Bothered and bewildered mefite seeks hugs

January 8, 2011 9:26 PM

Between Bill Zeller and the Arizona massacre, the first week of 2011 has been brutal. I'm emotionally drained. Can we get a do-over?

Ok, will settle for a hug thread then.

posted by madamjujujive to MetaFilter-Related at 9:26 PM (678 comments total)

*hug*
posted by John Kenneth Fisher ★ at 9:31 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

hugs for everyone
posted by donnagirl ★ at 9:32 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Let's banish the Purple Snorkelwackers of gloom and declare this thread the Official MetaFilter Dandelion Patch.
posted by Hardcore Poser ★ at 9:37 PM on January 8, 2011 [6 favorites]

*hugs to all*

You know, it *is* Caturday...
posted by lukemeister ★ at 9:38 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

Oh hell I'll hug you and spouse you.
posted by Dumsnill ★ at 9:40 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

This thread made me a lot less miserable today.
posted by rtha ★ at 9:41 PM on January 8, 2011 [6 favorites]

I'm not really a hugger but this has been a shitty start to a new year so . . .

[[[[[HUG]]]]]

Someone set me up a shot. Jesus.
posted by nola ★ at 9:41 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

Maybe it's just that I haven't been having enough salad lately.
posted by madamjujujive ★ at 9:42 PM on January 8, 2011 [14 favorites]

Everyone needs a hug.

*hugggg*
posted by deezil ★ at 9:42 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Can we get a do-over?

Remember: Seahawks and Jets.









(and eagles)
posted by furiousxgeorge ★ at 9:46 PM on January 8, 2011 [4 favorites]

And big hugs to the mods, who are probably more exhausted than we are. Hope they don't have to stay up all night monitoring the Arizona thread.
posted by Melismata ★ at 9:49 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

I hope so very very very very much that I am wrong, but I fear this is only the beginning of a time filled with more tragedy, outrage and general suckitude. Having brought you all down even further, I am now going to shut up and hug, keeping dandelions between my toes at all time and will not stop hugging until the worst is over, with only occasional breaks for meals and bathroom trips.

((( BIG HUG )))


(((( octo-hug [8 arms to hold you] ))))


((( hug-a-lug-a-ho hug-a-hiney-ho! [Jambi Hug] )))


((( flash )() mob ()( group )() hug )))
posted by oneswellfoop ★ at 9:50 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

I will see your hugs and raise you some kissing puppies.
posted by scody ★ at 9:51 PM on January 8, 2011 [9 favorites]

((( chug-a-lug-a-drunky-hug )))


((( Bear Hug from Huggy Bear )))


((( hug as snug as a bed bug in William Shatner's rug )))


(((((( BIGGER THAN BIG HUG, A HU-U-GE HUG ))))))
posted by oneswellfoop ★ at 9:54 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

It's going to be a weird year. Hang in there. *hug*
posted by loquacious ★ at 9:55 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

I hope so very very very very much that I am wrong, but I fear this is only the beginning of a time filled with more tragedy, outrage and general suckitude.

Anyone who knows me well will tell you I'm a pessimist, and mostly grumpy but I really had such high hopes for this new year. Don't ask me why. I guess if your outlook ain't broke don't fix it.
posted by nola ★ at 9:55 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

((( bad American Idol singer hug, a.k.a. William Hug )))


((( old Paul Newman movie hug, a.k.a. Hud Hug! )))


((((( dande-lions and tiger-lilies and BEAR hugs )))))
posted by oneswellfoop ★ at 9:56 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'll be on the lookout for a better outlook, but until then...


((( *glug* *glug* *drowning in a sea of hugs* *glug * )))
posted by oneswellfoop ★ at 10:01 PM on January 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

Fug
posted by Joseph Gurl ★ at 10:03 PM on January 8, 2011 [6 favorites]

It's going to be a weird year.

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.
posted by joe lisboa ★ at 10:04 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

And when the weird turn pro, they dance on the ceiling.
posted by Dumsnill ★ at 10:06 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

At least we all have Metafilter...
posted by Gorgik ★ at 10:06 PM on January 8, 2011 [6 favorites]

And when the weird turn pro, they dance on the ceiling.

You link to that video when you quote that.
posted by joe lisboa ★ at 10:17 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

I love you all. Metafilter is a good place.
posted by Tesseractive ★ at 10:21 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

*armoured hug*
posted by Pallas Athena ★ at 10:22 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

And when the weird turn pro, they dance on the ceiling.

You link to that video when you quote that.
posted by shakespeherian ★ at 10:31 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

as ... a Stevie Wonder song.

"We all know sometimes life's hates and troubles
can make you wish you were born in another time and space
But you can bet your life times twice its double
that God knew exactly where SHE wanted you to be placed ..."
posted by philip-random ★ at 10:32 PM on January 8, 2011 [4 favorites]

I was dancing in the ceiling when I stepped on a cat...
posted by Cranberry ★ at 10:32 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

Standing order, one dozen hugs, weekly delivery, no charge.

Things will get better again, right? Right?
posted by Quietgal ★ at 10:33 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

*hugs*!
posted by IndigoRain ★ at 10:41 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

(hugs)^∞
posted by Kronos_to_Earth ★ at 10:46 PM on January 8, 2011 [4 favorites]

Hugs to all.
posted by aclevername ★ at 10:54 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Don't forget the birds falling out of the sky and the fish washing up by the thousands! It's gonna be a good year!
posted by Theloupgarou ★ at 10:56 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

Tonight? Here in this thread? You alllll get gold stars, baby.

2011 is going to get a lot better from here on out.
posted by mathowie ★ (staff) at 11:01 PM on January 8, 2011 [137 favorites]

Your true colours are beautiful like a rainbow...

Take that as a warm hug from the other side of the planet.

I've had a really lousy day too, and Mefites/Metafilter/my Secret Quonsar gift has helped me through it.
posted by malibustacey9999 ★ at 11:02 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

I got a gold star!! And I so deserve it!!
posted by Dumsnill ★ at 11:04 PM on January 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hugs and ★★★
posted by sarahnade ★ at 11:04 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

HUG
posted by mintcake! ★ at 11:06 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Here's a tiny ray of hope:

It so happened that tonight I had dinner with a friend of mine. We used to work together waiting tables. He's moved up in the world, working as a programmer for a big company, buying a big house on a lake, driving a Mercedes. He's almost two decades younger than I. He's also an extremely conservative fundamentalist Christian, a Republican, thinks homosexuality is a sin, pry my gun from my cold dead hands, blah blah blah. We spent most of our time talking about sports and mutual friends and techy gadgets. As we were sipping coffee at the end of our meal, I mentioned today's tragedy in Arizona. He got somber.

"It's just awful. And it's going to become a political football. And I think the Left has a point. We have gone off the deep end. Today brought it home, whether or not the shooter is a Tea Partier or not, conservatives created this atmosphere. It's poisonous. It's un-Christian. I'm thinking really hard about how to reconcile my faith with some of the positions my political party is taking. And I don't know that it's possible. I feel like I've been suckered in by con artists," he said.

I wanted to say, gee, dude, it takes a massacre for you to consider that? But I didn't. Instead I picked up the check.

He's buying next time.

People can change, people can grow, people can learn to think for themselves. Maybe not as quickly as we'd like. But it's possible.

And I have to cling to that.

Now gimme some a them hugs.
posted by BitterOldPunk ★ at 11:10 PM on January 8, 2011 [149 favorites]

So many stars!!!

It's been a crappy year so far. Here's hugs to everyone and hope that it gets better.
posted by gemmy ★ at 11:15 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

I've had the shittiest two months of my life with no end in sight. Hugs and gold stars equally welcome.
posted by Rumple ★ at 11:16 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Posting to get a gold star.
posted by ericost ★ at 11:17 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs! Hugs to everyone! Today was rough but it would have been a lot rougher without hugs.
posted by mandanza ★ at 11:18 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

You're all stars in my book already!

Full disclosure: The preceding sentence was written mostly just because I want a star.
posted by Alvy Ampersand ★ at 11:19 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

I actually have no real way of explaining how many ways my situation has sucked ass lately without resorting to descriptions that, in Ask MeFi, would cause people to go "ANONYMIZE THAT SHIT DUDE PLEASE JUST EMAIL THE MODS ALSO MAYBE LAWYER UP."

Suffice to say that some of it has kind of resolved in a way that will stop my neurologist from having to bust out the official letterhead again. I feel a bit better. It's far from perfect, though, and I am suddenly in real agreement with cstross about living in a post-alien-invasion society.

But, hey, I got actual sleep for six hours this morning. It's a start.
posted by fairytale of los angeles ★ at 11:20 PM on January 8, 2011 [6 favorites]

awww, gee, thanks mathowie! It's so sparkly in here now we will all need sunglasses.

Shooting stars.
posted by madamjujujive ★ at 11:20 PM on January 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

obligatory Moby link
posted by philip-random ★ at 11:22 PM on January 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

{hands julie blooms then weeps}
I nixed my 'I' on preview.
posted by clavdivs ★ at 11:27 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

that is the most unique nixed preview suprise in mefi history.
posted by clavdivs ★ at 11:28 PM on January 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

say good night gracie
posted by clavdivs ★ at 11:30 PM on January 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

My god-- it's full of stars!
posted by dersins ★ at 11:31 PM on January 8, 2011 [9 favorites]

a hip★ for a hipster

Le Merci
posted by Potomac Avenue ★ at 11:34 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm just commenting so I can see a star by my name.
posted by phunniemee ★ at 11:34 PM on January 8, 2011 [5 favorites]

Hooray!
posted by phunniemee ★ at 11:34 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

The language of friendships is not words, but meanings. — Henry David Thoreau

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving,
make every day a holiday and celebrate just living. — Amanda Bradley

Of all the gifts that a wise providence gives us to make life full and happy, friendship is the most beautiful. — Epicurus

Only connect. — E.M. Forster

We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversation with people may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk. — Thomas Moore
posted by netbros ★ at 11:38 PM on January 8, 2011 [10 favorites]

And ye, who have met with Adversity's blast,
And been bow'd to the earth by its fury;
To whom the Twelve Months, that have recently pass'd
Were as harsh as a prejudiced jury -
Still, fill to the Future! and join in our chime,
The regrets of remembrance to cozen,
And having obtained a New Trial of Time,
Shout in hopes of a kindlier dozen.
posted by zephyr_words ★ at 11:38 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

Yay! A Happy Thread! I knew MeFi would make me smile today!

Hugs AND Stars?? *happy dance*
posted by MuChao ★ at 11:38 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

{{{hugs for all}}}
posted by SLC Mom ★ at 11:38 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

be well folks
posted by edgeways ★ at 11:41 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Can I have a star, too?
posted by Chocolate Pickle ★ at 11:48 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is no regular star next to my name. It is a kohga ninja five point throwing star of motherfucking hope. Happy new year, everyone.
posted by quadog ★ at 11:50 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

(Ignore this if zoos make your heart hurt worse. But it's truly the best thing a zoo can offer.)


Okay, I don't do hugs but here is what I look at when things become overwhelming: baby animals born in zoos and aquariums. A baby dik-dik on a desktop (rejected by mama, being hand-raised). Teeny baby satanic gecko that fits on a fingertip. Komodo dragon hatchlings.
posted by gingerest ★ at 11:50 PM on January 8, 2011 [3 favorites]

Who on Earth do you think you are?
A superstar?
Well, right you are!
posted by team lowkey ★ at 11:54 PM on January 8, 2011 [5 favorites]

Not-really-sure-what-the-stars-mean-hug.
posted by Infinite Jest ★ at 11:59 PM on January 8, 2011 [2 favorites]

Come for the hugs, reach for the stars.
posted by gomichild ★ at 12:00 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I'm kind of hoping this was just 'let's get all this crap out of the way for an AWESOME YEAR'. Not that this was a good way to do it, but otherwise I'll get mired in thinking about it.

I'm also really nervous to start my next clinical-training rotation next week - it's a psych rotation, in an inpatient facility, and with all the events lately I'm scared - mainly that I'm going to do something wrong, or not right or that something randomly will go wrong - but it's not really that bad in the overall scheme of things. There's a lot of nervousness in the air, though, and in the end all I can say is I agree with the pro-hug sentiments.
posted by cobaltnine ★ at 12:10 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

My life has been so spectacular and joyous lately. I've felt like dancing everywhere I go. Sparkles and rainbows and kittens and all that. I haven't been this happy in a long long time. It'll fade, but I'm making the most of it while I can.

I sincerely wish I could break off a little piece of it for each of you. The world needs more of this feeling.

*big giant hugs and a slice of happiness and also a slice of cake for each of you*
posted by mollymayhem ★ at 12:10 AM on January 9, 2011 [6 favorites]

This is fucking bogus. If everybody has a star nobody is special. pb!
posted by Meatbomb ★ at 12:13 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

So who do you have to hug to get a snowflake by your name?
posted by maudlin ★ at 12:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*hugs* to everyone. This has been a horrible week, culminating with my birthday coinciding with the worst political assassination attempt / shooting... And then a stupid wrong number woke me up out of a sound sleep and now I'll be awake for hours.

*grumble grumble whine grumble grumble*
posted by hippybear ★ at 12:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

nobody is special (to me).
posted by de ★ at 12:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'd hoped this thread would pop up about 4 days ago. There's been too much sadness for only 9 days into the new year. Hopefully it's not a sign of things to come.

Here's a very cute puppy that will hopefully make a few people smile.
posted by lilac girl ★ at 12:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I've stopped having high hopes for years since "2010 FTW!" became "2010, the year of stress and in-law deaths".

That said, may 2011 treat us all more kindly.
posted by andraste ★ at 12:28 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

It's been shit thus far, but it can only get better, right?
posted by Sternmeyer ★ at 12:32 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Okay, I'll admit that, at first, I just wanted to post in this thread to see a star next to my name.

But then I remembered that I love this site and this community—that is, all of you people—and so I figured I could say that too since I feel it sincerely. This site makes me happy and it makes the world a better place. So there.
posted by dubitable ★ at 12:36 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hope is contagious.

Thank you, Bitter Old Punk for this:

People can change, people can grow, people can learn to think for themselves. Maybe not as quickly as we'd like. But it's possible.

and warm sunshine to all the huggers, shruggers and starmakers.
posted by reflecked ★ at 12:37 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I love each and every one of you.
posted by boo_radley ★ at 12:38 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I've just had a bewilderingly shitty start of the new year and, I don't know, I needed this thread.

Thank you

I love you all

{{{{HUGS}}}}
posted by Blasdelb ★ at 12:43 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Tonight - ie, about 3 hours from now - I'm going to lie on the kids trampoline (after they're asleep), look up at the stars, and think of you all.

I don't even know that congresswoman, but I think it's an awful thing that she was taken out like that. We are living in an awful world.

There are so many of you who I care about, despite the fact that I'll never meet any of you, and you people make my life better every day.

May I quote Pink?

Pretty pretty please, don't you ever ever feel
Like you're less than f*ckin' perfect
Pretty pretty please, if you ever ever feel like you're nothing
You're f*ckin' perfect to me!


Thanx, mefites. You're always fucking perfect to me.
posted by malibustacey9999 ★ at 12:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [6 favorites]

I needed this thread so I could go to bed on a happier note. Thank you.

I'm sure I first saw this on Metafilter: PS22 Chorus singing There, by The Innocence Mission. It always makes me smile.
posted by koselig ★ at 12:51 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

For any of you tough guy Mefites, remember:

You may be affectionate, but you can still dish out some pain.

^{{{{ I hug you all in a lingering manner }}}}
posted by taz ★ at 12:56 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Cheers. Peaceful dreams to all.
posted by ottereroticist ★ at 12:58 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

A little ukelele, if you need it.

And some more.

And just a little more.
posted by maudlin ★ at 12:59 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

You gotta tie yourself to the mast, my friend,
and the storm will end.
posted by deep thought sunstar ★ at 1:03 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I need a hug AND a star. C'mon, 2012!
posted by trip and a half ★ at 1:05 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

If Meatbomb doesn't want his gold star...um, can I have it??? Pretty please with a pony on top???
posted by metasav ★ at 1:08 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I can at least play you guys some harpsichord.
posted by Namlit ★ at 1:08 AM on January 9, 2011 [6 favorites]

HUGS!!!
posted by metasav ★ at 1:09 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

❰✪❱
posted by Rhomboid ★ at 1:09 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs and stars and a fresh start! Just what the year needed!
posted by Elsa ★ at 1:10 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Happy Birthday, hippybear!
posted by metasav ★ at 1:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Ha! I knew one day I'd get my gold star back! I almost feel like writing another Agent Howie story now...
posted by Effigy2000 ★ at 1:13 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

Hugs and wishes of peace for the year.


I'm going to go listen to the second to last track on Purple Rain now.
posted by banal evil ★ at 1:13 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

You can trust your car to the man who wears the star.
posted by vapidave ★ at 1:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This has been a horrible week, culminating with my birthday

Well, happy day anyway.
posted by philip-random ★ at 1:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Aw man, I want a gold star too! Will trade hugs for stars!
posted by supercrayon ★ at 1:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

2011 is going to be our year. I hope. I hope.
posted by Pax ★ at 1:28 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I use the Mark Contact Contributions greasemonkey script, so my contacts always have gold stars next to their names anyway. (Mutual contacts have two!) And, it's been acting all weird and marking things multiple times lately.

So, from my perspective, a couple of you guys are now completely fucking surrounded by stars.
posted by maqsarian ★ at 1:28 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

*hug*
posted by DreamerFi ★ at 1:29 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I just cooked some lamb neck stew and it was delicious. So on the whole 2011 has been nothing but win for me.
posted by awfurby ★ at 1:31 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hey hippybear, it was my wife's birthday too. Also David Bowie's.
posted by gamera ★ at 1:32 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Happy Birthday, Hippybear.
posted by Pax ★ at 1:32 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

And Elvis.
posted by Pax ★ at 1:33 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Also I am now a member in good standing of the Sneetches with stars upon thars club.
posted by gamera ★ at 1:33 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I'm only here for the star.
But seriously, mjjj can always have a hug from me.
The rest of you..........OK why not. (even you eyeballkid)
posted by adamvasco ★ at 1:34 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Stars? Seriously? Who do I have to kiss for this?
posted by taff ★ at 1:41 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I woke up from a relatively sound sleep and couldn't settle back in, so I grabbed my phone and decided to check MetaFilter. Between the Giffords thread and everything else, I really couldn't get back to sleep. So I decided to check MetaTalk and found this thread. Hugs are a good way to get back to sleep! So if anyone else out there is wide awake in the middle of the night, I'm sending you hugs and peaceful dreams.

And now I will try to go back to sleep. If these contractions don't take hold, that is. Now, there's something good about to happen in 2011 - another MeFi offspring! If that helps at all ...
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse ★ at 1:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

HUGS FOR EVERYONE!
posted by crossoverman ★ at 2:01 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Today we are all Stan Chin.
posted by Rhaomi ★ at 2:02 AM on January 9, 2011 [7 favorites]

((big big hug))
posted by special-k ★ at 2:06 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Well, Metafilter and mefites, I want to thank you because you have really helped me grow and change, and without referencing the specific threads, I've ended my 20 year marriage and am embarking on a new adventure where I am the star. It's been difficult, it's a bit scary, but metafilter has given extraordinarily good and kind advice, and of course, people who invited me to memail them in my anonymous questions have checked up on me to see that I'm okay, and that's just the typical metafilter way, isn't it?

I know this year hasn't started well for many, but metafilter helps me to continue to believe good about people, and what they can accomplish, and I hope metafilter and mefites can continue to help others who are having a difficult time.

So, in the immortal words of Joe Cocker, "You are sooo beautiful ... to me."
posted by b33j ★ at 2:07 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs for everyone. muah.
posted by flibbertigibbet ★ at 2:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Warm hugs all around.
posted by lilywing13 ★ at 2:14 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

★ ★ ★
posted by vacapinta ★ at 2:15 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

oh, mefi. For all the help, and all the making me think, and all the hliarity, and all the interestingness, and for being a deliciously clever ball of snark with a smooshy caring candy center: hugs for everyone. I'm so proud to be a part of this.

(I am also high as a feckin' kite on cold medicine and may regain my own snarky shell by the time anyone gets to read this.)
posted by cmyk ★ at 2:18 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Nah, you're getting spoused
posted by Brandon Blatcher ★ at 2:23 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Even without a hug, even before a star, i've really felt the humanity on metafilter these past few days. And without really knowing any of you, i have felt part of something bigger than myself, a really positive energy that is raw and human and mostly constructively focussed.

I think i've felt reassured to learn that there are more people (like me) who have suffered beyond words and who are still filled with more hope than I ever before imagined. And yet we can still disagree on some things.

This makes me believe that we will be okay and we will continue to get through any dark days ahead.

With hope for a good 2011 for all of you.

Thank you.
posted by MT ★ at 2:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Gold star is 金星 (kinboshi) in Japanese, and it means to win a dazzling victory. May 2011 be filled with dazzling, glorious victories and achievements for all MeFites, just like this thread! Hugs!
posted by misozaki ★ at 2:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [13 favorites]

I'm hugging you all, but these stars are kind of prickly.
posted by penguin pie ★ at 2:40 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

"Hard times and funky living can season the soul, true enough, but joy is the yeast that makes it rise." - Tom Robbins

I wish you joy, Metafilter. Joy and clear skies for bright stars.
posted by fight or flight ★ at 2:41 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

twinkle!
posted by telstar ★ at 2:51 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Today we are all Stan Chin.

I came in here looking so hard for Stan Chin—so hard.
posted by cgc373 ★ at 2:52 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

hugs
posted by 404 Not Found ★ at 2:54 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

twinkle

eponyhugsterical!
posted by valkane ★ at 2:56 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yeah, really not a good start. Gary Mason got killed too. Used to know the guy a bit. And then there was Mick Karn. I'm hating 2011 already.
posted by Decani ★ at 3:13 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hey, look me over
Tell me do u like what u see?
Hey, I ain't got no money
But honey I'm rich on personality
Hey, check it all out
Baby I know what it's all about
Before the night is through
U will see my point of view
Even if I have 2 scream and shout

Baby I'm a star
Might not know it now
Baby but I are, I'm a star
I don't want to stop, 'til I reach the top
Sing it - we are all a star!
posted by harriet vane ★ at 3:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I came because I heard there were stars and HOLY CRAP there are!

HUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGSSSSSSSSS
posted by iamkimiam ★ at 3:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm the sherrif with the star! Pief paf poef!
No, I'm Old Shatterhand.
And you can be Winnetou.
posted by joost de vries ★ at 3:29 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Big hug to all my mefi friends, Don't let the bastards get you down!
posted by pearlybob ★ at 3:45 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

2011 is in the hole already. I hope it's not going to get too deep.

Big hugs to everyone.
posted by deborah ★ at 3:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Namlit: I can at least play you guys some harpsichord.

That was very very lovely. Thank you.

Not that I need any cheering up – I just found out this week that my Spice Girls number is 2!
posted by mahershalal ★ at 4:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Mefi cares.
posted by chmmr ★ at 4:14 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

All the best to all.
posted by Wolof ★ at 4:17 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Peace.
posted by fixedgear ★ at 4:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I was expecting the normal grar and pain, and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to want to read this whole long thread. But I opened it up anyway, and I saw all the stars, and it felt just like a great bit Mefi hug!

This is a good place.
posted by meese ★ at 4:46 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

"all of us are in the gutter, but some of us are looking up at the stars"
posted by sgt.serenity ★ at 4:46 AM on January 9, 2011 [10 favorites]

I didn't have a very good night, but reading all of your comments is cheering me up. I wish you all a peaceful day.

I am also excited to push post and see a star by my name.
posted by janepanic ★ at 4:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is why I love this place.
posted by rubbish bin night ★ at 4:56 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is awesome. Amazing how a few pixels colored yellow instead of grey can make all the difference in the world.
posted by sveskemus ★ at 4:57 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Come sit up on this fence with me and we'll swing our legs a while and talk about stuff.
posted by ersatzkat ★ at 4:58 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

Rave kitty knows how you feel.
posted by pjern ★ at 5:01 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

morning stars, sing together...
posted by Kinbote ★ at 5:03 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Awww! Cutest thread ever. Humans are so cuter than kittens.
posted by Magnakai ★ at 5:08 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is what I watch when things are crappy. And this.

Hugs to everyone in the room or until my arms get tired.
posted by sciencegeek ★ at 5:15 AM on January 9, 2011 [7 favorites]

Yeah, things are grim. But you, madame juju jive, remain an inspiration. A good soul. All the best to you and yours.
posted by flapjax at midnite ★ at 5:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

"some of us are looking up at the stars"

This image could be made reality using only this thread and a huge monitor mounted on the ceiling above one's bed, which would be extremely great in many ways, at least until it fell down in the middle of the night.

Agreed that this year sucks so far, and there may be more trouble ahead, but this place and every good thing it links to help fight against that. Onward and upward!
posted by thoughtless ★ at 5:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

HUG.
posted by pwally ★ at 5:21 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Namlit: "95I can at least play you guys some harpsichord."

That was beautiful, thanks. :)
posted by zarq ★ at 5:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Best $5 I ever spent.
posted by Sailormom ★ at 5:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Rich man's hug frug
posted by PeterMcDermott ★ at 5:27 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

This thread cheered me right up this morning, something I thought impossible after being woken by a cat stampede and the ever-present pregnant lady need to pee. Thanks (and hugs) to all.
posted by girl scientist ★ at 5:32 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Everybody is a star
Who can rain, chase the dust away
Everybody wants to shine
Ooh, come out on a cloudy day
'Til the sun that loves you proud
When the system tries to bring you down
Every hand to shine tonight
You don't need darkness to do what you think is right.

Ba pa-pa-pa ba pa-pa ba ba ba pa-pa ba pa-pa ba pa-pa ba ba ba,
ba-pa ba-pa ba ba, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
posted by Sailormom ★ at 5:33 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

malibustacey9999: " May I quote Pink?"

I've had that song running practically on repeat for the past few days. Love its message. It's a crying shame it'll never get any airtime on the radio without being bowdlerized.

Found this part especially poignant and relevant for myself, given the events of the week:

You're so mean
When you talk
About yourself, you were wrong
Change the voices in your head

Make them like you instead
So complicated
Look how we all make it
Filled with so much hatred
Such a tired game

The video for Fuckin' Perfect is here, with lyrics. Obviously, they're NSFW.
posted by zarq ★ at 5:33 AM on January 9, 2011 [8 favorites]

Yeah, me too. Thanks, mefi. What a way to start the year. I've been watching this. No matter what you've lost, be it a home, a love, a friend: like the Mary Ellen Carter, rise again.
posted by Spinneret ★ at 5:35 AM on January 9, 2011 [6 favorites]

I think sometime, someplace, a bunch of sociologists, psychologists and maybe even anthropologists will be trying to make sense of all of this, and they'll probably fail. They won't be able to grasp just exactly how this community, how a couple of letters on a screen spelling 'hug' and how a couple of yellow pixels forming stars make such a difference. But it's a reality and I'm grateful for it. Thank you Matt and thank you everyone.
posted by Ms. Next ★ at 5:35 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Jessamyn for a day (well, for a thread).
posted by Mngo ★ at 5:37 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Mefis, I appreciate you.
posted by fake ★ at 5:38 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Hahaha!
Great move.
posted by bru ★ at 5:38 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

And mathowie? Thank you. :)
posted by zarq ★ at 5:39 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hugses for all.
posted by Forktine ★ at 5:42 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I started at the top of this thread thinking. Aww its a regular love fest. Scrolled down expecting the inevitable derail/jokey-ness. But there was none. The love continued.

Thanks guys. Hugs back all around.
posted by ShawnString ★ at 5:43 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I like being around people who care so much. (Hugs)
posted by Mouse Army ★ at 5:44 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs for everyone! *invents a hug dance*
posted by badmoonrising ★ at 5:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

If you don't like 2011, man you're gonna be disappointed when 2012 comes around.
posted by dougrayrankin ★ at 5:53 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Can we get a do-over? --- No, but we can press the reset button. When was the last time you saved the game?
posted by crunchland ★ at 5:53 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

*hugs* Yeah. This year sucks already. Can it be 2012 now?
posted by strixus ★ at 5:54 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yeah, it's already been rough. You guys make it better, and thanks for this thread. Hugs to you all. ()
posted by Ahab ★ at 5:54 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

No, but we can press the reset button. When was the last time you saved the game?

The gold star said I could use the cheat code, so :P
posted by Brandon Blatcher ★ at 6:01 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Has anyone successfully sold their gold star on Ebay yet?
posted by blue_beetle ★ at 6:06 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I know tomorrow we'll find Better Things
posted by readery ★ at 6:12 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

This gold star is so much nicer than the little Twitter button that usually appears next to my name.
posted by Mngo ★ at 6:12 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I guess we *are* all made of stars. I'd give y'all a hug but I'm trying to keep my current set of microbes to myself. Guess I'll just have to think a hug in your general direction.
posted by nat ★ at 6:12 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Last year was horrible, this year not looking much better.

But a star is nice.
posted by Lucinda ★ at 6:14 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I am leaving the US later today to fly to Amsterdam, where Theo van Gogh was assassinated in the street. A coincidence, surely, but it's not helping. Thanks for being a place where I be me.
posted by tommasz ★ at 6:18 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

My 2011 has started off really crap, too, for a variety of reasons. Worst start to a year that I can remember in my lifetime. But I'm still hanging in there and Metafilter helps make every day just a little bit better. Thanks all. Hugs and kittens and unicorns and rainbows and candy and stars for everyone.
posted by ladybird ★ at 6:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*hugs* to all the mefites! (except them that don't want 'em)

Fuck yeah, Metafilter.



madamjujujive: You're local. Is it time for another Boston-ish meet-up?
posted by rmd1023 ★ at 6:27 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I came for the hugs. I stayed for the gold star. And the hugs.
posted by Eideteker ★ at 6:28 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Mama always said I was a star.
posted by ColdChef ★ at 6:31 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm only here for the star.
posted by HuronBob ★ at 6:31 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

"Tonight? Here in this thread? You alllll get gold stars, baby."

I pictured this like this but with stars instead of bees.
posted by Eideteker ★ at 6:36 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Mathowie still looked like Oprah, tho.
posted by Eideteker ★ at 6:37 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Last night I dreamed about commenting on a thread. I remember thinking it was a funny comment. I heart MeFi.
posted by preparat ★ at 6:40 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{(((((((((((((HUG)))))))))))))}}}}}}}}}}}}}

*crunch*

oops, uh, heh, sorry.
posted by quonsar II: smock fishpants and the temple of foon ★ at 6:44 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Thank you thank you.
posted by jjray ★ at 6:45 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I don't want a star. I want something more fitting, like a mushroom cloud.
posted by jonmc ★ at 6:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Yes, definitely the best $5 I've ever spent, without question. It's Sunday morning and I spent so much time last night in the GIffords thread, I never came over to the grey to see all this wonderful starryness. Now I'm teary again. I too feel a need for a meetup. Maybe someone cooler than me will organize it in NYC ... to re-start the year.
posted by thinkpiece ★ at 6:48 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Ick. Stop hugging me, stop that.
posted by YamwotIam ★ at 6:48 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

You know, I was talking to a friend on New Year's Eve and I realized that I had a lot to begrudgingly thank 2010 for. I mean, there were some great moments, but mainly 2010 was just shit. But hey, look, we ended up getting through it.

So 2011's been tough (as of day NINE, sheesh!) but we'll get through it, together. We always do.
posted by estlin ★ at 7:06 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Woohoo!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero ★ at 7:08 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Gosh, I love Metafilter. Speaking of, I hope there is another t-shirt order.

Hugs to all!
posted by apricot ★ at 7:09 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

In 2010: early on, I was only spottily-employed. I was too broke to celebrate my 40th birthday, and a friend of mine offered to pay my rent for me for a month (I'd told him in passing that I was considering taking a loan out of my IRA and he wouldn't stand for it).

Then when I finally did get some work, it was in another state and doubled my commuting cost, and also required me to wake up an hour before my cicadian rhythm asked for. I had money, but it wasn't much, and I was too tired to do anything.

Then my cat died.

In the last month of 2010, I had my computer stolen (and with it, everything I've written in the past ten years), and then on Christmas Eve my brother started a fight with me, and then when I got onto Facebook to calm down afterward I learned that my one-that-got-away ex had just that night gotten engaged. I still haven't had a full night's sleep since about June.

Meanwhile, around me I have friends whose cameras have been getting stolen, their cars breaking down, their houses springing leaks in boilers, and the like.

I figure that this has GOT to be all a big orgy of bad luck that's getting thrown at me because 2011 is going to be good luck, and we're just correcting the balance.

(At least my birthday's going to be better -- my very dear friend from Ireland is coing to visit that week, and my birthday's on a Friday, and so I'm starting to plan a sort of "pick a bar and hold court" epic thing.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos ★ at 7:15 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

*hug*, Empress.
posted by cabingirl ★ at 7:18 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This post needs a triggers warning for people who have had to code in Lisp.
posted by pracowity ★ at 7:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Thanks Metafilter for filling up all my free time, encouraging me to get a GoLite and making me laugh (2 min ago) at the tator/tater thread. Plus I really want to see a star next to my name. Maybe 2011 won't be so bad?? At least here on the internets?? PS Thinkpiece- there is the NJ meet up for Indian food, hopefully not too much real-life hugging will go on!:O
posted by bquarters ★ at 7:21 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Now, there's something good about to happen in 2011 - another MeFi offspring! If that helps at all ...

Me too! I will be providing a wee mini-MeFite in March! Doing my part to contribute a portion of AWESOME to the gene pool.

My 2011 has started off... pretty great. I so, so wish I could pass the joy around somehow. But, y'know, without the accompanying chest cold. *HUGZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ* (I'm not contagious anymore! I promise!)
posted by sonika ★ at 7:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

We all need hugs, it's true.

Here's one thousand kajillion from me to you.

I love this place, and sometimes I think it loves me back.

2010 was mostly just keeping my nose above water, and I'm feeling brave enough to hope that 2011 will be filled with beautiful progress.
posted by bilabial ★ at 7:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

It's going to be a heck of a year. Hugs to all and double hugs to anyone having a rough time of it.
posted by Skorgu ★ at 7:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I was having a crappy start to 2011 even before yesterday's shootings. I will gladly accept hugs, and a star, and maybe some medical insurance and a job could fall out of the sky? But without this place things would be harder. So thanks, y'all.
posted by shiny blue object ★ at 7:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm just catching up on the news from Tucson now, but it didn't hit me emotionally until I saw this thread. *Hugs*
posted by anotherpanacea ★ at 7:29 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

In the immortal words: "Be excellent to each other."
posted by Wuggie Norple ★ at 7:29 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Oh, metatalk! You keep surprising me. First we had surprise snark in the "happy leaving for home early" thread, and then we get happy hugs and rainbows and puppies and stars in the "this year stinks" thread. Mostly, though, metafilter makes me feel better about humanity. So *hug-smishes heartily*!
posted by ldthomps ★ at 7:32 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

BitterOldPunk's comment made me feel a little better. To next week!
posted by danb ★ at 7:32 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Other wiser MeFites have already said other wiser things, so assume I am quoting them all for truth.

To madamjujujive and mathowie: thanks for giving us exactly what we need, exactly when we needed it.

Please don't mock me because I know it's bad form... but I'm going to favorite my own comment so that if I'm ever having a crummy day I can return to my gold star and feel shiny and nifty again.
posted by pineapple ★ at 7:39 AM on January 9, 2011 [8 favorites]

I think people have a habit of criticizing website changes they disagree with, but not bothering to post a comment when they see an improvement they like. (I'm guilty of this too...)

Anyway, a special thanks to pb for his work on the site and prompt email responses on the rare occasion that something breaks.
posted by yaymukund ★ at 7:43 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I wish you were all here, I would give you hugs and the fresh muffins we just pulled out of the oven.
posted by bibliogrrl ★ at 7:46 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

If I was more of a techy-tech I would add the 'Somewhere over the rainbow' ukele Hawaiian-version song. (To add to the ukele trio above.)
posted by bquarters ★ at 7:46 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Eideteker: "Mathowie still looked like Oprah, tho."

At least it was stars and not bees.

Also:
No one is as smarthuggable as everyone.
posted by Hardcore Poser ★ at 7:49 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This week has been all-around ass. I'll happily accept hugs and stars upon thars.

Also I have an urge to send more secret Quonsar gifts. (OMG my iPhone knows the word "Quonsar.")
posted by Metroid Baby ★ at 7:50 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

It's time for a Teeenage House Party. You get the keg, I'll get the people making out in a closet.
posted by The Whelk ★ at 7:51 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Even ⟨b⟩ tags need a hug.
posted by Hardcore Poser ★ at 7:51 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
posted by penduluum ★ at 7:55 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yeah, not the smoothest of starts to a new year. I suppose I'd be tempting fate to say something along the lines of "well, things can only get better from here", as I don't want to be proved wrong...
posted by Nice Guy Mike ★ at 7:55 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Note: Everyone needs a hug.

Repeated for emphasis.
posted by armage ★ at 7:55 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Israel "Iz" Kamakawiwo'ole
posted by Miko ★ at 7:55 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

Hugs. Thanks, Metafilter, for being there. And, hey, thanks random neighborhood metafolks for eating the leftover pie.
posted by crush-onastick ★ at 7:59 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Here's hoping this is the year our society starts a return to sanity.
posted by EarBucket ★ at 8:00 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Why are there so many songs about rainbows?
posted by The Whelk ★ at 8:02 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

SUNSHINE! LOLLIPOPS! RAINBOWS!
posted by The Whelk ★ at 8:06 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Happy New Year, everyone!

*hugs*
posted by carter ★ at 8:09 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This video/song always helps me when I'm low:

Bill Plympton's oscar nominated animated short "Your Face" (SLRussianYoutubeClone)
posted by orville sash ★ at 8:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*hugs everyone*

I hope I'm not too late for a star!
posted by amyms ★ at 8:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yay, I wasn't too late!
posted by amyms ★ at 8:12 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

We fight these Republican assholes lest we lose our souls.
posted by bardic ★ at 8:12 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Biiig fluffy, warm hugs to you all. 2010 was a really tough year for me. Metachat and Mefi are havens for me, and I thank you all. This site is an oasis of funny, smart, reasonable discourse in a world that needs ginormous helpings of reason.
posted by theora55 ★ at 8:17 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

and thanks for the stars. nice touch.
posted by theora55 ★ at 8:18 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Happy New Year
posted by The Whelk ★ at 8:18 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

*puts on hugging parka*
posted by The Devil Tesla ★ at 8:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

After feeling kind of crappy last week, and yesterday being particularly awful, this thread makes me realize that, good or bad, everyone has similar experiences.

It's good to know that I'm not the only one out there feeling like this, and that we're all just running around, trying to make shit work.
posted by SNWidget ★ at 8:20 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*** Hugs to all ***
posted by motdiem2 ★ at 8:21 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is probably pretty cliché, but this song always cheers me up.
posted by Flunkie ★ at 8:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

A hug to all, with a side of hope.
posted by sdn ★ at 8:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*hugs* I didn't want to say anything in the Zeller thread, but I've been thinking about that and a childhood friend who killed himself all week. The only thing that shook me out of it was the Giffords thing, which was not what I had in mind.

Happy news this week, please.
posted by immlass ★ at 8:23 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*Sniffle*
posted by Jofus ★ at 8:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs to all. No more hate please.
posted by haunted by Leonard Cohen ★ at 8:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I was told there would be punch and pie in this thread.

*waits*
posted by elizardbits ★ at 8:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

You guys are the best.
posted by thivaia ★ at 8:26 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Also there is this
posted by Jofus ★ at 8:28 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I've started a new venture this year that I am hopeful about. I'm off to Los Angeles in a week to visit, and haven't been there since 1999, so I am excited to see what has become of my old town. Plan to travel a lot this year, actually, if I can make arrangements to sleep on people's sofas. Several old debts are close to being paid off. And there's a cricket in a plastic container in my living room who is molting, which he doesn't seem to be enjoying, and it has him on his back looking simply exhausted. So already I'm having a better year than he is.

I look forward with cautious optimism.
posted by Astro Zombie ★ at 8:29 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

Whatever happened to my old Lots-o'Huggin' Bear? He was a hugger.
posted by Doktor Zed ★ at 8:34 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This year I promise a hug in every pot!
posted by pemberkins ★ at 8:35 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

There's a lot of sad out there right now. Let's keep being kind to each other!
posted by shrabster ★ at 8:35 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I haven't been actively posting here for a long time, but I read along regularly. I work for a large law firm these days, and the time commitments and confidentiality requirements make it hard for me to comment in the kind of discussions where I might have meaningful things to say. I'm hoping for a job change early this year, and I may have the opportunity to come back and participate more than in the past. Metafilter has the best community and moderation team of any public community site of its kind, and has for a long time. As weird as 2011 is going to be, anticipating an opportunity to participate more in this community makes me feel hopeful. Thanks folks.
posted by monju_bosatsu ★ at 8:36 AM on January 9, 2011 [7 favorites]

Put your speakers to eleven, take your shoes off, and DANCE THE PAIN AWAY
posted by The Whelk ★ at 8:37 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

How are we going to know when jessamyn is posting ex cathedra now?
posted by Cold Lurkey ★ at 8:40 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I promise not to abuse the powers my star will give me. I won't throw my authority around, and will only ban those who deserve it, and...

Oh. It's just the star? Well...I guess that'll be okay too.
posted by Drastic ★ at 8:41 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

The brightest spot so far this year has been the Seahawks and Jets wins yesterday.

Seahawks won a playoff game and *still* don't have a winning record. They have to win the Superbowl in order to end the year with more wins than loses!
posted by yeti ★ at 8:41 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Inevitably there's always something or someone on MeFi who manages to make me feel better. (On the days when it makes me grar instead, I just eat cookies.)
posted by Nattie ★ at 8:42 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

My star gives me candy bars and hundred dollar bills
posted by The Whelk ★ at 8:42 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I had an inauspicious start to the year; PTSD is hard to deal with sometimes and it's isolating to be anxious. The last week was a weird tailspin of feeling terrible and going through my list of things to do to feel better one item at a time, feeling worse every time something didn't work. It's not all bad though: I'm looking for the lowest-stress outside-the-house job that exists so I can have some daily interactions with people who aren't my partner or close friends, and also be less poor. 2011, you are going to be my year.

Hugs for anyone who wants them, and I also have serious molasses cookies to hand out.
posted by bewilderbeast ★ at 8:42 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

I came here for the MeTa. I stayed for the gold star.
posted by ellenaim ★ at 8:43 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

After reading through this thread, I was wondering how I could inject a little bit of happiness into the world today. Then I thought of something.

My cat is too fat. He has been on a diet since the start of 2010. Without his favorite snacky treats, he has been pretty depressed.

Just now, I gave him a snacky treat. Just one. I told him it was from Metafilter. He is thanking all of you by curling up on top of my clean laundry.
posted by ladybird ★ at 8:43 AM on January 9, 2011 [13 favorites]

Though the stars were not big (they were really quite small), you would think such a thing wouldn't matter at all!
posted by shiu mai baby ★ at 8:45 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Hugs and a new week for everyone!
posted by SMPA ★ at 8:46 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Every man and every woman is a star.
posted by Artw ★ at 8:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

We are better for being here together.
posted by BlooPen ★ at 8:47 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Also: hugs.
posted by shiu mai baby ★ at 8:48 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Every year's been worse than the last lately.
posted by enn ★ at 8:49 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

The sun is up
The sky is blue
It's beautiful
And so are you
posted by Flunkie ★ at 8:54 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

MetaFilter has been a safe haven for me during these past few years of Maelstrom. Where we can share ideas, thoughts, dreams and fears. You are all made of awesome and I love you all for just being who you are.

MeFi is wonderful.

Thanks for the gold stars, Matt. Mods, thanks for all that you do.

To each and everyone of you, peace and light.

((HUGZ))
posted by PROD_TPSL ★ at 8:57 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

As the note says beneath the preview box..."everyone needs a hug".
posted by hepta ★ at 8:57 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I want to peel my star off the screen and put it on a Trapper Keeper.
posted by amyms ★ at 9:09 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

I want to hug all of you. And I want a gold star.
posted by Wordwoman ★ at 9:10 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

my husband got some of the worst news of his professional career a few weeks back, it sent us reeling, something we'd invested a huge amount of time and money, our hopes and dreams, gone.
Our dream holiday in Orlando took 6 days of snow/cold/stranded/awfulness before it started.
Bill Zeller made me cry & recall things I wish I didn't.........
yesterday we were both glued to the news and I feel exactly as you described mmjjj
I was just so low , it felt like it was all piling up.
I sent a downer text to the most senior neurosurgeon I know and said something like "but did you see the entry spot, she'll never fulfill that incredible promise.....yada yada, personality changes, blah and he replied:
"I had a teacher 5 years ago went back to work in 12 months , same entry spot, never say never" that was my star right there and here I find thousands more here at Metafilter. What a community.
I'm a glass half full kind of girl and I need to get back there..... Thanks fellow mefites & HUGS to you all.
posted by Wilder ★ at 9:10 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

apricot: "Gosh, I love Metafilter. Speaking of, I hope there is another t-shirt order."

Ooooh, a grey shirt with a big gold star in the middle would be awesomeness.
posted by SuperSquirrel ★ at 9:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Hugs and stars! Green clovers! Purple Horseshoes!
posted by spec80 ★ at 9:15 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Sheesh, I was staying out of MetaTalk 'cause I felt like I didn't quite have the fortitude for the usual arguing and snarkitude, and look what everybody's up to instead. *sniffle* *dab at corner of eye* This is a nice way to start the day. Hugs to everybody who wants one and a purr to you from the cat that's curled up on my foot.
posted by Lexica ★ at 9:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I totally want a star. And a hug. I'm willing to dish 'em out, too!
posted by Stewriffic ★ at 9:19 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I just thought I'd say that this is a nice idea for a thread. I like this place.
posted by ob ★ at 9:20 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

We are all made of stars.
posted by empatterson ★ at 9:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

I ♡ mefi.
posted by mkdg ★ at 9:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I hugged my sons this morning.
posted by Cool Papa Bell ★ at 9:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Collecting my gold star, nevermind me.
posted by cj_ ★ at 9:26 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

We are stardust, we are golden :-)
posted by ChuraChura ★ at 9:29 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I took lots of pics of my name with a star......will probably take more. Yay me and yay metafilter!!!
posted by pearlybob ★ at 9:32 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hugs for everybody. Let's make 2011 decent.
posted by Faint of Butt ★ at 9:34 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Stars make me happy; hugs to all.
posted by faineant ★ at 9:35 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Damn, I though the stars were because today's my birthday. :(
posted by marxchivist ★ at 9:36 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hugs! For you! Dance parties always make me forget about the bad stuff for a little while. Let's have a dance party, darlings! <3
posted by Fui Non Sum ★ at 9:37 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm assuming this means we can all expect five years' back pay?

Yay!
posted by Sys Rq ★ at 9:41 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

I'm just commenting because I want a star.
posted by hellojed ★ at 9:43 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Me, too.
posted by The Great Big Mulp ★ at 9:44 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Are there any stars left? What about hugs?
posted by Jelly ★ at 9:44 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Oh, good.
posted by Jelly ★ at 9:44 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I go to bed early for a change and miss the party! Well, there is a whole lot of awesome in this thread. Hugs to all. :)
posted by Serene Empress Dork ★ at 9:48 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Actually, what I do when I am having a huge run of bad luck is I whine about it. But not regular whining -- I mean, I go all-out, over-the-top, epic-tale-of-despair-and-gloom about it. I'm not just whining, I am testifying about why I am the unluckiest person to have ever graced God's earth and no one alive has ever faced the obstacles I have endured, and even when I thought it was over there was still more, and...

...And what this usually does is, about halfway through, it starts becoming funny how epically over-the-top it all sounds. And I'm someone who's had misfortunes that sound like they've come straight out of a Monty Python sketch at times. So being able to see your way through to the point that you're finding humor in it is very, very good.

There are situations which are freakin' hard to find the humor in, I'll grant. But if you are having a lower-key run of crap stuff, try that approach. At the very least you'll have great stories for the bar.
posted by EmpressCallipygos ★ at 9:48 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs still left? My mom is going in for surgery for her thyroid cancer recurrence tomorrow afternoon. I could really use hugs.



and stars.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi ★ at 9:53 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Sometimes the world breaks my heart, but in the middle of it all, here we are. Hugs to every one of you.

And a star for me too! Thanks, mathowie.
posted by teremala ★ at 9:55 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

PhoB - my own mother is having her fourth brain surgery in 10 months on Wednesday - hugs and stars to you, too - I know where you're coming from.
posted by ersatzkat ★ at 9:57 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hugs still left? My mom is going in for surgery for her thyroid cancer recurrence tomorrow afternoon. I could really use hugs.

How bout hugs and assurances? Had my cancer ridden thyroid removed in 2008. It was an easy recovery, and I've had no thyroid related problems since. I sure she will be fine!
posted by kimdog ★ at 9:57 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Stars! And hugs!
posted by gingerbeer ★ at 9:58 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'll hug you all if you can do it without touching me. I don't like to be touched.

*a-frame air hug*
posted by JeffK ★ at 9:59 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

PhoB - my own mother is having her fourth brain surgery in 10 months on Wednesday - hugs and stars to you, too - I know where you're coming from.

Big hugs, ersatzkat! I'll be thinking of you Wednesday.

Hope so, kimdog! The surgeons and her doctors seem to think everything will be fine, as was the case the first time. Still nerve wracking.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi ★ at 9:59 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Corgis on a treadmill, people. Corgis on a treadmill! I have high, high hopes for 2011.
posted by kate blank ★ at 10:00 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

The promise of a better life for all ...
posted by philip-random ★ at 10:03 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

great big sparkly hugs!
posted by casarkos ★ at 10:05 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I want one!
posted by chillmost ★ at 10:10 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I really do feel better. Hugs and stars work!
posted by wv kay in ga ★ at 10:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

hugs! stars! The reminder that there does come an end to darkness, and that the light returns. The sun sets a little later every day, now.

I know that the molecules in my body are traceable to phenomena in the cosmos. That makes me want to grab people in the street and say, have you heard this? -- Neil DeGrasse Tyson
posted by kalimac ★ at 10:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

This has not been the happiest decade for me but the last few weeks have been downright bizarre. Along with the tragedies mentioned by madamjujujive, I also found out the last few weeks that my first fiance died and that my boss has stage four glioblastoma (the brain tumor that felled both Kennedy and my husband's stepdad.) That particular boss is also a recent breast cancer survivor.


I am very thankful, at least that my middle daughter's boyfriend came home safe and sound from Afghanistan. Not everyone in his group did.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies ★ at 10:12 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This post needs a triggers warning for people who have had to code in Lisp.

(mapcar #'hug mefites)
posted by A dead Quaker ★ at 10:14 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

hug.
posted by arnicae ★ at 10:14 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Big hugs for everyone!

I wish you all the the happiness in the world...
posted by wiskunde ★ at 10:17 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I went to a psychic once who said I wouldn't realize my full potential until 2011. So I'm still holding out hope. She also told me that in 2011 I'd meet a man with a woman's soul. Any of you here fit that description?

Anyway, this year may be off to a sort of rotten start in many ways, but I've already had much cause to appreciate people on this here website. You all are just ridiculously awesome, even if you do argue a lot about beans and taters and mushrooms or whatever.

::hugs::
posted by brina ★ at 10:18 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Good night you Princes of Maine, you Kings of New England.

I always quote Elsa at times like these. "I have made some good friends in this place" from another nice MeTa thread. Hugs.
posted by jessamyn ★ (staff) at 10:20 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

Lost in the Stars
posted by box ★ at 10:21 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm only posting because I never thought I'd see a gold star next to my name.
posted by nevercalm ★ at 10:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

In 2010 on a hot August day I went with my oldest friend to the beach near where we both grew up, and swam in the sea for the first time in many, many years. I floated in the water, looking up at the blue summer sky, and knew that the moment was perfect and that I could carry it with me forever. I spent much of yesterday glued to the Giffords thread and yeah, I wish I could hug all of you right now, or send you a little of that summer day and the feeling of the sea waves and the sound of the seagulls and the kids playing. Here's to a better 2011.
posted by jokeefe ★ at 10:22 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

I love metafilter hugs.
posted by pointystick ★ at 10:23 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm starting to have hope that we're at the start of a "we're all in it together" movement. More compassion and more charity.
posted by five fresh fish ★ at 10:26 AM on January 9, 2011 [7 favorites]

Hugs, mjjj. Wooly socks and mugs of cocoa all around. Even with all the bad, we have a lot of blessings to count, and more people care about us than we sometimes think.

And thanks, mathowie. You are a mensch.
posted by LobsterMitten ★ at 10:31 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*hugs* to everyone and all gratefully received. I have been crying for the past day and telling my husband I am moving my baby back to my home country of New Zealand.
yes, that's an overreaction, but fuck. That's the place I'm in right now.
posted by gaspode ★ at 10:34 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

Aww, this is the best post ever. :)
posted by jenny76 ★ at 10:40 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

well, my username is a star, so how can I not comment here!
posted by dhruva ★ at 10:41 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hi everyone!
posted by Bookhouse ★ at 10:48 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

One of my co-workers has been using "Peace" as a send-off. I called him on his retro-90s-ness, and he said that peace is always in style. I couldn't argue with that and started saying it myself. It'd be nice, though, to have some actual peace.

done for more than just the star, but the star is definitely a factor
posted by Xoder ★ at 10:51 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Since my dear soul was mistress of her choice
And could of men distinguish, her election
Hath seal'd thee for herself; for thou hast been
As one, in suffering all, that suffers nothing,
A man that Fortune's buffets and rewards
Hast ta'en with equal thanks: and blest are those
Whose blood and judgment are so well commeddled,
That they are not a pipe for Fortune's finger
To sound what stop she please. Give me that man
That is not passion's slave, and I will wear him
In my heart's core, ay, in my heart of heart,
As I do thee.

--Hamlet III,ii

(Note: Some editions have "GIVE ME A GODDAMN HUG, YOU SEXY BEAST" directly following this speech. This is believed to originate from an all-caps emendation in the original manuscript. Most scholars agree that it should be excised, adding "How do you even do caps lock with a quill pen anyway?" Opinions differ as to whether to attribute the interpolation to Shakespeare, Burbage, or another contributor, as well as whether the author was high on drugs at the time or just really needed a hug.)
posted by Pallas Athena ★ at 10:51 AM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

A word about hugs: The past five or so years for me have been pretty sucky, but in the last half of 2010, things started to feel quite a bit better. (Therapy and drugs, but still.) Then, in the first five days of 2011, I had a really emotionally exhausting trip to Ikea (don't laugh, it happens), which resulted in immediate tears and, eventually and somewhat directly, a wrist fracture and badly bruised elbow and a trip to the ER, and you when you start processing injuries like that you don't really think about how much more difficult it's going to be to position yourself in front of the toilet two days later when you're dealing with a stomach virus. And then, when you're recovering from all that and all you want to do is sit in the cozy chair with the laptop and spend the day on Metafilter, all the news is bad.

And then on Friday night my partner returned from a trip to the east coast and we hadn't seen each other for a couple weeks and I got a really long hug. And damn, hugs really do make things feel better.

I'm still worried about the way this year is starting. It's too much for one week -- both on the personal level, and when thinking about everything that's going on Out There. But I do know that, unless something else goes horribly wrong, I do have a pretty much endless supply of hugs at my disposal. I wish the same for all of you. Even MetaTalk hugs can make the sting go away, if only temporarily.
posted by mudpuppie ★ at 10:54 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

We're all stars! All Star Mefites!
posted by ericb ★ at 10:56 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

MetaFilter is like the family that I actually like and that most of the time likes me back.

So hugs for everybody!
posted by TooFewShoes ★ at 10:57 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Yesterday I looked across the room and told the animals 'Today fucking sucks. The world sucks. WHAT THE HELL.'

And my cat jumped on my lap, curled up and started purring, while my roommate's dog promptly went upstairs, scrabbled around for a minute, and returned with a stuffed toy monkey, which he dropped on the cat my lap. Then he sat down and nosed my hand until I petted him.

Now, it's entirely possible that I had an electric blanket over my legs because it's around 58 degrees in the basement, and that my roommate's dog is a labrador, so that's his response to anything, including 'Hey, how would you characterize the statistics used in this review article?' But why quibble?
posted by Uniformitarianism Now! ★ at 10:58 AM on January 9, 2011 [11 favorites]

Mudpuppie, I totally get what you mean about Ikea. That place can be dangerous in more ways than one.
posted by TooFewShoes ★ at 10:59 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

The Pea says that 2011 is going to get better, and I believe her. She sends you all warm snuggly hugs and chill, bouncy vibes with a "dirty" edge. Me too.
posted by heyho ★ at 11:00 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Stars and Spouses for all
posted by urban greeting ★ at 11:01 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Came for the hugs; staying for the stars and warm fuzzies!
posted by Jaymzifer ★ at 11:04 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

What a great thread! And stars too? So AWESOME!
posted by jeanmari ★ at 11:07 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

bquarters, thanks for reminding me of the healing properties of music. So here are some musical thoughts for all of MeFi as 2011 starts:

This Year is starting off inausppiciously, but All Things Must Pass. May you always rise again, like the Mary Ellen Carter (Stan Rogers). Don't Give Up. Don't Stop Believing. Things Can Only Get Better. You Can Make it if You Try, and You Can Get it if You Really Want. Spit in the face of these Badlands: at the end of every hard-earned day, people find some Reason to Believe. No retreat, No Surrender. Breathe. Here's hoping Better Things will come tomorrow, and that you'll be Feeling Stronger Every Day. It's Getting Better all the time.
posted by Miko ★ at 11:08 AM on January 9, 2011 [9 favorites]

Oh boy, I trust Pea. Do I ever.
posted by Miko ★ at 11:08 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

All right everyone, link arms, face the sun, you know the words.
posted by The Whelk ★ at 11:11 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I appreciated this story about the lovely undergraduate intern who stayed with Giffords after she was shot, and administered first aid that almost certainly saved her life.
posted by redfoxtail ★ at 11:13 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I want to believe that since we started at the bottom, 2011 will be all up from here. Also, I would like a hug. And a star.
posted by headspace ★ at 11:16 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

*dons saffron robe*

*ding dong*

"I have a hug for you."

{hugs}
posted by TheNewWazoo ★ at 11:24 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs to all of you. And thank you for this thread. Here's some music for you.
(I really, really, reaaaally like the star. I feel like I'm in a John Wayne western and we are all sheriffs.)
posted by severiina ★ at 11:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Came for the hugs and stars. Here's wishing 2011 gets better for all.
posted by secretary bird ★ at 11:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

GET HAPPY
posted by The Whelk ★ at 11:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I just need a star.

And maybe a hug.
posted by saveyoursanity ★ at 11:25 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Star.
posted by justgary ★ at 11:26 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I thought she'd be there holding daisies
She always waits for me
She thinks she missed the train to Mars
She's out back counting stars.

(Also, hugs for all!)
posted by eunoia ★ at 11:29 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Star please.
posted by nestor_makhno ★ at 11:30 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I just made pancakes and my day is looking up. I will trade you pancakes for your starts.
posted by rhapsodie ★ at 11:30 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

One of my co-workers has been using "Peace" as a send-off. I called him on his retro-90s-ness, and he said that peace is always in style. I couldn't argue with that and started saying it myself. It'd be nice, though, to have some actual peace.

I know I've linked this on MetaFilter before, but it's a song I just can't get enough of. I mean, you can't get enough peace, love, and understanding?
posted by hippybear ★ at 11:31 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

lots of stuff in the world sucks. it all looks better with a gold star.
posted by msconduct ★ at 11:34 AM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

The divisiveness & stars & hugs reminds me of the end of the star-belly sneeches...

The beginning:

Now, the Star-Belly Sneetches had bellies with stars.
The Plain-Belly Sneetches had none upon thars.
Those stars weren’t so big. They were really so small.
You might think such a thing wouldn’t matter at all.

But, because they had stars, all the Star-Belly Sneetches
Would brag, “We’re the best kind of Sneetch on the beaches.”
With their snoots in the air, they would sniff and they’d snort
“We’ll have nothing to do with the Plain-Belly sort!”
And, whenever they met some, when they were out walking,
They’d hike right on past them without even talking.

The ending:

Then, when every last cent of their money was spent,
The Fix-It-Up Chappie packed up. And he went.
And he laughed as he drove In his car up the beach,
“They never will learn. No. You can’t Teach a Sneetch!”

But McBean was quite wrong. I’m quite happy to say.
That the Sneetches got really quite smart on that day.
The day they decided that Sneetches are Sneetches.
And no kind of Sneetch is the best on the beaches.
That day, all the Sneetches forgot about stars and whether
They had one, or not, upon thars.

I quite like my star, brief & temporary though it may be. Hugs, and hopes that we will all, in this country & across the world, recognize each other as just sneeches with or without stars, in or outside of bars, evidence from zooropa's encounter to the contrary and fading vestiges of the old sneech-way.

A girl has to have some dreams...
posted by susanbeeswax ★ at 11:36 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Hugs? From all around the world? This truly is the best place on the Web. It's been a sucky couple of years. Thanks for making them a little more bearable.
posted by bardophile ★ at 11:38 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I can take or leave the stars, but isn't it awesome that hugs are a renewable resource? I've gotten a bunch in the last few days (thanks to all who sent me thoughtful notes) and find that I have an abundance of my own to share with a crowd that really needs them. Get 'em while they're hot, gang.
posted by Gator ★ at 11:41 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Gold star for robot boy!
posted by dobbs ★ at 11:42 AM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

I thought it was just me. This has been, without question, one of the worst weeks of my adult life. And now I'm watching Sesame Street with my son and I have a gold star.

Matt, thank you so much for making this place for us.
posted by anastasiav ★ at 11:43 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

You guys are all stars! Hugs to the fascinating posters on the blue, hugs to the amazing responders on the green, hugs to the brilliant musicians on the black, hugs to the hilarious snarkers on the grey, hugs to the mods, the trolls, the lurkers and the banned.

I often come to Metafilter thinking it will have imploded under the weight of its own paradoxical combination of awesomeness and petty bullshit, but the awesomeness always wins. This is truly a great place to hang out on the web, and I hope its soul beats brighter than ever in this new decade.

Extraspecial bearhug to madamjujujive for getting this much-needed lovefest started. Thank you!
posted by Chichibio ★ at 11:44 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

My wife and I are trying, prior to a somewhat but not really arbitrary date in late February, to decide, once and for all, whether or not to move back to Holland. Her best (and most sensible, down to earth) friend is here at the moment. The friend and I were talking about it just before she left with my wife to go out for the day, and she said, something like, "It's really too complicated to make a logical decision; you have to do what your heart tells you." Then they take off.

I go downstairs, and the news is at the top of the Blue.

I've wanted to call someone and talk all day today, but for the life of me I couldn't think of what I'd say or who of my (liberal, generally well traveled) friends could possibly offer me any cogent advice. Maybe there is none to he offered anyway.

It's a projection, I know, but Metafilter somehow, in the aggregate or perhaps the gestalt, understands how I feel.
posted by digitalprimate ★ at 11:59 AM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

The stars are bright!
posted by jgirl ★ at 12:00 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

The stars are bright!

*clap-clap-clap-clap*
posted by mudpuppie ★ at 12:03 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Allllllll the way down here, I still need to say thanks, BitterOldPunk, for your story. I got to it from the Giffords thread on the Blue, and man, did that little ray of hope help after reading that thread.

Thanks to team mod, too, and hugs to everyone who needs them.
posted by EvaDestruction ★ at 12:06 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I had goose for christmas! Do you know what is even better than chicken skin? Goose skin. Plus I have 2 jars of goose fat for my roast potatoes. Mmmmm!
posted by By The Grace of God ★ at 12:15 PM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

There is an urge I have sometimes, rarely more than now, to buy a bottle of really good scotch, go down to Portland (from where I am in Seattle), find where Mathowie lives, ring the doorbell, give him the bottle, and say 'thank you', then just walk off.

And hope that someone, somewhere, can do it for Cortex, and Jessamyn, and pb, and Vacapinta, too.

Because some days, I think that sometimes us just walking up to them, thanking them, giving them a gift, and then walking away without asking for anything more might be something they really need.
posted by mephron ★ at 12:16 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I dealt with a lot of darkness and some pretty extreme feelings of isolation last year. Not that anyone is asking, but some things that helped were:

1. Singing, loudly, in the car, especially this and this.
2. Bonfires. Bonfires make family and VV.
3. People From The Internet.
4. Building Things. Helping other people build things.
5. Answering lots of questions on Ask.
6. Poetry. Especially MH.
7. Whisky and or coffee, judiciously applied.

May 2011 be full of songs, fires, friends, projects (buckets of hammers n' torches, drills n saws, fricken laz0rz!), poetry, and helpfulness. I would share those things with any of you, and not just in dark times, but especially in dark times.
posted by fake ★ at 12:18 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

mephron: cortex and pb are down here too! So you can bring all of them scotch at the same time.

(and as long as you're bringing scotch to Portland, *cough cough*)
posted by maqsarian ★ at 12:27 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Ima punch you all in the dick!

Naw, I'm just kiddin'. Now get over here you big lug.

I love you, dear Metafilter.
posted by Lutoslawski ★ at 12:32 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Starry Eyed Surprise -- "Freaky deaky, star speckles and pink butterflies."
posted by ericb ★ at 12:33 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

star test. on preview, no stars.
posted by stp123 ★ at 12:35 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I can give you stars! Look!

*bang!*

:LOOK!

*bang*

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOK!
posted by The Whelk ★ at 12:39 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I want a star! Can I have it all the time, like TPS's awesome pink profile?
posted by pecknpah ★ at 12:41 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I have been sick as a dog (what does that phrase even mean?) for all of 2011. Mushy thread cheers me up.
posted by Ruki ★ at 12:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

The sun came out this weekend. Now hugs and stars? This new year is looking better all the time.

*nuzzles into the nearest mefite*
posted by bethnull ★ at 12:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

You know those 'air hug' things that aren't really a hug? This isn't one of those. You're going to feel this hug all the way down to your toes:

(((MeFi)))
posted by dg ★ at 12:54 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

YYAAAYYYY this makes me much happier!
posted by arveale ★ at 12:58 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Songs about rainbows are my specialty! Because there upon the rainbow is the answer to our neverending story...

As far as Pink, I like to follow my Fuckin' Perfect with a little celebrating by Raise Your Glass.

So raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways...
posted by IndigoRain ★ at 12:59 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

My 2010 sucked golf balls through garden hoses, especially in the last quarter.

But all throughout, Mefi was a trustworthy source of fascination, crack-ups, tears, wonder, and irritation-- all of which helped me to make it through.

Y'all are the best imaginary internet friends a girl ever had.
posted by palmcorder_yajna ★ at 1:01 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Hugs for everybody who likes hugs. (Some people don't like hugs, and so I offer a handshake instead, or perhaps just a smile will do.)

I know it's not Caturday anymore, but this is the best combination of a cat and a hug that I have ever seen. (Warning: the Adorable may cause involuntary repetitive mouse-clicking on "replay.")
posted by tzikeh ★ at 1:04 PM on January 9, 2011 [12 favorites]

Only if it's a double rainbow!! WHAT DOES IT MEAN~~~
posted by Xere ★ at 1:06 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Fucking hell. I've been frighteningly depressed for awhile, even before losing a job I needed (but detested) last month. Now I'm fighting hormonal insanity while trying to relocate and reboot my entire life... and then THIS WEEK?!

Sometimes it all feels like too much.

Then I come here, and a damn silly ass gold star next to my screen name helped. I don't even know anymore, but I'm grateful for all of you.
posted by Space Kitty ★ at 1:12 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I had no idea there were hugs and stars in here. I need them mightily right now.
posted by Devils Rancher ★ at 1:13 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs and Stars all around!
posted by jazon ★ at 1:14 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm just here for the star.
posted by Deathalicious ★ at 1:29 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This constellation of a thread is enlightening. Let's all hope for a better year ahead.

Personally, I think that the new year doesn't really begin until the first day of spring, so let's pick up some speed.
posted by schyler523 ★ at 1:33 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I thought we told 2010 we were sorry for whatever it was we did but 2011 continues to mete out the punishment.
posted by norm ★ at 1:37 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs for stars? He's just pimpin' us out now.

*hug*
posted by graventy ★ at 1:38 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

SO far 2011 has been a ramping up up the suckage that was 2010. Definitely needs more hugs.
posted by goshling ★ at 1:38 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

The reminder that there does come an end to darkness, and that the light returns.

"Goethe's final words: 'More light.' Ever since we crawled out of that primordial slime, that's been our unifying cry: 'More light!'... Sunlight. Torchlight. Candlight. Neon. Incandescent. Lights that banish the darkness from our caves, to illuminate our roads, the insides of our refrigerators. Big floods for the night games at Soldier's Field. Little tiny flashlight for those books we read under the covers when we're supposed to be asleep. Light is more than watts and footcandles. Light is metaphor. 'Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.' 'Rage, rage against the dying of the light.' 'Lead, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom. Lead Thou me on! The night is dark, and I am far from home. Lead Thou me on.' 'Arise, shine, for thy light has come.' Light is knowledge. Light is life. Light is light."

- Chris Stevens (played by John Corbett), from the "Northern Lights" episode of Northern Exposure
posted by amyms ★ at 1:39 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Ok, who the heck was drawing on me after I passed out?
posted by loquacious ★ at 1:43 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

yep. 2010 wasn't so great. Full of hope for 2011.
posted by dubold ★ at 1:45 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Last night I had a much-needed cry. 2011 has to go up from here.
posted by AloneOssifer ★ at 1:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Okay, here's mine: Rise Again

To all of you, and all of yours, {{{HUGS}}}.

I had the great good fortune to see Stan live three times before he died, and hear that tune live twice. That tune and Copland's "Appalachian Spring" are my anodynes. Also MetaFilter.
posted by angiep ★ at 1:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hey, guys! I'm just here for my gold star. Now back to my previously scheduled drinking.
posted by Pater Aletheias ★ at 1:55 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Staaaaarrrrrr
posted by Wanderlust88 ★ at 2:00 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

There is a website* that conveys warmth?

Oh.

: )

*I am glad for the people behind the zeros and ones.
posted by simulacra ★ at 2:02 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Because some days, I think that sometimes us just walking up to them, thanking them, giving them a gift, and then walking away without asking for anything more might be something they really need.

This happens to us, often, just so you know. It's helpful and appreciated but not necessary. I got a crisp $50 bill in a thank you card from a random MeFite last week and while I'm set cashwise, it was a nice reminder to do something nice for myself once in a while. So I took my honey out for a burger and a beer at the local place where we sat and ate and watched the football game. As we went out to the car it was starting to snow and the lit-up star on the hill behind the place looked like it was hanging in mid-air. It's a lovely thing and we didn't even stop to take a picture, just stared and bundled up against the cold and drove home.
posted by jessamyn ★ (staff) at 2:06 PM on January 9, 2011 [17 favorites]

madamjujujive, as someone who A) needed a good laugh and B) has been forced to work with stock photos, I thank you for the artwork of Women Laughing With Salad.

And I’d like to remind everyone that there are (very young) people in this world who can take delight in such simple things as the words “chicken noodle.”
posted by NorthernLite ★ at 2:14 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

And along the hugs, here's one of my favorite "I can -so- get through this crap" songs, for your listening pleasure:

"This Year," by The Mountain Goats.

(This is song is by no means upbeat, but it's damned powerful.)
posted by palmcorder_yajna ★ at 2:15 PM on January 9, 2011 [10 favorites]

Supastaaaa!
posted by cashman ★ at 2:15 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
posted by ocherdraco ★ at 2:20 PM on January 9, 2011 [6 favorites]

my boss has stage four glioblastoma (the brain tumor that felled both Kennedy and my husband's stepdad.)

I'm sorry, St. Alia. My boyfriend's mom was diagnosed with the exact same thing in October, out of the blue, which was the shit frosting on an already crap-filled year. I was hoping this one would be better, so far.....eh. :(

Regardless - thanks, MeFi, I've said it before and I'll say it again - I LOVE THIS PLACE.
posted by tristeza ★ at 2:24 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I haven't been around much lately, partly because I had a monster editing job and partly because of year-end hellstuff. But the job's done and my sister-in-law came through surgery better than anyone could have expected (so take heart, PhoBWanKenobi and ersatzkat), and I'm here and I want my star!

Also: Starry Eyes.
posted by languagehat ★ at 2:25 PM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

A gold star? For me?
posted by jourman2 ★ at 2:25 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Everyone needs a star. And a hug. And a memail. And a favourite.
posted by h00py ★ at 2:25 PM on January 9, 2011 [6 favorites]

Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight;
I wish I may, I wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight

Huggy StarWish, MetaFilter
posted by Sparx ★ at 2:27 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Baby I'm a star
Might not know it now
Baby, but I are, I'm a... (star)
I don't want to stop
Till I reach the top, sing it!
(We are a star!)
posted by nooneyouknow ★ at 2:28 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Okay, here's mine: Rise Again yt

To all of you, and all of yours, {{{HUGS}}}.

That is the best song, the one I send to my peeps who are going through crap times. How wonderful that you actually got to see him live.

Good luck in 2011 everyone.
posted by acanthous ★ at 2:28 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Posting to claim my gold star. Matt, you're amazing.
posted by Phire ★ at 2:32 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

For my gold star I give you all the two things from last year that I turned to when it all seemed to be going to shit (which was a lot of the time, frankly)...
NPH & Elmo
Chicken Police!

I can honestly say that the times I felt the most alone and isolated last year turned out to be conveniently scheduled around meetups. So, thanks for that.

Shine on, you crazy diamonds.
posted by ApathyGirl ★ at 2:35 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

We are creatures of the cosmos… we are star stuff… :)
posted by jonesor ★ at 2:39 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Everyone gets some!
posted by absalom ★ at 2:43 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

shiiiine your heavenly body tonight
posted by The Whelk ★ at 2:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is a wonderful place. I am so proud to say that I am a MeFite.
posted by Rock Steady ★ at 2:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

If I understand correctly, posting in this thread gets me a pen set, right?
posted by gman ★ at 2:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Hear, hear.
posted by Zonker ★ at 2:54 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

My god-- it's full of stars!

(I was beaten to it, so I'm just quoting.)
posted by Karmakaze ★ at 2:56 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I'm mostly new here (I created an account a couple of months ago, but can count on one hand the number of times I've posted). It's things like this that drew me to MetaFilter, and it's things like this that will keep me here.

Thanks for being awesome, everyone.
posted by dcheeno ★ at 2:56 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

2010 was pretty shitty for me, and I wanted desperately for 2011 to be a new start. Instead, 2011 started off with me having an emotional breakdown at around 3 AM on the 1st, followed by a sobering and painful conversation the next day that made me realize how close I was getting to hurting myself. A few days later, one of my parents admitted to me that they had never planned on being committed to the other partner, despite 20+ years of marriage. I took a break from the internet, and came back to heartbreaking news about Null Terminated and almost a thousand angry and despairing comments about Gabrielle Gifford. Not exactly the fresh start I had envisioned.

But somehow, this thread has given me just a little bit of hope that things will get better. Thanks, Matt.
posted by Be cool, sodapop ★ at 3:01 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Alle menschen werden Bruder. . .

I always remember that Schiller was coming out of a long, desperate sickness when he was writing that poem. That line was Beethoven's, but the sentiment and the circumstances show that all sadness passes, eventually.
posted by curuinor ★ at 3:07 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

curuinor, for you: a little Shiller and Beethoven, distilled through Billy Bragg.
posted by scody ★ at 3:13 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs and stars...I mean, it sounds like a good start to 2011 to me.
posted by kro ★ at 3:18 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I don't seem to post as much as I mean to, but somehow it means a lot to know this place is here. So, thanks, folks, and hugs to you all.
posted by korej ★ at 3:28 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I love MetaFilter so much. Thanks Matt.
posted by dogmom ★ at 3:30 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Bright morning stars
posted by nonane ★ at 3:31 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Kicking off a fresh account with hugs and stars, in the hopes that it'll stay that way. It's a good time to change a whole bunch of things, and MeFi's done a lot to point me in the right direction.

({[hug]}) with multiple sets of robotic arms.
posted by roobot ★ at 3:34 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Here's to Metafilter, who has been driving my husband crazy for years..

"Oh hey, did you know about X?"
"Yeah, reading about it last week on MeFi."
"Oh..."

And cheering me up even longer...

(((hugs)))
posted by ninazer0 ★ at 3:39 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Every year that gets me further from 2008 is awesome (and a little sad at the same time).

So...

This Will be our Year, baby.
posted by god hates math ★ at 3:46 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Debate tournament, pizza, a new term, and a weekend with two women I love and who love eachother. 2011 is off to a good start, personally. Let's hope it keeps that way, and improves for everyone else as needed.

<3
posted by CrystalDave ★ at 3:46 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Every man and every woman is a star.

I woke up this morning, with that horrible little post-waking amnesia where you know something is wrong in the world but you can't remember what. This thread is kind of the opposite of that, so thanks and hugs all around!
posted by malocchio ★ at 3:54 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

In a dream, I am the Madames' cabana boy and handyman. If drinks are not needed, i can replace the belt on the dryer.
julie, I lurve you and remain, as always, your humble servant. Your entry into that thread was humbling with the very essence of your beauty.
mai tai or should I start on the bookshelves.

posted by clavdivs ★ at 3:54 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

OMG a gold star thread! I feel a little better
posted by PercussivePaul ★ at 3:59 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Hugarooskis!
posted by Neilopolis ★ at 4:06 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

This seems appropriate.
posted by eyeballkid ★ at 4:08 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Consider this a sincere hug from your disturbed Uncle Minus.

(no star necessary)
posted by Minus215Cee ★ at 4:22 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

hippybear, you and my daughter have the same birthday!

She started at a new school last week, and it was terrific! She sits next to a "nice, cute boy" who helped her figure out what to do on her first day. She loves her teacher, loves her afterschool program leader, loves the school building (she was showing me the skylights Friday).

She had a lovely birthday, and I didn't realize the massacre had happened until after she went to bed. We're moving in a week to a new place. It won't be as permanent as we might have hoped, but it will allow us to pay down debt, save some money and still have a reasonably nice place to live.

I guess all this is to say that I am still hopeful for 2011. It just feels like we're cycling through a transition phase. Things are going to change a bunch, but I'm hopeful that we'll all come out on the upside when it passes.
posted by jeoc ★ at 4:29 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Also, hugs for all the MeFites!!
posted by jeoc ★ at 4:30 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I'd like a hug that's just a little too long for comfort, along with a whispered "I've been thinking about you a lot." I'll put a roll of quarters in my front pants pocket first. It'll be [ ] fun [ ] creepy!
posted by maxwelton ★ at 4:33 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

stars? No one told me about the stars!
posted by Ghidorah ★ at 4:38 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

^{all better now. but metafilter, especially metatalk, isn't the place I expect to see results of sports games spoiled in the opening comments of a thread... oh well, just saved me five hours of watchings the saturday games...}
posted by Ghidorah ★ at 4:39 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I could use a hug. 2010 was a brutal year for me, and this year isn't starting out much better.
posted by ZeusHumms ★ at 4:40 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

The Eagles just lost. First good thing to happen in 2011.
posted by The Michael The ★ at 4:48 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yesterday I was supposed to go out on a date with someone I met on okcupid. It was a rough day. I spent most of it reading the updates on the post about Giffords. I e-mailed the date and told her that I was going to be a lousy conversationalist and asked if we could meet up another time. I could use a bright shiny star today.
posted by cazoo ★ at 4:48 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

The Eagles just lost. First good thing to happen in 2011.

Well, I don't actually care; I just wanted the gold star to cheer me up.
posted by The Michael The ★ at 4:48 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

*big hug*
posted by marimeko ★ at 4:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Yeah 2010 sucked ass. And while all evidence is pointing in the other direction I INSIST that 2011 will be better. To ensure this I have bought a ticket to see David Tennant and Catherine Tate in Much Ado About Nothing. So that is at least one awesome day. I just have to work on the other 355 left.
posted by grapesaresour ★ at 4:58 PM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

2011 is already my favorite year.
posted by hermitosis ★ at 5:07 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I care. Suck it, Vick!
posted by Go Banana ★ at 5:09 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

awwww, hugs! with stars! and bells?
posted by bluesky43 ★ at 5:14 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Hugs for everyone!

(I'm sitting here at work doing class prep with a headache and no end in sight, so this thread is much appreciated. Plus, although teachers GIVE gold stars, we don't usually GET gold stars, so, yay!)
posted by hurdy gurdy girl ★ at 5:16 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

This is Metafilter's prettiest thread. Hugs for all y'all.
posted by aniola ★ at 5:19 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Star me!
posted by january ★ at 5:25 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

january: "Star me!"

Only if you promise to get better in the second half. A lot better.
posted by gman ★ at 5:30 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Here's hoping that this is the low point and it's all up from here for 2011.

(Also, I'm having a baby in a few weeks and I just wanted to tell people.)
posted by Alison ★ at 5:36 PM on January 9, 2011 [7 favorites]

Can we get a do-over?

Remember: Seahawks and Jets.









(and eagles)

Ok, do-over time, this time get the football too.
posted by furiousxgeorge ★ at 5:37 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Congrats and best wishes, Alison!

**hugs for everyone**
posted by Salieri ★ at 5:47 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Dude!
posted by Ignatius J. Reilly ★ at 5:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

and, well, now I have no reason to download the packers-eagles games, and seemingly Metafilter goes on my lists of websites not to read while waiting to watch football in Japan.
posted by Ghidorah ★ at 5:52 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

When the going gets tough, the people turn to Metafilter.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl ★ at 5:52 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Hugs!!!!!!!

But just an internet hug because I have been chilly and achey all day and am probably coming down with the flu. I don't want anyone to catch anything.
posted by typewriter ★ at 5:57 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I didn't have a particularly lousy 2010, but 2011 certainly isn't starting off well. I'm sitting here trying to figure out how to reply to an angry email from the boss without sounding defensive. I'm not sure I deserve a gold star, but I'll take it and the hug.
posted by maryr ★ at 6:01 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

A resounding "meh" to 2010, and I can't say 2011 is off to an encouraging start. But hey, I'm wearing my new MetaFilter shirt, I've been cleaning my apartment and all those hug parentheses reminded me of Sunn O))) and the fact I should have music on while cleaning, and now we've all got gold stars. There are worse ways to begin a year...
posted by ubersturm ★ at 6:07 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Yay! Gold stars!
posted by grouse ★ at 6:14 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I could use a gold star... thanks!
posted by nimsey lou ★ at 6:19 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Metafilter is full of stars!
posted by Orinda ★ at 6:23 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

You know who else gave out gold stars?

My 3rd grade teacher, Mr. Hornbach. Miss you, Mr. H.!
posted by albrecht ★ at 6:34 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

♥ ♥ ♥
posted by unknowncommand ★ at 6:39 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

unknowncommand told me to come here to get a star.
posted by the dief ★ at 6:40 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

2010 was balls and 2011 is starting out with aimlessness and depression here. This place helps sometimes.

/snuggle
posted by NoraReed ★ at 6:48 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Ooooh, a star!
posted by moody cow ★ at 6:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ------------------------------
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ------------------------------
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ------------------------------
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ------------------------------
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------


Felt it was obligatory... I worry about my country some days, other days however I remember how fortunate I am to live in a country where such a forum such as Mefi can exist.

It is, as far as I am concerned, the best of the best of the web. Obviously (I think) I don't engage much in the conversation here, but the conversation that does take place here is vital to everyone who wishes to have the best point-of-view possible on as much as possible.

It has indeed been a rough and weird first week of 2011. I must believe there is plenty more to look forward to.

Cheers!
posted by JoeXIII007 ★ at 6:53 PM on January 9, 2011 [6 favorites]

By the way, if anyone wants to re-create the gold star experience in a regular thread, copy and paste this into the location bar while viewing any Metafilter thread, or make a bookmarklet:

javascript:void($('span.smallcopy a[href*="metafilter.com/user"]').after('&nbsp;<span style="color:#FDD017">%E2%98%85</span>'))

posted by Rhomboid ★ at 6:54 PM on January 9, 2011 [13 favorites]

I was kinda down and worried about the weather and a lot of other general stuff, but I went to see the Jim Henson exhibit at the Center for Puppetry Arts today, and now I have a cat playing in a box in my kitchen so perk up bunky, things aren't always all bad. A lot of it's all in where you look.
posted by 1f2frfbf ★ at 6:57 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

maxwelton said: ...I'll put a roll of quarters in my front pants pocket first.

Are you on your way to a Q*bert tournament or are you just happy to see us?
posted by amyms ★ at 6:59 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

stars and hugs?? oh shit, my Rave PTSD! Johnny get down, GET DOWN JOHNNY!!
posted by fido~depravo ★ at 7:01 PM on January 9, 2011 [5 favorites]

By the way, if anyone wants to re-create the gold star experience in a regular thread, copy and paste this into the location bar while viewing any Metafilter thread

Also works on Recent Activity! Sweet!
posted by grouse ★ at 7:04 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Thanks for the hugs, the gold star and for keeping me up late at night reading (& occasionally commenting on) interesting, thoughtful and sometimes silly stuff. I love the bizarre and wonderful collection of people who make up mefi and I wish the best for all of you this year.
posted by Cuke ★ at 7:05 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Does everyone get a star who posts in this thread? Me too!!!
posted by nonmerci ★ at 7:09 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

Yessss. Oh, and yeah, things have been fucked. *hugs*
posted by nonmerci ★ at 7:09 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Also works on Recent Activity! Sweet!

Also, you can keep hitting enter to add more stars, so make yourself a four star general if you want.
posted by Rhomboid ★ at 7:11 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

OR MAKE YOURSELF INVINCIBLE
posted by The Whelk ★ at 7:12 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

★
posted by The Whelk ★ at 7:14 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I'm waiting for the thread where we all get Kuribo's Shoes.
posted by Metroid Baby ★ at 7:16 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

make yourself a four star general if you want.

Here is a modification that does exactly that with only a single command:

javascript:void($('span.smallcopy a[href*="metafilter.com/user/17563"]').after(' <span style="color:#FDD017">%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85</span>'))

posted by grouse ★ at 7:23 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I don't have the power to give out stars, so I'm going to give out favorites until I run out, because, damn, Metafilter, you're all my favorites!
posted by Tsuga ★ at 7:24 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Bawwwwww, this makes my little heart happy. Hugz.
posted by harperpitt ★ at 7:30 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

When everyone has a star then no one has a star. Alternately: teach a man to fish. Thank you, all.
posted by joe lisboa ★ at 7:41 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Holy shit! I read that suicide note a couple of days ago, linked off Andrew Sullivan's blog. I had no idea it was someone that I actually "knew" - if only through metafilter. Wow.
posted by delmoi ★ at 7:41 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Wow, I stumbled into an alternate universe. Thanks to everyone for lighting up the darkness.
posted by effluvia ★ at 7:42 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hugs!
posted by sabira ★ at 7:43 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

yay! thank you for this, i really needed it. *hugs*
posted by ultrapotato ★ at 7:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

*Swims towards the lifeboat. Climbs aboard*

Holy crap. So much hopelessness in that ocean.

Phew.

Hugs all round (....and a shot of something something nice).

I saw this in an old movie last night. It made me laugh. Perhaps it will make you laugh.

The lines are spoken rapid fire by James Cagney in a film called One, Two, Three (1961) to a melancholy freaked out young man (an East Berlin Socialist who is marrying the daughter of his boss) that thinks the whole world and humanity and what have you is going straight into the toilet:

01:37:30 Look at it this way, kid.
01:37:32 Any world that can produce the Taj Mahal...
01:37:34 William Shakespeare, and striped toothpaste...
01:37:37 can't be all bad.



Can I have my star and a hug now please?
posted by Skygazer ★ at 7:48 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Light up the darkness!
posted by msali ★ at 7:50 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm here because I'm a whore. Star me.
posted by middleclasstool ★ at 7:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Stars! Stars! Stars!

(may our 2011 from here on out shine fierce and bright! xoxo to all)
posted by judith ★ at 7:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

It's probably because I'm drunk, but I see stars when I hug you.
posted by *s ★ at 7:54 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

★
posted by The Whelk ★ at 7:56 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

I have a cat, a five-year old rescue kitty who was grossly abused for the first two years of her life. She's lived with me for the last three.

On Friday night, she let me pet her for the first time. The next time I walked by her window I heard her very, very quiet purr.

So. Here's for you.
posted by merelyglib ★ at 8:00 PM on January 9, 2011 [19 favorites]

I want a gold star too.

I have the makings of a king cake rising in the kitchen, and I don't have enough dough to give everyone in here a slice. But, um, I really wish I did.
posted by honeydew ★ at 8:07 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

star light star bright I wish I may I wish I might
posted by maloon ★ at 8:11 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

You know, I just wanted to say I love you guys.

I don't ever come over to MetaTalk, but the shooting has... well, it's affected me, and wandering over here to find this was rather nice.

MeFi's a special place. Treat her right. <3
posted by six-or-six-thirty ★ at 8:12 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

MetaFilter is where I have a star.
posted by chugg ★ at 8:37 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Bill Zeller's tragic and poignant suicide note affected me so deeply, I don't even have words to express what I'm feeling. Instead of raging or crying, I've decided to honor his memory by devoting as much free time as I can this year to helping abused children. I've worked with severely abused children before as a foster parent, but it wasn't until I read Bill's note that I felt a true sense of what it must be like to carry such a terrible, soul-destroying burden. R.I.P Bill; you will be missed.
posted by LuckySeven~ ★ at 8:39 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

sgt.serenity: "all of us are in the gutter, but some of us are looking up at the stars""

"Now the reason we're here
As man and woman
Is to love each other
Take care of each other"

posted by octothorpe ★ at 8:40 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

And I know I will be loosened
from the bonds that hold me fast
and the chains all around me
will fall away at last
and on that grand and fateful day
I will take thee in my hand
I will ride on a train
I will be the fisherman
With light in my head
You in my arms...
posted by EmpressCallipygos ★ at 8:43 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

I really appreciate Metafilter. I got to speak my peace about the shooting, and like I said in that thread, I am inspired to say more on a larger stage. (With words.) (Without violence, rhetorical or otherwise.)

This site, and the people on it, are great. This thread is another example of that. Hugs indeed. =)
posted by andreaazure ★ at 8:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

In for stars and hugs. 2011 sucks. :(
posted by almostmanda ★ at 8:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

aaaaaaand I totally forgot to mention that that was The Waterboys' "Fisherman's Blues." D'oh.
posted by EmpressCallipygos ★ at 8:50 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

<3 MeFi.

Shittiest month of my life by far, beyond having cancer, but, this thread helped a wee bit.
posted by SuzySmith ★ at 8:57 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I am getting Sneechy with it.
posted by dirtdirt ★ at 9:09 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Enzed 2010 was crappy with an on-going earthquake, and a mine explosion that cost 29 lives. 2011 started with too many kids getting killed from drunkenness and stupidity. So maths to the rescue:

2011 – Sexy prime number. Also, sum of eleven consecutive primes: 2011=157+163+167+173+179+181+191+193+197+199+211.

So here's a hug for the rest of the universe:

))))))))) ME (((((((

Star now plz.
posted by arzakh ★ at 9:12 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I didn't get to participate in the hugfest 'cause i was driving to beat the snow that's currently covering the South. Sorry the year's started out so bad... I don't watch the news or read the newspapers so I miss a lot. I will, however, lend my shoulder to people who need it and give hugs. ((hugs))
posted by patheral ★ at 9:25 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

when it gets dark enough
you can see the stars
posted by various ★ at 9:33 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

in for the star.
posted by mlis ★ at 9:41 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Rep. Giffords is in a hospital room a few hundred feet from the room where my mom died. I drive past that hospital on a regular basis and still can't bear to look at it after more than 6 years. So, I turn on the news and see a candlelight vigil on the hospital's front lawn. It's a poignant, yet beautiful image, and something that I just wasn't prepared for, something that hit really hard.

So, I'm gonna buy a bit of what you guys are selling in this here thread. You guys rule.
posted by azpenguin ★ at 9:42 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

I read the note, and it moved me deeply, but I didn't quite need a star. I heard about the shooting, saw my town go weirdly nuts in the aftermath as the media frenzy began, and I still didn't quite need a star. A viewing of Toy Story 3 was sufficient.

Tonight, I had a phone conversation that presaged a long, slow breakup with the guy I've been seeing, though, and now I'd really really appreciate a star. And maybe a hug.
posted by MrVisible ★ at 9:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Hey, wow. It actually works. I smiled.
posted by MrVisible ★ at 9:44 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm just here for the star.
posted by jewzilla ★ at 9:54 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

You are all full of awesome and win and yay.

Stars for all! (And 2011 better not continue to suck for anybody else out there, so far it's been a pretty sweet year for me.)
posted by spinifex23 ★ at 9:56 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Mathowie, stargiver
posted by frecklefaerie ★ at 9:58 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Gell
posted by stargell ★ at 10:10 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Laughing dogs are happy!

(Happy 2011!)
posted by triggerfinger ★ at 10:16 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

What's in these stars and hugs?

They're sorta addictive.
posted by Skygazer ★ at 10:23 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

i need a hug
posted by clavdivs ★ at 10:24 PM on January 9, 2011 [4 favorites]

Gold Japanese symbol for me, too. Love you folks.
posted by empyrean ★ at 10:38 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

There's a starman waiting in the sky
He'd like to come and meet us
But he thinks he'd blow our minds
There's a starman waiting in the sky
He told us not to blow it
'Cause he knows it's all worthwhile
He told me:
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie

Took this long to get to Bowie ... really? (~_^)
posted by gomichild ★ at 10:40 PM on January 9, 2011 [3 favorites]

I'm in college and I miss gold star stickers.
posted by Rinku ★ at 10:46 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Remember, you can always keep on hugging and never need to RELOAD.

hug puns follow:


((( Hug > Smug )))


((( Fill your mugs with hugs )))


((( Headhugs [yeah, like bedbugs they spread, but they don't bite] )))
posted by oneswellfoop ★ at 10:51 PM on January 9, 2011 [1 favorite]

Just get it to the other end
posted by Scattercat ★ at 10:56 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I need a star and a hug, too.
posted by omegar ★ at 10:59 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

Goodness, I haven't felt this much appropriate touching since that one time I was a hot n clueless 21 year old gal making her way to the cafe on an overnight train from Bergen, through overcrowded corridors full of gorgeous Norwegian men coming back from compulsory military service. H-ulllooooo boys.

Happy new year everyone. Love your work.
posted by honey-barbara ★ at 11:04 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

My best friend and I spent Saturday afternoon awash in fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, barbecued meatballs, beer and a come from behind upset victory in an unlikely playoff game. A room full of half drunk grown ass men jumping up and down, slamming into each other, and yelling "Beast Mode!" at the top of our lungs as our team rumbled into the second round of the playoffs. All the assorted problems in our lives, and the world, put on hold for an afternoon.

Take it where you can.
posted by The Hamms Bear ★ at 11:17 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

I hope congresswomen and assistant principals stop getting shot for the rest of 2011. I hope friends stop dying in car crashes on icy roads. I hope the rest of 2011 is just a little bit better.
posted by Sfving ★ at 11:25 PM on January 9, 2011 [2 favorites]

MetaFilter is a beacon (star shaped, today) that gives me hope that my soon to be born child will find the world a better place every year.
posted by birdsquared ★ at 12:07 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

2011
posted by stinkycheese ★ at 12:39 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Man, it's really been a rough start all around. A gold star's a small thing, but greatly appreciated. The hugs, too.

((hugs)) back at the lot of you, you weirdos.
posted by lekvar ★ at 12:53 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Good morning, starshine.
posted by naoko ★ at 1:12 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

too late for a star?
posted by allkindsoftime ★ at 1:27 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Can't be a Smart Dalek without a gold star...and as for hugs:

*makes grasping motion with suction cup*
posted by Smart Dalek ★ at 2:01 AM on January 10, 2011 [5 favorites]

*makes grasping motion with suction cup*

Interestingly I was just coming here to report the very good news but utterly superfluous news that I'm naked and on the internet. But now I'm not entirely sure how good that news is. Ah, well, it wouldn't be the first time a toilet plunger was accidentally mashed into my naked crotch, and if I didn't like it I suppose I could climb the nearest flight of stairs.
posted by loquacious ★ at 2:25 AM on January 10, 2011 [3 favorites]

And today I have a shirt too. All these stars and hugs are making things better already!

(Mods, I dunno how you managed to tunnel that mine all the way through the middle of the earth to me on the opposite side, and then get the little t-shirt delivery dwarf to run through it so fast.. But by doing it, you've just made my day. More big hugs to you. :)
posted by Ahab ★ at 2:28 AM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

Making a comment in a MeTa thread that gives out stars to everyone? That's a starring...
posted by i_cola ★ at 2:54 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

I've always thought gold was tacky. I prefer silver. But there is something different about this MeFi gold. I really like the way it looks.

maybe it's due to the brown background of Meta?
posted by Sailormom ★ at 3:23 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Yay for hugs!
This is why we can sometimes have nice things.
Yay for stars!
posted by like_neon ★ at 4:56 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

null terminated's note and passing hit me pretty hard too. Aaaand as I feared, I keep trying to type how/why/argh and deleting so, yeah, just, *whimper*. His family was so similar to my own (right down to the exact same experiences, I mean, the only difference with the grandmother-going-to-hell thing, for a tamer example of awful, was that my grandma was an atheist, whereas null's was Catholic). And then came the shooting. And, y'know, it just... it makes me mute to see the similarities between the tactics child abusers use to shut up and isolate their victims, and the tactics used by abuse-wielding political people/groups/whatever. I was told I deserved to die growing up, since I wasn't sufficiently ashamed of myself; that my grandma (who baked awesome pies and always made me laugh) deserved to die; whatever bad happened to us had been brought on by our own selves... yeah.

Those of you helping to stop child abuse, those of you calling out disrespect and violence with calls to tolerance and mutual respect, you rule. You're not just making the world safer for kids, you're showing grown-ups that those same tactics are not cool either.

i really need a hug. ;>.<; thank y'all for this thread. *hugs*
posted by fraula ★ at 4:58 AM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

you've got the love
posted by wingless_angel ★ at 4:58 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

I've waited so long for this day
posted by starman ★ at 5:03 AM on January 10, 2011 [8 favorites]

Gliddy gloop gloopy
Nibby nobby nooby
La la la lo lo
Sabba sibby sabba
Nooby abba dabba
Le le lo lo
dooby ooby walla
dooby abba dabba
Early morning singing song
posted by flapjax at midnite ★ at 5:05 AM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

I'll take one myself - thanks - 2011 will get better, no doubt :)
posted by rodmandirect ★ at 5:21 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Whats with all the gold ... oh : )
posted by memebake ★ at 5:36 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

I feel a bit lame for making my first metatalk comment a star-grabbing one, but I need a little bit of a pick-me-up too. Also: *hugs*
posted by Skybly ★ at 5:57 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

MeFi is the best. Really, really, the best. And I send out my hugs and good thoughts to all.

Here's some stuff I'm grateful for:

monet. thunderstorms. having my hair played with. john coltrane. cats. dark green. full moons. candlelight. jasmine. vanilla. freckles. watercolors. billiards. sushi. cobblestones. a good sweat and then a shower. bizet. blown glass. wrought iron candelabra. gothic statuary. sunsets. mockingbirds. redheads. ballet. sailing. zen. a freshly made bed. kiwifruit. miso soup. macanudo and punch cigars. sleeping spoon-style naked. ben and jerrys' new york super fudge chunk ice cream. enya. an honest days' work for an honest days' pay. saunas. loud bass. kukicha. haiku. autumn. confident women. silver. japanese gardens. medium-rare hamburgers with bacon and mozzarella cheese. sea otters. honesty. sensuality. incense. fireplaces. herb gardens. the smell of freshly mown grass. crickets. fireflies. running water. big boulders. butterflies. frank lloyd wright. towels when they come out of the dryer. a well-cut 3 piece suit. babies. afternoon naps. crushed velvet. leather. fresh coffee with milk and turbinado sugar. violets. gentle kisses. speeding on highways. tiramisu. pagan holidays. waking up next to someone you care about. summer rain. black. scotch bonnets. mountain biking. suede sneakers. garlic and ginger. sunflowers.. red-tailed hawks. stained-glass windows. stars on a clear night in the mountains. a good black pen. postcards from old friends. masala. the smell of coppertone in the summer. seeing your breath in the winter. the smell of wood burning in the winter. military surplus. panty lines. peter greenaway films. dostoyevesky. dresses on women with low-cut backs. crashing surf. chopsticks. punctuality. celtic knotwork. violins. being clean. people who accept me for who i am. racquetball. neatly pressed pants. t'ai chi. freeform jazz. victorian-style houses with widows' walks. waterfalls. pico de gallo. soft lips. dantes' inferno. philosophy. being naked and un-self-conscious. knowing that people care about me. velcro. comfy big sweaters. cinnamon. openmindedness. kangaroos. flirting. learning. mechanical things. cedar. japanese animation. ave maria. laughing. hugs. four-poster beds. non sequiturs. unconditional love. brown bears. plaid skirts. worn-down button-fly blue jeans. calligraphy. being whispered to. simple and elegant flowing black tattoos. warm fresh bread. long-island diners. gaelic. gregorian chant. stories about true love. koalas. lilacs. pisces and taurii. finding out that someone i like is left-handed. knowing that i'm right about something, but being able to let it go.
posted by exlotuseater ★ at 6:16 AM on January 10, 2011 [8 favorites]

I have a whole tin of cookies here on my desk, and everyone should come eat one.
posted by miskatonic ★ at 6:17 AM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

I desperately require a star and will link to kittens-in-tissue-boxes videos if need be.
posted by 8dot3 ★ at 6:33 AM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

Stars? Stars! Awesome.
posted by WalterMitty ★ at 7:03 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

No star for me, thanks.
posted by CunningLinguist ★ at 7:06 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Did someone say hug? I'm good at those!

((((big fuzzy kitteh hugs to all))))
posted by MultiFaceted ★ at 7:12 AM on January 10, 2011 [3 favorites]

Star! Hugs! Star! Hugs!
posted by felix grundy ★ at 7:14 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

aw thanks mathowie you guys are the best. Hugs all around!!

yeah I needed it too; we just lost mr lfr's dad weirdly, suddenly, and far too young...
posted by lonefrontranger ★ at 7:16 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Yay hugs. Hugs for everyone!
posted by thejanna ★ at 7:24 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is my star sign.
posted by Huw ★ at 7:34 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Commenting here just so I can get a star. I make no apologies!
posted by bluishorange ★ at 7:44 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Man... if we're into extended codes, I'd have really liked to be a heart instead for this thread... ♥.
posted by Nanukthedog ★ at 7:54 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

This first week or so really has been grim for me, I just want to thank you all for showing somewhere, there is care on the internet. HUGS
posted by arrjay ★ at 7:57 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Thanks for the hugs. I needed that. Returning the favor to you all.
posted by theredpen ★ at 8:24 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Oh my God there's stars
posted by Mister_A ★ at 8:26 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I'm still planning on winning the lottery and flying around the country in a LearJet dispensing hugs.

"Who WAS that fat man?"
posted by mrbill ★ at 8:27 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I am always available for hugs. There will be hugs.
posted by Madamina ★ at 8:35 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Lonefrontranger, I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. Good thoughts your way.
posted by shiu mai baby ★ at 8:39 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

This thread has made me feel all fuzzy. Thanks guys.
posted by litleozy ★ at 8:40 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

All that you've loved is all you own, so, *hugs*.
posted by nicolin ★ at 8:51 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

You've got yours and I've got mine
Together we glide through the blue-velvet dark and stars

All it takes is a little faith, and a lot of heart
-The Weepies Stars

2011 can only get better. Starting the year off with an unending stream of misery from my in-laws isn't a hopeful start.. but it's better than many things.

Plus, I get to count down the days until I marry my best friend now. Isn't that worth something?
posted by Hwin ★ at 9:20 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Metafilter: Magically delicious!
posted by chavenet ★ at 9:21 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I was like, "577 comments"? Then I saw the stars and was like, ★_★
posted by slimepuppy ★ at 9:25 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

((( Bear Hug from Huggy Bear )))

It's pronounced howie...oh wait, you're right. Hug Megamix!
posted by kittyprecious ★ at 9:31 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Hugs to all of you very lovable and admirable people. And speaking of (local) stars:

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Little darling, the smiles returning to the faces
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun
and I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...
Sun, sun, sun, here it comes...

Little darling, I feel that ice is slowly melting
Little darling, it seems like years since it's been clear
Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right
It's all right
posted by bearwife ★ at 9:36 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Land sakes.
http://i1129.photobucket.com/albums/m506/eslave242/SarahPalin.jpg
http://www.the-isb.com/images/SupermanBar.gif

(Me too, Superman. Me, too.)
posted by castironskillet ★ at 9:44 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I ♥ you all! {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{you all}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
posted by Lynsey ★ at 9:55 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Damn, someone just put a buncha brackets around us! IT'S A TARP!!!
posted by Mister_A ★ at 9:58 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

No, a tarp would be:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
us all
posted by 8dot3 ★ at 10:01 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Now I feel guilty that over the weekend I commented that this is personally the best start to a new year I've had in many years. Watching the news has been dismal, but within the walls of my house it's been warm, fuzzy and quite positive. Nothing monumental, but several small victories and special little moments that I've learned to celebrate and not take for granted.

Hopefully all of you are getting all of the crud out the way early so you can have a rocking rest of 2011.
posted by Slack-a-gogo ★ at 10:05 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Now I feel guilty that over the weekend I commented that this is personally the best start to a new year I've had in many years.

Me too! Sorry all...
posted by widdershins ★ at 10:31 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

In for a penny, in for a star.
posted by Ryvar ★ at 10:34 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I, too, would like a star. And on top of that, I am using all (remaining) favorites today to favorite as-yet-unfavorited comments in this thread.
posted by DevilsAdvocate ★ at 10:47 AM on January 10, 2011 [7 favorites]

Smallpox infested brackets
posted by Eideteker ★ at 10:59 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I tried to keep my smallpox to myself but y'all got so grabby.
posted by cmyk ★ at 11:07 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

: )
posted by limeonaire ★ at 11:16 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hey I won the Italian lottery!
posted by Mister_A ★ at 11:20 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I'm late, but I am grateful for the stars and the hugs and the community. I still have hope for what's to come, because without hope I fall prey to the darkness.

Part of a poem:

"I would like to step out of my heart
and go walking beneath the enormous sky.
I would like to pray.
And surely of all the stars that perished
long ago,
one still exists.
I think that I know
which one it is--
which one, at the end of its beam in the sky,
stands like a white city... "
posted by thankyouforyourconsideration ★ at 11:22 AM on January 10, 2011 [7 favorites]

And thanks for the star!!!!
posted by thankyouforyourconsideration ★ at 11:23 AM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

One way I can tell that I'm completely beyond 2010 and fully on-board with 2011 is that I have not accidentally written, or typed, or even thought 2010 when I've meant to write, type, or think 2011.

2010 is so over.
GOOD RIDDANCE.
posted by heyho ★ at 11:29 AM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

Just saw this from the ice in Atlanta - lost another friend on Thursday. Hugs to my MeFi family. Stay warm and safe, okay?
posted by catlet ★ at 11:30 AM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

bearwife: Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
and I say it's all right

do dee dee do dee dee do dee dee deedle deedle doo -- overdose ... go insane

OK, maybe not the best pick-me-up, but the song makes me smile. And it's the first thing I think when I hear the Beatles chorus.

(On re-listening to the song, it seems the Beatles sample was used twice, but only once with the segue I remembered. Funny thing, memory.)
posted by filthy light thief ★ at 12:58 PM on January 10, 2011 [3 favorites]

it's been pretty rotten lately.
a shitload of family and financial problems that just won't go away.
and yet, things are looking up, here and there.
the band is getting back together this thursday for our first practice since last october (due to some crazy day-job schedules). and whether the packers win or lose this coming saturday, we'll have a bonfire afterwards...a massive fucking bonfire that will reach to the fucking sky, and drive the cold and the darkness away, at least for a little while.
and mefi rules. i've been pretty down lately, and along comes this thread.
fucking love this place.
read a quote just in the last few days, don't remember where, may have even been right here at mefi, but it bears repeating...
“The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.”
- Tennessee Williams

go mefi ! you guys rock !!!
have a banana sticker.
posted by g.i.r. ★ at 1:22 PM on January 10, 2011 [3 favorites]

I work as a primary care doctor for homeless and uninsured people. I have worked in some pretty rough places, with some pretty tough, hopeless cases. Over the years I've gotten to know a great many people and followed them through tragic event after tragic event, seeing them often repeat the same mistakes that created their misery, not because they're stupid or malicious, or they don't care about themselves. They do it because they make the best possible decisions they can with what they perceive are their only options. But every once in a great while, someone puts things together in way or catches a break in life or somehow finds that they can create a pathway to something better. The guiding principle upon which I stand, the one that carries me when I feel overwhelmed by how desperate or hopeless a situation is becoming, is that redemption is always possible. It's rarely likely, but I have seen it happen in worse situations than I ever thought imaginable.

So I always start the new year with some of my more chronically miserable patients with a chipper, almost pathetically optimistic "Happy new year! Are we gonna make this a good one?" I don't really believe in New Year's resolutions, and lord knows most people I see aren't going to make 2011 any different than 2000-2010, but it's always good to remind people that do overs are almost always allowed and that change starts from within.
posted by Slarty Bartfast ★ at 1:34 PM on January 10, 2011 [8 favorites]

read a quote just in the last few days, don't remember where, may have even been right here at mefi, but it bears repeating...
“The violets in the mountains have broken the rocks.”

I saw that too, and it stuck out to me. It actually brought me a nice little dose of hope at a very bleak moment the other day. There was an attempted suicide very near to me on NYD, and the Bill Zeller thread has been by turns dismaying, instructive, and very, very helpful. Much love to those who have spoken up about their experiences there.
posted by Devils Rancher ★ at 1:43 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Stars for everyone? I want a star!
posted by lysdexic ★ at 1:51 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

I wanted to congratulate you to the color of the star, btw., which is lovely. I've designed small cuddly animals of that type of orange for the kids in the family for decades.
posted by Namlit ★ at 2:02 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Me too!
posted by pajamazon ★ at 2:04 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Thanks for this thread everyone. It was a shitty end to 2010 and not so great a start to 2011, but I am hoping for better times ahead.

{{{{{Hugs to everyone}}}}}
posted by garnetgirl ★ at 2:15 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

This thread will forever be "The Star Thread" in my mind.
posted by reductiondesign ★ at 2:16 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

THE STAR THREAD

NOTHING BUT A STAR THREAD

BEAUTIFUL STAR THREAD

BINDING US ALL
posted by The Whelk ★ at 2:20 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

And for those of us who already have mulitple MeFi spouses, we could/should/might renew those Internet Spousal Vows.
posted by Danf ★ at 2:47 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

The orangey hug thread. 30 days of hugs is a good start.
posted by clavdivs ★ at 2:55 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

WITH STARS!
posted by clavdivs ★ at 2:56 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

The earth says helloooooooo-o!
posted by kaspen ★ at 3:16 PM on January 10, 2011 [3 favorites]

Yes, hugs for everyone here! Now I'm off to hug my people; "just because" is what I'll say when they inevitably ask why.
posted by CancerMan ★ at 3:32 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

I'm back to say I put on my new MeFi t-shirt, made a giant a pot of Italian Wedding Soup, my specialty, which is simmering on the stove, it will be ready at 8 pm EST and you are all invited to come over and enjoy. Don't mind me if I start on the Chianti.
posted by thinkpiece ★ at 4:00 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

All My Spouses get EXTRA INVISIBLE STARS.
posted by The Whelk ★ at 4:02 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

thinkpiece: "made a giant a pot of Italian Wedding Soup, my specialty"

I believe you're supposed to post the recipe at this point?
posted by theredpen ★ at 4:04 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

trying to keep from laughing and/or crying at my desk. MeFi, y'all are awesome.

:::hugs:::
posted by epersonae ★ at 4:11 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

theredpen, True, if I weren't Sicilian. Omerta.
posted by thinkpiece ★ at 4:14 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

I believe it was Snoop Dogg who once said "The motherfucker go up and down." He was talking about the challenges of marriage, but as silly as it is I like to think about that quote when times are tough. We get through it, one way or another.
posted by tetralix ★ at 4:16 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Huuu-
MY GOD ITS FULL OF STARS
posted by billypilgrim ★ at 4:19 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

this pretty much sums up what happens when I log in now anyway
posted by The Whelk ★ at 4:37 PM on January 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

It really has been a bitch of a year so far. It means a lot that there are places here that aren't fighty, aren't snarky, just huggy. Human-ness matters. Thanks.

hugs.
posted by verb ★ at 4:48 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

This is me posting in this thread just so I can see my name with a star.
posted by lollusc ★ at 5:10 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

I just realized that according to the Chinese lunar calendar, we're still in 2010. 2011 doesn't start until Feb. 3.

2011 is the year of the Hare, which is supposed to be a year of peace, tranquility, calm, leisure, rest and focus on family and friends. Peacemaking is indicated at the personal and political levels.

2010 is the year of the Tiger. Tiger years are known for being dramatic, vigorous, unpredictable, intense, and full of hard work. World conflicts and disasters are expected in Tiger years.

I recognize this all pretty woo, and I don't believe it, but I also sort of believe it.

Also, 2012 is a Dragon year, so just hold on your panties, people.
posted by jeoc ★ at 5:10 PM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

(Also, I'm having a baby in a few weeks and I just wanted to tell people.)

MetaFilter is a beacon (star shaped, today) that gives me hope that my soon to be born child will find the world a better place every year.

YAY 2011 BABBIES!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by sonika ★ at 5:22 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

* smacks forehead * Oh, how could I have forgotten to share this link?

Okay. There is a backstory to why I consider this song my good-luck, sign-of-hope charm.

About 15-plus years ago, I was going through a huge, messy, towering, catastrophic breakup, when I was also comparatively young to boot. But I was trying to hold everything together and be stiff-upper-lip about it. One afternoon, I went to the local deli to get my lunch; I was at the salad bar getting myself something, and suddenly Jimmy cliff's remake of the song "I Can See Clearly Now" came over the muzak.

And the words hit me, and it felt for all the world like a big invisible hand was patting me on the head and reassuring me that "it will eventually all be okay and you will get through this." And I just burst into grateful tears right then and there standing in front of the lettuce. Had myself a good cry, and went back to work.

The next day, I was getting lunch - same deli - and as I was once again standing in front of the lettuce, damned if the same song didn't come back on the Muzak. This time, I laughed.

For the next few weeks, that song was following me. Not surprising, though, as this was about the time that the movie Cool Runnings was in theaters. But each time, it always seemed that I was hearing it at a time when I was feeling a little uneasy or scared or still going through some tough breakup stuff -- and then I'd hear it in passing and feel better. Gradually, as I started getting past the breakup, it faded away from regular radio play, and that was that.

Except -- it has still managed to come up unbidden on various radios and commercials and car stereos and what-not ever since, always at a time when I seem to need to hear it. Whenever something has been worrying me or plauging me, really bothering me, at some point I'll be out shopping or walking down the street and up comes that song. And I'll feel the same sense of "everything will work out okay and you'll be fine."

I've decided that if nothing else, my guardian angel's into reggae.

I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day.
posted by EmpressCallipygos ★ at 6:49 PM on January 10, 2011 [7 favorites]

I'm late to this hug party, but here seems as good a place as any to say that, when I first started reading Metafilter probably six or seven years ago, I was being 'homeschooled,' which really meant being alone in my house without much direction for 8+ hours a day on the weekdays. A lot of what I probably should have learned from a good school-- how to find information, how to have debates, how to be interested in anything and everything, how to feel compassion for people you've never met and never will-- I learned from all of you. Metafilter in a lot of ways raised me through my teenage years and into the adult I am now. And you know what? I'm pretty proud of that.

Big hugs, Metafilter. Big hugs.
posted by WidgetAlley ★ at 8:08 PM on January 10, 2011 [6 favorites]

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor... establish the truth. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate...

Returning violence for violence multiples violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Martin Luther King, Jr.
posted by puddleglum ★ at 8:49 PM on January 10, 2011 [4 favorites]

So that cat I told you about upthread? The one who let me pet her?

Well, I was in bed, computing and listening to music, movin' my toes and noticing she was on the bed, which is new.

Deee-dee-dlee-deedle goes me and my toes and then WHAM!

She attacks! My toes! MY TOES! Like a regular cat does, see?

Which is awesome because she's never been playful with me before but then CHOMP!!

She bit the HELL out of my big toe. Not a play bite, a neck-snapping bite. Maybe she thought my toe was a mouse. Maybe she was protecting me. Maybe she's not used to toes. Maybe she just felt like biting the hell out of me. But it was contact she initiated.

So. A breakthrough. See?

A bitey kind of hug.
posted by merelyglib ★ at 9:11 PM on January 10, 2011 [10 favorites]

Here is a verbal bit of glee from anyone still reading. I work at a school in the Northeast. It's pretty slippery outside. Last week a 7 year old girl says to me "It's slippery out because my shoes don't have enough gravity!" Makes me smile every time I think of it.
posted by booksherpa ★ at 9:27 PM on January 10, 2011 [6 favorites]

I was so glad to see 2010 go. And then right out of the box 2011 decides to be a bitch of her own. Fuck cancer. Fuck death. Go to hell, depression and crazy.

Metafilter, shine on you crazy diamond.
posted by toastedbeagle ★ at 9:39 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

Just turned forty back in December. I'm not sure how or why, but -- when I turned thirty, I felt like my life was over. But turning forty, I feel like my life is just starting. And this new year, I feel a kind of hope for it that I haven't started a year with in a long time.

Much love to all of you. Halfway out of the dark.
posted by webmutant ★ at 9:55 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

For some reason jeoc pointing out that we're still in the Year of the Tiger, followed by "I Can See Clearly Now" is making me a little weepy. But in a hopeful, feeling-better sort of way. 2011 isn't lost! It will get better after February 3! It *is* going to be a bright sunshiny day. Phew.
posted by apricot ★ at 10:06 PM on January 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

          *
         **
        ***
       ****
      *****
     ******
   ********
  *********
   ********
    *******
     *****
       ***
        **
         *

what a sweet thread. The remarkably beautiful thing about hugs (and signs of affection like stars) is that they're free, and a largely infinite supply of them. We are all made of stars, and isn't it beautiful?
posted by rmm ★ at 12:01 AM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

Big Star!

Oh goddammit I can't get that fucking link to work from my phone.

It's supposed to go to a YouTube video of Big Star's "September Gurls", which is, by all objective and scientific metrics, the single greatest pop song ever written by anyone in the history of ever.

So y'all just go listen to that anyway and spend three minutes basking in melancholy sweetness.

This website, this silly little Internet community weblog, means so much to me. Beyond the fun and the intellectual stimulation, it's been a place where I've made real friends, met the most wonderful punk-as-fuck woman in the world and married her, and where I'm constantly challenged to think better and act better and do better.

Matt, Jess, Josh, Paul: thank you. Y'all are every day proving what we can do when we get together to giggle over cat videos.

Also I'm sorta drunk. But I mean it. I love this place and the people who make it what it is.
posted by BitterOldPunk ★ at 12:39 AM on January 11, 2011 [6 favorites]

Yeah. I can be pretty confrontational at times, but the people here make metafilter the best of the web. In the last 8 years I've learnt so much, and "met" so many amazing people here. I know my life would be poorer if not for this website.

You can have all the hugs you want MeFi people. You've earned them.
posted by seanyboy ★ at 2:38 AM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

Stop, Dave. I'm afraid.
posted by PeterMcDermott ★ at 3:03 AM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

Of course: Big Fuckin' Star.

Hold on, Hold on...*

More hugs, stars and Big Star for everyone.


*Ballad of El Goodo

With thanks to Bitter Old Punk.
posted by Skygazer ★ at 3:36 AM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

How hard can it be to say in the thread, "There is zero possibility that acupuncture will do anything helpful at all for fibroids".

Only if it's going to make you insanely angry if someone suggests homeopathy and you're not there to refute the suggestions.

I generally trust the community to call bullshit on bullshit in AskMe.

if you believe that the advice someone gives is objectively wrong, it is perfectly reasonable of you to say so in-thread. They are told not to do that, if my memory serves.

Rather, they should be countered by persuasive counter-argument.

Er... I thought arguing with other posters in AskMe was strictly forbidden and deleted as a matter of policy? There are a lot of MeTa posts from people upset their answer was deleted, and a lot of them were because they wanted to argue.

My personal feeling is that New-Ager types promoting quack cures like Homeopathy or Chiropractics should be aggressively repudiated for their ignorant (and, frankly, dangerous) beliefs. But I have been operating under the impression that doing so in AskMe threads was against the guidelines.

I'm honestly confused here. Can I call this bullshit out as long as I frame it a certain way?
posted by cj_ ★ at 5:15 AM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

Wrong thread, cj_ - I think you want this one, in which jessamyn answers your question. But hey, you got a star here!
posted by rtha ★ at 5:40 AM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

> I'm honestly confused here.

Heh.
posted by languagehat ★ at 6:02 AM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!
/me does a little happy, butt-wiggly dance

Happy birthday to me, and askmehow, and clearlydemon, and curse, and deusdiabolus, and kjell, and leahpeah, and owtytrof. and pashdown, and rachelv, and soft and hardcore taters ( o_O ), and TheFPG, and Zosia Blue, too!!

For my birthday, I would like to know what hard/softcore taters are, please. I get a wish, right?

I'm waiting for my gift of an answer.
/me sits, waits, drinks coffee, expects answers!
posted by heyho ★ at 6:20 AM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

Happy birthday, heyho!
posted by rtha ★ at 6:38 AM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

Thanks. I really, really needed this. You all are super awesome.
posted by cooker girl ★ at 9:08 AM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

For my birthday, I would like to know what hard/softcore taters are, please. I get a wish, right?

Seriously at this point that anonymous AskMe poster is going to eventually speak up in some MeTa thread or other and say 'Actually I was confused and I meant to say "pornographic images," I was using T9 and also drunk so I apologize,' and everyone will be disappointed. The only true pleasure is in not knowing.
posted by shakespeherian ★ at 9:11 AM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

Happy Birthday Heyho!
posted by clavdivs ★ at 9:31 AM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

Man, I missed the Hug Thread.


*sniff*
posted by magstheaxe ★ at 1:11 PM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

The only true pleasure is in not knowing.

I know for a fact you've gotten a different true pleasure out of this affair, shakes.
posted by SpiffyRob ★ at 2:08 PM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

Well, sure, but I'm a troll.
posted by shakespeherian ★ at 2:15 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

Seriously at this point that anonymous AskMe poster is going to eventually speak up in some MeTa thread or other and say 'Actually I was confused and I meant to say "pornographic images," I was using T9 and also drunk so I apologize,' and everyone will be disappointed. The only true pleasure is in not knowing.

NO. We HAVE TO KNOW. I promise not to be disappointed, I REALLY JUST WANT TO KNOW.
posted by kate blank ★ at 2:30 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

Well in THAT case....
posted by shakespeherian ★ at 2:32 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

I told ms. clav I loved her. we have been fighting which devolves into ignoring then into the brink. this was the 6th worst weekend (extended) of my life and thanks metafilter.

and her she is...
posted by clavdivs ★ at 3:26 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

The only true pleasure is in not knowing.

On the contrary, I derive no pleasure from my taters ignorance. Sometimes, especially when I'm feeling particularly lazy, the only thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is my fervent hope that one day the mystery might finally be solved. Only then will true MetaEnlightenment be achieved!
posted by amyms ★ at 6:03 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

I've actually observed a few times that the original phrase was "hardcore taTORS", not taTERS -- which makes it pretty clear to me that it was a really confusion-rampant typo for "acTORS". (If I can mistype "hung up on" as "ghung u porn", then "tators" being a typo for "actors" is quite plausible.)
posted by EmpressCallipygos ★ at 6:12 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

I AM HARDCORE TATERS.

Line starts in the left.
posted by The Whelk ★ at 6:13 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

I've actually observed a few times that the original phrase was "hardcore taTORS", not taTERS -- which makes it pretty clear to me that it was a really confusion-rampant typo for "acTORS". (If I can mistype "hung up on" as "ghung u porn", then "tators" being a typo for "actors" is quite plausible.)

It was actually spelled both ways in the original post.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi ★ at 6:19 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

HOT HOT TATERS. SERVED TWICE A DAY.
posted by The Whelk ★ at 6:29 PM on January 11, 2011 [1 favorite]

want a coffee?
This hug thread i duck in here to just see hugs
i get it now kind of kitty kankakes kause rattling confessional misgivings to that one has loved for nearly 30 years makes things tugboat the hugboat and definition fades into what can be brought forth say nothing of jejune cracklings which to a fool seems gloss anathema rain and snows remnant fortune and coin operated snowploughes making the subject matter slow for turnstile trains as nephew traverses Brooklyn daily with his tonsils kicking the matter of hey can we all just remember that the crick and narrow paths in the frozen carcass of selfish desire is about 9my0self…? goes to naval dictionary skedaddle is not too cool but funny for the navy skylarks silently billow nothing i....this is were hugs and orbital living could be a factor.

Lights Chesterfield,
dusts salt banded aposiopesis-hat “sheriff”
rides off/love intact.
Is breá liom i gcónaí agus tá tú ag Scottish clan amaideach Meiriceánach Bruce.

posted by clavdivs ★ at 10:10 PM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

I found two dollars in the snow outside the taters museum.
posted by Sallyfur ★ at 11:10 PM on January 11, 2011 [2 favorites]

O hangover!
posted by heyho ★ at 6:20 AM on January 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

Happy birthday hangover, heyho!
posted by EvaDestruction ★ at 7:55 AM on January 12, 2011 [2 favorites]

Pictures of red pandas always cheer me up. I hope that helps.
posted by gc ★ at 3:15 PM on January 12, 2011 [2 favorites]

Also, Maru's blog makes me pretty happy.
posted by gc ★ at 3:23 PM on January 12, 2011 [2 favorites]

phoB - how's mom?
posted by ersatzkat ★ at 3:28 PM on January 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

This came up on my iPod just now and it made me think of this thread.

One day where I wouldn't feel my senses die
Where nothing made me hang my head and cry
One day where I could see myself as others can
Where I could feel the strength of love at hand

One day where I didn't die a thousand times
Where I could satisfy this life of mine
One day where every hour could by a joy to me
And live a life the way it's meant to be

And if the sentiment doesn't cheer you up, I should think the awesome '80s-ness of the video will do the trick: super-tight Levis, ski jackets, reflective sunglasses and... Celtic standing stones? OH yeah.
posted by scody ★ at 3:34 PM on January 12, 2011 [2 favorites]

(also: my crush on Midge Ure remains.)
posted by scody ★ at 3:37 PM on January 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

ms. clav made me a club sandwich and fries. I had 4 hugs today. weather cold but sunny.
posted by clavdivs ★ at 9:24 PM on January 12, 2011 [1 favorite]

My kids would NOT let me use "tater" in Bananagrams last night, insisting it was slang for potatoes! The other night, they wouldn't let me use shmoopy. They think I am picking up bizarre, internet-weirdo lingo, and that I spend way too much time on "that website". To top it off, they disregarded the authoritative MetaFilter t-shirt I was wearing. This is all true.
posted by thinkpiece ★ at 12:55 PM on January 13, 2011 [3 favorites]

They think I am picking up bizarre, internet-weirdo lingo, and that I spend way too much time on "that website".

They're just jealous that your internet lingo is cooler than theirs.

(At least that's what I tell myself when my kids roll their eyes at my vast internet knowledge!)
posted by amyms ★ at 1:34 PM on January 13, 2011 [1 favorite]

There is no answer that will live up to the hype. I think it's better not to know.
posted by Kimberly ★ at 1:57 PM on January 13, 2011 [2 favorites]

"Is that a website you're visiting that has that blue background or what?"
posted by klarck ★ at 2:58 PM on January 13, 2011 [2 favorites]

Here is a Stevie Wonder song about telepathic plants to make it all better.
posted by benzenedream ★ at 8:26 PM on January 13, 2011 [2 favorites]

Stars!


Thanks, seems like shitty times, this helps...
posted by bdave ★ at 8:43 PM on January 13, 2011 [2 favorites]

XOXOXOXO
posted by BoscosMom ★ at 12:11 AM on January 14, 2011 [2 favorites]

I've returned to pass out more hugs, in honor of the birth of my son this morning! Everyone who wants gets baby snuggles, everyone who isn't so into baby snuggles gets a hug from me, and I'm declaring today the first day of my 2011. Mwah!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse ★ at 7:20 PM on January 14, 2011 [19 favorites]

Lulu's Pink Converse: "I've returned to pass out more hugs, in honor of the birth of my son this morning! Everyone who wants gets baby snuggles, everyone who isn't so into baby snuggles gets a hug from me, and I'm declaring today the first day of my 2011. Mwah!"

YAY! Congratulations!!!!! :)
posted by zarq ★ at 7:24 PM on January 14, 2011 [1 favorite]

And... Happy Birthday Baby Converse. :)
posted by zarq ★ at 7:25 PM on January 14, 2011 [1 favorite]

HOORAY BABY CONVERSE!
posted by rmd1023 ★ at 10:55 AM on January 15, 2011 [1 favorite]

Congratulations on the wee one! That's a very good way to start the year.
posted by schnee ★ at 11:45 AM on January 15, 2011 [2 favorites]

Oh my god, do you know what this means? The Mefites are breeding. The world needs more Mefites.

Congratulations!
posted by sambosambo ★ at 11:59 AM on January 15, 2011 [2 favorites]

Congrats!
posted by five fresh fish ★ at 12:25 PM on January 15, 2011 [1 favorite]

YAY Lulu's Pink Converse! I want baby snuggles!!!
posted by IndigoRain ★ at 12:39 PM on January 15, 2011 [1 favorite]

I think you should call him "Baby Snuggles" from now on. Huzzah!
posted by ocherdraco ★ at 1:08 PM on January 15, 2011 [2 favorites]

Congratulations on your new little one, Lulu's Pink Converse!

And congratulations on your upcoming arrival, Alison!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl ★ at 1:16 PM on January 15, 2011 [1 favorite]

YAY BABY SNUGGLES! YAY 2011 BOYZ!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll take a few snuggles to last me through until March, when my own babby will emerge for inevitable snuggling.
posted by sonika ★ at 2:43 PM on January 15, 2011 [2 favorites]

congrats and we want pictures!!!!!
posted by clavdivs ★ at 8:43 PM on January 15, 2011 [1 favorite]

i guess hugs dont get some today.

HUGGGGGGGGGGssssssss
posted by clavdivs ★ at 7:05 PM on January 17, 2011 [1 favorite]

learn to swim
posted by clavdivs ★ at 8:35 AM on January 18, 2011 [1 favorite]

Walt Lantz shows us his taters.
posted by Sallyfur ★ at 3:52 AM on January 22, 2011 [1 favorite]

The fact that Firefox started playing that harpsichord the second I checked this thread told me more then enough. I feel... stately.
posted by Askiba ★ at 2:20 PM on January 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

just popping back because I was low on stars
posted by bdave ★ at 6:27 PM on February 3, 2011 [1 favorite]

have some Super Spice Brothers 64
posted by The Whelk ★ at 6:32 PM on February 3, 2011 [2 favorites]

Charlie - in case anyone still wants to see him!
posted by Lulu's Pink Converse ★ at 2:03 PM on February 7, 2011 [7 favorites]

omg baby ♥

He is outstandingly adorable!
posted by bewilderbeast ★ at 2:05 PM on February 7, 2011 [2 favorites]

Hi, Charlie! Welcome to planet Earth! He can have my gold star, if he likes it.
posted by Devils Rancher ★ at 2:26 PM on February 7, 2011 [2 favorites]

Charles, welcome!! Start reading the archives and get back to us soon as you can here on MetaTalk..chop chop!!

Let's get crankin' people, we got good people that need to know from wherever they are now in the afterlife (Null TErminated and Balisong, I'm looking at you guys...), that Metafilter's gonna endeavor to grow and thrive and do them proud.
posted by Skygazer ★ at 3:01 PM on February 7, 2011 [2 favorites]