TedW: Problem is that a lot of point and shoot cameras, such as my own, have no view finder. If that were an option, I would definitely use it. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:12 AM on July 2, 2008

The first thing is to find out if there is a local supportive group for the blind. There are a number of places you can try, so you can find out if there is one. If the Texas Commission for the Blind isn't helpful, you could try the local Chamber of Commerce, the local Health Dept, a local Social Work dept such as DFACS (Dept of Family and Children Services).

The Social Work services are usually very good about assisting in this area.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:01 AM on July 2, 2008 marked best answer

It's definitely not Sirius. In fact, that's what my husband told me he thought it was before he looked at it. Once he did though, he realized that I was right. It's not Sirius. It's visible right now if anyone can take a moment to look. It started close to the horizon in the southeast.

As for the reflection, I'm wanting a real and helpful answer thanks.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:36 PM on May 31, 2008

*sigh* I know how to find Sirius (my husband especially) and once again this is not Sirius. The star that I'm seeing is further east than Sirius and it's not much brighter than Polaris.

What other star could it be? Who would know that I could ask? My daughter called her boyfriend a few minutes ago and he took his parents outside. They live in Minnesota and even they could see it. They too agree that it's not Sirius but also like us, are not sure what it is.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:55 PM on May 31, 2008

Antares might be it, but isn't that directly over head? This one is rather low over the horizon. Right now, it's visible above the horizon to the southeast. I wish I could explain it better and darn if I don't have a decent camera!

I really appreciate all this help. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:06 PM on May 31, 2008

No problem Flunkie. :) I really am thankful for this. It's just the most amazing thing I've ever seen!
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:07 PM on May 31, 2008

Thanks to all so far! I'm thinking it's Atares, but not my husband. It's definitely not Jupiter, but I'm going to look into Spica now to see. I've tried looking at idiotfactory's png (which is amazing) but I'm having trouble with my orientation. :(

If anyone can see it outside and knows, I'd love to hear. For now, I guess I'll call some of the places lhall suggested. My curiosity is definitely peaked.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:49 PM on May 31, 2008

Misdiagnosis is fairly common. I'm not taking up for her mind you, I'm just saying that you are definitely not alone. I've worked with many doctors such as yours and I get really angry when they act like because they went to med school, they know everything. In fact, I once questioned a doctor's treatment plan and was actually told that I'm only a nurse and his decision was made because he was more educated than I am! Ugh!

In any case, one thing you need to understand is... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:17 PM on April 15, 2008

Sorry this is so long, but I thought it might help at least in the troubleshooting department. Also it illustrates how unhelpful the cable companies can be at times. caddis made it sound rather easy but as you'll see that's not always the case.

I had a nightmare of a situation with Mediacom. My house cable worked fine, but the internet didn't. It would start out okay, then slow down, then do nothing. For the first few months it would take awhile to shut off. It gradually... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 12:26 AM on April 15, 2008

I'm going to IM this to you just in case you don't see this reply right away. I've tried searching the page to see if anyone has posted this already and I don't see it. I apologize up front if I missed it. I was just reading my favorite blogs and came across a post I had missed last month. This is an article about your rights as a photographer, whether you're a professional or not.

Hopefully this will help you. :)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:23 AM on April 14, 2008

Sounds like trigeminal neuralgia/myalgia. Though I'm a nurse, I coincidentally suffer from the same thing. Have your friend see a neurologist to find out for sure.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 10:35 PM on April 6, 2008

I'd be careful if I were you on this subject. Let me put it this way; were it my boyfriend telling me he's jealous or resentful of the time I spend with my child, then out the door the boyfriend goes. My kids are only kids ONCE and there is no way I'm giving that up for anyone.

That said, you could bring up that YOU feel neglected, but I'd leave the boy out of it. After all it's really your feelings here that are the problem, the boy is a red herring. If your boyfriend... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:45 PM on April 6, 2008

Sorry, but I had to come back and post this...

@ janedoe: What I would recommend for you is to see a counselor. No, really. Clearly you have some family and relationship issues that need working out. I really feel for you and hope you can find some help.

@ the OP: Whatever you decide to do, please understand that the relationship your boyfriend has with his son is a healthy one. The ex is probably not as manipulative as you assume. Encouraging... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:53 PM on April 6, 2008

You have a point about the $20, but why pay if there is another solution for free? That's the main reason for this post after all.

No, I can't Gmail the files. For some reason Gmail says it's a file not allowed. As I mentioned, they're associated with applications. It must have something to do with an extension within the zip file, otherwise I can't imagine why Gmail won't allow it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:30 PM on March 20, 2008

Thanks to everyone who offered advice. On the subject of GmailFS or any other GDrive type option. It breaks TOS and accounts have been suspended over it. No thanks to that one. As I've mentioned, I need this to be available to me later and reliable. Obviously that doesn't win on that point.

The Firefox plugin is really cool, but the developer makes it clear (s)he may not continue it. So that's out, but is noted for something that would work. Perhaps for other files, I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 3:16 PM on March 22, 2008

Thanks kalessin! I'm really not concerned so much with encryption, except that I don't want my data damaged. It's research that I'm willing to share, I just need a place to put it is all. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:21 AM on March 29, 2008

I came up with this idea in Alaska, and I've done it ever since. It's so cheap you'll likely laugh, but will only work if you have a pine tree nearby.

Grab a handful of fallen, but not rotten, pine needles. Cover a cookie sheet with foil, spread the needles on the sheet and spritz gently with water (I've done it without the water too, but it seems to increase the scent) and pop it into a warm (NOT hot) oven. Tilt the oven door slightly open and voila! You have a nice... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 6:01 AM on March 26, 2008

No matter how I try to turn it around in my mind, I can't help feeling that you had it good but messed it all up. I don't mend to offend you, but it's how I feel. I know you said you didn't feel the same way about her anymore, but my lover now is my best friend. I mean, he's the bestest friend I've ever had. It's not all about passion and roses, it's about companionship and appreciation. It's about having fun and being happy. Sex is only an extra perk when you get down to it and trust me, I KNOW... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 7:44 PM on March 24, 2008

I was a nursing admin in the metro area for six years. I'm going to be frank with you here and it's not what you're going to want to hear, but it's unlikely he's going to find a good job as a PCT. There is a distinct difference between a PCT and a CNA. CNA's are most definitely wanted but PCT's lack the training that are needed for hands on care. I cannot tell you how many CNA's I have hired who were once PCT's who couldn't get a job. Unfortunately the advertising for these... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 7:21 PM on March 24, 2008

Today I was reading my favorite blogs when I came across an entry that discussed Blist. Blist is a site where you create databases and share them. I immediately was reminded about this post and thought I'd come here and mention it. There is a demo video too that you can watch, if interested.

Blist sounds promising. I can think of hundreds of things to do with Blist and this will be my new toy for awhile. ;)... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:50 AM on March 24, 2008

I took a computer class in 1989 and was told two spaces after a period is no longer correct. She explained the history of the typewriter and that two spaces was, at one time, functional but computers have eliminated the need. I can't remember WHY it was functional though. Figures.

I'll agree with the folks that "to" is optional. Although for me, I can see dropping "to" for headlines but in an actual sentence, I'd likely use it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:36 PM on February 28, 2008

As a former OB/GYN nurse, I can say with authority that what you want is very dangerous and can cause cancer. Even the very first poster (DarlingBri) has the answer dead wrong. You should never miss a period.

Clearly, you need to do some reading on what menstruation is and why you menstruate. There is a reason that your body does this. It isn't because it has nothing better to do. If you stop, you build up tissues that obviously are not sloughing off. The more build up... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 10:18 PM on February 27, 2008

As a nurse, I have this to say: Cancel the appointment.

Any physician convicted of a crime is not worth seeing. Put it this way... in the medical field when I apply for a job, I must have a criminal background check completed. I cannot get a job if I have any previous convictions and I'm only a nurse compared to that doctor! The standard for a doctor should be higher and you should seek another elsewhere.

I understand that people make mistakes,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 10:08 PM on February 27, 2008

Until recently, this would give me...

Actually this is not recent. It has been that way for at least a year and possibly more. As someone said, you are likely logged in. This doesn't answer your question, but just wanted to clarify that is all.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 10:03 PM on February 27, 2008

I'm very pleased with Loreal Superior Preference and I use 5-1/2 AM Medium Copper Brown. There are only two problems to begin with:

1. It stains the skin VERY quickly. If you don't notice a spot, it'll be stained, but only for a couple of days. If you're very careful, this won't be an issue. I have thick long hair, so there is no avoiding it for me, but that's not a problem for everyone. One thing I've learned to help that, is to rub a thin layer of conditioner in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 6:04 AM on February 27, 2008

Not sexy but really a good way to find out about others (as well as yourself) is The Ungame.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:11 PM on February 25, 2008

Um, you have a really good scanner. Anything by Canon is a decent deal. Remember that they are in the picture taking business and a sub-standard scanner wouldn't reflect too well on them. I'm not sure why you don't think it's up to the task. Can you expand on what the problem is as far as why you don't feel it works well for "archival work"?
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:55 PM on February 25, 2008

Id you still have your manual it should tell you how to best do chicken in that particular model. There are several types of crockpots/slow cookers and each one cooks differently. Unfortunately there is no standard when it comes to crock pots. If you have lost your manual, you can usually find them online by the manufacturer. It's very important to check that first and foremost.

I'm a crock pot ho and cook just about everything in there. Chicken, even with bones (I saw a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:47 PM on February 25, 2008

IF... that first word should've been if. *sigh* Sorry about that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:48 PM on February 25, 2008

GardenWeb is a definite MUST visit. These forums are loaded with people who know their stuff and can give you advice on just about anything you need. I've gone there for years and I've never not found what I needed.

The number of forums can be overwhelming, but just point out that you are new and they'll hold your hand all the way through. :)
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 6:44 AM on February 25, 2008

I am so very sorry. I left my husband after 20 years of marriage, but of course our situation was very different than yours. He was more than just a heavy drinker (which had only begun about 7 years before). I couldn't even have a conversation with him and I had warned him so much that I was going to leave, that I began to sound like a broken record. Naturally this is nothing like your situation, but I know how it feels to be attached to someone for so many years and to suddenly have it over.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:55 AM on February 24, 2008

How about weburbanist.com? It's my current web chocolate. I've spent more time than I ever should reading that site.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 12:05 AM on February 24, 2008

HG Wells was famous for his thoughts on this subject. Several of his books address these things, but keep in mind how dated they are now. Still though, it's literature at its best. There is Anticipations of the Reaction of Mechanical and Scientific Progress upon Human life and Thought, The Time Machine, and An Englishman Looks at the World. Somewhere up above, someone mentioned one of his works; though that one was not the suggestion, but... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:07 PM on February 23, 2008

This has absolutely NOTHING to do with your question, but when I bought this computer I found this list of clean free open source software... amazing. It has been my most favored list of all time. No, really.

Hopefully you'll find it as helpful as I did, if you didn't already know about it. Most meta-filter folks know as well as lifehackers. It's just a great list!... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:03 AM on February 23, 2008

You didn't mention the type of home you have. One really fun, cheap and rewarding thing to do is vegetable gardening. You could go to your library and check out a few local gardening books and go from there. Also this Frugal Gardening forum is an excellent resource.

One thing to know before you get started. You don NOT have to spend money to do it. The books will tell you to buy this and buy that. They'll tell you to test your soil, buy compost and all kinds of other... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 9:06 PM on February 22, 2008

@Cool Papa Bell: That just cracked me up.

Since you're also looking for watching input, you should also try the resources at enature.com. It's great as a "free" field guide where you can ID just about any bird easily. You can also keep a list of animals you see and get a list of local animals common to your zip code. It's a database dream!

It used to have an excellent feature that I unfortunately do not see anymore. In addition to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 12:59 AM on February 22, 2008 marked best answer

A true friend is with you through thick and thin, even when you've made mistakes. That said, I wouldn't have taken the 'truth out' advice, but what's done is done. Either way, if your friend doesn't come around, then sayonara. I know hearing "don't worry about it" is no help, but there is not much that you can do. Again, if he is a true friend he may be angry to begin with but will soon get over it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:05 AM on February 20, 2008

Just about anything by Google (Gmail, Reader, Notebook, Search) is simplicity with perfection. Graphics that are all over the place, glossy, flashing or anything else considered "fancy" is a waste of surfing/loading time. I'll instead pick another site that is less intrusive. The new cutting edge is simple and fast, period.

Note: Blazecock Pileon and gyusan... that was no help at all. Sorry, but that's the way it is. I would never visit those sites, ever.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:36 AM on February 12, 2008

you're joking, right?
Absolutely... NOT. Google is the only service that actually gets it right. MSN sucks, is in your face and wants to charge for most services. The load time for their pages takes eons and you have to use IE (an inferior browser and not my choice at all) to view most of their garbage. Yahoo... well the latest news about Yahoo kind of explains that problem.

Google is plain, but to the point. Try searching for Google... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 6:44 PM on February 17, 2008

I agree with gjc and rtha on this one, but I'd go further and suggest your favorite movies on DVD. I'm not sure which dialect of English you're looking at (British, American, Australian, etc.), but just pick any movies with the selected dialect you're wishing to speak, listen to it and then try to imitate how they say it.

Naturally I wouldn't pick any film with thick sub-regional English dialects such as My Cousin Vinny, Trainspotting, Fargo or Good Will Hunting.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 3:26 PM on February 17, 2008

Oh goodness. When someone mentions leaving a dog intact, it fuels canine fire. Listen, the only ones who are dead set against breeding are the ones who want to control every aspect of dogs, which were not designed by nature to be done that way. The kind of scientific control they want is the same as cloning really, and it just doesn't work. A dog is a pet and a friend. Just because they want to "breed out" imperfections only means that they no longer view dogs that way, but as an... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 7:34 AM on February 16, 2008 marked best answer

Anything by E.S. Posthumus is an excellent idea. They're already used by a number of movie trailers, commercials and TV shows. My favorite piece by them is Nara, which is loaded with feeling.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 1:22 PM on February 15, 2008

Oh and I forgot to mention... Probably their most recognizable piece is the one they do for NFL sports, titled Posthumus Zone [free mp3 sound here, from official site].
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 1:26 PM on February 15, 2008

I'm not a site owner so I can't recommend what to do, but I would definitely contact your credit card company and put the charges in dispute. According to Clark Howard:

"Make sure you file a dispute with your credit card company by the 55th day. A credit card is no better than cash if you go past 60 days without filing a dispute. The dispute will take months to process and really just helps you preserve your rights under the law. You can later release a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 8:43 PM on February 13, 2008

I will definitely third and fourth and even twentieth Rome. Both seasons are on DVD, and it's over now so no worries on unresolved plots. Just one word of caution though, there is some heavy sex and violence, but it is SO worth seeing! I would like to add that I personally feel Rome is probably the best show ever made. Just my opinion of course and I just ♥ Titus!
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 12:02 PM on February 12, 2008

Here's a Yelp review for one in Decatur:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/grow-salon-decatur

When I lived in Atlanta, nearly everyone I knew used it. I never did (I'm too damned cheap!) but they loved it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 11:42 AM on February 12, 2008

Years ago a company I worked for tried to kick start a new suggestion program and took into account that most employees would feel that no one really cared what we thought. To get it going good, all employees were asked to write down the "ONE stupidest" (yes, that is exactly how it was worded) thing we did and one idea to fix it.

It was a real success! The ideas came pouring in and while many were useless, many great ideas were implemented.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 5:33 AM on February 12, 2008

I think Arts & Letters Daily has a decent enough design and is likely what you're looking for. This allows for plenty of space to expand on loads of information.

HTH!
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 7:47 AM on February 11, 2008

It really depends on you and your needs. If you talk a lot, you might need to consider one company. If you seldom use it, you should consider another one. If you don't want to be locked into a contract, then you need yet another one. There is no absolute "best company" or "best service" or "best plan" out there.

Now that said, as far as listening to customer's wants and needs, T-Mobile seems to routinely win that hands down. For pricing?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 10:29 AM on February 9, 2008

Aha! The Outsiders was my favorite teen book of all time. So something teen angst then? I can't believe no one has mentioned Harry Potter! There's plenty of angst to be had and the movies don't do the books justice at ALL. The kids get older and there's quite a bit of angst to come. They are fantasy, but amazing.

I'll also second Louis Sachar and A Wrinkle in Time, and then there's also Sign of the Beaver, though it's not a series and is easily read in a couple of days.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by magnoliasouth at 10:28 PM on February 7, 2008