Displaying comments 1 to 50 of 168
Ask post:
How to relate to my parents during their divorce?
Great advice from Punctual.
I went through something similiar. You need to just let it play out and not give the impression that you are choosing a side here.
This isn't your cross to bear. So don't make it your problem. It isn't that much different from some of your break-ups, in that it still can be painful for everyone involved, but most people get through it and are able to move on.
Your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 9:22 AM on June 30, 2008
Ask post:
Vietnam War Songs.
Not sure if this is exactly what you are looking for, but there is a great song Johny Cash did, not that long ago, that I find almost haunting. It's called "Drive On" and is a really great song on a great CD
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 7:13 PM on June 29, 2008
marked best answer
Ask post:
Which cellphone, plan, carrier combo for international traveler?
AT & T looks like the one you need if you don't want T-mobile, but want to be able to swap SIMS.
Make sure when picking out phones you test how easy the back opens. I have a Samsung BlackJack and curse myself everytime I try to take the back off, you practically need the Jaws of Life to get at the damn SIM
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 6:45 PM on June 29, 2008
Ask post:
Anybody have ideas about a cheap way to get a couch from Austin to Fort Worth?
Don't know what your idea of inexpensive is, but I'd think the cheapest would be pick it up
You could rent one of those enterprise cargo vans for 1 day and go pick it up.
Van will run you about $ 65 for the day ( more if you take out insurance)
you are looking at about 400 mile roundtrip. if you get only 12 mpg you are looking at 33 gallons of gas. if gas cost you $ 4.50 a gallon thats about $ 150 worth of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 7:10 AM on June 29, 2008
Ask post:
Help me get a raccoon out of a stomrdrain before the big storm!
if you have a pick or large crowbar, you can try using leverage to list the grate. they usually just sit and are not sealed or fastened, just heavy!
you could always call the NON EMERGENCY line of the local police deptartment and ask them who you can contact. they are ususally helpful in a situation like this
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 5:29 AM on June 28, 2008
marked best answer
Storm drains have pipes that go somewhere, usually do a dry pond that the rain water drains into. the little guy probably entered the pipe and followed it to the end, which is the catch basin at the street.
therefore he's probably not so much " trapped", but more "lost" and may find his way out if left to his own devices. An upcoming storm may even help him find his way back out, as the rain may "wash" him out
it... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 6:53 AM on June 28, 2008
Ask post:
Don't take my drink away!
Cecil County, MD allows sunday sales, and there is a 7-11 on route 40 in Perryville I know of that sells Beer and wine, as do a couple gas station convience stores
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 8:17 PM on June 27, 2008
Also one thing Maryland does that I have not seen in other states is they require a "keg license".
Basically when you buy a keg in Maryland they copy all the info from your drivers License, and slap it on a label that gets put on the keg.
It is my understanding it is illegal to posses a keg in the state of Maryland that does not have this sticker. I guess the idea is if the cops roll up on party in the woods and find a bunch of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 8:23 PM on June 27, 2008
Ask post:
Money is tight but I'll do the $16 if I have to
If it weighs less than 13 ozs, sent it FIRST CLASS instead of Priority. Priority Mail is the EXACT SAME as FIRST CLASS as far as handeling is concerned.
I ship priority and first class all the time, and for the most part it's very fast and reliable. I've had packages go coast to coast in TWO days!!
Here's the other thing to keep in mind regarding express Mail, Fed-ex, UPS and the rest.
they DO NOT really guarantee that your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 7:53 PM on June 27, 2008
Ask post:
outlet mishap
if you jarred the outlet, as others mentioned, most likey you will be able to sniff around the outlet, and smell a burnt plastic , or smokey smell
Your dishwasher is most likey connected to a GFCI, and the outlet in question is probably on that same branch, but you may need to pull the diswasher out to get to reset it
can you see the outlet that your diswasher is connected to?
did you check the circuit breaker that... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 7:34 PM on June 27, 2008
Ask post:
Why do they hate me?
I'm one of these people who simply chooses not to be insulted. Maybe it's because I usually don't mean ill will when I break people's chops, so I assume they feel the same way when they give it to me.
I realize it's easier said than done, but you have the choice to either take this as playful banter among co-workers, or as a stone-cold assult, so why not choose the one that makes you happier?
try it, you'd be suprised how easy it is!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 7:21 PM on June 27, 2008
Ask post:
Cushy playroom flooring on a shoestring budget, please!
We wanted to designate a play area in our finshed basement and used brightly colored iterlocking foam mats we got at Sams Club
it looks very playful, the kids love it, and it cost next-to-nothing ( 250 sq ft will run you about $150)
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 8:58 AM on June 26, 2008
Oh, yea. I should also add tat it installs like a jig saw puzzle, can be cut easily with scissors if you need to shape it, and provides a nice cushion for falls and tumbles. cleans easily with soap and water
My little ones love it
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 9:02 AM on June 26, 2008
FYI on the foam mats - we got some from my sister-in-law when she discovered deep teeth marks in them from her son. She was worried that he would bite off a chunk and aspirate it. My in-laws tend to be far more asphyxiation-phobic than my family, but even that gave me pause.
I'm sure you could bite a chunk off if you tried hard enough, but it would probably be easier to simply take a sock off your foot and stick that in your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 11:01 AM on June 26, 2008
Ask post:
How do you know when you’ve been legitimately fired? No, I'm not as dumb as I sound here...
if you are an at will employee, I don't think a lawyer will be able to do much for you.
if they listed the reasonong as imcompetence, you may have trouble getting unemployment, but that depends a lot on the state you are in.
If it were me, I'd just move on. If your industry is as small as you say, the last thing you want is a judge AGREEING with your ex-employer that you were, in fact, incompotent!!
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 6:09 PM on June 25, 2008
Ask post:
Should I take this relationship to another level?
it will definetly change the relationship, and there will be no going back, but that doesn't mean it won't work out great.
You can ask everyone in the world, but only you know what's right for you, and there is no guarentee it won't be a disaster, but it could also be great, especially if you go into it knowing what you want, and not trying to fool yourself.
good luck
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 6:02 PM on June 25, 2008
Ask post:
Am I a sucker?
yup, they're scams. You'll end up spending a lot more than you make.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 5:54 PM on June 25, 2008
Ask post:
Why is my minivan not selling?
In this market EVERYTHING but the very best deals are sitting.
Keep in mind that it's an election year. Most businesses report drop-offs during election years, as people tend to be a little more conservative before an election for some reason.
then there is the overall economy slowdown (recession, depression, whatever...) Talk to your local hairstylist, baker, waitress, home depot employee, etc. Pretty much everybody will tell you people... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 5:35 PM on June 25, 2008
Ask post:
I have so much _____ to give, I just don't know where to put it!
if you were applying for a sales job, I would say go for it. Shows great initative, willingness to find the decision makers, willingness to cold call, etc....
In the academic world, my guess is this would be frowned upon. they like their processes and procedures, and i think this would come accross not really as desperate, but certainly as inapproriate at the very least
good luck
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 5:25 PM on June 25, 2008
Ask post:
Water well and propane heating
there are no "hard fast rules" for well water quality. I have been in areas where private wells provide the best water you ever tasted with no treatment needed, and other places where you need to spend a fortune on water treatment only to get your water to taste and smell decent. The same is true of public water in different areas.
for that matter, i've seen both public water, and private wells with "fire hydrant" type pressure, and others that are... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 5:11 AM on June 25, 2008
Ask post:
Help me be a tattletail without getting told on
What would happen if people knew you were the rat?
More than likely people will be fired if this is looked into at all, somebody could even go to jail (but I doubt my company would risk any negative press). there are a lot of otherwise good people that know about this but choose to ignore it since "it's not their problem". This would also be obvious if investigated, and I imagine they would at least be reprimanded for doing nothing.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 10:48 AM on June 9, 2008
Regarding the fear of being fired/convicted - If you blow the whistle to proper authorities, the Sarbanes-Oxley act is supposed to protect against such retaliation.
True, but I still have to able to prove that they threw the brick through my windsheild
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 11:06 AM on June 9, 2008
Ask post:
Take My Stuff - Please!
if you are moving for work, see if you can use their UPS account #, and then reimburse them. if they have a commercial account they probably get at least 30% lower rates. also have the stuff shipped to a commercial adress rather than your new pad, you will save another 10+ percent.
I have a buddy who says he has shipped stuff via Greyhound bus. I have never tried this, but he says it is CHEAP, you may want to look into that option as well
The... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 8:29 PM on May 27, 2008
Ask post:
My Options: Rip Off or Blow Up?
One last tip. Use the YELLOW Teflon tape, not the white. The white stuff is for water, the YELLOW is specially designed for natural gas and propane. Other than that I think the other two posters have it covered
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 12:02 PM on May 27, 2008
Ask post:
Cheapest Flight to Anywhere
if you just need to buy a ticket, check out their weekly specials, sometimes as low as $39 roundtrip for say, newark to buffalo
this week there is Newark to Bermuda for $120 round trip, but it is not unusual to see much cheaper deals
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 11:56 AM on May 27, 2008
Ask post:
Being laid off, while being offered a new job at the same place. Severance available?
i know it varies from state to state, but for the most part you can only get Severance if you have an employment contract from your employer stating that severance will be provided if you are terminated ( there are also usually other condidtions that have to be met)
you might be able to get umemployment, but probably not if you are turning down a position that is equal to what you had, at equal pay.
i don't think this is the "golden... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 12:08 PM on May 20, 2008
Ask post:
Vacation Cell Phone in London?
i also did the unlock my phone, buy a sim card route. worked great.
i got my SIM card on ebay, for like $10, then when i got to Ireland, popped the sim card into my phone, walked into a gas station and bought a prepaid card for that brand, and loaded the minutes.
This gives you a local number, so if you want people at home to be able to reach you, just email or text them the phone number associated with the sim card.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 9:20 AM on May 19, 2008
Ask post:
Was my memory forgoten?
THANKS!!
I use the USB port on the front, so I never noticed that the model number is on the front as well. The front of my computer says PCV-RX850, the tag on the back ( which I was looking at) says, says PCV-7762
I'm wondering if they used different model numbers of the same computer for different retailers, so they could say " if you find the same model at a lower price we will refund the difference...."
thanks
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 11:35 AM on May 18, 2008
Ask post:
Keyless door locks
They are subject to code grabbing as others have mentioned above.
For the price of one of those keypad locks you can buy 3 or 4 decent keyed units and simply swap them out when ever you turn over tenants
If you really want to make your life easy, buy 4 good quality locks, have them all Master Keyed, NOT keyed-alike. that way your master key will work on any of the locks, but your tenants keys will be specific to the individual lock, so your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 10:54 AM on May 18, 2008
Ask post:
The Aerogramme Over The Sea
In the US it's the postage class that matters, not the box/envelope . although many of the USPS tellers still don't understand this.
Also, be aware that items over 16 oz must be taken to a post office in person.
i think it's international items over 16 oz BEARING stamps that must be taken to the post office in person.
i ship internationally all the time through USPS, mostly 4lbs or less, and print my... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 6:41 AM on May 16, 2008
Ask post:
Your art was the prettiest art of all the art...
I don't know if it would interfere with the overall "look", but I think the most secure, no damaging, method would be also be the easiet.
Mirror clips. The little clear plastic, or metal clips that hold your surface mount bathroom mirror on the wall.
Depending on the overall weight of this piece, you could probably get away with using just 4 clips: 2 on the top, 2 on the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 3:00 AM on May 16, 2008
Ask post:
Where should i sell my cards?
we have a small gift shop and we get people who just walk in and show us their stuff all the time.
The biggest problem is most of them are not organized and when we ask them how much they cost most of them begin to him-and-haw like they never even thought about that before.
If you are going to simply start cold calling area shops, I would suggest you get organized first.
Print up a little catalog, or at least a price... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 4:25 AM on May 15, 2008
I don't know if you are in a position to do this or not, but here is an almost can't miss way to get some placement in smaller indepentant "mom and pop" type stores
Buy some racks, the standup spinning kind, or at least the counter top kind.
figure out how many card will fill it. ( let's say it's 20 pockets, each holds 10 cards = 200 total cards)
figure out how much you want to charge for the cards (let's say... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 11:25 AM on May 15, 2008
Ask post:
What can I expect from my colonoscopy?
This is wild, I am literally half way finished drinking my GALLON of "drain cleaner" right now. My appointment is tomorrow morning.
I haven't eaten since 10 o'clock last night. just coffee, sierra mist, and the dreaded GoLytel so far today. I am anxious about this as well, but i am doing mine more out of preventive maintence than an actual "medical need"
the 'cleansing of the system" has been a real treat so, I'm... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 4:07 PM on May 14, 2008
Ask post:
Cuban cigars in Toronto
Don't spend too much money, since US Customs will take them away from you if they happen to check you out and find them
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 4:06 AM on May 14, 2008
Ask post:
Coffee Antidote For Falling Asleep?
i find that for me it's more about my state of mind than my caffine intake.
if my mind is relaxed, i can drink two cups right before bed and still get to sleep. If I'm anxious simply smelling decaf brewing makes me feel like Red Bull has been injected into my veins
when i can't sleep, i find playing a game like solitare for a while gets me to focus on something else and helps clear my mind of whatever it is that's keeping me awake
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 3:54 AM on May 14, 2008
Ask post:
Pads Shriek Only AFTER The Brake Job
if you paid to have it done, I'd take it back and have it fixed.
More than likely, the above posts are correct, but it's hard to diagnose a problem like this in this format.
it could be the brake quiet wasn't used, as others have mentioned. Knave suggested that the noise you are hearing is the indicators ( tabs on brake pads that will grind against your rotors when the pad gets low, to let you know you need brakes before the rotors got scored to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 6:37 PM on May 13, 2008
Ask post:
Dry out moist fertilizer for drop spreader?
Get a bag of pelletized (not granular) limestone, put a small amount of the scotts in a bucket, mix in a handful of granular lime, stir it well with a stick or small shovel. Pour into your drop speader and spread. then mix up another patch, and continue. the lime is good for the grass and will help keep the Scotts from clogging.
do a little bit at a time, if you put too much in the spreader and it's sticky, the mere weight of it all will cause it clog your spreader.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 6:21 PM on May 13, 2008
Ask post:
New Orleans fell through, so let's try something else that's new!
park somewhere and train in. A parking ticket in the city starts a $110, so if the train costs you $16 it's still a bargin.
East and West village are still pretty cool places with relatively inexpensive places to eat and drink.
You don't really need to carry a map around, if you remember that the STREETS run east and west, the AVENUES run north and south. So if you are walking on seventh ave, and the streets numbers are getting larger, you are... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 12:01 PM on May 13, 2008
Ask post:
Simple music machine for kids?
I got my kids a little Drum Set ( $100 at sams club) and the LOVE it. What's amazing is thereare times when they are pounding on it and it actually sounds like they know what they are doing
The other nice thing is when i have company that has overstayed their welcome, I simply encourage the kids to show our guests how well they can play their drums. It must do something for the part of the brain that is in charge of appointments, because usually after a 5 minute... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 10:07 AM on May 13, 2008
Ask post:
Apart from that it's an awful idea.
I think one point most responses have missed is the idea that perhaps you feel that having sex might actually be a BOOST to your self esteem!! The biggest concern I would have is how will your self esteem hold up if you try to get laid and fail? If you really have issues now, that could crush you.
I say go for it if you think it's that important to you. True, it's not the most romantic story in the world, but is that so important?
I have no... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by Mr_Chips
at 9:43 AM on May 13, 2008