Seconding Metroid Baby on the checking on people in general and offering support to anyone who needs it. Anyone can fall down the stairs and break a leg. That's not something confined to fat people.

I have a colleague who didn't show up for work one day and we were concerned enough to call him and make sure he was okay and that had nothing to do with the state of his health...it was enough that he was missing and no one knew why. (Turns out he'd called in and the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 10:06 AM on October 9, 2008

I like it when the first person to the door holds it open, at the very least, male or female. If I'm first to the door, I'll hold it for my boyfriend. But for me it's not a chivalry thing more so than just being respectful of other people. I feel like many people today are in their own little selfish bubble and completely disregard what's going on around them, and it makes me angry when one of these "me me me" people walks into me or slams a door in my face because they didn't even... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 8:47 AM on October 8, 2008

When I was going through a rough patch, I called a mental/behavioral health clinic and asked for an appointment. When told that this was first visit, they went into "new patient" mode and had me come in to do paperwork and I remember taking a standardized test. Then I saw the psychiatrist who evaluated what I needed. Her diagnosis consisted of whether or not I needed meds or ongoing counseling or both.

So, yea, if your insurance will cover it or if you can... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 1:58 PM on October 6, 2008

I suppose it might affect things if they think that you blew off the call and were gabbing with a friend at the time. But, these things do happen...if I was interviewing you, I'd be more inclined to be sympathetic because my cell phone does this all the time and it drive me nuts.

All you can really do is apologize and indicate (briefly) that there was some kind of outage at the time which meant the calls weren't getting through. Don't dwell on it though.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 10:40 AM on October 6, 2008

Interesting, I had just read about the Starfish Project in a magazine. You'll have to see what meds they accept on their site.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 11:01 PM on October 4, 2008

Unless you're objecting from a "evil empire" standpoint with the Dupont comment, why can't the polyester, etc. be the insulation of the coat? It wouldn't touch his skin, that's what the lining is for.

Also, you mention your child's allergies to synthetic fabrics but then say the coat can't be made of wool. Frankly, if you're avoiding synthetics altogether, wool is your best choice, so why is it off the table?
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 6:47 PM on October 4, 2008

She could carry around a can of Reddi-Whip with a label on it that says Shimmer...and memorize the lines from the fake commercial. It's a floor polish and a dessert topping!
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 6:42 PM on October 4, 2008

Yea, I came in to say alpaca, actually, but cashmere works too. It is possible for it to be lighter and warmer at the same time due to the fibers. Cashmere and alpaca fibers are thinner than merino (usually, if we're talking high quality stuff) and so, there are more of them in the same type of yarn, and they can trap more air.

Plus, cashmere is cuddlier than merino, so it may be more fun for you to wear.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 6:59 AM on October 2, 2008 marked best answer

I also have a 12" ibook G4 that I've upgraded to 1 gig of RAM and I love it. It even runs World of Warcraft pretty well. I only use it for web browsing and iPhoto so I haven't really run into an issue with it not being an Intel Mac.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 9:09 PM on October 1, 2008

I have used wireless networks in hotels before and been blocked from sending email to certain domains, like comcast, with the same kind of message being returned. I don't think there's anything sinister there.

In those cases instead of sending from the email client on my laptop, I've logged into webmail and sent from there. That way, the mail is coming from my domain and not the hotel's domain.

I'm not sure why it's not showing up in sent mail,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 6:11 AM on September 30, 2008

Thirding Weeds.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 10:12 AM on September 29, 2008

A lawyer, even on contingency, will take a good percentage of your settlement/verdict, say 30% plus expenses. You'd end saving about $1,200, at best.

When my boyfriend had medical expenses from a car accident he got a lawyer to go after the money for him. In addition to getting the money, the lawyer also negotiated with the health care providers to get them to agree to a percentage of the settlement. Even though the providers got paid less than the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 10:42 AM on September 28, 2008

Yea, like emd says, it could be stuff growing in your drain and when the water hits the drain, it forces the gases up into the room. I've had that happen with a kitchen drain.

Does it smell like rotten eggs? I know you say it doesn't smell like it's coming from the water but sometimes this smell can develop in the hot water heater and it's really obvious when the water is turned on. But then it would smell like that at every hot water tap, not just the shower.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 10:12 AM on September 28, 2008

You're using less power because the compressor is not kicking on, which is what uses most of the power. This page claims the fan motor only consumes 10% of the total power used by the unit, but no idea where that figure came from.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 10:08 AM on September 28, 2008 marked best answer

I had to do a liquid diet at one point for different reasons and drank alot of high-protein instant chicken broth. Honestly, it doesn't taste great and if you don't need to worry about protein then I wouldn't recommend it.

But I did come in to say that if you find yourself eating less fiber than you normally do, you may have some constipation issues. If you've never dealt with that before, there are a number of options such as this tea which will help. Or you can just... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 11:49 PM on September 27, 2008

Your deposits are insured in the US up to $100,000 no matter which bank you choose, so as long as you're talking about regular deposit accounts, it doesn't really matter where you bank. I also don't think you can assume that smaller banks are necessarily better. This list of failed banks includes what appear to be small, local institutions too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 7:37 PM on September 26, 2008

I recommend just a mattress and platform bed if only because I think you will have more furniture options in the future. At least right now there seem to be nicer looking options for platforms than for bed frames especially if you like the modern look.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 12:01 PM on September 26, 2008

Consider that there may be a neighborhood car rental place near where you either live or work. If that's the case, you could limit your rentals to the occasional weekend or so, when you really want to be able to drive somewhere. Plus, in alot of these locations, the weekend rates are ridiculously cheap and you don't have to pay the airport taxes.

The under-25 thing doesn't have to be a problem. If you check out the rental car discount list on fatwallet, there are a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 7:16 PM on September 24, 2008

Seconding applesurf. You can see it at about the 3 minute mark here and it looks like "Here, Pussy" to me too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 11:07 PM on September 22, 2008 marked best answer

I didn't see this part of the question answered, so I'll say that AOL had been around in one form or another since the mid-80s, but it wasn't "internet access" until much later.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 1:52 PM on September 11, 2008

You can cook them in about an inch of oil. (Yes, olive oil isn't the best choice but if it's all you have...)

Put the oil in the pan and put it over medium heat (not full power). Let it heat up for 5-10 min. Test the oil heat by putting in one fry. It should bubble pretty furiously, if it doesn't bubble immediately the oil is not hot enough.

Cook maybe a third of the fries at a time, just enough to have a single layer in the pot. A full bag... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 1:39 PM on September 11, 2008

Do you have a good cooler? You can keep frozen stuff on tons of ice in a cooler for a few days if you don't open it very much. Get things you can cook on the grill from frozen (burger patties) and things that thaw quickly (shrimp). Skipping that, you could just get the pre-cooked shrimp and eat them cold.

Does your grill have a side burner? Because if you can boil a pan of water you can eat pasta, rice, and anything that comes in a pouch like those pre-cooked... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 9:38 PM on September 10, 2008

cabingirl
posted to MetaTalk by cabingirl at 8:21 AM on September 10, 2008

I consider my cat Lukas to be average sized. He's a mutt-type cat but medium-haired. He is about 19" from nose to butt with a 10.5" tail. He weighs 12 lbs and has a bit of a poochy belly but is otherwise fit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 2:43 PM on September 6, 2008

Boiling in a pan is a fine method for preparing but 8 minutes is way too long and never put salt in the water - that right there could be the reason it's tough. As long as the water is really boiling when I put the corn in, I only do 3-5 minutes. My mom insists on putting a bit of sugar in the water, although I don't think it does anything. Also, the corn could just have been old. Try to find some fresher, local corn.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 2:34 PM on September 6, 2008

How about something like this? It's 20" deep (at its widest?) so the drawers should be at least 14" deep inside.

If this is the form factor you want, then looking at traditional furniture stores for "chests" rather than "dressers" (which are the long, low ones) is probably your best bet.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 2:44 PM on September 5, 2008

Oh, and here's another one that's closer in price to your original that probably matches your dimensions better, although it's less modern looking. Keep in mind that you can swap out the drawer pulls for a different look.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 2:48 PM on September 5, 2008

You're right, I should have said "if you want to make fun of the delegates or the protestors." I'm all about equal opportunity name calling.
posted to MetaTalk by cabingirl at 12:38 PM on August 28, 2008

Frankly, baphomet, anything central is going to be hell for people on one side of the cities or the other. For example, I'm on the East Side of St. Paul so I'd be driving right through the mess to get to St. Louis Park. I take your point, though.
posted to MetaTalk by cabingirl at 2:43 PM on August 28, 2008

Well, triggerfinger will be here on Wednesday (right?) and COBRA! also suggested Wednesday so...how does Wednesday the 3rd sound to everyone?

I'm fine with meeting in Minneapolis too, but I don't have any suggestions because I don't go out much over there. I saw Brit's or The King and I mentioned upthread. Thoughts?
posted to MetaTalk by cabingirl at 7:40 AM on August 29, 2008

Seriously, my crack about making fun of the delegates notwithstanding, I intended this as an innocent meetup thread.

Anyway, for those who do want to hang out, I'm taking the suggestions above and rolling that into:

Wednesday, Sept 3, 7PM at The Herkimer Pub in Uptown. Unless it's raining, we'll congregate on the patio. I will bring some kind of sign.
posted to MetaTalk by cabingirl at 9:43 AM on August 30, 2008

Thanks for coming everyone! It was fun, if a bit chilly on the patio. At least it wasn't raining.

I believe the attendees included norm, COBRA!, clavicle, vytae, nicepersonality, wheelieman, demogorgon, AstroZombie, louchemustachio, rez, nekro23, Esch, and non-Mefites Coco and Melinda. I have a few photos that I will post soon, and I know rez took some but that was after quite a few people had already left.
posted to MetaTalk by cabingirl at 6:59 AM on September 4, 2008

I covered one panel of my cubicle in hawaiian shirt fabric. I folded it under around the edges and tacked it down with straight pins. You can see it here.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 2:07 PM on September 3, 2008

I wear a size 10 wide to extra wide, so my advice is geared more towards wide shoes than long. I've successfully worn Propet, Hush Puppies, Clarks (the Artisan line) and Naturalizer. I like Naturalizer the best for dressier types, although I've also had a pair of Trotters that were good, and a pair of Ros Hommerson that were amazing. Those who recommended Zappos are right on...if you can handle the hit to the credit card, then order a few pairs at a time and send back the ones you don't like.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 11:33 PM on August 29, 2008

I had a laparoscopic RNY in January 2007. To directly answer your questions, I was back at work in 3 weeks. I think that was due to my youth (early 30s) and the fact that I was relatively healthy going into it.

My insurance didn't seem to care which option I chose as long as I met their criteria. It was the surgeon who decided which way to go based on my fat distribution and if he thought it will be too difficult to manage with lap. They can also decide to convert to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 8:26 PM on August 17, 2008

krautland: actually, Lyn Never is not that far off, at least for my experience. My surgeon required me to lose a certain amount of weight in the month or so leading up to surgery. This is done to shrink the liver so that it isn't as fragile during the procedure. Most people go on a liquid diet for 2 to 3 weeks. If you show up and haven't lost the weight they told you to lose, they can postpone or cancel surgery.

I've also heard of surgeons who want you to lose weight... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 9:31 AM on August 18, 2008

I wasn't trying to discount your personal experience, krautland. I was taking exception to your statement that the surgery will make you throw up all the time. That may have been your experience, but it was not mine, and I know plenty of other people for whom it was not a frequent issue.

The reason I called it "perpetuating a myth" is because when I decided to have surgery, most of the people I told (family and friends) knew someone, or had a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 9:28 PM on August 20, 2008

I have the Goodyear Assurance TripleTreds on my Honda CR-V. They were an immense improvement over the crappy OEM tires and I think they give good traction in rain and snow (I live in St. Paul, Minnesota). They are a little noisy, but that doesn't bother me. I'd buy them again, for sure.

As to whether they will really last that much longer, keep in mind that they are 80k mile tires and the Falkons are either 40k miles or 65k miles depending on which model you pick. So,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 8:19 PM on August 19, 2008

I saw a few tattoos on male swimmers which appeared to be fully in view, although they were both olympic-ring related.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 6:12 PM on August 18, 2008

dancestoblue, the redhead thing was an example, not the actual thing. At least, that's my take.

I think a better example for the OP to use (unless it hit too close to home?) may have been a foot fetish/phobia. I know/have known several people who really hate feet and think they are disgusting and gross. But of course there are also people who have a foot fetish and worship feet.

I don't see how this type of pairing could ever work to your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 11:00 PM on August 16, 2008

I'll nth the problem solving techniques in general and specifically the ability to estimate like mbd suggests. Somehow, I also credit my engineering education with having a big-picture view instead of always being down in the details. I work with a number of people who frequently can't see the forest for the trees and the ability to take a few steps back really helps.

Digging deep in my brain and recalling random equations and constants comes in handy at the most... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 9:57 PM on August 16, 2008

I suffered from menstrual migraines when I was on the pill. To directly answer your question, my migraines were not a sudden, naturally-occurring thing but started happening after starting the pill and always happened during the off week as some kind of estrogen withdrawal.

After some trial and error, I was prescribed Imitrex, which didn't always work. Then I was on Relpax, which almost always did work. Whenever I woke up with a migraine I would take a Relpax and 90%... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 11:37 PM on August 15, 2008

I don't eat much in one meal and have been to a variety of restaurants in the last year (since my dietary restriction started). I have never had a problem ordering a starter as a main course. I've never had anyone give me a hassle about it. If you're with someone who is also eating, then the check is slightly less than it would have been otherwise but not so much that they are going to be giving you the stinkeye from the kitchen or anything.

Tasting menus rock for... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 2:47 PM on August 12, 2008

If you have any friends who knit, they would love to have their very own yarn swift. Here's one example, although you can Google up other designs and I think there's at least one guy who sells a nice set of instructions for one.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 2:01 PM on August 12, 2008

My nutritionist advised me to set a "trigger" weight, which is basically a weight that if you reach or pass it, it should trigger you to knock off whatever behavior is causing you to gain. It's really just a trick to keep you aware of what your body is doing. Just watching weight isn't the answer, but if you use it as a barometer it can be a good indicator that you're getting lax and that you need to focus a bit more.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 1:54 PM on August 12, 2008 marked best answer

It is, JJ6, which is why I write my alternate-ampersand in one stroke, like kottke's silkscreen font linked to above. Starting from the top: a short line down, then a backwards 3, then the bottom bit. No lifting required.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 6:34 AM on August 11, 2008

Yes, I've had a birthday like this. My SO was in New Orleans helping with the Katrina aftermath and my family doesn't live anywhere near me. None of my "friends" even remembered that it was my birthday and I spent the day pretty much alone and in a funk. My realization was that I didn't really have any friends, at least not the kind of friends I wanted to have. But I also had to admit that in my case it was at least partially my fault because I had done little to cultivate those... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 8:53 PM on August 10, 2008

Alton Brown has a frozen yogurt recipe that I haven't tried, but his ice cream recipes are good. The trick seems to be draining the yogurt to make it thicker.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 7:33 PM on August 8, 2008

Vacuformed packaging that has perforations to allow you to get the package open without using a giant scary knife. I suppose that isn't used so often due to the possibility of theft, though.
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 12:08 PM on August 6, 2008

We did this for my parent's 50th anniversary last month and went the iPod playlist route, although he burned stuff to CD to work with the sound system at the rental hall. My brother, who was in charge of music, borrowed heavily from the kind of list that ktrey mentioned. We just Googled for stuff like "1958 hits" and there were a bunch of lists out there. The rest of us helped brainstorm for songs that we knew they liked, such as stuff they would sing along to on the radio. If you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by cabingirl at 10:19 AM on August 4, 2008