People going through the PhD gauntlet often go through mood swings, depression, irrationality, weight loss and gain, etc. etc. It can be a really weird, stressful time. Sometimes the work takes so much time and energy that students just don't socialize much, even with other students. (I remember students I knew would hang out and discuss the lack of social life ad nauseum - in the computer lab, while working. And that was as social as we got much of the time. For months.) Unfortunately if she... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 11:40 PM on July 12, 2008

I just love that I'm not the only one who's fond of Elastica's Car Song. Must now go listen again...
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 11:04 PM on July 12, 2008

It sounds like you've already gone through the hardest part - accepting what's happened and that it's over. Keep telling yourself that this is the rough part - and that someday you'll be able to look back on it, that this will pass. It will never be completely over in some ways - pain might linger - but it will hurt a bit less.

As far as day to day - keep busy, do little things you enjoy. It's a great time to focus on anything creative - if you're into a form or arts,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 4:32 PM on July 2, 2008

I still have my wisdom teeth. They're nice and (strangely) faintly pink, and I've always wanted to make freaky jewelry with them. They've not split - but having sat for so long I would be concerned that they'd now be harder to drill into (and not break) than when they were...fresh. I always get an "eeeeew!" from anyone that I've shared this jewelry idea with.

Your two options are to drill through and then use them as beads, or to figure a way to make pendant... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 3:50 PM on June 30, 2008

This probably isn't mystical enough, but I got to actually see this in the archived collection at the Smithsonian, so I've always been fond of the first computer bug. It pop'd into my brain with the phrase "historical curiosities."
But the Mutter Museum is really perfect for historical+curiosities+disturbing.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 3:32 PM on June 30, 2008

Having attended graduate school for an MFA and a PhD (unfinished) I can tell you that law school is one of the more expensive grad schools you can shoot for, and one that will put you into even more debt than you may already be in. If your finances are so bad that your credit report is something to worry about than this is not something you want to attempt - not until you have a more stable financial situation that is. If you get into grad school but then mid way through the first semester find... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 5:09 PM on May 1, 2008

This is not just a an issue for gay and straight men - I've had women friends with the same problems, and the same unwanted assumptions from both men and women. For her what worked was less intense gaze - not looking directly into people's eyes for as long a period of time. In most conversations people don't tend to look directly at others for extended periods - and if they do, well, some people can interpret it as meaning something. (When actually it could just be "wow, I like those... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 10:08 PM on March 18, 2008

(oops, what Vytae said)
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 10:09 PM on March 18, 2008

I'm going to go with previous posters and say it's possibly one or more of the Stephen King's stories - partly because of the plot points, but mostly because I can remember reading some King stories at a young age and the really vivid mental images that were hammered into my skull became the product of many nightmares. So I'd go to the library and start checking those King books just to see if anything else in them sparks any memories.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 9:53 PM on March 18, 2008

Wait, was the death on a type of suspension bridge? This does sound familiar...
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 9:56 PM on March 18, 2008

I had NO idea it was a movie either - but I really remember reading the story vividly, it's really stuck with me.
So yes, thanks for this!
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 9:41 PM on March 18, 2008

Recent news made me think of this one - The Little Prince. Good one to read to a little one and discuss - my parents read it to me.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 9:18 PM on March 18, 2008

Grew up in Kansas and Texas, most of family from Texas and considers themselves southern. The washcloth was used primarily to wash one's face and a clean one was used every evening and then discarded for a new one the next night. A different washcloth was used in the shower/bath, though not by all family members. My mother even had them color coded - the white ones for the face, the ones that matched the towel set was for the tub.

And stupidly I always assumed that the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 8:07 PM on February 27, 2008

I've lived in Dallas, San Antonio, and Alabama and Louisiana. I was taught as a child not to approach strange dogs and to especially avoid the larger ones, even if they were with their owners. But I have to say that everything people are saying about "black people and dogs" really sounds much more like the stereotypes that my older southern relatives would toss around about things like "black people and swimming" and "Irish people and alcohol." But then I think... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 7:39 PM on February 27, 2008

Here's what I'm wondering. Could American Greetings have said "hey look, we have our copyright on this and you're hosting this image on your webpage - you need to take that down!" I mean, it's nice that American Greetings wants to play nice now - now that you've noticed what they did. However, it makes me wonder why they didn't wait until they had an agreement with you first. There are other public domain images out there and I'd be shocked if American Greetings didn't already have a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 6:36 PM on February 27, 2008

You seem to be really searching for legal advice here. Unfortunately not speaking the language will be a problem unless you want to either pay for that advice or make international phone calls - but I googled information and looked through several sites that directed me here for information on legal aid in the Netherlands. You might try finding a firm near you that deals with international law and see if you can get advice that way.

Getting any kind of compensation from... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 3:25 PM on February 20, 2008

(oops and by American airlines I meant those in the United States, not the one named American)
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 3:26 PM on February 20, 2008

Ok, I'm very amused because I've actually had this discussion with other women at one of the places I've worked. Answers have been: cleaning the seat, using the paper seat cover and then making sure it flushes (apparently they sometimes they don't on one flush), checking first that there's TP, readjusting stockings/hose, adjusting outfit, and then those who don't like peeing with strangers nearby and they have to psych themselves into being able to go. I know many people who have the later... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 3:12 PM on February 1, 2008

I'm echoing what others are saying, I know, but they're saying the right things. Everyone faces death differently, and it sounds like many people had different kinds of relationships with your grandparents. A slow lingering death is very difficult for all family members - my grandfather was in a similar situation due to cancer and other illnesses, and we basically watched him die over a period of years. It's good that you feel you had a chance to say goodbye - but it's also something you're not... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:34 PM on February 1, 2008

Thanks to this thread (and sorting through random youtube clips it brought up) I have now found the Sesame Street clip I have actually had (friendly) arguments over the existance of - The Mysterious Nose Snatcher. Hopefully this will stay on youtube long enough to share with the doubter!

All thanks to you, Metroid Baby!
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 6:08 PM on November 2, 2007

I would actually consider building a box made of foam core board - such that the artwork can't move around even when shaken, and then pack that box inside a box. I'm at a loss as to what material to use to brace the front of the work so it won't shift and hit the side of the box however. Unless styrafoam peanuts won't damage it?

But that's mostly a suggestion I'm posting so I can thank you for linking the Etsy page - I enjoyed looking at her other work! But I'm still... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 5:57 PM on November 2, 2007

I'm a fan of the horror genre, yet this is the subgenre where I definitely draw the line - for me, that is, it's just too cringe inducing. (I'm with you on non-censorship.) I was in a great course on horror film in grad school where we used Monster Show for our text, and we covered (viewed/discussed) the original Hills Have Eyes. I haven't read the updated version yet - am wondering if he'll have anything to say on the "torture porn" - before this there was the slasher flicks of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:43 PM on October 24, 2007

"Ok, I'll stop with the sub-genre nit picking now."

Not nit picking really - it's definitely more of a sub-genre thing. Though the lines may be a bit blurry for some films, and that seems to be the fun of most genre studies - trying to figure out where to draw the line in defining things, and how to not be entirely subjective. (Which isn't really possible.)
And yes, I think I'd disagree with the grindhouse tag - which may be... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 4:02 PM on October 24, 2007

I'd second flipping through those journals while standing there. Since you seem to care about them - and I'd be curious too - you should page through to see if you can find a name. If everyone continues to ignore the journals the odds are high that eventually these will end up in the trash.

I'd put up a sign that says "Looking for Owner of these!" And eventually if you do take in the box, leave the sign up for a while. I'd agree that posting on Craig's list and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:20 PM on October 24, 2007

This definitely gives me something to search for - the Sennheisers I'd seen in the past were all largeish in size. Annoyingly there isn't a shoe to mount mic or light on this camera (seems to be becoming the norm), but I have no problem with rigging something or simply holding the mic.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:37 PM on January 11, 2007

I'd say that if any of you still have any eye or throat irritation at this point it wouldn't hurt to see a family doctor - in many small household fires the injuries are caused by inhaling smoke laced with chemicals. (My uncle was in a house fire.) It can do a number on your lungs. When this happened did you throw open windows and/or leave the room? Because that stuff sounds nasty. Glad that it sounds like no one was hurt.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 1:01 PM on January 11, 2007

I've been in your position in the past - as a friend though - for three women who have told me of past abuse. I have to say therapy was a big help for me because once someone gives you this incredibly intimate information it's so hard to know what to do after the initial "I'm sorry" and "of course it's not your fault" and comforting and listening to them. For me my difficulty was what to do next, how to help, and somehow afterwards feeling a sense of responcibility towards... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 1:32 AM on January 11, 2007

What everyone said about writing "Not at this address, return to sender" - or whatever note you choose - but make sure you mark out the address underneath the name (it's now your address anyhow) - then just pop them back in the mail. In the past if I didn't mark out the address the post office would sometimes deliver the mail to my address a second time. After that I started to mark the envelope up in blood red pen with a big arrow pointing out the sender to return the thing to.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 12:46 AM on January 11, 2007

Everyone's made so many of the points I'd thought of - so I'll just add this. When you remove yourself from immediate access to these relatives you will find it so much easier to be polite and loving when you visit them and choose the time and duration of those visits. Not everyone is suited to live next door to their families - it can require a lot of patience if you are dealing with very demanding people. When you're dealing with depressed and unhappy people who can use you as a sounding... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 12:41 AM on January 11, 2007

Definitely earwig. And dammit Gungho, they are not the Ceti Eels (yes I had to go look that up), even though I remember someone insisting that they were the same, and that earwigs did indeed want to slither into your ears and breed amongst your brain folds. Apparently I'm not alone in this thought/memory.
And now I'm getting an itchy feeling like something's craling on me from looking at various earwig photos. Ugh.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 10:50 PM on July 9, 2006

Another person telling you not to be too harsh on yourself - after all you're willing to work on this problem and care for your dog, which is something we all respect. Personally I always think these issues are harder on owners of larger dogs - as in when the dog is smaller and more easily managed it's a little easier than if the dog's weight is approaching that of a small child or person. All the more reason that it's good that you take this as seriously as you do. (Again, good for you - I know... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 12:58 PM on July 9, 2006

Smells in wood are difficult as they have often...well, sunk into the pourous object, is how it seems in the situations I've dealt with. Sadly the best bet is to air that item out for a long time in a well ventilated area. You could try getting some of that silica powder used to dry flowers and see if that would absorb some of the scent along with it. If it wasn't going to be used as a cup to drink out of I'd have other suggestions - but all would involve something that might make the wood have... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 12:18 PM on July 9, 2006

Besides the weight of your utility belt I'd consider leaving off a few gizmos to go in for some body armor. A sidekick who is a doctor/lawyer hybrid and can carry the spare cell phone in case yours gets crushed in the heat of battle would be good - and keep quiet all those pesky legal/medical questioners. Flashlight or street flares seem like a good idea too. An air horn can also come in handy for summoning help and stunning evil doers if used at short range. And I've always thought that you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 1:05 PM on July 6, 2006

I have an extremely personable cat who will greet and demand attention from all visitors - however! Put him anywhere near another cat or dog and he puffs up, hisses and growls. Totally stressed out and intent on showing all how bad he is. I leave him alone when he gets like this. For him the issue is that he's always been an only cat and not had to share space with other cats - I'm thinking this may be the issue with your visiting cat. Without any frame of reference as to how to react, it's all... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 12:41 PM on July 6, 2006

Oh and one more thing - do you have one cat that you would consider the alpha cat, the one who usually bosses around the others and is accepted by the others - in other words, they recognize him/her as the alpha? If visitor cat has been around other cats but feels she's the alpha - well there may be a showdown. Definitely keep them separate. If visiting cat has never lived with other cats there may be a showdown for the alpha role anyway - she may cluelessly just feel the need to challange all... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 12:51 PM on July 6, 2006

One way to look into reliable college students - if you still wanted to have that as a backup plan - is to contact the department that teaches the skills you need and ask the staff there if they have any recommendations. I often got jobs that way as a grad student. Staff asks profs, profs pass info on to others. But finding reliable part time help is always a problem for many employers, in both large and small businesses.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 9:14 PM on April 22, 2006

If the cat has no other symptoms that are worrying then I definitely would save this to ask at your next vet visit. The vet may have no clue either - but you can never tell, they may ask about other symptoms and then have an explanation. Maybe you've found a nerve unique to your cat?

Or maybe her wiring is crossed. You could try rebooting and then checking your warranty.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 11:52 AM on April 22, 2006

Someone once suggested that I use something that I often say when driving - "I can always turn around and double back."
I'm still trying to figure out what that could mean when inscribed on a tombstone. But I like the idea of people standing on my grave and being deeply confused. Or laughing - either way.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 4:56 PM on November 28, 2004

jjg - read what scarabic said again. I don't think you're really absorbing it. And if you think this is so egregious take it to MeTa and find out if you're right or just want to argue more - but we get your "just google it" point so stop flailing the rest of us with it.

Meanwhile I have got tons of film and tv related quotes in my brain - but didn't get this one til I started checking the links. And hadn't noticed that IMDB now has quote search, so I count this... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 4:43 PM on November 28, 2004

Problem - have you had your daughter tested for allergies? I was allergic to dogs as a child, but am not now. However it would be pretty sad to get a new kitten (and it will take a bit of time and money to get a Rex) and then find out that your wife is still allergic to the breed and your daughter has symptoms too - and then have to find a new home for the kitten. That's hard on the child and the kitten. You might try finding a way to let your daughter play with a cat - or at least be around one... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:43 PM on November 27, 2004

"Should you" really should depend on who you meet and feel emotionally towards. Experimenting is all well and good if casual sex is something that's fun for you - but at the same time it's not going to give you any insight to which gender is going to be the one you'd want a serious relationship with. It really should be about who you have emotions for - women are more often geared towards emotion first, then sexual fulfillment. And if you're still having questions about this it's a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:29 PM on November 27, 2004

In San Diego, the largest city I've lived in so far, there's a new rubbernecking problem that doesn't involve other vehicles or crashes of any kind. Well, not at first - crashes can come afterwards. It's furniture in the road. Either someone was moving and lost the furniture out of the back of their truck or someone wanted to get rid of something rather than pay the dump to take it - either way the furniture ends up in the road. Sounds humorous - but you can't drive over a couch or a mattress,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:14 PM on November 27, 2004

I was going to recommended Nature's Miracle for cats as well - nothing has a more pungent odor than cat piss (ew, if something does I do not want to know) - so my thought was that if it works on cat urine, human urine should be a snap. However, are the enzymes needed to combat cat urine and human urine so different that this might not be so?
Let us know the results of your experiment!
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 2:01 PM on November 27, 2004

Oh man, if someone emails you please post the link here!
(I loved those things more than some of the shows on CN.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 1:53 PM on November 27, 2004

The rest of the story on what y6 said - I'm an only child and Mom only had one shot at this, so I had no problems giving in. Plus my parents eloped, and so she got to have her moment of maternal wedding hooha. Why my folks eloped - the wedding became way too big, their parents inviting tons of guests, and fussiness with the in-laws (stories differ by the teller). My mom's father was secretly delighted and gave the newlyweds some money that would have otherwise been spent on the wedding, which... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 1:51 PM on November 27, 2004

Man I totally remember that soap saver! For a while it seemed like tons of my friends' moms were using that and making multicolored soaps, especially for the kids to use (so you wouldn't have to use the special "guest soap"). I think it was a 70s thing? I thought it was so cool and wanted one too. Never got one. Mom was sure I would end up using it on soap without waiting for it to get used and waste the stuff.
Actually she was right, I would have.
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 11:03 PM on August 25, 2004

bonaldi has it right on. Leave the cage out in a corner of the room - make a trail of food leading to the cage. If you're lucky it'll snag the food and go back into the cage to hide its loot in its favorite spot.

Hamsters like darker rooms, so turn off most of the lights in that area. It'll probably be scampering close to the walls, under furniture and things - they don't like to cross open spaces. And like notsnot said, they'll get into cardboard boxes too. Anywhere... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 8:31 PM on August 24, 2004

I have to admit, I searched for this entry just so I could check on whether the hamster came home.
*whew*
I do love a happy ending.
*wipes away tear*
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 10:52 PM on August 25, 2004

Actually, now that I think it through, I suppose MeFi's to blame for y6 and I hooking up. It was when the Kaycee fraud went down and I was visiting all the blogs I could find via the MeFi thread(s) (that I'm too lazy to look up at the moment), trying to figure out what was going on. y6 seemed like an amusing cranky bastard and I started commenting on his blog. In fact I really began to enjoy being as annoying as possible in his comments. We didn't actually meet until 2002 at a blogger meetup in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 7:21 PM on August 15, 2004

Cane Toads: an Unnatural History - the part where the toad eats the mouse - aaaaaaaa!!!!! So horrifying but you can't look away!
It is definitely something worth watching!
posted to Ask Metafilter by batgrlHG at 7:16 PM on June 8, 2004