i heard on NPR about a facebook app that compares your facebook-friends names to voter registrations. Basically it shows which of all those 'loud-mouthed hotheads who talk about how they are going to vote' are actually able to vote. Apparently, voter registration among young people in these college towns is going up.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 7:19 PM on October 4, 2008

link i think to the facebook thing i was talking about.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 7:21 PM on October 4, 2008

please don't encourage bringing back a carved pumpkin. I remember as a kid being so proud of my carved pumpkins and if they had gone missing i would have been devastated.

that being said, the rest of the things on that list are great.

you could also add things like "witches wart" or "essence of ghost" and see how creative people get. (someone could bring back a pebble for the wart and a cotton ball for the ghost)
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 7:11 PM on October 4, 2008

why does the owner want the dog back? Are they attached or is it a scam to get your friend's money. No matter what, if it does go back to the original owner get teh money first, no if's, and's or but's. Even if it isn't a scam, get the money first, no sympathy on this point.

The moment I set my eyes on my baby i was in love. If her original owner had at any point asked for her back, I don't think i could have done it. Try... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 7:04 PM on October 4, 2008 marked best answer

When I take the bus to work a simple 8 mile trip turns into 1hour+ And since I get motion sickeness from trying to read while moving stuff like books and stuff are a no go for me.

I listen to music, podcasts and audio books on my ipod, as well as people watch. If I wasn't prone to motion sickness i would probably invest in a mini dvd player and work on whittling down my movies-to-watch list or a game boy (or whatever they are called now).
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 5:43 PM on October 1, 2008

Not being able to sit still is not a disability.

Unless you have ADHD in which case it is a disability. But at this point it certainly isn't worth the time, money and effort to be diagnosed ;)

agreeing that going through you employer is your best bet.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 10:29 PM on September 26, 2008 marked best answer

i have seen this in other places than toronto. I figure

1. they are doing stunts

or

2. they have just stolen the bike from some poor little kid.

or

3. they enjoy looking like douchbags
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 10:21 PM on September 26, 2008

I was on adderall XR before I started on Vyvanse. So far Vyvanse has been better for me than adderall, but everyone's body/brain chemicals are different.

Finding the right dose and right medication is time consuming and can be expensive.

One thing I really found is that medications are not some super duper pills that will make you perfectly "normal". You need to work with you medications in order to experience the best results. When I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 10:18 PM on September 26, 2008 marked best answer

roofus, in cases of dire emergency, there may not be time to crossmatch. Of course if it is that dire, you might not be conscious enough to tell them what type you are...

It is also important to know for traveling. I'm Bneg and can only receive blood from other Bnegs and O negs. In many countries both of these types are hard to come by and being for-warned is for-armed or something like that.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 2:26 AM on September 25, 2008

Just found this site today and it lifted my spirits.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 12:14 PM on September 24, 2008

I am prone to yeast infections and uti's. Frozen plain yogurt in a cardboard tampon application is really nice for yeast infections, even if it is a bit messy. Other than that, what helped me avoid them in the first place was going without underwear in bed to help keep things "breathable" down there and when first getting out of the shower, shooting a blow dryer on cool on the outside. Also switching to mostly using a Diva Cup instead of mostly tampons has had a positive effect as the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 2:30 PM on September 23, 2008

If you don't have a food mill, applesauce is still really easy. Core and peel however many apples you want and splash a bit of water in a pot (so the bottom doesn't burn). I usually put in enough water to go half way up the apples. Sprinkle a bit of sugar in it and simmer, stirring occasionally until mushy (most of the water will evaporate, and the house will smell delicious). add a bit of cinnamon, nutmeg and more sugar (doesn't need much) to taste. Mashing with a potato masher will help as... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 2:07 PM on September 23, 2008

Oh yeah, for breakfast (or dessert) cut cored apples into rings and put a small dab of butter in a frying pan. Lightly toast with cinnamon.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 2:10 PM on September 23, 2008

offer to mow her lawn or pick up mail/water plants or check in on her house if she needs to go out of town. Even if it she doesn't take you up on your offer, she will probably appreciate knowing that if there is an emergency she can ask you for a quick favor. At the end of your offer tag on "oh, and if you notice any issues with the connection let me know and I can help work out the bugs" Streaming music shouldn't be a problem but in case it is, she will feel more comfortable telling... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 1:57 PM on September 23, 2008

Couple of points I am curios about. Please correct me if I am mistaken:

In a 6–3 decision in April written by John Paul Stevens, Crawford v. Marion County Election Board , the Supreme Court upheld a 2005 Indiana law requiring voters in that state to produce a government document with a photograph at the polls. In practical terms, this meant a passport or a driver's license.

In practical terms this also means a state ID... [more]
posted to MetaFilter by silkygreenbelly at 1:38 AM on September 23, 2008

I really liked postcards, pictures and letters. Nothing expensive. Agreeing with gemmy about the taco seasoning. Magazines in English would be a good thing to send too.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:30 PM on September 21, 2008

Is he defiantly outside? Cats are full of mischief. Absinthe once hid in the space between the some books and the back of the bookshelf. Another time I thought she'd gotten out but it turned out she had managed to get in the basement (naughty kitty).
Another time she did get out and came back soaking wet from getting rained on.

Both times she came back after we shook a few kernels of food in the cup we use for scooping dry food. Opening a tin of wet food... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:25 PM on September 17, 2008

Also, when I was in high school we had an outdoor feral cat we had adopted. When she came back from the vet (spaying and shots) she wasn't supposed to exercise too much so we left her in her cat carrier overnight. The next morning the door was popped open and the carrier was halfway across the yard. I was sure I would never see her again. She didn't come back that night and I was miserable thinking she was gone forever. But the next morning, there she was with her little "Where the f-- is... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:31 PM on September 17, 2008

If you do end up leaving your door ajar, only open it just far enough for a cat to squeeze in. Both may cats seem to think this is more secure (stealthy?) than a wide open door. Also, for your safety put a tight wedge in it so it can't be opened further and hang out near the door so you can hear if some one is approaching.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:41 PM on September 17, 2008

Sometimes it is very effective to glance at the jokester with a disappointed, slightly pitiful, slightly sarcastic look without saying anything. When I give this look my eyebrows furrow just a bit and a corner of my mouth goes slightly up. If you aren't already facing the jokester don't shift your head, just your eyes. This looks says "Really? Let's grow up a bit," with the benefit of not actually having to say anything witty.

However, like any comeback, it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 7:49 PM on September 17, 2008

You probably should avoid blocking the window as this could be a fire hazard. As much I don't like confronting people, I think you are going to have to for this one.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 8:22 PM on September 13, 2008

Possibly have some scarves or extra little gypsyish type costume addons onhand for people who's costumes need a bit extra help or to offer as prizes.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 2:05 AM on September 8, 2008

My first and last name are just about as simple as you can get, but I still have to spell them out.
"My name is Blank Blank. B-l-a-n-k B-l-a-n-k."
Every time.
Often with the same people.
Over and over and over.
And they still spell it wrong.

Honestly, I am used to it, and it isn't bothersome at all, just a fact of life.
If I asked my parents, "Why did you pick Blank for my name?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 6:14 PM on September 7, 2008

and Eve. I love Eve.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 6:15 PM on September 7, 2008

If you want them, get them. You can always take them out.

I am not a 30 year old man, but I did have my own pierced for awhile. Never worried about ripping them out. If I saw a man with them, I would not assume he was gay. I did not know they were supposed to be a "gay" thing on men. As to whether they look good, I think it completely depends on the person. There are some men I would find them attractive, even sexy on, and some men it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 5:31 PM on September 7, 2008

Rollerskating works too. It is kinda cheezy, but surprisingly lots of fun, even if you are a novice. Nice and public to.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 5:13 PM on September 7, 2008

“engage customers in a conversation … to get the conversation going again about what Windows means in people’s everyday lives.”

I saw the ad. I talked about it with my boyfriend. The result of the conversation was "This was a horrible, horrible idea. If no one at microsoft was smart or ambitious enough to pull this before it became public, then we really, really don't want to invest money into their products."
posted to MetaFilter by silkygreenbelly at 5:06 PM on September 6, 2008

late to the party, but I love my pocket rocket and can higly recommend it for a first-timer. Sex Toys 101 is great book to see pictures of and learn about lots of different types of toys. Not that you have to try them all, but I liked how I was able to curl up in my own private space and read it.

another great non-scary toy is the nubby g as it feels great used completely outside, but can fit inside too.

I am not big on movie/video porn and at... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 10:43 PM on August 29, 2008

Kevnmo, thanks for this question, I just learned a lot about driving out here.

To tailgate on this question (I hope I am not breaking mefi etiquette) What if I front-end someone with my back- end? I just moved to WA and drive a stick. It seems when I am stopped at a light on a hill, the majority of cars will pull up behind me as close as possible. What happens if I roll backwards into them? I drive a truck with a lift-kit and the possibility of scratching up the hoods... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 3:38 PM on August 29, 2008

While keeping them in water might not kill them, I can't think of any reason that, after purchase, mussels should get submerged in water. I have always kept them in the fridge on ice with a wet paper towel over them (as was recommended by the seafood department I used to get them at) and never had problems. Also, if the water gets to room temperature it might encourage bacteria growth.

defcom1, floaters should be fine as long as they open and close (keeping in mind... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 3:18 PM on August 29, 2008

(I have substituted red for white wine in an emergency and they were still wonderful, although the shallots turned pink)
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 3:21 PM on August 29, 2008

I didn't pick up on the fact it was an ad for headhunters. What was the add part? Was it the logo toward the end? I thought that was the group who produced the video. Not being a developer, perhaps that is why I didn't/don't see the ad part. In a relationship with a developer, I thought it was funny and it brightened my day a bit.
posted to MetaFilter by silkygreenbelly at 1:54 PM on August 29, 2008

For me there is a lot of smelling. And a whole heap of trial and error.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 12:11 PM on August 27, 2008

Send him postcards. Or a letter. My sister likes to make artsy cards and notes with I like getting. A funny pen One of the fun klutz books (some of which are good just for kids and some are for kids at heart). and I am agreeing with Madamina about herbs and spices.

If you really really have to absolutely send food, simply ask him first. "Is there any treat you'd like me to send?... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 10:52 PM on August 23, 2008

If they haven't been declawed and your apartment will let you, mount a sisal covered 8' 2x4 vertically on a wall. They will love climbing all over it (especially if you rub catnip into it). Climbing vertically will help give their muscles exercise if they can't run. It will also give them a place to scratch so they don' t ruin your bed, couch, etc.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 7:57 PM on August 23, 2008

empty pop can with a few pennies inside. shake only when kitty is misbehaving. (not when it walks to you while eating, but if it gets its head around your plate.)
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 7:04 PM on August 23, 2008

I'm all for the playing sick route to get out of doing things you don't want to.

Once you get home put on gentle music, fill the tub up with hot soapy water and maybe light some candles. If you don't have a bathtub, fill up the biggest pot you have with hot soapy water and soak your feet while watching a good movie.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 10:25 AM on August 18, 2008

Great post! I loved the National Geographic maps from my dad's NG as a kid. Until I left for college my bedroom was literally wallpapered with them. I had pretty much forgotten about them until i saw your post. This is great as I love to look at their maps but can't quite afford a subscription yet.
posted to MetaFilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:17 AM on August 15, 2008

I've made a couple clocks. you can get the mechanisms at many craft stores. usually they will have a number somewhere like 3/4" or 1/2" and this is how long the shaft for the hands is. If your wood is thin, you don't want a long shaft sticking out from the face. At craft stores you can also find some awesome things like glass beads that make great markers for the "numbers" of a clock.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 2:14 PM on August 12, 2008

I tutored two Burmese refugees in English language and culture. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences ever. We had to wait for them to get state id's before we could get library cards and the day that one of them came in the mail we HAD to go to the library. He was so excited to get that card it was amazing.

I volunteered through P.A.R.A. Refugee which is a branch of Bethany Christian Services. PARA is government funded so even as an agnostic I didn't feel... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:31 AM on August 12, 2008

I loved reading time. Just after recess the teacher would read from a chapter book and we were supposed to draw pictures of what was happening. It was a great way to settle down from recess without having to jump into lessons right away.

I also enjoyed marble parties. Put marbles in a jar when kids are good and take them out when kids are bad. Bring in a snack and watch a movie when the jar is full.

I also LOVED days when we got to watch movies... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:08 AM on August 12, 2008

nice thick foundation and maybe a pair of pantyhose if possible. anecdotal google evidence says "Arnica" might help
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 12:21 AM on August 12, 2008

As a kid I remember trying to explain to a friends how people I met were all different colors (blue, red, green, etc). Don't see the colors or hear the sounds anymore, except under certain circumstances. Under these circumstances almost any external stimuli triggers multiple senses (same triggers produce the same results) which usually makes me feel a very warm and fuzzy sort of nostalgic for my childhood.
posted to MetaFilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:38 AM on August 6, 2008

Update: We did end up driving through them (via 240). It was absolutely amazing and worth every extra mile and then some. Thanks to all you mefites that chimed in.
We were floored by the fact that there is flat prairie for miles and then suddenly WHAM! beautiful rock formations, cliffs and valleys. I went camera happy.

All I can say is that I am thankful ask.metafilter is here with so many people with such quick responses.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 1:49 PM on August 4, 2008

Don't touch yourself in public.

Seriously.

I take the bus a lot and i see a wide variety of people. I've seen a lot of lower class people sit there, on the bus, in public, picking their nose, scratching their balls, picking at scabs, etc. They are also usually slouching, often wearing either very worn, ratty clothes or over the top white leather jackets with dollar symbols all over it.

that being said, a lot of it is in how you hold yourself.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 9:33 PM on July 25, 2008

not that you seem like some one who would.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 9:37 PM on July 25, 2008

being cold or eating cold food can shut or slow down cat's digestive systems. My cats seem confused when I drop an ice cube in their water. But they drink it all the same. I usually do this on really hot days when i am bored.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 10:52 PM on July 24, 2008

Twig, by Elizabeth Orton Jones. THE best young children's book ever (imho). Followed closely by the previously mentioned, My Father's Dragon.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 9:21 PM on July 23, 2008

If I enter your store and I am having a conversation with someone (who came with me or on the phone) do not interrupt.

Do not block my path in order to say you are there to help.

If you need to go to the back, tell me if you expect it is going to take 15 minutes.

If you get a commission on sales don't act like it. This is possibly the most annoying thing I have had while shopping.

Don't... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 6:09 AM on July 23, 2008

just read the part about the small critters so ignore my point about the rat.
posted to Ask Metafilter by silkygreenbelly at 11:33 AM on July 21, 2008