Being aware of your surroundings is definitely key. I've traveled frequently enough to big cities, and the only time anyone has ever attempted to steal my purse was on my own (normally very safe) street, in broad daylight, when I was completely not paying attention and had my headphones turned up too loud. I always wear my messenger-type bag across my chest, and was able to hang onto it with a bit of a struggle, but if it had been hanging off my shoulder I would have lost it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:44 AM on July 31, 2008

You just described me and my lady friends! Well, except I read trashy celebrity gossip magazines, but I also read, uh, substancey stuff. Definitely seconding the MeFi meetups. Also, I run a book club in Boston, MeFi mail me if you'd like some details. It's not ladies-only, but we are a friendly bunch and welcome meeting new people of geeky persuasions. Also, taking an exercise class can be a good way to meet people, depending on the mix of people. My kung-fu class seems to attract interesting... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 9:33 AM on July 3, 2008

The Muffs- Lucky Guy

Sarge- The Glass Intact. It's a whole album, but the entire thing is pop-rock genius.

Everything that Tullycraft has ever done.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 2:44 PM on July 2, 2008

I can tell you where NOT to stay in Cork: Ardara House. That place was depressing. In fact, Cork was overall kind of depressing- if you don't have your heart set on it, I recommend Kinsale as an alternative. There is an excellent brew pub in Cork: The Franciscan Well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 4:10 AM on June 30, 2008

This is so awesome, thanks everyone! I feel kind of silly marking everything as "best answer" because these all qualify.

By all means, keep up the suggestions if any more come to mind!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 9:19 AM on June 25, 2008

Coming back to this thread to say that we checked out the roof deck of the Rattlesnake Bar this weekend, and it was fantastic. I loved it! We haven't checked out many of the other recommendations yet, but will definitely do so soon. Oh, I have been to the CBC many times, and do enjoy their outdoor seating, so I know that's good. Shay's in Harvard is always so crowded whenever I try to go that I've basically given up considering it. Maybe with the college kids semi-cleared out for the summer it's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:53 PM on June 29, 2008

Thanks, everyone, please keep 'em coming!

I forgot to mention that I've tried Neal Stephenson and that's pretty much exactly what I mean by well-written but cumbersome. Not to knock him, because I realize that he writes extraordinarily well, but it's too much work for me when I just want a good story.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 8:09 AM on June 15, 2008

If you're willing to look at Quincy & Braintree I think you can still find good bargains there. Depending on where in those areas you live, getting from your apartment to the T could be a pain, but it's doable. If you'd be walking/biking from home to T in that area I'd try making the walk/ride a couple of times before you commit to the place. About 7 years ago I lived in an apartment complex that was about a 5-10 minute car ride from the Braintree T station but a 20-30 minute walk that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:35 AM on June 15, 2008

We have ice cream in every floor's lounge on Fridays, and the first Friday of every month there's a big food-related celebration. Lots of free lunches, and free fruit always stocked in one break room. Early closings before big long weekend holidays. Lots of free coffee/tea/hot cocoa. Yearly summer party and holiday party. I'm sure the attorneys get awesome perks that I'm not even aware of.

I do miss the days of working in an academic library where the entire school shuts... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 2:38 PM on May 30, 2008

Martindale Hubbell is a searchable database of many attorneys- you can put in Nashville as a location and real estate as an area of practice. Since lawyers/firms have to pay to be listed in Martindale, it's not a complete list, and it probably skews a bit to the high-end expensive lawyers, but it's a good start. They have peer ratings of attorneys (AV is the best rating).
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:52 AM on May 2, 2008

I'm not having much luck finding such a list for citizen of the Philippines, but a quick phone call could probably save you lots of googling- if anyone would know this information, I'd think it would be the Department of Foreign Affairs.

I found a list on a random blog, so it's completely lacking any authority and legitimacy, but it may be a bit of a help: Tourist visa exemptions for Filipinos.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:55 AM on May 2, 2008

Wow, I may be under-tipping at bars, but my standard tip for beer/glass of wine/mixed drink is $1 per drink, if I'm paying as I go (to be fair, most of the time they are just opening a can of PBR for me, so I'm under the impression that's pretty generous). I hand them the cash for my drink, get change, and leave a dollar bill on the bar for them. If I'm running a tab, I still usually do $1 per drink, unless I've also purchased food, at which point I go to 15-20%.

Tip... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:48 AM on April 29, 2008

Totally yes to all the librarian questions/comments above. I also get a lot of "oooh, Party Girl!" remarks. Thank god for Parker Posey.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 2:30 PM on April 28, 2008

Thanks, everyone! I don't want to mark a best answer until I've tried a bunch of these suggestions, but I'll come back and mark 'em once/if I hit on something that works!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:00 PM on April 7, 2008

I'm 4' 11.5" and I always tell people exactly that, but it usually only comes up when other short people want to see if they're shorter than me.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:40 AM on April 6, 2008

Almost anything by Tullycraft, particularly "Miss Douglas County," which I can't find online in full form. Here's Georgette Plays a Goth

Velocity Girl's I Can't Stop Smiling or Nothing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:59 AM on March 28, 2008

Though it requires going back for more schooling, reference librarianship might suit you well. Lots of interaction with people (different people every day, too!), and lots of new and interesting work to do. I'm a law librarian, and you'd think that all my research would tend to be very similar, but there's a huge variety of stuff I do every day, and I never know what each day is going to bring. It's challenging but almost never boring (though I'll admit that there are some things I have to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 9:20 AM on March 14, 2008

Margret Atwood = Super Yes
And for rollicking good reads: "Doomsday Book" by Connie Willis, "The Eight" by Katherine Neville, and "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:38 AM on March 10, 2008

Thanks everyone, this is awesome! There's tons here I've never heard of.

I will say that I loved Good Omens, but have yet to find something by either Pratchett or Gaiman alone that's held my interest (maybe just trying the wrong "starter" books, though- my tolerance for sci-fi/fantasy includes the first 5 Robert Jordan books and Connie Willis, but not Tolkien or Stephenson or... much else in the genres. But I'm willing to change!). Seeing... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 10:57 AM on March 6, 2008

Thanks so much everyone, I'm glad it's an easy fix!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 9:16 AM on February 20, 2008

Laundry: wash, dry, fold service. Totally worth the extra money, especially if you would otherwise be doing it at the laundromat.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:56 AM on January 17, 2008

Right now your pride and financial independence aren't doing you, your wife, or your marriage any good. It's very admirable, and I do understand the sense of self-worth and the comes with being fully responsible for your finances. But the house has been bought and you now have a situation you need to deal with. If you had accepted your father-in-law's gift, would you and your wife be splitting the rest of the mortgage right now? Is she paying anything? If I were in your shoes, I'd sit down with... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:48 AM on December 22, 2007

I proposed, so I bought "engagement rings" for both Mr. Robocop is Bleeding and myself. They are titanium and cost $100 each, but we liked them so much we kept them as our wedding rings. No ring with a bunch of flashy business is ever going to have as much significance as the ones we put on each others' fingers at Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 7:05 PM on November 19, 2007

Some areas of Oxford county should meet your cheap and relatively close to Portland requirements (though I confess that I have a very Boston idea of what cheap real estate is right now). Some friends of mine live in Bridgton, which is about 45 minutes from Portland; it's a bit too small-towny for your needs, but it quickly turns into open land and woods in the surrounding areas. I also have family living in Monmouth and Litchfield, both seem to have abundant land, and I've driven by plenty of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 7:11 PM on October 22, 2007 marked best answer

I'm in a law firm in Boston, and I have a 35 hour week. I'm under the impression that the 35 hour work week is done more for businesses to be competitive and attract better talent. Maybe it's also because there are so many colleges in the area for which 35 hours is standard, so other businesses in the area match that to remain in the running as "good places to work."
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 8:01 AM on September 13, 2007

Awww, what a cutie. For future reference, there is a sad, sad pet store in Somerville called Big Fish Little Fish on Elm Street that usually has at least one full-size rabbit hanging out in a too-small cage. It's a pretty decrepit store, but you'd probably make a bunny really happy by taking it away from that place.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:48 AM on August 20, 2007

Thanks! I'm asking for a friend, so I'll pass these suggestions along.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:53 PM on August 7, 2007

If you want some beer, there's a newish brewpub in Auburn (I think it's a Grittys) that's probably the nicest drinking establishment in town. If you want some awesomely townie drinking experiences, Pub 33 and the Blue Goose are fun times.

I can't believe that after spending 21 years of my life in Lewiston, all I can suggest is drinking....

Oh, and the Thai Dish in Auburn is great Thai food (run by the same people that run Thai Dish in Boston)
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 2:22 PM on June 22, 2007

Push Kings- Memphis
Throwing Muses- Not too Soon
Sleater-Kinney- I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone
Bikini Kill- Rebel Girl

Definitely "Teenage Riot," but I'd also add "Chapel Hill" to the Sonic Youth list. Oh, and Superchunk's "Hyper Enough."
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:55 AM on May 8, 2007

Awww, adorable bunny!

(Sorry I'm no help, I can barely tell what breed my bunnies are).
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 4:06 AM on February 6, 2007

Do you have access to a local law library (in a law school, or a county law library such as this one)? Librarians would be happy to show you how to use it, and can also give you tips on how to search more cost-effectively. The Westlaw trainers are excellent, but they won't be terribly interested in helping you save money using their site. A librarian might also have a written guide for Westlaw.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 4:17 AM on January 3, 2007

I used to work here as a case manager for homeless people, and I'm nthing the idea above that those out on the streets know the services available better than you. A lot of the folks you see shivering outside at night would rather sleep on the street than in shelters (though shelters being full in the winter is definitely a problem for some).

It looks like this organization serves the Atlanta area.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 4:29 AM on December 15, 2006

Robocop and I have been on a couple of walking tours. One was a 3 hour food tour of the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Little Italy. The tour guide was very lively and clearly loves what she does, which is great, though she did get a bit pedantic at times. The last stop was a place with restrooms, after walking for 3 hours guzzling water in the hot summer sun, that was a definite must.

We also did a ghost tour in Chester, England that was super campy but tons of fun.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:27 AM on December 11, 2006

I got my degree at Simmons 2 years ago, and the only reason I'd recommend it is if you really want to live in the Boston area, as it's your only choice here (other than online degrees and the questionably accredited school in RI). I'd be happy to share more thoughts over email with anyone who's interested.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 9:16 AM on November 3, 2006

If your hair is curly, Dana at M Salon (Mass Ave. near Porter Square) is the best. I'm sure he's great with non-curly hair, too, he's just the first person who's ever been able to do something flattering with my impossible hair. Plus, the owner of the salon has the cutest dogs that hang out there all day.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:14 AM on October 9, 2006

Second the recommendation for Carefresh. We dump the entire contents of the litter boxes for our 3 bunnies once a week and replace with new litter (we use big plastic bins as litter boxes to keep it at once-a-week changes, I think we'd need to do it more often if we used smaller litter boxes).
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:11 AM on July 26, 2006

That's a great idea, thanks!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:59 AM on July 25, 2006

Thanks, TwoWordReview, that's a huge help!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 7:10 PM on July 25, 2006

Architecture in Helsinki! Maybe not 100% synthpoppy, but it has that feel to it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:37 AM on July 15, 2006

I went through a time when I was super stressed out and not eating enough, and didn't get my period for about that long, if not a little longer. Turned out that really was the entire cause, and when I started eating normally and not stressing everything went back to normal. It can't hurt to get yourself checked out, though.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:02 AM on June 22, 2006

drmarcj, it is a buzzing kind of sound that fades once things get going, but it does buzz again every so often. I should have added that this is most noticable and annoying because the ac is in our bedroom, and we only notice the noise because it's otherwise silent and we are otherwise trying to sleep. When it's not buzzing the unit is "normal" sounding.

These are both great suggestions, thanks to both of you!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 10:43 AM on June 19, 2006

Thanks, everyone! We'll give these things a try, here's hoping we get a quiet night soon!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 4:17 AM on June 20, 2006

I used to think I wanted to do this. Experience proved my "must love indie rock" qualification to be a bad idea, and I'm glad it did. Somewhere along the way I also realized that who I am is more than things I like. Besides, I had a ton of fun making mix cds for my husband back when we first started dating and seeing what new music he enjoyed; it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun if he already knew everything.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 4:15 AM on May 26, 2006

That's the only time he'll listen to what I did all day!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:20 PM on May 9, 2006

I heartily second boltman's suggestion to look to treatises. Why reinvent the wheel if someone has already written on the subject and pointed out the relevant cases?

Also, shameless plug for librarians- hopefully your firm has a librarian (if not, I'm sure your law school librarians would also be glad to help). It makes my day to be able to sit down and show someone how to get the most out of West & Lexis, and any law librarian you can find would probably feel the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:47 PM on May 9, 2006

Law librarianship is fun and interesting, and you often don't need a library degree if you have the J.D. I'm always willing to talk up the profession- email's in my profile if you have any questions!
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:06 AM on April 26, 2006

Also, you could work for Lexis or West as a reference attorney or do training for them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 6:43 AM on April 26, 2006

I don't think it's lazy or screwed up, if I didn't share my office with two other people I'd be in the same boat. I think of it as akin to water-cooler chat- people waste tons of time gossiping and chatting to each other, and that's not frowned upon nearly as much as surfing the web is.

Can you sign up for a bunch of email news services to be delivered to your work email? I get a couple of work-industry-related news emails every day, and some general news alerts. They... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 3:10 PM on April 5, 2006

I've had decent luck with the Somerville parking dept. waiving tickets... though they don't seem to consistently record the fact that the tickets are waived, as I just received a hearing notice for something that I was told was taken care of. It's worth a shot to take the ticket in and see if they can make it go away.
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:40 AM on March 21, 2006

You sound very similar to a friend I had in college. She was a very sweet, caring person, very smart, had a huge interest in tv/movies, and was pretty interesting. However, she had no clue about social cues and interacting with people. She became part of the group of friends I was in because she just started tagging along with us, until we eventually got used to her being there and started to include her (this included some incredibly awkward moments of tagging along, like my roommate and I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by banjo_and_the_pork at 5:45 PM on March 7, 2006