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This is perhaps an unanswerable question. When I go to bed, I think about the things I planned during the day and all the things I must do the next day. I set my alarm and go to sleep. I wake up. I do not remember the things I planned the day before. I don't even remember not remembering sometimes. I just go back to sleep. Ah!!! Oh, no! [more inside]
posted by elzpwetd at 7:33 PM PST - 20 comments

I recently clicked on interviews with Tom Cruise and Joe Rogan and Louis CK discussing Jay Leno (please don't ask why! didn't watch most of them and I am not fans of these people). The comments are strange! (more inside) [more inside]
posted by bearette at 7:23 PM PST - 7 comments

I am currently in Kyoto and would like to move to Tokyo at the end of the month. When I came to Kyoto I used an agency which had a good site, clear information about costs (rate/ utilities/ deposit), and English speaking staff, but I'm having trouble finding a similar service in Tokyo, and it's driving me crazy. [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 7:12 PM PST - 2 comments

I have a life that I am generally very happy with at the moment (aside from my job, which frustrates/bores me). I've recently been accepted to a fantastic PhD program and I'm conflicted about whether to leave all of the amazing things I have here to go. [more inside]
posted by cruel summer at 6:52 PM PST - 31 comments

EU / NATO countries are allegedly concerned about capacity gaps donating Leopards to Ukraine. Why? [more inside]
posted by a robot made out of meat at 5:31 PM PST - 9 comments

First, I looked at some of the answers from this question but our situations are mostly different. I adopted my 14 lb shih tuz, Dice on December 1. On Feb 23, he just started barking in the evenings when he hears something in the hallway. More inside... [more inside]
posted by bookworm4125 at 5:20 PM PST - 12 comments

I'm from LA. Because I really don't want to dox myself more than I already have, let's say I was born and bred on the west side, and when the area code split happened my home phone was 310, but very close to the 213 border. We'll be staying in my childhood home. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 3:51 PM PST - 19 comments

A while ago I started reading a mid-20th century novel. In the opening, narrator talked about a time when he was so young and confident he assumed one day Manhattan streets like Lexington Ave. would be named after him. I think it was a book about writing or the movie business. What book is this that I am trying to remember?
posted by johngoren at 2:59 PM PST - 1 comment

Some folks in my local community are trying to evaluate options for establishing a local community owned ski bunny hill (like a tow rope up a hill sort of deal). Curious if anyone is aware of towns (in North America would be most relevant, I know Europe has more of a history of this) that run very small scale bunny hills with any equipment. [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi at 2:07 PM PST - 30 comments

I legally reside in CA, which recently had its federal tax filing and payment deadline extended to Oct 18 due to natural disasters. CA also extended the state tax filing and payment deadline to May 18 due to disasters. I did freelance work earlier in the year in another state (NY) and owe tax payment to NY. I have legally resided in a flood-affected area for the last few months. How can I get NY to extend my tax payment deadline in recognition of the natural disasters in CA? [more inside]
posted by icosahedron at 1:58 PM PST - 2 comments

My parents are struggling to do their taxes, and I am struggling to help them during visits and at a distance. One of my parents, who is (and has always been) a slow, methodical person, has historically been responsible for most of the family finances. This parent has a progressive condition that causes memory issues, and they are now struggling to complete paperwork (lose track of what they are doing partway through). But, they are also resistant to change and are not comfortable with financial forms that they haven't personally verified. [more inside]
posted by elizabot at 1:29 PM PST - 11 comments

How can I, an ignoramus, use one of those ChatGPT djiin to do my vacation research for me? For example, I would like it to accept a list of museums and attractions in Paris, and tell me the hours & days that each is open. [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 11:22 AM PST - 18 comments

I live in a city with a serious stray dog issue and animal control here is underfunded as well as a lack of infrastructure to address the issue. After a recent mauling I'm tired of it and ready to try to do something, but I am not politically active at all and have no idea where to begin. [more inside]
posted by Saucywench at 10:49 AM PST - 11 comments

Bonus points if you drive a Prius Gen 2. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 10:38 AM PST - 18 comments

One of my favorite mystery novels is Dorothy Sayers' Gaudy Night. There are a bunch of reasons for this but one of them is the fact that it presents a satisfying mystery without anyone getting murdered. This is unusual enough in my experience to be fun and novel, and I'd like to read some other mystery novels that do that - can you recommend some? [more inside]
posted by darchildre at 10:05 AM PST - 14 comments

I am firmly millennial, and have grown up with the internet my whole life. If you are looking for something, you find it online, but there are glimpses of the past around New York, where people still hang up paper advertising apartments for rent, or parties you might go to. I am wondering about the times before online was ubiquitous, and I know about classified ads, but I've heard legend of public bulletin boards where you would go to find out about stuff, and/or post your own bulletins. [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast at 9:45 AM PST - 66 comments

Do you know of any organizations in the US that help pay for durable medical equipment? [more inside]
posted by headspace at 9:41 AM PST - 6 comments

I have two jobs, so I have two W-2s. The IRS offers "free file" with partner sites, and from everything I have read on those pages, having two W-2s and a 1095-A (record of tax credit taken for Obamacare) should allow me to file for free. But somehow it never works? [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 9:32 AM PST - 10 comments

Spending time in the Southwest later in March and trying to make some decisions about what to see/do in conjunction with routing options. Arches or Antelope? Saguaro or Petrified Forest? [more inside]
posted by HonoriaGlossop at 9:25 AM PST - 12 comments

I bought one of those fancy "selvedge" jeans secondhand on eBay. (I didn't seek selvedge for fashion, they just happened to be my hard-to-find size.) But now they're getting blue on everything and I want it to stop! [more inside]
posted by splitpeasoup at 8:59 AM PST - 13 comments

I get very dry eyes sometimes - treated by drops and overnight gel etc - and suspect the central heating in my house is making matters worse by drying out the air. I have the choice of traditional radiators, an oil-filled portable radiator and an electric fire. Is there any appreciable difference in the drying effect these three methods have on the room's air? I've already got a humidifier running in the room where I spend most time, but that's clearly not enough to do the trick on its own.
posted by Paul Slade at 7:30 AM PST - 18 comments

My partner & I have approximately 5 weeks in Portugal & Spain early this fall (basically, the month of October). Help us set the list of cities to visit, and make sure the transit will work out OK! [more inside]
posted by the antecedent of that pronoun at 7:03 AM PST - 9 comments

Is there an app that can pull all my appointments and reminders from a bunch different Google and Outlook calendars and put them in a single calendar on my phone? [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 6:41 AM PST - 9 comments

any genre, any topic, anything! it's just gotta be fun, I think you will know the type of book I mean [more inside]
posted by wooh at 6:36 AM PST - 30 comments

My father passed away last year, and I inherited half of his investment account. I withdrew a portion of this account after the transfer. I recently received the tax form from the account, and the cost basis shown on the tax form appears to be the cost basis from when he invested in the account. [more inside]
posted by dforemsky at 5:45 AM PST - 6 comments

I received a postcard from Kazakhstan, and need help with translating it. [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 4:56 AM PST - 8 comments

2 days in NYC, activities split between Midtown and Upper Manhattan but not a fan of the midtown vibe for overnight. Is there a home base location that would be reasonably affordable, safe, convenient to transit, but in a locale with a somewhat quieter, more open, human-scale feel? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 4:55 AM PST - 17 comments

There are just many levels and kinds of suffering afflicting him. Would like to be more helpful. If I can’t solve the problems would like him to suffer less. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 12:40 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm a big and tall middle aged dorky man who could use a visit from Tan France, particularly looking for a jacket. He's not available, but hopefully you or a blogger you know can help point me vaguely in the right direction. [more inside]
posted by Superilla at 12:01 AM PST - 9 comments

Can you recommend a sleep meditation that doesn't refer to breath or breathing? [more inside]
posted by Mallenroh at 10:26 PM PST - 8 comments

So I mostly completed my tax return for 2020 with TurboTax online and never filed. I know that I can't file online anymore. I'm having trouble figuring out if that partially completed tax return is still saved in my TurboTax account and, if so, do I need to pay to access it? Maybe this is the wrong place to ask but I wanted to at least try and see!
posted by overglow at 7:41 PM PST - 6 comments

Hi. I am trying to find political science papers on local nationalism in Cornwall or Scotland. Are there any good scholarly papers or solid interviews/news articles that are worthy on a local/municipal level?
posted by RearWindow at 7:16 PM PST - 4 comments

I moved to a new apartment. My cat was nervous, and then ok with it, and then went at least partly back to being nervous. I'm confused about what's going on and want to change it. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 7:11 PM PST - 8 comments

Imagine you're an American who enjoys art and museums a lot. Where in the world would you go for a vacation that feeds that love of art, besides New York?
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 5:07 PM PST - 49 comments

What would be the male equivalent of the That Girl aesthetic? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 3:56 PM PST - 9 comments

My son, age 15, is very interested in fashion, with special fascination with the design process. Please recommend documentaries and books that dig into this. [more inside]
posted by Caxton1476 at 3:49 PM PST - 20 comments

I am considering upgrading my ancient PC's CPU. Can it be done? What processors are compatible? [more inside]
posted by popcassady at 3:38 PM PST - 11 comments

The book is a learning resource to help elementary school students understand concepts in mathematics. [more inside]
posted by elkevelvet at 2:58 PM PST - 4 comments

My elementary school library in the early 1980s had a non-fiction art book which was themed on rainbows. Large format paperback, about twice as wide as it was tall, pretty thick, with colorful 70s style graphics (probably four-color printing?) on newsprinty texture paper. Lots of suggestions for art projects. Very strong 70s graphic look and DIY ethos for kids. Any guesses what this book might have been?
posted by shadygrove at 1:42 PM PST - 2 comments

We found additional income after I had already submitted our completed 2022 tax forms? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 12:14 PM PST - 9 comments

I have spinal stenosis. For years I have had a lot of pain when straightening my back, walking or standing. Now I have some moderately effective PT, but... [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 12:07 PM PST - 16 comments

How do I think through my choices for my next car? How do I weigh comfort, cost, and sustainability when I need to get a new car, for a long highway commute I hate? [more inside]
posted by ohio at 11:31 AM PST - 18 comments

Been asked lately with some different constraints so here I am. My beloved 2014 Forester was hit on Friday and the body shop won't even be able to look at it until mid-April so seems like time to consider replacing. [more inside]
posted by leslies at 11:18 AM PST - 17 comments

My daughter is 5 years old. She is amazing, hits all her milestones, she's learning to read, she's very social. I have very few concerns. However, at the beginning of the year her teacher mentioned that she has a tendency towards getting very frustrated and simply stopping doing what she is supposed to be doing after small setbacks. More recently this has become a pattern at home where something small goes wrong, she gets very frustrated, has a meltdown and refuses to engage. [more inside]
posted by ghostpony at 10:49 AM PST - 19 comments

Looking for a feminine-coded name that means (or is associated with the idea of) "choosing to do the hard thing" or "making the difficult choice" or similar. [more inside]
posted by sibilatorix at 10:23 AM PST - 33 comments

Now that I'm going into the office more often, I find myself carrying my paper planners to and from work. It's easy to forget or get lazy about it, so I thought I'd look for a folio-type container that I could just put in my backpack at the end of the day that could hold them both, plus ideally have space for a few more documents or pens or the like. [more inside]
posted by praemunire at 10:20 AM PST - 2 comments

When I worked at a law firm, we used a practice management software named Clio that had an Outlook plug-in that allowed us to tag emails with a matter and it would save all the emails and attachments to the matter in Clio. Now I work at a trucking company and would like to find something similar for tagging emails with load numbers and having everything related to each load saved to the same place. [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 5:43 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm buying and assembling a watch from Eoniq and aside from customizing the watch parts I can upload a design to be put on the dial. I need ideas for categories of stuff that would look cool, but isn't immediately obvious what it is. Hivemind, activate! (pretty please) [more inside]
posted by coolname at 4:32 AM PST - 9 comments

I really want to finish a game I started like 20 years ago, but there was a bug that crashed it at a certain point. I am sure someone has fixed the bug since then *nods to self vigorously*. The game involved winning the chance to take part in a gameshow in LA (probably) and you had to get out of the house, get to the airport, find the right terminal, etc. I think it may have had a babelefish part but it is not Hitchhikers. I believe the protagonist is a woman.
posted by Iteki at 4:29 AM PST - 9 comments

About 20 years ago while hosteling through Europe, I saw someone who had a backpack that zipped flat and both sides had mesh covers so nothing shifted around. It wasn’t as big as a frame backpack, but was bigger than a typical school bag. Where can I find something similar? The zip flat with mesh dividers covering both sides is what I’m after. Thank you!
posted by Bottlecap at 2:15 AM PST - 5 comments

Please, help me and my memory. When I was a child I remember watching a movie with Jerry Lewis (maybe?) with a scene in which he needed a plane ticket urgently, and tried getting one in any way imaginable. He ended in tears. For the life of me cannot remember which movie it was. Help! Thank you all.
posted by Guywood Threepbrush at 1:47 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm presenting a series of films at a local (U.S.) movie theater with the theme of "the French on holiday." I was thinking I could call the series "Vive la Vacation!", which I'm aware is "Franglish." One of the board members, a non-native French speaker, says that it's a "very bad idea" that will be "laughed at" by native speakers. I'm looking for advice. [more inside]
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 11:11 PM PST - 30 comments

As a civic activity in the U.S., I plan to analyze a list of inactive voters who are likely to be removed from the rolls. I am interested in any suggestions on the best method(s) for this. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 8:28 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm having a problem that I hope you can help me with. My entire life in journalism has been about journalism. Doing interviews, for the most part, with people who are authorities in their fields. Dealing with facts, not opinion. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 7:55 PM PST - 5 comments

My sweet almost-two-year-old loves to read about love. Especially books that end with a parent declaring their love for a child, or explaining that they will always have a bond. The two current favorites are Nosotros Means Us and The Kissing Hand. We have outgrown the indestructible book Te Amo Bebe but it was major for a while. What books on this theme should I start looking for at the library?
posted by Emmy Rae at 5:58 PM PST - 35 comments

I'm planning on taking a few trips from Seattle to smaller cities in Washington to visit antique malls, thrift stores, and other businesses of that general type. Any particular recommendations within a 4-5 hour drive/ferry of Seattle? Bonus if it's in a picturesque location we can spend the night at or otherwise enjoy. (Previously)
posted by BlackLeotardFront at 5:39 PM PST - 7 comments

Turning 40 soon, yay! I'm working on the details of a get-together with friends and family. My vision is to have a fun night eating and drinking in my neighborhood. It's a fun spot with restaurants and breweries, and my birthday falls on a Friday. I'm thinking we could have dinner at a restaurant and then grab drinks. Alternatively, I could do food at my place followed by drinks out at the brewery...however, I'd have to figure out how to host that many people comfortably (10-15), as my kitchen table only seats 4. So my questions are: If you were attending a party like this, what would you like? What would you expect? What would be the most fun thing for you to go from a long day of work to a fun night of celebrating? If I invite you to dinner, are you assuming I'm picking up the tab?
posted by I_carried_a_watermelon at 5:07 PM PST - 14 comments

I am preparing U.S. IRS form 1041 for the estate of a decedent. The proceeds of the estate will go to a group of beneficiaries specified in the will. Should K-1 forms be created for each of these beneficiaries ? I won't know how much the beneficiaries receive until the estate is closed. Are K-1 forms for distributing income that the estate has received ?
posted by llc at 3:03 PM PST - 2 comments

Can you please recommend a beautiful, large, topographic map of the Pacific North West that I can put on my wall? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 2:57 PM PST - 11 comments

I will have a lot of time coming up where I won't be able to focus much on a screen (just the occasional glance), but would like to enjoy movies (primarily) and TV shows (secondarily) that are mostly dialog / sound-driven while I do somewhat mindless tasks. [more inside]
posted by Number Used Once at 2:49 PM PST - 35 comments

How can I minimize my perception of strong scents? They are a migraine trigger for me and I feel I’m getting more sensitive as I age. Surgical masks provide some relief and N95s are much better, but I’d rather not wear a mask all the time. [more inside]
posted by stillmoving at 2:23 PM PST - 7 comments

My dad, alas, no longer needs his Rollator style four-wheel walker. Where and how should I give it away? I'm in Eastern Long Island, NY, right now.
posted by musofire at 1:53 PM PST - 9 comments

It has been a rough-assed year, and it's gotten rough again. For the last few months I've been feeling like I'm checking out of my home life and, worse, my marriage. But because of the general life stuff going on, I can't trust that I'm actually checked out vs just being overwhelmed by gestures all this. How can I figure it out? [more inside]
posted by six sided sock at 1:41 PM PST - 22 comments

I recently watched a low budget US horror/ thriller film about a teenage girl who gains employment as a babysitter with a local woman, but the baby ends up being a doll. The "mother" is convinced the doll is a real child. [more inside]
posted by mani at 11:44 AM PST - 10 comments

When I was in high school I learnt effortlessly, the structure and organisation was all done for me and I just flew through all my subjects. I crashed at 17, for many reasons, but one of them being I had never learnt how to learn. [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 10:28 AM PST - 19 comments

A key towel hook popped out, leaving a big hole -- should I replace it, or if not, can I reuse the hole? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 10:12 AM PST - 7 comments

I’ve read Vasari’s The Lives of Artists, Michael Baxandall’s Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy, Ross King’s books on Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci, and Shearman’s Mannerism. What more can I read about the Italian Renaissance period? I am also very interested in pre-Renaissance painting in Italy. I have access to a very well-stocked university library. [more inside]
posted by bigyellowtaxi at 9:45 AM PST - 12 comments

While working on my 2022 tax return, I discovered that I accidentally took a deduction in 2021 that I shouldn't have. This was due to miscategorizing the year I contributed to my IRA. Should I include a letter explaining that in my amended return? [more inside]
posted by nanook at 8:49 AM PST - 1 comment

I live with a person who has a vocal tic, which (sometimes) causes me a lot of stress. I cannot change the tic, how can I develop strategies to cope with it? [more inside]
posted by oxit at 8:40 AM PST - 7 comments

My high school sophomores mostly only know about essays by writing them. I would like them to read fascinating and well-written essays that explain and persuade. I am looking for great essayists, great essays, and sources for current examples of both. More considerations below. [more inside]
posted by argybarg at 8:36 AM PST - 14 comments

I lost 35 pounds and stopped being pre-diabetic by cutting out high starch foods like rice and potatoes. (Okay, sugar, too.) Now I'm going to China for two months. How do I avoid rice? How do I avoid rice without insulting anyone's hospitality?
posted by musofire at 7:47 AM PST - 7 comments

Hello hivemind, I'm looking for songs that are resonant with the Twelve Steps, so basically this list but looking for more options and versions! Feel free to share links to pre-existing playlists and also to share your own, even if those don't include a song for each of the steps. Bonus points if they're related to ACA.
posted by overglow at 7:24 AM PST - 5 comments

CW: infant murder [more inside]
posted by bendy at 11:44 PM PST - 14 comments

I’ve been happily living poor from a part time job for decades, but with an inherited farm business I now make a living wage. How can I signal this to others without getting too specific about what I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:27 PM PST - 15 comments

I am stuck in a hotel room for a week for mandated COVID isolation. The room has an LG TV that has motion smoothing turned on so I can't even improve this situation by watching something good. I appear to have no access to the TV settings for what I guess are understandable reasons. Is there anyway for me to bypass this settings lockdown to make things look Not Terrible? [more inside]
posted by quintessence at 8:12 PM PST - 15 comments

I would like to find a hotel in the greater Boston area that has a wonderful bathtub. It would be great if the other aspects of the hotel are on par with the tub, but the tub experience is the focus. Adequate depth and decent width/length are the main factors - bubbles and other features are nice, but not critical. I'm having trouble coming up with a search query that returns relevant results, and I'm ready to throw in the towel. [more inside]
posted by under_petticoat_rule at 4:32 PM PST - 5 comments

My housemate's cat gave birth to kittens last night, in a bag of my housemate's abandoned jackets- which had been stuffed underneath a dresser. We're generally avoiding that area until the kittens are old enough to be put somewhere else, like a crate. What else can we do to make sure that the cat and all of her kittens are okay? [more inside]
posted by Ashen at 3:51 PM PST - 17 comments

My wonderful (Icelandic) hosts have graciously given me a lava rock they collected as a gift. Now, the night before I'm not sure whether I can/should take it with me back to the UK. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:24 PM PST - 15 comments

I work in public broadcasting in Flyover Place, USA. I have the opportunity to record and air my own PSAs. I have recently made ones on Gun Control and Planned Parenthood. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:12 PM PST - 30 comments

My home's wireless network leaves a little to be desired when streaming video. This includes Disney+ and most other streaming video services on our Chromecast, Zoom, and Google Meet. Ethernet is fine, but I don't have wiring to every room. How can I improve my situation? [more inside]
posted by mkb at 12:30 PM PST - 18 comments

I want to serve about 2 dozen *individually wrapped* cookies in the shape of books at a public library event. Per health codes, I can’t make them myself—I need to purchase retail. It’s for an adult event, but cuteness is worth bonus points. The event is one month away. Any ideas of specific places where I could order such a thing online? (Had a deal worked out with a local place but they cancelled on me)
posted by bookmammal at 12:29 PM PST - 7 comments

I’m not the greatest at keeping on top of cleaning tasks. I’m also not the greatest at cleaning in general. I’m moving to a new apartment soon and want to start a regular cleaning schedule so I can stay on top of things and keep a clean beautiful home. Is there a good guide to what cleaning tasks should be done every few days/every week/every month etc.? Or a list of what cleaning tools are needed to keep a clean home? More snowflake details inside. [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 12:24 PM PST - 13 comments

I’m feeling antsy to get out of my house and feel stuck trying to find something that won’t feel more lonely or set off my social anxiety. [more inside]
posted by socky bottoms at 12:10 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm going into a situation where there's a 99 percent chance that I'm going to feel really bad about myself and the universe for an indeterminate period of time. How do I deal with this? How do I make that period of time shorter? [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 9:57 AM PST - 8 comments

The paste is stuck to the bathroom tile floor and congealed. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:58 AM PST - 17 comments

I just now got a weird as hell robocall; can anyone help me figure out what in the stir-fried Jesus just happened and whether I need to worry? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:52 AM PST - 10 comments

I remember an article about a mural painted in a NYC office entrance that was in the style of Mondrian, but slightly different. The black lines were parallel, but didn't meet at a ninety degree angle. Did I hallucinate this, or has some else seen it?
posted by Marky at 1:45 AM PST - 8 comments

A young adult I know, has declared they are moving to Belgrade in the summer, planning to stay for a year and work in hospitality or teach English to support themselves. They have some savings to cover the flight and maybe a month or so of living expenses. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:22 PM PST - 19 comments

I don't want to. I have feelings -lot's of feelings- help me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:21 PM PST - 34 comments

About half the kidney beans never softened after cooking for 4 hours from dry (no soak). We ate them anyway. [more inside]
posted by gillianr at 6:10 PM PST - 6 comments

I have been told/seen some materials online mentioning that healthcare providers out of network for Medicaid cannot charge Medicaid recipients private pay (except for in certain states). However, I cannot find this specific policy in writing nor an outline of which states are the exception (or a government/Medicaid website). Can you help? [more inside]
posted by bearette at 5:36 PM PST - 7 comments

I have a podcast which has many episodes. I want to use one or more AI tools to machine-generate a new episode in the style of the previous ones. What tool(s) should I use? [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van at 4:26 PM PST - 2 comments

We are making a 10 day trip to Ho Chi Minh City and surrounds, and my daughter and I would like to watch a movie/tv show that might help us understand a bit about Vietnamese culture/history/architecture.....whatever. [more inside]
posted by jojobobo at 4:15 PM PST - 6 comments

I would like my hair to be about four inches shorter than it is now. This seems like a straightforward request, but the outcome has always been inconsistent. Can the MeFi hivemind help me reformulate my request? [more inside]
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 3:54 PM PST - 16 comments

I heard this band's music in a store a few years ago pre-Covid - "Unremarkable Name and the Something(s) Live at That Place." Black artist, great R&B-ish rock, horn section, danceable but not "dance" music. I looked them up then and went "Ooooh yeah! I'll remember this!!" Now we're on a different streaming service and I can't remember the name. Searching has found me only fails. Please help me find this music so I can shake it on down please.
posted by conscious matter at 2:41 PM PST - 12 comments

What are some well written novels/short stories that are set during the winter with snow if any?
posted by RearWindow at 1:17 PM PST - 50 comments

I’m a creative writer and enjoy attending online write-ins where we write, break for a little chat, and write more.‘I’m only doing the Barrelhouse one and the Write Pittsburgh one, and I’d like to have more options. Where can I find more write-ins or partners to do my own informally?
posted by mermaidcafe at 12:41 PM PST - 2 comments

Hi all, I'm looking to crowdsource ideas for how to make a 3yo's birthday party feel extra special, and more broadly, helpful and supportive things I could to say to my bf for this situation: My almost-divorced BF's ex has decided that she doesn't want the planned joint birthday party anymore and told him he can do something with the boy in the morning and she'll do something at night. Almost all the party attendees would've been from her circle of family/friends, who love the bf but have essentially been forbidden by the ex to see him unless she's around, so the kid's gone from big party to no party now. BF has an estranged family (abuse) and a much smaller circle of friends, none of which have kids. He's worried that any party he plans for the kid now will 'be a nothingburger for him' and he doesn't want to disappoint the kid, especially since the kid's been talking about the party for months. I (childfree so no experience with kids) want to offer ideas/support but have no idea what to say other than to validate his frustrations and offer to his distract him or listen to him. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:53 AM PST - 26 comments

I got diagnosed with ADHD! What should I think about if I'm taking stimulants? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:52 AM PST - 18 comments

I've been struggling with apathy for the past month or so. I'm not depressed, life is ok on the whole. I just don't have any interest in doing anything - work or fun. I have to force myself to do basic stuff. If you have suffered from the same thing, how did you get out of it? I normally like being productive so this is not great.
posted by Saucywench at 11:37 AM PST - 16 comments

There was a series of videos, most of them pretty long, that looked at every single NES, SNES and I think Master System, Genesis game and maybe others in significant detail, talking about developer histories, etc. I don't think it was on YouTube at the time, it was hosted on a standalone site. [more inside]
posted by cmoj at 11:00 AM PST - 4 comments

My inclination is to take pretty seriously the idea we’re moving pretty fast toward very very big changes from AI. Like, metaculus thinks we’re four years away from weakly general AI, and 7-18 years away from superintelligence. I’m curious if there are resources to help, I dunno, get through day-to-day life, if you take these predictions seriously, and not get too overwhelmed/anxious [more inside]
posted by ManInSuit at 10:42 AM PST - 24 comments

Is there a car audio Bluetooth adapter that I can leave plugged in 24x7, inside the center console, without killing my battery? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 10:12 AM PST - 8 comments

I want to teach my ESL students (roughly B1 level) something about Black history without my school interfering. Is there anything that would be about a Black teen girl who did something cool? [more inside]
posted by LoonyLovegood at 9:34 AM PST - 12 comments

I am having trouble locating a science fiction story I read a few years ago and I would appreciate help finding it again! One of the foundations of the story is that AIs have become so advanced (perhaps post-singularity) that most humans cannot even communicate with AIs except a few people who are treated like rock stars. [more inside]
posted by ElKevbo at 9:04 AM PST - 1 comment

I recently bought a new Macbook Air. I'm on a trip right now and a freelance job came in that I'd like to do. The client sent me the doc in Word. I don't have Word on this new laptop. (I do have Word on my home desktop.) I can open the document in Office 365 and read it and make changes, but I don't see how to save a copy locally and then email back the edited document. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Ollie at 8:27 AM PST - 9 comments

I think we’ve all seen the damage that a few inches of snow does when it lands in a southern state like Georgia - they don’t have the plows or infrastructure in general to deal with it so it clogs the roads and people die from being unprepared. But it still happens every few years and it’s generally only a few inches - and the northern states nearby are generally all dealing with the same storm. If a blizzard actually comes to San Diego and / or Los Angeles, it could be far worse - beyond the traffic issues, I don’t know whether most roofs are built to handle the weight of snow, and I’m certain they don’t have enough plows. Are the states that do, and aren’t currently in any danger, sending them? Is this what FEMA does, or are they only there to help after it’s too late? The Army Corps of Engineers? [more inside]
posted by Mchelly at 7:39 AM PST - 22 comments

I want to make a meatloaf. I want to put beans in it. I probably don't want to bite into any beans. Can you find me a recipe and/or point me to a recipe that doesn't include beans and tell me how to adapt it? Also acceptable, hamburgers. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:16 AM PST - 34 comments

I know this is maybe like asking the impossible question of which is more important, nature or nurture - but has anyone read the actual science and what it says on whether shyness/social anxiety is genetic and if and how it can change across a lifespan? [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 7:03 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a very simple CSV file that looks like 01:23:45,100 and I'm trying to import it into LibreOffice Calc but it's fighting me at every turn. Can you tell me the 'right' way I'm supposed to do this? [more inside]
posted by Rhomboid at 6:32 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm having cataract surgery, first one eye, then the second two weeks later. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 6:11 AM PST - 15 comments

A friend arranged with a hotel in Vancouver, BC, for a block of hotel rooms at a reduced rate for his upcoming wedding. He arranged for more rooms than are needed. How can he avoid a large bill for the unused rooms? [more inside]
posted by mbarryf at 5:45 AM PST - 9 comments

What is the best way to move a bunch of coat hangers without facing the massive tangled mess? [more inside]
posted by mightshould at 3:38 AM PST - 19 comments

Feeling very depressed about aging (turning another year closer to 40 this weekend) and seeking perspective. [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 11:20 PM PST - 35 comments

I've recently jumped mobile platforms, and discovered that the market for background fitness games is just as bad on iOS as it is on Android. (I don't mean things that encourage you to go run, and I don't mean the simple gamification built into platform health apps.) Does anyone know why this style of thing didn't really take off? [more inside]
posted by Merus at 10:23 PM PST - 18 comments

I saw this, but of course they're not on in stock the floor, I'd have to order, assemble and hope it's OK. I like it because it folds up, but is it too wobbly? Does anyone own one, what do you think?
posted by Marky at 9:29 PM PST - 8 comments

I've been listening to my partner's tales of a close friends of theirs who seems to be undergoing various aspects of identity theft. What can I recommend to help? [more inside]
posted by diode at 8:44 PM PST - 5 comments

I’m flying into LA for work on Sunday and staying for the week, driving around downtown. I don’t understand the weather going on in LA right now. Should I still go? What should I do to prepare for the trip? [more inside]
posted by inevitability at 8:07 PM PST - 5 comments

We have a medical appt at Good Samaritan Medical on Lovejoy St. We'll be coming up I5 from Eugene about 730-930 am. Is this a bad idea with your current road outlook? [more inside]
posted by nakedmolerats at 6:16 PM PST - 15 comments

I've lived in the Bay for 9 months and I'm thinking of moving back to NYC soon. There are many factors at play, including the tech job market and whether it's OK to move to avoid an ex... help me decide? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:54 PM PST - 20 comments

How are music licensing rights handled for big sporting events that are televised & where the sport incorporates routines to music, such as figure skating, gymnastics, or synchronised swimming? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 5:47 PM PST - 4 comments

I'm new to THC and am pretty sure I'm doing it wrong. [more inside]
posted by Twicketface at 4:59 PM PST - 20 comments

I would like to make some progress in understanding myself better, and addressing some issues with increasing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and mildly obsessive behaviour. Based on some comments I've had on other questions here, I might want to look into getting assessed for ADHD and/or being on the spectrum - though since I sleep quite poorly, it's also possible that my issues ultimately stem from that. So - what kind of professional should I start by approaching? [more inside]
posted by jlibera at 3:50 PM PST - 9 comments

Verbal/emotional/psychological abuse by the older family member I live with has massively escalated this week. I need to leave but my dog had major abdominal surgery three days ago and can't travel for at least another ten days. I have no money to speak of, no place to go locally. Shelters are full. My car is on its last legs. My support system is 1400 miles away. [more inside]
posted by Archipelago at 3:38 PM PST - 6 comments

I am looking for a good immigration lawyer who knows family immigration process from Russia (elderly parents of a US citizen). Their petitions (I-130) have been approved and now we need help with consular processing. Does anyone have any relevant experience? We're in the Bay Area, but could probably interact remotely.
posted by Ian Scuffling at 3:21 PM PST - 1 comment

I’ve been using retinol for over a year but I just can’t get past the insane dryness. What can I do? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 12:26 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm looking for a surgeon who might be willing to do a breast reduction on a young teen and takes insurance. Also, if you have experience finding such a physician, and getting it covered for a person under 18, but you live in another area, I'd like to hear that, too. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:45 AM PST - 8 comments

My 17-year-old kid would like to spend a month in Japan this summer, studying Japanese. How do we find a program for them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:45 AM PST - 3 comments

AirBnB/VRBO seem to have cluttered up wine country estate listings and many older standbys have closed down. What are some good winery estates with onsite lodging? Details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by JaneTheGood at 10:32 AM PST - 5 comments

This may be a western-centric history problem (and perhaps a US-centric one), but it's very difficult to search for veins of anti-war or pacifist poetry or writing from before the Civil War. I don't mean writing that tries to cast war as a sad condition existing as part of the greater human endeavor. I'm looking for "good god, y'all. what is it good for?" stuff.
posted by es_de_bah at 10:13 AM PST - 16 comments

My parent (70 years old, also neurodiverse) went to an audiologist who said that my parent's hearing problems were due to aging and diminished cognitive ability, rather than hearing loss. Have you or people you know experienced this? Should my parent get a second opinion, and what should I expect in coming years? [more inside]
posted by Theiform at 9:41 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm unable to remember the name of a 1990s-era global warming documentary, aired on PBS. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by rocket at 9:26 AM PST - 3 comments

US MeFites of a certain age...Are you using WellCare for your Medicare prescription drug coverage? Are you getting text-bombed by them right now? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 8:39 AM PST - 6 comments

I writing a thing. The main character is a waitress. She does little things to charm customers, as kind of a performance, part of the job. She smiles. She winks. What else does she do?
posted by falsedmitri at 8:15 AM PST - 33 comments

My two brothers and I are going on an epic steakhouse outing to Ruth’s Chris, where the Cabernets run from about $140-$250 a bottle. A sommelier rather than a waiter will be uncorking and serving 2 or 3 bottles to us, and I’ll be footing the bill. My standard tip is 20%, rounded up, and I was wondering if I should apply that same percentage to the wine, or is it ok not to?
posted by BadgerDoctor at 7:50 AM PST - 19 comments

I currently have a 35l roller bag, and a 95l duffel bag. My intention was to replace the duffel bag with a similar sized roller bag, but I have an opportunity to snag a 120l roller bag and am wondering if I should consolidate? This is for city to city travel, so navigating busy sidewalks and subway stairs are required. All these roller bags have 2 wheels. If I got the 120l, I'd have to get rid of the 35l. [more inside]
posted by my log does not judge at 7:49 AM PST - 7 comments

The CO levels are really high in the mid- Atlantic region, see here. What's going on?
posted by erattacorrige at 6:17 AM PST - 8 comments

Quite a few people here have recommended this book for getting yourself more efficient and organised. I recently purchased it and am finding it extremely complicated, am I missing something here? [more inside]
posted by Sunflower88 at 6:09 AM PST - 27 comments

I'll preface this by saying I'm aware this is rushed, but this is all the time I have. I'm in Amsterdam in the first week of May, after going to France and Switzerland prior to that. My return is through Brussels after five days. I don't want to stay on in Amsterdam - where do I go and what do I see in the interim period? [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 4:32 AM PST - 15 comments

I, a simpleton and slave to social media forums and dialogues such as this, have become curious how in such a short period of time the common knowledge that we had the freedom to speak in our own voice about our own opinions as long as it didn't interfere with anyone elses freedoms or alter the truth of the moment. This is my own understanding of that concept, but if I'm not mistaken it is a Constitutionally protected human right. Now, in the year 2023, I'm being mocked by the very construct of "social media" that dares to invite society in to share the social aspect, but then arbitrarily ban or 'jail' those whose ideals once spoken irritate another user of same. i can elaborate: [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 3:23 AM PST - 26 comments

I have a Google Sheet with two columns of data and need to check for duplicate words. But it's slightly complicated. [more inside]
posted by zardoz at 1:26 AM PST - 4 comments

After hosting guests, I find myself with two bottles of Coffee-mate Italian Sweet Creme creamer. I...do not care for it in my coffee. Can you think of any recipes (or honestly, any purpose at all) where these could be put to good use? I'm a capable cook/baker. Please note that "creamer" *is not cream.*
posted by Charity Garfein at 5:27 PM PST - 20 comments

If a person is in good health, (doesn't have diabetes etc.) what is the frequency of urination, times the amount of urine that drinking 225 ml of liquid just before going to bed, would lead to? And does it make a difference what the liquid is, other than coffee and alcohol which are mentioned on the list in the articles I read. It doesn't mention caffeinated coffee or not. The articles I read all say 2 or more is too much see your doctor. Does it mean even if if you drink as much as possible, you should only urinate once per night? That doesn't work in my head. And does it make a difference whether a person is lying down or not? The articles don't mention anything about those things.
posted by amfgf at 4:29 PM PST - 26 comments

How to transfer two people from Glasgow Airport (GLA) to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) on the Monday after Easter? [more inside]
posted by amf at 2:32 PM PST - 9 comments

It's one or three or ten centuries ago. Somebody's ancestors gather around a fire and pretty soon, spontaneous music breaks out, a few people start dancing, everybody winds up happy and breathless. But what I need to know is, if the songs aren't from the US, Canada, the UK or Ireland, or from Western Europe, what does the music sound like? I'm making a YouTube Music playlist to write a fun cozy fantasy novel to and I need help finding instrumental music from different traditions. [more inside]
posted by wintersweet at 1:20 PM PST - 22 comments

I need a way to get from Tenby in Wales to Dublin that doesn't take a) many hours b) costs a ton or c) makes me back track towards London. [more inside]
posted by tafetta, darling! at 12:21 PM PST - 11 comments

I'm in the middle of Operation: Tradebom and looking to find similar podcasts. I love this podcast since it has a unsentimental narrator, slickly produced (has actors playing transcripts, sound effects), covers a moment in history and has great interviews. I abhor podcasts with a couple people talking and making comments, so please none of those.
posted by sandmanwv at 12:16 PM PST - 6 comments

What are the pros and cons living in Ottawa? I am hoping to move in a few years as I am from Southern Ontario. I am also a writer and I hear their writers festival is one of the best in the country and they seem to have a good writers/arts scene. I am not fond of humid summers as I hear it gets quite sweltering in Ottawa but that is like that in most of Ontario. If you have any solid pros and cons to suggest I am all ears.
posted by RearWindow at 12:00 PM PST - 9 comments

I grew up as an immigrant in the US. During my childhood, many people treated me with kindness, but there were some unfair incidents where people took advantage. Nowadays as an adult, unfair treatment can send me into a spiral of powerlessness and rage. In addition to therapy (which I'm already in), what are some techniques I can use to get out of these spirals faster? [more inside]
posted by sandwich at 11:51 AM PST - 15 comments

My mother and I are going to Philadelphia for the weekend and are looking for midrange to upscale-ish places for dinner for three on Friday and Saturday night. [more inside]
posted by holborne at 10:03 AM PST - 17 comments

Hi! I used to live in Seattle, but the Seattle I lived in is loooooooong gone, so I need drink/eat recommendations. [more inside]
posted by pdb at 9:59 AM PST - 4 comments

I would like to re-certify my lapsed EMT certification, it has been 4 years since it lapsed. According to NREMT website one step is "40 hours of continuing education" How do I take these continuing education hours? is there a cheap/free way to do so? Then do I have to take my practical exam through an accredited program, and if so how do I sign up for a practical exam? I'm so confused, thanks!
posted by maxexam at 9:30 AM PST - 3 comments

I am seeking ideas for school lunches for my seven-year-old son. Difficulty level: no nuts. [more inside]
posted by number9dream at 9:13 AM PST - 50 comments

I have been using the free hosting services on Weebly for many years now. It had the nice feature that I could use my own domain name (equivalent of "metahawk.com") rather than the weebly domain ("metahawk.weebly.com". I just got notified that the free service will no longer include the option to connect to a custom domain - I need to either pay up or move elsewhere. Can you recommend a different platform which would combine free with easy to use and maintain? [more inside]
posted by metahawk at 8:56 AM PST - 8 comments

I would like to make an unofficial translation of a copyrighted book and print one copy. Is this legal? If I do it only for my own personal use? What if I give a copy to a friend? Will a copy shop print and bind this for me, or would that be considered "distribution"? My understanding is that translation does not fall under fair use exceptions for criticism, parody, or other allowed uses.
posted by epanalepsis at 8:45 AM PST - 8 comments

Unsurprisingly, my vision has been getting worse with age. But is the particular way that it’s getting worse unsurprising too? Or worth a follow-up or a second opinion? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 5:51 AM PST - 18 comments

I’m finally taking myself on my first grownup solo trip and headed to Paris in April! Looking for updated hints and ideas. [more inside]
posted by yes I said yes I will Yes at 5:23 AM PST - 21 comments

I have this way of speaking in long, winding sentences, often containing multipe subordinate clauses. I would like to talk in shorter sentences, as I sometimes get lost and forget how to gramatically correct end my sentence. But How? [more inside]
posted by zinnia_ at 4:17 AM PST - 18 comments

We are looking for recipes that are easy enough for an eleven-year-old to follow (with adult supervision) that result in meals that said eleven-year-old might then enthusiastically eat. [more inside]
posted by sueinnyc at 3:39 AM PST - 32 comments

What kit should I invest in if I want to test soil ph in greenhouse, garden, and pasture, so lots of ongoing tests, but small scale not large commercial? Willing to spend up to £200 for reliable accurate equipment that will last. Only interested in ph, not moisture etc. If I can measure straight from sticking probes in the ground, no test tubes, that would be great, but if the answer really is test tubes then I will cope. Thanks!
posted by Rhedyn at 2:07 AM PST - 3 comments

I understand owning stocks and bonds at this place while living abroad is frowned upon and unless I plan to go back SOON (maybe this is not a bad idea!? Buuuuut I can’t just do that) I need to liquidate the account. They indicated that if my stay overseas was temporary that there was some flexibility…I would like to not deal with this right now actually (in the sense of transferring everything over to Europe) and my life is kind of a gigantic huge mess. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:11 PM PST - 8 comments

I need your help so I can help the least "bridezilla"-y bride with a kind of persnickety bridesmaid dress desire. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 10:27 PM PST - 11 comments

I am an Anglophone and a Cat Person. I cat-sit on a semi-regular basis for a cat whose humans speak Spanish at home. My own Spanish is conversational at best (three years in secondary school plus some idle DuoLingo since), and I’d like to expand my vocabulary a little. [more inside]
posted by armeowda at 9:23 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for a minimalist aesthetic and practical solution for putting soap and shampoo bottles in a regular full sized bath/shower. I think the shower head hangers and pole style fixtures are tacky and flimsy. There are nice looking ones that attach to the wall, but I'm concerned with longevity of the attachment and ease of cleaning. We use large heavy shampoo bottles. I like the wooden tray styles, but I'm concerned it will get moldy and break down. Looking for something under $30. Any other suggestions?
posted by roaring beast at 7:51 PM PST - 12 comments

What has been your experience with Turo car service? I just heard about it as an alternative to rental cars. The pricing is much cheaper. Is it reliable? I'm planning on doing an airport pickup. I am not thrilled at having to upload my license info for privacy reasons. Is it worth it? Any notable considerations as far as safety or insurance? (I have my own car insurance.)
posted by roaring beast at 7:34 PM PST - 8 comments

It’s brutal, but it’s underproduced without the slick, over-the-top production that a lot of Netflix pop culture documentaries have. [more inside]
posted by glaucon at 6:02 PM PST - 9 comments

We need a wheelchair ramp for a tight corner with 3 stairs. Does not need to meet code. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 4:21 PM PST - 19 comments

This is the NYC law about keeping a dog in a rental apartment. I'm confused. [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 3:44 PM PST - 7 comments

I just received a super weird email phishing scam. Basically one of those order confirmation scams, but this time with unnerving details… [more inside]
posted by fimbulvetr at 3:10 PM PST - 5 comments

I bought a refurbished sound bar system (VIZIO SB36514-G6) but the center speaker went kablooey. That's the most important speaker! I'm considering my options. [more inside]
posted by credulous at 2:12 PM PST - 7 comments

It feels like a very common ad archetype, but I'm having a devil of a time tracking them down. Can you help me find ads like this one, but without the preamble, where it's just various people saying stuff, on camera, one after the other, usually with a very similar setting or backdrop. [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 1:57 PM PST - 8 comments

I need to buy a new car, very soon, and would like to move into a hybrid vehicle for the better gas mileage and because It's the Right Thing to Do. But which car, and which type hybrid, to buy? [more inside]
posted by DrGail at 1:46 PM PST - 27 comments

I have to apply a graphic to a wooden cylinder. This has not been easy so far and I need a better way to do it. I'm thinking a Cricut might work but I don't really know much about them, how they work, or what they can be used for. Maybe you can help? [more inside]
posted by bondcliff at 1:41 PM PST - 22 comments

In my forties, live a thriving life, my child is showing ADHD-adjacent traits and I have a lot of them too. Would getting formally diagnosed for ADHD help me at all? [more inside]
posted by allthethings at 12:12 PM PST - 25 comments

My friend, possibly a BFF has slowly been red-pilling herself over the last two years and it seems like she complains about “woke” all the time and called me "wokie". I don't want to hear her red-pilled bigotry anymore. I was assertive about this vocally and by text. She got upset. I should probably respond. [more inside]
posted by Che boludo! at 11:56 AM PST - 38 comments

I am looking to gift someone some surfing lessons for an adult beginner. She an catch an occasional wave, but can't stand up on the board. Has a board but probably been surfing something like 15 times in her life. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 11:41 AM PST - 1 comment

I had a beautiful SF weekend, thanks AskMeFi, but I must ask your help for another thing! I caught COVID while I was here, and now I need to find a one-way car rental to go directly back to Davis to continue quarantining, can you help me? I need to leave by noon tomorrow. [more inside]
posted by yueliang at 10:56 AM PST - 11 comments

Is Sept 1 a realistic move-in date for student rentals or do most leases start May 1? This is for downtown or midtown Toronto. [more inside]
posted by ilovepeaches at 10:26 AM PST - 8 comments

I find this Twix commercial with the two chickens ridiculously funny. The last line "So embarrassing!" is the clincher! What accent is that?
posted by soelo at 9:19 AM PST - 6 comments

Take any image from a Facebook ad (here's a random example, with bonus kitty). I can see in the URL that the image is noted as being 600x600. Is there a way to access any larger versions of that image, if they exist?
posted by Glier's Goetta at 8:48 AM PST - 2 comments

Hello, it looks like stinker jr. may be autistic and they would like to be assessed by someone who can say for sure. The autism tests they take online (with input from me and other family members) consistently rate them 30-32. They are worried that as an afab (assigned female at birth, currently identifies as transmasc) nonbinary kid, they may not be judged as having autism because of bias on the part of the assessor. [more inside]
posted by stinker at 8:31 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm looking for recommendations for the best tomatoes for use in: * sandwiches (big and tasty) * making tomato sauce (best for pasta/pizza sauce) [more inside]
posted by GernBlandston at 8:19 AM PST - 17 comments

We bought a home that does have a frosted window in the shower. However, showering right next to the window, when it's dark outside, is not ideal. How to fix this issue cheaply? [more inside]
posted by luvmywife at 8:07 AM PST - 20 comments

I'm interested in walking the Shikoku 88 Temple Route. I am very interested in hiking/trekking/walking trips in general. Has anyone done this route? And in the summer? And/or recently? [more inside]
posted by bquarters at 5:56 AM PST - 3 comments

Is there a brief explainer for the economic conditions that gave rise to the 1977-era punk movement in the UK? Pre-Thatcher would be ideal.
posted by pxe2000 at 5:46 AM PST - 4 comments

How do countries that have tense diplomatic relations "stay in contact" with each other? What methods are used? It's often referred to as "diplomatic back channel", but is this email, phone calls? Men in suits who meet on park benches? Bob in Accounting's wife who is friends with someone from the embassy and said something? [more inside]
posted by philsi at 5:31 AM PST - 6 comments

Our 15 y.o. boy is very bright and usually happy, but he has gotten into some trouble recently. Looking for thoughts on how far we should go in trying to help him correct course. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:05 AM PST - 33 comments

Could anyone recommend an online, neurodivergent-affirming, trauma informed therapist in my time zone - (GMT+2)?
posted by Zumbador at 12:48 AM PST - 1 comment

My partner and I are moving to a new city at a six-month interval from one another. Given the circumstances described below, who should get the cats in the meantime? [more inside]
posted by mykescipark at 11:08 PM PST - 17 comments

I have an ancestor who arrived in New York from Naples on October 4th or 5th, 1919, on a ship operated by Cosulich Lines called Presidente Wilson. How much was the ticket? [more inside]
posted by mdonley at 11:00 PM PST - 2 comments

PS Prices tracks the prices of games across consoles (and Apple). IsThereAnyDeal tracks them across various PC platforms, including bundles. Is there a way to combine the two into one? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 9:14 PM PST - 5 comments

My friend and his wife just became new parents. They are also moving to another city soon. So next time I visit I would like to give them a parting gift that also serve as a celebration of their new life phase. [more inside]
posted by Pantalaimon at 7:45 PM PST - 16 comments

Looking for two kinds of music that at least in my head are related. These are works that are formally innovative, yet melodic. They often incorporate folk elements from various international traditions. They may be on the 'classical' continuum or may be pop musicians who are doing weird compositional stuff within a pop language. I do not like dissonant, cold stuff. I like warm, emotionally evocative, melodic, but also weird. [more inside]
posted by latkes at 6:05 PM PST - 33 comments

Quick and easy. Your financial situation changes and you find yourself having to do more with less. For example, your living circumstances change and you are scraped to the very edge of your budget in order to find a place to live. What are your budget hacks? What would you do to make every penny last? Food and meals? Saving money on laundry items? Cat needs? Any and all ideas are quite welcome! Help me meta-wan, you're my only hope.
posted by Mr. Hazlenut at 5:56 PM PST - 30 comments

I’m going to a wedding at the end of March, when the weather can still be chilly here in the mid-Atlantic US. Both of my nicest dresses are short-sleeved and made out of thin material. Is there some kind of nice wrap/jacket I could get that would go with either one? Dress pics and additional info within. [more inside]
posted by ActionPopulated at 4:43 PM PST - 16 comments

Is there a way of doing this ? I would like to click on a word on a Wikipedia page and get shown which edit created that word. As far as I know the only way to achieve this is to look in the history and systematically work my way back through time ... not an appealing prospect !
posted by southof40 at 3:12 PM PST - 5 comments

You people have helped me immensely in the past. Things have improved in some ways, but I'm still limping through the days. Struggling to access support with very little hands-on help. I've noticed that the more I learn about my mind, the less isolated and hopeless I feel. Do you have recommendations for books or just ideas that maybe helped you in the past? Like hacks? I recently discovered Struggle Care, which is helpful, just not enough structure. [more inside]
posted by toucan at 2:15 PM PST - 7 comments

Is it possible to transfer about $600 positive balance from Master Card, Bank of America, to our checking account? [more inside]
posted by ragtimepiano at 12:43 PM PST - 7 comments

it's post pandemic smorgasboard of significant extended family events that deserve to be celebrated. pls help us find a mid market all inclusive by the sea in southern italy or sicily. we are around 17 people grazi
posted by lapsang at 10:13 AM PST - 2 comments

I know that unexploded WWII bombs are frequently found in the UK and Europe. I've read that these bombs are "defused." I've also read that they undergo "controlled explosions." Then I read that a bomb was "defused and later underwent a controlled explosion." What's the difference between these scenarios?
posted by swheatie at 9:29 AM PST - 11 comments

I have a long history of eliminating people from my life for any number of reasons. It's gotten really, really bad. [more inside]
posted by SoftSummerBreeze at 9:22 AM PST - 21 comments

Often over the last few weeks, my cat leaves droplets when she's near me. Little clear globs on my keyboard, shirt, or pillow. Does she have a cold or is she just... drooling with happiness? [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente at 9:14 AM PST - 12 comments

Hey guys ... I'm currently doing an Intro to statistics course at a local uni. How do I NOT do something embarrassing like scream at the teacher or cry in class? More under the cut.... [more inside]
posted by Didnt_do_enough at 5:30 AM PST - 24 comments

A steady income - no matter how small it is - would improve my mental health, but most of the options I can think of (retail, customer service, warehouse work) are well known for being unpleasant. I don't have qualifications past A-Levels (UK). Help! [more inside]
posted by wandering zinnia at 3:50 AM PST - 24 comments

I'm looking to make a list of fiction and non-fiction creative writing classes online. They need to be group-based, class-anchored, time-based, fully online, not part of diploma programs. They can be any price but the customer is looking to spend less than $1,500.
posted by parmanparman at 1:10 AM PST - 9 comments

I've never been a coffee drinker, but I may have to become, as I've noticed a profound impact of caffeine on my productivity. I generally drink a cup of green tea or yerba matte every morning. Please indulge my curiousity: What will happen if I replace this with 1-2 shots of moka-pot espresso in a cup of milk? [more inside]
posted by gakiko at 12:24 AM PST - 12 comments

Why do people fold laundry? What is the purpose of folding laundry? Is it to do with using tumble driers instead of washing lines? [more inside]
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 10:38 PM PST - 56 comments

I (mid-30s male) experience weird feelings of attachment to opposite-sex strangers whenever I do activities by myself. I am not especially bothered by this but I am curious about it and would like to learn to tune it out a little more reliably. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:18 PM PST - 3 comments

My family and I are doing a Sweden/Norway trip about 6 months from now. I understand from online gaming and forums that almost everyone there speaks English well, but I would like to learn some Swedish or Norwegian before we go. I work from home and generally have some background stuff going on my third monitor. Is there like a Youtube channel or something I could listen to and have it teach me language as I work? That has to be a thing right? [more inside]
posted by sanka at 5:23 PM PST - 10 comments

I live in a small town and am interested in reprinting a book about the town for a neighbor. I’ve seen the sorts of books that are printed this way and sold in gift shops and they generally look cheap. I’m interested in printing something hardcover (ideally no dust jacket) to enhance the “form feel”. Trying to balance quality and price. Speed is not an issue. What recommendations do people have for services you’ve used?
posted by arnicae at 3:04 PM PST - 5 comments

Around 1991-ish, I performed in a community theater production of "The Night Before The Night Before Christmas," a play which I would like to track down and reread, yet cannot find. This play is NOT R. Eugene Jackson's play published by Big Dog, nor Andy Pavey's play, as neither of those mentions my character, Rudy. I welcome aid! [more inside]
posted by brainwane at 3:02 PM PST - 3 comments

Same as this question from 2009, but LA rather than NYC specific (or online is just fine). Important detail, however! Modern blowup dolls seem to have "realistic" silkscreened faces printed on them, and I'm not looking for that. [more inside]
posted by queensissy at 2:52 PM PST - 1 comment

I couldn't fit all the words in the title. Are the main email providers nowadays giving you the code phrase/words (in case you forget your password) instead of asking you for your phone number or alternate email? If so which ones are they? I'm thinking Gmail Outlook, Yahoo, etc. It looks like it is better than email of phone number since what happens if you don't have access to the alternate email, , etc.?
posted by amfgf at 1:56 PM PST - 7 comments

The song is Xalis by Étoile de Dakar, from 1978. And from about 2:11 to 2:38, there’s a sound I was curious about. Is it an electric guitar? If so, what makes it sound like that?
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 1:24 PM PST - 16 comments

Bunny is a stuffie. He's the reliable companion of a four-year-old, Emily. Sadly but unavoidably, Bunny and Emily will be separated for a little while. Can you help us get through this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:22 PM PST - 7 comments

For a while now I've been interested in trying out some simple DIY electronics projects. Stuff like building an little guitar amps out of stuff or adding Bluetooth to an old radio. There's lots of tutorials for these projects but I'm having a hard time getting started as an absolute total n00b to any kind of electronics. [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 11:39 AM PST - 9 comments

Help me remember a book from 10 or 20 years ago that discussed how a general decrease in modern processes' and activities' standard deviation has altered our outlook through lowering costs of uncertainty: in cases where people used to blame bad luck, now we tend not to because of much greater expected precision about time and consistency of results. So, in shipping, you can't say 'Oh the ship sank or it's really late but it's nature, it's not my fault.' Or, apparently, duelling disappeared because of the decrease in randomness.
posted by diodotos at 11:26 AM PST - 3 comments

Right now I'm a self employed software contractor, and I'm looking into starting a website about a mostly unrelated topic. I already have an LLC for my contracting, but do I need some sort of second business entity for my theoretical website now, or can I wait until I know what I actually want it to be? What do other small business owners do when they want to try something brand new that may not make a profit? [more inside]
posted by JZig at 11:04 AM PST - 3 comments

I found out I am part Norwegian and I love to read all kinds of literature from different cultures. I am wondering if there are any solid Norwegian writers to recommend or books/poetry set in Norway? I am open to any genre as long as it is well written and engaging to read -- be it classic or modern.
posted by RearWindow at 10:58 AM PST - 18 comments

I want to recreate some pasta I got from a restaurant. The pasta was coated in a clear, smooth sauce that tasted intensely of anchovies and nothing else. My attempts so far have not had anything near the richness or complexity of flavor of that sauce. [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 10:16 AM PST - 9 comments

Around the year 2000 I read a novel about a community of dogs that had been bred to be ultimate warriors and had the ability to speak. I think they also walked on their hind legs and dressed in turn of the century (1900) clothing. I can't find it. Anyone recall this book?
posted by wurly at 7:37 AM PST - 12 comments

I have a tendency towards athlete's foot between my toes (a relative told me years ago it's something about the shape of our toes trapping moisture, which makes sense). I can generally get rid of it with OTC cream, but it seems to be cropping up repeatedly even though it's winter so I'd like to find ways to stop (seemingly) reinfecting myself. My partner who lives in the same house (which we share with housemates) does not get it. [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell at 6:28 AM PST - 26 comments

I have worn out my pair of Camper Women's Capas in teal and purple. I'm looking to buy another pair of shoes that checks the same boxes for me but I'm having a hard time finding the right thing. [more inside]
posted by potrzebie at 5:18 AM PST - 11 comments

Ideal would be YouTube /TikTok shorts. My 11-year old son is super into YouTube shorts and keeps sharing videos with me of very unhealthy dynamics- parents yelling and throwing things at kids, troubling romantic relationships- that are played up for comedy. Of course, we talk about it and I'm trying to limit how much he watches these...but I'd also like to go on the offensive and start sending him videos that are fun/funny (and age-appropriate for pre-teens) that counter the world these videos are presenting and normalize kind, respectful relationships. [more inside]
posted by brambory at 1:36 AM PST - 4 comments

I started work at a private university one year ago. Their background check did not discover I was convicted of a felony 20+ years ago and spent nearly a year in federal prison. Now I've been offered a higher paying job in another part of the university, and they want to do what they say is a more thorough background check. I'm concerned that if I quit job 1 and then fail the background check in job 2, I may not be able to get job 1 back and I'm out of the university all together. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:13 PM PST - 20 comments

I need help finding a WordPress plugin that will allow me to put some of my content behind a paywall. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 8:04 PM PST - 2 comments

I got my name changed but now need to update the info in a bunch of places. Can you help me make sure I don’t miss anything? I am in New Mexico, USA. [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 7:56 PM PST - 16 comments

What are your favorite methods for returning to sleep when you wakup at at 3:30 a.m. and your mind is racing?
posted by mecran01 at 6:56 PM PST - 55 comments

My spouse and I are going to get divorced. It's amicable. We have some specific goals. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 5:19 PM PST - 8 comments

I’m a woman in the process of ending a chaotic years-long relationship with a lot of ups and downs. My now-ex admitted that he felt emotionally abused by me at times, but stayed because he was in love and devoted to me. He is probably right. I feel like a terrible person and I don’t know how to move forward. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:32 PM PST - 24 comments

Recipe contains water, butter, sugar, nonfat milk powder, salt, bread flour, and bread machine yeast (I used bread machine instant yeast). Next time I'm leaving out the sugar (too sweet) and I'm cutting the salt in half (too salty). But why does it have the texture of cake? And why does it make so many crumbs when I slice it? I'd like a more dense bread. How to I get it?
posted by SageTrail at 3:00 PM PST - 18 comments

How to work out comfort levels within couples during this stage of the pandemic? [more inside]
posted by miles1972 at 2:55 PM PST - 39 comments

A close friend of mine lives in Tokyo and she is going through a really, really rough time. I want to be able to send her some kind of small gifts (preferably edible - something like chocolate or coffee, etc.) regularly but am wondering what's the best way to do it (other than me personally mailing to her, which has been too time consuming on my part). Any websites you know that ships to Japan or preferably, any Japanese websites that takes a US credit card? (I can read some Japanese). Is subscription box a thing in Japan?
posted by Sparkling Natural Mineral Water at 2:54 PM PST - 9 comments

Please name cities anywhere in Latin America that meet the following criteria: [more inside]
posted by aniola at 2:42 PM PST - 8 comments

I would like a sort of fresh start at a YouTube channel but need some advice on ways to deal with my existing accounts, and the best option to name it. (I've tried to anticipate any questions below) [more inside]
posted by Glinn at 2:39 PM PST - 2 comments

Was going to re-up my sub to the local McClatchy newspaper when I saw this in the terms and conditions before I finished the order: "I understand that consent is a condition of purchase...I hereby consent to receive autodialed and/or pre-recorded calls at the telephone number provided, including my wireless number, if applicable." Is this typical? Would you agree to it?
posted by mediareport at 1:54 PM PST - 16 comments

My employer (essentially a small quasi-independent program unit within a public university department) is in the process of being acquired by a state agency outside the university. This involves a move from a union job to a non-union, non-classified position (I am an individual contributor). What are my options if I wish to stay in unionized work? [more inside]
posted by Sock Meets Body at 1:47 PM PST - 7 comments

My cat used to live with another cat. They weren't best friends but they got some exercise/entertainment by chasing each other around. I think my cat is bored now judging by her always high but now heightened meowy-ness levels, and I'm sometimes not up for wielding the chase-y thing. [more inside]
posted by less-of-course at 1:43 PM PST - 7 comments

I've read the other asks on visiting Scotland and they're all really helpful, but I have a few snowflakey queries about Edinburgh-- lodging, food, and transportation related. [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 12:42 PM PST - 19 comments

I'm heading to JFK from DC tomorrow, and flights to JFK are expensive/limited. I've booked a backup, but want help and ELI5 with how to get to JFK from Penn Station in NYC. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 12:39 PM PST - 12 comments

When changing a name on a U.S. passport, there are two options--mail in a form with documentation or make an in-person appointment at a post office. Due to a particular detail, I'm not sure which is appropriate. [more inside]
posted by Boxenmacher at 12:31 PM PST - 11 comments

I've had tinnitus, crackling, pressure, and pain in my ears for months with no clear treatment or diagnosis from specialists I've seen. What can I try next? [more inside]
posted by Ms. Toad at 12:24 PM PST - 12 comments

Is there any fiction where a person with a uterus is menstruating, but it's not a plot point (like in Pitch Black or Are You There God, It's Me Margaret)? [more inside]
posted by Hactar at 11:42 AM PST - 23 comments

I lost my favorite light jacket (link is to photos). I want to buy the same thing again, but I can't figure out where I bought it from. [more inside]
posted by dmd at 11:17 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm in my mid-30s and still struggling to find a career I'm satisfied with. I have diverse interests and skills. Help me narrow it down? (Or, alternatively, recommend that I settle and come to terms with dissatisfaction?) [more inside]
posted by octopodiatrist at 11:11 AM PST - 17 comments

How can I water indoor seedlings in winter while out of town for 4 days - 2 weeks? Frequent business trips mean I can’t ensure any seedlings I start will make it and I hate to put all the effort in if they’re doomed from the start. [more inside]
posted by Bunglegirl at 10:16 AM PST - 6 comments

As the partner of someone who struggles with mental health problems (especially if they’re in waiting list limbo, for care, as in they don’t have access to any atm), how do you handle feelings about special days going sour because of mental health crises? [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 8:50 AM PST - 26 comments

I'm looking for a comprehensive list of pop songs that borrow from classical music [more inside]
posted by falsedmitri at 7:42 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for recommendations for a six-year-old who loves maps and atlases. [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 5:22 AM PST - 22 comments

I’ve been on varieties of the progesterone only pill for over 25 years. I do not have periods or any noticeable hormonal cycle (yay). I probably am no longer fertile and I’ve been wondering about whether/when to stop taking the pill. What was your experience? [more inside]
posted by AFII at 4:40 AM PST - 4 comments

Is this something that exists? I’d like a site that explores the SEO-blighted hellscape of online recipes and then says “This is the best lasagna recipe for most people.”
posted by Prunesquallor at 2:07 AM PST - 25 comments

I have a 3 week break between intense jobs, and would like to take the time to make something DIY/hands-on that can be done in about 50-60 hours. I am reasonably crafty and have a small budget. Constraints are: no workroom or garden, no power tools beyond a Dremel and sewing machine, not knitting/crochet or cooking (working on those already). Most of my bookmarked projects are things I can do in 1-10 hours max. I'd appreciate unusual ideas.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 12:35 AM PST - 24 comments

I cook infrequently, but I plan to make moussaka on Sunday. I think I'll use this recipe, but cut it down for a pound of meant. If I want to eat at 5 p.m., what time should I start? Do you have a better recipe, or any other suggestions?
posted by NotLost at 8:24 PM PST - 8 comments

I agreed to make a birthday cake for my uncle, who just turned 50. I am low on sleep and currently suffering from burnout that's healing very slowly. I would like to spend the day in bed, but I'm supposed to meet friends in the afternoon. The birthday party is tonight...so before 2pm, I guess I'm baking a cake. And it's gotta be special. How? [more inside]
posted by toucan at 6:37 PM PST - 35 comments

Along with Acadia NP, what are some nice places to visit along coastal Maine in early October? [more inside]
posted by jabo at 6:27 PM PST - 10 comments

I can't find the answer by Googling it. Every shift is scheduled. Wherever it happens, if everyone shows up when they are scheduled, how can there be forced overtime?
posted by amfgf at 6:00 PM PST - 19 comments

I have a bunch of different Google Maps lists for a particular city (i.e. museums, vegan restaurants, record stores, etc.) and I'd like to know if it's possible to show only those places on a particular list on the map without showing any of the other places I have starred or saved to other list categories. [more inside]
posted by ericthegardener at 5:51 PM PST - 5 comments

Quick, silly, easy question: I'm interested in the new Civs offered by Anthology, but am NOT interested in playing with RF or GS rules. So, can I play the new Civs with vanilla rules/setup if I get Anthology?
posted by war wrath of wraith at 3:35 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm trying to a literary article I read about the Everly Brothers that I was certain had been published by The Bitter Southerner- but coming up empty handed when I search. I want to say it came out in the last five years but ten might be more accurate. I don't believe it's this one in The Oxford American which I just read today and didn't seem familiar. [more inside]
posted by oneirodynia at 3:25 PM PST - 5 comments

I decided to have a child with a close friend. I was enthusiastic about the idea, but it soured quickly. Should I bail out before she conceives? Can I? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:08 PM PST - 75 comments

I have a family member with sensory issues that make it impossible for them to swallow tablets. To get around this I split their prescription tablets into pieces and put the pieces into capsules, which they are able to swallow. I would like to crush the pills instead of cutting them, but haven't figured out a good way to get the resulting powder into capsules. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 12:07 PM PST - 10 comments

I was nearly fluent in French when I graduated high school almost 20 years ago. I want to relearn French without really leaving my house or interacting in person with others. How should I do it? [more inside]
posted by rodneyaug at 11:24 AM PST - 17 comments

Going on a week long bicycling adventure in Wales very soon. Looking for recommendations on lodging, untrafficked routes, and bike paths. Bonus points for how to get a train from Heathrow to anywhere in Wales without going into London. [more inside]
posted by Xurando at 10:45 AM PST - 23 comments

I live in the US and I’d like to shop for clothing from retailers who don’t ship here. I’d like to use a shopping service or reshipping service and don’t mind paying service fees, but they all look quite sketchy. Any recommendations? [more inside]
posted by stoneandstar at 10:17 AM PST - 2 comments

The young boy is going to school - behind him is the garden gate with the name of the family - 'Klein' From the door, mother calls and says something along the lines of 'I sewed your name in your gym clothes so you won't lose them, Calvin.' [more inside]
posted by Quillcards at 10:08 AM PST - 6 comments

We're considering getting solar panels for our home. What could go wrong? [more inside]
posted by congen at 9:09 AM PST - 17 comments

Looking for recommendations of free or paid iPad apps for educating children. [more inside]
posted by Meagan at 8:05 AM PST - 8 comments

This is a vague question, but I'm interested in the common view of (please write your demographic/geography) of the border of London? I.e if you live here people in England will know you aren't really a london dweller but you might tell someone in Asia and they wouldn't care. I know there is "Greater London" which to me seems like akin to a Metro area.. There is the City, which is a tiny area but just a small part (like FIDI
posted by sandmanwv at 6:49 AM PST - 36 comments

I won VIP tickets to a music festival taking place this September, worth about $1800, and the promoter posted my name on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as the prize winner. When I contacted them asking when do I get the tickets, they responded “Sorry, we emailed you with a 24 hour window to claim the tickets, so you forfeited the prize.” [more inside]
posted by andrewzipp at 6:20 AM PST - 14 comments

I moved to Japan from the US in July on a student visa, and started working as a remote, part-time, consultant for my former US employer in November (although I didn't start receiving payments until this month). Can anyone recommend a service to help me manage my taxes for this type of situation for the coming year, and for next year's filing? Thanks!
posted by my log does not judge at 5:00 AM PST - 2 comments

My kitchen counters are at least six inches too short for me to be able to work at them with healthy posture AND while watching what I'm doing. I am a renter and can't just rip out the existing kitchen. Have you coped with this and if so how? [more inside]
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 11:45 PM PST - 25 comments

Specifically, I'm interested in pin-up content (both artistic and photorealistic, not at the same time of course), so I'm looking for how to word things so that I can dictate the specific pose, dictate what body part or area is focused on, dictate facial features, dictate facial expressions, dictate clothing, and so on. [more inside]
posted by ggp88 at 10:38 PM PST - 2 comments

Hi. I am hoping to visit British Columbia soon and perhaps maybe eventually move there if all goes well down the line. I know British Columbia has a fantastic visual arts scene (hat's off to Emily Carr), but I am wondering if anyone knows the scope of their literary arts and visual arts scene like? [more inside]
posted by RearWindow at 8:35 PM PST - 3 comments

Just before the holidays I suddenly started experiencing "non-allergic rhinitis"--a runny nose. Not a cold, not an allergy, just this sudden unrelenting runny nose. I cannot cope. Sleeping flat in my usual sleeping position seems to be really bad for it, but I am suffering attempting to sleep elevated--I just can't sleep well in that position. [more inside]
posted by primate moon at 5:39 PM PST - 22 comments

I want to get some repairs done on my mobile phone, and I want to maximize the chance of success. Phone repair joints are everywhere, but also seemingly staffed by teenagers with maybe a few weeks of experience, especially given the recent job market. How do you evaluate these businesses? Do any of the chains / franchises have a better reputation? [more inside]
posted by intermod at 3:51 PM PST - 4 comments

22 y/o daughter was broadsided last night while driving in LA... [more inside]
posted by docpops at 3:27 PM PST - 12 comments

Has anyone experienced personal bankruptcy in South Korea? And willing to talk to me about the experience? I'm trying to help an elderly relative explore bankruptcy as an option but he's against it. He says it makes it impossible to live, dealing with landlords and banks afterwards. But he can't give me specifics. He speaks mainly Korean, and I speak mostly English. I'm hoping someone who speaks english might be able to fill me in. I can't seem to find anything online beyond that it's hard to start new lines of credit.
posted by nerdpita at 3:11 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm considering the lifetime/all languages packages from Rosetta Stone for $179 or Babbel for $349 for learning Spanish. Any strong recommendations either way? Or some third option? Might use it for other languages in the future, but Spanish for now.
posted by andoatnp at 1:26 PM PST - 14 comments

This is probably a longshot – but I can’t see my audiologist for a few weeks and I think this could be an iPhone Bluetooth issue, not a hearing aid one. [more inside]
posted by Lescha at 1:17 PM PST - 6 comments

Just broke my foot, and now i have a boot and have to use crutches. Help me with your pro-tips and hacks. [more inside]
posted by 0xABADBABE at 1:16 PM PST - 25 comments

So I just brought home my first cat fosters... and one of them peed everywhere. Everywhere being my wood floor, my tile floor, and inside my closet. I wiped/soaked up the pee with paper towels. Then I wet-swiffered twice. It still smells fairly intensely like cat pee. Is there something else I should be doing or some other product I should be using? These are two fairly recently neutered male middle-aged and senior cats. Thanks!
posted by ClaireBear at 11:36 AM PST - 29 comments

I have long had IBS and just accept that as a part of my life, bad things happening (breakups, work drama, difficult tasks) will cause my guts to act up. Now it's turned into diverticulosis and what was annoying is now potentially life threatening. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:25 AM PST - 9 comments

At work I use a Macbook Air with a wireless mouse and keyboard setup. The mouse lags and the keyboard just sort of . . . stops working intermittently. Because this is a work situation, each effort at a solution will take several days. So I'd love to get thoughts on where I should start. [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 11:11 AM PST - 16 comments

I posted something to IG about 5 days ago. I want to edit it and this is the message I get. Why? The references to this error I find online are four to five years old. Is this a recurring problem that surfaces occasionally, or is it me, not them?
posted by CollectiveMind at 10:44 AM PST - 2 comments

Our daughter (10) is entering middle school this year and will need a phone. Please help. [more inside]
posted by saladin at 10:38 AM PST - 16 comments

I am working to curate training materials on project management. I would like to include short (<15 min) videos on specific project management skills or tools and am looking for recommendations on YouTube channels. [more inside]
posted by philosophygeek at 9:10 AM PST - 3 comments

My 7yo son is interested in Roblox. I'm concerned about the social-media elements of the game. [more inside]
posted by Dr. Wu at 8:53 AM PST - 18 comments

In an effort to get away news media, I've spent the last few years filling my newsfeed with sports - mainly NFL blogs, Twitter, podcasts, etc. Now that's becoming toxic for me and I need new, healthier distractions. Please suggest some alternative online media! [more inside]
posted by gnutron at 8:45 AM PST - 6 comments

i've been thinking a lot about the relationship between spending extra money and celebratory occasions - it's usually linked to a fancy meal out, or buying a special gift, or paying for an unique experience/class or weekend trip. is there a way to create a sense of *special* without basing it around consumption? what might this look like?
posted by lightgray at 8:38 AM PST - 15 comments

I cheated on my partner with someone else and lied to them both. The affair is over and, while I know I can never really repair the harm I did, I want to try. If you've had a partner who behaved similarly badly, what do you wish they had done afterwards? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:32 AM PST - 16 comments

I’ve always been that background friend in this group of girls, and the last fallout with one of them 2 years ago, has affected me the most. We had done things that betrayed each others trust. I've struggled so much in the past 2 years feeling guilty and trying to make amends, that I realise I haven't given myself enough time to move on from my friend's actions. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:31 AM PST - 4 comments

I tried to make rock candy with my kiddo. It's failed twice. Can you help me fix it? [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 7:44 AM PST - 6 comments

I need long form, non-ambient, mostly instrumental music to help me focus. Also not Pink Floyd or guys who might have worn a powdered wig. [more inside]
posted by donpardo at 7:44 AM PST - 42 comments

I'm new to WordPress and am using the out-of-the-box template Twenty Twenty-One. I know how to embed a Youtube video on a post but the embed does not show up on the index/homepage. Just a link on the title. I'd like the whole post to show up, including the embed. I know there is an except field but that doesn't seem to work either for this purpose. Is there an easy way to make the embed show up on the index page or perhaps a plugin? Thanks.
posted by captainscared at 7:09 AM PST - 5 comments

Are there behavioral standards that measure the intensity of coercion as a situation escalates? - The context is institutional (State?) coercion. - I'm interested in evaluating the evolution and revolution of social and civil norms in a society with respect to this lens - Some of these seem extremely subtle and play out over time, so seeing how the tactics and optics of a relationship evolve is of interest as well as seeing how successful escalation of coercion shapes the opportunity space for future coercion. [more inside]
posted by Reasonably Everything Happens at 5:37 AM PST - 4 comments

Hoping you guys can help me source some “giveaway” items for an elementary school event this spring. The school is hosting a festival and the principal wants to give each child some kind of little gift. The budget is (sigh) $1 per kid. Total 600 kids. I’d like to avoid cheap trinkety items. Ideally I would like to avoid plastics and excessive packaging, and get something made domestically (Canada or USA) but I realize that may be too much to ask. We can give different gifts for the different age groups (so that kindergartners don’t receive the same thing as an eighth grader). Ideal for me would be something consumable but memorable, like maybe tree sapling, customized cool pencil, flashlight? Probably a food item would be ok if it doesn’t contain nuts dairy soy wheat etc. We are located in Ontario Canada. Thanks in advance!!
posted by leslievictoria at 5:20 AM PST - 31 comments

I have had "mild IBS" for a long time, which has slowly gotten worse over time. Past attempts to try and figure out what is going on have led nowhere. I'd like to take another stab at figuring out what is wrong at at least how to manage it better, and am interesting in hearing from people who either got over their issues completely (via some sort of diagnosis, nutritional changes, figuring out an allergy, whatever), or at least figured out a better way to minimize annoyance. Looking for experiences and I guess advice. [more inside]
posted by wooh at 5:19 AM PST - 22 comments

My question is kind of an update of this one - I'm getting fond of cozy blogs AND Youtube channels about people living simply and DIY'ing things for themselves. I've got a few favorites, can you help me find some more? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:52 AM PST - 14 comments

In a couple of weeks time I'll be going on a business trip to Chennai and Hyderabad. I've done business trips before, but my trips have always been in Europe. This means I've no experience of either India or working somewhere that hot (35C/95F). What advice would you give me? [more inside]
posted by mr_silver at 2:06 AM PST - 9 comments

I've been struggling with my job search for over a year and, most of the time, everything just feels impossible. Getting a new job (let alone a job that isn't horrendous) literally feels like an impossible task to me. Sure, I know logically it isn't, but... I can't shake the feeling that I'm going to remain unemployed forever. I've been trying, but this needs to feel possible for me to be motivated. How can getting a job feel like something actually attainable for me? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 11:03 PM PST - 13 comments

I'm in a Purim Spiel that's using the music of Earth, Wind and Fire! I have a shirt and pants that are SPECTACULAR and I need shoes to go with them. I am lost when it comes to shoes. Help! [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 10:51 PM PST - 4 comments

Registration is closed, but trying to help a pair of older best friend with a bucket list situation: it's two ~65 year old american gentlemen, both serious running hobbyists, and their their bucket list goal is to run all of the majors. One of them got a tokyo marathon bib on the lottery and the other didn't. [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast at 7:05 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm looking for an infographic I saw about 5-6 years ago that was an incredibly detailed breakdown of the ingredients one could put into a salad dressing. From memory it was a three part thing along the lines of "pick an acid, pick an oil, pick extra flavour" - almost a mad libs style of thing. [more inside]
posted by ninazer0 at 5:36 PM PST - 8 comments

I'm always on the hunt for new bands to listen to but find existing music recommendation engines (eg. Apple music similar artists) deficient for the following reason. The issue is that I am almost always recommended older well-known artists who were productive around the same time as the artist(s) I start with. But I want to find new music from new artists. [more inside]
posted by piyushnz at 4:24 PM PST - 14 comments

I love my MUJI cleaning system, but I have two or three mopheads, and I’ve been stuck on how to clean them. It seems like such a waste to run a load of laundry with just two or three small items, but it also seems sketchy to put anything else in with these dusty and grimy items. I don’t really have a lifestyle that generates other Very Dirty Things. Should I just suck it up and run a single tiny load? If so, what settings? I can’t find suggestions on the MUJI site.
posted by sixswitch at 2:36 PM PST - 17 comments

There is a box in the sign in page in some emails (not Gmail though) that asks if you want to have it saved for you. In case it is stolen would the theif find out the password?
posted by amfgf at 1:57 PM PST - 6 comments

I'm trying to put together a high school unit of science fiction short stories, but noticing the ones I have are all written by white men. I'm ok using those stories, but I want to aim for more diversity. Most of my students are not white, some are gender neutral, some are not straight, and I want them to be exposed to work written by people they can relate to. [more inside]
posted by figaro at 1:31 PM PST - 28 comments

I'm from the Bay Area and grew up going to San Francisco, so I'm familiar with some things, but there are tons of other things I haven't explored. I have the whole weekday to myself this week, and I've never done a solo trip to SF before. What should I do? [more inside]
posted by yueliang at 1:30 PM PST - 9 comments

Just diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and my GP said that my test results for previous years indicate I may have had it since 2012. I'm weirdly astounded at this, despite having a family history of it, and am slightly spiralling about the implications. Looking for other people's experiences, and advice on some specifics - also wondering about the implications for treatment of ADHD. [more inside]
posted by paduasoy at 1:29 PM PST - 12 comments

Another librarian question, yay! I could use a non-tiny e-paper reader. A little reading has informed me that a sub-$125 old 9-10" Boox or Kobo (I just discovered that Poshmark has electronics) will probably have trouble with books from the local library. The local libraries have Hoopla, Overdrive, and "a number of sources". Which service will have books I'm interested in? What readers will work well with it? How do I research this? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 12:49 PM PST - 18 comments

I've never bought non-prescription sunglasses from anywhere other than a thrift store before, so this is all new to me. Where does one get good sunglasses from? Can I trust any old ones from the drug store? Warby Parker will sell me sunglasses for $100; is that really how much sunglasses cost these days? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 11:53 AM PST - 28 comments

Hi everyone; Im looking for any info on a old radio show,called "Rainbow House". It was on the radio,in 1948 I believe,from NYC. Perhaps someone knows of a site that has this info? Thanks :-)
posted by LOOKING at 11:40 AM PST - 8 comments

I, an avowed lover of the dried fungus aisle at my Asian market, recently picked up a bag of cordyceps. They are tasty and interesting, but after looking around a bit online, I have more questions than answers. [more inside]
posted by SaltySalticid at 11:21 AM PST - 4 comments

I'd like to create a list of my contacts. I understand that you can export contacts that you mark as such, but how do you export the universal directory contacts? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:39 AM PST - 2 comments

People with hEDS have problems with collagen. Beyond that, the details are fuzzy. Please explain in detail or point me to the papers? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:38 AM PST - 4 comments

Recently I’ve come to the conclusion that my lack of focus isn’t just a personal failing, but due to undiagnosed and (mostly) untreated ADHD. I’m in the midst of a very complex project rollout at work, and there’s a huge waitlist for mental health care, so I’m trying to figure out how to manage this best over the next few months. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:37 AM PST - 22 comments

The time has come for me to write a resume for a position that I am perfectly qualified for, but I don't have any experience in that particular part of my field. It's definitely adjacent to my experience/education, but writing the cover letter for this type of job posting fills me with dread. Any advice? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 10:01 AM PST - 10 comments

My partner and I and our 10 year old son will be spending a few days in DC and then a few days at Colonial Williamsburg in April. We will be driving home to Boston from Williamsburg and I'm looking for tips on breaking the drive up across 2 days. [more inside]
posted by jdl at 8:53 AM PST - 8 comments

At the end of each year, my team makes a financial forecast for the next year. The forecast is updated quarterly to reflect actual achievements, market conditions, etc. Historically, we've developed a reputation for "sandbagging" by consistently providing forecast results that we significantly exceed. I'd like to try and change that. [more inside]
posted by nickmark at 7:46 AM PST - 8 comments

My stepmother (RIP) was 47% partner of a trust created by her father in the 1970’s The managing partner stopped filing K1 reports about 8 years ago. [more inside]
posted by silsurf at 7:45 AM PST - 13 comments

Listening to and playing music is my favorite pastime. Much of this is through my computer--both listening to streaming services, playing around in Ableton, and sometimes jamming along with music with my electric guitar or bass through the computer. Often with headphones, once everyone is asleep. Can you recommend changes in setup to improve sound, particularly through the headphones? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:51 AM PST - 13 comments

What is the modern equivalent of Canon's EOS 450D – or Digital Rebel XSi as it was known in the US? [more inside]
posted by socky_puppy at 10:51 PM PST - 8 comments

On my way to work I will often pass by the Martinez Gallery in Harlem, which for about 50 years has been a gallery for graffiti artists. If you check that link, their website says their current exhibition is running through the end of March. However... [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 9:27 PM PST - 3 comments

Every once in a while I open a can of tomatoes or beans and hear a small hiss of air being released. [more inside]
posted by little striped mule at 4:56 PM PST - 15 comments

Looking for light reads for an upcoming trip that will feature long travel days. Hoping for light, funny or wry. I don't have make much time for fiction, but did recently enjoy The House in the Cerulean Sea, and I really enjoy Richard Russo ie Straight Man. Also open to mysteries that don't feature women beaten/killed etc. What have you loved lately?
posted by walkinginsunshine at 4:54 PM PST - 18 comments

A few times a year I'll get debilitating allergy attacks. What is this hellscape and how can I make it stop? [more inside]
posted by Amy93 at 4:53 PM PST - 13 comments

So I have an infection of some sort in the testicles (non STD), see previous question. It's been long running and requiring repeated rounds of antibiotics to deal with. It's to the point that the doctors are kinda amazed that it's still around. So I'm wondering if there's a particular diet I could be on to help "starve" the infection, if such a thing is possible. Yes, You are not my doctor, I'm just asking for general advice if you have any. Yes, I may not know what I'm talking about and if so, feel free to tell me. [more inside]
posted by clocksock at 4:11 PM PST - 12 comments

My daughter is 6 and is having her first drama-filled friendships. One of them is a friend who seems to really love her, but sometimes is also quite mean to her. I am looking for books suited to this age group that might help her learn some skills to deal with this. [more inside]
posted by chaiminda at 4:10 PM PST - 10 comments

I've googled around for answers to this (and sure, I could ask a doc, but doesn't seem serious compared to all the other junk that is wrong with me). Everything seems to point to 'aging knees for X reason' - but doesn't seem like knee, to me. YANMD but I'm curious. [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 4:09 PM PST - 3 comments

What's a great love poem to read to your spouse if you've been married for umpteen years but NOT Robert Browning's "Grow Old Along With me"?
posted by mono blanco at 3:42 PM PST - 18 comments

I'm at an age where I seem to go to doctors often with various issues ranging from mild to somewhat serious. I have to have a procedure on my eyes next month, my teeth also next month, a finger in a couple of months, and there's also the semi-serious heart condition that requires a bunch of tests and such. Then there's a surgery of a few years ago, a broken bone another time, the colonoscopies of the past ten years. Keeping this stuff in my head is not working. [more inside]
posted by Pineapplicious at 3:12 PM PST - 3 comments

I'm a middle aged woman, single, childfree, and happy about it. I also have covid and have to stay in tonight, so I want to watch a movie celebrating being middle aged and single, bc I'm not mad about it and Valentine's Day isn't for me. [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 3:08 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm reading about how Haydn and Beethoven both had their skulls stolen (enjoying the book book Cranioklepty). I've also read about Chopin's request to have his heart removed before burial and this modern-day thief of composer's teeth. Given all these stories involving separating composers' body parts from the rest off their bodies, I bet there are more. Do you know of any?
posted by mermaidcafe at 2:54 PM PST - 4 comments

For example in Gmail, is the time zone hidden somewhere, until you hover over it? By hidden I mean for example, on Edge, you click on Windows icon bottom left corner of the screen (on desktop)  the scroller is invisible until you accidentally hover over the area)),   if you want to see whatever is not visible. Or is there something you have to click on to find out the time zone?
posted by amfgf at 2:51 PM PST - 13 comments

I have Bluetooth headphones I like. They work just fine w Skype and WebEx, but beep every 10 seconds w Teams. There's some weird workarounds, but I just want some cheap Bluetooth earbuds that work. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 12:41 PM PST - 7 comments

Hi Team Green, I am a NYC novice. I need to go from my hotel (near Times Square) to a location in Koreatown. Middle of the day, weekday. How best to do this? It looks walkable on my map. Is it? Is it safe? Any advice appreciated.
posted by Colonel Sun at 10:01 AM PST - 9 comments

I have a group of about six programmers who are way too experience for the basic Python units in my high school Intro to Comp Sci class. I'd like to give them challenges to take on over a few weeks. Ideally these would require some skill in Python and some idea of more fundamental issues in design and algorithm. [more inside]
posted by argybarg at 9:36 AM PST - 9 comments

I'm prone to developing pain in my shoulders. The first time I had an episode of inflammation was about ten years ago. I saw an orthopedist who referred me to a physical therapist. She (the therapist) was wonderful, and I would see her every few years, as necessary. She would give me exercises to do at home. Unfortunately, she has since retired, and the whole practice closed. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 9:34 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm looking for additional easy ways to add iron to my diet, so I'm wondering about using a lucky iron fish. Have you used one? [more inside]
posted by notquitejane at 8:58 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm working on a large cassette cataloging project, and am hoping to custom print some labels to speed it up. I have some specific requirements, and need a vendor. [more inside]
posted by ryanshepard at 8:10 AM PST - 5 comments

Assuming I have a Capital One checking account that has no foreign ATM fees, as well as a Capital One Mastercard and American Express card that both feature no foreign transaction fees (and offer substantial rewards programs), would there be any real savings when traveling by using one of the new multi-currency services like Revolut or Wise as opposed to my standard accounts when I travel overseas from the US?
posted by I EAT TAPAS at 8:05 AM PST - 6 comments

What it says on the tin [more inside]
posted by mumimor at 8:04 AM PST - 14 comments

It came with a dollhouse miniature kit in an unmarked bottle. Crystal clear, has the consistency of hot glue (the kind that comes out of a gun)- both when wet out of the bottle, and when dry. I ran out and want some more but I have no idea what it's called. Either the general type of glue or a brand name would be great. Any ideas?
posted by cilantro at 6:39 AM PST - 7 comments

How to wrangle butane stoves whose flame goes out... and then they can't be lit again for hours? [more inside]
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 4:37 AM PST - 12 comments

I am responsible for caring for my elderly family, and this is having a severe impact on my health and sanity. What can I do? How did you cope? [more inside]
posted by unicorn chaser at 2:29 AM PST - 34 comments

Asking on behalf of a friend, who writes: "In my youth I found a book that had the covers ripped off, and the last few pages torn out. It was about a girl called Frank, who never listened." [more inside]
posted by snarfois at 2:28 AM PST - 3 comments

What do people mean when they say that to reduce climate change, we need to reduce our quality of life? [more inside]
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 12:51 AM PST - 43 comments

Is there enough consistency within the same model/make of higher end ($3500ish) guitar brands that it might not be soooo necessary to try out each individual guitar of a model at a store to ensure quality/personal connection with each of the same guitar? I’ll add that I have loved it in every video I’ve seen of this make/model, and that I have one of the same brand that I adore. [more inside]
posted by jitterbug perfume at 11:42 PM PST - 14 comments

Is there a free online tool that can convert audio files (.m4a, .mp3) to text? I've found a few online tools that come with limits in terms of the number of files or number of minutes that can be transcribed. I'm looking for something that will let me transcribe one or two files per week.
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 10:21 PM PST - 4 comments

There are a few items I want to purchase on eBay and, frustratingly, they're all auctions! The auctions end on the same date and time next week. What's the best way to make sure I get them? I've heard there are apps you can use to make bids, is that true? What's the deal with them? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 9:20 PM PST - 16 comments

I've been watching those videos where a bunch of frenchies chase after an RC car and said "hey, I have a frenchie." The question though: IS there something better to remote pilot besides a car that can go a fairly long way around a yard and keep going for a while. I assume there's something but I'd love some dog owners' takes on this.
posted by rileyray3000 at 9:18 PM PST - 1 comment

I was wondering if the average forum site such as this, or even a personal accounting software used just in a home office, could and would potentially be used as evidence for crime prosecution? (I'll elaborate) [more inside]
posted by The_imp_inimpossible at 8:22 PM PST - 10 comments

Can you help me debug an obscure Windows issue relating to a delay when when opening URLs from a program when the Stream Deck software is running? It's related to DDE. [more inside]
posted by Rhomboid at 6:39 PM PST - 4 comments

Please help me find a poem or reading for a women’s retreat about “reconnection”. Topics include reconnection to the spirit/God, to one’s self, to community. This is for our final session which is loosely “worship” but suggestions from any faith tradition or secular humanism etc are welcome.
posted by ChristineSings at 5:36 PM PST - 10 comments

I received a small, potted myrtle leaf orange tree in December. I've been keeping it indoors near a window and also trained a SAD light on it. It has a single trunk which is about 21" high at the moment. It recently blossomed and appears to have grown almost 2" since Dec. I've read various online care guides for this plant. They recommend "pruning young plants to encourage branching after flowering." Does this mean lopping the new growth off the top? How much? Any other general advice for caring for this guy would also be welcome.
posted by Larry David Syndrome at 4:01 PM PST - 3 comments

I need to throw away a banana peel. I just emptied the trash yesterday so I have an empty trash bag. I don't want banana peel smell. Help! [more inside]
posted by pdb at 3:59 PM PST - 20 comments

Well, I'm about 15 minutes too late for a "should I eat it" post. I misjudged the quality and age of the (processed) ham leftovers in the fridge and ate some before I realized i really should not have done that. It had definitely gone off. I didn't eat a lot, but enough to worry I might be in for some hurt. Is there anything I can do now to maybe lessen the effects that might occur to my poor GI track as a result? [more inside]
posted by cgg at 2:42 PM PST - 10 comments

You are not my developmental pediatrician, but mine has a months long waiting list, so I'm trying to decide if it's even worth pursuing evals and services for a child that's a bit socially delayed. Details below. [more inside]
posted by redlines at 1:55 PM PST - 18 comments

Folks who use assistive technology to remain as hands-free as possible: which devices and apps are you using to create documents, browse the web, read books, or simply navigate through options on your device using its native UI... ? [more inside]
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 1:01 PM PST - 5 comments

Wondering if I'm being overly emotional about my response to a friend sneaking behind my back to get with someone I had just been dating. [more inside]
posted by christiehawk at 12:41 PM PST - 16 comments

I'm looking for a clock for an elderly relative with dementia (probably Alzheimer's) and vision problems. It needs to 1. plug in 2. have battery backup 3. have very large and clear text. 4. spell out the day of the week 5. display the time of day (e.g. morning, night) 6. automagically update for DST. [more inside]
posted by kutsushita nyanko at 12:24 PM PST - 10 comments

Can these two dozen failed 3.5" internal hard disks be recycled? [more inside]
posted by Salvor Hardin at 12:04 PM PST - 10 comments

De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising has an opening skit framing the album as a game show, with the final track soliciting the owner to send in their answers and two proofs of purchase to Tommy Boy Records, 1747 First Avenue, NYC, care of Dante the Scrub. I’ve always wondered if anyone did this, and what they got as a prize. Did you do this? Do you know someone who did? Can you find a record of what happened when someone did?
posted by Going To Maine at 11:55 AM PST - 2 comments

Can you recommend a one-time course that would be a fun date activity? It can be any art, craft, design, food, or other fun interactive class. What maker/art/craft/etc. What have you done in the past that you loved?
posted by andoatnp at 11:43 AM PST - 17 comments

I recently ended a 5-year relationship with a great guy that unfortunately did not work out due to various incompatibilities. This was my only serious LTR and my previous relationships were pretty shitty as a rule. I’m a 33-year-old cishet woman and sort of terrified of my dating future ahead. Looking for hope, inspiration and advice for diving back into the dating pool when I’m ready. [more inside]
posted by vanitas at 11:29 AM PST - 15 comments

My spouse and I are both on track to have our student loans forgiven under PSLF, his is meant to be forgiven this year, while I still have several years' worth of payments to go. My question: should we file our taxes as married-filing-jointly as opposed to our standard joint filing in anticipation of my payments being recalculated once his are forgiven? If this is a question that requires a professional to answer, what kind of professional should I be looking for - a tax specialist, a student loan specialist, or a wacky third option? [more inside]
posted by quatsch at 11:02 AM PST - 5 comments

What does a dog do with the caught car? [more inside]
posted by MiraK at 10:43 AM PST - 32 comments

I have so much. I don't know what to do with it. [more inside]
posted by archimago at 9:41 AM PST - 13 comments

I grew up in NYC, and a bunch of my family still lives there. My nuclear unit will go down to NYC for a few days next week with our 8.5 year old. She has been to NYC before. Interests are listed inside, but she is very ADHD, and would be looking more for fun things to DO than things to SEE. We'll just be there two full days and two half days. [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:25 AM PST - 21 comments

Kanban boards are fun. Are there any productivity games I can play that will make my boring office job more interesting? Like Solitaire for work tasks. [more inside]
posted by epanalepsis at 9:23 AM PST - 2 comments

I'm 40 now. My old makeup routine isn't working on my aging skin. Looking for recommendations for a very light foundation/CC cream/tinted moisturizer, I think. [more inside]
posted by greta simone at 7:51 AM PST - 25 comments

Our bestest boy is seemingly in a mental crisis. Being a big dog, he has hip problems in his old age. He was previously on 3.75mg of Metacam and 50-100g of tramadol, as needed. But that got upped at his last check-up. [more inside]
posted by hwyengr at 7:44 AM PST - 9 comments

I have three siblings: two who do not work (female), one who does (male). I (female) work full-time. I also live alone and have been dealing with a number of health issues this year, so keeping every thing afloat has been a personal challenge. [more inside]
posted by Silvery Fish at 7:41 AM PST - 39 comments

I went on a few dates with someone. They turned me down for another date, but what I'm really frustrated by is the vacuum of information. [more inside]
posted by pando11 at 7:00 AM PST - 32 comments

Most cremation urns on Amazon are breathtakingly tacky. The funeral home wants to charge $500 for an urn. If I put the ashes of the person who died in a $500 urn or a tacky urn, those ashes are gonna spin so hard the urn will levitate off the ground. Where do I find an urn that has a classic design and is also below $200?
posted by rednikki at 5:29 AM PST - 19 comments

After a long string of jobs that I've sucked at, I hate the idea of every single job that I'm qualified for. However, I don't have a job right now. How do I fake enthusiasm long enough to get to be able to warm a seat and draw a salary? [more inside]
posted by kingdead at 8:36 PM PST - 22 comments

This heating vent is in my daughter's room. It sticks up 3 mm or so and I can't seem to push it in. It's not sharp, but I'm worried if she, or another friends, runs around and catches their foot on it they will hurt themelves by slicing open their foot. I've tried to see if I can push it in, but it look like it just doesn't align great with the venting. Is there some kind of tape I could use to cover the edge? Any other fixes you'd suggest?
posted by cacofonie at 6:12 PM PST - 12 comments

I want to permanently adorn a black, cream, and red mug with a handwritten quote in cream. My online research tells me I should use an oil-based Sharpie/marker, then bake the mug in the oven, but I can't seem to find an oil-based marker in cream or ivory. However, Michaels does carry alcohol-based markers in all colours. MeFites with mug-decorating experience, can I use an alcohol-based marker for this project?
posted by orange swan at 5:27 PM PST - 7 comments

How can I get my adblocker to stop blocking my Tesla app? [more inside]
posted by NotMyselfRightNow at 5:24 PM PST - 7 comments

I am looking for a printed cookbook (not online recipes or ebooks) of recipies for complete meals (not just main dishes) that can be cooked using a crockpot only (not recipes that require starting or finishing with the stove or oven). Does that describe a cookbook that you've personally read or used? [more inside]
posted by Jacqueline at 4:37 PM PST - 11 comments

I am looking for movies and shows with well-choreographed, high-tension convoy scenes, along the lines of this scene in Sicario or this scene in Blackhawk Down. (CW: both links have NSFW violent content.) [more inside]
posted by Dip Flash at 3:42 PM PST - 17 comments

I was looking at a Makita mower because I already have the 18V batteries from other power tools, and I'd really like to standardize on batteries for all the tools. However, reviews suggest their mowers don't do well in tall grass, which I get when I don't mow during fall and spring months, or otherwise when I have to take longer breaks between mowing. If you have a Makita mower, what do you think? Are the commercial models worth the added expense? If you have a non-Makita mower, how is it working for you in tall grass? [more inside]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 1:51 PM PST - 10 comments

My best friend is in a book club with her grandmother in her 90s, and they have struggled to find books they all enjoy. [more inside]
posted by thelastpolarbear at 1:35 PM PST - 33 comments

This is happening right now...customer came into the shop, she bought something, was fine. Asked to use the bathroom, then she left. A little later I found a hip pouch with belt in the bathroom - and it contains a gun, and a concealed carry permit. [more inside]
posted by Archipelago at 1:08 PM PST - 15 comments

Calling all roboticist philosophers.... For the sake of argument, if one can program AI to suggest random prompts to itself and then have it use Midjourney to create unique art based on those random prompts, how is the computer not considered the artist? I'm curious about the specific arguments around this new technology re: what counts as "art" if the creator is not human but still generating, technically, the original prompts to generate new imagery in the first place. [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 12:38 PM PST - 21 comments

My new house has a water softener that makes me feel slimy. How do I fix it? [more inside]
posted by Joleta at 12:22 PM PST - 8 comments

What song did I hear? The chorus was "a little bit of SOMETHING SOMETHING love". [more inside]
posted by silverstatue at 12:19 PM PST - 6 comments

I am realizing, through working on myself with a therapist, that I don't know what I want day to day or in life in general. I think about what other people would want for me, or what seems socially acceptable, and then I go with that. I'm sure I have specific desires in me somewhere, I just don't know how to access them. Has anyone here faced this and overcome it? How? [more inside]
posted by Stoof at 12:07 PM PST - 14 comments

What's the best way to keep clothes smelling fresh in drawers? [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 11:00 AM PST - 7 comments

Title is the whole question.
posted by zadcat at 9:23 AM PST - 6 comments

What stitch do I, a novice, want to use when hand sewing rather heavy polyester (well, some heavy synthetic, anyway, with a tight weave) fabric? I know the blanket stitch, whip stitch, and others -- but which one do I choose for different fabrics? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 7:15 AM PST - 12 comments

A weird-ass dream last night made me wonder how folks did triage or prioritised treating people in health emergencies or similar crises before there were digital systems. Details below. [more inside]
posted by Bella Donna at 7:05 AM PST - 14 comments

Support services for my VPN (Deeper Connect Pico) sent me these instructions: Please check whether DNS over HTTPS is turned on in the browser, if DoH is turned on, neither webfilter nor youtube filter will work normally. Therefore, you need to manually turn off the browser's DoH settings. I do not know what this means, how to do it, or what the results (good or bad) would be, and, therefore, if I should do it. [more inside]
posted by dobbs at 5:54 AM PST - 12 comments

Airbnb (UK) filter. How to cancel a “strict” rental, where cancellation is mutually agreed upon between host & guest, that doesn’t cost host or guests significant $$ or ratings? [more inside]
posted by lalochezia at 4:58 AM PST - 5 comments

I have decided a vacuum robot would be great for my workshop. I know nothing about them. But the little I do know is inside along with my criteria. Help me spend a buncha money on a robodoggy. [more inside]
posted by Iteki at 3:48 AM PST - 8 comments

Last week, a bit more than 6 months in, I was staying over at his place – he went out and returned in a drunken rage. I was completely shocked by the tone and the content – he yelled at me and demanded the phone number of my ex so he tells him to stop texting me as I am too much of a coward to do so myself. I am »texting him every minute of my day«, allegedly more than to my boyfriend, and I will just go back to him, he demanded to see when he messaged me the last time. I offered to talk about it when he is sober, he refused, yelling and demanded a number. I did not oblige, instead I offered him to read our conversations and see there is nothing suspicious about it. He did not want to do that as he was convinced into his right and slept on the couch. [more inside]
posted by ScorpionFlower at 3:46 AM PST - 46 comments

My husband will be on his first trip to New York for work on his birthday. I would like to surprise him with a special gift/activity but have no idea what my options are. [more inside]
posted by Ellabella at 1:31 AM PST - 15 comments

Is it common (or at least known) for podcasts to edit their old episodes, updating the adverts to the new sponsors? [more inside]
posted by Lorc at 1:06 AM PST - 7 comments

[Seattle, WA, USA] My son is in a gymnastics class on Sundays at 9 am at SGA on 51st and 15th Ave NW in Ballard, Seattle. I like to spend that hour at a cafe. I am also seriously craving a stellar blueberry muffin! One that's warm, fresh out of the oven, with a crusty top... Mmmmmmmmmm.... [more inside]
posted by rouftop at 10:39 PM PST - 9 comments

There are a couple of songs I've been idly trying to identify / find on & off for years; figuring it's time to put you folks to the test. More info below the fold. [more inside]
posted by sesquipedalia at 9:21 PM PST - 4 comments

What is it about Japan that makes adaptations of popular media into stage plays (or really any other media form) way more prevalent there than anything else? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 8:25 PM PST - 4 comments

How can I find out the name of the owner of a business that existed in the 1960s but no longer does? [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 7:43 PM PST - 7 comments

In the recent D&D license dispute, a draft included a clause disallowing obscene content, and said Wizards of the Coast would solely determine what was obscene. In general, how much can a party get away with if they have that sort of power? Can they attack non-English meanings to words like "hateful" or do they at least have to make an attempt to justify it? [more inside]
posted by mark k at 7:29 PM PST - 7 comments

When did horseradish get so wimpy? And where can I get some in Canada that is genuinely hot? Ideally not a zillion dollars a jar, either, but I would consider it. [more inside]
posted by jacquilynne at 6:13 PM PST - 18 comments

My spouse and mother-in-law are trying to remember a relatively fancy, special occasion San Diego restaurant from yesteryear. [more inside]
posted by cheapskatebay at 5:14 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm looking for an easy, inexpensive way to be able to, say, turn on the stove/oven for only 30 minutes, then have it automatically turn off. I have some electronic timers for electrical outlets that make this happen for smaller appliances (e.g. an electric teapot - I only need it to have power for 30 minutes.) Does this exist for my oven (50 amps, special outlet shape)? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 4:16 PM PST - 47 comments

Looking for experiences and advice from those with old dogs who have had difficulty sleeping. trying to figure out the extent to which we need to get used to this long-term, or if there are common causes (or remedies) for this. [more inside]
posted by jerome powell buys his sweatbands in bulk only at 4:11 PM PST - 8 comments

I am doing a big mural in my room with leftover Sherwin-Williams paints. I'd like to next do a big embroidered comforter for my bed in matching colors. [more inside]
posted by joannemerriam at 1:17 PM PST - 8 comments

What is the best quality Polaroid printer for iPhones? I am looking for one that prints high quality photos with vivid colours and not a cheap set.
posted by RearWindow at 11:40 AM PST - 5 comments

I use Outlook at work and often wind up with a zillion open windows of different things I opened or started to draft but stopped. Is there some way to "close all" that could skip the unending dialog boxes about unsaved changes? [more inside]
posted by Mid at 11:19 AM PST - 7 comments

I will be moving to Milwaukee, WI! What neighborhoods should I look in? What should I expect budget-wise? Looking for a 1-bedroom around $1200, and hoping to move quickly. [more inside]
posted by Jeanne at 9:49 AM PST - 6 comments

I'm trying to find a deceased parent's legal ID to resolve an estate, and trying to do this when out of your home country and don't have any paperwork is feeling complicated. [more inside]
posted by rmm at 9:13 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm going to Europe in June. I want to look put together with one perfectly fitted, undeniably beautiful, and yet somehow goes-with-everything blazer. [more inside]
posted by happy_cat at 8:45 AM PST - 8 comments

This is a complicated question I guess because I’m asking for personal reasons. But my main question is, if you had a grandmother who had a diagnosis of late onset schizophrenia (diagnosis later changed to dementia) but a sibling who has been psychotic over long periods and is estranged from family and homeless… assuming they were both psychotic, what are my chances of developing psychosis? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 7:22 AM PST - 15 comments

I have a ridiculously bad sense of direction. Every weekend I go hiking with some friends and our dogs, and even though we often take the same route I can never remember it. So if I try to go with a different friend who doesn’t know the way we end up getting lost. How can I stop this from happening? [more inside]
posted by hazyjane at 7:06 AM PST - 20 comments

Visiting Australia from the US - what local products, snack foods, personal care items (sunscreen?), or other souvenirs should I make sure to check out? [more inside]
posted by zeptoweasel at 6:46 AM PST - 12 comments

Years ago I bought what I guess is a 1960s (?) G plan table, much like this one. In my 20 something enthusiasm to do up my first home I did a really horrible rushed white gloss paint job on it. [more inside]
posted by tanktop at 5:21 AM PST - 5 comments

My iPhone-based family needs a receipt scanner/organizer app. We are too darn disorganized to keep track of bits of paper. What have you used and liked?
posted by sciencegeek at 5:12 AM PST - 5 comments

My bio-mother is a narcissist. I'm usually low contact and live on the other side of the planet. Against my better judgement I invited her to my recent wedding. There she shared her opinion about me/my activities which could have only come from intense internet searches. Is it possible to maintain my privacy while growing my public profile? [more inside]
posted by socky_puppy at 2:33 AM PST - 12 comments

We are vacationing in Vermont in March to experience snow, plus other fun stuff you can recommend. [more inside]
posted by BeeDo at 7:18 PM PST - 11 comments

Can you all help me figure out a way to end an early dating situation with kindness and care? And also help me make sure that's the right call? [more inside]
posted by woolsocks at 6:09 PM PST - 29 comments

I am asking that because I think most medications have to be taken with food. And I As an aside, how does one measure empty stomach? How long should it be since you've eaten? Or do you have to feel hungry? P.S I put it in "health and fitness" category, but I'm wondering if it would be better in "science and nature".
posted by amfgf at 5:33 PM PST - 18 comments

Does there exist a standalone service to create general online 'accounts' for users? One that could be used to submit payments and forms online? [more inside]
posted by alhadro at 4:54 PM PST - 2 comments

I'm an American looking to master a British accent for fun. I'm willing to spend money to do this (up to a few thousand dollars), but if there are cheaper options, I'm open to anything. I came across this course: https://www.etjenglish.com/collections Curious what else there is out there? Any way to practice conversationally with British speakers?
posted by jtothes at 4:34 PM PST - 12 comments

Everyone’s different of course, just wondering how much talking you think is too much in a conversation between two people. (In either number of statements/stories or time.) What feels imbalanced? What feels balanced? Thanks! [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 4:21 PM PST - 13 comments

I have had less than perfect hearing for at least a decade if not longer. I have also had tinnitus for as long as I can remember. I finally went to see an audiologist for the first time and have put a deposit down on some hearing aids. Please reassure me this was a sensible thing to do. [more inside]
posted by plonkee at 3:31 PM PST - 13 comments

I'd like to get my kids (10 & 13) their own ATM/debit cards to simplify the allowance and savings thing. Each service seems to have its own pluses and minuses, and there's no general consensus among (trustworthy) online reviews. I have a few specific criteria... [more inside]
posted by gottabefunky at 2:08 PM PST - 7 comments

What questions should I pose to a solar panel salesdroid? [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 1:44 PM PST - 9 comments

I've been enjoying Harney Tea's decaf Assam and Darjeeling, but they've been sold out of the Assam for months and months, and at the moment the Darjeeling's all sold out as well. Can you recommend good alternative mail-order suppliers of decaf loose leaf tea? Thanks!
posted by kristi at 12:51 PM PST - 10 comments

So, wireless active noise cancelling earbuds that look like the original iphone earbuds, that just sit in your ear but don't shove tips inside your ear. Bonus if they are black instead of white. [more inside]
posted by bitterkitten at 12:42 PM PST - 10 comments

I am starting the search for a couples counselor and feeling a bit lost. We're hoping for what I think is some pretty basic help with communication skills, but it needs to be 1) remote and 2) covered by insurance, either Medicare or Blue Cross. There are a bunch of online platforms now and I have no idea how to tell which ones are good and which are garbage. Or maybe they're only going to have cut rate therapists and I should find an independent therapist and ask if they will work remotely and take insurance? What should I be doing here?
posted by HotToddy at 12:35 PM PST - 9 comments

I'm planning to be out of town for a few days in the future, and there's nobody available to check in on my cat while I'm gone. I'd like to install a camera so I can check in on him from time to time, but I have no idea what would best suit my needs. [more inside]
posted by Pope Guilty at 12:06 PM PST - 11 comments

Every time my apartment gets cleaned, I'm slightly allergic to living here for 2 to 3 days afterward. I'd like to just throw out all my old cleaning products and bring in a new suite of hypoallergenic, completely odor-free products for cleaning everything in my apartment. [more inside]
posted by JimN2TAW at 12:03 PM PST - 9 comments

For a logic puzzle, I need to generate a random distribution of two letters for a 36-item list. (Ex.: Was the suspect wearing a hat, Y/N, for 36 different people.) Surely there's an online randomizer that can do this? [more inside]
posted by MonkeyToes at 11:51 AM PST - 11 comments

I’m one of many witnesses for a civil suit and will be called to be deposed soon. I do not have a lawyer because I don’t need one – this is “What did you (and 10 other people) see that will bolster our argument that the flag was still there?” Since I don’t have a lawyer to ask and because I am not asking for legal advice, I’m asking you, people who are NOT my lawyers. [more inside]
posted by Ink-stained wretch at 10:44 AM PST - 15 comments

Hello, I'm looking for an attorney who can help an elderly relative of mine who is a South Korean citizen, and lives there. He has a lot of medical debt and I'd like to explore what his, if any, options are with bankruptcy. [more inside]
posted by nerdpita at 10:09 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm running ClamXAV on my 2020 MacBook Air with Ventura 13.1 OS. It's up for renewal in a week. Do I really need this protection? Or can I safely run without some sort of antivirus/malware? [more inside]
posted by Hobgoblin at 9:12 AM PST - 3 comments

YANMD, but I've been to several and they're at a loss. Details below. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 8:54 AM PST - 16 comments

I would like to find a pair of pants that I can wear frequently-- at home but also when going to bars and restaurants. The casual level is between jeans and work khakis, so nothing athleisure with zippers etc. Slim fit, not super long but also super comfy. I kind of hate wearing jeans, but that's what I wear since I'm sort of expected to. I'm a preppy dude but don't want to look preppy all the time. Want to spend less than $75. What should I buy? [more inside]
posted by sandmanwv at 8:28 AM PST - 10 comments

I don't drink wine, but my wife enjoys a glass with dinner. I'd like to buy her some bottles of wine for Valentine's day. She typically drinks merlots, pinot noirs, and cabernet sauvignons, but I'd like to get her a selection of other red wines that are different but similar. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 6:49 AM PST - 14 comments

I need a SWIFT transfer number for a one-off transfer. Is there an easy way to do this? [more inside]
posted by diode at 6:40 AM PST - 11 comments

If you had bad posture, especially forward-slumping shoulders, and you tried to change that, did it work long-term? If so, what did it take? [more inside]
posted by daisyace at 5:56 AM PST - 30 comments

I thought I once heard or read that Roger Ailes said, 'The problem with leftists is that they desperately want to build their socialist utopia, but they are either too poor or too afraid to build it with their own money.' I even hear it in my mind in John Lithgow's voice, but a rewatch of Bombshell didn't have it. And I haven't been able to confirm this at all after a fairly grueling online search. So who really said this, when did they say it, and what was the verbatim quote?
posted by zaixfeep at 1:43 AM PST - 3 comments

Periodically I'll get small bumps in the center of my forehead right above my eyebrows. The bumps are round, around .5cm or .25in across. It feels like there's a lump(?) underneath the skin, not just an irritated patch of skin. They develop quickly (in a matter of minutes; usually to me it seems like they just suddenly appear) and usually go away on their own after less than an hour. Have you ever experienced or heard of this? What are they and what causes them? [more inside]
posted by socktime at 9:47 PM PST - 7 comments

I have just started a new job that I love. The lights in the building I work in, though, are a huge headache trigger. Wearing a hat that shades my eyes from the overhead lights works great to ameliorate this, but I need to find the right hat. Please help me. [more inside]
posted by Well I never at 9:32 PM PST - 18 comments

I am looking for a clever punny line or two related to my partner's newfound love of fountain pens, penmanship, and handwriting, to write in a Valentine's day card. I am coming up blank so far.
posted by lizard music at 6:53 PM PST - 8 comments

Last November, I asked about William and his birthday. Got a lot of helpful answers here. We got together earlier this week, and during our conversation, he shared that he was pissed off because I asked Gabby (doing what he told me to do), and didn't expect that I would actually do that. We had a good, transparent conversation, but I still feel bothered by what he said, and want to see if that's a sign of gaslighting? [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 6:51 PM PST - 23 comments

I'm about to be an aunt for the first time soon. Looking for some advice! [more inside]
posted by cozenedindigo at 6:01 PM PST - 16 comments

Title says most of it, but I have a strong preference for someone with a DEI/pro-Black focus.
posted by likethenight at 5:55 PM PST - 5 comments

When I was at school some decades ago, my Eng. Lit. teacher shared an anecdote about a satiric play, deliberately written to be unstageable, containing a stage direction that has stayed with me: 'Enter the Emperor Maximilian and the entire papal army' or possibly 'ten thousand troops of the papal army' or possibly not the Emperor Maximilian but someone else, or someone else's army, but definitely an unfeasible number of troops. I find myself in need of the title and exact quotation. Is this familiar? [more inside]
posted by Hogshead at 4:27 PM PST - 9 comments

Weekends in New York a full English isn't too hard to find, but are there any places that will do a fry up on a weekday -- specifically Friday? By full English I mean full English, with black pudding and sausage as a breakwater. Bonus points for a full Scottish with haggis.
posted by theory at 1:27 PM PST - 6 comments

Child (9) just tested positive, with strong fever and headache for the last 15 hours. Parents feeling fine and testing negative. There is a lot of information, but I am tired of wading through the wrong information, and wondering what's new. [more inside]
posted by melamakarona at 1:04 PM PST - 11 comments

What movies act as time capsules? I want to make a list of films that evoke a strong sense of time (and possibly place). Through dialogue, sets, etc. they transport you to the era in which they're set. [more inside]
posted by jdroth at 12:03 PM PST - 114 comments

Hey all I am looking for recommendations for setting up email and calendaring for my small business, i have Imap/SMTP mail and domain hosting through mediatemple, I would like to run the business al lthrough office 365 (microsoft/outlook/teams) but am unclear how to connect my office 365/outlook calendar across devices (mobile and desktop) to my Imap mail. [more inside]
posted by specialk420 at 11:34 AM PST - 3 comments

Current foster dog is around a year and a half old and was surrendered by an owner that was somewhere between neglectful and abusive and was completely untrained including housebreaking. He will reliably go when taken outside but will not ask to go out. [more inside]
posted by Candleman at 11:27 AM PST - 13 comments

There's a long history below the fold to explain some details but the bottom line is: I rent an apartment, been here for 28 years, ants have always been a minor issue but now they are becoming intolerable. I have cats and I'm not the property owner and the stuff about providing them with food that they take back to the nest and the entire nest dies is not nearly sufficient. What do I do that will kill the ants dead and yet will not endanger my relationship with my landlord (an individual, not a property mgmt company)? [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 11:17 AM PST - 16 comments

What's the outlook for science communication careers? I would love to learn more about how options like long-form journalism/ creative nonfiction, technical writing, communications management, grant writing, etc., whether from your own experience or knowledge of the field. (And you're welcome to throw in some predicting-the-future-of-work concepts too!) [more inside]
posted by elephantsvanish at 10:49 AM PST - 5 comments

Hi AskMe. This is not a question about trouble I'm having with the IRS, thank God, but more out of general interest. My taxes this year were thankfully simple, but I was intrigued by how the sausage gets made, so to speak. [more inside]
posted by Alensin at 9:54 AM PST - 10 comments

I've always been fascinated by the personal ads of the pre-internet times and I bet there are people here on Metafilter who could tell me more about what the practical experience of using them was actually like. [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast at 8:18 AM PST - 33 comments

Due to a medical condition, I'm supposed to be eating an unusually large amount of salt. I could get just take supplements, but I'm interested in finding things I can eat that really benefit from being salty! Pork scratchings and roast potatoes are on the list, salted crisps and peanuts of course, what else?
posted by quacks like a duck at 8:14 AM PST - 51 comments

I've had my Oral-B iO 6 toothbrush for a year, and I'm quite pleased with it (and even more with my dentist's enthusiasm for how clean my teeth are) but the gamification frustrates me. The line between :) and :( is clear, because you need to brush for 2 minutes minimum to get a smile. But I'm very hit or miss on whether I get a regular smile or a starry-eyed one, and I can't figure out the criteria. Does anyone know what my toothbrush is thinking? [more inside]
posted by I claim sanctuary at 7:30 AM PST - 4 comments

I’m feeling burned out and like I’ve hit a wall at my current job. I have a job offer at a new place, but am feeling ambivalent about it (maybe because of the burnout, but also maybe because of legitimate reasons). Should I try to make things work at my current job by taking some time off, or take this new offer? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:54 AM PST - 15 comments

According to a bunch of silly websites, today is both National Bagels and Lox Day and National Pizza Pie Day, while tomorrow is both Cream Cheese Brownie Day and Umbrella Day. But like, says who? Where the hell do all these fakey holidays come from? [more inside]
posted by showbiz_liz at 6:48 AM PST - 12 comments

I'm looking for funny birthday cards for my teen grandchildren and having a rough time finding something appropriate. [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 5:50 AM PST - 9 comments

I want to learn about how other people live by watching folks compete in games I've never heard of before. What smaller-scale tournaments or competitions are worth tuning into this year? [more inside]
posted by rebent at 5:30 AM PST - 18 comments

I'm currently pivoting from a career in arts to (hopefully) a career in administration/local government. I've aligned myself with a job coach who has advised me to be less competent. I need help parsing this. [more inside]
posted by peacesign at 5:26 AM PST - 18 comments

We probably all have gotten automated messages confirming registration for sites we don’t recognize—I typically chalk it up to user error and delete. I got one yesterday for a private chat app (though nothing gross in itself) and it squicks me out a bit in concept, but there doesn’t seem to be anything to do about it. Any ideas? [more inside]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:39 AM PST - 4 comments

I'm an ~advanced student of japanese who is looking for a native speaker to chat with, ideally about geeky interests (particularly anime/manga, but general geek stuff is fine). more details within! [more inside]
posted by wooh at 4:37 AM PST - 9 comments

what it says on the tin. I have some pelvic floor issues that I think a good PT could help with, but I live in a PT desert so can only work online [more inside]
posted by wooh at 4:22 AM PST - 4 comments

Where to from here? [more inside]
posted by NatalieWood at 3:51 AM PST - 10 comments

I bought these Salomon trail shoes for winter use, which are excellent except for one thing: after about an hour my left foot starts to hurt down the left side - i.e. at the outer metatarsal - and continues to hurt afterwards. I've never experienced this type of problem with any other trail shoe before - what could be going on here, and can I fix it (I tried using a footbed - I think it made it worse)? This is my 1st ever pair of Salomons (and quicklace shoes).
posted by my log does not judge at 12:53 AM PST - 6 comments

YANML. Do you have experience with a US will that was also valid (OR NOT) in the United Kingdom AND Belgium (EU)? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 11:14 PM PST - 3 comments

About once a year, over the past 3 years of my 5-year tenure at my current job, I have gotten unhappy with my work situation, talked to my management, and gotten some fairly big concessions to try and improve things (like changing teams, or taking a large chunk of time off in the middle of a stressful project, or the ability to work fully remotely from another city for family reasons when everyone else has to go back to the office). Should I be worried about appearing too demanding, or am I overthinking this? [more inside]
posted by btfreek at 10:42 PM PST - 9 comments

To celebrate a recent career milestone for a pun-lover, I am looking for ideas for a cake to make that represents some sort of pun. The only one I have come across so far is a (kitchen) sponge cake. Assume a fairly experienced baker (although I'd prefer to avoid using large quantities of fondant).
posted by neatsocks at 7:29 PM PST - 21 comments

If someone was born in 1976, are they a Gen X, a Millennial, a Xennial or something else? I have googled, but that resulted in a variety of different answers.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 6:51 PM PST - 44 comments

Hotels in and around San Ignacio, Belize? [more inside]
posted by downtohisturtles at 6:12 PM PST - 1 comment

I want to try and make weeknight sleepovers with my boyfriend easier. It feels like it takes so much planning and schlepping just to hang out on a Tuesday night and still be prepared for work the next day. [more inside]
posted by I_carried_a_watermelon at 5:49 PM PST - 12 comments

I am looking for all sorts of information pertaining to those lovable but oft-maligned creatures we call crows. Do you have a fascination for crows? Maybe you can help. [more inside]
posted by captainsohler at 1:51 PM PST - 50 comments

I have a good pair of pants I'd like to keep. The problem is that the pockets are holey and the fabric of the pocket is frayed. What's the best way to fix it?
posted by storybored at 1:39 PM PST - 8 comments

Screen on my TV (Sony KDL50800C 50=inch 1080p 3D Smart LED TV 2015) died and I’m looking for advice on how to clear my data from it before I take it to Goodwill. Saw a couple videos online of how to achieve factory reset without a remote (using the buttons on the back of the TV itself) and I did that, but how can I be certain it worked if I can’t see anything? Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated. [more inside]
posted by Krulth at 12:47 PM PST - 18 comments

I work in tech, benefitted from a few years of good culture and good pay, and like everyone else in tech, I'm now staring down at a frozen job market and increasing demands by my current employer because they know I don't have leverage. I feel like a wound up spring from mounting stress. Help me get through! [more inside]
posted by redlines at 12:45 PM PST - 15 comments

I make a savory pie that consists of: pie crust (top and bottom), cheddar cheese, quick-pickled Granny Smith apples, sautéed shallots, and roasted poblano chiles. I love it, but every time I eat it I can't help thinking it needs something more. What would you do to it? [more inside]
posted by kensington314 at 12:38 PM PST - 31 comments

Hi. I am wondering what do you think are Susan Sarandon's best films, if any? I have seen only a few of her films and would like to see more of her work.
posted by RearWindow at 12:02 PM PST - 22 comments

Do I need to know about Hunter Biden? If yes, what do I need to know, as a US citizen who wants to stay generally informed, but also has no stomach for Fox News bullshittery. (I have already checked but there is no Vox explainer for this one.) Honestly, I'll be stoked if you tell me I don't actually need to know about this, but if I do, where can I find the basic gist, please.
posted by BlahLaLa at 11:50 AM PST - 36 comments

I would like to make a smoothie that contains as much frozen fruit as possible, does *not* contain banana or coconut milk, and has a reasonably smoothie-like texture with minimal amounts of (non)-dairy milk and yogurt. What ratio should I use? [more inside]
posted by serelliya at 11:15 AM PST - 13 comments

I'm not sure whether we will get divorced, but I'm trying to figure out what my financial situation would be if we did. I'm scared, please help! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:12 AM PST - 16 comments

I hear these sounds on Chinese social media a lot. I don’t hear them anywhere else. What more can you tell me about them? When did they start to appear and why? Are they regional or generational? Coastal cities, the capital, certain provinces, Gen Z, Boomers, influencers, who is likely to favor them? Do other countries have similar favored sounds?
posted by Roy Batty at 10:34 AM PST - 6 comments

Background and the why of this question below. How do you figure out how much food to keep in your pantry and do you have any special way to manage that? [more inside]
posted by warriorqueen at 10:23 AM PST - 26 comments

I listen to a lot of podcasts while working, but have tried and failed to really get into audiobooks because they feel less engaging than print books. There are some exceptions that I've liked, though, so I'm looking for more audiobooks like them. More inside. [more inside]
posted by Kutsuwamushi at 10:21 AM PST - 14 comments

I didn't get the job I interviewed for last week. The message the interviewer left me seems like she wants me to call her back for some sort of feedback (she didn't say that per se), but she could discuss it. I'm not really sure how I feel about calling back for feedback. I'm afraid it will just put me in a worse mood. Should I call her back when I feel less shitty? [more inside]
posted by VirginiaPlain at 10:20 AM PST - 22 comments

I'm in Upstate New York. I recently needed a jumpstart, and I had a bad experience with my current provider. Their app told me that they had located a service provider, but no one ever came (and the call center finally admitted that the app gives the same answer to everyone, and they couldn't find anyone to come out and help me). I'm looking for a better alternative, but all the companies seem to have lots of negative reviews online. [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 9:22 AM PST - 27 comments

I'm on a lengthy work assignment and am considering getting a used bass guitar to see if I can learn a few favorite bass lines while away from home. I've never played bass before, so this is an exercise of whimsy and curiosity; no big investment here. I saw this bass available not too far away. The price is right, but am wondering if the cracked headstock means the thing will constantly go out of tune. Assume unamplified, sitting on the couch playing. What can I expect?
posted by Silvery Fish at 8:02 AM PST - 17 comments

If Johnny Cash's character in Folsom Prison Blues shot a man in Reno, which is in Nevada, why was he serving time in Folsom Prison, which is in California? [more inside]
posted by The_Vegetables at 7:34 AM PST - 16 comments

I got off of social media a few years ago and I realized recently that I don't have either a go-to resource or algorithms that introduces me to high quality clothing companies. The definition of this is quite broad but I came across Norlha and Gamine Workwear through articles and was mesmerized by the quality of clothes and the principles behind the company. Can you recommend similar companies or sites or bloggers that discuss these topics? I am late 30s, female, in the US, WFH, have 2 small children. I would like to buy less clothing but invest in quality wear.
posted by allthingsconsidered at 7:12 AM PST - 5 comments

I'm a photographer. I recently applied for membership of a professional body, and was rejected. The feedback I was given was simply "The committee enjoyed your work but felt it's not quite developed enough yet for membership." This has had a surprisingly strong impact on me, and I don't quite know how to handle it. [more inside]
posted by gmb at 5:28 AM PST - 23 comments

As part of my job, I sometimes have to take notes at meetings which I then type up into formal minutes. I also often take part in meetings where it would be useful to have contemporaneous notes to refer back to later. My problem is that I am terrible at contemporaneous note-taking. My handwriting is awful, my notes often make no sense, even to me, and generally I just feel this is a skill that I have somehow never picked up in mumblety-years of working in professional roles. [more inside]
posted by damsel with a dulcimer at 2:18 AM PST - 19 comments

Looking at the upcoming possibility that medication abortion will soon be unavailable in the US, and that my birth control might fail, I've ordered a prescription for Mifepristone + Misoprostol from a doctor in Europe that will ship to me from a pharmacy in India. What I want to know is how to determine if these are legitimate, correctly dosed, and not contaminated with other substances. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:02 PM PST - 7 comments

I was talked out of getting the bird inlays bc I’m A gIrL. I’m so sad. I love the guitar. I don’t wanna get a different one so thought maybe this would be a good solution since it’s a bolt on neck? I just want the standard neck/headstock for this guitar with the bird inlays. Can I do this? Could I find this? Where, if so?
posted by jitterbug perfume at 9:48 PM PST - 3 comments

Looking for an image of a plate, English delftware, i think 1670s, with the phrase to the earth or something like it, small decorative squiggle under the text....
posted by PinkMoose at 8:47 PM PST - 1 comment

I'm looking for *quiet* restaurants not too far from center city Philadelphia (Chinatown is definitely fine) for a meetup. Quiet is important because we have people who have trouble hearing conversation if there's more than a little background noise. Also, not very expensive is important-- ideally, it should be possible to get a meal for $20, and there should be decent vegetarian options. Any thoughts? [more inside]
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 8:45 PM PST - 7 comments

I need help in setting up an .htaccess file to block traffic to my site. [more inside]
posted by NoneOfTheAbove at 7:30 PM PST - 10 comments

Is there a way to find out the names of the cast who performed "Hamilton" in Providence, RI, on Dec. 8, 2021? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 6:00 PM PST - 3 comments

Have basement. Will run. But would rather not hit my head on the ceiling while doing so. [more inside]
posted by dede at 5:56 PM PST - 6 comments

My old student loans are suddenly showing up on my credit report, but I have no idea who is holding them now or how to pay them off. [more inside]
posted by jdotglenn at 3:31 PM PST - 12 comments

This post on the blue reminded me of my ongoing search for what I believe was a retelling of a Russian folktale that I read when I was very young. [more inside]
posted by AbelMelveny at 2:55 PM PST - 4 comments

We have only ever had regular 3-seater couches and finally have the space for a 5-seater sectional. My spouse wants one that also reclines while I am fine with just a normal sectional. Help us decide? [more inside]
posted by Forty-eight at 2:26 PM PST - 14 comments

I know this isn't much to go on, but I read this book sometime in the last 10 years. It was a memoir written by a woman who dated a man who was a narcissist, and detailed the ins and outs of their relationship. I think this was where I first learned the term "narcissistic supply." I don't remember if they get married, but at the end of the book she is free of him and I think he is dating another woman.
posted by fiercecupcake at 2:11 PM PST - 2 comments

When a company pays an influencer or blogger for a sponsored post (on a blog/website or on social media), what is considered a good ROI? [more inside]
posted by dabadoo at 1:58 PM PST - 1 comment

In September, I’ll be meeting a friend in London, where we’ll share a room for three nights before heading to his home on the south coast. It’s not that we’ll be hanging out in the room except to sleep, but I want it to be nice and am thinking I will be able to get that by spending something in the area of £250-300 per night. A few snowflakes within. [more inside]
posted by Short Attention Sp at 1:33 PM PST - 5 comments

My kid and two friends, all 9, want to start a band. There are two (rhythm) guitarists, and one pianist/keyboard player, and of course three singers. what are some easy songs they can play -- probably 50s-80s pop/rock. [more inside]
posted by melamakarona at 1:06 PM PST - 21 comments

I have hundreds of Microsoft Edge Favorites which I'd like to edit, delete, review and reassign to different folders. Doing this within Edge is not very easy. Is there another Favorites manager, add-in, or extension that you use which you can recommend? Thanks!
posted by Rad_Boy at 11:58 AM PST - 2 comments

My husband is learning to cook via following the instructions that come with his meal kit delivery. For some reason, there is a lot of frying involved. This... is not going so good. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 11:32 AM PST - 51 comments

I am trying to book a hotel for a few nights between February 17-22. My main criteria is finding a hotel with a pool that will be fun for my 6-year-old. We have had some experiences with chain hotels recently with indoor pools that are COLD and tiny and in freezing cold rooms that are not fun to hang in. I am looking for a hotel with a big, bright greenhouse-type environment with warm water that is spacious and fun for a kid to swim and play for many hours. [more inside]
posted by TurkishGolds at 11:17 AM PST - 9 comments

The way I make smoothies now seems and feels wasteful, and doesn't taste very good. I'd like to change things up, but not sure how, and am overwhelmed with the plethora of choices out there. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 10:53 AM PST - 31 comments

I have a Lenovo laptop running the LTS version of Kubuntu. It also has a touchscreen that acts crazy in any OS other than Win 10. I know how to disable the touchscreen (there is not a permanent way to do it that I know of) using xinput. [more inside]
posted by kathrynm at 9:44 AM PST - 12 comments

I watched The Expanse TV show and I've just started reading the books. Honestly, I don't care much for the political storyline but I loved everything having to do with the protomolecule and it's origins and all. I was hoping to ask, for someone with my interests, how satisfying the remaining books (the final three) that were not covered by the TV series will be in terms of that content. I'm not necessarily interested in how much the story answers questions regarding this content (and honestly would probably enjoy it more if many things remained unanswered), just how much of the content will be about this and will continue to stir my interests. Thanks!
posted by TheLinenLenin at 8:51 AM PST - 10 comments

There has been a death in my immediate family. I'm off work for a couple weeks however when I return to work the nature of my employment means I will have to endure hundreds of condolence conversations without breaking down. What are some short replies I can use to politely acknowledge the thought but minimize the length of the interaction.
posted by Mitheral at 8:43 AM PST - 21 comments

It's time to begin giving my 13-year-old grandniece adult literature instead of kids' books. At her age I transitioned into mature reading material by reading adult books about young people: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Jane Eyre, Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Separate Peace, The Cape Ann, Oliver Twist, etc., but I gave most of the suitable titles I can think of to my grandniece's mom when she was a young teen and she still has them. What good adult fiction or non-fiction titles can you suggest that would appeal to an adolescent?
posted by orange swan at 8:15 AM PST - 30 comments

My smallish office migrated to Office365 just before the pandemic hit. We received zero guidance, no file storage recommendations, and no digital infrastructure. What guides or resources have you found that are most direct and useful? [more inside]
posted by hessie at 8:02 AM PST - 7 comments

Upcoming travel from central NC to northern NJ with a 6 month old. Best routes? Rest stops? Traffic to avoid? Snowflakes below the fold. [more inside]
posted by OhHaieThere at 7:42 AM PST - 13 comments

If you've switched to an electric vehicle, what do you wish you'd known in advance? I'm interested in things like what apps for charging to use, how to find charging points on the go, how to plan for longer journeys, or just any top tips. Thanks! [more inside]
posted by crocomancer at 7:23 AM PST - 16 comments

I'm a single, mid-40s father who lives outside Boston and will have a week without my kids, March 18-24. It's been a nutty few years and I'd love to go somewhere and refresh myself. And that's why I'd love a place where I can get away and just not even have to think about any of the planning etc. I have not traveled much, not at all since 2019 and never anything too complicated by myself. In the past, I’ve enjoyed going to a city and finding various things to do. But this time around, I’d really like to not have to plan anything out at all, like finding the activities, figuring out a good place to eat, etc. [more inside]
posted by scottso17 at 7:16 AM PST - 10 comments

Recs for flight-only travel agents, ideally with experience booking travel from the continental US to South Africa and Zambia? [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 6:52 AM PST - 2 comments

I live in the UK where they don't give the annual COVID boosters to people under 50. I'll be in the US in April and would like to walk in somewhere and pay for one. Is that possible? If it is, could you explain like I'm 5 how to do it? [more inside]
posted by abecedarium radiolarium at 5:42 AM PST - 10 comments

I want to build a meditation habit, but I sit too much in my life and don't want to sit even more. What are some meditation techniques (or instruction videos) that can be done indoors in an apartment and that involve standing or physical movement? Especially short ones, like 5-10 minutes. [more inside]
posted by cadge at 4:11 AM PST - 8 comments

What's the origin of the phrase "It's got a beat and I can dance to it"? A pretentious ex said it just like this in 1992. Googling finds an old American Bandstand episode that includes adjectives like "nice" and "great". I'm curious about the sentence without adjectives. The Terry Pratchett book Soul Music references it but it was published in 1994. [more inside]
posted by bendy at 3:04 AM PST - 12 comments

I would like a bunch of cool stickers of birds for a US delivery to arrive direct from shipper to the recipient, ideally by the 13th. Birthday gift! I am in the U.K. if that matters. Thank you!
posted by The Last Sockpuppet at 2:52 AM PST - 6 comments

So I just got switched over to fiber, and on setting up port forwarding on my new SMART/RG modem, I realized the list of preconfigured services was truly ancient: I don't think there was a single game or piece of software there that dated past 2001. I had had a similarly ancient list in my old DSL router, but I had assumed at the time that it was because it was so old itself. But why does a 2022 modem have a list of software two decades old? It was like looking at a time machine! KaZaA, Lotus Notes Server, Real Player 8...
posted by tavella at 11:47 PM PST - 7 comments

Were you financially intermingled with your partner, with no friends/family support system and children who actually hate you? How did you survive? How do you adapt to living alone again? [more inside]
posted by Zooming Right Along at 10:01 PM PST - 19 comments

My teen has recently gotten into Frank Sinatra. What are some contemporary young jazz vocalists in the traditional style? Ideally non-white, and even better if they are up-and-coming so that we can see them perform in the NY area. (This question is partially inspired by Samara Joy's Grammy win - what other rising stars are out there?)
posted by xo at 5:01 PM PST - 17 comments

Please suggest some riffs, runs, licks and phrases for me to learn for the purpose of soothing my soul and maybe impressing a lady or two. [more inside]
posted by snsranch at 4:28 PM PST - 5 comments

Where could I find a shot glass like this one? I don't need the logo, just the wide bottom and green or blue glass accent.
posted by Marky at 4:23 PM PST - 3 comments

My 20-something daughter has been trying to find a cassette tape we had when she was little (so circa 2002?), but she doesn't remember who it was by or anything like that. All she remembers is that Puss introduced himself to multiple other characters as a "Jazz Cat" and that there's at least one jazzy song on the tape. Anyone recognize this?
posted by Ickster at 4:10 PM PST - 4 comments

My kids were gifted some Usborne Magic Painting books Theyre really high quality and the kids love them. But we are a militantly anti-MLM (multilevel marketing) family. [more inside]
posted by atomicstone at 3:39 PM PST - 13 comments

I've been reading Simple Truths, Hard Problems: Some Thoughts on Terror, Justice, and Self-Defence from 2005 by Noam Chomsky, and he refers (in a rather offhand way) to a couple of things that I just... don't understand. I don't know US politics or foreign policy of the past few decades well enough, don't even know where to start looking. Can you help? [more inside]
posted by muuratsaari at 3:21 PM PST - 3 comments

Retirement is looming, and one attractive scenario is that we split the year between two locations. Buying two houses is not really in the cards. Do you live this way in retirement? How did (or how would) you do it? [more inside]
posted by ecorrocio at 3:08 PM PST - 15 comments

My 91 year old grandmother lives with my parents, on the first floor of their condo. She has Parkinson's and dementia and is overall pretty frail. In the past six months, she has gotten up in the middle of the night, gotten dressed and tried to leave twice. [more inside]
posted by elsmith at 2:59 PM PST - 14 comments

We're taking a family trip to Japan this summer. Yay! First stop, 4 or 5 days in Tokyo. What neighborhood (and, if you know, what hotel) should we stay in and why? [more inside]
posted by vunder at 2:51 PM PST - 8 comments

I have been invited to my friend's wedding (guest, not wedding party). I was excited to go, and told her that, but with the wedding three and a half months out I'm having serious second thoughts for time, financial and headspace reasons. Otoh I am worried that I may be catastrophizing. I would like input, and also advice on how to mitigate the stress on her if I back out. [more inside]
posted by jlibera at 1:50 PM PST - 27 comments

The local used ("recycled") auto parts yard has a 2006 Mazda3 hatchback that is the same color as my 2007 model. I'm considering a rear door, something that might be a quarter panel, and another small part in that area. Will the 2006 panels fit my 2007 car? And is there a labeled diagram somewhere so I can ask for what I need? [more inside]
posted by amtho at 1:32 PM PST - 7 comments

I recently took a role at an arts nonprofit and I am loving it. This is the first time in many years that I am enjoying my job and can see a new career path. My colleagues are lovely and I get to work from home. However, my salary is low and the work feels rather intellectually unchallenging. I work in marketing and communications so at least it's a potentially lucrative field and I could switch to an agency or for profit. However, I am wondering why I feel conflicted about pursuing money for the sake of money? [more inside]
posted by foxmardou at 1:23 PM PST - 8 comments

I have a friend (really!) who was basically scared/shamed out of exercising back in his school days. He's looking for kind, supportive exercise guidance. [more inside]
posted by martin q blank at 1:19 PM PST - 12 comments

I basically take two types of photos: (1) Photos to keep as close as possible to archival quality: Pictures of friends, family, experiences. (2) Photos that are utilitarian and almost disposable: Pictures of things I'm selling online, as a substitute for notes. I'd like to keep the #2s, but don't need them to take up as much spaces as the #1s. Do I have an option for preserving the #2s in a lower quality?
posted by Borborygmus at 12:33 PM PST - 3 comments

Someone/some arcane process took both my valve caps and fully deflated both front tires on the weekend. But when I took the car in to get checked, the garage said "all good, holding at 38ppi just fine." What gives? Did someone take my tire air for their (bike/car) tires? My car is a Honda Fit, not a Hummer, and there was no "climate change is for real" postcard tucked under a wiper. Has this happened to you? What could have happened? [more inside]
posted by spamandkimchi at 11:44 AM PST - 16 comments

My 4 (nearly 5) year-old will be starting speech therapy soon. I have some questions about what might be going on to explain her particular weak areas. [more inside]
posted by kitcat at 10:50 AM PST - 17 comments

I ordered one ~$20 watercolor brush and got a box of 12 instead. The seller said to keep them (in case you're wondering why everything is so fucking expensive). What is the easiest way to turn these into money? Emphasis on "easiest." Also I hate going to the post office. Ideally someone would buy 10 of them in one go.
posted by HotToddy at 10:36 AM PST - 11 comments

I'm in the mood to listen to a non-fiction audiobook. Non-memoir. Engaging. Suitable for casual listening. Other thoughts and things I've liked before inside. [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 9:51 AM PST - 22 comments

My husband works as an assistant editor in film and TV. He's mostly freelance, based in NYC, and able to work remotely. He's noticed a significant decrease in posted jobs over the past year. Landing a gig has also gotten more competitive. His usual sources are his local network, Facebook groups for editors, and StaffMeUp. He is looking into joining the union, but he's a little early in his career to be eligible. Are there other places where he should be looking for work or networking?
posted by rhythm and booze at 9:50 AM PST - 1 comment

I'm part of a organization in a gentrifying/gentrified neighborhood. The organization is basically all gentrifieers, but we're actively working on becoming more inclusive. What have you seen? What research should we look at? And any positive examples you can point me to?
posted by sandmanwv at 8:44 AM PST - 7 comments

Two novels that I have stayed up late to finish in 3 nights each this year have me looking for similar books. The Measure, and The Cartographers, are both sci-fi/fantasy-ish books set in the modern world we all live in, with one specific change to the world that drives the story. 1. Is this a genre with a name I can use to find similar books? 2. What similar books have you read that you would recommend?
posted by COD at 8:29 AM PST - 18 comments

I have an old Nexus 6P phone that I'm not using anymore, but I suspect has voicemails from a now-deceased parent. I want to see if those voicemails are still there, but the 6P doesn't seem to store the voicemails on the phone itself - you need to access the voicemail box by calling, but it doesn't currently have a SIM card. [more inside]
posted by rachaelfaith at 8:16 AM PST - 4 comments

A friend is going through some tricky medical stuff that's occasioning a lot of changes in their body and the kind of care it will require. Trying to help them tap into a punk ethos that's helped them through past troubles, and seeking inspiration from punks aging with humor and grit. [more inside]
posted by miles per flower at 7:41 AM PST - 15 comments

We replaced our haunted dishwasher with a Bosch, but our old IKEA stoneware cereal/soup bowls don’t fit well in the racks. We’ve finally broken enough bowls, however, to necessitate buying a new set. Do you have a Bosch dishwasher and bowls that fit nicely inside? If so, what kind of bowls do you have? [more inside]
posted by Maarika at 7:26 AM PST - 10 comments

I'm (35, F) a night owl, but I'm also someone whose mood/state of mind gets progressively worse over the course of the evening/night. Everything feels worse and hurts worse and feels personal in ways that seems almost foreign the next day. Even recognising this as a pattern hasn't helped. Is this something that just happens? Can this please not happen? A few more details below the fold. [more inside]
posted by Nieshka at 7:07 AM PST - 20 comments

I recently switched from an in-office job to a work from home job, and my therapist suggested I find a hobby outside of work to make sure I get non-work socialization in as a habit. I've hit on the idea of a book club (one of her suggestions), but I would want it to be online, virtual - I am happy to use a cam and do Teams/Zoom/whatever to meet with the group. [more inside]
posted by routergirl at 6:50 AM PST - 10 comments

I have some vintage clothing items made by several generations of family members. I want to label them in some way so my kids will know who made them and maybe some basic info. What's the best way to do this? [more inside]
posted by FencingGal at 6:20 AM PST - 8 comments

Has anyone else noticed that in the past few days, many messages that Gmail would formerly have routed to a tab (Promotions, Social, etc.) are now going directly to Inbox, hence causing desktop and mobile notifications? Can I change some setting to address this, beyond whack-a-mole? [more inside]
posted by staggernation at 6:01 AM PST - 1 comment

I need to spend a lot of time lying down and resting, which means I need a lot of TV to watch. I've run out - recommend me some (details of past shows that I've liked inside.) [more inside]
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 5:53 AM PST - 53 comments

I'm at that age where I am not yet decrepit enough to be unable to plan through personal wills and inheritances. Hoping to have some positive utility to any legacy I leave, I cannot think of any more responsible way to use it than to contribute to rewilding projects. Are there charities or organisations in the UK who can be counted on to be long-term viable (ie, not likely to be reverse-takenover by a mining company or Tory-adjacent disaster capitalist) and to provide as much dependability for generations (taking into account the inevitable shifts, strifes, and social reconfiguration that I suspect is a-coming)?
posted by davemee at 4:45 AM PST - 4 comments

Been turning the world upside down. Must be exactly this type - metal. If it makes things easier - the screen shot was from someone in Bolivia. Not plastic or silicon, metal and must be at least 8 inches. Thank you for your courageous and kind help.
posted by watercarrier at 2:52 AM PST - 3 comments

Perhaps a decade ago, I saw a 4 panel joke about process improvement that I cannot find anymore. It would be swell if I could find it again, and the accompanying article (in the event it isn't hokum). Anyone recognize the following? [more inside]
posted by pwnguin at 1:00 AM PST - 2 comments

I really like the Salt Stick brand of electrolyte tablets in particular. How do I copy their recipe for home use? I am hoping for: buy these ingredients, combine at these ratios. [more inside]
posted by aniola at 7:34 PM PST - 9 comments

I cooked a new-to-me soup recipe today and it turned out quite poorly. I have some questions about it which I am hoping you all might have answers to / input on. (Much) more inside: [more inside]
posted by Juffo-Wup at 6:19 PM PST - 26 comments

My wardrobe needs a refresh. I want to support queer designers and affirm my own queer style. Hope me! [more inside]
posted by thetarium at 4:25 PM PST - 11 comments

I need a place to do some writing. I’m not looking to do much with it aside from occasionally share it with others. I’d like to be able to include images as well. I don’t want it to be tied to any social platform, so things like Tumblr are out. Think a really nice notebook, but online. Willing to pay for the right platform!
posted by summerteeth at 4:20 PM PST - 8 comments

Love Beauty and Planet Indian Lilac Shampoo is a shampoo that helped my dry scalp like no other, and was cheap to boot. Which of these ingredients might have been the magic one for me? [more inside]
posted by tiny frying pan at 4:13 PM PST - 3 comments

Hatching a plan for an 8-10ish week, self-contained, van-based cross-country solo journey in 2024 while maintaining a work schedule that absolutely requires me to be connected and on video for scheduled calls every workday. Now in the brainstorming and resource-gathering stages and open to creative ideas and tools. [more inside]
posted by AnOrigamiLife at 3:46 PM PST - 9 comments

I need help choosing a London neighborhood to stay in. One of my tripmates is a first time world traveler so I want things to be perfect! The ideal neighborhood would be: charming/beautiful/quintessentially London, with lots of informal/unpretentious but good food options, close to a reasonably accessible tube station (some steps are fine but not an excessive amount). And ideally, an easy no-transfer tube ride away from a fun neighborhood where the rock music lover can escape a few nights after everyone else goes to bed (I was thinking Brixton but am open to suggestions). [more inside]
posted by acidic at 2:31 PM PST - 14 comments

Can you help me find what I think was a podcast story (but maybe someone’s standup?) about how the real way to win in Las Vegas is to leave bigger and bigger tips for housekeeping while requesting more and more complementary bath products? [more inside]
posted by evadery at 2:31 PM PST - 5 comments

I need to rent a car in Rio, near Leblon and Ipanema. Which company to choose? [more inside]
posted by signal at 2:01 PM PST - 4 comments

As a kid in the 70s-80s I had a large-format paperback joke/activity book that was quirky and weird. It was called something like "The Great Illustrated Railroad and [something else nonsensical here]!" What was it?? [more inside]
posted by nkknkk at 1:49 PM PST - 5 comments

I have Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. I want to schedule posts through a service like Buffer at peak viewing engagement times for each platform's users. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind at 1:25 PM PST - 3 comments

I'd like to start taking martial arts classes at busy studios. I'm squicked by all the bare feet. Can you give me tips (or reassurance) about not getting plantar warts or athlete's foot or stinky foot bacteria from the shared foam mats? Thank you!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 1:00 PM PST - 10 comments

"When I went to the party, I met the woman who/whom I would later marry." I can come up with plausible justifications for either version. (And yes, I know that stylistically, "whom" is outdated and sounds overly formal, but I'm not concerned with style here.) [more inside]
posted by alex1965 at 12:29 PM PST - 23 comments

If I like what I've heard about Mockus and Peñalosa, I might also like.... [more inside]
posted by aniola at 11:15 AM PST - 4 comments

Where would you take a 17-year-old European exchange student (to the U.S.) on a 5-day spring break trip? She will be traveling with her adult host parents. She is mildly adventurous, loves taking cool selfies for social media, and really embraces the excitement of being an exchange student in the U.S. [more inside]
posted by WaspEnterprises at 8:37 AM PST - 41 comments

I'm trying to extend or add to an angularjs controller because I have a controller being used in 2 sites with 90% shared functionality but one of the sites is used by staff so they have a little extra functionality. So I saw a tutorial on extending a controller with additional functionality but its not quite working right - when functions in the child controller change properties/models the values change but the view doesn't update [more inside]
posted by missmagenta at 7:05 AM PST - 2 comments

What can I eat on the days when I am in the office? I would be eating around one meal and two snacks while there. I'll add my annoying requests below. [more inside]
posted by kinddieserzeit at 3:56 AM PST - 35 comments

I’m a middle aged man and want to get a tattoo with a semi colon to represent my mental health struggles but not sure if it’s a bad idea or not? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 1:55 AM PST - 12 comments

That attract the fewest number of quacks, voyeurs, cons, or abusers? My SO needs a therapist. He’s had some strange experiences with therapists in the past. The person needs to be effective and someone he can trust. [more inside]
posted by cotton dress sock at 12:17 AM PST - 17 comments

I’m looking for a book I read as a pre-teen about an orphaned girl who stays with two different families over one summer, and they both ask to adopt her. [more inside]
posted by Salamander at 10:34 PM PST - 3 comments

Theoretical road trip for humorous story. New York City to Los Angeles, unlimited time and no real restrictions. What are the absolute worst tourist traps along the route, within a few hours detour? [more inside]
posted by Jacen at 8:45 PM PST - 30 comments

YANMD. The doctor doesn’t think I have a problem, but I am concerned I could black out. [more inside]
posted by furtheryet at 7:30 PM PST - 16 comments

Do you have pinch pleat, aka triple-pleat, aka French pleat curtains? Would you kindly measure for me the depth of the curtain when stacked? In other words, when the curtain is pulled open, what is the measurement from the rearmost point closes to the window the frontmost point facing the room?
posted by HotToddy at 6:52 PM PST - 9 comments

I have gray, I have brown, I have a bathroom sink and am not afraid to use it. What hair dye should I buy for my hair? [more inside]
posted by Toddles at 5:58 PM PST - 6 comments

Any advice on a quality oven/range thats 24 inches deep? Everything I see is 27/28 inches deep. The door and handle can stick out.
posted by kittensofthenight at 5:19 PM PST - 2 comments

Tips on keeping an iPhone 6S with a dying battery alive till tomorrow? [more inside]
posted by Countess Elena at 3:52 PM PST - 7 comments

Everyone knows it takes five aerial victories to make a flying ‘ace’. But do spy weather balloons count? Do drones?
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 3:04 PM PST - 3 comments

I can't believe I'm wasting a question on this, but you know the idea of people who are "ingredients people" (i.e., they have eggs and butter and flour in their larder but no actual prepared foods)? Where did that idea come from? Can someone provide me a link to some writing about this? (It doesn't actually have to be the original person who developed this idea, just something that sets out the concept.)
posted by shadygrove at 2:02 PM PST - 36 comments

Help me find an older calculus textbook with solutions to all the problems. [more inside]
posted by neuron at 12:44 PM PST - 10 comments

Substack: good for personal blogging & writing? [more inside]
posted by Kitteh at 12:01 PM PST - 12 comments

My mother has invited her children to her home to divide up her possessions before she passes away. I think she'll be around for 5-10 years, depending on the outcome of an upcoming surgery and her genetics. Any tips for doing this in a way that does not damage relationships? [more inside]
posted by mecran01 at 11:26 AM PST - 16 comments

I would like some voice lessons. Issues: [more inside]
posted by DMelanogaster at 11:23 AM PST - 9 comments

I have some MSG, but I don’t know what to do with it. Add it to soups or sauces, I gather, but how much? Do I use it instead of or in addition to salt? [more inside]
posted by skewed at 11:12 AM PST - 10 comments

Instagram showed me an ad for Matthildur.com and there's a skirt I'd like to order, but it's just expensive enough for me to want to be sure it's not a scam. Have you ever ordered from them? Legit or not? [more inside]
posted by janey47 at 10:40 AM PST - 7 comments

We have concerns about traveling to a high altitude Colorado town for a wedding. One traveler is prone to nausea and migraines. We are both anxious about the drive through the mountains. I am looking for feedback on how concerned we should really be and how to prepare to stay calm, safe and healthy. [more inside]
posted by fies at 9:01 AM PST - 30 comments

I own some really lovely furniture and lamps and so forth but don't have a feel for how to make it all look like it belongs together in a room. I think essentially what I'm saying is I don't have a skill for interior design, despite my demographics, but I have an idea it's not some totally innate have-it-or-don't situation. Any good book, online resources, stuff to browse? My only allergies are TikTok and pinterest. I'd be open to shows if they're on Netflix/Amazon.
posted by less-of-course at 8:59 AM PST - 8 comments

For a weekend in San Diego in early March what should we expect for weather THIS year? Asking for hunches from SoCal resident types instead of relying on averages from Google. [more inside]
posted by ojocaliente at 8:52 AM PST - 8 comments

Mr. DrGail's laptop computer should be replaced. It has to have SSD, cuz once you have it you won't settle for anything less. There are really no other requirements. He uses it for email and the web, nothing else. So what brand/model does he want? Bonus question: How do we populate his new machine with his Thunderbird history?
posted by DrGail at 8:52 AM PST - 15 comments

I have a eufy s11 vacuum I bought used and I would like to have repaired. I will pay. Is this possible? If not, is there a brand of robot vacuum that can be repaired, so I can get that next time? [more inside]
posted by latkes at 8:11 AM PST - 5 comments

I am invisible. By demographic, as well as by personal demeanor, I suppose. (Female, early 60s, average looks, build and grooming, introverted but not silent.) People tend to not notice me in a crowded room, and people I've met/interacted with more than once often fail to remember we've already been introduced. It occurs to me that there must be some way to leverage this quality. What would you do? [more inside]
posted by mama penguin at 7:02 AM PST - 20 comments

I know the general advice is to never date your co-workers, but I really like one of mine and am having some intense carpe diem/what’s the worst that could happen feelings. Help me figure out if asking him out is worth it. Snowflakes below. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:06 AM PST - 47 comments

We own a two flat, live on one floor and rent out the other. In the rental flat, we've had long term tenants (15+ years) who have been wonderful. It's an informal arrangement on some level (no lease, no security deposit) but it is a legal, registered rental unit, we report the income on our taxes, etc. Due to changing circumstances, we're considering taking over the whole house, but want to do right by our tenants. I have questions! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:06 AM PST - 15 comments

or like, any non cis men, really! bonus if trans!
posted by Gymnopedist at 11:56 PM PST - 8 comments

Fresh salmon, left out in cool (~55° F) weather for about 5 hours. [more inside]
posted by mark k at 10:10 PM PST - 7 comments

I'm looking to build my social capital within my department. How do I make my office a place where people want to stop by? [more inside]
posted by Captain Chesapeake at 9:09 PM PST - 18 comments

A medium-level family friend is hosting a birthday get-together. They are too opinionated, too frugal, too practical or too hippie/crunchy for the standard "mini luxury" grownup gifts. It's too late to track down the perfect book. What on earth do I bring? [more inside]
posted by Bardolph at 6:47 PM PST - 37 comments

I recently heard that one is supposed to replace one's reusable water bottles every year or two -- plastic more often, stainless steel less often, I don't know about glass -- even if they seem fine. The plastic can degrade, something something stainless steel, something something bacteria growing. Truth or hooey? [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library at 3:24 PM PST - 12 comments

What questions do I need to ask an organization before accepting a summer legal internship? [more inside]
posted by davidstandaford at 3:12 PM PST - 8 comments

Anyone know of a marketplace online that sells downloadable audiobooks in lossless formats like FLAC? I know for example audiobookstore.com has a download option but it's all .mp3.
posted by vocativecase at 2:51 PM PST - 2 comments

I love many of the Sugarhill Brighton sweaters. Where can I find similar sweaters that are primarily cotton? [more inside]
posted by mokeydraws at 1:47 PM PST - 2 comments

Question for Canadians: Someone in our financial institution sent my partner an email (not secure) with an attached document that included their complete Social Insurance Number. The Government of Canada website says that if you have been affected by a data breach, contact Equifax and TransUnion to monitor your file, and regularly review your banking and credit card statements. Is there anything else we should do?
posted by Epixonti at 1:16 PM PST - 4 comments

For helping people learn Japanese characters I'd like to add the option to show them in some varied fonts. But I don't know much about which fonts/styles would be most useful. [more inside]
posted by fabius at 11:17 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm exploring an idea of an app for work that is beyond my ability to create, but also seems much simpler than the kinds of things companies build. How do I find a right-sized app developer? [more inside]
posted by Shepherd at 11:06 AM PST - 5 comments

I am seeking copies of the latest issue of the British film magazine Sight and Sound (Winter 2022-23, Volume 33, Issue 1). [more inside]
posted by cursed at 10:48 AM PST - 9 comments

Piggybacking on my previous question I'm having a really hard time integrating with my offshore team who doesn't really seem to want to work with me. There's a lot of language and cultural things here and I'm wondering how I might better integrate with them. This is software development if that matters. [more inside]
posted by geoff. at 10:20 AM PST - 15 comments

My mother recently passed away at the age of 103. She left me a voicemail on.my birthday in December singing family happy birthday songs. I would like to record the songs os a keepsake. Advice on how I can do this would be appreciated !
posted by goalyeehah at 10:01 AM PST - 3 comments

For my work, I keep a map of our current resellers all over the world, and this (google) map is published on our website. This way, potential retail customers can easily find a reseller near them. Currently, I manually add new resellers to the map when they place their first order. This is .... time-consuming. How do i let resellers add themselves to the map instead? [more inside]
posted by PardonMyFrench at 9:55 AM PST - 0 comments

How can I put a port in a closet wall to pass through an extension cord? [more inside]
posted by diode at 9:19 AM PST - 19 comments

Growing up, I had no real fears about being out in nature. We weren't a super outdoorsy family, but the idea of coming across, say, a mountain lion, wasn't a fear of mine. Nowadays, when I'd like to go out into the woods with my family, I find myself much more cautious. I know this is keeping me from getting out there. What facts should I know to help me get over it? [more inside]
posted by summerteeth at 9:14 AM PST - 26 comments

I'm looking for a portrait photography studio in eastern Massachusetts who can take a portrait with a laser background. (Bonus points for double exposure.) [more inside]
posted by pxe2000 at 8:01 AM PST - 1 comment

I recently got a new job where I'm encouraged to bill an expense budget for "technology" needs. I have no idea what to spend it on. [more inside]
posted by neematoad at 6:52 AM PST - 14 comments

I fully acknowledge this is a first-world problem: I wanted to make something this weekend using a plain duck leg, but I can only get confit duck legs. Can I use that instead, or would a duck breast be better? Or something else? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:46 AM PST - 10 comments

Are you eating? Don't read this. So I'm super sick. I went to test this morning and did the throat first but what came out of my throat was so gross I didn't want to put it in my nose, so I got another swab and did the brain swab with that, then I stuck BOTH swabs in the same vial of liquid. So my question was going to be is that ok....but...Then after the two minutes the content of the vial was so thick that I couldn't squeeze out a drop and then when I forced it, the dropper lid exploded off... [more inside]
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 4:30 AM PST - 24 comments

I was made redundant last year, right before Xmas (thanks, old job). They paid out my statutory severance, which wasn’t loads but enough to tide me over through March with a little belt-tightening. Meaning the next thing is to get a new job... right? RIGHT????!??? Thing is, I seem to be frozen in place, barely making any foreward progress and getting more stressed by the day. How do I wake up from this stupor and just Find A New Job Now? [more inside]
posted by Ten Cold Hot Dogs at 4:03 AM PST - 11 comments

Went to their website and it appears it has been taken over by an online gambling site. I don't recommend visiting to find out, no idea if there's adware or whatever. You can see a sample in the Google preview in its search listing anyhow. Last entry on their Facebook was last year and their FB page shows the casino website address too, Twitter has been nonresponsive for longer than that. Just curious, I was shocked to see the website the way it was.
posted by Rufous-headed Towhee heehee at 1:32 AM PST - 3 comments

I'm considering living in the main floor suite of a house, but the landlord will be leasing the basement suite to tenants with cats and/or dogs. The two units have a shared central furnace & AC system, but no shared spaces, laundry, or entrances. Will this be a problem if I have allergies to pets? [more inside]
posted by fire, water, earth, air at 12:22 AM PST - 4 comments

Looking for a hair-tincture or oil that I can leave in/sleep in every night, which will help moisturize and fortify my dry/frizzy/thinning curls - but won't give me dandruff. [more inside]
posted by egeanin at 9:05 PM PST - 5 comments

As per my last question, I've been taking Miralax almost everyday—forgot one day because it was hard to get into the habit. Unfortunately, my constipation has remained steady, and now my lower back/side/stomach hurts and throbs because I'm most assumedly constipated, but despite walking, taking Miralax, drinking water, trying to incorporate more fiber, etc., nothing is helping. YANMD. [more inside]
posted by dubious_dude at 8:02 PM PST - 38 comments

I need to upgrade my work uniform as I've gotten a promotion (yay!) in a new job. I want very much to get versions of this dress worn by Annie Sloan - that loose dress in a great fabric with side details and POCKETS. I work in tech and the whole Quirky Bohemian Aunt vibe works well for me. What is this specific style of dress called so I can find it?
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 7:55 PM PST - 10 comments

Micro McGee, 11, is learning about ancient Mesopotamia, and is curious which ancient religions, from anywhere in the world, survive to the modern era, that are not among the "big five" (Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) or their offshoots. It's okay if they're syncretic or influenced by later movements; among those we've discussed are the religion of the Yazidi, Zoroastrianism, Dravidians, etc. [more inside]
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 7:21 PM PST - 29 comments

How long does it take for the hair to grow back after this fungal infection (treating with oral anti-fungals)? My 11 year old niece has lost two nickel size patches of her long curly hair due to getting ringworm on her scalp. She is very distressed and anxious to know when it will grow back. [more inside]
posted by CancerSucks at 7:08 PM PST - 2 comments

and therefore feel overwhelmed by the options! Could some people with more experience please advise? [more inside]
posted by Eyelash at 7:04 PM PST - 18 comments

I’m doing a postcard project in my letterpress class, and we need to come to class with inspirational quote ideas. I’m hoping MeFi has some awesome inspiration quotes to share.
posted by needlegrrl at 6:40 PM PST - 28 comments

My super awesome pre-teen 10 year old boy has mini-meltdowns on an increasing basis and I want to help him. [more inside]
posted by haptic_avenger at 6:14 PM PST - 19 comments

I am a recent MLIS graduate strategizing my pathway forward. Considering the options before me, which are most likely to help me advance through the profession? [more inside]
posted by misoramen at 5:32 PM PST - 6 comments

What advice do you have about fencing around a garden that will keep snakes in the area safe? How large should the holes be? I don't want to get welded wire or woven wire with apertures narrow enough that they could hurt a snake who got stuck, either before or after the snake has eaten. The fence needs to be sturdy enough to withstand moderate deer pressure and keep out neighborhood dogs. I have considered using the PVC/rubber-coated fencing, but my general preference is for galvanized steel. [more inside]
posted by cupcakeninja at 5:30 PM PST - 4 comments

Do you have an automatic cat feeder that will survive a 15 pound cat who has managed to rip open bags of chips, open cabinet doors and is driving us crazy with his demanding food ways? This means a cat feeder that will not let a cat (our cat) infiltrate the food repository, the feeder won't break and open if knocked over, and will generally stand up to a very aggressive seeker of food. [more inside]
posted by bluesky43 at 5:01 PM PST - 12 comments

What are the great literary descriptions of food and drink? [more inside]
posted by Prunesquallor at 4:55 PM PST - 19 comments

I have a Macbook Air. New out of the box yesterday. Come to find out I can't install Windows on it because it hasn't got an Intel chip. But I need this for some propitiatory software. Is there any work around besides buying a Windows machine?
posted by partner at 4:41 PM PST - 12 comments

I seem to keep seeing people in the business/success/fitness/life coaching business describing themselves as "The [Thing] Guy". This is in the UK, by the way, but it may be a thing elsewhere. So, for (made-up, but typical) examples, "The Optimal Thinking Guy", or "The 43.6% Guy", or "The Beanplating Guy". Where did that turn of phrase come from? [more inside]
posted by pipeski at 4:31 PM PST - 8 comments

Please explain the garment this aristocratic Englishwoman is wearing which is a mix of a cardigan and a draped scarf. Then tell me where one can purchase such a thing. [more inside]
posted by BlahLaLa at 2:38 PM PST - 19 comments

I was trying to remove a single element from the Tumblr toolbar using uBlock Origin, and managed to delete all of the tools. Help? [more inside]
posted by tzikeh at 2:28 PM PST - 4 comments

We are a small theatre school teaching improv to students. We also give workshops for corporate clients. We'd like to expand that part of our business. What are the most effective techniques to generate client leads for this? Our workshops help companies with team-building, communications and creativity.
posted by storybored at 1:23 PM PST - 6 comments

I am currently feeling incredibly burned out at my current academic non-tenure track faculty job ( I have a masters and not a PhD). Feeling inspired by this question on laid back jobs that also have decent pay. Like, what would you recommend if you were exiting academia and wanted to work as little as possible but you have a mortgage to cover? [more inside]
posted by forkisbetter at 12:55 PM PST - 13 comments

Which state is headed in a more progressive direction politically, New Hampshire or Maine? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:36 AM PST - 14 comments

I was curious to know, what would happen if a university student got really drunk and e-mailed their professor and harassed them or got angry with them? Would they likely get expelled or in huge trouble?
posted by RearWindow at 11:17 AM PST - 18 comments

My wife likes having a "fireplace video" on TV as an idle thing; she specifically uses the Blaze app on the Amazon platform, although similar videos exist elsewhere: they're not of fires with usual fire lifecycles but of a continually burning fire. I'm wondering about the technology behind this. [more inside]
posted by jackbishop at 10:00 AM PST - 8 comments

I bought a watch bracelet on eBay recently, but the photos did not show the sides or the bottom of the band. When I received the item, I was dismayed to find that it did not use standard spring bars to attach it to a watch. I have never even seen the sort of attachment system it has! Here are pics. [more inside]
posted by Don_K at 9:49 AM PST - 4 comments

What are low-hassle ways of selling mildly-valuable antiquarian books? [more inside]
posted by Grinder at 9:03 AM PST - 5 comments

I think I'd like a portable monitor, but I'm not sure what brands to trust. [more inside]
posted by SaltySalticid at 8:28 AM PST - 17 comments

Metafites who know hair things: Stylist toned her hair too dark and she's upset [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 8:25 AM PST - 8 comments

I'm looking for any and all podcasts about Italy, whether about travel, food, culture, history, architecture, art, or any other topics. Only requirement is that they be in English. Thanks!
posted by DavidNYC at 7:57 AM PST - 2 comments

This summer we want to travel to a Spanish speaking country and put our 6 year old in camp for 1-2 weeks. Our kid understands Spanish and speaks it just a little, and we want a full immersion to solidify his Spanish while us adults explore the area during the day. Recommendations for countries and cities to consider, or specific camps? [more inside]
posted by dabadoo at 7:30 AM PST - 5 comments

I am travelling for work, staying at a hotel this week. Wi-Fi is free, provided that you log in with your room # and last name. My computer, once I join the hotel Wi-Fi, will pop up the authentication/log in screen, without fail. My iPhone, has decided it is familiar with the hotel Wi-Fi network, will appear to connect but then display a "no connection available" type message just under the Wi-Fi name, and my browser (for instance) won't let me go to any site, and other apps that use Wi-Fi also won't update. [more inside]
posted by walkinginsunshine at 7:12 AM PST - 11 comments

I've had eight sessions with a therapist. He's kind and supportive⁠—but fairly passive. Also (and this is quite important), his per-session rate is very reasonable. I don't want to switch to another therapist, and I'm trying to figure out a way to get more out of this therapeutic relationship. [more inside]
posted by akk2014 at 6:57 AM PST - 10 comments

Please share your experiences with and knowledge of Cold Capping. [more inside]
posted by Ginesthoi at 5:18 AM PST - 5 comments

I got the Itaki electric lunchbox/bentobox last month thanks to a comment I read here, and as a raging nerurodivergent, it has changed my entire life. It doesn't just warm things up, it fully cooks from raw rice/meat/veggies to a hot, perfect meal, super-fast, just by adding water, plugging it in, and pressing one big satisfying light-up button. It's also cute. I love it so much that I've ended up using it to cook all my meals, at school and work and at home. Is there an all-metal version? [more inside]
posted by asimplemouse at 5:12 AM PST - 21 comments

This Ask about CO2 and ventilation sent me down a bit of a rabbit hole and to papers with titles like “Effects from Exposures to Human Bioeffluents and Carbon Dioxide”. But no definitions! Obviously I am aware of the existence of bad breath, farts and BO: is that basically what they mean? [more inside]
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 2:54 AM PST - 5 comments

My wife had an accident the other day and as a result ended up with a fractured leg, and so she's now facing at least 6 weeks in a ski boot cast whilst she heals. What, aside from ensuring that the place is tidy, can I do to make the house more easily accessible for her? [more inside]
posted by gmb at 1:18 AM PST - 23 comments

The inbuilt Podcast app on my phone will not cede power. No matter what I try to do, the podcast app brings itself back into the foreground. I can't quit the app, I can't restart the phone, I can't do anything. Help me. [more inside]
posted by Well I never at 12:23 AM PST - 3 comments

I have a a lowish velocity/high volume dust extractor (6"), that I need to switch the flow rate to high velocity nozzle (1"), but my physics knowledge is from too many years ago. How can I put a small vacuum nozzle on a big dust extractor, but still get good suction? [more inside]
posted by many-things at 9:36 PM PST - 4 comments

I have been wracking my mind trying to find the name of a song I have heard only a couple of times, and the name of the band. I need the help of the hive mind. [more inside]
posted by awfurby at 7:30 PM PST - 3 comments

Why do culinary schools call a whisk a whip, and does anyone else do the same? [more inside]
posted by creatrixtiara at 6:01 PM PST - 11 comments

As mentioned in my last question, I have a new work MacBook Pro for work. I look like a normal person in the built-in webcam, but like hilariously, ludicrously red in the face on my Logitech webcam, which on the previous Windows setup functioned acceptably. The Logitech webcam software is no longer being updated and apparently doesn't work with M1 computers anyway. I need a camera that is up on the top of my external monitor. Is there a way to look normal on the Logitech or do I need to buy something different, and if so, what?
posted by HotToddy at 5:43 PM PST - 23 comments

I decided recently to switch from wearing RGPs to soft contact lenses. Yesterday I was fitted with Biofinity monthly lenses and will be wearing them for a couple weeks before I decide to continue or try a different brand. There are so many online retailers to purchase from... are there ones that I should stick to or avoid? [more inside]
posted by extramundane at 5:09 PM PST - 7 comments

In general, our philosophy is "If you want to do x (e.g. soccer) that's great but you have to see the season through, you can't quit whenever you want." Or with music, it's "You can quit piano but only if you do a different instrument, we want you learning something musical." So there is wiggle room. But one of the few things we don't want to negotiate is tennis, because it's important to my SO and I and we really want them to get a foundation in that sport when they're young. Does anyone have strategies for how to approach it when they resist something that you don't want to budge on? Obviously there's bribing... what else?
posted by malhouse at 4:41 PM PST - 90 comments

Where can I buy this cat themed bowl?
posted by andoatnp at 12:19 PM PST - 13 comments

I am in the enviable position of having to order some chocolate ice cream from Goldbelly. There are so many to choose from! Which is best? I want it to be so chocolatey that my eyes bleed.
posted by steveminutillo at 10:39 AM PST - 4 comments

I have a few mildly (I hope) irritating personal habits I'd like to change. Can you give some advice? Especially helpful: if you recognise yourself in any of the description below, can you give me a bit of perspective on this? [more inside]
posted by sequel at 10:14 AM PST - 25 comments

My friend is about to separate from her partner and will need her own place --- within a reasonable distance (1 hr?, maybe 2?) from Herndon, VA, where they currently live. They have two kids and will have some form of joint custody. [more inside]
posted by quiet wanderer at 9:03 AM PST - 15 comments

We're leaving for Rio de Janeiro this Saturday (yay). We're spending a few days in Rio, then want to spend 4 or 5 days in a small beach town south of the city. Which? [more inside]
posted by signal at 9:00 AM PST - 3 comments

I borrowed a CO2 monitor and discovered that my office/bedroom is generally WAAAY too high in CO2. So I'm currently sampling some data. Can I determine anything interesting from this data. [more inside]
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 8:08 AM PST - 10 comments

Apparently most carbon offset programs are ineffective or possibly even harmful. Are there any that have stood up to rigorous independent analysis? [more inside]
posted by jedicus at 7:58 AM PST - 5 comments

I put packing tape on my window...maybe 6 months ago? It's been off for a couple of months. I wasn't too worried about the residue because I figured I'd take it off with some goo-gone, but oops...when I finally got the goo-gone out, it did nothing. I assume it's somehow baked-on due to the sun. How do I get it off?
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:03 AM PST - 20 comments

I broke my little toe. I have to wear a boot for 3 weeks. I can't drive or cycle wearing a boot, so can I just buddy strap the toe for those activities? [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 6:16 AM PST - 18 comments

I've been experiencing GI issues for six months now, with a new change in condition about 9 days ago. Please share your experiences and knowledge of what I should do and what might be going on. Descriptions of BM below the fold. [more inside]
posted by shocks connery at 6:07 AM PST - 7 comments

At the end of last year I asked this question about interviewing with a large consulting firm. The good news: they passed me to the next round! The more complicated part: this process is clearly going to take *several* weeks, minimum, and I’m faced with the prospect of turning down other, decent offers in the meantime while waiting for the still very-uncertain outcome with BigFirm. What is the best approach for telling other prospective employers that I *am* interested, but am still waiting on another decision, without totally burning bridges? [more inside]
posted by blessmycottonsocks at 5:30 AM PST - 13 comments