What's that Gloria Estaphan & MSM song that goes, "1-2-3-4-....come on baby, say you love me...5-6-7 times."? It's stopped haunting my life, but one summer when I was back in high school, it came on the radio so many times in one day that I actually wept in rage. (Might have been the same summer I discovered coffee?)

Another one is that Natalie Imbruglia tune, "Torn." In order to get to the point at which you really want to kill yourself, though,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 9:35 AM on July 25, 2008

I heard somewhere that hosts are encouraged to repeat the last word they said if they lose their place because it's easier to edit the extra words out than to fix up the tape if a host breaks rhythm. Of course, from your observations, it doesn't sound like these redundancies are being edited out.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 2:02 PM on July 24, 2008

To your first question: Do we need "help" like people say we do?
Answer: Although none of us sees the future, I'd say no. It's about being prepared, having a plan b, and being willing to have cereal for dinner sometimes. Naturally, there may be unforseeable complications (a longer-than-expected recovery), but as long as you're resourceful people with a reasonable amount of disposable income, I'd say address that need when it arises.

Also, for the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 11:34 AM on July 22, 2008

Didn't see ThePinkSuperhero's similar question because my search terms ("unwanted", "compliment") didn't turn up that question. Thanks for pointing it out.

I really like the following response (included in that batch of responses), which feels like the most sincerity I can pull off (because I really believe it): "All of us have something we don't like the size of." I think I might try that next time. Still would love to hear any other thoughts.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 11:16 AM on July 21, 2008

Aha-I just realized that I unintentionally omitted my sex: female. The people that are saying "I'm so fat" are women as well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 11:20 AM on July 21, 2008

I love wheat beers, but I find that a lot of our guests don't. I'd definitely also make available some light, flavorful Mexican-style beers. We favor Presidente, which offers a striking appearance, if nothing else. Otherwise, seconding Bohemia.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 2:31 PM on June 10, 2008

Sounds like you're describing, to a t, Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine. It's pretty handy--a nice small size for the kitchen shelf, contains a week's worth of easy-to-prepare recipes with a good balance of fresh and frozen/canned/pantry goods, and maximizes the use of the fresh food (so that the ginger you use in, say, the pork stir-fry on Monday gets used again in the asian peanut pasta sauce on Thursday - rather than rotting in the fridge for the next 3 weeks). Has a lot of little... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 6:29 PM on June 8, 2008 marked best answer

Oh - should have also asked: or, what stories about everyday things did your parents tell you?
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 10:10 AM on May 30, 2008

Seconding the snack idea. Having a healthy snack mix, like something with walnuts (if she likes them and if it's not contradicted by a history of allergies in the case of breastfeeding), would be great - or healthy oatmeal cookies/granola bars, because of the need for quick energy. Breastfeeding really takes it out of you, especially as the months go on, and having quick, healthy food athand between meals is critical and takes a lot of people off guard.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:54 AM on May 26, 2008

Barbara Pym, Excellent Women.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 3:30 PM on May 24, 2008

Carol Dweck wrote Mindset, which talks about their study that identified kids who prize process and those that perform for results only. What they found is that kids that get praised for outcome shy away from tasks that are hard (because they don't want to fail), and those that are praised for process *like* hard tasks because they are a challenge. I don't think the book is a how-to necessarily, but might be some good food for thought. In my opinion, identifying and trying to find ways to change... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 9:31 AM on May 23, 2008

I'd suggest starting with what you like - anything - even if it's something kind of lame or old. Then, figure out who else likes that particular song or band or style of music, then find out what *else* they like. This is one of the things that the Internet does best, of course. Doesn't mean that you'll like what they like (I usually like about 1 in 15 recommendations), but when it's a good match, it can be amazing.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 10:41 AM on May 21, 2008

I had a Maltese and my sister-in-law, who was allergic to everything, wasn't allergic to it. Although Maltese are small, white, fluffy, and tend to have top-knots (top-of-the-head pigtails tied with a fancy bow), they are actually quite sturdy, without the frailness of some lap-dogs. We kept ours shaved pretty close, like a little white polar bear (with no top-knot).
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 6:28 PM on May 8, 2008

Three letters: B L T.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 6:21 PM on May 8, 2008

I'd recommend Thomas Sweetland - not sure how to contact him, though. He was adjunct faculty (and taught CBT) at Simmons College of Social Work when I was attending their grad program in 2004-2006 (I took his class in 2005). I searched quickly online to see if he has contact info there, but the Simmons server is down (typical). You might try him here: thomas.sweetland@simmons.edu. If he doesn't have a private practive, he could no doubt give you a solid recommendation.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 3:56 AM on May 8, 2008

Seconding the CBT recommendation. I think the other suggestions are right on, too, but it's the difference between putting on a band-aid and addressing the underlying issue. CBT requires that someone be willing and able to take an honest look at themselves, and you sound like you could do it. The books tastybrains recommends are a good place to start, in my opinion.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 9:40 AM on May 5, 2008

(Disclaimer: I didn't read this book. But I'm good at follow-through.) If you have a planner, enter specific "appointments" with yourself to do specific things as follow-ups from the book. "Re-read Chapter 1" is too vague. You should schedule specific, small tasks that are doable in an hour or less. Also, break down the tasks whenever possible. For example, if the goal is "Visit my nephew more," you should write in a time to schedule a phone call with your nephew or... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 10:01 AM on April 28, 2008

Soaky in the pooper, by Lambchop.

Darn, someone else already said everything by the Beautiful South. I would add to Beautiful South recommendations: The Table and Should've Kept my Eyes Shut (these links are just to the lyrics, btw). Should've Kept my Eyes Shut is one of my favorites because of its unique genre--kind of a horror-movie/domestic violence scene sung by Briana Corrigan's preternaturally sweet, trilling voice.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 5:17 PM on April 18, 2008

I'm chiming in because this feels like the only question I'm qualified to answer today. Also because I do this - I always offer an out, perhaps to excess. I think posing a question like "if you have time" is perfectly polite and not too obsequious.

Also, just a note that the way I'm reading sully75's question is that he (I'm assuming) wants to meet up with this woman to talk about photography, although the proposed email sounds like he wants to meet up... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 2:40 PM on April 18, 2008

Whoa, tons of great info, lots of which makes sense in terms of my hair but I didn't know. Looking forward to trying out a lot of the tips. Thanks to everyone! Would love to hear more if anyone else out there wants to toss in 2 cents.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 5:30 PM on April 14, 2008

Update: Success already! Although I haven't had a chance to try out any of the styling product suggestions, I did the bend over and shake thing and no-touch until dry, and my hair already looks a lot better. Thanks all, I'll definitely give these suggestions a try.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:19 AM on April 15, 2008

Thanks to all for the suggestions, these are precisely the sort of alternates I was looking for. Very lovely.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 6:15 PM on April 7, 2008

As a (beginning) therapist, I have attended a professional develpment workshop by David Treadway, and have also read/admired his book Dead Reckoning. If I were looking for a couple therapist, I'd try him.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 11:03 AM on April 7, 2008

Also, the Family Institue of Cambridge is an excellent source for professional development for psychotherapists. Alothough they don't offer family therapy at the institute, their FAQ says that they could refer you to one of their faculty who has a private practice. Again, if I were looking for a couple's counselor, I would use the FIC as a resource. I know a few of their faculty professionally, and have been impressed by their sensitivity, reflective ability, and commitment. Note that this group,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 11:11 AM on April 7, 2008

Agree with the comments re readings and a 2nd opinion above. Wanted to add - I'm sure I'm stating the obvious here, but recurrence of conditions like this one are likely to pop up again in times of stress (considering marriage, although happy event, is one of the main life stressors and throws pretty much everyone off) - looks like you're dealing with the issue head-on, and my guess is that it the condition will quiet down again once you're through the next life stage (marriage). Best of luck.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 5:22 AM on April 4, 2008

What about J Jill?
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 2:25 PM on April 3, 2008

Heartburn? Sometimes heartburn/GERD can feel different than you'd expect, like heart symptoms.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:52 AM on March 28, 2008

From the 90s: Pizzicato Five, Happy Sad. Really would have chosen "Good!" from the same band but I can't find a video of it online.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:49 AM on March 28, 2008

I'm guessing it's probably apple juice concentrate? Often used as a replacement for sweetener.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 1:00 PM on March 20, 2008

A thought I have is that, since you were prompted to go to the hive mind to mine for ways to cope, a potentially positive place to reflect on your experience is post-op group therapy for those under 30. Not sure where you live, but many large hospitals host such groups, which might be helpful especially in recognizing that you are not alone, in hearing others put words to some parts of your own experience, and by finding out what helps others begin to find a "new normal" again. Best of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 11:59 AM on March 16, 2008

I think amtho has a good point - maybe it's okay if some sigs are self-congratulatory.

On the other hand, I sort of picture the sig being appended to very mundane emails, and it creating eye-rolling on the other end, like a recipient gets an email, "We're all going out to some crappy restaurant on Friday to celebrate Karen's birthday and Harry's pending retirement, who wants to carpool?" Followed by: "Please don't print this email! Just file it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 10:19 AM on March 14, 2008

I'm not sure, but there's a cheeky little funny moment in There's Something about Mary in which Ben Stiller melds the right/wrong pronounciations of the name, beautifully underscoring how bizarre the currently accepted pronunciation is.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 8:42 AM on March 10, 2008

I know littlerobot, I was going to add that perhaps it was the only funny moment in said movie (TSAM). Anyway, perhaps Favre's mispronunciation is preemptive, taking into account how many other players' names get mangled by the announcers?
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 8:49 AM on March 10, 2008

Jeanette Winterson, Isabel Allende, maybe Duras' The Lover (I didn't really take to that one but it came highly recommended).
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:51 AM on March 10, 2008

Just a note - pregnant women are advised to avoid "runny" eggs, so poached eggs and, I suppose, Prairie Oysters are out.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 10:34 AM on March 8, 2008

My 15-month-old toddler also dislikes omelets and scrambled eggs, so maybe the trick that works with her may also work with you? I use a fork to stir in one raw egg to the final stages of cooking pasta - say, when the pasta has about one or two minutes left to cook. Depending on the sauce you use to top the pasta, it just may mask the taste of the cooked egg bits enough to be palatable to you.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 10:37 AM on March 8, 2008 marked best answer

Sorry to throw another book/magazine recommendation in there, but a cookery book I like is Martha Stewart's Food Magazine, because each issue contains various "starter" concepts:
- Cooking for One
- Recipes from Readers
- Cooking for the week by building on a core list of ingredients - this means that half of the leftover bunch of cilantro that you used for Tuesday's burritos ends up getting chopped up and thrown into Thursday's turkey burgers.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 5:02 AM on March 4, 2008

This might be not at all relevant, but just want to throw this into the mix because there is some talk about your friend's mental health. As someone who has worked as a therapist in more than one psychiatric ward, I hear a few things in this story that indicate that a serious mental health problem *may be* at work: often, young people who experience their first psychotic break as a young adult (early 20s) have performed fine at high school/college (where they were often social, high functioning... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 5:56 AM on March 1, 2008 marked best answer

A response to your comment about "replaying" the moment of euthenasia -- when I lost my dog last year, I kept "replaying" the moment I found him in the midst of having a seizure, which led to a diagnosis of cancer and, after a few short weeks, necessary and merciful euthanasia. In addition to finding ways to reminisce and memorialize my pet (as suggested above), I found it helpful to select a happy memory of the pup (in my case, it was that moment when we would get to the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:54 PM on February 27, 2008

Re my comment about "literally replacing" the image - what I mean is that when I'd find myself replaying the seizure, I would "replace" it with the happier memory. Hope it makes sense.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:55 PM on February 27, 2008

Depending on the size of your freezer and how often the compost goes out, you might consider keeping a large container in the freezer into which you add compost food scraps. The food will freeze, making removal pretty easy and relatively odorless, although you will need to wash the container out every couple of weeks for the gross factor.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 3:08 PM on February 27, 2008

Good question - if you're happy the way you are (or as happy as the average person is), I'm all for working with your strengths. Don't know what kind of a commitment you're looking for (i.e., short-term job vs career), but if you would consider grad school, the library sciences offer good opportunities for solo work. You'd want to go more in the direction of cataloguer (rather than reference librarian) or archivist. I did some graduate-level study in the field a few years ago and am left with... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 6:57 AM on February 22, 2008

I hear you - we turned 35 this year and are in a baby boom of sorts. I like Global Sistergoods - it was started by a former Peace Corps member and sells crafts made from women from several African countries as well as a few other places. Their key purpose is to pay the women good wages and spread information about the difficult living and work conditions faced by women all of the world. (Not just lip service - for each item, they are very specific about where the profits go.) They have baby... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 3:52 PM on February 19, 2008

Related to mpls's last comment - this is not a comment, but along the same lines - if another driver honks at me or makes a rude gesture, I often smile and wave - not in a sarcastic way, but in a happy way, like I thought they were waving to me. It always cracks me up (and so far hasn't resulted in scary road rage).
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 4:52 PM on February 16, 2008

Have to second Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House - it's rare in that it's both encyclopedic and a joy to read chapter by chapter. A most excellent gift for a newlywed couple or a new homeowner. Very detailed instructions on the best way to care for absolutely everything in your house.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 12:23 PM on February 16, 2008

Can you specific type of business? Even if you're not seeking relevant information, might be helpful to know what to steer clear of.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 12:39 PM on February 15, 2008

Agreed, on reflection, to game warden's point that the placement of the word "but" suggests that "throwing shadows" would fall short of a good thing (and not be "the worst thing"). Lends further credence (and gives me more satifaction in) the interpretation of my friend + skylar, sweetkid, hubris, et al. Thanks to all for your contributions!
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 8:28 AM on February 15, 2008

Not sure what the genre is called, but Esquivel has a CD called "Space-Age Bachelor Pad Music" that might fit the bill. Check out the tune Surfboard. It's sort of like a kitchy latin lounge vibe.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 7:49 AM on February 13, 2008

An admirable goal. I often "offer to help" rather than "step in and help," and I think it is the "stepping in and helping" people that really show their caring. That is, it's nice to tell someone who is in the process of moving that you're available to help them move, but a friend who is being really thoughtful is more likely to simply act and provide something helpful, such as a gift certificate to a bed/bath store, or a freezable casserole for the early move-in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 8:11 AM on February 12, 2008 marked best answer

Our favorite is Arrested Development. It's three seasons, most episodes contributing to a progression such that you get every in-joke, but each one stands alone wonderfully as well. Ironically, it won an Emmy for best writing in a comedy series in 2005, the year that it was cancelled. Woefully short-lived.
posted to Ask Metafilter by dreamphone at 7:37 AM on February 12, 2008 marked best answer