The making of a glass trombone.
posted to MetaFilter by Upton O'Good at 3:37 PM on July 11, 2008 (33 comments)

Nazi German Bunker in my Garden: "[...] the previous owner told us that there was a tunnel built by the germans during WW2. He said it was big enough to drive into, [...] So I traced some WW2 reconnaisance photos of the property, which appeared to show the entrance road to my bunker. [...] And that's where the quest began....." (Original thread here, first link is to condensed but more readable blog.)
posted to MetaFilter by orthogonality at 1:38 PM on June 29, 2008 (23 comments)

In May 2006, we discussed switch pitcher Pat Venditte on MetaFilter. Many wondered: what kind of bizarre game-theoretic catastrophe would occur when the switch pitcher faced a switch hitter? Two years later, it has come to pass. (video)
posted to MetaFilter by escabeche at 9:20 AM on June 20, 2008 (78 comments)

The Maria Theresa Thaler (or MTT), a coin first minted in 1741 and continuously to this day, remained legal tender in parts of the Arabian peninsula as late as 1970, where it was much prized both as a coin and for jewelry [magazine article] Incredibly important for trade between Europe and the Middle East, the MTT had a great impact on history. For more information turn to Maria Theresa's Thaler: A case of international money an indepth article about the MTT by Adrian Tschoegl.
posted to MetaFilter by Kattullus at 9:05 AM on April 8, 2008 (11 comments)

Multiple SIDosis is nine minutes and seven seconds of pure joy.
posted to MetaFilter by UKnowForKids at 9:34 AM on April 8, 2008 (29 comments)

This is a cool game you can download. Here are some rule books for it.
posted to MetaFilter by orthogonality at 2:45 AM on March 28, 2008 (22 comments)

I need to print a huge map, but I need a high resolution source, or vector graphics. I will be printing this on a large 64" color plotter. I found a place that sells pdf/vector files, but they are wanting near $100 dollars, and I don't think they even cover our County. I was hoping there was some software out there that allows this, or better yet, some way to output large images from google maps. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted to Ask Metafilter by passtehbrainz at 6:33 PM on March 21, 2008 (19 comments)

It started in 2006 as a small group of women angry at corrupt officials in the Banda district, Uttar Pradesh (the Indian state that brought you Phoolan Devi). Led by a former tea vendor, Sampat Devi Pal (badass, Magnificent 7-like picture here), the Gulabi gang counts now hundreds of women, dressed in fluorescent pink and ready to use their lathi to fight corruption, domestic violence, child marriage and the many other ills that affect their society.
posted to MetaFilter by elgilito at 8:57 AM on March 15, 2008 (38 comments)

"And by magic, I mean me drinking a lot of coffee and not bathing for days while sitting in my PJ's and drawing comics until the wee hours of the morning." Gasp at comics creator Mike Allred's lovely home! Admire artist Stuart Immonen's tastfully furnished work area! And marvel at writer Mark Waid's piles and piles of comic crap! Click the [more inside] for more studio tours guided by your favorite funnybook creators! And Mark Millar, too!
posted to MetaFilter by Alvy Ampersand at 4:47 PM on March 8, 2008 (11 comments)

Praying that some statistically-minded MeFites are online today! I'm trying to run a generalized raking (aka "iterative proportional fitting") algorithm on some survey data as a poststratification approach. The literature I've read suggests that this should both improve the quality of my estimates and potentially reduce my standard errors by a decent amount. Instead, my SEs are increasing by a factor of about 1.4 (ugh!!!) Can someone offer some suggestions as to why this might be happening?
posted to Ask Metafilter by shelbaroo at 10:50 AM on March 1, 2008 (2 comments)

Anglo-Finnish artist Sanna Annukka's vibrant, flat design work (especially her Icons series) got me curious about her, well, iconography.

She mentioned The Kalevala previously, the Finnish national epic poem (in Finnish here), a tale of creation and heroism that arguably spurred the Finns to independence from the Russians.

Like so much else epic and awesome, it spawned a '70s prog band, with three albums.
posted to MetaFilter by klangklangston at 3:03 PM on February 25, 2008 (23 comments)

I'm a grad student. I like the subject(s) I'm studying, I like research, and I know I'm capable of doing the work... except when I sit down to actually do it, I choke. I know I'm not the only one suffering from both imposter syndrome and perfectionism - how do you manage to get your brain to stop spinning its wheels and get to work?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Anonymous at 5:38 PM on January 31, 2008 (33 comments)

Barbie Tarot.
posted to MetaFilter by Orb at 5:29 AM on January 29, 2008 (22 comments)

Free Ice Cream Day
posted to MetaFilter by Rubbstone at 7:04 AM on October 17, 2007 (28 comments)

Looking for something unique to bring to your next gaming session? Star-spawn will cringe in fear when they see you have shown up to battle bearing these long-lost relics of R'lyeh. The dwarves have toiled long in the mines and quarries of Khaz Modan, and even crafted the bones and teeth of great ancient beasts to create deadly weapons for your gaming arsenal. Perhaps most impressive and prized of all these unique equipages is this rare trophy of the cold and frozen north.
posted to MetaFilter by Demogorgon at 1:10 PM on January 26, 2008 (34 comments)

In 1968, three sisters from Fremont, New Hampshire -- Dot, Helen, and Betty Wiggin -- started a band, under the encouragement, support, and management of their father, Austin. Dot recalls that the girls would rise late, practice for two hours, then work on their home-schooling. Then they did their calisthenics, rigidly prescribed by their father, and rehearsed two more hours in the evenings when Austin was home. Over the next 8 years, Austin would rent out the Fremont Town Hall many Saturday nights for a dance; the sisters, known collectively as "The Shaggs," would play their music, while their mother, Annie, would collect tickets and sell sodas (with help from more of the Wiggin siblings). In 1975, Austin Wiggins died; the sisters, without their father to spur them on, laid down their instruments and got on with the rest of their lives.
posted to MetaFilter by not_on_display at 9:22 PM on January 20, 2008 (79 comments)

I'm looking for examples of insanely overbuilt, reasonably-priced consumer goods: "Cheap, bombproof...XXXXX"
posted to Ask Metafilter by oalocke at 9:27 AM on January 13, 2008 (96 comments)

American history question: before modern transportation, how much time did congressmen spend in Washington and how much in their home states? Especially those from, say, California. And how long did the journey take?
posted to Ask Metafilter by creasy boy at 6:41 AM on January 10, 2008 (13 comments)

Why humans started huddling together in cities is still shrouded in mystery but if the question is ever settled the answer will probably be found in Çatalhöyük, a settlement of five to eight thousand located in what is now Turkey that came into existence around 7500 BC. The current head archaeologist of the Çatalhöyük Project is Ian Hodder, one of the leading lights in postprocessual archaeology, who summarized his finding in a recent article in Natural History Magazine. The Çatalhöyük Project website is a treasure trove of information about the ancient settlement.
posted to MetaFilter by Kattullus at 5:55 PM on December 29, 2007 (24 comments)

Bears in ill-fitting hats. [Via.]
posted to MetaFilter by tepidmonkey at 11:55 AM on December 13, 2007 (32 comments)

Puzzled about what to get the history buff, throwback or Luddite on your holiday shopping list? Explore the sutler's wares in the world of historic reproduction clothing! Strut your eighteenth-century style with Jas. Townsend & Son, or dress for the Lewis & Clark expedition with Smoke & Fire. USHist.com provides the finest in Mexican War and Cavalry/Indian War apparel, as well as fashion to end all wars in theWWI collection. Don't forget the ladies (and weak-minded gents) left at home - Blockade Runner offers fine Civil War civvies.
posted to MetaFilter by Miko at 9:20 AM on December 11, 2007 (22 comments)

"Square America is a site dedicated to preserving and displaying vintage snapshots from the first 3/4s of the 20th Century. Not only do these photographs contain a wealth of primary source information on how life was lived they also constitute a shadow history of photography, one too often ignored by museums and art galleries." via
posted to MetaFilter by peacay at 2:21 PM on July 19, 2005 (21 comments)

How do I keep my keys from chewing through my trousers? The threadbare spot on one pair has developed into a hole. This is probably related to the fact that it's where I place my keys in my front pockets.
posted to Ask Metafilter by grouse at 4:35 AM on November 25, 2007 (25 comments)

Has there ever been a left-handed fielder that has played an infield position other than first base, and if so, how long ago was it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Tommy Gnosis at 7:39 AM on November 5, 2007 (28 comments)

Is there a way to excuse oneself from family obligations during the holidays? A way that would minimize gossip and guilt-trips? Any successes out there?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Anonymous at 2:46 PM on October 27, 2007 (22 comments)

I'm looking for some places to meditate/shut out the world that are in or just outside of New York City. Weekend trips to temples would also be helpful.
posted to Ask Metafilter by zoomorphic at 9:49 AM on October 4, 2007 (6 comments)

Why cant I find a english to latin translation for either "snake" or "serpent"? I have been trying to use online translators. and none of the ones that I have trried come up with a match.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Raybun at 3:55 PM on August 20, 2006 (20 comments)

Books About Work.
posted to Ask Metafilter by jonmc at 5:58 PM on September 26, 2007 (44 comments)

What's the best portable device for reading pdf files?
posted to Ask Metafilter by dhoe at 4:56 AM on September 22, 2007 (9 comments)

What's going on in these strange circular regions (pictured here) in Christmas Valley, OR? My guess: Some kind of circular crop field, with a big rotating arm that does tilling/harvesting. If my guess is right, what kind of farm equipment is that and where can I learn more about it? If my guess is wrong, what is it?
posted to Ask Metafilter by DrSkrud at 9:44 AM on September 12, 2007 (11 comments)

What single book is the best introduction to your field (or specialization within your field) for laypeople?
posted to Ask Metafilter by limon at 5:40 PM on September 8, 2007 (239 comments)

Witness trees teach us about presettlement landscapes, surveying methods and Native American art forms. Witness trees inspire us, hide in plain sight, have free parking, become forgotten and sometimes become tables. Witness trees are protected by law and sometimes by signs, but not protected from stupidity. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
posted to MetaFilter by jessamyn at 8:10 AM on September 3, 2007 (19 comments)

Open access articles at Antiquity, a quarterly review of world archaeology. Recent project reviews cover Aztec cities, earliest rice domestication, and Pleistocene rock art in Egypt. There's lots to read.
posted to MetaFilter by Abiezer at 5:29 AM on August 31, 2007 (8 comments)

Archaeologyfilter: Where can one buy an archaeologist's trowel and calipers in London?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Kirjava at 11:00 AM on August 21, 2007 (4 comments)

Why can't we use rail lines for local mass transit?
posted to Ask Metafilter by atchafalaya at 2:57 AM on August 20, 2007 (22 comments)

I woke up this morning and felt GREAT. Not just physically well but emotionally too. I felt motivated to do my morning workout, actually spoke with my father instead of the usually morning grunts, sang aloud in the car to the slug line (HOV rideshare) and was in a general all-around-good mood. I kid you not. At one point while getting dressed I thought "today is the first day of the rest of my life" HA!! Crazy I know! I was actually thinking of ways to be productive and it wasn’t even 6 in the morning! My question is... How do I make that happen EVERYDAY, how can I enjoy such motivation and well feelings on a consistent basis?
posted to Ask Metafilter by crewshell at 6:14 AM on August 20, 2007 (23 comments)

Can anyone recommend books with well-developed characters who are people of colour?
posted to Ask Metafilter by giggleknickers at 2:21 AM on August 9, 2007 (69 comments)

Your experience with Hong Kong Tailors.
posted to Ask Metafilter by subtle-t at 3:36 PM on March 15, 2006 (11 comments)

How do I become more assertive at work?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Anonymous at 9:16 PM on July 26, 2007 (11 comments)

Quite an entrance. Single link youtube post to a pretty damn amazing performance at the Miss Black America 2001 drag show / pageant.
posted to MetaFilter by dersins at 10:08 AM on July 24, 2007 (57 comments)

Our own fandango_matt, of Metafilter design contest and multiple pissing elephant fame, has come up with his own Boy Scout inspired Metafilter safety guide.
posted to MetaTalk by Krrrlson at 10:25 AM on July 16, 2007 (188 comments)

The Vegetarian Lunchbox seems like a good resource. Hadn't heard of a strawberry and cucumber sandwich before.
posted to MetaFilter by ontic at 1:45 PM on June 30, 2007 (39 comments)

Why don't apes need haircuts?
posted to Ask Metafilter by A189Nut at 5:02 AM on June 2, 2007 (28 comments)

The boundary stones of Washington DC.
posted to MetaFilter by Wolfdog at 10:48 AM on May 9, 2007 (52 comments)

Flickr Newb Question: I have a free Flickr account and have uploaded a dozen or so pics over the year or so that I've had it. Now I'd like to put all of my family photos (about 17GB worth) up on Flickr for 2 reasons
posted to Ask Metafilter by spifl at 9:50 PM on April 2, 2007 (12 comments)

What are some good technical questions to ask a potential candidate for a tech support position during the initial interview?
posted to Ask Metafilter by Cosine at 2:13 PM on June 19, 2006 (25 comments)

Help me overcome my latent misogyny, -or- I don't think I'm a very good feminist.
posted to Ask Metafilter by Joey Buttafoucault at 5:08 PM on February 1, 2007 (49 comments)

I need the cheapest possible one-way ticket to Tokyo from the New England area. I need to leave some time around March 1st, but I am flexible. Thrift trumps convenicence: I just need for this to be cheap. What should I do? Are there clever methods of circumventing the Airlines' bureacracies to access inexpensive tickets?
posted to Ask Metafilter by davidriley at 10:31 PM on January 21, 2007 (12 comments)

Looking for an assistant system administrator with a focus on Windows support for a department at Columbia University Here's the boilerplate: Reporting to the System Administrator and the Faculty Computer Committee, the incumbent is responsible for assisting the System Administrator with implementing upgrades; installing and configuring new software and hardware installations and configurations; and for trouble-shooting hardware and software issues for entire departmental and individual research groups with a special focus on windows based computers and networking. The general departmental environment includes 175+ staff, faculty and research computers (40+ of which are windows based PCs) with various requirements depending upon lab or individual user. The successful candidate shall also perform research, testing and evaluation of potential new systems and software and their appropriateness for the department; orient and set up new users; and provide timely service and support to faculty and staff members. She/he shall participate in the formulation and implementation of policies relevant to computer usage in the department and help maintain the security and reliability of systems. The incumbent shall maintain and inventory equipment; assist in maintaining automated data backups; and research appropriate equipment choices for staff and faculty purchases. The incumbent will perform other related duties as needed. Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered an applicant: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in experience required. Minimum of two years professional experience in a large, complex university or corporate setting required. Applicant MUST meet these minimum qualifications to be considered an applicant: Strong working knowledge of hardware, software and network support of Windows based systems (Windows XP, Windows 2000) required.Demonstrated proficiency with trouble-shooting methods. General knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, ISO/OSI Model) and practices required. Must have ability to plan and make competent decisions while under pressure and possess considerable aptitude with negotiation skills and human relations. Experience with Macintosh (OS X) and/or Unix (Solaris, varieties of Linux) systems desirable. Knowledge of statistical packages such as SPSS, R and SAS desirable.
posted to MeFi Jobs by ursus_comiter at 3:00 PM on January 3, 2007

My girlfriend wants somewhere to, in her words, "detox" in the USA. But it's not drug or booze related. She wants somewhere go, chill, clear her head, be quiet for a while and concentrate on starting her life again. And she wants to do it for free. Any ideas?
posted to Ask Metafilter by rileyray3000 at 5:34 PM on December 31, 2006 (38 comments)