Wow, cowbellmoo, that may be just right considering all my limitations. Simple, but not boring and it looks like it will still be warm. Excellent.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:59 AM on June 11, 2008

My roommate sells his extra ones on eBay. Although, this is often after he's held on to them for years and sees an interest in some subset of the comicbook community. He gets about a dollar a comic for them, unless they are something that has had a huge spike in interest (like that Hulk comic that was featured on Lost.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:38 AM on June 11, 2008

I think these rattles are gorgeous, and have bought it for friends having little ones.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:31 AM on June 9, 2008

Agave syrup? it's sweeter than sugar, so you'd have to use less of it. Also, it dissolves in cold drinks.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:41 AM on June 8, 2008

And don't be afraid of finding roommates with craigslist; everybody does it and it can be a great way to broaden your social circle.

I second that. I found fantastic roommates through craigslist...way better than the friends I had tried to live with before that. I guess this is more of a "advice for the future" type thing, though.

Get to know your neighborhood. Spend as much free time as you can wandering around... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:22 AM on June 6, 2008

oaf, the Q is actually express as soon as it hits Manhattan, not just above 34th.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 8:11 PM on June 6, 2008

Oh, my apologies. I read it too quick and switched the order of "the Q" and "only" in your sentence. Now I feel foolish.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:56 AM on June 7, 2008

Are you against ordering it online? I bought some from this guy and hosted a party when they arrived.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 7:11 PM on June 6, 2008

Someone I know recently got off Adderall, and he's increased a huge increase in appetite since then. Actually, I'm not even sure if increase in appetite is the right way to put it since he says he doesn't feel significantly more hungry, he just has a desire to eat a lot more than while he was on the medication. Not surprisingly, he's claimed to gain some weight from it. Not sure if this is long term, but I'm guessing it is not.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 9:36 AM on June 2, 2008

Sorry, that should read "he's seen a huge increase in appetite since then." Also, keep in mind that that story was just meant as a data point, not necessarily the norm.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 9:38 AM on June 2, 2008

I was really tempted not to tell you this one and keep it for myself in case I ever become a roller girl or have a burlesque routine, but since a post of yours cemented the term in my brain, it's only fair I tell you about it...

Penny Dreadful.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 11:17 PM on May 29, 2008 marked best answer

Coconut water is the liquid found inside young coconuts, not to be confused with coconut milk. Coconut water is found in the core of young, green coconuts. As the coconut matures this liquid largely becomes absorbed into the nut's flesh. ... It is naturally fat-free and low in food energy (16.7 calories or 70 kilojoules per 100 grams).

Now, what this has to do with your smell, I have no idea. Sorry.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:42 PM on May 28, 2008

hey incomple,

I know how effing lousy the sumer classes are there. (Hell, I know how awful the regular session classes can be). They stretch for a long amount of time and the rooms can be miserable. But please, man, bring another activity. I know you sober and tipsy, and really, the sober version is plenty sociable, funny, and opinionated.

I don't know of people that were punished for discretely drinking at our school, but I do know people... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 5:51 AM on May 27, 2008

Where I grew up, on the West Coat of the United States, it wasn't super odd to have a rule of "no shoes in the house" but I always got the feeling that those people were huge pains in the ass.

Some people have foot issues and don't want to subject others to the smell of their feet. Others just buy comfortable shoes and don't feel a need to take them off. And some shoes with lots of laces are just a huge pain to take off and put on. These are among some of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 2:19 PM on May 26, 2008

Thanks so much, that first one has to be it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 2:21 PM on May 21, 2008

Strawberry rhubarb sauce is delicious. I would just take roughly equal amounts of strawberries and rhubarb, both chopped, and put it in a pot with just a little water. Simmer, mash and add sugar to taste until it become a nce sauce to jar, refrigerate and put on ice cream and whatnot.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 9:32 PM on May 16, 2008

It takes a lot of developing your own personality to be able to handle this. It takes being so comfortable with yourself that you can deal with someone being only interested with you on an intellectual or friendship level. It takes getting to the point where someone can break up with you and you con be assured that yes, you are still awesome. It often also take a decent amount of masturbation.

That being said, how do you get to this point? Accept that many, many first... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 9:13 AM on May 13, 2008

You need to listen to some Coast to Coast. It's the only place you will learn about the TRUTH!
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 2:52 PM on May 12, 2008 marked best answer

A bit of a sad update on all this. I ultimately chose to go for the Africa region. I got an invitation recently. It was for a country under Islamic law, and given the restrictions they spelled out in the invitation packet alone, I felt I would be really limited in what I could accomplish and pretty isolated. So, in the mean time, I may get another invitation, but they made no promises and gave me no timeline to expect a response. So, just in case this I get o response, plan B is being... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 8:50 AM on April 5, 2008

MeTa Update.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 9:13 AM on May 9, 2008

We always call them "Tag endings."
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 5:53 PM on May 6, 2008 marked best answer

And yea, I totally wasted my question here hoping for a wicked vicious conversation about it.

NOT WHAT ASK IS FOR.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 1:09 PM on May 2, 2008

The only thing that worked for me when I had to do that was making coffee immediately. Basically, the alarm would go off, I'd listen to it for about 30 seconds until it annoyed me enough to get up (it also helped that I sleep on a loft and had to get out of bed to turn the alarm off) then I would just leave the room to make my caffeine fix.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:15 AM on April 30, 2008

Ghee is clarified butter. I have known people who eat butter (straight up, or sprinkled with sugar) so I can believe eating straight ghee. As disgusting as that sounds.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 5:36 PM on April 20, 2008

Mr_Chips, your answer is really misinformed on a couple levels. He didn't want a starbucks specifically because the vibe is wrong for him to write, and mentioned so in the question. Also, plenty of mom and pop shops don't care how long you stay. You're the one who sounds like they're writing an ad for Starbucks, not the OP.

nasreddin, alt coffee is long gone. Like, more than a year gone. Ownership is the same, but it's not hopscotch cafe. It's aimed at families with... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 3:37 PM on April 18, 2008

To all these people who are wringing their hands over the idea of a woman giving a guy a nudge...

My mom basically sat down with my dad after they'd been dating for to years and said she wanted to start a family soon, and she'd like to do it with him. Furthermore, she told me she had moved in with previous boyfriends, and she didn't want to go through that again unless they were making a commitment. I don't think it's any less of a romantic or wonderful story, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 1:58 PM on April 14, 2008

Also, check out tkchrist's story about how his wife proposed. He still seems pretty jazzed to be married to her.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 7:51 AM on April 15, 2008

Creation of Adam
The Seven Year Itch
John and Yoko
1968 Olympics
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 12:24 PM on April 14, 2008 marked best answer

Timing is often a convenient excuse, but I'm not always positive it is the real reason. If two people really want to be together, they will both put in effort to try to make it work. It's possible that after trying, one or both may feel like it's not worth the effort, but there has to be at least the initial good-faith attempt. Basically, I can only think of a handful of circumstances where timing is a true, for real, legitimate reason to end a relationship that both people are in to. If you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 12:33 PM on April 11, 2008

violetk, I can see where you are going with that. BUT, at the same time, some people will simply never be fully there. They are the type of people that would use the timing excuse because it can be very vague and is impossible to refute.

Looking back at my answer, I think I downplayed the importance of timing. When I started I was going to originally say, "YES! Timing is the reason 90% of my past relationships have failed or failed to develop fully." but as... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 1:56 PM on April 11, 2008

Thai Tom, Hillside Quickies, and Aladin Falafel were all favorites of mine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 8:33 PM on April 10, 2008

I heard the exact same stories as nikkisioux did when I lived there, but that was 5+ years ago. I hope they cleaned up their act by now.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 12:01 PM on April 11, 2008

Seeing the recipe may be helpful. Does it use baking soda or baking powder to rise? Googling suggests while baking soda doesn't go bad, baking powder does. Try fresher ingredients?

And in case you need a back up, this Devil's Food recipe is awesome and I will swear by it. I know it is not your mothers so it will not compare, I just couldn't resist offering it up.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:24 AM on April 8, 2008

According to my roommates, if your roommate is right 30 years of Rocky parodies are wrong.

And with that, we are going to watch "Stay Down!" by Kids in the Hall, since we can't stop quoting it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 9:43 PM on April 6, 2008

If I recall correctly from my Human Sexuality classes, yes it is indeed possible for men to orgasm without ejaculation. From your description, thats what it sounds like is happening. I'm sorry I can't answer your other questions, but I think it is something that would be worthwhile to discuss with a doctor.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 10:16 PM on April 4, 2008

In Bedazzled ('67) he makes the bottoms fall out of shopping bags.

Oh, but he does so much more. He tricks old ladies out of cash with silly trivia games, he crosses telephone lines, he makes pigeons poop on people, bruises bananas en route to the market, and scratches up brand new records in shipping. In that version, the devil is responsible for all the little annoyances of life, but doesn't seem to go after the biggies. (I love that movie)
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 5:31 AM on March 21, 2008

Is anyone here reading the limitations? The OP mentions dad doesn't like gadgets and can only spend $100, and we're getting recommendations for TiVo and Sirius. OP mentions dad doesn't like vouchers or mushy stuff, and we're getting suggestions to send gift certificates and handwritten notes. Gah. Not helpful.

Now, to the OP. I understand you problem. My dad is the same damn way. Anything he'd like he buys for himself or I wouldn't be able to afford. Some... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:21 AM on March 17, 2008 marked best answer

I would just like to suggest a filling that I think is delicious, but a little non traditional: lemon curd. Store bought or homemade, it is amazing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:16 AM on March 6, 2008

I think anyone who KNOWS someone who has LARPed gets a rating of about 8 or 9 on the Dork scale.

Hey, I resemble that remark! (I lived with someone that LARPed. Regularly. And it was a Harry Potter themed game. Oh, the horrors.)

On to the real question, although I like the concept a great deal I fear there is too wide a range to cover in geekdom. There are the obvious ones of LARPing, D&D, comic book... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:49 AM on February 29, 2008

Re: box's Philosophical question...

I'm interested in examples where there are signs of a real intent of making videogames not just a "boys thing". It's interesting that Ms. Pacman was brought up, because I suppose that could be seen as either reaching out or just trying to get girl's allowances.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 2:49 PM on February 23, 2008

Thanks, this is all a lot to digest, and a more complex than I originally thought.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:16 AM on February 24, 2008

Is he interested in Museum work? Someplace like the Met or the Cloisters might be a good place to start. If he's interested in teaching on the college level, or even just wants a contact within the NYC academic scene whose focus is medieval history, I have a contact. Email or mefi mail me if you want the info.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 7:29 AM on February 19, 2008

I was 8 when it happened for me. It was the last time I could celebrate a day like that, too, since the "I'm turning the same number as my month" birthday had already passed as well. Since my dad is a big number geek, he pointed it out to me, and made it seem like a big deal, saying the next time I'd be able to celebrate something like this is when I turned 85 (my Beddian year). I think a large part of it was him trying to make every birthday special, as when I turned 9 he pointed... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 7:21 AM on February 19, 2008

I would just like to point out that every (relevant) mention of the R2D2 Circle and the C3PO Walk registered on google leads back here. This, along with all the anecdotal stories, makes me think it was very localized.

I do want to thank you for posting the funniest and most endearing question posted to AskMe that I've seen in a long, long time.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 8:20 PM on February 2, 2008

My roommate (who is a professional comic book nerd) says that for your situation, with the comics you have, and if you are intending on reselling it at any point, YES get it CGC graded. They are rare enough that it is definitely worth it and, as you mentioned, will make the vaue jump an incredible amount.

Now, what to expect. Besides the cost, know it will take a significant time investment. The grading takes a long time. Like, months. Second, their grading can seem... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 8:06 PM on February 2, 2008

Although TheNewWazoo makes a good point that attire for visitors for the Symphony and Opera, I agree much more with Capri that this shouldn't necessarily be the case. Do you have pants that aren't Jeans and are in good shape? Please, no sneakers or (shudder) sandals, also.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 5:47 AM on February 2, 2008

I didn't finish that first part of the first sentence well... it should say "attire for visitors for the Symphony and Opera has become increasingly casual"
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 5:48 AM on February 2, 2008

I am picturing everyone you know laying down individual squares of toilet paper on the seat until a cover is formed, then using, then flushing, then gingerly removing each squares with flushes in between.

Basically since there's not a real way for us to know what is taking them so long or making you so quick, just make up your own damn narrative.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 9:13 AM on February 1, 2008

I have a friend who has an incredibly good sense of smell. The first time I met him, he commented on the smell of my deodorant. He'd often try to guess what I had for lunch and was also thrown off by things like lip gloss scent. He uses it to his advantage. He can tell if people had been drinking, and if anything was off with the room he is in (garbage not taken out, etc). I think he also has febreeze around him quite frequently, for when certain stale scents drove him really crazy. At... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 6:43 PM on January 31, 2008

From what I've heard, that type of hair removal works best with light skin/dark hair combination. Results may not be so great with your coloring.
posted to Ask Metafilter by piratebowling at 12:25 PM on January 28, 2008