Both very helpful answers - thanks.

Hadn't occurred to me to contact the PMUSA guys - good suggestion.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 12:43 PM on April 18, 2008

Here's something that a friend of mine does to get out of conversations. She's the daughter of a diplomat, so she's got some serious people skills.

If you find yourself stuck in conversation with BoringNeighbor, listen politely for a little while, then start backing away and make other "I'm-leaving" signals with your body language while saying, "Well, I'll let you go. I don't want to [hold you up/take up your whole afternoon/keep you from that fascinating... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:49 PM on March 5, 2008

Well, crap.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:28 PM on March 4, 2008

I knew a guy whose last name was Justice, which I always thought was pretty bad-ass.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 3:16 PM on February 18, 2008

I'm 99% sure the first book is indeed "Among Friends."
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 12:18 PM on February 17, 2008

Yep, Burhanistan has it right -- i want to create an email address that will forward on to 30 other addresses. Doesn't matter if they know who the other recipients are or not. Gmail might be an option...
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 11:08 AM on January 25, 2008

I_love_bananas, yep, you can use an iPod Shuffle to pay podcasts, but only when it's in "continuous play" (not "shuffle") mode. I would be bored as hell at the gym if I couldn't play podcasts on my Shuffle...
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:01 PM on November 11, 2007

Ottereroticist has it right -- I'm not worried that they'd say something bad, but they really won't be happy I'm leaving. Two other people have left this job since the beginning of the year (one before I got here; the other started at the same time I did and left three months in). Because I'd be the third -- and I'm good at this very boring but detail-oriented job -- it makes the situation all the worse.

I told the HR woman that I'd really prefer that they not contact my... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 11:49 AM on August 29, 2007

It's not a huge organization -- I'd say around 60 people, and it's a nonprofit. (My current employer is a nonprofit too.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 12:03 PM on August 29, 2007

couldn't you tell Potential Job that when Current Job got a call about your references, they offered you more money to stay?

A nice thought, but I think it's more likely they'll just be pissed off at me for realizing like my predecessors that this job sucks and trying to peace out asap (like my predecessors). :/
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 12:29 PM on August 29, 2007

They don't want to confirm employment dates, unfortunately -- they told me they want to talk with my current employers because the work I'd be doing in New Job is semi-related to what I've been doing in Current Job.

Thanks everyone for your responses and advice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 3:08 PM on August 29, 2007

Ottereroticist, you expressed perfectly what I was vaguely feeling in my gut. Thank you.

I'm going to contact HR lady tomorrow and say no dice. I wonder if they'll realize that they can't ask people shit like this (particularly in the nonprofit world -- Jesus).
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:16 PM on August 29, 2007

Weird, I sometimes forget that people can look up your question-asking history. Yep, I've been at my current sucky job since March (early March, so I've been there for about half a year now).

I gave Prospective Job three references -- all supervisors -- from the place I worked at for two full years after college. (I left that job two years ago, for grad school, so it's not like it's ancient history.) I met one of my former supervisors for drinks last night and she said... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 6:31 PM on August 29, 2007

Thanks, carebus -- confirming what I'd suspected.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 2:23 PM on April 22, 2007

Thank you, guys, for helping me not be sketchy :) The advice and reassurance is much appreciated!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 7:08 PM on April 22, 2007

Just to provide context for my "barely-livable" assessment of this salary: I'm in D.C.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:20 PM on February 20, 2007

A master's degree isn't a requirement for the job (they do want a BA and 1-3 years of experience). But the stuff I studied pretty directly applies to this job and makes me uniquely qualified for it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:32 PM on February 20, 2007

ottereroticist (love your name, by the way), on question b I meant to write "If I decide not to."
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:33 PM on February 20, 2007

I'm worried now that the other two organizations will cut me from the running because I wanted a quick answer. Should I e-mail them again to let them know that there is less time pressure? (As I am pretty decided on the basis of this advice that I won't accept Org A's offer right away?) Or would that just make me look bad?
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:46 PM on February 20, 2007

Sorry, posted that last question before seeing ottereroticist's reply. Thanks, OE.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:47 PM on February 20, 2007

Just wanted to thank everyone for their thoughts and provide an update on how it all went down. I didn't try to negotiate with Org A because they made it clear that the amount they were offering was the amount budgeted for the position. Org B wanted me to come in for a fourth (!) interview, which I did, this morning. At the end of the meeting, the guy said they'd make a decision within three or four days. (The decision was between me and an internal candidate.) Nary a peep from Org C.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 10:26 AM on February 22, 2007

Check out Tumi . I was on a bag quest similar to yours a couple of years ago, got a Tumi messenger bag, and have never regretted it. They're sort of expensive, but durable -- I've had mine two years and it's still in excellent shape.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:40 PM on February 16, 2007

Just to note, you can get the smaller but still roomy-looking version of the big Tumi expandable messenger bag for $95.

I promise I don't work for Tumi -- have just drunk the Tumi Kool-Aid.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:43 PM on February 16, 2007

Oh, I am feeling the tall girl love. Thanks, all, for the responses.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 2:04 PM on January 24, 2007

Check out hungry-girl.com. They have tons of low-calorie substitution ideas in a feature called "Chew the Right Thing." In general the site has tons of useful suggestions for ways to eat low-calorie things that also taste good.

Some of my personal favorites include Jell-o with Cool Whip Free on top. I also love this peanut butter called Better n' Butter, which is sold at Trader Joe's -- 2 tbsp have only 100 calories. Hungry Girl is big on House Foods tofu shirataki... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:55 PM on January 23, 2007

I thought it originated with the comic book store owner on The Simpsons, but I could be wrong.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:41 PM on January 18, 2007

The O'Reilly "Web Design in a Nutshell" Guide (I have the third edition) addresses most if not all of these questions.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 10:54 AM on January 11, 2007

Another AP story on the leak, via NYT
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 7:12 AM on January 8, 2007

A few thoughts.

First of all, do not use the F-word.

Second, you could approach it from the health-concern angle. Sit her down and epxlain that you are worried about her increased risk for diabetes, heart problems, etc.

Third, the next step could be to make her weight loss a project you could help her with by embarking with her on a "healthy lifestyle" rehauling of your life as a couple. If you're in it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 11:58 AM on January 4, 2007

Actually, failing to understand the Head First Java book is what prompted me to ask this question -- the authors recommend that people reading the book have a background in looping and if/then statements, things I unfortunately know nothing about! I tried reading the book anyway but by page 13 it was already Greek to me.

I did read (and love) their HTML, XHTML, and CSS book, though, and highly recommend it to anyone who's interested in those topics...
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 10:47 AM on January 4, 2007

Two words: Rick Steves.

I brought his Best of Eastern Europe book with me on my trip through the region in September and I FLOVE THIS MAN. Gives you all the best places to go that haven't yet been overrun with tourists (along with a few that have been overrun, but that you've got to see anyway).

He's got a book specifically on Prague and the Czech Republic, so that might be a better bet for you (as in more thorough, and lighter to carry) than... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:37 PM on December 26, 2006

I've personally never been able to get past page 50 or so, but there's no denying that James Joyce' Ulysses (1922) is one of the most influential novels of that decade.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 9:20 AM on December 21, 2006

Another whole-hearted recommendation for The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:01 AM on December 21, 2006

You can check out the Writer's Center in Bethesda, which has courses of all kinds; also, I took a screenwriting class through Georgetown's continuing education program a couple of years ago and liked it a lot.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:14 AM on December 12, 2006

It's definitely not for everybody -- as I have learned from unsuccessfully trying to get a couple of my friends to read it -- but my all-time favorite work of fiction is Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:29 PM on December 9, 2006

I think pea coats are unfortunately not super-flattering for plus-sized girls. Not only because of the boxy shape and structure, but because they tend to hit at the hip -- they don't offer the elongating effect that longer coats do. I'd suggest getting a button-down-the-middle, longer coat rather than a pea coat.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 2:00 PM on December 5, 2006

If you are serious about saving money for grad school, rather than pay for an overpriced studio consider getting a room in a group house (find listings via D.C.'s Craigslist page or Washington City Paper's classified "shared housing" section). There are hordes of people our age (early/mid twenties) living in houses all over NW and Capitol Hill, so you probably won't have to look that hard. You should be able to find a room downtown for far less than $1000.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 6:43 PM on December 4, 2006

Had a good experience with Pat Taylor & Associates, a smaller temp firm. The people there were very nice, professional, didn't give me any hassle even when I turned in a timesheet not entirely on time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 3:38 PM on December 4, 2006

When they say, "Do you want to get together again," you say: "Sure, let me get your number."

When they give you the number, say, "Cool, I'll give you a call."

And then just don't.

They'll get the picture. If they contact you after you've clearly set it up as a "Don't call me, I'll call you" situation -- maybe they're socially inept, or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 10:07 AM on December 4, 2006

But if you ask for their number right before saying you'll call? That's just mean.

Sorry, I should have been more clear: I just proferred the thing about asking for the number as an example of a transitional phrase to get out the "don't call me, I'll call you" message. Usually I already have the person's digits so I just tell them (OK, yes, I lie) that I'll call. I guess it's the coward's way out, and honesty may be the best policy, but... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 12:47 PM on December 4, 2006

"Both Sides Now," Joni Mitchell.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 8:38 AM on December 4, 2006

First of all: Dude. You are not a "spinster" if you're unmarried as a woman in your early 30s.

Second: You need to chill out. Yes, it seems weird that you have been without a guy for so many years, especially as you are attractive and without any heinous personality flaws. But there are plenty of attractive, smart, funny women out there without men. (There are plenty of attractive, smart, funny men without women, too.)

Shit... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 9:26 AM on November 26, 2006

Awesome, thanks all for the suggestions for the places to look (plus warnings about the tofu shirataki/suggestions for other diet-friendly noodles). I'd tried the Whole Foods in Reston to no avail, so I think I'll try our Trader Joe's first. Thanks again.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 12:53 PM on November 21, 2006

A beautiful leather chair, good for reading in - something you'll use every day and think about your brother every time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:40 PM on November 20, 2006

When sketchy guys approach/try to talk to me, I say "Get the fuck away from me. Right. NOW."

I say it loudly, in a stern, don't-fucking-mess-with-me voice.

It's simple, to the point, and has enough force/volume to attract enough attention from passers-by so that Sketchy Guy feels embarrassed and slinks away.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 1:27 PM on November 13, 2006

Thanks all. This is exactly the information I was looking for. Much appreciate it!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 7:39 AM on November 9, 2006

My friend with very curly hair cannot recommend Mariko at Malishi salon in SE1 highly enough. I got a hair cut from her too and can attest that she does great work with straight hair too. And gives excellent head massages!
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 5:09 AM on November 9, 2006

I think the answer is: proportions. The difference in number of votes between Allen and Webb is less than 1% of the vote. Therefore, the candidates can demand a recount. In Montana, difference between the candidates in terms of the actual number of votes was less than the difference in Virginia, but the percentage of the vote that difference presented is greater because there are fewer voters in Montana, period.

I think I probably just made the confusion worse. But... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 4:25 PM on November 8, 2006

I love the song "Nugget" from Cake's "Fashion Nugget" album. The chorus features the words "shut the fuck up," in a cadence that makes it even more satisfying to say than usual. Excellent rage-soundtrack song.
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 11:14 AM on November 8, 2006

Thought of another one: the song "Battle Flag" by Low Fidelity All-Stars. Also features the f-word a lot in the chorus (this seems to be a theme for me). And gets bonus points for having been featured in an episode of Queer as Folk.

(Virginia passed a gay marriage ban amendment too, by a substantial margin. It's so fucking disappointing. I can't even imagine what my gay friends must be feeling right now. I'm so sorry that you guys have to put up with this bullshit.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by hazelshade at 12:02 PM on November 8, 2006