The one that does it to me is "Horse with no Name" by America. Mainly because the grocery store where I worked as a teenager had only one mixed tape to play as muzak throughout the day, and that song was on it. I listened to that damn song about ten times a day that entire summer. Argh.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:51 PM on July 25, 2008

According to this website, "jaja" is a French slang term for everyday wine you don't have to think about to enjoy.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:08 AM on July 24, 2008

I have a PhD in ethnomusicology, and I came to it through a music degree. I've always understood Ethno to be the study of how and why people make music. You want to know something about the mechanics of the music-making itself, but you want to situate that within the broader societal and global context. Music is one of the ways people make sense of their world, interact with their world, connect with others, etc. It's a thread woven through people's lives, experiences and histories. It's one... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 7:36 AM on July 24, 2008

I should note that one of the reasons why a definition of Ethnomusicology is so vague is because human music-making is so bloody all pervasive.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 7:47 AM on July 24, 2008

I get this if I'm falling asleep in a position where my legs are not outstretched. I couldn't possibly explain to you why.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 8:40 AM on July 23, 2008

My first was "The Wizard of Oz", followed closely by "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". Also, "Peter Pan", the "Little House on the Prairie" series and the Nancy Drew mysteries were all early favourites of mine.

Coupled with that were liberal doses of "Les Aventures de Tintin" and "Les Schtroumpfs" (The Smurfs) in French. 'Cause, yeah, I grew up in a bilingual city.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 8:36 AM on July 23, 2008

Oh, I should mention, we had both the Wizard of Oz series and the Narnia series at home, so it wasn't just the one book in each case, it was all the books.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 8:38 AM on July 23, 2008

Perhaps not a long-term solution to your problem, but perhaps you can agree to meet in some neutral location (i.e.: go out, rather than to one or the other's house) for a while until this gets sorted out?

If it were me, I'd sit down and have a heart to heart with the guy. I'd basically let him know that I want both pet and human in my life, and there has to be a way to get along amicably. Ask him where his line in the sand is, in terms of how far he's willing to go to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:31 PM on July 22, 2008

I grew a chili pepper plant in a west-facing window a couple of years ago. That might work for you (if you like chilies, that is).
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:35 AM on July 22, 2008

adamrice, how about "Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform". - Mark Twain
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:07 AM on July 22, 2008 marked best answer

Here's another, a longer passage:
"...all men--kings & serfs alike--are slaves to other men & to circumstance--save alone, the pilot--who comes at no man's back and call, obeys no man's orders & scorns all men's suggestions. The king would do this thing, & would do that: but a cramped treasury overmasters him in the one case & a seditious people in the other. The Senator must hob-nob with canaille whom he despises, & banker, priest & statesman trim... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:10 AM on July 22, 2008 marked best answer

Riffing off Shakespeare, here, but if you're thinking of Olivia's Originals as a name, and you're selling knit goods (among other things), how about Twelfth Knit?
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:35 PM on July 17, 2008

If that fails, come up with a fun nonsense name that you like :)

Great idea. Celtic music tunes are often named this way, as a data point. You can get crazy names like "Goldenrod Fields", "The Little Burnt Potato" and "Round the House and Mind the Dresser".

Look around your house; is there anything there you can use as inspiration?
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:56 PM on July 17, 2008

Abbril, I know Algonquin College offered a knife skills course this past spring. You might also try the Cordon Bleu School on Laurier, which offers weekend gourmet courses and demonstration courses.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 8:12 AM on July 15, 2008

Oh, also, don't forget about cooking classes offered through Loblaws and the LCBO. Check your local for listings.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 8:14 AM on July 15, 2008

More ideas for you, Abbril:
The Urban Element offers cooking courses, and has offered knife skills courses in the past. You could always ring and see if they'd notify you when a new knife skills course is going to take place.
The Ottawa District School Board also offers general interest courses, including cooking courses, during the school year.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 9:11 AM on July 15, 2008

googly's got it. The only thing I would add, which might mitigate the "but I deserved to get it" sentiment of non-winning applicants, would be to do a one-page letter to each of them, outlining the strengths of their application, and where the committee felt they needed improvement. Yes, it's more work and an extra step, but many applicants really appreciate the feedback, especially if there's a chance they'll apply again the following year.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 6:49 AM on July 9, 2008

By pure chance, I stumbled across a Derek Alexander bag at a local shop this winter. It fits a lot of the description you provide, (except mine is black). It's leather, about the same price range as you indicate, and it's been very durable, even standing up to kitty claws on occasion. I've been very happy with it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 6:06 AM on July 8, 2008

I've seen a church like this - although it got that way by burning down one year. The parishioners put a roof over the basement and worshipped down there until money could be raised to build the church properly.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 3:24 PM on June 19, 2008

Setting aside the fact that some of these higher-ups don't do their own grocery shopping...

If it's obvious that the person in question is "on duty", then use the proper form of address (This is easy with priests, just check for the collar. If they're off duty, they don't wear it). If they're in civilian clothing, or look like they want to go incognito, then don't use the formal address.

A lot of these people, being in a leadership... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 5:20 AM on June 18, 2008 marked best answer

Go see your doctor about this - your diet is clearly not doing you any good with regards to your workout routine. As a minimum, the doctor can refer you to a nutritionist or a dietician, who can provide expert advice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 2:01 PM on May 27, 2008

This is what my Dad has asked be read at his funeral: "Invictus", by William Ernest Henley.

Invictus

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 7:15 AM on May 27, 2008

The Giant's Causeway is worth checking out, if you're willing to go a bit out of your way. Galway is great for music, as well as history. If you get a chance to walk along the beach, walk all the way to the end of the beach walk and kick the wall. It's apparently good luck. Try to get out to the Aran Islands, if you get a chance, they are wild and beautiful. There's a ferry that will take you there.

Coming back to Dublin, mind yourself on the road - the highway... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 6:02 AM on May 21, 2008

Oh, I forgot to mention, there's an awesome pub in the town of Drogheda, Co. Louth, near to Newgrange. It's called Peter Matthews', but the locals call it McPhail's. Go there for some great traditional music. But watch out, the pub is teeny and often crowded.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 7:16 AM on May 21, 2008

Raccoons make a sound like what you describe, particularly if they're caught in a leg-hold trap.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 10:30 AM on May 20, 2008

Sharkfu, listen to SpacemanStix, that's the right way to go. Call your insurance, explain the situation, and they will take it from there.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:51 AM on May 16, 2008

There's nothing you can to do prevent her from taking things personally, anon. That's her problem, not yours.

Keep yourself busy, so that when she text/calls/emails asking to hang out, you genuinely can't. She'll eventually find someone else to hang out with.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:46 AM on May 16, 2008

I've been in situations like this, and I feel for you, uxo. I'd go with what SuperSquirrel suggests (I make enough), and just change the subject without answering directly.

Or, define worth in terms other than money, such as "how much is your house worth?" "My house is fantastic! It's so close to the shops, so conveniently located, etc." Ditto for your car, or other posessions being asked about. Bonus if you can throw a little dig into the mix.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:36 AM on May 16, 2008

(As an aside, stick the little dig in only if the person you're talking to is someone you don't want to be friends with, as it's a terribly passive-aggressive thing to do.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:43 AM on May 16, 2008

My favourite way to use dill is to add a good 1/3 cup chopped to a big green salad. Then, make a mayo-based salad dressing to go on top (1/2 cup mayo, 1/3 cup white wine vinegar, 2tsp curry powder). Yum!

Dill is also yummy in borscht, too. I'm just saying.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 10:47 AM on May 16, 2008

I was in the same situation as you elkerette, so I sought a second opinion from another dentist. Here's what she told me. Theoretically, you don't need a crown on a root canal. But since the root-canal tooth is now dead (i.e. no nerves), the tooth will become brittle, and has a much higher likelihood of breaking. If it breaks, it comes out altogether, end of story. The crown is there to protect the tooth from breaking.

So, you need to ask yourself this question: are... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 7:21 AM on May 15, 2008

Against: Chances he's "reformed" or "recovered" are slim to none.

The fact that he hasn't been re-arrested in 18 years says otherwise.

No, that just means he hasn't been caught doing anything that could get him arrested.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 8:35 AM on May 13, 2008

I'm pretty sure I had "before" and "after" worked out as concepts before I started school. I remember being taught the ideas of minutes and hours, and to read a clock in grade one. About a year later, I asked my dad how dimensions worked, since I'd found out about then that time was considered the fourth dimension. To his eternal credit, he didn't pull a Calvin's Dad answer on me.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 5:43 AM on May 8, 2008

The minute you get into this mindset, you're toast, because bosses can smell loss of respect a mile away. If I were you, I'd be looking for something else. You want a promotion anyway, right? So, if that opportunity doesn't present itself within your current organization, look for it elsewhere. If you've built up tenure, respect and credibility within the organization, then presumably that extends to clients and partners that you've had dealings with. In the meantime, behave in the most... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 5:22 AM on May 8, 2008

This question makes me think of the stunts Amelie pulls in the movie "Le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulin"! One good way to avoid detection is to not be predictable. You've posted cards to her, now post her three crazy mis-matched socks. Keep her guessing.

If I were you, I'd concoct some crazy goose chase like Amelie does for the guy she's sweet on, leaving clues at each rendezvous point to the next one, with a prize for her to find at the end. If your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 8:47 AM on May 7, 2008

I'm absolutely astounded no-one has mentioned Tarte Tatine. It's supposed to be made in a cast iron pan!
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 11:37 AM on May 1, 2008

This blog (written by someone from Maharashtra) indicates that it's "Jai Maharashtra!"
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 9:16 AM on April 30, 2008 marked best answer

Wingless_angle, I feel for you, my birthday falls on a holiday as well.

I'd plan a bit of a road trip - pack a picnic basket full of your favourite foods/treats, hop in the car and head out on a drive. Find some secluded seaside spot, or drive up into the mountains, since you're in New South Wales. Bring a camera or digital recorder to record things you see and hear, maybe a sketchbook or journal if you're artistically inclined. Go for a walk and enjoy the scenery... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 6:36 AM on April 29, 2008 marked best answer

This seems kind of interesting. Reusable, too!
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:45 PM on April 24, 2008

Whoops. Dersins beat me to it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:47 PM on April 24, 2008

Seconding dress-up. A bit of modification, and you have bride/princess/fairy type headgear. Turn it around, and you have the femme fatale face-lace veil from a film noir detective story.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 5:56 AM on April 24, 2008

If you're asking this person to meet you in a professional capacity, photographer to photographer, I'd say don't offer an out. If she understands it to be a professional request, she won't feel guilt ridden about saying no to you, if she doesn't want to meet.

If it's more of a social call or a favour, as in you're an amateur and hoping this professional will take time out of her schedule to meet with you, then I'd phrase it this way:
"Hi so-and-so, I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:03 PM on April 18, 2008

Getting the right starters or cultures is the key to making different kinds of cheese. Here's a partial list:

Cream cheese, Sour cream, Quark, Cottage cheese, Fromage blanc, Chevre frais, St-Maure, Valencay, Cultured butter MESOPHILIC AROMATIC B

Cheddar, Colby, Brick, Jack, Farmers, Limburger, Camembert, Brie, Blue cheese MESOPHILIC TYPE II or MA4001/4002

Gouda, Edam, Havarti MESOPHILIC TYPE III or MA4001/4002 or KAZU... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 1:53 PM on April 15, 2008

I should also note that cheddar requires a specific process of treating the curds - involving turning over the slab of cheese again and again, as I recall. It's called "cheddaring" (funnily enough), and results in the curds having that lovely squeaky texture.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 1:56 PM on April 15, 2008

Wow, anon, that sucks. I have known other people in similar situations to you. If you're serious about pursuing your folks, do see a lawyer. If suing your folks doesn't turn out to be an option, chalk it up to learning a painful lesson about your parents, and don't ever rely on their promises again.

Best of luck.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 12:38 PM on April 11, 2008

You should be able to do what you're suggesting, assuming that the store doesn't require you to reveal your zip code to them as part of the purchase transaction. But just as a data point: my Mom and Dad live in a "dead zone", and although they both own cellphones, the darn things practically don't work at all when they're at home.

T-Mobile has likely instituted that corporate policy to cut down on the number of complaints they field from people in dead zones... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 10:24 AM on April 10, 2008

Nthing creepy. Your message to him was spot on. And in case he doesn't get the hint, you need to be even more clear in your next message to him: you value his friendship, but his romantic advances are not wanted, and would he please stop.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 9:42 AM on April 10, 2008

I've been exactly where you are, anon, and the best advice I can give you is to keep reminding yourself that this job is not the last job. You know you're good, you know what you can contribute, so do that. If you have a good rapport with your boss, encourage them to provide you with feedback, so you can continually improve your work.

You have the right and the responsibility to ask for feedback of your performance, particularly if it affects your ability to perform your job.
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 9:39 AM on April 10, 2008

Both jujitsu and aikido teach you how to fall down properly. Aikido has a few ways to fall down; in jujistu I leared about 15 ways to fall down. For it to be ingrained in you just means practice, practice, practice.

That being said, if you're nervous about falling, it's going to make it harder to fall properly, even if you've learned the techniques. As important as finding the right style will be finding the right kind of environment in which to learn that style. Go... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 10:12 AM on April 9, 2008 marked best answer

I get the telephone spam version of the meat delivery thing..."oh, yes, we're calling to confirm that you received your pound of ground beef that should have been delivered to your door today. If you didn't receive it, please call this number."

Nobeagle, clearly you're getting the pound of ground that was meant for me! :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by LN at 10:55 AM on April 8, 2008