I think the idea is less that guys will always relentlessly pursue if they truly like you, but rather that actions speak louder than words. As in, it's better to focus on the actual evidence that he likes or doesn't like you rather than try to make unfounded speculative excuses for the hard evidence that he's not that into you.

Right?

It's been a while since I've held the book in my hands, but if I remember correctly, some of the examples are... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 2:00 PM on June 29, 2008

For new baby cards, I usually put some not-so-subtle suggestion that my first name would be perfect for a girl OR a boy!

I also once saw "HOPE IT'S A BOY" and I don't know if it was meant to be funny or not but I was kind of charmed by its off-beat old fashioned quality. (It turned out to be a girl).
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 3:15 PM on June 19, 2008

Yes, I have seen one. I'm not totally sure, but I think it might be the one closer to the road seen here.

Damn bird's eye view is not really helpful for this particular topic, is it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 3:07 PM on June 19, 2008

Freelancers within the US file a W-9 form. People outside the US freelancing for a US company fill out a W-8. There are different kinds.

Where I work, no one gets paid without filing IRS forms, it doesn't matter where you live or if you're a freelancer, employee, or vendor.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 7:04 AM on June 19, 2008

Millions of college students are working (one or more) summer jobs in their parents' hometowns as we speak. Most of them didn't have to lie.

In addition to temp agencies--restaurants and resorts often need more staff in the summer than in the other months. Retail stores and mail-order warehouses (like ones that sell backpacks or kids' clothes) often do, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 7:13 AM on June 18, 2008

Why does the tenant you sublet to even need to know what percentage of the rent they'll be paying. The room's $1300. If they ask, you can tell them--some people won't care, some may--but no need to advertise it that way.

Look, if all three of you had moved out, the landlord probably could have rented the apartment out for a high overall amount. Why shouldn't the remaining roomie benefit a little from having been there first, and having lived there for two years while... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 3:58 AM on June 18, 2008

This is one of my favorites, too. I especially like, in these kinds of shows, where unlikely pairs--say, on Six Feet Under, Billy and George--would have a poignant moment together.

The work family is a pretty classic theme on TV:
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The West Wing
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 3:38 AM on June 18, 2008

Well, I'm pretty sure that in your lifetime, you're only allowed a maximum of one regular-game try at either Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune. As in, if you've appeared as a regular contestant on Wheel, you can never be a regular contestant on J!.

I think most people who are quick-witted enough to blow the average Wheel contestant out of the water would probably not want to throw away their chance to one day play Jeopardy! in order to play Wheel of Fortune, which, no matter... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 6:35 PM on June 13, 2008

It sounds like an unusual adoption situation, especially given that the birth father did have some contact.

Do his parents know that you'd be willing to be in contact with him if he expressed an interest and they consented?

If not, I think informing them (and only them) that you are--but only if he initiates the idea himself, not asking them to--is the biggest move you can make. It has to come from him. But maybe his folks don't know you'd be OK with it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 4:29 PM on June 11, 2008

It sounds like you're at the very early stages of your research. The very first thing you need to do is finish your manuscript. You shouldn't be looking for agents or publishers until you have something you consider very polished.

Then, you need an overview of how the process works. Both the "For Dummies" and "Complete Idiot" franchises have guides on how to write/publish children's books. I always feel like a jerk recommending them because--you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 1:21 PM on May 27, 2008

Reputable agents don't charge to read manuscripts, no.

Freelance editors do, though. That's very different from an agent. Agents make money by selling rights to your book. They take a percentage (usually 15%) of what your publisher pays you and forwards you the rest. Money should almost never flow from author to agent.

You have every right to ask a prospective agent for references--real clients that you can contact yourself--and also a list of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 12:44 PM on June 11, 2008

I have absolutely nothing to back this up with, of course, but I feel like I've heard that more deer (and moose, etc) end up roadkill when it's very hot because they're trying to escape the bugs. It's not that they pass out from the heat, but that they're just more likely to try to leave the woods, and therefore end up on the road, and therefore get hit by a car. Maybe someone with more expertise has more insight.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 4:22 PM on June 9, 2008

In her analogy, it would be like she was saying "Let's go to Store"

"Let's go to market" is a sentence that could mean "let's go shopping at a market."

I think her particular usage is quirky but acceptable.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 8:01 PM on June 6, 2008

I think I know what you mean.

Cures for Heartbreak is a young adult novel that has chapters that together tell one story, in chronological order, with a natural flow of events from beginning to end. Not stories on a theme (like Adverbs by Daniel Handler), or stories about people who are connected somehow (like Ernie's Ark by Monica Wood), or an unconventional narrative (Cloud Atlas). But the chapters are self-contained, nonetheless. It wasn't until after I'd read it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 10:33 AM on June 5, 2008 marked best answer

I pretty much agree with pineapple that it would be more weird not to mention it than to mention it. Especially if you get a good first impression from her, and assuming she's leaving on good terms, I would just casually mention it as the coincidence that it is.

Publishing is small, and people like to help each other get jobs. If you both work in the industry, and you both already know she's leaving, really, why wouldn't you know someone interviewing for her job?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 1:11 PM on June 4, 2008

I'm also surprised by the number of Americans who suggest that it's actually normal not to wear shoes indoors

Sure, of course it's normal. It's not that it's abnormal not to wear shoes indoors--it's just that neither is it abnormal to wear shoes indoors. We just plain old don't have the kind of hard-and-fast cultural norm concerning wearing shoes in our own homes that is so prevalent in other parts of the world.

The only... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 7:02 PM on May 26, 2008 marked best answer

I agree with nax and fructose. Considering that this is only an issue for the summer, welcoming R into your home while not allowing J to go to R's house seems as close to a perfect compromise as you're going to get. It's not the kids' fault that they're not properly supervised when they're over there. If her parents are offended, or if J wants to know why, you can simply use the supervision issue as the reason. No need to get into any personality issues you may have with the child.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 8:17 AM on May 23, 2008

Fiddleheads must count and they are deeeeelicious.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 10:33 AM on May 22, 2008

People who end up on the top of their class tend to be the people who have a crippling fear of failure and unreasonably high expectations for themselves. The underlying cause could be any number of things, but more often than not meeting their parents can be an "ah-ha" moment in these cases. Either way, it makes sense--at the almost top, you have the kids who are smart and hardworking. At the very top, you have the kids who are smart, hard-working, sometimes unsure of themselves, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 6:43 AM on May 20, 2008

Don't be too hard on yourself. Take it one thing at a time. Don't consider not accomplishing "big plans" in one day as a failure; consider accomplishing anything at all a big success. And don't be afraid to ask for help. If there's anything that someone else could do in your place, ask someone. The people in your life are probably wondering what big or small things they could do to help you out right now.

I'm very sorry for your loss.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 1:16 PM on May 19, 2008

Zadie Smith, Kazuo Ishiguro, Margaret Atwood.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 7:06 AM on May 19, 2008

I'm a full-time, salaried editor of trade and mass market children's books. My job could not be more different from those of the technical editors, freelance editors, and copyeditors who answer above. Editing is the heart of my job, but I spend the vast majority of my time on other things. Before I had my first internship, I would never have been able to begin guessing at what those things would be, and even now I'm constantly learning more things I need to do besides edit.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 1:06 PM on May 17, 2008

True, but the poster may not yet know the differences between editor and copyeditor yet. Most people don't when they're first toying with the idea of entering the field. The poster also mentioned constructive critique. The skills and tasks for the two jobs are different but applicable to one another.

There is, in fact, room for many different kinds of editors. There just isn't room for everyone who'd be interested in becoming one. Hiring managers may toss resumes for a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 2:53 PM on May 17, 2008

I prefer the more newspaper-based blogs to TWOP and TV Squad. It sounds counter-intuitive, but they have a less corporate, more personal feel, but still have all the facts you'll be looking for.

Alan Sepinwall reports on this stuff for the All TV blog on the NJ Star Ledger. He goes further into depth on his personal blog. (The upfronts for this fall have been happening this week, so the info is fresh).

Mo Ryan does the same on her TV blog for the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 6:06 AM on May 15, 2008

Some of the major book publishers have what is called an associates program. It's sort of a cross between an internship and a floating temp position that lasts a year and usually ends with the associate getting an entry level job within the company. Most people I know who have done it have had no previous publishing experience, not even an internship. On the more academic side, there are publishing "courses" at NYU, Columbia and a few other places that are basically summer... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 8:57 AM on May 14, 2008

Rent and watch a favorite movie--one that no one else likes. (Does that count as purchased? Well, I guess you could get it at the library or something).

I like nax's idea, too. Especially if you make a point of spending the time you'd normally be working doing whatever you feel like doing in that moment, whether it be an activity or just a nap if you feel like it.

One way to spend just a little money in a mostly-non-material way (i.e. not buying... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 1:24 PM on May 1, 2008

i don't get why people feel they have to have a reason for breaking up wiht someone besides "not really feelin' it anymore".

Bingo. There are some things in life that really require nothing more than going with your gut. If you're not into him anymore, it doesn't really matter why.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:16 AM on May 1, 2008

There may be some general social tenativeness at play. Same thing that makes one person wait until the other has ordered their drink before deciding between a dirty martini and a diet coke.

Since it sounds like we're talking about tips within the customary range (15-20%), as opposed to extravagant or paltry tips, I don't see any reason why anyone should be ashamed. If it's important to your friend that the tips match, be honest and let him match yours. It's not like it's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 12:38 PM on April 28, 2008

Also, another way to not feel self-aggrandizing is to be casual about it and leave out the percentages, especially that of the other person's tip. Instead of saying "I prefer to leave 20% instead of 15%," something more like "how about a flat thirty bucks each? The service was pretty good." Gives the other guy a chance to agree and be like "oh yeah that sounds about right." And you're both generous.

Again, it's not like you're being overly... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 12:56 PM on April 28, 2008

I have traveled in Europe with an ex without getting romantic. But he is gay and I am a chick.

This may not be the best advice, but you could always just change your mind and invite yourself along. You'd have ease of mind, not trip up any of their already-made non-romantic plans, and bonus, you get to go to Europe.

The better advice is probably to talk to him about it and think hard about your relationship given all the things you told us above.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:44 AM on April 22, 2008

Why can't I find just DVDs of episodes for sale?

Because the Old School DVDs are the first time they've ever released full episodes on DVD. Here are some possible ideas for you:

Take a closer look at the Old School DVDs, especially Volume 2. It starts to get really close to what we watched in the early 80s--in fact, you'll notice that a lot of the little vignettes and cartoons are the same.

YouTube and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:50 AM on April 18, 2008

My instinct is that they knew you were qualified but had another candidate they also liked that they suspected they could get for less. They made the other person an offer, but didn't want to cut you loose until the other one accepted.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 7:59 AM on April 18, 2008

I bought a pair of Tevas like the ones somanyamys links to, actually at L. L. Bean, for about $15 (I think) and they have lasted me quite a while and are high quality. Much less ugly than the Tevas I knew as a kid. They pretty much look and feel just like the Reefs all the girls were wearing when I was in college.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 10:50 AM on April 16, 2008

Tamarind does lunch.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 7:50 AM on April 16, 2008

You don't need to worry about them stealing your book; you only need to worry about them stealing your money. In a publisher/agent/author relationship, money should flow in that direction. The publisher pays the agent, who forwards the money to the author minus their percentage. Reputable agents almost never ask YOU to give THEM money directly. That's key.

Most agencies have a written agreement, but some totally reputable agents still work "on a handshake,"... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 9:30 AM on April 14, 2008

Sorry to piggyback, but what about price?

What I mean is: if I preorder I pay $60. If I wait and buy it in the few weeks after release, is there any possibility of finding a discount (either online or in stores)? Or is it pretty much going to be $60 for a while?

(I know the answer is "we don't know yet" but just from previous experience of big games. I've never bought a game close to its release date, so I've never paid full price and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:04 AM on April 9, 2008

A few years ago, I got the same idea in my head. I didn't end up doing anything, but I did compile some resources that may now be helpful to you. Apologies if any of them are out of date:

Collegiate Chorale
YPC Chamber Singers
Vocal Area Network listing of choirs by rehearsal schedule/place
New Amsterdam Singers
New York Choral Society
West Village Chorale
Young New Yorker's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 7:39 AM on April 8, 2008

I also have used Cool Ranch Doritos as a burger condiment.

Or Nacho flavored Doritos on a tuna sandwich. Especially if you don't have any lettuce or celery to add the crunch to the tuna salad.

In the "things to put in celery" category, my favorite is pineapple cream cheese (Actually Kraft Pineapple Cheese) and walnuts. So fifties suburbia but so yummy!
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 5:47 PM on April 2, 2008

Time Warner screwed up when I moved apartments and that turned into a major billing problem which took probably a total of eight months to fix. I'd call, they'd say they'd have someone call me back within x days, that wouldn't happen, I'd call back, rinse, repeat. Meanwhile, they sicced a collection agency on us and cut off our service a couple of times. Eventually it did get worked out--it was just a ridiculous headache before it did.

One big tip with their customer... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:08 AM on April 1, 2008

Except that each person gives me conflicting information each time in addition to the above.

Yes! It's been long enough that I'd blissfully forgotten, but that was another thing. You wouldn't believe how many different possible responses representatives from the same company could have to the same problem! It was a totally different story every single time I called.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:12 AM on April 1, 2008

I use Gamefly and buy most of my games through them, either by "keeping it" or if I notice a game I already know I like has a particularly low price. It's pretty much just really convenient and living in New York City I don't really find myself in malls or big box stores very often, but I do find myself online pretty much all the time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 9:56 AM on March 21, 2008

Don't tie the dog up outside. That would be fine if it were your own dog, but it's another story when you're taking care of someone else's dog, as you've obviously already quite rightly decided. On a bad day someone acquainted with the dog and its owner could see you do this and tell the owner. On the worst day you could lose the dog. That's infinitely worse than either missing your coffee or getting poop on the floor. Not worth the risk.

Seems to me you have a few... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 6:48 AM on March 21, 2008 marked best answer

Well, being flexible with dates can save you a great deal of money. I've flown to Tokyo (from New York, a few years ago) for around $600 by choosing the cheapest flight regardless of the day. On all the other dates the cheapest flights were more than $900. Problem is that if you can find a really cheap flight that causes you to have to stay in Japan for a long time, well, accommodations in Japan ain't cheap either.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 6:52 PM on March 17, 2008

"I'm sorry, but I'm scheduled to begin housesitting for another client beginning the 17th. If you can't find another housesitter in time, I'm happy to regularly check in and feed the pets, but I'm afraid I'm not available to spend the night."

You can leave her a voicemail message saying something like this, or just tell her when she gets there. No reason to feel bad about it. I'm sure she'll understand that you're not necessarily going to be free on such short notice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 1:56 PM on March 14, 2008 marked best answer

There are several California service dog organizations listed here. Maybe one or more of them could advise you about whether what you saw was appropriate and if not, whom to contact about it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:40 AM on March 13, 2008

If you read it from work, they may be able to see your company's name very easily.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 5:07 AM on March 12, 2008

Wow, if I had that much to spend on my honeymoon it would, without question, involve diving with Great Whites in South Africa. That would, obviously, fall under the active half.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 8:25 AM on March 11, 2008

And frankly, humanely killing a dog really is not a terrible thing to do to it. They go to the vet expecting nothing, fearing nothing (beyond any anxiety they've built up over vet visits), and then they're gone.

Indeed, and also consider how much more painful these pit bulls' deaths may end up being if they ever attack a person or animal that can defend itself, whether it be with a weapon or its natural defenses. This all could... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 5:40 PM on March 10, 2008

This may seem super obvious, but I love a chopped hard-boiled egg on a salad. Sliced hard-boiled eggs can also be good on a sandwich. As an ingredient in potato salad, or, of course, egg salad.

If you do like or are open to hard boiled variations, check out this thread.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 11:05 AM on March 8, 2008

My health (and taste) forgive me, but I love store-bought frozen cheddar jalapeno poppers fried in a home fryer. If you're really into prepping the stuff from scratch, I'm sure there's a recipe online somewhere. But those are just my favorite. I wonder how many I could eat...way more than I should, for sure. With creamy dressing of some sort, like ranch.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lampoil at 5:57 PM on March 7, 2008