December 2018 Archives
December 31
Seeking songs with complex lyrics
I get a special enjoyment out of songs with gratuitously clever lyrics. Lots of words with 3 or better yet 4 + syllables. Internal rhyming. Enjambment. Alliteration. Extended metaphors or particularly interesting analogies. Wordplay. [more inside]
Making sense of an IRS Form 990 Filing
A non-profit organization with which I have a passing familiarity has recently come under scrutiny by the IRS. I am by no means a tax expert but I was reading over the organization's IRS Form 990 filing from 2015 (link in body) and found some things there which I don't understand. Can you help me figure out whether these apparent discrepancies might actually be fishy or whether I just don't sufficiently understand the form and its instructions? Details on what I don't understand are inside. [more inside]
Help me punch up my soup for New Year's dinner
I'm making this soup for dinner tonight. I would like to keep it subtle but maybe increase some of the depth of flavor. Any ideas on how to make it pop a little more?
Mind over Matters (KEXP) cancelled. What next?
I am looking for suggestions of shows similar to Mind over Matters where long form deep thinking on current politics and news is condensed to segments by many including local, national and world views. Where else can I find the stories of activists, journalists, economists, not pundits in one place to listen to similar to MOM? Podcast or radio stream with archived playback preferred.
posted by emypocu at 3:42 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by emypocu at 3:42 PM PST - 1 comment
Who makes a simple remote control switch ?
The problem I have is simple. In my basement, the lights are controlled from the top of the stairs. Lately, I've been having guests staying down there, and it's a pain to have a single switch upstairs. The traditional fix would be to add a second switch wired as a 3 way. Unfortunately, there is no convenient place to mount the switch. But I bet there is a better way... [more inside]
posted by Marky at 3:37 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Marky at 3:37 PM PST - 15 comments
Where to Camp in April (dry and not-too-cold)
We have a week off work in late April. We would like to go car camping but somewhere warmer and, more importantly, drier than in Western Oregon. Do you have a favorite spot for camping that's not too cold (doesn't get below 50) and dry in April? West coast is the best coast, but maybe it would be fun to try camping in the South so any location suggestion is welcome!
Reccommend me a hand lotion?
I normally have rather good skin, but some combination of getting older and it just being wintry and dry out is bothering my hands. I have no idea what makes a good hand lotion, let alone what would work well for me specifically. Help? [more inside]
Planning a Ferocious Fully-Recovered Dance Party in 2019 - Need Recs!
I've had three major leg/knee injuries in 2018 and I vowed after my first-ever visit to an ER this morning, that I am going to plan the Mother of All Dance Club Parties to celebrate being able to walk again.
Problem is: I know nada about NYC Dance spots. I listen to swing music, downbeat electronica, jasz, and definitely anything that makes your ass move (when mine can, anyways.)
Where would you send someone who wants to make a killer dance video in NYC to celebrate, and have the greatest night out dancing possible?
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 2:47 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 2:47 PM PST - 5 comments
People who bake A LOT, what are your best tips?
I am a decent home baker, (much better than the contestants on Nailed it! but not nearly as good as those on GBBO) and I’ve decided that my winter project this year is going to be baking more and better. I’d like to get comfortable with projects more complicated than cookies, bars, and layer cakes, and I want to work on my cake/cookie decorating skills using my shiny new frosting tip set (I already have a cake lazy susan and an offset spatula to go with them). [more inside]
posted by tangosnail at 12:43 PM PST - 43 comments
posted by tangosnail at 12:43 PM PST - 43 comments
What's the best small mp3 player out there?
What's the best small mp3 player out there? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 12:25 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by saladin at 12:25 PM PST - 13 comments
Swimming in a pool... of MUCUS!
Is it acceptable practice to empty one's sinuses into the trough that borders the swimming pool? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 11:54 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 11:54 AM PST - 23 comments
new years eve dinner party
I'm planning a small dinner party for friends this evening. I have a rough menu, and will have a little help serving. Can you help me fine-tune my menu? And make some wine pairing suggestions? [more inside]
Best monthly carbon offset program
I want to make a recurring monthly donation to help offset my carbon emissions. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices, but I'm leaning towards a monthly contribution directly to The Gold Standard. Is this the best option? What will give me the biggest verified reduction in carbon per dollar? [more inside]
posted by yankeefog at 10:43 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by yankeefog at 10:43 AM PST - 1 comment
How do I find a general contractor for a very small job in NYC?
I have a very, very limited job I need done in my apartment, ASAP. It involves plumbing, electrical work, and afterwards, wall repair. My building has suggested hiring a contractor instead of three individuals, but so far, the problem is that this job is too small for a contractor to be interested in doing, or at least that is what the feedback so so far. [more inside]
Overthinking Adzuki Beans
I have obtained some adzuki beans. What is the best recipe to showcase them? [more inside]
Puzzling toilet leak
Our toilet is leaking from the tank, at the flush valve seal, but only when the fill line faucet is on... [more inside]
posted by blue_wardrobe at 9:37 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by blue_wardrobe at 9:37 AM PST - 9 comments
How to recognize loss at New Years Eve party
Our closest friends lost their son to a drug overdose in July. We will be spending New Years Eve with them tonight with a small group of friends/family. How can we recognize this loss tonight in a meaningful way? [more inside]
posted by hollygoheavy at 9:06 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by hollygoheavy at 9:06 AM PST - 18 comments
Could you recommend some year-long projects?
I did a few year-long projects in 2018 (1 Second Everyday videos), set some goals (read a certain number of books, run a certain number of miles), and tracked some data about myself (total steps for the year, miles traveled by plane) and it has been a genuine pleasure to look back at the results and the progress I made.
Could you recommend some similar year-long projects for 2019?
I’m particularly interested in data and projects that are relatively simple to track and/or accomplish with my phone, laptop, or e-reader, but I’m open to other projects, too. [more inside]
Questions, asked daily, that have changed your life?
Looking to be more intentional this coming year, and while I've never been one for journaling I'd like to start by doing some very simple reflection. I think having a punch list of questions to reflect on and (optionally) do some simple journaling on would be helpful. Do you have a set of these questions? Or a simple process for reviewing your goals and personal vision/mission and sticking to them?
Rural Queer Resources
It is my birthday this week, and am thinking of raising money for lesser known, regional lgbtq resources, especially for rural or suburban folks. I already send money to abortion clinics in South Dakota, lgbtqa resources for migrants in Brownsville, Rural Aids Networks in St Cloud, and Just Detention International--those kind of resources! Bonus points for communities less served, including people of colour, the marginally housed, and Canadian spaces.
Thanks!
December 30
ID this postman song!
I heard a song playing. I've googled it and found songs that it is not. Modern sounding danceable, with lyric "oo-ooh can you hear me Mr Postman". [more inside]
Dinner on New Year's Day in Little Rock, Arkansas
We may be in Little Rock for the evening of January 1st. The prospective hotel isn't in walking distance of anything and doesn't have a real restaurant. I can find information on places for New Year's Day brunch or New Year's Eve dinner, but nothing about what might be open for New Year's Day dinner. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 8:52 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by wintersweet at 8:52 PM PST - 4 comments
More crime shows please!
So this question was me 3 years ago. I've worked my way through most of the suggestions and I need more crime shows to watch. Details below the fold... [more inside]
How to handle noise complaint from neighbor?
We moved in about 6 months ago. A house one door away from us (so next door to our next door neighbor) has complained to
us twice now about noise in the past few weeks. In itself this isn’t a problem since we would happily be quieter except we can’t figure out what the noise is. Complainant is unhelpful in describing it. How do we resolve this? [more inside]
posted by ElliotH at 7:28 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by ElliotH at 7:28 PM PST - 18 comments
How can I make new friends that are extroverts?
All of my friends are introverts, and so are the vast majority of people I know. There is a lot of good advice out there on how to meet people, but I would like suggestions that will make it easier to meet extroverts, specifically. [more inside]
need some hateful, angry music
Looking for some furious, potentially vocals-free music, because I can't get this scene out without the right soundtrack. snowflakes inside [more inside]
Silent workout or yoga videos
Any recommendations for work outs or yoga videos on Youtube that don't rely on the sound being on to be understood? [more inside]
On being practical about what you want in a career
I work a dead-end job, but I don't know what my next steps can be. The only career paths I think I actually want -- in libraries or universities -- are the kinds of things people warn you against. How do you make a career path for yourself, when it seems like you can only come up with impractical ideas? [more inside]
Landlord is not taking this bedbug problem seriously.
My landlord has been dragging his heels in taking care of this mild but persistent bed-bug and roach problem. It's been over a year. I am at my wit's end. How do I proceed? [more inside]
posted by FirstMateKate at 3:45 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by FirstMateKate at 3:45 PM PST - 7 comments
Jetlagged in Denver: Where to Stay?
Coming back to the US in late-ish February to visit family elsewhere in the state. Spending two or three nights in Denver to get a bit over my jet lag before I go meet my dad. Where shall I stay? [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 3:24 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Bella Donna at 3:24 PM PST - 1 comment
SF&F books about cities
I'd like to find a specific kind of fantasy and/or SF book. About a person who arrives at and explores a large, complex city, its society, neighborhoods, etc. [more inside]
Tricep exercises and proper form
What are your favorite exercises that target the triceps? I prefer exercises that are bodyweight or use dumbbells/a chair/a bench. Resistance bands are okay, too. When linking, *please direct me to any videos or diagrams online that demonstrate proper form*. Thank you!
Best shampoo for curly hair?
What’s your favorite shampoo for curly hair? I’ve been using DevaCurl low-poo shampoo and the matching conditioner, which work pretty well, but I’m out. My salon uses Aveda, which is *so* expensive, but...they’re $24 for 8.5 oz, and the DevaCurl is $24 for 12 oz...so also not cheap. Are there other shampoos I should be considering? [more inside]
Finally moving on
Living on my own for the first time, in a new state. How do I make the best of it? [more inside]
A travel alarm clock that uses lights - but is meant for travel...?
So the good news - I'll be traveling for work; the bad news is I'm having trouble sleeping and getting up too early in the morning. Part of my approach is to find a good travel alarm clock that isn't my phone but has waking lights on it. [more inside]
Phone app safe? Android cell
Hi everyone;
On my cell,I get this message"app widget to make and manage phone calls ?"
Is this safe to accept?
Opinions please.
Thank you :)
posted by LOOKING at 4:07 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by LOOKING at 4:07 AM PST - 6 comments
Identify this small solar-powered installation.
A friend was road-tripping through Arizona today and came across this curious thing in a field by the road (YT). It looks like a weather station, possibly? Looks too small and unprotected to be any kind of aeronautical beacon or marker. Any help appreciated!
posted by mykescipark at 12:01 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by mykescipark at 12:01 AM PST - 6 comments
December 29
Identifying public artwork in the intro to the Bob Newhart Show?
In this still from the intro to the Bob Newhart show, there is a large b/w art piece on the right side of the image, outside the building next to his office building, at 444 N. Michigan Ave. What is that artwork, which appears to be a large line drawing of three people? Or how can I find out? [more inside]
posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 10:52 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Radiophonic Oddity at 10:52 PM PST - 9 comments
How many "Bridge Ices Before Road" signs are in the state of Michigan?
Help me settle an argument. How many "Bridge Ices Before Road" signs are in Michigan? It seems like any time a road crosses another road, or a creek, river, lake, or stream, there are two signs. Sources vary greatly. Would love any estimates or napkin-math.
posted by bbqturtle at 10:04 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by bbqturtle at 10:04 PM PST - 7 comments
How do I get into my garage without burning rubber?
My driveway slopes in two directions and I'm having a hard time getting into my garage. What can be done to help the situation? [more inside]
Wellbeing activities to help body and mind for my WRAP plan?
I have spent too much of 2018 lying in bed listening to music and having days with nothing to show for them (I have bipolar disorder type 1 which mostly presents as low moods rather than high). To make things better in 2019 I am trying to get ideas for wholesome activities to give me a menu of options. I am using the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) format to do this, but basically if y'all could look at my current list and add ones which have helped you that would be great. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by AuroraSky at 8:34 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by AuroraSky at 8:34 PM PST - 12 comments
GameFAQs but for aspiring auto mechanics
I'm a novice shade-tree auto mechanic, and I'm wondering if there are any online resources for building mechanical problem-solving experience. [more inside]
posted by invitapriore at 7:44 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by invitapriore at 7:44 PM PST - 4 comments
Meal Prep in two hours?
I've googled this and can't find what I'm looking for. I want the formula for meal prepping breakfast, lunch and dinner for most of the week in about two hours. The Kitchn's Power Hour series comes really close, but I want to know how it works "under the hood" so to speak. Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by onecircleaday at 7:37 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by onecircleaday at 7:37 PM PST - 8 comments
Cat stuff: tell me about the best cat supplies for non-cat people
We might actually get a cat. I have never lived with a cat before. Please tell me about cat supplies that are totally the best - the kind that you discovered and can’t believe you lived without for so long. [more inside]
I Wish I Knew What Time It Was
I am looking for a new digital clock to go in our baby's nursery, so I know what time I am doing feedings at. Please help me find a good one. [more inside]
Where to order canvas prints online?
I'm wondering if anyone can recommend a website where we can order canvas prints? We had some family photos taken over Christmas that we'd like to get prints of for ourselves and for family. We found one place, but saw that it had poor reviews online. We're in Canada, so we'd need a place that ships here. Thanks!
Can concrete sealing fill in unevenness in concrete?
We had our concrete living room floor refinished last year by a ok but not great contractor. Overall we love it, but it exposed a number of small pits in the floor that are tough to clean. If we get it refinished/sealed again, is there a chance a better contractor can also fill in the pits in the floor?
How can I strengthen my relationship with my younger sister-in-law?
I have big age difference with my sister-in-law, a lovely human who just started college. I'm mid-30s. We get along well and spend time together as a family, and occasionally the two of us go for coffee - but I'd like to do more help us build a closer relationship as peers and sisters, even though we're practically different generations. [more inside]
posted by inatizzy at 4:06 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by inatizzy at 4:06 PM PST - 12 comments
An ancient locking door latch with a key made of wood and rope?
Several years ago, I read an article about a type of lock for which the key was an irregularly-shaped block of wood hanging from a cord. The block would be passed through a hole cut in the door and dangle down inside, with the user retaining it by holding the cord. The block's shape would allow it to engage with a swinging latch, which would be lifted when the user pulled the cord.
I believe that these mechanisms have been in continuous use since ancient times, in some particular region of the world. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? [more inside]
quieting a furnace/blower/recording studio
Is there any way to bring down the noise of a furnace/blower in a closet that shares a wall with my home recording studio? [more inside]
Finances 201 for dual citizen in Canada
I have some financial basics down (6 month emergency fund and such) and I've reached a point where I actually have enough money that I should be doing something with it besides keeping it in my bank account. The complication is that I'm a US-Canadian dual citizen, currently living in Canada (and planning on staying there). Please help me figure out what my options are and find an cross-border expert to advise me. [more inside]
How to make a fairy tell the truth?
I can't recall the fairy tale or legend exactly, but one of the key pieces was a method to make a supernatural being known for lying tell the truth. This was definitely an European tale, and I'm halfway certain it featured old-school English fairies / sidhe, of the people-kidnapping, passing-off-leaves-as-gold kind. The exact story isn't important, it was probably the usual wily peasant outwitting the fairy creature, but what was the method? Was it a substance, a gesture, something else? [more inside]
If you've successfully established new habits, what helped you to do so?
It's almost new year and I'm trying to figure out the best way to help myself to eat better, exercise more, be a better parent, keep the house clean, write the Great American Novel yadda yadda. If you've successfully established new (good!) habits, please tell me what worked for you. [more inside]
Simple on/off solution for up to 8 plugs.
My mom loves lamps. Last night, I counted 8 of them in the dining room (the largest room in the house). She nearly always turns on all the lamps in any given room. I would like to help her by setting up a solution so that she can turn on as many as 8 at once with the click of a button. I’d prefer it to be a solution that doesn’t require WiFi, and I do not want to use extension cords. Does such a thing exist? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco at 12:04 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ocherdraco at 12:04 PM PST - 10 comments
Maytag top loading washing machine shaking from side to side
Our washing machine is shaking from side to side while in use. I noticed it doing that today during the spin cycle but I'm not sure at what point the shaking began. My husband rearranged the clothes in the basket a couple of times but the machine still shook. Does anyone have any suggestions please?
What was the previous homeowner doing with all of this propane?
The previous owner of my house left behind a heavy duty propane storage cabinet with several tanks of various sizes. What were they using it for? What hobby calls for this kind of setup? Here's a photo. Let's speculate! [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:41 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 10:41 AM PST - 17 comments
Magazines similar to Apartamento and Nest...?
I really like Apartamento Magazine -- and used to really enjoy NEST, before it closed down. What are some similar publications that come out a few times a year and have excellent interviews with artists/designers combined with great photos and yet never seem like they're trying to sell me something? What are your favorite non-selling-shit magazines? [more inside]
My post-Suffusion life
For many years I used Sayontan Sinha's Suffusion theme on my blog. It's no longer supported and recently I've been getting ridiculously long load-times. Can you recommend a simple, lightweight blog theme I can move to with the least difficulty? [more inside]
posted by tavegyl at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by tavegyl at 9:54 AM PST - 3 comments
I'm in the US and need to get Venlafaxine, FAST
I live in the UK and have a prescription for venlafaxine (Effexor). I'm currently visiting my fiancé in Louisiana, USA. I made a really stupid mistake and didn't pack enough of my meds. I need to obtain a week's supply, as soon as possible. What are my options? I'm in a small town and the chances of me finding someone to re-prescribe this medication at short notice seem slim (my fiancé only gets to see a psychiatrist when they visit his university on one day a month). This is such a dumb mistake and I'm pretty stressed at myself. Please don't tell me how much I've fucked up; I already know. [more inside]
posted by Acheman at 8:43 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by Acheman at 8:43 AM PST - 24 comments
Get new tires BEFORE I sell my barely used bike (?) and other questions
About a year ago, I impulse bought a very nice road bike (Specialized Sirrus) with some accessories for all told, around $800. Fast forward to now: bikes just aren't for me, and I want to sell it.* I'm sure I won't get nearly as much as I paid, and I'm ok with that. Wondering the best way to go about selling with some specific questions. [more inside]
What is this Navy medal??
My dad died a couple months ago. He was enlisted in the Navy from about 1977-97 and was a gulf war veteran. I took a few of his military things as mementos including this medal and no one seems to know what it is, when he got it, or what it was awarded for. I couldn’t find much info from the google. Any information y’all can provide would be much appreciated.
posted by a strong female character at 8:25 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by a strong female character at 8:25 AM PST - 5 comments
Help me find this specific octopus hair clip.
My octopus hair clip just broke. This is the best one I’ve ever found and I fear I won’t be able to replace it. Here is a picture of the two broken halves and one of how they fit together. [more inside]
posted by soelo at 7:30 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by soelo at 7:30 AM PST - 10 comments
My landlord won't fix my noisy "Maserati" toilet
The toilet in my master bedroom makes noise as it leaks and loudly refills itself constantly. This is very distracting to hear throughout the day, and I turn the water off at night so we can sleep. I started complaining in September and the maintenance company has sent a plumber out about 5-6 times. He says it is the "Maserati of toilets so It's going to require lots of maintenance" but he has been unable to fix it. How can I play hardball and get the landlord to replace this with whatever the Honda Civic of toilets is? [more inside]
posted by ridogi at 7:17 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by ridogi at 7:17 AM PST - 23 comments
shopping suggestions for a piece of wearable technology!
I'm on the market for something that's maybe a fitbit and maybe a smartwatch or maybe a dumb watch or a hybrid--I don't know! I'm currently in Canada but live in the US so I can shop on both sides of the border, although it is boxing week right now. Throw at me your reccomendations! [more inside]
A Most Curious Pain in the Knee
After walking 15-20 miles over the past couple of days, I've developed a pain in my knee which doesn't resemble any sort of joint pain that I've had in the past. The pain happens only when I'm pulling my back leg forward during walking - basically the coloured leg in frame 4 to 7 of this walk cycle. If I put my leg in the frame 7 position from the front, there's no pain. There's no pain in any other position. There's only pain when I move from the frame 4 position to the frame 7 position. What might be the cause of this pain? [more inside]
posted by clawsoon at 5:17 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by clawsoon at 5:17 AM PST - 8 comments
Looking for bumper/bull bar recommendations for a 2005 4Runner SR5
I have a 2007 SR5 with a stock bumper and I'm looking to get something a little more durable up front. [more inside]
How to be a better e-library patron
I've been reading a lot of library ebooks and am considering paying for a second library card in another city. I'm also considering donating to my local library to offset the costs generated by my heavy use. Looking for some advice from ilbrary-savvy mefites, details inside. [more inside]
December 28
Name this kitty - Christmas 2018 edition!
After two years of being cat-less, today we brought home this gorgeous little fluff ball and now we need to find her a fitting name! [more inside]
posted by platinum at 9:47 PM PST - 52 comments
posted by platinum at 9:47 PM PST - 52 comments
Indoor cat garden suggestions?
I am trying to combat boredom in my blind, indoor-only cat in order to mitigate his burgeoning pica. I'm hoping to start an indoor kitty garden so he has a variety of interesting plants to chew that can definitely not kill him. Difficulty level: he vomited up twenty erasers an hour ago. Please help me find safe houseplant suggestions to occupy his mouth. [more inside]
What should I do with 6 months in Houston?
My partner is relocating to Houston for 18 months for work. We're both from Melbourne, Australia. I've always wanted to live overseas so I'm going to go as well! But what does one DO when their partner will be working all the time? [more inside]
posted by sockitysock at 7:52 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by sockitysock at 7:52 PM PST - 18 comments
Anyone ever tried to make a giant char siu bao?
A natural way to cut down on the time needed to make char siu bao is to make them larger. So I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried making them super large. Say 9 or ten inches wide. It'd be like a pie only steamed. Would it work?
Is there any such thing as “government only” guns or ammo?
A trope I run into periodically in movies or TV is the concept of “government only” or “military issue” guns or ammo. It always strikes me as odd because as far as I’m aware there is no such thing. Even super weird or unusual ammo is purchasable in the US. I’m just curious, is there any such thing as military issue or government only arms or ammunition?
posted by ArthurBarnhouse at 6:41 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by ArthurBarnhouse at 6:41 PM PST - 16 comments
What live sports worldwide can I stream free with my VPN?
I am based in the U.S. but have a VPN. I enjoy watching live sports, especially various football codes (soccer, rugby, Aussie rules, Gaelic or Canadian football) and snooker, but other things too. Top flight competition is fine, but I enjoy minor league events as well: in the last few weeks I've streamed 3. Liga matches on German public television and a Welsh-language broadcast of Welsh Premiership Rugby via the BBC iPlayer, for instance. What kinds of other free but perhaps geographically restricted sports broadcasts could I be enjoying?
posted by sy at 6:02 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by sy at 6:02 PM PST - 3 comments
help me shop for a classical guitar?
I'm considering taking up classical guitar again for fun, but don't own one currently and haven't bought one in almost two decades, and I could use some help as I'm thinking of obtaining a guitar. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Anything but chili: what to slow cook for multiple allergies
What are some slow-cooker main dishes for potlucks / open house type meals that allow for working around allergies and other dietary restrictions? Give me all the ideas. [more inside]
posted by buildmyworld at 5:05 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by buildmyworld at 5:05 PM PST - 16 comments
Gaming Laptop suggestions needed
Hi!!!! I know very little about gaming laptops, but I know that I want one. I want to play the big games on relatively high settings - games like Witcher 3. I won't be playing any co-op or online multi-player games. I don't want the laptop to burn a hole in my couch, my lap, or my coffee table - which is primarily where and on what I will be playing. I'm having trouble parsing through all the paid opinions, and amazon reviews. Can the hive mind please help me find a laptop that fits my budget? [more inside]
posted by anoirmarie at 3:37 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by anoirmarie at 3:37 PM PST - 7 comments
Best way to make this manuscript digital again?
I completed NaNoWriMo...... in 2009. However, since then, I appear to have lost the Scrivener file in the shuffle of computers etc. I have a printed manuscript, maybe a couple of hundred pages, with some annotations towards the beginning. How do I turn it back into something I can edit on a computer again?! [more inside]
posted by epersonae at 2:46 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by epersonae at 2:46 PM PST - 12 comments
Exercising better down where it's wetter
I know how to swim, but I don't really know how to swim laps. Please tell me everything you know about swimming for exercise! [more inside]
posted by halation at 2:39 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by halation at 2:39 PM PST - 15 comments
I would like to look at beauty
Can you help me compile a list of beautiful places to visit and beautiful things to see in northern Illinois or thereabouts? [more inside]
posted by SuperSquirrel at 2:16 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by SuperSquirrel at 2:16 PM PST - 19 comments
I AmThe Goon Who Stole Christmas, Or Dropped It, At Any Rate
DOT Jr's primary gift this year was a brand-spanking new iPad 9.7 (6th gen, model A1893). Today, I took him out to hunt Pokemon with Pokemon Go and I promptly dropped the thing and shattered the screen. WHAT DO I DO NOW? [more inside]
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:34 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 1:34 PM PST - 14 comments
Electric Oven Repair
My oven recently stopped working. There was a very loud bang/pop noise, and the circuit breaker blew. I thought it was the oven element (something similar happened previously), but when I opened the back to disconnect it, I found the real reason. Now I have a question on electrical wiring. [more inside]
Songs by bands about being in bands
I need songs that are about being in bands.
Rage, rage against everything
I float between people pleasing and savage repression of my feelings or passive-aggressive acting out and exploding in anger. This isn't healthy. Help me become more assertive so that I can express my feelings and needs. [more inside]
posted by hello my sockpuppet at 12:11 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by hello my sockpuppet at 12:11 PM PST - 11 comments
Did BarKeeper's friend ruin my pan?
My stainless steel pan has somehow been ruined. It is 18/0 if that matters. [more inside]
Amping up my website
Within the next few weeks, a book I am writing will be in the hands of the publisher. I'm thinking my website needs to have an option where people can be on a mailing list or a waiting list now. But the software I used to build my site doesn't offer that and I can't find it anywhere on Paypal. [more inside]
Make it stop...
My son has a very chronic stuffed up nose. Inside are the things we have tried. What else can we try? [more inside]
posted by anastasiav at 9:52 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by anastasiav at 9:52 AM PST - 37 comments
Report damage not listed on Carfax that dealer is repairing?
For a friend: "I spent a good part of this week viewing and negotiating a price for a Certified Preowned ($50,000+, less than 2 years old) vehicle from dealership which is 3 hours from me. So they sent me photos inside and out. When I went in to see it at my scheduled appointment today, there were OBVIOUS unrepaired, extensive (dents, gouges) on both sides (passenger fender, driver door) that were not disclosed by the salesman. The photos I received cleverly didnt include these areas. It soured the deal from that moment and I walked away from the sale. The sales man said that they have an auto body shop and will repair it and if I was interested once they put it back on the lot, would i come back. I will not. This vehicle has been in one, probably two collisions.
However..." [more inside]
Quick winter getaway from NYC
What are good places to go within driving distance of NYC that aren't just skiing? [more inside]
Ceiling fan & light replacement switch: how do?
This is one of those "Well, it felt like it was easy" things: I have an existing ceiling fan that also has a light. Our wall switch, which was here when we got the place, broke. I bought a new one and installed it and... it's not working as intended. Electrical info inside. [more inside]
posted by hijinx at 8:57 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by hijinx at 8:57 AM PST - 3 comments
How do we pay this bill?
10 people for a bar. I paid the deposit of $35 each, which goes towards the final bill. 4 people have paid me the $35 back already. Is there any easy way to do the bill at the end? Plus one birthday girl who is not paying.
posted by inevitability at 8:52 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by inevitability at 8:52 AM PST - 31 comments
What are your favorite reasonably-priced housewares?
I need to furnish a house with all those little everyday tools and cleaning products and such. I'd love to get good ones from the get-go rather than buying whichever one is closest to hand because I need it right now and then buying it again later because the first one sucks. Kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, bathroom supplies, all that stuff. What's good? [more inside]
Cat + Dog = ?
I've had cats (a long time ago) and I have a dog (for the last 10 years), but never both at the same time. Now, I kind of do (explanation inside), and I don't know much about kitteh/doggo relationships, so as a cat + dog person, maybe you can comment on how things are going? [more inside]
posted by taz at 8:25 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by taz at 8:25 AM PST - 18 comments
Can I salvage my scorched stockpot?
I made spaghetti sauce with meatballs in my Bodum stainless steel heavy-bottomed stockpot, got distracted, and severely scorched the entire bottom of the inside of the pot (the outside is fine). I’ve been soaking it in hot, soapy water for the last two days and periodically trying to scrub it out—this blackened mess is not budging. It’s a mixture of tomato sauce, meat bits from the meatballs, and Romano cheese. Is there anything I can do to save this pot, or do I need to toss it?
(By the way, I was able to save the majority of the meatballs and sauce and it was absolutely delicious!)
posted by bookmammal at 7:34 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by bookmammal at 7:34 AM PST - 23 comments
Help with baked sambusas / savory triangular cone pastries
Does anybody have experience making sambusas? Or samosas? Or similar? I want to try to make Ethiopian sambusas, but they'll be for a party, so I don't want to make my own wrappers and I also want to bake them in the oven. I think I'm set for fillings, but I'm worried about the wrappers/baking. Does anyone have tips/recipes to help me succeed? [more inside]
posted by gueneverey at 7:13 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by gueneverey at 7:13 AM PST - 9 comments
How to approach my boss about a personnel issue
I have a coworker who is problematic and I think things have reached the point where I need to talk to my boss about it. Please help me strategize what to say and how to say it. [more inside]
Words With Friends Words
I recently found out through Word Radar Power Up and limited letters that QGP (Quark-gluon Plasma] is a valid word in Word With Friends [more inside]
posted by unliteral at 3:12 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by unliteral at 3:12 AM PST - 6 comments
December 27
Help me find my holy grail headphones (w/mic)
My latest pair of headphones (earbuds) have crapped out and I need a replacement. Since I bought that pair, the wireless trend seems to have taken over, making it that much harder to find what I want. Can you help recommend a pair of wired, in-ear, Android-compatible headphones that fits my apparently outdated needs? [more inside]
Identify this heist movie/tv episode?
This may be something I dreamt because I cannot find anything on google (just lots of references for how secure safety deposit boxes are) but I’m hoping someone else might remember it. [more inside]
Is it weird for your bf to talk to his ex?
The guy i’m with still talks to his ex does that mean he is still into her? [more inside]
seeking watch: cheap, pretty, functional
I want a watch that's cheap (sub-50$, the cheaper the better) AND pretty (snowflakes inside), BUT that doesn't die or fall apart within a year of purchase.
Bonus point: LED backlight button or similar for nighttime viewing. [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 8:46 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Cozybee at 8:46 PM PST - 15 comments
Help me find the perfect hot wheels travel set!
My son has become obsessed with hot wheels cars. I’d like something I can pack in our go bag for restaurants, grandma’s house etc. which will let us store a few cars inside it for transport then have some sort of play feature when we arrive. [more inside]
Should I rent a car or carpool to a silent retreat?
So I know that plenty of people here have attended a silent meditation retreat, please help me figure this out and sort out reality from my anxiety about being away from my family. I booked myself for my first five day retreat in Western Mass and struggling to figure out the logistics. [more inside]
Book recommendations for English lit course, esp. with LGBTQ themes
My English department has class sets of novels we lend to students for the semester, to help them save money on required texts. I've been slowly building our collection to have lots of books by women and people of colour, but LGBTQ themes are a glaring omission and I'd like to fix that. The students are 18+; there are no content restrictions, but something that would provoke a lot of discussion would be perfect. Canadian content is a bonus but not a requirement; 350 pages or less is ideal.
Adjusting to Metformin
I've been on Metformin a month and a half. I take 500 mg ER in the evenings. I've been feeling wiped out and I have no appetite, but it's hard to know what's the med and what's the season. YANMD--not looking for medical advice but hope to hear experiences and also things that have proven helpful. [more inside]
Where to stay in NYC
My amazing wife got us tickets to a couple Broadway shows this spring for Christmas. Question now is where to stay. [more inside]
Looking for a calendar
Where can I find a similar calendar to this one? I love the beautiful animal photos used. Sadly, this specific calendar only ships within the EU. Do you know of a similar calendar? Animal photos preferred, doesn't have to be this exact style. This is turning out to be somewhat difficult to google.
Sewing: practical source of zany kids' clothes, or more labor of love?
I'm considering buying a sewing machine, perhaps the Singer 4423 that Wirecutter likes, for making kids' clothing. Am I underestimating the difficulty involved? And/or, will my endless quest for affordable tall slim-fit clothes in bright/bold prints merely turn into an endless quest for affordable knit fabrics in bright/bold prints? [more inside]
posted by teremala at 2:12 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by teremala at 2:12 PM PST - 20 comments
Astronomy Forums
Are you an amateur astronomer who belongs to a great online astronomy forum? Which one, and what makes it great? I'm looking for well-moderated forums, of course! [more inside]
How to start caring what I eat?
I want to start eating healthier [more inside]
Walking the fine line of copyright???
** You are not my lawyer. You are not my Uncle Ned. You are not the guy who use to cut my hair (when I had hair)....*
I run an extremely small food condiment business. We are talking less than 7500 units sold in a year. Very regional with mail order business that does reach points across the country, but 95% of my business resonates pretty locally. [more inside]
posted by TwilightKid at 11:30 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by TwilightKid at 11:30 AM PST - 24 comments
Collection of Chinese myths and legends for school age?
Can you recommend a collection of illustrated Chinese myths and legends for school aged readers? In particular, something which includes stories about folk deities (e.g., Kuan Yin), the Monkey King and the Eight Immortals would be ideal. [more inside]
How to prove residency in Arizona for a divorce?
If one lives in California but visits family in AZ often and intends to file & live in AZ after divorce, how do you establish & prove residency in AZ before and during divorce proceedings? [more inside]
Inexpensive, dumb smart vent for a very high location?
I know that there are smart vents such as Keen and Flair. Is there such a thing as a dumb smart vent, that can be adjusted by phone or remote control or whatever but does not have a temperature sensor or adjust automatically? [more inside]
What was the first ska song played on KROQ?
What was the first ska song played on KROQ? [more inside]
Chat logs on an unpaid Slack
I'd like to (consensually and benevolently) keep logs of a private Slack channel, on an unpaid Slack, where I'm not an admin. I understand I'm not supposed to, but, uh, how can I? [more inside]
Change my first name at 50?
Please help me finally figure out the pros and cons of changing my first name. [more inside]
How to deal with men's negative humor?
Why does every joke have to be mean or mocking? [more inside]
posted by ohsnapdragon at 9:30 AM PST - 60 comments
posted by ohsnapdragon at 9:30 AM PST - 60 comments
Quit caffeine - when will I feel good?
I quit caffeine 6 days ago. I had no withdrawal symptoms. But will I feel better if I keep going? [more inside]
Danish drugstore goodies!
I'll be visiting Copenhagen soon! Yay! When I go abroad I like to check out the local equivalent of Duane Reade or Walgreens and pick up skincare/haircare/makeup items that aren't (easily) available in the US. Are there any products that you recommend so I can arrive with a little list in hand?
Can we drink the bubbly from last NYE?
We have a bunch of bottles of bubbly from a year ago. Can we drink them? [more inside]
posted by sunflower16 at 7:36 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by sunflower16 at 7:36 AM PST - 13 comments
Should I keep this cat?
I live in a large-ish flat in central London. I already have one indoor-only cat, so am well versed in the ways of Cat. For reasons, I have to decide whether to take on a second cat who is currently outdoor-only and convert her to the joys of being indoors; or whether it's better for her that I find her another home. Cat Tax and extended beanplating inside. [more inside]
posted by citands at 6:30 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by citands at 6:30 AM PST - 26 comments
Help Instagram Gurus.
I started using IG about a year ago, and I'm clueless in how to acquire followers. Googling is pretty much useless unless you want to buy followers, and I have no interest in that. I have tried to follow people via compatible hashtags (#bostonfoodie #BostonEats #BostonEater) and rarely get a follow back. I post almost daily. I'm up to 760 followers and seems to be stuck on that number.
posted by Ferrari328 at 6:25 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Ferrari328 at 6:25 AM PST - 17 comments
What's the best Mac photo manager and how do I transfer everything over?
So I've been using photos for Mac since it was iPhoto. But now it's a mess. I've got multiple copies of things. I've got Raw+Jpg and I want to only keep the raw. And I have no desire to keep all my photos in the cloud and let Apple manage them. So what's the best program I can use for this and - more important - how do I transfer everything over while keeping all my edits?
Roman Forum tour recommendations
We’d like a tour of the Forum when we’re in Rome next month. Do you have recommendations? [more inside]
Batman movies or shows for young kids
One of my four year olds is really into Batman. We have watched the 2016 animated movie voice by Adam West (BM: Return of the Caped Crusader) MANY times. I’ve seen LEGO Batman also. What other Batman movies are appropriate for young kids?
posted by OmieWise at 5:33 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by OmieWise at 5:33 AM PST - 12 comments
December 26
The Perfect Backpack Purse?
My backpack purse is almost perfect, but it’s heavy on its own plus everything I have to carry. Is there something that meets my requirements in a lighter fabric? [more inside]
Reading list for trust/abandonment issues
I have a patchy upbringing and relationships scare me! Please recommend some books that would help [more inside]
all I want to do is broil a damned cauliflower gratin, why is this hard
I want a pan in which to bake, then broil casseroles; such as cauliflower cheese, butternut squash gratin, etc. Please help me figure out what material is safe to broil in and easy to clean up, and how to identify it in the store. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:57 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:57 PM PST - 20 comments
What did Freddie Mercury like to eat?
What foods might be associated with Freddie Mercury or Queen? [more inside]
posted by flarbuse at 9:04 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by flarbuse at 9:04 PM PST - 16 comments
Hashimoto's diet resources for vegetarians
I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and a gluten intolerance. I am also a vegetarian. Help me find some good cooking resources. [more inside]
Big Sneezy in the Big Easy
My best friend and I are going on a long-planned weekend trip to New Orleans. We arrive Friday 12/28. I have a nasty cold AND the forecast is for rain/storms all weekend. I am determined that we will have fun somehow but am seeking recommendations for the best soups New Orleans has to offer. [more inside]
posted by little mouth at 7:03 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by little mouth at 7:03 PM PST - 5 comments
Value of a Late 2010 MacBook Air
I am looking for a low-cost MacBook replacement.
I have the opportunity to purchase a late 2010 MacBook Air [more inside]
Birthday excursion for 14 year old boy in SF Bay Area
I am a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for a boy who will be turning 14 in January. Help me come up with a great activity/experience in the San Francisco Bay Area to make his birthday extra special. [more inside]
posted by ms_rasclark at 5:16 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by ms_rasclark at 5:16 PM PST - 12 comments
Motherfucking kidney stones
All the kidney stones, oh how they plague me. [more inside]
Where can I get a male rat neutered in NYC?
Where can I get a male rat neutered/fixed in NYC? Preference for Brooklyn and Manhattan, but I can travel further if you have a good rec. Cookies is around seven months old.
How to get the kitchen tablet setup of my dreams?
I live with three adults (soon to be +1 baby, not mine) and our home is cozy but cluttered. To make it more manageable, I’m looking to buy a dedicated tablet for the kitchen everyone can use. What’s your life-changing kitchen tablet setup like? Any app reconmendations? List of the things we’d like to use it for inside... [more inside]
posted by Snacks at 4:27 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Snacks at 4:27 PM PST - 5 comments
What to play on guitar
Thanks to you all I have been learning guitar since about April. I'm making progress and taking lessons. I'd love your ideas for songs to practice as an advanced beginner that are not by White Rock Dudes. Thanks! [more inside]
Around Japan in 12 hours or less!
I will have a 12-hour layover (flight gets in at 6:30 AM, flight leaves at 6:30 PM) in Tokyo-Narita airport in early February on my way from Jakarta to Boston. I've seen recommendations to go into Tokyo, or to go into Narita. What should I do with my 12 hours, and how cold should I plan to be? [more inside]
Can/should I use this sticker on my car? (Korean translation)
I bought a sticker that I would maybe like to put on my car, but the instructions are in Korean so I’m not sure it’s cleanly removable and/or appropriate for outdoor use. Can someone read the Korean and tell me if it sounds ok to use on a car (on the glass or on the bumper)?
posted by dayintoday at 3:14 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by dayintoday at 3:14 PM PST - 6 comments
Online recipe organizer suggestions
I'm looking for an online recipe organizer that allows sharing (or, better yet, lets someone see my entire collection of recipes). My current solution sucks. Surely everyone uses one of these? Tell me your favorite online organization for your recipes! [more inside]
Books/movies that give a flavor of life in small town Texas c. 1970
Boy is that overly specific. Anyway, just what it says on the tin. I'm looking for whatever kind of media that give some idea what it was like to live in a small town in Texas (or, you know, Oklahoma or thereabouts) in maybe 1960-1975. (Post The Last Picture Show, which I do adore in both of its formats.) Any suggestions?
posted by Smearcase at 2:43 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by Smearcase at 2:43 PM PST - 18 comments
How do 'sacrifices' work in Unstable Unicorns?
Santa brought 'Unstable Unicorns', and there was some disagreement about how certain cards could be played. [more inside]
posted by sevenyearlurk at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by sevenyearlurk at 2:41 PM PST - 3 comments
Career Shift Ideas
Following (another) year of the highs being too high and the lows being VERY low, I'm doing my annual "time to quit the biz for real real". I have skills, but I don't have ideas of where those skills would translate best. I would love some brainstorm support. [more inside]
posted by lizifer at 2:24 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by lizifer at 2:24 PM PST - 11 comments
SAT vs ACT college board exams
How did you decide whether your kid would take the ACT or the SAT? [more inside]
Marco? Polo?
In which film do the main characters, I think a mother and child, shout Marco and Polo at each other in order to find each other in places? I seem to remember one of the moments at the end is when the child replies perhaps because of an impediment.
posted by feelinglistless at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by feelinglistless at 12:19 PM PST - 4 comments
A food processor with well-organized parts storage?
Is there a brand and model of food processor that is a joy in all 3 phases of use : finding all the parts, using it, then putting them all away? [more inside]
Tell my cat how to buy and use a Mac Mini as a media server
I need this explained at the level a small tabby might understand because I am not as savvy as I once was, and anything related to networking is dark magic as far as I’m concerned.
I’d like to buy a 2018 Mac Mini and plug it into my TV as the only monitor and use my Mac keyboard rarely, when a keyboard is necessary, and plug in external drives with a billion photos and mp3s and then have access to my photos and mp3s through my tv, my sonos speakers, and MacBooks. [more inside]
posted by OrangeVelour at 11:42 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by OrangeVelour at 11:42 AM PST - 5 comments
Android Photo Management/Backup
Please help an iOS user get an Android-using relative's phone in tip-top shape for photo backup/management. [more inside]
How can I be the host with the most?
One thing I'm hoping to do in 2019 is to host more get-togethers with friends. I'm looking for tips/tricks/ideas to make hosting events enjoyable for the guests. [more inside]
Resources re: Inattentive ADHD?
I have just this month been diagnosed with the inattentive form of ADHD. Can anyone recommend any resources, online, book/magazine based, or video, on this less well-known type of ADHD, especially regarding adult women? [more inside]
posted by Archipelago at 11:12 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by Archipelago at 11:12 AM PST - 11 comments
Mitski's Horse Named Cold Air
Looking for songs like Mitski's Horse Named Cold Air. [more inside]
posted by El_Marto at 10:20 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by El_Marto at 10:20 AM PST - 8 comments
Perseverance in the face of rejection?
The daisies are not coming up, y'all. I've had a tough season of job, romantic, and friendship rejection. I would like tips for regaining my confidence in the face of rejection. [more inside]
posted by pumpkinlatte at 10:03 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by pumpkinlatte at 10:03 AM PST - 7 comments
Will eventual USA 3G shutdown break current 4G phone voice calling?
If 4G sends voice over 3G, what happens to 4g phone voice calling when 3G goes away? [more inside]
posted by zaixfeep at 9:24 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by zaixfeep at 9:24 AM PST - 3 comments
Looking for an Ibex (clothing) measurement, women's medium
I'm trying to transition my wardrobe from fleece to wool. I like Ibex but they are (currently) defunct, so their items are only available on eBay and generally not returnable. Evidence (w small) suggests that their torso style is longer and skinnier than mine. If someone out there has an Ibex women's medium top, would you measure the torso length for me? I'm thinking zipper length if it's a full zip, collar to bottom edge otherwise. Thanks in advance. (Other advice on nice plain wool clothing mfgrs beyond Smartwool and Icebreaker is welcome.)
posted by HaveYouTriedRebooting at 9:20 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by HaveYouTriedRebooting at 9:20 AM PST - 3 comments
What and where is this Ohio church?
Years ago, a family member of mine inherited a beautiful black-and-white photograph of a large church in Ohio. I've been trying without luck to figure out what church it is, but my Google-fu is failing me. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by southern_sky at 8:25 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by southern_sky at 8:25 AM PST - 7 comments
What are the best online tutorials for a new guitar player?
I am now the proud owner of a very basic beginner's acoustic guitar. What are the best online tutorials for an adult who has never picked up a guitar before yesterday? [more inside]
Eat, Pray, Love (Myself)
I was unceremoniously dumped just before the holidays by the person I thought I'd marry. After a decade of putting the needs of my partners first and my own needs second, I've vowed to spend 2019 getting to know myself better. In particular, I want to get past the mental hurtle that I can't do certain things (like travel, or buy my own house) without a partner. Please give me your best suggestions for group-based travel experiences, or otherwise living your best life while solo. [more inside]
posted by tealcoffeecup at 7:51 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by tealcoffeecup at 7:51 AM PST - 23 comments
Once you've mastered Ikea furniture...
I don't understand sewing patterns but I'd like to. I need someone to show me exactly how to interpret the pattern and put together the piece. Is there a video, preferably on YouTube, that shows every step in detail of a specific sewing pattern? Has to be an item of clothing or a 3D object more complicated than a pillow. No generic patterns or generic instructions-- needs to be a pattern with a number than I can buy and sew along with.
The Cold Hard 26th of December
This a question about USA retailing practices. Why is it that there is such an aggressive effort to remove all signs of Christmas in brick-and-mortar stores immediately after the holiday? [more inside]
What time would you set exterior lights to turn on and off?
If you had to set an on and off time, for outside lights on a residential street with no public lighting (i.e. no streetlights, only porch and coach lights on houses), one time, for year-round exterior lighting, what times would you set, and what would inform your decision? [more inside]
posted by Pig Tail Orchestra at 6:46 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by Pig Tail Orchestra at 6:46 AM PST - 22 comments
How to regain passion for working with kids
I'm a teacher but I don't enjoy working with children very much anymore. What can I do to enjoy working with them again? [more inside]
December 25
Where to resell a new-with-tags fancy-brand handbag?
I got a nice bag (think Coach, not Chanel) I suspect I won't use as a gift from a relative I don't feel great about asking about a gift receipt, and would like to learn about my options for reselling it. [more inside]
posted by potrzebie at 11:54 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by potrzebie at 11:54 PM PST - 13 comments
Skype History Download for Mac
I'd like to download my old chat history on Skype I have recovered from my old computer, on a Mac. [more inside]
Ithaca lodging suggestions?
Where should I stay in Ithaca in winter? [more inside]
posted by Riverine at 5:43 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Riverine at 5:43 PM PST - 3 comments
Custom full bleed cotton t shirts
I am looking to get made a small number (~5) of women's and men's t shirts. They don't need to be all-cotton, but they need to be at least part cotton. The women's t shirts need to be women's, not "unisex". They don't need to be "all over print" but the body of the shirt (not the sleeves) needs to be full bleed. Cost is not much of a consideration. Does this exist? Do you have a personal recommendation on a place you've used? Thanks for any leads!
Learning French in France 🇫🇷
One of my goals for 2019 is to do a French intensive course in France. I am looking at the Alliance Française in Marseille for June and I am wondering if anyone here has experience of them, or of Marseille? I am a solo female traveler in her mid 30s, with an intermediate knowledge of French. [more inside]
Android batch id3 tagger?
So I have a bunch of mp3 files on my Android 7 phone. For some reason, a whole bunch of them have broken or semi-broken tags. I would very much like to find some sort of free program that could clean them up sensibly. Details below the fold! [more inside]
Is an email agreement enough to end a lease?
We have an apartment lease in NJ that is up in the summer, but I would like to move before then and landlord’s brother is moving to town and asked if we wanted to move out early so he could get the apartment. Over email (a few weeks back) we hashed out details of the remaining rent payments (we stay until March 7, pay March pro rated, don’t pay remainder of lease, and security deposit is handled normally.) [more inside]
posted by ridogi at 2:51 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by ridogi at 2:51 PM PST - 6 comments
Silk or super soft PJs that don't "snag" on my fingers
I work outside. The skin on my hands catches on silk, almost like my skin snags the silk, so I don't own silk. I get very sweaty in my flannel PJs and would like to give myself a Christmas gift of new PJs that will not make me sweaty and not "snag" on my fingers. Does something like that exist in silk? If not, any other recommendations for luxurious sleeping clothes for sweaty sleepers? Knee length shorts and a top (tank, tee) preferred. [more inside]
Lettering-heavy tattoo advice, and seeking artist in Boston
Bostonians: Recommend me a tattoo artist for a simple but lettering-heavy tattoo? (Also, for body art fans in all locations: I'm wondering if this is the sort of thing I'd benefit by finding someone specialized for. Thoughts?) [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 2:11 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by nebulawindphone at 2:11 PM PST - 5 comments
How to make an iPad icon that will go to a specific Twitter feed?
I'm trying to give my mom an icon on her iPad home screen that will go directly to a specific Twitter feed. [more inside]
posted by lockedroomguy at 1:17 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by lockedroomguy at 1:17 PM PST - 9 comments
Mac-based alternatives to Photos?
I just finished scanning my parents' entire lifetime of slides, about 7000 exposures. Photos does not support order-by-filename on import. I need a photo management system that does. The bitweight of the image assets is roughly 200gb, about 175gb if we only look at the full-resolution output. Details within. [more inside]
posted by mwhybark at 1:16 PM PST - 13 comments
posted by mwhybark at 1:16 PM PST - 13 comments
Resources for preschool about problems with drag
After my kid's preschool holiday show included a drag performance mocking the idea of a man in a dress, I would like resources to give to the school about why this is a problem. [more inside]
posted by medusa at 12:40 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by medusa at 12:40 PM PST - 11 comments
Why does my printer's magenta color not line up with the other colors?
I have a brother MFC-9325CW, I often get a magenta line on the edge of the page, and the magenta color in the picture is always off by like a millimieter here is a picture
I tried cleaning all the colors, taking the color toners out and putting them back in, nothing helped. What gives?
PC Parts Picking
My PC imploded on my birthday a few days ago and now I'm basically in the position of having to replace the whole thing at once. I'm pretty out of touch with new parts, though, and am lost in general about what specs are good without going over the top. Suggestions? [more inside]
Where in Seattle should we put our aunt?
I have to get my aunt a ticket to Seattle for a few weeks for a family business thing, [more inside]
How Do I (Graciously) Say No Again to Something I’ve Already Refused?
I had a baby last week. This is super! We have friends and family who want to celebrate with us. This is extra super and deeply, deeply appreciated. But when they ask if they can come over to drop off supplies or do other X thing for us and I say no, we’re not up for it just yet, or thanks but we don’t need X, I get a ton of pushback. How do I firm up my boundaries while being polite and exhibiting the gratitude I feel? [more inside]
posted by Yoko Ono's Advice Column at 8:29 AM PST - 65 comments
posted by Yoko Ono's Advice Column at 8:29 AM PST - 65 comments
Book recommendations for thinking about cognitive distortions
I'm hoping to find a book (or books) discussing the idea of cognitive distortions to help me think more deeply on the though patterns beyond what I've worked through with a therapist so far. I'd love to find something similar to "Quiet" by Susan Cain. I found this book really engaging and it helped stimulate a lot of productive thinking. [more inside]
Games for mixed group
I’m looking for games and activities that are suitable for a family of mixed abilities including one senior who has trouble learning complicated new rules but does remember a lot of general knowledge stuff, especially literature and history. We used to play games that rely on mental ability but lately that seems unfair. Games like quirkle, chess, scrabble or rummy are out. [more inside]
December 24
What else should I listen to?
Remember t.a.T.u.? Their image may have been ridiculously manufactured (in a way that seems almost charmingly transparent to me now), but I have rediscovered their music as an adult I am so into it. [warning, that second video is violent] [more inside]
Help me help my abs
Where to start for a person with zero abdominal strength? I can't do a plank. I don't think I can do a sit-up. But I want to have abdominal strength both for general health and to help with lower back issues. Where can I start? [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:23 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 3:23 PM PST - 26 comments
I have the date and travel budget, I can't decide where to go
Is there a travel search engine, where I can set my flight budget, city of origin and travel dates and magically my destination options will populate?
Even better if I can narrow the search down to two continents.
posted by jennstra at 2:16 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by jennstra at 2:16 PM PST - 4 comments
California Dreamin': Shoe Edition
Happy holidays, Metafilterians! In a week I'll be leaving the Midwest to spend two months in California. I need suggestions for good, attractive, and functionally versatile "athletic" shoes. Snowflakes inside--though unfortunately not on the ground for a white Christmas this year. [more inside]
What's Carole King caroling?
I'm trying to figure out the lyrics to the song Christmas Paradise by Carole King. [more inside]
posted by KwaiChangCaine at 1:05 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by KwaiChangCaine at 1:05 PM PST - 2 comments
Thinx
Have you tried think (period underwear)? Did it work out for you? [more inside]
Help me make last minute travel plans?
I recently learned that I'll have three weeks off with relatively short notice (Jan 21 - Feb 8). I've had a pretty stressful year, and I have a number of hard decisions that I need to make soon, so I'd like to spend one of those weeks de-stressing and thinking about things away from home. I'm a relatively inexperienced traveller, so I could use some help in deciding where to go to properly relax. [more inside]
posted by kryppuk at 12:35 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by kryppuk at 12:35 PM PST - 8 comments
Confused on Christmas Eve about Android expansion files
Making an app and I have a question for Ask Metafilter's Android developers... [more inside]
posted by johngoren at 12:22 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by johngoren at 12:22 PM PST - 3 comments
Please don’t call it ‘daddy issues’. Thanks.
Drawn to much older men. Inappropriate crushes. Help me work through this. [more inside]
Transitioning from MacBook Pro to iPad
How does one move from a MacBook Pro (with files backed up to an external hard drive) to an iPad? [more inside]
posted by Apoch at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Apoch at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
Looking for a Video Editing Freeware Program - With the Timeline Ribbon
Been moving from PC to laptop - running Windows 7. Need a video editing program as close to the old, Movie Maker as possible. For some reason MM 2012 doesn't have a ribbon timeline below - the layout is very hard to work with and there's no adjusting it as I came to figure out.
Is there a MM clone or something as close to it that's also freeware? TIA
Bread burnt on bottom, not cooked through
I baked no-knead bread in a dutch oven, and it burned on the bottom but wasn't cooked all the way through. How should I adjust it next time? [more inside]
Christmas Song ID: 12 Days of Christmas
What is this kind of cool version of "12 Days of Christmas" I heard while shopping? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 6:56 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 6:56 AM PST - 6 comments
Looking for educational, vloggy stuff to watch on YouTube
I'm looking for good, educational, DIY vloggers who cover academic (or academic-ish) subjects for a general (but bright) audience. [more inside]
Tired of London, tired of life?
He loves London, but I’m depressed here. I love the North, but he was depressed there. Soon we’ll need to choose, how do we deal with it? [more inside]
posted by sockywockydoodah at 4:05 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by sockywockydoodah at 4:05 AM PST - 12 comments
Hundreds of tracking cookies
I don't like tracking cookies, and I take steps to block them. Still, I get hundreds of them, every time I go on the Internet. [more inside]
December 23
Losing hope in dating
I'm a 30 something who has had a tough year of dating (either being rejected, ghosted, or going on really bad dates) and I'm in a bad emotional place about it. [more inside]
Different settings on an iPad and iPhone - how do they work?
Kid has iPads (one at each house, same icloud, same apps) with lots of education, game, and video apps. Kid is now getting an iPhone and all I want on it is phone, text, FaceTime, and safari with major parent lock down. But how? [more inside]
Name That Artist: 80's Xmas Hip-Hop Edition
Back in the 80's I heard a song called "Too Cool For Yule" on one of KUSF's Christmas Specials and now I'm trying to figure out who the band was that did it. [more inside]
How to deal with someone who doesn’t like me
I have a good friend A, a woman, who is married to B, a man. All three of us are in our mid 30s and live in the same city, which is not our the city all three of us grew up in. I have known A and B for about 15 years and A and I have become good friends. B on the other hand never used to like me. [more inside]
Building a new life
How do I find healthy ground and further move past a toxic relationship period? [more inside]
The curious Good Samaritan
How far should you go in finding out what happened to the stranger you stopped to help? [more inside]
What kind of end-of-year tasks do you do with your business?
And maybe you're not a business owner but maybe you're a decision-maker at your company or you work for yourself part-time...what kind of things do you think about doing at year-end to help steer your next year's business? [more inside]
Vegan dining out in Seattle
Seattlefilter: where would you direct a couple that includes one vegan for a moderate to nice evening out? Budget up to $100 pp, restaurant can be entirely vegan or vegetarian or one with several good options but also meat options. [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 3:39 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by charmedimsure at 3:39 PM PST - 8 comments
How to help a flailing ADHD/ODD teenager live happy and productive life?
“Ben,” an 18-year old male family member with diagnosed ADHD (medicated) and probably ODD (can't remember if there’s been an official diagnosis, but he fits the DSM-5 criteria to a T), is struggling while also making life miserable for his mother and siblings. Mr. Carmicha and I would like to help. Ben’s mother, who is exasperated and exhausted, is open to all ideas. Can any MeFites recommend experiential and/or residential programs for his mother’s consideration that could help Ben turn the corner and enjoy a happy, productive life? TW: suicide. [more inside]
Resources for a future lawyer
Please recommend books, articles, websites, and apps for DIY pre-law studies. [more inside]
posted by smorgasbord at 3:06 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by smorgasbord at 3:06 PM PST - 14 comments
Quit playing with fire!!
How can I reframe this dynamic with my boyfriend, where I feel like he’s asking me to believe that he’s one way while he acts another? And am I just delusionally misinterpreting this situation? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 2:42 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 2:42 PM PST - 19 comments
Help with insecurities about my new relationship?
I (F24) am in my first real relationship with a guy (M24) and he is really cool, but I don't think I have much to offer and he will get bored of me and leave for someone else. How should I think about this? [more inside]
Exploring gayageum music
I want to explore traditional Korean music similar to Hwang Byungki's gayageum compositions - I love the melodic sparseness. I especially love Spring Snow and Eonmori. Where can I hear/learn more online? I've hit Smithsonian Folkways but the traditional Korean music they have is not what I'm looking for.
posted by facehugger at 1:57 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by facehugger at 1:57 PM PST - 2 comments
Snow tires and gas mileage
Wondering why snow tires reduce gas mileage if driven on the same surface as summer tires. I assumed this had to do with friction but was told that I "don't know how tires work." Any help? Thanks.
Should we allow our software developer to work remotely from China?
I run a small software startup. One of our devs will be going back home to China for a few weeks. Is it an unacceptable security risk for him to work remotely while he’s away? [more inside]
What can I make instead of persimmon cookies?
I wanted to bake persimmon cookies but wasn't able to find any of the right kind of persimmons. What can I substitute in for the persimmon pulp in my recipe that will have a similar texture and will go well with the rest of the ingredients/flavors (cinnamon, nutmeg, raisins, walnuts) ? [more inside]
posted by desert at 12:23 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by desert at 12:23 PM PST - 8 comments
Shaving my head without a razor blade?
If you regularly shave your head how do you do it? Are there electric shavers that are good? What's your routine? I'd like to avoid razors but I want a razor-like close shave (or nearly).
Help me bank?
I have a checking account with Simple, and I am thrilled with it. But as far as I can tell, Simple doesn't allow for multiple accounts. So I need another somewhere to open a separate checking account. I also need a savings account. [more inside]
How can I press keyboard buttons with my toes?
I am working on a transcription-related project where I cannot plug in a foot controller. Can you help me figure out which community of maker-types I should approach with my how-to-make-a-pneumatic-button-pusher question? Or maybe you could just be that community for me, for a sec? [more inside]
posted by BrunoLatourFanclub at 11:18 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by BrunoLatourFanclub at 11:18 AM PST - 19 comments
Offered a job after a one hour phone interview. Is this a red flag?
I was recently offered a job after only a one hour phone interview. This strikes me as odd and I could use some advice on how to proceed. [more inside]
are there companies that rent houses?
I feel like this is a dumb question, but are there companies, as opposed to individuals, who rent houses? I like the security of not being kicked out by an individual who has suddenly decided to sell, but my impression is that only apartments are rented by companies, not single family homes.
My Amsterdam travel catch-all question
At my wife's suggestion I have purchased plane tickets that will put me in the Netherlands for the week after Christmas. I am underprepared. [more inside]
posted by jon1270 at 9:35 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by jon1270 at 9:35 AM PST - 19 comments
Am I thinking too much about my first date ever?
So I went on my first date ever a few days ago. The fact that this has happened is enough for me, getting to the point of asking a woman out and actually going on a date is a huge milestone for me. I think the next time I ask someone out I will be way more relaxed and confident, it will no longer be the hassle it once was.
However, I liked the woman I went out with a lot. I texted her a day after but I have heard nothing back. I thought it went really well and that she was very interested in me. [more inside]
posted by Braxis at 9:12 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Braxis at 9:12 AM PST - 17 comments
Please help with a bill of sale.
I purchased a horse. YAY! Now I'm going to sell it. Another YAY! Of course, there is a Complication. [more inside]
What is this song in my head? Being nice to others and also insane...
I've had a song running in my head for the last few weeks and I don't know how to google it. It was a comic song, like the sort of thing Steve Martin would sing on SNL in the late 70's, or Tom Lehrer would do (only I'm fairly certain it wasn't Tom Lehrer - it aggressively didn't rhyme). [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 6:31 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Mchelly at 6:31 AM PST - 6 comments
Name this sewing stitch?
Howdy MeFites! I’m hoping our resident sewing experts can help me with the name of a basic sewing stitch my mother taught me when I was young. I’d like to research it further online (to determine whether I’m doing it right and when it’s appropriate to use). But to do so, I need to know what it’s called. The closest I have gotten to is a lock stitch but the videos of lock stitching on YouTube do not show this exact method. Description of the stitch is inside. [more inside]
posted by darkstar at 12:47 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by darkstar at 12:47 AM PST - 10 comments
December 22
a thirst-quenching substance of which I as yet know not
For medical reasons, I really shouldn't become dehydrated. I hate the taste of water and find it impossible to drink as much as necessary. What should I be drinking instead? Terms and conditions under the cut. [more inside]
the other woman
I am looking for media on, about, for the other woman. [more inside]
Can a “silent” check valve fail and become not silent?
Has my “silent” check valve on my sump pump failed? [more inside]
ALL the fruit in San Diego!
I want to find the best and cheapest fruit in all of San Diego. Where should I go? [more inside]
Cityfolk living in/near York Region - can it be done?
So, Mrs. Gefilte and I are considering a move from Toronto to regions north of the city. Can we find somewhere to live that balances our commute times without being driven mad by suburban blandness? [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte at 5:33 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by greatgefilte at 5:33 PM PST - 5 comments
Is A Hookah Lounge What I Want?
Mefites in the United States, what are hookah lounges like? I'm wondering if a hookah lounge would be something that would fill my longing to go smoke the occasional cigarette or other smoking material. Details after the jump. [more inside]
posted by WalkerWestridge at 3:33 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by WalkerWestridge at 3:33 PM PST - 21 comments
Which Instant Pot should I buy?
I am reading reviews, but maybe you can help me with personal experience. This is from the better-later-than-never club ...
I am shopping for a Christmas gift. It is going to be either an Instant Pot or one of its competitors (multi-function electric pressure cooker, etc.) [more inside]
posted by maurreen at 3:15 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by maurreen at 3:15 PM PST - 20 comments
Meeting daughter's partner first time xmas
I'm an aspie. I sometimes make people uncomfortable. Sometimes, I'm so anxious I can barely speak. I'm meeting my daughter's (26) boyfriend (32) for the first time. I think this one is serious. He, poor bugger, is meeting me (51, obese, laxy eye, buzz cut), her brother (28, unemployed, somewhat lacking in personal hygene, shy) and my partner (60, invalid pension, anxious, talented musician) for the first time. [more inside]
posted by b33j at 2:29 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by b33j at 2:29 PM PST - 29 comments
Odd secret santa gift sought
What's an offbeat secret santa gift I can get for someone by the 30th? Artistic punk-y person that I don't know too well. [more inside]
Surveyor of all I master?
Suppose I want to do a little amateur surveying. Are there books to read, and things to buy that would help? [more inside]
What to do about mice that obviously don't want to be trapped
I own an old-fashioned movie theater. I'm trying (and failing) to address a mouse infestation. [more inside]
posted by JD Sockinger at 12:15 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by JD Sockinger at 12:15 PM PST - 37 comments
Something's up with my eyes, but I can't see what it is...
I've been having some low grade vision difficulties for...maybe a year now? I'd like to go see an optometrist soon. Help me get as informed as possible before I go! [more inside]
Did our vet rip us off?
My partner took our Rosie to the vet this week because she was scratching herself so hard that she ripped her skin up. We suspected a food allergy and the vet confirmed it. He gave her a shot to treat the allergic reaction, some ointment for the wound, and a 24-pack of cans of new food for her to try. But then he also gave additional treatments and those are the ones I'm suspicious of. [more inside]
Time for Another Round of "Which Phone Should I Buy?"
I'm at the point of being super frustrated and fed-up with Apple, and I want to start researching now what brand/model of cell phone to buy after my iPhone 6 ends up dying! Personal requirements inside. [more inside]
"Tapd 66 times". What did Dame Mary Page endure?
Dame Mary Page died in March 1728 at the age of 56, and is buried in In London's Bunhill Fields cemetery. "In 67 months she was tapd 66 times," her tomb's inscription tells us. "Had taken away 240 gallons of water without ever repining at her case or ever fearing the operation." What on earth was being done to this poor woman, what condition was it supposed to address, and is there even the slightest chance it wasn't doing more harm than good?
posted by Paul Slade at 9:26 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Paul Slade at 9:26 AM PST - 10 comments
Christmas tapas
What’s a fun, special dish I can bring for a casual, quiet Christmas afternoon? [more inside]
Are these two stove fans compatible?
The convection fan on my 15 (?) year old Maytag Gemini oven has stopped working. I can not find a replacement specifically for my stove but I found one that looks exactly like it, has the screw holes in the same place, and is basically a carbon copy. However, the amps marked on the motor are not the same. [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 9:03 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by bondcliff at 9:03 AM PST - 10 comments
Learn-to-code app - worth it?
I'm thinking of offering my teens the chance to dip their toes into coding, and came across an app that seems to hold some promise: Mimo. How does this look to a more experienced eye? [more inside]
posted by progosk at 8:57 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by progosk at 8:57 AM PST - 4 comments
How to find livestreams from strangers
Facebook live is globally popular. I have fed voraciously off the global map (formerly facebook.com/live) which allowed me to drop into livestreams in random countries, attend random festivals, and learn about the world. Now they have pulled that interface and replaced it with some nonsense called watch. Is there any way to get back to watching livestreams from Dominican Republic, Peru, Nepal, Ghana, Brazil, the whole world? My interest in mainly those streams with few or no viewers, made on mobile phones, by people I couldn't possibly know.
posted by stonepharisee at 8:38 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by stonepharisee at 8:38 AM PST - 6 comments
Vitamin Gummy Bears - Millennial Edition
Another good idea, bad idea: I take vitamins in gummy bear form because. Can I kick it up a notch and soak them in vodka without lessening the vitamin potency?
Cool Little Free Library with minimal effort
I want to build a Little Free Library (to become an Ingress/Pokestop) but I'm limited in tools and skills. What's the bare minimum I could do to get one set up? What's the sturdiest post? [more inside]
Raging against the dying of the light
I'm looking for resources, tips, experiences in dealing with an elderly parent who is making life kind of miserable for those who are becoming increasingly responsible for her care, i.e. my sister. She has her funeral service planned out to the last song but who is mostly in denial/not cooperating in planning what happens between now and then. [more inside]
Shoes for socks, display edition
I am looking for shoes that will let me show off all my pretty socks! [more inside]
posted by LaBellaStella at 6:09 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by LaBellaStella at 6:09 AM PST - 6 comments
Cash inheritance coming in New Year.60 year old needs investment advice.
Large cash inheritance coming in New Year. Looking for a 4-6% safer than stocks return over the next 20 years. Best diversity model for my age?
posted by BillyAnne at 5:34 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by BillyAnne at 5:34 AM PST - 9 comments
Repairing a ripped seam on a nylon backpack?
I have a nylon daypack that has a 3" (and slowly growing) rip along one of the seams. The nylon fabric is textured and not "smooth". What's the best DIY repair answer for this? [more inside]
posted by kanuck at 5:11 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by kanuck at 5:11 AM PST - 7 comments
Good townhouse dogs?
What's a good cat-friendly dog breed for a first-time owner with lots of space and a semi-fenced small yard, but who shares walls with other homes? [more inside]
posted by blerghamot at 4:31 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by blerghamot at 4:31 AM PST - 14 comments
December 21
I feel like I'm constantly acting a role. Is this a known condition?
At work and at home I always feel one step removed - almost like I'm adlibbing my entire life. How can I snap out of it? [more inside]
How to Build a Better Baby Bump
I will be trying to conceive in the next year. What can I do to get my body ready? What can my husband do to get his ready? Details within. [more inside]
Federal employee: Legality of "on-call" status during gov shutdown
USA Gov Shutdown filter: "Excepted employees" whose jobs are necessary to maintain life or property must work during a shutdown and are guaranteed to be paid back when it's over. OMB says all others will not work. My agency is considering creating a middle status of "on-call" for employees who process paperwork that has Congressional deadlines. Can they legally require on-call work? [more inside]
When did particular shouting noise enter into musical zeitgeist?
My brother and sister are trying to pinpoint when a particular sound hit pop music: it's either "owee owee" or "owit owit". We want to identify what the sound is exactly, first. And second, we want a term for what it is. And third would be a couple of examples of the song and the era that they typify. Thanks!
Help me buy a wedge pillow!
I want to buy a wedge pillow to help with GERD, but am finding the options overwhelming. Looking for personal recommendations, snowflakes within! [more inside]
Which deductible earthquake insurance
For earthquake insurance should I get a 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 percent deductible in California? [more inside]
How do I select a used car?
We totaled our vehicle thanks to a patch of black ice on a hill. The insurance payment is now in hand, but our budget is limited and we can't afford a vehicle any more expensive than what our old vehicle was worth. I'm now in the market for a used car, and I'd like to know where to go to do my research on what makes/models/years are known to still run well, and which ones are prone to engine trouble and/or won't necessarily last much longer. [more inside]
posted by biogeo at 4:33 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by biogeo at 4:33 PM PST - 15 comments
Because I knee-d your opinion.
Many years ago, I fell while running. I hurt my knee. What kind of injury is it? Nobody here is giving me medical advice. (You are not my doctor. I am aware the sensible course of action is to consult an actual doctor and not internet strangers. Etc.) [more inside]
Preventing a sinus infection after flying with a cold
I have a bad cold. I'm getting on an airplane tomorrow. Almost every time I fly with a cold, I end up with a sinus infection. Is there anything I can do to lessen the likelihood of that happening? Do you have any other tips for flying more comfortably with a head and chest full of mucus? (My doctor forbids me from taking decongestants due to high blood pressure.) [more inside]
Arrested Development: Cinnamon roll edition
I started to make cinnamon rolls for Christmas presents for some friends I was going to see tonight. Unfortunately, I just got the news that someone is sick and we're postponing our get together until after Christmas. Can I freeze this dough for two weeks or otherwise pause this project? [more inside]
posted by geegollygosh at 2:25 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by geegollygosh at 2:25 PM PST - 7 comments
OBGYN in northern Virginia
We are looking for an OBGYN in Fairfax county, VA, for prenatal care. Is there anyone folks have had good experiences with? We would also need them to be open to working with other practices, since we will be traveling and receiving care in other cities for part of the pregnancy. Roughly around Falls Church would be ideal. We have heard that people like the Inova Fairfax hospital for delivery, but would be open to suggestions as well.
What is the best cross-country route for December?
I am traveling from Chicago area to Seattle area next week (in a car)! What is the best route to take to avoid difficult road conditions in winter? [more inside]
baby is pole #3
I need resources for Parenting While Bipolar (also some questions about parenting and cannabis use). [more inside]
Where can I sell items that are not clothes in NYC?
Where can I sell items that are not clothes in NYC? Do they exist? [more inside]
What are these mysterious bites with two puncture marks?
I noticed that I have these bites, and I was wondering where they came from. I don't recall the feeling of being bit at all, they just kind of appeared. They itch, kind of like mosquito bites, but it's winter (in Austin Texas), and I have to apply lotion so they don't itch. I've included pictures: they have two prongs (puncture marks). [more inside]
Fucking menopause. Help.
So I believe I've gone full menopausal and I am struggling so much. I'm looking for advice in coping with both physical and mental symptoms.
What are your symptoms? Can you relate them to specific things that you can recommend as having helped? Have you been able to find information and resources that don't feel either condescending or full of GOOP nonsense? (Also, it would be great if they don't cost the earth. Ha.) [more inside]
Tell me when it's decorative gourd season, motherfuckers!
Help me build a recurring seasonal calendar of reminders. [more inside]
posted by peacheater at 8:41 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by peacheater at 8:41 AM PST - 15 comments
Playing my old games on a new PS4
We're getting a second PS4. Can I use play games on the new console that we bought for the first console, without having to repurchase? [more inside]
posted by Beverley Westwood at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Beverley Westwood at 8:25 AM PST - 4 comments
Flavor my Holiday Crepe Cake
I'm looking for new new flavors for my 30 layer crepe cake. Thinking of lemon as the core flavor and maybe adding pomegranate, ginger, and either almonds or pistachio. Details inside. [more inside]
Switching to glass food storage from plastic
I use a lot of plastic food storage boxes. Despite being microwave and dishwasher safe, these inevitably end up warped and stained orange. I'm also generally trying to reduce my use of plastic. So I'm thinking of switching to glass, but I have questions! [more inside]
posted by maybeandroid at 7:50 AM PST - 41 comments
posted by maybeandroid at 7:50 AM PST - 41 comments
Hormones Hijacking My Life
98% of the time I am a very happy, fulfilled person. 2% of the time I have PMS and become withdrawn, have intrusive thoughts, and am difficult to be around/find it difficult to be around others. My questions is about finding resources (particularly CBT-based) to help me manage my emotions that are NOT therapy (for reasons*). Bonus if it's focused on continuing to be a good partner/parent. [more inside]
Pork Stew
I’ve agreed to make a pork stew for Christmas dinner, and I am not happy with what I have found so far. Please recipe me! [more inside]
posted by GenjiandProust at 7:30 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by GenjiandProust at 7:30 AM PST - 19 comments
Help me get up to speed re: seizures in teens
I think my kid might be having seizures. The first doctor's appointment has been made. Help. [more inside]
Mid-career technical retraining for an introvert
I'm an introvert in my mid-30's and looking for a career change which will be a better fit. I'm considering retraining, either through a boot-camp or self-study, as a web developer. Would this be a good fit? If not do you have any other suggestions for technical retraining? [more inside]
Experiences with EMDR or major trauma work when therapy is irregular?
My therapist wants to start EMDR at some point next year, but I'm not sure either of us can commit to the schedule involved. Have you had experience with doing this kind of work while possibly having a four-week therapy break? [Details inside] [more inside]
Pagans vs Papers. Who's right?
Unconfuse me. If it's winter solstice today, why is it being marked at Stonehenge tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 1:34 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by popcassady at 1:34 AM PST - 13 comments
December 20
Canada US tax planning
Canadian living in the US for the next few years, how to best plan my tax situation?
Do you have a good cross border tax advisor? More inside... [more inside]
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:18 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by St. Peepsburg at 11:18 PM PST - 6 comments
Resources that demystify (fiction) writing
Short gist of what I'm loooking for:
Detailed descriptions of writing/drafting process, authors releasing a step by step timeline of their various drafts a la Brandon Sanderson, thoughtful discussion of the how writing works, guides to how to break down a piece and figure out what makes it work/tick, things like that. [more inside]
posted by Cozybee at 10:12 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Cozybee at 10:12 PM PST - 16 comments
Cost effective + easy peasy decor and furnishings for a trade show booth
Looking for suggestions and leads on quick, easy, and cheap (the holy inaccessible trinity) ways to furnish a trade show booth to make it pop. I need someplace to have a TV play some videos, another small table for marketing materials, and some chairs... tall chairs or low and comfy. [more inside]
posted by Unsomnambulist at 9:44 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Unsomnambulist at 9:44 PM PST - 9 comments
Subaru Crosstrek
I am starting to shop for a car, either new or less than 5 years old. The current favorite is the Subaru Crosstrek. Questions ... [more inside]
Favorite pedagogy books?
Please hit me with your favorite pedagogy books (or articles) to read before my next semester of TAing! I'm interested in both theory (especially radical and progressive pedagogy) and praxis. I teach composition & rhetoric mostly to traditional college students, but I'm interested in any helpful books as long as they're not mostly applicable to young kids. (Tiny additional optional stocking-stuffer: any resources on course design / how to plan a semester? There's a standard course template that I've been sticking pretty closely to, but I'm thinking about how to go beyond it.)
What do you think about group interviews?
Preparing for doctor's visit about fatigue
I decided my fatigue is problematic enough to complain about it to a nurse practitioner. I've had some of the initial screening done, and I'm wondering what next steps would be like / symptoms to track to make this appointment useful. [more inside]
Cooking project ideas for completionists
I'd really like to try a cooking project in 2019 where I can track my progress toward a specific completion goal. Can you help me brainstorm ideas for a "cook every type of ____" type project that are more creative than just "cook every recipe in ____ Cookbook"? [more inside]
posted by capricorn at 2:52 PM PST - 42 comments
posted by capricorn at 2:52 PM PST - 42 comments
Looking for these Puma shoes in Canada
I want to get these Puma RS-X shoes from a Canadian store, online or in person in Montreal. [more inside]
Save my rugelach
I somehow accidentally made puff pastry dough instead of rugelach dough. Can I recover? Pics inside. [more inside]
how do I cope with anorgasmia from antidepressants?
I'm a cis woman in my 30s, I started taking an antidepressant (Trintellix--similar to an SSRI) a month ago, and it's working but also giving me the same anorgasmia I've gotten from SSRIs in the past. The inability to release built-up tension via an orgasm--I guess the equivalent of blue balls--is hard to bear. [more inside]
Vintage porn mags in NYC?
A friend of mine wants vintage adult magazines for Christmas. Where could I find some, preferably close to the East Village?
Is there anything like Orsinal (kids' games collection) w/out Flash?
I'm looking for web games collections for kids with: Few or no ads, HTML5/JS-powered games instead of Flash games. Target audience is 7-10 y.o. Is there anything like this? Thanks!
Is this a good way to transfer my VHS tapes to digital files?
If I buy a machine like this will I be able to (pretty easily) transfer my VHS tapes to digital files? Somebody I know says "yes" but I am skeptical. These things are always more complicated than that! What would be the process, anyway? Is there anything else I would need, other than a VCR and a TV?
Sexy Cool Shoes...But What Brand and Where to Find These?
I'm a casual shoe freak, meaning, I like wearing shoes that are really comfortable but also stylish and modern. [more inside]
posted by zenpop at 10:29 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by zenpop at 10:29 AM PST - 5 comments
Hosting / Guest Etiquette
If you were hosting an event for a large group of people and said BYOB and we'll be getting a takeway (ordering food in), would you be offended if a guest brought their own food? [more inside]
posted by JenThePro at 10:27 AM PST - 47 comments
posted by JenThePro at 10:27 AM PST - 47 comments
Not the fine motor skills I was hoping for
My baby just dumped a glass of water on my MacBook. Oh my god please help me plan my next steps. [more inside]
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 10:17 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Mrs. Rattery at 10:17 AM PST - 18 comments
Who can help me with COBRA and suspended AETNA insurance?
My wife lost her job. We are paying for COBRA, which supposedly should continue our previous insurance setup with AETNA.
However, we went to our pediatrician and they said our insurance status was "SUSPENDED." My wife has contact AETNA and they say our insurance is fine, but my wife got blood taken today and got the same "SUSPENDED" notice...
Is there someone or some organization that I can ask for help? I live in Berkeley, California.
Apple ID different in two places on iPad
I got an alert for "Update Apple ID Settings" on my iPad. When I hit "Continue," it asks for my password, but is showing an old Apple ID email, and there's no option to select another or change it. When i go into iTunes and App Store on the iPad, it shows my correct Apple ID email address as signed in.
A bunch of my stuff isn't syncing across devices because of this. HELP!
Getting organized for Christmas - methodology?
Even though I am not working (mat leave) I feel like I cannot figure out how to finish ALL THE THINGS for Christmas. I am honestly feeling what I imagine adult ADHD feels like - thoughts going in all directions, inability to begin or prioritize...I only say this to help you help me. I am getting panicky. If you have a sort of plan or schedule you follow, can you please share it? [more inside]
Writing and sentence structure worksheets
I’d like to help a very bright and academically successful teenager improve her writing. [more inside]
Evaluating the impact of large construction project on my house
I live in a small row/terrace of six older houses. The row has some minor/liveable issues with long-term settling etc, such as off kilter walls/floors, small cracks up the sides of houses, etc. A major construction project will be going next door up on the same block - as in physically adjacent to the end house. It is steel framed, may involve pile driving etc. Neighbors are interested in the possibility of investing in some kind of pre- and post- structural survey, to identify any impact on our houses (movement, etc.). What should we be considering? - for instance, what sort of specialist should we hire, and what should we ask them to look for? Thank you! [more inside]
struggling with Microsoft Office 365
my employer switched to Microsoft Office 365 this past Monday. I now encounter difficulties accessing my work email on my (personal not work) android phone (Huawei P6 if it matters). [more inside]
December 19
flourless chocolate cake
I have lost the recipe for my tried and true flourless chocolate cake. It's a very simple recipe, but for the event I am baking for I don't want to experiment. The issue is that I have a nine inch springform pan. The recipe on epicurious that looks closest to the one I use calls for an 8 inch pan. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 11:56 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by nantucket at 11:56 PM PST - 11 comments
What’s a good book about computers for a fourth grader?
I’m looking for a book for kids about computers, or digital electronics generally. I’m imagining something that will help my daughter to have a sense of how computers actually work, as well as how to use them (which is where school seems to be focused). Not “how to code” necessarily (though that’s fine too) but something that gets into the basics of zeroes and ones, how information is stored, how the internet works... like, in a fourth grade way, but still accurate at the basic level, y’know?.
What spider?
What species of salticid is this? [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 6:20 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 6:20 PM PST - 11 comments
laptop to projector
I often need to hook my laptop to the projector at work, and I need the laptop to continue displaying its screen (sometimes a website, sometimes a powerpoint) while the laptop is locked. [more inside]
Cancer or chronic illness when alone
Have you or anyone you know ever had to deal with a serious illness like cancer while alone (no partners, housemates, or family to care for you)? How did you manage? [more inside]
posted by divabat at 5:08 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by divabat at 5:08 PM PST - 16 comments
Cost of a U.S. Passport in 1984
I'm still writing my story that takes place in 1984 when some poor schmuck (me!) needed to purchase a U.S. passport--an expedited passport no less. So I am looking for the cost of the passport, plus the extra fee for expediting the process. I have no memory of what these items cost and am hoping someone can come to my rescue. Thank you!
posted by Ira Weston at 3:23 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Ira Weston at 3:23 PM PST - 7 comments
The Scream Heard Round the World
A while back, I asked this question about examples of screaming in religion and philosophy. Now I'm looking for broader examples of significant screams from literature, movies, history, art, etc. Examples within. [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 3:23 PM PST - 40 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 3:23 PM PST - 40 comments
How can I appear less threatening?
A couple of times a week, I take a walk through a local neighborhood to get dinner and catch some Pokemon. Now that it's getting dark so early, I've noticed that people are getting a little more skittish when I walk by. How can I pre-emptively allay fears? [more inside]
What is this thing I found in the tidepools?
I found an unusual rock type thing in the tidepools, and I've never seen anything like it before. What could it be?
What should I do after a failed dental implant?
My implant failed — it came right out of my mouth as the endodontist was checking it. Now I have to wait at least 2-3 months for gum and bone to heal. Meanwhile, I need to decide between several options. [more inside]
I'm failing at my new job - what should I do?
I'm so scared that I'm failing at my new job. What are my responsibilities and what can I do to feel less terrible? [more inside]
I need to get my stuff back from a family member
I have a rocky relationship with my mother and we were on good terms when I moved to Germany so I thought it would be ok to leave her all of my pictures instead of putting them in storage with everything else. Well, things crashed and burned over the summer and now that I’m back in the states for the holidays I would like to get them back. She’s being uncooperative and now has been unresponsive. What can I do? [more inside]
Twilight fanfic done with Peanuts comics?
A friend alluded to Twilight or New Moon fan fiction executed with panels from Charles Schulz's "Peanuts" comics, but with the speech/captions redone as fanfic narrative. It would have been around in the mid-2000s. [more inside]
Removing a broken window pane
Night before last someone shot my living room window with an airsoft pellet gun. It's a dual-pane window, and only the outer pane was broken -- the inner pane is in tact and undamaged. If my landlord doesn't get to it by tomorrow, I want to remove the remaining broken glass myself. How do I do this in the way that's safest for me, and won't damage the window further? [more inside]
Working from home with a newborn. Tips?
I work from home. My son is a brand new baby. How do I make this work? [more inside]
posted by huskerdont at 10:35 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by huskerdont at 10:35 AM PST - 12 comments
Wassail! What is your favourite spiced cider (or other liquid) recipe?
Especially if it involves that thing where you stick star anise into oranges and makes your home smell amazing. [more inside]
Overthinking a Plate of Beans: Gifting Bagged Coffee Beans
I drew a relative for Secret Santa who is a coffee lover. I'd like to bring him some bagged Philz coffee beans from SF, but I would be buying them tomorrow (the 20th) and he would be opening them on the 25th. When I look online, there are coffee forums that say that coffee beans are best within 2-4 days of roasting. Am I wasting money and luggage space by bringing him local beans? [more inside]
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 9:14 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by rogerrogerwhatsyourrvectorvicto at 9:14 AM PST - 15 comments
Klezmer or other Jewish music, help
My workplace plays music for the holidays for our holiday light display and we need more Jewish music. Help me find great music to be played in our gardens. [more inside]
Would you xmas hummus?
Is a gift of hummus kind of lame? [more inside]
An Empty (And Secure) Home
How do I keep my house secure, while I'm out of town? [more inside]
New year, new durational entertainment experience
My husband and I like to spend New Year's Eve marathoning horror movie series, and are having trouble coming up with a good one this year. Hope me? [more inside]
Tips and tricks for architectural salvage noob?
I have the opportunity to get into a 120 year old house before it is demolished. Need advice! [more inside]
I'm getting a bike! Now I need a baby seat + accessories
Shh! It's a surprise and my kids think I don't know, but I'm getting a women's Electra Loft bike for Christmas (small size). I'm going to need some accessories, and I'm going to hit the after-Christmas sales! The #1 thing I need is a rear child seat for Nano McGee. #2 is some carrying capacity. More details within. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:00 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:00 AM PST - 12 comments
Trusting compliments, or not
I'm looking for a loosely remembered...essay? study? viral Tumblr take? about the psychology of Millennials in regards to the "everyone is special" phenomenon. [more inside]
posted by Phire at 7:46 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Phire at 7:46 AM PST - 6 comments
Random Person: "Eat This" Me: "Okay!"
I was waiting in the McDonald's drive through, and the lady at the window gave me a handful of...something...to eat, and I ate it. What was it? [more inside]
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:39 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by AzraelBrown at 7:39 AM PST - 9 comments
Trying to find a poorly-remembered dim sum restaurant in NYC
I'm trying to find a dim sum restaurant (I think in the East Village, maybe Alphabet City) that I went to in June 2018 and now can't find. I don't remember many details of it, except that it was the best thing ever. [more inside]
How to form a "Friends of" nonprofit?
I am on the board of a public committee, and would like to set up a "Friends of" nonprofit so that we'll be more able to manage our own money (for example, we'd like to set up scholarships for some of our activities, etc). We currently earn that money entirely through our own fundraising events, we receive no public funds. What are the steps to setting up a nonprofit like that? How can I manage a "Friends of" nonprofit successfully? [more inside]
How Do I Talk Myself Out of Quitting In The Next Few Days?
I left work early today because I had an unavoidable meltdown resulting from how my boss ineptly handled a situation he knew I am sensitive to. I can't go in to work today because I'm too upset and know I will hand in my notice - how do I move forward from here? [more inside]
How often can I use coffee to cure headaches before rebound headaches?
I HATE coffee, but in a moment of desperation I discovered that I can cure a headache with a shot of espresso. However, I know that if you do this "too often" you get rebound headaches. But I don't know how often is too often. Is 2-4 weeks apart ok or too much?
Ketogenic diet doctor or dietitian in NYC?
I'm looking for a medical professional to help me lose weight following a ketogenic way of eating. [more inside]
I'm a US citizen. I win a house in France or Portugal. Can I live in it?
Let's say you - a US citizen - win a home in a depopulated region of France or Portugal. The company giving it to you says that all legal issues are YOUR problem. So what are they? AM I allowed to own a home in either of those two places? And if so, are there any restrictions on how long I can live in the home?
December 18
If it’s Monday, it must be Boston (again)
How to figure out the best logistics for going back and forth between NJ and Boston every other Monday for at least two months? [more inside]
posted by dancinglamb at 8:22 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by dancinglamb at 8:22 PM PST - 14 comments
Thyroid slowly crapping out. Do I have to wait for it to get worse?
I'm pretty sure I'm in the early-to-middle stages of a significant decline in thyroid function. Two doctors have said they agree, based on my symptoms and family history, but said I'll just have to keep watching and waiting until it eventually gets bad enough to treat. Obviously I'm not thrilled with this, as I'm already experiencing frustrating and uncomfortable symptoms. I would love some advice on whether there's something I'm missing and/or ideas to try in these months before I can see an endo. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by second banana at 6:21 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by second banana at 6:21 PM PST - 22 comments
Where’s the (Washington Post?) article re: good questions for your kids?
A few days or weeks ago, there was a thoughtful newspaper article (in the Washington Post?) about some questions parents could ask their kids in order to know them better. I wish I’d clipped it; I can’t seem to Google it. Anybody remember this?
What to do with honey orange slices?
I made five jars of these honey orange slices, and they turned out very harsh. Too harsh to eat straight out of the jar, which had been my plan. What else can I do with them? [more inside]
What are all the cool vegans eating/wearing/buying?
LastMinuteGiftFilter: can you help me think of any particularly cool/interesting gifts for vegan, animal-rights types? [more inside]
Injured by...lying down
Have you ever had and recovered from back problems caused....by the very mattress upon which you slept? (Or by some other seemingly innocuous physical arrangement in your daily life?) If so, how did that work for you? [more inside]
Jeopardy-themed recipes?
A friend is hosting a viewing party(-ies?) for his Jeopardy appearance(s?) in early January. He's asking people to bring themed potluck dishes around common Jeopardy categories. Ideas? [more inside]
Did a patch test trigger a broader allergic response?
Could a positive finding on a patch test trigger a reaction to a material that I have been continually exposed to since my wedding day? [more inside]
Boy baby name that sounds good in English, Spanish, and Russian
My boyfriend and I are expecting a child. I'm Russian, but grew up in the U.S. I have a Russian first name and last name. My boyfriend grew up in a Central American country, but his dad was of Japanese descent, so boyfriend has a Japanese first name and last name. Right now, we both live in the Central American country boyfriend grew up in, but we would like to move back to the U.S. in a few years. We can't seem to find many boy names that sound good in English, Spanish, and Russian. [more inside]
Feel like I'm getting stupider and losing my ability to think and talk
Since I was learned to read, a part of my identity has been based around 'being a reader', having a relatively wide and even slightly esoteric vocabulary (meaning I enjoy words!) and talking in well constructed sentences. [more inside]
Rembering an Atari Hemophilia Game
A family member visited a center for hemophilia patients some time in the 80's and remembers a game for young hemophilia patients, but not much about it. His guess is that it was for the Atari 2600, but it could have been any contemporaneous system. He would like to find the name of the game so that he might play it again.
Dealing with a bully
I have been friends with a group of girls for the last 15 years. Most of them are nice, some are ok and one is a mean girl bully type. She puts me down in subtle dig ways and I have no idea why me. For example when everyone turned 21 there were lots of parties. As a student from a relatively poor family, I didn’t have much money for a constant stream of new dresses. So I used to sometimes wear one I’d worn before. The mean girl, let’s call her M, would say something like “oh I recognise that dress, that’s the one you wore to Xs 21st” in a big loud voice that everyone could hear. [more inside]
Recasting acrylic pen blanks
I have some leftover bits of acrylic pen blanks. Can I melt and recast them? [more inside]
The hospital sold me a knee brace while I was drugged. How to return?
Yesterday I got surgery and after coming out of recovery, I was sold a knee brace. I felt pressured into signing the paper, and was very confused. I signed it for $690 which I would never do with a clear head. And I even already had purchased the brace myself on Amazon for around $100. I feel taken advantage of, and would like to return my brace for a full refund, but I'm not thinking clearly (on all kinds of drugs and post anesthesia) please help me start the return process! [more inside]
Like meatballs but smaller
I’d like to make mini meatballs that I’ll serve in pasta sauce alongside veggie lasagna. I tend to make meatballs that are pretty big, like you eat one or two on your spaghetti.
Do I need to do anything differently to make them smaller? [more inside]
How to paint metal clips?
I'm trying to upcycle a handful of old standard magnetic bulldog clips and am wondering if there's a way to paint them. I thought acrylic craft paint would work, but it didn't. What kind of paint would I need to paint such metal clips? Bonus points if the paint is inexpensive and comes in small amounts.
A scar I hate is looking even worse
I have a biopsy scar on my arm that I hate. I banged it on a cabinet door last weekend and now it's significantly darker. What can I do to minimize the appearance of this scar, both short- and long-term? Pics inside. [more inside]
posted by homodachi at 10:15 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by homodachi at 10:15 AM PST - 18 comments
Headphones for listening stations?
I need to recommend the purchase of about a dozen pairs of headphones for my workplace, for the public to use. Criteria: over-ear, with volume adjustment (ideally a knob for each ear, NOT the little wheel on the cord). Easy-to-clean a plus! Under $100 ideal, given that we have to buy a bunch. Anyone have recommendations or suggestions, so I'm not stuck with random googling? Thanks!
posted by theatro at 9:48 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by theatro at 9:48 AM PST - 6 comments
Seeking optimal gesture for my new in-laws
I recently got married. My wife comes from a Muslim family, but she does not practice. I come from a Catholic background and I also do not practice. Islam is a very important aspect of her parents' lives, and although they seem to generally approve of me and our marriage, I wanted to offer them a sincere gesture or some sort of meaningful offer to acknowledge values in their faith. [more inside]
posted by swoopstake at 9:33 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by swoopstake at 9:33 AM PST - 17 comments
Blood Pressure always hurts
Whenever I get my blood pressure taken, it hurts. This is not just a little discomfort or squeezing. This is a painful pinch that makes me grimace. Is there anything I can do about that? [more inside]
posted by soelo at 9:32 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by soelo at 9:32 AM PST - 11 comments
How to proceed with a new friendship after feeling triggered?
An online friend said something that activated past stress and pain. We are just getting to know each other and processing this now feels like a heavy lift. [more inside]
Resources for socially progressive Christians
I love Jesus, and I also love people in the LGBTQ community, feminism, art, critical thinking and pluralism [more inside]
Help me buy a digital piano
I'm planning to buy a digital piano, hopefully for around the £1000 mark. I'm a competent pianist but have relatively little idea what I should be looking for in a digital piano, and the options are somewhat overwhelming. Please help me narrow it down a little! [more inside]
posted by bored_now_flay at 8:35 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by bored_now_flay at 8:35 AM PST - 17 comments
How to print cards from old SW without discs
For years I used a version of Broderbund Print Shop to make all sorts of cards and signs. This was before everyone had such super easy internet type versions of things like Christmas cards at cheap prices. It saved the files with their own extensions (.NOT for notecard, etc). I no longer have the SW but would like to reprint some of my files. Is there a way to do this or do I need to track down an old version of the discs?
posted by maxg94 at 8:30 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by maxg94 at 8:30 AM PST - 3 comments
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
Is "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" about a kid too naive to recognize his dad in a Santa suit? Or is it about a mother having an affair who gets away with it because her paramour is dressed as Saint Nick? Or is it actually about a mom who gets a quick snog with Santa and her kid sees? I do not think this song is supposed to be ambiguous, but here I am. Please help.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:20 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:20 AM PST - 31 comments
Digital subscription gift ideas for my Dad
It's really tough to find the right gift for my dad (like many dads.) He doesn't need anything, and always appreciates something handmade or thoughtful rather than 'more stuff'.
I was wondering if others had suggestions for enjoyable digital subscription gifts. Here are a couple I've given him in the past that he's really enjoyed:
-LibraryThing (lifetime membership - he loves cataloging his huge collection of books.)
- Storyworth - a great online tool you can use to record your family history. Prompts you with questions, and you can add several family members to privately record and document your family history.
Wondering if anyone can think of any other ideas like these?
Some father/son tourism in and between Jyväskylä and Helsinki this Feb?
I am going to a conference in Jyväskylä, Finland this coming February. For his Xmas present I'm going to organise for my 70-year old dad to come out for some of the trip and I'd like some advice on how to plan it. [more inside]
posted by einekleine at 6:08 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by einekleine at 6:08 AM PST - 6 comments
Resources for online digital art/prints?
I am in the market for some (inexpensive) art to fill my dull walls. I've come across a few lovely Etsy shops doing either digital art or fairly inexpensive prints,
here and here for example. Are there any more shops, etsy or otherwise, you can suggest? (Not really looking for say, prints of famous paintings, etc.)
Christmas Fun in Charm City
We are traveling to Baltimore this weekend and will spend part of the time with my wife's 95 year old mother in assisted living. The rest of the time we will be in a hotel room in Hunt Valley. We are familiar with the city. Help us to find interesting events, activities and even open restaurants on the 24 -26th of December in Baltimore and its suburbs.
.
posted by Xurando at 4:49 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Xurando at 4:49 AM PST - 9 comments
Coping with trauma of a close friend's sudden cardiac arrest
Two weeks ago, my very close (young, healthy) friend fell into sudden cardiac arrest during our choir rehearsal, losing her heartbeat and respiration. Thanks to the quick CPR intervention of two medically trained choir members in the room, as well as a speedy ambulance arrival, she was resuscitated and ultimately made a full recovery. But witnessing this event happen to someone so close to me was very traumatic, and I'm suffering psychological and physiological symptoms of stress and anxiety. How can I cope with what happened? [more inside]
Will the UK police pursue my case?
I was caught by transit authorities in the UK without having paid a tram fare about a year and a half ago. I gave them my real address, real first name, but fake last name and birthday (I was drunk and panicked). I received a ticket in the mail and paid half of it, but due to financial constraints could not pay the other half. I ignored subsequent letters, hoping it would just go away due to being a relatively small fine. [more inside]
Starting from the basics
I'm depressed. I know the theory of how to try and improve my situation (exercise, hobbies, etc) but it overwhelms me because it's too general. Even the "break it into smaller chunks" advice feels like too much. Is there a list, book or website with a ready-made daily schedule of what I should be doing? [more inside]
What went wrong after my fun spontaneous "first date"?
Had a great, spontaneous fun night with a female friend of a friend. We made a date to see each other again, then, little by little, her interest seemed to fade, until the inevitable ghosting. So, post-mortem: what went wrong? [more inside]
December 17
women in the US take their husbands' names?
My wife has changed her surname to match mine. I vaguely knew that this was a thing that women in the U.S. did, but that's where my knowledge starts and ends. Can anyone recommend some reading? About the history, how it's represented legally, weird corner cases, etc. Imagine if Mary Roach were to write a book about this. [more inside]
Ya Gotta Have Heart(s)
I have played, over the years and documented in my overall statistics, over 5,000 games of Microsoft Hearts. I am convinced the game cheats. Does it? [more inside]
I'm attached to my hair - it isn't attached to me :( hope me!
I am 29/f. I finally have long hair that has taken me lots of effort and years to grow. It has been slowly (and more recently, quickly) thinning, likely due partly to pretty advanced hypothyroid that was only recently diagnosed. In the last month my hair loss has reached fever pitch and is affecting my everyday life - my hair has become a nightmare of brittleness, tangles, breakage, shedding, and patchiness. I'm basically resigned to getting it chopped off - anything else I should think of before I do? (stupid amount of details inside) [more inside]
Looking for social hobbies/activities
Pretty much all of my current hobbies are a) seriously boring and b) individual activities. I'm interested in finding some hobbies (or activities, in general) that are more social in nature. Preferences inside (although, there aren't that many). [more inside]
Travels with Fluffy
Have you ever (successfully) taken your cat on a road trip? In a mid-sized car? Bringing your own shelter along (a small travel trailer towable by a mid-sized car, a sturdy-walled tent, yurt, or similar portable shelter)? What worked? What seemed like a good idea at the time but didn't work? Please tell me your car adventure cat stories! (There are many obviously bad ideas one could think of. I don't need/want to hear those stories.)
posted by eviemath at 7:35 PM PST - 23 comments
posted by eviemath at 7:35 PM PST - 23 comments
How to get along with my dad better this vacation?
I'm having some difficulties getting along with my dad so far on my vacation/visit home. Any ideas or coping strategies would be appreciated. [more inside]
Renting winter outerwear in Minnesota for visitors from the tropics
In January I'm taking some friends to my parents' cabin in northern Minnesota for the full Minnesota wintertime experience (snowshoeing, sauna, Nordic skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, etc.). These friends live in a tropical climate and don't expect to experience subarctic conditions again for the foreseeable future, so they don't want to buy some of the heavier winter clothing (mainly snowmobile suits) that might be necessary for standing around a hole in the ice at -20°F. Is it possible to rent snowmobile suits (or super well-insulated skiwear) in the Twin Cities, Duluth or Ely, MN? [more inside]
posted by theory at 6:56 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by theory at 6:56 PM PST - 6 comments
Is this a PDF for ANTS?
I regularly have to create very large email productions in the form of portfolio pdfs. For the most part, the Acrobat Pro plugin does exactly what I need, with one exception. If the email contains a long url, it will refuse to wrap it, even if it was wrapped in the email version. This results the Adobe shrinking the text of the email to fit the width of the page, waaaaay past the point where its reasonable to expect people to be able to read. [more inside]
How do we wedding?
We have some of the specifics sorted, but are clueless in other departments. [more inside]
How do I make a future with this guy?
Can i make a future with a guy who is free spirited and lives very far from me? [more inside]
Where to buy same commercial DVD in bulk
I want to buy several copies of the same movie DVD. They don't need a case, and they can be scratched. Do people sell this kind of thing on the cheap? Where and how should I search for this?
Pretty PC games for the tired and uncoordinated
I love Botanicula and Seasons After Fall, and the aesthetic of Hollow Knight and Ori and the Blind Forest (though the dexterity those two need for boss fights / mid-level puzzles is a bit beyond me most of the time). What other games could I try? [more inside]
posted by Otto the Magnificent at 2:31 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by Otto the Magnificent at 2:31 PM PST - 16 comments
acting 101 for adults- Bay Area
Looking for recommendations on exploring the theater itch, for zero-experience adults. I'm in the Bay Area and would love any Bay Area-specific program recommendations, though please provide any general advice you think is useful for people elsewhere. Also interested in voice acting. Details below the fold. [more inside]
Cutting 2D material and deforming into 3D
I want to cut a 2 dimensional material and then deform it into 3 dimensions as part of an art project I have in mind. What I'm looking for is education into how certain 2 dimensional shapes deform into 3 dimensions. [more inside]
posted by Defective_Monk at 1:59 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by Defective_Monk at 1:59 PM PST - 12 comments
iCloud Drive as a Common Data Location, More Like Dropbox?
I used to keep common data folders on Dropbox. I'd put all my PDFs, docs, epubs, audio files and plain text notes there to access from my iPad, iPhone, and MacBook Pro. (I'm just one person, so I don't have to worry about managing versions.) I can't seem to do this with iCloud Drive. When I create a Project folder at iCloud Drive's root level, my iOS apps can't see the data there. The iOS apps all want their files to be inside their own app-specific folders. Is there a way around this?
posted by Jesse the K at 1:29 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by Jesse the K at 1:29 PM PST - 2 comments
Where can we watch the newest episode of RuPauls Drag Race in Munich?
Allstars S4e2 comes out in the states on December 21. We're in Munich at that time and would like to watch it with a friendly crowd. Where should we go?
Solutions to a Housing Crisis: Dogs & Cats Edition
My town has an epidemic of renters forced to choose between their pets and a roof over their heads. How can I help? [more inside]
posted by differently at 1:01 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by differently at 1:01 PM PST - 12 comments
Will a currency note be detected in a gift shipped internationally?
I am posting a Christmas gift to a friend abroad, and would like to include a €50 note in the parcel as a reimbursement for something they picked up for me in my absence. However, if the note will be detected during the shipping process I would prefer to wait, so that the recipient doesn't have to pay gift tax on the currency. [more inside]
posted by myotahapea at 11:11 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by myotahapea at 11:11 AM PST - 8 comments
Exercises modified for disability, and who can help me find them
I have a number of physical limitations that make all forms of exercise that I've tried pretty unpleasant. What kind of professional can work with me one-on-one to find alternatives or make modifications that will improve my health and fitness rather than leaving me worse off? If insurance might cover them, better yet, but I might be able to pay out of pocket for something great. Or if you have suggestions based on my snowflakes, I'd love to hear them! [more inside]
posted by metasarah at 11:02 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by metasarah at 11:02 AM PST - 25 comments
YouTube Fitness Channels
I love Yoga with Adriene. I want this kind of thing except for other types of exercise. [more inside]
Recommend me your favorite time-lapse videos!
I love watching time move fast! I tend to like more people-based videos - shots of people every day getting older, people refurbishing old houses/antiques, neighborhoods changing over time, etc. But if you know any super cool nature ones, then I'm up for watching those, too!
Hitech padlock
I'm looking for a padlock (for a shed) that does not have a key. There are a bunch of bluetooth padlocks on amazon but they seem quite unreliable. Is there one that's reliable? [more inside]
Name this TV show
There was a TV show in the 90s about a guy who lived in a house by himself for 30 days and could only use the internet to support himself - groceries, clothes, food, etc. We thought it was a radical idea at the time and it was heavily criticized - what was it called? - thanks!
posted by FireStyle at 8:36 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by FireStyle at 8:36 AM PST - 13 comments
Photo folder or something on an iPhone
I want the equivalent of a photo album, on my phone. I don't want it to be part of the Photos app -- it should be its own independent thing. It needs to open quickly and work in airplane mode. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:15 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 8:15 AM PST - 2 comments
Trying to get reimbursed for dental care, failing
I had a dental procedure a few months ago and paid out of pocket, hoping I'd be reimbursed. The dentist's office says they submitted the claim several times. The insurance company says they have never received any claims from them. Now what? [more inside]
Feeling pressured to accept a job offer. What to do?
A company gave me a job offer. The offer letter says I have a week to make a decision, but I feel like I’m being pressured to respond sooner. What to do? [more inside]
Help, I accidentally an open marriage
After a few years of marriage and kids, we decided that we might benefit from having an open relationship... now what? [more inside]
Career change ideas for an applied social science researcher/evaluator?
A few years ago, I earned a master's degree in applied educational research and evaluation. Based on my work experiences so far, I doubt this field will be a good long-term fit for me. What careers should I consider instead? [more inside]
Bulk(y) foods
I'm looking for foods that I can buy in 25lb bags for a joke Christmas gift.
Googling for this has been harder than I expected, because presentation matters. Five 5lb bags of flour won't cut it -- I want something large enough to be a bit unwieldy and to present a won't-fit-in-the-apartment-pantry logistical challenge. I'm going for the aesthetics of something you'd get at the feed store, but meant for human consumption. [more inside]
posted by Metasyntactic at 5:24 AM PST - 38 comments
posted by Metasyntactic at 5:24 AM PST - 38 comments
Variations on Lebkuchen (or possibly Christmas cookies)?
The last couple of years I have brought home-baked Lebkuchen (made from a recipe given to me by a friend's mum) to work for Christmas. This year I'm working in multiple places over the Christmas period, and while "make lots more Lebkuchen" is definitely an option, I think that a bit of variety would be nice. So: what are your best Christmassy biscuit (cookie) recipies?
Bonus for gluten-free and/or vegan that omnivores won't notice are gf/vegan as I'm not going to have a chance to scope out dietary preferences before Christmas. [more inside]
Two turntables, hold the microphone, please
I'm looking for a pair of cheaper direct-drive turntables for amateur DJ'ing (just basic mixing, not scratching). What's a decent make and model at the lower end of the price spectrum? Secondhand is fine. [more inside]
posted by escape from the potato planet at 4:16 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by escape from the potato planet at 4:16 AM PST - 4 comments
What should I get this person for Christmas?
I drew someone for Secret Santa and I'm drawing a blank. She likes backstabbing board games, people playing with her hair, and photography.
Friend got arrested and will probably lose his visa. How can I help?
A friend of mine got swept up in what looks like an international political disagreement. He is currently under arrest, completely incommunicado, awaiting further outcomes. Thankfully he has as of just now been able to receive consular services. Bail, due process... ideas like that sadly won't apply in this case and this is not about how we can get him out.
This is a question about what we can do to help him back on his feet once he is released. [more inside]
posted by krautland at 2:36 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by krautland at 2:36 AM PST - 3 comments
December 16
Ravenclaw palooza
Our 9 year old boy is lovng him some Harry Potter, and is firm that Ravenclaw is his house of choice. As we are remodeling, he has a chance to redecorate his room, and I’d love to do some
ravenclaw touches, but am having a hard time finding much that isn’t Griffindor and Slytherin. Wall decals? Bed curtains? Can you point me at anything that would give the right look?
posted by purenitrous at 10:16 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by purenitrous at 10:16 PM PST - 19 comments
How to Avoid Having an Annual Houseguest
So I've had a friend for the past 20 years or so. Well, I don't want to be friends any more... We were friends over a summer when we were teenagers, and ever since, he's come back to my neck of the woods pretty much every year. He likes where I live a lot more than I like where he lives, so I've never visited him there, though he did host a cousin for a week about 5 years ago. [more inside]
posted by oaklandj at 9:38 PM PST - 18 comments
posted by oaklandj at 9:38 PM PST - 18 comments
Sydney covered - Where Else?
I am traveling alone for 11 days from US East Coast to Sydney in early February The first five days will be a very stressful visit with a family member. I will then have four days to decompress before the long flight home. Can you suggest what I should do that would be relatively stress free and provide a taste of Australia? [more inside]
posted by gingerjules at 6:31 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by gingerjules at 6:31 PM PST - 16 comments
Seeing a psych for ADD/ADHD as an adult?
I’ve never talked to a psychiatrist about possible ADD/ADHD, nor do I know much about it. I want to bring it up with a psychiatrist but I’m pretty paranoid! [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 6:25 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 6:25 PM PST - 16 comments
Quick, easy, cheap, healthy, delicious
I'm moving out on my own soon, and will need to start cooking for myself consistently again. Last time I had to do a lot of cooking for one, it kinda sucked. Help me build a repertoire of meals for one that meet all of the following criteria: quick, easy, cheap, healthy, and delicious! [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 5:48 PM PST - 37 comments
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 5:48 PM PST - 37 comments
What are our bathroom rights Houston
I'm gender transitioning( Mtf). legally speaking, I still count as a male. My girlfriend is handicapped. We live in Houston.
What are my rights to use a bathroom of choice by myself?
What are her rights to have me in her bathroom of choice since she needs assistance? [more inside]
Matching hats?
My husband wants to buy matching winter hats for himself (man-sized head) and our daughter (2 year old toddler head)? Where oh where can we find some? [more inside]
The way things work : human body edition
I want to read a book to better understand how the human body functions, and how to figure out, at a basic level, what’s wrong with it. [more inside]
Experiences with grocery delivery
I would like to know your experiences with grocery delivery, like instacart and shipt. I don't drive due to disability so trips to the grocery store are an hour minimum from home, and 30 minutes if I only need to pick up a couple things after work. Worth it? Not so much?
How Do I Approach Possible Financial Sponsors For Non-Profit Event
I am producing an awesome TED-like event on the current influence of Buckminster Fuller. I am looking for sponsors to cover costs, speakers honorariums, etc.
I can cold call and email small businesses for product donation and event support.
How would I go about asking larger businesses or non-profits for financial assistance.
1) How do I approach them (email, cold call, etc)
2) What language would I use
3) How much can I reasonably ask for?
Makeup and Daily Sunscreen
Please explain to me like I'm 5 how to wear makeup but also reapply my sunscreen every 2-3 hours as recommended. As always, there are snowflakes. I know about foundation and powders with SPF but don't know where to start. General tips for how to effortlessly work sunscreen reapplication (face and body) into one's daily activities are appreciated as well! [more inside]
Kitchen knives for children
My child (3) loves to cook and has specifically asked for a knife to cut with. There seems to be quite a few on the market so looking for any recommendations (obvious disclaimer that he is heavily supervised). Also welcome, any suggestions for other cool kitchen stuff so he can 'help'!
Introduce us to (educator) vlogging
My wife is a high school math teacher, and she is interested in recording short lessons for her former and current students. I read a bit about best ways to record videos, and I think the first clip is decent-ish, but we would appreciate insight, guidance and feedback. [more inside]
Help me not buy a house
Over the past year I paid down significant debt and have more savings than I've ever had in my life. Out of nowhere I have a sudden, irresistible urge to buy a house. There are reasons why this is not a good idea, at least not immediately. Talk me down. First time home buyer horror stories solicited. [more inside]
Relative sent us a cheque with the wrong name on it
My wife and I need help on how to tell her relative that the name she put on a cheque she sent to us is wrong. [more inside]
Automatic kitchen trash disposal solution?
We’re renovating our kitchen and I’ve always wanted to install an automatic “kitchen trash to outside trash can” solution. Not sure if one exists, and google didn’t help (mostly just trash compactor units), so I figured I’d ask the hive mind :-) [more inside]
Readers and Librarians, Need Non-Fiction & Fiction Titles
Spouse (63, fly-fisher fisherman, old car enthusiast, classical music lover, recently retired from computer programming career) has asked for short list of a few non-fiction and fiction titles similar to other books he's liked so he can get them from the library to read. He likes somewhat challenging books as well as non-fiction that reads like fiction if it's hefty enough. [more inside]
Pescatarian Keto... give me your best plans!
I'm fairly overweight, and my doctor and I have agreed to go on a ketogenic diet in January, likely for months. I've also been a pescatarian for the past four months or so, and I don't want to give that up. What are your best books, blogs, or other resources for vegetarian or fish-based keto diets? What worked well for you, and what did you do to deal with monotony and impulses? Thanks for helping!
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 8:07 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by skookumsaurus rex at 8:07 AM PST - 8 comments
My White Whale: The Perfect Raincoat
Background: I live in Richmond, VA (so it's rarely super cold), I walk dogs for a living (so clothes have to hold up for 6-9 hours at a time and also be tough enough to deal with the job), I HATE sweating inside my clothes (Id rather go cold than sweat or deal with condensation). We sometimes have days where I spend the entire time in medium/heavy rain, so I need something that will hold up that long. Style is important to me, but not as much as function.
Bullet points inside! [more inside]
posted by megan_magnolia at 6:10 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by megan_magnolia at 6:10 AM PST - 16 comments
Loss of a period of time - what happened?
My husband had a period of time where he was essentially walking and talking but evidently wasn't forming memories and couldn't recall certain things in the moment. We're going to the hospital again in a couple of days but I wanted to know if anyone else has experienced similar or knew someone who had. I've seen the other similar questions, but wanted personal experiences. [more inside]
Presents for people living in boats
Looking for something useful to buy my father, who has recently moved back to living on a boat (catamaran, sailing boat, 32 feet) after about 7 years on dry land. He's got the basic necessities and doesn't do the more kitschy end of things - what might he need? The boat as they always do needs some work. I have seen this thread.
posted by paduasoy at 1:47 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by paduasoy at 1:47 AM PST - 17 comments
How do I think about money without having financial goals
I saved through my 20s and hit 30 with more than I'll need for a long time, but no plan for what to do with it, or why I need to earn more. How do I find a direction when all the financial planning gospel is about the homes, cars, and kids I don't want? [more inside]
Distancing from sibling without hurting his kids and ruining Christmas
My sibling is a bit of a bully. They also have sweet kids who I love to pieces and who are very attached to me. My SIL is nice but a bit spineless. If I don't come to the family Christmas dinner (celebrated at their place because of how large their family is) I will ruin Christmas for everyone but if I go I will lose all respect for myself. Help me navigate this situation with grace and dignity. [more inside]
Books for a short attention span
I am looking for items I can read in a short amount of time.
This question is specific to English-language books and not any other type of media. [more inside]
posted by maurreen at 12:21 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by maurreen at 12:21 AM PST - 19 comments
December 15
I yearn for a warm front seat when I get in the car.
Can we jerry rig some way to pre-heat, and continue to heat, our car's front seat? The car is two years old and we regret not getting heated seats, but we didn't. Now I have nerve degeneration and cold intolerance, and oh -- to have it warm when I first sit down, and continue with specific warmth! [more inside]
posted by kestralwing at 10:05 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by kestralwing at 10:05 PM PST - 15 comments
Family Tree Resources?
Hi, AskMe. :) I've become interested in my genealogy lately, and decided to re-activate my account on Ancestry.com and see what I could dig up. I've had some success but would love any other resources you lovely people might suggest. My tree, as it stands now, is here. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 9:35 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Alensin at 9:35 PM PST - 14 comments
What's the song they're playing in this video?
Video is of a string quartet busking right outside the Oculus in NYC. Seems to be a classical, post-Baroque piece, with a very recognizable crescendo at the end of the movement/section(?). Link here!
posted by coolname at 8:19 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by coolname at 8:19 PM PST - 6 comments
Car body shop in Chicago?
I scraped the left rear side of my hatchback (not too bad, mostly around the wheel area), and I reckon I should get it fixed before it gets super snowy. I'm in Lincoln Park / Old town. I'm willing to drive a bit to get it fixed somewhere good. Oh, and it would be nice if they could replace my (separate incident) bent -- but driveable -- wheel rim. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 5:33 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by amtho at 5:33 PM PST - 6 comments
Recommendations for Evanston, IL exterminators/pest control companies?
Getting bitten by some unknown pest which I haven't been able to locate or identify. [more inside]
Help save my Florentine cookies
I decided to try a new recipe for almond Florentine cookies because I needed them to be gluten free. But -they won't bake! They're staying liquid and bubble, even after taking them out and letting cool. Any ideas what I can do to rescue these? Or ideas how I can reuse the mixture for something else?
posted by darsh at 3:43 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by darsh at 3:43 PM PST - 4 comments
Help me find a good gift for my mom
I have a common problem: My mom is hard to buy presents for. And yet, I love it when I can find a present that shows her I'm thinking about her. Help! Some stuff about my mom inside. [more inside]
Very new to DAWs, would like to play with a drum machine.
I own an x-touch mini and i know that the buttons can sense acceleration. I would like to learn how to turn it into a drum machine with Reaver or another freeware DAW. [more inside]
posted by tedious at 2:49 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by tedious at 2:49 PM PST - 7 comments
I need to deal with my mom
My mom is infuriating and our relationship is incredibly unhealthy. Things came to a head over thanksgiving. I need to figure out how to move forward. [more inside]
How to capitalize on a pending, big announcement
I'm about to publish a book about public radio fundraising. I want to take advantage of the certainty that when President Trump submits his 2019-2020 budget to Congress, it will again recommend the defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. [more inside]
Recommend some recentish good reads?
I'm looking for well-written books with engrossing plots that are somewhere on the spectrum between garbage-mass-market-airport book and important-but-arduous literary book. They're for my mother, who really has no genre preference, just wants books that are entertaining but not Danielle Steel-level writing quality. I would like to avoid anything too grim this year. [more inside]
posted by Mavri at 12:13 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by Mavri at 12:13 PM PST - 22 comments
HONK!!! HONK!!! HONK!!!
What causes people's factory car alarms to "randomly" go off all the time? [more inside]
Not your grandpa's La-Z-Boy
La-Z-Boy seems to have come a long way. I like some of the basic sofa styles on the site and price seems good... but I am shopping for our #1 seating area and we are ... not a slender family. And we have a cat. So my couch needs to be sturdy - as well as comfortable! Any Mefites have a recent La-Z-Boy experience to share?
(Alternative recommendations also appreciated)
posted by nkknkk at 10:27 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by nkknkk at 10:27 AM PST - 11 comments
Help me de-plastic my hair and skin care
One of my goals for 2019 is to reduce the amount of plastic packaging coming into the house. I am happy with my hair and skin care routines, but everything comes in plastic packaging. Are similar products available wrapped in paper or packaged in glass? If not, or in addition, what companies have really good recycling practices? [more inside]
posted by ALeaflikeStructure at 9:30 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by ALeaflikeStructure at 9:30 AM PST - 13 comments
Should I be home for Christmas?
I'm not sure if I want to go home for Christmas because I'm healing from a few years of disordered eating that my family is not aware of, and I kind of want to protect my healing space. [more inside]
Is there any reason not to buy induction cookware?
Assuming you have a gas stove and both cookware are the same price. [more inside]
Financial anxiety, aging parents
As my parents get older I'm having some anxiety about helping them financially. I realize that at least some of my anxiety can probably be addressed by getting more information. [more inside]
How to compensate family for hosting our daughter?
My daughter will be travelling abroad and might be able to stay with family for a few days. I'd love for her to be hosted by this cousin instead of staying at a hostel. How would I go about compensating my cousin? [more inside]
posted by Coffeetyme at 8:08 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by Coffeetyme at 8:08 AM PST - 15 comments
old family and business records - would anyone want them?
I have the financial records for an insurance salesman during the 1930's, 40's, 50's.
in a southern city.
Would this type of material be of interest to anyone? What sort of researcher or library collection should I be looking for? I don't have a lot of time before the house will be taken down.
posted by egk at 6:51 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by egk at 6:51 AM PST - 6 comments
Best books about same sex parenting
I'm looking for some good books about same sex parenting to give to a lesbian couple with an adorable baby boy. They say they want something to prepare them to address the good, the bad and the ugly (ex: bullying, homophobic slurs, etc). Same sex marriage and parenting are legal in our country, if that makes any difference.
Could you give some recs? Thanks in advance!
It's another "identify this [alternative, techo-poppy] song" question!
I woke up this morning to a song on a radio station I had playing overnight. It was super catchy, catchy enough to wake me up. The only part I remember was the end of the song, where the phrase "we don't sleep" or "we can't sleep" was repeated over and over. Deets inside. [more inside]
Help me locate this passage in an old etiquette book
In my teens, in a spirit of irony, I read a few older etiquette books. This story might or might not be from Emily Post, but it's from something of that era. [more inside]
posted by zadcat at 5:45 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by zadcat at 5:45 AM PST - 4 comments
Insta-etiquette
If someone you know in real life follows you on Instagram and you don't follow them back, is that a major social faux pas or snub? [more inside]
Durable chair mat?
Looking for a durable chair mat that is made for heavy use. [more inside]
Swedish breakfast: fluffy grain with jam
My husband is trying to remember the word for a breakfast he ate as a child, which he says was a fluffy brown grain, eaten warm, with jam on it. It was probably in Sweden. Most likely it was a Swedish word, but maybe not, as his mother was English. He says it sounds like "granola". [more inside]
Help me find books to read with my young children
I have two young children, voracious readers both, and am struggling with the persistent challenge of finding things to read. Please help with recommendations. [more inside]
can’t figure out logical way to approach health insurance decision
My family buys individual health insurance. Due to watching my friend die while locked into a crappy hospital system’s health insurance, I have some traumatic stress around this issue/have never felt safe with an insurance policy that didn’t partially cover out of network charges. This year, I need help figuring out how to approach my family’s choice logically. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by hungrytiger at 1:47 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by hungrytiger at 1:47 AM PST - 4 comments
Please hope me "forgotten cookie exchange in Japan" edition
I kind of spaced on the fact that I have a cookie exchange tomorrow morning, but being where I am, I can't just pop out and get what I need. With what I have available in my pantry, can you help me make an awesome cookie? [more inside]
December 14
My vagina can't be rushed; his penis can't wait
I'm in a sex quandary and need your help. I (a woman) am seeing a lovely older man whose erections can be a little erratic. That's not a problem in itself. If he gets an erection and gets to do something with it, all is well, but if he then loses it, it generally doesn't come back. Meanwhile, I take a long while to get physically receptive to penetrative sex (and it's not just a matter of lubrication--in order to comfortably accept a penis, it just takes a sustained period of arousal for me), during which (wonderful, sexy) time the erection sometimes comes and then goes. What are your suggestions for working with this, assuming that 1) intercourse is something we both want and not another sex act, and 2) Viagra etc. is not a good option?
Am I taking too much?
I am a newly minted medical marijuana patient and want a gut check - am I taking too much? [more inside]
How do you grieve the self you used to be?
For my entire life until last year, I’ve been a pretty even keeled person emotionally. But then something traumatic happened, and now my mental health is showing the effects. I’ve got PTSD. I don’t handle distress well, and I have a lot of trouble regulating my emotions. I’m doing all the things I’m supposed to do (including individual and group therapy), but it’s becoming clear to me that although these difficulties may wane eventually, even with a lot of work, they’re going to be with me for a long time. This makes me so sad. Mefites, do you have any suggestions for how I can come to terms with the fact that my brain behaves differently now than it used to, and that I’m functionally a different person now, with more limitations than I used to have? I’m tired of feeling sad and broken.
Best 2 night side trips from Rome?
I'm taking my mom, who is Italian-Canadian and in her sixties, to Italy for 9 days as a birthday present. She has never been to Italy (or Europe for that matter). I've travelled around Europe a fair bit, but have somehow missed Italy, despite the heritage connection. We're flying in and out of Rome and, while we know we could spend 9 days there and never run out of things to see, we would still like to take a side trip and see a bit more of the country. But where to? [more inside]
Will I regret replacing just my evaporator coils?
We recently moved into a home in Texas with a 14 year old HVAC system that consists of two heat pumps and two air handlers. All or most of the refrigerant has leaked out of both systems. Will I regret replacing just the evaporator coils? Or regret, as the home warranty company suggests, replacing just the two air handlers? [more inside]
posted by GliblyKronor at 9:30 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by GliblyKronor at 9:30 PM PST - 2 comments
Seeking anecdotal evidence on PFLAG's effects on parenting
If you came out as any flavor of LGBTQ while you were living with your parents, and they went or were sent to PFLAG for advice, do you feel like it helped you in any way? Did it improve how they treated you or how well they were able to support you? Did it have any effect on you at all? [more inside]
posted by nebulawindphone at 8:45 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by nebulawindphone at 8:45 PM PST - 6 comments
Appropriate tip for family daycare owner and staff?
Our daughter attends a small family (in-home) daycare here on the SF Bay peninsula, and we'd like to give the owner and her (one) staff a Christmas gift/bonus. We've been thinking about giving cash because, frankly, we just don't have the energy for a truly thoughtful gift with a 10-month-old. The daycare itself is a marvelous value at $1500/mo, and we are exceptionally happy with it. The question, though, is how much is appropriate? We don't want to be showy, but also have no reason to be stingy.
Give me your favorite jarred products: Jams, chutneys, spreads?
As stocking stuffings this year, I'd like to give my foodie family new condiments to try. What comes in a jar & is missing from their fridge? [more inside]
Can I Eat Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder without Cooking It?
I have some dutch-process cocoa powder. I want to mix it with various food (e.g. peanut butter) and eat it without cooking/baking it. Is this safe, or is it toxic/harmful if not prepared in a certain way? (This seems like a simple question to Google, but I really can't find any info addressing this.)
posted by 3FLryan at 6:55 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by 3FLryan at 6:55 PM PST - 8 comments
Can I leave thawed salmon in the fridge for another day?
I was going to cook salmon for dinner today, so this morning I took a frozen salmon fillet from the freezer, cut open the packaging and left it in the fridge to thaw. Then I decided I don't actually want salmon for dinner today. Can I leave the thawed salmon in the fridge and cook it tomorrow, or do I have to I cook it today?
Two bad dental options (bone graft or bridge). Help me choose.
This was me in August. I did as advised and had the tooth pulled before my hiking trip and all was well. I've just gone back to the dentist to arrange my implant and have been told it can't be done without more invasive surgery. Two terrible and expensive choices are in front of me. You are not my dentist. [more inside]
Need a cool beer to bring to a party of beer people
Can anyone recommend a beer that I could pick up or have ordered to Calgary to bring to a a party consisting almost exclusively of beer nerds? Not really looking for anything with wacky added flavours. A bottle big enough to share for under $20CAN would be fantastic. [more inside]
posted by CarrotAdventure at 5:53 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by CarrotAdventure at 5:53 PM PST - 5 comments
Seeking book suggestions for Read Harder 2019 challenge
Bookriot has an annual "Read Harder" challenge, suggesting 24 categories of books to read. I need good recommendations for 18 of them. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 5:43 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by kensington314 at 5:43 PM PST - 34 comments
Books of or about photography for a precocious teenager
Help me, photographers! My excellent nephew is a very academically gifted kid who hates school and most organized activities...except photography. I want to give him a good photography book but that’s not my art form of choice. Details within! [more inside]
Looking for eco-conscious, worker-friendly clothing sources
I am a clotheshorse. I have accepted this about myself. However, I am also in a position to be able to afford clothes that, through their process of being made, don't actively make the world a worse place. Do you have designers/shops/resources for me? My tastes and some examples of what I already like under the cut. [more inside]
posted by kalimac at 5:34 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by kalimac at 5:34 PM PST - 11 comments
How do you stay warm...
... if you are a person who is always cold when the temp is below 72 degrees? Yes, I am a Very Special Snowflake about staying warm... it's just that I don't want to literally turn into one. [more inside]
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 5:05 PM PST - 26 comments
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 5:05 PM PST - 26 comments
Desperately seeking table feet
I have a table with half-inch wide metal hairpin legs, and am looking for rubber-ish feet that attach to the bottom (see pic). Google search is failing me. How would you describe these, and what do you call the part where the rod snaps in? I have only 2 of the original set, and would like to find something similar or a new set of four. They must exist somewhere!
posted by mefireader at 3:48 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by mefireader at 3:48 PM PST - 4 comments
What should an NYC newbie know about dogs?
You're single and have a small dog in a downtown L.A. apartment. You're taking a job in Midtown. What should you know about bringing said dog to NYC?
I'll cry me a river that leads to your ocean
Sheesh do I ever dig Emotion as recorded by Samantha Sang. What else would I dig that I am not thinking of? [more inside]
Bird stuck in air space between chimney & liner -- what to do??
Critter removal service was just here. They can't do anything about the bird stuck in my chimney. The bird is BETWEEN the chimney liner and the chimney itself. Apparently there is a gap of about 2 inches between the metal chimney liner and the brick chimney itself and that's where the bird is. Is there anything I can do besides just letting it die in there? It's 330pm friday and I called 2 chimney repair places and got voicemail for both. [more inside]
document management
I am working on a project (a series of workshops) with two other people. We are using Google Docs for collaboration between the three of us. Also, email. Also, there are documents which I save on my own hard drive. Is there any way I can corral all this fragmentation in one place? [more inside]
I just want to stop overeating.
I have dieted and regained weight my whole life. Now in my 50s my BED is getting worse. I thought it would have resolved by now. What do you say to yourself to get in control? [more inside]
posted by barnowl at 11:47 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by barnowl at 11:47 AM PST - 26 comments
Experiences for $900, Alex
What fun thing can we do for $900 - $1400 in the coming year? [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 11:41 AM PST - 23 comments
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 11:41 AM PST - 23 comments
Help us choose between pediatricians.
Mr. Millipede and I toured two pediatric offices for the twins we are expecting in early 2019. Please help us choose between them. [more inside]
Book recs for a precocious twelve year old
I'm looking for some non-fiction books for my twelve year old. [more inside]
posted by Tabitha Someday at 11:24 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Tabitha Someday at 11:24 AM PST - 19 comments
From point A to B
How am I able to find an apartment to rent without a job or rental history and from across the country? [more inside]
New Urbanist Name needed for Transit Oriented Blog
Please help me come up with a name for my blog focusing on data and data analysis particularly on urban and transportation issues. [more inside]
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:57 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 9:57 AM PST - 18 comments
christmastreeonfire.jpg
I hate Christmas. How do I not ruin Christmas for my children? [more inside]
Year-round cranberry sauce alternatives
I made homemade cranberry sauce for the first time this Thanksgiving and loved it so much I'm making it weekly for my morning oatmeal. Given that cranberries are not in season year-round, what are other easy homemade tart-sweet fruit sauces/jams/chutneys/etc can I make? [more inside]
touring about architecture
I'm in search of a NYC architecture or photography tour -- or some other experience I'm not thinking of -- for a serious hobby photographer who is interested in architecture. I am avoiding tours that focus on pointing out landmarks, or anything that assumes unfamiliarity with a city. [more inside]
One-Stop-Shopping for Made-In-NYCFoodstuffs
I thought that the famed Smorgasburg would have what I was looking for. I was wrong. So instead - where can I find a food market for Brooklyn- or New-York-City made packaged foodstuffs? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:36 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:36 AM PST - 17 comments
How to keep Gmail from trimming my name/signature?
Gmail, seemingly at random, 'trims' my farewell remarks and name/signature. It has been getting worse as of late, and I am worried that my work emails are coming off as rude/unprofessional as a result. Does anyone know if there's a fix for this? I've contacted Google but haven't gotten a reply - I'm hoping some of my fellow MeFites are tech-savvy enough to figure this out for me :) [more inside]
And miles to go before I sleep
Looking for recommendations for a simple durable chair/foldout mattress that sits directly on the ground. [more inside]
How do you teach an 11-year-old to code?
My 11-year-old is interested in learning to code, and I have no idea what to get him to help with that desire. [more inside]
mind of my mind
I've been slowly trying to move from my current position (academic librarianship) to something with a better fit. I'm looking in a two very different directions - data science and counseling psychology. How do I figure out my path forward? [more inside]
Could a hiking staff live a second life as a cane?
I'm looking at this staff to serve as both an everyday cane and, later in my recovery and past it, as a hiking staff. Bone-breaking snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by tr33hggr at 7:28 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by tr33hggr at 7:28 AM PST - 10 comments
Labia itch after period
Labia itching after period and I would like it to stop, please. [more inside]
Special Kid-Friendly Sleep/Activity Tracker?
We (the caregivers of an epileptic, developmentally-delayed six year old) are looking for recommendations for a consumer-grade wearable that might help monitor the kid's day-to-day sleep outcomes and certain physiological responses at school. [more inside]
Help me pick a new not-too-nerdy ringtone.
I'd like a new ringtone for my phone, something distinctive and easy to hear, as I often fail to hear softer, subtle ringtones when my phone is in my pocket in a noisy environment. I'd like it to be slightly nerdy, but not too nerdy. [more inside]
You what?! Sledding edition
A friend and I were talking about our favorite sledding positions. She said "double decker". I responded: do you mean one sitting behind the other, or one lying on top of the other? She thought I was joking, which caused me to wonder if this is widespread. Do you do this? [more inside]
Awkward situation about a close friend who kissed me. What should I do?
A close friend who knows I am currently feeling vulnerable and insecure, and who knows I have a boyfriend, kissed me during a party. He then proceeded to keep trying after I said no. What should I do? [more inside]
Muffle this infernal beeping
My fridge door alarm is broken. (Who even needs a fridge door alarm anyway?!) The accursed door has been beeping loudly since Monday, 24 hours a day. The repair man just told me that he can't fix it and needs to order a replacement fridge which won't arrive for another week. What is the most effective way to muffle the horrendous beeping noise using common household items? [more inside]
posted by Lluvia at 3:32 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Lluvia at 3:32 AM PST - 21 comments
December 13
What’s this riff that starts this song?
What’s the name of this riff in the first five seconds of Two Full Moons and a Trout remix?
Bonus question: wasn’t this riff in a lot of movies from the 80s and 90s, as a crappy motif signifying martial arts or something?
posted by Monochrome at 9:47 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by Monochrome at 9:47 PM PST - 4 comments
Can this condo be eligible for FHA?
I love a condo in Denver. My Realtor and mortgage broker both say it's not approved, so no way I can make an offer. The building has not received approval, because "the market is strong" and they won't deal with the process. At this price, the only mortgage I'll qualify for is FHA. Is this correct? Other people have said I can apply on my own, not disclosing my type of mortgage in the offer. So confused! Any advice is much appreciated.
What are some other weird holiday things?
I'm a fan of the Gavle Goat and I'm aware of the Yule Lads and Krampus. What other strange holiday things/creatures/what have you are out there to learn about? [more inside]
Cross-Border Medical Care, Holiday Edition
Dual Canadian-U.S. citizen paying for Medicare needs crucial medical tests but also wants to spend the holidays in the U.S.. What is the possibility of them getting those tests done here? Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
posted by Miss T.Horn at 7:24 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Miss T.Horn at 7:24 PM PST - 6 comments
Ghosts + cops
What are some films in which ghosts give clues to a (living) policeman trying to solve an unsolved murder? I feel like I've seen this before but can't recall where. Thanks!
posted by egeanin at 7:17 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by egeanin at 7:17 PM PST - 14 comments
Organizing contacts on my phone
I have been looking for an android contacts app that will allow me to sort and view my contacts by groups. I've had the toughest time trying to find one. Please help! [more inside]
posted by holmesian at 6:40 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by holmesian at 6:40 PM PST - 2 comments
Vancouver end of December/early January
I'll be meeting a friend from the UK in Vancouver during the last week of December/first week of January. It's their first time to Canada, and I'm not overly familiar with Vancouver. Interests include music, kink, environment, pescatarian diet. They're extroverted and I'm not, so I'd appreciate offerings of unique things to do for NYE. [more inside]
First-person songs that use bigoted language pointedly/satirically?
What other songs have a point-of-view and tone that's similar to that of the Dead Milkmen's "Stuart" or the extended/banned version of Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing"? Doesn't have to be class-based homophobia like in those examples, they're just the only ones I could think of. I'm curious if there are more like that, specifically where there's no third-person commentary on the person being portrayed.
Which power supply to use?
I bought a used Samsung soundbar that had the wrong power supply. The specifications says it needs a 19 volt, 15 watt power supply. Ohms Law, I=P/E says the power supply needs to generate 780 milliamperes. [more inside]
What graphic novel do I want for Christmas?
I want to receive a graphic novel for Christmas. In the past I have loved Maus (like who didn't?), Bechdel's Fun Home, Roz Chast's Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? and Sattouf's The Arab of the Future.
Given these favorites, what others might I like?
Tell me everything about this style of calendar
Does anyone know if this kind of "card per month" desk calendar has a real name? Do you think it would be an easy & inexpensive DIY project to make in bulk? And if so how would you go about doing that?
Having a "type" without being a jerk about it
I'm a cis lady who is newly realizing she's queer and also really into butch women and nonbinary masculine-of-center people. I feel weird about this and don't want to act like or be a fetishist or objectify people. Would love to hear especially from queer people on this one. [more inside]
posted by the sockening at 2:07 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by the sockening at 2:07 PM PST - 20 comments
Small lego kits?
I am rapidly running down my Lego advent calendar kits. Are there other similar options? [more inside]
posted by jeribus at 12:50 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by jeribus at 12:50 PM PST - 9 comments
How would you structure this parental leave?
My husband and I both get a fair amount of parental leave (for Americans). Baby #1 will be due in Feb and looking for ideas on how to best take the leave. More deets inside.< [more inside]
Media about living alone
I'm moving into my very first studio flat all alone in the New Year. Yay! I want books/movies/etc to get into over the holidays where the protagonist lives alone (doesn't necessarily have to be a positive representation). A focus on the lived reality of the space and detailed descriptions/visuals of environments would be a bonus. Thanks!
Looking for (non-holiday) matching socks for toddlers and adults
So apparently the hot thing this year for Christmas is matching socks for parents and kids. Unfortunately everyone seems to be sold out, so now I'm wondering if I can scrounge together a combination on my own. Complication: Child socks need to be for a small 18-month old, so I'm really looking for 12 month sized socks. [more inside]
Which laptop power supply is the more recent one?
I've mixed up two power cords for my laptop and I need to know which one is the more recently purchased one. I have two Acer laptops. One was bought in Canada (don't know anything more than that) about ten years ago. The other was bought in 2016 from Amazon. [more inside]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 11:19 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by TWinbrook8 at 11:19 AM PST - 2 comments
Help me find a Dr. Demento 12 Days of Christmas Song
I need some help identifying / tracking down an old Christmas song. It's a version of 12 Days of Christmas, but it's sung by a collection of old cartoon characters like Bullwinkle, Popeye, Elmer Fudd, Felix the Cat, Mr. Peabody, Scooby-Doo (or Astro, I don't remember,) with each character altering the lines (the 5 gold rings line was changed pretty much each time it was repeated.) [more inside]
posted by arniec at 11:13 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by arniec at 11:13 AM PST - 8 comments
Are massive unexpected legal fees in a divorce negotiable?
In the midst of a divorce, and my lawyer's most recent bill left my jaw on the floor. It's almost as much as I've already paid him, total, for months of work. What are my options? [more inside]
Good nonfiction books about Medieval England?
Does anyone have any good nonfiction book suggestions about the Normans, Henry III's reign, or the Wars of the Roses? [more inside]
Personal accounting + irregular creative income
I'd like to get better at financial recordkeeping and personal accounting. I have a creative practice that brings in income (but which I have no interest in monetizing), and which I often file a Schedule C to claim deductions for. If you're someone in a similar situation, I'd like to know how you handle personal accounting, what software you use, and anything else I should know. [more inside]
Sailboat sailing upstream with no wind
A few years ago, I had my mind blown by the Blackbird land yacht, which was able to "sail" directly downwind faster than the wind using only wind power. At first glance it appears to violate some law of physics, but in the end it turns out that it doesn't; energy is ultimately being provided by the wind, just in a way that you wouldn't expect it to be able to. I have now encountered a new aerodynamics brain twister. Artemis Racing, a perennial America's Cup contender, have said that it is possible to build a sailboat which can sail upstream in a river even if there's no wind, using the "apparent wind" created by the... uh... by the river water pushing the boat downstream, I guess? Maybe? Could someone explain how this might work in a way that I might be able to understand?
posted by clawsoon at 9:10 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by clawsoon at 9:10 AM PST - 29 comments
I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes
YANMD, and MDs have no idea why I’ve had periodic numbness and tingling in various body parts for months. Wanna brainstorm? Medical details below. [more inside]
What's wrong with my resume?
Finished grad school, struggling to get job interviews. How do I figure out what I'm doing wrong? [more inside]
Psychiatrist outside the box
My psychiatrist is leaving in six months and her replacement just backed out. My region is very very bad for mental health care, and the other options are awful or not accepting new patients or don’t take Medicare. I want to explore options like telemedicine, traveling, and other options. Please share your experiences and tips for finding a psychiatrist in mental health wasteland [more inside]
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:57 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by mermaidcafe at 7:57 AM PST - 3 comments
How to handle paperwork?
I am discovering that I suck with handling paperwork. I have crates and crates of actual paper files. I also have folders and subfolders in electronic format, and I am never satisfied about how they are organized. I always find myself asking questions like: should I organize these files by date? by theme? by whatever? Should I move it in this folder or the other? OR should I tag it? And whatever decision I make at the moment seems to be the unhelpful and unpractical one in the long run. [more inside]
Home Networking Question
How do I figure out what is the best wifi solution for my home? I needed to upgrade my internet service, so the cable company just installed a combo cable modem/router. I already have a router. So now I have two wifi signals. I am trying to figure out how to determine which one has better speed and coverage in my home so that I can know if it makes sense to disconnect my old router. I am also willing to upgrade to a mesh network if necessary. [more inside]
What's the best story you've read about the environment this year?
I'm interested both in explorations of problems like climate change and mass extinction, and solutions like renewable energy. Longform articles welcome.
Charities that help kids, love Jesus, sell shirts?
What are some good, helpful, progressive organizations that are worth financially supporting and that also sell teeshirts that say nice things about foster kids/parenting or Jesus? My adult female relative wants teeshirts for Christmas: theme shirts with positive messages about foster care, Christianity, or a combination. I'd like to get tees a little more charity-minded than those $5 Random Bible Verse shirts on Amazon, but I'd prefer not to give money to sketchy, abusive, or right-wing groups. [more inside]
Both my young dogs died. Is it my fault?
I have only had two dogs in my life, both died soon after I got them and both were young. Why did this happen, is it my fault, and how do I learn to accept it? [more inside]
Looking For Fragrance-Free, Cruelty Free Shampoo For Fine Hair
I'm looking for a new kind of shampoo as my previous one (that I've used for nearly 40 years) is suddenly becoming difficult to get. Details under the fold. [more inside]
posted by Amy NM at 6:47 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Amy NM at 6:47 AM PST - 9 comments
Halp! Unknown Mobile phone Android Notification Bar Icon
I have a MotoG5S Mobile phone. It Runs Android 8.1.0 (Oreo)
It is fully up to date and a icon keeps inconsistently showing up in my Notifications bar and I have no idea what it means. [more inside]
posted by Faintdreams at 5:48 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by Faintdreams at 5:48 AM PST - 6 comments
December 12
Please tell me about sharing your salary
This question prompted by this post on the blue.
Hiding salary information is bad for workers, especially bad for women and minorities, and good for employers. So I feel a lot of pressure to be more open about mine. Simultaneously, I find sharing the information terrifying and worry about the consequences to myself. I would appreciate hearing stories (the good and the ugly) about times you have shared your salary or other people have shared their salary with you, and any advice from HR/other about the safest ways to do this.
no place like home for the holidays
My grandma passed two days ago. I've been tasked to make a playlist for the funeral. My aunt (who was closest to her) said that she liked easy listening music, but it being my dad's (and probably one of my uncle's) preferred genre, I'm kind of concerned that it'll made him sad if he hears the songs on the radio from now on or something. Am I overthinking this? [more inside]
posted by womb of things to be and tomb of things that were at 7:47 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by womb of things to be and tomb of things that were at 7:47 PM PST - 10 comments
Christmas music for misanthropes and weirdos
I know we recently discussed "not especially joyful" Christmas music. Great! I want actively miserable or screwy Christmas music. Think Sufjan's "Christmas Unicorn" (the final third is a cover of "Love Will Tear Us Apart", the middle third is EDM, and the first third is cynical musings). Think "A Christmas Duel" by The Hives and Cyndi Lauper (NSFW, opening lines: "I bought no gifts this year / and I slept with your sister", and it escalates from there). Think the delightful, absurd cacophany of All I Want for Christmas is Midi. Any recs? [more inside]
posted by flibbertigibbet at 6:15 PM PST - 57 comments
posted by flibbertigibbet at 6:15 PM PST - 57 comments
Where are people working together online as part of the Resistance?
What are the best collaborative digital Resistance workspaces? I'm looking for recommendations of Facebook Groups, Slacks, Discords, Signal chats, email lists or other places where people can talk about action ideas, collaborate, strategize, etc. It can be generally progressive, issue-centric, tech-oriented, or something else.
Best beginning art set and books for a 10/11-year old?
My 10-year-old niece has requested a "sketch book" for Christmas. I'd like to oblige, and perhaps encourage this little spark of artistic interest buy augmenting with some art supplies. Alas, I am not a visual artist, and therefore don't know what to buy, and what to avoid. [more inside]
Film Recommendations for Fan of Time/Space Smart Horror/Thriller Movies
HUGE fan of movies/shows like The Endless, Black Mirror, Primer, Coherence, etc. and want to make sure I'm not missing out on any great films or new directors to follow. Streamable is much appreciated. What would be on your must-see list for movies similar to these?
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 3:20 PM PST - 29 comments
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 3:20 PM PST - 29 comments
Can I claim German citizenship? How?
Let's say I'm am American citizen. I was born, in the United States, prior to 1999, to one American parent and one German parent. They are married. At what point would I no longer be able to claim German citizenship? When the German parent moved to the US? When the German parent became a permanent resident (i.e. a green card holder)? When the German parent became a US citizen? Can I still claim German citizenship? [more inside]
prog beyond Tom Sawyer
I'm officially in my late thirties and have decided it's time to get into progressive rock music. I was thinking of doing a deep dive into Rush to start, what's a good album to check out first? Or is Rush a hopelessly obvious choice and there's a better gateway artist? Blow me away!
Help me find more cooking shows
I want to watch more cooking shows that are home kitchen focused (I'm not really interested in chefs or how restaurants make things) and procedurally detailed (show me all the steps). Your recommendations are requested. [more inside]
Homebrew alcohol with jaggery (palm sugar) and ginger?
Does anyone have a recipe -- or even just advice -- for making homebrewed alcohol with jaggery (palm sugar) and ginger? [more inside]
Medical care in Tokyo
I need an English speaking medical provider who can diagnose my possible strep throat in Tokyo. Today. (I am in akihabara until noon and shinjuku after that until Saturday morning). I can figure out the trains and I have travel insurance. Who should I see? [more inside]
Tons of anxiety about finding a family doctor
Growing up, my family never had a family doctor. For some reason my dad always said "we never get sick, so we don't need one," which... turned out to be incorrect. I whenever I got sick, we'd just go to the local medicentre. I would like to find a family doctor, but I have tons of anxiety about it. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. [more inside]
Toxic workplace article?
I saw a great post a few years ago with a link to show a toxic workplace. I'm trying to find the link and wondered if anyone had it handy? I think the author was something like Izzy???
Thanks a lot [more inside]
posted by Flowerpower at 11:44 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Flowerpower at 11:44 AM PST - 4 comments
How to sell a business?
So I create artistic teapots. 6 months ago I retired the business due to personal reasons. I just had a conversation with someone who might be interested in taking it over. What exactly am I selling and how do I figure it out? [more inside]
Does the public have the right to access a utility easement?
I was looking at some proposed maps for new bike trails, and I was curious where they were going to run. Looking at google maps it looks like a lot of them will be along what looks like a power company's right of way or easement. There's currently what looks like jeep track there. Can I walk or ride on it? (I live in Austin, TX) [more inside]
How to rehome the world's sweetest rabbit?
I need a holiday miracle, Boston/rabbit edition: a friend is caring for the world's sweetest pet rabbit but can't keep it and also can't find a rescue group to take it. The pound will euthanize it. Help. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:07 AM PST - 29 comments
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:07 AM PST - 29 comments
Advertising an Artist's Studio Space
Where do I advertise an artist's studio space in NYC? I've advertised in several places already, but I worry I'm not connecting. How do I find my audience or how can I help them find me? [more inside]
posted by Violet Blue at 10:39 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Violet Blue at 10:39 AM PST - 21 comments
Like doing what to who now?
What is the pithy simile / metaphor / expression I'm trying to remember? It's when you're trying to make something adhere to or move through a process, but the thing and the process are fundamentally misaligned. It's not exactly "herding cats." More like, you're trying to make something slippery or liquid attach to a wall. Halp!
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:20 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 10:20 AM PST - 9 comments
Freelancer filter: Any way to roll back a discounted hourly rate?
Last year at this time, my main client (70%+ of my income, eight-year history, well paying, reliable) asked to move to a 'day rate', on the basis that they would be giving me an additional week's work a month. I agreed a discount representing 10% off my previous hourly rate. The additional work has not manifested, client is still being wishy washy on hard dates and I am hundreds of pounds poorer for it. Can I somehow walk this discount back when we sign our new contract? Or should I chalk this one up to experience? [more inside]
posted by doornoise at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by doornoise at 10:05 AM PST - 9 comments
How can I acquire Pelosi's red coat?
Or, you know, one just like it. That red! That at-the-neck doublebutton closure modality! I saw it last night on the News Hour after she and Schumer got done goading the president to a frazzle and again just now in the WaPo, and now I must have it unless it's like ruinously expensive. She seems to have had it a while. Here it is yesterday, and here it is a while back.
Useful car gift for Tennessee
My brother is moving to Nashville and getting a car for the first time in many years. What are good car accessories I could give as a gift? [more inside]
A little Christmas procrastination
I’m looking for supplies for making soap, lip balm, and candles. I need basically everything— base, molds, fragrance, etc. Local is best but online with reliable rush shipping (this close to the holidays!) is OK too. I’m in the Bay Area. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by stoneandstar at 9:11 AM PST - 6 comments
Dumb(ish)phone with a physical keyboard still supported by carriers- US?
I'd like to do some productivity experiments on myself by trying out a dumbphone for a bit, but of course most of my communicating is via text so a flip phone is out.
I'm not finding a phone with physical keyboard that is still supported and having trouble figuring out which carrier may still support older ones. I'd like to get something used that's sub-$100. Is anyone managing to still use an LG Extravert or similar? [more inside]
posted by twoplussix at 9:07 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by twoplussix at 9:07 AM PST - 6 comments
Digital Antenna Reception
I live in Charlotte, NC next to a creek and I am, essentially, at the bottom of a narrow valley carved out by the creek. The antenna I have now pulls in three, sometimes four local TV channels. I should be able to get several more in Charlotte but, I think, I have bad reception due to being at the bottom of this narrow valley.
So, other than building a tall antenna tower, any suggestions for getting around this issue?
Does she like me?
I've recently become very close friends with a person I am really, really attracted to but am confused about her feelings. How can I figure out if she likes me without threatening a really strong and meaningful friendship? [more inside]
posted by armadillo1224 at 7:51 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by armadillo1224 at 7:51 AM PST - 37 comments
Looking for help buying an external hard drive
I'm planning to purchase an external hard drive for my parents to back up their photos. I don't know a lot about which brands are more reliable than others. I've had hard drives die in the past and I want to make sure the one I buy my parents is not likely to die since they will be backing up important files on there. Is there a site that provides reviews of which brands or models are the most reliable? I've checked Consumer Reports, but there wasn't anything there. Thanks!
How best to handle parking during Manhattan vacation?
We’re trying to figure out cheapest options. We’re driving to Manhattan (from Maryland) on Dec. 22 and leaving Christmas morning. We’re driving a small SUV with 5 people and luggage. Does it make the most sense to
1. Hope we can find a space in Manhattan near our hotel.
2. Find or reserve a garage and pay for 3 days of parking.
3. Park in Jersey City/Hoboken/Weehawken and cab/Uber in.
Any suggestions appreciated.
posted by Mr. Justice at 7:06 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by Mr. Justice at 7:06 AM PST - 25 comments
window sign encouragement
I have teammates that are stuck in a boardroom for 4 days, listening in on what basically amounts to a 4 day long conference call where they are basically expected to just listen in quietly and are only there in case there happens to be a question. Needless to say they aren't having a super fun week. I want to stick encouraging and/or funny messages on the boardroom window to help cheer them up and break the boredom a bit. What funny things messages should I write? [more inside]
Who wrote this poem
I remember one stanza that went something like "Some say the South will rise again,
But I say "not in my presence.""
Alice Walker? Zora Neal Hurston? Maya Angelou? Who wrote this because I can't even find it on Google, thanks.
How can I bring Christmas to my husband?
I don’t celebrate Christmas, and we live in my home country, where Christmas just means time off work and great shopping sales really. It doesn’t bear any special meaning to me other than it’s my husband’s favourite holiday. So I want to do something nice for him. [more inside]
"And in her ears the little Seashells, the thimble radios tamped tight"
Headphone people of Metafilter, I need your best recommendations and experiences for headphone purchases . Limitations follow. [more inside]
How to take a PDF and format it into a novel?
Through my job, I've been engaged to take a PDF of raw text and turn out a novel manuscript. No copyediting or proofreading involved, just taking this 200+ pages of text and formatting it into a novel. I'm not even 100% sure what this entails except that it doesn't involve any graphic design.
Does anybody have any advice about this? I've never done this before so I'm not sure how else to do it besides googling "Google Docs Novel Template." I'm obviously extremely clueless but any help/advice/material hints appreciated!
Structural or civil engineer consultant
Can an consulting engineer look at a set of building plans and determine whether a currently approved building can be made taller at a later date if zoning changes? [more inside]
December 11
I live in one state, my car will live in another state. Halp.
I'm a full-time resident of California. I might acquire a car which is currently located in Montana, and I would like to continue owning and garaging it in Montana. How does the registration and insurance work in this scenario? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 9:41 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by serelliya at 9:41 PM PST - 6 comments
Story-driven podcast recs
I need some new podcasts. I like non-fiction story-driven podcasts--especially non-narrated documentaries. I don't typically like the "two people talking to each other" type podcasts. I like most topics, but especially history and local flavor. Examples under the cut. What do you recommend? [more inside]
Can you pay your balance on a US credit card from a Japanese bank?
I'm getting set to take a position in Japan for a year or more. I have a recurring payment I make to a friend on a money transfer app - PayPal usually - which then charges my credit card. But now my paycheck will be going to a Japanese bank. So can I pay my US credit card with a Japanese bank? And if so, what specifics should I expect? (transfer fees etc)
High stress and apartment decisions!
I recently moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, and I'm making the decision on a apartment for the next year. The last few weeks have been extremely high anxiety/high stress for me. Decisions haven't been a strong skill for me lately, but I found two apartments that are good options for me right now. However, I'm finding it very hard to make a choice on either one, and would like a outsider's clear perspective. Which apartment would be the best choice for the next year? [more inside]
posted by Thirty7Degrees at 6:30 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by Thirty7Degrees at 6:30 PM PST - 25 comments
Match some match games for my matching mama
My mom likes match three (think Bejeweled) and Tetris. She's getting an iPhone for Christmas. What match or Tetris-adjacent puzzle games for iOS a) don't suck, b) aren't merely ad-delivery services with pretty colors, and c) can be played entirely offline? Willing to pay a couple/few bucks for a great game (up-front or IAP), willing to deal with minimal ads for free games. [more inside]
Undergrad Chemistry class labs
Especially if you’re at a US public university, can you please tell me about your intro level chemistry class lab? Both the facilities and the class? [more inside]
posted by Kriesa at 5:45 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Kriesa at 5:45 PM PST - 11 comments
Welcome to another edition of Name My Cat!
My BF and I lost our two senior kitties over the past few months, and we were heartbroken at having to say goodbye to them. I didn't think that I'd want to bring another cat into my home so soon, but here he is! [more inside]
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:31 PM PST - 57 comments
posted by computech_apolloniajames at 5:31 PM PST - 57 comments
Pain in side of my face when I eat
AS we all know... yanmd.
When I chew I experience discomfort (2/3 on the pain scale) from the top jaw along the side of face up to my left temple. [more inside]
Tell me more about e-ink e-readers
Piggybacking on this previous question, I'm looking for recommendations for e-ink readers. [more inside]
posted by Bangaioh at 4:49 PM PST - 14 comments
posted by Bangaioh at 4:49 PM PST - 14 comments
Odd Holiday Album From the 80's
My husband said he had an music album as a child that had a song for every holiday. I'd like to find it for him. [more inside]
Insert poker pun here
I’m 35 years old and I am having an anxiety-wracked yet weirdly euphoric coming-out experience as a bi ace person, so I’d like some perspective. [more inside]
first, do no harm
After several years of exhausting, anxiety-provoking medical workup, I finally found the solution to my medical issue and am improving on my own. I feel well. Is it okay to not see the doctor if I just don't feel like it? [more inside]
Looking for animal words
Can you think of words that essentially mean "like or of [type of animal], without containing the name of that animal itself?
For example, "murine" for mouse-like.
More examples below: [more inside]
posted by dadaclonefly at 2:56 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by dadaclonefly at 2:56 PM PST - 16 comments
Must all exposed light bulbs hurt my eyes?
I just bought this floor lamp for my living room. I like the lamp except when I look directly at it: it's uncomfortably bright. The bulb supplied with the lamp is described as "ES retro pear 4W LED filament bulb, 320 lumens. Warm white LED 2200 kelvin." Is there a better bulb out there for me? Or should I try to send the lamp back?
Where to get the awesomest pet presents?
My brother and sister-in-law have two fur babies (mid-size pittie types) they completely dote on. I'd like to get them a gift and/or gift-certificate for the holidays. Where do you dog-owning folks find the best (quality, novelty, frivolity) pet supplies and/or gifts? [more inside]
Is the experience I just had the norm in a US barbershop?
Went to a barbershop to get a maintenance buzz on my undercut; whilst there the barber cut off loads of length and essentially changed my hairstyle. Is this expected/the norm in the US? Am I right to be upset, or is it my fault for not specifically stating what I thought was obvious: that when requesting the undercut to be trimmed to 9mm, one also needs to say 'and don't alter the rest of the style'? [more inside]
posted by myotahapea at 1:25 PM PST - 16 comments
posted by myotahapea at 1:25 PM PST - 16 comments
Where do you do your online shopping besides Amazon?
I buy pretty much everything from Amazon, as do most people I know. But during this season of shopping and gift-giving, I've been feeling like I want to see what else is out there. So... where else and what else do you like to buy online? Also important with online shopping -- how good is their customer service/return policy?
Who makes this hiking sock?
Now that it's cold, I'm appreciating my hiking socks, but I don't where I got them to buy more. Who makes or sells these brown or blue thick socks? [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief at 12:58 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by filthy light thief at 12:58 PM PST - 12 comments
Really weird leg pain
My legs are in very very bad pain. A highly unusual pain for me. Can you help? Waiting for my dr to email back but I'm traveling. [more inside]
No, no, no to notifications!
Periodically, Firefox and Safari ask me if I would like to allow notifications from the web site I'm visiting.
My answer is "No, not now, and not ever."
How can I tell my browsers to ignore these requests? [more inside]
posted by uberchet at 12:47 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by uberchet at 12:47 PM PST - 6 comments
Writing music
Writers of Ask, suggest me some non-English language, or instrumental, background music for writing paid blog posts. [more inside]
can I eat it - sticky peas edition
I like to buy the sealed bags of fresh shelled peas at Trader Joes and Whole Foods, and snack on them uncooked over the next few days. This latest batch, from WF, has developed a kind of lightly sticky / slimy coating which rinses off easily. What is this, and can I eat my peas? [more inside]
posted by moonmilk at 12:31 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by moonmilk at 12:31 PM PST - 7 comments
Blue collar proverbs?
I'm looking to expand my vernacular of appropriate rural American proverbs, like the things you'd hear at a crusty tavern in small town USA.
Examples:
No pockets on a casket.
Same circus, different clowns.
Don't let your tongue get your teeth knocked out.
Favorite Brand Of Opaque Tights?
Or other sorts of semi-consumables. That is, I'm Christmas shopping, and I'm looking at the 'socks and underwear' area. I don't want to get my college-age daughter socks, because socks seem to be a thing in her peer group, and she has a horrifying, baffling oversupply of socks in various designs. But everyone always needs tights. So, I'm looking for the kind of brand where you're paying twice as much, but they last twice as long, or ideally you're paying 50% more and they last four times as long. Any favorite brands?
And generally, what are other presents in that category? [more inside]
posted by LizardBreath at 11:21 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by LizardBreath at 11:21 AM PST - 24 comments
Dentist Recommendation in Greater Boston Area
Looking for recommendations for an awesome, trustworthy, nonjudgemental dentist in the Greater Boston area. [more inside]
Most efficient path to WordPress proficiency?
What's the best path to becoming expert at WordPress? Online courses--which? Specific books? I've messed around with the CMS a bit (site is linked in my profile), but am mostly a newbie. I want to be expert enough that Automattic would hire me for support. What method or learning do you suggest if I've got all the free time in the world?
Getting vomit out of fake fur coat collar
Is it possible to get vomit out of fake fur? If so, how do I get vomit out of fake fur? It's a fake fur coat collar, attached to a winter coat. I love this coat. Can it be saved? [more inside]
Thinking calmly about anxiety medication
I think I'd like to give medication a go, after years of trying to manage my mental health issues in other ways (yes, including therapy). I'm apprehensive, to say the least. I know the key is a good psychiatrist, but I have no idea how to evaluate psychiatrists. My prior experience with mental health professionals has ranged from actively negative to merely okay. How do I, a layman, discern whether or not a psychiatrist is competent and to be trusted? [more inside]
Why am I so wet?
IKYANMD, and I'll see a dr if there's reason to. I've had a Mirena IUD for over four years now, so haven't ovulated in that time. Suddenly I'm very very wet for no apparent reason (no sex or recent masturbation) and I wonder what's causing this. [more inside]
What should I serve with penne alla vodka tonight?
What should I serve with penne alla vodka tonight? [more inside]
posted by saladin at 9:34 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by saladin at 9:34 AM PST - 8 comments
Know anything about South American tortoise myths?
We have a wonderful children's book by Gerald McDermott called "Jabutí the Tortoise: A Trickster Tale from the Amazon." I think the story would make a great play for a children's theater that I work with, but I cannot find the source, and Mr. McDermott is dead, so I cannot ask him. [more inside]
posted by starvingartist at 9:13 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by starvingartist at 9:13 AM PST - 4 comments
Is vitamin D supplementation a good idea for me?
Recently had bloodwork done as part of a routine physical, which included a vitamin D test because my doctor recommended it. It came back as 26 ng/mL, which is within the range the results sheet says is "normal" (20-80 ng/mL). My doctor is nevertheless recommending supplements (2000 IU of vitamin D per day), which seems weird to me, since it's "normal," and pretty close to what Wikipedia suggests is the optimum level of 30. [more inside]
posted by Spathe Cadet at 8:32 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by Spathe Cadet at 8:32 AM PST - 21 comments
When and where were t-shirts common on college campuses
I'm trying to find out more information (their popularity and context) about this t-shirt design that I associate with universities and colleges in the USA. [more inside]
posted by fizzix at 7:43 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by fizzix at 7:43 AM PST - 11 comments
Bitter Tea
I'm looking to replace my post-dinner drink with something non-alcoholic and without caffeine. Are there any varieties of tea that I can brew that are bitter or extra herbaceous? Something that forces you to sip rather than just drink. Does fernet branca come in tea form?
posted by Think_Long at 6:52 AM PST - 33 comments
posted by Think_Long at 6:52 AM PST - 33 comments
Word count within sentences
I am doing some branded content work where for SEO reasons sentences need to be 20 words and under. I would like a website, app, etc where I can post my copy into a window or something, click a button, and it highlights either entire sentences that are too long, or highlights from the point they exceed the sentence word count.
Rugs: Upgrade Pick.
We're in the market for a new rug, but want to go a step above our normal $150 rugs we have bought over the years from Overstock. These are large rugs, 5 x 8 that go in our living room. We're looking to go one step in magnitude up, to $500-$600. Where should we buy for best quality?
We're in NYC but shipping them is fine.
What was the Italianish insult my grandma used to use?
When she got riled up, my grandma would call my pop something that sounded like - I think - "scusdamadh." Maybe that last consonant was a rolled r with a dropped vowel after it - it's hard to know. Gram and Pop were both the children of early 20th century immigrants from southern Italy so spoke a little bit of that older Italian. [more inside]
posted by entropone at 6:03 AM PST - 6 comments
posted by entropone at 6:03 AM PST - 6 comments
I'm not sure if my boyfriend is trustworthy?
Boyfriend has lied a bit to me over time, and now I just feel like I can't trust him. [more inside]
posted by anon1129 at 5:59 AM PST - 45 comments
posted by anon1129 at 5:59 AM PST - 45 comments
Tips for painting terracotta pots
I had some pots laying around. And a silver marker. I did a thing and I LOVED it. A dozen pots later and my metallic markers are bone dry. I want to take the next step in painting pots. I plan to buy a stack of terracotta (red) pots. Can you please recommend for me (A) a type of paint that would work well on stoneware and (B) "traditional" or other colors that look great on terracotta.
Not a litteral toss?
There is a bunch of chatter about how the President messed up the coin toss at the recent army-navy game. I just finished watching several Superbowl coin tosses trying to figure out what he did wrong and they all seem to be the same as the President's. I'm obviously a sports bumpkin; can someone ELI5 what he did wrong?
posted by Mitheral at 5:15 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by Mitheral at 5:15 AM PST - 12 comments
It's 1979-82, you're 19-25, you live in a small Midwestern city...
...but you're not in college, and you're middle to lower class. If this was you, I want to hear your recollections concerning your daily life: hobbies, habits, patterns of socializing, etc. [more inside]
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 5:07 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 5:07 AM PST - 17 comments
Should I get my Irish passport, or should I continue to be English?
I am a UK citizen with the opportunity to apply for an Irish passport, as I have an Irish-born grandmother. However, I've never lived in nor visited Ireland, and my grandmother died before I was born. Is it ethical for me to claim citizenship? [more inside]
December 10
How can I keep up to date on hit songs before my classmates?
I'm in college and I wanna be one of the first people listening to the next big hit song. I know that I won't be able to be the first person but I'd like to get in early on the curve. Is there a website I can watch? Mostly interested in rap, but whatever college kids listen to is fine. For example recently it was Sheck Wes Mo Bamba
Battery discharger
I have some commercial off-the-shelf LiFePo4 batteries which are wired internally to a nominal 12V / 130Ah. I need a fast, controlled way to discharge them unattended. [more inside]
posted by BeeDo at 6:36 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by BeeDo at 6:36 PM PST - 5 comments
Book for My Dad for Christmas
My dad is smart and retired and in the earlyish stages of dementia and suffers from anxiety. My mom thinks he'd like a book for Christmas. What should I get him? [more inside]
Yet Another Laptop Question
What laptop would you recommend for an elderly person, who mostly just uses it for email and Skype? [more inside]
posted by Ender's Friend at 5:33 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Ender's Friend at 5:33 PM PST - 9 comments
Mystery of the chemical smell on my dishes
Despite cleaning out every part of my dishwasher, my dishes have a strange taste and smell when they come out of it. [more inside]
Reasonable amount of time to spend in NYC?
We are possibly taking a trip to NYC to see a Broadway show - the timing will depend on when we can get tickets, but likely April-ish.
We've never been before, and would love to do some sightseeing - how long is long enough for a quick trip to actually see things?
Recommendations welcome! [more inside]
Allergy shot advice, please.
I'm getting allergy shots, and get a huge welt of a reaction. It lasts a day or two, my allergist knows about it, nobody is medically concerned, etc. I'm wondering if you have any techniques for dealing with the lump that I might not have considered. [more inside]
Your favorite journal
I'd like to get some flavor of journal. I want something with writing prompts of some description; blank pages are not going to do it for me right now. I don't want something too flowery, but the "Wreck this Journal" type journals seem a little much in the other direction. Do you have a favorite journal, and what do you like about it? [more inside]
posted by telepanda at 2:19 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by telepanda at 2:19 PM PST - 9 comments
Should I subscribe to my friends' Patreons?
Me: sellout tech job. Friends: fulltime artists. Cool or uncool to support their patreons? [more inside]
what is jimmy buffett talking about?
in the song coastal confessions Jimmy sings the line "i believe that down on the beach, where the seagulls preach is where the chinese buried the truth".
what the heck does he mean with the line about "the chinese"???
posted by chasles at 1:57 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by chasles at 1:57 PM PST - 5 comments
Above the Treetops I Can See More Music
I am looking for ghostly, otherworldly, cross cultural music/songs similar to Above the Treetops. I want to use additional music with ATT in a lengthly slideshow presentation.
posted by Xurando at 1:23 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Xurando at 1:23 PM PST - 6 comments
Finding Furniture by Size
I am looking for a sideboard type, low cabinet thing for my dining room. It needs to fit under a window and the other dimensions have some limits as well. I'd love to be able to narrow down my search by dimensions. Are there any websites that do this? I thought ikeabysize.com would do it, but it only seems to allow maximum dimensions. Also, I'd like to be able to search multiple retailers. Filtering by other features like color and price would be ideal.
Velvet peanut butter problem
I am considering purchasing a new couch, an IKEA Ektorp. It seems pretty comfy but I am interested to hear how yours held up after a year or two? Both in terms of fabric and structure. [more inside]
Where to get ears repierced?
A couple earring holes closed enough that I can't push an earring through them. Where should I go to get this taken care of? (NYC or general selection criteria.) [more inside]
Something like fantasy baseball, but different? Or not?
What's an online activity we can do as a family that's asynchronous, engaging and a bit competitive, not too complicated, and doesn't require much extra equipment or good reflexes? [more inside]
Would you eat this?
Finally, my very own "would you eat this" question. I'm sick and just had some groceries delivered. My box of Kraft mac and cheese had a rip in the side on the seam--doesn't look deliberate and nothing is falling out. I'm just getting over a stomach virus and probably am more gunshy than normal. Would you eat this?
posted by Automocar at 11:24 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by Automocar at 11:24 AM PST - 8 comments
estrogen level for surgical menopause HRT under 40 years old
YANMD. I have my estradiol level lab results, but my surgeon is on vacation, and the reference ranges do not cover my specific situation. [more inside]
posted by Ruki at 11:24 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by Ruki at 11:24 AM PST - 9 comments
Recommendations for kid-friendly solo board or card games
I'm looking for recommendations for solo board or card games that are interesting for an 11 year old (mainly online) gamer, and currently in print and available for purchase in the UK. [more inside]
posted by bifter at 11:10 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by bifter at 11:10 AM PST - 21 comments
Online calendar or scheduler
I need a simple appointment scheduler/calendar for clients to use for a one-time scheduling of meetings with me.
Ideally this would be a Google Calendar appointment scheduler function, but they seem to reserve this for "work or school accounts" . I assume this means gsuite and I don't have a good reason to have it otherwise. Is there another option or should I bite the bullet and pay for GSuite just for this one function? [more inside]
posted by twoplussix at 11:06 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by twoplussix at 11:06 AM PST - 8 comments
Limit for stray plastic in municipal paper recycling collections?
I appreciate that everywhere which collects recycling has different systems/providers (I live in London but there was a different recycling/rubbish collection company when I lived a couple of miles away, let alone different parts of the country or even overseas) but I'm looking for a baseline on how much this matters. [more inside]
posted by Dext at 10:37 AM PST - 1 comment
posted by Dext at 10:37 AM PST - 1 comment
Things to do near Tokyo in late January
I will have 2.5 free days during the end of January in Tokyo after a snowboarding trip in Hokkaido (Niseko) and I'm looking for recommendations on any new and interesting things in the Tokyo area. Also seeking advice on a day trip like Kamakura during the winter time. [more inside]
posted by xtine at 10:27 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by xtine at 10:27 AM PST - 12 comments
What has helped you with driving anxiety?
I need to get a grip on my anxiety related to driving in the Greater Toronto Area. I panic when merging. I need to get over it - what’s worked for you? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:49 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:49 AM PST - 22 comments
How to distinguish between superimposed pre-e and severe pre-e?
My doctors aren't sure whether my pre-eclampsia presentation should count as "pre-eclampsia with severe features." They're also discounting some symptoms because they don't happen at the exact same time as a high blood pressure. Because of this confusion, I'm struggling to make the right choice about when to push for early delivery. [more inside]
posted by terilou at 9:37 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by terilou at 9:37 AM PST - 14 comments
Can I swap my Windows 7 drive into an i5 6th-gen computer running Win10?
I have an SSD running retail-installed Windows 7 in an old Dell Inspiron desktop that I'd like to just install in a new computer and be off and running. I just bought an i5 8th-gen Dell Inspiron whose motherboard doesn't support Windows 7 (oops). If I buy, say, a Dell 3650 with 6th-gen installed and attach my SSD, will it just run? Or will I need to do some installation or driver adjustment before attaching it? I know very little about this stuff. Please no lectures about why I want to stay with Windows 7 rather than reinstalling all my programs in Windows 10. :) Thank you for your help!
Can I eat this? Leftover Curry Edition.
I bought some delicious red curry on Thursday with plans to eat it Friday for lunch. That didn't happen and I forgot it in the office over the weekend. It's now Monday and I really want to eat it. It's been stored safely in the refrigerator. Can/Should I?
posted by coldbabyshrimp at 9:17 AM PST - 22 comments
posted by coldbabyshrimp at 9:17 AM PST - 22 comments
Facts About Social Justice Activists Not Related to Their Activism
We are trying to integrate stories about civil rights and social justice activists in ways that go beyond the "textbook" narratives. For example, each year we will celebrate Rosa Parks on her birthday by making her pancakes (recipe here) (and we eat them on many other days, too - peanut butter pancakes, who knew they could be so delicious (and easily made vegan)). [more inside]
How to pick a pet bird?
What bird would your recommend that's:
1. low maintenance;
2. friendly; and
3. quiet [more inside]
Interior Design help- please suggest resources to learn basic knowledge
I work in an interior design adjacent business. I think I have a decent eye, and a basic knowledge of furniture eras and color theory, but I'd love to learn more... [more inside]
How Do I Help My Teenage Child Record Music?
My 14 year old child plays piano, violin, baritone horn, and is also taking voice lessons. What would I buy if I wanted to set them up with the ability to do some basic home recording and music production as a Christmas present? [more inside]
mmm, cheese
Please share with me your favorite cheeseball recipe. [more inside]
posted by joycehealy at 8:33 AM PST - 16 comments
posted by joycehealy at 8:33 AM PST - 16 comments
Pension explainer
Conservatives and neoliberals say pensions are a "crisis" that will bankrupt our cities and states. Progressives say... [more inside]
Art-deco and pun driven '90s indie comic series?
I have a serious lacunae. It's one of my favorite '90s indie comics ever, and it's film-noir in a retro-futuristic art-deco way, with compelling characters in absurd plots, and everything was a pun. It's about the only comic I can remember where the art overwhelms my memories, even tho the writing was really, really good. I can't remember the title. American, not European, from an interwar impression of the big American cities of the time and the bold promises of the future.
There is a pulp-fiction adventurer who puts on fake fights with newly discovered "missing links" - hominids that are staged - and a fight with a robot that is not... it's a fantastic comic. I just can't remember it's title.
posted by Slap*Happy at 6:41 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Slap*Happy at 6:41 AM PST - 2 comments
Say My Name, Say My Name
My WASP American father (age 70) cannot (will not?) pronounce my non-American husband's name nor my child's name which comes from my husband's culture. What can I do? [more inside]
"Continuous employment" letter - asking employer not to list gaps
I've been with my current US-based employer for a year, but with two gaps - one was for 2 weeks and one was for 4 weeks. How do I ask them to write a "proof of work experience" letter and not mention the gaps, without telling them it's for Canadian permanent residency? [more inside]
Picture This?
Dear Mefites,
I'm hoping somebody can help me with my Christmas present logistics. I've bought an antique map for a gift and I need to get it framed before the 20th of December. The dimensions are 17 x 22 inches and I found a frame online with these dimensions but realised I want something that has a mount to more display the beauty of the map. What kind of dimensions do I need to look for? The closest I can find is A2 which is 23.4 x 16.5. Which is a little too big and a little too small.. Can anyone advise what I best look for in terms of dimensions? Thanks in advance.
Proofreading/translation pricing negotiation for JPN-ENG documents?
I've been doing some technical translation work for an automotive company, and was asked last week if I'd like to proofread/edit the Japanese employees' English translations as well; this would involve going through the original Japanese and verifying that their corresponding English translations are accurate. I am not sure how to price this sort of work. Based on my current translation rates for said company (see inside), what do you think would be a fair price that neither party would be dissatisfied with? [more inside]
Did you move to an EU country without a family or ancestral connection?
Did you move to an EU country without a family or ancestral connection? I want to hear how you did it and what the experience was like, in as much detail as you're willing to share. [more inside]
I need help to plan a New Year's Eve Brexit dinner.
For the last few years we've hosted a dinner party on new year's eve for a few friends. The numbers vary between 6 and 12 depending on who's around. Each year I try to cook something that pushes my capabilities and is insanely stressful. This year I want to up my game. I want to serve around 10 dishes, each being a signature dish from a different European country. [more inside]
Prepositions for advanced learners
Someone who speaks English almost fluently but as a second language has asked me for some resources to help her brush up on prepositions in formal and business writing as she is feeling rather rusty. I am looking for any recommendations, preferably online, and especially any used by ESL teachers, that I could direct her to.
December 9
Introducing female cat to play-aggressive male cat
We recently introduced a 1 year old female cat to our similar aged male cat, who shows significant play aggression towards us. The male cat constantly wants to play, but the new cat hisses and growls every time. We're running out of ideas on how to make it work and any advice would be much appreciated! [more inside]
Quiet bar in Manhattan?
Where's a quiet bar (preferably that also has good food) for my friend and I to actually talk, on a weeknight? [more inside]
How to make regular day into a festive birthday outing, queer, adult, TX
How to make everyday social activities into a festive birthday outing, queer adult version, San Antonio, Texas edition.
I am planning an afternoon/evening birthday outing for four adults. Age range mid 20's to mid 40's. All varying shades of queer, NB, trans.
The birthday outing is tomorrow (Monday), and we are still at a loss for what to do, very last minute strategizing here. I'm trying to figure out how to make San Antonio suburban strip mall sprawl into something special. Also pondering if we are overlooking a possible fun activity. [more inside]
posted by ethical_caligula at 9:36 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ethical_caligula at 9:36 PM PST - 10 comments
What are these mystery ice balls?
We went biking along the frozen mudflats that serve as our ocean beach in Anchorage, Alaska today and found a 1/4 mile stretch strewn with these weird ice balls. What are they/how might they have been formed? [more inside]
posted by charmedimsure at 9:28 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by charmedimsure at 9:28 PM PST - 6 comments
A writing program or app that won't delete ANYTHING
I heard about RoughDraft and knew I needed it. But it looks like 1. it's discontinued and 2. even so, it was for Mac or iPhone only. I need something like it; a bare-bones word processor that won't let you delete anything (doing strikethrough instead is fine) but will eventually let you export the document. [more inside]
posted by The otter lady at 8:11 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by The otter lady at 8:11 PM PST - 12 comments
Starting a local writing group - 101
I want to start a somewhat social / productive writing group with some friends & acquaintances of mine where I live who are all women. I could use some advice on how to get it started. A bit more information below. [more inside]
Help Mom find gripping Spanish language books to read
My mom is looking for Spanish language literature to help improve her fluency while also staying entertained. She's had trouble finding stuff she enjoys. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by phoenixy at 5:27 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by phoenixy at 5:27 PM PST - 7 comments
How much noise am I in for, and should I rethink renewing my lease?
The decrepit building right next to our apartment was just torn down and it is now close to being an empty lot. It is now mostly flat dirt with some vehicles still there. Is there a way to view public records to see if there are construction plans soon? I'm hoping it will be a vacant lot for the foreseeable future.
This is in Hobken NJ, so new construction next door would be literally touching our bedroom wall.
posted by ridogi at 4:39 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by ridogi at 4:39 PM PST - 10 comments
"I give at the milk aisle"
When you donate to a charity at the check-out line at the grocery store or other shop, does the company get a tax deduction? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 4:39 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by Toddles at 4:39 PM PST - 5 comments
Get this word outta my head!
I have an embarrassing problem: a very offensive word which is constantly popping up in my head whenever I see a person for whom it is a horrendous insult. I need help making it stop. [more inside]
Question about Flat Teeth on Front Chainring
I just had a long-overdue drivetrain replacement done on my Trek bike: cassette, derailleur pulleys, chain, crankset/chainring combo. Service was reasonably priced, friendly, and fast, and the bike now rides wonderfully (with very smooth shifting). When I got back from my first short ride after servicing, however, I took a closer look at the chainring and noticed that many of the teeth were stubby, some almost flat, at least on the outer and middle rings. Is this common or typical in new chainrings? [more inside]
have you taken a big pay cut for work-life balance?
Have you taken a big pay cut to achieve work-life balance? I'm interested in hearing from people who chose to drop out of the rat-race for a less stressful job. [more inside]
Hooked on a liquid
I need a bomb proof travel mug with minimal plastic and a robust way to use a carbiner for attachment to backpack/bags. [more inside]
Bringing a tiny house to Canada?
I’m considering building a tiny house trailer and bringing up to my friends’ land in BC to stay in during the summer. I’ve been trying to figure out the legalities and I could use some help thinking through this. [more inside]
posted by ananci at 2:06 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by ananci at 2:06 PM PST - 7 comments
Need a new smartphone that's not iPhone and I'm lost
I'm having trouble finding and understanding the information/issues on all the smartphones out there and I need help boiling it down so I can switch to a non Apple smartphone. [more inside]
posted by generic230 at 1:48 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by generic230 at 1:48 PM PST - 9 comments
Alarm Clock or App using custom mp3s?
Hi all, quick question here. I have a few custom sounds I've recorded for my ten year old son's wakeup routine. Any idea of a device or app that could play them, ideally with shuffle and repeat, as his alarm clock? He has an Alexa, so could be using that too, if there's a solution there..
Sorry of this answer is blindingly obvious.
Thanks.
Hormonal birth control — cystic acne and migraine auras
I used to take birth control (tri sprintec/tri linyah) and it was great for a long time. I have always struggled with cystic acne and it is the only thing to ever clear it up long term. For a few years I had wonderfully cyst-free skin, until I started getting a ton of migraine auras. [more inside]
Used Camera for Action Shots
My son is a gymnast. The camera I own takes good video but can't get sharp stills when he's in motion. I want to upgrade to a used camera that will let me capture action shots. Advise me. [more inside]
Caught in the middle of a....
I have volunteered to compile questions for the music round at a science-themed pub quiz next week. Please help me find popular/famous songs which have a 'sciency' title (or artist) but that are NOT actually science-themed songs. [more inside]
Did I just give myself mild carbon monoxide poisoning?
Could I have given myself CO poisoning from just a few minutes of smoke inhalation? What should I do to keep myself safe for the rest of the day? [more inside]
Replace fridge water filter sans drama?
The last time I replaced the filter in my refrigerator, there was much aqua-drama. Please hope me? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 9:55 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Thorzdad at 9:55 AM PST - 4 comments
Former realtor legally “threatened” me at a bar. Should I be concerned?
In mid-2017, a realtor helped me find an apartment, but it didn’t pan out. I’ve seen this person from time to time at bars and social events since then. I was recently approached to at a bar by this person, and was vaguely “threatened” of being taken to court. Recommendations on how to proceed? [more inside]
Hair autonomy for kids
Parents of school-age-or-older children with long hair (esp. difficult hair), how and when did you transition between the parent handling washing/ upkeep/ styling and the kid taking over all of it? In particular, any ideas for rolling with a hair beginner's normal learning curve while still keeping the outcome fairly presentable for going out in public? [more inside]
Health insurance + free care?
I'm currently eligible for a 100% discount at the hospital that I get all of my medical care from. I'm trying to pick a plan from the health insurance marketplace, but my premium will go up significantly from this years' if I choose any plan that covers my regular doctors, who are all at this hospital. If I'm getting free care anyway, should I just choose a catastrophic plan with a low deductible? [more inside]
Door Restore
We live in an old home and several interior doors need some help. Who do we call for that kind of work? [more inside]
Ginger Beer Mocktail Martinis!
Help me make a magical mocktail for my castmates that best uses a martini glass! Ideally with ginger beer. No alcohol, no fructose, no cocktail shaker. [more inside]
Humidifiers
Did a humidifier make a meaningful difference in your quality of life if you deal with low humidity in the winter? [more inside]
YouTube Transcriptions - Halp
Yesterday I uploaded an interview via Tunes to Tube and somehow got to the Subtitles/CC area with my clip in a box on the left, and the transcription box to the right automatically populated in lines of two, no timings set. My husband signed me out this morning, and I can't figure out how to do it again and my Googlefu is failing. Any ideas? [more inside]
Mysterious weight loss
I've lost about 20 pounds in the last eighteen months. I don't know why. I have a cooperative doctor who will run tests if I suggest them but doesn't do a lot of suggesting herself. What's the next thing I should try? [more inside]
Another “can relationship be saved” question. I'm at a loss, internet.
We love each other, and we see a future together. But my needs aren't being met, baggage and neuroses are clashing, and I don't know what to do, or when or whether to cut losses. The usual. Snowflakes inside. [more inside]
Should I contact my ex?
There is a lot to this story. I hope you can take the time to read this and give me something. I need some advice. [more inside]
December 8
for the watch enthusiasts of metafilter...
I think my dad would enjoy getting a "nice" watch for Christmas, but have no idea what to buy or where to look for it. I'm aiming for a Wall Street executive aesthetic but for a couple hundred dollars, not thousands. [more inside]
Searching for a Wide-mouth Thermos
My brother has asked for (and, let's be real, I'd totally get one for myself, too) a thermos with a mouth wide enough to fit his hand in to wash it. I assume this is for beverages, and Thermos brand is not a requirement. Has anyone encountered this unicorn product?
posted by DebetEsse at 9:15 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by DebetEsse at 9:15 PM PST - 8 comments
Small condo bullding. Birds from our feeder caused damage to a car.
Our suet bird feeder draws birds.
They pooped on our neighbor's new used car. She didn't say anything about it - took it to the car wash. Now we have a problem. [more inside]
Apartment running hot and cold
We live in a two-floor rental apartment in a cold climate. We have forced-air heat. When the heat is running, it is often simultaneously unbearably warm upstairs and uncomfortably chilly downstairs — even if we shut all the vents upstairs and open all the vents downstairs. [more inside]
Where to go to escape winter
Hi. I’m looking for somewhere to go that is WARM (at least 70 degrees) and CHEAP for a long weekend in January. Preferably somewhere with a short travel time from Maryland. Budget is ~$1000 for me, a friend, flights, and 2 hotel rooms. The only goal is to sit outside and soak in heat and synthesize vitamin D. We looked at Vegas and Miami but they were too pricey and we don't really care about amenities (beyond a pool) or stuff to do.
How did Ricky Jay perform this "Sword of Vengeance" trick?
Now that he's gone, I'm re-watching many of Ricky Jay's videos, and his skills were of course out of this world - What a loss.
You could ask the same question about any of his tricks, but here is a simple one:
it's called Sword of Vengeance: He basically spins a shaggy dog tale of misdirection, and eventually lets his mark pick a random card out of a deck, the same "Two of heart" he had prepared at the beginning of the skit.
So how did he really do it? [more inside]
posted by growabrain at 4:28 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by growabrain at 4:28 PM PST - 10 comments
Best Luddite-friendly VHS digitizing tools for a gift?
Is there any VHS digitizing equipment out there that's completely plug-and-play and very easy to use for someone who isn't very tech-savvy? [more inside]
Basic cookbook for a Pescatarian
I need to find a basic cookbook for a Pescatarian. [more inside]
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 3:07 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 3:07 PM PST - 3 comments
Non-standard Z-Pak dosing schedule
I'm about to start taking a Z-Pak (azithromycin) for a sinus infection and I thought I had read somewhere that there's a more effective dosing schedule than the standard "2 on day one, then 1 per day." Am I wrong?
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 12:00 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 12:00 PM PST - 8 comments
Help me find my iphone...which is lost in/near my house
I feel like an idiot. I left the house for some errands the morning. I know I had it in the car on the way home (I was a passenger) as I took a photo on the way home. That's the last time I remember using it. [more inside]
Tell me about men who are not annoyed by your worrying.
Worrier-MeFites, give me hope. Have you known a man who was not annoyed by your worries? Who didn't irritably say "You worry too much," or "RELAX," or just straight up ignore your concerns? What did that look like? Can you give me some concrete examples? More about me inside. [more inside]
Collectible card games for mom and boy
Boy wants to play a collectible card game with me — something that can be “our game” — something we will both be excited to play and collect. Your suggestions, please! [more inside]
Podcasts and audiobooks about organized crime
I'm looking for engaging, interesting podcasts and audiobooks about organized crime - mafias, gangs, conspiracies, etc. The larger the scale of the criminal organization, the better. This is mainly for Dungeons and Dragons research, so fiction and nonfiction, modern and historical are all equally welcome.
19th through mid-20th century book recs needed, some restrictions apply
I am creating a book group in which our tastes after about 1940 do not overlap. I'm looking for novels from about 1800 to 1940, available in English (translations are more than welcome; if there are several translations, do you recommend one?), but not the really famous ones. See inside. [more inside]
Best quiet desk fan (or other small fan)?
What is the best quiet desk or other small fan? Priorities (in order of importance): quiet, small, sturdy build quality, long lasting, effectiveness at moving air, aesthetics, and price. I would usually just buy what Wirecutter recommends for a purchase like this but their fan reviews emphasize volume of air being moved, not quietness. I’ll put this fan either on my desk at work or under it to move the stale warm air around my cube.
posted by fieldtrip at 10:16 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by fieldtrip at 10:16 AM PST - 7 comments
You're my Inspiration, S** Hole Country Edition
A random Internet stranger found my Reddit profile this morning, and sent me a long, overly-detailed private message. I'm feeling a little uncomfortable and would appreciate some input. More specifics below; [more inside]
Three weeks in Amsterdam, alone and a little broke
Looking for activities / things to check out that are free or affordable and friendly to the solo female traveler. [more inside]
posted by SassHat at 8:36 AM PST - 18 comments
posted by SassHat at 8:36 AM PST - 18 comments
So many LLCs
When I moved into our current place about 2 ½ years ago I received some mail to the previous tenant. Oh! I guess he ran a sub shop? Weird that he would send his business make to an apartment.
And then more arrived. Another sub shop? With a very similar name?
And another. And another. And another. Oh! And now a coffee shop. All LLCs registered to the same man, to the address of an apartment. [more inside]
posted by device55 at 8:00 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by device55 at 8:00 AM PST - 9 comments
Make messages not pop up on Facebook?
I always have www.facebook.com/messages/t/name open in Chrome. Prior to a recent system update from Dell for my Inspiron 15, all the messages stayed there. But now, when I'm on www.facebook.com every message I receive is suddenly popping up from the bottom of my screen. They weren't before. [more inside]
Ideas for Holiday Gift Book Project
I've long had the dream of creating my own "Christmas annual", a small booklet filled with wonderful little things that feel like a gift. I would love to hear what you would like in such a book, and am also seeking good public-domain sources to find content. [more inside]
Accepting Bipolar?
Hi. After a decade of mood shifts/depression (and treatment for depression only sort of working) I was diagnosed with Bipolar II last year. I feel incredibly angry about having this thing that I can't get rid of, it gets in the way of taking steps to recover, advice? [more inside]
Film recommendations
I have a New Year resolution to watch twelve films on DVD next year. I've not seen a lot of films (apart from foreign language ones which I had a run of a few years ago). I'll be watching with a friend. Can you suggest films to add to the list of possibles? [more inside]
The Eden of apples
A few years ago I read a wonderful deep dive article about the wild apple forests of Kazakhstan, but can't find it now that I need it. The article included a bit on apple genetics, why apples couldn't just be grown commercially from seed, and varieties under development. [more inside]
December 7
The Ultimate Carry On Bag
We live on a small island in Micronesia. My brother is getting married in South America. That's 40 hours of flying there and 35 back! For Christmas I'm making my boyfriend the ultimate carry on bag, which will have activities and snacks he gets to open every few hours. limitations: have to be available to ship to Guam. [more inside]
posted by foxonisland at 11:46 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by foxonisland at 11:46 PM PST - 9 comments
the mess inside, sunny side
How do I develop a character I wrote for a story RPG when I won't actually be playing the RPG? Or in other words, how do you indulge in getting to know a character just for the sake of knowing them? [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 7:58 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by elephantsvanish at 7:58 PM PST - 4 comments
How do you manage skin care when you have ADHD?
I am a woman with a lot of skincare products who never manages to put them on consistently for more than a week, if that. How do you do it when you have ADHD? [more inside]
posted by ziggly at 7:42 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by ziggly at 7:42 PM PST - 25 comments
More music like Daughter?
I ADORE the latest (2016) Daughter album. What else would I like? More of my taste inside. [more inside]
Environmentalist documentaries
What should I give my wife in recovery?
In January, my wife will be spending some time in residential alcohol rehab. She is motivated and excited to close this chapter in her life, and I am trying extra hard to give her a wonderful holiday. I'm trying to think of a present to give her after she comes home, something that I can tell her about this month that will help inspire and motivate her to succeed and know how proud I am of her. But I'm drawing a blank! What do you think? [more inside]
posted by Darn those sockpuppets at 4:03 PM PST - 20 comments
posted by Darn those sockpuppets at 4:03 PM PST - 20 comments
Word/Excel for Mac won't load
I've got the latest versions of the software and the Mac OS. I checked forums. There seems to be no definitive answer, either as a workaround or else something from Microsoft.
You're asked to Force Quit. Sometimes it will open after that, sometimes it won't. Same with Excel.
I've read where you have to go in and delete various plists or whatever they're called. That doesn't work.
Is there consensus on how to deal with this? Microsoft won't respond to my inquiries, I can't find nothing conclusive on their forums, and I'm sure there has to be something to do.
Thanks and happy holidays.
Finding a patent agent/attorney to help with a provisional application
I've invented something for which I'd like to file a provisional patent application, and I'd like to enlist the help of a professional to help with this. However, I'm not sure about the best way to find one and what I should be looking for. [more inside]
Issue with wife and my parents involving time with grandchild
Fairly new dad here. We delivered premature 3 weeks back in October on the 16th. Spent a week in the NICU and took homeOur boy who is as perfect and healthy as any could be! I want to say I'm fully Overjoyed but I've been having issues with my wife and my parents. [more inside]
Why do weight loss studies always put people on crazy diets?
The conventional wisdom is that people who lose weight never keep it off. Yet every time I see a weight loss study quoted to back this up, it turns out people were put on some sort of crazy drastic diet. Why do obesity researchers think this gives a valid read on how easy it is to maintain weight loss? [more inside]
Fix “Holiday Time LED micro lights”
Bought two identical strings of “Holiday Time Multi Color LED Micro Lights” last Christmas. 150 LEDs per string. I expected to get several years of use out of them as the LEDs are permanently installed in the sockets. They both failed in the same manner when I got them out this year. Any fixes out there? [more inside]
Can you tell me what it says on this Russian snuff box from 1820?
Can you tell me what it says on this Russian snuff box from 1820? [more inside]
posted by oneirodynia at 2:57 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by oneirodynia at 2:57 PM PST - 8 comments
What are some sounds that English speakers have difficulty perceiving?
What are some sounds in non-English languages that native English speakers have a hard time perceiving or producing? For instance, Japanese-speakers might not distinguish between the English "l" and "r" sounds. When English speakers try speaking other languages, what sounds do they have difficult with correctly hearing or speaking, because those sounds don't exist in English?
Electrical shock during TIG welding
Under what circumstances would contact with the work lead clamp of a TIG welder cause an electrical shock? I know a person who received a pretty significant shock this way, enough that he needed medical treatment; I've been told that it's an inevitable in TIG welding environments. Is this correct? Is there a way to eliminate the risk? Can someone explain to me why the electricity would even pass through a person who touches the work lead? That doesn't make sense to me at all.
Looking for a simple contact management app for networking / job search
I am currently networking as part of a job search. I'm meeting lots of people who are in turn introducing me to more people. I need to keep track of all these people. Help! [more inside]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 1:21 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Winnie the Proust at 1:21 PM PST - 9 comments
What obligations do I have to my former stepchild?
I’m having trouble sorting out my role in my former stepson’s life now that my late husband’s affairs are finally settled. Help me sort through my special snowflake situation. [more inside]
Book Recommendations
My therapist (CBT) has suggested that I (middle-age cishet male) would benefit from developing male friendships. What books can you recommend towards this end? [more inside]
Will anyone hire me if I have to give three months notice?
I'm unhappy at my job and I've been looking for a new one for the past few months. My (9 month long) probationary period ends in January which means my notice period will go up from one week to three months. I've had a few interviews recently so I'm reasonably confident I can get another job, but I'm worried no one will hire me if I have to give that much notice. I'm wondering if I should quit my job at the end of my probation period.
heavy weights in back of a vehicle in motion
My partner has a habit of putting heavy stuff into our car in ways that I think are potentially very dangerous. How can I illustrate this and show why it's such a bad idea. [more inside]
posted by diode at 12:03 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by diode at 12:03 PM PST - 39 comments
In these dark times, is there still a good wooden train set?
Essentially looking for an update of this 2011 post. What's the best wooden train set for my little barbarian engineer in 2018? [more inside]
posted by Naberius at 11:40 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by Naberius at 11:40 AM PST - 17 comments
Vegas hotel
We are going to Vegas to see a particular concert over the weekend. We might do some slots but don't plan on gambling much. We will go out to eat. We might go dancing. We will likely tack on some other shows. I don't enjoy Vegas-y drunken crowds. Where should we stay?
How do I chai?
Is it possible to make a decent cup of chai using loose-leaf tea and boiling water as a base rather than milk? All the instructions I can find involve simmering the tea on the stove with milk, and I'm sure that tastes great, but it's not what I want to do. Teach me how to add milk and sweetener to tea brewed with water. [more inside]
posted by liet at 10:38 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by liet at 10:38 AM PST - 17 comments
Finding the Geographic Center of a Bunch of Points
Is there a tool that lets you find a geographic center from a bunch of points on a google map? [more inside]
posted by Dr. Twist at 10:33 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Dr. Twist at 10:33 AM PST - 7 comments
Tracking "Last-Read" on Twitter
I follow a super prolific Twitter user. Web/mobile web interface make it painful to stay current via periodic check-ins (must scroll and scroll, eagle-eyed to catch the point of "last-read" in his feed). Would a (Mac or ios) Twitter client help? [more inside]
posted by Quisp Lover at 10:29 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by Quisp Lover at 10:29 AM PST - 3 comments
Headphone-philes, help me!
My husband is a fan of the classic Sony MDR-w14 heaphones. Is there anything out there that's sort of like this being made these days? [more inside]
posted by cleverevans at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by cleverevans at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments
Where can we buy a high quality wall clock?
My husband and I are looking for a high quality wall clock for our bedroom. We've ordered numerous ones from Amazon and looked at many others, only to be disappointed in quality, or worried about reselling (Etsy). Very specific asks within. [more inside]
What evolutionary psychology hypotheses might be just-so stories?
Evolutionary psychology has often been criticised for producing "just-so stories" that explain a particular result, where an equally compelling story could have been constructed if the opposite result had been found. Does anyone have any good examples of a compelling evolutionary psychology explanation that seems less compelling once you see that there is an equally compelling explanation for a contradictory theory?
posted by casebash at 8:38 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by casebash at 8:38 AM PST - 7 comments
Product to protect top of foot inside shoe?
I've bought a bunch of vintage shoes over the years, and I keep running into the problem of the crease over the top of the toes. It often presses down hard and painfully and makes the shoes totally unwearable. [more inside]
Looking for lesson plans about consent (esp. not touching) for students
I am helping out at my friend’s school in Kathmandu and the teachers are growing concerned with certain boys who seem to think it's okay to put their hands on the girl students. I am looking for lesson plans, tips, ideas for teaching mostly teenage Nepali boys about consent. [more inside]
What to expect when you're immigrating (for love): US to Canada
YANML and TINLA. Have you immigrated from the US to Canada specifically because you were going there to be with a romantic partner/spouse? We are already reaching out to immigration attorneys, which will take care of the legal nitty gritty, but my partner and I would like to hear about other couples' personal experiences where one person is a U.S. citizen moving to live in Canada (as a legal permanent resident and eventual citizen/dual citizen) with their partner who is a Canadian citizen. It helps paint a more human portrait of what we can expect. Success stories will make us smile, but we need and want to hear about the bumps and road blocks, too.
So, have you done this, or are you close to someone who has done this? Tell us all about it! [more inside]
Braun electric razor replacement foils / cutters suck in 2018?
Recently bought a model 32B replacement foil/cutter for my Series 3 razor, and, even after a cleaning cycle, it yanked every beard hair longer than stubble and failed to give me anything remotely resembling a clean shave. Did I get a bad one-off or counterfeit, should I buy from a store or vendor other than Amazon, or are most or all current replacement 32B/32S's just bad? [more inside]
Word game with matched syllable responses
There was a link I think I saw on Metafilter a couple of years ago to a word game whose name I remember as something like "higity pigity." [more inside]
posted by layceepee at 6:09 AM PST - 5 comments
posted by layceepee at 6:09 AM PST - 5 comments
All the snow that we can blow ... on a budget
We've unexpectedly been given (actually, my husband won) a $750 gift card for Home Depot. We'd like to turn this into a new snowblower. Can you help us pick one that, uh, doesn't suck? [more inside]
Upbeat Music
My seasonal affective disorder has me down down down. MeFites who wrestle with depression, please tell me what songs or types of music help you cope. [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 5:58 AM PST - 24 comments
posted by Bella Donna at 5:58 AM PST - 24 comments
iPhone text messing
Apparently some recent "enhancement" by the UX "geniuses" at Apple has altered the behavior of iOS text messaging to my great puzzlement. [more inside]
What is this "8 year political rule" I'm thinking of?
So a while back I remember reading or seeing something that said the best political candidates for President (and other big offices) had only been on the national stage for 8 years. That after that amount of time - fairly or unfairly - they'd be tagged with enough scandals and baggage to hurt their reps and standing. But I can't find who said it or where. What am I thinking of?
bringing a newly purchased car into canada temporarily
Can I buy a car and drive it the same day to Canada? What paperwork would I need? Is there a delay? [more inside]
posted by gilsonal at 12:25 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by gilsonal at 12:25 AM PST - 10 comments
December 6
Name that tune: firefly girl beast edition
I want to find a song I heard in the afternoon/evening of either Dec 4 or 5 on the radio in Houston. Male singer. Lyrics mention a firefly, there’s a big style shift near the end, and then it’s something about a girl finding a beast with its horn (?). Sounded like something very recent, definitely had some electronic influences. [more inside]
posted by mrcrow at 11:11 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by mrcrow at 11:11 PM PST - 11 comments
Where’s the flood? In my husband’s closet
I have been looking for athletic pants with a 34 inch inseam for my husband. The only ones I can find are in sizes 2XL and up, but my husband has a 34 inch waist. I’ve tried every online retailer I can think of. He prefers track pants but at this point fleece joggers or any kind of pants for exercising would do. [more inside]
How to practice ii-V-I effectively, or: all the things I aren't.
I got to a point with jazz piano, at which I am not very good but crawling ever so slowly forward, that clearly what I needed to do next was really get my ii-V-I progressions around the ol' circle of fifths solidly in my fingers. Here's the problem. [more inside]
posted by Smearcase at 10:32 PM PST - 6 comments
posted by Smearcase at 10:32 PM PST - 6 comments
Help me adult like it's 1950?
Letter-writers of mefi: how do I write a good postcard for a five-year-old, especially if I don't know them all that well? [more inside]
Looking for large robust jet plane toys
Sounds odd, but I can’t seem to find large scale, robust, semi realistic, jet plane toys. [more inside]
Now or Later (not the candy)
Hi Folks,
After more than a couple of years of struggling with the idea of leaving my marriage (25 years in Feb), I had a major moment of clarity this week and am ready to tell him I want to leave. [more inside]
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 4:21 PM PST - 27 comments
posted by KleenexMakesaVeryGoodHat at 4:21 PM PST - 27 comments
How to tackle racism in the workplace without saying “racism”?
Can it be done? Or should I just be planning my escape route? Some of the incidents I am thinking of are trivial—passing offensive comments from senior people—but some are not and have serious implications for my job prospects. (Things like the roles I get assigned to, how my work is valued relative to comparable work by white peers, my promotion prospects). Is there any way to address this meaningfully, without having a terribly confrontational and potentially damaging talk with senior management? [more inside]
posted by Aravis76 at 2:06 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by Aravis76 at 2:06 PM PST - 15 comments
Do I just need thicker skin?
I just demo’d a work in progress to professional colleagues. The objective was to get feedback and make changes as required. I got lots of feedback! The problem is I felt like I’d been beaten up afterward. I have 3 interrelated questions: How do I take it less personally? How do I focus on the constructive criticism? Can I broach the problem with a colleague? [more inside]
posted by LRAD_der at 1:02 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by LRAD_der at 1:02 PM PST - 25 comments
What do I get when I download my Facebook ?
My favorite four kitten and science groups on FB have started banning users they think are using fake names, and FB itself is asking for PG rated material only (suiciding like Tumblr). Is my ten year download of content just going to be unreadable crap like my old AOL mail?
posted by tilde at 12:56 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by tilde at 12:56 PM PST - 5 comments
Are diamonds evening-only wear?
What it says on the tin. I have inherited a diamond (3 mm) in a (small, unobtrusive) pendant that I would like to wear out and about, but apparently such an item is considered more of an "evening wear" type of thing. I don't like attracting attention with my jewelry. My question: what is the general etiquette for wearing diamonds or precious stones (that are of average size, not huge blingy boulders) if they are not set in wedding or engagement bands?
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 12:23 PM PST - 21 comments
posted by Armed Only With Hubris at 12:23 PM PST - 21 comments
PC to Mac conversion for non-techie baby boomers
My 68 year old mother, a life-long PC user, is finally ready to accept my Macbook air since her current machine is very slow. What's the best way to prep her for the "conversion?" [more inside]
posted by andruwjones26 at 12:16 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by andruwjones26 at 12:16 PM PST - 12 comments
"Brain teaser" type games for large group
Our group--about 100 to 150 people--is having a holiday party next week in a restaurant, in a private back room. The big boss is suggesting we plan some kind of game(s) with "brain teaser" type questions. [more inside]
Getting over losing a prized posession
I lost something of great sentimental value to me, and I'm quite sure I'm never going to be able to find it. How do I train my brain to understand that's it's not that big a deal in the grand scheme of things? [more inside]
posted by kryptondog at 9:11 AM PST - 39 comments
posted by kryptondog at 9:11 AM PST - 39 comments
"Laser Pointer" Effect in Screen Capture Videos
A friend wants to create videos where she clicks through online slideshows while commenting. I suggested she us QuickTime Player's screen recording feature, constrained to browser window, plus a decent external microphone. But she wants to be able to point at specific parts of photos. Any ideas of how to integrate a sort of "laser pointer" into this? She's on a Mac. [more inside]
How do I determine what date I first downloaded an app on my iphone?
How do I find out what date I downloaded an iOS app on my iphone? I have an app on my phone. I want to know what day I downloaded it. I also have iTunes on a mac on the same account. (Twist, will these methods work on apps I downloaded, deleted, and downloaded again?)
posted by andoatnp at 9:08 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by andoatnp at 9:08 AM PST - 7 comments
I'm thinking about starting an events website for my town.
I'm thinking about starting an events website for my town. Is it a good idea? [more inside]
Help me remember a movie from 1996 that isn't Jack!
I'm trying to remember an US movie I saw back in 1996. I remember for certain that Jack, with Robin Williams, was playing in the house next to this, because we initially sat in the wrong theater! [more inside]
posted by Pig Tail Orchestra at 7:32 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by Pig Tail Orchestra at 7:32 AM PST - 7 comments
Recommend to me some good healthy meal prep YouTube shows.
I've been doing a lot of meal prep type stuff, but I'm finding a lack of inspiration in some areas. I like YouTube cooking shows, but I don't know any that help me much here. [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 6:56 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by cmoj at 6:56 AM PST - 3 comments
F you, that's what's up
I'm looking for a response to "What's up?"or "What's new?" or "How are you?" that gives off a certain tone... [more inside]
What, other than Raynaud's, could this be?
Is there anything other than Raynaud's that could be causing the middle finger of my left hand to suddenly turn dead white and go painfully freezing cold, stay that way for about 5 minutes, then go back to normal? It has only happened twice so far but I'm having a little bit of a freakout. Both times I was in my warm house doing some normal little household task.
Starting a 4.5 YO on piano
My wife and I are planning to introduce our 4.5 year old to piano. What do you recommend to make this something fun? [more inside]
British K-Pop equivalent to Kero Kero Bonito?
Looking for British groups that sing in both English and Korean, similar to Kero Kero Bonito, a group that sings in mostly English and Japanese.
Web Scraper/Sorter... What am i looking for? does it exist?
I'm looking to create/buy/download a piece of software that will help me automate a large portion of research i'm doing to uncover stock frauds. [more inside]
December 5
Crafty Cross Stitch for Goofballs: Xmas 2018 Edition
I would really like to create a little cross stitch and frame it as part of a Christmas gift for my girlfriend. It would feature a short catchphrase of ours that has been part of an in joke ever since we met and... there's something whimsically lovely about the idea that I think she'll really appreciate. BUT I haven't stitched a single stitch since a series of rainy afternoons around 30 years ago. PLEASE HALP! [more inside]
posted by Philby at 8:25 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by Philby at 8:25 PM PST - 9 comments
Creative/Silly Things to do with colossal dinosaur G5 Macs
I have a couple of stunningly heavy multiprocessor G5 Macs. They work perfectly, but they also have the processing power of a couple of Raspberry Pis and are tremendously effective room heaters. OS-wise, they're dead-ended at 10. 5. But they're beautiful bits of architectural hardware. Suggestions on what to do/make with them appreciated. [more inside]
Frozerburned Beeft
Six months ago, I froze 2 pounds of lean ground beef in the grocery store styrofoam tray. It looks frosty and dry. Is there any possible recipe that will make this not-disgusting? I assume it needs lots of moisture and fat added back in...? Or should I just chuck (heh heh) it?
posted by pseudostrabismus at 5:22 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by pseudostrabismus at 5:22 PM PST - 12 comments
Can we eat this- sticky edition!
My mom found some homemade strawberry jam when she was cleaning out her freezer... the jar was labeled 2004!
It smells fine and has apparently been frozen the whole time. Can we eat this jam?
Gift for feminist vegan daughter who loves to bake.
I'm buying 21 year old daughter X a PS4. 20 year old vegan Daughter Z isn't so interested in a PS4. She's asked me for books on feminism & socialism (making me a proud dad). She loves baking, ballet, tattoos, and being an angry feminist-socialist. She's super smart, but college wasn't her gig. Ideas? [more inside]
posted by arkham_inmate_0801 at 4:27 PM PST - 39 comments
posted by arkham_inmate_0801 at 4:27 PM PST - 39 comments
What Flavor is your Dragon...Cake
I have the dragon cake pan from Think Geek with lots of intricate detail that disappears if you put icing on it. Plain cake with powdered sugar isn't enough flavor. What cake will taste good by itself without icing and work with this mold? [more inside]
posted by stray thoughts at 4:21 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by stray thoughts at 4:21 PM PST - 19 comments
Where to vacation with jerk doggo within driving distance of the PNW?
I need to find a five day low-cost trip that needs to be driving distance (6-10 hours okay) of Seattle. However, my dog is a jerk that hates all people. I can keep him muzzled when around people, but we need a cabin or someplace that will let us be separate from humans and accept dogs. [more inside]
Fiction written as a monologue
I’m interested in finding examples of fiction written as a monologue addressed to the reader, so that the reader feels like another, unnamed character. [more inside]
Wood Foundation - Yay or Nay?
So, me and my wife are in the process of buying a house, and we just had the inspection done today. In the process of said inspection, it was discovered that the house has a wood foundation, as opposed to a concrete one. The inspector said that it's a standardized construction method, and that he did not see anything wrong with it, but reading up on it has a lot of conflicting information. Is there any recommendations for information or what to look for?
Employer wants me to begin work without completed background check
I received a job offer from a job in another state contingent upon a background check. I start this coming Monday (yikes), but the background check will take three weeks to complete. I feel like I am being put in a precarious situation and I'm not sure what to do. [more inside]
posted by Young Kullervo at 2:59 PM PST - 34 comments
posted by Young Kullervo at 2:59 PM PST - 34 comments
I thought his name was Warren?
Does the phrase “Damn the man!” predate Empire Records? I feel like it has to, but I can’t find any information regarding the phrase’s origins. My Google-fu is not strong with this one.
What home maintenance do you, a long-term renter, do yourself?
We've lived in the same apartment for 5.5 years, and will for the foreseeable future. But with long-term tenancy comes questions like -- uh, you're supposed to have your dryer vent cleaned?? WHO KNEW? And more importantly, who is responsible? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles at 2:29 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by goodbyewaffles at 2:29 PM PST - 15 comments
Helping a Syrian Refugee Family
I've recently started volunteering with a local charity who've put me in touch with a Syrian family. I'm struggling to find online the info I'm after, because searches are just bogged down in politics and war, so if you know anything about Syrian culture, or have experience of teaching English to Arabic speakers I'd really appreciate your help! [more inside]
Beanfruiting
Are there popular equivalents in other languages of "Beans, Beans, The Musical Fruit"? I'm finding it difficult to discover via google if there are either widely known translations of "Beans" or popular songs/poems dealing with beans, farts, or (ideally) both in other languages.
posted by mattamatic at 2:02 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by mattamatic at 2:02 PM PST - 3 comments
SpiderFilter: Yet another spider ID question
How to reconcile two lists in Excel?
I have two long lists that I need to manually reconcile. The lists contain many of the same items, but List B has lots of inconsistency in formatting. I need to rename the second list to have the standard names from List A. Also, each list has some items that are not in the other list, and one is about twice as long as the other. [more inside]
posted by gray17 at 12:48 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by gray17 at 12:48 PM PST - 10 comments
I want a new gmail email address. Can you help me?
My current gmail email address is a pain to use. It was a google suggestion when I opened my gmail account many years ago and I accepted it. I wish I hadn't because giving it to people verbally is difficult. I'm ready for a new email address. [more inside]
What is Christmas?
Can you recommend a book about Christmas (as in, the story of Jesus being born) for young elementary kids that does NOT lean heavily into the idea that Jesus is going to save us all? We are not religious people at all but we do celebrate Christmas, and I'd like my kids to have a basic understanding of what the story is that underpins the Christmas holiday. Ideally my kids' takeaway -- underscored by our family's other actions and words -- is that there actually is room at the inn and there is hope for the future.
Apostrophe murder
Before 1985, I read a short story about a person murdered for correcting the apostrophes on signs. Memory tells me that it was published in a mystery magazine such as Ellery Queen's. What might it have been?
Find me a bag!
My husband likes this brief-bag. However, the amazon reviews note some problems with the hardware and the (dire, IMO) problem of the dye rubbing off on clothes. Can you help me find a higher-quality option in a similar price range (under $150)? I want recs from brands you KNOW are good quality, I can find 500 brown leather briefbag options on e-bags myself, but I'm a little short on time to sort the wheat from the chaff. [more inside]
Please don't listen to YouTube in a crowded train wo headphones
Writing from a crowded waiting room where four (4!) Phones are competing to fill the airspace with (variously) 2 news programs, one makeup tutorial and one video about a bouncing dog teaching multiplication. I know that cell phone blockers are illegal, but does anything exist that would allow me to electromagnetically block cell phone speakers?
How to process the past and live in the present with Bipolar II
My partner of 15 years was diagnosed with bipolar II this fall and I need help processing the past in light of this new information and figuring out how to be in our new reality. [more inside]
Using fashion for dating old photos?
I have a two part question about using fashion to help date photographs. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 8:39 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by ryanshepard at 8:39 AM PST - 25 comments
A sticky fan needs a new lube
My wood fireplace insert uses two cylindrical fans to circulate hot air. For a while now, one of them has been running slower and slower, with some temporary improvement with application of a spray lubricant. However, it has reached the point where the spray I have been using no longer frees the fan. What product can I use that will dissolve the accumulated gunk and bring the fan back to life? [more inside]
Do we move to a better school district? If so, when?
Our school district is #90 out of 116 in the state. My husband and I could move to eight of the top ten districts while maintaining a reasonable commute and not incurring financial hardship. Should we? If so, when? And how important are these rankings? [more inside]
posted by pintapicasso at 7:45 AM PST - 37 comments
posted by pintapicasso at 7:45 AM PST - 37 comments
How do we keep up our dog's confidence while training our puppy?
Nine month-old Chewie was surrendered to a rescue by an inexperienced owner who kept him crated 20+ hours a day and never properly socialized him. He's making GREAT progress in the month we've had him but is still an undertrained puppy. Three year-old Zelda is VERY sensitive to any correction, and has been taking it personally whenever she hears a "No!" or "Uh-uh!," even if it's not directed at her. [more inside]
What food should we try in India?
We'll be traveling to India soon and want to try food that doesn't usually show up in Indian restaurants in the US. What should be on the lookout for in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Kerala? [more inside]
I'm in fitness app overdrive - help me sort through the clutter.
I am on a mission of self-care this year, which involves (among other things) eating better, training for a half marathon, and stretching/meditating every day. I am using various apps and devices to help me with these things, and it's getting a bit overwhelming. I feel like there must be an easier way! [more inside]
Just a little Kiss
I want to buy a small but good quality poster of a popularly reproduced painting. I'm Googled out. [more inside]
posted by nantucket at 6:38 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by nantucket at 6:38 AM PST - 3 comments
Help me identify this science fiction short story
There's a SF story I read some time around 2001-2002, in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, that I am trying to track down. I had been reading both new and older issues of the magazine at the time, so the story could have been published between the late 80s and 2002. Details below! [more inside]
posted by Enemy of Joy at 6:29 AM PST - 10 comments
posted by Enemy of Joy at 6:29 AM PST - 10 comments
Why are my car windows icing over... on the inside??
On cold mornings, when I leave for work, my car windows often have the usual rime of frost on the outside... but my rear window is often completely iced over on the inside. I have never had this happen before! What could be causing it? [more inside]
posted by sarcasticah at 6:14 AM PST - 15 comments
posted by sarcasticah at 6:14 AM PST - 15 comments
Shocking news: pregnant woman can't sleep. Please help me.
I'm 25 weeks along and haven't been able to sleep due to weird specific pain for the past week. Please help me unlock whatever configuration of body pillows, white noise and prayer I need to remedy the situation. [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 5:12 AM PST - 21 comments
posted by nerdfish at 5:12 AM PST - 21 comments
SAD light - smart switch
Looking for an off the shelf really bright light that has a mechanical switch so I can run it with a smart plug. [more inside]
resistance/activism without social media, and not in big cities
If a person does not use social media, what is the best way to find activist groups to work with? How do you know if a groups is something you can contribute to, if you don't have special skills? [more inside]
Working blind is not very safe.
I sometimes find myself in situations where I am supposed to wear both a mask and eye protection. However, when I put a mask on, my eye protection fogs up. Is there a solution to this age-old problem? [more inside]
Solving the onion ring/burger conundrum...
I love burgers, I love onions, so onion rings on burgers should be perfect, right?
But expectation verses reality is always a problem. [more inside]
December 4
What was that 'fake letters to companies' blog from the early 2000s?
Back in the early 2000s (think early Metafilter days!), there was a blog/site, back when there were only like a few thousand blogs, that featured fake/darkly-comic/OTT letters to companies. Of particular note, one such letter invited a company to help the writer commit suicide in a mysterious manner... [more inside]
posted by so_necessary at 11:01 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by so_necessary at 11:01 PM PST - 8 comments
Software and setup to keep a PC and MacBook synced over a network folder
I've got a MacBook and a PC, and a folder on each that I'd like to keep more or less synced. I also have a SMB/SAMBA/CIFS folder that I can usually access on my network or by VPN. What the best way to keep files synced between these computers (without a cloud service like Dropbox)? [more inside]
The care and keeping of showers
How do I keep my shower functionally clean with minimal effort? [more inside]
the mystery of the locked room mystery
I read a great semi-short story whose title was something along the lines of 'the Locked Room' or 'the Man behind the Locked Door.' Not this this this this or this.
The plot involved a man whose friend disappeared, leaving him, for all intents and purposes, his life and his wife. The main character is convinced his friend is alive and becomes obsessed with tracking him down. As I recall, it was considered a classic and came in a book with three other stories.
posted by es_de_bah at 6:38 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by es_de_bah at 6:38 PM PST - 4 comments
can I use an old iPhone as an AirPlay receiver?
I've got an old iPhone 4S sitting around unused, and a pair of very good amplified speakers that aren't currently connected to anything. Is there any way to turn the old phone into an AirPlay receiver so I can send music through it from my Macbook and my current iPhone?
The Christmas Eve chili caper (berries)
What are some creative things I can do with a lot of caper berries? A lot, a lot. Like, a large glass jar of them that I inexplicably received from my parents for Christmas last year. [more inside]
Nailed it?
I have unexpectedly on hand plenty of buttermilk. I have less than a scant 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Otherwise a pretty normal pantry of baking staples and a modicum of baking ability. Please suggest what I should bake right now. [more inside]
Help me bring up talking points about racism in middle school.
My middle school age son's teacher keeps stating that Asians are Orientals, even though my son has repeatedly told him that he doesn't find it funny, finds it offensive, and my son has already talked to his counselor and the Dean of Students. Where do we go from here? [more inside]
posted by alathia at 4:51 PM PST - 46 comments
posted by alathia at 4:51 PM PST - 46 comments
What actually happens when a plane crashes?
When an airplane crashes, what logistically happens for the next of kin? How are they informed? How are they kept up-to-date? I'm interested in any anecdotal information or articles/books that explain and detail what it is actually like for those left waiting and wondering what has happened.
posted by meerkatty at 4:28 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by meerkatty at 4:28 PM PST - 4 comments
What are photos of glum-looking Wall Street traders meant to convey?
It's a cliche for the media to show photos of exhausted or unhappy-looking Wall Street traders on a day when market indices drop sharply. What is being conveyed by such photos? If the traders are actually upset, why are they? [more inside]
posted by theory at 3:57 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by theory at 3:57 PM PST - 10 comments
I have questions about this THC product.
This is the product in question => Imgur link. I've never used any THC/Marijuana product before. [more inside]
Help us name our new orange kitty!
Adopting two kitties this week. The female Tortie has been named, but we're stumped on a name for the orange male tabby. Help! [more inside]
Where in the Willamette Valley along I-5 can I buy a tower drying rack?
I am looking for a Euro style tower drying rack, preferably without wheels.
The larger the better, 5 feet tall or more. [more inside]
Helping without burnout, or condescension
I am housing a homeless friend and trying to figure out boundaries for all parties involved, including myself. She's been with me for a little over a month. [more inside]
posted by coffeeand at 1:51 PM PST - 25 comments
posted by coffeeand at 1:51 PM PST - 25 comments
Layaway Angel 2.0?
This was me, the first year (2011) as a Layaway Angel. But now I'm wondering what we could do that's a bit different. IOW, what's "Layaway Angel 2.0"? Specs inside. [more inside]
posted by DrGail at 1:41 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by DrGail at 1:41 PM PST - 8 comments
HIPAA-compliant automated texting?
I'm working with a small medical center that wants to send automated text messages to its patients to remind them of appointments. The messaging system should be cost-effective, HIPAA compliant, and simple to use. I told them I'd look into logistics. Where should I start?
Recent half-remembered song about sleeping rough
I had a song in my Apple Music weekly new music playlist probably between six months and a year ago, and I want to hear it again. It was a collaboration between two artists, and I remember that the vocalist didn’t have much other music out at the time. I think the singer was female, maybe Irish, and told a story about sleeping outside. [more inside]
posted by a moisturizing whip at 11:56 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by a moisturizing whip at 11:56 AM PST - 2 comments
If CO isn't a greenhouse gas why don't we ban catalytic converters?
If catalytic converters convert CO to CO2 and CO isn't a greenhouse gas then is releasing CO actually the lesser of two evils? I know very little about why CO is so bad other than the suffocating in closed spaces without knowing it bit so explain it to me nicely :)
posted by zeoslap at 11:53 AM PST - 14 comments
posted by zeoslap at 11:53 AM PST - 14 comments
Bay Area-filter: What meetups/classes do you go to?
I'm exploring Meetup.com and class listings, mostly to expand my personal interests and possibly social life. Bay Area MeFites: What good meetups/classes have you found (especially in SF or East Bay)? Help introduce me to things I don't know already! Is there a meetup you think should exist but doesn't? Should we start that something?
I'm looking both for ideas on social meetups for interests I already have, and also suggestions for interesting things you do which might be new to me. [more inside]
Query on the geometry of peeling carrots
When I peel carrots, I've noticed it almost invariantly takes nine swipes of the peeler to completely peel the carrot. Counter-intuitively, this number doesn't change according to the size (diameter) of the carrot. Is this some known constant property of the geometry of circles and cylinders and how they intersect with planes? [more inside]
posted by Rumple at 10:56 AM PST - 25 comments
posted by Rumple at 10:56 AM PST - 25 comments
Best Cardio Dance Workouts
I love doing cardio dance (I do Werq and Zumba classes currently) and am looking for the best streaming cardio dance workouts for at home. Have any favorites? [more inside]
posted by freezer cake at 9:39 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by freezer cake at 9:39 AM PST - 3 comments
Took one extra venlafaxine by mistake. Do I need to worry?
Accidentally took my med twice yesterday. [more inside]
posted by winterportage at 9:08 AM PST - 11 comments
posted by winterportage at 9:08 AM PST - 11 comments
Tumblr likes
I want to download all my liked pictures on tumblr, at full resolution. [more inside]
Bar across bottom of screen on second monitor with Firefox and Chrome.
Examples in the more inside. For the past several months, when using firefox or chrome on my second monitor, a black (chrome) or white (firefox) bar appears on the bottom of the screen. It's like the browser window just stops where the bar starts. I have turned off graphics acceleration per a couple random suggestions I found, but it is still happening. How do I make this stop? [more inside]
Nail care for the hopeless
I have horrible-looking nails and I'd like to change that, but there are some complications. [more inside]
Around the World via Streaming
The international catalogs of services like Netflix are getting increasingly deep and rich. Can you point me to interesting corners of world cinema I may not have seen? [more inside]
Macbook freezing up
My 2013 Retina MacBook Pro has taken to freezing up at times. Is this fixable? [more inside]
Veneer fear
I’m planning on getting veneers on 8 of my upper teeth in January. I’m really nervous about how the process will go. Can you help assuage my fears? [more inside]
only connect
I recently posted a workplace-related question and got answers advising me to 'shore up my politically advantageous connections' within the workplace. What does this mean? What would such a thing look like in practice? [more inside]
can credit card companies blacklist a merchant on behalf of an account?
Is it possible for a credit card company to blacklist an online merchant on ones behalf so that no additional purchases can be made with that card? If so, what are the right words to use with the credit card rep? I have a friend who would like to stop gambling on an online website, but the site allows for anonymous account creation, so they're happy to keep accepting his deposits even after he's reported himself to be a problem gambler. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Open mic standup in Bay Area?
My friend is interested in performing a 5-15 minute standup set in front of a live audience. (She's never done it before.) What are some good places in the Bay Area to do this?
December 3
Activities to make my Christmas craft party woke?
I'm having a casual pre-Christmas crafting party for friends and I'd like to offer to some option ways people could give back to the community and/or resist oppressive systems at the party, like letter/card writing... [more inside]
Do I want a Roomba?
Does a Roomba work amidst clutter, and on two floors, and with a cat, and on a mat, and etc? [more inside]
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:28 PM PST - 30 comments
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:28 PM PST - 30 comments
Book-demic; legacy
I'm working on a book-box for Mrs: BBQ In the style of a legacy board game!
I'd really like ideas for books within the guidelines, and for how I could make it maximally cool/exciting/fun! [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 9:07 PM PST - 22 comments
posted by bbqturtle at 9:07 PM PST - 22 comments
Which SteriPen should I get for my trip to Cote d'Ivoire?
Going to be in Cote d'Ivoire for a few months for public health work. Will primarily be in Abidjan and am not too concerned about water there, but work will entail some fieldwork where I will probably leave Abidjan and go to less developed areas.
I've read up on my water sanitation options, and I think I'd like to go with a SteriPen, as I do think I need a purifier, and a filter.
1. Which steripen to get?
2. Which filter to get to go with it?
More details below. [more inside]
LED conversion for H11B headlights?
I own a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. The headlight bulbs are size H11B, and somewhat of a pain to replace. Because of this, I would like to get LED replacements and replace them just one more time. However, the usual places I would buy such a thing (Amazon, Autozone, etc) don't seem to stock LED bulbs in this size. Is there any reason why? [more inside]
Where to order super mario themed candy
My nephew is really into Super Mario right now. I've seen that there are super mario themed candy in Japan. I'd like to get him some for Christmas. I'm in Canada. Is there a way that isn't insanely expensive to order some candy to be sent over here?
Faith Restored
Is the "restoration of faith in humanity" a contemporary meme? Have people/media outfits in other periods of existential despair tried to "restore [others'] faith in humanity" through sharing proto-memes about inspiring events/people? [more inside]
Long term internet speed test?
I am having poor internet issues in our basement and trying to determine if it’s our internet connection, router, computer, etc. The problem is it seems to be intermittent. I was thinking if I ran something like an internet speed test but once a minute or once every 5 minutes for 8 hours maybe I could narrow down the problem by swapping out hardware, etc. Anyone know of such a service?
Searching for left-handed bass in New York City
I am looking to spend $300-$500 on a left-hand bass, new or used. Ideally, I'd like to play 4 or 5 and find one I like. I've done some research online to find instruments that sell new in that price range, but finding a place to try out left-hand basses in NYC is proving hard. [more inside]
posted by layceepee at 6:05 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by layceepee at 6:05 PM PST - 8 comments
How many Nazis are there in the United States?
I've been trying to get a rough number about the number of Nazis in the US, but have not succeeded.
The Southern Poverty Law Center and the ADL do track American neoNazis, but don't publish estimates of their total population, or even of most of their subgroups and splinter parties. [more inside]
posted by doctornemo at 6:04 PM PST - 4 comments
posted by doctornemo at 6:04 PM PST - 4 comments
Help my Muslim sister-in-law with dating!
Difficulty level: Chicago, beautiful divorceé. My SIL is a gorgeous (truly beautiful), funny, late-20s Desi woman who would like to find a Muslim man with the goal of marriage. However, she has been through a divorce, and is struggling to find Muslim men who aren't completely terrible.
Is there anything like Muslim speed-dating? What do people do after college, when most of the sons of family friends are already married? She's already exhausted Muzmatch and Mindr. [more inside]
posted by thelastpolarbear at 5:50 PM PST - 15 comments
posted by thelastpolarbear at 5:50 PM PST - 15 comments
Cool, intricate knickk knacks to get for 6 year old nephew?
Growing up I found an old wooden cigar sized box with different conpartments filled with unique coins, shiny rocks, and random knick knacks. I thought it was the coolest thing ever! I want to get something similar for my 6 year old nephew, and fill it with a few cool things that a modern day 6 year old would like. Any suggestions on a box (etsy maybe?) and some cool, intricate items to half-fill it with, so he can have some ideas to get his imagination started, and also have room to collect things on his own?
posted by thankyoumuchly at 5:42 PM PST - 17 comments
posted by thankyoumuchly at 5:42 PM PST - 17 comments
Help me recreate an amazing cocktail I had at a bar recently!
While visiting friends in Baltimore we went to a restaurant/bar called Clavel. I ordered a drink called "Almohada" which consisted of the following: Paranubes Oaxacan rum, vanilla, egg white, Nela Raw panela sugar, lime juice, canela (cinnamon?), "served in clay" (it was served in a sort of clay mug with no handle). The drink was a bit creamy/frothy (due to the egg white) and seemed topped with nutmeg, although maybe it was the canela?
I want to make this for myself at home. Help! [more inside]
Why did prednisone clear up my acne?
And given that I can't take prednisone long term, can knowing that it worked where other things haven't steer me towards finding an effective treatment? [more inside]
An X-mas gift for parents-to-be, to improve quality of life?
My husband and I are expecting a kiddo next year, in late February or early March. We are very lucky to be in a good financial position so we don't really want for much. My father-in-law has been asking us for gift ideas for this Christmas, and we're at a loss. Do you have any recommendations for items that really improved your own quality of life post-kid but wasn't specifically for the kid? [more inside]
Giftfilter: books about food
I'm looking for interesting and reasonably short books about food for a gift. This is for someone especially interested in wine, mushrooms, fermented foods and veganism. [more inside]
posted by carolr at 4:21 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by carolr at 4:21 PM PST - 9 comments
Apple Music family plan with Amazon Echo
I have looked all over the place and cannot find an answer to this, so I am trying here. How does Apple’s decision to allow Apple Music on Amazon Echo devices affect family plans? I know Apple Music allows six users, so will each Echo device you own count against that number? How will this all work? [more inside]
My new job is a really bad fit. What's next?
I recently left a job at a small software start-up for a new role at a larger software company. Since starting ~1 month ago, I've realized that 1) the company is not doing well and likely will continue to not do well and 2) this job is really not a great fit for where I want to go in my career + who I am. I'm starting to feel like I made a pretty big mistake in coming here. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by aleatorictelevision at 3:48 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by aleatorictelevision at 3:48 PM PST - 9 comments
How strict is Amtrak about dogs?
I'd like to take my 23-pound pup by train from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania in March, but Amtrak's website says the weight limit is 20 pounds. Are they super strict about this?
posted by Camofrog at 2:11 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Camofrog at 2:11 PM PST - 11 comments
Gift recs to kit out a small travel trailer?
You are an experienced car camper/backpacker/light traveler. You have decided to up your camping game by purchasing a small travel trailer with (tiny) kitchen and bathroom. What is the coolest gift I could get you to help accessorize, that you haven't already bought yourself? [more inside]
posted by assenav at 1:05 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by assenav at 1:05 PM PST - 19 comments
How would a chicken doing math sideshow work?
In one of the shorts of The Ballad of Buster Scruggs there is a scene of a sideshow where a chicken seemingly answers math questions from the crowd by pecking a metal plate with the answer on it. Was this a real sideshow at any time? How would it work? [more inside]
posted by Regal Ox Inigo at 12:44 PM PST - 7 comments
posted by Regal Ox Inigo at 12:44 PM PST - 7 comments
Electric current is like a lot of running chickens.
My teenage niece needs to learn the basics of electricity in a hopefully entertaining format. Do you have any resources you can point me to? [more inside]
posted by M. at 12:38 PM PST - 8 comments
posted by M. at 12:38 PM PST - 8 comments
Can you pay to hang out with dogs in London?
My partner loves dogs (sure, cats too, but mainly dogs). We can't have one of our own now for a variety of unrelated practical reasons. Are there any practical options in the London area for being around dogs on an occasional, ad-hoc basis? [more inside]
posted by Chef Flamboyardee at 12:30 PM PST - 11 comments
posted by Chef Flamboyardee at 12:30 PM PST - 11 comments
Songs about YOUR specific baby
PlaylistFilter: I would like to hear songs that MeFites see as representing their children as babies -- your babies' "theme songs". I am NOT looking for generalized recommendations on songs by, for or about babies; I'm looking for songs that have deep meaning for you personally with respect to your baby. [more inside]
Dingbat court? No...
MetaFilter taught me about dingbats and bungalow courts, but is there a name for this common 50's / 60's apartment/motel style? [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 9:59 AM PST - 3 comments
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 9:59 AM PST - 3 comments
I got you babe I got you babe I got you babe
My band is playing a show on Groundhog Day. What can we do to make it extra awesome? [more inside]
posted by wellred at 9:56 AM PST - 26 comments
posted by wellred at 9:56 AM PST - 26 comments
How can I remove frozen steak from plate without thawing?
I like to freeze uncooked steaks before individually wrapping them for later use. This reduces ice crystals from forming if cooking them from frozen, and freezes them flat which works better for pan searing and getting a good crust. I put a couple steaks on a plate in the freezer and now they're impossibly stuck. How can I get them to release from the plate without thawing them or breaking the plate?
posted by ms_rasclark at 9:43 AM PST - 7 comments
posted by ms_rasclark at 9:43 AM PST - 7 comments
What do I need to do to legally sell soap on Etsy?
I'm based in Washington DC, and I'm trying to figure out if I need a general business license. [more inside]
posted by moxie_milquetoast at 9:30 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by moxie_milquetoast at 9:30 AM PST - 4 comments
Pronouns 101: they/them
I'm sometimes in meetings where people will go around the room and introduce themselves and say what pronouns they use, e.g. "I'm Chris and I prefer she/her," or "I'm Jo and I use they/them" or "I'm Brook and I use he/him/they/them." [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:08 AM PST - 31 comments
posted by The corpse in the library at 9:08 AM PST - 31 comments
Online sources for quality women's accessories
I want to buy a woman I know a cool scarf or wrap or some jewelry for Christmas. I went to my local artisan's market/boutiquey area yesterday and didn't find anything I liked. What are some online sources? A few snowflakes below. [more inside]
Long, convoluted question about how to deal with my jagoff Father-in-Law
My father-in-law is repeatedly talking bad about me behind my back. I have proof. But I don't want to harm my godmother, who he is close to.
How should I respond?
Copious details on interpersonal relationships after the fold... [more inside]
I want to sleep on my side like a boss
I have been advised by my doctor not to sleep on my back, due to mild positional sleep apnea. My shoulders aren't fans, and hurt in the morning. What support pillows / positioning aids / mattress toppers / et cetera can you recommend to make my bed a comfy supportive haven? [more inside]
Help my understand my parents' aging and resulting personality changes.
My parents are changing and it's rough. I don't have a therapist to ask about it. Are there books that can help me understand, come to peace, know how to respond? [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:41 AM PST - 13 comments
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:41 AM PST - 13 comments
Ideas and strategies for getting my life back on track?
Please help me get back into the world. For various reasons, I have ended up in a situation where I primarily spend my days and evenings at home alone watching TV shows and farting around on the internet. Some of this is motivation related, some is health related, and some is situational. My mental health is suffering! So are my finances. [more inside]
Secret Agent Spy Kids
I have a 9 and 7 year old who are both wanting spy paraphernalia. Everything looks so cheap when I go looking. Does anyone have any recommendations for anything that is actually useful and worth buying?
In search of the right expression . . .
If you "woke up on the wrong side of bed," you woke up cranky and irritable. But what if you were awakened from a deep sleep and are confused, disoriented, and sleepy? Is there an expression/idiom for that? This happened to me this morning, and I feel totally wrong-footed.
posted by backwards compatible at 6:17 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by backwards compatible at 6:17 AM PST - 19 comments
Trying to find an old animation for Dvorak's 9th Symphony
Once upon a time in ye ancient days of internet, there was a flash animation put out by a orchestra that walked the listener through the movements of Dvorak's 9th Symphony. Does anyone know which orchestra it was? Is it still online in any form? [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 4:33 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by Hactar at 4:33 AM PST - 4 comments
Extra-wide pillowcases?
My husband's preferred pillow is big and gusseted. Stuffing it into a regular pillowcase is a challenge, and it compresses the pillow in a way he dislikes. He'd like pillowcases for a present this year, but I'm having trouble finding the right ones. They need to be wider than almost any I've found, yet not overly long -- as close as possible to 22-24" wide x 33-36" long. (21" is definitely too narrow and king length of 40" is definitely too long... unless it's the only option and worth having it shortened.) [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 4:17 AM PST - 9 comments
posted by daisyace at 4:17 AM PST - 9 comments
Duck, you sucker!
Someone gave us fresh duck eggs. What do we need to know about washing and storing them, as far as food safety goes? [more inside]
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:42 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by shapes that haunt the dusk at 2:42 AM PST - 8 comments
Why would someone try to open a bitcoin account using my email address?
I received an automated notification to confirm my email (gmail) address from a company that lets people trade in various cryptocurrencies. I had not tried to open an account with them and of course did not confirm my address. What would be the point of a hacker trying to use my email address to open such account, given that email addresses are not 'official' or 'legal'.
(Weight) Losers of MeFi!!
For reasons, I (36F) am looking to lose anywhere up to 35kg which i put on due to medication (which I am still having to take) I know I need to create a calorie deficit, but how is it best to go about this? Am I better to skip lunch or dinner? Should I skip a meal everyday or do fasting days combined with normal eating?
PS i know this is yet another diet question but the search function is not working for me
December 2
Creative privacy fence - 11" outside a window
The picture window in our living room looks out directly onto a rotting wood fence about 11" from our window, right on the property line. We need to replace the fence with something that maintains privacy from the industrial parking lot immediately across the parking lot, but perhaps also lets in as much light as possible and looks modern. What would you recommend? Bonus question, can we just replace the rotting portions of the fence and leave the posts (if they're solid)? [more inside]
Software To Analyze Weekly Spending?
I've been manually tracking my daily expenses in a spreadsheet, which has really helped me be more intentional with money. I put in each row the date, purchase, category and price. Now that I have a few weeks of data, I'd like to be able to compare week to week how much $ I spend on Groceries, Transportation, etc. Are there apps that can help me generate quick reports about my spending? I don't want or need this to be connected to my bank account. [more inside]
Cat person needs dog sweater
I need to get a dog sweater for a small (maybe 20 pound?) dog. There are a lot of dog sweaters on the internet. A LOT. What ever does one look for in a dog sweater? [more inside]
trustworthy Seattle mechanic for used car inspection?
Mrs. Sauce and I need to buy a used car! But we've been relying on a dealer shop for our car servicing needs for the past ten years and don't know where to take candidate cars to get them inspected -- taking them to a dealer shop seems ill-advised. Do you have an independent mechanic you like in Seattle?
Etiquette Filter: What is an appropriate thank you gift?
I'm a middle-aged lady who made a new friend, she's been awesome, and I'd like to do something nice for her and her family, but I'm worried that I'm being maybe weird or culturally insensitive. [more inside]
Why does bluegrass/country harmony sound so unique?
I am a Hungarian/Romanian who married an American from the South. Why do the harmonies in bluegrass and country music sound so beautiful and so different from anything else I have known? What is it about the way they are structured and sung that makes them unlike other music?
PDF or PNG to high quality JPG
I've got a print quality PNG and a print quality PDF of a image for a Christmas Card, and I need to convert one of them to a JPG so I can upload it to Shutterfly. All the online converters I've found result in JPGs that are too low resolution for printing. I only have a chromebook at my disposal. How can I convert this image right now so I can get this Christmas card ordered tonight?
Working class heroines in movies and TV
I realized recently that I love movies and TV shows with working class heroines. For example, I loved Flashdance, The Legend of Billie Jean, and Educating Rita. The movie or TV show can be in any genre, time period, country, plot, level of realism, etc. I don't care at all if it has a reputation for being cheesy or silly. [more inside]
Help me *extract* myself from Google’s search results
I have been lately removing personal information from the internet, and on one particular site I thought I had successfully used Google’s Remove Outdated Content Tool. However, the site- unfortunately one with my address plastered on it- still comes up with a search of my name, albeit now with my name scrubbed from the search result, site description, and the website from whence it came. [more inside]
Best options for a screen to watch downloaded videos
What should I use to watch downloaded and streaming videos from my computer to a bigger screen: a TV or a computer monitor? [more inside]
Does he have a Ticket to Ride?
Kid loves both trains and games. Should I get Ticket to Ride or Ticket to Ride: First Journey? I've never played either, but it seems like an excellent gift idea. Child's game-playing credentials within. [more inside]
Christmas Gifts for Parents?
Looking for ideas for Christmas presents for my hard-to-shop-for parents. [more inside]
NYC View
Where are some of the best non-touristy spots in NYC for a view of the city? [more inside]
Cat has a swollen nose, what now?
Our cat has a swollen nose. We thought it was maybe temporary irritation (smokey air?), but it's been a month now, and it hasn't gone down, maybe gotten slightly worse. [more inside]
Can I eat this - home canning edition
This is my first food safety question - some kind of rite of passage!
Anyway. I made a batch of excellent applesauce about three and a half years ago, using a certified safe recipe and canned and processed properly. (Please assume this is true, I’m from a family that is vigilant about canning things safely.) One jar of it ended up forgotten behind things and I just found it today. It’s been stored in a cool dark place, the seal is intact and it looks normal. Can I bring this to a latke party tonight or is it too old?
Second time unlucky? Sucky? Whatever.
Have you introduced a (casual) dating partner to a friend? Have you had the former start dating the latter with an almost-overlap? And get serious, quickly? Have you had this happen to you TWICE? Is there ANY way to not take this personally?
Sucky snowflakes below. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 12:49 PM PST - 19 comments
posted by Nieshka at 12:49 PM PST - 19 comments
Should we skip Paris?
I moved recently to London from the US, and my mother is visiting me from Los Angeles for the next two weeks. We had planned a 3 day jaunt to Paris via Eurostar but now I'm wondering if we should skip it due to the political unrest. I can't tell if we're being overly cautious or if it makes sense to just duck out this time. [more inside]
I know it's none of my business, but...my sister-in-law is mean!
I idolise my older brother. He's a great person – kind, responsible, thoughtful, reliable, consistent, etc. I also love his wife. There's only one problem; she snipes at him really badly every day, and I can't bear to watch her be so consistently horrible to him.
. [more inside]
Adding swimming to fitness routine
I have been working out 3 mornings a week for a couple months. Currently my routine is to do a circuit of 3 sets of 12 reps on a variety of weight machines and hand weights. I have not been able to add cardio due to time and because I hate the feeling of increasing my heart rate.
I would like to add swimming to my regime because it actually makes me happy, but I'm not sure how to adjust my schedule to work swimming into my routine. [more inside]
Dry mouth from meds - risks & solutions
I'm taking a new medicine that's giving me intense dry mouth as a side effect. I'm concerned about the increased risk of dental issues. Do products like Biotene gel and special mouthwashes for dry mouth help reduce the risk of cavities, or just help with the feeling of having a dry mouth? [more inside]
Some things never change: A question about the effectiveness of therapy
Lately I’ve been reflecting on old questions that I’ve asked the MeFi community when I’ve been depressed, namely this one and this one. I’m finding that a lot of the behaviors that I mentioned, unfortunately, have stuck. Do some things really never change? [more inside]
Searching for a specific phrase in media coverage
I want to find as many instances as I can, in articles or media about police brutality cases in the U.S., of someone supporting the accused officer by saying the officer "wouldn't hurt a fly" (that phrase, not just that sentiment) or the officer himself/herself saying "I wouldn't hurt a fly." Anything documented – the person might have said this in writing or in video/audio. What search strategies can I use other than exact-phrase google searches?
Thanks for the, um, gift?
Not sure what to do here. I received a card in the mail letting me know that a couple I am friendly with, and also have a business relationship with one of them (my financial person), donated to a charity in my name for the holidays. [more inside]
posted by Dolley at 10:09 AM PST - 19 comments
posted by Dolley at 10:09 AM PST - 19 comments
Please help me demystify this spreadsheet
I'm trying to make use of a budgeting spreadsheet given to me by my employee assistance program, but the financial advisor didn't give me instructions on how to fill it out. [more inside]
posted by Calzephyr at 9:56 AM PST - 2 comments
posted by Calzephyr at 9:56 AM PST - 2 comments
To walk and play music: gizmo edition
I have agreed to participate in a church even that requires playing a Christmas carol on my flute while walking. I can do this, but I'm wondering if it's possible to get a high tech assist. [more inside]
Games for Two
Let's say that you and your beloved are long distance for a few months. You both want to play 2-player games with each other on your mobile phones. One of you uses iOS, the other one has Android. Neither of you uses Facebook and, uh, to heck with getting a Facebook account just to be able to log in and play games on mobile. Given these constraints, what mobile games do you play? [more inside]
posted by nightrecordings at 8:56 AM PST - 12 comments
posted by nightrecordings at 8:56 AM PST - 12 comments
Membership style try before you buy wine shop?
Looking at another 90% full bottle of locally-recommended wine with 4 stars on vivino that isn't going to get consumed because I didn't like it. Does anything exist like a wine shop where you can pay a membership (or by the pour) to get a coravin sample of a bottle of wine before you buy it? I'm located in southern California, but curious if this model exists anywhere. [more inside]
ISO of an old website that was a link aggregator of sorts
I'm trying to remember a website that I would check out from time to time, years ago. I don't know if it still exists, but if it does I can't find it, because I cannot for the life of me recall the name or the url. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by merejane at 8:34 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by merejane at 8:34 AM PST - 8 comments
Say Cheese
My family (4 adults in their 30s, 2 adults in their 70s and 3 kids - 3,4 and 6) are going on a Disney Cruise and have purchased the photo package, which means someone will take our picture many many times all week long. How can we make these photos more interesting? [more inside]
Is this free car worth taking?
Relatives have offered to give us a 2007 Ford Focus they no longer use. It needs about $1000 worth of work (mostly brake replacement) to be driveable. Should we take it? [more inside]
why are things the size that they are?
Why is it that every species isn't 33% smaller or 25% bigger? Why are people on average the height that they are, and cats the size that they are? Why isn't every form of life 10% smaller? [more inside]
Chinese or Korean TV shows for older kids!
Have you seen some that are fantasy/magical/beautiful but not gross? [more inside]
posted by xarnop at 5:57 AM PST - 4 comments
posted by xarnop at 5:57 AM PST - 4 comments
Christmas will break your heart
We love sad, mopey Christmas music in our household. Honestly, it's pretty much the only time of year we really go deep on country music. Help us flesh out our Christmas playlist with the most tear-jerking Christmas tunes out there. [more inside]
posted by nerdfish at 3:44 AM PST - 55 comments
posted by nerdfish at 3:44 AM PST - 55 comments
Awesome ideas for a renovation (kitchen, kids’ bedroom, etc.)
We’re renovating our house and interested in any cool ideas like the built in upper cabinet ladder such as Hideaway Solutions Step 180 (give it a quick google to see what I mean). Doesn’t have to be related to the kitchen, we’re renovating the whole place.
posted by thankyoumuchly at 2:37 AM PST - 17 comments
posted by thankyoumuchly at 2:37 AM PST - 17 comments
December 1
Elderly cat hints
Our elderly cat (12-14 years) has gotten noticeably worse in the past week -- not in the 'should we put her down' way, but in terms of personality shifts and grooming troubles. The vet was unconcerned after testing and examination, but how do we deal with it? [more inside]
How do I get my phone navbar to hide away again?
I updated my Android (Motorola) phone today to what I presume is the latest version. The update came with a lot of interface changes, and they're all driving me crazy. The biggest change, and the one that worsens my user experience the most, is: my phone used to have the navigation bar automatically hide while using apps (i.e. "immersive mode"). Now, it does not hide, which means I lose about half an inch of vertical space when using Chrome, and things appear asymmetrical if I have the phone in horizontal mode. How can I fix this? [more inside]
posted by LSK at 8:29 PM PST - 2 comments
posted by LSK at 8:29 PM PST - 2 comments
I probably mixed bleach and Oxi-Clean...How worried am I? What do I do?
I frequently wash the floor in the dog's washroom (yes, yes, that's not the point) with oxi-clean powder. This tends to leave some white residue. I wanted to wash with bleach, because it's been a while and it needed a thorough cleaning. I know you can't mix, so I washed floor with tonnes of water (no oxiclean) a few hours ago. Waited. Then dumped some bleach and then water on it. There was fizzing. Now I'm worried about deadly fumes. Should I be? [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:19 PM PST - 9 comments
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:19 PM PST - 9 comments
Small, short, flat surface: Why can't I find one?
I'm looking for a max 1' x 2' wooden table that is approximately 6" to 1' tall that I can order online, preferably plain but finished, on the cheap side, and with free or low-cost shipping. I'm imagining something that comes unassembled in a box from a mass discounter. Searching common retailers is getting me nowhere. Do you know of such a table? Am I calling it the wrong thing? [more inside]
posted by tubedogg at 5:57 PM PST - 12 comments
posted by tubedogg at 5:57 PM PST - 12 comments
Ally workshop/presentation activity ideas
I recently attended an LGBTI+ Ally conference and now need to give a workshop to colleagues. The presentation will be about 50min long, and I am looking for activities to engage the audience and broaden their appreciation of the importance of being an ally. [more inside]
App to replace old-school notecard method
I currently use Bear as my primary notetaking tool, and I like it a lot. However, I've lately been thinking about a method of notetaking I used to use in school that was based on organizign 3x5 cards. I figure there must be an app that works this way. [more inside]
posted by synecdoche at 4:34 PM PST - 10 comments
posted by synecdoche at 4:34 PM PST - 10 comments
Best practices for uninstalling older versions of Office & reinstalling
We have 6 windows machines (2 desktops & 4 laptops) running Office 2007 or 2010. These versions of Office were bought from the UK or US on disc, with 3 installations allowed per disc. We are based in Japan for the time being, in case this has any bearing on things. [more inside]
posted by Calvin and the Duplicators at 4:32 PM PST - 1 comment
posted by Calvin and the Duplicators at 4:32 PM PST - 1 comment
Why Do My Suboccipital Muscles Hurt All the Time?
For the last year or so I've consistently had achiness "hot spots" in the tiny little muscles at the bottom of my skull (pretty sure these are the suboccipital muscles). Why do they hurt? [more inside]
Can I use this extension cord on a vitamix blender?
I think I can, but just looking for some confirmation from someone who might have electrical knowledge. [more inside]
I just want things to not be weird
So, I am a 30-something trans guy living in a mid-size city in the South. Pre any kind of medical transition, out to a couple good friends and family members and the folks in a trans support group, have an appointment at a trans health clinic in a couple months, planning to transition during the next year. I am struggling with how to handle it professionally, and looking for advice from anyone who may have insight about any of the topics I'm concerned about--trans people, what has and has not worked for you, cis people, what have you observed that did or didn't work out smoothly for someone in your community, etc. [more inside]
Epson Perfection V370 Photo scanner not fscking working
I bought myself a brandy new Epson Perfection V370 Photo scanner, intending to scan some family negatives. It doesn't frickin' work. Halp? [more inside]
Kitten naming ideas
We’ve adopted two brother kitties and need some naming ideas! [more inside]
posted by gatorbiddy at 1:41 PM PST - 44 comments
posted by gatorbiddy at 1:41 PM PST - 44 comments
Rechargeable hearing aids?
My grandmother needs hearing aids, but she has significant dexterity issues and doesn't want to change batteries. It seems like there aren't many rechargeable models to choose from, but is there anything specific that I should be looking for? What can we actually expect for battery life? We have a CostCo membership and were looking there, but there's only one option (Legato Li), is it OK?
posted by anaelith at 12:48 PM PST - 5 comments
posted by anaelith at 12:48 PM PST - 5 comments
1d100 Elven Solstice Rituals
Help me find a holiday-appropriate D&D one-shot. Pathfinder or 5e both welcome. Specifics inside. [more inside]
A hood that sticks waaaaay out
MeFites, I want a coat with a hood that has (faux) fur trim that I can roll out so it sticks out far past my face to block the sun. From the side, it looks like a periscope. I have seen people wearing such coats (e.g., a men's Canada Goose parka, except that's animal fur). How do I search for this type of hood? Does it have a name? [more inside]
Medicaid for dummies
Should I enroll in Medicaid or try to stay on an Obamacare plan? [more inside]
Librarians help!
We are working on an assignment for our MLIS and are having trouble identifying the Data Content Standard for https://catalogue.outontheshelves.ca/ (Out On the Shelves).
How do you guys usually figure something like that out? Some websites will tell you, but not this one.
Would one of you be able to tell us the answer, alternatively teaching us how to help ourselves next time?
We appreciate your time and labour!
posted by ipsative at 12:11 PM PST - 3 comments
posted by ipsative at 12:11 PM PST - 3 comments
Airplane-size bottles of vermouth
I'd like to buy some "airplane-size" (generally 50 ml) bottles of vermouth, both sweet and dry. I'm not particular about brand. Is there anywhere I can do so online or in New York City? Thank you.
Best hockey bars in Portland?
I'm wanting to find somewhere to watch some Penguins games a couple of times this month. Where are my best bets for this? North Portland preferred, if possible.
Best service for confidential e-newsletter?
I'm headed to Yemen on Monday for the next 6 months, and I'd like to send out a newsletter and photos to my friends, family, and colleagues (around 25-50 people). What is the easiest and most secure way to do this? [more inside]
Resources for adults who grew up with a mentally ill parent?
I'm approaching my 30s and impact of growing up with a parent who had a mental illness (schizophrenia) is really starting to be come apparent to me. I feel tons of shame and embarrassment towards this parent and as I get older, it's... oddly... getting worse? I'm looking for resources such as books, articles, etc. that will make me feel a bit less "alone" about being in this situation. [more inside]
Pancho and Lefty and me?
In the Townes Van Zandt song "Pancho and Lefty," the first verse is in second person, but all of the subsequent verses about Pancho and Lefty are in third person. Who is the first verse addressing? [more inside]
New cell phone for techically adverse older lady
I am currently using an old flip phone, which I use only when traveling. Lost my old digital camera, need to do more with a phone now. (special snowflakes inside) [more inside]
Career shift: I have (most of) the education, but not (much) experience
I have a bachelor's and master's in ME. I am looking at ways to transition my career into product engineering/development, but I've never really worked as a mechanical engineer (bounced around in academia/tech instead) and there are a few obvious holes in my skillset. Further complication: for visa-related reasons I would like to do this as an internal transfer within my current company, which is widely known as being Very Good in this area - so they attract very very good entry-level candidates. Is this even feasible? Many, many specifics inside. [more inside]
How well has 5 htp and l-tyrosine worked for you?
I'm taking 5 htp and planning on taking l-tyrosine for anxiety, depression, and ADHD. How well have they worked for you? Have you noticed any side effects? Have they replaced pharmaceutical medications for you?
Historical monthly temperatures for Seattle?
I am interested in finding this, but for Seattle. "fwd" in the URL stands for Dallas-Fort Worth. The equivalent string for Seattle is "sew", but alas, the days of transparent URL hackery are gone. [more inside]
posted by mwhybark at 8:36 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by mwhybark at 8:36 AM PST - 8 comments
Options for cementing rubber to painted metal?
How to attach rubber to metal, that will stay attached, even with flexing? (It's for an automotive application: side window scrapers). A common suggestion is contact cement. Also, Super Glue -- and how about that silicone gasket stuff? Anything else available? [more inside]
Why do I have rib pain, and who should I see?
I've had pain on my left side in my ribs for three months now. The pain is mostly in the back of left my ribs. I've attempted to get medical help, but I have had no success. Any suggestions on who to see or what this is would be much appreciated! [more inside]
Is there such a thing as a visual meditation app?
Are there any apps that guide you through meditation and/or mindfulness activities using visuals? [more inside]
Do you like interior design? Cuz I sure don’t.
We’re getting the interior of our house painted and I have no idea what color(s) to choose for our kitchen, so MeFites, please share your thoughts! [more inside]
What route and plane to celebrate the maximum # of New Years Eves?
If I chartered a plane in order to celebrate the maximum number of "midnights" on New Year's Eve, what is the ideal route and plane? [more inside]
Talk lampshades to me
How do I know if a lampshade will fit an existing lamp? [more inside]
posted by sailoreagle at 2:41 AM PST - 8 comments
posted by sailoreagle at 2:41 AM PST - 8 comments
Social science researchers of Metafilter, help me!
I am writing a masters thesis. I don't know how to manage all my reading. Please give me your pro tips. [more inside]
Identify title of a book of party games for adults
I am trying to track down a book of party games aimed at adults that I looked about 25 years ago. I estimate that the book would have been published some time after 1958 and before 1990. I looked at the book in the early 90s. [more inside]