Is there some reason not to call the doctor's office and say "Look I know this is a stupid question, but...?"

If you feel really dumb about that, is there a local "Ask a nurse" service run either by the local health district, a hospital, or your insurance company? Don't get me wrong, I pretty much agree with everybody above, but if you have a concern, you need to ask somebody!

Personal experience suggests that even more... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:13 AM on December 19, 2007

I am terribly sorry to tell you that if the pregnancy is in fact ectopic, your choices are a) have the embryo removed, or b) die.

I would opt for a.

Nthing getting support from spouse and doctor. I know this does not help right now, but at least this proves you and your significant other *can* conceive (again). Good luck.

Thinking hugs and thoughts of wellness at you (and hoping it isn't really ectopic!).
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 6:37 PM on November 26, 2007

Nuts Are Your Friend.

Here's a little recipe. You'll need peanut oil, soy sauce, almonds, snow peas, green onion (sliced 1" on an angle), mushrooms (sliced), and if you happen to have bean sprouts on hand, great (don't go out of your way).

Put a little oil in a hot pan, add the almonds until they brown up a little and remove them. Cook the snow peas and onion in the pan together (if the peas are frozen, they'll need to go in first unless... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:21 AM on November 23, 2007

Well, extremely small medical practices are a current trend. It avoids the hassle of additional staffing, misunderstandings in communications, etc.. It would not shock me for this to be occuring in the dental community for the same reasons. Maybe I'm nuts, but I think that having all the work done by the dentist himself should be a premium product. Not sure the insurance company agrees, but hey.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 11:06 AM on November 18, 2007

As someone who used to be adjunct faculty, I join the chorus of people begging you not to make the out-of-print book required and pray. As others have said: put as many copies as you can find on reserve in the library; see if you can get permission to self-publish a short run. Frankly, I think your best bet is to use another textbook and if there are particularly important sections (3-10 pages), you can copy and distribute those.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 7:58 AM on November 8, 2007

Even JC Penney does fittings. Also if there is an outlet mall anywhere nearby, the Bali outlet will happily fit you (My limited experience is that Bali does some very feminine bras for larger sizes). Seriously. The ladies who are trained as fitters know how to measure, what to look for, and how to select bras that will fit both you and your desired look.

Seriously though? I consider "comfortable" the number one feature needed in a bra that will be worn for... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 12:46 PM on November 3, 2007

Ok, this solution is super duper cheap. You will need a bath towel, a box fan, and a low, rectangular bin roughly the width of the fan (such as a wallpaper tray). You probably already have the towel and the fan, bringing your cost down to under $10.

Put water in the bin. Wet down the towel. Place the fan behind the bin and place the towel so that one end is in the water and the other end is on the top of the fan (being careful that the wet towel does not drip onto... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 5:42 PM on November 1, 2007

I'm a longtime IRC person myself. Several of the modern networks like Dalnet have features that allow you to register and reserve your nicknames, automatically reserve channels (they function like chatrooms but are called channels), make a channel password protected or invite-only, and save an "op-list" of people with the ability to kick out trouble-makers or invite new folks. Find out more -- including both web access and a link to software -- here.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:59 AM on October 27, 2007

Research the law in your state. Educational requirements vary wildly. Do you have 60-180 hours to spend in a "classroom", and more time to take an exam? Do qualify for a license in the first place? What are the fees? These all vary by state, so time for googling.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 5:11 PM on October 13, 2007

item is correct about the broker vs salesperson thing, but i didn't think it was worth mentioning, figured you'd discover that whilst googling your state's regs. i just passed the exam yesterday, and i am changing careers. it's gonna be a lot of work. bet a quarter your buddies are also gonna want some kinda discounted commission since you are a "friend", so there goes half your commission. it might be worthwhile if you are planning on going into the rent-house business,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:17 PM on October 13, 2007 marked best answer

Sounds like what you need are the Foxfire books. You'll want equipment for two stills: one for making potable water and one for alcohol (for sterilization purposes. or selling. or just plain drinking).

Good luck, and by the way I hope "the end of the world as we know it" is far away.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 10:09 PM on October 11, 2007

While some of the folks above have good advice, please talk to your stockbroker and/or accountant before doing anything. Have whatever papers your company has given you about the IPO in front of you so you can answer questions they will ask.

And remember, not all IPOs are money-printing machines. For every Google there are several companies whose shares go nowhere.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 1:58 PM on October 7, 2007

Congrats on deciding to get into better shape.

Nor do I know the book, but I do know losing weight, keeping it off, and getting toned.

You will find it very very hard to lose weight while relying on take-out and such. You can prove this to yourself by looking up nutrition information on the websites of the big fast food companies (needless to say good luck figuring this out at Family Owned Corner Teriyaki Stand). This may be your opportunity... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 12:00 PM on October 7, 2007 marked best answer

1) I don't know.

2) If you do, be sure your primary physician knows about it. Specifically ask if there are circumstances under which it will be overruled. I think part of this question hinges on your age and health, stuff that are none of my business.

3) If you don't have a will, your personal and real property will be divided according to the law in your jurisdiction. For example, I live in a community property state, which means my... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 5:11 PM on October 3, 2007 marked best answer

nice jeans are good. comfy walking shoes are an absolute must. a sexy dress won't steer you wrong clubbing. in vegas you can get away with flashier jackets and sunglasses than most places. if you turn out to be dressed totally wrong, re-equip at fashion show mall, across from the wynn. oh, and while you are there, do tapas on the patio at cafe babareba.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 10:22 PM on October 2, 2007

If you want low price, you won't get effective. See, here's the corners that have to be cut to give you low prices:

* Crappy laser that doesn't work very well, or hurts like hell, or requires messy cooling gels. A quality hair laser can cost $100k easy, so it doesn't matter how "not fancy" or "low rent" your facility is when you're paying a 5 year lease on the laser.
* IPL (Intense Pulse Light) instead of laser, which has crappy hair... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:02 AM on September 29, 2007

I think I would go with briank's recipe, which looks and sounds fabulous. I usually start my sauce with canned tomato products, because I don't have a garden.

Other things you can add: finely diced onion, chopped green pepper, and/or sliced mushrooms, sauteed until just brown on the edges in olive oil; fresh or canned sliced black olives; a dash of cayenne.

I am not big on fake meat. Most of it has a vaguely wrong flavor and texture.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:07 AM on September 28, 2007

You mention it as rural. Is it also by any chance also very Christian? If so you can use the Bible to trace antisemitism all the way back to Pharaoh and Moses, stopping to discuss Daniel and Esther before reaching Herod and Judas Maccabeus and Masada. From there I'm sure you can find some juicy stuff before the Spanish Inquisition.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 2:57 PM on September 27, 2007

Now that I think of it and read others' comments, I have never met a kid that didn't like comic books. That being said, Maus.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:30 PM on September 27, 2007

Thorzdad is correct. Not only that, if he fails to give you those records in a timely fashion, you have the right to complain to the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 4:07 PM on September 26, 2007

In addition to the possibilities listed:

* Changed name to become a soldier (either did not want an "enemy" sounding last name -- my own grandfather did this -- or took the name of an older boy so he could enlist).

* Changed name to start over in a new part of the country (maybe leaving debts, prison record, kids, or just plain bad memories behind).

* Wanted to simplify his name and/or the spelling thereof... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 1:29 PM on September 25, 2007

Yes, she can change the locks. At her expense, and she must grant access to the property owner.

You have no lease, which gives you very minimal rights. In fact, since she is leasing the property from the owner, I wonder if she even has the right to sublet, but that's besides the point. If she won't give you a written agreement that you can both sign and agree to abide, find a new place to live ASAP, yes I know you have almost no free time that doesn't involve sleep or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 4:05 PM on September 24, 2007

I am not a lawyer. What I am is a 4th generation apartment manager with experience in multiple states who is going to take and pass the real estate licensing exam in a couple weeks, both the national and state portions.

Verbal. Contracts. Are. Useless. Sure, laws change from state to state, but you know what? If you can't prove you have a legal right to live there, you don't have one. A locksmith can let you in, but then she can have you arrested for breaking and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 10:05 PM on September 24, 2007

Phearlez has an excellent point that there is no reason whatsoever *you* can't draw up the written lease, basically documenting what you already agreed to ("Rent is $X, payable on the 1st without demand, and rent for the month of September has already been paid; a security deposit of $Y has been paid and will be returned less damages within 30 days after move-out"). While I have never seen this done, it would show that you are a reasonable person who tried to come to an equitable... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 7:56 AM on September 25, 2007

Ok, let's step back. Encyclopedia Brown (or some other solve-it-yourself mystery series) is as good a place to begin critical thinking as any. Such things force you to categorize info as "important" "irrelevant" or "misleading" and that's important.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:25 PM on September 22, 2007

This guy is a Buddhist too. He's electrifying just sitting in a chair. However I have no doubt the Abbot could kick my butt 87 ways (assuming I can get past the half dozen monks within a few yards of him). WWTAD?

Right Speech and Right Action do not merely refer to that which does not harm. It refers to that which is truthful. It refers to that which corrects harm. If these bullies were ruining the reputation of someone else, would you act? Are you less valuable... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 3:00 PM on September 20, 2007

Is there another kid who lives in your neighborhood who rides the same bus? Is it feasible to introduce these kids and encourage them to look out for one another and walk partway home together?

I think knowing other kids will do a lot to lessen her anxiety. First, it gives her another human roughly her own age that she can talk to. Second, it gives her a buffer from the "other kids who 'swear and fight.'" And third, it gives a safety in numbers feeling as... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 10:01 AM on September 20, 2007

Oh, and one more thing. Please check school policies on electronic devices before sending her with an mp3 player or cell phone. I think most schools these days probably allow such things *only* if they are turned off and put away during the day, but some schools aren't so reasonable. I would hate for her coping mechanisms to be confiscated.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 10:06 AM on September 20, 2007

Whose name is on the lease? And who is listed as a resident (legally responsible party) or an occupant (not legally responsible but still has the right to be there, like a child)? I know these questions seem esoteric, but they effect your game plan, at least if you want to ever have credit again. If you are listed as a resident, and she is not, you give notice that you are moving and inform roomie that you are both out at the end of October (keep in mind, if your lease is not up, there will... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:10 AM on September 18, 2007

The information you need is here at the IRS small business center. Well, not the computer bit anyway.

You are correct that if you control where and when they work, you must consider them an employee. If on the other hand you say "X must be done by the end of the week, let me know when you are done," that's a contractor. Providing a computer makes them even more your employee. When an electrician comes to your home, do you let him use your screwdrivers?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 10:38 AM on September 14, 2007

1) Check your state statutes regarding the return of security deposits (it looks like somebody has found it for you already).

2) Read your lease carefully for the security deposit disposition.

3) Prepare a letter to landlord quoting the relevant bits from steps one and two (be very specific: "Paragraph 42 of my lease says..." and "State statute xxx.xxxx says....") . A lawyer could probably put this together for $100, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 12:34 PM on September 12, 2007

Yeah if we were talking about a $50 or $100 deposit maybe it would be worth writing off. I don't know many people who can afford to write off a $500 or more deposit. The other risk of "Bah, why bother cleaning" is that there might be enough wrong to warrant getting a *bill* from the old apartment complex. Not only could such a situation negatively impact your ability to get an apartment (or mortgage) in the future, it could result in nasty bill collectors sniffing around. I only... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 3:51 PM on September 12, 2007

1) Taller is better (complicated physics reasons I am not competent to describe)

2) Non-plastic grindy bits are better (ceramic or metal is good)

3) Those squeezy ones are not good.

Beyond that, I think a lot is a matter of choice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 5:27 PM on September 3, 2007

I'm going to refer you to Kindall's pancake page. Check his reviews for a nice overview of breakfast in Seattle.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 6:04 PM on September 2, 2007

Frankly, I hate hate hate hate hate wireless mice. Hate them. Not only do they require recharging (at the darndest times I'm sure), they are subject to interference such as lag. I don't know why on earth anybody would use them for a time-sensitive application such as gaming, or working.

If you are low on USB portage, I highly recommend a hub. They can be as little as two-port (like the GE hub currently attaching my Microsoft cheapass keyboard and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 1:00 PM on September 1, 2007

Oh yeah, USB Overdrive saved my butt many times when I was a Machead.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:07 PM on September 1, 2007

Ani or Ahnee or even Ahni work for me. I lean towards Ani because Asian people will pick up the pronunciation faster.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:38 AM on August 30, 2007

Heh, I was going to recommend looking at BME's artist portfolios. Dunno if "hip to be square" is cool enough to make Modblog, but you never know these things.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 6:35 PM on August 29, 2007

Jacques Prevert.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 11:05 PM on August 27, 2007

Friendly advice. Make sure you have an admin password your roommate does now know. As you may have discovered, one needs to know the admin pw to install darn near anything on a Mac. Then, set things up so it wants your password to log in at all. As for choosing a pw, I recommend one with both numbers and letters that you will remember but it is unlikely that someone else could guess. Your favorite food plus the middle two numbers of your SSN, maybe. Or your high school mascot and your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:40 PM on August 26, 2007

I used to work in property management.

Some property owners and management companies are more flexible than others. When you are looking at apartments, be up front (and honest) and ask about requirements and how flexible they can be. If there is no way you can meet their requirements and no flexibility, move on.

Things they may or may not look at include:
* Rental history (how long did they live there? what was the rent? pay on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:08 AM on August 22, 2007

Las Vegas City Life, the completely unrelated Las Vegas Life, and the Dallas Observer all based on their print versions but still good stuff.

It occurs to me that if you really want to run a good site, you are going to have to use those "official" sites and list sites, get the press release, and follow up on them. Stuff like "According to the park district, the XYZ festival is on for July 22-25. If it's anything like last year, expect blah blah blah...... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:47 AM on August 21, 2007

Assurant Health.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 3:02 PM on August 20, 2007

The cludgy way would be (forgive me if I state the obvious, you know what happens when one "assumes"):
1) Go to Other Blog
2) Open another tab or window, in which you log into Your Blog and start your post, being sure to select "edit html" in most modern blog publishing systems (WP, Blogger, etc).
3) Go back to the tab/window with Other Blog in it and view the source. In Firefox you will find this option under the "View" menu,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 2:58 PM on August 17, 2007

I would have thought the lawyer (who gave you the advice and probably set up the trust) would have told you how to do that. In any event that's who I would ask if I were you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 8:03 AM on August 17, 2007

This is really a harder problem than you might think!

A slice of store-brand wheat bread is 70-80 calories per slice. Pre-sliced lunchmeat varies by type, but for reference the Albertsons house brand turkey or ham is 80 cal. per 6 slices and Oscar Meyer Turkey Bologna is 50 cal per slice (and really it takes two to make me feel like I've eaten anything). A deli-style slice of cheese is something between 50 and 120 calories, depending on size/type. You would be hard... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 3:24 PM on August 13, 2007

Nthing "get advice from your new college's financial aid office instead of a bunch of strangers on the internet."
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:34 PM on August 12, 2007

For the record, Detroit's housing market was in collapse well over a decade ago, in a chicken/egg spiral of "low tax base results in deteriorating infrastructure which results in nobody wants to live there which results in lower tax base......" To say that subprime mortgages have anything to do with it is like trying to blame NAFTA.

Today's highly mobile workforce adds an interesting wrinkle. Let's say Joe and Jane Average live in City A. Joe's company... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 9:50 PM on August 9, 2007

If you want a cheap giggle turn on Comedy Central. If you want these assholes to stop calling you, do the things that will make them stop calling you.

It is not worth pranking them. I suggest finding the corporate address and name of the highest ranked people you can find. Write a letter explaining your situation in detail, send it *registered return receipt requested* to the CEO, President, the biggest boss over at the people who sent the matter over... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 3:18 PM on August 9, 2007

Please Please Please keep an eye towards safety, both from an engineering standpoint and a cat accident standpoint. If you really go through with this, make sure there is some way to keep a cat from jumping or falling more than about 10 feet. The only practical thing I can think of in my current coffee-deprived state is see-through screening (did you know you can buy rolls of the stuff for repairing window screens?) fencing in all of the structure above the first floor.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ilsa at 10:37 AM on August 5, 2007