Was this one of the issues you've already researched? Because I had a very similar problem (immediate power cut) and this was apparently the issue. It hasn't happened since I took my machine to an Apple store and got the power supply replaced. I was a few days out of warranty (of course) but they did it for free anyway. I'd check your EMC number as it explains in the article, then see if you can get them to swap out your power supply.

Apologies if you've already seen... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:56 AM on September 5, 2008

I bought one from Abundant Earth.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:43 PM on August 31, 2008 marked best answer

1. Probably normal, but call your vet and ask -- they may confirm and then you won't have to bring him in.

2. Probably normal. He might be lonely for other cats?

3. We switched to Cat Attract litter (there was a recent thread), which helped us a great deal with this issue.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 12:41 PM on August 28, 2008

Anything in that Canon SD line will probably make you happy. Get a cheaper SD camera if the SD1000/1100 recommendations cost more than you want -- I have an older SD450 and it's fine for your criteria. But this is the brand/line you want.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 2:17 PM on August 21, 2008

Hi, we also had this problem, and I was terrified that my husband would make me get rid of the cat. Which isn't something I wanted to do, but I didn't know what else to try.

In desperation, I got a huge litter box (it seems that your cat has a weight issue -- maybe even one of those blue Rubbermaid totes with a big hole cut in the lid) and Cat Attract (sold at the local pet store), as Medieval Maven suggested.

It worked immediately. We had only... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:02 PM on August 17, 2008

Oh and get some of the special anti-cat-pee cleaner and clean the favorite spots to remove the temptation. I don't think the smell ever gets out to the point where the cat can't smell it. He still eyeballs his favorite places and makes me nervous, but he prefers the litter now.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:04 PM on August 17, 2008

I agree with the Excedrin suggestion. I never leave home without it. You might need three instead of two. It has cured all of my headaches, and nothing else helps them much at all. I think regular Excedrin is either the same as or equally effective as the migraine-labelled variant, but am not sure. Regular Excedrin works like billy-o, though. Get thee to a drugstore.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 9:16 AM on August 16, 2008

I use Missing Sync -- it works very well (Palm + Mac), FWIW.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 2:41 PM on August 8, 2008 marked best answer

What versions of iSync and Mac OS X do you have?
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:44 PM on August 8, 2008

Is this something you've seen already?

Mutually exclusive conduits Note that more than one conduit cannot be used to synchronize the same data (e.g. the iSync conduit cannot be used to synchronize appointment/schedule information if the Datebook Conduit is also attempting to synchronize the same data. Therefore, you should inspect the Library/Palm HotSync folder and move any of these items (if they were not automatically moved when you clicked the "Enable... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:45 PM on August 8, 2008

There's one at Williams-Sonoma, but the top is a little small. You might want to cruise a Pier 1 if there's one near you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 4:03 AM on August 8, 2008

I think Bob Saget swears a lot in his non-Full House personae.

I recommend the Spongebob swears . . . it is just plain funny when your 3-year-old starts yelling "TARTAR SAUCE" at things. They are cooler than "dagnabit" (sorry, everyone from the midwest).

If you can't do that, I recommend moderating it when you can and teaching them the difference between normal language and cursing. The $1 jar every time they catch you is... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:08 PM on August 6, 2008

The other Spongebob swears I remember are "BARNACLES!" and "MOTHER OF PEARL!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:09 PM on August 6, 2008

I agree with the Sting nomination. Man's head wants deflating.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 12:53 PM on July 31, 2008

fiery.hogue's present is so awesome!

Side note: If you go the fountain pen route, look for an affordable Pelikan -- most are super-expensive, but I have a really basic one and it is nice. I think the idea of framing a cover is also a good one.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 6:38 AM on July 11, 2008

Waxed hair can grow back thicker.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 10:49 AM on July 8, 2008

I wrote: Waxed hair can grow back thicker.

Grither wrote: Utterly false.

Grither, that article is debunking the myth that shaving hair causes it to grow back thicker. I am stating what is true for some -- not necessarily all -- people. Shaving hair does not affect the follicle. Removing hair by yanking it out (waxing or tweezing) may cause it to grow back darker... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 4:30 PM on July 8, 2008

Have you tried using a solid watermark background?
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 11:34 AM on July 8, 2008

The Harvey seatbelt bags are nice -- slightly casual, but if you get one of the rectangular totes, and a solid color, they can pass as dressier bags. They do not wear out easily, if at all! The large tote is not really that large -- it's what I think of as a medium-sized bag. I have it in black and it is cooler than a plain black bag, which I am also sick of. It's practically bullet-proof. I recommend it!
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 9:14 AM on July 8, 2008

No. I eat the same amount of meat and unfortunately I think we have to tell people we eat mostly vegetarian meals -- a total vegetarian would think you were a poseur if you called yourself one.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:11 PM on June 25, 2008

You've probably seen this thread on impressing your camping friends and neighbors, already, but it was fun.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:32 AM on June 24, 2008

A friend of mine did exactly this with a large company (as he joked "they would never pay me this much to leave again."). I get the impression you need to be on good terms with your boss, and must raise the matter delicately.

adamrice is correct. First, you need to find out, if at all possible, whether there will be a layoff soon. They probably won't say for sure, but if it seems likely, and you are very comfortable having discreet... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:20 PM on June 21, 2008

Hey, lady, gimme back my hair. I'll swap for your color, though!

I also recommend a chin-length bob. In my case, this looks better with slight layering on the bottom -- it helps you avoid "triangle-head." Be prepared for it to be either straighter or wavier -- mine has been unpredictable in this regard. Sometimes it seems like there's not enough length for it to wave; other times it seems like it goes nuts when there's not so much weight of hair hanging down.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 4:35 PM on June 18, 2008

I am fat. I go to a gym. I worry about what others think, but I have decided to script their judgment of me for them. I now assume that they are thinking, "Hm, fat, but at least she's doing something about it." And it works! And it's true! You can tell yourself that once you get there, too.

When you find the right place, they will show you around and teach you how to use any piece of equipment you want. My gym just charges one fee for everyone. There have to be... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 7:52 PM on June 10, 2008

Thanks, everyone! I am leaning toward some kind of Mexican all-inclusive place like that of spacewaitress; I had tried Bermuda but will look for a package deal like that, and I will also look into that Puerto Rico suggestion. Mostly I am reassured that we might actually get away for a few days.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:06 AM on May 24, 2008

spacewaitress is the "real" winner. Thank you so much for that suggestion (and everyone else, too).
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 4:49 PM on May 28, 2008

nkknkk: "When I was a kid in New England, we weren't supposed to go barefoot or sock-footed in the house. Shoes were preferred, slippers were acceptable (if only family was around). My family was very energy-conscious so the house was always chilly, and my mom hated the idea that we would wear through our socks. It was a practical thing. / Nowadays I'm barefoot if I can possibly be so."

It's so weird when someone posts exactly what you were... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 4:35 PM on May 26, 2008

Isn't that what's recommended for locally installed software, as opposed to web-based programs?
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:09 PM on May 24, 2008

I agree with kalimac's entire post, especially this: "Here's the big thing: It's so not a big deal, the whole virgin/non-virgin thing. Unfortunately, you only really believe this after you've lost your virginity" and that you are probably nowhere near as unattractive as you think you are.

And what Ambrosia Voyeur said about flirting, then going for it if you find someone attractive. Contrary to what a lot of people said, I think you should go for it -- get it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 10:58 AM on May 13, 2008

It will be hard for you to wait, because that is an awesome gift and she will love it and you will both be excited. But I would rather get a kickass gift like that on my actual birthday. I think it makes the day special. Wake her up by turning it on! *mac-bong-noise*
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 8:08 AM on May 8, 2008

Keens are awesome; I've also converted my husband into a non-sandal-hater with this brand. They don't have that Jesus-shoe look. Link includes all, though, out of respect for your request.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 1:58 PM on April 21, 2008

I was thinking the same thing, dirtdirt, about why it was the most emailed. I mean 10 times before 6AM EST on a Sunday? Is basement warping that urgent a topic to email?

Also interestingly, it is no longer on the list at all. Huh?? Maybe a bug.

Thanks all.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:57 AM on April 21, 2008

Oh wait, it's still way up there. Unimportant but very curious.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:58 AM on April 21, 2008

I emailed them, too:

"Thank you for writing to Boston.com. The broken "Basement" article you are referring to has been appearing in the Most E-mailed section due to a glitch that we're aware of and are looking into. We appreciate that you took the time to let us know about this, and we thank you for bearing with us as we work to address this issue. Due to the technical complexity of the problem, this process might take some time, but please be assured that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 8:37 AM on April 21, 2008

Sometimes people just say "charlie foxtrot." Cute, old-fashioned-sounding; yet you might have to use "fuck" when explaining yourself, I guess.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:50 PM on April 17, 2008

Xere: "That scene in Ju-on (the original ...) ..."

OK, Xere? sidenote: I couldn't finish watching that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:06 PM on April 16, 2008

Oh, I meant to add an actual answer to my earlier side note ... but got so scared that I was distracted.

Out of context, I was terrified into a major adrenalin rush that I do not care to repeat by a scene in The Thing where a dude's head grows legs and turns into an alien spider or something and runs off into a dark corner . . .

And the scene in Salem's Lot where the brother vampire... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 4:08 PM on April 16, 2008

I have to agree with jacalata -- though humor and terror are subjective, I think that scene in my opinion is not scary at all . . . out of context. And I'm clearly easily spooked. I watched it on the YouTube clip -- completely out of context -- and it did not scare me. I remember being scared stiff watching The Shining, so jacalata's point is worth mentioning in terms of the original question.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 6:31 AM on April 17, 2008

I would predict that the trend goes toward sleeping as the couple gets older. Never mind how I came up with this idea!
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 8:37 AM on April 14, 2008

Anecdotal comfort: I responded and exchanged several emails with a former work colleague once before realizing it wasn't who I thought it was -- I had misread his name, even though it was spelled out pretty clearly in the headers. I think the technical term is "D'OH!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:47 AM on April 14, 2008

I'll suggest a white cat, a cigarette holder, & second an eyepatch.

May I respectfully second Pronoiac's suggestion. Hilarious, yet elegant -- a winning combo.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 7:23 AM on April 6, 2008

Do the pro/con list thing: make two columns and let that help you -- are there enough things in the pro list to get you to cave? If not, off they go. As long as not inviting them won't ruin your day as you worry about the politics of it.

If you do cave and invite them, don't let that ruin your day either. Just tell yourself that you are rising above their level. Or go a little farther and play some mind games with yourself: you are the hero in this... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 8:27 AM on April 2, 2008

evildoers'
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 8:28 AM on April 2, 2008

I've had something very similar happen, and it was a blister. It didn't hurt as bad as some do because of the callus. (Thanks to the surprisingly grammar-savvy UrineSoakedRube.) It grew after I took my shoes off, as well. Enjoy!
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:15 PM on March 29, 2008

I think that binders were made to solve this kind of problem. Levenger's Circa notebooks (the basic notebook isn't that expensive) are great, because you can easily move things around or remove them if you need to, but also very easy to file in order and have them stay in that order. It will take an extra few seconds to punch your new documents, but you won't have to think about the order ever again. They have a portable punch that you could even carry around. There is a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:26 AM on March 25, 2008

I also recommend the one inside the top of the Quaker Oats carton.

And, although this is not a direct answer to your question, I will let you in on my secret: substitute a cup of chocolate chips for raisins, and you have the BEST cookies IN THE WORLD.

But the Quaker recipe is much better than you'd expect from its location.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 10:31 AM on March 19, 2008

Not quite true -- it shuffles, but it can also go in order (there are two switch positions).

I have a Shuffle and iTunes; what don't you like about iTunes? I usually leave my Shuffle to play in order. I also have a playlist in iTunes where I drop any songs I want on it, and then I just drop the whole folder on it. It's pretty much drag and drop once iTunes recognizes your Shuffle.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 3:45 AM on March 17, 2008

Hi libraryhead ... I'm also a freelance editor in NE Massachusetts with a toddler! Want to trade MeFi Mail so we can commiserate?
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 5:37 AM on March 15, 2008

Ape Man, by the Kinks, which is awesome. There's at least one live version that's got sort of a tropical feel that might be fun.

Can't really recommend Shock the Monkey for the occasion, but maybe for the reception?
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 12:55 PM on March 13, 2008

Please don't forget to tell us where it was when you find it. The more disturbed and obsessive of us are curious. Apparently I don't have enough to focus my OCD on.
posted to Ask Metafilter by theredpen at 11:46 AM on March 10, 2008