Seabands are AWESOME. It was my first time on a small craft this weekend, and we went out on rough seas. I took a dramamine and I was green, but later I put on a Seaband and my nausea cleared up in about 5 minutes. Amazing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 3:24 PM on July 22, 2008

"Do you have any STDs?" would work for me. Alternatively, if this is more than a one night stand you can suggest going to a clinic and getting tested together. It is a common pre-hook-up question particularly if it is a casual one time hook-up. It's always always always always better to use a condom.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 8:10 PM on July 21, 2008

One thing in addition to wfrgms, be sure you leave your name when you call 311. Anonymous calls go to the bottom of the cue.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 7:50 PM on July 21, 2008

Seconding the recommendation to find a good cheesemonger. If you are able to get half the cheeses recommended here, odds are that you live in an area that would have a cheesemonger. I have created amazing wine/cheese parties with the help of my cheesemonger (shoutout to Lydia at Fox & Obel!).
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 8:34 PM on July 19, 2008

Also, ask your concierge. For romance, I like Rosebud too. Quartino and Osteria Via Stato are beautiful, both on the near north side. You may also want to check out almost any of the myriad Lettuce Entertain You places.

I am on my palm so I can't link right but if you google you will find them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 11:41 AM on July 16, 2008

And speaking of Trattoria, try Trattoria No. 10. And here are links to the ones I mentioned in my earlier answer.
Rosebud
Quartino
Osteria Via Stato
Lettuce Entertain You
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 2:28 PM on July 16, 2008 marked best answer

I think we might need a little more information - what is your earning potential after college? That would help - if you can deduct the interest on your student loans it is more than worth it to keep them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 12:33 PM on July 10, 2008

Figure out what the contingency fee includes - does it include all their postage, copying, and other office fees, or is that extra? Be very clear on this point.

My experience as a lawyer and having worked at a PI firm while in law school is that 33% is standard for pretrial settlement, 45% is standard for trial.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 3:26 PM on July 1, 2008

Take advantage of the public defender. This is precisely the reason that office exists. Alternatively, she could call some private practice criminal attorneys and ask for a sliding fee scale or that they take it on as pro bono work. I doubt they would take it - not high profile, not newsworthy, nothing in it for them. (IAAL, IANYL - or hers)
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 6:27 AM on June 28, 2008

i think you are talking about "where the wild things are."
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 9:05 AM on June 25, 2008

That's really the best option there - otherwise you can use Martindale and find an attorney who has an AV or BV rating in contract law or collections law.

Have YOU tried writing a letter to the client saying that you will bring it in small claims court? That would be a good (and FREE) first step.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 5:58 PM on June 23, 2008

I know nothing about bikes, but I can answer the Metra ticket question. Buy one monthly pass for the longest trip you have. Metra passes are done by zones, so if your ride from home to Union Station takes you from Zone C to Zone A, and your ride to your office from Union takes you from Zone A to Zone F, buy the Zone F ticket. It will work for both.

(I used to have to ride two different train lines and zones from my place downtown to my friends' houses about twice a week... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 6:19 PM on June 15, 2008 marked best answer

If you're looking for a fun (but somewhat pricey) dessert only option, Berry Chill just opened on State between Ontario and Erie. I have quite literally been there every day the last week and I love it. I recommend the original with raspberry, strawberry, and coconut. There are vegetarian and vegan options too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 2:38 PM on June 5, 2008

I have the wireless window alarms bleucube mentions on my front door and my balcony doors and windows. I live alone in downtown Chicago (in the tourist district) in a building with a doorman and those two things (doorman and alarms) make me feel safer in my place than in my mom's place in the suburbs. I highly recommend the alarms.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 2:09 PM on June 2, 2008

could you use the windows? i have done that before. they work better with wet erase markers but dry erase would work fine. keep lots of windex on hand.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 4:44 PM on May 29, 2008

If you don't get any recommendations here, try Angie's List. Looks like there's a New Jersey chapter.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 3:42 PM on May 18, 2008

You don't say where you live or where you're seeking out these people. That might help us help you. I have to say you did describe me and half my friends.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 10:49 AM on May 18, 2008

See if you can lease back your current place from your buyers. That's what my sellers did. They paid me $200 per day for their lease back and they moved out two days later. They had the exact situation you did. It just means that your buyer can't move in immediately.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 7:59 AM on May 16, 2008

I, certainly not on the advice of my dentist, waited 3 years between root canal and crown. It may not be recommended but it CAN be done.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 7:06 AM on May 15, 2008

Yeah, some of the time I get Meeegan, sometimes I get Maygan (which is what my parents thought they named me but they were SO wrong) and rarely do I get the correct "Meh-gin". Very very rarely. So much so I am thinking of going to Meg just to confuse it all. Spelling makes no difference.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 11:58 AM on May 14, 2008

There's a reason every law school career starts with contracts, torts, property, and civil procedure. They are the basis for all the future courses. Even though you aren't interested in contracts, you still need to have a basic background in them because all labor and employment, corporate, and IP stuff deals at some level with contracts. So I'd start there.

Alternatively, go to a law school Web site and check out their curriculum. You can always audit a class and not... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 11:58 AM on May 13, 2008

Sounds like Chicago has everything you like about New York (though in the more tourist areas the pace is a little slower with the rural tourists walking five abreast and blocking the sidewalk GRR! but I digress). Plus, it counters most of what you don't like.

I live in a good building within walking distance of the Loop and I pay $1400 a month for a very large one bedroom. My building allows dogs up to 25 lbs. I just went online and found that the studio I first lived... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 8:34 AM on May 9, 2008

Everyone has their own opinion about neighborhoods, but I do strongly disagree with dropkick queen. I have lived in River North, less than a mile away from my office near the Sears Tower, for more than 5 years now. I have met a number of interesting, amazing people, had some great local experiences, and never, ever lacked for "something to do". I don't feel isolated or that there's nothing to do - in fact, I am within walking distance of all those hotspots that everyone else in the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 3:20 PM on May 9, 2008

Thanks for the great answers! I am going to try human clippers now (since they're in the house anyways) and get the nail scissors if that doesn't work. I am a first-time cat companion so sometimes I get suckered by the "I know nothing about this so the more expensive one must be best" issue and end up with stuff I can't use like the guillotine clippers above. Coal and I thank you for your advice!
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 6:31 PM on April 20, 2008

try riding the two main train lines from Union Station to the west / nw burbs. you'll see downtowns galore plus get a good idea of commute times, all for $5 if you go on a weekend! i like Itasca, personally. also try Burlington Northern from Ogilvie.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 8:31 AM on April 20, 2008

Billtron has excellent advice. you are here for enough time to hit up a few cities and you shouldn't "blow your wad" in just one. Though, if you were to pick one, New Orleans would be a good one. Chicago is always good (I grew up there and live there now and still I discover new things every summer!) and it definitely hits your music itch. Fly direct from LHR to O'Hare since that flight is faster, more available, and cheaper than New Orleans. Rent a car and drive to NOLA after a day or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 1:22 PM on April 7, 2008

I see doctors from the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation. Never been disappointed. There are other threads on this too...
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 2:54 PM on March 25, 2008

Ok, I grew up in Schaumburg, which is almost next door to Palatine - lived there until I was 24. There are plenty of opportunities for temporary or office work, along with retail (especially at Woodfield). If you are looking for something else, I am not sure you will find it there.

There are many multinational companies with branches or headquarters in the Northwest Suburbs. If you are relatively qualified and responsible, you will not have a problem finding a job.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 6:58 PM on March 17, 2008

So, to sum up my comment, which didn't really answer your question - you have options if you were to move to Chicago. I do not know the job market in Virginia, but I do know that if you are motivated and reliable you will not have a problem finding a job in Chicago or Palatine, whatever your preference is.

Also, your username says it all.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 7:00 PM on March 17, 2008

I like Just My Size, available in most drug stores.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 2:57 PM on March 4, 2008

My mother cared for my father for five years after his diagnosis with Mesothelioma before his death a year ago. She is the same age as your mom.

I came in this thread to tell you exactly what Gianna just said. Give an "excuse" - those were the best ways to get my mom out. Often it required teamwork between my brother and I - he would take her out and I would care for Dad or vice-versa. Sometimes we both would take Dad to the doctor and she would stay home -... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 5:47 PM on February 17, 2008

i did somthing similar once. dropped a candle on a baking pan. put it in the freezer overnight and everything will just pop off. may be some residue but that will scrape off with a credit card. scrub it with a brillo type sponge, soap ad hot water and you're golden!
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 5:18 PM on February 14, 2008

you were speeding if you didn't stop at a stop sign. i have seen cops do this before. the speed limit at the stop sign is 0 mph. if you didn't stop you were speeding. i offer this NOT as a lawyer but as someone with experience as a passenger in a car at such an event.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 2:51 AM on February 14, 2008

Hotel Sax is an awesome new hotel in Chicago - it replaced the old House of Blues hotel. There's enough to do within walking distance around there that you won't be bored. It's extremely boutique-y (that's how it was planned). I live less than two blocks away, and I can tell you there is PLENTY to do and at many different price points. Have fun, and welcome to Chicago!
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 4:23 PM on February 9, 2008

(also, I would recommend against staying in Logan Square as it is too far away from downtown Chicago to really be worth it. Lula's is awesome, but take CTA there and stay downtown.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 4:56 PM on February 9, 2008

Here's an FAQ on Infomercials that has all the information you should need and some handy terminology. By the way, I found this by googling "Infomerical costs".
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 11:35 AM on February 8, 2008

Castle Point and Turtle Creek are overrun by ND/SMC students. So stay away from there (they're not in that great of shape and they can be very rowdy).

Generally, and this is VERY generally - Granger is wealthier, Mishawaka is more middle-class. I have a few dear friends from college who settled in the South Bend area in Mishawaka. It's very friendly and family-oriented.

In this market, if you have a down payment, you may be able to purchase a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 10:18 AM on January 20, 2008

melodykramer - can you share where you are taking this class? I'm in Chicago and would be interested...thanks!
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 6:45 PM on January 17, 2008

my father died in March from Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer). we sourced his exposure to the unsafe removal of an asbestos wrapped water heater in his childhood. having watched him battle this for five years, this is not something i would futz with. get the most comprehensive test you can so you and your family feel as safe as possible. it is a horrible way to die.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 6:14 PM on January 8, 2008

I am not so sure about L&O. Their books are provided by West, while Martindale is part of the Lexis family. I have a friend who is the director of business development at Lexis for Martindale. I just forwarded him this link. If anyone can provide THE authoritative answer, it's him.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 7:35 AM on January 4, 2008

I know my question wasn't entirely clear, but the answer I was looking for is what rhizome and Blacklight said. Thanks for all the feedback!
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 10:28 AM on December 31, 2007

Late to the party, but actually in most states you can't take the bar exam without having gone to law school. I believe California is the only state you don't need a J.D. to sit for the bar.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 7:44 PM on December 30, 2007

As an update: My friend's cat had a "false pregnancy" so I ended up waiting to find the perfect kitten at the Anti-Cruelty Society.

I found 12-week-old Coal, who is just the most precious thing on the planet. Everyone who advised not to adopt until 12 weeks was absolutely right.

All of your advice was extremely helpful. One thing I wish I would have known: don't buy tissue boxes that have the open cutout in the top/side! I came home... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 1:06 PM on December 18, 2007

As an update, Coal came out of his hospitalization very well. I had to give him a small dosage of Amoxicillin every day for about three weeks, and his URI has completely resolved. Apparently, he will always have a bit of the coccidia in his digestive system, and at stressful times it might come out. I just have to watch out for it.

The animal hospital was extremely clean. On one of my subsequent visits I asked to see the area where Coal was housed, and it was pristine... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 1:03 PM on December 18, 2007

As an update, I did actually get photographs taken at my local Petco. They turned out nice, but ended up being very expensive.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 12:59 PM on December 18, 2007

Searched "all is calm" on the USPTO and nothing comes up under trademarks. Interesting.
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 12:41 PM on December 13, 2007

If you're willing to travel downtown, I see an awesome neuro at Northwestern Faculty Foundation in the Galter Pavilion. His name is Jack M. Rozental.

I can't recommend him highly enough. I came to him after I was taken to Northwestern with the worst headache of my life, which made me completely aphasic. He figured out what was wrong with me (complex migraine induced by electrolyte imbalance) and "fixed" me. Haven't had a migraine since. He explained everything... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 12:37 PM on December 13, 2007

Whoaali, what is your undergrad in?
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 10:56 AM on December 10, 2007

Lovells is an amazing restaurant. I have a number of friends who live in the Lake Forest area and it is generally considered the "Date night" or "special night" restaurant. That'd be a great recommendation if you don't want to send them to downtown Chicago (it takes 30-40 minutes to get downtown, especially on a Saturday night).
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 7:04 AM on December 3, 2007

My father recently died. My close business associates made it to the wake (visitation) and that touched me deeply. Ones who couldn't make it sent flowers or a condolence card with a personal message. Again, that touched me.

The wake (visitation) is generally non-denominational. At least, the ones I've been to have been. My family is Catholic, and at the end of each night of the wake the funeral director said a nice Bible verse and we said a rosary, which was a special... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by MeetMegan at 9:51 AM on November 16, 2007