MetaFilter

Appropriate? Who say it has to be? The bank makes their own rules, not you, not me, not any appropriateness fairy.

Maybe they just see a chance to run a check so they can then target you for credit card offers and other "deals?"

Tell them to fuck off, and take your business elsewhere. Loosing your business is what they deserve for such an inappropriate invasion of your privacy.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:25 PM on August 12, 2009

"For once fiction writers and doctors agree: it's possible to die of fright, or for that matter grief, anger, joy, or just about any other intense emotion."
More here, at the always wonderful The Straight Dope.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:00 PM on August 12, 2009

First, you should stop obsessing over what other people are doing. Yeah, other people are in relationships. Yes, they are having sex. You are not. These things happen.

to just do things I loved, and get out and be social, and it'd happen. [...] and a couple of unsuccessful dates, but... no meaningful progress toward any kind of girlfriend.

So... you just gave up?

It seems like a… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 6:56 PM on August 12, 2009

A.) The media is already "sleuthing" around on this. They probably have a better nose and better access than anyone here.

B.) This piece describes how the artist was inspired by a pine comb.

C.) It's a circular pattern, the first in a star burst style, the other rounded, both with a spectrum gradient. The only feature which gives me pause are the outward bows of the triangles, and these too could be coincidences.… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 6:30 PM on August 12, 2009

And also, OP, you could have refused.

Just say, "I don't feel comfortable getting into the car with you. Let's talk here on the side of the road or I'll wait in my car."

If the cop is going to MAKE you get into the car, you're GOING into that car no matter what. If he's asking you, then it's optional.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 4:08 PM on August 12, 2009

Uhhh... make out a check. Mail it?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 5:26 AM on August 12, 2009

So the ethernet port lights up, but doesn't appear under Device Manager.

You've checked and double checked your BIOS settings to make sure it's enabled...

And you've made sure there is no "Unknown Device" which needs a driver in Device Manager...

I dunno. It's rare for onboard nics to die, but it does happen.

I would download the latest driver package and install that. Sometimes these… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 6:33 PM on August 11, 2009 marked best answer

Sexual incompatibility is hell - for both people. I won't defend your ex, but it's safe to say he suffered too in the relationship.

My question is this: do you want to improve your sex drive? If so, go to the doctor. It could be hormonal, it could be psychological or some combination of the two. A doctor can help, but you have to stick with it.

As for when to tell someone? Sadly I think most men are going to find your… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 7:04 AM on August 11, 2009

Developmentally they both sound like they are pretty close on a couple of levels.

Not saying that your sister couldn't or won't "grow out of this," but what if she doesn't? What if "Corky" becomes your brother-in-law? What are you going to do then?

Let your sister live her life. It sounds like she's already had enough people meddling in it already (your parents) - let her make her own mistakes.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 6:54 AM on August 11, 2009

Please don't use WD40 on your bike, unless you're only spraying a rag to wipe it down with. WD40 can force grime and dirt deeper into places where it's not supposed to be. It also evaporates leaving parts unprotected.

WD40 is great for cleaning, but not for protecting or lubing.

Use a proper bike lube from your local bike shop.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 5:34 PM on August 10, 2009

I'm a road bike guy and when comparing brands there simply isn't the range in price you see for MTB when you're going components to components. This is because at the mid-level range frame specs are nearly identical. It really comes down to getting the best component group for the price.

This doesn't apply as well to MTBs where advanced engineering in the frame and geometry can vary greatly among manufacturers.

Will you notice a difference… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:26 AM on August 10, 2009 marked best answer

Why are you asking us and not talking to your insurance company?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 11:45 PM on August 8, 2009

Your entire AskMe reads like a single's ad. You're obviously trying to justify your single lifestyle, which is fine, but do so in a way that says you're open for anything.

My advice: take this attitude online, work the various dating websites, and be grown up and serious about what you want. Go on dates, but only do so with other people who seem equally grown up and serious, and keep at it until you find someone you like.

It's not easy, but it ain't hard either, sister. Hang in there.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:36 PM on August 8, 2009

Why haven't you talked to your employer about this? Are they refusing to give you the raise, or have you not asked?

Not saying they aren't stingy assholes, but maybe they are just forgetful? The point is, you should start there rather than here...
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 5:13 PM on August 8, 2009

You should go after the journal, not the plagiarizers.

The journal accepted it, reviewed, etc. Presumably your own work was readily available to them.

Go after the journal, they will want to know about their own mistake.

As an aside, as someone who used to dump my own notes into my documents during editing, I was accused of plagiarism when I accidentally submitted the wrong copy of a paper to my department. Fortunately… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 2:23 PM on August 8, 2009

I like serial form documentaries, not movie length. Not sure if that's a consideration or not.

Two I've enjoyed recently: The Ascent of Money and A Brief History of Disbelief.

Both have British narrators, so, that might be a consideration too as a schooled English accent can make anything sound high brow.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 11:33 AM on August 8, 2009

Someone who immediately resorts to bluster and threats is usually not being entirely honest

This.

I'm betting this guy went to one other printer, and only one other, where he had a problem. I do not believe he has been all other town and seen similar problems.

Further, have you ever had this problem before? If you were doing something wrong, surely other people would have had similar issues in the… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 11:00 AM on August 8, 2009

Bad idea. The city takes Lollapalooza very seriously. The area around the gates will be heavily patrolled and they will frown on any stunt which could possibly disrupt the flow of pedestrian traffic.

A better (read: legally safer) way to do it would be to get a performer's license and just setup on the sidewalk nearby. That way, if you're hassled by the cops, at least you're protected.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 10:52 PM on August 7, 2009

It's help if we knew the age of the photo, or at least the decade.

Perhaps it's a split window VW?
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:56 PM on August 7, 2009

Getting married would probably go a long way toward assuring your parents that you and your "baby daddy" (please don't call him that anymore) are serious about your future and the future of your child.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 2:50 PM on August 7, 2009

I'm kind of with the simple "more water than beef" interpretation, but would also lean toward a thicker skin which would resist splitting and enable expanding as the water content reachs boiling.

I say this after just having grilled some amazing brats from The Brat Stop which grilled up beautifully without gimmicky expansion and tasted heavenly, and I don't even like packed meats! I got lucky with these guys on the grill last night - well made brats, sausages,… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 4:19 AM on August 7, 2009

The Klipsch HD Theater 300 system has a MSRP of $399. You'd still need a 5.1 channel receiver to use it. Still, it's a "real" solution rather than just another computer speaker setup. If you want that, you should look at products from Logitech.

I personally find 5.1 home theater systems atrocious, but if I were going to build one on a shoe string budget, I'd take my time, do research, and work the second-hand market at eBay or your local pawn shop.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:48 AM on August 5, 2009

"Good" 2.1 doesn't exist. It just doesn't unless you're talking $1000 Magnepans and a $500 Infinity sub, with another who-knows-god-what tied up in amps and what have you.

Just put it out of your mind. The whole "something-point-one" whatever is just marketing bullshit. What you need is just two good speakers. Done.

From my computer, via optical, I drive a pair of Behringer MS40 monitors. They are the absolute cheapest… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 2:59 AM on August 7, 2009

Oh for fucks sake.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 12:55 PM on August 5, 2009

Many a man your age has mistaken the precociousness of youth for a deeper rapport.

I'm not saying you couldn't fuck this young woman if you wanted to (because let's be honest, that's what you're thinking, or daydreaming about at least,) I'm just saying that you need to be more clear headed about it...

Generally it's a fool's errand, though...
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 7:36 AM on August 5, 2009

Go to your local (preferably independent) home improvement stores and buy some new anchors. I like the largish drill in type over the small plastic ones you nail in. With the larger ones you can use the current holes, otherwise you'll need to reposition the rack on the wall.

It's a simple procedure, but you need a power drill with some screw bits to do it right.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 7:18 AM on August 5, 2009

Seconding shownomercy's link to the Kevin Han article. Fascinating stuff.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 4:51 PM on August 4, 2009

I sent a quick email and laid it all on the line.

Just for future reference: "laying it all on the line" usually doesn't produce desirable results.

get the closure that I rightfully deserve.

Oh please. Closure? It's an on-line relationship that culminated in one meeting. Victims of random violence need closure. On-line pseudo-relationships that fizzle out, don't need… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 8:25 AM on August 4, 2009

You show up. You show them your license and credit card. You drive off.

That's about it.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 8:12 AM on August 4, 2009

You want him to be happy, but not at your expense? What the hell does that even mean?

How are you impacted negatively by your dad dating this woman?

If you want one-on-one time with your dad (and I don't think it sounds like you do) then you should speak up. You're an adult, so is your dad.

You feel jealous or hurt because your dad is dating this woman. You should say so. To him. You have concerns about your younger… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 8:10 AM on August 4, 2009

Call the guy's bluff. Tell him to put his complaint in writing and send it your way, you'll look over it and so will your (possibly nonexistent) lawyer.

He won't waste the time.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:52 PM on August 3, 2009

Congratulations on the weight loss. Loosing 45lbs has got to feel great.

As for the clothes: Dress clothes can be altered down a size for a few bucks. So, maybe shift more toward dressy stuff in the interim? You don't mention your gender, but I think this it is easier to have men's clothes altered (pants and jackets at least.) Even if you have to go out and buy new dress stuff, you can have it taken in later on as you continue to loose weight.… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:46 PM on August 3, 2009

Three partitions is overkill. Don't clone it either. Set the laptop up, run updates, install software, etc, then make a Ghost image and save it to the data partition (which is where you can re-direct My Documents while you're at it.)
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 8:19 PM on August 3, 2009

I have really hard time taking this AskMe seriously.

Like, really? It's that much of a hassle to unscrew your adapter that you're will to risk a flat or clogging your valve with dust and dirt, thus making it unusable?

Why chance it? If you're being consistent about tire pressure, you're pumping your tires up just once a week. A few minutes of hassle, once a week, versus hours of worry when your ridding? It seem really stupid to me.… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 8:16 PM on August 3, 2009

Get through to what? Black holes are the ultimate dead end streets.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 5:50 PM on August 3, 2009

When I was in college I bar tended at a place which served Bud Light and Natural Light (actually, we only served Natural Light, but had a fake Bud Light tap.)

We had a system of 8-ounce glasses which would come out of the washer and go straight into an upright freezer.

When the glasses came out, they would then go into a Styrofoam beer-koozie. Not the foam rubber kind common today, but the old fashion type with the plastic ring around the top.… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 4:06 PM on August 3, 2009

Your comparison is not apt.

If your husband stares at a woman as he drives by, that's random. What you've done is to seek out a person you're attracted to, engaged in questioning (either of or to, it's not 100% clear from your description,) and set yourself on a path that could lead to further contact. When your husband glances at the woman jogging, he doesn't pull over, roll down the window, and ask her name. That's what you've done here.

Now,… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 8:02 AM on August 3, 2009

You should consult a professional instead of asking strangers on the internet.

Treating depression and anxiety takes patience and consistency.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 7:00 AM on August 3, 2009

Honestly, being an ex-con carries a terrible and mostly unfair stigma in our society.

Basically, I wouldn't mention the time served. I'd pad his resume out to cover that time (yes, lie) and let the chips fall where they may.

Obviously if he seeking a job with a larger employer he will be asked if he has been convicted. He has to choose then and there whether to check that box.

If he's lucky, maybe he can get a job with… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:44 PM on August 2, 2009

When you contact the landlord say, "Yes, the children are out here every day. I'm concerned about their safety and the security of my apartment. I'm just notifying you of the situation, which I hope you'll resolve. Oh, by the way, what's a good mailing address where I can send a certified letter? Oh, it's nothing. I just want a record in writing where I notified you of this persistent and dangerous problem. You know, just to protect both of us."

Then… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:37 PM on August 2, 2009

Your situation seems inevitable to the people you retell the story to because your relationship, or at least the description of it, has the hallmarks of one bound of infidelity.

That's what I'm guessing anyway. Perhaps people who knew you while you were with this guy had some sort of impression, or perhaps there were stories or incidents that you relayed to them over the course of the relationship that caused them to think about this.

"Well… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:22 PM on August 2, 2009

Is it illegal to release party (latex or mylar) balloons into the sky?

I'm sure there is some piddling subsection of some law somewhere that mentions this, but generally, no.

Have planes or other craft been damaged by such balloons in-flight?

No. They are just balloons. Would you expect otherwise?

Further, helium filled balloons rise in altitude until… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 9:14 PM on August 2, 2009

What can I legally do to make this type of behavior stop.

Call the police now. As in RIGHT FUCKING NOW, SHOULDA DONE IT AN HOUR AGO...

Leave the message board. Just stop going there. Stop giving this person the pleasure of intimidating you.

Make sure your property is secure and well lit with motion detecting lights, etc. Alert your neighbors to be on the look out for prowlers (you don't have to… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 1:48 PM on August 2, 2009

A Taste Of Power: When starting a game, often the player starts out with an extremely powerful party or character, which can easily slaughter anything it comes across, playing through a short battle or dungeon. The player is in no real danger of losing at this point, but this incredible power never lasts long. Once the introductory segment is complete, the player switches to the real party, usually at level 1 with basic starter gear.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 11:20 AM on August 2, 2009

First of all, you need to become comfortable with downloading updated drivers. Those that come with Windows, or even those found on the product's CD, may be out of date and that could cause problems.

So, for your current TV tuner, I recommend you determine the brand, google their website, and see if they have current Vista 64-bit drivers (and if not, try the 32-bit.) It's far more likely that there are appropriate drivers out there than not.

If… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 10:45 AM on August 2, 2009

"Hip" neighborhoods are hip because they have places where you can engage in consumer activities. Bars, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, book shops, etc...

If you're really trying to buckle down and save money for the time you're there, take the cheaper apartment in the un-hip neighborhood.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 10:40 PM on August 1, 2009

Having the television worked on, particularly if it needs a new screen, maybe cost prohibitive. You don't say what size television it is, but medium sized flat screen televisions can often be found the $200 to $300 range, which is what your bill may amount to.

If you want to find a television repair man, you have two avenues: 1.) Contact the manufacture, they can refer you to a certified repair shop, or 2.) look in the yellow pages for a tv repair place that advertises… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 10:36 PM on August 1, 2009 marked best answer

In some circles, that just means long pants (unlikely), in others it could be more elaborate.

I'd call the organizers and ask.

(Actually, I wouldn't go to any event that requires women to dress in a certain way, but then I'm also told I'm a contemptuous jerk.)
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 12:42 PM on August 1, 2009 marked best answer

Recently I opened the channel to him, and I thought to myself that maybe he deserves the chance to meet, discuss everything and close the story, and perhaps start a friendship.

A noble effort in some respects. Foolish in others.

My closest friends think meeting him is a bad idea.

Bad idea? Sure. Why not? But we're talking about meeting an ex, not buying swamp land. What's the… [more]
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 6:43 PM on July 31, 2009

Any quilt shop will do this for you in an afternoon. Call around town and find which ever shop has a "long arm" machine.

It's not cheap.
posted to Ask MetaFilter by wfrgms at 6:35 PM on July 31, 2009