I have a last name that is virtually impossible for Americans to pronounce correctly on the first try. I have dealt with mispronunciations since I was a little kid, and they no longer bother me. I wouldn't change it, because my respect for my family heritage outweighs my desire for a simple name. A first name is different though... you have to hear people say it a lot more, and it often doesn't carry the same ancestral baggage. If it really bugs you, change it, but keep in mind the identity... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 2:03 AM on May 14, 2008

Cookout season is upon us! Grill your chicken for a whole new world of flava. Charcoal imparts tons of flavor and tasty charred bits. Propane is a good substitute.

Marinate your chicken overnight. It's easy and will soak all the way through the meat. Instead of a recipe, here's some basics for a good BBQ marinade:

It should consist of roughly equal amounts acid and oil. Acid is essential to a marinade; it penetrates muscle fibers and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 4:31 AM on March 31, 2008

What Knave said, and I'll add that it's exacerbated by the sodium-vapor light source. That type of streetlamp puts out a single wavelength of light, so it makes the effect more dramatic. If it were the sun, the different wavelengths that compose full-spectrum light would diffract at different angles, and you would end up with a softer flare shape.
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 11:55 PM on March 30, 2008 marked best answer

I got some incense from an Asian supermarket. 400 sticks for $1.25! It is distinct from head-shop incense, and I have been complimented on the smell. You may or may not have an issue with the hippie connotations.
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 5:40 AM on March 26, 2008

Channa Masala. Cheap, delicous, you can make a lot at once, and it makes great leftovers. Plus it gives you that health-power! feeling.


Cook soul food, just without the usual pork element. Cornbread takes about 10 minutes to mix up the batter, and 25 to cook. Steam some collard greens, heat up a can of black eyed peas. Throw some sliced up sweet potatoes with herbs and butter in the oven; might as well. Instant grits, surprisingly good for a 1-minute... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 5:33 AM on March 26, 2008

Hummus has some (healthy) fats from olive oil, but also much protein. You can make it yourself if you have a food processor. PM me for a recipe; it's time consuming but easy. I am of the opinion that good hummus is a gift from God.

The proper dipping vehicle is pita bread. Grocery stores will rip you off on pita, but you may be able to find a middle eastern market or restaurant and get a good deal. If you want that chip-like crunch, you can toast them. This place... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 4:31 AM on March 7, 2008

the Faber Castell is the right shape, but I'm pretty sure that's not it... Somehow I remember a larger sans-serif font. I'm going to ask my mom if she remembers tomorrow, but somehow I doubt it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 3:01 AM on December 10, 2007

Driving manual is great. You'll be bored with automatics once you start. I think there's some common mental ground amongst manual drivers-- we like to be in control, efficient, and effective. I'm not sure about the chick diggage factor, but I know that any stick shifter will respect another stick shifter a little more because of it. Plus, one day you may have to drive someone else's manual-transmission car in an emergency.

As far as MPG: work with the road. Use... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by scose at 12:01 AM on May 21, 2007 marked best answer