Thanks for the recommendations! Everything that you both mentioned is now on my list of things to do. I'm so excited about the food since that was one of my initial motivations for planning this trip.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:15 AM on May 6, 2008

Once again, thanks everyone! Your responses have made me even more excited for the trip.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:13 AM on May 7, 2008

to feathermeat & feathermeat's husband - Thanks for the late response. While researching, I did find quite a bit of information on crime which initially made me nervous, but after doing more research and realizing that I have lived in three crime filled US cities (2 murders not too far from my house in the last couple of weeks alone), I realized that as long as I keep my street sense there like I do here, I should be fine. Also, most of the violent crime in Trinidad seems to be gang or drug... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:42 AM on May 8, 2008

I have a Samsung Q1 (with usb keyboard) that I planned on using as my primary PC. However, it hasn't turned out that way. I do use it on a daily basis, but at home I usually use my girlfriend's old ibook. When I bought it, size was the most important factor (and I couldn't afford a OQO).

I like it a lot, but unless you need something that small (or just want a small 2nd computer), I wouldn't recommend getting a UMPC due to screen size, processing power, and HD space.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 3:20 PM on May 7, 2008

There are so many delicious cheap eats around Boston. Since you are going to be downtown which is right next to Chinatown, you might as well start there. Some of my favorite places are Hong Kong Eatery (for their cheap rice plates with roast pork, chicken, and duck; around $6), King Fung Garden (known for their noodle and rice cake dishes; around $7), and Peach Farm (amazing Chinese seafood dishes, but it is a bit pricier than the other places--well worth it if you order right). If you just... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 12:51 PM on March 27, 2008 marked best answer

I messed up the link for chowhound above, try this instead.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 1:10 PM on March 27, 2008

So many great ideas. (schmoo-thanks for the link to the older post- I did not see that when I searched the site.) I'll post in a couple day and let you know what we decide to make. Right now, I'm heading to the library to pick up Nick Malgieri's book.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:04 AM on March 8, 2008

ikkyu's link seems off. It's here. Be sure to check the publications tab. If you don't have access to electronic databases, you can have Kessler's office send you any of the publications (just don't be too greedy) right off the publications page.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 12:52 PM on November 20, 2007

Thanks...some good ideas so far. Moving the desks is not an option, but a flat extension cord is a great option. Is there any danger on using an extension cord with a power strip? I remember hearing my Dad warning me about that in the past, but I do not know the truth to that. And, I like the box idea, but even a thick one would probably crumble in little time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:04 PM on September 25, 2007

Thanks for the tips! I'm going to test both of these options tomorrow.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 5:48 PM on August 29, 2007

pompomtom:

Your solution looks like it might be the easiest since it will do exactly what I want. Unfortunately, I have never written a batch file. So, do I just write the commands that you gave me, save it as *.bat, and put that file in the startup folder?
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 9:25 AM on August 30, 2007

ooh, I just checked out AMP WinOFF and it looks like it will do exactly what I want it to do! Thanks for all the tips!!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:02 AM on August 30, 2007

Is the Palais Royale still around? I heard that Rocky passed away so I don't know if they closed their doors. I miss that place. Where else could I enjoy cheap beer, talk with friends, and play Dolly Parton pinball--all while listening to the Utica Club theme song.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:33 AM on August 3, 2007

oops, 2 errors in my post above:

1. Sorry, I should have put that we are looking for a place near Boston in the title.

2. I didn't finish the last sentence...in the archives, I could not find any recommendations that included a cottage with a kitchen.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:20 AM on June 21, 2007

That might be true. I thought about it when posting and decided that for all the assistance MeFi has given me in the past, it was worth giving the recommendation. (And, this will hopefully remind me to book my future weekends there further ahead of time.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 4:32 AM on June 22, 2007

All of your tips are excellent, and many mention aspects that I did not even think of. I am going to go over all of these options with my gf tonight and will post what we decided to do tomorrow.

If anyone has any other tips/ideas, keep on posting.

Thanks again!
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 8:48 AM on May 17, 2007

Again, thanks for the advice! We were going to go with the Paypal idea (and then we would have also gotten the mileage points on our credit card which would have been a bonus), but a friend stepped in and let us borrow the extra money with no interest (besides a few pints at the pub).
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 12:18 PM on May 18, 2007

flabadablet: thanks for the quick response.

Does anyone know if we should turn off the boiler until a plumber arrives or would it be okay to leave it on? Right now, the drip is pretty slow.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:25 PM on March 27, 2007

notsnot: It is coming from the threads where it connects to a longer pipe (on the side with the red handle).
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:29 PM on March 27, 2007

Thanks for the replies. We called a plumber and he should be here in a day or two. I am just relieved that it seems to be nothing major (and that I can keep the heat on).
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 8:53 PM on March 27, 2007

This shirt made me laugh. I can't buy one since I got to work on time the day the Mooninites invaded my city.
posted to MetaFilter by toddst at 7:39 AM on February 1, 2007

A good friend, Michael J. Charles, is an amazing photographer based in Dorchester.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:24 AM on January 31, 2007

If it is a question that won't require much time, I can do it for free. I work as a researcher at a large university, giving me access to tons of databases. I also have an MLS. If it is a question that will require a lot of work, we can work out a fair (pretty cheap) rate.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:11 AM on January 23, 2007

It depends on the state you live in. Some states have laws were nothing more than a bill of sale is needed to get a registration if the car is old enough. Other states may require a notarized bill of sale along with a police authorization of the VIN. Also, if you go to a DMV/RMV where they don't really care, you might get lucky as long as you act like you have no questions about the legitimacy of your paperwork and pretend that you have no doubt that they should give you a registration.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:47 AM on January 22, 2007 marked best answer

JanetLand - Thanks, my spelling is crap.

tastybrains- For some reason, I never thought of going to an outdoorsy store even though I work in walking distance of an REI. I am going to check it out after work since some of those gloves seem to be exactly what I am looking for.

If any one has experience with any of these REI gloves, let me know.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:27 AM on January 19, 2007

Thanks! Tons of great options. I think that I am going to get the SealSkinz gloves since desuetude knows the pain that my hands are in. The gloves seem to be exactly what I am looking for (and, as an added bonus, they will allow me to get crap out of my pockets without taking them off).
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:39 AM on January 19, 2007

Again, thanks for all the options and ideas. I am stuck at work late tonight so I am going to check out REI and a bike shop this weekend. I will report back on this thread with what I decide on and what I think of them. I will also pick up a bunch of handwarmers for the more severe days. But, before I head out, I will check this thread again to see if anyone has posted a new tip/idea. Thanks again!
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:52 AM on January 19, 2007

On Sunday, I stopped in REI, and ended up spending more time in a glove aisle than I thought was possible. I decided on the Seal Skinz. While there were a few other gloves that were very thin and seemed warmer, they were all made of a material that I did not like. I also decided against the mittens since I liked the grip on the Seal Skinz (which will make a huge difference when switching gears on my old Vespa when the weather warms up a bit). I also picked up a pair of Serius liners.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:33 AM on January 22, 2007

I just checked my shelves and I have a few from Beano, Whizzer and Chips, and Beezer.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 4:21 PM on December 16, 2006

I Lie (warning: YouTube video link) by Naked Raygun.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 12:45 PM on November 29, 2006

Brain Failure! (Sorry about the myspace link, but the band's site is down.) An amazing CD (out on Thorp in the US) and one of the best shows that I have seen in the past few years.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 12:44 PM on November 28, 2006

Thanks for the tips (even the rental car rec.). I will check out visitor's guide board linked above, and, hopefully we can figure out a few good things to do without a car since I would rather spend our limited funds on food and drinks.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 2:55 PM on November 2, 2006

Okay, after more research (and the linked google map showing almost no seafood in walking distance), I decided to rent a car. I got one for $15 a day! Thanks!
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:59 AM on November 3, 2006

I do not know much about Atkins, but if you just want to lose a few pounds, I recommend doing what I did (and am still doing to maintain current weight). I took some Weight Watchers books from a friend and downloaded a points calculator for my phone. For five days each week, I strictly follow the diet, but for two days a week, I eat and drink anything and everything I want. There is no way I could do the full-fledged Weight Watchers since I like food and drinks way too much. Also, all I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 7:19 AM on October 30, 2006

The original Spooky World closed down a few years ago, but there is a new one at the Bayside Expo Center. (I have trouble imagining a haunted house in an expo center.). Salem is just sort of corny. It is fun to people watch, but it is sort of hectic. However, the Pirate Museum is hilarious. Nothing beats a tour here since, if you get the right guide, the pirate talk is blended with a thick Massachusetts accent which will have you laughing for the entire tour.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:44 AM on October 16, 2006

Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday...For the past three years, my girlfriend and I stay home, rent horror movies, order out very spicy thai food, and make cocktails. It might not be for everyone, but I cannot think of a better way to spend the day/night.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:34 AM on October 16, 2006

I am not a fan of most of the food around Downtown and the Back Bay (outside of Chinatown), but Bamboa has good drinks and appetizers. (On Thursdays, they have $5
Mojitos and a Caipirinhas.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 8:17 AM on October 10, 2006

A lot of the Atari 2600 and Intellivision games came in different shapes and sizes. Furthermore, with the 2600, some companites used screws while others didn't. It all depended on who made the cart. Unfortunately, I just unloaded most of my doubles for the 2600, but I can send you the main intellivision cart along with a few others carts for some systems (Sega Master System, Genesis, and maybe a few others) if you want. Go to my profile and send me an email...
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:15 AM on October 6, 2006

My favorite multiplayer games are Tetris, Mario Kart, and Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan which is going to be released outside of Japan soon under a different name.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 9:38 AM on September 26, 2006

I use T-Mobile and the quality of the signal seems to change day by day (or even hour by hour). It can go from an almost perfect signal to no signal. However, if I leave my house and walk about 30 steps, the signal will be clear again. I decided to solve this problem by getting a SkypeIn account (about $30 a year for a number) and forwarding my cell phone to that number (since I don't have a home phone) when the signal is questionable.

This solution is not perfect,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:54 AM on September 22, 2006

birdherder: I see your point, but I was thinking about the fact that I drive a pick-up, and I chose the most fuel efficient one on the market at that time, and I still find myself at the pump way more than I should if there were other options...Therefore, I will be sending in a few receipts which says more than just the current price of gas.
posted to MetaFilter by toddst at 10:29 AM on September 15, 2006

I know that MIR in Seattle organizes trips for small groups. If you get in touch with them, they might be able to help you out. I have known people who used MIR a few years ago to go to Iran, and I remember hearing that MIR got their visas through the Palestinian Embassy in the US. I could be wrong, but it is worth a shot.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 8:02 AM on September 7, 2006

Oh, that sucks. I am sorry to hear about the theft. My 1969 Vespa was almost stolen a few years ago (they got throught he cable, but did not take it) and since, I have invested in heavy chain locks by onguard. The problem with the old scooters is that the column locks are simple to drill out and if your model needs a key, the wiring is so simple, that a screwdriver will do the job.

You should make signs (with a picture of the scoot) and post them all over your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:59 AM on August 27, 2006 marked best answer

I am always amazed what you can find during season of flea market and yard sale hunting (and ebay pick-up only auctions). Years ago (and all sold a few years ago), for relatively little cash, I picked up an old rattan livingroom set and tons of tiki themed objects. If you have any old tiki lounges near you, most of them sell their barware, but, if you want to make it cheap, check the local thrifts, yard sales, and flea markets.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 6:49 AM on July 7, 2006

I agree about checking the spark plug since it just takes a few seconds. Just take it out, if it is oily, wipe it off with a cotton rag and put it back in and see if the scooter will start. If it is not that, it is probably the battery.

Also, as o0dano0o says, check the scooterbbs. That community has helped me solve almost every problem that I have had with my old Vespas.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 1:25 PM on June 30, 2006

Making a molding seems like a great idea since I have metal windows that slide up, but I am wondering if the screws (or wood) would be strong enough to withstand a heavy push or pull from the outside.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 7:25 AM on June 29, 2006

slavin - good response about the strength of glass. I am going to mae a moulding for the window this weekend.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 8:05 AM on June 29, 2006

One of my favorite Japanese labels is Snuffy Smile. If found out about them when they released a 7" v/a tribute to Snuff. Most of their releases are good, sloppy melodic punk. They are hard to find in the US, but Broken Rekids has released some of their stuff in the US. Check out Sprocket Wheel, the Urchin, Blew, and Water Closet.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:50 AM on May 9, 2006

Hartford is not too far and if they do offer the best price, it might be worth the drive since I can have a friend trail me in another car. Thanks for looking up the info.
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 10:21 AM on April 24, 2006

Thanks for the tips! I am going to disconnect the battery (or fuses) tonight and also try much of what was recommended. (There is an AutoZone near me so I will definitely check that out this weekend.) And, Joe, that is an interesting point that I did not know about. Is this different than the oxygen sensors?
posted to Ask Metafilter by toddst at 7:58 AM on April 25, 2006