Thanks for the advice so far, guys. I called Aurora, who claim they did not receive my mod paperwork (this is #$*&, as I have the fax confirmation, arrgh). I was able to bring one mortgage fully current--but it took some negotiating--and will bring the other current next month. This should ensure that everything is kosher by my closing date.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 12:38 PM on April 30, 2008

Lutheran Social Services did a free hour consultation over the phone; we talked about everything I spent money on and they wrote up and mailed a budget. It's been incredibly helpful, and they didn't talk about Jesus. They started me on a debt management plan, which lowered the interest rates on two credit cards from 27% and 21% to 7% and 9%. It's actually improved my credit.

My monthly payment went from $143 to $61, which has helped free up cash to pay down other... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 8:55 AM on March 15, 2008

Do you have some sort of representative or counselor you've been working with at Waseda? Unfortunately, I know that in my school's case (we're US-based), very few international students qualify for aid from either country--though we are able to award them academic scholarships. But your counselor or rep may know about options, especially for loans. They should be invested in getting you there--you are, after all, a source of revenue, so I'd lean heavily on their support and advice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 11:03 AM on June 5, 2007

Do you have contacts at any of the orgs they've funded previously who might be willing to give you a sense of the range? Other non profits are surprisingly forthcoming with this information (and expect reciprocity in the future if you've got useful news).

If not, ask for an amount about 15% or so higher than you actually need, and show support from other funders for the total project cost in the budget.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 8:06 AM on May 8, 2007

I called up an ex a year ago and we've been talking on the phone ever since (he lives 1,000 miles away now). I'm really glad I called him--it was a little formal at first, then maybe a little too flirty, but now he's a great person to call when I want to talk to someone for hours.

There's something about someone that used to love you--I get perspective on myself from him, and vice versa. I don't expect much from him, and I know his limitations. I don't need anything... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 1:23 PM on April 11, 2007

I like Peace Coffee for terrific beans, a good price, and a great cup of rich, not-bitter coffee.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 3:18 PM on March 26, 2007

Call them to ask if you've been admitted. Seriously. Grad schools do weird stuff all the time because they're understaffed--they may well have forgotten to send you an acceptance. A friend recently got a letter turning him down for an assistantship, and he had to call to ask if that meant he'd been admitted anyway. (They were like, "Oh, yeah, sorry, congratulations, you've got a huge scholarship coming.") You have a right to know where you stand in the process at all times, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 6:47 AM on March 26, 2007

I'm in a similar situation with my boyfriend. I think you should talk about it--in fact, I think it will be hard not to talk about it, because it'll come up as you talk about your future.

We haven't been able to "solve it," but our conversations have been helpful in determining certainties: We can't do long distance, I can't follow him, he can't stay, we love each other, the friendship matters, we're happy for each other, it's hard, we may visit, we'll be... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 11:02 AM on March 22, 2007 marked best answer

Does your campus offer any kind of practice space they'd consider letting you use for regular practices? Sometimes if you list your band as a campus club you can get access, or they may be amenable to sharing the room if you can prove the band has some social benefit (play on campus once or twice). I've lived next to bands as a young, not-grouchy student, and found that there was never a time I liked being home while they were practicing--it interrupted my ability to nap, concentrate, or just... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 5:51 AM on March 21, 2007

I was a Montessori/Steiner kid, and I'd send my children to similar schools. It's a little like the liberal arts ideal with a healthy dose of applied developmental psychology--we learned how to learn. I learned a lot about community, personal responsibility, and active intellectual development at those schools. I didn't learn a lot of discipline, and sometimes struggle to complete tasks on time as an adult. Still, I think it was a very valuable way to learn, since it didn't differentiate... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 9:09 AM on February 7, 2007

I recommend the book "Letting Go: A Parents' Guide to Today's College Experience" to families all the time. From a section on acceptances:

Some families have become so emotionally involved in the admissions process that they take credit for the acceptance themselves. Their public comments ... can deflate even the most competent students's self-confidence.

I see this a lot, and actually do believe she's probably... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 10:25 AM on January 25, 2007

I waited five years in my chosen field to start a MA, and already I'm seeing that I won't move up as quickly as I'd like without the advanced degree. In some cases, promotion depends on having reached that credential--there are people working above me, for example, with less depth of experience in this field, but they have the Master's (and in several cases, in fields far removed from ours). If you have the time and ability to complete the degree now, I think it's worth it to have it out of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 7:28 AM on January 8, 2007

Death Cab's song on their new album is really retro: Crooked Teeth.

My grandpa really likes Belle & Sebastian's Dear Catastrophe Waitress album (which is the one I can't stand, incidentally).

Or older Weezer? Say it Ain't So? Or my mom really likes Ryan Adams' Gold...
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 2:51 PM on December 18, 2006

I had one a few months ago in Minneapolis--from a guy who'd hit on me while my boyfriend was in the bathroom. I wrote him back out of curiousity and he turned out to be a nice enough guy. I read the MCs every day but have never posted one, so it was kind of fun to recognize myself.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 3:15 PM on December 6, 2006

If you don't go to Stucchi's around the corner from David's books (turn right at Woody Allen) and have the French Silk ice cream, I'll be disappointed. It's been seven years and I still miss it daily.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 7:11 AM on December 6, 2006

It's hard to be the sympathetic party in a breakup like this... when I was in that situation, people stayed away because they assumed I'd be bitter or hurting. I stayed away from events and friends in order to avoid my ex, and wound up feeling left out. He showed up more, and wasn't bitter, so he wound up being invited more.

Put the time in to see friends, and keep in mind that you may have to contact them for a while. So much of friendship is just showing up, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 9:13 AM on December 4, 2006

I was fired from my first job post-college--I took it because I needed money and mistakenly believed that it wouldn't matter if I was bored comatose all day long. I was unhappy, and it showed, and it was a relief to be let go. Like you, I was worried about the black mark on my resume.

I called the company's HR department and explained that I didn't want anyone at the company talking about me to future employers except to disclose dates of employment and salary. I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 8:50 AM on December 4, 2006

You might want to start with some of the ballads, which are bluesy and easier to relate to than the Frank's Wild Years, Bone Machine-type stuff. Try "Grapefruit Moon," "Old Shoes," "Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis," "Waltzing Matilda," "Shiver Me Timbers," "Please Call Me, Baby," "Fish and Bird," or "Alice."

I started to love Tom Waits when I started following the narrative of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 12:51 PM on November 29, 2006

Have you read McSweeney's Aaron Sorkin Visits a Dental Hygienist yet?
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 9:21 AM on November 16, 2006 marked best answer

If it helps, I've noticed the same thing. Most of my t-shirts are from Target or Banana Republic, and I get the same tiny hole in the front. I've never noticed two holes, though. I've been guessing that it had something to do with the laundry machine, because I've noticed it happening less since I moved in and have a different machine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 10:52 AM on September 6, 2006

What basic notebook computer would you recommend for a first-year college student? Many of the students I work with have similar questions. I'd like to recommend something affordable, durable, reliable but easy enough to fix if necessary, and relevant for four to five years. What's the best basic (non-Apple) machine?
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 8:43 AM on August 16, 2006

This is very helpful, folks. Thanks. Some answers that might help:

1. We're a smallish nonprofit, and there's no HR. My boss's direct sups have raised her since she was practically a baby, and are unlikely to provide support or references.

2. I may get an offer pending my interview next week. How should I address the lack of supervisor reference?

3. If/when I find myself in the review next week, how can I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 2:35 PM on June 15, 2006

In order: My career, my pride, and then money. I freelance and have savings, so I'm not worried. I just don't want to be counted out of anything because the boss had a change to sabotage me. I have several friends here, and several professional contacts I'd like to keep, so it's in my best interests to leave quietly and without drama. People here talk--that's how I found out my boss is sleeping with our programmer, who keeps getting promoted!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 2:38 PM on June 15, 2006

Thanks for the info! It looks like I actually will qualify for unemployment if I'm dismissed, as I haven't shown substantial neglect of duties or misconduct. They're going to be invested in keeping their unemployment insurance low (one of the reasons I suspect they allowed me the month to search), so that's a nice bargaining chip.

How does one negotiate a severance package?

And thanks for the tip about not worrying overmuch about my boss... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 5:56 PM on June 15, 2006

I'm dealing with this now, actually working on a mutual resignation with an anal-retentive (hideous hag) boss who never figured out how to work with other women.

I second desuetude's "stay calm," and the advice not to get wrapped up in her insanity. The minute I let the professional turn personal, I was doomed. I regret the time I spent trying to decode my boss--it was futile, frustrating, and it reflected poorly on me when I guessed wrong and tried the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 8:16 AM on June 5, 2006

I bought the place, so I'm on my own--no landlord or super to help. I may be able to contact the seller/developer of the property, but he's not likely to help now that I've signed lots of paperwork (and he doesn't live in town).

No vents or ways in, unless I can convince a small child to clamber over the wall from a neighbor's port (and I know few small children and fewer neighbors).

I tugged on the wire quite a bit this morning--should... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 9:28 AM on May 18, 2006

Right now I'm wearing a dainty sundress and carrying a matching bag with a giant crowbar sticking out of it, which I will carry home on the bus. Damsel, definitely. Distess? Not so much.

Unfortunately, not all the units in the building have been sold, so there's no way to access the adjoining garage stalls. The plywood doesn't go all the way up, but I don't see myself climbing over an 8-foot plywood wall, even if I could get access to another stall.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 11:34 AM on May 18, 2006

Thanks for all the help, MeFi. Getting in turned out to be easy, though I'd never have figured it out myself. I put the key in the lock on the door, pulled out the lock, pulled steadily on the cable until I felt something give, and was then able to get a crowbar under the door, which lifted easily. Hooray!

The door is spring-loaded, so I couldn't pull it back down immediately; when I pressed the remote button, it made the motor's light blink and the chain ran... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 7:48 AM on May 19, 2006

Avoid the 90's (Nine-doze); it's a straight bar now with a drag show. JetSet is wonderful, but it's too sophisticated for pickups.

The Eagle and The Bolt are good for bears because they're totally unsubtle. You could also try the Town House in Saint Paul or Boom, which are quieter but not bad at all. The 19 is a nice neighborhood pub that can get a little wild.

Best bet: The Saloon. Hit a couple of other places first to see what you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 7:55 AM on April 18, 2006 marked best answer

I did a lot of volunteering after my break up. It kept me busy, pulled me out of my funk, made me feel capable and useful ... and I met a terrific guy. Idealist.org is a good place to start looking for opportunities.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 7:42 AM on April 18, 2006

Seconding the recommendation to check out City Pages, particularly the Annual Manual.

Children's Theatre Company is Tony award-winning and does an exellent, creative and consistent job. I also like History Theater, In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, and Mixed Blood Theater for family-friendly shows. Their seasons may slow down in summer, but there's lots of theater to be found in the Cities, and it's one of the best reasons to visit.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 10:10 AM on April 13, 2006

My organization calculates benefits at 17-20%, which is very high (and one of the reasons I stay with my job while freelancing on the side). I've seen other businesses calculate at 10-15% of total salary; in your case 15% of 55K is $8,250 and the drop to 40K does seem drastic, but I'd ask how they're making up the 15K.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 9:16 AM on April 11, 2006

"It's about the trials and tribulations of a writer who has been gifted with astonishing intellect, unending compassion, piles of cash, perfect timing, and an enormous penis."

Tell 'em it's being optioned for a movie, but they can't find anyone handsome enough to star in it. Shrug and smile.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 12:15 PM on April 7, 2006

I know of a couple that enjoyed Boggle; on Christmas, he gave her a new 5x5 set with Will You Marry Me [Name] glued in. He shook, they played, and she actually came up with "Marry" as one of her words... and she was so competitive, she didn't catch on until they were done scoring their points.

(She won.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 12:34 PM on April 5, 2006

As follow up, I ran into him last evening as I was meeting some friends at a bar in our neighborhood. He was standing with the friends I was meeting. He said, "How are you?" and I said, "I'm fine. You won't be staying, will you?"

He said no, walked back to his table, and spent the evening peeking over at me. His new girlfriend was there; she looked over quite a bit. I marched to the bar across from them, asked my friend the bartender for a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 12:49 PM on April 2, 2006

He was evicted for not paying rent. (Idiot; he makes $45K a year but is a moron about budgeting.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 2:16 PM on March 21, 2006

Here is a PDF on plastics and some of the associated risks.

REI sells Nalgene bottles made without bisphenol A. I believe they have a #2 on the bottom.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 8:06 PM on February 26, 2006

Fun Factory's LAYAspot is terrific. It has multiple speeds, and it's very gentle, small, discreet. It's also all external, so you can hold it against her during sex (or she can control it) to stimulate the happy spots. I've never been a fan of the internal vibrators, even the magic bullets, because you're designed to do a better job than they are, and they feel alien to me when there's a partner around. Something extra on the outside does make a difference, though, and you'll probably enjoy... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 9:32 PM on February 20, 2006

Free Wireless in Minneapolis. I like Spyhouse, Caffetto (both open late). Also try Moose & Sadie's in the Warehouse District (2nd at 3rd), Cafe of the Americas (3019 Minnehaha past Lake) or Wilde Roast (Hennepin and Central, in NE not far from the U).
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 9:26 PM on February 13, 2006 marked best answer

The market at Sinbad's on Nicollet near 26th has sells mango juice, and I think some of the other markets around there have it as well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 5:51 PM on January 22, 2006

I've been going through a tough breakup, picking up a second job, and generally stressing hard about my life. Similarly, I haven't been able to muster an appetite--I've lost about 12 pounds this month, and manage about one lackluster meal a day. Drinking tea helps; it's calming and helps prevent dehydration (a side effect of the OTC sleep pills I've been taking for probably too long). Bland food--tofu smoothies with peaches, tofu on spinach salad, bananas, pho with chicken--helps. I didn't... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 1:26 PM on December 19, 2005

I've been out of college for almost four years, live in Minneapolis.

Rent: $600
Groceries: $250
Entertainment--drinks, theater, etc.: $250
Dinners or lunches out: $100
Student loans: $200
Credit cards: $150
Cell phone, utilities, etc: $100
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 1:21 PM on December 16, 2005

$25.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 10:48 AM on December 16, 2005

Man oh man, dating is a whole new ball of wax. I'm still trying to get used to letting them pay (which I hate hate hate, but fighting about it is worse)!

Would details help? He's 32, smart, cute, works with delinquent youth as a counselor, wants to get an MSW, loves cheap beer and honky-tonk bars with good jukeboxes and apple pie. I'm 25, work for a nonprofit, like honky tonk bars, bake a sublime apple pie.

I was thinking, "Hey, your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 8:31 AM on December 6, 2005

Nice catch on "universe," jon_kill. I'm only part hippy, and I'm a sad excuse for a copyeditor.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 11:05 AM on December 6, 2005

Thanks, all! I wrote something brief ... I think it said, "I noticed your profile and wondered if you'd want to go get a beer sometime. I'm reasonably sane, gainfully employed, and I bake one hell of an apple pie." I included my email address.

He wrote back with something charming based on my profile: "The way I figure it anyone that bakes, listens to [local radio station] all day long, and is sitting ringside at closing time is keen to the secrets... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 10:38 PM on December 11, 2005

I trust Martha--she's all about the whole experience, from sourcing ingredients to cooking to presenting something gorgeous for the table. I get the sense that her recipes are time-tested. Martha don't allow for no failure.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 11:54 AM on November 28, 2005

I disagree with scratch: I think that skillful writing comes from disciplined practice, and reading everything you can get your hands on helps. This varies for everyone, of course, but I've found that writing is not magical or mystical: good writing is the product of study and experimentation. Surrounding yourself with language can make you a greater connoisseur; you'll become more attuned to those voices that stand out, and your appreciation of quality will improve.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 7:48 AM on November 28, 2005

Kiss My Face organic products are really nice. I like the way the soap smells, and their mascara works very well; the price point is right for me. I also like Avalon Organics (the body wash smells intense and amazing) if you're looking for skin care or lotions.

Aveda's lipsticks last a long time, and they taste like clove oil. I also use their foundation and like their eyeshadow lines. If you have an Aveda salon near you, they're wonderful about free mini-makeovers... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 6:41 PM on November 26, 2005

Sorry about the crappy html...
posted to Ask Metafilter by hamster at 6:42 PM on November 26, 2005