But there are some treadmills where the TV audio doesn't work! Agreed on the bus thing, though.

Do you have a recommended method of learning to knit? Because I'd love to learn. I assume there are YouTube tutorials and such.

Seconded.

Thanks! Also you sound like a super-thoughtful friend.

That used to be my M.O., too*, and I enjoyed the process of working towards buying something and then enjoying it more because I'd put so much thought into it and anticipated getting it for so long.

Based on people's suggestions, I definitely have to hit up Michaels, and yes, peanut brittle sounds great. Thanks!

That's a great idea! Thanks.

Meringues! I'm totally making those this year. Thanks :)

I've made flavored vodka before and I have no idea why that didn't occur to me as a gift. It will be perfect for at least a couple of people. Thanks!

Thanks! Those links look helpful, and I've heard about microwaveable rice pillows and am eager to give 'em a go.

What about how to shop for friends and family when you're unemployed? I want tips for giving people super-cheap and/or DIY gifts. (I'm not exactly unemployed, but I'm very, very poor.) Every time I try looking up ideas online, I get suggestions like "make back rub coupons."

How does one confit? Also, have you tried brining? My boyfriend and I made the turkey for last year's feast, per Alton Brown's Good Eats recipe, and I was seriously impressed with the result. As in, I'd never actually thought turkey was something to be enjoyed, so much as it was an obligatory staple of Thanksgiving…

I think 'Girls' was perceived by many as actively trying to represent all women of a certain age range, or if not represent them, at least speak to them (e.g., its title, its commercials featuring Lena Dunham proclaiming herself, albeit sarcastically, as "the voice of a generation"). Also, I'm unclear about what your…

I actually think it's really interesting and shows a type of humor I haven't seen in other shows. It's one of the best new shows out there, IMO.

These discussions about Bale, McConaughey, and the like make me think that men probably have an easier time getting skeletally thin (especially multiple times) without the weight loss impacting their bodies for a really long time. Mila Kunis has talked about how after Black Swan, she probably wouldn't do something…

Benedict Cumberbatch's Righteous Condescension