Home Movies. A 1975 documentary by a young academic folklorist, exploring what it was that people were doing when they made home movies: remembering selectively, creating a "golden age."
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 8:52 PM on July 21, 2008 (20 comments)

"Muse" is romantic?
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 6:24 PM on July 21, 2008 (109 comments)

In a time before the Prius, the custom conversion van ruled the roadways. Pushing the boundaries of the airbrush form, testing the limits of mobile interior design, featuring the latest in automatic pink leather bed, compact toaster, 8-track, and love machine technology, the 70s van was celebrated in song and cinema. You started with a factory model, new or used, and ended at a place limited onlyby your creativity, your budget, and your old lady's patience (NSFW). Ford could make you a man.If push came to shove, you could even live in your van. It was fantasy on wheels: van-tastic, man.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 9:14 PM on July 18, 2008 (41 comments)

The Winnipeg Folk Festival invites applications and suggestions for the position of Executive Director, seeking an outstanding individual to lead Canada's largest and most successful folk music organization. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of the operations of the Winnipeg Folk Festival. The Board seeks a high-motivated and innovative leader, an experienced cultural administrator and fund-raiser, a passionate advocate of the Festival's mission and vision. With one of North America's premier outdoor music festivals as its signature event, the Winnipeg Folk Festival is a year-round, not-for-profit organization presenting the best in live music, music training, and arts events, as well as operating a retail music store in Winnipeg's historicExchange District. The first Festival was planned as a one-time celebration to mark Winnipeg's 100th anniversary in 1974. Its founder Mitch Podolak has had an enormous impact on the shape and direction of the Canadian folk music community; from 1974 to 1986 he developed the Winnipeg Folk Festival both artistically and organizationally. Today, under the leadership of executive director Trudy Schroeder with artistic director Chris Frayer, the Festival has an annual operating budget of approximately $3.7 million, summer festival attendance exceeding 62,000, more than 2,200 active volunteers, a committed Board of Directors, and exciting plans for the future. It has evolved from a one-weekend event in July into a community asset with folk music at its heart, presenting a range of programs including education and outreach activities, a small performance venue, and other initiatives that span the calendar year. The Festival is a well-managed, fiscally stable operation with an excellent staff. Committed to creating "experiences of discovery and learning through the celebration of people and music," the Festival's long-term organizational goals are to enhance and develop the current summer festival site, undertaking a campaign for both capital and endowment funds, and to be such a positive force within the local community that Winnipeg will be known as the Folk Capital of Canada. The ideal candidate has a background in arts management with a track record as executive director or senior manager in a major arts or community organization. This position requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships in the folk community, and with staff, Board members, volunteers, donors, funding agencies, the media, community partners, and the general public. An understanding of, and an appreciation for, folk music is essential. This individual should have experience in the areas of staff and board development, strategic planning, financial management, and fund-raising, and have the capacity to seek creative solutions within a collaborative setting. Other desired qualifications: post-graduate training in arts administration, not-for-profit management or public administration and capital campaign experience. Bilingualism would be a plus. The Festival has a strong commitment to cultural diversity and community service. Salary commensurate with experience. Please send resume, cover letter, anda list of references by Friday, August 8th to: Margaret Genovese Senior Partner Genovese, Vanderhoof & Associates 77 Carlton Street, Suite 1103 Toronto, Ontario Canada M5B 2J7 416/340-2762 Fax 416/340-6276 gvasearch@gmail.com www.winnipegfolkfestival.ca www.genovesevanderhoof.com
posted to MeFi Jobs by Miko at 9:32 AM on July 17, 2008

MeFi Gardeners: Save your Seeds!
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 5:52 AM on July 9, 2008 (41 comments)

White Mountains Hiking. Need a great dayhike for two middle-aged women and two teens, all fit and adventurous. What would you recommend?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 6:25 PM on July 6, 2008 (8 comments)

American Studies scholars, please help me compare 2 programs in New England and American Studies and get some general advice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 6:40 AM on June 23, 2008 (10 comments)

It's 1881. You're real estate speculator James Lafferty, and you've just bought a large parcel of empty, scrubby shoreside land just south of Atlantic City. Problem is, it's cut off from the AC streetcar line by a deep tidal creek. How do you entice potential buyers to make the trek over the inlet and look at your property? Build a giant elephant, of course. Capitalizing on the celebrity of P. T. Barnum's famous Jumbo, Lafferty built 65-foot tall Lucy the Elephant, the first of three giant elephants Lafferty built (followed by Cape May's Light of Asia and Coney Island's Elephantine Colossus). He even took out a patent on the very idea of buildings shaped like animals. Though threatened by decades of neglect and rot, the Save Lucy Committee began preservation efforts in 1970, moving her to her present site and giving her a complete restoration.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 5:01 PM on June 22, 2008 (21 comments)

What are your favorite, efficient, menu-planning sequences that use a limited set of ingredients in several different ways?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 9:06 AM on June 2, 2008 (25 comments)

Position: Development Director Organization: Vermont Folklife Center Location: Middlebury, Vermont Date posted: 5/21/2008 Application deadline: 6/20/2008 Reports to: Executive Director The Vermont Folklife Center is seeking a highly qualified, enthusiastic individual to serve as its Development Director. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with our professional staff and Board of Trustees to increase philanthropic support for the organization. The successful candidate will have excellent people skills, be self-motivated, have demonstrated experience with all aspects of annual membership and special project campaigns, and be able to facilitate donor cultivation and solicitation activities. S/he must be technologically savvy and competent in all aspects of database management. About the Vermont Folklife Center Founded in 1984, the Vermont Folklife Center’s mission is to document and preserve the voices and traditions of Vermont and its communities. Headquartered in its new offices in downtown Middlebury, the VFC’s new interactive multimedia exhibit, educational classroom, and digital recording studio are state-of-the-art facilities. Our new climate-controlled archive houses over 4000 interviews collected from Vermonters. Our expanded gift shop features a unique shopping experience with exciting items from Vermont and beyond. For over two decades, the Vermont Folklife Center (VFC) has pioneered the use of the oral interview to strengthen communities and build cross-cultural understanding. The VFC’s key programs include our “Discovering Community,” a week-long intensive summer workshop for educators and community leaders; the “Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program,” which strengthens multi-cultural communities; “Youth Radio Vermont,” a program that teaches students the use of digital media as a tool to explore community; and our new Vision & Voice Documentary Workspace, a multi-faceted education site that features the work of both established and novice documentarians in an innovative gallery setting. Job Description Summary The ideal candidate will be personable, organized, and able to set and meet goals and deadlines. The Development Coordinator’s integral role includes supporting the Executive Director, the Board of Trustees and the Folklife Center staff in their philanthropy-related outreach and cultivation activities. A firm belief in the value of a multi-cultural community is needed as well as an appreciation for the preservation of cultural heritage. The Development Director is a full-time position and will, in part: • develop and implement fundraising strategies to engage members, major donors, and corporations and foundation • coordinate direct mail appeals • research corporate and foundation funding opportunities and prepare proposals • plan and implement donor cultivation and stewardship events • manage donor database • acknowledge donors’ gifts in a timely and accurate fashion. • work collaboratively with other staff to advance the mission of the Folklife Center Experience Require a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of three years' related work experience in nonprofit Development or the equivalent. Excellent writing skills and experience with data entry and database reporting are essential. Experience working in FileMaker Pro preferred. Experience with producing direct mail appeals and foundation proposals needed. If you are excited about being a part of the Vermont Folklife Center team and have the experience and qualifications needed, please submit a resume and cover letter: Vermont Folklife Center, Attn: Hiring Committee, 88 Main Street, Middlebury, VT 05753. Fax 802-388-1844. Email: bhooker@vermontfolklifecenter.org. No phone calls please. Salary is commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package is offered as well as a congenial working environment. The Vermont Folklife Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.
posted to MeFi Jobs by Miko at 8:06 AM on May 30, 2008

They are members of the olive family, among the earliest flowering plants imported to the United States. Planted near the front doors of flat, bare early Colonial house facades, they helped to create "dooryard gardens," which softened and brought beauty to a rough-hewn early America. Jefferson planted them; at Monticello, some of those bushes still bloom.. They gave Pan his pipes. They are employed as evocative symbols in American literature, song, and poetry, where they symbolize the sensuousness of love in its earliest stages. Festivals celebrate their blooming, and NOAA tracks the earliest leaves and flowers for evidence of climate change. The inability to smell it may be an early indication of Alzheimer's disease. No wonder people like to steal them.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 12:46 PM on May 23, 2008 (31 comments)

Slow Food USA seeks to hire a dynamic leader who will build the organization to its full potential as the major NGO player in the American sustainable food movement. The post of President is a new position that will augment SFUSA’s national leadership capacity by working closely with the Board of Directors and existing key staff, including the Executive Director. This position is being created as part of SFUSA’s strategic planand in anticipation of aggressive organizational growth. SFUSA, affiliated with Slow Food International, is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization with its main office located in Brooklyn, NY; a subsidiary office, Slow Food Nation, located in San Francisco, CA; and nearly 200 grass-roots membership chapters in 47 states. SFUSA membership has grown from 1,500 in 2000 (when the national office opened) to over 16,000 today. SFUSA currently directs several national programs in education, biodiversity and network building (visit www.slowfoodusa.org for more information) and is developing a strategy for future involvement in food policy. Responsibilities: The President will direct and oversee all activities of SFUSA. In particular, he or she will have primary responsibility in the areas of strategic vision, major fundraising, external affairs, and organizationaldevelopment, while working with the Executive Director to oversee all other functions of the organization,including programs, finances and administration. The President reports directly to the Board of Directors. Qualifications: Candidates must have: • A professional career of progressively challenging responsibility and leadership. • Excellent track record as a visionary leader, nonprofit entrepreneur and manager with verifiable accomplishments in fundraising and organizational development. • Excellent skills in public speaking, communications, strategic planning, and strong interpersonalability. • A Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred; or comparable professional experience. • Candidate must understand and share Slow Food values. He or she should have an interdisciplinary knowledge of national and global food issues, and ideally, familiarity with the culture and history ofthe organization. In addition, an ideal candidate has experience in directing complex institutional functions, including capital campaigns, budgeting, government and legislative affairs, educational programs, and marketing. Qualified candidates should direct inquiries or send resumé, references, and a letter of application to Lynne H. Frame SFUSA Search Committee Chair 38 Helens LaneMill Valley, CA 94941 email: lynne@slowfoodusa.org (Please, no phone inquiries to the national office.) Application deadline: June 13, 2008
posted to MeFi Jobs by Miko at 9:02 AM on May 23, 2008

The [US] National Trust for Historic Preservation has released its 21st annual list of the nation's Most Endangered Historic Places. Among them: Sumner Elementary School in Topeka, Kansas, (where Linda Brown tried to register for school, resulting in Brown vs. Board of Education); New York City's Lower East Side; California's State Parks; Philadelphia's Boyd Theatre, and several others. The previous 20 years of Most Endangered Historic Places can be found in the Archive.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 2:28 PM on May 20, 2008 (16 comments)

New Jersey-Filter: Two questions. First, can you recommend any great B&Bs in Monmouth County? Second, if you had the aim of introducing two close friends to summer in the Garden State, with the ulterior motive of disabusing them of anti-Jersey stereotypes, where would you take them and what would you do?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 1:39 PM on May 19, 2008 (25 comments)

Nevada Humanities is seeking a dynamic and visionary executive director to implement its recently adopted five-year program plan. The program plan addresses needs in the State of Nevada for community building, organizational capacity building, convening people for informed discussion and civic reflection, and new technologies for program delivery and communication. It also emphasizes expanding financial resources so that Nevada Humanities can keep pace with population growth and have a greater impact and influence. The Executive Director of Nevada Humanities (NH) is responsible for the management and oversight of all programs and activities of Nevada Humanities, a nonprofit organization governed by a volunteer board of trustees that is one of 56 state and territorial humanities councils funded in part by an annual operating grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). The Executive Director provides state-wide leadership to advance the mission and goals of the organization including strategic plan development, implementation of policies established by the Board of Trustees, administering a federally-funded grant program, and hiring and supervising staff located in the Reno and Las Vegas offices, fundraising, and being a spokesperson throughout the state for the Humanities community. Public funds provide roughly half of the annual operating budget ($821,000); the remainder is raised through donations, grants, earned income and sponsorships. The successful candidate will have experience in the following areas: fundraising, grant writing, budget management, program review and evaluation, and cooperative relationships with various publics including media, business and industry, the higher education community and prospective donors. Skills required: The job requires an in-depth understanding of the how the humanities can be used to help frame public discourse and provide context for contemporary issues and concerns. An ability to stay focused on organizational goals; to carry complex projects to completion; and to effectively communicate results are important. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and good interpersonal relationships are essential. Minimum qualifications: Master’s Degree from a regionally accredited institution with emphasis or major in a humanities discipline or related field. Preferred qualifications: A Doctorate Degree with five years work experience and a proven record of success in an appropriate field, such as nonprofit management, cultural programming, grant writing, marketing, development and fundraising. Application deadline: The target date to begin review of applications is August 1, 2008. Application procedure: Applications must be submitted electronically. The applications are submitted through the University of Nevada, Reno’s e-search process: http://www.unrsearch.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=53164 or go to www.nevadahumanities.org for a quick link to the application form. A complete application must include a letter of application; resume (not to exceed five pages); names and contact information of three references; and a writing sample (not to exceed five pages).
posted to MeFi Jobs by Miko at 11:42 AM on May 14, 2008

More jobs, please! This is a request to everyone to surround the Jobs page with white light. Please post more jobs and more kinds of jobs. It would be nice to see the utility of this area grow.
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 10:02 AM on May 12, 2008 (67 comments)

The Southern Foodways Alliance is one weighed-down church-supper table, full of oral history/blog projects like The Tamale Trail, the Boudin Trail, interviews and recipes from the Bartenders of New Orleans, photo essay/interviews from Birmingham's Greek-Americans, a mess o'homemade films, and a passel of event and BBQ-shack photos on Flickr, all smothered in the tangy-sweet academic goodness of the Center for the Study of Southern Culture at Ole Miss. These folks get my vote for most flavorful, funkiest food-loving folklorists in the lower forty-eight.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 6:07 PM on April 28, 2008 (15 comments)

Whole Lotta Shakin' - a PRI documentary series on the history of rockabilly, hosted by Rosie Flores.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 1:24 PM on April 26, 2008 (14 comments)

Hey, I'm listening to Jessamyn talking about MetaFilter and revolting users on FutureTense.
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 6:39 PM on April 14, 2008 (63 comments)

See Saturn this Saturday April 12 is the second annual International Sidewalk Astronomy Night, a worldwide event coordinated by the Sidewalk Astronomers. The group, founded in 1968 by John Dobson (subject of this documentary), is dedicated to a sort of guerrilla astronomy -- experienced stargeeks bringing their really good telescopes out to places where people are. So even on your way to the bars, the shows, and the honky-tonk you can see stuff like this and this - like these people did.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 7:36 PM on April 10, 2008 (16 comments)

Sacred Steel is a pedal-steel guitar style that evolved in the African-American Pentecostal denomination The House of God, Which Is the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth. Brothers and lap steel players Willie and Truman Eason, inspired by the electric blues and Hawaiian steel guitar of the 1920s and 30s, brought the sound to two branches of the church, the Keith and Jewell dominions. Its hallmark: "talking guitar," in which the sliding steel emphasizes and mimics the words of preachers and singers. In the 1970s, a new "Motor City" tradition began, featuring the more complicated pedal steel guitar. This body of music was known mainly in church circles until two things happened: first, folklorist Robert Stone became interested in the music and relased several CD collections. And then, church player Robert Randolph (and his Family Band) began taking Sunday morning's music out onSaturday night.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 12:10 PM on April 8, 2008 (19 comments)

The Sterner Capo Museum For anyone who has found themselves reduced to the pencil and rubber band.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 7:55 PM on April 3, 2008 (29 comments)

Sounds of America is a new monthly streaming audio program, a collaboration between the National Museum of American History and Smithsonian Global Sound. Up now are 3 episodes: African-American music in New Orleans, Women in American Music, and Freedom Songs of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 7:54 AM on April 2, 2008 (12 comments)

GW vs. Tappan Zee: Pro tips for deciding on route?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 11:16 AM on April 1, 2008 (23 comments)

DUTIES: The Agrarian Arts position is focused on building a new program within Slow Food Nation by engaging ethnic communities, nonprofits and folklore organizations in celebrating and preserving our agricultural traditions. The Agrarian Participatory Arts Coordinator will develop a strategy that best meet the needs of the program and will work closely with the Justice Director as the content areas of justice and immigrant agricultural communities are an overlapping focal point of Slow Food Nation's Justice Agenda.. QUALIFICATIONS: Strong interest in the intersection of gastronomy, agriculture and the arts; experience in the nonprofit community and with agrarian or folk arts. Ability to disseminate information, record concepts, take minutes, and coordinate the multitude of ideas and work schedules of many individuals. Must be able to multi task, and work under pressure. Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Power point programs. REPORTS TO: Justice Director WORK AREA: SFN office and special events locations HOURS OF WORK: Full-time, with benefits, ability to attend evening and weekend special events, meetings, and seminars. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.. Build collaborative relationships to reach out to groups working in the fields of folk art and music. 2.. Generate a list of organizations to be included in the development process of the Agrarians Arts program. 3.. Build opportunities for Bay Area ethnic groups related to agriculture to engage in Slow Food Nation and Slow Food convivia events. 4.. Organize performances that bring together new immigrant and cultural groups. 5.. Engage the agricultural populations of Mayans, Hmong, Native Americans, African Americans, Japanese Americans and other immigrant groups to share and celebrate their rich agriculture-based performance art at Slow Food Nation. 6.. Working in collaboration with the Slow Food Nation team to design, coordinate and implement the Agrarian Arts programming for Slow Food Nation. 7.. Record information, and disseminate same. 8.. Maintain complete records, and have information readily available for each stakeholder. WORKING CONDITIONS: Works at the corporate office in a well-ventilated and properly lit office. Extensive typing and manual entries required. Must be able to sit for long periods of time. Occasional travel required. May be required to lift up to 40 lbs. Subject to frequent interruptions. Must be able to multi-task, and handle stress. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to follow oral and written directions. Must be flexible, creative. Excellent organizational and planning skills. Strong administrative, interpersonal and communications skills. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to write business correspondence, reports and applications. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups and individuals. Slow Food Nation is committed to the implementation of an Affirmative Action Policy and the Americans with Disability Policy in its recruitment selection and placement of all personnel and is an Equal Opportunity Employer
posted to MeFi Jobs by Miko at 7:23 AM on March 27, 2008

String Figures Galore!
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 8:53 AM on March 24, 2008 (7 comments)

Has anyone ever done any innsitting - either formally, through a service, or informally by personal arrangement? How'd you get into it? What would you recommend if I'd like to try it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 6:36 AM on March 14, 2008 (3 comments)

Family Tree of the Greek Gods is a site using a visual organizer (now in beta) called Spicy Nodes. They call it a "natural and inviting" way to present information in "nuggets" that move in virtual space as you view them one by one. Another example: Daylight Savings Time.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 8:04 PM on March 8, 2008 (23 comments)

Gravityland. Interactive Web TV series. Watch weekly episodes, respond, contribute. Read blog. Add moves to music video. Play Where in the world is Gravityland? Read comic book. Build FAQ. Somehow, it's all related, and all possibility.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 7:54 PM on March 5, 2008 (8 comments)

Visual Arts: No Revolution in Hyperspace "A former insider laments the dumbing down of art museum websites." Nice, short overview of art museums and the web with good links.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 12:47 PM on March 4, 2008 (13 comments)

MeFiTri: Are you a female MeFite planning on doing a Danskin Triathlon? Would you like to try it (you can do it!) Are there other triathletes on MeFi? I'm wondering about the potential for a training group similar to the running and cycling gangs.
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 8:07 AM on February 28, 2008 (13 comments)

To The Best Of Our Knowledge is one of the most wide-ranging and literate public radio shows in the US, a two-hour "radio salon" featuring leisurely exploration of weekly themes like No Smoking, Identity Crisis, Weekend, and The Mind, Music, and Math. Host Jim Fleming approaches these big ideas through the works of authors - journalists of all stripes, memoirists, poets, fiction writers, essayists. Five years' worth of shows are available on audio archives; you can also search the impressive list of authors by name, or subscribe to the podcast.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 9:13 AM on February 27, 2008 (17 comments)

As a new eBay seller, I need a return policy. What's a sensible one?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 8:33 AM on February 24, 2008 (21 comments)

The National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution, is seeking a motivated team member to support the development and operation of museum Web sites and related media. Duties include technical support and troubleshooting, digital image and multimedia editing, entering content, and Web page maintenance. You will also provide technical and administrative support to new media development projects, track user statistics, and provide general office support. Successful applicants will have experience in building and maintaining Web pages, familiarity with a variety of web-based interactive technologies, and excellent organizational skills in a team or office setting. The best qualified applicants will also have strong writing and communication skills; experience in one or more specialized areas such as ColdFusion, ASP, database design, audio/video editing, Flash, or graphic design; and demonstrated ability to learn, apply, and troubleshoot new tools and technologies. This is a fulltime, 1-year non-federal position (renewable). Salary $43,921 plus excellent benefits. To apply, send your resume to nmahweb@si.edu by March 7, 2008. The Smithsonian is an Equal Opportunity employer. Minorities and women encouraged to apply.
posted to MeFi Jobs by Miko at 11:53 AM on February 20, 2008

Poetry's turn to go graphic. The Poetry Foundation has invited a few graphic novelists to illustrate poems from its archive. Via.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 7:16 PM on February 18, 2008 (32 comments)

I Could Tell You But Then You Would Have to Be Destroyed by Me is a new book by author and interesting person Trevor Paglen. He collects patches designed by military personnel to commemorate secret "black-ops" projects.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 12:30 PM on February 7, 2008 (34 comments)

Mystic Seaport is looking for a Web Director to manage and develop its website at www.mysticseaport.org The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in web management overseeing marketing, retail, content, online transactions, and proficiency in current web-related technologies. Knowledge of web based support for non-profits, museums, destination marketing, and educational organizations a plus. Excellent communication and team management skills required. Please forward your resume with cover letter and salary requirements to: Bob Potter Vice President, Marketing and Communications Mystic Seaport - The Museum of America and the Sea 75 Greenmanville Avenue, PO Box 6000 Mystic, CT 06355-0990 Email: bob.potter@mysticseaport.org
posted to MeFi Jobs by Miko at 1:43 PM on February 4, 2008

Can you help me find great examples of museums making use of free social web apps?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 11:42 AM on January 29, 2008 (14 comments)

New England's Lost Ski Areas. The Northeast used to be littered with mom-and-pop-size ski areas, many of which have been consolidated into huge resorts, while others fell to development or just passed out of existence. This site serves as a repository for information, images, and reminiscinces. Links to other region's lost ski area sites, too.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 3:47 PM on January 20, 2008 (26 comments)

Would it be possible to have preview in MeFiMail?
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 6:17 AM on January 17, 2008 (50 comments)

“I’m an old computer nerd,” Diener said. “I can do anything with computers. Nothing’s wrong with computers. But this is the worst way to run an election.” NYTMag piece on electronic voting, voter confidence, and the impact of old-fashioned problems like printer jams, befuddled voters and volunteers, and interface design flaws. By Clive Thompson.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 6:51 AM on January 5, 2008 (46 comments)

A passel of museum geeks is headed to Virginia. Can you help us plan the trip?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 10:32 AM on January 2, 2008 (4 comments)

Is This Transparency? OP with very slim, one-year posting history asks a question about finding a good charity in AskMe, just prior to year-end tax-decision time. Newly registered responder posts a newly formed charity-aggregator/evaluator organization, without mentioning that he is, apparently, one of the two founders. Self-promotional setup leading to self-link? Or am I being too cynical?

[update, 1/3/08: a summary of events is being developed on the wiki. --cortex]
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 10:44 AM on December 31, 2007 (1415 comments)

What to my wondering eyes should appear but the suggestion that "A Visit From St. Nicholas," the classic poem which has defined the American Santa Claus, from red suit and big belly to reindeer and chimney-delivery method, was written not by classics professor Clement Clarke Moore but by poet and military man Henry Livingston. Though some think the authorship controversy is sugarplum vision of Livingston's descendents, other scholars the claim: literary 'detective' Donald Foster agrees (though his sleuthing record is not unblemished). Leading historian of Christmas Stephen Nissenbaum, says that either way, St. Nick is the product of the same social world, that of the wealthy white elite in the New York of the early Republic. If the claim is true, then in the convoluted history of the manuscript we've gotten some reindeer names wrong.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 7:59 AM on December 24, 2007 (17 comments)

Do you know a derogatory nickname for a town or city?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 7:39 AM on December 17, 2007 (198 comments)

Puzzled about what to get the history buff, throwback or Luddite on your holiday shopping list? Explore the sutler's wares in the world of historic reproduction clothing! Strut your eighteenth-century style with Jas. Townsend & Son, or dress for the Lewis & Clark expedition with Smoke & Fire. USHist.com provides the finest in Mexican War and Cavalry/Indian War apparel, as well as fashion to end all wars in theWWI collection. Don't forget the ladies (and weak-minded gents) left at home - Blockade Runner offers fine Civil War civvies.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 9:20 AM on December 11, 2007 (22 comments)

Maritime New York
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 10:00 AM on December 6, 2007 (5 comments)

So what makes a good meetup?
posted to MetaTalk by Miko at 7:48 AM on November 26, 2007 (54 comments)

Beginning with Slow Food in 1986, the idea of rejecting the "cult of speed" has gradually spread from a focus on food into other fields. In his book In Praise of Slow, Carl Honore explores the spread of the worldwide Slow movement, urging greater attention to all aspects of daily life, human relationships, and the quality of experience. Meanwhile, on the web, witness the spread of Slow. Slow down your stuff with Slow Home, Slow Travel, Slow Fashion, Slow Art, Slow Craft, Slow Design. Relax with some Slow Reading; check out a Slow Read from a Slow Library. Plan for Slow Cities governed by Slow Leadership. Use Slow Schooling, Slow Research, and the Slow University to explore Slow Science and Slow Math. Bank with Slow Money [PDF]. Explore the world with Slow Travel, using Slow Fuel for Slow Transportation. What's the rush? Come on. Take it easy.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 7:42 AM on November 26, 2007 (60 comments)

JokeFilter: Seeking a consultant joke heard about 5 years ago.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Miko at 7:19 AM on November 19, 2007 (5 comments)

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