We're both discussing this, it's not a punishment. His hair aggravates him, although I'm sure I have contributed. We've been wracking our brains and looking at pics trying to figure out good styles. He agrees that he needs something done to his hair, just not chopping it all off.

When it feels gummy, either from not rinsing or not washing, I have him clean it again. The gumminess is gross. And, similar to eye boogers, drippy nose boogers, smelly armpits, and brushed... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:44 PM on July 7, 2008

I don't want to put pictures of him online, obviously. But, this hairstyle is almost identical to his current hair. Picture it at least twice poofier and he's got a middle part instead. His curls are more wave than curl. He doesn't really part the hair, just pushes it aside. That's fine, too. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 9:02 PM on July 7, 2008

He lives in a pool, too. How does constant chlorine ickiness affect the no shampoo method? He uses the swimmers shampoo about once a week, sometimes twice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 9:20 PM on July 7, 2008

I have this same issue. I also only use Pantene and Dove. Anything else seems to contribute to the problem.

When my scalp is behaving very badly, I swear by two things:
1) Tea Tree Shampoo by Paul Mitchell
2) Nizoral

I went to 3 doctors over it, none of them were helpful. The first one said I had lice (I didn't) because they can cause a rash, the second one was a dermatologist who said she couldn't find any lice but... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 6:06 PM on July 7, 2008

SuperSquirrel's advice is my method. Anything caked on gets loosened with just water or nature's miracle and then the scrubbing begins. I also have a machine that will saturate and suck the floor dry. Then, over a couple weeks the wood dries more and the marks usually disappear.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 9:57 AM on July 1, 2008

How are you currently reacting to them? We have a guy at our workplace that looooooves the attention. If he wants us to leave him alone, he acts clueless. He'll say things like:

"I'm not sure what you mean?"
"Hey, did you see this news story" (completing changing the subject)

Or, he might grab his phone and run off quickly like he's got better things to do.

We don't hate him at all. It's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:53 PM on June 27, 2008

Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome is me in a nutshell. I tend to sleep from 2-10am, but I work 8am-5pm. I've tried lots and lots of things.

Medicines are good for a reset. If I take a sleeping pill around 7-8pm, I'll sleep all night. I may or may not wake @ 4pm. It seems to "reset" my sleeping schedule though. The next night, I'm sleeping around 10pm to 8am, or 10 to 6. It's nice. This generally lasts for at least a few days.

Part of my... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:39 AM on June 9, 2008

If someone asks what year I was born in, I'd say 1978. They'd say "so, you're 30". I'd say, "no, I said I'm 28".

This would really make me try to figure where you are coming from, intellectually. Similar to socializing with a disabled child, where you might not know the extent of their mental and physical functioning. The last bit reminds of Fez from The 70's Show saying "I said 'Good Day!'" whenever he was shutting... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 9:27 AM on June 9, 2008

I wouldn't be concerned about the writing vs reading differences. But, I will say that today's phonics-heavy school environments severely hindered (and irritated) my kid at that age. He actively hated reading, sounding out stuff, and anything to do with rhyming. Meltdown-city kind of hate. After 1st grade started and the teacher advised he was behind grade level in Reading, I took over the whole process myself. The only phonics instruction from there on out was in the form of BOB Books. After... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 4:16 AM on May 27, 2008

The trunk seals were damaged and rain was leaking into my car (Chevy Prizm). I noticed the odd smell first. Then, there was condensation on the inside of the windows sometimes. None of the floors felt wet. The problem was lower than the floor carpet and floor mats, it just wasn't high enough to be felt. While driving, the water worked it's way forward from the trunk, through the backseat, and under the front seats. I never noticed any wetness, pooling, or anything. I never heard water splashing.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:00 AM on May 23, 2008

We've been using the Chicken Soup for the Cat Lover's Soul. My cats and dogs really enjoy their products.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 12:55 AM on May 11, 2008

Gentle Leader. I would definitely schedule some time for the dog to simply wear the harness around the house, no pressure. It may take a couple evenings, but the dog will grow bored of it. Spend some time in the backyard or somewhere super safe and non-excitable. I wouldn't want my cocker spaniel to realize her new limits in maximum neurotic mode. When ready, go for a brief walk, be prepared, and don't try to pull her back like a normal leash.

Since you have a pom, I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 4:32 PM on May 6, 2008

My kid was very clingy/needy after surgery. He would stick to my shoulder like glue, then pitch a fit to be let down, and another fit to immediately be back on my shoulder, and another fit when I picked him back up, and another fit when I breathed, etc. It was his first temper tantrum (at age 4) and because he'd never tantrumed before (easiest kid ever I swear), that was the real surprise. His stomach hurt alot, but he never threw up.

The hospital personnel were great... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:12 AM on May 6, 2008

Just moved from GoDaddy to Namecheap. So far, I love it.

- GoDaddy website is nasty navigating. I'm the type of person who likes clean sites, where you can quickly move around, do your business, and move on. GoDaddy has tons of advertising and it's spread out all across the webpage, not just left corner, side, etc. For a personal domain user (such as myself), who's not constantly moving around domains, buying/selling, or whatever, it's crazy. You have to glance... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:11 PM on April 30, 2008

Oh, if anyone's trying to escape GoDaddy, I had good luck doing this:
1) Went to GoDaddy, unlocked domain.
2) Got Auth code from domain section at GoDaddy.
3) Submitted transfer to Namecheap.
4) Applied Auth code to domain at Namecheap.
5) Waited for confirmation email from Namecheap...
6) Saw error on Namecheap looking up whois info
7) Emailed support for help (High priority)
8) They... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:27 PM on April 30, 2008

Sorry, I forgot to add that I was most seriously considering 3 registrars after my research:

namecheap (won for interface, support, and efficiency raves)
nearlyfreespeech (I didn't like their interface as much. I don't like the nickel and diming, either. Also, they are more hosting+domain than just domain. I do think they have a lot to offer and they are my second choice.)
gandi (lost due to cost, but I would gladly pay the higher cost for no BS)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:40 PM on April 30, 2008

I stuttered for a couple years around age 10. My family handled it very poorly. Don't degrade your children over it. :( Anyway. For me, it was about having a burst of thought that I couldn't get out fast enough and I always felt I had to get it out very quickly or not at all. I just grew out of it, I guess? Every now and then, very rarely, I go through a couple weeks of very minor stuttering. Most people don't even notice (I think) because when I realize it, I automatically start elongating many... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 5:36 PM on March 25, 2008

Thanks for the responses, so far.
Biscotti, I really don't believe it's anal glands. She wasn't itchy prior to grooming and there's no redness near her anus.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 9:04 AM on March 17, 2008

Is Benadryl safe and appropriate for her overall mild itchiness? Aside from the issue that prompted my post, she does still have her normal mild itchiness.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 9:15 AM on March 17, 2008

One year I visited a friend far away. He had been battling with a condo neighbor. After my first night there, I couldn't fill the gas tank. I didn't understand what was wrong so I exchanged the rental car. The rental folks later found plastic grocery bags inside the tank.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:23 PM on March 15, 2008

Right after the gas thing, a bounty hunter hauled that neighbor away. He was wanted in another state for murder when he burned someones house down. Avoid crazy neighbors.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:36 PM on March 15, 2008

I was very dopey on Claritin, so I only take Allegra generics.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:46 AM on March 13, 2008

Contact animal control. We had a pair of rottweilers in my old neighborhood that killed multiple cats and dogs. One day, a feeble old lady stepped outside to get her mail. The dogs chased her down the driveway, ran her into the kitchen, and partially tore her kitchen's screen door. I don't know what stopped them, but they didn't continue through the door. Her deaf adult daughter was home, so maybe another person spooked them?

I had never known rotts to be mean or poor... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:16 PM on March 10, 2008

My cats will meow if their food is yucky (to them). I value my sleep at that hour, so I give them a smidge of deli-meat and go back to bed. Bad (sleeping) kitty parent, yes I know. One morning, I sleepily closed the pantry door (where her food was stored) and locked the meowing cat inside. Didn't even realize until the next morning when I kept hearing this pitiful meow. But, you know, she doesn't really bug me much anymore. When I open my bedroom door in the mornings, cats that are sniffing at... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 11:13 AM on February 15, 2008

I've found that staying far away from dental insurance provider lists is the best way to go. Get recs from folks you know. The insurance listed doctors seemed more likely to drill, trump up extra work, and have weird inane advice. After some ugly dentist issues, I still carry insurance but I don't use in-network dentists. After filing a claim for out-of-network reimbursement, the difference in cost is hardly noticeable.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 12:46 PM on February 8, 2008

2nding PCOS & high androgen levels. Certain OCs help, but spironolactone helps too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 7:37 PM on January 23, 2008

I'm going through this right now with my best male friend, too. It's so very hard when it seems like you're losing your best friend because they simply do not have time for you in their life. It's easy to blame whatever changed. In my case, his new girlfriend doesn't treat him quite right and he knows it. But, he's an adult and he will be the one to negotiate the crap in his relationships. I'll be there when he needs an ear, but in the end he has to decide when he's had enough of her bs.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 7:13 PM on January 22, 2008

Can you schedule a task or tentative task immediately after the meeting? Then, at the beginning, make it clear to manager that you have to do X at specific time. Depends on your work environment, of course. If I'm really stuck in these type meetings, I scribble notes to myself (brain dumps, grocery lists, errands, etc). We have a sweet, lax, and rambly manager, but it seems like we all (unplanned) take turns guiding him through the meeting. If she's really sensitive, she'd probably openly... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 6:35 AM on January 16, 2008 marked best answer

I want to expand just a little. You said she seems to have self-esteem issues, so is this her first management role? I have to believe the sensitivities and confidence issues result from her own insecurities. I would avoid overt tactics such as Happy Dave's suggestion, since that would backfire horribly. Public ridicule, albeit accidental, is a fabulous way to not handle this. Her insecurity will only lead to defensiveness, possibly aggressive.

I really think the first... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 7:45 AM on January 16, 2008 marked best answer

I put my earphones on, block everything out with music, get a sweet latte, and enjoy my vacation from the craziness around me. Combined with music, I literally find a rhythm in the work itself and breeze right through it. My job is backend corehost processing and support for banks. I find it hard to imagine a job more tedious.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 6:16 AM on January 16, 2008

Crave the Skinny
Catch the Slim
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 4:04 PM on January 10, 2008

I give mine pepto bismal and unlimited water. All other foods and treats are withheld. Even bones, rawhide, and nylabones because of the drool factor. I've never had to deal with it beyond one or two dosings, maybe 12 hours max. Since it's been so long for yours, though, I'd just take him to the vet. What have you tried so far?
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 7:23 PM on January 8, 2008

Ugh, so sorry she's going through this. When I was pregnant (14 years ago), I was stuck with an old doctor that was really set in her ways. I had no sickness the first 3 months, but the next 4 months I was sick all day every day, no exceptions. I spent those months stumbling into local ERs (3 different hospitals depending on wait) in various states of dehydration. They all gave me IV fluids and sent me on my way. At home, I had plastic vomit bowls in every room of the house. I carried one around... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 7:00 PM on January 7, 2008

Pidgin
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:49 AM on January 1, 2008

Scrubs has Dr. Cox and Jordan. Fit your description nicely with a decidedly more evil bent.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 8:45 AM on December 31, 2007

Um, I actually see the problem lying with your boyfriend. He needs to put his foot down and do what's right for the kid and himself. If she can't get the kid to school, the truancy officers will come after her. If she's happy being a homeless bum at her parents, let her. Why is he putting his life on hold to help her? If the kid suffers a little because of her poor mothering, then he'll learn a hard lesson on being an adult. And, honestly, when I say "suffer" I don't mean homeless... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 1:51 PM on December 26, 2007

What I said wasn't a joke. I'm a single mom and if the mother cannot be relied upon, the child will learn that early on. The situation will not get better for the dad, the mom, or child as long as the dad supports the CBM's rules, hysterics, and various ploys.

When the truancy officers came after the mother, why didn't the father plead for custody? If she doesn't pack his lunch, then the child won't have a lunch. The school will eventually question what's going on and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 3:42 PM on December 26, 2007

If you're getting a lot of junkmail, you can opt out of a good chunk.

And, thanks for the tune that will be stuck in my head for the rest of today. :(
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 11:59 AM on December 26, 2007

The application does not specify a range. They want to learn about the kid in a "personal and thorough way" from their written "thoughtful answers". The section is titled "Essays". The school is closed for Christmas vacation, but I can ask them in a couple weeks. The essays are due in a few weeks.

We're just unsure of the length and format they're seeking. He tends to get into rants, so I usually advise him to consider his audience and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:54 AM on December 25, 2007

We did this to the oven one time, which is less mess than a coiled burner. We put certain parts in our freezer for a day or so. It was much easier to pick off. So, if the burner detaches, I'd try plopping it in the freezer as-is. If that doesn't ease things up, I'd find a replacement.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 7:40 AM on December 17, 2007

Boil water in a little pan, add the teabags to pan, let them sit about 5-10 minutes. Add sugar to pitcher. Remove teabags from pan, dump hot tea into pitcher, stir well until sugar's dissolved. Use pan to fill pitcher with cold water. You can have some immediately if you add a lot of ice to your glass. The rest should be chilled for later.

You can adjust the tea type, number of teabags, brew time, and sugar quantity. Everything is adjustable to your happiness. I've found... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 4:30 AM on December 13, 2007

Like TheNewWazoo said, I move the pan of boiling water to a different stove eye. Then, with it removed from heat, it's no longer boiling, and I add the teabgs with the strings trailing outside of pan (if they have strings). I would never boil a teabag. They're so flimsy that you'd have more residue and tea leaf remnants in your final product. Blech.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 4:39 AM on December 13, 2007

The previous post konolia mentioned is probably this Metafilter post: House wine of the South
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 4:43 AM on December 13, 2007

We did this with 2 cats in cat carrier and a mid-sized dog harnessed in between, all in the back seat. The cats were in normal carriers with the door facing seatbacks. They had a harness on, unattached to anything, as a "just in case" measure. The harness served as a quick handle on their backs if I needed it suddenly. We drove morning to evening (8-10 hours) for 5 days without problems. There were no accidents, but one cat was slightly anxious. We got gas in the morning, stopped for... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 3:40 PM on November 30, 2007

Also, if you're avoiding an overnight stay for some reason, you could always harness and leash the cats to a door knob, headrest pole, or something like that. I did have to do that once for the dog, but I don't remember why. Still, I recommend heavily that you avoid all of these complications by simply not letting them out of the carrier in the car.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 3:47 PM on November 30, 2007

I've had no issues resulting from lack of soap. Or, at least none that I'm aware of. I've never reliably used soap in the shower. I take hot showers daily and mostly rely on cheap rough washcloths. I do use shampoo daily and face cleanser every few days. I don't put gunk on my face or hair, so I don't have to use harsher products to remove the gunk residue. If my skin is very dry, about once a week I'll use a heavily moisturized (Aveeno) shower wash.

I wash my hands... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 3:13 PM on November 29, 2007

Ubuntu was a little heavy, imo. I'd try Arch so you can customize to your heart's content. Arch doesn't, by default, install a lot of stuff you don't necessarily need like Ubuntu does.
For lightweight window managers, I'd stick with Fluxbox, Blackbox, or Xfce.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 6:21 PM on November 28, 2007

Cranberry sauce is great on sandwiches! No need to blend with anything, imo.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:11 AM on November 26, 2007

Unfortunately, this happens. I inherited a dog in this manner after an entire family couldn't deal. The dog was so weak and puny that it couldn't stand, eat, hold it's bladder, etc. It was also blind and deaf. I took the dog to the vet for a checkup and the vet advised euthanasia. He found small tumors all over the body. I opted to put the dog out of it's misery. When the family asked about it, I said it was happy, nothing more. This dog was absolutely miserable when I got it, so yes, I believe... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 10:07 AM on November 26, 2007

They obviously know how to upset you. You have a few options:
1) put up with it like you have been
2) don't go. IF they ask where were you, just very coolly say you don't feel welcome by past year's behaviors and you've decided to pass on their holiday for the sake of your own family's holiday (even if it's just you and the husband). Next year, try to do a less-stress holiday with family and maybe even the younger relatives you enjoy, even if it's after Thanksgiving day.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ick at 12:47 PM on November 21, 2007