Could you rent a Uhaul? That might be cheaper if its a one or two time deal. Alternatively, most places that sell furniture (especially in a relatively car-free city such as New York) will have some sort of a delivery service.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 3:28 PM on July 24, 2008

....no abilities to speak in the native tongue...
...we only want to do this for a year or so....

A year really doesn't seem like enough time, especially starting from scratch.

What is it about the guesthouse idea that is specifically interesting to you? Could you join up with an established program that does volunteer/mission/foreign employment? Have you looked for English-speaking Cambodian guesthouse keepers... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 9:13 PM on July 22, 2008

As for boots, ankle to knee height boots of hard leather (suede will get messed up by the salt and snow) will be fine for almost all campus - commuting. Just wear warm socks underneath. Rubber or other synthetic waterproof material works too, but it's harder to find cute stuff. Make sure there aren't openings close to the bottom (like for a zipper slit), or water will seep in. Set some money aside if you think you might be interested in winter sports, so you can buy some serious (-ly ugly)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:52 PM on July 22, 2008

Unfortunately, allergies aren't quantity-sensitive (i.e., in a true allergy, ANY exposure to the allergen provokes a response, not necessarily just drinking gallons of milk)

This isn't true. For allergies, there is a threshhold amount before a reaction occurs. For her, the threshhold may be very low - especially if she's having reaction to the small amounts (I assume) in wine. You could try by starting very small - drinking a tablespoon from a drop... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 11:43 AM on July 13, 2008

Another New Englander agreeing that it's weird/possibly rude to take off your shoes in someone else's house. It would be like changing into your pajamas. I'll wear my shoes in the house when guests are around or when I'm being productive. Taking off my shoes is for when I'm relaxing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 8:32 PM on May 26, 2008 marked best answer

Grocery stores where I live around Boston always hire under 18's. Also try ice cream stores and look for postings in your town library or newspaper for local job openings. Many towns have park counselor jobs reserved, but I don't know specifically where you live. If you live in the city limits of Boston or a handful of other cities (I think Winthrop and Chelsea are included) there are many sponsored jobs. Also, ask for an application rather than give a resume. Resumes get thrown out, the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 3:05 PM on May 19, 2008

I'm not sure about the underwear, but a cardigan + warm blazer kept at work prevent the issues caused by the turtleneck.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 8:13 PM on May 17, 2008

Whew. I got through that and I was so glad you didn't let her move in. That would have been such a bad idea.

Should I tell her I love her?

Well, are you really in love with her or are you in love with the idea of being in love? Its hard to distinguish in the thick of things, but the fact that your attention is straying to other people suggests that your heart is in another place, even if you don't want... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 6:16 AM on May 9, 2008

Do these shows specifically state that the police officers never have to defend their actions or decisions? Because otherwise I'm not sure why you would assume that. I'm sure "hours and hours of tedious paper work and boring trials following a high speed chase" doesn't get very good ratings.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 12:26 PM on May 2, 2008

This pizza place might be of interest - apparently they try to make everything on site.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 10:07 AM on May 1, 2008 marked best answer

I really don't like the invitation only aspect. I mean, the people with the most friends (and thus invites) are probably the same ones doing the group studying. Plus, no matter how carefully you select your group of early adopters, its going to end up disproportionately skewed in some way unless you allow unaffiliated members. Allow any interested person to have access, but make them fill out an application, sign something, and have a librarian tell them the rules. Enough barriers to entry... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 7:42 AM on May 1, 2008

...the only thing that could stop you from staying in Canada indefinitely would be the eventual expiration of your passport.

Actually, you can get your passport renewed at an American consulate in Canada. Though doing so may look a little weird as a tourist.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 4:10 AM on May 1, 2008

Get a job. Seriously, it'll get you out of the house and give you some scheduled time for the day. Not necessarily for the money, just to get out and talking to people. Waiting tables would probably work well, since your down time is in the evening. If that's not altruistic enough for you, try joining relevant community groups.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 7:16 AM on April 30, 2008

One thing you might not be recognizing is the difference in accents. For your upper middle class vs. working class example, I've noticed that in the Boston area, upper middle class people/transplants generally don't have much of a Boston accent, speaking in pretty standard English. Working class people have accents specific to the town they grew up in - and each town is very subtly different. Gay men in particular sometimes have accents also.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 11:36 AM on April 29, 2008

The one reason I'm (still) shying away from multiple notebooks is if one project fails completely, I'm left with a partially used notebook.

This is why binders are great - just use as much space as you need, and you can add tabs and tables of contents and such as they are needed. Short, related experiments can all go in different tabs on the same binder if that makes sense. They also make adding computer print outs look much neater. I've used... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 6:31 AM on April 29, 2008

Well first off, DON'T BRUSH IT! Seriously, it took me forever to figure this out and I suffered through junior high as a giant poof ball for it. If you feel you must, maybe when you're in the shower or directly afterwards when your hair is dripping wet, but your curls will twist much better if you just finger comb in the shower - it takes forever but its worth it. If your hair is drippy, pat it dry with an old clean T shirt or a smooth towel - terry cloth with frizz your hair. I use mousse... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:52 PM on April 14, 2008

In Canada her statistic would be around 72% - 51% MSM, 4% MSM+IDU, 17% IDU. Its high, especially considering the low number of msm, but her statistic is definitely off.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 12:26 PM on April 13, 2008

beans + rice + salsa

mmmmmm
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 7:59 AM on April 12, 2008

I'm sorry to hear about your mother, and I hope for the best for her. With regards to you being a carrier, you shouldn't waste too much of your energy worrying about it but do keep it in mind. Let your doctors know of your concern before having surgery, and they can advise you if further steps are needed such as nasal sprays or bathing in antibiotics.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:16 AM on April 10, 2008

How about home brewing equipment? It's appropriately science-y, and fits the 21 theme well. I'm not sure if you can buy supplies without being 21 yourself, it may depend on the state, but maybe you have some older friends/relatives?
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:16 AM on April 10, 2008

It's difficult for me to share authority...
I'm also not afraid of being single.


These things stuck out to me not because there's anything wrong with them, but they seem to be hallmarks of the thinking of someone who's gotten out of an abusive relationship. Are you not allowing yourself to open up/enjoy him/rely upon him because you are afraid of getting trapped in another abusive relationship?

I think... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 9:05 AM on April 9, 2008

could you use a combination of your name and your profession? I'm thinking
Joe@ShmoeAccountant.co.uk
or
resumes@JoeShmoeUKaccountant.co.uk
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 7:30 AM on April 9, 2008

Oo fun! I hope people post some good answers. I really enjoyed
Guns Germs and Steel - dieases bring down civilizations!
Last Chance to See - Douglas Adams covers extinction in a manner that is both touching and hiliarious
The Hot Zone - scary virus kills people almost instantly
I read a really good book a while back on prion disease like Mad Cow, but I can't for the life of me remember the title. It was a pretty popular book a few years ago,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 6:03 PM on April 4, 2008

A whiffle ball bat might work
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 12:17 PM on April 4, 2008

the mountain goats have a lot of songs that fit your criteria
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 4:27 PM on March 27, 2008

Fannypacks and mullets.

(This is assuming that you are using "North America" in the Canadian sense to mean the US and Canada. Mexicans love fannypacks and mullets as much as the rest of the world)
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 12:31 PM on March 25, 2008

I use binders for this purpose. Right now I have 2-3 subjects per binder, and you can use post-it tabs, or thick paper dividers with tabs to separate the sections. If your papers all fit in a single folder, they'll probably fit in a single binder. One complication is that you'll need to carry a hole punch, or remember to punch them later.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 4:53 AM on March 25, 2008

Apparently, your plight is shared by this guy
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 9:44 PM on March 8, 2008

You both can get tested for the two common strains of the virus, and if you share the same strain(s) then this is a moot point but I would only pursue testing if finding out that you don't have the same strains would alter your plan of action and methods of protection.

Even if you have the same strain, you still want to be careful. Herpes doesn't spread through the body, it stays in the nerve near the point of innoculation. You could give yourself... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 8:44 PM on March 8, 2008

HSV-1 can be genital or oral. Its more commonly oral. Looking how separate HSV-1 and HSV-2 have been kept through the millenia, despite any biological reason that I know of, and how its only starting to be seen in other areas, says something about how uncommon oral sex was before recent years.

Herpes type 2 is the badshit, it's the ones you don't want.
No, its herpes on your genitals you don't want. Don't think you can't spread your cold sores through oral sex.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 8:48 PM on March 8, 2008

Kosher bacon cheeseburgers are a possibility.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 12:39 PM on March 7, 2008

anything with more than one syllable needed to have "more" in front of it to form the superlative

Jeezopete, that is probably one of the stupider grammar rules I've ever heard. It probably was invented along with the rule that you can't split infinitives in English, because Latin doesn't have split infinitives.

I was taught that for one syllable use -er or -est, for three + syllables use more or most, and for two... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:23 AM on March 4, 2008

There is a tour in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile that I can't recommend enough. High altitude desert, miles away from anything - the only light pollution at all was car headlights all the way in Bolivia. The guy that runs the tour is great, he has awesome equipment and was very knowledgeable. and you get to see the southern sky!
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:02 PM on March 2, 2008

I'm going to be keeping an eye on this question because I'm still working out the kinks of moving my apartment's worth of stuff from Montreal back to the states. I'm sorry I can't be much more help to you, but if you do need to meet your friend at the border it will be much much MUCH cheaper if you take a Greyhound bus. They leave from downtown Montreal and make stops at a couple of different US boarders.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 9:15 AM on February 29, 2008

Hep C isn't generally thought to be sexually transmitted, but it can be spread among household contacts. My virology professor recommended against sharing razors, rough sex (more of a problem male-to-female or male-to-male) toothbrushes, and such things. Having protected sex in general might be a good idea, as Hep C often occurs with other infections because of shared risk factors.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 6:48 PM on February 26, 2008

You should check out different university listings for free lectures and exhibits open to the public. There's often some pretty cool stuff going on thats pretty cheap, but you should tailor your search to your interests. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is free Wednesday afternoons and Sunday afternoons. It has a really cool glass flower exhibit. The Museum of Fine Arts is free one day a week I believe. Ice skating at the Frog Pond can be very sweet and romantic, if slightly more than... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 7:05 PM on February 25, 2008

The ice cream store I worked at in high school sold Christmas trees. Not really a winter round thing, but that's what they did. I like the idea of staying open and serving warm desserts though.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 2:39 PM on February 21, 2008

Muttering at all will lower some peoples opinions of you. This may or may not bother you. Personally, muttering in public doesn't bother me if its in a place that is loud and talking is acceptable, and if there seems to be a reason for the muttering, such as working on something complicated. Mostly swearing muttering for no obvious reason would make me feel nervous and a little paranoid.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 12:05 PM on February 21, 2008

Babysitting (like you mentioned), dog walking, doing chores/yardwork are all pretty safe, especially if you pre-approve the employers. Tell her to ask her highschool, I know the school in my town has a registry of students interested in babysitting.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 6:30 PM on February 20, 2008

I've seen other people do this. I just assume that they are socially stunted and don't know how to interact normally. As said above, a big part of interacting with people, especially for the first time, is making them feel comfortable and building a foundation for future interactions/relationships. Take a step back and think if your jokes and silliness are actually boosting morale, or are putting people in a position where they "have" to laugh, or respond positively to your antics,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:44 PM on February 19, 2008

According to my doctorate in television-watching, there was a Nip/Tuck episode that asked the same question, and was based on a true story. Apparently, some people just go where they are.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 1:06 PM on February 17, 2008

After watching the first 2 minutes of half ton man, they actually mean it. He just went in his bed, I assume as it was soaked in bodily fluids and there was blood and fecal matter under his fingernails.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 2:16 PM on February 18, 2008

Nthing other people in this thread. I once used a friend's GPS on a roadtrip, and I swear that thing was pissed everytime we deviated from the route to pick someone up/make a rest stop/etc.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 2:22 PM on February 17, 2008

Go to the doctor. There's a good chance you'll be prescribed metronidazole, as mentioned up thread. Since this antibiotic only targets certain bacteria (anaerobes) it doesn't mess up your system as much as other antibiotics.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 6:25 AM on February 17, 2008

One thing you have to remember is that you would probably have your position attacked by tactless people no matter what religion/faith you were. I'm Catholic, and I've just come to accept that some people are going to be jerks that make "omg you rape baybeeeezz" comments and think less of me because I believe in "magic". You just have to write them off like you would any other kind of jerk. I second the people above that suggest politely changing the subject and refusing... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 6:19 AM on February 13, 2008

I'm not qualified to deal with the meat of this issue, but my gut feeling says that him being alone for long stretches is not helping him any. The loneliness would drive anyone crazy, and I can't imagine a classic underachiever works best in such an unstructured environment. Is there any way you can get him back into school, or group homeschooling, or lots and lots of community activities? I obviously don't know the circumstances that lead up to his homeschooling, but I imagine he will never... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 1:59 PM on February 10, 2008

Off the top of my head, Church of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons), Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists. What were you thinking about doing with this for your kids?
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:03 PM on February 6, 2008

Oh and a list of new religions
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 5:08 PM on February 6, 2008 marked best answer

I know that DNA tests can be done to check for HPV, and that they are pretty accurate. I don't know the specifics or about their use on men though. I also have no idea what you had/have, it's possible it was a skin tag after all.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 2:27 PM on February 4, 2008

We played a version of this where only the black squares on a patterned tile floor were made of lava, as well as the traditional version.
posted to Ask Metafilter by fermezporte at 10:17 AM on February 4, 2008