Soul Asylum's "Misery" makes me want to vomit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 10:20 AM on July 25, 2008

Like gjc said, there is a knack for writing on whiteboards that is different from writing on a piece of paper. It is more of a whole arm movement rather than a wrist movement. When I started, I found that writing the words bigger helped as it is difficult to keep you hand on the board if the letters are larger than the range of your hand. A little practice will do you well...can you bring an easel home so you can practice in private?

Bigger pens in general will help you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:53 PM on July 23, 2008

I got them too, and they went away when I quit caffeine. Another side effect of stopping caffeine (other than a reduction in anxiety!) was that the previously lumpy texture of my breasts improved.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 4:45 PM on July 22, 2008

I have one huge pre-pregnancy tip. Don't assume it will happen right away when you do start trying. So don't stress, enjoy the trying, and see it as a long-ish process, not one that will necessarily happen within a matter of a few months. Unfortunately, it's something that we can't control to a certain degree, even if you are 'taking charge of your fertility', unlike pretty much everything else in our lives. And yes, schedule an appointment with a doctor to screen for HIV, measles, chicken pox,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 10:01 PM on July 21, 2008

I was just a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding. She did everything she could to keep expenses down, and it still ended up costing us $1000. I can totally understand that you don't want to back down now (though it really is early enough that you could do that).

You are going to have a conversation with your friend and explain to her that you will do your own hair and makeup. She may be hurt as I'm sure she envisions the four of you doing this all at once as a bonding... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 8:23 AM on July 15, 2008

I'm no expert, but I find the plank to be a superior exercise to situps. You can work on both increasing the number of sets and the duration.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 7:19 PM on July 13, 2008

When I worked as a room attendant, we wiped them down between guests. When they started to look icky, we threw them in the washing machine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 11:01 AM on July 2, 2008 marked best answer

Comfort.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 10:49 AM on June 10, 2008

The Middle Years International Baccalaureate Program uses many of the concepts that you write about. They have some research information on their website...
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 4:30 PM on April 19, 2008

I think this is a cool idea. However, if this had happened to me, I would have felt just as moxiedoll has indicated. (You made me wait a whole year for this?) Have you considered giving her the necklace on day one of a long weekend away or a vacation and having her break it open on the last day? It likely will reduce the chance of her losing the necklace, breaking it inadvertently, and you still get to have her bash it with the hammer. Good on you for some creative thinking!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:06 PM on April 15, 2008

I agree with pretty much everything that has been said. One (unsolicited) piece of advice: if you love kids, you will love teaching. Everything else comes second. It also helps if you enjoyed high school the first time around!
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 7:50 PM on April 13, 2008

I find that exfoliating with a washcloth really helps with ingrown hairs, both with waxing and shaving. It takes a couple of days but the bumps go a way and don't come back.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 7:41 PM on April 13, 2008

The Diversity of Life by E. O. Wilson. A must read for any biology student or anyone interested in the state of the planet. I read it as I was doing my biology degree and think of it often.

How To Think about Weird Things was incredibly useful as a general science resource. It makes you question any statistic you have ever heard.

Finally, I'll give a +1 for The Hot Zone, mentioned above. Not literature, but it will get you fired up about viruses.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:32 PM on April 4, 2008

Have you considered ADD (without the hyperactive tendencies)?

I would ensure that he has preferential seating. Make sure he's at the front of the class where he can't see the other students. Right in front of the teacher. Can he work with music on? I've never tried this with kids that young, but some of my Grade 8 students work much better with earphones on as it drowns out other 'kid' noises.

Best of luck to you. And good on you for not jumping... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:01 AM on March 13, 2008

LCD Soundsystem's 45:33 is 45 minutes and 33 seconds of awesomeness. Part of the Nike+ Original Run series, so it's perfect for exercising. Actually, anything by LCD Soundsystem, especially their album Sound of Silver would be good, especially if she's a Radiohead fan.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 12:21 PM on March 12, 2008

We're staying at a rental, so cooking is possible. However, knowing us, we will probably cook our breakfasts and lunches and want to eat out in the evening.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:35 PM on February 28, 2008

I know someone very well who flew to Puerto Vallarta to get a lap band. (She's in BC.) Aside from the hassle of finding a local doctor willing to do the fills, she has had an amazing experience. It isn't a back-room affair: the doctors are very professional.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 8:41 AM on February 23, 2008

I always wanted a birthday in June so it would be 6 months away from Christmas. That way you don't have a long wait for more presents (I started thinking about that at a young age, as you can imagine). Mid June is a great time: people are in town, school is ending so people are in good moods, and the weather is beautiful. If you teach high school you will want to make it at the beginning of June, of course, so your kids can celebrate with you. (Mine is in August and I hate that I can't celebrate... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 8:35 AM on February 23, 2008

I notice how when I'm in a turning lane, people's indicator lights flash at different frequencies. I'm always looking for one that meshes with mine.

I notice the way that foliage feels on my hands as I walk by. How a soft looking hedge can feel prickly as you graze your hands over the top. The feeling of silky grasses through my fingers.

I too notice odd combinations of people: large groups, pairs, etc. and try to figure out what their... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 5:44 PM on February 14, 2008

Do you love him?
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 11:47 AM on February 2, 2008

Bocce ball!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 7:30 AM on February 2, 2008

The Eddie Bauer shirts are the best. I have left them in the dryer OVERNIGHT and they still come out non-wrinkled and crisp, and they last for a long time (with no yellow pits.) I love love love them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 8:06 PM on January 31, 2008

Frame them: excellent modern art.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 3:08 PM on January 21, 2008

Smitten Kitchen is my personal favourite. Deb Perelman is a lovely writer, funny, and her food is generally healthy (although watch out for her killer desserts. She usually makes efforts to swap out high fat cream for lower fat milk, and things like that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 5:57 PM on January 20, 2008

Confidence is the sexiest thing out there. If you try to hide your hair loss, women will sense your lack of confidence around the issue, and feel bad for you. Pity=no sex. Shave it off, start going to the gym, and move on with your life: the women will come running. I'd say 'good luck', but you don't need it. You'll be fine.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:46 AM on January 20, 2008

discover and calculate: these words seemed strange, until someone suggested D.C.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 7:14 PM on January 8, 2008

There was a very similar documentary at the Banff Mountain Film Festival, though it was set in BC and the researcher was female.

Searching for the Coast Wolves
Germany, 2006, 52 minutes
Directed by Richard Matthews Produced by Heinz von Matthey
Website: www.zdf.de
Focus: Environment, Human narrative
Rating: General

Gudrun Pflueger is an ex-world champion cross-country skier and... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 2:59 PM on December 31, 2007

I enjoyed Augusten Burrough's book Running with Scissors. Easy read and hilarious. I've been listening to a lot of audiobooks as I can get some housework done while listening...might be helpful for your sister. Finally, +1 for Sedaris and #1 Ladies Detection Agency.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 7:36 AM on December 22, 2007

If I use my knife to butter the bread brought to the table, before I receive my order, please do not place the knife back on the table when you clear the bread plates: bring me a new knife. I've found that only super observant servers do this and it certainly impresses me to no end.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 2:10 PM on December 20, 2007

+1 for A Suitable Boy and East of Eden. Also, A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is perhaps my favourite book ever (but only 624 pages...)
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:05 PM on December 17, 2007

Alcohol, gift certificate for a massage, anything self-indulgent. A cool, kid-friendly, and inexpensive desktop toy might be good. Your best bet: a box of nice red marking pens. Or multicolour if he's fancy that way. Uniball rollers are my personal faves...
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 6:14 PM on December 14, 2007

I can't even imagine someone being that cruel. Any chance she was being passive-aggressive? Any chance you might have done something earlier that ticked her off? I am NOT saying this is your fault, and any person that would let a grudge prevent them from helping, well, anyone, is not worth having around, but it might be an explanation. Call her, let her know that she let you down big time. Ask her why she felt she couldn't inconvenience herself to help someone she loves. If the explanation... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 10:35 AM on December 14, 2007

I'd stay up all night to finish a take-home exam so I could help my spouse. All night. And if for some reason I absolutely couldn't, you bet I'd explain over the phone why and then immediately call a friend to go to the rescue. Something is up.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 1:29 PM on December 14, 2007

I clicked on gum's link and did not find one recipe for the dip. I'm assuming that is what was adequate about the recipes.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 2:18 PM on December 2, 2007

+1 refurbished shuffle. What this girl will want is to fit in with other kids at her school. A brand-name ipod will help with that, and if she has friends they will help her put music on. It isn't the most practical (you can get more for your money with other brands) but will surely be appreciated.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 5:28 PM on December 1, 2007

I'd like to reinforce what others have said about having kids mark their own work and finding a teacher to 'borrow' lessons from. Teaching second grade must be tough as there would be very little non-kid time to do planning/marking. I guess the way that I justify my 10 hour days is that I do a full year's work in 10 months. That sure feels good in July!

Your wife doesn't need to do everything perfectly. As long as she is passionate about her students and their well... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 3:54 PM on December 1, 2007

+1 lainey
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 1:23 PM on November 28, 2007

This looks tasty...
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 3:57 PM on November 25, 2007

EConsciousMarket might have some good ideas...half of the profits go to a charity of your choice.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 2:22 PM on November 23, 2007

Wow, I'm outvoted. I love my (small) diamond engagement ring. I would also have liked a larger one. Is it crazy to think so? ABSOLUTELY. I guess I'm a victim of de Beers.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 9:00 PM on November 19, 2007

I teach Grade 8 science in B.C. I would echo what missmagenta said above: each of those stations would be simple to adapt with biology examples.

One question that would meet some of the aims above would be to collect a number of 'natural' items: chestnuts, leaves, beans, etc. and ask the kids to measure the length of each one, then calculate the mean, median, mode and range, and plot the data on the graph. They could also design a hypothesis to test whether bigger... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 2:47 PM on November 14, 2007

Acupuncture can help you learn to breathe properly and can reduce stress, leaving you more able to deal with unexpected twists and turns. It has helped a great many people.

It sounds like coming off of the antidepressants had quite a negative impact. Please ensure that you are doing this under medical supervision.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 2:36 PM on November 14, 2007

The bottles look like these.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 11:31 AM on November 14, 2007

Thanks OmieWise for the link. Yikes. Ok, so no food!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 12:38 PM on November 14, 2007

Ditto to those who suggest something from one of the classes you will be teaching. Bonus points if you have the class do a hands-on activity. What subject area would you be working in, specifically?
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 6:34 PM on November 5, 2007

As indicated above, your friend's first bet is to do a few coats, then let the paint dry for at least 24h. In my experience, that can make a HUGE difference. (I painted a wall a coral red, but it looked orange for the first 3 coats and until it cured.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 11:45 PM on November 3, 2007

I'm a science teacher in Victoria, BC, and the going rate for a person qualified as you are would be ~$30/hour. I would charger closer to $50 when you have more experience with tutoring, a bigger clientèle, and yes, if you are the one that is traveling. Tutors charging $50 in Victoria are generally qualified teachers also.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 10:36 AM on November 2, 2007

I immediately thought cookie monster, but could also have been grover, after reading Jofus.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 10:32 AM on November 2, 2007

Ditto to Clockwork Orange.
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 10:31 AM on October 30, 2007

Any chance you could be pregnant?
posted to Ask Metafilter by ms.v. at 6:45 PM on October 29, 2007