art-nerd

I live in a triplex that was all adults for as long as anyone can remember. Then the downstairs neighbors unexpectedly had a baby. The baby is now a year and a half and he has not stopped screaming and yelling since he left the womb. Every single day I greet the morning hearing screaming and hollering, most of which is "fake crying" where all the child wants is his way, or attention. I have been extremely patient for a year and a half, and I understand that parenting is difficult, and the parents do have my sympathy. However, I feel like my quality of life is being seriously compromised at this point, and I don't know what to do. Up until now I have been very polite and friendly and not said a word about it for fear of looking like a big insensitive jerk. But seriously, folks - this baby is out of control, and even the other residents on the street get fed up and comment to me about how do I stand it.

I would move, but it doesn't matter. Adult only complexes are now illegal under some kind of anti-discrimination family housing law. So I am wondering how I can tactfully deal with this situation and preserve my sanity and peace of mind. I really feel powerless and like I have no rights at all, and I'm not sure if there is anything I can do.

Please don't suggest talking to the parents. That is like poking a land mine to see if it will explode. Besides, even if they were cool about it, they are the type who wouldn't do anything about it, unfortunately.

I have 2 pairs of women's Nike shoes from 1982, and they are still new in the box. The style on the end of the boxes says Nike Spirit, and they are 7 1/2. Both pairs are white with a maroon swoosh/accents on one, and a purple on the other. I have heard that people collect Nike's, but have not found any information on the internet at all. When I google it, all that comes up are sites for new shoes. I could find no info or websites pertaining to collectors or vintage items, but I know they have to be out there somewhere. I even looked at current and completed listings on ebay, and it was tough to find actual vintage shoes, and not reproductions. These came from the back of my grandma's closet, and I have no idea what I should do with them, because they don't fit me.

Thanks to anyone that can give me any tips or info!

In today's world with depleting resources and overcrowding, would you say that having children is a selfish or selfless act? Especially in our American culture, where children and babies have far too many toys and devices that eventually end up in landfills. Sure, some of those are recycled, but after a couple uses, who really wants a used car seat, or scuffed plastic toy? Not to mention the tons of "disposable" diapers that go into our landfills every week.

Now, many parents would argue that having children is a big sacrifice, and therefore, a selfless act. But aside from religious beliefs, what is the real purpose of procreating? Humans certainly are not endangered species, and with a growing food shortage, it seems that maybe we need to re-evaluate the true cost of having children. Which brings another question;

Why do people with children get tax deductions? Having a child is a choice that comes with financial obligations. Why does our gov't. supplement that?

My sister and I have been estranged for a couple of years, and have recently gotten back in touch. The problem I have, is that she is always a victim of circumstance, letting things happen to her, instead of making positive changes to her life. Over the years, all I have heard from her is how horrible her life is, and how unhappy she is. And, for years, I have suggested positive changes and ways in which she could improve her situation, but she never does anything. She is an eternal victim, and every phone conversation revolves around whatever drama and misfortune has befallen her at that particular time. The problem I have, is how do I constantly respond to the repeated "poor me" conversations we have? How can I be a good and loving sister, to a sister who is so self-absorbed and self-pitying? I have offered help & advice, but it never works. Now I'm trying just listening, but am running out of polite ways to respond. I'm at the end of my rope, can anyone suggest anything?

I suspect that my husband may have low testosterone. He is 34, and overweight, but is pretty active and eats better than average. We've tried everything; diet, exercise, you name it, and the weight won't come off. So we had him tested for diabetes, and he was negative for that. He doesn't seem interested in sex, and always makes excuses for why we don't have sex more often. As it is now, we have sex on average twice a month. He seems to think we have sex regularly, but I've been keeping track so I know I'm not delusional. I was wondering if maybe he had low testosterone, and if anyone could give me some firsthand information regarding what signs I should look for, etc. I have mentioned this to him, and he insists he's completely normal, but I have concerns. I want to know more before I bring up having him tested. Thanks!

This question is for professional artists who have experience working with plaster of paris. I have started some experimenting using PP on canvas with acrylic, but here is my problem; The PP sets way too fast, and I was wondering how I might slow down the drying process. It dries so fast, that I only have maybe 5 minutes to get my design before it sets. Otherwise, I'm left with a permanent lumpy mess and a wasted canvas.

Any tips are appreciated. I have heard of some glue-type additive made from sheep's skin, but I'm looking for something a little less exotic, and more like I can get at an art store or Home Depot.

Thanks so much!

This is my second question regarding the elderly. I help out several of my older friends, and being in my 30's there are a lot of things I just don't understand.

One of those things is the compulsion to collect and keep every bit of junk that passes their way. One couple I help out is actually very well off financially, but when you go into their house you wouldn't know it. It is a virtual maze of junk, empty plastic bags, old butter tubs, 1,000,000 old mail order catalogs, you name it. To top it off, everything is dusty, dirty, and a complete health hazard. I can clean up the best I can, and 2 weeks later the gobs of cobwebs and dust are back.

Keep in mind these people are very well-off financially, and were not affected by the depression era because of their backgrounds, so that is not the reason for the junk collecting. My grandparents are like this too, and I just don't get it. Why keep stacks of catalogs from 5 years ago?

Thanks for your answers!

I love seniors, and on occasion I help out some of the older people I know from time to time. This is one of two questions I have today regarding the elderly, and I would like some firsthand answers from those of you 65 and over, please.

Why do so many of the elderly stop bathing as frequently, or at all? I understand that there are those who have limited mobility cannot bathe themselves, but I have known many who, despite the usual aches and pains associated with aging, are able to bathe, but don't. I see this as a recurring theme with so many seniors, and I am wondering; Is it a matter of just not caring anymore, or is it a matter of being more trouble than the person thinks it is worth to hop in a shower for 5 minutes?

I would hope that even if I were 80 and in so-so health, that I would still want to take care of my personal hygeine. I would imagine that these same people, when they were at my age, felt the same way, so I don't understand.

Thanks for your answers!

Is it the difference between a Bachelors and a Masters?

What I'm looking for is something like www.homegain.com, where I put in my information and realtors who are interested in listing my house contact me with their credentials and references. I have property for sale out-of-state, and for lack of personal referrals, this seems to be the most reliable way to go.

Anyone know of any other websites like this, or have any other ideas on how to find a good realtor? I've had 4 horrible experiences so far and don't want a repeat.

Thank you!

Women; you know what I'm talking about...the wife gets sick and the husband is suddenly sick also...the wife has a hard day but when she brings it up the husband says how much harder his day was..etc etc

In all my talks with other wives and girlfriends, this is by no means rare, but rather commonplace. Why do men find it so hard to give a woman attention when she needs it? I realize many women are drama queens and so on, but I'm talking about normal, run-of-the-mill relationships.

My husband thinks I am the best wife ever, and I try to be. I anticipate his needs, I pamper him when he needs it, and he does not have to lift a finger when he gets home. But if I need some TLC...say a backrub when I'm PMSing, or I get sick...all of a sudden it's like I'm asking him to do the most pain-in-the-*** chore ever. A big sigh, rolling the eyes, then a lame 5 minute backrub (for example), which they remind you about for the next 3 months. WHY??? Can anyone give me some insight?

Everything from "Political Correctness" to heightened security measures since 9/11. Even things we hardly take notice of, for example, no more housing is being built that isn't connected to some type of "homeowners association", where they tell you what color to paint your house, how many cars you can have and how long your garage door is allowed to be open.

I have heard that here in California, they are trying to pass a law that will make it a crime to spank a child under 4.

A friend of mine took some pictures of her sleeping baby (who happened to be naked) and when she went to pick up the photos she was informed that they had called the Sheriff and Social Services. What a nightmare!

These are just a few examples, and I'm sure you have some of your own.

What do you think? Do you think we have become a society who would rather sacrifice our freedom for real or perceived "security"?

Yesterday I noticed a lump on the back of my throat (pharynx) about the size of a small flat pea, and the lump consists of 2 white lumps that look like whiteheads (pus). I do not have tonsils, and there is no bad smell. The lump is on a smooth part of my pharynx. I touched it with a cotton swab, hoping that the white spots were pus and could be probed out, but it didn't budge and felt like one hard mass with 2 white spots. It doesn't really hurt, and when touched with a cotton swab, I noticed very little sensation at all.

Does anyone know what this can be? I do smoke, but am currently on medication to help me quit. I do have a "smokers cough", and I don't know if it could contribute to this.

I am really worried and I do have a Dr.'s appointment next week. In the meantime I was wondering if anyone has any info. I do not have any other symptoms. If I didn't feel a slight twinge in my throat yesterday, I wouldn't have even noticed it was there.

One of my husbands students gave us his old iPod last Christmas and it worked great for almost a year, then it just died. I cannot get anything to come up on the screen, and since it is a hand-me-down, I do not have any type of owners manual. Nothing happens when I plug it in to re-charge it.

I have heard that once an iPod's internal battery dies, then it's a dead soldier and you have to buy a new one. Is this true? Even though we did not purchase it, I can't imagine charging so much money for what is basically a high-tech walkman only to have it die in 2 years, forcing you to buy another.

Can anyone help me resurrect my iPod? I like the one I have and I certainly will not buy another if they only last a couple of years.

I have horrible posture. Lots of back problems in my family. My sister has scoliosis, and I have what is called a "swayback" which means the curvature of my spine is more pronounced at my lower back. Because of this, my posture is horrible. I always have upper back pain in my muscles because slouching is much more comfortable with the curve in my lower back.

My question is this: I am in my mid-30's and now my upper back is starting to hunch over. I have tried yoga, excercises, and being mindful of my posture, but nothing is working. I need maybe some type of back brace, harness, or device to re-train my body back into good posture.

Anyone have any experience or suggestions? Thanks so much!

I have a box turtle and he is awesome. I feed him mostly mealworms, and occasionally crickets. Sometimes his stools contain the exoskeletons of the worms he eats, even though I try to feed him freshly molted worms. I am worried this is bad for his digestive system. Would crickets be better? I have also fed him cooked, diced chicken, but he doesn't do as well with it.

Any suggestions or experiences of other box turtle owners?

I have a box turtle and he is awesome. I feed him mostly mealworms, and occasionally crickets. Sometimes his stools contain the exoskeletons of the worms he eats, even though I try to feed him freshly molted worms. I am worried this is bad for his digestive system. Would crickets be better? I have also fed him cooked, diced chicken, but he doesn't do as well with it.

Any suggestions or experiences of other box turtle owners?

Someone just sent me the Lazy Sunday sketch from SNL and I loved it. I couldn't figure out if it was a spoof on another video/song, or if it was completely original. It seems like I've heard the song (or at least the beat) someplace before. Anyone have the answer to this?

First I want to say that I have tried EVERYTHING except going to a doctor. I've tried lotions, creams, Lotrimin, Lamisil, Tinactin, you name it. I have not had any luck getting information on my particular problem, so maybe you all can help me.

My heels are dry and mildly cracked, but I am not too worried about that since it is common and fairly easily helped. About 7 years ago, the ball of my left foot started splitting. It did not bleed because there is a lot of tough built-up skin there, and at the time it was a tiny little split. Over the years, it has become much worse and I now have multiple, deep splits on both balls of my feet. Now it is becomong painful and starting to get to the raw skin underneath.

I've tried shaving the skin down and moisturizing. I've tried every anti-fungal on the market. I've tried pumice stones, creams, socks on my feet at night, and I even spent the ENTIRE last winter wearing nothing on my feet but fleece boots with socks on. Can anyone help?

How do I put on a custom avatar? I don't want those spooky big-eyed cartoon people that yahoo provides. I want to put on a picture like some of you do. How do you do this? I've tried everything and can only figure out how to put my picture on the yahoo messenger. Help!