Quoting Guitar Player, January 1999:It is deified as the perfect evocation of a blues-rock guitar solo by practically everyone--the notable exception being the cat who actually played it.

"I've always had `Crossroads' held up as, like, one of the great landmarks of guitar playing," said Eric Clapton in an April '98 interview with Britain's Mojo. "But most of that solo is on the wrong beat. Instead of playing on the two and four, I'm... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:02 AM on May 9, 2008 marked best answer

I lie awake at night and worry about this.

That's a pretty good reason to justify the expense of consulting an attorney.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 4:31 PM on September 28, 2007

An elderly relative passed away last year, and the bulletin board at his funeral included a decades-old photograph of him riding a tractor that he had built. Apparently he built two.

I thought that was cool. Sadly, I've never built any tractors.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 2:30 PM on September 4, 2007

Ideally, this shouldn't be a scale-model sort of thing, but an actual, practical, but miniature anything.

That description fits the Prybaby Keychain Edition.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:03 PM on August 21, 2007

What I'm looking for is other options we haven't thought of...

Smith. Johnson. Williams. Jones. Brown. Et cetera.

If you're locked into the idea that your surname needs to carry "meaning," then maybe that option isn't for you. But since you mentioned computers and practicality, it's worth considering that common names confer instant anonymity and nobody ever asks how they're spelled.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:25 AM on August 14, 2007

They measure traffic by counting the number of cars that drive over them. You know those rubber hoses at the gas station that ring the bell when you drive over them? Same principle.

By putting 2 cables a few yards apart, you can distinguish between traffic in each direction: If cable A is activated before cable B, then you're driving north. If B is activated before A, then you're driving south.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 7:54 AM on August 10, 2007

John Patterson, founder and president of the National Cash Register Company, published a now-famous sales manual in 1923 which included his principles of self-improvement, divided into 5 categories with 10 principles each. The first category is physical:Simple food, quality, quantity.Regularity in eating and sleep.Masticate; leave table hungry.We are a part of all we have eaten.Exercise, five minutes, three times daily.Air — most important.Sunlight, artificial light.Water inside and outside.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 3:18 PM on August 8, 2007

There are reasons to accompany coworkers on a social outing — reasons which have nothing whatsoever to do with the nature or destination of that outing — that don't apply to a "fun couple's night out."

If her coworkers are "celebrating a large milestone from work," then she ought to tag along regardless of where they go. I would, in her shoes; and if I were you, I'd consider not focusing on the fact that it's a strip club, because that may be... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:28 AM on August 6, 2007

Based on what you wrote, I'd probably advise her to accept the job in D.C.

The only family she really has is me and...

That's a nice sentiment, but boyfriends aren't really family. You mention your "hope" to marry and her "inten[tion]" to subsequently quit, but you didn't mention an engagement and three years is a long time, especially if (?) you're 20-something. Hope for the best but plan for the worst.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 2:14 PM on July 22, 2007

On the low-tech side of suggestions, what I usually do is Print --> Save as PDF (on a Mac). I don't know whether there's a comparable solution for Windows, but a screenshot would also suffice. PDF versus JPG, either way you've got the content easily saved in an accessible format.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:10 AM on July 22, 2007

Folks are correct that it depends on the industry and location, and obviously the peculiarity of whichever company you're applying to — but based on the only criteria you specified ("major companies" whose job "requirements always include a BS in a related field"), I would feel confident speculating that yes, they will verify your education.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 11:12 PM on July 21, 2007

Hot oil is really good at killing things... Germs are no stronger than crusaders.

Ha. No kidding.

Julia Child and Jacques Pépin were on camera together once, preparing chicken for the oven.CHILD: I have washed this chicken with hot water. And if we take...

PEPIN: I don't wash my chicken.

CHILD: And he doesn't wash his hands. I think in France they're not as worried about... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:48 AM on July 19, 2007

As a music copyist, I've had problems with hand cramps and yes, practice helps. If you use ballpoint, switch to rollerball for easier ink flow (which requires less pressure, which is easier on your hand). Spend some money on a decent one, even just a Cross. It makes a difference.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 3:33 PM on July 10, 2007

FutureMe should work great...

Last time I tried, FutureMe rejected any submission set to delay less than 1 year. Right now it appears to be set for a 90-day minimum — so no, it probably won't work for your "next few weeks" purpose.

On the other hand, I can confirm that it does work for periods >1 year.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:52 PM on June 20, 2007

futureme sends a verification message...

I've used it a couple of times, both to send e-mails to myself and to surprise others, and I've never received or had the surprise spoiled by any verification message.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:38 AM on June 21, 2007

Slight tangent:

Why would Starbucks throw perfectly good coffee away?

If I recall correctly, the employee manual states that brewed coffee must be disposed of after 3 hours. This creates tension with the pressure on managers to reduce costs — since obviously, one easy solution is to keep coffee hot until it's sold.

On paper, Starbucks is committed to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 11:17 PM on June 20, 2007

I'm a bit paranoid about Internet commerce, and I routinely "cancel" my credit card and request a new account number. I've never been asked to pay any fee.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:46 PM on June 20, 2007

Try this.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 11:10 AM on June 15, 2007

I used to work in a record store with a couple dozen music fanatics including emo kids, Dead Heads, metal freaks, hip-hop loyalists, a trance DJ and a jazz musician. In that environment, it's nearly impossible to find any album that everybody likes. We found three: It's a Shame About Ray by the Lemonheads, Too Far to Care by the Old 97's, and Have a Ball by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.

Also, although most of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:54 PM on June 14, 2007

There are some good suggestions here. (If that link doesn't work, search Google Groups for 9180819d6e4282e7, which is a thread wherein somebody posed the same question to Rec.Music.Bluenote in October 2000.)

If I were going to recommend one disc to satisfy your criteria, it would be Flutology. Ali Ryerson is probably the most high-profile flutist in modern jazz, and any of her CDs would fit your niece's needs. I'd suggest that one simply because 3... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 4:06 PM on June 11, 2007

I also feel like I should tell my sister in case she isn't fully aware of her fiance's past.

I tend to agree with bunnycup, but if you do decide to talk to your sister I'd suggest that a key distinction is: Don't "tell" her. Ask.

You can't be sure how much she already knows, and you can defuse the potential for "personal slight," as you say, by adopting a less aggressive approach. If you decide that it's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 7:30 PM on June 8, 2007

I can't speak to recent episodes, but sfogliatelle were often mentioned, bought, and eaten during early episodes.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 1:43 PM on June 8, 2007

My fiancée has a Louis and a Chanel. Both wear like iron and could indeed be described as "beast" and "tank" (although not within earshot of my fiancée).

Compared to her previous Coach handbags, yes, the expensive stuff is better made. She doesn't coddle hers like the collectors do, and I did notice a difference between stuff lasting months without wear, versus years.

As probablysteve notes, Filson... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:55 AM on June 6, 2007

Are there surveillance cops watching for this sort of thing?

Yes, there are. Every year around July 4, the MA state police put a couple patrols around the border (95, 93, 495, and Route 3, southbound all) looking for fireworks visible inside cars. They also look for vans smuggling the fireworks into MA for resale; if you're driving a van through Chelmsford on July 3 and you spot a cruiser, keep to the speed limit.

If you watch... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:01 AM on June 2, 2007

You are a slacker. Whether you feel bad about the behavior is irrelevant. It's like saying, "I'm not a womanizer. Sure, I go through about 200 one-night stands in a year...but I always feel bad." If you honestly want to improve yourself, then you have to be honest with yourself. Stop insisting that you're not a slacker. You demonstrably are. Admit the problem.

Depression is real, and can be debilitating.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:13 AM on May 25, 2007

being depressive absolutely does not make a person a slacker.

Of course not. But repeatedly blowing deadlines and missing classes, not to mention outright failing to submit multiple assignments, does make a person a slacker. Being "depressed" doesn't change that.

You're demonstrating my point, so thanks: People with depression often use it as an excuse. If the OP were saying, "I'm a slacker... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:04 AM on May 25, 2007

I can't speak to whether (e) is "creepy," but I think it's a bad idea. This isn't donating a kidney. There's a reason that sperm banks are anonymous. You're talking about a long-term, fluid, emotional situation and I'd advise you not to be one of those people who says, "I know other people's situations go awry, but my life is different." People behave (and change) in unpredictable ways, and inviting your brother into the middle of your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 11:37 AM on May 24, 2007

hermitosis: A gift is always voluntary...

sutel: A gift is optional...

No, it's not.

I mean, I suppose you could attend your niece's lavish wedding wearing a T-shirt and ripped dungarees and leave abruptly after dinner without ever speaking to the newlyweds to say "Hello" or "Congratulations." You won't be arrested by the police. But for... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 12:48 PM on May 21, 2007

$5 to valets on Federal Hill in Providence — because I'm a regular at a couple restaurants, because they know me and take care of me, and because $5 is still less than I'd pay to park in a lot. I can't speak to Vegas.

On the rest of 'em, I'm even with your stats.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 5:38 PM on May 13, 2007

This thread is going to close today, so this will be my last chance to update. Thanks again to everybody who answered. I can't post my decision yet, but I wanted to drop a last note for future applicants who might find this thread. I know there are a lot of resources available, but AskMe is unique and I hope somebody else finds it helpful.

I ended up visiting 6 different schools to interview with admissions, tour campus, and sit in on classes. I also read all the books —... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:14 AM on May 10, 2007

Last month, I attended a speech on this very subject by the author of this book.

The book is more of a brainstorming and reference aid than a step-by-step walkthrough of any particular A-to-B career change, and it's repetitive in places; but she seems to cover a lot of ground. Everybody who attended received a complimentary copy. I got two. You're welcome to the extra, if you want it. E-mail in profile.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 5:30 PM on May 9, 2007

The Postman Always Rings Twice is a quick read that ends on page 116.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 11:15 PM on May 4, 2007

There are (apparently) no red-light cameras in Massachusetts. If you watch WBZ's 11 o'clock news broadcast on Channel 4 in about 13 minutes, you'll see a report about it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 7:47 PM on May 3, 2007 marked best answer

Quoting from WBZ correspondent Joe Shortsleeve's report, which just aired:"The only place in New England using the cameras is Providence. ...why are there no red-light cameras in Massachusetts? Because state regulations require an insurance surcharge if you run a red light, but most communities want to issue a simple ticket without the surcharge. A bill has been filed to allow for the ticketing system, but so far it hasn't passed."Apparently the town of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:20 PM on May 3, 2007 marked best answer

ambrosia: That's ingenious. I'll consider it.

Yes, I will have a locker. No, I won't be able to run home between classes; my commute will be about 90 minutes in either direction. I anticipate spending plenty of time in the library, which may help: The more work I finish at school, the fewer books I'll need to carry home.

I don't like wheeled bags, and won't use one. I don't have a specific objection to wearing a backpack, just that it's been a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:28 AM on May 1, 2007

stefnet: My bag also has the Freudian Slip insert and the Snake Charmer.

Are those separate, removable items that fit inside the Brain Bag, or are they actually sewn into the bag itself if you order them as add-on options?
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:07 AM on May 1, 2007

I e-mailed Tom Bihn and got this reply:The Brain Bag is definitely big enough to swallow several dictionary-sized books. Many law students use the Brain Bag.

Check out this link to our discussion forums where a law student posted about their experience using the Brain Bag. They also included pictures showing what they were able to fit inside of the Brain Bag.

I hope that helps - let me know if you have any further questions. Feel... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 7:12 PM on May 3, 2007

I tend to agree with kindall. But my second instinct would probably be to approach a couple of my favorite restaurants/bakeries and see whether I could trade for a gift certificate.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 12:17 PM on May 3, 2007

Sedo.com says the owner wants $600 for it, which is just plain ridiculous.

That's par. In my experience, these squatters don't compromise. It apparently isn't worth their bother: They make enough money from registering 500 domains and collecting exorbitant sums for 10 to justify the investment, and it isn't worth paying a sales staff to actually negotiate. And don't count on them letting the domain expire, either; they renew everything blindly, because... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:20 AM on May 1, 2007

One way to overcome a low undergraduate GPA is to establish a new, higher GPA. Find a community college and take classes, either toward another degree (associate's?) or not. If you lived in Boston, for example, you could enroll in night classes at Harvard Extension School and study whatever you like. Admissions departments recognize maturity; if you can show them a recent year of straight-A's, they'll give less weight to your 5-year-old 2.1.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:14 AM on May 1, 2007

Nope. Doesn't work. (Using the latest builds of OS X and Safari on a PowerBook.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 6:44 PM on April 28, 2007

There's live music (mostly jazz) happening every night between May 6–9 at Berklee College of Music. If the concert is held in the Berklee Performance Center, tickets cost $5. Otherwise admission is free. (The only exception on the dates you mention is Joshua Redman's concert on May 6, which costs $40/$32.50.)

You can find the calendar here, with directions and a campus map. All of the concerts listed on those dates are located in either the Berklee Performance Center or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 11:08 AM on April 28, 2007

Can any Bostonites recommend someplace that is...easily defensible in the case of zombie attack?

Well, Smith & Wollensky has taken over the old Boston armory. It's a block away from the Arlington T stop and serves plenty of good food and booze. If you want someplace to hole up and defend against zombies, this place is literally a castle. Beat that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:20 PM on April 19, 2007

If this guy didn't sue, then I'd guess that you're fine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:09 PM on March 23, 2007

(IANAL.) He's got a fair point. I wouldn't worry about him being able to make it in a court of law; but sure, theoretically, if he could somehow demonstrate that your site caused books to remain unsold, then he could convince a judge to hear the case.

All of which is beside the point, however, which is that you're behaving like an adolescent. Try working retail for minimum wage sometime, and you'll walk a mile in the shoes of the only folks who will... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:35 AM on March 22, 2007

If you're morbid, then so am I.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 8:27 AM on March 21, 2007

I can recommend 60 Seconds & You're Hired. I own it, and it's good.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 10:28 AM on March 18, 2007

George F. Will.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 9:37 PM on March 13, 2007

I can't offer advice, but I thought you might appreciate some hope: This happened to me, twice.

When I was in high school, I bought my girlfriend a nice ring. We were driving one night, in the middle of an argument, when she rolled down her window and threw the ring out of the car. We were doing about 45 mph past a muddy embankment along the edge of a forest. I drove her home, then turned around and went back. She showed up about 10 minutes later, having asked her... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 7:45 AM on March 13, 2007

corporations will always opt for "expensive" or "simple"

That should have read, "expensive" over "simple." And apologies for the lengthy derail. CDs ≠ DVDs.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cribcage at 7:58 PM on March 10, 2007