Yath's summary covers my Canadian view point exactly. I cannot imagine wearing shoes indoors. I have very rarely (I'd be able to count occassions on one hand) encountered a situation where you didn't automatically take your shoes off at the door. It's not that people ask you to do so here, it's just what you do.

In fact I've had people specifically tell me I can keep my shoes on -- which I do, because obviously they have a reason for saying so -- and it just feels... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 12:25 PM on May 27, 2008

Without fail, the Ma Na Ma Na song from Sesame Street/The Muppets always makes me feel better.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 11:08 AM on May 27, 2008

Seconding Omniwise's step exercise. This was the major part of the physio I did when I had Achilles tendinitis last fall.

It took me about two months to recover after putting off the physio for about 3 months.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:21 PM on May 21, 2008

It's funny, because I'm going through this as well, but from the other gender. I've always identified as lesbian. My two serious relationships have been with women, although I have slept with and dated guys and enjoyed myself, however that is a fairly recent phenomenon. But it's one I've decided to explore, and I can definitely see myself in a committed long-term relationship with a man.

But it's been strange. Accepting that for all technical purposes you are... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 10:01 AM on March 12, 2008 marked best answer

Any Canadian of a general age (20-35?) knows Home For A Rest by Spirit of the Rest. A great University/College song. Never fails to reincarnate a slumping wedding reception these days, either.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 4:08 PM on January 25, 2008

It may be possible to ask the source directly. Diablo Cody is a member of a forum I regularly visit, and she has posted fairly frequently in the Juno Thread. She even answered what Vanessa ended up naming the baby :)

Of course, she's a lot busier these days, so not around as much.

Like others, I read it as he was certainly at least a little interested in Juno, and she got caught up in the "coolness" of this older guy.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:30 PM on January 9, 2008

The one thing about Mark that popped out at me from the dialogue was the one time Juno came over to visit and asked where Vanessa was.

Mark's reply: "She's not here. It's safe."
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 10:08 PM on January 9, 2008

Thanks everyone. zepheria, your suggestion worked perfectly. Thank you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 2:25 PM on December 31, 2007

Hmmm, I haven't tried either of those things. Will do that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 4:58 AM on December 20, 2007

In i.e. it’s a simple “Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage”. Same in Firefox: “The connection has timed out. The server at www.kardasi.com is taking too long to respond.”

I’ve cleared the cache in both IE and Firefox. It did not help.

At my friend’s place I just went to the main page, I didn’t try logging in with the password. But I can’t even get to the main page at home.

I can access it with a proxy (tried... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:51 PM on December 20, 2007

Ah, the proxy was stripping the scripts for the password. I tried it again and can access everything now via proxy. Perhaps I'll just stick to that for now...
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:56 PM on December 20, 2007

I think the friends/family are two separate issues. You can come out to your friends now and take the time you need for your family.

If you're thinking this hard about it I think coming out to at least one person is a good idea. Coming out never ends, no matter how progressive society seems to get.

I've been out for 10 years now. The only reason I may ever be "not out" (as opposed to in the closet, which I think is a more active... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 11:57 PM on October 7, 2007

I second the recommendation of the Manx pub -- one of my favourite places. In addition to the Museum of Civilisation, I also recommend the Canadian War Museum. It's a quick hop on the #8 just past Lebreton Fields and just before the bridge to Quebec.

By no means does it glorify war, in my opinion. It's fairly new (a move from an older War Museum) and the highlight is the models of the Vimy Ridge Memorial in Regeneration Hall, with a neat view of the Peace Tower.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 9:39 PM on September 13, 2007

For me it was the ultimate release of tension. Perhaps the endorphins bit others have referred to. I would be upset about something, usually depressed, and it just felt like my body was one giant coiled mass of tension. Sometimes I wanted to hit people, smash things, etc etc, but a) you can't do that and not have anyone notice and b) it was never satisfying enough.

Cutting was like the ultimate bodily sigh. Everything relaxed after that. My body was calmer, I was... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:26 PM on September 9, 2007

I work in HR, and it's always been made fundamentally clear to us (particularly those in staffing that we are not to discriminate on the basis of race, disability . However, I also work for the Canadian Federal Government, which has a vested interest in not aquiring Human Rights complaints, so YMMV.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 2:51 PM on August 2, 2007

I work for the feds and live in Ottawa, and I have to second Flashman. I live on Somerset West just off of Elgin in Centretown, and I could not recommend it more.

It's not the market or the glebe, but personally, I think it's better. You're 15-20 min walk from either of those areas, and a decent bike ride from Terrace, as Ottawa bike paths are spectacular (although be warned, friends call it the Terrace de Shoddy Air -- take walks at lunch).... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:35 AM on June 9, 2007

Here in Ottawa (Ont) I tend to find a mix. A fair number of people do the double kiss on the cheek thing, I think because of the impact of Quebeker culture, but not everyone.

It's really barely a kiss, even. Lips hardly touch your cheek.

But it still took me a long time to get used to it. Now I just expect it and sometimes even initiate it.

But I wouldn't expect to run into it anywhere but here an in Quebec.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:53 PM on May 19, 2007

I have nothing new to add, but as a 29 year old with 8 years full time in the public sector I have to second these points:

1) If I am getting stuff done on time and doing it right, chill out if I'm on the net. *Especially* if I've already gone to you and offered to take on more work and only gotten fluff work/make work as a reward.

2) I cannot emphasize this one enough - the communication thing is *huge*. I once had a boss who didn't get why I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 12:11 PM on May 11, 2007

Actually, I believe ThreeWay Action is totally free now to read and post (i.e. longer than the initial month trial), but there are a few perks to paying (members only private forums, etc.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:33 PM on May 9, 2007

Chiming in late, but like many others, I do this too. I remember first developing my little world when I was about 12 or so. I used to take walks at night in my neighbourhood and just immerse myself. I started writing it down, and then my Mom found it, and I was horrified.

But I still do it. Some of the people are "original" characters, some are authors characters. I solidly know that it's not real, but it's been with me for over half my life, and frankly,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 11:21 PM on March 30, 2007

I just wanted to second It's Raining Florence Henderson and caution anyone against assuming someone's rude when it comes to this area. Lots of people (myself included) have dexterity and motor skill issues that really make chopsticks an impossibility.

I am, however, delighted to learn that eating most sushi with your fingers is acceptable.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:57 PM on February 7, 2007

Kristin Mainhart.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:59 PM on January 29, 2007

I tend to respond to that particular sentence by paraphrasing a quote by some famous person I can't remember:

"I have balls, they're just further up."
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 2:29 PM on January 21, 2007

When Americans say "British accent", they generally mean a "British, Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Australian, South African, and Falklander inclusive" accent. About the one Commonwealth accent that isn't included is Canada's, which just sounds like Minnesotan to most of us. ;-)

As a Canadian, I know that when I say "British accent" I mean (a very stereotypical) England, and in no way include any of the other UK or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:48 PM on January 18, 2007

Hmm, it's interesting how pervasive some of these are. As for me, a child of the 80s/early 90s in Ontario I remember all of the ones mentioned.

Somewhat like Yorrick, our version of the rhyme said "behind the yellow curtain". I remember yellow padiddle upon seeing cars with one \headlight, punchbuggy, feet up and holding our breath when passing cemetaries.

I quite enjoyed reading the essay on the Miss Susie rhyme.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 12:47 PM on December 3, 2006

Heh, thanks for trying chococat. At least now I know I can still retain my citizenship, lol.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:29 PM on November 18, 2006

Well, not exactly what you described, but there was a rather grumpy female teacher in one of the Harry Potter novels that said "hem, hem" all the time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 11:42 AM on November 1, 2006

Most Bridgehead Coffee places have free wifi, as does the World Exchange Plaza (on Albert/O'Connor) so I've heard - never tried. Hooley's on Elgin (where I am posting this from) is a pub with free wifi, although I assume they want you to buy at least a beer.

I second the rec for Gatineau Park, especially this time of year.

Ethnic food is abundant in Ottawa, particularly lebanese. Depends on what you're looking for, but you can find most... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:41 PM on October 3, 2006 marked best answer

See, I was going to say that the best poutine is from a chip stand on York street, between Kinki Suishi and the strip club Barefax.

But I definitely second the Manx. There's also Vineyards - a pubesque place below the Fish Market Restaurant (on York, I believe) that has lots of different beers from around the world.

The trench exhibit is still a part of the war museum, it's probably quite a bit smaller than you remember (the exhibit - the museum... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 7:45 AM on October 4, 2006

As noted in the message board post, they're not always looking for child porn, either (although that's certainly one thing they do look for). Hate propoganda against groups protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act cannot be imported into Canada.

Spouting off about your protected American amendment rights is bound to annoy these guys, hence the Border Services Officer's quite amusing... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 2:12 PM on August 29, 2006

When I was going through depression and high anxiety levels a few years back I would experience something similar. Not in-the-moment confusion, but "remembering" a conversation with a friend but not really knowing whether I had dreamt it or not. I'd have to ask them a lot of the time. My doctor said it likely had to do with attention span and memory issues tied to the depression and anxiety.

This briefly increased when I went on meds (Effexor XR) but it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 11:08 AM on July 22, 2006

I remember reading this, and let me tell you the dolls depicted on the cover I had were creeeeepy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 5:58 AM on June 27, 2006

I get it in flight because it's "complimentary" whereas on the ground it's $4 a glass. Plus, on the ground I like beer, where in flight it's usually not free.

I just love tomato juice and take advantage where I see fit. Like necessitas I thought it was just me. I didn't realize so many others ordered it in the air as well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:43 PM on June 22, 2006

I tried buying myself a US itunes gift certificate in order to access material on the US store but it was a no go because I didn't have a US credit card with a US billing address. Very frustrating.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 7:14 AM on June 5, 2006

Is she on birth control pills? Those often have the side effect of "mild" nausea. My doctor reccomended I take mine at night before bed specifically so I could sleep through it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 9:57 AM on May 1, 2006

Hattfattener

it seems like it might be possible to guess at the woman's level of arousal, based on the inferred configuration of the various organs; and then to make the case that lack of arousal < --> lack of consent. I don't think it would be a very good argument, but an argument it could be.

God I would hope that in a rape case the woman's phyisical arrousal wouldn't come into play. Thanks for acknowledging it as a bad... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 9:53 PM on April 18, 2006

Does he actually show up himself at these protests?

I ask because the last two time he was supposed to come to Canada (back when he still legally could - I believe now he wouldn't get accross the border because of our hate speech laws) apparently a family member or two showed up, but never much more than that and certainly never Phelps himself.

It'd be hard to target someone who wasn't there.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 6:27 AM on March 21, 2006

Well, I thank you all so far, it seems that it might be impossible to have a widescreen DVD play "fullscreen" on a widescreen laptop.

I guess I just assumed with a widescreen laptop screen, a widescreen DVD would play truly to the borders of the screen.

Nevertheless, some of the tips here might make viewing more palatable.

Thanks.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 9:01 PM on March 11, 2006

neckro23: Yes they are just at the top and bottom.

I'll look into Media Player Classic.

Cheers!
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 10:14 PM on March 11, 2006

As a gay woman, I gotta say that a lot of these traits would make me hot for a guy ;) For example:

- nice arms, slightly muscular but not scary
- jeans/classic white T-shirt/leather jacket combo always nice
- as mentioned upthread, the idea that he could hold his own in a fist fight, but not the actual having of fights
- playing with kids and animals
- two day stubble

Clearly... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 7:02 PM on March 7, 2006

I change ridings so much (because I move so frequently) that I rarely consider the local candidate. My main concerns are federal issues, and for the vast majority of issues (recent exception being same sex marriage) MPs are bound to vote with their party. Thus, I definitely vote party lines.
Now, depending on the election I may vote *for* a party, or be voting strategically *against* one. For this election, the idea of a Tory majority scares the hell out of me, so I am in a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 4:11 PM on January 21, 2006

I've been living in ottawa for almost 9 years now, and I still love it. The weather can be a bit of a challenge - I tend to joke that there's no spring and fall it just goes from -15 to 25 in a week's time.

Culturally as many have noted, there are tons of galleries and museums. I find the indie music scene decently represented by Barrymore's and Zaphod's. Middle range acts tend to go to Capital Music Hall, and bigger gets the NAC and the Corel Centre. I've never felt... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:28 PM on December 30, 2005

As someone who was served by Sick Kids, I say go for that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 10:26 PM on November 29, 2005

I'm not overweight, I'm average. I've been studying Tae Kwon Do for a year and a half, and I have a disability called "Cerebral Palsy.It really depends on your location. Here in Ottawa, Master Lee will push you, but he also knows you.

Don't fret, the school you belong to know will what you're capable of.

perseverance!
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 12:53 AM on November 22, 2005

I've been taking TKD at an WTDF dojang for over a year. Maybe it's a Canadian thing. Our Grand Master is Tae E. Lee. He is a 9th Dan and brought TKD to Canada.

Some disagree with him, as we have to learn his Tae Kwons and Pa Gwae's.

Many TKD dojogangs learn only the Tae Geuks. Yes, sparring is important, but so is poomse.

I would never have had the confidence to start if Tae E. Lee hadn't advertised for special needs.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:20 AM on November 22, 2005

I have to concur with the others (for the most part). If I was Katie I'd have the distinct impression that you were ashamed of me.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 7:00 PM on November 17, 2005

I like Coke Zero, but what's the difference between it and Diet Coke? Zero claims to have 0 sugar and 0 calories - but isn't that also true of Diet Coke?
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 8:14 PM on October 19, 2005

Duck - I remember that add as well. And I certainly know at 12 I contemplated suicide (and thankfully sought the help of that very same Kids Help Phone - thank god for them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 9:13 PM on September 15, 2005

I have to agree with what most others have said. I think a fair amount of women are used to dealing with this, but not all of us know how to extract ourselves from the situation. I have no problem at all making it very clear that I would like someone to go away, my friend on the other hand is far too polite, and gets stuck. It really comes down to what type your girlfriend is. Without knowing that, it's hard to advise. Oh, and some sort of signal is ideal.
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 6:12 PM on August 25, 2005

Well, you all have certainly given me lots to think about. This certainly wasn't something I was planning on doing without a lot of reseach, and now I have plenty of places to start.

Carmen: I definitely appreciate you sharing your perspective - thank you. And I absolutely buy fair trade whenever I can. It's unfortunate that there are not more fair trade businesses out there.

dirtynumbangelboy: fair point, and certainly a good perspective.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by aclevername at 1:55 PM on August 19, 2005