Activity from gnutron

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Ask post: How do you fail at making noodles?
according to my recent issue of cook's illustrated (and my own personal experience), the packaged noodles that are fresh-looking and covered in flour generally are pretty gummy and pasty. stick with dried egg or rice noodles from the asian grocery or regular ol' pasta from the supermarket and you might have better results for the dish you're cooking.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 6:47 PM on August 5, 2008

Ask post: no more light-switch raves
C'mon, y'all. "Watch everything" is not really a good answer to my question.

Please tell me which 2-3 toons from the past two years gave you the biggest larfs. Are there any new characters or specific jokey-phrases I should be aware of?
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:14 PM on August 5, 2008

Ask post: What can I do to make my girlfriend feel welcome when she moves in?
make space for her and her stuff. clean everything, buy some flowers and make dinner.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 2:45 PM on August 5, 2008

Ask post: Random act of kindness
ipod. sonicare.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 2:06 PM on August 4, 2008

Ask post: Do I have a shot at the Olympics?
no. the folks you see in the olympics have been training for most of their lives.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:21 PM on August 3, 2008

Ask post: How do I find the right martial arts program for my 6 year old boy?
If he's strong and flexible and enjoys tumbling, he might enjoy capoeira training. Ufez is probably right, tho - find a school nearby that has a good teacher & youth program, then the specific MA will be irrelevant. Don't be afraid to visit multiple places and check out classes to find the best fit.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:03 PM on August 1, 2008

Ask post: Should I cancel my health insurance and invest the money instead?
it's not a good bet or a foolhardy risk; it's utter stupidity.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 6:48 PM on July 26, 2008

Ask post: Help me help my friends. Keep my first aid box organized!
have you looked at fishing tackle boxes? lots of small compartments for lures and hooks.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 12:34 PM on July 25, 2008

Ask post: -sizzle-
all good suggestions so far. salmon on cedar planks is really delicious.

i grill shrimp on skewers, after marinating them in salt, oil, garlic and spices. same goes for scallops. i also have a cheap fish grilling basket i picked up at home despot - incredibly easy to grill up tasty thin fillets of white fish like tilapia.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 9:58 AM on July 25, 2008

Ask post: Building / buying a gaming desktop PC.
i built my gaming box over at avadirect.com, and i spent way less than $1800. it was super-easy - you specify all the components you want and they slap it together for ya.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 4:34 PM on July 24, 2008

Ask post: Fun with a purpose?
Martial arts, for sure. I am the same way. Running, exercising in a gym bores me to tears. Learning a martial art can keep me focused and exercising for hours.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 4:32 PM on July 24, 2008

Ask post: Sleep, perchance to sleep cooly, like Sam Cucumber Marlow
i had a foam mattress (a cheap one, not a tempur-pedic)...it was great at first but then it started to suck after about 2 years. it stayed way too soft and warm for my tastes, and it only felt firm and cool when we came back from a vacation.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 11:47 AM on July 24, 2008

Ask post: Cubs fan gift ideas under $100
how about a jersey?
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 9:59 AM on July 23, 2008

Ask post: Is a mattress cover really necessary?
When I bought my last mattress, I was informed that the warranty was voided if the mattress was stained or soiled, so we got a mattress cover.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 2:36 PM on July 22, 2008

Ask post: Algerian culture in Paris?
It's fiction and it's a graphic novel, but The Rabbi's Cat might be up your alley.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 12:46 PM on July 21, 2008

Ask post: Swimming in San Francisco
People swim all over the place. Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, Stinson Beach and all over the Bay. You need a full wetsuit. Booties and/or a hood are not bad ideas either.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 11:31 AM on July 18, 2008

Ask post: A week in Florida in December. Where to go?
2nding priested. i went to college in Sarasota, and regularly visit Tampa/St. Pete. the West Coast is very nice and chill. nice beaches and restaurants abound, even some decent museums (like the Dali museum in St. Pete) Sanibel Island is a beautiful somewhat-isolated beach further south on the coast.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:50 PM on July 16, 2008

Ask post: I need a perfect way to make the girls go crazy.
Lupe Fiasco?
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 12:27 PM on July 16, 2008

Ask post: What are the best non-leather athletic shoes?
speaking as a former vegan...

as far as sneakers go - if you look hard enough, many athletic running/walking type sneaks like Asics or New Balance are made with synthetic materials. some styles will have leather but other styles will be completely synthetic. look at the tag on the box or shoe that displays the material compositions.....little diamonds mean synthetics, little animal-hide shapes mean leather. also, many companies that make skateboard shoes (ipath,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 3:07 PM on July 15, 2008

Ask post: Do you need to know my GPA?
It's irrelevant AND it makes you look more juvenile. Delete.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:57 PM on July 14, 2008

Ask post: Sit Down, Stand Up
Zach Galifianakis
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 4:18 PM on July 14, 2008

Ask post: How do use corn meal?
get some nice oyster mushrooms. dredge in egg or milk, then coat with cornmeal. deep fry in a pan of oil. sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy with your favorite condiment.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 11:01 AM on July 11, 2008

Ask post: Getting back to Social Gaming
If you want to game with your girlfriend (especially one without strong gaming inclinations), get a Wii.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 3:55 PM on July 10, 2008

Ask post: This is a bad idea, right?
Don't do it.

If you really want to get it into your body, cook it down into some oil or butter and make brownies. Inhaling mold is not a good idea. It might not hurt you, but I don't think it warrants the risk.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 4:35 PM on July 9, 2008

Ask post: Help with saying No to drugs
As a former teenage pothead, I highly doubt that you will be able to force them to stop smoking. Accept this.

Here's my $0.02. Sit down with them and speak to them as an adult, on the level. Be honest. Acknowledge that they are capable of making their own decisions, but inform them of the implications of their choices. There are legal issues, health issues, social issues and consequences for the future that come into play. Remind them that they should be mindful... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 11:34 PM on July 8, 2008

Ask post: Rock Band Rocks my Wrists
Stretch for at least 5 minutes before you play. Keep your hand and forearm muscles relaxed while you play. Maybe try to not to hit the pads so hard. Real drums are bouncy and forgiving, Rock Band drum pads not so much.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 11:54 AM on July 3, 2008

Ask post: bbq cheap nyc
Check out some local hardware stores or supermarkets. Honestly, I don't think you'll find anything cheaper than $30.

I have one of those grills that suedehead posted, and cooking for 10 people on it is pushing it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 10:03 AM on July 3, 2008

Ask post: Dear Mother, let me share the cover with my lover
When this is mentioned, I either do not comment or say that we'll figure it out upon her arrival.

contrary to what everyone else says, i don't think you should hedge around the issue. tell them, "we have been sharing a room for the past X months, why should we sleep separately here?" ask them to voice their specific concerns. letting them treat you like a child doesn't help you OR them.

you are an adult, act... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:42 PM on July 1, 2008

Ask post: Some questions about the volcano vaporizer
vaporizing gives you a slightly different high than smoking. i think it tastes great - you really just taste the herb, no smoke - so I totally disagree with chairface.

the high is much more mellow and less intense, and often less noticeable (if you're used to smoking). i certainly wouldn't call it the "most potent" - the primary benefit is that you're not inhaling smoke. if you want to get as high as possible, build a gravity bong.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 4:31 PM on June 30, 2008

Ask post: Why is my multi-vitamin making me vomit?
Are you taking them on an empty stomach?
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 12:13 PM on June 30, 2008

Ask post: Enough is enough! I have had it with these mf'ing guitars on this mf'ing plane!"
i have checked my guitar on planes before. just make sure you have a good solid case that will tolerate being knocked around with other luggage. if it's your 'minor axe' then there shouldn't be to much to fret about.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 12:05 PM on June 30, 2008

Ask post: Plan our cross-country road trip!
2nding Jackson, WY. Close to Yellowstone, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 12:12 AM on June 28, 2008

Ask post: Max Axe
And no one has mentioned Doc Watson yet!!?!?1!
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 10:54 AM on June 27, 2008

Ask post: Are expired multivitamins safe?
i don't think expired vitamins or medications will harm you - it's just that they will lose potency and not have the desired effect.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 12:12 PM on June 26, 2008

Ask post: Butterfly wedding favors
can you hang them from the ceiling?
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 11:03 AM on June 26, 2008

Ask post: VegetarianFilter
No.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 10:07 PM on June 25, 2008

Ask post: Driving uninsured?
As everyone noted it's a bad idea. Also, depending on the make and condition of the car (and where you are) very affordable insurance may available. Insurance in CA on my 13yo trashed jeep is <$50/month.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 2:29 PM on June 25, 2008

Ask post: What can I give to a new touring musician?
battery extenders and a comfy travel pillow are great ideas.

may i also suggest: books on cd. a bottle of dr. bronner's soap. band stickers (if they don't have them yet). a friendly, brotherly reminder that he should stash his drugs in a smart place while driving.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 11:08 AM on June 25, 2008

Ask post: Herbal Cigarettes or Equivalent
I can't speak for herbal cigarette brands, but I have smoked dried sage and damiana.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:51 PM on June 24, 2008

Ask post: Vas deferens difference
It is probably something like epididymitis, or minor swelling/infection in some other part of the plumbing. (I have had both).

Go see a urologist. My experience with GP docs in this situation is that they don't have much of a clue what's going on down there and will refer you to a specialist. You may get a prescription anti-inflammatory and directions to take it easy. You may also be referred to get an ultrasound on your boys.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 10:41 AM on June 20, 2008

Ask post: Fun activities for a couple at home
Listen to wfrgms. Seriously.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 10:35 AM on June 20, 2008

Ask post: How to meet other not-old-but-not-so-young-either musicians?
Every band I've played in (4 now, auditioned for several more) I have met through Craigslist. I think there are other "musician finder" forum websites out there, but I don't think they get the traffic that Craigslist does.

Be patient. There are people out there like you (but probably more looking for 22yo myspace drummers ready to tour.) Have you posted an ad yourself?
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:23 PM on June 19, 2008

Ask post: How can I stop thinking about the nasty?
By which I mean to say, I think you'll regret losing your virginity to a sad addict in a brothel.

lo-carb, i think it is a rude assumption to think that all sex workers in a brothel are 1. sad 2. addicts. some people like their jobs.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 6:21 PM on June 18, 2008

Ask post: Philly quick and fun activities?
When I lived in Philly I always loved the ICA which is virtually on-campus if I recall. And the Rodin museum is nice, too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 3:25 PM on June 18, 2008 marked best answer

Ask post: Classical classics
Wonderful answers, everyone. Just be clear, recommendations for specific CDs is probably preferred, but recommendations for works in general are still appreciated.

(ie. Now I know that the Brandenburg Concertos are worth listening to...but there's 100 different CD versions, I still have no clue what to buy.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 4:57 PM on June 16, 2008
I hear you Jaltcoh. It doesn't necessarily have to be "these are the 10 best classical recordings EVAR" - I guess it would be helpful for some of you classical aficionados to state "this is the short list of my favorite classical CDs tha I own."
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 5:05 PM on June 16, 2008

Ask post: What is the best way to submit a resume to a company that I have no contacts with?
Call the company on the phone. Ask for the HR dept. Ask for an address, email or fax where resumes can be sent.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 3:08 PM on June 16, 2008

Ask post: Nice way to say no, thanks
I agree with autojack. But if you want to reply, just say something simple & straight like "thanks for corresponding, but i don't think we are a good match."
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 3:55 PM on June 13, 2008

Ask post: Perhaps a prosthetic would be cheaper
i think this is a noble effort...but why is it "need" vs. "want"?

it's not impossible, but it's probably not easy. i imagine your best options are carrying her up & down the stairs and using baby gates to prevent her from getting stuck at the bottom when you're not around.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 2:59 PM on June 13, 2008

Ask post: Want to grill; don't want to get burned
http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/safety/barbeque.shtml

Although many people do it, I don't think it's legal. And the people who own the building sure as shit won't like it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gnutron at 2:36 PM on June 13, 2008