Why, when I drag the fleshy (i.e., not furry) part of my cat's paw across the trackpad on my MacBook, does the cursor not respond?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Dr. Wu at 8:50 PM on May 15, 2008 (34 comments)

NewsFilter: The California Supreme Court has just overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriages. Read the decision.
posted to MetaFilter by Faint of Butt at 10:41 AM on May 15, 2008 (204 comments)

What is the deal with Spaghetti Warehouse & The Old Spaghetti Factory?
posted to Ask Metafilter by designbot at 8:10 AM on May 12, 2008 (26 comments)

A woman walks into a bar and asks the bartender for a double entendre, so he gave it to her. Ba-dum dum. What's green and has wheels? Grass. I lied about the wheels. Ba-dum dum. A baby seal walks into a club. (pause) Ba-dum dum. How many kids with ADD does it take to change a lightbulb? LET'S GO RIDE BIKES! Ba-dum dum. A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar. The bartender says, "What is this, some kind of joke?" Ba-dum dum. Instant Rimshot. For all those times you need a big red Flash button that'll give you a well-timed rimshot. (Jokes courtesy of Ask Mefi.)
posted to MetaFilter by WCityMike at 7:10 PM on May 12, 2008 (247 comments)

The lazy cracker, banjo-infused version of the Jeffersons theme song.
posted to MeFi Music by uncleozzy at 7:13 PM on May 12, 2008 (8 comments)

How do I redirect incoming website visitors to an external site by IP address?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Oktober at 1:16 PM on May 12, 2008 (7 comments)

The story goes like this: In the early 80's Madonna sat in with Was (Not Was) to record backing vocals (to Ozzy Osbourne's main vox) for their track Shake Your Head (Let's Go To Bed). Everything was peachy until Madonna's record label, Sire, refused to grant ZE Records permission to publish her recording. So other voices sang of things that cannot be done. Fast-forward ten years and the hits collection Hello Dad, I'm In Jail included the track and, again, the Madonna vocal was not released for use. (This time Kim Basinger's new backing track got the spot.) The new Basinger-backed single peaked at #4 on the UK charts and featured a b-side remix by producer Steve 'Silk' Hurley. However, a glorious blunder resulted in a recall of the single: ZE had sent Hurley Madonna's background vocals. The mistake wasn't caught until after pressing and lo! a very few copies of the record made it out into the world. And so, music fans, for a cool G you can lay hands on your own copy of Shake Your Head (Let's Go to Bed), featuring the b-side dub, the rarest of Madonna recordings. [Mouse over links for descriptions.]
posted to MetaFilter by carsonb at 4:53 AM on May 12, 2008 (49 comments)

The last standing member of the Council Oaks, a group of 14 oak trees located in what is now downtown Austin, Texas, the Treaty Oak has stood for more than 500 years. The Treaty Oak got its name from the (probably apocryphal) story of how Stephen F. Austin signed a boundary treaty with local tribes under its branches. In 1927 the Treaty Oak was called "The most perfect specimen of a North American tree". In 1937 the City of Austin (prodded by the Campfire Girls of Port Arthur and other schoolchildren) purchased the quarter acre of land upon which the Treaty Oak stood and believed that this ancient tree, and its 128 foot canopy, was safe. Of course, the did not know that in 1989 someone would dump enough of the herbicide Velpar around its roots to kill 100 trees.
posted to MetaFilter by dirtdirt at 8:39 AM on May 12, 2008 (33 comments)

Good, healthy cat food - whats the real deal and not just fluff that I pay extra for?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Carialle at 10:51 AM on May 8, 2008 (37 comments)

Simulating a Simulacra- China does Orange County
posted to MetaFilter by BuddhaInABucket at 1:12 PM on May 9, 2008 (37 comments)

Slice of acoustic girl singer pop.
posted to MeFi Music by johanze at 6:03 PM on April 29, 2008 (17 comments)

Ways of Seeing, the BBC documentary written and hosted by novelist and art critic John Berger, is back up on YouTube. (scroll down for direct links to all four half-hour episodes) "I actually find it rather disturbing that -- despite our claims to be a culture that's increasing freedom of choice all the time -- we haven't come up with anything quite as astute, subversive or beautiful as Ways of Seeing since. Not on the BBC, and not even -- especially not -- on the internet. Download it while you still can."
posted to MetaFilter by vronsky at 2:06 PM on April 30, 2008 (32 comments)

"We Nathaniel Mulliken, Philip Russell, [and 32 other men], All of lawful age, and inhabitants of Lexington, in the County of Middlesex...do testify and declare, that on the nineteenth [of April] in the morning, being informed that...a body of regulars were marching from Boston towards Concord...and soon found that a large body of troops were marching towards us...whilst our backs were turned on the troops, we were fired on by them, and a number of our men were instantly killed and wounded..."^* Thus "the shot heard around the world" [video | 10:01] led American colonialists (eventually with the help of the French) on the path to founding a new nation [video | 54:04].
posted to MetaFilter by ericb at 11:41 AM on April 19, 2008 (43 comments)

Like sea monkeys in your pants! Entomological blogger Bug Girl (previously) debunked a web site touting the benefits of giant Japanese non-biting genital lice as personal "pets" (they just live happily in your underwear. It’s so COOL! They grow, and have families. You can feel em living and crawling around!). She dismissed it as a hoax. So the site's author sent her a sample.
posted to MetaFilter by Turtles all the way down at 9:34 AM on May 7, 2008 (60 comments)

Green Porno, Sundance Channel's new series of short films. Isabella Rossellini singlehandedly re-enacts mating rituals of the dragonfly, spider, bee, praying mantis, worm, snail and housefly by getting it on with cardboard cut-outs. Wired video interview.
posted to MetaFilter by stbalbach at 8:22 PM on May 6, 2008 (68 comments)

Has fan response ever saved a TV show?
posted to Ask Metafilter by forallmankind at 7:29 PM on May 5, 2008 (26 comments)

When was the past better than the present? I'd like to know the word or phrase that describes the romanticism people have of the past, e.g. "In those days, children respected their elders!". I was watching the documentary Born Rich and Cody Franchetti mentions that the encyclopedia was better in the early 20th century. Why? This feeling that "old ways are better" is not exactly nostalgia, because often people expressing this sentiment didn't actually grow up in this utopian past. But their feelings toward this time are exactly like nostalgia.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Monochrome at 1:06 AM on May 6, 2008 (17 comments)

How far would I need to travel from a tower 100 feet high before the sight of it would become obscured by the horizon?
posted to Ask Metafilter by grrlaction at 6:11 PM on May 4, 2008 (23 comments)

An extraordinary piece of magazine writing by Chris Jones. Jones tells the story of how the body of Sergeant Joe Montgomery makes its way from a Baghdad suburb to its final resting place in a grave in Indiana. It's one of the finest pieces of journalism that I've read in years. It’s extremely moving without being saccharine or twee. It’s a military story, but utterly without jingoism or indictment. And it’s wonderfully observed. If I taught a first-year creative writing course, I'd make this required reading.
posted to MetaFilter by dbarefoot at 9:57 PM on April 30, 2008 (87 comments)

What are some of your absolute favourite online essays, articles and other pieces of non-fiction writing?
posted to Ask Metafilter by turgid dahlia at 4:21 PM on May 1, 2008 (48 comments)

Refacing government tender It's not all about making George Washington smoke pot.
Some notables: The Anti-Lincoln.
Peanut butter washington
THIS IS JACKSONNNNN
posted to MetaFilter by boo_radley at 12:12 PM on April 30, 2008 (23 comments)

Have you seen blog threads where commenters seem not to have read the initial post, and are way off topic? I'm seeking more examples of this for my dissertation research. Looking for blogs which have garnered comments similar to those mentioned on the earlier MeFi threads Tuesdays with Maury, Jeremy Jordan Loves Demon Dogs, and How Hawkish. Basically, commenters show up and start commenting as if they haven't read the original post at all, and they don't seem to have any idea what the discussion is about. In many cases they seem to think they're talking to a celebrity, or they are just seeking information in the wrong place.
posted to Ask Metafilter by gusandrews at 10:49 AM on April 27, 2008 (24 comments)

What are some good cooperative or "soft competition" games for the DS/Wii?
posted to Ask Metafilter by baphomet at 11:20 AM on April 27, 2008 (11 comments)

Moderate hike for next weekend with 1-2 hours of Portland, OR?
posted to Ask Metafilter by fx3000 at 4:38 PM on April 27, 2008 (6 comments)

How may one obtain access to a web site, or ownership of the domain, of someone who had recently died?
posted to Ask Metafilter by brandnew at 5:39 PM on April 27, 2008 (4 comments)

This question is only for people who went to public school in the United States. Did you receive any financial education there, and if so, what?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Laugh_track at 5:18 AM on April 28, 2008 (87 comments)

Friends and I saw Darkon this weekend. Given that many of us (not me) are historians, the question was, "What happened next?" (spoilers)
posted to Ask Metafilter by kalessin at 5:57 AM on April 28, 2008 (6 comments)

Simple tricks to improve MPG? For instance, I've thought about removing the rear seats/internal molding to lighten my car. I've also thought about aero-improvements, such as moon-disc wheel covers, or even somehow making a cover over my rear wheel wells. I'll be removing my rear wing this weekend, but what other tweaks could I do?
posted to Ask Metafilter by raikkohamilonso at 8:21 AM on April 29, 2008 (39 comments)

We've seen a number of Rube Goldberg machines in advertising before, but here's the first one I've seen that actually uses the controlled chaos of one to describe what their product actually does. Or doesn't, really. If you've ever worked in a print shop, you've probably seen something like this happen. Usually once or twice a day.
posted to MetaFilter by loquacious at 9:06 AM on April 29, 2008 (45 comments)

I'm looking for the perfect thank-you gift for a groom to give to his best man and/or to his groomsmen. The guys are obviously spending a load of cash on the event, so the thank you gift should be something that they'll appreciate. Prefer something that can be bought online -- and definitely prefer something unexpected. Guys all around 30 years old. Any ideas? Thanks....
posted to Ask Metafilter by geoffbart at 6:50 AM on March 28, 2008 (28 comments)

{Hipster,Scenester}filter: What's up with all of the kids on fixed gear bikes these days? And why don't they wear helmets?
posted to Ask Metafilter by virga at 7:58 PM on April 26, 2008 (59 comments)

Many European cities have instituted bicycle sharing programs, with mixed success (Amsterdam, Lyon, Cambridge, Paris). Now that many of them have worked out the kinks (including vandalism and outright theft), cities in the US are taking notice. San Francisco (previously on MeFi), Portland, and New York are among the cities with plans in the works, but it looks like Washington D.C. will be the first when 120 red three-speed bicycles become available next month for members who pay an annual fee.
posted to MetaFilter by tractorfeed at 11:30 AM on April 27, 2008 (76 comments)

Are golf courses bad or good for the environment? Chances are the answer you give depends on whether you are actively involved with the game. Representing anti-golf we have the Organic Consumers Association, the Journal of Pesticide Reform (pdf), and the Global Anti-Golf Movement. Speaking on behalf of golf course management the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (pdf) and the United States Golf Association. A group of leading golf and environmental organizations have jointly developed Environmental Principles for Golf Courses in the United States.
posted to MetaFilter by netbros at 11:48 AM on April 24, 2008 (38 comments)

I want software which will allow me to capture text thoughts at work, to a remote web location - quickly, discreetly and privately.
posted to Ask Metafilter by therubettes at 2:34 AM on April 24, 2008 (41 comments)

Can I buy the Shift trike/bike yet?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Capri at 9:46 AM on April 21, 2008 (1 comment)

Buying a house (vs. renting): How much more does it cost to buy than rent? Is it worth it (tax, asset, etc) in the long run?
posted to Ask Metafilter by arnicae at 9:50 AM on April 20, 2008 (25 comments)

Is Curves International (i.e. the company behind Curves gyms) really that bad? If it is, are there any other gyms that are similar to this chain in terms of target clientele and training plan?
posted to Ask Metafilter by LolaGeek at 10:02 AM on April 20, 2008 (18 comments)

What are the best online publications for submitting articles about web design and project management?
posted to Ask Metafilter by deern the headlice at 10:04 AM on April 19, 2008 (3 comments)

Where can I find film footage of Richard Nixon bowling?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Tlogmer at 2:41 AM on April 19, 2008 (2 comments)

Research/recruiting-filter: How to target or reach people aged 40-60 who might be due for a colonoscopy?
posted to Ask Metafilter by AceRock at 8:54 AM on April 17, 2008 (7 comments)

Is it worth telling my best friend, who just got engaged, that I'm secretly in love with her?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Anonymous at 9:27 AM on April 17, 2008 (119 comments)

My son misses the "Tivo Guy"! Can you help?
posted to Ask Metafilter by anastasiav at 8:28 PM on April 15, 2008 (12 comments)

PistolFilter. I know there are lots of gun related forums/resources on the web (and am looking at those also), but I'd like to query AskMe about Glocks. Specifically what are the practical advantages and disadvantages of the Glock safety trigger mechanism versus traditional safetys?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Burhanistan at 1:54 PM on April 15, 2008 (21 comments)

Imagine living in a town, total population 182, further imagine that you and just about all of your neighbors live in just one building.
posted to MetaFilter by Rafaelloello at 7:06 PM on April 14, 2008 (24 comments)

The National Odd Shoe Exchange is a non-profit organization that is a source of footwear for those requiring single shoes or pairs of differing sizes. Many have this need due to injury, disease or genetic disorders.
posted to MetaFilter by paulsc at 4:18 AM on April 13, 2008 (11 comments)

Suppose you take a test for a rare type of cancer that affects 0.01 percent of the population. The test is 98 percent reliable. You get a positive reading. What are the chances you have the cancer? I read this probability puzzle today and the writer said the statistical chances of you having the cancer in this scenario are less than half a percent. I don't get it. Isn't the rarity factor irrelevant compared with the test reliability? Please explain.
posted to Ask Metafilter by binturong at 12:59 PM on April 12, 2008 (27 comments)

I want a job in computers that involves a lot of travel.
posted to Ask Metafilter by giggleknickers at 4:32 AM on April 12, 2008 (16 comments)

Ten days have passed since I posted this thread to AskMetafilter. My postman is cranky with me, my friends think I'm crazy, I have about around 30 lbs of new catalogs [c. 200kb pics, flickr, 1, 2], and a reinvigorated appreciation for all y'all (not that it has ever been in jeopardy)...
posted to MetaTalk by cadastral at 7:32 PM on April 11, 2008 (49 comments)

Wendell Berry is an agrarian writer, poet, and Mad Farmer. Perhaps most famous for his decision not to buy a computer, which stirred some controversy, Berry is an anti-war, anti-state, anti-capitalist, conservationist conservative.
posted to MetaFilter by anotherpanacea at 7:09 AM on April 10, 2008 (35 comments)

Why does our brain perceive tilt-shift photography as tiny little toy models? I'd love to know the science behind this popular effect.
posted to Ask Metafilter by waxpancake at 12:16 PM on April 10, 2008 (19 comments)