At the register, my tolerance limit for non-essential interruptions is pretty low. I really hate it when, during the course of what should be a quick transaction, I get pitched the store credit card AND pressured to buy an additional product AND asked for my zip code/phone number, AND whatever else.

Relatedly, I get irrationally angry when I am in a long line and I see the sales reps go into these pitches. I understand that it's not always possible to avoid long wait... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 2:14 PM on July 23, 2008

I understand that this is annoying, but certain places have a strict policy where the cashier HAS to say this to every single customer or they can lose their job.

Oh, I know, and I didn't mean to imply that it was the employees' fault. I worked retail at a big chain clothing store ages ago, and we had to go through a ten-point checklist for every customer that entered the store. It included many of the things that annoy people on this thread (and annoy... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 5:02 PM on July 23, 2008

I have worked at a restaurant that pooled tips, and places that did not, and for me the tip distribution policy would have been irrelevant. Regardless of how much money I'm walking home with, if someone left me a bad tip I'm either wondering what I did wrong or thinking "Christ, what an asshole."

So yeah, go back - it's a totally honest mistake and your gesture will be appreciated!
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 8:19 PM on July 14, 2008

Senior week is sort of like spring break - the actual dates vary by college/high school, so popular destinations like Ocean City basically play host to a month and a half of senior "week". Your dates are likely to overlap with that season.

I had my college senior week there a few years ago. While the town's atmosphere was nowhere near as rowdy as, say, Key West during spring break, it wasn't what I would call "relaxing."

I'd... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 9:04 PM on May 28, 2008

I did this; if you want to MeFiMail me I will get into the nitty gritty details!
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 6:24 PM on May 28, 2008

It doesn't say so on the listing or the website, but I am almost positive that Puck Fair has a basement bar that they rent out for private parties.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 8:35 PM on May 23, 2008

Oh, great, I hope Puck Fair works out! If not, maybe try the private rooms at Niagara or Blue Owl? If memory serves, the Niagara room would likely work, but I'm not sure about food...Blue Owl does food but their private room might be a bit small for your party.

Good luck!
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 9:16 PM on May 27, 2008

I just want to second and empathize with sondrialiac's excellent comment. I was the "bad friend" growing up...the cliched high school dropout with an obnoxious attitude. As a healthy and functioning adult who now has a terrific relationship with her family, it's easy to look back and see that I acted out because I was depressive and having a bad time at home.

But at the time, the warmth and love provided by my best friends - all of whom I am still close with -... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 7:55 PM on May 23, 2008

The brilliant cartoon Aquaman John Callahan refers to is by John Callahan.

Weird, I was coming back to say I coincidentally just saw it posted.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 9:50 AM on May 20, 2008

When I popped in before to give the cartoon link, I should have included this CivilDisobedient post about SHIT YOU SHOULD HAVE TOGETHER when looking for apartments. I have sent this link to every one of my out-of-town friends considering moving here, since apparently this is not the norm in other cities? I wouldn't say you need all of this stuff for every apartment, but some combination of these elements is usually required.

I live... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 8:48 PM on May 20, 2008

If it's none of the above, try the judybat's ugly on the outside.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 6:25 PM on April 27, 2008

one more for the NARS Orgasm chorus.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 7:11 PM on April 2, 2008

(spent a couple college years as a cocktail/bar waitress)

Does it affect the tip?

Have to disagree with someone above who implied that it positively affects the tip. In my experience, if you have, say, a table of 10 that splits a $500 tab evenly, it's likely that each individual will add to their $50 bill the standard 20% tip of $10, leaving the server with a total of $100. Without splitting, the same large party is more likely... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 8:56 PM on February 25, 2008

I can't speak to the Saint Ann Marie Antoinette, but last August I stayed at a similar hotel (central Quarter location, townhouse style w/courtyard and pool) and would highly recommend it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 9:11 AM on February 11, 2008

You may enjoy this tale.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 8:48 AM on February 11, 2008

Although I used it in a different situation, I can also attest to the magical effects of Feliway. I can't tell from your question whether you actually tried it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 8:16 AM on February 4, 2008

Ooh, I've had the same dilemma, although I'm a couple bust sizes smaller than you (large B/small C).

Your profile says you live in NY; may I suggest that you try on shirts at the nearest Brooks Brothers? I'd never shopped there before until I started looking for classic button-downs of the type you're asking about. They have a bunch of different women's fits in classic, non-frilly styles made of sturdy opaque fabrics. Best of all, they have a whole non-iron line - I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 1:01 AM on February 1, 2008

I was in a similar situation where I got involuntarily bumped from a flight that was the last one going to my destination that night. I got a $400 flight voucher (required compensation for involuntary bumps), but I really needed to get to my destination that night.

I was promised by a random airline rep that if I took the next flight to a nearby location, the airline rep there would arrange a car rental. I was stressed and had about ten minutes to get on that plane, so... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 12:48 AM on January 24, 2008

She got stiffed, just like the restaurant. Sucks, but it happens.

I sort of agree with this in theory, but in practice (depending on the type of establishment) the waitstaff/management relationship is often more of the "every man for himself" type. I used to wait tables at a few rowdy sports-bar-type places, and it was standard procedure that if a waitress got stiffed by a walkout, she was expected to eat the full bill - the attitude from... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 4:58 PM on January 7, 2008

I have the exact same hair as you - limp, fine, and yeah, scraggly. Don't know about you, but mine is also pretty long...5 or 6 inches past my shoulders. Here is how I finally started liking my hair:

1) I got a good hairdresser recommendation from a friend and explained to her, in extreme detail, the nature of my hair and how I liked to wear it. She gave a great cut with long layers that worked whether I wore my hair straight or wavy.

2) I bought... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 9:51 PM on December 30, 2007 marked best answer

I totally expected to hate it, but I found Hedgehogging to be a really fascinating and insightful read.

Also, I know it was mentioned in the threads you cited, but When Genius Failed is absolutely worth a look.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 10:28 PM on December 27, 2007

- Swingsets
- BBQ's/outdoor parties
- gardens
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 11:07 PM on December 8, 2007

Dang, we need to get our old 20 inch plus Trinitron up on eBay. I had no idea!

me neither, I would have freecycled mine!
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 12:46 PM on December 3, 2007

Wait until you finish the program. You would be doing yourself a tremendous disservice by creating a situation where you have to defend your academic accomplishments to your classmates and school officials - and you will never fully remove the taint on your record.

Side bonus: If you wait, you'll be able to make a clearer assessment of how large a role the unequal power dynamic plays in your attraction.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 12:32 PM on November 19, 2007

The example you gave is a bit extreme - as an omnivore, I'm happy with plenty of vegetarian choices but I can imagine I might not find tons of appealing options at what you describe as a mediocre vegan restaurant. On the other hand, I can see a goat roast being a bit, well, visually extreme for someone who doesn't eat meat.

If you had an event where you provided appealing options for everyone, do you think the different factions would still be openly hostile? If so,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 9:07 AM on November 7, 2007

Depends on the bride. This would not bother me because:

a) I would be happy that you were being sincere when you told me that you loved the dress, and that I wasn't asking you to wear something that you secretly considered a hideous monstrosity.

b) The events are so different in tone. The visual and emotional impact of you in the dress at a cocktail party are just totally different than the visual and emotional impact of you in the dress, with... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 2:07 PM on November 2, 2007

Right now your question sort of reads as: "In order to keep my money safe, I would like to use my life's savings to place a specific bet on the relative value of the dollar." I'm not sure what you mean about keeping your money "safe" - your money is safe where it is.

I agree with shothotbot that it might not be something you want to do with your entire savings account. Even if you're right that the the long-term trend of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 12:53 PM on November 2, 2007 marked best answer

Agreeing with all that you should learn to love Craigslist, but as sondrialiac mentioned your other option is to contact property management companies directly. This might save you the dreaded broker's fee. Maybe.

Some of the off-campus housing offices at NYC universities keep good lists of management company websites; here are the ones maintained by NYU and Columbia. Most of these sites allow you to search their rental listings. Many of the companies... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 7:35 PM on October 10, 2007

According to this Ask the Pilot column, Potsmokinghippieoverlord is correct.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 12:17 PM on October 5, 2007

It does sound like a private room would be ideal - I am reading your post to say that with children, your group will be around 35 people? The private rooms at one of the Alice's Tea Cup locations might be quite delightful for children.

The other place that comes to mind is Otto, which is a casual and family friendly Mario Batali restaurant. Besides the dining room area, it has a huge, bustling (but not rowdy) wine bar space that serves light food but does not have the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 1:50 PM on September 27, 2007 marked best answer

The Sand Dollar
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 11:53 AM on September 21, 2007

This is a scene from Girls Just Want to Have Fun...it's not included in the IMDB Memorable Quotes section, but the phrase you want to google is "tune in tokyo" - not "come in tokyo".
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 6:01 AM on September 20, 2007

It seems like you really only have one thing that's bugging you about your physical appearance, and so I have to second frumious bandersnatch in saying that it's worth the investment in laser treatment.

That being said, the most freeing epiphany I ever had was when I realized that I would never ever ever be the prettiest, skinniest, most fashionable, or coolest girl in the room...and that people seemed to like me anyway. You sound smart and articulate - I'm betting... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 5:46 AM on September 20, 2007

I like man of the Container Store's modular options.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 5:27 AM on September 14, 2007

I really like the vintage modern sensibilities of Design*Sponge, decor8, and sfgirlbybay. They offer a nice mix of product lust, interiors, trendspotting, and designer profiles.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 10:26 AM on September 10, 2007

Do you really want a squabble over $140 to be one of the central events of your first month of marriage?

If I am reading it correctly, the squabble is actually over $75.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 11:21 AM on September 6, 2007

I just did a 3 week road trip, and I have to recommend this book, which focuses on two-lane highways. The difference between driving these lovely roads and the nasty 10-lane interstates cannot be overstated.

We didn't perfectly follow any of the routes in the book, but it's designed to be really easy to cross-reference, and it has tons of information about cheap lodging/hostels, local points of interest, and must-see roadside attractions. Briefly glancing at the table... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 10:12 PM on August 31, 2007

It's probably down to the middle of my back, heh, am I making it sound like my hair is this long? My intention was to indicate that I'm looking for resources for medium to long hair.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 8:39 PM on August 26, 2007

Wow, thanks to all. It's going to take me a couple weeks to work through all of these terrific suggestions, but I'm pretty stoked, especially for the recommendations that involve video!
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 7:37 PM on August 28, 2007

Yes, can you provide more parameters? Can it be in any of the boroughs? Do you need food and drinks provided by the site, or are you just looking for a room?

I can only speak for Manhattan, but if you're looking for good in-house food and drinks plus a pretty space, your budget sounds a bit low. $800 for 30 people comes out to about $26/a head.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 11:07 PM on August 24, 2007

I'm so glad to hear you've found a bit of peace. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 12:18 AM on August 20, 2007

Oh, seconding The Opposite of Sex - great movie!
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 10:33 PM on August 19, 2007

Hockney?
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 2:24 PM on August 19, 2007

Out of Sight, which is a great movie.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 7:42 AM on August 17, 2007

It's hard to give specific advice until you update with some details, but until then...

I've sent Civil_Disobedient's comment in a related thread to many, many people, because it is dead on.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 7:39 PM on August 15, 2007

Blackalicious - Sky is Falling
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 2:35 PM on August 14, 2007 marked best answer

Do not abandon sci-fi! Thirding Octavia Butler.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 5:02 AM on August 9, 2007

Seconding Kingdom of Loathing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 3:01 PM on August 6, 2007

(also anxiously awaiting)
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 11:34 PM on August 4, 2007

How about An Inspector Calls?
posted to Ask Metafilter by lalex at 7:55 PM on August 4, 2007