It sounds like the answer to the rent-recovery question is "no," but the question is so vague and confusing that it's hard to say for certain.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 2:00 PM on June 11, 2008

For a more general discussion of the nature of antonyms, this paper might be of interest. It tackles the following questions:

1. What makes two words antonyms? What exactly are the semantic dimensions which antonyms are said to share?

2. Why do some words have antonyms while others have none? Why do some words have more than one antonym, e.g., good/bad and good/evil or happy/sad and happy/unhappy?

3. What... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 1:02 PM on May 2, 2008

If he signed with his first name and addressed you by yours, your response was 100% appropriate.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 7:44 AM on May 2, 2008

Maybe that doesn't seem fair, but the person with greater authority has the latitude to be more informal and still prefer some deferential treatment in response.

This is generally true, but in this case, the prospective employer signed with his first name, which (to me) is a clear indication that he did not expect a formal response.

it's better to err on the side of formality with the a prospective future employer... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 9:25 AM on May 2, 2008

I'd include it in the resume with the date qualifier rokusan suggests.

I wouldn't include it exclusively in the cover letter, because cover letters often go unread.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 7:46 AM on May 2, 2008

It was mostly mutual.

Are you sure about this? Few breakups are truly mutual (or even "mostly" mutual). It sounds like you initiated the breakup, and he followed along reluctantly. I only question this because his anger with you may stem from the fact that he feels like he was dumped.
And I also sort of feel left behind to deal with the wreckage alone.

That's a common feeling,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 10:24 AM on March 31, 2008

Brunch: Applewood, located on 11th between 7th/8th Aves., serves a fine brunch, particularly if you enjoy thick slices of bacon.

After-work Dinner: Flatbush Farm, located at the intersection of St. Marks/Flatbush/6th Ave., has hearty yet interesting food, and is a great place to have a meal at the bar on your own.

Coffee: Gorilla Coffee, on Park Place at 5th Ave., has by far the best coffee in the neighborhood, and it's a decent place to sit... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 11:31 AM on March 30, 2008

Cunnilingue or cunnilling? 1 2 3 4
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 11:01 AM on March 30, 2008 marked best answer

Another vote for reusing the original wrapper and putting everything in a ziploc bag.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 9:31 AM on March 22, 2008

Unless by some stroke of luck/genius I am able to perfectly reseal the cheese in its original wrapper, which happens about 1% of the time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 9:31 AM on March 22, 2008

Thanks for all the quick replies. Max Delivery fit the bill!
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:50 PM on March 11, 2008

"I know this is going to sound kind of weird, but I'm pretty sure I'm allergic to your perfume. The scent itself doesn't bother me at all, but whenever I breathe it in, my eyes swell, my nose itches, my head aches, and I get totally distracted. This doesn't happen except when you're around and I smell your perfume. Since we're both going to be working in the same space for the next several months, I was wondering if you'd be willing to switch perfumes or not use any while you're in the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 4:04 PM on March 5, 2008 marked best answer

We spent a fair amount of money on our wedding -- about 15% of our combined gross annual income at the time. Aside from a few jokes over the years about things we would like to have now that could have been purchased with our wedding budget, we haven't regretted the expense at all. It's a big, fun, crazy party, and it's hard to find a better excuse in life to throw a big party for yourselves.

I'm not going to even attempt to justify a $10K+ wedding; I'm... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 5:54 PM on March 4, 2008

Have you spoken yet to a hospital administrator to try to explain the situation? If not, it's worth a try, at least for the purpose of finding out what kind of proof they would need to correct the billing error.

A good next step would be to write a letter to the hospital explaining the situation and attaching any documentation you can find. Documents that would be helpful include the two birth certificates (showing two different children with the same name and same... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 3:29 PM on March 3, 2008

Or what b33j said in many fewer words!
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 3:29 PM on March 3, 2008

Coffee, tea, and baked goods. To take an example, Blue Marble Ice Creamis a small ice cream shop in Brooklyn that actually opened for business as the weather started to get cold. It has been thriving nevertheless on its coffee etc. business through the winter. (I'm not affiliated with the shop, it's just a local business I frequent.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 1:25 PM on February 21, 2008

If you like Neatorama, you'll probably also like The Presurfer.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 1:20 PM on February 21, 2008

I have heard tales of people who tried this trick, as well as the related trick of buying a round-trip ticket when a one-way is more expensive (and the purchaser only intends to use the one-way). Airlines are aware of both tricks. If you are caught -- i.e., the airline notices that you didn't fly the Toronto-Newark segment -- the airline may threaten to cancel your return ticket subject to your paying the $27 difference (or they could just cancel it entirely, although I have never heard of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 3:41 PM on February 20, 2008

I have used TimeMap (in conjunction with its sibling product CaseMap), which was pretty powerful and easy to use. I used it in a collaborative setting within a single office; not sure how Internet-friendly it is, but it may be worth checking out.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 3:14 PM on February 11, 2008

America We Stand As One is a modern-day classic of sorts.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:27 PM on January 31, 2008

You are likely not covered by the rental company's standard insurance policy if you are not an authorized driver. So doing this is really no different than driving without insurance in any circumstance -- it will probably be fine, but Zod help you if you get in an accident and are remotely at fault.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 6:01 PM on January 14, 2008

One thing to consider is that if you pay her interest, she may have to pay income taxes on the interest. If, on the other hand, you were to pay no interest, but give her a really really nice holiday gift, that might not be taxable income to her. Just something to consider (with the guidance of your trusty tax advisor of course).
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 11:59 AM on December 5, 2007

My understanding of the question is that you are seeking only to memorialize your recollection in the most useful way possible, not to create a document that will be admissible in court.

For this purpose, I suggest you type up a "memo to file." This is simpler than it sounds. Just include a header with your name, the date you are writing the memo, and a subject line (e.g. "Notes on 2007 Airline Incident"). As for the content, some... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 1:39 PM on December 3, 2007 marked best answer

Sticky Bottom
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 7:59 AM on November 30, 2007

Your female friends are right. It sounds like you built up some momentum on your last visit; don't lose it by playing it too cool.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 6:15 PM on November 27, 2007

The DNA Store has a lot of interesting stuff (including suggestions for departmental gifts!).
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 2:42 PM on November 27, 2007

"It is what it is."
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:27 AM on November 27, 2007 marked best answer

You'll get better advice if you also state (i) what you mean by "moderately priced" (in NYC that means $200-400/night, which gives many non-locals sticker shock); and (ii) how close you need to be to the PA (i.e., would a 45-minute subway/cab ride be ok?).
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:08 PM on November 26, 2007

Clowns. Goddamned evil clowns.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 7:54 PM on November 26, 2007

The Ferry Road on Long Island (.pdf) may be of interest (see page 5 and onwards in particular). No mention of the clam shucking, although it does give some detail on Red Hook Lane and surrounds during the period you reference.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:35 PM on November 20, 2007

Belated thanks for all the terrific suggestions. I have gotten my hands on a few (Hard 'n Phirm is really good!) and look forward to trying many others.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 4:17 PM on November 9, 2007

Yes, it's The Godfather Waltz.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:24 PM on October 5, 2007 marked best answer

Peeling is not necessary, and in fact it removes many of the mushroom's nutrients that are contained in the outer layer.

I tend to wash mushrooms only if they look like they need it, and only with a light spray of water or wiping with a paper towel. Otherwise they can feel soggy (depending on the variety).
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 7:47 AM on September 20, 2007

Along Came Polly
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 5:00 PM on September 19, 2007

I have heard Tend Skin recommended for this, although I haven't used it myself.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 4:50 PM on September 19, 2007

That sounds strange. In my experience based on a few intra-city moves, hourly and flat-rate moving quotes tend to be similar, assuming you're otherwise comparing apples to apples (i.e., same number of movers/trucks, same assumptions re: furniture, etc.). In fact, all of the flat-rate quotes I have received built to the flat rate using hourly rate and time estimates.

As others have pointed out, there are plenty of ways the hourly guys can screw you if you aren't... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 2:16 PM on September 18, 2007

NiceIce has a lot of relatively unbiased (and entertainingly-presented) information about buying diamonds, although the site design is a little raw. You will probably find that most legitimate diamond websites have fair to excellent educational sections.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 3:14 PM on September 12, 2007

Write a letter first and see what happens. Use the letter to memorialize all of your conversations where you were told you would get your full deposit back -- be specific and include all dates, names, and details. Ask to see the photos and ask them to identify the violations. Explain what you did before moving out. Make clear that you're not going to back down. Litigation is an option, but you'd be much better off reaching an agreed resolution (e.g., they deduct the cost of a floor cleaning... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 11:08 AM on September 12, 2007

At large bars or events where drinks are served, I sometimes chug my drink and say "I'm going to get another drink -- good talking with you" as an excuse to get away and move on. This doesn't work if your interlocutor also needs a drink, as he/she will just follow you. It can also lead to excessive drinking if there are a lot of boring/annoying people around, but excessive drinking might be called for in that situation anyway.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 10:25 AM on September 12, 2007

Dwell and its blog are pretty good.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 10:11 AM on September 10, 2007

Actually, if you receive an offer, you're better off hiring a real estate broker to represent you. A good broker will likely be much more familiar with the pricing and bargaining applicable in a situation like this. You'll want a lawyer if you end up doing a deal, but until then a broker will be more helpful (and, unlike a lawyer, is paid only if a sale occurs).
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 2:03 PM on September 5, 2007

My wife and I looked into this a couple of years ago and didn't like any of the journals that are designed specifically for this purpose. We found the categories and organization of the books to be too constrained and not in line with how we like to record wine impressions. We ended up using a spreadsheet on the computer. Unless you find a specific journal you like, I would just use blank composition books. You can write out a template on the first page that will capture the categories and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 10:20 AM on September 5, 2007

The As Seen on TV Store at the South Street Seaport may carry it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:36 PM on August 30, 2007

Two other factors to consider:

1. There is a cap on how much of your home equity line attributable to expenses other than home improvement or acquisition can qualify for the interest deduction. I think it's $100k for married couples filing jointly. So if you already have substantial home equity debt or the amount of the loan balance exceeds $100k, you won't be able to deduct all the interest.

2. If you are covered by the Alternative Minimum... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:29 PM on August 30, 2007

For an excellent (albeit pricey) San Mateo meal, try 231 Ellsworth. I took my family there during a Bay Area visit last year and it was terrific.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 7:36 PM on August 26, 2007

The hours you must work, thus, are far more than the number you must bill. So, if the billable hours requirement is 2150/year, well that's 40 hours a week right there, no vacation. Figure you'ev got to work DOUBLE that in order to be billing that many hours.

Although it is generally true that hours worked > hours billed, all but the most inefficient lawyers at a big firm have better ratios than this. A more reasonable estimate is that a junior... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 4:58 PM on August 25, 2007 marked best answer

The second one is definitely Dreamscape.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 6:33 PM on August 19, 2007 marked best answer

Read up on NYC real estate. It is a well-documented scientific fact that 81% of New York conversations veer toward this topic at some point.
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 3:53 PM on July 26, 2007

Pimp My Art LLC
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 1:42 PM on July 13, 2007

I agree with those who suggest putting the ring in a pocket or carry-on, and also agree that shipping it is a bad idea.

Consider devising a "Plan B" proposal to use in the (unlikely) event your cover is blown at security. It would actually be very romantic and cool to just kneel down and bust out a public proposal in the spot, with tons of people around watching, at a security checkpoint, on your way to a weeklong vacation to celebrate your engagement. It... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by brain_drain at 8:33 AM on July 11, 2007