Fiberglass insulation? Pepper spray? Hot sauce?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 7:05 PM on October 12, 2008

As a 24-year-old female, it really depends on how the guy frames his actions. This is just my personal take on this:

My last relationship was with a guy who opened the door for me instead of for the lady at the other set of doors with a small child in one arm and a grocery bag in the other, juggling both to get inside a store and out of the freezing cold. Yeah, it's great that he paid attention to me and all, but I really can open the door myself, and the other lady... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:11 AM on October 8, 2008

Totally inspired by Merriam-Webster's word of the day...

You could dress all in red and carry around a fake herring (or a framed picture of one).

... yeah, I just woke up.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 7:41 AM on October 3, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear about this.

I don't know much about actual prep for funerals and etc, but make sure you take care of yourself, and watch out for others in your family and make sure they do the same. A loss is that much worse if you're dehydrated/hungry/smelly.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 11:26 PM on October 1, 2008

Unreal Tournament 3 on Steam is only $20 right now (I think for just this weekend though). Bioshock is also a great first-person shooter, and I think it's also $20 at the moment. You could get him both of them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 3:28 PM on September 20, 2008

I find that a moment of silence, then, "Wow." is usually enough.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:46 PM on September 3, 2008

I don't believe so. If you're not (one of) the account holder(s), your credit shouldn't be affected.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 6:41 PM on August 26, 2008

We had to make our own video advertisement for a fictional product, which was a blast. Might not work for very large classes, but I took my intro to advertising in the summer where there wasn't a large class (maybe 50 people) so YMMV.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 12:41 PM on August 14, 2008 marked best answer

I've used this "trick" before to make my period come a day or so earlier so I wouldn't have it during a *very* long business trip I had to make. It worked well, but be warned that I did experience a more "intense" period--harder cramps, etc--as was pointed out by another poster in the thread I linked to.

I doubt it would be a good idea to do it all the time (IANAD to boot), but I don't think it would be horrible to do once in a great while.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 11:52 AM on July 17, 2008

I don't have answers to some of your questions, but to others, I do.

Does anyone have any stories of kids and their parents being in the same guilds?
In the World of Warcraft guild I'm in, a mom and her son are in the guild, but the mother doesn't participate much; she's more of a casual gamer. However, we do have an uncle/nephew team. Both are Paladins who regularly tank for us. The uncle is a raid leader who had been with the guild... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 5:32 PM on July 16, 2008 marked best answer

It doesn't even have to be at a place for a gathering; in the warmer parts of the fall, suggest a picnic for Labor Day; everyone brings something. Cheaper than going out, by far. nthing hanging out at people's houses, or having people at yours. I've been hanging out at my friend's house a lot lately, and we all went out for the first time last night, barhopping. I spent $30 last night, versus the $15 I usually spend for a 12-pack of Sam Adam's (which lasts me several visits to my friend's... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:35 PM on July 13, 2008

That's very strange. I have a white gold ring that I just tried scratching with my fingernail--no scratch whatsoever. Perhaps it's the finish that's on it that's getting scratched? Maybe take it to a jeweler and see if there's some sort of protective finish that could be put over the matte finish to preserve it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 11:41 AM on July 11, 2008

Are you eating enough yogurt or other probiotic stuff? I had a string of yeast infections at one point, and now I haven't gotten a single one in a good long while ever since I started eating yogurt a few times a week.

Also, are you using condoms? Spermicide and latex are common allergies and could be causing your infections.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:32 AM on June 21, 2008

Ini Kamoze - Here Comes the Hotstepper?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 8:31 AM on June 13, 2008

Maybe have a cake shaped like a grassy knoll?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 7:58 PM on June 9, 2008

How about "Epitaph to a Dog" by Sir William Watson?

His friends he loved. His fellest earthly foes--
Cats--I believe he did but feign to hate.
My hand will miss the insinuated nose,
Mine eyes that tail that wagged contempt at Fate.

Beautiful dog, by the way!! It's sad that she's gone :(
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:59 AM on May 29, 2008 marked best answer

I call it "Wiknotized".
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 8:16 PM on May 27, 2008

What is the need for a new card? In general they are not an official ID.

When beginning a new job, I-9 forms usually ask for two forms of ID: A driver's license and a birth certificate or a DL and social security card are the most common. Copies of tax returns aren't on my list of acceptable forms of ID :P

Anyway, it takes about two weeks or so, but the people at the SS office will give you a temporary replacement that you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 4:34 AM on May 27, 2008 marked best answer

Do you know anyone who is going to be shopping at Tiffany's soon? If so, take the store credit, give it to your friend, and have them cut you a check for the $225.

If not, you're going to have to get the gift-giver involved.

Gift receipts, in my opinion, are the most annoying things, ever.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 3:36 PM on May 5, 2008

I dunno, maybe it's just Silicon Valley, but $1100 for food seems high to me, even for a family of four. This household (family of four; parents and us two "kids") spends approx. $720/month on food. We don't eat out regularly or anything.

I'm wondering what's included under "miscellaneous" as well--$500 a month for it? That's a lot. Can you whittle that down or get rid of it all together?

House cleaning--can you clean your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:28 AM on May 5, 2008

I'm sorry to hear about this.

You could try contacting the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. They just opened a new research center, so hopefully they can point you in the right direction of something locally. Good luck.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 12:24 PM on April 29, 2008

Ooh, we just addressed something similar in my employment law class, but IANAL, so I'm just speculating based on the text.

According to the text my class was assigned (Employment Law: New Challenges in the Business Environment, 3rd Ed.) p.33:
An employer may not require an applicant to state whether he or she has a disability or to submit information concerning the disability. . . However, the employer may require the applicant to undergo... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:47 AM on April 29, 2008

How about:

[written under boobs]
posted by Jessamyn at 11:22pm on [first day of con] [243 favorites +] [!]

:P

Either that, or:
[front of shirt] THERE IS PORN ON MY BACK!

[back of shirt] -picture of Rick Astley-
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 8:07 PM on April 23, 2008

I like the footprint idea, or the birthdate in th the non-traditional numbering. You could also possibly get tiny versions of his footprints as a band around your ankle, symbolizing your eternal motherly love for him, etc?

I'd advise against the portrait, though. No matter what, it's going to look strange.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 7:39 AM on April 21, 2008

He's not doing his job. Prepare the paperwork and fire him, seriously.

We had this problem at my workplace; people would not call/not show up, and we'd just let it go as long as they came back the next time. The work of the whole team suffered. We ended up preparing all the paperwork and the written warnings, and eventually fired them.

You're not considering firing him because it's too much work, but he's getting away with acting like his JOB... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:09 PM on March 26, 2008

I kind of had to roll my eyes at your part about "awful lack of self-respect", because I see a lack of respect for your girlfriend by seemingly planting the idea in her head that she's disgusting if she even thinks about smoking. If that's not what's going on, I'm sorry, but that's how your post makes it sound.

Have you ever thought that maybe there's a different issue here than the smoking? She's a post-grad trying to look "cool". Why? What about... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 11:29 AM on March 12, 2008

Why don't you just talk to her directly? Bring her a coffee in the morning, or a new office-warming present (a plant or something?) and sit down with her.

"Hey, [person]. So, your office is going to move nearby soon? Yeah, that's cool. Well, I just wanted to address something... I happen to be severely allergic to the particular scent you're wearing, and it really inhibits my work. I hate to ask this of you, but would it be possible for you to refrain from... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 4:11 PM on March 5, 2008

That's what a lease is for--setting rules in print so a roomie doesn't run amok. She's been careless and has broken your stuff and messed it up, probably because she's used to getting her way with everything, as you mentioned.

Somehow, I feel like that the one extra month would turn into two, then three... so on and so forth. She probably doesn't plan on leaving.

She didn't give you the proper notice, she's messy and careless. Personally, I'd... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 12:00 PM on February 23, 2008

One of my favorite ravioli fillings is portabella mushroom. Mmmmm. The garlic/butter/sage filling is perfect with it.

I wonder if a tomato basil filling would be good for ravioli? I might have to try that some time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:27 AM on February 21, 2008

Uhh, maybe Akinyele - Put It In Your Mouth?

Short Dick Man is by 20 Fingers
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:36 AM on February 19, 2008

There're frames that are just basically two pieces of glass sandwiched together with screws... maybe get one of those?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:15 PM on January 22, 2008

Here's a link I found by googling for "meteorite authentication". It lists a bunch of places you can go for meteorite testing. Most meteorites do have a sort of "glassy" feel to them (from what I've read), and his seems to exhibit this, so... I dunno. Hopefully you/he can get it tested and determine once and for all.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:05 AM on January 6, 2008

I broke most of my toes when I was in a car accident last year. The docs said there wasn't much I could do besides icing when I could (to reduce swelling) and keeping it wrapped in an Ace bandage (to keep the swelling down as well). I limped around a lot.

There's not really much you can do for broken toes other than let them heal.

In re: your finger, you probably wouldn't be able to move it much (if at all) if it was broken. You probably did... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 1:26 PM on January 3, 2008

Here are a few that I've noticed:

Ori-en-tate instead of orient (he's "alert and oriented", not "alert and orientated", though this isn't really a pronunciation thing).

fin-nance instead of fye-nance

add-vert-iss-ment for ad-ver-tyse-ment

pro-sess-eez instead of praw-sess-is (though this can vary slightly by region and still be correct. But it's NOT PRO-SESS-EEZ!)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 8:09 AM on December 30, 2007

It's actually ironic you ask this question today--my aunt passed exactly two years ago. Anyway, about your question...

How can I learn to deal with this, and what can I expect when someone dies?

You learn to deal with it like anything: through experience. I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. Death is, unfortunately, not something you can really prepare for. You learn the ropes, such as what to do to close that chapter in your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:35 PM on December 10, 2007

We eat around 4ish. Everyone gets to my aunt's around 3, then we chat and eat chips/dip/whatever until 4.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:12 PM on November 22, 2007

We get these calls at my workplace as well. In addition to what everyone else mentions, don't ever let them hear you say "yes" or "okay" or anything like that. They can and will record your voice and will play it back for you if you try to dispute it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 8:56 AM on November 21, 2007

If you like Evanescence, you might like Lacuna Coil, but they're a little more on the harder rock side. Their albums, "Comalies" and "Karmacode" are harder rock, but "Unleashed Memories" might be up your alley. Nightwish might be a shot in the dark, but you could give them a try, too.

Ugh, my collection runs more toward harder rock, so it's kinda hard to find stuff you'll like.

Maybe Finger Eleven? Not their new... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:43 PM on November 18, 2007

If she has done something for you, anything at all that you've never thanked her for, thank her for it. Tell her you love her and spend time learning things about her that you might not know.

As shitty as it is, at least you have time to say goodbye. With the many losses in my family, that's one thing I regret.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 6:58 PM on November 16, 2007

Why not get a less expensive mp3 player for now with the stipulation that he can get a better one if he doesn't lose the cheaper one within x amount of time (say, one year)? That way, he learns responsibility a little more effectively than YOU taking a ~$300 hit to the wallet.

If he's not paying for it with his money, it's not going to matter to him as much if he loses it. End of story.

There are better ways of teaching a child responsibility... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 12:06 PM on November 13, 2007

You're over thinking this, really.

Your best bet would be to use USPS.com's calculate postage utility to estimate about how much shipping will be.

For example, say I'm shipping a 5lb package from Amherst, NY (14228) to Amherst, NH (03031). I'd select "package", enter 5 in the lbs box, 0 in the oz box, and the respective zip codes. Boom, I get the shipping charges I can pick.

As for posting shipping charges on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 2:36 PM on November 11, 2007

I don't know, they're undergrads. It takes some time to grasp the ins and outs of business culture. I would give him a stern talking to about the lateness and then see what happens.

Undergrad or not, the student is an adult, and capable of being responsible. Said student has decent grades, I assume? Then they obviously know how to be on time for things, and how important deadlines are. If he can't be bothered to turn up on time, then too bad, the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:08 AM on November 9, 2007

I don't get this with HSBC (credit card or bank account), CapitalOne, or any of my store credit cards.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 12:00 PM on November 1, 2007

I would like to pick option 4) Eve should chill out a little and learn to trust her boyfriend, and Adam should limit his communication with Sarah to almost nothing.

I know you said that both Adam and Eve wrote this together, but come on. All of the possible options listed involve Adam doing something to change his behavior, and Eve doing nothing. Relationship issue resolution is all about compromise. You two are going to have to sit down and talk about this regardless,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 7:12 PM on October 30, 2007

I recommend against LensCrafters for a variety of reasons.

1) I went there for the first time last year, and they told me that my Traditional Blue insurance (Same thing as BlueCross/BlueShield) couldn't be used with them, even though I'd called and they said they take it. I had to call, ask specifically for a doctor, and come in and speak with said doctor before they'd take my discount.

2) They told me I'd be able to drive fine after they... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 9:14 PM on October 28, 2007

Ask them to make a list of groceries and to give you the money, and go grocery shopping for 'em. You'd be amazed at how grocery shopping becomes a pain when you're taking care of someone.

Scarves/very soft hats. It's gonna get cold!

Most of all, really, a few home-cooked meals would be amazing for them. Even with the marijuana, my aunt found she got way too high to even care about making food (though she'd eat it if you put it in front of her).... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 10:14 AM on October 25, 2007

Gleipnir holds Fenrisulfr at bay (the "key" to holding Fenrisulfr back, etc).

Gungnir, though not a key in and of itself, means "unwavering one" and seems to be a good name for a thing that unlocks something. Unwavering and whatnot.

That's really all I can think of :/
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 11:12 PM on October 19, 2007

Former art major chiming in here.

I copied a Bronzino painting (found here) in one of my high school painting classes because my art teacher made me.
Him: This is the most challenging one I have. Have at it!
Me: Why did you give me the tough painting?!
Him: Because you're talented, silly.
Me: *whine*

It actually didn't end up being too tough to approximate the painting, even with acrylics... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 1:36 PM on October 17, 2007

I used to work for Definity. My friend used to work for them and had their insurance. Her deductible was huge. RUN AWAY.

As for BCBS: I've had BCBS of Western NY for over 10 years now through my mom, and they've never given us any real problems. The only problem I had with them was when I started attending an out-of-state school and they decided to just tell me they were canceling my coverage rather than ask "hey, btw, are you still in school full-time?"... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 2:24 AM on October 15, 2007

This happened to me once, with an internal hard drive (it was an IDE though). Turned out it was a bum drive. I exchanged it for a new one and it was fine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Verdandi at 5:39 PM on October 11, 2007