Thanks, everyone, for your contributions. QuantumMeruit, Fountain Pen Hospital looks great. My reservation is that my brother's wife made me promise not to get him anything like a catalog because it makes it too easy for him to buy more stuff. Heh. But the calendar is a possibility.

Alison, Stationery Magazine looks great but with my time limits I don't think I'll be able to get my hands on it. Also, as awesome as that looks, I think I want to get him something in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:44 AM on May 13, 2008

Lots of the folks who work in/near the City live in Fairfield County and many of them drive in to work. As a result, during the hours surrounding rush hour, I've found 95 to be a horrorshow and the Merritt can get bad, too. I've had such bad experiences on both highways southbound in the morning. I'd leave as early as you can bear to, as people have already suggested.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 7:39 PM on May 10, 2008

You can train to Providence, RI--good restaurants, bars, art galleries, etc. It's about 2.5 hours from New Haven. As bassjump said, Block Island is a great overnight getaway if you can get to the ferry.

More locally, you can take the bus from downtown New Haven to West Haven and check out the cute beach and boardwalk and have some delicious seafood. That's really more of a day trip though.

Definitely take pupdog and Miko's advice and jump on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 1:56 PM on May 8, 2008

nthing "The Super." It's pure gold.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 12:57 PM on May 5, 2008

Maybe have an extremely discrete fling with someone on Craig's List to get your rocks off every now and then.

Wow, what awful advice. AskMe's worst, I'm sure.

Definitely don't try to get over the sex thing. Is he aware of the extent to which you're feeling unsatisfied/unfulfilled? If the discussion only comes up during sex (or before) and only in the form of coaching, is it possible he thinks you just want a little extra... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 8:32 AM on May 5, 2008

Check out the National Priorities Project for war costs. The Tradeoffs section, which tells you how much war spending cost your state in, say, affordable housing is nifty. Otherwise they have charts, quick reports, etc.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 4:25 AM on May 2, 2008

I really like Shalom Auslander's essays, many of which are available at his website. I particularly enjoyed this article he wrote for Nerve, "Where's the Sin?: An Anti-Sermon." He was raised strictly Orthodox (Jewish) and is now a very edgy, secular (from what I understand) guy. I find him interesting and incisive. His observations about religion and Judaism are fascinating to me.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:01 PM on May 1, 2008

Thanks for the help, all.

parmanparman, agreed, and I have been doing a lot of research. I guess my question wasn't so much about the best rates, but more of a request from people with firsthand experience with ShoreBank who could speak to usability, customer service and the extent to which they walk the walk in terms of "giving back." I totally hear your skepticism on the targeted marketing vs. really actually doing something substantive front. I'm still... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 7:17 AM on April 29, 2008

If you liked Glengarry Glen Ross, you will like the other David Mamet scripts that have been adapted for movies (IMDB page with his writing credits), all of which is exceptionally talky. First things that come to mind of his work is Oleanna (talkiest movie ever, I promise) which is decent and the Spanish Prisoner which is awesome. The Winslow Boy is great and so is American Buffalo. (Links for all those can be found on the IMDB page.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:56 PM on April 27, 2008

Shoulda hit preview. zanni beat me to it. Oh, yeah, good call: House of Games FTW.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:57 PM on April 27, 2008

I have stylist switching paranoia even when it's not within the same salon. Really, it makes my palms sweat to think that my own stylist might see me leaving my new salon with a fresh one. However, my new stylist was recently assuring me that any self-respecting, non-crazy stylist wouldn't take that kind of thing personally because there are many considerations that go into who you let cut your hair and if they take their profession/vocation/art seriously they would respect their clients'... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:57 PM on April 26, 2008

Ultimatums like the one suggested by jesirose don't generally work with addicts. If his drinking problem were simply a matter of a simple decision he could make to please a colleague, this guy probably wouldn't be struggling with alcoholism in the first place. I agree that talking to him frankly about his problem is a good step but trust me, you don't want to start in on the "If you don't __________, then I will ________" with someone with a substance abuse problem. You'll be... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 1:54 PM on April 25, 2008

I think the best way to sample a bunch of different stuff is to check out different rap blogs, which frequently post one or two mp3s for download or listen. Some of these sites even hosts mixes you can download and you can find great stuff.

Nah Right (current Top 40ish and some current "undergroundish" stuff)

Oh Word (a mix of everything)

Unkut (this might be a good choice for you if you like Run DMC-- Unkut... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 4:03 AM on April 25, 2008 marked best answer

This isn't great for the actual trip but in terms of a KD-related gift: a couple years ago I was in rural Eastern Kentucky and stopped by a yard sale where a woman was selling a whole set of commemorative drinking glasses. Each one had that year's Kentucky Derby's race logo (technicolor! And they changed each year) as well as each year of the KD since it began, with the winning horse's name--a conversation piece in itself. They are really kitschy and fun. I have one for like 15 years in the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 1:42 PM on April 21, 2008

-Lots of granny smith apples--a must for the tartness
-walnuts
-raisins
-honey
-cinnamon

Blend it all in a Cuisinart--not too fine though. Start with the apples and then add stuff because they're so bulky. Add honey little by little, you don't want it too tart. Add a nice amount of lemon juice at the end so it keeps its color (more or less, although browning is nice and mortar-esque!)
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 12:27 PM on April 17, 2008 marked best answer

Holy god, I'm sorry about the above, it's a train wreck. I meant to say to add the honey little by little because you don't want it too sweet. And chop the apples first because they're so bulky that you can't really blend the ingredients until you chop them up a bit. Sorry about that! And I previewed!
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 12:29 PM on April 17, 2008

And btw, I think that with any charoses recipe you should skin the apples but not completely. For some varieties of apple, the skin adds fantastic flavor. Just don't use completely bald apples is all.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 12:31 PM on April 17, 2008

This question really articulately lays out why you want to get married (even though you think you can't pinpoint it) and why it's important to you that he be willing to discuss it. I would probably aim to just have a calm discussion that you set up in such a way that he feels okay being honest with you about why he might be reluctant. In other words, rather than doing at a "bad" time or surprising it with him in such a way that he feels caught off guard, maybe suggest a good time to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 1:02 PM on April 14, 2008

I just meant if anyone would like to walk me through it step-by-step should I require lots more assistance than the average person (this is likely).
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:40 PM on April 8, 2008

I'm not looking to emulate anything specific. I'd just like a homepage that has some text, a navigation bar, maybe a photo.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:42 PM on April 8, 2008

Sweet, anildash, I'll be MeMailing you, thank you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:51 PM on April 8, 2008

Thanks everyone for taking the time to respond--my problems are solved!
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:31 PM on April 8, 2008

"Close the loop" for finishing something up and "ping me" for "get in touch."
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 8:26 AM on April 3, 2008

All in the Timing is a collection of one-acts by David Ives. You can't go wrong with any of them, but "Sure Thing" is awesome, the best of the best. More levity than you want perhaps, but simple one man, one woman, a book, a table set like a cafe and a bell. Although, comedically it's a bit more complicated.

This link appears to have the scripts for each one act in the book.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 2:33 PM on April 2, 2008

Sounds hokey, but the book Total Body Makeover is awesome. I am not using it for its true purpose, which is an "accelerated" weight loss program (although accelerated by his standards is really nothing too crazy). I used it/am using it to get myself in the mindset that you describe. The first couple sections of the book are all about mental preparedness, understanding why you've been unable to lose weight previously, examining your habits, lifestyle, mindset to understand how to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 2:05 PM on April 2, 2008

Your main considerations are obviously cut and color. Make sure you're not getting something tapered. That's a ground rule. As far as color goes, it's kind of a personal opinion as far as not only what you prefer but what you think looks better on you. These days, the darker the better, but again, it's a preference. That said, I'd advise against anything very light. That would be going from Mike Seaver to Brandon Walsh and that's just a lateral move.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 11:56 AM on March 28, 2008

Firedoglake
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:19 PM on March 26, 2008

I'm with you 100% on Veronica Mars as well as the crafty planner stuff. For that reason, I really like heist movies like Ocean's 11. On the non-heist front, and in an odd way, Hard Candy delivers on that brilliantly crafty thing. But it's pretty twisted so beware.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 4:12 PM on March 21, 2008

For people who want good t.v. with fantastic writing and emphasis on character development, I recommend Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Veronica Mars.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 11:57 AM on March 10, 2008

Fishbone's "Change" is probably more about macro level social change than personal, but I guess both. Although it's soft and sweet rather than foot-tapping, it's a fantastic song. When I was younger I found it quite inspiring.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 2:39 PM on March 9, 2008 marked best answer

First of all, they don't sound like radicals or anarchists from your second comment. Working to change "particularly bad situations" probably earns them the label "progressive."

I'm an activist and I've changed things. I've seen change in my community as a results of hard work by my community. I've worked alongside activists who have scored big, important and significant changes for their local and state communities. Activism doesn't just mean... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 4:37 AM on March 5, 2008

sully75, Fair enough. If they are a young group it will definitely be difficult to hold them accountable to past campaigns.

If their education work seems to be well received and drawing interest, then that is a good sign. I assume that you have attended the sessions they do? I would think that that is a good way of measuring how effective they are. Obviously everyone has off days and some presentations are better than others and some crowds are better than others.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:01 AM on March 5, 2008

...a few more East Bay bobos feeling better about themselves won't change very much--maybe cause them to spend a few more bucks on "conscious" advertising.

You really don't understand that some people spend a lot of time, most of their lives, even, committed to social change because they believe it's possible and as a result of their efforts see actual change. Just because you don't do anything substantive and/or sneer at those who do, it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 2:09 PM on March 5, 2008

Her conduct is egregiously unprofessional. Definitely get a new therapist. No question whatsoever. You really don't want to be doing intense therapeutic work with someone that disrespectful to you and to the norms and ethics of her own profession.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 3:07 PM on March 2, 2008

essexjan, you are my hero. A million thank yous. That was the easiest fix ever and I feel like a goddamn idiot. But, a goddamn idiot can send Word attachments! BOO YA
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 2:19 PM on February 24, 2008

Does this page on collegeboard.com help? It seems to say that pre-2002 scores are archived with them (forever?) and you can pay $20 to get a copy. As far as what universities will consider, that's a different story. Your best bet, I think, would be to contact the admissions department or department head (depending on what kind of program you're applying to) and saying "I took the SAT in 19??. Can I have my scores sent to you or will I need to retake them?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 4:13 PM on February 23, 2008

This referral database from the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association returned a couple hits for Cincinnati. They are psychiatrists (rather than psychologists or MSWs) but perhaps one of those 2 people could direct you to others?

Another thing is that if your community has a local LGBT publication, often LGBT/LGBT-friendly therapists will advertise there.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 7:13 PM on February 22, 2008

This almost makes me cry. But a friend sent me this article from the NYT which seems to posit that perhaps LDL cholesterol isn't as "bad" as we thought.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 1:10 PM on February 13, 2008

I think Veselka is overrated. The food is decent but nothing special. Also, I wouldn't call it dirty per se but it's definitely a bit shabbier than I like my restaurants. My humble opinion.

Why Curry is a small, cute, excellent Thai restaurant on St. Marks between, I think, 1st and 2nd.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:28 PM on February 7, 2008

...and I recommend it (Why Curry) for a tasty meal and lowkey place. Not sure I posted before finishing the thought; sorry.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:29 PM on February 7, 2008

As I understand it, Freud pioneered the idea of the unconscious, or, that we all have an inner psychic life (thoughts, feelings, memories, emotion) that lays beneath the surface of what we access regularly and on a daily basis. The idea is that with some thought, some talking and someone guiding you through the process, we can access these motivations and thoughts and feelings and make some sense of them.

This is the basic premise for... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 4:51 AM on February 4, 2008

The Client is more of a suspense movie than action but the 11 or 12 year old who stars is really savvy for a kid. He is an accidental hero and gets himself out of a lot of hairy situations that would intimidate most adults. All on his street smarts and wits alone.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:35 PM on February 3, 2008

Oh, and Trading Places is also not an action movie (then again, I never considered Outrageous Fortune to be action either, so maybe this is still the right track) but it's the same accidental heroes/underdogs who beat the bad guys by playing to their strengths and doing what they do best.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:44 PM on February 3, 2008

I'm psyched that you posted this because the other day I wondered this very thing. Following organe swan, the answer I came up with in my head was that it was done in an old movie or television show and then just became the standard go-to joke about drunk people. I sort of picture Jackie Gleason or Art Carney doing it once in the Honeymooners or something and then it becoming the comedy gold Doohickie refers to. Of course it could go back as far as Chaplin, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:47 PM on February 2, 2008

Thanks all, particularly milarepa, anadem and nobodyyouknow! I suspect you all have lead me to my answers. I'm following up on your links now and I'm psyched to get my hands on the kind of incense I've been thinking about.

puddinghead: Unfortunately nag champa isn't the right stuff for me. I find it very fragrant and perfume-y to the point where it distracts me which is not what I want for meditation purposes. Although I don't mind it normally.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 6:42 PM on February 2, 2008

I am totally off gin and tequila, neither of which were problems in my drinking glory days. Nowadays beer is fine and wine generally is too (up to like 2.5, 3 glasses) provided I drink a lot of water throughout the night and eat decently. Having one or two cocktails with hard liquor is fine if I'm sipping. You know those pomegranite martinis and crap like that? Those are fun for a treat and generally don't wreak havoc on me if I go slow.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 8:19 AM on February 1, 2008

Breathe In, Breathe Out by Kanye West isn't explicitly about breathing per se but you have the lyrics.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 7:34 AM on January 31, 2008

All Summer in a Day is a story by Ray Bradbury. It is in the book A Medicine for Melancholy and Other Stories.

It is about a shy, frail, introverted, internal girl who has just moved to Venus where it rains constantly. Her classmates are jealous that she'd lived on Earth and torment her relentlessly. I won't ruin the story for you but I read it in 7th grade and it kinda broke my heart. Maybe it's not as complex or heavy on the nuance as you'd like for the level you're... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 5:19 AM on January 30, 2008

The title of this post says it all. Win "something" back? Dude, your heart might not be in it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 12:33 PM on January 28, 2008

In my earlier twenties I used to drink a lot more than I do now. And I could drink a heck of a lot in a short period of time and not experience near what I do now (late 20's) after just a few beers spread out over several hours. My symptoms aren't as severe as yours, but after a few drinks over the course of an evening (wine or beer, not tequila shots or anything) I definitely wake up a few times in the middle of the night feeling hot and sick to my stomach and the next morning am surprisingly... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by sneakin at 12:21 PM on January 26, 2008