I love Kelly Link, Jeannette Winterson, Margaret Atwood, Karen Russell, and Aimee Bender. I would like to read more books like this. Women authors only please, and I'd also love to have more queer and of color authors in my library. Thanks !
posted to Ask MetaFilter by dysh at 11:24 AM on December 29, 2013 (42 comments)

"My name is Buzz Bissinger. I am 58 years old, the best-selling author of 'Friday Night Lights,' father of three, husband. And I am a shopaholic." Link to single page printer format.

I began to buy, as silly an understatement as somebody drinking a quart of vodka a day and insisting that he or she is not an alcoholic. Clothing became my shot glass, another round, Net-a-Porter. But too often hits wear off, and the laws of supply and demand for an addict are pretty simple: You replenish. And replenish. And replenish. You fool yourself at certain times into thinking that's it and you have quenched the beast. But the beast is never conquered, and you don't really want to conquer the beast anyway, until there is disaster.

posted to MetaFilter by gladly at 6:28 AM on March 26, 2013 (131 comments)

This year one of my goals is to read two books a week, help me make sure I get the good ones!
posted to Ask MetaFilter by everydayanewday at 7:39 PM on December 30, 2013 (35 comments)

What were your favorite long read articles + accompanying threads on the blue in 2013?
posted to MetaTalk by mannequito at 5:13 PM on December 19, 2013 (53 comments)

"Can we talk about Susan’s fabulous adventures after Narnia? The ones where she wears nylons and elegant blouses when she wants to, and short skirts and bright lipstick when she wants to, and hiking boots and tough jeans and big men’s plaid shirts when she feels like backpacking out into the mountains and remembering what it was to be lost in a world full of terrific beauty— I know her siblings say she stops talking about it, that Susan walks away from the memories of Narnia, but I don’t think she ever really forgot."
posted to MetaFilter by MartinWisse at 11:10 AM on December 12, 2013 (193 comments)

There's this owl, and it starts hooting at around 2am, not finishing until 4:30am. This has now become a frequent occurrence, and it's driving me nuts. Unfortunately, one attempt to remedy the situation has made it worse. So, how can I get this owl to either shut up or go somewhere else?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Wordshore at 2:14 PM on November 28, 2013 (50 comments)

What are some well reviewed books in 2013 that blow my socks off?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by SpacemanStix at 11:44 AM on November 29, 2013 (19 comments)

What have you been wrong about, realized it, and it changed your life? I remember reading Albert Ellis' wonderful self-help book A Guide to Rational Living where he gives a great list of irrational and self-defeating beliefs that people have. Among these beliefs was the importance people placed on other's opinion of them as well the emphasis people placed on being perfectionistic in their own lives. Much of this underlies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy but the effect is even more prevalent than that. We all have had beliefs that have held us back, and I'm curious as to what things you once believed that were holding you back in your personal or professional life. Anything will do. It can be anything from knowing the importance of making good first impressions to the need for keeping oneself physically fit even when one doesn't want to. I'm looking to see whether I share of any of these traits or not. So what are the beliefs that have held you back or others that you know?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by RapcityinBlue at 10:56 AM on November 19, 2013 (59 comments)

I'm generally a very, very messy girl. It's really cramping on my style and how I feel about myself. I feel pretty close to the people on Hoarders when I really let myself go (which happens when my mother doesn't get on my case every week)... I just simply have no energy or motivation to cleaning my room. My poor mother has no idea why I am the way I am. I also do NOTHING over the weekend. If I'm at home for a break, I have an insanely hard time getting anything done, doing ANYTHING productive. I do EVERYTHING last minute. It's insane, stressful, horrid. I have a hard time following through on anything important, any big projects on a long-term basis. While I have some successes (doing decently at school, have cultivated some cool hobbies, have had some great experiences, have learned a lot, etc) I think I'm reaching about 30% of my potential. I have some sneaking suspicions why I'm this way, but how do I change this?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by rhythm_queen at 4:28 PM on November 17, 2013 (48 comments)

These two envelopes arrived in my office in the autumn of 2010. I've kept them around because they're neat-looking, and an interesting conversation piece. Can you translate into English what's written on them? They may be in Japanese or Chinese (?).
posted to Ask MetaFilter by not_on_display at 9:28 PM on November 14, 2013 (15 comments)

Starting with the wardrobe in the Narnia books, I'm looking for other examples of mundane objects (ideally furniture) that contain or allow access to magical worlds. Literature, film, pop culture - anything really.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by rog at 11:46 AM on November 14, 2013 (52 comments)

Read Pratchet. Read Adams, Asprin. What next?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Jacen at 5:08 PM on November 15, 2013 (43 comments)

A journalist gets fantastic access to Lorde before she tops the charts around the world. The long article gives the backstory to the precocious 16 year old and explains how she was instrumental in creating her well-received debut album Pure Heroine.
posted to MetaFilter by meech at 11:03 AM on November 2, 2013 (174 comments)

The end of the Waffle House: Regulars say goodbye to Bloomington, Indiana's second oldest restaurant. Bud Powell and his wife Myra opened the restaurant, one of the first Waffle House franchises in the country, on Oct. 10, 1967.... The legends showed up from time to time — Bobby Knight, Woody Hayes — but it was the regulars who received special treatment. Everybody knew everybody. Senior night was Tuesday. You could bring your girlfriend, your kids, your mother-in-law — everyone was family.
posted to MetaFilter by Cash4Lead at 2:07 PM on October 31, 2013 (34 comments)

From 1991 to 2006, there was one show that stood ready to help Canadian men with much needed advice on D.I.Y., hunting, fishing and other wildlife pursuits, not to mention married life and other challenges of modern life. Now the entire archives of the Red Green show are available on youtube.
posted to MetaFilter by MartinWisse at 6:19 AM on October 27, 2013 (46 comments)

Hotel towels look like the ones I have at home and that are in everyone's bathrooms - terrycloth, etc. - but most of the time they are much more effective at drying. They practically suck the wetness off my skin! Typical bathroom towels, even plush/fancy ones, suck at drying by comparison. So this is really strange: the technology exists for towels to do their job very well, and presumably at relatively low cost (there's no way these hotels are shelling out big bucks for their towels); but as far as I can tell ALL of the commercially-available towels are mediocre at best at doing their job. What is that all about? Why are hotel towels so good at drying? Why are other towels not? Are there commercially-available towels that dry as well as hotel towels? If so, where can I find them?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Mechitar at 2:49 PM on October 3, 2013 (47 comments)

Tell me about awesome 1 week (or so) classes, courses, workshops, retreats, festivals, tours, activities, etc. I'm looking for a solo vacation in the continental US for 2014 (active but not super fit 40s single female here) where I can learn something or do something. Like I went to surf camp once, went to a dude ranch, rafted the grand canyon, took canyoneering classes, took photoghraphy workshops, etc. Mefi collective brainstorming session? All ideas welcome!
posted to Ask MetaFilter by bluesky78987 at 6:26 PM on October 20, 2013 (23 comments)

Hi, I'd appreciate advice on whether or not I should buy the "Power Quadrant System" to help me through a brief period of unemployment.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Musashi Daryl at 5:39 AM on October 18, 2013 (31 comments)

I'd like to be that stock cranky old lady with the horned-rim glasses for halloween. She's often in cheesy comics/cartoons, but I don't know where she originates from. Anyhow, suggestions for how to do this?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by kitcat at 2:42 PM on October 16, 2013 (15 comments)

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, help me fulfill a childhood wish: Where are the best places on the route to stand? And how early should I get there?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by MasonDixon at 6:53 AM on November 15, 2006 (7 comments)

My father passed away this morning. I'm going through his file, and I came across JOKES.TXT ... which contains only the punchlines. Can the Mind please tell me the jokes?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by dmd at 4:49 PM on March 22, 2013 (74 comments)

Good photos of cool rich midcentury Americans on yachts in New England.
posted to MetaFilter by maiamaia at 12:47 PM on March 26, 2013 (94 comments)

I am looking for the female equivalent to Tycho Brahe, someone who's life was full of both achievement and adventure. A woman who has a list of great deeds (such as discovering a supernova) and also great stories (like getting a moose drunk, or losing their nose in a duel over maths) Is there such a woman (Well, I know there must have been, but more accurately has history recorded such a woman)
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Just this guy, y'know at 5:39 AM on September 5, 2013 (73 comments)

Like many modern US Americans, I've come to realize that I have a VERY inflated idea about what a "normal" portion size is. I need to get my head right, so that this is normal, not this. I want to be one of those people who gets nauseous at the very idea of eating too much food, and I want every tip/trick/mental hack/and idea in the book to do it! Tiny portion eaters of metafilter, please show me the way.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Anonymous at 9:33 PM on August 31, 2013 (43 comments)

I am looking for things to do that are unique to Baltimore, preferably walking distance (or public transportation accessible) from the Inner Harbor area. I like weird, kitschy, gothic, silly stuff. I enjoy the works of Edgar Allan Poe and John Waters. I have no dietary restrictions so bring on the food recommendations. I already plan to visit the American Visionary Art Museum and grab food at Cafe Hon and Helmands. Anything else off-the beaten path?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by jacindahb at 1:05 PM on August 16, 2011 (17 comments)

I can't keep up with the process of buying and cooking a variety of vegetables. I need a specific few that I can build a repertoire around and buy/eat repetitively without thinking about it. Otherwise everything will keep dying in the fridge. What are the three (subjectively) smartest vegetables I can choose if I am limiting myself to three, with regard to nutrient density (not versatility, and disregarding seasonal aspects.)
posted to Ask MetaFilter by thegreatfleecircus at 12:16 PM on August 29, 2013 (52 comments)

Pirate Joe's is an unaffiliated reseller of Trader Joe's products in Canada. They buy Trader Joe's merchandise at retail cost across the border, bring them into Canada, and sell them at a markup. Trader Joe's is suing, and Pirate Joe's owner Michael Hallatt has not backed down. “This is a little bit David versus Goliath and a little bit Occupy Grocery.” He took the "P" off of the store's sign in reaction to the suit, leaving just "Irate Joe's."
posted to MetaFilter by Stewriffic at 12:56 PM on August 19, 2013 (286 comments)

I'm looking for some French or Dutch language podcasts that I can use to practice my comprehension. However, I'm looking for something more like Uhh Yeah Dude, Jordan Jesse Go!, or another "two people talking, being funny, and themselves" type podcast, rather than an NPR type show. Do any shows come to mind?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by spacetableleg at 7:32 AM on August 29, 2013 (2 comments)

Can you tell me your suggestions for where to go for the best versions of specific food items in New York City?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Dansaman at 5:07 PM on August 28, 2013 (22 comments)

Things to do in Montreal and vicinity, next week?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by fourcheesemac at 6:28 AM on July 31, 2009 (11 comments)

My husband and I will be in Boston this weekend, and will have time Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and most of the day Sunday to do stuff. So what should we do? We've never been to the city before, and are interested in historical/cultural activities, or just walking around and looking at things. We also need a few good restaurant suggestions, but don't want to hit the bar scene. We are staying near the Boston Convention Center. We won't have a car but could get one.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by OrangeDisk at 4:46 AM on March 13, 2013 (19 comments)

Know how to have a fun weekend in Boston on a budget? Details within.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by xenization at 7:45 AM on December 18, 2012 (14 comments)

Cityboy and I have 4 days in Brooklyn over a long weekend in early September, 5th to the 8th. Please point me to your favorite must-see, must-eat, must do Brooklyn experiences. Staying in Greenpoint - subway stop Greenpoint Avenue on the G line - and will rely on subways or buses for transportation. We love art, crafts, theater, and our fave - eating at little neighborhood restaurants so good they draw from outside the neighborhood. We are adventurous eaters and drinkers, looking for a friendly atmosphere. Price is not as important as authentic quality and honest presentation, and I'm not interested in 3 hour waits unless they are REALLY WORTH IT. Quality is way more important than buzz. We will also go to Manhattan for museums and shows, but our taste is more Fringe than Broadway, so I'd love recommendations for slightly askew productions or visual art shows in either borough. Have already seen the James Turrell show at the Guggenheim and felt a little underwhelmed after epic waits, but we might give it another try on a weekday.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by citygirl at 5:01 PM on August 28, 2013 (16 comments)

Am I expected to speak French in Montreal?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by eugenen at 8:04 AM on July 9, 2011 (26 comments)

I was a raging fan of several different media properties as a kid. I'd like to read or learn more about individuals who are likewise obsessed.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by PhoBWanKenobi at 6:06 PM on August 25, 2013 (34 comments)

I'm a queer girl who sometimes likes to dress like a boy. I would like suggestions for fashion blogs that focus on genderqueer/butch/trans fashion. I'm especially looking for style aesthetics other than the very popular "dapper" look.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Juliet Banana at 10:55 AM on August 23, 2013 (6 comments)

In an effort to distract myself from my life, I've decided to spend next week in NYC. I've never been, and am getting a little overwhelmed trying to decide what to do there. Oh yeah, and I'd like to not have to sell my firstborn to pay for everything.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by jenlovesponies at 6:15 AM on August 22, 2013 (44 comments)

I'm looking for movies where paying careful attention to every frame and detail yields secrets that are quite different from the "main" surface story.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by naju at 6:00 PM on August 19, 2013 (38 comments)

Perfectionism has been something I have dealt with since I was a child. I am 22 years old and what I think about a lot is what use am I if I have no extraordinary abilities, talents, or accomplishments.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by 8LeggedFriend at 5:31 PM on August 11, 2013 (59 comments)

My husband and I are looking for a hip, progressive, ethnically mixed city that is not over-priced yet. We have lived in nyc, Miami and La and have been priced out of all these markets with the overpriced housing. Considering Baltimore as I heard its not completely off the charts housing wise. I am a chef and teach cooking classes and he is in the renewable energy business and we work for ourselves. Both of us like good food, outdoors stuff like biking and hiking and enjoy a liberal atmosphere. Are we dreaming or might Baltimore be a good fit?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by privatechef at 5:47 AM on August 8, 2013 (39 comments)

I think I'd like to begin following an author who writes mysteries featuring a regular protagonist and cast of recurring characters, but I have some d'ruthers. Can you help match me up?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by taz at 10:55 AM on July 20, 2013 (30 comments)

Seeing prices of GBP 1300 - 2000, which is above what I'd like to spend, and the lower end seems to lack experience, am I just being a cheapskate?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by fistynuts at 6:09 AM on July 23, 2013 (17 comments)

Amazing photos of the London Underground in the 1980s. Second set.
posted to MetaFilter by litleozy at 4:51 AM on July 20, 2013 (40 comments)

Rural(ish) towns in the U.S. that have city(ish) things. Does this kind of place exist?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by dede at 5:10 PM on July 19, 2013 (64 comments)

How can we (as precisely as possible) characterize what colors go well together? What underlying physical/biological or mathematical explanations underpin the recommendations of artistic color theory? I am particularly interested in the culturally invariant component of these models, if any such components can be extracted.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by a snickering nuthatch at 9:28 AM on July 19, 2013 (6 comments)

Some mefite has a great guide to reddit on their user profile, that talks about getting rid of the default subreddits and a bunch of other tips that are good for a new reddit user. In fact I want to point a new reddit user to them, but I can't find a link to that user! Does anyone recall who it was?
posted to MetaTalk by mendel at 6:38 PM on July 25, 2012 (35 comments)

American Woman: Vocal fried. On the partial glottalization of speech in young English speaking American women.
posted to MetaFilter by emilycardigan at 1:11 PM on December 12, 2011 (179 comments)

I want to go about finding entertaining, engaging, intelligent things I can read about subjects I know nothing about. Ideally, I want a source of these things which will reliably send me off in directions I'm completely unfamiliar with, rather than just new sources which cover individual specific subjects. But it has to be enjoyable, even somewhat mindless reading – think Cracked or Buzzfeed. Does anything like this exist? Are there good places online for me to stimulate myself when I'm in that mindless time-killing mood?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by Rory Marinich at 10:36 AM on July 9, 2013 (29 comments)

What are your 30s like?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by cuban link flooded jesus at 12:55 PM on December 9, 2009 (73 comments)

Help me create a list of mailable, share-able, care-package items from all the U.S. states/DC for my college student son and his friends.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by headnsouth at 1:53 PM on June 24, 2013 (58 comments)