listen to the doctor. ikkyu2 is correct.

also: from an athlete's perspective, Gatorade is tremendously acidic and can cause stomach cramps / nausea even at recommended concentrations, where it is also deadly sweet (which during exercise tends to give you "muckmouth" or cottonmouth, which is quite frankly disgusting). So a lot of people tend to mix it like 50% or more dilute, and since it already doesn't contain enough non-sodium electrolyte, you're back to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 10:40 PM on July 24, 2008

I think it may depend on the animal, and this may not be an easily answerable question. I've had cats that would absolutely insist on drinking out of the toilet if it was left open, and my general impression was that it was more during hot weather (the toilet water seems to stay colder than the stuff in their bowl, or whatever).

Also, my horse used to BEG for crushed ice on a hot day. Like, practically-knock-you-down slobbery annoying begging if you were within reach.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 10:25 PM on July 24, 2008

I believe first off that scody is right, and she said it much better than most of us could, so yea, read her post again.

Now read your post again. Really read it, and take time to try and process all of that.

You are engaged a relationship that from what you report contains zero intimacy, no trust, and lousy communication. You are actively betraying your own needs to cling to someone who's already admitted he doesn't love you, PLUS he's now... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 6:55 PM on July 23, 2008

yep, they used to sell the 5# bricks and 50# blocks in the local independent (IGA) in Ohio where I grew up.

white = softener salt or "plain", that plus hunters put the 50# white blocks out to attract deer in gun season.
brown = minerals added for horses
yellow = sulfur added for goats/sheep/cattle (old-school mastitis preventative iirc)

we used to buy assloads of the 5# brown blocks at the IGA cos they were... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 6:32 PM on July 23, 2008

Blazecock's got it. Increase in heartrate and circulation also triggers your mucous membranes to produce flow rather than just swell up and block. I find that if I have a mild cold or allergies (NOT the flu mind) that going for an easy ride will often "force" my body to sort itself out. My theory goes that the gentle stress of moderate exercise is a great way to kind of give your system a bit of a "reboot"... almost a bit of a "quit feeling sorry for yourself we got... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:11 PM on June 9, 2008 marked best answer

I use only Chrome bags. I've given away several Timbuk2 and Crumpler bags I won at alleycats and raffles because the straps suck and they aren't fully waterproof (double floating liner deal).

Here's why I use a messenger bag and not a backpack or panniers:

1) Adaptability. I can carry everything from one slip of paper to fifty pounds of groceries or a week's worth of travelling gear, and the bag will expand/contract to accommodate it. Once I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:24 PM on May 14, 2008

For whomever said "messenger bags are for big people" I strongly disagree. I'm a 5'4", 125-lb woman, so you must be loading / carrying or adjusting it wrong. I use a Chrome Metropolis (their large bag) for most things. I have a Citizen for bar trips and when I'm just taking the macbook to the coffeeshop.

From Bklyn: I had an old, secondhand, beatup Dimartini when I was couriering in DC in '88 and '89, and it was huge, and I was even skinnier when I was... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 6:57 AM on May 16, 2008

oh and: in case I didn't mention it, I am 40 years old, don't drive a car, and carry a messenger bag (frequently heavily loaded for commuting) on a daily basis. Grocery trips, hauling the 15" macbook pro back and forth to work, clothes, shoes, etcetera. I have never once had back or shoulder problems.

My massage therapist is a cyclist and works as a pro soigneur for roadie teams. He's never said boo about my shoulders/neck, and he carries a messenger bag to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:04 AM on May 16, 2008

1) don't knead it. At. All. just gently mix/press it together. it gets tough and dry when you mess with it too much.

2) use good quality BBQ sauce rather than catsup.

3) enjoy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 11:36 AM on April 1, 2008

more detail:

Stuff that is dry (breadcrumbs, oatmeal), and/or stuff that contains salt, will tend to dry out / pull juices out of the meat, regardless of what baste / glaze or meat blend, or whatever-the-hell-else ingredients you use. Basic chemistry, yo, salt and sugar are both hygroscopic (they attract moisture, meaning they are dessicants). So go easy on the dry ingredients and cut down on the salty, sugary stuff. Use it as a garnish, late in the cooking cycle, or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 11:52 AM on April 1, 2008

I would like to add something that jessamyn touched on that I think a lot of people are assuming.

Not actively pursuing romantic relationships != spending tons of time alone. I think a lot of people tend to conflate the idea of not having a partner with spending vast tracts of time watching reruns and eating cold pizza, or sitting by yourself behind a book in a coffeehouse. This doesn't have to be the case at all, you just have to work a little harder at forcing... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 11:42 AM on March 20, 2008 marked best answer

I found this thread late, and there are great suggestions already. I just wanted to chime in to say that, while Robin Lane Fox's book (linked in this comment) is widely regarded as the best biography, I found it to be horrendously tedious and pedantic. The biggest thing that bugged me about it was the incredibly dated and endlessly circuitous language used by the author. He's stuffy-old-Oxford-Don, and not in a good way. He blathers on in Tolkienesque levels of torturously pedantic derail.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 11:15 AM on March 19, 2008

what shelleycat said 100%. Also, your supermarket should stock both latex AND nitrile gloves, and bear the cost for both. Latex allergies are extremely common.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 5:50 PM on March 14, 2008

What desjardins said. Every word of it. I might add that I am also female, but identify very strongly with how you describe yourself. I'm no longer on the market, but when I was, I could have written those first 2 paragraphs of yours, to the letter.

I think the key to remember is that Dom/Sub isn't necessarily a black/white equation. I also have little tolerance for the elaborate rituals of BDSM; unfortunately they just seem staged and silly to me. What I have... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 10:40 AM on March 13, 2008

Low Rider, by War for an older-skool feel.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:07 PM on February 26, 2008

to directly answer the question (and it is easily google-able): yes, indeed alcohol does disrupt your primary sleep patterns, specifically deleting or negatively impacting the REM phase (which is the most 'necessary' or 'restful' phase of sleep; insomniacs and those with sleep apnea typically have damaged REM states as well). EtOH intoxication also increases sleep apnea events, even in those who usually do not snore or experience sleep apnea, and additionally (which no one else mentions) the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:09 AM on February 24, 2008 marked best answer

Also, the waking event after 2-3 hours of deep sleep is a typical 'stress' pattern. I don't have a good cite handy but I have read (coaching physiology) that for whatever reason a body under stress (whether work-related, alcohol-related or exercise induced) will shun REM sleep. It's a typical stress/exhaustion cycle. "Overtrained" athletes (under exercise induced stress) often complain of the "4AM wake cycle" meaning they fall into an exhausted, dreamless (non-REM) sleep... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:17 AM on February 24, 2008 marked best answer

HuronBob, we're already committed to the weekend. that wasn't the question. the question was framed in the last paragraph. Got anything more helpful?
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 2:20 PM on February 9, 2008

dpx, why the confusion? Don't get me wrong, I genuinely do like the suggestions you made, but your first sentence read a bit dismissive / snarky to me and hence my kneejerk first reaction was sort of a WTF?! one. I would like to respectfully point out that am trying to do the right thing here and not alienate my friends or be an ass in any way. I'm sorry if my post was clumsily framed, confusing, or you just somehow don't agree with me being annoyed by my friend's crazy dog.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 3:30 PM on February 9, 2008

tk, you're right, we will be outside skiing most of the day. This is more about me not losing my shit while we're at the dinner table or something.

Again, thanks everyone. AskMeFi is a great resource.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 3:38 PM on February 9, 2008

UPDATE: Thanks again to everyone who responded in this thread.

The weekend has been going well (we're heading home this evening) and I was able to quietly take our host aside and explain I was a little hinky around her dog. I used LoriFLA's phrasing and explained that I'd been bitten as a kid and couldn't help a nervous response (this is the truth). She was very understanding and they crated their dog when we came in for about twenty minutes until she settled down,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:29 AM on February 11, 2008

Kellydamnit, not to be contrarian, but I am a (very modest) A cup (as in: damn near flat-chested) and I have the same trouble as the OP.

The issue may be that she's broad-shouldered with a narrow waist. Off-the rack stuff doesn't seem to do a good job with that.

for the record, I don't have a good online source for tailored women's blouses. What I *can* recommend is looking for blouses with 'darts' or seams.

Me, I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:19 PM on January 31, 2008

Get. Out. Of. The. House!

seriously. That's the first and most important step. Turn everything off, grab your camera or a sketchpad or some knitting and go to the park. Watch babies and dogs play, and do something that doesn't involve focussing on screens. At the risk of sounding like a loony moonie, the screens only want to give you bad news. Don't let them.

If the thought of 'traditional' exercise exhausts and/or depresses you more, try... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:40 AM on January 29, 2008 marked best answer

neilkod, I have similar pain when I don't properly stretch my ITBs. (fwiw, I am a cycling coach and cyclist, and have some physiological knowhow, but ANAD).

Let me ask you this, have you broken / sprained that side and/or do you have a leg length discrepancy? My left leg is my 'long' leg, and I have similar ankle pain in it. Unlike you (I think) I broke that ankle several years ago in a MTB mishap. The resulting achiness has been diagnosed as a touch of osteo... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:00 PM on January 25, 2008

konolia: yes, yes they can indeed. Women in particular often struggle with this because of the greater q-angle of their hip/knee. That whole train of ligaments connecting to the knee can become involved and inflamed. Strengthen your abs (central and lateral) while you're at it, you'd be astonished how much this helps. The collegiate cyclists I work with are CHRONICALLY lazy about doing ab exercises and I've gotten a reputation for hassling them about it (but they do them in the end, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:26 PM on January 25, 2008

neilkod: absolutely the flywheel could be contributing. I ride an 88" fixed gear most of the time, and it can cause flareups in my achy ankle, indeed.

Stick to spinning small gears / freewheel bike until your pain subsides. If you can tolerate ibuprofen, by all means, take it (in moderation) if it means relief.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:28 PM on January 25, 2008

oh and: yes, neilkod, it sounds very much to me as if you should probably concentrate on getting your ITB loosened up again.

I'm really thinking you could have developed a slight touch of osteo on that ankle, but without taking yourself to get it xrayed, that's just speculation. Suppling exercise absolutely will help it out, tho. Shim up your cleats and get your LL addressed too, if you haven't already.

And: if you have the time/cash/ability,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:33 PM on January 25, 2008

Jay Reimenschneider, with all due respect, you are in a minority, and you might simply be lucky enough to have good 'conformation', no angular deformities and no old injuries nagging at you.

The OP asked how to address his ankle pain. Dismissively insinuating via your link that "it's all in his head" doesn't seem like a helpful answer to me, especially as I've got some education, practical proof, knowledge and many datapoints of experience on my side.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:36 PM on January 25, 2008

neilkod: well if you've already addressed your LL issues (sorry, your history wasn't apparent to me) then don't mind me - obviously you've got the fit / shim issues handled. Dr. Testa is no one I would willingly ever gainsay. Have you consulted him about this issue?

Question: when he shimmed you, did he also provide orthotics/footbeds for the pronation problem? If I am uncorrected by my orthotics and shims, I also pronate heavily with the left / 'long' side, and I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 3:56 PM on January 25, 2008

one tip I got years and years ago that has been the total win for shaving is: use hair conditioner as a shaving aid. Reason: it both moisturises skin and doesn't clog the blades like soap products do.

Shaving tactics: Go slow, take even strokes, and rinse often. I think Venus shavers work best, but then I have fine light blonde leg hair and the Venus shavers are the only ones that get it all off without leaving bumps/ingrown hairs. Coarser (dark) hair may be more... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 8:11 PM on January 22, 2008

I speak from a great deal of experience when I say that unmedicated bi-polar addicts are the best sex you will ever have...

heh. the cmonkey speaketh much truth :) Unfortunately as I've related elsewhere, the crazy tends to rub off. Whether or no you want more crazy in your life at this point, well... that's up to you.

Personally, I'd see if you can back away emotionally and just try to enjoy each other's company. Your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 1:23 PM on January 19, 2008

Context is very, very important, as with everything. It helps to communicate, and communication does not have to mean "making a scene". Communication is the heart and soul of sorting this stuff out, and being earnest and straightforward helps. To illustrate:

Mr. lfr and I struggled a bit with this back in our early dating days. Actually, I struggled with it a lot more than he did, but that was my own problem. This had to do with a couple issues. He's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:30 PM on January 19, 2008

DarlingBri, that's a really good "rule" actually. The challenge is that (as in my illustration above) there are other nuances of power shift that come into play. This is likely true for same-sex dating, as well, although I can't speak to them.

This is obviously more than a cut-and-dried issue of finance. There's all sorts of psychological weirdness that can come into play.

Oh and I *really* dig nax's solution. Now that I have a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:40 PM on January 19, 2008

er, first of all, that word you use there in your title? *shudder* Don't take this the wrong way but anyone who uses marketing-speak in a post about romance? Ew. Just... ew.

So, here's the big problem with the whole nerds-falling-in-love deal. Y'all think it's something you can QUANTIFY. like, "oh man, if I do x, then y will invariably happen... IT IS THE ANSWER!!!"

FAIL.

This will sound like a huge cliche,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:10 AM on January 13, 2008

You have to rid yourself of that self imposed prison you created in your mind about what a relationship should be and must be.

Bingo, well put. Seriously, lose the checklist. I hate to generalise / stereotype, but imo the biggest thing that's wrong with dating culture in this our fair country (and particularly back East, oy!) it's this huge List O' Expectations that society foists upon us via the media, our friends, blahblahblah.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:40 AM on January 13, 2008

I would stay away from the down. It WILL get damp, and once damp, will stop insulating properly. Or, what kcm and ssg said.

As a rule, many thin layers work far, far better than fewer bulky layers, as they breathe better and you can adjust for varying temps easier (read: you won't get damp/sweaty, then chilled). Get some polypro underwear to layer under the Triclimate and you'll be fine.

I just got a Columbia Titanium 3-way ski parka (inner... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 12:18 PM on January 7, 2008

thanks Chuckles.

that said, sorry but there's no way we're going to bother paying for manuals for a free, old stereo set like this - it was basically one step from getting freecycled when we took it off the guy's hands. we'll just muddle thru and figure out how to set it up so it sounds ok. Maybe someone on those diy nerd boards who's into fixing up these old components might want to.

the only reason he's bothering to mess with these is that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 6:38 AM on January 7, 2008

Grew up in Ohio, lived in Cincy for five years. I would highly recommend looking in and around Prospect Hill. I lived there for 3 years and love, love, LOVED it! Bonus: very easy access to 471 / the Big Mac bridge from right around the corner, which would be ideal for your Northern Ky job commute. Eden Park is within easy walking / running distance - I used to run from my house on Clifton is nearby but not so close you'll have college kids puking on your lawn. The vibe is young, hip,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:03 AM on December 20, 2007

oops forgot to preview. What I was going to say about running was that from Prospect Hill, it was a five minute run up Liberty Street to Mount Adams / Eden Park. There are LOTS of routes in there, and it is gorgeous year round. but be warned it is HILLY. That part of Cincinnati is like a mini San Francisco.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:15 AM on December 20, 2007

Welcome to Denver!

Good snow tires will do you better than 4WD, seriously. In case you hadn't noticed over the past week or so, the main problem you'll be dealing with is slushy snowpacked streets (when it snows) and black ice (when it subsequently goes up to a sunny 40º , then goes down to 15º and re-freezes overnight).

The good news: they don't salt the roads out here, so your car will not suffer a premature death due to malignant road cancer.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:04 PM on December 12, 2007 marked best answer

whoops, didn't see the bonus question you sneaked in there.

As to the 2nd set of tires, yes, many if not most people here keep a winter set and a summer set. Most of my friends (I don't own a car anymore) just have a cheap set of backup rims, and mount their winter set on those. Get the tire place to swap 'em, store the spare set in the garage, and bob's yer uncle.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:11 PM on December 12, 2007

Last bit, because I didn't make a distinction: studs vs. regular snows. I don't think that studs are completely necessary as getting something with serious tread. This isn't Northern Manitoba. Our snow tends to go away after 3-4 days, so if you get studs, you'll be wearing them off / throwing them and chewing up the surface of dry pavement 90% of the time.

Just get some serious good quality snow tires, not all-weathers (they're a compromise, and a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 6:35 AM on December 13, 2007

Brockles, I think there is some terminology / semantics drift in Queen's vs. U.S. English going on here.

We call ALL "winter" tires "snow" tires in the U.S. The further distinctions we make are as follows:

"Studded tires" - tires with metal / carbide studs or spikes. These are only practical (as I noted upthread) in continually icy / snowpacked conditions; i.e. Alaska / Northern Canada / Sweden.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 6:49 PM on December 13, 2007

First of all, Capri makes some insanely good points.

Second of all, it's times like these when I really miss Mr. Rogers. I'm not kidding. Ask yourself: What would Mr. Rogers do?

Answer: He would say, very gently, and with tons of compassion that "It's okay to be sad". I believe he even did a whole show on just this topic.

Seriously. Grieving is a natural part of life, although modern... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 4:19 PM on December 10, 2007

One of the easiest ways to be active is not to make exercise into "work", but just work it into your everyday routine.

Example: do you drive around campus or do you use a bike some/all of the time? One of the easiest ways to burn "loose" calories (and save mad amounts of cash) is to simply convert as many driving miles to bike or ped miles as you possibly can.

I also got together with some friends / students from the local... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 8:25 PM on November 20, 2007

When I mentioned to his mom how much it touched me that he will spontaneously hold my hand or caress my shoulder - not all the time (because neither of us is much the lovey-dovey gooey PDA sort) - but it's always somehow when I most appreciate and/or need it. She looked a bit startled, then said something to the effect of how she never pictured him as "the hand-holding sort". Wasn't one of those defensive mom-reaction kind of jibes (she's a wonderful woman and totally not territorial... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 10:47 PM on November 12, 2007

2nd mrzarquon. I have not only seen this work, I've witnessed it firsthand. And I'm a complete macidiot.

The very first *week* I had my MBP, it did this twice. I was a PC user up to that point, had never really even dealt with an Apple machine up to that point. It never occurred to me to do anything BUT give it a firm tap on the spot just above the slot. Not a hard smack, just a "hey, gimme that!" kind of deal.

Both times it worked... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 9:22 PM on November 12, 2007

I really don't want to move in with this guy, spend my twenties with him, and find myself dumped at 32 because I wouldn't have kids.

yep. Welcome to my reality, circa 2003. This is exactly what happened in my case. I spent almost ten years with that guy, thinking somehow your Scenarios 2-6 would magically evolve and we'd be all Happily Ever After.

I never, ever changed my mind about having vs. not having... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 5:16 PM on November 12, 2007 marked best answer

I didn't go to my 20th. I haven't gone to any of them. But then in my case HS was pretty much the worst time of my life.

You might ask yourself this instead: Do you still have any meaningful connexions with folks from back in those days and/or did you have good friends in HS who might/will go and you'd really enjoy seeing? If so, then go and enjoy rebuilding those connexions face-to-face.

Otherwise I'd recommend just skipping it, saving... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 7:39 AM on November 9, 2007

2nd the lie-down-on-a-heating-pad and hairdryer-after-a-shower advise.

I recently had a middle ear clog (not super painful, just a clicking/water-in-the-ear/mild to moderate pressure thing). It went away on its own after a night and day of this sort of treatment.

I don't go to the doctor because I am broke, underinsured and pretty damn healthy.

That said DO NOT fuck around with q-tips and if it progresses beyond pressure... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lonefrontranger at 5:18 AM on November 9, 2007