I'm perhaps an extreme example: I have a tendency to follow the speech patterns of anyone with an accent I can place. Not ridiculously aping their accent, but changing my sentence structure and intonation in slight but noticeable ways. I find it's easier to connect with people that way...I learned the behavior when I was very young, speaking to my father's family, all first generation immigrants with accents. I think it's basically people just trying to connect on a personal level...I've never... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:52 PM on July 9, 2008

How good are your proofreading skills? Can you type well? Have you studied fundamentals well enough to tutor, English or music? Considered teaching?
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 4:41 PM on June 25, 2008

Seconding neuron, although with the numbers you've given, a specialist definitely seems in order (I had very bad acid reflux and after 4 months was down from 40mg to 20mg once a day, where I've remained, again, YMMV)
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:47 AM on June 24, 2008

Take out the word humor. It's not so much about the funny, as the barely hidden aggressiveness and frustration that with time will will probably be seen as either annoying or disconcerting. It sounds like you have feelings that would be better expressed directly, (I'm angry, or disappointed at person X) but you instead say them sarcastically, which actually makes people take it less seriously (Yeah, that person X, he's a real winner, that guy, I should get him a mug with Person of The Year on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 7:47 AM on June 23, 2008

It's certainly possible to expand the definition of "project" out either to mean "all public housing" (haven't heard it used much that way) or "public housing of the "project" class". I lived in a suburban project. It was a Section 8 housing complex comprised mostly of illegal immigrants, who bribed representatives of our absentee landlord. "Unsavory" is a gross understatement. My mother and I saw violence on a regular basis, although I came to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:51 AM on June 14, 2008

To prevent the possibility of a pile-on, there were families there as well, who tended to move out in short order. I didn't really feel threatened per se, as the local gang members took a shine to me, but the atmosphere wasn't quite pleasant: my wheelchair ramp was used as a toilet fixture a few times.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 9:06 AM on June 14, 2008

I'm not quite sure all those previously mentioned might be too "gamey" for you, watercarrier. I imagine you'd love something like The Endless Forest. It has no real challenge, you're a deer exploring a forest, but it's soothing and free, so it fits.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:45 AM on June 10, 2008 marked best answer

Also, check out the free games by this company, Cloud and FlOw. I think you'll like Cloud.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:50 AM on June 10, 2008

Awesome, prostitution chatfilter!
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 7:28 PM on June 4, 2008

"I was so good, she gave the money back!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 7:29 PM on June 4, 2008

I agree with the other commenters, but there's something that sets me off here...you've had trouble understanding people in a couple different ways based on your previous Askmes, and it sounds like you feel defensive and are seeking validation, which you deserve, but might not really help. In my expenience, there's a difference between people who frame strong personal preferences individually, ("I prefer blogs to books") and people who frame them universally ("Books are all stupid,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 6:40 PM on June 4, 2008

Heh, I know that much...my Task Manager doesn't show anything I can easily pick out as fishy..I tried disabling my AV and no luck...the only think I can think of off the top is an instance of run32.dll, but after I terminate the process it does nothing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:18 PM on May 27, 2008

So mdevore was right, and he helped me out for free to prove it! Still working out kinks as I type, but the short answer is registry editing, patience, and an extremely helpful and generous MeFite. Thanks mdevore!
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:21 PM on May 28, 2008

Cool music, but not quite what I was looking for...I'm looking for instrumentals at a singing tempo.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:59 PM on May 17, 2008

I've never followed those directions...those are a default, not a requirement. I've been taking Prilosec every day for years on doctor's orders, as far as I tell, my head has not yet exploded. Talk to your doctor for directions meant for you...they'll know better than the packaging.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 5:46 AM on May 16, 2008

Chatfilter. Also, what books have you read thus far? Some authors are better than others, and taking "books" as a general category instead of a medium seems to lend credence to his point.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 4:51 PM on May 14, 2008

Or, more precisely, I have a feeling you just haven't read enough books to realize most any topic you can read about on the net has also been written about in a book, often in greater depth.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 4:56 PM on May 14, 2008

I didn't notice any fruit in there....
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 4:43 PM on May 11, 2008

Playing devil's advocate, if you really do feel love in your relationship, it seems like it would make sense to bring this up to her, and see how she takes it. How much have you talked about this with her?
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:46 AM on May 3, 2008

I was always under the impression that Napoleon was the last European head of state to do this (1815), with Cetshwayo being the final frontline head of state (1879). Military history isn't my specialty, though.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 9:36 PM on April 26, 2008

Although I'm at a different, earlier point in life, were I you, I'd break it down a bit. Find yourself a job you feel better about first, and put school and your novel (congratulations!) on the back burner for a little while. After you find a new job, you'll have mental and emotional breathing room to reevaluate your longer term goals.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 2:59 PM on April 8, 2008

Well, you seem like an intellectual, increasingly self-aware person from your AskMes...your problems don't sound like an attitude issue to me. If you do feel ready, it doesn't strike me as implausible that you could get another job, and put yourself in a new situation where you have less of a history to ruminate over (this is key), and then plan for school later on. Adding school on top of your current two jobs sounds like too much of a strain right now.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 4:30 PM on April 8, 2008

Hey mynameismandab. I actually went to my therapist and got a Strattera sampler...I've had anxiety issues for years, but never found something that worked for me, so I'll give it a shot and see how it's different, (or not) from what I've tried before.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 1:05 PM on April 4, 2008

Please go to your school's health center. No matter how much you think you know, you're not going to be as well equipped as a professional will be, and given that medication might alter your judgement even further, it's unwise to try choosing your own. I speak forcefully because I've seen how rough neuroscience students have it: I feel bad when one tries to haggle for my Ambien, or another buys a shelf's worth of a health food store. Please don't be those guys.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 2:37 PM on March 26, 2008

The HTC Touch doesn't fit the bill? The other phone I was thinking of was the Sony Ericsson P1 (top camera)
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 9:21 AM on March 26, 2008

Well, you gave the seeds of an answer in your question:

I know this isn't true, because I spent that time ignoring class because I was happily chasing girls and enjoying myself in that. Probably not as long lasting - but still happily part of my education.

If you believe that, reinforce it and find some more supportive friends. Gradually you'll become more confident as you succeed on your own terms. If you don't really... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 11:12 AM on March 21, 2008

Speaking generally as a person with a disability, you don't say what age your student is, but in many cases it would prove quite helpful to simply ask them. That said, you can look here for basic info. Anecdotally, I know some people who stutter, and they unanimously prefer not having their words finished.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 9:52 PM on March 18, 2008

Thanks LobsterMitten! I care more about the still-alive bit, but don't want to discourage people from answering in the other sense too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 9:06 PM on March 16, 2008

I perpetually feel sleep deprived

Key point. I also have drowsiness issues, caused by (severe) insomnia. You haven't said whether you've sought a doctor, but if the erection occurs without related arousal, you might have any number of medical concerns that I am in no way qualified to diagnose, but other people can treat.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:50 AM on March 8, 2008

Don't necessarily value gear over skills. Why not take up some hobbies that have useful positive implications? Anything from gardening to hiking can be quite useful and seem entirely nutjob-free. You should definitely have an understanding of first aid, for instance, with or without a 900-piece kit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:50 AM on March 4, 2008

I am just a slight bit ahead of you datingwise, philosophygeek, and you might find my earlier askme useful in some way. As far as general observations:

Your sample is altogether too small. I've dated about one out of every ten women I've asked out. I know people who've done worse. It couldn't hurt to widen the pool. You're probably trying too hard because you're still so inexperienced, but that's perfectly normal. Probably the easiest time I had dating casually was... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:37 PM on March 3, 2008

Drug slang. See here and here. Haven't heard "boost" though.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 5:58 PM on February 28, 2008 marked best answer

2nd Saucy Intruder and AH. There is no such thing as a respected American online law school. The three extant ones look sketchy indeed, being unaccredited and I haven't heard of anyone being hired with their credentials outside California.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:21 PM on February 20, 2008

I dislike it when people call bullshit so fast.

Relevant quote: Once you’ve used your online law degree to practice law in California for a few years, you may be able to work as a lawyer in additional states. Many states will permit California lawyers to take their bar exams after five to seven years of practicing law. Alternatively, you could enroll in a Master of Law program accredited by the American Bar Association. Such programs take only one or two years... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 11:17 PM on February 20, 2008

Hey tkchrist! If you, or anyone else wants to read about the RelationshipFilter half of this, my earlier post is here. Also, I probably should have been specific, I don't mind answers saying it's fine, but advice is also helpful...It's a little too hard to just think of Penis 'n Me time, y'know?
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 6:24 PM on February 19, 2008

Well, not so much the "God will smite me for Onanism!" variety, as the "I wish I could break free of this vicious cycle, I could have gotten a doctorate in the time I've been doing this" feeling.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 6:51 PM on February 19, 2008

Wow, vanoakenfold, that's a frightening-sounding AskMe, but I'm glad you found that book so helpful...I'll have to check it out because I too have strong desires for physical contact... but naturally this sets the stage for more AskMes... (I'd rather spoon once than get another three thousand pats on the head.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:37 PM on February 20, 2008

I'm single, 22, straight, and expect to marry eventually. I esteem long term monogamous relationships in general, and would want to bind myself symbolically and practically to the woman I intended to remain faithful to in a way that just living together wouldn't replicate.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 2:47 PM on February 18, 2008

Just keep asking why, and eventually they'll either realize they're being irrational or, more likely, just give up.

Don't do that unless you really mean to dispute someone. An atheist I know took this tack with a guy who turned out to be a serious theologian who just would not let go. They went at each other like wounded bulls for three hours. Better to avoid this until you're ready for it. Are there any other atheist groups nearby you could draw... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 8:01 PM on February 12, 2008

Chlorine dioxide is already in wide use as a disinfectant, but it's not as safe as those links or your friend might think. Here's a brief explanation, by way of Google Books.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 7:20 PM on December 20, 2007 marked best answer

I see what you're trying to accomplish, stbalbach. Part of the problem is that, as a moderately potent disinfectant, you'd need an awful lot more than the dilute solutions these people are selling to cure every ailment. It is used in Africa in the same way as in the States: A first-line water disinfectant. Chlorine or UV is still used, because the dioxide can't replace them. It's a effective mouthwash, but it wouldn't cure malaria nearly as well as quinine, despite the latter's side effects.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:26 PM on December 20, 2007

More stats here. Insufficient data to conclude the liquid form is dangerous, which is good, because it's used all over the place already. If it cures disease better than we understand, we're all reaping the benefits without spending an extra dime, but I suspect these people are misguided, instead.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:40 PM on December 20, 2007

Heh, couldn't access one of stbalbach's links before. The short, short version: Chlorine dioxide in sufficiently high doses causes nausea, diarrhea and vomiting by irritating the stomach and esophagus. The dose is higher than any normal disinfectant use, and is designed to cause this distress. The ridiculously high concentration (28%!) triggers purging well before digestion, which makes tossing your cookies and getting the runs the sum total reason to drink the stuff.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 9:47 AM on February 3, 2008

Jackpot. Levels as high as this huckster's concentration were never tested in humans because they led to thyroid defiiciency, internal lesions, birth defects and renal failure in animal testing. Just wish I'd found this sooner.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:05 AM on February 3, 2008 marked best answer

Going to the media? If you have sufficient documentation of all this, might be worth a shot emailing paper and TV reporters. Disability advocacy orgs? You don't list what sort of disability you have...if I knew that, I (or more probably someone like ClaudiaCenter) might be able to narrow it down. Have you looked at tenant advocacy groups?
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 5:43 PM on January 25, 2008

Please do not build the robots to be enforcers in your redemption camp...

That said, there are people certainly working at this level in Japan, so I'm guessing you could work on building contacts in your geographic area. For instance, in Europe, you might want to talk to the people at EURON when your ideas are more fleshed out.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 10:09 AM on January 15, 2008

Nthing stop drinking. I've had friends in similar situations... staying away from alcohol and situations where others consume it in large quantities will help you feel more in control, which is a good first step regardless of where you are emotionally.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 4:29 PM on January 1, 2008

On the "Paleo" side is The American Conservative, makes for blistering reading at times. I prefer the tech-and-society focused The New Atlantis and the literary The New Criterion. Both provide conservative perspectives that run deeper than news commentary, even if they're not as eclectic as The New Yorker can be.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 3:49 PM on December 27, 2007

I think you've answered your own question pretty well, but to recap:

...if they don't dry out properly after washing, bad things happen.

True. Strike one.

My skin and hair is covered with sand and grit and beautiful, beautiful dirt.

Then dreads are a bad idea. Strike two.

My hair is slighty wavy. It does not lock up on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 3:35 PM on December 17, 2007

Yes, you can...my friends used Orange & White. http://www.citidexli.com/899.htm It'll be helpful to call in advance, though.
posted to Ask Metafilter by StrikeTheViol at 12:31 PM on November 28, 2007