Brief anecdote: A good friend of mine took off for the wilds of Alaska upon completing her degree. All she wanted to do was hike and camp and commune with nature. Sadly, it did not last for very long. Not because she grew weary of the life she had chosen. While snow camping one November, she fell into a ravine and lost her life. Her family, although completely dumbstruck with grief, took solace in the fact that she died doing what she loved doing. She lived in a way so few of us are privileged... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 12:15 PM on June 29, 2008

Okay, let me refine. I have familiarized myself to a certain extent with respect to how my former brother in law can be compelled legally to pay child support. I am more interested in knowing if any extra-judicial agreement that my sister entered into with her ex would be valid and enforceable.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 12:10 PM on June 15, 2008

Thanks y'all. I guess that the more I read your answers, and think more about it, I realize that I have completely mis-phrased my question, but you have managed to answer it anyway. My real question should have been: Were my sister to enter into an extra-judicial agreement with my former brother in law to settle his debt, would she actually be capable of providing him with legal release from his financial obligation, and the answer is obviously and resoundingly no. Not that this is what any of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 2:19 PM on June 15, 2008

Again, despite what toomuchpete may think, I firmly believe that askmefi is one of the best places to come for advice, and if not advice, than certainly perspective. I appreciate greatly the fact that people have taken time out of their busy day to provide me with their particular expertise. Thank you so much.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 5:43 PM on June 15, 2008

Hmm, a cursory search turns up no maps, and some unpleasant information about the town's history. It doesn't appear to be terribly tourist friendly, which might explain why there aren't any ready maps available for it.
I suggest that you befriend a local, and allow them to show you around. They should be able to tell you where you as a gringa you will be safe, and what places to avoid, and when. A local friend was also be nice, they could show you the cool things that the average... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 10:53 AM on May 23, 2008

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far. Although Hip Hop Hoodios are cool, the singing that I did hear wasn't in English. I am also not knowledgeable enough to know what language it is, except that it ain't English. I suspect it was either Hebrew/Arabic/Yiddish. Nomisxid, dunklebunt it ain't, but that is good stuff. I LOVE that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 3:37 PM on May 9, 2008

Jammy got it! Thank you so much! The song I heard is called "Sunday Arak". Off to Itunes to purchase the whole damn album, which is awesome. Thank you askmefi, once again for your valuable assistance and suggestions.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 3:46 PM on May 9, 2008

You can have your mother's death certificate translated into English by a sworn translator, you can find one here. Once translated, sworn and notarized, it should serve as a valid legal document for whatever purposes you may intend. If you run into any problems, I would contact the State Department, or even the Embassy in Mexico City.
I am very sorry to hear about your mother.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 4:34 PM on May 7, 2008

Nthing 'Estoy satisfecha'. 'Basta' and 'llega' are two other great words to mean 'enough, already!', which will get you through oodles of situations.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 10:51 AM on May 6, 2008

I am not telling. I don't want anyone else to go there.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 1:55 PM on April 29, 2008

NO! She's not a porn star. She had one soft-porn, mildly pedophelic (sp?) movie in the early '80s. I have seen the porny parts, and it isn't all that. She has gone to great lengths to make this movie disappear.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 2:20 PM on April 24, 2008

Having stayed at that particular Hilton, it is a lovely hotel, great common areas and a nice pool. Catch 31 has some of the best seafood around. I have heard that it is the best hotel in the area, and that may well be, but my husband and I were very disappointed. It was crowded and understaffed, and our room was far from clean. Additionally, once the weather is warm, hardly a week goes by that one festival or another is underway, and the beach is packed with carousing party people. Every night... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 10:33 AM on April 14, 2008

As a parent of a kid who still stresses too much in advance of any type of medical procedure, I am gonna go with misanthropicsarah on this one. Don't say much of anything at all. Obviously, he already knows what is going to happen, but up to the very moment that you have to go the dentist, distract and redirect. Bribe when bribes are necessary, and don't lie when the time comes.
When my son was a small child, he was never told that he was going to the doctor ahead of time, and only... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 7:28 PM on April 12, 2008

Well, I asked "Ask a linguist", which I found, strangely, while trying to find Languagehat.
Interestingly enough, it was explained to me that what I am experiencing, in long term memory, is that we tend not to store memory as language, rather as meaning. One of the kind people at "Ask a linguist" added that part of this phenomenon is known as "semantic integration". Ultimately, when you store memory, not only could you forget what language you learned... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 8:55 AM on April 10, 2008

I always thought that chuchotage would be a pretty cool gig. I bet you make serious bank, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 1:54 PM on March 25, 2008

I read The Master and Margarita for the first time as a moony-eyed undergrad studying Russian and Russian literature/history. It made me want to become a Russian witch, I still do. I can read that book dozens of times and be consistently immersed.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 4:28 PM on March 24, 2008

All of this really doesn't matter.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 11:49 AM on March 19, 2008

Well, you are awfully self aware, so that counts for something bending towards 'normal', doesn't it? Normal doesn't seem to me to be a place on a map that you can mark with a pin, and you seem to know that. Normal is a state of flux and more importantly, perspective. It's an interesting mental exercise to try and place yourself on the normalcy spectrum, but ultimately won't really bring you any closer to 'normal' itself.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 10:57 AM on March 19, 2008

Bummer! Milarepa disabled his/her account?
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 6:37 PM on March 16, 2008

You can definitely stay longer than ninety days in Brazil, you can stay up to 180 days in any 365 day period. To do so, you must visit the Federal Police a few days before your visa expires (this is to insure that if they send you off to do silly bureaucratic things, you have enough time to complete them before the expiration date). You will need to complete some forms, and pay a fee to the Banco do Brasil, and Bob's your uncle, an additional 90 days.
Don't know about Argentina.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 1:12 PM on March 10, 2008

Found it myself
Her name is Paula, apparently. Gonna favorite myself, too. Yup.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 11:26 AM on February 26, 2008 marked best answer

Daggonit, mykescipark, beat me to it!
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 11:07 AM on February 22, 2008

I'm actually going to break with the pack here and suggest fruity ice cream. Specifically, fruits (at least in the Northern Hemisphere) associated with summer. I find that this time of year, I crave strawberry and cherry ice cream, because I cannot find any decent strawberries or cherries to satisfy my taste for that fruit. Anecdotal, to be sure, but I know I am not alone with my summer fruit fixations in the cold dark months of winter.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 1:47 PM on February 21, 2008

We just recently resolved our own issue similar to this one. We have lived in our home for over a year, and although our water quality is adequate, our bathroom (no matter how clean it was), still stank of sewage from time to time. This weekend, my husband was cleaning out the pipes underneath our sinks, when we discovered that the kinky tube (I have no idea what it is called) underneath his sink was coated with a nasty smelling slime. I cleaned it out with bleach and hot water, and since then -... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 2:27 PM on February 6, 2008

I think most people are overreacting. It seems like you trust the people who are willing to hire you, and although I do have to agree with what someone posted upthread, there is an overwhelming number of English schools in Brazil right now - I can't imagine how a new one could even succeed in what is already a rather competitive market. That said, I say go for it! How often do you get to go to Brazil? You won't get caught unless you do something stupid and get your ass arrested. Stay clear of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 2:20 PM on January 16, 2008

Well, one would assume that they have the same recorded birth date. How much kismet is that? You meet someone, you are attracted to them, *somehow*, and you start to share personal information. You're adopted, oh my god! So am I! Holy cow! We have the SAME BIRTHDAY! Holy crap! It must be fate! I suppose that this must somehow come into play. You feel this attraction, then to discover that you are both adopted, and born on the very same day, it must feel destined, doesn't it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 7:27 PM on January 12, 2008

Golda Meir leaps immediately to mind. Jane Addams, Florence Nightingale are also noteworthy. All three began their activities at a young age. Florence Nightingale, for example, started nursing at age seventeen.
This is a great question, I will be eager to read other answers.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 11:29 AM on December 30, 2007

Aw! Samantha Smith! I had forgotten all about her. She was awesome.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 11:31 AM on December 30, 2007

Property ownership and labor laws, in particular. I cannot emphasize the importance of specific labor laws enough. I am a translator by trade, frequently between Portuguese and English, and as legal translation specialist, these are two areas that are in common contention. Environmental law is also of special concern. IBAMA regulations can be of particular interest. Please feel free to email me for any additional information. Feliz natal.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 4:24 PM on December 23, 2007

The very best New Year's Eve party I went to, I attended along with a million of my closest friends, on Copacabana Beach, in Rio. Our entertainment was thoughtfully provided for us (free of charge) by one Jorge Ben Jor. At midnight we all drank champagne, watched fireworks and jumped seven waves.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 5:12 PM on December 15, 2007

Thanks for all your help, everyone. I just got back to the thread, and I am going to try some of these options. I'm afraid an alumni association won't help much, since she didn't go to college with me, her husband was in grad school (we were in different programs), and she didn't get a degree. I don't know where she and her husband got married, and I don't know where either of them were from, just to make things worse. I appreciate all of your suggestions, whether I find my friend or not, I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 1:44 PM on December 13, 2007

I have been doing charity work for as long as I can recall. I was raised and educated by Jesuits, so that explains it, short answer-style. I also belonged to Interact, the Rotary High School Service Program, as well as the NHS, which incorporated volunteer work. Even before that, though, seriously, for as long as I remember, I had it pounded daily into my brain that I was one lucky youngster, and that I had to demonstrate my gratitude for how great my life was by doing good works for others.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 10:55 AM on December 13, 2007

Have you considered checking with social services in your area? Frequently, they run Christmas drives, where you can 'adopt' a local family for Christmas. A form is provided to you with the family's wishlist and details, and you purchase what you can afford. I think it is a plus to keep my donation local, and the bonus is that since I am not donating to a large national or international agency, there is no threat of my name being sold AGAIN to other NGOs that are going to make every attempt... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 12:43 PM on December 3, 2007

Phaedon, per your suggestion, I unplugged the game for a half hour, no dice.
Mphuie, already called the Gamestop where I purchased the system, they won't take it back. Indeed, the information packet that came with the game itself said not to return it to the retailer in the event of a problem.
Slavin, game system vs. games purchased are not causing any issues as far as zone differences are concerned. Both the system and all games have been purchased in the US of A.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 6:11 PM on November 12, 2007

I get really bored exercising inside as well. I try to read fluff magazines and watch television. Actually, today I watch the Wisconsin-Michigan football game while running on the treadmill, and it was one of the best ways to exercise (I am a Badger fan). Watching sports while running is great.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 3:38 PM on November 10, 2007

CBS Sunday Morning. It's kinda like the New Yorker on television. Kinda.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 3:36 PM on November 10, 2007

Late to this game, but I cannot fail to point out Special Topics in Calamity Physics, one of the better books I have read recently. One of the principal characters dies halfway through the book, and I really didn't see it coming.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 8:08 PM on October 29, 2007

During my husband's protracted bout with cancer, he really appreciated it when friends came around to keep him company. Boredom is a major component of chemo treatment. You don't get to leave your house very much (because you don't feel well, and because you could contract a yucky cold out in public), you can't concentrate well enough to read, television has its limitations, and board games get stale. My husband liked company, he liked it when people would come over and tell their nonsense... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 9:12 AM on October 25, 2007

I am 5'8 1/2", 125 pounds (female)
1) Breakfast: coffee, oj, iron pill for anemia. Generally I skip eating, because I am not yet hungry, but sometimes I eat a homemade egg mcmuffin.
2) Lunch: Sandwich, pizza, pasta, some protein.
3) Typical dinner includes some protein (commonly lean beef or fish), rice and veggies, maybe a salad.
4) If anything changes on the weekend, it's usually one big meal in the middle of the day, surrounded by even... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 10:30 AM on October 10, 2007

Alright, update time. Parmanparman, I went to the local music store and got an old Fender box (that's all they had), but it isn't that cool, so I kept looking. Solipsophistacracy, I went to Wootini, and although the clerk was super cool, he didn't have anything appropriate, either. He did, however, have a great suggestion - Surplus Syds - one of those old military supply curiosity shops that everyone has in their town. Syd himself gave me a great idea: I bought an old fire extinguisher box that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 11:24 AM on October 9, 2007

Here's a link
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 7:51 AM on October 5, 2007

Clothing wise, it's going to be pretty tough, since Brazilian sizes run very small by American (and European) standards. For example, I wear a size four in American clothing, which translates to a 38-40 Brazilian size, and most Brazilian sizes run at the most from a 44-46. What you can buy heaps of that will make you slick and fashionable here in the States are cangas. Cangas are the ubiquitous beach serapes that you will find for sale up and down Ipanema, Copacabana and Leblon beaches. There... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 1:50 PM on October 3, 2007

I have this exact same thing, and it is definitely improved if I don't eat a heavy lunch. However, one way to quickly rectify the situation is to eat a banana, and drink a mug of herbal peppermint tea. Sets me straight.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 1:10 PM on September 29, 2007

A soup tureen cozy?
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 9:37 AM on September 24, 2007

My son's high school in North Carolina has a full time RN, as well as a therapist and police "resource" officer. I attended a private Catholic school way back in the day, and we were also equipped with a nurse, who wasn't even Catholic. I always found that interesting.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 9:36 AM on September 24, 2007

My husband bought me tickets (paper ones) for our first anniversary to see a show I really wanted to see. Excellent paper present!
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 2:10 PM on September 21, 2007

What everyone else has said, but I also have to add that Julian is famous for all things apple, especially its apple pies. I used to visit there as a child, and we would always bring back several pies and freeze them, busting them out for special occasions. Sooooooo goooooood.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 12:06 PM on September 20, 2007

Brazilian custom is to get the deceased (the 'defunto') into the ground within 24 hours. Wakes and funerals tend to be quite simple affairs, really. People do not dress in any special way, hell, I have attended most Brazilian funerals in flipflops. Sad as the occasion is, Brazilians tend to get it over with pretty quickly. Seven days following death, they hold the "Missa do setimo dia", the seven day mass, if the deceased was Catholic. If you can attend that, it is usually a good time... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 4:23 PM on September 17, 2007 marked best answer

Hmmmm. Well, I checked back with the website, and they had indeed posted their bridge music, but the artist and song listed was not the song that I heard. The song that I heard definitely had more of a MM&W, Bad Plus, Tord Gustavsen (thanks for that suggestion, by the way!) feel. The song that they claim to have played during the interlude after the HIV in an RV park story sounds more like the Postal Service meets DJ Shadow, which in and of itself ain't bad, but it definitely ISN'T the song... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 2:21 PM on September 1, 2007

Ok, I am totally wrong. I listened to the wrong song initially. I just bought it, Cold Jubilee, by Tijuana Mon Amour, off of the Cold Jubilee (Of the Snowqueen) album. It is a lovely song, and I recommend it to everyone. Listen to this song, and your day will be brighter, and life will appear more blessed, if just for a few moments.
posted to Ask Metafilter by msali at 2:39 PM on September 1, 2007