Free Advice On Any Subject's topics - tribe.net

Pick a city where I should move...

2008-07-06T19:09:11Z

Seattle
Denver
Tacoma
Eugene
Portland OR
Minneapolis
Missoula
or
Austin?

I could tell you al about myself
and why I'm moving...
what I'm looking for but
why take away the fun
of just randomly
choosing a city?

Of course if you want to tell me
why you chose what you chose,
feel free.

Ben<<<<

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 29 replies

hand writing

2008-07-06T00:50:00Z

is it possible to make it nicer?
mine used to be really nice and now, its awful.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 4 replies

Muscle damage after shot

2008-07-05T02:48:46Z

I had surgery 3 months ago and received a shot in the arm of compesine. I was floating in and out of sleep when they gave me the shot, I have no idea how big the needle was. They gave me the shot in my left arm and now 3 months later I still have pain in my arm. When I touch where the shot was its very painful. My boyfriend thinks I may have muscle damage since they had to put the needle through my muscle. I have no idea.
I had a tetnus shot last year and only hurt for a few days after and that was all. The compesine shot hurt a few days after, like a charlie horse, but now it's a very small spot and its very tender and painful.

Should I ask my doc or does anyone think the pain will eventually subside?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 6 replies

fat

2008-07-05T02:43:09Z

My boyfriend is getting fat.
He eats twice as much as me at every sitting, and does no excercise.

I'm here staying with him for two months. I bought a bicycle and am trying to convince him to get his repaired so we can ride together.
I cook healthy food for us, and load him up on salad.

But I just can't get him to move. He reacts violently when I suggest we walk instead of taking public transportation. He joined a gym only a block away, but hasn't been there in a month. He gets home from work and refuses to leave the apartment afterward. As soon as he breaks a sweat he craves drinks that are loaded with calories, and reacts violently to the idea of drinking plain old water.

It's scary to watch it happening. I'm a bit of a thin-freak myself.
Do I confront him, or keep applying subversive tactics?
I try to make getting out and doing things fun, but he's smarter than me, and sees through it. Should I just carry on my routine (weekly volleyball, bike rides, daily calesthenics, etc.) while he watches? This is basically what's happening now. He's perfectly happy to watch, but refuses to join in.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 17 replies

I love my boss

2008-06-28T06:59:08Z

... and he just got fired! For no reason!

Would it be stupid of me to quit my job in protest?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

shocking problem

2008-06-28T04:55:32Z

I have Delta 1 x 30 inch belt sander I have used for years to sharpen my work knives. Sometimes in dry weather, it might give me a small electric shock. Now, every time I use it, it gives me an electric shock. I have to keep one hand on the knife and one hand on the sander to keep it grounded. This occurs where ever I use it - different plugs, different places. It has a three wire plug, so shouldn't it be grounding itself? Maybe its built up to much metal dust over the years?

Something like this, but mine as a 6 inch sanding disc on the other end.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Delta-1-Belt-Sander-USA-1-4-HP-2AMP-Excellent-Condit_W0QQitemZ290234737893QQihZ019QQcategoryZ42285QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 11 replies

I hate my boss...

2008-06-15T07:13:06Z

I use the word 'hate'...hate is what I say and hate is what I mean. I take the keenest pleasure in watching him suffer...stress, headaches, personal problems...I squirm with delight...my sense of justice becomes titilated by the sight of his misery. I would certainly attend his funeral just for the glory of gazing at his corpse.
Anyway, I'm going on vacation and I wish to hide something in his office which will rot and fester and cause him the utmost in dismay and disgust and inconvenience. I was thinking of something like a severed pig's head...does anyone know where I can procore such a thing? How long before it starts to stink, because I want to be a few days removed so I can't be blamed. He has an unfair advantage over me in that he can terminate my employment so I am looking for underhanded ways to destroy his life.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 16 replies

Average cost of living website?

2008-06-12T07:44:33Z

Hello, all. Wondering if you can recommend any websites that provide average housing costs of major cities in Europe. I currently live in Italy, but am looking to move to France, most likely Paris or thereabouts, but not necessarily. There are a few other countries and cities I'm looking at, too. Would like to know average cost of living for various regions.

Thanks so much!

Cheers,
SW

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 2 replies

Disaster Supplies

2008-06-07T01:48:43Z

www.quakedog.com/prepare

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

Setting up a contest - seeking corporate sponsorship

2008-05-31T14:37:09Z

Well, "corporate" is maybe an exaggeration...

I want to have a contest at our school for the semester's best essay, and have a gift certificate to a local bookstore as the prize (maybe 50 dollars).

Is it normal to ask the bookstore to provide the gift certificate gratis? Would they consider it free advertising? Or would it be presumptous to ask? I regularly order books for my classes from them, and got them to come to our school once to set up a booth at a conference.

And... is it being vulgar to even offer a gift certificate to a certain store?
Would a book already bought be a better prize?
Or any other ideas?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 4 replies

Permaculture video

2008-05-30T13:50:14Z

http://video.stumbleupon.com/#p=495ntje2mt

:)

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

what to claim on my unempolyment

2008-05-28T06:56:31Z

I just worked as an independant contractor, should I claim it on my unemployment?
I think that the employer doesn't send information to the IRS unless I make $500

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

The, Now Litter Trained Kittens

2008-05-25T01:00:37Z

Are the stars of our first video attempt.

I'd appreciate comments and constructive criticism from anyone.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3GNKCEvFIA

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

paranoia? menopause? senility?

2008-05-24T00:00:42Z

So my folks have been married 30+ years, are getting into their sixties, and thinking of retirement. Unfortunately, my mom has got a little kooky over the last 5 years... Nothing obvious, but almost a paranoia of making anyone unhappy-- to the extent that she'll insist my dad is angry at her, no matter what he does.

Talking to my dad recently, he told me he's been avoiding retirement because he doesn't want to live with this 24/7-- at least now he has work to retreat to, where he doesn't have to constantly reassure my mom that everything's all right, he's not angry, no, really, he's not lying to her, he's not angry. But often, she'll just keep insisting he is until she's right. I've tried to talk with her about it, but she'll just say he's a very hard man to make happy and shuts down.

The sad thing is, he's not! My dad is one of the most easy-going people I know! And he loves my mom, would do anything to make her happy-- we just don't know how.

Can anyone think of a way to address this? Counseling? Separate hobbies? Similar hobbies? Getting a dog? Getting my mom to a therapist a few years ago seemed to help, but she stopped going and I don't know how to gently ask her to go back.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 8 replies

I found two snails in my washing machine - blechhhh

2008-05-20T02:52:52Z

I did a load of towels and when I went to get them out I found two snails sitting on top of the wet towels. I cant figure out how they got there? Through the water lines?
I had a mini freak out, nicely removed the snails and threw them in the yard, and washed the towels again.

I googled snails in washing machine and cant find a damn thing.

Why are they torturing me!!

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 4 replies

How to say Maybe

2008-05-18T22:20:55Z

What do you do when someone invites you to something, and you're thinking, "Um... sure... like, if nothing better comes up between now and then or I'm not too tired or just don't feel like it later, but please do keep me in mind in case I do happen to feel like coming."?

I know that sounds awful.

I mean, for a formal business-type engagement, in which you previously showed interest, but in which you grew less interested as the arrangement and terms of the engagement became more clear.

Is it better just to accept, and then play sick if you change your mind?
It almost seems worse to say "maybe."

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

Saving Money on Groceries

2008-05-18T22:19:21Z

I think it's time. Most of us will need to economize.

http://people.tribe.net/blingayez/blog/c1086260-8789-4877-947c-3de51381bb41

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

Shopping on the Internet -- Beware the Float Game

2008-05-18T19:12:37Z

I want to say up front that this is a legal manipulation. We checked with our bank. They agree that it's unethical but there's no law against it.

That said here's what happened:

On Wednesday April 23 a friend ordered an electronic item from a website. The site advertised the item for $300 less than most other sites. They also advertised the item was "in stock".

The company called to confirm the order on Friday. They immediately starte upselling or trying to add on extra items like insurance and battery packs. They were told at that time he just wanted to purchase the item alone and didn't have enough in that bank account to cover extras.

On Monday April 28th the company called my friend and told him the item was on back order for 8 weeks. My friend cancelled the order. He asked for a confirmation number. The rep said it would be emailed. It wasn't.

My friend went online to check his bank account for another reason and found an odd charge for $421 taken off his debit card. When speaking with customer service at the bank he was told that since an authorization was made the charge could go through. In the meantime this amount was placed on hold.

My friend called customer service at the electronic company. He did get the cancellation number; however billing would have to settle the authorization issue. The customer service rep then transferred my friend to the billing department. The billing department had closed 3 hours earlier. I suppose cs expected my friend to swallow that they were unaware of the time that billing closed.

Back at the bank's customer service they assured my friend he wouldn't be charged because he is protected by the credit card company that issues his debit card. But that the authorization should be withdrawn by the company within 72 hours. In the meantime my friend's account is still frozen for the $421.

This morning, Tuesday April 29th, my friend checked his bank account online again. Much to his dismay a *second* authorization was sent through for the same amount. So now $841 of my friend's account is on hold. My friend hears from the bank that his account is frozen and that if he doesn't put in enough money to cover the $841 he will be charged a $25 overdraft fee if both items are released for payment. The bank says they can cancel the second draft but the electronic company can repost it. And it seems these guys stay up nights doing just that.

Back to the bank -- Since my friend gave an authorization the electronic company is within its' rights to charge the full amount and then make a refund. The "billing department" says it will release the authorizations for payment within 48 hours. Oh yes they are. It's perfectly legal.. If they send the authorizations through for payment *then* that's fraud. But until they do it's legal. My friend will likely sit on his hands with a frozen bank account until May 1 or later.

Now here's how it works, and likely why laws will not be passed against it unless people speak up.

The bank has the money. It continues to use the money toward it's assets. Had my friend not deposited enough to cover the whole amount he would have been charged an additional $25 fee.

The credit card has the money. Yep the same money because while the money is technically "in transit" it belongs to the credit card as well as the bank. And the credit card collects interest on "float".

The electronics company doesn't collect "float", BUT, the electronics company posts this as a sale and return as though the item shipped and even though the item is unavailable for 8 weeks. The electronics company gets to write the lost sale off on it's quarterly taxes. Oh yeah, one more thing -- the electronic company can also charge a restocking fee even though the item isn't in stock.

So a word of advice -- go with who you know. Even if that company charges retail. At least you know they won't keep your money tied up for a week.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 7 replies

Sex in Afterlife

2008-05-18T10:28:20Z

Should I attempt to communiucate with what is left of the once human race or should I dedicate myself to my astral pleasure exclusively. http://lulu.com/astrology

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 7 replies

Litter training kittens?

2008-05-12T22:33:59Z

We went from 0 to 2 in 24 hours. One we laid a claim on several weeks ago. Pixel (white with gray spots) was delivered to us yesterday. We have the kitten food, the toys, the box (with newspaper strips) etc. She was supposed to have been box trained but she isn't.

Then all afternoon yesterday we heard a kitten squalling. We looked everywhere thinking it was one of the neighbors (Pixel's siblings) Well it wasn't.

About 10 pm I thought if we don't find that baby chances are he won't survive the night. We finally pinpointed the yowling in a neighbor's yard. We know it isn't her kitten because she hates cats. So now we have Gigabit (ginger tabby tom).

We think he may have been feral. He's smaller than Pixel but "hunts" toys very well. Pixel is still learning to "hunt". We estimated GB's about 2 weeks younger than Pixel.

Anyway they are both weaned and need to be litter trained. I haven't litter trained a cat in 20 years. We always had pet doors and the pets all went outside. It's not possible to do that where I live now. I've been putting them in the litter box after meals and when they wake up. But they get too excited to use the box and have been spotted peeing on the furniture. That won't fly.

What's worked for you and what hasn't?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 9 replies

managing pain

2008-05-10T21:13:54Z

i randomly hurt my neck and back at the gym about a year and a half ago, to the point where i couldnt lift the weight of my head with my neck. it was utterly frightening, and took well over a year to recover. MRI results were "normal" - aside from a small protrusion that is apparently no cause to worry about. the specialist literally told me nothing was wrong with me, and the only thing he could suggest was cortisone injections. i truly didnt get that. if nothings wrong with me then why am i hurting, and why steroids? i didnt do it.

well the pain is back again, this time around i think from a thai massage. i dont think they necessarily did anything wrong, i think my body is just a plain mess.

i went to the doctor again, and they again gave me steroids. is this normal? giving steroids for pain so easily? my mother dealt with chronic pain from early rheumatoid arthritis, and it gave her terrible side effects. if i wasnt in so much pain, i wouldnt take them. but i am.

it is depressing the crap out of me. and maybe finally making me sit up and think about how to take control over this.

i really think a big part of this as to do with the fact that i dont get any exercise. and its been hard building that up again, because anything i do ends up hurting even more.

i feel like i need to start from scratch. learn new posture. new habits. start slow. and keep it steady. except i have no idea where to start, so that it doesnt injure me further.

any suggestions for educational sites, alternative / holistic health? exercises, approaches?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 13 replies

Women problems. Need adivce, please.

2008-05-09T06:40:55Z

I recently encountered quite the dilemma with my current girlfriend. We have been going out for around 7 months, and it has been going great. However, just until maybe a month or two ago, she has not been able to get excited (meaning sexually). Before, she would get wet pretty fast, and I was able to please her. Now, I'll spend near to half an hour just to get her wet, and more recently she hasn't at all. Is this a loss of attraction towards me from her point of view, or am I just doing something wrong? We have a good emotional relationship, but I know that pleasing her sexually is a way of showing my love for her physically. Any suggestions on what to do? Thank you.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 16 replies

Microsoft Outlook missng "add as contact"

2008-04-30T07:21:37Z

After about four years of using Outlook Express, I switched over to Microsoft Outlook. Now I can't find a "Add as contact" button when I right click an email. I can't find it in the tool bar. I can add a contact from scratch, but not add someone automatically from a received email. Anyone had this happen before or know what its about?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 11 replies

I can feel the heat !! Sun Block Creams?

2008-04-30T04:25:58Z

I do a lot of walking and here in Las Vegas it tends to get a little bit hot and sunny. I have used different brands of sun block creams but do you have any recommendations of your favorite one/ones?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

Vibrators

2008-04-26T03:41:01Z

I have to write a thinking essay about the book the technology of the orgasm. Has anyone read this book? It’s about how women with hysteria used to go to the doctors and they would give the women clitoral massage and relieve them from their symptoms. However, the massage was difficult to learn and it took a long time for the women to reach the climax. The vibrator was invented as a labor saving device for doctors to treat hysteric women. Now I have to write an essay about this, it’s so obvious to me that I am not sure what to say. What do you think about it?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

at what point do you decide to drop a freind

2008-04-22T02:40:08Z

what is your criteria for droping a longtime freind

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 23 replies

Hair dye?

2008-04-21T23:17:57Z

Anyone know how to do professional level hair dyes with the colors you get at a beauty supply?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 7 replies

Need link

2008-04-20T04:18:40Z

Does anyone have a link to Post It classified ad website?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 0 replies

Reserving a hotel in Havana

2008-04-19T20:44:32Z

My friend, an american, wants to reserve a hotel in Havana for an upcoming vacation through some kind of website (not the hotel's website, but one of those search sites), and writes to me to ask if I know a European who would do it for her. She has to make a deposit using a credit card, and is afraid the US government is going to send the FBI or someone swooping down on her to arrest her for even just making plans to visit Cuba.
Is she being paranoid?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

Wood Oil/polish?

2008-04-19T20:41:37Z

I picked up a 200 y/o buffet, and its quite beautiful. However many areas of the wood are very dry looking. There is also a few water stains. What can I use to bring back the luster w/o stripping the wood? I dont want a wood cleaner as I know that will strip the wood and remove any of the old stains that are giving the buffet its character.

The wood is oak.

I also picked up a 100 y/o eastlake dresser which just needs some light cleaning, can I use the same wood polish for both? I dont know what the wood is of the dresser.

I really know nothing about wood and needs some help, thanks!!

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

windows xp recycle bin

2008-04-14T11:48:06Z

Is there a way to rename the recycle bin. left clicking doesn't work

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 6 replies

RATS!!

2008-04-12T09:22:28Z

This has been the worst winter in years! We've trapped 5 rats in our kitchen in the past few weeks (humanely). After the first two we boxed up all available food items so there was nothing for them to eat. Guess what they did? They came into my bedroom!! At 3 am!!!

I live in a thick jungle, in an old cottage. I can see the holes they made under the house to get in. I've no doubt they'll make new ones if I block these off.

They've ruined my stove, I'm sick of cleaning up after them and they keep me up all night.

Is anyone else having this issue? What do you do?

I don't use poison. And I have a pet Bunny so I can't use those sonic thingies. Any suggestions?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 26 replies

Word weirdness

2008-04-10T04:45:32Z

For some reason, ever time I type a colon, semicolon, or question mark, my computer buts a space in front of it.
What did I do wrong?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 4 replies

Nutrition and Calories

2008-04-10T02:14:07Z

You've done well for me on a couple other questions so I feel comfortable asking this: What's the proper nutrition for a woman in early 50's?

I know it's harder to lose weight so I'm assuming that caloric intake is supposed to be lower. I need to lose some weight (I won't say how much) and I'm not sure about calorie intake for my age range.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

making electronic pics "smaller"

2008-04-10T01:09:04Z

I want to post some pics to my profile but they are 2500 KB, so Tribe won't let me. How can I make them smaller? I'm not all that technical, so break it down for me if you could.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 10 replies

Psychologists and records

2008-03-28T22:20:53Z

Are psychologists required to keep records of their patients and the appointments they keep? Are they required to take notes?
Let's say the SSDI determination office wants records of 3 years of care from a psychologist, and said psychologist can't really kept notes or records. What then? And is it legal for a psychologist to demand payment from their client for producing records for the SSDI determination office? Is it legal for a psychologist to refuse to fill out the forms the SSDI determination office sends them?

Thanks

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 7 replies

Reasonable amount of time

2008-03-27T18:29:04Z

I've been looking for work. I've had some interviews, but no offers. A couple of the interviews I sent a follow up e-mail after a week or so just asking for status on the position. No answer one way or the other.

Another job I went back for a second intervew and they said they would contact me by Friday. That came and went and its been a week beyond that. I haven't sent them a follow up e-mail (and I saw they reposted the opening).

Do I contact any of these companies again, or just assume they moved on. All of these are HR positions, and just for possible contacts in the future I'd assume at least one of them would have the courtesy to let me know they have passed on me.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 14 replies

Deviated Septum surgery - what am I getting into?

2008-03-25T02:30:02Z

Im having my deviated septum fixed next week, along with removing some bone fragments and cleaning up scar tissue.
I know it will hurt and Im trying to get prepared for that, I started getting nervous over the last few days.

I know every ones healing times and pain tolerances are different, but what should I expect?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 12 replies

do you really need a receipt?

2008-03-24T21:30:37Z

I went to the store and bought a soda today. One soda, nothing more and nothing less. Aside from attempting to put my one can of soda in an unnecessary plastic bag, the cashier also attempted to provide me with a receipt that I really didn't need either. Granted, it's only one piece of paper measuring about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide....but I mean c'mon, it's only a can of soda, I DON'T NEED A RECEIPT. Quite frankly, it offends me that one is even offered for such a small purchase. IT'S A WASTE OF PAPER. So I got to thinking, how much paper could we save if cashiers were able to offer you the option of not having a receipt.

I've noticed there are cities banning plastic bags and plastic water bottles in the name of being environmentally responsible....how would I go about adding a similar proposal for optional receipts?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 8 replies

Pit pads.

2008-03-24T01:11:15Z

I have heard tell of some little insert thingies one can buy for one's clothing. They reduce the amount of sweat that gets onto clothes in the armpit area. Anyone know what I'm talking about? Know the name? Have weblinks?

For at least part of my daily commute, I walk. I like it because it cheers me up, gets the blood flowing, and allows me time to listen to music. One thing, though, is that because I don't use antiperspirant (can't find a type not tested on animals), just deodorant, I have to reapply deodorant one or two times during the day. This isn't really a good option, as it doesn't work as well skin that's not freshly showered. Back when I drove, this wasn't an issue. I sweat really easily, although I'm usually colder than most folks, so when I arrive at work I'm already wearing down the deodorizing power of the morning application.

I've tried the 2-3 week lasting stuff in the past; gave me a rash, so not really an option. Any ideas on these pit pads? Other ideas? And no, washing pits in the work bathroom isn't really an option, either.

Thanks muchly!
SW

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 8 replies

How to decide on what business to start

2008-03-19T23:12:08Z

I know I'd make a good business person. I just don't know what kind of business to start. I have a broad range of interests. How do I narrow it down and pick the right one for me?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 11 replies

office etiquette

2008-03-14T20:36:12Z

When the president of the company you work for, a person you've never met, sends what appears to be an automated happy birthday email to you on your birthday...are you expected to respond? what if anything do you say?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 9 replies

E*TRADE

2008-03-14T00:31:56Z

I'm considering using E*TRADE to purchase some stocks and was curious to know if anyone here has experience doing that with E*TRADE. which product of theirs did you use and would you reccommend them? Please share your thoughts.

thanks!

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

Screen name confusion.

2008-03-11T17:02:27Z

There's some woman on wifelovers.com that is using the same screen name as me. It seems she's recently cultivated quite a following... I've have this name forever, but lately I'm getting multiple requests per day to be added to peoples IM. They all think I'm her. I don't know if she recently published an incorrect IM address, or if they are just guessing and assume I'm her, but it's really annoying and creepy.

I've updated my IM profile to make it clear that I am not her, but I gather most of these creeps don't look at the profile. They just add. I've also tried to make sure that my IM address is not published anywhere. I don't know what her actual email address is so I don't know how to contact her, other than to join wifelovers.com myself and politely ask her to give her 'fans' her correct address and get them off my back. Of course, I have absolutely no interest in joining wifelovers, and suspect I'll get barraged with spam if I do, so that's my last resort. Besides, I don't actually want to make personal contact with this wench.

I really don't want to change my email address... I've had it for years, and use it often. So far, I've been kindly asking the men who message me to please get word to her, when they find her, to publish her correct IM address, and to please leave me alone.

Any suggestions?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 8 replies

Housing, renting, being disabled with no income, argh!

2008-03-10T22:20:35Z

Hi there-
I live in a house with one housemate. My boyfriend was about to move in to help out with the rent, as there's no way I can keep paying $938 a month!
My landlord has to kick us out and sell the house we live in so he can take care of his mother, who has advanced Alzheimer's. I know, it is a terrible time to try to sell a house, but he needs $50k as soon as possible. I don't hold any ill will towards him- I mean it's his mom!
But I am disabled and unable to work. I have bad credit due to emergency medical bills that I cannot pay off. I have no income. I'm applying for SSDI, but you know how that goes- it usually takes years.
So.
The boyfriend and I want to move in together, maybe with my current housemate as well. The problem is that most places seem to require all adults who wish to live somewhere to pass a credit check and make more money than the total rent, or at least have a steady income.
I do not have a steady income at all. Can I be listed as a dependent, by any chance? How can we rent a place when I do not have a job and can't work? If the two of them together pass, do I absolutely have to as well?

Any advice is appreciated.

I know that the landlord has to give me 60 days (I live in California) unless he has an immediate sale with intent to occupy, and then it's still 30 days, but without my boyfriend moving in (he isn't gonna move in just to get kicked out!) I don't know how I will manage to make this coming month's rent, even.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 1 reply

Wireless connectivity

2008-03-10T08:30:40Z

Can anyone tell me this. I am highly technical but have never hooked up a laptop wirelessly to the internet. Time Warner wants $50 to send a tech to do it, but seriously how hard can it be? Can someone tell me how one would go about doing this once one purchases their Internet/wireless connection and assuming a router is already there?

Second, how can one check to see if there is a wireless connection in the air from a neighbor's, a coffee shop, etc.?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 18 replies

shopping for new LCD Computer Monitor

2008-02-29T08:13:08Z

What a lot of options to consider!

I'll just shoot out all my questions... if you can answer any part of any of them, I'd sure appreciate it.

Does brand matter much? If they're not Energy Star rated, are they all energy hogs?

What a list:

"With rich 700:1 contrast, high 300 cd/m² brightness and a built-in 2W speaker system, this widescreen flat-panel LCD monitor delivers lush visuals and sound for multimedia and productivity. The DVI input lets you connect a digital video component.

* Ultrafast 5 ms response time
* 700:1 contrast ratio; 300 cd/m² brightness
* 1440 x 900 maximum resolution for stunning image clarity
* DVI input allows connection of a digital video component; 15-pin D-sub input
* 16:10 widescreen aspect ratio for a cinema-style viewing experience
* 170° horizontal and 160° vertical viewing angles for comfortable viewing from almost any seat in the house; landscape viewing mode
* Antiglare screen treatment reduces the negative effects of glare
* User-friendly digital on-screen image controls allow quick and easy monitor settings adjustments
* 2 built-in 1W speakers
* Wall-mountable with optional mounting kit (not included); only a 2.75" profile without base
* ENERGY STAR compliance assures a high standard of energy efficiency
* PC and Mac compatible
* Includes D-sub cable, power cord, audio cable and software CD-ROM"

(the above is a HannsG, listed for $210)

We'd like to find the tipping point between not spending more than we have to, while avoiding getting something so cheap that it aggravates us every time we use it.

The response time seems like something that could be annoying if it's not good. I've seen numbers as high as 20ms. In that case, does the picture get blurry when you watch video clips and such? Some pages don't list this number- bad sign, I take it?

How can you be sure the product comes with all of the cords we'll need? Many product pages talk about cords and DVI "input", but the reviews say that it does not include the main one we need that's not the power cord... is that VGA (often included) or DVI ????
How often can such cords be used interchangeably? (ie, could we use the cord from our current behemoth?)

BASICALLY:
What really matters here?

For us, it must be Mac compatible, reasonably flat overall, and not crazy-expensive to get it up and running.

Thanks for any help.
This stuff gives me a headache. Is there such a thing as an Urban Dictionary, but for computer lingo?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 18 replies

List of company descriptions by state?

2008-02-27T04:20:54Z

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone knows of any good resources for finding out about various companies in a particular field, or state.
I recently moved and would like to find out about the companies in my area.

Any suggested websites?

Thanks!
NORA

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 4 replies

client database builder

2008-02-21T00:30:39Z

Hi,

I am returning to work in Real Estate after a brief hiatus and have decided I need to develop a better client database. I have used outlook but find it cumbersome. Does anyone have a good program that is easy to learn and l fexible to use? & in a perfect world would allow me to import from outlook or yahoo??

Thanks! D

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 7 replies

well rounded

2008-02-16T01:43:26Z

Staying home and raising two kids, I seem to spend an awful lot of time with myself thinking my own thoughts and analysing life for me. I have stayed away from TV, the news, and popular culture for awhile now and it seems I do not have a variety of topics with which to speak when I meet new people. Are there sources online that I can go to to catch up on politics, news, the state of the worlds, the economic condition of things, maybe even what's popular with people now and any other topics of conversations...religion, philosophy etc. that you guys thing are really good sources?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 46 replies

Job interview location screw-up

2008-02-14T07:40:13Z

So I get there 15 minutes early, and start looking for signs of life at the address in their invitation to the interview... only to find, finally, by the elevator, a notice saying I'm supposed to speak.... at a building way on the other side of campus... in 10 minutes.

So I book over there and make it just on time, apologize for running in to the chair of the committee, who is also apologetic, but keeps insisting her assistant sent me an email with the location of the interview... which she didn't.

So the whole thing started off awkward... I was ok with it, because I made it on time finally, but the chair was all apologetic and seemed to feel bad about it.

Should I have just not said anything at all?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 6 replies

Molly Maid tips?

2008-02-13T17:34:11Z

when Molly Maids come to your home and finish cleaning, are you supposed to tip them?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 1 reply

I need to be a clown

2008-02-13T00:37:08Z

I need to be a clown for a day this weekend but I can't find anyone to help me with the makeup.
Anybody know any clowns in the East Bay (Bay Area, CA)?
Any other resources?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 2 replies

Petite computer / gaming chair.

2008-02-08T22:02:29Z

Asia has a HUGE population of computer geeks and gamers. In the US it's nearly impossible to find a chair designed to fit someone other than large, male geek anatomies. How can I get a comfy, ergonomically correct, stylish, and super awesome gaming chair for my wee frame? Anyone know of some Japanese computer chair companies? Or a place that specializes in cool office furniture for the 'bitty?

Thanks muchly!

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 4 replies

Quitting smoking.

2008-02-07T00:15:59Z

I'm trying to quit... again.

I know how to do it, I've done it before for extended periods. I don't need advice on how to do it... I know how to deal with a nic fit, how to change my behaviors, how to avoid tempting situations. What I need are reminders of WHY I'm doing it to keep me motivated. Without them, I'll justify cheating that one time, which we all know will lead to another time, and another time, and another...

So, advice on the reasons to quit... hit me with it.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 30 replies

good strong aluminium and paraben free deodorant

2008-02-06T01:54:51Z

I have been looking for a more healthier deodorant for a while, with no aluminium or parabens.

I have tried a few of the Kiss my face brand and one Tom's type with hops (the strongest one they make). After a few days of wearing these types of deodorants, I smell like I ran a marathon and rubbed onions under my arms.

Are there any other brands that work better, should I be looking for a specific ingredient?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 6 replies

Can someone help me become more disciplined?

2008-02-05T06:48:22Z

Ok I need advise on how to schedule my day. I have no discipline, no daily routine, not even a set time to eat. I take medication daily which hinders my sleep, and I also have concentration problems. I want to get my work done more efficiently, but sometimes I sit behind the books and I don’t acquire anything. I also tend to procrastinate a lot. I am hard working and not lazy at all. I only procrastinate when I have to do things that I don’t want or like to do. For example, right now I need to organize my paper work, which I really don’t want to do, but I need to be organized to keep up. I also have to start work very early in the morning, I have to be there at 6:30 which means I need to wake up at 5 something. I am an indentured servant, in other words, a nanny by day, college student at night. When the kids are at school, I want to take a nap, since I either didn’t get much sleep or had to take a sleep aid at night, but the naps usually take longer than I want them to be. Then the vicious cycle begins. I drink buckets of coffee just to function. I want to use my time during the week more efficiently so I can go out on the weekends. Usually though I procrastinate all week and pull an all nighter on the weekends to finish my work. I average about 300-500 pages in reading assignments per week. Even if I put the time aside, I am not sure if my concentration is going to step up to the plate. I am not a morning person at all, should I nap or not?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 6 replies

How committed are you to volunteer work?

2008-01-28T05:10:18Z

So I came to NZ to volunteer/work with a PhD student thats doing amazing things-- behavioral ecology with the long-tailed bats, looking at their habitat use in these new pine plantations. Unfortunately, I hate it. I don't get paid, I don't like my co-worker, I am only here to help this girl set up nets and then sit around for 3-6 hours, not talking, uncomfortable, cold, getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. I WOULD just quit, BUT... I really like the PhD student, if I leave she'll be pretty SOL, she needs people to help set these things up and it will be hard for her to find another free volunteer (plus she doesn't have money to pay us). I *do* get free housing out of the deal... But I know this isn't what I want to be doing, and it's summertime here in NZ-- I should be traveling, meeting people, doing things I enjoy.

I've asked her to find a replacement for me, but I don't know how hard she's looking.
A festival is coming up next weekend she knows I'm going to. I have to pack all my stuff up to go out there *anyway*... Should I just bone out? I know I can find people to stay with that I *like,* as well as a ride to the next festival I was going to miss if I stay working here.
Should I just bone out? Live wildly? Or should I be responsible and stick around until she find a replacement?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 2 replies

ipod shuffle

2008-01-26T23:26:44Z

I am thinking of getting an Ipod shuffle because I can get it using my points but I was wondering:
Can I use it with my Windows computer and
Can I play the mp3s I already have on my computer in it or does it require music to come from stores?
thank you for your help

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 6 replies

Absynthe

2008-01-23T04:01:20Z

what do you know about it?
is there one particular brand that is better than the others?
where do you get it?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 12 replies

mp3 editing

2008-01-20T22:47:45Z

is there a way to take an MP3 and remove the lyrics so it's just the music being played?
Or is that asking for too much?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 9 replies

MSN SideGuide

2008-01-19T07:50:49Z

Metro WiFi (which is what I use when I don't feel like waiting for my dialup to work) is now requiring that I use MSN SideGuide if I want to partake of their happy little service.

Anyone have any experience with this?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 0 replies

birthday gift for a 14 year old girl.

2008-01-17T07:19:21Z

I haven't a clue what to get, but let's assume you have a budget of around $100, give or take a few....what is like the coolest, most awesomest gift ever for a girl turning 14?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 23 replies

Region setting counter.

2008-01-11T12:30:08Z

Howdy. I have a laptop with Vista (shush, haters, I know the deal). I am living in Italy right now. An Italian friend just gave me a DVD for my birthday. I put it in my computer and I am getting a "Region Playback Control" popup if I use the default program, Power DVD. Similar thing happens if I use Media Player. (Haven't tried Quicktime or RealPlayer yet.)

I pulled it out, swapped it for a US (region 1) DVD, and played that with VLC Media Player. I popped that out, put the Italian (region 2) DVD and also opened it with VLC Media Player. No popup! The thing is, the focus is a bit soft in VLC.

So first off, is this a real workaround that will NOT come back to bite me in the hiney? Secondly, are there any other programs like VLC that can be used for this but have better picture quality? Lastly, is there some process or service or registry entry I can change that will eliminate this problem altogether?

Thanks gobs!

Cheers,
SW :)

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 9 replies

How do you invest in foreign markets?

2008-01-10T23:33:13Z

Meaning, non-US stock markets? Is it possible? Is it legal? How does one go about such an endeavor?

Thanks!

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

Secure computer desk.

2008-01-10T13:23:42Z

Howdy. I'm getting ready to look for a house here in Italy. In Naples, it's almost a given that you'll get robbed a few times unless you live upstairs from a landlord or someone else who is whom 24/7.

What I'm wondering is what are my options for a desk that also functions as a locking cabinet? I definitely need something ergonomic, as I've had RSI issues in the past. Some of that can be addressed by getting a comfy chair. I'll at least want a keyboard tray, though.

I have a laptop, but it's not lightweight, and I don't believe there are any docking stations for this brand, so unplugging and hiding it or taking it with me every day are not good options. I know I'll be taking a risk just leaving my computer at home, but I hope to minimize this by getting a desk that can be totally closed and locked up.

Here's one idea, though I don't think this has locks: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10059151

Any suggestions? There is an IKEA nearby, believe it or not, so maybe I'll go there to check. Any other ideas would be great, though.

Thanks!
SW

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 10 replies

hair donation

2008-01-04T01:00:02Z

Every five years or so I chop off all my hair and donate it. When I lived in Denver I found a salon that took care of the donation part for me - anyone know of a place like that in the bay area? I've mailed it off myself before, but I'm a lazy procrastinator and I'd just rather go somewhere that would take care of it for me...

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 1 reply

Oh, ethics.

2007-12-30T18:54:28Z

Always a problem for me.

I'm 6 months into a new (and very wonderful and serious) relationship.
He's met a lot of my friends already, and now I'm taking him home to the USA for 2 weeks to meet the rest of them.
The thing is, well, a lot of my friends are people I've slept with. I mean, really quite a high proportion. I don't think I even have all that many friends I HAVEN'T slept with at some point.

I know I would probably feel a little bit weird if my boyfriend introduced me to a friend and only told me later they'd slept together before, or dated, or just fooled around with one crazy night. Then again, this did happen to me once, I only found out much later, and it didn't really bother me much.

I'm thinking the best thing would be not to mention it, and then, if he asks, to completely play down that aspect of the friendship.

But, just for the sake of argument, what would the ideal boyfriend do, in an ideal world?

He's already become good friends with one woman I had a month-long affair with years ago, and we have dinner with her and her husband regularly. My affair with her is a thing of the past I rarely even think of anymore... but I wonder if it would change the way he feels.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 8 replies

Greenest Mutual Funds

2007-12-28T04:15:44Z

What are the greenest, cleanest funds these days? I have a bit of $ I want to transfer from my IRA and would like to invest in the most environmentally safe yet productive ways.

Thanks!
D

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 2 replies

Vista, or Xp downgrade?

2007-12-24T01:28:06Z

OK, So I just bought two identical Hp Computers (a600n), one for Mom's Home (which my sister and I will use when we are there helping her with my invalid dad) and one for my home so my family will quit fighting over our single computer. I am debating keeping Vista as the OS or kicking it out in favor of Windows XP, which is on my old computer and my sister's work computer. Is this going to be a big deal or a simply matter of wiping the drive and installing XP from a new disk? Is there any reason to keep both operating systems on the computer? Deleting files is not a big issue as of yet as these are brand new with no personal files.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01151591&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3548643&lang=en

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 20 replies

Converting 35mm slides to digital

2007-12-19T07:58:13Z

I have a few hundred 35mm slides I want to convert to digital format for my Mom for Christmas. For what I would pay someone to do it, I could buy the equipment myself. I can google and ebay to find something... but I don't know what's good and what's crap.

Does anyone have experience with any specific products that convert 35mm slides to digital format? Good ones? Bad ones? Any you might own and want to sell?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 9 replies

I need advice on buying a car

2007-12-19T03:12:40Z

I'm looking at 2 hybrids. The Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape. Both have pros and cons and I'm stuck.

Prius -
pros: great MPG, its a toyota (great reputation), lots of little compartments, comes with a display screen w/out the GPS., built in bluetooth, cruise control
cons: really small (I have been driving a Toyota P/U for the last 15 years), feels kinda cheap, no off road capability

Escape -
pros: nice size, can go off road, feels well made, $3000 tax rebate
cons: lower MPG, its an american made car (not such a great rep), no display screen, no built in bluetooth, cruise control??

I have been going back and forth for moths now. To be honest, if Toyota made the RAV4 a hybrid, i would have bought it years ago. But they don't, and they won't. so if i want a bigger vehicle thats a hybrid, it looks like i need to buy american........and i'm wary of that. i've always had japanese cars and they have been awesome vehicles. i don't want anything i need to sink money into. i need to compromise and i don't know what to do.

plus if i wait much longer i'll have to put some major money into the truck and it just feels like its time to move on.

any thoughts? suggestions? i know y'all don't know me, but maybe you can help me with this decision in some way.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 16 replies

Free Advice for Beating the Holiday Blues

2007-12-17T09:32:19Z

Hi,
For work I have prepared my December Newsletter and thought others can likely benefit from this information.
Some of the information is specific for Vancouver, Canada but can be applied to your area.
I'm sure others can add ideas.
Thanks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dealing with the Holiday Blues

Below I have provided some information and 26 tips to help.

The holiday season can be a difficult time for many. Dealing with feelings such as stress and loneliness during the holiday season can take its toll. It is meant to bring joy and celebration but sometimes this time of year can bring sadness and despair. Changes in life, such as being separated from family and friends, or living through the grief of a loss can be especially hard.

Holiday blues are also thought to be primarily caused by expectation and comparison along with a lack of planning and action. People generally have high expectations for the holidays. We often hope that they will make up for a year gone wrong. We expect family members to become friendly, season’s greetings to be sent, gifts to be given, and happiness to reign. The mass media, through news stories, TV specials, and advertising, raise this hope for "what may be." The reality of "what is" often falls short of the expectation and there is disappointment.

Negative memories may also be associated to the holiday season and those suffering with depression and other mood disorders can be affected at this time of year due to change of day light.

Many people are lonely at this time of year if they are working or going to school without a way to get back to your family for the holiday season. You may have not been in Vancouver long enough to make many friends. It can be hard to find comfort.

Characteristics of “The Blues” are emotions—sadness, loneliness, depression, anxiety—and, although intense and unsettling, are generally short-lived and usually subside within a few weeks once a daily routine is resumed.

Other symptoms of the holiday blues may include:
• headaches
• inability to sleep or sleeping too much
• changes in appetite causing weight loss or gain
• agitation and anxiety
• excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
• diminished ability to think clearly or concentrate
• decreased interest in activities that usually bring pleasure, such as:
o food
o sex
o work
o friends
o hobbies
o entertainment

The most important things to remember are: it's a normal response to a stress-filled time of the year and you don't have to suffer unnecessarily. If you anticipate feeling very lonely on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve, there are ways that you can help yourself feel better and survive the holiday season.

1. Volunteering offers a way to interact with others, give to the community, and help keep your spirits up through giving. The Union Gospel Mission, Salvation Army, Carnegie Community Centre, or various churches will provide Christmas dinners and benefit by receiving help from volunteers. This is a good way to help yourself by not being alone and by helping others in need.

2. If you are in a new community, try to get an invitation somewhere for Christmas. Let others know that you would enjoy having dinner with them.

3. Invite someone to join you in celebration.

4. Find out what the community offers and participate in it. Go to the concerts and parades. Get involved.

5. Takes gifts to a children’s home.

6. Be active by going for walks. Getting some exercise keeps mood levels up. Don’t stay cooped up inside too long. 20 minutes of exercise every day will raise endorphin levels and allow you to absorb what sunshine there is.

7. Be aware of your diet - try not to overindulge in alcohol or sweets. Alcohol and sugar can really affect mood and brings on ‘moodiness’.

8. Get enough rest: general self-care of the body is important.

9. Organize your time: make lists and prioritize.

10. If you are going home to be with family, bad memories might come up that can be really stressful. Take items from your current home that you have positive associations with. This might be a teddy bear, pictures of friends, a good book, or candles. Anything to help you feel more comfortable.

11. Planning time away from family. If you are going for a few days, it can be stressful. Getting away can help to lessen the stress.

12. If you find that you fall back into old patterns when you are around family members, it can he helpful to remember that you are an adult now and you have the ability to behave and respond in a different way. Spend some time planning ahead. What kinds of circumstances will occur that might bring up old feelings?

13. Be Prepared. There may be certain things that happen every year that drive you up the wall. This year, talk to the people involved ahead of time and try to defuse those situations before they occur.

14. If finances are a concern, be aware of this and set reasonable limits.

15. If there is a significant loss that you are reminded of this time of year, such as a death in the family or a divorce, it can be helpful not to push it away and pretend it didn’t happen. Recognize that there was a loss and take time to acknowledge it. Create a healthy way of remembering. Examples could include putting out favorite photographs and light a candle before them.

16. If you are in a new city or find yourself lonely, try to create new memories for yourself. You may enjoy events around the city such as the Festival of Lights at VanDusen Botanical Garden.
(Dates and times: 4:30 to 9 p.m. every night, December 7th, 2007 through January 1st, 2008 except December 25th when the Garden is closed.)

17. Another tool to help you get through the Holiday Blues is to remember that the Christmas season will pass.

18. Also, remember that winter will pass. Winter does not last forever.

19. Remember to take your medication. Also, taking a multi-vitamin and fish oil capsules daily can contribute to overall health and keep stress down. Other vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D or a B Complex can be helpful for mood.

20. Keep yourself busy to take your mind of things if that helps. Make plans to go out for lunch, go for walks, go to the movies or even curl up at home and watch a movie.

21. If you are suffering from clinical depression, getting some help can be beneficial this time of the year. Go to see a therapist, look for a support group, or contact the mental healthy team in your area. Get as much help and support as you can.

22. Give yourself a break -- plan to prepare (or buy) one special meal, purchase one special gift, and take in one special event.

23. If you don’t like shopping, shop online or make gifts.

24. Do your best not to create unrealistic expectations and don’t get caught up in comparisons.

25. Find someone to talk with who can help you through this difficult time -- a family member, friend, a spiritual leader, or professional counsellor.

26. Call a crisis line in your time of need: Vancouver area 604-872-3311.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 1 reply

iphone

2007-12-15T06:28:56Z

so my contract with verizon just expired and the Treo 650 phone I've been using for the past two years is starting to fall apart....and now i'm faced with the decision on weather or not to get the new iphone.

i played with an iphone earlier today, and certainly all the features on the phone are wickedly cool... but i'm a little hung up on the fact that it has no keypad with physical buttons to press, no expansion card to add memory and its internal battery that will have to be replaced by apple in a few years. in spite of the mentioned shortcomings, do you think it's worth giving a try?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 11 replies

Hello and a shameless plug!

2007-12-13T04:18:22Z

Hi!

Firstly I would like to say hello and introduce myself and secondly I would like to introduce my new Tribe, http://tribes.tribe.net/moneyexpert

Sorry if this seems like advertising, I suppose it is in a way but I am trying to spread the word in popular Tribes, here’s the basics of the Tribe, if you want to join I’d love to have you – if not, never mind and I’m sorry to have bothered you!

In these times negative equity, high mortgage rates, low incomes and of spam email and con artists promising to make you a millionaire it’s time to fight back, not at the con artists but at the institutions that try to take our hard-earned money. The banks, service providers and any other institution that tries to make a profit from YOU.

Who am I? I’m a lover of money, but who isn’t? More importantly I’m a terms and conditions addict and a professional loophole spotter and I’m here enable my fellow consumers to fight against the industries.

Being good with money isn’t about being tight with money and it’s not just for those who are penniless. Being good with money is a skill that we are rapidly losing in these modern times.

We make money decisions everyday, how we get to work, how we finance our home, to go to the cinema or to wait to rent or buy on DVD. The way you need to think is “Every single time I spend my money, I have an opportunity to save some money”.

Many people simply live outside their income, it’s a slippery slope and easy to get into a position where you have contracted yourself to live outside your means.

The concept of this tribe is to band together to share money saving ideas, ways to be a smart consumer. My aim is to help you make the money you currently have go further, just by showing you a better way to use it. Money education is something the world desperately needs.

This kind of money regime will require some work on your behalf but it is worthwhile, the kind of money you save could be equivalent to a 10, 20 or even 30% pay rise.

This is no scam, just a sharing of information. YOU WILL NEVER BE ASKED FOR PERSONAL FINANCIAL DETAILS.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 4 replies

Wedding etiquette

2007-12-11T13:40:34Z

So I have a cousin that I'm not close to and just before Thanksgiving she held a destination wedding in the Carribean. My husband and I, for multiple reason, could not attend though prior, we did attend her engagment party and give her a wedding gift. Now this Saturday her inlaws are throwing them a party entitled "join us for cocktails"....but it's in Richmond which is over 3 hours away and I have to work really early the next morning. Not to mention we just got this invitation last week so they really didn't give us much time to try to work something out, especially being mid Holiday Season. So I RSVP'd no to the mother in law and then sent a short e-mail to my cousin telling her personally that I was sorry we wouldn't be able to be there but I hoped she'd have a wonderful time. The next day I got back a pretty snippy e-mail that said something like: "I am really dissapointed that you won't be able to make it...I guess wedding etiquette has changed a lot." She went on to say that she had really hoped the families would be able to come together for her celebration but so far that hadn't been the case.

I assume the etiquette comment was refering to some blunder on my part...but I have no idea what it could be! Are people not allowed to RSVP no anymore or am I really expected to slam back a few cocktails and then hit the road and rush home?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 7 replies

Office Max Elf

2007-11-29T15:25:02Z

This looks like an amusing site put up by Office Max. Is there any downside to letting the site have directions to my photos?

http://www.elfyourself.com/

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 1 reply

babies puking

2007-11-25T03:30:29Z

why is it that babies puke so much?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

Where are the Ads?

2007-11-20T03:18:59Z

One of tribe friends suggested it would help Tribe if we clicked on some ads. I don't see any ads. Are they not there or is my security blocking them?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 6 replies

calendar year

2007-11-14T05:52:49Z

I get a different answer from everyone I ask.

I'm applying for something for which I can't have finished school more than two calendar years ago.

I finished school in March of 2005. The deadline for the application is December 2007.
Technically, I finished school almost 3 years ago... but is it less than two calendar years?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

Social Networking sites?

2007-11-11T00:01:07Z

I'm currently on a social NOTworking site and I'd like to be on a social NETworking site.

Facebook and MySpace aren't really doing it for me... so what are some other sites with a similar vibe to this one?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

electrical short

2007-11-07T21:17:30Z

I have a 1997 camaro Z28, the driver side brake light will work durring the day but when I turn the lights on at night the brake light will not work

any help I would appriciate it

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

Polling websites

2007-11-06T23:02:33Z

Is there a website that anyone knows of where I can setup an online poll?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 5 replies

Proxy help?

2007-10-29T10:04:35Z

Any recommendations for free anonymizer programs? I'm in Italy and when I go to certain webpages that have Italian versions, they "help" me out by changing everything to be in Italian. Also, I could go to www.nbc.com while back home and watch Heroes. Now they tell me that feature is not available for my area yet, bastards.

The sites listed on proxy.org tend to disable Java and other scripts, which essentially breaks many sites. There are some free applications out there, but I'm not sure which ones are good.

Thanks muchly!

Cheers,
SW

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 1 reply

legal advice

2007-10-29T03:22:58Z

My brother-in-law came to live with us 2 years ago. (sold his house, sold household items, gave away other items people wanted.) He lived with us a year, had no job. He and his dog lived rent free & utility free. We fed him. He gave us some items that fit our house and some items were to sell when he needed money. Now its 2 years later and he and my husband had a falling out. Now he wants everything that was his. He gave my husband a deadline so he can come over and take every last item he put in our house. He still doesn't have a job, lives with a girlfriend, but needs money. We told him he could have most everything back, except the items that are things he said we could have, a desk, bed, and a couch. Everything else we told him he could have a 3rd party come to the house to pick up. That's not good enough, he wants literally everything.

What are our options, nothing is in writing, but its been used and in our house for over 2 years. We didn't even charge him for storage of all the other stuff that's been taking room in our garage. Please help, he's threatening to sue for all his ''seized'' property he claims we won't release to him.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 14 replies

Update on updating my Security

2007-10-26T07:54:26Z

Not really a question. More of a comment. Last time I wrote I was trying to switch from Norton to a different security program.

My first problem was removing Norton. After researching, I used the Windows program for deleting programs, used the Norton online removal tool, then searched for the remaining Norton and Symantec folders and files and deleted them one by one. I also removed Norton Systems Works and Norton Ghost.

Then I downloaded Kaspersky from a disk. Not really a user friendly process and I did it a couple of times.

That's when things really went kookypootz. Various programs started shutted themselves down, a program called "Dr. Watson Post-Mortem Debugger" would come on and then nothing would work. I thought, "Oh No, I screwed up removing Norton or installing Kaspersky." For a couple of weeks, I would have to restart the computer manually, it would run for hours or days, then programs would shut down, Dr. Watson would come on, then all I would get was the never ending hour glass or a frozen screen. All kinds of error messages. I searched all over the net and some described various bugs, some would recommend disabling Dr. Watson, but apparently it is a program that comes with Windows. Finally I found an obscure mention of problems with Kaspersky and Logitech Web Cam programs. Now, Logitech was not one of the programs shutting down, so I never suspected it. Kaspersky denies that there are any problems. I removed the Logitech Software, which also left a lot of itself behind after running the removal program, and I removed that folder by folder and file by file. Know what? Virtually no problems for weeks now, although I have a web cam I can't use. The computer starts up quickly, and Kaspersky notifies me of any changes in programs.

I did remember that Logitech states you must turn off your firewall and anti-virus before installing the program. Apparently, other security programs are not as bothered by the way Logitech operates as is Kaspersky. People who have Kaspersky first blame Logitech for for screwing up their computer when they download it, and people who have Logitech first blame Kaspersky for for screwing up their computer.

Now I am wondering if I should re-install Norton Systemworks and Ghost, or just count myself ahead of the game by leaving things alone.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

Accident, please, need advice ASAP

2007-10-23T17:23:40Z

Someone hit me in the parking lot of my local convenience store. I'm friendly with the owner/seemingly only employee there, who happened to witness the accident. The owners relative watched it also. They couldn't help but witness because I was honking at the guy to stop backing up just before he backed into me. So, anyway, at least I have witnesses if needed.

The guy who hit me (an elderly guy with a nicer car, ) asked me if I would just go get an estimate on the damage so he could just give me the money to fix it. We exchanged info, and his insurance card looks up to date. He said he doesn't want his rates to go up. I don't know whether to call my insurance or just depend on him to pay me.

I'm leery of him paying for it directly because what if he contacts HIS insurance co. and tries to say it's my fault? What if I have to wait a few days for the estimate, or he takes too long to pay me, is there an amount of time in which I have to alert my/his insurance co. about the accident before they decide they won't pay for the damage? I'll also be out of a car during the time it takes to fix it, do I charge for rental car? How could it possibly be beneficial for him to pay all of that out of pocket when his insurance co. would just hike his rates a few bucks a month? Thanks in advance for the advice

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 16 replies

I need a raise.

2007-10-19T18:50:18Z

I need to ask my employer for a raise.
Any advise would be gratefully appreciated.

I haven't had a raise in over 2 years and my review was 2 months ago.
My manager gave a good review too, and then he quit.

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 3 replies

Termites

2007-10-11T18:57:39Z

I've had the exterminators come out three times in the past few years, yet every spring, the termites come back. They're subterranean termites and the exterminators are always pumping chemicals into the soil next to the house.

I need to do something different - besides tenting the house (which the exterminators say won't work anyways)

Suggestions?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 14 replies

Children with low self-esteem

2007-10-07T00:54:11Z

Say a 7-year-old. Just back from the school psychologist with this report.

Is there any way to help them, aside from telling them what a great job they do on everything, showering them with encouragement, and saying how smart and creative and beautiful they are?

posted in Free Advice On Any Subject - 27 replies