Segregate the silverware by type as you load the dishwasher instead of sorting through the jumble when it's time to unload.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:32 AM on July 10, 2008

My dad, an expert backer-upper, told me one thing that never fails: When backing, turn the *bottom* of the steering wheel the direction you want to go.

You still have to practice, but that will solve your 'oops,' problem.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 12:42 PM on July 9, 2008

That should have been: Turn the bottom of the steering wheel the direction you want *the trailer* to go.

You probably figured that out, but still . . .
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 12:44 PM on July 9, 2008

Robert Heinlein wrote a number of absorbing (science) fiction stories featuring a character 'Lazarus Long' who was the product of a genetic experiment in human longevity through selective breeding. He and others involved in this fictional process lived exceptionally long lives. Long enough to reach a point at which technology alone could just about guarantee physical immortality.

The novels I remember best were Methuselah's Children, Time Enough For Love and To Sail... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 12:22 PM on July 9, 2008

Since you already have old flashlights, you might consider buying LED conversion bulbs for them instead of all-new flashlights.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 8:55 AM on July 9, 2008

I know that long-distance bus service in the US is subsidized to a certain extent just about everywhere it runs. Most of the Greyhound-style line run motorcoaches you see are actually owned by state or federal government and leased to the carriers. Despite having a large Greyhound paint scheme, they also carry a government ownership statement printed on the side.

Also, in Michigan, there are smaller carriers like Indian Trails which exist primarily as charter companies... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:20 AM on July 9, 2008

I would add that, in Michigan, there are often county-wide small bus dial-a-ride style services that operate between rural communities. These can also take you to outlying areas of larger metropolitan areas where you can then hop on a regular city bus. These services are also subsidized in every case I know of.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:23 AM on July 9, 2008

Thank you - the pitching probables tables look just right.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:47 AM on May 15, 2008

Many universities create and distribute their own 'experts list' of professors, researchers and other staff who are willing and able to talk to the media within their area of professional expertise.

This is a promotional exercise by the university, since having professors recognized as 'experts' by the media potentially lends credibility to the entire institution.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 12:19 PM on March 28, 2008

Two thoughts:

- Sell the idea before you shoot the event. That way, if you *do* find someone interested, you can tailor the footage to the buyer's needs and edit the documentary to suit. If you're a professional cameraman, you may already have connections that can help you market this to the right people.

- Or, don't try to make money with this one. Shoot it and edit it and use it as a sort of demo-tape to help you take the next step up the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:26 AM on March 18, 2008

When it comes to whisky, you don't need many accessories to enjoy the drink to its fullest. Once he has a glass he likes and bottle (or 20) to pour from, there's little else that will add to his enjoyment except a comfortable spot in front of the fireplace and maybe a drinking partner.

I know you don't want to get him a bottle, but a serious problem with whisky bottles is their infernal tendency to run dry. I think your best bet for a scotch-related birthday present is a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:20 AM on March 18, 2008

Since you are a grad student, perhaps you would qualify for a student loan that would be easier for you to get than a loan at your local bank or credit union? It may give you a better interest rate, too.

As for the cost of 'converting' film to digital, it's not necessary to spend $20.

Just take your roll of film to a 1-hour place. Don't get any prints, just get the film processed and ask for the photos on a photo CD. I've done this many times... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 10:00 AM on March 12, 2008

Noun

asymptote (plural asymptotes)

1. (mathematics) A straight line which a curve approaches arbitrarily closely, but never reaches, as they go to infinity. The limit of the curve, its tangent "at infinity".

Derived words:

asymptotic
asymptotically

Not specifically what you asked for, but related idea.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 12:07 PM on March 7, 2008

Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis.

Published more than 80 years ago, but you'll be amazed at how much things have(n't) changed.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 1:54 PM on March 5, 2008

I've had a passing interest in paper airplanes and gliders since I was a little kid, and I want to thank beagle, for mentioning that cylindrical-triangular design above.

The most impressive flights I've ever seen by hand-folded paper gliders were initiated by two kids sitting in the very top row of the top deck of the Pontiac Silverdome using this design. This was about 1989.

They sat there all afternoon with a couple of thick phone books on... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:42 AM on February 29, 2008

If future CNC compatibility is a deal breaker, this probably won't help you.

But it seems like a lot of high schools, community colleges and even regular machine shops have been liquidating their lower-tech, traditional metal working equipment fairly cheaply on auction sites and in classified listings as they update their own equipment to modern standards.

Just like used film camera equipment got cheaper and more available as digital cameras took... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 1:55 PM on February 27, 2008

It could be that all the rigamarole associated with safely eating fish from the great lakes is too much hassle for an urban restaurant some distance away from the lakes. See this guide to safely eating fish from the Erie basin, for example.

It may be easier for local restaurants with the preparation expertise and the fish nearby to turn a modest profit. Whereas the big city fish restaurants, especially those along the coastline, may want to stick with their regular... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 10:19 AM on February 14, 2008 marked best answer

I have had pretty good luck following the reading recommendations Alan Furst includes at the back of his novels and in the interviews with him that I've read. Some of these were not fun, per se, but definitely good reads. They also provided me a lot of insight into the novels of his that I enjoyed so much.

- The Berlin Stories of Christopher Isherwood
- Flight Without End & The Radetzky March by Joseph Roth
- Babi Yar by A.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 6:36 AM on February 14, 2008

Since you lied about something that is none of their business to know the truth about, anyway, I'm not sure you have any obligation to correct the misinformation.

Why not just stop talking about your level of sexual experience around these people. If they ask you about it, just tell them that you are now older and have decided that it's a personal topic you shouldn't have discussed so freely in the past.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:50 AM on February 13, 2008

Always liked the first two Sam Kinison albums - Louder Than Hell and Have You Seen Me Lately?
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 1:02 PM on February 7, 2008

Muriel Gray would like you to use the term 'Enlightenist.'
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 8:28 AM on January 23, 2008

Do you have a separate water meter for your sprinkler system? If so, and your bill is just for that meter, this info won't help.

However, if your home has only one meter for all its water use, take a look at your bill.

Many times, a municipal water bill details charges for both water and sewer, and the sewer use is simply calculated as the same as the water use. This is because for most homes, all the water entering the home eventually leaves it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:34 AM on January 8, 2008

The Filson Mackinaw is high quality.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 6:23 AM on December 28, 2007

It might be worth asking this person: Gannett Blog
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 5:24 AM on December 17, 2007

More: This post seems to address your question fairly directly, but the actual 'Detroit' link in there doesn't lead anywhere.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 5:49 AM on December 17, 2007

Since your car is a TDI, it has a higher compression engine than it's gasoline-powered counterparts and will offer even more resistance to rolling away while in gear.

That said, a working parking brake is a better option, and yours should be easy to adjust or repair.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 8:32 AM on December 3, 2007

Oh, never mind. I see now I mistook GTI with TDI. Sorry 'bout that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 8:33 AM on December 3, 2007

You could upload one, or more, of your favorites to the US Post Office website and make custom postage stamps for your Christmas cards. I think the minimum order is 20 of each picture.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 11:45 AM on November 26, 2007

I can't speak for your city, but our city does sewer clean-outs for much, much less than the local plumbers will do them. Might be worth a call.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 11:31 AM on November 26, 2007

While I didn't take the time to check specifically, I'm betting you can fine the answer to your question at The Fedora Lounge.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 11:21 AM on November 26, 2007

One thing you can do to prolong the life of your blower motor is to let the blower run all the time. Most of the strain on the motor comes during start-up. The furnace and AC don't have to run all the time, just the fan.

I learned this from a guy who owns an electric motor shop, not an HVAC tech.

You will have to change the filter somewhat more often and it will use a bit more electricity, but you should still come out ahead.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 6:41 AM on November 21, 2007

Mega Lo Mart from King of the Hill.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 5:52 AM on November 20, 2007

The yellow dot was apparently on Roy Williams' helmet and a clarification is being sought for it at UniWatch, so if you are interested, you might keep your eye open there for an explanation.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 11:34 AM on November 19, 2007

parmanparman:

I would say that three of our regular meetings would be 'popular,' and the rest not, as a rule. I can't say how many people actually watch, but it's more than you might expect, judging from the number of complaints we get if there is a mic problem, or similar.

I agree that keeping the entire archive online is not necessary and would be happy with a two-week exposure, as you suggest.

The transcripts of the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 3:26 PM on November 13, 2007

To everyone else:

Thank you for the suggestions, I will take a look at all of them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 3:26 PM on November 13, 2007

Depending on how persnickety she is, you might want to buy (or otherwise provide) a year of house-cleaning service for her. Or, depending on where and how she lives, a season of snow shoveling, lawn mowing, etc.

Think about her lifestyle and what chores or responsibilities she has that require her time and labor and see what you can do to relieve that burden.

In a similar vein, maybe her house needs painting, or the roof repaired or a garage... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 8:36 AM on November 7, 2007

He could probably read (dramatically) all, or just about all, of Poe's The Telltale Heart in two or three minutes.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 10:45 AM on October 31, 2007

Look here: http://www.toiletology.com for good advice on toilet problems.

Sounds to me like your flapper valve inside the tank may not be sealing tightly.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 7:39 AM on October 23, 2007

Loan Me a Dime - Boz Scaggs
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 1:55 PM on October 17, 2007

I don't know the answer, but can confirm the phenomenon. The last two filters I've used seemed to produce a much faster, more forceful flow than earlier filters. However, I use the faucet-mounted system.
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 6:04 AM on September 26, 2007

We're talking Detroit-metro-area, mid-80s, early, early morning (Duck Tales and G. I. Joe started around 7, this was before that), antenna-based - it would have been either channel 50 or channel 25, which tells you nothing, but whatever.

I grew up in the Flint area and watched a lot of the same channels, and the brief description but especially the time makes me really, really think it's Robotech. So, I urge you to reconsider. I used to get up every... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 12:05 PM on September 25, 2007

In an unstressed usage, it could sort of rhyme with bum, but it would be the 'shwa' sound, commonly sybolized with the upside-down letter 'e'.

See more here: http://victorian.fortunecity.com/vangogh/555/Spell/shwa.htm
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 12:17 PM on September 14, 2007

Do not trust drawings provided by developers, nor the potential impacts as described by residents opposed to projects. Go to the site yourself and look around and imagine how the proposal will affect the block, the neighborhood, the community and the region.

Understand that developers can provide a professional market study that will appear to support ANY proposed development, so do some of your own market analysis when possible/practical. If your know your community... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by OilPull at 11:48 AM on September 14, 2007