There was a hilarious piece on Wait...Wait, Don't Tell Me! that had a British comedian commenting on the closing ceremonies. Maybe that?
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:20 AM on August 29, 2008

If there's something else going on, how can we find out ASAP? Everything I've posted above I've learned from his wife, whom I have no reason to distrust.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:10 PM on August 26, 2008

Yes, this was part of synchronized swimming. I believe it was in the Russian routine, which was part of the finals.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:06 AM on August 26, 2008

I've got a trailer for my kid and we loooourve it. Any modern hybrid or low-end mountain bike will work. I personally use a road bike.

If you're relatively new to cycling, go with something that has a 32-tooth cog on the back. That's a pretty low gear, and low gears will be nice when you get to a hill, you're starting from a stop, or the wind starts blowing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:36 AM on August 25, 2008

Ants will not eat your sandwiches if you store them in Tupperware. If Tupperware is too heavy or bulky, ants will not find you sandwich if you store it in a high quality (name brand) zip-loc bag. Red beans and rice? Super yummy, good even if you eat it cold (ditto for pizza), and you can store it in a plastic bag, or even better, a Tupperware bowl.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:24 AM on August 25, 2008

We used a midwife for our home birth. In case we had to transfer to a hospital, the plan was that our midwife would then become our doula. We've had lots of friends use doulas in the hospital, and from what I hear it's overwhelmingly positive (one doctor was fiercely arguing for an immediate c-section, the doula intervened, the baby was delivered naturally without a problem other than a longer labor, which was inconvenient for the hospital staff).

If you have a birth... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:15 AM on August 25, 2008

People are going to think I'm a shill because I've recommended it in 2 or 3 threads now, but TrainingPeaks.com receives data from the Forerunner 305, shows where you ran on a map, elevation, hear rate, time spent in each heart rate zone, pace, calories, total distance on various pairs of shoes, etc. It also tracks nutrition really well.

MapMyRun.com will also receive data from the 305 and plot it on their site. I'm pretty sure you can save some other data as well, but... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:24 AM on August 23, 2008

Keep trying to contact them. Try alternate methods. See if you can find a phone number, or a different e-mail address.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:20 PM on August 22, 2008

Speaking from personal experience, a coworker of mine in India had a "flat iron" which I think is similar to a hair straightener. It was purchased in the US and used in India, which I think uses 220V. Even though it was plugged into an transformer, the metal plates melted off the handle, and the thing died. She said that it was the best 20 minutes of hair straightening she had ever experienced, however.

It could be that her transformer just wasn't built to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:03 AM on August 21, 2008

Black
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:18 PM on August 19, 2008

Monsoon Wedding
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:20 PM on August 19, 2008

Water Sorry I'm not posting these all in one post. As soon as I think I'm done another one pops in my head.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:21 PM on August 19, 2008

The Mystic Masseur (not exactly Bollywood as it's set in Trinidad and Tobago, but it deals with Indian emigrants and it's directed by Ismail Merchant)
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:25 PM on August 19, 2008

Check out TrainingPeaks.com. Aside from tracking workouts and nutrition and getting detailed charts/graphs/reports on various things, you can purchase and import training plans into their system.

Joe Friel has some plans for sale there. I purchased a Hal Higdon plan and imported it into my TrainingPeaks calendar, and aside from seeing what my weekly volume will be week over week, I can get e-mail reminders the night before detailing the next day's plan.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:22 AM on August 19, 2008

Agreed that TP can seem overwhelming at first, especially the nutrition logger. I've only played with their beta version (they're in the process of upgrading the whole site to a more "2.0" look and feel), and it does seem easier to use, but I've been using TP for about a year now, so maybe I'm just used to it.

I'm familiar with Friel's method, and I used his method to develop a training plan to train for a tri. Muscular endurance was my limiter, but I don't... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:51 PM on August 19, 2008

Ditto the Topeak Road Morph. The Silca Super Pista has a fairly small footprint though, and it'll be the last pump you ever buy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:45 PM on August 18, 2008

Maybe someone here will offer to record it with a Slingbox and then you could watch it off their bandwidth. Just an idea.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:56 AM on August 17, 2008

Covered in sweat after 4 miles? Hm.....

If it's super hot where you're located, you're in luck! It's cooling off (if you're in the Northern hemisphere) and that'll definitely help with the sweat.

Are you wearing a backpack? Even on the coolest days, even when I take it easy, I'll still arrive with a sweaty back if I'm carrying a backpack. If you absolutely have to carry stuff with you when you ride, consider getting a rack so that your bike... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:37 AM on August 12, 2008

As Zed mentioned, a recumbent would do you well here (and they're faster on the flats!). A triathlon or time trial bike might be comfortable for you as well, as (if you're fitted properly) your upper body is resting on your skeletal system, and not your musculature system. There are various types of areo bars, from the type that look like ski poles to S-bends and R-bends, and you could try those to see what's most comfortable for your wrists. This bike wouldn't be that great for commuting, as... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 12:28 PM on August 11, 2008

I fenced competitively for six years. If you want to fence once or twice a week, that's fine. If you want to make it a lifetime sport, that's great too. It can work either way.

You're definitely not past the prime of learning to fence. Anyone can do it. It's an extremely aerobic and tactical sport, like boxing or martial arts, with more emphasis on speed, agility, reflexes and skill, and less on brute strength.

The learning curve is about... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:47 AM on August 11, 2008

Also in the Tour de France, it's an unspoken tradition to not attack during a bourgeois naturale. This means if the peloton (the main pack of riders) stops to pee, courtesy dictates that you don't decide that this is the most strategic moment to start hauling ass off the front. It might be a good idea tactically, but it's simply not done, and definitely won't win you any favors in the cycling world.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:46 AM on August 10, 2008

Yeah, seriously, tell us what you're wanting to do with the rope (other than just tie knots) and we can then make a recommendation.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:17 PM on August 5, 2008

Is there a high-quality high school track in your area? Those are better for you to run on than treadmills, and you could resume your HIIT routine.

Also, get some strength training in. Try hundredpushups.com for a start. I'm going through what you're going through right now. YOU CAN STOP EATING. It's tough. Salads. Fuckloads of spinach. Smoothies (no extra sweeteners, just frozen fruit and ice, and maybe some protein powder).

You can do... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:55 PM on August 3, 2008

He's extremely dehydrated, and his electrolytes are way out of balance. I don't know why he's vomiting, but if you can help him get some Emergen-C in his body it'll do him good. Even if he can't drink it, if he could just let the powder dissolve in his mouth that'll be better than nothing. Small, small, small sips might not upset his stomach.

Are you sure you can't handle the emergency room? Just because you had a really bad experience last time doesn't mean that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:08 PM on August 3, 2008

I recently went to an outdoor wedding where a candle wasn't feasible due to the wind. The bride and groom approached what would have been the unity candle, but it was replaced with three vessels, two smaller ones containing sand (a different color for the bride and groom), and a larger vessel into which they simultaneously poured the sand.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:01 AM on July 31, 2008

What worked for us: 9 months of steady payments and then just calling our lender and asking for it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:11 PM on July 30, 2008

I've been spreading hummus on a big, thin, flatbread, then sprinkling sun dried tomatoes on that, and then adding about 2 cups of raw spinach. Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar over it, roll it up into a big burrito, and eat. It's incredibly filling (2 cups of spinach) and comes in around 225 calories. It's lasted me from lunch to dinner without cravings.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:01 AM on July 28, 2008

If you're using Sprint, this web-based uploader has worked well for me for about four years. It claims that it works with some other providers as well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:07 PM on July 24, 2008

And if that doesn't work for you, I'm sure you'll find it by searching at Howard Forums.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:21 PM on July 24, 2008

What kind of illness are you talking about here? Do you need to be out of commission for a day, a week, month? Are we talking the common cold, or lupus?
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:53 AM on July 22, 2008

It's "Hoppipolla", by Sigur Ros, off the album "Takk".
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:05 PM on July 21, 2008 marked best answer

Definitely my favorite Sigur Ros album. Catch them live if you can, as it's amazing to see how they create that big orchestrated wall of sound live (and their visuals are pretty kick ass).
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:24 PM on July 21, 2008

Could it be trying to intimidate the other birds? I've seen birds in my back yard do the same thing, and it seems like they're saying "I'm soooooo big! Don't even think about it! Fuck off!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:54 AM on July 21, 2008

Did you relieve the stress on the wheel after you trued it? Tightening the spokes makes then want to twist. After you build a wheel, you need to relieve the spoke tension; the most common method is by laying the wheel on its side and pressing hard on the edges of the rim. You'll hear it creak and pop; that's the spokes "de-rotating".

No amount of loctite will prevent the spokes from loosening if they're under the twisty tension (I don't know the technical... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 2:34 PM on July 19, 2008

Also, call around. Some therapists operate on a sliding scale.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 8:27 AM on July 19, 2008

Go look up Beth Ditto, lead singer for The Gossip.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:53 PM on July 18, 2008

Try calling the major insurance providers (Geico, Progressive, All State, etc). Maybe they won't be able to provide you with the information, but it's worth a shot. If you're sure it wasn't one of those, check your phone book for the other insurance providers in your area, and give those a call.

Were the police involved? If so, give them a call, or go pick up a copy of the accident report (usually available around a week after it's filed).
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:10 AM on July 18, 2008

Ticks and creaks can be a mindfuck. I went crazy last season until I realized that the knocking I heard was the little zipper pull of my jersey swinging against the buckle of my helmet. It didn't happen often enough for me to realize it.

What's the clicking like? Is it at a regular interval, or is it erratic? Is it like "click" or "ting" or "tick"?
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:55 AM on July 17, 2008

Ok I'll bite.

Frame and Fork: Surly CrossCheck
Wheels: Mavic Open Pro 32 Hole laced to Ultegra hubs (front/rear)
Tires: Continental Ultra GatorSkin 28c
Cranks & Bottom Bracket: Shimano FC-R700 Compact 50/34
Pedals: M324 Clipless SPD Platform Pedals
Chain: Wipperman 10-speed Connex
Front & Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Cassette: Dura Ace 12-27 (get a 28 if you can find... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 3:52 PM on July 9, 2008

If you buy the frame, saddle, and wheels new, you can then piece everything together off ebay for pretty cheap. If you don't care about the brand, but just about compatibility, you can get every other part on my list for $5 each (if you're patient enough). That's used, of course.

When those parts wear out, which could be between ten and ten thousand miles, you can replace them with something nicer. That way you're still getting a nice, serviceable ride right now, and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:58 PM on July 9, 2008

Oh, and the book that -harlequin- might be talking about is Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:00 PM on July 9, 2008

Keep in mind that the most un-aerodynamic thing on the bike is the rider. An aerodynamic position on a round-tubed bike is much more aero than sitting up on an aero bike.

But seriously, for commuting, comfort trumps aero every time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 1:17 PM on July 12, 2008

Get something with the new SSC P7 LED. It's basically four of the Q5 LEDs mounted on a single die. It says they're rated at 900 lumens, but it's closer to 500-700 in real life.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12623

The prices vary depending on the driver that's used with them. You'll spend a little more to get different modes (sos, strobe, low/med/high).
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:15 AM on July 9, 2008

I honestly don't think you're going to be able to find a road bike that will feel good riding 32 miles for $400, unless you get extremely lucky finding something used.

If you could bump up your budget a little bit, you'll still not be in road bike territory, but you could get away with something like the Bianchi Avenue, which could handle 32 miles, but not as well as a dedicated road bike (a road bike with a rack and panniers so you don't have to ride 32 miles with a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:57 PM on July 5, 2008

They're all solid bikes for riding around town at a leisurely pace. I'd go with either the 7100 or the 7200, but I would lose any sleep over this decision. Go with the one that you like best.

you're definitely not going to be bothered by not having the ultimate high end components. At least not when you're just riding 10 miles to the office or to a bar. These bikes are meant to be comfortable and utilitarian, not ultra fast.

If you can afford... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 4:01 PM on July 3, 2008

Try a different saddle. That one looks a little wide for my tastes, but saddles are definitely a personal preference.

My local bike shop offers a 30-day return policy on saddles. Call around and see if any in your area will let you try one for a while to see if it's more comfortable.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 11:27 AM on July 3, 2008

Yeah, lock the front wheel to the downtube, and if they grab your bike they'll at least have to run with it, instead of being able to ride away.

You can also shift to your hardest gear and loosen your rear quick release (if your bike uses quick releases). If they manage to hop on and pedal, the rear wheel will be pulled out of the frame. Of course, this means that if you forget to tighten your quick release before you ride, the same thing will happen to you.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 10:10 AM on July 3, 2008

Do you need stuff that's manufactured completely in the USA, or just assembled in the USA? I'm thinking electronics would be a hard one to find.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 5:22 AM on July 3, 2008

Uno mas!

Challenge the kids to walk through a piece of construction paper. There's a pattern you can use to cut the paper so that it ends up in a loop that's about six feet in diameter. Here's the pattern, and here's the instructions for it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:53 PM on June 29, 2008

Do you have a protractor? This one is more geometry than science, but it still kinda blew my mind the first time I saw it.

Have the kids cut triangles out of the construction paper. Isosceles, right, equilateral, obtuse whatever, it doesn't matter.

Have them measure the three angles of the triangles, sum them up, and voila, they always add up to 180. Magic. headasplodes
posted to Ask Metafilter by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:19 PM on June 29, 2008