at 9:04 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by zorseshoes at 9:04 PM PST - 6 comments
All Carrots, No Sticks?
I've been a self-studied, involved Christian for most of my adolescence and early adulthood - first as a Catholic, now as an Episcopalian. Here's the thing: I'm pretty sure I don't believe in sin. So, what am I, exactly? [more inside]
Help me pick a windows tablet
I am a professional poker player and I want to get a tablet that runs full windows operating system so I can play poker on the go (for example get 10 minutes in while im at the bank, or doctors office or waiting for a bus). It must be able to run regular windows programs like a desktop pc would. It must be able to take a sim card so I can use 3g Internet, and be carrier unlockable so I can use it in other countries. I would prefer used or refurbished, and the option for an external mouse and external keyboard would be a nice bonus. Long battery life would also be nice (6 hours+ of internet usage). Please give me specific tablet ideas and give feel free to mention more things I should consider, specs, or problems i haven't anticipated playing poker in public that I hadn't considered yet, etc.
posted by crawltopslow at 8:49 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by crawltopslow at 8:49 PM PST - 2 comments
Full of it.
What do you do when you are overwhelmed in a good way? What do you do with those feelings? [more inside]
posted by gursky at 8:26 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by gursky at 8:26 PM PST - 10 comments
End of the world as we know it
This is macabre, I know. However, I really enjoy documentaries on past or future disasters: Rogue waves, wild fires, tsunamis, hurricanes, earthquakes, pyroclastic flows, etc. I often wake up at 2am, and these past/future documentaries get me calm and able to sleep again. What are your recommendations on this subject? There are so many internet sources on this material, and I've seen a lot, but please give me your comprehensive picks!
I want to read things that squick me out, but are still well written.
I would like to read some truly disturbing novels. Give me some recommendations, AskMetafilter. [more inside]
posted by SkylitDrawl at 6:23 PM PST - 113 comments
posted by SkylitDrawl at 6:23 PM PST - 113 comments
How to help a blind person organize.
I'll be helping a blind person organize his personal items this summer. How can I help him organize things (and avoid offending him)? [more inside]
posted by Triumphant Muzak at 5:35 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Triumphant Muzak at 5:35 PM PST - 16 comments
70s Anime ID
Super Hard TV/Movie ID: I am trying to ID an animated film/tv show I saw in the 70s. I recall it having an anime look, like Speed Racer or Star Blazers, but I am reasonably certain it wasn't either of these. [more inside]
posted by evilcupcakes at 5:33 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by evilcupcakes at 5:33 PM PST - 11 comments
One for you, One for me...
What are some meal ideas that feature items where each person gets their own thing -- like an individual meat pie or individually wrapped up spanakopita triangle? [more inside]
What Makes You Smile?
What, when you see it, instantly makes you smile? [more inside]
Is taking a demotion career suicide?
I've been out of work for over a year, and the job search hasn't been going well. I recently received an offer that is $15k less than I was making at my prior position, and is a demotion in title(From "Senior Programmer", to "Developer I"). I'm very discouraged, but feel like I don't have much choice, given the financial situation I'm in. Will I be committing career suicide by accepting it? As always, complicating details inside. [more inside]
looking for recommendations of point and click games
I've always hated playing point-and-click games because of the lack of logic to the puzzles, but I recently loved playing Yesterday on my tablet. The story pulled me in and the puzzles (mostly) made sense. Now I need more... Can anyone recommend something similar, either on android or windows?
Short-Term Help for Anxiety
So, I suffer from occasional anxiety. I usually manage this by doing things like visualization, breathing exercises, and taking Lavela lavender supplements. However, I am staring down the barrel of a scary medical situation and freaking out. My question pertains to getting some extra help via a doctor. [more inside]
Looking for videos on running and muscle use
I'm just learning how to run, and I don't think I'm doing it correctly. For one, I don't seem to engage my hamstrings much at all, and I suspect I over stride, etc. I'd love to watch a visualization or video of proper running form with the muscles highlighted as they are in use. I've found a few videos on youtube, but none that show the muscles and how they work throughout the stride.
posted by tigeri at 3:43 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by tigeri at 3:43 PM PST - 2 comments
Burn mark inside microwave. Manufacturer wants it. Cause for concern?
I have a Panasonic microwave that is about 1 1/2 years old. I called support regarding the door latch having issues, but I mentioned a burn mark while talking to the CSR. They escalated immediately to a supervisor and now want me to ship it back. They also asked if I have contacted medical staff, lawyer or home insurance.
Should I be concerned/worried? The microwave functions fine as it is. Should I get it checked by some lab before I send it back? Should I get myself checked out?
One-on-one dinner with boss after meeting
My boss and I went to a meeting yesterday. He invited me for a bite afterwards and I initially said "no, not if you have other things to do". He said he didn't, so by mutual agreement we decided to. Ended up being a proper dinner, but it was just pasta at a bistro/restaurant type place where there were lots of other people. Did I do the right thing by not refusing outright? Here are the other facts: [more inside]
Solutions for 'renting' internet while in a remote location?
I will be renting a cabin in a remote area in the US (mountains outside of Asheville, NC) and need to have internet access from my laptop for one day. I looked at maps of coverage and it seems like only 1 local carrier has a nearby tower. What are my options? (more inside) [more inside]
posted by NikitaNikita at 2:31 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by NikitaNikita at 2:31 PM PST - 8 comments
What did I read about the terrible beauty of nuclear weapons?
Sometime around the year 2000, I remember reading something on the Internet about nuclear weapons that was written in a very unique style. The first half focused on the beauty of the bomb components, describing in great detail how accurately they were manufactured, and the incredible precision of the sequence of events during the reaction. I seem to remember something about a perfectly smooth sphere. The second half abruptly switched to an equally detailed and pretty horrific description of the effects of this weapon on its targets. I don't know if this was a standalone essay or some kind of excerpt of a larger work. I remember reading it as a chunk of plain, unstyled text. What was it?
Wordpress Image Gallery Manager needed
I need a plug in or other solution to manage a bunch of images on Wordpress, so I can easily pull them into galleries based on theme, artist, museum, or other categories, and then be able to dynamically create thumbnail galleries and slideshows based on this data. [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 1:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 1:02 PM PST - 4 comments
Not always attracted to Fiance. May break up, need some advice!
Not always attracted to Fiance. May break up, need some advice! [more inside]
posted by red47Apple at 12:36 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by red47Apple at 12:36 PM PST - 41 comments
What are your favorite wok recipes? (W/ a bonus question re: soy sauce)
It's been a long time since I've had a wok. (At some point, the old one became repurposed as a popcorn popper and, while it was very good at that task, it was no longer useful for its intended purpose.)
Besides popcorn, what are your favorite things to cook in your wok? Specific recipes welcome, or general ideas, with sauce ideas being of particular value. I'm not huge on seafood, but anything else is okay. (We cook heavy on the veggies and tofu.) [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 12:30 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by mudpuppie at 12:30 PM PST - 18 comments
Overnight retreats near Minneapolis
Help me relax for a night away near Minneapolis. [more inside]
How to protect an infant from hazardous smog?
Where can we find a N95 respirator mask for a small infant, and how else can we protect a baby from very polluted air? [more inside]
posted by aielen at 12:21 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by aielen at 12:21 PM PST - 11 comments
Searching multiple specific domains with Google?
I want to set up a Google search that searches a set of 15 domains. Google's "Advanced Search" doesn't do the trick. Is there a workaround? [more inside]
posted by seventyfour at 12:10 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by seventyfour at 12:10 PM PST - 4 comments
Take my couch, please!
Looking to offload (donate/sell/giveaway) some furniture in Berkeley CA this week, but don't know what's the best route. We need help! [more inside]
posted by kendrak at 12:01 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by kendrak at 12:01 PM PST - 15 comments
What to serve for a crowd?
We're expecting 25-30 people and we need a main dish for an outside lunch-time gathering where it'll be 95+ degrees. There's isn't a grill or electricity where we're meeting so we need things we can bring pre-made. We'd like to keep costs down and prep to a minimum (though I'd probably trade prep for costs). [more inside]
Router needed but...
Wife has trouble getting wi fi on cell in bedroom and router/modem downstairs...Router is pretty old and not I think a good one. Would like one that I simply take the two wires from old and put into new, strong one. No messing with it beyond that...is this possible and what should I get ? [more inside]
What Manga Should I Read Next?
I have read Monster, 20th Century Boys, and Pluto, and plan to read the rest of Urasawa's oevre. What other long-form manga series (preferably concluded) should I read now? I have also previously enjoyed Beck, Akira, Drops of the Gods and Death Note (mostly). [more inside]
Seeking a Wedding Venue Near Boca Raton, Florida
Hi there! My fiancee and I are looking to get married in Florida in either the spring or fall (hopefully when it’s not boiling hot). We plan to invite about 200 people and we’re looking for a venue where we can have both the ceremony and the reception (and if it were a hotel as well, all the better). We’re looking for someplace within a 45-minute drive of Boca Raton, so we’re talking about places like Delray Beach, Boca del Mar, Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach all the way down to Fort Lauderdale. (There may be other places nearby besides the ones I’ve listed.) The trick is, we’re looking for an INDOOR venue that’s more than just four solid walls. Ideally we’d like something with lots of windows and a view, and maybe even a patio. If anyone has any ideas, we’d be very grateful. TripAdvisor or Yelp links are *especially* welcome. Thanks everyone! Much obliged to MetaFilter!
sick of Apartment Therapy
I like looking at Apartment Therapy for tours and DIY ideas but it's gone annoying and stale. What are some other decor blogs with fresher content? [more inside]
Weigh in with your experiences.
Weighted blanket: good idea, or recipe for pickier sleep habits? This special snowflake travels a lot for work, has dust mite allergies, and dehydrates easily during sleep. [more inside]
Should I divulge my psychiatric disorder when applying for a job?
I don't intend to volunteer this information but some job applications include mandatory questions specifically relating to 'disabilities', which include psychiatric disorders/mental illness. When a job application specifically asks, what's the best course of action? [more inside]
Mummies and Daddies, Ghouls and Boys
Please help me come up with a - clever name- for a local parents with kids meet-up group. We're goths, we don't have special snowflakes, we have coal dust... [more inside]
So bright you gotta wear shades
Can someone please point me to a step-by-step on how to fix this type of bad photo? I do not have photoshop, I can download GIMP or whatever freeware is popular and easy for home use these days. [more inside]
Looking for a specific Cuban Restaurant in Detroit area
If my memory serves me (it often does not), awhile ago I went to a Cuban restaurant in the suburbs of Detroit (probably north) that I'd like to find again.
I remember that it was small (seating-wise), non-chain, not very fancy, off a very small (residential?) street and the food was great; I think the interior was yellow and there was writing on the walls everywhere. It was popular and full when I was there last.
I've done by due diligence with google and yelp but haven't found it there; I don't think it's Vincente's (downtown) or El Guanaco (Troy); any ideas? I'm open to suggestions in the area if you don't know the specific restaurant. Thanks!
posted by royalchinook at 9:22 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by royalchinook at 9:22 AM PST - 3 comments
How to appreciate my boyfriend
I'm having a bit of difficulty figuring out what I can do to appreciate and care for my new boyfriend. What are some things you do to make your significant other feel good? [more inside]
posted by sockermom at 9:08 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by sockermom at 9:08 AM PST - 33 comments
Migrating to DevonThink
Need help migrating to DevonThink Pro with very large, scattered files. Questions on initial organization and workflow. [more inside]
Basic Multimeter Question
I have a multimeter, and a I have a hub dynamo built into my bike wheel.
I want to attach the multimeter probes to the wires that power my front light, and see what, if any, power comes through those wires when I spin the wheel.
What do I set on the multimeter to see that happen? PS: I know nothing about electricity.
Eardrums, planes, and how they interact
I realize you folks are not my doctor or my pharmacist, but maybe someone among you has been in this situation before and knows the way out. Just over a week ago I contracted an ear infection which subsequently spread to the other ear. The infection is on the wane but not yet over, but my eustachian tubes are are still gummed up, rendering me about 90% hearing-impaired at the moment. I was put on basic antibiotics (amoxycillin) last week and as of a couple of days ago, was switched to some more heavy-duty stuff (biaxin), but I am still pretty clogged up. The tricky part: in three days I have to get on a plane. [more inside]
Nobody came
What is the significance of a funeral with no calling hours? [more inside]
Need recommendations for low-cost/sliding scale psychiatric care in NYC
Asking for a friend of mine who lives in Brooklyn. She's suffering from some acute anxiety, and really needs to see someone, but the healthcare she gets through her company do not cover mental health expenses, and she cannot afford to pay out of pocket. [more inside]
What should I expect from my ADHD assessment?
Going to a specialist ADHD clinic for an assessment next week. So far I'm (blech, I'm the worst) self diagnosed. What should I expect? I'm willing to go on medication but concerned that stimulants will make me anxious and crazed. [more inside]
Most libertarian culture in history
What culture throughout history has most closely approximated the Ayn Randian ideal of the libertarian state? [more inside]
posted by goethean at 7:48 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by goethean at 7:48 AM PST - 15 comments
Moody Gardens: Rainforest: Tarantula: Colon: The Question
My family and I want to go to Moody Gardens in Galveston tomorrow to see the new Rainforest Pyramid. My wife HATES spiders. The pyramid has a tarantula. For those who have gone, are the animals clearly marked so she can skip the spider part?
posted by BeeDo at 7:43 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by BeeDo at 7:43 AM PST - 3 comments
Best hidden features of popular apps?
I recently downloaded MeatText (☞) because of Troika's comment in this post (☞) on the blue, tried it out, and the person I tried it out on replied "How is this better than Google Maps"? Turns out GMaps for mobile has a similar feature but its pretty well hidden. I had no idea it existed.
What are some other features or functions of popular apps (web, mobile, tablet, or other) that may be hidden or just unnoticed that you find particularly useful?
VPNs and multiple users under Mac OS X
Is it possible for a VPN to affect only the traffic of one logged in user under Mac OS X? [more inside]
posted by modernnomad at 7:24 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by modernnomad at 7:24 AM PST - 13 comments
'Stuff' found in the supplement gelcap, what my action should be?
I found something in supplement gelcap, what should be my course of action? [more inside]
posted by zaxour at 7:16 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by zaxour at 7:16 AM PST - 10 comments
When did childhood immunizations become so controversial?
When did childhood immunizations become so controversial? I don't recall their being any issues with immunization because the science clearly shows it is helpful to mankind. So I wonder what the issue is. I thought of this while reading a news story about it just now.
hyphens vs. en dashes
How would you use hyphens and en dashes in the following phrase: "one to three year jail sentence"? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 7:13 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Ollie at 7:13 AM PST - 17 comments
dealing with intrusive thoughts
Hi Hivemind. So, when I was a kid I suffered badly from intrusive thoughts. I am a LOT better now, but every so often my intrusive thoughts get triggered, usually from being in a particular place where I had a bad episode as a teenager. I have to go there regularly and often at night when I am trying to go to sleep I'll have another episode. How to deal, apart from therapy? I'm on the waiting list. [more inside]
How do I unpickle my California arrest warrant?
I (think I) have an outstanding arrest warrant in California. I'm in the UK. I don't have any references, dates or details. [more inside]
posted by metaxa at 6:40 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by metaxa at 6:40 AM PST - 18 comments
Similar eyeglasses to Sama Underground
My husband is in the market for new glasses frames, looking for something similar to Underground model by Sama but costing under $150 [more inside]
What´s the title of this science fiction short story?
It´s a story about a man who gets a message in his dreams coming from a civilization that´s living in a pore in the skin of his hand. He is told that every time he scratches his hand this will cause a catastrophe in their little universe, which has already happened several times before. Finally he agrees not to scratch his hand for a while.
posted by Faustulus at 6:01 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Faustulus at 6:01 AM PST - 5 comments
Dress advice for software developer in corporate office
I am starting a new job soon. It's my first job in a corporate office, instead of a startup. What should I wear? [more inside]
Best Coffee Shops for Writing in DC?
I'm a writer and I like to write in coffee shops. I'm looking for a coffee shop in DC. I live in Logan Circle and work downtown, but don't mind taking the Metro or a bus anywhere. I'm looking for something a little more low-key than Tryst. Any suggestions? I'd like free wi-fi and a graduate student vibe. No need for anything fancy. This is where I used to go when I lived in Philadelphia and I'd like to find something similar. Thank you!
OSX Networking Problem -After an hour or so my net connection just stops
I have a bug with my networking on OSX Mountain Lion, Put simply after an indeterminate, randomish amount of time (from 30 minutes to 10 hours) my laptop will simply stop loading or fetching new websites. This happens both over wired and wireless networks - In both cases the connection will appear to still be connected,but loading a webpage will just hang on "sending request" and a traceroute to google.com which works fine beforehand, just fails (nothing in terminal after the command). I've struggled but can't find much indication at all about this bug on the internet - can anyone help me fix this problem? [more inside]
Seeking a gemstone epoxy
Calling all gemmologists and jewellers: I need to adhere natural diamonds to a synthetic surface. I have been told that standard epoxies will cause the diamonds to appear black (?!) What are my options? [more inside]
Help me pick a Ting phone
Based on an answer to an AskMe question on Tuesday, I'm very interested in switching to Ting for wireless service. I don't have a phone that can be brought over to Ting, so a new one is in order. Help me decide! [more inside]
posted by OHSnap at 2:01 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by OHSnap at 2:01 AM PST - 16 comments
Tell us the secrets of Edinburgh!
We’re moving to Edinburgh in the fall. We’re terribly excited, and have dozens of questions, so please answer as many or few as you feel like. Our special snowflake details are inside. [more inside]
What's a good tool to annotate text-based webpage with more text?
I'd like to be able to store and annotate a copy of largely text-based webpage, with simple text annotations of no more than a sentence or two. What's a good tool to use? Preferably compatible with Chrome, although I could live with Firefox. [more inside]
posted by infinitejones at 12:02 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by infinitejones at 12:02 AM PST - 3 comments
June 19
Recycling dumpster always full. Seattle landlord blames tenants.
The recycling dumpster shared by about 30 people in an apartment complex fills up to the top and overflows the second or third day after it is emptied. It's been this way for a few months now, after some changes in the tenant count and removal of one dumpster. Landlord says people need to use the recycling dumpster space more efficiently, refusing to get more recycling space and passing on overflow pickup costs in building fees. How can I fix this problem? [more inside]
Laid off from work, cashing out my 401k
Hey everyone, I read some other threads in regards to 401k but it seems like the audience is divided.
My recent company (industry giant who laid off 8000 employees and gave our jobs to folks in India) has laid me off and I need to cash out my 401k. I am wondering who has experience with this as of the past year or two? I live in Mass so Fidelity says I will have to take out 20% out of my total sum for taxes but they didn't say anything about a penalty. My amount is less than $11,000 and I want to use some of it to start my own agency.
Has anyone cashed out their 401k and if so, was there a penalty?
PS. Please spare me the 'noo dont cash out, its a bad idea' -- I'm knee deep in $115k for student loans and my life could not get worse and more complicated so I'm confident cashing this crap out is my only way out to some sanity and inner peace.
Thanks!
Cell contract finally over! Now I want to port my number... how?
How do I port my AT&T phone number to Net 10? [more inside]
Salivating for Satire
Can you point me toward good satirical fiction? [more inside]
Headed to overtime again?
After Game 1's epic triple overtime and Game 2 went to overtime as well, I went out on a limb and predicted that this Chicago-Boston series will break the record for longest Stanley Cup series in history, in terms of total minutes played. Only problem is, I can't find what the current record is! [more inside]
posted by platinum at 8:25 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by platinum at 8:25 PM PST - 3 comments
Is this an individual quirk or the norm for some group?
Something very strange happened to me yesterday, and I'm trying to figure out whether this sort of behavior was an individual quirk or if I've run afoul of some obscure but very strong taboo. More detail inside, but basically I asked somebody to step aside by tapping her shoulder and she ended up shouting at me and slapping me several times with both hands on my shoulder. I don't understand quite what happened there. [more inside]
If it's depression, it sucks.
I'm pretty sure I'm depressed but I don't have the energy or motivation to do something about it. I'm not sure what to do. [more inside]
Help me buy my son a Wii U
I'm planning to buy my 9-year old son a Wii U this weekend. I'll get the 32gb one (more gbs are better!) although I'm not really sure what how much space one needs. [more inside]
posted by dotgirl at 7:40 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by dotgirl at 7:40 PM PST - 6 comments
What are some delicious savory recipes that call for potato chips?
Seeking unsweet recipes involving plain-flavored potato chips. Healthiness is no object. [more inside]
Looking for baby monitor that comes with screen AND wifi ability.
I'm looking for a baby monitor that comes with a camera, a monitor, and also the ability to use an iphone or tablet to view the camera feed. From the quick research I've done so far, it seems like its an either/or thing. My idea is that I'd like to have the monitor in our bedroom permanently, but would also like to view the feed from anywhere in the house on a phone or tablet when needed. [more inside]
Easiest ways to mark up PPT presentation on the fly?
Need to give a PPT presentation: would like to be able to ink slides as I talk: nothing fancy, just handwriting. Any suggestions for a technophobe?
Do I have to spend thousands to stream-and-record quality audio & video?
Live streaming video from Conference-setting in Dallas. Advice? [more inside]
What is the current hospitality exchange network of choice?
Around 2007 and 2008 I was quite active on couchsurfing.org (now couchsurfing.com), both in staying and hosting, and I loved it. In the next few months I may have the opportunity to start hosting again but I've found a lot of not so nice commentary of the couchsurfing organisation (particularly their terms of service, which do make me very uncomfortable), the website has gotten much harder to use and most of my contacts there are no longer active -- and there seems to be an issue with dormant accounts generally. Can any hospitality exchanging mefites give me the up to date low down on couchsurfing and its alternatives? [more inside]
I want to get all up in this grill.
I was just given the (very generous!) gift of a charcoal kettle grill with GET THIS a pizza stone, pizza peel, and this brilliant thingy to convert a kettle grill into a pizza oven. I have not only never grilled anything before, I've never been remotely interested in doing so until pretty much today. How can I stop worrying* and learn to love my new grill? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 5:17 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Sara C. at 5:17 PM PST - 18 comments
AT&T Uverse software bug screwing up Chrome's functionality?
Chrome won't let me access the Metafilter homepage--among other issues. I am not having this problem with Safari or Firefox. [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 4:38 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by tzikeh at 4:38 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me find my hard drive
I have an iMac running OSX 10.7.5, and a few days ago my hard drive went missing from the Finder. [more inside]
Help me understand fractions
Dear math people: please help me understand fractions and ratios intuitively. [more inside]
What are some good outdoor cafés in Toronto?
I'm looking for a place where I can grab a coffee and read a book preferably outside. I live in the St. Lawrence Market area of the city, so someplace around there would be preferred. [more inside]
posted by jmmpangaea at 4:23 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jmmpangaea at 4:23 PM PST - 5 comments
Teaching children in Africa.
Please help me fulfill a promise that I didn't expect to be so challenging. [more inside]
Car insurance and the marriage discount
My ex-husband is still listed as my spouse on my car insurance policy and I just recently found that it's been giving me a discount on my premium for the last two years that we've been divorced. If I send the insurance company my divorce decree, it will remove him from my policy and increase my premium by $100. I'd like to keep him on the policy and continue to get the discount. What penalties (if any) would occur if I did this? [more inside]
"He swirled his brandy counter-clockwise?! Bah!"
Imagine you are in 19th century Britain and sharing a cocktail and a cigar with some upper crust gentlemen. What are some subtle actions that, while not essentially rude in nature, would still come across as a huge faux pas or violation of etiquette in that time period, specifically among the wealthy? I'm more interested in actions performed incorrectly, rather than spoken statements which are unintentionally offensive.
posted by egeanin at 2:59 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by egeanin at 2:59 PM PST - 25 comments
Active recreation in Palo Alto, CA.
I'm a recent transplant to the South Bay. I live and work in downtown Palo Alto. I don't drive, but I do have a bike and live near a Caltrain station. I'm looking for some kind of structured, regular physical activity to do outside the house. Recommend good things near me. It doesn't necessarily have to be athletic. Think outside the box. A list of things I don't want is inside. [more inside]
Tips, tricks and maintenance cycles for long-term RV living
My father has recently moved into a fifth wheel in an RV park and it is clear that we know nothing about the maintenance and requirements of long-term living for a fifth wheel that doesn't travel. Especially after last week's plumbing related disaster. On the upside, I now have a literal understanding of what it means to be in a s**tstorm. Further complications below the fold. [more inside]
Tight singer, sloppy band
I've been enjoying the hell out of Van Morrison's recordings with Them, and Janis Joplin's with Big Brother. I've realized they have something in common: a singer with impeccable rhythm, phrasing and timing -- better than nearly anyone in rock music, and up there with the greats of soul, jazz and gospel -- backed by a much sloppier, garage-ier bunch of instrumentalists. To a lesser extent, The Who and the White Stripes have the same thing going on: I'd say their respective frontmen had "good enough" rhythm rather than anything brilliant, but they were definitely the ones holding the whole band together from the top, while the rhythm section flopped and flailed around underneath. So: where else does that combination show up? (Doesn't necessarily have to be in rock, either, though the examples I've got all are. If you've got some long-lost recording of Nas, Nina Simone or Elvis Presley backed by the Shaggs, now's your chance to bring it out.) [more inside]
posted by Now there are two. There are two _______. at 2:10 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by Now there are two. There are two _______. at 2:10 PM PST - 32 comments
Mo' camera, mo' problems- Lightroom vs. Aperture, 2013 edition
I finally made the jump to a prosumer camera (Sony NEX-6), mainly to take pictures of my painfully photogenic boy. Now I'm faced with a dilemma of what to do with the photos. I currently use iPhoto, rather messily, and am looking at Aperture vs. Lightroom as my next step. [more inside]
Coke (coal byproduct) use in 50s Toronto?
I have a vague memory from the early 50s of travelling along Front Street or Wellington Street in Toronto with my father. Looking south toward Union Station I can remember seeing small (two or three foot high) piles of black stuff on the road, and men with shovels . My father told me it was coke (the “solid carbonaceous residue derived from destructive distillation of coal” as Wikipedia defines it). [more inside]
Tips for getting 3 day office/storage space rented (in Vancouver)
I'm running a festival from the 29th June to the 1st July on Granville Street between Smithe and Pender. That's the end of next week (gulp). We have street performers coming into town who need a "green room" to store their equipment (chainsaws, knives, clubs, amps etc) and relax between shows.
It doesn't have to be big (an RV would be enough) and it doesn't have to be nice (an empty room would be enough) but so far I'm having trouble finding people willing to rent us something for 5 days only (28th, 29th, 30th, 1st and returned on the 2nd). We have advertising space in a newspaper we can give them worth $1,400.
So, where should I look? Proximity to Granville Street essential for an office. RV rental could be from anywhere (we'll just park it on Granville). Cheapest option wins.
Thank you so much for any advice!
Summer Wedding In Charleston, Need fashion critiques!
As the title states I've got a wedding in Charleston, SC in July. I'm planning on getting a blue seersucker jacket anyways, so I've been looking on how to put this all together. I've come up with two ensembles that I think would work best.
The main differences between the two are the pants really...white pants vs blue. The shoes coordinate appropriately as white shoes/pants wouldn't really work. The shirt choices, white or pastel pink are negotiable, as is the bowtie vs regular tie. I'd likely pocket square it up as well. Opinions? I'm open to any other styles or ways to arrange it all.
If it bears any relevance my girlfriend will be wearing this.
posted by PetiePal at 1:02 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by PetiePal at 1:02 PM PST - 12 comments
What do I plea, and how do I plea it?
I got a $260 ticket in Portland for not turning into the closest lane. Lamest ticket ever, right? So what do I plea at my court date, and how do I plea it? [more inside]
posted by brisquette at 1:00 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by brisquette at 1:00 PM PST - 26 comments
Any opinions on graduate schools of banking?
Is attending a graduate school of banking worthwhile? [more inside]
Hit and run insurance claim?
At some point, my parked car was hit. I didn't notice until I got home. It could have happened in three or four different parking lots--I ran several errands. There is fair amount of damage to my front bumper and a dent in my hood, but I can't prove I didn't do it myself. Am I going to be able to file an insurance claim on this? What do I need to know before I call my insurance company? Could this raise my premiums? [more inside]
posted by Pater Aletheias at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Pater Aletheias at 12:39 PM PST - 8 comments
Run multiple instances of program designed for single use (win7)
I need to have multiple separate instances of BlueStacks (android emulator) for something I'm developing. (PS, I'm running win7) [more inside]
posted by audio at 12:31 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by audio at 12:31 PM PST - 4 comments
Finding speakers for an investment group
How do I find possible speakers for an investment group? [more inside]
posted by gnossos at 12:07 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by gnossos at 12:07 PM PST - 8 comments
Name of a song used in Boogie Nights (1997)
Hi,
I was wondering if any mefi-ers know the name of the song played in the background of the scene where Scotty J tried to kiss Dirk Diggler? [more inside]
"If I'd done it for the money, I'd have been a f**ing lawyer"
[playlist filter] I'm looking for songs that are about staying true to your art, about putting in the work, and not caring about the rewards. The kind of song that makes you want to stay us all night working on a painting or novel or whatever. Been really into "Make the Money" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, so looking for music in the same vein. [more inside]
Workflow for moving photos from iPhoto/Lightroom to Flickr.
I am moving overseas and would like to backup my 80gb of photos, which are stored in iPhoto '11 and Adobe Lightroom 3, to my Flickr account, which now has a terabyte of storage. I'm looking for an automated workflow if possible. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 11:40 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by mecran01 at 11:40 AM PST - 7 comments
SF landlord hauled away our stuff without warning, where might it go?
My landlord (I presume) hauled away some bike frames, tents, and genuine junk from a common area sometime in the night, assuming it wasn't stolen (mostly unlikely). We are in the heart of San Francisco and they live further south. Is it likely to have gone to SF Recology? Does it become city property once it does so? I am not going to drive down there, but I'm curious about the process in case it ever happens to something truly valuable.
posted by ziggly at 11:38 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by ziggly at 11:38 AM PST - 12 comments
Tips for painless eBay packaging and shipping
I have a few things I need to eBay. I'm a very casual seller. For me the biggest pains are packing and shipping. Hints? [more inside]
Vanity Site that is configured in the form of Amazon.com product page
A while back I remember coming across a really novel vanity site that somebody had come up with. It was a vanity site configured as an Amazon.com products page. It had an identical layout and a place for reviews where former employers and co-workers could write their "product" reviews of this person's work. At the time I came across this site, it was somewhat of a meme and people listed it as a creative way of standing out from the crowd with all of their usually boring sites.
Does anybody remember this or have the link to it?
Thanks
Software/Tech Company MVP Program Examples?
I'm in charge of launching the MVP program for the software company I work for and am looking to find great examples of how other software/tech companies do this. Microsoft is the primary one people point to, but what about Google, Apple and other successful organizations in the space with passionate users? [more inside]
Android tablet apps for my grandfather?
My 80-year-old grandfather has a Nexus tablet, and he wants me to find apps for him. I have no idea what to get him, and I don't think he does, either: he just wants neat things to do with it, though he's not at all tech-savvy. What might I download for him? This may be a tall order: I'm looking for apps that are preferably free, intuitive to use, and that aren't too complex or intricate. Most games are probably right out (though he likes card games, and may like similarly simple ones). Even the act of entering a search in YouTube is tricky for him. Any ideas of what I could find for him to download?
What should I tell the customs agent about the $$ value of my car?
We will be importing a 2004 Honda Accord into Canada this weekend, I hope. We must pay taxes (16% of value of the car!) when we bring it in. It is up to us to put a value on the the car and hope the customs agent accepts our assessment. If they don't accept it, they will put their own value on the car and we must accept that and pay taxes accordingly. Two questions: how would you assess the value? And how would you try to pay the least amount possible? [more inside]
posted by picklebird at 10:18 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by picklebird at 10:18 AM PST - 21 comments
What to name our RV blog?
We're transitioning into living full time in an RV and several people have expressed interest in reading a blog about our experiences. I know the kinds of things I want to write, but I'm stumped on a name. [more inside]
This has escalated quickly
Son of 1066 had early acceptance to a university six hours away. And we've been planning for him to go there since early December. Last week he decided he now wants to go to the local university and live with me. Acceptance is a given due to his grades. This is going to save me tons of money. The problem? I have had basically zero social life for the past sixteen years because I only had him on the weekends (no regrets). But I was really looking forward to meeting some friends and possibly even dating. So how do we go about transitioning from part-time mom and kid to full-time, loving, supportive, independent mom and adult son/roommate? Advice on any aspects of having a relative/roommate would be appreciated.
posted by 1066 at 9:48 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by 1066 at 9:48 AM PST - 31 comments
Who will fix my readynas?
I have a Readynas which will not boot. I have gone through support and am ready to give up. Assuming the problem is fixable, is there anyone in New York who you would trust with recovering your music / photo collection?
Do I really need ½" of space on either side of my refrigerator?
Do I really ½" of space on either side of my refrigerator? [more inside]
Download Excel on a PC running Vista
Need to get MS Excel on a PC running Windows Vista. Latest Excel versions seem to require Windows 7 or 8. Any help on where I can get a downloadable version of Excel for Vista?
Help me figure out an awesome adventure-y anniversary gift
I'm searching for an awesome 5th anniversary gift, made from wood or silver, with an adventure-y theme (this can be pretty loosely interpreted). It'll be a supplement to a primary gift I've already splurged on, so I'm looking for something <$100. My only idea so far has been a compass, but the wooden ones are more like decorative desk sets (I'd prefer something practical and usable) and the silver ones are either really expensive or really ugly. It's for a man, and he doesn't wear much jewelry. And I need to be able to get it by Friday. Help!
Help me keep the sun out!
My living room window 1" horizontal blinds have suddenly stopped closing fully when rotated upwards. The movement of the rod that rotates them seems to have become stiffer, with some "humps" that were not there before. Is there anything I can do to restore them to their previous non-problematic functionality? [more inside]
Awesome activities in and around New York City?
I'm lucky enough to work for a company that sponsors occasional off-site activities for team building. We get to go anywhere and do anything we want together, self organized, within a reasonable budget. We're (mostly) 20- and 30-something males. I'm looking for more awesome things to do in Manhattan, or within an hour or two's drive (i.e. chartered bus). Within one day or possibly including an overnight stay. [more inside]
Outlook Contacts Compromised?
I've started getting emails "from" people in my contacts list. The email is from their name, but with an email address that is not theirs and is different each time.
I have an address with a local internet provider, not gmail or yahoo.
Do I have a virus my antivirus hasn't caught? How can I fix it?
posted by summerstorm at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by summerstorm at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
Wheelchair - is it important in JUST SEX relationship?
So, this guy i know for 8 months and i started kinda heavy flirting 2 months ago. We both want casual sexual relationship, i told him bluntly and he is type of guy who does only sex thing.... He thinks i am hot, i think he;s hot blah blah.... he is always asking me to go to his place or somewhere to be alone but i always say 'no' bc....well, our situation is complicated so i am affraid to say yes even tho i want it sooooooooo much... [more inside]
Looking for a clip of a man channeling aliens on a British talk show.
I'm looking for a clip of a man claiming to channel aliens from a BBC-style talk show I am pretty sure I saw here on Metafilter. [more inside]
posted by StopMakingSense at 8:57 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by StopMakingSense at 8:57 AM PST - 5 comments
Should I Pursue a CPPB Designation in Canada?
Is this purchasing designation known and sought after among SCM professionals in Canada? [more inside]
posted by Deodand at 8:53 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by Deodand at 8:53 AM PST - 1 comment
Looking for a high-end men's keyring.
Where can I purchase a keyring for the modern gentleman? [more inside]
posted by letahl at 8:12 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by letahl at 8:12 AM PST - 18 comments
What are colleges doing about HIV other than "get tested/use condoms"?
What are examples of colleges that are doing new or innovative things in addressing HIV? I am most interested in approaches directed at men who have sex with men, but any general approaches about HIV that are directed at everyone or at other high risk populations would also be helpful. [more inside]
Who Manages the Manager?
My boss figuratively (and I suspect literally) has the memory of a goldfish. This can get more than a little frustrating. What can I do to make my life easier? [more inside]
How good does Senior Developer look on a Drupal site developer resume?
I'm about to get a job offer from a small, but reasonably successful, Drupal development firm. It sounds like they may offer me the title of "Senior Developer." In most corners of the software industry, as I understand it, Senior Developer is a good title that implies you're an established professional with 5+ years of experience; 3 years at a bare minimum. The thing is, I actually only have a couple years of part time experience (though with a pretty well known site) and don't have a software related degree. Will future employers interpret "senior developer" the usual way--making this a really nice resume item? Or is the definition looser in the content site development field?
The Musical Fruit?
What's the cheapest way to buy lots of dried beans and rice? [more inside]
posted by leotrotsky at 7:29 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by leotrotsky at 7:29 AM PST - 13 comments
Game of Violence
I have just watched season 1 and 2 of Game of Thrones and am burned out by the level of violence. I sense myself getting desensitized to it. Right now I am taking a break from going forward to season 3. I am considering whether I want to continue watching the extreme violence even though I like the characters and the scope of the story. Should i stop now or continue. It does't make sense to close my eyes to the violent parts because I would miss the whole show. No, I don't want to read the books, I am a visual person.
posted by Xurando at 7:05 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by Xurando at 7:05 AM PST - 39 comments
Samsung galaxy 4 and data use - way too much
My daughter just got the Samsung galaxy 4 last month. It is using up data like a bat outta hell. I mean really fast. I told her to switch to wifi (like I do with my S3) whenever possible. I'm sure she has a lot of apps and of course she texts as much as any other twenty something year old. Thing is, she says that she can't send/receive texts and phone calls when she is in wifi only mode. We are with Verizon. Is this normal? What can we do?
Ironing out a suit issue
Just bought a nice suit, but when I brought it home my wife pointed out the lapels were slightly asymmetrical -- one is a bit narrower than the other. The lapels have a gentle roll to them, they aren't sharply creased. So: is it easy/adviseable to coax one of the lapels into laying differently with an iron or other method? If so, how (suit made of Italian wool)? Or best to simply return it?
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 6:43 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 6:43 AM PST - 9 comments
Examples of background clues from vocabulary and/or usage?
When someone says head or latrine for bathroom its likely that they were in the military or around the military. A less common example,when someone says "avoid the near occasion" about something its likely that they are from a Roman Catholic background, I'd even say its use indicates a likelihood that they are or were a priest, seminarian, religious, in a kind of serious catholic family or school etc. Reckon is a common word and its being used once doesn't mean anything but when its use is pretty frequent it might be indicative of someone's having lived in the south east United States. When people say pop instead of soda or coke they likely are from somewhere roughly between Chicago and Denver, Oklahoma and North Dakota. Things like this interest me and I'm sure I know only a infinitesimal fraction of a percent of them. Do you have any like observations to share? [more inside]
Why does this song sound like k-pop?
This song (The Way by Ariana Grande ft. Mac Miller) sounds like a kpop song to me. But it's not. Why do I think it is? [more inside]
posted by specialagentwebb at 5:43 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by specialagentwebb at 5:43 AM PST - 6 comments
How to buy a couch?
I need to buy a couch, and for it to be comfy, decent-looking, relatively inexpensive, and bedbug free. I have an idea of the dimensions that my place can accomodate, but almost nothing else. Right now, I don't even know, what I don't know. How do?! [more inside]
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 3:51 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 3:51 AM PST - 20 comments
What will be the dominant influences on the world in the next 100 years?
A friend and I were discussing the fact that to have a reasonable understanding of the present-day developed world, it's useful to understand concepts from computer science and engineering to have an idea of how the internet works, how machine learning works and so on. What will be the most important fields and areas of knowledge of the next century? [more inside]
posted by StephenF at 2:17 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by StephenF at 2:17 AM PST - 35 comments
Have I been acting rude for most of my life?
Is it rude to refer to someone in the third person (he/she) while they are present? [more inside]
posted by Shouraku at 2:15 AM PST - 51 comments
posted by Shouraku at 2:15 AM PST - 51 comments
Examples of re-use of unrelated footage of same actor when younger
I'm looking for examples of movies or TV shows showing a character at two different ages by having the actor play the older version as usual and presenting the younger version by re-using unrelated footage of the same actor when younger. [more inside]
How does this code run?
So I'm boning up on my web development skills, and came across an interesting little box at http://www.mydestination.com/moscow (scroll down to 'Book Your Trip'). How'd they do that? NOT looking to copy it, just learn about how's it done. Plenty more inside. [more inside]
Suggestions For Positive Intellectual Input, Please?
I need to go on a SEVERE media diet, but I crave media that is intellectually stimulating. On TV, I limit myself to culinary and travel shows, a form of "Mind Sorbet," if you will. I also like to think. I want podcasts, downloadable lectures, and websites that promote a positive, and even spiritual (but not religious!) outlook for today and the future. I want resources that are not selling me anything, per se. I'm OK paying for legitimate content! People have to make a living - I get that! I just want to avoid copious "up sell" sales techniques.
Can you suggest anything online I might enjoy? [more inside]
June 18
What are some meals that are nearly all fruits & vegetables?
The other day I made a meal that was nearly all vegetables -- sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, and an apple, arugula, and feta salad. It was a great meal and I didn't even realize until I was eating it that it was basically all vegetables, rather than my normal routine of basing a meal around a starch (although the sweet potato does have a lot of carbs). I'm looking for more full-meal ideas where vegetables make up a lion's share of the meal. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 11:27 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by Deathalicious at 11:27 PM PST - 26 comments
What is this song?
I'm trying to source this haunting voice. Is this arabic? A sung prayer?
Stumbled on this by accident, no idea what it is.
Thanks for any tips...
posted by brownbat at 10:34 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by brownbat at 10:34 PM PST - 8 comments
What should I be careful of when buying a car from a friend?
A co-worker/friend is selling me his old car as he's upgraded to a newer model. What are things I should be aware of and get checked out early so I don't accidentally buy a lemon and ruin the friendship? [more inside]
"The Sun Will Rise Without Thy Assistance" - Attributably?
There are a lot of places attributing the quote ""The sun will rise without thy assistance" to the Talmud. Is that true? If so, where does it say that in the Talmud? I would love to either verify or debunk this quote.
posted by juniperesque at 8:43 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by juniperesque at 8:43 PM PST - 3 comments
A better way to say "great authors write the same book ten times"?
What's a better way to refer to the idea that an artist tries to refine the same central idea over and over again throughout their career? [more inside]
Looking for an in-text reference for a concept attributed to Kant
I'm looking for an in-text reference for a concept apparently put forward by Immanuel Kant. I would like to know where in his own writings this concept was actually addressed. [more inside]
posted by heylight at 7:12 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by heylight at 7:12 PM PST - 4 comments
Facebook blues
I'm contemplating friending someone on Facebook who previously defriended me, but I'm worried I'm going to come off as a creeper. How to proceed? [more inside]
All the Best Abstract Art
I'm looking for some online galleries of great abstract art from contemporary painters and artists. The preferred type of image I'm searching for is quite abstract: lines and shapes, spirals, even fractal art potentially. The one additional requirement is that the artist be named and contactable.Thanks so much!
How much creatine should I take daily before this pee test?
I have a job interview in a few days that involves a urinalysis. So I put down the pipe (3 days ago) and hit up Erowid and the AskMe archives to see what my options were. Lots of water, check--I'm at 5 liters a day. Exercise and sweating, check--it's 109 outside and I walk everywhere. Supplementing with creatine....ah, that's the tricky one. Everyone recommends it, but very few of those people give an actual dose-per-day. The sources that do vary wildly, anywhere between 50mg a day to 24645mg a day. I feel like both of those extremes won't do, hell, the twenty-thousand dose isn't even doable.
I'm looking for: a dosage schedule (amount/frequency) for creatine that will make the pee of a 150lb 19 y/o male (who is consuming 5 liters of water a day) have acceptable creatinine levels. [more inside]
posted by Taft at 6:09 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by Taft at 6:09 PM PST - 29 comments
ID this Buffy illustration in TV Guide?
In 2001, I saved this surreal Buffy the Vampire Slayer art from a page in TV Guide. Who was the artist? [SPOILERS discussed for BtVS season 5] [more inside]
posted by nicebookrack at 6:03 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by nicebookrack at 6:03 PM PST - 5 comments
How to combat anxiety?
My anti-depressant (Wellbutrin XL) is generally working, but one of the side-effects is a great deal of generalized anxiety. I'm stuck with the anti-depressant for now, so I'm looking for practices, foods, or medications you've been prescribed that helped you combat anxiety. [more inside]
How much detail do I have to give?
I am going to have to quit a seasonal job due to health issues. Do I need to tell my boss exactly what the issue is? [more inside]
What's with the cracking neck??
In the past week my neck, specifically the back of the neck right where it connects to the base of my head, has been cracking several times a day. I'm not trying to do it intentionally - it happens when I do mundane things like turn my head or look up. It's strong enough to make me a little dizzy, or makes my head feel loose for a second, or alternately like it might seize up and stop moving altogether. Anyone have any experience with this?
Resources on how to write (satirical) newspaper articles?
I've been writing satirical news articles for a website I created, and while my articles have been popular so far, I realized that I've been writing solely on my instinct of how a newspaper article would sound. What are some resources that go more in-depth on the style of newspaper articles, rather than the news gathering/reporting side of journalism?
posted by averageamateur at 4:51 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by averageamateur at 4:51 PM PST - 5 comments
How much more do lasers in your mouth cost? Would you get lasered again?
Has anyone gotten lasered in the mouth to fill a cavity (e.g., waterlase)? Roughly how much did it cost you? Relative to the drill and metal method? Would you opt for lasers in your mouth again? [more inside]
Excavation etiquette
I'm going on a archaeological training excavation and would like to feel more confident about excavating - can you give me any advice? [more inside]
Help in evaluating comic books?
I have been tasked with inventorying and potentially selling more than a few comic books. [more inside]
Advice on getting 88 yr old into a car/sedan who can't lift her feet.
We will be needing to drive an elderly relative to various locations over the next few months to help her find and relocate into a new retirement home.. She has had extensive spine surgery and is unable to life either foot up more than about one inch and maybe not even that.
I have been looking for a temporary device (under $100.00) that we can use on these occasions but have no idea what to look for. She uses a walker - refuses a wheelchair.
She's tried the "bottom in first" then swinging her feet in but that still involves lifting them. She used to be able to do that but no more.
Maybe the only solution is to get a cab with sliding doors that opens down on the street level and she follow behind us in the cab but that would be expensive and time consuming as we would have to have the cab wait while she is inside being interviewed, taken on inspection, etc.
am i obligated to invite a (horrible) mutual friend to a party?
about a year ago, I had a falling out with a mutual friend, complete with group g-chat strategy sessions, late-night mediations and about a dozen really, really long emails. the reason for it doesn't matter that much, but This Lady showed no good faith in my intentions and less than no respect for me as a somewhat intelligent and considerate person.
since my two closest friends are good friends with are, am i obligated to invite This Lady to any mass party or event things? [more inside]
posted by blandcamp at 2:41 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by blandcamp at 2:41 PM PST - 34 comments
What do I do with these out of control sideburn things?
If I was a guy, I would call them sideburns and shave them into submission. But I'm a 50 year old woman and they have turned into horrible wiry gray kinky bushy things and I don't know what to do. Stylists freak if I suggest shaving them. So, help. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 2:38 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by mygothlaundry at 2:38 PM PST - 37 comments
Best/fairest/easiest way to handle this new living situation?
Seeking advice for a friend on safe and fair way to handle living arrangement. [more inside]
Help me get started with cheese
I've been a picky eater all my life but I am trying to expand. I go into the supermarket and see all the different cheeses and I really want to just try something, do something, but I'm scared to just buy a hunk of cheese and eat some. Where do I start with cheese? [more inside]
posted by Danila at 2:07 PM PST - 65 comments
posted by Danila at 2:07 PM PST - 65 comments
Google Analytics for Advanced Beginners
Are there ways to "cross" or "join" data results in Google Analytics? Just as a for instance, I have a list of Referrals and a list of audience Location demographics. Is there a way to join those two lists, so that I know where site referrals are visiting from? (Generally, are there resources which list "pro tips" for getting the most out of Analytics?)
Dingbats
I'm looking for a dingbats font for a specific purpose. I'm creating a book of numbered paragraphs, and the number is above each paragraph in an elegant display font (Copperplate). On each side of the number, I'd like to put a fairly simple, unobtrusive, horizontal dingbat. This could be done with dingbats that are mirror images of each other. It could be as simple as a brush stroke that's heavier on the left or right, with the heavy ends near the number. Or it could be something else. I'm not looking for anything too leafy or flowery or pretty or Victorian. Do you know of a dingbats font like this that's downloadable for free? [more inside]
Wedding and controlling parents-- how to cope
I'm getting married in 10 days, and it's stressful for everybody involved, mostly because I have controlling parents who are intricately involved with every part of this. Any tips/advice for coping with this situation? Lots of culture-specific snowflake details inside. [more inside]
Family trip for Spring 2014
suggestions for a trip for four adults, four kids (two ~1, two ~5). About a week in Feb-April 2014. [more inside]
Find me a San Francisco summer jacket!
Hi hivemind! I'm a late twenties girl, 5'5, 130, platinum pixie cut, and I am looking for San Francisco summer jacket! [more inside]
posted by amileighs at 12:18 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by amileighs at 12:18 PM PST - 12 comments
Can you identify this sci-fi short story?
I'm looking for a short story. I'm not sure of much, but I know it involved ABBA and rare orchids. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by Gin and Comics at 12:08 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Gin and Comics at 12:08 PM PST - 1 comment
Feliway without the diffuser?
Would Feliway diffuser refills work without the diffuser? [more inside]
I want to insert one page into multiple documents. Easily.
I have 150-200 Word documents. I want to insert a one page Word document into each of these 150-200 files as the cover/first page. [more inside]
Is there such a thing as a medical leave for exhaustion and depression?
I'm exhausted and depressed and it's affecting my health and my work. Is there any way I could take a medical leave of absence and not lose my job? [more inside]
What are the ramifications of an Asperger's diagnosis?
So, a few professionals have informed me that they’re pretty sure I have Asperger's. Everyone agrees (including me) that I’m high-functioning. But apparently everyone also agrees that a positive diagnosis is very likely. Should I get the official diagnosis? [more inside]
GPS: Dedicated or Phone?
I'm tired of getting lost and need better GPS than the one I am getting on my LG Optimus V. [more inside]
How do I get rid of two cats?
I have two cats I don't want. How do I get rid of them in a way that doesn't take months and gives them a good chance of going to someone who will actually want them. [more inside]
Student accommodations in Dublin?
My son will be spending a semester at Dublin City University starting in September (coming from the US). He's been trying to find a place to stay for himself and another student since January. Nothing available on campus and the popular off campus places are all full. [more inside]
posted by cosmac at 10:08 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by cosmac at 10:08 AM PST - 5 comments
psychology of spilling
A close friend seems to spill liquids everyday. I wonder if this is a compulsion, if it is impelled by something just below consciousness or if it is mere clumsiness. Anyone have any input?
How to cite a quotation alone?
What is the proper way to cite a quotation alone, not in the context of a paper, without any other text around it? [more inside]
How easy is parging over a cinderblock exterior wall?
The semi-exposed basement level of my house is ragged looking cinderblock. I would like to smooth it over with some kind of stucco or parging. Is this practical? [more inside]
Find the funny!
Years ago, on TV, I remember seeing a standup comic do a hilarious riff on the idea of Tennessee Williams as an NBA announcer. Anybody remember who this guy was? Bonus points for a YouTube link.
Please remember how to cat!
Why is my one kitten such an idiot about the litter box? It's not that she's got a litter box aversion, and she's not sick, it just seems that she hasn't figured out which end the poop comes out! [more inside]
posted by valkyryn at 8:28 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by valkyryn at 8:28 AM PST - 39 comments
Seize the day... in the suckiest sense.
AskingForAFriend filter (at his suggestion): I had the "perfect" chance to break up, and I blew it. What now, metafilter? [more inside]
New types of online humor/commentary
What are the successors to photo memes as new forms of online comment/humor? [more inside]
how do we make preparation for a finger surgery ?
my fiancee is getting a surgery inserting a collagen-based nerve guide conduit for ulnal nerve repair in his ring finger, what can I do to help him prepapre for the surgery, what things should he know, and what can I do to help him recover
Want to enjoy sex but am turned off by myself
I don't have a low sex drive, but I rarely want to have sex. Or rather, I WANT to have sex but I don't want to be me while I'm doing it. [more inside]
Reluctantly giving up my HBC pills -- have questions about the Mirena
I'm a 29-year-old female who's been on birth control pills for 13 years, with one six-month break in the middle. Due to a recent medical diagnosis, my PCP is concerned about my continued use of this medication and has suggested I consider a Mirena IUD. I have questions. [more inside]
Modern translation of an ancient quote
George Lincoln Walton in his 1908 book Why Worry? quotes Marcus Aurelius as having said this:
When a man has done thee any wrong, immediately consider with what opinion about good or evil he has done wrong. For when thou hast seen this, thou wilt pity him, and neither wonder nor be angry.How might the underlined portion be rephrased in today's English? I'm having a hard time understanding what Aurelius meant.
Lightweight Operating System for old netbook?
Hello All!
I would love to replace my Windows 7 OS on my 2011 Netbook with a faster Linux version. I tried Ubuntu recently but found it to be Even Slower than Windows 7. Most of the online "best lists" (lifehacker) are from 2010. What is todays best netbbook replacement. Thanks for the help!
First time photoshoot: how can I not look like a dumpy, tired platypus
I'm having my photo taken for professional reasons and if my career takes off it will be seen quite widely. I'm a not-particularly-makeup-savvy female of ~30, not quite as slim or toned as I used to be, with bags under my eyes and not particularly great skin. Oh, and my default face in all photos to date is a solid gurn. [more inside]
What are some creative gifts for kids?
I end up in these situations where I need to buy a gift for a kid in the extended family, but the idea of just buying regular toys always seems lame. I like being a creative gift-giver.
Can you give me some ideas for unique gifts for kids that would go over well? [more inside]
How do I label customs forms when shipping personal effects to the US?
I am about to send some used personal effects to the US from Europe. I'm sending four boxes of used books and clothes. Each box weighs about 20kg. What should I put on the customs label? In particular, how do I estimate the value of used personal effects? Is it zero? I don't care about insurance/replacement value, I just want to minimize/avoid customs charges. If it matters, I'm in Germany, and will be sending by DHL. I'm a European citizen who will be moving to the US for three years with a J-1 (academic) visa. [more inside]
Why does The Man do things like this?!
Work email just moved/regressed/backwards-evoled from Gmail to Outlook. I feel like it's the 90's all over again. Didn't realize how much my day-to-day efficiency was based on Gmail features. Not inviting a Gmail vs. Outlook tug-o-war, just solutions for a.) possibly somehow inserting Gmail back in the loop so that I can benefit from its functionality while keeping my employer happy by "using" Outlook (slim chance, I realize) or, b.) been-there-done-that-and-here's how-I-survived ideas.
Please recommend songs that stop...................and then start again.
I like it when a song is powering along and then it comes to a complete stop and then starts again. Grandfather's Clock is an example. Faker's 'This Heart Attack' does the same thing. What are some others?
Save me from bachelor cuisine.
Cheap/easy meals needed for someone helpless at cooking. Particulars within. [more inside]
posted by xenization at 6:25 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by xenization at 6:25 AM PST - 26 comments
Small Erlang: An answer looking for a problem
What are some practical, small (meaning not necessarily enterprise scale) uses for Erlang? [more inside]
posted by ignignokt at 6:11 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by ignignokt at 6:11 AM PST - 5 comments
Group volunteer opportunities in Boston
I have a group of 70 people interested in spending a morning or afternoon doing hands-on volunteer work ... in Boston in early December. We can break them into smaller groups, but everyone would be spending the same chunk of time doing this. What are some good volunteer activities for groups?
Great evening options in Atlanta this week
I'm in Atlanta for two and a half days for some training. I do not have a car, and I'm about a mile away from both the Buckhead and Lindbergh MARTA stations. I have the evening free after 5 PM today and tomorrow night. What are some good vegetarian-friendly dining options nearby or easily/safely accessible via public transit where a lone casually-dressed traveler wouldn't feel too weird? Is there a nice walkable neighborhood somewhere where I could wander alone, or go for a run? Any other good ideas for entertaining myself in the evening today and tomorrow?
posted by charmedimsure at 5:10 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by charmedimsure at 5:10 AM PST - 12 comments
In general, what does it feel like to be loved?
In general, what does it feel like to be loved? [more inside]
"When my ship comes in"?
The 1983 Billy Joel song "Uptown Girl" has the line "But maybe someday when my ship comes in / she'll understand what kind of guy I am / and then I'll win." It just occurred to me that, though I'm in my thirties, I don't think I've ever heard the expression "when my ship comes in" used by anyone but Billy Joel. Has this ever been a commonly-used expression? If so, does anyone still use it? And what the heck does it even mean? I mean, I can tell what it figuratively means, from the context. But what is the connection between a ship arriving and someone becoming successful?
Fabulous Dublin restaurant?
Fabulous Dublin restaurant for a special dinner for two? [more inside]
posted by meerkatty at 3:26 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by meerkatty at 3:26 AM PST - 6 comments
Where can I find raw green peanuts in Atlanta tomorrow?
Where can I find raw green peanuts in Atlanta tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by thebrokenmuse at 1:41 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by thebrokenmuse at 1:41 AM PST - 5 comments
Cheap city centre hotel in Zurich hotel with good pub trans links?
I will be heading to Zurich to see the end of the EV Wave event in early July and need a city centre hotel that is affordable to stay at. Good public transport links are a must as this is how I will be getting around. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Nufkin at 1:36 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Nufkin at 1:36 AM PST - 7 comments
How to be a writer
I want to start writing freelance. Not necessarily full-time, but I want to try it. [more inside]
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 1:10 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 1:10 AM PST - 15 comments
June 17
Caught between my boss and my staff - how do I respond skillfully?
I need help in figuring out how to respond to a work situation between my boss and my staff. I am the second in command in our office, and manage all of the administrative staff. The administrative staff support all of the professional staff. (Think something like a law firm, or university department, where professional staff rely on and share administrative support). My boss is driving my administrative staff crazy. [more inside]
posted by It's a Parasox at 10:33 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by It's a Parasox at 10:33 PM PST - 28 comments
Dell Vostro 1400: Battery not being recognized. Possible culprits?
Is it even possible to replace the component that will allow my battery to be recognized again? [more inside]
posted by lizarrd at 9:59 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by lizarrd at 9:59 PM PST - 3 comments
Help me remember this scifi quote
This is one of those things that's instantly available if you can remember the exact wording, but totally ungooglable if you can't. I am currently arguing in a bar about this exact quote and who it's by.
What I remember: it's by a really famous scientist-author who i am for wine-related reasons blanking on. Someone like Sagan or Feynman. It was the epigraph in some scifi book that I likewise can't remember what it was. What I can remember of the quote:
"Some of us look at the stars because of blah blah blah blah. Some of us are blah blah blah. And some of us are just hoping for someone interesting to talk to/some intelligent conversation."
That's all I can remember. Help!
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 9:28 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Dormant Gorilla at 9:28 PM PST - 25 comments
If a person is acclaimed, is it OK to say said person is elected?
ResumeFilter:
Jane MetaFilter runs for an elected office in her student government.
There are initially other candidates, but they end up dropping out of the race and as a result, Jane is the only candidate.
As a result, Jane is acclaimed to the position.
On Jane's resume, is it fair game to say that she was elected? Or must she say that she was acclaimed? Is it best to compromise -- perhaps to altogether avoid the use of "acclaimed" or "elected"?
posted by demagogue at 9:00 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by demagogue at 9:00 PM PST - 25 comments
How do I avoid becoming like my parents re: treatment of kids?
I noticed that I may treat kids like how my parents treat them. How do I de-program myself from thinking like them? [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 8:43 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ichomp at 8:43 PM PST - 9 comments
Is there an App for that?
I meet new people all the time, and have lots of old friends from different phases of my life. I realize I can't keep up with everyone I've ever met, but I'd like a better system for helping to manage new friendships. Is there an app like that? [more inside]
posted by amoeba at 8:32 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by amoeba at 8:32 PM PST - 8 comments
WWF average word score of 503.5
Perusing the new leaderboard feature on Word With Friends, I see that in Global > All Time, a user with the name Polska91… [truncated] has an average word point score of 503.5. How is that possible? [more inside]
posted by unliteral at 8:11 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by unliteral at 8:11 PM PST - 11 comments
What are good coop games for tweens on iOS for a road trip?
What games would tweens (11-13) like to play together on an iPad or coop with their own iPods during a road trip? Are there other non-electronic games you recommend for road tripping? We have Rubberneckers, which is fun up to a point, as is the alphabet game. There are only so many DVDs they will watch. They've both got iThingies, but I'd like for them to interact with each other and/or us rather than be nose-deep in their own screens, oblivious to the world. Family time and such.
Prozac for dogs, pros and cons?
Pet behaviorist says Prozac may be the way to go, but our vet isn't so sure. Does anyone have experience with Prozac for dogs? I'd like some insight. [more inside]
posted by patheral at 7:09 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by patheral at 7:09 PM PST - 17 comments
Under the knife worries
I'm having major surgery and despite working in healthcare, am nervous off my rocker because I've personally never had surgery or anesthesia before. I'm also worried about life while healing and staying active while healing. Please help. [more inside]
posted by floweredfish at 6:53 PM PST - 41 comments
posted by floweredfish at 6:53 PM PST - 41 comments
Am I turning into Frankenstein's monster?
Once in a while I get a weird electric jolt in the side of my neck, totally out of the blue. What's going on? [more inside]
[CA]: unable to show proof of correction before fix-it ticket due date
Asking for a friend, this is regarding CA traffic law:
From what she has said, the due date of the fine/court appearance is coming up in two days and seeing as her car is still in the shop, what options does she have? Plead not guilty in hopes of buying some time, and showing up with proof of correction? She's not sure if her car will be fixed and properly smogged in time on or before the due date. [more inside]
posted by chloe.gelsomino at 6:18 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by chloe.gelsomino at 6:18 PM PST - 9 comments
Help me make OUR day the best day ever...
Where can I find either quality empty settings in silver or 8mm and 6mm cut slabs of Amethyst larger than 9 square inches in area; the latter preferably from the Four Peaks Mine in Arizona, USA? [more inside]
posted by schade at 6:16 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by schade at 6:16 PM PST - 2 comments
How should I respond to confusion about a meeting time?
Early last week, I had a meeting where there were two people from my organization, and three people from an organization we're hoping to work with in the near future. At the end of the meeting, we agreed on a future date/time for our next meeting. The following day, I emailed everyone in attendance, with (our shared impression of) the date/time/location of our next email in the second sentence of the email. Today, it became clear that everyone on their side of the meeting thought it was supposed to happen today, and I thought it was happening tomorrow. How should I respond? [more inside]
posted by heresiarch at 5:47 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by heresiarch at 5:47 PM PST - 8 comments
Million things to do at work ... how to keep track?
I have SO many things to do at my new job, and more things get added every day. I'm a pretty organized person in general but I feel like I have no time to even GET organized in this position. My current habits aren't helping, though. There's got to be a better way... Help! [more inside]
posted by trillian at 5:35 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by trillian at 5:35 PM PST - 15 comments
What are the most beautiful comics or graphic novels ever published?
I am interested in reading some visually dazzling comics or graphic novels. I would love to find examples that were made with beautifully painted panels, incorporated collages, or are otherwise interesting on a visual level. What do you recommend?
Recommendations for Budapest -> Krakow -> Berlin itinerary in early July
Doctor Girlfriend and I are taking a trip to Central Europe in a couple weeks, flying into Budapest and then making our way over the course of 10-11 days to Berlin to meet friends. We're planning on spending most of that time in Slovakia and Poland. Our only definite stops are Budapest, Krakow, and Berlin, and we definitely want to do some hiking in the Tatras somewhere in there. But aside from that, we don't have firm plans. Anyone been in that area, and have some recommendations on awesome places to see/stay/eat/drink/listen to music? We tend to like stuff that's not super tourist-trap-y or packaged. [more inside]
Need a vendor to come on-site at work and stop a squeaking chair?
My boss has asked me to have someone come on-site and stop the squeaking of the CEO's chair--I cannot think of what kind of vendor might perform this service. [more inside]
Yes, it's a turtle, but WHAT KIND?
What kind of turtle is this? Along with advice on releasing him back into the wild. [more inside]
posted by tooloudinhere at 3:44 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by tooloudinhere at 3:44 PM PST - 9 comments
I need a scripted line for why I'm not betting.
A friend of mine is celebrating his birthday at a horse track. I am going to go and have a good time, despite not having warm fuzzy feelings about the treatment of the horses. What can I use as an excuse for why I'm not betting, given that I am known for being a very enthusiastic gambler? [more inside]
posted by Fig at 3:35 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by Fig at 3:35 PM PST - 40 comments
"I Love You" or "Love You"?
I'm getting a tattoo in memorial for my grandmother who passed away. It will be in her handwriting but I need help deciding how to phrase it. Photo and details inside. [more inside]
Where can I rent a ramp or a light wheelchair in Chicago for tomorrow?
I am doing a fundraising event tomorrow evening at Reza's Restaurant in the River North neighborhood of Chicago, in a second floor private room. I was just informed that two guests who use motorized wheelchairs are coming. When I called Reza's to double check the capacity of their lift, they said it cannot accommodate the weight of motorized chairs. Legality and ADA-compliance aside, I want to make sure that all of my guests can get to the event. Where can I rent either a ramp (because the restaurant does not have one of their own) or a light, airport-style wheelchair TOMORROW?
posted by deliciae at 3:21 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by deliciae at 3:21 PM PST - 10 comments
36 year old with midlife crisis looking for advice
I got to a point in my life, where I need to look around and decide what to change. And although it may look as if I should have a lot of options and possibilities – I feel stuck. I would appreciate any comments from you – any hints, suggestions, ideas or stories how you overcame similar problems. I do need inspiration and I would be very thankful for any feedback from you. [more inside]
Partnership Agreement - Roles and Titles?
Looking for some suggestions for roles/job titles for myself and a partner in a two person LLC. Details inside. [more inside]
Help me identify this piece of art.
We recently found this piece of art, a bronze plaque, at a table sale. It looks like something created by a known artist, their name is on the tip of my brain, but I'm drawing a blank. Does it ring any bells with any of you? [more inside]
Combined spreadsheet and word processor
Other than OneNote and its Mac companion Growly Notes, is there any program (Win or Mac) that presents both a spreadsheet and a space for editing text all on the same page? This would seem a natural for those who like to tinker with open source software.
posted by megatherium at 2:56 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by megatherium at 2:56 PM PST - 4 comments
Sparknotes Blank Study Cards Out of Print / Unavailable?
I've been studying Japanese for several years, and have always used the Sparknotes series of blank study cards - they seem to now be out of print, and I haven't gotten a clear answer from the company if/when they will become available again. I've filled in about 10,000+ of them and really don't want to switch my filing system to another size/style of cards, but manually cutting new ones will take way too long - does anyone know if/when they will become available again, or of an EXACT sized similar set of cards? Thank you.
Cost of diamond repair?
YANMJ(eweler), but maybe you've had to have a similar ring repair made? If so, how much did it run you? Looking for ballpark figures. [more inside]
posted by peacrow at 2:24 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by peacrow at 2:24 PM PST - 3 comments
First France Trip!
Seeking advice for a two-week France adventure [more inside]
Shake, shake, shake. Shake, shake, shake. Shake your tail.
My cats shake their tails, but only the bottom part. What gives? [more inside]
How do I find out when someone died?
I'm pretty sure I spent two days confusing two different people named William F. Kruse.
There's the William F. Kruse listed here in Wikipedia that belonged to the Communist Party and then joined Bell and Howell. He died in 1952 and has an archive in the Chronicling Illinois Collection.
I thought THAT Kruse might also be the William F. Kruse who was writing for Educational Screen in the 1950s, because of the Bell and Howell connection. But now I don't think so because that Kruse was also writing educational technology histories into the late 1960s. But there his trail ends. Is there a best approach to finding out when someone died?
The E Word. Well 2 of them, Euthanasia and Eating(one's own body parts).
No one lies considering euthanasia for their cat, but what other choices do I have in this matter? My cat is eating its own tail. I'm at a loss. [more inside]
Finding critics of SEO
I'm interested in reading a thoughtful and well-researched article criticizing modern thinking about the merits of Search Engine Optimization. But because SEO is SEO, every time I search for an anti-SEO article, it seems to be pro-SEO click bait disguised behind an anti-SEO headline ("SEO sucks...that's why you should hire our company to do SEO.") I'm not saying I don't believe in SEO, but in our content farm era, I'm interested in whether there is anyone out there criticizing the whole concept?
Name that SF short story
Wracking my brain trying to think of a short sci-fi story I read recently, I think in an anthology from within the last couple years. The story was about the relationship arc between a man convinced that technocratic solutions could be found to eliminate the messiness of politics and a woman who was more skeptical. Early in the story the female protagonist rescues a relative of the man's from a near-drowning in California when a computer failure causes his smart-surfboard to fail or something like that. The bulk of the story is set in Washington DC where the woman leads a lobbying effort against broad introduction of further ubiquitous computer controlled systems. Whether or not a computer-controlled traffic system is immune from exploitation was a major feature of the plot.
What was it called?!
posted by Wretch729 at 1:11 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Wretch729 at 1:11 PM PST - 4 comments
Should I change the timing belt and water pump?
My 2001 Honda Accord and I are about to move 800 miles away. Before I make that 13 hour drive, I took it to the mechanic for a check up.
I like my mechanic, but he's saying this is my call: on top of other stuff I need to do, he's recommending - but not saying I need to - replacing the timing belt and water pump which were changed 7 years and 52,000 miles ago (in 2006 at 60,000 miles). I drive it a few thousand miles a year. It's $626.31. Complicating factor: I don't know how long it will take me to find a mechanic I trust in my new location.
Should I?
posted by vegartanipla at 12:57 PM PST - 32 comments
posted by vegartanipla at 12:57 PM PST - 32 comments
What is the Comic Sans of Excel spreadsheets?
For my new position at work, I'll be putting together a large number of Executive Overviews. This is a new area for me and I'd like to avoid unknowingly committing a spreadsheet faux pas. [more inside]
posted by radiosilents at 12:50 PM PST - 24 comments
posted by radiosilents at 12:50 PM PST - 24 comments
Help a Canadian book flights from the San Fran to El Salvador.
I am in Canada and I've only ever booked flight within, or to-and-from, this country. I'm looking for tips on booking flights from San Francisco to San Salvador, and from San Salvador to Toronto. [more inside]
How do I respond to people who respond to my survey with an email?
I've recently run into the situation in which I'm trying to gather responses from dozens of respondents in my section typically via Doodle Poll or Google Forms and numerous people simply send me their response rather than entering it into the form. Can you help me with a script for politely responding to these folks? [more inside]
Science My Beauty - or Debunk it!
Getting married in a few months, which means I want to start any facial/beauty regimens now. I don't usually do this stuff, so am entranced by the field of options. However, I know that this field contains the biggest BS factor of any out there. Please give me your best ideas of things that are scientifically proven to work, or that there is at least some data about why it works or would or wouldn't work. Please also tell me which of the things I'm considering looking at are drecht or dangerous crazytown. Help me not waste my money or wind up maimed. [more inside]
Nailing a foreign accent
Do you know of any videos that feature dead on imitations of foreign accents? I'm looking for things along the lines of this one, but not necessarily part of a stand up comedy routine. Not interested in anything that is mean-spirited. Also interested to know how people can nail a foreign accent so accurately (whether for comedy, making a movie, etc.).
Philly Chiro Recommendation?
The neck pain I've been having is clearly not going away on it's own, so I think I need to see a chiropractor. Anyone have recommendations for chiropractors in Philadelphia? I'm in Queen Village and would love to see one in the neighborhood if possible. [more inside]
posted by jshort at 10:21 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by jshort at 10:21 AM PST - 5 comments
Non-counting Words For Numbers
In English we have grouping units like dozen (12), gross (144), score (20) and a few others. Though no one uses them for counting (eg: 18, 19, score, 21…). What are similar words in other languages? If there's a cultural or historic reason that particular number has a special word, all the better.
posted by Ookseer at 10:18 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by Ookseer at 10:18 AM PST - 30 comments
Should I Create a Business Entity Just to Protect Myself from Liability?
I have a good idea for a web application, but I'm worried it might incur the wrath of a few specific larger companies. Would it be a good idea to create a business entity to protect myself from any personal liability I might be exposed to? [more inside]
Looking for an old song with a chorus that starts, "Dear John..."
My Dad remembers a song he used to sing when he was a kid.
The chorus, if his memory serves well, goes something like this:
Dear John, I think the world of you,
But I'm in love with someone new.
I could marry one but I can't marry two,
So farewell to you, dear John.
I've included the complete song below. Anyway, I'm wondering if this was every sung by a famous or notable singer? Are there any notable recordings? Can anyone provide any more information about it?
Many thanks in advance! [more inside]
posted by stuehler at 10:02 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by stuehler at 10:02 AM PST - 7 comments
Is there a connection between "The Floor" and "I Can Make You Rich"?
Hello,
I'd be interested to hear people's opinions on whether or not the Hot Chip song "The Floor" was inspired by part of Paul McKenna's book "I Can Make You Rich", in which PM says he once advised an investment banker to "focus on the benefits." [more inside]
How can I learn to grocery shop and cook on a college budget?
I'm going into my senior year college and have relied on a fraternity meal plan and eating out often. What should I be buying at the grocery store regularly, and what are some quick and healthy meals to make regularly? [more inside]
posted by seandq at 9:49 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by seandq at 9:49 AM PST - 29 comments
Northern Spain for newbies?
We're heading to northern Spain for one week (20 June - 28 June). From your experience, what would you do with a week in the north, and why? [more inside]
divorce mediation advice sought
I have a one day mediation set for next week. I have a great attorney and the chosen mediator seems a great choice. What do you wish you'd known, asked for, given in on? All suggestions are welcome. It's been fairly amicable thus far, but the money is causing strife. I'm in Washington, so 50/50 is typical. I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. Separated two years, went back to work as a temp. Kids are over 18, college is paid for already.
Help me not to kill this (unkillable?) plant!
I'm in charge of taking care of a pachira aquatica plant in my office. We moved about two weeks ago, and since then it's been turning yellow at a very alarming rate. All the leaves that are yellow here have only become so over the past few days, and this picture don't even include all the ones that have completely fallen off--please let me know if there's anything that I can do to reverse this, or at least stop it from continuing until there aren't any leaves at all! [more inside]
Can I use my mobile devices to connect my consoles to the Internet?
We just moved and sadly our cable Internet provider cant make it out to set up our Internet for another two weeks. We have already tried Clear.com and the local DSL and do not want to go back to those. We both have androids with unlimited data plans as well as an iPad with a data plan. What I would like more than anything is to somehow connect my WiiU and our desktop computers to the Internet through one of our mobile devices, but I just don't know how. Can anyone walk a noob through this task?
Where to buy corrugated conduit to kitten-proof wires?
We just adopted a kitten who shows an affinity for chewing on electrical cords, and need to upgrade the cat-proofing in our apartment from the level suitable for our former cat. Where can I get corrugated conduit or simmilar, fast, in Toronto? Failing that... ideas? [more inside]
posted by onshi at 9:15 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by onshi at 9:15 AM PST - 19 comments
Homebrew questions, simple and complex.
I have never made my own beer, but I need to make some in a rather specific circumstance, which is why I'm asking for advice here rather than a homebrew forum. For an art event, we want to have on display in a gallery a quantity of beer-in-progress, with a specific timeline about when we want it “done.” In other words, I want to prepare this beer and then display it basically with an announcement of when we will serve it. [more inside]
posted by Mngo at 9:02 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by Mngo at 9:02 AM PST - 29 comments
Tell me about your WWOOFing experiences in the United States.
I have some experience in working with the organizational end of local agriculture/produce, but am thinking I would like more hands on farming experience and am a point in my life where the idea of WWOOfing sorta makes sense. Have you done it? How did you know you picked the right farms? Tell me anything and everything. Links to useful resources other than the main WWOOF website? [more inside]
Recommend a non-fiction author who has a style like Anthony Bourdain?
Recommend a non-fiction author who has a style like Anthony Bourdain? [more inside]
How do I access email an old Google Apps account?
A few years ago (2008?), I set up Google Apps for my domain. I used it for email, docs, etc. Eventually, I deactivated the account. Now I'd like to go back and recover some of the emails. I can login to the admin panel, and can access Google Drive, but I can't get to the email. Help! [more inside]
posted by jdroth at 8:28 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by jdroth at 8:28 AM PST - 4 comments
Looking for well known, traditional, quality brands
I'm looking for traditional brands that are associated with quality products, like Pendleton wool blankets. [more inside]
posted by Curiosity Delay at 8:27 AM PST - 49 comments
posted by Curiosity Delay at 8:27 AM PST - 49 comments
What is there fun to do in Denver?
My old college roommate and I are taking a road trip out to Denver next week because he hasn't seen it and he wants to go. I've been to Denver on and off, but I don't know what there really is fun to do in the city and surrounding area, other than what's on wikipedia. Does anyone have any personal experience on cool things to do on a one week trip?
How can I make this plant happy?
I thought Norfolk Island Pines were supposed to be relatively easy! [more inside]
posted by rawralphadawg at 7:58 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by rawralphadawg at 7:58 AM PST - 5 comments
Recently rich, unsure what to do with the bucks
I never had any money. Now I have $600,000. Help me not squander it (and maybe even beat inflation). [more inside]
Is it safe to get prescribed pet medications from 1-800-PET-MEDS?
Hello Hive Mind
My basic question is this. Is it safe to purchase presciption pet medications from 1-800-PET-MEDS? [more inside]
posted by Hanuman1960 at 7:36 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Hanuman1960 at 7:36 AM PST - 11 comments
What awesome contraband can I give my newly-not pregnant friend?
My friend will be having her second baby today after an uncomfortable pregnancy (extreme nausea + Houston heat). I want to make her a gift basket of stuff she couldn't use while pregnant - booze, cigarettes, soft cheeses, processed meats. What else can I get her? [more inside]
posted by anthropomorphic at 7:36 AM PST - 42 comments
posted by anthropomorphic at 7:36 AM PST - 42 comments
Returning to grad school after 2 year hiatus
So I'm beginning a statistics PhD program this fall and I'm concerned that my math skills have gotten rusty since I haven't done anything related for the past two years. I've been working as an actuary since I graduated college but I don't do that much math--mostly a lot of programming. Has anybody been in a similar situation to me? How was the adjustment for you? I'm considering retaking advanced calculus and linear algebra during my first year (probably next summer before I take 2nd year advanced courses) just to refresh myself again. I'm aware some people may think this is kind of pathetic but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides, it's only my first year. Is this frowned upon? [more inside]
Is there an application that supports my scheduling needs?
I manage a group of people who do event support. In general my staff works normal working hours, but every now and then we'll be asked to work something off hours. What was a relatively rare occurrence is getting more frequent and my current methodology of using spreadsheets is starting to buckle. [more inside]
Help my wife narrate awesomeness
My wife has expressed interest in being a voice actor. Doing some narration work to be more specific. How does someone get into the field? My google fu is not helping me! Do classes help? [more inside]
posted by Librarygeek at 7:14 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Librarygeek at 7:14 AM PST - 11 comments
403(b), TIAA-CREF v. Fidelity, WTF?
I'm finally out of school and in the working world, and now in the midst of trying to orient myself I'm trying to figure out if/how I should sock money away in a tax-deferred account with either TIAA-CREF or Fidelity. Should/can I try to figure this out myself, or should I find myself an advisor? [more inside]
posted by sciencemandan at 6:57 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by sciencemandan at 6:57 AM PST - 11 comments
Good headphones for blocking out all work chatter
I'm currently working in a smallish office where people arrayed around a group of tables chat to each other during the day. I'm hoping to find very comfortable headphones for listening to music (mostly just soft wordless music - my base station is Pandora's 'classical for studying' station) that will let me not hear voices, but also will not leak and be obnoxious for my colleagues. [more inside]
I don't want diarrhea on my wedding day
I have been having major stomach issues that I need to solve. Really uncomfortable bloating and belching minutes after eating, nausea, cramps, etc. I'm getting checked out by a doctor, but I suspect it is my old friend IBS coming back after a 6+ year absence. I NEED to get this under control and back to rights ASAP but so far nothing is working. HELP! [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:14 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 5:14 AM PST - 27 comments
What issues ought housemates agree on in advance?
In the 30+ years since leaving home, I've never had a roommate or housemate. This fall, I'll have a housemate with the same history. We'd like to sit down and discuss some ground rules for living in the same house.
So what do we talk about? What are the typical issues that housemates ought to resolve to prevent problems later? (Dishes? Chores? Overnight guests?) Have you proven arrangements for equitable settlement of these issues? [more inside]
Online gay communities
Moving to a gay-free zone (OK maybe I'm exaggerating a little) after finishing university. I strongly suspect I'm gonna miss all my 'mos. Can I get some suggestions for some online gay communities I could join? I'm not talking about sites for activism/politics or hookups, more like a place to vote for my favorite underwear brands and for intercourse about which sex toys to get. Gay blogs/publications are also welcome, although I'm primarily looking for something more like a forum.
posted by Strass at 3:17 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Strass at 3:17 AM PST - 5 comments
Does Breaking Bad get better?
I watched the first three episodes of Breaking Bad. The premise is interesting to me, but it was too violent for my taste. I was surprised it had a 12+ rating where I live, usually those shows are totally fine for me. I want to give Breaking Bad a chance (I like the premise and the person I'm watching it with does like the show so far) but not if it keeps going on like this, where the main characters keep killing people. Of course I understand that in a series about drug dealing people are going to die, so I guess I'm mainly concerned about the frequency, the way it goes, and the way it's handled. Also, at the moment I feel that nobody is really likeable on the show. Would like to hear if other people who felt the same way after the first few episodes think I should keep watching.
posted by blub at 1:31 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by blub at 1:31 AM PST - 35 comments
June 16
Calculating diameter and hours travel of a fictional ocean bay..
I am working on a distance measure for a sword/magic story's continent map, and I'm curious as to how wide a circular ocean's bay would be if.. [more inside]
posted by Quarter Pincher at 11:55 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Quarter Pincher at 11:55 PM PST - 10 comments
Why don't people live on the SF Bay mountains ("hills")?
Driving around the Bay Area, I've always wondered: Why aren't the dry, barren hills around the bay inhabited? [more inside]
Is this believable or should I walk away?
Met a truly stunningly beautiful girl in her early 20s a little over a week ago. I'm in my early 30s, but look like I'm in my mid 20s and was alone at a bar, she with some other guy. After a while she starts chatting me up, to my disbelief (I'm pretty good looking, and ever so often get approached by women, but never by any one this hot). We have a great conversation, in which it's revealed that guy is just a friend. I eventually get introduced to the friend and he gets worked into the conversation, we're all having a good time, but its mainly her and I just talking for about 2 hours. She gives me her name, number, and a passionate goodbye kiss in the middle of the bar and in front of her friend, and then they leave together. I'm feeling like I won the lottery and proceed to friend her on facebook the next day. [more inside]
posted by anonop at 11:11 PM PST - 61 comments
posted by anonop at 11:11 PM PST - 61 comments
Motorcycle filter: Will I ruin my bike if I ride it with these problems?
I just paid $650 to have the carbs cleaned out on my 4-cylinder Honda Magna (94). They also found rust in the tank so they said they fixed that. I picked it up tonight and it's running terribly. It feels like it has the wrong gas type in it. One (or more... all?) of the cylinders is kind of knocking or just being loud, it feels like it can't hold an idle, when I shift into gear it feels like I'm lugging the engine. I have to give it way too much throttle to even get it into gear. I don't know what they did to mess it up, and I intend to have a word with them when they open again on Tuesday. (I mean, did they even test it after they put it back together?) In the mean time, tomorrow is Monday and I need to get to work. Could I potentially break things or mess things up further if I try to ride in? And what is the protocol on bike repairs. My feeling is that they've messed it up--I paid them $100/hr for the work because I trusted that they'd do a really great job. They didn't, so they should take responsibility and fix whatever they broke for free. Am I wrong on that?
Looking for survival guides.
Recommendations for survival guides. How to build shelters, fires, foraging etc with little or no supplies.
Preferably books.
General guides = good.
Specifically tropical regions = awesome
Can I catch a quarter of a cold?
Occasionally I feel like I've got extremely mild cold symptoms that go away after a day or two. A very mild sore throat and a slightly stuffy nose, for example. What's going on? Am I catching a normal common cold rhinovirus and my immune system is just fighting it very effectively? Or am I catching a specific mild, almost asymptomatic variety of rhinovirus or some other virus? Or are these just normal non-specific symptoms that are unrelated to a cold? (Asking out of curiosity, not concern).
Can't we all just get along?
Please help me to help my cat and new dog get along. [more inside]
Easy Google Reader RSS replacement?
I follow over a thousand sites on Google Reader, and am hella disappointed that it's being axed. Is there a final consensus on the best RSS reader to replace Google's?
Specs = Mac / OSX / old Chrome / iPhone 4S. [more inside]
Refresher Reading in basic Religion/Politics/Philosophy
Hi Metafilter. Recommendations, please?
Recently I had ended a cycle of medication that was likely to affect my memory. It has.
I feel as though I've gone from a quick, engaged conversationalist, to a bit of an observant, less inclined platform of speaking. Mostly, it's because I can't seem to recall things as quickly as before. It's so, so uncomfortable.
I've been told my memory will return over time, but in the meantime, I can read and participate in exercises in an attempt to jar it.
Can anyone offer some comprehensive overviews of religion, history, philosophy, or politics?
Really basic stuff would be just find - Any texts going over the religions of the world, introductions to politic, lists of notable philosophers or historic figures..
Thank you!
Dave Ramsey hates me
I am really bad with money and I'm about to start making a ton more which is great, yay! But I want to make sure I stick to my budget because I've got a ton of bills to pay off. Here's what I'm considering, tell me if you think it's nuts: [more inside]
posted by dawkins_7 at 7:20 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by dawkins_7 at 7:20 PM PST - 22 comments
Whats the deal with those motorcycles in SE Asia?
What are those super popular kinds motorcycles in SE called?
I've rented one in Thailand, Cambodia and the Phillipines. They were different makes but they all sort of work and look the same. They have 5 gears, but no clutch. You just let up on the gas then use a foot peddle to change gears. We could get them up to about 100km/h but that was about it.
Do they sell them in Canada? [more inside]
Plan B/In the Meantime career advice
I wasn't selected for military officer training school. Help me design my Plan B/In the Meantime career while I apply again. [more inside]
Need help processing social/familial obligations for funeral
My mother is 75 now, has Parkinson's, and is likely not going to be around in another year or two. I will feel no personal need to go to the funeral, when that time comes, and would like help processing that. The following information may or may not be pertinent and may be a summer blizzard. [more inside]
Does such a hair product exist?
Is there a product that will keep my hair from getting frizzy post-shower, yet not weigh it down? [more inside]
Is there a place I can go to play with dogs?
I like dogs, but my lifestyle right now won't allow me to properly take care of one. Is there some place I can go to play with dogs when I want to? [more inside]
posted by JDHarper at 5:52 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by JDHarper at 5:52 PM PST - 15 comments
Worried about night time palpatations. Advice?
Been having pretty constant heart palpatations. I have had them before, but they have been generally isolated. The ones I'm having during the day are minor, but they are persistent. I went to the hospital, and the doctor said to get a heart monitor. I went to my general practitioner and he said I had already had a heart monitor, so there was no need for one.
Anyway, the palps get pretty bad at night to the point where my chest starts to ache. In the past I have also had panic attacks and anxiety problems, some of which during palpatations were present.
What do you guys think is going on? What should I do? Any advice is welcome
posted by Thanquol180 at 5:29 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by Thanquol180 at 5:29 PM PST - 26 comments
Identify this plant
What is this fruit tree?
We're about to move to a house with this fruiting tree in the backyard. It's in San Francisco, fairly deep into the West-side fog belt.
What is it?
posted by toxic at 4:48 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by toxic at 4:48 PM PST - 5 comments
Money and depression? Or Broke and Happy?
I can’t really decide how to quit my job. I know I want to quit – the reasons for wanting to quit are justified, but I thought about giving my employer some kind of choice before I just kick the bucket and not come back. [more inside]
Film about an immigrant woman and a washed up celebrity from her country
The women were from Eastern Europe, Russian speaking, or maybe Czech. The young woman with dark hair did not understand that the older blonde woman wasn't successful in the US. At one point, they get drunk together. What dimly remembered movie is this?
posted by StrikeTheViol at 4:34 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by StrikeTheViol at 4:34 PM PST - 2 comments
It's too late to try communication
I didn't communicate with my SO before hand, and now I'm self destructing. What are my options? [more inside]
Help Me Find Other Examples of this Odd Dynamic I Noticed in a Movie
Earlier this week, my girlfriend wanted to show me a scene in a movie she was watching. I had been in and out of the room while it was on, and thought the movie was a real stinker. It was a drama, and all of the actors had this very unemotional, bored way of saying their lines.
Unlike the rest of the film, this one scene that my girlfriend wanted me to was absolutely amazing. I'm curious to see as to whether or not the dynamic I imagined occurring was in my head, or if it's something more common in film. [more inside]
posted by Hennimore at 3:46 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Hennimore at 3:46 PM PST - 15 comments
Harmonica Tabs
What are some harmonica tabs for songs written in the past 20 years? [more inside]
Nondisparagement contracts, how do they work.
I was young and possibly stupid and signed a nondisparagement contract in exchange for severance when I got fired. Now I'm wondering if this is going to bite me in the ass. [more inside]
I want to copy a mini sim card to a micro sim card, how do I do it?
I have an aging smartphone that I'd like to replace with a different unlocked smartphone I intend to buy. The old one uses a mini-SIM, the new one has a micro-SIM slot. [more inside]
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 2:11 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Feel the beat of the rhythm of the night at 2:11 PM PST - 9 comments
How to get rid of furniture?
I want to get rid of my furniture and I'm trying to figure out the best way to dump the stuff that maybe helps someone else.
What Philadelphia-area charity would be interested in these things?
Alternatively, how does one sell or give away things like this as a unit and is doing so more trouble than it is worth? [more inside]
posted by vincele at 1:33 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by vincele at 1:33 PM PST - 15 comments
Adaptations of Shakespeare
What are the best tv or movie adaptations of Shakespeare's plays?
How can I buy a vintage railroad/ship/airline stoneware tea set?
I'm trying to find and buy a vintage tea set made of china from a railroad/airline/ship. Over the years I've come across a few cups from boats or trains that I liked a lot - I'd like to get an entire tea set (or at least a teapot and teacup), but I seem to be using the wrong nomenclature or searching in the wrong place. [more inside]
Help me find awesome men's or unisex leather sandals!
My husband's dual-strap Birkenstocks have finally stepped on a rainbow and gone to Jesus. We're going on a trip mid-July and I'd like to find him a suitable replacement by then. [more inside]
posted by nohaybanda at 12:37 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by nohaybanda at 12:37 PM PST - 9 comments
Which should I get -- the 11 or the 13 Air?
Now that the Macbook Air refresh is out, I'm looking to finally pick up an MBA. I've read the other questions here. I've googled extensively. I've been to the Apple store and tried both models. But I simply cannot figure out which model I want! [more inside]
How to Manage Two Kindles, One Account, and Multiple Wishlists
I own a Kindle associated with my Amazon account. For his birthday this year my son received a Kindle Fire, which we decided to also associate with my account so that he can share access to the books I already own. All was well until he realized he could add things to a wish list. I took his first round of wishes and added them to a new "Son's Wishlist," and when he's shopping for books my son can choose which wishlist he wants to add them to. But physical items can apparently only be added to the default wishlist (mine) and I haven't found a way on the Fire for him to move them. As a result I regularly find myself sorting dozens of collectible cards and other items from my list to his. Have any of you found a better way of dealing with this?
I can't find this cool toy I saw at the park yesterday!
I saw the coolest little foursquare toy, kind of a portable mini-court, yesterday at the park. I wish I'd stopped and talked to the guys playing with it, but I thought I could find it pretty easily... but not so.
So there's a little trampoline, I guess that's about two feet square, with a circular wall around it divided into four sections. They had a ball smaller than a kickball but bigger than a tennis ball, and if they hit it on the trampoline and it went between one person's section of the bordering wall, then it was like it had hit their square.
Does anybody know what this? I must have one. Immediately.
posted by dubadubowbow at 12:11 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by dubadubowbow at 12:11 PM PST - 4 comments
Surprise graduate school opportunity
I just got a surprise grad school offer but I need to decide quickly. [more inside]
Travel advice in SF and area with toddler
We (couple and 1.5yr old) will be in the city Fri and Sat and then Sun-Wed morning in Cazadero. We'll be staying at a hotel in Japantown and will not have a car while in the city. We are renting a house in Cazadero and we will have a car there. I have a number of related questions. [more inside]
Good Boy Gone Bad ... And Viral
Can you talk me through all the processes and channels that would be in play and how they would integrate and feed each other, in what order, to send bad behavior across all social media? [more inside]
What was that loud booming sound this morning in South Seattle?
Sounded like a sonic boom or really low-pitched gunfire. [more inside]
Give me grapes!
I moved into a new house this past winter and was told I had grapevines (I believe concord?). I can see them coming in but any tips for how to best care for the vines to yield the most grapes? So far, I've done nothing but watch.
Friend with hyperemesis gravidarum. Trying to help find support.
A dear friend is at 10 weeks pregnancy and suffering terribly, and I'm trying to figure out what sort of disability she can qualify for. Already lost 15 lbs, unable to keep down almost anything. She's seeing a doctor, who has her on Zofran now, but she's still completely unable to work. She is in northern California, a well-regarded freelance artist, and to make matters worse...uninsured. [more inside]
Friend bailed on plans, what should i tell her?
How do you deal with a friend that bails on plans? [more inside]
Cat bit the neighbor (most recently)
Shmitty is a 4 year old, male, Siamese (mix?). He was adopted at age 1 by our family 3 years ago from a family who was going to get rid of him because he had bitten their small children. At his former residence he was indoor only, with us he is indoor/outdoor. We love Shmitty. He is a beautiful, friendly cat....most of the time. The problem is that Shmitty has continued to bite on occasion. [more inside]
What household electronics should I be concerned about?
Dig around on the internet and you'll find plenty of people saying that cell phones are unsafe, microwaves are unsafe, wifi is unsafe, cordless phones are unsafe... how to make sense of what's legitimate and what's crockpot paranoia? Has anyone any advice to put me at ease (or ill at ease)?
Need help quack. Almond pulp for almond paste?
I want to make those Italian amaretti cookies that call for almond paste. I have some almond pulp and some duck eggs.. Will these ingredients work? I guess I could just experiment but I don't want to waste any of the first dozen duck eggs on something that's not delicious. Can I sub honey or ground dates for the sugar? I guess if you sub too many ingredients, maybe the name isn't the same but the bottom line is, will this taste good?
posted by ms_rasclark at 8:25 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by ms_rasclark at 8:25 AM PST - 12 comments
My boyfriend is really tight with money. How do I navigate this?
My partner is a tight-arse, and I hate it. Can you please help me negotiate this? [more inside]
Sources for buying sugar-free marmalade in the US?
I am not having luck buying good sugar free marmalade. I've looked in grocery stores, where I can sometimes find Smuckers, but it's not great. My online shopping skills seem to have deserted me for this task, and i don't know what specialty stores I should be looking at....
I live in the Boston area, so have access to a wide range of specialty type stores, and definitely willing to order online as well.
Anyone have sources for sugar-free preserves or marmalades?
posted by darsh at 8:00 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by darsh at 8:00 AM PST - 7 comments
Coleslaw recipe
I love love love the coleslaw at Fresh Air BBQ in Jackson, Ga. I have tried to find the recipe online with no luck. Is anyone familiar with this style coleslaw so that you can tell me how to make it? I cant ask the folks at the restaurant because they are far far away. Thank you!
Pedantically Yours
I am pedantic (of the "ostentatious with learning" variety). Please make it stop. [more inside]
In need of advice to start my job search in economics/commerce jobs.
I've just finished my masters in International Relations and am going to kick off my job start in earnest from next week. I have questions about where I should be looking for work, what options might be open to me, and would appreciate some advice. [more inside]
posted by tokaidanshi at 7:18 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by tokaidanshi at 7:18 AM PST - 4 comments
Palladium and me! question on durability of everyday use.
What should I watch out for when wearing a palladium ring and is it practical for me to wear my ring and not damage it when I keep it on during all my activities during a routine day? [more inside]
posted by Jaelma24 at 6:15 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Jaelma24 at 6:15 AM PST - 5 comments
Apple PowerBook G4 won't shut down properly
My old (10+ years) Apple PowerBook G4 won't shut down properly. When I click the apple icon and then click 'shut down' and 'shut down now' (or rather their Dutch-language equivalents), it will remove all icons and other elements from the desktop except the desktop background, and it will darken the background, but it won't shut down. Eventually the screen goes black, but something (a fan?) keeps audibly running. It won't start up in this state. If I unplug it, wait until every activity has died down and the computer doesn't make any sound anymore, plug it back in and wait until the battery has fully loaded again, it will start up as usual. [more inside]
What big historic moments/decisions have happened over a meal?
I'm looking for specific examples of, for example, two world leaders sitting down for dinner and standing up with a peace treaty. To phrase the question differently, what is the most important thing that has ever happened at a dining table?
"This is a great CD . . . for me to poop on!"
What is the formal name of this type of humor in Greek rhetoric? It's one of my favorite forms of humor: when you begin a sentence in such a way as to imply a certain ending, only to have the actual ending upend the anticipated meaning.
Surely there's a fancy Greek term for this.
A couple of other examples:
"John! My favorite student . . . just left, so I can see you now."
"This movie is great . . . if you like to vomit for 2 hours."
posted by gnossie at 2:04 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by gnossie at 2:04 AM PST - 4 comments
What is it like to meet on the sidelines of G8
I have heard on the news that Obama and Putin are planning to meet "on the sidelines" of the G8 conference next week, and I'm curious what, exactly, this is like. [more inside]
June 15
What are some great "one-man band" albums?
Strolling along, enjoying Prince's first album and marveling that he wrote, recorded, and produced the album himself...oh, and played all the instruments. Ditto much of Mike Oldfield's works. It's not hard to find one-person singer-songwriter albums (Neil Young, Tori Amos, etc.), but they rarely go into the complexity or variety of instrumentation that Prince and Oldfield go into. Like if you didn't know any better, you'd think it was at least for or five people in the band. And damn, it's not like this person is a guitarist who can also play bass... he/she is adept at any instrument they touch.
What are some other albums/artists like this? (Credit will also be given for example like Dave Grohl, or other notable multi-instrumentalists)
posted by holterbarbour at 11:28 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by holterbarbour at 11:28 PM PST - 48 comments
It's almost more like acquantances with benefits?
How should I talk to a friend I slept with about what the hell is going on? [more inside]
posted by OrangeDrink at 8:28 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by OrangeDrink at 8:28 PM PST - 16 comments
I want you(r division) to want (to hire) me
A division of a very large company does exactly what I'd like to be doing with my career. I'm currently retraining in a way that aligns me more closely with what they do. In the past, I've asked individual practitioners or heads of small companies in my (previous) field out for coffee to ask them for advice and to see whether they might have any opportunities for which I could be a good fit, but I don't know how to do this with a large company. Help! [more inside]
How do I actually go about shorting a stock?
There's a company whose management I strongly disagree with and I want to bet against them by shorting their stock. How do I go about doing that?
Mead Baffles Man, Kids At Stake
My kids' elementary school uses this Margaret Mead quotation on a banner in their Independence Day float, and every year it bugs the heck out out of me:
"Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else."
Without any context, I struggle to understand the tone of these two sentences. Is this a heartwarming celebration of individuality? Or is this some kind of snarky put-down of same?
If it's the latter, what kind of misbegotten school am I sending my kids to?
Avengers fanfic recs?
Same request as before, but this time for Avengers / Marvel Cinematic Universe fanfic. [more inside]
[RunningFilter] Converting trail miles to road miles
What's a rough rule of thumb for converting trail miles to road miles, taking into account elevation change? More details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by unSane at 7:23 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by unSane at 7:23 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me make a streaming Netflix queue for my dad
Trying to put together a streaming Netflix queue for Father's Day. Details inside... [more inside]
I'm scared of my dog.
Please help, askme. I've got a dog who is in a constant agitated state and he's started to turn on me. I can't see a trainer until Wednesday -- what should I do to keep us both safe until then? [more inside]
posted by LynnDee at 7:02 PM PST - 51 comments
posted by LynnDee at 7:02 PM PST - 51 comments
I need a different kind of spreadsheet app for OSX
Is there a spreadsheet app that's geared more toward creating sortable lists of stuff? I know I can do this with Apple's Numbers app, but it feels so clunky. I don't want column "A" "B" "C" and so forth. I want to name the columns, just as the columns in iTunes are named (song, album, rating, etc). I don't want to right click a column and choose from a list of options to choose "Sort Ascending/Descending". I want to click the column title and have it sort based on that column, just as iTunes does when in song view, or in a playlist. Click song, the list is sorted by song. Click album the list is sorted by album. I'm not working with any calculations. I want to create easily sortable lists of my stuff... like wine! [more inside]
Got any advice on possible pre-fab home building?
Have you bought a pre-fabricated home, or know someone who has? If so, what words of advice can be given about this? [more inside]
posted by drpynchon at 6:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by drpynchon at 6:31 PM PST - 7 comments
sent wrong copy of my resume
I applied to this job online by sending my resume, and after I was contacted by the HR lady, I told her that I had an updated version of my resume and so I sent it to her. A few days later, I then realized that I actually sent a wrong copy of my resume, which leaves off some of my education.
It also erroneously outlined a job function that I did not actually do. The reason why it is wrong is because I didn't know how to word it precisely at first, but after a second draft (the correct version) I came up with a better description of what I did.
So, do you guys think it will be fine if I email her the correct version of my resume and explain that I inadvertently sent her the wrong version? Or will it look bad? The interview is already set up by the way.
Thanks.
What should I do with this pile of hardware?
I just inherited five Dell Dimension 9200 PCs. Help me think of something cool and hackish to do with them! [more inside]
I maybe broke a toe last month, still having off-and-on pain. Now what?
On May 20th, I stubbed my pinkie toe very very badly. I wasn't sure if I'd broken it, but it hurt enough that I taped it up for a couple of days. The reading I did suggested that that was all a doctor would probably do for a broken pinkie toe, anyway. The toe swelled up some, and I experienced some pretty dramatic bruising, much of it focused on the "knuckle" area of my foot, right above the toe. Weeks later, I'm still having episodes of pain that come and go. I'm not sure how to proceed. Details within... [more inside]
Finding a particular recording of Alan Ginsberg reading America
I'm looking for a particular recording of Alan Ginsberg reading America. It was on a mix tape I lost many years ago, and the particular moment that stands out is when he says "America I am the Scottsboro boys", someone in the (high as a kite and raucous) audience shouts out "you are the Scottsboro boys!" Any pointers would be helpful, either to purchasable media or to online video.
posted by pmb at 4:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by pmb at 4:02 PM PST - 4 comments
Is a smart display a smart choice as an external monitor?
I currently have an Asus Netbook that serves as my primary computer (although I tend to travel with my iPad on short trips and leave the netbook at home). I'm a PhD student and know I'll need to upgrade within the next year before I start the heavy dissertation writing. However, right now I'm thinking of getting an external monitor to use at home for more screen real estate (useful for reading articles and taking notes).
Should I get a smart display or a regular monitor? [more inside]
Help me pick an awesome travel destination
I'd like to go someplace new - what country/region should I explore this summer? Time, money, and the need to get away and rethink some things are all coming together for me right now. I've never planned my own international travel. [more inside]
Me want porn
I’m looking for a specific type of porn/erotica. Not sure how to describe it, maybe “primitive” or “tribal”? [more inside]
Cross-border buying/packing/shipping service?
I live in the Bay Area and often find myself wanting things, especially delicious location-specific foods, from stores in other cities that don't offer e-commerce and/or won't ship to me. (Example, example, example.) I want to pay someone --companies, individuals, I don't care-- to buy the things, pack them up, and ship them to me. This seems like it'd be a fairly common need/want, so someone must have set up a business offering it, right..?
Looking for awesome boogie piano
I'm looking for excellent piano tracks, particularly boogie woogie and rag time. I'm looking for upbeat songs that have rhythm. I tend to like early rock and jazz not electronica. Songs that come to mind are Duke Ellington's Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue, anything by Booker T and the MGs. That kind of thing. Vocals are optional. Thanks.
Looking for stripped down versions of pop and rock songs
I recently have become very fond of some vocal track only versions of pop and rock songs that someone had reversed engineered from DVDs and posted online, and I would like to find more music like this. [more inside]
Set As Default means SET AS DEFAULT
MS Word 2010 issue: how do I make my default style choice for MS Word documents Permanent? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:44 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:44 PM PST - 11 comments
The Parallel Bars in The Castle
Why are there parallel bars in *The Castle*? Is it a translation particular to the Willa and Edwin Muir translation? If not, why are there parallel bars in a school? [more inside]
posted by slowlikemolasses at 1:38 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by slowlikemolasses at 1:38 PM PST - 14 comments
Learn me some ImageMagick
I have MAMP on Mac OS Lion. I want to install the ImageMagick extension. I am trying to use these instructions, but am running into problems. [more inside]
posted by oulipian at 12:30 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by oulipian at 12:30 PM PST - 22 comments
Where can I find P.T. Barnum's will?
According to an article in the July 14, 1946 Sunday Morning Star (of Wilmington, Delaware), P.T. Barnum had his 53-page will published as a book in 1891. Can it be found anywhere online?
I'll be your... secretary.
I've noticed lately that a lot of my work day involves colleagues asking me to help them with things. Finding them a new apartment, helping them deal with parking tickets, making telephone calls to get them free stuff (using our professional network). I am sort of a secretary... but I am not their secretary, if you get what I mean. How do I deflect the sense that these are appropriate for my role? [more inside]
How can I get my newborn to stay asleep?
We're using all the advice from the Happiest Baby on the Block to get Little Stardust to fall asleep. It works the majority of the time and I can successfully get him to fall asleep by swaddling, rocking, white noise, etcetera. The problem is that he'll only stay asleep as long as I'm holding him. [more inside]
Dealing with a phantom stuck key bug on MacBook Air
I'm troubled by a mysterious bug on my MacBook Air. It manifests itself when I use Microsoft PowerPoint, but I believe it is a Mac-wide issue. It is extremely rare, impossible to reproduce on demand, and yet - when it strikes, it does so with a vengeance, and embarrasses me in front of a theater full of people. [more inside]
There's a farm, and a widow...
Movie about a widow on a farm/ranch in Australia. It's historical, but I can't remember the period. She has red hair, and is shamed by her church for not having remarried. She's menaced by bad guys on horses, who tie up a young man (a cousin? brother?) to a fence and prepare to horsewhip him, but a mysterious man swoops in at the last minute to save them. It sounds like every romance novel ever, but I only caught a few minutes of it and was intrigued enough to try to find it again. Ideas?
Fixing an XBOX I just bought off eBay
So after years of using roommates' machines, and having finished a well-paying highly stressful recent job, I rewarded myself by buying an XBox Slim off of eBay. Which I guess was foolish of me. The thing arrived with only the 4GB hard drive, so I had to buy a decent-sized one in order for it to do anything, and even then it started freezing nearly constantly. If left off overnight it will start up and work for maybe an hour before freezing at first, and then quickly degrade to the point where it can't even start up properly. [more inside]
posted by Navelgazer at 9:27 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by Navelgazer at 9:27 AM PST - 16 comments
More goosebump worthy audio pieces/ podcasts like the one below?
I recently heard this obscure piece and was blown away. What other similar audio work can you recommend? Poetry/short story read well with tight ambient sound effects? Are there any websites that aggregate those types of work? [more inside]
Laptop that will run Adobe Creative Suite 5?
I'm looking for an out-of-the-box laptop that will run Adobe CS5 (especially Premiere) smoothly. Other considerations inside: [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 8:56 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by sandra_s at 8:56 AM PST - 1 comment
Have you benefited from an online anxiety support group?
Have you been a part of an online anxiety support group before? I'd like to hear about your experience. [more inside]
Help me find a good book for my father.
I just learned that my dad already has the 2 spy/crime novels I was planning to get him for Father's Day. Can you offer me some alternative suggestions? [more inside]
Education That Make You Sweat
Kinda fit 20ish guy in NYC looking for classes that have physical activity as a large component. I'm not looking for sports teams or exercise classes, but " learn a skill/a thing" classes that just happen to require you to lift, run, haul, etc. A spinning class would be out, but horseback riding would be a bit closer ( but not actually horseback riding). Ideally I could get to this class on the subway.
Which Boston Zoo? Or no zoo?
Boston mefites! Would like to take my husband and 4 year old to the zoo tomorrow for Father's Day. Which zoo, Franklin Park, or Stone Zoo, is the most fun? Also, any restaurants around the zoos that are recommended? [more inside]
posted by MadMadam at 7:29 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by MadMadam at 7:29 AM PST - 9 comments
PS3 now, or PS4 later
As a mainly "used game" player, should I buy a PS3 now or wait for a PS4 and have to pay Sony's prices for back-compat streaming. Complicating factor: The Last of Us has released. [more inside]
Giant hint or am I looking too much into things?
I can be very clueless sometimes, so I need your help: was my friend hinting at me or just making conversation? [more inside]
What are media licences?
I am paying someone to write and distribute a press release. They want money upfront so they can pay for 'media licences'. What are media licences? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 6:44 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by popcassady at 6:44 AM PST - 6 comments
Seeking wooden clogs for kids in NYC
Is there a good spot to find wooden-bottomed clogs in children's sizes at a physical location in NYC? Or a place with a wide range of adult sizes which might fit a tiny human (in the size 34-35 range)? I'm hoping to find somewhere to try things on in person, rather than roll the dice online. Thanks.
Help me find this humorous "cliff notes" version of Götterdämmerung.
Many years ago I heard a very funny recording that I know not the name of. It consisted of a woman (maybe a former opera singer?) explaining the story of the Wagner opera "Götterdämmerung". [more inside]
posted by poolsidemuse at 5:14 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by poolsidemuse at 5:14 AM PST - 3 comments
Havens for artists and writers
I was just reading about poet Mary Oliver, who lives in Provincetown, Massachusetts. I've also heard of arts communities in Santa Fe, New Mexico. What are some other small-ish towns that have strong communities of artists and writers (especially writers!)? [more inside]
How to get a map from Google maps to an Android phone?
The situation: I'm running Android 2.3.5 on my phone, using the Google Maps app version 6.14.4. Via the desktop, I've created a map with custom directions from Point A to Point B.
The problem: I can't find a way to get the map with the edited directions to my phone. I can save the map with the directions to a Google account, which normally would mean that I could log into that Google account on my phone and download it that way. However, I don't have the necessary software on my phone that will enable me to log into a Google account. "Account and Sync settings" is missing. I can't seem to edit directions from within the Google Maps app on my phone, either. [more inside]
I don't want to f*ck; I want to make friends.
Good ways to make offline friends using the net? [more inside]
the art of listening.
MeFites to whom this level of appreciation applies: What are your favorite, most arresting, entrancing, or otherwise awe-inspiring [field / ambient / nature / soundscape] recordings? I'm looking for more to enrich my ever-increasing collection of otherworldly sounds that are very much of this world. [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 12:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by mykescipark at 12:47 AM PST - 11 comments
Trying to find a poet
I remember a little about this poem I read in a poetry class in college. Mainly the line "the bones of my wrists, supple and exemplary" but Google isn't helping. Also that in this or a similar poem, the poet (I think it was a woman) describes how two hyenas were mating and couldn't stop even when a lioness was stalking them. Also a line about how she met two coyotes or wolves who smiled at her with their sharp teeth.
Help? If I could know who this poet is and especially some collection where I could read her poetry, I'd be really greatful! Thank you.
posted by DisreputableDog at 12:01 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by DisreputableDog at 12:01 AM PST - 2 comments
June 14
Crash course in American etiquette
I'm from an immigrant family and I have never really learned American social customs. Reading the comments on recent etiquette questions has made me realize that I lack an understanding of unwritten social rules that most people take for granted. [more inside]
posted by caesura at 9:58 PM PST - 48 comments
posted by caesura at 9:58 PM PST - 48 comments
Help Me Find Some Strangers
Hivemind! I need your help locating a trio of college kids that I recently spent the afternoon with on an excursion in Cancun. My family and I joined these guys (we were randomly selected as excursion-mates) on a tour through the 'jungle'... zip lining and cave snorkeling. I have something they want. [more inside]
Do you know a good mail forwarding service from the UK - Canada?
Does anyone know a reliable, cost-effective mail forwarding service so I can get my ebay stuff and hot chocolate delivered without pissing my friends/family off? [more inside]
posted by everydayanewday at 9:34 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by everydayanewday at 9:34 PM PST - 1 comment
I need a drink
I'm really embarrassed to be asking this question but apparently I've been embarrassing my husband with cheap wine. I don't know whose wrong here, so I'm asking you. [more inside]
Where should we meet for lunch and beers in Midtown/Chelsea?
I'm meeting with a friend tomorrow afternoon for a few beers and something to eat, and I'm drawing a complete blank! [more inside]
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 8:16 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 8:16 PM PST - 8 comments
To Me, On my Graduation Day
I'm writing a letter to a wonderful graduate of the (high school) Class of 2013 on the occasion of her jumping off into that great abyss of adulthood. I'm hoping to include wisdom from random people on the internet (that would be you) about what you would tell your self if you could go back to the day that you graduated from high school so that I can include it in my letter. Travel back in that time machine, go to that shining day of your graduation and tell me what you would tell yourself, no matter how funny, sad, bizarre, etc.
posted by Leezie at 7:25 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by Leezie at 7:25 PM PST - 42 comments
I don't feel comfortable being on "The Pill" and I'm ready to get off.
Prior to going on birth control I experienced two very severe episodes of pre-menstrual cramping, and I'd like to go off of the pill, but I'm scared! I'm looking for natural remedies to prevent severe menstrual cramping as I ease off of birth control. [more inside]
Engagement Gifts for sarcastic, (Very) Irish-(Culturally) Catholic Famil
My brother Just got engaged. I'm trying to come up with a good present for him (and more importantly) his wife-to-be. [more inside]
posted by graphnerd at 6:20 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by graphnerd at 6:20 PM PST - 8 comments
What do you wish you'd known before you got your first motorcycle?
Inspired by the apartment thread, i realized this would be a great place to ask. I recently decided that i was actually going to follow through with one of my longtime dreams and get a bike... [more inside]
Tasker Noob seeks USEFUL tutorials
I have Tasker for my Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4 G (Samsung's Touchwiz'ed Jellybean 4.1.2, rooted), but I have never used it before. I would like to use it to play custom notification sounds for certain Google Hangouts, but I'm finding trouble finding tutorials that actually teach the basics I need to learn. [more inside]
iOS to Android guy - Questions!
Everywhere on the web there is discussion of B&N's great deal on the Nook HD+ for Father's Day. I took the bite and picked up the 16GB (comes w/micro sd port). So far, so good. My questions are: 1) Is there full tablet AES encryption for these? 2) Since B&N finally opened up the Nook and it's now compatible with Google Play's App Store, is there really a reason to root it? And a question about iMessage alternatives. (More inside) [more inside]
What fits in a megabyte these days?
I'm using my first smartphone ever -- a secondhand iPhone 4 - on a prepaid plan. I generally leave cellular data turned off because most of my day is spent in range of WiFi, and because data transmission on my otherwise cheap prepaid plan is very expensive: $0.99/MB. I have no idea how much data is transmitted in the course of typical online activities. What's it take to, say, download a few emails, perform a Google search or open a basic, non-video-laden web page?
posted by jon1270 at 5:37 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by jon1270 at 5:37 PM PST - 21 comments
Seeking Info regarding popular Venice Beach 80s Video Clip
Hi. Does anyone know who made the following video clip? Was it a music video -- I don't recognize the artist.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
I need some kind of couch or couchlike thing for my awkward apartment
It's hard to be comfortable in a dwelling with no couch. You try to watch TV with a friend and you're sitting on the floor and it's just lame. However, I live in an apartment where the front door opens onto a narrow stairway that goes up at a right angle. I had a couch when I moved in, and the moving guys tried every possible angle but they just couldn't get in into the apt. It's on the third floor -- can't get it into a window, wouldn't fit through anyway. [more inside]
What is that retro music video of a russian man going to outer space?
I can remember the man had a mustache and long brown hair, maybe sunglasses. Very robotic voice. Playing the keyboard and singing about going into space. Trying to be quite serious but obviously a very silly act. At some point he counts down dramatically and then the woman starts singing. Terrible green screening with some hilariously bad video delaying. VHS quality. I've been trying to find this for ages! Sound familiar?
posted by supyo at 4:45 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by supyo at 4:45 PM PST - 4 comments
Please Help Me Find a Gargoyle
A verbal altercation with a neighbor (over a trashcan! Feh, neighbors!) has ruined my week, and I've put it in my head that the best way to fend off this demon is to mount a gargoyle on one of my fenceposts. [more inside]
Looking for an apartment in Hyde Park
I recently accepted a job at the University of Chicago, and my husband and I are looking to move to Hyde Park in early August. What are some resources that can help us with our apartment search? [more inside]
Help me visit my dentist for a checkup.
I am seeing the dentist Monday. How can I make this experience less painful (in all senses, physical, emotional, financial)? [more inside]
Should I learn how to launch an iphone app or leave it to a contractor
I've had one contractor develop an iphone app that is linked to our dating site. But he didn't know how to launch it. Now we need to launch it. Should I learn to do this myself, or trust someone else to do it? [more inside]
How do we get the most out of our couple's photo session?
Husband and I eloped and our one regret was not having any professional-quality photos taken of us together. We've decided to get some "engagement photo" style shots taken of us in (nice) casual outfits at a scenic outdoor locale, and have a 1.5 hour session booked for the end of June with a fantastic photographer who isn't likely to be back on this side of the ocean anytime soon. We are very unprepared and afraid that we'll look terrible and waste the opportunity. Tell us what we don't know but should know. [more inside]
I've been as far in hyperspace as anyone can...
I'm looking for readings that talk about going on adventures together, or even better, one person taking the lead and showing the other person a lot of adventures. [more inside]
Is there a general or common arc or pattern to PTSD flashbacks?
I understand how PTSD flashbacks can occur (based on mild reading on the subject), but how do they end if the subject is all alone? Do sufferers generally have a slow climb out of dissociation? Can it end in passing out from stress? Surely there are variations, but are there common symptoms/patterns?
This is for a fictional piece with a lot of suspension of disbelief, so it doesn't have to be 100% accurate... but I'd like to do at least some justice to real-world patterns. [more inside]
What is this type of recall?
What is the technical term for this type of recall?
A student (possibly with ADD) plays a puzzle game while listening to a class (there's no relationship between the puzzle game and the content of the class). Later, while relaxing at home, he plays the game again and by doing that recalls the content of the class.
What do you wish you'd known when choosing your first apartment?
At the end of the summer I'll be selecting and moving into my first apartment after living in a house with roommates for several years, and I'm looking to discover what things I don't know that I don't know. [more inside]
posted by randomnity at 1:26 PM PST - 79 comments
posted by randomnity at 1:26 PM PST - 79 comments
Security Reporting Management System? Guard Patrol Administration?
I've been tasked with creating (well, refactoring and redesigning) a web app for managing a security company. It includes call logs, encounter reports, regions, locations, duties (patrols), various kinds of bulletins, and other things. If I were to search for existing software that covers the same purpose, what would I search for? What is this kind of thing called? [more inside]
Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HD?
Which is better for my non-technically inclined mother? [more inside]
Earplugs/muffs to block out a crying baby
In the next two weeks, there will be a new addition to our household -- a baby. (Not mine.) And since it's not mine, I would prefer not to hear it. There are lots of AskMes about earplugs, but many (like the ETY ones) use as a selling point that they don't muffle speech. I want to muffle everything. Best ear protection for the job, <$30?
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:56 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by fiercecupcake at 12:56 PM PST - 16 comments
Questions about prison visiting facilities...
Writing a story with a tangential character to be executed in California. I have multiple questions about the visiting facilities for such a prison. Anyone with knowledge able to help? [more inside]
5 Days in Chicago
Could you look over my preliminary agenda and fill in the gaps? [more inside]
Girlfriend met a guy on dating site. This isn't settling well with me.
My girlfriend, who is lonely, used a dating site to make a "friend" which I'm having difficulty coping with. What should I do? [more inside]
What should my next steps be (genetic testing and insurance)?
I have learned there is a 50% chance I have inherited a genetic disease. I would like to be tested to see if I actually have the faulty gene, but have a few concerns as to insurance implications. Any help would be much appreciated. [more inside]
Question re Obamacare & upcoming Calif Health Ins Exchange
Is my income too low to qualify for Obamacare health insurance subsidies? [more inside]
Streamlining the scanning of a bunch of photos
I have a box of several hundred old photos that I would like to scan in relatively high quality and in an efficient manner. What would be the most ideal hardware/software combo for OS X? [more inside]
What are your favorite novels about contemporary-ish space exploration?
I'm looking for books where characters are exploring the solar system using space ships that are technologically within (or somewhat close to) our capability to build today. Bonus points if those novels are character driven.
I need connectivity help!
My wife is trying to work from home, and her computer won't let her. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 10:10 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by pdb at 10:10 AM PST - 16 comments
My ex-friend won't accept that I don't want to contact her. What now?
My ex-friend won't accept that I don't want to contact her. It's been 2 years since I've spoken to her, but she keeps texting me, emailing me, even sending presents on birthdays and holidays. What now? [more inside]
posted by Viola at 10:08 AM PST - 40 comments
posted by Viola at 10:08 AM PST - 40 comments
Where can I buy retail medical equipment by the piece?
I'm going for a boat trip and might end up in some pretty remote areas. I'm putting a medical kit together. There's some more hospital style stuff I'd like to get (IV catheters/dressings/saline bags), but I only need a few of each. Is there anywhere I can buy these items by the piece? (I'm an RN, for the record) [more inside]
Looking for video of televised college or courses from 70s or 80s.
I know that there were iterations, possibly only in Britain, of college courses on television. Does anyone know where I might find video examples of these early versions of lecture capture? I would settle for high school courses on TV even. [more inside]
Trooping the Colour
I am visiting London and would like to see the Queen at Trooping the Colour on Saturday. Need some advice on how best to do that. [more inside]
Find me my summer footwear!
Hit by a fence
So I was biking home from work last night and was hit by a fence. It was very windy and a portion of the fence at Grand St. and Center St. in Manhattan blew over onto me. I'm mostly fine, a little bruised but annoyed because it tore my fancy rain jacket. I know I'm going to get a lot of IANAL responses but I wanted to see if anyone had suggestions of things I could do to possibly be remunerated for the jacket by the city.
Here's a picture of the bloodthirsty fence after I extricated myself and my bike from it.
Any advice much appreciated.
posted by zackola at 8:28 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by zackola at 8:28 AM PST - 19 comments
How easy is to to cheat with dice?
Rolling a standard six sided dice, how easy would it be for someone to roll it in a way that makes sixes (or any number) come up more frequently? Would it be obvious if someone was doing it?
posted by Cannon Fodder at 8:19 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Cannon Fodder at 8:19 AM PST - 17 comments
In need of (LGBT) people wiser than me
I guess I'm one of the women French Fry speaks of, but with an LGBT twist. I'm in therapy, but it's not enough; I am desperate for someone to talk to, especially other semi-late-blooming LGBT folk, but I don't know how to find them. [more inside]
Camera phone with easily removable SD card and battery
I am looking for a phone that has a camera and easily removable data storage and battery. It does not have to be a new phone, so any model from the past few years that has these features would be appropriate. [more inside]
posted by asok at 8:16 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by asok at 8:16 AM PST - 3 comments
Going camping, need lunch recipes
Going camping, responsible for lunches. Need ideas. Googling primarily gives me chili and hot dogs. Ideally, I would like tasty, protein-rich lunch ideas (sandwiches are perfectly acceptable and maybe even desirable) made from ingredients that can be kept at room temperature and which have minimal cleanup. [more inside]
Blackhawks bar in DC area?
Good place for watching the Blackhawks game in DC? [more inside]
Bicycle riding around New Haven, CT
I'm going to be in New Haven, CT for the first time ever for a few days without a car soon. I would really like to line up at least two relatively easy bicycle rides that will end up at the seacoast during my short visit. Can you point me in the right direction? Bonus points if you can help me borrow or rent a bike. [more inside]
posted by pinetree at 7:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by pinetree at 7:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Books about "maybe there is a God" for an agnostic with some doubts.
I have read a lot of the – for lack of a better word – anti-religion Books. The God Delusion by Dawkins, Hitchens’s God is Not Great and The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice. Sam Harris’s The End of Faith and Letters to a Christian Nation, among quite a few others. Those books made a lot of sense to me. Most (if not all) of my friends and colleagues are either agnostics or atheists. [more inside]
Help me have awesome-looking hair
Need tips from the hivemind for fantastic-looking hair! [more inside]
Beijing music scene
laowaifilter: Where is there good music in Beijing? [more inside]
Appealing and clever name for a weekly home decor workshop for men
This is a group for single men who are moving into their first home of their own. We need a snappy name. Help please!
posted by DarwinianDan at 6:14 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by DarwinianDan at 6:14 AM PST - 37 comments
Easy rtm question
How do you specify "any task due in January?"
Will this retrieve January iterations of repeating monthly tasks, or only tasks created with January due dates?
Thanks
Have some spare money; how can I spend it to benefit the environment?
I have £150 spare this month and would like to spend it in a way that benefits the environment (climate change related). I'd love your suggestions about how I can use this money to have the most impact, whether that's donating to a top notch environmental charity or investing it in a green tech (renewables, insulation etc.) company that is doing particularly good work.
Very light portable footrest?
What is like this portable footrest but lighter and thinner when folded? (If there's no such product, about how much would it cost to have one made from a light/strong metal, and where would one go with that request?) [more inside]
Which shape?
What's the best response to this challenge?
What are the best things about owning a Chihuahua?
I'm writing a story where one of the kids gets a Chihuahua. I've never owned a dog (my husband is allergic). If you have a Chihuahua, what is it that you love about them?
June 13
Do you see constant, unstoppable images when you close your eyes?
Is there a problem with having constant vivid visions happening when one closes their eyes? Have you heard of this before? What's it about? [more inside]
What's this movie?
I saw this movie a bunch of times when I was a kid, can't find it on Google/IMDB now. It starts off at a fancy party in a hotel ballroom, then some armed robbers show up, make the partygoers strip and hand over their valuables, then tie them up. [more inside]
posted by prize bull octorok at 10:03 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by prize bull octorok at 10:03 PM PST - 1 comment
ACT vs. CBT
I am sort of familiar with CBT and ACT. I like the concepts of both, but I find when I would use CBT I would get into a shouting match with myself. I am thinking ACT would be better for myself, but I want to have confident thoughts also through CBT. I was wondering if anyone had luck intertwining both? IF you can mix both? I may need to look more into the two. I do not know all the techniques yet, but just wanted to hear some opinions. Thanks
How can I nip a depressive episode in the bud?
The past few weeks I've been starting to feel the sorts of things that I associate with previous depressive episodes, and I am hoping that there might be some way I can stop it before it really becomes a problem again. [more inside]
posted by madelf at 8:30 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by madelf at 8:30 PM PST - 28 comments
How to help a college student save her money?
My 19-year-old daughter loves to spend every dollar she earns. She is good about working, but she's awful at saving. She's got a great summer job, and I want that money to both cover some of her college tuition AND her living expenses in the fall. But how do I do that without becoming an obnoxious helicopter parent? [more inside]
How do I respond to my preteen cousin's anxiety about appearance?
My twelve year old cousin is ethnically East Asian, and is very, very worried about seeming different than her friends. I'm hanging out with her a lot this summer, and she has said several times "I don't like how dark my skin is." (She is one of those people whose summer tan is way darker than her skin tone in winter, and a few years ago, at a different school, was bullied for precisely this reason.) How do I respond to this and similar statements? Do I keep repeating, "You're beautiful no matter what your skin color is", which is my instinctive response? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 7:30 PM PST - 36 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 7:30 PM PST - 36 comments
Canadian e-mail hosting and domain registration
Which Canadian company (or companies) would you recommend as a reliable and affordable organization to host my e-mail? [more inside]
One of these days these boots are gonna...vanish into thin air?
Asking for a dear friend who lost some beloved footwear over the course of a move: Where in New York City do you go to get a nice pair of cowboy boots?
posted by DeWalt_Russ at 7:06 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by DeWalt_Russ at 7:06 PM PST - 6 comments
Book Recommendations Wanted!
After rereading the Little House on the Prairie series, I want more books of a similar style! Particular specifications and a few more examples within. Note: Anne of Green Gables need not apply. [more inside]
Is there a term for this type of music?
Is there a generic term for music like ""Heaven Bound" by Los Duggans? I recognize their influences (bluegrass, gospel, etc.), but the specifics elude me -- the particular combination of nihilism/religious fundamentalist references (ironic or genuine, to say nothing of the electric bass) seems like the sort of thing that would arise from a subculture, so I suspect there's a generic term for their type of music that I'm not aware of. [more inside]
posted by aramaic at 6:43 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by aramaic at 6:43 PM PST - 1 comment
Road dust control & chickens
It's just after 5:00 here, and I noticed a temporary speed limit sign posted in my alley by the local dust control business, with an 800 number. I assume one of my neighbors hired them to treat our dusty alley. Of course they're closed now, so I won't know until morning what specific product they're planning to apply. I'm concerned because my chicken coop directly abuts the alley. I'd like to be a little more knowledgeable on this subject by morning. Details within. [more inside]
Chrome hangs when searching for "allahu akbar" but not "fluffy puppies"
When I use Google Chrome to search for certain terms, the browser tab hangs. In this video, it hangs on "allahu akbar" and "osama bin laden". I have not been able to reproduce this issue using other browsers or benign terms (like "fluffy puppies"). What causes this behavior?
posted by compartment at 5:13 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by compartment at 5:13 PM PST - 30 comments
Going bald at 23 is not an option. What do I do?
I'm a 23-year-old guy, my hairline is starting to recede, and I want to know what my real options are. [more inside]
Please help my identify things in some old pictures
I inherited a bunch of pictures. There area a few I am curious about but there is nobody left to ask about them, so I'm turning to the amazing people of Metafilter. Can you tell me anything about these photos? [more inside]
posted by DrumsIntheDeep at 3:51 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by DrumsIntheDeep at 3:51 PM PST - 11 comments
Seal a hairline crack in a ceramic cup
I dropped my handmade ceramic cup which was a one of a kind gift and now there is a 3-4 inch long crack that appears on both the inside and outside of the cup. Is there a safe way to seal the crack so I can continue to drink from it (sans poisoning), and that will keep that crack from extending so that cup doesn't fall apart?
posted by boygeorge at 3:17 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by boygeorge at 3:17 PM PST - 13 comments
Are trespassing charges worth the hassle?
Help us decide if girlfriend and I should press trespassing charges against girlfriend's father, and how to do it. [more inside]
Looking for a french animated short
Help me find a specific short, red-hued animated video about a demon, a beaked guitar player, and a topless girl. It has no dialogue, and is set to a French song. Plot details inside. [more inside]
posted by homodachi at 2:57 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by homodachi at 2:57 PM PST - 6 comments
What is there to know about this Buddha?
An acquaintance found this Buddha figurine many years ago in a junk shop and has wondered about its origin and what type of figurine it is. [more inside]
Kill them. Kill them with fire. But which fire and how much?
[NYC-filter] We definitely have bedbugs - no question - and know that we need an exterminator. We will need to pay for it ourselves. What are some good, discreet, effective (preferably inexpensive) NYC exterminators? And how much do they cost, especially for the size of our infestation? Are there any better steps we can take in the meantime to prepare, minimize the infestation size, and lower our costs? [more inside]
Should I be less affectionate with my wife?
My wife and I have been together for many, many years, and have a very happy relationship. Best friends first, then lovers, then parents, now very happily married couple of almost three decades. The problem is, I think I might be too affectionate with her, and I'm looking for perspective on whether or not I should dial it back, and if so, how to go about doing it without fundamentally changing who I am. [more inside]
TX Beer in PA?
How can I provide our host in Pittsburgh with delicious Texas brews? [more inside]
posted by theweasel at 2:10 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by theweasel at 2:10 PM PST - 17 comments
Good bike for long distance biking?
Biking from Pittsburgh to DC: what is the best bike for me?? [novice biker] [more inside]
MSW bid vs. detour to premed
How would you compare a somewhat-expensive MSW program with a detour to post-bacc premed education (& subsequent bid for med school)? For somebody passionate about kids, disability, and cross-cultural wellness. [more inside]
Multi armed mythical humanoids
Are there mythological figures with three, four, five, six, seven or eight arms? If so, what are their names? Note, I'm specifically looking for humanoid type figures with more than two arms, not beasts such as Cerberus, the three headed dog or Hekatonkheires, the hundred eyed or headed giants. We're just talking arms here. I need to name a few things.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:52 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 1:52 PM PST - 20 comments
I like to move it, move it
Trying to plan a cross-country move. Having trouble finding a company to actually move my stuff. Alternatives to PODS? [more inside]
How much should I listen to bad "gossip" about a job candidate?
I am sitting-in on job interviews for a new position in our department. I can ask additional questions our boss doesn’t pose and I’m being asked for my input. This is a great opportunity, but there is one problem. One job candidate is an acquaintance and former co-worker of a former colleague of mine. Over the years, I have heard a good deal of third-party gossip about this individual regarding his integrity, his chauvinistic attitudes and several other very negative attributes. [more inside]
posted by 3fluffies at 1:31 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by 3fluffies at 1:31 PM PST - 23 comments
How do I list a one-time (post-bac) college course on academic resume?
Making a fancy CV/resume for grad school application (a masters in art education). I got my BA 6 years ago (sort of unrelated field), I took a class semi-related to my field of interest last summer at a good university. Is it odd to list this one course in the education section of my grad school resume? Do I list my grade (which was an A)? Where would you put it?
posted by dahliachewswell at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by dahliachewswell at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments
Calling all DJs and Jukebox Wizards
I am looking for examples of songs that bridge genres, or help transition from one type of music to another, in the context of a fifteen-song jukebox set. Examples inside. [more inside]
Alarm Clock App needed for Samsung Galaxy III
So we had the Motorola Electrify 2 and I loved this phone because it had a preloaded Alarm/Timer app. This was the best alarm clock because A. it had a nice pleasant sound B. It has a progressive ring, it slowly got louder- so it was gentle on waking. C. If you hit snooze three times the alarm clock doesn't just disappear and stop going off. BF "upgraded" us to the new "better" phones and I over slept again, I need that app!
Any suggestions. thanks!
Biking around Seattle?
Hi! I'm visiting Seattle for the first time next week, and my friend (also visiting) and I want to explore the city on bike. What are our options? [more inside]
7-Screen 'Giant Dashboard' Wanted for Office: How?
My office really wants to have tons of large displays up showing realtime statistics and metrics. Thanks to America, flat-screen TVs are cheap. And I've already written all of the visualizations. What computer should run these things? [more inside]
Is this a normal work setting?
I'm trying to figure out if I should be more agressively searching for a new job or if I would just be jumping into the same situation at a different company. [more inside]
Help me break up with food!
How do I relax with food and have a more healthy attitude towards it? [more inside]
posted by dinosaurprincess at 11:39 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by dinosaurprincess at 11:39 AM PST - 22 comments
Is a termite bait system worth it?
Hello,
I bought a house in Atlanta, GA about 7 months ago. The house came with a termite letter and the last inspection was clean. The previous owner shelled out for a termite bait system (which is still installed in a perimeter around the house).
I called a pest control company to do an inspection, and I was quoted as follows:
Termite bait system: $575 first year, $200 subsequent years
Termite liquid treatment: $880 first year, $125 subsequent years
My question for those who have more experience with these things than I do (this is my first house): Are these reasonable prices? Should I shell out for the bait system? If so, shouldn't they be able to re-use the baits that are already present? Thanks in advance!
posted by verdeluz at 11:24 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by verdeluz at 11:24 AM PST - 10 comments
Cheap fishing lures?
What are some good, cheap fishing lures for saltwater fishing in the PNW? [more inside]
Mentally-ill son soon to turn 18; seeking advice about guardianship
My son is 17 years old, turning 18 at the end of July. In mid-May, he was hospitalized for two weeks when he became floridly psychotic -- his first episode. As he recovers post-hospitalization, I want to get some sort of guardianship in place so that I can step in and manage his healthcare and finances if he's unable to. I don't know, however, what kinds of options there are; I've heard the terms "healthcare proxy" and "power of attorney", but I haven't wrapped my brain around what those encompass, or what it would entail to apply for these things. One person says I need a good lawyer; another says I just need to get a boilerplate form from Staples and get it notarized. I'm in Massachusetts -- Boston/Cambridge/MetroWest. Hope me please! [more inside]
Problems with Firefox fonts in Windows 7?
The past few days (beginning of this week?) I've been having a problem with fonts acting wonky in Firefox at work... They look like partially loaded progressive JPEGs. I'm using Windows 7 (a dell computer, nothing fancy). I feel like it's trying to render them progressively and then the cleartype isn't functioning properly, so only some of the colors load, leaving a sort of "blocky" look to it. [more inside]
posted by symbioid at 10:08 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by symbioid at 10:08 AM PST - 4 comments
Can I paint this rug?
I want to paint some designs on this hideous rug that I bought by mistake. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:30 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by DMelanogaster at 9:30 AM PST - 25 comments
itinerary suggestion
a family of three, parents + 4 yr old boy, is looking to escape NYC. [more inside]
Endgame tools for a cyclist trying to bike down every street in a city?
For the past year I've been trying to bike down every street in St Louis. In the beginning this was easy and wide-open and fun. The middle has been less so. Now, sitting at ≈65% completion [map: zoomable | 1.5mb png | GPX] my current approach has become overwhelming and tedious, and is no longer working; I need to get way smarter about this. How would a programmer, a mathematician, or a GIS/transit specialist approach this endgame, and what tools/software would he/she use? [more inside]
Fourth of July on the Eastern Seaboard?
I will be on the East Coast of the US on the Fourth of July. What town or small city would be the best place to be in? [more inside]
Leave of Absence / Short-term Disability Insurance for Depression?
I've always been prone to depression as a result of my dysthymia and due to recent traumatic events, I've slumped into depression again.
My work productivity and quality suffered as a result and I ended up breaking down to my manager, sobbing my eyes out and explaining my situation. I was even developing suicidal ideations and at this point, I've taken a little over a week off of work.
In the mean time, I've seen a doctor, a psychiatrist, and a therapist for my depression and I've been prescribed Pristiq.
Now, my question is in regards to requesting a leave of absence for my depression [more inside]
Help me find a new job in the UK
[UK Job Hunting] I'm looking for a new job and my usual roster of recruitment agencies and contacts are failing to come up with anything either interesting, in London or at my level of seniority. If you were hunting for a senior position role in London right now, what places/companies/services would you be using or doing? [more inside]
Looking for family activities in Colorado Springs
I'm asking for a friend who will be with her husband and two children, ages about 9 and 11, in Colorado Springs, CO this summer for several days. Can you recommend sights to see and activities of interest?
Thank you! [more inside]
posted by michellenoel at 8:44 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by michellenoel at 8:44 AM PST - 13 comments
Help name my political story game!
I'm writing a tongue-in-cheek tabletop RPG about a bunch of soulless backstabbing ladder-climbers trying to become the leader of a group. It needs a name. [more inside]
posted by hayvac at 8:20 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by hayvac at 8:20 AM PST - 38 comments
Need help choosing a rad pattern for a motorcycle seat.
I own a Kawasaki ZX-6 that I have done some moderate cosmetic customization to, including removing most of the fairings, reshaping the remaining fairings, removing the windshield, replacing the coolant tank and passenger pegs, and stickering the gas tank. The result is a street-fightery look that I'm quite proud of. Now I'm looking to get some custom vinyl printed and use it to recover the seats. I need help choosing a pattern. [more inside]
posted by 256 at 7:42 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by 256 at 7:42 AM PST - 6 comments
I need a crash course in living with a baby.
We just took in an 11 month old foster baby. People want to give us things but we have no idea what we really need. What do you (and your one year old) love to use and consider essential? [more inside]
posted by Saminal at 7:33 AM PST - 40 comments
posted by Saminal at 7:33 AM PST - 40 comments
Crabs. Not the edible kind.
Multi part question involving crabs (pubic lice), possibly NSFW... [more inside]
Yet another "relationship" ends.
Do you think it's better to fight for a relationship ends or let it be and move on? [more inside]
Luke, I Am Your...Welllll, Let's Just Say We've Met Before
Reading the Star Wars 1970s trilogy to my young kids, should I spoil it? (There is a spoiler inside if you haven't see The Empire Strikes Back.) [more inside]
posted by dreamphone at 6:56 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by dreamphone at 6:56 AM PST - 22 comments
A longform article about morning radio show hosts' conference
Some time in the past 10 years, but likely in 2005-2008, I read a long magazine article that I'd like to find again. The reporter hung around a conference, or convention, of morning zoo radio show hosts. Discussions revolved around stunts and gimmicks, how to deal with the early hours while being consistently fake & peppy, and the like. I seem to recall the author noted the number of Hawaiian shirts present and how male-dominated the scene was. The conference was a huge party, but with some depressed-seeming attendees. This article might've been from Esquire, GQ, or Rolling Stone. I might have seen it on MetaFilter, even! It was not an Onion article. Googling this is proving incredibly challenging.
posted by knile at 6:16 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by knile at 6:16 AM PST - 5 comments
We are getting a dog! Advise needed.
I have some questions about how to best bring a new dog into a new home. [more inside]
posted by neblina_matinal at 3:44 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by neblina_matinal at 3:44 AM PST - 17 comments
Looking for a Bible that's easy on the eyes
Hello! I'm looking for a new Bible. I thought that with the myriad of editions available it'd be easy to find something that meets my criteria but it's actually harder than I thought!
Here's what I'm looking for:
NIV translation, large type (at least 12 pt font, preferably 14), single-column, and minimal see-through to the other side of the page ("ghosting").
I also prefer something cloth bound (basically sturdy and not just bound by glue!).
Here's one Bible that comes close to what I was hoping for but the pages are a bit too transparent to be easily read (like the Norton anthologies to literature).
posted by lirael2008 at 3:20 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by lirael2008 at 3:20 AM PST - 11 comments
WKRP in South London
We have an internet radio, and I have a love of sitcoms set in talk radio stations such as NewsRadio and Frasier. So recommend me your favourite talk stations! [more inside]
How many chickens will my cat eat?
How many chickens would I need to maintain to keep a single cat fed on chicken? [more inside]
posted by pompomtom at 1:40 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by pompomtom at 1:40 AM PST - 20 comments
"Jane Austen with zombies," how does that (legally) work?
There have been a couple books out in the last few years that have been 're-imaginings' of 'classic works' of literature. The one that comes first to mind is "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" or "Grave Expectations." Are these 'new' works of fiction entirely, or are they edited versions of the source text? If the latter, how do they exist within copyright law? How 'open' are public domain works like 19th century literature, where the source text is 'free'?
posted by From Bklyn at 12:47 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by From Bklyn at 12:47 AM PST - 18 comments
June 12
Tell me about this vintage lamp design
I've always been curious about this general kind of lamp style since I was a kid. [more inside]
posted by 2N2222 at 10:16 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by 2N2222 at 10:16 PM PST - 10 comments
Cake Storage Strategies: Whipped Meringue Frosting Edition
I just frosted a cake using Martha Stewart's whipped frosting recipe, and now I'm stressing out about how to store the cake until tomorrow. Please help! [more inside]
posted by Narrative Priorities at 9:21 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Narrative Priorities at 9:21 PM PST - 6 comments
I Can't Get Over the Death of My Birdie. What do I do now?
My parrot Scooby died a week ago. I am still in a horrible state of mourning. My wife is over it. She keeps telling me to get over it too. YANMT. What can I do to move on? I loved Scooby so very much. I have to force myself to eat every day. I've been drinking a lot. I can't stop thinking about her and what she was like and did. I dream about her death every night. I think it's affecting my physical health.
minimise syntax errors in secondary school maths exams using Mathematica
In high school maths exams students when use Mathematica to solve problems, a syntax error that costs a lot of time to find can lose a student a lot of marks. What strategies can teachers use to reduce the risk or cost of syntax errors to students sitting high-stakes exams? [more inside]
A change of scenery would be nice
I'm in a pretty miserable job and I'm trying to get another gig. A yearlong job hunt hasn't really been fruitful, so I'm trying to branch out. What else should I be looking for? [more inside]
Unusual ships
Beer like Surly that I can buy in Rhode Island
What beer is most like Surly that I can buy in Rhode Island? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:07 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by wenestvedt at 7:07 PM PST - 18 comments
Bob Lassiter links from WFMU or other?
Six or so years ago, WFMU had the greatest bunch of links on the late great Bob Lassiter. I am not finding them around the web except some random YouTube vids. Bob Lassiter Airchecks was using Megaupload so currently look to be in limbo. They really cheered me up to no end and I would love to hear them again. If anyone has a hotspot of where many would be, I would love to know.
posted by snap_dragon at 6:43 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by snap_dragon at 6:43 PM PST - 2 comments
Be My Techie: Windows Laptop for Amateur Photographer Advice
I'm in need of tech advice. I'm a windows user who currently has an HP Pavilion Entertainment PC. It's in BSOD land, and probably only has a few weeks left. I'm somewhat tech-savvy, but am feeling truly lost right now. I don't want to move to apple computers, and ideally want to spend around 1k for something that will last. Snowflakes abound inside: [more inside]
posted by Draccy at 6:42 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Draccy at 6:42 PM PST - 7 comments
Virtual Doulas Always Have Clean Hands
We've had a bumper crop of gorgeous babies on the Filter lately. Let me learn from your experiences - hit me with your best advice for childbirth and labour itself. We've only got a week or two to go and the better prepared we can be the better. [more inside]
posted by Jilder at 6:14 PM PST - 46 comments
posted by Jilder at 6:14 PM PST - 46 comments
How does one become a legitimate NFL jersey reseller?
I've been searching the net for days now trying to find a way to become an authorized NFL jersey reseller, to no avail. Who should a prospective retailer deal with? Nike or the NFL? What are some authorized distributors a prospective retailer/reseller could buy from?
Windows 7 password fail
My Windows 7 password is not working, so naturally, I'm locked out of my computer/life. If my computer worked, I would continue googling for an answer. Unfortunately, this vintage Dell desktop I'm using is trying my patience. [more inside]
posted by she's not there at 5:32 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by she's not there at 5:32 PM PST - 19 comments
Writing .NET code to programatically build SSIS packages?
I'm looking into a project where I need to create an SSIS package in a programmatic way. The Microsoft articles on this topic are fairly arcane. I was hoping that there was someone who had built a wrapper or library to be able to create and manipulate these packages more easily through .NET code, but haven't found any. Suggestions welcome, though the criteria of SSIs and .NET are not negotiable.
Help a bald dog out?
7 month old puppy chewing herself constantly, huge bald spots. Any idea why? [more inside]
What kinds of jobs should I look for other than admin/office stuff?
I've mostly done generic office work but I would like to expand my job search to include more specific things. What fields (with jobs available) would be a good fit? [more inside]
Anonymous VPN concerns
As an anonymous VPN user in the United States, are there any risks in using a Canadian server instead of a European one? The VPN provider explicitly states to not use the US servers for certain types of traffic, but has no such warning for the Canadian servers. [more inside]
Once cracked, twice shy: alternatives to chiropract...ory
I've only just discovered the dangers chiropractic neck-cracking; what other options are available? [more inside]
Don't want to send my kid sister to jail...
My sister told me about some pretty disturbing and illegal things that she is doing. She clearly needs some kind of help or intervention, but I have no idea how to go about doing that without putting her in jail. I feel totally lost and conflicted. [more inside]
Help an Englishman find a barbeque joint in Austin!
My husband will be in Austin for business next week, and needs suggestions for both barbeque and Tex-Mex. He's not really looking for a polished dining experience; he's looking for seriously excellent grub. Thanks!
How do I connect a Desktop DVD Drive to a Netbook?
How can I connect a desktop sata dvd burner to a netbook via usb for use? Obviously I need some kind of sata to usb adaptor but i can't seem to find an adaptor for plugging it into the wall. Can anyone help me out please?
Sorry mom.
Angry/intense/awesome/badass songs that prominently say motherfucker? [more inside]
Wine stopper usage?
How much should I let my wine breathe and how much should I use a wine stopper? [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 2:52 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by zardoz at 2:52 PM PST - 17 comments
Who keeps the friends after a breakup?
Is it fair to a girl I was semi-casually dating if I continue attending her church after we broke up? [more inside]
I thought I had such a good plan too...
The psychological testing I recently went through as part of my therapy suggests that my would-be career path may not be a great fit after all. Part of me wants to keep trying anyway. Is this a really terrible idea? If it is, how can I make a realistic new plan? [more inside]
How do I introduce a speaker who works for an organization I dislike?
Is it possible for me to be the "Mistress of Ceremonies" at an event where I would introduce a keynote speaker who works for an organization that has taken positions that I, personally, find very problematic? [more inside]
How can I, as a consumer, avoid supporting slave labor?
I understand and grudgingly accept that buying products made in China often involves supporting a system that treats workers badly and pays them poorly. But I also have believed that at least the workers are employed by choice, and that they deem work conditions they've opted for in some way superior to the alternatives. Today I learned that "Made in China" can also mean "made by the slave labor of religious dissidents." How can I exist as a consumer in this global economy without perpetuating and contributing to this system? Is there any ethical way to buy Chinese imports, or do I risk endorsing inhumanity every time? [more inside]
posted by croutonsupafreak at 1:59 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by croutonsupafreak at 1:59 PM PST - 16 comments
organizing ebooks on Kindle Fire
Toddler not adapting to new age-group room at daycare.
I am worried about my 2.75 year-old daughter. Today is the 8th day she has been in the new, 3-ish to 4-ish age room at daycare. She is now crying really hard every morning when I leave here there (new behaviour, but still normal). But she is also refusing to go to sleep at night, throwing huge fits, jumping out of the crib, clawing at us to get away when we try to rock her, and basically forcing herself to be awake until she is so exhausted she can't stay awake any longer. She won't or can't give me a clear answer about what's wrong. How do I help her? [more inside]
GraduationGiftFilter
My nephew is graduating high school and is headed to Washington DC for college! What would be a unique and useful gift to give him? [more inside]
posted by antonymous at 12:52 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by antonymous at 12:52 PM PST - 40 comments
Bank of the [insert raspberry noise]
I need help determining a) how a Bank of the West customer reaches the next rung on the customer service ladder, and b) if my complaint is valid. My home branch manager tells me he can do nothing more for me. I frankly don't believe this to be true. Unfamiliar with banking hierarchies, I have no idea who to call next. After hitting a wall with one branch, what is the next level up? I need to talk to someone who thinks reinstating $130 in surprise fees and repairing their relationship with a longtime customer is more important than seeing me unload my frustrations about BoW on review sites for all the world to see. [more inside]
Replacement for Echofon for Firefox
Seeking replacement for Echofon for Firefox. This little Twitter client sat unobtrusively as a button in your browser and would pop up a handy, no-frills pane to check recent tweets. Unfortunately, it no longer works. I'd love something similarly lightweight that integrates with your browser (I use Firefox for Mac), though if a browser-integrated client is impossible to find, I'd welcome any suggestions for good, simple Mac-compatible Twitter clients. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 12:32 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell at 12:32 PM PST - 5 comments
Puzzled by nozzle.
My garden hose + nozzle were just fine last year. But this spring when I turned on the water for the first time, the nozzle fell off. [more inside]
posted by The Toad at 12:13 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by The Toad at 12:13 PM PST - 8 comments
=== JavaScript is actually not that ugly. ===
I'd like to learn basic CoffeeScript for a one-off project, but most of the books I've seen come from the perspective of the JS developer making the leap to CS. JS is ubiquitous and will no doubt come in handy in many more situations. What is a good pocket library of 3-4 books for someone new to JS and front-end web dev stuff, but not new to programming concepts? (For example, my C pocket library is K&R, Deep C secrets, and C: A Reference Manual. I know that the front-end web world is a lot richer than C-world, but do what you can to help me.)
What should I do with all this cardboard?
I've accidentally ordered 500 pieces of 13x13" cardboard. I can't return it. I'm a creative-project-doer. What should I do with all this cardboard? Make forts? Build giant airplanes? Do community projects where everyone gets to paint one? Construct furniture?
What would you do with that much cardboard? Give me your awesome ideas!
How to talk about skills gained unethically during a job interview
I'm applying for a job in automation software development but from what I have on my resume, I've only touched upon the subject. However, what my resume doesn't mention is that I was active in the Warcraft botting community developing profiles and behaviors and made programs that botted various online games, surveys, and web forms.
I'd be very happy to "go legit" as it were and use my skills for good, but mentioning that I have a good background in automation would prompt questions of specific examples and I don't know how I could talk about it without sounding like an unethical person.
Breast Cancer and Soon-to-be Uninsured in TN
Asking for a friend. Her mom lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
"My mom was just diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer. She will need both chemo and surgery.
In addition to the physical, medical, and emotional toll treatment will take, we need to figure out how to pay for this. [more inside]
Every day objects in watercolor
Help me find the blog of a japanese artist which drew everyday objects using watercolors. Shoes, clothes, mugs, etc. I think he updated daily.
posted by jgwong at 10:21 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by jgwong at 10:21 AM PST - 5 comments
My life is a mess, and I feel paralyzed to fix it. Suggestions?
My life is a mess right now, and I can't seem to start taking the steps I need to take to dig myself out of the hole I'm in. Any suggestions? [more inside]
After 15 years in my business, I can't find work. WTF do I do?
Maybe you've had bad experiences before in your industry, but this being unemployed shit is all new to me. It's going on four months now, and I still cannot find work in my industry. I'm tired, scared, and broke as a joke. What would you do in my situation? [more inside]
posted by Snell's Constant at 10:03 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by Snell's Constant at 10:03 AM PST - 36 comments
Funeral etiquette: I'm not sad but I probably should be?
In a few days I will be attending my grandmother's funeral in the south. While I love her very much, we were never particularly close. Based on my past experiences with these situations, I know myself well enough to know that I most likely won't be crying or even really upset at this funeral. Please help me prepare so I don't seem callous or further upset my grieving family. [more inside]
Pencil Sharpener Needs A Good Cleaning
I have a vintage Boston "L" wall-mounted, hand-cranked pencil sharpener (the closest example I can find is the top one on this page). It doesn't rotate smoothly anymore and the mechanism feels a bit gummed up (possibly because someone used it to sharpen her eyebrow/eyeliner pencils, but I admit nothing!). What's the best way to give it a good cleaning?
posted by amyms at 9:22 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by amyms at 9:22 AM PST - 5 comments
Trans-feminist bloggers in the vein of Natalie Reed?
I need more sources for smart, trans-aware intersectional feminism. [more inside]
200 things a novelist can do in 5 minutes or less
[Novelists Filter] Name a few quick things (under 5 minutes) I can do to become a better writer. [more inside]
Need info on benefits for newly unemployed, disabled Chicagoan
A dear friend of mine has gone through a brain injury which has rendered him unable to work in his field for an uncertain amount of time. I'm trying to run down any benefits he might be eligible for so he can keep it together until he recovers. [more inside]
posted by sldownard at 8:15 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by sldownard at 8:15 AM PST - 7 comments
Where to complain about mercury in an OTC product at a chain pharmacy?
While at CVS, I came upon Humphrey's Bedwetting Pellets, which contain mercury (II) chloride. The pharmacist didn't have any thoughts beyond the customer service email form, which I have sent. This is 2013 in a national chain, so I'd think the product could get pulled from the shelf if only the right person read my email. (Hell, it's hard to buy a mercury thermometer now.) But what person is this? What job title? Thank you.
posted by skbw at 7:52 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by skbw at 7:52 AM PST - 22 comments
How does ballistic forensics work?
Can someone who understands forensics or firearms (or who just reads more mystery novels than I do) explain how ballistic forensics is not easily circumvented? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:51 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by Admiral Haddock at 7:51 AM PST - 20 comments
Do I have to keep my cat on a prescription diet for life?
Kitty recently had a UTI and the vet seems to want him on prescription food for life. The thing is, my cats hate the food and so do I. Is this necessary? Additional ask about urine test results and red blood cells inside. [more inside]
posted by amycup at 7:49 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by amycup at 7:49 AM PST - 27 comments
How do I make a busy box for my baby?
Help me make a big box of awesome. [more inside]
At least she's not smoking it
My dog is a grass-eater. I would like her to NOT be a grass eater. But am I being cruel by cutting her off from her favorite pasttime - grazing? [more inside]
Help me become an expert Physical Therapist of my own body.
I have been an athlete all my life, I have had several injuries and am going through 6 months of physical therapy right now which I really like. I am then moving to a part of China where PT is near non-existent. I'd like to continue a "pre-hab" routine, and I'd like to become good at knowing which exercises to do, what my body needs, what injuries I should be looking at preventing, and noticing at the first twinge of an injury and knowing how to remedy it. I want to become an expert at my body, and keeping it injury free so I can continue sports at a competitive level for many years (I'm 30 now). I'd like to become a PT for my own body. Which books are must-reads? youtube videos? I really like stuff like this NBA Fit Youtube Video
Scale my function for a line graph
Math-filter: I have a line chart in Google Docs that plots three columns of data over time. Data in the first two columns ranges from 0-1000, but data in the third column ranges from 3-9. I'd like to "scale" Line 3 (maybe this is the wrong word?) to be able to compare its value over the same graph space as Lines 1 and 2. [more inside]
posted by electric_counterpoint at 7:23 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by electric_counterpoint at 7:23 AM PST - 7 comments
A challenge for the hive mind: who painted these?
I have two portraits, painted by the same artist, that I bought at a flea market. They're both signed "Geo. Menkel," and one is dated 1952. They may have come from the Baltimore area, and the artist may have been a doctor painting his wife, based on what I was told by the person I bought them from. Want to help me track down the artist, or a living relative? [more inside]
Get Me Off this Runaway Brain Train
Please give us some perfectly logical explanations for the activity going on next door. [more inside]
posted by MayNicholas at 7:15 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by MayNicholas at 7:15 AM PST - 36 comments
Searching for quotes on love 'meant to be' or rekindled love
What quote or passage about love that was 'meant to be' or about rekindled romance, or about always knowing that someone was right for you, should I use in my maid of honor speech at a wedding? [more inside]
Another
I feel like I've forgotten a word. Is there a verb that means "to introduce an impure portion into" or else "decrease the purity of" -- but which is not "corrupt" or "alloy"? If for example a stream of wastewater were to be joined into a freshwater river, that would be Xing the river. If an artist were to introduce crass commercial considerations into otherwise heartfelt art, that would be Xing the art. It could be that this word does not exist.
posted by shivohum at 6:25 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by shivohum at 6:25 AM PST - 18 comments
Which Leatherman Multitool should I buy?
Please help me decide which Leatherman Multitool would be most useful for my (left-handed) boyfriend. Details inside. [more inside]
Is juicing spinach hurting me? Home toxicity test?
I juice about a half pound of spinach everyday. I have been reading about spinach being one of the dirty dozen. That is, it being full of pesticides. I wash the spinach about five time before juicing. I have two questions. Is anyone here in the hive aware of there being an affordable home testing kit for pesticides/toxicity? Something that will allow me to see what I may be consuming. My other question is if I am juicing this quantity am I putting my self at greater risk of poisoning? I get local organic spinach when I can, but this is costly and not always available.
How does an artist/designer forge a "signature style"?
I've always had a problem with finding a "signature style". How does an artist / designer (even filmmaker) go about having one? Is it a natural progression from one's interests or preferences, or is it more of a calculated choice? My problem is that I am a chameleon, and my work is very eclectic since I mastered a lot of different styles which makes me virtually unidentifiable. I've always had the project dictate the suitable style, but I realized that this got in the way of finding a unique voice in the midst of a very noisy market. [more inside]
How to hang stuff on the walls without nails?
My new place doesn't like us putting holes in the walls with nails. How do I hang up framed art that has some substantial weight? [more inside]
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 3:13 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 3:13 AM PST - 16 comments
June 11
Non-Opiate, Non-NSAID pain relievers
Atypical fibromyalgia (I.E. Docs can't figure out why I have chronic pain and fatigue). Medications I've tried thus far for fibromyalgia have been bust, more or less. The only thing that works for me is tylenol 3, but I'm building a tolerance and it gives me insomnia. What haven't I tried? Special Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by [insert clever name here] at 11:50 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by [insert clever name here] at 11:50 PM PST - 22 comments
What word or phrase sums up this pattern of human interaction?
I'm looking for a word or phrase to sum up the following sentiment: [more inside]
posted by bac at 11:28 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by bac at 11:28 PM PST - 42 comments
WHAT just happened to the moon?!
What did we just see? Please tell me we didn't just witness the beginning of the end of the world... [more inside]
It feels weird when I try to sing along.
I've become obsessed with the wild 1976 funk-folk song Аман яр (Aman Yar) by the Azerbaijan group Гая (Qaya). You can hear it here, but I can't find lyrics anywhere. Can anyone translate, or let me know what the song is about?
posted by eschatfische at 9:44 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by eschatfische at 9:44 PM PST - 1 comment
Leaky something-or-other on Saturn radiator.
My poor, bedraggled 1996 Saturn is losing coolant. I can see where it's losing it from! I have no idea what it is or how to fix it. [more inside]
posted by curious nu at 8:59 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by curious nu at 8:59 PM PST - 13 comments
Up my Google Docs skills, please?
I'm teaching a basic accounting class in a local university this coming semester and would like to integrate more technology into the class so as to foster student learning. I'm trying out a (somewhat) flipped approach to teaching this semester, and am looking to several Google services in doing so. A lot of this is going to be experimental, as this is my first time to do this.
So, on a more general level, I'd appreciate any tips/secrets/best practices you can share with me about using Google Forms, Google Spreadsheets, or Google Sites (whether you think it's relevant to a classroom setting or not). Under the fold, two more (specific) questions about Forms and Spreadsheets. [more inside]
posted by bigasthesky at 8:40 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by bigasthesky at 8:40 PM PST - 6 comments
A fun way to present language lessons to the birthday girl
I bought my girlfriend language lessons for her birthday. What is a fun way that I can "give" them to her on the actual day. They are lessons with a private tutor in our home over a span of time... the language is Portuguese. I'm trying to come up with a clever way to present them to her on her birthday without being cheesy. [more inside]
Popular US song with the notes B-A-E1, 1890 - 1920
My grandparents had a special tune they'd whistle when separated from their kids in a crowded place. My dad taught me this whistle years ago, and I remember the three notes as B, A, and up an octave with a rapid bend from D# up to E. [more inside]
How to help my lonely brother who I suspect is drinking alone?
I don't think I'll sleep at all tonight because I just got off the phone with my brother and was pretty sure he was alone and drunk. [more inside]
Barbecue sauce you'd find at any rib joint?
I'm making hot links on the grill and french fries tonight, and rather than use a bottle of KC Masterpiece, i'd like to make my own barbecue sauce. Generally I love all kinds of barbecue, but i'm looking for a sauce recipe that you'd find at any BBQ booth at any outdoor concert or event. Any ideas?
How do I make a good "physical" portfolio?
I am a designer/art director and I've been reading that physical portfolios aren't dead just yet. How can I make a good impression the next time I'm in a job interview? Are there good resources for how to make one (materials, size, number of pages, ..)? Do I include a printed resume in there as well? Does it have to be a physical replica of my online website? [more inside]
posted by omar.a at 7:11 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by omar.a at 7:11 PM PST - 7 comments
What's the weird smell along I-5 in Seattle?
For years I've noticed a weird smell when driving south on I-5 in Seattle, just south of the West Seattle Bridge. It's precisely the smell I've always associated with worn brake pads– since there are a number of small manufacturing businesses along that stretch, I've just assumed one of them was making something stinky. Well, now I live on Beacon Hill a few hundred yards from that spot, and we smell it ALL THE TIME. What is that smell, and could it be a health issue? Thanks!
posted by carterk at 6:45 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by carterk at 6:45 PM PST - 9 comments
Where are Ho Chi Minh's message to America?
Where can I find ALL of the writings of Ho Chi Minh intended for an American audience? For example, messages to the American people as well as letters and telegrams to elected officials.
Flying to China in a month.what next?
Iam going to china for the first time and meeting a freind over there. I will be arriving in shanghai mid july and staying for about 2 weeks. While we are there, I would like to travel around china with my friend on either guided or on a whim.
does anybody have any experience with any of the tours or guides. Any recommendation on travel would be helpful.
posted by radsqd at 6:43 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by radsqd at 6:43 PM PST - 6 comments
Please. Stop. Whining.
My dog whines incessantly when I leave him alone. Time has passed. I've tried all the things. Dog is otherwise great. It is time for my sweet pup who I otherwise adore to chill out quietly in his kennel so that I can leave the house. What to do? [more inside]
posted by Sara C. at 6:34 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by Sara C. at 6:34 PM PST - 28 comments
Help me replicate this harissa!
I love, love, love Mustapha's harissa, but sadly it no longer seems to be available, and hasn't been for some time. I have tried other harissas (Mina, Moulin Mahjoub) and they are not nearly as delicious. Is there anything else like it? [more inside]
Recently picked up a used Playstation 3. What games should I get?
I recently picked up a cheap used Playstation 3. I'm entirely new to console gaming but have played PC games for many years. What older, must-not-miss games are there for the system? I've heard about Uncharted 3 and Red Dead Redemption. Others?
Apostrophe Usage, Part 748...
In athletics, do events named "boys 100m" or "girls javelin" have an apostrophe? That is, should they rightly be "boys' 100m" and "girls' javelin"? It seems that the standard usage for grownup events is "men's" and "women's", but I'm unsure. Opinions?
all about Boulder
I have the opportunity to take a new job in Boulder, Colorado, and I need to figure out if I'd enjoy living there. [more inside]
Disk encryption for the clueless
Is there a reliable disk encryption tool for Linux that is simpler for a nOOb to install than TrueCrypt? I've failed in getting TC to work, but have two older Western Digital MyBook drives that I'd like to protect. [more inside]
Plus-size ladies, where do you go to actually try on nice pants/suits?
I'm looking for suggestions for actual brick-and-mortar stores where I could try on a wide variety of size 16-18 suit separates or dressy-to-formal tops/pants combinations. [more inside]
Why did this workout zap me so badly, and how can I fix this?
Today, I tried to get back into the swing of working out with the NYTimes seven minute workout. I made it until about Step 8 before I got light-headed and had to stop. I know I'm out of shape, but why did this workout zap me so badly, and what can I do to fix this? [more inside]
I'm 23 years old and from Boston. Should I move to Tulsa, Oklahoma?
I'm 23 years old, from Boston and am considering moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma. What does Tulsa have to offer for young professionals?
Why do I always end up in the 'Friend Zone'?
This happens to me far too often when I've dated men, I hear the 'I like you as a friend' after a handful of dates far too often. Is there something I could be doing wrong? [more inside]
Invalid Certificate Problem
Does anyone know why Google keep going out periodically at my house? [more inside]
Exchange Student to Scotland
My daughter is interested in studying abroad in Edinburgh for the equivalent of her 10th grade year (fourth year in Scotland). She has an open invitation to live with family friends in Edinburgh. However, there is zero information on how we can do this without help from an official exchange student program. The internets is no help. What are the steps we need to go through to make this happen? [more inside]
Any way to DIY these Anthropologie curtains without it looking cheesy?
I love these Anthropologie Marrakech curtains, but at $128 per panel, they aren't going to happen in this life time. I have some practice fabric and some white cotton panels I can use. Is there any way to stencil a similar effect without it looking cheesy? I've considered fabric paint, glitter, etc. after making a simplified stencil. What else could I do to achieve a similar effect? Thank you, Hive mind!
posted by Issithe at 4:03 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Issithe at 4:03 PM PST - 17 comments
SOFTWARE UPDATE FAIL
I grew frustrated of my adventures in installing CyanogenMod, turned off my Samsung Galaxy S when it was in "Downloading, do not turn off target!" mode, and now all my phone says is "Software update fail." What do I do? Can I do something? [more inside]
Have you had an immobilizer-equipped car stolen?
Have you had an immobilizer-equipped car stolen? By immobilizer, I mean the cars (typically post-2006) that have a ROM chip in the key which is required for authentication to start the engine. If so, how was it stolen? If you have such a car, has someone attempted to steal it and failed due to the factory-equipped immobilizer?
Should I make them fire me?
Does it make sense to try to be fired from a 1.5 month job in order to collect unemployment? (New York State) [more inside]
A breakup means you break things off...
This was me. Short version: was in a 6 year relationship with about a year of long distance, partner dumped me for someone else out of the blue. A month later he broke up with her and has since been really working hard for us to get back together. I can't imagine trusting him enough to get back into a relationship, but I love him and he's my best friend so we're doing this weird friends-who-miss-one-another and love-one-another thing that I know will eventually end badly. What should I do? [more inside]
How should I preserve my hot peppers?
I just came home from the grocery store with two fat stacks of what I think are red and green chilies. How should I preserve them? Make a jam or jelly or relish of some sort? Pickle? Roast and can 'em in oil? Ristras? Give me your best recipes and methods for taking care of a crap-load of hot peppers!
How do you cook SPAM? I need ideas.
Unfortunately for those who have to hear me wax poetic about SPAM all of the time, this little tin of potted meat has been my obsession for the past week or so. I have tried a few things, and plan to try another, but I have two tins of SPAM, and only one recipe left. [more inside]
posted by oceanjesse at 2:57 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by oceanjesse at 2:57 PM PST - 31 comments
Best phone plan for a Canadian visiting the U.S.?
What's the best phone service provider for a Canadian visiting the US with an unlocked iPhone? [more inside]
posted by Edna Million at 2:30 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Edna Million at 2:30 PM PST - 9 comments
yanal or yanml but how do I get a lawyer??
I am starting up a small business and need some legal work done. I want to optimize the following two variables: quality of work, affordability of work. [more inside]
posted by cacao at 2:27 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by cacao at 2:27 PM PST - 7 comments
What to do with friends during Seatac lay over?
We are relatively new to Seattle and have some friends who have a five hour layover coming in tomorrow afternoon. We do not have enough room in the car to carry them all, so they (1 father, 2 sons - ages 3 & 5) will jump on the light rail and meet us somewhere.
Where would be a good, child-friendly place to meet along the light rail route to hang out for a few hours on what will likely be a rainy afternoon?
posted by lil' ears at 2:03 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by lil' ears at 2:03 PM PST - 13 comments
Current boyfriend has lots of female friends...and I'm bothered...
Have you ever dated someone with several friends of the opposite sex? What about someone who is friends with many of their exes and still keeps up regular contact with them?
He's given me no reason not to trust him, but I'm still hung up on this. Is it just a matter of me working on my insecurity? Or should he be changing his behavior? More details inside... [more inside]
posted by singinginmychains at 1:50 PM PST - 60 comments
posted by singinginmychains at 1:50 PM PST - 60 comments
Best Maple Creemees in New England?
My wife and I are visiting Vermont this week, and we will be spending at least a couple of days in some other New England states afterward. We would like to know where we should go to get the best maple creemees.
Downside to using a "fake" last name on your resume?
A friend wants to use a short, easy-to-spell last name on their resume, in place of their legal name, putting the first initial of their legal last name as their middle initial. Why is this a bad idea? [more inside]
posted by davejay at 1:13 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by davejay at 1:13 PM PST - 37 comments
What is this shoe called, and where to find it again?
I have a favorite pair of shoes, but they are no longer in production (I've contacted the designer, no dice). I would really like to get another pair, as close as possible. [more inside]
Better to keep most money in Personal or S-Corp account?
My friend and I were talking the other day about the best way to arrange his personal and corporate accounts for his Corporation he formed to write and direct under. There are no employees and overhead is small to nothing.
He says he feels better having the majority of his money in the corporate account in case he gets sued, but isn't that why most people DONT have all their money is that account? I thought most people in his situation started an s-corp to protect and keep their personal assets safe. Am I wrong?
Restaurant recommendations for Sioux Falls, South Dakota?
My wife and I will be in Sioux Falls next week and would like to find a non-chain restaurant. [more inside]
Once an attempted cheater....
I have had some tough times with my partner of just over two years and we were on the way to solving them. But something new has come up and I am trying to get some perspective on whether it is reasonable for me to carry things on or if I'm in denial and need to end it. [more inside]
Summer Jobs/Activities For an Almost Sixteen Year Old?
My wife's son lives with us for 2 months during the summer (July 1st - August 30th) in San Diego. He is 15 1/2, too young to get a McMinimum wage franchise job at In-N-Out or Target and a bit too old/mature for 'camp'. Would love some suggestions on what, on earth, this child is going to do for 2 months. What did you do during your summer before Junior year? [more inside]
GPS for iPhone 5
Going to New York and need a special kind of GPS. [more inside]
posted by 3dd at 12:20 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by 3dd at 12:20 PM PST - 10 comments
My resume makes me seem over-educated for the jobs I'm qualified for.
I have a BA and an MA and I think I'm being bypassed for entry-level jobs that I'm applying for because I seem overeducated. How can I address this in a cover letter? [more inside]
Texas Gulf Coast
What are some of your favorite things to do in Port Aransas, TX? Some friends and I have a house-share over 4th of July weekend and we were wondering what all there is to do there, good places to eat, stuff to see. Most of us have never been there (imagine that, most of us being Texans). We will all be traveling from Austin. Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
Quit job for internship?
Should I quit my full-time, permanent job for a 3-month internship? [more inside]
Deposit accounting method for small non-profit
As a small non-profit how should we be making and accounting for bank deposits? [more inside]
posted by Raddu at 10:55 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Raddu at 10:55 AM PST - 6 comments
lots of riddles to help plan a scavenger hunt?
is there a database of riddles searchable by answer, such as "post office" or "police officer" or "a zoo"?
Need help fighting sleazy collection lawyers
I know I need a lawyer to deal with this, but I'm hoping that knowledgeable MeFi-ites can help me find the language needed to correctly describe the problem and my desired outcome, and perhaps give some advice as to how to find the right sort of lawyer. Warning, this is long... [more inside]
Should I ask a woman if a child is mine?
Short story: I was visiting family in a nearby city when I noticed a young boy who looked alarmingly like my daughter and me. After seeing him with his mother, I recognized her as someone I had briefly been intimate with, but when I made eye contact, her reaction made me feel uncomfortable. Knowing she has not reached out, should I respect her privacy? [more inside]
EEK A MOUSE!!
I am at the end of my rope with the mouse population in my apartment. Help me catch or repel them, humanely if possible. [more inside]
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:14 AM PST - 44 comments
posted by drjimmy11 at 10:14 AM PST - 44 comments
Question asked & answered; I can't understand! Cell phones in France?
I know this question has been asked many times, but I cannot understand the answers! They use terms like CDMA and other stuff that I don't get. I am an old woman (53) who thinks she's tech savvy, but is not really. [more inside]
Need a productivity system for scheduling multiple projects
What would be a good system to help me figure out my work days and my availability? [more inside]
posted by Leontine at 10:05 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Leontine at 10:05 AM PST - 2 comments
Local root exploit code for Ubuntu?
Motivated by a combination of curiosity and laziness, I want to gain root privileges on an Ubuntu 10.04 machine (which belongs to me). I'm pretty sure I failed to apply any security updates, so hopefully there are some unpatched holes. I have an account which I can log in to, but I have forgotten my password so I can no longer sudo. It's not easy to physically access the machine, so I can't boot to single user mode. I have found sites which provide exploit code, but the exploits seem to be crippled in a highly responsible way. Where are the non-crippled versions?
posted by beniamino at 9:54 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by beniamino at 9:54 AM PST - 10 comments
More poems like Millay's Recuerdo?
Please recommend poems like "Recuerdo" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. [more inside]
posted by kristi at 9:47 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by kristi at 9:47 AM PST - 11 comments
I am bitter about "happy people". Why am I feeling this way?
Lately, I've realized that I'm increasingly bitter and even quite angry about people that appear too happy (think your average idealized personality on Facebook). [more inside]
posted by raintree at 9:32 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by raintree at 9:32 AM PST - 27 comments
Need a (legit) Pantone color chart
At work we want to put up a certain type of pantone color chart on the website so that people can at least see approximate colors. I'm well aware of the issues with precise matching using a computer monitor; we just want to provide some general reference so that people can see what colors we're talking about if we give them a PMS number. [more inside]
What makes it tick? What makes it NOT tick?
I'm looking for examples of analysis of why a particular passage of prose is excellent, or why it fails. [more inside]
posted by tchemgrrl at 9:10 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by tchemgrrl at 9:10 AM PST - 13 comments
Historical border wait times for Sarnia?
I will be crossing the Blue Water Bridge border crossing at Sarnia-Port Huron the Friday evening starting the July long weekend. Anyone know how much of a wait to expect going into the States? Alternatively, is there a place where I can search historical (not current) border wait times? [more inside]
posted by Capt. Renault at 9:03 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Capt. Renault at 9:03 AM PST - 4 comments
A micro Tour de France?
Business takes me to Paris next month, and I'd like to tack on a several-day cycling excursion to the trip. Can you recommend any tour companies? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
How do I learn to think like a software developer?
I'm a tech writer who writes customer-facing documentation. I have a vague goal of becoming the kind of tech writer who can write developer documentation. So I'm trying to begin to understand what that would look like and what kind of skills I would need to pick up. [more inside]
posted by woodvine at 8:44 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by woodvine at 8:44 AM PST - 8 comments
You there! With your delightful Canadian city! Tell me of it.
As an addendum of sorts to my very sad AskMe of last week, I have questions about Canadian cities that are not Sherbrooke, Quebec. Ridiculous concerns/criteria inside. [more inside]
Calling all backpackers: help me prevent/cure hip belt rash
When I cinch down my backpack's hip belt enough so that the weight actually rests on my hips, it tends to cause some soreness and, more annoyingly, a bit of a rash after a day of hiking. The pack is not that heavy (around 20 lbs/9kg with food and water - I'm not planning to do backpacking with a tent, just hut-to-hut hiking) and fits comfortably otherwise. [more inside]
posted by mskyle at 8:11 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by mskyle at 8:11 AM PST - 12 comments
Chicago Filter : Where should we stay? What should we do?
My SO and I are planning a long weekend trip up to Chicago with another couple in the fall. Wondering about the places to stay and things to do. We will most likely be driving so we'll have a car to get around town, so where we stay doesn't neccesarily have to be in the hub of all the touristy crap that we'll no doubt want to do at some point. I'm more concerned about other things. Details inside. [more inside]
I need a plan for helping my sore (not painful) back.
My back has been sore for 6 weeks, probably due to sitting all day plus overdoing exercise. It was a little sore before that, but in the past 6 weeks it’s been more noticeable. I've been taking it easy on my back in terms of exercise, but it still hasn’t healed completely, and I don't want this to go from sore now to painful later. I'm overwhelmed with the advice for taking care of my back – help me come up with a plan. [more inside]
How to make a dog-friendly office
This was me. We still don't have a dog, but that previous thread mentioned something about bringing the dog into the office. What would be requirements of the office and myself to make this feasible and a safe and enjoyable situation for all involved? Do you work in a dog friendly office with advice to give? [more inside]
posted by like_neon at 7:42 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by like_neon at 7:42 AM PST - 21 comments
How does an ersatz Canadian go home?
I've lived outside Canada for all my professional working life (grad school> jobs) and am now thinking about going back, how easy/hard will it be to find a job? How do I do that and can I do it from outside the country? [more inside]
Muffler
I drive a 2004 Hyundai Elantra GLS. I don't know what happened but the muffler stopped working. Basically, my car started making more and more noise over a several weeks and I procrastinated taking it in, and then one day a couple of weeks ago it's like the muffler stopped working entirely. My car is now quite loud. My question is any idea what happened and how much it will cost to get it fixed?
Need Help With Ethiopian Spices Names
Hi,
I have some Ethiopian spices that I wrote phonetically but I don't think I got them right. Can someone help me understand what I have here so I can look them up to see what they're used for? [more inside]
Can you explain Swedish relationship /sex culture to an American?
As an American woman, I understand we have different expectations regarding sex and dating/new relationships than what generally happens in Sweden. My experiences with Swedish men have been a bit confusing, and I wonder if that may be part of a cultural communication disconnect. [more inside]
Helping a victim of physical abuse
A friend (who is 30) of my wife, who lives in Chicago, is being physically abused. We have offered her a place to stay at our home in East TN. As of right now, she seems to want to take us up on that offer. Unfortunately, she and I have never really got along in the past. Assuming she does come to stay with us, how can we best be supportive? [more inside]
comfortable, good audio quality computer headset w/ mic
Hi there,
My workplace is moving to softphones instead of physical desk phones. We have some employees that are on the phone about 80% to 100% of the day and I'd like to help find some very comfortable headsets that have good mic quality and hopefully aren't super expensive. [more inside]
Are we having a text adventure?
Part of my job is dealing with the social marketing for our organization. I have noticed lately that many of our text posts are doing better than our visual posts - seemingly against FB best practices and logic. Has something changed? [more inside]
How to find someone to customize your Tumblr?
Tell me the best options for finding someone to customize a Tumblr page. [more inside]
Combining married finances - is it wrong to want to pay my own debt off?
So, I feel like a weirdo because I've discovered that though my husband and I, who are recently married, still keep many of our finances separate, most other couples combine everything. Friends who I've discussed this with think it's strange that I am paying off my own student loans instead of it coming out of both our incomes. I think combining everything is a little strange and uncomfortable, and I feel like I should be responsible for my own debt. Are we going about things completely the wrong way? [more inside]
How to deal with a touchy waiter and a young girl?
When I go to restaurants with my kid (7 yeal old girl) there is frequently touching that makes her (and me) uncomfortable. This mostly happens at Indian places, and I suspect there is some kind of cultural norm at work. The touching consists of things like 'back of finger on cheek', maybe some kind of weird 'pull the quarter from the ear' magic trick and the like. I do not want to make a scene or offend the waiter, but at the same time I feel this is an important time for kiddo to learn to establish and enforce boundaries about what she is okay with and what she is not okay with. We stopped visiting 2 places where this was recurring, but it happens at new places as well. Suggestions?
June 10
How do I allow people to add calendar events with wordpress
I am launching a local performing arts blog with Wordpress as the frontend, and I want to set it up in a way that allows event promoters and performers to easily add events to a calendar. Having the people need to set up an account with a username and password seems prudent, but I'd like it to be as simple as possible. Perhaps logging in with google or facebook if possible. What are my best options vis a vis plugins/widgets/action plans? Thank you in advance.
Washing Machine repair: Can a mere mortal change a door gasket?
Do I dare try replacing the door gasket on my frontload washing machine?
Photo of damaged gasket. It's not supposed to look like a ruffle. It's supposed to be smooth. The damaged occurred when I was washing a duvet cover and sheets. The load became very unbalanced and the machine leapt and jumped.
Has anyone ordered the part and done a successful DIY repair? Or should I pay a service tech?
The machine is a Maytag MHWE200XW00. It looks like we could get the gasket shipped for about $120.
posted by valannc at 10:43 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by valannc at 10:43 PM PST - 13 comments
Why am I getting crazy/threatening phone calls from my ex's new girl?
I've started getting threatening phone calls from my ex's new girlfriend and I'm trying to figure out what's going on. [more inside]
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Brooklyn/Manhattan on short notice?
My dad and cousin are visiting tomorrow— what's a good vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Brooklyn or Manhattan where we could get a table for three around 7pm today on short notice? It should be pretty nice and quiet. Dirt Candy would be perfect, but it looks like we're too late to get a table for tonight.
Bipolar II and diet
"Curing" bipolar II through diet (specifically, by giving up sugar, alcohol and caffeine). Is this BS? [more inside]
posted by whistle pig at 8:50 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by whistle pig at 8:50 PM PST - 22 comments
Where do I start with iOS/Android native app development?
Currently a Microsoft developer looking to expand my horizons into the world of mobile native application development. I've ready quite a bit regarding the debate between native and non-native apps (PhoneGap vs. native iOS vs. native Android vs. Titanium vs. other frameworks). I'd like to take a stab at getting my feet wet with Objective-C and iOS first. Where do I start? [more inside]
Is it acceptable to date multiple people at a time?
I'm in my late twenties, straight and male and I've been having a persistent problem in relationships: I like dating, and I don't like being exclusive after a month or two of dating. I also don't like spending 4-5 days a week with someone after that amount of time. What can I do and how can I set expectations while emphasizing I'm not trying to have casual sex with a lot of people? [more inside]
Tips for having multiple careers
Do you have advice on pursuing/ handling multiple jobs at once? Especially if both are jobs you plan on making into careers. [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 7:34 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by ichomp at 7:34 PM PST - 2 comments
How do I donate to Edward Snowden?
I would like to donate a few dollars to Edward Snowden, the guy who leaked the NSA scandal. I had the idea because the Gawker article about Deric Lostutter (helped break the Steubenville rape case) linked to a donation page for his legal defense fund. I did some googling but I am not sure which sites (if any) are legit. Help?
posted by o310362 at 7:26 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by o310362 at 7:26 PM PST - 11 comments
yeah, yeah, sho shoe me
Mid-to-late twenties male looking to buy a pair of shoes that's more attractive than a sports sneaker and less formal than a business/dress shoe. [more inside]
Camp is where I say it is
Is 'informal car camping' legal in the southern Appalachians? [more inside]
What might I expect to hatch from these?
Cleaning my balcony yesterday, I overturned a bench to find these small eggs attached by a fine, stiff filament • • • • (or if not egg sacs, what, fungus maybe?). I'd like to know what will be issuing from them. I'm in Sydney, Australia.
posted by unliteral at 7:14 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by unliteral at 7:14 PM PST - 2 comments
Can I live without surveillance?
Like many of us here, I am deeply disturbed by the recent revelations about the extent of the NSA's surveillance program. How can I lead a life without my telephone calls and internet activity being monitored by the government? More questions inside from an average boring American who has nothing to hide but wants to start living my technological life differently. [more inside]
I used to play bass for Cryptic Text
I received a vague but personal-sounding text message from an @tmomail account (SMS email from a T-Mobile phone number) to my Gmail account. Is there any way to find out who sent it? Is it just a phishing attempt? [more inside]
posted by a.steele at 6:48 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by a.steele at 6:48 PM PST - 4 comments
What was this YA book about sexual abuse?
Help remember the name or author of a book of short stories targeted to children or young adults. The theme of the stories was body autonomy and how to react to sexual abuse. More description inside. [more inside]
posted by agentofselection at 6:38 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by agentofselection at 6:38 PM PST - 2 comments
Help me identify this household bug
I keep finding this bug in my house. It's about the size of two or three poppyseeds, almost like a large poppyseed. It's dark brown or black with a chevron pattern on its back in a gray or beige color (from farther away the pattern just looks like stripes). Sometimes I find these bugs alive, sometimes not. They don't move fast at all. They love boxes, my bed, and the bathroom. (Perhaps related to the boxes is that I also often find striped beige carcasses in the boxes that are slightly bigger than this bug, which could be related to this bug, or not...) What is this bug? My many google searches have led to nothing...
Where to sell my Lovig Desk by Jens Quistgaard in Atlanta
How can I get the best price for this desk in Atlanta? I have a Lovig Desk by Jens Quistgaard and it's huge, and gorgeous and the antithesis of ergonomic. [more inside]
Promote a literary event in NYC (Gowanus, Brooklyn) on short notice?
I would like to spread the word on a release party of sorts for a small publication that specializes in experimental poetry, literature, and conceptual writing. [more inside]
posted by archivist at 6:07 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by archivist at 6:07 PM PST - 5 comments
State Statutes for Estate Planning?
How do I find authoritative but digestible (to a lay person) information regarding state statutes for specific legal issues? [more inside]
posted by jimmysmits at 5:16 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by jimmysmits at 5:16 PM PST - 5 comments
Anthropologie on a Forever21 Budget
So I'm sure this doesn't really exist, but in case it does and I've missed it, is there anywhere I can find Anthropologie-esque clothing more in the neighborhood of Forever21 prices? I'm a size 4/6. It doesn't have to be quite as cheap as Forever21, but no $200 tops please! I'm quite gentle on clothing and I can sew basic repairs, so super well made isn't *terribly* important. If their clothing is good for tall women and/or uses natural fabrics, that's a super bonus! I already know about eshakti. Thanks metafilter!
Sorry OKC, I think we need to see other people
So now that IAC has ruined OKCupid what are the best alternatives? [more inside]
Oh the places we could go...
My friend and I are trying to decide on a vacation destination (August '13), and we're looking at Puerto Rico or Costa Rica. We backpacked around Vietnam a few years ago and enjoyed the historical/cultural sights. Neither of us is a resort-loving tourist, so we're definitely looking for some destinations which are less sitting on the beach and more checking out some neat stuff. Can you help us decide? [more inside]
What should I bid to implement a fairly simple Python scheduling system?
Tomorrow morning I'm meeting with someone to talk about implementing a local scheduling/database application. Most everything I know about the project suggests it's something I could do in my sleep. Thing is, I desperately need the money, I don't know how much to "bid," and I have a long history of undervaluing my work. How much should I ask for? [more inside]
posted by JHarris at 3:42 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by JHarris at 3:42 PM PST - 21 comments
I am afraid of commitment. Should I get married?
I’ve been dating my girlfriend for two and a half years. She is 28, I am 42. She really wants to get married and have kids. Part of me likes that idea a lot, but another side of me has extreme anxiety around the idea of commitment. I have struggled with anxiety since my early 20s and have undergone a lot of therapy, and while I understand what the anxiety is and where it comes from, no one has been able to “cure” me of it to the point where suddenly the things I’m anxious about don’t bother me any more. [more inside]
Is it dumb to "downgrade" my photo archives?
When digital photography was new, I saved everything at it's highest settings. Now that I currently have nearly 80 gigs of photographs, would it make sense to "downgrade" all of my photos to smaller sizes? [more inside]
Alternatives to PagerDuty
Are there any alternatives to PagerDuty (other than building something from scratch on my own)? [more inside]
Morel preparation for a n00b
I impulse-bought 0.2 lbs of morels at the market. Now what do I do!? [more inside]
The only difference I can see between them and you is that they are men
I reported gender wage discrimination on Wednesday and lost the job on Thursday. There are two companies involved, an advertising agency and a creative staffing agency. I've looked into the EEOC claims process, and I'm not sure how it applies here because the two companies may be able to successfully bounce responsibility back and forth. Their 800 number tells me that there is about a 2-hour wait time to talk to anyone, so I'm hoping that someone can tell me if it's worth wasting my time with the soul-crushing bureaucracy. [more inside]
Freelance business names in contracts?
How official does a business name have to be to be used in contracts? [more inside]
How to sell a remote foreign property (Nova Scotia)
My folks probably need to sell our beloved vacation home of roughly forty years. We live in the US and the property is in rural Nova Scotia. We need help figuring out how to get it appraised, listed, sold. [more inside]
Please help my upper back feel better.
Despite my best efforts, my upper back pain seems to be getting worse. I'm wondering: 1) if some sort of special pillow might help this and 2) if there are any other things I can do to fix it. [more inside]
Where can I find an 18" neck, 33/34 sleeve white dress shirt?
I'm hoping to get my dad a new dress shirt(s) for Father's Day since his are all tatty. He needs an 18" neck, 33/34 sleeve length and wrinkle-free. This is becoming a lot more difficult than I had anticipated.
Any ideas? Online would be awesome.
posted by Sassyfras at 12:46 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by Sassyfras at 12:46 PM PST - 13 comments
What wireless router do you recommend?
If you had to buy a wireless router, which one would you buy? [more inside]
posted by zooropa at 12:34 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by zooropa at 12:34 PM PST - 29 comments
Salami Night Fever
I am trying to find an old (80s-90s) animated short called "Salami Night Fever". [more inside]
posted by elizardbits at 11:51 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by elizardbits at 11:51 AM PST - 5 comments
I work a high profile job and my neighbors know it. I've been robbed.
I have been robbed three times in the past 7 months. My lease ends July 31st, and I do not wish to pay one more month. I have expressed that I feel targeted and unsafe to the apartment complex, but they do not want to make a concession for me.
What rights, if any, do I have? Michigan is my location.
The apartments seemed safe when I chose them, but have turned into something else since.
posted by squirbel at 11:47 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by squirbel at 11:47 AM PST - 27 comments
My Talent, Let Me Not Show You It
I have an award-winning talent I have no interest in pursuing, do you? [more inside]
posted by Chorus at 11:37 AM PST - 43 comments
posted by Chorus at 11:37 AM PST - 43 comments
Am I burning as many calories as I think I am on the elliptical?
My gym has several different types of cardio equipment. I've been using the recumbent bike for a while now, but recently tried the elliptical. The elliptical seems to say that I'm getting more "bang for my buck" in terms of exertion for calories burned. Is this possible, or is the machine inaccurate? [more inside]
posted by jingzuo at 11:15 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by jingzuo at 11:15 AM PST - 14 comments
Best Background Check Service
I'd like to find out exactly what information potential employers, etc. may find out about me if they run a background check. Can anyone recommend a good service (with a balance of thoroughness & cost) for me to do a check on myself?
Movie Filter: Name That Movie!
A jillion years ago, I caught the last few minutes of a movie. I have no idea what the name is. Please hope me! [more inside]
How to break into my own password-protected ZIP file?
A while ago, I backed up a bunch of old cell-phone photos in a big (~800MB) ZIP file. Much later, I find that I inadvertently or forgetfully password-protected it, and now I can't get to all my old photos. I've tried the brute-force, dictionary, and other approaches through applications like this. Am I out of luck? [more inside]
How do I afford mobility equipment?
I am a fat disabled woman in need of an electric wheelchair. How do I afford one? [more inside]
It's over, now what?
4 months ago, I (a woman) broke up with my boyfriend of over a decade. The breakup came out of the blue, and neither of us were prepared for the aftermath that comes with dissolving a household. Things are still not completely done, and I feel like they need to be so that I can actually start to move past that chapter in my life. On the other hand, I've been avoiding dealing with these issues for months because of how my ex lashes out at me every time he gets the chance. I need some help formulating a plan to get it all done and stay sane in the meantime. [more inside]
Examples of early online courses?
I'm looking for examples of online teaching presentations. [more inside]
Yet another "what e-newsletter provider should I use" question
If you've used Vertical Response and something else, which one would you use now? I am proficient at sending e-mail newsletters for clients. Currently one client has me using Constant Contact, and another has me using Vertical Response. Now a third client wants to start a newsletter. Do I go with Vertical Response, or make a switch? [more inside]
posted by evilmomlady at 9:52 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by evilmomlady at 9:52 AM PST - 11 comments
Brooklyn thrifting
Best thrift stores for furniture in Brooklyn? [more inside]
Separation of Powers
The subsection of the Colorado Constitution, “General Consideration” under Article III, Distribution of Powers, gives more than thirty-five examples of why and how separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government must be. They all seem to say the same thing, but they all are justified by different dictums, references and notations. Why, at least in Colorado and I suspect, in other states, is there the need for so much specificity as it relates to the republican tripartite system?
Three-Card-Monte style swindle for someone inept with card tricks?
My bike gang (previously) is throwing a "Street Hustle" themed alleycat bicycle race. I need to play a simple hustler card game with 20-30 different people who will pass through my checkpoint. Three Card Monte would be perfect, except I doubt my ability to perform the actual sleight-of-hand. Is there a similar card game that is easier to perform? [more inside]
posted by Juliet Banana at 8:28 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Juliet Banana at 8:28 AM PST - 9 comments
Cheapest way to get UK cell service with US phone
My husband and I are traveling to London later this week for a 10-day trip (yay!). For part of the trip I'm going to be at a conference, and he will be doing some work things, so we need to be able to get in touch with each other, either via voice calls or text. I'm trying to figure out the cheapest way to accomplish this. [more inside]
posted by DiscourseMarker at 8:22 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by DiscourseMarker at 8:22 AM PST - 10 comments
Date or wait?
I'm a man in his mid-twenties. I've never been in a relationship. I've never even taken anyone out on a date. I want to rectify this, but I think my mental health and my living situation prevent me from doing so. Should I even try to date? If not, what should I do? Details inside. [more inside]
Why do I hate gifts?
I realized recently that I don't remember the last time I liked a gift I received from my partner or a close friend or family member. The more expensive the gift, the more I dislike it. Of the last four gifts I received from my fiancé I returned all four back to the store. I always find fault with them and I get positively angry that this money was spent on such an undeserving object. I find myself almost shaking as I drive back to the store to return the gift. [more inside]
Educate me on modern mathematics!
My math knowledge ends just past Newton. What books provide a good, relatively general-audience introduction to the past 150-250 years of problems and developments in mathematics? [more inside]
Why can't I get a job with the temp agency?
I don't understand what I'm doing wrong. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 6:58 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by winterportage at 6:58 AM PST - 19 comments
Help for a houseplant
I've had this houseplant for about six years. It grows like a vine, straight up, so I have always tied it to a bamboo pole because at the garden center I have seen this type of plant look like a tree when it gets bigger, so I have been trying to facilitate that. Now it is four feet tall and I fear it will be a long vine before it becomes tree-like. Any ideas how to help this plant meet its best potential for growth and long life?
Public hygiene help for Istanbul Gezi Park
How to sustain public hygiene and battle possible health hazards, possibly with strong chemicals, without poisoning the soil or thousands of people? [more inside]
I need to end it. Please help me find the words.
The short version of how I got here – love my husband but fell in love with someone else. It’s not fair to him but I just don’t know how to say what I need to say. (Much) longer version inside. [more inside]
Help me understand towel terminology
Towel buying noob here. I'm after new bath towels and the towel marketing world has moved on since I last bought towels when there was a choice of crappy, OK and expensive. Now there's all talk about combed cotton, Egyptian cotton, pile length, grams per square metre and I don't understand any of it. Please enlighten me you froody mefites who always know where their towel is. Requirements (not many! we're talking about towels here) inside. [more inside]
posted by pianissimo at 6:00 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by pianissimo at 6:00 AM PST - 16 comments
Where can I find a collection of easy crossword puzzles for kids?
I want to let my kids (first graders) start solving crossword puzzles. They can read and write, but I want to make it more fun for them.
In my search, I found this.
I think it's pretty good, but I want a whole bunch more. Is there anything good, not too expensive, on Amazon etc?
posted by ovesh at 5:29 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by ovesh at 5:29 AM PST - 2 comments
Um, yeah, you are deteriorating.
How can I best support the dear elderly people in my life who can't do what they used to do? Details inside. [more inside]
A smooth porter that tastes like roasted coffee and chocolate?
In the 1990s, my favorite beer was Bert Grant's Perfect Porter. It was delicious and easy to drink, and had the tastes of chocolate and roasted coffee. Sadly, it is no longer brewed. Please help me re-capture the taste of my youth by recommending other porters that have a similar taste. Something that might be available in Minnesota would be best, but I get to travel sometimes.
Paper crafting with old machine...
Calling all experienced paper crafters: I have an old Sizzix Original die cutting machine - the red one. I don't have one of the system converters that would allow me use thinner dies, and they are increasingly difficult to come by. Presumably it has no other function than to narrow the space between the press and the cutting die. In that case, can I just use a piece of wood to elevate the cutting pad+paper+thinner die up to the necessary height? It seems like it should work, but I don't really know if I'm missing something. Thoughts? [more inside]
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:05 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Eumachia L F at 2:05 AM PST - 2 comments
Where in Hong Kong is this?
Can you please tell me where in HK was this picture taken?
posted by priorpark17 at 1:30 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by priorpark17 at 1:30 AM PST - 10 comments
June 9
Toss him with a parachute?
I am planning an event for a friend, with dozens of guests. We will be outside. My friend wants to be tossed up in the air with a parachute. Essentially something like the traditional Inuit blanket toss. Is such a thing feasible? What kind of parachute do I need? (How big, what material?) I want to do this safely. [more inside]
posted by Marquis at 9:38 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Marquis at 9:38 PM PST - 20 comments
Moving from Austin to Champaign, please help !
Cost of living and apartment hunt advice! [more inside]
posted by harisund at 9:24 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by harisund at 9:24 PM PST - 9 comments
Food safeness and wood selection for making a spoon?
Can I use found wood to make spoons for cooking? How can I know whether it is food safe or not? [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 9:23 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Deathalicious at 9:23 PM PST - 10 comments
Can a relationship progress if you see each other only on weekends?
We usually get together Friday evening, spend all day Saturday, and then I go home Sunday afternoon. He's a self-employed lawyer and has had a habit of going into the office Sunday afternoons to prepare for court Monday. (He goes to court Monday afternoons after working in his office that morning and then works in his office the rest of the week.) If there's a holiday Monday or special event (e.g., Superbowl), he skips going to the office Sunday afternoon, and I'll usually stay Sunday night. [more inside]
posted by femmefatale123 at 9:09 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by femmefatale123 at 9:09 PM PST - 38 comments
Which wagon-ish car should I buy?
Prius V, C-Max Hybrid / Energi or VW Jetta TDI wagon? [more inside]
How to manage a too-large collection of foreign language books?
Since I move a lot, I try not to keep too many books. I don't mind getting rid of the English ones. But with the foreign language ones, I get anxious about sunk costs, and how hard they would be to replace... how do I decide what to keep, and what to discard? [more inside]
MS Access Combo Box Fields behaving strangely.
I'm putting together an Access database (woe is me), which includes some "multiple choice" fields, that contain a defined list of options. I've got some code that puts together a query, and generates a report. The way these fields are displayed in this report is inconsistent, and I'm trying to figure out why. [more inside]
posted by Jimbob at 7:45 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Jimbob at 7:45 PM PST - 1 comment
Is this a thing anywhere other than Vancouver?
A friend just mentioned suiting up to go trim her razor tipped holly tree, and it reminded me that when I first moved to Vancouver in 1990, the house we rented had that crushed beer bottle stucco all over it and a holly tree in the front yard. Many long running jokes were made about how dangerous it was to come home after a night of drinking, plus also the beer bottles exacting their revenge. We'd never seen anything as nasty as that stucco before, though it's quite common on post-war houses in East Van, and I've never seen anything like it anywhere else. The deadly material looks like this. My friends call it the kid-grater and woe be unto the child who falls against it.
Has anyone ever seen it anywhere outside of the Vancouver/the Lower Mainland? And can anyone tell me anything about the history of it and how anyone could ever have thought it was a good idea? And is it really beer bottles? It really looks like beer bottles.
posted by looli at 7:30 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by looli at 7:30 PM PST - 33 comments
Pick my daycare! What am I missing?
None of my normal "brainstorming bounce-off" people are available to chew over this question with me... and I need to choose a home daycare and confirm one or the other by TOMORROW. Eek! Which one should I pick? Disclaimer: I got really good vibes from both, liked them a lot, so I can't decide just based on personality and trust. I looked at tons of places, and these were my two favorites. I'm looking for someone to watch my two-and-a-half year old daughter and my eight-month old son. [more inside]
How do I get back out there when my ex is associated with everyone?
How do I move on and meet new people when my ex is popular and so well-liked? [more inside]
I don't want to be your lover, I just want to be your friend
Did I just unintentionally agree to a date with someone of the wrong gender? [more inside]
Wine in my mailbox.
I'm looking for a wine club in the US, and I am a moderately snobby wine drinker. Price is important-ish (value more so than price), and I only want red wines. Help? [more inside]
meant friendship or something else?
opinion please! [more inside]
how do ballroom dancers keep cool?
My grandfather doesn't like how hot and sweaty he gets while dancing. Could the ballroom dancers of MeFi describe how they stay cool? Note that I am not a ballroom dancer and will have to translate your answers, so be generous with your explanations. [more inside]
Trying to remember the name of a book
I've forgotten the title and the author of a japanese book and I'm trying to remember what it was called. [more inside]
Help me follow the instructions.
I love following the instructions when i put something together, and I am trying to find a way to follow instructions more. [more inside]
How nice of a laptop do I want?
I'm in the market for a new laptop but I don't know what direction I should be going. I'm hoping to go to grad school in two or three years so should I get a really nice laptop that will last me through school or should I get something cheaper for now and get something shiny and new when I start school? All I need a laptop to do right now is surf the web, Skype, and watch Netflix. I have a tablet that I do most of that on but every once in a while I need a real computer for something specific. [more inside]
posted by missriss89 at 4:04 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by missriss89 at 4:04 PM PST - 22 comments
Cheques, please!
The time has come for me to order new cheques, and as I was incensed by the exorbitant charge my bank expected me to pay the last time I ordered cheques, I am looking for an alternative. Have any Canadian MeFites ordered cheques online, and if so, can they recommend a reliable site that does them for a reasonable price?
posted by orange swan at 4:03 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by orange swan at 4:03 PM PST - 9 comments
I would rather throw a tantrum than learn math (10 year old edition)
I tutor a boy who is moving from 4th-5th grade. He's at grade level in most subjects, above grade level in reading, but getting an Elvis Presley head in math. Can you help me find ways to help him be less intimidated by math, allowing us more time to learn and practice before his eventual mental shutdown each session? [more inside]
Crush me once, shame on you. Crush me twice...
Fiancee admitted she took a crush too far. Again. Help us get past this. [more inside]
What do I do about my awkward book collection?
I'm dating a nurse. I also have a collection of 400 nurse-themed romance paperbacks. When we started dating, I hid them under the bed. Can they ever come out? [more inside]
Smart TV : Log on/off questions for a weekly rental unit.
I just installed some Smart TVs in a weekly rental unit. Will the renters be able to log on and off to their personal accounts, or have I opened Pandora's box ? [more inside]
posted by lobstah at 3:49 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lobstah at 3:49 PM PST - 4 comments
How to create consequitive, non-list numbering system in Word?
I am working with long Word documents with many footnotes and appended documents. Most footnotes contain "See Appendix [#]" and the "#" is manually entered. Is it possible to create a system in which subsequent appendix numbers auto-populate to 'previous # + 1', similar to 'above cell + 1' in Excel? [more inside]
I like to swear, take in rescue cats, and use a wheelchair. You?
What dating site should I use? Reeeeeeaal special details inside. [more inside]
Where exactly is this police radio stock sound from?
When you play SimCity 3000 and put down a police station this sound played. How old is it? [more inside]
posted by daninnj at 12:53 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by daninnj at 12:53 PM PST - 4 comments
How do I most effectively work for political change on global warming?
So I'm a Canadian citizen living in the US, which means I can't vote anywhere. But I still want to work for political change, on global warming in particular. I'm not trying to make myself feel good, I want to make a difference if possible through whatever legal and non-deceptive means are available to me (donations, volunteering, whatever). Help me find a way to do that. [more inside]
I was a math professor, now I'm a cattle rancher
The Scenario: You were moving along in Industry A, when you switched to Industry B, something totally different. Why did you make the switch, and how? Or - Do you know of any specific stories where this has happened that you can relate? [more inside]
Parking Etiquette
In a line of cars driving around a parking lot, waiting for a slot to open up, who is the bigger arsehole? [more inside]
Website for murder methods?
I remember years ago hearing about a book which explained different methods of murder and poisoning. It listed methods of killing people, and methods of maiming or poisoning people, along with symptoms. It was aimed, of course, at authors who write murder mysteries. [more inside]
Tumblr themes that include automatically updated list of tags?
Tumblr themes that include automatically updated list of tags? [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:05 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 12:05 PM PST - 1 comment
ID my vaccination scar
What vaccine is routinely given to infants in China currently/within the past 20 years that will leave a small (non-keloid) scar at the injection site? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 11:19 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by serelliya at 11:19 AM PST - 16 comments
I know I know who he is but I just can't think of his name
Can anyone identify the man in the centre on this screengrab? [more inside]
posted by essexjan at 11:15 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by essexjan at 11:15 AM PST - 2 comments
Yet another "Should I stay in grad school?" question...
...but this time there is a newborn baby!
This fall I will begin my 5th year in an English PhD program. I have been ambivalent about staying in my program pretty much since the first year, but have always come down on the side of staying in, even though I long ago decided I don't want to even try to become an English professor. Three weeks ago my husband and I had a baby, and that is making me less confident I want to continue. I need some help sorting this out. [more inside]
posted by apricot at 11:04 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by apricot at 11:04 AM PST - 7 comments
What should I ask my friend to bring me from Seoul?
One of my friends is in Seoul and promised to bring me home a souvenir of my liking. What should I ask for? Something not too expensive and not too cumbersome, obviously. [more inside]
posted by Charity Garfein at 10:47 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Charity Garfein at 10:47 AM PST - 9 comments
Which antique/classic cars seat 8 people?
My brain and googlefu is having a hard time with this one. People used to reproduce more back in the day, therefore, shouldn't antique cars seat more people? Does anyone have a list or know of which classic/vintage/antique cars seat at least 8 people. I'm thinking driver, passenger, and two rows of three.
I need strawberry desserts
Yesterday we went strawberry picking and ended up with nearly 10 lbs of ripe juicy berries. I need your most decadent delicious strawberry desserts. [more inside]
Heavy heart.
You are not my doctor, but you might know what kind of doctor I need to find or what kinds of questions to ask. Please help me piece together a plan so I can get some health issues sorted out. [more inside]
What form of exercise should I try?
I'm bored with the treadmill and want a new form of exercise. What would you recommend? I'm 42 and healthy. I hate yoga. [more inside]
Virtual Bullproofing my Life
I'm interested in asserting a lot more control of my personal information and communications to prevent prying eyes of both governmental and criminal types. I'm interested in general best practices to secure my personal information, passwords, data and communication (including phones, texting and email). I am not an expert in software or anything of the kind. I use an iPhone and Apple computers. There's a few more specific requests inside. [more inside]
Say I'm a blue-collar Canadian in the 00s. What do I smoke?
I'm writing a book, and I want to know what blue-collar people in central Canada - Alberta, specifically - would buy as cigarettes, brand-wise. I've got my own hunches, but I'm not from there, and I'd appreciate some further direction. [more inside]
No photos, please?
Is it okay to ask guests not to take photos during our wedding ceremony? [more inside]
posted by just_ducky at 8:35 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by just_ducky at 8:35 AM PST - 30 comments
I need a recommendation for a sleeper sofa.
I need a new couch - and would like it to be a sleeper sofa. Any recommendations? [more inside]
I just want to go somewhere but I don't care where!
I'd like a search engine which will show me all of the travel possibilities from a given location in a certain date range. Does this exist? [more inside]
posted by neilb449 at 6:13 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by neilb449 at 6:13 AM PST - 9 comments
Please share your papermaking tips and hacks.
Help me have an awesome papermaking day! [more inside]
How much is it OK to tweak quotes?
When I type up a line or a short passage from a novel to post online, I often "clean it up" a little, and I'm wondering how much of this is OK. [more inside]
posted by pete_22 at 5:54 AM PST - 49 comments
posted by pete_22 at 5:54 AM PST - 49 comments
What best practices do the pros use to maintain frameworks of software
My company has built a "framework" of software which is a complex combination of relationships between various technologies, code in various programming languages and front and back end systems. I need to come up with a system for maintaining versions and subversions of different pieces and i'm not sure if I have the right idea. More inside... [more inside]
GO TEAM GO! Yay or Nay?
Employers AND Employees--have Team-Building Retreats/Experiences been beneficial in your workplace? [more inside]
Jumping to an input method in OS X
I type in multiple languages on Mac OS 10.6.8, and I need to be able to use keyboard shortcuts to jump immediately to specific input method rather than cycle through them with Command-Space. (For example, I'd want to be able to hit, say, Command-Shift-1 to switch to U.S. Extended no matter what the current input method is.) How can I set this up?
What is the legality for a web site to make credit transactions?
In order for any web site to charge one for services or goods, in this case services, what are they legally required to record and produce? I'm having a little trouble wording my exact question so maybe this will help.
The web site in question provides phone service for inmates in correctional facilities and in order for one to receive calls from a loved one in the correctional facility you have to set up an account and attach a phone number to it while loading money for the overpriced service... $5 for 15mins. The company charged me a fee of $5 every time I was to load money on the account which did not show the rate for a call per min and also charged me numerous unknown fees. I could not tell why or how much I was charged which was made worse by their not being a way to track credits and charges to the account. When I contacted customer support they also could not account for the charges and would not refund them, refused to refund my visa purchase, and claims to have no way of producing charges and credits to my account. Their customer service is no help and I'm not sure how to handle the situation. [more inside]
posted by isopropyl at 1:01 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by isopropyl at 1:01 AM PST - 4 comments
Deals for baby?
We have a 4+ month old, and I recently remembered that the Ringling Bros. will give you a free ticket voucher for your up-to-1 year old child. Aside from retailers flooding your mailbox/inbox with baby goods samples/coupons, what other neat deals are there like this that are a bit "out of the box"?
June 8
What is this music?
What is the music that plays during David Fincher: A Film Title Retrospective?
posted by Bokmakierie at 11:38 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Bokmakierie at 11:38 PM PST - 2 comments
Kitty naming - brothers edition
Our house was dangerously low on felines so today we adopted a pair of kitties. Yeah! They are sadly without names. [more inside]
Game of Thrones Question
I have a question about the second season of Game of Thrones. [spoiler] [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 9:54 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by SpacemanStix at 9:54 PM PST - 6 comments
Much Ado About Claudio
Shakespeare Filter, Much Ado About Nothing Subfilter: Why does Hero still marry Claudio when he is the MEANEST PERSON IN THE WORLD? [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:45 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 9:45 PM PST - 15 comments
Help me find this photography book on children's nightmares
Decades ago at my local library I found this (soft cover, I think) photography book by a guy who'd interviewed a bunch of kids about their nightmares, and photographed interpretations of them. Over my youth, I would check the book out again and again, because it terrified and fascinated me. But they long ago got rid of the book, I've never been able to find it again, and when they went to an electronic system, my checkout history was gone. I would really love to see this book again. [more inside]
posted by emcat8 at 9:13 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by emcat8 at 9:13 PM PST - 5 comments
RPGs for reading, not playing
I like reading pen-and-paper RPG rulebooks. Can you recommend some of your favorites? Extra points for: non-Tolkein universes, a cool new spin on classes or magic, and anything that has interesting non-combat systems. [more inside]
We're heading to Minneapolis! What should we do?
So my BFF and I have five days in Minneapolis, two of which we're spending at an educational conference (Yay FlipCon13!) in Stillwater. Hope us eat well AND have fun in Minnesota! [more inside]
The piggy bank is empty and my car is hungry
Help me find the most profitable way to sell DVD's tomorrow in the Dallas area. My car is hungry! [more inside]
Attach toys to scratching post for cat
Looking for help on attaching toys to a kitten's scratching post. [more inside]
posted by jmd82 at 8:05 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by jmd82 at 8:05 PM PST - 4 comments
Your output is pointless. Have fun staying committed to your job!
I've been employed in my current job for a year now, and on more than one occasion (and by more than one coworker, hell, even my predecessor) I have been told that the bulk of my work (two very large, and somewhat superfluous reports) will ultimately be shelved and unread. Considering how much work I put into these reports, and as a researcher with a background in applied science, this is making me extremely ill at ease (if not resentful) on a daily basis. How can I cope with knowing that what I produce throughout the year is ultimately a worthless paper weight while I continue to gather experience? [more inside]
posted by Young Kullervo at 8:04 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Young Kullervo at 8:04 PM PST - 21 comments
Caring for a 4yr old with a broken leg...all summer.
My (step)son broke his leg today and is currently getting it splinted until it can be cast on Monday. We have 50/50 custody and decent communication, but as the resident mama of his other home, how can I best make him comfy and keep him entertained for the next 6-8 weeks? [more inside]
How much tv is too much tv?
I'm sort of new to watching tv. But thanks to Roku and Amazon Prime, I'm all "whoooooa this is awesooommmmeee!"... for, like, an entire day. How do I know how much tv is 'normal', since I'm prone to being sedentary and depressed at times, and really can't tell? [more inside]
posted by ArgyleMarionette at 7:48 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by ArgyleMarionette at 7:48 PM PST - 21 comments
Trekking agency recommendations for Nepal.
I've planned a trip from Katmandu to Everest Base Camp, and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for touring/trekking companies. [more inside]
Portland, OR Filter: We found a dog, what should we do?
We were on our way out when we saw a small dog running down our street with no human attached to it, it looked lost, so I followed it and managed to grab it. It has a collar, but no tags. Right now it is corralled in the backyard, but we can't keep it overnight, we have a tiny place and cats.
What should we do?
Where is this wedding dress shop?
Please help me find this retro wedding dress boutique in NYC that caters to plus-sized women. I may have totally made up this place in my head. [more inside]
posted by AlisonM at 7:05 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by AlisonM at 7:05 PM PST - 3 comments
What do I call this lamp/light thing?
This is a light with a picture of some sort of presumably Italian religious icon. When turned on, a colorful disc rotates behind it, creating a psychedelic effect through the clear radiating slits in the picture. I want to buy something like it to modify to display my own image, but what' it called? What do I search for to find more? Photos inside. [more inside]
What's your favorite hot sauce?
That's pretty much it. I'm down with the basics - tabasco, sriracha and the like, but I want to expand my experiences and styles. [more inside]
Who has a cheap A/V receiver that has not broke in the last 5 years?
If you have a low-end A/V receiver (less than $400) that has lasted without problems for 5 years or more, tell me the brand name. I won't buy the same model that you bought five years ago, but I may choose the same brand, and go buy the latest equivalent offering manufactured from them. [more inside]
posted by ErikH2000 at 6:20 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by ErikH2000 at 6:20 PM PST - 31 comments
Out of shape AWF - ISO wearable fitness device for long term partnership
Seeking wearable fitness device, preferably one that integrates with Strava and more-or-less automatically dumps all the information into some centralized web-accessible resource. I've looked into the Fitbit Flex, the Jawbone Up and the Nike Fuelband and I'm now suffering from option paralysis. Should I aim a level up? Special snowflake details inside! [more inside]
posted by rednikki at 6:13 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by rednikki at 6:13 PM PST - 11 comments
lunch on upper east side
Please suggest a lunch spot on the upper east side, as close to 74th and Lexington as possible; I need to suggest a place to meet and I am blanking on suitable places within a couple of blocks of that intersection. [more inside]
Where to buy Alberto Ferreras's Habla series from HBO Latino
I've watched and really enjoyed Alberto Ferraras's Habla documentary series on HBO, and I was wondering where I could find or download it. Thanks!
What kind of financial advisor do we need?
As we discuss our future together, and with other big changes afoot/underway, my boyfriend and I would like to see financial advice about some specific questions/scenarios but I'm not sure what kind of advisor we should be seeking out. [more inside]
posted by marylynn at 5:35 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by marylynn at 5:35 PM PST - 4 comments
When I come home from work, I no longer want work to come home with me.
I'm in my late 30's and I need a new career, one whose responsibilities focus on the things I am better at while avoiding the things I'm awful at that make me grit my teeth.
I'm a bright person, with better than average people skills, innate tech savvy, and terrific problem solving abilities. I am plain-spoken and genuine and I have endless reserves of positivity that put people at ease. But I sink like a stone when asked to tackle long term projects that require planning, organization, and longer-term time management. I'm not amitious and I'm not competitive. I've fought so long to improve at my jobs by addressing these shortcomings, but now I'm wondering if I couldn't just find a job where these skills were less important to begin with.
What kind of fields could I be looking into? Additional snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Inspire me
I am hoping to finish my phd in science in the next 12 months. Though a tiny, tiny light is beginning to appear at the end of this tunnel, getting to that light is going to be HARD. My endurance has already been severely tested by the first 4.5 years of this degree. It's hard to wrap my mind around how much more endurance and resilience will now be required. Please share any inspirational quotes that might apply here. Thanks!
The ultimate first-world problem: spare money to invest... now what?
YANMFA (financial adviser)... but... Thanks to a new, and well-paying, job, I just got my ridiculous 6% student loans paid off. Now I need to figure out the best thing to do with the share of my income that I was putting toward that. Financial wizards of the internet, advise me? Messy details inside... [more inside]
A precedent is set.
Should I wait for an apology from my mother-in-law, let it go, or none of the above? My IRL counsel is giving me mixed answers. [more inside]
Loneliness and OKCupid, part 2
A few weeks ago I, a hetero male in his early 30s, asked about dating and using OKCupid with some restrictions: no kids, no religion, no alcohol being the main ones. This is a follow-up to that AskMe, but going beyond OKCupid. [more inside]
What Towers Have I Not Yet Defended?
I'm a Tower Defense game junkie. I need to place the towers and I need to stop the hordes. I want to make sure I've placed them all and stopped them all. Where should I go for the Ultimate TD Deathtrip? [more inside]
How to stop Mr Unhappy driving me out of my favourite hang-out?
How can I stop a clearly very unhappy person from driving me out of my favourite hang-out with his lengthy recitals of grievances? [more inside]
posted by Flitcraft at 2:32 PM PST - 28 comments
posted by Flitcraft at 2:32 PM PST - 28 comments
Learning Statistics for the Social Sciences 101 paperlessly
I'm running into trouble with my statistics course. I'm just getting up to t statistics for independent measures research design. My problems are:
1. I'm going through a lot of paper
2. I need to keep all my calculations better organized as a do them
3. I'm flipping back and forth between my book, an online version of the book, and another screen so that I can reference as much material as possible at once. I'm thinking some kind of basic statistics calculator spreadsheet (or any other format) would be in order. Can anybody direct me towards one? [more inside]
Looking for a specific artist of creepy pictures
I'm looking for a specific artist who produces some very creepy prints, but I'd also be interested in any recommendations on a similar theme. One picture was of a dead astronaut, skull visible in their helmet, being held up by a ghost/spirit. Another was of a post-Chernobyl creature made up of parts of other animals, mainly horses, with human body parts as well. I think there were Napoleonic zombies in a different picture as well. [more inside]
posted by Coobeastie at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Coobeastie at 1:18 PM PST - 6 comments
How does finding a biology job work?
I really love biology, especially ecology and conservation. I don't want to go straight into grad school, and I don't daydream about being a professor or teacher. What can I do between now and May 2014 to make myself a competitive job applicant? What jobs are available and realistic? Where can I find them? No one in my family is a scientist, so I have no idea what I'm doing. [more inside]
How much does HR know about an employee's medical treatments?
In a few months I'm going to be having an elective surgery to fix an ongoing medical issue that I'm a bit sensitive about. The HR person at my ~100 person sized company is pleasant but she seems to be careless when discussing private info on the phone. What does she know about any medical treatment I get? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by averageamateur at 12:45 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by averageamateur at 12:45 PM PST - 11 comments
Where can I read up on suits for heavy men?
I'm in China and I can get any suit custom made. That's great because I'm tall and heavy. That's also daunting because I have to show up with pictures of what I want. I find it tough to find good links to websites with tips for people like me. What modern suit would look good on me?
posted by krautland at 12:39 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by krautland at 12:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Seeking a certain royal blue suit and Google is failing me.
For reasons mostly ridiculous, I am seeking a royal blue suit. Not just any royal blue suit, as I can find several of the zoot suit or boxy variety. What I'm wanting is a royal blue suit, either of the four-button ilk or the slim one-button type. In other words, this one pictured here. [more inside]
posted by grabbingsand at 12:17 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by grabbingsand at 12:17 PM PST - 3 comments
A first-world problem if there ever was one.
I get a lot of happiness from buying stuff. I want to become one of those people who is happy with what she has and guarded with her cash. Someone who squeezes every last drop out of their shampoo bottle instead of getting overly excited to try a new brand before the current bottle is empty. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 12:08 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 12:08 PM PST - 37 comments
Reluctant commitment-phobe driver seeks short term bulletproof wheels.
Can you help me solve my rapidly deteriorating transportation situation? I am a car dependent person who hates everything about cars, and my relatively beloved 1985 Mercedes 300 seems to have finally had it. In spite of the child's voice in my head screaming I DON'T WANT TO, I need to figure out how I'm going to get myself to and from work...maybe too many details below! Personal experience with car lease takeovers as well as general life advice about solving this problem like a grown up especially welcome! [more inside]
volunteer work in liverpool
What are my options for volunteer work as a US citizen who will be staying in the UK for three months this summer (i.e. what are the legal restrictions of doing volunteer work abroad?) [more inside]
What would you do with a week off?
I have nine days coming up shortly with no distractions. The phone is 'off the hook', the chores are done, the 'to-do' list is all clear. What would you all do in this situation? "Enjoy it" I know... that is taken for a given! I want it to be constructive too. [more inside]
Can this stuff be a grenadine substitute?
I would like to make these creepy shots. If I use the juice/syrup from a jar of maraschino cherries instead of buying actual grenadine, will the effect still work? [more inside]
posted by honey wheat at 11:14 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by honey wheat at 11:14 AM PST - 8 comments
In need of awesome flute solos.
What are some poppy/jazzy/hard-rocky songs that feature a great flute solo? [more inside]
shoot my metal horse?
I have a 2000 Jeep grand cherokee laredo. It has 115,600 miles or so.... and bad bearings. Sell, ride it into the ground, or repair? [more inside]
I want to become a primary teacher even though most do not support me.
I have just graduated from university with a bachelor of science in environmental sciences. My dad would love for me to continue down that route and become an environmentalist. I want to be a primary teacher and he is not happy with that decision. [more inside]
posted by lovisa91 at 10:40 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by lovisa91 at 10:40 AM PST - 23 comments
Getting over a toxic boss in time for a new job
For the past year or so, I've been supervised by an especially moody and critical manager. Fortunately, my contract ended and I'm getting ready to start a new job at a different organization. How can I get over my grudges and feel confident in my new position? [more inside]
Coping with a balding future
So, in my twenty-sixth year, a future of baldness is becoming pretty clear. I've basically made up my mind not to fight it via medication and so on, so how to I keep from falling into despair when I see photos and videos of my less-and-less-dashing self? [more inside]
Male masturbation and using lube
I honestly don't know this, and almost none of the men that I know are circumcized, so I wouldn't know who to ask in person.
Is it generally so that lube is more needed/vital/ important/whathaveyou for masturbation if one is a male who is circumcized? [more inside]
posted by Too-Ticky at 9:53 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Too-Ticky at 9:53 AM PST - 12 comments
how to engage in self-care when responsibilities get in the way
I'm depressed, in a gruesome summer class, and feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day to handle both my responsibilities and my well-being. How do busy people balance these things? Why do we even bother with these pesky responsibilities that society imposes on us? [more inside]
I feel so guilty about making money
I come from a family where we didn't have so much. My parents were ok but tight.
I studied until 32 years old, did a master degree and now I have a good job that pays me well and I earn twice what my parents are earning together. And I can see that my salary is going to grow fast over the next years. The more I earn, the worst I feel. It's like I don't deserve so much. But believe me, I worked hard at school, paid all my tuition myself by working part-time while studying. But I still live like when I was earning 30k$ per year. The extra, I save it, I don't spend much. So I have now a huge saving account instead of enjoying except for travelling.
By the way, my parents never made any bad comment about my situation. They are proud of me, not jealous at all. So it's all in my head. I feel bad also because a lot of people struggles, don't have job or has to go to charity for food. My friends earn about the same as me so nobody's jaleous.
I would like to feel proud of making money instead of feeling guilty. What should I think so that I can feel proud?
Thanks for your help!
What should I do next (if anything at all!)?
Met a guy online about a month ago had about 7 great dates... and 2 or 3 sleepovers...all of a sudden he stopped contacting me...now what?
(sorry for the long long explanation below) [more inside]
Help me help you.
My husband recently had a meeting with his boss. Boss suggested he would have a better time getting ahead in the company if he dressed for success. Husband was offended that his work would be over-looked based on the way he dresses. Unfortunately, I agree with his boss. How can I positively coax my husband in to dressing better without making him self conscious? [more inside]
yanml landlording quetion
Is it possible recover damages caused a former tenant who cost me 10s of thousands of dollars in damages in 2008? [more inside]
Internet free "retreat" on the East Coast(ish)
I am looking for somewhere nice to go for around five days to clear my head. This mainly means no internet for me as I could really do with a break. I'd like it to be sunny, warm, maybe quiet, and rural too although I am not superkeen on nature (such as bugs and dirt :)). I have been looking into monasteries in upstate New York but perhaps there are better options out there? I would like it to be low-budget - and would be happy to work for shelter/accommodation as well. Something to do with my hands, like gardening would also be neat, although I am not into camping. I love travelling by rail, not so much by coach/bus. I don't think I'm gonna wanna be driving as I haven't in many, many years.
Any recommendations? [more inside]
How to clean rotten potato smell on a hard wood floor
This morning, my wife discovered a forgotten bag of potatoes that have apparently been our pantry since the Taft administration. The bag burst, leaving rotten potato mush and juice on our old hardwood floors. It smells like death has vomited more death on top of death. Help. [more inside]
Comcast alternatives in Western Massachusetts?
Does anyone have an internet/cable provider in this area that's not Comcast? We are fed up with their horrible service. We're in Northampton, MA if it helps.
Graduation anxiety, is it silly to repeat the last of year of college?
Hi Metafilter,
I'm about to graduate this Summer from a college in Europe. It's for a creative profession and I'm currently honesty considering to repeat the year. Considering the circumstances (more below), would it be silly to volunteer a rerun of the year? [more inside]
dog, diarrhea, beige carpeting, not a great morning
My dog had diarrhea sometime overnight on our (new!!!!) beige carpeting (I've found advice for white). I am about to go to WalMart and Petco to buy whatever I need. What do I need? I want to clean it today so it doesn't set permanently. I'm willing to throw any amount of money at it. I also have a bissell little green proheat deep reach. [more inside]
Spanish-language movies and television shows that will hook me?
I need to learn Spanish for my international-relations job. I've procrastinated for a long time. I'd really like to get hooked on some Spanish-language television shows and watch some quality Spanish-language movies to help me along. Not interested in anything dubbed. Not interested in anything too soapy, but it doesn't have to be highbrow. English-language entertainment I've enjoyed include The Good Wife, Homeland, the Office, and Pride & Prejudice. Please don't feel limited by this because I'm sure there is much more I would enjoy if I watched more TV. Anything with a good story should do the trick.
I'd prefer Latin American Spanish, but mostly I'm just looking for anything that will suck me in.
Help me identify the origin of this African mask
I bought this African mask at a thrift shop the other day. It appears real; it has the qualities of being handmade. I've searched the Internet for an hour or so, and while I've found other masks that are similar (like this one and this one), I can't find its origin. Are there any African art experts who can help me?
posted by jordanian2 at 6:50 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by jordanian2 at 6:50 AM PST - 5 comments
Need to get nice butt with butt squeezes?
To do so, how long every day i need to do them?
I usually hold 10sec., should i hold more for faster results?
Can i somehow get good bum in 2-3 weeks?
What is odd about my speaking voice, and can it be fixed?
Three times in the last week, I've had someone on the other end of the phone (think doctor's office) ask me if I'm "okay." Thinking back, I get this a lot -- someone on the phone, who can't see my facial expressions, thinks that I sound distraught. I also get asked where I'm from by people who assume that my native language is not English (I'm from the Chicago area, female, and raised by native English speakers; I'm also white, so they're presumably not asking because of my appearance.) Apparently, I have a very strange voice, and I'm starting to worry that it may be holding me back socially. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there any way I can fix it? Lessons? Exercises?
Help me find my particular wine.
I have found a wine that I love beyond all others, but it's hard-to-impossible to find here and I need to find EITHER an alternative that tastes as close to this as possible OR a new supplier. The wine is a Franciacorta, the maker is Berlucci, and the particular wine is the Storica '61 Brut (61 is the name of the original vintage and is given in homage - it's not the vintage of the wine) and is the white not the red/pink version. [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 at 1:40 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by ninazer0 at 1:40 AM PST - 8 comments
June 7
Learning Mandarin in Japan and Korea
Would you happen to know about how Mandarin is learned in Japan and Korea? [more inside]
posted by slowlikemolasses at 9:37 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by slowlikemolasses at 9:37 PM PST - 4 comments
Help with a borked install?
Attempted to install LIBUSB-win32-filter-bin-0.1.122 without using compatibility mode. Now none of the peripherals are working, except for the trackpad and keyboard. [more inside]
What are the best of the poor substitutes for a security deposit?
What recourse do I have regarding a tenant refusing to pay the last month's rent and possibly damaging the apartment? [more inside]
Whats in a name... or title
I just stared a new job and I have the rare opportunity to give myself a title. I do a lot of things in this new job- basically in marketing spectrum. What should my title be? Anon sense I can't have my contacts thinking i don't know what I am doing here. [more inside]
Look deep into my scurrilous credentials.
I am interested in getting some training in hypnotism. I am not seeking any certification for professional reasons. There are several places that offer training in the Portland area. The problem is that I am unable to tell if these people are full of it or not. What names and affiliations should I trust to avoid stepping in a pile of woo? [more inside]
Hey, it's that guy?
CompleteWasteofQuestionFilter: Who's the fortyish, extremely lanky, English or English-accent-assuming male actor who has a prominent nose and long teeth, and wears his dark hair in a ponytail? I think he has worn a lab coat and/or black trenchcoat in an American television show in the past decade, but I cannot remember which Nerdy Scientist Guy he might have portrayed.
posted by Gingersnap at 7:07 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Gingersnap at 7:07 PM PST - 7 comments
Deciding to transition from car to bicycle
I'm considering selling my car and transitioning from using my car for most tasks (groceries, commuting to work, seeing friends, etc) to using mostly my bicycle for these same things. I plan to also get an "occasional" Zip car membership as well. Has anyone out there gone through this process? How was that transition for you and do you have any concrete advice for someone like me who is thinking about this pretty big shift in changing modes of transportation? [more inside]
What was I playing on?
Okay, back in the day, I got a hand-me-down "console" of sorts. This was the early 1990's, the console looked like a computer, white metal box that was as thick as an old desktop, but had a cartridge slot (top, right) as well as a tape cartridge on the front left. The controller had a joystick and a 12 button keypad (1-9, 0, *, #). I've tried researching old consoles to see what it might have been, but I guess I can't Google right because I've never found it. What might I have been playing on?
posted by deezil at 6:22 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by deezil at 6:22 PM PST - 9 comments
Identify this food-related object + recipe request
Found this silicone mold at the thrift store today. My guess is it's for making some sort of fruit-filled baked dessert. I'm imagining something similar to a strawberry shortcake. What is it for? [more inside]
posted by aniola at 5:57 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by aniola at 5:57 PM PST - 8 comments
Phish Spam (bleurgh)
Twice this week, I've fallen for spam emails. Have I compromised my security? Will I die? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 5:30 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by popcassady at 5:30 PM PST - 5 comments
It's permanent, so it better be accurate!
I'm looking to get a tattoo I've wanted for years - "this too shall pass", but specifically in Ancient Greek. It's very important to me that it's Ancient, not modern. Where/how would I go about finding an accurate translation? How can I verify that it *is* in fact ancient? Many thanks in advance!
Can I Eat It Filter: fresh mozzarella
Please help me not poison myself and my boyfriend tonight at dinner. I've checked the other fresh-mozzarella AskMes and they all seem to pertain to mozzarella left out for long periods of time. (The Google Machine renders similar results, or otherwise different circumstances.)
Cheesemongers of MeFi: Can I Eat It? [more inside]
posted by like_a_friend at 5:10 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by like_a_friend at 5:10 PM PST - 8 comments
The Californians
Angelenos, help me out: a family needs to get from the Valley to Long Beach Airport and back. This is like an extremely difficult word problem from a graduate-level course in Advanced Los Angeles Traffic. Help! [more inside]
Is there a low-power, low-cost computer with a PCI-e 2.0 x8 slot?
I would like to build a new router for my home network. It won't generally need to do a lot of work, but I do need it to have a PCI-e 2.0 x8 (or higher) slot to accommodate a QDR InfiniBand adapter.
Beyond this requirement, my next-highest-priority goal is that this machine not consume a lot of electricity when idle or mostly idle. A low purchase price would be nice, too.
I plan to build this machine from parts (motherboard, CPU, etc), although if the cost is low enough, a pre-manufactured system would be fine too.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
West Coast Playlist
Help me make a summer mixtape of west coast/california songs. [more inside]
Dance music in Cleveland?
We're considering a move to the Cleveland area, and one of the deciding factors for me is going to be the quality of the local dance music scene. But that leads me to ask: what's the deal with the local dance music scene? Does one exist? I've found a couple of online forums but they seem to be moribund.
So what's up, Cleveland? Anyone dancing in converted warehouses until the sun comes up? Are there gigs to be found for dance DJs here?
Landscape design history: Beaux Arts versions of Persian-Mughal gardens
I work in a garden that is a Beaux Arts designed garden that mimics a Persian/Mughal walled garden. I'm interested in finding out what the Beaux Arts guys knew about these gardens and the ideas/symbolism/history that they were thinking about when they were designing them. [more inside]
posted by sciencegeek at 2:40 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by sciencegeek at 2:40 PM PST - 6 comments
Negotiating a Job Offer
I have been offered a position with a company but they have low-balled the offer and downgraded the title (in my opinion). I have drafted an email response (which he encouraged since he is on vacation) and would love for the awesome brain trust to offer some thoughts! [more inside]
What are good New York Public Library branches for general browsing?
What are good New York Public Library branches for general open stack reference browsing? [more inside]
posted by decathexis at 2:24 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by decathexis at 2:24 PM PST - 4 comments
Can you help me buy this Japanese tee for my husband's birthday?
My husband really likes this t shirt and his birthday is in a few weeks. Problem: website is in Kanji (I think-?) and I can't see the 'Happy Birthday' one anywhere. It it can't be found online, do you know if the site has an actual physical shop anywhere? I have friends in Tokyo/Kyoto who might be able to send it over if it's available. HALP (and thank you!)
Don't you DARE ask me if he's teething
My 14 month old son cries and screams every waking moment he's with me. This has gone on for months, and it's killing me. Please help me understand what's going on and how I can make it stop. [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman at 1:39 PM PST - 49 comments
posted by arcticwoman at 1:39 PM PST - 49 comments
Why hast thou forsaken me, United Healthcare?
I just received a notification from my insurance company that as of July 1 they're no longer covering the brand-name version of a necessary medication I take daily. If I want to keep taking it I have to pay the full price (many hundreds of dollars per month)—or switch to the generic, which I've taken before and found that for me it is basically crap. It doesn't work as well, and has pretty unpleasant side effects, and I have documentation to that effect from my doctor of many years. Is there anything I can do to create a happy ending here?
Funky, unusual, cheap accommodation in LA
We're going to do a couple days in Los Angeles for a mini honeymoon next Thur/Fri nights. Want to see the Getty Museum, Olvera Street and maybe some Hollywood. Looking for someplace cool and unusual to stay - we like retro, art deco, mid century, kitschy, cheesy stuff. Clean, basic, bedbug free, a fridge in the room would be nice. Suggestions? Thank you!
posted by Josephine Macaulay at 1:30 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Josephine Macaulay at 1:30 PM PST - 14 comments
Is it safe to visit Bagby Hot Springs?
My girlfriend and I are going to Portland next week for the first time, and had been planning to take a day to drive out to the Bagby Hot Springs (she was thrilled when she found out they're the springs featured in Old Joy). Upon researching further, I discovered that it doesn't have the greatest reputation in terms of safety. But, much of what I read was from years ago, and it's difficult to an find up-to-date state of things. For those who have been there recently, is it a reasonably safe trip? [more inside]
posted by (lambda (x) x) at 1:13 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by (lambda (x) x) at 1:13 PM PST - 7 comments
365 ways to say I love you?
For various reasons, I have developed a routine of sending my partner a short daily hello email. What are some things I can do to mix it up a little? [more inside]
How do I add more than one type of income-producing skill on Linked In
Everyone in my industry uses Linked In, so though I can't figure it out for the life of me, I had to create a profile. But I don't have just one job - I'm also a freelancer in a couple of different fields. I'd like to list them too. [more inside]
Playlist About "The One"
I need music recommendations for two separate, but related, categories:
1. That giddy feeling at the beginning of a new, good relationship and you think you want to be with this person for a while
2. When you're pretty sure you're going to marry this person, or be with them forever [more inside]
I need some career advice...
I'm a recent college grad confused about which path I should take: a career in the arts? Or a career focusing on law and the humanities? [more inside]
posted by tammi209 at 11:52 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by tammi209 at 11:52 AM PST - 23 comments
Kitten adoption - How to predict future domestic short-hair happiness?
Kitten adoption - How to predict future domestic short-hair happiness? [more inside]
posted by citygirl at 11:42 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by citygirl at 11:42 AM PST - 26 comments
Instagram Username, gone for the ages?
Why would Instagram make a deleted username forever unusable? [more inside]
posted by Vhanudux at 11:08 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Vhanudux at 11:08 AM PST - 3 comments
Best website for purchasing website/wordpress templates?
Helping friends set up their small business website. I am not a web designer/developer, just fine with tweaking, dependable and honest--unlike their last web person. They don't need a lot of fancy stuff, but I would like to move them off of google sites and get them something
1)more professional 2) still easily updatable. They are hosted on godaddy with redirects now, which is wasteful. The godaddy webbuilder software does not impress so far. [more inside]
posted by pywacket at 10:26 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by pywacket at 10:26 AM PST - 15 comments
Separating people from other people
Hey AskMetafilter - calling on all writers for help. I write screenplays, and I think my greatest weakness is that I have trouble developing clear, consistent characters in my work. I seem to constantly make characters do things that don't fit their personalities - which creates a lot of confusion for my readers. I need help figuring out how to create well-defined characters who are consistent throughout the text. [more inside]
What sucks about Victoria, BC? Why should I not move there?
My sister lives in Victoria BC and has spent years trying to convince my wife and I to move, telling us how beautiful it is, how bike-friendly and walk-friendly the city is, and how we simply must drop everything and move there immediately if not sooner. [more inside]
Why is it a good idea for pedestrians to have the right-of-way?
I'm looking for research comparing different regimes of pedestrian vs. car right-of-way and the impact of those laws on pedestrian injury and mortality rates (and possibly also the impact on urban quality of life.) [more inside]
Leaving Flickr, but where and how?
Well, I'm done with Flickr for a variety of reasons. So I need a new place to put the 10,000 photos I have there and the 10,000 more I'll take in the next few years. But where? And is there a simple, relatively painless way to transfer all those images? [more inside]
Zaatar is my spirit catnip
What are some vegetarian uses for Zaatar? I'm not a vegetarian, but I don't eat meat that often, and almost never do at home. But I can't get enough of zaatar! Besides breads/olive oil, and sprinkled on homemade pizza, what else can I eat/make with zaatar?
Trying to find a short story about an alien and bacterial mind control.
I recall reading a short story featuring a eco friendly alien or superhero driving a car or spaceship covered in plants and fueled by water. [more inside]
Laptop Fan
Does purchasing an external fan for a laptop work or are they just marketing? Mine can run a little warm when I am pushing it with games so I am considering a cooling pad.
How to deal with threat of violence against me from gf's stalker?
How do I (male) deal with violent (physical, not shooting) threats from another male who has acted creepy, but not violently, in the past? [more inside]
Yes another quick getaway!
We are hoping to get out of the Midwest from 3-7 July. Where should we go? [more inside]
Do Hypercolor t shirts expire?
Do Hypercolor t shirts expire? Seeing some on ebay but none say whether they are still heat sensitive.
Please help me speak academic - what is exogenous food?
My google-fu fails me - all I can find are references that talk about research on endogenous and exogenous food, but none of them explain what on earth the terms mean. [more inside]
posted by scrute at 6:40 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by scrute at 6:40 AM PST - 15 comments
Are LinkedIn surveilling us?
I've long suspected that the professional networking site LinkedIn may be using information such as my mobile phone records to make recommendations for connections. But today they really freaked me out. What gives? [more inside]
posted by Elizabeth the Thirteenth at 4:33 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Elizabeth the Thirteenth at 4:33 AM PST - 15 comments
Do I tip the waitstaff at a fundraising dinner?
I'm going to a tasting dinner tonight for local food charity; tickets for it are purchased ahead of time. I've been to one before, and it was great, but just realized I didn't tip the staff at the last one. The last time, it was on a farm in a tent, but this one is in a restaurant.
I'm thinking that tonight it will be the regular restaurant staff, not a catering staff, waiting on tables. Does it matter? Should you tip no matter who is waiting? If you do tip, is it based on the ticket price?
posted by katinka-katinka at 2:59 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by katinka-katinka at 2:59 AM PST - 9 comments
Wise and witty words about balding.
I don't have as much hair as I used to, and I understand this is not uncommon! It seems like the sort of thing Updike would have written about, or some other self-reflective male writer of a certain age, and I'd like to be able to read (and ideally quote) something well-written or epigrammatic for when the subject comes up. [more inside]
What should a man wear to tech job interviews in Seattle?
People appear to agree that in Silicon Valley, men should not wear a suit to software job interviews (and do khakis / button down shirt instead), and that on the East Coast a suit is still appropriate. What about Seattle/Bellevue/Redmond? Will a suit prevent me from getting the job? [more inside]
June 6
A brief vacation.
I'm going to be in the Boston area on the 29th and 30th of this month, and I'm looking for a bed-and-breakfast type place to stay over that weekend. Small and cheap is preferred, and outside the city - I've been thinking south, near (probably not actually on) the Cape. Does anyone have suggestions, either of particular places or of general areas I should aim for?
UK MMR Vaccination?
I was born in the UK in 1972. I don't have childhood vaccination records, and I'm curious to know if I received MMR - i.e. was this a standard vaccination administered to children in the UK for my generation? [more inside]
Messed up a performance, but it's more than that.
How to get over embarrassing performance? [more inside]
posted by 2X2LcallingCQ at 11:00 PM PST - 43 comments
posted by 2X2LcallingCQ at 11:00 PM PST - 43 comments
Kitty towers and outdoor tents for two?
Looking for some suggestions/ideas for secure outdoor cat tents with no floor, and also some indoor cat tree/condo/tower suggestions -- for two indoor-only kittehs. [more inside]
My mother is going to be here in 24 hours and I am FREAKING OUT!
My mother is coming to visit. I love her, we have a good relationship, but I am in sort of weird, transitional moment in my life and she seems to not be taking it very well. Or maybe it's all in my head. I am definitely not taking things very well. How do I deal with this? [more inside]
posted by ablazingsaddle at 10:01 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by ablazingsaddle at 10:01 PM PST - 22 comments
How difficult is it for a US citizen to work in the UK/Europe?
What are the options for a skilled US citizen (advanced background in structural engineering) to get a work visa in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, or Switzerland? [more inside]
posted by pianohands at 9:19 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by pianohands at 9:19 PM PST - 5 comments
Once an asshole…?
My brother was abusive to me when I was a kid. Now we are middle-aged adults, some of the behaviour has returned. How do I deal with it when I have to spend time with him? [more inside]
Hot Tub Roof Installation (in San Francisco)
Hello! I noticed a deck being built on my roof (4 stories tall) in San Francisco. I think it is highly possible that they are putting in a hot tub (which I am stoked about) because there are drainage holes in the tiled floor of the deck they built, as well as plumbing.
Anybody here experience the process of installing a hot tub on a roof? How do they get a hot tub up there? Are there any resources that talk about installation of hot tubs on existing roofs?
I tried flexing my Google fu to no avail and this subject matter intrigues me so.
Pro Tip: Do a word search on 'that' and remove 95% of them
I gave my aunt a draft manuscript of my novel to read and in addition to catching typos and asking about character motivation, she wrote the above. I'm now halfway through the manuscript and I have removed THREE HUNDRED extraneous 'that's.
Maybe 'that' is just my quirk (see what I did there?) but I wonder if you have similar tips. I'm not looking for grammar rules or broad writing suggests like 'use active voice,' just quick, concrete shortcuts to tighten up flabby writing. Another example, depressingly necessary in academia, is to replace every instance of "the way in which" with "how."
Thoughts?
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:59 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by pretentious illiterate at 7:59 PM PST - 56 comments
New phone help, Nexus, Lumia, Galaxy or HTC?
I would love some direction (have read the reviews of course) in finding a good phone to play movies and listen to audio books for which I will not need to use a Data Plan with AT&T.
I tried the Lumia 620 but it died on me in a week and returned it. I think Android looks good, but have not experience. I should just plug in the SIM, right?
Thanks all.
What is the most popular spectator sport in the following countries?
What is the most popular spectator sports in the following countries?
United States- I say football
China- Probably basketball or soccer
France- Probably soccer
Japan- Maybe Baseball
Russia- Soccer or Hockey
Finding Disability Support Services in Northern Virginia
We are looking for a case management/social worker-style arrangement to help a relative with mental illness/learning disabilities manage their medical care, SSI benefits, personal finances and taxes, and basically whatever else comes up that they need help with (home organization, major home or auto repairs, getting a new cell phone plan, etc.)
The relative lives in Northern Virginia.
A few questions inside: [more inside]
Unethical hiring practices in Federal Government
I have a question regarding unethical hiring practices. This question has a few permutations to it. The main one is it looks like a woman will be interviewing for a position, and one person on the three-person interview panel is a man with whom she is having an affair. The other folks who will be interviewed for the job are aware of this. What is their recourse? What is the smartest course of action? [more inside]
Mr. not Dr.
In the novel "Middlemarch", why is the young doctor referred to as Mr. Lydgate, whereas the other doctors are called Dr. (e.g. Dr. Minchin)?
posted by eurasian at 5:46 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by eurasian at 5:46 PM PST - 10 comments
Novice runner (k)needs help!
After not ever running before in my life (without being chased), I've started Couch to 5K. Week 2 is where the trouble began...... [more inside]
Swedish fish out of water!
I'm going to be visiting Stockholm, Sweden for the first time in a couple months. I'm planning on going the AirBnB route, so where's the best part of the city to stay? And what are some etiquette tips for an English-only speaker without a lot of international travel experience? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad at 4:55 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Ms. Toad at 4:55 PM PST - 8 comments
Electrician in the house, the one I don't want to burn down?
I want to start shooting some videos at my apartment, but I want to do it safely. It will involve using lights which might draw significant power, not always linearly. The building is from 1928, with what I understand is old wiring. I need to find a way to measure the capacity of my circuits. [more inside]
posted by VikingSword at 4:47 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by VikingSword at 4:47 PM PST - 13 comments
Sealed message website?
For a game, I'm looking for a website with this functionality:
- many people submit a secret message
- when everyone's submitted a message, they're all revealed
The idea is to allow people to submit a secret entry (such as a bid) without the moderator of the game seeing it.
Does this exist?
Living without a fridge
My fridge is a 115L bar fridge with a small freezer, and it's never particularly full. I've been thinking about getting rid of it altogether. I would like to hear from anybody who successfully gets by without a fridge: any tips and tricks? what did you not realize before you made the transition? anything else I should consider? [more inside]
Why does my uterus hate me?
How common is light bleeding a few days after your period ends? Should I be concerned? TMI below the fold. [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte at 4:04 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by MaryDellamorte at 4:04 PM PST - 16 comments
How can I keep my indoor kitten happy, safe, and litterbox-using?
I have a 7 week old kitten who is a rescue from a feral barn cat family. She is now an indoor cat for life, but I have never raised an indoor cat and I need information and ideas about how to keep her entertained while I'm at work. Also, what's up with her litterbox behavior? [more inside]
Woman Science Fiction writer helped by the CDC?
She did a lot of research on her own & needed an expert to bounce ideas off. She found a sympathetic receptionist who connected her with a scientist who over several calls, said "nope", "nope", "nope", "oh, uhmmm... yeah, that might work". [more inside]
posted by morganw at 3:59 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by morganw at 3:59 PM PST - 5 comments
How to react when stranger is indignant over something accidental?
What's the best response when you accidentally knock into someone in public and they are excessively rude about it? [more inside]
posted by lacedcoffee at 3:38 PM PST - 77 comments
posted by lacedcoffee at 3:38 PM PST - 77 comments
What's behind schizophrenic hallucinations?
Is there a such thing as "happy" schizophrenic hallucination? Or are they inherently destructive? [more inside]
posted by pakoothefakoo at 3:20 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by pakoothefakoo at 3:20 PM PST - 15 comments
WordPress theme for a marketplace
Need ideas of a off-the-shelf WP theme for a marketplace. [more inside]
Comfy Yoga/Workout Pants in the Right Texture for a Curvy Gal?
Hola folks! I am located in WNY area near the Canadian border (willing to drive into Ontario for shoppin'!) and am hoping someone can guide me in the right direction for the right kind of pants. I am looking for Semi-Fitted Lower-waisted (I am short waisted but have serious hips - I HATE those fold-down waist ones with a burning passion) Yoga pants to wear for Yoga & Workouts that also are *not* a matte/cotton type texture. I have light coloured animals in my home and also am self conscious about wearing light colours...hence for the sake of my sanity I like my yoga pants to be a "slick" texture and black or another dark colour. [more inside]
What are the major sources of cabin noise in cars?
I've been thinking of buying noise dampening products to make my car interior quieter. It seems that the common approaches are to get spray-on dampener for the wheel wells and peel/stick sheets for areas like the trunk. Some people go nuts and tear the entire car apart to line the entire cabin with sheets.
I don't have time or money to go nuts, but I would be willing to be a little crazy to target the top 3 or 4 sources of cabin noise, if I could figure out what they are. [more inside]
Do adult women shop at Charlotte Russe too or will I look silly?
I am 37 and shopping for a dress to wear to a wedding in June. My adorable 18 year old babysitter wore a dress to a party the other day that I loved. She bought it at Charlotte Russe.
Except, well, I'm 37 and she's 18.
It's a Maxi-type dress and doesn't look too "young" to me, but am I kidding myself? It looked both comfortable and the mix of casual-dressy I was looking for.
It's this dress. Cuter in person.
If not, where should I look for dresses more my age group?
posted by mazienh at 1:38 PM PST - 56 comments
posted by mazienh at 1:38 PM PST - 56 comments
Router noob in need of help
Help me make my wireless router work with my XP PC [more inside]
Americans do not have a British accent. Why?
I was at lunch today and asked my friends "Why don't American's have British accents in their speach?" They were dumbfounded and began to wonder themselves so I turn to Ask MetaFilter to find the answer.
Weird stuff in mail logs. Was my server hacked?
I'm running the latest LTS version of Ubuntu on my hosting provider's cloud VPS service. I recently noticed a series of weird, spammy looking messages in my server's mail.log file. Tech support at my hosting provider says it does not appear to be compromised; are they wrong? [more inside]
posted by compartment at 1:24 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by compartment at 1:24 PM PST - 2 comments
What is this Asian symbol?
My husband has an old, broken jade necklace that I would like to replace. However, he doesn't remember exactly what it stood for, and I have no idea. A brief search has pointed me in the direction of long life symbol. Yet when I search for a long life symbol pendant, a million other things seem to come to the forefront instead of what I'm seeking. Can anyone offer their thoughts?
Pendant in Question
posted by soleilMia at 1:07 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by soleilMia at 1:07 PM PST - 5 comments
GoT/Red Wedding question (SPOILERS)
Two Game of Thrones questions re: Roose Bolton. (SPOILERS for viewers who haven't yet watched this season; would like to AVOID SPOILERS regarding events that happen in the books beyond the Red Wedding) [more inside]
posted by scody at 1:02 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by scody at 1:02 PM PST - 16 comments
Kidney Stone Birthday
I had surgery this morning to remove another kidney stone. Tomorrow is my birthday and 4 year anniversary with my boyfriend. Any ideas on how to have a special day in the house? More info inside... [more inside]
posted by KogeLiz at 1:00 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by KogeLiz at 1:00 PM PST - 10 comments
cheap and convenient way to ship clothes across US?
What's a cheap and convenient way to ship clothes across US? Caveats below: [more inside]
Food & Fun in Big Sur
My partner and I will be celebrating our anniversary with a weekend in Big Sur, and while the idea is mostly to just enjoy some time to ourselves, we'd also like some suggestions for stuff to do. We're particularly interested in: nice places to eat, gorgeous places to explore, and--is there swimming? Fun places to stop for food or views on the way down would be great, too, especially south of Monterey (we're familiar with the attractions up to there). We'll be staying at the Ragged Point Inn (AskMe favorite Deetjen's was booked, sadly), which on the southern edge of things, and know we'll probably have to drive a bit to get to... well, anything.
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:32 AM PST - 20 comments
posted by rhiannonstone at 11:32 AM PST - 20 comments
Following a few select social media accounts?
I need to monitoring a few social media accounts (on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for a short period of time. Is there a service I can use that will give me a feed of just these select accounts, without giving me a feed of all the accounts I follow/am friends with? [more inside]
Need pride yoga gear in Philadelphia today
I have a yoga fundraiser tomorrow at 5pm that I want something gay pride-ish for (like a t-shirt or yoga pants). I have a lot of gay friends that I could borrow a t-shirt from but I am traveling tomorrow so would be unable to meet up with anyone (and will be unable to shop tomorrow or get anything online by then). I have no rainbow stuff.
I am in Center City Philadelphia. I will be checking Athleta, Lululemon, City Sports, Gap, etc for rainbow stuff, but I'd prefer something that expressly (like words) supports equality. All Google really tells me is gay-friendly stuff, gay reading (e.g. Giovanni's), etc. Does anyone know if any of those places would have slogan/pride t-shirts? Am I missing a HRC location or something else that would have something?
posted by Pax at 11:20 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Pax at 11:20 AM PST - 4 comments
I know they're nice, but they're not for me!
I'm in an amazing relationship, with someone I've known for over two years, and we've been dating for a year-ish. We're both women in our early 20's. I've only dated women up to this point, and been very happy with that. It seems that my brain doesn't want to keep that status quo anymore and is trying to convince me I want to experience being with men. [more inside]
Is naptha (lighter fluid) safe to clean windows?
I have some masking tape adhesive residue on my windows. They are vinyl windows double pane with argon gas inside. I use naptha with is lighter fluid although I use the actual stuff from a paint store to remove adhesive on other stuff it works well. It is safe on plastic. What I'm wondering will it damage the stuff that holds the glass panels to the frame (I think its silicone not sure though) I dont want it to get damaged and let the argon gas leak out.
Adventures in job-searching
How do you tactfully make it clear to another organization that you’d be happy to be poached away from your own company to work for them? [more inside]
Calling all hippies
In the mid 70s the spiritual teacher Ram Dass published a book titled Be Here Now. The format of the book was unique. Its unconventional 'square' shape, with an eclectic mix of text with hundreds of illustrations and various font treatments. It's still in print today. But there's a book that followed or copied the spirit of Be Here Now and I can't recall title: [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 10:30 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by zenpop at 10:30 AM PST - 11 comments
Creative parenting help needed
I would like suggestions regarding an age- and behavior-appropriate punishment for my 14-year old son. [more inside]
Kid-friendly restaurants in Williamsburg Brooklyn?
So some friends of mine, who have a two-year-old, are coming to visit me this weekend in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I don't have kids, but I know there are a lot of kids in the neighborhood, so I know there has to be some kid-friendly dining options.
I only moved in to the neighborhood about a month ago, so I have not had time to explore. Ideally I'd like to find a bunch of kid-friendly restaurants in the neighborhood and send the kid's mom a list of them so that she can pick one out.
Any recommendations?
posted by dfriedman at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by dfriedman at 9:09 AM PST - 4 comments
i want my evernote!
How do you organize your work notes when your company security is really tight? I cannot use Evernote or any web-based tool. I cannot install any programs on my laptop or run anything from a USB drive (I can't even plug in my iphone to charge it). I have Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and LotusNotes (which I HATE). Bonus: this is a new position for me and I'm a bit lost. [more inside]
Watered Down Sexism?
Ordered one drink, received - what I consider - a more 'feminine' version of said drink. Something to complain further about? [more inside]
Therapist/counseller recommendations for Mid Sussex, UK
I urgently need to find a good therapist/counseller in the Mid Sussex region of the UK (ideally in the Haywards Heath area). More details after the break, however I need help dealing with some issues in my marriage, but I don't have a clue how to go about seeking this help. I would ask my GP, however she is on vacation for the next couple of weeks but I need to start getting some help sooner than that. [more inside]
Work in IT with an unrelated degree, what's next educational steps?
Long story short, I have a Gen Ed Bachelors (with about 4 unrelated minors. I like to learn new things) and have worked in IT moving my way up from a general Helpdesk tech into a Senior tech position over the last 4 years. I'm ready to learn and move forward into a new position and probably a new company. I'd like to increase my education though and I'm not quite sure what are reasonable options. Obviously a Masters is nice but frankly, I struggle whether it's worth the cost. I've already got plenty of student loans and I'm rather cash strapped so finances is an important consideration. A local community college offers Associates in Network Administration or Programming for 2 years or 1 year certificate programs in either. There's also the obvious certifications such as A+, etc.
Do I really need a masters at this point or would I be better served with a combination of other options? Any suggestions are much appreciated. [more inside]
Cheapest sensible laptop for photography
I'm beginning to take photographs again, and my apartment has no real easy space to set up my currently-decommissioned desktop PC. My present laptop is super low-end and it's a horrible drag trying to do anything with photos on it. Please recommend a minimum spec replacement - a few more details after the cut. [more inside]
How can I learn to roll my Rs?
Never been able to do it before; it never really mattered. Now I need to do it for a part... help! [more inside]
Adderall questions
I have some questions about Adderall and tolerance. [more inside]
I don't wish to melt
Please suggest to me the best DRUGSTORE makeups and hair products that will look the best, last the longest, will look good in pictures, and will be the most likely to survive a long day where I kinda need to look good the whole time. I don't have access to fancy pants brands, so this needs to be more budget "found at your local Shoppers Drug Mart" products. [more inside]
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 7:04 AM PST - 36 comments
posted by PuppetMcSockerson at 7:04 AM PST - 36 comments
How to fidget with short hair?
I just got a haircut, and it's short enough that I can no longer play with my hair. What can I do instead? [more inside]
posted by casualinference at 6:51 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by casualinference at 6:51 AM PST - 24 comments
Can you identify this ukulele?
Can you identify this ukulele?
I've contacted the seller, but no response. I haven't seen this model of electric ukulele before and I'm curious about it. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by craniac at 6:50 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by craniac at 6:50 AM PST - 3 comments
Need Weird Topics in Female Embodiment / Sexuality / Celebrity / Saints
My current poetry project is poems that deal with subjects fitting into the above categories. Mata Hari's body never being collected and donated to medical school? Check. Evita's body being hidding away in a casket named Maria Maggi in Italy for years? Check. Poem about the relics of St. Therese going into space? Check. Female sideshow freaks? Check. Elvira as death incarnate? Check.
You (kinda) get the idea now of what I'm trying to write about--weird stuff that's happened to women's bodies, especially when that brushes up against pop culture. I can try to explain more if this admittedly vague criteria is still unclear.
Anyway, I'm looking for more topics to write about. Please throw out anything that might fit.
Thank you!
Nursing after one year
My little guy will be turning one this month. Nursing is going fine and I work at home so I am able to nurse him frequently throughout the day (and once at night). Soon I'll need to decide whether to continue nursing or wean him. I'd like to know more about the experience of nursing an older baby, between one and two. Also, I am wondering how continuing to nurse will effect my weight loss efforts, appetite, and appearance.
posted by bq at 6:21 AM PST - 30 comments
posted by bq at 6:21 AM PST - 30 comments
Venus Flytrap in the Office?
Any advice on having a carnivorous plant in the office? My understanding is that if it's directly under a fluorescent light it may be okay. Also, any studies on how many flies one might eat? [more inside]
posted by Caravantea at 6:00 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Caravantea at 6:00 AM PST - 13 comments
Meadowbrook in Gilford NH
Has anyone been to a concert at Meadowbrook in Gilford, NH? I'm going this weekend and trying to figure out logistics, but I can't find much info on their website. For instance: Is there food/drink available to buy there? We have a parking pass, but we don't know how early we should arrive (gates open at 4:30 for a 7:30 show.) Also, we were unable to find an inn that would take us for just 1 night, so we are staying all the way dow in Portsmouth -- does anyone know of somewhere closer we might be able to stay? Any other info about the venue that would be useful is much appreciated!
Shoes like Chucks, but with better arch support?
I'm looking for shoes styled like Chuck Taylors, but I need something with more arch support. Even with orthotics, Chucks are too flat for me.
posted by professor plum with a rope at 1:23 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by professor plum with a rope at 1:23 AM PST - 21 comments
Finding an over-the-phone "tutor" for ASP.NET
Does anyone have any suggestions about finding an over-the-phone "tutor" for ASP.NET -- someone whom I can bug throughout the day with simple 5 minute questions e.g. "what's the best way to update multiple tables on insert from an ASPxGridView?". [more inside]
June 5
Pro-tips for public displays of affection
How to give hugs and kisses that are always nice [more inside]
posted by dinosaurprincess at 11:58 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by dinosaurprincess at 11:58 PM PST - 17 comments
Android to PC sync (cloud-free)
Would like to be able to edit files on my android device and PC and sync folder/files so they are up to date on both. Without any involvement from the stupid cloud. Just a good old fashioned, iphone-style sync. [more inside]
I would like to have a collection of Dan Neil's fascinating auto reviews
Dan Neil wrote for the Raleigh News and Observer years ago (the 90s?), turning automobile review columns into art both surreal and life-affirming. I loved it, even though I hate cars. I want to buy a book of some of his reviews from that era, but I don't think it exists. Any ideas on how I could get some of his writings from that era? [more inside]
How would a "clip-on current transformer" for tracking domestic electric
An Australian start-up, wattcost.com, is developing a "clip-on current transformer" device for analysing energy usage via domestic electricity meters. Is this real technology, or vaporware? [more inside]
reclaiming the pet deposit (cleaning a house that reeks of dog urine)
A week before my former roommate moved out her dog came into heat, resulting in my own ankle biter marking everything he could hike his little leg at. Apparently in his haze of lust he decided that bathing the house in stink would boost his chances of getting a bit of action. Defiled items include the back of my couch, my box spring and the linoleum in the kitchen (where I keep him penned up when I'm out). Also some bedding and other small items I'm comfortable throwing away instead of trying to clean.
Next week I'm moving to another property under the same management and hoping to get back most of my deposits (as well as keeping in the landlord's good grace) by getting the house as minty fresh as possible before I turn in the key.
I'm looking for some low budget recommendations on getting the stench out. I would prefer they be methods that you've used with success, so if I have further questions I can actually discuss it with someone who has experience with the specific method. [more inside]
Need recommendation for geriatric psychiatrist
Does anyone have a recommendation for a geriatric psychiatrist or mental health specialist in Manhattan, Bronx, or Westchester?
Help me understand Darth Vader Cat
My kitty, Shoggoth, just had to have six teeth extracted due to FORLs, including one of these fangs.
I'm curious about whether any Mefites who know about vet stuff can explain some of the mechanics of this to me. [more inside]
posted by lollusc at 9:12 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by lollusc at 9:12 PM PST - 8 comments
Help Me Repair My Awesome Couch
One of the rubber-band cushion supports broke on my Mid Century Modern couch.
I would ideally replace all of the bands, since they are all showing signs of their 50-60 years of use. I was hoping someone would have some magical source for replacement parts.
posted by vansly at 8:44 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by vansly at 8:44 PM PST - 7 comments
I can't afford financial counseling and I can't afford not to have it
Is there such thing as a financial coach for someone in a low-middle income level? If so, where can I find this person? [more inside]
Facial hair is not an issue.
When and where did people first start wearing this?
Short-sleeve T-shirt over a long-sleeve thermal (i.e. waffle-weave, i.e. "long johns") shirt.
Feel free to answer with when and where you personally first saw someone wearing this combination... if you were alive back then, natch!
End-to-end (music) production excellence you can hear
My go-to band for good sound is Steely Dan because, well, Gary Katz. His influence carries over to 10cc. Besides, both Becker and Fagen are committed to sonic perfection. Who else? [more inside]
posted by jet_silver at 7:20 PM PST - 33 comments
posted by jet_silver at 7:20 PM PST - 33 comments
Does My Library's Bank Account Love Me or Hate Me?
I get a lot of books at the library. A LOT. For a while, it was 30-40 new ones/week but with overlap I'd have up to 50 out at once. With the smallest kids mostly out of picture books, I'm down to "only" having ~30 out at once, about 15-20 of which are new/week. I've always assumed it helps the library to have that much traffic because it helps show they need funding.
However, I also do a lot of ILL... [more inside]
I need some student loan advice.
How best to apply for income based repayment for student loans? [more inside]
posted by fozzie_bear at 6:59 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by fozzie_bear at 6:59 PM PST - 6 comments
The Happiest Drink in the World in NYC?
Where can I get Babycham in NYC? Either by the glass in a bar, or for purchase by the bottle. Mail order is fine, too. I'm not looking for any substitutes or similar products... I want the prancing deer!
Where'd this videocassette warehouse thought experiment come from?
I remember reading somewhere about an imaginary giant warehouse that contains every possible VHS cassette. In my memory, the author went on to say that this warehouse contains every movie ever made, and every movie that will ever be made. It contains e.g. the 'Mad Men' series finale, and a tape that's nothing but static, except for one frame of the 'Mona Lisa.' You get the drift. I think it was in an essay someplace, but I may be mistaken. What's the source of this thought experiment?
Where to find Velvet Goldmine pendant?
Where can I find a replica of the green pendant from Velvet Goldmine? There's nothing like it on Etsy and my Googlefu is failing me.
Do I dare to eat a ...n apricot sorbet
Eat it or not: vegan apricot / plum sorbet, unrefrigerated 24 hours [more inside]
A robot that will help me make decisions.
Looking for an app or desktop program that will help me clarify my thoughts and make decisions. Requirements within. [more inside]
What is the deal with Presbyterian Delis?
I just moved to NYC for the summer, am living in Washington Heights. It's a pretty dense commercial area with a ton of shops. Among these shops are a number of places that call themselves "Presbyterian Deli." What is this? [more inside]
posted by el io at 6:21 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by el io at 6:21 PM PST - 13 comments
How can I be more consistent with children?
Just 5 More Minutes
I developed a terrible habit at University my freshmen year. I would tell myself that I would only waste another 5 minutes before starting my homework, but I would keep tacking on an extra 5 minutes, and I would do this almost indefinitely, sometimes all the way up to the due date. Help me develop good habits for next year. :/ [more inside]
How to recover from a major financial setback?
I lost 25+ years' worth of financial achievement, essentially overnight. What do I do now? [more inside]
How can my friend return a too-expensive car in California?
...or alternatives [more inside]
Renn Faire Brain Candy Books?
I (astonishingly) survived the first year of my PhD program. Yay! Now summer is upon me, and I (again, astonishingly) find myself desiring more reading...but this time for funsies! Specifically, I'm looking for some good hammock-and-wine reading material that I can reasonably justify spending time on to my English-Grad-Student brain. I want to immerse myself in a modern fictionalized version of the late medieval and/or Renaissance period. What can you recommend that is genuinely good, but won't ask too much of my super-exhausted noggin? More specific preferences after the jump! [more inside]
Best case studies of organizational transition/scaling?
I'm looking for a case study that examines an organization as it grows and transitions into a larger company. It seems like this would be a ripe topic for writing, since I'm asking about "the life of a startup," but I'm having trouble finding a good, substantive case study that studies the operating environment, organizational circumstances, decisions, etc. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Is dysthymia curable? What does that look like?
Please describe the experience of going from "usually slightly depressed" to "usually reasonably happy". [more inside]
I want to quit Facebook but...
I still want access to occasionally view some family pages. Is there a way to do this? [more inside]
posted by Rad_Boy at 4:00 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Rad_Boy at 4:00 PM PST - 5 comments
What are my options with this pension plan check?
I was issued a check from my old company's pension plan. Apparently it needs to go into a retirement account. Can you help me understand my investment options? [more inside]
Identify this mid-90s hip-hop song?
I'm hoping someone can identify a mid-90s hip-hop track, which for a long time I assumed was by Thirstin Howl III, but now I'm not so sure. The only thing I recall, other than the rapper having what I would characterize as a laconic flow, is a line that rhymed Brooklyn Dodger with Joe Cocker. I distinctly remember the second part of this rhyme being delivered in a sing-song, "I la da da da da like Joe Cocker". (Literally la da da, not a placeholder for something I don't remember.) So, pretty specific right? Anyone?
posted by Lorin at 3:14 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Lorin at 3:14 PM PST - 6 comments
Quote about tolerating paradox
There's a famous quote that goes something like "Intelligence is the Ability to Tolerate Paradox". But that's obviously not it, given that it doesn't google at all.
Can anyone help?
How do I attract and date men (not boys) ?
I'm in my 30s but still feel/look/act like I'm much younger, so I tend to roll with a younger crowd and my last 3 boyfriends were all 2-4 years younger than I am. This needs to stop. [more inside]
posted by hellameangirl at 2:56 PM PST - 53 comments
posted by hellameangirl at 2:56 PM PST - 53 comments
What's a great monitor that's comparable to the Apple Cinema Display?
I have a 2009 MacBook Pro. I need to scale up to a large external monitor but both the new 27" Apple Cinema Display ($999) and the old 30" one (available on CL) are a bit on the expensive side. Are there comparable quality ones I can get for cheaper? Would love to hear about ones you've tried.
posted by special-k at 2:39 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by special-k at 2:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Need to park a motorcycle for 2 weeks (continuously) this July in NYC.
Hello. I acquired a '91 Honda Nighthawk CB250 last summer, and now I need to leave town (Manhattan) for 2 weeks in July. Help me figure out what to do. [more inside]
Moving to Asheville in a few weeks; suggestions for Internet & mobile?
The questions similar to this are a few years old, so I thought I may ask this to see if there's any new info. I'm looking for suggestions for Internet & mobile providers in the Asheville area. [more inside]
How to legally protect myself from filial support laws?
After reading posts like this I've become concerned that my estranged, abusive family will some day drive me into debt. Please advise me on how to legally protect myself from filial support laws. [more inside]
Picture information requestion - Camel with Girl
Does anyone happen to know the origin of or story behind this picture, of a camel and a (supposedly) Mongolian girl. This yahoo answer leads to a dead link.
posted by beisny at 2:03 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by beisny at 2:03 PM PST - 3 comments
Am I dating Brundlefly?
Worrisome developments in fingernail repair. [more inside]
Help me climb onto the next rung of the career ladder
For the past 12 years after college, I have been working in the administrative field in various paraprofessional capacities (such as being a paralegal, program coordinator, office manager, etc). I feel like I just cannot do this kind of work anymore, but don't I see where I can go from here, career wise. Hope me! [more inside]
posted by annie_oakley at 1:35 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by annie_oakley at 1:35 PM PST - 8 comments
What can I do for my downstairs neighbors?
My downstairs neighbors are two of the sweetest people I know. They've done me many favors, from bringing food to inviting me for dinner to watching my cat. I would like to do something in return, but can't think of anything I could do that's equivalent to their generosity. [more inside]
Retro-fitting MP3 input to 1970s record player?
I have a record player from the 1970s (a Garrard 2025 TC to be exact). How difficult (or risky) would it be to replace the sound input from the tape deck with a mini-jack input so that I can play MP3s (such as from an iPod) through the speakers? Is it just a matter of taking the back off, cutting wires and splicing them together?
posted by Grinder at 1:27 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Grinder at 1:27 PM PST - 4 comments
How to allow other users access to installed applications on Mac OS X?
I have some apps installed under the admin account on my Mac. I set up standard user accounts on this machine, and I would like these users to access the already installed applications. When they run the app, it either opens in trial mode or asks for a serial number, even though they are already installed. Is there any way to do this?
Fear and Loving in NYC
Why am I not successful in love and lust? [more inside]
posted by nob'dy at 12:59 PM PST - 35 comments
posted by nob'dy at 12:59 PM PST - 35 comments
Recommend a butane stove for regular indoor use
I live in a shared house with 6 people and a rotating crew of guests. I'm celiac and I get really sick even with minute exposure to gluten. Since I was diagnosed, my roommates and I have cordoned off an area of the kitchen for my use. I also have my own set of pans, which I keep in a lidded plastic bin. But I'm still not feeling 100% better. Because we have so many guests who might not see my "gluten-free" signage, and because my roommates sometimes bake with wheat flour (which can stay in the air 24 hours or so after baking), I feel like the best solution is to set up an affordable personal kitchen in my bedroom. [more inside]
Will a carport canopy work on a slope?
Will a plastic canopy work as a carport for a driveway on a hill? [more inside]
Resurfacing IKEA Furniture?
I've got a black IKEA Expedit bookcase that I've used as a surface the last two years or so, and it shows. For various reasons, I can't really move it from where it is right now (it's part of some custom built in furniture). How can I repaint or restain this thing to look a little better? [more inside]
posted by Apropos of Something at 12:48 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by Apropos of Something at 12:48 PM PST - 17 comments
Contemporary music featuring heavy Scottish accents?
For some reason I really like contemporary music (indie rock, pop, alternatives etc.) featuring vocalists with very heavy Scottish accents (I like Scottish traditional folk too) and I am looking for more to listen to. Some of my current favorites are Arab Strap (and the solo Malcolm Middleton), The Twilight Sad, Frightened Rabbit, King Creosote, and Admiral Fallow. [more inside]
posted by melissam at 12:44 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by melissam at 12:44 PM PST - 38 comments
Best practices for eating organic, minus the bugs
I get organic produce from either a local Whole Foods or farmer's market, and some items (especially lettuces) come with a fair share of bugs. I totally prefer this to ingesting a bunch of pesticides, but I would like to minimize my bug contact/ingestion as much as possible. Specific questions within. [more inside]
posted by annekate at 12:39 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by annekate at 12:39 PM PST - 16 comments
Live satellite view of earth, the sun, the moon...
Are there any public views of real-time / live views from objects in space, especially ones that are pointed at the Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn? [more inside]
posted by wcfields at 12:32 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by wcfields at 12:32 PM PST - 9 comments
Twitter Ate My Favorite Music Blog
The music blog We Are Hunted was my go-to for finding new things to listen to. They were recently purchased by Twitter and shut down. Now how do I find out what the kids are listening to these days? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 12:20 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by forkisbetter at 12:20 PM PST - 12 comments
Driving lessons in Chicago?
A relative needs to brush up on Chicago driving; they have a license, so the basics are all there, but they need more practice. Any thoughts on where to get lessons? [more inside]
posted by aramaic at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by aramaic at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
What Adobe Product Should I Use To Make A Glossy Report?
I am making a 20 page glossy (i.e. lots of graphics and photos) report. Previously, I have been using Illustrator to make individual pages, but that is clearly not the correct tool. What product (preferable Adobe) should I get to create this kind of document?
Am I normal? (poop filter)
Alternating between frequent bowel movements and none, on a one- to two- day cycle - is this normal? [more inside]
posted by Dilemma at 12:05 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Dilemma at 12:05 PM PST - 16 comments
Experiencing sexual dysfunction and other symptoms, post-divorce
Went through extreme anxiety and upheaval 2 years ago and have experienced sexual dysfunction and prostatitis-like symptoms ever since. How can I approach this? [more inside]
SSH tunnel for OSX screen sharing
I would like to connect to a remote OSX machine for screen sharing via a SSH tunnel. A third machine is acting as the bridge between my local machine and the remote host. [more inside]
posted by tip120 at 11:48 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by tip120 at 11:48 AM PST - 5 comments
Out of my window, looking in the night: "Barges" song origin?
Clever way to use color labels on OS X?
I'd like to use the color labels in finder more extensively to help manage files all over my computer, not just for certain areas. Because the labels are system wide the names don't always match the intentions for certain folders labels tend to be cumbersome and not clear in meaning. Areas that I would like labels to work well in are: Downloads, work project folders, Desktop, Archive folders and media folders. Labels that work for one area don't mesh with others. Have you been able to figure out some names for the color labels that are elegant and useful in every user folder in the filesystem? I'm not looking for a way to use spotlight comments or another program to handle this - I'm specifically interested a solid naming convention for elegant, useful color label names. Thanks!
Ceramic sink scratches easily and is a pain in the butt - help
My mom has a ceramic sink that she seems to hate. She says she had actually ordered a different sink and they installed a ceramic one and she didn't notice until afterward and didn't want to argue. Now she's had it for years and it continually annoys her. [more inside]
Why do you sail?
I have started to go sailing with a friend. A small 16 foot hobie cat. I would love to like it, but I'm not really sure I get it. My friend wants to eventually sail around the world (on a different boat!). I'm not so sure and struggling to get past the learning stage.
So why do you sail? Any tips for getting the most of it?
I particularly enjoyed Pirsig's essay Cruising Blues and Their Cure
which covers some of my ambivalence.
Take me to your ivory tower.
I like novels that take place in boarding schools (or in colleges that feel like boarding schools). I've been to Brakebills, Ault, Hampden, Devon, the Concent of Saunt Edhar (totally counts), the University of Missouri, Enfield Tennis Academy, and Hogwarts.* Where should I go next? [more inside]
posted by davidjmcgee at 10:59 AM PST - 76 comments
posted by davidjmcgee at 10:59 AM PST - 76 comments
Cabbagetown Eats
My family is congregating in Toronto for a memorial service in August, and I need to take approximately 10 people out for dinner the night before. Suggestions sought! [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 10:25 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by DarlingBri at 10:25 AM PST - 13 comments
Website - Shopping Cart API Recommendation?
I am looking to set up a website that sells directly to customers, but also to wholesale accounts which will require registration and verification prior to being given discounts. If anyone has any good recommendations for an API that supports this well, please let me know! [more inside]
International package mailed without tracking never arrived. Options?
I live in Canada, my sister's in the US. She mailed me a package over two months ago via USPS First Class and it never showed up. USPS isn't being helpful and says they can't investigate, Canada Post says there's nothing they can do. We have a Customs Declaration Number that shows it (supposedly) left Las Angeles on April 9th, but that's it. Are we hosed? [more inside]
Good bars in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Seeking a good bar or bars in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for this Saturday night. We're a group of about eight (for a decidedly non-rowdy bachelor party), and we'll be wrapping up dinner at Cubana Socíal (N. 6th & Wythe) at around 10:30 or so. We'd love to head to a place somewhere within reasonable walking distance that's fairly low key, not overpriced, not terribly loud, and (this is the holy grail, right?) not super-crowded. I'd be grateful for any recommendations. Thank you!
A waveform? A landform? Just a lovely abstract?
Can you help me learn more about this painting and/or the artist? [more inside]
posted by atlantica at 9:06 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by atlantica at 9:06 AM PST - 4 comments
Need a better bag (Nexus 7 and stuff)
I have this bag and it's a really good shoulder bag (for a guy), pocket for the phone on front, slim pocket on the back for my wallet (think inside jacket pocket style), pocket on the inside for my small camera and the nexus 7 fits perfectly in the big pocket and it also has a zip pocket for change so I always have quarters with me now but I would like something more durable and stylish. Wouldn't mind leather.
posted by Ferrari328 at 7:36 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by Ferrari328 at 7:36 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me have All The Games (computer version)
I would like to be able to play older computer games (from CD) on newer computers. You (or more accurately, I) would think this would be easy as long as the Operating System was the same, but in fact it is not: help me figure out why, figure out if what I want is possible, and help me do it if so. [more inside]
A mysterious alien from a distant solar system wants to PUMP YOU UP
The only thing that gets me to the gym is watching science fiction movies on my iPhone. Can you recommend some more based on the criteria inside? [more inside]
How can I get access to my Chinese ICBC bank account money from USA?
I have Euros in an ICBC account in China, I don't have online banking setup, and I signed, I have signed up for xe.com which didn't help, NYC has an ICBC branch, but I called and they said they can't access my Euros for me (is that true?)
What are my options? is there anyway I can get my money without physically travelling to china?
I have trusted friends in China, maybe I can add someone to my account from here? or power of attorney? or close my account and have them send me the money to america? any ideas are apreciated
Help me send water up the wall
This evening I'll be installing a new drip irrigation system for our garden. I've got vegetables down low, plus some planted on top of an 8-foot retaining wall, and I'm wondering if the system will work. [more inside]
posted by sleevener at 6:29 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by sleevener at 6:29 AM PST - 7 comments
Help me find a new laptop bag, mefi
I have a much-loved camera bag. I love the fabric, the way it feels to wear it and the fact that even when full it doesn't feel terribly heavy. I'd love to find a laptop bag that isn't a camera bag that's of a similar design and material, and has just-as-good durability. [more inside]
posted by gmb at 6:19 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by gmb at 6:19 AM PST - 4 comments
Nanny Severance Package
We are saying goodbye to our beloved nanny of nine years. We would like some advice as to how to handle the severance package. [more inside]
Yeah, that's going to leave a stain...
How accurate are TV shows and movies in their portrayal of cutting throats and lopping off limbs? [warning; Game of Thrones spoilers] [more inside]
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 3:21 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 3:21 AM PST - 14 comments
Help me buy an economical bed!
I'm furnishing my apartment on a truly shoestring budget, and need to buy a bed for the first time.
I know nothing about buying beds besides the concepts of frames, mattress and boxsprings (well, that and buying new to avoid bedbugs).
What kinds of factors should I be considering? Where and how should I be buying my bed? What's a reasonable price? Please educate me! This is in the U.S.A. [more inside]
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 3:08 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by raspberry jam and clothes iron at 3:08 AM PST - 27 comments
Great short stories to read aloud for ESL teens
I'm looking for a few short stories to read aloud to ESL students between 13 and 16 years old, each divisible into a few 15- to 20-minute chunks, and each engaging. [more inside]
Trying To Identify Stereo Sampler (circa 1960)
Sometime between 1958 and 1962 I was given a stereo record player. Some time thereafter I got a stereo sampler LP. I'm trying to find out which one (there were many issued at the time). Details: [more inside]
posted by CCBC at 12:46 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by CCBC at 12:46 AM PST - 4 comments
XSmall but not "petite" dress shirts for women? Is this impossible?
So, I need suggestions for local (not online) places to find X-Small women's dress shirts. The problem is that I have a few normal ish requirements, and most women's "small" shirts don't fit! Help! [more inside]
How can I buy or make a comfortable double bed for little cash?
I rent a bedroom in a shared house, and my bed belongs to the room. It sucks and I need a new one. It's a double, but I have room to go bigger if it's not a big price upgrade. The new mattress should be fairly firm, but thick enough and squishy enough that I can lie on my side comfortably. The bedframe can be very minimal, but it should also be high, a meter or more elevated for storage purposes. It must not wobble. [more inside]
posted by 4th number at 12:00 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by 4th number at 12:00 AM PST - 21 comments
June 4
Are there any particularly good books or articles about self promotion?
I have eight months until a big book release, and I figure my main job until then is to promote my blog and my book. So how do I go about that in an effective way? I know *some* of what I'm supposed to do (write lots of good blog content, guest post a lot, get backlinks), but even for those parts, I imagine there are better and worse ways of going about it (asking people to link to certain articles doesn't seem to work very well, and I haven't had much luck with guest posting offers lately.) Any good books or articles on this subject? Or suggestions of your own?
What is this spider?
Can you identify this hideous hermit crab looking spider? The pictures kind of suck because I only see him at night but: 1, 2, 3
Movie with a girl who turns into a star on a staircase?
I'm looking for one of those near-forgotten movies from childhood. I don't have a ton of info here. For some reason, I thought for a long time it might be a Sesame Street movie (or episode, or something), but it might just as well have been totally unrelated. The movie/episode climaxes on the top of a huge set of stairs (I recall it as stylistically over the top - sky at the top of the stairs, the stairs themselves were lit up, etc.), and a girl is turned into a star (a literal star, not a celebrity). It was a really sad scene. There were others there to say goodbye to her. It felt like a death, and I definitely cried. It's the only scene I remember, unfortunately. Anyone else remember something like this?
posted by SpiralT at 10:32 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by SpiralT at 10:32 PM PST - 14 comments
Are there dangers in connecting to a comprimised (virus-ridden) PC?
Cleaning a virus-ridden PC using Windows Easy Connect -- is my Windows 7 machine at risk? [more inside]
Advice on at least getting an IEP for a sweet kid with OCD
A young junior high aged relative (a cousin’s daughter) has severe OCD with compulsions related to checking and handwriting plus obsessions related to harm/avoiding harm. Immature coping skills/tendencies in many of the adults around her mean that her home life is chaotic at best. She does not have an IEP or adequate mental health services. At the strong recommendation of a regular pediatrician, my cousin did go to the school and attempt to request help/changes. This was a huge step for my cousin given that she also has severe OCD, is very avoidant, and has a lot of shame. She was largely dismissed by a teacher and a principal who said that there was “nothing wrong” that wasn’t due to “home life” and that the child just “needs to work faster”. [more inside]
posted by shylady at 10:04 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by shylady at 10:04 PM PST - 6 comments
What is the largest stylus-based pen computer?
What pen-based computers let you draw with a fine-pointed stylus, and not with your fingers? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 9:37 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by shipbreaker at 9:37 PM PST - 9 comments
What's the title of this movie I watched when I was a little kid?
The film was a musical/sing along deal featuring some kids who are transported to a black and white world that used to be in color, but lost color because everyone was sad or intolerant or something. [more inside]
posted by WhitenoisE at 8:46 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by WhitenoisE at 8:46 PM PST - 9 comments
I'm cheap.
Given that coconut yogurt is $2 for 6 ounces and I'm casein intolerant, I'd like to find a cheaper way to make it without buying it commercially. I've seen this website, as well as this aaaaaaand this. You've tried this. How did it go? Oven or yogurt maker? Agar agar or pectin or gelatin? And most importantly - is it safe with the cultures? I don't want to get sick.
Will progressive lenses narrow my world view
I know it takes time to get used to progressive lenses, but after a day with my first pair I don't know if I want to get used them. Please help me understand what will change as I adjust and what is a permanent part of living with progressive lenses. I'd like some perspective before going back to the optometrist. [more inside]
Hazardous waste: it's a gas!
Please suggest some funny stuff to write on (fake) hazardous waste labels to decorate the office of the hazmat safety guy who's coming back from sabbatical. The labels look similar to this. [more inside]
On how to be the type of supervisor that doesn't drive people crazy
I'm going to be supervising people for the first time this summer. How can I do it well? [more inside]
Grad gift: DSLR camera versus one of these newfangled "mirrorless" cams
Middle school is behind us and Mrs. Corrocio and I want to reward our girl with a camera. But what to get? [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 7:57 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by ecorrocio at 7:57 PM PST - 20 comments
Sit. Stay. Heel. Come.
A NSFW question about achieving a particular female orgasm... [more inside]
YANMD: Can reactions to insect bites get progressively worse?
Whenever I get insect bites, they swell up a lot - more so than they seem to for most people. It seems to me that over the past few years, the reactions are getting progressively worse. Is this actually possible? [more inside]
What does this logo mean?
At the thrift store today, I found a hat with this logo (rattlesnake star of david curled around a skull with a spider web) and this other logo on the back. What does it mean? [more inside]
posted by ladypants at 7:24 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ladypants at 7:24 PM PST - 12 comments
Cheap but good home internets? NetZero? FreedomPop? Something else?
I currently have Comcast cable internet at home. I hate Comcast. I'm curious about these newfangled internet delivery systems including Netzero, FreedomPop and - is there anything else? [more inside]
Do elves make pie?
Tolkien elves, I mean... not, like, Keebler elves. Do they, at any point in Tolkien's works, make or eat pie? And if so, what kind of pie? [more inside]
posted by Nibbly Fang at 6:48 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by Nibbly Fang at 6:48 PM PST - 27 comments
Unplanned Pregnancy Ambivalence
I am 12 weeks pregnant and have an abortion scheduled in a few days. I am feeling more and more ambivalent. Hope me. [more inside]
Crowd-pleasing restaurant in SF-- with multiple axes of diet issues.
One of us can't eat gluten or nightshades (peppers, tomatoes.) One of us is a vegetarian and doesn't eat seafood, and one will eat meat but not seafood. None of us care about cocktails or wine lists. What are some reasonably-priced (aim for under $40/person, will consider more), no-reservations, sit-down, casual/smart casual restaurants that we all might enjoy? Bonus points for a menu also excluding peanuts/peanut oil, extra super bonus points for Richmond/Sunset area.
Is speech pathology a good career choice for me?
I love children, am introverted, am really good at science, but am missing about five prerequisite classes in speech and language. Is speech pathology a good career choice for me? [more inside]
Good Films about Politics
What are some good films that are about politics or democracy? [more inside]
Can I run a half-marathon by Sept 8?
I'm considering registering for a half-marathon on Sept 8 and wondering how realistic/hard a goal it is. I'm young and in good health but haven't run more than 3 miles before. I'm also looking for recommendations for a training plan. [more inside]
What are some good Italian Food in the Meatpacking district in NYC
My buddy is going on a first date with a girl and wanted to take her out to Italian in the meatpacking district in NYC. What are good choices in that area. He's looking to keep the total bill to around $125, but remember this is a first date, so we need to impress a little as well ;)
Thx!
Firestyle
Do we need a prenuptial agreement? If so, what might we want it to say?
Long-time couple finally getting married, and we think we might want a prenuptial agreement. What should we know about the practical aspects of creating and adhering to a premarital agreement? Same-sex couple in Massachusetts, more snowflakes inside. [more inside]
No Contact.. Or Just A Little Contact?
I am a social worker who has recently started working at a new agency in the same small community as my last position. While my departure from the previous agency went smoothly, there has been one glitch that I need to handle - and I would really appreciate some advice on the best course of action. [more inside]
Best Wagner recording on Spotify?
Inspired by the recent Stephen Fry Wagner documentary, I'd like to listen to some of his operas at work. What are the best recordings of them that are on Spotify?
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 5:20 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Charlemagne In Sweatpants at 5:20 PM PST - 2 comments
How can I take my super small retail business online?
I sell Mexican arts and crafts, alpaca, shell jewelry, hand painted shell bobble heads, all made by indigenous people in Mexico (I'm a Mexican american immigrant, and I import a small amount of crafts every year), I'd like to use facebook, or a website, or internet to sell my jewelry to a wider audience, but I'm a very beginner and need ideas and guidance. So far I have just been doing craft shows for many years, but I'd like to make more money hopefully enough to live off of.
Can you put siding over Formstone?
I'm looking to update the front of my 15' x 30' attached Baltimore row home.
It currently features ugly formstone.
I'd like to add a mason veneer siding on top of the existing formstone if possible. Can this physically be done?
Thank You!
Eric
To gallivant, or not to gallivant.
Am I crazy to be considering abandoning a successful career to enter the Foreign Service? [more inside]
Muppets Needed
My toddler loves a certain type of Muppet clip. Can you find me other examples? [more inside]
Saving money for a PhD program
Hi everyone,
I'm entering a PhD program in statistics starting this August. I just finished off paying CC debt a month ago so I'm now starting to save up some money before I head out to California to start the program.
I'm fully funded, but I was thinking about saving $9000-11000 before my program starts (I currently work at a 65k/yr job). Has anybody else done something similar, and if so, could he/she tell me about how having some money buffer changed the grad student experience?
My other option would be, since I'm fully funded, enjoying my time traveling and doing fun stuff for a bit. Then I'd probably have a good 5000 to 7000 saved up instead of around 10000.
Just wanted to see your thoughts. What would YOU do?
Cantilevered side chairs for great justice.
I am furnishing a small studio apartment. I live two blocks away from a Restoration Hardware showroom. I like this $129 chair there. Restoration Hardware will not sell me a floor sample and they will not ship to store. The fixed home delivery charge is $125 whether you're buying 8 chairs or just one. I just need one. Find me a suitable replacement that will cost less than $250 all told. [more inside]
Recovering from muscle injury
About a week ago I apparently suffered some type of injury to the front of my thigh muscle. This has caused excruciating pain when I try to sit up, stand up or sit down, pain worse than when i broke my ankle and pain worse than childbirth. The only position that is at all bearable is lying on my side with the injured leg on top. I've been to the ER twice now with x-rays, lab work and ultrasounds ruling out fracture, blood clot, etc and the only positive finding being soft tissue swelling. The only diagnosis I have been given is muscle tear. Has anyone ever suffered an injury such as this? How long a recovery period can I expect? I haven't showered or really been out of bed in a week except to visit the toilet (which is excruciatingly painful in itself). I'm the least sporty person I know, so I'm hoping some MeFi athletes might have experience with muscle tears and can give an idea of what to expect.
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 3:03 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by SweetTeaAndABiscuit at 3:03 PM PST - 10 comments
I miss kids
How can I spend more time around children? I basically have zero interaction with any children, ever, and it's sort of getting me down. [more inside]
How to be more process-oriented and less goal-oriented?
I'm trying to train myself to find more joy in creative pursuits, and I think a key would be in becoming more about the process and less about "success." Any advice on how to rewire my brain to this end?
I need to frisk my old man
How do you discreetly frisk someone for concealed firearms? [more inside]
posted by digitalprimate at 12:24 PM PST - 70 comments
posted by digitalprimate at 12:24 PM PST - 70 comments
Plan My Days For Me Again
Mrs. W and I will be speeding four days in Galena, IL at the end of July. Recommendations for restaurants, book stores, arty type things, craft stores, and any off the beaten path treasures that typical visitors might not know about? I am leaving this very open ended; if you liked something there, or in the general area, let us know.
posted by wittgenstein at 12:20 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by wittgenstein at 12:20 PM PST - 7 comments
The Amazing Disappearing Bedroom
I'm starting the process of selling my house. It turns out that one bedroom is not actually large enough to be a legal bedroom in this state --- it is 60 sq ft and the minimum in NY is 70. So apparently mine is a two bedroom house instead of a three bedroom. When I bought the house, it was officially represented as three bedrooms. Do I have any recourse? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 12:12 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 12:12 PM PST - 25 comments
Paws Don't Fail Me Now
Yesterday as I was trimming my dog's nails, I noticed that he has abrasions on three of his four paws. What do I need to do? [more inside]
posted by halogen at 12:05 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by halogen at 12:05 PM PST - 12 comments
Chansons françaises comme celles de Charles Trenet
Francophone Mefites- what other mid-century French singers should I be listening to? [more inside]
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:05 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by TheWhiteSkull at 12:05 PM PST - 5 comments
Threatening App Store seller behaviour - credible?
I wrote a polite email to an App seller advising him I would be posting a 1-star review of his app on Apple's App Store. He replied, "Electronic postings of defamation, libel and slander are now well covered under English and European law. My litigation solicitors are [redacted] of London, who have looked after my interests for over twenty years now, nor have ever lost me a case, from individuals to a nation-state. Put up any post and it'll cost you several thousand pounds for each day it stays up; I do hope I make clear..." Can he do this, can I reliably protect myself, and has he violated any Terms and Conditions as a seller on the App Store? Specific reference to English and European Law and Apple App Store Terms and Conditions would be very helpful. Thank you.
posted by falcon at 11:25 AM PST - 27 comments
posted by falcon at 11:25 AM PST - 27 comments
1980s/70s British Horror Film/TV series featuring a village of vampires?
Hi! I call upon the collective wisdom of the Metaverse! I recall in my younger days a film/tv hsow that I saw once on TV (perhaps I rented a film - it was a while ago) that had a village with vampires - but for the life of me, I can't remember the name of the show! This is what I remember: [more inside]
posted by bootlaces at 11:16 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by bootlaces at 11:16 AM PST - 2 comments
Help me identify this pattern!
I have a scarf that was in a relative's belongings and am unable to identify the pattern/brand! [more inside]
Inbox Zero: Defer emails in Outlook-only confidential work environment?
How can I defer emails in Outlook without installing new software or emailing outside of our company's domain? Do you have best practices for achieving inbox zero despite constraints? [more inside]
posted by Draccy at 11:05 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Draccy at 11:05 AM PST - 2 comments
Why not bust large domestic scams?
So I got one of those "US Airlines" free ticket doodads in the mail. Yes, I know it's a scam. But it led me to wonder: why aren't these large-scale, domestically run scams actually busted? I assume the intent to deceive makes this particular one at the very least intentional infringement on US Airways's trademarks, and quite possibly mail fraud. [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 11:01 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by jackbishop at 11:01 AM PST - 12 comments
What happened to all the copper engraving plates the USGS used to use?
My dad has a unique coffee table that his father (a geologist) made, in which the top surface is a copper plate once used by the USGS to print topographic maps. I was curious if I could find any more of these plates out there somewhere. [more inside]
I'm new to depression. Please help.
Yesterday I admitted aloud to my husband that I think I am suffering from depression. This came after a lengthy argument over something trivial. Lately I have been feeling very, very irritated at the littlest things, and I feel like I could tear the world apart. [more inside]
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 10:02 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by ThaBombShelterSmith at 10:02 AM PST - 39 comments
Lavender and Eucalyptus
I would love my apartment to smell very strongly of lavender and/or eucalyptus. I have cats, so live plants are sort of out. I would rather avoid having to burn candles. I just sort of want to come home and ensconce myself in the awesomeness. It is about 1000 square feet, and I would like to have the monthly maintenance of this aromatic oasis be about 50 bucks. Thanks in advance.
posted by oflinkey at 9:42 AM PST - 40 comments
posted by oflinkey at 9:42 AM PST - 40 comments
good place to take a Spanish-speaking week's vacation?
Wrestling with Mexico vs. Spain vs. ??? [more inside]
how to find decent plumber/handyman
We have a plumbing emergency, and a backlog of household projects and repairs. [more inside]
posted by Lizzle at 9:31 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by Lizzle at 9:31 AM PST - 13 comments
Is "sawbuck" generally recognized as $10 in North America? Elsewhere?
I've been thinking of starting a small, single-serving Web site that offers a very specific service for $10. I was thinking about calling it “Sawbuck [Service]”. How much confidence should I have that the word "sawbuck" will be understood by most casual readers as meaning $10?
posted by Shepherd at 9:23 AM PST - 110 comments
posted by Shepherd at 9:23 AM PST - 110 comments
Extracting Data from SEC's EDGAR system: How (w/o XBRL)
Trying to run some value-investing analyses, and running into a huge roadblock.
I want to extract SEC filings (via the EDGAR database) on a daily basis and have the data inserted into a MySQL database. I'm basically looking at forms 10-Q, 10-k, DEF-14a, and forms 3, 4, and 5. After the initial set-up, I'd only need to d/l forms that have changed (via change of timestamp, I'm assuming). [more inside]
posted by NYC-BB at 9:15 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by NYC-BB at 9:15 AM PST - 6 comments
Cleveland in daylight
Spending a few days in Cleveland for a wedding later this month, and will have mornings/afternoons to kill and breakfasts and lunches to eat. Any suggestions? [more inside]
First World Problems: Academic edition
Academic sabbatical +/- having a baby: how does that work? What is the most "logical" time frame for either of these to occur? Is this a bad idea altogether? [more inside]
Need to get a person's cell phone number. It's probably an iPhone.
First things first: I'm not a stalker and I won't do anything illegal. I've found the person who is almost certainly my birthmother. I need her cell phone number. I believe it's an iPhone. I also have an iPhone, for what it's worth.
Please note: this question is not about whether it's a good idea to contact this person. Nor is it about whether I should contact her via an alternate method. [more inside]
Suggestions for podcast serials?
I listen to audiobooks and podcasts a lot, both in my shop and on the road. I'm a big fan of zombie-themed stuff, but I also like things like Radiolab. I'm aware of the "We're Alive" series, but what OTHER serial / series podcasts are out there that I'm not aware of? Theme doesn't really matter, I just want hours and hours of the same characters or at least of a continuing adventure.
posted by TomMelee at 7:49 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by TomMelee at 7:49 AM PST - 13 comments
Isolation, Linguistically & Socially: the 4 Year Edition.
This past late March marked four years of living in Quebec. It has also marked more or less four years of isolation. This needs to change. A myriad of snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 7:29 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by Kitteh at 7:29 AM PST - 28 comments
Top tips for personal measuring scales?
My personal scale has died, so I'm in the market for a new one. Any tips? [more inside]
I am lazy.
Can I use separate numeric keyboards, one with the NumLock on and the other with it off? [more inside]
posted by eunoia at 7:14 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by eunoia at 7:14 AM PST - 7 comments
Where to go next in personal finance journey?
How to balance saving, paying off debt, improving living situation, having a baby, getting spouse more involved in finances, better managing retirement accounts, and a partridge in a pear tree. [more inside]
Dog misbehavior ... introduced second dog
I have an 8 yr old American Staffordshire (LAILA), I adopted her at 2 years old (she had a past of abuse/neglect). She is an amazing dog but since I got her when I would leave sometimes she would chew anything in sight ...this behavior stopped finally once I worked with her and she started to become more confident in herself/me. Now, the only time she misbehaves is when another dog is introduced into the picture, and I can't get her to stop. [more inside]
posted by love2much at 7:01 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by love2much at 7:01 AM PST - 8 comments
What can I do if an intruder breaks in that DOESN'T require a gun?
I am a newly single mother. I live in a small town that is fairly safe, but you never know. I do not want a gun in my house since it raises the chances of a gun-related accident with children. [more inside]
Shorter commute vs interesting city?
My partner and I are moving from a major northeast city to the Bay Area this summer and are looking for input on the commute/quality of life balance. [more inside]
Outlining stories
Can you recommend some good resources for writing outlines for short fiction? I have this book which focuses on novel writing, and I'd like a comparable resource for short stories, novellas, and other, shorter pieces. [more inside]
Bands/Artists with non-alphanumeric symbols
I'm looking for examples of bands or solo artists which contain non-alphanumeric characters in their name. They must be well known (in the UK) and mainstream. [more inside]
posted by salmacis at 6:22 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by salmacis at 6:22 AM PST - 45 comments
Book Award Recommendations?
My wife and I are starting a "book club" for the two of us. The plan is to read an award winning book each month. The first month we'll read a book that won an award in 2012, the second month an award-winner from 2011 and so on.
There are many, many book awards to pick from so here's the question: What book awards do we use to determine the "nominees" for each month? [more inside]
Eh, just a beer actually.
Let's say you're in an unfamiliar area and walk in to a bar you have never been in before. You appreciate a nice cocktail, but don't know anything about this bar's bona fides. What do you ask for? [more inside]
InDesign 6 is giving me a headache - literally
We recently got upgraded to Windows7 here at work. (Yay?) For some reason, everything now looks like crap unless I set my resolution to the "recommended" monitor setting, 1920 x 1200. Which I did. And now the palette labels in InDesign 6 are teeny-tiny. It's especially awful in my long list of paragraph styles.
I boosted the default font size through Windows, but that only affects the drop-down menus, not the labels. This is a stupid question but...please hope me! It has proven to be un-Googleable.
Which country's law apply?
Friend working overseas for an USA company. [more inside]
Which illuminated E-reader for me?
Time for a new e-reader, and of course nothing will give me everything I want, but maybe ebook-loving Mefites can help me choose. I'm currently looking at the Kindle Paperwhite, the Kobo Glo, and the Kobo Aura HD. Because I'm reading for work online all day (on my laptop), my #1 priority is ease on the eyes when reading for pleasure on an e-reader. I have a first gen Kindle, but I'm currently reading on iPad with retina display, which doesn't seem to strain my eyes, but battery issues and weight are a problem. All other details after the jump... [more inside]
But it just looks so shiny
I need a new phone. I also want to start getting into filmmaking. I happened to stumble across the Nokia 808 Pureview, which looks like it covers both criteria, and is pretty awesome to boot! But my more tech-savvy friend said that the phone itself wasn't great, and I might as well get a separate phone and camera. You may assume (quite rightly) that I have next to no knowledge of technology. Please advise this total noob on what to get :) [more inside]
How to get over this urequited crush or limerence?
I have had feelings for my thesis advisor for a number of years. He is very extroverted and charming and what I always thought were signs that he is interested in me, I now see that it's just his personality. He is in an on/off relationship with a woman with whom he has 2 children. I want to get rid of these feelings and don't know how. [more inside]
posted by sabina_r at 4:11 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by sabina_r at 4:11 AM PST - 15 comments
San Marzano Tomato Emergency-Calling All Tomato Experts
My San Marzano tomato seedlings have stopped growing. They have one small set of leaves on them and I have them out on the deck. [more inside]
posted by AuntieRuth at 3:27 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by AuntieRuth at 3:27 AM PST - 11 comments
Let's get it on...
Need to find songs about sex for a funny mix-album as part of my brother's wedding present. [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime at 1:21 AM PST - 65 comments
posted by allkindsoftime at 1:21 AM PST - 65 comments
Toasty toes
Is it possible to recreate the sensation of below-floor heating in an apartment bathroom? [more inside]
June 3
Recent Translations of Japanese or Korean novels?
I've been on a Murakami bender for a while, and I have only two novels of his left to read. I'd like to find some other Japanese or Korean novels in translation, now that I can see the end of all this is near. [more inside]
Box on back of Canadian women's soccer players.
During the Canada vs USA friendly women's soccer match, many of the Canadian players had a single rectangular shaped protrusion located high between the shoulder blades and under the jersey. What might this be?
posted by Feisty at 9:52 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Feisty at 9:52 PM PST - 3 comments
micro amp for viola?
I'm looking for an amp for my viola+pickup. I just want something small, portable, and affordable. Would really like to have a reverb knob. Suggestions? [more inside]
What kind of Toad is this?
We have a toad (we think) ... or maybe a frog? Can you help identify it? [more inside]
posted by hilaryjade at 8:41 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by hilaryjade at 8:41 PM PST - 9 comments
Moving cross-country as a physically disabled person
This summer, I'll be moving 2000 miles across the country for a new job. I have to hire movers to load my things into my pod, but I'd like to save money and pack things myself. But that's difficult because I have a degenerative joint condition that makes even simple things like standing, leaning forward, or doing the dishes very difficult. [more inside]
Post-car accident etiquette 101 - PA edition
Rear ended a car on a slick road today. Called police to get a report filed. Now what? [more inside]
Seen but not heard (well not CONSTANTLY)
I need help teaching my 4 year old how to not interrupt and how to be silent when necessary. [more inside]
How to slow down the speed of time inside your head?
When I looked at the calendar and noticed that this year was half gone, I started to feel panicked. I remember being a child and feeling like each day would never end, now I feel like I can't blink without another week being gone. I know that the feeling that life is speeding up is quite common, and it's a little scary for me. Beyond mindfulness techniques and seeking out novel experiences, I am wondering if people can share ideas/hacks for how to fight this effect. How do I stop feeling like time is passing me by too quickly?
Making HFS+ volume available to Windows 8
What is the best way to access an HFS+ volume from a Windows 8 PC? [more inside]
Kongming Lanterns in Massachusetts
Where can I buy sky lanterns in Massachusetts? [more inside]
posted by mkb at 7:37 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by mkb at 7:37 PM PST - 9 comments
What outdoorsy activity should we do in Asheville, NC?
My wife and I are going to Asheville, NC this weekend. We plan to spend most of our time relaxing, shopping, eating out, and chilling at the spa (we're staying at the Grove Park Inn - best spa ever). We would like to plan one or two outdoorsy activities for one day - maybe 5 hours maximum. We need some advice on what to do and where to do it. [more inside]
posted by kdern at 7:22 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by kdern at 7:22 PM PST - 13 comments
Looking for a particular cat ball, typically sold in a variety pack.
I'm looking for where to buy this exact, particular toy cat ball. It is typically only sold in a variety pack, with a bunch of other toys that are clearly inferior. However, I do not want to waste money on the variety pack. I just want this ball. I have also seen this ball used as the body of a cheapo shuttlecock for badminton. Can anyone on MetaFilter please help me?
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:19 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Sticherbeast at 7:19 PM PST - 4 comments
Is it possible to visit a bit of Munich during a 6-hour layover?
On my way to Eastern Europe, I will have a 6-hour layover in Munich. Would it be feasible to buy a quick snack and run to the Pinakothek in that interval or at least get out of the airport at all (please recommend destinations)?
posted by Tarumba at 6:51 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Tarumba at 6:51 PM PST - 5 comments
How to: Have a good summer vacation
I'm in academia and during summer my workload goes down quite a bit. I'm earning enough money through a part-time appointment and a grant stipend so that I don't necessarily need to work extra to make ends meet, and as such I anticipate having a great deal of free time. I have a few projects lined up with deadlines far in the future, and I'm looking for advice on ways to structure having a lot of free time without wasting it getting stuck in a social media / video game k-hole. [more inside]
Please help me wake up!
I feel like I have been constantly tired for the past 2 or so months. I am tired from the moment I wake up until I go to bed at night and often have trouble keeping my eyes open during the day. I also suffer terribly from headaches and general neck and shoulder stiffness which adds to the fatigued feeling. I have been to the doctor and everything appears to be normal including iron levels, and also I'm not depressed. I am feeling quite stressed in my life though, I don’t enjoy my work and I have an 8 year old daughter and a partner who travels a lot for work. I’m looking for a new job but these things take time and I haven’t seen anything that takes my fancy yet. Also it’s coming up the anniversary of the death of a loved one so I wonder if that’s having an effect. I know I need to get more exercise but I am not sure what I should/could be doing and I’m so exhausted its tiring just thinking about it. I eat relatively well and make/eat a lot of home cooked meals. I’m hoping for some ideas on how I can beat this tiredness and find some motivation and energy in my life. I’d also love to beat these awful headaches. Please help me wake up!
posted by Youremyworld at 6:44 PM PST - 31 comments
posted by Youremyworld at 6:44 PM PST - 31 comments
Breaking out of a dinner rut
I try to plan my recipes for the week in advance, but lately I've been feeling really uninspired. Nothing's grabbing my attention. I'm looking for suggestions for cookbooks, websites, recipes, or books in general that might help me get my cooking mojo back. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 6:39 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by synecdoche at 6:39 PM PST - 14 comments
Gift for parent who eloped? Yes, no, maybe?
My 74-year old father just eloped, and I have no idea if I should get a gift for him, and if so, what it should be. More dysfunctional family details inside. [more inside]
posted by sazanka at 6:36 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by sazanka at 6:36 PM PST - 11 comments
Non profit financials
Where does one find financial statements (similiar to SEC filings) for non profit organizations [more inside]
Freezable shortcrust pastry recipes?
For some reason, I have 4 packets of shortcrust pastry in my freezer taking up what little room I have. Can you a) recommend delicious recipes that best make use of this instead of say, puff pastry, and b) also if possible include recipes that freeze well as I'm about to have a newborn and would like to clear this space in my freezer and fill it with meals we can just defrost and cook/eat once the baby comes. Could the recipe say at what point to freeze (before or after cooking). Savoury preferred but dessert ok in a pinch. Extra points if they're toddler friendly. Even if they can't be frozen, anything that uses it up will be appreciated.
Best resource for learning MVC PHP and/or Magento?
What's the best way to learn the techniques and patterns of modern PHP development? [more inside]
Need a surrogate older sister... where to find?
What I want is an older sister /grandmother/ auntie type - someone wise I can write letters to from time to time, who will write me thoughtful letters back and offer suggestions and whatnot. A life coach? A counsellor (or therapist)? Does anyone offer this service? I would happily pay a reasonable fee. [more inside]
Vancouver, BC Vacation with Public Transit?
My wife and I are taking the train to Vancouver, BC this summer. Any recommendations on what is worth, or not worth, doing or seeing when traveling without a vehicle? (Example: The Sea to Sky drive will not happen) [more inside]
posted by Leenie at 5:37 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Leenie at 5:37 PM PST - 15 comments
Fighting/rectifying a mistake made by FSA admins
Asking for my SO. Short version: Because of incorrect information we received from ADP (our FSA administrators) in February, we're about to lose $1400 in SO's FSA that we had saved for her Lasik. We've contacted a healthcare advocate, and are trying to move up her surgery; in your experience, is there anything else we can do? [more inside]
How much 'adult' time do you have after having kids?
Are you an adult in a two-parent, dual-income family? Do you have kids of school age? Could you give me an idea of how much "adult" time you have in a normal week? I don't mean just sex, anything that's not kid-dominated would count: date night, beers, whatever. Pop culture makes having kids out to be all-consuming from just about conception until college but I don't have any real-world frame of reference for it so I'm trying to calibrate myself.
Help me find this American Studies 101 textbook about the Vietnam War
Help me find this American Studies 101 textbook about the Vietnam War. The book covered the war from a social angle -- not a military history, per se, but a social look at the politics, the day-to-day experience for a soldier, how the war was perceived at home, how it went wrong, etc. It was a blue-covered paperback, and I believe the title was one word. I also recall the author being a woman. It was used as an American Studies 101 textbook in the late 80s, early 90s.
grandma and grandpa tourist
where to take the grandparents in the bay area? [more inside]
posted by koroshiya at 4:11 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by koroshiya at 4:11 PM PST - 14 comments
Help me turn my rickety old garage into a usable workspace!
I'd like to turn my old (built around 1925) garage into a comfortable office/workspace, but because this is a rental I don't want to spend a lot of money. It's basically a 10x10 wood box with one very tiny window and a couple overhead flourescent lights. Biggest problems: It gets hot in the summer/cold in winter, and smells kinda weird. Your help urgently requested! [more inside]
Don't tell me your kryptonite
Is being keenly aware of how you may hurt someone a safeguard or hindrance? [more inside]
posted by ichomp at 3:48 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by ichomp at 3:48 PM PST - 9 comments
Best BBQ sauce for bison burgers?
I picked up a couple of premade bison burgers from a local farmer and will be grilling them tonight, weather permitting. What's the best kind of BBQ sauce to apply? Sweet, spicy, smoky, what? Preference given to something I can swing by the (Canadian) Safeway and pick up on my way home. If it matters, the buns are sweet Hawaiian, the side dish is sweet potato fries with chipotle dipping sauce, and this will be my first time with non-beef hamburgers.
posted by Nyx at 3:22 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Nyx at 3:22 PM PST - 8 comments
A million dollars would be nice, but I'll accept lower
Best ways to respond to the salary question during job interviews when the experience is more valuable then the paycheck? [more inside]
posted by lpcxa0 at 3:20 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by lpcxa0 at 3:20 PM PST - 4 comments
There Must Be a Reason They Sit on Those Little Chairs, Right?
Is there a reason that sidelined basketball players sit on regular-sized chairs (or the bench), where their very long legs place their knees much higher than their hips? [more inside]
Should I become a phlebotomist as a path to PA school?
I'm 27 and would like to become a physician's assistant (PA), but don't have any background in medicine, a prerequisite for nearly every PA program. Should I go through a phlebotomy program? Are there phlebotomy jobs out there? Would this be a good way to get working hours as a medical professional? [more inside]
Idiot-proof burning a live CD from an ISO image for me
I am a Linux noob - I have downloaded an ISO file, extracted it, and now would like to use it to create a live CD. Can someone give me a simple, step-by-step explanation of how to do this? [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 2:25 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 2:25 PM PST - 15 comments
Best Marine Biology Summer Camp for a 14 year old (in 2014)
I'm looking for the best marine biology summer camp for my sibling who will be 14 in the summer of 2014. Or the resources to find one. [more inside]
posted by ethidda at 1:51 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by ethidda at 1:51 PM PST - 15 comments
Help me manage my mother's mental health
My mum, who has never been the steadiest person in the world, is becoming increasingly interested in conspiracy theories and is recommending to her friends and neighbours that they run up their credit card debts because the banks are going to wipe all debts by the end of the summer when the 'good guys' fighting the 'cabal' take over the world system. [more inside]
Mounting noises
My computer keeps making the mounting then un-mounting soud. IOW it thinks I'm plugging something into the USB and then removing it. It started after I used my old external hard drive to back up my stuff. Any ideas how to shut it up...other than mute?
New Acer. Runs Windows 7.
Help me sound professional in a phone interview
I just found out that my phone interview tomorrow will actually be a conference call. How has this worked, in your experience? Also, please give me some phone interview tips. (Detailed questions inside) [more inside]
posted by delezzo at 1:07 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by delezzo at 1:07 PM PST - 20 comments
Design software for the homeowner?
I have a few household projects for which I'd like to mock-up some designs. Mostly pressingly a bathroom, and after that garage storage, landscape design, and other things. What is the best (free, or individual consumer-priced) software to get the job done? [more inside]
htaccess Redirect Problem
Need help configuring .htaccess: parkeddomain.com redirects fine, but www.parkeddomain.com does not. [more inside]
Help me find clip-in bike shoes!
Where can I get good, reasonably priced, bike shoes and cleats for my SPD-SL pedals? [more inside]
I don't know what I want to be when I'm grown up.
30 year old needs a new job, possibly a whole new education. Need suggestions! [more inside]
Setting up a Life in 10 Days?
I'm going to be in NYC next week where I'll be looking for a sublet, and trying to get a handle on jobs. I'm hoping to move in early July. What can I do in 10 days to find a full-time job as quickly as possible in my field? I'm looking for work in content strategy/communications. [more inside]
Remind me again, why are dinosaurs awesome?
When I was a kid, I was totally enamored of dinosaurs. I seem to have lost my affinity for them in the years since. I quit paying attention to developments in paleontology. Apparently there's been a lot that I missed, like that the dominant theory now is that modern birds are descended from a dinosaur species (I think?). And I hear velociraptors had feathers. So I need not just updates, but a good primer for adults because I've forgotten everything I used to know about them.
Can anyone recommend some good modern books or documentaries on dinosaurs to rekindle the flame of dino-love?
posted by Sleeper at 12:27 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by Sleeper at 12:27 PM PST - 10 comments
Vegan campfood for the carnivore at heart
Going on a 2 night trip with a couple of vegans. I don't particularly like vegetables and I especially like things like butter. When camping I like to fish, make meaty chili, etc. Can I please have your tastiest things to make and do around the campfire with my vegepeople. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 12:15 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Iteki at 12:15 PM PST - 22 comments
A statistical analysis of a used motorcycle purchase?
I am looking at buying a used motorcycle. I would like to create a simple ratio for the bikes based on three criteria: mileage, price, and age. [more inside]
posted by multiphrenic at 12:11 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by multiphrenic at 12:11 PM PST - 4 comments
How do you part ways with a terrible bandmate who is also a dear friend?
We're about to kick out our 5th bandmate (for legitimate reasons: skill is low, ear is bad, attitude is defensive and lazy), who also happens to be one of my best friends. I want to make sure we do it in the most compassionate, generous way possible. What are some things to do -- and to avoid doing -- when we finally sit down with him? [more inside]
How can I stop making my pasties have soggy bottoms?
So... I'm currently working on a project of making pasties every week, trying different ingredients every week. The base ingredients are: ready-made pastry, meat (diced beef or chicken), potatoes, salt and pepper. The other added ingredients have varied over the last few months. Some of these are: sweet pepper, cheese, onion, courgette, leak etc.
I personally like to be able to eat them as pasties should be eaten (with your hands). Or at least be able to take them off the grease proof paper without leaving the filling and the base of the pasty on the baking tray.
Does anyone have any tips/ways to reduce the moisture content of the pasties or to make it possible to construct them more sturdy like shop made ones?
posted by sockpim at 11:09 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by sockpim at 11:09 AM PST - 18 comments
What do "credit repair" places REALLY do, and is it effective...?
Is it worth it? Your experience? Is it something you can you just do it yourself...?! Recommendations on which one to use?
posted by TigerMoth at 11:02 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by TigerMoth at 11:02 AM PST - 8 comments
The loneliest sale in the world
I will be selling stuff in my neighborhood's annual yard/garage sale in a few weeks. This will only be my second ever yard sale, so I have been reading up on tips to get ready. I think I have a handle on the basics and I am actually really looking forward to it. But I have a few logistical questions due to my specific situation, which is: 1) most "tips" sites advise having several people manning the sale, but I will be the only one; and 2) my sale will be confined to the garage, which is directly off an alley, so there is no driveway or other area to spill items onto. [more inside]
posted by payoto at 10:56 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by payoto at 10:56 AM PST - 15 comments
How to extend WiFi to another building?
I'm looking for a way to extend home WiFi into an adjoining building, where laying cable is not an option and packaging/LOS is a concern. I'd also like to reduce equipment cost, while not compromising endpoint throughput. Specific details inside. [more inside]
Songs for the dumper?
While coping with his decision to end a long-term relationship (and being vilified by his family and friends as a result), a friend of mine recently commented that "People only write songs about the guy being dumped. Nobody sings about the other guy." Intuitively, this feels untrue to me, but I'm having a surprisingly tough time coming up with counter-examples. Metafilter: Can you recommend some songs written for/about being the person who initiates the end of a relationship? [more inside]
posted by schmod at 9:50 AM PST - 129 comments
posted by schmod at 9:50 AM PST - 129 comments
Organization focused on 3 plant species, all adept at filtering water
I can't remember the name of this organization, and I've seen online crowds do better.
The website I remember was focused on 3 plants, and the organization's major goal was cleaning waterways by replanting in places where we have uprooted for the sake of a better view or access to the water etc.
It's possible they've branched into more species, but at the time they seemed pretty dedicated solely to a tree, a bush, and another plant.
Thanks, here's hoping.
Crash test dummies?
My wife and I will shortly have the opportunity to begin horseback riding on a regular basis. This will be country / trail riding. Although we both know how to ride (on an intermediate level), she is very safety minded, and also likes to 'accessorize' her hobbies. So, we are looking at horse riding crash vests. I'm looking for recommendations as to particular styles, fitting peculiarities, durability, etc. We are not looking to buy those fancy airbag kinds like the Olympic riders use! For reference, I'm about 5' 1", and 105 pounds, and she's about 5'4" and 125ish. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom!
posted by PlantGoddess at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by PlantGoddess at 9:46 AM PST - 4 comments
Non-partisan, non-profit. How non-partisan do I need to be personally?
While running a non-partisan non-profit, how non-partisan do I need to be personally? What would you say is expected of me? [more inside]
Matching two spreadsheets via one matching column
I have two separate marketing lists on spreadsheets, both of which were originally opt-in, but have been residing on different systems - System A for email marketing and System B for SMS marketing. List A has the users' email addresses, cellphone numbers and names. List B just has the users' cellphone numbers (plus a column called "unsubscribed" for those people who. I want to combine the two spreadsheets to create one spreadsheet while keeping the column called "unsubscribed" so I know which people to keep permanently removed. Can you advise me on how to synchronise these two spreadsheets using the cellphone number as the common data? Thanks!
Help me define a new job title!
My job is being reclassified, and I was asked to suggest a new job title. [more inside]
posted by COBRA! at 8:33 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by COBRA! at 8:33 AM PST - 6 comments
Representations of 'The Phantom Zone' (in the original Superman films)
In the original Superman films General Zod and his accomplices are trapped in The Phantom Zone, which in the films is represented as a 2D 'crystal' prison sent spinning through space. I am looking for any writings/insights into how the visual effects for this were created, and exactly by whom. Any other insights, from comic book lore, about how the Phantom Zone was represented - especially visually - would also be appreciated. [more inside]
posted by 0bvious at 8:24 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by 0bvious at 8:24 AM PST - 3 comments
What’s the best way to practice to get good at _____
Take your field, your sport, your hobby, your area of occupation and tell me the best way to become really good at some aspect of it. Don’t hesitate to name some form of practice that is heavily monotonous and laborious if it manages to yield awesome results. I don’t care how tedious it is. All I’m interested in are forms of practice or exercises that do elicit measurable improvements in a person’s ability to complete some task or exhibit some skill. [more inside]
Tight torx?
I need a tool to loosen torx screws (T27) in a space that has about an inch of clearance. [more inside]
posted by QIbHom at 7:09 AM PST - 28 comments
posted by QIbHom at 7:09 AM PST - 28 comments
Playing with Fire
My older, senior colleague has been making some inappropriate advances towards me that have recently started to escalate. The catch is while he is entirely inappropriate for me on a number of levels, I can't deny there is a pretty strong chemistry between us that I've been aware of since the day I met him. How do I reestablish boundaries before this all turns really ugly? [more inside]
Magical Make-it-Click-Phrase
My husband's mother will not accept that we can not accompany them on a family vacation this summer. We need a magical phrase that is going to help her get it. [more inside]
What is going on in Turkey?
Help me understand what's happening in Turkey. [more inside]
Who's the (Grand)Daddy?
Asking for a non MeFi friend. His daughter is a single parent to a 3 year old girl, his only grandchild. There is no contact with the father for Reasons. Friend is separated himself. His granddaughter adores him and he loves to babysit her when he can (they live in another city about an hour away), about once a week for a day. He also Skypes her during the week. For the last while she has been referring to him as “Daddy”. Apparently she was being teased at nursery for not having a Dad (at 3!) and she told them that she did have a Daddy, and he was called Granddad. Her Mum thought this was hilarious. Today I was visiting with both of them and she wrote his name (just scribbles) and said “That’s your name.” He said “Granddad?” and she said, “No. Daddy”. Does this matter in any way? [more inside]
posted by billiebee at 6:12 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by billiebee at 6:12 AM PST - 22 comments
Is there a PDF-annotator for iPad that allows you to annotate and read?
I've realized that, as great as the iPad is for academic reading, I really need to annotate the PDFs in order for things to stick.
I love what Sente allows you to do on the Mac (I have a PC), in that you can highlight a sentence and it gets copied in real time to a summary page that you can see side by side with your reading. That way, when you're done, you have an accurate and formated summary page of the article you've read. Is there anywhere to find this on the iPad? [more inside]
posted by cacofonie at 6:02 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by cacofonie at 6:02 AM PST - 16 comments
Curl up and die... Geddit
My thick curly hair needs to look good for a family event. Complication: high temperatures and humidity. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy500 at 6:02 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Ziggy500 at 6:02 AM PST - 12 comments
How to gently let down a 'friend'
I've been 'friends' with a woman for just under a year and am finding it difficult to maintain the friendship she is very needy. [more inside]
Need a speaker for my electric piano
I am not performing, just taking lessons and practicing in my home but I want something better than the (very) small guitar amp I'm using. Something perhaps in the $200-300 range that sounds nice. Thanks.
How long is too long when desalting salted cod?
I have been soaking cod outside the fridge (my first mistake?) for a little over 4 days now. Are we going to get sick if I cook it?
posted by bizwool at 5:18 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by bizwool at 5:18 AM PST - 12 comments
Travelling in Paris
In June, I'm going to Paris for a conference. I'm planning on booking a room in Alfortville, whilst the conference is in the 7th arr., on the Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg. I'll need to take the RER D for an 8.30 start in the morning, returning in the evening. Anyone have any idea how long the journey will take? How reliable is public transport in Paris? And is this particular line dodgy?
Thanks
posted by miorita at 5:11 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by miorita at 5:11 AM PST - 4 comments
Gmail hacked - lots of spam sent - nothing in sent items
My Gmail account was very definitely hacked on Sunday.
A whole lot of email was sent, seemingly to everyone I've ever corresponded with from that account.
There was clearly a login from Poland which corresponds exactly with when the emails began to be sent.
The session seemed to last about 7 minutes.
I then received about 150 "mailer daemon" emails due to the bounces from either old addresses, addresses which don't receive unsolicited email and mail servers which correctly identified the content as spam. [more inside]
Subscribe to Boston
I’m interested in getting a subscription/membership to a museum or similar location in the Boston area as a gift. I’m really looking for something that would appeal to a younger adult without kids who likes a broad range of cultural activities. I’ve considered the Museum of Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, but I’d love to hear first hand impressions of those and get other suggestions. It doesn’t have to be a museum specifically (could be, say, a theater subscription), but I'd like to keep it under $150ish and it does have to be MBTA accessible and let in at least 2 adults.
Tell me all about Svalbard, please!
Has anyone here been to the Svalbard Archipelago, or have you read a great first-person account of visiting there? Please tell me all about it. [more inside]
posted by daisyk at 4:31 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by daisyk at 4:31 AM PST - 10 comments
Patent Pedant?
I can't decide if I'm being unrealistic about my expectations for these shoes. Help me decide, should I try and return them or live with them? Pics of damage from one day of wear included. [more inside]
posted by Ness at 4:06 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Ness at 4:06 AM PST - 18 comments
Dried Apriocots = Gas Pains from Hell?
Why did eating a bunch of dried Apricots cause me to have the worst gas pains of my life? [more inside]
June 2
Android Tablet circa 2013
Best Android tablet out there circa 2013? "Best" is subjective, so take a look [more inside]
posted by theobserver at 9:50 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by theobserver at 9:50 PM PST - 10 comments
Post grad student resources - what do y'all need?
Provided those needs are cheap, and can be provided on a website run by your Faculty. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 9:34 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by b33j at 9:34 PM PST - 8 comments
Education while working full time
I'm a part time college student who studies Computer Science and works full time as a junior mobile developer in New York City for an air travel company. I am currently half way through my undergraduate degree due to family issues and simply because I work the whole week. Even so, courses at Brooklyn College where I go to have the worst schedules for some of the major classes. It seems as if college is for the person with a family backbone and I'm struggling a bit as I do not have such support.
Are there any resources available for me so that way I won't delay with college so much while being able to work full time?
Best charity for LGBT rights
What is the best charity to give to in support of LGBT rights and activism? I'm in New Mexico but am open to donating to a national organization. [more inside]
posted by NoraReed at 8:28 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by NoraReed at 8:28 PM PST - 11 comments
What book series will be turned into movies/TV shows?
A coworker wanted to know what the next book series to be made into TV shows/movies are so he can get ahead of the curve. I have some ideas, but I'm looking for more. [more inside]
Book recommendations for preparing to adopt (possibly)
I am seeking book recommendations to prepare myself and my husband for adoption. Do you know of any reading material that is just fantastic and must be read, or that was very helpful to you? Further clarification inside. [more inside]
French pop bands similar to Stereo Total?
I recently discovered Stereo Total and want to listen to bands playing similar music--any recommendations?
Which are the best apartment rental sites for an Italian visit?
Contemplating an Italian vacation (in the range of two weeks or so) in the next year or two, for a family group of about 5-6 people. Google turns up several websites dedicated to renting apartments/houses, but I'd love to hear some personal recommendations. Is Air BNB the best? Vrbo.com? Perhaps there's no real difference between them. [more inside]
posted by PussKillian at 6:48 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by PussKillian at 6:48 PM PST - 6 comments
What kind of plant is this?
I inherited an existing plot in a community garden a few weeks ago, and there was a medium sized plant that seemed pretty established, so I left it alone. It is now an extremely large plant. The vines have fine spiky hairs, and the leaves are about 5 inches long, with 3 or 5 lobes and serrated edges. Does anyone recognize it?
posted by helicomatic at 6:41 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by helicomatic at 6:41 PM PST - 6 comments
What kind of jobs involve a lot of writing?
I like putting words together, whether they're short stories or research and reports. What kind of job would allow me to do more of that? [more inside]
Wireless headset and softphone setup for Mac-based SMB?
For the last two years I have been trying to implement what I think is a pretty straightforward VOIP solution which has in turn probably taken around twelve years off my life. We operate a great IP-PABX system in our 10-person Mac-Laptop based office that we are very happy with, and for the last three years have been running IP handsets but have been desperately seeking a solution that would enable us to use softphones with wireless headsets (non-bluetooth). Has anyone here done anything similar with a degree of success? My list of demands is as follow: [more inside]
posted by LongDrive at 6:09 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by LongDrive at 6:09 PM PST - 9 comments
How do I avoid gaining weight and stay on a diet while on a cruise ship?
This year I made a resolution for healthier living and have been successful so far. Overcame a lot of bad habits compared to where I started. But I'm going on a cruise with a group of friends next month. From what I've been told it's going to be an around the clock buffet. I'm planning on using the gym but don't know how to deal with all of the food. I'm not going to be on the alcoholic drinks package and figure I can enjoy dinner that way. Breakfast and lunch are a free for all though. Any ideas for what my best options would be so I don't gain 15 by the end of the week.
posted by adapt at 5:52 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by adapt at 5:52 PM PST - 34 comments
How does a small non-profit track emails of 7 different users?
The manager of a non-profit owner wants to track inbound and outbound emails of 7 different users. [more inside]
posted by jacobean at 5:15 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by jacobean at 5:15 PM PST - 11 comments
Respond to fb warning involving sister's alleged affair ?
How to respond to a facebook warning/possible threat concerning an alleged affair involving my sister? [more inside]
Wheat and egg free food fun!
Anyone have any ideas for easy, tasty, gluten and egg free lunches on a budget? [more inside]
Did I just break up with myself?
I recently had a very confusing break-up conversation that I am having a lot of trouble decoding. [more inside]
Should I move out of my parents' house or wait until I've saved up?
Should I move out of my parents' house or wait until I've saved up? [more inside]
Dating exclusively; not a relationship, but acting like one.
Hasn't been a long time. Not sure how to handle the situation. [more inside]
posted by shotinthedark at 4:06 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by shotinthedark at 4:06 PM PST - 16 comments
Freelance editing—how to break in?
Freelance editing—does it exist? How can I break in? What are my prospects? [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine at 3:39 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by toomuchkatherine at 3:39 PM PST - 9 comments
Please explain this style of emotional disclosure/intimacy to me.
I have been getting closer to a friend of mine recently. He has a very particular way of sharing his feelings or more meaningful thoughts that I find a bit off putting and perhaps a little wary? Can you explain to me this one-sided monologue style of sharing when I am used to more of a back and forth? [more inside]
posted by abirdinthehand at 3:28 PM PST - 38 comments
posted by abirdinthehand at 3:28 PM PST - 38 comments
How can I find the leach field my septic system is using?
My house has a septic system. Years and years before I purchased it, there was apparently a problem with the leach field, and the erstwhile owners rerouted to a new leach field. I thought I had a map showing both the old and new fields, but now that I need such a map, I have discovered that I apparently don't. [more inside]
Sites that get renters and auto insurance quotes from multiple insurers?
I am looking for sites that can grab quotes from multiple renters and auto insurers.
Its tedious to enter all the information into multiple sites.
Could you recommend a few websites? At this time I am looking to get renters insurance but thought I would find out about auto as well.
Thanks
What are some careers with good Work/Life Balance?
What are some careers with good Work/Life Balance? A job I don't have to think about outside of work and one that will not leave me drained at the end of the day so I can do other things and have hobbies. Also, a good amount of vacation time, more than a measly 2 weeks. It would be awesome if I could take a month or two off at a time once a year once I get enough seniority. [more inside]
posted by eq21 at 2:26 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by eq21 at 2:26 PM PST - 27 comments
Plants for privacy screening in the SF Bay Area
Could any of the great gardeners on Metafilter offer advice about what to plant along a fence to create some privacy screening? [more inside]
Apathy busters.
I am depressed -- not the sad miserable suicidal kind but the apathetic, heavy can't get out of bed kind. (I am unfortunately familiar with both.) [more inside]
UK Video on Demand websites?
Having recently installed unlimited broadband I want to take advantage by streaming some films, music, television that sort of thing so I'm trying to compile a list of legal UK Video on Demand websites. [more inside]
posted by feelinglistless at 2:02 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by feelinglistless at 2:02 PM PST - 4 comments
What phone should I buy?
Is a several-years old (2009-2010 era) smartphone worth $30 on eBay? [more inside]
posted by Snarl Furillo at 1:54 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Snarl Furillo at 1:54 PM PST - 11 comments
Where should I plant this if I don't know what it is? Please help.
Got this plant as a gift from inlaws. I'd like to identify it so I know how big it will get and where to plant it. Any ideas? It's about 2ft. tall right now still in the pot. I'm in south texas. Leaves remind me of a mesquite, But I doubt that's what it is. Honestly i have no clue. They got at it as some event where they were giving away all sorts of plants. Thanks in advance!
Which Steve Martin album had "hey, play Foggy Mountain" on it?
Help me remember which Steve Martin comedy album had a bit where Steve Martin explains why politicians should play the banjo. The bit ends with Steve describing Nixon getting off the plane in China, and somebody in the crowd saying "Hey, play Foggy Mountain."
If you have the album, or a digital version, I would really like both the album title and the "song" number/name, but I could live with just the album name.
If you're just guessing, well, yeah, I remember all his album names too :-).
Thanks, and let us all remember to be obsequious, purple and clairvoyant.
posted by Cardinal Fang! at 1:22 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Cardinal Fang! at 1:22 PM PST - 5 comments
How can I break up with food?
Food is nourishment and a source of pleasure for everyone I know. For me, food is those things as well as being deeply, unhealthily tied to emotional satisfaction, happiness, self-love, etc. How can I stop having food be an emotional crutch? Snowflake details inside. [more inside]
105x74mm Index Cards
Where can I find 105x74mm index cards in the US? [more inside]
posted by pbh at 1:07 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by pbh at 1:07 PM PST - 5 comments
What's the quickest, cheapest, most impressive meal you've ever cooked?
I'm cooking a meal for 4 tomorrow. Snowflakes about the eaters inside but this tin reads: What should I feed us for dinner? [more inside]
Recomendation for good TV shows
Help! I am in need of a good TV show to watch online. Here are some of my favorite to give you an idea of what I like: Homeland, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Louie, Veep, Girls, Sherlock, The Wire, Deadwood, The Americans, Game of Thrones, The Killing, and Top Chef. Thanks!
Games to play on a train ride with a small child?
What are some good games to play on a long train ride with a small child (age 4)? The ipad makes him motion-sick. He gets frustrated with drawing or dot-to-dot because of the bumpy movement of the train. We have audiobooks but they won't cover the whole ride.
posted by xo at 12:50 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by xo at 12:50 PM PST - 15 comments
Bag of holding, only real and stylish?
My current purse (this in Extra Large) has finally bit the dust after nearly 3 years of service. It held a lot, and was ergonomic, but not particularly stylish. Help me find a purse that holds a lot, is ergonomic, and stylish. Oh, and preferably under $100. [more inside]
Can I eat corn to gain some weight?
I am a 19 year old teenager, I weight about 63 kg (138 lbs) and my height is about 176 cm. I want to gain weight because I look a bit skinny. Though according to my BMI, I'm average.
I was wondering whether eating corn alone everyday would increase my weight and benefit me at the same time. I surely don't want to gain weight going to McDonald's.
posted by Attozes at 11:02 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by Attozes at 11:02 AM PST - 24 comments
Commuting to UCSB
Is it possible to have a reasonable commute to UCSB from a place where we can have animals (at least large dogs and preferably chickens also)? Willing to consider wacky ideas/ non-traditional living arrangements. [more inside]
Trans and moving: Chicago or Seattle?
The next city I live in will be the city where I start taking hormones and eventually try to pass as female in public. Should it be Chicago or Seattle? [more inside]
Social skills as mating display
So I was listening to the most recent Dan Savage podcast, and one of the questions stuck with me. [more inside]
posted by bunderful at 9:28 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by bunderful at 9:28 AM PST - 24 comments
What do you wish you'd known when buying a portable air conditioner?
I'm buying a portable air conditioner for our second-floor apartment. All our windows have openings at the bottom that are of the 2 panel slider variety, and no window unit will fit. Since I've never bought such a thing and I'm not very handy, I could use a few tips, especially concerning the feasibility of moving it from room to room every day. [more inside]
Dodging and burning effects in 1950s television?
Why do black-and-white shows from the 1960s, especially live ones, have what looks to be a burn (dark shadows) around bright objects (around Walt's signature and around people's heads) and dodging effects (white glowing) around dark objects (around the jet-black suit jackets of the announcer and dancers)? I originally thought it was some beleagured production assistant manually burning the What's My Line signatures so that they'd be more high-contrast and thus more readable, but now I'm seeing it everywhere!
posted by flibbertigibbet at 8:38 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 8:38 AM PST - 11 comments
Photo renumbering in bulk - changing dashes to underscores
Need to do it in bulk... [more inside]
What should I do with all this bacon fat?
I cook about a pound of bacon a week, and in the process generate a pretty healthy amount of bacon fat. I like to keep and use it, rather than throw it out, but my store of bacon fat has slowly been outstripping the rate at which I use it in cooking. So: what are some good uses (delicious recipes or otherwise) for my bacon fat horde?
posted by monju_bosatsu at 7:16 AM PST - 35 comments
posted by monju_bosatsu at 7:16 AM PST - 35 comments
Here we go again...?
My long-term partner and I had relationship problems, spent some time apart, and are in the process of getting our lives back into one home. Now that I've moved my stuff back in, problems that I thought we'd dealt with are happening again. Is it time to go back to therapy or is there something else I can be doing? [more inside]
Looking for portable video player recommendations
Can you recommend a portable video that... [more inside]
Recipes that highlight eggs?
What are stunningly delicious dishes where eggs play the star role? [more inside]
Google Nexus 4 late impressions?
Google Nexus 4 owners: how satisfied are you with your device? Any major issues? I'm especially interested in battery life and call quality.
How do I get every drop out?
I bought a tool designed to get the last bits of foundation etc. out of bottles. Then I lost it. It's no longer available to buy in the UK, so I was wondering if there is something similar out there not necessarily designed for cosmetics - maybe a science or art tool? Ideally, a very small, angled rubber/silicone spatula. [more inside]
Simple billing and scheduling software
I have a friend who owns a small language school and is doing all her scheduling on paper calendars and preparing each student's bill individually at the end of the month. Can you recommend a good software option (mac or web-based) that integrates both? [more inside]
Questions about Bellingham, WA
I may be moving down for a job in a couple of weeks and have a few questions on Bellingham.
Are there any areas someone who likes quiet sleeping times should avoid? Are there any areas to generally avoid? Are there any rental companies, individuals, or general problems to look out for that are specific to Bellingham? Are there any car dealerships to avoid or ones that are recommended?
The job itself is within three miles of down town, if that helps.
Thanks!
posted by Slackermagee at 1:23 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Slackermagee at 1:23 AM PST - 3 comments
June 1
New to the professional world, how can I expect be evaluated?
I'm relatively new to the working world and I've found that I still have a lot to learn about how things "work" and have found this community to be very helpful in the past. I've only been evaluated once before by the company I posted about before. At the time I didn't realize how ridiculous and unfair/unethical their treatment of employees/clients were so I don't have a good gauge for how my current evaluation will go. I was up for my 90 day evaluation about 30 days ago for my current job and it hasn't happened yet. From my intermediate boss, I hear that its a question of how to adjust my pay that is still being discussed. What could this mean? Is it bad? This is confounded by several special circumstances (below). [more inside]
Is it ill-advised to have more than one animal in a studio apartment?
Is it ill-advised to have more than one animal in a studio apartment? [more inside]
More Details About Web Product Management, Please
What are some good resources and tips to get better at Product Management for an internet startup? [more inside]
Give me your fresh artichoke recipes!
I just discovered that you can buy and eat artichokes that are fresh and not canned! We had them steamed tonight, but what are some other options?
posted by HMSSM at 9:57 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by HMSSM at 9:57 PM PST - 18 comments
Guitar filter: What are the chords for this cover of Santa Fe by Beirut
This guy has the only worthwhile acoustic cover of Santa Fe by Beirut on Youtube. This tab sounds really wrong to me. The first two chords in the progression (F# and B) are good, then I'm like, whaaa? [more inside]
posted by keep it under cover at 8:33 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by keep it under cover at 8:33 PM PST - 4 comments
Sex is Natural, Sex is... Fun (Right?)
My very sweet, kind, funny, smart, caring, new, younger boyfriend is... how to put this... terrible in bed. Over several months, we've had about a half dozen "encounters" (we live in different cities), and they have left me feeling bewildered, drained, confused, and overwhelmed. It's not that there's one thing that isn't working, and it's not "technique"-- it's like the entire foundation is out of alignment. Either we're just super incompatible, or one of us is doing something wrong. I'd really like to figure out how to approach this, and I don't know how to even begin this conversation. [more inside]
Tiny Black Bugs in Shower
I'm finding tiny little black bugs in only one shower in the bathroom. They are hard when I try to squish them. I've tried pouring Drano Gel down the drain, but I'm not convinced they are actually coming from the drain. I see them when I shower in the morning and at night. From googling, they do not look like drain flies.
There are usually 5-6 of them. What are they and how do I get rid of them without going to an exterminator?
I'm not traumatized... Am I? (Sexual assault recovery)
I was sexually assaulted a few times and stalked/harrassed by an abusive, predatory and highly manipulative man who was in a position of trust to me. (We weren't in a relationship; he is nearly three times my age.) I am confused about where I should "be" or where I amin terms of getting over the events.
Counselors and websites are quick to point out things like PTSD and rape trauma syndrome; they are suggesting things like EMDR and strongly hinting that I'm traumatized. I'm not convinced. Is it possible to actually be traumatized and not realize/recognize it? Is a "trauma response"... with panic attacks, flashbacks, and such... the only possible response to rape and harassment? Secondly: Is therapy always necessary to deal with this sort of thing? Or is it possible that I have/will get over it by myself? I don't want to pathologize myself. I don't want to create new problems for myself by going to therapy that I might not actually need. I wanted to ask metafilter because the counselors I speak to are obviously going to be somewhat biased in telling me that I am "traumatized". [more inside]
posted by gemutlichkeit at 7:40 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by gemutlichkeit at 7:40 PM PST - 26 comments
Please help me stop spending money that I don't have.
I keep buying things that I cannot afford, which forced me to dip into savings over and over again. I have a credit card balance that I cannot pay off this month, which has never happened to me before in my life. I'm feeling helpless, and I am angry at myself for letting this happen. I haven't quite reached paycheck to paycheck status (I am about 1 month ahead), but if I continue like this, my cushion will be gone completely. I don't know what is wrong with me or why I keep doing this - or why it has gotten so much worse. I had always thought that I was pretty good with money while living with my parents; after moving out, either i have gotten much worse or having few expenses masked the problem. I will take any advice or suggestions.
Story or Dream?
Asking for a friend, who wants to know if the tale she remembers is from a story she read, or a dream she had. Details follow. [more inside]
posted by ronofthedead at 6:58 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by ronofthedead at 6:58 PM PST - 7 comments
Your recommendations for books about Vietnam (the country, not the war)
A friend of mine is about to move to Vietnam. I'd like to get him a book as a farewell gift.
Please give me your recommendations for books about Vietnam the country - that is, books that cover something of the country's history, society and politics other than the American war.
Portland, OR Filter: Where can I buy good-quality bulk foods?
Looking for staples like basmati rice, beans and coconut oil. I use the bulk bins at my local groceries (New Seasons, Whole Foods and the local co-op), and some of their bulk prices for things like spices are amazing, but they still have pretty steep prices for some of the basics.
How much help to offer? How many times?
A family member is extremely depressed. Several of us are concerned. I want to help, but don't want to do anything that will make things worse or alienate this person. [more inside]
posted by Eolienne at 5:49 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Eolienne at 5:49 PM PST - 9 comments
Don't want to register for my baby...am I making a mistake?
I don't want to register for the upcoming birth of my child. Nothing against people who do it, but (1) I am a minimalist; (2) I enjoyed the wedding gifts I got that didn't come from my registry (heartfelt, unique, awesome); and (3) what I do need is on the more expensive side (so I can either load up the registry with crap I don't want or come off looking greedy). Am I making a big mistake? [more inside]
Does waiting for someone with "issues" ever work out?
I'm in love with a guy, he has too many issues to be in a relationship right now... Has anyone ever waited for a person like this and had it work out? [more inside]
posted by Autumn at 3:57 PM PST - 46 comments
posted by Autumn at 3:57 PM PST - 46 comments
Internet in China
What are the best practices for internet security in China? [more inside]
How do I keep water from coming up through the floor drain my basement?
A puddle of dirty water keeps rising through the floor drain in my basement. Is it something I can fix? [more inside]
posted by critzer at 1:51 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by critzer at 1:51 PM PST - 14 comments
What's inside the cube?
A week in deepest Yorkshire and when I return 'What's inside the cube' is over. All that blood, sweat, tears and hurty fingers came to now't. Does anyone know what was inside the cube?
posted by mandarin fish at 1:47 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by mandarin fish at 1:47 PM PST - 4 comments
Wedding dress shop recommendations in London or the Home Counties?
Hello all. I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for a wedding dress shop in London or the Home Counties. I've googled extensively, but there's nothing like a personal recommendation, and none of my friends/family have got married in recent years.
I'm looking for a fairly traditional style of dress, budget is flexible (ie, splurge), and excellent customer service is really important to me.
Complicating factor: if all goes well, I'll be about five months pregnant on the wedding day, so a shop that could handle that would be great.
Any suggestions (or warnings!) would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Buying a Subaru Legacy this weekend
Buying a Subaru Legacy this weekend, need some advice! [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 12:54 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by lattiboy at 12:54 PM PST - 17 comments
Patio furniture durability
We are considering the purchase of a set of patio furniture made of "all weather resin wicker" aka "PE Wicker". The stuff is pricey and I have concerns as to it's durability. Do you own outdoor furniture made from this product? How long have you had it? Has it held up well? Would you buy it again? Any tips as to upkeep/maintenance?
posted by Mr.Me at 12:35 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Mr.Me at 12:35 PM PST - 4 comments
Possibly Moving back to London- Help?
Hi, I am considering moving back to London after over a decade in NYC. I have a few questions that I am curious about. But after just typing and erasing them- I am just going to ask how other people have found the differences between living and working in (not visiting!) the two cities. [more inside]
"Guess My Word" Gurus
not_on_display introduced us to this game back in December : FPP. I do okay, but usually need 11-18 tries to solve it. What strategies do those of you with the lower numbers use? [more inside]
posted by 1066 at 11:22 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by 1066 at 11:22 AM PST - 9 comments
where to sell computers in lots?
So I've found myself in possession of many computers and servers. I'd like to sell them in lots. does anyone have successful sites to do this.
thank you very much in advance.
Can my iPad automatically forget a WiFi connection?
I'm configuring my wife's iPad 1 to work with our WiFi network. Because our kids also use it, we'd like it to "forget" the WiFi connection when we disconnect. [more inside]
posted by never used baby shoes at 11:02 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by never used baby shoes at 11:02 AM PST - 5 comments
Advice for how to market myself as a design/media/communications ninja
I've got a very eclectic resume: 5-7 years of experience in several different fields at once, because I have had multiple simultaneous jobs. Now I'm looking for a new gig, and I think I have a lot to offer, but I'm not sure how to market the breadth of my skills. [more inside]
How can I stop being so anxious about birthday parties?
I don't mind getting older, but planning a birthday party for myself gives me severe anxiety. [more inside]
posted by HeroZero at 10:02 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by HeroZero at 10:02 AM PST - 33 comments
Can I use Crowd funding to recoup my production cost?
I recently completed a short film/indie Tv pilot entirely at my own expense and would like to know if I anyone thinks it would be possible to utilize crowdfunding to recoup all or part of what I have put in to it up until this point. [more inside]
Uplifting, Happy, or Cheerful documentaries on Vimeo?
I love watching short documentaries on Vimeo. Especially this one and this one. But Last Minutes With ODEN really, really hurts to watch. Can you recommend some short films/documentaries that would cheer or be uplifting as a follow-up viewing?
posted by fake at 8:55 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by fake at 8:55 AM PST - 5 comments
large money transfer from Eurozone to UK
I have between 80K and 100K euros in a savings account in the Netherlands. If I need to transfer this to the UK (to, say, buy property), what is the best way to do this? I am a US citizen, current EU resident, possible near-future UK resident.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 8:50 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 8:50 AM PST - 14 comments
Sticker residue on my French Dressmaker's form...
We received this dressmaker's dummy from our client with old sticker residue on her. Too many items to shoot to just Photoshop the spot out, so I'm desperate for a permanent solution- The obvious point here is I can't throw her into the washing machine as she's wooden directly under the fabric that needs cleaning. Already tried a small bit of Goo Gone, with a clean white cloth, but I think it may just be moving the gunk around and not removing the residue as I'd hoped. I read about lighter fluid (butane), WD-40 and some others, but am obviously hesitant to do anything that may permanently discolor this spot even more. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
posted by thelensman at 8:01 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by thelensman at 8:01 AM PST - 16 comments
Movie Sets in XBMC
What is the easiest way to manually create movie sets in XBMC? [more inside]
Quitting-job-filter: Etiquette if Boss is on Vacation
I am currently employed and have been looking for a better job for several months. As luck would have it, an offer for a job I really like may come next week, and said offer will likely come in 2-4 days before my boss goes off for 7 days, but could well come the day he leaves or even after. Snowflake details below the fold... [more inside]
Baby's sleep patterns veering badly off course; how can we correct them?
Our 5½-month-old baby, once a great sleeper, has now become a fussy, nervous child who can only fall asleep while breastfeeding. What are we doing wrong and how can we get his sleeping back into shape? [more inside]
Short term healthcare coverage in Massachusetts
Short term health insurance options in Massachusetts? [more inside]
All the shiny products, or just a simple bar of soap?
How do you deal with competing desires to track and have things, histories, libraries (bookmarks, favorites, notes, saved emails, filled-up calendars, etc) and yet also be unattached and minimalist (get rid of things, be unhindered, untraceable, simple and de-cluttered)? [more inside]
How do I land my dream job with little experience?
I'm about to enter the work force with a Masters degree and little applied work experience. What do I do? [more inside]