I would invest in better tires. There's a wide range of quality when it comes to wet traction for tires. Spend some time on www.tirerack.com and read the reviews/ratings for tires that fit your vehicle.

As an example -- I had high-performance stock tires on my car when it was new. Car used to fishtail very easily (as in, not on purpose) on corners when it was wet. When it came time to replace them, I visited Tire Rack and found some other tires that were very well... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 8:37 AM on June 13, 2008

Thanks for all the great replies so far.

I'm not so interested in overcoming my shyness (I will work on that personally) as much as figuring out how it works.

And let's talk more about bars than clubs, since I can see how the loud music and such there makes that a different animal.

Still looking for more feedback from the ladies here on what usually happens to them when they're out and meeting people.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 12:37 PM on June 6, 2008

Thanks everyone!
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 6:51 AM on June 9, 2008

In response to sharkfu:

I appreciate the response. As I said, all I have with me is my drivers license however. I don't have two forms of identification. I'm aware that the new requirements state two forms of ID, I just need to understand if they are currently enforcing that. I'd prefer not to make the three hour drive just to be turned around at the border.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 9:13 AM on May 9, 2008

@gimonca:

I have a passport...in Miami. I am in California. I have no way to get my passport or any other form of identification in the next few hours..thus the question.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 9:15 AM on May 9, 2008

I'll share my 'experience' with a club like this..

My girl and I went once to see what it was all about. It was a 'private' club, BYOB. We simply had to arrive, 'sign up' for membership, and then enter (after paying an entrace fee). It was basically a club with music, and an 'outer' area where couples mingled, danced, and drank. It also had an 'inner' area where the rooms and beds and such were.

(Note: places like this often have different... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:04 AM on April 18, 2008

I would not think of buying a house right now. If you can put off that generous offer of the downpayment for even 6 more months, it would be worth it. Say that you want to save up some money, as burnmp3s suggests. With the market in a complete free-fall, prices will be falling by thousands every month for the next year at least.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:39 AM on March 18, 2008

Actually, that was boomchicka who suggested the savings. Same advice applies.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:41 AM on March 18, 2008

Hmm.. I see not many here have experience with the stuff. For the record, I'm not at all allergic to milk, so it has to be something in the Danactive itself.

Anyway, thanks for the replies.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 5:45 PM on March 6, 2008

I hate Bush as much as the rest of you, but what does he (and Cheney) have to do with the way Pakistan has 'turned out'? That country was filled with extremists and militants all carrying AK-47s long before Bush was even the President.

Sad to see anyone assassinated, but violence is the way of life over there. It has been for a very long time, and will continue to be for a very long time.

I feel for her and any moderate in the Middle East right now.
posted to MetaFilter by eas98 at 6:11 AM on December 27, 2007

Who says the US economy is about to go 'foom'? I'd wager it would be someone interested in Gold, Silver, etc.

GDP growth in the US this year has been good. The entire planet just about is in a worldwide boom. Why is the US economy going to be in trouble during this time? And what makes silver so special?

I'm with grumpy above. Stop listening to talk-shows, info-mercials, and sky-is-falling blogs. Economies have ups and downs, and today is... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:03 AM on December 21, 2007

What's your budget?

You don't want to live in little havana unless you are latin yourself.

My best suggestions, in the following order, if you can afford it:

1 - Sunset Place area (there are some new condos in that area)
2 - Dadeland/Pinecrest area (lots of condos around here)
3 - Coconut Grove area (be careful here, as there ARE some bad areas there).

The first two provide... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:59 AM on December 20, 2007

My god, just have at it. Yeah, it's going to hurt, but then it's over.

How did mankind survive before the emergence of gynos to help make virginal sex more comfortable?

Before the nasty replies start, I was once the male part of a virginal liason, and went through this with my girl. We were both scared, hesitant, didn't want to inflict pain on her, etc. But one good thrust (and doubtless plenty of pain), and the goal was achieved (and there... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 9:23 AM on December 5, 2007

You mention having been together for 3 years, yet this is your first whiff of this. I'd say that answers any doubts you have about him.

The question now is about his family interaction. If you want to embarass him and let that hang between you for the rest of your relationship, then yeah, stand up for feminazis everywhere. Else, get over yourself and try the latin flavor.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 6:34 AM on November 6, 2007

Just to be clear, the site NEVER fully works at home, regardless of the day, hour, or weather.

Thanks again for any ideas.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 9:29 AM on October 29, 2007

Thanks for the reply, Thorzdad.

I know about how finicky the site can be wrt inconsistent performance, but this is definitely something else. Also, I've already tried the registering part, without success.

I thought about throttling, but have had no problems with any other sites. Is this a common thing for ISPs?

And yes, I can surf pretty much anywhere from work as long as I get my job done. Surely I am not the only one here in that situation?
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 11:37 AM on October 29, 2007

Without any language skills whatsoever, S. America is going to be a bit of a tough place to travel. If one only visits capitals and major cities, some english might be found, but it should not be counted on.

As far as safety goes, S. America's bad reputation is unwarranted, but I would stay away from the areas of Colombia and Venezuela if traveling cross-country, as guerillas and corruption of police make that an iffy task.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:30 AM on September 11, 2007

I will have to disagree with those who are recommending Costa Rica and other Central American countries.

Having been to countries in both sections, I'd have to say that S. America is without a doubt the more interesting of the two, both geographically as well as culturally.

Additionally, CA has other factors working against it. First, it suffers from a 'gringo effect'. That is, due to its close proximity to the US, there are a. many Americans... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 12:22 PM on September 11, 2007

Thanks everyone!
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 5:57 AM on August 30, 2007

Start learning that new language, whatever it is.

Personally, I have similar plans as you.. I have been eyeing Brazil, particularly the NE part of it. But really much of South and Central America can offer a much lower cost of living than what you get in the US/Canada, while still providing most of the amenities you are used to -- ie. air conditioning, large cities, solid infrastructure, and a culture that is not too much different than what we have up here. And of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 8:21 AM on July 10, 2007

The parents can gain status thru the children born here. He can then gain status thru the parents.

This will take years.

He needs to get a lawyer.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 9:12 AM on July 2, 2007

I have used http://www.rioapartments.com/ and can vouch for their legitimacy. I used them for vacation, but I know they have long-term rentals available. If the prices do not suit you, I imagine they could put you in touch with someone who does.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 12:59 PM on June 27, 2007

Actually, no, there's no way out of the house that I know of. The windows are security-screened, and there are no doors to the outside anywhere nearby. I'm not sure how he got there in the first place, but I imagine he found a hole somewhere.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 9:07 AM on June 12, 2007

Thanks everyone. I will release the gecko into the wild.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 3:00 PM on June 12, 2007

Well, I was just overwhelmed with VirtualDub. There were dozens of options and I couldn't find a clear way to just do what I wanted.

If you could give me some simple instructions for it, I'd appreciate it as well. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 8:21 AM on June 4, 2007

Thanks for all the great answers. I will play around with some things and see what I can get working.

I appreciate all the responses.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 1:09 PM on June 4, 2007

Apologies in advance if anyone is offended by this question.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 9:32 AM on April 17, 2007

Same thing happens to me.. Works fine 90% of the time, but then for some reason the page 'shifts' over and I have to widen the screen to get the scrollbar back.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:20 AM on April 17, 2007

I am obviously in the minority here, but I think this is an issue that requires some major attention.

a. Your wife lied to you. I don't understand why there are so many excuses about why she did, but the fact is that she did.

b. There is a painting of a former lover right in your living room. This is creepy and unacceptable, and the fact that it continues to stay there due to a lie just makes it worse.

Stand up for yourself.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 6:56 AM on February 7, 2007

The aforementioned 2 Live Crew gets my vote.

How can I pick only one?

Face Down Ass Up features gems such as "Pussy aint nuttin but meat on the bone"


And of course, there are plenty more where that came from. The entire As Nasty as they Wanna Be album is a classic.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:46 AM on January 25, 2007

Your question touched something in me, and while I do not have much constructive to offer, I will share my experiences with you, as I am of a similar mentality as you.

I am 36 now, and can say that I've never really felt strongly about anything. My close friends (and lovers) have mentioned it to me many times over my life -- sometimes with resentment. I don't often get very mad, nor do I often get very happy.

I was always 'above average' at... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 8:00 AM on January 18, 2007

Good luck.. I also live in Miami, and have never been able to recommend any mechanic in the city. Fortunately, I have found someone who does mechanic work on the side, but he's pretty much weekend only and unavailable on short notice like this.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:30 AM on January 12, 2007

What has worked for me in the past was tearing up the surface of the wart with a razor and then soaking/rubbing it with rubbing alcohol for several minutes. A couple days of that and all gone.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 2:26 PM on January 9, 2007

Thanks everyone for the responses. Looks like the library it will be. milkrate, that link is very interesting. Thanks!
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 2:14 PM on January 9, 2007

Thanks for all the great responses! I am really looking forward to a massage, and armed with this knowledge, I can relax more during the process.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 11:43 AM on October 19, 2006

People don't care because they are too busy watching American Idol on TV and working their asses off to buy that $50k SUV.

As long as the gov't doesn't interfere with those things, they'll consent to getting a tattoo of a barcode on their forehead.
posted to MetaFilter by eas98 at 2:14 PM on October 16, 2006

Lower the price. 2005 is so last year, and it's only going to get worse. Lowest price in the building means nothing if the condo is still 30% overpriced. With all the speculation taken out of the market, it's time to get to reality.. If you really like your place in Toronto, set an appropriate price on your condo and sell it -- give up on thinking what the condo would've been worth at its peak.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 8:28 AM on October 11, 2006

The longer away from retirement you are, the more aggressive your portfolio should be. Choose growth funds with a sprinkling of international growth funds.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 1:19 PM on September 25, 2006

Do not buy a house in this price environment. It's called catching a falling knife.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 1:17 PM on September 25, 2006

Some analysts I've read believe that a total collapse of the entire system is becoming more and more likely. The scale of these contracts, with their hidden knock-on effects, has become so large that they could have a domino effect and wipe out most of the world's major financial institutions.

What does this mean? What will a 'wipe out' of most of the worlds major financial institutions mean to the average person?
posted to MetaFilter by eas98 at 7:23 AM on September 25, 2006

I have to say, MySpace is not a bad option. I have tried many of the dating sites over the years (Nerve.com used to be my fav before the change), but MySpace allows for people to put up far more interesting and detailed profiles, and since it's not really a dating site, it kinda takes some of the pressure off.

Of course, there are the thousands of retards and such, but if you are willing to filter them all out, it might be worth looking into.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 12:26 PM on September 7, 2006

Honeynut Cheerios does the same thing for me.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:12 AM on August 18, 2006

Thanks for the reply. I am running 2000, SP3.

I cheated a bit in my explanation (to keep it simpler). I am actually running cursors, and the cursor is prepared like this:

Execution Tree
--------------
Clustered Index Seek(OBJECT:([ICS_Ecu].[dbo].[tpahea].[hea_PrimKey] AS [A]), SEEK:([A].[hea_scheme] >= [@Param1001]), WHERE:([A].[hea_scheme]>[@Param1002] OR ([A].[hea_subscheme]>=[@Param1003] AND ([A].... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 10:58 AM on July 31, 2006

My first example sucked because I forgot a part of it.

SELECT TOP 10 * FROM tpahea WHERE (hea_scheme>=3000) AND ((hea_scheme>3000) OR ((hea_subscheme>=2084) AND ((hea_subscheme>2084) OR ((hea_pol>='208400838 ') AND ((hea_pol>'208400838 ') OR ((hea_rec>=2) AND ((hea_rec>2) OR ((hea_incident>=5743) AND ((hea_incident>5743) OR ((hea_ctl>='2006STI014027') )))))))))) ORDER BY hea_scheme ASC, hea_subscheme ASC, hea_pol ASC, hea_rec... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 11:03 AM on July 31, 2006

Here is a little more info, in case it helps..

SELECT TOP 10 * FROM tpahea WITH(INDEX=hea_primkey) WHERE (hea_scheme>=3000) AND ((hea_scheme>3000) OR ((hea_subscheme>=2084) AND ((hea_subscheme>2084) OR ((hea_pol>='208400838 ') AND ((hea_pol>'208400838 ') OR ((hea_rec>=2) AND ((hea_rec>2) OR ((hea_incident>=5743) AND ((hea_incident>5743) OR ((hea_ctl>='2006STI014027') ))))))))))

This query is forcing the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 12:32 PM on July 31, 2006

Thanks for all the great answers so far.. It's reassuring to know that they do have some effect. I just have to stay out of that metrosexual mold.. ;)
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 2:17 PM on July 5, 2006

I watched a documentary on this on the Discovery Times Channel. Very enlightening..

While the women are not happy about this, they do almost seemed resigned to the fact that it happens. Often, the family members of the woman in question will be brought in to help with convincing the girl to stay and be married.
posted to MetaFilter by eas98 at 8:47 AM on May 25, 2006

As a man, it doesn't matter if you tell me or not. I assume I have (or had) it already, and that everyone else does too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 6:42 AM on May 25, 2006

I have had chronic allergies for most of my adult life. I've found two things that work best for me with the fewest side effects:

Allegra 180
Nasonex

You don't need to take both - one is a pill, the other a spray. Both do a good job.
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 12:10 PM on May 24, 2006

Thank you all for the replies!
posted to Ask Metafilter by eas98 at 7:39 AM on May 11, 2006