Maudlin gives great advice. If it is PF, a cheap ($20 or so) potential cure is the Spenco full-length orthotic insoles. Make sure you get the ones with the stiff plastic in the heel and arch area.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:45 AM on June 3, 2008

No, no, my apologies--I guess I didn't phrase the question correctly. I didn't mean that I would contact them all at once (a la spam). As a matter of fact, I've had some good luck contacting dead-tree media people on a one-by-one basis, who have been a little easier to fine. And I intend to make the same one-at-a-time reachouts to the bloggers, if only I could find a place that aggregated the contact/subject matter of a large assortment of them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 12:24 PM on May 21, 2008

I mean: "a little easier to find."
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 12:25 PM on May 21, 2008

Okay--thank you all for your time and help. I guess it's going to take a little longer for my earthshaking product to, uh . . . shake the earth.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 3:36 PM on May 21, 2008

1. Nthing Virgin Money, but a cheaper bare-bones option is LoanBack
2. Make the repayment period really long, so that the monthly payments are tiny (like $50 or something) and doable almost no matter what happens to your friend.
3. Be pleasantly surprised to receive the money in repayment--any other expectations may lead to disappointment.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 4:08 PM on May 18, 2008

A very helpful and timely post from the inimitable Barry Ritholtz at The Big Picture.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 9:49 PM on May 14, 2008

"Wide, white, and tall, bet you can't ski 'em all . . . come join the fun at Lutsen Mountain!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 5:38 PM on May 13, 2008

Buy two harmonicas (preferably in the same key). Cheap, indestructable, easy to play*.

*Which were also my prerequisites for potential dates in college. HEYOOHHHH!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 11:14 AM on May 13, 2008

"T"-"L"-Step, and throw.*

Make a "T" with your arms, with the ball-holding hand behind your head, and the other side of the "T" pointing toward your intended target. Bring the ball-holding hand up so that your arm makes an "L." Step toward your target with the foot opposite of your ball-holding hand, and throw it.

*(Everything I need to know I learned from my son, who's in kindergarten)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 12:53 PM on April 29, 2008

Debtadvice.org
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 6:21 PM on February 4, 2008

You don't get a publisher to publish your book without getting an agent who has a reasonably good idea which publisher will publish your book.

Write a proposal, re-write it, and then send it to as many of these people as you can afford.

Expect rejection. Lots of it. Lots and lots and lots of it. But maybe one agent knows one editor at one publisher who just happens to be looking for a book like yours.

Good luck!... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:34 PM on July 8, 2007

Suddenly I find myself self conscious about my hairy forearms for the first time in 36 years.

Dammit.
posted by davejay at 11:23 AM on June 15 [+] [!]

Actually, davejay, this whole post is just a ruse to confront you about those furry limbs of yours. We've been meaning to say something . . .

Kidding! Nobody notices, nobody cares, and you shouldn't care about those who do care about your allegedly hairy forearms.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 12:38 PM on June 15, 2007

Thank you, oh Oracles of the Green!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 6:32 PM on June 10, 2007

Read everything Nick Murray ever wrote. Seriously, if you see him at the grocery store, and he accidently drops his shopping list, pick it up and treasure it as if it were the Dead Sea Scrolls.

This is also a good place to start, as is this. Industry mags worth reading are here, and here.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 7:14 PM on March 21, 2007

Wall Street
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 9:32 PM on March 20, 2007

This page discusses Healthy NY, plus some other individual plans.

IANAHealthGuy, but have you considered going with a (very) high-deductible plan? Pay for the nickel-and-dime-and-hundred dollar services out of pocket, but make sure the big stuff is covered (and the premiums are lower).
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:27 PM on March 16, 2007

Ladies and Gentlemen of AskMeFi, I present to you a coupon for one free footrub, redeemable any time.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 10:19 AM on March 16, 2007

Caught the latter a couple weeks ago. I like Robert Earl and all, but there was something truly special about four guys with acoustic guitars taking turns on the stage. I was pleasantly surprised by the energy Joe Ely brought, and Guy Clark's wry lyrics provided a nice complement. All four were very amenable to playing suggestions from the audience. Lyle and Hiatt were of course, great.

See the foursome.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 11:21 PM on February 3, 2007

Sweeps Week is just around the corner. Call the "I-Team" at your local TV station. They'll eat this stuff up with a spoon, and the ensuing story will scare future potential victims away.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 9:18 PM on January 26, 2007

Thank you so much for your concerned and thoughtful responses. Just so's we're clear on this, I'll be getting paid almost $100 per hour by a reputable company that I am very familiar with. I'll get paid every two weeks, so if I get ripped off I won't be out more than a couple weeks worth of work.

But I'm not concerned about getting ripped off--more how I might project the future months when I have absolutely no idea how to make a reasonable guess--and even if I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 4:42 PM on December 19, 2006

Are you trying to model your leads-generation process? Are you using a limited resource (your dad's yacht club membership list, for example) that will run out soon?

Good question, b1tr0t. I might not have phrased mine well enough at the beginning. They've never paid someone like me to do the kind of work they're asking for. The angel in me says they are trying to figure out how many closed leads I need to generate to justify my cost.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 5:19 PM on December 19, 2006

What are you projecting?

If I make 1,000 calls, and generate 50 leads, and they close 25, and each one is a $500,000 sale, what will they net (vs. the thousands of dollars they paid me while I was generating the leads).
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 5:22 PM on December 19, 2006

Check out the Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association website.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 9:10 PM on November 14, 2006

Jayhawks--I'm Gonna Make You Love Me. All open chords if you want to keep it simple, plus some opportunity for backup singers to chime in.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 4:56 PM on November 6, 2006

For some reason, Steven Bochco always seems to cast Barbara Bosson in his TV shows.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:38 PM on August 4, 2006

If you're looking to stretch your legs, there's a nice scenic overlook at a rest area located a few minutes south of Black River Falls, as you're heading towards Minneapolis (it'll be tough to reach on the way back home). It's a long hike to the top, but well worth it (and nothing a well-rested 11 year-old couldn't handle).

But if want to make the stop your grandson will never forget, I'd highly recommend Action City, just seconds off I-94 in Eau Claire.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:21 PM on August 4, 2006

Helpful information, both of you. Many thanks. Another concern I have is that the old Dell is achingly slow, due to what I think may be some spyware/malware buried deep within. I run AdAware, but to no avail.

If I transfer my files en masse, will I just be bringing problems from the old PC to the new one? I'm not sophisticated enough to pick-and-choose files, if that isn't already painfully apparent, so would it be better to move 'em on over, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 11:43 AM on February 26, 2006

Thank you, too, jefeweiss.

Here's another stoopid question: Once the files are on the new PC, will they still be on the old one, too?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 11:45 AM on February 26, 2006

teece--I think I'm following your recommendations as we speak--thank you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 11:47 AM on February 26, 2006

As of today, you're all in my will. Thank you very much!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 5:24 PM on February 26, 2006

We stayed at the Song of the Sea not more than a few days ago. I highly recommend the place--try for one of the one-bedroom suites that looks out to the ocean. They have a deluxe grill you can use for free, a free breakfast buffet, bikes available for your use (and you'll want to use them--the islands have a fantastic network of designated bike paths). A nice pool, good hot tub, great staff, WIFI.

For other recreation, orangemiles gets it right. We also took a sunset... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 6:41 AM on January 3, 2006

The supply of your time/expertise is not equal to the demand. Here's how to get more money now, work less, and create a potential buyer for your practice down the road:

1. Raise your rates (20%?) and cut your hours back (10 hours less per week?).
2. You waiting list will dry up as your higher prices will cause a few less people (but not as many as you fear) to stop seeing you.
3. Take on a jr. associate, and charge your old rate for him/her. Then... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 10:36 AM on January 2, 2006

I've not (yet) experienced what you've gone through. But if it's any comfort, please know that every person has gone through some dark periods in life. And most have some episode/experience/behavior that wouldn't look particularly flattering on a C.V. So when you're sitting across the table from someone in an intimidating situation, and the subject of your "four blank years" comes up, know that the other individual likely has a whitewashed era in his/her background as well--and it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 5:22 PM on November 6, 2005

Seconding bilbliowench's remarks on TV vs. movies. We trust in HBO more than anybody's thumb (up or down). Carnivale. The Wire.Ali G. And it took me awhile, but I really enjoyed Unscripted.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 7:47 AM on November 6, 2005

Long before Cher, Sting, and Madonna, there was a man called Fabian. And he co-starred with Jimmy Stewart and Maureen O'Hara in the enjoyable Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 10:31 AM on November 4, 2005

A less expensive alternative is to buy her a subscription to listen to the games online. You can check out the Dolphins' NFL stream here.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 10:00 AM on November 2, 2005

You may wish to peruse the search function on this page from The Jumpstart Coalition.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:31 PM on October 25, 2005

Lemme try that again:

You may wish to peruse the search function on this page from The Jumpstart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.

And now I must sleep.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:36 PM on October 25, 2005

Trust funds are great if you have at least six figures to place in the trust. Otherwise, you can open an UTMA account . You would remain custodian of the account until he turns 21 (assuming you both live in Texas). Keep in mind that once you put money into the account, it is his to spend at 21, on whatever he wants.

However, if you would like to keep control over the money if he doesn't go to college, I might suggest a Section 529 plan.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 4:28 PM on October 19, 2005

Happy Birthday! Does the Mustek PVR-H140 flip your switch?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 1:23 PM on October 17, 2005

I might also suggest perusing The Business Owner's Toolkit. You'll find all the legal beagle stuff you need here, plus it's a good first-stop for any business question you may have.

And if you're doing it right, you will have many.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 8:04 AM on October 2, 2005

It sounds like you're ready for a little Fooled By Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Enjoy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 1:31 PM on October 1, 2005

Telling your acquaintence that her distributorship is a scam is like telling a friend that her newfound love is a three-timin' jerk. If you really want to get on her good side, you'll tell her to put no more money into the venture than she can afford to lose, and then wish her luck. She'll either succeed wildly (unlikely), or come to the same realization you have. After which you can say, "Oh, it's too bad that didn't work out for you."

And when she approaches... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 6:30 PM on September 5, 2005

The fee both covers the cost of closing the account (more than you might imagine), as well as gives the firm one last chance to raise some revenue on the way out. Most of these firms don't exactly ascribe to the "If you love something, set it free . . . " theory of maintaining relationships.

That said, you should ask your new financial services provider if they will reimburse you for the closing fee you incurred when you brought your account over. Many will.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 1:15 PM on August 30, 2005

Here's a vote for tuna fish. If you have a cafeteria area, don't make the sandwich until you're ready to eat it. Instead, bring a tin of tuna, mayo in a packet, lettuce, bread and whatever is separate bags. Then it won't get all mushy whilst you wait to eat it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 10:25 AM on August 30, 2005

amigasteve--

I'd give a big, fat "meh" on this idea. You mean to tell me that with 8,000 mutual funds out there, the best one your advisor can find is one that is:

1. Tiny
2. With much higher than average fees
3. And no unbiased performance numbers (i.e. from Morningstar, etc.)
4. And has just a couple people managing the money?

I'd steer clear, and I would bring a grain of salt with you the next time you talk to your advisor.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 1:45 PM on August 18, 2005

Rotsa ruck finding an agent--although the reward is worth the effort. The key word is your "platform"--what publicity do you already have (tv, radio, column, and to a much lesser extent, blog), that will get the word out about your book? Larger houses are moving away from sorta-interesting-stuff-by-nobodies, and toward Al Roker's Good Ole Fashioned Family Bar-b-Q Recipes.

Geographic location don't mean squat. Here are the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 2:54 PM on August 17, 2005 marked best answer

Don't feel like you've been touched by the hand of God just because a bank is willing to lend you money. Shop around for a mortgage just like you would any other product. Ask tough questions, read the fine print, get a list of all closing costs.

Just because a bank is willing to lend you a certain amount of money, it doesn't mean you can afford to buy as house in that price range.

If the only way you can afford the house is through an... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 6:54 AM on July 29, 2005

I'd check the directory at www.firstaffirmative.com. Consider fund families such as Pax, Calvert, and Citizens.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 1:56 PM on July 27, 2005

Buying an existing business is a much bigger crapshoot than buying bonds, mutual funds, or even stocks. The dirty little secret about business ownership and entrepeneurship is that even if your venture is successful (most aren't), to get continued growth you need to continually reinvest any profits in marketing and infrastructure. To pull out an okay salary, you have to be responsible for everything from hiring and firing to restocking the pop machine. For 60-plus hours per week. Or, you can... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kibbutz at 10:15 PM on July 8, 2005