Normal stuff from both of you.

When my wife and I started dating, we started having issues as we got closer. She grew up in the dysfunctional family of divorce & drama. I grew up in the family with over the top family dialogue to resolve every issue.

We went to couples counseling and it helped us immensely. We were able to understand our behavior, based on our upbringing, and recognize when we were acting based on previous patterns and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:31 PM on July 3, 2008

I'm a believer in using rubs on meat before grilling or smoking.

My smoke rub recipe is:

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup salt
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons red pepper
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespon ground celery seed
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard

Here is my post with pictures regarding it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:20 PM on July 3, 2008

I have never seen such a thing or heard of it. My point of reference is living in Los Angeles for 40 years.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:17 PM on July 3, 2008

You might consider the Atkins diet. It basically tricks your metabolism into burning up it's fat reserves by basically eliminating carbohydrates from your diet. I lost 30 lbs in 2 months on it, with no regular exercise. I can only imagine how much would have dropped if I had a serious exercise routine.

If the Atkins diet is too severe, you might consider the South Beach diet, which has the same basic plan, but allow more low glycemic index carbohydrates.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:43 AM on July 2, 2008

Wow, I used the word basic & basically alot. So much for my first writing of the day...
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:49 AM on July 2, 2008

I am a believer in paying a moving company to do the move.

It's a few thousand dollars, but your stress level will be greatly reduced.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 2:56 PM on June 28, 2008

For getting a campfire started, bring one of those fake logs from the supermarket. Slice off an inch of so of it and use that to start your fire. Then pile your wood on. Makes a difference in a damp area.

Camp shoes - If you are regualrly wearing hiking boots or tennis shoes, consider having a pair of easy slip on camp shoes/slippers to wear if you need to get up at night and first thing in the morning.

If you drink coffee, consider Java Juice.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:21 AM on June 24, 2008

Try:
Metroblogging Austin
Austinist

Good luck!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 3:39 PM on June 23, 2008

I like the REI Convertible Pants. Not super stylish, but good in the heat.

Any clothes made for summer hiking will be better than cottons/denim in the summer heat.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 3:37 PM on June 23, 2008

I learned to never tell a pregnant woman what to do.

Let her eat what ever she wants + multivitamins recommended by her doctor.

The book she liked as a guide was What to Expect When You Are Expecting.

All I know is that the first pregnancy was mainly Japanese pickles & rice and the second pregnancy was mainly steaks & chocolate malts. Both my daughters came out healthy and perfect.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 3:33 PM on June 23, 2008 marked best answer

My 2¢:

Behavior is learned in children. Somehow he's learned that this is the right behavior in the situation.

Perhaps you could reward him for acts of bravery and courage when he deals with this. Instead of comforting him when he is upset (rewarding the behavior of sensitivity), remind him of how you have previously discussed dealing with this.

In the terms of Transactional Analysis, no warm fuzzies or cold pricklies... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:35 AM on June 17, 2008

Hrrm, I've had a A520 that I loved and just picked up a A720. Could be a lemon.

I pretty much only shoot in Auto mode, turning Flash and/or Macro on as needed. Seems to work great for me.

My only recommendation would be to switch to Lithium batteries. I found that the Lithiums are much better than standard alkaline. My guess is that the Lithiums can handle a much higher current draw than the alkalines. Could be that the heavy recharge is... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:23 AM on June 17, 2008

Yes, but remember there are two kinds of golf you can play.

Golf the Sport - In this, golfers are serious, focused on their score, buying expensive equipment, and get upset when they don't make par.

Golf the Hobby - In this, golfers have fun with friends and coworkers, drinking a bit, perhaps smoking a cigar, taking mulligans, making drops for any reason, and not really keeping score.

I recommend Golf the Hobby.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 9:58 PM on June 16, 2008

As a long time reader, not collector, I've done a few things.

I've donated them to the children's hospital in the past. Current mainstream comics are generally too rough for younger kids these days, so that's a tougher option.

I've given them to friends to read.

I've given them to comics shops. Didn't get any money 'cause most modern comics are worth nothing.

Others have sold them in ebay once... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:01 AM on June 11, 2008

A good quality pocketknife. Something well crafted with a wood handle, suitable for lifelong ownership.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:24 AM on June 10, 2008

Be sure to look into Adobe Connect, there is not much it can't do.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:46 AM on June 9, 2008

I don't have a specific recommendation, but A.G. Russell has a great selection of top quality knives. They ship international as well.

The knife I carry is a Kershaw Vapor.

Although I do lust after this beautiful Mcusta. Also this Japanese hunting knife.

I tend to go with practical knives with a clip for back pocket.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:44 AM on June 9, 2008

The truth is consumers perceive that these slipcases make the DVD more valuable. Believe it or not, it's the truth. I saw the statistics a few years ago and if a slipcover was on a DVD, consumers would pay $2 more per DVD.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 4:41 PM on June 6, 2008

I am not a doctor.

But once I did have pleurisy, which was a sharp pain that got worse with deep breaths. It's when your lungs rub against the lining the lungs are supposed to slide easily in.

It got worse until I went to the emergency room. At first they had no idea what my problem was and did a bunch of tests. Finally they figured it out and gave me a shot of toradol, which made the pain go away immediately and then I took... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 5:30 PM on June 3, 2008

Drop me a line if you want to get into Disneyland. I'm tight with the Mouse...
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 9:56 PM on June 2, 2008

Don't agree to the new job or formally give notice until you know about a counter-offer.

After you get the offer letter, speak with your boss and tell them the situation. If they plan to counter-offer, you'll know right away. If not, you can give your notice after you speak with your boss.

The new job will give you a day or two to accept, so don't worry about them.

My unsolicited advice is to know in advance, how much... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 5:10 PM on June 1, 2008 marked best answer

I listen to SModcast as well.

You might like Geekscape.net. It's about video games, comics, and movies, with plenty of off topic wandering. Kevin Smith actually appeared on it back when it was Geekdrome.

Of course, the greatest podcast of all time is Infected. Now canceled and replaced by Internet Superstar, Martin Sargent and Gator break down life in a hilarious way. I recommend listening from the beginning. There are 50 of them to listen... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:21 PM on May 31, 2008

I also recommend Consider Phelbas as a start. I loved Excession and think you could start there as well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 12:16 PM on May 20, 2008

I should have put a bit more detail in.

We are going to have professional guides, so I assume we will all be following their lead and instruction.

The plans are next week and call for "float 75 miles of the Middle Fork, taking out at the
confluence of the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers". I've been to Idaho several times, but mainly to lounge around a ranch near Cascade and ride horse into the Wilderness area.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 10:12 AM on May 17, 2008

Thank you everyone for your advice. Looks like my buddies chose our trip well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 8:41 AM on May 18, 2008

I had similar trouble. My doctor put me on Prevacid and my issues went away quickly and have not returned.

That feeling is terrible and I hope you get some relief. Good luck.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 8:54 AM on May 17, 2008

Seconding Serious Sam. It's a great first person shooter that you can do the entire game in co-op mode. It should run on older hardware.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 8:50 AM on May 17, 2008

Call the recruiter and ask what people generally wear in the office. They will tell you. Then dress one level more formally.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 11:52 AM on May 12, 2008

First, it's a comic book, so it's not going to make a lot of logical sense.

In reading Superman comics for 25+ years, here's the overall understanding I have.

Kryptonian's store the energy from yellow suns in their body. They store enough that day or night doesn't matter.

Red sun light saps the energy from Kryptonians. The speed depends on the intensity of the light source.

By that basis, if... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 7:27 PM on May 9, 2008

As a manager, I will point out the likely scenario.

HR is probably telling the hiring manager not to discuss salary directly with the candidates, specifically with internal candidates. Many organizations have a lot of secrecy around salary grades and pay scales. They want to avoid people applying for positions just to find out what people make.

As juvenile as it sounds, it happens.

If you have salary concerns, always go... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 9:59 AM on May 8, 2008

This diagram should help you understand the hookup.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 9:26 AM on May 4, 2008 marked best answer

The best way to find out is to try. I put Google text ads on my weblog, just on the individual entry pages, not the front page. I make ~$200 a month. When it's turduckhen season, I make even more...

When you put the ads in, you can see the stats for impressions and click throughs. You can decide if you have the traffic to make money fairly easily.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 4:10 PM on May 3, 2008

I don't think you are going to find a 'time off' feature from either provider. The typical parental V-Chip and porn controls are the most you'll really see.

You might look at some other options for keeping the TV off.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 1:16 PM on April 30, 2008

Well, I think trying to hide it is headed for confusion.

I fold the money into fourths and put it ready to go in my pocket. When the service is complete (car arrrived, taxi door opened, coat returned, bags placed in room, etc.), I reach into my pocket and pullout the tip.

As I lift my hand out to the person, it's much like I'm heading for a handshake. Almost universally, the service person lifts their hand, palm up, toward me. I put the money... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 8:50 AM on April 7, 2008

Put him on the bike with training wheels and encourage (bribe) him to ride it.

With my daughters, I put them on the bike a pushed them around until they were more confident on the 'big bike'.

At 4, it's not a coordination issue, it's a confidence issue.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 10:47 AM on March 29, 2008

I second Hearst Castle. If you are into historical houses, this is the ultimate. The tours are great and the things you can see are simply amazing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 9:30 PM on March 28, 2008

I would start with seeing a professional therapist first. It's not that expensive to go once or twice to get a feel if the person can help you.

Hopefully a therapist would give you some tools to try to reduce the stress you are feeling and find ways to reduce your overall anxiety level.

Good luck.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 9:34 AM on March 27, 2008

I don't think they are sending out anything about the Beta program yet. I also think it's going to be a fairly limited beta to a small set of Apple-friendly companies.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 5:54 PM on March 24, 2008

If you don't watch Wine Library TV, you should. The host explains many of the ideas and issues of wines in easy to understand ways. Plus, it's teh funny.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 11:00 AM on March 24, 2008

You might be about to put a pst of the messages on a USB drive, plug the USB drive into a school computer, and then import the pst back into her Exchange account via Outlook.

Or you could tell the school sysadmin and ask for help, but obviously this might create other problems.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:50 PM on March 12, 2008

I suggest relationship counseling.

It's not all about fixing broken marriage, it's about teaching people how to communicate better and recognize how their past is shaping their current behavior. A professional will be able to understand your situation and offer actionable ideas on moving forward.

When my wife and I began dating, we had trouble connecting a bit. I grew up in the Norman Rockwell home where no issue went undiscussed. She grew... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:31 PM on March 12, 2008

One possibility is that you were in an area with poor cell coverage. In that case, you phone will repeatedly try to connect to cell towers. In attempting these connections, it will use up a lot of power. It's the equivalent to talking on the phone.

When you are the edge of reception, your phone can fall into this mode and burn up an awful lot of juice quickly.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 8:05 AM on March 10, 2008

I think Webroot Spysweeper is good. We did an extensive anti-spyware shootout at work, and it was the best.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 4:54 PM on February 23, 2008

It will be exceedingly hard to find this.

First, it will have been recorded on 1" videotape, a format in rare use today.
Second, broadcasters do not keep commercial spots much more than a year after airing
Third, unless Kooky Kite was a huge national client of an ad agency, they would not have kept a copy.

The only chance would finding an aircheck copy of a station that aired the commercial in the 70s. You would... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 5:58 PM on February 20, 2008

Californians don't care what other people think about them.

New Yorkers think everyone cares about New York City, when in actuallity, no one outside New York does.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 5:51 PM on February 20, 2008

chuckdarwin, have you seen any specific problems with the Vista install, or are you basing your plan on tests elsewhere? Unless your father-in-law is a hardcore FPS player, he's unlikely to run into any performance issues.

I have Vista Basic on both of my daughter's computers and have seen no significant performance problem on either in their normal routines (web surfing, webcams, email, light gaming). Perhaps you should try it yourself. To power users, Vista may... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 10:47 AM on February 20, 2008

I travel a lot for work. When I go for an extended trip, I secretly place several gift envelopes for my daughters around the house.

As my trip goes on, I call in and sometimes reveal the locations of the envelopes and then run and grab them.

I put in all kinds of things, candy, stickers, origami paper, comics, small toys, dollar bills, magazines, pretty much any kind of small thing in the envelope. I also put things for my wife. For my wife,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 4:49 PM on February 11, 2008

Say "Hey, I think we make really good friends but I'm not interested in a romantic relationship."

Men are used to the idea that they will get 'shot down' on occasion when dating. Don't over apologize or over talk this. Just tell him the truth.

If you tell the truth, you never have to remember what you said.

However, you will unlikely be able to remain friends with him until his crush is over. If you do that,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 1:49 PM on February 10, 2008

The XP trick I used to use was to go into Device Manger and uninstall the network device. Reboot and XP will find it and reinstall the driver cleanly, and hopefully work.

Sorry Vista didn't work for you. I'm enjoying it.

Good luck.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 9:14 AM on February 9, 2008

Connie Willis - Doomsday Book & To Say Nothing of the Dog & everything else she's ever written
Sarah Zettel - Fool's War
Anne Maccaffery - Dragonriders of Pern series
Ursula Le Guin - Earthsea series
posted to Ask Metafilter by Argyle at 6:09 AM on February 8, 2008