September 2008 Archives

September 30

Did Fannie/Freddie cause this mess?

Did Fannie and Freddie cause the current financial crisis? [more inside]
posted by cowmix at 11:44 PM PST - 16 comments

How do you get a permit to visit the Altai Republic in Russia?

Me and my gf want to visit the Altai Republic in Russia. However a friend of ours wanted to visit the place, but weren't allowed to enter because he didn't have a permit. So where does one get a permit to enter the Altai Republic and why is it necessary to get one? I mean, a tourist-visa should be able to give you access to most of the country as long as the cities you want to visit is stated on the visa.
posted by madcow20 at 9:27 PM PST - 3 comments

Do flies dream of wireless sheep?

Why, of all places, houseflies seem to be irresistibly attracted by wireless antennae? [more inside]
posted by _dario at 8:46 PM PST - 12 comments

How can I get a programming job abroad?

Help a computer scientist find an interesting job abroad, preferably in Japan [more inside]
posted by Cogito at 8:21 PM PST - 2 comments

Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled pooches, yearning to bark free.

Big move, 3 dogs, suggestions? [more inside]
posted by TomMelee at 8:14 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me find a depressing poem!

I'm looking for a longer poem about death/dying that I read some time ago. IIRC, I found it via the "Poetry Sunday" series on the Daylight Atheism blog, but upon a little research, it was not one of the poems featured there. Perhaps it is by one of the same authors? [more inside]
posted by aheckler at 7:59 PM PST - 6 comments

Amazing places to show overseas vistors in Sydney?

Amazing places to show overseas vistors in Sydney? [more inside]
posted by Admira at 7:41 PM PST - 21 comments

I'll get back to you on that, Katie

Where can I go to watch Thursday's VP debate in Austin, TX? [more inside]
posted by spamguy at 7:35 PM PST - 6 comments

Is dirty latex safe?

Compost & painted wood walls, is it a good mix? [more inside]
posted by pokeedog at 7:30 PM PST - 10 comments

Grad school question

How are different parts of grad school applications typically weighted? [more inside]
posted by downing street memo at 7:27 PM PST - 15 comments

Why can you get a free ride (literally) using LA's subway?

Why is LA's Metro subway line on the "honor system?" What possible benefits, financial and otherwise, could arise from not checking to see if everyone is a paying customer? [more inside]
posted by invisible ink at 7:14 PM PST - 29 comments

You can't win, you twerp!

Help me resolve a Catch-22 about meeting new people of the opposite sex. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:07 PM PST - 47 comments

Financial crisis: Government intervention or free-market-pain?

Current_financial _crisisFilter: Where can I read the single best arguments for government intervention to rescue the financial markets and economy, and the single best argument for zero/minimal government intervention in this current financial crisis? (Looking for links to articles, blog posts, etc -- not opinions -- from MeFites...)
posted by chefscotticus at 7:03 PM PST - 7 comments

My blog is in leetspeek! Reading it constitutes a breach of the DMCA!

What is the difference (legal or otherwise) between "decoding" and "decrypting?" [more inside]
posted by explosion at 6:57 PM PST - 14 comments

I'm an experienced copywriter -- how do I find a job in a city where I know no one in the industry?

I'm an experienced copywriter -- how do I find a job in a city where I know no one in the industry? [more inside]
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 6:32 PM PST - 7 comments

Exclavefilter: How do I build a cabin in Point Roberts without breaking any laws?

Exclavefilter: What is involved in building a small cabin on a wooded lot in Point Roberts? What grief might I expect from the border? [more inside]
posted by upc_head at 6:31 PM PST - 1 comment

If you Kindle - how has it changed you?

Kindle Filter: If you own a Kindle - how has it changed the way you read? Do you read more? Less? More books? Fewer books? More/fewer publications and blogs? I never dreamed I would fall in love with something like this as I've always been a physical book lover, yet I can honestly say its changed the way I read. I find myself reading more books and find it easier to focus on one book versus juggling several with a stack next to me. If you're a Kindle owner - tips or tricks for a new Kindler?
posted by Gerard Sorme at 6:14 PM PST - 26 comments

Getting a picture from a cell phone that can't MMS message to an email address.

I'd like to get an image off my cell phone. The problem is that there's no away to connect the phone to a pc and no way to send an MMS message to an email address, only a phone number. Am I totally screwed? [more inside]
posted by puke & cry at 6:10 PM PST - 19 comments

Is low rolling resistance another word for snake oil?

Are "low rolling resistance" tires a worthwhile investment? And how should I go about finding them? How much more should I pay for this type of tire? [more inside]
posted by abkadefgee at 5:49 PM PST - 6 comments

Whats the best desktop client to use for multiple Gmail accounts?

Whats the best desktop client to use for multiple Gmail accounts? [more inside]
posted by jeffderek at 5:11 PM PST - 8 comments

Is it possible to time a rollover?

A crazy financial question about the timing of my 401k rollover to and IRA in light of current economic events in the US. Is it even possible to time a rollover? [more inside]
posted by quadog at 4:31 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm confused why my girlfriend has so suddenly lost all feelings for me?

Girlfriend has suddenly lost all feelings for me and doesn't know why. [more inside]
posted by HBomb at 4:31 PM PST - 35 comments

Are good conversations a necessity for a good relationship?

I was a late bloomer. I was painfully shy and didn't date until I was 24. I'm at a turning point of the longest relationship I've had (almost a year). I don't know if I'm in love or not. Or if that's even the right question. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:06 PM PST - 12 comments

Please help me sort out my anxiety-related relationship problems and help me to have an open heart.

Please help me sort out my anxiety-related relationship problems and help me to have an open heart. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:06 PM PST - 6 comments

Is this an impossible camera quest?

I'd like a new point and shoot digital camera, but am at a bit of a loss on where to start. My current camera-history and requirements for a new one are inside. [more inside]
posted by booknerd at 3:55 PM PST - 14 comments

What to feed my guest from Australia?

What should I feed my Australian house guest? [more inside]
posted by shesbookish at 3:52 PM PST - 49 comments

What does the Chinese character in Fae Myenne Ng's Steer Towards Rock frequently used to mark chapters mean and what writing style is it in?

What does the Chinese character in Fae Myenne Ng's Steer Towards Rock frequently used to mark chapters mean? And what writing style is it in? You can see the character in the Amazon look-inside feature for the book (click excerpt on the left to see the character).
posted by Kattullus at 3:23 PM PST - 5 comments

Help Me Get Ride of Firefox?

I want to completely, entirely remove Firefox from my Macbook. Help me do that? [more inside]
posted by Dreama at 3:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Too many cameras! So many features! Too much choice! Arrrgggrhhhh!

Calling all Mefi photographers. Help me choose my entry level DSLR. [more inside]
posted by gergtreble at 3:17 PM PST - 23 comments

Using Transcription Software in the Classroom

Has anyone used a live transcribing software as an educational tool in the classroom? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 3:07 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I abruptly and painlessly wean my toddler?

My toddler has abruptly stopped nursing. How do I deal with this, physically? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:04 PM PST - 14 comments

How common is it for people to just not turn up for work without calling in sick?

How common is it for people to just not turn up for work without calling in sick? [more inside]
posted by ClarissaWAM at 3:02 PM PST - 21 comments

Love my baby, still want an MFA

Do any accredited, respectable, non-residential , MFA Writing programs exist out there? [more inside]
posted by esereth at 2:59 PM PST - 7 comments

Stupidest scammers ever?

Why would a credit card scammer ship fraudulently purchased items to the legitimate credit card holder's address? [more inside]
posted by lassie at 2:46 PM PST - 12 comments

When do I go solar?

Is now the time use solar power for my house? [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya at 2:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Nice place for anniversary dinner in Miami?

Can anyone recommend a nice restaurant in Miami for my anniversary that wouldn't make me look silly if I wore a jacket? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 2:28 PM PST - 6 comments

Yeah, bwee-ayyy!

Does anyone know - or care to guess at - the origin of the phrase "Yeah, bwee-aayyy!" uttered by teenagers like me in 1970s Northern England to express complete disbelief at a huge lie told by someone else? [more inside]
posted by unSane at 2:15 PM PST - 17 comments

25 yo heartbroken virgin, enjoys long walks on the beach

Heartbroken after recently getting out of a 7 year relationship, and still a virgin. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:10 PM PST - 27 comments

VIPress.

Tell me about gaining press credentials. [more inside]
posted by clearly at 1:40 PM PST - 16 comments

rub me right

Massage therapist filter: What things can you not do without in your workplace? Massage therapy client filter: What things do you love about your massage therapist's practice? [more inside]
posted by mcbeth at 1:20 PM PST - 21 comments

Should I tattle on a 14 year old thief?

I think my friend's adolescent daughter tried to steal from me. Do I tell on her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:16 PM PST - 40 comments

Iphone app creation for the lazy and greedy

Are there any platforms for developing Iphone/Itouch applications that don't require a ton of coding? I'm think along the lines of the old Hypercard, or an interactive fiction engines. [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 1:09 PM PST - 9 comments

It's not only opposites who repel...

Why do I keep attracting people (for relationships) who are incompatible with me? Why do I have trouble attracting those who are? [more inside]
posted by sixcolors at 12:42 PM PST - 56 comments

Post-Nuclear comic book?

What is this post-nuclear holocaust comic book I had as a kid? [more inside]
posted by arniec at 12:41 PM PST - 3 comments

Is eating a dollar burger from burger king and a cup of water healthier then not eating?

Is eating a dollar burger from burger king and a cup of water healthier then not eating? [more inside]
posted by Nighthawk3729 at 12:03 PM PST - 25 comments

making a printable map

How to make a print quality map of office locations that includes county boundaries. [more inside]
posted by D-ten at 12:01 PM PST - 5 comments

Screenwriting: cinema and myth?

Academic papers and books on the topic of myth in screenwriting? [more inside]
posted by sumo at 11:58 AM PST - 5 comments

Help a Gospel Music Newbie

Can anybody recommend some traditional black gospel recordings? [more inside]
posted by punkfloyd at 11:41 AM PST - 25 comments

What to see, do, and eat in Liverpool?

I'm looking for advice on what to see and do in Liverpool during a two day visit. Food, best sites, where is the best area to stay, hotels, etc...
posted by srboisvert at 11:37 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm a 23-year-old male, 6'4", and 175 lbs. I'm too thin. What's the best way I can gain weight and muscle? I'd like to start working out in my own apartment.

I'm a 23-year-old male, 6'4", and 175 lbs. I'm too thin. What's the best way I can gain weight and muscle? I'd like to start working out in my own apartment. [more inside]
posted by decrescendo at 11:35 AM PST - 17 comments

(Blue collar filter) If stocks continue to rise throughout the week and reach the previous point or "close enough", what reason is there for a bail out? More inside...

If stocks continue to rise throughout the week and reach the previous point or "close enough", what reason is there for a bail out? [more inside]
posted by Mardigan at 11:24 AM PST - 18 comments

Help me to not be reminded, please

For windows xp , I have an annoying reminder about a web page being unable to display but no exit box to click onto. I also cannot right click it in the open tabs bar at the bottom to close it manually. It just reads "Reminder Tuesday Sept. 30th 2008 1:07:01 A.M." The date changes as the day does and I dunno how to remove it. I can move it off screen but still.... Any ideas?
posted by thaworldhaswarpedme at 11:07 AM PST - 6 comments

What is a halo moment?

Does the phrase "halo moment" have any particular meaning outside the context of video games? How about within the context of people who play Halo? Does it simply describe a memorable scene from the game?
posted by Jeff Howard at 11:00 AM PST - 21 comments

Wordpress 500 Error on install

I'm getting a 500 internal server error when trying to install WordPress 2.6.2 on my iPower hosted website. [more inside]
posted by Pantengliopoli at 10:57 AM PST - 6 comments

Good time to travel in India?

Older Tourist in India in November 2008? [more inside]
posted by tkolar at 10:29 AM PST - 4 comments

We're homeowners! Oh, crap.

We've moved every two years since 2000. Always renting. We're about to move into our very own condo, and in the interests of not being ripped off, we're avoiding the developer's sources/prices and buying our own appliances, window treatments, do our own closets, find our own contractor for the floors, etc. The problem? We don't know how to do any of this stuff. Bonus points: 6 month old baby. [more inside]
posted by NoRelationToLea at 10:27 AM PST - 12 comments

You spin me right round baby right round

Recommendations needed for stackable, energy saver, low water washing machine/dryer combo [more inside]
posted by spicynuts at 10:18 AM PST - 11 comments

who came up with words like physicality?

whats the origin of words ending in -ality that are used specifically in the discussion of art? such as theatricality, aurality, physicality, etc. where/with whom did this trend begin? [more inside]
posted by sponge at 10:17 AM PST - 10 comments

Help a liberal arts major become a nurse

Help me flesh out a plan to first become a nursing assistant then a nurse. [more inside]
posted by learn to read at 10:12 AM PST - 10 comments

My bonsai looks like the tree in the Peanuts xmas special

Any clue what might be plaguing my outdoor Japanese red maple bonsai? Immediately upon receiving it from an online retailer, it started developing brown patches on the leaves, which then curled up and died. I've tried putting it in less sun, more sun, more water, less water. It is in partial shade on a porch with daily watering now. It is still alive (green when I scrape it a bit) with few leaves intact, but I am worried that I'm about to kill a thoughtful birthday present.
posted by *s at 9:49 AM PST - 6 comments

A lawyer or still a lawyer-to-be?

After I pass the bar examination, but before I'm sworn in, what am I? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:43 AM PST - 23 comments

Two people standing in seperate rowboats holding hands.

Trying to find a photo of two people standing in seperate rowboats holding hands in the middle of a lake. [more inside]
posted by stuffedcrust at 9:40 AM PST - 1 comment

Where to go on my own?

Help me plan a solo vacation! I had been planning a vacation with friends at the end of October, but they're now considering a destination I'm not so hot on. I still want to travel, so what would be a good alternate trip? So much more inside. [more inside]
posted by sbutler at 9:36 AM PST - 7 comments

Colour my world with recommendations

[MovieRecommendationFilter] So, recently, I went out to blockbuster and rented out two movies: Before Sunrise and its sequel Before Sunset. I'm looking for similar movies to watch on my lonely days. [SpoilersAlert] [more inside]
posted by patla at 9:11 AM PST - 22 comments

Halloween costumes for 4 (2 m, 2 f) with nerdy/pop culture flavour.

Seeking recognizable group Halloween costume suggestions for four (2 guys and 2 girls), preferably with a pop culture/nerdy bent.ha [more inside]
posted by Nelsormensch at 8:50 AM PST - 31 comments

Should I stay in software engineering?

I'm an unhappy overworked software engineer. Am I in the wrong field? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:46 AM PST - 22 comments

Appropriate Bridal Shower Gift

I have a bridal shower to attend this weekend (sigh, i hate these things). You have to give a gift appropriate to the time of day that you were given on the invite...my time is 8pm. Is it appropriate to give a nice vintage bottle of red wine or champagne? I'm really not into putting a ton of effort into shopping for this (nor do i have the time). [more inside]
posted by Waterbear at 8:34 AM PST - 14 comments

My tennants will be Gila Monsters

Is it financially feasible to set up my own solar farm? [more inside]
posted by soy_renfield at 8:06 AM PST - 13 comments

Suing in the UK while based abroad?

Have you ever sued someone for libel in the UK, while you yourself were based in another country? If so, what was your experience? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:53 AM PST - 2 comments

Best foot forward

I just downloaded the trial version of MS Office 2007 because some companies prefer that resumes be made from MS Word. But I can't seem to find a resume template for it. Please help. [more inside]
posted by Brandon1600 at 7:39 AM PST - 8 comments

How flexible do I need to be to become an academic librarian?

If I don't want to move far, is academic librarianship out of the question? If so, how do I go about finding a summer practicuum in other fields? [more inside]
posted by waterandrock at 7:25 AM PST - 17 comments

How reliable is a Suzuki Aerio or SX4?

How reliable are small Suzuki cars? [more inside]
posted by TheyCallItPeace at 7:20 AM PST - 9 comments

Should I tell someone they will be fired?

My secretary will get fired at the end of the day. Should I tell her in advance? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 6:55 AM PST - 60 comments

Cute and classy lingerie online or in NYC?

Ruffly panties online, or in NYC? i.e. cute, classy panties/bras/corsets/etc that won't break the bank. Victoria's Secret falls apart pretty fast, in my experience. Looking for something a step up, but not ridiculously expensive or (on the other hand) trashy. At the very least, how much should I be looking to spend on such a thing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 AM PST - 19 comments

Single male, possibly infertile. Perspectives and experiences?

I might be infertile. I'm a single guy in my mid-twenties and I haven't been able to find any information or resources for people like me. I know the medical stuff, but nobody in my situation seems to talk about their experiences. Help me find other perspectives on this, or tell me about how you handled it. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 AM PST - 13 comments

Does my study load affect my chances of getting into medical school?

Does my study load affect my chances of getting into (an Australian) medical school? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:41 AM PST - 8 comments

What is the best readily available cough suppressant I can buy?

What is the best readily available cough suppressant I can buy? [more inside]
posted by jdruk at 6:41 AM PST - 26 comments

Does anyone recall a band named Thrust from HBO's Real Sex series?

This is not a "name that song" question, but rather a "find this CD, if it was ever made into a CD" question. Vaguely NSFW inside. [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 6:38 AM PST - 4 comments

I need your best example of Poe's Law.

What is your best example of Poe's Law? [more inside]
posted by DonSlice at 6:38 AM PST - 13 comments

What can I do with my new DS/ what games should I get

OK, so me and MrsShawnString bought a DS finally. What cool stuff can I do with it (besides playing games) and what are the MUST HAVE games to have? Pretty much any genre game is ok [more inside]
posted by ShawnString at 6:34 AM PST - 30 comments

Who owns rights to the use of the song in Film?

Can someone please explain how to get Synchronization Rights to a Cover Version of a song? Or who would have control of whether you can use a cover version in a film. [more inside]
posted by mary8nne at 5:48 AM PST - 4 comments

What to replace the Chicago Tribune With?

Recommend an alternative to my Chicago Tribune subscription. [more inside]
posted by qsysopr at 5:46 AM PST - 13 comments

Why did an email containing sensitive info disappear from my mom's aol account?

My mom sent an email to herself on AOL containing sensitive information, and it never arrived - and there's no record of it in her inbox, or sent-message folder. Should we be worried? (details inside) [more inside]
posted by slowcat at 5:40 AM PST - 5 comments

What Mac should I buy if I want to play games on it for the next 3 years?

It's time to get a new computer. I'd like some kind of Mac. What's the smart thing to buy? [more inside]
posted by so_necessary at 4:50 AM PST - 15 comments

"We don't serve your type here"

Somewhat convoluted font licensing question - see inside. [more inside]
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 4:28 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I set the correct time on my Accurist watch?

I have an Accurist chronograph watch that I bought about 5 years ago and every so often it insists that the date is invalid and jumps forwards one month and one day. Before I dump it in the bin and buy a decent watch, can you help me set it correctly? [more inside]
posted by mr_silver at 2:56 AM PST - 2 comments

How to cluster when dealing with more than one factor?

How to cluster when dealing with more than one factor? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 2:07 AM PST - 8 comments

Intelligent podcasts for my cubicle dwelling mom?

Help me keep my mom from going insane at her work! She has a boring sit-at-the-computer all day job, with crazy coworkers. Her work banned downloading and streaming media, so I helped her pick a simple 2 gig mp3 player. She listens to BBC streams, and I helped her find rss feeds for the relevant podcasts. Now she's all set up with Google Reader and a few feeds, and wants more. Trouble is I don't know what to recommend... [more inside]
posted by shinyshiny at 1:44 AM PST - 21 comments

Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1978... but what should I wear?

I'm going to a fancy dress party, and the theme is 1978. What should I go as? [more inside]
posted by handee at 12:17 AM PST - 24 comments

September 29

Seeking the best halloween blogs

Can anyone recommend a fun, maybe crafty, frequently updated Halloween blog for my October entertainment?? [more inside]
posted by dahliachewswell at 11:00 PM PST - 5 comments

Backpacking in California

So I'm going to Los Angeles on oct. 3. I have a few questions about LA and Cali. [more inside]
posted by PowerCat at 10:52 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me name my Tibetan Baby before I pop!

HELP. I'm outrageously pregnant and my husband is Tibetan. We are going to use a Tibetan name, but it's rather hard to find Tibetan name books for babies. In lieu of this MrTaff has given me a list of names he finds acceptable to his ear/culture/language etc. (He's not a Buddhist, he's a Bonpo). I need feedback from people of all language backgrounds and countries and opinions about the list he has given me. [more inside]
posted by taff at 10:33 PM PST - 74 comments

itunes ate itself.

iTunes just nuked itself....again. Help me figure out what's going on, and why this has happened. [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 10:18 PM PST - 5 comments

A hairy situation: has my mom been blowing hot air all this time?

Mom says to blow-dry my hair all the time, but isn't it bad for your hair? [more inside]
posted by curagea at 10:17 PM PST - 25 comments

Fixing sticky latex paint

A latex-painted dresser's drawers are sticking closed. Is there any hope? [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants at 9:59 PM PST - 14 comments

Jobs you never imagined having but whch you love anyway

Some of us have jobs we've imagined having since we were kids (doctor, lawyer, ballerina...). And some of us have jobs with weird titles we never imagined having or somehow stumbled into (acquisitions editor, paid search marketer, partner services representative, circulation manager, health services coordinator...). Many of us in the latter category love our jobs - either because we're good at them, we get paid well, we like the people we work with, value the company's mission, or all of the above. I want to hear from you happy people with weird job titles. [more inside]
posted by scarabic at 8:16 PM PST - 31 comments

A weird Iowa weed

What is this weird plant? [more inside]
posted by sararah at 8:13 PM PST - 5 comments

Seeking calendar w/out year or days of the week.

I want to have a permanent calendar-like book that lists all of my important annual stuff: birthdays, when to plant veggies, get car maintenance, make Xmas cards, etc., and I don't want to have to get a new one each year. What am I looking for? [more inside]
posted by epersonae at 8:08 PM PST - 8 comments

When Harry Met Sally...to music.

Which songs have as their theme, "Gosh, you were there all along, and I never noticed you but gee....you're, you're...the one!" [more inside]
posted by sweetkid at 8:05 PM PST - 30 comments

Help me graduate!

Does anyone around here have any experience with the online classes offered by Arab Academy? General quality and transferability of credits are my main concerns. [more inside]
posted by pullayup at 8:05 PM PST - 2 comments

No Wig for Old Men

Looking for bits and pieces for 'No Country for Old Men' Halloween Costume...Anyone know where I can get a 'Javier Bardem' looking bowl cut wig ?
posted by ashepp at 8:00 PM PST - 6 comments

Really rapid transit

Has anyone else encountered really fast, almost reckless, driving on Minneapolis buses today? [more inside]
posted by marsha56 at 7:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Comfortable, moderately sexy bra?

What is your most comfortable, yet still moderately sexy bra? [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 7:19 PM PST - 31 comments

Help my friend tickle the plastickies.

(Posting for a friend): I just bought a keyboard, and I would like to learn a little piano-playing. Is there any free or cheap software that can hand-hold me through it? Are there any websites that offer beginning piano lessons?
posted by prefpara at 7:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Can I use the B: drive on my PC?

Can I use B: as a drive letter, on a modern windows PC, without messing things up? [more inside]
posted by penciltopper at 6:32 PM PST - 12 comments

Invest for the future vs. Debt reduction

Investing 201: Given the economic news of late, If the value of my mutual funds drop and the interest rate of my debts go up would it be prudent to liquidate the mutual funds to pay off my debts or should I "stay the course" despite this? Financial details inside... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:32 PM PST - 8 comments

Asking, "ou est le banc" won't cut it here.

How can I teach myself to read and translate French at the intermediate level in the next six weeks? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:32 PM PST - 11 comments

why yes, I do intend to wear them.

Looking for battery operated Christmas/LED lights with the smallest possible battery pack. [more inside]
posted by Lucinda at 6:23 PM PST - 8 comments

Palm 700W Flashing/Internet

Help! Can't get internet to work - Palm Treo 700W (flashed, originally Verizon) on Cricket. [more inside]
posted by neolith22 at 6:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Getting great quality from a Skype recording.

How do I get the best audio quality out of Skype, specifically for recording? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 6:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Working abroad in the IT industry

I live in the United States, am 4 years out of college, and work in the software industry. I want to explore opportunities to work abroad in my field (e.g. software/web development), preferably in Europe, or South or East Asia. I currently work for one of the largest software companies in the world, so I am going to explore internal options, but I'm also willing to my employer if the opportunity is right. Does anyone have any advice on where to start my search, or any personal experiences or anecdotes?
posted by lupefiasco at 5:28 PM PST - 5 comments

What does this character mean?

What does this Japanese character on this Daruma doll mean? At least, I assume it's Japanese...
posted by killerinsideme at 5:03 PM PST - 13 comments

How do I change the owner of a domain name?

A friend is buying a website that I've built, as well as the domain name. He's taken possession of the actual site (i.e., the software that runs it), so now I need to make him the owner of the domain. How do I do it? [more inside]
posted by inkedmn at 4:54 PM PST - 3 comments

700 billion or dead?!

Failed Bailout and stocks plumetted 800 points. Sounds pretty bad but can somebody explain why the 700 billion dollar plan should have passed in the first place. Why was this so sudden, 2 weeks ago everything was relatively ok and this week financial armageddon? Where do they get 700 billion dollar and the idea of no oversight over such a large sum of money Iam looking for an explanation in layman's terms as in 700 billion dollar plan for dummies
posted by radsqd at 4:51 PM PST - 18 comments

Sell now, or sell later? Barbie's Malibu Dream House has got to go.

I've been getting my house ready to sell and am wondering if I'm crazy. Should I go ahead with it now, or wait until spring? Of course, there are mitigating factors involved. [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 4:49 PM PST - 11 comments

Help finding a horse poem

I'm trying to find a quietly apocalyptic poem that featured horses - can anyone help? [more inside]
posted by Chairboy at 4:42 PM PST - 7 comments

Replacing a headlight in an ’04 Civic.

How do I replace the driver’s side low-beam headlight on my 2004 Honda Civic LX? [more inside]
posted by vkxmai at 4:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Possibly the longest post on askmefi ever

D...d...dowryfilter? Maybe? I'm getting married to a Chinese woman, very soon, and her rather wealthy parents are asking (hinting, in this face-sensitive culture, so I think that's what it is, but it could mean something else?) where my divorced, broke parents' contribution to the marriage is, or, in lieu of theirs, mine. They've tossed a $140,000 duplex our way, a prime rental property, and a ton of financial support for their daughter. I have about $400 in the bank and an okay freelance career. Barring 10 years to save up and match that...what, exactly, can I do to prevent this from getting really, really, really awkward? A long, rambling explanation follows. [more inside]
posted by saysthis at 4:35 PM PST - 19 comments

What Bible be this?

I am searching for the translation of the Bible in which the Book of Job 14:12 is rendered thus..... [more inside]
posted by bukharin at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Tattoos on the Big Cheese?

How acceptable is it for a person in a supervisory role to get/have a visible tattoo? [more inside]
posted by bryanzera at 4:31 PM PST - 33 comments

Names, please.

Please identify these three plants. They live in our front garden, in the garden state of New Jersey.
posted by hexatron at 4:02 PM PST - 8 comments

How to get boyfriend to be more emotionally intimate?

How can I get my boyfriend to be more emotionally intimate with me without prying or being annoying? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:11 PM PST - 14 comments

What are some easily identifiable landmarks?

I'm working on a project and I need to create a collage of landmarks (the idea being a sort of national or global skyline, if you will). Specifically, I need US-based landmarks, and then international landmarks. I'm looking for help coming up with any visually obvious landmarks I might have missed. [more inside]
posted by JReed at 2:59 PM PST - 24 comments

Mold me into a copy editor!

What sort of courses, experiences, certifications, degrees, etc. should I pursue to tailor me for a career in editorial publishing? [more inside]
posted by Baethan at 2:29 PM PST - 8 comments

Why am I getting an old webpage in Chrome?

When I browse to Talking Points Memo with Chrome from work I see the page as of Sept 24th. At home, with Chrome, I see the page as of today. At work in IE7 I see the site correctly. No other websites are affected. [more inside]
posted by Maastrictian at 2:12 PM PST - 9 comments

buying a condo in dc next fall

I am looking to buy a condo next fall (2009) in DC. While I have rented in DC for quite some time, I haven't been keeping an eye on the housing market nearly as much, particularly as it has begun its decline. [more inside]
posted by waylaid at 2:09 PM PST - 3 comments

I sweat too much around my neck collar

My neck sweats like crazy when I wear button up shirts with neckties. Is there a way to help with this? [more inside]
posted by Zeker at 1:59 PM PST - 9 comments

Kitten boarding in Mumbai?

Help me with the daunting task of finding a facility to board a kitten for a few days in Mumbai, India, which is of decent enough quality to someone from the U.S.
posted by aletheia at 1:55 PM PST - 5 comments

technical gibberish parody video

I am trying to find a specific internet video from a few years ago. The video is a parody of a highly technical product promotional/sales company. There is one man in a suit explaining the company's production innovation, design, etc., as he stands in front of equipment racks. About half-way through, you begin to realize that it's all just technical gibberish. My google-fu is failing me.
posted by mdpc98 at 1:48 PM PST - 7 comments

Unlike rain on your wedding day

Someone, somewhere--some cultural critic, I think, someone who has yet to die, or who was alive within the last half-century (but I could be wrong there), once said something along the lines of "Irony is the laughter of the slave." Do you know who that was? [more inside]
posted by ftrain at 1:48 PM PST - 2 comments

How to setup caller id for Skype? (I have a monthly subscription).

How to setup caller id for Skype? (I have a monthly subscription). [more inside]
posted by omair at 1:45 PM PST - 5 comments

Tragic 80s Musician?

A friend and I are trying to remember the name of an '80s musician whose career was cut short when he mysteriously disappeared / met with foul play while traveling in Europe. [more inside]
posted by JoanArkham at 1:42 PM PST - 18 comments

Master's programs in accounting for non-accountants: Where?

I'm looking for a more complete list of Master's in Accounting or Master's in Professional Accounting programs designed for people with non-accounting bachelor's degrees. [more inside]
posted by onepapertiger at 1:41 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me show my wife just how much I love her.

My wife and I have been together for 10 years and for the next few, she is giving me a gift that I fear I can never repay. I recently began medical school at the age of 32 and, as you might imagine, just getting to this point required several serious sacrifices on her part. I've just finished my first "block" and have a week of vacation before the next block begins. I'm at home all day while she's working and I want to spend my time showing her how much I love her, how much I appreciate her sacrifices, and how I realize that I couldn't do this without her. I'm doing the normal things like making nice dinners, cleaning the house, and tackling honey-do items. But what else can I do? I'm looking to the hive to help me be creative. [more inside]
posted by stuboo at 1:40 PM PST - 15 comments

Conflict Journalist?

Help me find a job as a "conflict journalist" in Africa, the Middle East, or a war zone. [more inside]
posted by xanthippe at 1:38 PM PST - 8 comments

Diamonds: What cut is more desirable?

Which do you prefer, round or princess cut diamonds? Why? What are the pros/cons to each? [more inside]
posted by jwfree at 1:31 PM PST - 31 comments

Should I buy some stock now?

I was wondering if now would be a good time to buy stock in, say, a bank. The theory being buy low and then some years from now, it would be high. I'm talking maybe $1000, such that if I lost it all, while I wouldn't be very happy about it, but it wouldn't break me. I realize you are not a lawyer, or financial analyst, or whatever. I'm looking for any opinion, for or against.
posted by allelopath at 1:25 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me open a file.

Was sent an "untyped binary data" file with no extension. It's audio. Using a Mac, I've tried adding the .mp3, .aac, .wav extensions, and it won't open. What now? [more inside]
posted by acidic at 1:18 PM PST - 14 comments

How can I show my wife that her travels will be OK?

I need a token of love for my wife! [more inside]
posted by pdb at 12:56 PM PST - 21 comments

Where to buy a cellular modem router in the South Bay today.

Would you share you cellular modem router experiences? Or, where can I find a cellular modem router in the Bay Area today? [more inside]
posted by fief at 12:46 PM PST - 2 comments

What other consumer goods have "premium" versions that are identical to the budget version?

The only difference between regular vodka and super premium vodka is the price. Double shielded, gold plated speaker cables work just as well as cheap ones. What other consumer goods have "premium" versions that are identical to the budget version? [more inside]
posted by andrewzipp at 12:43 PM PST - 55 comments

How do I get smoke out of suits?

How do I get smoke smells out of men's wool suits--dry cleaning didn't work. [more inside]
posted by midwestguy at 12:43 PM PST - 15 comments

metafilter, how does Eid work?

How does Eid work? For my girlfriend, who is a photographer: [more inside]
posted by clockzero at 12:36 PM PST - 3 comments

What songs should my electronica cover band play?

Help me think of classic electronic tracks for my (as-yet-hypothetical) classic electronica cover band. [more inside]
posted by greenie2600 at 12:33 PM PST - 26 comments

Podcasting Equipment

Podcasting questions [more inside]
posted by mpls2 at 12:31 PM PST - 9 comments

Need Buffy Artifacts

I need help creating a complicated, buffy-themed christmas present for my girlfriend. Problem: I know very little about Buffy. I'm looking for a list (and photos, if possible) of buffy artifacts. [more inside]
posted by craven_morhead at 12:16 PM PST - 22 comments

Photos + [your suggestion] = A Happy Christmas

How can computers help me turn hundreds of 1980s photographs into an awesome present? [more inside]
posted by moxiedoll at 12:00 PM PST - 13 comments

Boyfriend has a demanding child

My boyfriend, who moved in to my house six months ago, has visitation with his 9-year-old son every other weekend and Monday afternoons. I am not a huge kid person, and never planned to have any of my own--but when I am around the two of them I put my best foot forward, engage the kid in conversation, ask him about his life and the things he enjoys, and try to do fun things with him and his father. [more inside]
posted by vegsister at 11:59 AM PST - 18 comments

Bringing U.S. laptop to Buenos Aires

What king of laptop adapter/transformer do I need for Buenos Aires? I have a U.S. Apple MacBook Pro with a THREE-pronged grounded cable. [more inside]
posted by cookie googleman at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments

Should I write this chapter for free?

I've been asked to contribute to a collection of op-ed/essays/creative nonfiction type stories, to be published together as a book. I have no idea how this stuff works, but I know the release form says I won't get paid. Anybody have any experience with this kind of thing? Is this a normal clause for a first-time author who barely even counts as an author? [more inside]
posted by ultraultraboomerang at 11:52 AM PST - 6 comments

What about when Adderall doesn't work?

I saw the doctor to discuss ADD and getting a diagnosis. He started me on Adderall XR, 10mg, slowly increasing the dose. By 40mg, I was jittery as can be, having serious anxiety apparently caused by the medicine, but still as ADD as ever. I have a follow-up appointment with the doctor tomorrow, and want to know what to ask for. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:44 AM PST - 10 comments

just like a baby's butt

What can I do now, as a young woman, to ensure I have beautiful skin when I'm older? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy at 11:43 AM PST - 38 comments

Easiest way to set up a 'fake' torrent tracker?

I need to create a website for a fake invite-only torrent community to feature in a short movie centering around said community. What's the easiest way to set up a customizable tracker? [more inside]
posted by JMB1138 at 11:38 AM PST - 2 comments

Tivo vs. Time-Warner DVR

I have a Series 2 Tivo. After 5 months of no TV at all, I have TimeWarner cable again. In my area, T-W uses the Sci. Atlanta DVR tuner. It's less expensive than Tivo, by several $ a month. Is Tivo worth the extra $ and hassle? [more inside]
posted by theora55 at 11:22 AM PST - 16 comments

Wireless webcam for PC/Mac?

So I finally got around to setting up my wireless video webcam. I like the camera, I like that it's wireless and streaming video, but I can't view the video from any of my three Macs, though it works with my Dell laptop. When I try to view from my Mac (on IE, Firefox, or Safari) I get the video page but no video. [more inside]
posted by rinosaur at 11:14 AM PST - 7 comments

ISO respectable Momwear

Can you suggest some fall/winter clothes for me, given certain constraints? SAHM, suddenly muscular, don't want to succumb to sloppiness. [more inside]
posted by kmennie at 11:09 AM PST - 12 comments

Podcast pointers and primers, please.

Podcast pointers and primers, please. [more inside]
posted by NikitaNikita at 11:08 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me see some of Europe!

I need advice for planning a trip to Europe next summer. [more inside]
posted by bDiddy at 11:07 AM PST - 17 comments

Where in NY can I get an ipod nano engraved?

Where can i get my ipod nano engraved in or around New York City (closer to Brooklyn ideal)? [more inside]
posted by pinksoftsoap at 11:03 AM PST - 4 comments

Oh, this summer I did swan dives And jack-knives for you all

Mefi Mixtape Help! I'm currently in love with "The Swimming Song" by Loudon Wainwright III. Does anyone have suggestions for songs that are equally fun, carefree and generally badass? I tried the iTunes Genius playlist but it failed. Thanks in advance.
posted by beta male at 11:00 AM PST - 10 comments

insert page break into screen capture?

Printer filter: a Snagit screen capture of a web page yields an 8.5 x 22" (96dpi) document in Photoshop 7. What can I easily do (short of using Photoshop to break the one document into two 8.5 x 11" documents) in order to print it out as a two page document, thus keeping the same width? Photoshop, Snagit, and Windows Picture Viewer all want to print it all out on a single 8.5 x 11" page by shrinking the width and length, which makes the content nearly unreadable. Converting it to a PDF document yields the same result. So, what's a quick and easy way of inserting a page break where I want it into a screen capture (JPG or PNG format)? OS: Windows XP
posted by bbranden1 at 10:57 AM PST - 5 comments

How can I travel between continents without emitting much CO2?

I want to travel, but I think doing so by airplane is unethical because of the associated carbon emissions and the inadequacy of 'offset' schemes. Is it still possible to travel by sea from North America to Europe or Asia? If so, how long does it take, and what are the associated costs?
posted by sindark at 10:55 AM PST - 34 comments

Does IE7-like RSS Reader exist for FireFox?

I love IE7's built-in RSS/feed reader. I hate, hate, hate IE7's slowness and general, overal crapiness. I would love to use FireFox, but I want the same kind of RSS reader functionality. Is there is a plugin or extension for Firefox that exists and works just like IE7's RSS reader? [more inside]
posted by karizma at 10:35 AM PST - 4 comments

Thats where you wanna go to get away from it all

Vacation Filter; Need help planning our family vacation. The vacation will be for four days at the end of October. The two destinations are the Bahamas or the DR! Please recommend all-inclusive resorts that will be fun for us. Our group is five people. (Two parents in their fifties, and four others in early to late 20s). Good restaurants, fun activities and maybe a bit of partying for the youngins :) thanks in advance!
posted by boyinmiami at 10:35 AM PST - 0 comments

Excel, talk to me in Numbers, not Korean!

Excel Language Issue: Why is it speaking Korean when I want English numbers? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:30 AM PST - 2 comments

Rape records from early US history

Where can I find antebellum white-on-black rape statistics? [more inside]
posted by billtron at 10:26 AM PST - 8 comments

Intro to ethics through film

I'm creating a basic study guide for the topic of Ethics in Film. I have a basic list compiled. What are films that address a particular moral issue that you feel should be on this list? (Recommendations for a basic text as companion guide would also be appreciated.) [more inside]
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 10:07 AM PST - 25 comments

How do I open PC volumes that my Mac can see on a Windows network but can't open.

How do I open PC volumes that my Mac can see on a Windows network but can't open. [more inside]
posted by jeffreyclong at 10:03 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm dizzy and I can't turn my head.

Low grade fever, intermittent sore throat, lots of dizziness, extremely stiff neck and upper back, and headache - what's happening to me and how can I make it better? [more inside]
posted by chez shoes at 9:54 AM PST - 17 comments

Appropriate salary for a legal conflicts analyst?

I am applying for a job as a legal conflicts analyst, and the employer wants me to list a salary requirement in my cover letter. Problem: I have no idea as to what figure would be appropriate. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:53 AM PST - 6 comments

Can anyone suggest an upgrade to the eVGA 6800GT video card?

What is currently the fastest AGP video card out? I am on the fence about spending money on upgrading my computer, If i can find an upgrade to my videocard eVGA 6800 GT and more ram then I will most likely be good for now(playing warhammer online). [more inside]
posted by Mesach at 9:52 AM PST - 8 comments

Suggest Some Good TV Shows

I'm in need of quality 30 minute or less dramas. I have a 35 minute bus commute and find it annoying to watch only half a show. [more inside]
posted by cjorgensen at 9:39 AM PST - 23 comments

Makeup lessons in San Francisco?

Where should I go in San Francisco to learn better techniques for make-up application? [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 9:25 AM PST - 6 comments

Baking substitution for light rum?

I want to whip up an applesauce cake this afternoon for Rosh Hashanah (this recipe specifically). However, I don't have light rum. What can I use as a substitute that will make my cake just as yummy? [more inside]
posted by leesh at 9:18 AM PST - 11 comments

Lav Mics for the Outdoor Stage?

Lav Mics. What about 'em? We encourage our actors to cheat out, to be confident in their lines and to project. And yet, there are times when they need just a little more help being heard. So, here is a follow-up to a question I asked two years ago ... now that we've a little experience, if we decided to add lav mics to our audio arsenal, is there are make and model that you would recommend for theatre? For outdoor theatre? For outdoor theatre in a climate that can shift from nary a drop to downpour in under a minute?
posted by grabbingsand at 8:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Is it possible to have a great, Carribean, resort vacation with an 18 month old toddler in tow?

Is it possible to have a great, Carribean, resort vacation with an 18 month old toddler in tow? [more inside]
posted by kilikina73 at 8:58 AM PST - 7 comments

How to have a calm and interesting trip with Mom

ISO ideas and hints for planning successful vacation with brainy, very (very) anxious widowed mother (mine) who is active, nervous, and 76. [more inside]
posted by ClaudiaCenter at 8:58 AM PST - 12 comments

I am such a noob

How do I get better at first-person shooters on the Xbox360? [more inside]
posted by MrVisible at 8:56 AM PST - 22 comments

What is the name of this book featuring daring escapes and maybe some pirates?

Another remember-a-book question: it was published in the last 10 years or so, and features magicians. (Potential spoilers inside). [more inside]
posted by muddgirl at 8:54 AM PST - 3 comments

dealing with belated grief?

My mom died when I was in college. Though she was in some sense a single parent to me and we were extremely close, I barely shed a tear about it since she died over six years ago. This past weekend, I'm not exactly sure why, but the dam finally broke and I've been overwhelmed with a tidal wave of sadness for the past couple of days that shows no signs of flowing back out. I have a couple of questions for you. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:51 AM PST - 13 comments

I've lost her wedding ring!

I've lost the wedding ring! What do I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:51 AM PST - 20 comments

College Radio, Reloaded

What does it take to get an internet radio station to appear in the "Radio" section of the iTunes software? Or, how do I help a college set up an internet radio station? [more inside]
posted by fvox13 at 8:47 AM PST - 2 comments

Cost of living in Bermuda?

I'm considering a job offer. It's in Bermuda. While the places obviously has advantages, the cost of living seems insane. [more inside]
posted by dhoe at 8:18 AM PST - 3 comments

the sun sets here

When is Torontohenge? [more inside]
posted by thenormshow at 8:11 AM PST - 2 comments

Ow.

Is my bed broken? It's breaking my back and my bank. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:02 AM PST - 5 comments

Can we survive in space with no protection?

Could people really survive in space, for 10 or so seconds with no protection bar thermal wrap? [more inside]
posted by micklaw at 7:57 AM PST - 14 comments

American South Road Trip?

Road Tripfilter! Is it feasible to drive from NYC to New Orleans, hitting stops along the way, without going insane? [more inside]
posted by The Whelk at 7:57 AM PST - 29 comments

1 travel bug + 1 back-to-schooler + love = ???

My long-term, wonderful partner wants me to be more flexible, to put off school, and to travel the world with him. At 33, I'm sick of moving, love my current city, and want more education. What’s the best way for us to negotiate our differing goals for the future? Has anyone out there been in the same situation, and if so, what did you do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Visa issues with Cuba

Visa issues with Cuba. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:54 AM PST - 10 comments

What is the procedure for getting a 'certified copy' of my passport for the bank?

What is the procedure for getting a 'certified copy' of my passport for proof of identity for the bank? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:53 AM PST - 6 comments

What is the name for this style of art?

Is there a name for this style of digital art? [more inside]
posted by relucent at 7:33 AM PST - 6 comments

From Russia With...?

Ian Fleming's "From Russia With Love"... how does it end? (possible spoilers) [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 7:31 AM PST - 5 comments

What superpowers can I look forward to?

What can I expect in terms of side effects for radiation treatment of brain cancer? [more inside]
posted by Atom12 at 6:58 AM PST - 16 comments

Muscle building for the lazy home body

What is the best way for a fairly unmotivated but still moderately fit guy with a lot of time on his hands to build upper body mass in the comfort of his own home?
posted by zaebiz at 6:11 AM PST - 17 comments

Give me cupcakes or give me death!

Where can I find awesome cupcakes in D/FW, D.C., and Boston? [more inside]
posted by mrhaydel at 5:18 AM PST - 29 comments

New baby - what to get now for 18th birthday?

Our baby daughter is nearly two weeks old. We want to do something special now for her 18th/21st birthday. We are doing a baby book with our thoughts about her now and will be putting some money aside into her UK child trust fund. Port seems so old fashioned and whisky so inappropriate. Any ideas?
posted by Bigbrowncow at 3:34 AM PST - 40 comments

Who's going to be the next Washington Mutual/Fortis/B&B?

How can I keep track of the health of European banks? [more inside]
posted by fuzz at 3:31 AM PST - 4 comments

Click here?

On American TV drama shows I have noticed that TV remotes make an audible click when a button is pressed by one of the actors. Living in the UK, I have never heard/seen this in real life. Do all American TV remotes click? Or is this just a dramatic device? UK TV remotes do not click. Why?
posted by JtJ at 2:09 AM PST - 20 comments

Help me find a good camcorder.

I'm in the market for an inexpensive (under $1000) camcorder but every spec on any camera brings up a thousand questions. 3CCD? CMOS? HD? HDV? MiniDV? BluRay? File formats? Still shots? Help! [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 12:28 AM PST - 6 comments

September 28

Has anyone tried speed dating?

I'm a cute, smart and determined 25 year old girl who is looking to try out the local dating scene. I've been looking into speed-dating, but I wanted to tap MeFi for any advice or suggestions. Has anyone tried speed scenarios like 8minuteDating? [more inside]
posted by thatbrunette at 11:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me find a pseudo-cartogram of the world's largest cities.

Help me re-find a cartogram-like picture of the 100 largest cities by population. [more inside]
posted by brownbat at 10:58 PM PST - 6 comments

Startech syngas

Can Startech's syngas power a ocean capable ships engine? I am trying to determine if you could power an ocean going ship with syngas.
posted by Mr_Zero at 10:55 PM PST - 9 comments

sunset position prediction

Is there a site that will tell me the exact heading to which the sun will set for a given day and location? Obviously the sun sets in the west, but as the seasons change it sets in different locations, I need to figure out exactly where... [more inside]
posted by garethspor at 10:40 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm Only One Googler

I have a gmail account that I use in my personal life. I also have a google talk (gtalk) account that I use for work. They're two different usernames. Is there any way to combine them under a single google username, preferably the name I use for my gmail account? [more inside]
posted by Amy Phillips at 10:36 PM PST - 11 comments

Where to learn about keyboard synthesis?

What are some good resources (books, sites etc.) to learn synthesizer techniques? [more inside]
posted by Me, The Snake at 10:36 PM PST - 7 comments

How do you get tree sap out of clothes?

How do you get tree sap out of clothes? [more inside]
posted by ShortHairyMan at 10:23 PM PST - 6 comments

How do you pronounce clavier?

How do you pronounce "clavier" as in Well-Tempered Clavier? [more inside]
posted by amfea at 10:19 PM PST - 24 comments

Help me keep my wife from going nuts on bed rest

How can I cheer up, amuse, and otherwise distract my pregnant wife who's just been put on bed rest at week 25? [more inside]
posted by El Curioso at 10:16 PM PST - 22 comments

Taking a toddler to hawaii

Toddler-friendly Hawaii beach vacation? [more inside]
posted by Joh at 10:14 PM PST - 2 comments

Anz ideas_

While talking to my friend, who was using gchat in gmail on a Mac, suddenly her keyboard started acting up. It didn't work it gchat, did work in rmails in gmail, and the kezboard is messed up for other things++ (y is swapped with z, and all sorts of other things.) The strange part is, she doesn't even know how she did it. Any Mac gurus have anz ideas_ (any ideas?) Particularly useful would be how to reverse the change...
posted by hAndrew at 10:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a Spanish ad.

Help me locate a Spanish-language political ad. [more inside]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 9:48 PM PST - 4 comments

I need a place to stay in Manahattan!

If I were to want to get a good, sublet apartment in Manhattan (for just 2 months) starting in January 2009 through the end of February 2009--where should I begin? [more inside]
posted by zerobyproxy at 9:27 PM PST - 4 comments

$213 million? Seems to random...

This question always comes up with my husband and I when watching Boston Legal. How does the jury decide how much to reward in damages? [more inside]
posted by Becko at 9:24 PM PST - 5 comments

Forget Creationism, we should teach _______ in public schools!

Is there an alternative to evolution or intelligent design? [more inside]
posted by InsanePenguin at 8:59 PM PST - 65 comments

Insurance Cancels Allergy Drug Coverage

My insurance company (Blue Cross/Shield MA) is dropping all prescription drug benefits for allergy drugs in favor of over-the-counter medicine like Claritin. I have serious allergies and take Alegra 180. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by morallybass at 8:42 PM PST - 20 comments

Is there a solvent for laser printer ink?

Is there a solvent for laser printer ink? [more inside]
posted by debord at 8:32 PM PST - 7 comments

Snack attack!

How do you deal with post-meal "hunger?" That persistent snacky feeling... [more inside]
posted by lunasol at 8:24 PM PST - 22 comments

PMS pretty much sucks.

How do you deal with PMS, especially associated anxiety and paranoia? [more inside]
posted by mynameisluka at 8:17 PM PST - 15 comments

Icky nail infection in NYC: Derm recommendations in midtown?

Manhattan dermatologist who can see me this week to handle an out of control icky infection (classic manicure-from-hell scenario)? The closer to Grand Central-ish, the better! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:10 PM PST - 4 comments

smelly cap, smelly cap

The baseball cap I wear at the gym gets soaked in sweat. And now it smells like mildew. Help. [more inside]
posted by roger ackroyd at 8:06 PM PST - 16 comments

Can my liver protect me from a lead bullet?

YANMD...Can my liver handle lead? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:03 PM PST - 12 comments

There's a word for this....

What is the word that means setting the direction of the conversation by how you begin? (Benchmark, perhaps?) For instance, Paulson demands $700B without any oversight; the discussion becomes heated about how much oversight, how dare he, what oversight we should insist on, etc etc, rather than the amount of money, who it should be given to, and so on. More description follows, if that helps. [more inside]
posted by kestralwing at 7:53 PM PST - 4 comments

Does Savagnin exist in the U.S.

How can I find wines from Jura in the New York and New Jersey area, ideally close to New Brunswick, and/or Atlanta. I'm only interested in the wines based on the Savagnin grape, specifically the Macvin du Jura, Savagnin, Vin jaune, and Vin de paille. I should also find rillettes de canard (or other animals), pre-stuffed escargot, miel (honey) and syrup of violate and/or lavender, but these items are less serious and maybe easier. [more inside]
posted by jeffburdges at 7:40 PM PST - 5 comments

It cuts/prys/screws like a knife

Where to buy a Gerber Artifact in Toronto, or at least order in Canada. [more inside]
posted by Newbornstranger at 7:38 PM PST - 1 comment

Why Is Football Messing with My Reality

There must be a simple explanation for this, but I'm damned if I can figure it out: in televised football games, how do they get the digital line of scrimmage and digital arrows marking which down it is to appear as if they're underneath the players' feet and bodies? [more inside]
posted by Powerful Religious Baby at 7:32 PM PST - 11 comments

What is a good job for a teenager that is good with computers?

I'm a highschool kid, good with computers, looking for an online job regarding computers? [more inside]
posted by ptsampras14 at 7:26 PM PST - 8 comments

Girlfriend wants me to get a shaggy hairstyle, should I?

My other half really wants me to get the modern shag hair style like Brad Pitt's. I have long hair at the moment and I'm not too keen on the change... I think it's too feminine (pink is not the new black) and outdated. Am i being too stubborn?
posted by jakubsnm at 7:26 PM PST - 30 comments

Music Videos

I'm interested in producing music videos... [more inside]
posted by god particle at 7:25 PM PST - 1 comment

Which Dune sequels and Gene Wolfe book to buy?

Help me choose a couple of my next books: Which Dune sequels and which Gene Wolfe book to buy? [more inside]
posted by ersatz at 7:18 PM PST - 26 comments

Are Australian online tax return services any good?

Australian MeFites: have you used an online tax return service and been happy with the results? [more inside]
posted by flabdablet at 6:38 PM PST - 3 comments

My MacBook takes revenge on me for spilling bacon, beer and chocolate on it.

My MacBook (2 years old) logs me out as soon as I log in. Exasperated details inside . . . [more inside]
posted by TomSophieIvy at 6:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Doggy goosebumps

Are my dogs cold? [more inside]
posted by little miss s at 6:18 PM PST - 18 comments

What's the name of that toy?

I was born in 1971. I liked toys that allowed me to build structures when I was growing up: Lincoln Logs, Legos, Erector Sets, etc. But there was one toy my parents bought for me that I've not seen since and cannot find on the Internet, mainly because I can't remember what it was called. I'll try to describe it: [more inside]
posted by ampang701 at 5:50 PM PST - 13 comments

updating my ipone and "notes"

reformatting iphone and notes [more inside]
posted by femmme at 5:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Will my hand really turn skeletal?

HouseholdChemicalsFilter: Due to a latex allergy, general hatred of inner-glove dampness, I prefer to clean the house without using gloves. Am I putting myself in any grave danger? [more inside]
posted by sunshinesky at 5:19 PM PST - 17 comments

Please help answer my computer question

I am living in a pretty shitty dorm without any wireless connection. They are also especially fearful of any downloading going on. Since I have to rely on their ethernet ports and they have all the pertinent information about my MAC address and my i.p. address is there a way for me to "anonymize" myself on their system if I should choose to partake in downloading a file (not an illegal one, of course) from bittorrent or even limewire. In particular I am looking for some opera records should be in the public domain and are probably located on bittorrent or bearshare.
posted by leybman at 5:03 PM PST - 14 comments

What now?

I was diagnosed with general anxiety three weeks ago. My first paper was due for college two days ago; I haven't started writing it. What are the best possible actions to take in this situation? [more inside]
posted by Alligator at 3:55 PM PST - 49 comments

Or is it the accent that dooms us?

So there is the stereotype (substantiated in my experience) that American girls love themselves some Brit or Aussie man-action. Where are the guys throwing themselves at Yank girls?
posted by dame at 2:45 PM PST - 42 comments

What is that thing

What is this creature? [more inside]
posted by sanko at 2:28 PM PST - 14 comments

Quotefilter: Who said something along the lines of "The way to know a people is through its artists"?

Quotefilter: Who said something along the lines of "The way to know a people is through its artists"? [more inside]
posted by Carillon at 2:28 PM PST - 2 comments

stainless cooking

I am transitioning to a Calphalon stainless cooking set, but everything is sticking to the pans, despite much olive oil. What are some tricks from moving from teflon/non-stick to stainless steel on a gas range?
posted by plexi at 1:33 PM PST - 23 comments

Help a clueless person run a simple program

A plea for help in installing/running a seemingly simple open-source program on a Windows box. [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi at 1:31 PM PST - 6 comments

have house, will travel

What are the legalities involved in buying a house and then dismantling and removing it? [more inside]
posted by crazylegs at 1:29 PM PST - 17 comments

How Do I Drown Out the Noise My Neighbor Creates?

There is little to no insulation between the ceiling of my apartment, and the floor of the apartment above me. I am looking for a way to drown out the noise from my upstairs neighbor. Can anyone, for the sake of my sanity, recommend something that generates enough noise to drown her out? [more inside]
posted by helios410 at 1:07 PM PST - 21 comments

Help me find and fix my wifi card problem.

I've replaced my wireless card, but my laptop still intermittently locks up. The problem occurs whether I'm running XP or Ubuntu, and disappears when I disable the wifi in bios. [more inside]
posted by philomathoholic at 1:05 PM PST - 7 comments

What's a nice to way to demand, "Please fix my hair so I don't look like I work at Hot Topic."

I just spent way too much money at the salon for highlights, and after a few days I realized that I am not happy with the outcome. Is there any standard recourse or should I just fix this myself? [more inside]
posted by Viola at 11:54 AM PST - 15 comments

Know an artist named Arthur Seller?

Does anyone know anything about an artist named Arthur Seller? [more inside]
posted by horsemuth at 11:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Multicultural Breakup

The short end - my insecurity, slight bickering, possible anxiety combined with cultural/language differences pushed a great, overall, happy, loving/in-love, great sex relationship over the end. Now im hurt, of course, confused, and still want a future. HELP! [more inside]
posted by AMP583 at 11:49 AM PST - 16 comments

Why does everything in my apartment get moldy?

Why does everything mold over in our apartment? [more inside]
posted by OLechat at 11:45 AM PST - 8 comments

It's compiling right now actually

How do you deal with a long compile time breaking your concentration? [more inside]
posted by ghost of a past number at 11:25 AM PST - 10 comments

Vocals + melancholy piano

Songs with vocals that have piano primarily as the background - ones that sound similar to Jade McNelis' "Wins" (link provided) [more inside]
posted by paperlanterns at 10:26 AM PST - 13 comments

Ed Miliband's banana

Can someone please show me a link to the (in)famous Ed & the banana pictures (Miliband that is). Discussing it here with friends in Northern Ireland and we have come up completely dry! Have they been pulled somehow?
posted by Wilder at 10:25 AM PST - 3 comments

Creepy children's book question -- probably Russian/slavic or Middle Eastern

Need help finding a book. I think it was a short stories collection. One of the stories was about a king that left his new bride alone when he had to go somewhere on business. He gave her a keychain with keys to all the rooms and an egg he told her to carry around... [more inside]
posted by icarus at 10:07 AM PST - 8 comments

How much electricity is my AC unit using when it's on "fan"?

Does my window air conditioner use just as much electricity on the "fan" setting as it does on the "cool" setting? [more inside]
posted by amro at 9:58 AM PST - 7 comments

What are some good blogs written by Californians about humanitarian projects in the area?

What are some good blogs written by Californians about humanitarian projects in the area? [more inside]
posted by cmyers at 9:56 AM PST - 3 comments

i'm wet, and it's not the good kind of wet

So we've had about 6 inches of rain in the past 3 days, and I think I need to buy an umbrella. [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 9:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me duplicate this unique trophy

I am trying to duplicate a unique trophy any way possible. [more inside]
posted by Flying Saucer at 9:48 AM PST - 9 comments

Shower causing bad smell

An extremely foul smell (not a shit smell -- I can't place it) has been starting up in my bathroom a short time after the shower is turned on. It doesn't seem to be the water itself that smells, but I can't tell where the smell comes from. When the shower is off, the smell eventually clears and doesn't return until the shower is turned on again. Any idea what could be going on?
posted by Cucurbit at 9:36 AM PST - 21 comments

Where can I learn about the stock market?

I've never had anything to do with the stock market. I would like to learn more about it. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by smeater44 at 9:01 AM PST - 15 comments

What was the name of this brilliant classic film?

MovieFilter: Here's a vague one for you. Caught it on AMC circa 2005. Snappy, witty dialogue. Black and white. Definitely a film from the late 40s to early 50s. Details follow. [more inside]
posted by rentalkarma at 8:55 AM PST - 12 comments

sad accesspoint drama.

Netgear access point weirdness. Wireless roaming. OMG, why does the AP do this and as a result cause my internets connection to connect/disconnect frequently? [more inside]
posted by beerbajay at 8:52 AM PST - 12 comments

Help cool my MBP so I might have children one day.

Suggestions for cooling a MacBook Pro? [more inside]
posted by Silvertree at 8:40 AM PST - 11 comments

Search Engines in Kenya / Nigeria / Saudi Arabia

Which are the most popular search engines used by people in Nigeria, Kenya and Saudi Arabia - other than Google / Yahoo / MSN etc. ? [more inside]
posted by inquisitive at 8:19 AM PST - 1 comment

Recover a lost bag

I left a black and white Freitag bag on a Dundas streetcar in Toronto last night at about 10:45. I have already spoken to the TTC about steps to recover it if it was handed to the driver. What are my best steps to get it back if another passenger kept it?
posted by Manhasset at 8:02 AM PST - 6 comments

Another movie ID question: Modernized Woman in White?

Movie ID help: old film, a woman in white, escaped mental patient, is hitchhiking.... [more inside]
posted by phoenixy at 7:34 AM PST - 4 comments

workers comp for RSI?

RSI is crippling my arm. Should I get workers compensation help? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:53 AM PST - 10 comments

I got ripped off by the person whose lease I took over. What should I do to recover my money?

I got ripped off by the person whose lease I took over. What should I do to recover my money? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:53 AM PST - 19 comments

I broke my leg! Should I pursue compensation?

Personal injury filter: I broke my leg very badly--clean break of both tibia and fibula--while visiting my brother's apartment building in Brooklyn NY. I required surgery and a 5-day hospital stay. I will require months of PT and further ortho visits. I don't know yet if I'll lose any time from work beyond the week I was in the hospital, because my job is understanding and will let me work from home for at least a while. I cannot drive for at least a month, so I'm dependent on the kindness of my friends to bring me things, and as I live in a 3-story walkup (in Baltimore), I won't be going anywhere for a while. My question is about whether I should try to have the apartment building owner(s) contribute money toward what I expect to be quite a high amount. I'm not looking for damages--just for whatever my insurance won't cover. [more inside]
posted by ImproviseOrDie at 6:43 AM PST - 30 comments

what is the correct term for musician jump kick

What should I call it when a band is finishing a song and the guitarist hits the last chord while jumping in the air and jack knifing his/her legs back? [more inside]
posted by planetkyoto at 5:27 AM PST - 18 comments

How can I update my menu without breaking the bank?

I would like to diversify my meal choices, but I can't afford to shop every week.... any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by FireStyle at 5:20 AM PST - 25 comments

Can soap be made dirty?

Can an anti-bacterial bar of soap become "dirty?". . . [more inside]
posted by ws at 5:12 AM PST - 8 comments

Volunteer/work/study programs for toursits in Israel?

Things for a Canadian teen to do in Israel? (lots and lots more inside) [more inside]
posted by alon at 4:44 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I build a working Etch-A-Sketch costume

I need to build a working etch-a-sketch costume for Halloween. How do I make the internal mechanisms, and how do I make a very large shake-to-erase screen? [more inside]
posted by cmchap at 3:59 AM PST - 14 comments

What is the likelihood of recovering data that has been deleted inside an OSX account that also has been deleted?

I know there are dozens of data recovery question on here, but nothing that appears to address my specific question. I have an Apple Powerbook G4 laptop running 10.4.1. In preparing to sell the machine I transferred a bunch of files across to an external drive, then deleted them, emptied the trash and deleted the entire user account (while telling it not to store a disc image of that account.) Since then nothing has been written to or deleted from the disk. Now I find that not all of my files were successfully copied to the external drive so I've lost a lot of data. In particular I would like to save just one folder full of Excel spreadsheets - my past few months of accounting. What is the likelihood of being able to achieve this, either myself or using a data recovery company?
posted by skylar at 1:53 AM PST - 6 comments

Portable pdf reading - what's the way to go?

What would you recommend for a compact device that reads pdfs? I've recently started train commuting and have 30 minutes on a regular basis to read. There are quite a few large pdfs that I read. I've been using a PSP but it doesn't work well. I'm currently looking at an ipod touch, eee PC, Aspire One, Nokia n800 and would consider anything else that people recommend. ( more inside ) [more inside]
posted by sien at 1:38 AM PST - 35 comments

Where's an affordable place to get married in Vancouver?

Where's an affordable place to get married in Vancouver? [more inside]
posted by branparsons at 1:28 AM PST - 6 comments

September 27

parking brake woes

car help: parking brake stuck! I can't move my car... even to take it to a mechanic. [more inside]
posted by speef at 10:38 PM PST - 8 comments

Winter container vegetables in San Diego?

What winter vegetables can I grow in pots in a warm climate? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects at 9:38 PM PST - 5 comments

Zoom me in!

How "zoom" is a 55-200mm zoom lens? [more inside]
posted by Spurious at 9:27 PM PST - 14 comments

Wherefore foams?

What is the point of foams in modern cooking? Is it for taste, or presentation, or just to be innovative?
posted by smackfu at 8:53 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I get there from here? (Lexington/Burlington MA)

I'll be travelling from NYC to Boston via bus or train (as yet undecided, probably bus) on Columbus Day weekend. That part is easy, it's getting from South Station or Greyhound in Newton to my destination that's challenging me. [more inside]
posted by TravellingCari at 8:52 PM PST - 17 comments

Pushing the limits of PDFs. First, what are they?

When it comes to document interactivity, what are PDF files really capable of? Which features are best for creating dynamic displays of information? What are some of the best examples you've seen of interactive PDFs? [more inside]
posted by ElfWord at 8:39 PM PST - 10 comments

I dont have time to be asking about this. I have stuff to do.

Help me get uninsane with prioritizing, please. I have a list of projects that would thank you for it. [more inside]
posted by damnjezebel at 8:29 PM PST - 5 comments

Cozy sweaters in NYC.

Where can I buy a cozy warm/large/high quality/handmade old style wool/cotton sweater (not stylized or gender specific) in NYC? [more inside]
posted by ooklala at 8:27 PM PST - 8 comments

VP Debates near the Smokies?

Where can I observe the vice-presidential debates next Thursday (10/2) near the Smokey Mountains (TN) or near Jonesborough (for the storytelling festival)? [more inside]
posted by Science! at 7:55 PM PST - 2 comments

What should I do about a threat-letter?

What should I do about a threatening letter, both personally and legally? [more inside]
posted by malusmoriendumest at 7:33 PM PST - 16 comments

Liquid diet: alternatives to milkshakes.

In two weeks, I'll get both my jaws broken by my oral surgeon. Because of this, I might end up spending a full month on a liquid diet. Can you help me find some tasty alternatives to milkshakes? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 7:22 PM PST - 45 comments

Piano sheet music - breaking the chains

How do I learn to play piano by ear? [more inside]
posted by JParker at 6:55 PM PST - 19 comments

Help Me Date a Book!

How might one go about deducing the age of a book with no publication date printed inside of it? [more inside]
posted by CheeseburgerBrown at 6:44 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I find out when the morning fog will be the thickest?

Date for thickest morning fog? [more inside]
posted by querty at 6:35 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I get this computer to force boot a CD?

I just bought a brand new OEM XP Pro SP3 install disc and it won't boot. Here's the rub: Computer runs an old MS Small Business Server and I want to wipe the thing and install my new OEM XP Pro, but the computer won't boot from the CD. Bios is set up properly. [more inside]
posted by CarlRossi at 6:15 PM PST - 15 comments

Help me fix my wedding photos!

Help me fix my broken wedding photos - need to remove the orange factor [more inside]
posted by wingless_angel at 6:00 PM PST - 19 comments

What is a good creative gift that I should give my girlfriend?

What are some good birthday gifts to get my girlfriend? [more inside]
posted by jModug at 5:48 PM PST - 18 comments

A question for NY iPhone owners

NY iPhone owners: How's the reception in Queens (Astoria/LIC) and what's the bill once all the taxes etc. are included? [more inside]
posted by JulianDay at 5:36 PM PST - 3 comments

Where in Toronto can I find a 3.5" IDE to CF card adaptor?

Where in Toronto can I find a 3.5" IDE to CF card adaptor? [more inside]
posted by tracert at 4:54 PM PST - 4 comments

Women and Winter Boot Help

I am looking for suggestions from all you intelligent, practical women out there regarding good, solid, moderately not-ugly snow boots. I live in Colorado and last winter was a nasty one and the one before, even worse and I am hanging up my knee-high, heeled black leather boots in favor of something less life-threatening. I used to swear I would never wear Uggs, but they have some cute styles this year and if they, or anything else, work for you, please, share. Under $200 is where I'm at. [more inside]
posted by orangeRamona at 4:22 PM PST - 28 comments

Name of movie where woman kisses cannibal

WhatWasThatMovieFilter: Crash survivors wind up on a desert island. They fight. One of them fences off part of the island, then turns cannibal. [more inside]
posted by the latin mouse at 4:02 PM PST - 12 comments

What interesting photographers should I know about?

Homeworkfilter: what obscure (viz. not Ansel Adams) photographer should I explore? Who is doing creative and (intellectually) challenging work that I might not be familiar with? [more inside]
posted by cmyr at 3:30 PM PST - 26 comments

Does Image Alignment Affect Perception Consistently?

In an image like this, does the alignments of the faces affect the viewers' perceptions or opinions of the people, and if so, does this cognitive bias for or against left or right carry over even to images where the faces are the same (Ie: "I think both people on the left side of either image look more trustworthy.")? Does the alignment of a single subject and addition of negative space also have an affect ("The woman in the second image looks meaner.")? I'm not so much asking for a referendum on these particular examples as I am curious about any empirical studies or statistics relating to this topic. Thanks!
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 3:05 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I access the drupal admin panel.

Three drupal questions 1. I disabled the log in form on the main page, now how do I get to the admin panel? (Please note, I have a local install of drupal, php, MySQL and Apache for Dev purposes.) 2. How can I create drop down menus? 3. Is there a way I can change the layout for a certain page? Such as I want the main page to be two columns while others to be one with tables or something to that effect for grid data. How can I do this?
posted by BoldStepDesign at 2:56 PM PST - 6 comments

B&M Asus sellers?

Where can I find an Asus eee pc tonight? [more inside]
posted by mad bomber what bombs at midnight at 2:50 PM PST - 7 comments

He wants to be "friends" but still likes me? Did I kill the attraction?

He likes me.. says I'm cute, smart and does want to be intimate.. but doesn't want a relationship. What is wrong? [more inside]
posted by freshsprout at 2:23 PM PST - 40 comments

How do I save a script/content rich web page as a local file?

What is the best way to save a script/content rich web page for archival reasons from a remote server, locally? [more inside]
posted by nickerbocker at 2:07 PM PST - 4 comments

How do i get a VM to share a local folder?

How do I get a vmware machine to mount a folder on it's host machine? [more inside]
posted by muddylemon at 2:05 PM PST - 3 comments

MHTML blues

I have a huge collection of MHT files and would like to view them on my Windows Mobile or Palm device. [more inside]
posted by sonicbloom at 2:04 PM PST - 4 comments

**

What is the history of the ∗∗ operator, used for exponentiation? [more inside]
posted by king walnut at 1:19 PM PST - 6 comments

good vibes

Tell me about ambient & instrumental music that features vibraphones, marimbas, xylophones &/or similar instruments. [more inside]
posted by jammy at 12:13 PM PST - 27 comments

To bail or buy?

If the credit crisis is caused by falling housing prices and excess housing inventory, why doesn't the government just buy up 2,000,000 houses at an average of $350,000 each ($700,000,000) and hold them until housing values rebound. If you're going to artificially prop up home prices, this seems just as efficient as handing the cash to banks.
posted by Crotalus at 12:12 PM PST - 24 comments

A new direction? Or stay the course?

Deciding on a life direction(and paging allkindsoftime, in particular!) [more inside]
posted by HopperFan at 12:06 PM PST - 5 comments

How can I install Final Cut Express plugins/effects?

How can I install Final Cut Express plugins/effects? [more inside]
posted by eric1200 at 12:03 PM PST - 2 comments

The audience chanted, "HECTOR HECTOR HECTOR."

Name that movie filter: What 80's dark comedy/horror movie did I see with the members of my falculty? [more inside]
posted by kiki_s at 11:57 AM PST - 5 comments

0xUNDERSTAND

Are there any scripting / cli-compatible languages which decently provide or at least pretend to provide bit-math? [more inside]
posted by tmcw at 11:42 AM PST - 7 comments

Names of the locations in these old slides?

Need help identifying some places (and maybe even people?) in a bunch of old slides I found at a thrift shop. [more inside]
posted by Venadium at 11:20 AM PST - 4 comments

What is the best way to hire an offshore personal assistant to catalog all my bookmarks?

A few times I have heard about offshore (usually India-based) personal assistants who can handle specific tasks for you at a low rate. What is the best way to hire one, and how can I hire one to categorize my bookmarks across all my computers? [more inside]
posted by iknowizbirfmark at 10:57 AM PST - 8 comments

QuickTime? Flash? Who's talking about it?

Videos in pdfs: Stick with QuickTime, or switch to Flash? [more inside]
posted by dpcoffin at 10:52 AM PST - 1 comment

It's never as good the second time.

I often lose text that I've written in a web page by accidentally hitting a link and page changes (instead of in a new tab). Is there anything I can do to always save the text on the previous page? [more inside]
posted by JakeLL at 10:41 AM PST - 13 comments

I need suggestions for a message to a one-year-old to be opened on his 10th birthday.

I need suggestions for a message to a one-year-old to be opened on his 10th birthday. [more inside]
posted by saucy at 10:29 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me Manage file downloads?

Does anyone know of a (Windows) program that can watch and folder and perform actions based on what files appear in said folder? [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 10:25 AM PST - 1 comment

Ideas for a USA trip

I am planning on going to America for 3/4 weeks next year during July. We want to see as many of the amazing places/sites as we can in that period. So far, the sorts of places we have in mind: (more inside!) [more inside]
posted by trashcan at 9:45 AM PST - 45 comments

Mulching Mower vs. Autumn Leaves

Will mulching our leaves with our mower help or harm our lawn? [more inside]
posted by 14580 at 9:40 AM PST - 12 comments

New rendition of "Times They Are a-Changin'" by whom?

New rendition of "Times They Are a-Changin'" by whom? [more inside]
posted by Rad_Boy at 9:15 AM PST - 7 comments

Where to vacation in US Southwest?

Looking for a trek/hike/paddle/tour in the US Southwest for Christmas '08. [more inside]
posted by larry_darrell at 8:59 AM PST - 3 comments

How can an older student without a psychology background get into a psychology PhD program?

As a (somewhat) older student, how can I best prepare to get into a clinical psychology PhD program? [more inside]
posted by sobriquet at 8:38 AM PST - 7 comments

...

What are some blues songs with genuinely depressing, ruin your mood lyrics/vocals?
posted by Pants! at 8:34 AM PST - 25 comments

Windows Vista Migration

When migrating to Windows Vista using a wireless network methodology via "Easy Transfer", does the tool COPY the information when migrating or does is DELETE the information from the old XP based server?
posted by ~Sushma~ at 8:34 AM PST - 3 comments

Take me out to the ball game, and no Miller Lite, please.

Where in Baltimore can I relax, grab a decent beer and watch the World Series next month? [more inside]
posted by Asherah at 8:07 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I stop judging people?

How do I stop judging people and relate to them as equals? [more inside]
posted by abdulf at 7:24 AM PST - 30 comments

Can public transit be reinvented to meet America's needs?

Can public transit be reinvented to meet America's needs? [more inside]
posted by gregb1007 at 7:17 AM PST - 21 comments

Work is hell - square peg, round hole: what are my options?

Work is hell: I love the company and the pay, but hate my job and hate my boss. I'm looking to change careers, but what careers would fit my skill set? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:18 AM PST - 6 comments

Itchy Butt = Jock Itch?

My rear end itches. Could it be jock itch? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:18 AM PST - 8 comments

Not invited to a friends wedding but everyone else is

A good friend is getting married. All of our mutual friends (and acquaintances) are invited, but me. How do deal with the social awkwardness? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:18 AM PST - 38 comments

How safe?

How safe is Craigslist? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:17 AM PST - 10 comments

How to be grateful but to no one

Can one be grateful without any recipient ? [more inside]
posted by lahersedor at 5:39 AM PST - 22 comments

How to cure a retrobulbar abscess?

DisgustingAbscessFilter: Has anyone had any luck clearing up a retrobulbar abscess in a dog? We thought we'd cured with antibiotics. [more inside]
posted by mozhet at 5:20 AM PST - 7 comments

arrays of strings in C/C++

I am currently a second semester programming student and I missed class because of jail; I was trespassing. my problem is, in my structured programming class we are using C/C++ and I need to know how to make an array of strings: multiple strings stored in an array. can someone help or guide me in the right direction.
posted by phllip.phillip at 4:56 AM PST - 24 comments

Shod

Why do (some) (Western) women like shoes so much? What is it about shoes *in particular* that seems to inspire such ardor? [more inside]
posted by chuckdarwin at 3:43 AM PST - 36 comments

Is my flash drive dead?

Has my flash drive kicked the can? Windows Vista can't read it. [more inside]
posted by IndigoRain at 2:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for an infant doll that fits newborn baby clothes for my preschooler.

My 3-year-old is getting into dressing her Little Mommy doll. I've been using her old newborn clothes, but the dolls are too small. (And the stuffed animals are the wrong shape.) Can you recommend a doll that can wear the newborn clothes? [more inside]
posted by mausburger at 1:45 AM PST - 7 comments

What is this black thing I found on the inside of my orange?

producefilter: I found a black dot on the inside of an orange slice (the orange is not rotten). What is it? [more inside]
posted by defmute at 1:43 AM PST - 5 comments

Cool things. I needs them.

I'm looking for interesting and fun online stores similar to ThinkGeek, PerpetualKid, etc. Something that has unique, unusual gadgets, or home/office decorations. What are some such stores I might not be familiar with, or maybe previous threads that mention them?
posted by Bakuun at 1:36 AM PST - 9 comments

September 26

Where to buy cool posters?

What are the threadless-ish equivalent websites for posters, art objects, etc? [more inside]
posted by jhscott at 11:53 PM PST - 7 comments

Guide me to San Francisco

Single (straight) foreign guy in San Francisco, on his early 30s. What are some good places (watering holes, night clubs) to go people-watching without feeling down on being there alone?
posted by dcrocha at 11:36 PM PST - 8 comments

What do we call people who make us feel particular ways?

There are some people who make everybody they meet feel a particular way. I'm looking for adjectives that describe these people. [more inside]
posted by eisenkr at 11:27 PM PST - 8 comments

it burns, it burns!

I just went to the bathroom to pee, and seconds after finishing I realized that I must have unwittingly touched some hot peppers when I was in the kitchen. Please help me stop this unholy burning. [more inside]
posted by number9dream at 10:11 PM PST - 31 comments

Do I need to pay rent for an apartment I no longer inhabit? I'm not on the lease, but these are friends.

Do I need to pay rent for an apartment I no longer inhabit? I'm not on the lease, but these are friends. Somewhat lengthy discourse to follow...bear with me. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:04 PM PST - 4 comments

Separating the men from the boys' bikes on Queen St. W.

For approximately the last ten years, whenever I have been down on Toronto's Queen Street West, I notice a number of very young men (age 18 to 21 give or take) riding boys' bicycles, sometimes with the seat jacked way up, but just as often not. Is there some reason why these young men are riding bicycles more suitably sized for a ten-year-old? I mean, any practical reason other than it being some sort of "Queen St. thing" and a trend? Perhaps such bicyles are cheaper, or easier to store, or there's some advantage when one is riding them? Or they've had some kind of freakish overnight growth spurt and just haven't got around to replacing their bikes?
posted by orange swan at 10:01 PM PST - 37 comments

I think I'd rather be shot with a tranquilizer dart...

I just got a notice that I have been selected for jury duty and will need to be available during a 10-day period during the middle of October. If I can't get out of it, what can I expect during this time frame? [more inside]
posted by melangell at 9:41 PM PST - 11 comments

Oh no! This parachute is a napsack!

I'm having what I believe are awful side effects from Vyvanse, and I need some advice from adults with ADHD regarding other drugs to consider, and how to deal until I can see my doctor. [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 9:32 PM PST - 6 comments

How does an otherwise rational and intelligent person get suckered into Market America?

How does an otherwise rational and intelligent person get suckered into Market America? [more inside]
posted by kenliu at 9:11 PM PST - 6 comments

Generic Windows icons

How can I restore Windows XP Start Menu icons that have gone generic? You can see a screen shot here . I have tried TweakUI, and I'm at my wit's end about what to do. [more inside]
posted by feelinggood at 8:35 PM PST - 5 comments

I don't own the land I want to garden on.

Where can I plant a tree if I don't own land? [more inside]
posted by twins named Lugubrious and Salubrious at 8:28 PM PST - 6 comments

Bikes per household?

Bicycle per household statistics? [more inside]
posted by BeaverTerror at 8:19 PM PST - 2 comments

Where to give for Haiti

Where can I donate clothes for Haiti in New York city? [more inside]
posted by octomato at 8:17 PM PST - 1 comment

What are some of the best depression/anxiety related communities/forums out there?

What are some of the best depression/anxiety related communities/forums out there? [more inside]
posted by isoman2kx at 8:07 PM PST - 6 comments

Assuming he has his glasses

Can Henry Kissinger play guitar? [more inside]
posted by subbes at 7:20 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I stay or should I go? And by "I," I mean my money.

I've been meaning to switch from a large national (US) bank to a small local one for about a month now. Is it a good time or a bad time? [more inside]
posted by danb at 7:15 PM PST - 11 comments

apparently I'm the only person DARE worked on.

A good friend of mine, a habitual pot smoker, is staying with me for a couple of months. Do I have a right to ask him not to use drugs in my house? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:00 PM PST - 48 comments

Getting the money I was promised

How do I go about getting a raise my boss promised me before he was fired? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:00 PM PST - 4 comments

What do I do with this old laptop?

I'm looking for suggestions for both scenarios: The computer works, or it doesn't work. I'm waiting for a battery from eBay... Wikipedia says it runs OS 7. What can you do with that? A friend suggested I gut it and fit it with a Nintendo or Sega or something. Anything to spark an idea, and possibly where to look for how-to's concerning your suggestion, please!!
posted by photomusic86 at 6:19 PM PST - 3 comments

Where can I get pastis in the bay area?

Where can I get a decent bottle of pastis in the bay, preferably around Palo Alto/Menlo Park? BevMo didn't have it, and that's about the extent of my knowledge when it comes to alcohol.
posted by devilsbrigade at 6:15 PM PST - 6 comments

Password for used iMac?

I have an old fruit-flavored iMac that I bought on eBay for $100. iTunes wanted to update itself, and I said OK. But now it wants a password that apparently was set by the original owner before it will update. How can I bypass this?
posted by megatherium at 5:53 PM PST - 3 comments

Train a new sales drone.

Seeking advice on the art of sales. [more inside]
posted by lekvar at 4:36 PM PST - 5 comments

Where can I find

I'm looking for inkjet printer paper (or an online printer) that will produce highly saturated color prints but isn't too shiny. [more inside]
posted by sevenless at 4:24 PM PST - 2 comments

I really don't want to go over my limit.

How can I tell what's included in the flat-rate bit of my vodafone blackberry, and what's coming out of my 500 MB? [more inside]
posted by By The Grace of God at 3:59 PM PST - 1 comment

How can I be mayor of Hooverville?

I have a good, stable job with a disposable income. What should I be doing to take advantage of the troubled economy?
posted by bingo at 3:58 PM PST - 27 comments

No TV! Online streaming for the presidential debate?

Where can I watch the presidential debate online? I don't have a TV! Can I stream the debate online? Video feed preferable.
posted by stance at 3:39 PM PST - 11 comments

Web designers' top 5

If you are a professional web designer or developer: What do you consider the current top 5 or so websites in terms of visual design?
posted by signal at 3:19 PM PST - 11 comments

OS X and UPS?

OS X and a APC UPS - clever solutions? [more inside]
posted by xmutex at 2:59 PM PST - 7 comments

Lordy, lordy, I'm hittin' 40!

So I just turned 40. Rather than treating it like a midlife crisis, I'm viewing this as a new opportunity to get my second wind - to kill old habits that have left me sedentary and overweight, and to start new habits that will help me live a healthy and enriching life. [more inside]
posted by adverb at 2:56 PM PST - 16 comments

admins: intelligent rate-limiting of error notifications?

I have a web service that generates errors. Currently, each time there's an error, it gets sent to an admin mailing list. Is there an open-source tool that will summarize repeated duplicate errors, rather than generating a separate notification for each? [more inside]
posted by zippy at 2:55 PM PST - 6 comments

What can I do to win the election for my candidate?

To the undecideds, or those who believe they can put themselves in the undecided's shoes: What might persuade you towards a particular candidate, particularly in the form of anything a volunteer might be able to do? Would someone coming to your door help, or hurt? Phone calls? Voter registration campaigns, or offers of rides to the polls? Signs in yards and clever bumper stickers? Blog posts? Emailing everyone I know with video clips and transcripts? What can be done to positively affect your decision in the presidential election? In short, how might I, as a volunteer, most effectively turn you into decided for my candidate. [more inside]
posted by davebug at 2:52 PM PST - 22 comments

Walk-in medical clinic near Oak Park, IL?

Is there a decent walk-in medical clinic (i.e., urgent care center) near Oak Park, IL (Chicago area)? [more inside]
posted by new-xero at 2:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Nukes… in… space…

To what extent would the lack of an atmosphere reduce the effectiveness of nuclear weapons?
posted by Artw at 2:25 PM PST - 17 comments

Need a Cheap Guitar

What should I look for in a $50 guitar? [more inside]
posted by rossination at 2:19 PM PST - 23 comments

Where can I watch the presidential debate tonight in metro Birmingham, AL?

Where can I watch the presidential debate tonight in Birmingham, AL? [more inside]
posted by arimathea at 2:10 PM PST - 1 comment

My roommate/friend has no idea how to wash dishes, but he thinks he does, and I'm worried for my health!

My roommate/friend has no idea how to wash dishes, but he thinks he does, and I'm worried for my health! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:37 PM PST - 60 comments

any broth in brothel?

Is there any native speaker of English reading this for whom "broth" is pronounced the same in the words broth and brothel ? No joke. They aren't the same in my dialect, but maybe in yours?
posted by cogneuro at 1:37 PM PST - 82 comments

When two people want compromise but haven't been able to get there.

Have you ever gotten past what seemed like a major impasse in a romantic relationship? Something significant that the two of you, after MUCH thoughtful discussion spread over months, just couldn't usefully agree about? Did a couples therapist or other neutral third party help you? What else helped you? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:33 PM PST - 9 comments

How to cure sweaty hands?

My hands sweat even when I'm not nervous or hot. It's more of in social situations (even though I'm not nervous). Any tips? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:31 PM PST - 12 comments

The American Bar at The Savoy in London is closed - help!

Wedding anniversary in London - need suggestions for a classy place providing after dinner drinks, entertainment. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:31 PM PST - 4 comments

Where can I find streaming news videos with captions?

Where can I find streaming news videos with captions? [more inside]
posted by spaceman_spiff at 1:13 PM PST - 3 comments

Portable digital audio recorder in Seattle?

I am looking for a reasonably cheap portable digital audio recorder, on short notice, in the Seattle area. [more inside]
posted by bumpkin at 1:08 PM PST - 7 comments

Does my female partner need to know about past relationship abortions?

Should I tell my girlfriend about the abortion in my past relationship? [more inside]
posted by anonymous account at 12:42 PM PST - 45 comments

Yep, another economy question!

Is the credit crunch (and every other economic crisis) an inevitable result of selfish attitudes? [more inside]
posted by Chris4d at 12:30 PM PST - 6 comments

Cooking party menus & ideas?

Menu/recipes for a cooking party? [more inside]
posted by CaptApollo at 12:23 PM PST - 11 comments

Source code refactoring website?

I'm looking for a website where people post source code and then others comment on improvements.
posted by zzztimbo at 12:17 PM PST - 6 comments

Firefox extension that lets me open links by dragging them?

i'm looking for a firefox extension that, when i highlight an in-text link (ex: http://www.google.com - one that is not hyper-linked) and drag it to the side, the link opens in a new tab. i don't want to have to drag it to the tab bar or a new tab button. i used to have an extension that allowed me to do this several versions of firefox ago, but i just can't seem to find it anymore. any thoughts?
posted by anthropomorphic at 12:05 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I be more supportive to an ex?

Am I wrong for not being supportive to an ex? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:04 PM PST - 43 comments

I know, I know - I shouldn't even be using Excel!

ExcelFilter: How can I create a spreadsheet that automatically copies a certain type of cell from one column to another? [more inside]
posted by CXImran at 11:52 AM PST - 7 comments

What do I need for a bed?

I'm buying a bed for the first time and just got the mattress. Should I get a boxspring and bed frame, or just a bed frame or platform bed (same as bed frame?)? I was considering this ikea frame so it looks easy to disassemble when I move.
posted by lpctstr; at 11:42 AM PST - 17 comments

Are there singular/plural pairs in english with completely different spellings?

In French, the singular of eye is "oiel" and the plural is "yeux." Are there any nouns in English that have completely different spellings of the singular and plural like this?
posted by Crosius at 11:41 AM PST - 31 comments

How accurate is this dashboard light?

The "battery not charging" light on my dash went on; the mechanic told me I need a new alternator. Now the "battery not charging" light has turned itself off again. Does this mean my battery is, in fact, charging? [more inside]
posted by fermion at 11:38 AM PST - 6 comments

My landlord had my car towed... from my own lot.

My landlord had my car towed... from my own lot. Can I sue? [more inside]
posted by klanawa at 11:38 AM PST - 13 comments

*, 1? 1, *?

Mixed footnotes: do numbered notes precede symbol notes, or vice versa? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 11:30 AM PST - 3 comments

Turning folders into disk images on OS X

Automating turning folders into disk images in OS X Leopard. I'm starting to use Amazon S3 for backups, and rather than having a single big disk image for my photos, which would equate to 4.3GB, I would prefer to have single multiple folders to upload, and then be able to download/upload disk images as needed. I could then use then use the same process for my work related backups. Is there anyway to automate this process, or any utility which will take a folder and automatically turn it into a disk image of the same size?
posted by spyke23 at 11:28 AM PST - 1 comment

Lease "concessions" in Austin

Question about "concessions" on standard apartment leases in Austin/Texas. [more inside]
posted by cdavis at 11:26 AM PST - 2 comments

HDR on the Cheap?

How to produce some nice looking HDR shots for free? [more inside]
posted by Craig at 11:08 AM PST - 9 comments

Service Dog in Training

What "tricks" would you teach a Service Dog? [more inside]
posted by TauLepton at 11:05 AM PST - 17 comments

Where has channel 9.5 in Seattle gone?

Anyone in Seattle who understands QAM television tuners? I get HD with my Panasonic for free on basic cable (the ones that are unencrypted). I've been very happy. But why has channel 9's HD channel (called 9.5) disappeared? How can I now punch in the numbers on my remote and get it? The website AV Forum has had trouble with passwords, and it's hard to navigate anyway, so I can't get in there.
posted by yazi at 10:54 AM PST - 3 comments

Blackberry Curve ?

Why won't my new BlackBerry Curve send text messages? [more inside]
posted by archimago at 10:49 AM PST - 9 comments

Explain NetApp to me

Can someone explain to me as if were an idiot (which I am) what the company NetApp does? [more inside]
posted by sholdens12 at 10:43 AM PST - 6 comments

VMWare: Web server on guest OS, accessed from Host?

VMWare Fusion as dev server: How can I set things up so I can access a web server running under the guest OS (Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5) from the host machine? Bonus points if it can be done without plugging into an ethernet network. [more inside]
posted by weston at 10:40 AM PST - 3 comments

No matter how many times it's explained to me, I'm not sure I actually get it.

I could use a better, clearer explanation than I've found so far of: What is a mortgage-backed security, and how does it (in theory) work? What does a "cash injection" by the Fed literally mean? And when a bank "buys bad debt," does that literally mean it just buys the contract that said debt was written on & tries to chase it down itself? [more inside]
posted by scaryblackdeath at 10:39 AM PST - 11 comments

Locking down firefox in fedora

Fedora 9/Firefox Filter: So....Im trying to lock down the setting in firefox so that other users on the system cant change them. I cant find jack on how to do this. Help! Actually i did find something and it said to modify the firefox.cfg only problem is there is no firefox.cfg. Please help!
posted by flipmiester99 at 10:30 AM PST - 2 comments

How best to become an NLP practitioner

Considering becoming an NLP practitioner - are the courses bunk? [more inside]
posted by burhan at 10:28 AM PST - 7 comments

Steve Jobs, SUP-er GEN-ius...

Is there a downside to iTunes' Genius feature? [more inside]
posted by Methylviolet at 9:42 AM PST - 15 comments

Obama/McCain on 60 Minutes. Screen captures available?

Last Sunday, CBS showed 60 Minutes in HD for the first time for their Obama & McCain interviews. Are there any screen captures of what Obama and McCain looked like on that show? One podcast I listened to this week commented on how poor McCain looked.
posted by jaimev at 9:33 AM PST - 2 comments

apples as a side dish

I have a lot of apples. I want serve them as a side dish with roast chicken. Anyone have a super-duper recipe for something like an apple chutney?
posted by Ollie at 9:31 AM PST - 12 comments

Win percentage?

What does 'win percentage', as displayed on polling site fivethirtyeight.com, mean, and how is it calculated?
posted by PTCHFRKR at 9:31 AM PST - 4 comments

What is the name of this romantic black humor movie?

Whatwasthatmoviefilter - Mefites! I saw a short film online years ago. Please help me identify and locate it. Relevant details: Spanish language, musical, black humor, guy hitting on a girl through a song. high explosives. More details beyond the cut. [more inside]
posted by Parannoyed at 9:22 AM PST - 5 comments

An unusual intermittant wireless connection

Our laptop loses wireless connection, and only changing a wireless setting on the router fixes it (any setting). What could be going on? [more inside]
posted by Dr.Enormous at 9:17 AM PST - 4 comments

"Your hair is like a flock of goats..." "Ooh baby, talk dirty to me!"

Is there any sort of modern translation of Song of Solomon that actually makes this literary work culturally accessible? [more inside]
posted by jluce50 at 8:57 AM PST - 15 comments

What podcasts do you listen to?

What podcasts do you listen to? I'm on the hunt for some new podcasts to keep me entertained on the slowing-becoming-dreary-as-the-weather-turns walk to work. [more inside]
posted by cgg at 8:39 AM PST - 33 comments

How can I access a website that times out unless I go through an anonymous proxy server?

Suddenly, I can access a certain website from this computer only through an anonymous proxy server. How can I change this? [more inside]
posted by skinnydipp at 8:07 AM PST - 8 comments

Beijing or Shanghai

This is something of a follow up to this question earlier this year. I've spent most of the last year working in China but haven't moved yet. Question is, Shanghai or Beijing? It's basically my option. I've spent a lot of time in both cities and both have qualities I can appreciate. What are your opinions, which city is more livable, and why.
posted by michswiss at 7:35 AM PST - 11 comments

Debate watching in Minneapolis?

If there is a debate to watch tonight, where can a girl get a drink in Minneapolis and watch it? [more inside]
posted by wocka wocka wocka at 7:01 AM PST - 8 comments

From lighter to darker.

Furniture crafters and woodworkers: Is it possible to darken a stain on furniture after the fact? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 6:18 AM PST - 5 comments

Asheville NC - I'm looking for a unique place to live...

Asheville NC - I'm looking for a unique place to live... When I say "unique" I mean cheap ;) [more inside]
posted by Glendale at 6:11 AM PST - 4 comments

DC pool search with subway access

I am looking for a facility with a swimming pool in DC [more inside]
posted by fluffycreature at 6:08 AM PST - 9 comments

What does $400 billion get you these days?

EconomyFilter: So I get that Congress is debating a 700 billion bail-out measure and things are contentious between the republicans and democrats. But what I can't seem to find out is... [more inside]
posted by katyjack at 6:01 AM PST - 21 comments

Ending concerts with concerti?

I recently came across an article (which, of course, is now lost to my browser's history) that offhandedly mentioned that traditional classical concerts rarely end with a solo concerto. Is this in fact true? If so, why would that be the case?
posted by sappidus at 6:00 AM PST - 11 comments

Hello Mary Lou, Good bye Heart.

I'm looking to put together a CD of Horror Movies' Cheesiest, Greatest Hits (i.e. the opening theme to Killer Klowns from Outer Space, the ballad closing My Bloody Valentine, etc.), but I've hit a wall. Help! [more inside]
posted by bookwo3107 at 4:07 AM PST - 27 comments

picture printing and framing

UK filter: I'm looking for a printing and framing service. [more inside]
posted by stenoboy at 3:23 AM PST - 5 comments

A Shaggy Gentleman

What is the difference between liking travel and being a global bum? [more inside]
posted by electronslave at 3:11 AM PST - 25 comments

Help me fix this tendinitis...with needles?

Can anyone recommend a good acupuncturist in the New York metro area? Stamford, CT environs also possible, but I have no car. [more inside]
posted by xiaolongbao at 2:37 AM PST - 2 comments

September 25

Help me take care of my family if it hits the fan.

I've tried to be a boyscout in preparations for everything. Oil and water in the car. First Aid and fire retardant in every room. Etc, etc. I've also tried to be prepared for what many call EOTWAWKI, the End of the World as We Know It. Not in a survivalist way by more in line with common sense. Now, I'm trying to figure out how much further to dive in. [more inside]
posted by damiano99 at 10:48 PM PST - 18 comments

How can I prevent my car battery from being stolen?

I live in a busy downtown area with street cleaning every other night. As such, I am required to move the car each night, and sometimes end up parking it on a street that is notorious for car theft/etc. Lately, somebody has been somehow popping my hood, wrenching off the battery cover, and stealing my car battery. [more inside]
posted by prior at 10:42 PM PST - 8 comments

Epic Interview FAIL. Now what?

I massively screwed up a finalist interview today. I got really nervous and just ... well ... babbled. In the interview before this one, the hiring manager (we'll call her Liz) had basically told me that I was the leading candidate for the job (which I really wanted) but that she needed me to meet with the area heads before she could make an offer. She even offered some advice on the best approach to take with this group. When I got in the room I just became tongue tied and talked all around the first question without ever really answering it, and things went downhill from there. Now I need to write Liz a Thank You note, and every draft I write is taking on a sort of apologetic tone. ("I'm sure everyone could tell how nervous I was....") In such a situation, what's the right thing to say or do now?
posted by anastasiav at 10:32 PM PST - 14 comments

Help me remember this MIDI device!

ForgottenFilter: Trying to remember the name of this MIDI controller/musical device... [more inside]
posted by maalsa at 10:30 PM PST - 5 comments

Requsting rousing radio recommendations

Looking for recommendations on a compact AM/FM electric radio with digital tuner for under $50. [more inside]
posted by iamisaid at 8:49 PM PST - 5 comments

Can it happen again?

Is it possible to "win someone back"? [more inside]
posted by poweredbybeard at 8:47 PM PST - 23 comments

How safe is my sister in Bellevue Hospital's psych ward (in NYC)?

My teenage sister has just been admitted to Bellevue Hospital's psychiatric ward (in New York City); should my parents let her stay put, or have her transferred to another hospital? Is there anything they should be aware of? [more inside]
posted by korpios at 8:36 PM PST - 15 comments

What's a Halusian Gulp?

What's a Halusian Gulp? And what does it have to do with fighter pilots? [more inside]
posted by blahblahblah at 7:49 PM PST - 9 comments

Would you like to tell me about landing a date in Chicago?

Y'know what? Dating in Chicago is hard for a lady in her early thirties. I beg for wisdom. Won't you please tell me where to go to meet single dudes in this city of mine? [more inside]
posted by porkcake at 7:44 PM PST - 38 comments

Internet Loans during a credit crunch?

How is the credit crisis affecting places like prosper.com? Would it be smart to borrow/loan money there in an environment like this? With banks seizing up and me having some extra cash, would it be a smart investment to loan money to individuals directly? What about people having a hard time getting a loan from a bank? Is anyone out there using it right now?
posted by empath at 7:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Where to find genuinely black dress clothing that matches - shirt, tie, belt, slacks, shoes -- a seamless whole from three feet away?

Where to find genuinely black dress clothing that matches - shirt, tie, belt, slacks, shoes -- a seamless whole from three feet away? Obviously, this isn't an outfit one would have many opportunities to wear, but once or twice a year it would be entertaining to be able to dress stylishly but somberly in black. Black, not dark gray, but black. Like what you see when there is no light at all, black like blindness. Black slacks -- flat front because pleats are fussy (but reversed box are almost acceptable) -- with a shirt of black identical to the black of the slacks -- amazingly difficult to find -- black tie, black belt -- matte -- black shoes -- suede or matte leather. It's worth money to me if, by halloween, I can (at least in dim light) look like a floating head and two hands and depress undertakers. [more inside]
posted by Grod at 7:16 PM PST - 9 comments

What happens if a candidate goes off the rails a quarter-mile before getting to the station?

What would happen if a presidential candidate had a career-ending nervous breakdown a month out from the general election? [more inside]
posted by Camofrog at 6:59 PM PST - 12 comments

Boring Books

I'm trying to find incredibly boring books. The kind of books that you'll try to read, and can't help but space out. Bonus points if its in the public domain. [more inside]
posted by daboo at 6:22 PM PST - 80 comments

I want Thunderbird to ask what email address I want to use.

Thunderbird: Is there some magical way (plugin? manual tweak?) to have the "from" email account in new messages be blank so I'll have to select it each time I make a new email instead of using the last selected mailbox? [more inside]
posted by Plug Dub In at 6:21 PM PST - 2 comments

Need tattoo artis recommendations

Looking for a tattoo artist in SF Bay Area who can do a large intricate celtic knotwork piece. [more inside]
posted by fshgrl at 6:09 PM PST - 4 comments

How to record streaming presidential debate?

How can I record a video stream from CNN this Friday? [more inside]
posted by maus at 5:42 PM PST - 4 comments

New York City, rooms for rent. Scam?

New York City, rooms for rent on craigslist by agencies. Scam? ($125 Rent starting at: $125/ Weekly or $500/ Monthly) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:38 PM PST - 7 comments

don't ask questions if you don't want to hear the answers

I saw something I wasn't supposed to see and now I'm not sure how to deal. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:38 PM PST - 42 comments

How do they un-see this?

So I gave my Grandma my old digital camera. I deleted everything off the disk but it seems there must have still been some either on the disk or on the camera's memory. My mom and dad just downloaded the pictures my Grandma took along with the ones that weren't deleted. Those happen to have been some naughty ones I would never in a million years have wanted my family to see. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:37 PM PST - 20 comments

how do i dump the woman i slept with last night?

how do i dump the woman i slept with last night? [more inside]
posted by zingzangzung at 5:36 PM PST - 22 comments

Providence wireless data access?

Which cell phone provider has the best data access in Providence, RI? [more inside]
posted by raf at 5:31 PM PST - 3 comments

Fingertips. Fingertips. Fingertips. (I hear the wind blow...)

What is wrong with the skin on my hand? [more inside]
posted by buriednexttoyou at 5:15 PM PST - 16 comments

"Just say no" (now with a scarier argument)

My doctor just complained to me that every weekend one of his patients whom he prescribes concerta has a psychotic episode from smoking marijuana. What would cause this to happen? Are some people more vulnerable to this side effect than others? [more inside]
posted by Pseudology at 3:57 PM PST - 15 comments

Who really played the jazz flute for Anchorman?

Who is the person who played the actual music of the infamous jazz flute improv in Anchorman? [more inside]
posted by Riverine at 3:47 PM PST - 3 comments

Blowing up tiny doodles

I have a variety of small doodles done with soft pencil on post-it notes that I'd like to blow up and print on oversize sheets of paper or card (something like 2x3' or larger sheets). The important thing to me is that the final image doesn't show evidence of halftone/screen dots. I'd ideally like the finished image to be just like a regular xerox. Does such a machine/process exist? Anything that can enlarge from a letter-sized original is good too. [more inside]
posted by bonobothegreat at 3:31 PM PST - 7 comments

Necklace Translation

Can anybody translate this necklace for us? [more inside]
posted by lilkeith07 at 3:28 PM PST - 3 comments

Half-arsed pork chop preparation! Help!

I have 3 pork chops which have been dipped in garlic butter and then dredged in panko. Can I now pan fry them or shall I bake them? [more inside]
posted by chihiro at 3:20 PM PST - 12 comments

Why won't CSS rollovers work for me?

I'm trying to put CSS rollover buttons onto my website. They show up just fine in Dreamweaver, but not on any browser. This makes no sense, about to go insane, more inside, etc. [more inside]
posted by reductiondesign at 3:16 PM PST - 18 comments

Lake District Recommendations?

UKFilter: Planning a camping trip to the Lake District in October looking for suggestions and recommendations of places to stay and things to do. [more inside]
posted by Elmore at 3:03 PM PST - 6 comments

Where to purchase a classical guitar on the web?

I'm looking to buy a classical guitar in the near future, i was wondering if anyone had bought a classical guitar off the internet and if so where? any recommendations?
posted by chelegonian at 2:45 PM PST - 5 comments

How to pay copyrights for streaming music?

First question posted. Hope you can help :-) Together with a friend we are working on writing some online educational materials. As part of this we want to use snippets of commercially available songs and their lyrics (up to 60 seconds) and make them available on our website for streaming (not downloading!). Learners pay for access to the site (on a cost-recovery basis). Learners would access the site from many different countries. We've been trying to find out how to deal with the musical rights issues but don't know who to contact and who to pay, especially since our learners will be from all around the world. How do we find out if, and if so where, we need to pay to whom, and what? Thanks!
posted by sinbarambam at 2:35 PM PST - 8 comments

Sources about the world of dog fights?

Help me research dog fights and the illegal subculture around them. [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse at 2:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Help Me Bring the Right Thing to a Shiva.

Heading to a shiva this weekend. Need to bring something that is a) edible and b) has a big sign that says "kosher." [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 2:32 PM PST - 25 comments

Am I stuck with AT&T?

Am I stuck with AT&T? Comcast looks just as bad. Are there any ISPs in Chicago where I can get internet with a little bit of accountability? [more inside]
posted by mockdeep at 2:04 PM PST - 8 comments

What is the point of the comment spam I'm getting?

I've got a personal site/blogg-ish thing and I get comment spam. The odd thing is that much of it doesn't contain any links. It's just some random words. What is the point of this? [more inside]
posted by ChasFile at 1:59 PM PST - 8 comments

I Need to Book A Book, Right Away.

Need a book for a long flight. Would like to read Infinite Jest but that's not going to happen. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 1:59 PM PST - 33 comments

How can I get From Venice to Dubrovnik to Athens?

How can I get from Venice to Dubrovnik to Athens on a backpacker budget? [more inside]
posted by the duck by the oboe at 1:58 PM PST - 17 comments

Lists of things

Looking for artists, writers or blogs who work on lists of things. [more inside]
posted by OutlawedYeomen at 1:36 PM PST - 13 comments

How to prevent plastic roll static shocks?

How can I ground a large roll of plastic wrap to prevent static electric shocks when unrolling it? [more inside]
posted by attercoppe at 1:33 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me find lower priced Criterion DVDs

What is the best way for me start my own Criterion Collection on a small budget [more inside]
posted by carefulmonkey at 1:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Explain "Churchy Spice"

Explain "Churchy Spice". It's a nickname for Sarah Palin, but I don't get the joke.
posted by ryanrs at 1:14 PM PST - 24 comments

Remote desktop through LAN?

(I know you're not my helpdesk, but...) I'm trying to get some kind of "remote desktop" going between my laptop and my desktop. [more inside]
posted by NekulturnY at 12:53 PM PST - 12 comments

The closing is off, now what?

Help. My house closing, scheduled for tomorrow, has been indefinitely postponed since the seller's second mortgage is not going to be paid in full. I don't know what to do even though yes, I already talked to a lawyer. [more inside]
posted by mygothlaundry at 12:49 PM PST - 22 comments

These kids today with their boomboxes and hula hoops…

What are the biggest controversies/battles in elementary school these days between kids? When I was a kid, you were either a Superman kid or a Spiderman kid. A Flintstones kid or a Jetsons kid. Nerds (the candy) or Gummi Bears. What are the modern equivalents?
posted by ericc at 12:44 PM PST - 18 comments

Couch to 5K for bikes?

Is there a bicycling version of Couch-to-5k / 100 push ups? I'd like to do a century ride. I like goals and metrics set out for me in advance. Please lead me.
posted by one_bean at 12:42 PM PST - 11 comments

Bioinformatics basics and beyond

Bioinformatics filter: Suggestions for resources to get up to speed on current approaches in genomics and bioinformatics? [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 12:37 PM PST - 2 comments

Staying healthy?

Something is going around, how do I avoid it? [more inside]
posted by Funky Claude at 12:33 PM PST - 23 comments

How to deal with the heartbreak over a bad grade?

How to deal with the heartbreak over a bad grade? [more inside]
posted by shamble at 12:31 PM PST - 24 comments

Quick Chinese query

Chinese translation question: 1.2 台幣每字 translates into "1.2 dollar per character" via Babelfish. What is it really? 1.2 yuan per word? Or something else? What is this likely to be in USD?
posted by Zinger at 12:30 PM PST - 5 comments

USA Recession for Dummies

I'm having a hard time understanding just what is happening to the US economy and why. I'm completely in the dark, I'm not familiar with the terminology, and I'm afraid. [more inside]
posted by ranunculus at 12:22 PM PST - 14 comments

3d table software

I'm looking for free software that allows me to put data in an 3-dimensional table/grid, and then lets me view it. [more inside]
posted by alligatorman at 12:13 PM PST - 2 comments

UK police wants to search me on a public road - do I have a choice?

UK police wants to search me on a public road - do I have a choice? [more inside]
posted by krautland at 12:07 PM PST - 9 comments

I don't care who's wrong or right, I don't really wanna fight no more.

He said/she said, he said/he said, she said/she said - when do you give up on these kinds of arguments? [more inside]
posted by Evangeline at 11:45 AM PST - 18 comments

what made ancient canaan special?

Why was Canaan/Palestine/Israel such desired territory in ancient times? I'm talking before Jerusalem became an important holy site. Is it just because the area was situated between other important civilizations and was therefore a trading hub? It doesnt seem like it was exactly rich in natural resources. Also, why did Jerusalem end up being the capitol of the Kingdom of Israel instead of someplace like Jaffa which seems to be a more convenient location for trade?
posted by minicloud at 11:36 AM PST - 8 comments

Why is my GMail down all the time? What can I do about it?

I've been using Gmail since it launched. In the past few months, I've been having LOTS of down time at times I know others are NOT having this problem. This is the page I see ALL THE TIME. Why am I so special? Is anyone else having this trouble? Is there any actual way to contact Google in a way that will get me a response? It's driving me NUTS!!
posted by abbyladybug at 11:34 AM PST - 11 comments

Help setting up an office pool

I would like to start on office pool on a number of questions, like "How long until our boss quits?", "Who will be the next President?" and other questions. Can anyone think of a free on-line tool to set this up?
posted by jestonb at 11:27 AM PST - 6 comments

Sustainability consulting and design - how to start?

Interested in the field of sustainability consulting and design - questions and concerns inside [more inside]
posted by rmm at 11:26 AM PST - 6 comments

Where can I get drunk and watch the debate?

Anybody know of any bars in Toronto that are screening the presidential debate on Friday? (Assuming McCain doesn't cut and run.)
posted by Beardman at 11:23 AM PST - 4 comments

Passport needed for travel to Puerto Rico from the US?

A friend from China is planning a trip to Puerto Rico. She is now in the US on an F1 visa, but it is not multiple-entry. If she flies directly from the US mainland to PR and back, does she need to show her passport and visa? Is there a possibility she will be denied entry to PR, or back to the mainland? [more inside]
posted by Wet Spot at 11:21 AM PST - 4 comments

Best method to remove the glass cover on a vintage ad clock?

Help clean my clock! I need suggestions on how to safely remove the convex glass on a vintage ad clock in order to clean the inside and get the bugs and dirt out, then reassemble it. [more inside]
posted by kuppajava at 11:18 AM PST - 0 comments

My maid-of-honor invited her parents without my permission

Asking for desjardins: My maid-of-honor (MOH) invited her parents to the ceremony, which is fine since they can watch her young son, but she also asked if they could stay for the dinner, and share her hotel room (which I'm paying for). I reluctantly said OK, but I'm wondering if I should ask for recompense from the parents? [more inside]
posted by salvia at 11:18 AM PST - 27 comments

Where to find small footprint SKB-like case for apartment-based outboard gear?

Where can I find a truly small footprint rack-mount device organizer thing for my outboard music gear? [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 10:53 AM PST - 3 comments

Switching. Do I want a Macbook or Macbook Pro?

What will best suit my needs: a Macbook, or a Macbook pro? [more inside]
posted by catatethebird at 10:47 AM PST - 20 comments

What price should I sell text links from my website?

What price should I sell text links from my website? [more inside]
posted by jrholt at 10:47 AM PST - 2 comments

Looking for twitter widgets for mac

I am looking for a twitter widget that is compatable with mac osx 10.4.9. Anyone have any recommendations? spread the love
posted by citybuddha at 10:44 AM PST - 4 comments

How much does tattoo removal cost?

How expensive is it to have a small black tattoo removed from someone's shoulder? [more inside]
posted by stewiethegreat at 9:48 AM PST - 12 comments

A question about timing, my 401K rollover, and the Wall Street bailout plan.

A question about timing, my 401K rollover, and the Wall Street bailout plan. [more inside]
posted by mosk at 8:57 AM PST - 8 comments

A tattoo as permanent resource.

I have some space available for my next tattoo that I'd like to fill with some sort of reference piece (i.e. a perpetual calendar, a conversion table), but I'm having a hard time thinking of anything beyond that. Any other ideas? [more inside]
posted by (bb|[^b]{2}) at 8:47 AM PST - 54 comments

Tips/Tricks to subconsiously sell my house!

What are your offbeat tips for selling a home? Bonus points if they actually worked for you. [more inside]
posted by specialnobodie at 7:16 AM PST - 44 comments

What to get my best friend and her husband to be for their wedding?

WeddingGiftFilter: My best friend is getting married in 2 weeks and I'm kind of at a loss about what to get them. I'm quite close with the groom as well, knowing him for the last several years. In fact, I became an ordained minister and will be officiating their marriage on the wedding day. Help me pick out a gift! Details follow. [more inside]
posted by miasma at 5:17 AM PST - 17 comments

Hive Mind, Make My Internet Go!

What is my Mac doing that suddenly won't allow me to establish a PPPoE connection? [more inside]
posted by the luke parker fiasco at 3:33 AM PST - 4 comments

Sci-fi spitting in Mona Lisa's eye

Short Story Askme: I read a short dystopian story many years ago set in a run-down, post apocalyptic future. A queue of people line up on a street to spit at a painting. The painting represents all the problems of the past. It is implied that the painting is The Mona Lisa. What is the story?
posted by bollockovnikov at 2:56 AM PST - 2 comments

Give me my old Final Cut Express!

How do I get Final Cut Express to export straightforward 1280x720 HD videos from my Sanyo Xacti HD700... like it used to? [more inside]
posted by pzarquon at 2:13 AM PST - 3 comments

Q:what does a timpanist do? A:hits a big-ass drum

I've unexpectedly found myself playing timpani for a local open orchestra. Any tips on tuning/technique? [more inside]
posted by primer_dimer at 2:01 AM PST - 7 comments

When in Trelawny, Jamaica, ?

Does anyone have any insight into the township of Brampton, in the Trelawney Parish district of Jamaica? Beginning Friday, I'm spending the next 10 days there. [more inside]
posted by humannaire at 1:50 AM PST - 4 comments

September 24

Help me remember this PC game from the 90's!

Help me remember this PC game from the 90's! It was a French game, named something like "Fantasio", but I can't find anything about it online. [more inside]
posted by ranglin at 11:48 PM PST - 4 comments

Firefox greys out my text. Grrr...

Why does text tend to be dark grey in Firefox? [more inside]
posted by IAmBroom at 11:44 PM PST - 9 comments

The little people and the big old fashioned car?

Here we go with another one of those 'help me remember something from a bizarre series of random images' questions! When I was a kid (we're talking approx 1973 to 1978, with maybe a year or two on either side) i had a record that came with a storybook. From very vague memory, you listened to the record and you turned the pages of the book in time with a specific sound (though I could be wrong). Here's where the memories get very random (all of the following may or may not be true): the story involved tiny people, they lived in a forest, next to or near a house, children lived in the house (or were visiting the house), with an older man (a grandfather?), who had a big old-fashioned looking car. [more inside]
posted by planetthoughtful at 11:36 PM PST - 10 comments

Mum thinks it's OK to sub-contract childcare - what do you think?

Perspective filter: When my Mum is caring for my baby, is it reasonable for her to have someone else, who I don't know, care for him? Angst and hair-pulling follows. [more inside]
posted by lottie at 11:33 PM PST - 53 comments

Is my macbook screwed or just my wireless?

My macbook can't find my wireless connection. It was working perfectly for the past three weeks, but now it won't connect (I've only had teh internetz for those three weeks). [more inside]
posted by nunoidia at 11:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Melissa's missing song

LostSongFilter: I have a recollection of a song at the end of a Melissa Etheridge CD. After an extended period of silence, a spoken word piece about going sneaking into her lover's apartment when lover wasn't home...Help me find it? [more inside]
posted by quinoa at 10:09 PM PST - 5 comments

The Right to Bare Arms

How can I best lose some excess upper arm flab? [more inside]
posted by troika at 10:03 PM PST - 13 comments

I really don't like the soft focus effect

I'm going to be taking photos this weekend in an artificial ski field, (mixture of cold and warm environments), the people facilitating the event have said that last time they had someone shoot at a similar event their lenses fogged up when moving between the snow and the heated cafe. How can I prevent this? [more inside]
posted by chrisbucks at 9:50 PM PST - 9 comments

Suck the Chrome off the bumper

How do I move the "other bookmarks" folder link from the right side to the left side of my bookmarks toolbar when using the Google Chrome browser?
posted by JohnnyGunn at 9:39 PM PST - 1 comment

Cold weather and male “shrinkage”

Is there any way to reduce male “shrinkage” in cold weather? (possibly NSFW) [more inside]
posted by quantum eclecticist at 9:35 PM PST - 27 comments

food for thought, synonyms

hi everyone i am curious of what one calls food that is in the process of being digested. or of nutrient being assimilated by something. as in when someone says "food for thought", what can that stuff be called? ...though, while id be curious about any manifestation of that idea, i'm particularly curious about figures of speech involving the food animation of the concept...
posted by plants at 9:12 PM PST - 14 comments

Cabo San Lucas Mexi-Fun

Cool stuff to do in Cabo, Mexico? I am heading off to my first real vacation in 10+ years in just a few days, and so looking forward to it. Though relaxing on the beach and reading good books would be totally fine, I am hoping some MeFites can contribute a few cool off-the-beaten-trail ideas beyond the normal touristy things. [more inside]
posted by SpookyFish at 9:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me locate a transcript of this clip.

Please supply me with a transcript of this Australian interview. [more inside]
posted by UnclePlayground at 9:00 PM PST - 16 comments

Why does this riding stable give me the creeps?

Am I right to have a bad feeling about the horseback riding stable where I'm taking lessons? [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 8:55 PM PST - 11 comments

Amphibian Identification Query

Can anyone identify this little tan frog I found at my grandparents' house in New Hampshire? It was approximately 1"-2" long. Many thanks!
posted by ktoad at 8:38 PM PST - 10 comments

Anyone know this book?

Trying to find/remember a childrens book from my childhood (I'm 33) in which there were either hippos or elephants having a run-in with an evil sultan. I think the animals got shoved into a tarpit or something - a bit intense....
posted by H. Roark at 8:37 PM PST - 3 comments

Ameritrade screwed me?

Shorting ban, Options trade filter: I bought put options on Washington Mutual back in July. I held the contracts until right before expiration intending to exercise... [more inside]
posted by Rafaelloello at 8:16 PM PST - 15 comments

updated adwords ebook

Is there a continually-updated ebook about AdWords/Paid Search marketing that's worth buying? [more inside]
posted by mamessner at 8:14 PM PST - 1 comment

Best method for producing electronic sports arena drawings?

SportsGeekFilter: I'm interested in making high resolution stadium seating charts for my local sports venues. I want to include more than just the basic section number info (like row, seat #, possibly bathroom data). Right now, my tool kit seems limited to lines, boxes and curves (ala MS Paint). I'm struggling with the shape and scale. Am I stuck doing this from scratch or is there a software program out there that can help me? [more inside]
posted by shew at 7:56 PM PST - 6 comments

Rotary Dial Awesome-o Mobile Phone GO!

I have found someone who can build me a mobile phone out of a rotary dial telephone. But Sparkfun doesn't really have a one-stop shopping list. Help me decipher exactly what parts from this article i will need and also please recommend a good antenna I can use that will give me the best reception but also be cell-phone-tiny. [more inside]
posted by parmanparman at 7:39 PM PST - 2 comments

Mystery super-chill song ID

I guess the planets are aligned today: I have another song ID request. This is a chill song with only synth and drums, about 90-100 bpm, with a lazy, plainsong female vocalist singing something like "mix-ing a cake", "it won't bake". And an unintelligible recurring rhythmic sprechstimme lyric which I'll represent here as "drop the doctor for may". Any ideas? Google's giving me cake recipes.
posted by aliasless at 7:37 PM PST - 5 comments

inDesign/Photoshop/DIY comics question

self-publishing/layout question: I've drawn my comic to have 8.5" X 11" (21.6 cm X 27.9cm) dimensions. I want to shrink it down to fit in a 17cm X 26 cm comic book. [more inside]
posted by radiocontrolled at 7:09 PM PST - 4 comments

How to keep cats from bombing our yard?

How do I keep cats from crapping in our front yard? [more inside]
posted by canine epigram at 7:00 PM PST - 14 comments

Taste like chicken, but with poison

Should-I-eat-it-Filter?: It's not bad or old, but it was growing in poison ivy. It is a wild mushroom. [more inside]
posted by Toekneesan at 5:29 PM PST - 35 comments

Wedding Woes ... for Grandma anyway.

I'm getting married in Seattle next summer. My 98 year-old Grandma lives back in St. Louis and cannot possibly get to Seattle due to her ailments. She's on a warpath about it. How would you approach this? [more inside]
posted by diablo37 at 5:28 PM PST - 27 comments

I don't want to call India again...

Why does my DSL connection keep dropping connections? [more inside]
posted by wastelands at 5:27 PM PST - 7 comments

How does my online banking fob work?

How does my online banking fob work? Does it get numbers over-the-air or does it generate the according to some math I don't understand? Background: to access my bank account on the web, I need to use the little electronic fob CitiBank sent me when I registered for online banking. The device generates a six-digit number every minute or so. But where does that number come from? Is the fob generating or receiving it?
posted by subpixel at 4:48 PM PST - 14 comments

Who knows my blood type?

Who knows my blood type? [more inside]
posted by NortonDC at 4:45 PM PST - 17 comments

A video example of joual, please!

Can anyone recommend me a good video clip (youtube or otherwise) of the Quebecois spoken dialect "joual"? I'd like to show my French-speaking European friends just how different from normal spoken french it is, but I can only speak a few words of it (my normal French is quite good, but I've never lived in Quebec so haven't picked up the slang). I tried the typical search for "joual" and "quebec slang" but didn't find much. Any suggestions?
posted by Planet F at 4:00 PM PST - 10 comments

What are some great Pedal Steel recordings?

What are some great Pedal Steel recordings? [more inside]
posted by scose at 3:47 PM PST - 24 comments

Should I drink it?

How long would a pitcher of iced tea made from store bought juice crystals last (ie. Nestea) in the fridge? [more inside]
posted by gwenlister at 3:35 PM PST - 11 comments

My dog wants to change his name, too. I'm marrying him next week.

How do name changes work for same-sex marriages that are not federally recognized. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:31 PM PST - 15 comments

Need Part-time Job advice for college student in Gainesville

Need Part-time Job advice for college student in Gainesville [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:31 PM PST - 12 comments

Song ID: 2 am emergency call

Another Song ID: I want to be your 2 am emergency phone call [more inside]
posted by whatzit at 3:20 PM PST - 0 comments

What is good long-term storage for pencil-and-ink illustration work?

I've been drawing a lot lately (pencil and ink on Bristol board, 13x18" max). What are good solutions for storing all of this art for the long term? I'm concerned about archival quality and protection from fire/water damage. [more inside]
posted by cadge at 3:11 PM PST - 2 comments

Where can ten of us eat brunch in Toronto?

TonontoBrunchFilter: Where can eight to ten people get a table brunch, in Toronto, on the weekend, preferably in the west end. [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 3:08 PM PST - 11 comments

My room too bright. Please help.

What part of my window do I hang the dang blinds from? [more inside]
posted by Tbola at 3:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Making crunchy bean goodness?

Suggestions for recipes for crunchy, spiced snacks using Chickpeas? lentils? other bean-type stuff? [more inside]
posted by leahwrenn at 3:02 PM PST - 7 comments

Christianity and Liberalism

Can a person be an evangelical Christian and still be a political liberal? This may sound like a simple question but I am open to any and all answers...I find my political views excepting a very few far right beliefs all fall far left....do I have my ducks in a row or do these two worlds necessarily conflict....and yes, I am voting for Obama.
posted by snap_dragon at 2:55 PM PST - 58 comments

Zulu, no lullabies

I'm looking for powerful, blasty Zulu-style a capella that is not Ladysmith Black Mambazo or covers of "Wimoweh" (Mbube). [more inside]
posted by StrikeTheViol at 2:55 PM PST - 10 comments

FEMA-related dramatic tales

Please recommend some interesting media (specifically articles, books, movies, documentaries, mini-series) about the people working for FEMA. [more inside]
posted by np312 at 2:54 PM PST - 1 comment

Who said it?

Does anyone know the derivation of the phrase "let no good deed go unpunished" ? Who is it credited to and to what were they initially referring?
posted by Mr.Me at 2:46 PM PST - 6 comments

Name-that-song Filter

What is this song? [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 2:42 PM PST - 4 comments

Can a computer/the internet SAVE my analog grandparents money?

How can two elderly people SAVE money by switching from a disconnected, analog lifestyle, to a connected, digital lifestyle? [more inside]
posted by mhuckaba at 2:42 PM PST - 8 comments

Turkey is a vegetable, right?

Last Thanksgiving, the sight of the raw turkey brining in the fridge tipped my wife from being somewhat "icked out" out by some meat (specifically, uncooked and bone-in cooked) over to being a (lacto, semi-ovo) vegetarian. She is uncomfortable with having turkey in the house at all this year -- but to me a Thanksgiving without a turkey seems hardly a Thanksgiving at all. What to do? [more inside]
posted by SeanCier at 2:23 PM PST - 29 comments

How do I fool the rss feed into not updating?

Is there a way to update information on a website that has an rss feed and have the feed not show the pages as "updated?" I have a collection of news releases that were inconsistently showing some information. I made them consistent, but the next time I update the rss feed, every news release I did this year will come up as new. Any way to prevent that?
posted by answergrape at 2:07 PM PST - 1 comment

Alien books.

There was a book that I remember seeing when I was growing up on fictional extraterrestrial life that I can not now find. [more inside]
posted by C17H19NO3 at 2:05 PM PST - 9 comments

visual studio

The command window (in XP) flashes for just a second and then goes away when executing "Hello, World!" program written in Visual C++ express edition. [more inside]
posted by amsterdam63 at 2:02 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I learn the Visual Studio way of thinking about software development?

Visual Studio for the confused: I've inherited a C#/ASPX Net 1.1 application from what appears to have been some fairly low-skill software developers. The language, systems environment, and cleaning up the software itself aren't problems, but what the hell am I supposed to do with all this IDE stuff? I need learning resources. [more inside]
posted by majick at 1:45 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I find out if a certain address has power yet?

Does zip code 77006 (in Houston) have power? How could I find out if a certain address has power yet? [more inside]
posted by rmless at 1:37 PM PST - 13 comments

How to merge (not replace) NTFS permissions using Robocopy

I am currently attempting to migrate files from an NT 4.0 file server to a NetApp filer appliance. Our current copy process (using Robocopy) will replace the target permissions with the source permissions. We would prefer to merge source permissions with target permissions, leaving any differing target permissions intact. [more inside]
posted by MrHappyGoLucky at 1:27 PM PST - 2 comments

REAL online degree, not Faux!

Credible online degree program needed - I want to get a degree in graphic design, but really need to do it online. Any suggestions for a CREDIBLE college to go through? Anybody gotten a degree this way that regrets it? What about those of you that loved it? (I hope this isn't considered chat - I really NEED some help here!)
posted by TurquoiseZebra at 1:27 PM PST - 7 comments

Does not compute.

Computer/ Heat Sink filter: Why does my computer turn on for a few seconds then shut off? [more inside]
posted by Wanderlust88 at 1:25 PM PST - 10 comments

When should I change my 401K investment strategy from active to passive?

Given today's equity market conditions, when should I change my 401K investment strategy from active to passive? [more inside]
posted by shinybeast at 1:21 PM PST - 6 comments

Does anyone know where this quote came from?

"We are gods because we are good men, and we know everything because we started first with knowing our self." Does anyone know who said this? [more inside]
posted by bettershredder at 1:20 PM PST - 6 comments

Best Programming Language for an Engineer

What would be the best programming language for me to learn for use as a Water Resources Engineer? [more inside]
posted by warriorengineer at 12:52 PM PST - 11 comments

Where can my family go to have a sandy, sunny, inexpensive Christmas?

Where's a warm, sunny, beach-y, relatively inexpensive place for my family to visit over Christmas? [more inside]
posted by timoni at 12:37 PM PST - 11 comments

Marcel Mauss Quote

I'm looking for the origin of a quote attributed to Marcel Mauss for a friend. [more inside]
posted by cachondeo45 at 12:18 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me lift a friend's spirits

I'm looking for ways to brighten a friend's day(s), using mostly the internet and also my cellphone. Quirky videos. Funny one liners that are only a text message away. Inspirational and moving pieces need apply. Anything goes here, as long as it is tasteful. This is for someone in her early thirties who is going through a rough patch in her life. Thank you.
posted by captainsohler at 12:09 PM PST - 15 comments

Dammit! I liked that fish

Help save my clown fish. :-( [more inside]
posted by Large Marge at 12:02 PM PST - 8 comments

____'s Law of Bureaucracy?

Obscure political science filter: What is the name of the political science/urban studies law [___'s Law] of bureaucracy that states that, over time, agencies have a tendency/need to invest much of their energy and resources into sustaining themselves, often at the cost of more completely and directly fulfilling their original missions? [more inside]
posted by lunit at 12:01 PM PST - 5 comments

What are my cheapest rental transportation options?

Is there such a thing as a cheap rental car? I'm headed down to Florida for Obama, until the election is over. [more inside]
posted by metamush at 11:07 AM PST - 21 comments

HTML mail but you don't have the font -- what do you see?

If I send someone an email in HTML format, using a font (Droid Sans Mono) that the recipient (who has a client set to read HTML or Rich Text email) does NOT have installed on their machine, what do they see? Does the recipient's client choose another font automatically? [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:58 AM PST - 3 comments

1) web-site idea, 2) ??? 3) The Awesome

Can the hive help me get a web site started? I have very specific ideas, but I'm a dinosaur when it comes to everything about the insides of websites. [more inside]
posted by indiebass at 10:52 AM PST - 14 comments

Anything for the top of my head?

So I really like the fit and style of Twins Enterprise fitted baseball caps, but I want something without team logos on it. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 10:44 AM PST - 5 comments

Perfect Nomadic Travel Gear

I am looking for the perfect nomadic traveling gear. I am a graphic designer, medic, gardener and have just finished a seasonal medical gig and am free till March. I want to live out of 2 bags, right now I have a Mac Book Pro, a 500 gig external firewire hard drive, an ipod 30 gig, a Brenthaven bag, a Nikon D-70 (a little large). [more inside]
posted by aisleofview at 10:29 AM PST - 8 comments

For-profit trade association

We want to form a 'for profit' trade association. Several of us (in my industry) think we should be represented by a trade association, but all the research I've done so far points to associations as 'non-profit' organizations. Is there any reason why a commercial company can't set itself up as an industry association and sell memberships and attempt to represent it's members ? (in marketing and regulation and public education, etc.) [more inside]
posted by Xhris at 9:50 AM PST - 7 comments

Is my cactus sick?

My cactus has developed a couple of lesions on its body and all along its base (where it enters the soil). They look like brown, dry patches. I have been keeping it in the window sill at all times and I've only watered it twice in the 5 weeks that I've owned it. Does anyone know what these lesions are? Is my cactus sick? Is there any way that I can save it?
posted by saslett at 9:19 AM PST - 2 comments

Grant Writing -- Is it a good career?

Grant Writing -- Is it a good career? I would like to hear from anyone who has earned a living providing grant writing services. Is it hard to break into? Is there a steep learning curve? What do you like and dislike about the work? [more inside]
posted by valannc at 9:18 AM PST - 6 comments

Test My Mettle

How can I test and build up my strength, tenacity, and courage. As far as I can see, there are limited opportunities to test my mettle in the corporate world ( besides calling out some a**hole in the boardroom ). I am looking for things to do that will put me to the test and see what I am made of. I am thinking along the lines of CrossFit, 'Man vs. Wild', high stakes negotiation, or skydiving. The only time I can really remember being tested was a fight in 10th grade and the hazing I went through in University. How can I earn a badge of honor when I spend most of my time in a cubicle. I would prefer answers that would not involve the risk of certain death, although I wouldn't mind getting the living sh*t scared out of me. I also wouldn't mind pushing my mind or body to the limit. I am willing to travel, spend money, bleed, and cry.
posted by kaizen at 9:16 AM PST - 54 comments

No air blowing out of the vents in my house! Is my HVAC unit hosed?

My heat pump / air conditioning unit (HVAC?) is not blowing in my house. I have a programmable thermostat. When I walked past it this morning it said 80 degrees. I bumped it down a couple of degrees and waited to see if it would kick on. No such luck. The unit outside ( the condenser I think.... large box with a fan on top) did turn on but nothing is coming out of the vents. Anyone have any idea what could be wrong? I am getting ready to have to spend some serious money on a replacement? Thanks!
posted by pleuroma at 8:42 AM PST - 7 comments

Anyone taken computer based GRE?

Anyone taken the GRE computer based General Test? I am computer literate, however having never taken a test on a computer I am kind of freaked out just by the sound of it. Will there still be paper for me to write problems out on? Can I skip a question and come back to it? Has anyone taken the paper based test and the computer base test? If so how do they compare?
posted by bilbo baggins at 8:40 AM PST - 17 comments

How can I browse iPod playlists by ALBUM instead of artist or song?

How can I browse and listen to iPod playlists or genres by ALBUM instead of by artist or song title? [more inside]
posted by stst399 at 8:36 AM PST - 8 comments

Mobile-to-POTS convertor?

How do I hook up a mobile phone to a regular, POTS "hard phone"? Most of the time, I'm at home and it would be easier for me to use a regular, large-size telephone instead of craning my neck to try to use the little mobile phone that I have. If it matters, I'm in the USA and have Sprint.
posted by Electrius at 8:32 AM PST - 10 comments

Get me out of PeoplePC

PeoplePC, a cut-rate ISP, known for making it very difficult for people to cancel their accounts, is, as might be expected, making it difficult for a relative to cancel his account. The task has fallen to me. I've googled a bit about this, but wonder if anyone here has experience or knows a good way of getting this cleanly and quickly done. Thank You.
posted by DarkForest at 8:28 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me do sums.

Stupidly simple math question. [more inside]
posted by Mwongozi at 8:17 AM PST - 10 comments

Songs Without the Title in the Lyrics

What songs don't have the title in the lyrics? [more inside]
posted by AloneOssifer at 8:00 AM PST - 60 comments

Need help getting Brother MFC-5460CN scanner to work with Ubuntu Hardy 64AMD

Need help getting Brother MFC-5460CN scanner to work with Ubuntu Hardy 64AMD. Oh, and I'm really tech challenged, so a step-by-step would help. [more inside]
posted by macadamiaranch at 7:57 AM PST - 8 comments

Oh, snap!

KillingFilter: Death by neck-snap? [more inside]
posted by Mountain Goatse at 7:52 AM PST - 20 comments

The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible

Phill Niblock. Peter Hansen. Jóhann Jóhannsson. Terry Riley. Distant trains. Find me more gorgeous, drifting, droning horns, please.
posted by mykescipark at 7:43 AM PST - 13 comments

Mac server backup software

Getting some Mac servers and looking for suggestions on backup software. [more inside]
posted by jmd82 at 7:36 AM PST - 10 comments

When to use C# keywords

Help me understand keywords in C# functions. [more inside]
posted by zobot at 7:30 AM PST - 9 comments

Help us with a name for our business

After many weeks of consideration, my wife has decided to start a Spanish translating/tutoring business. Everything looks good, we've done our research, we're moving into an area where Spanish is taught k-12, we...just can't figure out a name for the biz. Help [more inside] [more inside]
posted by Hands of Manos at 7:15 AM PST - 20 comments

Is Website flipping a good idea?

Is website flipping really a viable business model? A recent article in The Times UK sparked my interest. [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 6:55 AM PST - 7 comments

Decrease spam reaching Gmail inbox

Why is more spam getting through to my Gmail inbox lately? [more inside]
posted by gfrobe at 6:48 AM PST - 11 comments

I need to get a grip!

Any tips on making my expensive shoes grippier? [more inside]
posted by laumry at 5:54 AM PST - 12 comments

How to jettison jetlag?

I'm travelling on a short trip to New York, from the UK. The last two times I've travelled to the US (Las Vegas, New Orleans) the first few days of my break have been ruined by jetlag - waking up at 4am and being zombified by early evening - but, this was ok because they were 10 and 14 day holidays. However, my trip to NYC is for 3 days. How can I try and combat this on such a short trip, without losing the couple of days I have in New York?
posted by metaxa at 5:42 AM PST - 14 comments

AIG Life Insurance...Problems?

Aaaargh! I have AIG Life Insurance (in Canada). Should I be worried? [more inside]
posted by mbarryf at 5:40 AM PST - 5 comments

directory listing flash mp3 player

Is there a free flash mp3 player that I can place in a directory on a web server and have it automatically make a playlist of the contents of that directory and play them? [more inside]
posted by Infernarl at 5:38 AM PST - 4 comments

Analytic/Isolating languages in Latin alphabet?

Analytic/Isolating languages that have standardized, highly phonetic writing in the Latin alphabet? [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 5:15 AM PST - 8 comments

How do |I go on?

If my partner, a widower, wants some space to try to get over the death of his wife of 20 yrs, yet he can't tell me how long it will be, what am I meant to do? [more inside]
posted by ffazniah at 4:19 AM PST - 14 comments

Library (API) for the website snapshot

How to save a snapshot (image) of a webpage programatically. [more inside]
posted by chexov at 4:06 AM PST - 3 comments

Roommate gone bad

Another roommate gone bad situation. She walked out on a lease, left utilities bills behind, cleaned out the apartment and took a TV and DVR that didn't belong to her. Ugh. [more inside]
posted by queue_strategy at 3:31 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me buy a new mobile phone

Help me buy a new mobile phone please [more inside]
posted by minifigs at 3:18 AM PST - 1 comment

Where the wealthy ride out the storm.

Where does Dick Cheney have his money now? I remember a couple years ago reading about how Cheney was 'shorting' the dollar (betting against it's continued good health). It struck me at the time as cynical, sure, but also indicative of better financial advice than I get. So, where's he squirelling away his money now? How to find out?
posted by From Bklyn at 1:16 AM PST - 5 comments

September 23

Buying a cell phone abroad & using it in other countries later

If I buy a cheap, pay-as-you-go cell phone in Guatemala to use while I'm traveling there, can I then use it in other countries I visit later - and which ones? Is it as simple as replacing a SIM card every time? [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 11:23 PM PST - 4 comments

Guide my Aioli

What do you like to do with aioli? [more inside]
posted by lore at 10:25 PM PST - 15 comments

whats the hype about cutting up concert posters

In the film HYPE, why does that guy keep on cutting up concert flyers, and what does it mean? [more inside]
posted by edtut at 9:56 PM PST - 8 comments

A Signature Style

I want to be able to write an impressive signature, much in the style of some aristocratic 19th century English speaker. But I can't find any images collections with these kinds of signatures, in order look at them and get ideas or mimic them for my own signature. Surely the Hive-Mind knows if there's a source out there with this kind of info?
posted by archae at 9:25 PM PST - 10 comments

WELLS FARGO IS EVIL.

Wells Fargo just royally screwed me during one of the most difficult financial weeks of my life, putting me in a position where I won't even have food money or enough gas money to get to work -- until next TUESDAY! I'm spitting mad. My questions are twofold: 1) I want to know if there's anything I can do to turn this situation around now or do I have to just wait; 2) My money problems are temporary and I'll be in the red within a year. Is it possible to complain or make a statement about this episode with Wells Fargo that would ever be heard? Should I just bitterly move on and take my business elsewhere, feeling like a victim? 3) Do you have a bank that you recommend doing business with instead -- one that treats customers with actual respect? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:24 PM PST - 38 comments

Peace and Sirenity

I need a siren whistle, in Vermont, by Friday. [more inside]
posted by papayaninja at 9:23 PM PST - 5 comments

Who took these remarkable photos?

I am really taken with these images, and I'd like to know the name of the photographer and where I can get prints or at least larger jpegs. (some images NSFW)
posted by tomble at 9:10 PM PST - 16 comments

What's a good rapid reaction strategy to implement before leaving the office for the last time?

"We're going to have to let you go." What do you do before leaving your boss's office? [more inside]
posted by tenaciousd at 9:05 PM PST - 23 comments

Yet another NYC restaurant request, but with details!

Yet another NYC restaurant recommendation request: Taking ~15 colleagues out to dinner, walking from Times Square (46th&Broadway), looking to spend $20-30 per head, and be able to make a same-day reservation. Tall order, but bonus points for an NYC experience not available in Toronto/Montreal. [more inside]
posted by anthill at 8:53 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me buy this thing.

Anyone know where I can buy this planner online in Canada? [more inside]
posted by typewriter at 8:41 PM PST - 2 comments

Bimodal or am I biased?

StatisticsFilter: how can I find out whether my data is bimodal? [more inside]
posted by halogen at 7:53 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me help my friend help his partner...!

Southern Ontario Filter: Any good, inexpensive places to buy a guitar for a beginner? [more inside]
posted by gursky at 7:31 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I found out if I'm divorced?

How can I found out if I'm divorced? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:29 PM PST - 10 comments

How can I see a website's file tree?

How can I browse a website like how it would be if there weren't a "index.html" or similar file? That is, see a directory-type listing of the files in that directory? [more inside]
posted by demagogue at 7:10 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I get more organized and disciplined in my life?

I've plenty in touch with my inner child. How can I get in touch with my inner adult? I just want to be more disciplined and do the things a grownup needs to get done. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 7:06 PM PST - 16 comments

Dots and Don'ts

Is there a rule as to how many ...'s are supposed to be placed at the end of a sentence which is to be continued? [more inside]
posted by gman at 7:06 PM PST - 22 comments

How does Zabasphere work?

Does anyone know how Zabasphere works? [more inside]
posted by foxinthesnow at 6:56 PM PST - 2 comments

I want to be seen at 6 a.m.

Now that it's getting dark and wet here in the Pacific Northwest, what can I wear to be both visible and dry on our early morning and late evening dog walks? [more inside]
posted by TochterAusElysium at 6:48 PM PST - 9 comments

Will this drug kill my cat?

Will the drug that my vet prescribed kill my cat? It's unapproved for use in the US. [more inside]
posted by Braeog at 6:20 PM PST - 11 comments

Do waiters and waitresses mind people writing for a long time in cafes?

Don't servers hate it when people camp in coffee houses and cafes for hours to write? [more inside]
posted by TheManChild2000 at 6:20 PM PST - 35 comments

What would it take to make a cabin?

How cheap is it to build a small house in the middle of the woods? Can someone with no carpentry skills do it? [more inside]
posted by history is a weapon at 6:13 PM PST - 20 comments

Where to store a U-Haul truck in Las Vegas?

Where in the Las Vegas area can I safely keep a U-Haul truck stored overnight that I've packed full, in anticipation of leaving the next morning? I am coming from out of town, loading up a storage unit, and will be staying at a hotel, but uncomfortable leaving the fully packed truck in the hotel parking lot overnite. Thanks!
posted by america4 at 5:53 PM PST - 9 comments

Marriage counselor in Atlanta

Can anyone help me find a good marriage counselor in the Atlanta, Ga area?
posted by anonymous at 5:46 PM PST - 2 comments

Insurance screw-up, who's resonsible for the fine?

My friend's car was totaled in January by a drunk driver. She sold it back to the insurance company and bought a new car. Somewhere, someone screwed up: her car insurance was never switched from her old car to her new car. She was, however, able to switch her tags to the new car and register it. Nonetheless, until last month, she was paying insurance on a totaled car that she no longer owned. She just got a fine from Maryland Vehicle Administration for 2K+ for having tags on an uninsured vehicle. What should she do? [more inside]
posted by spaltavian at 5:38 PM PST - 4 comments

Can Nonprofit Founder Board Members Obtain Salaried Positions within Same Organization?

Board Members who founded non-profit want to obtain salaried positions within the same organization. How is this handled? [more inside]
posted by franklen at 5:28 PM PST - 8 comments

Save my client from building an Internet ghost town

How frequently do users of community-based sites abandon their registration attempt? And how does that correspond to how painful we make the registration process? [more inside]
posted by centerweight at 5:26 PM PST - 4 comments

The economics of travelling bands

I'm told that for bands, the money is in live gigs - not much comes in from album sales. However. I was at a concert in Los Angeles recently, full house of about 500. Three bands, of which two had recently played Coachella. $25 general admission. This, to me, seems like terrible money. What's really going on? Help me overthink my plate of beans. [more inside]
posted by Xere at 5:19 PM PST - 27 comments

Finding older books

Penguin Classics -- I HATE the new cover design. Do you know any good places where I might be able to find older versions (with the parchment colored background and the black rectangle on the front)? [more inside]
posted by jfwlucy at 5:02 PM PST - 8 comments

Cleaning scale from pool tile

How can I best clean hard water scale from pool tile? [more inside]
posted by TungstenChef at 4:51 PM PST - 5 comments

Nuvaring and oral sex

Is my partner ingesting any amount of estrogen from my Nuvaring? [more inside]
posted by slow graffiti at 4:29 PM PST - 7 comments

I can haz Mozart too?

So, please help settle a dispute between myself and my boyfriend about Mozart and the musical capabilities of the average American. [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 3:53 PM PST - 32 comments

Can I charge a digital camera battery from America in a different country?

Can I charge a digital camera battery from America in a different country? [more inside]
posted by supercrayon at 3:51 PM PST - 6 comments

I can't feel my toes...

Do you stand for long periods at your job? If so, how do you handle it? [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 3:42 PM PST - 18 comments

iPhone 3G unlocking for any sim card problems.

iPhone 3G unlocking for any sim card problems. [more inside]
posted by spinko at 3:35 PM PST - 5 comments

I'm going to the Mitten and I'm gonna get wedded...

Any little last-minute details I'm missing in the 18 days before my wedding? [more inside]
posted by santojulieta at 3:35 PM PST - 29 comments

Yeouch

I have wasps on the outside of my house, on the southern facing side only, so I'm assuming that they're basking in the last burst of warmth. However, it's getting so bad, that I'm worried about potential overlaps in the wasp/human worlds. [more inside]
posted by thanotopsis at 3:19 PM PST - 6 comments

Is this scholarship award nothing but burgers?

Wendy's High School Heisman Student Awards Program...nothing but burgers? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 2:53 PM PST - 12 comments

Why drag feet on divorce after separation

Why might people wait so long to get divorced, when at least one party definitely wants it. [more inside]
posted by Penelope at 2:18 PM PST - 28 comments

Should I buy now?

In the market of Buying a Condo in the Los Angeles areas and want to know how to research best. Need to find out sites that keep me up to date with the housing market, when its good to buy etc...for with the economy right now I don't really know what to do.....please help [more inside]
posted by matthelm at 2:08 PM PST - 5 comments

How can my wife and I enjoy better sex in the morning?

How can my wife and I enjoy better sex in the morning, when I wear out quickly and she can't get on top? (Possibly NSFW) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:03 PM PST - 12 comments

How do I override CSS from inside the BODY of the website?

How do I override a website's CSS with a snippet in the body? The most common example of this would be the elaborate re-designs people do to MySpace pages using the profile field, though I've seen it elsewhere (even, briefly, here.) [more inside]
posted by Karmakaze at 1:36 PM PST - 11 comments

affordable and eco-friendly DVD packaging options?

I'm looking for affordable and eco-friendly DVD packaging options. [more inside]
posted by BirdD0g at 1:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Oxide + Bicycle: ???

I washed my bicycle and foolishly left it to dry in the sun. Now, the exposed metal has started to oxidize. Is there anything I can do? I know it's still dirty, I haven't finished yet.
posted by Memo at 1:20 PM PST - 8 comments

Put some English on it while not at English?

Ok, Chicago mefites...what are your suggestions for bars near Wicker Park/Bucktown/Logan Square that have a reasonably chill atmosphere, accessible pool tables, and reasonable drink prices? [more inside]
posted by moitz at 12:56 PM PST - 13 comments

What’s a Single Girl to do with 2 months off?

In the not so distant future, I will hit 7 years with my employer, which entitles me to the company benefit of 2 months off, with pay. I have been saving (I have about 5k set aside for this) and I want to start making plans within the next 6-12 months. Until recently, I had been spending the time and saving the money planning a trip for two as my ex receives the same benefit at the same time. [more inside]
posted by Jenny is Crafty at 12:40 PM PST - 22 comments

Apple dish ideas?

Apple picking filter: What are some delicious and healthy recipes that use apples? [more inside]
posted by Rudy Gerner at 12:36 PM PST - 18 comments

Reading Rainbow

Help a friend survive in Reading, PA. [more inside]
posted by Parasite Unseen at 11:55 AM PST - 9 comments

Receiving Google Apps mail in Outlook 2000

I'm having a great deal of trouble receiving my University email in Outlook 2000. My University uses Google Apps, which allows me to use Gmail as my webmail service, but does not assign me a Google or Gmail account. The domain of my email address is myuniversity.edu, not gmail.com. For this reason, Outlook does not recognize the username and password that I use to log into my email (through my university's website). I have tried following gmail's tutorial (complicated by the fact that they don't offer one for Outlook 2000) with no success. I've tried reporting my incoming mail server as both pop.gmail.com and pop.myuniversity.edu. Any ideas? Did I miss any important info?
posted by i_am_a_fiesta at 11:54 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me find a new pair of stirrups

I'm looking for a new pair of hard rubber stirrups for my exercise bike. [more inside]
posted by cjets at 11:52 AM PST - 6 comments

Why did mac & cheese not agree with me?

Am I allergic to something food-related? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:48 AM PST - 19 comments

I live in New York City and my computer has just shit the bed.

My computer has just shit the bed. I live in New York City. I have very little money. Can anyone recommend a cheap place where I can get it fixed? [more inside]
posted by jason's_planet at 11:47 AM PST - 10 comments

Handling boooooring times. How do people do it?

How do I deal with boredom in situations where I have to sit or stand for long periods of time with little stimulation. [more inside]
posted by sixcolors at 11:47 AM PST - 27 comments

Which states are losing/gaining college graduates?

I am looking for an article or a study, which I only dimly remember, that was a statistical/demographic account of which USA states had in-migration or out-migration of people with college degrees. [more inside]
posted by Mr. Justice at 11:43 AM PST - 5 comments

What would happen if a state (RI, purely for the sake of argument) were to secede from the US?

What would happen if a state (RI, purely for the sake of argument) were to secede from the US? Brainstorming for an alternate-future-history book and more after the jump. [more inside]
posted by chrisinseoul at 11:39 AM PST - 34 comments

Is my understanding of the CDS market correct?

Is my understanding of the Credit Default Swap market correct? [more inside]
posted by joecacti at 11:29 AM PST - 7 comments

Warm (and Stained) Leatherette

Faint but visible blue handprint on white leatherette couch...help me, Heloises! [more inside]
posted by yellowcandy at 11:28 AM PST - 4 comments

Sweet, sweet blood sugar...monitor

Diabetes-filter: Which continuous glucose monitoring system is best? [more inside]
posted by johnsmith415 at 11:26 AM PST - 3 comments

Talking points for BBC TV interview on role of Internet in U.S. politics

I've just been asked to be interviewed for a popular show on BBC TV to talk about the role of the Internet in U.S. politics for this campaign cycle. What are some succinct and intelligent talking points I can follow without sounding like I'm talking out my arse. [more inside]
posted by camworld at 11:11 AM PST - 10 comments

maybe I should just clean my glasses

37" widescreen LCDTV viewed from 12' away, do my eyes have the resolving power to justify getting a Blu-ray instead of upscaling DVD player? [more inside]
posted by randomstriker at 10:58 AM PST - 25 comments

Pie Chart Makeover?

Pie Chart Help. How do I make my pie charts look like this one? [more inside]
posted by kjars at 10:52 AM PST - 11 comments

What to do over Columbus weekend in Dallas?

In Dallas TX for an extended weekend over Columbus day. What to do? [more inside]
posted by ets960 at 10:50 AM PST - 11 comments

LibraryOtherThing?

Is there a LibraryThing-ish website with a better interface? Like more Netflix-ish, I can do single-click "add to my library" (or wish list or whatever) anytime I see a title? Or check boxes instead of one title at a time? [more inside]
posted by mzurer at 10:48 AM PST - 4 comments

Tuesday, 12:45. Mood: weird.

I’d like to track my moods for a few weeks. How should I go about this? What should I record, and how, and is it useful? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:45 AM PST - 15 comments

How can I get websense to undo a nonsensical "sex" block on my boring blog?

Websense has apparently blacklisted my personal blog (my whole domain, in fact) for adult/sex content, which is pretty strange. What can I do about this? [more inside]
posted by cortex at 10:37 AM PST - 13 comments

Help with Movie

I'm looking for a 1950-ish science fiction movie. In the scene I most clearly remember, a man and a woman are on the bridge of an alien spaceship. She is a Russian mathematician and he is a pilot. The ship is being remotely controlled and is automatically flying through the solar system. It becomes clear that it is on a collision course with Saturn. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 10:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Vegas, baby, yeah!

Where should we eat dinner in Vegas on New Year's Eve? [more inside]
posted by msali at 10:36 AM PST - 10 comments

Two Americans on AT&T heading to Chile for two months, what do we need to know to use our iPhones?

Two Americans on AT&T heading to Chile for two months, what do we need to know to use our iPhones there? [more inside]
posted by adrock31 at 10:20 AM PST - 6 comments

Where oh where has my wifi gone?

What the WiFi?! My wireless network has gone insane, and it's about to give me a nervous breakdown. Please, please, PLEASE help. [more inside]
posted by bjork24 at 10:20 AM PST - 7 comments

How to find out if MBA is the right thing for him/her to do?

How to find out if MBA is the right thing for him/her to do? I'm contemplating to do fully employed MBA (FEMBA). Doing full time MBA is out of question for me. Lot of former MBA students advise to find out whether this is the right thing for you to do, before you get in. [more inside]
posted by tvjoshi at 9:48 AM PST - 9 comments

Does anyone remember the names of these obscure artful films?

Does anyone remember the names of these obscure artful films? [more inside]
posted by debbie_ann at 9:46 AM PST - 12 comments

How to sell home baked goods?

I am a culinary student in NYC studying the art of Pastry. I would like to start a small home business and make pastries to sell at local craft fairs. Does any one know how to go about this? How do the laws and regulations differ for home baking versus commercial baking? Is it even permissible to bake at home and sell at craft fairs? Would it be easer to rent out commercial space and then sell at the fairs? Help would be appreciated. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Stagecraft at 9:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Cerebral Psychosomatic Scramble Stasis

Looking for specific songs that have a very particular, idiosyncratic quality to them... [more inside]
posted by Christ, what an asshole at 9:27 AM PST - 20 comments

Diagnosing intermittent connectivity problems

I'm experiencing intermittent periods (several hours every couple of days) where web pages are extremely slow to load and/or hang while partially loaded. How do I figure out what's causing the problem and fix it, ideally without wasting a lot of time on the phone with my ISP? [more inside]
posted by ottereroticist at 9:03 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me parse my Rock Band options!

Thinking about taking the Rock Band plunge, but there's so much to think about! Help me decide what to buy and when! [more inside]
posted by yellowbinder at 8:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Will it *really* be impossible to tether the new google phone?

While tethering is officially unsupported on the new Android phone, there is no Apple-style remote-app-killing service. Is there anybody out there familiar with the Android SDK that could tell me if tethering this phone to a laptop to share internet is impossible? Is it something physically unsupported in the SDK, or artificially blocked out by T-Mobile? Or will there be an app out like, 10 minutes after the phone is released?
posted by excitementMD at 8:50 AM PST - 17 comments

Will Streaming Music Ruin My Neighbor's Life?

My neighbor kindly gave me the key to her (Airport) wireless network Pt 2 (Pt 1 here). OK - so I'm on, in Ubuntu, and I've been streaming lastfm for the past few days. And then just now I thought, "am I slowing down her network access by streaming music whilst she's online?" Or is the difference negligable? My prime concern here is that I don't want to repay her kindness by ruining her life.
posted by forallmankind at 8:36 AM PST - 8 comments

How do I prevent yeast infections while taking antibiotics?

Has anyone prone to yeast infections been able to protect themselves while taking antibiotics? I want to start taking antibiotics (doxycycline) to treat my acne. It's my last resort. However, I am extremely prone to yeast infections. Will taking acidophilus supplements be enough? How much to take? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:29 AM PST - 19 comments

How to win friends and influence soccer moms, the book?

How to win friends and influence soccer moms, the book? Looking for a good reference to sharpen social skills. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:29 AM PST - 8 comments

The secret of Omar lies in this missheard line, oh indeed

The Wire, season 2, episode 6: What does Omar say to the prosecutor right before the theme song starts? [more inside]
posted by cowbellemoo at 8:26 AM PST - 12 comments

Know something about Rental cars? Know something about New Orleans?

I have a trip booked to South Carolina on October 17th. When we get there, we will be renting a car, driving to Alabama to visit family, and then finishing our trip in New Orleans. I'm looking for advice on how car rental agencies work w/ regards to reservations, and hotel/location/activity recommendations for first-time visitors to New Orleans. [more inside]
posted by fishfucker at 8:25 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I (screen) capture my competitors? And my site?

I'm looking for an awesome screen capture utility/firefox plugin/web application/any solution to take screen grabs of my site and a couple competitors every few hours. Anyone have any awesome solutions? Google shows a lot of options and lots of screen capture for video options, but I suspect the hive mind knows the best one for my situation. [more inside]
posted by jkl345 at 7:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Mac-compatible USB speaker/mic for Skype?

Mac-compatible USB speakerphone for Skype use? [more inside]
posted by jeffmacintyre at 7:47 AM PST - 3 comments

Graphic Design

How do you freelance graphic designers find work? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:30 AM PST - 12 comments

How to live together more harmoniously?

Living together: questions about money and space [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:30 AM PST - 23 comments

Baby you can pick my car

Help choose a car for an outdoorsy, environmentalist city dweller on a budget? [more inside]
posted by xaire at 7:23 AM PST - 18 comments

Boston-based medical journal?

Looking for the name of a Boston-based medical journal that specializes in narrative feature stories about new and interesting stuff in the world of medicine. [more inside]
posted by It ain't over yet at 7:16 AM PST - 6 comments

Rautavarraesque?

Classical Music Filter: What composers would I like if I like einojahuni rautavarra? [more inside]
posted by tylerfulltilt at 7:11 AM PST - 8 comments

Who should I vote for?

Canadian living in the US trying to educate himself on Canada’s October Federal election. Who should I vote for? [more inside]
posted by birdlips at 6:57 AM PST - 14 comments

Skeleton stripper

Help me find an animated short where a human stripper dances for aliens, and ends up stripping off her own skin until she dances as a skeleton... [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 6:53 AM PST - 7 comments

How to teach film making to a teenager?

I've been asked to teach a one time, one hour high school class on the fundamentals/elements of film making. What aspects of film making would be most exciting for them and with no film making gear how would one go about teaching it? [more inside]
posted by glasskey at 6:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Selling a business

What's a good revenue multiplier for the sale of a software company that has an annual turnover of $500K ? And please explain why
posted by mattoxic at 6:01 AM PST - 4 comments

Why doesn't my cat understand I have an alarm clock?

Every morning, my cat decides I need to get up at 6:30AM, and proceeds to put his paw under my door and claw the hell out of it. Between the scratching noise and the fact that the door rattles in its jamb, it's been getting me up well before I am ready. This has thrown off my sleeping pattern tremendously, and I want it stopped. It's not a case of needing to go to the bathroom or wanting food, so I'm at a loss. How can I stop my cat?
posted by deezil at 5:12 AM PST - 32 comments

No heating this winter: What now?

How do I keep warm this winter in an unheated apartment? [more inside]
posted by MaddyRex at 5:10 AM PST - 43 comments

How to get an iWorks serial number in Romania?

How the hell can I get an iWorks serial number so that I can save documents, while I'm here in Romania? [more inside]
posted by Dee Xtrovert at 5:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Book suggestions gratefully received.

ReadmeFilter: Desperately in need of suggestions for books for upcoming Europe trip. [more inside]
posted by kjs4 at 4:55 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me fix my iPod.

My 5.5G iPod Classic, which was working fine at least 3 days ago, has decided that it's not going to output sound anymore. Not through my earphones, not through a dock... nothing. On screen it says it is playing a song or a movie or whatever but the accompanying sounds do not come along for the ride. What might be the reasons for this, and how might they be easily fixed here at home (instead of a trip to the repair shop)? [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 at 4:46 AM PST - 7 comments

Help me find a place to sleep.

I'm currently backpacking through Europe and was given an invitation to Oktoberfest for this Friday. I'm really excited about this, but can't seem to find any places to stay that aren't booked or very expensive. I'd like to spend Friday and Saturday night there, giving me the opportunity to see the rest of Munich. What are my options in the area to find a place to sleep? Are there non-hostel options or perhaps one that isn't well known?
posted by defben at 4:02 AM PST - 7 comments

Active Holiday end October?

I'm looking for a holiday destination. Last weeks of October where I can hike (mountains), bike (atb) and learn diving (padi). No resorts or too much luxury, just basic accomodation. I'm alone so it would be nice to meet more travellers. Doe you have suggestions?
posted by beemsterman at 3:46 AM PST - 4 comments

How to deal with your kids....

I believe being a "good parent" is being patient yet firm when dealing with your kids (idealing never showing temper or losing it- my partner thinks it's normal and healthy to show anger at what he feels is inappropriate behavior. Any one know of studies (or how to find such studies) that research that topic? The focus is babies and toddlers. [more inside]
posted by beccaj at 3:30 AM PST - 21 comments

How to work for the United Nations ?

Do you know anybody who is working/have worked for the United Nations, and what they did to get such jobs? I'm specifically referring to jobs that are mostly non-humanitarian in nature. [more inside]
posted by joewandy at 2:36 AM PST - 8 comments

I know I recorded it somewhere

How do I maintain a successful personal diverse information tracking system? How do you find what you know you kept? I want my information in one place, where I can search it. (This is not about GTD or keeping track of my responsibilities and tasks). [more inside]
posted by b33j at 1:23 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me cheer on my Cubbies from afar!

Will the MLB postseason be available for [legal] online viewing this season? [more inside]
posted by globetrotter30 at 12:03 AM PST - 6 comments

September 22

Red light special

Lighting question - I'm looking for the lights featured in the first few seconds of this youtube clip... [more inside]
posted by zap rowsdower at 10:17 PM PST - 2 comments

Free Birthday Ideas

The Spousal Unit knows I like to be made a fuss of on my birthday and is happy to oblige, but this year we're low on cash, and he's a little lost. I'm trying to compile a list of fun, cash-free (or very cheap) things to do, so he can pick a couple and run with it. We are in Portland, Oregon, and mostly homebodies. I'm a voracious reader, and lover of all things spooky, and general ideas are great.
posted by frykitty at 9:46 PM PST - 16 comments

Follow the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

In short, What are the best books (especially books), movies or other media about Vietnam that you know of? (Including the French War.) [more inside]
posted by MasonDixon at 9:44 PM PST - 33 comments

Whose line *IS* it, anyway?

On the 100th episode of [the Drew Carey edition of] Whose Line is it, Anyway?, "Scenes From a Hat" was played. Colin said something that was bleeped twice. Would anyone know what that might have been? [more inside]
posted by phaded at 9:35 PM PST - 3 comments

Swishing LED metronome?

Does anyone know of a "Swishing LED metronome"? [more inside]
posted by Dub at 9:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me identify this Canadian National Film Board animated short.

Help me identify this Canadian National Film Board animated short. [more inside]
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 9:31 PM PST - 4 comments

I'll gladly pay you Monday for a gigantic profit on Friday.

Why do the lenders give short sellers the stock? [more inside]
posted by sophist at 9:15 PM PST - 9 comments

Why do straights use the word "partner"?

I want to know more about the use of the word "partner," especially for straight couples... [more inside]
posted by iliketolaughalot at 8:33 PM PST - 68 comments

You gonna answer him, Punkin?!?

A friend told me an awesome story the other day. I'm wondering if it's true or not. See, these researchers put a bunch of domesticated cats in a room... [more inside]
posted by Spyder's Game at 8:29 PM PST - 21 comments

Want to buy Japanese clock from Heroes

HeroesFilter: Where can I find a clock from tonight's episode (season premiere)? (No spoilers, but if you didn't see, you probably can't help) [more inside]
posted by BiffSlamkovich at 8:19 PM PST - 4 comments

I need a utility to tag mp3 from file path / filename.

What's a good (preferably freeware) application for tagging my mp3 files based on filename and file path? [more inside]
posted by gummo at 8:08 PM PST - 10 comments

I need help writing a letter to my congressmen about The Bailout!

I need help writing a letter to my congressmen about The Bailout! [more inside]
posted by MiggySawdust at 7:21 PM PST - 22 comments

It's a ring thing

I think my nuvaring is improving my complexion. true? [more inside]
posted by chickaboo at 7:02 PM PST - 9 comments

"it's getting very hot, we'd like to get out now..."

Short public access film: man asks eggs if they want to go for a swim, but they're too cold in the pan of water, so he turns the heat up, and they start to scream. What was this? [more inside]
posted by scruss at 6:59 PM PST - 1 comment

Will an FM transmitter from the US work in the UK?

Will an FM transmitter (to listen to an MP3 player in the car) bought in the US work in the UK? What about the cigarette lighter adapter? [more inside]
posted by steeb2er at 6:55 PM PST - 10 comments

Career Help

Help finding the right career. This is not looking for a job I have one of those but I want to know what careers I should be looking at. [more inside]
posted by CollegeNelson at 6:52 PM PST - 5 comments

Can I get a local US number that redirects to an international number?

I need to have a local US number that redirects to an international number. It doesn't have to be toll free. It should be able to redirect to a landline or a mobile phone. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by carofowler at 6:50 PM PST - 14 comments

Where should my motorcycle and I go?

Oh hell yeah, I got a motorcycle! I live in DC, and even though I can get anywhere I need to go on the metro + bicycle I'm going to use it to commute. Because that's awesome. But, what kinds of things can I do that I couldn't before? I've always lamented lack of access to a car (zipcars are expensive) and I love taking motorcycle trips, so what are some of your must-see destinations in the DC area (within 200 miles)? [more inside]
posted by borkingchikapa at 6:48 PM PST - 14 comments

Laptop Brick Quick!

Random shot-in-the-dark-question: A laptop brick for a 4-year old Thinkpad on short notice outside of Boston? I just checked into my hotel, realized I forgot my power brick, I have an hour of battery life - help! Thinkpad t41, a fast solution appreciated. Thank you!
posted by swngnmonk at 6:46 PM PST - 14 comments

Possible to verify printed out ACL ticket?

My friend is looking for a one-day pass to ACL (Austin City Limits) on craigslist. She found some one willing to sell her one, but it is a print-out ticket. Is there any way to verify it or is this a bad idea? The ACL website warned against this, but I thought I'd see if anyone on here had any ideas. Thanks!
posted by meta87 at 6:42 PM PST - 1 comment

Teachers, students, and the Internet

Do teachers have their students use the Internet? [more inside]
posted by unreason at 6:24 PM PST - 23 comments

OH HAI WE UP IN YUR FOUNDASHUN BRAKIN YUR HUOSE

A company did additional work they were not authorized by us to do to our house, and now our house is broken. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:22 PM PST - 12 comments

Cellphone plans for texting rather than talking?

I love my Treo (smartphone), and I use it for everything - except for making phone calls. Are there any plans out there that privilege texting over speech? [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 6:12 PM PST - 15 comments

Also, .docx can bite me

I need a website that will allow 20 people to quickly and easily view 30-40 short documents, without having to individually download them all. [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 6:01 PM PST - 11 comments

What good is baby food for someone with no babies?

What can I do with baby food (besides feed it to a baby, of course)? [more inside]
posted by wondercow at 5:39 PM PST - 12 comments

Where to fix my bag in NC?

Where can I find a place that does leather repair in the NC Triangle area? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 5:39 PM PST - 9 comments

Superhero Help Needed

Imagine coming up with an idea for a new superhero, but having little artistic talent. [more inside]
posted by An Infinity Of Monkeys at 5:16 PM PST - 9 comments

Is there a sound economic theory which predicts an 80 year cycle of great depressions?

In a book by Arthur C. Clarke (Ghost from the Grand Banks if I remember correctly... if I'm wrong please correct me) he talks about an economic theory which predicts great depressions every 80 years or so. Now, current events have brought this prediction rather starkly to mind. Was there a sound basis for that prediction or is it merely that bad economic shocks happen often enough for a fake pattern to emerge? Was it maybe just a lucky guess? [more inside]
posted by Kattullus at 5:15 PM PST - 10 comments

How can I force myself to write?

How can I force myself to write? [more inside]
posted by blocked at 4:48 PM PST - 37 comments

[MajorFilter] Computer Engineering or Computer Science Major? Help me decide please! (3rd sem already) and don't know what to be!

Hey guys, Computer Engineering 2nd year (3rd sem) here at the University of Maryland College Park wondering if i should stay in my major or switch to Computer Science. I am super confused right now and am hoping that some of you can help me think. Bear with me while i ramble on [more inside]
posted by Javed_Ahamed at 4:47 PM PST - 23 comments

Trombone masters?

Can you recommend a currently active jazz (or other) ensemble that features a particularly spiffy trombone player? [more inside]
posted by Morrigan at 4:41 PM PST - 9 comments

Gaming for the new oldbie

I'm 40ish. I know nothing about modern gaming. I used to love adventure games back in the 80s like Zak McKraken, KGB and Thermonuclear Wargames. I have some time on my hands and want to take the plunge into the modern world of gaming. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by vizsla at 4:39 PM PST - 33 comments

Debate party ideas?

Need help/ideas on politically inspired appetizers for the upcoming 2008 Presidential Debates. [more inside]
posted by Lizc at 4:00 PM PST - 23 comments

Streaming news?

Do any of the major news networks offer live streams online? [more inside]
posted by rockstar at 3:50 PM PST - 4 comments

IMDB, except it's "I M *Another* DB"

I'm looking to create an info web site with similar features as IMDB. I'm hoping I can just adapt an existing CMS but I'm not sure where to start. I know I can go through and peruse all the biggies like Drupal, EE, etc, but I'd like to narrow my starting point, especially because of my message board requirement below. [more inside]
posted by edjusted at 3:46 PM PST - 3 comments

image of man pulling lever

I'm trying to find an iconic image of a side view of a man pulling on a very long lever. [more inside]
posted by stavrogin at 3:29 PM PST - 17 comments

Removing coins from car slot-loading DVD player

How to remove foreign objects (coins?) from car dvd player? [more inside]
posted by nightwood at 3:21 PM PST - 11 comments

How to evaluate and apply to public health graduate programs, when my own career goals are so difficult to pin down?

How to evaluate and apply to public health graduate programs, when my own career goals are so difficult to pin down? I find it difficult to choose a topical area of interest (i.e. substance abuse), a specialization (substance abuse government policies, the epidemiology of substance abuse, community education and prevention of substance abuse), and a general career track (professional vs academic). [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:09 PM PST - 6 comments

We got to pray just to make it today

Where can I attend free High Holiday services in the SF East Bay? [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 3:09 PM PST - 2 comments

How to shave when "closeness" isn't an issue?

I don't care how "close" my shave is, I just want to save my skin. What should be my approach? [more inside]
posted by TSGlenn at 2:50 PM PST - 31 comments

How long to wait after waterdamaged PS3?

How long should my friend wait before turning the PS3 on? [more inside]
posted by DonSlice at 2:32 PM PST - 11 comments

Read on the pot?

What is normally considered "appropriate recreational bathroom activities" in US culture? (Safe for work) [more inside]
posted by arniec at 2:14 PM PST - 64 comments

Table for 6 in Vegas

Vegas locals, lead me as you only can. I am looking for a place to eat in December that is simply amazing, and I would weep if I missed it. [more inside]
posted by Classic Diner at 2:13 PM PST - 10 comments

I'm willing to sacrifice, but I don't know yet if I'm willing to, like, SACRIFICE.

Has anyone done a weeks-long stretch of political volunteering? How'd it go? [more inside]
posted by ignignokt at 2:12 PM PST - 11 comments

What was that MeFi antonym post?

Does anyone remember that Metafilter post a while (maybe a long while) back that IIRC told a story using uncommon antonyms? [more inside]
posted by xmattxfx at 2:05 PM PST - 2 comments

Sprechen Zie Deutsch?

How do I best learn German without attending a school? [more inside]
posted by vansly at 1:43 PM PST - 15 comments

The family that tax protests together gets audited together?

Members of my immediate family have decided to decided they're going to stop paying federal income taxes. Should I be worried the IRS will come after me, even though I refuse to join their protest? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:42 PM PST - 17 comments

This is just the tip of the iceberg

Why do people forget the awful things they do to their kids? [more inside]
posted by joaniemcchicken at 1:11 PM PST - 42 comments

Babycycling for dummies!

Which infant/baby items can safely be bought secondhand? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 1:06 PM PST - 11 comments

RX something interesting

I'd like to get more excited about healthcare/medicine. What should I read? [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 12:46 PM PST - 8 comments

Need Transducer Advice

I need suggestions on how to Mount a 20K pressure transducer in a line that is carrying an abrasive media solution (25 Micron garnet in suspension.) This is not the operating pressure. This value is used so that the run pressure will be somewhat close to the middle of the transducer range and to use some units that are allready on our shelf. [more inside]
posted by Raybun at 12:45 PM PST - 3 comments

When Traffic Court gets ugly

So I went to traffic court last week in the city of Los Angeles. I spent a week preparing for it. And I lost. And it got ugly. Largely because of a Judge Pro-Tem who went to town on me because I tried to fight my case. It was so ugly I’m springing the $86.50 it costs these days to get a copy of the tape. So my question is, now that I've lost, what are my options? (much much more inside) [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 12:40 PM PST - 21 comments

Our IT department needs computerized help

What is the best and most intuitive PC/Mac inventory management/software distribution solution available for a small business with around 250 users and six IT guys? [more inside]
posted by joshrholloway at 12:26 PM PST - 5 comments

CarRepairFilter: Can I fix a broken trunk indicator light myself or does this have to go to a mechanic?

CarRepairFilter: Can I fix a broken trunk indicator light myself or does this have to go to a mechanic? [more inside]
posted by jeffderek at 12:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Save me from Scroogedom.

It looks like I'll be in NYC over Christmas and New Year's, and I don't really know anyone in town. Any suggestions for how to salvage some joy from the holiday season regardless? Budget is reasonably flexible.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 11:48 AM PST - 27 comments

Why am substituting one bird for another when I type?

I'm making a certain type of typo more and more frequently. Should I be worried? [more inside]
posted by grumblebee at 11:47 AM PST - 36 comments

How can I migrate PHPBB3 to BBPress?

How can I migrate PHPBB3 to BBPress? [more inside]
posted by neilkod at 11:36 AM PST - 0 comments

Help me find an affordable gaming laptop

Cheap gaming laptop recommendations [more inside]
posted by Kudos at 11:24 AM PST - 6 comments

More blogs for the bang

Good blogs about the LHC that a layman could follow?
posted by Ferrari328 at 11:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Stupid Futon problem

Help me with my stupid futon mattress. When in 'sofa' mode, the futon mattress keeps slipping down. People who come to visit end up having their legs sticking out like little children when they sit down because the mattress extends out pas the edge of the frame. Very embarrassing. How do i stop the mattress from slipping so that people can once again put their feet on the ground? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 10:56 AM PST - 15 comments

How can I make it look like I have more hair?

HairFilter: I want it to look like I have more hair. Is a perm the way to go? [more inside]
posted by als129 at 10:41 AM PST - 10 comments

In the mattress or buried in the back yard?

Where to put what's coming to me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:40 AM PST - 11 comments

A Classic Tale?

Two men in love with one lucky lady. What things should I keep in mind when deciding how to move forward? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:40 AM PST - 32 comments

Fear of Pyrex shrapnel

Am I going to be killed in a lasagna-related accident? [more inside]
posted by A Terrible Llama at 10:36 AM PST - 39 comments

Mac to Mac vpn

I connect to my PowerMac G5 (running OS 10.4.11) at work over a corporate vpn using a Macbook Pro (running OS 10.5.5). I do this using VPN (Vine Server and Vine Viewer), but I have to remain logged into my work computer in order to establish a connection. Is there a way to leave my work computer at a login screen (not logged in) and still keep Vine running so I can connect, then login to OS X? I currently have Vine set up to prompt me for a password, but anybody could still sit down at my work computer and use it because I have to remain logged into OS X.
posted by IdiBot at 10:35 AM PST - 4 comments

where in the U.S. (prefer warmer climates) can I rent an electric bicycle?

where in the U.S. can I rent an electric bicycle? [more inside]
posted by carrynation at 10:26 AM PST - 4 comments

Coffee over standard TCP/IP

I'd like recommendations for blogs about coffee. [more inside]
posted by clavicle at 10:13 AM PST - 7 comments

How to keep a recovering alcoholic occupied?

How to keep a recovering alcoholic (going through his quarter-life crisis) occupied? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:11 AM PST - 20 comments

Having the balls to carry around a trackball...

Good-sized portable trackballs: do they exist? [more inside]
posted by curagea at 10:07 AM PST - 2 comments

Excel Formula Display Help

I have an excel file full of formulas that span multiple sheets and rows. I would like to be able to go into a formula and see the actual data used in the formula rather than just the cell references. So, for simplicity's sake, imagine A1=1,000, A2=2,000, A3=A1/A2 When I go to cell A3 and press "F2" or "cntrl`" the formula with the references shows up "=A1/A2". What I would like to see is "=1,000 / 2,000" (what you would get if you wrote =A1 &" / "& A2) I know that I can do this sort of with the watch window or the evaluate formula but I am looking for a quick way to roll down a sheet and see the actual math that is being done without having to scroll all over the place or flip sheets. Hopefully this makes sense. If not, I can further clarify. No one at my office thinks that it is possible so I might just be out of luck but I live in a world of hope...
posted by GrumpyMonkey at 9:46 AM PST - 5 comments

Is "Free Public Wifi" legit or a scam?

Is the "Free Public Wifi" I see at the airport legit? [more inside]
posted by atchafalaya at 9:43 AM PST - 17 comments

Queen Not Available; What to see/do in London in November with Child?

Looking for kid-oriented/friendly things to do in London and environs in November. Child has requested an audience with Her Majesty, but not sure we can pull that off on such short notice. Scenario: Mom is going on a business trip for a week and we (Daddy and 6 Year Old Daughter) are going to tag along. Daddy's looking for fun things to do during the day while Mommy's hard at work! [more inside]
posted by webhund at 9:05 AM PST - 17 comments

Cheap, fast postcard printing in LA.

I need to print 100, 2-sided, black and white postcards, preferably in L.A. [more inside]
posted by Thin Lizzy at 8:59 AM PST - 4 comments

It's definitely 298 calories per serving, not 301

How much does the FDA follow up to make sure that nutrition information on products is correct? [more inside]
posted by SpacemanStix at 8:47 AM PST - 6 comments

Will my plant kill my fish?

If I put a philodendron in a fish tank with a Beta, will Clint Eastwood Survive? [more inside]
posted by bobdylanforever at 8:36 AM PST - 11 comments

Need a class breakfast destination near DC

Looking for an classy, stylish place for a sunday breakfast on or off I-66 between DC and Front Royal. Extra Credit if it has a view! Unfortunately, Waffle House and Cracker Barrel need not apply.
posted by omidius at 8:36 AM PST - 2 comments

Help! There's a hole in my computer!

I have a Dell Inspiron e1505, and a small chunk of the white plastic frame around the keyboard/cpu area has broken off. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by brandman at 8:30 AM PST - 5 comments

Don't break the little wire?

Glasses Filter: How do I put a lens back into frames without a bottom rim? [more inside]
posted by T.D. Strange at 8:19 AM PST - 6 comments

What Mac software is good for organizing collections of bootleg recordings?

What Mac software is good for organizing large collections of live concert recordings? Something that is cheap or free, and makes it easy to store info.txt files, cover art and additional notes, then search, summarize and export lists. I know there is Windows software that is designed for this kind of thing, but can't find anything for OS X.
posted by nowonmai at 8:07 AM PST - 4 comments

Bail them out? Or let them reap what they sow? Who wins and loses?

Who will the current bailout plan benefit and how? [more inside]
posted by jeanmari at 8:04 AM PST - 14 comments

More lightgun shooters coming?

When will there be good games that take advantage of the Wii Zapper? [more inside]
posted by Amby72 at 7:45 AM PST - 7 comments

I would like to study images as both a computer scientist and an anthropologist. What do I study next?

I would like to study images as both a computer scientist and an anthropologist. What do I study next? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 3 comments

Freeloader or soft partner?

Should I put up, shut up, or get over the fact that my partner continues to feed our roommate who never cooks for us? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 25 comments

New York Subway Fiction Suggestions

LiteratureFilter: Yo metafilterland. I'm on a quest for two things: literary representations of the new york city subway, the more personal and sensorial the better, and literary representations of a new york city without subways, circa before 1904. Non-fiction and suggestions are welcome as well, as are examples that use less stringent definitions of "text" (film, song lyrics, dance etc).
posted by billtron at 7:15 AM PST - 21 comments

Traveling Light

When packing for two seasons, how can I avoid airline baggage fees on size and weight? [more inside]
posted by netbros at 6:59 AM PST - 13 comments

A bugs life?

Help me settle a bet about the total number of identified bacteria and viruses. [more inside]
posted by greytape at 6:42 AM PST - 8 comments

Why isn't this working?

I've tied myself into a knot trying to date someone and need to undo it. [more inside]
posted by LoneWolfMcQuade at 6:27 AM PST - 23 comments

Do I need a Zone 1-3 Travelcard for this journey?

Transport for LondonFilter - Am I on the hook for a Zone 1-3 Travelcard if I travel from a Zone 3 station to a Zone 2 station via an unavoidable hop into Zone 1? [more inside]
posted by generichuman at 6:24 AM PST - 13 comments

DLR at Bank. Best way in?

Getting on the DLR at Bank. Where to go in? [more inside]
posted by sydney54 at 4:36 AM PST - 3 comments

wow me with the wonders of web2.0

collaborative tools, "web 2.0", community - evidence that the tech is really worth the price? [more inside]
posted by brandnew at 4:13 AM PST - 6 comments

Help needed with URL/PHP issues on Apache/MySQL server

I am having trouble with URLs 404ing on an Apache/MySQL server for a website using Wordpress, with some custom add-ons to use Wordpress as a CMS. [more inside]
posted by Scramblejam at 4:07 AM PST - 7 comments

Why did she lie to me?

I went to a bar with a girl I'm seeing and hung out with her group of friends...and also met two of her ex-boyfriends. I played it off, but when we met, she told me she was 140% lesbian. Am I being too hung up on labels or is it a little shady that she didn't tell me that she's bisexual? [more inside]
posted by jnaps at 2:52 AM PST - 35 comments

What's in this old satellite image?

Minneapolis: What was this tent for? This parking lot is now Gold Medal Park. [more inside]
posted by BradNelson at 12:53 AM PST - 5 comments

How to I get out of a rocky relationship?

I can't get out of the relationship I'm in with my girlfriend. Normally, it would just end. Parties would walk away and that would be that. But it's just not that easy with her... [more inside]
posted by runflats at 12:46 AM PST - 27 comments

Ayurvedic diet / medicine?

Anyone have experience with Ayurvedic practices? [more inside]
posted by Weng at 12:01 AM PST - 5 comments

September 21

How much should I pay someone in Hungary?

How much should I offer someone in Hungary to photograph graves in a cemetery? I'm doing genealogical research and I need about a dozen graves photographed. I found someone willing to do it, and I don't want to either insult him or drive the price up.
posted by Joe in Australia at 10:39 PM PST - 8 comments

interfacing hard drives

my dad has a dell laptop and has recently replaced the hard drive, how would he retrieve info(e.g. pix) off of the old hard drive and onto some other type of storage device, flash card or such. are there places near burlington, WA that can do this?
posted by docmccoy at 10:19 PM PST - 8 comments

[iPhone Filter] Do I need to upgrade my plan?

iPhone 3G without 3G Plan? [more inside]
posted by brandoniain at 9:42 PM PST - 8 comments

With no contracts in place between photographer and subject, who has what rights?

I'm clueless about rights issues when it comes to how things work between photographer & subject, and as a performer I need to learn. If no release was signed at a photoshoot, who has what rights? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:17 PM PST - 11 comments

ShyGuyFilter: What's my next move with an unassertive guy?

I initiated our hang-out; he enthusiastically responded. The evening started with great conversation and mutual interest-- and then the energy seemed to weirdly wane as the evening went on. To be fair, we had a grueling evening. What now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:16 PM PST - 23 comments

Soundless

Laptop sound problems for a friend. [more inside]
posted by ihadapony at 8:47 PM PST - 5 comments

Where can you buy a mini generator?

Where can I get a small generator for a cabin? [more inside]
posted by Nish ton at 8:27 PM PST - 16 comments

They take a lickin' and keep on tickin (unfortunately)

How long did it take for Terro to exterminate the ant population in your apartment/house? I started using Terro's liquid-filled ant baits on Wednesday, September 17. Now, four days later I am still seeing ants trickle in - not as many as before, but enough to make me grit my teeth, and wonder if they're just waiting for the next set of eggs to hatch before they come in droves again. How fast did Terro work for you? Did it take you a few days, a week, etc?
posted by Esther Festers at 8:08 PM PST - 11 comments

I need examples of really bad research.

I am looking for examples of really bad research. [more inside]
posted by tickingclock at 7:35 PM PST - 52 comments

Uberup? Or uberdown

Uber pushups? Or am I just kidding myself. [more inside]
posted by Geppp at 7:29 PM PST - 11 comments

How to get back to my natural color without losing hair

HairFilter: How do I get back closer to my natural light brown after going from bleach to red to dark without my hair falling out? [more inside]
posted by fructose at 7:24 PM PST - 13 comments

Toastchee goes to Washington

What is the most effective way of expressing my outrage to my government? [more inside]
posted by toastchee at 7:10 PM PST - 25 comments

oh go to hell, Nora Ephron

I recently realized that the creases in my neck do not, in fact, go away when I hold my neck straight for a while. They are here to stay. Is there a non-surgical cure for this? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 6:43 PM PST - 10 comments

Cheap amp with great clean tone for stereo effects

Amplifilter: Looking for a cheap SS guitar amp to complement my Fender Deluxe 90 so I can use my effects pedals' stereo features. [more inside]
posted by relucent at 6:42 PM PST - 3 comments

Ill Logic

Logic pro 8 is not working with any audio inputs, what's going on? [more inside]
posted by god particle at 6:39 PM PST - 3 comments

Mom's birthday is going to rock.

Mom's birthday filter: Mom is suddenly all about beading and gems and rocks. Any ideas for a cool, "every-rock-necklace-making-beading-enthusiast-should-have-this-___" present? [more inside]
posted by metajc at 6:35 PM PST - 18 comments

Printing Books for Babies?

Are there any online services that will allow me to print custom books that can withstand the awesome destructive force of a small child? [more inside]
posted by larsks at 6:34 PM PST - 3 comments

Need one last breath for a Treo

I need to resurrect a dead Treo 755p for a last ditch effort data backup [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb at 6:30 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I fix my hearing?

What can I do to fix my hearing? (Don't forget to use caps so I can hear you.) [more inside]
posted by rybreadmed at 6:03 PM PST - 17 comments

Usurping our old website's Google ranking for make benefit glorious new website

New website with a new address can't compete on Google against its previous incarnation, which has been up (at a different address) since forever. And we can't use a 301 (or any other) redirect. Is there anything else we can do? [more inside]
posted by springbound at 5:42 PM PST - 6 comments

Can this friendship between a devout Mormon and a gay man be saved?

Am I really going to lose this very important friendship over politics? [more inside]
posted by tumbleweedjack at 5:31 PM PST - 64 comments

Sharing preferences between accounts

A few Mac questions : (1) Why does Mail.app randomly fail to mark some messages as read? (2) Can one block some websites from Safari from one admin account without blocking them from other accounts? [more inside]
posted by jeffburdges at 5:22 PM PST - 4 comments

Should I bother getting a digital TV converter?

We get little to no analog TV reception. Is switching to digital going to improve things? [more inside]
posted by oaf at 5:18 PM PST - 17 comments

Therapist with patient in jail?

Any therapists out there? What would you say/do if a patient called you from jail claiming they were innocent? [more inside]
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth at 5:05 PM PST - 11 comments

Critical: How to fix MBR on Ubuntu/Vista dual-boot laptop?

How to I re-install, configure, or set the MBR on my laptop? [more inside]
posted by meta.mark at 4:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Exactly what did I do on September 3 between 3 and 3:15 pm?

I'm looking for software for the Mac that logs open documents (and how long they are open). Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by Mcable at 4:19 PM PST - 6 comments

Allergy/EyeballFilter: What's the same in Japan, Italy and Austria?

Allergy Brainstorm Time: What could I possibly have an allergic reaction to in my EYE in Italy, Austria and Japan? [more inside]
posted by sirion at 3:56 PM PST - 13 comments

The Mad Menagerie Manager

"The Mad Menagerie Manager imagined that he managed an Imaginary Menagerie"--who wrote this? [more inside]
posted by emhutchinson at 2:19 PM PST - 2 comments

Question that stumped my anatomy professor wife

My wife is an anatomy professor and needs help with this question: Most anatomy textbooks say that urination and defecation are controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system (aka "rest and digest system") Then why is it that some lose bladder and bowel control in frightening situations? Isn't the opposing sympathetic "fight or flight" system supposed to in charge?
posted by up in the old hotel at 2:17 PM PST - 17 comments

Don't know much about dopamine, don't know much about neurochemistry

I'd like to plan activities and experiences around the stimulation of certain neurotransmitters. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeek at 2:12 PM PST - 4 comments

Suggestions for my new job or career?

I've done some soul-searching, and I've come up with some ideas for new jobs or careers for myself, but I know there are other possibilities out there that I just haven't thought of yet. Based on my skills and interests, can you think of a great job or career for me? [more inside]
posted by springo at 2:01 PM PST - 8 comments

Artist/album in itunes, not on ipod

iTunesFilter: Songs/artists in iTunes not in iPod. Huh? [more inside]
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 1:57 PM PST - 13 comments

New but old cell phone

Is there any downside to buying a new but two-year-old cell phone? [more inside]
posted by the sobsister at 1:37 PM PST - 6 comments

Puffy Foot

Foot Filter: I know y'all are not my doctor, etc, but I'm looking to the hive mind for some opinions. What are some possible causes of non-painful swelling on the top of one foot? (The usual looong story inside.) [more inside]
posted by Oriole Adams at 1:27 PM PST - 6 comments

IE-specific WordPress error

Question about WordPress, IE, and peculiar "no posts matched your criteria" errors. [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 1:25 PM PST - 6 comments

Start playing nicely together guys, before I smash one of you.

Please help me connect my macbook to a Dell 3200 MP projector. Should be easy, right? It's not working. [more inside]
posted by Stewriffic at 1:24 PM PST - 20 comments

Cactusfilter: How do I bring 200+ cactuses back to full health and keep them alive for the winter?

I've inherited a greenhouse and it is full of cactuses and succulents. I would very much like to keep them alive and healthy but I do not know where to begin! How can I become a cactus caretaker? [more inside]
posted by ageispolis at 1:05 PM PST - 4 comments

Batteries were included!!!

This should be a simple question, but I cannot find exactly what I need. I found a year old camera the other day in a box that had been left with batteries in it. There is some corrosion from the period of time the batteries had been in there. The camera is still pretty new, but I need to know how to remove the corrosion so that I can still use it. Any ideas!? No bonus point for anything since bonus points wont (and never do here) really do you any good. Thanks in advance friends...
posted by TeachTheDead at 12:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Dining in Myrtle Beach

My wife and I are meeting my sister for dinner tomorrow in Myrtle Beach. She is coming from Texas, and I would like to find something that might be a bit unique for her. We would like to keep it at 20 or less for entrees. Sandwich places and seafood buffets are okay, too. Any suggestions?
posted by flarbuse at 12:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there a futon that provides good support?

Futonfilter: Does a futon exist with good support? My current one needs to be flipped at least weekly and beaten (no joke) to keep the Grand Canyon from yawning into existance at night. [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 12:21 PM PST - 10 comments

Miracle fruit: your experiences, and where to buy in UK.

Miracle fruit: your experience, and recommendations on where to buy from in the UK. [more inside]
posted by Zarkonnen at 12:05 PM PST - 10 comments

Can you suggest places in NYC to get unique hoodies and long-sleeve shirts?

I'm looking to buy some new apparel for the colder months ahead. Can you suggest places in Manhattan and Brooklyn that sell unique hoodies and long-sleeve shirts for men?
posted by helios410 at 12:00 PM PST - 4 comments

When everyone else is willing to pay more than you to fly out

Say you had to take the two weeks around Christmas and New Years off, what would you do? [more inside]
posted by tksh at 11:31 AM PST - 11 comments

Iphone wifi blues in Spain

I've just arrived in Spain and my iPhone wont access the internet even though it recognizes the hotel's WiFi network. My Apple Air laptop works just fine with this same wifi network. Why isn't my iphone enabling safari or email access on the iPhone? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
posted by emberm at 11:29 AM PST - 7 comments

Indentify The Subjects of a Picture

Who are the two men in this picture? [more inside]
posted by krisak at 11:09 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me dial in digital TV in Portland

I canceled my cable and switched to OTA digital using a Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-1950 tuner and a cheap amplified antenna. I'm getting great reception on all channels except KPTV, where there are enough dropped frames and signal interruptions to make the station unwatchable. Can you help me watch the Seahawks this afternoon? [more inside]
posted by chrchr at 10:37 AM PST - 6 comments

Activities for a four-year-old who has to be up in the middle of the night

Midnight activities for a 4-year-old that he wouldn't get a chance to do during the day? My son is having an EEG tomorrow during the day. They want him sleep-deprived so he'll sleep without sedation. I'm supposed to get him up for the day at 3:30 am. He's not a morning person at all, so to keep him awake I'm looking for exciting things to do/observe/etc. that wouldn't be possible during his normal waking hours. We're in the east end of Toronto near the Don Valley, so both big-city and nature/wildlife type activities may be possibilities.
posted by winston at 10:03 AM PST - 20 comments

Beck and the Question Marks?

Who does Beck have in his current live band for the Modern Guilt tour? Looks like a few new faces.
posted by Exchequer at 9:59 AM PST - 20 comments

Looking for novels with theme of freedom.

I'm looking for novels that have the theme of freedom running throughout. [more inside]
posted by hazyspring at 9:49 AM PST - 27 comments

Should I take a chance on my last chance?

Has anyone been on the Israel Birthright trip? [more inside]
posted by missjamielynn at 9:40 AM PST - 18 comments

Looking for quotes

Anyone speak Russian? I'm looking for any inspiring Russian (English too) quotes that will make my crush feel good. [more inside]
posted by Student of Man at 9:26 AM PST - 2 comments

How to smoothly change name pronunciation?

What is the best way to have people I know change the way they pronounce my name? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:05 AM PST - 32 comments

What do we need to make our first video mashup?

My buddy and I need help making our first video mashup -- we've never done it before. What programs do we need to make this on a Mac? [more inside]
posted by chinese_fashion at 7:48 AM PST - 9 comments

The Average Joe Surviving the Economic Meltdown

Surviving the Economic Crisis: What practical things can the "Average Joe" do to prepare for an economic meltdown? [more inside]
posted by boots77 at 7:31 AM PST - 23 comments

Wall of confusion

Safely use someone elses ADSL connection ? [more inside]
posted by southof40 at 6:53 AM PST - 6 comments

slow boat to china.

What should NOT go in a care package to China? [more inside]
posted by hydrate at 6:49 AM PST - 19 comments

Chainless bicycle experiences

Does anyone have personal experience with using a chainless bicycle? [more inside]
posted by portabella at 6:19 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me find more amazing, and epic, sci-fi and fantasy audio books

Help me find more great, epic scope, sci-fi or fantasy audiobooks. [more inside]
posted by Kraki at 3:06 AM PST - 22 comments

Homemade Soda Fountain?

Where does one buy bag-in-box coke syrup for a soda fountain in australia? [more inside]
posted by Coolcan2 at 2:17 AM PST - 4 comments

Disney movie about telepathic twins?

MovieFilter: When I was a kid (late 90's) there was a movie on the Disney Channel or Family Channel that I absolutely loved. Help me find out what it's called! [more inside]
posted by alon at 1:22 AM PST - 9 comments

The Jam: That's Entertainment?

How can I break up a jam session tastefully? [more inside]
posted by Silky Slim at 1:20 AM PST - 8 comments

September 20

DIY dog ramp for elderly Golden

DIY (or maybe commercial) dog ramp. My girlfriend's elderly Golden retriever needs some help getting in and out of cars. Help me build a ramp. [more inside]
posted by fieldtrip at 11:10 PM PST - 12 comments

What awesome photos can I take in Sioux Falls, SD?

I'm going to Sioux Falls, SD for 36 hours from Wednesday night - Friday morning. I was wondering what the must-sees are for photo spots. (I will probably have 2-3 hours Wed night/Thurs. morning to wander around and sightsee, and I'd like to take some awesome photos during that time. [more inside]
posted by melodykramer at 10:40 PM PST - 9 comments

Sans culottes et clue

Is there any affordable way for someone in the US to get hold of French RCIR (rations de combat individuelle rechauffable) or British Army 24-hour ration packs? [more inside]
posted by scrump at 9:59 PM PST - 2 comments

payg

whats the best payg cellphone to get in the us ? [more inside]
posted by sgt.serenity at 9:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Are we safer than we were March 19, 2003?

Is there a single independent security analyst who has stated that [s]he thinks that the US is safer than it was before the start of the Iraq War? [more inside]
posted by Autarky at 9:42 PM PST - 11 comments

I want St. Julia to watch over our kitchen with a loving eye at all times

Who knows where to find a high quality photograph - print - poster of Julia Child to grace our kitchen? [more inside]
posted by TomSophieIvy at 9:36 PM PST - 11 comments

Frozen mussels, help!

How to use frozen whole-shell NZ greenshell mussels? [more inside]
posted by kanuck at 8:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Can you have two mortgages on the same apartment?

Can I go halves in an apartment with my brother? i.e., can we each have separate loans for the same apartment? No one I've asked seems to know. We are in Queensland, Australia. [more inside]
posted by mjao at 8:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Why am I being prompted to install Windows XP SP3 when I already have it?

I just got a notification on my Windows XP laptop to install Service Pack 3. Thing is, I already have SP3 installed. Is this a necessary update? A redundant Microsoft goof? Or something more sinister? [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi at 8:03 PM PST - 6 comments

Eee-only?

Could I use an Eee 1000 as my only PC? [more inside]
posted by matthewr at 7:50 PM PST - 6 comments

You down with S-M-T-P? Yeah, you know me!

How do I set up an outbound SMTP server on MS Server 2003? [more inside]
posted by ThFullEffect at 7:48 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for a record

Does anyone know where I could locate a record by the Temple City Kazoo Orchestra? I believe it was made some time around 1969.
posted by veterinarian at 7:28 PM PST - 4 comments

Missing Album: HornDance - Songs of the Woods

I am looking for a copy of an album: "HornDance - Songs of the Woods". I had the cassette tape, but that has gone missing. Does anyone have a copy, or know where to find one? I believe the band is from Michigan.
posted by kuatto at 6:39 PM PST - 3 comments

Schiesse! I just want sites in English, please!

I'm currently traveling in Germany (I live in the US) and would like to know how I can force my browser (firefox) to *not* display localized versions of websites like google or myspace. My main issue is with google. I have to keep going to google.com and selecting "Google.com in English" to be able to type things into the search bar in firefox without getting German websites. Is there some sort of about:config option, greasemonkey script or something I can use to make sure sites don't redirect to their localized version?
posted by pontouf at 6:39 PM PST - 13 comments

Best Answer, IOU

Graphic designers: Anyone know a style guide online for listing credentials after a person's name? When are the credentials initialed, abbreviated or extended. If abbreviated, when (or if) to use periods after the initials, etc. That kind of thing. This in regards to business cards and business systems. Thanks.
posted by artdrectr at 5:06 PM PST - 4 comments

How should I attach coins to my quilt?

Help me decide how to attach state quarters to my quilt project! [more inside]
posted by media_itoku at 4:41 PM PST - 16 comments

What should I do in Vienna?

I'm going to be in Vienna from September 26 (early morning) - 29 (afternoon). I'm 18 years old and will be traveling with friends. What should we do/ see? I've been put in charge of figuring all this out, but apart from the obvious tourist things I don't know what's good. I guess I'm looking for more off-the-beaten-path stuff. Thank you! [more inside]
posted by howgenerica at 4:41 PM PST - 10 comments

Tell me everything you know about infant formula!

Tell me everything I need to know about infant formula! [more inside]
posted by Alabaster at 4:18 PM PST - 29 comments

How to tell a guy a your Passionate!!!

How do I express myself in an online dating site when it comes to being gifted with the privilege of passion (overly so) and express that in text with eloquence? So as to convey the message that I am a sensuous and passionate woman in the traditional sense and not a promiscuous whore either. Make sense? whew.
posted by Mersades123 at 3:45 PM PST - 20 comments

films that celebrate life, liberty and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity?

What are some films that celebrate life, liberty and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity? [more inside]
posted by UbuRoivas at 3:44 PM PST - 51 comments

Short story - man buries money under a tree

What is the name of the story in which a man buries stolen money under a sapling, ends up buying the house next door, and years later tries to retrieve the money only to find that the neighbor has already taken it and left newspaper clippings? [more inside]
posted by Mapes at 3:28 PM PST - 3 comments

Calling all gamers!

Gamer-boyfriend birthday gift filter. He's a gammer, I am not. Therefore I'm clueless as to what one would want. He has a Steam account. He plays TF2..a lot. He also likes programing games. So, what's a good gift for my darling boy? He won't give me an answer when I ask what he wants. Please help! Note 1: I would love to get him a PS3, but can't afford one. Note 2: I'd like to keep it at ~$50
posted by Epsilon-minus semi moron at 3:15 PM PST - 25 comments

Get my shoes off the floor, please

Please help me find a shoe rack. I can't believe I'm having such a hard time finding one. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:12 PM PST - 6 comments

PMI permit screwup?

House appraisers, building permit people, and DIYers: Just how badly did I screw us up? [more inside]
posted by GardenGal at 2:17 PM PST - 11 comments

Bisected Picnic Table

Why is there a wooden beam that bisects this wooden picnic table top? [more inside]
posted by Tube at 1:35 PM PST - 17 comments

Site/Text with English dialect divergencies?

There was a site of speakers around the world speaking a specific phrase in English. This was to show how regional dialects of English sounded. You could click on a map and it would pull up video of these speakers. Does anyone know what that site is? If not, perhaps a good response would include a concise phrase that can show different regional variations (cot/caught, don/dawn, pin/pen). [more inside]
posted by symbioid at 12:53 PM PST - 9 comments

What airlines will get me from Phoenix to New York City with three adult cats?

What airlines will get me from Phoenix to New York City with three adult cats? Failing that, can you recommend anyone who does live animal shipment? [more inside]
posted by Optimus Chyme at 12:44 PM PST - 8 comments

Marked Man

I left the collar stays in my shirt when I sent it to the laundry, and now there are marks on the collar. How do I get rid of the marks? [more inside]
posted by bargex at 12:12 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me with my iPhone!

iPhone Filter: Help me decide whether or not to update from 2.0.2 to 2.1! [more inside]
posted by Master Gunner at 12:12 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I set up a dvd player through Media Center?

Is there some way to tell the Windows Media Center software just to use a specific TV tuner card input (rca, s-video, etc) avoiding its incessant search for a cable box or its requirements that I use the remote? I know I did it, once ... [more inside]
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 11:13 AM PST - 0 comments

Wisconsin, ho!

What is there to do in and around Whitewater, WI? [more inside]
posted by coppermoss at 11:08 AM PST - 5 comments

How to move contents of 3 iPods back onto my Mac?

How do I transfer the contents of 3 iPods (2G, 3G, 4G) back onto a hard drive? I'm using Mac OS 10.4.4. There are tons of programs, which do I use? [more inside]
posted by rubadub at 10:53 AM PST - 9 comments

Talk like a Pirate Day: More holidays, more fun!

My workplace (retail; caters to a local university almost exclusively) recently celebrated Talk Like a Pirate Day. It was awesome fun. They want a list of other fun holidays they can celebrate, especially ones that occur during the month of September or January (the only months that we have enough employees to make it worthwhile). Could you recommend any other fun holidays? If all else fails, could you help us make up some holidays (and please mention if they're made up)?
posted by flibbertigibbet at 10:41 AM PST - 13 comments

Looking for British Folk Music

Where can I find old recordings of British folk music? [more inside]
posted by interrobang at 10:37 AM PST - 14 comments

Upscaling DVD player that's region-hackable?

Looking for a region-free (or region-free-able) DVD player with upconvert for $100 US. I'd also just like to go to Best Buy or wherever (in the US) and pick it up this weekend. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by middleclasstool at 10:29 AM PST - 11 comments

Orthodontist recommendations in New York City?

Orthodontist recommendations in New York City? [more inside]
posted by cosmic osmo at 10:05 AM PST - 1 comment

How much should I expect to pay for someone to create me a simple two page website and where is the best/cheapest place to host it?

How much should I expect to pay for someone to create me a simple two page website and where is the best/cheapest place to host it? [more inside]
posted by davidstandaford at 10:03 AM PST - 12 comments

Need a crash course in tutoring

Next week, I begin as a volunteer writing composition tutor for an 8th grader (whom I have not yet met). I have various training materials from the organization sponsoring the program, but do you have any advice for me? This will be my first time volunteering as a tutor.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:59 AM PST - 3 comments

Strange article about a programmer scheduling his life according to software recommendations.

Article about "efficiency" software that ended up taking over somebody's life? Very interesting read but I can't recall the keywords. [more inside]
posted by ®@ at 9:34 AM PST - 2 comments

Warm vacation destionations on a budget?

My wife and I are looking to go someplace warm this winter for 7-10 days and would like to see a lot of cool stuff and relax without breaking the bank. We were thinking Costa Rica, and have been looking at Caravan for tour packages ($1k, all inclusive). We would be flying out of Chicago. Does anyone have other recommendations for us to look into?
posted by adi at 9:22 AM PST - 2 comments

Incorrectly Issued International Reply Coupon?

Are the International Reply Coupons my girlfriend purchased done... wrongly? [more inside]
posted by c0nsumer at 9:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Nice but inexpensive/moderately priced lodging around Boston?

We're going to be visiting Boston for a few days, starting tomorrow (Sunday). We'd like to avoid traffic and parking issues by staying in the outskirts and taking mass-transit into downtown to see the sights. We're looking for a hotel or motel that is pleasant, clean and fairly inexpensive (less than $125/night IF possible). Any recommendations?
posted by 14580 at 9:03 AM PST - 3 comments

Green Card Lottery chances.

Green Card Lottery. Are my chances better if I state my country of birth as Australia or PNG? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:40 AM PST - 3 comments

help me save 50 bucks

Is there any reason not to buy the $37 "compatible" toner cartridge for my Lexmark E210 printer from NexTag.com rather than the $87 Lexmark one from Amazon?
posted by pipti at 7:16 AM PST - 12 comments

It's not seasonal allergies

On city sidewalks, when strangers pass each other, why do they sniffle? Walking toward each other, we size each other up at a distance of 25 ft, then avert eyes, then 10 ft, then avert eyes and as we pass *sniffle* or quick intake of air through the nose that makes a sound. What does this mean? It seems wholly subconscious. Are we tracking a scent? Are they sticking their nose in the air in an aristocratic air of disapproval? I've noticed this phenomenon, so I consciously avert my sniffling because I don't even know why it happens, or what it means. But now I hear it from passers-by all the time. It's definitely not allergies; it seems very focused.
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 6:48 AM PST - 32 comments

Will a credit freeze mess up our lives?

Should we put a freeze on our credit? [more inside]
posted by clarkstonian at 6:27 AM PST - 8 comments

iPhone 3G on a different country's official SIM card?

Can I use a non-unlocked iPhone (3G if it matters) with another country's official carrier's SIM card? [more inside]
posted by DoctorFedora at 5:52 AM PST - 3 comments

Do I really have to shut off the ac in the car?

My girlfriend swears that you have to shut off the AC and then the fan and then the car. Otherwise, you kill the battery AND hurt the AC. Is any of this true? [more inside]
posted by smersh at 4:17 AM PST - 34 comments

how do i update wordpress on webfaction?

how do i update wordpress on webfaction? I have a blog hosted on webfaction that is built on wordpress. I am currently using version 2.2.2 and I need to update. The latest version of wordpress is available on webfaction however I do not know how to go about performing the update. Can someone help me?
posted by Paleoindian at 2:59 AM PST - 5 comments

How to invest as if a depression is coming?

How to invest to make money if a depression comes? Assume a repeat of the Great Depression's on the way (i.e. not a Mad Max depression): can you invest in way to make money when it happens? (Like some kind of short selling, some kind of option trading like the author of Black Swan does/did (and what's minimum investment on this or mutual fund type vehicle that follows this)?
posted by Furious Fitness at 2:17 AM PST - 14 comments

Is there a program that runs in the background and places other prgrams in a defined area of my monitor?

Is there a program that will run in the background and place other program windows in a designated spot on one of my two monitors when they are launched so that I don't always have to drag them there when the program starts? [more inside]
posted by Apo11o at 1:54 AM PST - 5 comments

ASL classes in NYC?

Where can I take cheap (preferably free!) American Sign Language courses in NYC? [more inside]
posted by interweber at 12:32 AM PST - 6 comments

Please exorcise my iMac.

My aluminum iMac (running Leopard 10.5) is sporadically possessed by Satan. At least, that's the only thing I can think of. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 12:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me with my photo storage and viewing, please.

I need to speed up my mac/iPhoto by managing my files and workflow better. Can I speed up my clunky iPhoto? Or should I abandon it for another program? [more inside]
posted by monkeygenius at 12:07 AM PST - 8 comments

September 19

A fifth anniversary gift?

Can you help me figure out a gift for my husband for our fifth wedding anniversary? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:29 PM PST - 12 comments

Ghost signal

I've a false engine temperature indication on my 98 Ford Contour. [more inside]
posted by Mblue at 10:53 PM PST - 2 comments

New Laptop Wireless Card, Wrong Number of Antennae

New 802.11n card to replace the 802.11n card. The new one wants three antennas, but my laptop only has two. [more inside]
posted by SlyBevel at 10:34 PM PST - 3 comments

Getting used to a wristwatch.

How can I get used to wearing a wristwatch? I have not worn one for a while (4 years) because of an inability to get used to them. Now it is a requirement that I wear one. [more inside]
posted by ooklala at 9:25 PM PST - 16 comments

Points of Light?

In past seasons of "Real Time with Bill Maher" what did the points of light on the map represent? [more inside]
posted by melangell at 8:56 PM PST - 3 comments

What is the cheapest approach for an uninsured American to obtain a basic hairloss prescription

What is the cheapest approach for an uninsured American to obtain a simple prescription for a hair-loss medication? [more inside]
posted by Auden at 8:56 PM PST - 6 comments

I turned twenty-one in prison...

What are the best Grateful Dead bootlegs on archive.org? There are so many choices I don't know where to start.
posted by Pants! at 8:50 PM PST - 10 comments

What was this transforming marble?

While at Target this evening, I was shopping for a birthday present for a nephew, there were two 10/11 year olds talking about and trading these marble like toys. When they set them down, they "transformed" into something else, there parents were apparently there to buy them but Target was sold out. I heard them talking but was busy with my own kids and forgot to check out the aisle or talk to the people. I'm usually pretty in touch with toys and such, but I have no idea what these were. Any one know?
posted by TuxHeDoh at 8:46 PM PST - 5 comments

iPhone - Pay as you go?

iPhone - Pay as you go? I'm thinking about getting the iphone. Can I use a standard Pay as you go plan plus data on the iPhone? I use approx 250 minutes, 200-300 texts, no data/pix (virgin mobile). Approx $30 a month. I basically want pay as you go for minutes and text, then sign up for unlimited data? Possible?
posted by BoldStepDesign at 8:16 PM PST - 11 comments

Cowboy Hat in NYC

Where in NYC can I buy a cheap, used cowboy hat. Nothing nice at all, just something. If convenient to the upper west side, all the better. Mostly I'm just looking for a place I can go and more likely than not actually find one.
posted by ecab at 8:06 PM PST - 4 comments

Advice needed on managing older staff

I've just got a new job, and will be faced with the challenge of managing a team that are very different to the team I currently manage. My new team are a lot older (older than me) and I'm looking for advice on how to be a good manager to them. [more inside]
posted by finding.perdita at 7:32 PM PST - 3 comments

Quitting Smokes while living with a smoking partner

Another quitting smoking question - has anyone made it while living with a smoking partner? [more inside]
posted by rainbaby at 6:49 PM PST - 23 comments

Help me not offend my pal's family.

Dress me and Mr. F for a Hindu wedding in November in NorCal. Difficulty factor: we are slightly large white folks who never wear anything except cargo pants and T-shirts, and my native guide doesn't know what non-Indians wear to such things. [more inside]
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 6:39 PM PST - 16 comments

Bluetooth headset reccommendations for iPhone 3G.

iPhone 3G filter: I'm about to purchase and iPhone 3G and need the help of the hive mind to determine the best bluetooth headset to get. [more inside]
posted by ChazB at 6:26 PM PST - 2 comments

what's the worse that could happen in finances today?

I was listening to public radio this morning and they were talking about the current financial crisis on Wall Street. The expert said, "We will pull through this. America is resilient." That surprised me, as the idea of us not pulling through never occurred to me. But now I'm wondering: what would happen if we didn't "pull through"? As in, explain to me the rock bottom scenario for the United States' current situation and how we get to it. Obviously make it realistic it enough that I can have some really substantial nightmares.
posted by ictow at 5:54 PM PST - 20 comments

Actionscript physics of curveball

Flash-physics-filter: I'm working on a simple flash game similar to curveball, but I can't figure out 1) how the script determines the amount of spin/curve to put on the ball, and 2) how the AI gets progressively better as the levels increase.
posted by c:\awesome at 5:23 PM PST - 11 comments

How can I start getting square with my HECS debt?

Hey, Australians who have dealt with (or are) HECS bureaucrats! How can I start getting square with my HECS debt? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:05 PM PST - 7 comments

Blu-Ray Menus - made simple[r]?

I want to develop BD-J / Xlet / GEM menus suitable for Blu-Ray disks but it's confusing... [more inside]
posted by ostranenie at 5:03 PM PST - 0 comments

How to create a secure computer lab for kids

How do I set up a secure computer lab for kids? We want their XP workstations to be impervious to infections and the junk that they install. Has to be free. [more inside]
posted by tslugmo at 5:00 PM PST - 12 comments

Anti-Snooze Tunes for Driving Late at Night

My love lives a little over an hour away. What are some songs/albums that can keep me awake on the long sad drive home? [more inside]
posted by ginagina at 4:55 PM PST - 8 comments

I want to ride my bicycle, but I'm a bit short at the moment

I've got an almost-new bicycle to sell, and I'd rather not deal with a twenty phone calls from bargain hunters asking if I'll go down to $50. Where should I go? (Los Angeles, CA, USA) [more inside]
posted by davejay at 4:30 PM PST - 17 comments

Illinois Civil Service Exams WTF

Do you know anything about the Illinois Civil Service exams for library jobs, or about civil service exams in general? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:25 PM PST - 2 comments

Hiberno-Norwegian marriage?

What issues would arise (legally) from the marriage of a Norwegian/Irish couple? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:24 PM PST - 5 comments

What is it? Is it food?

Can you help me identify this mystery plant/fruit? Will it kill my dog if he eats it? Is it edible? Photos included! [more inside]
posted by booknerd at 4:20 PM PST - 6 comments

Musical sketchpad

I've heard a font about digital recording devices and how they obsolete tapes. I've considered getting a portable digital recorder to record song ideas, like a sketchpad. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 4:19 PM PST - 9 comments

Lets Not Do the Timewarp Again

I can't watch the Daily Show or listen to the BBC iPlayer any more in Firefox- what the heck have I done? Please help me avoid using IE. [more inside]
posted by Gratishades at 3:52 PM PST - 4 comments

How to Resell Clip Art

How to find clipart reseller programs? [more inside]
posted by matimer at 3:47 PM PST - 0 comments

Watching Top Design online

Does anyone know where I can watch Top Design online? hulu only has episode 1 and seeing as how new ones haven't been posted and three have aired I'm not feeling the hulu love for Top Design. I umm heard from a friend, yeah heard from a friend, that mininova doesn't have them either.
posted by magnetsphere at 3:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Where can I find this shirt?

Where can I find the ski slope shirt that Anna Faris wore in the movie "Smiley Face"?
posted by fac21 at 3:21 PM PST - 4 comments

.ivr without Realplayer?

Is there anything free besides Realplayer that will play (or convert to some other format) Realplayer's .ivr files?
posted by juv3nal at 2:57 PM PST - 7 comments

Ebay sucks sometimes

I kinda got screwed on ebay but not really.... what are my options here. [more inside]
posted by BrnP84 at 2:53 PM PST - 12 comments

What is the name of this book about an elephant caretaker?

Help me find this book about an elephant caretaker... [more inside]
posted by kurtiss at 2:52 PM PST - 2 comments

Something just like jadda used to make

Chefs and cooks, I am looking for your best maklubeh, mansaf and shish barak recipes. [more inside]
posted by oflinkey at 2:45 PM PST - 1 comment

Movie Treats!

What movies and treats go together? [more inside]
posted by Sassyfras at 2:29 PM PST - 45 comments

Old Media PR vs. New Media PR

Bloggers: Help me not annoy you. [more inside]
posted by landedjentry at 2:26 PM PST - 10 comments

Have flu. Need game.

I need a good time suck. Recommend free games, either online or downloadable? I loved Dwarf Complete. Something like that would be ideal. WinXP, by the way.
posted by mudpuppie at 2:23 PM PST - 18 comments

square peg, round hole

i may have injured the electrical system on my motorcycle. [more inside]
posted by nihlton at 2:23 PM PST - 9 comments

Cancel a reservation on uhaul.com?

Is it possible to cancel a uhaul truck reservation on the uhaul website? [more inside]
posted by amusem at 2:19 PM PST - 2 comments

Saving a Meeting Record in the Outlook 2007 Calendar

Outlook 2007 question: Is there a way to keep meetings that have already happened in my calendar, even if the meeting organizer cancels the meeting series midway through the recurrence? [more inside]
posted by mrbula at 2:13 PM PST - 2 comments

What is possibly wrong with our dog?

What is wrong with our dog? He pants and pees and poos all of the time. [more inside]
posted by k8t at 2:07 PM PST - 14 comments

(too) Cheap car with escrow. What could go wrong?

She's selling the Mini for $10k under retail and will ship it out here at no cost for me to inspect. It's just like nice Mr. Oreck and his vacuum cleaners! So what's the scam? Or is it too good and true? [more inside]
posted by niles at 1:56 PM PST - 30 comments

Help me be more productive in my downtime at work.

What should I do with my downtime at work that could further my career or be useful in some other way? [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 1:40 PM PST - 7 comments

Steering Wheel Desk

I'm looking for a steering wheel laptop desk that can handle the widescreen laptops most of us use nowadays. Most of the ones I've seen are too expensive (>$60), or too small. Anyone have one they really like?
posted by JosephP at 1:35 PM PST - 3 comments

How do I convert a photoshow to another format? (Avi? Mov?)

How can I convert a photoshow "video" to another format? Zamzar doesn't like the URL address. [more inside]
posted by eleyna at 1:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Free group voicemail solution for small groups?

Is there an easy, and free, way to send group voicemails and SMSs? [more inside]
posted by cocoagirl at 1:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Need caffeine fix near 10010

NYC filter: Where's the best cup of coffee near Madison Sq. Park/Gramercy/Union Square?
posted by sonofslim at 1:20 PM PST - 12 comments

Becoming an RN abroad?

Are there any opportunities to attend nursing school (to become an RN) abroad as a U.S. American? [more inside]
posted by wordsmith at 1:10 PM PST - 4 comments

Don't Stamp for Me Argentina

Your average every day basic 5 Centavo Argentinian stamp question. [more inside]
posted by felix at 1:10 PM PST - 2 comments

Help Me Remember These Obscure Toys

ObscureToyFilter: Help me remember a toy from my childhood. My siblings and I are remembering plastic, colored blocks and cylinders that unfolded to become characters. We recall a king and queen, almost certainly a pig, and maybe a cow. [more inside]
posted by sjuhawk31 at 1:09 PM PST - 7 comments

Wheel you help me?

I just bought a bicycle. The drivers in this city are terrifying. What do I need to know to stay safe? [more inside]
posted by pised at 1:04 PM PST - 34 comments

Bread yeast

Will the yeast in a loaf of bread eventually die or become inactive enough for a yeast free diet? [more inside]
posted by larry_darrell at 12:51 PM PST - 9 comments

Medical school interview questions?

Right now, the 2008-2009 US medical school application cycle is substantially underway. I've submitted applications to a number of allopathic programs, and in the hopes of receiving interview invitations and then making a positive impression, I'd like some recommendations on books to brush up on commonly asked topics. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:38 PM PST - 2 comments

How to move a bed cross-country?

Is it feasible to transport a wooden bedframe halfway across the USA? How could I arrange transport for a single, big item like this? [more inside]
posted by Susurration at 12:31 PM PST - 6 comments

Fire! Fire! Don't try this at home.

My house had two fireplaces which were walled over by the prior owner. I'd like to reopen them and possibly retro fit them to be gas fireplaces. How horrible (read expensive and time consuming) of a construction job would this be? [more inside]
posted by 26.2 at 12:24 PM PST - 6 comments

Heathrow Terminal 5: I need a shower

As I understand it, there aren't any public showers or pay-for-entry spas/lounges/hotel-pods with showers at Heathrow T5. (Only in the elite lounge that I can't get into.) I'll be there for 11 hours, between two longhaul flights. What's the easiest way to get myself to a shower? [more inside]
posted by stonerose at 12:24 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me start out in a job interview

How can I make myself stand out in applying for a webmaster job? The competition is going to be fierce, and I may be up against people who are more experienced. I really want the job, though, and honestly feel that I can do it the best. [more inside]
posted by mjewkes at 12:22 PM PST - 7 comments

Looking for a cheap videocard for use with two 22" monitors.

Looking for recommendations for a basic videocard that can be used with two 22" displays. [more inside]
posted by aerotive at 11:59 AM PST - 5 comments

How do I find reviews of Learning Tree's XSLT course?

How can I find alumni reviews of the Learning Tree course, "Hands-On XSL: Transforming and Styling XML" so I can get some honest reviews of the course? [more inside]
posted by dorcas at 11:28 AM PST - 5 comments

A baby mama

So how does it work with going out with a girl who has a daughter? And she's just 24? [more inside]
posted by ChabonJabon at 11:27 AM PST - 89 comments

Halloween Baby Shower... where to begin?

I need ideas for a Baby Shower with a Halloween theme. It's a co-ed event, and I'm particularly interested in making the guys feel welcome (since most of them understand "shower" to mean "girl gab fest"). The new parents are having a little girl, if that affects any of your answers. Basically I want something fun, and, well, different. Thanks in advance1
posted by purpletangerine at 11:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Is my ashtma inhaler making me cough? Would tablets be better?

I've got asthma, which is allergic and exercise-induced. It is rarely bad except when my allergies are acting up and I'm exercising intensely. Lately I've developed a problem that I believe is related to my inhaler. [more inside]
posted by soulbarn at 10:44 AM PST - 16 comments

Beer & Debates

Bars that will be showing the Presidential Debate next Friday in Chicago. [more inside]
posted by Sreiny at 10:12 AM PST - 5 comments

Bachelor Party 101

Bachelor Party Etiquette [more inside]
posted by Octoparrot at 9:50 AM PST - 10 comments

was that a UFO?

was that a UFO!?!?!?!?? [more inside]
posted by badish at 9:47 AM PST - 22 comments

Identify Costa Rican delicacies

I was in Costa Rica a few years ago, and ate fish that appeared to be cooked but wasn't -- it was in some kind of juice that "cooks" the fish. What is this method of cooking called and how is it done? Also, I drank something that night that after a few hours made me feel a little nauseous and was accompanied by hallucinations (like rocks splitting open revealing water and snakes inside). Any idea what I could have drank? And where can I get more of it?
posted by indigo4963 at 9:29 AM PST - 16 comments

Who designed cnn.com?

Which agency/individual designed cnn.com?
posted by Woodboro at 9:21 AM PST - 4 comments

How can we avoid gametime leg cramps?

What is causing leg cramps in a strong and healthy high school athlete 3rd quarter of every daytime game? [more inside]
posted by Breav at 9:21 AM PST - 8 comments

You can't unsee it, so let's prevent her from seeing it in the first place.

I'm having a close friend house-sit next week. I want to keep my porn and kinky stuff in a safe location where she doesn't need to see it. It won't be a huge shock, since I'm out of the kinky closet, but it'd be awkward, to say the least. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:12 AM PST - 28 comments

Taxicab Etiquette: Headphones? Yea or Nay?

Etiquette Filter: Headphones in a taxi - kosher or totally rude? [more inside]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 9:07 AM PST - 23 comments

What should I know about managing email for an organization

I made a website for a small organization and they were happy with it. Now they want me to manage their email as well (will involve about 25 mailboxes). I know technically this is pretty simple, using my host (bluehost), but I've never done it and before I say yes, wondering if anyone who's done this has any advice? [more inside]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 9:01 AM PST - 12 comments

Subterranean Homesick Freshman

I'm looking for some pretty songs about Ohio, or finding a home. [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic at 8:57 AM PST - 21 comments

Battery takes charge, but won't work!@#$

Dell battery may be dead, or maybe it's software. I'm stumped. [more inside]
posted by yazi at 8:48 AM PST - 8 comments

rosacea + swimming

I have rosacea which is kept in check with daily applications of MetroGel (metronidazole). I also like swimming as exercise. The problem is that swimming in a chlorinated pool leaves my nose area bright red, almost like a chemical burn. It takes at least 2 weeks of extra care on my part to reduce this redness. What are some things I can do to protect my face when swimming? Or will I have to give up swimming altogether? (Note that other types of exertion, such as jogging or cycling, do not result in this type of redness)
posted by needled at 8:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Where to eat dinner in Plymouth, MA?

Will be on business in Plymouth, MA next week. Where to eat dinner? Anywhere with an ocean view?
posted by SallyHitMeOntheHead at 8:24 AM PST - 5 comments

How fat I am. Let me show you.

Can you suggest an online weight tracker that meets my requirements? [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 8:14 AM PST - 6 comments

How to find out the name of grid control?

Is there any way I can find out which grid component a particular application is using in a particular screen? [more inside]
posted by inquisitive at 8:07 AM PST - 7 comments

Rights of a 12-Year-Old Boy

Can a 12-year-old refuse to see his own father? [more inside]
posted by king walnut at 8:07 AM PST - 27 comments

Piano on a Budget

Our children are taking piano lessons. They need a piano. We don't know what we're doing. [more inside]
posted by Fairchild at 8:02 AM PST - 25 comments

Computer stopped recognizing usb drives

Computer (XP SP2) won't recognize any usb drives, but will recognize my usb mouse? [more inside]
posted by imposster at 7:58 AM PST - 3 comments

How do I set up a Remote Working Hub?

I have been asked to set up a “Remote Working Hub” to allow employees to work away from the office. Where can I go for more information? Does it work? [more inside]
posted by SarahM at 7:58 AM PST - 5 comments

SWM and SWF seek absinthe vendor for LTR.

My good friend, a lover of all things herbal, has never tried absinthe. I'd love to give her the opportunity before she moves away in two weeks. Can you recommend an importer that can ship to the US in that time-frame and won't break my bank? [more inside]
posted by glibhamdreck at 7:38 AM PST - 13 comments

Big Ass Space Heater Wanted. Apply Within.

This winter we're going to need a space heater for our apartment. Not some teeny one that will barely warm our feet, but a large one. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 7:36 AM PST - 12 comments

How did mortgage HAPPEN so quickly?

How late is too late to negotiate with mortgage broker for fees? And how can I track mortgage interest rates to get a better rate before closing? [more inside]
posted by Amizu at 7:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Office Enhancements

My co-worker was just granted US citizenship and is out of the office today, in what crafty ways can we "enhance" his office while he is out... [more inside]
posted by kenbennedy at 7:29 AM PST - 22 comments

Traveling alone in Central Asia

Can I, as a blond European girl in my mid-twenties, travel alone in Xinjiang and Kyrgyzstan?
posted by anonymous at 7:16 AM PST - 17 comments

Receiving money, without the buyers knowing my real name?

I would like to receive money from people, but I don't want them to have my real name or contact information. Can I do this through Paypal, or what are my other options? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:16 AM PST - 4 comments

Phone sex for women?

Professional phone sex for women looking for men, do they exist? Specifically, I'm looking for a line, company or site that deals exclusively with women who are looking for phone sex from men. Yes, this a serious request and please, no snark.
posted by Unnecessarily Sarcastic Bitch at 6:52 AM PST - 6 comments

Mean teacher or loving educator???

Is there a term for this? A high school honors teacher is being unreasonably hard on my daughter..... [more inside]
posted by winks007 at 6:45 AM PST - 48 comments

How can I not show Facebook fans?

How can I make a Facebook page for my nonprofit, but not show fans? [more inside]
posted by allen8219 at 6:32 AM PST - 6 comments

Where should I live in Arlington, VA?

Where should I live in Arlington, VA? I want to live on the orange line metro. I'm 23 and single and I want to be as close to the action as possible. [more inside]
posted by decrescendo at 6:15 AM PST - 27 comments

Ideas for a user interface design of a data mining application?

I'm trying to write my first eclipse RCP application. I would welcome some ideas about how to design the UI, preferably using the RCP building blocks: editors, views, preference, wizards, perspectives... [more inside]
posted by blueyellow at 6:03 AM PST - 0 comments

Different prices for electronics, why?

Why are electronics so crazy expensive in Europe? Any creative ideas to help me buy a video camera? [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb at 5:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Looking for Good Writing about Comics

Favorite philosophical, historical, analytic, or lit-critical essays about comic books? [more inside]
posted by gerryblog at 5:05 AM PST - 10 comments

Recommended Caterers for a Chicago Wedding?

I'm getting married next Fall (hooray!) in Chicago, and we're currently close to finalizing plans to have the reception at Maxim's. As we begin the process of looking for caterers, I'm interested in hearing about any Chicago-based caterers that MeFites have used, and any they would recommend. [more inside]
posted by avoision at 4:46 AM PST - 2 comments

What do you think about Kansans?

What do you think about Kansans? What are the stereotypes? [more inside]
posted by metricfan at 4:38 AM PST - 43 comments

Dutch, English, both...

Walking down the street one day in Amsterdam, you encounter an art-thing (sculpture/installation) that's broadcasting audio. The audio includes spoken poems. Would you expect these poems to be in Dutch? Would you feel alienated if they were in English, or if some were in English and some in Dutch? [more inside]
posted by kalapierson at 4:23 AM PST - 12 comments

Mural, Mural on the Wall

Help me think of mural ideas! [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 4:17 AM PST - 11 comments

Alternatives to chiropractry.

What alternatives are there to chiropractic manipulation? (Yes: I know, you are not a medical professional!) [more inside]
posted by robotot at 2:59 AM PST - 26 comments

Wanted: Pics of Pudong in the 80s

Looking for images of old Pudong prior to development. Coming up blank. Ideally, from the late 1980s. Plus anything else you stumble across that may be in interesting. Puxi is covered, but finding in hard the other side of the river. Pics will be used in a private seminar on development.
posted by priorpark17 at 2:57 AM PST - 4 comments

Mixing it up with mixed martial arts.

Why do MMA fighters restrict their skills to a limited set of four or five martial arts, rather than branch out and include lesser-known arts from around the world? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 2:56 AM PST - 21 comments

September 18

Japan autumn colours in early November?

Going to Japan over the 1st week of November: where to see autumn colours? [more inside]
posted by destrius at 11:45 PM PST - 8 comments

Flying to Philly, looking for cheesesteak

Flying into Philly next Tuesday around 530pm, then driving up to Bethlehem. I'd love to stop in Philly and grab a killer cheesesteak- but I'll have my family with me so I'd probably only be able to do this if its somewhat near the airport or on the way toward Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton. [more inside]
posted by Chuck Cheeze at 10:35 PM PST - 22 comments

Best SF Middle Schools?

SFMiddleSchoolFilter. Help me figure out which are the best and worst San Francisco middle schools [more inside]
posted by asavage at 10:07 PM PST - 3 comments

How to fix Windows iTunes HD video?

How do I make iTunes on Windows XP stop stuttering? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 9:30 PM PST - 11 comments

Name this science-fiction novel

Please help me identify this 50s, 60s or 70s science-fiction novel. The bad guys are evil alien jellyfish who lived in a lake, but you never see them, and the spaceships are nuclear/steam powered. [more inside]
posted by w0mbat at 9:15 PM PST - 2 comments

Seeking great examples of book design in LaTeX

I am teaching myself typesetting with LaTeX. I learn best by example and so I'm looking for some great examples to follow — especially if they're based on the Memoir class. Ideally, I'd love to find some (public domain) classic literature that stands out as a great study in syntax, style and design. What do you recommend?
posted by tomwheeler at 8:24 PM PST - 9 comments

Be gone podcast!

How can I delete podcasts from my iPod on the go [more inside]
posted by Mephisto at 8:19 PM PST - 20 comments

Straps! Help!

So many straps! [more inside]
posted by MiffyCLB at 8:12 PM PST - 10 comments

GLASS + INTELLIMOUSE = FAIL

Glass desk from Staples; Microsoft Intellimouse; Horrible mouse tracking -- how to fix? [more inside]
posted by SirStan at 7:47 PM PST - 27 comments

I don't want my kid to hate me because of her handle...

Twin-Naming...We're expecting twin girls in January. We've decided that one will be named Sophie Gabrielle (4 syllable German last name starting with B.) The other is not so easy... [more inside]
posted by ms.v. at 7:38 PM PST - 64 comments

This Hússtjórnarskólinn, it vibrates?

What would be the best equivalent of the Icelandic Hússtjórnarskólinn in English? [more inside]
posted by neroli at 7:14 PM PST - 9 comments

Cheap camcorder - 6 years old

What was the cheap cool camcorder to have in 2002? [more inside]
posted by philip-random at 7:12 PM PST - 6 comments

Photo series of paper miniatures of imagined trip to Moon or Mars from late '70s?

Can you help me locate a series of photos of an imagined trip to Mars (or maybe a return to the Moon?) done in papercraft, that was in one of my grade school textbooks around 1979? [more inside]
posted by chr1sb0y at 6:44 PM PST - 0 comments

Where Can I Find Gelato

Looking for a place that has gelato in or near Charlotte, NC. And a restaurant for real food to go with it. [more inside]
posted by theichibun at 6:29 PM PST - 4 comments

How much money does forgetfulness waste?

How much money does carelessness and forgetfulness waste? When I forget to turn off lights, how much more am I paying for electricity? [more inside]
posted by KateHasQuestions at 6:18 PM PST - 7 comments

The mother goddess in popular culture?

Examples of the Venus of Willendorf and the Mother Goddess in popular culture besides Jean Auel? [more inside]
posted by AArtaud at 5:34 PM PST - 11 comments

Anti-Malware programs... what do you like, and what do I need?

Anti-Malware programs... what do you like, and what do I need? [more inside]
posted by Huplescat at 5:23 PM PST - 14 comments

How do I get to the new Marketplace feature on my Zune 80 device?

How do I get to the new Marketplace feature on my Zune 80 device? [more inside]
posted by nickerbocker at 5:08 PM PST - 4 comments

How long to kill the heart (that pumpy thingy, not the lovey thingy)?

How long to kill the heart (that pumpy thingy, not the lovey thingy)? [more inside]
posted by trinity8-director at 5:00 PM PST - 12 comments

The Zen Master and the Sweeping Up

I read a Zen story years ago at a meditation center library. Can't remember the book/author. (might have had a quirky title? perhaps written by a contemporary Zen master?). The part I remember was about how to sweep and the uses of all the swept-up "trash"... [more inside]
posted by tingting at 4:59 PM PST - 2 comments

In the current chaos, lets say GS decided to take itself private.

Lets say that one, (theoretically, of course) owned a relatively small amount of stock in Goldman Sachs, and had no intention of selling it... [more inside]
posted by R. Mutt at 4:41 PM PST - 7 comments

I used to be crazy, now career me up!

My many bad decisions about education and work that have left me in dead-end jobs. What's the career of my dreams? And how do I get it? [more inside]
posted by xchmp at 4:34 PM PST - 14 comments

Urutaraman Sebun!

Please tell me all the details about the origin of and story behind the "Okkusenman" song/video, all you Japanophiles/people living in Japan out there. [more inside]
posted by DecemberBoy at 4:10 PM PST - 5 comments

Your brother wants steak

I need your recommendations for steakhouses in the D.C./Northern Virginia area. [more inside]
posted by emelenjr at 4:01 PM PST - 15 comments

Sell! Sell! Sell!

Predepression filter: Should I sell my car and pay off other debt? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:56 PM PST - 24 comments

Safest banks for my down payment?

I recently sold my house and got a significant chunk of money which I will be using for my next down payment. It's over the FDIC limit. With all the turmoil going on, I'm looking for suggestions of either a) good, solid FDIC-insured banks to open accounts in, or b) reliable, up-to-date sources of information on bank soundness that are understandable by ordinary folk. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:56 PM PST - 8 comments

Looking for an antique automobile renter/dealer in Florida panhandle, South Alabama, or South Mississippi?

Looking for an antique automobile renter/dealer in Florida panhandle, South Alabama, or South Mississippi? [more inside]
posted by bamassippi at 3:52 PM PST - 0 comments

Blind guy needs a new career

My friend needs a new career but he can't see for crap. If he had his way, he'd be a Navy SEAL or a cop. Can the hivemind come up with a new idea for what he might enjoy and succeed at ? [more inside]
posted by AuntLisa at 3:25 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I fix my Houston backyard?

Garden project: I want to renovate the backyard since Hurricane Ike has given me some time off. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by abdulf at 2:57 PM PST - 7 comments

We've Got A Brand New Dance: Punch GarageBand Right in the Dick...

Egads-I-Want-To-Punch-GarageBand-In-The-Dick Filter: Why can't I import AIFF or mp3 files into GarageBand? [more inside]
posted by chara at 2:45 PM PST - 7 comments

Side effect may include braintooth

I have noticed that TV ads for prescription drugs that feature actors directly addressing you always (?) have the voice track lip-synched. The audio is obviously different from what would have been recorded originally, and this seems to be consistent. Why is this? A friend suggested this somehow avoids some FDA regulation about endorsing drugs. This is in the USA.
posted by adamrice at 2:40 PM PST - 12 comments

Power Hour Help!

Can you help me find an 80s Power Hour mix? [more inside]
posted by ASM at 2:14 PM PST - 10 comments

Opinions on TUI?

Anyone familiar with Touro University International (TUI)? [more inside]
posted by RavinDave at 1:54 PM PST - 5 comments

Wither the ADA's blessing?

Why do Crest, Colgate, etc. no longer display the ADA seal of approval? [more inside]
posted by bruceo at 1:45 PM PST - 10 comments

NYC Limo/Van Referral Needed

I'd like a referral for a service in New York City that can provide transport for six people, and luggage, from Penn Station to the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. There are dozens - if not hundreds - limo services to choose from so I just need help separating the wheat from the chaff. Thanks.
posted by Man with Lantern at 1:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Where should we eat in Burlington, VT?

Where should we eat in Burlington, VT this weekend? [more inside]
posted by TurkishGolds at 1:20 PM PST - 18 comments

Help me find a part-time job!!

Part-time job ideas that are not minimum wage? [more inside]
posted by The1andonly at 1:05 PM PST - 21 comments

Adventures in Moving

I have never hired a long distance mover before. We are moving from Vancouver to Kamloops later this year or January. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Razzle Bathbone at 1:01 PM PST - 20 comments

woe me adobe!

Why doesn't my upgraded version of Adobe have a create pdf option and what can I do? [more inside]
posted by Polychrome at 12:41 PM PST - 16 comments

Help with cable mod

How can I modify the 360 Xbox component/analog cable so I can use the HDMI for video and the analog audio cables for the audio...at the same time? OR Which wire(s) should I cut? - pics included [more inside]
posted by pilibeen at 12:38 PM PST - 17 comments

What should I do with my broken Tascam FW1082?

I have a Tascam FW1082 midi/audio interface board. Over the last few months, there's been a more consistent and very loud high-pitched whine in the audio output, making it fairly useless for what I need. What should I do to get this fixed? [more inside]
posted by JZig at 12:20 PM PST - 5 comments

Risk Balance with CDs/FDIC

What are the logistics of CDs at a bank that gets taken over by the FDIC? [more inside]
posted by raz5 at 12:19 PM PST - 3 comments

How will the credit crisis affect the tech industry?

How will the current credit crisis and bank failures affect the tech industry and particularly the availability and quality of venture capital? [more inside]
posted by jacobian at 12:02 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me resize my Indesign document

I've messed up the dimensions of a booklet I designed in Indesign CS3, and I've only realised on getting it ready for the printers. Can I scale the whole document down from B5 to A5?
posted by twistedonion at 11:57 AM PST - 7 comments

SuperDrive icon is super annoying

Why the mystery icon? Should I eat it? [more inside]
posted by BitterOldPunk at 11:33 AM PST - 8 comments

File recovery on Windows XP

Accidentally unplugging my external hard drive during use seems to have erased all the files in that directory. How can I recover them? (Windows XP. Easy and free preferred.) [more inside]
posted by stuart_s at 11:32 AM PST - 8 comments

Car Window Tinting Advice

I'm looking into tinting my car windows a) Should I do it myself or get a professional to do it? b) Can anyone recommend a good shop near Bristol, RI. c) Can cops tell if you tint the windows slightly more than the legal amount? [more inside]
posted by d(-_-)b at 11:23 AM PST - 16 comments

Looking for an ergonomic, comfortable book-carrying solution...

I'm looking for some type of book bag that would be easy on the arms/shoulders, i.e. as comfortable to carry as possible - any ideas?...more inside.... [more inside]
posted by kilohertz at 11:13 AM PST - 7 comments

GTA/Toronto area electronics surplus?

Any Toronto/GTA area electronic surplus stores? [more inside]
posted by the dief at 11:00 AM PST - 8 comments

I left my abdominal contents in San Francisco

So, I think I've given myself some kind of abdominal hernia. I'm in San Francisco, and I have no health insurance. [more inside]
posted by hototogisu at 10:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Nurse, get me 50cc's of miso onion soup, STAT!

I need the recipe for Whole Foods' miso onion soup. Like... now. [more inside]
posted by kaseijin at 10:36 AM PST - 18 comments

He Kerned For Our Sins

Who designed this Jesus-y font that I see all over Christian printed material and churches? What is its significance? Its history?
posted by Lieber Frau at 10:35 AM PST - 16 comments

Is he a cheater?

Is there any way he's not cheating on me? [more inside]
posted by GIRLesq at 10:33 AM PST - 169 comments

Angry Listservers with Pitchforks DO NOT WANT

EtiquetteFilter: Scale of 1 - 10, how gauche is it to link to specific messages from a listserv's archives (which includes visible email addresses) in a might-be-widely-read blog post? [more inside]
posted by NolanRyanHatesMatches at 10:08 AM PST - 21 comments

Hedgehog: dead or alive?

Is it possible to easily tell the difference between a dead and a hibernating hedgehog? [more inside]
posted by 999 at 9:39 AM PST - 14 comments

Because lonely academics are cute

Movies about lonely academics who find new meaning in life? [more inside]
posted by dyslexictraveler at 9:34 AM PST - 30 comments

Python and Data Mining

Is Python a logical choice to learn if I want to create Data Mining programs. [more inside]
posted by elationfoundation at 9:01 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me help him and myself.

Please help me help my partner through his career crisis. And help me deal with it, too. [more inside]
posted by Work to Live at 8:56 AM PST - 14 comments

How do I make sure I can attain reliable temp jobs in New York City when I'm not traveling?

I need help navigating New York's temp agencies [more inside]
posted by idledebonair at 8:39 AM PST - 6 comments

Witches, Wizards, and the American Civil War

What was going on with the occult and belief in the supernatural in Civil War-era America? [more inside]
posted by robocop is bleeding at 8:38 AM PST - 18 comments

Cheap mattresses?

Ultra-cheap mattresses: does anyone know what the deal is with these? [more inside]
posted by internal at 7:57 AM PST - 16 comments

How do I annotate email messages in Microsoft Outlook 2003?

Is there a way to annotate email messages in Microsoft Outlook 2003? I am using a plain old laptop, so I'm not looking for tablet software. If there is a built-in way to do it, that would be great, but add-in software is fine too. (The cheaper the better.) I'd prefer annotation methods that don't modify the contents of the original message.
posted by braveterry at 7:45 AM PST - 2 comments

identify this art style

What is this style of art called? [more inside]
posted by swbarrett at 7:25 AM PST - 21 comments

The phenomenology of text

The phenomenology / ontology of text: has anyone examined this issue directly in philosophical, literary and/or critical terms? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious at 7:21 AM PST - 26 comments

How do I get the skunk out of my shed?

How do I get rid of an uninvited skunk guest? [more inside]
posted by LouMac at 7:16 AM PST - 16 comments

WTF (What's This Font?)

I need help identifying a font and WhatTheFont and IdentiFont are failing me. [more inside]
posted by genial at 7:00 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me prevent the Agony of "De Feet"

Help me choose some new gym shoes and, just as importantly, know what I should pay for them. [more inside]
posted by pointystick at 6:22 AM PST - 9 comments

Need a new AC company

Does anyone know a good residential AC company in Tampa, FL? The company I have been using (Atlas Air) has been out 3 times in 6 months, and with my AC out again (this time for two weeks while we try to fix it ourselves), I'd like to try someone else before calling Atlas out again.
posted by Ikazuchi at 5:50 AM PST - 6 comments

ayes and seas or all bees?

Here's a question: What would you rather see on a grade report: a collection of A/A-s and the occasional C, or consistent B/B+s? If there were two students, and their GPAs were the same, and you were the director of admissions of some academic program, who would you pick? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:50 AM PST - 17 comments

Bright healthy eyeballs

How does one get clear, bright white healthy "eyeballs"? You know the white area around the pupil, or whatever you call it! [more inside]
posted by gttommy at 5:48 AM PST - 11 comments

Is it safe to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 yet?

Is it safe to install Windows XP Service Pack 3 yet? [more inside]
posted by NoMich at 5:41 AM PST - 19 comments

OSX upgrade to OSX Server: Headache free?

I will be upgrading a MacPro running 10.4.11 to 10.4.11 Server. What, if anything, could go wrong? [more inside]
posted by chillmost at 4:55 AM PST - 2 comments

Jewish life in London?

What parts of London have the biggest Jewish communities? [more inside]
posted by bluekrauss at 4:27 AM PST - 12 comments

Better media player for subtitles?

Windows Media Player and Center in Vista suck at subtitles for the old b&w foreign flicks I watch. Subtitles are white and get washed out when the picture is white. Is there a hack or some other media player which will render the subtitles better (outlined or in yellow). (FYI: subtitles for these films show up great on my Sony DVD player.)
posted by keith0718 at 3:25 AM PST - 7 comments

GiftFilter: must-have objects for a year-long trip

What are the must-have objects for a year-long trip in the World's south-east (India, Asia, Australia). [more inside]
posted by XiBe at 3:09 AM PST - 26 comments

Welcome to Sydney, Avaniceday.

I might be moving to Sydney. What should I think about when planning? [more inside]
posted by jacalata at 2:10 AM PST - 9 comments

Recommend: small budget camera with movie and audio prowess

Hi all-- I'm jumping the gun and asking for a personal recommendation for a used camera purchase. My budget is $200-250 and I want to buy used. My priorities in order are: 1. As much manual control as possible -- so I'm leaning towards Canon for the CHKD firmware. 2. FAST to start up and take shots and switch modes. 3. 30FPS VGA movie ability that looks comparable to a cheap dedicated camcorder (but it doesn't need to record for a long time -- I'm fine with MJPEG). 4. Good quality audio pickup for the movies. 5. Smaller than SLR-size. ...Everything else is low priority. I hope these criteria and its answers will be useful to others.
posted by oneous at 12:25 AM PST - 3 comments

Sucky Pedal Disengagement

I almost got run over this evening when my SPD clips didn't release. What can I do to be (and feel) safer? [more inside]
posted by bjrubble at 12:23 AM PST - 26 comments

September 17

Does Denzel Washington speak Spanish?

Does Denzel Washington speak Spanish? [more inside]
posted by donpedro at 11:48 PM PST - 6 comments

Political Science for Cynics

What is the term in political science that describes this concept? [more inside]
posted by quadog at 11:39 PM PST - 17 comments

No one twisting his arm....

What bands sound like Game Theory? [more inside]
posted by scarylarry at 11:09 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me find my cat.

One of my cats got out, what should I do to help insure he gets back to me? [more inside]
posted by MaryDellamorte at 11:07 PM PST - 24 comments

1 extra week in Europe - where should I go?

1 extra week in Europe - where should I go? [more inside]
posted by Admira at 11:00 PM PST - 20 comments

search engine madness

is it possible to filter search engine results by date? Google claims it is, but its not working for me. Live.com and yahoo dont even seem to have the option. [more inside]
posted by jak68 at 10:58 PM PST - 14 comments

Removing a song from multiple playlists in iTunes?

Is there a way to remove a song from all playlists in iTunes without having to delete the actual song? [more inside]
posted by planetthoughtful at 10:08 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I locate someone that wishes not to be located?

My father disappeared completely from my life over 20 years ago. Supposedly he's dead, but there's no death certificate. He can't be found. Do you know of any FREE resources I could enlist to help me untangle the mystery? [more inside]
posted by karizma at 10:02 PM PST - 21 comments

Are smarter people more likely to kill themselves?

It seems like most suicides I hear about are very intelligent people, but is there actually any established correlation between intelligence and suicide? Or has this been conclusively rejected as a risk factor? I haven't been able to find any mention of intelligence in various discussions of suicide risk factors.
posted by scottreynen at 9:44 PM PST - 15 comments

Can I combine my pensions transatlantically?

Can I get money invested in a UK private pension transferred into my US 401K? [more inside]
posted by Joh at 9:38 PM PST - 2 comments

how do I tell a browser in osx which plugin should handle a certain file type?

how do I tell a browser in osx which plugin should handle a certain file type? [more inside]
posted by krautland at 9:35 PM PST - 6 comments

Fake mustache or coke sign?

What exactly does it mean when someone holds their finger under their nose as if making a fake mustache? Details inside.. [more inside]
posted by hammerthyme at 9:15 PM PST - 36 comments

Disclaiming money, not responsibility

I need to choose which shells (account types) under which to put the coins (inherited and disclaimed assets), and I am worried that if I choose the wrong one, I will lift it after shuffling to find nothing underneath. [more inside]
posted by Clyde Mnestra at 8:59 PM PST - 2 comments

I have no idea what to do.

The girl I was going to marry has left. My "life plan" for the next 10 years just got erased. Now what? [more inside]
posted by Scientifik at 8:56 PM PST - 26 comments

Tuesday's House over-ran and my DVR didn't record the whole show and now I'm mad.

House Filter: What did Wilson say to House at the very end of the season opener "Dying Changes Everything"? (spoilers inside if you DVR'd it) [more inside]
posted by dogmom at 8:19 PM PST - 11 comments

at this rate I'll have a downpayment for a nice shack in hooverville left.

I've lost 5% of my 401K in THREE DAYS. What to do? [more inside]
posted by Kellydamnit at 8:12 PM PST - 34 comments

Component video plus optical audio hook-up for original Xbox?

What the best way for me to connect my original Xbox to the component inputs on my CRT TV and my Dolby Digital receiver? [more inside]
posted by obiwanwasabi at 8:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Lagging edge notebook computer for less than $500?

I'm looking for a lagging edge (can be large, heavy, and have poor battery life) *new* notebook computer, for less than $500. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by WestCoaster at 8:04 PM PST - 13 comments

Finding Serenity

Explain to me the difference between these two Chinese characters, both said to mean "serenity." [more inside]
posted by EarBucket at 8:01 PM PST - 12 comments

Car accident/insurance advice

What should I do if I'm not sure someone's after the fact claim about a car accident is actually related to the accident? [more inside]
posted by rbellon at 7:59 PM PST - 5 comments

Old guy walks into a bar...

Is there a way to track a human being electronically for their own safety and not entirely with the person's consent? I'm asking this for a friend whose father has mild alzheimer's and wanders off. I'm not really asking if it's moral to do this but if you feel the need to give your opinion on that, knock yourself out. I want to know if there is a technology that will allow her to track her father's movements electronically, not through a cell phone or a bracelet or implanting something under his skin. If it matters, this is in New York City.
posted by kenzi23 at 7:52 PM PST - 13 comments

My mother pronounces it "meee-yolk."

Curiosity-filter: Why can't we drink primate milk? [more inside]
posted by Ugh at 7:00 PM PST - 12 comments

My daugher is a poop player

I need to know if my daughter is exhibiting normal behavior, or if she's going through some sort of psychological thing. It all started when my 5 year old ran up the stairs screaming, RUBY is playing with her poop! [more inside]
posted by allthewhile at 6:51 PM PST - 14 comments

DCFilter

Where can I find information about the history of Chinatown in Washington, D.C.? [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 6:48 PM PST - 3 comments

Therapist? Professor? Something else? Help me figure out a career/life-direction dilemma.

Therapist? Professor? Something else? Help me figure out a career/life-direction dilemma. Dear MeFites: You are wise. Please help me think through a tangle of career thoughts. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:45 PM PST - 9 comments

Can I win her back? Should I try?

Can I win her back? Should I try? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:44 PM PST - 43 comments

where can i study near 25th and 7th ave on sunday mornings?

please get me out of starbucks: i need a place to study sunday mornings within a 5ish block radius of 25th Street and 7th Ave (new york city). HELP! [more inside]
posted by nanhey at 6:34 PM PST - 9 comments

Where can I find used truck tarp?

Where can I find truck tarp? [more inside]
posted by nitor at 6:27 PM PST - 6 comments

Where was Bitu from?

Before I knew anything about India, I dated an Indian guy named Bitu (long i, long u: bee-too). I remember him telling me that it wasn't his real name, that it was a nickname and it meant 'son' in his language (or, possibly, 'sun'). I neglected to ask what language that was... and now I really want to know.
posted by bookish at 6:04 PM PST - 8 comments

We're leaving and I want you to sign the dotted line saying that we're a-okay after this point.

Can my company force employees to sign a resignation letter during an acquisition? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:43 PM PST - 13 comments

Excel worksheet on the web?

Excel-filter: How to publish live, interactive excel worksheets on the web? [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty at 5:40 PM PST - 6 comments

Come on. Come on. Come on.

Years ago, I saw a little cartoon short that consisted of a guy waiting for an elevator, constantly pushing the button and saying "come on ... come on ... come on ..." That was basically the whole thing. He did this over and over, so many times that it became laugh-out-loud hilarious. I want to say it was on something like a Spike & Mike compilation, or maybe O Canada, but I'm not having any luck finding it. Can you help?
posted by jbickers at 5:28 PM PST - 3 comments

What are we not thinking of? Canadians in the States.

Roadtrip-Filter: Some questions about a trip from Toronto, Ontario to Salem, Oregon [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 4:34 PM PST - 14 comments

Cote d'Azur nightlife

I'm new to the region and don't know much about the nightlife here. Can anyone recommend good clubs/bars in or around Cannes and Nice?
posted by PTCHFRKR at 4:32 PM PST - 2 comments

If I can shrink a 2 gig video down to 17 megs, and still have it looking good, there's gotta be something for images!

Software to reduce image size for websites? [more inside]
posted by Sufi at 4:19 PM PST - 15 comments

favorite USB headset?

What is your favorite USB headset with a mute button? Bonus points if you know it works well with VOIP/avaya softfones. [more inside]
posted by nadawi at 4:14 PM PST - 4 comments

Need some tips on how to be a freelance developer

Now that I'm starting to do more part-time freelance software development, what kinds of things should I be considering? [more inside]
posted by captainawesome at 4:11 PM PST - 6 comments

Creative winter container gardening?

Winter container gardening... or, to be more specific, what to do with the containers? [more inside]
posted by jal0021 at 4:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Are there any student loan repayment help agencies?

Are there any credit counseling or 3rd party agencies that work with student loan repayments? [more inside]
posted by smashingstars at 3:21 PM PST - 16 comments

Yes, I realize it's disgusting.

Is it possible to ferment potable alcohol from animal sources? Like, fluids? [more inside]
posted by kafziel at 3:09 PM PST - 15 comments

How do I stop being the butt of all the jokes?

Grr, how to stop being the butt of all the jokes and defend... it's getting annoying! [more inside]
posted by dragontail at 3:08 PM PST - 35 comments

free iPod Rip?

Looking for a free Ipod Rip program for Mac Leopard [more inside]
posted by The Boy at 3:06 PM PST - 7 comments

What's the deal with God/Ghost particles?

Will someone please explain to this non-physicist what the "ghost particle" is, and what the "god particle" is? Are they the same thing? How would one go about finding them (through LHC or other process,) and why are they so sought after? [more inside]
posted by np312 at 2:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Backyard playground setup?

What do I need to know to set up a backyard playground? [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 2:21 PM PST - 13 comments

how can I stop freaking out about cold sores?

how can I stop freaking out about cold sores? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:17 PM PST - 17 comments

Wish you were here, wish they'd disappear.

How to tell a new intimate partner about self-inflicted scars? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:17 PM PST - 19 comments

What do you think I should do?

Messy housing situation, tenant is manipulating landlord's poor English skills and profiting. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:17 PM PST - 8 comments

Lend your Euroknowledge.

Please give me advice in planning a European adventure. [more inside]
posted by gracious floor at 2:15 PM PST - 16 comments

How big a wood stove should I get?

How big a wood stove should I get? [more inside]
posted by geos at 2:09 PM PST - 6 comments

I am a nose breather! Help me not be!

How can I breathe from the regulator underwater while taking my mask off!?? [more inside]
posted by fogonlittlecatfeet at 2:08 PM PST - 15 comments

Wake Up Fun

Looking for a streaming radio station, or podcast that has upbeat music, funny samples and dj's, so I can laugh first thing in the morning during my morning routine. But here's the rub, I'm not looking for comedy shows, or vapid commentary. Something a little more tasteful and subtle than your run of the mill morning crap that pollutes the airwaves and makes me depressed about humanity.
posted by parallax7d at 1:51 PM PST - 4 comments

UCLA or UC Berkeley music program?

UCLA or UC Berkeley music program? [more inside]
posted by *lostatsea* at 1:45 PM PST - 14 comments

The ideas are all around, floating away...

I feel the need to be creative, but can't figure out what sort of outlet is the best to get my ideas out. How do I figure out what sort of creativity I have? [more inside]
posted by reenum at 1:43 PM PST - 14 comments

Given that it's a multi-gazillion dollar industry, you'd think some folks would have developed helpful websites along the way...

Can any of you help us find unique, casual, interesting wedding venues in Maine, NH, VT, Mass, CT or NY? [more inside]
posted by jasbet07 at 1:39 PM PST - 17 comments

Please help before we make a mistake set in stone

My wife and I own a home in central Florida. We would like to hire a contractor to add to our backyard a 10 x 20 concrete patio with a stamped pattern and an acid stain and seal. Help? [more inside]
posted by Lokheed at 1:32 PM PST - 3 comments

GOOGLE buries the most important story of the day?!

For as long as I can remember, I've quickly checked the major market indices by going to Google -> News -> Business, and checking the "Market Summary" in the top right corner. This morning and afternoon, it was mysteriously absent, replaced by a "Featured Video of the Day". Where did it go? [more inside]
posted by shipbreaker at 1:26 PM PST - 10 comments

Why don't you set that to one side for now...

How to convince my boss to let me do what I was hired to do? [more inside]
posted by LN at 1:22 PM PST - 10 comments

What useful trade can I learn to survive a collapsed economy?

What's a trade I can learn now, as a hobby, that will be useful if/when the economy collapses? [more inside]
posted by sportbucket at 1:05 PM PST - 41 comments

How many people work from home who aren't traditional telecommuters?

I'm trying to figure out how many people in the US work from home, but aren't (traditional) telecommuters. [more inside]
posted by jenkinsEar at 12:46 PM PST - 3 comments

Help me find an annoying Flash animation from way back

In search of an annoying flash video in the early "style" of rathergood.com (e.g. viking kittens) It consisted of an annoying (probably) pitch shifted voice making a race car noise. [more inside]
posted by rampy at 12:46 PM PST - 8 comments

How do I trigger a specific template rebuild in MT 4.2?

MovableTypeFilter: How do I initiate an automatic rebuild of a specific template at a given time under MT 4.2? The upgrade from 4.1 to 4.2 has broken my cron jobs, which have worked for years. Grrrr!!!! [more inside]
posted by 2oh1 at 12:43 PM PST - 5 comments

Apache + 20 virtual hosts + awstats?

Apache + 20+ virtual hosts + awstats with one access log? [more inside]
posted by xmutex at 12:41 PM PST - 15 comments

Boarded Up

Tricking out a 4' x 8' cork board in my office [more inside]
posted by jadepearl at 12:39 PM PST - 5 comments

Liquor in Long Beach

Looking for a fabulous Liquor store in the Long Beach, CA area. [more inside]
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 12:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Records of recent UK court decisions

What's the best way to find information about a recent (i.e., one week old) magistrates' court decision in the UK? [more inside]
posted by muhonnin at 12:23 PM PST - 3 comments

Grief...depression...both? Now what?

How to deal with long grief leading into depression? I lost my boyfriend last year in a very sudden, very horrifying suicide. (there are links in my post about it last year if you're a trainwreck gaper like i am...) I'm in weekly therapy with a great therapist. I see a great psychiatrist monthly. I am on two antidepressants that don't seem to be doing much for me but I can't really tell, because am I depressed or am I still grieving? [more inside]
posted by Soulbee at 11:55 AM PST - 27 comments

Should I pay the $10 to upgrade my iPod touch?

I recently purchased an iMac and got a free iPod touch as part of the educational promotion. I don't have an iPhone, and am fairly locked into my current (non-ATT) contract, so I won't be getting an iPhone anytime soon. I've tried to figure out what the new software upgrade, 2.1, will do for me, but just from looking at the Apple site, it's difficult to figure out what I can do with the touch as it stands, and what I would gain by upgrading. [more inside]
posted by tractorfeed at 11:44 AM PST - 12 comments

Permission to sell custom musical arrangements of copyrighted works

How do I get permission to sell musical notation of my own arrangement of a copyrighted popular song, legally? [more inside]
posted by adrian_h at 11:34 AM PST - 8 comments

Error Message Sending E-mails

I'm getting the following message attempting to send e-mails: "An error occurred while sending mail. The mail server responded. 4.3.0 problem running virus scanner. Please check message and try again." Is this a Thunderbird, Dell or Cedant issue?
posted by tangyraspberry at 11:32 AM PST - 3 comments

DSL speed takes a dive

My non-profit uses a DSL service best typified as a mom and pop operation in our small city. The ISP recently switched their upstream provider and our DSL speeds got an immediate burst in speed and quality. Now it's back to being pokey again. What's the best way to see what's going on in a network sense? [more inside]
posted by diode at 11:30 AM PST - 4 comments

Help me live in the Tower of Babel

LanguageFilter: Having a little bit of a few languages under my belt, I'd like to add more/get better at the ones I know. [more inside]
posted by ikahime at 11:09 AM PST - 6 comments

float, padding, margins, wrappers, %0px1.2em!11!! oh my!

I'm going crazy trying to adjust my blog template. It seems that when I change the browser window size, the body, sidebar, and header all move independently. If I make the window wider, the right edges of the sidebar and header do not align. If I make the window less wide, the whole sidebar crunches into body text (fine) and eventually gets kicked off the side by the body (not fine). Ideally, I'd like them all to line up, move/scale together side-to-side, and not get kicked around. [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 11:03 AM PST - 4 comments

How do I make a prop 1965 JB Hutto Montgomery Airline guitar?

How do I make a prop electric guitar? [more inside]
posted by mhum at 10:55 AM PST - 14 comments

SeaTown Luggage Logistic

I'll be getting off the amtrak in Seattle on Thursday with a bicycle, a cumbersome backpack, and a laptop bag. Within an hour, I need to hit an appointment with a stock agency fairly near to the station. The only friend I know in Seattle is finishing up his term finals and can't pick me up - with car and roof rack - until later that evening. [more inside]
posted by pranalaxmi at 10:34 AM PST - 8 comments

Ground Apples: To the apple-cider heap?

Apple picking: from the ground or the tree? [more inside]
posted by melissam at 10:29 AM PST - 9 comments

What's the best practice for authenticating Google's crawlers?

I manage a website. Some content requires authentication by password or IP. I want Google to crawl that content but not cache it, so that Google users can find it in searches but can't access it without authentication. What's the best way to do this? In 2006 Matt Cutts recommended doing a reverse DNS lookup to verify that a bot's name is in the googlebot.com domain, and then a forward DNS->IP lookup using that googlebot.com name (to thwart spoofers). Is that still the best solution? How do other people manage this?
posted by futility closet at 10:27 AM PST - 9 comments

Slightly morbid bird question

Why do you never see dead birds in the city? I live in the city and close to water. My surroundings are full of ducks, swans, pigeons (yich) and gulls. Yet I never see one dead, except maybe if it was run over by a car. Why is that? Is there some secret bird cemetery they go to to die? Surely the gutters should be full of dead pigeons or something. God knows there's enough of them around. Or are they eaten by insects in record time? Disclaimer: I do not have an actual wish to see dead birds. I've just been wondering about this since forever.
posted by Skyanth at 10:10 AM PST - 22 comments

Well-done Christian worship music?

Do you have any recommendations for well-done Christian worship music? [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 9:45 AM PST - 32 comments

Tinning a soldering iron

How do I get solder to stick to the tip of my fancy new soldering iron? [more inside]
posted by shimon at 9:26 AM PST - 10 comments

Electric shaver?

Can you recommend a specific electric shaver? [more inside]
posted by simplethings at 9:26 AM PST - 7 comments

Will the government benefit from takeovers when the market turns around?

Do U.S. government takeovers of financial corporations mean the possibility of substantial profits for the government when the markets turn around?
posted by jacobw at 9:18 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I use footnotes properly?

Footnote experts/writers: Please help me decide the best way to use footnotes in my document. [more inside]
posted by Badmichelle at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments

What're the essential web languages for a new developer?

I'd like to learn some web languages to help me take advantage of APIs and generally be more useful. [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 8:50 AM PST - 16 comments

So, tell me about so

So, awhile back I noticed a lot of people beginning a lot of their sentences with the word so. Suddenly, I was doing the same. Does anyone know if this has a specific origin in the culture? A character in a TV show, maybe?
posted by partner at 8:34 AM PST - 55 comments

What is the release date of the English translation of Lukyanenko's Last Watch?

What is the release date of the English translation of Lukyanenko's Last Watch? Where can I go for better information? [more inside]
posted by KirkJobSluder at 8:22 AM PST - 3 comments

An idiot parent fails at translation

Can any merciful Mefite possibly tell me what on earth this message to my teenage son from an eBay seller is saying? This is hideously embarrassing because I'm not entirely sure I even recognize the language! [more inside]
posted by Jody Tresidder at 8:15 AM PST - 16 comments

Where to store a suitcase in Manhattan?

I'm flying into LaGuardia at 10:30 on Friday morning. I'm staying with a friend in Brooklyn but won't be able to get into his apartment until the evening. I would like to spend the day in Manhattan, but will have a large rolling suitcase (like the biggest standard size one you can buy) that I don't particularly want to tote around all afternoon. Where can I leave it? [more inside]
posted by prozach1576 at 7:57 AM PST - 11 comments

SQUEAKY Floor Filter. How can I stop the floor squeaks in random locations in the 2nd story of my house?

SQUEAKY Floor Filter. How can I stop the floor squeaks in random locations in the 2nd story of my house? [more inside]
posted by emjay at 7:49 AM PST - 10 comments

Asking for a finder's fee: How not to look like a jerk.

How and when to ask for a finder's fee? [more inside]
posted by undercoverhuwaaah at 7:40 AM PST - 5 comments

What the heck am I qualified for?

I'm planning on leaving my high-pressure hard science PhD program for something that won't make me hate life quite so much. The problem is that I really don't want to go back to biotech/pharma industry, especially without a PhD, unless totally necessary to support my family. So what am I good for? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:32 AM PST - 10 comments

Looking for cold grain salad tips.

How can I improve my cold grain/bean/wild rice/etc salads? They are either too vinegary or too bland, and generally not as good as it seems they should be. [more inside]
posted by kmennie at 7:04 AM PST - 20 comments

Saving flash movies

I want to download flash movies from a particular website. Keepvid does not work since the custom flv player uses flashvars to identity the clip. [more inside]
posted by lahersedor at 7:01 AM PST - 3 comments

Remote Management vs. Screensharing vs. VNC on OS X

In OS X Leopard, what is the difference between enabling the Screen Sharing and Remote Management options in Sharing Preferences? Assuming I can figure out firewall/port issues, will enabling Remote Management on my work Mac enable me to establish a VNC connection using a generic VNC client like Chicken of the VNC or do I have to use Remote Desktop? What authorization is required? Can I set it up so it requires my usual Mac username and password rather than some other password? Do I have other options if I want people using Linux and Windows to remotely manage their Macs at work when they are not logged in at the terminal?
posted by caek at 6:53 AM PST - 24 comments

At what level of Scovilles does capsaicin produce skin irritation?

At what level of Scovilles does capsaicin produce skin irritation? [more inside]
posted by adipocere at 6:48 AM PST - 17 comments

What is the 'proper' title for someone who is a graphic designer, music composer, photographer and a videographer all together.

What is the 'proper' title for someone who is a graphic designer, music composer, photographer and a videographer all together.
posted by bostonhill at 6:43 AM PST - 22 comments

I want to reach out and touch some screen.

My secret geek shame is that I've never owned an good mobile device. I'm in the market for a smartphone of some sort. What should I look for, what are the common pitfalls, what should I know that isn't obvious? [more inside]
posted by wavering at 6:36 AM PST - 29 comments

How to clean Musty Towels

How can I get this awful, musty smell out of my towels? [more inside]
posted by milestogo at 6:34 AM PST - 20 comments

I, Fresh Prince

I noticed last night that many of the final episodes of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air have strange titles and I was wondering if anyone knew why. Many of the episodes in the sixth and final season begin with the word "I" and then are followed by sometimes nonsensical phrases or words. [more inside]
posted by Falconetti at 6:30 AM PST - 11 comments

Help me naturally select some good books on speciation!

I've become very interested in the topic of speciation lately, but I'm having a hard time distinguishing which books would be the best to start with. [more inside]
posted by palindromic at 6:21 AM PST - 7 comments

When to seek help for anemia

I'm severely anemic and bleeding. How do I know when it's time to go to the hospital? [more inside]
posted by Hildegarde at 5:06 AM PST - 18 comments

SSL 2.0 vs. SSL 3.0

I've been trying the Linux hack of the Google Chrome browser, and notice it uses SSL 2.0, as opposed to the SSL 3.0 that FF3 uses. A cursory check shows SSL 2.0 to be faster, but is it less secure than SSL 3.0? What are some other pros/cons about the two?
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 3:49 AM PST - 7 comments

Why brake fluid?

Why brake fluid? It's horrible stuff; volatile, poisonous, corrosive, generally unpleasant. So why do we use it instead of using a (relatively) more beign hydraulic fluid?
posted by BadMiker at 2:25 AM PST - 6 comments

Vending The Unique With Gusto

Street Vendors Who Make Their (Very, Very Good) Livlihood [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 2:17 AM PST - 11 comments

Listing .org domains

Is there a way to find organisations that have registered an .org domain within certain geographical boundary (country, region, town)?
posted by chexov at 1:37 AM PST - 3 comments

What kind of furniture is this?

I received a furniture set from the 20's (or the 30-50's). The family legend is that the set was made by a very famous Danish designer and is worth 15k. Anyone recognize these? [more inside]
posted by stewiethegreat at 12:38 AM PST - 7 comments

tom clancy in latin?

a friend tells me how a book collections speaks authors about the owner. jane austen = smart. tom clancy = not. i posed the question: what about tom clancy, in latin? now i'm trying to find a book to test the hypothesis.
posted by camdan at 12:26 AM PST - 38 comments

September 16

After the cast comes off

YANMD. Advice for rehab after a broken fibula, and life in a CAM boot? I'm going to get my cast off tomorrow and I'd particularly like to know what I should ask about when I see the doctor and the physical therapist, as well as any other advice you have. I suffered an oblique fracture of the right fibula just a couple centimeters from the lateral malleolus about six weeks ago, and am eager to get back on my bike before the winter.
posted by d. z. wang at 11:26 PM PST - 2 comments

Dog attack.

On my "be prepared" list are dangerous dog attacks (specifically Pit Bulls and Rottweilers) . I've read several good article on ways to handle the situation if I am attacked, but that's not what I'm looking for. [more inside]
posted by Neiltupper at 11:13 PM PST - 50 comments

Any ideas for a room-to-room party?

The co-op I currently live in while attending University is having a room-to-room party. This basically entails that all of the members of the co-op go to each room for about 15-20 minutes to listen to some good music, drink a bit, and otherwise have a good time. Each room has a different theme so as to give the party a bit of variety. I am new to the co-op, so I am not familiar with themes that have been used in the past. Moreover, my roommates and I are at a loss for ideas. We need your help! [more inside]
posted by mahoganyslide at 10:41 PM PST - 15 comments

How do I stop the bleeding?

I know you are not my broker. Despite my personal contributions and my employer match, my 401K has 7% less money in it now than it had a year ago, which is, in turn, is 6% less than it had at this time two years ago. I understand that I'm supposed to be in this for the "long haul" but at this rate I'm losing money faster than I can contribute it. How do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 10:03 PM PST - 17 comments

How I get rid of a Phylloxera grapevine infestation?

(Amature Viticulture filter)...What do I do to get rid of a Phylloxera infestation? [more inside]
posted by pluckysparrow at 9:07 PM PST - 5 comments

Questions about the possible economic depression

Questions about the best course of action to prepare for a possible economic depression [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 9:06 PM PST - 13 comments

Coffee help!

Good/great espresso on the cheap... possible? [more inside]
posted by wongcorgi at 8:59 PM PST - 15 comments

sleep tight and pleeeeaaase don't let the bedbugs bite.

The upstairs neighbors have bedbugs. My roommate and I really really really don't want them! Are there any preventative measures we can take? Bonus points for non-chemical solutions.
posted by purplefiber at 7:49 PM PST - 16 comments

Solving the hyper-inflation problem in Zimbabwe

What some possible solutions for the humongous inflation affecting Zimbabwe's economy?
posted by dcrocha at 7:45 PM PST - 14 comments

No more plastic in my coffee, please.

I am looking for an electric coffee maker that is not made of plastic. I have found several that are "stainless steel" in the sense that they are plastic wrapped in steel, or the carafe is steel, but what I want is a machine that does not heat the water in plastic. The only thing I have found is a vacuum coffee maker made entirely of glass, but that's not really what I want. I'm also not interested in a French press or a Chemex. Please help!
posted by exacta_perfecta at 7:42 PM PST - 20 comments

It'sa ardha ota ivgay a itshay esthay aysday.

How would one write "it's hard to give a shit these days" in Latin? [more inside]
posted by dirtdirt at 7:11 PM PST - 6 comments

File my five-by-sevens

Suggestions for a good-quality photo album that holds 5x7 pics? Recommendations for specific makes/brands welcome. [more inside]
posted by Sublimity at 6:55 PM PST - 2 comments

I'll leave before they fire me

Should I look for a new job or ride it out? I'm getting bored, the company performance is lacking a bit, and quite a few coworkers have lost their jobs as a result. [more inside]
posted by PFL at 6:44 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me mathemaster

Please suggest a learning plan for learning upper level math? [more inside]
posted by prunes at 6:31 PM PST - 9 comments

Let's get chemical.

Hey Biochemists! Why exactly (in extreme biochemical detail) are pH balancing "Acid/Alkaline diets" a bunch of hooey? [more inside]
posted by sindas at 6:16 PM PST - 15 comments

Which theaters offer quality improv classes in the Bay Area?

Which theaters offer quality improv classes in the Bay Area? I'm planning on moving to the Bay Area and am an improv junkie - taking classes concurrently at UCB, iO, Second City, The Groundlings and The WE in Los Angeles. So far I've only had BATS recommended to me... any others?
posted by ebness86 at 5:20 PM PST - 7 comments

What are the five impressive words?

What are the five impressive words? Does anybody know the other two impressive words? My mum caught the end of a radio show, yesterday, where they mentioned five words that, when included in your active vocabulary, make a huge difference to how learned you sound. She only heard the last three... [more inside]
posted by surenoproblem at 5:12 PM PST - 33 comments

Jay Leno's Tank Car CA street legal?

How is Jay Leno's Tank Car (Youtube) street-legal in California? [more inside]
posted by zippy at 4:36 PM PST - 9 comments

Do you believe in miracles?

MiracleFilter: Do you know where I can buy some miracle fruit in Portland Oregon? [more inside]
posted by terpia at 4:06 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me make the Beeriodic Table

I'm looking for beers that correspond to elements on the periodic table. Arsenic (As) = Asahi, Titanium (Ti) = Tiger, Potassium (K) = Kingfisher, and so on. I've got a lot of gaps- please help! [more inside]
posted by twirlypen at 4:04 PM PST - 78 comments

Child Support & Crazy People

Child Support Filter: He's supposed to be paying $207 a month, she has custody, he hasn't paid for almost two years, and served her with papers saying SHE owes HIM child support money. [more inside]
posted by disillusioned at 3:51 PM PST - 16 comments

What can I do with crabapples?

What can I do with crabapples? [more inside]
posted by grobstein at 3:50 PM PST - 8 comments

Internet Fax Service

I need to send faxes without a land line. [more inside]
posted by stubby phillips at 3:31 PM PST - 18 comments

The Price of Nuts Drives Me Nuts

Anyone know why walnuts are so expensive right now? I went to my local healthy store today and non-organic walnuts are now $9.50 a pound. Are speculators involved? I could have sworn six months ago the price was under $5.00.
posted by Xurando at 3:23 PM PST - 12 comments

T-Mobile @ Home VOIP Opinions Wanted

Anyone have experience with the T-Mobile @ Home VOIP service? [more inside]
posted by cscwallace at 2:54 PM PST - 6 comments

I got legs, I don't know how to use 'em.

I'm a guy who has ugly, pale legs and thus hasn't worn shorts in public since childhood. But living in a hot climate, I'd really like to be able to wear something besides jeans/pants in public without feeling insecure. What are your suggestions for alternatives to shorts that aren't pants but still keep most of my legs covered and where would I obtain said garment? Or might you have general advice about foregoing pants when you really, really don't like your legs? [more inside]
posted by iamisaid at 2:46 PM PST - 40 comments

Help me smoke the smokers.

NYC-Renters-filter. How do I make my management company make the ass-hat neighbors upstairs stop using our patio as an ash-tray. [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime at 2:45 PM PST - 6 comments

DC DMV Confusion

When I switch my car registration from MD to DC, do I also have to get a new title? And can I get my driver's license and new registration at the same time? [more inside]
posted by echo0720 at 2:02 PM PST - 8 comments

David J Filter

I woke up this morning to a new car commercial.... what was the song? [more inside]
posted by peewinkle at 1:49 PM PST - 11 comments

Does shirt swapping happen in any sport apart from soccer?

Does shirt swapping happen in any sport apart from soccer? At the end of soccer matches players often swap shirts with members of the opposing team. Does anything similar happen in other sports?
posted by muteh at 1:43 PM PST - 14 comments

I need a new job

I walked away from my job a few days ago because it was driving me crazy. How should I mention this on my resume? [more inside]
posted by Brandon1600 at 1:40 PM PST - 10 comments

At least they can shower and use AC

Anyone know where I can find a restoration status map for Comcast after Ike? [more inside]
posted by pomegranate at 1:38 PM PST - 6 comments

Too Blu-ray Aye

Will my iMac G5 play blu-ray movies? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 1:38 PM PST - 5 comments

Can you recommend a great online-article on consumerism?

Can you suggest interesting--but not too long--articles on consumerism, for the College Writing class I teach? [more inside]
posted by whatgorilla at 1:30 PM PST - 12 comments

Uses for Dr Bronner soap?

How does Dr Bronner soap work? What are the 18 uses that they claim on the bottle? [more inside]
posted by ShootTheMoon at 1:29 PM PST - 28 comments

Need book titles.....

I am looking for Young Adult books to recommend about Womens History. [more inside]
posted by haikuku at 1:25 PM PST - 9 comments

Should I eat the caramel wafers?

Caramel wafers one year after 'best by'. Should I eat them? [more inside]
posted by of strange foe at 1:14 PM PST - 23 comments

Beer in Palo Alto

I'll be spending 5 days in Palo Alto next week, and I'm looking for good beer. Specifically, I want to find a carry-out shop where I can pick up a few bottles of Russian River and other good local brews. I'll be staying on El Camino Real and will have very limited access to a car. Bonus points for any good brew pubs in the area too. Thanks!
posted by slogger at 12:52 PM PST - 9 comments

Help Me Fix My Soap Dish

My lovely wife managed to rip out our soap dish from the shower wall. Pictures of it and her (not looking half as guilty as she should) after the break. [more inside]
posted by Smarson at 12:46 PM PST - 12 comments

ID this surfboard?

I'm looking for the provenance of this old, mid-size ("fun shape") Gordon & Smith surfboard. [more inside]
posted by MaudB at 12:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a tube map... Not a map tube, thanks Google

Does anyone know where I can buy a poster sized vintage London Underground map (AKA tube map)? Preferably a Harry Beck version (i.e. one from between 1933 and 1960). A good reproduction will do at a push. [more inside]
posted by iivix at 12:17 PM PST - 17 comments

Photo Gallery site - PLUS

I'm looking for a site that will let me send email or SMS to online galleries with photos, videos or audio. [more inside]
posted by davereed at 12:12 PM PST - 6 comments

Should I close my old store credit card accounts?

Should I close my old store credit card accounts? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:55 AM PST - 13 comments

Did UAL's billion-dollar drop affect banking?

Did the United stock drop have any catalyzing effect on other recent collapses? [more inside]
posted by anildash at 11:33 AM PST - 1 comment

Heading down to the other LA...

Tell me about Shreveport, Louisiana. Things to see. Places to eat. Quickest and safest way to get there. [more inside]
posted by sixcolors at 11:28 AM PST - 8 comments

Name this children's book and TV series from the 80's

Name this children's book and TV series from the 80's...? It's Lord of the Flies meets Follyfoot. Kinda. [more inside]
posted by ticktockdoc at 11:18 AM PST - 2 comments

Chemists: sink my water car!

Why is a water-powered car said to be impossible? (Via electrolysis.) [more inside]
posted by fogster at 11:08 AM PST - 29 comments

Can a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop with High Definition Audio 2.0 sound card perform 16-bit recording ?

Can a Dell Inspiron 1525 laptop with High Definition Audio 2.0 sound card perform 16-bit recording, which is supposed to be required for Dragon Naturally Speaking? [more inside]
posted by eebs at 10:58 AM PST - 3 comments

Looking for hydroculture stuff.

Does anyone know where I can buy hydroculture materials for houseplants in northern Massachusetts. or southern New Hampshire?
posted by kraagenskul at 10:37 AM PST - 2 comments

Whither the Stenbergs?

Where can one get prints/reproductions of Russian Constructivist film posters in Los Angeles?
posted by mykescipark at 10:33 AM PST - 1 comment

Should I stay or should I go?

Two people like each other, but never at the same time. Is it worth waiting for her? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:19 AM PST - 17 comments

Catball!

Just returned from overseas to discover my girlfriend's beloved kitty has grown a bit portly. This is getting my girl down so I figured I'd surprise her by coming up with a safe way to help the little apartment-dwelling butterball shed a few pounds. Specifically, I'm looking for a hamster ball, but for cats. [more inside]
posted by Baby_Balrog at 10:18 AM PST - 42 comments

The FCC on GMRS: SOL or ROFL?

Is the FCC enforcing licensing requirements for GMRS two-way radios? [more inside]
posted by itstheclamsname at 10:16 AM PST - 7 comments

Proper to resign with NO notice?

I just landed a new job, but they want me to start ASAP! Can I give a resignation letter to my old boss effective immediately or does good manners dictate that I MUST provide two week notice? I am/was a part-time employee at a law office, basically one step above an intern. [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 10:01 AM PST - 21 comments

What qualities do YOU look for in your legal secretary?

Future-lawyer seeking experience while still an undergraduate. Any chance of being hired? [more inside]
posted by aleahey at 10:00 AM PST - 18 comments

Cheap computer to run Spore?

What's the cheapest reliable computer I can buy that will play Spore? Challenge: I want to use my 32" HDTV (with VGA) as a monitor. [more inside]
posted by raygan at 9:23 AM PST - 22 comments

Healthy fuel: get in my belly.

Always hungry filter: I'm a newish runner and increasing my distance/speed little by little. What kinds of healthy snacks should I eat throughout the day? [more inside]
posted by Rudy Gerner at 9:11 AM PST - 15 comments

Dry cleaners destroyed dress, refusing refund

My girlfriend took a $200 dress to the dry cleaners, paid $9 for it to be cleaned, and it was returned with broken threads and missing beading. The dry cleaning place sited some Federal Trade Commission ruling that they say protects them from having to pay for the clothing. Three part question, all of which are important to me: a) What is the FTC ruling they're referring to? b) How difficult will taking them to court be? c) Are there any strategies to further the discussion of them simply paying for the dress?
posted by davebug at 8:45 AM PST - 15 comments

Can't Check Text Messages on Samsung SCH-U340

I just got a Samsung SCH-U340 (catchy, eh?) and I seem to have two text messages in the inbox. When I try to check them, the phone instantly shuts down and restarts (with the Verizon Logo sequence). I have tried deleting all the messages, which effects everything but the inbox (those messages remain) and doing an all settings reset (which is under the security menu), also to no avail. How do I fix this?
posted by phrontist at 8:44 AM PST - 1 comment

Need interesting speeches given by leaders

Any suggestions on famous "leadership" speeches ala Patton's Speech or similar? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector at 8:28 AM PST - 14 comments

You rolled in WHAT?

My dog rolled in human feces last night. The smell is clinging to her fur. What will get the smell out? [more inside]
posted by Brodiggitty at 8:25 AM PST - 16 comments

Where should we go fore our trip?

I have the week of 9/29 off between ending one job and starting the next. I want to take a quick golf trip with a friend - 3 or 4 days, 18-36 holes a day. Where should I go? Additional pertinent details inside. [more inside]
posted by um_maverick at 8:06 AM PST - 5 comments

Should I jump ship from my Vanguard mutual funds account?

Should I pull my money out of the stock market? I'm pretty clueless. [more inside]
posted by metamush at 8:03 AM PST - 29 comments

Go away, nightmares!

Help me get rid of nightmares! [more inside]
posted by lunit at 7:59 AM PST - 16 comments

How do you spell D-N-S?

How do you explain DNS, A records, MX records, etc. to your staff and clients? What's the best way to get non-technical people to understand this? [more inside]
posted by fijiwriter at 7:54 AM PST - 15 comments

Web-based appointment scheduler for Exchange?

Does anyone know of a web-based appointment scheduler that integrates with Exchange? [more inside]
posted by CrazyGabby at 7:47 AM PST - 3 comments

An observatory in the New York/New Jersey area?

I need help finding an observatory in the New York/ New Jersey area that I can take my boyfriend for his birthday to view the stars for a good hour or more. Any suggestions?
posted by likeapen at 7:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Solve the Mystery!

45 year old literary blind item - can you identify the subject? [more inside]
posted by moxiedoll at 7:38 AM PST - 19 comments

Fire in the sky

This week I saw something very strange in the sky - maybe you can identify what it was. [more inside]
posted by dydecker at 7:27 AM PST - 26 comments

Alcohol and personal warmth

I am a person who always feels cold in the winter. Even if I bundle up at home in the evening with a sweater, long underwear, socks and slippers, I still feel cold, and then also sweaty and clammy. The one thing that addresses this problem quickly and effectively is a shot or two of whisky (or other alcohol), but that can't be the only solution, can it? [more inside]
posted by OilPull at 7:00 AM PST - 27 comments

Need new sheets

What is a high quality set of sheets? [more inside]
posted by Vindaloo at 7:00 AM PST - 20 comments

Per VHost Apache Bandwidth Stats

Linux/Unix Admin Filter: What is your preferred method for monitoring bandwidth use per virtual host in Apache? [more inside]
posted by Brian Puccio at 6:56 AM PST - 3 comments

Why is beer suddenly making me sick?

I'm in my mid 30s, been drinking beer for what seems like forever so why is it suddenly making me sick when I drink it? [more inside]
posted by nougat at 6:51 AM PST - 8 comments

Deals on 3rd generation nanos?

iPod nano price drop for older models? [more inside]
posted by genefinder at 6:34 AM PST - 7 comments

Derivation of dolphin (mooring)

What is the derivation of the nautical term dolphin? Not the mammal please. A dolphin is a cluster of pile or a similar object, used for mooring vessels. If there is no answer could I be pointed in the right direction for information?
posted by uaimh at 6:24 AM PST - 8 comments

Light me up!

Help me find something that looks like this lamp. [more inside]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 6:21 AM PST - 4 comments

Lose weight now! Ask me hOH MY GOD

How does heart rate correlate to calories burned, and can I lose weight by just being incredibly nervous? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 6:18 AM PST - 6 comments

Help me out with some quick business French!

Urgent business French question! Is "enchantée" appropriate for business use? [more inside]
posted by olinerd at 5:59 AM PST - 23 comments

How do I protect a sweet old person who may need a legal guardian?

Does anyone here have any experience with nominations for conservatorship in the state of California, either as a potential conservator, an attorney, social worker, psychiatrist or anyone else who plays a role in the process? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:54 AM PST - 2 comments

Help me find my first bookkeeping job in Edinburgh!

Help me get a job in bookkeeping in Edinburgh, UK! [more inside]
posted by pyotrstolypin at 5:42 AM PST - 3 comments

Good online resource for generic liability waiver?

Is there a good online resource for generic liability waivers? [more inside]
posted by Idiot Mittens at 5:41 AM PST - 2 comments

Does my Flickr photo infringe on a trademark? Do I have to remove it?

Does my Flickr photo infringe on a trademark? Do I have to remove it? [more inside]
posted by bryanjbusch at 5:38 AM PST - 21 comments

Twelve times a year, or once a month?

My (Geico) insurance allows another person to drive my car up to twelve times a year and still be covered. Can they use up all twelve times in a single week? [more inside]
posted by Estragon at 5:27 AM PST - 11 comments

Apartment Move Tips & Tricks

I'm moving to a new apartment in the same neighborhood I live in now, and want the move to go as smoothly as possible. What are your tips and tricks for a successful apartment move? What are things you wish you had thought of before you moved into a new place?
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 5:24 AM PST - 6 comments

GOOD Italian resturants that deliver to Huntington, NY

What are some good vendors to have food (dinner) delivered to a residence in Huntington, NY? [more inside]
posted by juliewhite at 5:23 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me get my walls painted in DC

Can anyone recommend an affordable and reliable house painter in D.C.? [more inside]
posted by buddha9090 at 5:11 AM PST - 2 comments

Best travel points plastic for a Canuck?

What's the best Canadian credit card to earn travel miles? [more inside]
posted by unSane at 5:05 AM PST - 9 comments

Care Bears movie about a giant crystal buried underneath a city that made everyone sad and possibly black and white.

Care Bears movie about a giant crystal buried underneath a city that made everyone sad and possibly black and white? [more inside]
posted by thebrokenmuse at 4:39 AM PST - 5 comments

Good things happen to those who wait?

I just bought a MacBook last Sunday. I just heard news yesterday the new one may be coming out soon. Did I do a mistake? [more inside]
posted by remi at 4:00 AM PST - 15 comments

September 15

What steps should I take to ensure my rabbit and new chihuahua puppy get along?

What steps should I take to ensure my rabbit and new chihuahua puppy get along? [more inside]
posted by friedbeef at 10:57 PM PST - 4 comments

How to keep backpack drive in rain while biking?

Anyone have any good DYI ideas on how to keep your bag dry in the rain while biking? Some kind of plastic cover with elastic? [more inside]
posted by amedia at 10:19 PM PST - 11 comments

The ring is lost inside the house!

Okay. Lost a ring, white gold, somewhere in my apartment. How can I find it? Possible co-culprits: cats. [more inside]
posted by Deathalicious at 9:57 PM PST - 15 comments

Toothpaste from ages past

Another entertaining product expiration thread! Now with 50% fewer cavities.... [more inside]
posted by gimonca at 9:50 PM PST - 8 comments

Cat overgrooming?

My cat has a bald spot. She can't get into the vet until Saturday. Should we find another vet? [more inside]
posted by roll truck roll at 9:43 PM PST - 23 comments

why does LETS GO RIDE BIKES

why do i get motion sickness only on specific forms of transportation? [more inside]
posted by yonation at 8:54 PM PST - 11 comments

Humpday Food-day

How did Wednesday become food and coupon day for USAian newspapers? Even though I've traveled to other parts of the world, I've never paid attention to the phenomenon there. Does this occur in your country as well?
posted by Eekacat at 8:52 PM PST - 5 comments

Is there a Vista equivalent for Office 2004 Mac's "Notebook Layout View"?

A friend of mine is a schoolteacher with the Chicago Public Schools. On his Mac, he uses Office 2004. He was showing me a feature in the Office 2004 version of Word that I really like. It allows you to open up a document in something called "Notebook Layout View" (I think) that simulates a page of ruled notebook paper as if you were writing in a spiral notebook. It even allows you to format a title and heading and other features. Anyone know if there is a Vista equivalent for Office 2007? I tried looking through the templates (both what's included with 2007 and at Microsoft Online) and I can't seem to find anything similar. (and please, no flames or exhortations to "get a Mac!" I'm stuck with I have and there's no changing for the time being) Thanks!
posted by zooropa at 8:45 PM PST - 5 comments

Looking for a Kerry/Gore SNL sketch

Does anyone else remember this SNL sketch with Gore and Kerry commiserating about losing to Bush? [more inside]
posted by rustcellar at 8:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Business Credit card recs?

any good recommendations for business credit cards? Spend about 400K per year. 35 cardholders. pay on time.
posted by dougiedd at 8:38 PM PST - 7 comments

Romantic yes, but also ironic.

Please suggest self-aware romantic comedies. (Rather lengthy explanation sheepishly included.) [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 8:32 PM PST - 64 comments

Can you become ill by studying illness?

Is it possible to develop mental illnesses by studying psychology? I've heard occourances of this through various sources over the years, but i'm looking for definitive proof (i.e. reports, studies)
posted by psyward at 8:29 PM PST - 18 comments

Should vegetarians eat marine creatures?

Should vegetarians eat fish? How about shrimp? Mollusks? [more inside]
posted by jpg15 at 8:15 PM PST - 52 comments

Netstat natterings.

Can someone help me interpret these netstat results from an XP computer? [more inside]
posted by 517 at 8:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Mixing engineer in Sacramento?

Looking for a good mixing engineer near Sacramento. We have tracks recorded in Logic (easily sent to Protools) and need a pro to help make them sound pretty.
posted by TheCoug at 8:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Sugestions for a lightweight and open source notetaking and outlining editor

Looking for alternatives to Keynote, a hierarchical note taking and outlining editor for Windows that is no longer under development. [more inside]
posted by sk381 at 7:53 PM PST - 13 comments

3D model of a school, how?

What should I use to make a simple 3D model of a school (not real)? I also need to create some classrooms (with chairs, table, etc). [more inside]
posted by Memo at 7:23 PM PST - 11 comments

Looking for a way automate making custom resumes

Where can I find a service / program that would enable me to dynamically create resumes and cover letters? [more inside]
posted by Pontifex at 7:15 PM PST - 8 comments

how to deal with aggression from a newbie?

NewCatFilter: We just had a scary incident involving our old and new cats--what's the best response? Much more after the cut. [more inside]
posted by dlugoczaj at 7:12 PM PST - 9 comments

How to extend a wifi network at home.

Help extending a wireless network? I have a Time Capsule acting as my primary wifi base station. It's in the living room, attached to the only DSL line in the house. It has a great signal all over the house...except of course in my office, in the back room. Any good ideas how to extend the network back there? A few more details inside. [more inside]
posted by barnone at 6:10 PM PST - 10 comments

How to tell which series Pokemon cards belong to?

How to tell which series Pokemon cards belong to? [more inside]
posted by monkeydluffy at 6:10 PM PST - 3 comments

As a web designer, do I still need to aim for under 50kb files?

Web designers, what is the maximum recommended file size for site designs in this day and age? [more inside]
posted by bristolcat at 5:48 PM PST - 17 comments

Who was my (?)famous(?) sub?

I have incredibly vague memories of being told a substitute teacher I had in grade school was on SNL. Who could it possibly be? [more inside]
posted by frankdrebin at 5:37 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I mount a FAT32 drive on Vista?

I've got about 200 GB of files on my old Mac that I need to put on my shiny new Vista-running laptop. I've got a 300 GB USB drive. This should be easy... [more inside]
posted by Plug Dub In at 5:19 PM PST - 7 comments

What does the Bank of America purchase of Merrill Lynch mean for the little guy?

We have a Capital Builder Account with Merrill Lynch and several shares of BoA. What does the recent purchase of Merrill by BOA mean for us? [more inside]
posted by Martin E. at 4:50 PM PST - 5 comments

Two websites on one Win2k server?

Is there a way to run two "virtual" websites on a Windows 2000 server that are accessible to different users by different names? [more inside]
posted by Doofus Magoo at 4:49 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there an offline Blackberry city guide?

Is there an offline Blackberry city guide? [more inside]
posted by Caviar at 4:44 PM PST - 2 comments

Proper way to write military technology terms

How do you handle names of military technology in writing according to the rules of the Chicago Manual of Style? [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants at 4:34 PM PST - 10 comments

Recommend me an online moped dealership

Recommend me an online moped dealership [more inside]
posted by LC at 3:58 PM PST - 2 comments

controlling entertainment center via laptop - no wires?

control TV, radio, everything with laptop - all wireless? [more inside]
posted by figTree at 3:55 PM PST - 8 comments

So now that we're in this handbasket, how do we get out?

Okay, so a bunch of US financial firms are in a mess. What can/should be done about it? [more inside]
posted by dismas at 3:25 PM PST - 11 comments

Warholesque Buddha poster

Looking for a particular Buddha poster [more inside]
posted by Capri at 3:23 PM PST - 1 comment

Is there a T-shirt fulfillment API?

Is there an automated way to have t-shirts printed and shipped? I'm writing a program that will allow users to have their custom designs printed (a la spreadshirt). Is there any API out there that I could give the image and address and payment, and have it take care of that fulfillment? [more inside]
posted by racecar at 3:17 PM PST - 1 comment

What's the advantage of a credit union?

Are credit unions more stable than banks? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 2:53 PM PST - 9 comments

Help for a musty room?

Help for a chronically musty room? Though I keep my bedroom clean, organized and vacuumed it's always got an "old closet" smell. It's not terrible, but it's definitely noticeable upon entering. Any tricks for getting rid of it? The catch: I don't want to cover things up with another scent - I just don't want it to smell at all. [more inside]
posted by aladfar at 2:46 PM PST - 28 comments

Toilet works: slow flushing toilet

My toilet is flushing slowly. Sometimes it takes 3+ flushes to completely remove waste. I have completely replaced all of the internals, and tried the CLR method. I have even manually cleared out the return / fill holes. It has helped some, but not enough. I think I need to use something stronger than CLR, like muriatic acid. The problem is I am on a septic tank and everything I read says do not use the muriatic acid method if you are on septic as it will kill all of the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. So, my thoughts are to use the muriatic acid to clean out the bowl, but before the first flush, use baking soda to neutralize the acid as much as possible. Then flush. After about a week, add some RidX to help restore some of the lost bacteria and after another week or so, add another box of RidX. Is this a sound plan or should I abandon the muriatic acid idea completely?
posted by twistedmetal at 2:42 PM PST - 17 comments

Excel

Using VBA in Excel 2007, how could I place the contents of Row 1 from left to right into Column 1 going top to bottom? [more inside]
posted by londontomasbird at 2:40 PM PST - 4 comments

Let's Do This!

48 Hour Qualifying Exam Tomorrow. Looking For Music To Keep Me Awake, Motivated, Positive, And Working. [more inside]
posted by chrisalbon at 2:38 PM PST - 12 comments

How do you have a wedding when you're already married?

Please help me make our upcoming 8-months-overdue wedding reception memorable and meaningful to those who weren't at our actual wedding. [more inside]
posted by otherwordlyglow at 2:31 PM PST - 7 comments

What's your secret tip for saving money at the grocery store?

What's your secret tip for saving money at the grocery store? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 2:22 PM PST - 62 comments

Help me find movie recommendations for a 50+ mom who won't watch anything that has violence or doesn't have a happy ending.

Help me find movie recommendations for a 50+ mom who won't watch anything that has violence or doesn't have a happy ending. [more inside]
posted by supercrayon at 2:08 PM PST - 37 comments

I can't make decisions!

Should I buy a computer today (the last day of the apple promotion) and/or is my landlord required to provide me with a stable wifi signal if it is included in the lease? [more inside]
posted by Nickel at 2:03 PM PST - 12 comments

Why has Apple disco'd the 160gb iPod Classic?

What's with Apple pulling the 160gb iPod? I am looking to get a new iPod so was searching Craigslist and see lots of 160s for sale. I look at the Apple web site and it lists a 120 as the largest. I call Apple and the clerk tells me they no longer offer the 160. I ask why. She says she doesn't know. I ask if they've ever gone backwards in size before and she says, No. I ask if that doesn't seem strange to her and she says, No. WTF? [more inside]
posted by Manhasset at 2:03 PM PST - 15 comments

does a nyc rental apartment need to have a certificate of occupancy?

nycfilter: is it legal to rent a newly-renovated apartment in an old residential building that doesn't have its certificate of occupancy yet? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:19 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I transport some tofu cream cheese across the Atlantic?

I'm looking for some advice about transporting tofu cream cheese for long distances. Specifically, on a flight across the Atlantic. [more inside]
posted by kdar at 1:09 PM PST - 9 comments

Looking for good psychedelia

I love psychedelia, but good stuff is impossible to find. Recommend! [more inside]
posted by greenie2600 at 12:55 PM PST - 12 comments

Why would users who have appropriate permissions on a network be randomly denied access?

Why would users who have appropriate permissions on a network be randomly denied access? [more inside]
posted by jeffreyclong at 12:39 PM PST - 6 comments

Fastest inserts for audit log table

How should I optimize a SQL Server 2000 table which will only ever be used for INSERTs? [more inside]
posted by ParsonWreck at 12:35 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me find information that Diane Sawyer reported about an Afghan orphanage 2 years ago.

Can someone help me find information about a particular Afghan orphanage which appeared on a Diane Sawyer segment as long as 2 years ago? [more inside]
posted by newfers at 12:08 PM PST - 2 comments

Is Audi being funny or are they saying I can technically use jet fuel?

What's 95 octane gas and where do I buy it? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 12:01 PM PST - 26 comments

Please recommend books on infant mortality rates in Peru

Please help me find a present for my sister's 30th birthday. She's asked for book(s) on certain topics that she's interested in, but I have no idea about these particular genre's. [more inside]
posted by Solomon at 11:57 AM PST - 10 comments

How to watch shows together?

How can my friends and I, all in different time zones, watch TV together during its FIRST airing? We're all tech savvy, but not nocturnal. Help us! [more inside]
posted by arniec at 11:52 AM PST - 19 comments

Advice on teaching programming to math genius 11 year old girls

Advice on teaching programming to math genius 11 year old girls? I've agreed to teach an informal programming class for some neighbor kids who all attend an advanced math+science school. I'll be using processing as the platform. I have a fair amount of successful experience teaching processing to adults and college students, so I'm looking for tips on how to adjust my teaching for talented preteens. I'm taking it for granted they'll be better than me at math.
posted by puppy kuddles at 11:38 AM PST - 7 comments

How do we support our abused friend and her daughter?

Last night, a close friend of ours was the victim of a domestic dispute. Her live-in boyfriend became convinced of infidelity in the relationship (a relationship that was headed to the dumps anyway), came back to their apartment, violently pulled her off of the couch screamed at her and repeatedly punched her in the stomach. Police were called, no charges filed (Red flags here). Now she and the daughter are staying with us, but are afraid to return home. Where do we go from here? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:30 AM PST - 11 comments

HOW IS CEREAL BAR FORMED?

How do I make awesome cereal bars? [more inside]
posted by boo_radley at 11:19 AM PST - 16 comments

Stage dives make me feel more alive than coded messages in slowed-down songs

Recommend me some hardcore punk. [more inside]
posted by Pope Guilty at 11:11 AM PST - 50 comments

Blackboard scrambles the order of assignments

Blackboard course management software is scrambling the order of students assignments--how do I fix this? [more inside]
posted by midwestguy at 11:06 AM PST - 6 comments

Working in Higher Ed Administration

I'd like to know more about positions in higher education administration. [more inside]
posted by lagreen at 10:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Employer's expectations for new employees.

Employer's expectations for new employees. [more inside]
posted by red_rika at 10:32 AM PST - 7 comments

What's a good architecture catalog website?

Contemporary architecture: Is there a website that lists notable pieces of recent architecture, organized by city, with pictures and descriptions? [more inside]
posted by askmeacct at 10:31 AM PST - 4 comments

Where did my lunesta butterfly go?

Why does lunesta sometimes work beautifully and sometimes do nothing at all? [more inside]
posted by mostlymartha at 10:23 AM PST - 6 comments

What to do with my small 403(b)

Should I transfer my retirement assets (403b) from a mid-level risk money market fund ? [more inside]
posted by HuronBob at 10:22 AM PST - 12 comments

Installing Vista Securely

Those stories about Windows PCs getting infected within minutes of connecting to the internet... does that still apply in Vista SP1? Soon I'll be setting up a new PC put together from parts and doing a fresh install of Vista Ultimate with SP1 (retail). Should I do anything special to maximize security?
posted by kidbritish at 10:15 AM PST - 23 comments

Goin' to the chapel...

I'm getting married in DC in the spring. Yay! Looking for recommendations for the reception and more... [more inside]
posted by Nathanial Hörnblowér at 10:02 AM PST - 9 comments

Who are the best social media shops in NYC?

If I want to create a high-end social media website, and I want it to be built (designed and coded) by a reputable shop in the NYC area, who are my best potential partners, and is there some kind of directory or forum on which I can find a list? I'm talking real professional stuff that involves projects over $100k. I'm not talking just a website, but choosing (or building) a CMS, having an understanding of the social media space, being able to do original design work and custom functionality, understanding user experience, and creating/customizing blogs, forums, downloads, voting, and other such stuff. Please... I know how to google. I am looking for either specific recommendations for partners, or places to look or post queries or RFPs. Thanks!
posted by bingo at 9:41 AM PST - 10 comments

How do I position myself to make the most money and be in a position to take jobs overseas?

How do I position myself (through college) to make the most money and be in a position to take jobs overseas? Considering majoring in Business, Economics, International Studies, Public Policy, or a combination of the two. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:38 AM PST - 7 comments

How can I learn my job?

I'm an attorney. My workplace has little or no formal training. The only time I learn things is when I do things wrong. Are there ways for me to avoid learning everything the hard way? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:38 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I fit into my fiancee's cluttered house

My fiancee and her family have too much stuff. How do I deal with this? [more inside]
posted by warriorengineer at 9:08 AM PST - 42 comments

WTF are these Microsft ads all about?

You're smarter than me, so can you explain what is the point of these Microsoft TV ads featuring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld? [more inside]
posted by 543DoublePlay at 8:43 AM PST - 39 comments

Talk me down from the 3G ledge.

iPhoneInCanadaFilter: Help me decide whether or not I should get an iPhone. I'm interested in any and all experiences, good or bad, but especially those with a Canadian tilt. [more inside]
posted by cgg at 8:27 AM PST - 25 comments

Is Alitalia Dead?

What's the latest news on Alitalia? [more inside]
posted by brandman at 8:26 AM PST - 5 comments

You can't hurry love... right? How to go slow without sending the wrong signals?

How can I pursue a friends-first relationship in a deliberate-dating scenario without being seen as a non-starting cold fish for not getting romantic/amorous sooner? More hyphenated descriptors inside. [more inside]
posted by Barbecue at 8:21 AM PST - 25 comments

Wamu failure: Action items?

We have some money in a Wamu checking account, and an equity loan. Since the word is that Wamu is teetering, what should we expect to happen to the checking account money and the equity loan? [more inside]
posted by everichon at 8:04 AM PST - 16 comments

Vitamin for teenagers?

Can you recommend a good vitamin for a 16 year old? My teen daughter is active in sports, theatre, takes advanced courses in school, and doesn't eat the veggies that she should--not to mention eating junk food at school.
posted by sandra194 at 7:50 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me understand the current economy.

In light of yesterdays events with Lehman Brothers, Merril Lynch and AIG and all the hubbub with the the "Mac" banks, I'm pretty confused about the economy. I'd like to spend the day reading up to understand the entire situation, starting with the housing market leading up to Bear Stearns and culminating this weekend's events. Could someone please recommend some key articles that will help me wrap my brain around this entire situation? [more inside]
posted by Telf at 7:46 AM PST - 18 comments

Why does Outlook's clipboard clear when I create a new message?

Why does Outlook's clipboard clear when I create a new message? [more inside]
posted by AquaAmber at 7:38 AM PST - 4 comments

What is this tingling/numbness sensation on my side?

Why does my hip/left side of my lower back have a tingling/numbness to it? [more inside]
posted by jwfree at 7:26 AM PST - 8 comments

Finding a private investigator.

Asked on behalf of a friend: I need to find a private investigator in the Miami, FL, area. [more inside]
posted by cowboy_sally at 7:15 AM PST - 2 comments

Any way to transfer domains to another registrar if the site of the current registrar is down?

The website of my domain registrar (domains410.com) and its parent company (parava.net) has been down for the past 36+ hours. Is there any way to transfer my domains at another registrar at this time? [more inside]
posted by agenais at 7:10 AM PST - 1 comment

What's The Story?

Arabic Script ID / Translate: I have two painted pages from what appear to be old Arabic script books (though I am not sure the language). I bought these in Syria in 1992. Can anyone help ID the story from the images, and help with translation of the text? One picture would just appear to have an artist's name, while the other looks to be part of a story. I don't think the two are necessarily from the same book. What isn't clear to me is whether the images were just painted on old pages, or if the story might be related to the image.
posted by sagwalla at 7:06 AM PST - 3 comments

Help. I've been adducted.

Help. I've been adducted. [more inside]
posted by lpsguy at 7:04 AM PST - 3 comments

Colonics - positive feedback?

I am curious about the benefits of colonics. All I seem to find is negative - waste of money, or even health risks. I would like to hear from people that actually tried it and would recommend it?
posted by circe0723 at 6:57 AM PST - 35 comments

In the doghouse

Ethics/legality of doghouses in winter states. What are the laws and animal cruelty considerations of keeping a dog outside in a doghouse during working hours in winter cold/summer heat? [more inside]
posted by spicynuts at 6:49 AM PST - 19 comments

help me find a DVD I would love to buy

Help me find a DVD: "To Begin Again." a 1983 film by director Jose Garci. [more inside]
posted by Postroad at 6:41 AM PST - 1 comment

I have Outlook withdrawal syndrome

Where can I find a podcast (not streaming audio) of the BBC World Service program Outlook? [more inside]
posted by [ixia] at 6:38 AM PST - 3 comments

What can I expect from Oman?

I'm going to Oman for 2 weeks in January (including New Year's Eve). What can I expect? [more inside]
posted by jonesor at 6:35 AM PST - 6 comments

How to get a job (ASAP) with a resume gap, no network, and no references?

I was recently passed over for an interview for a great job because of (I strongly believe) my lack of references (which the ad requested, but I submitted without anyway because my other qualifications were strong). I don’t have any references. Not professional. Not personal. I’m dependable (to a fault!), hardworking, and stable (years-long resume gap notwithstanding), but I have no way of proving this. I suffered from crippling depression and anxiety for years... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:56 AM PST - 25 comments

Help a brotha give his brotha a good wedding toast!

Weddingspeechfilter: OK...So im gonna have to give a short speech/toast to my brother this upcoming Saturday for his wedding. Im not the best man, just a groomsmen.Heres the problem, i fall short on coming up with a good short toast/speech.I really dont want to be to personal about it cause im really not that good of a speaker so i want it real general and fairly short, Could you guys please help?? Im the older brother so i just want to say "Congrats" but in a little bit more elegant way.
posted by flipmiester99 at 5:45 AM PST - 11 comments

So...recession. That's bad, right?

I get that the economy is bad in general. But I'm trying to figure out how this is all going to affect me specifically. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:02 AM PST - 12 comments

Powerpoint and video - how hard can it be? Suggestions for codecs or video formats that will work, please...

I have a presentation which includes a number of videos. They don't play. I am assuming this is a codec problem - but as the videos are mpeg-2 maybe this isn't the case (I thought that by going for an old codec they were more likely to work). PowerPoint 2007, XP. I have admin rights so can install extra codecs, and I have linux with ffmpeg/mplayer so I can convert the videos. What should I do?
posted by handee at 4:41 AM PST - 6 comments

Post Blind-date.. Does she dig me?

Does she like me? I'm not sure if I'm seeking reassurance or cold reality.. [more inside]
posted by mediocre at 4:38 AM PST - 39 comments

Don't forget your massage, redux

So, I may have found a solution to this issue, but I'd like some input from those of you with greater insight into internet security & privacy issues. [more inside]
posted by goshling at 3:07 AM PST - 2 comments

Is Vitamin Water Good For Me?

Is Vitamin Water actually good for me, or am I fooling myself? [more inside]
posted by Locative at 3:04 AM PST - 33 comments

Please name your picks for the best food/shops near LA's Red Line.

Angelenos who ride the Red Line: What are your favorite stops and why? Which ones are the best in terms of being within easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, etc? I just moved into an apartment two blocks from the Vermont/Wilshire stop, and would like to take full advantage of the Metro rail system - especially the Red Line. I'm originally from Pasadena, so I've already seen everything over there. I also have a car, but would like to avoid the urban gauntlet of LA's streets as much as possible.
posted by invisible ink at 2:11 AM PST - 4 comments

Keep the taxman away from my retirement fund!

I'm a freelancer in the UK operating through a limited company. What's the most tax-efficient way to make contributions to my pension? [more inside]
posted by dowcrag at 1:35 AM PST - 0 comments

Differences between the midwest and the eastcoast?

My mother says I'm "too midwestern" to move to Boston. What does this mean? [more inside]
posted by bobdylanforever at 12:57 AM PST - 47 comments

I know you aren't my mechanic but help us choose between two cars!

CarFilter: We're replacing our lemon S40 with something bigger in either a sedan or "small" SUV, but we're totally stymied between our choices! Looking for any anecdotal or experience advice. [more inside]
posted by damiano99 at 12:12 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I deal with getting over dating a pathological liar?

How do I deal with getting over dating a pathological liar? I just found out that my loving, caring, earnest boyfriend of five months is the kind of manipulative, predatory liar that one normally reads about in True Story! magazine. [more inside]
posted by timoni at 12:02 AM PST - 30 comments

September 14

That guy's ripped... his... skin... off...

Another what's-that-movie question. This time might be tougher to figure out: a man who peeled his skin off to reveal a black-fleshed person... [more inside]
posted by curagea at 11:34 PM PST - 9 comments

How can I light up my apartment?

How can I light up my apartment? [more inside]
posted by jennyesq at 10:20 PM PST - 13 comments

Difference between two correlated normally distributed random variables

A statistics question about dependent normal random variables. [more inside]
posted by PercussivePaul at 9:35 PM PST - 9 comments

Tell me about bicycle engine kits!

Hey dudes! I want to mount a big, ridiculous engine to this racing bike I have. Tell me about that. [more inside]
posted by borkingchikapa at 9:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Alien poems are all the rage

Searching for a poem about aliens justifying their conquer of a "new world" - ours. [more inside]
posted by Solon and Thanks at 9:04 PM PST - 4 comments

Reviving old lava lamp?

How does one revive an old lava lamp that's been in storage for 10 years? [more inside]
posted by OTA at 8:59 PM PST - 4 comments

Getting a cat to use a cat drinking fountain

How to get my cats to drink from the Drinkwell fountain? [more inside]
posted by agent99 at 8:24 PM PST - 6 comments

How bright is it in Poland?

Will I need sunglasses in central europe? [more inside]
posted by kjs4 at 8:20 PM PST - 4 comments

Tell me about this Japanese photography blog

Does anybody know anything about this Japanese photographer’s website? [more inside]
posted by Rora at 8:18 PM PST - 8 comments

Get rich quick with data entry?

What are those Craigslist "get rich quick" ads really all about? You know the ones; they promise $250-1000 a day just for "filling out forms" and then prompt you to purchase a $39.99-99.00 "kit" with all of the instructions on how to become financially independent overnight. [more inside]
posted by mezzanayne at 8:14 PM PST - 8 comments

It can't possibly go 140 mph right?

What is the top speed of a Chevrolet Corsica? 1993-1996 would be appreciated.
posted by zackola at 7:39 PM PST - 15 comments

Siblings in Boston

My brother and I will be meeting in Boston on Wednesday for a week vacation. What things are Must-See or Must-Do or Must-Eat? [more inside]
posted by rhapsodie at 7:32 PM PST - 22 comments

What sort of inaudible audio signal survives compression?

I recently became an Arbitron ratings person (which I'm not allowed to tell anyone, hence my anonymity). I'm supposed to carry a portable device that they say picks up "sound energy" signals embedded by participating radio and TV stations so they know what I'm listening to, even if the audio is compressed. What the heck is "sound energy"? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:25 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me remember the name of this song.

Help me remember the name of this song. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:04 PM PST - 6 comments

Dressing for a fairy tale ball... ideas on the cheap?

What should a kindergarten teacher dress up as for her school's fairytale ball? [more inside]
posted by parkerjackson at 6:34 PM PST - 15 comments

What is causing my DSL slowdown?

What is causing my DSL slowdown? [more inside]
posted by monkeybutt at 6:30 PM PST - 8 comments

A coherent, succinct history of the failures of the Bush Administration

Help me rationally and calmly document the Bush administration to a friend who thinks history will hold it in "high regard"? [more inside]
posted by idb at 6:20 PM PST - 41 comments

MatrimonyFilter: Sample wedding ceremony scripts for officiating my best friend's wedding?

I'm about to be the officiate my best friend's wedding (first gig) and I was hoping to find some inspiration for the wedding ceremony. I've known the bride since 5th grade and her husband-to-be since he moved across the country to be with her over 6 years ago. Neither of them is religious, one of them is atheist, but some of family has a strong sense in God. Does anyone have some links to fitting wedding ceremony scripts or a great story from personal experience? They're both fairly silly people, so unconventional is okay.
posted by miasma at 5:46 PM PST - 7 comments

Is there such a thing as an 3.5" IDE drive enclosure with an eSATA interface?

Is there such a thing as a 3.5" IDE drive enclosure with an eSATA interface? [more inside]
posted by kenliu at 5:36 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me find this short story please!

Please help me find a short story I think I read in The New Yorker a couple of years ago. [more inside]
posted by katie at 5:28 PM PST - 1 comment

Short translation

Can someone translate the Asian (I presume) symbol and text on this baseball hat? Pic1 Pic2
posted by exogenous at 5:15 PM PST - 5 comments

Rappin' to the choir

Tell me of your favorite hip hop joints that feature a gospel style chorus. [more inside]
posted by jammy at 4:50 PM PST - 11 comments

How do we pay for this mistake?

AskMe the Ethicist: how do we divide this plumbing bill among 3 roommates (or am I a jerk for not wanting to split it evenly) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:02 PM PST - 49 comments

Cat needs allergy shots. Now what?

My cat is allergic to, well, everything. Pine, wool, insects, dogs, dust mites, grasses, you name it. So I've ordered her some allergy shots, which I will have to give to her daily. How do I make this as painless as possible for both me and the cat? [more inside]
posted by chowflap at 3:06 PM PST - 14 comments

Subscription based music services

UK accessible subscription based music service recommendations please. [more inside]
posted by like_neon at 2:49 PM PST - 6 comments

If my name was Eve I'd be a *little* more concerned

Pain. pain. pain. Broken rib(s). Looking for herbal or other suggestions for relief because I do not think my doctor will refill my prescription. Apparently I am supposed to just tough it out. And, dammit, I know you are not a doctor. I am just looking for similar experiences. [more inside]
posted by crankyboots at 2:32 PM PST - 26 comments

A career that lets me explore American religion?

Is there a career that isn't in ministry or academia but would allow me to pursue my interest in American religion? [more inside]
posted by Meg_Murry at 2:24 PM PST - 16 comments

Absent but not gone.

Question from Ms. Magnakai: What should I do about absentee ballots and registering to vote from an american in the UK? [more inside]
posted by Magnakai at 2:18 PM PST - 4 comments

Teach me how to press up into a handstand.

What do I need to train to be able to press up into a handstand? [more inside]
posted by tumbleweedjack at 2:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Dietary Self-Talk

What's some successful self talk to help me reach my weight loss goals? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:01 PM PST - 22 comments

I wanna be a woman of independent means... for more than a few months.

Okay, so let's say you're a broke, middle-aged single female creative professional who infamously sucks with anything involving numbers. You do have expensive tastes, but you're generally quite frugal and like to shop at the 99¢ Store & swap meets. Even so, much to your own annoyance, you have just never done *well* with money when you've had it or ever done much grown up "long-term life planning"... but now you're about to come into a one-time windfall (possibly a six to seven figure sum in all). Oh Lordy. Time to grow up. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:01 PM PST - 24 comments

UnDead Powerbook - Good or Evil?

Should I revive my Titanium Mac Powerbook? [more inside]
posted by blapst at 1:12 PM PST - 11 comments

What does it say on the back of my painting?

Could you tell me what's written on the back of my painting? The canvas is stretched and stapled onto wood, and there are some characters on it which I can't read. It's partially pen and partially marker. pen marker whole back
posted by iconomy at 12:56 PM PST - 7 comments

Good examples of exemplary creative nonfiction?

What are your favourite pieces of creative nonfiction? [more inside]
posted by ageispolis at 12:28 PM PST - 34 comments

Finding a poem

Finding a poem: An alien describes Earth's inhabitants as mechanized. The reader realizes that the alien is describing cars... [more inside]
posted by angiep at 12:20 PM PST - 8 comments

Using Apache to (almost) bypass Apache?

Is there a simple way to use Apache's ProxyPass directive so that everything apart from a directory beneath the webroot gets passed on to another server? If not, can it be done another way? [more inside]
posted by holgate at 12:18 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I keep my apartment free of cat fur?

[Cat fur filter]: What's the best way to keep my apartment free of cat fur? [more inside]
posted by bchaplin at 12:10 PM PST - 25 comments

Breathylzer Project Title

My group and I are looking for a creative project title. The project is for a design class. Our idea is to have a locker where people put their keys before a night of drinking, and in order to get the keys back, they must blow into a breathalyzer to prove their ability to drive. [more inside]
posted by byrleyar at 12:04 PM PST - 20 comments

Estate planning help needed.

Are there any downsides to having a "living trust" as part of my estate plan? [more inside]
posted by boby at 11:42 AM PST - 8 comments

Vista Install hangs at the loading bar

Windows Vista install hangs after "Windows is loading files" - this is an attempted re-install of Vista which I already have as my OS. Complete details inside. [more inside]
posted by tybeet at 11:40 AM PST - 2 comments

Does using 3G modem is safe?

When I'm using my laptop to surf the web with a USB modem on AT&T 3G network, Does the surfing is secure as landline? can I check my bank-account that way safely? Does some security-issues exist? (like using a public wi-fi hot-spot)
posted by nagalr at 11:11 AM PST - 6 comments

Cartoon Upload System needed

I draw a daily webcomic, but the script I use to upload the comic sucks and I want to replace it. Does anyone know of a free user-friendly upload script? [more inside]
posted by Kiablokirk at 10:48 AM PST - 4 comments

Brooklyn loft

Where can I find raw space lofts (residential) in Brooklyn, New York? And what kind of price range would we be talking about? [more inside]
posted by yoyo_nyc at 10:47 AM PST - 6 comments

Damaged LCD

I bought a damaged LCD monitor off ebay. I haven't received it yet, but you can see a picture here. It appears that it has sustained some impact that destroyed some of the transistors or something like that. That is fine with me for the usage I envision, however, I'd like to know if this damage will pose any fire or health hazards and , assuming no more physical shocks to the monitor, is bound to get worse with time.
posted by spacefire at 10:29 AM PST - 7 comments

I want my old iTunes Back.

I stupidly updated and installed iTunes 8 on my Win XP Home laptop. Now some icons have turned "generic." This annoys me and I would like to go back to an earlier version of iTunes [more inside]
posted by nomad73 at 10:08 AM PST - 10 comments

Can anyone identify the symbol in this image?

Can anyone identify the symbol in this picture please? [more inside]
posted by kenchie at 10:06 AM PST - 5 comments

Men's Hollywood Fashion

Name some iconic men's outfits from the Golden Age of Hollywood. [more inside]
posted by Astro Zombie at 10:05 AM PST - 16 comments

Tracking down a style of painting.

Animal head, human body: what is this style of painting called? [more inside]
posted by kristin at 10:01 AM PST - 7 comments

Small boat sailing in Chicago in the fall?

Is mid-September through the end of October a good time for small boat (16'-22') sailing in Lake Michigan at Chicago? Wind speeds, air and water temperature, rain, etc.?
posted by Jackson at 9:56 AM PST - 2 comments

Learning How to Share

Need help or ideas coming up with a good way to share a piece of family property with other family members that will avoid any messiness (or at least reduce the chance of messiness occurring) [more inside]
posted by Ham_On_Rye at 9:52 AM PST - 10 comments

Help me recover data from an old iBook HDD

How can I recover data from an iBook (G4) HDD using my new Intel-based MacBook? [more inside]
posted by saraswati at 9:38 AM PST - 5 comments

Ideas for toddler at the beach?

Can anyone suggest some great things for my 16 month old to do while at the beach for the first time. [more inside]
posted by pazoozoo at 9:26 AM PST - 10 comments

Mac 10.2 Jaguar Free Games??

Free Mac Jaguar 10.2 Games? [more inside]
posted by ptsampras14 at 9:20 AM PST - 3 comments

How was this kitchen knife made?

[ManufacturingFilter] I have a kitchen knife that looks like solid metal, but it's far too light. How was it made? [more inside]
posted by Mike1024 at 7:43 AM PST - 9 comments

How do I change the name and URL of my website without losing visitors and Google search placement?

How do I change the name and URL of my website without losing visitors and Google search placement? [more inside]
posted by rintako at 7:39 AM PST - 8 comments

Best Beer Selection in NYC?

I am looking for a place in NYC that is like the RFD in Washington DC. Any beer aficionados know? [more inside]
posted by Black_Umbrella at 7:36 AM PST - 12 comments

It's the little things...

Teachers, please read: I was just made president of the PTA at my son's elementary school. I am completely new to everything PTA and I'm taking over a situation where we have a serious budget shortfall, so this year's focus will have to be fundraising, perhaps even more than supporting programs...But, I still would like to regularly do things that demonstrate appreciation for our teachers... [more inside]
posted by mistsandrain at 7:05 AM PST - 14 comments

How to stream a "line in" input throughout my house as a streaming media server?

What is the easiest way to set up a streaming media server using the "Line In" input? [more inside]
posted by sav2880 at 6:53 AM PST - 2 comments

Turd Blossom pays a visit!

Karl Rove is coming to my university to give a talk. What should I ask him? [more inside]
posted by aheckler at 6:10 AM PST - 31 comments

Australian Aboriginal Occult

Help me discover Australian mysticism in the wild. [more inside]
posted by simplesharps at 5:58 AM PST - 16 comments

Ive been stripped of my stripper clothes!!

Potentially NSFW: Where to find stripper clothes and/or "adult novelties" in/near Arlington, VA? (or anywhere between Chattanooga, Roanoke and DC) [more inside]
posted by sandra_s at 4:49 AM PST - 6 comments

Customising the Google Maps design (specifically the popup bubbles)?

I'm trying to find some examples (of code, or finished applications) of highly customised google maps implementations - in terms of design. [more inside]
posted by newformula at 1:46 AM PST - 7 comments

Say it aint so, C.G.: What kind of man was Jung?

I recently heard a rumor that Carl Gustav Jung would rape female patients and hypnotize them so they would have no memory of the attack. Is there any truth to this, or is this the sort of story professional rivals spread to discredit his ideas?
posted by bunky at 12:57 AM PST - 13 comments

What is the best Optical Character Recognition software?

I am looking for the best of the best OCR (Optical Character Recognition) software out in the market that can translate images ( through scanner) of handwritten, typewritten or printed text into editable text.
posted by omaralarifi at 12:19 AM PST - 9 comments

September 13

VetFilter: What is quality of life for a cat with diabetes?

After digging through the previous posts and everything on Google related to feline diabetes, my biggest question remains: what is quality of life for a cat with this diagnosis? [more inside]
posted by batmonkey at 11:20 PM PST - 17 comments

Help me identify this song: instrumental violin hip-hop.

What is the song in this video? Sounds like some sort of string-based (violin?) instrumental hip-hop.
posted by archagon at 11:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find this animated show about aliens

Looking for old animated film of aliens. I saw this on t.v. in the late 70's or maybe the 80's. Aliens that kind of looked like people were in animation and sometimes they would sit like they were meditating and then a big bubble would float above them, and you could not figure out if their soul was in the bubble, or if they were somehow procreating with others by doing this. I remember that the children were not suppose to bother someone who was doing this. It was a very interesting animation. I thought that the word "planet" was in the title but I'm not sure. Any ideas??
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 11:03 PM PST - 5 comments

The FluMist gave me the flu. But for how long?

I believe I am having an adverse reaction to the FluMist. How long can I expect to feel like complete crap? [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 10:33 PM PST - 11 comments

What is this fruit??

What is this fruit? It looks like a kumquat, orange, sort of soft outside skin. Inside it has red gooey seeds, like a passionfruit. It is not sweet smelling, nor does it taste very good. [more inside]
posted by AsRuinsAreToRome at 10:28 PM PST - 13 comments

Cockroach etiquette?

What is the proper etiquette concerning a cockroach you see in someone else's house? [more inside]
posted by exphysicist345 at 10:28 PM PST - 24 comments

I'm looking for good crime stories.

Recommend me some crime fiction. [more inside]
posted by vraxoin at 10:04 PM PST - 20 comments

Who plays piano in Metallica's Unforgiven III?

Who plays piano in Metallica's Unforgiven III?
posted by jclovebrew at 8:46 PM PST - 1 comment

Names of childhood toys shouldn't be this hard to remember...

Help me remember a random arts-and-crafts kit from my childhood... with a German twist? [more inside]
posted by veryhappyheidi at 8:03 PM PST - 6 comments

What should I use to pack things in for a canoe trip?

What should I use to pack things in for a canoe trip? [more inside]
posted by who else at 7:39 PM PST - 18 comments

Getting involved in the campaign as a non-citizen

Can permanent residents (not US citizens) get involved in the political campaign? [more inside]
posted by papalotl at 7:34 PM PST - 11 comments

How to hide something from Google?

So, there is a lot of information out there about how to get a web page to show up near the top of a Google search results page, but is there any way to get a page as far as possible from the top of the list? [more inside]
posted by waywardgirl at 7:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Do I tell the vegetarian she ate bacon last night?

A meaty dilemma: I think we served bacon to a vegetarian last night. [more inside]
posted by Sweetie Darling at 6:24 PM PST - 52 comments

What did the Emperor have to say about the Prince?

Is there a (good, easily purchasable) English translation of Napoleon's notes on Machiavelli's The Prince? [more inside]
posted by notquitemaryann at 6:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Import VOB into iMovie

Wife's new Macbook: import VOB into iMovie? [more inside]
posted by jjsonp at 5:44 PM PST - 10 comments

How do I get my LG Dare phone to stop talking?

How do I get my LG Dare phone to stop talking? [more inside]
posted by zembla3 at 5:42 PM PST - 2 comments

What are some novels with evil first-person narrators?

What are some reasonably well-known, preferably famous, examples of novels with evil first-person narrators? All that's coming to mind is Humbert Humbert, but he's too aware of his own nastiness for my purposes. I need novels where the undiluted dastardliness of the first-person narrator affects the entire moral framework of the story, so that you might be forgiven for suspecting that the author actually sides with this monster. Cheers!
posted by Beardman at 4:56 PM PST - 64 comments

tricks

Teach me or help me find fun tricks to entertain my friends. I'm looking for any kind of trick, specifically psychology ones. Anything "magic" and fun or even just plain silly. [more inside]
posted by Knigel at 4:31 PM PST - 18 comments

Not so deluxe. More like deFAIL.

Guitar amp issues, with a long way between me and a tech. Help me know what to say when I call! [more inside]
posted by littlerobothead at 3:25 PM PST - 2 comments

Google docs spreadsheets to Google maps?

Trying to find the best option to make a Google map using data entered into a Google docs spreadsheet. I'd prefer not to have to learn much about coding to do this, but would like the map to update with changes to the spreadsheet, including assorted details... [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 3:11 PM PST - 1 comment

How are solely owned corporations classified for FDIC insurance purposes?

FDIC Bank Coverage filter: I am the sole owner and president of a corporation. If I do my personal banking at the same bank as my corporate accounts are both accounts covered by the FDIC insurance or is just one covered as I am technically "one depositor"? [more inside]
posted by sharkfu at 2:48 PM PST - 2 comments

I can hear their toilet flushing as I type.

Curtainless neighbours enjoy dumping in public and stealing cats. [more inside]
posted by peggynature at 2:45 PM PST - 44 comments

Battery problems: my fault or the car's?

Dead battery--is there a problem with my car? [more inside]
posted by phoenixy at 2:44 PM PST - 12 comments

How much to spend on a used bike?

My bicycle was recently stolen, and I need one for my 5-mile (each way) daily work commute. I went to a local used bike shop (I'm in Portland, OR), and the cheapest was an awesome vintage Trek for $550, including tune-up. Seems like too much for a bicycle. How much should I realistically expect to spend on a decent road bike? [more inside]
posted by sholdens12 at 2:38 PM PST - 18 comments

Amp to run 3 pairs of speakers simultaneously.

I want to wire my house for sound - have 3 pairs of speakers running off the same source. I have the speakers, I have the source, I have the cables, but I need the amp - what good amp can I buy (used or new) that'll allow me to run 3 sets of speakers simultaneously? [more inside]
posted by forallmankind at 2:13 PM PST - 11 comments

Questions about a Bond investment. (And did I get screwed?)

In June 2007, I bought a 5-year bond with a 6.5% coupon on the day it was issued. I understand how bond prices rise and fall, generally as a result of interest rates and confidence that the bond issuer will be able to repay the debt. However, I have a few nagging questions about this investment... [more inside]
posted by kamelhoecker at 1:55 PM PST - 4 comments

New on job, co-worker a problem

I just started a new job I am happy with as it is interesting and pays great. However there are some people in the department that are really negative. This includes people who are training me! [more inside]
posted by regularperson at 12:00 PM PST - 19 comments

Mad for Joan's 'Do

I am mad for Joan Holloway's typical hairstyle on Mad Men. How to achieve it? [more inside]
posted by xaire at 11:57 AM PST - 10 comments

LHC - Big Bang or Every Day Gamma Ray?

Okay, I know there have been 2 other questions recently about LHC, but both threads seem to have died. I have a question that I haven't seen answered anywhere else yet: 1) I have read quite often that LHC will create "energies not seen since the Big Bang." 2) I have also read frequently that "gamma rays magnitudes of order more powerful strike the earth regularly." So which is it? It seems to me those two statements contradict each other. If the former is true, how does the 2nd one jive with the first? If the first is true, why shouldn't we be concerned, unless the second is true, in which case, isn't the first statement false?
posted by PigAlien at 11:48 AM PST - 13 comments

Not a boy, not yet a man...

Help me overcome my fear of sex. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:42 AM PST - 18 comments

Will my pie turn to mush overnight?

I'm cooking my first ever pie for a lunch tomorrow (apple pie from Jamie Oliver's "Jamie's dinners" book if that makes a difference). I'm likely to be busy in the morning so can I get away with making it tonight so it just needs heating tomorrow? Or will the pastry go soggy overnight? Second option is to make the pastry and filling tonight, keep separate and assemble tomorrow. Or just get up ridiculously early? Thanks!
posted by hibbersk at 11:41 AM PST - 16 comments

How to maintain a great relationship between an artist and a business man?

Can a "low-functioning" artistic person like me maintain a great relationship with a "high-functioning" creative business man? [more inside]
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 11:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Need spam filter recommendations

Help -- I'm drowning in spam. I'm looking for a spam filter that is reliable and won't go nuts with my Norton 360 security system. I had a filter that I loved (Mailblocks -- a challenge based system) but aol bought the company to put it out of business. Any recommendations?
posted by Newstuffoldstuff at 10:38 AM PST - 10 comments

Need Recommendations for a Hosted Exchange Provider for one.

Any recommendations for a reliable Exchange 2007 service provider for one person? I just need a single account to use with Outlook and an iPhone. [more inside]
posted by ajr at 10:24 AM PST - 7 comments

And a hecatomb of sheep for you...

Do you know any epithets that are used commonly for celebrities? [more inside]
posted by aetg at 10:21 AM PST - 19 comments

A tv tuner for macs?

Can you recommend a good, reasonably priced, external HDTV tuner that will work with a friend's iMac? [more inside]
posted by wfrgms at 10:19 AM PST - 5 comments

My Pictures thumbnails all the same...

On my computer, when I click on "My Pictures," I only get that generic sunset picture as thumbnails- not a thumbnail of the actual picture. Any way I can fix this? [more inside]
posted by muxnaw at 10:17 AM PST - 2 comments

Should my Mom Moo?

I love my Moo cards , but if you only have design/color for your business cards- is it still worth going with Moo? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 10:03 AM PST - 9 comments

Lightweight gaming.

I want some computer games that have high replayability, are relatively cheap (0-20$ CAD/USD), NOT need a CD to play, and most importantly, take up as little hard-drive space and processor power as possible. Possible examples including good pieces of IF (especially mystery, who-killed-X ones), Fallout 2, Rogue-likes, games of the lightweight Boomshine/Peggle/Bejweled group, any RTS or turn-based strategy games, and anything by Nifflas. I'd love blogs that recommend good games, too. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 9:45 AM PST - 28 comments

I'm confused

Is it possible for friends to develop a relationship that's more than friendship even if one of them is happy with the way things are right now? [more inside]
posted by hadjiboy at 7:12 AM PST - 42 comments

Short, Restorative Daily Yoga Practice?

I'm looking for a short-ish (20-30 min) yoga practice that I can follow along with each morning, with the goal of injury prevention in mind. There seem to be many video routines available for fat-burning, cardio, even hypertrophy focused yoga, but my need is simply something to keep my joints healthy and maintain (or improve) my flexibility. [more inside]
posted by ggypsy at 7:06 AM PST - 7 comments

La Zona Muerta.

I came home yesterday to find that we've now got internet in our house - great. The only problem is, though I'm able to get a perfect signal in the sitting room, which is where the wireless router is situated, if I go the five metres or so from there to my bedroom, the connection rapidly deteriorates to the point that I can't even open Metafilter. I'm running a Macbook with a fully-udated version of Tiger, so what gives? [more inside]
posted by Zé Pequeno at 6:07 AM PST - 18 comments

Switching while on leave?

ParentingLeaveFilter: I just started my paternity leave. Unlike a previous recent question, I still want to work -- I want to accept an offer of new employment with a competitor in a different city. How do I best be responsive to the needs of my new employer while treating my (soon to be) old employer fairly? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:34 AM PST - 3 comments

Your U.S. election is for our entertainment. But where do get a good seat?

So we’re planning a holiday to coincide with the election on November 4th. We figure it will be a very special occasion, with a good chance to see new sides of the U.S. But where to go? [more inside]
posted by bering at 5:13 AM PST - 25 comments

Help me not dash my headphones to the ground!

I need headphones for running with. I know there are other headphone questions out there but I have really specific needs: 1. No bluetooth as my MP3 doesn't support it 2. I have really small ear holes so the larger ones don't stay in, I can use the smallest covers for the in-ear ones 3. Do the over-ear hook ones get in the way of one's glasses? Experience on this please! 4. I need a wire that's long enough to get to my waist belt without an extension (with a linker thing that flaps around) 5. I don't want white ones! 6. Available in the UK. Thanks all - hope someone can help!
posted by LyzzyBee at 5:00 AM PST - 16 comments

Which Windows-based version control system should I use?

Should I use Subversion, CVSNT, or something else for version control on my home LAN? [more inside]
posted by 0xFCAF at 5:00 AM PST - 9 comments

Boosting the volume of iPod movies...

iPodfilter: How do I increase the volume of movies I want to put onto my iPod? [more inside]
posted by stackhaus23 at 4:40 AM PST - 4 comments

Difference between backups?

I have a large photo and music collection and find that sometimes I go to an folder and can't find files that were there before, and have had some problems with corruption. I have bought a new hard drive, but I want to set up a backup system which tells me what has changed before making any changes... [more inside]
posted by edbyford at 3:49 AM PST - 1 comment

Aaaalll these little rejections

How do I get out of the habit of becoming rapidly infatuated with women I am interested in? [more inside]
posted by The Eponymous Pseudonymous Rex at 3:46 AM PST - 13 comments

Free places to park in Cambridge

Calling all Cambridge (UK) Mefites! My girlfriend has just left for University (Anglia Ruskin) in Cambridge. I want to travel up and see her regularly, but parking in Cambridge is a problem. [more inside]
posted by anonaccount at 2:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Good / bad opinions about Schmap?

Good / bad opinions about Schmap? [more inside]
posted by Pinback at 1:09 AM PST - 20 comments

September 12

rastafarian rabbi

MUSIC FILTER how do you spell mantis yahoo(?) -referring to the rastafarian rabbi. just need the correct spelling, thank you
posted by docmccoy at 11:17 PM PST - 7 comments

What is the best online music source?

What is the best online music source? [more inside]
posted by sharkhunt at 10:19 PM PST - 11 comments

why do models clip tissues above their ears?

What is the purpose of clipping (usually a model's) hair with tissues while putting on makeup/getting dressed/etc, as in this picture? [more inside]
posted by dahliachewswell at 9:50 PM PST - 3 comments

unable to show affection?

I (female, 20) just started dating a friend of six years. I go to school 8 hours away. This is my first relationship and I feel I am failing him so badly. [more inside]
posted by lifeonholidae at 7:33 PM PST - 11 comments

Where can I get a small, no-frills amplifier?

Is it possible to buy a small (preferably brick-sized or smaller) home amplifier that does nothing but accept RCA inputs and output 2 channels at ~30 watts/channel? If so, where should I look? [more inside]
posted by helios at 7:32 PM PST - 14 comments

Looking for the name of an animation.

Looking for the name of a couple short animations I recently watched. [more inside]
posted by travis08 at 7:22 PM PST - 2 comments

I need a good camera.

I want a camera. I'm not quite satisfied with just an SLR or just a video camera, but one that can do both. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 7:12 PM PST - 12 comments

Know a Berkeley/Oakland mechanic who can give a car "pre-purchase inspection" tomorrow (Saturday)?

Bay Area Mefites, do you know of a Berkeley (or nearby) car mechanic who could inspect a used car for me tomorrow (Saturday)? [more inside]
posted by unclezeb at 7:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Should I provide a fabricated reference for a friend?

Should I provide a fabricated reference for a friend? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:44 PM PST - 30 comments

I know you are not my doctor, but right now, no one is!

Over the last few years, a number of health problems have flared up that I suspect might have something to do with each other: weight gain, fatigue, acid-reflux/loose stools (possibly related to gluten intolerance) and irregular periods. What kind(s) of doctor should I see? I'm in Minneapolis. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:44 PM PST - 14 comments

What's the best P2P direct connect software for University networks?

What's the best P2P direct connect software for University networks? [more inside]
posted by ilumos at 5:43 PM PST - 8 comments

Is this a new virus?

Suddenly I have an IUSER_Admin icon showing up on my PC without me setting it up, and other problems as well. Virus? [more inside]
posted by maxg94 at 5:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Which is better, an extra rinse or the dryer?

Which is better for the environment: a second rinse with vinegar or drying with something aside from dryer sheets? [more inside]
posted by kindle at 5:15 PM PST - 10 comments

We're havin' a party, a scientific party...

We're scientists. We're in Frederick, MD. We need entertainment. [more inside]
posted by acrasis at 5:14 PM PST - 14 comments

Bikram Yoga in Santa Monica?

Anyone know of bikram yoga classes in Santa Monica? [more inside]
posted by PostIronyIsNotaMyth at 4:46 PM PST - 1 comment

CFL - Cold, fugly luminescence

Are there some specific CFL models that will light just like my old soft incandescent light bulbs? [more inside]
posted by metajc at 4:35 PM PST - 13 comments

Can you use an AASP to fufil an AppleCare service?

MacFilter: Question regarding servicing and Apple Authorised Service Partners [more inside]
posted by gkhewitt at 4:32 PM PST - 6 comments

How to be flown out or hired over the phone?

InternationalInterviewFilter: 1) How do I convince them to fly me out for an interview? OR 2) Get hired over the phone? (then have them relocate me) [more inside]
posted by jazzybelle at 4:30 PM PST - 13 comments

Birtday idea for mother turning 60?

Help us wow our mother for her 60th birthday in November. She loves natural beauty, travel, her granddaughter, watching music and dance, massages, and antique/carpet/porcelin/etc. shopping on the cheap. I'm in NY, my siblings are in TX, and she's in Los Angeles. We want to make this special, and might consider travel, but we only have three days. Suggestions?
posted by shivohum at 4:22 PM PST - 3 comments

No really, I want to skid.

RaceCarFilter: I'm speccing out my rally car. What do I do about brakes? [more inside]
posted by Netzapper at 4:17 PM PST - 2 comments

"Ah, yes, the subtle tannic notes tell me this is an early Medellin."

So, does cocaine have terroir? [more inside]
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 3:56 PM PST - 26 comments

I don't need no stinking scrollbars.

Why can't I get rid of the Terminal's scrollbar in OS X 10.5? [more inside]
posted by Venadium at 3:20 PM PST - 9 comments

Piano music in the Yukon?

Piano lovers: please suggest music like what the miner plays in Robert Service's The Shooting of Dan McGrew. [more inside]
posted by a young man in spats at 3:14 PM PST - 0 comments

Are my allergies just an excuse not to clean?

What are your favorite unscented or allergy-friendly home products? [more inside]
posted by Bunglegirl at 3:06 PM PST - 14 comments

CD/DVD-R Drive does a disappearing act

MY CD+-RW/DVD+-R drive has been acting funky for a few months. When I put a CD/DVD in it, the drive itself functions, opening, closing, lighting up, etc. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything from there. The drive isn't shown in My Computer, but it's there in Device Manager. I can't get anything from my DVDs or CDs, burn any CDs or DVDs. It's extremely frustrating and I am at my wit's end. What happened? Did the drive die? Here's a picture of the device manager with the pertinent info and iTunes saying that no burner is found. I start a radio show on Monday and I need to burn mp3 cds! [more inside]
posted by alcopop at 2:52 PM PST - 13 comments

How do i communicate better at work

communicating better - not in relationships but at work. I just had my work yearly review and i am technically good, very confident in my manner, enthusiastic and respected for my work. But i am also disorganised, poor at delivering on time and two people have said they don't want to work with me. [more inside]
posted by Vroom_Vroom_Vroom at 2:03 PM PST - 16 comments

I got no excuzez.

Can I do Ross Enamait's No Excuse workout everyday? [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 2:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Bokeh galore

What are some of your favourite bokeh lenses and settings for head-and-shoulder portraiture?
posted by johannahdeschanel at 1:38 PM PST - 19 comments

Outdoor insect spray used indoors...what now?

Outdoor insect spray used indoors...what now? [more inside]
posted by NormandyJack at 1:35 PM PST - 9 comments

Why Don't My Attachments Go to Windows Users?

Why are my image attachments (from Mail.app) suddenly not going through to Windows (specifically Eudora) users? I have "Always Send Windows Friendly Attachments" checked. [more inside]
posted by sjuhawk31 at 1:06 PM PST - 2 comments

How can I get my Samsung Blackjack to produce sound?

This Samsung Blackjack doesn't make any sound. Is there some magic to loosen its tongue, or is it busted? [more inside]
posted by chazlarson at 1:02 PM PST - 2 comments

And featuring...Molasses?

We accidentally ended up with two opened, all-but-full bottles of molasses in the pantry. Anyone have good/interesting recipes featuring (or even just using) molasses to share?
posted by leahwrenn at 12:53 PM PST - 30 comments

Distance search?

Are there any vacation rental websites that let me search by "distance from home"? [more inside]
posted by specialnobodie at 12:51 PM PST - 2 comments

I can has muzik rekomendashunz?

Three somewhat specific music recommendation requests. [more inside]
posted by LSK at 12:51 PM PST - 11 comments

Good birthday gifts for homeowner

Good birthday gifts for someone moving from a townhouse to a single family home? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:47 PM PST - 11 comments

Questions to ask before renting a house?

Whenever I go look at a house for rent, I draw a blank on what questions to ask the landlord. I've started a list from this site. What's missing? What do you wish you'd asked or looked at more closely before signing a lease? (Specifically for a house, if you can...) Particulars: Three girls and a dog looking to rent a house with yard somewhere in the 562 or 714 area of So Cal. I expect to be there at the very least a year. We have no appliances of our own, but furniture galore.
posted by Joannalaine at 12:40 PM PST - 12 comments

I really need to solve this.

Help me finally put an end to my former insurance company's autobilling and get a refund! [more inside]
posted by visual mechanic at 12:35 PM PST - 6 comments

Science law?

I'm interested in law with a special interest in science related issues. What do lawyers in this field actually do? [more inside]
posted by saoyama at 11:50 AM PST - 18 comments

Any recommendations for baby scrapbooking site?

Baby's online presence/scrapbook. Any recommendations for a site to keep family and friends informed while also archiving baby's early life? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 11:30 AM PST - 11 comments

How to square wood easily?

Woodworkingfilter! How do I square a piece of wood without a jointer or planer? [more inside]
posted by WinnipegDragon at 11:26 AM PST - 13 comments

SURPRISE!!!

Celebrating my mom's birthday in Disney World....help me surprise her! [more inside]
posted by Diskeater at 11:24 AM PST - 15 comments

The Web at my Fingertips

How do I most efficiently surf the web using my phone? (Using Verizon) I picked up a LG Dare today mainly since I could for cheap and since it's compatible with the $1.99/meg plan. I only want to use the internet for 4 reasons (inside): [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 11:18 AM PST - 6 comments

binary

How do I look at each byte of a file in binary in XP? [more inside]
posted by amsterdam63 at 11:10 AM PST - 7 comments

Straight as an arrow, flat as a pancake

How do I keep my fine hair from going flat and losing its curl during the slightest wave of humidity? [more inside]
posted by Viola at 11:06 AM PST - 7 comments

Too Keane to be true?

Experience with "KeaneCo" unclaimed-asset-recovery? [more inside]
posted by jozxyqk at 11:03 AM PST - 20 comments

Removing the wisdom tooth opposite the problem?

WisdomToothFilter. My previous dentist told me I had impacted wisdom teeth, which might need future attention. I now have toothache in the bottom-right of my jaw. New dentist says I have an infection there and has prescribed me antibiotics. However, he says the problem is the top-right tooth which is pressing down in the wrong place, and it's the top one that needs to be extracted. Is it valid to remove the tooth that's not giving me a problem? [more inside]
posted by TheophileEscargot at 10:53 AM PST - 22 comments

How do I get my landlord to repair my apartment complex's appliances?

The superintendent of my building has been dragging her feet for months on getting the building's washer and dryers repaired. In my lease, it says that the landlord is responsible for the upkeep of these items. The management company that actually owns the building and pays the super's salary is also not being responsive. Now what? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 AM PST - 13 comments

Looking for free, easy, and anonymous browser-based webcam recording websites for use with Mechanical Turk

I've been playing around Mechanical Turk lately and I'm looking for an easy web-based tool to let workers capture audio or video from their webcam. The catch? It needs to be free, easy, and anonymous, with no registration process. [more inside]
posted by waxpancake at 10:01 AM PST - 1 comment

Intermittent wireless connectivity problem with Vista

Wondering if anyone has ideas about an intermittent connectivity problem. I've searched around but haven't found anything that quite fits my issue. I have a Dell XPS Vista desktop. Most of the time, I get a perfectly fine connection, but maybe 15% of the time I can't connect. [more inside]
posted by slipperynirvana at 9:54 AM PST - 7 comments

Do you know the (best) way to San Jose?

Things to do in San Jose! And how to get there... [more inside]
posted by ClanvidHorse at 9:43 AM PST - 21 comments

Help me gather the fellowship of the show.

I have an idea for a web based TV show. I have a plot arc for the first twelve episodes some are written. This is all I have. What next? [more inside]
posted by TheDukeofLancaster at 9:21 AM PST - 4 comments

They're everywhere, but I can't find them

VideoID Filter: Help me find an online video from about a year ago that "highlighted" all of the advertisements in a city. All of the ads were white and everything else was black (or the other way around?). It really illustrated how surrounded by consumerism we are.
posted by PixelatorOfTime at 8:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Can anyone help me find some fairly chilled, beautiful music based on a few things I like?

Can anyone help me find some fairly chilled, beautiful music based on a few things I like, both for general listening and as potential wedding music? [more inside]
posted by farfaraway at 8:19 AM PST - 13 comments

Can I fly internationally with a lead acid battery in my carry-on?

In just a couple weeks I will fly to a remote area of Peru from Europe via the US. I'll be bringing some research equipment which including a mobile solar unit. That solar unit is powered by a lead acid battery like this one. [more inside]
posted by mateuslee at 8:06 AM PST - 2 comments

I must hear more of those Mad Men drums.

The drums in the Mad Men theme drive me, um, mad! Where can I get more? [more inside]
posted by COBRA! at 7:58 AM PST - 9 comments

Sirius radio reception and channel question

New Sirius radio subscriber with questions for MeFi... [more inside]
posted by docpops at 7:50 AM PST - 22 comments

So... not Hemingway.

ProseFilter: Nabokov's Lolita was once hailed as "a love letter to the English language." I'm looking for modern and contemporary authors with similar aspirations. [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic at 7:38 AM PST - 44 comments

Facebook Account compromised. Is there any way to stop the phishing?

My cousin's Facebook account was compromised and some person or bot is sending spam to his Facebook friend list. He canceled his Facebook account a month ago, but spam keeps arriving in my email box -- as if my cousin is still a Facebook member. The spam seems to be arriving from a legitimate Facebook domain. [more inside]
posted by valannc at 7:35 AM PST - 8 comments

How far is enough?

My little brother just got busted for smoking pot. Help me deal with a text message that just came in on his phone. [more inside]
posted by wandering steve at 7:34 AM PST - 31 comments

Turning a complex Excel spreadsheet with VBA functions into an online app

I want to build a web app based on an Excel spreadsheet using VBA and some Excel Solve functionality. Should I try to build my own online spreadsheet? Or is Microsoft about to release some nifty online development components compatible with Excel and VBA? [more inside]
posted by Mokusatsu at 7:06 AM PST - 2 comments

Hot hot hot!

Spice-loving co-worker leaving for a new job. Where can we buy hot pepper plant seedlings as going-away presents? [more inside]
posted by Guy_Inamonkeysuit at 7:06 AM PST - 8 comments

Please can I have a new bike?

Help me buy a commuter bike in London. [more inside]
posted by greytape at 6:10 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me record my podcast!

I'm having issues trying to record a podcast in Garage Band. Help? [more inside]
posted by All.star at 5:40 AM PST - 3 comments

How to estimate the quality of an employer's code base in an interview for a programming job?

I have an upcoming interview for a programming job. I'd like to find out a bit about the quality of the code of the product I'd be assigned to develop, i.e. is it dailywtf material or decent enough. Any ideas how to get some information out of the interviewers, at least some of whom are assumed to be technical people? [more inside]
posted by lifeless at 5:39 AM PST - 12 comments

iPhone/OS X filter: Can the iPhone sync wirelessly to iCal?

Is there a way to wirelessly sync my iPhone to iCal via Airport or Bluetooth (without purchasing MobileMe)? Maybe an app through the App Store or a jailbroken app solution?
posted by helios410 at 5:37 AM PST - 2 comments

Religious MeFites: help educate a nonbeliever.

After living most of my life in a secular bubble, I've been asked to fill in as a producer for a religion-focused public radio show. Religious folk: please help me to do the best job I possibly can. What's going on in your religion or faith community right now? And what should I, as a secular humanist journalist, know in order to broadcast respectfully about your faith? (anonymous because my question relates to my job and employer, which could be identified from my posting history) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:25 AM PST - 27 comments

Depression and Sexual Health

Question about men's sexual health and medications for depression [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:23 AM PST - 14 comments

Insurance and Mental Health

Please help us navigate the treacherous waters of insurance coverage! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:23 AM PST - 2 comments

Healthrisk by not eating anything sugary?

I havn't eaten anything sugary for the past 2.5 years. This includes things like: cola, cakes, candy, icecream, chocolate etc. I know that I can't be 100% sugarfree since things like orangejuice, bread, beer contains "small" amounts of sugar. I didn't start on this "thing" in order to become more healthy. I did it to test myself and my body. I havn't had any issues, but I am worried that it could be a potential healthrisk in the long run. So my question is: Do I risk my health in the long run if I continue on this "non-sugar"-thing?
posted by madcow20 at 3:09 AM PST - 25 comments

Mac + UK + mobile internet???

Best mobile USB internet connection in the UK for a mac? [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 2:59 AM PST - 6 comments

Sleep schedule engineering?

I currently sleep haphazard hours, for example from 3am-10am. I'd like to change to going to bed by midnight, but I can't seem to get in the habit -- I always trend back to going to bed well after midnight. My working hours are flexible and my sleeping schedule doesn't overly interfere with my productivity, so I don't have external pressure. Any suggestions, resources, experiences that could get me counting sheep earlier?
posted by jhscott at 1:58 AM PST - 23 comments

September 11

Spore on a macbook?

Spore on a black macbook? [more inside]
posted by empath at 10:33 PM PST - 8 comments

Why does ABC's hd streaming player get stuck on 228kbps quality?

Why can't I get ABC's online HD streaming to consistently display HD? It goes through months where it stays stuck on 228kbps quality. ABC doesn't respond to any of my help requests and Google turns up nothing. [more inside]
posted by Nattie at 10:17 PM PST - 3 comments

The Monks I Hate You

Wasn't The Monks song "I Hate You" used in the soundtrack for a movie? [more inside]
posted by PHINC at 9:24 PM PST - 5 comments

That's it! I'm pulling the plug!

Help me find some good songs or artists featuring the acoustic guitar. [more inside]
posted by kjackelen05 at 8:09 PM PST - 39 comments

"You gotta tell us how white you are before you can register for classes, kiddo."

Can a university require a current student to give racial data? [more inside]
posted by letahl at 8:08 PM PST - 21 comments

Good questions for an interviewee to ask the interviewer????

(Asking for a friend) What are some good Interview questions for the interviewee to ask the inviewer. The interviewee is a commercial real estate lawyer interviewing with a firm in a western state. i.e. What are some smart things to ask that will differentiate my friend from the other applicants?
posted by Fuzzy Dog at 8:03 PM PST - 14 comments

It's been on my mind: what legal say do the dead have?

In the United States, what legal rights are there for dead people? Does the constitution have stipulations for the rights of dead Americans and non-Americans who die in America? Also, how long - hypothetically - does a person need to be dead until their body becomes public property and, in the case of those who die leaving kin, are dead bodies 'owned', and for how long?
posted by parmanparman at 7:52 PM PST - 15 comments

How are particles measured?

How are the attributes of atomic and subatomic particles measured? [more inside]
posted by Citizen Premier at 7:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Why can't I disable root login on this Mac?

Mac OS 10.5: why can't I disable root login? [more inside]
posted by neuron at 7:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Is there any way to keep the plants on my roof without violating any laws/codes in Brooklyn?

I have 15 medium-sized vegetable plants on my roof in Brooklyn, which is easily accessed via stairs (i.e. not through a hatch in the roof). The roof has been treated with that silver paint stuff and is surrounded by a metal railing. My landlord originally asked me to remove the plants for a "fire safety" inspection. I removed them but put them back the following day after the inspection. Today (several weeks later) I received a letter from my landlord stating that I had to permanently remove the plants because he received a violation for "illegally occupying the roof deck." I really don't want to get rid of my plants! Is there any way to keep them on my roof without technically violating any laws/codes??
posted by staveitoff123 at 7:23 PM PST - 11 comments

Recommendations for Marketing/Advertising on a Limited Budget in the UK?

Does anyone know how to effectively (and economically) market a women's shoes and accessories retail store in London, UK? [more inside]
posted by gadha at 6:53 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm not a physicist but I play one in front of my friends

Help me explain why the Large Hadron Collider doesn't spell our doom. [more inside]
posted by Navelgazer at 6:46 PM PST - 37 comments

The soldier's wife.

Tell me about what it's like to be in a military family. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:44 PM PST - 14 comments

Is the cultural dislike a briefs a factor important enough to make it worth my while to switch to boxers?

I am in my late twenties and like wearing briefs, though this is frowned upon. Is the cultural dislike of briefs a factor important enough to make it worth my while to switch to boxers? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:43 PM PST - 59 comments

Goldilocks: THIS breast is too lumpy... THIS breast is too pebbly...

How worried should I be? (You are not my doctor.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:43 PM PST - 14 comments

What was Michael Chertoff talking about when he said 1.5 people died?

What was Michael Chertoff talking about when he said 1.5 people died? [more inside]
posted by jesirose at 6:37 PM PST - 10 comments

I hope Siegfried decided to do the right thing

There was a protest in central Boston today. What was it about? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 6:19 PM PST - 3 comments

oh, baby?

From a safer sex standpoint, how risky is playing with breast milk? [more inside]
posted by streetdreams at 6:05 PM PST - 4 comments

WebDev to the ^nth

DevFilter: Building first web app, resources & advice? [more inside]
posted by emptyinside at 5:55 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me find that bad video please!

There was a post in the last year or so of a really over-the-top video from some super patriotic singer. Lots of flags and cheezy pageantry. I remember the guy having long hair and the song was metal ballady. Anyone remember and have a link to what I'm talking about?
posted by photoslob at 5:53 PM PST - 5 comments

Yes, I know it's a "brick house"...

What is the architectural style of this private residence?
posted by Tube at 5:48 PM PST - 11 comments

iTunes cover art for 45s?

A while back, I came across a site that would generate artwork suitable for use in iTunes for those odd old singles you have on MP3. The artwork resembled an old 45 RPM record and I think could be customized with the track and artist name. Ring any bells? I can't find it in my bookmarks.
posted by entropicamericana at 5:40 PM PST - 1 comment

Technically?

Bachelors in Technical Writing/Technical Communication? [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 5:22 PM PST - 3 comments

digital dashboard info?

Looking for some good information on digital dashboards. [more inside]
posted by AceRock at 5:09 PM PST - 2 comments

mac? pc?

When and where should I buy a laptop (also: what kind?!)? [more inside]
posted by mustcatchmooseandsquirrel at 4:48 PM PST - 16 comments

Should we get married?

Long-term committed couple: Should we get married? [more inside]
posted by lekvar at 4:37 PM PST - 28 comments

Answer this and help me stay fashionable.

For a 23 year-old male, what color could I buy a pair of sneakers in and expect them to go with most things? [more inside]
posted by phaded at 4:24 PM PST - 23 comments

NTFS folder timestamp metadata

In NTFS if you have a file at the bottom of a directory tree like c:\a\b\c\d\file.txt and the file is modified (thereby changing the time/date stamp on the file) is there some way of detecting that by looking at information (err metadata?) in the folder node itself - in other words does NTFS flag a folder as containing items that have changed. Because right now it seems like the timestamp for d\ is fixed at the time it was first created and does not change when its contents change. We want to write a program that will let us know that we should look in some folder because it knows something changed in there. we want to have to avoid drilling down and looking at the files because there are jazillions of them. [more inside]
posted by Barrows at 4:10 PM PST - 6 comments

How do i go about downloading every wallpaper from interfaceLIFT? I have Ubuntu/and can use scripts(but don't know how to write them)

Hey guys. I love the wallpapers on InterfaceLift but i find their download process really annoying. Now that i have a program to switch my wallpapers randomly from a folder I was wondering if there is a way to mass download all the wallpapers from interfacelift. Maybe a script or download? I am using Ubuntu but am only a intermediatish at it so I am not sure how to write my own scripts yet. Thanks!
posted by Javed_Ahamed at 4:04 PM PST - 15 comments

Water, Mould, and a Ceiling on the Floor!

My bathroom ceiling fell down today, only to reveal a huge water leak and an even nastier mould farm. Help! [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb at 3:29 PM PST - 11 comments

Recommend software to replace fax machine, please?

Small CPA wants no more paper! All's cool except the fax. Need software recommends, plz. [more inside]
posted by susandennis at 3:19 PM PST - 3 comments

PDFs to thumbnails

I have an ordering centre for books and other written materials. I have PDFs of the books, but I don't have images of the covers. I want to make thumbnails of the covers to help people recognise the item they are looking for. How can I generate thumbnails from the first page of the PDFs? [more inside]
posted by heatherann at 3:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Where does THIS book go?

LibraryFilter: How do I look up a book's "category"? [more inside]
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 2:39 PM PST - 10 comments

What's the kitsch?

Is Jeff Koons a fraud? [more inside]
posted by plexi at 2:38 PM PST - 55 comments

When we look back, what will this decade look like?

Neon and skinny ties in the 80s; flannel and nose rings in the 90s. What will be the signature, stereotypical fashion or clothing item of this decade, the one that will be used in the future to instantly reference and signal this time period to others? [more inside]
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 1:48 PM PST - 67 comments

Wedding Ceremony Microphone Setup

What type of microphone setup would work for an outside wedding ceremony? [more inside]
posted by blueplasticfish at 1:47 PM PST - 8 comments

French fries and cooking with oil on the range

French fries on stove top because my oven is broken? I don't want to die. [more inside]
posted by zeek321 at 1:25 PM PST - 19 comments

hotels in London?

I am traveling to London in October and looking for hotel recommendations. Would like wireless Internet access and private bathroom. Looking for something in the budget range of an academic traveler, but not something that is too budget. Has to be convenient to this location: The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA [more inside]
posted by needled at 1:19 PM PST - 6 comments

Cut My Documents into pieces, this is my last resort.

Organizing files. I swear this isn't the same question that's been asked 100 times. Help me sort this out, please? [more inside]
posted by TomMelee at 1:08 PM PST - 12 comments

Cost of the intertubes a decade ago?

How much did the internets cost 10 years ago? [more inside]
posted by KateHasQuestions at 1:02 PM PST - 41 comments

Flying into Texas on Saturday, during a hurricane - is this sheer folly?

Flying into Texas on Saturday, during a hurricane - is this sheer folly? [more inside]
posted by adrianhon at 12:57 PM PST - 17 comments

Super fiber bean? 32g per cup?

"Small Red Beans". Do these really have 16g of fiber per 1/2 cup serving? I've seen them under the Goya, Iberia, and Wal-mart brands, all of them having 60 calories per 1/2 cup, with 16 grams of fiber. This is significantly more than every other type of bean. [more inside]
posted by mhuckaba at 12:36 PM PST - 16 comments

Best retail beer selection in Chicagoland?

Where can I find the best retail beer selection in the Chicagoland area? I'm particularly interested in beer from my favorite brewery, Dogfish Head (the more varieties, the better). [more inside]
posted by korpios at 12:02 PM PST - 13 comments

How to learn enough math to impress a boy?

I've just started dating someone who studies serious hardcore applied math. I am a complete and utter math idiot who is lost at anything above multiplication tables. I would like to sort of understand what is going on inside his massive, beautiful brain. Help? [more inside]
posted by logovisual at 11:51 AM PST - 35 comments

Because I Can't Write One Myself

Help me find the website that will remind me how politically isolated I am among my peers. [more inside]
posted by DWRoelands at 11:44 AM PST - 3 comments

Are sites like Healthgrades worth the money? Are there better ways to research doctors?

I am trying to find an excellent neurologist for my Mom in Omaha, NE. I have been doing research with little success. Are sites like HealthGrades worth the money? Are there any other ways that I can research a doctor's background and perhaps read reviews on them? [more inside]
posted by Ostara at 11:35 AM PST - 6 comments

Future Flasher

My son, it turns out, is a genius with Flash animation, at least as far as his high school has allowed him to pursue it. He is very excited (and that means a lot in a teen!) about the idea of animation now that he is thinking about career plans for his future. What resources, advice, schools, courses, etc. can I give him to help him leverage his interest into a possible career path? We're in central Florida, if that means anything.
posted by misha at 11:22 AM PST - 22 comments

IE 8 beta has crashed and burned...

IE 8 Beta has gone corrupted, and is causing all sorts of iertutil.dll related errors. [more inside]
posted by FatherDagon at 11:10 AM PST - 3 comments

What's up with my website?

Why does my web page work with a www prefix and not so much without? [more inside]
posted by attercoppe at 11:09 AM PST - 1 comment

Need SFW ideas for girls' night out in Boston.

Need SFW ideas for girls' night out in Boston. I work via remote and will be traveling to Boston area in November to meet with coworkers. Several ladies suggested that we do something after hours, like going out for a nice dinner and then seeing a play. I am a foodie, so dinner sounds fab. But not so fond of plays or musicals. Any suggestions for restaurants and/or non-stage-based theatrical entertainment are appreciated.
posted by eviltiff at 10:56 AM PST - 7 comments

What's this Obama song?

What is the "Obama-themed reggae song" referenced in this New York Times article? [more inside]
posted by msittig at 10:45 AM PST - 4 comments

SCSI enclosure on the cheap?

Looking for a DYI SCSI enclosure on the cheap. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by lattiboy at 10:30 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I always manage to be looking for a job in the middle of a recession?

How long is this recession (economic downturn?) going to last? Specifically in terms of getting a job. [more inside]
posted by whoaali at 10:18 AM PST - 18 comments

That's not just water you're drinking...

I travel a lot for work and have been a little confused about how after the government banned all bottled liquids that the in-airport stores weren't encouragd to lower their prices to be more in accordance with market prices in the outside world. Has there been any effort to this end? [more inside]
posted by quadrinary at 10:14 AM PST - 18 comments

Wireless woes: File transfers to MacBook Pro keep choking

What is it about my wireless network that causes transfers via my MacBook Pro to pause at regular intervals? Is the root cause my external USB drives? My Airport Express? Augh. [more inside]
posted by sub-culture at 10:11 AM PST - 6 comments

Is adult chicken pox as bad as they say?

Adult friend may be contracting chicken pox for the first time. What should be expect, and should he avoid it if he can? [more inside]
posted by tittergrrl at 9:53 AM PST - 26 comments

Candles vs Light Bulbs Smackdown

Candles vs fluorescent light bulbs smackdown: which produces more greenhouse gases? Which one is environmentally friendlier when you figure in all the emissions? [more inside]
posted by storybored at 9:53 AM PST - 19 comments

What is it like working on the railroad in the new millenium?

What is it like working on the railroad in the new millenium? [more inside]
posted by doomtop at 9:50 AM PST - 12 comments

Can I give them money?

Can I donate proceeds of the sale of something to a presidential candidate? [more inside]
posted by jimmy0x52 at 9:07 AM PST - 11 comments

Best Value at Sephora

Ladies – Which Sephora products are really worth it? [more inside]
posted by amicamentis at 8:59 AM PST - 47 comments

Help me prove my friend wrong

"Already has" or "has already" [more inside]
posted by urbanwhaleshark at 8:50 AM PST - 18 comments

Best Blanket

Seeking first-hand accounts of experiences with warm blankets. Choices (as I see it) are wool, fleece, or flannel. [more inside]
posted by dreamphone at 8:47 AM PST - 21 comments

Spotting makes me worry.

Spotting/cycle question. I looked at the other threads, but all of those women were on the pill so my situation might be slightly different. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:43 AM PST - 14 comments

how to be supportive for anxious daughter

My daughter, who is at university, was just diagnosed with anxiety. What can I do to support her and better understand what she is going through? what about friends and professors? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:42 AM PST - 25 comments

Obfuscator for compiled lbraries?

Is there such a thing as an obfuscator for compiled libraries? [more inside]
posted by Mayor West at 8:39 AM PST - 5 comments

Intense Excel Question: Calculate a rolling YTD/YTD that is dynamic?

Intense Excel Question: Calculate a rolling YTD/YTD that is dynamic? [more inside]
posted by Carialle at 8:23 AM PST - 11 comments

Why cover up logos on TV shows?

Why do tv shows blur or cover up logos on clothes instead of just changing clothes? [more inside]
posted by Thrillhouse at 8:21 AM PST - 21 comments

Pay-as-you-go unlimited data for first-gen iPhone in the UK?

I've got an unlocked iPhone (first-gen) running 1.1.4. Currently, I use AT&T's PAYG w/ Unlimited MediaNet to get unlimited data for $20/month. I'll soon be going to the UK, and I'd like to set up a similar arrangement. I'd like some advice as to how to accomplish this. [more inside]
posted by -1 at 8:16 AM PST - 9 comments

Electric kettles with a water reservoir

I'm looking for an electric kettle with a water reservoir. Has anyone recommendations they'd like to share? [more inside]
posted by Tapioca at 8:10 AM PST - 11 comments

NYC - One Night Only?

I'm going to be in NYC this Saturday and I'd like to see as many of my friends as I can. I'm planning on picking a bar, and just letting everyone known I'll be there from, say, 8-11 or somesuch. I need a bar in NYC that's accessible to people coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey. Our tastes run on the slightly-geeky side. Think pinball and old arcade games. There will be 10-20 of us, mostly in our late 20s. [more inside]
posted by Oktober at 7:57 AM PST - 12 comments

i didn't come from having a bad collogen injections, i just ate a carrot

Food allergies: too much of a good thing? [more inside]
posted by raztaj at 7:18 AM PST - 9 comments

Where can I get Mexican Supreme Court rulings?

Where can I find the full text of recent Mexican Supreme Court rulings? I can only find the announcements of their decisions, but not the decisions themselves... [more inside]
posted by allen8219 at 6:41 AM PST - 3 comments

long distance relationship blues

Met this person at work. Liked her. Since I work on the same team; I didn't ask her out on a date (kicking myself about this now). Three weeks later, I think she's interested too but my workload (14-16 hour days) didn't give me time for anything social, let alone going out on dates. Then she got a long term (1 year?) assignment in another country. She left. That's when I woke up, had a long conversation over IM where we both realized we were interested in each other and she had been waiting for me to ask her out. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:35 AM PST - 21 comments

Sorry, you are not naked enough to get in the hot tub.

Looking for a vacation rental for a January weekend in the western NC mountains for a college reunion of sorts. Needs to be able to sleep at least 10 people, preferably 12 or even 14. [more inside]
posted by thetenthstory at 6:31 AM PST - 2 comments

Looking for remote server

I would like to rent a server in another country. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by daveyt at 6:03 AM PST - 6 comments

Is more than cipro needed for this UTI/kidney thing?

Starting to freak out about whether a UTI has spread to my kidney, and whether the antibiotics I have are enough. Supposed to be on a LONG plane ride in a day to a place where I don't speak the language and may not get good medical care. Help please? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:02 AM PST - 17 comments

Voigtländer Bessamatic Needs a Bath

Where can I get a professional camera reliably cleaned in NYC? [more inside]
posted by milarepa at 5:36 AM PST - 5 comments

Getting to the point in OpenGL ES

Drawing pixels with OpenGL ES 1.1? [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 5:36 AM PST - 2 comments

'New' is the new 'obsolete'

new-ish DVD player only plays new DVDs, but none from the library. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by Jason and Laszlo at 5:26 AM PST - 9 comments

What are the most reliable online suppliers for herbal remedies, specifically tea?

What are the most reliable online suppliers for herbal remedies, specifically tea? [more inside]
posted by jeremias at 5:15 AM PST - 3 comments

Print A3 Google Maps?

How can I quickly and easily print an A3 sized Google map? [more inside]
posted by mary8nne at 4:49 AM PST - 3 comments

WashingMachineFilter

Should I buy a mini washing machine similar to these? [more inside]
posted by ghost of a past number at 4:38 AM PST - 3 comments

Why does it have to take five minutes for the toilet to refill for another flush!?

What can I do about the low water pressure in my apartment? What should I ask/tell my landlord, and what can I expect to happen? [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 3:44 AM PST - 7 comments

English Tutor Available!

What is the legality of posting flyers to telephone poles and similar public spaces in Lyon, France, for the purpose of advertising a private, for-profit service such as language tutoring? Or: where online can I find this information? Another in a series of questions about the city. . .
posted by Evstar at 2:43 AM PST - 5 comments

what are the options for very low bandwidth PC-to-PC VoIP?

I'm looking for a software PC-to-PC VoIP program that will handle an extremely low bandwidth connection with high UDP packet loss. This is to reach a person at the far end of a highly contended (8:1 or greater) TDMA VSAT connection. Total bandwidth available to the client PC at the far end of the satellite link is about 64 kbps. Skype does not work properly due to >45% UDP packet loss and high latency jitter. [more inside]
posted by thewalrus at 1:13 AM PST - 5 comments

September 10

How detailed is your mental imagery / mental visualization?

I am curious about how detailed, or photographic/realistic the imagery in one's mind's eye is, and what in general would be considered "standard" for most people. Note I am not talking about "creative visualization" but I suppose it could be related. Specifically I am referring to simply the process of visualizing an object, face or scene in your mind's eye. [more inside]
posted by horhey at 10:55 PM PST - 39 comments

Help me close my eye and fix my nerve pain.

I have Bell's Palsy and a most-likely pinched nerve in my neck. I need to manage this so I can go to work. [more inside]
posted by nataliedanger at 10:47 PM PST - 11 comments

"If you can just get your mind together..."

With all the talk surrounding Sarah Palin's apparent relative lack of foreign policy knowledge and experience, just how important have those factors been historically when it comes to governors serving as president or VP? [more inside]
posted by TheSecretDecoderRing at 10:29 PM PST - 23 comments

Help Me Cook!

Are there any websites out there that will give you recipes based on what you have in your fridge/pantry? [more inside]
posted by Chris4d at 10:02 PM PST - 15 comments

hurricane food

What food should I buy in preparation for Hurricane Ike, and how should I eat it? [more inside]
posted by jschu at 9:25 PM PST - 23 comments

My shoulder dislocates really easily

My shoulder has been dislocating super easily this past year, what's up with that. [more inside]
posted by BrnP84 at 9:15 PM PST - 9 comments

Get a REAL job!

Information Technolgies Program or some sort of simliar AA towards an actual career/'real' job? [more inside]
posted by Sprocket at 9:10 PM PST - 1 comment

Explain why headlines on some sites are outlined in Firefox 3

Why are headlines on a number of websites appearing only as outlines ever since I downloaded Firefox 3? [more inside]
posted by puffl at 8:54 PM PST - 6 comments

This scarlet fever isn't making my toys Real.

YANMD: What other illnesses could be mistaken for scarlet fever? Bonus question: If you've had scarlatina, what was it like? [more inside]
posted by bonobo at 8:45 PM PST - 9 comments

Guitarfilter

Guitarfilter: Looking for the best online guitar instruction sites. [more inside]
posted by kjl291 at 8:39 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I improve my skin's appearance?

I'm sick of having horrible skin. I'm plagued with everything: acne, oil, dryness, blotchy redness, lines, large pores. Please help me improve my skin. [more inside]
posted by rainygrl716 at 8:05 PM PST - 56 comments

Batman and Superman

The Joker is Batman's nemesis and Lex Luthor is Superman's. However, Superman must have fought the Joker and Batman must have fought Lex Luthor at some point in the DC Universe. What are the best stories which feature Superman's traditional bad guys fighting Batman or Batman's foes fighting Superman?
posted by josher71 at 7:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Need an acupuncturist

Looking for a good/relatively cheap acupuncturist in the Boston/Brighton, MA area. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by deeman at 7:45 PM PST - 3 comments

JapaneseFilter: How is 'fureai' pronounced?

How is fureai pronounced?
posted by coizero at 7:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Hope me bring enough rope.

This question is about rope for camping trips. [more inside]
posted by dino terror at 7:05 PM PST - 9 comments

Find the original obama education bill

Ok, so my googlefu is gone. I just watched Newshour and McCain and Obama had their surrogates hashing out their education polices. McCain's person said Obama sponsored a bill that would teach sex to 5 year olds, Obama's person said the bill was about teaching how to prevent sexual predators. Where can I find said bill to find the truth? [more inside]
posted by mtstover at 6:36 PM PST - 18 comments

Help me solve the mystery of the brake lights.

You are seated in a Cheverolet Celebrity, model year anywhere between 1982-1990. The engine is off, the key is not even in the ignition. You step on the brake pedal. Do the brake lights go on? Do the brake lights always go on when the pedal is pressed, no matter what? No matter what make, model, year of car? [more inside]
posted by sol at 6:12 PM PST - 19 comments

Scorpion Bowls in NYC Chinatown?

Where to find a good scorpion bowl in NYC Chinatown? [more inside]
posted by santaliqueur at 6:02 PM PST - 10 comments

Ultra comfy laptop usage

How can I get a suntan on my back and use my laptop at the same time comfortably? I guess I'm looking for some contraption that lets me comfortably lie on my stomach while having my arms and neck free to type and view. Also interested in indoor options which allow laptop use lying face down. Comfort enabling options for other postures also welcome.
posted by zaebiz at 5:46 PM PST - 8 comments

No ass. Need jeans.

Suggestions of low-rise jeans for people with no ass? [more inside]
posted by FunkyHelix at 5:41 PM PST - 11 comments

What's up with jute?

My 8' x 12' jute rug has been rolled up for several months. Now I've unrolled it again and it won't lay flat. It's all hilly. It's on a hardwood floor with a rug mat underneath it. What's the best way to get it to lay down nice and flat with no hills and dales?
posted by wsg at 5:26 PM PST - 5 comments

The Enunciation of Dionne Warwick's Backup Signers

What are the background singers singing in this Dionne Warwick tune? [more inside]
posted by potsmokinghippieoverlord at 5:11 PM PST - 3 comments

Does a conservatorship form of financial counseling exist?

Is there a such a thing as a voluntary financial conservatorship that I could convince someone to sign up for? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:08 PM PST - 4 comments

Limos in Vegas: Specific advice and general tips?

Limos in Vegas: Seeking specific advice and general tips. [more inside]
posted by chudmonkey at 5:02 PM PST - 3 comments

Campus Bandwidth Fix

My roommate and I both are pretty upset at the speed of the wired network on our college campus. We get faster wireless reception from the campus's library next door. Is there a way we could bond the two connections? [more inside]
posted by mccarty.tim at 4:28 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I make a font?

How do I make a font? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:04 PM PST - 15 comments

Any suggestions?

Is there an occupation easy to get into, self contained in regard to expectations, and sufficient? [more inside]
posted by Vague_Blur at 4:03 PM PST - 11 comments

Is there a way out of corporate law?

What other fields have former corporate lawyers escaped to? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:03 PM PST - 9 comments

Mold and Mildew Prevention

What is the better mold & mildew prophylaxis: a steam cleaner, a dehumidifier, or something else? [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 3:31 PM PST - 9 comments

How to make Scooter environmentally friendly?

How can I make my Yamaha Zuma Scooter/Moped more environmentally friendly? [more inside]
posted by dpollitt at 2:49 PM PST - 10 comments

How much to charge for a t-shirt design?

I've been asked to design a t-shirt for a well-known band on a major label, but I don't know what the going rate is for the work. I saw this question, but I'm not fresh out of school, and that's a question about bulk work, which this will not be. I'm open to charging a flat-rate or my hourly, but am unclear which is appropriate in this situation. [more inside]
posted by apetpsychic at 2:21 PM PST - 7 comments

Atlanta suburbs city limits?

I want a map that shows city limits of Atlanta, GA and it's suburbs. [more inside]
posted by Cyclopsis Raptor at 2:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Vigilante justice for a stolen bike.

My lovely bike was stolen from a pretty large apartment complex this weekend, most likely by a neighbor who shares our small courtyard. Other than moving out promptly, is there anything I can do to assuage my anger about this? [more inside]
posted by halogen at 2:09 PM PST - 16 comments

How to fill 70 minutes of in-class writing time?

Help a freshman comp teacher out! I need a fun writing exercise to fill 70 minutes of class time. [more inside]
posted by toomuchkatherine at 2:08 PM PST - 16 comments

High level website concept -does this functionality exist out of the box?

Is there a Joomla component or other out-of-the-box system that does this already? --Website concept [more inside]
posted by muchomas21 at 2:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Teach Me How To Teach How To Sew

I've volunteered to help teach 10-12 year olds how to sew. We have limited supplies (only three machines for 15+ students), so I was wondering what suggestions you had for: a) teaching the very basics to youngsters in a safe and fun way (not too frustrating and not too bloody) b) working with limited resources [more inside]
posted by chara at 2:01 PM PST - 6 comments

Socks too thick! Need help quick!

Does anybody make a THIN sock a man could wear with shorts? [more inside]
posted by the matching mole at 2:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Travel Packages to Thailand?

I'm planning a trip to Thailand in January. Airfare prices can be steep so I'm looking for a package deal. [more inside]
posted by natteringnabob at 2:01 PM PST - 3 comments

What microphone & recorder is that?

What portable recording equipment is Jodie Foster's character using in The Brave One?
posted by d-no at 1:56 PM PST - 3 comments

Don't show me the money.

What are some of the best independent, foreign, artsy, or unique films that came out during the 90s? [more inside]
posted by Christ, what an asshole at 1:48 PM PST - 57 comments

Leaving while on leave?

How do I give notice at one job while I'm at the end of my maternity leave without burning bridges? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:48 PM PST - 11 comments

Wow.

Going from zero to parents in a couple of weeks. Or less. Yikes! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:47 PM PST - 17 comments

liquidity, liquidity

Should use my mutual funds to pay off my credit card debt? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:47 PM PST - 10 comments

Top social justice issues and organizations

What are the most important social justice issues in the world today (such as AIDS, poverty, clean water, human trafficking, slavery, etc.) and what is one organization that is working in that field to make a difference? [more inside]
posted by roaring beast at 1:07 PM PST - 15 comments

Directory Assistance

What pitfalls should I look out for when reorganizing a source control repository? [more inside]
posted by mkb at 12:51 PM PST - 4 comments

How to give gifts to people who don't like getting gifts?

How do I give gifts to two friends in dire financial straits, so that they won't be offended? [more inside]
posted by desjardins at 11:45 AM PST - 21 comments

Passports, please.

What, exactly, does a Schengen-zone immigration officer at an airport see on his screen when he scans my machine-readable, has-entered-the-Schengen-zone-before non-Schengen passport? I'd love to see a screenshot, or just an explanation of the information available to the officer at first glance.
posted by mdonley at 11:40 AM PST - 4 comments

snap crackle pop

My knee is screwy. Help! [more inside]
posted by Evangeline at 11:07 AM PST - 10 comments

Mac OSX: I need an app or some way that allow me to display the clock +3 hours.

I live in Argentina, and I'm working on an app that requires to use the time of a city in the US otherwise it doesn't compiles (NDA related, I think). So I've changed my macbook hour to that city timezone, and hidden the mac clock to only show the clock in analog (so I don't see this much). I need an app or some way that allow me to display the clock +3 hours.
posted by Leech at 10:57 AM PST - 12 comments

WiFi to router, but no further?

My daughter has an iBook G4, running OSX 10.5 (Leopard). She's in Argentina, and having issues with the wireless connection. I need a little MetaFilter brain power: She can connect to the router in her apartment (she rents a room), and she can access 192.168.1.1, and gets router login prompt. But she can't get out to the Internet. [more inside]
posted by cameradv at 10:55 AM PST - 7 comments

I need a vacation, any vacation

I need some destination recommendations for a 9-day vacation in case my Gautemala plans fall through next week. Bonus points for relatively inexpensive and reachable by Northwest, Continental, or Delta from Minneapolis. [more inside]
posted by cabingirl at 10:38 AM PST - 3 comments

I need a specific type of VNC client

I need to find a (preferably) open-source/free VNC client that meets a specific requirement of mine. [more inside]
posted by omnipotentq at 10:13 AM PST - 13 comments

Help converting MPEG image

Making scrapbook of grandson. Need help getting the initial "frame" of an MPEG file converted into a JPEG or TIF "still shot." Also need help making a CD dub of his favorite tunes for him. [more inside]
posted by yazi at 10:07 AM PST - 8 comments

Who let the brontosaurus out?

What is going on in this Southern California arroyo and what's with the dinosaurs all over the place? [more inside]
posted by buggzzee23 at 10:06 AM PST - 5 comments

That warm, crackly sound...

I'm interested in pressing a 7" record. How do I do this? [more inside]
posted by inoculatedcities at 10:02 AM PST - 4 comments

Holy Fucking Shit This Question Is Fucking Lame

Trying to hunt down a minor internet meme. Looking for examples of someone (fictitiously) trying to sell something online, using copious amounts of foul language. Ex: "Holy shit, you've got to buy these motherfucking oranges, they are goddamn flavorful as hell." [more inside]
posted by ekstasis23 at 10:01 AM PST - 26 comments

Walking in the cold, getting hot, then going to class. Ugh.

I'm trying to lose weight by walking, and I need suggestions for clothing to wear during the Chicago winters while walking outside, keeping in mind that I can't shower afterwards.... [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 9:46 AM PST - 24 comments

Exact and precise?

Why do people use the phrase "exact and precise"? What does it mean? [more inside]
posted by Awkward Philip at 9:44 AM PST - 13 comments

Help me teach advanced Photoshop techniques

What else should I be teaching my students to help them become Photoshop masters? [more inside]
posted by davey_darling at 9:37 AM PST - 16 comments

Network TV, OFF network

Network TV, OFF network: Who's got the scoops on what's coming to Netflix Roku, AppleTV, Amazon, etc…? Is there… [more inside]
posted by dpcoffin at 9:22 AM PST - 2 comments

Giving the gift of beer to a friend in Brooklyn

Help me get a load of beer bought and delivered to a friend in Brooklyn. I am nowhere near New York, or the USA even. [more inside]
posted by kandinski at 9:15 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me write a regular expression

regex question. I want to take a list of lines that look like this: This Here is a Title one or more words long / www.something.com and turn it into a list of lines that look like this: <a href="http://www.something.com/" title="This Here is a Title one or more words long"> </a> I have no idea how to do this, though.
posted by Grod at 9:14 AM PST - 12 comments

Will work for money

How much should I charge for pet-, house-, and baby-sitting? [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 9:05 AM PST - 11 comments

Possible causes for pain in left shoulder, arm and hand for about two weeks?

My fiancée has been experiencing pretty severe pain in her left shoulder, arm and hand for about the last two weeks. She saw our family doctor last week and has another appointment tomorrow. We're looking for some more pointed questions to ask. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Nelsormensch at 8:49 AM PST - 17 comments

life in San Diego

I am thinking of moving from New York to San Diego for a quality of life improvement -- better weather, less congestion and more laid back lifestyle. Can someone give me insight on life in SD, suggest good neighborhoods to live in and provide a local perspective. Also does anyone know a good resource to find a job there in media -- television production, writing or public relations. Many thanks!
posted by Shanachie at 8:45 AM PST - 15 comments

Good modern philosophy - where is it?

Good modern philosophy - where is it? [more inside]
posted by heylight at 8:43 AM PST - 33 comments

Oral Surgeons and dentists, what's the difference?

What are the differences between an oral surgeon and a dentist? Can either one tend to both jaw pains and general dentistry? [more inside]
posted by Muu at 8:26 AM PST - 6 comments

Switching off Traffic Lights

I'd like to ask a relatively simple question – what would happen if we switched of traffic lights when we didn't really need them? I'd like to know from an environmental aspect what effect turning off the nations traffic lights would have towards saving electricity and reducing emissions. From a social point of view could the nation's road users manage with such a change? And from a technical innovation view point – could it and should it happen and if so how?
posted by SarahM at 8:21 AM PST - 23 comments

Mortgage Mayhem

Mortgages, interest rates, inflation, recession (UK-specific)... what to do? [more inside]
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 8:20 AM PST - 7 comments

It's so small!

Help me customize my Inspiron 9 (mini) [more inside]
posted by piedmont at 8:08 AM PST - 5 comments

hermaphroditic breeding fish?

I recently read about a fish where the male subsumes itself into the female and becomes merely a pair of testes that feed the ovaries or something. Does anyone know anything about this weird fish?
posted by symbioid at 8:07 AM PST - 5 comments

Show me the money!

I've been asked to write the web content for a site for my previous place of employment, and I need help figuring out fees. [more inside]
posted by sabotagerabbit at 8:01 AM PST - 1 comment

Help me upgrade my DIY HTPC without it becoming a PITA

With digital OTA coming in February and the possibility of dipping into HD in the near future, help me give my 2 year old HTPC a facelift. [more inside]
posted by genial at 7:58 AM PST - 4 comments

Trying to get in the groove

Suggestions for hip hop\rap songs for the gym? [more inside]
posted by bda1972 at 7:56 AM PST - 29 comments

need some kimchi

Can anyone recommend a good, relatively cheap Korean restaurant in Manhattan? [more inside]
posted by mammary16 at 7:49 AM PST - 11 comments

Would multiple part-time jobs be worth it?

How difficult is it to manage multiple part-time jobs? Would it be worth the hassle if one of the positions was in a field I'd like to pursue a career in? Any tips for handling more than one job are appreciated! [more inside]
posted by radiomayonnaise at 7:45 AM PST - 12 comments

Guitar solos 101

I have been teaching myself guitar over the past few years and I still don't understand how to structure and play a guitar solo. Let's say I am playing a simple blues progression (I-IV-V) ...I have taught myself the blues scale... but when do I play what note? And do I need to move the scale up/down the neck in time with the progression. I want to be able to noodle an original solo... not just copy something already recorded.
posted by punkfloyd at 7:33 AM PST - 18 comments

How to keep clothes looking nice while traveling

I'm flying to a wedding this weekend and am bringing my nice clothes. How do I keep them unwrinkled & decent while traveling when all I have are some hangers and a normal suitcase? The clothes are dry cleaned and sitting here on hangers.
posted by jmd82 at 7:28 AM PST - 10 comments

Legality of 30 days notice in CA

California Tenant Law Question: Do you have to give 30 days notice if you have a lease and it ends before then? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:27 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm looking for a cable that will both charge and play audio in my car for my iPhone 3G.

I want to plug my iPhone 3G into my car stereo using the data port, not the headphone jack. I would also like it to charge the device. [more inside]
posted by DrDreidel at 7:23 AM PST - 8 comments

When should I buy my new TV?

When is the best time to buy a new tv? [more inside]
posted by Caz721 at 7:06 AM PST - 12 comments

a blessing, a doom and a pryde walk into a bar...

You have a murder of crows, sleuth of bears, even an exaltation of larks, what about Fairies? [more inside]
posted by jrishel at 6:25 AM PST - 58 comments

determine key from chords

Given a set of guitar chords, I want to know how I can determine what key a song is in. [more inside]
posted by crapples at 6:18 AM PST - 13 comments

Can you help my SQL?

SQL/MS Visual Studio help please! I have two tables. I need to present Table1 data grouped by SiteID, within time FROM and TO, on the report. Then I need to make one calculation on the report using Table 1 data totalled across all sites (and within FROM and TO) plus Table 2 data totalled between times FROM and TO. [more inside]
posted by inigo2 at 5:05 AM PST - 10 comments

what's new in technology. I mean really, really new

Sites for tracking new technologies, technology trends, and innovations? [more inside]
posted by brandnew at 4:28 AM PST - 4 comments

LHC, c, -273c and misunderstood science...

Two related questions about the LHC and science I don't really understand... [more inside]
posted by twine42 at 3:34 AM PST - 27 comments

Is laser periodontal therapy mad science or just the regular kind that hurts a lot?

My dentist found a periodontal pocket in one of my molars and wants to use freakin' laser beams on it via a procedure called LANAP. [more inside]
posted by thalakan at 3:25 AM PST - 6 comments

So what are you wearing? I mean what your iphone is wearing.

iPhone case recommendations [more inside]
posted by jadepearl at 12:24 AM PST - 22 comments

Help me find more great Chinese music!

I love mp3 blogs (like Motel de Moka and Chromewaves). I also like listening to Chinese music, but find it hard to find new, good songs. Are there any mp3 blogs for Chinese music? [more inside]
posted by jasminerain at 12:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Recommendations for high-end car stereo upgrade <$1800 (no boom/sizzle)

Seeking recommendations for high-end component car stereo upgrade for 2003 Passat for <$1800 (w/ iPod & keep steering wheel controls?) [more inside]
posted by bmilner at 12:04 AM PST - 3 comments

September 9

Learning to sing

What's the best way to learn to sing? [more inside]
posted by frankly mister at 11:56 PM PST - 9 comments

Buying on to a tour

Does anyone have advice/experience on how to go about "buying" on to another bands tour as a support act? [more inside]
posted by lowlight at 11:03 PM PST - 8 comments

How can apply game theory to help me negotiate a better deal?

How can apply game theory to help me negotiate a better deal? [more inside]
posted by matholio at 10:45 PM PST - 11 comments

Help me learn to dance

I met a girl. She LOVES to dance. I don't. Help. [more inside]
posted by eightball at 10:37 PM PST - 33 comments

Video From an Old Computer to a T.V.

How do I go about channeling video from a computer with just a VGA output to a T.V. that only takes component and composite inputs? [more inside]
posted by mahoganyslide at 10:28 PM PST - 4 comments

What happens if I try to return a free, opened iPod?

A friend recently bought a MacBook for college and, through Apple's promotion, got a free iPod Touch with it. I have a few questions: 1) If the iPod is opened, can it still be returned? 2) What will happen if Apple does take it back, since technically the owner payed nothing for it? (Store credit, perhaps?) and 3) If the iPod should somehow malfunction through no fault of the owner, would Apple replace it as they would any other purchased iPod still under warranty?
posted by alitorbati at 10:06 PM PST - 5 comments

Encyclopedia of 19th C literature

What is a good encyclopedia / dictionary for 19th and/or 20th century literature? [more inside]
posted by stbalbach at 10:02 PM PST - 7 comments

How do you pronounce the name of this famous New Wave director?

How do you pronounce the name of the director of 'Hiroshima Mon Amour'? [more inside]
posted by war wrath of wraith at 9:40 PM PST - 15 comments

Looking for affordable short cars under 12 feet.

Looking for a list of cheap short cars (under 12 ft), and suggestions on the best way to find one in the Seattle area. [more inside]
posted by johnstein at 8:59 PM PST - 20 comments

Why is South Africa abbreviated as ZA?

Why is South Africa abbreviated as ZA? [more inside]
posted by theseampsgoto11 at 8:30 PM PST - 12 comments

Best way to negotiate a large raise?

How can I smartly/safely negotiate a substantial promotion and raise? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:23 PM PST - 6 comments

Before I buy a new stand mixer...

Will a Kitchenaid stand mixer work well with small volumes - such as a single egg white?
posted by cwhitfcd at 8:04 PM PST - 13 comments

Deconstruct this Invitation?

What relationship do the following songs have with each other: Nineteenth Nervous Breakdown (1965) Refugee (1979) Stairway to Heaven (1971) Black Magic Woman (1970) Band on the Run (1973) Walk This Way (1975) Tequila Sunrise (1973) [more inside]
posted by webhund at 7:47 PM PST - 111 comments

What do you do when you don't want to buy more fancy Apple drives?

Older Apple Hardware Filter: My Google-fu has failed me. Anyone have some resources on/experience with replacing Apple-branded SATA drives in a G5 XServe with non-Apple-branded ones? [more inside]
posted by liquado at 7:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Be My Italian Guide

I'm leaving for Europe this week and will be gone for about two and a half weeks. I've got a bunch of family in Germany so they'll be showing me around there, but I'm also planning on going to Italy for approximately five days, give or take (no rigid schedule). I was hoping some people could give me some first hand recommendations on what would really make my experience a blast. [more inside]
posted by defben at 7:24 PM PST - 4 comments

i feel like a teenager :\

If I know I wont be happy with him in the long term, why is it so hard to break up with him now? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:37 PM PST - 39 comments

How to cope with the firing of a friend and coworker?

A friend was just fired from my department for somewhat vague reasons. I've heard the story from my friend, and the managers have yet to say anything to the rest of us. As far as I can tell, my friend did nothing scandalous, illegal, or that violated my employer's policies. My friend is also not lazy. Everyone in the department is confused, and our morale is clearly shot. How do I support my friend and my coworkers? How can I/we move on enough to get day-to-day work done? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Pharmaceutical sales reps - unburden your souls!

What's it like to be a drug rep? [more inside]
posted by ebellicosa at 6:18 PM PST - 10 comments

What is the quote regarding someone's unavoidable career path in music?

Looking for a quote where a rock star(?) says that he became a musician because he couldn't do anything else. Or wasn't good at anything else. Or had no other option/choice. Or something to that effect. Help?
posted by unknowncommand at 4:56 PM PST - 22 comments

The smell of fear

I use the same deodorant/antiperspirant every day, approx. the same type of fabrics etc every day. But I find that on days I teach (college level) I come home with a distinctive sharp smell. I'm one of those teachers that has classroom anxiety. Is this the "smell of fear"? Is there such a thing? Is there a way to stop it?
posted by media_itoku at 4:27 PM PST - 17 comments

Acura ABS Problem

Acura ABS Filter, 1998 Acura 3.2 TL, ABS light and TCS light are on, Repair shop says there are 2 ABS sensors out (right side). They want $540 to repair them and reset the light. Anyone have any ideas or is this a possible fix at home situation? Any help would be appreciat
posted by mikedelic at 4:06 PM PST - 2 comments

Does QuickBooks for Mac suck less than Quicken?

Does QuickBooks for Mac suck less than Quicken? [more inside]
posted by HotToddy at 3:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Mirroring the display on an iMac running windows

For a new iMac running Windows XP, I need to mirror/clone the display so it shows the same on the monitor and a projector. The graphics driver (for an ATI Mobiity Radeon HD 2600XT) doesn't support mirroring, but the iMac does it automatically. But the monitor and the projector have very different aspect ratios, and the same screen size gets applied to both. Is there a way to set two different screen sizes? There's nothing under the display preferences. Any third party software that would work?
posted by hydrophonic at 3:52 PM PST - 6 comments

Help me find a computer tutor in Toronto.

Please help me find a tutor in the Toronto area who can teach me how to produce pictures like this using Autocad software and photoshop. I'm using lynda.com already, but need some more directed help.
posted by OlivesAndTurkishCoffee at 3:49 PM PST - 10 comments

What can I do about touch screen voting?

What can I do to help in regards to touch screen voting machines in my community? [more inside]
posted by niles at 3:47 PM PST - 8 comments

Tagline suggestions for medical community

Can anyone suggest a catchy tagline for a networking site for doctors? Everything I come up with just seems so mundane!
posted by healey at 3:44 PM PST - 18 comments

All Mod Cons

Please help us build a retro-modern room around this chair. [more inside]
posted by simbiotic at 3:35 PM PST - 5 comments

Sewing baby clothes

Sewing baby clothes- I have a friend's shower coming up, and I'd like to make something fabulous for an infant baby girl. Patterns you've made, pictures of clothes you love, general info on good and bad baby clothes, fabrics, fasteners, &c. [more inside]
posted by oneirodynia at 3:30 PM PST - 17 comments

Where can I find a studio with a Disklavier near SF?

Where in the Bay area can I find a recording studio with an acoustic piano that has been upgraded with a Disklavier or other MIDI playback device? [more inside]
posted by stewiethegreat at 3:24 PM PST - 2 comments

Tel Aviv Weekend Trip?

I live in Jerusalem and am going to Tel Aviv for the weekend. I really don't know the area, and am looking for: 1) A good day spa in Tel Aviv Yafo. My solid foam mattress is slowly killing my back, and I am in dire need of a good, strong massage. 2) Discotheque recommendation 3) Other recommendation? Anything? Cool place to visit, shop, good restaurant, anything. I live so close there's a good chance I'll come back too, so it doesn't have to all fit into a weekend. Thanks
posted by howgenerica at 3:23 PM PST - 0 comments

No carb options at ubiquitous restaurants when you're on the run?

I'm looking for chain restaurants (including fast food places) that have some decent no-carb food options. If you could name the place and the dish, it would be most appreciated! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:20 PM PST - 14 comments

Freezers looking for space in San Diego?

Secure warehouse space, with generator, in San Diego? [more inside]
posted by strangelove at 2:40 PM PST - 2 comments

Are there any online music video channels?

Are there any online music video channels? [more inside]
posted by signal at 2:40 PM PST - 3 comments

Animal Farm - apartment style

Thinking of a guinea pig as a starter pet for a 5 year old. We have two cats already - any insight into how they might all get along ? [more inside]
posted by AuntLisa at 2:38 PM PST - 20 comments

Save me from having to retype 2,600 file names.

In Windows, is there a way to get a text listing of all of the files in a folder? [more inside]
posted by joannemerriam at 2:29 PM PST - 13 comments

How much do PHP developers in NYC get paid?

What's the going rate for a PHP developer in NYC? [more inside]
posted by defreckled at 2:26 PM PST - 9 comments

geotagging the real world with your cell phone?

Help me find that awesome cellphone/real world data overlay project that I saw! [more inside]
posted by griffey at 2:24 PM PST - 1 comment

Just need a stable webhost

Looking for a new webhost, with PHP and MySQL [more inside]
posted by hungrysquirrels at 2:18 PM PST - 24 comments

Dream band website creator

What is the best user friendly website or web app for bands or musicians which enables you to manage the design, look, music, pictures, and news on a daily basis without having the knowledge to make a web page or having no knowledge of web design? [more inside]
posted by sublivious at 2:15 PM PST - 9 comments

What is the best cheap web host?

Are there any dirt-cheap web hosts that stand out from the flock and offer multiple domains on one account? [more inside]
posted by scose at 2:12 PM PST - 10 comments

10 Days to Kill in Kuala Lumpur...

Kuala Lumpur Time-Killing Help Needed [more inside]
posted by rokusan at 2:01 PM PST - 14 comments

Does anyone know how I could find a broken-down looking bus on short notice?

I need a broken down looking bus in Raleigh NC. How can I find one of those? [more inside]
posted by willie11 at 1:58 PM PST - 3 comments

My stupid nose won't let me doze.

How do you get to sleep with a raging head cold?? [more inside]
posted by InfinateJane at 1:44 PM PST - 39 comments

Louisville Restaurant recommendation.

Looking for a good casual lunchtime restaurant in Louisville, KY. [more inside]
posted by sakari at 1:40 PM PST - 13 comments

Mourning Suncom

Tmobile just bought out Suncom in North Carolina. I had Suncom. Our cell phone plan was the Unplan, which had unlimited minutes in our region. What's gonna happen to my sweet deal? [more inside]
posted by konolia at 1:35 PM PST - 6 comments

Why Do 9v Batteries Suck?

So the modern practical uses for these are in guitar effects, alarm clocks, and smoke detectors. leave your effects on and they die in a couple of hours. as a backup to your alarm clock, it dies in four or five hours (not even powering the LCD). i have no idea how long these things last in a smoke detector, but my guess is the next housefire and i'm a dead man. why do these batteries suck so bad? why do we still use them? why hasn't science come up with anything better?
posted by camdan at 1:29 PM PST - 18 comments

When will we see new MacBook Pros? When should I buy mine?

I will have $3000 saved by the end of this month. I am hoping to spend it on a high-end 15" MBP. I am currently a high school senior, and am looking to replace my aging P4 desktop with a laptop that will last me into college. When is it likely that Apple will release new MBPs? [more inside]
posted by nokry56 at 1:19 PM PST - 58 comments

Where can I sell used clothes in Chicago?

Thrift Filter: Where can I sell old clothes (slightly worn) in Chicago (preferably in/near East Lakeview) and how much can I expect to get for them? [more inside]
posted by Elminster24 at 12:38 PM PST - 6 comments

I'll butter your bread, baby.

What are your favorite bread machine recipes? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy at 12:36 PM PST - 6 comments

You haven't got mail

How do I find a working smtp server when I am at a coffee shop? [more inside]
posted by special-k at 12:29 PM PST - 9 comments

Old photos of Cambridge, MA

I am looking for photos of the Cambridge, MA area taken between 1950 and 1999. I am especially interested in the commercial areas along the current Red Line route (Porter/Harvard/Central/Kendall), and the industrial areas southeast of Central Square. If you happen to know of any repositories of offline photos, that would be cool too. Thanks!
posted by rxrfrx at 12:24 PM PST - 11 comments

Purebred vs. Pound Purries?

Is there a compelling argument in favor of getting a purebred cat instead of adopting a shelter kitty? [more inside]
posted by Metroid Baby at 12:04 PM PST - 35 comments

Where could I find an electromechanical sign?

So if I wanted to find an old school electro-mechanical signboard, where would I find such an animal? I seem to remember the stock exchange or train stations used to have something similar but I've google my brains out and can't seem find anything. I have the feeling that they're handbuilt, so has anyone seen any plans or schematics for one?
posted by jackofsaxons at 11:44 AM PST - 4 comments

Who to file a complaint with for a problem with a US locality domain registrar?

Who is the appropriate party to file a complaint with, for a problem with a US locality (*.portland.or.us, NOT *.us) domain registrar that is not updating DNS records as requested? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:34 AM PST - 4 comments

Is it possible to export all drafts in MovableType?

MovableTypeFilter: Is there a way to export all unpublished entries (drafts)? It would be a million times easier for me to go through them all offline rather than one at a time with MT's cumbersome interface. I'm running MT 4.21. Even challenging solutions are helpful. [more inside]
posted by 2oh1 at 11:27 AM PST - 7 comments

What game am I thinking of?

I'm trying to remember the name of a video game I played in the early 90's... [more inside]
posted by rifflesby at 11:09 AM PST - 3 comments

MacBook Pro damage: I REALLY need a hug

Work gave me an awesome laptop. Which fell out of my computer bag 3 days later. Now what? [more inside]
posted by NikitaNikita at 10:57 AM PST - 22 comments

Water pitcher won't fit in our sink

I recently saw an ad for a water filter pitcher that has a little hose stored in the handle that attaches to the water tap. Can anyone tell me who makes this product? The only source of water in my office is a small sink in the washroom, and it is not deep enough to fit a water pitcher into. I'm thinking this hose-attached pitcher could be the answer to our hydration needs. Other ideas on how to supply clean drinking water to my staff are welcome.
posted by mutrux at 10:40 AM PST - 8 comments

Buy. Sell. Trade.

Interested in buying and then selling stuff. I am running into two (and I assume, very common) problems. 1. The high quality stuff I find tends to be too expensive to buy. 2. The cheap stuff I find is really crappy. I know in order to make money, you need to buy low and sell high. But, this seems a LOT easier in theory than in practice! What am I doing wrong? [more inside]
posted by sixcolors at 10:31 AM PST - 31 comments

Why won't Firefox let me login anywhere?

Firefox brings me back to any website's login screen, ad infinitum. Help me make it stop. [more inside]
posted by cocoagirl at 10:20 AM PST - 15 comments

How to support McCain-Palin in NYC?

I'm a recent transplant to NYC, and a Republican. I need to find the best ways to support McCain-Palin in what can be a somewhat inhospitable environment. [more inside]
posted by BobbyVan at 10:11 AM PST - 30 comments

mySQL + CSV file = grey hair.

I have a mysql table, and i have a csv file. I need to update some(not all) rows in the mySQL DB using the data in the CSV file. Is there an easy way to do it? There are about 2700 rows that need to get updated. 3 of the cols. in the CSV can be used to find the correct rows in the DB (and yes, I am in fact a n00b) (everything is on a windows machine)
posted by photodegas at 9:28 AM PST - 4 comments

Where can I find drivers for my ancient digital camera?

Where can I find software to connect my computer to my camera? I have a Dell running Windows XP and an old Canon Powershot G2 from 2001. [more inside]
posted by chinese_fashion at 9:09 AM PST - 14 comments

Imagine a world...with no movie theatre popcorn...

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with Meniere's Disease -- basically chronic vertigo and other inner ear/balance issues. The first course of treatment is through diet: very low salt and no alcohol. The trouble is he still eats like he is in college... [more inside]
posted by sararah at 9:06 AM PST - 8 comments

Too flat too soon, too bad?

How long does your iphone (3G) battery last? [more inside]
posted by gergtreble at 9:05 AM PST - 24 comments

MA-J portfolio

I'm a young Canadian based in Toronto, looking to beef up my Journalism Masters application for next year with more clippings and media work. Can anyone suggest some places to pitch stories to? I'm thinking along the lines of CBC Outfront or Spacing magazine. I'm sure there are lots of places out there I haven't thought of. Thanks!
posted by pcameron at 8:48 AM PST - 5 comments

What do I need to know about going on a blind date?

What should I know about going on a blind date? [more inside]
posted by lxs at 8:41 AM PST - 23 comments

Good Silestone Vendor in New York City

I'm looking for a good place to get a Silestone countertop in New York City. Trying to get a good price and reliability. Anyone have a suggestion?
posted by Davidissimo at 8:30 AM PST - 1 comment

turn it up to eleven!

What equipment do my teenagers need to start a garage band and record/edit using a macbook pro? [more inside]
posted by headnsouth at 8:25 AM PST - 5 comments

Cheap copy shop in Manhattan?

Can you recommend a copy shop in Manhattan (preferably, but not necessarily, around Columbia or in Harlem) where I could print several hundred pages and have them adequately bound (on a plastic spiral, etc. -- nothing fancy) without paying too much?
posted by limon at 8:21 AM PST - 3 comments

Where to buy sheet music?

Are there any places online where I can search for and buy (possibly obscure) sheet music? Or is this one of those things where you just have to go to a music store? [more inside]
posted by lemonade at 7:59 AM PST - 12 comments

YouTube upload

Any way to upload videos to youtube not using a web interface? [more inside]
posted by cjorgensen at 7:55 AM PST - 5 comments

________ing in a winter wonderland

My fiancee and I are very outdoorsy. This summer we enjoyed hiking, mountain biking and kayaking. We're looking for some low-cost winter sports and outdoor activities so that we can continue to enjoy the great outdoors through the late fall, winter and early spring. [more inside]
posted by aleahey at 7:49 AM PST - 13 comments

I have to be ethical, can I not be broke?

Can a demotion be a firing and can I collect unemployment insurance? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:42 AM PST - 14 comments

how do I go about hiring a house cleaner?

how do I go about finding a good house cleaner in Toronto? I would prefer to hire an individual person, rather than a business, but I am willing to consider both. I am looking for recommendations, and tips as to what to ask after hearing some horror stories (house cleaner stealing, etc.). This is for a small apartment, 700 sq. feet.
posted by esolo at 7:32 AM PST - 6 comments

"Guess what?" "What?" "THAT'S what!"

When I was a kid (in the early 70s), this baffling "riddle" was all the rage in the schoolyard: A: "Guess what?" B: "What?" A: "THAT'S what!" I thought this was a quirky but of Southern Indiana nonsense, but my wife -- who hails from Alabama -- also remembers it from her youth. What does it mean? What's its origin? [more inside]
posted by grumblebee at 7:22 AM PST - 53 comments

Music video request

I need a very specific type of music video. [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb at 7:16 AM PST - 25 comments

Bank is to blank as...

Just what do you think about banks? I work at one, and I want to know, are we ever going to be your cool friend? [more inside]
posted by phoeniciansailor at 7:07 AM PST - 83 comments

My dear old Monopoly U.

My public university has a rule which only allows me to take classes for transferable credit at an outside institution (say, a community college) if I first register for at least 12 credit hours with said university. Is this standing operating procedure, and what can I do about it? [more inside]
posted by iamisaid at 6:39 AM PST - 18 comments

Can XP do what OSX does?

Is there a way to make Windows XP have something similar to the "show all windows" option in OSX? [more inside]
posted by bytewrite at 6:30 AM PST - 9 comments

A variation on Should I Eat It

Can/should I take immodium? [more inside]
posted by Mavri at 6:13 AM PST - 14 comments

Is Skype a viable landline alternative for us?

What's the best Skype package for managing contact with our international friends and family group? [more inside]
posted by Happy Dave at 4:55 AM PST - 4 comments

"Third" Places to increase serendipity near Santa Monica/Brentwood

Ray Oldenburg wrote a book a while back called "The Great Good Place" where he described what he called "Third Places", places with regulars who habitually congregate there to meet new and old friends in a welcoming atmosphere. What places near Santa Monica/Brentwood/West Los Angeles California fit that description? [more inside]
posted by realpseudonym at 3:13 AM PST - 3 comments

I (don't) want to ride my bicycle

My cycle commute has halved in distance and quadrupled in frustration - how do I stay fit? [more inside]
posted by freya_lamb at 3:00 AM PST - 24 comments

conflicting feelings

Conflicted over dad's requests. Your advice appreciated. [more inside]
posted by uxo at 2:25 AM PST - 41 comments

Fastest way to get a screenshot attached to a new gmail message?

Is there a one-click way I can 1. press a key combo shortcut 2. select a rectangular area of my screen 3. snap a screenshot of that 4. immediately get that screenshot attached to a new gmail message ? [more inside]
posted by scarabic at 12:04 AM PST - 14 comments

September 8

What is this animal?

Help me identify this animal. [more inside]
posted by not_on_display at 10:57 PM PST - 10 comments

Jury Duty - To Serve or Not to Serve

I want to get out of jury service, but I refuse to lie. [more inside]
posted by trixare4kids at 10:07 PM PST - 34 comments

How green is my roof?

What are the best options for replacing our asphalt shingle roof with something equally long-lasting but greener? [more inside]
posted by gingerbeer at 9:58 PM PST - 12 comments

LEED certification, intensive course?

I have looked in all the usual places, and cannot find an intensive class to prepare for the test for LEED certification. I will have to take LWOP so the shorter the better. I found one in CO. I am wait-listed, but it is too long anyway. I have studied independently and have already surpassed the ONE-DAY-WONDER seminars. I need to pass the test to move on. Any architects, construction managers out there who can give me a lead?
posted by woman at 9:55 PM PST - 7 comments

mold in basement remodel -- what now?

I've put an offer on a 1924 house that has a refinished basement. The remodel was done by the homeowners, with no permits. My inspector found some mold on some wood and drywall. What now? [more inside]
posted by j at 8:36 PM PST - 11 comments

Interstate Sidewalk?

Driving south on I-85 from Atlanta to Montgomery, a person passes something that looks like a sideway running for several miles down the median of the interstate. What gives?
posted by jefficator at 8:28 PM PST - 2 comments

Workout Filter: Help me assess my weight lifting workout.

I've been lifting weights for a long time, but recently decided to switch from the machines to mostly free weights and cable lifts. I've done a lot of reading on the subject, and have cobbled together the following routine that seems to be giving me some results, but I wanted opinions on what muscles I might be missing/which exercises might be superfluous. [more inside]
posted by prior at 8:22 PM PST - 17 comments

Translate "spirit" into Scottish Gaeilc

Can you help me figure out the best Scottish Gaelic word for translating the English word "spirit" for a tattoo project? [more inside]
posted by franklen at 8:19 PM PST - 12 comments

MacFilter

Why can't I pick up and drag my Mac's desktop folders smoothly? Often they don't move at all, or they snap back as if on rubber bands when I move and drop them. [more inside]
posted by bad grammar at 8:00 PM PST - 4 comments

Being friends with friends of my partner's ex?

Posted a question here about my situation as it stood about 9 months ago and got some good feedback. My question now relates in some way to my previous question and how the situation has evolved. [more inside]
posted by DuckGirl at 7:55 PM PST - 12 comments

Bought a six pack of bottled beer, one of the bottles has the cap of a different brand on it - should I care?

I live in the NYC area and bought a six-pack of Saranac from the local shop. One of the bottles has a Brooklyn brewery cap on it instead of the Saranac cap. Are the two beers bottled in the same plant? Should I worry about tampering? The store is reputable and I've never had any trouble with anything from there in 3 years.
posted by ripple at 7:35 PM PST - 11 comments

SPOOOOORRRRRE!!!

I just bought Spore on disc, forgetting completely that my disc drive is broken. The case has been opened and the game is now non-returnable. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by arcticwoman at 7:34 PM PST - 22 comments

Can I take a Stafford loan without the help of my school?

Can I apply for a Stafford loan without going through my school? [more inside]
posted by serazin at 7:29 PM PST - 3 comments

Hail me a cab!!

Greensboro NC filter - a friend at Guilford College in Greenboro needs a taxi at 5 am Tuesday morning. All the cab companies have zero or lousy ratings. Any recommendations??
posted by metahawk at 7:26 PM PST - 6 comments

May I transfer an XP Genuine Advantage Kit install?

A Dell PC was originally equipped with Windows ME. Somebody later installed, instead, an unauthorized copy of XP. The machine was given to me, and I legitimated the XP install by paying Microsoft for a "Genuine Advantage Kit." Will Microsoft let me use that kit's CD to install XP on a different machine (perhaps an Apple) if I get rid of the first machine? Thanks.
posted by Dave 9 at 7:13 PM PST - 3 comments

What is a "professional" recommendation for grad school?

When a grad school says they accept "professional" recommendations, what does that mean? Is it a bad idea to get someone you've worked with in a community organization to write a recommendation? [more inside]
posted by weebil at 7:08 PM PST - 5 comments

Cat spit mystery: Why am I allergic to one of our cats, but not the other?

Cat spit mystery: Why am I allergic to one of our cats, but not the other? [more inside]
posted by lottie at 6:58 PM PST - 13 comments

English to Latin translation help, please!

LatinFilter: I need help with Latin translation. The sentence is: "The Brotherhood of the Book of Blood protects us." I've gotten this far with crappy translation software, but need more help: "Fraternitas Codex Sanguineus Defendo". [more inside]
posted by Vamier at 6:21 PM PST - 4 comments

How to build a new social circle?

How do I build myself a new social circle from scratch? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:14 PM PST - 20 comments

Help an iTunes hater out...

Help an iTunes hater. I have 400 similarly tagged items I want to delete as I listen to them. Why won't iTunes let me have a column that is just "filename"? Every other media player can do that. And don't even get me started on the "keep my music organized" check box. The only way I could get my 400 items into iTunes with unique names was to turn that off, import the 400 items, and use a 3rd party id3 tagger to read the filename into the tag. I thought the Mac experience was supposed to be easy. I must be missing something really stupid. Is there an easier way?
posted by Area Control at 5:46 PM PST - 16 comments

Which restaurants were in the Stardust Hotel in 1989?

Which restaurants were in the Stardust Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in/around 1989, and what was the Stardust like at the time? [more inside]
posted by vorfeed at 5:33 PM PST - 3 comments

I wish I didn't know about your blog

One of my coworkers has a personal blog which periodically has some Very Ugly entries about other coworkers. I mean, seriously, vulgar and uncalled-for entries. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:31 PM PST - 32 comments

Its snark is worth than its bite

What's the PSI force of the bite of an average adult house cat? [more inside]
posted by wastelands at 5:12 PM PST - 10 comments

Microsoft or Apple?

Zune vs. iPod Touch? [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 4:36 PM PST - 18 comments

Portfolio? No one said anything about a portfolio!

I applied for a copywriting job that I thought I had no chance of ever hearing back from, and they have actually asked me for a portfolio. But I don't have one - yet! Help! [more inside]
posted by andeles at 4:33 PM PST - 9 comments

Nome De Nikon

I Am An Academic. Should I Use My Real Name Or A Nom De Plume For My IStockPhoto Account? [more inside]
posted by Spurious at 4:06 PM PST - 7 comments

No recuerdo nada!

I am looking for resources to help me improve my Spanish quickly-- but wait! There's a hitch. [more inside]
posted by WidgetAlley at 3:54 PM PST - 11 comments

Hungarian Soccer Jersey for a 3-year old

Looking to purchase a Hungarian soccer jersey for a toddler. Please help! [more inside]
posted by taang at 3:53 PM PST - 3 comments

Wireless headphone recommendations for an iPod, please!

Recommendations needed on wireless headphones for use with an iPod. [more inside]
posted by Twicketface at 3:01 PM PST - 3 comments

Pivot Tables for Dummies?

Pivot Tables for Dummies? Can anyone recommend a good tutorial for pivot tables for someone who's never created them before? [more inside]
posted by nooneyouknow at 2:55 PM PST - 3 comments

401K contributions sans job

Tax mavens: Is there a way I can contribute to a 401K this year w/o a job? [more inside]
posted by troy at 2:55 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me get into Willie's music

Can people help me finally get into Willie Nelson's music? I had the occasion to see him perform at the Oregon State Fair about a week ago. I can reference his discography and go buy what has charted well- to start off with, but I would like to know some deeper picks by people who really dig Willie. Compilations need not apply, please.
posted by captainsohler at 2:52 PM PST - 31 comments

I'm not really a bath kind of person

Broken tub faucet. Please help! The faucet came off with what seems to be part of the pipe..where the faucet screws into the pipe. [more inside]
posted by Epsilon-minus semi moron at 2:45 PM PST - 9 comments

Arach No Phobia

Help me to find a way to be compassionate to people with a fear of spiders. Today in the work place someone started jumping up and down and screaming when they saw a spider. My wife and daughter are also very afraid of them too. My mind tells me that such fears are totally irrational and I want to tell them to "get over it." My gut tells me there is something more going on but I don't no what it is. Educate me.
posted by Xurando at 2:41 PM PST - 49 comments

Big Red Button to Enable SSH Tunneling?

I'm on a mac. I want to set a single configuration option somewhere to enable/disable using SSH tunneling for a bunch of different protocols/applications. Is this possible? How? [more inside]
posted by Alterscape at 2:35 PM PST - 9 comments

Can I watch Thom Yorke the depressive clown again?

Does anyone remember the UK satellite music-and-comedy channel PlayUK? How about the short cartoons of music stars they used to play? Are they still preserved somewhere on the internet? [more inside]
posted by daisyk at 2:35 PM PST - 1 comment

Should I be paying US taxes?

Should I be paying US taxes? I moved to the UK when I was 14 (1991), and have never drawn an income in the United States, don't maintain a credit card, bank account, address, etc. However, I am still a US citizen, as well as a UK resident (soon to become citizen). A (paranoid and not informed) parent is worried that I'm going to end up in prison for tax evasion. I certainly don't earn enough money that I can afford to be taxed in two countries. Any information is greatly appreciated.
posted by anonymous at 1:59 PM PST - 12 comments

Pimp My Soon-to-be-Married Feet.

I'm a girl, getting married in a boy's suit. What shoes do I wear ? [more inside]
posted by duckus at 1:48 PM PST - 23 comments

Does fear of intimacy require therapy?

Is it possible to overcome a fear of intimacy without therapy? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:45 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me pick out a cell phone repeater?

What do I need to do to get better cell phone coverage in my basement? Everything works fine upstairs but not so much in the basement. I have an antenna already mounted to the roof, I assume all I need is a repeater? If so what kind? The network is AT&T, but I do not need 3G speeds, only the ability to make calls / SMS. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 1:42 PM PST - 8 comments

I want some initials after my name, please!

What are the must-have certifications for a web developer working in higher education? [more inside]
posted by fvox13 at 1:38 PM PST - 5 comments

Has anyone ever been invited to an Artist's Den concert?

Has anyone ever been invited to an Artist's Den concert? I just got invited to the Jakob Dylan concert on Wednesday. What are they like? It says cocktails at 8 and concert at 9. Cocktails aren't included are they? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, Paul
posted by paulyballs at 1:33 PM PST - 0 comments

How to I make sure I come back to a relationship that isn't broken?

So, I just started dating someone exclusively on Sept. 1st. I leave on the 16th to visit Germany for a month. Aside from emailing back and forth, give me some ideas that will help both before and during my extended time away from my boyfriend that will help the relationship rather than hurt it. [more inside]
posted by pontouf at 1:30 PM PST - 10 comments

Blogs on the art and science of Googling

Are there any good blogs out there on improving your Googling skills? [more inside]
posted by vizsla at 1:21 PM PST - 6 comments

mexican etiquette

Social dos and don'ts in Mexico? [more inside]
posted by dhruva at 1:10 PM PST - 15 comments

Resources for growing a home business

What are your best resources for growing an established home-based business? [more inside]
posted by acoutu at 1:09 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me find a photo of the 2008 RNC convention hall.

I'm trying to find a photo of the empty RNC convention hall. [more inside]
posted by svolix at 1:05 PM PST - 8 comments

How can I make my guitar sound like an organ?

How can I make my guitar sound like an electric organ? [more inside]
posted by abirae at 12:52 PM PST - 11 comments

Are phone polls biased toward landlines?

How accurate are political polls in the age of the cell phone? Here's why I ask: Out of nine folks in my office, seven of us have no landlines in our homes; we are mobile exclusive. Of the those seven, six are voting Obama and one is voting McCain. The two of us with landlines are split one to one for Obama-McCain. Any pollsters working in our neck of the woods would see the race in a dead heat, one to one. In reality, we're seven to two. So, aren't the polls growing more skewed with every passing year? Do some pollsters actually call cell-phone users? If not, there's a bias.
posted by jackypaper at 12:42 PM PST - 10 comments

Will work, but not for Rupert?

I'm looking for musicians who've decided not to be on MySpace Music (because they don't want to provide free content/traffic for News Corp., because they don't want their work next to ads, or for other reasons related to MySpace). Where are statements, blog posts, etc., by such musicians? Your own thoughts on these issues are welcome too.
posted by kalapierson at 12:42 PM PST - 6 comments

Working with an Independent (Clothing) Sales Rep vs. Cold Calling shops

My wife has designed and produced several items of clothing for girls which are available online. She's interested in getting her items placed and sold through specialty shops and boutiques. She is trying to determine the best way to go about this without breaking the bank. (For example, the expense of a booth at a trade show is outside of our budget). She's thinking about working with an independent sales representative and/or cold calling shops directly. [more inside]
posted by braveterry at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I receive what's rightfully owed?

How do I go about getting my paycheck from a company that has wrongfully withheld my pay, admitted to their mistake, and actively brushed me off, ignored me, lied<> to me for almost 3 months now? Details within. [more inside]
posted by s01110011 at 12:39 PM PST - 13 comments

Hello Kitty in Vancouver?

What is the best Hello Kitty store in or around Vancouver? [more inside]
posted by Iax at 12:25 PM PST - 5 comments

Basically I need James Taylor to cover a Jay Z song.

Best nerdy white band / artist covers of rap songs (the more offensive the better). [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime at 12:18 PM PST - 39 comments

Samsung Instinct Browser Problem

I'm having trouble with the bookmark function of the Samsung Instinct's browser and need some help. [more inside]
posted by Sangermaine at 12:08 PM PST - 0 comments

trivial question on the etymology of "Spam": Did it originate at a Pern hatching?

trivial question on the etymology of "Spam": Did it originate at a Pern hatching? [more inside]
posted by Challahtronix at 12:08 PM PST - 8 comments

Do I Bring a Wedding Gift to a Facebook Wedding Event?

Miss Manners Filter - I have been invited to a post wedding 'celebration' for a couple of friends through a Facebook events listing. Am I expected to bring a gift? If I can't attend should I send a gift anyway? (details inside) [more inside]
posted by Toto_tot at 12:03 PM PST - 12 comments

What a way to make a living...

I have questions about finding a new job whilst working my current one and hating it. And changing careers. And what to say to recruiters so that I don't end up in an office environment like this again. And questions about references. Sigh. Oh and guilt. [more inside]
posted by ticktockdoc at 11:41 AM PST - 5 comments

I need a new suit in NYC.

I need a new suit. I live in NYC, and a friend had recommended that I go to Linus in SoHo, which has been known for its high quality and relatively low prices. Unfortunately the shop seems to have closed and I can't find out anything more. So, I guess I have two questions: 1. Has it moved somewhere else and I'm just not finding it? 2. What's a good alternative? I'd like a decent suit, fashionable and well constructed, and I'd like to pay less than $1000.
posted by o2b at 11:39 AM PST - 15 comments

What does this tea package say?

Asking for a friend: Can you translate this (Japanese?) tea package? PDFs here and here. [more inside]
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:34 AM PST - 5 comments

Which Apache virtual host is getting slammed?

Apache 2 + N number of Virtual Hosts = where is the traffic coming from? (in real time!) [more inside]
posted by xmutex at 11:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Putting jasmine into baked goods?

Is there an easy solution to getting jasmine flavor into baked goods? [more inside]
posted by simplethings at 11:28 AM PST - 9 comments

Things to see/eat/do in Hong Kong?

Things to see/eat/do in Hong Kong? [more inside]
posted by electroboy at 11:21 AM PST - 14 comments

The italian version of the name game. Only minus the rhyming.

What does my last name mean in Italian? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 11:03 AM PST - 22 comments

"Sample our Bounty" in Latin

How do you say "Sample our Bounty" in Latin? [more inside]
posted by IWoudDie4U at 11:00 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me take better photos in my home studio!

I am a hobbyist photographer starting to do some serious studio work and I need help deciding on lighting equipment. [more inside]
posted by arniec at 10:52 AM PST - 6 comments

What can cause a house's lights to flash?

What can cause a house's lights to dim and flash? [more inside]
posted by Nelson at 10:47 AM PST - 9 comments

Please identify this song.

Please identify this german song. [more inside]
posted by dmd at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments

Unreadable Futuristic Tales

I'm trying to download Cory Doctorow's graphic novel from the Internet Archive. I'm using a windows xp machine, and it won't let me view the files once they download. Am I missing a step? Do I need special software? Please help! Thanks :)
posted by LizardOfDoom at 10:31 AM PST - 3 comments

How can I find and watch this Thai movie?

How can I find a copy of this movie? It's a Thai comedy about a fierce dog that terrorizes a town. http://filmasia.blogspot.com/2008/07/woh-mah-ba-maha-sanook-thailand-2008.html Any help tracking it down would be appreciated, because I really want to watch this movie!
posted by k7lim at 10:30 AM PST - 2 comments

Financial Lease Calculation wiz needed

Finance wiz needed: Although interest rates do not exist in leases, customers constantly ask what is the interest rate for the lease. I have a question regrading how to calculate the implied interest rate in order to get the most favorable comparison. [more inside]
posted by thinktwice at 10:30 AM PST - 9 comments

Who else is from Bowie land?

Suggestions for artists (mainly musicians) that a friend should check out. [more inside]
posted by Cosine at 10:28 AM PST - 27 comments

Makeup lessons for my girlfriend

My girlfriend admittedly struggles with makeup, so her routine is quite simple. Can anybody in the New York area recommend a great place to learn how to apply makeup, get makeup tips, and purchase makeup in person with a stylist. I am looking for a business, stylist, or salon in Manhattan. Excellent customer service is key and somewhere they will take the time to teach (willing to pay for lessons) here how and what makeup to apply and not something like going to Macy's to the makeup counter. Open to paying for lessons, makeovers, etc. Any ideas?
posted by bobadoci at 10:17 AM PST - 20 comments

help with a song please

songfilter: whats the song i heard at the gym today? Heard a song at the gym today, google-fu is failing me, song is in my mind and haunting me. [more inside]
posted by ecks at 9:37 AM PST - 16 comments

He's a castaway who'd eaten another guy. He's small so he can't reach the right button except with his umbrella. They're fish and the bowl broke.

I'm looking for more riddles like "the seagull sandwich" and "the guy who goes to work every day, takes the elevator to the 35th floor, gets out, walks the stairs to the 38th except when it rains" and the one where Romeo and Juliet are dead on the floor surrounded by shards of glass. Though preferably harder and better. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by Skyanth at 9:36 AM PST - 43 comments

Picking a psychiatrist

I have a minor psychiatric issue and I'd like to go see a professional. Question about picking one. [more inside]
posted by crapmatic at 9:05 AM PST - 13 comments

Am I in an untenable situation?

Please assist me with my LSAT prep anxiety... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:56 AM PST - 13 comments

What should I eat in the morning?

RamadanFilter: I'm fasting and I need to know what to eat so I'm not ravenous and faint by the sunset. [more inside]
posted by reenum at 8:50 AM PST - 12 comments

Where to stay, and what to do in the Gold Coast?

Where to stay, and what to do in the Gold Coast? [more inside]
posted by chunking express at 8:31 AM PST - 9 comments

Careers after going to law school part-time

What are my career options after going to law school part-time? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:22 AM PST - 8 comments

Used camera equipment marketplaces

I'm looking for non-Ebay, online or offline marketplaces for used camera lenses. [more inside]
posted by backseatpilot at 8:20 AM PST - 13 comments

Dryer cut clothing. Dryer folk not helpful.

Clothes dryer [new] slashed clothing. "Repaired," dryer snags clothes, makes unsettling noise. Visited store 4x; sent registered mail to manufacturer 2x, nothing. Now what? [more inside]
posted by kmennie at 8:19 AM PST - 8 comments

Casting About

I'm making a short film in Boston that requires two leads -- a man and a woman -- in their mid-20s who can dance ballroom. Where should I post a casting notice? [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 8:19 AM PST - 8 comments

After moving into my new apartment, I wake up feeling dehydrated and stuffy; what's going on?

I recently moved into a new apartment. Every morning I wake up with a nose full of dry, scratchy mucous and my mouth is blanketed in something foul. What's going on? [more inside]
posted by steelbuddha at 8:15 AM PST - 9 comments

You fill out a form, then see where everyone else is from who also filled out the form.

Is there a WordPress plugin that will let me make forms for people to fill in, and then dump the results to the database instead of emailing the results to me? I want reports with Google Charts (specifically the US and World maps). [more inside]
posted by Wild_Eep at 8:08 AM PST - 6 comments

We wanna Rock! ROCK! (help us pick a song!)

My newly formed band needs help--please help us find a good song to cover. We are three: one bass, one guitar, and one singer/guitar (female). We are all intermediate in skill (more or less). [more inside]
posted by verevi at 8:07 AM PST - 24 comments

Watch for sliding glasses...

How do I get used to these new glasses? [more inside]
posted by odi.et.amo at 7:58 AM PST - 6 comments

What can cause very rapid thinning and receding hair other than genetics? Is this unusual for my age?

Did your balding/receding kick into high gear at some point after a lifetime of very very slow loss? Is this unusual? Is something other than genetics causing this rapid loss? [more inside]
posted by Askr at 7:50 AM PST - 8 comments

If Oscar the Grouch could do it, so can we.

Chirstmastime ice skating at Rockefeller Center: Pro tips? [more inside]
posted by Miko at 7:42 AM PST - 5 comments

Speaker problems driving me nuts

Car audio question about mid-range/bass fading out unexpectedly. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by reformedjerk at 7:38 AM PST - 1 comment

Uphill, both ways, in Pittsburgh

How can I make it so that I can make it up the hills on my bicycle? [more inside]
posted by that girl at 7:29 AM PST - 46 comments

What is this nanny tax??

We just hired a nanny. It's costing me half my take home but we think our only solution for day care. Is there anything we should know about taxes or anything else for that matter???
posted by beccaj at 7:11 AM PST - 5 comments

Help me fend off the shower curtain liner!

My shower curtain liner chases me while I am taking a shower. It has a few little magnets that are supposed to keep it attached to the tub, but they're not enough. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by amfea at 7:08 AM PST - 15 comments

Are the side effects of birth control reversible?

I want to start taking birth control, but I'm afraid of potential side effects. I really do not want mood swings, weight gain and I especially do not want bigger boobs. What if I start on the Nuvaring and my boobs go up a cup size, if I stop taking it, will they go back to their normal size? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 AM PST - 21 comments

I can't stop thinking about this guy from burning man

So I met this guy at burning man. We WERE on alot of drugs but I felt like I'd known him forever. Now a week later, I can't get him out of my head & it's driving me crazy. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:30 AM PST - 17 comments

Help us feed our zygote some apples.

Twin Cities mefites: Where can I find locally grown apples that are safe for a pregnant woman? Looking for an orchard, not a market. (Other hot tips on finding local, seasonal foods for a mother-to-be appreciated if you have them!) [more inside]
posted by caution live frogs at 6:23 AM PST - 6 comments

Using different model power supplies

Can I use the power supply of a different type model? [more inside]
posted by czechmate at 6:21 AM PST - 2 comments

Does carbon trading make a difference?

Why should energy supply companies bother making people houses greener when they are essentially reducing demand for their good? (quite a UK based question) [more inside]
posted by henry.oswald at 6:16 AM PST - 11 comments

how much is the daily rate for a conference facility in sharm el-sheikh, egypt?

[event planning filter] i'm putting together a rough budget for a week-long workshop in sharm el-sheikh, egypt, and i'm having trouble finding the rates for a hotel conference room... [more inside]
posted by jus7brea7he at 6:07 AM PST - 2 comments

Everything is a copy of a copy of a copy.

I need some sleep advice: I a 37 year old man and on this past Saturday night, I pulled an all-niter to finish a project (haven't stayed up all night for 7 years). I took a ~2hr nap Sunday afternoon, and then couldn't sleep all night. I also just upped my dosage of Vyvanse. There's also more detail inside. Please help me get back through today and back on track. [more inside]
posted by 4ster at 5:25 AM PST - 8 comments

How can a beginner restore a vintage bike?

I'm learning to ride a bike and have a vintage Raleigh Caprice. How do I ensure it's roadworthy and get it all ship-shape? [more inside]
posted by mippy at 4:56 AM PST - 15 comments

Non-soggy wallpapering outdoors in a soggy climate?

I'm looking to make outdoor wallpaper for a temporary-but-not-super-short-term installation. Anything from flypostering advice to more pricey suggestions would be very much appreciated, adhesive to printing to paper. Oh yeah, and it's for Ireland in the autumn/winter. [more inside]
posted by carbide at 4:53 AM PST - 2 comments

MP3s on DL DVD?

MP3s on DL DVD's... as played on a Sony DVP-FX820? [more inside]
posted by ewkpates at 4:23 AM PST - 3 comments

What's in a name?

What are the meanings of the surnames Seliukova and Bessadna? [more inside]
posted by mooreeasyvibe at 4:21 AM PST - 5 comments

How can others see my computer?

Our companies IT department can proxy into my computer from1500 miles away and see what I have on it and make changes etc. How does this work? Is it a software program or more a matter of them identifying their computer with the same information (you know, that number that all computers have , their address?) as mine?
posted by tinbigd at 3:20 AM PST - 12 comments

Will we have a tip-top Tet?

Just how chaotic does Vietnam get during Tet? Is it going to be a problem for inexperienced travelers? [more inside]
posted by Serial Killer Slumber Party at 2:41 AM PST - 3 comments

Books for the magic bus?

Into the Wild: what were the books which Chris McCandless took with him and read on the magic bus?
posted by humuhumu at 1:42 AM PST - 3 comments

Can rabbits get Babesia Gibsoni?

My dog has Babesia Gibsoni. I also have a rabbit. Can this disease be transmitted to rabbits?
posted by friedbeef at 1:19 AM PST - 2 comments

September 7

What is an editorial plan?

What's an editorial plan? Do topic-focused weblogs (like the Gawker Media ones) have one? How do they work out what sort of content goes on their blog? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 11:35 PM PST - 3 comments

Om nom nom for cheap!?!?

Help a clueless student eat on a $100/month budget. [more inside]
posted by GrooveStix at 10:28 PM PST - 44 comments

Help me buy some suits

Help me buy some reasonably priced, high quality suits [more inside]
posted by saslett at 10:24 PM PST - 12 comments

Google is not great after all

Google Groups denied two requests to add new subscribers to a listserv. Can I appeal this decision? Or, failing that, is there a way to see the two lists of emails that it denied? [more inside]
posted by Phire at 9:00 PM PST - 5 comments

It's good to walk a mile in another person's shoes, because then you'll be a mile away and have their shoes.

What can I do to repair the heel padding inside my shoe? [more inside]
posted by spamguy at 8:52 PM PST - 5 comments

I need some ideas for my Gypsy themed party.

Ideas for a Gypsy Themed Party, Go! [more inside]
posted by theRussian at 8:51 PM PST - 22 comments

New bank!

Which bank for a small business. [more inside]
posted by cowmix at 8:34 PM PST - 3 comments

eBay clothing sales - do I charge in-state sales tax?

Am I required to charge sales tax for clothing sold from a home-based eBay business out of New York City? [more inside]
posted by kmtiszen at 8:31 PM PST - 2 comments

If I listen to Dylan, what else would I enjoy?

I really enjoy listening to Bob Dylan's older music (pre 1970) and Im wondering are there any other artists (past or present) that would be of any interest to me? Im looking more towards folk than rock, more acoustical than electric but any recommendations would be great! Thanks!
posted by Groovytimes at 7:59 PM PST - 42 comments

What was the name of this late-90s Northern Virginia community access channel show?

Low-Budget Lesbian Space Adventure...filter: What was the name of this late-90s Northern Virginia community access channel show? [more inside]
posted by el_lupino at 7:56 PM PST - 8 comments

Tempurpedic vs. Memory Foam

The topic has been covered here before, but the answer to this specific question remains elusive: Is there a difference between expensive Tempurpedic mattresses and the generic memory foam ones? [more inside]
posted by wetpaint at 7:53 PM PST - 16 comments

Should I ditch Comcast's Triple Play in Chicago for DSL?

Thinking of switching from Comcast cable modem to DSL for broadband--will I notice the difference? [more inside]
posted by bdk3clash at 7:31 PM PST - 15 comments

Flexible careers?

Do you have a career that allows a great deal of flexibility? What is it? How do you get it? [more inside]
posted by btkuhn at 7:25 PM PST - 17 comments

How can I make a real career out of this mess?

Help me make sense of my career. Advertising copywriter, now working in marketing agency as a creative whatsit, also an About.com guide on the side. I want to do more stuff like the latter, want to dump the former. What should I be doing to get there? [more inside]
posted by micketymoc at 7:10 PM PST - 2 comments

Mac Frequent flier software?

Mac friendly frequent flier mile tracking software? Is it available.
posted by dougiedd at 6:08 PM PST - 3 comments

New house, bad air, help us!

My wife and I are (probably) moving into a newly-built apartment in a month or so. Here in Korea, brand new units tend to reek for a while of chemicals from glue and particle board and so on. Help us minimize the chemical haze! [more inside]
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 5:33 PM PST - 4 comments

This one goes to eleven.

My three-year-old daughter talks loud. Loud. LOUD. Any parenting tips/tricks on encouraging quieter communication? [more inside]
posted by jbickers at 5:23 PM PST - 29 comments

I demand suffrage!

How can I verify my voter registration in California? [more inside]
posted by fishmasta at 4:43 PM PST - 7 comments

Some sort of database for translations?

Is there any sort of freeware program (online, installed on computer, php, mysql, anything) for me to save phrases in English, and then their translation in a certain language? In some kind of tidy, tabled format? I tried a wiki but I quickly tired of formatting each entry in order to produce a tidy table. Ideally, I'd like to be able to just plug in the phrases and go.
posted by Xere at 4:34 PM PST - 9 comments

If Sting can do it, I can too!

Can anyone offer some good advice on how to sing while playing bass or drums? I play bass, but it seems like advice from drummers would be in tune with what I'm trying to do. [more inside]
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 4:22 PM PST - 11 comments

Que pasa calabaza?

I love ginger snaps. I love pumpkin. How can I make pumpkin snaps? [more inside]
posted by oflinkey at 4:21 PM PST - 9 comments

hip hop roun' da world

Being the ever-spreading global phenomenon that it is, it gets harder & harder to stay on top of all the amazing hiphop music that is coming out from all corners of the globe. Please to tell me about your recent favorite international hiphop acts. [more inside]
posted by jammy at 4:17 PM PST - 20 comments

How to be Magnum PI for Halloween?

How can I be a good Magnum PI for Halloween? [more inside]
posted by Twinedog at 3:58 PM PST - 27 comments

How can I find a nice room to rent quickly in Olympia Wa?

I am having to move out of were I am living at the end of this week and have been having trouble finding a new place to live in Olympia. I have tried both the internet and local paper but still have not found anything that I think would work for me any ideas? [more inside]
posted by CollegeNelson at 3:55 PM PST - 3 comments

Recommend: a cheap device to record concerts

I'm looking for some small cheap device that will work OK to record quality audio. [more inside]
posted by oneous at 3:51 PM PST - 9 comments

Double the trouble - in Windows XP

Double the Windows problems - creating a shortcut to CMD at a specific folder, and what's up with Desktop horizontal selecting? [more inside]
posted by curagea at 3:45 PM PST - 4 comments

Get me a second date!

First date activities in Houston...a couple of caveats, though... [more inside]
posted by chrisfromthelc at 3:45 PM PST - 14 comments

Work with a friend

Where can I work alongside my friend? [more inside]
posted by MrBCID at 3:41 PM PST - 7 comments

two connections, one home

Because of all the crap that’s going on with ISPs blocking BitTorrent users and putting in bandwidth caps, I’m getting a second home Internet connection. What’s the easiest way to manage this, and is there a router (either hardware or software) that can be configured to send different types of traffic over different connections? [more inside]
posted by baggers at 3:03 PM PST - 10 comments

Where can I find a inexpensive dress in Paris?

I have just moved to Paris and am not at all familiar with the area. I am in need of a black dress for a wedding that I am in at the end of the month but can't find anything for a reasonable price. If anyone knows of a good place to find nice dress for 200EUR and under I would greatly appreciate the help.
posted by Vanna79 at 2:58 PM PST - 6 comments

Why couldn't I breathe?

A few [somewhat random] instances of shortness of breath earlier in my life. What could they have been? [more inside]
posted by Autarky at 2:46 PM PST - 4 comments

Are nipple piercings attractive on straight men?

Are nipple piercings attractive on straight men? (I have no qualms with LGBT persons with nipple piercings, but that doesn't happen to apply to me.) [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:20 PM PST - 84 comments

HIV Support in DC

I need support! In February of 2007, I found out that I am HIV+. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:20 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me compromise my ethics!

For nearly a decade now, I've avoided all leather goods for ethical and aesthetic reasons. But I'm at a point where I'm sick of wearing canvas athletic shoes and imitation leather dress shoes (which are often ill fitting and, frankly, silly looking), and am looking to have my guilt assuaged so I can return to wearing leather. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:20 PM PST - 28 comments

Cigar Bargains?!

Any cigar afficianados out there want to share some recommendations? Looking for inexpensive quality cigars (roughly $2 a stick). Hand rolled, please. [more inside]
posted by quanta and qualia at 2:20 PM PST - 6 comments

Is this UK employment contract normal?

Is it normal in the UK for a job to start with a one-year contract before becoming permanent? What about if the job was advertised as permanent and the one-year contract clause wasn't mentioned until the job had been accepted and the new employee had already moved and begun working? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:19 PM PST - 8 comments

Anywhere in San Diego, CA that buys DVDs?

Is there anywhere in San Diego, CA that buys used DVDs? [more inside]
posted by toomanyplugs at 1:44 PM PST - 5 comments

Romantic restaurant in St. louis?

i'm looking for a romantic vegetarian friendly restaurant in st. louis [more inside]
posted by the druid at 1:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Help a UK company pay me!

Freelance-to-perm work for a UK company -- how can I get paid for the least amount of fees and hassle? [more inside]
posted by bitter-girl.com at 1:15 PM PST - 7 comments

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Is there a common sense guide to symptoms requiring immediate medical attention? [more inside]
posted by waraw at 12:51 PM PST - 23 comments

Mice don't pay rent, so they can't live here any more.

How do I choose an exterminator who will make this episode of Tom and Jerry end once and for all? [more inside]
posted by brina at 12:44 PM PST - 3 comments

Are COPS Cameramen legal?

On TV shows like COPS, what gives the cameraman standing to enter a private citizen's home? [more inside]
posted by fogster at 12:32 PM PST - 13 comments

Incoming Links Mystery

I have just discovered the world of incoming links tools like Marketleap which check incoming links to my site. There are several, and Marketleap confirms this for search engines like Yahoo, AlltheWeb, etc. But Marketleap and Seocentro.com - the two links tools I've checked - list zero incoming links from Google. Google Analytics is tracking the site; the site appears on a Google search; but a Google search for link:(mywebsite).com brings up a big fat "0" on Google. What could be the explanation for this?
posted by Holly at 12:19 PM PST - 2 comments

In need of online affiliate services for my store

I sell stuff on the internet and use a hosted shopping cart service. (Shopify) It's great except that it doesn't have options for affiliates. I have fans/friends who would like to link to my items for a cut. Is there an online service I can add to my store and use to track such things?
posted by clango at 11:28 AM PST - 3 comments

How to create movies to be played like youtube

How to create your own flash video player with videos? [more inside]
posted by thebwit at 11:26 AM PST - 5 comments

Which is better, $250, 20% off, or 10,000 miles?

My girlfriend and I had a really bad flight and United's customer appreciation website gives us three choices: $250 dollars off a domestic flight (50 states, PR, Virgin Islands), 20% off an international flight (I'm assuming at full published rate) or 10,000 miles. What should we do?
posted by gilgamix at 11:18 AM PST - 16 comments

Where are the rock climbing gyms in Boston?

Rock climbing gym in Boston area? [more inside]
posted by Maia at 11:15 AM PST - 6 comments

How much does it cost to have a basic standard of living in the UK?

What's the cost of living in the UK? [more inside]
posted by Tnuocca at 11:04 AM PST - 9 comments

Mefites on great blogging

I know that lots of Mefites blog and I thought It would be interesting to try to destill the knowledge and wisdom that people have about blogging. [more inside]
posted by Foci for Analysis at 10:55 AM PST - 10 comments

Chinese cooking blog?

Any recommendations for a cooking blog with an emphasis on Chinese recipes? [more inside]
posted by pravit at 10:44 AM PST - 5 comments

I just wanna buy the drives naked and have one adapter to rule them all

What is the best solution for having a whole bunch of hard drives and being able to easily swap them around? [more inside]
posted by GleepGlop at 10:19 AM PST - 12 comments

a ride to to the moon?

Where are all the novelty science education elevators? [more inside]
posted by buttercup at 9:48 AM PST - 1 comment

How do I force Netflix to buffer?

How do I choose a higher streaming rate when I'm using Netflix's "Watch Now" feature? Right now I'm using a 768 connection, and it's fine for everyday life, except that I can't watch netflix watch now movies in a decent quality. I don't mind waiting for my computer to buffer the entire thing before I watch it, but I can't find a way to choose the stream that I want. [more inside]
posted by jsmith77 at 9:31 AM PST - 5 comments

How to make my posts private by default?

How can I force Wordpress 2.6.1 to make a new post private by default? [more inside]
posted by Rabulah at 9:07 AM PST - 3 comments

Should I rent a car in Chicago/Evanston?

Flying into Chicago with my daughter to check out colleges. Should I rent a car? [more inside]
posted by Flakypastry at 7:38 AM PST - 26 comments

Balls of feet hurt. Help.

The balls of my feet are tender and burn. How can I stop this? [more inside]
posted by beelover at 7:23 AM PST - 13 comments

What are some audio editing jobs a public radio producer could get, that aren't in public radio?

What are some jobs that someone with a background in audio editing/production could apply for, that don't involve public radio? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:33 AM PST - 5 comments

Constructin a relatively simple econometric index.

I am trying to construct a index with variables such as population density, population age, gross individual income and the likes. Yet as it is my first attempt, I certainly could use directions to books/websites/papers on the subject. A more detailed explanation with math details is avaiable inside. [more inside]
posted by elpapacito at 6:12 AM PST - 6 comments

Cleaning out the rubber stamp stash

Where is a good place to buy and sell used rubber stamps online? [more inside]
posted by printchick at 5:51 AM PST - 4 comments

Family Owned Business Statistics

I am doing a dissertation on family business succession planning, I am looking for good statistics on the numbers and importance of family businesses globally and in the UK. [more inside]
posted by trashcan at 5:09 AM PST - 1 comment

So... I've got room for twins?

After a routine pap test and pelvic exam my doctor is sending me for an ultrasound because he thinks I have an enlarged uterus. I am not pregnant. My google-fu only turns up information on uterine fibroids. So what does it mean to have an enlarged uterus and is it bad? [more inside]
posted by Kioki-Silver at 2:39 AM PST - 6 comments

phpMyadmin Import doesn't like the specials

I'm trying to replicate the setup of an existing blog by copying over the wordpress folder and database using an SQL export. After I got the site up and running, I discovered that a lot of posts were abruptly cut off. A little bit of investigation showed that the posts had got truncated wherever some special characters appeared like - and ' . [more inside]
posted by your mildly obsessive average geek at 2:23 AM PST - 12 comments

Help me find this Cicero quote

Can anyone help me track down this Cicero quote? I believe it is in a letter, to his son (?), saying something along the lines of: science is great and all, but why study the course of the stars when you don't know what's in your own soul first? [more inside]
posted by ac at 12:57 AM PST - 5 comments

22 and torn about my future

i want to live/work with indigenous peoples in the amazon, write literature, and honor my immigrant parents by avoiding a hedonistic/freewheeling lifestyle. how do i do all these things? [more inside]
posted by jiayeeng at 12:10 AM PST - 19 comments

September 6

How can I move to San Francisco with my wife without ruining my life?

I'll be in San Francisco for a week, how should I plan for moving there four months later and should I move elsewhere? [more inside]
posted by christopherbdnk at 11:47 PM PST - 12 comments

Can I use an iphone as an ipod touch?

Can I use an iphone as an ipod touch? [more inside]
posted by bigcheesegump at 11:14 PM PST - 13 comments

"Brain Training" via videogames: breakthrough or big lie?

Brain Training Games like Brain Age are a big hit lately -- Do you think they actually improve cognition? [more inside]
posted by phylum sinter at 10:29 PM PST - 9 comments

How does one make the transition between "college student" and business professional" without being wasteful?

How does one make the transition between "college student" and business professional" without being wasteful? [more inside]
posted by DonSlice at 9:22 PM PST - 23 comments

Switching bookmarks from Firefox to Zotero?

data.kluge.filter -- I have many, many Firefox bookmarks. I'd really like to switch my bookmarking system to Zotero, which seems much more powerful. Have you already solved this? Can you figure out a chain of format conversions that will get me from point FF to point Z? [more inside]
posted by pluckemin at 9:21 PM PST - 5 comments

Help me name my impending baby?

I'm looking for suggestions for monosyllabic girl names that are more unique/interesting than things like "Ann" or "Jane" or "Sue" but still familiar enough that my as-yet-unnamed fetus won't have to go through life spelling out BOTH her first and last names for people. (She'll have my husband's last name to deal with--something like Dziewolrgjeoaezkxyzski.) [more inside]
posted by mere at 8:30 PM PST - 84 comments

Wine Gift Help

Looking for the perfect ~$25 wine-related gift. [more inside]
posted by rossination at 7:33 PM PST - 18 comments

Is that really necessary?

Should I take it personally if a female friend of mine locks the door whenever she uses my bathroom (and we're the only ones in my apt)? [more inside]
posted by mpls2 at 7:24 PM PST - 56 comments

Help me learn everything I need to know about visual processing (and improving it).

Help me learn everything I need to know about visual processing (and improving it). [more inside]
posted by mintchip at 7:12 PM PST - 7 comments

Any tried and true solutions/methods for removing deodorant build-up from the armpit area of T-shirts?

Any tried and true solutions/methods for removing deodorant build-up from the armpit area of T-shirts? [more inside]
posted by karizma at 6:35 PM PST - 16 comments

How can I see closed captions from DVDs on my HDTV?

I've got an upconverting DVD player hooked up to an HDTV via an HDMI cable. I can't get the closed captions to display at all, and I know I'm not the only person to have this problem. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by Faint of Butt at 5:35 PM PST - 7 comments

Will you go home?

[Novel Filter] If you are a soldier in active combat and a family member back home dies, what is the military's policy for supporting you while you come to terms with this personal loss? [more inside]
posted by ilikecookies at 5:13 PM PST - 9 comments

Help me fix my pixels

This afternoon my mac mini started going a bit weird. The screen is all corrupted. The actual mouse pointer stays solid as does the beachball. But behind is covered in weird pixels. [more inside]
posted by twistedonion at 4:50 PM PST - 6 comments

What brain training games for PC can you recommend?

I like Brain Age (aka "Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training") for Nintendo DS. What similar, Windows-compatible game would you recommend my mother? [more inside]
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 4:44 PM PST - 5 comments

How to remove wax from plant material?

Many questions have been asked about removing wax from carpet, but what about from...plant material. I accidentally dropped some...oregano...into the wax puddle of a burning candle. surprisinly valuable, expensive oregano. After removing the chunk of herb from the puddle, the wax hardened around it. Is there any way to dissolve/dissipate/remove the wax without harming my plant material?
posted by captain cosine at 4:25 PM PST - 16 comments

Nifty scheduling/scripting tips?

Nifty scheduling/scripting tips? See this recurring calendar events thread for an example. Or, a cronjob that prints out the day's weather, output from remind, and a to-do list just before I wake up. Or David Seah's Compact Calendar. Don't be fooled by the categorization. This doesn't have to be techy. [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang at 4:15 PM PST - 3 comments

No, that isn't "the shocker".

There was once a great website listing nearly all of the upcoming metal and hardcore shows on the East Coast, or at least the Mid-Atlantic region. What was it? Is it still active?
posted by Inspector.Gadget at 3:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Why shouldn't I buy the Asus EPC?

Why shouldn't I buy the Asus EEEPC? [more inside]
posted by onepapertiger at 3:52 PM PST - 29 comments

Help me get rid of this stuff and make a couple bucks too.

I need info about consignment shops. [more inside]
posted by CwgrlUp at 3:39 PM PST - 5 comments

Wii Won't Work

I think Hurricane Gustav killed my Wii. I lost power during the storm for five days and now the Wii won't come on. The "standby" light doesn't even glow. [more inside]
posted by ColdChef at 3:39 PM PST - 5 comments

Track outbound clicks without Javascript?

How can I track outbound clicks without Javascript and without robbing my linkees of linkjuice? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 3:26 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I soothe my 4 year old's cold sores?

My 4 year old has cold sores inside of his mouth and they are understandably driving him crazy. What can we do to give him some comfort? Homeopathic or pharmaceutical suggestions both welcome.
posted by odragul at 1:48 PM PST - 33 comments

Late September weekend at the beach

My wife's birthday is coming up and I would like suggestions for a decent weekend lodging/activities, September 19-21, in eastern Long Island, preferably near the beach. We will not have a car, so bus or train accessibility is important.
posted by billtron at 1:31 PM PST - 2 comments

Cook My Corn

Help me make some corn on the cob that doesn't come out stiff. Looking for tried and true methods for boiling or BBQing corn on the cob. [more inside]
posted by B(oYo)BIES at 1:21 PM PST - 36 comments

Looking for a CMS/web-based software to manage regional event listings.

Looking for a CMS/web-based software to manage regional event listings. [more inside]
posted by c:\awesome at 1:13 PM PST - 4 comments

Pigeons and Cookies and Trash

What are the words to this Sesame Street Song? - We hear "Everybody loves [something], as sure as [something] loves [something], and googling for lyrics isn't helping fill in the blanks.
posted by Artw at 12:56 PM PST - 11 comments

Looking for something to cover the ugly carpet in our apartment for less than $500 for 156 sq ft.

Can we get area rugs (or custom cut+bound remnants) to cover our apartment's ugly carpet that won't bubble up or fall apart? [more inside]
posted by Brian Puccio at 12:21 PM PST - 5 comments

MAMP download site is timing out, anyone know of a mirror?

Trying to download MAMP 1.7.1 Intel version from this page, but its going at abut 7k per second and timing out after about a megabyte. Does anyone have a mirror for it that works or happen to have the zip/tar from downloading it previously that can FTP or dropfile it to me?
posted by Chuck Cheeze at 11:50 AM PST - 4 comments

How setup the most perfect, affordable computer sound system?

Would it be possible to replace the satellite speakers in this Logitech system, with these professional reference speakers, and then connect all this to a PC? [more inside]
posted by wigglin at 11:39 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me pick safer banks?

Choosing a safe(r) bank? I've been using WaMu as my primary checking/savings for years. There's lots of noise about them being on the list institutions vulnerable to failure. My secondary regional bank also just got downgraded to one step above junk. I'm happy the FDIC is there, but as a freelancer, I think it'd be especially bad to have my deposits locked up for a while. So, where and how should I be looking? [more inside]
posted by weston at 11:27 AM PST - 23 comments

Will granting permission for an amateur film of my story mean giving up my film rights forever?

I've just found out second-hand that someone is planning on making a film out of one of my short stories. Which is fine, I suppose, presuming he actually does ask my permission, and presuming it's strictly an amateur not-for-profit film. My question is -- if I do give my permission, will that harm any rights I have to the story? Suppose I wanted to sell the rights to a "real" movie of the story someday -- will giving my permission here mean I've given up the film rights entirely?
posted by webmutant at 11:00 AM PST - 17 comments

How can I keep my D&D game organized?

I'm launching a tabletop D&D game later this month, and it's my first time DMing what I'm hoping will be a long campaign. How can I keep things organized? [more inside]
posted by daveqat at 10:40 AM PST - 10 comments

Rilke translation identification

Whose translation of Rilke's "Eranna an Sappho" begins "O you fierce far-flinging hurler / Like a spear among domestic things / I lay among my kin"? Googling has turned up a few translations but none of them is the right one. I have Mitchell's Selected Poetry of RMR but it doesn't include "Eranna an Sappho". [more inside]
posted by kenko at 10:33 AM PST - 5 comments

How can the band Heart legally stop McCain/Palin from using "Barracuda"?

The band Heart sent a cease and desist letter to the McCain/Palin campaign for using the song "Barracuda". What is the legal basis for that? [more inside]
posted by kongg at 10:30 AM PST - 13 comments

Microeconomics undrstand of a computer replacement schedule?

I work in IT in an industry that is currently suffering (forestry in Canada), because of that, the current computer replacement schedule (of approx 2500 computers) has moved from a 3 or 4 year schedule to 5-7 years. I am also *just* starting a course in microeconomics. I'd like to learn, and at the same time create a graph and information to understand and be able to explain the opportunity cost of this move. [more inside]
posted by Kickstart70 at 10:09 AM PST - 7 comments

Looking for EMT training in Minneapolis

I'm interested in EMT training in the Minneapolis area. [more inside]
posted by yogurtisgenocide at 8:56 AM PST - 3 comments

Ineed some help here.

Another of the endless stream of "name this childhood book" questions that y'all are so good at answering. [more inside]
posted by ricochet biscuit at 8:35 AM PST - 8 comments

Where can I sell vintage clothes in L.A.?

Can you recommend a good place in Los Angeles to sell vintage clothes? [more inside]
posted by corey flood at 7:58 AM PST - 6 comments

linking pdfs

I am compiling a dvd with 40 volumes of a journal (in PDF format) on it for distribution to members of my state archaeological association. I have a master introduction with table of contents and hyperlinks to the individual PDF files. I am having trouble making the links work. What's the best way to do this? [more inside]
posted by Diachronic at 7:39 AM PST - 6 comments

Independent worker tax question

My wife starts a new contracting job next week. I am looking for a good calculator to formulate how much should be set aside for taxes. I've Googled with no good solution. Is there a formula you use? If you are an independent contractor do you have any tips?
posted by Macboy at 7:24 AM PST - 13 comments

Where can I buy reasonably cheap, reliable air filters for my 1997 Saturn SL2?

Where can I buy reasonably cheap, reliable air filters for my 1997 Saturn SL2? I would prefer to walk into a store where I can talk to someone. I live on the border of Cuyahoga and Lake County near Cleveland, Ohio, if anyone wants to give region-specific advice. [more inside]
posted by RobotHeart at 7:10 AM PST - 5 comments

Grecian 2000

Why can't I use Grecian 2000 on my greying beard? [more inside]
posted by stenoboy at 5:58 AM PST - 7 comments

First They Came For The Keyboard Shortcuts, And I Did Not Speak Up, Because I Was Not a Shortcut

For some reason, my MacBook pro suddenly won't let me use standard shortcuts- i.e. cntrl-x for cut, ctrl-v for paste, etc.- on any program, including MS Word and web browsers. [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 5:54 AM PST - 9 comments

What are some benchmarks in the history of online (multiplayer) gaming lobbies?

What are some benchmarks in the history of multiplayer game lobbies? [more inside]
posted by serial_consign at 5:28 AM PST - 5 comments

What happened to Roy?

Need help with the end of Bill Moyers Journal program last night. [more inside]
posted by marsha56 at 5:05 AM PST - 6 comments

Grizzly Adams

Why do the white hairs in my beard grow so much faster than the brown hairs do? [more inside]
posted by chuckdarwin at 5:05 AM PST - 6 comments

I bought Freddie Mac stock, under this new Conservatorship, am I completely screwed?

I am invested in Freddie Mac, what does the diluting/dissolving of shares mean for me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:52 AM PST - 14 comments

What is this science fiction book?

Several spaceships enter a region of space and disapear. Another spaceship goes to investigate, containing humans and other futuristic sentient species. They find themselves at the bottom of an ocean that is composed of deuterium isotope water. There are sentient creatures living on the ocean floor. Later, two humans are captured by a group of cockroachy creatures. Hilarity ensues. In the end, they escape. A sequel seems possible. What is the book? Who is it by? Is there a sequel?
posted by lazy robot at 3:02 AM PST - 7 comments

How to surf discretely at work?

How to surf discretely at work? Looking for a replacement for WorkFriendly and Ghostzilla... [more inside]
posted by m2002 at 12:55 AM PST - 15 comments

Indy Starting Crash

One year at the Indianapolis 500, there was a huge pileup during the start which took out a lot of cars. As I remember it, it was such a mess, with so many cars wrecked, that they called off the race for the rest of that day, and started over the next day. And they allowed every car which was still operational to race, even those which hadn't qualified, just to get enough cars for a reasonable field. What year was that?
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 12:33 AM PST - 4 comments

September 5

Miso Hungry

I have a tub of "white type" miso paste. What are some yummy things I can do with it?
posted by sevenyearlurk at 11:56 PM PST - 13 comments

Can I have my creative cake and eat it too?

Working writers: how do you carve out time for fiction? [more inside]
posted by mynameisluka at 10:33 PM PST - 18 comments

Synergetics Dictionary, Where?

Where can I find a copy of Synergetics Dictionary? [more inside]
posted by goalyeehah at 10:01 PM PST - 4 comments

Survey software that reports a score?

I need to set up an online test that seems to be different than what many free testing tools or open source modules don't do out of the box. [more inside]
posted by spartacusroosevelt at 9:39 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for good web- or desktop-based RSS reader that can handle older posts

What options do I have for a good web- (preferred) or desktop(Windows)-based RSS reader that has good options for managing older posts within feeds? [more inside]
posted by fsmontenegro at 9:26 PM PST - 4 comments

Why are certain YouTube videos consistently slow?

Some YouTube videos download *painfully* slow (5-12kb/s) while others will stream just fine near 200kb/s. I've had friends try and watch the videos that are trouble for me, and they work for them. Can anybody else confirm these problems? Is there a certain YouTube server that Verizon is throttling in Philadelphia, or is it just a routing problem? [more inside]
posted by excitementMD at 8:38 PM PST - 6 comments

Teaching An Old Dog New Tricks

I need help in literally teaching an old dog a new trick--to pee and poop inside the house. [more inside]
posted by magstheaxe at 8:21 PM PST - 9 comments

Is my cat really that big?

Is my cat the walrus everyone keeps telling me she is? [more inside]
posted by gwenlister at 7:42 PM PST - 29 comments

UVA -- what does it mean?

What does the "UVA" mean in Andre's "Cold Duck UVA"? [more inside]
posted by grobstein at 7:35 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me with my hirsute shoulders!

Shoulder hairs. I hate 'em. But I'm getting older and I'm getting more of them. Is there any easy way to get rid of them? [more inside]
posted by bardic at 7:23 PM PST - 10 comments

Where did I see that old man in space with the donut?

[Old-man-space-donut-filter] I remember seeing a music video (I think linked off a mefi post) that featured an old man in a space ship and a donut with sprinkles. It was very surreal. What was it?
posted by PaperDragon at 7:05 PM PST - 7 comments

pumping iron

Looking for suggestions on how to treat iron deficiency anemia secondary to Crohn's Disease. Problem: Iron supplements make me constipated, and last time it got so bad I wound up in hospital. Any suggestions on how to get iron without getting 'blocked up'? I need to take in a lot of iron -fast- [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 6:33 PM PST - 19 comments

Trusted collision repair shop in Arlington, VA?

Arlington, VA filter: My wife had a parking lot mishap when a lamp post jumped out in front of her car; now we need to find a good collision repair place. [more inside]
posted by UrbanEconomist at 6:33 PM PST - 4 comments

Should I help pay for the surgery that could save my best friend’s dog’s life?

Should I help pay for the surgery that could save my best friend’s dog’s life? [more inside]
posted by akabobo at 6:16 PM PST - 31 comments

Help my mac and pc files get along!

mac files show up on pc but can't use - won't show up at all on mac. What to do? [more inside]
posted by katyjack at 6:04 PM PST - 11 comments

How to get a book delivered in Oahu fast?

How to get a gift book delivered in Oahu fast? [more inside]
posted by Listener at 6:04 PM PST - 19 comments

Donner Party Reunion/Farewell To Nova Scotia

I need to find a copy of Farewell to Nova Scotia by an old (1990s) Nova Scotia punk band called The Donner Party Reunion. [more inside]
posted by pookzilla at 5:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Sweet, sweet candy

What are some (at least slightly) healthy alternatives to muffins, pudding, cupcakes and chocolate? Everybody I know favours savoury -- but I favour the sweet stuff! My attempts to eat well eventually derail because while I have lots of healthy savoury options, I've got no healthy sweet options. [more inside]
posted by mjao at 4:49 PM PST - 38 comments

Can WordPress and WordPress MU play nice together?

Can WordPress and WordPress MU share a database? [more inside]
posted by brundlefly at 4:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Kaiser, Blue Shield, or Cigna HMO in Northern Californai?

In Northern California, which is the best: Blue Shield, Cigna, or Kaiser (All HMO). [more inside]
posted by names are hard at 3:53 PM PST - 11 comments

How can I transfer my calendar from a Motorola Q to an iPhone?

How can I transfer the calendar from a Motorola Q to an iPhone, without Outlook 2003? [more inside]
posted by Reverend John at 3:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Who can reproduce and frame my diplomas?

Reprographics - where to start? [more inside]
posted by ikkyu2 at 3:10 PM PST - 10 comments

Origami -- A4 to US letter fold??

How can I turn A4 paper into American letter size? Is there a simple fold I can use to do this? I know an origami fold to turn letter into A4, but I would like the opposite.
posted by dbooster at 3:02 PM PST - 7 comments

Need a dresser sized like a lateral file cabinet, or a lateral file cabinet that looks like a dresser

FurnitureFilter: I need to replace a busted chest of drawers, and am having trouble finding what I want. I'm looking for DEEP drawers; either a 3-4 drawer lateral file cabinet that looks like a dresser, or a dresser with drawers like a lateral file cabinet. [more inside]
posted by penciltopper at 2:14 PM PST - 6 comments

Please help me sleepwalk.

How can I train myself to fall asleep while walking? [more inside]
posted by cereselle at 2:10 PM PST - 15 comments

What are these bruises and how do I get rid of them?

I know about spider veins (those tiny, flat blue/red/purple lines) and varicose veins (raised, lumpy veins). I know that these can be treated with laser or sclerotherapy. But what do you call faint blue bruising that seems to follow the path of blood vessels but is neither sharply defined nor raised? And how can you treat it? [more inside]
posted by wexford_arts at 2:10 PM PST - 3 comments

Cheap places to stay in Portland

PortlandFilter: I'm looking for inexpensive lodgings (less than $75/night during the week) in Portland, OR, for October. I'll be exploring the city without a car, so close and easy access to public transportation is a must. Bonus question: Know any good dance clubs there? [more inside]
posted by faunafrailty at 1:59 PM PST - 18 comments

Chicago for an atypical tourist?

I'm going to Chicago, Sunday - Wednesday. What geeky/techie things should I not miss while I'm there? [more inside]
posted by fritley at 1:42 PM PST - 16 comments

Need a Website Host With Message Board

I'd like to create a website for my book club. I'd like for it to have a message board, so we don't have to keep sending out mass emails to our 10 members. What is a reliable (and cheap!) hosting service I can use that will provide this?
posted by miltoncat at 1:30 PM PST - 19 comments

How can I elevate a platform safely?

StageCraftFilter / EngineeringFilter. What is the best way to safely elevate a 4' x 8' rigid platform (theatrical) to about five feet from the stage? Currently, I have it situated atop four 4x4 posts, each five foot tall, each at a corner, bolts through the frame of the platform and the post. The posts are connected by 4' long 2x4s in front and back (about halfway down), and 8' long 2x4s on either side (halfway down). This works, but only just. It is not stable. I'm not putting an actor on a wobbly platform. So what else should be done to stabilize this contraption? [more inside]
posted by grabbingsand at 1:15 PM PST - 14 comments

What is this book/short story from my childhood?

What is this book/short story from my childhood? A gambler learns to see through playing cards by holding them up to candle light. In the end he ends up throwing all of his winnings off of a balcony. [more inside]
posted by GaGaLoc at 1:12 PM PST - 12 comments

I need to furnish my bedroom.

Where can I find some inexpensive storage for my bedroom? [more inside]
posted by rockstar at 1:04 PM PST - 11 comments

How might I go about getting ahold of the org charts of other companies?

How might I go about getting ahold of the org charts of other companies? [more inside]
posted by mockjovial at 12:17 PM PST - 9 comments

Fp=2.16 Wp, but Wp=1.3Fp? WTF?!?!?

How do you figure seismic sway bracing? [more inside]
posted by notsnot at 12:12 PM PST - 5 comments

Baby baby, I'm taken with the notion...

My one-year old is a beautiful kid. Really. Should we try to get him into modeling or acting? I want to hear the good and the bad. [more inside]
posted by Spyder's Game at 12:05 PM PST - 22 comments

How can I get my girlfriend to exercise?

How can I encourage my girlfriend to start exercising and eating better without hurting her feelings? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:02 PM PST - 72 comments

Best way for a lawyer to become a law librarian?

After practicing law for six years, I'm very interested in becoming a law librarian. I'm struggling with the jump; especially the decision to go back to school. [more inside]
posted by GPF at 12:02 PM PST - 13 comments

How to not get TOO excited about a new relationship?

Starting a new relationship from different places - how do I keep myself in check? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:41 AM PST - 13 comments

To be American

Tips for US naturalization interview? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:41 AM PST - 5 comments

Cheaters never win.

I cheated on my taxes twice. I got caught once. Will I get caught again? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:41 AM PST - 12 comments

to rewrite or not to rewrite?

Should I rewrite my novel before submitting it to publishers? [more inside]
posted by philip-random at 11:40 AM PST - 10 comments

A Woman In Danger?

My friend, who hasn't lived in Texas for decades, was dismayed to learn that there was a longstanding warrant for her arrest in Texas for a traffic violation she could not have committed. The warrant's for not paying a fine. (She thinks someone stole her driver's license and identity.) [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 10:59 AM PST - 15 comments

Pimp My Pavilion.

What to do with a new laptop to make it run as well as possible? What unnecessary MS or HP bloatware should I remove? What should I install? (I'm talking utilities or system accessories, not functional programs like Firefox or an office suite, etc.) Or something in the hardware? [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy at 10:48 AM PST - 10 comments

Help me get my eye a lovely shade of not-red

I need to get the red out of my eye ASAP. [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 10:44 AM PST - 17 comments

Permanent hair color atop temporary hair color: please discuss.

Permanent hair color atop temporary hair color: please discuss. [more inside]
posted by iguanapolitico at 10:32 AM PST - 11 comments

Paving? Sealcoating? What am I doing?

What do I need to know about fixing up (repaving, sealcoating, I have no idea) my driveway? [more inside]
posted by um_maverick at 10:29 AM PST - 6 comments

birds of a certain feather

BirdFilter: Looking out over Watt's Cove in Tenants Harbor, Maine I keep seeing a flock of small birds flying back and forth. They look to be brownish in color but then! They briefly flash silver at the slightest change in direction. Any ideas?
posted by ryecatcher at 10:12 AM PST - 5 comments

What to bring to live in the woods?

Less obvious things to bring when going to live in the woods for a month or two? [more inside]
posted by assasinatdbeauty at 10:05 AM PST - 31 comments

Maybe-too-technical-filter: Change system prefs from command line?

I want a button to toggle my MacBook function keys (much technical info inside) [more inside]
posted by range at 9:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Footwear that will keep me light on my feet

I need recs for a lightweight shoe for my dance class. [more inside]
posted by notjustfoxybrown at 9:21 AM PST - 9 comments

Exchange 2003 calendar delegates

How do I give my CEO's exchange calendar a new assistant? [more inside]
posted by slagerst at 9:15 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a sturdy bag.

I'm looking for a sturdy, high quality, somewhat large bag to put up with some abuse. [more inside]
posted by warriorengineer at 9:08 AM PST - 13 comments

How should I remediate a radon problem in a new home?

Radon in new home: a newly built home has tested very high for radon -- 16 in the basement and 8 on the first floor. EPA safe level is below 4. How dangerous is radon really, particularly for preschool age children, in terms of a percentage risk for developing cancer? How effective is radon remediation? What technical questions or specs should I insist on and double check? Are there any remediation methods that anyone recommends, that are particularly effective, or that would amount to overkill? Are there any remediation methods that don't work well? And good or bad side effects of radon remediation?
posted by Pastabagel at 8:57 AM PST - 15 comments

Help my boss put her life in photos into a gorgeous slideshow!

My boss has several hundred photos both in digital and printed format that she would like to be put into a professional digital music video/slideshow. She's not tech-savvy enough to do this herself and I don't particularly want to attempt it either. Are there any places that would provide this service? [more inside]
posted by pinksoftsoap at 8:49 AM PST - 4 comments

What conversation topics put a man on the Friends Ladder with women?

As a man, does talking to a woman about your adventures with other women put you on the friends ladder? [more inside]
posted by harwons at 8:13 AM PST - 73 comments

Where's the best place to keep up-to-date on amateur cooking competitions around the United States?

Where's the best place to keep up-to-date on amateur cooking competitions around the United States? [more inside]
posted by nitsuj at 8:03 AM PST - 1 comment

Suggestions for "urban espionage" tunes

MusicFilter: help me find some "spy rap" songs! [more inside]
posted by angry.polymath at 7:52 AM PST - 20 comments

Can my blog updates appear on facebook?

I'm looking for a facebook application that will update my profile each time I post on my blog, ideally with the first sentence or two of that post included in my profile. [more inside]
posted by veggieboy at 7:38 AM PST - 20 comments

What does it take to convert a house from natural gas to electricity?

What does it take to convert a house from natural gas to electricity for the stove, dryer, hot water tank, etc.? [more inside]
posted by AllieTessKipp at 7:26 AM PST - 18 comments

Cinema Display Blues

DisplayColorFilter. Two Apple Cinema Displays on one Power Mac. One display has a blue color cast. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by MarshallPoe at 7:10 AM PST - 9 comments

Itchy Doggy!

What can I do for my dogs allergies? [more inside]
posted by a3matrix at 7:00 AM PST - 9 comments

A focal point on glasses.

Glasses-and-contacts wearers: I've just been outfitted with my first pair of distance-vision specs, and the world is crystal clear again. The problem is, everything in a 1 meter radius is a blur. What to do? [more inside]
posted by Gordion Knott at 6:46 AM PST - 10 comments

Mongolians & Turks

What is the relationship between the turkish people and the mongolian people? This is a bit of an open-ended question, as I'm not sure I have enough information about this to more effectively ask the question. [more inside]
posted by ChabonJabon at 6:29 AM PST - 14 comments

US citizen voting from Australia?

How do Americans vote when they are overseas? I live in Australia and my husband works with a young guy who is a US citizen. He'd like to vote in the upcoming election, but has never voted before and has no idea how to do an absentee vote from overseas. Where do we look to find this info, and has anyone had problems doing this before? Do you need to sort it out ahead of time?
posted by harriet vane at 5:24 AM PST - 6 comments

What Apple computer was this early 80's carry-on bag designed for?

What (early 80's?) Apple Computer was this nicely constructed nylon "carry-on" bag made for? [more inside]
posted by SmileyChewtrain at 5:10 AM PST - 16 comments

How to best provide online usage statistics to content subscribers? Should I?

Tools for a scientific publisher to provide usage statistics for its subscribers? Is this a good idea? [more inside]
posted by chillmost at 4:38 AM PST - 3 comments

is it me or the camera?

Will buying a new camera provide better photos or is it just me? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 12:10 AM PST - 23 comments

September 4

Why can't we feed our cat after he's been tranquilized?

Our 20 pound monster of a cat had to be injected with a tranquilizer today at the vet. Afterwards, we were told not to give him any food or water until tomorrow. Google searches have turned up plenty of suggestions for how to tranquilize one's pet, but nothing mentioning not letting them eat or drink. We're obviously going to do as the vet says, but this cat has a darling habit of clawing furniture and knocking things off shelves when his dish is empty, so I can't help but wonder why. Any ideas?
posted by tomatofruit at 11:22 PM PST - 12 comments

Jai

(old?) Vancouver Buddhist-style "ketchup gluten" recipe. How do they cook the gluten with the sauce-which-isn't-a-sauce? [more inside]
posted by porpoise at 11:09 PM PST - 1 comment

Help me find my long lost book about a girl that enters a fantasy primative world via a tree!

I'm looking for a book I read as a pre-teen around 1977. It was a coming of age story about a girl who was having problems so she went to this big tree and I think she pressed against it and then went into some fantasy world where she became some kind of indian girl or primative girl and she went on adventures. I always wanted to know the name....can anyone remember this book? What I remember most was that the tree was the secret gate to moving back and forth into these two worlds. And also that as the indian, she had to live a very rustic life. Thanks. Lynn
posted by lynnie-the-pooh at 11:03 PM PST - 10 comments

Photo organizing software that renames as I drag photos into order?

I am in the process of scanning about 1,500 photos from my life (thank you Epson auto feeder) and am now tasked with organizing them into a useful digital library. The order is almost completely random, and while I can organize them by subject into folders, what I really need is a program that will let me drag and drop thumbnails into the order that I want them and then rename the files so that they remain in that order. Does anyone know of such a software program or have any other suggestions for doing this? And I'm on a Mac (Leopard), but have Parallels if need be. Thanks! Seth
posted by SethLeonard at 11:03 PM PST - 14 comments

Obama/Palin or McCain/Biden

Is Obama/Palin (or for that matter McCain/Biden) possible? [more inside]
posted by birdsquared at 11:01 PM PST - 16 comments

Help Translating Lyrics for a Music Composition

I am a composer looking to score a piece for orchestra and Soprano Voice. I wrote it in English, and after a bit of reading attempted to translate it into latin using a dictionary and grammar book. It's not gonna be perfect, but I gave it an honest attempt, and hope the metafilter community can help me to streamline it and help me with some grammer isses I don't understand (ie.ablative or accusitive). thanks much! (by the way, the meter is 4/4 and a slow tempo,flowing legato melody, but once I have a working translation I'll make it fit) [more inside]
posted by FireStyle at 10:16 PM PST - 3 comments

Bespoke Bicycle Shop. Brighton uses old frames

Bicycle Shop ?Brighton? Rebuilds bikes from old frames. Forgot the name. [more inside]
posted by priorpark17 at 9:58 PM PST - 1 comment

Hitler, Eva, a Safehouse, and a Syringe of Blue Dye...

Eva and Hitler in an Argentinian safehouse... What is this play called? [more inside]
posted by jimmyhutch at 9:50 PM PST - 4 comments

Learning French in North and West Africa

I want to learn French in Morocco/Mauritania/Mali - I need suggestions of a place to live... [more inside]
posted by iamck at 9:32 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I make them see?

I'm die-hard military, but I'm also die-hard gay. With the election coming up, how do I show my military friends what this election means to me as a gay man? [more inside]
posted by matty at 9:27 PM PST - 36 comments

All of the science, none of the hassle

I'm due to present a scientific poster at a conference in about two weeks. I'm overextended and don't have the time to make it myself. Is there a company that will write text, make charts, do the graphic design, and help me with printing? [more inside]
posted by oceanmorning at 8:48 PM PST - 7 comments

Making an unregistered handgun legal

How do I get an older unregistered handgun legal in California? [more inside]
posted by gally99 at 8:31 PM PST - 3 comments

But I didn't even get to say goodbye!

I'm pregnant, and having a horrible time coming to terms with this new maternal identity. I know having a baby changes everything, etc., etc., but is it possible to become a mom and still stay, well, yourself? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:25 PM PST - 33 comments

Allergic To My Own Sweat?

Can I be allergic to my own sweat? The past couple summers I've developed itchy rashes on my neck, forehead and inside my elbows. I saw a dermatologist in January when, naturally, I had no symptoms. He actually implied that I was imagining this rash (!) and offered no remedies. Recently a biologist friend suggested I might be allergic to my own perspiration, and I'm increasingly feeling that the evidence supports this. Can this be true?
posted by carterk at 8:17 PM PST - 21 comments

Should I keep trying to motivate my partner, career-wise?

Should I continue trying to motivate my partner, ambition-wise? Should I try harder to encourage him / accept him for who he is, or is this a sign our values are just too different? [more inside]
posted by Weng at 7:58 PM PST - 15 comments

Free or cheap private web-based relational database?

Free or cheap private web-based relational database? [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 7:52 PM PST - 13 comments

Can I fix my broken car a/c myself?

The a/c in my car died about 2 years ago. I'm moving to the desert [SE corner of CA], so now this is a problem. I have no car knowledge, and no money. How can I fix my a/c? [more inside]
posted by shinyshiny at 7:44 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm looking for a new bed frame that's budget and... sturdy.

I'm looking for a very sturdy bed frame to replace one that recently broke while in use. I REALLY do not want this to happen again, so I need suggestions for a VERY sturdy, quiet bed for less than $500. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:41 PM PST - 4 comments

Don't care for sports - so how do I talk about it?

I don't have any interest in following sports, but the people I meet for interviews and networking do. How do I play the part? [more inside]
posted by abdulf at 6:50 PM PST - 28 comments

What Colorado ski town should I live in?

I'm moving to Colorado near Breckenridge for the winter (Nov - Mar/Apr). What towns should I check out and where should I search? [more inside]
posted by SampleSize at 6:30 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I reduce my electric bill?

First time living alone, and just got my first electric bill... what's using so much power? How much power does my computer really use? [more inside]
posted by Kosh at 6:27 PM PST - 35 comments

Weird Car Electrical Symptoms

2002 Toyota Camry, 64K miles. No previous symptoms. After a long drive, I stopped two minutes, then tried to restart the car. Nothing. Electric systems got a little screwy: windows wouldn't go down, clock and radio stations reset, automatic shifter stuck, as did key (wouldn't come out of ignition). Strange. But then all that stuff started working again (100% ok), but car still wouldn't start. At this point, I'd get a metallic staccato sound, but no turning over. Jump start worked perfectly, car drove home perfectly (note: it was night at this point, and my headlights were on) EXCEPT when I flicked my brights for a sec. Mayhem ensued...car kept running, but laggy/weird, and speedometer went dead and random dashboard lights went on. After a few minutes, all returned to normal. I got home, parked, shut off car, and tried to restart (headlights off, of course). Nothing. Is this alternator? thanks!!!
posted by jimmyjimjim at 6:19 PM PST - 20 comments

Best TV on DVD?

TV-on-DVD recommendations? [more inside]
posted by jjsonp at 6:08 PM PST - 58 comments

La Vie en London

Help me plan some activities for our honeymoon in London and Edinburgh. [more inside]
posted by santojulieta at 6:05 PM PST - 20 comments

Was I taken for a ride?

Did I get ripped off by my mechanic? [more inside]
posted by Brocktoon at 5:54 PM PST - 17 comments

Got a sore jaw: how come?

Tender under jaw where it meets the neck. Anyone know why? [more inside]
posted by fantasticninety at 5:44 PM PST - 11 comments

What are the squat metal cylinders I see sitting on range-land fence posts?

What are the (sensors, recorders?) things that look like metal cake covers (short, wide cylinders) sitting on fence-posts, mostly in rangeland in the Western USA? [more inside]
posted by dolface at 5:12 PM PST - 9 comments

Information on Sperm Donation

Asking for a very close friend: A married lesbian couple, friends of mine, have invited me to be the sperm donor for their first child. [more inside]
posted by Baby_Balrog at 5:07 PM PST - 22 comments

Where can I get good cheap meals in Sydney?

Going to a conference in Sydney next week. Can anyone recommend some good cheap single serve eats in CBD? (Will probably live off foodcourts in Haymarket but was wondering if there's anything some native Sydneysiders could recommend.)
posted by BAKERSFIELD! at 4:51 PM PST - 10 comments

One for the DiscoEarwormFilter

Can you identify this 1970s pop/disco/r&b song? [more inside]
posted by droplet at 4:42 PM PST - 5 comments

The Sorrows of Young Werther, 1787 version

Is there a reasonable English translation of Goethe's "The Sorrows of Young Werther" in the 1787 version? Thomas Carlyle and the nowadays authoritative translation by Burton Pike both used the 1774 version, but Goethe went thoroughly over it for his Complete Works. Online and printed editions fail in most cases to tell the version used. Can you recommend a book or even an online source?
posted by Wolfen at 4:32 PM PST - 4 comments

My house and my Wifi hate each other.

What evil in my house is making my WiFi coverage so crappy? [more inside]
posted by kbanas at 4:28 PM PST - 22 comments

Ruthless Credit Card Companies

HUGE economic pressures combined with ruthless credit card companies: about to be bankrupt AGAIN what should I DO? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:02 PM PST - 14 comments

I'd like to do some damage control on a pretty terrible weekend at the folk's home with the SO...

My SO and I got into a few dumb arguments in front of my parents while visiting their home over the weekend. How do I work on repairing the damage between SO and my parents? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:02 PM PST - 16 comments

Is a refund enough?

Is a refund enough? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:01 PM PST - 41 comments

DIY Restaurant in Seattle???

My birthday is coming up, and in my search for something novel and exciting to do I was told that somewhere in Seattle (possibly in the Lake Union area) there is a restaurant where you can bring a group of people, select a menu, learn how to prepare it, and then feast on the fruits of your labor. Does anyone have ANY idea if this place exists, and if so where it is??? Google has failed me utterly.
posted by evilcupcakes at 3:54 PM PST - 6 comments

Why do celebrity/gossip blogs use the same phrasing for post titles?

Why do so many of the celebrity/gossip blogs use the same phrasing for post titles (ex: "Lindsey Lohan is Cured", "Tyra Banks is Angry", "David Duchovny is Addicted to Porn")? [more inside]
posted by deern the headlice at 3:46 PM PST - 11 comments

I see you.

Searching for something Bill Clinton once said, when he was on Oprah. Help me find this quote! [more inside]
posted by gursky at 3:32 PM PST - 6 comments

Let's do lunch...

Another JobFilter question. I have had a couple emails worth of contact with a person who is looking for a bookstore manager position [more inside]
posted by highfidelity at 3:02 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me analyze how much time you spend looking at my stuff!

Help me become a master of Google Analytics - especially as it pertains to time spent in sections of a site, etc... [more inside]
posted by twiggy at 2:26 PM PST - 4 comments

One definition for news

Some journalist once said something to the effect of, "What happened today that didn't happen yesterday. That's what news is. Start typing." Who was the journalist, and what was the exact quote? [more inside]
posted by grrarrgh00 at 2:21 PM PST - 2 comments

how can i restore peace in my high school major class?

How can i restore peace in my high school major class? [more inside]
posted by freddymetz at 2:00 PM PST - 15 comments

Bonehead left his chinese food out

So this morning I took my lunch out of the fridge and bagged it up so I could take it to work. But I totally spaced out and left it sitting on the kitchen counter. Think itll still be good when I get home tonight? [more inside]
posted by ElmerFishpaw at 1:43 PM PST - 22 comments

So what do academics interviews consist of?

What to expect at an interview for an academic teaching post? [more inside]
posted by Mutant at 1:37 PM PST - 9 comments

How do I pass a PHP session authenticated in IIS across to Jetty or Tomcat?

I have users logging into XOOPS running on IIS, and have an instance of the Jetty JSP webserver configured to serve up Eclipse's Infocenter system. How can I set up security so that no users can view the Jetty-served content without being authenticated first in a XOOPS session off of IIS? [more inside]
posted by tra at 1:37 PM PST - 3 comments

What are the specific tax loopholes that Obama intends to close, and how much money does each of those 'loopholes' account for?

What are the specific tax loopholes that Obama intends to close, and how much money does each of those 'loopholes' account for? This article by FactCheck.org indicates that the Obama campaign estimates the revenue from tax reform at $80 billion - so where did that figure come from?
posted by mattholomew at 1:31 PM PST - 3 comments

Does my tile limit my paint options?

Can I use this tile with a variety of colors, or am I limited to neutral tans? [more inside]
posted by kristymcj at 1:27 PM PST - 8 comments

Ambitious? OH YES

Due to my nitpicks with Drupal, Joomla, etc, I want to learn to program a custom web content management system. I have very little programming experience, so where do I go from here? [more inside]
posted by Willie0248 at 1:13 PM PST - 13 comments

Apple iMac G5 bootup problem

Apple iMac G5 (4 years old) dies during bootup [more inside]
posted by Wilder at 12:41 PM PST - 10 comments

Where to find TBS promos from the 90s?

Where can I find a TBS promo from the 90s? [more inside]
posted by Botunda at 12:37 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I break into publishing?

How do I break into one of the larger publishing houses? [more inside]
posted by prunes at 12:37 PM PST - 21 comments

How can I win votes without annoying people?

Which has been a more satisfying and productive use of your time, phone banking or door-to-door canvassing? Which do you feel is less intrusive? [more inside]
posted by J-Garr at 12:30 PM PST - 15 comments

How can I help my son get laid?

So...my nineteen year old son just informed me that he is president of his college's abstinence club. I think that this is a huge mistake. How can I help my son get laid and see what he is missing? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:07 PM PST - 71 comments

Anxiety, Phobias and lack of communication

Does your partner have certain situational phobias that prevent a flow of communication or avoidance of certain places such as being out too far, or avoiding elevators for fear they will break down? If so how do you handle it? [more inside]
posted by InterestedInKnowing at 11:57 AM PST - 6 comments

UnWord Me

Escaping M$ Word, but getting the same formatting... [more inside]
posted by tmcw at 11:53 AM PST - 8 comments

Excessive bivalves!

What can I do with all these steamed mussels? [more inside]
posted by Wroksie at 11:33 AM PST - 15 comments

Laptop power emergency

Laptop power question. [more inside]
posted by dpx.mfx at 11:29 AM PST - 7 comments

What's a cheap laptop that I can use for DJing?

I'm trying to build an ultra-mobile DJ setup. What laptop can I get that has the lowest cost-to-usefulness ratio? [more inside]
posted by clcapps at 11:22 AM PST - 5 comments

What kind of car did you buy for your new teen driver?

Daughter is 16 and got her license a few months ago--she had her permit for a year before that and drove often with us (parents). So now we are looking at used cars for her--preferably under 10K, safe and decent city driving gas mileage. Of course she has her ideas--BMW, Jeep, Infinity, etc. Yeah right.
posted by sandra194 at 11:16 AM PST - 61 comments

vinyasa yoga

What should I expect from a vinyasa yoga class? [more inside]
posted by mustcatchmooseandsquirrel at 11:09 AM PST - 3 comments

Can you recommend a car service in Washington DC?

Can you recommend a car service in Washington DC? [more inside]
posted by KAS at 10:59 AM PST - 8 comments

Suggestions for an intuitive mobile phone with GPS, camera for directionally-challenged adult daughter.

I need a suggestion for a mobile phone that is very intuitive, has GPS and is a camera phone. Bonus points if it's kinda like OnStar, speaking directions aloud, and is affordable--under $250--although I don't know if that is possible...you tell me. [more inside]
posted by mumstheword at 10:57 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm late! I'm late! For a very important--

How can I get to class on time? It is the third week of the college semester, and I have already missed three classes because I've been so late that I couldn't bear to walk in the classroom door. I've walked in 3-15 minutes late already to a number of classes. Not good... [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:41 AM PST - 53 comments

Is my name dirty?

I worked for five and a half months in France and never filed a French tax return. Am I in trouble? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:41 AM PST - 1 comment

Short & Sweet Truth About Obama?

On behalf of my parents, where is a source that they can use to look up short and sweet responses to counter to the attacks on Obama leveled by their Republican neighbors? [more inside]
posted by jeanmari at 10:35 AM PST - 21 comments

Network my HP LaserJet?

How can I print to my HP LaserJet 2100 (networked with a JetDirect 610N card) from any computer in my Mac network? [more inside]
posted by iknowizbirfmark at 10:28 AM PST - 9 comments

Fun Church to become a minister of? Marry people in Canada?

Looking for suggestions of fun (such as Church of Euthanasia) churches that I could easily become a minister of. Bonus question, has anyone been ordained in order to marry people in Canada (eg. ULC), and if so, do you have any recommendations?
posted by imaswinger at 10:16 AM PST - 13 comments

As a U.S. Senator, I run an organization with a yearly budge of $___ and ___ employees.

What size organization does a U.S. Senator run? [more inside]
posted by Xalf at 10:11 AM PST - 18 comments

Moved to DFW... now what?

DFW-Filter: So my girlfriend and I moved to the DFW area, Lewisville in particular. I've started up school, she's started up work. Now what? [more inside]
posted by SNWidget at 9:54 AM PST - 17 comments

Canuck Cow-Town Quarters & Cuisine.

Tips on Calgary accommodation and restaurants? [more inside]
posted by weapons-grade pandemonium at 9:47 AM PST - 9 comments

How do I log my chat hours?

How do I log the hours I'm logged in to Google chat? [more inside]
posted by inactivist at 9:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Need a SUPER simple online shopping cart.

Looking for a very simple cart solution for a very simple business. [more inside]
posted by bink at 9:21 AM PST - 2 comments

Flaky Photographer

How much leeway should I give a photographer who has already missed his OWN deadlines three times now? [more inside]
posted by brandoniain at 9:16 AM PST - 13 comments

oops.

Adventures in RAM upgrades that screw up my whole computer. ugh. help? [more inside]
posted by Kellydamnit at 8:59 AM PST - 15 comments

Elderly Skin and Bruising and the Effects Of

Nursing home horror, involving the skin of elderly people - (disturbing description inside) [more inside]
posted by watercarrier at 8:38 AM PST - 10 comments

There's m-----f-----' Willamette Valley Pinot Noir on the m-----f-----' plane!

Can I take an unopened bottle of wine in my carry-on luggage? [more inside]
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly at 8:33 AM PST - 27 comments

Is It Smart To Have My Foreign Employer Pay Me In Their Country?

Being a 21st Century kind of guy I find myself now doing long-term work for a few companies overseas (India and the U.K.). I would like to be able to open a bank account in each country and just get the money I need via ATM. I'm thinking that since the dollar sucks it would probably be better financially for me long term. Is this a smart move? How hard is it for citizen of the US open a bank account in a foreign country? Do I have to report that income? And if so will I end up getting taxed twice?
posted by chartreuse at 8:22 AM PST - 17 comments

Okay, I should probably start thinking about sunscreen.

What kind of "sunburn" is this? Does it happen to you? [more inside]
posted by dame at 8:19 AM PST - 6 comments

How did you find your passion?

How have you figured out what your passion(s) is/are in life, and how have you translated that into a successful career involving your passion(s)? I am intentionallly not including details about myself and my situation because I don't really want specific suggestions about what might be good career directions for myself or what interesting areas I might pursue. I'm looking more for concrete examples of what steps you've taken to find out what drives you, and how you were able to make a career out of that.
posted by entropic at 8:01 AM PST - 27 comments

What Is It About Soccer?

Please help me understand the immense popularity of soccer (football, futbol) worldwide. And ... [more inside]
posted by netbros at 7:51 AM PST - 28 comments

I'm 24 and can't swim- Is there a 20-somethings swim class in NYC?

I'm 24 years old and I don't really know how to swim. I can "not drown", but swimming is a no go. I need to fix this. [more inside]
posted by GilloD at 7:42 AM PST - 25 comments

What kind of options are available for fixing a bone spur on my calf?

M.D.Filter: What kind of options are there for repairing a bone spur - on my calf? [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 7:42 AM PST - 1 comment

The Mystery of the Magenta Cat Food

Why would my cat's wet food suddenly be turning magenta when exposed to air? [more inside]
posted by amarynth at 7:30 AM PST - 5 comments

What Terry Pratchett book should I read first?

What Terry Pratchett book should I read first? [more inside]
posted by alhadro at 7:23 AM PST - 39 comments

RNC tune

What was the song playing at the Republican Daytona Rally? [more inside]
posted by edbyford at 6:37 AM PST - 2 comments

Née PleaseDon'tRemindMe?

I'm about to toss my current last name and take a different one, for non-marriage-related reasons. For what/how long do I need to tell people my "maiden" name so that they realize that I existed before recently? [more inside]
posted by thisjax at 6:25 AM PST - 14 comments

Fix for Braun Shaver/Razor Syncro Clean & Charge System?

Fix for Braun Shaver/Razor Syncro Clean & Charge System? [more inside]
posted by criticman at 6:18 AM PST - 6 comments

Laptop in Paris

Where to buy or rent a laptop, cheap, in Paris? [more inside]
posted by andihazelwood at 4:33 AM PST - 2 comments

Getting OUT in SF

I'm a young (early 20s) gay guy living in San Francisco. I haven't come out yet, mainly because I don't feel like I have a supportive, positive social base to fall back on if everyone in my life turned away from me. I want to surrounded myself with the right kind of people such that I feel more comfortable being myself. So, specifically, I want to get more involved with the LGBT community and more importantly I want to move beyond the scene and meet guys my age in normal social activities. For instance, I'd be interested in a hiking/outdoors kind of group. I guess my question is, where do I start? How do I get involved?
posted by pacifica at 4:25 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me be a Facebook stalker!

I know nothing about Facebook and need a bit of help. [more inside]
posted by bluekrauss at 3:47 AM PST - 11 comments

Offline computer games to bring to exotic places

Where can I find some downloadable offline games for young people? [more inside]
posted by mateuslee at 2:07 AM PST - 7 comments

Mendocino Jenner sleeps

Can we find a night's lodging late September in Mendocino, Jenner or anywhere in between for $150 or less?
posted by timeistight at 1:54 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me figure out this song

Song Figuring Out Filter: a classicrock-ish song about some girl being evil. What's the one I'm thinking of? [more inside]
posted by GrubbyUtter at 1:49 AM PST - 29 comments

Classics of literature of the month club, cancel and Moby Dick is yours to keep? Where to find?

Some publisher used to do a set of volumes of great works, supposedly quality bindings, via a "We'll send you another volume each month, and if you cancel, the edition of Moby Dick is yours to keep" model. Who was that? [more inside]
posted by bartleby at 1:42 AM PST - 6 comments

They hacked our Joomla, help!

We've been hacked! We were just about to upgrade the Joomla version, and then we get this. Looks to be a ransom page, but we obviously want to reverse the hack. How do we do this? [more inside]
posted by wile e at 12:43 AM PST - 12 comments

September 3

What happens if I don't show up for the GREs?

How to solve the GREs-- not the test, but the registration! What happens if I don't show up to the test? [more inside]
posted by suedehead at 11:58 PM PST - 7 comments

Fixing a broken iPhone?

Broken iPhone sleep/wake button... [more inside]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:51 PM PST - 6 comments

Need an alternative to MyHQ for my homepage(s).

Need to find an alternative to MyHQ.com. MyHQ is a web-based homepage that is simply lists of links that you can add to, customize, and organize into categories. You set it as your homepage, and voila!, every place you regularly visit on the internet is right in front of you. Their site is currently down, which has happened before, but this time I fear its for reals. I am literally lost without it (not to mention the 100+ organized links that I no longer have access to). [more inside]
posted by iamkimiam at 10:30 PM PST - 19 comments

Reliable, faster internet access from an apartment in Beijing.

Will be moving to Beijing and would like to have high speed reliable internet service in my apartment. We'll likely be living in one of the US or HK developed apartments along Chao Yang park. I've worked with DSL connections in serviced apartments in Beijing and Shanghai and was not thrilled with the throughput (70kbs) or reliability. The Great Firewall is not an issue as far as completely blocking sites, but I'm sure it affects transfer speeds from the US sites I'd be accessing. [more inside]
posted by bleecker at 10:29 PM PST - 7 comments

Help me identify an obscure book passage from my past

Many years ago I remember reading a book that included a section on people's creative output, and there were graphs that indicated how old people were (composers, playwrights, etc.) when they produced their major works. The conclusion was something like, there is a limited volume of creative works a person can produce in one lifetime, regardless of when in their life the works were produced. Does this ring any bells?
posted by Dr. Send at 9:42 PM PST - 5 comments

How do you say "you shouldn't say that?"

What's the best thing to say to someone who has harshly belittled someone else without reason that A. doesn't attack the offending speaker and B. brings to light just how harmful their words can be to others?
posted by MaryDellamorte at 8:44 PM PST - 29 comments

I can has prairie dog?

Do I have any options for getting a prairie dog as a pet in the US? [more inside]
posted by lizzicide at 8:23 PM PST - 16 comments

From the back catalog... way back

New Yorker buffs with long memories and amazing search capacities: Looking for a humorous article about battling paleontologists. (More inside) [more inside]
posted by Arch1 at 8:14 PM PST - 4 comments

My rabbit likes cat food.

I think my rabbit occasionally eats my cat's crunchy food. Is this bad? [more inside]
posted by All.star at 8:11 PM PST - 9 comments

Oh, that nasty Google Redirecting Virus

Oh, that nasty Google redirecting virus [more inside]
posted by LSK at 8:01 PM PST - 18 comments

How to remove restaurant smells from clothing?

How do I remove awful, greasy restaurant smells from my clothing? I work eight hours a day at a small, enclosed cafe. I come home smelling of this particular mixture of grease and cafe food (not in a delicious way). It comes off of me in the shower--but after eight months of this the smell seems to be inexorably attached to my clothing. How do I get rid of it? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:30 PM PST - 23 comments

But if I just lose 5 pounds, it will fit me.

Purging closet filter: What should I do with clothes that are close to brand new but that I don't want anymore? [more inside]
posted by typewriter at 7:28 PM PST - 11 comments

How can I take photos on one mac with photobooth and display them instantly on another mac as a slideshow?

How can I take photos on one mac with photobooth and display them instantly on another mac as a slideshow? [more inside]
posted by austinlee at 7:21 PM PST - 9 comments

Please, how do I help a friend ,who lost a son hours after his birth, find a purpose in life and a way to volunteer to help the NICU in her son’s memory?

Please, how do I help a friend ,who lost a son hours after his birth, find a purpose in life and a way to volunteer to help the NICU in her son’s memory? [more inside]
posted by texas_blissful at 6:51 PM PST - 9 comments

we have the technology!

iPod Accessory to fix or bypass a broken headphone jack? [more inside]
posted by furnace.heart at 6:32 PM PST - 6 comments

How to transfer a lot of music to a such a small machine...

I just purchased a new 2.4GHz Macbook. I have approximately 45 GB of music on my IPod (I think, it's an 80 GB IPod and over half full), a lot of which was never backed up on my old PC. Do I need to get an external hard drive for that much music or can I transfer it to my Macbook using Senuti and still have the Macbook run well? [more inside]
posted by anoirmarie at 5:36 PM PST - 8 comments

Seems like a good idea?

Is LoJack really worth it? [more inside]
posted by 6:1 at 4:50 PM PST - 19 comments

How can I get paid for recycling white office paper? (in Los Angeles)

An acquaintance mentioned there are paper recyclers who would actually pay by the pound for while printed office paper. An initial google search yielded info on something called Recycle Bank on the East coast, as well as companies that will pick up and shred my documents for a fee (rather than pay *me* for the paper). If anybody knows specifically where to look in Los Angeles, that would be awesome. Otherwise, any suggestions about what key words to use to narrow down my search to appropriate organizations would also be helpful. [more inside]
posted by gigimakka at 4:48 PM PST - 3 comments

How does the media compile their rich lists?

How do magazines like BRW compile their Rich Lists? How do they know that someone is worth how much they say they're worth? Do they just take the billionaire at their word, or do they get these figures from the tax office (you would hope not, given privacy concerns)? [more inside]
posted by Effigy2000 at 4:07 PM PST - 7 comments

We've set up a post-grad student support group, now what?

I'm a (biology) PhD student working in industry rather than on campus. There are a bunch of us post-grad students doing research out here so we've decided to form a support group. But we're fast running out of ideas of what to do at meetings and attendance is falling. What are some great ideas for things we can do, topics to discuss, speakers we could invite, anything really to make the most of this opportunity? I'm particularly looking for suggestions of things which have worked for you, what kind of student support group activities have you found really worthwhile? [more inside]
posted by shelleycat at 3:57 PM PST - 10 comments

How fast does the body eliminate lead?

My baby recently tested quite high (but not at an emergency level) for lead. He had two tests in a row, so we're pretty sure they're correct. We've got all kinds of information on eliminating lead and we're doing everything we can, but we'd like to make a plan about assessing his progress and considering more serious steps like moving if it's not great. Does anyone know how fast one can expect blood levels to drop after removing the source of exposure?
posted by lgyre at 3:54 PM PST - 13 comments

Come to Campus Now and Receive this Handsome Tote Bag!

I have volunteered to help my university procure gifts for speakers and alumni who come to campus to recruit students. What are some good commemorative gifts you have received? [more inside]
posted by Andy's Gross Wart at 3:10 PM PST - 15 comments

Prenatal vitamins

Pl. recommend a good brand for prenatal vitamins. My doctor did not name any specific brand.
posted by tom123 at 3:05 PM PST - 15 comments

And that's today's Geo Quiz

Does anybody know where I can find audio archives of the Geo Quiz from PRI's The World radio program? [more inside]
posted by king walnut at 3:04 PM PST - 2 comments

Love handles be gone

Help me get rid of my love handles [more inside]
posted by chickaboo at 2:50 PM PST - 18 comments

Help me tar and feather someone on stage!

I'm directing a play that calls for an actor to be tarred and feathered on stage. It's a powerful moment, and I'd love to do it. But ... how? [more inside]
posted by minervous at 2:39 PM PST - 33 comments

Can you help me find this map/data integration site?

Looking for website: allowed user to select modules for events, traffic, weather, gas prices, blogs, and other elements and have them show up on a map. [more inside]
posted by batmonkey at 2:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Business Equivalent of Evite?

Business equivalent of Evite? [more inside]
posted by FergieBelle at 2:13 PM PST - 6 comments

Calling all lawyers: Alienation of affection

How common are judgements for alienation of affection? How can someone best thwart this civil action? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:09 PM PST - 8 comments

Goodbye iPhone, hello cheaper monthly.

I've had an iPhone 3G for about six weeks now, and all of the love and excitement has been lost. How to best part with it and what precisely is possible? [more inside]
posted by virga at 2:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Looking for movies with tuff (punk) girls...

I'm working on a video project (and I also love the genre) and looking for movies with "bad' or "tough" girls; gangs or solo, the more punk the better. Extra points for fight scenes! I'm thinking along the line of 70s and 80s exploitation films. I'd also like to check out any general punk or teens-in-crisis movies that aren't Repo Man, Suburbia, River's Edge, Over The Edge or Permanent Record. Thanks for your help!
posted by apetpsychic at 1:57 PM PST - 31 comments

How do I prevent laptop (macbook) theft?

Prophylactic-laptop-theft-filter: Help me keep my macbook mine. [more inside]
posted by MaddyRex at 1:46 PM PST - 8 comments

great guy, bad sex, what should i do?

great guy, bad sex, what should i do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:46 PM PST - 30 comments

Thoughtful gift for a new date?

I need help choosing a gift but the circumstances are complicated. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:46 PM PST - 14 comments

Dating in the city?

Help, New York! I used to love dating, until I moved to New York. Now I hate it. Can some seasoned city bachelors and bachelorettes please give me some perspective? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:46 PM PST - 20 comments

Sharepoint and not being able to find page views for my Intranet is making me cry?

Sharepoint filter: Is there any way to see the page views for a particular items/News article in Sharepoint? All I can find is stupid meaningless hit counts for my unit's part of the site. And Google and MS.com have both failed me. [more inside]
posted by acorn1515 at 1:43 PM PST - 0 comments

Cool things to hang in my cubicle?

What is the most awesome, smile inducing, envy inspiring thing I can hang on my cubicle wall? [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty at 1:31 PM PST - 47 comments

How to fix a leaky washing machine?

HandymanFilter: How can I stop my washing machine from leaking? (Pictures and Video included) [more inside]
posted by charlesroper at 1:24 PM PST - 17 comments

Mac guy seeking advice on Microsoft Certification

My job will pay for IT Certification testing at a Prometric center, and I've been reaping the benefits for years. Being a Mac guy, I've got all the critical Apple certifications. As that's complete, I'm thinking of studying for some Microsoft certs. While I'm not a Windows wizard, I use XP daily and have ample study time. What's a good MS test to start with?
posted by porn in the woods at 1:18 PM PST - 5 comments

Is this gas station running a scam?

Charging $0.60 extra for full service? Is this gas station pulling a scam? [more inside]
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 12:56 PM PST - 13 comments

Traveling to Cape Cod, Bay of Fundy & PEI

We're going to make a road trip in a couple of weeks from upstate NY to Cape Cod, and then up to the Bay of Fundy and Prince Edward Island. Any advice would be welcomed, but we could particularly use some advice about the BOF. We need to know what are the best attractions and towns to visit, the best places to see the tides and other scenic views, and if you have any recommendations for restaurants and places to stay. We are planning on staying in moderately priced lodgings ($90-$140/night); and we tend to like simple but good food, served in friendly, interesting and moderately priced restaurants.
posted by 14580 at 12:46 PM PST - 3 comments

How does one legally identify meat as not for human use?

How does one legally identify meat as not for human use? [more inside]
posted by jesirose at 12:44 PM PST - 6 comments

Looking for on ear headphones for home office/cafe work that are clear sounding, don't get sweaty, and are comfortable for long wear.

I'm in search of headphones to use on my laptop while working at my home office and sometimes at a cafe. I've been using earbuds, but find I get "earbud ear" (ala "hat head") after having them in there all day, and my ears ring from the less then quality sound. I want to find some on ear headphones, preferably $125 and less, that have quality sound, are comfortable on my large size head, don't get sweaty after extended wearing, and have minimal sound bleed in or out. Some is fine. I know about open/closed headphones, and it seems most closed ones are butt ugly, with sweaty pleather and compromise sound. Are there others? The Sennheiser 555s have been a contender on my list. The Grado S60 is no longer, because I've frequently read of it's excessive leaking sound out. Do you have some favorite headphones that meet this criteria, or know of some you'd recommend? If it helps, I listen to mostly electronic, downtempo while working. So well detailed, tight sound all around would be preferable. Don't need a bass heavy headphone. thanks in advance for your suggestions
posted by healthyliving at 12:38 PM PST - 27 comments

Need a headset for music AND landline phonecalls

Is there a wireless headset that will let me listen to beautiful music from my computer as well as make/receive phonecalls on my landline? [more inside]
posted by dtgriscom at 12:16 PM PST - 6 comments

Fun things to see on the way to Lassen?

Roadtrip filter: Driving from SF Bay Area to Lassen this weekend for camping. What are some cool things to see along the way? [more inside]
posted by kendrak at 12:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Can an Automator Workflow/App Find Itself?

Obscure Mac geekery filter... On OS X Leopard, how can I get a reference to the current location of an Automator workflow/app in a shell script within that workflow? [more inside]
posted by Xuff at 12:06 PM PST - 3 comments

Locating print of Yoshitaka Amano's drawing of Gaiman's Sandman

I'm trying to locate a print of Neil Gaiman's Sandman as drawn by Yoshitaka Amano. [more inside]
posted by djaevle at 12:05 PM PST - 5 comments

Everyone loses...except the audience

I'm one of those people who takes "teh internetz" seriously, and nothing turns me on quite like a verbal smackdown for the ages. What are some of the most memorable instances of rhetorical tai chi you've come across that can send my libido into overdrive?
posted by Christ, what an asshole at 12:02 PM PST - 33 comments

Seeking better dish-drying solution

We suddenly have a whole lot more dirty/clean/drying dishes by our sink. We have a small kitchen, and the pile is enduring and unsightly. Do you have a better method for drying a steady stream of dishes than leaving a big pile sitting out for most of the day? [more inside]
posted by dreamphone at 11:47 AM PST - 24 comments

What to do with too much coconut

I have copious amounts of coconut cream and coconut shavings. What food-item (ie: not 20 galleons of piña colada) can I make with those ingredients that would require as little additional ingredients and effort as possible. And if you would have a bare-bones recipe at hand, it would be very much appreciated. :) [more inside]
posted by ruelle at 11:46 AM PST - 19 comments

Chicago!

What can I do to make one perfect night in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by brynna at 11:44 AM PST - 15 comments

Webinar solution built on Rails?

Webinar solution built on Rails? [more inside]
posted by aebaxter at 11:39 AM PST - 0 comments

Varnishing a burled redwood coffee table?

I'm at the point where I'm about to apply varnish to a burled redwood table top. What's best to bring out the details of the burl? [more inside]
posted by sub-culture at 11:28 AM PST - 5 comments

Open World video games

Are there any good 'open world' video games that don't involve stealing cars and beating up prostitutes? [more inside]
posted by logic vs love at 11:15 AM PST - 34 comments

How do I get around Thailand and Laos?

I am wondering if I could get some advice with specific transportation and itinerary information for a first-time trip to Thailand and Laos this December. [more inside]
posted by slopepheasant at 11:14 AM PST - 2 comments

Ikea cabinet owners: what do you think?

Ikea cabinet (kitchen and/or bath) owners! Please tell me about your experience with Ikea cabinets. We're talking anything about ordering, installation, wear & tear, how long has it been installed, are you happy with it, would you do it again? [more inside]
posted by yoga at 10:53 AM PST - 16 comments

Help me keep my hands off him!

We had our first date last week and the chemistry was incredible (as was the kissing). However, I want to find out if there's more than just the physical here. Our second date is Thursday evening - how do I keep myself under control? [more inside]
posted by shiny blue object at 10:47 AM PST - 20 comments

Let my childrenz heerz muzics [and playz it tooz, and not be it classsicalz]

Music Teacher Filter Questions 1) Is it possible to be a music teacher in a public school and focus on non-classical music? 2) How would the market for that kind of music program be? [more inside]
posted by sully75 at 10:40 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm emotionally starved for the lols.

Looking for a comic I saw a few months ago. It involved a cat and its owner... [more inside]
posted by misanthropicsarah at 10:39 AM PST - 15 comments

The Baha'i Religion - Am I missing anything?

I have spent the past two years doing on-again, off-again research into the Baha'i religion. I really like what I see - I'm on the verge of conversion. There is one problem - something that's nagging at the corners of my mind: Why isn't this religion more popular? Is there something that I'm missing that everyone else is seeing? [more inside]
posted by unixrat at 10:22 AM PST - 24 comments

Help Me Create A Dateless Timeline(s)

I'd like to create a project timeline guide that does not have dates. It is a general guide which indicates at what point in the process a certain action takes place. The timeline would actually be more comprised of several different time lines that overlap. Timelines a, b, and c (etc) wouldn't correspond to individuals but rather larger tasks that are occuring concurrently. I also would need to easily be able to export/print this timeline. My question is: is there a free program that I can use to create this? I have access to photoshop and illustrator but I'd rather not use those. I'm using a Mac running 10.5
posted by Waitwhat at 10:15 AM PST - 2 comments

Surfing Mylopathy Database

A while ago I asked about getting help for an acquaintance who had experienced Surfer's Mylopathy. I would like to get your thoughts on how to keep track of the Surfer’s Mylopathy injuries. Since Peter’s story has hit the Internet the family is being contacted by many more SM victims. The 20 or so cases that they were told about by doctors appears to be significantly higher. When other victims contact them they want to be able to keep track of their progress. Is there an online database application that victims could enter their info into? [more inside]
posted by Mr_Zero at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments

Good take-out lunch in the Chicago Loop?

[ChicagoFilter]Any recommendations for good take-out-ish lunch places in the chicago loop? [more inside]
posted by specialnobodie at 9:54 AM PST - 10 comments

Best lens for low-light photography with a Nikon D50?

What is the best lens to use with a Nikon D50 for low-light situations where the subjects are moving? [more inside]
posted by inatizzy at 9:54 AM PST - 20 comments

Grad School Career Realignment?

I'm starting my second year of a Ph.D program and I'm stressed and upset. Help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:51 AM PST - 8 comments

Need to help mom stay in the house.

Need to help mom stay in the house. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:51 AM PST - 9 comments

I, for one, welcome our new search engine overlords.

CorporateOverlordFilter: Does Google already know the winner of the next election? [more inside]
posted by ga$money at 9:46 AM PST - 15 comments

Help me keep track of my money when I'm on the go.

What's the best way to keep track of expenditures while you're on the go? I use my debit card a lot but I don't carry a checkbook. I have a Samsung Flipshot phone (Verizon). Is there a secure mobile site where I can log in and enter my $50 gas purchase?
posted by desjardins at 9:45 AM PST - 10 comments

Help! I need a hand finding an apartment in DC for 3 people all about to commute in different directions.

Help! I need a hand finding an apartment in DC for 3 people all about to commute in different directions. [more inside]
posted by decrescendo at 9:39 AM PST - 18 comments

CMS recommendations for paid gallery access?

A friend has asked for my help designing a site to sell access to photo galleries and videos (yes, porn). The way he'd like it to work is this: on the main page, you see a list of models. You click one and see that model's available galleries and videos, with some sample images and video clips. You then purchase (via credit card) access to the galleries and videos you want, rather than the usual porn subscription model. Can anyone recommend a CMS for this sort of thing? I'm at a loss.
posted by Acetylene at 9:25 AM PST - 8 comments

Get rich quick, repent at leisure?

Is it possible to take out huge sums of money as cash advances and then flee the country? Don't worry, I have zero interest in actually doing this, but I was talking to a friend who claimed that one could apply for a bunch of credit cards at once, max them all out, and then skip out to Thailand or somewhere and live off the $150,000 or however much you got. Is this true? And if so, why aren't more people doing it? [more inside]
posted by allen8219 at 9:24 AM PST - 22 comments

Help with fantasy football league

Can anyone recommend a fantasy football league where just 2 people can form a league and play head to head each week? [more inside]
posted by irie1972 at 9:04 AM PST - 5 comments

Cleaning in New York

Please recommend/warn me about cleaning services and independent housekeepers in New York City [more inside]
posted by AnyGuelmann at 8:11 AM PST - 5 comments

First Church of Gern

Can I somehow declare my house as a church and not pay property taxes? What tax benefits can I enjoy by starting my own church? Where can I find the laws that govern this?
posted by GernBlandston at 8:03 AM PST - 14 comments

Capturing video from VGA...

Capturing video from VGA to either HDMI/DVI input or Component Input? [more inside]
posted by stackhaus23 at 7:38 AM PST - 5 comments

Four year loyalty vs. seven year's work?

RelationsFilter: If you are a master's or doctoral graduate, what are some of the reasons you joined or chose not to join the alumni association of your graduate school? [more inside]
posted by parmanparman at 7:24 AM PST - 23 comments

Good noise cancelling headphones for a home office with young kids?

Noise cancelling headphones for use in a home office with young children around. Comfortable for all day use and not too expensive. Possible? [more inside]
posted by DarkForest at 7:15 AM PST - 12 comments

Out with the old, in with the new

Shortly after we moved to a new town, my partner fell into a deep depression. She shot me down every time I suggested that we go out and do something fun, or made amorous advances. That precipitated my own, milder depression. We're both better now, and love each other very much, but we're still in a rut, and I'm gun-shy. How can we get over this hump? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:42 AM PST - 11 comments

"Can I come in and have a look around?"

How feasible is nuclear disarmament? [more inside]
posted by greytape at 6:32 AM PST - 27 comments

TechFilter: Help me find a replacement fan for my Arctic Cooling heatsink.

TechFilter: Help me find a replacement fan for my Arctic Cooling heatsink. [more inside]
posted by judge.mentok.the.mindtaker at 6:05 AM PST - 1 comment

HygieneFilter: should I always use soap when washing my hands?

HygieneFilter: must I always use soap when washing my hands? [more inside]
posted by XiBe at 5:56 AM PST - 19 comments

THIS is why you shouldn't lease!!!

How to get out from a car lease filter.... [more inside]
posted by keep it tight at 5:46 AM PST - 8 comments

Family Friendly lines of work?

What fields are kind[er] to working parents? [more inside]
posted by universal_qlc at 5:46 AM PST - 13 comments

Recommend me a hotel in Houston

My SO and I are planning a very short trip to Houston next April, but obviously we'll need somewhere to stay for the night when we're there -- the question is, where? [more inside]
posted by macdara at 4:27 AM PST - 11 comments

van driving in NY

Which highways (or roads) should i avoid while driving a van in NY? [more inside]
posted by raphael19 at 4:11 AM PST - 8 comments

EUR/GBP Exchange Rates ... What's going to happen?

I know very little about the money markets and exchange rates - does anyone with more knowledge than me have a reasonable handle on why the EUR/GBP exchange rate has jumped so much in the last year... And where it might stop? [more inside]
posted by benzo8 at 2:40 AM PST - 3 comments

Help me puzzle out a Mystery Circuit!

Later this year, for an electronics course I´m taking, we´ll be given a ¨black box¨ circuit containing various passive elements - resistors, capacitors, and inductors - and asked to design a pre-emphasis circuit that will negate its effect. I´d like to draw up a plan of attack, so: does anyone have any suggestions for experiments to run on the black box to determine the circuit within´s construction? I´ve got access to a function generator and an oscilloscope, of course.
posted by nicolas léonard sadi carnot at 2:37 AM PST - 5 comments

Escaping the grind

My friend works in database applications each day to create in house reports. He's bored and wants to go it alone. [more inside]
posted by simplesharps at 1:31 AM PST - 0 comments

September 2

Where does the phrase "losing your virginity" come from?

Where does the phrase "losing your virginity" come from? [more inside]
posted by rzperllian at 11:46 PM PST - 13 comments

Why does my hip ache when I...

Kind of an odd sexual question (nothing too dirty but since it's sex-related, mark this NSFW)... [more inside]
posted by mgrichmond at 11:40 PM PST - 5 comments

Metafilter clone for dummies

Dear Lazyweb: I'm looking to create a MeFi clone for a relatively narrowly focused website, and would love to find something that can do so more or less out of the box. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by bokane at 10:33 PM PST - 5 comments

Safe to eat?

There is a small pile of garden zucchini that has been sitting on the kitchen counter for about two months, right between the sink and an always-open window (to let in the Cleveland summer). Should I eat it?
posted by waxboy at 9:41 PM PST - 22 comments

How can I create a qualitative assessment of policy documents?

I've been asked to devise a qualitative means of analyzing multiple similar policy documents for the purpose of critically evaluating them (and hopefully publishing my results) and frankly, I'm floundering. Any advice on books, classes, or ways to learn how to approach this problem? [more inside]
posted by arnicae at 9:11 PM PST - 4 comments

my apartment makes me want to kill myself

My new apartment is a room. Like, one. The whole place is a dreary, yellowish mess, and I will go to absurd lengths to make this bat-cave a little more cheery. What should I do with it? [more inside]
posted by borkingchikapa at 8:58 PM PST - 25 comments

Low light photo tips

Low light photography workflow tips anyone? [more inside]
posted by drpynchon at 7:52 PM PST - 23 comments

Best Websites for Elderly Genius

Recommend websites for my grandad. [more inside]
posted by LittleMissCranky at 7:15 PM PST - 13 comments

How to make the most of a very brief trip to Arizona

I am looking for advice about places to stay and things to do on a trip through Phoenix, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon and Sedona. My mom is going to be in Phoenix for a conference soon and since neither of us have spent much time out west we decided to make a little vacation out of it. Help us make the most of it! [more inside]
posted by horses, of courses at 6:55 PM PST - 10 comments

DIY Dawn simulator

Why are dawn simulator alarm clocks so expensive? What would I be missing if I made one myself? [more inside]
posted by fermezporte at 6:54 PM PST - 14 comments

Help with Non-Profits

Does anybody know how to get demographic information on who is (or has been) starting non-profits? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 6:38 PM PST - 1 comment

SOS butter stain

Heyyylup! I just got some butter on my new suit. It's all synthetic material, dry clean only. Is there anything I should to between now and when I can get to a dry cleaner in the morning? It was a nice lemon-sage-garlic butter, it truly was. But I do wish it was not on my suit.
posted by footnote at 6:15 PM PST - 4 comments

Giving my...one week...notice?

I've been given an offer I should really not refuse. Problem: the project starts in one week. [more inside]
posted by palindromic at 6:01 PM PST - 10 comments

Commercial with the creepy old guy who said "Yah, yah, yah"?

What was the commercial around 10 years ago that had a creepy old guy talk about packing off his family someplace, with the vague insinuation that they might have come to a bad end? I think it was for computer printers or something, and he had taped pictures of the family up around the house and was reveling in being alone. The dialog went something like "Sent the grandkids off camping with their aunt Carrie. Yah, yah, yaaaaaaaah." The "Yah, yah, yaaaaaah" was said in sort of a satisfied sigh and was highly imitable.
posted by Addlepated at 5:59 PM PST - 0 comments

How to help a teenage girl do what she loves?

Two part interrelated question: 1) How to improve the self esteem of a 16 year old girl 2) who can't act but would like to be a good actor [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:55 PM PST - 24 comments

alternate reality games in portland, or?

Are there any alternate reality games going on in Portland, Oregon? I want to participate in one and learn more about them. If there aren't any going on in Portland, are there non-local ones I could try?
posted by ArcAm at 5:55 PM PST - 1 comment

No password. No broadcast. No brains?

I have no security enabled on my wireless network, but SSID broadcast is turned off. Is this just kind of insecure, or all types of insecure? [more inside]
posted by DLWM at 5:42 PM PST - 18 comments

How do I get my americorps moolah?

LoanForgiveness Filter: I just completed my first year with AmeriCorps and come to find out that the student loan forgiveness benefit doesn't apply to my Plus loan. So, can I take out a student loan for my brother and use the AmeriCorps benefit on that? [more inside]
posted by karyotypical at 5:37 PM PST - 5 comments

Help identifying classical music clip

What is the classical piece used in this Monty Python episode? There are two brief snippets of it, one starting around 2:37 and the other around 3:32. [more inside]
posted by Johnny Assay at 5:29 PM PST - 10 comments

Help me achieve padmasana!

Yoga poses which rotate the femur without straining the knee? [more inside]
posted by Coventry at 5:29 PM PST - 4 comments

Can I take a J.D. abroad, or should I not bother coming back to get one?

Can I export my law degree from the USA? If not, where else should I consider going to law school? [more inside]
posted by xanthippe at 5:27 PM PST - 7 comments

What if you miss the Cup?

HR/YANML filter: One of my assistants had an on-the-job injury today, and at the hosptial, they failed to give her the pee test drug screening that our company requires. She's concerned that they may use that as basis for claiming that she refused the test, and therefore will be on her own for the expense. I don't feel like this is the case, but I wanted someone with a more informed answer to help me reassure her. So, do they have the burden of proof if they claim she refused? How long after the event can they require it?
posted by Morydd at 5:23 PM PST - 1 comment

Middle Age Gut Check

I am 38 today and am curious: Is my dream to look like Michael Phelps simply unattainable? [more inside]
posted by tcv at 4:58 PM PST - 30 comments

Fake DJ required

Can anyone recommend mac software for someone who has absolutely no experience at beat matching etc, to 'DJ' a party. By DJ i mean play music without horrible gaps and ridiculous tempo changes, and to do so in a spontaneous way (choosing songs on the spur). [more inside]
posted by ashaw at 4:56 PM PST - 7 comments

Trying to treat my cat right but it's coming out wrong.

How should I get my 20-year-old cat on canned food? Is it worth it at this point? [more inside]
posted by fiery.hogue at 4:46 PM PST - 10 comments

Predicting the winner of the US Presidential Election.

How can I accurately predict the overall winner of the 2008 US Presidential Election. I would also like to know the best methods of accurately predicting the winner of the electoral votes of each individual state. [more inside]
posted by clearly at 4:24 PM PST - 21 comments

Is it Hardi or Hardly Planked?

HardiPlank Installation: The installation instructions (pdf) for the brand of siding the house I live in has installed says that it needs to be caulked at the edges and that trim should be installed first, and then the siding should butt up against it. This was done at the corners, but at the windows, the trim was installed over top of the hardiplank. The instructions don't say anything about windows. Is it installed correctly?
posted by SpecialK at 4:17 PM PST - 11 comments

How do I teach GRATITUDE to my 9-year-old daughter?

How do I teach GRATITUDE to my 9-year-old daughter? [more inside]
posted by VeniceGlass at 4:10 PM PST - 37 comments

How do you juggle anti-anxiety meds and tiredness?

How do you juggle anti-anxiety meds and tiredness? [more inside]
posted by isoman2kx at 3:12 PM PST - 12 comments

Where can I find pastel oxford dress shirts, size 14?

Where can I find oxford type dress school shirts in a size 14? I am looking for pastel school shirts, size 14. I have the normal colors (yellow, pink blue white) but I want green, orange etc. The better the brand (Ralph lauren, tommy hilifiger), the better. I know polo doesn't make size 14, and I would like direct links to the item not just brand websites. Btw, I want oxford with the buttons on the collar, not dress shirts and also the cheaper the better but thats not really an issue. Thanks
posted by ptsampras14 at 2:47 PM PST - 17 comments

Directory of IT Security Managers in Energy/Oil/Electric Industry?

Is there a directory or directories of C-Level contacts, e.g., the Director of IT, Director of Security or and other high level managers with security for major companies within Electric Utilities, Gas Utilities, Oil & Gas Pipelines, Oil and Gas Refining, and Oil and Gas Drilling and Exploration? Would prefer something free, but would be willing to consider proprietary sources.
posted by Kellyu at 2:43 PM PST - 10 comments

It's my money, and I want it now!

As of January 1, 2008, California law requires merchants to redeem gift cards for cash if the balance is less than $10. However, the statute lists an exclusion for gift cards issued for "perishable food products." Before I send my nasty letter off to Quizno's, help me out here. [more inside]
posted by mudpuppie at 2:19 PM PST - 9 comments

Problems with Access 2003 Wizard

Access 2003 UnMatched Query Wizard is not returning expected values. [more inside]
posted by sandpine at 2:06 PM PST - 8 comments

renter/subletter issue in Brooklyn

NYC: i have a weird rent/sublet situation and would like some advice on how to protect myself, stuff, and money WITHOUT signing a lease. read on... [more inside]
posted by slograffiti at 1:43 PM PST - 11 comments

How can I apply Dynamic Range Compression to my iTunes library?

How can I apply Dynamic Range Compression to my iTunes library? [more inside]
posted by Mwongozi at 1:43 PM PST - 10 comments

How should I go about moving to Firefox?

Where is the best place/what is the best way to download Firefox and appropriate extensions? [more inside]
posted by mr_felix_t_cat at 1:38 PM PST - 12 comments

Help me live in San Francisco without a car.

I want to sell my car, move to San Francisco, and not buy a new car when I arrive. I have some questions. [more inside]
posted by HighTechUnderpants at 1:26 PM PST - 18 comments

How to ace the Psychology GRE?

Can you point me to some good resources to prepare for the GRE Subject Test in Psychology? [more inside]
posted by solipsophistocracy at 1:24 PM PST - 4 comments

Suggestions for a First Motorcycle and Gear

Having never ridden a motorcycle, I took the MSF Basic Rider Course this weekend. Now I'm looking for advice on bikes and gear. [more inside]
posted by kortez at 1:20 PM PST - 35 comments

Ready to go POTS-less. Need good voicemail.

I'm looking for a good personal voicemail service that can replace a home phone number. [more inside]
posted by dammitjim at 1:14 PM PST - 8 comments

Is an unsecured wireless network w/MAC filtering secure?

Is it okay to have an unsecured wireless network if MAC address filtering is enabled? Could somebody spoof my MAC address without having physical access to my computer?
posted by archagon at 1:14 PM PST - 11 comments

Chipped, off center headed bobblehead needs fix-up love in Toronto

Where can I get a bobblehead repaired in Toronto? [more inside]
posted by yellowbinder at 1:12 PM PST - 5 comments

I must make amends

How can I find the dealer's auction cost for a 2005 BMW 330ci convertible? [more inside]
posted by buzzv at 1:11 PM PST - 3 comments

How can I get out of a listed house in order to sell it For Sale By Owner?

I have a rental house that I am selling. It has been listed with a Real Estate agent since Nov 07. Not one offer on it. Some people from my parent's church are interested in buying it, but they want to do it For Sale By Owner -no Real Estate Agents involved. My listing expires on Oct. 11. How long after the listing expires can I sell it on my own? Is there a grace period? Any ideas of how to cancel the listing beforehand? I don't want to lie, but I would rather sell to the church people for obvious reasons (more money for me, better deal for them, etc.). I am in GA.
posted by twistedmetal at 1:10 PM PST - 23 comments

What happens next after walking out oof your mortgage payment?

What happens to your credit after walking out of your house? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:07 PM PST - 15 comments

How to get Vista to remember offset of 2nd monitor?

I use Vista with a 2nd monitor to extend the desktop. But, every time I disconnect and reconnect the 2nd monitor (which is at least once per day) Vista forgets the relative positional offsets and I have to reset them. (The offset setting makes it so the mouse cursor and windows move smoothly between the two monitors). Is there a program or way to get Vista to remember the offsets?
posted by Sneutrino at 12:57 PM PST - 4 comments

Office contest prize ideas

What are some good prizes to give out at an office bowling party? [more inside]
posted by Alpenglow at 12:53 PM PST - 11 comments

How to add movies automatically to my Netflix queue?

Automatically add newly released movies to my Netflix queue? [more inside]
posted by joseywales at 12:46 PM PST - 1 comment

Font question

I want to design an invitation that looks like a football game ticket stub. What font should I use?
posted by tizzie at 12:45 PM PST - 7 comments

Do cats pee on leather?

Have you ever heard of, known, or had a cat who peed on leather furniture? [more inside]
posted by tristeza at 12:45 PM PST - 12 comments

I already know about Russian dressing

What's good to eat at Russian-immigrant grocery stores and bakeries? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse at 12:33 PM PST - 10 comments

Learn more piano without staves, lines and dots.

Resources for improving piano chops without sheet music? [more inside]
posted by emptyinside at 11:56 AM PST - 6 comments

What to do with my accumulation of coins in France?

Dear French Mefites: what do you do with all your pocket change? I'm about to move from Paris to London and I really don't want to leave the roughly 25 Euros in 1, 2 and 5 centime denominations to the next tenants. [more inside]
posted by la grande chaleur at 11:44 AM PST - 12 comments

Why does my new Google Reader account show me old (read) postings when my old one didn't?

Why does my new Google Reader account show me old (read) postings when my old one didn't? [more inside]
posted by alpha_betty at 11:37 AM PST - 5 comments

learn russian or learn bengali?

Which do you think would be harder to learn, Bengali or Russian? and how long does it take to become conversant in either? Immersion is probably not in the cards. I speak French and Italian and found those pretty easy and fun to learn. But I was in an immersion situation. I'm in Brooklyn, if it matters.
posted by pipti at 11:11 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm great with graph paper but...

Advice/tips on re-tiling a kitchen floor... [more inside]
posted by rokusan at 11:09 AM PST - 10 comments

Songs about the past...

MixCD filter: Acro's comment in this post sparked an idea. And so now I am seeking songs about specific historic events. [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 10:56 AM PST - 40 comments

What is the hardest part about being a teacher?

Calling all teachers! What's the hardest part about being a teacher (aside from the teaching/classroom/students)? [more inside]
posted by taz20075 at 10:42 AM PST - 20 comments

Games to convert non-gamers

What (ideally web-based) game would you suggest to non-game playing business folks to teach them that games are (a) fun and (b) more than just the stereotypical shoot-em-up or puzzle game they vaguely remember from their Atari 2600 or their kid's DS? [more inside]
posted by blahblahblah at 10:31 AM PST - 20 comments

Wierd noise whilst surfing interwebs

Computer making strange noise as I surf. Am I invaded? [more inside]
posted by mikoroshi at 10:31 AM PST - 19 comments

A very Brady font problem

I downloaded the free font Bradybunch and somehow it has now replaced Arial in my MacBook. I don't mean that Bradybunch shows up instead of Arial; I mean that in some applications my computer now thinks Arial is made up of mixed capital and lowercase letters in a childish hand. [more inside]
posted by killerinsideme at 10:20 AM PST - 7 comments

Old skool Vegas marriage

Las Vegas elopement filter: The bf and I would like to elope in Vegas. We're looking for the tackiest Vegas we can find; think fat Elvis, pink champagne, etc. What do you recommend? [more inside]
posted by cestmoi15 at 10:16 AM PST - 16 comments

____ is a privilege, not a right!

What are some LESS obvious things that can disqualify someone from obtaning a job, car, or an apartment? [more inside]
posted by sixcolors at 10:13 AM PST - 27 comments

We want the old Moxie back!

Why is my dog suddenly aggressive towards other dogs, and how can I try to reverse this recent trend? [more inside]
posted by Grither at 9:46 AM PST - 12 comments

How to help cat dandruff?

Cat dandruff: miracle solution? [more inside]
posted by k8t at 9:07 AM PST - 8 comments

MIDI

I'm looking to play MIDI files I have downloaded from the internet and play them back at high quality. What kind of software/hardware do I need? [more inside]
posted by londontomasbird at 9:02 AM PST - 14 comments

Punctuation Puzzle

Is this good use of punctuation? The adept poster: one of nobility, wisdom and wit, is the superior MeFite. [more inside]
posted by l33tpolicywonk at 8:48 AM PST - 19 comments

Windows Presentation Foundation for designers

What are some good resources for Windows Presentation Foundation that focus on its potential for designers? [more inside]
posted by relucent at 8:40 AM PST - 2 comments

Why should I not run after lasik?

Why should I not run after lasik? [more inside]
posted by krautland at 8:20 AM PST - 10 comments

What is "Data Analysis" specifically?

What exactly is "Data Analysis"? I wish to take an introduction to statistics course, but I don't know which flavour to take (there are several). [more inside]
posted by jb at 8:10 AM PST - 11 comments

News Parents Can Use?

What are your favorite media resources for parenting? [more inside]
posted by tk at 7:46 AM PST - 6 comments

What are the child-centric areas around Washington DC?

Can you point out some child-friendly/child-centric neighborhoods or areas in the DC suburbs? We would like to raise a free-range boy, and want a place where kids can, to a large extent, run free. [more inside]
posted by procrastination at 7:38 AM PST - 12 comments

Translating a (lack of) qualifications when I move to the US

Help me translate my (lack of) qualifications when I emigrate to the US. [more inside]
posted by tallus at 7:38 AM PST - 8 comments

A couch with no name

We have an awesome couch in our new office and I'd love to get a few more around the place but no one seems to know where the hell it came from. We've torn the damn thing apart looking for labels, etc but to no avail. Here's a pic of the couch in question. ANY ideas who makes this or where we can get it? If it's helpful, we're based in London.
posted by cubedweller at 7:33 AM PST - 3 comments

Fees for giving "ask the expert" advice

How much would an online expert expect to be paid? [more inside]
posted by cherie72 at 7:30 AM PST - 6 comments

vBulletin is trying to destroy my sanity

I have recently dived into the world of styling vBulletin forums and have discovered homicidal tendencies I didn't know I had. Please send help in the forum of guides, tutorials, and reference documents. [more inside]
posted by chrominance at 7:23 AM PST - 1 comment

Can we deliver pay-per-view videos securely on the internet?

The boss of my boss has asked me to research a question that he would like an answer to. How can we deliver video over the internet on a pay-per-view basis and ensure that it doesn't get copied or grabbed by some media capture program? [more inside]
posted by 543DoublePlay at 6:54 AM PST - 20 comments

Hair straightening in Chicago

Where to get hair straightened in Chicago? [more inside]
posted by echo target at 6:34 AM PST - 3 comments

how do I run a minimal Gnome session for intensive calc ?

[Linux/Ubuntu] I need to run some pretty intensive calculations. How can I load a very minimal Gnome session for that purpose ? [more inside]
posted by nalf at 6:19 AM PST - 10 comments

Recommend me a room for talks and drinks in London, that doesn't cost the earth...

Can anyone recommend a room to rent in central London for an evening do? We'd like the room from 6.30-10 (or so). Needs to be able to hold about 100, with projection facilities, and preferably with the ability to bring our own refreshments (or to have decent and cheap catering).
posted by handee at 5:58 AM PST - 6 comments

books about crazy ladies

I want to read more novels about women descending into madness and then getting well again. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by beccyjoe at 5:35 AM PST - 44 comments

What's the current state of thought regarding symbolism within psychological analysis?

What's the current state of thought regarding symbolism within psychological analysis (ie Freud and Jung)? I have only a slight knowledge of psychology, but I understand that both Freud and Jung have been widely discredited. Has there been any advances in symbolistic psychology since Freud and Jung's time? Is it still considered a valid tool with which to analyse the human mind and, in a wider context, the workings of the world? [more inside]
posted by humblepigeon at 5:09 AM PST - 16 comments

Just need a folder of my own, that's all!

Would anyone care to comment on the most practical way, given access to a command line Fedora box, I can obtain a copy of a folder and its contents? [more inside]
posted by dance at 5:04 AM PST - 7 comments

How do I create a SQL Server 2000 'View' programmatically, using Visual Basic?

I'm working in Visual Basic (Access 2003, technically) with a SQL Server 2000 backend, and I believe I need to create a View dynamically... I am very familiar with creating QueryDef's and Stored Procedures on the fly, but have never attempted to create a View in this manner... My google-fu seems to be failing me at the moment.. [more inside]
posted by Glendale at 4:26 AM PST - 2 comments

Greenest UK council rankings?

Are there any good ranking systems for how well United Kingdom local government districts are doing on environmental issues? [more inside]
posted by knapah at 4:04 AM PST - 2 comments

What Class 1 Bluetooth headphones are on the market?

Bluetooth Class 1 headphones? [more inside]
posted by chengjih at 3:57 AM PST - 2 comments

Yahoo Calendar?

Does anyone know what's happening to Yahoo Calendar? Specifically, why does Yahoo Mobile no longer have a version of calendar? Any insider information or informed speculation as to the company's future plans for this application would be much appreciated - it seems like a massive oversight to have no interaction between web and mobile devices.
posted by jonathanbell at 3:27 AM PST - 1 comment

Stay ON, will you? I want my internet.

I have a ThinkPad. Why does my wireless radio (in the ThinkVantage Access Connections/Wireless Connection Status menu) power itself off? How can I make it stay on? [more inside]
posted by phunniemee at 2:52 AM PST - 9 comments

Hard Drive Purgatory

The Last-External-Hard-Drive-I-Ever-Buy is stuck between heaven and hell. Can anyone please help me figure out how to rescue it? [more inside]
posted by LongDrive at 1:16 AM PST - 5 comments

September 1

Radio on while getting gas safe?

Is it safe to keep my radio on while I refill my car's gas?
posted by alitorbati at 11:47 PM PST - 12 comments

I just want to go fast but it turns out bikes are more complicated that that

Bikefilter: Trying to get into road cycling for the first time. Trying to pick up the (strange) conventions of pricing and choices. Help! [more inside]
posted by wuzandfuzz at 11:28 PM PST - 22 comments

Steamed Rice with what?

Steamed Rice with what? I'd like to use my rice cooker more often. I'm looking for recipes that take five to ten minutes that I can add / pour over / serve next to my steamed rice. Bonus: What are some things I can add to the rice cooker as the rice is being cooked to make it a one pot meal?
posted by bigmusic at 11:12 PM PST - 34 comments

Asbestos exposure and asbestos tile removal...did I screw up and what is my next step?

Asbestos exposure and asbestos tile removal...did I screw up and what is my next step? [more inside]
posted by sirhensley at 11:07 PM PST - 9 comments

I've got brain freeze!

I need to design some really cool (elegant but very simple and clean) charts and/or graphs for a small brochure... any good resources you can point me to for inspiration? (Preferably websites, not books. I'm working on this tonight.) [more inside]
posted by miss lynnster at 10:42 PM PST - 5 comments

PhD programs and funding

If you are a student receiving funding for a PhD program and you withdraw at the end of the year, does the department/school ever ask for the money back? [more inside]
posted by limegreenpopsicle at 10:31 PM PST - 15 comments

What are these weird posts on the sidewalk in Manhattan?

What are these weird posts on the sidewalk in Manhattan? [more inside]
posted by dcjd at 10:25 PM PST - 4 comments

Drunken reaction time?

When I'm sober and attempting to kill a fly, I can't hit it in time. When I'm tipsy, I swat it easily. In reading and conversation, I make connections sooner when drunk than when sober. I've always heard that alcoholism slows reaction time ... so what gives? NOTE: My drunken spelling and grammar errors definitely increase when drunk. Are various functions affected differently by alcohol?
posted by coizero at 10:12 PM PST - 24 comments

Muslim life in the USA

What are the best films and books on the Muslim experience in America? [more inside]
posted by McBearclaw at 9:08 PM PST - 13 comments

Does it add up?

I have a technical A.A.S. degree and I work in tech manufacturing industry as a technician. I would like to get my bachelors to be able become an engineer but... [more inside]
posted by ian1977 at 8:58 PM PST - 3 comments

Can I get Health Insurance that covers the other stuff but not my Bipolar?

So, lets tackle this from a different angle: I have bipolar, I want health insurance, but I don't care if it covers nothing about my bipolar (Meds, Psychiatrist, Therapist or, god forbid: In-patient hospital care). Is this possible/affordable? Where do I go? [more inside]
posted by DetonatedManiac at 8:46 PM PST - 4 comments

Looking for temporary tattoo kit of yesteryear

I'm looking to find a temporary tattoo kit that my dad had when I was a kid (15-20 years ago). It was in a round, metal container, maybe with a flower on the front. Inside were pre-made black outlines that you applied like regular temporary tattoos, but then there were little bottles of colored ink that you painted on to color them in. In the middle was a white powder that you applied after it had dried a little. I would love to find this (or something like it) but my googling has been fruitless.
posted by iliketolaughalot at 8:09 PM PST - 2 comments

How can I convert 80 hours of free time into $500 per month?

I'm looking for the most creative use of my time from 9 AM to 1 PM, Monday through Friday, that will result in me making an extra $500 per month. [more inside]
posted by (bb|[^b]{2}) at 7:55 PM PST - 38 comments

Will they fix it?

Has anyone had Nikon gear that you bought used serviced under warranty? Is this possible, or is Nikon's extended warranty non-transferable? [more inside]
posted by Venadium at 7:52 PM PST - 1 comment

A book called "e"

BookFilter: I'm pretty sure the title is simply "e". It's the story of events at an advertising agency, told exclusively through emails. It was set in England, as I recall. Unfortunately, without knowing the author, I can't figure out a unique way to search for it.... anyone know the author?
posted by Steve3 at 7:47 PM PST - 5 comments

Is there a situation when its good to give into an aggressive man?

Is there a situation when its good to give into an aggressive man? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:46 PM PST - 34 comments

What to do when you have left someone shortly before an anniversary and birthday....?

Two weeks after my girlfriend treated me to the most thoughtfully-indulgent birthday weekend imaginable, I broke up with her. Just a week has passed since we went our separate ways, but that means two weeks until what would have been our three-year anniversary and three weeks until her birthday, upon which I would otherwise be reciprocating her generosity. Is there anything I can do or say or give to mark the occasion appropriately? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:45 PM PST - 47 comments

Do I mention a non-serious employment incident on my law school character & fitness section?

Character & Fitness section on law school apps, what needs to be mentioned? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:45 PM PST - 7 comments

Rosetta Stone Strategies

Just picked up Rosetta Stone for Farsi- any strategies for using the program? How should I pace myself? Tips for getting the most out of my experience? Other tips for learning Farsi also appreciated.
posted by mhaw at 7:37 PM PST - 1 comment

Bachelorette Party Fun in Paw Paw

How do I do an inexpensive and not lame bachelorette party in a tiny town in West Michigan? [more inside]
posted by eggerspretty at 7:19 PM PST - 5 comments

How to remove a stuck battery cap from a Mag-Lite?

The battery cap on my Mag-Lite is stuck. Any ideas as to how to remove it? [more inside]
posted by Ziggy Zaga at 7:16 PM PST - 9 comments

How to buy a book early

I'm headed out of the country for three weeks, and I'd like to buy the new Neal Stephenson book a few days in advance of its release. [more inside]
posted by headlessagnew at 6:48 PM PST - 17 comments

Phuck this

I’m starting my sixth year of grad school in microbiology, and I’m miserable. [more inside]
posted by emd3737 at 6:47 PM PST - 28 comments

Where to go to do research on a specific soldier in WWII?

My brother is doing research on his brother in law who was a staff sergeant in the Paciifc in WWII. After the war he came back to the States, got married and had 8 kids and died at the age of 50. He was in many of the horrific battle zones of that time, Guadalcanal, etc and we would like to present his children with a narrative of his experiences or, at least, places of warfare. The question is - where would a person go to obtain this information on a specific soldier? Thanks very much.
posted by Tullyogallaghan at 6:45 PM PST - 5 comments

Games for large groups of people?

So, I've got a small group of young college friends, about 10-15 people. I'm looking for fun running out door games with lots of competition. And when the winter hits some fun competitive indoor games. Any ideas for both indoor and outdoor games?
posted by BoldStepDesign at 6:40 PM PST - 13 comments

word of.. oh look a shiney thing

How does one develop a thriving side-consulting gig in IT? [more inside]
posted by SirStan at 6:35 PM PST - 5 comments

White label business community software?

Over the past year I've become a diligent student of white label social networking solutions but still haven't found what I'm searching for. I'm looking for open source or affordable private label software for an affinity business network. Increasingly I think what I need is simply a combination of ask.metafilter.com and crunchbase. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by pallen123 at 6:13 PM PST - 2 comments

Inflatable kayakers take note

Can I glue loops on to my PVC Coleman 2 person touring kayak using pvc cement to facilitate towing a small raft behind? [more inside]
posted by aleahey at 5:57 PM PST - 2 comments

get_thumbnail_dimensions_from_image()

Can one find the coordinates (x,y,height,width) of a thumbnail taken out of the original image, programmatically? [more inside]
posted by Mach5 at 5:47 PM PST - 10 comments

tree in pot in ground

My crazy gardener advised me to cut the bottom off of my avocado tree's pot and put the whole shebang in the ground instead of removing it from the pot. Is he crazy? [more inside]
posted by mzurer at 5:42 PM PST - 4 comments

How do I show new posts from another blog on my current blog?

I have two wordpress blogs. I would like to show the new posts from one blog on the other, either in the sidebar, a post or some other method. Can anyone recommend an app that can do this?
posted by dennis10512 at 5:24 PM PST - 6 comments

How can I make a DVD of photos and text?

I would like to make a CD/DVD of family photographs in a format which could be read by standard web browsers. This would enable me to link the photographs to text, scans of birth certificates etc. just as one does on a web page. [This is a Windows computer and I can (re)learn HTML if necessary.] If this is a rational thought could somebody please point me towards appropriate software?
posted by speug at 5:21 PM PST - 4 comments

Help me find a Pittsburgh travel agent.

Please help me find a good travel agent/agency in Pittsburgh. [more inside]
posted by sherlockt at 5:14 PM PST - 5 comments

MixCD for an LDR

What songs should I put on a long distance relationship themed mixed cd? [more inside]
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 4:37 PM PST - 52 comments

Transferring a name off of a shared lease?

Los Angeles Housing Filter: Three names and signatures on our lease. One person wants out, and to substitute another individual in his place. Any experience with who typically needs to consent here? Leaving Person + Landlord? All Tenants + Landlord? Yes, we may need a lawyer, but we're still being civil enough not to call in the big guns, and any advice/resources provided here may be sufficient. [more inside]
posted by adamk at 4:29 PM PST - 8 comments

Music to eat to. Romantically.

Looking for suggestions of songs to be played during dinner at a fairly casual wedding. [more inside]
posted by heavenstobetsy at 4:24 PM PST - 16 comments

Help me prepare for a neighborhood-exploring, apartment-hunting trip to Washington DC.

Help me prepare for a neighborhood-exploring, apartment-hunting trip to Washington DC. [more inside]
posted by medpt at 4:21 PM PST - 10 comments

Fix my broken blog subscriptions!

One of the most obnoxious features of Thunderbird-as-RSS-reader is that when checking feeds it will display "http://feedurl.com/feed.xml is not a valid feed" in the status bar, but there doesn't seem to be any actual log of the broken ones anywhere, nor does there seem to be any way to view the errors as a list. I can export my list of feeds to an OPML file, but the only OPML validators i've been able to find online only tell me if the opml file itself is a valid format, not whether any of the linked-to xml files are either 404-ing or otherwise broken. This leads to me to my followup: 1) Is there any way for Thunderbird to give me a list of feeds it considers to be broken and unretrievable OR 2) is there an online service that can take an opml file and check the links for validity?
posted by softlord at 4:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Toronto cello teacher

Can anyone recommend a cello teacher in Toronto, for an adult amateur new to cello but not to strings? [more inside]
posted by mendel at 3:55 PM PST - 1 comment

I Have A Dirty Sack

So I went and bought myself a Sierra Messenger bag from Fossil the other day because I dig its funky style – yes, I know it has leather in it and yes, I know this makes me a hideous person – but I’ve got a real problem with it: it’s getting dirty. [more inside]
posted by turgid dahlia at 2:44 PM PST - 27 comments

Why can't I jump on my neighbor's wireless?

My neighbor kindly gave the key to her (Airport) wireless network, but although I can see it, I can't connect on my PC - I don't even get as far as being asked for the key. What gives? [more inside]
posted by forallmankind at 2:29 PM PST - 10 comments

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

Is it becoming a more acceptable trend for individuals to work more than one job just to maintain a certain standard of living? I work three jobs (my wife also works full-time) and yet it seems as if we barely can keep ourselves afloat on a monthly basis. Help me from going crazy here! [more inside]
posted by msposner at 2:21 PM PST - 51 comments

Rapidly-moving short stories?

What are some good short stories in which time passes extremely quickly? [more inside]
posted by whir at 2:07 PM PST - 12 comments

Where can I buy a copy of the G.C.S.E. Science Syllabuses?

Where can I buy a copy of the latest G.C.S.E. Science Syllabuses in the UK?
posted by spyke23 at 2:03 PM PST - 3 comments

Obama assassination : 1 in 55?

Does the fact that the betting markets still give Hillary Clinton a 1 in 55 chance of being President in 2008, mean that that is a reasonable estimate of the chance that Obama is assassinated before the election? What else could justify those odds now?
posted by zaebiz at 2:00 PM PST - 15 comments

How do I get my Samsung Juke phone to work with my computer?

How do I get my Samsung Juke phone to work with my computer? [more inside]
posted by champthom at 1:51 PM PST - 2 comments

How do I get over my terror of public speaking?

How can I get over my fear and anxiety of making class presentations? [more inside]
posted by osloheart at 1:14 PM PST - 27 comments

A fungus among me

What are these horrible spores growing in my houseplant? Spore pictures included! [more inside]
posted by Post-it Goat at 1:00 PM PST - 2 comments

Help! I'm lost without Powerpoint...

I have a job interview tomorrow and have to do a 10 minute presentation. They rang today to say that there won't be any computer / projection facilities (after saying last week that there would be). I'm a bit lost! How do I give a memorable presentation without Powerpoint? [more inside]
posted by finding.perdita at 12:59 PM PST - 15 comments

I must be the only person wanting to get rid of XP and use vista.

I started with XP. Installed vista. Then I could choose between XP and Vista. I'm not using XP any more. Can I just delete the XP partition? [more inside]
posted by gergtreble at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments

What is the best way to connect to two wireless networks simultaneously?

What is the best way to connect to two wireless networks simultaneously? Best done with two seperate wireless cards with differently polarised aerials? Or can it be done with one card and clever software? [more inside]
posted by ilumos at 11:57 AM PST - 7 comments

Singles or Albums Similar to Dry Lips by Lightspeed Champion

Uplifting Indie Rock Suggestions? (Similar to Dry Lips by Lightspeed Champion) [more inside]
posted by Spurious at 11:55 AM PST - 11 comments

Uke got mail

I need a clever name for my ukulele cover band [more inside]
posted by cazoo at 11:28 AM PST - 55 comments

animals in the old testament

Where in the Old Testament can I find some mention of laws about the treatment of animals. [more inside]
posted by low affect at 11:26 AM PST - 8 comments

Help my refrigerator remember its purpose in life.

Appliance Repair For Dummies Filter: Is there anything we can do to get our fridge to, y'know, refrigerate things? [more inside]
posted by grapefruitmoon at 11:14 AM PST - 9 comments

iTunes library rescan?

iTunes: Have an external HD with the iTunes library, moving it between computers. Is there some way to rescan the iTunes library directory (both computers have the external HD specified) to add things that I imported on the other computer?
posted by xmutex at 10:51 AM PST - 8 comments

Help me become the best atheist chaplain I can be.

Help me become the best atheist chaplain I can be. [more inside]
posted by internet!Hannah at 10:27 AM PST - 21 comments

Espresso and turning pages

Books, sofas, coffee and the Sunday papers - good independent bookshops in London that are made for relaxing of a Sunday morning? [more inside]
posted by Happy Dave at 10:18 AM PST - 5 comments

Stealing an elephant SEEMED like a good idea at the time?

Yet another what-was-this-book! Girls, boys, circuses, elephants, scars, and running away... [more inside]
posted by InfinateJane at 10:04 AM PST - 4 comments

French-press carafe only?

Is there anywhere online or brick-and-mortar where I can buy just a glass carafe for a French press coffee maker? [more inside]
posted by mattbucher at 9:56 AM PST - 11 comments

dress-up tourism

where in the world can you go as a tourist and dress up in the traditional costume/apparent of that culture? [more inside]
posted by Dcotton at 9:54 AM PST - 18 comments

newsletter editing/sending?

What's a good newsletter creating / sending application (either on- or offline) that's cheap, easy to use and customizable? [more inside]
posted by signal at 9:33 AM PST - 7 comments

How can you get your EMT back?

Is it possible to be re-certified as an EMT after letting it lapse? [more inside]
posted by stewiethegreat at 9:23 AM PST - 1 comment

How can I create a macro to capitalize sentences in Word?

How do I make a macro for Microsoft Word to capitalize lines in an interview? [more inside]
posted by perpetualstroll at 8:51 AM PST - 3 comments

podcasting from scratch

I would like to create a podcast that involves me playing music (mp3s) and talking about it. One minor problem: I know absolutely nothing about podcasts. [more inside]
posted by the bricabrac man at 8:31 AM PST - 9 comments

Make my office supplies last longer.

How can I stretch office/classroom supplies? Where can I order cheap office supplies? Any hacks to avoid buying the real stuff (e.g., instead of buying glue, mix flour and water together)? [more inside]
posted by HotPatatta at 8:04 AM PST - 47 comments

Help me find a gift for my sister.

Help me find a birthday gift for my sister, who was recently hired as fashion designer... [more inside]
posted by OLechat at 8:00 AM PST - 3 comments

Musicians in "Mixed Marriage"

My music theory professor challenged our class to identify a married couple where one plays the violin and the other the trumpet. His theory is that the personalities of violin and trumpet players clash. Can anyone name a prominent musical couple where one plays a bowed instrument and the other brass? I would imagine that a saxophone player or drummer would be equally incompatible with a string player.
posted by swarkentien at 7:45 AM PST - 17 comments

Where can I park for free in Brooklyn tomorrow afternoon?

Where can I find on street parking in Brooklyn, tomorrow that is close to a subway stop? [more inside]
posted by whoaali at 7:39 AM PST - 7 comments

Strange sink/dishwasher drainage issues

Why does my sink only drain when the dishwasher is running? [more inside]
posted by gwint at 7:38 AM PST - 10 comments

Why Are Squirrels eating pears and tomatoes?

Why are squirrels eating our pears and our neighbor's tomatoes this year, when previously they ignored them? We have had the pear trees for years and never had this problem before, this year they are all gone already. Also I saw a squirrel try to bury a pear. Hexatron's Wife
posted by hexatron at 7:37 AM PST - 15 comments

Is bubble wrap a good insulator?

I want to seal off the staircase to the third floor of my home to save on heating bills this winter. The rooms are used for storage only now. Is bubble wrap a good insulator? I would like to let light thru but keep the heat in. My home is an old Victorian with a winding staircase.
posted by boby at 7:00 AM PST - 8 comments

Editing DIVX directly in iMovie/FCP

I've got a VIO POV1 helmetcam which records video as .avi files in DIVX format. What do I need to edit this directly in iMovie and Final Cut Pro? [more inside]
posted by unSane at 6:46 AM PST - 6 comments

Unicode replacement characters

Is there a name for the domino like box characters with 4 characters inside that display when you don't have support for a language script? [more inside]
posted by srboisvert at 5:52 AM PST - 7 comments

Stop me from hurting myself or others

Everything is going wrong and I can't keep my mind off doing (non-terminal) harm to myself. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:36 AM PST - 19 comments

A great problem to have

What factors do you look at when considering multiple, simultaneous job offers? [more inside]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 4:34 AM PST - 23 comments

Google Analytics and CMS/PHP type auto-generated pages

Question about Google Analytics and CMS/PHP type auto-generated pages. [more inside]
posted by Meatbomb at 4:30 AM PST - 4 comments

Getting milk out of computer keyboard

Crying over spilled milk - in Mac keyboard. [more inside]
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 3:10 AM PST - 8 comments

I really AM sick on a Monday, Boss...

Ugh. I actually *am* sick - sick since I woke up this [Monday] morning. But calling into work has me cringing under the duvet. Please help me out of this quandry... [more inside]
posted by ticktockdoc at 2:12 AM PST - 18 comments

Would-be Paletera

I want to make popsicles. Actually, quiero hacer paletas. I can NOT find paleta molds. Help?? [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:18 AM PST - 15 comments

Small batch lathe/mill services?

I'm looking for a cnc lathe/mill service that would let me submit designs and have a small number of copies created. Like Ponoko, but for metal. (I'm trying to make a steel/brass chess set as a gift--I want to design it myself, but don't have the time to lathe it on my own)
posted by null terminated at 12:09 AM PST - 14 comments