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My roommates and I are looking for a place near our school and finances are obviously a concern. We took a look at one house in particular and really seem to like it. We aren't sure how much things will run, though - and here we are.

A little information about the house. It was built around the 1930s but has recently been renovated, which includes energy efficient windows, new vinyl siding and presumably improved insulation. It is a one story, four bedroom home (the dining room was recently converted to the fourth bedroom). It has central air and gas heat. The house includes a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and washer/dryer outlets (we aren't sure if we will get a washer and dryer). There will be four people living in the house, so water will be a concern as well.

Any averages for how much it would cost per month? We're looking for pricing on electric, gas and water. I e-mailed Duke energy about electric and they mentioned an average of $51 a month, with a high of $130 in July and $49 in November. I'm not sure how accurate this is or if it seems on par. If there are any sites that can help with averaging, feel free to direct me to them as well. Again, this is in central North Carolina. Electric tends to be higher in the summer and lower in the winter, and gas is affected conversely.

During my last few bowel movements, I've noticed straight, string-like objects in my stools a about 2-4 inches long. I observed a few of them in one bowl movement in particular in which I had experienced moderate abdominal pain that was relieved upon passing the stool. Over the past few weeks I've been nauseated, had painful gas and have had trouble sleeping at night. This feeling isn't particularly uncommon as I've had issues with nausea and gas for most of my life, but lately it has been more frequent.

I haven't eaten sushi/uncooked/undercooked meat recently. I'm not sure what this means but I'm concerned and would like to know if any of this matches up with a particular kind of parasite. I aim to talk to my doctor about this if it happens again. I figured I'd ask here to make sure I'm not jumping to conclusions first.

I have a second interview for a job at a tea shop tomorrow, and I suspect that they may test my urine for drugs. I have smoked weed before, but only once in a blue moon, and the last time I smoked was about a month ago. However, my roommate smokes weed every day, and I am constantly around her and friends who smoke. I'm not sure if being around them will affect the results of my drug test. I have never felt a contact high from being around them, but I know that being around the smoke might have an effect. I am considering purchasing a THC test from a drug store but have never done so before and am unsure which would test most accurately without me having to pay an arm and a leg. Do you think I'd be okay? Or should I purchase a test to be sure? And what are some ways I could ensure a clean test (drinking water, cranberry juice, whatever)?

I'm a nutrition major in college and I'm really interested in doing some volunteer work over the summer, such as traveling to a third world country to help feed children, teach others about nutrition and wellness, cook for low-income classes, etc. I'm willing to work in America also, but I think it would be an eye-opening experience for me to see the way other countries live and cope with their nutritional issues. I have never traveled outside of the U.S. and would like to do so while also contributing to philanthropies.

I've joined the UNICEF website, but all it really says I can do is host fundraisers. I don't know too many charities besides UNICEF, American Red Cross, Feed the Children and Feeding America. I'd like to know if there are any other charities related to nutrition and have hands-on volunteer work that may or may not require traveling.

Any and all answers are welcome. Thanks!

Something inexpensive would help. Also, if there are any other cords that go straight from a Mac to the TV that also happen to be pretty lengthy, please add references to those as well. Thanks!

I'm making my first batch of almond butter at home and I know that in store-bought versions (JIF and brands of that sort) add hydrogenated vegetable oil to maintain the form of the nut butter and prevent the natural oils of the nuts from leaching to the top. Since I'd rather not add vegetable oil to my almond butter, I was wondering if coconut oil would do the trick? I know that coconut oil is a solid at room temperature, but I'm not sure how much (if any) you would need to add in order to make the butter solidify a little more. Even if it doesn't work, it could add a little extra healthy fat and coconut flavor into the almond butter. I'm just curious.

I'm at work and have been given the task of working on an Excel document. Unfortunately, the document is corrupt. I've found several tips on how to fix it on a PC, but I have no access to a PC currently. I attempted to download an Excel document repair software but it wasn't legit and I'm uncomfortable downloading any other software on a work computer. I've attempted using a file conversion site, Zamzar, to convert the document to .xls but the conversion would not go through.

If anyone has any tips on how to fix this, it will save me time and an incredible headache. Thanks!

Yesterday, I was working and I slipped on a wet floor and fell on my butt. My cell phone (Virgin Mobile Motorola Triumph) was in my back pocket and now the screen isn't working. The battery still works/charges, the screen and phone themselves are not physically damaged and the phone is actually functional (I had my Dad call it and knew where to put my fingers on the touch screen without having to look, and was able to answer his call and hear him just fine). However, I obviously still need my screen. I don't have insurance on the phone but was wondering if I could take it to Radio Shack or mail it to Virgin Mobile and get it fixed or replaced for a fee less than what it would cost to buy a new one. If there is any way to do that, any references to phone numbers or e-mail addresses, etc. would be great.

I've sent like five requests in the past three weeks and haven't gotten a response. My e-mail is allisonfierce@aim.com if you'd send me an invite, pretty please. :)

Thanks! Whoever gets it first gets best answer.

I'm applying Early Action for UNC Chapel Hill. The results of the last SAT score I took were a total of 1600. Usually you need around 1800/1900 to get accepted, and although no college necessarily will refuse a student based solely on an SAT score, it would be nice if I could have the extra boost of around 200 points.

Since I'm doing Early Action, however, I need to boost it by October 1st. That's less than a month away. I'm wondering, though, if I should even register, because what if I can't bring up my scores in time? Wouldn't that just be a waste of money? I got a waiver for my last fee, but I can't get one this time around, and I'm really kind of tight on cash. So I'd be kind of bummed out if I invested money into something that never even changes.

Should I bother? And if so, what are some good ways to bring up my score? Any sites or references to books would be most appreciated.

I've not noticed this type of weed growing in the yard before. It has a stem similar to a rose, although slightly thinner and without the thorns. There are, however, thorns growing on the back of the midveins of the leaves, which are very wrinkly. There are tiny flower bulbs on the tips of the weed that are lavender in color, but sort of look like mini tulips before they open up.

In addition, there are light green berry-looking things on it as well. They're the size of blueberries, but aren't squishy.

I live in central North Carolina (Piedmont area), if that helps.

I've started to exercise a whole lot more and do lots of high-impact exercises. I don't really run that often (I mostly jog) but I'd like to get into running in addition to other activities I already do (DDR, lunges, jumping jacks, jump rope, squats, working with weights). From what research I've done, there are some shoes that are good for strength training and others specifically for running. I need a pair of shoes that will efficiently absorb shock so that my joints won't take a beating (my current shoes aren't doing the job) but I can also maybe run or jog in them if I want to. What type of shoe would be good for that? I know a little bit about cross-training shoes but the majority of shoe stores sell running shoes, so it's hard to tell what to buy. My main concern is the shock absorbing, but it would be nice if I could find a shoe that could do that and be good for running as well.

Also, I would love for suggestions of specific brands or even shoes from those brands. I'm going to Kohl's in a few days and they're currently having a sale on athletic shoes, so any recommendations from the link below would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/saleevents/0609bb/...

Thanks!

I'm emetophobic (afraid of vomiting) and had to cook myself dinner rather than have my Dad do it. I made shrimp kabobs on my Dad's George Foreman grill with 4 pieces of shrimp and some chunks of onion and green bell pepper. I put them each on kabobs and put them on the grill. However, when I was cooking them, I got to thinking about how the middle might not cook, and that whatever bacteria is on the shrimp would get on the vegetables wedged in between them. I pulled all of them off the kabobs to see if they were done and put the shrimp flat on the grill again to be sure they were well cooked. I'm positive that they were, and they looked like they were mostly cooked to begin with (they were that orange color like they were supposed to be, only it wasn't as bright as it was after I grilled them again), but I'm not sure if there was any juice/bacteria left on the vegetables (which I didn't put back on the grill). The vegetables didn't cook through enough anyway, so I only ate around 4 pieces of that.

I tend to let my mind get carried away with things like this, though, because I'm emetophobic. From what information I've given you, do you think it's possible I could get food poisoning from it? Would it be extremely likely or do you think I'm safe?

I have heard good things about the job market for environmental science as there will be higher demand for it due to increased problems with the environment. I find it quite interesting, and it is something I'm very passionate about. I especially enjoy the aspect of studying the weather and its effect on the environment, and doing something that might involve studying tornadoes, hurricanes, atmospheric science type stuff. Though I'm not sure if there's any jobs/careers that mesh atmospheric science with environmental science. Environmental engineering is an especially interesting job, but I'm not totally sure what they do.

What are some majors and careers that involve environmental science and/or atmospheric science like studying tornadoes, etc.? I think both long-term and short-term environmental stuff is quite interesting and would like to know how I could form that into a career.

I've got a best buy gift card with 20 bucks on it. I've been itching to get a new computer game, but can't decide which one. I love playing Nancy Drew games because they're so much fun, but after you beat them, you tend not to play them ever again. With Sims 3, you can't really 'beat' it, so you can play it anytime. Nancy Drew Triple Threat has 3 games for the price of one, but these games are Treasure in the Royal Tower, Final Scene and Secret of the Scarlet Hand. They're some of the earlier games, which aren't really great in graphics. I've been wanting Sims 3 Late Night really bad, too, but it's 40 dollars, and though I also have 20 dollars in cash, I'm not sure if I want to spend that much on a game when I can get 3 for 20 dollars. Which is more fun? What should I do?

Wednesday, I started to feel exhausted and sick so I went to lay down. I ended up having a fever of 102 Thursday morning, and I stayed home. I had muscle aches, dizziness, chills and hot flashes, and a fluctuating fever until Friday evening when my fever broke (it actually went to 96 for a while). That's when my nose started to become congested. My nostrils were clear, but I could feel the mucus in my sinuses, and the mucus dripped down my throat which caused my throat to become really sore. It has progressively become worse, and the taste and smell of the mucus is so horrid. I had no idea what was wrong until I googled and found out that it was most likely a sinus infection.

They say these things last for 3 weeks, and I CANNOT deal with that. It has been driving me insane and I cannot escape the nastiness. I've contemplated wearing a clothespin on my nose so I can't smell and taste anything. Is there anything that can get rid of the taste/smell or shorten the amount of time it lasts? I'm probably going to see my doctor tomorrow or Tuesday. I just want some extra insight.

For the longest time, I've always loved writing and reading. My dream was to become a writer of fiction books and do what I loved for a living. I held onto that for a long time, though lately, I've suddenly become confused about what I want to do. The recession means that you need a job that will be in need, or at very least, somewhat there. There's also the pay factor, too. I'm currently in high school in a program where we graduate with both our diploma and an associate's degree your senior year of high school, and these credits transfer to a four-year university where you will get your bachelor's degree in 2 years.

I've thought about changing my educational choices. So far, it's really been an English-based arts degree, but as the recession grows longer and job opportunities continue to look bleak, I've been concerned with the decision of choosing what I love or what will make decent money. Interior design is another passion of mine, and while I don't enjoy math very much and haven't really sketched, it would be something that would be more secure than getting a writing degree and would ultimately make more money. A third option would be an environmental science career, which I care deeply about, but feel I would not be as happy. The environmental science job market will inevitably be booming by the time I graduate college, so it would be a wise financial choice. But I don't really want to be in a job that I dislike.

You're supposed to follow your dreams, and I want to follow mine. But lately I've been so confused and all of this has just made me resent reading and writing anything. Give me your best advice to what I should do and it will be greatly appreciated.

About 4 years ago I read a book in my school's library which was about a young asian girl living with her two parents and older sister. They worked really hard and didn't really have a whole lot of money, and though it wasn't the sole topic of the book, the girl's older sister had sickle-cell anemia and ended up dying from it. I remember bits and pieces, that the mother worked in a chicken factory and always smelled bad. There may or may not have been a brother as well. It was such a good book and I want to remember the name so I can reread it.

About 10 days ago, I came down with a fever that went from 99 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. It lasted for two days until finally breaking later on. I've not had a fever since. About a week ago I began to cough, and with that cough came thick, dark green phlegm that was very difficult to cough up. This persisted along with nausea for several more days, and as my cough came progressively worse, the mucus slowly became easier to cough up and was more of a yellow than green. I could always breathe out of my nose, though when I blew it, a ridiculous amount of yellow-green snot would come out.

For the past day or two I have been coughing the worst I ever have with thin light yellow, almost clear mucus mixed in with saliva. I've taken several cough suppressants so I can sleep, but nothing seems to work anymore. Drinking hot beverages seems to soothe the itching in my throat briefly, though I begin coughing again later on.

Is this bronchitis? What does this mean? Am I getting better? My mom is going to call the doctor tomorrow to see if she can't get me an appointment, so I need to know if I should go and if this can maybe be fixed with medical intervention.

Some notes:

I have never been diagnosed with asthma, nor are any of my family members asthmatics. I do not smoke and none of my immediate family members are smokers. Although my uncle - whose house I stay at frequently on weekends - does smoke, he smokes outside. I have no known allergies to pets and have several of them. Also, a day prior to getting sick, I was exposed to a large amount of fireplace soot that I had to clean out. I had several specks of black soot in my nose afterward, but they were cleared up soon after I blew my nose.

Any help is appreciated!

I've had an iPod touch for about two years now. It was first originally my brother's, and he registered it to his laptop. Then his laptop got a virus and he had to do a complete system restore, which resulted in him having to re-register it to the same laptop, though the iPod counted it as a brand new computer.

I ended up taking his iPod since he never used it and my nano broke, and I registered it to my laptop. Something happened with my laptop's motherboard where something came loose and I was subsequently unable to use it again, leaving all my music on the laptop and me with whatever was on my iPod at the time. I then plugged it into my brother's laptop again, which counted it as a fourth time being registered, even though it had been registered to that laptop before. The laptop got ANOTHER virus, and about this time I received a new laptop, so I decided to plug it into that one. As you know what might come next, that laptop received another virus and had to have a system restore done to it, and now it stands as this: it's been registered 5 times.

I got a brand new iPod touch for Christmas, but all of the music that I have left is on the iPod that has been registered the maximum amount. Is it possible that I can get my music off of that iPod and onto my laptop somehow? Or am I doomed? Any help would be appreciated. I know it sounds sketchy, but I kid you not, we are so unlucky with laptops.