Based on this post I ended up getting the Vibram Five Fingers. I couldn't be happier. Even though I had to take the first pair back because they were too small (I punished myself for a full day in them on carpet at the house). When I went back and got the next size up it was absofreakinloutely amazing how comfortable they seemed. Weird yes, but really as close to barefoot as you can be with shoes on. Every time you go out in them someone will ask where you got them (after first asking WTF... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 7:16 PM on May 22, 2008

Wal-Mart has these 24" long plastic sliders that attach to the top and bottom of your poster. The top one has an adhesive plastic hanger that you can then use to tack to the wall with a single tack or nail. The bottom one has just enough weight to keep the poster (even a new one) from curling up. These cost about 2 bucks and the poster is completely unharmed. Wal-Mart sells them in the racks with the posters.

ican'tbelieveitoldsomeonetogotowalmartimgoingtohell
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:01 PM on August 18, 2007

sorry, didn't read the UK bit. Hopefully Wal-Mart has not invaded Great Britain.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:03 PM on August 18, 2007

theora, I use that white-tacky stuff. It holds a bit too well. When I removed some posters that had been up for a couple of years it took the paint off (eeeks!)
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 8:33 AM on August 20, 2007

I used dial antibacterial soap that comes in the pump without any fragrance (the orange stuff). After washing my hands first I simply lathered up the jewelry and my ears anytime I noticed dried blood or when the jewelry didn't move freely. I found the shower and warm H2O helped relieve any gunk. I worked the jewelry (8GA) in and out, but never removed it. Then using warm water I rinsed and repeated. I did this 2 times a day for the first 2 weeks. Then it seemed that the smegma and blood... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 8:55 PM on August 18, 2007

Awesome! You did it! MSF = yes. Take the advanced course, you've enough experience to skip the beginner's course. Gear up and don't feel embarrassed when some squid rides by with no helmet, wearing flip-flops and gives you the eye. A great place to get new, but discontinued gear is newenough.com Great gear at excellent prices with reasonable shipping charges.

After what you've been through this purchase will be worth every penny and may be as much of a personal... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 7:49 PM on August 6, 2007

I've had TMJ since my 20's. It flares up occasionally and I've tried all the aforementioned methods (except for what your quack is recommending). I notice that any increase in my level of stress causes the tension and grinding to increase, so I try to take it easy. I try definitely avoid popping my jaw on purpose and avoid caffeine or anything that constricts blood vessels. I take chondrotin and avoid chewing gum like the plague.

I recently tried to quit smoking and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:23 PM on August 5, 2007

As long as it is still physically possible, you are never too old for kids. They are worth it and will keep you young.

I'm 40 and have boys 7 and 4. Would love to try for a girl....wife says not a chance. May adopt one... GOOD LUCK!
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 2:07 PM on April 17, 2007

Pool lighting in properly constructed/inspected pools is 12 Volt. A transformer by the equipment converts the 120V to 12 V. No possible way for 12V to harm you.

Now, if an idiot builds his own pool, or a pool builder wants to go bankrupt quick by saving $100 on the transformer all bets are off. However I'm quite sure you can't even order a non-12V pool light.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:48 PM on April 17, 2007

Additionally, it would even be hard to get a 12V shock since most reputable pool builders ground the light to the pools structural steel and a ground point prior to gunite/plaster finishing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:50 PM on April 17, 2007

Lost my Mom today. This thread was the first search result. Thanks to everyone who shared.

Thank you Metafilter. XOXO
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:34 PM on February 26, 2007

If you don't care about having the "latest model" you can save tons of cash shopping the Web bargains at Campmor.com. They ship cheap and fast and have some awesome deals.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 5:59 PM on November 5, 2006

FWIW: I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on eBay and have been scammed only once for about $50 (knocks wood). As others mentioned upthread the key is to carefully scrutinize the seller's feedback and trust your gut instinct. Also use PayPal to take advantage of buyer protection and eBay's Buyer Central forum
The longest week I ever spent was waiting for a >$2K guitar to arrive after buying it on eBay. With an actual value of over $4K (and rising) it is one of my best... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 6:55 PM on April 17, 2006

I politely open the door for whomever is nearby regardless of age/race/sex. It is just the polite thing to do. Sometimes it is easier to open the door and let them go through. Other times it makes more sense to pause a moment to hold the door for them as they walk through behind me.

Does this make me some sort of freak? Down in these-here-parts it is considered a simple, common courtesy (as is the "Thank You" I usually receive for doing so).... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:39 PM on April 3, 2006

..but loses cool points for admitting the fact...
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:26 PM on February 26, 2006

Try The Memory Hole. That site requests and posts documents using the Freedom of Information Act to disseminate recently unclassified information. I quit hitting that site because it usually just adds to my already heightened sense of despair at injustice in our Great Land. Here is a link to the US Dept. of State's FOIA reading room where you can make requests etc.. More journalism FOIA resources here.

BTW: I'm a NOOB...Paging Y2Karl (props).... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 10:42 PM on December 23, 2005

LIsten, my five-year old wonder of a blue=eyed son thinks I am the greatest magician in the world. He still hasn't caught me pulling candy coins from his ears or palming coins. You don't have to lie. You only have to go along. A child's imagination needs no fuel. It is the perfect engine using exactly the same amount of energy it produces. I can't imagine why anyone but a totalitarian would want to quash the wonder of childhood. It is akin to forcing the eyes of puppies open. It will... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 10:36 PM on December 18, 2005

posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 10:40 PM on December 18, 2005

Lots of great suggestions here (I'm geeky). I always thought my security technologist's Binary LED clock was cool. I also love the Coolermaster Musketeer that occupies the spare 5.25" drive slot in my PC. My endless search for gadgets to customize my geek-box led me to the useful Silverstone 6-in-1 flash reader I have in my spare 3.5' bay. I'm also sure my geekiness is fully advertised when I break these out when using my laptop on airplanes. Just for fun how about some new glasses?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 7:43 PM on December 17, 2005

A nice set of poker chips (the clay kind not the plastic) can sometimes be found on ebay for around $50 (they are heavy though so shipping is usually the large part of the equation). I got a really good set for a steal (clay with coin inlay $45 shipped) just like these on ebay recently-not the usual crap in this price range. They are heavy like real vegas chips and the coin inlay makes a nice klinking sound as you rake the pot. You might be cutting it close on your deadline using ebay though... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 5:41 PM on December 10, 2005

Purple Porpoise I've got a set of those too. They are really cool, but my poker buddies and I found them hard to shuffle/deal. Because of this I use them for Solitaire (non-PC variety) instead of for poker.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:30 PM on December 11, 2005

I found I was only able to stop biting my nails when, as a teenager, I got braces on my teeth. I couldn't bite them for two years and never started again. Unfortunately I began smoking which took another 18 years to quit. *4 1/2 weeks gert-free! YAY!
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 5:47 PM on December 10, 2005

BVRP makes MPT. My experience is that it is somewhat buggy software, but it will eventually do what you want in a manner easier (and safer) than hacking the phone.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 8:38 PM on November 27, 2005

bonaldi writes "It's a Nokia, and the joy about them is that every single handset uses *the same charger*. Just find someone who has a Nokia phone and visit their house.

"I always buy them for just that reason.
"posted by bonaldi at 5:36 PM PST on November 23 [!]"


The newer Nokias have different chargers. I just rolled out a ton of new phones for my userbase at work, and that was the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:13 AM on November 24, 2005

Good call crazyray. That's exactly what I usually tell my starfish when they lose or forget their chargers while traveling. Completely slipped my mind, but that would be the short answer to logovisual's dilemna.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 8:26 PM on November 24, 2005

IANAL but, as a lawyer, I would recommend you leave these fraudulent eBay auction conspiracies to more seasoned (and more intelligent) grifters. Anyone who sent be a box of rocks, or jug of water in the place of a $3500 computer would not find Bakersfield, CA a large enough place to hide.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 5:04 PM on November 13, 2005

Thanks everyone. I don't use Ask Mefi too much, and really appreciate the suggestions. This gives me something to focus on besides the uncertainty. I honestly feel a bit selfish worrying about this. My situation pales in comparison to so many in the Gulf Coast.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 4:17 PM on September 2, 2005

if the home is older it may have metal conduit that is grounded at the fusebox. All it takes to ground the outlet is a new outlet-which will have a ground terminal (about $2), and a pig tail (short piece of 10GA wire). Kill the breaker to the outlet and unscrew the plate. Use a flashlight and see if the box is metal. If so, get a drill and drill a small hole in the back of the box. Connect the pig tail to the new outlet on the green (or ground) terminal and then connect the other end of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 7:54 PM on September 1, 2005

I have two boys 5 and 2. We also had issues after lil' bro started walking/talking. A few suggestions :

My wife has monthly "dates" with my 5 year old. They go to the zoo, movies, or just shopping. It gives him a sense of his individual worth and makes up for the things once "his" and now "shared"

I include him when teaching his brother. I make it his responsibliity to assist me in showing his brother how to do... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 7:39 PM on September 1, 2005

Breath mints won't hurt either...sockets filled with coagulation can be quite odoriferous.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:39 PM on July 24, 2005

In my experience USB audio sucks system resources something fierce.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 3:17 AM on June 19, 2005

Agree, the pet products work great. Also, next time don't invite Poppy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 4:29 PM on June 4, 2005

I use the hot tapwater, a scrub brush and dishwashing liquid. Just don't let the brim get too soaked. Afterwards I hang it on a hook by the fan to air dry.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 4:21 PM on June 4, 2005

Strawberry Ice Cream!!
Strawberry Pizza??

posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 4:18 PM on June 4, 2005

Last time I was in the Summit area (some years ago) A-Basin was the only resort that allowed snowboarding. They had an excellent half-pipe and embraced snowboarders heartily. If you want to avoid the crowds Keystone's night skiing is excellent and usually open for clear and speedy sailing. There is a godola to the top, but the lighted areas are limited to a few major runs.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 6:47 PM on February 19, 2005

This is a pretty good primer site. I really enjoyed a collection of African Chiclids (indigenous to Lake Tanganyika in Africa). They are very colorful and active. Good luck, it is a wonderful hobby/pet experience. Just gets a little tough if you move a lot or are away from home for extended periods.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:36 AM on February 19, 2005

Whoops didn't realize that was an advert..HERE is a much better link.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:39 AM on February 19, 2005

GPS is one way only. Multiple Geostationary satellites send signals at timed intervals allowing a GPS Receiver to triangulate position.

You could use a handheld GPS or GPS equipped PDA when you park to check and log the longitude/latitude for future reference though.

Npw that I think of it, Onstar uses a combo of GPS and cellphone services to track vehicles. Maybe there would be a cheaper way to set this up, but the service itself is only... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:05 AM on February 19, 2005

My 29-year old Pioneer SX-950 receiver is still one of the finest pieces of equipment I have ever owned. Their current Elite Series equipment continues to garner rave reviews in the midrange price arena. Weighs almost 60 pounds! They don't make them like this anymore.

I've had excellent luck with Toshiba CRT televisions with two models lasting more than 15 years without a problem. A couple of years ago I went with their 36" CRT HDTV instead of a big screen... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 4:58 PM on February 5, 2005

Not being a BoSox fan I still enjoyed HBO's The Curse of the Bambino

Not sure how easily you'll fing BTs for the following, but here's my short list:

Ditto on Touching the Void

Also liked Dogtown and Z-Boy

Capturing the Friedmans was disturbing yet compelling

The following are awesome visual/musical interpolations of humanity and it's interaction with earth and each other... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 11:33 PM on January 1, 2005

Costanza (Ditto)
Drew Carey
Rodney Dangerfield (Ditto)
Rosanna Rosannadanna
Charlie Brown
Letterman
Richard Lewis
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 10:58 PM on January 1, 2005

Don't stand
Don't stand so
Don't stand so close to me
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:42 PM on December 22, 2004

93,000,000miles/186,000mps = 8 min 20 seconds..gravity well and all...
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:39 PM on December 22, 2004

I've always moved across social groups, able to fit in and adapt to whatever the "norm" was for each varied subset. In highschool and college I had friends within all of the standard cliques. As an artist and musician I used to wear my individuality on my shoulder, but soon realized that individuality was itself a cliche.

I finally grew up gave up the dream of "making it". I got a corp job, got married, started filling the nest, and cut my hair... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:30 AM on December 4, 2004

I would love to have tattoo coverage for all skin on my body that can be covered by a wearing a t-shirt and shorts

'cept on my pp you know..owee!
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 9:35 AM on December 4, 2004

The thing that cracks me up is when I get my bank statement and an ad for a new credit card from my bank on the same day and guess which one is marked "Please Do not Discard?" =)

I get at least 4 of these "Please Do not discard" CCard apps weekly. Since I, for one, welcome our plastic overlords, I decided to obey. It only takes a second to write "VOID" using my Sharpie on the application. Then I wad up everything and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 6:08 PM on December 1, 2004

My Ximeta 160Gig NAS/Fire/USB external died about a month after the 1 year warranty. It was always on (no power switch), and never moved from my desk from the first time I turned it on. I cracked the case (after Ximeta denied the warranty replacement) to find the aluminum case that I assumed acted as a heatsink was not designed to make contact with the crappy Samsung HD they used. Upon closer inspection the overheated, endlessly spinning drive threw a bearing that got caught by the head and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 10:17 AM on December 1, 2004

You could go for the obvious and wash it all down with this.
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 1:28 PM on November 29, 2004

My trick:
I always equalize pressure by holding my nose, closing my mouth and attempting to exhale. You hear a little squeak or pop as the excess air goes out your ears. Pain ceases immediately for me. I am not an MD but I play one online.

Some Web resources:
Chew Gum
Aerotitis
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 10:01 AM on November 29, 2004

Watch the 'Baby Talk' episode of Seinfeld with them?
posted to Ask Metafilter by HyperBlue at 8:27 PM on November 28, 2004