From the numbers you gave, you have 73 payments at your current monthly payment.

If you doubled your payment today, you would have only 32 more payments. If you start in November, you will some slightly more than 32 payments. My guess is approximately 36 payments. If you have Excel, use the NPER to calculate the number of periods. If you want to know precisely, then you have to do the following:

1. Count the number of payments between now... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:14 AM on July 7, 2008

My professor in grad school used to say:

"Busier than a three-peckered billy goat."

Raunchy, evocative, and utterly meaningless. (But you get almost 50 hits on Google.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 12:33 PM on June 25, 2008

TIP: If you have more than one animal (or intend to buy more), put them all on the same account. The 1-year free web access countdown begins with your last pet on the account.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 8:55 AM on February 7, 2008

MROUND if you want to round by something other than decimals.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 8:43 AM on February 7, 2008

I recall reading an article a year or so ago that hypothesized that acne was a visual way of signaling *wink, wink* maturity.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 10:59 AM on February 5, 2008

You may want to check out the International Criminal Court and/or International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia [1, 2].

These are high-profile cases and you will work with some of the best criminal attorneys in the world.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:33 AM on January 22, 2008

Walk down to Pike Market and you'll have several choices. Grab a 1/2 dozen of the little donuts that you can watch them make. Then, head to Lowell's. It's got a great view. My kids like the pancakes so much that now they ask if they can have "Seattle Pancakes" again sometime.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 8:17 AM on December 21, 2007 marked best answer

I apologize in advance for the sketchy information. About 6-7 years ago, I saw an HBO special about two male junkies who were friends. They both went to jail. The follow-up episode showed them getting out of jail and trying to stay straight. They both fail. One of the last scenes was of one of the main characters laying in the gutter, using the curb as a pillow.

It was powerful because it was true. I have goosebumps now just thinking about it.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 3:11 PM on December 19, 2007

Rumaki!
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:45 AM on December 12, 2007

Others are correct that a more sophisticated stats package would be preferred. I will assume you only have access to Excel.

If you are looking only for correlations, use the Correlation function found in Tools | Data Analysis (you may need to install the Data Analysis add-in). Run the correlation on the date column as well as your two variables of interest. In Excel, date is a serial number that increments by 1 for each day. Thus, you can correlate the passage of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:48 AM on December 11, 2007

Land Use: In the 1970s Oregon was afraid that all its farms would be gobbled up by sprawling subdivisions. It passed a law that limited development to urban areas. Agricultural areas cannot be developed into (e.g.) subdivisions and shopping centers. One recent law tried to undo the restrictions (Measure 37). Another undid the undoing (Measure 49).

Controversy: Many farmers would much rather be developers than farmers. Many city folk in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 8:01 PM on December 4, 2007

A good place to start would be with the 1964/65 New York World's Fair. The theme was "Exploring America's Space Age."

You could take a look at the Good Housekeeping recipe book from the fair.

Maybe if you sign up for this site, you can see a 28 page restaurant information guide from the Fair.

This description made me hungry:

"The Fair boasted that it had 112 restaurants. Many... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 12:07 PM on November 29, 2007

How about Kurt Vonnegut's urban legendary commencement speech at MIT?
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 1:31 PM on November 28, 2007

Do you know something about the market that the rest of the world doesn't? If you don't, then don't worry about trying to time the market.

If you do. Sell all your shares. The 401(k) administrator likely will put all the proceeds in a money market account. Sit and wait until your Spidey sense tells you to get back in the market.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:20 AM on November 6, 2007

Don't use a pseudonym, but you may want to consider a nickname for CV purposes:

Reallyreallylongfirstname "Ed" Extremelylonglastnamepravit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 6:55 AM on October 29, 2007

It seems fairly simple: Would a reader be able to find the source for your statement?

Remember, you're writing for the busy reader. The busy reader doesn't want to have to deconstruct every paragraph: "Is it from x? No, this is topic z (I think), so maybe it comes from something referenced elsewhere." If I were a casual reader, I'd give up. If I were a serious reader, I'd think you're hiding something.

Cite your sources as you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 5:02 PM on October 26, 2007 marked best answer

occhiblue says:

Yeah, the only times I've been tempted to shortcut these things has been in group projects, too. They tend to suck for just this reason.

I know this is threadjacking and I apologize. However, group projects are precisely the time in which the truly excellent must rise above temptation and take control.

The only times I've been burn in the "real world" have been when I've... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 7:45 PM on October 26, 2007

During the 1990-91 Gulf War our university had a big anti-war rally. One guy gave a nice speech laying out the logical reasons against the war. At the end, he slowed down:

"And guys ... The main reason why you should be against the war ... Is that all the cute chicks are peace chicks!"

The crowd went wild.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 8:37 PM on October 25, 2007

Munchingzombie's idea of a journal is good. However, in addition to bringing it to your appointment, fax it to your doctor a day or two before.

I've found that doctors have much better answers if they have some time to think about the questions. I mean, come on, even Dr. House needs an hour to diagnose diseases.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 12:33 PM on October 25, 2007

Rock and Roll Part 2 by Gary Glitter
Final Countdown by Europe
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 11:00 AM on October 23, 2007

If it sounds like quackery, it is.

I had back pain that lasted more than 2 years, gradually getting worse and worse. I had numbness in my legs and could barely walk normally. I tried many different types of physical therapy--nothing worked.

I visited both an orthopedic surgeon and a neurosurgeon who were both ready to get me in "as early as Friday." Fortunately for me, I always had an excuse to put it off--Christmas, out-of-town... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 12:58 PM on October 18, 2007

Thanks for the answers. The documents looks OK without hyphenation. I looks worse with ragged right (even with the ragged2e package).
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 11:14 AM on September 27, 2007

Everyone loves a little metal. 80s metal. Silly metal. Today's parent grew up with it. Today's kids see the retrospectives on VH1.

Cum on Feel the Noize by Quiet Riot

We're Not Going to Take It by Twisted Sister

Unchained by Van Halen

Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

You Gotta Fight (For Your Right to Party) by the Beastie... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 8:57 AM on September 21, 2007

Every night, before I turn on the dishwasher, I place the sponge in the top rack.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 10:36 AM on August 14, 2007

Kona Village on the Big Island may fit the bill. It has many activities--fewer than a cruise, more than a hotel. It is on the edge of a lava field with caves and petroglyphs. Until visiting Kona Village, I never associated Hawaii with caves ...

The resort is in a cove. The water is shallow and warm. Even non-swimmers can feel safe.

Meal plan is all-inclusive, except for drinks. Most activities are included in the price.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 4:41 PM on August 12, 2007

I hope you're young, because my advice will kill anyone over 35.

You've got debt problems. Borrowing from yourself doesn't solve the debt problems.

That's why I recommend raiding--not borrowing--raiding your 401k. Take the money, pay the penalty and taxes, and "retire" your debt. Don't fool yourself into thinking you'll pay it back. You won't. Believe me, you won't.

Everyone will say... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 7:21 AM on August 2, 2007

About a year ago, the Wall Street Journal had a fantastic op-ed saying the dictators and CEOs have the same personalities.

Under capitalism, their autocratic (and sometimes capricious) behavior can be diverted to useful purposes. The author argued that in another country and another time, Steve Jobs would have been another Stalin, but capitalism saved him and the rest of the world from that fate.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:31 PM on August 1, 2007

Boiling covers a lot of mistakes. I suggest chicken with yellow gravy. It is the epitome of comfort food. In fact, it's so good, it's my uncle's "birthday meal."

1. Put chicken in large pot on the stove, cover with water. Add one large onion (quartered), 2-3 stalks of celery (leaves OK), and 5-10 whole pepper corns.

2. Bring to a boil and simmer at least 2 hours or until meat falls off the bone. Since the chicken is already... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 7:15 PM on July 26, 2007 marked best answer

Thanks for the Lula tip. It was fantastic.

The neighborhood is straight out of a movie. Beautiful brownstones, a Norwegian Lutheran Church, a huge traffic circle-cum-park, and a take-one-replace-one video box.

I had a house salad and the leg of lamb. The salad was large and tasty. The tomatoes were actually red. The lamb was delicious. It was served with mashed turnips and pickled green beans. The green beans we a great complement. I was... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:13 AM on July 24, 2007

This decision by Richard Posner in Kadas v. MCI Systemhouse Corp. provides a nice description (apologize for the length; citations removed):

"Some cases suggest that statistical evidence is not admissible ... unless it is significant at the conventional 5 percent significance level (that is, the coefficient of the relevant correlation is at least two standard deviations away from zero), ... --in other words, unless there is no more than a 5 percent probability that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 8:27 AM on July 12, 2007

Here are some goodies.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:31 AM on June 27, 2007

I hosted a scotch tasting party with heavy appetizers. Roasted (on the grill) pork tenderloin was a huge hit. Unlike roast beef, it's hard to overcook. Unlike sushi, it's meat. Serve the tenderloin with some mayo and mustard and a sliced baguette. That way folks can make mini sandwiches it they want.

WARNING: Overindulging in whiskey, whisky, bourbon, and scotch will give you an I-want-to-die hangover. Please provide your guests with plenty of water and starches.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 11:45 AM on June 15, 2007

Options are a reasonable alternative. If you think the stock price will drop you could (a) buy puts, and/or (b) write calls.

Your broker may have some restrictions on options trading. Usually you have to prove that you are grown up who knows what they are doing and has money to lose.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 10:30 AM on June 4, 2007

Two potential problems with 20% time:

1. Some people will spend the 20% cruising the Internets (Research! Research!).

2. Others will become obsessed with their projects--so obsessed that 20% turns into 60-80% and their "real" jobs never get done.

As jaimev points out, side projects are what weekends are for.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 6:06 AM on May 15, 2007

Economic consulting firms are always looking for people with statistics knowledge. LECG and CRAI are two large firms with offices in Europe. Note: You won't go far in the business without a graduate degree.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 1:19 PM on May 14, 2007

Two by Frank Loesser. Of course ...

Baby, It's Cold Outside (1944):
"Brr its cold….
It's cold out there
Cant you stay awhile longer baby
Well…..I really shouldn't...alright

Make it worth your while baby
Ahh, do that again…."

And, not quite sexist, but pretty raunchy...

If I Were a Bell (1955):
"Ask me how do I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 12:37 PM on May 10, 2007

Take many (30+) pictures. Make you boss turn and tilt his or head in several different ways. Otherwise, you'll have 30+ pictures that all look the same.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 3:05 PM on May 8, 2007

I spent five years in Claremont as a grad student. On my grad student pittance, I rented a house about 5 blocks from the village and five block from the colleges. I grew up in Ohio and I tell people that Claremont is more midwestern than the midwest.

You don't say what department you're in. However, I found that the quality of schools in Claremont attract top-notch workshops and seminars. One conference our department sponsored had two Nobel laureates and a 3rd who... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:00 AM on May 3, 2007

Whether the dollar is weakening or not, in the long run you will benefit from diversifying your investments (e.g., retirement) internationally. Here are some no-load, low-cost mutual funds recommended by Ted Aronson.

1. Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index (VEIEX)
2. Vanguard European Stock Index (VEURX)
3. Vanguard Pacific Stock Index (VPACX)

If the dollar declines after you buy these funds, the dollar value of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 10:09 AM on April 20, 2007

I started reading Aquariums of Pyonyang in a bookstore and couldn't put it down.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:56 AM on April 20, 2007

Finance is just a field of economics. One option is to get into the best doctoral program in economics that you can get into. Make sure that this program has at least one professor who does some quantitative financy stuff. Get in, power thru your course work, and spend no more than a year finishing your dissertation. The whole program should take no more than 5 years. WRITE YOUR DISSERTATION ON THE RELEVANT TOPIC. If you want to go into quantitative finance, don't write "Three essays... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 11:10 AM on April 19, 2007

I have fond memories of Hilton Island, SC. Yes, it has an upscale rep, but you can find bargains. Otherwise, we'd never have gone.

We always rented a condo at The Breakers. They are nice, on the beach, and on the lower end of the rental range.

During the summer, kids love to hear Gregg Russell perform childishly naughty songs about picking your nose, chewing gum, etc.

Hilton Head is about an hour from Savannah, GA,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 10:07 AM on April 19, 2007

Bonzi "security alert" popups class action lawsuit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 2:58 PM on March 15, 2007

On OS X, use Graphic Converter (or similar program) to open the PDF. Trim/Smart Trim the figure, save in a format you like, and put in LaTeX. Use the graphicx package. Then check this page to see if you need any hacks.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 11:16 AM on March 6, 2007

Very Easy Chicken
1 cut up chicken
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (mushroom and garlic soup for extra flavor)
1 container of sliced mushrooms
1-2 cups grated cheddar cheese
2-6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon (or pancetta)

1. Place chicken in baking dish.
2. Mix soup and mushrooms, pour over chicken.
3. Back at 350F degrees for 1 hour.
4. Place cheese and bacon on top, bake for... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 11:01 AM on March 2, 2007

A strong bonus system may be in order. Strong means that bonuses are tied to individual and/or project performance. If employee A worked on project X and the project lost money (for whatever reason), then employee A gets no bonus from project X. This gets employees interested in all phases of a project--proposal, performance, and collections.

Once employees understand that their decisions affect their own bottom line, the tend to think differently. There are... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 1:30 PM on January 31, 2007

The Ems Dispatch was a telegraph (memo) that Otto von Bismarck "edited" to cause the French to declare war on Prussia and thereby start the Franco-Prussian War. The hangover from that war is credited with contributing to the start of WWI.

A very short "memo" is General Anthony McAuliffe's response to the German demand that he surrender his troops in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII. The General wrote on a piece of paper delivered to the Germans:... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 1:34 PM on January 24, 2007

Please put some contact info in your profile. There are probably a few MeFites who can help you, but don't want to be accused of pimping their services.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 1:31 PM on January 22, 2007

Time inconsistency: a situation where a decision-maker's preferences change over time, such that what is preferred at one point in time is inconsistent with what is preferred at another point in time.

This concept gain popularity in economics as a result of stagflation and hyperinflation in the 1970s.
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 9:56 AM on January 22, 2007

If people are near downtown, some options include:

Macaroni Grill: a very noisy chain Italian restaurant with food that is superior to Old Spaghetti Factory

Rock Bottom Brewery: a noisy chain brewpub; smoked salmon fish and chips are awesome (this is where the Wine's had rehearsal lunch)

Huber's: Portland's oldest restaurant; famous for roast turkey and Spanish coffee; it has a banquet room that usually is pretty empty so... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by GarageWine at 1:51 PM on January 18, 2007