I've heard that there are typically two big reasons why a cat will pee* somewhere else besides its litterbox. One, something is wrong with it medically, and it is trying to get your attention to let you know. Two, it's unhappy with the litterbox situation (litterbox is not clean, new type of litter it doesn't like, new location it doesn't like, etc).

This happened recently to my cat, and he completely stopped peeing in his litterbox, and eventually started peeing... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:08 PM on August 19, 2008

Do you have two to three weeks before you need to do this?

If so, I suggest mantids!

You can purchase a praying mantis egg case (called an ootheca) from a garden store and after keeping it at room temperature for two to three weeks, about 200 hundred of the little guys will hatch from the case. It's really fun and I imagine that kids would get a kick out of it.

The only throwback is that they're pretty tricky to raise,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 9:13 AM on August 6, 2008

Well....

The Del Mar racetrack will be open, if you enjoy gambling and haven't spent all of your money at the con. ((The racetrack itself is pretty scenic in my opinion, nice architecture, nice Wyland mural, right by the ocean))

You could peruse some tidepools in La Jolla, Point Loma, or Ocean Beach. Point Loma is a nice little peninsula close to downtown SD and the airport.

You could go for a drive up Mt Soledad and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:08 PM on July 2, 2008

Also, I don't recommend Legoland to anyone unless they have small children. Legoland is perfect for young kids, not so much for older kids or adults....not even the biggest lego fanatics.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:10 PM on July 2, 2008

Mdonley is right, scarabic is talking about the Wild Animal Park which is located about 45 minutes northeast of downtown San Diego. It certainly is quite an experience that I think "non zoo people" would enjoy. I'm a huge zoo person, and I love the San Diego Zoo more than the Wild Animal Park because I get to observe the animals at a closer range. But since you described yourself as "non zoo people" I think there's a good chance you might still enjoy the Wild Animal Park.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 12:50 AM on July 3, 2008

I really think experiences like this are going to vary widely, and there's no harm in going to see a doctor just for some peace of mind if you are really worried.

For me, getting poked in the cervix during intercourse is like being semi-whacked on the head over and over. It's actually a dull, mild pain that's more discomforting than painful.

However, the first time I had sex....well wait, let me rephrase that - the first time I tried having... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 9:23 PM on July 2, 2008

I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to agree with the others upthread who said your best bet is to work on lessening your reaction (not your fear, just your immediate reaction to the source of your fear.)

I realize this is probably a horrible example, but it's the only one I can think of. When I was a kid at slumber parties, I always ended up the main target of "tickle fights." Why? Because I was the most sensitive, and I reacted the loudest and the longest.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 11:01 AM on June 28, 2008

....or Shovelglove!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 10:17 PM on June 17, 2008

I feel for you on being short and unable to buy a pair of pants that you can just wear the next day. I'm short too, and have to get everything altered.

Do you wear high heels at all? You could get the shortest dress pants that you can find and the highest heels that you can wear comfortably....and that might even the extra length out. Or.....and I realize this might sound more unprofessional than the tattoos or tights....or you could go with a pair of pants that can... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 7:38 PM on June 16, 2008

I'm with the majority here in that, by my definition and perspective, you are a germaphobe and you need to work on this too, not just your boyfriend...

But I must ask that you please do not follow the second piece of advice in the first "best answer" that you marked and ignore your boyfriend when he doesn't wash his hands. Being extra affection or nice when he does is fine, but ignoring him when he doesn't sounds so awful and more like a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 9:45 PM on June 1, 2008

I am an artist that has slacked off most of her life, and I know how important it is for you to create things and feel that "alive" feeling. This is one of the most important things in my life too.

But, assuming you don't wish to live your entire life without a partner, you will eventually want to pursue a relationship again and will have to learn how to balance your time and devotion to your partner with your time and devotion to your craft.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 9:27 AM on May 30, 2008

My advise to you is to forget about this girl. It's a hard thing to do I realize, especially since you've been into her for so long, but I honestly think it's the best thing for all involved in this situation.

None of the things you mention about the way this girl has been behaving toward you indicates that she likes you. Maybe she does, or maybe she just sees you as a good, fun friend. And she's the only one who knows for certain.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 4:39 PM on May 27, 2008

What would you advice me to do?

My advise to you is to forget about this girl.

Whoops! Anon, I'll trade you my "advise" for your "advice" and then perhaps we could call it a good day in SpellcheckLand!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 4:43 PM on May 27, 2008

As I get older, I find my attention span for learning new things has gone down less and less. I don't think this has anything to do with me losing my ability to focus, I think it's more of a result of getting to know myself better.

There's a small handful of things that I really get passionate about and really stay interested in. Then there's a large number of things that I have a mild interest in and that in theory I would love to be able to do, but I've learned to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 6:33 PM on May 15, 2008

I wholeheartedly agree with toomuch's definitions.

But where I come from dork is definitely not derogatory in any way. It's always been used almost affectionately, as another word for a silly person.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 4:58 PM on May 15, 2008

How do I let the dream of having a career in my field go? How do I accept that I'm just going to be a secretary for the rest of my life?

You don't. Not unless you seriously, genuinely want to give up your career because your heart is not in it.

If you still WANT a job in the industry you've worked so hard in, keep trying. There's absolutely no reason you can't keep trying, keep studying on your own, keep... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 7:21 AM on April 21, 2008

I used to work in a doctor's office that catered to the elderly, and we often listened to songs from the 40s, 50s, and 60s all day long. I remember a lot of them stuck out to me because they were just what you're looking for - upbeat music, sad lyrics/subjects.

The one that sticks out the most in my mind is "This Ole House" by Rosemary Clooney.

Terribly catchy and fun, until you realize it's about a guy dying....and the singer spends... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:08 PM on April 18, 2008

Here's the key phrase for me out of everything you wrote here, and also what your friend wrote....

other stuff

She won't be able to make it because she has "other stuff" going on. She chose not to share with you what that other stuff is (I'm assuming this from what you shared here).

You have no idea what the "other stuff" is that she's dropping you for. It could be nothing, it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 4:22 PM on April 13, 2008

Thanks everyone for all of the responses and ideas! Especially allkindsoftime, wow!

Just to clarify about my own train-situation...

I cross the train tracks on foot daily in order to get to the beach. The place where I cross is in the middle of a small city, at a designated pedestrian train-crossing spot complete with flashing lights and bells/whistles when a train is on its way. The train honks its horn the entire time it travels through... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 7:46 PM on March 10, 2008

A friend of mine is currently being detained (and it's been several months now...) for something that went wrong years ago regarding a visa. Having witnessed a little bit of what happens in this situation, I strongly second winston's suggestion and encourage you to talk to an immigration lawyer to get everything straight beforehand.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 5:53 PM on March 8, 2008

Here in the US, you would likely have to hand over something to the cashier, they would subtract it from the total and then restock it.

I have to disagree with this. I live in Southern California and in the past couple months I've had similar situations happen to me with surprising frequency. I've not been short with change, but if my total came out to "$8.07" and I handed the cashier a $10, he would give me $2.00 in return.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 10:59 AM on March 8, 2008

The fact that you asked this question to AskMe makes me wonder if there's a lot more little things going on than what you've described. I hope so, because I really can't base the idea that she's ignoring you or jealous of you off of what you've written in your post. I got that she was jealous from your interpretations of the situations....but it sounds like a lot of assuming on your part....

I was in a meeting with my boss once (I was... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 7:54 PM on March 3, 2008

Mmmm....nothing!!

I started eating plain whole grain pasta a while ago without anything on it - just plain, as is.

Weird at first, but I absolutely love it....so much so that when I'm served pasta out somewhere (someone's house, even a restaurant) I ask for no sauce.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 1:25 PM on March 3, 2008

Moving to a new hometown is a minor theme in the film, but I would say Spirited Away fits the bill.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 1:50 PM on February 23, 2008

If you teach math, please please please move your birthday to March 14th (Pi Day!!).
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 10:17 PM on February 22, 2008

Also, if you don't teach math, but enjoy eating pie, I would still nominate March 14th.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 10:18 PM on February 22, 2008

Stop copying art (and photographs, if you do that too) and start drawing from life.

Yeah, you've probably heard this a million times. And yeah you won't be as good at first. But if you keep at it you will get to the same level of skill that you have now drawing from other people's images. Then you can draw whatever you want, and pursue any drawing-related field that you want.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 12:59 PM on February 20, 2008

An addedum -

It's certainly good to *study* other people's artwork and photographs, so that you learn how other people draw and how anatomy or other things are put together. One way to study them is by copying them. But do this sparingly - if you really want to learn how to draw, you should be drawing things that you observe in all three dimensions.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 1:01 PM on February 20, 2008

Based on your descriptions of your brother, I would strongly advise not contacting him at all about this issue.

He does not sound like the sort of person who would follow such a request, and if anything, it would be letting him know that he still has a way to upset you....through your mother.

I know that you don't want your mother to be involved at all, but unfortunately her communication with your brother is something that she will have to handle.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 4:23 PM on February 18, 2008

I got a cat a few months ago, and originally I was looking to adopt a kitten from a privately-owned rescue group (not a breeder/petstore, but not a city-run establishment either). One of their strict policies was that they would NOT adopt out any cat under 6 months of age unless you already had a cat at home, or were adopting two from them.

At first I thought this was some sort of selling gimmick, thinking they could place more kittens in homes this way or make more... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 11:03 AM on February 17, 2008 marked best answer

Forgot to add -

Unable to take two cats and not interested in any of the adult cats at the Rescue Group, I ended up adopting a 5-month old from the humane society.

I really wish I could've taken two, because I do feel guilty when I leave for work every morning and have to leave him alone. I've provided him with ton of toys, but I know that probably doesn't satisfy him as much as the company of another cat would.

Also,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 11:17 AM on February 17, 2008

bored-out-of-his-gourd, I meant.

Arrrrrrrrg.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 11:18 AM on February 17, 2008

He declined, saying I should keep it around in case I needed it (argh!).

Sorry, but I think it IS yours to get rid of now. You tried to give it back, he said no.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:38 AM on February 11, 2008

I don't think it's "something people made up to justify their animal killing hobby" based on the wikipedia articles for culling and wildlife management, but whether or not it's in the "best interest" of the animal, I don't know.

Well, best interest in the animal definitely not. Best interest in the species? Maybe. Best interest in OTHER species? I'm inclined to say yes in certain circumstances.

I was on safari in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:29 PM on February 2, 2008

Complete shot in the dark and I'm not good at comparing instrumental music, but whenever I hear about a "sweeping orchestral song used in a lot of movie trailers" I immediately think of Randy Edelman's "To The Stars," which I believe was Dragonheart's main theme song.

Really not good with orchestral stuff, so feel free to call me a noob for suggesting it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 12:35 AM on February 1, 2008

Ah, I don't know SFO by heart, but it's a really simple airport to get around in my experience.

He'll arrive in the international terminal. When he's ready to get to Terminal 1, all he needs to do is go UP!! As far as he can go. I think it'll be level 3. Anyway there's a free Tram that goes to all terminals up there - a red line and a blue line.

The International Terminal has the BART station and some parking lots on one side, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 4:31 PM on January 31, 2008 marked best answer

I've got a fun gum-chewing-alternative.

Do you like cherries? Start buying and eating cherries at home.

Save all of the stems. Bring them to work with you and try to tie each and every one in a knot with your tongue.

Unless you are already wildly dexterous with your tongue, it will keep your mouth occupied and you may end up with a new gimmicky bar trick to mildly impress new friends.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 9:33 PM on January 30, 2008

Even if every lover you've been with either lied to you or faked every orgasm they supposedly had, I still say they're the lousy lovers for not communicating with you about what makes them feel good. They're the ones to blame for missing out on orgasms.

No one is born with innate sexual talent and know-how. You get better by doin' it and talking to your partner.

Although, in your partners' potential... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 7:55 AM on January 30, 2008

Imagine you've been living on a four-foot-wide island for twenty five years. You have nothing to do all day but sit on the same sand, under the same palm tree, next to the same bush. Seeing that you have nothing to do or much to look at, you have probably inadvertently memorized the pattern on the bark of the palm, the shape of every leaf on the bush, and perhaps you've even counted every grain of sand on the island.

There are other islands nearby that you can see,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 1:41 PM on January 27, 2008 marked best answer

bitteroldman writes "And don't lemurs commit suicide?"

No, the Disney filmakers pushed them off the cliff with a broom. Really.

I believe that would be lemmings, not lemurs. But neither actually commit suicide to my knowledge.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 10:11 AM on January 27, 2008

I am currently taking antibiotics (minocin) full time, all of the time. My doctor has me on this concurrently.

At the very least, I know they work because they keep the yeast infections away. If I ever miss taking these tablets at night, odds are I've got one. Sorry if you're male and that doesn't help you at all, or if yeast infections are not a side affect of your particular antibiotic.

I take it regularly, and everything's been great.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 1:23 AM on January 27, 2008

My December by Linkin Park seems like an obvious choice...

Once Upon A December from the mediocre animated flick Anastasia might work, but it's lamenting memory loss so I'm not sure. In a similar vein, Dan Fogelburg's sentimental "Another Old Lang Sign" is sort of a lament and reflection of a past love that takes place around Christmas/New Year's.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 12:18 AM on December 26, 2007

Yeah, I thought Yoshi was basically like a Pokemon, and only ever said his own name.

I found this on his wikipedia entry, which seems to support that theory...

Sounds like "Yoshi!" to me in the video posted above, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 6:33 PM on December 17, 2007

"Merry Christmas Darling" by the Carpenters definitely strikes a happy/sad, hopeful/melancholic cord for me. As does the rather cheeseball Dan Fogelburg song, "Another Old Lang Sign." Both of those are more about relationships than Christmas, though.

This is unrelated, but Gingerbeer, I never understood why "Baby It's Cold Outside" is considered a Christmas song, except that I only ever hear it around Christmas time. Is Christmas ever... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 12:08 AM on December 16, 2007

I tried to get one at three different AT&T stores, all of which were out of them, before finally going to the Apple store. One AT&T lady said they don't get very many to sell. So my advice is, save some time and just go to the Apple Store!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 5:50 PM on December 10, 2007

I used to be a chronic worrier. I developed rheumatoid arthritis when I was 22 because of severe stress and worry. I'm 25 now, typically without pain but whenever I get stressed or worried, the pain comes back.

So I understand that you don't want to stress your 13-year old out because of what it could trigger.

But you know, she's going to have to learn how to deal with the stress and worry these types of situations create at some point in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 12:07 PM on December 1, 2007

Over the past few years my internet usage has greatly increased. At the same time I've noticed an increasing reluctance to remember things. "Oh, I don't need to know that, Google will remember for me!" I seem to subconsciously say to myself...

And now that I have Google wherever I go (aka the i<3>
Kidding, kidding!

....I hope....
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:06 PM on November 29, 2007

Huh! My cheesy "i <3>
What I was trying to say is...

And now that I have Google wherever I go (aka the i <3>
Kidding, kidding!

...I hope....
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:09 PM on November 29, 2007

Arg. All I was trying to say is that, now that I have an iPhone and Google wherever I go, it's almost as if I don't need a brain anymore.

And considering that this is my third time trying to post that, I'm now inclined to think it might be true, heh.

Sorry for the triple post. Blasted lessthanthree symbol foiled me twice!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:16 PM on November 29, 2007

I recently went through a 10-month period in which I was feverishly attracted to the person I sat next to at work. I feel for you, my own situation was miserable. I tried many of the things suggested here, but the only way it really resolved was when he got a better job and left.

I'm not saying leave your job or anything like that, you are probably built of stronger stuff than I. But be prepared for battle with yourself. Make a conscious effort to see and speak with... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Squee at 8:33 AM on November 21, 2007