We have an Ikea mattress, though it's memory foam, not latex. I'm a very hot sleeper and I'm fine with it, mostly due to the cotton cover and the layer of wool/cotton/silk between the foam and me. Now anything with a polyester cover seems incredibly hot and sweaty, even with cotton sheets. I think the mattress pad will have more of an effect on your temperature, since that's what you're actually lying on. Wool is usually a good choice for this, though I don't think you'll necessarily find it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 11:53 PM on July 24, 2008

Live in the City. Take CalTrain. Really, there's no place hip in the South Bay, though I'd say it's all pretty much queer-friendly. Some Peninsula towns have cute downtown areas with good places to eat, but they're not exactly happening. San Francisco is extremely walkable, IMO. Hills and stairs are good for you. If you can't live in the City, at least try for downtown San Jose which has density and character. I personally think Santana Row is kind of a horrible place to live- like living on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 4:56 PM on July 23, 2008

Alice in Wonderland and Winnie the Pooh. They were originally my parent's books, and I read them before I went to school. I still have them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 4:41 PM on July 23, 2008

Crash Worship had more than just percussionists. Nor have I ever seen them all painted gold.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 6:01 PM on July 11, 2008

Here's a helpful visual of a Crash Worship show. I'd say it's quite representative.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 6:07 PM on July 11, 2008

I'm also on the West Coast, and I haven't seen anything like what you describe decor-wise. There is a similarity between menu items, especially in take out joints, but that happens in coffee shops, indian restaurants, sushi joints, thai places, hofbraus... I don't think that's a sign of a nationwide Chinese Restaurant Cabal.

You may enjoy this discussion on the differences between West Coast and East Coast style americanized Chinese food. I've never had East Coast... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 1:35 PM on July 11, 2008 marked best answer

to address some points:

emptyinside, I'm already in school full time. I tried the "work my way up" approach, and after having only limited success, decided I wanted to pursue a degree.

wfgms: I have to declare a major as a transfer student. I also have to take the math placement test (and prove to be somewhat proficient in algebra) as a prerequisite for taking physics, chemistry, and biology. Which is really frustrating. I've also... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 2:47 PM on July 10, 2008

Thank you, everyone, every response had something helpful or a thought I hadn't considered. It seems like I should be a bit more patient about extra schooling, and not stress about cold-calling or emailing. You've all given me lots to think about it. I definitely appreciate it. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 7:02 PM on July 10, 2008

salvia, thanks. You've raised some very good points as well. I was considering Berkeley, so I'll send you a MeMail. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 1:00 PM on July 11, 2008

The best time to plant in Northern California is the fall, when temperatures begin to cool and just before the rain starts. It's much less stressful for the plants, and a much better strategy in a water rationing year.

You do kind of sound like you are in over your head. There's no need to rush re-doing your yard. It's much better to tske the time to consider your options, figure out what you want and how to get it using minimal resources, properly prepare your soil and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 7:09 PM on July 5, 2008

When you plant grass, or lay sod, you add lime as a matter of course.

Not as a general rule in Northern California. Our soils tend to be alkaline clay, with a high calcium content and a pH around 7-7.5. I also would never put sod or grass seed over uncomposted wood chips, when compost is readily available in bulk, and avoids the problem of nitrogen deficiency altogether. 9 inches to a foot of wood chips would never decompose in a mediterranean... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 11:48 AM on July 10, 2008

Starving soils of oxygen by using woodchips on alkaline clay soils? :)

It does happen, quite frequently actually. I've had to replace an entire garden after a previous landscaper mulched with bark, 8-10" deep. Over the winter, every single plant succumbed to root rot. Oxygen and water have to move through the same pores in soil. If those pores are occupied by water that can't evaporate due to heavy mulch or other obstruction, you end up with... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 11:09 PM on July 10, 2008

I recommend volunteering as well. You don't have to do it all week, just sign up for a couple of shifts. You'll meet people, and have a sense of purpose that can really mitigate feeling aimless and sick of it all. The times I went that were crummy were the times that I was not involved in a big project and/or working in the cafe (back when the cafe was run by three people, and in my 3am to 7am shift the only people that came for coffee were the cops, firemen and rangers; and the stone cold crazy... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 1:04 PM on July 10, 2008

The other person was kind of the opposite, very reserved, not so outgoing, and had an, at best, ok time. She felt very much that the people were very cliquish, not interested in talking to her because she wasn't already in a group, except for all the guys who were trolling for poon and were happy to offer her drinks. She felt very shut out and excluded, like all the neat stuff was happening and she wasn't quite invited.

Yes, this definitely happens.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 1:09 PM on July 10, 2008

"If they stop when they see you approaching, then maybe you should walk around more."


That's not snotty, that's perfectly reasonable advice. Obviously if you're busy, you can't do that, but sometimes the most basic solutions are overlooked. Just because it's something that may be obvious to you already doesn't mean it's not well meant.

My technique with teenagers was pretty much what most people have... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 10:27 AM on July 9, 2008

I agree with Evangeline- if you are blonde, your eyebrows should be a teeny bit darker. Unless your naturally blonde hair has a red tint, you run the risk of ending up with pale orange eyebrows when you bleach. If you are the type to happily mess around with dye and bleach products until you are happy (I am one of these people, having colored my hair and eyebrows in one way or another since I was 13), you might enjoy experimenting with bleach. Otherwise, go to a professional, at least a few... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 10:05 AM on July 9, 2008

What biscotti said- but maybe you can find a vet to make a house call, so you don't have to put him through the stress of a vet trip. It sounds like you really gave him a lot of care and tried your best.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:59 AM on July 9, 2008

Previously
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:54 AM on July 9, 2008 marked best answer

Bay Area native: sandwich. Most any sandwich place will make them on your choice of bread or roll, so the shape of the bread itself has become irrelevant. There were a few places that advertised "subs" when I was a kid, but I can't think of anyone I've ever known calling a sandwich a "sub".
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:51 AM on July 8, 2008

Certain carbon based mulches use soil nitrogen as they break down. However, you can mulch with something that breaks down more slowly, like wood chips, (as opposed to shedded bark or cardboard) and remove them at the end of the planting season. You're going to need to replenish the soil nitrogen with compost and green manures after the growing season anyway, so that's the route I'd take. Generally speaking, properly managed vegetable gardens are going to do much better with mulch than without.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 10:42 PM on July 7, 2008

You can try curtaining the entire south facing wall from ceiling to floor. Anything relatively solid in that wall is going to absorb and release heat over a long period, possibly all night. Insulating the wall would be the best thing to do, but hanging a curtain will help the warm air radiating off the wall out of your space. If it cools off at night, crack the window, then close it during the day.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 5:22 PM on July 3, 2008

Would it be a bad idea to group the players according to their weaknesses, and focus more time on improving those things, or just give equal time all around and just let the development happen naturally?

( I've never taught baseball, but I taught gymnastics to all levels and ages for many years.) I think it's sometimes much easier for the kids and coaches to split up the practice gropus according to levels and focus on specific drills. However, kids... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 3:09 PM on July 3, 2008

"who here likes pancakes?"
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 2:03 PM on July 3, 2008

Are they attached? They have to get on him to be killed by the Advantix, so you should see them stumbling around, but not actually biting. If they are biting, then it's not working.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 1:13 PM on July 2, 2008

why you're not comfortable with the idea of giving up entitlement to his company, which from your description is the only thing you agree to let him keep under any circumstances.

Wow, that's not the problem the poster is having, at all:

"I've been shocked by the thoughts and feelings my fiance has expressed during this process: visibly angry talking about the possibility of me turning into a scheming woman who's out to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 6:18 PM on July 1, 2008

Sheet mulching is not recommended for perennial gardens, because it depletes nitrogen from the soil. Cardboard has a 350:1 carbon to nitrogen ratio, which means microorganisms deplete nitrogen from the soil in order to break down the cardboard. This is much less of a problem in vegetable gardens which annually use green manures, but you won't be doing that in a xeriscaped garden. I also would argue against lots of non- permeable hardscape: hardscape creates heat sinks, kills healthy soil, does... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 5:51 PM on June 29, 2008

Wool batting traps air very effectively, due to the natural "crimp" of wool fibers, making it a very good insulator (bedouins wear wool clothing in the desert). It won't be hot if you get the proper weight for summer. Wool is hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture, preventing you from feeling sweaty. It repels dust mites, and is fire retardant. I would personally choose light weight wool over cotton, if you live somewhere humid. Wool comforters need to be dry cleaned.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 5:27 PM on June 29, 2008 marked best answer

Aquarium filters do not have on/off switches, nor do I know of any offhand that have adjustable flow (the exterior hang-off the tank type are usually just rated by gallon circulation). Fountain pumps will have adjustable flow, because you need to tune fountains, but again, I've never come across any with an on/off switch (I have installed water features for a landscape company). Fountain pumps need to be submerged completely. The tabletop type are generally pretty quiet, but not often designed... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 11:07 AM on June 27, 2008

Different skin tones on face and neck were actually rather common for working women in that period. Also manually messing with photographs. I'm not saying the photograph isn't altered (I tend to agree that it might have been a hpoto of the deceased that has been altered by a victorian portaitist) but wouldn't it have been awfully easy for any photoshopper to remove the line under the chin?

As far as broad mouths go, take a look at the image of my great-great-great... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 2:20 PM on June 26, 2008

You will need reservations at Big Basin, Chabot, Henry Coe, and Point Reyes. I would browse Reserve America, but it's not looking too promising for this weekend. Henry Coe seems to have a few spots remaining for ranger-assigned camping.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 2:02 PM on June 26, 2008

If the waiter's scale is what they're paid on, they should seriously strike for better wages, or find a better job. It's not hard to get minimum somewhere else.

Do you know anything about going on strike? It's not something you just do.

I'm always surprised when people get self righteous about not tipping people who bring them food. Bartenders don't move very far either. Half the time they just open a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 4:39 PM on June 25, 2008

That's what we used to make frappes in the cafe I worked in. Ice cream mix, shaved/chopped ice, and a short shot of espresso.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 4:16 PM on June 25, 2008

If there's not a specific event on a specific day (since you didn't mention it), you might go hang out at Zeitgeist. It's a crusty beer garden with lots of long tables, people smoking, and I've found it pretty easy to strike up conversations with people there, just by starting with "is this seat taken?"
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:57 AM on June 25, 2008

Er, hmm. I think I misread your post, and missed the "meaningful" part. Hanging out at a divey outdoor space may not be meaningful to you. Howver, it's in the Mission, near Dolores Park, which is a good place for a boozy picknick with a book.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:59 AM on June 25, 2008

The only thing I can think of that would be 1) liquid 2) smoked, is PCP.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 12:17 PM on June 24, 2008

Soil temperatures are pretty constant; if you've got a good layer of mulch and water can easily move through your soil, watering at night is not going to save much water, if any. Perhaps your mulch will have more of an opportunity to absorb water before it evaporates, but if you have decent soil and mulch there won't be much effect either way. As far as drip goes, it has advantages, definitely; but in the twelve years I've spent caring for gardens and working with drip (including doing untold... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 12:12 PM on June 23, 2008

A fake tan is just dye; it does not protect skin from UV rays. You can easily have fake tan+sunburn.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 11:18 AM on June 23, 2008

Nearly as common are bricks with three holes going down from top to bottom - normally called engineering bricks. I believe, but can't prove, that these features are so that the mortar gets a better hold on the brick.


From what I understand, that's more of a secondary consideration; engineering bricks have holes because they are made of a denser clay material, which would make them extra heavy. Holes don't change how they function under... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 11:16 AM on June 23, 2008

As a female gardener, I'm a little miffed that you consider "playing in dirt, playing with worms and bugs" gross, and even worse, something that girls don't do. I think you need to step away from the stereotypes, and realize that no matter what the gender of your child, they are going to develop their own personality and interests. Today's dirt loving, bug collecting child could be tomorrow's: soil scientist, veterinarian, civil engineer, botanist, landscape architect, entomologist,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 10:58 AM on June 23, 2008

In a nutshell: the I Ching is a tool to get one to stop overthinking things, which is why the best advice to get into it is, well, to stop overthinking things and start using it. There is no secret; there is no "best way". You will develop your own ritual as you go. If you're trying to figure out the best techincal way to approach it, you're going to be too caught up in whether or not you're doing it right to disengage your conscious mind enough to lose the noise.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 10:40 AM on June 21, 2008

Check out Allyn Scura's vintage frames. If You're in California, you can visit a booth at one of the shows on their schedule. I know they had some of these frames recently, because I tried some on.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 10:03 PM on June 19, 2008 marked best answer

It's from here, I'm sorry to say.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 2:18 PM on June 19, 2008

They get all their stuff from iStock. The robot is here.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 4:18 PM on June 19, 2008

In case it's not obvious, his name is Simon Oxley.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 4:20 PM on June 19, 2008

What shelleycat said. Use a moisturizer on your wet skin immediately after getting out of the shower.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:47 AM on June 18, 2008

If the soil is as bad as you say, but you want veggies this summer, do raised beds. Otherwise you will be doing far more work than is necessary digging and amending and wasting water trying to loosen your soil. In the fall, disassemble your beds, spread the soil, and spread a 4" laver of good compost, then sow alfalfa seeds. Alfalfa has a very robust root system that helps to break up clay, improve water and air penetration, and provide nutrients (particularly nitrogen) to soils. In the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 8:51 PM on June 17, 2008

I was thinking Datura as well- it's become somewhat "popular" in Europe over the last few years. An 18 year old German man cut off his tongue and penis with garden shears after drinking datura tea.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 7:15 PM on June 17, 2008

You need to discuss worker's comp with your manager. There is a time period in which you must report an injury; your manager should have access to the forms you need to fill out. The sooner you are taken care of, the sooner you will be able to perform all duties again.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:36 AM on June 16, 2008

Just don't water it until the proper planting time for California lawns: autumn. You're going to use a lot of water establishing a new lawn, "drought friendly" or not, if you plant in the summer. I would wait till the first rains, let what ever weed seeds sprout with the first rain, remove those, and then put down your grass seed.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:16 AM on June 16, 2008

The same goes with "drought" friendly plants as well- any planting now is going to use more water than any established garden. I know the industty doesn't work this way, but planting in dry-summer climates is best done when the weather is cooler, and hopefully, rainier. You use less water, the plants are less stressed, and can establish a good , deep root system over winter, which will help with drought tolerance in summer.
posted to Ask Metafilter by oneirodynia at 9:20 AM on June 16, 2008 marked best answer